^ ''^^^r ^v ^0' ^•^^^ 0-* .-^ A "^^0^ HISTORY ' -rry? COUNTIES BERKS AND LEBANON: CONTAINING A BRIEF ACCOUNT OF THE INDIANS Who inhabited this rsgion of co-antry, and the numerous Murders bj them ; notices of the fir.st Swedish, Welsh, French, G-erman, Irish, and English- settlers, giving the names of nearly five thousand , of them. Biographical Sketches, topogr\phioal descriptions • of every Township, and of the Principal Towns and Villages ; the Religious History, with much useful Statistical information ; notices of the Press & Education. EMBELLISHED BY SEVERAL APPROPRIATE ENGRAVINGS. COMPILED mO^r AUTHENTIC souucks 3 7 Z. D A Sr I ]S Zi R W P F, Author of Hb Pasa Ekelbsia., eto., sro. PUBLISHED AND SOLD BY G. HILLS, PROPRIETOR J LA:!fCASTKR, PA. 1844. Entered, according to aa act of Congress, in the year 1843, BY GILBERT HILLS, PROPRIETOR, LANCASTER, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. JOHN H, PEARSOL, PRINTER, LANCASTER, PA. PREFACE. The writer made no attempt in this compilation, as can le done in regular history, in which causes and effects are minute- ly given, to preserve a consecutive chronological arrangement of facts; it was not his design to do so; he sim^ply aimed at em- bodying in a convenient foim, notices of the leading incidents that occurred in Berks and Lebanon, frcm their earliest settle- ments; and with that view, preserved, as far as practicable, original documents, letters, extracts, etc., krxwirg that thete are always read with much interest by the great majoiity. The design of this woik is to preserve the most inteiestii.g local facts relating to the Indians who inhabited this region of country, the numerous sanguinary m.assacres ccrcm.itted _ by them; to give brief historical sketches of the first Swedish, Welsh, French, German, Irish, and English settlers, and as far as practicable, to preserve the nam^es of these who lesided a century ago, within the hmits of these counties, and to ceca- sionally intersperse biographical sketches of seme of the pio- neers or their immediate descendants, of miinistersof the gospel, so far as they had been connected with the church in these counties, &c. How far this has been done, is left to the can- did reader to say. Nothing has been left undone on the part of the compiler, to collect facts from authentic sources and ar- range them according to the best of his judgment. To compile a work like this, is attended with difficulties that none know of, except those whom experience has taught. A r emark corroborative of this may be found in the preface to " The Description of the Borough of Reading," by Major Wil- PREFACE. Jiam Stable. The author says: — "That the execution of his design was not free from difficulty, may be inferred frcm the fact that it was undertaken many months ago, and has been prosecuted with unremitted diligence to the present moment. The difficulties attending a work of this description far exceed those of ordinary authorship. It is easy to write an essay, or a plausible aiguraent, on almost any subject, but difficult to as- certain facts. It is pleasant to sit at one's ease and write out a tale of fictitious love or woe; not so, to scour the streets, noting the material, and m^easuring the height of houses, and inquiring into the business of their inmates. It was the gather- ing of the materiel for the book that gave me the most trouble, and it is in the fidelity with which this task has been perfoimed, that its principal merit consists." In a compilation of this kind, made up of letters, &c., with original remarks occasionally, a diversity of style cannot be avoided; especially where the very words of authors quoted, and contributors, are preserved. Where the sentim.cnt, or a meie lact of an author is embodied in these pages, the usual maiks of credit are given. The acknowledgments of the compiler are due the followirg gentlemen, for facts furnished by them: Messrs. H. K. Strong, State Librarian; Charles M'Cluie, Secretary of the Commonwealth; Charles Kessler, John S. Richards, T. P. Jones, Joel Ritter, John K. Longnecker, Wil- liam Rank, Jacob Weidle, Jacob Eeam, Charles Troxel, Abra- ham De Tirk, Thomas E, Lee, Joseph Light, Adam Ulrich, Doctors Leineweaver, Isaac Hiester, C. H. Hunter, the Hons. John Ritter, H. A. Muhlenberg, the Revd's Miller, Bucher, Pauli, Herman, Ulrich, Leinbach, Ernst, W^agner, Rothrauff'. To those gentlemen who received the writer, while collecting materials, so hospitably, he would thus publicly return his thanks for thei kindness. Lancaster, Pa., July 13, 1844. ADVERTI SEMENT. Rising of five thousand names of the original settlers and early inhabitants of these two counties, are given — many of these names have been changed by the descendants ot the first settlers. Some to suit a perverted taste, have been translated, others made to assume a different orthography. A few in- stances will suffice to illustrate this: Schuhmacker has been changed to Shoemaker ; Hoch into High ; Zimmerman in Car- penter; De La Plank is now written Delaplank, or Plank; Le- benstein has been changed into Livingston; Gross into Great; La Baseaur in Boeshore, or Beshore ; and in many instances, sons, descendants from the same father, or the same paternal grand-parents, write their names differently. Thus, for in- stance, w^e have Richard Goshen and Samuel Goshert; whereas to preserve the original name, both should write Cochet. To settle this point, place is given to the following Baptismal cer- tificate of the grand-father of both Goshen and Goshert. The certificate was handed us by Samuel Goshert, Esq., of Le- banon. Extrait du Batistaire du Gros Villars le Duche de Wurten- berg: 1* VI *■ ADVERTISEMENT. IsAC CocHEi, a Isac Cocliet le 25 m Fbr 1721, batiste ie 28 m du dit Mois au Gros Villars par Monsr Fancher, a en pour Parain Isac Paris, et pour Marraine Gusane Cochet sa Tanke. Copie fidelment an Gros Villars le 12 Fevrier, 1764. T. J. Weickun, We would ask, Judge, who is right? It is to be regretted that this vitiated taste has become so prevalent. Why is it so? CONTENTS OF THE HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY. IMAPTER. I, Introduction, . . . . PAGK„ 13 II. The Indians, . . . . 16 III. Murders committed by the Indians, 33 IV. The Swedes, 80 V. French Protestants, or Huguenots, 83 VI. The Germans, 90 VII. The Welsh, 110 VIII. The Irish, 114 IX. Erection of Berks County, 117 X. Historical and topographical description of township in Berks County, each 122 XI. General Statistics of Berks County, 262 Appendix, A, . Addenda, 275 290 CONTENTS OF THE HISTORY OF LEBANON COUNTY. I. Lebanon County erected, . SOI IL General Statistics of Lebanon County, 368 in. Geology of Berks and Lebanon County, 374 IV. Internal Improvements, 378 V. The American Revolution, 386 VI. Education, 407 VII. Religious History, 416 VIII. History of the Press, etc., 470 IX. Miscellaneous, , . . . 000 Appendix, B, . 489 Addenda, 491 E RRATA. Namsrous typographical errors occur, some of which it is important that they should be noted to prevent mistakes in dates, facts and names. The first numerals, in these corrections, indicate the page; those at the close of the correction, the line; always counting from the top of the page, unless otherwise stated. Page 17, JlUgewi,re3Li Alliwegi, line 25; 71, Mcchir, Melchior, 9 ; 71, 1754, 1757,3; 77, spring, sprang, 13; Yon, Ton, 7; 1910, 1710,26; 93, Redeinptiom, Redemptioner, 16; 94, mzkcwiglits, makeweights, 5; 105, affci-, often, 20; 125, catimt. be enabled, on not being able, 12; 125, Allummapccs, Allummapees, 11; 131, life, lives, 8; 14:5, minufaciurcs, rmm\fa.ctory, 17; 174, 1838, 1758,6; 181, 1785, 1758; 183, filed,'fie\d, 12; 184, 1841, 1741, 30 ; 185, school, church, 33 ; 186, 1852, 1752 ; 1833, 1756, 8 ; 196, 34, 14, 9 ; 197, pM-Uen, purlieu, 29; I9d, lohcrefrom, wherafor, 8; 190, 1818, 1713, 10; 199, Reads, Revds., 25 ; 199, deputies w:t.s, deputies' case was, 29 , 209, soiiHi- cdst, southwest, 30; 201, fioc, four children, 3 ; 291, Anna, Madlina, Anna Madlina, 4; in the foot note, page 201, first line read, page 184, in a note W3 stated on the authority of family tradition. 204, Wilson, Weiser, 13 ; 204, mild, wild, 33 ; 205, Pyrlacm, Pyrlaeus, 17 ; 205, Skamokin, Shekoms- ko, 32 ; 205, Shcinikin, S'aekomeko, 38 ; 210, Teedpwscung, Teedyscung, 1 1 ; 222, Loner, Lower, 35 ; 223, 1744, 1844, 3 ; 245, respectively, repeatedly, 29 : 2i7,'>better, bitter,24; 259, turnpikes, townships, 33; 4:27, Kridv;!, Kriebel, 12. Errors. — Uaion towaship in Lebanon county, was taken eatirelyfrom East Hanover, and no part of it from Swatara township. Lebanon contains one or two taverns less than stated on page 312. Omissions. — We omitted to state in its proper place, that there were se- veral Banks in the Borough of Reading, viz : — The Farmers' Bank of Reading, incorporated in 1814, and the Berks County Bank, incorporated in 1828. The latter is in bad repute; its paper is quoted at 63 per cent, discount ! INTRODUCTION. CH4^TEE I. Two hundred and ten years a^o, no white man held possession among the red men of the woods within the extended hmits of an uncultivated territory of Pennsylvania, three hundred and ten miles in length, and one hundred and sixty in breadth, contain- ing rising thirty million acres of land ; and, at present, inhabited by a white population numbering nearly two millions — a region of country, which, in its mountains and hills, its valhes and glens, rivers, creeks and cascades, presents all the varieties of the grand, " rugged, sheltered and romantic scenery ;" and, in the bosom of whose variegated surface, useful minerals, ores, and indispensable fossils are embedded. A jfttle more than two centuries ago, the lords of the soil were Indians, and whose prerogative it was, that alone " their fear and their dread were upon every beast of Pennsylvania, and upon every foul of the air, and all that moved upon the earth in that domain, and upon all the fishes of the streams,'^ but who have since been obliged to leave their hunting grounds and wigwams, and of whom some account will be given in the sequel. The Swedes were the first who settled among the Indians within the Hmits of Pennsylvania ; as early as 1638, they made purchases from them, though at a cheap rate. The Indians sold them the use of lands in and Jibout Tinicum isle, at one yard of baize, or a bottle of brandy, for four hundred acres. At Tinicmn isle, the seat of government of the New Sweden colony, John Printz, erected in 1642, a spacious mansion, well known in history as Printz's Hall, The Swedes, however, were not left long in quiet possession of their new home ; the Dutch, in 1655, subdued and brought them under the jurisdiction of Peter Stuy vesant, governor of New Netherlands, who, himself ,and country, were shortly afterwards conquered by Charles II., 14 INTRODUCTION. of England, and New Netherlands was afterwards called New York; and, as a consequence, the settlements on the Delaware, first made by the Swedes, then held by the Dutch, fell into the possession of the English, in 1664. In Europe, a spirit of religious persecution, caused many an aching heart to yearn after a place of peace and repose ; where, in obedience to the dictates of conscience, the Ahnighty might be worshipped without an impious interposition by man between the homage of man and his Creator. At this time the founder of Pennsylvania, on account of his religious sentiments, suffered much in this way; and in order to escape persecution, and to establish a colony for the oppressed of all denominations, turned his eye upon the western world. William Penn, born in London, October 16, 1664, grandson of Giles Penn, and son of Sir Wilham Penn, Admiral of the English Navy, availed himself of the claims he had upon the British Government, on account of the eminent services his father had rendered that country, petitioned King Charles II., that, in lieu of a large sum of money, sixteen thousand pounds, due the Admiral, at his death, to grant him letters patent for a tract of land in America, " lying north of Maryland ; on the east, bounded by Delaware river ; on the west, limited as Mary- land; and northward, to extend as far as plantable." Penn obtained a charter from Charles II., dated at West- minster, March 4, 16S1. Having now been sole proprietary of Pennsylvania, he made sales of lands to adventurers, called first settlers, who embarked, some at London, others at Bristol, in 1681, for America, and arrived at Upland, now Chester, on the 11th December. Penn, with many of his friends, chiefly from Sussex, England, sailed for America, and landed at New Castle on the 27th October, 1683, where he was received with demonstrations of joy. Penn went to Upland, where he con- vened an assembly, December 4th; and in a brief session of three days enacted several important laws, one of which was an act to naturalize the Dutch, Swedes, and other foreigners. The same year that Penn arrived, there was quite an acces- sion. The two next succeeding years, settlers from London, Bristol, Wales, Holland, Germany, &c., arrived to the number of fifty sail; among these were German Quakers from Cres- heim, near Worms in the Palatinate. The banks of the Dela- ware was one bustling scene — some lodged in the woods in hoUow trees, some in caves, which were easily dug on the high INTRODUCTION. 15 banks of the Wissahickon and the Delaware, and others in haste erected huts.* To do justice, secure the smiles of the Indians, and to meet the approbation of Heaven, Penn held treaties of peace and friendsihip with the tawny sons of the forest, and contracted with them for their lands — this done, he proceeded to lay out a city, by the assistance of his surveyor. Gen. Thomas Holme. Eighty houses were erected, the first year, in Philadelphia. Next was a survey of lands for the first settlers — this having been completed, the Proprietary, in 1682, divided the country into six counties — three in the territory of Delaware ; namely. New Castle, Kent, and Sussex ; three in the province of Penn- sylvania; namely, Philadelphia, Buck, and Chester; the first and last, embracing all, and much more, of the land withm the present limits of Berks and Lebanon. Penn remained but a short time on his first arrival ; he sailed for Europe, August 16, 1684, leaving the province under the government of five commissioners, chosen from the Provincial council; however, previous to his departure, he made a league of amity with nineteen Indian nations, betw^een them and all the'English America.f In 1699, Penn again visited the colony, and remained only till November 1st, 1701, when he returned to England, where he died July 30th, 1718, at Rushcomb, near Twyford, in Buckinghamshire, aged about seventy-four years. In 1712, he had been seized with some fits of the appoplectic kind, which for the last six years of his life, had rendered him incapable of doing public business. * Proud II, 220. f Oldmixon. CHAPTEE 11. THE INDIANS. When the Europeans first discovered the American continent^ they erroneously apphed the name, Indians, to the indigenes that inhabited the "New World." This name was given to the aborigines of America, under a mistaken notion of having arrived, as Columbus supposed, at the eastern shore of the con- tinent of India. The erroneous application of this name was not discovered till it had so obtained, that a change could not have been conveniently made. However, in a historical point, it is to be regretted that the name of the indigenes, as well as the name of the continent which they inhabited, should have been misapplied. The name of the continent should have been derived from Columbus, the discoverer of the New World, in- stead of Americus. The writer of this sketch of the. Indians that inhabited the portion of Pennsylvania, comprising all within the present lunits of the counties of Berks and Lebanon, does not deem it compa- tible vidth the plan of this work, to give "probable theories" concerning the origin of the aborigines of the western continent. By what means the Indians got from the old world to the new, has never been satisfactorily answered, by all the numerous, long, and laborious disquisitions that have appeared from able pens, since the discovery of America in 1492, to the present time. Among the modern theorists who have written upon the peopling of America, the following are the leading ones, and to whose works the reader who wishes to inform himself on this subject, is referred: St, Gregory, Herrera, T. Morton, Williamson, Wood, Tosselyn, Thorowgood, Adair, R. WilHam- son, C. Mather, Hubbard, Robertson, Smith, Voltaire, Mitchill, McCulloh, Lord Kaim, Swinton, Cabrera, Jefferson, Heckewel- der, Drake, Flint, and others. When the Swedes arrived in this country and settled on the shores of the Delaware, and also when the English landed in 1681, they found a numerous race of Indians, who met the strangers in a friendly manner; and when, the following year, WilUam Perm, with his train of pacific followers arrived, he HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 17 also, with his friends, was affectionately hailed. He was treated as their Miquon, or elder brother.'' At the time of Penn's arrival there were not less than ten native tribes in Pennsylvania, comprising about six thousand in number; these, however, formed only a portion of the Indians inhabiting the country between Virginia and Canada; those who were principally seated on the Delaware, were the Lenni Lenape, and vn-CiC considered the grandfathers of near forty tribes. The others were the Mengwe, or usually called Iro- quois, who inhabited the more northern portion of the United States. The Iroquois were also divided into numerous tribes. Accordmg to popular tradition, the numerous tribes of the Delawares and Iriquois, trace their origin to two sources. The traditions, as handed down by their ancestors run thus: — The Lenni Lenape, or for brevity's sake, -'Lenape," meaning, Th^ original people, were an unmixed and unchanged race, residing, many centuries ago, towards the setting of the sun — somewheie in the ivest of this continent. For some reasons, not ex- plained, they determined to migrate towards the rising of the sun. After their journeying they arrived at the Fish River, the JVamasi Sipv; (Mississippi,) here they fell in with a nation, also in quest of a new home eastward — these were the Meng- we, or Iroquois, as they have since been called. They here imited their forces, anticipating opposition from a people of gigantic form, and a populous race, the Alligewi, on the east of the Mississippi. Not many days, after their union, before they advanced, many and mighty battles were fought — the AlliM'egi to escape total extermination, abandoned the country to the people of " The JVew Union," fled far southward, and never returned. The victors now divided the spoil — the country was shared out between themselves — the Iroquois made choice of the north — lands in the vicinity of the great lakes, and on their tributary streams ; the Lenape took possession of more southern parts, where they lived in peace for many years till the Euro- peans came. The Lenape ; or, as they were called by the Europeans, Dela- wares, were divided into three tribes — the Unamis, or Turtle: the Wunalachfikos, or Turkey ; and the Minsi, or Wolf. " The Minsi or Monceys, the most warlike of the three tribes, inha- bited a country that extends from the Minisink on the Dela- ware, to the Hudson on the east, to the Susqueharmah on the southwest, to the head waters of the Delaware and Susquehan- 1* 18 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES* nah rivers on the north, and to that range of hills now known in New Jersey by the name of Muskenecum, and by those of Lehigh and Coglinewago in Pennsylvania." The Monceys embraced a number of subordinate tribes, who were known by names derived from their residence, or some accidental circumstance. Such were the Susquehannas, Neshamines, Conestogas, and other tribes in the province of Pennsylvania, on Penn's arrival. The limits of this chapter will not admit of a further detail of the several smaller tribes. This part of the narrative will therefore be closed by an extract from one who was a man of more than ordinary observation, and whose opportunity to make them correctly, was not sur- passed by any of those who have written on the Indians at the time of the first settlements made in the province of Pennsylva- nia. An occasional remark will be introduced. Extract of a letter from William Penn, Proprietor and Gover- nor of Pennsylvania, to the committee of traders of that the Province, residing in London, dated, Philadelphia, the 16th of the sixth month, called August, 1683. " The natives I shall consider, in their persons, language, manners, religion, and government, wdth my sense of their ori- ginal. "For t\\e\Y persons, they are generally tall, straight, well-built, and of singular proportion; they tread strong and clever, and mostly walk with a lofty cliin. Of complexion, black, but by design, as the Gypsies, in England, they grease themselves vfiih. bear's fat, clarified ; and using no defence against the sun, or weather, their skin must needs be swarthy. Their eye is little and black, not unlike a straight-looked Jew. The thick lip, and flat nose, so frequent with the East Indians and blacks, are not common to them ; for I have seen as comely European- like faces among them, of both, as on your side the sea; and truly, an Italian complexion hath not much more of the white ; and the noses of several of them have as much of the Roman. " Their language is lofty, yet narrow ; but, like the Hebrew, in signification, full; like short-hand, in writing, one word serveth in place of three, and the rest are supplied by the understanding of the hearer : imperfect in their tenses, wanting in their moods, participles, adverbs, conjunctions, and interjec- tions. I made it my business to understand it, that I might not want an Interpreter on any occasion ; and I must say, that HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 19 I know not a language spoken in Europe, that hath words of more sweetness, or greatness, in accent and emphasis, than theirs; for instance, Odocockon, Rancocas, Oricion, Shak, Marian, Poqiiesion, which are all the names of places; and have grandeur in them. Of words of sweetness, Anna, is mother; Issimus, a brother; JYetcap, friend; Usquerot, yerj good ; Pane, bread ; Metsa, eat ; Malta, no ; Hatta, to have ; Payo, to come; Spassen, Passijon, the names of places; Ta- mane, Secane, Menanse, Secatereus, are the names of persons; if one asks them for any thing they have not, they will answer, Matta ne hatta, which, to translate, is, not I have, instead of, I have not." According to Heckewelder and others, there appear to have been four principal Indian languages, which branched out in various dialects. These were the Karalit spoken by the Green- landers and Esquimaux — the Iroquois, spoken by the Six JV'a- tions, from which many and various dialects prevail — the Flo- ridian, spoken by all the southern Indians, and the Lenape or Delaware, the most widely extended of all of those languages which were spoken on this side of the Mississippi. The Iro- quois was the next. Those skilled in the Delaware, tell us the pronunciation is quite easy. An extract from a translation of John's espistles, by C. F. Dencke, as a specimen of the Delaware is presented. Pennamook! elgiqui penundelukquonk Wetochwink, wdaoal- towoagon, wentschi hewilchqussiank Gettanittowit wdamemen- semall. Guntschi matta woachgussiwuneen untschi pemhaka- mixitink, eli pemhakamixit taku wohaq Patamawossall. Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God; therefore, the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. The letters f, v, ph, and r, are wanting in their alphabet. The Iroquois or Six Nations have the letter r. The following is the Lord's prayer in that language. Soungwauncha, caurounkyauga, tehseetaroan, saulwoneyou- sta, es a, sawaneyou, okettauhsela, ehneawoung, na, cauroun- kyauga, nugh, wonshauga, neattewehnesalauga, taugwaunau- toronoantoughsick, toantangweleewheyoustaung, cheneeyent, chaquatautaleywheyoustaumia, toughsan, langwassareneh, ta- wantottenaugaloughtoungga, nasawne, sacheautaugwass, con- tehsalohaunzaikaw, esa, sawauneyou, esa, sashantzta, esa, soun- gwasoung, chenneauhaungwa, anwen. 20 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANDN^ COUNTIES. Their language is highly figurative. Tlioy are fond, says^^ Heckewelder, of metaphors. They are to llu ir discourse what feathers and beads are to their persons, a gawdy but tasteless ornament. The following specimens will a Ih n d an idea of their metaphors. The sky is overcast with dark blustering clouds; meaning. We shall have trouble some times; we shall have war. A black cloud has arisen yonder — War is threatened from that quarter, or from that nation. Two black clouds are drawing towards each other — Two powerful enemies are drawing to- wards each other. The path is already shut up — Hostilities have commenced, the war is begun. The rivers run with blood — War rages in the country. To bury the hatchet — To make or conclude a peace. To lay down the hatchet, or to slip the hatchet under the bedstead — To cease fighting for a w^hile, during a truce. You did not make me strong — You gave me nothing. The stronger you make me, the mvore you will see me — The more you give me, the more I will do for you. You vow speak from the heart — ^Now you mean what you say. You keep me in the dark — You deceive me. You stopped m^y ears — You did not wish me to know it. J'fow I believe you — Done I agreed ! It shall be so ! Your words have penetrated into my he,art! — I consent I am pleased with what you say. You have, spoken good words — I am pleased with what you say. Sing- ing birds — Tale-bearers, liars. DonH listen to the singing of birds tohich fly by — Don't believe wliat stragglers tell you. To'kindle a council fire at such a 2)lace — To appoint a place where to transact national business. Don't look the other way — Don't join with those. Look this tvay — Join our party. I have 7iot room to spread 7n,y blanket — I am too much crowded on. / will place you under my wings — I will protect you at all hazards ! Suffer no grass to grow on this war path — Carry on the war with vigor. The path to that nation is again open — We are again on friendly terms. / a7n much too heavy to rise at this present time — I have too much property ! (corn, vegetables, &c.) / ivill pass one night yet at this place — I will stay one year yet at this place. To bury the hatchet be- neath the root of a tree — To put it quite out of sight. To bury injuries done, deep in the earth — To consign injuries done, to oblivion. One night's encamptment — A halt of one year at a ]>lace. " Of their customs and manners there is much said. I will begin wath children: So soon as they are born they w^ish them in water; and while very young, and in cold weather, they HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 21 plunge them in the rivers to harden and embolden them. Haying wrapped them in a clout, they lay them on a strait, thin board, a little more than the length and breadth of the cliild, and swaddle it fast, upon the board, to make it straight ; wherefore all the Indians have flat heads; and thus they carry them at their backs. The children wdll go, very young, at nine months commonly; they wear only a small clout round their waste, till they are big; if boys, they go a fishing, till they are ripe for the woods, which is about fifteen; then they hunt; and after having given some proofs of their manhood, by a good return of skins, they may marry ; else it is a shame to think of a wife. The girls stay with their mothers and help to hoe the ground, plant corn, and carry burdens; and they do well to use them to that, young, which they must do when they are old ; for the wives are the true servants of the husbands, other- wise the men are very affectionate to them. "When the young w^omen are fit for marriage they wear some- thing upon their heads for an advertisement ; but so as their faces are hardly seen, but when they please. The age they marry at, if women, is about thirteen and fourteen; if men, seventeen and eighteen; they are rarely older. " Their houses are mats, or barks of trees set on poles, in the fashion of an English barn ; but out of the power of the wiuds ; for they are hardly higher than a man; they lie on reeds, or grass. In travel, they lodge in the woods, about a great fire, with the mantle of duffils, they wear by day, wrapped about them, and a few boughs stuck around them. " Their diet is maize or Indian corn, divers ways prepared ; sometunes roasted in the ashes, sometimes beaten and boiled with water, which they call homine ; they also make cakes, not unpleasant to eat. They have likewise several sort of beans and peas that are good nourishment; and the woods and rivers are their border. "If an European come to see them, or calls for lodging at their house or wigwam, they give him the best place and first cut. If they come to visit us, they salute us with an Itab; which is as much as to say. Good be to you, and set them down ; which is mostly on the ground, close to their heels, their legs upright; it may be, they speak not a word, but they observe all pas- sages. If you give them any thing to eat or drink, well ; for they will not ask ; and be it little, or be it much, if it be with kindness, they are well pleased; else they go away sullen, but say nothing. 22 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. " They are great concealers of their own resentment ; brought to it, I beUeve, by the revenge that hath been practised among them. In either of these they are not exceeded by the Ita- lians. A tragical instance fell out since I came into the coun- try: A king's daughter thinking herself slighted by her hus- band, in suffering another woman to lie down between them, rose up, went out, plucked a root out of the ground and ate it ; upon which she immediately died ; and for which, last week, he made an offering to her kindred for atonement and liberty of marriage ; as two others did to the kindred of their wives, who died a natural death. For, till widowers have done so, they must not marry again. Some of the young women are said to take undue liberty before marriage, for a portion; but when married, chaste. When with child they know their husbands no more till delivered ; and during their month they touch no meat ; they eat but with a stick, lest they should defile it ; nor do their husbands frequent them till that term be expired. "But, in liberaUty they excel; nothing is too good for their friend. Give thera a fine gun, coat, or any thing, it may pass twenty hands before it sticks ; Hght of heart, strong affection, but soon spent. The most merry creature that hves, feast and dance perpetually; they never have much, nor want much; wealth circulates like the blood ; all parts partake ; and though none shall want what another hath, yet exact observers of pro- perty. Some kings have sold, others presented me with seve- ral parcels of land ; the pay or presents I made them were not hoarded by the particular owners; but the neighboring kings and their clans being present when the goods were brought out, the parties chiefly concerned, consulted what, and to whom they should give them. To every king then, by the hands of a person for that purpose appointed, is a proportion sent, so sorted and folded, and with that gravity that is admirable. Then that king subdivides it, in like manner, among his depen- dants ; they hardly leaving themselves an equal share of their subjects ; and be it on such occasion as festivals, or at their common meals, the kings distribute, and to themselves last. They care for little, because they want but little; and the rea- son is, a little contents them. In this they are sufficiently re- venged on us; if they are ignorant of our pleasures, they are also free from our pains. They are not disquieted with bills of lading and exchange, nor perplexed with chancery suits, and exchequer reckonings. We sweat and toil to live ; their plea- sure feeds them; I mean their hunting, fishing, and fowling;. HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 23 and their table is spread every where. They eat twice a day, morning and evening; their seats and table are the ground. Since the European came into these parts, they are great lovers of strong liquor, rum especially ; and for it they exchange the richest of their skins and furs. If they are heated with liquor, they are restless till they have enough to sleep; that is their cry, some more, and I will go to sleep ; but when drunk, one of the most wretched creatures in the world ! " In sickness impatient to be cured, and for it give every thing, especially for their children, to whom they are extremely natu- ral. They drink at those times, a teran, or decoction of some roots in spring water; and if they eat any flesh, it must be of the female of any creature. If they die they bury them with their apparel, be they man or woman; and the nearest of kin fling in something precious with them, as a token of their love; their mourning is blacking of their faces, which they continue for a year. They are choice of the graves of their dead ; for, lest they should be lost by time, and fall to common use they pick off' the grass that grows upon them, and heap up the fallen earth, with gieat care and exactness. *' These poor people are under a dark night in things relating to religion, to be sure the tradition of it; yet they beheve a God and immortality, without the help of metaphysics; for, they say, there is a Great King that made them, who dwells in.a glorious country to the southward of them ; and that the souls of the good shall go thither, where they shall live again. Their worship consists of two parts, sacrifice and cantico. Their sacrifice is their first fruits; the first and fattest bucks they kill goeth to the fire, where he is all burnt, with a mourn- ful ditty of him that performeth the economy ; but ydih such marvellous fervency and labor of body, that he will even sweat to a foam. The other part is their cantico, performed by round dance, sometimes words, sometimes songs, then shouts; two being in the middle that begin ; and, by singing and drumming on a board, direct the chorus. Their postures in the dance are very antick and differing, but they all keep measure. This is with equal earnestness and labor, but great appearance of joy. In the fall when the corn comes in, they begin to feast one an- other. There have been two great festivals already, to which aU come that will. I was at one myself: their enter tamment was a great feast by a spring, under some shady trees, and twenty bucks with hot cakes of new corn, both wheat and beans ; which they make up m a square form, in the leaves of 24 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. the steam and bake them in the ashes; and after that they fall to dance. But they that go must carry a small present, in their money ; it may be sixpence ; which is made of the bone of a fish, the black is with them, as gold ; the white, silver ; they call it wampum. ^^ Conrad Weiser's letter to a Friend respecting the Indians views on the subject of religion ; showing that they have a strong confidence in the overruhng Providence of God. Heidelburg, Berks co,, 1746. Esteemed Friend: — I write this in compliance with thy request, to give thee an account of what I have observed among the Indians, in relation to their behef and confidence in a Divine Being, according to the observations I have made, from 1714, in the time of my youth, to this day. If, by the word religion, people mean an assent to certain creeds, or the observance of a set of religious duties; as ap- pointed prayers, singing, baptism, or even Heathenish worship, then it may be said, the Five Nations and their neighbors, have no religion. But, if by religion, we mean an attraction of the soul to God, whence proceeds a confidence in, a hunger after, the knowledge of Him, then this people must be allowed to have some religion among them, notwithstanding their sometimes savage deportment. For we find among them some traces of a confidence in God alone; and, even, sometimes, though but seldom, a vocal calling upon Him: I shall give one or two instances of this, that fell under my own observation. In the year 1737, I was sent, the first time, to Onondago, at the desire of the Governor of Virginia ; I departed in the latter end of February, very unexpectedly, for a journey of five hun- dred English miles, through a wilderness, where there was neither road nor path, and at such a time of the year, when animals could not be met with for food. There were with me, a Dutchman and three Indians. After we had gone one hun- dred and fifty miles on our journey, we came to a narrow val- ley, about half a mile broad and thirty long, both sides of which were encompassed with high mountains; on which the snow laid about three feet deep: in it ran a stream of water, also about three feet deep, which was so crooked that it kept a con- tinued winding from one side of the valley to another. In order to avoid wading so often through the water, we endeavored to pass along the slope of the mountain ; the snow being three HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 25 feet deep, and so hard frozen on the top that we walked upon it: but we were obliged to make holes in the snow with our hatchets, that our feet might not slip down the mountain ; and thus we crept on. It happened that the old Indian's foot slipped, and the root of a tree by which he held breaking, he slid down the mountain, as from the roof of a house ; but happily he was stopped in his fall, by the string which fastened his pack, hitch- ino- on the stump of a small tree. The two Indians could not go to his aid, but our Dutch fellow-traveller did; yet not with- out visible danger of his own life. I also could not put a foot forward, till I was helped ; after this we took the first oppor- tunity to descend into the valley, which was not till after we had labored hard for half an hour with hands and feet. Having observed a tree lying directly olf from where the Indian fell, when we were got into the valley again, we went back about one hundred paces, where we saw, that if the Indian had slipped four or five paces further, he would have fallen over a rock one hundred feet perpendicular, upon craggy pieces of rocks below. The Indian was astonished, and turned quite pale; then, with outstretched arms, and great earnestness, he spoke these words : *' / thank the great Lord and Governor of this world, in that he has had mercy upon me, and has been willing that I should live longer." Which words I, at that time, put down in my journal: this happened on the 2oth of March, 1737. On the 9th of April following, while we were yet on our journey, I found myself extremely weak, through the fatigue of so long a journey, with the cold and hunger, which I had suf- fered; there having fallen a fresh snow about twenty inches deep, and we being yet three days journey from Onondago, in a frightful wilderness, my spirit failed, my body trembled and shook; I thought I should fall down and die; I stepped aside, and sat down under a tree, expecting there to die. My com- panions soon missed me ; the Indians came back and found me sitting there. They remained awhile silent; at last, the old Indian said: "My dear companion, thou hast hitherto encour- aged U3, wilt th')a now quite give up? remember that evil days are hotter than g^o 1 days; for when we suffer much we do not sin; sin will be driven out us by suffering, and God cannot "extend his m?rcy to them; but contrary wise, when it goeth evil with us, Gt 1 hath compassion on us." These words made me ashamed; I rose up, and travelled as well as I could. The next year, (1738,) I went another journey to Onon- o 26 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTlKs. dago, in company with Joseph Spangenberger, and two others. It happened that an Indian came to us in the evening, who had neither shoes, stockings, shirt, gun, knife, nor hatchet ; in a word, he had nothing but an old torn blanket, and some rags. Upon enquiring whither he was going, he answered to Onon- dago. I knew him, and asked him how he could undertake a journey of three hundred miles so naked and impoverished, havino- no provisions, nor arms, to kill animals for his suste- nance? He answered, he had been among enemies, and had been obliged to save himself by flight ; and so had lost all ; for he had disposed of some of his things among the Irish, for strong liquors. Upon further talk, he told me very cheerfully, *' That God formed every thmg, which had life, even the rattle- snake itself, though it was a bad creature ; and that God would also provide, in such a manner, that he should go thither; that it was visible God was with the Indians in the wilderness, be- cause they always cast their care upon him ; but that, contrary to this, the Europeans always carried their bread with them." He was an Onondago Indian; his name was Onontagketa — the next day we travelled in company; and the day following I provided him with a knife, hatchet, flint, tinder, also shoes and stockings, and sent him before me, to give notice to the coun- cil at Onondago, that I was coming; which he truly performed, being got thither three days before us. Two years ago, I was sent by the Governor to Shamokin, on account ol the unhappy death of John Armstrong, the In- dian trader, (1744.) After I had performed my errand, there was a feast prepared, to which the Governor's messengers were invited; there were about one hundred persons present; to whom, after we had in great silence, devoured a fat bear, the eldest of the chiefs m i li a sp:'ech, in which he said : " That, by a great misfortune, three of the brethren, the white men, had been killed by an In liaa; that nevertheless the sun was not set, (meaning there was no war,) it had only been somewhat darkened by a small cloud, which was now done away; he that had done evil was hke to be punished, and the land to remain in peace: therefore, he exhorted his people to thankfulness to God; and therefore he hi r 1:1 to sing with an awful solemnity, but without expressing any words; the others accompanied him with their voices: afcer they had done, the same Indian with great earnestness of fervour, spoke these words: " Thanks, thanks, he to tke.e, tho t gnat Lord of the world, in that thou HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 27 hast again caused the sun to shine, and hast dispersed the dark cloud — the Indians are thine." " Their government is by Kings, which they call Sachama ; and those by succession, but always of the mother's side. For instance, the children of him, who is now king, will not suc- ceed, but his brother, by the mother, or the children of his sis- ter, whose sons, and after them the children of her daughters will reign, for no woman inherits. The reason, they render for this way of descent is, that their issue may not be spurious. "Every King hath his council; and that consists of all the old and wise men of his nation; w^hich, perhaps, is two hun- dred people. Nothing of moment is undertaken, be it war, peace, selling of land, or traffick, without advising with them ; and, wdiich is more, with the young men too. It is admirable to consider how powerful the kmgs are, and yet how they move by the breath of their people. I have had occasion to be in coimcil with them, upon treaties for land, and to adjust the terms of trade. Their order is this: The king sits in the middle of an half moon, and hath his council, the old and wise, on each hand ; behind him, or at a little distance, sit the young, or fry, in the same figure. Having consulted and resolved their business, the king ordered one of them to speak to me ; he stood up, came to me, and, in the name and authority of his King, saluted me, then took me by the hand, and told me, he was ordered by his king to speak to me, and that now it was not he, but the king that spoke, because what he should say was the king's mind. He first prayed me, "To excuse them, that they had not complied with me, the last time ; he feared there might be some fault in the Interpreter, being neither Indian nor English : beside it was the Indian custom to deliberate and take up much time in council, before they resolved ; and that if the young people and owners of the land had been as ready as he, I had not met with so much delay." Having thus introduced his matter, he fell to the bounds of the land they had agreed to be disposed of, and the price, which now is little and dear; that which would haA-e bought twenty miles, not buying now two. During the time that this person spoke, not a man of them was observed to whisper or smile ; the old, grave ; the young, reverent in their deportment. They spoke little, but fervently, and with elegance. I have never seen more natural sagacity, considering them without the help, (I was going to 28 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. say) the spoil of tradition; and he will deserve the name of wise that outwit them, in any treaty, about a thing they under- stand. When the purchase was agreed, great promises passed between us, of kindness and good neighborhood, and that the Indians and English must live in love as long as the sun gave light. Which done, another made a speech to the Indians, in the name of all the Sachamakers or kings ; first to tell them what was done, next to charge and command them, " To love the Christian, and particularly live in peace with me and the people under my government ; that many Governors had been in the river, but that no Governor had come himself to live and stay here before ; and having now such an one that had treated them well they should never do him, or his, any wrong." At every sentence of which they shouted, and said, Amen, in their " The justice they have, is pecuniary. If they commit any wrong or evil, be it murder itself, they atone by feasts, and pre- sents of their wampmn; which is proportioned to the quality of the offence, or persons injured, or of the sex they are of. For, in case they killed a w^oman, they pay double; and the reason they render is, that she breedeth children, which men caimot do. It is rare that they fall out, if sober ; and, if drunk, they forgive it, saying, " It was the dunk and not the man that abused them." "We have agreed that in all differences between us, six of each side shall end the matter. Do not abuse them, but let them have justice, and you do win them. The worst is, that they are the w^orse for the Christians, who have propagated their vices, and yielded them tradition for ill, and not for good things. But as low an ebb as these people are at, and as in- glorious as their own condition looks, the Christians have not outlived their sight, with all their pretensions to an higher manifestation. What, good then, might not a good people graft, where there is so distinct a knowledge left between good and ev\\l I beseech God to incline the hearts of all that come into these parts, to outlive the nations, by a fast obedience to their greater knowledge of the will of God; for it were miserable indeed for us to fall under the just censure of the poor Indian's conscience, w^hile we make profession of things so far transcend- ^^' . . . '' For their original, I am ready to believe them of the JeW'ish race ; I mean, of the stock of the ten tribes ; and that, for the HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES.. 29 folbwing reasons: First, they were to go to a "land not- planted, nor known;" which, to be sure, Asia and Africa were, if not Europe ; and He that intended that extraordinary judg- ment upon them, might make the passage not uneasy to them, as it is not impossible in itself, from the eastermnost parts of Asia to the westernmost of America. " In the next place, I find them of the like countenance, and children of so lively resemblance, that a man would think hin> self in Duke place, or Berry street, London, when he seeth them. But this is not all; tliey agree in rite; they reckon by moons; they offer their first fruits; they have a kind of feast of tabernacles ; they are said to lay their altar on twelve stones ;- their mourning a year; customs of women, with many other things, that do not now occur." Peter Kalm, the Swedish natural philosopher, a great tra- veller and a clear observer, visited this country, in 1748, wrote a work, in which he gives a minute account of them. An ex- tract, it is thought, will not be out of place here. Speaking of their ^^boc^ and mode of living, he says: Maize, (Indian corn,) some kinds of beans, and melons, made up the sum of the Indian's gardening. Their chief support arose from hunting and fishing. Besides these, the oldest Swedes, related that the Indians were accustomed to get nour- ishment from the following plants, to wit: Hopniss, so called by the Indians, and also by the Swedes,, (the Glycine Apios of Linnseus,) they found in the meadows. The roots resembled potatoes, and were eaten boiled, instead of bread. Katniss, so called by the Indians and Swedes, (a kind of Sagittaria sagittifolia,) was found in low wet ground; had ob- long roots nearly as large as the fist; this they boiled or roasted in the ashes. Several Swedes said they like to eat of it in their youth. The hogs liked them much, and made them very scarce. Mr. Kalm, who ate of them, thought they tasted like potatoes. When the Indians first saw turnips, they called them katniss, too. Taw-ho, so called by the Indians and Swedes, (the Arum Virginicmn, or Wakerobin, and poisonous!) grew in moist ground, and swamps; they ate the root of it. The roots grew to the thickness of a man's thigh; and the hogs rooted them up and devoured them eagerly. The Indians destroyed their poisonous quality by baking them. They made a long trench 30 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COTNTIES. in the ground, put in the roots and covered them with earth, and over them they made a great fire. They tasted somewhat like potatoes. Taw-kee, so called by the Indians and Swedes, (the Oion- tium Aquaticum,) grew plentifully in moist low grounds. Of these they used the seed, when dried. These they boiled re- peatedly to soften them, and then they ate somewhat like peas. When they got butter and milk from the Swedes, they boiled them together. Bilberries, or whortleberries, (a species of Vaccinium,) was a common diet among the IncUans. They dried them in the sun, and kept them parched as close as currants. Of their implermnts for domestic or field use. The old boilers or kettles of the Indians were either made of clay, or of different kinds of pot-stone, (Lapis Ollaris.) The former con- sisted of a dark clay, mixed with grains of white sand or quartz, and probably burnt in the fire. Many of these kettles had two holes in the upper margin ; on each side one, through which they passed a stick, and held therewith the kettle over the fire. It is remarkable that none of these ])ots have been found glazed either inside or outside. A few of the old Swedes could remem- ber to have seen the Indians use such pots to boil their meat in. They were made sometimes of a grayish pot stone ; and some were made of another species of a pyrous stone. They were very thin. Mr. Eartram, the botanist, showed him an earthen pot, which had been dug up at a place where the In- dians had lived. On the outside it w^as much ornamented. Mr. Bartram has also several broken pieces. They were all made of mere clay, in which were mixed, according to the conve- nience of the makers, pounded shells of snails and muscles, or of the crystals found in the mountains; it w^as plain, they did not burn them much, because they could be cut up with a knife. Since the Europeans have come among them, they disuse them, and have even lost the art of making them. The hatchets of the Indians were made of stone, somewhat of the shape of a wedge. This "was notched round the biggest end, and to this they affixed a split stick for a handle, bound round with a cord. These hatchets could not serve, however, to cut any thing like a tree; their means, therefore, of getting trees for canoes, &c., was to put a great fire round the roots of a big tree to burn it off, and with a wet sv ab of rags on a pole to keep the tree constantly wet above until the fire below burnt HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 31 it off. When the tree was down, they laid dry branches on the trunk and set fire to it, and kept swabbing that part of the tree which they did not want to burn; thus the tree burnt a hollow in one place only ; when burnt enough, they chipped or scraped it smooth inside with their hatchets, or sharp flints, or sharp shells. Instead of knives, they used little sharp pieces of flints or quartz, or a piece of sharpened bone. At the end of the arrows they fastened narrow angulated pieces of stone; these were commonly flints or quartz. Some made use of the claws of birds and beasts. They had stone pestles of about a foot long and five inches in thickness; in these they pounded their maize. Many had only wooden pestles. The Indians were astonished beyond measure, when they saw the first windmills to grind corn. They were, at first, of opinion that not the wind, but spirits within them gave them their momentum. They would ccme from a great distance, and set down for days near them, to wonder and admire at them! The old tobacco pipes were made of clay or pot stone, or sepertine stone, and were seen chiefly with the Sachems. Some of the old Dutchmen, at New York, preserved the tradition that the first Indians seen by Europeans made use of copper for their tobacco pipes, got from the second river, near Elizabeth river. In confirmation of this, it was observed that the people met with holes worked into the mountains, out of which some copper had been taken ; and they even found some tubes which the Indians probably used for the occasion. They used bird's claws instead of fishing-hooks ; the Swedes saw them succeed in this way. " The Indians made their ropes, bridles, and twine for nets, out of a wild weed, growing abundantly in old corn fields, com- monly called Indian hemp, (i. e., Linum Virginianum.) The Swedes used to buy fourteen yards of the rope for a loaf of bread, and deemed them more lasting in the water than that made of true hemp. Mr. Kalm himself saw Indian wo- men rolling the filaments of this plant upon their bare thighs, to make of them thread and strings, which they dyed red, yellow, black, &c. " The Indians at first were much more industrious and labo- rious, and before the free use of ardent spirits, attained to a great age. In early time they were every where spread about Sa HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES, among the Swedes. They had no domestic animals among them before the arrival of the Europeans, save a species of little dogs. They readily sold their lands to the Swedes for a small price. Such tracts as would have brought ^400 currency in Kalm's time, had been bought for a piece of baize or a pot of brandy ! The Indians told Kalm, as their tradition, that when they saw the first European ship on their coast, they were perfectly persuaded that Manitto, or God himself, w^as in the ship; but when they first saw the negroes, they thought they w^ere a true breed of devils. " The last of the Lenape, (Delaware,) nearest resident to Phi- ladelphia, died in Chester county, in the person of " Old Indian Hannah," in 1803. She had her wigwam many years upon the Brandywine, and used to travel much about, selling her baskets, &c. On such occasions she was often followed by her dog and pigs — all stopping where she did. She lived to be nearly a hundred years of age — had a proud and lofty spirit to the last — hated the blacks, and scarcely brooked the lower order of whites; her family before her, had dwelt with other Indians in Kennet township. She often spoke emphatically of the wrongs and misfortunes of her race, upon whom her affec- tions still dwelt. As she grew old, she quitted her solitude, and dwelt in friendly families. "As late as 1705, the Shawnese had their wigw^ams at the Beaver pond, near Carlisle, Cumbei'land county; and as late as 1760, Doctor John, living in Carlisle, with his wife and two children, were cruelly murdered, by persons unknown. He was a chief. The governor offered $100 revv^ard." " Present state and refuge of the Indians. — The Indian ndr- \\o\\ o? the Dela wares — our proper Indians — was once one of the most numerous and powerful tribes, but are now reduced to about four or five hundred souls, and scattered among other tribes. The chief place, according to Watson, where they now hold any separate character and community, is at the river Thames, (1830,) in Upper Canada, about seventy miles from Detroit, where they settled about the year 1793. — Watson^ s: Annals. CHAPTEE III. MURDERS COMMITTED BY THE INDIANS. In the year 1744, open hostilities were declared between Great Brittain and France, which involved not only the mother country, but also the colonies ; and, of course, Pennsylvania, that had up to this time enjoyed tranquillity, now began to feel the effects of the war between France and England. Shortly after the declaration of hostihty between those great rival na- tions, the French hovered along the great lakes, and succeeded in their machinations to a great extent in seducing the Indians from their allegiance to the English. Many of the Indians, being dissatisfied with the English on account of their lands, went over to the French, and the affairs of the colonies changed aspects on Braddock's defeat, in 1755. From that period, till 1764, Berks and Lebanon counties were scenes of murder and burning of houses, &c. The apprehensions of those who feared the consequences of Braddock's defeat, were shortly realized. Governor Robert Morris, in his message of July 24, 1755, to the Assembly, has the following language in relation to the defeat: "Tliis unfortunate and unexpected change in our affairs deeply effect every one of his majesty's colonies, but none of them in so sensible a manner as this province, wdiile having no militia, is thereby left exposed to the cruel incursions of the French and barbarous Indians, who delight in shedding human blood, and who make no distinction as to age or sex — as to those that are armed against them, or such as they can surprise in their peaceful habitations — all are alike the objects of their cruelty — slaughtering the tender infant, and frightened mother, with equal joy and fierceness. To such enemies, spurred by the native cruelty of their tempers, encouraged by their late success, and having now no army to fear, are the inhabitants of this province exposed ; and by such must we now expect to be overrun, if we do not immediately prepare for our own de- fence ; nor ought we to content ourselves with this, but resolve to drive to and confine the French to their own just limits."* The following extracts from the official documents at Har- * Votes Ass. 4, 416. 84 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES, risburg, and the Gazettes of that clay, as well as copies from original manuscript letters, written at the time, will afford some idea of the extent of depredations and murders committed upon the frontier inhabitants, coming legitimately within the bounds of that portion of territory, of which a history is attempted. A brief narrative of the incursions and ravages of the French and Indians, in the Province of Pennsylvania, made by the Sec- retary of the Province, at Philadelphia, 27th December, 1755. Provincial Records, N. p. 340-2. October 15, 1755, a party of Indians fell upon the inhabi- tants on Mahahany (or Penn's) creek, that runs into the river Susquehannah, about five miles lower tiian the Great Fork made by the juncture of the two main branches of the Susquehannah, killed and carried off about twenty-five persons, and burnt and destroyed their buildings and improvements, and the w^hole set- tlement w'as deserted." — Provincial Records, N. 340. A petition to Governor Morris, from mhabitants on the west side of the Susquehannah, is presented here, to show the alarm- ing condition of the settlers m that part of the province, at the time alluded to in the Secretary's narrative. "We, the subscribers, near the mouth of Penn's creek, on the west side of the Susquehamia, humbly show, that on or about the 16th inst., (October, 1755,) the enemy came down upon said creek and killed, scalped, and carried away all the men, women, and cliildren, amounting to twenty-five in num- ber, and wounded one man, who fortunately made his escape, and brought us the news, whereupon the subscribers went out and buried the dead, whom we found most barbarously murdered and scalped. "We foimd but thirteen, who were men and elderly women; and children we suppose to be carried away prisoners. The house Avhere w^e suppose they finished their murder, we found burnt up ; and the man of it, named Jacob King, a Swisser, lying just by it. He lay on his back, barbarously burnt, and two tomahawks sticking in his forehead ; one of those marked newly with W. D. — we have sent them to your honor. The terror of which, has driven away almost all the back inhabi- tants, except the subscribers, with a few more who are willing to stay and endeavor to defend the land ; but as we are not all able of ourselves to defend it for the want of guns and ammu- nition, and but few in number, so that without assistance, we must flee and leave the country to the mercy of the enemy. HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 35 "We, therefore, humbly desire it, that your honor would ■itake the same into consideration, and order some speedy relief for the safety of these back settlements, and be pleased to give us speedy orders what to do. " George Gliwell, Gates Auchmudy, John McCahon, Abra- ham Soverkill, Edmund Matthews, Mark Curry, William Do- ran, Dennis Mucklehenny, John Young, John Simmons, George Snabble, George Aberheart, Daniel Braugh, George Lynn, and Gotfried Fryer."* In continuation of the Secretary's narrative, he adds: " Octo- ber 23, 1755, forty-six of the inhabitants on Susquehannah, went to Shamokin to enquire of the Indians there, who they were who had so cruelly fallen upon and ruined the settlements on Mahahony creek; on their return from Shamokin, they were fired upon by some Indians who lay in ambush, and four were killed, four drowned, and the rest put to flight, on which all the settlements, between Shamokin and Hunter's Mill, for the space of fifty miles along the river Susquehannah, were deserted." • — Prov. Rec. N. 340. The following letters from John Harris, of Harris's Ferry, (Harrisburg,) and other gentlemen, to Governor Morris, will cast some additional light upon this point. Paxton, October 20, 1755. May it please your Honor — I was informed last night, by a person that came down our river, that there was a Dutch (German) woman, who mad« her escape to George Gabriel's, and informs us that last Friday evening, on her way home from this settlement on Mahahony, or Penn's creek, where her fiimily lived, she called at a neigh- bor's house, and saw two persons lying by the door of said house, murdered and scalped; and these were some Dutch (German) families that lived near their places, immediately left, not thinking it safe to stay any longer. It is the opinion of the people up the river, that the families on Penn's creek being scattered, that but few in number are killed or carried off, ex- cept the above said woman, the certainty of which will soon be known, as there are some men gone out to bury the dead. By report this evening, I was likewise informed by the belt of wampum and these Indians here, there were seen, near Sha- * Provincial Records, N. p. 242-3. Votes of Assembly 4, 495. 36 HISTORY OP BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. raokin, about six days ago, two French Indians of the Cana- wago tribe. I a little doubted the truth of the report at first; but the Indians have seemed so afraid, that they despatched messengers iininediately to the mountains above my house, to bring in some of their women that were gathering chestnuts, for fear of their being killed. By a person just arrived down onr river, bring information of two men being murdered within five miles of George Ga- briel's, four women carried off, and there is one man wounded in three places who escaped to Gabriel's, and it is imagined that all the inhabitants on Penn's creek and Little Mahahony, are killed or carried off, as most of them live much higher up, where the first murder was discovered. The Indian warriors here send you these two strings of white wampum, and the wo- men the black one, both requesting that you would lay by all your council pipes, immediately, and open all your eyes and ears and view your slain people in this land, and to put a stop to it immediately, and come to this place to our assistance without any delay; and the belt of wampum particularly men- tions that the proprietors and your honor would immediately act in defence of their country, as the old chain of friendship now is broken by several nations of Indians, and it seems to be such as they never expected to see or hear of. Any delay on our acting vigorously now at this time, would be the loss of all Indian interest, and perhaps our ruin in these parts. I am your honor's Most obetlient servant, JoHiSi Harris. P. S. I shall endeavor to get a number of my neighbors to go out as far as the murder has been committed ; and, perhaps, to Shamokin, to know the minds of the Indians, and their opin- ions of these times, and to get what intelligence I can from them, and to encourage some of their young men to scout about, back of the frontiers, to give us notice of the enemy's approach, if possible, at any time hereafter. I heartily wish your honor and the assembly, would please to agree on some method at this time tov/ards protecting this province, as this part of it seems actually in danger now; for should but a company of In- dians come and murder, but a few families hereabouts, which is daily expected, the situation we are in would oblige num- bers to abandon their plantations, and our cattle and provisions, which we have plenty of, must then fall a prey to the enemy. HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 37 Our Indians here seem much discouraged at the large num- ber of famihes passing here, every day, on account of the late murders done on the Potomack, and will be much more so, if it should happen to be our case. There were two Indian women set out from here two days ago, for the Ohio, to bring some of their relations (as they say) down here; and should the French, or their Indians hear by them, as they will be enquirmg for news, the effect that their late murders has had among our in- habitants, it will be a matter of encouragement to them.* I conclude, your honor's Most obedient and must humble servant, John Harris. Paxton, October 28, 1755. To Governor Morris. May it please your Honor — This is to acquaint you, that on the 24th of October, I ar- rived at Shamokin, in order to protect our frontiers up that way, till they might make their escape from their cruel ene- mies, and to learn the best intelligences I could. The Indians on the west branch of Susquehannah, certainly killed our in- habitants on Mr. Penn's creek, and there are a hatchet and two English scalps sent by them up the north branch to desire them to strike with them, if they are men. The Indians are all assembling themselves at Shamokin, to council ; a large body of them was there four days ago. I can- not learn their mtentions; but it seems Andrew Montour and Monacatootha are to bring down the news from them. There is not a sufficient niunber of them to oppose the enemy; and, perhaps, they will join the enemy against us. There is no dependance on Indians, and we are in imminent danger. I got certain information from Andrew Montour, and others, that there is a body of French with fifteen hundred Indians coming upon us. Picks, Ottaways, Orandox, Delawares, Shawanese, and a number of the Six Nations ; and are now, not many day's march from this Province and Virginia, which are appointed to be attacked; at the same, some of the Shamokin Indians seemed friendly, and others appeared like enemies. •Provincial Records, N. p. 241-2. Votes of Assembly 4, 495 4 38 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. Montour knew many days of the enemy being on their march against us, before he informed me ; for which I said as much to' him, as I thought prudent, considering the place I was in. On the 25th of this instant, on my return with about forty men, at Mr. Perm's creek, we were attacked by about twenty or thirty Indians — received their fire, and about fifteen of our men and myself took to the trees and attacked the villains, killed four of them on the spot, and lost but three men ; retreat- ing about half a mile through woods, and crossing Susquehannah, one of whom was shot off an horse riding behind myself, through the river. My horse before me was wounded, and failing in the river, I was obhged to quit him, and swim part of the way. Four or five of our men were drowned crossing the river. I hope, our journey, though with fatigue, and loss of our sub- stance, and some of our lives, will be of service to our country, by discovering our enemy, who will be our ruin, if not timely prevented. I just now received information that there was a French of- ficer, supposed a captain, with a party of Shawanese, Dela- wares, &c., wdthui six miles of Shamokin, two days ago ; and no doubt, intends to take possession of it, which will be a dread- ful consequence to us, if suffered. Therefore, I thought pro- per to despatch this messenger to imform your Honor. The Indians here, I hope, your Honor, will be pleased to cause them to be removed to some place, as I do not like their com- pany ; and as the men of those here were not against us, yet did them no harm ; or else I would have them all cut off the old belt of wampum promised at Shamokin ; to send out spies to view the enemy, and upon his hearing of our skirmishes, was in a rage; gathered up thirty Indians immediately and went in pursuit of the enemy, I am this day informed. I expect Montour and Monacathootha down here this week, with the determination of their Shamokin council. The inha- bitants are abandoning their plantations, and we are in a dread- ful situation.* I am your Honor's Most obedient and humble servant, John Harris. P. S. The night ensumg our attack, the Indians burnt all George Gabriel's houses — danced around them. ♦Provincial Records, N. p. 247-8. HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 39 Extract from the Provincial Records, N. p. 243: I, Thomas Foster, Esq., Mr. Harris, and Mr. McKee, with upwards of forty men, went up the 23d inst., (October, 1755,) to Captain McKee, at New Providence, in order to bury the dead, lately murdered on Mahahany creek; but understanding the corpse were buried, we then determined to return immediately home. But being urged by John Sekalamy, and the Old Belt, to go up to see the Indians at Shamokin, and know their minds, we went on the 24th, and staid there all night — and in the night, I heard some Delawares talking — about twelve in number — to this purpose: "What are the English come here for?" Says another : " To kill us, I suppose ; can we then send off sume of our nimble young men to give our friends notice that can soon be here?" They soon after sang the war song, and four In- dians went off, in two canoes, well armed — the one canoe went down the river, and the other across. On the morning of the 25th, we took our leave of the In- dians and set off homewards, and were advised to go down the east side of the river, but fearing that a snare might be laid on that side, we marched off peaceably, on the west side, having behaved in the most civil and friendly manner towards them while with them ; and when we came to the mouth of Mahahany ci'eek, w^e were fired on by a good number of Indians that lay among the bushes ; on which we were obliged to retreat, with the loss of several men ; the particular number I cannot exactly mention; but I am positive that I saw four fall, and one man struck with a tomahawk, on the head, in his flight across the river. As I understood the Delaware tongue, I heard several of the Indians that were engaged against us, speak a good many words, in that tongue, during the action. Adam Terrance. The above declaration was attested by the author's volun- tary qualification, no magistrate being present ; at Paxton, this 26th October, 1755, before us. John Elder, Thomas McArthur, Michael Graham, Alex. McClure, Michael Teass, WilHam Harris, Thomas Black, Samuel Lenes, Samuel Pearson, William McClure. N. B. Of all our people that were in the action, there are but nine that are yet returned. 40 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. Ji Letter to Governor Morris from Conrad Weiser. Reading, October 22, 1755. Honored Sir: I take this opportunity to inform you, that I received news from Shamokin, and that six families have been murdered on John Perm's creek, on the west side of the Susquehannah ; about four miles from the river, several people have been fomid scalped, and twenty-eight or more missing. The people are in great consternation, and are coming down, leaving their plantations and corn behind them. Two of my sons are gone up to help down one of their cousins with his family. I hear of more that wall defend themselves ; but George Ga- briel the people down here seem to be for ourselves, and say : The Indians will never come this side the Susquehannah river ; but I fear they will, since they meet with no opposition any where. I do not doubt, your Honor has heard of this melan- choly affair before now, by the way of Lancaster, perhaps more particularly ; yet, I thought it my duty to inform you of it ; and when my sons come back, I will write again, if they bring any thing particular. I have heard nothing of the Indians that have gone up to fight against the French on the Ohio; their going, I fear, has been occasion of this murder. I have nothing more to add, but am, Honored Sir, Your very humble servant, Conrad Weiser. Letter to Governor Morris from Cojirad Weiser. Heidelberg, in the county of Berks, ) October 26, 1755, at 5 o'clock, Sunday evening. ) Sir: Just now, two of my sons, Frederick and Peter, arrived from Shamokin, where they have been to help down their cousin with his family. I gave them orders before they w^ent, to bring me down a trusty Indian or two, to inform myself of the pre- sent circumstances of the Indian affairs; but they brought none down ; they saw Jonathan, but he could not leave his familyj in these dangerous times. HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 41 While they were at George Gabriel's, a messenger can^ from Shamokin, sent by James Logan, one of Shickelamy^s sons, and Capachpitan, a noted Delaware, always true to the English, to let George Gabriel know that they had certain in- telligence, that a great body of French and Indians had been seen on their march towards Pennsylvania, at a place where the Zinaghton river comes out of the Allegheny hills, and that if the white people will come up to Shamokin and assist, they will stand the French and fight them. They say, that now they want to see their brethrens faces, and well armed with smooth guns — no rifled guns, which re- quire too much cleansing. They, in particular, desired the company of men gathered at George Gabriel's — Capt. McKee's and John Harris's men — they being informed that people had gathered there — and that they are extremely concerned on account of white people running away, and said, they alone could not stand the French. The message was delivered to George Gabriel, and to about ten whites more, among whom were my two sons, by a Dela- ware Indian, named Enoch, and a white man called Lawrence Book, who came with the Indians as a companion. The In- dian messenger that brought the news, from the Indians living up the river Zinaghton, (the north-west branch of the Susque- hannah,) arrived at Shamokin, at midnight, upon the 23d of this inst. The Indians are extremely concerned, as my sons tell me, that the people are coming away in a great hurry — the rest that stay are plundering the houses and making the best of peoples' misfortunes. The French want to see Jonathan taken prisoner, &c. All this is in great hurry. I pray, good sir, don't slight it. The lives of many thousands are in the utmost danger. It is no false alarm. I am, dear sir, your humble and obedient servant, Conrad Weiser. P. S. If a body of men would go up, they could gather plenty of Indian corn, beef, and other provisions. Now every thing is in the utmost confusion. I suppose in a few days hence, not a family will be seen on the other side of Kittatiny hills. 42 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANO>f COUSTTIES* A Letter to James Read, Esq., at Reading, from Conrad Weiser* Heidelberg, October 26, at 11 o'clock, ) Sunday night, 1755. ) Mr. James Read, Loving Friend : About one hour ago, I received the news of the enemy having crossed the Susquehannah, and killed a great many peo- ple, from Thomas McKee's down to Hunter's mills. Mr. Elder, the minister at Paxton, wrote to another Presby- terian minister, in the neighborhood of Adam Reed, Esq. The people were then in a meeting, and immediately designed to get themselves in readiness, to oppose the enemy, and lend assist- ance to their neighbors. Mr. Reed sent down to Tulpehocken — and two men, one that came from Mr. Reed's, are just now gone, who brought in the melancholy news. I have sent out to alarm the townships in this neighborhood, and to meet me early in the morning, at Peter Spicker's, to consult together what to do, and to make preparations, to stand the enemy, with the assistance of the Most High. I wrote you this, that you may have time to consult with Mr. Seely and other well-wishers of the people, in order to de- fend your hves and others. For God's sake let us stand together, and do what we can, and trust to the hand of Provi- dence — perhaps, w^e must, in this neighborhood, come to Read- ing; but I will send armed men to Susquehannah, or as far as they can go for intelligence. Pray let Sammy have a copy of this, or this draft for his Honor, the Governor. I have sent him, about three hours ago, express to Philadelphia, and he lodges at my son Peter's. De- spatch him as early as you can. I pray, beware of confusion, be calm, you and Mr. Seely, and act the part of fathers of the people. I know you are both able ; but excuse me for giving this caution — time requires it.* I am dear sir. Your very good friend and Humble servant, Conrad Weiser^ * Provincial Records, N. p. 244-5. HISTORY OP BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 43 From the following letter, it will be seen that Weiser's let- ter was immediately despatched as requested. Reading, October 27th, 1755, 6 o'clock, A. M. Governor Morris, Sir, I must not detain the bearer a moment. I have sent the original letter from Mr. Weiser, that no mistake may arise by any doubts of the justness of a copy. I shall raise our town in an hour, and use all prudent mea- sures for our defence. I could wish your Honor could order us two or three swivel guns and blunderbusses, with a few muskets, some powder, and swan shot. Nothing shall be want- ing in me, who have the misfortune of being major of two asso- ciated companies; but know not how my people will behave, as they are under an infatuation of an extraordinary sort.* I am, may it please your Honor's Most humble servant, James Read. P. S. Many wagons that are got thus far, are bound back again, immediately upon hearing this news. Letter to Gov. Morris, from Conrad Weiser, Esq. Reading, October 27th, 1755. May it please your Honor — Since the date of my last letter, w^hich I sent by express, by Sammy Weiser, dated last Sunday evening, 5 o'clock, and about 11 o'clock, the same night, I sent a letter to Mr. Read, in this town, who forwarded it to your Honor, by the same opportunity. The following account of what has happened since, I thought it was proper to lay before your Honor, to wit: — After I had received the news that Paxton people above Hunter's mills, had been murdered, I immediately sent my servants to alarm the neighborhood. The people came to my house by the break of day. I informed them of the melancholy news, and how I * Provincial Records, N. p. 244-5. 44 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. came by it, &c. They unanimously agreed to stand by one another, and march to meet the enemy, if I would go with them. I told them that I would not only myself accompany them, but my sons, and servants should also go— they put themselves under my direction. I gave them orders to go home and fetch their arms, whether guns, swords, pitch-forks, axes, or whatever might be of use against the enemy, and to bring with them three days provision in their knapsacks, and to meet at Benjamin Spicker's, at three of the clock that after- noon, about six miles above my house, in Tulpehocken town- ship, where I had sent word for Tulpehocken people also to meet. I immediately mounted my horse, and went up to Benjamin Spicker's, where I found about one hundred persons who had met before I came there ; and after I had informed them of the intelligence, that I had promised to go with them as a common soldier, and be commanded by such officers, and leading men, whatever they might call them, as they should choose. They unanimously agreed to join the Heidelberg people, and accord- ingly they went home, to fetch their arms, and provisions for three days, and came again at 3 o'ck)ck. All this was punc- tually performed; and about two hundred were at Benjanain Spicker's, by two o'clock. I made the necessary disposition, and the people were divided into companies of thirty men in each company, and they chose their own officers; that is, a captain over each company, and three inferior officers under each, to take care of ten men, and lead them on, or fire, as the captain should direct. I sent privately for Mr. Kurtz,* the Lutheran minister, who lived about one mile off, who came and gave an exhortation to the men, and made a prayer suitable to the time. Then we marched towards Susquehannah, having first sent about fifty men to Tolheo, in order to possess themselves of the gaps or narrows of Swahatawro,'\ where he expected the enemy would come through ; with those fifty, I sent a letter to Mr. Parsons, who happened to be at his plantation. We marched about ten miles that evening. My company had now increased to upwards of three hundred men, mostly well-armed, though about twenty men had nothing but axes, and pitch-forks — all unanunously agreed to die together and * Kurtz lived where Rev. Daniel Ulrich resides at present, 1844. f Swatara. HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 45 engage the enemy, wherever they should meet them; never to enquire the nmnber, but figlit them, and so obstruct their way of marchmg further into the inhabited parts, till others of our brethren come up and do the same, and so save the lives of our wives and our children. The night we made the first halt, the powder and lead was brought up from Reading, (I had sent for it early in the morn- ing,) and I ordei-ed it to the care of the officers, and to divide it amonsr those that wanted it the most. On the 28th, by daybreak, we marched; our company in- creasing all along. We arrived at Adam Reed's, Esq., in Hanover township, Lancaster (now Lebanon) county, at about ten o'clock — there we stopped and rested till the rest came up. Mr. Read had just received intelligence from Susquehannah, by express, which was as follov.'s, to wit: That Justice Forster, Capt. McKee, John Harris, and others, to the number of forty- nine, went up to Shamokin to bury the dead bodies of those that had been killed by the enemy on John Pemi's creek, and coming up to George Gabriel's, about five miles this side Sha- mokin, and on the west of Susquehannah, they heard that the dead bodies had been buried already, and so they went along to Shamokin, where they arrived last Friday evening, and were seemingly well received, but found a great number of strange Indians, the Deiawares, all painted black, which gave suspi- cion ; and Thomas McKee told his companions that he did not like them, and the next morning — that is, last Saturday — they got up early, in order to go back; but they did not see any of the strangers. They were gone before them. Andrew Mon- tour was there, painted as the rest; he advised our people not to go the same road they came, but to keep on this side the Susquehannah, and go the old road; but when they came to the parting of the roads, a majority was fbr going the nighest and best road, and so crossed Susqueharmah, contrary to An- drew ]\Iontour's counsel, in order to go down on the west side of the river, as far as to Mahahany ; when they came to John Penn's creek, in going down the bank, they were fired upon from this side by the Indians that had waylaid them; some dropped down dead ; the rest fled and made towards Susque- hannah, and came to this side, and so home, as well as they could. Twenty-six of them were missing and not heard of as yet, last Monday. Upon this we had a consultation, and as we did not come up. 46 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. to serve as guards to the Paxton people, but to fight the enemy-j if they were come so far, as we first heard, we thought best to return and take care of our own townships. After I had given the necessary caution to the people to hold themselves in readiness, as the enemy was certainly in the country, to keep their arms in good order, and so on, and then discharged them — and we marched back, with the approbation of Mr. Reed. By the way, we were alarmed, by a report, that five hundred Indians had come over the mountain at Tolheo, to this side, and had already killed a number of people. We stopped and sent a few men to discover the enemy, but, on their return, proved to be a false alarm, occasioned by that company that I had sent that way the day before, whose guns getting wet, they fired them off, which was the cause of alarm — this not only had alarmed the company, but whole townships through which they marched. In going back, I met messen- gers from other townships about Conestoga, who came for in- telKgence, and to ask me where their assistance w^as necessary, promising that they would come to the place where I should direct. I met also at Tulpehocken, above one hundred men well- armed, as to fire arms, ready to follow me; so that there were in the whole, about five hundred men in arms that day, all marching up towards Susquehannah. I, and Mr. Adam Reed, counted those that were with me — we found them three hun- dred and twenty. I cannot send any further account, being uncommonly fa- tigued. I should not forget, however, to inform your Honor, that Mr. Reed has engaged to keep proper persons riding be- tween his house and Susquehannah, and if any thing material shall occur, he will send me tidings to Heidelbreg or to Read- ing, which I shall take care to despatch to you. I find that great care has been taken at Reading, to get the people to- gether, and near two hundred were here yesterday morning; but upon hearing that the people attending me, were discharged, the people from the country went off without consulting what should be done for the future, through the indiscretion of a person who was with them, and wanted to go home; and near the town they met a large company coming up, and gave such accounts as occasioned their turning back. I think most of the inhabitants would do their duty ; but without some military re~ gulations, we shall never be able to defend the province* HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES* 47 I am sure we are in great danger, and by an enemy that can travel as Indians, we may be surprised when it would be im- possible to collect any number of men together to defend them- selves, and then the country would be laid waste. I am quite tired, and must say no more than that* I am your Honor's Most obedient servant, Conrad Weiser. Under date of October 81, 1755, the Secretary, states: "An Indian trader and two other men, in Tuscarora valley, were killed by Indians, and their houses, &c., burned ; on which most of the settlers fled and abandoned their plantations. Nov. 2, 1755, the settlements in the Great Cove were attacked, their houses burned, six persons murdered, and seventeen carried off, and the whole settlement broken up and destroyed." From the following extract, taken from the Pennsylvania Gazette, of Nov. 13, 1755, the names of the murdered and missing at Great Cove, may be seen — Elizabeth Gallway, Henry Gilson, Robert Peer, William Berryhill, and David McClelland were murdered. The missing are John Martin's wife and five children; Wilham Gallway's wife and two chil- dren, and a young woman; Charles Stewart's wife and two children; David McClelland's wife and two children. William Fleming and wife were taken prisoners. Fleming's son, and one Hicks, were killed and scalped." The inhabitants of Berks county were kept in a state of con- sternation from the time they had received intelligence of the massacre of the people on Penn's creek ; and every day's news added to their alarm, as may be seen from the following com- munication sent to Governor Morris. Reading, October 31, 1755, I At 8 o'clock at night. ) May it please your Honor — We have scarce strength left to write. We are forever em- ployed, and without clerks. We have Avithin one hour received letters from Justice Forster, from Mr. James Galbreath, and John Harris, by several messengers, with the accounts that the people at Auckwick and Juniata are cut off, and among others * Provincial Records, N. p. 249-251. 48 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. George Croghan. The date of Mr. Foster's letter is the 29tb. inst., Mr. Galbreath's the 30th ; but Harris's is, through con- fusion, not dated. We cannot find clerks ; we cannot write ourselves any thing of considerable length. We must, therefore, depend upon it, that we shall be credited without sending copies ; and originals we must keep to convince the unhappily scrupulous of the truth of our accounts. We are all in an uproar — all in disorder — all willing to do, and have little in our power. We have no authority — no com- mission — no officers practiced in war, and without the comise- ration of our Friends in Philadelphia, who think themselves vastly safer than they are. If we are not immediately sup- ported, w^e must not be sacrificed ; and therefore, are determined to go down with all that will follow us to Philadelphia, and quarter ourselves on its inhabitants, and wait our fate with them.* We are your Honor's most Obedient, hmnble servants, John Potts, Conrad Weiser, William Maugridge, Jonas Seely, James Reed. P. S. Mr. Bird was obliged to go home, or would certainly have signed this. Towards the close of October, the enemy neared the borders of Berks county. A letter from Wilham Parsons to the Rev. John Nicholas Kurtz, at Tulpehocken, shows this. October Zist, 1755. To the Rev: Kurtz and all other Friends: This morning, very early, between four and five o'clock, Adam Rees, an inhabitant over the first mountain, about six miles from Lawrance Hout's, who lives on this side of the mountain, came to my house, and declared, that yesterday, be- tween 11 and 12 o'clock, he heard three guns fired towards the plantation of his neighbor, Henry Hartman, which made him suspect that something more than ordinary had happened there. Whereupon he took his gun and went over to Hartman's house, •Provincial Records, N. p. 257. HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 49 being about a quarter of a mile off, and found him lying dead upon his face; his head was scalped; but saw no body else. He thereupon made the best of his way through the woods to the inhabitants on this side of the mountain, to inform them of what had happened. He further informs me, that he had been to Adam Reed's, Esq., and related the whole of the affair to him, and that Reed is raising men to go over the mountain in quest of the mur- derers.* I am your very Humble servant and most Hearty Friend, Wm. Parsons. Another Letter from William Parsons to Adam Reed, Esq. Stoney Kiln, JYovember 1, 1755. Sir— I wrote you yesterday, that I intended to be with you at the unhappy place, where Henry Hartman was murdered ; but when I got to the top of the mountain, I met some men, who said they had seen two men lying dead an. I scalped, in the Sha- mokin road, about two or three miles from the place where we were; wherefore, we altered our course, being twenty-six in number, and went to the place, and found the two men lying dead, about three hundred yards from each other, and all the skin scalped off their heads. We got a grubbing hoe and a spade, and dug a grave as well as we could, the ground being very stony, and buried them both in one grave, without taking off their clothes or examining at all their wounds; only we saw that a bullet had gone through the leg of one of them. I thought it best to bury them, to prevent their bodies from being torn to pieces by wild beasts. One of the men had a daughter with him that is yet missing; and the other man had a wife, and three or four chil- dren, that are also missing. I shall be obliged to return home in a day or two, but hope to see you sometime about Christmas, and to find my unhappy countrymen somewhat relieved from this distressed condition. •Provincial Records, N. p. 258. 5 §0, HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. I can't help thinking that it would be well for a good number of the inhabitants to go next Monday, and help to bring the poor peoples grain and corn to this side the mountain — it will help to maintain them, which we must do, if they can't main- tain themselves ; and tis very likely those barbarous Indians will set fire to, and burn all, if it be not soon secured.* I am, Sir, your very humble servant, Wm. Parsons. In another part of the Secretary's narrative, he states that, " November 16th, 1755, a party of Indians crossed the Susque- hannah, and fell upon the county of Berks, murdered thirteen persons, and burnt a great niunber of houses, destroyed vast quantities of cattle, grain and fodder, and laid waste a large extent of country." — Provincial Records. The following letters will afford the reader some idea of the state of things in Berks at the time. The first is from Mr. E. Biddle, to his father, then in Philadelphia. Reading, JVovember 16, 1755. My Dearest Father: I'm in so much horror and confusion, I scarce know what I'm writing. The drum is beating to arms — bells ringing — and all the people under arms. Within these two hours, we have had different, though too certain accounts, all corroborating each other! — and this moment is an express arrived and de- spatches news from Michael Reis's, at Tulpehocken, eighteen miles above this town, who left about thirty of their people en- gaged, with about an equal number of Indians, at said Reis's. This night we expect an attack. Truly alarming is our situa- tion. The people exclaim against the Quakers, and some are scarce restrained from burning the houses oi those few who are in this town. Oh, my country ! my bleeding country ! I I recommend myself wholly to the divine God of armies. Give my dutiful love to my dearest mother, and my best love to brother Jemmy. I am, honored sir. Your affectionate and obedient son, Edward Biddle. P. S. Sunday, 10 o'clock. — I have rather lessened than ex- aggerated our melancholy account. .•Provincial Records, N. p. 258. HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 51 The following is from Peter Spycker, near the present Stouch- town, to Conrad Weiser, then in Philadelphia, on public busi- ness. Tulpehocken, the 16 JVovember, 1755. Conrad Weiser, Esq. John Anspack and Frederick Reed came to me and told me the miserable circumstances of the people murdered this side the mountain. Yesterday the Indians attacked the Watch, killed and wounded him, at Derrick Sixth, (Dietrich Six,) and in that neighborhood, a great many in that night. This morning the people went out to see, and about 10 o'clock came to Thomas Bower's house, finding a man dead — killed with a gun shot. They soon heard a noise of firing guns; running to that place, saw four Indians setting on chil- dren scalping them — three of the children are dead, two are still living, though scalped. Afterwards our people went to the Watch-house of Derrick Sixth, where the Indians made the first attack. They found six dead bodies; four of them scalped ; about a mile on this side of the Watch-house, as they came back, the Indians had set fire to a stable and barn ; burnt the corn, cows and other creatures — here they found five In- dians in a house eating their dinner and drinking rum which had been in the house ; two of them were on the outside the house. They fired upon them, but without doing execution. The Indians have burnt the improvements on four other plan- tations. I have this account from those above named, and from Peter Anspack, Jacob Caderman, Christopher Noacre, Leonard Walborn, George DoUinger, and Adam Dieffenbach. We are, at present, in imminent danger to lose our lives, or estates; pray, therefore, for help, or else whole Tulpehocken will be laid waste by the Indians, in a very short time — all the buildings will be burned, the people scalped. Do, therefore, lose no time to get us assistance. The Assembly may learn from this work, what kind, and fine friends the Indians are ! ! We hope members of the Assembly will get their eyes opened, and manifest tender hearts towards us; and the Governor the same. They are, it is hoped, true subjects to our king George j53 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. II., of Great Britain, or are they willing to deliver us into the hands of these cruel and merciless creatures ?* I am your friend, Peter Spycker. N. B. The people are fled to us from the Hills; Peter Ky- ger and John Wise are the last. Since our last, says the Editor of the Pennsylvania Gazette, Nov. 20, 1755, we have had several letters from Berks county, advising us of a great deal of mischief done in Tulpehocken by the Indians; yesterday a gentleman arrived express from that county, who brought with him two scalps, one of a white per- son, the other of an Indian — and the following deposition. Berks county , Pennsylvania, ss. Jacob Morgan, a captain in Col. Weiser's regiment, being sworn on the Holy Evangelists of Almighty God, doth depose and say. That on Sunday, the 16th November inst., (1755,) at about five o'clock, P. M., he, the deponent, Mr. Philip Wei- ser and Mr. Peter Weiser, set out from Heidelberg towards Dietrich Six's, to get intelligence of the mischief done at Tol- heo, or thereabouts, and to get a number of men to join them to go and seek for the persons who were scalped by the Indians; and to help in the best manner they could, the poor distressed inhabitants. That about nine miles from Mr. Weiser's, they found a girl about six years old, scalped, but yet alive, and a vast number of people there ; but he knows not at whose house it was, nor the name of the child. That at the request of the people there, Mr. Weiser's son and deponent, went back to Mr. Weiser's for powder and lead. That at or about 2 o'clock, yesterday morning, they were alarmed at Mr. Weiser's with an account that the Indians had beset George Dollinger's house, and his family were fled ; whereupon Philip Weiser, and the deponent, and a person whose name deponent does not know, set off immediately, and at Christopher Weiser's, over- took a large company, consisting of about one hundred men, and with them proceeeed to George Dollinger's and surrounded his house, where they found a deal of damage done, and in the garden, a child about eight years old, daughter of one Cola, lying dead and scalped, which they buried. * Provincial Records, N. p. 287. HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 53 That the whole company went on to a plantation of Abra- ham Sneider, and found in a corn-field the wife of Cola, and a child about eight or nine years old, both dead and scalped, and in the house they found another child of the said Cola's, about ten years old, dead and scalped ; but the deponent knows not of w^hat sex, either of these two children was. That while they were preparing the grave, they were alarmed by the firing of a gun, and flying to^t:heir arms, they went (a few staying to take care of the dead) to the place from whence the sound came, and about half a mile from the place they came from, they met the company, one of whom had indiscreetly discharged his musket, and then went back to bury the dead ; in their re- turn they found the scalp of a white person. That having buried the woman and children, they went to Thomas Bower's in whose house they found a dead man scalpetl, whose name, the deponent thinks was Philip, by trade a shoemaker, but knows no more of him. That the company increased flist, and were now about one hundred and thirty men, who marched on the Shamokin road to near Dietrich Six's; about half a mile from whose house, they found Casper Spring dead and scalped, and having buiied him, they marched about one hundred rods and found one Bes- linger dead and scalped — they buried him. That at the same distance from Beslinger's they found an Indian man dead and scalped, which Indian, it was generally believed, was a Dela- ware. Mr. Frederick Weiser scalped him the day before. That twenty of their body, who had gone a little out of the road, about two miles from Dietrich Six's, found (as the depo- nent and the rest of the company were informed, and as he be- lieves without any doubt) a child of Jacob Wolf — he cannot say whether a boy or a girl — which was scalped ? Its age the deponent does not know, but the father carried it in his arms to be buried, as they were informed. That the deponent was in- formed, by Mr. Frederick Weiser, that a company, with whom he had been the day before, had buried John Leinberger and Rudolph Candel, whom they found scalped. That the deponent and company finding no more scalped or wounded, they returned, being then by the continual arrival of fresh persons, about three hundred men, to George Dollinger's. That Casper Spring's brains were beat out ; had two cuts in his breast; was shot in the back, and otherwise cruelly used,, which regard to decency forbids mentioning; and that Beslin- 5* 54 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. ger's brains were beat out, his mouth much mangled, one of his eyes cut out, and one of his ears gashed, and had two knives lying on his breast. That the whole country thereabouts de- sert their habitations, and send away all their household goods. The horses and cattle are in the corn-fields, and every thing in the utmost disorder, and the people quite despair. And further, that he heard of much mischief done by burning houses and barns ; but not having been where it was reported to have been done, he chooses not have any particulars thereof inserted in this deposition. James Morgan. Sworn at Reading, the ISth of JYovember, 1755, before us. Jonas Seely, Henry Harry, James Read. Besides the persons mentioned in the above deposition, one Sebastian Brosius was murdered and scalped, whose scalp was brought to Philadelphia at the beginning of this week, having been taken from an Indian. To Governor Morris, from Conrad Weiser. Heidelberg, Berks County, \ J^ovemher 19, 1755. j Honored Sir : On my return from Philadelphia, I met, in the township of Amiety, in Berks county, the first news of our cruel enemy having invaded the county, this side of the Blue mountain, to ^vit: Bethel and Tulpehocken. I left the papers as they were, in the messenger's hands, and hastened to Reading, where the alarm and contusion were very great. I was obHged to stay that night and part of the next day, to wit: the 17th inst., and sat out for Heidelberg, where I arrived that evening. Soon after, my sons Philip and Frede- rick arrived from the pursuit of the Indians, and gave the fol- lowing relation, to wit : that on Saturday last, about 4 o'clock in the afternoon, as some men from Tulpehocken were going to Dietrich Six's places, at the foot of the hill, on the Shamokin road, to be on the watch appointed there, they were fired upon by the Indians; but none were hurt nor killed. Our people were but six in number — the rest being behind — upon which our people ran towards the Watch-house, which was about one HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 55 half mile off; the Indians pursued them, killed and scalped several of them. A bold, stout Indian came up to one Chris- topher Ury, who turned about and shot the Indian right through his breast. The Indian dropped down dead, but was dragged out of the way by his companions — he was found next day, and scalped by our people. The Indians divided themselves into two parties. Some came this way, to meet the rest going to the Watch, and killed some of them ; so that six of our men were killed that day, and a few were wounded. The night following, the enemy at- tacked the house of Thomas Bower, on Swatara creek. They came, in the dark night, to the house, and one of them put his fire-arm through the window, and shot a shoemaker, who was at work, dead on the spot. The people being extremely sur- prised at this sudden attack, defended themselves by firing out of the windows, at the Indians. The fire alarmed a neighbor, who came with two or three men — they fired by the way and made a great noise, and scared the Indians away from Bower's house, after they had set fire to it; by Thomas Bower's dili- gent exertions the fire was timely .extinguished. Thomas Bower, with his family, left the house that night, and went to his neighbor's, David Sneider, who had come to assist him. By eight of the clock, parties came up from Tulpehocken and Heidelberg. The first party saw four Indians running off. They had some prisoners, whom they scalped immediately. Three children lay scalped, yet alive ; one died since ; the other two are likely to do well. Another party found a woman just expired, with a male child lying at her side — both killed and scalped. The woman lay upon her face ; my son Frederick turned her about to see who she might have been — to his, and his companions surprise, they found a babe of about fourteen days old, under her, wrapt in a small cushion; his nose was quite flat, which was set right by Frederick, and life was yet in it, and recovered again ! Our people came up wnth two parties of Indians that day, but they hardly got sight of them. The Indians ran off imme- diately. Either our people did not care to fight them if they could avoid it, or, which is more hkely, the Indians were alarmed first by the loud noise of our peoples coming, because no order was observed. Upon the whole there are about fifteen of our people, in- cluding men, women, and children killed ; and the enemy is not 56 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIEiS. beaten, but scared off. Several houses and barns were burned. I have no true account how many. We are in a dismal situation — some of the murders were committed in Tulpehocken township. The people abandon their plantations to within six or seven miles from my house. I am now busy to put things in order, to defend my house against another attack. Guns and ammunition are much wanted here: my sons have been obliged to part with most of that which was sent up for the use of the Indians. I pray your Honor, will be pleased, if it is in your power to send us up a quantity, upon any condi- tions. I must stand my ground, or my neighbors will all go away, and leave their habitations to be destroyed by the enemy, or our own people. This is enough of such melancholy ac- counts for this time. I beg leave to conclude, That I am, Sir, your Very obedient, Conrad Weiser. P. S. I am creditably informed just now, that one Wolf, a single man, killed an ln([ian, at the same time when Ury killed the other ; but the body has not been found as yet. The poor young man since died of his w^ound in the abdomen.* The savages now fully bent upon fell destruction, continued their excursions, and wherever they went, the whites fell vic- tims to their relentless cruelty. "We hear from Reading, in Berks county, that on Sunday last, about nine o'clock at night, the guard belonging to that county, about seventeen miles from that town, were attacked by some Indians, with whom they exchanged several fires, and put them to flight ; that none of the guard were wounded ; though one of them had the skirt of his jacket shot away, and that they supposed some of the Indians were badly burnt, as they heard a crying among them as they ran off; but that the guard having spent their ammunition, could not pursue them."t The Indians extended their excursions into Northampton, when, on the 2oth November, 1755, they destroyed a fine settlement of Moravians, called Gnaden-huetten, on the west branch of the river Delaware, killed six of the inmates, burnt down their dwellings, meeting houses, and all their out-houses, * Provincial Records, N. p. 342. f Pennsylvania Gazette, Dec. 18, 1755. HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 57 their grain, hay, horses, and upwards of fifty head of cattle that were under cover.* The Secretary in his narrative, continues — "During Decem- ber, 1755, the Indians having been destroying all before thera in the county of Northampton, and have already burnt fifty houses here, murdered above one hundred persons, and are still continuing their ravages, murders, and devastations, and have actually overrun and laid waste a great part of that county, even as far as within twenty-five miles of Easton, is chief town. And a large body of Indians under the direction of French officers, have fixed their head quarters within the bor- ders of that county, for the better security of their prisoners and plunders." "This," continues he, "is a brief account of the progress of these savages, since the 18th of October, on which day was committed the first inroad, ever made, by Indians, upon this Province, since its first settlement; and in consequence of all our frontier country which extends from the river Potomack to the river Delaware, not less than one hundred and fifty miles in length, and between twenty and thirty in breadth, but not fully settled, has been descried, the houses and improvements re- duced to ashes, the cattle, horses, grain, goods and effects of the inhabitants, either destroyed, burnt or carried off by the In- dians — whilst the poor planters, (farmers) with their wives, children, and servants, who could get away, being without arms, or any kind of defence, have been obliged, in this season of the year, to abandon their habitations, naked and without support, and thrown themselves upon the charity of the other inhabitants within the interior parts of the province, upon whom they are a very heavy burthen. " Such shocking descriptions are given, by those who have escaped, of the horrid cruelties, and indecencies committed by the merciless savages, on the bodies of those unhappy wretches^ who fell into their hands, especially the women, without regard to sex or age as far exceeds those related of the most abandoned pirates! Which has occasioned a general consternation, and has struck so great a panic and damp upon the spirits of the people, that hitherto, they have not been able to make any con- siderable resistance, or stand against the Indians."^ •Pennsylvania Gazette, Dec. 18, 1755. f Provincial Records, N. p. 342, 58 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. Ji Letter from Valentine Probst to Jacob Levan, Esq., of Maxatany. Feljruary 15, 1756. Mr. Levan: I cannot omit writing about the dreadful circumstances of our township, Albany. The Indians came yesterday morning, about eight o'clock, to Frederick Reichelderfer's house, as he was feeding his horses, and two of the Indians ran upon him, and followed him into a field ten or twelve perches off; but he escaped and ran towards Jacob Gerhart's house, with a design to fetch some arms. When he came near Gerhart's, he heard a lamentable cry. Lord Jesus! Lord Jesus! — which made him run back toward his own house; but before he got quite home, he saw" his house and stables in flames; and heard the cattle bellowing, and thereupon ran away again. Tvv o of his children were shot ; one of them was found dead in his field, the other was found alive, and brought to Haken- brook's house, but died three hours after. All his grain and cattle are burnt up. At Jacob Gerhart's they have killed one man, two women, and six children. Two children slipped under the bed; one of which was burned; the other escaped, and ran a mile to get to the people. We desire help, or we must leave our homes. Yours, Valentine Probst. Mr. Levan immediately repaired to Albany township, but before he reached the scene of horror, additional intelligence was received by him, of other murders. In a letter from him to James Read and Jonas Seely, of Reading, he says: "When I had got ready to go with my neighbors from Maxatany, to see what damage was done in Albany, three men, that had seen the shocking affair, came and told me, that eleven were killed, eight of them burnt, and the other three found dead out of the fire. An old man was scalped, the two others, little girls, were not scalped." From the above, as w^ell as from the following, it will be seen that the Indians were marauding in various parts of Berks, and the upper part of Lancaster, now Lebanon county, in the spring and summer of 1756. HISTORY OP BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 59 In March, 1756, the Indians laid the house and barn of Barnabas Seitle in ashes, and the mill of Peter Conrad, and killed Mrs. Neytong, the wife of Baltser Neytong, and took his son, a lad of eight years old, captive. Next morning Sei- tie's servant informed Capt. Morgan of the injury done by the Indians, whereupon the Captain and seven men went in pursuit of the enemy, but did not find any. On his return, he met a per- son named David Howell, who told him that when on his way to the watch-house, these Indians shot five times at him — the last shot he received a bullet through his arm. pAnd on the 2-4th of March, the house of Peter Kluck, about fourteen miles from Reading, was set on fire by the savages, and the whole family killed — while the flames was still ascend- ing, the Indians assaulted the house of one Linderman, in which there were two men and a woman, all of whom ran up stairs, where the woman was shot dead throucjh the roof. The men then ran out of the house to engrajre the Indians, when Linder- man was shot in the neck, and the other through the jacket. Upon this Linderman ran towards the Indians, two of whom only were seen, and shot one of them in the back, when he fled and he and his companion scalped him and brought away his gun and knife.* About two weeks before the assault upon the house of Kluck, the Indians had committed depredations in another part of the country. In a copy of a letter, dated March 8, 17-56, from Hanover township, Lancaster county, now within the limits of Lebanon county, it is said, that the morning, before (March 8,) Andrew Lycan, who lived over the mountain, was attacked by the Indians. He had with him a son, John Lycan, a negro man, and a boy and two of his neighbors, John Revolt and Ludwig Shut. That Andrew Lycan and John Revolt went out early that morning to fodder their creatures, when two guns were fired at them, but did not hurt them: upon which they ran into the house and prepared themselves for an engagement. That then the Indians got under cover of a hog- house near the dwelling house, John Lycan, Revolt, and Shut, crept out of the house, in order to get a shot at them; but were fired at by the Indians, and all wounded, and Shut in the abd )in3n. That Andrew Lycan saw one of the Indians over the iioghouse, and got a httle distance from it ; and also saw two w'lite men run out of the hoghouse and get a little distance * C. Sauer's German Paper, March, 1756. <50 HISTORY Of BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. from it. That upon this, our people endeavored to escape ; but were pursued by the Indians to the number of sixteen or upwards, and John Lycan and Revolt being badly wounded, were able to do nothing, and so went off with the negro, and left Andrew Lycan, Shut and the boy^ engaged with the In- dians. That the enemy pursued so closely, that one of them came up to the boy and was going to strike his tomahawk into him, when Shut turned and shot him dead, and Lycan shot an- other, and he is positive that he killed him — saw a third fall, and thinks they wounded some more of them. That they being now both ill wounded, and almost spent, they sat down on a log to rest themselves, and the Indians stood a little way off looking at them. That one of the said Indians killed was Bill Davis, and two others they knew to be Tom Hickman and Tom Hayes, all Delawares, and well known in these parts. That all our men got into Hanover township, and under the care of a doctor, and are likely to do well; but have lost all they are worth. And that the people of that township were raising a nmnber of men to go after the enemy. The above people lived twenty-five miles below Shamokin, at or near Wiskinisco creek.* In another from Hereford township, Berks county, dated March 28, 1756, it is dated. That on the 22d of that month, one John Kraushar, and his wife, and William Yeth, and his boy, about twelve years old, went to their places to find their cattle, and on their return, were fired upon by five Indians, who had hid themselves about ten perches from the road, when Yeth was mortally wounded in the back; Kraushar's wife was found dead and scalped, and had three cuts in her right arm with a tomahawk. Kraushar made his escape, and the boy was carried off by the enemy. That on the 24th March, ten wagons went up to jUlemaengelf to bring down a family with their effects; and as they were returning, about three miles below George Zeisloff 's, were fired upon by a number of In- dians from both sides of the road ; upon which the wagoners left their wagons and ran into the woods, and the horses fright- ened at the firing and terrible yelling of the Indians, ran down a hill and broke one of the wagons to pieces. That the enemy killed George Zeisloff and his wife, a lad of twenty, a boy of twelve, also a girl of fourteen years old, four of whom they "Pennsylvania Gazette, March 18, 1756. f Albany township. HISTORY OP BERKS ANt> LEBANON COUNTIES. 61 '«calped. That -another girl was shot in the neck, and through the mouth, and scalped, notwithstanding all which she got off, and was alive, when the letter was written. That a boy was stabbed in three places, but the wounds "were not thought to be mortal. That they killed two of the horses, and five are missing, with which it is thought the In- dians carried off the most valuable of the goods that were in the wagon.* At the same time, the Indians carried off a young lad, named John Schoep, about nine years old, whom they took by night, seven miles beyond the blue mountain; where, according to the statement of the lad, the Indians kindled a fire, tied him to a tree, and took off his shoes and put moccasins on his feet — that they prepared themselves some mush, but gave him none. After supper they marched on further. The same Indians took him and another lad between them, and went be3'-ond the second mountain; having gone six times through streams of water, and always carried him across. The second evening they again struck up fire ; took off his moccasins, and gave him a blanket to cover himself; but at raicJnight when all the Indians were fast asleep, he made his escape, and by daybreak had travelled about six miles. He passed on that day, sometimes wading streams neck-deep, in the direction of the blue moun- tain — that night he stayed in the woods. The next day, ex- hausted and hungry, he arrived, by noon, at Uly Meyer's plan- tation, where Charles Folk's company lay, where they wished him to remain till he had regained strength, w^hen they would have conducted bun to his father. He was accordingly sent home.f In June, 1756, the Indians once more commit deliberate murder, in Bethel township, Lancaster county, (now Lebanon.) A letter dated Bethel township, June 9^ makes mention that, yesterday, the 8th inst., in the afternoon, between three and four o'clock, four or five Indians made an incursion, at a place called "The Hole," where the Great Swatara creek runs through the blue mountain — they crept up unobserved behind the fence of Felix Wuensch, shot him, as he was ploughing, through the breast. He cried lamentably, and run, but the Indians soon came up with him. He defended himself some- * Pennsylvania GazeUe, April 1, 1756. f C. Sauer's German Paper, March, 1756. 6 62 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. time with his whip; they cut his hand and breast in a cruel manner with their tomahawks, and scalped him. His wife hearing his cries, and the report of two guns, ran out of the house, but was soon taken by the enemy, who carried her with one of her own and two of her sister's children, away with them, after setting the house on fire. A servant boy who was at some distance, seeing this, ran to their neighbor, George Mies, and told him what had happened. Upon which Mies, though he had a bad leg, with his son, ran directly after the In- dians, and raised a great noise, which so frightened the Indians, that they immediately took to their heels, and in their flight left a tub of butter, and a side of bacon behind them. Mies then went to the house, which was in flames, and threw down the fences, in order to save the barn. They drank all the brandy in the spring house, and took several gammons, a quantity of meal, some loaves of bread, and a great many other things, with them. Had Mr. Mies not been so courageous, they probably would have attacked another house. They shot one of the horses in the plough, and dropped a large French knife.* From additional intelligence it appears, that immediately on the above murder being perpetrated, twenty families went into Smith's Fort — " which was bat one mile and a quarter from where Wuensch lived," and that still more were expected to go into the fort — and immediately a party was sent out after the enemy, but to no purpose.! The Editor of the Gazette, of June 24, says: We have ad- vice from Fort Henry, in Berks county, (Bethel township,) that two children of one Lawrence Dieppel, who lives about two miles from said fort, are missing, and thought to be carried off by the Indians, as one of their hats has been found, and several Indian tracks seen. In relation to this statement, the Editor says, in the first of July No. — We learn that one of Lawrence Dieppel's children, mentioned in our last to be carried off, has been found cruelly murdered and scalped, a boy about four years old, and that the other, also a boy, eight years old, was still missing. Another onslaught upon the inhabitants of Swatara township was ma le by the Indians, in the latter part of June, 1756. July 1, 1756.| We have advice that on Saturday last, nine • Pennsylvania Gazette, June, 1755. t Ibid., June 17, 1776. % Ibid. HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 63 Indians came to " The Hole,^^ in Swatara, and killed and scalped four persons and shot two horses, and that a party of men went in pursuit of them, but to no purpose. In the early part of October, incursions were again made into Hanover township, about three miles west of The Hole. The following lelter from Adam Reed, Esq. to Edward Shippen, Esq. and others, dated Hanover township, Oct. 14, 1756, de- tails the shocking circimistances : " Friends and Fellow Subjects : I send you in a few lines, the melancholy condition of the frontiers of this county. Last Tuesday, the 12th inst., ten Indians came on Noah Frederick, while ploughing, killed and scalped him, and carried away three of his children that were with him — the eldest but nine years old — and plundered his house and car- ried away every thing that suited their purpose; such as clothes, bread, butter, a saddle, and a good rifle gun, &c. — it being but two short miles from Captain Smith's fort, at Swa- tara gap, and a little better than two miles from my house. Last Sctturday evening, an Indian came to the house of Phi- lip Robeson, carrying a green bush before him- said Robeson's son being on the corner of his Fort, watching others that were dressing, flash by him — the Indian perceiving that he was ob- served, fled ; the w^atchman fired, but missed him. This being about three-fourths of a mile from Manady Fort ; and yester- day morning, two miles from Smith's Fort, at Swatara, in Bethel township, as Jacob Farnwal was going from the house of Jacob Meylen to his own, was fired upon by two Indians, and wounded, but escaped with his life; and a httle after, in said township, as Frederick Henly and Peter Sample were car- rying away their goods in wagons, were met by a parcel of Indians, and all killed, lying dead in one place, and one man at a little distance. But what more has been done, has not come to my ears — only that the Indians were continuing their- murders !| The frontiers are employed in nothing but carrying off their effects; so that some miles are now waste! We are willing, but not able, without help — you are able, if you be willing, (that is including the lower parts of the county) to give such assist- ance as will enable us to recover our waste land. You may depend upon it, that without assistance, we, in a few days,. 64 HISTORY OF BERKS AJiD LEBANON COUNTIES. will be on the wrong side of you; for I am now on the frontier, and I fear that by to-morrow night, I will be left some miles. Gentlemen, consider what you will do, and donH he long about it; and let not the world say, that we died as fools died ! Our hands are not tied, but let us exert ourselves, and do some- thing for the honor of our country, and the preservation of our fellow subjects. I hope you will communicate our grievances to the lower parts of our country ; for surely they will send us help, if they understood our grievances. I would have gone down myself, but dare not, my family is in such danger. I expect an answer by the bearer, if pos- sible.* I am, gentlemen, Your very humble servant, Adam Reed. P. S. Before sending this away, I would mention, I have just received information, that there are seven killed and five children scalped alive, but have not the account of their names. In the month of January, 1844, the writer called on Mr. Martin Meyliu, graudsun of Jacob Meylin, mentioned in Mr. Reed's letter, who stated, he heard it from his father and others, that one Mr. Spitler, son-in-law to Jacob Meylin, was shot dead on the spot while fixing up a pair of bars, and that Mrs. Spitler escaped by taking . refuge in the watch-house at her father's, about two miles from Stumptown. And that at the same time several men, were riding towards Williamsburg, (Jonestown,) were fired upon by the Indians, and two of them were killed. The reader will pardon a digression, to give place to the fol- lowing communication, from Jacob Weidle, Esq., with whom the writer spent a night at his residence, January 27, 1844, in Union township, Lebanon county. Union Forge, February 13, 1844. Dear Sir — The following facts I obtained from Mr. Daniel Musser, who is nearly seventy. He suggests that there maj probably be an error to locate Fort Smith, where Union Forge is. Mr. Musser's maternal grandfather, Peter Heydrich, who •Provincial Records, P., p. 69. HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 6^ emigrated from Germany and located, previous to 1738, about three-fourths of a mile due north from this place, it appears, owned the place on which Fort Smith was erected. My infor- mant says, he knows that a fort had been erected on his grandfather's farm, to which, in great emergencies, the neigh- bors fled for safety. The persons whom Mr. Musser remembers of having heard of, that resided in this township, as old settlers, were Mr. Noacre or Noecker, who was shot dead in his field while ploughing, on the farm now owned by John Zehring. He says that one Phihp Maurer was shot dead while cradling oats on the farm now occupied by John Gross. Martin Hess, who es- caped unhurt, his house also had been a place of refuge — often half a dozen of families would resort to Hess's house, which was about one mile south-west from Peter Heydrich's, and a. half a mile west from this place. Mathias Boeshore (your mother's relative) was also an old settler, who, on one occa- sion retreated from the enemy, the Indians, towards Hess's. Just as he had got inside the house, seized his gun, and turned upon his pursuers, levelling his deadly weapon at them, and while in the act of drawing the trigger, he received a shot from an Indian, which wounded him but slightly. The bullet of one savage's gun struck that part of Boeshore's rifle, to which the flint is attached; the ball glancing a Httle to one side, wounded him in the left side. Boeshore lived to be a very old man. The land on which this fort was erected, is now owned by widow Elizabeth Shucy. The old people are unanimous in lo- cating the fort on Mrs. Shucy 's farm, at that time the pro- perty of Peter Heydrich. None of them seems to know that the house on Mr, Weidman's place here was ever used as a fort. May it not, hke the house of Mr. Hess, have been only a kind of blockhouse; as the house of Hess, as well as the one hei-e, has also some apertures, or port holes, which were evi- dently used to fire out upon the enemy? Of Peter Heydrick, it is related, that on certain occasions,, the Indians appeared in great numbers — and nearly all the neighbors being in their own houses — Heydrich gave immediate- notice to the people to resort to the fort, and in the mean time,, (having both fife and drum in the fort, and could beat and fife 6* 66 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. well) took the drum and fife, marched himself into the woods or thickets, now beating the drum, then blowing the fife; then and again gave the word of command, loud and dis- tinct, as if it had been given to a large force — though he was the only one to obey orders-^-by this Guerre de ruse, slight of war, he managed to keep the savages away, and collect his neighbors securely, jyoth hricht J^isen. Yours, Jacob Weidle. Some time in the latter part of October, the Indians again returned into Hanover township, where they murdered, under circumstances of much cruelty, several families, among whom was one Andrew Berryhill. On the 22d October, they killed John Craig and his wifo,_ scalped them both, burnt several houses, and carried off a lad, about thirteen years old. The next day they scalped a German, whose name has not been given.* Many of the settlers had fled, and not a few were killed. The writer has examined the tax collector's duplicate of seve- ral townships, for 1756, and found, from entries made in these, by the collectors, that in East Hanover, Lancaster county, now principally,, if not wholly, within the limits of Lebanon county, the following had fled. Andrew Karsnits, John Gilliland, John McColloch, Walter McFarland, Robert Kirkwood, William Robison, Valentine Stoffelbeim, Andrew Cleaman, Rudolph Fry, Peter Walmer, John McCulloch, James Rafter, Moses Vance, John Brower, Frederick Noah, Jacob Moser, Philip Mauerer, Barnhart Be- shore, Jacob Beshore, Matthias Beshore, William McCullough, Philip Calp, Casper Yost, Conrad Cleck, Christian Albert, Daniel Moser, John McClure, John Anderson, Thomas Shirley, James Graham, Barnett McNett, Andrew Brown, Wm. Brown, Andrew McMahon, Thomas Hume, Thomas Strean, John Hume, Peter Wolf,- Henry Kuntz, William Watson, John Stu- art, John Porterfield, David Strean, John Strean, Andrew McCrath, James McCurry, Conrad Rice, Alexander Swan, John Grean. Andrew Berrihill, (killed,) Samuel Ainsworth's son, (was * Pennsylvaaia Gazette, November 4, 1756. HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 67 taken,) John Krea^, (killed and boy taken captive.*) The whole tax list contains some names less than one hundred.. The enemy, in the month of November, made great havoc, in various parts of Berks. We have, says the Editor of the Pennsylvania Gazette, advices from Fort Lebanon, in Berks county, that on the 3d inst., (November, 1756,) a fire was seen about seven miles from said fort, supposed to be at the house of John Finsher; upon which a party was despatched, who on coming to the place, found Finsher's house, barn, out-houses,. and a considerable quantity of corn, on fire; but saw no In- dians, nor any body that belonged to the house. They discovered a great many tracks, which they followed till they came to the house of Philip Culmone, wdiose wife, daughter, and one Martin Fell, his son-in-law, were all killed and scalped; and Fell's wife, with a child, about a year old, and a boy about seven years old, were missing. That they then sent notice to the fort of what had happened ; when the captain with some men went out, but could not find the enemy ; however, they carried all their neighbors, women, and children, into the fort, to the number of about sixty. We hear also from the fort, near North Kill, (creek,) in the same county, that a child was carried off by a number of In- dians the same day. That Lieut. Humphreys, with a party, went out in pursuit of them, and next morning came up with them, at Nicholas Long's, whose house they had set on fire, had killed two old men,t one of whom was scalped ; and they would have destroyed ten women and children, that had got into the cellar. That they then engaged the Indians — twenty in number — put them to flight; two of w^hom it was thought were badly wounded. They extinguished the fire at Long's, and got the women and children, and carried them to the fort. Lieut. Hum- phreys had one man wounded, and his own coat was shot through in four places. They brought off a gun and a blanket. The Indians had all red hats and red blankets. | On the sixth of the same month, the wife and three children of John Adam Burns, of Alleraaengel (Albany) township, were * See tax daplicate for 1756, Isaac Sharp, collector, in the commis- , sioner's ofBce, Lancaster. — Compiler. ■j- Old Mr. Zeuchmacher & Bernhart Motz. — Sauer^s Journal. i Pennsylvan>ia Gazette, November 12, 1756. 68 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. carried off by the Indians. The youngest child was only four weeks old.* Letter from Col. Conrad Weiser, to Gov. Denny. Heidelberg, in the County of Berks, ) JVoveinher 19, 1756. \ Honored Sir — Last night about ten o'clock, I received the melancholy news, that the enemy Indians had again made an incursion in Berks county, killed and scalped two married women, and a lad four- teen years of age, wounded two children of about four years of ao-e, and carried off two more — one of the wounded is scalped and is likely to die, and the other has two cuts on her forehead, given by an Indian, who attempted to scalp her, but did not succeed. There were eight men, of I'ort Henry, posted in different neighbor's houses, about one mile and a half off, when they heard the noise of the guns firing, made immediately towards it, but came too late. The people are moving away, leaving their barns full of grain behind them, and there is a lamentable cry among them. it is, with submission, a very hard case, that so many men are taken away to protect Shamokin, (all wilderness,) and the in- habited parts to be without protection. I have ordered eigh- teen men out of the town of Reading, to re-inforce Fort Henry immediately, of which I hope your honor will approve. Captain Busse will have reached Fort Augusta last Sunday evening, according to what he wrote me, in his last letter, from Fort Hunter, dated loth inst. He complains bitterly of the poor condition the detachment is in, for want of clothes. I entreat your honor, that as soon as the companies of the First Battalion receive their pay, (so that they can furnish them- selves with necessaries against the winter,) Captain Busse, and the detachment under him, may be relieved before the win- ter sets in. I am very sorry that I cannot attend in Philadelphia, at this time. I have now an intermittent fever upon me; thought it, therefore, necessary, to send my son Samuel, in order to serve ■ * C. Sauer's German Paper, November, 1756, HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 69 your honor, as an interpreter, at New Castle, or any other cf the Six Nations.* I am, honored sir, Your very obedient, Conrad Weiser. We have heard that a woman has been missed from Heidel- berg township, Berks county, for three weeks past, supposed, to be carried off by the enemy .f Extract of a letter, dated Reading, December 23, 1756. We have an account from Fort Babel, that on Friday last, a boy was killed and scalped ; and another who had the small pox, was dangerously wounded by the Indians, within a mile and a half of said fort. Lieut. Humphreys went out, but could find nothing of the enemy. The wounded lad says, he saw but two Indians, one was painted black, the other red ; they cut him badly, but would not scalp him for fear of the infec- tion, as is supposed 4 From Reading, Berks county, there is advice that a man was lately killed by the Indians. A letter from Fort Leba- non states, that sixteen Indians were seen near that place.§ In a letter from Hanover, Lancaster county, dated May 2d, 17-57, it is said that on the night of the 29th ult., the house of Isaac Snevely was set on fire, and entirely consumed, with eigh- teen horses and cows.|| Since our last, we hear from Lancaster, that on the 17th May, five men, and a woman, enciente, were killed and scalped by the Indians, about thirty miles from Lancaster, and that the bodies of the men and the women, had been brought down there by some in the neighborhood where the murders were committed. We are likewise informed that an express arrived in Lancaster, on Saturday last, with an account of seven people being killed in one house, the night before. And there are let- ters in town, which advice of more murders being committed ; the number uncertain, but is thought there are above twenty * Provincial Records, P., p. 69, t Pennsylvania Gazette, Dec. 9, 1756. i Ibid, January, 1757. § Ibid, May 5, 1757. S Ibid, May 19, 1757v 70 HISTORY OP BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. destroyed, besides what may be carried off; and that the fron- tier inhabitants are in great distress, and moving from their plantations as fast as they can. The number of the Indians that have done, and are doing the mischief, not known. These late murders have been done in Bethel, Hanover, and Paxton townships.* Extract of a letter, dated Reading, June 25, 1757. Last night, Jacob Levan, Esq., of Maxatany, came to see me, and show^ed me a letter of the 22d inst., from Lieutenant Engle, dated in Allemangel, by which he advised Mr. Levan of the murder of one Adam Trump, in Allemangel, by Indians, that evening, and that they had taken Trump's wife and his son, a lad nineteen years old, prisoners; but ths w^oman es- caped, though upon her flying, she was so closely pursued by one of the Indians, (of w^hich there were seven,) that he threw his tomahawk at her, and cut her badly in the neck, but 'tis hoped not dangerously. This murder happened in as great a thunderstorm as has happened for twenty years past; which extended itself over a great part of this and Northampton coun- ties — for I found much mischief done, as I came from Easton, Northampton county, to this town, the length of fifty-two miles — the day before yesterday, and which I hear has broken down the dams of seven forges, and six grist mills, on Maxatany creek, chiefly in this county ; the rest in Philadelphia county. Mr. Levan told me that at the same time that the Indians did the mischief in Allemangel, another party killed and scalped a man near Fort Henry, in this count}^, and the next day car- ried off a young woman from the same neighborhood. I am told too — though I cannot tell what credit is to be given to it — that two persons were killed and scalped near the fort at Norfhkill, in this county, Wednesday evening last, at the time of the thunderstorm. I had almost forgot to mention (but I am so hurried just now, 'tis no wonder,) that the Indians, after scalping Adam Trump, left a knife, and a halbert, or a spear, fixed to a pole of four feet, in his body. James Read. i„ * Pennsylvania Gazette, May 26, 1757. •f John S. Richards, Esq., of Reading, politely furnished a transcript of this from anaong original letters in his possession. — Comjjikr. HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 71 We hear from Berks county, from a letter, dated at Tulpe- hocken, July 4, 1754, that the Indians are murdering, about six miles from my house,* says the writer — three women and four children were murdered, and if we do not get assistance from the country, all the inhabitants of Tulpehocken will move away.f The Rev. John Nicholas Kurtz, pastor of the Lutheran con- gregation, at Tulpehocken, Lebanon county, in writing to Rev. Henry Mechir Muhlenberg, pastor of the Lutheran church, at New Providence, Montgomery county, under date of July 5, 1767, says: "Diesen Morgen, wurden sieben ermordete und gescalpte, nemlich drey Maenner und vier Kinder, zur Beerdigung auf unsern Kirchhof gebracht, so gestern bey Somnen Untergang, fuenf Meilen von hier von den Indianern umgebracht worden, und alle in einem House 11 Extract of a letter, dated Heidelberg, July 9, 1757. Yesterday, about three of the clock, in the afternoon, be- tween Valentine Herchelroad's, and Tobias Bickell's, four In- dians killed two children ; one about four years, the other five ; they at the same time scalped a young woman of about sixteen; but, with proper care, she is likely to live and do well. A woman was terribly cut with the tomahawk, but not scalped — her life is despaired of. Three children were carried off prisoners. One Christian Schrenk's wife, being among the rest, bravely defended herself and children, for a while ; wrest- ing the gun out of the Indian's hands, who assaulted her, also his tomahawk, and threw them away; and afterwards was obUged to save her own life — two of her children were taken captives in the mean time. In this house were also twenty women and children, who had fled from their own habi- tations, to take shelter ; the men belonging to them were about one half mile off, picking cherries — they came as quick as pos- sible and went in pursuit of the Indians, but to no purpose, the Indians had concealed themselves. || * Pennsylvania Gazette, May 26, 1757. ■\ Reverend Kurtz. t Pennsylvania Gazette, July 4, 1757. § Hallische Nachricten, fuer 1757. I Pennsylvania Gazette, July, 1757, T4, HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES* We hear that in Bethel township, Lancaster county, (now Lebanon,) one man was murdered last Saturday, a second one wounded so badly that he died, and a third shot in the hand;* We hear, says C. Sauers, from Linn township, (now Green- wich,) Berks county, that, as Adam Klaus and his neighbors were reaping rye, July 9th, they were surprised by a party of Indians; two men, two women, and a young girl escaped. Martin Yaeger, (Hunter,) and his wife, were killed and scalped w John Kraushaar's wife and child, Abraham Seckler's wife and one of Adam Clauss's children were scalped, and are still living, though badly wounded ; one of the women is wounded in the side and the other in the hip. Two of Kraushaar's children were killed ; one of Seckler's and one of Philip Eschton's, but were not scalped. The alarm being raised, a party went in pursuit of them, and overtook nine, and fired upon them. But they soon eluded the pursuit of the whites. f Extract of a letter, dated Hanover, Lancaster (jiow Lebanon) county, \ August 11, 1757. ] ''' Last Thursday, John Andrew's wife, going to a neighbor's house, was surprised by six Indians, had her horse shot under her, and she and her child were carried off. On Saturday, in Bethel township, as John Winkleblech's two sons, and Joseph Fischbach, (a soldier in the pay of the Province,) went out about sunrise, to bring in the cows, they were fired upon by about fifteen Indians; the two lads were killed; one of them was scalped ; the other got into the house before he died, and the soldier was wounded in the h;ind. The same morning, about seven o'clock, two miles below Manaday gap, as Thomas McQuire's son was bringing in some cows out of a field, a little way from the house, he was pur- sued by two Indians, and narrowly escaped. The same day, in the middle of this township, four miles from the mountain, as Leonard Long's son was ploughing, was killed and scalped ; on the other side of the fence, Leonard Miller's son was plough- ing; he was made prisoner. John Graham, who fives near the gap of the Indian town iireek, had a steer killed, about sunrise, or before, and John • Pennsylvania Gazette, August 11, 1757. f C. Sauer's Journal, July, 1757. rflSTORY OF BERKS ANJO LfiBAJ^OIT COUKTIES. 73 Srown had two cows killed ; all except the first mischief done in one day; so that last Saturday there must have been, at least, four parties of Indians in this township. Having notice of this on Sunday morning, I set out with four men, and we ranged till after midnight. Monday morning 1 set out again, with forty men, intending to go over the moim- tain. We ranged the first day in the forest, and had intended to lie out on the mountain all night, but a heavy rain falling, we took to a house. On Tuesday morning we set out over the mountain to find tracks, if possible ; but we found not the least appearance of any, or Indians, over the moimtain, or in any of the waste houses; so we returned on Tuesday night. Monday, 8 th. Many tracks were seen among the inhabitants, and in the waste houses, where the Indians lodged. In one of the houses they left a scalping knife, and had killed and scalped a man. Wednesday, we intended to rest, but at about 12 o'clock had another alarm. Near Benjamin Clarke's house, four miles from the mill, two Indians surprised Isaac Williams' wife, and the widow Wil- liams, alias Smelley, killed and scalped the former, in sight of the house, she having run a little way, after three balls had been shot through her body ; the latter they carried away cap- tive. About the same time, as George Maurer was cutting oats in George SchefFer's field, he was killed and scalped, two miles; from the hill, so that it was not all done by one party. There is now such a severe sickness in these parts — the like has not been known — that many families can neither fight nor run away, which occasions great distress on the frontiers. Had it not been for forty men, which the province has in pay, in this township, little of the harvest could have been saved, and a^> the time for which they have been engaged is nearly elapsed ^ the inhabitants hope the govermnent will continue them in the service, else the consequences must be dreadful.* We hear from a gentleman that six persons Were taken awa) by the Indians from Lancaster county, 17th August.f Since our last, we learn from Lancaster, that there was no- thing but murdering and capturing among them by the Indiaas. That on the 17th August, one Beatly was killed in Paxton — that the next day, James Mackey was murdered in Hanover, * Pennsylvania Gazette, August, 1757. f Ibid. Aug. 11. 7 74 filSf ORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES* and William and Joseph Barnet wounded. That on the same day were taken prisoners, a son of James Mackey, a son of Joseph Barnet, Elizabeth Dickey and her child, and the wife of Samuel Young and her child ; and that ninety-four men, wo- men and children, were seen flying from their places, in one body, and a great many more in smaller parties, so that it was feared the settlements would be entirely forsaken. We hear from Berks county, that several Indians have lately been seen near Fort Lebanon ; and that on Sunday, the 21st August, the house and barn of Peter Semelcke were burnt, and three of his children carried off; himself, wife and one child, beings from home at the time. This was done within two miles of the fort.* Our accounts, in general, from the frontiers, are most dismal^ all agreeing that some of the inhabitants are killed or carried off; houses burnt and cattle destroyed daily — and that at the same time they are afflicted with severe sickness and die fast, so, that in many places, they are neither able to defend them- selves, when attacked, nor to run away.f We hear from Lebanon township, Lancaster (now Lebanon) county, that on last Friday, four children were carried off by the Indians. From Reading, Berks county, that on Thursday and Friday last, some people were murdered in Bern township, by the Indians, and others carried off. A letter from Hanover township, Lancaster county, dated October 1st, 1757, says that the children mentioned of having been carried off from Lebanon township, belonging to Peter Wampler, that they were going to the meadow for a load of hay; and that the Indians took from the house what they thought most valuable, and destroyed what they could not take away, to a considerable value; In the same letter it is said, that the frontiers are almost without inhabitants, and on that day, and on the day before, several creatures were killed by the enemy in Hanover town- ship, and that on Thursday before, four persons were killed in Berks county, and four made prisoners, near the Northkill, by a party of Indians, supposed to be about fifty. J On the 25th of November, Thomas Robinson, and a son of Thomas Bell, were killed and scalped by the Indians, in Hano- , * Pennsylvania Gazette, September 1, 1757. f Ibid, September 8. * Ibid, October 6 and 13. HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 75 ver township ; but that the Indians immediately went off after committing the murder.* The condition of the frontier settlers or inhabitants was truly- deplorable; not only were they surprised by the ferocious, blood-thirsty savages, but sickness rendered their unenviable condition still more dismal. They had not the means to en- gage forces or scouters to apprize them of the Indians' inva- sions, or prevent their incursions. In these deplorable circum- stances they had to appeal to a deaf government, and to the sympathies of their fellow citizens, for means. The following is given to show the nature of their appeal to their fellow brethren. It has been copied from a file of papers in the possession of the Hon. John Ritter, of Reading. It is from C. Sauer's German paper, printed at Germantown, in July, 1757. Die hintern Einwohner zu Dolpehocken bitten um eine Bey- steurer, dass sie mehr Wactenbezahlenkoennen zu ihre Sicher- heit, well die Festengen so weit aus einander liegen, und die Voelcker drinnen wenig Dienste thun. Wer willen ist etwas zu steuern, der kan es ablegen in Lancaster by Herrn Oterbein, und Herrn Gerock, Lut. Pred.; in New Hanover und Provi- dentz by Hr. Muehlenberg und Leydig; in Madetsche by Dr. Abraham Wagner; in Goschenhoppen by Mr., Michel Reyer; in Germantown by Christoph Sauer, sr.; und in Philadelphia bey Hr. Handschuh, und dabey schreiben, wie viel gegeben worden; und diese koennen es uebersenden an Col. Conrad Weiser, oder Peter Spycker, oder an Hr. Kurtz, wie es einem jeden beliebt. Diejenigen, welchi in Ruhe und Sicherheit ihre Erndte haben koennen schneiden und heinbringen,. haben Ursache Gott davor zudanken. Extract of a letter, dated Tulpehocken, April 8, 1758. I and Mr. Kern have just arrived at Mr, Jacob Sherman's,, where we have been informed that a woman was killed and scalped by the Indians last night, about three miles fVom here. We are now ready to pursue them. The persons killed, be- sides one taken captive, are two young men at Swatara — * Pennsylvania Gazette, Sept. 8, 1757. 76 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. brothers, by the name of Shetterly-:— one Michael Sauter, arjid William Hart, and a widow woman taken captive. At Tulpehocken, a, raan by the name of Lebenguth and his wife were killed and scalped. At Northkill, Nicholas Geiger's wife and two of his children were killed ; and also Michael Dit- zelar's wife was killed — these were all scalped. The Indians have divided themselves into small parties, and surprise the set- tlers unawares.* On Monday, the 22d of May, 1758, Barnabas Tolon was killed and scalped in Hanover township, Lancaster county. And we are well informed that one hundred and twenty-three persons have been murdered or carried off from that county, by the Indians, since the war commenced; and that three have been scalped and yet alive, f A letter from Fort Henry, in Berks county, dated June 17, 1758, mentions the wife of John Frantz, and three children, being carried off by the Indians ; and that the woman was murdered a little way from Frantz's house, she being weakly and not able to travel. Also, that the son of Jacob Suavely, a shoemaker, was killecj and scalped about the same time. From the tracks of the enemy, their number is supposed to be about twenty.J We have advice from Swatara township, Lancaster (now Lebanon) county, that on Tuesday, the 20th inst., a Dutch- man (German) was shot and scalped by the Indians ; and the next day one Samuel Robinson was shot, but got into a house — he soon after died. Extract of a letter, dated Fort Henry ^ Berks county, October 4, 1758. The first of October, the Indians burnt a house on Swatara^. killed one man, and three are missing. Two boys were found tied to a tree and were released. We are alarmed in the fort almost every night by a terrible barking of dogs ; there are cer- tainly some Indians about us.§ • C. Sauer's German Paper, April, 1758. f Pennsylvania Gazette, Jan. 1, 1756. J ^ ^ Ibid, Jan. 29. § Ibid, Oct.' 19, 1758. HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 77, Reading, Mv. 15, 1758. We learn that on the 13th inst., Jacob Mosser and Hans Adam Mosser, were killed by the Indians, in Bethel township, Lancaster county. There were some others in the company who made their escape, and being pursued by the enemy, got into the house, the door of which the Indians endeavored to force open, when one of them was shot down, by a white boy, upon which the others wrapped him in a blanket and went off.. 1763, Se'ptemher 9. — "A few of the Rangers who had en- camped in Berks county, were apprized of the approach of Indians by their outscouts ; the Indians advanced cautiously to take them by surprise; when near, with savage yells, they rushed forward, but the Rangers, springing on their feet, shot the three in front ; the rest fled into a thicket and escaped. The Indians were armed with guns, and provided with ammunition.. These Indians, it is supposed by some, had been on their way from the Moravian Indians, in Northampton county, to the big island. Runners were sent to the different parties of Rangers, with information, and others set out in pursuit of those who fled.* Letter from Jonas Seely, Esq., dated Reading, Sept 11, 1763. We are all in a state of alarm. Indians have destroyed dwellings, and murdered with savage barbarity their helpless inmates; even in the neighborhood of Reading. Where these Indians came from, and where going, we know not. These are dangerous times. Send us an armed force to aid our Rangers of Berks and Lancaster.! Jonas Seely. Another letter, dated Reading, September 17, 1763. It is a matter of wonder, that Indians living among us, for numbers of years, should suddenly become grum friends, or. * Pennsylvania Gazette, Oct. 19, 1758. t Laid before, the Assembly, Sept. 16, 1763. Votes of Assembly.. n* 78 HISTORY OF BERKS AND Ll^BANON C0UNTIE;S. most deadly enemies! Yet there is too much reason for sus- picion. The Rangers sent in word, that these savages must consist of fifty, who travel in companies from five to twenty, visiting Wyaslusing, Wichetunk, Nain, Big Island and Cones- togue, under the mark of friendly Indians. Our people have become almost infuriated to madness. These Indians were not even suspected of treachery, such had been the general confi- dence in their fidelity. The murders recently committed are of the most aggravating description. Would it not be proper to institute an inquiry into the cause of our present distress? We are in want offeree, and money; we require aid. The Senecas, there is much reason to believe, have been tampering with our Indians, Jonas Sebly. To the Hon. Gov- James Hamilton. In the early part of September, in the afternoon, eight well- armed Indians came to the house of John Fincher, a Quaker, residing north of the Blue mountain, in Berks county, about twenty-four miles from Reading, and within three-quarters of a mile of a party of six men of Captain Kern's company of Ran- fers, commanded by ensign Scheffer. At the approach of the ndians, John Fincher, his wife, two sons and daughter, im- mediately went to the door and asked them to enter in and eat ; expressed their hopes that they came as friends, and entreated them to spare their lives. The Indians were deaf to the en- treaties of Fincher. Both parents and two sons were delibe- lately murdered; their bodies were found or^ the spot. The daughter was missing after the departure of the Indians, and it •was supposed from the cries, that were heard by the neighbors, that she also was slain. A young lad, who hved with Fincher, made his escape, and notified ensign Scheffer, who instantly went in pursuit of these heartless, cold-blooded assassins. He pursued them to the house of one Millar, where he found four children murdered ; the Indians having carried two others with them. Millar and his wife being at work in the field, saved their fives by flight. Mr. ]\([illar himself, was pursued near one mile by an Indian, who fired- at him twice while in hot pursuit. Scheffer and his party continued their pursuit and overtook the savages, firing upon them. The l,ndians returned the fire, and a sharp, but HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 76^ short conflict ensued, — the enemy fled, leaving behind them. Millar's two children, and part of the plunder they had taken.. These barbarous Indians had scalped all the persons whom they had murdered, except an infant, about two weeks old, whose head they had dashed against the wall, where the brains with clotted blood on the wall was a witness of their cruelty. The consequence of this massacre was the desertion of all the settlements beyond the Blue mountain. ,. A few days after these atrocious murders, the house of Frantz Hubler, in Bern township, eighteen miles from Read- ing, was attacked by surprise — Hubler was wounded ; his wife and three of his children were carried off, and three other of his children scalped alive; two of these shortly afterwards died. "Murder and cruelty marked the path of these Indians. From the many acts of savage ferocity committed in Berks county, may be noticed that on the 10th of September, 1763, when five of these Iiidians entered the house of Philip MartloHf, at the base of the Blue mountain, murdered and scalped his wife, two sons and two daughters, burnt the house and barn, the stacks of hay and grain,, and destroyed every thing of any value. Martloff was absent from home, and one daughter es- caped at the time of the murder,, by running and secreting her- self in a thicket. The father and daughter were left in abject misery."* * See Votes of Assembly, vol. v. p 285. Oct. 21, 1765. CHAPTEE lY. THE SWEDES. Some descendants of this hardy race, of whom it is said, that when Penn arrived, "they had made great improvements — had houses fall of fine children; are still found in the lower parts of Eerks county, and others in Alsace. Among their descendants are those of the name of Jones, Kirlin, Umsted and others, whose names are mentioned in speaking of Douglass, Amity and Alsace townships. One hundred and fifty years ago, the Swedes were a very plain, remarkably strong, and exceedingly industrious people. As it may prove interesting to the reader, a brief sketch from the pen of an able writer is given, wdth some additional re- marks, concerning this interesting people. "Numbers of Swedes lived at Kensington and on Sunner's creek, before the arrival of Penn. They had grants of land from Alexander Henoyon, the governor of New York, as early as 1664 — that is the tlate of the deed to old Peter Cock, for Shackamaxon. On that creek, three-fourths of a mile from its mouth, now so diminished, they once built large sloops, and af- terwards a brig, at its mouth. The Swedes dwelt in numbers on Tinicum, calling the place New Gottenburg. At their church there, the first corpse ever buried was Catharine, dauo-hter of Andrew Hanson, October 24, 1646. To the church upon Tinicum Island, all the Swedes, settled along the Delaware, used to go in their canoes from long dis- tances. They did the same in visiting the primitive log church at Wiccoco, — almost all their conveyances were preferred by water. There was a stone upon Darby, to which they always w^ent by Avater, even w^hen the land route was often nearest. The old Swedish inhabitants were said to be very successful in raising chick turkies; as soon as hatched, they plunged them, into cold w^ater, and forced them to swallow a whole pepper corn,: — they then returned it to the mother, and it became as hardy as a hen's chick. When they found them drooping, their HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. SJ practice was to examine the rump feathers, and such two or three as were found filled with blood, were to be drawn out, and the chick would revive and thrive. "Kalm, the Swedish traveller, who was here among his countrymen, in 1748, has left notices as follows, concerning them: — The ancient Swedes used the sassafras for tea, and for a dye. From the persimmon tree they made beer and brandy. They called the mullen plant the Indian tobacco ;. they tied it round their arms and feet, as a cure, when they had the ague. They made their candles generally from the bayberry bushes: the root they used to cure tooth ache ; from the bush they also made an agreeable smelling soap. The magnolia tree they made use of for various medicinal purposes. " The houses of the first Swedish settlers were very indif- ferent; consisting of but one room; the door wa? so low as to require you to stoop. Instead of window panes of glass they had little holes, before which a sliding board was put, or, on other occasions, they had isinglass ; the cracks between logs were filled with clay ; the chimnies in a corner, were generally of gray sandstone; or for want of it, sometimes mere clay ; the ovens were in the same room. They had separate stables for the cattle; but after the English came and set the example, they left their cattle to suffer in the open winter air. The Swedes wore vests and breeches of skin; hats were not used, but little caps with flaps before them. They made their own leather and shoes, with soles like moccasins, of the same ma- teriel as the tops. The women, too, wore jackets and petti- coats of skins; their beds, excepting the sheets, were of skins of bears, wolves, &c. Hemp, they had none; but they used flax, for ropes and fisliing tackle. This rude state of living was, however, in the country places principally, and before the English came. " The Swedes seemed to have retained for a long time a hereditary attachment to, the skin garments; for within the me- mory of some of their oldest, still living, some are remembered who were seen wearing calf-skin vests and jackets, and buck- skin breeches. " Many Swedes settled along the western side of the Schuyl-^. kill. Matthias Holstein, a primitive settler in Upper Merion, took up one thousand; acres there. Mauntz Rambo, an aged 3wede, alive abou,t sixty-five years ago, born near Swedes. 8S HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. Ford, was a celebrated hunter in his day ; he killed numerous deer in his neighborhood in his time — once he shot a panther which he found attempting to attack his dog. He remembered many still among them, in his younger days. "My friend," says Watson, "Major M. Holstein, fond of his S\vedish descent, tells me, that when he first went to the Swedes' church, in Merion, as a boy, all the men and women came there on horseback, and all the women wore 'safe-^guard petticoats,' which they took off' and hung along the fence " His grandmother, born at Malothan, four miles from Potts- grove, remembered the Indians once about them, and that she, herself, when young, had been carried some distance on a squaw's back. They then did all their travelling by canoes, on the Schuylkill. When married, she and her wedding friends came down to Swedes Ford, in their canoes. In the same man- ner they always made their visits to Philadelphia." A settlement was commenced by the Swedes, at Moletton, prior to 1700. At Douglasville, there is still standing a sub- stantially built house, erected nearly one hundred and thirty years ago, by a Mr. Johns or Jones. The orthography of Swedish names, has been so much changed since their first im- migration, that descendants from the same family can scarcely be recognized. Jonasson, has been changed into Johnson; Johns, now Jones; Hailing, into Hulings or Hewlings; Von Culen, into Culen; Mats, into Matthias; Bengt, into Bene- dict; Olave, into William; Kohnig, into King; Longaker, into Longenecker ; Jocom, into Yocum ; Omstadt, into Ulmstead or Umsted ; Gostasson, into Justis. The Sv/edish language is very little spoken among their de- scendants. A specimen of it is given below, being the Lord's Prayer in that language. Fader waer som aest i Himmelen. Helgat warde titt Nampn. Tillkom.me titt Ricke. Skee tin Wilie sae pae Jordenne som i Himmelen Waert, dagliga Broed gifF ofs i dagh. Och foerlaet OSS waera skulder sae som ock wi foerloeten them oss skyldige aero. Och in leed oss icke i frestelse. Ut an frals oss i frae ondo, Tu Ruket aer titt, och Machten och Haerligheten i Ewigheet. Amen.* • Copied from the Stockholm Edition of 1674. CHAPTER V. FRENCH PROTESTANT, OR HUGUEKOTS. A small body of these persecuted persons, settled at a com* ^aratively early period, in Ole}^, Alsace, and other townships of Berks county. It is supposed by some that they were terraetl Huguenots, by way of reproach. Before giving an account of those who settled in Berks county, a few remarks will be sub- mitted as to the name by which the French Protestants are now generally known. Many and various are the sources to which the learned havfe traced the etymology of " Huguenot.^'' Some have asserted that the term was originally applied to the members of the Reformed, by the dignitaries of the Catholic Church, as one of reproach. To sustain this position, it is ar- gued that when the new doctrine was first preached in France, a number of the inhabitants of the city of Tours — which after- wards, and next to the city of Rochelle, ranked as the strong- est hold of the Reformed party — embraced the same. Unlike the Catholics, their worship was conducted in the evening as well as in the day. Cultivating a spirit of genuine piety^ they met after night in each others houses, for social prayer. In this, they imitated the example of primitive Christians, and like them, they became the subjects of a persecution almost as re- lentless. Going from house to house as the place of meeting might chance to be, after the labors of the day were over, to attend to this pious duty, and returning therefrom at a later hour, their enemies, the papists, endeavored to prevent the ex- tension of their doctrines, by reporting at first that they were engaged in some foul conspiracy against the government, and afterwards against the people. Failing in their attempts to af- fect them in this way, and finding that the fallow ground was being broken up daily, with the promise of a rich return, and that the seed of the true faith which was sown in confidence, was germinating and yielding an abundant harvest, despite their efforts, to the contrary, they next changed their mode of war- fare, and endeavored to effect their object by bringing them into ridicule and contempt. For this purpose, they seized upon ^4 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. the fact of their meeting after night, and connected with it a story, then current, concerning the city of Tours. One of the gates of the city, it seems, Was called Hugo, and according to a popular tradition from Hugo, comte Tours, who it seems, ac- cording to the same tradition, was eminent in life tonly for his mmes, oppression and cruelty. After his death — so runs the the story — his spirit, incapable of repose, haunted immediately ^fler nightfall, the scene, which was the neighborhood of the gate in question, of its cruelty and crimes, when embodied in the flesh. Many and strange pranks Were played, and many a hapless wight was bruised and beaten by this pugnacious spirit, all of which added to horrible sounds and unearthly rioi'ses in the immediate vicinity of its walks, so alarmed the inhabitants, as to induce them to keep closely housed, whenever the hour for its appearance drew near. Hence, Hugo and ghost came to be synonymous; and as has been already shown, the social worship of night meetings of the Reformers being so widely different from the imposing ceremony of the Catholic church, «jid requiring them consequently to be out more after night than the latter, each individucll of the former \v^s called a Hugo ; the whole, Huguenots. Thus much for this derivation, and the tale thai thereby hangs. The next supposed derivation, is that it was a term volunta- rily assumed by themselves, as a party name, when their reli- gion was attacked, and they were foi"ced to take arms against the government in self-defence. As they were rigid Calvinists, of great sanctity of character and purity of morals, Cas'eneuve has pretended to have discovered the original in the Flemish word Heghenon or Huguenon, which means Cathari 6r Puri- tan ; but this is not very probable, inasmuch as it is not likely, that having a word in their own vocabulary, So expressive as " Puritan," they would be disposed to borrow from a language no more known than the Flemish. Another author has attempted to trace its origin to Hugve- note, a nanie given to an iron or earthen pbt for cooking, by connecting it with the persecutions to which the Reformed were subjected in France ; and basing it upoh the hypothesis, that some of their number may have been roasted or tortured and exposed to thd flames like a vessel used foi* culinary pur- poses. These are all, however, but mere surmises, unsupported and HISTORY OF BERKS AKD LEBANON COUNTItS, 85 tnsustained ty any thing at all calculated to give them a pro- per title to serious consideration. The only etymology then, which in our humble opinion remains, is undoubtedly the true one — this we shall briefly atteitipt to prove by the history of the times and the people. Eidgenoss is a German compound word, in the Saxon and Dutch dialects, Eedgenotten ; of which the singular is Eidge- noss, or EedgenoL* It is formed from Eid, an oath, and Ge- noss, a confederate or partaker of the oath ; and was the origi- nal designation of the three Swiss patriots, WilHam Tell, Walter Fuerst, and Arnold of Melcthal,t on the night of the 7th November, 1307, met at Ruetli, on the lake of Luzerne, and there bound themselves by a solemn oath, to shake off the yoke of their Austrian oppressors, and to establish the liberties of their country. The conspiracy thus formed was embraced with delight by all to whom it was communicated, each mem- ber of which was called an Eidgenoss, and afterwards, Janu- ary, A. D. 1308, when the people of the Waldstetter, com- posed of the Cantons, Appenzell, Glaris and Uri, met in solemn council, and took the oath of perpetual alliance, they were de- signated as the Eidgetmossenschafi, i. e. Confederation. — Through successive generations they were thus known, and when in aftertimes, the people of Geneva, which had now been included in the Swiss confederation, embraced the doctrines of John Calvin; they threw off the allegiance of the Duke of Savoy; and in order to maintain their independence, formed a confederacy after the example of the Waldstetter, with the Cantons of Bern and Freibourg, which v/as also confirmed by an oath of all the contracting parties. Like the original pa- triots, they in turn were called Eidgenossen. This movement being half temporal, and half ecclesiastical or spiritual, related to their freedom of government as wen, and the rights of con- science as Christians. Hence in its popular usage, this terra conveyed the primary idea of freemen, in contradistinction to mamelukes, serfs, or slaves, by which name the party of the Duke was better known ; and also the secondary idea of a reli- gious reformation in the mind of the adherents to the Catholic faith. For the city of Geneva, having embraced the Reformed doctrines, and immediately thereafter, thrown off the allegiance, under the circumstances already given, the term Eigenossen • Lewis Mayer, D. D. f Davenport, article Fuerst. 8 00 HISTORY OF BERKS AKD LEBANON COUNTIES* became identified among the papists, with the notion of rebels or apostates from the church, and was therefore consequently used as a term of reproach. From Geneva, where he had taught with so much success, that instead of Zurich, it became the metropolis of the Reformed Churches, Calvin, ardent in the discharge of what he conceived his duty, pushed his doctrines with eminent success into his na- tive kingdom of France. They were readily embraced by the learned and the pious, without regard to caste or standing in society. The Admiral Caspar de Coligni, D'Andelot, Mornay, Duplesis, La Renandie, the Prince de Gonde Ann Dubourg, Theodore Beza, and a host of others equally worthy and emi- nent for their virtues, were among the firmest supporters of the Reformation, and the teacher of its doctrines. Sustained by such men against the power of the court; in the midst of per- secutions and civil wars — the professors of the Reformed reli- gion were spoken of with respect; and although the term Eidgenoss, or Eedgenot, was known in France at that time, still no effort was made to bring them into disrepute by the application of this, or any other term of ridicule, except when they were occasionally called ''the pretended reformed,''^ or, *' seditionists,'' in the state papers. Thus they remained, until on the accession of Frances II. to the throne, and his early mar- riage with Mary, Queen of Scotland. Being very young in years, and devotedly attached to his young Queen, he readily transferred the care of his kingdom to his wife's uncles, the Dukes of Guise and Loraine. This begat discontent among the protestants, who only wanted a leader to organize them into a formidable body. Calvin, like Thomas Cranmer, the celebrated reformer, had taught that the king was supreme, and acting upon this principle, the French Calvinists maintained that the king being yet in his minority, was to be protested by his subjects from the tyranny of his uncles ; to this end a plan was concerted, known as the conspiracy of Amboise, for their over- throw, of which the Prince de Conde, was unanimously chosen leader; but without his knowledge, nor was he considered as a participator, until the time of action arrived. John de Bari, and the Sieur La Renandi, in the meantime were to direct all their movements. In conformity with this plan they convened a meeting of the protestant leaders at Nantes, in the darkness of the night, in a ruined building on the outskirts of the town. HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 87 Before they proceeded to develope their schemes, La Renandi administered solemn oaths, that " nothing be done or attempted against the King and Queen-mother, or princes, his brothers." To this agreement they all swore; and after praying for suc- <;ess, they parted with fraternal embraces, and in tears. The time and place of carrying their plot into execution, was to be at Blois, on the 15th of March, 1550. By some means the plot was discovered to the Count, and therefore, the Duke of Guise was appointed Lieutenant General of the Kingdom, with supreme power in all cases, civil and military. Armed with this authority he adopted the most energetic measures to sup- press the protestants, and although he succeeded in defeating and killing La Renandi and a few of his companions, yet the effect was not produced which the Count anticipated; but on the contrary, the Reformed party increased in numbers, and displayed additional zeal and activity in all their movements, much to the amioyance of the Guises and their adherents." It is only at this period of history in France then, that we find the professors of the Reformed religion first designated by the term Huguenots. They were identified in faith with the Reformed of Geneva, and like them, upon the discovery of the conspiracy referred to, were called Eidgenossen; that is, in the Papist sense, rebels and apostates. From this, owing to their ignorance of the orthography of the German w^ord, and Iheir inability to pronounce it correctly ; but yet w^ell knowing its import, it is easy to conceive that Frenchmen would readily corrupt it into Huguenot. The analogy is striking, the facts undoubted, and the reasons given, to our mind, at least, satis- factory. With this brief enquiry into the origin of the term Eidgenos- sen, i. e. Hugmnot, we might rest, but as there are many de- scendants of this brave, moral, religious and much persecuted people, residing in Berks county, and in some instances still living upon the farms originally patented by their refugee an- cestors, we feel bound to say a word concerning them. After the Huguenot colonies at New Rochelle, West Chester county, Esopus, Ulster county. New York, had been formed, some of their number at an early day, emigrated to this county and commenced settlements. Of this number were the De Tircks or De Turcks, and others, who had emigrated from Esopus,. irsi New York, to Oley township, prior to 1712. 88 HISTORY OP BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. Abraham De Turck, of Oley township, in a note, dated March, 1844, says: Meine Voraeltern, Namens Isaac De Turck wohnten in Frankreich, waren von den sogenannten Hu- guenoten, fiuechteten wegen Religion nach der Pfalz in die Stadt Franckenthal; von dorten wandente sie aus nach Ame- rica, hessen sich nieder im Staat New York, in der Gegend Esopus in der Zeit der Koenigen Anna; zogen von da nach Oley zwischen 1704 und 1712. Das Patent von meinem land ist 1712. This soon opened the way for a direct emigration of their persecuted brethren still remaining in France, and of others who had sought protection of the protestant powers of Switzer- land, Germany, Holland, and England. Among the most pro- minent of these early Huguenot settlers in this county, we give the names of several head of families, as follows: besides the De Turcks, Bertolets, are Levans, Loras, Beseaurs, Sharodin, Berdos, De La Plains, Delangs and others. (See Gley town- ship.) These pious and persecuted men, with their fellow refugees and families, passed "through much tribulation," until at length they secured for themselves and posterity an asylum where they could "worship God according to the dictates of their own consciences." Although they succeeded far beyond their most sanguine expectations,, still they looked back with regret, and in many instances with home-sick hearts, upon the vine-clad hills and sunny fields of their own much loved France. They were exiles from the land of their nativity ; the broad billows of the Atlantic rolled between them and the graves of their fathers. Separated from friends and kindred, who in their turn were driven to seek the protection of foreign potentates, or restrained by the policy of the government, after the revocation of the edict of Nantes, from emigrating, and forced into an abjuration of their faith — how. harassing must have been their feelings and how sore their trials! But, "He who tempers the wind to the shorn lamb," was still gracious unto them; he who had protected and defended them fiom dangers, imminent and terri- ble, was still " their strength and abiding place." Time blunted the keenness of their sorrows, and as the forest began to bloom beneath their labors, they sat down in contentment, and in daily prayer returned thanksgiving unto Him, who is the Author of every good and perfect gift. HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 8iJ Some of the Huguenots brought with them French Bibles. Daniel Bartolet, a descendant of Jean Bartolet, who, with his wife and five children, emigrated into Oley in 1726, has the very- Bible brought with the family. It is esteemed a precious relic. The following, being the Lord's Prayer, has been copied from one of these French Bibles. It is from the Maresior edition of 1669. Nostre pere, qui es es cieux. Yon Nom soit sanctifie. Ton regne vienne. Ta volonte soit faite ainsi en la terre comme au ciel. Donne nous aujourd hui nostre pain quotidien. Et nous quitte nos debtes, comme aussi nous quitons a nos detteurs les hears. Et ne nos indui point en tentation, mais delivre nos du malin. Car a toi est le regne et la puissance et la gloire -.i jamais. Amen. CHAPTER VL THE GERMANS. The Germans, who first emigrated into the Province of Pennsylvania, came chiefly for conscience's sake; those who arrived at a later period, came to improve their temporal, as well as their spiritual condition. Not many names of the first German emigrants, except a few of the German Quakers who came in with Penn, are preserved. Among the very first, whose name has been handed down, is that of Henry Fry, who arrived two years before William Penn. His widow was still living in 1754.* One Plattenbach came a few years later. f In 1682, a consideiable number came from Cresheim — these were principally Quakers. They settled at Germantown. About the year 1(j84 or '85, a com- pany was formed in Germany, called the "Frankfort Land Company," consisting at first of ten gentlemen, living in Frank- fort, on the Mayne; their articles were executed in that city on the 24th of November, 1686. They seem, to have been men of note by the use of each of his sepaiate seal. Their names were G. Van Mastrick, Thomas V. Wylick, John Le Bran, F. Dan. Pastorious, John J. Schuetz, Daniel Eehagel, Jacobus Van Dewaller, John W. Peterson, Johannes Kimber, Balthasur Jowest. They bought 25,000 acres of land from Penn. The Germantown patent for 5350, and the Manatau- ney patent for 22,377 acres. T. D. Pastoiious was appointed the attorney for the company, and after his resignation, Dan. Faulkner was in 1708 made attorney. In 1708, 1709, 1^10 to 1720, thousands of them emigrated who were known as Palatines, because they had ccme from the Palatinate, whither some had been forced to flee fi cm (heir homes in other parts of Europe. Many of these had gone first to England on the invitation of Queen Anr.e, at whose Icmty, not a few were transported to America. Hundreds oi them were gratuitously fuinished with religious and i seful Icck?, be- fore their departure by the Read Anton Wilhelm liceLm, Courtchaplain, of St. James. The principal book was Amdt's * Hal. Nacb. t Ibid. HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 91 Wahres Christenthum. Among these German emigrants were Mennonites, Dunkards, German Reformed, and Lutherans. Their number was so great, as to draw the remarks from James Logan, secretary of the Province of Pennsylvania, in 1717 — "We have," said he, "of late, great number of Pala- tines poured in upon us without any recommendation or notice, which gives tlie country some uneasiness, for foreigners do not so well among us as our own English people!" In 1719, Jonathan Dickinson remarks, "We are daily ex- pecting ships from London which bring over Palatines, in num- ber about six or seven thousand. Vv^e had a parcel who came out about five years ago, who purchased land about sixty miles west of Philadelphia, and prove quiet and industrious. Some few came from Ireland lately, and more are expected thence. "* This is besides our common supply from Wales and England.. Our friends do increase mightily, and a great people there is in the wilderness, Avhich is fast becoming a fruitful field." From 1720 to 1725, the number of Germans from the Pala- tinate, Wurtenberg, Darmstadt, &c., increased; these settled principally in what is Montgomery, Berks, and Lancaster county. Those who came in between 1720 and 1725, were accompanied by ministers of the gospel, and some schoolmas- ters — among the German Reformed was Rev. Bochm, who had come in prior to 1720, and Rev, George Michael Weiss, who came subsequent to 1720. Among the Lutheran ministers were the Rev. Falckner, Hinckel, and Stoever. Their schoolmas- ters, for the want of a supply of ministers, read sermons and prayers. Among the Dunkards were the Rev. Peter Becker, and Alexander Mack, as ministers. In the period between 1720 and 1725, a number of Ger- mans emigrated from the State of New York, and settled at Tulpehocken. Of these, a detailed account wiil be given when speaking of Tulpehocken township. From 1725 to 1740, there was another great influx of Ger- mans of various religious opinions, German Reformed, Luthe- rans, Catholics, Moravians, and Swenckfelders, arrived ; of the latter, a particular account will be given when speaking of Herford township. It appears from a letter written by James Logan, in 1725, that many of the Germans were not over scru- pulous in their compliance with the regulations of the Land * These were the Meinnonitea^^ in Pequea valley. 92 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. Office. He says, and perhaps with much truth, "they come in, in crowds, and as bold, indigent strangers from Germany, where many of them have been soldiers. All these go in the best vacant tracts, and seize upon them as places of common spoil. He says they rarely approach him on their arrival to propose to purchase ; and when they are sought out and chal- lenged for their rights of occupancy, they allege it was pub- lished in Europe that we wanted and solicited for colonists, and had a superabundance of land, and, therefore, they had come without the means to pay. The Germans in after time em- broiled with the Indians at Tulpehocken, threatening a serious affair. In general, those who sat down without titles acquired enough in a few years, to buy them, and so generally they were left unmolested. The character then known to him, he states, are many of them a surly people — divers of them Papists — the men well armed, and, as a body, a warlike, morose race. In 1727, he states that 6000 Germans more are expected, (and also many from Ireland,) and these emigrations, he hopes, may be pre- vented in future by act of parliament, else he fears those colo- nies will, in time, be lost to the crown! — a future act. " In 1729, he speaks of being glad to observe the influx of strangers, as likely to attract the interference of parliament'; for truly, says he, they have danger to apprehend for a country where not even a militia exists for government support. To arrest in some degree their arrival, the Assembly assessed a tax of twenty shillings a head on new arrived servants. "In another letter, he says, the numbers from Germany at this rate will soon produce a German colony here, and perhaps such an one as Britain once received from Saxony in the fifth century. He even states as among the apprehended schemes of Sir William Keith, the former governor, that he, Harland and Gould, have l:\ad sinister projects of forming an independ- ent province in the west, to the westward of the Germans, to- wards the Ohio — probably west of the mountains, and to be supplied by his friends among the Palatines and Irish, among whom was his chief popularity at that time. From 1740 to 1752, emigrants came in by hundreds. In the autumn of 1749, not less than twenty vessels, with Ger- man passengers, to the number of twelve thousand, arrived at Philadelphia. In 1750, 1751, and 1752, the number was not HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 93 much less. Among those who emigrated in the years from 1740 to 1752, there were many who bitterly lamented that they had forsaken their houses, for the Province of Pennsylva- nia. At that time there was a class of Germans who had re- aided some time in Pennsylvania, well known by the name of J\'eulaender, who made it their business to go to Germany and prevail on their countrymen to sacrifice their property, and embark for America. In many instances persons in easy cir- cumstances at home, with a view to better their condition, come to America, but to their sorrow found that their condition was rendered none the better, but in numerous instances worse, if not wretched. Others again, w^ho had not the means of paying their passage across the Atlantic, were, on their arrival at Phi- ladelphia, exposed at public auction to serve for a series of years to pay their passage. Those, thus disposed of, were termed Redemptioners. The Palatine Redemptions were usu- ally sold at ten pounds, for from three to five years servitude. Many of them, after serving out their time faithfully, became, 3y frugality and industry, some of the most wealthy and influ- ential citizens of the State. The years that were peculiarly remarkable for the importation of Palatine Redemptions were 1728, '29, '37, '41, '50, and '51. In 1751, the writer's paternal grandfether, (a native of Zinsheim,) Jonas Rupp, arrived in the ship Phoenix, com- manded by Captian Spurrier, September 25th. Out of four hundred and twelve who embarked in the same vessel, only one hundred and eighty survived to land at Philadelphia, and of these, many died soon after their arrival.* Rupp and others were exposed at auction, as Redemptioners. Leonard Uraber- ger, near Lebanon, bought him, with whom he served two years and six months, on a farm, now owned by Mr. Lichty, near Lebanon. At the expiration of his term he married the ste})-daughter of Mr. Umberger, — a Miss Elizabeth Burst, whose father had died in 1741, and her mother, Barbara Burst, the widow of Michael Burst, deceased, had intermarried with Leonard Umberger. A few years after his marriage, he settled several miles south of Millerstown. In 1771 he sold his tract of land to one Sieg,. and moved to Cumberland, and settled among the Irish, who, * Provincial Records, for 1751. 94 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. have since been nearly wholly supplanted by the Germans. He- died at an advanced age in 1801. "In later times, say about the year 1753 to 1756, the Ger- mans having become numerous, and therefore powerful as make- loights in the political balance, were much noticed in the publi- cations of the day. They were at that period of time, in gene- ral, very hearty co-operators with the Quakers or Friends, then in considerable rule in the Assembly. A MSS. pamphlet in the Franklin Library at Philadelphia, supposed to have been written by Samuel Wharton, in 1755, shows his ideas of the passing events, saying, that the party on the side of the Friends derived much of their influence over the Germans, through the aid of C. Sauers, who published a German paper in German- town, from the time of 1729, and which, being much read b\ that people, influenced them to the side of the Friends, and hos- tile to the governor and council. Through this means, says he, they have persuaded them that there was a design to en- slave them; to enforce their young men, by a contemplatet militia law, to become soldiers, and to load them down wit! taxes, &c., from such causes, he adds, have they come down ii shoals to vote, (of course, many from Berks,) and carrying all before them. To this I may, says Watson, add, that I havt heard from the Norris family, that their ancestors in the As- sembly were warmly patronized by the Germans in union witi Friends. His alarms at this German influence at the polls, and his proposed remedies for the then dreaded evils, as they shov the prevalent feelings of his associates in politics, may serve to amuse the present generation. He says the best eflfects of these successes of the Germans will probably be felt through manj generations I Instead of a peaceable, industrious people as be- fore, they are grown now insolent, sullen, and turbulent, — in some counties threatening even the lives of all those who op- pose their views, because they are taught to regard govern- ment and slavery as one and the same thing. All who are nor of their party, they call " Governor's men,''' and themselves, they deem strong enough to make the country their own I In- deed, they come in, in such force, say upwards of 5000 in the last year, I see not but they may soon be able to give us law and language too, or else, by joining the French, eject all the English. That this may be the case, is too much to be feared,. HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 95 for almost to a man they refused to bear arms in the time ol the late war, and they say, it is all one to them which king gets the country, as their estates will be equally secure. In- deed it is clear that the French have turned their hopes upon this great body of Germans. They hope to allure them by grants of Ohio lands. To this end, they send their Jesuitical emissaries among them to persuade them over to the Popish religion. In concert with this, the French for so many years have encroached on our province, and now are so near their scheme as to be within two days march of some of our back settlements" — alluding, of course, to the state of the western wilds, overrun by French and Indians just before the arrival of Braddock's forces in Virginia, in 1755. " The writer (Wharton) imputes their wrong bias in general to their "stubborn genius and ignorance," which he proposes to soften by education — a scheme still suggested as necessary to give the general mass of the inland country Germans right views of public individual interests. To this end, he proposes that faithful Protestant ministers and schoolmasters should be supported among them. That their children should be taught, the Eno^lish tong'ue; the government in the meantime should suspend their right of voting for members of Assembly ; and to incline them the sooner to become English in education and feeling, we should compel them to make all bonds and other le- gal writings in English, and no newspaper or almanac be cir- culated among them unless also accompanied by the English thereof" " Finally," the writer concludes, that " without some such measure I see nothing to prevent this province from falling into the hands of the French." A scheme to educate the Germans, as the one alluded to, was put on foot about the year 1755, and carried on for seve- ral years. The details of this scheme are given at the close of this chapter. Nine-tenths of the first settlers of Berks county were Ger^ mans. They made settlements early, on the east side of the Schuylkill on Mahanatawny creek, and in Oley township. Those who had located themselves in the lower parts of the county, were attacked by some Indians in 1728. In the Colonial Re- cords it is said that at Mahanatawny Ironworks, a skirmish occurred between the inhabitants of that region of country, and 5n> HISTORY OF BERKS AXD LEBANOX COUNTIES. fe party of foreign Indians. Intelligence thereof reaching Gov^ Gordon, he, and divers gentlemen, left there on Friday, the 10th of May, 1728, for Mahanatawny. On his return to Phi- ladelphia, he met the council. May loth, "and acquainted the board that he had just retured from Mahanatawny, where lie found the people in very great disorder, by the noise of the skirmish that happened between some of our people and a small party of Indians; that many of the back inhabitants had quitted their houses, and seemed under great apprehensions of numbers of Indians coming to attack them; that sevtral Palatine fami- lies* numbering some hundreds of persons, were gathered to- gether at a mill near New Hanover township, in order to defend themselves, and that there he saw the man who was said to have been killed by the Indians, but he appeared to be only slightly wounded in the belly." The report had been, that the Indians had fired upon some of our people, had wounded seve- ral slightly, and one man mortally .f That having examined several persons there and at Colebrookdale, touching the said Indians, he understood that they were eleven in number "painted for war, armed with pistols, guns, &c.,"| and had been in that neighborhood for some days; that they were all armed, and had a Spanish Indian for their captain, and that having been rude in several houses, where they forced the jx-o- ple to supply them with victuals and drink ; some of our inha- bitants, to the number of twenty, were armed with guns and swords, went in search of the Indians, and coming up with them they sent two of their number to treat with the captain, whoi, instead of receiving them civilly, brandished his sword and co;/imanded his men to fire, which they did, and wounded two of ours, who, thereupon, returned their fire; upon which they saw the captain fall, but he afterwards got up^ and ran into the woods after his party, having left his gun and watch coat be- hind, and that since that time they had been seen no more."§ From subsequent communications from some of the chiefs, the skirmish above alluded to, was between some Shawanese In- dians on the one part, and the whites on the other. "|| You have heard, said Gordon, to Sassoonan and others, at a coun- cil held at Philadelphia, January 4, 1728, my brethren, that some Shawanese, about twenty days ago, came from about Pe- * Col. Rcc. vol. 3, p. 330. t Ibid, 320. } Ibid, 330. ^ Ibid, 321. II Ibid, 333. HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 97 choquealin, armed with guns, pistols and swords, and painted for war; they fell in amongst some of our inhabitants, and be- haved foolishly ; our people thought they were strange Indians, and believed there were much greater numbers behind in the woods; they met together with arms to defend themselves, &c."* From a verbal message to the Governor from Kakow-watchy, chief of the Shawanese, sent by Nicholas and Schonhoven, two Indian traders from Pechoqueahin, near Durham Ironworks, Berks county, it appears, that the Shawanese had heard that the Fiatliead Indians, were come into the Province with a de- sign to make war upon the Indians here — Kakow-watchy had sent eleven of his armed men to enquire into the truth of the report, with orders to assist our Indians in case that the same should be true — that their provisions failed them, and that they were obliged to get provisions from the white inhabitants to subsist upon; but that the Indians offered no rudeness till the whites used them ill, and fired upon them. Kakow-watchy expressed great sorrow for what had hap- pened, and sent assurances, that he has a great love for all his white brethren, but that one of their number is wounded, and lost his gun, which he desired might be returned. The above message was submitted by the Governor to the Board, who returned Kakow-watchy a message, informing him, that they considered the conduct of the eleven Indians very imprudent; that they regretted the consequences which resulted from this imprudence; warning them to be more cau-- tious hereafter in their future behaviour, and that the gun spoken of should be enquired for.f As early as 1723, a considerable settlement was made in Tulpehocken, by Germans, who had emigrated from New York, on an invitation by Sir William Keith, when he was at Albany. For a particular account of their emigration, the reader is referred to the chapter, " Tulpehocken." Many of the names of the first settlers at Tulpehocken, are preserved in the Provincial Records. An extract from the Records, being a ptetition from those Germans, contains some of the names. * Col. Rec. vol. 3, p. 336'. t Ibid, 327, 9 98 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES, ^' To his Excellency, William Keith, Baronet Governor oj Pennsylvania, SfC, Sfc, the Honorable Council. ".The petition of us, the subscribers, being thirty-three fami- lies in number, at present inhabiting Tulpehocken creek, "Humbly Sheweth, " That your petitioners being natives of Germany, about fif- teen years ago, were by the great goodness and royal bounty of her late Majesty, Queen Anne, reheved from the hardships which they then suffered in Europe, and were transported into the colony of New York, where they settled.* But their fami- lies increasing, being in that Government confined to the scanty allowance of ten acres of land to each family, whereon they could not well subsist. Your petitioners being informed of the kind reception which their countrymen usually meet with in the Province of Pennsylvania, and hoping they might, with what substance they had, acquire larger settlements in that Pro- vince, did last year, (in the spring of 1723,) leave their settle- ments in New York Government, and came with their families into this province, where, upon their arrival, they applied them- selves to His Excellency, the Governor, who, of his great good- ness, permitted them to inhabit upon Tulpehaca creek, (being the farthest inhabited part of the province northwest of Phila- delphia,) on condition that they should make full satisfaction to the proprietor or his agents, for such lands as should be allotted them, when they were ready to receive the same. And now, your petitioners, understanding that some gentlemen, agents of the proprietor, have ample power to dispose of lands in this province. And we, your petitioners, being willing and ready to purchase, do humbly beseech your Excellency and Council to recommend us to the favorable usage of the proprietor's agents, that upon paying the usual prices for lands at such dis- tance from Philadelphia, we may have sufficient rights and titles made to us for such lands as we shall have occasion to buy, that our children may have some settlement to depend on hereafter, and that by your authority we may be freed from the demands of the Indians of that part of the coimtry, who * Ten vessels or ships with about four thousand Palatines arrived at New York, June 13, 1710. — Conrad Weiser's private German MSS. Journal. HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 99 pretend a right thereto. And we humbly beg leave to inform your Excellency and Council, that there are fifty families more who, if they may be admitted upon the same conditions, are de- sirous to come and settle with us. We hope for your favora- ble answer to this our humble request, and as in duty bound shall ever pray, &c. Johannes Yans, Johannes Claes Shaver, Peter Ritt, Jo. Hameler Ritt, Conrad Schitz, Antonis Shart, Paltus Unsf, Johan Peter Pacht, Toritine Serbo, Jacham Michael Cricht, Josap Sab, Sebastian Pisas, Jorge Ritt, Andrew Falborn, Godfreyt Filler. m?' The names to the petition being mostly in a deep Ger- man hand, could not be read, but by one skilled in German writing; they are given as above.* The follovdng is the scheme alluded to in a preceding page for instructing the Germans: "A brief history of the rise and progress of the charitable society, carrying on by a society of noblemen and gentlemen in London, for the relief and instruction of poor Germans and their descendants, settled in Pennsylvania, &c., published for the information of those whom it may concern, by James Ham- ilton, William Allen, Richard Peters, Benjamin Franklin, and Conrad Weiser, Esquires, and the Rev. William Smith, Trus- tees General, appointed for the management of the said charita- ble scheme. For several years past, the small number of Reformed Pro- testant ministers, settled among the German emigrants in Penn- sylvania, and finding the harvest great, but the laborers few, have been deeply affected with a true Christian concern, for the welfare of their distressed countrymen, and the salvation of their precious souls. In consequence of this, they have from time to time, in the most solemn and moving manner, entreated the churches of Holland, to commisserate their unhappy fellow Christians, who mourn under the deepest affliction, being set- tled in a remote corner of the world, where the light of the gos- * Col. Rec, vol. 3, p. 341. 100 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. pel has but lately reached, and where they are very much des-*- titute of the means of knowledge and salvation. The churches of Holland, being accordingly moved with friendly compassion, did, from time to time, contribute to the support of religion in these remote parts. But in the year 1751, a very moving representation of their state having been made by a person, whose unwearied labors for the benefit of his dear countrymen have been for some years conspicuous, the states of Holland aud West Frisland, granted 2000 gilders per annum, for five years, from that time, to be applied towards the instruction of the said Germans and their children, in Pennsyl- vania. A considerable sum was also collected in the city of Amsterdam, and elsewhere, and upon a motion made by the same zealous person, the Rev. Mr. Thomson* w^as conmiis- sioned by the Synod of Holland, and Classis of Amsterdam, to solicit the friendly assistance of the churches of England and Scotland. When Mr. Thomson arrived in Great Britain, he found the readiest encouragement among persons of the first rank, both in church and State. In this peculiar glory of the British gov- ernment, equally to consult the happiness of all who live under it, however remote, wherever born, or of whatsoever denomina- tion. Wicked and inhuman tyrants, whose ambition is to rule over slaves, find it their interest to keep the people ignorant. But, in a virtuous and free government, like that of Great Bri- tain, the case is far otherwise. By its very nature and spirit, it desires every member of the community enlightened with useful knowledge, and especially the knowledge of the blessed gospel, which contains the best and most powerful motives for making good subjects, as well as good men. Considered in this light, Mr. Thomson's design could not fail to be encour- aged in our mother country, since it w^as evidently calculated to save a multitude of most industrious people from the gloom of ignorance, and qualify them for the enjoyment of all those privileges, to which it is now their good fortnne to be ad- mitted, in common with the happy subjects of a free Protestant government. Mr. Thomson having thus made his business known in Eng- land, and prepared the way for encouragement there, he, in the * Mr. T. is a minister of one of the English churches in Amsterdam, and It member of said Synod and Classis. HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUMTIES. 1^ meantime, went down to Scotland ; and, himself being known in that country, he represented the case to the General Assem- bly of the church, then sitting at Edinburgh, upon which a national collection was made, amounting to upwards of £1200 sterhng. Such an instance of generosity is one out of many, to show how ready that church has always been to contribute towards the advancement of Truth, Virtue, and Freedom, Mr. Thomson, upon his return from Scotland, found that his pastoral duty called him back to Holland. He saw likewise tliat it would be absolutely necessary to have some person in London, not only to manage the monies already collected, but also to solicit and receive the contributions of the rich and the benevolent in England, where nothing had yet been collected, and where much might be hoped for. With this view, be begged a certain number of noblemen* and gentlemen, of the iirst rank, to take the management of the design upon them- selves. This proposal was readily agreed to by those noble and worthy persons. They were truly concerned to find that there were any of their fellow subjects, in any part of the British dominions, not fully provided with the means of knowledge and salvation. They considered it a matter of the greatest import- ance to the cause of Christianity in general, and the protestant interest in particular, not to neglect such a vast body of useful people, situated in a dark and barren region, with almost none to instruct them, or their helpless children, who are coming lbrv;ard in the world in multitudes, and exposed an easy prey to the total ignorance of their savage neighbors on the one hand, and the corruption of our Jesuitical enemies, on whom they border, on the other hand ; and of whom there are always, perhaps, too many mixed among them. Moved by these in- teresting considerations, the said noblemen and gentlemen, with a consideration pecuKar to great and generous souls, did accord- * The first members of this society were as follows, though we believe several are added this winter, (1775,) whose names have not yet been traos- rnitted to us. The Right Hon. Earl of Shaftesbury, Earl of Morton, Earl of Fialater, a!id Lord Willoughby, of Parham. Sir Luke Schaub, and Sir Joshua Vat: Neck, Earonets. Mr. Commission Vernon, Mr. Chitly, and Mr. Fluddyer, Aldermen of London. John Eance, Robert Furguson, and Nathaniel Paice, Esqrs., of London. Rev. Benjamin Avory, L. L. I)., Rev. Thomas Birch,. D. D., Rev. Mr. Caspar Wetstein, Rev. Mr. David Thonisoo, aad Rev Samuel Chandler, Secretary. 9* 102 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES, ingly take the good design into their immediate protection, and formed themselves into a society for the effectual management of it. The first thing said society did, was to agree to a liberal subscription among themselves ; and, upon laying the case be- fore the king, His Majesty, like a true father of his people, granted cClOOO towards it. Her Royal Highness, the Princess Dowager of Wales, granted .£100; and the honorable proprie- tors of this province, wilhng to concur in every design for the ease and welfare of their people, generously engaged to give a considerable sum yearly for promoting the most essential part of the undertaking. From such a fair beginning, and from some hopes they reasonably entertain of a more public nature, the honorable doubt not of their being able to complete such a fund as may effectually answer their pious design, in time coming. In the meantime they have come to the following general re- solutions, with regard to the management of the whole. I. To assist the people in the encouragement of pious and industrious protestant ministers that are, or shall be regularly ordained and settled among the said Germans, or their descen- dants, in America; beginning first in Pennsylvania, where the want of ministers is greatest, and proceeding to the neighbor- ing British colonies, as they shall be enabled by an increase of their funds. II. To establish some charitable schools for the pious educa- tion of German youths of ail denominations, as well as those English youths who may reside among them. Now, as a reli- gious education of youth, while the tender mind is yet open to every impression, is the most effectual means of making a peo- ple wise, virtuous, and happy, the honorable society have de- clared that they have this part of their design, in a particular manner, at heart; it being chiefly from the care that shall be taken of the rising generation, that they expect the success of their whole undertaking. III. The said honorable society, considering that they reside at too great a distance*, either to know what ministers deserve their encouragement, or what places are most convenient to fix the schools in, — and as they would neither bestow their bounty on any who do not deserve it ; therefoi e they have devolved the general execution of the whole upon us, under the name of Trustees General, for the management of their charity among HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 103 the German emigrants in 'America. And as our residerce is in this province, where the chief body is settled, and where -wf may acquaint them with the circumstances of the people, the generous society hope that we cannot be imposed upon, or de- ceived, in the direction or application of their excellent charity. IV. And lastly, considering that our ergagements in other matters, \vould not permit us personally to consult with the people in the country, nor to visit the schools as ofttn as it might be necessary for their success, the honorable society have, out of their true fatherly care, appointed the Rev. Mr. Schlat- ter, to act under our direction, as Visiter or Svpcrtiscr of the schools, knowing that he has already taken inci edible pains in this whole affair, and being acquainted with the people in all parts of the country, can converse with thtm en the sj ct, and bring us the best advices from time to time, ccncen.irg the measures fit to be taken. This is a brief history of the rise and progress of this, noble diarity, till it was ccmmitted to our management, under which we hope it shall be so conducted, as fully to answer the expec- tation of the worthy society, and give all reasonable satisfaction to the parties for v.hose benefit it is intended. We shall spare no pains to inform ourselves of the wants and circvmstarces of the people; as will appear by the fbllowirg plan which we have concerted for the general examination of cur trust, leaving room to alter or amend it, as circumstances shall require, and time discover defects in it. With regard to that part of the society's design which pro- poses the encouragement of pious protestant ministers, we shall impartially proportion the monies set apart for this puipc^e ac- cording to the instruction of the said society; as soon as such ministers shall put it in our power so to do, by making their labors and circumstances known to us, either by their own per- sonal application, or by means of Mr. Schlatter, or any other creditable person. As to the important article of establishing schools, the fol- lowing general plan is proposed, which may be frcm time to time, improved or perfected. ist. It is intended that every school to be opened rpcn thi?? charity, shall be equally to the benefit of pn testant yeuth of all denominations; and therefore the education will be in sucli things as are generally useful to advance industry and true 104 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. godliness. The youth will be instructed in both the English and German languages; likewise in writing, keeping of com- mon accounts, singing of Psalms, and the true principles of the holy protestant religion, in the same manner as the fathers of those Germans were instructed, at the schools in those coun- tries from which they came. 2dly. As it may be of great service to religion and industry, to have some schools for girls, also, we shall use our endeavors with the honorable society, to have some few school mistresses encouraged, to teach reading, and the use of the needle. And though this was no part of the original design, yet as the so- ciety have nothing but the general good of all at heart, we doubt not they will extend their benefaction for this charitable purpose also. 3dly. That all may be induced, in their early youth, to seek the knowledge and love of God, in that manner which is most agreeable to their own consciences, the children of all protes- tant denominations, English and Dutch, (German) shall be in- structed in catechism of sound doctrine, which is approved of and used by their ov/n parents and ministers. All unreasonable sort of compulsion and partiahty is directly opposite to the de- ni^n and sp^ it of this charity, which is generously undertaken to promote useful knowledge, true religion, public peace, and Christian love, among all ranks and denominations. 4thly . For the use of the schools, the several catechisms that are now taught among the Calvinists, Lutherans, and other protestant denominations, will be printed in English and Dutch, (German) and distributed among the poor, together with some other good books, at the expense of the society. 5thly. In order that all parents may be certain of having justice done to their children, the immediate care and inspection of every school will be committed to a certain number of sober and respectable persons, living near the place where every such school shall be fixed. These persons will be denominated ./Is- aistant or Deputy Trustees; and it will be their business, monthly or quarterly, to visit that particular school for which they are appointed, and see that both master and scholars do their duty. It will also be their business to send an account of the state and progress of the schools, at every such visita- tion, to us as Trustees General. These accounts we shall transmit from Philadelphia to the society in London ; and the HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 105 society will from time to time, be enabled, by these means, to ]ay tlie state of the whole schools before the public ; and thus charitable and well disposed people, both in Great Britain and Holland, seeing the good use that has been made of their former contributions, will be inclined to give still more and more for so glorious and benevolent an undertaking. This method cannot fail to be of great advantage to the schools, since the Deputy Trustees, being part of the very peo- ple for whom the work is undertaken, and having their own children at the same schools, they must have an interest in the reputation of them, and do all in their power to advance good education in them. Besides this, being always near at hand, they can advise and encourage the master, and help him over any difficulties he may meet with. But, Gthly. As the keeping up a spirit of emulation among the youth is the life of all schools, therefore, that we m.ay leave as little room as possible for that remissness, whiph sometimes hurts charities of this nature, we shall, as far as our situation will permit, have a personal regard to the execution of the whole. As the Assistant Trustees may after want our advice in removing difficulties and making new regulations, we shall so contrive it, that Mr. Schlatter shall be present \hh them at their quarterly meetings, to consult with them, and concert the proper measures to be taken. Besides this, we shall have one general visitation of the whole schools every year, at which one or more of us shall endeavor to be present. On these oc- casions, such regulations shall be made, as may be wanted; and careful inquiry Avill be made whether any parents think themselves injured, by any unjust exclusion of their children from an equal benefit of the common charity, or by the par- tiality of the masters or otherwise. At such visitations, books will be given as rewards and encouragement, to the diligent and deserving scholars. The masters will likewise have pro- per marks of esteem shown them in proportion to their fidelity and industry in the discharge of their office. 7thly. With regard to the number of schools to be opened, that will depend partly on the encouragement given by the people themselves, and partly on the increase of the so- dely's funds. A considerable number of places are proposed to fix schools in; but none are yet absolutely determined upon, 106 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. but New Hanover, New Providence, and Reading.* The^e places were first fixed upon because the people of all persua- sions, Lutherans, Calvinists, and othtr Protestants, moved with a pious and fatherly concern for the ilKterate state of their iielpless children, did, with true Christian harmony, present their petitions, praying that their numerous children of all de- nominations in these parts, might be made the common object of the intended charity. And for this benevolent purpose, they (Jid further agree to offer school houses in which their children might be instructed together, as dear fellow Christians, redeemed by the same common Lord and Saviour, and travelling to the same heavenly country, through this valley of tears, notwith- standing they may sometimes take roads a little different in points of smaller moment. This striking example of unanimity and good agreement among all denominations, we hope, will be imitated by those who shall afterwards apply to us for fixing schools among them; since it is only upon the aforesaid generous plan for the common benefit of all, that we find ourselves empowered to in- stitute such schools. But while the petitions are agreeable to this, our plan, as now explained, they will not be overlooked, as long as the funds continue. And if the petitioners shall re- commend school masters, as was the case at New Hanover, New Providence, and Reading, such school masters will have the preference, provided they are men of sufficient probity and knowledge, agreeable to all parties, and acquainted with both the' English and Dutch (German) languages, or willing to learn either of these languages which they may not then be perfectly acquainted with. These are essential qualifications; and unless the generous society had made provision for teaching English as well as Dutch, (German) it would not have answered their benevolent design, which is to quahfy the Germans for all the advantages of native English subjects. But this could not have been done, * Since the ori5;inal publication, petitions have been sent to the Trustees General, from Upper Solfort, from Vincent township, in Chester county, fromi the borough of Lancaster, from Tulpehocken, and several other places, all w^hich v/ill be considered as soon as possible. Feb. 25, 1755. — Penna. Gazette. Note. — Schools were also established in 1756, besides the places men- tioned, at Lancaster, York, and several other places. mSTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. KJ7 ^^ithout giving them an opportunity of learning English, by speaking of which they may expect to rise to places of profit, and honor in the country. They will likewise be thereby ena- bled to buy or sell to the greater advantage in our markets, to understand their own causes in courts of justice, where plead- ings are in English, to know what is doing in the country around them, and, in a word, to judge and act entirely for tjhemselves without being obliged to take things upon the word of others, whose interest it may be to deceive and mislead them. We have only further to add, that having thus published, in our names, a true and faithful account of the rise and progress of this excellent charity, down to the present time, we hope it will candidly be received as such, and prevent many wrong conjectures and insinuations, that might otherwise have been made, if we had not given this genuine and necessary informa- tion concerning it. From the foregoing plan it plainly appears, that as the chief management is in the people themselves, it must be entirely their own faults, if these schools do not become the greatest blessing to many generations, that ever was pro- posed in this country. Such, and so benevolent are the designs of this new society I And surely, now, we may be permitted in their name, to address you, countrymen and fellow Christians, for whose bene- fit the great work is undertaken I We cannot but entreat you to consider, of what importance such a scheme must be to you, and your children after you. We are unwilling to believe that there are any persons, who do not heartily wish success to a design so pious and benevolent. But, if, unhappily for them- selves, there should be any such among us, we are bound in cha- rity to suppose they have never yet reflected that, whilst they indulge such wishes, they are in foct acting a part, plainly re- pugnant to the interests of liberty, true rehgion, and even of human nature. Mankind in general are, perhaps, scarcely raised more, by their nature, above the brutes, than a man well instructed above the man of no knowledge or education; and whoever strives to keep a people in ignorance, must certainly harbor notions or desio-ns that are unfavorable, either to their civil or religious liberty. For whilst a people are incapable of knowmg their own interests, or judging for themselves, they cannot be gov^ iOS HISTORY OF BERICS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 'erned by free principles, or by their own ehoice; and though they should not be immediate slaves of the government under which they live, yet they must be slaves or dupes to those whose councils they are obliged to have recourse to, and follow blindly on all occasions, which is the most dishonorable specie? of slavery. But on the other hand, a design for instructing a people, and adorning the minds of their children with useful knowledge, can carry nothing in it but what is friendly to liberty, and auspi- cious to all the most sacred interests of mankhid. Were it otherwise, why are so many of the greatest and best men, both of the British and the German nations, engaged in the undertaking? Why have they, as it were, stooped from their high spheres, and even condescended to beg from house to house, in order to promote it! Is not all this done with the glorious intention of relieving from distressful ignorance that was like to fall upon you? Is it not done with a view to call you up to all the advantages of free and enlightened subjects, capable of thinking and acting for yourselves? And shall they call you in vain? God forbid I If by any infatuation, you should neglect the means of knowledge and eternal happiness, now o.Tered you, think seriously what must be the consequencis'. You will be accountable in the sight of Almighty God, not only for your own sad negligence, but for all that miseiy and slavery, which you may thereby entail upon your hapless otlspiing to the latest generations. Your very names will be held in abhor- rence by your own children, if, for the want of instruction, tPieir privileges should either be abridged here, or they should fall a prey to the error and slavery of our restless enemieSi But on the contrary, if proper instruction are begun now, and constantly carried on among you, no design can ever be hatch- ed against your religion or liberties, but what you shall quick- ly be able to discover and defeat. All the arts of your enemies will be of no avail to sever you from your true interests, as men and as protestants. You shall know how to make the true use of all your noble privileges, and instead of moving in a dry and barren land, where no water is, you and your posterity shall flourish from ao'e to aw, in all that is valuable in human life. A barren region shall be turned into a fruitful country, and a thirsty land into pools of water. The wilderness and solitary place shall be glad through you, and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose. Isa. 35. HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 109 That you may soon be placed in these happy circumstances, 'shall be our continual endeavor, as it is our sincere prayer. But if ever you hope to be so, or to transmit the glorious privi- leges of Protestants and Freemen to your posterity, we must observe, that in this time of danger, (when a popish enemy has advanced far into our country, even to your very doors,) it be- comes you to be extremely jealous for your safety. It becomes you to exert yourselves for the calm enjoyment of that rehgion, for the sake of which you crossed the stormy occean, and en- countered the horrors of the desert. It becomes you to secure your children the full and free possession of these fair seats, which your own hands have formed out of the vast wilderness. Whatever unfavorable notions you may apprehend the govern- iRent at home may have fallen into concerning your conduct, on account of the great distance, you may now be sure, that while you do your duty as good subjects, we shall at all times pre- sent you in the most impartial light to the honorable society of London; and as this Society consists of some of the best and greatest men of the English nation, who have generously taken you and all your concerns under their protection, they will al- ways be glad to receive you in kind and acceptable terms, to the continuance of our most gracious Sovereign. By order, and in behalf the Trustees General. William Smith, Secretary. Philadebhia, Feb. 25, 1755. 10 CHAPTER VII. THE WELSH. In the very incipient stage of the first settlements made m the Province, many Welshmen arrived in Pennsylvania. They Were of sterling worth and of a most excellent character. They were, says a certain writer, of the last century, " A hardy, ac* tive, hospitable and kind-hearted people — only a little hasty and quarrelsome." Among the most influential, at early day, was Thomas Lloyd, one of Penn's Deputy Governors. He died in 1694, aged fifty-four years. His father, says Proud, was a person of fortune, rank and esteem ; of an ancient family and estate^ called Dolobran, in the North of Wales. Thomas Lloyd, the late Deputy Governor, was educated in the best schools ; from which he was removed to the University at Oxford ; where, it is said he attained considerable proficiency; and being endow- ed with good natural parts, and an amiable disposition of mind, he attracted the regard and esteem of persons of rank and fig- ure, and was afterwards in the way of considerable preferment in the world ; but being of a sober and religious way of think- ing, he joined with the Quakers, and renounced all worldly con- siderations, for that peace of mind> and real mortal felicity, which he believed to be the effect of true religion; and be- come a highly esteemed preacher in that Society. In conse- quence of which, having suffered much unmerited reproach, persecution and loss of property, in his native country, he af- terwards removed to Pennsylvania, among the first or early settlers, and was one of William Penn's most intimate friends. He was mostly one of the principal persons in the government, from his first arrival, and of very great service in the pubhc af-^ fairs."* The Welsh had early purchased of William Penn, in England, forty thousand acres of land, and settled on the west side of the Schuylkill river. Only a few years elapsed when their number was considerably increased — it was sufficiently aug- Proud's Pa. I, 398. HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. Ill inented, that they had settled, before the year 1692, not less than six townships in Chester county. The custom of the Welsh, and that of the Swiss and Pala- tins, in settling parts of Pennsylvania, was similar. They would either purchase extensive tracts in England, to settle many of their friends in one body, as did the Menonites in Pe- quea valley in 1709 and 1710 ; or like the Frankfort company in 1686, or as they did, as just alluded to above; or they did in some instances, send persons across the Atlantic, to take up land for them, and make some preparation for the reception of their friends and families. Among the Welsh, w4io thus acted as pioneers, was the well known Rowland Ellis, who sent over Thomas Owen and fami- ly to commence a settlement. No sooner had Owen made im- provement, in which he spent a few years, when Ellis and one hundred other Welsh passengers left Wales, and embarked for America in 1686. In 1698 many other Welsh families arrived, among whom were William Jones, Thomas Evans, Robert Evans, Owen Evans, Cadwallader Evans, Hugh Griffith, Edward Foulke, John Humphrey, Robert Jones, and others, who purchased ten thousand acres of land from Robert Turner, in Guinedd town- ship, Chester county. Not many years afterward, the Welsh extended their settle- ments into the present borders of Berks county ; principally in the townships of Caernarvon, Brecknock, and Cumru. For the names of the first settlers, the reader is referred to the descrip- tion of the three named townships. They had settled in the midst of the Indians. It appears from the Colonial Records, and the public records at West Chester, that in 1728, two brothers, Welshmen, cruelly mur- dered some Indians on the frontiers. It is said, the brothers appear to have been maddened with sheer fright, and killed the first unoffending Indians they met.* The affray took place on or near the Cacoosing, or Cucussea creek ; as appears from the following extract: In 1728, two individuals, named John and Walter Winters,, without any provocation given, cruelly murdered an Indian man and two women, who were of the friendly natives. They were, says Governor Gordon, most inhumanly knocked on tl^e * Watson. 112 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. head, by three or four of our people, and this without any pra- . vocation from the sufferers, that I could possibly learn. The Governor being at this time at Maxatany, immediately on hear- ing the melancholy news, by an express from Samuel Nutt, Esq., repaired to Cucussea, and- on his arrival, caused a " Hue and Cry" to be issued, for the apprehension of the perpetra- tors; three of whom were taken, and committed to Chester jail, and put in irons. The Governor likewise caused search to be be made for the dead bodies; the two murdered women were found while he was there, who, by his order, were laid in a grave, covered with shirts and strowTls, and buried. On further search the hoTij of the Indian man was found and buried.* Before the Governor left, he called in other friendly Indians, who were not far from the neighborhood, to acquaint them of the unhappy accident — using his utmost endeavor to prevent the worst impressions, or if such had already been made, to remove them— inviting them to attend a treaty, then contem- plated, to be held at Conestogue in the course of a few weeks. The descendants of the first Welsh settlers in the county, are numerous and respectable. Little or no Welsh is spoken by them at present. A few printed specimens of the Welsh language are presented; the first, the Lord's prayer, the se- cond the one hundred and thirty-fourth Psalm. Copied from a London edition of 1718, in the possession of George Ford, Esq., Lancaster, Pa. Ein Tad yr hwn yn y nefoedd, Sancteiddier dy Enw. Deled dy deyrnas. Gwncler dy ewyllys, megis yn y wQi, felly ar y ddaear hefyd. Dyro i ni heddyw ein bara beunyddiol. A madden i ni ein dyledion, fel y maddeuwn ninnau i'n dyledwyr. Ac nacarwain ni i brofedigaeth, eithr gwared ni rhagdrwg. Canys eiddot ti yw 'r deyrnas, a'r nearth, a'r gogoniant, yn oes oesoedd. Amen. PSALM cxxxiv. Wele boll weision Arglwydd nef, bendi thiwch ef, lie 'r ydych Yn feyfyll yn nhy Dduw y nos, ai gyntedd diddos trefn-wych. *Col.Rec.,m, 320 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. lit Dyrchhefwch chwi eich dwylo glan yn ei gysserg-lan annedd : A bendithiwch a chalon rwydd, yr Arglwydd yn gyfannedd. Yr Arglwydd, a'i ddeheulaw gref hwn a wnaeth Nef a daear, A roddo ei fendito a'iras, i Seion ddinas howddgar. 10^ CHAPTER VIII. THE IRISH. The Irish emigrants, says Watson, did not begin to come ta, Pennsylvania till about the year 1719. Those which did come were generally from the north of Ireland. Such as come out first, generally settled at, and near the disputed Maryland line. James Logan, writing of them to the Proprietaries, in 1724, says, they have generally taken up the southern lands, (mean- ing in Lancaster, towards the Maryland line,) and as they rarely approached him to propose to purchase, he calls them bold and indigent strangers, saying as their excuse, when chal- lenged for titles, that we had solicited for colonists, and they had come accordingly. They w^ere, however, understood to be a tolerated class, exempt from rents by an ordinance of 1720, in consideration of their being a frontier people, forming a kind of cordon of defence, if needful. They were soon called bad neighbors to the Indians, treating them disdainfully, and finally were the same race who committed the outrages called Pax- tang Massacre. The general ideas are found in the Logan MSS. collection. Some of the data are as follows: "In 1725, James Logan states, there that are so many as one hundred thousand acres of land, possessed by persons, (in- cluding Germans,) who resolutely set down and improved it without any right to it, and he is much at a loss to determine how to dispossess them. " In 1729, he expresses himself glad to find that the Parlia- ment is about to take measures to prevent the too free emigra- tion to this country. In the meantime the Assembly had laid a restraining tax of twenty shillings a head for every servant arriving; but even this was evaded in the case of the arrival of a ship from Dublin, with one hundred papists and convicts, by landing them at Burhngton. It looks, says he, as if Ire- land is to send all her inhabitants hither, for last week, not less than six ships arrived, and every day two or three arrive also. The common fear is, that if they continue to come, HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. llo they will make themselves proprietors of the province. It is strange, says he, that they thus crowd where they are not wanted. But besides convicts are imported thither.* The Indians themselves are alarmed at the swarms of strangers, and we are afraid of a breach between them — for the Irish are very rough to them. "In 1730, he writes and complains of the Scotch Irish, in an audacious and disorderly manner, possessing themselves of the whole of Conestoga manor, of fifteen thousand acres, being the best land in the country. In doing this by force, they alleged that it was against the laws of God and nature, that so much land should be idle, while so many Christians wanted it to labor on, and to raise their bread, &c. The Paxtang boys were great sticklers for religion and scripture quotations against "the heathen." They were,, however, dispossessed by the Sheriff and his posse, and their cabins, to the number of thirty, were burnto This necessary violence w^as, perhaps, re- membered wdth indignation; for only twenty-five years after- wards, the Paxtang massacre began by killing the Christian unoffending Indians found in Conestoga. The Irish were gene- rally settled at Donegal." But few Scotch Irish settled within the present hmits of Berks county. A respectable number settled in East Hano- ver township, Lancaster county, which is now partly included within the bounds of Lebanon county. For the names of the first Irish settlers, the reader is referred to the history of the towhship in the western part of Lebanon county. The Irish who settled here were Presbyterians. There are still some of the descendants of this "generous, quick-witted, hospitable, and cheerful people," occupying the farms first owned by their ancestors. The Irish language which many of the first settlers spoke, is no longer spoken. To give the reader a specimen of the printed language of the sons of Erin, the writer has copied the Lord's prayer from Gr. Daniel's edition of an Irish Bible, printed in 1602. Air nathir ataip;h air nin. Nabz fat hanimti. Tigriuh * Augustus Gun, of Cork, advertised in the Philadelphia papers, that feje had powers from the Mayor of Cork, for many years, to procure strvanta fqr America. 116 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. da riathiate. Deantur da hoilarahuoil Air nirah agis air thalambi. Air naran laidthuil tabhair dhuin a niomb. Agis inath duin dairf, hiacha ammnil Agis mathum vid dar feu- tliunuim. Agis na trilaic astoch sin anau sen, Ac sar sine ole. Amen. CHAPTEE IX. ERECTION OF BERKS COUNTY. The lands on the Tulpehocken were still owned by the In- dians till 1732-'33, when Thomas Penn purchased them, which more effectually opened the door to emigrants into that part of the province within the limits of Berks and Lebanon. Ger- mans and others, especially the former, who were already seated, sent for their relatives and kindred ; and they in turn, on their arrival here, enticed others — till several thousand had settled in various parts on the Schuylkill, Tulpehocken, and other places — till every glen, vale, hill, and mountain, was more or less set- tled — and under such circumstances the inhabitants felt the want of a new county, and were led to petition the Assembly for privileges which Penn and successors had awarded. For, Wilham Penn, shortly after his arrival, in 1682, established several counties, namely, Philadelphia, Bucks, and Chester. Philadelphia county then extended indefinitely towards the northwest, bounded on the east by Bucks, and on the west by the Schuylkill, which separated it from Chester county, which included, at that time, Delaware county, and all the territory, except a small portion now within the limits of Philadelphia county, south-west of the Schuylkill, and extended to the ex- treme limits of the province, north, west, and south. In 1729, Chester was reduced, by erecting Lancaster county out of it. In 1749, York county was erected, and in 1750, Cumberland was established. Berks was erected, March 11th, 17r52. At the time of erecting Berks county, its population was from six to eight thousand. As it may be interesting to the reader, a copy of the petition to the Assembly, and sundry papers, have been copied, and are inserted. A petition from a considerable number of the inhabitants of Readingtown, upon Schuylkill, was presented to the house, February 4th, 1752, and read, setting forth, that they had settled in the said town, expecting that it would be a great place of trade and business, and had put themselves to vast ex- pense in building and removing thither with their families, 118 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES.. several of whom left tolerable good plantations; that though the sakl town had not above one house in it about two years ago, (1750,) yet it now consists of one hundred and thirty dwelling houses, besides forty-one stables, and other out-houses, and that there are one hundred and sixty families, consisting of three hundred and seventy-eight persons settled therein; that they have good reason to believe that in another summer they will be much increased, as the chief part of the province that can be settled is already taken up, and the settling of the town will be of great benefit to tradesmen and others, who are not able to purchase tracts of land to live on; that they hum- bly conceived it to be their interest, to the honorable proprie- taries, as w^ell as themselves, and that unless this house will be pleased to erect part of the counties of Philadelphia, Chester, and Lancaster, into a separate county, they shall be entirely disappointed of their expectations, notwithstanding all the cost and trouble they have been at; that, therefore, they pray this house would take their case into consideration, and grant them relief, by erecting such parts of said counties, as they shall think most proper, into a new county, with the same privileges that the other counties of this province enjoy; and that the seat of judicature be fixed within the said town of Reading.* Another petition was presented, February 5, 1752, from which the following extract is presented: "They find the causes of their complaint still growing, they humbly beg leave further to represent, that they are settled at a very great dis- tance from the place of judicature, many of them not less than one hundred miles, which is a real hardship upon those who are so unhappy as to be sued for debts, their charges in long jour- neys, and sometimes in severe weather, with the officer's fees, amounting to near as much, if not more, than the debts; that the hardships on jurymen, constables, and in being obliged to attend when required, is also very great; that now there is a new town laid out by the proprietaries' order, within fifteen perches of the division fine between Philadelphia and Lancas- ter counties, and above one hundred and thirty houses, and near as many families living therein, it is very easy for rogues and others to escape justice by crossing Schuylkill, which has al- ready been their practice for some years; that though their * Votes of Assembly, vol. iv., p. 204. V HISTORY Of iBfeRKS AND LEBAK05f CbtJNTIES. 119 ■grievances were laid befbre the Assembly some years past,* were not redressed, because of other weighty affairs being at that time under consideration; yet the prayer of their petition was thought reasonable, and the number of petitioners being since doubled by the increase of the back inhabitants, they there- fore pray, that this house would grant relief in the premises by erecting them into a separate county, bounded, as to the wis^ dom of this house shall seem best.f The prayer of the petitioners was granted by the passing of act, March 11th, 17o2,| directing the erection of a county out of parts of Philadelphia, § Chester,|| and Lancaster counties. Tf " Whereas a great number of the back inhabitants of the county of Philadelphia, and the adjacent parts of Chester and Lancaster, by their petition, have humbly represented to the Governor and Assembly of this province, their remote situation from their respective county towns, where the courts of justice are held, and pubUc ofhces kept, whereby they are frequently put to extraordinary expense of money, and loss of time, in their long journies thither, as parties in cases, witnesses, jury- men, &c. For remedying which inconveniences, and relief of the inhabitants in those remote parts in the premises, be it enacted by the Hon. James Hamilton, Esq., Lieutenant Gov- ernor, under the Hon. Thomas Penn and Richard Penn, true and absolute proprietaries of the province of Pennsylvania, and of the counties of New Castle, Kent and Sussex, upon Dela- ware, by and with the advice and consent of the representatives of the freemen of the said province, in general assembly met, and by the authority of the same — That all and singular the lands lying within the province of Pennsylvania aforesaid, with- in the limtis and bounds as hereinafter described, be erected inl o a county, and the same are hereby erected into a county, named, and henceforth to be called Berks ; bounded as follows : by a hne, at the distance of ten superficial miles south-west from * 1739-'40. Feb. 4, a petition sij;ned by Conrad Weiser, John Davis, James Lewis, and others, was presented. t Votes of Assembly, vol. 4, p. 205. t A, vol. iii., p. 227 of the Rolls at Harrisbiirg, § Alsace, Exeter, Amity, AUimsngle or Albany, Oley, Colebrookdale, and Hereford townships, then organized, were jiarts of Philadelphia county. II Coventry and part of Nantmill, now Union, part of Chester county. ^ Caernarvon, Robeson, Heidelberg, Bethel, Tulpehocken, Cumru, and Bern, then organized part of Lancaster county. IRO HISTORY OF BERKS AND LfcBAMO?f COUNTIES'. the western bank of the river Schuylkill, opposite to the moutti of a creek called Monocasy* to the run north north-west, to the extremity of the province, and south-east, until it shall in- tersect the liiie of Chester county, then on one straight line of McCall's manor, then along the said line to the extremity thereof, and continuing the same course, to the line dividing Philadelphia and Bucks counties, then along the said line north- west, to the extent of the county aforesaid. That it shall and may be lawful to and for Anthony Lee, Francis Parvin, Wilham Mangridge, William Bird and Joseph Millard, or any three of them to purchase and take assurance to them and their heirs, of a piece of land, situate in some conve- nient place in the town of Reading, in trust, and for the use of the inhabitants of said county, and thereon to erect and build a court house and prison, sufficient to accommodate the public service of the said county, and for the ease and conveniency of the inhabitants." For which purpose three hundreds pounds were authorized to be assessed and levied, for purchasing land, and finishing the court house and prison. By the same act, Edward Scull of Philadelphia county, Ben- jamin Lightfoot of Chester county, and Thomas Cookson of Lancaster county, were appointed to run, mark out and dis- tinguish the boundary line between the said counties of Phila- delphia, Chester, Lancaster, and of Berks. An act was passed, February 18, 1769, appointing William McClay, William Scull, and John Biddle, jr., to settle and fix the boundary line dividing the counties of Lancaster, Berks, and Cumberland. The former commissioners, Edward Scull, Benjamin Lightfoot, and Thomas Cookson, not having con- tinued said line further than the settlement at that time (1752) made. And, whereas, many were then (1769) settled, and new settlements then making beyond the said lines of 1752, and disputes having then already risen, and others were likely to arise, concerning the limits and bounds of the said counties of Lancaster, Cumberland, Berks, and Northampton; by reason of the boundary hues of 1752, not being completed, the act of February 18, 1769, authorized and required Messrs. McClay, Scull, and Biddle, and enjoined it that they should, within the space of nine months from the passage of the act, "to assem- ble themselves together, and to extend, run, and mark out, by * Feb. IS, 1769, an act was passed to settle this line. HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 121 actual survey, the boundary lines between the said counties of Lancaster, Cumberland, and Berks, and between the county of Berks and that of Northampton, by continuing the said due north-west course, from the south-east ends of the lines already run between the said counties respectively, as far as the lands lately purchased by the honorable, the proprietaries of this pro- vince from the Indians, do extend ; and that the costs, charges, and expenses of running, surveying, and marking out the said line, so far as the same shall run between the said counties of Berks and Lancaster — and that the costs, charges, and ex- penses of running the said line, so far as the same shall extend between the said counties of Cumberland and Berks, shall be paid equally between the said counties of Berks and Cumber- land." Berks, since its organization or erection in 1752, has been reduced by annexation of a part to the county of Northumber- land, March 21, 1772, which was erected out of parts of Lan- caster, Cumberland, Berks, Bedford, and Northampton ; and by the erection of Schuylkill, March 1, 1811 — the townships of Brunswick, Schuylkill, Manheim, Norwegian, Upper and Lower Mahantango, and Pine Grove, were a part of Berks county. The average length of Berks county, at present, is about thirty-two miles, and in breadth not exceeding twenty- eight; containing an area of nine hundred and twenty-seven square miles. The present population may exceed seventh- thousand. As above stated, Berks county was formed out of Philadel- phia, Chester, and Lancaster counties. All on the east side of the Schuylkdl was, at the erection of Berks, part of Philadel- phia, and was divided into the following townships: Alsace, Exeter, Amity, Allimengle or Albany, Oley, and Colebrookdale. The southern portion of Berks was part of Chester, and divided into two townships, Coventry and Nantraill ; parts of each of these townships are now included in Union township, organized since the erection of the county. The west and north-west portion was part of Lancaster, and divided into the following townships, namely : Caernarvon,- Robeson, Tulpehocken, Hei- delberg, Bethel, Tulpehocken, Cumru, and Bern. 11 CHAPTER X. HISTORICAL AND TOPOGRAPHICAL DESCRIPTION OF EACH TOWN* SHIP IN BERKS COUNTY. In giving the history, extent, &c., of the townships as now organized, each will be given as bounded at present ; but in giving the names of the first settlers, these will be introduced, speaking of the townships as they were bounded at, or soon after the organization of the county. ALBANY TOWNSHIP. Albany township, lying a little east of due north from Read- ing, is one of the most northern townships in the county, and on account of its partial barrenness, was known for many years by the name of " AllemeangeP'' — All-wants. It was, however, settled at a comparatively early period. In 1741, as it was then bounded, it contained thirty-seven taxables, and in 1758, it contained eighty-five taxables. The first settlers were Ger- mans, as will appear from the following list of names, including those who resided therein prior to 1756. Valentine Brobst, Martin Bfobst, Henry Ritter, Michael Brobst, Christian Hechter, Philip Stambach, Arnold Bittich, John Kunstler, George Klingerman, William Stampf, Cornelius Dries, Tobias Stabelton, Frantz Bety, Andreas Hagenbuch, John Miller, Martin Kemp, Peter Knoper, Jacob Wirth, Jacob Gerhardt, Heinrich Reichelsderfer, George Trump, Johannes Hein, John Wilt, Jacob Pohr, Jacob Kuntz, Simon Uries, Val- entine Petri, George Lili, John Steygerwald, John Uries, Philip Kugler, John Kluck, Michael Maurer, Christian Heinrich, An- tony Adam, Nicholas Wenner, Nicholas Muldenberger, Chris- tian Linseberger, Jacob Bachert, Nicholas Bachert, Henry Zimmerman, George Stimperd, George Kunckell, Jacob Stamm,- John Bricker, Jacob Lantz, Frederich Hauer, Johan Nicholas Strasser, Martin Kasser, Christian Kielbach, Michael Hollen- bach, Wilhelm Smedder, Michael Herpster, Johan Nicholas Emerich, Jacob Gordner, Johannes Smedder, Peter Seebold, George Rau, Nicholas Smith, Henry Ruppert, Frederick Hesse, HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 123 Christian ScherfF, Samuel Leydy, Christian Brancher, George Kautzman, Jacob Biely, Daniel Paulscher, Jacob Donath, Dewald Beilman, Solomon Bacher, Philip Shelhame, Chris- tian Schwenck, John Lieps, Frederick Reichelsderfer, Daniel Smith, Henry Kffinig, Henry Fallweilor, Elias Rothschoen, Phihp Bauer, Jacob Driess, Jacob Hagenbach. In the early part of February, 1756, the Indians committed several cruel and barbarous murders in this township. On the 14th of February, 1756, the Indians came to the house of Fre- derick Reichelsderfer, shot two of his children, set his house and barn on fire, and burnt up all his grain and cattle. Thence they proceeded to the house of Jacob Gerhart, where they killed one man, two women, and six children. "Two children slipped under the bed, one of which was burned; the other es- caped, and ran a mile to get to the people. When the intelligence of this miu'der had reached Maxatany, many of the inhabitants of that township repaired to Albany, to see what damage had been done ; w'hile on their way, they received accounts of other murders: "When," says Jacob Levan, in a letter to Mr. Seely, February 15, 1756, "I had got ready to go with my neighbors from Maxatany, to see what damage was done in Albany ; three men that had seen the shocking affair came and told me, that eleven were killed, eight of them burnt, and the other three found dead out of the fire. An old man w^as scalped, the two others, little girls, were not scalped."* On the 24th of March following, says the Pennsylvania Ga- zette, April 1, 1756, ten wagons went up to Allemaengle (Al- bany) to bring down a family with their effects; and as they were returning, about three miles below George Zeisloff's, were fired upon by a number of Indians from both sides of the road ; upon which the wagoners left their wagons and ran into the woods, and the horses frightened at the firing and terrible yelling of the Indians, ran down a hill and broke one of the wagons to pieces. That the enemy killed George Zeisloff and his wife, a lad of twenty, a boy, of twelve, also a girl of four- teen years old, four of whom they scalped. That another girl was shot in the neck, and through the mouth, and scalped, not- withstanding all which she got oil. That a boy was stabbed in three places, but the wounds were not thought to be mor- * See page 08. 124 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. tal. That they killed two of the horses, and five are missingy with which it is thought the Indians carried ofi" the most valu- able goods that were in the wagon." Sometime in November, 1756, the Indians appeared again in this township and carried off the wife of, and three children of Adam Eurns — the youngest child was only four weeks old. In the month of June, 1757, the Indians murdered one Adam Trump — they took Trump's wife and his son, a lad nineteen years old, prisoners; but the woman escaped, though upon her flying, she was so closely pursued by one of the Indians, (of which there were seven,) that he threw his tomahawk at her,, and cut her badly in the neck. The instances of murder were both numerous and barbarous in this township. Its preseut boundary is as follows: On the north and west by the Blue mountain, owing to the singular configuration of the mountain ; on the east by Lehigh county, and on the south Ly Greenwich township. It contains about twenty-one thou- sand acres of land. The soil in the north-western part is slats or shale, and in the south-eastern part somewhat sandy; but upon the Vv'hole, the soil is of inferior quality throughout the township, and the surface broken and hilly. It is drained by Maiden creek, which flov/s through the south-eastern part, in- tersecting the township unequally, and its tributaries, which are Mill creek and Stony run on the east, and Pine creek and one or tvro smaller streams on the west. Besides the mountain on the north, noted for its prominent termination, there is Round Top or "Peaked Mountain,'' rising in the form of a sugar loaf, to the height of a thousand feet or more. There are three churches in this tov;nship, two forges, seven grist mills, five saw mills, six public houses, two stores, eight schools, two jus- tices of the peace, John Miller and George Reagan, Esqs. There are two post offices in the township, viz. at Featherolfs- ville, and at Union Iron Works. Population in 1810, was 996 ; in 1820, 1182; 1830, 1129; 1840, 1057, according to the census: 181 horses, 643 horned cattle, 604 sheep, 585 swine; raise 1158 bushels of wheat, 9982 rye, 6852 corn, 4590 oats, 2932 buckwheat, 6302 potatoes, 590 tons of hay, 822 pounds of wool. Tax valuation for 1844, for county purposes, $281,088 ; for State purposes, $271,613; county tax $562,17. Gross amount of State tax, $312,45. HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 125 AMITY TOWNSHIP. Amity township, in the southern part of the county, was among the first settled townships in the county, originally set- tled by Swedes* and Germans. There is, at present, a dura- bly built house standing on the east bank of the Schuylkill, erected in 1716, as appears from a stone in the front wall of the house, with the initials, probably of the builder's name, "I. M. I. 1716." The house stands near Douglasville, near which is the old Swedish church, known as the Molatton church, a place of considerable note in the early history of the province. It was at Molatton that the Indian chiefs, Allummapces, Opekasset, and Manawkyhickon, cannot be enabled to attend a treaty at Conestoga, proposed to meet the Honorable Pa- trick Gordon, lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania, in relation to the unfortunate affray between the Palatines and Indians, at the iron works at Mahanatawny. "June 3d, 1728, the governor informed the Board of the Council, convened at Philadelphia, that while he was at Cones- toga, he received an answer to the messages sent by order of the Board, the 15th May, to Allummapecs, Opekasset, and Manawkyhickon, which were in substance, that Allummapecs and Opekasset had received the governor's letter and present, that they had nothing in their hearts but love and good will towards the governor and all his people, that they would have appi'ehended some danger if the governor had not sent to them, but that now their doubts are over and offer to meet the gover- nor at Molatton, because they cannot reach Conestoga by the time appointed." "The governor then said, that understanding Allummapecs and Opekasset, were come to Molatton, he despatched messen- gers to them, with an invitation to come down to Philadelphia ; and that accordingly they were now come, and had brought with them some of the relations of those Indians lately killed by the Wmters, and therefore he was now to advise with the Board upon what might be proper to be paid to them, and the presents, necessary on the occasion^ As early, as 1741, there were- rising of seventy taxables iii * See chapter iy., page SO. 11* 126 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. the township. In 1752, the following persons were returned as taxables to the county commissioners, namely: CorneHus Gehard, Ellis Griffith, George Lutz, Joseph Brown,. William Winter, Philip Snear, Joseph Boon, Mathias Hipser, John Adam Bickly, John Waren, Edward Drury, Enos ElUs, Gilbert Dehard, Baltzer Schultz, Thomas Brownfiekl, John Wolf, John Lowry, Jacob Weaver, Daniel Andraes, Michael Trump, Nicholas Boyer, Martin Becker, John Webb, Law- rence Cropper, Maurice Ellis, Jacob Rhoads, Peter Weaver, Jacob Crust, CorneUus Dehart, Daniel Fraily, Samuel Emwigh, Rinichots Oningthun, Philip Boyer, Michael Messinger, Jacob Early, John Sands, John Fitergrinder, Daniel Ludwick, John Campbell, John Huling, William Davis, Hugh Mitchell, Shed- rick Lord, Hernis Shegal, Henry Gibson, Fiancis Gibson, John Chikls, John Samuel Hatt, Thomas Bansfield, John Hoose, Philip Balser Crissman, John Marlain Fritz, Roland Harris, John Rafesnider, Hugh McCaft'ry, John Taylor, John Sue, Nicholas Jones, John Adam Ludwick, Lenard Roadermell, Jonas Jones, James Waren, Jacob Waren, Peter Kerhn, Ludo- wick Gouogar, Henry Vanreed, Daniel Woombledorf, William Champbell, Conrad Barlett, Abijah Sands, Mathias Maiday, Marcus Huling, John Ewalt, John Kerlin, John Yocomb, An- drev/ Ringberry, Peter Yocomb, Peter Livergood, George Shit- ler, Conrad Lutz, Garrad Deways, George Fritz, Charles Smith, George Adam Fisher, Adam Livergood, George Han- selmah, David Buchard, Jacob Neagly, Edward Harding, Fel- ly Cackly, Michael Cougler, Christopher Wickle, Derrick Cleaver, Adam Hatfield, Samuel Bosarder, Andreas Bosarder, George Adam Weidner, Isaac Wiseman, Thomas Mains, Ma- thew Culford, Frederick Haws, Charles Herman, Frederick Hoppman, William Williams, Solomon Broonfield, Abraham Andrews, John Peter Wyler, Valentine Ems, James Burn, Ru- dulph Mictz, Joseph Thomas, Jacob Barnet, Wilham Walker. Many of these were Swedes, or their descendants. It is bounded on the north-east by Oley and Earl townships; on the south-east by Douglass; south-west by the Schuylkill, separating it from Union; and north- vrest by Exeter; being nearly a square of four miles, containing about ten thousand five hundred acres of land, principally red shale and gravel; the surface undulating, except the central part, which bears a mountain aspect on account of Monakesy Hill, which strongly HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 137 marks the prominent features of that part of the township. Though the soil is red gravel and shale, it has been in many places rendered highly productive; and land is rated from twelve to sixty dollars per acre. This township is intersected by two considerable streams, by Monokesy creek in the north-west, and the Mahanatawny creek, in the north-east; on both of which are several mills; there are six grist mills, five saw mills, and one fulling mill in the township; besides these two streams there are several smaller ones, all winding their course to the Schuylkill. There are several small villages in the township ; Douglassville, near the line between Douglass and Amity township, Warrensburg, and Weavertown — there is a church held in common by (he Lu- therans and German Reformed. There is also one English Presbvterian church at Warrensburg — one near Manokcsy hill. The Perkiomen turnpike road, and the Reading railroad pass through the township; the latter along the Schuylkill, and the former within a few miles of it. The population in 1810, 1090 ; 1820, 1279;] 1830, 1378; 1840, 1664,-278 horses, 903 horned cattle, 535 sheep, 840 swine; raise 9912 bushels of • wheat, 13,775 rye, 18,543 corn, 22,745 oats, 589 buckwheat, 4038 potatoes, 1703 tons of hay, 1220 pounds of wool, 920 flax. Valuation of articles for county tax for 1844, $543,321 ; amount of tax, $1090 64. Gross amount of State tax, $791 44. BERN TOWNSHIP,. Bern township, contiguous to, and north-west of the borough of Reading, was settled by those whose ancestors had emigra- ted from a canton in Switzerland, one of the largest, and second in rank in the Swiss confederation, called Bern ; and in memory of the canton of their forefathers, named their new and future home, Bern. Many of the first settlers were men of wealth, influence, and possessed weight of character, and some of whose descendants are conspicuous in the annals of our country, both as soldiers, statesmen and divines — of these were the Hiesters and others. The primitive settlements in this tow^nship were made betv.'een the years 1728 and 1740, and principally by Germans, as will 123 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. appear on examining the following list of taxablcs for the year 1752 : Abraham Hausc, Joseph Richards, Albright Straus, Philip Straus, Joseph Shoemaker, Jacob Good, Christian Stutsman, Jacob Hanslerf, Anenias Sickle, Walter Rumford, George Sheel, Hans Fill)ert, Jacob Weisner, Jacob Reiler, George Wagoner, Jacob Kaufman, Fredrick Moir, Ludowick Nicholas, Samuel Minks, Felty Long, Ludowick Meily, Joseph Solend- brien, John Sever, Albright Fright, Rynard Chartle, Jacob Stutsman, Henry Steely, Jacob Westlar, Jacob Eeiler, John Sreber, Valentine Helraberger, Nicholas Miller, Henry Rusand, Nicholas Runch, Michael Burner, John Passman, Matthew Turnbeh, Philip Jacobs, Christian King, George Crusel, Cor- tes Crusel, Ludowick Semarr, William Tumbleson, John Smith, Christopher Four, Eenjamin Kepler, Samuel King, Christian Pike, Pence Leman, John Holy, Pence Benedict, Henry Adam, John Hertzberger, Christopher Yader, Jacob Bader, Martin Geek, John Fisher, John Kaufman, Everhard Caspin, Gerry Wagoner, jr., Jacob Pertgoble, John Young,. John Zimmer- man, Bastian Rood, Christian Yader, Philip Faust, Hermann Weaver, Daniel Hiester, George Gardner, John Faust, Chris- - tian Albright, Michael Stout, Jacob Bois, Peter Harpin, Matthew Weaver, Jacob Rezer, jr., Martin Cheaner, Joseph Heck, John, Runch,, John Bucks, John Meater, John Snider, senr., Jacob Rude, William Leymeister, George Bellman, Cas- per Philip, David Grim, Jacob Grim, Nicholas Klee, Philip Bower, Michael Hansel, Jolm Snider, jr., John Althaus, John Richards, Titus Denning, John Elleman, Nicholas Souder, James WilUamson, Adam Rickebach, John Stout, Christian Kaufman, Jacob Albright, Andreas Weiler, Jacob Runcle, Christian Berer, George Kirsner, Christian Zuch, Samuel V/al- lison. John Apler, Adam Bohn, Frederick Trum, John Macki- more, Woolrick Rathraacker, Jacob Fuchs, Philij") Mackimore, Peter Brow^n, Valentine Epler, John Heister,. John Rebert, Jost Hiester, Adam Stump, William Hettrich, Nicholas Haller, Jacob Summer, Jacob Rezer, Joseph Obelt, Heronimus Henig, Hans Michael Leep, Jacob Miller, Wondle Brecht, David Brecht, Jacob Allwene, Henry Kettner, George Gernant, Pet-er Zuber, Samuel Wallison. Not a few of these were descend- ants of the Huguenots, of whom something has been said in chapter v., pages 83, 88. HISTORY or BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 129 The inhabitants of this township, in conamon with all the frontier townships, suffered much from the cruel enemy, maraud- ing the county. The last murders, of which we have any no- tice, committed on this side the Blue Mountain, in Berks, were committed in Bern township. The following letter from Jonas Seely to Governor Penn, (son of Richard Penn,) contains this account : Reading, September 11, 1763. Honored Sir — This moment at Reading, as I was sending off the express, certain intelligence came that the house of Frantz Hubler, in Berne township, about eighteen miles from here, was attacked on Friday evening last, by the Indians — himself is vt'ounded, his wile and three children carried off — and three other of the children scalped alive — two of v/hom are since dead. I am. Honored Sir, Your humble and Obedient servant, Jonas Seely. In another letter, the same wiiter says: "We are all in a state of alarm ; Indians have destroyed dwellings, and murdered, with savage barbarity, their helpless inmates ; even in the neighborhood of Reading. Where these Indians came from, and where going, we know not. These are dangerous times. Send us armed force to aid our rangers of Berks." This township is bounded on the north by Centre township, w^hich has been organized out of parts of Bern and Upper Bern, since 1830 ; on the east by the Schuylkill liver, separat- ing it from Maiden Creek, antl Alsace township ; south-west by the Tulpehocken creek, separating it from Cumru and lower Heidelberg townships ; north-west by Penn township, which was formed out of Bern and Upper Bern ; extreme about seven miles and a half, and greatest breadth seven miles ; average length and breadth about five miles ; area of about 20,000 acres, and the surface considerably undulative ; the soil prin- cipally gravel, but considerably improved by a proper course of tillage. Bern presents a kind of Delta, lying in the fork of the Tulpehocken creek and the Schuylkill river, which, to- gether with Plum creek, afford abundance of water power for 130 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES, mills and other purposes. In 1840, there were one flouring mill, six grist mills, seven saw mills, one powder mill, and three tanneries in the to wd ship. There are two churches in the township, Epler's, six miles from Reading, and Bern church. The first church here was singularly decorated by a grotesque painting. Bernville, fourteen miles from Reading, is a post village. The following, which is " dipt" from the " Schuylkill Jour- nal" of May, 1839, shows that some native genius is to be found in Bern. To stimulate some dormant genitas, whose eye may be caught by this, space is given to a tribute of praise. — The Editor of the Journal says : " A short time since I called to see Jacob Mip.sse, Esq., of Bern township, Berks county. Pa., who showed me a number of engravings executed by his son Gabriel Miessc. The young gentleman has an undoubted claim to talents. The first piece of work of the kind he per- formed, is surprisingly well done, when it is recollected he had never seen a copper-plate — in fact, not even a graver, for this in- strument was constructed by a neighboring blacksmith, accord- ing to a pattern furnished by the young man himself. In con- sequence of the development of such promising talents, he was prevailed upon by the liberality of his father, to resort to Philadelphia, and put himself under the care of an ex- perienced artist. But from great constitutional delicacy of frame, he did not remain there more than ten days or two weeks, before he was attacked by a severe illness, which obliged him to return to the countiy, and abandon those opportunities so congenial to his taste. He continued, however, to amuse himself by engraving a great variety of pieces, among which are plants, flowers, animals, the human figure, &c., executed with a spirit of fidelity, truly astonishing, and turned oflf' by an apparatus wholly constructed by himself, from the stile to the press." Population in 1810, 1,240 ; 1820, 1,791 ; 1830, 2,154 ; 1840, 3,149. Horses 907 ; horned cattle 1,774 ; sheep 1,135 ; Swine 2,105 ; bushels of wheat 29,960 ; rye 39,267 ; corn 37,885; oats 48,227; buckwheat 1,354; potatoes 16,- 219 ; tons of hay 4,307 ; pounds of wool 2,122 ; flax ,3,261. Valuation of articles; for county tax ^602,884 ; county tax $1,205 ; State tax ^672,35. HISTORY OF BERKS AND LtBANON COUNTIES* 181 BETHEL TOWNSHIP. Bethel township was, no doubt, so called after a colony of United Brethren or Moravians, who had a small establishment on the Swatara, in this township, called Bethel ; the literal meaning of which is, " The House of God." Bethel town'^hip is the most north-western township of Berks county ; primitively settled by Germans, whose descendants are still the owners of their ancestors farms and homestead. In no township of the county were more life sacrificed to glut the de- structive propensities of the barbarous Indians, during the French and Indian war, than in this township. It was in this township Captain Busse, under the direction of the province and inspection of Conrad Weiser, Fort William and Henry was erected, and well garrisoned by one company and a half — part of a regiment consisting of nine companies, under the command of Colonel Conrad Weiser ; and notwithstanding the fort being within this township, the Indians killed many of the inhabitants. Under date of November 19, 1755, Conrad Weiser, in a let- ter to Governor Morris, says : " On my return from Philadel- phia, the first news of our cruel enemy having invaded the county, this side of the Blue Mountain, to wit : Bethel and Tulpehocken." In a deposition, signed by James Morgan, it is stated that on Sunday, the 16th November, 1755, a company of one hundred and thirty inhabitants of Berks, principally from Heidelberg and Tulpehocken, went to Bethel township ; and that near Dieterich Six's, about half a mile from his house, they found Casper Spring dead, and scalped, whose brains had been knock- ed out, and having buried him, they marched about one hun- dead rods and found one Beslinger dead, and scalped ; his brains were also knocked out, his mouth much mangled, one of his eyes cut out, and two knives lying in his breast — they buried him. That twenty of their body, who had gone a little out of the road, about two miles from Six's, found a child of Jacob Wolf — and that the day before, some of the same company had found John Leinberger and Rudolp Candel, dead and scalped. It is further stated, " the whole country thereabouts desert- ed their habitations, and sent away all their household goods — 132 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. that much mischief had been done by the Indians, by burning houses and barns. Loskiel, in speaking of the Moravian settlements, in 1756, thus alludes to the colony in Bethel : — " The savages continued to commit murders in Allemaengel ; and a lance lost by them on the road, proved them to be some of the very people who had attended the Congress (Indian treaty) at Easton, Roving parties infested the borders of the country, the public roads, and all those places in which they feared no resistance ; so that the small colonies of Brethren settled in Allemaengel and Bethel, on Swatara, who had held out with uncommon patience, were at last obliged to take refuge, the former in Bethlehem, and the latter in Lebanon."* Some time in the month of June, 1758, the Indians carried off the wife of John Frantz, and three of his children. Mrs. Frantz being rather infirm and sickly, not able to travel, was most cruelly murdered by the savages ; the children they took with thera.f At the time this murder was committed, Mr. Frantz was out at work ; his neighbors having heard the firing of guns by the Indians, immediately repaired to the house of Frantz ; on their way there apprised him of the report — when they arrived at the house they found Mrs. Frantz dead, and all the children gone ; they then pursued the Indians some distance, but all in vain. The children were taken and kept captives for several years. A few years after this horrible affair, all of them, except one, the youngest, were exchanged. The oldest of them, a lad of twelve or thirteen years of age, at the time when captured, re- lated the tragical scene of his mother being tomahawked and shamefully treated. Him they compelled to carry the youngest. The anxious father, having received two of his children as from the dead, still sighed for the one that was not. When- ever he heard of children being exchanged, he mounted his horse to see whether among the captured, was not his dear lit- tle one. On one occasion he paid a man forty pounds, who had reported he knew where the child was, if he restored it. To another he paid a hundred dollars, and himself went to Canada * Loskiel's His. Mis. U. F. La Trobe's Translation, Part ii., p. 180. I Pennsylvania Gazette, June 1758. HISTORY OP BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES!. 133 la search of the lost one — but, to his sorrow, never could trace his child. A parent can realize his feelings — they cannot be described. The following persons were returned to the county commis- sioners, as taxables of this township, in 1754 : Martin Kepler, Charles Smith, Michael Grossman, Casper Snevely, George Reninger, Loretz Stautz, Wendel Reeger, John Schuie, Peter Bixler, Martin Eichgelberger, Martin Eisenhauer, John Eichgelberger, Michael GroiF, George GrofF, Frederick Sixth, George Boeshor, JohnKunkle, Martin Speck, Jacob Dehn, Adam Kussel, George Erarich, Michael Wieland, Nicholas Marke, David Marke, Nicholas Gebhart, Andreas Smith, Jacob Sierer, John Apple, Daniel Sneider, Henry Ko- bel, Conrad Fuerther, Ulrich Spies, Henry Shuie, Christopher Herold, Frantz Legenberger, Adam Daniel, Nicolaus Pontius, George Berger, Henry Berger, Andrew Kremer, John Emrich, Jacob Smith, Jacob Emrich, Jacob Zerbe, Baltzer Emrich, Leonard Emrich, Jacob Leyninger, Ulrich Seltzer, Baltzer Smith, Frederick Tresler, Martin Tresler, Bastian Stein, Thomas Bauer, Rudy Ma yer, John Frantz, Peter Mayer, John Adam Walborn, John Adam Bartorf, William Parsons, Esq., Christel Neucommer, Wendel Seibertj_Clidsto^her Knebel, Pe- ter Dietrich, Christopher Reier, DieFncIi MarEle71"TT6hblas Wolf. The quantity of land owned by the above, was 2,230 acres, whereof were cleared and sowed in grain, 168 acres; horses 68; mares 25 ; cows 103 ; sheep 41 ; servants 4 ; one hired man, Dietrich Markle. Bethel, as it is at present, is bounded on the north by the Blue Mountain, for the distance of fifteen miles, which separates it frOm Schuylkill county ; east and south by the Little Swa- tara creek, which divides it from Upper and Lower Tulpe- hocken townships; south and west by Lebanon county; its mean length is about eight miles, and mean breadth about five miles, having an area of about 27,000 acres of land. The sur- face is diversified ; in the north, somewhat mountainous; soil nearly all gravel, some yellow shale, and upon the whole, not productive. Parts of it, however, have been rendered produc- tive by the shield and care of the provident husbandman. The main road from Jonestown, in Lebanon county, to Reh- rersburg, passes through the south part of it — the road to Pine 12 134 HISTORY OF BERKS AUD LEBANON COUNTIES. Grove crosses it on the east; that to Sunbury, centrally, and the State road to the west. The Little Swatara and Grosskill, are the principal streams, affording good water power. There are four grist mills, six saw mills, one fulling mill, and one woollen factory in the township ; two tanneries and several dis- tilleries — but at present, not in operation. Millersburg is the only village in the township, containing between thirty and forty dwellings, several taverns, and stores ; one church, held in common by the Lutherans and German Reformed. The Ger- man Baptists, or Dunkers, have one or two meeting places. The population in 1810, 924; 1820, 1,294; 1830, 1,482 1840, 1,458; horses 463; horned cattle 1,480; sheep 836 swine 966; bushelsof wheat 11,852; rye 16,491; corn 18,822 oats 26,880; buckwheat 587; potatoes 5,662; tons of hay 1,886; pounds of wool 1,427; flax 836. Valuation for county tax for 1844, $524,501; county tax $1,049 00; State tax "3,45. BRECKNOCK TOWNSHIP, Brecknock township, in the southern part of the county, was called so, after Brecon or Brecknock, an inland county of South Wales, whence some of the first settlers in this part of Berks county have emigrated. The primitive settlers of this town- ship were the following, among whom were a few Germans: George Douglass, Charles Hornberry, George Hesong, Jacob Fry, Adam Beamer, Daniel Commer, Henry Miller, John Black, Casper Koch, John Long, David Commer, M. Geyman, Abra- ham Stein, Leobald Yost, John Aldibery, Jacob West, James Rathff, Bernhard Pealer, Adam Philabaum, Hans Ruble, Jere- miah Seemor, Michael Finfrook, Christian Acre, Michael Frankhauser, Adam Neide, Hans Hamigh,Hans Moser, Michael Slaugh, Henry Brindle, Henry Ourwasher, Daniel Cooper, Joseph Wenger, Nicholas Shans, Peter Baltsly, Christian Gey- man, John Comler. It is bounded on the north by Cumru township; on the east by Robeson township, and south-east by Caernarvon; south- west by Lancaster county, and on the northwest by Cumru; greatest length seven miles; mean breadth about two and a HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 135 half; contains rising of ten thousand acres of land. The sur- face is generally hilly, and the soil gravel; but pretty well improved, though there is still much room for greater improve- ment. The township is well supplied with w^ater. Allegheny creek rises near the centre of this township, and in a north-eastern direction meanders through the glens, and seeks its way to- wards the Schuylkill, affording water power to several mills within the limits of the township. Big and Little Muddy creeks have their sources in this township; the former rises in the eastern, the latter in the western part of the town- ship, and unite in Lancaster county, and empty into the Cones- toga. There is a German Reformed church in this township. Population in 1810, 495; 1820, 536; 1830, 866 ; 1840, 935. Horses 335; horned cattle 956; sheep 749; swine 671; bushels of wheat 2,491; rye 7,056; corn 8,0^2; oats 5,991; buckwheat 792 ; potatoes 6,523 ; tons of hay 909 ; pounds of wool 1,357; flax 1,397. Valuation of articles for tax for 1844,^148,131; county tax $296,26 ; State tax $179,14. CARNARVON TOWNSHIP. CcRmarvon township, is the extreme southern township of the county; was originally settled by Welsh, who named it after a maritime county of North Wales, whence they had emigrated. The following list embraces all the primitive set- tlers who lived at the time of the organization of Berks county. Nicholas Hadson, John Wilson, George Martin, Richard Smith, Moses Martin, Jacob Cymerlin, Archibald Mahon, Wilham Robeson, Daniel Jones, Aaron Rattue, John Davis, John Light, John Hamilton, Nicholas Hudson, John Bracken, Aaron Ash, 'Alexander Adams, Mathias Broadsword, Valen- tine Carberry, Joseph Davis, Robert Ellis, John Evans, Daniel Fox, John Fern, Daniel Gillis, Thomas Harper, Jacob Hof- man, David Jones, Francis Morgan, Daniel Owen, Mark Pea- lor, Richard Philips, Charles Richardson, Moses Robinson,, William Robinson, Cornelius Shea, John Stephens, Benjamin. Talbert, John Morgan, Daniel Davis, John Talbert. 136 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES, The township is bounded on the north by Robeson township;; south-east by Chester county, and north-west by Lancaster*. Its mean length five miles ; mean breadth two miles and a half; contains upwards of ten thousand acres of land; the surface is diversified — the soil is gravel and limestone, the greater part of which is well cultivated. The township lies principally in the great valley. In no part of Eerks county, do faims surpass those in this township. They are well cultivated, and very productive. " Few travel- lers," says a certain writer, speaking of this part of the county, *'who pass through it, can well avoid the breach of the tenth commandment, or refrain from envying the inhabitants their tranquil life and abundant comforts — their spacious and neat dwellings of stone, and their capacious and overflowing gar- ners, their fields studded with cattle and whitened with sheep, are substantial w^itnesses of their happiness." It is pretty well watered ; the Conestoga creek aflfords water power, on which, within the borders of Caernarvon, are several mills. There is some iron ore in this township, but mixed with some copper. This is stated upon the authority of the Assis- tant State Geologist. He says, speaking of Berks county: *' Copper ore occurs at several places within the county, but generally in such small quantities, and so mixed w^ith iron, as to render the expediency of working it very doubtful. Near Mor- gantown is a mine of this character, which is not at present, in a productive state." It contains three stores, one flouring mill, three grist mills, and three saw mills. Morgantown, a post vil- lage, is a small town, though pleasantly situated on the Cones- toga turnpike road, thirteen miles from Reading; it contains between forty and fifty dwellings, the usual handicrafts, seve- ral stores and taverns; population rising of three hundred; con- tains a German Refprmed Church. The population of this township was in 1830, 1440 ; 1840, 1830. Horses 208; horned cattle 705; sheep 544; bushels of wheat 13,570; rye 4,205; corn 9,764; oats 12,859; buck- wheat 491; potatoes 3,597; tons of hay 713; pounds of wool 804; flax 1,121. Valuation of articles for county tax for 1844, $244,617; county tax $480,23; State tax $324^75,, HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 137^ COLEBROOKDALE TOWNSHIP. Colehrookdale township, was among the first organized town- ships, and settled at a comparatively early period. Among the first settlers were a number of Palatine families, of whom men- tion is made in the Coloniel Records, in the year 1728. In 1741, this county contained eighty-five taxables; and in 1752, the year Berks county was organized, the following were the names of the taxables of this township : Conrad Rode, Thomas Potts,. Conrad Read, Mathias Dat- terow, John Potts, Peter Gars, Casper Richard, Leopold Long, Paul Picteo, Thomas Weasor, Casper Bowman, John Shouts,, Conrad Mone, Manues Sossiminius, (Sassamanhous,) Godfried Kesabaer, Bamebas Rhodes, Thomas Schohn, Adam Gerber, David Potts, John Wartler, Adam Ritznover, John Michael Dotterer, Fredrick Erne, Nicholas Eiss, Conrad Boehm, An- drew Eschenbach, John Moir, Conrad Seihiber, John Buck- waiter, Peter LoMer, Bernhard Wanemacher, Philip Filtz, Daniel Stover, Paul Finsman, John Baily, Paul Mosner, Mi- chael Hartlein, Michael Klein, Jacob Ganz, Stephen Hautz,. Jacob Mathias, Ruben Tuders, Jacob Miller, Adam Lintz, Ja- cob Bush, John Beicker, Jacob Hauk, Frederick Potts, Jacob Tangier, Henry Schweitzer, Leonard Thomas, Jacob Machlin, Francis Carle, John Pile, George Kirch, Thomas Walker, George Hartley, Daniel Stover, Jacob Klotz. This township is at present bounded, as follows : North-east by Washington township, formed out of part of Colehrookdale and Hereford ; south-east by Montgomery county, south-west by Douglass, and north-west by Earl and Pike; it is near a square of three miles, and contains rising of six thousand acres of land; surface rather hilly ; soil principally gravel, and some loam; generally, however, of a good quahty, and rendered, by a proper system of culture, productive. The Stone and Swamp creek have their sources in this township. There are several grist mills, saw mills, fulling mills, in this township. Black lead has been discovered, and iron ore of the magnetic variety, connected with the primary rocks, abounds — one of these is near Boyerstown. These mines were formerly worked for the supply of furnaces, in the vicinity of the mines, Boyerstown, a post village, is situated in the south-eastern 12* 138 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. part of the township, where there is a church, common to the Lutherans and German Reformed. Population in 1810, 792; 1820, 1,046; 1830, 1,219; 1840 1,124. Horses 193 ; horned cattle 678 ; sheep 292 ; swine 393 bushels of wheat 3,303; rye 4,174; corn 7,010; oats 6,985 buckwheat 545 ; potatoes 3,422 ; tons of hay 812 ; pounds of wool 692; flax 1,392. Amount of valuation for tax for 1844, $333,873; county tax 8667,74; State tax $432,47. CUMRU TOWNSHIP. Cumru township WRS, like the last named townships, primi- tively settled by the Welsh emigrants. It was within the limits of this township, that two Welshmen, brothers, by the name of Winters, murdered three friendly Indians. The circumstances connected with this affair are given in the Colonial Records, as detailed by Governor Gordon, who was, after the murder had been committed, in the neighborhood, in 1728. In laying an account thereof before the Council, " The Governor proceeded and said, that after having used several methods to quiet the country, (alluding here to the disturbance at Mahanatawny,) and to induce the people to return to their habitations, and having ordered some powder and lead to be distribuled in case of any attack. He was preparing to return home, when he received the melancholy news by an express from Samuel Nutt, Esq., that one Indian man and two women were cruelly mur- dered, at Cucussea, by John and Walter Winters, without any provocation given, and two Indian girls much wounded, upon which a hue and cry was immediately issued against the murderers, and he returned back next day to Mahanatawny to make enquiry into this matter, where he learned that the said Winters and one Morgan Herbert, an accomplice in said mur- ders, were apprehended, who being brought thither and exa- mined, the said Winters confessed the murder, as did likewise Herbert, his being present when they perpetrated the same, as appears from the several examinations now laid before the Board, and that they had nothing else to say in their justifica- tion, than that, from the reports in the country of the Indians having killed some wliite men, they thought they might law- fully kill any Indian whom they found." HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. lo^ The following list of taxables for 1756, contains the names of many of the first settlers in the township: Adam Ziegler, A])raham Eckert, Andrew Woolf, Adam Householder, Amos Jenkins, Andrew Bossard, Bastian Mor- gan, Benjamin Horning, Casper Steff, Christian Bowman, Christian Stehute, Christian Brinckle, Conrad Ohard, David Edward, Daniel Shea, David Evans, Dietrich Fernsler, Dennis Brady, Francis Yarnal, Francis Kreck, Francis Steele, George Jacob, George Bollman, George Burkhard, George Eckert, George Bauer, George Krimlauf, George Englehardt, George Bower, George Riehm, George Geminder, George Lewis, Hans Ruthey, Henry Alsbach, Henry Frelick, Harman Rule, Hans Zovalle, John Emy, Jacob Bauman,. Jacob Eshellman, Isaac Willets, Jacob Stehly, John Selegan, John Davis, John Smith, John Morris, Jolm Hengle, Jacob Ruth, James David, Jacob Freimeyer, Jona Stephen, Jacob Beyerly, Joseph Missler, John Richard, James Lewis, John Eaton, Jacob Syder, James Perst, John Englebrown, Joseph Wollinson, John Reed, Joseph Alt- house, Jacob Clower, John Davis, John Bryninger, John Kline- genny, J6hn Binekley, Jacob Worst, John Moon, John Creek, John Henton, Jonas Seely, John Bollman, John Pugh, Lud- wick Herman, Ludwick Moon, Michael Lamb, Martin Koll- mer, Michael Meyer, Michael Shoemaker,, Michael Grauel, MichaelTluth, Martin Beyer, Melchoir Steel, Martin Brymin- ger, Martin Kromer, Nicholas Creager, Nathan Evans, Nicho- las Kilhan, Peter Hoeckert, Peter Road, Peter Flick, Peter Shearman, Nicholas Cowyer, Peter Neagley, Peter Eshelman, Rudolph HueberUng, Reinhard Rorebach, Richard Lewis, Rein- hard Waltz, Samuel Embree, Stephen Lash, Samuel Phipps, Vernor Moone, Walter Burk, Vernor Weystel, William Jones, William Thomas, William Lerch, Nicholas Lerch, William Davis, Thomas Jones, Thomas Pest, Isaac W^illets, Peter Road, Henry Beyerley, Edward Harry, William Lewis, Nathan Lewis, James Jones, Evan Harry, Nathaniel Morgan, John Peter, Solomon Davis, James Davis, John Davis, Daniel Bos- sert, Jacob Creek, John Bopkin, Reuben Davis. The following letter written, in this township, may be inter-, esting to some of the readers here — ithougb not exactly i7i place,.. it is given. 140 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. Sinking Spring, Sept. 10, 1763. John Penn, Esq. Honored Sir — I am sorry I have to acquaint your honor of the following melancholy accounts, which I received by express from Capt. Kern, last night. On the 8th inst., a party of Indians came to the house of one John Fincher, about three-quarters of a mile distant from a party of Captain Kern's men, commanded by Ensign ShefFer. Tliey killed Fincher, his wife, and tw' o of his sons; his daughter is missing; one little boy made his escape from the savages, and came to the Ensign, who went immedi- ately to the place with his party. But the Indians were gone, and finding by their tracks which way they went, pursued them to the house of one Nicholas Miller, where he found four chil- dren murdered. Our party still pursued, and soon came up with the enemy, and fired on them. They returned the fire; but the soldiers rushed on them so furiously, that they soon ran off and left behind them two prisoners, two tomahawks, one hanger and a saddle — the Indians were eight in number, and our party, seven. Three of the enemy were much wounded. The two prisoners which our party wounded, were two of said Miller's children, whom they had tied together, and so drove them along. Miller's wife is missing — in all, there are eight killed, and two missing in that neigl borhood. I am, honored sir. Your most obedient Humble servant, Jonas Seely. This township is bounded on the north-east by the Schuyl- kill river, separating it from Bern and Alsace township; on the south by Robeson township and Brecknock; south-west bv Lancaster county ; and on the north-west by Lower Heidelberg township. The mean length and mean breadth, a little more than seven miles ; and contains lising of thirty-one thousand acres of land ; the surface variegated ; partly level and partly hilly ; the soil diversified, gravel and hmestone of excellent qual- ity, and highly productive. The Welsh mountain and Flying hill, in the southern part of the tow^nship, are distinguished prominences, and give boldness HISTORY OF BERKS ANB LEBANON COUNTIEJS, 141 to the southern borders of Ciimru. This township is well wa- tered. Besides the Schuylkill and Tulpehocken, other streams, such as the Cacoosing creek, Wyniising, Angelica, and Flying Hill run, afford water power to propel the "gearings" of one furnace, two forges, one fulling mill, twelve flouring mills, five grist mills, and five saw mills. There is also the Sinking Spring, near the Harrisburg turn- pike, about five miles from Reading, which is quite a natural curiosity to those who may not be familiar with the circum- stances frequently attending large springs in a limestone region. "The water here rises and sinks again in the same basin, which is very deep; thence finding its way again under ground, through fissures and hidden caverns in the limestone rock, probably once more to seek the light of day in some other place." Near this spring is a village, deriving its name from the spring,. It contains fifteen or eio-hteen dwellino- houses, one or two taverns, and several stores, and a church held in common by the German Reformed and Lutherans. The county poor house — a "lordly palace" — is in this town- ship, about three miles from Reading, upon Angelica Farm, formerly the property of Governor Thomas MiflPiin. The population in 1810, 2,017; 1820, 2,462; 1830, 2,705; 1840, 2,930. Horses 725 ; horr.ed cattle 1,880 ; sheep 1,921 ; swine 2,178; bushels of wheat 33,535; rye 26,766; corn 34,997; oats 44,337; buckwheat 1,311; potatoes 11,451: tons of hay 2,541 ; pounds of wool 1,993 ; flax 3,750. Whole amount of valuation on all articles made taxable by law for county purposes, for 1844, $1,138,900; whole amount of county tax $2,277 80; State tax $1,316 66. DISTRICT TOWNSHIP. District township, is one of the north-western townships in the county, and was settled primitively and principally by Ger- mans, whose choice was among the hills, preferring this land on account of the springs. In 1756, the following pei'sons were all taxables, and nearly all of wliom were land holders ; George Hartlein, Conrad Arnold, Thomas Banfield, Jacob Bush, Jeremiah Bacon, Israel Burget, John Barns, Frederick 142 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. Potts, George Brown, Henry Dener, George Trust, Joshua De La Plain, (Delaplain) George Dotterer, JNicholo Eis, Jacob Bernhard, George Oyster, Jacob Frey, Jacob Fridge, John Fare, Jacob Grues, Bernhard Gembhng, Jacob Hill, George Hartline, Michael Hoffman, Michael Hartman, Andreas Hack- er, Peter Hardman. X'Qr gntz Hauc k^ George Haltzlhech, Ste- pTierrHanch, Ja'coFlJard, Paul Plartman, Jacob Herb, Michael Klein, John Kabron, George Koutz, Conrad Keim, Nicholas Koutz, Adam Kildan, Geroge Klauser, George Lantz, George Lintz, Tobias Manck, Jacob Mathias, Dietrich Mathias, Win. Mackey, S. Mayberry, John Moatzer, Peter Miller, John Mil- ler, Wm. Miller, Henry Machanet, Frederick Mayer, Freder- ick Martin, Andeas Norgang, Frantz Moser, John Reidenauer, Michael Radicher, George Schall, William Stork, Jacob Stein- brenner, Lawrence Sheeler, sen. and jr., George Stevenson, Nicholas Schlister, Henry Schoerham, Valentine Schaeffer, Adam Urich, Jacob Walter, Peter Weller, Philip Weismiller, Casper Weisner, Jacob Schweitzer, George Adam Weidner, Jacob Roth, Charles Weis, Christopher Schock, Michael Schuh- macher, Christian Brensinger, Samuel Oyster, Daniel Eyst, John Cobron. This township is bounded on the north by Long Swamp township; east by Hereford and Washington; south by Pike, and west by Rockland. Greatest length four miles and a half, and breadth about three and a half; containing rising of seven thousand acres of land; the surface in many. places very hilly; soil, gravel, and of rather, naturally, an inferior quality ; aver- age value, v^hen improved, not exceeding twenty-five dollars per acre. The land is susceptible of greater improvement than has been made. Pine creek and branch of Mahanatawny, rises in this township, on which there is a furnace — there is one forge, a grist mill, and a saw mill, in the township. Population in 1830, 562; 1840, 583. Horses 187; horned cattle 418; sheep 831; swine 300; bushelsof wheat 1,572; rye 3,371; corn 3,845; oats 3,416; buckwheat 1,458; potatoes 2,946; tons of hay 392; pounds of w^ool 742; flax 379. — whole amount of valuation on all articles made taxable by law, for county purposes ^139,029 ; county tax $278,06 ; State tax $160,63. HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 143 DOUGLASS TOWNSHIP. Douglass township had been organized prior to 1740 ; that year it contained as many as fifty-eight taxables, and like Cole- brook, was principally settled by Palatines.* Its early settlers were alarmed by Indian skirmishes, mentioned in a preceding page. In 1755, the following persons resided in this township: Jacob Nagle, Daniel Wills, sen., Adam Miller, Henry Shora- berger, Valentine Foght, Jacob David Hiser, Samuel Buzard, Christian Kasebeer, sen., John Shce, Christian Wigle, Michael Coglar, Michael Kaspotz, Yoakam Neglee, Valentine Keely, George Hanselman, Philip Walter, sen., George Shadier Peter Levengood, Peter Yoakam, Andrew Ringberry, Frederick . Wambach, Martin Nahr, Michael Hoffman, Crhistian Sheeler, George Fritz, Andrew Huling, Derick Clever, Wm. Keepers, Heronimus Spies, Leonard Hersger, John KefFer, Nicholas Reem, Christian Conrad, Christian Bender, Geo. Geringer, John Clows, Andrew Miller, James Bevin, Peter Sheener, !Philip Barthner, Simon Ringberry, Philip Hapelbaker, John Potts-, jr. This township is bounded north by Colebrookdale ; east by Montgomery county ; south by the Schuylkill river ; on the west by Amity and Earl township ; the greatest length, five miles and a quarter, breadth two miles; contains seven thousand acres of land — surface undulating — soil good — not very pro- ductive. The Mahanatawny creek passes through the south ern part of it, on which there is a Pine forge. Iron Stone creek divides the northern portion longitudinally, and nearly equally, till it reaches the Mahanatawny. The Philadelphia & Reading turnpike, and the Railroad to Philadelphia, pass through the southern part of it. There is a furnace, a forge, a fulling mill, four grist mills, three saw mills and an oil mill, in this township. Population in 1810, 660; 1820, 1,046; 1830, 1,210; 1840, 1,113. Horses 475 — horned cattle 754 — sheep 806 — swine 504— bushels of wheat 3,115— rye 8,768— corn 10,445— oats 7,330— buckwheat 1,268— potatoes 2,131— tons of hay 794— pounds of flax 295 — wool 880. Whole amount of valuation on all articles made taxable by law, for county purposes, for 1844, $282,212— county tax $564 42— State tax ^342 31. * Col. Rec. iii. 321. 144 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. ELSACE, OR ALSACE TOWNSHIP. Alsace township was named after the province from which 'the first settlers had chiefly emigrated. They had come from a French province, called Alsace, forming the departments of the upper and lower Rhine. Among the first settlers were some descendants of French Reformed or Huguenots, and Swedes ; the latter were Lutherans. The greater part were Germans. The following were returned as taxables by the as- sessor in 1756. Some of them were Swedish Lutherans, others descendants of Huguenots.* Jacob Debery, Jacob ShefTer, John Umstat, Michael Fischer, John Ebling, Rudolph Gehrhart, Henry Ganet, Peter Smith, John Haberacker, Samuel High, Nicholas Yost, Harry Schnei- der, Baltzer Moone, John Schmeck, Harry Becker, Herman De Haven, Christopher Spengler, Adam Garret, Adam Reifle, Dewalt Baum, Nicholas Highshoo, Frederick Goodhart, George Heyer, Peter Rothenberger, Philip Resser, John Lehmer, Ru- dolph Schleer, Michael Glasser, Michael Seller, Jacob Lancis- cus. Christian Kinsey, Adam Wagner, Baltzer Schwenck, Wil- liam Noll, Casper Millhause, Adam Schwartzbach, Harry Shillt, Jacob Becker, Adam Bauman, Ernst Seitel, Conrad Bobb, Conrad Keller, Isaac Levan,jr., Lorentz Wentzel, Geo. Nees, Mathias Trenckel, Nicholas Kreisher, Jacob Heitschuh, Dietrich Bettleman, Adam Wordenberger, Victor Spies, Henry Bingeman, John Close, Richard Hockley, Jacob Boyler, Henry Koch, Baltzer Marthew, Adam Eple, Mathias Knob, Christo- )3her Rodecker, George Wolf, Michael Spohn, George Sietz, Michael Reitmayer, David Kinsey, Daniel Hargang, Michael Shegtel, John Bingeman, Peter Fisher, Jonas Bauman, John Schmeck, Henry Bauman, Adam Scheurer, Nicholas Fisher, George Rothenberger, Mathias Sauermilch, George May. The present boundaries of this township, including the Bo- rough of Reading, are as follows: On the north-west side by Maiden creek township ; on the north-east by Ruscommanor; east by Oley and Exeter; and on the west by the river Schuyl- kill. It contains about twenty-one thousand five hundred acres of land. The surface of the eastern part of the township i * See chapter iv., p. 80; and chapter v., p. 83. HISTORY OP BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 145 liilly and tnountainous, embracing a great proportion of Penn's ■mountain and Never Sink. The western part is somewhat undu- lating^parts of it are level. A considerable proportion of the township is limestone, and highly productive. The hilly parts have, within the last fifteen years, been much improved, and the cultivator is abundantly repaid for labor bestowed upon the soil. In the south-eastern part of the township, and within two miles of Reading, is a chaybelate spring, well known as Kess- ler's Spring. It is one of the most pleasant places of resort during the heat of the summer, in the county. The lover of the "rugged beauties" of nature, may regale himself in this pleasant place of retreat, being in a secluded and highly roman- tic gorge of Mount Penn. Many to while away ennui, resort thither, — " and to sip the fluid of a rivulet which there precipi- tates itself, sparkUng and leaping down the ravine." Under an excitement so prevalent in the late war — at every rivulet to erect without adequate protection — a manufacturer, Mr. Kessler, the venerated father of Charles Kesshr, Esq., of Reading, established a woollen factory ; but it has since been abandoned ; and the building is now used for other purposes — a. hotel, which is "so completely hedged by mountains, and well shaded with original forest trees, as to be almost entirely screened from the influence of the sun, and is ten or fifteen degrees cooler in summer than the open country around. A house, and various works designed for the comfort and entertainment of visiters, are kept in excellent repair — and present no ordina- ry attractions." During the Revolution of '76, a number of British prisoners had taken lodgings near Kessler'' s Spring. " A body of Hes- sian prisoners, captured at Trenton in 1776, together with many British, and the principal Scotch Royalists, subdued and taken in North Carolina, were brought to Reading, and sta- tioned in a grove on the bank of the river Schuylkill, in the south part of the borough. In the fall of the same year, they were removed to the hill, east of the town, which is called the Hessian Camp to this day. There they remained some time, and built themselves huts in regular camp order, the greater part of which may be seen at the present day."* Among the prisoners of war at Readmg, July 16, 1777, * Stahle's Description of Reading, p. 64, 13 146 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES* were the following : Major Allen M'Donald, taken at Moore's creek, North Carolina, March 2d, 1776 ; Lieutenant Alexan- der M'Donald and Major James Hepburn, all taken at the same time and place. Captain Duncan Nicol, of Royal Highlanders, or Regiment of emigrants, Lieutenant Hugh Frasier, Captain John Battut, of the fourteenth British Regiment, and Lieutenant Christopher Foster of the fifty-fifth Regiment, and Lieutenant James Will- son, of the same Regiment, Lieutenant John Cameron, of the seventy-first Regiment, Lieutenant Simon Wilmot, of Light Dragoons, James Forster, master of a transport ship, and John Wilkinson, mate of the same, Samuel Elphinston and James Horns, mates of a British ship of war, Allan McDonald, Ran- nold McDonald, and Archibald McDonald, taken in New York, Thomas Leonard, of Monmouth county, New Jersey, and John Duyckunck, of Brunswick. Some of the British prisoners had servants who were not prisoners. Among these was one, a negro who called himself Richard Barley, who attended on Lieutenant Wilmot — it was thought the negro was a runaway. The following is a copy from an original MSS. letter, before me, addressed to the committee for the care of prisoners of war at Reading. March 16, 1777. Gentlemen — By direction of the late Council of Safety, now the Board of War, I enclose you a copy of Lieutenant Simon Wilmot's pa- role ; he is to set out to-morrow, under the conduct of Lieute- nant Boehm, of the City Guards. I am, gentlemen, your very obedient servant, Lewis Nicola, Town Major, Besides Kessler's spring, other streams have their sources from Penn's mountain, such as Roush's creek, upon which are several mills. The small tributaries of Dry run, and other smaller streams, one of which supplies the Reading reservoir, near the head of Penn street. Iron ore is abundant — Mount Penn alone contains an inex- haustible quantity. This township is intersected by the turnpike from Philadel- HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 147 phia to Pottsville, which passes through the western part, and by that which passes from Reading to Harrisburg. The Schuylkill canal, and the railroad from Philadelphia to Potts- ville, both pass through Alsace. There are, besides the churches in the borough of Reading, two churches in this township; Alsace church, about two miles from Reading, and Spies' church in the north-east angle of the township — both common to the German Reformed and Luth- erans. It contains two fulling mills, four grist mills, and three saw mills. The population of Alsace township, exclusive of Reading, was in 1810, 1,275; 1820, 1,640; 1830, 1,943; 1840, 2,501. Of these there were 1,245 males, 1,256 females. Horses 214; horned cattle 624 ; sheep 409; swine 658; bushels of wheat 8,113; rye 6,196; corn 6,220; oats 8,094; buck- wheat 307; potatoes 3,742 ; tons of hay 820 ; pounds of wool 230; flax 725. Whole amount of valuation on all articles made taxable, for county purposes, for 1844, $686,220 ; county tax $1,372 46; State tax $889,56. Reading is on the east bank of the Schuylkill,* and about fifty-two miles from both metropolis and capital of the State. The following sketch of the primitive settlement, and early his^ tory of Reading, is from the pen of Daniel B. Keim, Esq., and was originally published in the Ladies^ Garland, for Feb- ruary, 1839. " As early as 1733, warrants were taken out by John and Samuel Finney, and four hundred and fifty acres of land sur- veyed under their sanction, which are now entirely embraced within the limits of Reading. Whether the inducements to this selection were other than its general beauty and fertility, it is now difficult to say, though it is asserted that when the Pro- prietaries, John and Richard Penn, became aware of its advan- tages, and proposed to re-purchase for the location of a town, the Messrs. Finney long and firmly resisted all the efforts of negotiation. This produced a momentary change in the design of the Proprietaries, as they employed Richard Hockley to survey and lay out the plan of a town on the margin of the Schuylkill, opposite its confluence with the Tulpehocken. This * Schuylkill, Schuil-Jcill, or Skoal-kill, i. e. hidden-creek, or channel-T^ the native Indians called this stream Manijjird-. according to a Swedish MSS,— Pro««i ii., p. 251. 148 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. survey is still to be found on record, though divested of any date or name by which the j^recise period in which it was made can be ascertained ► It is now only known as an appended portion to Reading, under the designation of the ' Hockley Out- Lots.' "The importance as well as the reahty of the design, now appears to have subdued the objections of the Finneys to the sale of their claim, as they immediately relaxed in their de- mands, and finally yielded them to the proprietaries, who at once caused the ' Hockley plot' to be abandoned, and in the fall of the year 1748, that of Reading to be laid out. "The difficulty in obtaining water, even at great depths, through the limestone, was the specious reason generally as- signed for the sudden vacation of the former site, as the new one was remarkable for the numerous large and copious springs existing within its limits. " Thus, Thomas and Richard Penn, proprietaries and gover- nors in chief of the province of Pennsylvania, became private owners of the ground plot of Reading, the lots of which they carefully subjected in their titles to an annual quit or ground rent. Singular as it may seem, this claim became almost for- gotten through neglect, and the circumstances that resulted from the change in the old order of things produced by the re- volution; indeed, when recurred to at all, it was generally be- lieved to have become a forfeit to the State, by the nature of that event. But a few years ago it was revived by the heirs, and its collection attempted under the authority of the law; but so excited were the populace, and adverse to the payment of its accumulated amount, that it was generally, and in some cases, violently resisted, till the deliberations of a town meet- ing had suggested measures, leaning to a more direct, amicable and permanent compromise. " Like most of the primitive towns of the State, Reading is indebted for its name, as also for the county in which it is sit- uated, to the native soil of the Penn's. "Its area comprises about 2,194 acres of a rich calcareous soil, sloping gently from Penn's Mount, an elevation on it& eastern side, to the river Schuylkill; thus presenting natural facilities for its drainage, and the prevention of accumulated filth, and adding a decided feature to its well-established cha- racter for health. HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. MU '*' The streets intersect each other at right angles, and form in their direction almost correct indices to the cardinal points of the compass. TheiT original names were retained to a very recent date, (Aug. 6, 1833,) and v/ere characteristic of the loyalty of the proprietary feeling, as well as family attachment and regard. " Kino-, Queen, Prince, Duke, Earl, and Lord streets, suffi- dently evidence the strength of the former, whilst the main or central streets, Penn and Callowhill, are as distinctly indicative of filial regard. " Hannah Callowhill, their mother, w^as the second wife of William Penn, and had issue beside Thomas and Richard, of John, Margaret and Dennis, whence also had originated the names of Thomas, Margaret, and Richard streets. Hamilton street, from James Hamilton, Esq., who was Deputy Governor of the Province at that period. " The names now substituted ' as more compatible -mth. the republican simplicity of our present form of government,' are similar to those of Philadelphia, as the streets running north and south commence at Water street, on the Schuylkill, and extend to Twelfth street, while those running east and west are called Penn, Franklin, Washington, Chestnut and Walnut streets. • " In 1751, Reading contained 130 dwelling houses, besides stables and other buildings — 106 families, and 378 inhabitants, though about two years before it had not above ojie house in it. The original population was principally Germans, who emi- grated from Wurtemberg, and the Palatinate, though the ad- ministration of public affairs was chiefly in the hands of the Friends. " The former by their preponderance of number, gave the decided character in habits and language to the place, as the German was almost exclusively used in the ordinary transac- tions of life and business, and is yet retained to a very great extent." As late as 1754, bears were still plenty in the vicinity of Reading. From an extract of a letter dated at Reading, Sept,. 22, 1754, to a gentleman in Philadelphia, it would appear so*> "The bears were never half so numerous as now ; you can. 13* 150 tllSTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COtTNTIES. scarce go a mile without seeing one. Several of them haver been killed near this town lately." — Phil. Gazette, 1754. The following were returned by the assessor in 1757, as taxables of the town of Reading: Adam Geier, Andreas Figh thorn, Adam Eppler, Adam Ege, Abraham Smith, Andreas Engle, Alexander Klinger, Abraham Kerber, Anthony Fricker, Adam Widman, Adam Fas, Adam Schlegle, Adam Wirenberger, Adam Erosius, Bastian Krauser, Bernhard Rhorbauch, Benjamin Pearson, Baltzer Sneyder, Baltzer Henning, Baltzer Meuerlin, Conrad Weiser, Esq., Con- rad Bower, Christopher Lehman, Conrad Braun, Coniad Dress, Christian Samet, Christopher Smid, Conrad Reichstein, Chris- tian Banse, Christian Merchel, Conrad Stichler, Conrad Nei- hard, David Henderson, David Meuerlen, David Schreck, Henry Aaun, Dorst Phister, Erst Maurer, Edward Drury, Erhard Rose, Eberhard Martin, Amos Evans, Evan Price, Francis Wenrich, Frederick Miller, Frederick Perlet, Francis Gibson, Frederick Zinn, George Dield, George Bernhard, George Yoe, George Deible, George Springer, George Jock, George Handschuh, Gottlieb Strohecker, George Heist, Ga- briel Schop, George Geisler, George Schultz, George Sourbry, George Wunder, George Stump, Henry Dosselbauer, Henry Gulhard, Henry Ruhl," Henry Wolf, Henry Gossler, Henry Degenhard, Henry Rightmeyer, Henry Singer, Henry Hajm, Isaac Wickersham, John Schorb, John Sweitzer, Jacob Xutz, Joseph Henck, John Smith, Jacob Kern, Jacob Fisher, Joseph Shamon, John Richner, James Keemer, Jacob Rabold, John Schneider, Jacob Hettler, Jacob Dehn, Israel Jacobs, Jacob Yaeger, Jacob Bucher, John Dengler, John Gross, John Wea- ber, John Henrich, John Jacobs, John Lebo, John Schried, Jacob Leybrock, James Read, Esq., Jacob Balde, Isaiah Ris, John Wideman, Joseph Brintlinger, John Bertolet, John Koch, John Eisenbeis, John Bernheisel, Jacob Nagle, John Morge, Isaac Young, John Hardman, Joseph Ritner, Joseph Perret, Julius Kerber, Jacob Dick, John Philippi, John Kurtz, Henry Kraft, Ludwig Weidman, Ludwig Ember, Leonard Spang, Lo- rentz Fix, Michael Reitmoyer, Michael Brecht, Martin Kast, Michael Seister, Michael Hag, Michael Fedder, Mathias Fei- gle, Mathias Mayer, Michael Rosch, jr., Michael Rosch, senr., Martin Ege, Michael Spaz, Mathias Bonhman, Mathias Hein- - lilSTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 151 km, Michael Fichthorn, Nicholas Seysinger, Nicholas Gods- chalk, Nicholas Morris, Nicholas Schabert, Nicholas Neidle, Nicholas Keiin, Philip Weis, Philip Smith, Peter Loch, Philip J^gle, iPliiTip Sehler, Peter Feiierj Peter Dehm, Peter Weiser, Peter Kleira, Peter Haas, Peter Klinger, Philip Mayor, Peter Baura, Philip Marselaaf, Paul Perlet, Philip Phising, Samuel Hush, Stophel Widman, Samson Mitelberger, Samuel Shultz, StophelNeidley, Simon Nagle, Stophel Mileisen, Thomas Dehm, Thomas Lincoln, Valentine Kerper, Valentine Urledig, William Reiser, William Clues, William Iddings, William J\Iax, William Orman, William Ermel, William Miller, Huttenstein. Wilham Frick, William Koch, William Gress, WilHam Miller, Wolfgang Haga, Jacob Eulkert, Martin Youno;, Martin Kraft, Andrew Smith, Samuel Weisei', David Rine, Henry Witman, John Sour- milk, James Whitehead, Benjamin Lightfoot, Nathan Lyon, James Starr, Robert Popkin, Isaac Lebo, Samuel Jackson, Thomas Barcher, Elijah Pearson, Michael Scherchtoly. During the French and Indian war, the inhabitants were oc- casionally alarmed on account of the Indians. [See chap, iii., pp. 47, 50, 54.] Their hopes and fears, owing to the alliance between the Indians and French, and conduct of some inhabi- tants among them, were often excited, as will appear from the following public documents: To THE Hon. Gov. Morris,* Sir : — As all our Protestant inhabitants are very uneasy at the behavior of the Roman Catholics, who are very numerous in this county, some of whom show great joy at the very bad news lately from the army,t we thought it our duty to inform your honor of our dangerous situation, and to beg your honor to enable us by some legal authority to disarm or otherwise to disable the papists from doing injury to other people who are not of their vile principles. We know that the people of the Roman CathoHc church are boimd by their principles to be the worst subjects and worst of neighbors; and we have reason to fear, at this time, that the Roman Catholics in Cussahoppen, where they have a very magnificent chapel, and lately have had large processions, have bad designs; for in the neighbor- hood of that chapel, it is reported, and generally believed, that * Provincial Records, N. p. 125. t Alluding to Braddock's defeat. 152 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. thirty Indians are now lurking, well armed with guns and swords, or cutlasses. The priest at Reading, as well as Cus- sahoppen, last Sunday gave notice to their people, that they could not come to them again in less than nine weeks, whereas they constantly preach once in four weeks to their congrega- tions; whereupon some imagine, they are gone to consult with our enemies at Du Quesne. It is a great unhappiness, at this time, to the other people of this province, that the papists should keep fire arms in their houses, against which the pro- testants are not prepared, who, therefore, are subject to a mas- sacre whenever the papists are ready. We pray that your Honor would direct us in this important business;, by the bearer, whom we have sent express to your honor. We are, may it please your honor, Your honor's most obedient servants, Henry Harvey, James Read, William Bird, Jonas Seely, Conrad Weiser, Justices of Berks County.. Heiddherg, July 23, 1755. This excitement was not only among the inhabitants of Berks — but the people of Northampton had strong objections to the Catholics about the same time. " To the Worshipful, the Justices of the Court of General Quarter Sessions of the Peace, held at Easton, for the county of Northampton, the ISth June, 1755. " The petition of divers inhabitants of said town and others, humbly showeth: — That your petitioners are very apprehensive your worships have been greatly imposed upon, in granting recommendations to his honor, the governor, for sundry Ro- man Catholics, out of legiance of his present majesty, our most gracious sovereign, for keeping public house, in this town, when an open rupture is now daily expected between a Roman Catho- lic powerful and perfidious prince, and the crown of Great Bri- tain; as the Romans have thereby a better opportunity of be- coming acquainted with our designs against them, and thereby better enabled to discover those designs and render them abor- tive. HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 153 *' Your petitioners therefore pray, that your honors Avill make proper inquiry into this matter, and grant such redress as the circumstances of things may require; and your petitioners will ever pray, &c. "John Fricker, a CathoHc applicant, was then refused a re- commendation, because he was a Roman Cathohc." Time has tested the grounds of the suspicions of those op- posed to Catholics, Facts settle doubts, and remove or con- firm prejudices. The current is still strong against them. They induce it by their importunities for office, and their consequent success, naturally engenders these feelings against them; espe- cially among the Germans against the Irish portion of them. The blustering and swaggering of some at the polls, are ofl'ensive, not only to Germans, but to all true Americans; and the day is not distant, when an end must be put to these encroachments for the safety and permanency of our free institutions. A general diffusion of knowledge is the only remedy. During the revolution of '76, Reading was resorted to by Philadelphians, and a place equally safe from the dangers to which the metropolis was more exposed, as a place of retire- ment from the pohtical commotions of the city. Alexander Graydon, born at Bristol, April 10, 1752, and who had been taken prisoner at New York, but while on parole visited his mother, who had removed her residence to Reading, gives some interesting incidents by way of reminiscences of his stay here, in 1777. In his Memoirs, page 263, he says, " My mother, as already mentioned, having removed her residence to Reading, thither, in company with the lady so often adverted to, whose family was also established there, we proceeded in high spirits. "Many other Philadelphians had recourse to this town, as a place of safety from a sudden incursion of the enemy; and, among a score or more of fugitive families, were those of Gen.. Milflin and my uncle, as I have called Mr. Riddle, though only standing in that relation by marriage. "It was also the station assigned to a number of prisoners, both British and German, as well as of the principal Scotch royalists, that had been subdued and taken in North Carolina, I soon discovered that a material change had taken place 154 II53TORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. during my absence from Pennsylvania; and that the pulses or many, that at the time of my leaving it, had beaten high in the cause of whigism and liberty, were consiilerably lowered. Power, to use a language which had already ceased to be or- thodox, and could therefore only be whispered, had fallen into low hands: The better sort were disgusted and weary of the war. Congress, indeed, had given out that they had counted the cost of the contest ; but it was but too apparent, that very many of their adherents, had made false calculations on the subject, having neither allowed enough for disasters in the field, nor domestic chagrins, the inevitable consequence of a dissolu- tion of old power and the assumption of new. It was, in fact, just beginning to be perceived, that the ardor of the inflamed multitude is not to be tempered ; and that the instigators of revolutions are rarely those who are destined to conclude them, or ]:irofit by them. The great cause of schism among the whigs, had been the declaration of independence. Its adoption had, of course, ren- dered numbers malcontent ; and thence, by a very natural tran- sition, consigned them to the tory ranks. Unfortunately for me, this was the predicament in which I found my nearest and best friend, whose example had no doubt contributed to the formation of my political opinions, and whose advice, concur- ring with my own sense of duty, had placed me in the army. I now discovered, that we no longer thought or felt alike; and though no rupture took place, some coldness ensued, and I have to regret a few words of asperity which passed between us, on occasion of the French alliance. Eut this was but a momen- tary blast ; as neither of us was affected with that hateful bi- gotry, which too generally actuated whigs and tories, and led to mutual persecution, as one or other had the ascendancy. As to the whigs, the very cause for which they contended, was essentially that of freedom, and yet all the freedom it granted was, at the peril of tar and feathers, to think and act like them- selves, the extent indeed of all toleration proceeding from the multitude, whether advocating the divine right of a king, the divine sovereignty of the people, or of the idol it may be pleased to constitute its unerring plenipotentiary. Toleration is only to be looked for upon points in which men are indifferent, or where they are duly checked and restrained by a salutary au- thority^ HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON <;OUNTIES. 155 Mr. Edward Biddle, then in e declining state of health, and no longer in Congress, apparently entertained sentiments not accordant with the measures pursuing ; and in the fervid style of elocution, for which he was distinguished, he often exclaim- ed, that he really knew not what to wish for. " The subjuga- tion of my country," he would say, "I deprecate as a most grievous calamity, and yet sicken at the idea of thirteen, un- connected, petty democracies ; if we are to be independent, let lis, in the name of God, at once have an empire, and place Washington at the head of it."* Fortunately for our existence as a nation, a great proportion of those, whose early exertions tended to that issue, were not aware of the price by which it was to be acquired ; otherwise, my knowledge of the general feeling at this time, so far as ray means of information extended, obliges me to say, that it would not have been achieved. Not that disgust and despondence were universal among the leading and best informed whigs, but an equal proportion of disaffection to independence, in the early part of the year 1776, must have defeated the enterprize. Still, it may be observed, that as whigism declined among the high- er classes, it increased in the inferior; because they who com- posed them, thereby obtained power and consequence. Uni- forms and epaulets, with mihtia titles and paper money, making numbers of persons gentlemen who had never been so before, kept up every where throughout the country, the spirit of op- position ; and if these were not real patriotism, they v/ere very good substitutes for it. Could there, in fact, be any compari- son between the condition of a daily drudge in agricultural or mechanic labor, and that of a spruce, militia-man, living with- out work, and, at the same time, having plenty of continental dollars in his pocket ! How could he be otherwise than well effected to such a cause ! The success of General Howe ; the loss of Philadelphia ; as well as the ground given in the northern quarter by the retreat of General St. Clair, were amply counterbalanced by the utter extinction of Burgoyne's army, on the 15th of October. As * I have presumed to put in the wrong, those who were adverse to the declaration of independence ; and the high ground on which we have since stood, fully justified me : but present appearances seem again to unsettle the question, in the minds of those at least who are heterodox enough to -doubt the eligibility of a dependence on France. 156 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. Beading lay in the route from Saratoga to Yorktown, where Congress was now assembled, we received, before that body,, the particulars of this glorious event, from Major Wilkinson, who was charged with the despatches of General Gates. But without loading my memoirs with obvious and trite reflections on this memorable occurrence, I turn a moment to myself, to observe : That were I prey to the vulture of ill-star'd ambition, the mention of a gentleman, with whom I commenced in the same rank, my military career, and who is now in the chief commands of the American force, might suggest, somewhat unpleasantly, the immeasurable distance he has left me behind ; but the recollections his name awakens with infinitely more in- terest, are of a nature wholly different. They relate to pur- suits and occupations of a character more congenial to that sea- son of life, when, as a student of physic, he attended medical lectures in Philadelphia, before either of us wore a uniform, and before a foundation was laid for the many strifes which have since ensued. Thus much, without connecting him with any of them, I freely pay to the remembrance of an early friendship, ever renewed when casualities have brought us to- gether, maugre the enstranging influence of different party ^asso- ciations. The ensuing winter, at Reading, was gay and agreeable, notwithstanding that the enemy was in possession of the metro- poUs. The society was sufficiently large and select ; and a sense of common suffering in being driven from their homes, had the effect of more closely uniting its members. Disasters of this kind, if duly weighed, are not grievously to be deploi^ed. The variety and bustle they bring along with them, give a spring to the mind ; and when illumined by hope, as was now the case, they are, when present, not painful, and when past, they are among the incidents most pleasing in retrospection. Besides the families established in this place, it was seldom with- out a number of visiters, gentlemen of the army, and others. Hence the dissipation of cards, sleighing parties, balls, &c., was freely indulged. General Mifflin, at this era, was at home, a chief out of war, complaining, though not ill, considerably mal- content, and apparently, not in high favor at head-quarters. According to him, the ear of the commander-in-chief was ex- clusively possessed by Greene, who was represented to be neither the most wise, the most brave, nor most patriotic of HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 157 counsellors. In short, the campaign in this quarter, was stig- matised as a series of blunders; and the incapacity of those who had conducted it, unsparingly reprobated. The better fortune of the northern army, was ascribed to the superior talents of its leader ; and it began" to be whispered, that Gates was the man who should, of right, have the station so incompetently sustained by Washington. There was, to all appearance, a cabal forming for his deposition, in which, it is not improbable, that Gates, Mifflin and Conway, were already engaged; and, in which, the congenial spirit of Lee, on his ex- change, immediately took a share. The well known apostro- phe of Conway to America, importing " that Heaven had passed a decree in her favor, or her ruin must long before have ensued, from the imbecility of her military counsels," was, at this time, familiar at Reading; and I heard him myself, when he was afterwards on a visit to that place, express himself to that effect: " That no man was more a gentleman than Gen- eral Washington, or appeared to more advantage at his table, or in the usual intercourse of life ; but as to his talents for the command of an army, (with a French shrug,) they were miser- able indeed." Observations of this kind, continually repeated, could not fail to make an impression within the sphere of their circulation; and it may be said, that the popularit}* of the com- mander in chief, was a good deal impaired at Reading. As to myself, however, I can confidently aver, that I never was pro- selyted ; or gave into the opinion for a moment, that any man in America, was worthy to supplant the exalted character, that presided in her army. I might have been disposed, perhaps, to believe that such talents as were possessed by Lee, could they be brought to act subordinately, might often be useful to him ; but I ever thought it would be a fatal error, to put any other in his place. Nor was I the only one, who forbore to become a, partizan of Gates. Several others thought they saw symptoms of selfish- ness in the business ; nor could the great eclat of the northern campaign, convince them, that its hero was superior to Wash- ington. The duel which afterwards took place between Gen- erals Conway and Cadwalader, though immediately proceeding from an unfavorable opinion expressed by the latter, of the conduct of the former at Germantown, had perhaps a deeper origin, and some reference to this intrigue ; as I had the meauis 15$ HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. of knowing, that General Cadwalader, suspecting Mifflin had instigated Conway to fight him, was extremely earnest to ob- tain data from a gentleman who lived in Reading, whereon to ground a serious explanation with Mifflin. [Not that Gener- al Cadwalader was induced from the intrigue to speak unfa- vorably of General Conway's behavior at Germantown. That of itself, was a sufficient ground of censure. Conway, it seems, during the action, was found in a farm-house by Generals Reed and Cadwalader. Upon their enquiring the cause, he replied, in great agitation, that his horse was wounded in the neck. — Being urged to get another horse, and at any rate to join his brigade which was engaged, he declined it, repeating that his horse was wounded in the neck. Upon Conway's applying to Congress, some time after, to be made a major general, and earnestly urging his suit, Cadwalader made known this con- duct of his at Germantown ; and it v/as for so doing, that Con- way gave the challenge, the issue of which, was, his being dan- gerously wounded in the face from the pistol of General Cad- walader. He recovered, however, and some time after went to France.] So much for the manoeuvring, v/hich my location at one of its principal seats, brought me acquainted with ; and which, its authors were soon after desirous of burying in ob- livion. Among the persons, who, this winter, spent much time in Reading, was one Luttiloe, foreigner, who was afterwards ar- rested in London on suspicion of hostile designs ; also, Mr. William Duer, who either was, or lately had been, a member of Congress. His character is well known. He v/as of the dashing cast, a man of the world, confident and animated, with a promptitude in displaying the wit and talents he possessed, with very little regard to the decorum, which either time or place imposed. Of this, he gave an instance one day, at Mr. Edward Riddle's, which, had it been on a theatre, where the royal cause was predominant, I should have rehshed it : as it was, it was unpleasant to me. Captain Speke, of the British army, a prisoner, was present, with his eye on a newspaper, several of which had lately come out of Philadelphia, when Duer, taking up another, began to read aloud, commenting with much sarcasm on the paragraphs as he went along. Speke bore it a good while, but at length Duer's remarks became so pinching, that he was roused to a HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 159 reply. To this he received a ready rejoinder, and a warm al- tercation was on the point of taking place, when captain Speke prudently took the resolution of relinquishing the field ; and taking up his hat, abruptly retired. As Speke, although a thorough Englishman, was a well bred man, with whom I had become acquainted, and had exchanged some civilities, I was not a little hurt at this circumstance, as the company in gener- al seemed to be. Duer, for his part, triumphed in his success, displaying a heart, which, however bold on the safe side of the lines, might nevertheless have been sufficiently meek on the other ; at least, such a conduct would but conform to the result of my obser- vations on persons who play the bashaw in prosperity ; and I believe it is pretty generally agreed, to be no mark of game to crow upon a dunghill. While ' upon the subject of Captain Speke, I will finish the little I have to say of him. He be- longed, if my recollection does not fail me, to the same regi- ment with Mr. Becket ; at least, he was acquaiiited with him, and told me had heard him speak of me. He was young and lively, with an addiction to that sly significance of remark, characteristic both of his profession and his nation ; and which may be pardoned, when accompanied with good humor. Tak- ing up my hat one day, when at his quarters to take coflfee with him and one or two others of his fellow prisoners, he ob- served, that it was a very decent one, which is more, said he, than I can say of those generally worn by the ofl^cers of your army ; they have precisely, what we call in England, the damn my eyes cock. At another time, having called upon me at my mother's, I was led by some circumstance, to advert to the awkward form and low ceiling of the room ; but " faith," said he, looking round, "you have made the most of -it with furniture ;" which vv^as true enough, as it was unmercifully over- loaded with chairs, tables and family pictures. Such freedoms may fully justify me in scanning Mr. Speke, who, to say the truth, was, in point of information, far above the level which is allowed to the gentlemen of the British army, by Swift and other writers of their nation. As to "your JVb- veds, and Bhdarks, and Omars and stuff," I know not, if he was of the noble captain's opinion, in Hannah's animated plea for turning Hamilton's bawn into a barrack; but he had read «ome of the English poets; and speaking of Prior and Pope, I 160 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. remember his saying, that the former was much preferred to the latter, by people of taste in England. But grant what we may to the sprightliness and easy gaiety of Prior, this can hardly be the award of sound criticism. Being heartily tired of the condition, Mr. Speke was extremely anxious to get rid of it, and to this effect suggested, that by mutual exertion, we might be exchanged for each other. He said that if I could obtain permission for him to go to Philadelphia on parole, he had no doubt of having sufficient interest to effect it. I accord- ingly took the liberty to write to General Washington on the subject, but was a long time in suspense as to the success of ray application. An additional inducement to the step, was, that both Colonel Miles, and Major West, had by requisition of General Howe, repaired to Philadelphia; and I every day expected a similar summons. It had been given out that these gentlemen had not observed all the passiveness which had been enjoined upon them by their parole ; and I well knew that I was charged with a like trans- gression. I spoke freely, it is true, of the treatment of pri- soners ; and this was considered by the tories and some of the British officers in our hands, as very unpardonable in one who had been favored as I had been ; and I was aware that I was threatened with a retraction of the indulgence. I remained, however, unmolested. The situation of Miles and West in the neighborhood of the army at White Marsh, was, perhaps, the circumstance which gave color to the accusation against them; but they were not long detained. Besides, that it would have ill comported with the indul- gence I enjoyed, it was abhorrent to my feelings, to behave haughtily to a prisoner. There were two puppies, however, in that predicament, in whom I immediately recognised the in- solent manner of a genuine scoundrel in red; and these, I cautious- ly avoided. They were subalterns; one of whom, of the name of Wilson, was base enough, under the false pretence of being related to Captain Wilson, who he had some how learned, had treated me with civility, to borrow a few guineas of my mother, which it unluckily slipped his memory to repay. Had I been aware of the application, the loan would have been pre- vented; but I never knew of the circumstance, until after his exchange. With the exception of these fellows, who, I had the mortifi- HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 161 cation to hear, had found their way to Gen. Washington's table, at the time of their being taken, all the prisoners in Reading behaved with much decency. Among them, were a number of German officers, who had really the appearance of being, what we call, downright men. There was a Major Stine, a Captain Sobbe, and a Captain Wetherholt, of the Hessians, whom I sometimes fell in with. There were several others, with whom I was not acquainted, and whose names I do not remember. One old gentleman, a Colonel, was a great professional reader, whom, on his applica- cation, I accommodated with such books of the kind, as I had. Another of them, a very portly personage, apparently replete with national phlegm, was, nevertheless, enthusiastically de- voted to music, in which he was so absorbed, as seldom to go abroad. I did not know this musical gentleman, except by sight; but I have understood from those who did, that call upon him at what time they would, and, like another Achilles in re- tirement, Amus'd at ease, the godlike man they found, Pleas'd with the solemn harp's harmonious sound : For this was the obsolete instrument, from which he extracted the sounds that so much delighted him. But of all the pri- soners, one Graff, a Brunswick officer taken by General Gates's army, was admitted to the greatest privileges. Under the pa- tronage of Dr. Potts, who had been principal surgeon in the northern department, he had been introduced to our dancing parties; and being always afterwards invited, he never failed to attend. He was a young man of mild and pleasing manners, with urbanity enough to witness the little triumphs of party, without being incited to ill humor by them. Over hearing a dance called for, one evening, which we named Burgoyne^s surrender, he observed to his partner, that it was a very pretty dance, notwithstanding the name; and that General Burgoyne himself would be happy to dance it in such good company. There was also a Mr. Stutzoe, of the Brunswick dragoons, than whose, I have seldom seen a figure more martial, or a manner more indicative of that manly openness, which is sup- posed to belong to the character of a soldier. I had a slight acquaintance with him ; and recollect with satisfaction, his call- ing on me at the time of his exchange, to make me bis acknow- 14* 162 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. ledgments, as he was pleased to say, for my civilities to the prisoners. Perhaps I may be excused for these trifling details, when it it is considered, that they serve to mark the temper of the times, and to shew, that they were not all fire and fury, as certain modern pretenders to the spirit of seventy-six, have almost per- suaded us they were. It ought to be granted, indeed, that an equal degree of toleration, was not every where to be met with. It would scarcely have been found in that description of per- sons, which soon arrogated, and have since voted themselves the exclusive possession of all the patriotism in the nation. Even that small portion of the monopolisis which resided at Reading, revolted at a moderation they did not understand ; and all who were less violent and bigoted than themselves, were branded as tories. All the families which had removed from Philadelphia were involved in this reproach; and, in their avoidance of the enemy to the manifest injury of their affairs, they were supposed to exhibit proofs of disafiiection. Nor was I much better off: my having risked myself in the field was nothing: I should have staid at home, talked big, been a mili- tia-man, and hunted tories. In confirmation of my remark, that toleration was not among the virtues affected by those who were emphatically styled the people, I wnll instance the case of a young Scotch ofEcer of the name of Dunlap, who was one day beset in the street, by cer- tain persons overflowing wilh whigism; and, for presuming to resent the insults he received from them, was not only cudgelled, but afterwards put to jail. This treatment might have fairly squared with that of our officers from the royal side, in relation to the fish sellers; though I will undertake to aver, that, gene- rally speaking, the prisoners in our hands were treated both with lenity and generosity. Some time after this aflfray, hap- pening, at a table, in Philadelphia, to be placed by the side of Doctor Witherspoon, then a member of Congress, I took occa- sion to mention it to him, and to intercede for his good ofl^xes in regard to the liberation of Dunlap, who was still in jail. I counted something upon the national spirit, supposed to be so prevalent among North Britons; and yet more, upon the circumstance of knowing from Dunlap and two other young Scotchmen, his fellow prisoners, that Doctor Witherspoon had been well acquainted with their families. I did not find, how- HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 163 !?rer, that the doctor was much melted to compassicn for the mishap of his countryman, as he contented himself with coldly observing, that if I could suggest any substantial ground for him to proceed upon, he would do what he could for the young man. It appeared to me that enough had been suggested, by my simple relation of the facts; and I had nothing more to offer. But whether or not my application was of any benefit to its object, my presentation of the laddies to the recollection of the doctor, seemed to have something of national interest in it; and had the effect, to incite him to a shrewd remark, according to his manner. He told me he had seen the young men soon after they had been taken, and was surprised to find one of them, whose name I forgot, so much of a cub. His father, said he, was a very sprightly fellow, when I knew him. This lad is the fruit of a second marriage; and I immediately concluded, when I saw him, said the doctor, that Jemmey, or Sawney something, mentioning the father's name, had taken some clumsy girl to wife, for the sake of a fortune. On looking back here, and adverting to the free observations I have from time to time made, both on revolutionary men and measures, I am aware that I have no forgiveness from many, for attempting to rub off the fine varnish which adheres to them. But I set out with the avowed design of declaring the truth ; and to this, I have most sacredly and conscientiously conformed, according to my persuasions, even as to the coloring of each particular I have touched upon. The same veracity shall direct my future delineations, well knowing, that, independently of my obligations to do justice, this alone must circumscribe the merit of my memoirs. That we were not, and still are not without patriotism, in an equal degree, perhaps, with other nations, I have no inclination to question ; but that a noble disinterestedness and willingness to sacrifice private interest to public good, should be the general disposition any where, my acquaintance with human nature, neither warrants me in asserting, or believing. The preva- lence of generous sentiment, of which, no doubt, there is a por- tion in all communities, depends very much upon those, who have the direction of their affairs. Under the guidance of Washington, both during the revolution and his administration of the general government, the honorable feelings being cher- 164 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. Ished and brought into action, they had a temporary predomi- nance over those, which were selfish and base. But these, in their turn, having acquired the ascendancy, we may sadly re- cognize with the poet, that An empty form Is the weak virtue that amid tlie shade Lamenting lies, with future schemes amus'd, While wickedness and folly, kindred powers. Confound the world. Reminiscences of Reading in 1798-'99. — Shortly after the election of John Adams, several acts were passed by Congress, which were obnoxious to a portion of the people of East Penn- sylvania, in consequence of which, Berks, Bucks, and North- ampton, presented scenes of excitement. In Northampton, a party headed by one Fries, resisted attempts by the federal government to collect a direct tax — well known by the name of "the house tax.'' John Fries, a desperado, and his asso- ciates, not only resisted the assessors, but in hot pursuit chased them from township to township. It is said there were parties of them — fifty and sixty in number — most of them well armed. Fries himself was armed with a large horse pistol, and accom- panied by one Kuyder, who assisted him in command. They seized several assessors. In some parts of the counties named, in demonstration of their opposition to government, they erected liberty poles. To quell the insurrection, troops, in obedience to Adams' instruc- tions, were raised in Lancaster county — several companies marched from Lancaster, April 1, 1799 ; wending their front toward the arena of dispute, by way of Reading, when Cap- tain Montgomery's troop of light horse arrived on the evening of the 1st of April. Their first act, to display their prowess and gallantry, was to go clandestinely to the house of Jacob Gosin, who in the spirit of the times had erected a liberty pole on his own premises, which they cut, without meeting any re- sistance. To give undoubted proof of their daring bravery, they bran- dished their damascene weapons — drew pistols, to show that they were armed, in the house of the inoffensive father, whose minor children were scared "half to death," at the martial ma- nceuvers of the Lancaster troops. KdSTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 165 To let no time slip, and while they were undaunted, they pro- ceeded from Gosin's to the house of John Strohecker, whither their eagle eyes were drawn by a recently erected pole, tipped with a rag, "flapping in the breeze." This pole, to show the inde- pendence of some sturdy urchins, had been erected by some children, in which Strohecker's were ringleaders. To deter these young heroes, the soldiers took down the pole, stripped it of its insignia — entered the house where they found the little wights — and as they did at Gosin's, so did they here — bran- dished weapons of war — presented pistols and swords to the youthful company, to no small alarm of both parents and children ! ! To consummate their martial plans and designs, they molested the house of Jacob Epler — maltreated him unprovokedly. — Like bravos ever merit — these merited the contempt of all re- flecting persons — rendering themselves obnoxious to the order- ly and well disposed among all classes. Satisfied of having rendered their country some service, the troop next morning started for Northampton, to fully execute the specific purpose of their mission. This done, they again returned by way of Reading, where they entered the office of the "^rf/er„" a paper edited and printed by Jacob Schneider, whom they rudely denuded, by violently taring his clothes from his body, in a somewhat inclement season, and by force of arms, dragged him before the commanding captain, who pe- remptorily ordered the editor, for writing and printing some of- fensive articles, to be whipped ; " twenty-five lashes," said he, shall be well laid on his denuded back, in the market house" — which order was, however, not executed, because of the timely and manly interposition of some genfkinen of Captain Leiper's company, of Philadelphia. A lew lashes, however, had been- inflicted before these men had time to fully interpose — these were laid on by one accustomed to beat, when httle resistance is to be dreaded — he was a drummer ! I Colonel Epler, who it appears, had by this time erected, by the assistance of his neighbors, a liberty pole in place of the pole erected by his children — thither the soldiery resort- ed, where they attempted to compel a common laborer to cut down the "offensive wood," notwithstanding that he protested against doing so, at the same time, on most solemn asseverations, 166 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. declaring he also was a federalist — Ich bin auch ein Federal- ihr liebe Leut ; das bin. — Ja ich auch ein Federal I ! They succeeded in divesting the pole, and with it appended as a trophy, they rode, vociferating as they w^ent, through the streets of Reading, to their place of quarters. In a few days they left; but on the 24th of April, an army under the com- mand of Brigadier General W. McPherson, arrived at Reading, apprehending some of the insurrectionists, who were afterwards tried before Judge Peters, — some found guilty — some were fined and imprisoned — some were condemned to be capitally punished— but none atoned with their lives — they were pardon- ed through executive clemency ! Their names are here with- held. " The borough is divided into four nearly equal parts, by the intersection of its principal streets — Penn and Fifth. This divi- sion is recognized in vaiious borough arrangements, and is of much practical convenience. The houses are numbered from these streets. The boundaries of the wards are also marked by them. There are four wards, N. E. ward, the S. E. ward, the S. W. ward, and the N. W. ward." Reading is a flourishing town, containing rising of ten thou- sand inhabitants. It is beautifully situated on a "gentle de- clivity" or "sloping plain, between Penn's mountain and the eastern bank of the Schuylkill. The streets, most used, are regularly graded, and are covered with a hard white gravel, derived from the sand-stone of the mountain, east of the town, which forms a very compact, smooth, and durable roads, supe- rior to most paved or McAdamized roads." It is, comparatively speaking, a great place for trade. It pos- sesses superior advantages for manufacturing purposes; and will no doubt, ere long, be a great manufacturing place. "It may," says Major William Stable, to whose labors we owe much of this article, "be safely predicted that within twenty-five years from this time, (1841,) that those fertile fields between the rail- road and the river, will all be converted into town, compactly built." This town was erected into a borough by an act of assembly in 1783 ; altered and repealed by an act of 1813, under which it elects a legislative town council and burgesses, whose duty it is to carry the ordinancy into effect. Formerly, and till within a few years, the Jahr Markts, or Till' ("oiu'i Hoivse a^Tieadiiid HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 167 yearly markets, held on the 4th of June and 22d of October, -as privileges granted by the proprietors in 1776, were always "Hhickly"" attended — crowded by the boys and girls, fathers and mothers, from the country, for the purpose of hilarity, and ^' to the reverse of morals." Reading contains the usual number of public buildings, court house, jail, state house, &c. The new court house, finished in 1840, is superior to most others in the State. It stands on an elevated ground plot, and measures 120 feet in front, and is 230 feet deep, inclosed with iron railing. The cost of it is $58,846 42. The jail was erected in 1770 ; it is a large stone building. The State House, as it is usually called, was erected in 1793. The market house is in the centre of Market square, in which provisions are sold on Wednesday and Saturday mornings. There are several churches in the borough of Reading. The first erected in Reading, it is supposed, was the Friends meet- ing house, erected in 1766. It is a one story log-house. The German Reformed erected a building in 1753. In 1761, the first building, which was of logs, was taken down and a stone one built ; this also was taken down, and the present one erect- ed in 1832; which is 75 feet in length, 55 in breadth, and has a steeple 151 feet high, and a chime of bells. Rev. John Cas- per Bucher is the present pastor. In 1751, the Lutherans erected a building, which was torn down, and the present one erected in 1791. It is a very spacious building. It has a Steeple 201 feet and 7 inches high. The Rev. Jacob Miller is the pastor. The Catholic church was erected in 1791. — The Presbyterian was erected in 1824. The present pastor. Rev. William Sterling, The Episcopal church w^as erected in 1826, pastor. Rev. R. V. Morgan. The Methodist church was erected in 1839. The Baptist church in 1837, and the Universalist in 1830. Besides these churches, there are three others belonging to the colored people — the Union African, the Presbyterian African and Methodist African. The Reading Academy is a two story brick building, 50 by 60 feet, in which male and female schools are taught ; besides the academy, there is an adequate number of public school houses. There are a number of charitable, literary and other associations in Reading. See chap, on Education and the Press. 168 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. There is also a Water Company, styled " The Reading Wa* ter Company," established prior to 1722; in that year the company first brought water into the borough. Since that time, their works have been greatly improved. The town is supplied with excellent spring water, led into a reservoir, near the head of Penn street, from whence it is carried through the various streets, by means of iron pipes."* That Reading is destined to become a great manufacturing place, cannot be questioned, if a retrospect of the past be an index of the future. Some idea of the ordinary business of Reading, may be gath- ered from the account of trades and pursuits, given in a pre- ceding chapter. But this Borough is, of late, assuming an im- portance from its manufactures and pubhc improvements, which demands for these a separate notice. No manufncturing was done in Reading previous to the year 1836, except in the articles of boots and shoes, hats and stone ware. Since that period the Iron and Nail Works of Messrs. Keim, Whitaker & Co., the Iron & Brass Foundry of Messrs. Darhng, Taylor & Co., the Locomotive Engine Manufactory and Machine shop of D. H, Dotterer & Co., the Stationary Steam Engine and Rifle Barrel Manufactory of WilHam G, Taylor, the Foundry of Adam Johnson, the Auger Manufac- tory of Messrs. Rankin & Philips, the Steam Saw Mill and Chopping Mill of Messrs. Ferry & Frill, and three shops for manufacturing Horse Power Threshing Machines, Corn Shel- lers. Patent Ploughs, Revolving Hay Rakes, Cultivators, &c., have been established. There are also three Flour Mills in the borough, including the steam mill lately put into operation by Davis & Co. The extensive flouring Mill occupied by Mr. George Smith, is a large brick building, four stories high. It has four pair of stones, and manufactures 8,000 barrels of flour a year. The following description of some of the principal Iron Works, have been obligingly furnished me. *' The Reading Iron and Mail Works were erected and went into operation, June, 1838. They were built by Messrs. Ben- neville Keim, George M. Keim, Simon Seiffert, and James Whitaker, and are advantageously situated within a short dis^ tance of the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad, and the * Stable's Dis. 'Reading, p. 50. KISTOB.Y Of BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 169 Schuylkill Navigation. A track or turn-out, made for us by the Railroad Company, connecting with one of the store houses, and a basin situated on the canal within twenty yards of the door of another store house, aiford every desirable facility for a safe and rapid transition of our iron and nails to the market. The Reading Iron and Nail Works are now owned by Messrs. Benneville Keim, James Whitaker, Simon SeifFert, and John McMann. The articles manufactured at these works are, as the name imports, iron, and nails. That is, the pig iron is here converted into malleable iron and rolled into various sizes and shapes to suit the market. The crude metal or pi^ iron, for that purpose, is purchased exclusively in Pennsylvania, a large quantity of which Berks county supplies. We use at the rate of four thousand tons per annum of this pig iron : this immense quantity of vaw metal is, in that division of the work, called the PuddUng Mill, converted into puddled iron, or No. 1 iron, by the process of puddling and rolling. For this purpose we have six large puddling furnaces, con- veniently placed near the rolls. This mill has a squeezer at- tached, for forming the ball or loops of iron coming from the furnaces, into a convenient shape for entering the large rolls. We puddle at the rate of twelve tons pig iron per day. This division of the mill is also fitted up for rolling sheet and boiler iron. The second division is that for rolling nail plates, band, and gas pipe iron, and the larger sizes of merchant bar iron. Here we have the reverberatory heating furnace; the flues of which are so constructed, that the superfluous heat is applied to the boilers of the steam engine. Some of the flues of the puddling furnaces are constructed in the same maimer, thus economising on the consumption of coal. We roll in this mill at the rate of nine tons per day. The third division is the mill for making all kinds of small iron — round, square and flat, from a quarter of an inch to one inch, with their intermediate sizes. Another reverberating furnace is attached to this mill, and is used for beating the billets of iron, preparatory to rolling. Here we make ready for the market, at the rate of 650 tons finished iron, per year. The rolhng mill is a heavy frame building, 130 by 166 feet. Immediately adjoining the rolhng mill, and connected therewith, is the nail factory — a substantial and massive brick building, 75 by 50 feet, two sto- ries high, having on its principal floor 33 machines, calculated 15 170 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. for making all descriptions and sizes of nails, brads and spikes* The lower story contains the drums and belts that drive the machinery above, and also the grind stones. It is also a store house and will contain several thousand kegs of nails. The whole machinery of these works is driven by a steam engine of 183 horse power, (this is not, however, its maximum power,) it is high pressure, and was built in 183-3, by McClurg, Wade & Co., of Pittsburg. This establishment employs at the rate of 130 men and boys, per day, and consumes fuel at the rate of 7000 tons of Anthra- cite coal per year. This kind of coal is now used here exclu- sively. Our blasts for the various furnace is created by fans. Besides the principal buildings already mentioned, there are several others in the immediate vicinity, and belonging to the sami concern, viz : a blacksmith shop with two fires ; a coop- er shop where from 8 to 10 coopers are constantly employed in m dcingf nail ke^s : also a countino; house, store houses for iron and nails, tool house, &c. &c. The cost of these works for b lildinjc, was over one hundred thousand dollars. Referrins; again to the nail factory, we forgot to say that we make at the rate of eighteen hundred tons of nails per year. " The Locomotive and Steam Engine Manufactory, of D. H. Datterer & Co., is situated immediately on the Canal, and a short distance above the Lancaster Bridge. The machine shop is a brick building, 145 by 32 feet, one-half of which is 3 stories high. The smith shop and engine house is 95 by 24 feet, and one and a half stories high. The stationary engine of this establishment is of 15 horse power, and used for pro- pellinr the machinery, and blowing cylinders for the foundry of M-ssrs. Darling, Taylor & Co. D. H. Dotterer & Co., have built, in the last year, 6 first class locomotive engines, and rebuilt 3. In the same time they have built 3 stationary en- gines, besides doing the work of a general machine shop. The buildings and machinery are su!iicient to turn out 12 first class locomotives a year, along with the other work. This estab- lishment has been in successful operation about three years ; an.l the average number of hands employed, is 30 journeymen and 16 apprentices. " A Ijoiiiing the above establishment is the Iron and Brass Foamlry of Darling, Taylor & Co. The iron foundry is a bricic building, 90 by 45 feet, and one story high, with a HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 171 steeple and bell. Bellows and . cupola house, 70 by 30 feet, part of which is two stories high. Connected with the foun- dry is an air furnace of the largest class ; building, 20 by 30 feet, and a cupola of the largest class, the air for which is sup- plied by a pair of iron blowing cylinders, constructed upon the most improved plan. The above establishment is calculated to make castings of all dimensions — also, forge hammers, anvils, &c. The number of hands employed is 16. The brass foun- dry and smith shop, is 100 by 25 feet, one and a half stories high, of brick. The brass department is calculated to cast brasses of every description, and bells of all sizes, equal in point of tone, to any cast in the U. States. The other part of the building is occupied by two forge fires for the use of foundry and threshing machine shop, 50 by 30 feet, and 2 stories high; in which are built horse power and threshing machines of the most improved construction, and all kinds of agricultural im- plements. Number of hands employed — 5 journeymen; and have manufactured for sale, from 75 to 100 machines the past season. The above foundry has been in operation since 1835." The Reading Stationary Steam Engine Manufactory of W. G. Taylor, is situated on Water, near Penn street. These works employ a large number of hands, and do a large and extensive business. They have constructed a great num ber of engines of various power, which have uniformly proved of excellent quality. Boilers for locomotive and other engines are made here ; and also mill gearing, lathes, drills, and a va- riety of other machinery, Connected with this establishment is a rifle barrel manufactory, which turns out over 3000 barrels annually. The new foundry of Mr, Adam Johnston, was put in opera- tion during the last year, and is situated at the corner of Chest'^ nut and Eighth streets. The buikling is of brick, 25 by 59 feet, and at present employs eight hands. The machine shop is 26 by 36 feet. From the experience of Mr. Johnston, in the business, and his well known skill as a practical moulder, there is httle doubt that this new establishment will thrive and prosper in business, and prove a valuable acquisition to the borough. The extent to which manufactories have grown up in Read- ing within the last four or five years, and their success thus 172 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. far, add confidence to the opinion, now pretty generally enter- tained, that this town possesses no ordinary advantages for manufacturing operations. As yet they are confined principally to some branch of the iron business ; but woollen and other factories will probably soon be established. The borough al- ready feels the benefits of this new interest, in the increase of population and business, which it has brought to the place. — Stahle's Des. of Reading. Population in 1810, 3,462; 1820, 4,278; 1880, 5,631 ; 1840, 8,392— at present (1844) rising of 10,000. In 1840 there were in Reading, horses 566; horned cattle 378; sheep -5; swine 1,115; bushels of wheat 3,872; rye 3,290; coin 3,472; oats 2,486; buckwheat 271; potatoes 1,043; tons of hay 465. Whole amount of valuation on all articles made taxable by law for county purposes for 1844, f^l, 712,321; whole amount of county tax on the same, at two mills on the dollar, $3,424 64 cts. State tax, $3,091 5? cts. MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS. — Sta/ik's Bes. of Reading. " Old Berks was erected into a county, and Reading estab- lished as the county seat, in the year of grace, one thousand seven hundred and fifty-two. The first Leed was recorded in the office, November the seventeenth, and the first Will No- vember the twenty-ninth of that year; and to complete the honors of the new county, a law suit was instituted about the same time. " Here follow some records of the doings of His Majesty, George the Third's Justices of the Peace. " Berks County. To one of ye Constables of Reading. Henry Christ Subpoena Philip Adam Klauser and Joseph Seal Sollenberger of ye township of Bern, so that they be and appear before me and Wm. Reeser, on ye first day of September next at one of the clock in ye afternoon, then and there to give evidence in a certain dispute now depending be- fore us and undetermined, between ye Lutheran and Refoimed Congregations about Sanct. Michael's Church. — Hereof you are not to fail at your peril. Given under my hand and seal at Reading ye 27th day of August 1770. Henry Christ. HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 178 "Berks ss. J f^ Apprehend George Geisler, and bring him imme- diately before me, or the next Justice to ansr un- to such matters and things, as on his Majesty's behalf shall be objected against him by Catharine Reese; hereof fail not. — Given under my hand and seal, Deer ye 26th 1770. James Diemer. To Samuel Jackson, Constable. That is the true magisterial style, and I have no doubt that between the Justice and Catharine Reese, poor George Geisler had a hard time of it. The foilowino: documents are interestsng as illustrative of the times. "Ann appraisement of the goods late the property of Wm, Kees taken in execution — by Samuel Jackson, Constable. One gunn, 15s £0 15s Od. One pair of Leather Breeches 15s. 16 £1 10 0" But see how they stript Samuel Dehart of the comforts of life. "A list of the goods taken in execution from Samuel Dehart by the Constable, and appraised by us the subscribers as fol- lows. Amity August 24th 1770, to wit — One coat 30s. One Jacket and trowsers, 12s One rno-a; 5s One pillow 2s ^1 10 Od 12 5 2 £2 9 I am not quite sure that Mr. Dehart would congratulate him- self that his body was left." " The oldest houses standing in the borough are, the house of Widow GraefF, No. 134 East Penn Street, formerly kept as a tavern; the house of Daniel GraefF, No. 133 East Penn Street; No. 158 in 8th st., between Penn and Washington, and the Spring Garden house." There are several newspapers printed in Reading ; when sj^eaking of education and means of diflusing knowledge, thejr will be fully noticed. " The corner house, occupied by Keim & Stichler, was built 15* 174 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. in the year of 1755, by Conrad Weiser, the Indian interpreter and agent for Government, and was for rcany years occupied as a Wigwam, where many tribes met for treaty." Christian Frederick Post, on a message frcm the Governor of Pennsylvania to the Indians in Ohio, in the month of Octo- ber, 1828, called at the house of Conrad Weiser, in Reading, the 27th of that month, as will appear from extracts of Post's Journal. " October 27, 1758, about seven o'clock in the morning, I came to Reading, and there found captain Bull, Mr. Hays, and the Indians just mounted, and ready to set out on their jour- ney ; they w^ere heartily glad to see me ; Pisqueicmen stretch- ed out his arms, and said, — "Now, brother, I am glad I have got you in my arms, I will not let you go, I will not let you go again from me, you must go with me :" and I likewise said the same to lim, and told him, "I will accompany you, if you will go the same way as I must go." And then I called them together, in Mr. Weiser's house, and read a letter to them, which I had received from the Governor, which is as follows, viz : "To Pisquetomen and Thomas Hickman, to Titiniontonna and Shickalany, and to Isaac Still. Brethren, Mr. Frederick Post is come express from the General, who sends his compliments to you, and desires you would come by the way of his camp, and give him an oppor- tunity of talking with you. By this string of Wampun I request you to alter your in- tended rout by way of Shamokin, and to go to the General, who will give you a kind reception. It is a nigher way, in which you will be better supplied with provisions, and travel with less fatigue and more safety. William Denny, Easton Oct. 23, 1758." To which I added : " Brethren, I take you by this string, by the hand, and lift you from this place, and lead you along to the General." " After which they consulted among themselves, and soon resolved to go with me. We shook hands with each other, and Mr. Hays immediately set out with them; after which, having with some difficulty procured a fresh horse, in the King's service, I set off about noon, with Captain Bull, and HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES 175 when we came to Conrad Weiser's plantation, we found Pis- quetoman lying on the ground very drunk, which obliged us to stay all night, the other Indians were gone eight miles farther on their journey." The following Biographical Memoir, copied from the United States Gazette, will, it is believed, be read with interest : BIOGRAPHY OF GOV. HIESTER. Circumstances put me in possession of many facts in relation to the life of the late GENERAL JOSEPH HIESTER, which mduce a behef that their publication, more especially those which relate to his conduct in the war of independence,, would be acceptable to a people who have in truth delighted to do him honor, while he remained amongst them. I think the facts cannot fail to imbue our population with the same sound principles and zealous feelings of patriotism, which at an early period, and throughout a long rnd unostentatious but useful and honorable hfe, animated the deceased. No man knows how soon the day may come, wlien his services m.ay be required by his country, and he may be called upon to make sacrifices of feehng and interest to conti ibute his mite tovv ards her free- dom and happiness. Our political horizon is not cloudless. — There are floating dark spots in the south, which, though now no larger than a man's shield, may, by the breath of faction, be blown together, and form a daik mass, which shall over- shadow the Union. In such times it behooves every citizen to examine the great questions which agitate the Union, and make up his mind to adopt that course of conduct which pa- triotism and honor shall make out. The early, manly, and dis- interested course of devotion to their country's welfare, which distinguished the lives of many of our citizens, will now well bear to be reviewed, not only to do honor to them and their memories, but to invite us to emulate their virtues. It was in the twenty-third or twenty-fourth year of his age, that General Joseph Hiester,' first rallied under the standard of his country, and took up arras in defence of her independence. It was a gloomy period, at which many hearts, that had beat- 176 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES^ en high, were sickened and sad in the bosoms of those wha now had melancholy forebodings of the issue of the contest in which they had cheerfully embarked ; at a time when the gieat, the good, the peerless Washington, had much cause to complain of the want of men and means to meet the enemies of his country. It was late in the year 1775, or early in 1776, that Joseph Hiester, then a vigorous, powerful, and influential young man, called together, by beat of drum, his fellow townsmen ol Read- ing, Pennsylvania, to take into consideration the alarming state and gloomy prospects of their country Reading was then an inconsiderable town, with a small population.. Having con- vened about twenty-five or thirty, he explained to thtm the necessity there was that they also should be up and doing in the cause of their common country. He stated that thtir be- loved General was then believed to be in a most perilous situa- tion in New Jersey ; that his friends and fellows oldiers were but few, while his foes and the foes of i\merica w^ere thicken- ing and multiplying on every side. Having so far as in his power, embarked the sympathies and roused the patriotism of his hearers, he expressed his anxious desire to raise a com- pany of volunteers, and march to the assistance of Washington. He was heard with attention and respect, and his preposition was kindly received. He then laid ^40 on the drum head and said, "I will give this sum, as a bounty, and the appointment of a sergeant, to the first man who will subscribe the aiticks of association to form a volunteer company, to march forthwith, and join the Commander-in-chief, and I also pledge myself, said he, to furnish the company w"ith blankets and necessary funds for their equipment, and on the march." This premise he hon- orably and fiiithfully fulfilled. After our young Captain had thus addressed his neighbors, they consulted together, r.nd Ma- thias Babb stepped forward, from amongst them, signed (he ar- ticles, and took the money from the drum head. Tliis exam- ple, and further advancements of smaller sums of money, in- duced tw^enty men, on that evening, to subscribe to the arti- cles of association. Notices and invitations were sent thiough the neighborhood ; other meetings were lield, and in ttn days from the first meeting, Captain tliester had eighty mtn en- rolled. They were promptly organized and rendy to march to join the Commander-in-chief. HISTOE.Y OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 177 This company and other troops were, at that time, enlisted and organized under the legislature or the executive council of Pennsylvania, I do not recollect which, for the purpose of form- incr a disposable force called the Flying Camp. The success which was consequent upon Capt. Hiester's efforts to raise a volunteer company, led to the determination to raise a battal- ion, or regiment. It was early ascertained, that the liberahty and popularity of Captain Hiester, would secure him the high- est office in the troops, about to be raised. This state of pub- lic opinion could not be mistaken or misunderstood, and Cap- tain Hiester was generally regarded as the future commander of the troops about to be raised. At this point of time, Mr. Haller, also a citizen of Reading, called upon Mr. Hiester, and expressed strong desire to join the army, but on condition that he, Mr. Hiester, would relinquish in his, Mr. Haller's fa- vor, all claims to the command. Mr. Haller frankly admitted that he was not disposed to go, unless elected Colonel, and that he well knew he could not at- tain that rank in any other way, than through the resignation and good offices of Capt. Hiester. Mr. Hiester heard with patient attention, all that was argued and suggested by Mr. Haller, and in answer said : The office you seek must be the gift of our fellow soldiers, but I do assure you I am not anx- ious for command or distinction, further than they may enable me the more effectually to serve our country. I will willingly yield all claim, rather than that our country shall not have your services. The declaration thus made, was followed up by Capt. Hiester, who freely conversing with the troops, and declining to be a candidate for the office claimed, used his in- fluence in favor of Mr. Haller. The facility with which Capt. Hiester consented to the wishes of Mr. Haller, and a reliance upon the pure motives which had induced him thus to yield rank and precedence to another, was the cause of a new appli- cation of a similar nature. Mr. Edward Burd was desirous to obtain the rank of Major, yet was satisfied how hopeless would be any opposition he could make to the election of Capt. Hies- ter, whose promotion to that rank was the more anxiously de- sired by the men, from the public spirited and handsome man- ner in which he had declined the Colonelcy, and succeeded in persuading the men to elect another. The feelings thus every where manifested, did not, however, deter Mr, Burd from at^ 17'8 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. teirpting to attain the station which he ardently desired. He waited on Capt. Hiester, laid before him his wishes, stated his knowledge of public opinion, his belief that he could be of ad- vantage to the pubhc service, and his anxiety that Capt. Hies- ter would forego his own promotion, and assist him, Burd, to the rank he sought. Capt. Hiester unhesitatingly assented to the request of Mr. Burd ; he addressed his fellow soldiers, as- sured them how satisfied he was to continue to serve as Cap- tain, and even declared a willingness to serve in the rank, if by such service he could better serve their common country. — This address had the desired effect, the ofEcers were elected as he wished, and Capt., Hiester and his company, marched from Reading for New Jersey. On their arrival at Elizabethtown, they learned that Gener- al Washington ha. I moved with his forces to Long Island. — Lord Sterling had been sent into Jersey to expedite the march of the American troops. On communicating this infoimation to the companies commanded by Captain Hiester and Captain Graul, Capt. Graul's men, and some of Capt. Hiester's, declared their determination to march no fuither. They declared that they could not have been compelled to leave their native state, and that it was unreasonable to expect that they should advance further. This was a critical and painful state of af- fairs. What was to be done; v.'hat could be done, to induce the men to go forward? They were drawn up in a compact body, and Capt. Hiester addressed them in such honest, suita- ble and impassioned language, that they waimed as he warm- ed, and they soon felt as he felt, and their hearts beat in unison with his. One who was present on that trying occasion, said to me, I wish to God, I could tell you what the captain said, and how the men looked and felt ; you have marched thus far said he, resolved to fight your country^s foes, and defend your homes and families, and will you now prove cowards, and de- sert your country when your country most wants your help ? I would be ashamed to return home with you ! I will go for- ward ; yes, if I go by myself. I will go and join Gen. Wash- ington as a volunteer, as a private; and if you .will not go, I wall go alone; but surely, said he, you will not turn your backs upon the enemy, and leave your country at their mercy. I will try you once again — Fall in ! — Fall in toyouj' ranks, men, and those who are ready to fight for freedom and Americaj. HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 179 \vill, when the drum beats, and the word is given, march to join George Washington. The men fell in; they shouldered their muskets; the drums were beat, and on the word "march," the whole line, except three men, moved forward. Those three soon sprang into the ranks, three cheers were given, and they were forthwith on their march to Long Island. On their ar- rival at Long Island, they came frequently in hostile contact with the enemy ; some were killed and some were wounded ; at length the British army having concentrated, the American troops generally, were captured ; how very ill they were used, and how severely they were treated, is of historical record, to the dishonor of the British name. Capt, Hiester, with many of the American officers, was confined for a lonp- time on board the prison ship Jersey. The cruelties inflicted, and the suifer- ings and the privations of the prisoners, will long be remem- bered and felt. From the prison ship, Capt. Hiester was taken and cast into prison in New York, v/here the scarcity of food and the general ill treatment of the Americans, was scarcely a remove better than they had experienced on board the Jersey. Capt. Hiester was attacked with a slow fever, and became so feeble an.l emaciated, that he was reduced to the painful neces- sity of passing up and down stairs on his hands and feet. Af- ter som3 months confinement, his exchange was effected; and he was liberated after having been plundered of his stores, money, and clothing. After his liberation he returned to Read- ing, where having recovered his strength, and made all neces- sary arrangements, he again joined the army near Germantown. In a skirmish, with an advanced company of the enemy's horse, his head was sUghtly grazed by a bullet. He continued in the army till the close of the war, after which he retui-ned to the bosom of his family. The popularity, deservedly acquired by Gen. Hiester, by his pubHc spirit and devotion to his country during the revolutionary war, he never lost; in all the revolu- tions of party, his neighbors and those all around him, who had the best opportunities of knowing his private worth, and good qualities, continued firmly attached to him. Ha was, socJn after the war, elected to the Legislature of Pennsylvania, whree he, for mmy years, honorably and faith- fully represented and served his constituents. He was elected with a host of o;oo 1 men, and of sound unrlerstandinijs to the convention, which, after the formation of the Federal Constitw- 180 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. tion, were assembled to frame a Constitution for PennsylvaniSj and they did frame the very excellent form of government under which we have so long prospered as a State, and lived happily as citizens of the Union. Under that constitution to which he was so zealously attached, he served many years in the General Assembly of Pennsylvania. He has frequently been chosen a member of the College of Electors of President and Vice President of the United States. He was an Elector, at the time John Adams was chosen President, and Thos. Jef- ferson Vice President. He had the further honor of serving his country in the great Council of the Nation, for fourteen years, and after having declared a re-election to Congress, he acceded to the solicitation of his friends, became a candidate for the office of Governor, and was elected. It is a fact well known to the political and personal friends of Gen, Hiester> that he was reluctantly induced to become a candidate for the 'office of Governor, and that he yielded his consent upon the express and well understood condition, that he would serve but one period. It is equally well known, that at the end of that period of service, he resolutely refused again to permit the use of his name, although urged by partisans and by many friends, solicited to be a candidate, at the expiration of the three j-ears he had consented to serve as Governor. He returned to the bosom of his family, still residing in the borough of Reading, where, surrounded by friends and neighbors, by whom he was greatly esteemed and respected, he lived happily, and descended to his grave full of years and honor. He died on the 10th of June, 1832, in the 80th year of his age. He was buried in the burial ground of the German Reformed Church of Reading, on the 13th of June; his remains were followed to the grave by a numerous concourse of mourning relations and fellow citi- zens. The profound attendance of the military, and other demonstrations of respect and attachment, all of which were promptly tendered, were respectfully declined, and his well attended but unostentatious fimeral, was in perfect keeping with the truly republican simplicity which had marked the whol<» course of his lonfj and useful life. HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 181 Captain Jacob Yoder, was born in Reading, 1758 — a highly respectable and wealthy Farmer, of Spencer county, Kentucky. To him belongs the honor of having descended the Mississippi, in the first Flat Boat — and if no other powers than those of time, and wind, and storm, shall assail the tablet, of which an account is given below, which will preserve the fact recorded in deep indentations upon it, through a series of ages to come. The iron tablet was cast by Hanks & Niles, of Cincinnati, in 1834, and now marks the spot where remains the bones of Captain Yoder. It is one of the first of the kind ever execu- ted west of the Alleghenies. It has this inscription: JACOB YODER Was born in Reading, Pe:(insylvania, August 11th, 17Boj And was a Soldier in the Revolutionary Army In 1777 and 1778 ; He emigrated to the West in 1780, and in May 1782, from Fort Redstone, on the Monongahela River, in the FIRST flat boat That ever descended the Mississippi, He landed at New Orleans, with a cargo of Produce. He died April 7, 1832, at his farm in Spencer County, Kentucky, and lies here Interred beneath this tablet. No one who has any pretensions to the possession of a soul, can contemplate this tablet without a variety of emotions. A brilliant series of associations enchain the mind of the gazer, as with a spell, to it — that the man who navigated the first flat boat that ever descended the Mississippi, should have lived to see a magnificent steamboat ploughing the same watery track — is a truth which affords a subject of admiration. When he launched his little bark on the Monongahela, what were his anticipations ? Such as time has proved ! No, he then thought of the wily savage, whose covert was a wide and untrodden wilderness. He proceeded on his precarious voyage. Instead 16 183 tUSTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUJTTIES^ of cheering aspects of busy cities, flourishing villages, and Ctil* tivated farms, which now claim the voyagel-'s attention, he saw a range of hills, unshorn of their primeval widerness, whence the lugubrious howl of the wolf proceeded, the vast wilderness which the foot of the civilized man had not trodden, instinct, 'tis true, with life; but it was the life of the forest derizen, the trembhng fawn, and the myriad songsters of the wild; He reached his destination, but his safety was a marvel to himself, and his dangers, in after recital, awakened up a fear stricken excitement in the minds of those who listened to his tale of perils "by field and flood." He lived to see the country change masters, the wilderness blossom as a rose, and human energy achieve a conquest over a thousand obstacles. This is the greatest triumph that man has yet achieved. — History records no parallel. To the future generations of America, it will be what the fabulous age of the Titans was to the ancient Greeks. Colonel Thomas Hartley — the subject of this notice — was born in the vicinity of Reading, September 7th, 1748. — His parents sent him to the common, as well as to the schools of more advanced standing, in which he made more than ordi- nary proficiency — he left not a moment to pass witliout some improvements. At the age of eighteen he went to York, Penn- sylvania, where he entered upon a regular course of Purdy's jurisprudence, under the direction of Samuel Johnson, Esq. — So great was his proficiency, that before he had attained the age of twenty-one, he was admitted to practice at the bar. Never has any one risen higher, in the same time, in his pro- fessional business, than Thomas Hartley; this was mainly owing to his thorough knowledge of law, and in his intimate acquaintance of the English and German languages — both es- sential, in that day, to succeed as a lawyer at that bar. Per- haps the great extent of his practice was also owing in part to the paucity, as to the number of lawyers — for young Hartley and the Honorable James Smith, were for some time, the only practicing attorneys — Mr. Johnson, his preceptor, was the prothonotary of the county, from 1764 to 1777. Hartley, unlike many of that day, though much engrossed HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 193 with professional business, was the warm friend of his country — much of his time was devoted, both in the field and cabinet, to his country's cause. As early as 1774, the citizens of York county elected him as a member of the provincial meeting of deputies, held at Philadelphia, July 15, 1774. In 1775, he again attended a provincial convention, held at Philadelphia, 23d of January. The crisis was now arriving that was to try men's souls — the time was approaching when stern requisition demanded de- cision of character. The committee of safety for Pennsylva- nia, who never recommended any that would falter in duty, re- commended among others, Mr. Hartley to Congress, for filed officers to the sixth battalion, ordered to be raised in Pennsyl- vania. The merits of the respective gentlemen recommended, were inquired into by Congress; whereupon, January 10, 1776, the following persons Were elected : — William Irwin, Esq., as Colonel; Thomas Hartle}^, as Lieutenant Colonel; and James Dunlap, Esq., as Major. But not many months passed before Lieut. Col. Hartley was promoted to the rank 9f Colonel. He was distinguished as a soldier — devoted three years to the ser- vice of his country, in that capacity. After thus faithfully serving, at the expiration of three years, on the 13th of July, 1779, he respectfully addressed Congress, asking permission to resign his commission. The reasons set forth to Congress, were deemed sufficient to grant him his reasonable request — his resignation was accepted, and at the same time, it was resolved by that honorable body, that " they had a high sense of Colo- nel Hartley's merit and services." His fellow citizens were determined to have his services, if not in the field, at all events in the legislative hall; they acr cordingly elected him in October, 1778, to represent the coun- ty of York in the General Assembly. In 1783, he was was elected a member of the council of censors, under the constitution of '76 — the first day of their meeting was the 10th of November, 1783. At the close of the year 1787, he was a member of the State convention which adopted the constitution of the United States, Having so faithfully represented the interests of his constitu^- ents, and honorably discharged the duties of the several stations he held, his fellow citizens were determined on his further ser- vices, and they accordingly elected him as a member of Con- 184 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. gress. As a new order of things had now commenced, the public mind was engrossed alike with hope and fear. The ci- tizens of York county had taken a great interest in the estab- lishment of the new constitution, and as Colonel Hartley was the first person who was to go forth from among them, as a member of Congress, under that constitution, they determined in the warmth of their feelings, to show him every honor. — When he set out from York, on the 2od of February, 1789, on his way to the city of New York, where Congress was to set, he was accompanied to the Susquehanna by a great number of the inhabitants of the borough and its neighborhood, and was there received by a company from that part of the county, and from Lancaster, The citizens then partook of a dinner, and the whole was one splendid celebration. When on the way of his return, he arrived at Wright's Ferry on the 6th of Octo- ber, he was met at that place by a number of gentlemen from the borough of York, and was from there conducted to his house, in town, amidst the acclamations of his friends and fel- low citizens." He was for many years a member of Congress. He was the first gentleman from the State of Pennsylvania, that was ad^ mitted a counsellor in the Supreme Court of the United States. He closed his eventful life on the morning of the 21st of De- cember, 1800, aged 52 years, 3 months, and 14 days. His remains rest in the burial ground of the Church of St. John's, York, Pennsylvania. EXETER TOWNSHIP. Exeter township was settled prior to 1720, and numbered, fifteen or twenty years afterwards, rising of three hundred of a population. In 1841, the number of taxables was seventy-six ; and a few years after the organization of Berks county, the following were taxables in Exeter township, as then bounded: Adam Wink, Michael Zeister, Paul Durst, Isaac Levan, Leonard Lebo, Jacob Scherer, Adam Garrett, Henry Lees, Frederick Kunkle, Conrad Kehler, Henry Eoyer, Henry Al- der, Moses Ellis, Abraham Levan, Jacob Lanciscus, Freder- ick Christian, George Engle, Nicholas Herner, John Aurand, Francis Rutter, Martin Allstat, Christian Weeks, George Hin- ton, Samuel Hughes, Edward Hughes, Jonathan Prict, Robert HidtOftt OF BERKS klfD LEBANON COUNTIES. l85 Dickey, William Boone, Henry llernor, Morris Ellis, John Webb, William Russel, James Boone, Peter_ Schneider, Ru- dolph Hegler, George Messersmith, Adam Young, Martin Waltz, George Gerich, Valentine Messersmith, Jacob Weiler, Christian Boyer, Jacob Boechtel, Peter Boechtel, James Thompson, Peter Rein, Jacob Rawn, Wm. Maugridge, Phili|) Near, John Boyer, Henry Thompson, Jacob Boyer, Daniel Conrad, Robert Patterson, William Kirby, Peter Kirby, Geo. Hart, Peter Smith, Mordecai Lincoln, Jacob Huget, Benjamin Parks, Ulrich Mahn, Peter Huet, Francis Wallich, Mathias Detert, Frederick Kehler, Michael Lodwick, Benjamin Boone, Leonard High, Joseph Boone, John Hugh, John Wainwright, Jacob Yoder, John Zug, Yost Sees, Henry Shleigh, Christian Boyer, Peter Noll, Stephen Kreitscher, Mathias Feeder, John Boone, James Thompson, Philip Saddler, Peter Alstat, Heze- kiah Boone, John Conrad, Jacob Dibler, Frederick Herner, Wm Patterson, Frederick Wallick, Peter Fisher, John Boech- tel, AbrahamXjncoln, George Ritter John Frellweiler. Exefer township is bounded north-cast by Oley township; on the east by Amity ; on the south by the Schuylkill river, which divides it from Robeson and Cumru; and on the north- west by Alsace. Greatest length, four miles and a half, and breadth the same ; the surface generally undulative, except in the north-western part, which is hilly ; soil a reddish shale and gravel ; naturally not productive, but in many places it has been rendered, by the husbandman's care, very productive. The western boundary is strongly marked by Mount Never Sink and other prominent hills. Roush creek, which enters this township on the north-west, passing through it in a southern course, wending its way to the Schuylkill and the Manokesy, which crosses the north-east cor- ner of the township, affords water power to several grist mills, saw mills, an oil mill, a fulling mill, and a forge. The Perkiomin and Reading turnpike pass through it for a distance of five or six miles. Exeter, a small village, is on the turnpike, eight miles from Reading. It contains not more than eight or ten houses, a tavern and a store. There is a school held in common by the German Reformed and Lutherans, near the centre of the township. Population in 1810, 1,194; 1820, 1,416; 1830,1,455; 1840, 1,911. Horses 331; horned cattle 770; sheep 691; swine 16* 186 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 1,118; bushels of wheat 11,670; rye 12,367; corn 18,564; oats 23,802; buckwheat 304; potatoes 5,089 ; tons of hay 1,686; pounds of wool 1,274; flax 1,284. Whole amount of valuation on all articles made taxable by law, for county purposes, $614,092 ; county tt»c $1,228 18 ; State tax $06,10. GREENWICH TOWNSHIP. Greenwich township was formed about 1852, out of part of Allemangel, which had been settled prior to 1836. It \vas originally nearly wholly settled by Germans, among whom were a few of the descendants of French Huguenots. During the French and Indian war, from 1754 to 1760, the inhabitants, in common with all the frontier settlers of Berks, were occa- sionally alarmed by their cruel enemies. In March, 1755, the Indians burned the house of Barnabas Seitel, who lived on the borders of the township, and the mill of Peter Conrad; killed the wife of Balsar Neytong, and made captive liis son, a lad of eight years of age. They fired five times upon David Howell, and the last time shot him through the arm. The settlers were also alarmed by the news of murders com- mitted in the township, immediately north; namely, in Albany township, when they heard of the horrid massacre of Jacob Gerhart's family, and others. These were trying times. In 1756, the following taxables resided within this township, as it was then limited : George Herring, Adam Smith, Adam Baner, Andrew Onengst, Adam Boose, Adam Zolman, Charles Balmer, Chris- topher Rein, Christian lingerer, Frederick Kremer, Frederick Hene, Frederick Shallenberger, Dietrich Mayer, Dietrich Leiby , Godfried Stern, Gabriel Eisenberger, George Kosser, Gottfried Kremer, George Ley, George Miller, George Breiner, George Wilhelm Riegel, Gerhart Schallenberger, George Slaus, Geo. Kremer, George Kemp, George Herring, George Bauman, George Ussinger, Henry Ballender, Henry Mayer, Henry Berke, Henry Krall, Henry Eschbach, Hantorns Kiel, Jacobus Diehl, Jacob Liebe, John Schwedner, John Sassamanhaus, John Raush, John Dunkle, John Wary, Jacob Hetrick, John Collon, Jacob Zettelmayer, Jacob Gronable, Jacob Leydick, Lorentz HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 187 Biever, Leonard Bauman, Mathias Reamer, Melchior Biel, Michael Crans, Michael Mauser, Michael Lesher, Matthias Keffer, Mathias Ley, Martin Hetinger, Michael Leiby, Mi- chael Gottschall, Nicholas Stein, Philip Lenhart, Peter Len- hard, Peter Herdinger, Philip Kallbach, Peter Dell, Phihp Mayer, Peter Buns, Peter Steuerwald, Peter Hauck, Rudolph Bussart, Rudolph Ziramer, Simon Dierick, Simon Essenberg, Urbanus Frieferly, Ludwig Beckel, Nicholas Essenberg, Geo. Spang, Abraham Kles, Jacob Hoffman, Hans Christian J3aum, Nicholas De Hoop, John Riebsaamen, Martin Onangst, Jacob Mack, George Krubach, Daniel Manensmith, Michael Smith, John Manser, Andrew Seitle, Henry Smith, Adam Faust, Plenry Faust, Jacob Lantzard, Henry Shullenberger, Peter Dempkle, Christian Manensmith. Greenwich is bound north by Albany township, north-east by Lehigh county, south-east by Maxtawny township, south by Richmond, and west by Windsor; mean length six miles and a half, and mean breadth four and a half; contains nearly fourteen thousand acres of land, generally hilly ; and the soil, gravel, of an ordinary quality. Round-top hdl, or Peaked mountain, on the northern boundary of the township, presents a prominent feature, and gives a similar character to the aspect of the surface in its vicinity. The Maiden creek, which passes through the north-western part of the township, affords water power, as do several other streams in the township; among these is Lacony creek, a branch of Maiden creek, which flows in a serpentine course of five miles along the southern boundary, receiving, as it progresses. Mill creek, and several smaller rivulets. There are six grist mills, five saw mills, four tanneries, one forge, an oil mill and a pottery, in the township. There are two small towns, Klinesville, seven miles from Hamburg, on the State road, leading from Ham.burg to Allen- town; Grimsville, on the same road, ten miles from Hamburg — three stores, and seven taverns. In 1840, the following Re- yolutionary pensioners lived in this township : — Andreas Camp, George Hincley, and Peter Steger. Population in 1830, 1,407; 1840, 1,629. Horses 200; horned cattle 572 ; sheep 459 ; sv^ine 644 ; bushels of wheat 2,275; rye 6,030; corn 5,621 ; oats 6,465, buckwheat 2,575 ; potatoes 5,621 ; tons of hay 601 ; pounds of wool 597; flax 350. 188 HISTOHY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. Whole amount of valuation on all articles taade taxable by- law for county purposes $467,975 ; county tax $935 95 j State tax $581 59. HEIDELBERG TOWNSHIP. Heidelbprg township was so called by the first settlers, after the capitol of the country whence many of them had emigrated to America. It was named after Hiedelberg, a city of south Germany, in the duchy of Baden, and the seat of a town and district bailiwick, at the foot of the Kaiserstuhl, on the Neckar, about twelve miles above its confluence with the Rhine, at Manheim. When settlements were commenced by the Germans, (of whose coming and settling a detailed account will be given below,) they scattered themselves in the midst of the Indians, who complained much to government, of the "foreigners," that their corn had been destroyed by those people's creatures. — Sassoonan or Allummapees, at a council held at Philadelphia, in the Great meeting house, June 5, 1728, complained bitterly of the intrusions by the Germans at Tulpahoca, (Hiedelberg.) In addressing secretary Logan, he said : " He was grown old, and was troubled to see the christians settle on lands that the Indians had never been paid for — they had settled on his lands, for vrhich he had never received any thing. That he is now an old man, and must soon die, that his children may wonder to see all their father's lands gone from them, without his re- ceiving any thing for them, that the christians now make their settlements very near them, and they shall have no place of their own left to live on. — Col. Rec. iii. p. 338. A few years after this complaint by Sassoonan, Thomas Penn purchased the Tulpehocken lands, now forming Berks and Lebanon counties. At the time of Penn's purchase, 1732, and ten or fifteen years later, the tawny sons of Tulpahoca had a cluster of Intlian villages, north of the present site of Wom- raelsdorf, under the Kittatiny or Blue Mountain. In a preceding chapter,* it has been stated, that some Ger- mans had settled in Tulpehocken, the greater part of v/hich lay within the bounds of Heidelberg township, when Berks county was organized. As it may be interesting to the general * Chapter vi, p. 98, 99. HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 189 reader, and especially to the numerous descendants, of the first settlers of this portion of the county, a brief account will be given of their emigration to Pennsylvania. About the years 1707, '8, '9, thousands of Germans were oppressed by Romish intolerance, many of whom, to the num- ber of three thousand or more, on a proclamation of Queen Ann, of England, 1708, went from the Palatinate to Holland, and were thence transported to England. They encamped near London. About this time, the colonists of New York, looked to the mother country for aid to repel the incursions of the French. In 1710, Cols. Nicholas and Schuyler, accompa- nied by five Sachems, or Indian chiefs, had returned from America to England, to solicit additional forces against Canada.* While at London, the chiefs in their walks in the outskirts of London, saw the unenviable condition of the houseless and homeless Germans; though Indians, they were moved by hu- man woe and suffering, commisserated their destitute condition, and no doubt, being informed of the yearnings of the Germans' aching hearts for a country free from persecution, one of them, unsolicited and voluntarily, presented the Queen a tract of his land, in Schoharie, New York, for the use and benefit of the distressed Germans.! About this time, Colonel Robert Hunter, having received the appointment of Governor, for New York, and sailing for Amer- ica, brought with him not less than three thousand of these Germans, or Palatines, to the town of New York, where they encamped several months; and in the autumn of 1710, many of whom were removed at the expense of Queen Ann, to Living- ston district ; others settled in the city of New York, some in Germantown, others elsewhere. Those who were removed to Livingston's District, or Manor, were required, in order to repay freightage from Holland to England, thence to New York, to raise hemp, and manufac- ture tar.J In this busmess they did not succeed ; however, they were released in 1713, from all claims upon them for freightage across the Atlantic. One hundred and fifty of the families, willing to avail them- selves of their present from the Indians, made to Queen Ann, * His. N. Y., p. 39.— Holmes Annals i. 501. ) Hallische Nachrichten, 973—981. I Hal. Nach. 974. 190 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES^ for their use, moved in the spring of 1714, through a dense forest to Schoharie, west of Albany, and seated themselves among their Magna or Mohawk neighbors and friends, the In- dians. On their arrival, they were wholly destitute, both of food, and the implements of husbandry. Their sufferings, for some time, were very great. Their neighbors, the Indians, had not laid up any provisions for themselves; and of course had none to spare, to supply the wants of their Vv^hite brethren — depending entirely upon Nature's store-house — believing that their hands were not made to perform manual labor, other than hunting and fishing. The Palatines, in this new home, made many a meal upon ground-nuts and wild potatoes. The former, the Indians called otachraquara, and the latter ocknanada. The nearest place where flour or meal could be procured, was at a distance of fifty miles from the new settlement; and these they had to purchase on credit, which was not readily obtained — unenviable condition. In Schoharie, having only permission from the Indians, the Germans commenced, under all these discouraging circum- stances, improving lands, and building houses. In a few years, and after persevering efforts, they succeeded in improving several settlements; for they had settled in hamlets, (Doerfer,) or lodges, of these there were seven, namely : Kneskern's Ger- lack'sdorff, Fuchsendorff, Hans George Schmit'sdorff, Weiser's or Brunnendorff, Hartman'sdorff, and Ober-Weiser'sdorff. — They seemed now to prosper ; having in a great degree over- come nearly all obstacles, which so readily presented, and still present themselves, in commencing settlements in a remote for- est country. Having, however, neglected to comply with the formalities of the law of New York, and improving lands with- out the full consent of Government, the titles to their lands were defective, and as a conseOjUence, they were involved in new difficulties. After much vexation, and many fruitless ef- forts to secure to themselves, what was intended for them by the Indian present to Queen Ann; some having heard of un- occupied lands in Swatara and Tulpehocken, in Pennsylvania, united, and left Schoharie, wended their faces in a south-wes- tern direction, and travelled through the forest, till they reached the Susquehanna river, where they made canoes, freighted themi "with their families, and some household goods, floated dowa. KISTORY Of BfcRKS AND LEBANON C&UNTIESo 19l Wie river to the mouth of the Swatara creek, thence they worked their way up, till they reached a fertile spot on Tulpe^ hocken creek, where they settled amidst the Indians, in the spring of 1723. Their cattle they drove by land.* Here they commenced the world anew, with some disorder. Weiser, who joined them afterwards, and knew them well, says : — " Es war niemand unter dem Volk der es regieren konnte ; ein jeder that was or wollte; and ihr starker Eigensinn hat ihnen bis aui diese Stunde (1745) in Wege gestanden." There was none among the people who could govern them ; every one did as he pleased ; their obstinacy, to this day, (1745,) has been much against them. There were thirty-three families of them at Tulpehocken in 1728. The names of some of them are still preserved in the Provincial Records. There are given below as then spelled : Johannes Yans, Peter Ritt, Conrad Schitz, Paltus Unfs, Toritine Serbo, Josep Sab, Jorge Ritt, Gotfrey Filler, Joannes Claes Shaver, Jo Hameler Ritt, Johan Peter Pacht, Jocham Michael Cricht, Sebastian Pisas, Andrew Fal- born.f These expected in 1728, fifty families more, " who, if they might be admitted on certain conditions," would come and set- tle among them at Tulpehocken. In 1729, there was an im- portant accession. Among these were the Hoehns, Fischers, Lauers, Anspachs, Badtorfs Spickers, Grists, Cadermans, No- acres, Lebenguths, Conrad Weiser and his sons — the latter set^ tied near Wommelsdorf, of w^hom more will be said in the sequel. J In 1756, the following were assessed and returned as taxa- bles of Heidelberg township, many of whose descendants are still the owners of the lands first possessed by the first settlers* Heidelberg then embraced upper and lower Heidelberg, having since 1830, been divided. Philip Weiser, Frederick Weiser, Andrew Boyer, John Oorth, John Boyer, jr., John Eckert, Michael Schauer, Henry Fitler, George Deer, Leonard Groh, Nicholas Ried, Jacob Klein, John Zerbe, Peter Hoffman, George Lauch, Henry Shuger, Henry Gruber, Adam Schauer, Casper Hoehn, Joseph Felsmayer, Ga- * Conrad Weiser's German MSS. Journal, t Col. Rec. iii. p. 342, and preceeding pages 97-99, J Heidelberg twp. is noted for having been the place of the Heidelberg meeting in 1829, in opposition to Sunday Schools, &c. See Appendix, A. 192 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANOIf COUNTIES'. briel RadgeC) Antonie Faust, Adam Spohn^ Thbmas Jones^ Lodowick Deer, Eliezar Evans, Michael Malle, Peter Betz, Wilhelm Fuser, Peter Eberle, Dieterich Marschall, Frederick Koble, John Koble, Peter Bricker, Christian Daube, Sebastian Obald, Jacob Boyer, Conrad Scharlf, Peter Knop, Ullerich Michel, Valentine Frei, Henry Staer, Michael Lauer, Tobias Bickel, Conrad Ernst, Martin Barteberger, Michael Kaiser, Joseph Hetterich, Peter Riedi, Conrad Finck, Lorentz Storck, (Strong,) Michael Miller, Melchior Knauer, Dietrich Scholl, Jacob Kreiter, Henry Deckert, John Doutrick, Simon Bimoch, Adam Hoehn, Frederick Gerhart, John Kohler, John Disler, Henry Boyer, Nicholas Bechtel, Paul Engle, Lazarus Weng- ert, Peter Fege, Christian Hoehn, George Hoehn, Frederick Hoehn, Peter Newman, Adam Brown, W. Mauntz, Jacob Sensebach, Samuel Nickel, Jacob Cull, Andrew Gross, Francis Bosman, Henry Spohn, Michael Busch, John Klinger, Nicho- las Schaeffer, Christian Miller, Peter Warner, Conrad Smith, Christian Freiraeier, Christian Frantz, Christian Paffenberger, Frederick Stump, John Bayer, jr., Mathias Jacobi, Ulrich Brunner, Adam Boniwitz, Baltzer Wenrich, John Planck, Ja- cob Orths, WilHam Jones, John Riegel, Henry Maziin, George Boeshor, John Strohschneider, Charles Bomberger, George Newman, John Mayer, Jacob Spatz, Martin Linck, Ludwig Held, John Dieter, John Rose, Nicholas Glatt, John Fischer, Casper Scheffer, Abraham Kessler, Mathias Schallhorn, Mi- chael Overhouse, Michael Kessler, Henry Prince, Joseph Fuchs, Ulrich Rickert, George Hetterick, Michael Kurtz, Christian Michel, Leonard Schnell, Christopher Mohr, Dieterich Stein- brecher, Peter Haas, Christopher Witraer, Henry Hetterick, Michael Borger, George Michael Hehl, John Shuger, Henry Seitel, Martin Long, George Brindel, Jacob Slauch, Jacob Fis- cher, Christian Everhart, Michael Scheffer, Peter Bolender, John Heckert, Nicholas Schweigart, George Aumiller, Abra- ham Stover, Antonie Crandeberger, Jacob Schwob, Peter Rie- gel, Henry Dock, Peter Schoenfelter, John Walter, Philip Zerbe, Joiacham Schmit, Rudolph Schmaltz, Peter Foltz, Da- Miller, Henry Gerverd, George Rabb, Frederick Schwartz, Jacob Minig, Henry Christ, Baltzer Kcenig, John Hartman, Peter Fischer, William Allen, Peter Werle, Michael Schnei- der, Adam Potteiger, Martin Armheld, John Servey, Andrew Ruhl, Christian Flank, Charles Plank, Samuel Boyer, Adaia HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 193 Gruber, John Lesch, Henry Sohl, Thomas Jones, Christopher Lerch, Mathias Miller, Jacob Erntt, Casper Conrade, John Zerbe, Henry Minig, Peter Smith, George Manntz, Nicholas Yung, Philip Baner, Henry Weaver, Henry Seidel, Henry Deckert. From the following communication, addressed by George Washington to Gen. Wayne, it appears he had been in this township in the fall of 1777 : Sept. 17, 1777. Readino; Furnace, 6 o'clock P. M. Dear Sir: — I have this instant received yours of half past 3 o'clock, A. M. Having written to you already to 7novc forward upon the enemy, 1 have but little to add. Generals Maxwell and Porter, are ordered to do the sam3, being at Pott's Forge. I could wish you and those Generals to act in conjunction, to mike your advance more formidable, but I would not have too much time delayed on this account. I shall follow as speedily as possible with jaded men — some may probably go off immediately, if I find they are in a condition for it. The horses are almast all out upon patrol. Cartridges have been ordered for you. Give ms the carhest information of every thing interesting, and of your moves, that I may gov- ern mine by them. The ciitiinj off the enemy's baggag« would be a great matter. Yours, sincerely, Geo. Washington. Gen. A. Wayne. Heidelberg township is bounded on the north by upper Tul- pehocken township; north-east by Penn, a recently organized township; south-east by lower Heidelberg; south-west by Lan- caster county, and west by Marion township — about being formed out of part of Heidelberg and lower Tulpehocken; con- tains between eighteen and nineteen thousand acres of good land, much of it level; more than one half of it limestone soil, the other gravel, and when tilled, highly productive. It is well watered by the Tulpehocken, and its tributary streams has ample water power. There are in it one fur- nace, two fulling mills, two woollen factories, four grist mills, three saw mills, one paper mill, and four or five churches. 17 194 HISTORY dt BtSKS AND LEBiS:ON COUNTlllS. The Reading and Harrisburg turnpike passes through it.~-^ The Wommelsdorf is on this pike, fourteen miles from Reading. This town, originiilly called Middletown, was laid out by John WommelsdorfF, in 1762. The first house erected here was the one now occupied by Michael Seltzer, whose grandfather, Ja- cob Seltzer, erected it in 1761, '62 The to^^tn contains 125 houses; population 900; 3 stores and 3 taverns; a Lutherali and German Reformed church, a New Presbyterian, and also one owned by the Evangelical Association ; three or four schools,' and an Academy, built in 1834. Rev. Morse is prin- cipal. General Washington staid all night at Wommelsdorf, the 13th November, 1793, as appears from the following : Wommelsdorf, den 14 ten Nov. 1793. Gestern Abends batten die Einwohner dieser Stadt das Verg- nuegen den Presidenten, George Washington, der Vereinigten Staaten von America zu bewirthen, und ihm bey dieser, Geleg- enheit folgende Addresse zu ueberreichen : Ihro Excellentz ! Moechten sie unsere aus Dankbarkeit und Gehorsam entste- hende Freudensbezeugungen, in diesem gluecklichen Augen- blick da wir die persoenliche Gegenwart von Ihro Excellent^ geniessen, in Dero angebornen und gev/ohnlichen Guete an- zunehnmen belieben. Die kluge und mit gluecklichem Erfolg gekroente Thaten, die Sie unter dem Schutz des Allerhoechten Wesens in dero letzten glorreichen Krieg ausgefuehret haben, dan Glueck und Zufriedenheit das wir unter Dero Regierung seithin in Fried- enszeit geniessen, und des letzhin sowohl ueberlegte zum rech- teri Zeitpunct anempfohlne Neutralitaete-System, ermuntert alle Menschen aufs Neue zur Hochachtung und Liebe gegen sie. Die Einwohner dieser Gegend werden niemals unterlassen, langes Leben und Gesundheit von Gott fuer sie zu erbeten. To which Washington sent the following very appropriate reply: Die Aufmerksamkeit die sie mir erzeigen, und der Beifall Ton meinen Bemuehungen, giebt mir das groeste Vergnuegen. HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES 195 A company of volunteers assembled, and amidst repeated firing of guns, near the door of the house in which he lodged, exclaimed: — Langlebe George Washington ! Lang lebe George Wa^ington ! ! Newmanstown, on the road from Wommelsdorf, on the bounr- dary line between Lebanon and Berks county, was laid out by Walter Newman, 1762. The proprietors was known for many years as " Der Irische." The names of the original lot hold- ers are still preserved; they are as follows: — Fage, Lasch, Kapp, Gartner, Keenzer, Zeller, Nail, Strickler, Eisenmenger, Manerer, Reed, Brown, Schenkel, Jacobs, Knauer, Moor, Stoop, Shup, Minig, Schall, Ensminger, Spatz, Hildebeitel, Brenner. It contains 54 houses ; two stores and two taverns ; a church, .common to Lutherans and German Reformed. Population 455. The present proprietors are Peter and Jacob Schoch, to whom eight shillings, per annum, are paid per lot, by the holders. Population of the township before it was divided : in 1830, 4,101; 1840,2,827.* Horses 1,107; horned cattle 3,812; sheep 1,713; swine 3,448; bushels of wheat 56,189; potatoes 15,825; tons of hay 4,120; pounds of wool 3,057. Whole amount of A^aluation, made taxable for county purposes, in 1844, ^761,308; county tax $1,522 60,; State tax $921 66. CONRAD WEISER.f Conrad Weiser, whose name is intimately associated with the early history of his adopted country, both as a private in- dividual, and as a useful citizen in a public capacity, was born at Herrenberg, in Wittemberg, Germany, November 2d, 1696. His father's name was John Conrad Weiser. Conrad was kept at school till he had mastered the rudi- ments of the German language, and had been instructed in the elements of the christian religion, according to Martin Luther's catechism. At the age of twelve, he was, by death, deprived of a pious and affectionate mother of sixteen children. She * Since 1840, Heidelberg has been divided into upper and lower. t Conrad Weiser was the grand-father, on the maternal side, of Doctor Muhlenberg, of Lancaster, and of the Rev. and Hon. Hfnry A. Muhlek- Bfisa, lately Minister to Austria, and now residing at Reading, Pa. 196 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. died May Ist, 1709. Conrad, in his private journal, speaking of his mother, says: — '.'Sie war eine Gottesfuerchtige, iind bey ihren Nachbarn sehr geliebte Frau. Ihr Wahlspruch war: Jesus, dir lebe ich, dir sterbe ich ; dein bin ich todt und leben- dig." Shortly after the death of Mrs. Weiser, the father, with eight of his children, in company with several others of his countrymen, left Germany for England, where they arrived at London, June 34, 1709; and there they were maintained at the expense of Queen Ann, upon whose invitation they had gone thither, till towards the close of December, when about four thousand of them embarked for America, where they arrived, at the town of New York, the 18th of June 1710. Conrad, the subject of this notice, and seven brothers and three sisters, accompanied their father. Conrad's oldest sister, Catharine, having married Conrad Boos, remained at the old homestead. " Mein Vatter," says Conrad, " lies ihnen sein Haus Aecker, Wiessen, Wein-Garten, u. s. u. fuer 675 Gul- den." In the autumn of 1710, John Conrad Weiser, with several of his children, among whom w^as Conrad, and several hundred German families, were transferred, at Queen Ann's expense, to Livingston district, where many of them remained till 1713. — Two younger brothers of Conrad Weiser, namely, George Frederick and Christopher Frederick, were shortly, on their arrival at New York, by the consent of their sick father, bound out, or apprenticed by the Governor of New York, to a gen- tleman on Long Island. In Livingston district, under the direction of commissioners Johan Cast, Henry Mayer, and Richard Seakott, appointed by Governor Hunter, it was allotted to these Germans to manu- facture tar, and raise hemp, to repay freightage from Holland to England, and thence to New York. This business proved unsuccessful; they were, however, released in 1713, of all freightage upon them. Shortly afterwards, the Germans were dispersed through the province of New York — many remained in this district, and about one hundred and fifty families resolved to move to Schoharie, forty miles west of Albany. Previous to their removing, they sent deputies thither to consult with the Indians, touching their locating at that place ; for one of the Chiefs, when in England a few years previous, at the time HISTOEY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 197 these Germans were there, made Queen Ann a present of sooie land, for the behoof of the Palatines. John Conrad Weiser, Conrad's father, was one of their deputies. Having, in a preceding part of this book, mentioned the leading circumstances, of this present. It is hoped, the reader will nevertheless excuse the apparent episode, if the substance of the former be repeated in this connection. In 1708, the French in America, continued their aggressions eastward. Having penetrated to Haverhill, on the Merrimack, and reduced the town to ashes, it was then proposed by Colo- nel Vetch, to subdue Acadia, Canada, and Newfoundland; .an attack was made upon Quebec, by a squadron with five regi^ ments from England, and 1200 provincials from Massachusetts and Rhode Island, whilst 1500 men, under Colonels Vetch and Nicholson, from the central colonies, attempted Montreal, by way of Lake Champlain. The inhabitants of New York en^ tered into this scheme with great alacrity — raised funds for that purpose, and made other necessary preparations. The Five JVations, by the influence of Col. Peter Schuyler, had been induced to take up the hatchet, and to send 600 warriors to the field, leaving theirs to be maintained by the provincial treasury. At this critical juncture, Colonel Nicholson returned to Eng- land to solicit further assistance; he was accompanied by Col, Peter Schuyler, with four Sachems of the confederate Indians. While in London, these chiefs saw the miserable condition in which the Germans were ; for they had just arrived from Ger- man)', and encamped in the purlieus of London, The Indian chiefs commisserated their case, and one of them voluntarily presented Queen Ann a tract of his land in Schoharie, New York, for the benefit of the distressed Germans, whose hearts ached for a place of rest from oppression. John Conrad Weiser was one of the deputies to Schoharie, After they returned from the Mohawk or Maqua country, in which Schoharie lay, many of the families moved from Living- ston district in the autumn of 1713; some to Albany, others t© Schenectady, with a view of moving, the following spring, to Schoharie. Conrad's father also moved that fall, to Schenec- tady, and remained with his family, during the winter, with one Johannes Meynderten,. Here he was repeatedly visited -by an Indian chief, called Quagnant, of the Maqua or Mohawk 17* 198 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. nation. Quagnant proposed to take Conrad with him to his own country, and teach him the language spoken by his nation. The father acceded, and Conrad, the son, accompanied his fu- ture instructor, and took lodings among the Indians. While here, and acquiring a knowledge of the Mohawk lan- guage, his sufferings, according to Weiser's own journal, were almost intolerable. He had scarce clothes enough to cover his nudity, much less to protect him securely against the inclemency and piercing cold of a severe winter; and he was afterwards pressed by hunger, in addition to the pinchings of frost — and still to heighten the keen sufferings of the stranger and scholar, he was repeatedly menaced with death by the inebriate Indians, to escape which, he had frequently to flee and conceal himself, till reason was restored, and "a sober second thought" had re- strained the execution of their threats. While the young suf- ferer was among the savages, his father moved in the spring of 1714, from Schenectady to Schoharie, being accompanied by one hundred and fifty German families. In the month of July, 1714, having spent the winter with Quagnant, Conrad returned to his father's house. Having, however, acquired considerable knowledge of the Mohawk lan- guage. At home, he perfected his knowledge of that language, by being repeatedly called on to act as interpreter between the German settlers and the Maqua or Mohawk Indians. Several families of the Maqua nation, lived within a mile of his father's house. He complains, however, in his journal, that he had to interpret gratuitously. " So lagen auch allezeit Maquaische hie und wieder auf der Jagd, da es oefters was fehlte dass ich viel zu dalmetschen hatte, abe?- ohne Lohn." Poor recom- pense. The Germans, amid hardships, sufferings, and trials, with which original settlers, in nt^w countries, ever meet, made con- siderable improvements. Their flattering prospects, however, were blasted in their incipient efforts, and all their labor lost. Owing to a defect in their titles to the land, which they had with so much care and solicitude improved, in not conforming to the requisitions of the laws of New York, before they loca- ted, to secure to themselves their improved lands. The Gov- ernor of New York sold these lands in Schoharie, to seven wealthy merchants, four of whona resided in Albany, and three in the town of New York ; those of the former place, were HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 199 Meyndert Shyller, John Shyller, Robert Livingston,* and Peter Non Brughen; those of New York, were George Clark, the Secretary of the Province, Doctor Stads, and Rip Von Dam. — This caused a great excitement at the time, both at Schoharie and at Albany. There were many at Albanv, anxious to see it, that the poor Germans might retain the land. The Ger- mans, at Schoharie, were divived in opinion — two parties arose — the stronger refused to submit, wherefrom they sent three depu- ties, or commissioners, to England, to appeal to King George the first. The deputies sailed from Philadelphia, in 1818; but they had scarcely left Delaware Bay, when the vessel in v;hich they sailed, was surprised and captured by pirates. John Con- rad Weiser — Conrad's father — one of the deputies, was tied three times by the pirates, and bastinaded, with a view to com- ]>el him to give up what money he might have; he would not yield. William Schaff, another of the deputies, addressed the pirates; stating, that the purse they had taken from him, was theirs in common — that the bounden man had no more to give;^ whereujion they left the vessel. They were now compelled — having been robbed of all their provisions — to sail into Boston harbor, to procure a fresh sup- ply. They then sailed for England — but to their sorrow, regret, and great disappointment, times had changed since the demise of Queen Ann. They found but few friends; among these were the Reads, Boehra and Roberts, Chaplains at St. James. These did all that lay in their power, to bring their case before th« Lords, Commissioners of Trade and Plantations. The consideration of the deputies was deferred, from time to time, till they were involved in debt, and in great difficulties. Mr. Walrath, the other deputy, resolved to return to Amer- ica. He embarked for New York, but died before he arrived. Weiser and SchafF were imprisoned for debt. They wrote to their friends, at Schoharie, for money, but owing to the treach- ery of some, the forwarding of money was deferred: in the * Robert Livingston was also the proprietor of Livingston Manor, or Dis- trict, mentioned above, and originally contained that tract of land in Colunn- bia county, 'New York, what now composes the township of Livingston, Taghkanie, Copake, Ancram, Gallatin, Clermont, and Germantown. — The royal grants to R. Livingston, are dated respsctivcly IGSi, and 168G, and were confirmed in 1714. In June, 1710, seventy of the Palatines sent out by Queen Ann, settled in German township, then part of Livingston Ivlanor — among these was Weiser. 200 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. meantime, the Governor of New York appeared before the Lords of Trade and Plantations, while the deputies were still in prison; of course nothing to relieve them was effected. Ul- timately^ the money they had WTitten for, was received; and the two deputies paid their debt, and w^ere released. They now supphcated — de novo — finally, they received an order on the new Governor, William Burnet, (of New York,) who was requested to grant the Germans such lands as were not disposed of, which had been presented to Queen Ann by the Indian Sa- chem, for the benefit of the Germans. Towards the close of 1720, said William Burnet arrived at New York. Conrad Weiser, in his private journal, says, "I was sent, in the early part of 1721, to New York, to said Governor Bur- net, to hand him a petition. He received me kindly, and in- formed me that he had received instructions from the Lords of Trade, which he had resolved to follow implicitly." The two surviving deputies were still in England, and were quite dissatisfied with what had been done, but could effect iiothing more. In 1721, Schafi being displeased with John Conrad Weiser, returned. "Siehatten," says Conrad, "beide harte Koepfe." Both were obstinate. Finally, Mr. Weiser returned in November, 1723. SchafFdied six months after his arrival. Governor Burnet granted patents to the few who agreed to settle in the Mohawk country, in Stoney Arabia,* or near the Falls;! but as only a fev/ w^ere disposed to settle at the Falls, some moved to the Mohawk coimtry, others remained at Scho- harie — some having heard favorable reports of lands in Penn- sylvania, turned their faces thitherward. They united; wend- ing their couree in a southeastern direction, till they struck the Susquehanna river, where they made canoes; these they freight- ed with their children and effects — floated down on the broad bosom of the river, to the mouth of the Swatara creek; thence they worked their way up, till they reached a fertile spot in Tulpehocken — settled in the spring of 172o, in the midst of the Indians. Here they also commenced improvements, without permission from the Land Commissioners." Conrad Weiser having married his beloved Anna Eva, (tlie daughter of respectable Christian parents,) the 22d Nov, 1720, * Now in Montgomery county, N. Y. t Falls in the Mohawk river HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES.. 20i while his father was in England ; and having settled in life, and, being employed as interpreter, he remained at Schoharie till 1729, when he, with his wife and five children, his sons Philip and Frederick, and daughters Anna, Madlina and Maria, fol-. lowed his relations and friends at Tulpehocken, and chose this valley as his future residence; he located himself half a mile, east of the present site of Wommelsdorf.* Conrad Weiser, as occasion demanded it, acted in various, both private and public capacities. Few men were more useful in his day and generation, than he. Though he had determined to spend his remaining days in private, his talents soon attracted the attention of his own countrymen, as well as those of his adopted country. In August, 1730, John Peter Miller, a native of Oberant Lantern, of the Electoral Palatinate, and a graduate of the University of Heidelberg, arrived in Philadelphia, and there made application to the Scotch Synod, for clerical ordination. Eefore receiving ordination, a question for discussion was prc^ posed, and in answering it, showed he was a man of ]-are en-r dowments. "We gave him, says Rev. Andrews; in a letter to a friend, "a question to discuss about justification, and he an- swered it, in a whole sheet, in a very notable manner. He speaks Latin as readily as we do our vernacular tongue." Shortly after his ordination, Mr. Miller visited Mr. Weiser, at Heidelberg. Here Mr. Miller labored as a minister of the gospel, among the Germans, for several years. Weiser's skill, as an interpreter of the Indian language, was * When writing the History of Lancaster county, page 184 in a note, au- thority of " Family tradition," that Conrad Weiser's father come to Penn-. sylvania in 1723. This is an error. The Hallische Nachrichter enables us to correct this. Dr. Henry Melchior Muhlenberg says, " In the year 1746, came my wife's grandfather to my house; he had resided in New York since 1710, aiid lately on the borders of New England. He left that country on account of the dangers which he apprehended from the French and Indians, who had already murdered several German families. Moreover, he Avas also anxious to see his children and grand-children, to converse with them on the subject of religion, and to spend his last days; unmolestedly, among his kindred in Pennsylvania. He was very infirm and frail when he came, and was confined in bed for some time after his arrival ; after he had been somewhat convalescent, his son Conrad, my father-in-law, who resided at Heidelberg, fifty miles off^ sent a wagon , England, formed a scheme for the relief and instruc- tion of poor Germans, and their descendants, settled in Penn- sylvania, and considering that they resided too great a distance to know where schools were most needed, they appomted a Board of Trustees General, for the management of their scheme; Conrad Weiser was appointed as one of them — his colleagues were Gov. James Hamilton, Chief Justice Allan, Richard Pe- ters, Secretary of the Land Office, Benjamin Franklin, Esq., and the Rev. William Smith, D. D. This board appointed the Rev. Michael Schlatler, Visitor General.* In 1755, during the alarms on the frontiers, Weiser was ap- pointed Colonel of a regiment of volunteers from Berks county. He exerted himself by day and night in the protection of his suffering fellow citizens, and repelling the savage Indians in their incursions. He was vigilant, brave and active. See his numerous letters on this subject, in preceding pages 33 to 79, inclusive. A number of forts and block houses were put up under his directions, on the frontiers of Lancaster and Berks. During the Indian and French war, he had command of the second battalion of the Pennsylvania regiment, consisting of nine companies. These he distributed very judiciously — he stationed one company at Fort Augusta, one at Hunter's mills, seven miles above Harrisburg, on the Susquehanna, one half company on the Swatara, at the foot of the North Mountain, one company and a half at Fort Henry, close to the gap of the mountain, called the Tolhea Gap, one company at Fort Wil- liam, near the forks of the Schuylkill river, six miles beyond the mountain, one company at Fort Allen, erected by Benj. Franklin, at Gnadenhurfen, on the Lehigh, tfie other three companies were scattered between the rivers Lehigh and Dela- ware, at the dispositions of the captains, some at farm houses, others at mills, from three to twenty in a place-f During the period of the French and Indian war, he attended many treaties and conferences. In November 1755, he at- tended the meetings of the Council at Philadelphia./!: In Jan- uary, 1756, he attended an Indian conference at John Harris' Ferry. "January 29, 1756, I set out from my house with a * The reader is referred to preceding pages, 99, 109, for a particular ac- count of this scheme, t Gordons Pa. p. 341. X See proceeding page, 51. 20 218 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIESs hired man; arrived at Harris' Ferry the 30th, being rainy weather. I met the Indians that evening, acquainted them that I was sent, &c. Early in the morning, on the 31st, I met them in the Belt's cabin, &c. In July, 1756, he was interpreter at a council held at Easton.* Next year, 1757, he attended the Indian treaty held at Lancaster, May 29, and another at Eas- ton, held in August; on all these occasions he was inter- preter. At this time he had taken his residencef in the town of Reading, where he still acted as Indian agent, and in the ca- pacity of commissary ; having plenary powers granted for that purpose, as appears from the following document: !^i^ ) William Denny. By the Honorable William Denny, Esq., Governor and Com- mander-in-Chief of the Province of Pennsylvania, and coun- ties of New Castle, Kent, and Sussex on Delaware. Whereas, Brigadier General Stanwix hath represented to me, that his Majesty's service is in immediate want of a num- ber of wagons and horses, for the transportation of provisions, and other necessaries for the army under his command, and that he hath contracted with Conrad Weiser, Esq., of the coun- ty of Berks, to supply the quota assigned to be raised, within the said county of Berks, to grant unto the said Conrad Wei- ser, impress warrants, in case he shall at any time find himself obliged to apply to the said justices for the same. These are, therefore, in his Majesty's name, and in pursuance of the Act of Assembly, to require you to issue your warrants to the con- stables within your respective districts, for the impressing of as many wagons as shall at any time be demanded by the said Conrad Weiser, or his deputies, in order to enable him and them to carry on the King's service according to his contract. Hereof fail not, as you will answer to the contrary at your peril. * Prov. Rec, Book 0, p. 23. t " On the corner of Penn and Callowhill streets, stood Weiser's hous«. — in old times it was the principal hotel in the place. Here the war-song of the savage was sung — the war-dance wound down, and the calumet of peace finally smoked." — Reading Times. HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES 11^ Given under my hand and seal at arms, at Philadelphia, the ninth day of June, Anno. Dom., 1759, in the sixty-second year of his Majesty's reign. To the Justices of Peace for the county of Berks. William Denny. His opinion touching public as well as private affairs, was always regarded, and in emergencies, he was freely consulted. The following is a case in point. We quote an extract of the proceedings of the Provincial Council held in Philadelphia. " Sept. 19, 1759, Mr. Weiser was sent for, and desired to give his sentiments about the request of Teedpuscung, an In- dian chief, for fixing a certain price for scalps, and that the Governor would send him a black belt to give to the Dela- wares, and the Ten Confederate Nations, to go to war against the French ; and secondly, on building an Indian Fort and houses for the Delawares, iind appointing a proper person to direct and superintend the works."' On this occasion he wished it, as a favor, to he permittetl to ofive his views in writing; which he did as follows: September, 19, 1759. May it please your Honor : — I have weighed the discourse about Indian affairs, at this time passed in your Honor's presence ; it is my humble opinion, that no encouragement should be given to the Indians for scalps, for fear we must then pay for our own scalps, and those of our fellow subjects, as will certahily be the case ; allow as much for prisoners as you please, rather more than was intended. Great caution should be used in requiring the Indians to be settled on Wyomink, to take up the hatchet against the French and their Indian allies, for fear they will have it to say, that we made peace with them in order to make them fight our bat- tles, and to make them a barrier and throw away then* lives, by setting them against the French, and their numerous allies. The Ohio Indians will say, we will rather stay where we are, we are on the strongest side now, and will not hazard our lives and families in breaking with the French, in favor of the En- glish, who have been beaten several times, and are not likely to do any thing for themselves. I am in a very low state of health, and cannot without grea]t 220 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. hazard undertake any journey; besides, if the Six Nations should not be pleased with the building of a Fort at Wyomink, they would blame me more than any body else, because they would have it to say, that I knew their rights, &c. Though I believe if the building of a Fort at Wyomink is cautiously car- ried on, merely for the use of the Indians, and left to them when finished, all will be well. A trading house at Fort Augusta, should immediately be erected, else our Indian interest, what little we may yet have, will be entirely lost. If the Government cannot agree about the condition, some well disposed men should be appointed to keep stores at Fort Augusta, and furnish the Indians with what they want, clothing especially, as they must be for the most part naked at this time. This article requires all possible care ^nd speed. Rum should not be allowed to be sold or given by any li- censed trader. A little, or just a dram, might be given by the commanding officer of Fort Augusta, and he to deny obstinately, and absolutely a second ; and the Indians will like it the better, when they judge of the thing coolly, and by themselves. Sir William Johnson, or rather the Six Nations, by means of Sir William, should be made acquainted with this, and be told, it was done at the request of our Brethren, the Delaware Indians; and that we claim no right, by means of that Fort, to the lands of Wyomink, but leave the fort to be possessed and defended by the Indians. Conrad Weiser. From the preceding communication we learn, that Weiser's health began to fail him. '• / am,^^ says he, " in a very low state of health, Sfc. Even at the time he accepted the ap~ pointment of Colonel, he was infirm, yet, remarkable as it may appear, discharged efficiently and ably, all the ardent and re- sponsible duties devolving upon him, as a soldier. Justice of the peace, and interpreter, to the satisfaction of the Govern- ment. Before his appointment as Colonel, he had resolved to live retired. His patriotism would not, though he made great sacrifices of comfort and gain, suffer him to enjoy the ease and quiet of life, so desirable when on the verge of three score years. "Als aber," says Muhlenberg in his Biographical notice. HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 221 *^der g€faehrliche Krieg in diesem Theil der Weltzwischen den Franzosen und England ausbrach, und unsere benachb.arte Wilde Nationen raeist bundbrichen worden, den Feinden zufiel- en, und unsere Grenzen verwuesteten, gerieth Conrad Weiser in neue Versuchungen. Die Landes Obrigkeit verordjiete ihn zum Obrist-Leutnant. Die Aemter sind bier bisweilrn nur fuer die Personen, und die Personen nicht fuer die Aemter ges- chaffen. Und weil man seiner nun besonders in dicsen Umstaenden benoethigt war, und ihra noch viel mehr muebe und Last auf legen wollte, so sollte das Salarietra einst 0-brist-Leutnants alles ersetzen u. s. f. Diese Bedienung, ebarge, oder Last, wie man es nennen, mag, that ihm und seinen Kindern mehr Schaden an Seel und Lieb, als einiges zuvor. Er war schon alt an Jahren, Schwach an Leibeskraeften, der haeuslicben Pflcge gewohnt, muste viel abwesend von Hause seyn und auch oft mit den Vornehmen.in der Stadt und Europaeischcn Kricgsheldcn wegen der Indianer Sachen conferriren, Der Allergnaedigste und Erbarmungsvolle Mittlcr und Menr- schen— Freund, der nicht Lust hat an des Mcnschen-Yerder- ben, erhielte sein natuerliches Leben bis fast zum Ende des wunderlichen Kriegs, und verlich ihm noch eine besondere Gnadenfrist, so dass er Zeit hatte sich zu recalligiren; im B.lute des Lammes die Belleckung des Geistes abzuthun, seine Kleider belle zumachen, seine Seeligkeit mit Furcht und Zit- tern zu schatFen, und ein gnaediges Ende zu erwarten. Es kos- tet gewiss Viel ein Christ zu sein, und zu bleiben. — Hal. JVach., p. 974. He closed his eventful life July 13, 1760. On Saturday, the 12th, he went from his residence in Reading, in the enjoyment of his wonted health, to lijs country seat, near the present site of VVommelsdorf. He was suddenly seized by a violent colica ■pituitosa, ^v:hich terminated his life on Sunday about noon. His remains were interred in the family burying ground, on the 15th, on which occasion the Rev. Kurtz preached a very impressive discourse from these words : "And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age. Sen. 15: 15." Compared with Ps.. 84: 11, 12 ; for the Lord God is the sun and shield : the Lord will give irrace and g\oY\ : no o'ood tbinof DO O.J O » Will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. O Lord of I;(osts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee. 20* HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. He left seven children (having been the father of fifteen chil- dren, eight of whom had died,) and a widow, to lament his departure. The spot, exposed as it is, where he lies, is about half a mile east of Wommelsdorf, south of the turnpike. A rough hewn sand-stone, singly and alone, stands there with the following (almost obhterated) inscription: Dieses ist die Ruhe Staette des weyl ehren geachteten M. Conrad Weiser derselbige ist gebohren 1696 den 2 November in Astaet im Amt Herrenberg im Wittenberger Lande, und gestorben 1760 den 13 Julius, ist alt worden 63 jahr 8 Monat und 13 Tage. Tradition has it, that from a high regard for his character, the Indians, for many years after his death, were in the habit of making visits of affectionate remembrance to his grave. Re- spect paid, which puts to shame the respect of some kindred. The writer visited the grave of Weiser, February 21, 1844 ; and was pained to see no inclosure or fence around the grave of so great and good a man. Will not his wealthy descendants think of this? Remember the respect paid him by the Indians. Verbum sat. HEREFORD TOWNSHIP. Hereford township was settled at a comparatively early pe- riod. It, like many other parts of Pennsylvania, was sought as a place of refuge for the oppressed. Many of the present inhabitants are descendants of those who came hither to seek a home free from oppression. In this and adjacent townships of Berks and Bucks, the Schwenkfelders settled at a comparatively early period. As a Christian, they are named after Casper Schwenkfeld von Ossing, Selisian knight, and counsellor to the duke of Lignitz. He was born (seven years after Luther) in Loneer Selisia, in 1490, in the principality of Lignitz. As a reformer, he, like others, HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 223 had his adherents. For a particular account of Schwenkfeld, a work lately prepared for press by the writer, and published by James Y. Humphreys, Philadelphia, 1744. The work is entitled He Pa s a Ekklesia, &c. The Schwenkfelders were sorely persecuted in Europe, from time to time. In 1719, the Jesuits thought the conversion of them an object worthy of attention ; accordingly they sent mis* sionaries to Silesia, who preached to them the iaith of the em- peror. The missionaries produced imperial edicts, that all parents should attend their pubhc worship, and bring their chil- dren to be instructed in the Cathohc faith, under severe pen- alties. The Schwenkfelders sent deputies to Vienna, to solicit for toleration and indulgence ; and though the emperor apparently received them with kindness and condescension, yet the Jesuits had the dexterous address to procure another imperial edict, ordering that such parents as would not bring every one of their children to the missionaaries for instruction, should at last be chained to the wheel-barrow, and put to hard labor on the public w'orks, and their children should, by force, be brought to the missionaries. Upon this, families fled in the night, into Lusatia, and other parts of Saxony, in 1725 ; sought shelter under the protection of the Senate Gorhtz, and also of Count Zinzendorf — leaving behind them their effects, real and personal, (the road being beset, in day time, to stop all emigrants.) They dwelt unmo- lested, in their late sought shelter, about eight years; when this protection being withdrawn, they resolved to seek a per- manent estabhshment in Pennsylvania. A number of them in 1734, emigrated to Altona, a considerable city of Denmark and Holland, thence to Pennsylvania. In April, 1734, they left for Altona, where they arrived May 17; thence sailed for America, and after a tedious voyage, arrived at Philadelphia on the 22d September, 1734; and on the 5th October, of the same year, others of them arrived. They settled principally in Montgomery, Bucks, Lehigh and Berks, where their grand-children reside at present. Of those of them who first settled in Hereford township, were the Rev. Christopher Schultz, sen., George Schultz, Melchior Schultz, Melchior Wiegner, David Mester, Gregorius Mester, Baltzer Yeagle. ^4 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. The township was pretty well settled, as early as 1745. The following were the taxubles in 1758: Melchir Wagoner, George Acker, Andrew AltendorfF, Deo- bald Beck, Abraham Bechtel, Abraham Bauer, Michael jjauer, Gerhardt Bechtel, John Bechtel, Peter Bishop, Conrad Been, Martin Kreter, Martin Klever, George Dee, John Erly, Joseph Ehrenman, John Ebener, Is icholas I'unck, Jacob Fisher, Peter Fetterhof, Ludwig Gauer, Heronimus Greber, Christian Geh-. man, Leonard Grcssemer, Jacob Gressemer, George Herbst, Daniel Haw, John Gregory, Pilchard Gregory, Francis Lusse- l;ar, John Kuniiis, Benedict Leeser, Frantz Lussehar, Philip Lohr, George Lohr, Casper Leydecker, Moritz Lorentz, Jacob. Lebenguth, Casper Meyer, Christian Meister, David Meister, Henry Miller, Andrew Mauer, George Mastdel, Jacob Miller, Frederick Nestor, William Richard, Nicholas Nickour, George Piohrbach, Martin Rehr, John Schaurner, Nicholas Seitle, Fre-. derick Seller, ]\Iichael Schalle, A. Steinmann, JNIelchior Schultz, Martin Stertzman, Benedict Strohm, Christopher Schultz, Wolf Wolfgang, Jacob Stauffer, John Stapp, Andrew Schwai'tz, Pe- ter Schner, Jacob Fress, Jacob Fren, Jacob Frollinger, William Taunss, Melchior Weigner, Jost Wyant, Jacob Wetzel, Vak entine Weybel, William Mayberry, Roland Young, Bernhard Young, Baltzer Zimmermann, George Beyer, Henry Gable, Abraham Stauffer, Peter Wolf, Abrah.am Gehman, Henry Bortz, Philip Leydecker, Philip Neiss, Christian Kretter, Geo. Weigner, Philip Raush, Theodorus Schneider, John Schleiger. Hereford township has been reduced to its present limits and boundaries, by erecting Washington township, in 1839 — Ser Washijigton township — it is bounded on the north-east by Le- high county, and the south-east by Montgomery county; on the south-west by Washington and District; on the noith-west by District and Long-swamp; length about four miles, mean breadth, not exceeding threcmiles; contains about twelve thou- sand acres of land; generally hilly; soil, gravel, naturally not fertile; but in some places rendered very productive. Shoub's mountain, near Lehigh county, is a striking feature of land- scape. This township, liy the principal and west branches of Per-, kiomin creek, which afford water power sufficient. There were in 1840, three forges, one fulling mill, one woollen factory, five grist mills, six saw mills, two oil mills, and several tanneries in .this township. HISTOriY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 225, There are several churches in this township; one Roman Cathohc, one belonging to the Schwenkfelclers, and two com-r mon to the German Reformed and Lutherans. Population in 1830, 1,716; 1840, 1,244; horses 316; horned cattle 883; sheep 506; swine 839; bushels of wheat raised 8,533; rye 11,835; corn 1,268; oats 11,338; buck- wheat 2,992; potatoes 6,402; tons of hay 1,130; pounds of wool 1,027; flax 1,021. Whole amount of valuation on all articles made taxable for county purposes for 1844, ^341,301 ; amount of county tax $682 60 ; state tax $365 44. LONG-SWAMP TOWNSHIP, Long-swamp toionship, was hke all the townships contiguous to it — settled primitively by Germans. During the years, from 1754 to 1763, it was the occasional scene of Indian barbari- ties. The following named persons resided here in 1756, and many of them nearly thirty years earlier: Bernhard Klein, Jacob Long, Valentine Dillinger, Jacob Harne, John Hess, Paul Hamrig, Michael Coller, Philip Finck, Adam Dietrich, Simon Moser, Adam Len, Rinebard Abends- cheim, Peter Bechtel, Jacob Stall, Bartel Kieffer, Peter Bucher, Baltas Klever, Martin Kerger, Philip Fenstermacher, Andrew Scherle, Mathias Fenstermacher, Adam Gery, Jacob Danner, Nicholas Schwartz, Daniel Schwartz, Christian Steinberger, Deobald Grub, Nicholas Mertz, Nicholas Schrcter, Peter Mertz, Ludwig Haspelhorn, Henry Bollinger, Jacob Weimer, Adolph Mayer, Simon Loydecker, Augustin Speckler, Nicholas Gress, Christian Abendscheim, Bernhard Schweizig, Deobald Carl, John Diehl, Michael Smith, Baltas Trit, Adolph Arnold, Barn- hard Fegely, Christian Trevelstet, Michael Nothstein, Jacob Schenck, Andrew Same, Mathias Eigner, Peter Red lei'. Fried- rich Popenmayer, Joseph Bery, Valentine Fleck, Enos Nael, John Flammer, Henry Shefer, Michael Biever, Samuel Burger, Jacob Long, Philip Burger, Philip Dall, John Hilpert, Jacob Fenstermacher, Peter Klein, Michael Nietrauer, Frederick Helwig, Christian Hofman, Nicholas Helm, Lewis Nits, Peter Aller, Joseph Richard, Christian Reisinger, Martin Boger, 226 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. George Kiimph, John Kaufman, Philip Hene, Deobakl Klein^, Adam Hehvig, Mathias Signer. Long-swamp is boimded on the north-east by Lehigh comity south-east by Hereford township, south by District and Rock- land, north-west by Maxatawny; mean length about five miles, and breadth four and a half; containing nearly fourteen thousand acres of land, somewhat hilly, especially the north-eastern part, south of Little Lehigh river; the soil is partly limestone, and considerable gravel; but portions of it well cultivated. The township is principally watered by the tributaries or sources of the Little Lehigh river ; and by a creek which rises near the line of Rockland township, and running about four miles and a half, it disappears near the Lehigh county line, and is lost in a limestone fissure. Mertztown, near the north-eastern corner of the township, is a small village, containing between twelve and fifteen dwel- lings, a tavern and store, a Gei*man Reformed and Lutheran church. Trexler's furnace is near the District township line. — There are several fine mills — six or seven in this township. Population in 1810, 998: 1820, 1,371; 1830,1,702; 1840, 2,112. Horses 499; horned cattle 805; sheep 652; swine 1,050 ; bushels of wheat raised 8,506 ; rye 13,284 ; corn 10,050; oats 11,130; buckwheat 2,318; potatoes 4,965; tons of hay 671 ; pounds of wool 871 ; flax 876. Whole amount of valua- tion on all articles made taxable for county purposes in 1844, $485,671; amount of county tax ^661,73; gross amomit of State tax, $661 73. MAIDEN CREEK TOWNSHIP. Maiden creak toimiship has its name from a considerable stream of that name, which crosses the township diagonally from its extreme northern point to its remotest southern bounds. The Indian name of the stream was Onteelaimee. Whence the name Maiden creek? In answer to the question, the following is plausible: ''It is told, as a tradition, that the river called Schuylkill, by the Dutch, bore the Indian name Manajimg, meaning the Mother, and the Onteelauiiee, the Little Daughter of the Great Mother; that is Maiden creek." HISTORV op berks and LEBANON COUiSTTIES* 23? The primitive settlers were Friends or Quakers ; upwards of seventy families resided in this township in 1738. Owing to a large emigration westward, their number has been decreased. The taxables in 1741, were seventy-five ; at that period the township embraced a portion of what was afterward included in Ruscommanor. In 1757 the following taxables were re- turned by the assessor to the county commissioners: Francis Parvin, Esq.,' Francis Parvin, jr., Myrick Starr, Jo- seph Eurger, John Koch, Adam Mingle, Edward Mourn, Tho- mas Pearson, Mordecai Lee, James Jordan, Moses Starr, Thomas Lewis, Barnhard Unhorn, William Penrose, Joseph Penrose, Richard Penrose, Mary Wily, George Fegler, Felty Keime, John Goonbord, Michael Arnold, John Reeser, John Fraufelter, Frederich Blat, John Hutton, James Hutton, Ste- phen Barnhard, Ulrich Hoy, Michael Doonkel, Lewhard May- er, Christian Zugg, Jacob Lightfoot, Thomas Kerby, Peter Rodarmel, Rudolph High, Paul Rodarmel, Elias Reed, Moses Starr, jr., James Kees, Thomas Parvin, Frederick Hess, Philip Wax, Urban Shuttle, John High, John Finsher, Rudolph High, Benjamin Parvin, Owen Hughes, Jonathan Hughes, John Starr, Peter Nanhorn, Thomas Reed, Casper Strahl, John Barto, Stanly Kirby, Joseph Lightfoot, George Plot, Jeremal Starr, John Nanhorn. This township is bounded on the north by Windsor town- ship; on the north-east by Richmond; on the south by Rus- commanor and Alsaci; on the west by the Schuylkill river, dividing from Berne and Centre ; mean length four miles and three-fourths ; breadth four miles ; containing thirteen thousand acres of first-rate level, limestone, and gravel land; many por- tions of which is highly productive. This township has a good supply of water power from the Schuylkill, and its great trib- utary. Maiden creek, on which are five or six mills. There is a Friends meeting house, near the centre, on the east side of Maiden creek, and a German Reformed and Luth- eran church, called Garndnt's church, near the northern boun- dary, about nine miles from Reading. The turnpike road to Sunbury passes, for the distance of four or five miles, parallel with the Schuylkill, through the township, and passes Maiden creek, over a wooden-covered bridge, of one arch. Leesport, laid out by Drs. Darry and Young, in 1840, nine miles from Reading, is on the turnpike. It contains some twenty *528 HlS'rORY of BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. or twenty-five dwellings, alsteam mill, and the usual handicrall of country villages. Efforts were making in 1844, to erect an Academy. Population in 1810, 918; 1820, 1,192; 1830, 1,350; 1840 the number of inhabitants were 875 white males, 850 females, 14 male colored persons, 8 females ; in all 1,747. Horses 131 ; 'cows 425; sheep 804; swine 679; bushels of wheat raised 14,743; rye 8,527; corn 10,200; oats 11,184; buckwheat 170; potatoes 11,130; tons of hay 492 ; pounds of wool 947. Whole amount of valuation on all articles taxable for county purposes 1^765,343; whole amount of county tax $1,530 68; gross amount of State tax $945 12i MAXATAWNY TOWNSHIP. MaxatoAvny township — no doubt the inviting aspect of the country, 'and other considerations, induced many of the Germans, to settle here shortly after Penn's new purchase from the In- dians, in 1732. A few years after the erection of Berks, the number of taxables was rising of one hundred, among whom were the following in 1757, principally Germans :| Abraham Barling, Andrew Sassamanhausen, Adam Roads, Abraham Zimmerman, Anthony Fisher, Andrew Keck, Chris- tian Ruth, Charles Kern, Casper Smeck, Conrad Mane- smith, Conrad Boader Christian Wenncr Durst Kershner, Daniel Levan, Deobald Wink, Deobald Kemp, David Hut t€n- gtejn, Frederick De La Plank, (Delaplank,) Jacob Meyer, Daniel Ott, George Scheffer, George Sassamanhausen, George Roads, Geo. Baeder, Henry Wetstone, Henry Christ, Henry Luckenbill, Henry Hock, Joseph Liegfried, John Hergarather, John Hartman, John Beaver, John Bost, Jacob Levan, Julius V Kerber, John Hill, Jacob Shoradin, John De Long, Jacob oads, Michael Att, Michael Christma'n, NicKoTasHarmany, Nuhiles Roads, Nicholas Musfel, Nicholas Queery, Peter Brann, Peter Sherer, Philip Granel, Peter De Long, Paul Shc- radin, Sebastian Levan, Sebastian Zimmerman, Thomas Roads, Dietrich Biever, William Groose, Anthony Bensinger, Andrew Balich, Anthony Altman, A braham E ly, Casper Killion, Chriss- tian Shlinker, Christian Baum, Daniel Dosser, David Musgen- HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 229 ing, Daniel Young, Frantz Jacob Keill, George Esser, George •Stibe, George Markle, Geo. Wild, Henry Lutz, Jacob Shaffer, Jacob Baner, Jacob Fisler, John Miller, Jacob Miller, Jacob Wildbrant, John Smau«, John Pott, Gustavus Urban, John Baner, John Hood, Leonard Saul, Michael Baner, Martin Sea, Martin Wanner, Michael Henninger, Michael Knebe l^ Michael Andreas, Nicholas Schumacher, Philip llahn, (Haun,) Peter Gross, Peter Sturtz, William Gross, Wm. Trautman, Jacob Kumerer, George Breinnig, Conrad Henninger, Valentine Stern- er, Philip Ruth, William Edleman, Adam Schebele, Wm. Wann, Frederick Hausman, Benedict Neidlinger, Peter Minich, Mi- chael Hide, Conrad Mesker, Jacob Stimmel, George Steinbach, George Selb, George llamberd, Jacob Grauel, George Etzler, Jacob D e Long , Nicholas Boader, Joseph Gross, Andrew Heck, Abraham Dunkelberger. Maxatawny township is bounded on the north-east by Le- liigh county, south-east by Long-swamp township and Rock- land, south and south-west by Rockland and Richmond; and north-west by Greenwich township. Greatest length, five miles and a half; breadth, four miles and a half; forming an oblong, and containing nearly fifteen thousand acres of land, generally level, limestone and gravel soil, and very productive too; a great portion of it being in what is called Maxatawny valley, which is pronounced by competent judges, " a fertile vale of deep-soiled red shale and limestone." Brown argillaceous iron ore occurs near Kutztown. This township is remarkable for being intersected by a score of roads in various directions. It is not so well supplied with water povv^er as some townships in the county are. The prin- cipal stream, affbrchng water power, is Sacony creek, a branch of Maiden creek, passing through the south-western part of the township, turning several mills as it seeks a northern direction towards Maiden creek; and Mill creek, a branch of Sacony, runs south-west for the distance of three miles in the township; there are several mills on this stream. There are several churches in this township, one in the southern part, and another at Kutztown, both common to the German Reformed and Lu- therans. Kutztown, on the west side of Sacony creek, in this town- ship, is a considerable post village — a borough — having been in- corporated by an act of Assemblv, March 1st, IS 15 — situated 20 230 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. in Maxatawny valley, on the Allentown and Readine road, bei»g midway between both, and 17 miles from either. It con- tains about one hundred and twenty-five dwellings, with a population rising of seven hundred; several stores, taverns, an academy of advanced standing, and a church, as mentioned above. A certain gentleman, who spent a few days at this place, two years ago, in writing to a friend, speaking of Kutztown and vicinity, says: — "The peasantry are honest, hard-working Germans. Here they lock no doors. The congregations of different sectarian faiths, worship in the same church on alter- nate Sundays. The church is filled with attentive people, and a very great proportion are communicants. They have an ex- cellent organ, made in this county. Preaching in German. It pains me to observe in every country church yard, the naked marble slabs, unsheltered by a single tree, and unadorned by a single shrub or flower." The following Revolutionary pensioners lived in this town- ship in 1840: Henry Grim, aged 75; Frederick Bower, 83; Jacob Wink, 82; Philip Noyes, 84; Christian Smick, 76. Population in 1810, 1,530; 1850, 1,845; 1830, 2,108; 1840, 2,564; of these there were 1,330 males, and 1,264 females. — Horses 52S; horned cattle 1,379; sheep 1,302; swine 1,S72; bushels of wheat raised 28,556; rye 29,235; corn 17,946; oats 18,810; buckwheat 13,582; potatoes 12,190; tons of hay 1,732; pounds of wool 1,434; flax 2,439. Whole amount of valuation on all articles made taxable for county purposes in 1844, $844,700; whole amount of county tax, 81'686 40; gross amount of county tax, $1,08448. OLEY TOWNSHIPi Oley township was settled at an early period. On examining the Land OflSce, we find deeds for land in Oley, dated 1682, some time before Wilham Penn, the Proprietary, left England for the Province. The farm now owned by Gideon Hoch, in the north-eastern part of this township, is part of a tract sold by William Penn to John Snashold, then both of England. The deed calls for five hundred acres— dated May 6, 1682. HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 231 The farm owned by Daniel Bartolet, was conveyed by Wil- Ham Fenn to Thomas Bond, the I7th and 18th of June, 1682. De Tirck, the maternal great grand-father of Bartolet, pur* chased it in 1721. The first settlers, it would appear, were French Huguenots, and some of their descendants, who located in Oley, between 1704 and 1710. [See Chapter V.] The De Turks, who set- tled here in 1710 or 'll, were from Esopus, New York, where a number of Huguenots had settled, between 1650 and 1660. They had remained but a short time at Esopus. They came to America in the early part of the reign of Queen Ann, who ascended the throne in 1703; settled at Esopus, thence came to Oley, 1710>'ll. Several famiUes of Friends, or Quakers, settled in this town- ship as early as 1713 or l7lo. George Boone, a native of England took out a warrant, in 1718, for four hundred acres of land in Oley, then in Philadelphia county. And it is believed, that Arthur Lee, also a native of England, had previously settkd to Boone's arrival. Lee's nearest neighbors were In- dians — who delighted to have him in their country, knowing the peaceable principles of the Friends; they never, molested him. Nay, rather ever manifested a strong disposition to de- fend him. Of this we have a striking instance, in an occur- rence, which has been handed dov/n by tradition in the Lee family. The neighboring Indians having received intelligence that a hostile tribe Vv'as about makincr incursions into the set- tlements of the whites, came, by night, painted and equipped, to do the stern duty of war, to Arthur Lee's dwelhng, and surrounded it. This formidable attitude of the Indians, alarmed some of the inmates, especially the younger of them, who, to escape for life, made efforts to get out the house, but were prevented by the Indians, assuring them that their object in coming was to protect them against the assaults of hostile In- dians, and not to injure them. The Indians then inquired into the truth of report touching the hostile Indians; and being as- Siured by Mr. Lee, that it was unfounded, they then, to mani- fest their joy at such news, fired their guns in the air, with a shoult of exultation — returned to their homes, instead of pro- ceeding against their red brethren, as had been their intention. After the Friends, and some Huguenots had settled here, the way was open for others of their persecuted brethren in Fr^nee. 232 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. In 1726 Jean Bartolet, a native of Chasteadeux, and family, embarked for America, and on his arrival, settled in Oley. Before leaving the country, whither he had fled from France, like an honest and religious man, he procured, as a good citi- zen, a certificate, showing that he did not leave his country without the consent of the proper authorities, as appears from the following original paper: Wir zu Endte Unterschriebenen Oberamtman der Hochfuer- stlichen Pfaltzgraefflichen Gemeinschaft Guttenberg, attestie- ren hiermit und in Kraft dieses Brieil's dass Vorweiser dieses der wohlehrbare und bescheydene Jean Eertolet gebuertig von Chasteaudeux in der Schweitz Berner Gebiets, nebst seiner Hausfrau, sich seit vierzehn Jahren als bestandere des alhier crelegenen und hochloeblicher, Stiffts-Seltz gehoerigen Hoffs, fromm, ehrbar, aufrichtig, und redlich verhalten, und derges- talten, wie es einem ehrlichen Manne geziemen will loeblicht auffgefuehret, dass war demselben, so wohl als dessen Haus- frau, andersters nichts dann alles Liebes und Gutes nachzusa- genwdssen; weylen nun diese beide Eheleute, nebst bey sich habenden fuenf Kindern um ihres verhoffenden bessern lUitzen imd Gelegenheit willen sich in das Neue Land oder Pcnnsylva- nien zu begeben und sich akla selbsten Haeuslich nieder zu lassen, gaentzlich entschlossen und gesinnt seynd. Als wir Maenniglicher Standes gebuehr respective gehorsam auch dien- ste und freundlichen ersuchet und gebetten bemelte Jean Bar- tolet nebst dessen-Hausfrau Susanna und fuenf Kindern nicht allein aller Orthen frey, sicher und ohngehindert passieren auch beyneben wegen ihres ruehmlichen Wohlverhalten alien Ger- ichten willen und Assistentz wdederfahren zu lassen, Einsolchcs seynd wir dergleichen Occasionem fieundlichst zu senproeiren so erbiethig als bereit: Diessen zu v/ahren Urkundt baben vdr nebst eigenhaendigen subscription unser gewoehnliches Pact- schafFt hieran gehenckt. So gegeben irazwanzigsten Monaths Tag Apriles als man zaehlt ein Tausand sieben hundert zwan- zig und sechs. J, G. WiMPHFEN, NiCHOLATS SCHOENLEUCH. Anwald Hans Ehrhart, Sect des Gerichts. V Oley township is remarkable in the annals of Pennsylvania, HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 233 as place for religious excitement, at an early period. A sin- gular sect was started in Oley, headed by one Mathias Bow- man. Before his arrival in this country, there were some who professed to be impeccable; or having attained to a state of sinlessness ; they were, in their own estimation, perfect. They styled themselves " JVew Born.^' Mathias Bowman, who assumed the right as leader, was a native of Lamshelm, Palatinate; born in 1701; and no doubt, having heard of the shepherdless few, embarked for America in 171 9. It is reported, he was an honest and sincere man — not very solicitous to accumulate wealth; but, this was not said of Peter Kilwain,* or Kuehlenwein, Yotter, and others of his followers — some of [these loved the good things of the world inordinately.! Bowman's followers, as said, professed sinless perfection — boasted that they were sent of God to conform others. Their disputations were frequently heard in the market places of Philadelphia. On one occasion. Bowman, as empirics are wont to do, to show that his doctrine from God, proposed to walk across the Delaware river. Many of them were, as it ever w^as, and is to this day — Mil- lerites not excluded — enthusiasts, brainless fanatics, contentious^ ])erfect babblers, wandering through the country, displaying a blind zeal for their doctrines — the w^hims and caprices of men, — by angrily controverting with all who differed from them in matters of faith. None, no matter how retired seemed to es- cape the JYew-Born leader; even Conrad Beissel, the founder of the Siehen Taeger, was occassionally annoyed in his recluse situation, by Bowman and his disciples. From the following letter, v/ritten before Bowman's arrival in Oley, by one of his subsequent adherents, a female, in answer to .a letter from a friend in Germany, will afford the reader some idea of the sentiments held by the New-Born.. The original, of which a copy is given, is still preserved. It is dated: Oley Townthip. May 14, 1718. ^'Ich gruesse euch alle hertzlich, Brueder, Schwestern, Schwaeger und Geschwistern, als, Freunde und Bekannte. \y,ir * Col. Rec. iii. 349. t Chjon. Ephra. 20* 234 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. haben euren Brief bekommen und daraus ersehen wir was ihr wissen wolt; aber das ist mir nun zu schlecht zu beantworten. " Ich will euch mein Weg kund thun wie es mit mir steht. — Ich bin nun in einem bessern Stand also ich, da ich draussen war ; hier hat mich der liebe Gott Suenden frei gemacht, dass ich nicht mehr suendigen kann, und davor lobe ich ihn jetzt und in Ewigkeit. Ich habe mich zu Gott gehalten, so ist er zu mir kommen und hat Wohnung bei mir gemacht. "So ihr Lust habt mit mir die Neuegeburt zu geniessen, der rauss seinen Sinn und Gedanken von alien Dingen, von der Welt abziehen, und nichts mehr suchen als Gott allein, und an- halten mit Beten und Seufzen, Tag und Nacht, dass ihn Gott raoege neugebaehren, und so er es getreu meinet so wird der Mensch Wunder erfahren. " Menschen ruehmen sich Christen, und wissen nicht wass die Neugeburt ist. Die Neugeburt ist der neue Stein dass Niemand weiss war er ist, als der ihn bekomt. "In Pennsylvanien zu reisen ist nicht der werth so wir in Suenden seyn. Wer weis es ob man hahin koemmtl Die meisten Menschen muessen Krankheiten ausstehen, und viele gar den Tod, und hier in Pennsylvanien ist sowohl Unruhals draussen; ist es nicht vom Krieg, so ist etwas anders das uns nicht gefa- ellet. "Die Menschen werden in der Welt keine Ruhe finden, sie moegen hingehen wo sie wolien. Bey Gott ist Ruhe undscnst an keinem andern Ort. Gedenket ihr nach einem andern so seyd ihr unruhig, und also auch hier in America ; wann einer aber Suendenfrey ist so mag einer reisen oder dorten bleiben, dan hat er den besten Schatz bey sich, und ist zufrieden wo er ist und had Vergnuegcn an seinera Schatz in der ganzen Welt. "Ijchrer und Zuhoerer sind alle keine Christen den sie sind Suender, und Christus ist kommen die Suenden wegzunehmen Wer dan nicht Suendenfrey ist dem ist Christus noch nicht in die Welt gekommen. Alle Lehrer in der ganzen V/elt die nicht Suendenfrey sind gemacht, und nicht mehr suendigen ko- ennen, das sind falsche Lehrer, sie moegen sein fromm oder boes. Es gilt nichts ira Reiche Christi, als Christus selber. Wer den nicht hat der ist nicht seyn, und wo er ist, da ist man Suen- denfrey . "Ich gruesse euch nocheinmal alle herzlich. Gedenket was HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 235 ich euch habe kund werden lassen, und nehmet es zu heizen, es soil euch besser seyn als alle Dinge in der Welt. Maria de Turk, Gebohrne De Hcroken. In connection with the above letter, and from an extract of the Hallische JYachrichten, the views of the JYew-Bom may be learnt. The Rev. Muhlenberg says, in p. 227, Hal. Nach. " Junii lO, 1747, reisete ich von Neuhanover ab ; kehrte 8 raeile von dem Ort bey einein aUen so genannten Neugebornen ein, welcher vor zwanzig und etlichen Jahren eine Witwe ge- heurathet, und mit derselben 5 Kinder gezeuget, welche mir die Mutter in den ersten Jahren, erwachsen, zum Unterricht und heiliger Taufe, wieder des Vaters Willen, uebergab, und (!eswen;en von ihrera Manne vieles leiden musste. Der alte mann gicbt vor dass er in der Pfalz neugeboren se)'. Die Kennzeichen soldier Geburt erstrecken sich aber nicht wei- ter nach seiner oft wiederholten Aussage, als dass er sich von der Reformirten Kirche und den Sacramenten separriert, und dem damals zur Regierung gekommenen Churfuersten nicht den Eid der Treue ablegen wollte, worueber er nebst andcrn vor das Consistorium gefordert, auch mit Gefacngniss belegt, und seiner Meinung nach, um Christi und der Wahrheit willen verfolget worden. Er nimt weder vernuenftigen Beweis, noch die hoehere OlFenbarung nach alien Theilen und ihren ganzen Inhalt an; laesset sich auch nicht belehren, wel cr vom Schwa- chem Verstand, halstanigem Eigenwillen und stuermenden Af- fecten ist, und die Pennsylvanische Freiheit zura Schaden missbraucht. Nachdem er hier ins Land gekommen, hat er sich mit einigen vereiniget, welche Secte den Namen der JVeugcborneji tragen. Dieselbe giebt eine Neugeburt vor, welche sie durch unmittel- bare Einsprache, Erscheinungen vom Himmel, Traeume und dergleichen, ploetzlich erlangen. Wenn sie die Neugeburt auf solche Weise bekommon; so sind sie ihrer Einbildung nach, Gott und Christus selbcr, koennen nicht mehr suendigen noch irren. Daher gebrauchen sie von dem heiligen Wort Gottcs nicht mehr, als eben dasjenige, was ihren falscken Seckten za f^ivorisiren^schcint. Die heiUgen Sacramenten sind ihnen lae- cherlich, und ihre Ausdruecke vondenselben hoechst aegerlich. Oley township is also further remarkable for several Mora- 236 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. vian Synods held in it, shortly after the arrival of Count Zin- zendorf. Towards the close of the year 1741, Count Zinzendorf came to Pennsylvania ; shortly after his arrival he sent Gotlieb Buett- ner to visit a Moravian minister, the Rev. Rauch, at Sheko- meko,* to invite him to attend a synod about to be held under the auspices of the Count, whose object in coming to America was to enquire into the general condition of the Christians, im- part instruction, and give directions to his brethren. Buett- iier, on his arrival at Shekomeko, found some fruits of Ranch's labors, which was cause of considerable joy to him; here he tarried some eight or ten days among the sons of the forest, and preached to them, January 14, 1742; he preached to thirty- two Indians, from these words : " He hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear son." The time having arrived to repair to the Synodical meeting, they made ready to depart ; the Indians hearing that their spiritual instructors were about leaving, three of them, Shabash, Seim, and Iviop, obtained permission to accompany them. — They left Shekomeko, January 22d, on foot, but being in com^ ])any with Indians, were refused admittance at some inns, on their way to Philadelphia, via which they went to Oley, whei'c they arrived the 9th .of February, and met Count Zinzendoif, "and many laborers and minislers of various denominations as- sembled together," The appearance of the three IncHan visiters, whose heaits were filled with the grace of Jesus Christ f.nd the love of God, made a deep impression upon all present. Soon after their arrival, a party of Delaw^are Indians came to see them, to whom they immediately spoke of Jesus Christ, their God and Saviour. They likewise declared to tljeir brethren how much they wished for baptism. Having received the gos- pel with a beheving heart, been faithfully instructed in the doc- trine of salvation, and earnestly desiring to obtain mercy and pardon in the blood of Jesus ; the synod first declared them candidates for baptism, and then resolved, without delay, to ad- minister holy baptism to them in the presence of this whole assembly." The 11th of February was the day appointed for this so- lem act — it was a day, says Loskiel, never to be forgotten in * On the borders of Connecticut. HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBAON COUNTIES. 237 the annals of missions. The awful presence of Him, whp has promised to meet with his own, was powerfully felt — the great- est solemnity prevailed, and the spirit of God was sensibly fell, during the morning exercises, which consisted of prayer, and praising the Father of all in spiritual song. Here, as in the days of yore, when the sons of God met, Satan was also pre- sent, especially in his devoted servants ; for while the humble believers were engaged in preparatory exercises to baptize the contrite Indians, " some ill-disposed people coming from the neighborhood, raised such disturbance, that the whole company was upon the point of dispersing, and postponing this tran- saction for the present. However, peace and quietness being happily restored, there w^is a solemn meeting in the afternoon, in which Rau£h and Buettner were ordained deacons by the two bishops, David Nitchman and Count Zinzendoif, After this act, preparations w^ere made in a barn belonging to De Tirk — (or Van Dirk, as it is written in German.) There was no church in Oley at this time. In this barn the above named Indians were baptised by Christian Heary Rauch, tbe mission-? ary from Shekomeko^ " The whole assembly being met, the three catechumens v^ere placed in the midst, and with fervent ]>rayer and supj^licatlon, devoted to tbe Lord Jesus Christ, as liis eternal property; upon which Ranch, with great emotion of heart, baptised these three hrstlings of the North American Indians into the death of Jesus, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, calling Shabash, Ahrahmn;- Seim, Isaac; Kiop, Jacob."* The same writer continues, and says, "The powerful sensa- tion of the grace of Gocl, which prevailed during this sacred transaction, filled all present with awe and joy, and the effect produced in the baptised Indians, astonished every one. Their hearts were fdled with such rapture, that they could not keen silence, but made known to all the white people who came into their hut, what great favor had been bestowed upon them. — They preached a whole night to a party of Delaware Indians, who were in the neighborhood, and by the providence oi God were just at that time led to return back to Oley. When one ceased the other began, and their animated testimony of Jesus filled their hearers with admiration. Soon after this, they set out with Rauch, went first to Bethlehem, and having spent •* Loskiel's His. Miss., Part 2, p. 21. 238 HISTORY OF B^RKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES, some days with their brethren to mutual edification, they pro- ceeded on their journey, full of spiritual life, in the company of their beloved teacher. When they came home, they testified to all their relations and friends, of the grace bestowed upon them by God, and their words made an abiding impression in the minds of the heathen." In 1757, the following were taxables in this township: Conrad Rife, Samuel High, John Lisher, John De Turk, Samuel Guldin, Anthony Hunter, John Lee, Jonathan Harpine, W. Kelbach, John High, Abraham Levan, Lazarus Weidner, Dietrich Weidner, Nicholas Lisher, Jacob Keim, William Pott, Peter Lobach, Jacob Yoder, John Ydd'ef,TelT^'Gabriel Boyer, Jacob Kaufman, John Yoder Yost, Casper Grismer, Nicholas Hunter, George Dollinger, Jacques De La Plank, (James Delar plank, Valentine Hufnagle, Benjamin Hufnagle, Elias Hufna- gle, Peter Breil, Peter Plerple, Thomas Lee, Samuel Lee, Abraham Bartolet, Jacob Stover, Isaac Bardo, Abraham Peter, John Hill, John Frederick, David Weiser, John Pott, Frederick Bartolet, John Hunter, Benjamin Longaworthy, W. Richards, Martin Slaugenhans, Valentine Young, George Schits, Michael Knob, Jacob Sclmeider, Henry Sheffer, Peter Harpine, W. Yonkman, Frederick Leinbach, John Leinbach, Conrad Fisher, George Windbigler, John Great, Adam Boligh, John Marke, Melchior Moyer, John Holly, Simon Kepler, Nicholas Shoe- maker, William Collins, Frederick Collins, Henry Hcrson, Mi- chael Regleitor, Peter Catzenmoyer, Frederick Hill, Jacob Stots, George Kalteiscn, Adam J\Iichel, Philip Hartzman, Christian Saramet, Christopher Kentner, Christopher Gerhart, Valentine Huff, Jacob Byder, William Byder, Francis Kirling, Jonas Weaver, George Wicker, Christopher Fur, John Zook, Jeremiah Channel, George Brown, Jacob Karner, Jacob Omin- settlc, Ivlichacl Brush, Philip Hartraan, John Dewalt, (Dewald) Jacob Seary, Anthony Kempfer, Henry Neukirch, sen., Jacob West, Stephan Rcpperts, Mordecai Ellis, Martin Schenckel, Mordecai Ellis, Samuel Gulden, Daniel Gulden, George Mi- chel, George Yaeger, Jacob Yoder, George Kerstner, John Herger, Peter Knobb, John Knobb, Jacob Weisner, George Sinsinger, Joseph Lauch, Jacob Hassinger, Matthias Mosser, HISTORY OF BERIiS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 230 Peter Read, John High, Ludwick Marburger, George Kleim, Henry Fonal. ' -n-™— ' This township is bounded north by Rockland and Pike ; east by Earl; south by Amity and Exeter; and on the west by Al- sace and Ruscommanor; mean length five miles; breadth four and a half; contains thirteen thousand six hundred acres of land, generally very level, and principally first rate limestone, — some in a very high state of cultivation. The average value of land, from thirty to sixty-five dollars per acre ; watered by the sources of Manokisy and Manatawny creeks. It contains a score of mills, one furnace, two forges, and three churches — both splendid edifices — near Manatawny creek. The one be- longs to the German Reformed, (some of whom are the descen- dants of Huguenots) and the other belongs to the Lutherans; and one in which the Evangelical Association holds meetings. Friedensburg, in this township, is a small village of some ten or fifteen houses; some of them built of stone. It contains a Population in ISIO, 1,274; 1820, 1,410; 1830, 1,469; 1840, 1,S75 ; horses 458 ; horned cattle 1,479 ; sheep 865 ; swine 1,102 ; bushels of wheat raised 19,747 ; rye 13,648 ; corn 27,800; oats 34,252; buckwheat 1,386 ; potatoes 7,092; tons of hay 1,783; pounds of wool 1,533; llax 1,675. Whole amount of valuation on all articles taxable for county purposes for 1844, $875,815; whole amount of county tax, $l,75l 63 ; gross amount of State tax, $1,283 59. RICHMOND TOWNSHIP. Richrtiond townsldp was organized shortly after the erection of the county, lying partly within the same vale of Maxatawny, was also settled at an early period, and by the same class of persons, honest and industrious Germans. In 1768, the following taxables resided in this township : Stophel Teischer, Abraham Keiser, Adolph Peter, Andrew Millegle, Balthaser Rehm, Christian Denoher, Christian Schlo- gel, Christian Rodarmel, Christian Schick, Conrad Millerj CaS- 240 illSTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUl^TIES. per Merkle, Chas. Hellen, David Oehly, Daniel Hoch, David Kemp, Frederick Hill, George Sheffer, George Michael Wine- man, George Merkle, George Old, George Folk, George Nutz, Henry Kelchour, Henry Keisraer, Henry Orthly, Henry Dil- boren, Henry Borghaidt, John Rodarmel, Jacob Treibelbiss, John George Merkle, Joakin Sleisly, Jacob Shoemaker, John Glass, Jonas Resler, Joseph Luler, Michael Reeber, Michael Wilhelm, Michael Keneher, Melchior Fritz, Michael Kepler, Melcliior Braun, ^Nicholas Keiser, Peter Bull, Peter Spohn, Peter Dellborn, Peter Merkle, Peter Greenwalt, Philip Sohns, Philip Hedrick, Theobald Biber, Valentine Hussman, Vincent Lescher, Geo. Michael Derr, Henry Conrad, Nicholas Raush, Frederick Brown, Christian Hoffman, John Andreas Reh, Geo. Zerr, John Mering, John Adam Schelkop, Nicholas Mauckly, Michael Dieber, George Merkle, Jacob Wanner, Peter Krob, Michael Grist, Philip Grob, Nicholas Barou, Christian Rinkj Michael Gellinger. Richmond is bounded on the north by Greenwich; on the east by Maxatawny; south by Rockland and Ruscommanor ; south- Vi'est by Maiden creek, and west by Windsor township. Mean length five miles, and breadth four, containing twelve thousandj four hundred and eighty acres of land, generally pretty level ; gravel and limestone soil of a superior quality, and well culti- vated. Brown argilaceous iron ore occurs at Moselem ; it is extensively mined, and affords ore for Hunter's Furnace on Moselem creek. Sacony, Maiden creek, and Moselem creek, all afford water power. There are four or five mills in this township; three churches; the Moselem church was erected in 1761. There are several villages in this township ; Coxtown, in the extreme south part of the township, was laid out about fifty years ago by one Cox, whose name it bears; there are two stores and two taverns in it, and the usual handicraft. Walnut town^ a few miles west of Cox town, has some eight or ten houses. Virginsville consists of half a dozen houses, two taverns and a store. There is a remarkable natural curiosity in this township. It is called the Dragon's cave. It has been described by a gen^ tleman of Berks county. "The entrance to the cave," he says, " is on the brow of a hill, in the edge of a cultivated field. HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 242 I'assing into it, the adventurer descends about fifty yards by a rough narrow passage, and then turns to the left ^at an acute angle with the passage hitherto pursued. After proceeding about thirty yards farther, he enters the great chamber, about fifty feet long, twenty wide, and fifteen to twenty feet high, in a rock of limestone. Near the end of this chamber, opposite to the entrance, is the altar, a large mass of Stalactile, which rings under the hammer, and is translucent. Formations of Stalactile are found in other parts of the cave, though none so large as the mass just mentioned." Population in 1810, 971 ; 1829, 1,135; 1830, 1,550; 1840, 2,005. Horses 383; horned cattle 911; sheep 800; swine 1,440; bushels of wheat raised 19,715; rye 16,177; corn 17,- 980 ; oats 25,125 ; buckwheat 2)050 ; potatoes 6,498 ; tons of hay 1,469; pounds of wool 1,579; flax 2,448. Whole amount of valuation on all articles made taxable for county purposes in 1844, $519,272; whole amount of county tax $1,158 54; gross amount of State tax $734 75. ROBESON TOWNSHIP. Robeson township was settled at an early period. Among its first and principal settlers, were the Fiiends or Quakers. — These were Gaius Dickinson, John Scarlet, and Peter Thomas^— all Friends, and who settled vv^hen the country was a wilder- ness. Little has been preserved of the first settlers, of interest. — Our friend, T. E. Lee, of Exeter, has furnished the following: "Thomas," says Lee, "was in the habit of turning out his cattle to browse upon the bushes, and sending a boy and girl in the evening to collect them; one evening, the dark shades began to spread gloom over the forest, but they did not return. The old man, like the father of Saul, left caring for the cattle, and cared only for the children. He set off in search of them, and proceeding along a path through the thick woods for a distance, he met the children returning, while the wolves and bears were howling around them." Among the early, or first settlers of this township, may be named, Thomas Ellis, of Wales, Wiihara Morris, Mordecai 21 ■942 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. and Thomas Ellis; John, George, and Thomas Boone, of Eng- land; John, William, and Edward Hugh, of Wales; John^ James, Joseph, Benjamin, and Samuel Webb, of England. In 1756, the following persons were assessed as taxables: , Michael Kern, John Scarlet, James Bird, Arnold Sheafer, Jacob Redcay, Peter Licken, John Griffith, George Sower, Gerhart Dew^ees, John Howman, David Jarred, Thos. Thomas, Ephraim Jackson, Owen Humphrey, Owen Long, David Thom- as, Edward Goff, George Dykes, Enos Ellis, George Donhow^er, Adam Bedenhower, John WilKaras, William Northen, Gaius Dickenson, Philip Hoyle, Melchior Swisher, Christian Treat, Henry Reicher^ Stephen Doughty, Elias Redcay, John Sheaver, John Evans, George Wendle, Baltzer Schneider, Nicholas Mil- ler, Jones Liken, Conrad Moore, James Thomas, Jenkin Mor- ris, James Cadwallad, Sebastian Harleman, John Philips, Wil- liam Ilarvot, John Hollem, Felty Ems, Henry Pennybecker, Felty Haun, Josiah Boone, Michael Miller, Michael Snousser, Christian Ehrgott, Anthony Bernhard, Daniel Bane, Christian Keiger, Jacob Bechtel, Philip Hart, Michael Kern, Israel Robinson, Benjamin Williams, Samuel Overholtzer, Adam Staut, Jacob Koch, Richard George, Robert Morris, Ellis George, David James, Edward George. Robeson township is bounded on the north-east by the Schuylkill river, separating it from Exeter township ; on the east by Union township and Chester county ; on the south by Caernarvon; on the south-west by Brecknock, and north-west by Cumru. Mean length, six miles and a quarter; breadth, five; containing twenty-one thousand acres of land, of a very ordinary quality, naturally hilly. It is watered by the Alle- gheny creek, and Hay creek, on both of which, are forges, and several mills. There are two churches in this township, and a Friends meeting house. Population in 1810, 1,807; 1820, 2,2065; 1830,1,970; 1840, 1,965; of these there were white males, 971; females 963 ; colored males 17 ; females 14. Horses 422 ; horned cat- tle 1,304-; sheep 830; swine 810; bushels of wheat raised 7,229; rye 14,120; corn 20,691; oats 1,505; buckwheat 1,360; potatoes 9,997; tons of hay 1,270; pounds of wool 1,106; flax 1,621. Whole amount of valuation on all articles made taxa- HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES 245 ble for county purposes in 1844, $424,444; whole amount of county tax $648 88 ; gross amount of state tax $470 22. ROOKLAND TOWNSHIP. Rockland township was settled at the time those were by which it is bounded, and by a similar class of persons, nine- tenths of whom were Germans. In 1757, the following were its taxables : John Albrecht, George Angstadt, John Angstadt, Charles Berikhard, Nicholas Blatner, Jacob Eoger, Philip Berminger, Nicholas Benninger, John Bot, Wilham Bot, Conrad Bair, Ja- cob Bora], Casper Eicking, Mathias Beck, Peter Breifogel, Ludwig Brem, Nicholas Clementz, Michael Dressier, Melchior Donner, Henry De Long, Wilham Dabitsch, Jacob Drog, Ni- cholas Debb, Deobald Drumheller, John Eck, Peter Ernst, Jacob Ellinger, George Fleck, William Folck, Peter Folck, George Hefner, Christian Henry, Frederick Hersch, Jacob Hoffman, George Hoffman, Peter Luder, Nicholas Jacobi, Mi- chael Kerber, Michael Klein, Peter Klassmoyer, Andreas Krett, Simon Kerber, Jacob Krebs, Jacob Keira, Michael Keim, Peter Lobach, Henry Long, Nicholas Long, Ludwig Long, Michael Long, John Moll, Henry Mertz, Nicholas Moyer, Geo. Ober- dorff, Peter Ruff, sen., Peter Ruff, jr., Lorentz Berig, Casper Rap, Peter Remer, Frederick Reish, Conrad Roth, Casper Rubbert, Ludwig Rouzanner, Henry Showash, Christian Shu- raachir, George Schumachir, Frederick Schackler, John Scheu- erer, George Scheffer, George Seibert, (Seuwert) Frederick Ubrick, Adam Wagner, Adam Wecht, Jacob Zlegemfuss, Hen- ry Mertz, Herman Emrich, George Reif, Jacob Hefner, Peter Kieffer, Michael Jacobi, Peter Anstat, Michael Scheffer, Chris- tian Kolb, Ludwig Bitting. Rochland is bounded as follows, at present. Some slight alterations in the boundary having been made within a few years. It is bounded on the north by Maxatawny township ; on the north-east by Long-swamp ; on the east by District ; south-east by Pike; on the south by Oley; on the west by Ruscommanor ; and north-west by Richmond ; mean length five Kjiles; breadth four ; containing twelve thousand acres of land; 244 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. rather hilly, gravel soil, and indifferently cultivated. With a little care, as to rotation of crops, and the application of vege- table and mineral manures, it might be rendered productive. It is not well watered; still there are several mills, one furnace, and two forges, in this township. There is some iron ore in this township, from which the fur- nace is supplied. There is one church in this township, com- mon to the Lutherans and German Reformed. Population in 1810, 1,026; 1820, 1,131; 1830, 1,342; 822 white males, 825 females, 3 colored males and 5 females. Total, 1,655; horses 252; horned cattle 581; sheep 591: swine 871; bushels of wheat raised 4,380; rye 9,511; corn 8,382 ; oats 6,387 ; buckwheat 1,923 ; potatoes 5,986 ; tons of hay 653; pounds of wool 1,027; flax 1,710. "Whole amount of valuation on all articles made taxable by law for county purposes, for 1844, $p289,907; amount of county tax ^579 81. Whole amount of valuation for state purposes, on all articles made taxable for county purposes, excepting trades, occupa- tions and professions, above $2Q0,foY state purposes, $26517; gross amount of state tax, $312 80. RUSCOMMANOR TOWNSHIP. Ruscommanor township, like all the adjacent townships, was beginning to be settled between the years 1732 and 1745. As early as 1749, the following were landholders within this township : David Foil, Andrew Brenst, John Miller, John Wilkhammer, Adam Shumble, John Williams, Conrad Bruse, Jacob Perteller, Yost Waggoner, Martin Spiegelmeuer, Martin Nerr, Frederick Sprung, Embrich Billiar, Mathias Beck, Peter Rise, Philip Miller, John Fogell, Derick Swath, Derick Long, Mathias Rhole, George Angstad, Peter Crell, John Shous, George Hef- ner, Casper Burk, John Shamber, Jacob Mickle, Peter Hidle- man, Felty Becker, Jacob Libhart, Jacob Simer, Ulrich Becker, Philip Smith, Christian Shoemaker, Jacob Ely, Bastian Garn- ard, Ber. Fogle, Peter Rise. It is almost a matter of astonishment that this portion of Berks should have been thus early and densely settled, when it HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 245. is considered that the soil is of the most ordinary kind, and the surface hilly. About the year 1760, the number of taxables had almost doubled itself from 1740, to that period. Ruscoramanor is bounded on the north by Richmond, north- east by Rockland, on the east by Oley, south-west by Alsace, and north-west by Maiden creek; contains about ten thousand acres of ordinary, and hilly land; soil gravelly, and very indif- ferently cultivated — much room for improvement. There are one or two villages in this township. Pricetown, laid out by Conrad Price nearly seventy years ago; contains twenty-live houses — one store and two taverns. Population 165. Speachtown, a village with seven houses and twenty-five inhabitants — this place was laid out between thirty and forty years ago, by a certain Boarsmith. There are three or four grist mills in this township. Population in 1801, 932; 1820, 1,056; 1830, 1,243; 1840, 1,189 : horses 88; horned cattle 222; sheep 247; swine 288 ; bushels of wheat raised 1,502 ; rye 2,943 ; corn 2,465 ; oats 2,958 ; buckwheat 337 ; potatoes 2,970 ; tons of hay 253 ;■ pounds of wool 477 ; flax 458. Whole amount of valuation on all articles made taxable for county purposes in 1844, $227,528; county tax ^455 05 ; gross amount of State tax $258 90. TULPEHOCKEN TOWNSHIP. Tulpehocken township was so named after a tribe of Indians called Turpyhockin, who inhabited this region of country, whose chief was named Manangy, called the Indian chief on Schuylkill. This region of country is respectively mentioned in the Provincial Record of Pennsylvania. It appears to have been a place of thorough pass, from an Indian village, called Peixtan, on the Susquehanna, to Philadelphia. We find that in 1707, that one Nicole, French and Indian trader, was apprehended by persons, sent by government at Peixtan, and carried to Philadelphia, via Turpyhocken. — " Martin went again to Peixtan, and brought Nicole v.'here we we lay in concealed, and asking him to drink a dram, he seized 21* 246 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. him; but Nicole started from him, and run for it, when imme- diately we started out and took him, and presently carried him to the village (Peixtan) through which we were obliged to pass ; and there we found some Indians, with guns in their hands, who looked much displeased at what we had done ; but being in readiness against any surprise, they thought it not fit to attempt any thing. Here we staid about half an hour, and then parted for Turpyhocken — having mounted Nicoli on a horse, and tied his legs under the belly, we got within a mile of Turpyhocken at about two of the clock. On Friday morn- ing, about seven, the governor went to the town, from thence we went to Manatawny that night, and the next day to Phila- delphia."* The first white settlers were Palatines, who had emigrated from New York, of whom a general notice has been given, when speaking of the first settlers in Heidelberg township, to which the reader is referred. John Adam Diffebach, Christian Lower, John Spycker, Ja- cob Lederman, Jacob Fisher, John Soller, Jacob Sorbert, Fran- cis Wenrich, Ulrich Schwartz, Stephen Conrad, Conrad Sherf, John Livergood, Peter Sanns, Adam Stein, John Edwards, George Null, Jacob Livergood, Francis Parvin, Henry Seller, Ludowick Ansbach, George King, Peter Krieger, John Weis- er, Peter Lebo, Christopher Weiser, George Beistein, Jacob Ketterraan, Peter Ansbach, Michael Ried, Herman Walborn, Frederick Reed, George Landauer, Henry Boyer, Martin Stip, Abraham Lauch, Peter Serby, Casper Reed, (Ritt) Peter Reed, Lenard Rees, Adam Lesh, Philip Erown, Peter Shever, Felty (Onroo) Unruth, John Fohrer, Christopher Keiser, John Traut- man, Michael Detweiler, NirholasJvinser, John Moir, Henry Stein, Christian Moir, George Sherman, Peter Keephart, Wil- liam Keyser, George Jacob Sherman, Gottfried Rohrer, Jacob Hoffman, Mathias Doebler, George Wolf, Bartel Dissinger, George TolHnger, Jacob Reed, Frederick Kaufman, Christian Frank, Rudolph Moir, Michael Kofner, George Brosius, Jacob Bortner, Jacob Casert, Casper Reed, Christopher Ulrich, Jo- hann Jacob Snebly, Mathias Bricker, John Pontius, Peter Cri- ser, Daniel Lucas, William Keyser, Philip Gebhart, George Ulrich Fisher, William Dieler, Jacob Miller, Jacob Hubelor, * Col. Rec, ii., p. 405. HISTORY OP BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 247 Jacob Wilhelm, Jacob Bartner, Nicholas Oily, John Hover- shen, Simon Scherman, John Riegel, Jacob Schwaner, Henrj Millberger, Wolf Miller, George Paffinberger, Geo. Kantrico, Daniel Moir, Martin Schell, Adam Jordan, Jacob Tantor, Ja- cob Fullman, Mathias Noffziger, John George Meirslem, Jacob Miller, Simon BogenreifT Andrew Wollinbeck, George Goty- man, Henry Reidenbach, John Baltzer Shever, Valentine Brindseil, Martin Warner, William Brath, Gottfried Fitler, Peter Mink, Casper Stump, Mathias Wagner, Nicholas Ham- ber, Nicholas Miller, George Weaver, Phili}-) Meade, John Philip Bunger, George Christ, Conrad Wirth, Conrad Reber, Valentine Bungardner, Nicholas Lang, Frederick Stap, Valen- tine Neu, Christian Kurtz, John Ebberts, Michael Albert, Tho- mas Kern, Mathias Shefer, John Ridnore, Jacob Stough, John George Mats, William Sassaman, Adam Rehm, Johan Adam Weaver, Peter Laux, Jacob Houksvert. This, like many other townships, was the scene of Indian massacres, as may be seen on examining the third chapter of this book. Here I will insert one of many soul-stirring stories of Indian massacres, which we find in the Halhsclie Nachrichten. This is from the pen of the Rev. Muhlenberg, the great apos- tle of American Lutheranism. " It may teach us, says a cer- tain writer,* alike to appreciate the security of our worship, and the better cost at which our fathers provided for it, may teach us that we are reaping the fruits of their sweat and blood." The case was that of a man whose two grown daughters had attended a course of instruction by Mr. Muh-f. lenberg, and been solemnly admitted by confirmation to the communion of the church. " This man afterwards went with his family some distance into the interior, to a tract of land which he had purchased. — When the war with the Indians broke out, he removed his family to his former residence, and occasionally returned to his farm, to attend to his grain and cattle. On one occasion he went, accompanied by his two daughters, to spend a few days there, and bring away some vv'heat. On Friday evening, after the wagon had been loaded, and every thing w^as ready for their return on the morrow, his daughters complained that they * Dr. S. S. Schmucker, see He Pasa Ekllesia, pp. 0S5, 3S6, by I. D. Rupp, published by James Y. Humphreys, Phila., 1844. 248 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES*. felt anxious and dejected, and were impressed with the idea that they were soon to die. They requested their father to unite with them in singiug the familiar German funeral hymn, Wer Weiss wie nahe mein Ende? " Who knows how near my end may be?" — after which they commended themselves to God in prayer, and retired to rest. "The light of the succeeding morn beamed upon them, and all was yet well. Whilst the daughters were attending to the dairy, cheered with the joyful hope of soon greeting their friends, and being out of danger, the father went to the field for the horses, to prepare for their departure home. As he was passing through the field, he suddenly saw two Indians, armed with rifles, tomahawks, and scalping knives, making towards him at full speed. The sight so terrified him, that he lost all self command, and stood motionless and silent. When they were about twenty yards from him, he suddenly, and with all his stregth exclaimed, "Lord Jesus, living and dying, I am thine." Scarcely had the Indians heard the words "Lord Je- sus," (which they probably knew as the white man's name of the Gi-eat Spirit,) when they stopped short, and uttered a hideous yell. "The man ran with almost supernatural strength into the dense forest, and by taking a serpentine course, the Indians lost sight of him, and relinquished the pursuit. He hastened to an adjoining farm, where two German families resided, for assis- tance. But on approaching near it, he heard the dying groany of the families, who were falling beneath the murderou.s toma- hawk of some other Indians. " Having providentially not been observed by them, he hast- ened back to learn the fate of his daughters. Eut, alas! on arriving within sight, he found his home and barn enveloped with flames ! Finding that the Indians had possession here, too, he hastened to another adjoining farm for help. Return- ing, armed with several men, he found the house reduced to ashes, and the Indians gone. His eldest daughter had been almost entirely burnt up, a few remains only of her body, being found ! And awful to relate, the younger daughter, though the scalphad been cut from her head, and her body horribly mangled from head to foot with the tomahawk, was yet living! " The poor worm," says Muhlenberg, "was yet able to state all the circumstances of the dreadfid scene." After having done so. HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COl/NTIES^ 249 she requested her father to stoop down to her, that she might give him a parting kiss, and then go to her dear Saviour; and after she had impressed her dying lips upon his cheek, she yielded her spirit into the hands of that Redeemer, vi^ho, though his judgments are often unsearchable, and his ways past finding out, has nevertheless said, ' I am the resurrection and the life, if any man believe in me, though he die, yet shall he live.' " — This is only one of many similar cases that has occurred in Berks and Lebanon counties. Tulpehocken (Lower) was separated from Upper Tulpehoc- ken. It is bounded north by Little Swatara creek, Avhich se- parates it from Bethel township — on the east by Upper Tulpe- hocken, and south by Marion — a township about being organ- ized out of part of Heidelberg and Lower Tulpehocken ; and on the west by Lebanon county ; contains about 20,000 acres of land — limestone and gravel — very productive ; mean length eight mdes ; breadth six miles. Besides the Swatara on the north, (and its tributaries,) it is also watered by Mill creek, which also rises in this township. There are two churches, one near Mill creek, and one at Rohrersburg, common to the Lutherans and German Reformed. There are several villages or towns in this township. There are several mills in the township. Rohrersburg is on the road from Reading to Sunbury, about twenty-two miles from Reading, counting rising of fifty houses, several stores and taverns. Population about 300. Wohleberstown is a small village, not numbering more than fifteen or eighteen houses, a tavern and store, and several me- chanic's shops. It is on the road to Myerstown, in Lebanon county, and on the Jonestown road. Population in 1830, 3,200 ; 1840, 2,941 ; horses 713 ; horn- ed cattle 1,923 ; sheep 765 ; swine 2,581 ; bushels of wheat raised 29,397 ; rye 10,756 ; corn 30,300 ; oats 47,212 ; buck- wheat 837 ; potatoes 5,986 ; tons of hay 651 ; pounds of wool 1,027 ; flax 1,710. Whole amount of valuation on all articles taxable for county purposes in 1844, 5iril,027,212: county tax $2,054 42 : gross amount of State tax $1,291 10. 250 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES* UNION TOWNSHIP. U'nio7i township was settled originally by Swedes, Welsh and' English. Among them we still find the Olmsted s or Umsteads, Kerlins, and others. Among the principal settlers, as early as 1740 to 1745, were the following: John Godfrey, Thomas Pratt, Jacob Stover, Benjamin Mil- lard, Timothy Millard, Thomas Millard, Joseph Millard, Abraham Wanger, David Yoder, John Kensey, Charles Mc-. Grew, Isaac Adams, Jonathan Millard, Samvel Harris, John Godfrey, Christian Stanly, Richard Otty, Edward Hugh, Cadwalader Hughes, Peter Henry, James Kelly, Solomon Da-, vis, Mndreiu Smith. In 1758 the following, including some of the above named persons, were returned as taxables of this township: Casper Singhouse, William Bird, John Harrison, Henry Winterherg, John Lincoln, Joseph Hunt, John Stone, George Kerst, Thomas Pratt, Joseph Burgoyne, Timothy Millard^ Thomas Millard, Joseph Millard, Abraham Wenger, Daniel Yoder, Jacob Sicisser, John Madery, Charles McGretc, Wool- rich Reinhard, Jacob Basence, Thomas Baxifteld, John God- frey, Mordecai Hay-ris, Jonathan Millard, Peter Flickinger, Andrew Gibson, John JIaas, Stephen Lewis, Andrew Hoof man, Mounce Jones, Evan Evans, Penal Evans, Frederich Hoofle, Morgan Lewis, Peter Funk, Conrad Walter, Richard Otta, James Robert, Edward Hughes, William How, Aron Hart- man, Lochlan Doyle, Jacob Mizel, Robert Galoway, George Trouck, Mordecai Millard, Peter Roofner, Frederick Haas, James McGrew, Adam Helmstater, William Adams, Owen Hugh. Union township is bounded north-east by the Schuylkill, which separates it from Amity ; south by Chester county, west and north-west by Robeson. Its mean length five miles — breadth four miles : containing about twenty-one thousand acres of land, of the most ordinary quality — the greater part is poor and hilly, and upon the whole not well improved. It contains Vut one small village — ynionville. It is watered by the Sqhuyk iilSTORY OF BERKS AND LEBAlfON COUNtlES. 2-51 IciU, Hay creek and Sixpence rnn — upon which is a forge — mill creek and two branches of French creek, on one of which is Hopewell furnace. There are six mills in this township. Population in 1810, 706: 1820, 921: 1830, 1,046: 1840, 1)298 : horses 803 : horned cattle 976 : sheep 569: swine 688: bushels of wheat raised 6,386: rye 11,013: corn 14,839: oats 18,062: buckwheat 598 : potatoes 8,375 : tons of hay 1,719: pounds of w^ool in 1844, 234,710: county tax $469 43 : state tax $263 2G. WINDSOR TOWNSHIP. Windsor township was began to be pretty generally settled between 1740 and 1752, the time when Berks was organized. The natural advantages it would secure, at presens, were not great to induce the first settlers to locate here: notwithstand- ing, we find a large number of taxable inhabitants — -four or five years after the erection of the county — there were nearly one hundred then. Michael Krelsher, AdamKuhn, Adam Kleim> Andrew Seitle, Adam Lukenbill Conrad Kerschner, Conrad Hausman, Chris- tian Haiisenknecht, Clementz Dunkelberger, Conrad Heiser, Broch, Christopher Brenninger, Daniel Kemp, Deobald Werner, Daniel Hill, Elias Stein, Edward Shoppie, Gerhard Will, Geo. Anstat, George Haner, George Adam Wagner, George Bau- man, George Gatschall, George Ressler, George Stenger, Geo. Folb, George Charles, George Schneider, George Paust, Geo. Gartner, George Crane, George Miller, Henry Keim, Henry Gross, Henry Scheuerer, Henry Popst, Henry Kalbach, John Kerber, Jacob W^ingerd, Jonathan Worrell, John Hover, John Herd, Jeremiah Schoble, Jacob Petery, Jacob Hauer, Jacob Hill, Jacob Hummel, Jacob Kraeff, Jacob Roush, John Hauser, John Hess, John Mayer, Yost Kreischer, Melchior Keiber, Killian Dunkel, Leonard Reber, Lawrence Kuntz, Leonard Keplinger, Michael Rentzler, Michael Deobald, Mathias Braun, Michael Schlaire, Mathias Alsbock, Martin Werner, Mathias Frieher, Martin Roush, Michael Eisenman, Nicholas Wingerd, Nicholas Frieh, Dietrich Leonard} Peter Bordelein, Philip 25^ HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBAlSTON COUNTIES. Hensel, Peter Weber, Philip Hill, Peter Dunkelherger^ Philip Hinckel, Reinhard Alsbach, Sebastian Kreischer, Wendel Kief* fer, William B ussier, Wendel Hauer, Wendel Ernst, Jacob Miller, Jacob Martin, John Miller, Casper Schmidt, Charles Havelle, Philip Schweitzer, Philip Wentzel, George Mauty, Anthony Adam, David Alsbach, Casper Breninger, Jolin Con- radi, Jacob Linch, Nicholas Hallabach. This township, as well as all the other townships along the Blue JMountain, was the repeated scenes of Indian massacres. For a particular account of persons who fell victims to the cruelties of the Indians, the reader is referred to the tliird chap- ter of this book. Windsor township is bounded on the north-west by Schuyl- kill county ; north-east b}^ Albany and Greenwich ; and on the east by Maiden creek, which separates it from Richmond town- ship, and from Greenwich for several miles ; on the south by- Maiden creek township; on the west by the Schuylkill river, separathig it from Centre and Upper Bern ; mean length, eight miles; breadth four miles and a half ;. containing nearly twenty-^ nine thousand acres of gravel land, somewhat hilly. " The Schuylkill river and canal run along the western boundary: and Maiden creek forms the eastern boundary. — The Blue Mountain fills the north-western corner. The vil- lage of Hamburg (see below) lies on the turnpike road to Northumberland, near the river below the Water Gap. A church, used by the Lutherans and German Reformed, is cen- trally situated in the township, and another near Hamburg. — There is a furnace at the foot of the Blue Mountain, at the head of a tributary of Maiden creek." There are several mills in this township, one of them near Hamburg. Hamburg:; is a considerable villao^e on the east bank of the Schuylkill river. It contains between ninety and one hundred dwellings: several stores, taverns, and one church: population hearly six hundred. There is a bridge over the Schuylkill here. Considerable improvement has lately been made on the country around this town. Some of the land has been render- ed highly productive. This shows what can be done by pro- per culture. Population of the township in 1730, 2,298; 1840, 2,839. Hores 340: horned cattle 845: sheep 584: swine 1,029: bush- HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 253 els of wheat raised 3,998; rye 16,945; corn 13,562; oats 21,- 884; buckwheat 2,531; potatoes 9,439; tons of hay 1,095; pounds of flax 602. Whole amount of valuation on all articles made taxable for county purposes in 1844, $626,959 ; county tax ^1,252 31; state tax $690 15. UPPJCR TULPEHOCKEN. Uppet Tulpehocken, and Upper Bern, lie at the base of the Blue mountain. For the names of the first settlers, the reader is referred to the townships of Bern and Lower Tulpehocken. The tbllowing list embraces all who had settled on and along the mountain between the Schuylkill and Swatara, and as far as the first ridge of mountains between these two streams, at the time Berks county was organized : Jacob Shaver, George Mock, George Webb, Burgoin Bird, Thomas Willots, Francis Yarnal, Rudolph Henry, William Hughs, Richard Stephen, John Fincher, Thomas Ellis, John Green, John Willots, Paul Himes, Rudolf Kendle, Joseph Jor- don, John Jones, Jacob Fudge, Jacob Grosshaup, Mathias Swisie, Philip Hope, Michael Homel, George Seiffer, William Anderson. This township is bounded on the north by Schuylkill county, on the east by Northkill river, which divides it from Upper Bern and Penn township ; on the south by Tulpehocken creek, sepa- rating it from Heidelberg; on the west by Lower Tulpehocken and by Bethel township; mean length seven miles; breadth, four ; containing about twenty-eight thousand acres of land of a good quality ; soil, limestone and gravel ; surface somewhat diversified. Much of this township is in a good state of culti- vation. It is well supplied with water by the Northkill, Tulpehocken, Little Northkill and Swatara creeks. The Union Canal follows the Tulpehocken along the southern boundary of the township. There is a brick church, common to the Lutherans and Ger- man Reformed, near Little Northkill, and the road from Ham- burg and Rohrersburg. There are six mills in this township. 22 254 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. Population in 1830,1,456; 1840, 1,537; horses 538; horned cattle 1,484 ; sheep 781 ; swine 1,207 ; bushels of wheat raised 9,341 ; rye 22,752 ; corn 14,201 ; oats 21,318 ; buckwheat 2,266 ; potatoes 9,531 ; tons of hay 1,457 ; pounds of wool 1,358 ; flax 1,787 ; whole amount of valuation on all articles made taxable for county purposes in 1844, $448,531 ; county tax $897 06 ; state tax $489 37. UPPER BERN. Upper Bern — this township was originally included, as also Centre and Penn, at the time when Berks county was erected, under the name of Bern. The names of the first settlers of this portion, are given when speaking of Bern. Upper Bern has, since its organization, been considerably reduced, by taking portions from it, in erecting Centre and Penn townships. Its present boundary is as follows : on the north it is bounded by Schuylkill county; on the east by the Schuylkill river, which divides it from Windsor township ; on the south by Centre and Penn ; on the west by Northkill, which separates it from Upper Tulpehocken. The surface on the north part is hilly — some- what level in the southern part — soil of an ordinary quahty, nearly all gravel. The township is watered by the Schuylkill, Northkill, and some smaller streams. There are several mills in it. There is one church, four taverns, and two stores in it. Population in 1810, 1,342; 1820,2,017; 1830,2,117; 1840, 2,750: horses 908, horned cattle 1,912, sheep 1,126, swine 1,846, bushels of wheat raised 12,667, rye 28,113, corn 30,905, oats 24,747, buckwheat 3,596, potatoes 16,318, tons of hay 1,844, pounds of wool 1,677, flax 352 : whole amount of val- uation on all articles made taxable for county purposes in 1844. $357,248; county tax $741 49; state tax 603 45. WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. Washington township v^as divided off from the south- westtrn HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 255 part of Hereford, and the north-eastern part of Colebrookdale^ For the names of the first settlers of this part of Berks county, the reader is referred to Hereford and Colebrookdale town-? ships, in this book. This township is bounded on the north-east by Hereford ; south-east by Montgomery county; south-west by Colebrook- dale ; north-west bv Earl, Pike and District. It is watered by the west branch of Perkiomen creek and Swamp creek, in the southern part of the township. This township has two small villages — Schultzville, near the centre of the township, laid out by C. K. Schultz. It is on the cross roads leading from Kutztown to Philadelphia, and from Allentown to Boyerstown. It has four houses, one tavern and a post office. Bechtelsville laid out by /. S. Bechtel, is on the Allentown and West Chester state road. The cluster of houses embraces four dwellings, one grist mill, one saw mill, one oil mill, one black-lead mill, and several mechanics shops. The township has three stores, three taverns, four grist mills, four saw mills, one wool carding machine, one shoe peg manu- factory, two forges, one iron foundry, two oil mills. A Roman Catholic chapel, and two meeting houses — the Schwenkfelder and Mennonite meetins: houses. CENTRE TOWNSHIP. Centre township was formed out of the southern part of Up- per Bern, and northern part of Bern, and is bounded as follows: oa the north by Upper Bern, on the east by the Schuylkill river, dividing it from Windsor and Maiden creek, on the south by Bern and Penn, and on the west by Penn ; mean length and breadth six miles, containing twenty thousand acres of land of ordinary quality — gravel soil — somewhat undulating. It is wa- tered by the Schuylkill river, Irish creek and Plum creek. There are three or four mills in this township. Bellman's church, common to the Lutherans and German Reformed, is the only church in the township. Population in 1840, 1,216 : horses 226, horned cattle 560, iiheep 481, swine 473, bushels of wheat raised 4,949, rye 5,612, 256 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. corn 6,618, oats 6,708, buckwheat 972, potatoes 4,050, tons of hay 793, pounds of wool 429, flax 1,425: whole amount of valuation on all articles made taxable for county purposes in 1844, $365,273 ; county tax $730 54; state tax $342 31. PENN TOWNSHIP. Penn township — like Centre — was formed since 1840, out of a portion of Upper Bern and Bern townships. It is bounded on the north by Upper Bern, on the east by Centre and Bern, on the south by Bern, south-west and west by Tulpehocken creek and Northkill, separating it from Heidelberg and Upper Tulpe- hocken townships. It embraces seme good land, though prin- cipally gravel soil. Scull Hill, nearly central, gives it a varie- gated aspect. This township is well watered. Besides the Tulpehocken and Northkill, several smaller streams rise in this township — such as Irish creek. Plum creek and Licking creek. There are several mills in it, and Northkill church, not far from Bernville, a small village fourteen miles from Reading. This town contains some fifty houses, and several stores and taverns. It has a population of about three hundred. The country around this village has been much improved within the last ten years. Whole amount of valuation on all articles made taxable for county purposes in 1844, $399,317 ; county tax $798 63 ; state tax $363 68. LOWER HEIDELBERG TOWNSHIP. Lower Heidelberg was originally a part of Heidelberg. For the names of the first settlers, see Heidelberg — it is bounded on the north-east by the Tulpehocken creek, separating it from Bern, south-east by Cacoosing creek, dividing it from Cumru, south-west by Lancaster county,andnorth-west by Heidelberg: average length eight miles, breadth four and a half — containing rising of fourteen thousand acres of land — some of it very good — limestone soil, others ordinary — soil, gravel — surface level and hilly. It is watered by the Tulpehocken, Cacoosing and HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 257 Spring creeks : a branch of the Cocalico rises in the south- eastern corner of this township. There are* several mills in it, one church, called Main's church. Present population pro- bably between 1200 and 1300. Whole amount of valuation on all articles made taxable for county purposes in 1844, ' ""'),Q94; county tax ^1,360 05; state tax $706 84. MARION TOWNSHIP. Marion township is about being organized out of part of Heidelberg aud Lower Tulpehocken. This township embraces a portion of country settled primitively by emigrants from New York. It was within the limits, near the present site of Stouchstown, that Benjamin Spicker, the contemporary and intimate friend of Conrad Weiser, resided. His house was a very public and conspicuous place during the French and Indian war. Some thrilling incidents occurred here. One of which is circumstan- tially detailed in a letter from Conrad Weiser to Gov. Morris, dated October 27, 1755, an extract of which is presented. " After I had received the news that the Paxton people above Hunter's mills, had been murdered, I immediately sent my ser- vants to alarm the neighborhood. I informed them of the me- lancholy news, and how I came by it, &c. They unanimously agreed to stand by one another, and march to meet the enemy, if 1 would go with them. I told them that I would not only myself accompany them, but my sons and servants should also go — they put themselves under my direction. I gave them or- ders to go home and fetch their arms, whether guns, swords, pitch-forks, axes, or whatever might be of use against the ene- my, and to bring with them three days provision in their knap- sacks, and to meet at Benjamin Spicker's, at three of the clock that afternoon, about six miles above my house, in Tulpehocken township, where I had sent word for Tulpehocken people also- to meet. " I immediately mounted my horse, and went up to Benja- * In January 1844, it was still undecided whether this township, with its boufldaries as given, would be confirmed by the proper authority. 22* 258 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. min Spicker's, where I found about one hundred persons who had met before I came there ; and after I had informed them of the intelligence, that I had promised to go with them as a com- mon soldier, and be commanded by such officers, and leading men, whatever they might call them, as they should choose. — They unanimously agreed to join the Heidelberg people, and accordingly they went home, to fetch their arms, and provision for three days, and came again at 3 o'clock. All this was punctually performed ; and about two hundred were at Benja- min Spicker's, by two o'clock. I made the necessary disposition, and the people were divi- ded into companies of thirty men in each company, and they chose their own officers; that is, a captain over each company, and three inferior officers under each, to take care of ten men, and lead them on, or fire, as the captain should direct. I sent privately for Mr. Kurtz, the Lutheran minister, who lived about one mile off, who came and gave an exhortation to the men, and made a prayer suitable to the time. Then we marched towards Susquehanna, having first sent about fifty men to Tolheo, in order to possess themselves of the gaps or narrows of Swahatawro, where we expected the enemy would come through ; with those fifty, I sent a letter to Mr. Parsons, who happened to be at his plantation. We marched about ten miles that evening. My company had now increased to upwards of three Imndred men, mostly well-armed, though about twenty men had nothing but axes, and pitchforks — all unanimously agreed to die together and en- gage the enemy, wherever they should meet them ; never to inquire the number, but fight them, and so obstruct their way of marching further into the inhabited parts till others of our brethren came up and do the same, and so save the fives of our "wives and children." For further particulars the reader is referred to pages, 43, 44, 45, and 46. Marion is bounded on the north by Tulpehocken; on the south- east by Heidelberg, and on the south-west by Lebanon county. It is watered by Tulpehocken creek, which divides it into two unequal portions, and Millbach. It lies in the form of an isoceles triangle. It embraces some of the best land in Berks oounty. The turnpike road from Reading to Harrisburg pas- HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 259 ses through for the distance of four miles. There are two churches in this township, two mills, and one small town. Stouchstown contains between twenty and thirty houses, one store and tavern. It is situated on the turnpike. EARL TOWNSHIP. Earl Township was originally part of Oley, and of course was settled shortly after settlements had been commenced in Oley. For the name of original or primitive settlers, the reader is referred to the list in Oley township. Earl is bounded on the north by Pike, on the east by Cole- brookdale and Douglass, on the south by Amity, and on the west by Oley : mean length four miles and a half; breadth three miles and a quarter — containing nine thousand, five hun- dred and twenty acres of land — soil, gravel — surface very hilly — the South mountain passes through its south-west corner, on which is Spring Forge. Iron creek has its sources in this town- ship. Population in 1810, 653; 1820, 924; 1830, 979; 1840, 1,160 : horses 165, horned cattle 526, sheep 236, swine 434, bushels of wheat raised 2,291, rye 4,872, corn 6,282, oats 5,402, buckwheat 659, potatoes 2,502, tons of hay 504, pounds of wool 454, flax 360 : whole amount on all articles made tax- able for county purposes in 1844, $219,000; county tax $438,000; state tax ^18242 19. PIKE TOWNSHIP. Pike township was formed out of parts of the several conti- guous turnpikes. For the names of the first inhabitants of this and Earl township, the reader is referred to Oley and Cole- brookdale townships. Nothing of any remarkableness, not common to the adjacent townships, occurred in this township. Passing, it might be re- marked that a certain Maria Yung, or, as she was wont to be called "Die Berg Maria,'' lived as a solitaire for many years in this township, near Motz's mill. It is said she led the life of a 260 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. hermitess for thirty years — that she had been visited by persons from various parts of the country — some from the distance of four hundred miles. She died at an advanced age, in 1819. A gentleman of Oley, to whom we are indebted for these, facts, says he frequently, in company with others, visited Maria, On her death he wrote the following epitaph : Hierunter diesem Steine, Sanft ruhen die Gebeine, Der frommen Maria : Ihr Herz und ganzes Leben, War ihrem Gott ergeben, Dass man's an ihrem Wandel sah Sie hat ganz unverdrogsen, Bis dreisig Jahr verflossen, In Einsamkeit gewohnt : Ihr Angesichtes-Zuegen, Verriethen Goltes Lieb, Damit der Herr sie hat belohnt. Nachdem sie schon verschieden, Sah man den Suesen Friedeu In ihrem Angesicht ; Es war vol! Lieb und Wonn Als zur Gnaden-sonn, Noch immer hingericht. Nun ist sie wegenommen ; Gott hies sie zu sich kommen, Aus diesem Jammerthal : Wo auf den Himmels-Auen, Sie Jesum wird anschauen, Mit seiner auserwaehlten Zahl. This township is bounded on the north-east by District, south-, east by Washington and Colebrookdale, on the south by Earl and Oley, on the west by Rockland — mean length four miles and a half; breadth two miles and a half — containing six thou- sand, five hundred acres of land — surface, large hills — soil, gra- vel — poor and very ordinarily cultivated. It is watered by Pine creek and other sources of Manatawny creek. Swamp creek rises in this township. There are nine or ten mills in this town- ship, and a forge: one church, near the south-east corner, owned by the Lutherans and German Reformed. * Population in 1810, 552; 1820,645; 1830, 752; 1840, 784; horses 157, horned cattle 590, sheep 413, swine 483, bushels of wheat raised 4,244, rye 5,356, corn 6,441, oats 4,628, HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 26^ Ijuckwheat 1,467, potatoes 3,301, tons of hay 694, pounds of wool 606, flax 716 : whole amount of valuation on all articles ijjade taxable by law for county purposes $151,911 ; county tax $303 82; state tax $197 33. CHAPTER XL GENERAL STATISTICS OF BERKS COUNTY. Statistics of Agriculture of Berks county, for 1838. Only twenty- five, of thirty-five districts, had reported. By adding about one-third to what is given below, we may approxinoate to the true, or full amount. The number of acres of limestone land cleared, is thirty thousand four hundred ; of uncleared hmestone land, thirteen thousand eight hundred acres; cleared slate land, eleven thou^ sand six hundred acres; uncleared slate land, four thousand eight hundred and fifty ; gravel land cleared, eighty thousand two hundred and sixty acres; uncleared gravel land, thirty-six thousand six hundred acres; sandy land, twenty-six thousand seven hundred acres — mountain or rock land, thirty-six thou- sand seven hundred and eighty — seven acres containing iron ore. The whole quantity of cleared land, as reported, of all kinds, is one hundred ninety thousand, and six hundred acres. This falls far short of the actual quantity of cleared land, in 1844, which cannot be less than two hundred and fifty thousand acres. The whole quantity of uncleared land, but fit for cultivation, as reported in 1838, is thirty-six thousand three hundred acres. This, it is believed, is also much below its actual amount. The probable number acres of uncleared land, but fit for cultivation, is about one hundred thousand acres. The whole quantity of imcleared land, unfit for cultivation, is sixty-four thousand two hundred acres, according to the report of 1838. This is also too low; there are rising of one hundred thousand acres that come under this denomination. Berks county contains rising of five hundred thousand acres in all, [516,320.] The average value per acre of cleared land, is thirty dollars; and that of woodland fit for cultivation, twenty-seven dollars per acre: woodland unfit for cultivation, twenty dollars per acre ; the whole value of cleared land, as reported in 1838, is four millions, eight hundred ninety-nine thousand and five hun- HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COtJiJTiES. 2'63 tired dollars. The valuation in reality approximates eight mil- lions. The whole valuation of uncleared land in 1838, was one million eight hundred, twenty-five thousand, three hundred and fifty dollars. The true valuation approximates three millions. For, in 1844, the whole amount of valuation on all articles made taxable by law for county purposes, approximated nine- teen millions of dollars, [18,617,569.] According to the report of 1838, there were two thousand and twenty-one farms, averaging seventy-five acres each. The whole number of stone farm houses, was one thousand two hun- dred and fifty-four ; brick houses, two hundred and seventy- nine; wood farm houses, one thousand nine hundred and fifty- five; tenant houses on farms, (not farm houses) one thousand two hundred and five. There were one thousand one hundred and eighty-eight stone barns; of brick thirty-nine: one thou- sand five hundred and seventy-five barns built of wood. The whole number acres of wheat in 1838, was seventeen thousand four hundred acres; of rye, nineteen thousand four hundred and ten; of oats, fifteen thousand seven hundred; of barley nine hundred and eighty : of Indian corn seventeen thou- sand two hundred : in clover eleven thousand seven hundred: in timothy six thousand six hundred : of natural meadow ten thousand two hundred acres: in potatoes four thousand acres: turnips one thousand five hundred and ten : buckwheat one thousand nine hundred and ninety: in flax seven hundred. The average yield of wheat per acre in bushels, fifteen ; of rye thirteen, oats twenty, barley twenty-five, corn thirty, clo- verseed two bushels, timothy seed two, natural meadow seed two, potatoes eighty, turnips seventy-five, buckwheat twelve bushels. Dressed flax per acre, seventy-five pounds. The whole quantity of wheat produced in 1838 for market, two hundred eight thousand and four hundred bushels ; valued at three hun- dred twelve thousand and six hundred dollars ; rye two hundred one thousand and eight hundred bushels, valued at one hundred and sixty-six thousand and six hundred dollars ; oats two hun- dred forty-six thousand bushels, valued at eighty thousand one hundred dollars ; barley one thousand and forty bushels, valued at eight hundred and eighty dollars ; Indian corn one hundred forty-seven thousand and two hundred dollars, valued at one hundred eleven thousand and one hundred dollars. Clover produced in tons, seven thousand three hundred dol- •^64 HISTORY OF BEHis AND LEBANON COUNTIES. lars, valued at seventy-three thousand dollars; timothy hay^ four thousand five hundred and fifty tons, valued at forty-eight thousand one hundred dollars; meadow hay, four thousand tons^ valued forty-four thousand one hundred dollars 5 potatoes, fifteen thousand two hundred bushels produced for market, valued at seven thousand one hundred dollars; turnips produced and sold at market, five hundred and ten bushels, valued at three hun- dred and seventy dollars; buckwheat, nine thousand Seven hun-* dred bushels, valued at seven thousand seven hundred and eighty dollars; flax produced and dressed, fourteen thousand eight hundred pounds, vamed at two thousand nine hundred dollars. Lime, used as a manure, four hundred and forty-three thou- sand bushels; cost per bushel, delivered in the field, twelve and one half cent ; the average quantity per acre, apphed in one sea- son is seventy-five bushels — the whole quantity supposed to form a complete dressing; whole quantity of plaster or gypsum used, one thousand four hundred and thirty-tons — thiee-fourths of a bushel applied to an acre ; the cost per ton, ground, ten dollars. The number of hands steadily employed in farming (luring the year, six thousand six hundred and fifty; the average compensation per month of a hand, nine dollars. Work horses employed in farming, six thousand nine hundred and five during the year the aggregate value of which is three hundred and sixty-five thousand five hundred dollars; forty-six work oxen were employed, aggregate value, one thousand six hundred and fifty-five dollars ; the whole number of horses of all kinds, nijie thousand one hundred, the aggregate value, five hundred fifteen thousand seven hundred; the whole number of oxen of all kinds, three thousand seven hundred and eighty; the aggregate value was seventy-five thousand four hundred dollars; the whole number of all kinds, thirteen thousand six hundred and forty; aggregate value, two hundred and forty-two thousand eight hundred dollars; sheep of all kinds, twelve thousand four hun- dred and sixty: aggregate value, twenty-six thousand dollars; Merino sheep, only twenty: Saxony, thirty-five. The whole number of swine of all kinds, twenty-one thousand nine hun- dred and thirty: aggregate value, seventy-nine thousand one hundred dollars. The whole number of pounds of beef sold and killed, three hundred and thirty-two thousand seven hundred pounds, at seven cents per pound ; pork salted and sold, one HISfORY OP BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 260 hundred and one thousand four hundred pounds, at eleven cents per pound ; pounds of mutton sold, thirty-one thousand four hundred and fifty, at seven cents per pound. The number of pounds of fine wool sold, two hundred pounds, at fifty cents; coarse wool, five thousand one hundred pounds, at forty cents. Butter sold, two hundred and forty-four thousand seven hundred pounds, at eighteen cents; one hun- dred and twenty pounds of cheese, at ten cents. MANUFACTURING STATISTICS. The number of threshing machines in use, one hundred ; corn shellers one hundred and fifty-two ; revolving horse rakes fifty- three ; cultivators and shovel harrows one thousand and thirty. Valuation of oak firewood two dollars; hickory three per cord ; stone coal five dollars per ton, delivered. Number of grain mills one hundred and seven — twenty-three thousand one hundred barrels of flour made — average price per barrel, eight dollars. Whole number bushels of wheat ground, two hundred and forty-five thousand fire hundred bushels — gross value three hundred seventy-two thousand, nine hundred and seventy bushels. Whole number bushels of corn ground, ninety-eight thousand four hundred — gross value seventy thou- sand one hundred dollars. Bailey ground, two hundred bush- els — gross value one hundred and fifty dollars. Whole number bushels of rye ground, three hundred and twenty-seven thou- sand one hundred bushels — gross value two hundred and two thousand, six hundred dollars. Whole number of hands em- ployed in grain mills, one hundred and fifty. Amount of capi- tal invested in mills, ninety-nine thousand two hundred. Forty- eight distilleries were reported, which consumed fifteen thousand seven hundred bushels of grain — produced forty-three thousand eight hundred gallons : gross value of spirits distilled, eighteen thousand eight hundred dollars: these distilleries consumed, as fuel, one hundred and twenty tons of mineral coal, and six hun- dred and ten cords of wood — employed fifty hands : capital invested, twenty-eight thousand two hundred dollars. There were three breweries, consuming four thousand one hundred and fifty bushels of grain, and brewed sixty-eight thousand ^66 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIE^. three huridred gallons of malt liquor, and consumed eighty tonsf of mineral coal, and one hundred and fifty cords of wood — giving employment to seven hands, having invested three thou- sand five hundred dollars — seven hundred gallons of grape wine made: gross value Seven hundred dollars: seven hundred and twenty barrels of cider made : gross value one thousand four hundred and seventy dollars. Eight furnaces for manufacturing pig iron — three hot blast furnaces — three thousand seven hun- dred and ninety tons of pig iron made — gross value one hun- dred and eighteen thousand six hundred dollars : consumed three hundred and fifty-four thousand, three hundred bushels of char- coal — employed two hundred and ninety hands in manufacturing pig iron : amount of capital invested in manufacturing iron, one hundred and fifty-one thousand six hundred dollars. Five air and cupola furnaces, made two hundred tons of casting — gross value twenty-four thousand nine hundred dollars — consumed iive hundred tons of mineral coal, employed thirty hands, and invested a capital of fifteen thousand dollars. Twenty-two forges manufactured six hundred and ten tons of bar iron — gross value forty thousand eight hundred dollars — number tons of blooms, two thousand three hundred and fifty : gross value one hundred and forty thousand eight hunth'ed dollars — consumed one hundred and ninety-nine thousand five hundred bushels of charcoal — employed two hundred and seventy hands: amount of capital invested, two hundred and ten thousand dol- lars. Number of rolHng mills two — manufactured two hundred tons of rolled iron: gross value two hundred thousand dollars : consumed five hundred tons of mineral coal — employed one hundred and twenty hands : amount of capital invested, one hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars. One nail factory manufactured one thousand tons of nails — gross value one hun- dred and twenty thousand dollars — consumed five tons of min- eral coal — employed twenty hands — capital invested, twenty- five thousand dollars. Two steam engine factories, two loco- motive factories, and seven stationary, of all kinds — the whole number of horse power of all the engines made, is one hundred and ninety horse power : gross value of engines manufactured, thirty-five thousand dollars — twelve hundred tons of mineral coal consumed — two thousand bushels of charcoal — employed thirteen hands : amount of capital invested, sixteen thousand dollars. Two scythe or sickle manufactories, manufactured two HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 267 thousand scythes : gross value of scythes and sickles manufac- tured, one thousand seven hundred and seventy dollars — con-r sumed one ton of mineral coal, and two thousand three hundred bushels of charcoal — employed three hands — capital invested, seven hundred and eighty dollars. Seven axe and other edge tool manufactories, manufactured three hundred and twenty axes : gross value seven hundred dollars : consumed thirty tons of mineral coal, and four thousand three hundred bushels of charcoal — employed twelve hands— amount of capital invested, nine hundred dollars. Seven gun factories manufactured three hundred and seventy guns : gross value, one thousand nine hum dred and thirty dollars^consumed one thousand three hundred and fifty bushels of charcoal — employed ten hands — amount of capital invested, one thousand one hundred and thirty dollars. Twelve copper and sheet iron ware manufactories — gross value of tin ware manufactured, eight thousand nine hundred and fifty dollars — value of copper ware manufactured, one thousand dolr lars — value of sheet iron manufactured, two thousand and fifty dollars — consumed six tons of mineral coal, and one thousand seven hundred and fifty-one bushels of charcoal — epiployed thirty hands — amount of capital invested, seven thousand five hundred dollars. Saw mills one hundred and three — saws in use one hundred and three— -quantity of stuffs sawed in super- ficial feet of one inch thick, four millions, five hundred and one thousand feet — employed one hundred and eleven hands — amount of capital invested, seven thousand dollars. Carriage, car and wagon manufactories, twenty-four — carriages manufac- tured, one hundred and four, railroad cars nineteen, wagons one hundred and fifty-three — gross value of vehicles of all kinds, fifteen thousand five hundred — employed fifty-eight hands — amount of capital invested, twelve thousand six hundied dolr lars. Thirty-three manufactories of chair and cabinet ware — gross value manufactured, twelve thousand two hundred and ten dollars — employed fifty hands — amount of capital invested, four thousand seven hundred and forty dollars. Ploughs man^ ufactured, two hundred and twenty-four — gross value, two thousand three hundred and thirty dollars — employed fifteen hands. Valtie of wooden ware, of all kinds i^ianufactured, including cedar and cooper's ware, two thousand two hundred dollars — employed twenty hands. Woollen mills seven — setts of woollen machinery seventeen — quantity of wool consumed^ 268 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. seven thousand two hundred and fifty pounds — manufactured, six thousand eight hundred yards of cloth — gross value of woollen goods manufactured, five thousand and seventy dollars — consumed three tons of mineral coal — number of hands era- ployed, eighteen males and two females — amount of capital invested, three thousand three hundied dollars. Seventeen fulhng mills — twenty-one thousand eight hundred yards of cloth fulled — employed twenty hands — amount of capital invested, two thousand one hundred dollars. Storking factories, three — manufactured five thousand five hundred pairs of stockings — gross value manufactured, one thousand seven hundred dollars — employed seven hands. Tanneries, fifty-one — thirty-seven thousand eight hundred and thirty hides of all kinds tanned — gross value of leather tanned and curried, ninety-six thousand six hundred dollars — used two thousand one hundred and sev- enty cords of bark — employed seventy-eight hands, amount of capital invested, ninety-one thousand two hundred and twenty dollars. Saddle and harness manufactories, seventeen — gross value of saddles and harness made, thirteen thousand seven hundred and ninety dollars — employed thirty-five hands- amount of capital invested, eight thousand and forty dollars. Boot and shoe manufactories, fifty-four — manufactured four thousand two hundred paiis of boots, twenty-two thousand seven hundred pairs of shoes — gross value, fifty-seven thou- sand dollars — hands employed, one hundred sixty males, and twenty-two females — capital invested, thirteen thousand nine hundred dollars. Hat manufactories, eight — manufactured se- ven thousand hats — gross value, fourteen thousand four hundred and fifty dollars — consumed sixty-two tons of mineral coal — employed twenty-six males, and thirteen females — amount of capital invested, ten thousand three hundred and fifty dollars. Five paper mills manufactured fifty-five ton weight of stock — gross value of paper manufactured, fourteen thousand eight hundred dollars — consumed twelve tons of mineral coal — em- ployed ten hands — amount of capital invested, seven hundred and fifty dollars. Oil mills, eight — manufactured fourteen thou- sand and twenty gallons of oil — used seven thousand one hun- dred bushels of flaxseed — gross value of oil made, ten thousand one hundred and ten dollars — consumed ten tons of mineral coal — employed ten hands — amount of capital invested, seven thousand four hundred and forty dollars. Ten potteries — gross HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 269 value of ware made, four thousand two hiindred dollars — em- ployed twenty hands. Brick-yards, sixteen — number of bricks made, three millions eight hundred and eighty-four thousand — gross value, nine thousand five hundred dollars — number of hands employed, ninety. Number of mulberry trees raised, forty-eight thousand eight hundred and sixty — eighteen pounds cocoons produced — five males and three females employed — amount of capital invested, one thousand dollars. One comb manufactory — value of combs manufactured, one thousand dol- lars — employed three hands — consumed three tons of mineral coal. Three soap and candle factories, made one hundred and thirty thousand pounds of candles — whole value of candles made, fifteen thousand six hundred dollars — consumed twelve tons of mineral coal — employed four hands — amount of capital invest- ed, seven hundred dollars. Ten tobacco and snuff factories, twisted forty thousand pounds of tobacco, and made nineteen millions eight hundred and ninety thousand segars — gross value of tobacco manufactured, eighteen thousand three hundred and thirty dollars — forty-seven hands employed — capital investecl, nine thousand one hundred dollars. Ropewalks, one — made ten tons of rope — gross value, four hundred dollars — employed three hands. Whole number of shoemakers, not general man- ufacturers, two hundred and seventy-two; tailors, one hundred and eighty-five; weavers, seventy-four; hatters, ninety-five; butchers, forty-two; watchmakers, eighteen; blacksmiths, one hundred and ninety-four; whitesmiths, seven; carpenters, two hundred and sixty; wheelwrights, seventy-seven; printers, ten ; book-binders, one. STATISTICS OF COMMERCE. Jfumher of importers of tobacco, one — gross value of tobac- co imported, thirty-seven thousand dollars — amount of capital invested, two thousand dollars. JVumber of retailers of foreign goods, ninety-three — gross amount of sales, two hundred and ninety-nine thousand two hundred dollars — employed one hun- dred and forty-six hands — amount of capital invested, two hundred and ten thousand four hundred dollars. A^umber of retailers of domestic dry goods, fifty-eight — gross amount of 23* " 270 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTI ES. sales, one hundred and seventy thousand six hundred dollars — - number of hands employed, one himdred and tuelve — amount of capital invested, eighty-three thousarid nine hwuh ed dollars. Retail groceries, ffty-eight — gross amount oj sales, one hun- dred thousand three hundred dollars — employed ninety-Jive hands — amount of capital invested, fifty-sevc7i thousand nine hundred dollars. Retailers of harduare, thirty-Jour — g7'oss amount of sales, one hundred and nineteen thousand two hun- dred dollars — employed fjty-five hands — amount of capital invested, seventy-Jour thousand Jour hundred and Jijty dollars. Retailers of foreign liquors, {not taver7i-hepjjers,) thirty-nine — gross amount of sales, sixty-one thousand one hvndred dollars — employed seventy-three hands — amount of capital invested, twenty-four thousand nine hundred and seventy dollars. Re- tailers of domestic spirits, thirty-three — gross amount of sales, nineteeii thousand one hundred dollars — hands employed, sixty- three — amount of capital invested, seventeen thousand Jour hun- dred and fifty dollars. Retail Drug fy Chemical stores, twelve — gross value of sales, eight thousand dollars — sixteen hands employed — amount of capital invested, seven thousand Jour hundred dollars. Taverns, one hundred and thirty-Jive — gross amount of sales of liquors, forty-eight thousand Jive hundred and fifty dollars — numler of hands employed, cne hundred and fifty-four. Flour and feed stores, eighteen — gross amonnt of sales, ten thousand eight hundred dollars — number of hands employed twenty — amount of capital, S6,970 CO — Jive lumber yards — gross amount of sales, three hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars — employed eight hands — amount of capital invested, tioeive thousand one Imndred dollars. Six coal yards — gross amov.ni of sales of anthracite coal, eight thousand five hundred dollars — amount of capital invested, seven thousand one hundred dollars. STATISTICS OF MINING. Seven iron ore banks in operation, mined twelve thousand tons of ore — whole value of all tie ore niitd, i.ineteen thousand seven hundred dollars — smelted ten thousand eight hundred tovs of ore in the county — sent out of the county one HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 271 thousand seven hundred tons — employed seventy-three hands in mining — employed fifteen hands in transporting — amount of capital invested, two hundred thousand dollars. Ninety lime- stone quarries in operation, quarried twenty-two thousand nine hundred perches of limestone — valued at fifteen thousand six hundred dollars — employed one hundred and seventy hands. Lime-kilns in operation, three hundred — burned six hundred and sixty-five thousand bushels of lime, valued at eleven cents per bushel — whole value, seventy-three thousand one hundred and fifty dollars — employed seventy hands at kilns, and thirty in transportation. APPENDIX. A. On page 191, in a foot note, the reader is referred to Appendix A., touching a meeting held in 1829, in opposition to Sunday Schools, &c. The proceedings of the meeting are given, with remarks by a Christian Freeman. APPENDIX. A. Meeting of Freemen in Heidelberg township, Berks county, At a numerous and respectable meeting of citizens assembled at the house of George Gernand, on Thursday the 21st of May, 1829, pursuant to public notice, given by the committee of cor- respondence, appointed by the Committee in Cocalico township, Lancaster county, on the 19th of March last, to deliberate and consult upon the causes and tendency of the religious excite- ment at present prevailing in the county; Joseph Hain, Esq., was appointed President; Henry Bennetsch and John Sohl, jr., and Daniel Wenrich, Secretaries; John Shitz, Jacob Seitzinger, Henry Shoner, Martin Texter and John Hain (of Adam) being- appointed a committee to report proceedings for the consideration of the meeting ; after retiring for a short time, reported the fol- lowing address and resolutions, which were unanimously adopted : The committee appointed to report proceedings for the con- sideration of this meeting, respectfully submit the following: That a religious excitement exists in many sections of the country, not calculated, as they apprehend, to promote the in- terests of genuine rational Piety, and tending eventually, if not arrested in its progress, to abridge the civil and religious liber- ties of the people. The cause of this excitement may be found in the extraordinary conduct of certain ecclesiastical Professors, who appear to have undertaken a crusade, for the spreading of particular religious opinions, and the advancement of church 276 HISTORY OP BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. establishments. Pervading the country in every direction, they alarm the weak minded and youthful part of the community with unusual and vehement denunciations of divine wrath, and thus obtain an influence over minds which is not the result of rational conviction, and which is destined to be directed to the elevation of the clerical profession to a degree of authority in- consistent with the people's welfare, and the spirit of the free constitutions under which we live. It appears to your committee that the Clergy of the United States in general, have exhibited many manifestations of a spirit of worldly ambition. That measures have been projected by that class of men, calculated and designed to promote their own interests at the expense of those of the people ; to enable them to dictate to the consciences of their fellow-men; and to assume a right of interference in the direction of state affairs. They have observed with dissatisfaction and alarm, the estab- lishment of opulent and influential societies, the management of which is committed to ecclesiastical hands or subjected to ec- clesiastical control. Amongst these they number Bible and Missionary Societies, Theological Seminaries and Sunday School Unions. They regard these institutions as unnecessary burdens upon the church going part of tlie community, appro- priating vast sums of money to purposes for the most part un- called for, and tending directly to increase the influence of the clergy. They have witnessed the attempts recently made to induce the Congress of the U. States, to prohbit the transpor- tation of the mail on Sunday, and regard them as ebullitions of the fanatical spirit, so widely disseminated by the Clergy. — They consider all endeavors to procure legislative interference in matters of religion, as attempts to infringe upon the rights of conscience, and all measures adopted to compel particular observance of the Sabbath as incipient approaches to the es- tablishment of spiritual tyranny. Your committee w^ould shrink from proposing a single objection to the extension of the Chris- tian Religion. They believe the revealed Religion of the old and new Testaments to be the most inestimable gift of a beneficent Creator to the human fomily. They regard it as a written law for the guidance of human conduct, exhil)iting a sublime and perfect system of morals, and holiing incentives to the pursuit of vir- tue in those immortal rewards which Divinity alone could offer. But in revolving the histories of bye-gone ages they are ad- KISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 277 Ytionislied by the wails of nations, and the groans of oppressed people, to beware of a body of men assuming to be the inter- preters of the Divine word, and the Directors of men's con- sciences. They contemplate with horror, the intolerance and bloody persecutions of the church of Rome, and the debased condition of the people in every nation where ecclesiastical ru- lers have the sway. They look upon England, the most free of European governments, and behold a Union of Church and State, which has burdened the peoj^le for ages w^ith an oppres- sive hierarchy that maintains a luxurious Clergy with the hard- worn earnings of the Agriculturalist and Mechanic. They look forward with prophetic apprehensions to the termination of the race, which fanaticism is running in our own country, and behold in anticipation, misery and slavery, and ecclesiasti- cal tyranny beyond the goal. Your committee with a view to counteract the ejfforts which are making to promote ecclesiastical supremacy, respectfully submit the following resolutions for the consideration of the meeting: Resolved, That in the opinion of this meeting, the institu- tion of Bible and Missionary Societies, Theological Seminaries and Sunday School Unions, are works of supererogation, con- sidered in reference to the wants and welfare of the people; that they are designed to elevate and sustain the authority of the Priesthood, and so considered, are dangerous to the liber- ties of the people, and that we will not assist in maintainino- Clergymen who advocate them or are concerned in their sup- port. Resolved, That we consider the extraordinary zeal for re- ligion, which manifests itself in the condemnation of innocent amusements and the requisition of an ascetic seyerity of life, as originating in the false pretences of designing men, or the er- roneous opinions of over-heated enthusiasm, beheving as we do, that hilarity in enjoying the bounties of Providence, is not un- acceptable in the sight of the Almighty dispenser of all things. Resolved, That our religious and moral duties are plainly set forth in the language of the holy Scriptures ; that they con- sist in visiling the sick, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, rendering due honor to parents and the exercises of charity to- wards all men, and that no amount of mortification or prayer can justify the omission of any of them. 24 S78 rilSTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. Resolved, That we duly appreciate the advantages of thfe Sabbath, considered as a day of worship and temporal repose; but that we cannot regard innocent recreations on that day, not prohibited by the laws of the land, as infractions of its duties or those of rational piety. Resolved, That hereafter we will receive no preacher intio our congregation who is an adherent or supporter of any The- ological Seminary, of the Sunday School Union, or the Bible, Missionary, Tract or any other similar societies, or who is en- gaged in distributing any so called religious papers or Maga- zines, because we sincerely believe those institutions have been introduced for no other purpose than to collect large sums of money, which is to be applied towards erecting an influence and power of the Clergy over the people, and consequently may eventually lead to the destruction of our civil and religious liberties. Resolved, That it is our sincere opinion that all those per- sons who so conspicuously disseminate prmciples so dangerous in their consequences, are either hypocrites seeking their own aggrandizement, or deluded fanatics, whose blindness seeks to involve twelve millions of free and happy people between the fano-s of an overreaching and ambitious priesthood. That our Saviour came into the world to make men free and happy is an undeniable truth ; but that priestcraft, under the garb of religion, endeavors to enslave the world is also a fact seriously to be de- plored. Resolved, That we view those arrogant and haughty beg- gars, who, in imported broad cloths, strut about our country, distributing tracts and asking money for Missionary purposes, as a set of imposters, too lazy to earn, by the sweat of their brow, the food that sustains them. Resolved, That we are, as we have be&n ever, ready to re- ward upright and unassuming ministers for their services, and to render their stay among us as agreeable as circumstances will allow ; with this proviso, however, that they remain free and independent from all connexion with those societies, whose ostensible object may seem laudable, but whose intentions are the promotion of themselves and the slavery of the people. — Should, however, no such preacher be found, we will neverthe- less frequent the house of God and appoint one of the number present to read an appropriate sermon, a chapter from Holy HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 279 writ, and conclude by prayer and hymns of thankfulness to the supreme creator of all his mercies. Resolved, That we approve pf the proceedings of the meet- ing held on the 19th of March last, in Cocalico township, Lan- caster county, and that we will endeavor our utmost to aid in fulfilhng them. Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be signed by the officers of the day, and published in all the papers friendly to the cause of the people. JOSEPH HAIN, President. Henry Bennetsch, / ^r. t> • i . T n ' J Vice Presidents. JOH^^ (jtERHART, OHN H , 1. J Secretaries. Daniel VV enrich, REMARKS BY A CHRISTIAN FREEMAN. Believing that the cause of the Redeeemer is best promoted, when its friends are apprised of the evil as well as of the good, which attends it, and have it in their powder to know the strength ol its enemy, the weapons he employs, and the nature of the conflict which it is their duty to maintain, I request the insertion in the Magazine of the accompanying report and resolutions adopted by a meeting held in Berks countv, in this State. This production can afford neither pleasure nor edifi- cation to your readers; but they can learn from it how much of heathenism is yet to be purged away in our own country and our own church; and how much they ought to do. The persons who composed this meeting are, at least princi- pally, Germans, and a portion of them are members of the Re- formed Church. I mention these facts with deeper shame and regret: — they are a blot upon our character and will fill a dark page in our history. I would say, "Tell it not in Gath; pub- lish it not in the streets of Ashkelon," but the authors have al- ready proclaimed their own reproach by publishing it in all the papers which would insert their strange production. These men profess to regard the Christian religion as " the most inestimable gift of a beneficent Creator to the human fami- ly," and " to shrink from proposing a single objection to the ex- 280 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. tension of it." They may possibly be sincere: but it is too manifest that they neither possess the spirit of Christianity, nor know what it is, and that their resolutions strike with the most reckless violence at all the means of promoting or extending it. The religious institutions which are the glory of the present age, and whose effects in promoting the knowledge and the influence of Christianity, have been already so important, are pursued with a rancorous and deadly hostility, as dangerous to the lib- erties of the people ; their fi lends and supporters are character- ized as "hypocrites who seek their own aggrandizement, or de- luded fanatics;" and the clergy who promote them, are de- nounced as an "over-reaching and ambitious priesthood." In this virulent opposition, these people have been preceded by the Pope of Rome, and the Patriarch of the Popish Maro- nite Christians in Asia, who have fulminated their anathemas against Bible Societies and Eible-men, denouncing them as pests and instruments of the devil, calculated to undermine their "holy fiiith." The Turkish Sultan, if I remember right, has also issued his firman prohibiting the distribution of the Bible, and of other Christian books in his dominions, by Protestant Missionaries. And there can be no doubt that Satan regards them with no kinder thoughts, and is doing what he can to drive them out of his kingdom. It is easy to perceive why the Pope and his adherents should be opposed to the religious institutions of Protestants, and par- ticularly to Bible Societies; since it is manifest, that if the Bible, without note or comment, be every where circulated and read, nothing can be more dangerous to the superstitions and the priestly tyranny of that church : and accordingly it has been the constant policy of the Popish Hierarchy to shut up the Bible from the people. Nor is it difficult to comprehend why the Turkish Sultan should be opposed to the distribution of the Bible and of reli- gious tracts. He and his people are Mahomedans: their sacred book is the Koran: and he knows that, if the Bible and Chris- tian tracts be circulated and read in his dominions, his religion must fall before them ; or, at best, it cannot be benefitted by them. It is equally as easy to discover why the Prince of Darkness should hate Bible Societies, whose object is to distribute the Word of Eternal Life ; and Tract societies, which endeavor to HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 281 spread Christian knowledge and piety by distributing those tracts which are so well adapted to inform the understanding and to improve the heart; and Sunday schools, whose aim is to store the mind at an early period of life, with the principles of Christianity; and the Missionary Societies, whose design is to propagate the religion of Christ among all nations, and to gather souls from the four winds into his kingdom ; and Theo- logical Seminaries, in which ministers of the Gospel are suita- bly prepared for their holy office ; and Evangelical Religious Periodicals, by which knowledge is increased, zeal awakened, and piety promoted. He well knows that all these are de- structive to his power, and that if they are permitted to exert their energies in peace, his kingdom cannot prosper. But it is impossible to explain why Christians, who declare that they "would shrink from proposing a single objection to the extension of the Christian religion," why Protestant Chris- tians, why members of the Reformed and the Lutheran churches, should join in the same hostility and unite in the same warfare, ao-ainst these thing-s. What has the Protestant Christian to fear from them, that he should jom with such associates in such a crusade? A reason for this conduct is assigned in the first resolve, viz: that these institutions "are desisrned to elevate and sustain the authority of the Piiesthood, and so considered, are dangerous to the hberties of the people." Is it not difficult to comprehend w^hat these Christians and Patriots mean by the sneering term priesthood : they apply it to those ministers of religion, in the Protestant Christian Church, who foster the benevolent institutions which they abhor. It is well known that the ministers of the Protestant Churches are no Priesthood in the literal sense of the term ; as they do not pretend, in that sense, to offer up sacrifices of any sort. The ministry of the Church of Rome assert that, the mass is liter- ally a sacrifice which they offer to God ; and they claim for that reason to be a Priesthood. Protestant ministers maintahi that Jesus Christ is the only priest, and his death upon the cross the only sacrifice of his church. They, therefore, dis- claim the office of priests, and profess to be only pastors and teachers. This fact, I presume the Committee w^ho reported these resolutions, knew; but the term Priesthood presented so inviting an opportunity to confound Protestant ministers with 282 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. Popish priests, and to involve them all in a common odim, that they could not forbear to use it. There is some malignity in this conduct, and a pleasure is evidently felt in the indul- gence of it. It is not so easy to understand what they mean by the au- thority of the Priesthood, which our benevolent institutions "are designed to elevate and sustain." In the United States, ministers of all denominations possess no other than purely spiritual authority : they are officers of a kingdom which is not of this world : as such, they are authorized to teach and pro- pagate the religion of Christ, to administer his sacraments, and to exercise the discipline which is necessary for the purity and the edification of his church. This authority they have from God who gave some Apostles and some Prophets, and some Evangelists, and some Pastors and Teachers, for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ; and commanded them to teach all nations, to preach his gospel to every creature, to seek first his king- dom and its righteousness, and to labor as well as to pray that his name may be hallowed, that his kingdom may come, and that his will may be done on earth as it is in heaven,* (i. e., in all places, by all, and with delight.) This authority can neither be "elevated" nor depressed, neither "sustained" nor over- thrown, by any thing which men can do. But the benevolent institutions, w^hich the zealous disciples and friends of Jesus es- tablish, bring together a great store of means, and a powerful co-operation of fellow christians, to enable ministers of the gos- pel more efl'ectually to execute their Lord's commands. If this be what is meant by "elevating and sustaining the authority of the Priesthood," I should like to be informed what harm it can possibly do to the liberties or the happiness of man ; or how Je- sus Christ himself can escape the reproaches of those who can see nothing but danger, harm and wickedness in it. If Christian ministers were aiming at temporal power, I can- not conceive how the institutions which they cherish could pos- sibly subserve their design. The learned and candid authors of the report refer us to the "history of by-gone ages" for proof of the danger to be apprehended from "a body of men, assum- ing to be the intepreters of the divine word, and the directors * Ephes. 4, 11, 12. Math, 28, 19, 20. Mark 16, 15. Math. 5, 33.— Math. 6, 9, 10. HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 283 of men's consciences;" but they have not informed us by what means those wicked men established their tyranny and intro- duced so much corruption and misery into Christendom. Was it by supplying every destitute family with a copy of the Bible in the vulgar tongue? by distributing tracts in which the doc- trines of the Bible were stated and explained ? by estabhshing Sunday Schools in which children, and especially the poor, were taught to read, and were instructed in the Holy Scrip- tures? by pubhshing periodicals in which Christian doctrines and duties were freely discussed and illustrated? or by preach- ing repentance, fiiith in Christ, and holiness of life, and de- nouncing the wrath of God against impenitent and wicked men? By such means, the " Priesthood" might indeed have enlight- ened and improved their flocks, and made them happy, both in this world and in the next ; but they could not possibly have established a priestly tyranny in the church. The people would have known what Christianity is: they would have un- derstood both their rights and their duties; they would have discerned the nature and design of the Christian ministry, and would have been in a condition to judge the claims and the conduct of their spiritual guides by the unerring rule of the Holy Scriptures. An iniquitous spiritual domination can sub- sist only where the people are very ignorant and superstitious. This the "ambitious Priesthood" of " by-gone ages" were sa- gacious enough to perceive, and they accordingly took the measures to introduce a sottish ignorance and superstition into the church. The Bible was taken away and shut up as a dan- gerous book; permission to read it could be obtained only as a special favor by a very few in whom the Priesthood confided ; and the people were told that they must learn the will of God from the lips of the priest only, and receive his statements as the oiacles of truth. The sermons which the people heard and the books which they were permitted to read, if they could read at all, were filled with the senseless legends of pretended saints, and extravagant commendations of the pope, the saints, images, relics, pilgrimages, prayers and masses for the dead, &c., &c. It was denounced as an insolent impiety, if proof was demanded for the truth of any of these things. A con- tented ignorance and imphcit faith in the infallibihty of the church was, wdth them, the very summit of Christian excellen- cy. It was not even necessary that a Christian should know 234 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. what the church believed. It was sufficient if he admitted that, whatever it be, it must be true. An "overreaching and ambitious priesthood" claimed to be the interpreters of the Avord of God, and the directors of men's consciences. Putting themselves in the place of the Bible, they shut out the hght from every other source of information, and demanded that their decisions should be received as the rule of men's faith and practice: and having thus got men's consciences into their pow- er, they filled their minds with superstitious trumperies, instead of heal thfid truth. It was in this manner that their wicked dominion was established. Plow long would their tyranny have lasted, if the priesthood of that age had changed their system, and adopted the measures which the enlightened meet- ing in Heidelberg so much reprobate in the Protestant clergy of the present age? It would have disappeared in a very little time. The Reformers attacked, and in part demolished it, by preaching the same doctrine v/hich is now preached ; by trans- lating the bible into the vulgar tongue, and circulating it as much as possible; by publishing great numbers of religious books and tracts; by establishing primary schools for the in- struction of youth, and seminaries of learning which were espe- cially designed to prepare young men for the ministry of the Gospel; by catechising the children on Sundays, and compiling catechisms and other suitable books for their use; and, in short, by a system of measures the same in its nature and tendency, though somewhat different in its form, fiom that which is now pursued. If this system had been permitted to operate univer- sally, not a vestige of the priestly tyranny of Rome would have remained. The Hierarchy could maintain their ground, as far as they kept it, only by setting bounds to these operations, and extinguishing, as far as possible, the light which the Reformers had kindled ; and they effected this by fire and sword, by dun- geons and racks, by the terrors of the Inquisition, and by calum- nies which were designed, like those of the good men of Hei- delberg, to ruin the fair fame and destroy the influence of the men whom they opposed. Wherever this system can now" operate in popish countries, it either destroys popei-y, or re- forms it and bring it near in its spirit to protestantism. The pious and liberal portion of the Romish priesthood are its warm friends and supporters. There are in that communion such men as Leander Van Ess. But the other part, who are HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES-. 285 iritent only on the maintenance of their own power and emolu-< rnent, treat it, as it was treated in the days of the Reformation, with anathemas, calumnies, and persecutions; and join very cor- dially in the sentiments and language of the meeting in Heidel- berg. If by the "elevating and sustaining of the authority of the Priesthood," these men, who have so much respect for the Christian religion, and for the office of the Christian ministry as an appointment of Jesus Christ, mean that the various in- stitutions and religious operations, which they oppose, will in- crease the influence of clergymen, I freely admit the fact to a certain extent. They will enlighten the public mind on the subject of rehgion, spread the influence of pure Christianity, improve public and private virtue, withdraw the affections from earth to heaven, hght up the hope of immortality, and open the fountains of divine consolation. In accomplishing this, they will place in a stronger light the excellency of true rehgion and the value of an intelligent and devoted ministry, and will consequently procure for those clergymen, who are men of the right character, a larger measure of confidence, re- spect, and love, and a more extensive influence than they would otherwise have enjoyed ; but they will not increase the influence of a man in whom an enlightened and virtuous community can discern no just claims to their esteem. He will succeed only among the ignorant and ungodly, who are like himself as he is like them. He might be popular with the corrupt party in the church of Rome; or figure at a meeting where Bible Societies, Sunday Schools, &c., are reprobated and denounced. He may raise himself to consequence and power where the people love darkness rather than light, and are not likely to discover his unfitness for the sacred office. But he must be a man of real merit, who can sustain himself in a community where there is much intelligence, much piety, and much devotedness to the Redeemer's cause ; and his influence in it will be only in the proportion in which he deserves to [be esteemed. It is the in-^ terest of preachers of low grovelling minds and little vrorth, to discourage every thing, by which the community may be en- lightened and improved, and a higher standard of fitness for the gospel ministry is raised ; or which may oblige them to more activity and self denial. Such men will not be the originators Gf Bible Societies, Sunday Schools, Theological SerainarieSi 286 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES- &c.; nor will they ever give them a cordial support, when- others have originated them. If the meeting at Heidelberg choose to select their preachers from this class, I beg leave to refer them to Paul's affecting charge to Timothy. — 2 Tim., 4, 1—4. I am unable to comprehend how the influence which the Clergy may gain by the measures they have adopted and the objects they are pursuing, can possibly be dangerous to the liberties of the people. If their influence be in proportion to the confidence reposed in them by an enlightened and virtuous community ; if it be acquired by spreading christian knowledge and virtue, and by making themselves more useful and worthy of esteem; it can be dangerous to nothing but vulgarity, ignor- ance and vice. If by liberty the Heidelberg patriots mean li- centiousness, the whole matter is very clear: that sort of liber- ty is in much danger from such an influence; but if they mean by it the unrestrained enjoyment of the rights which God has given us, it is a thing which can only be safe where men are intelligent and truly virtuous. Nothing can be more conge- nial to it than the influence of a body of clergy w^hom such a people honor with their confidence. Nothing, on the con- trary, can be mor^ pernicious to it than the principles of those who are at open war with Bible Societies, Missionary Socie- ties, Sunday Schools, Theological Seminaries, &c. The Heidelberg meeting ouajht to have known that the cler- gy are not exclusively the authors and promoters of these m-. stitutions. They have been originated, supported, and promo-^ ted by associations of the zealous friends of the christian reli- gion, consisting of persons of both sexes and of every condition in life, of whom the clergy form but a very small part. They are not confined to any one denomination of Christians, nor to any one country, but are found in all Christendom, where any religious liberty exists. Among their supporters are a very large portion of the most intelligent, virtuous and patriotic citi- zens of every country ; whose opinions upon political questions and upon other points of religion are, in many instances, as op- posite as the Poles, and who would be induced to unite in no other common object than that of propagating the religion of Jesus Christ, and thereby promoting the happiness of mankind. Many of these refuse to unite with general associations, prefer- ring societies composed exclusively of members of their own re* HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 287 ligious denominations, and designed to propagate theii- own pe- culiar mode of faith and worship; because that alone appears to them entirely scriptural ; but the main design is still the same, namely to spread the religion of Christ. Can it be imagined, without absurdity, that all these indi- viduals have conspired to raise '^'a corrupt Priesthood" over their own heads and to make themselves and their fellow chris- tians slaves? Do they contribute their money, their talents and their time to destroy the precious boon of religious liberty, for which so many myriads of Protestants, whose memory they cherish with the warmest affection, sullered the loss of all things, and so much christian blood was shed ; or are they ignorant of the design and tendency of their religious operations, the dupes of a crafty and wicked priesthood, and do they need to have their eyes opened by the more enlightened meeting at Heidelberg? So this singular publication would have us to be- lieve I But, it is urged, that these religious institutions are "com- mitted to ecclesiastical hands, or subjected to ecclesiastical control." The ignorant reader would infer from these words that the entire management of them is exclusively in the hands of clergymen. But this surely is not the truth. The business of every religious association is transacted by a Board of Mana- gers, elected by the associaton, of whom a part only are cler- gymen. The reason why clergymen are appointed is a very plain one. The confidence they usually enjoy, the nature of their office as ministers of rehgion, and their disengagedness from the distractions of worldly business, are supposed to fit them best for management of a religious or charitable institu- tion; but it is the moral and religious transactions only that re- ceive their attention : as Treasurers whose duty it is to man- age the pecuniary concerns of the institution, laymen are almost universally appointed. A report of their proceedings, together with a statement of the receipts and expenditures, is laid before the Society at its anniversary meeting, and is afterwards pub- lished for the information of the public. If the members of the Heidelberg meeting had read the religious periodical, instead of proscribing them, they would have obtained some know- ledge of the subject which they have undertaken to expose ; and they would then have seen that the dangers, which have .so much alarmed them, are like those that fiighten children, and 288 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. that they might very safely dismiss their fears and remain at home in peace. The officers of religious Societies receive no compensation for their services, except in those few instances where the du- ties of the office require so much attention, that they require the whole or a very large portion of the officer's time, and make it necessary that a suitable provision be made for his support. This is the case of the treasurers, secretaries, and general agents of some societies, whose business is very exten- sive. All others contribute their services gratuitously, and in addition to these contribute their money also. It is therefore no temporal advantage to clergymen, if they are appointed to the management of religious and charitable institutions. On the contrary, it is very often a disadvantage ; and sometimes a pretty serious one too. Because religion and charity are considered more properly their concern, more is ex- pected from them than from other officers, and they are obliged, for that reason, more frequently to attend meetings and to take an active part in transacting their business. A single clergy- man in one of our cities spends more time, labour and money, in the cause of humanity, without receiving any earthly com- pensation for it, than, perhaps, the whole meeting at Heidel- berg, officers and all, have ever devoted to that object. On this account selfish, covetous and narrow-minded clergymen, usually avoid all connexion with these institutions, and still more with the management of them; or, if they cannot for shame avoid it, are very heartless and negligent in it. This report produces not a single argument or fact to show that these institutions have been abused, or that their tendency is dangerous, or that their authors and promoters are corrupt and plotting men. All this is insinuated again and again, with sufficient boldness; and it is abundantly evident that, if proof were at hand, it would be triumphantly exhibited ; but these righteous judges content themselves with merely resting such heavy charges upon opinions for entertaining which they assign no reason: "We regard," "We consider," "It is our sincere opinion," &c., &c. This it seems must suffice. The public ■must believe thein, because they think so: and upon this ground all the friends of religious and charitable institutions, who en- deavor by such means to diffuse the religion of the Bible, are denounced as " hypocrites seeking their own aggrandizement^ HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 289 or deluded fanatics, whose blindness seeks to involve twelve millions of free and happy people between the fangs of an over- reaching and ambitious priesthood/' and ministers of Christ, who cannot conscientiously abandon these institutions, are to be driven from their pulpits and churches, and turned out upon the world together with their families, without bread or shel- ter I !I Here are patriotism and Christianity with a veno-eance. If this be not the spirit of popery in its worst form, I have yet to learn what that spirit is. O shams upon such professors of religion — such members of a Protestant church! There is a good reason to baUeve that the master spirits, both at this meeting, and at the formar one in Lancaster coun- ty, were some intriguing infidels; sams wolves in sheep's cloth- ing. Of these our country has enough; and that section of it is not without them. By these an ill informed and credulous body of m^n are wrought into a phrenzy of passions by repre- sentations that their liberties are in danger. I have been in- formed, by good authority, that the author of the report and resolutions adopted by the meeting in Lancaster county, is the editor of an irreligious publication called the German Reformer. This second production, contains abundant internal evidence of a similar authorship. How much of it the meeting at Heidel- bsrn understood, I know not. I believe that what they have done was done in their ignorance, and I am disposed to pray in their behalf, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." I have the satisfaction to know that no clergymen in connexion with our Synod had any connexion with this un- worthy transaction. — Mag. Ger. Reformed Church. 25 ADDENDA Every effort made to ameliorate the condition of man or to alleviate his pains and sufferings, should claim the attention of the philanthropist. To bring to notice, and preserve to future days, an effort of the kind, the following has been introduced : MEDICAL FACULTY OF BERKS COUNTY. The practising physicians of this county, having associated and become a body politic in law, under the above style and title, met agreeably to public notice, on Saturday evening, the 7th of August, 1824, at the pubhc building of this borough, and duly organized their institution. Doct. Isaac Hiester was called to the Chair, and Doct, Charles Baum appointed Secretary. The charter and by-laws having been read, the following gentlemen were elected officers for the ensuing year. Isaac Hiester, M. D., President. C. L. Schlemm, M. D. ^. p^,, .^,„^, John B, Otto, M. D. \ ^^^^ Presidents. Charles Baum, M. D., Recording Secretary. Edward Haydo'^k, m'. d! | ^'^^'^f^S- ^'^'^y^' George Eckert, M. D., Treasurer. Dr. Bernard M'Neil, ) ^ , Dr. Gerh. G. Bisho;, \ ^^^«^^^^- The President delivered a short address to the associationj and then proceeded agreeably to the by-laws to appoint a stand- HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 291 ing committee of three members for the examination of candi- dates for the grade of junior membership. The following gen- tlemen compose the committe, C. L. Schlemm, M. D., John B. Otto, M. D., and Charles Baum, M. D. The following resolutions were then oifered, discussed and adopted. Resolved, That the members of the Medical Faculty be re- quested to furnish monthly to the corresponding secretaries, a list of the diseases and deaths that may occur in their respec- tive neighborhoods, and an account of the general health of the county, together with such remarks as they may deem pror per for publication. Resolved, That it is expedient to apprize the public of the existence of small pox in this borough, and that inasmuch as this body retains undiminished confidence in vaccination, this mild and safe preventative be strongly recommended in all cases deemed liable to the infection of that loathsome and too often fatal disease. Resolved, That the students in medicine of Berks county have permission to attend the meetings and deliberations of this body. Resolved, That one hundred copies of the constitution and by-laws of the medical faculty of Berks county, be printed in pamphlet form, under the superintendence of a committee con- sisting of Drs. Otto, Baum and Bishop, and that the proceed- ings of this evening, together with the inaugural address of the president, be published in the several papers of this borough, signed by the President and attested by the Secretary. On motion, Resolved, That the President deliver an oration in public as soon as may be convenient, in the name and on behalf of this faculty. The faculty adjourned to the next stated meeting on the first Saturday in October next, at 7 o'clock, P. M. Charles Baum, Recording Secretary, ADDRESS. Gentlemen of the Medical Faculty: — My •warnjest acknow- ledgments are due to you for honoring me, by an unanimpus 292 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. vote, with the first office of your society ; and the best pledge I can oifer of my future zeal for its prosperity, is the interest I have already taken in its establishment. Now that our institution, (which is the first of the kind in Pennsylvania, except the college of physicians and medical so- ciety of Philadelphia,) is organized, permit me to remark that, we commence our operations under auspices solemn and impres- sive. We have not, like those of most other associations, chosen to form ourselves into a self constituted body, liable to be dis- solved by every adverse breeze; but have boldly demanded the sanction of the proper authorities, and we found our existence on the permanent basis of an act of incorporation. The invitation we have thus virtually given to the profes- sion elsewhere, and to the public generally, to mark our origin and observe our progress, imposes upon us new and weighty obhgations, in addition to those ordinarily incumbent en the practising physician. Carefully to observe diseases, diligently to watch their immense variety of symptoms, and faithfully to charge the memory with the effects of remedies, as guides in future practice, are duties indispensable to every practitioner who aims at individual excellence : But associated as we now are, for the avowed as well as substantial purpose of improving medical knowledge in this part of the country, and thereby en- larging our usefulness to the community, more will justly be expected from us in our collective capacity. "I hold,"' says Lord Bacon, "every man a debtor to his profession ; frcm which as men of course do seek countenance and profit, so ought they of duty to endeavor themselves, by way of amends, to be a help and an ornament thereunto." The imperfect state of the medical profession in common with all others, its dependence mainly, for improvement on an accumulation of practical facts, and above all its immense importance to mankind, renders it pe- culiarly incumbent on its members, wherever they may be loca- ted, to contribute their aid to its advancement. Dispersed, however, as we are, in different parts of the country, and con- fined to oar respective circles of practice by a pursuit at once arduous and painful, we have little leisure, and perhaps less in- clination to commit to paper, for the inspection of others, the results of our individual experience and observation. Insulated with regard to our professional brethren, the only competent judges of our merit, and accustomed to the indiscriminate HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 293 praises of our patients, we are in continual danger of mistaking the reputation we enjoy for actual superiority of skill; while we daily drop in the rear of our contemporaries by neglecting to cultivate those vast accessions of knowledge to our science that so pre-eminently distinguish the age in which we live. — Without the advantage of a frequent exchange, and comparison of knowledge with our brethren in practice, we are inclined to listen to the suggestions of vanity, and imagine ourselves stand- ards of perfection, while we glide into a dull routine of prac^ tice exclusively founded on our own limited experience. The solemn obligation of every practitioner, to bring to the bed- side of his patient the most enlightened views of disease, and the best curative means, afforded by the present state of the healing art, is forgotten, and there is a disposition in cases of failure, to seek refuge from the reproaches of an offended con^? sciences in the miserable reflection that "we have done our duty to the best of our knowledge." An unlimited sanction is thus given to indolence or ignorance, as the case may be ; while the high responsibilities, and real dignity of the profession in re- lieving the sufferings of our fellow creatures, and preserving human life, are lost in their subserviency to a sordid subsistence, and prostituted to purposes purely mercenary. Deprived of professional intercourse, and little inclined to invigorate the judgment by study and reflection, our intellects tend to assimi- late with those of our associates as certainly as heat tends to an equilibrium; and such, moreover, is the disposition of the human mind to collapse, that without the application of power- ful incentives, the mere practising physician is especially liable to deteriorate rather than improve. Other professions would seem to have the advantage of being better comprehended by the mass of mankind, than that of medicine. Law and theolo- gy, although abstract sciences in their extended ramificationsj are nevertheless founded in the constitution of human nature. — As every one has a sense of Deity, which is the origin of the one, so every individtral has a sense of right and wrong, which is the ^'fi-structure of the other science ; but where is the man who without much study, and a knowledge especially of anato-r my, and the laws of the animal economy, can clearly compre-; hend a single disease? While the lawyer therefore, or the divine, may be said to meet with a professional companion in some measure, in evei-y one with whom he is disposed to con- 2d* 294 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. verse, the physician alone feels himself a stranger in thought, in language, and in action. Whatever may be his stock of knowledge when he begins his career in practice, he soon dis- covers, if he was not before aware, that he has been taught a science and a language not intelligible to any one out of his profession. To avoid the imputation of pedantry, he retreats within himself, and is in danger of losing not only the principles but even the very nomenclature of his science. To counteract such tendency by creating a spirit of generous emulation, to elevate the profession by exciting a thirst for general know- ledge, and to cultivate a taste for observation and inquiry by combining the efforts and skill of physicians in various parts of the country, are surely objects worthy of our institution. ISAAC HIESTER, M. D., President. Attest : Charles Baum, Secretary, BRIEF SKETCH OF THE HIESTER FAMLY. The name of Hiester is so extensively connected -with the general and State governments, that a brief sketch of the family may not be uninteresting. Their remote ancestors were of Si- lesian origin. From that comitry they were distributed throughout Austria, Bavaria, Saxony, Switzerland, and the countries bordering on the river Rhine. The immediate ances- tors of the present race of that name in this country, emio'rated from Witzenstein, in Westphalia, and arrived in America in the early part of the 18th century. They consisted of three bro- thers, Daniel, John, and Joseph, who all took up their resi- dence in the first place at Goshen-hoppen, then in Philadelphia, now in Montgomery county. Here Daniel at once purchased a farm which was somewhat improved. After explorino- and becoming better acquainted with the country, they united in purchasing from the Proprietary government, between two and three thousand acres of land in Bern township, now Berks county. Here John and Joseph settled, while Daniel remained at the old homestead. Having thus, with the characteristic prudence of those primitive days, first secured the means of supporting fixmilies, they next, in due time, formed matrimo- nial alliances with American women, and "set themselves down each under his own vine and fig tree," to enjoy, in the pursuit of Agriculture, the fruits of their virtuous enterprize. As they had been induced to leave their own native country by the vassalage of an oppressive government, which exacted 296 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. not onlj onerous taxes, but also a portion of the time and labor of its subjects, they naturally cherished in the minds of their descendants, a lofty spirit of freedom. Accordingl}-, when the revolutionary war broke out, they were among the first to en- roll themselves in the list of "Associaters." The efficient ser- vices of this class of citizen soldiers, which were organized by electing two Brigadier Generals at Lancaster on the 4th of Ju- ly, 1776, afterwards rendered in the campaigns of N. Jersey, N. York, Delaware, and the lower parts of Pennsylvania, is a well known matter of history. Daniel, of Montgomery, John, of Chester, and Gabriel, of Berks, the three eldest sons of Daniel, entered the service as field officers, the two former with the rank of Colonel, and the latter with that of Major. Wil- liam, the fourth and youngest son of Daniel, although also en- rolled, did not, on account of his extreme youth and the infirr mity of his aged parents, serve more than one campaign. Jo- seph Hiester, afterwards Governor of Pennsylvania, the only son of John, entered the service as a captain in the " Flying Camp," and having been made a prisoner at the battle of Long Island, and confined on board the notorious Jersey Prison Ship, New Jersey, he was, after his exchange, promoted \o the rank of Colonel. After the war, he and his two cousins, Daniel and John, were elected to the rank of Majors General of the militia in their respective districts. The popularity these men gained by their devotion to country, and the public spirit during the eventful struggles of the revolutionary war, never forsook them. After the conclusion of peace, they all enjoyed, by the suffrages of the people, a large share in the councils of the State, and general Government. General Daniel Hiester was the first representative in Congress, under the present constitution, from Berks county, of which he had in the meantime become a citir zen. In 1796 he removed to Maryland, where he was again repeatedly elected to the same ofiice, from the districts com- posed of Washington, Frederick and Allegheny counties, until the time of his decease, which occurred at Washington city, in. the Session of 1801 — 2. Joseph Hiester was electefl a mem- ber of the convention which met in Philadelphia, in November, 1787, to consider and ratify, or reject the present constitution of the United States; and in 1789, he was a member of the convention which formed the second constitution of this State. Under that constitution, he and Gabriel Hiester, who had also HISTORV OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 297 been a member of the convention which formed the first State constitution, were repeatedly elected to the legislature, the lat- ter continuing either in the Senate or House of Representatives, uninterruptedly, for nearly thirty years. General Joseph Hies- ter, after the removal of Daniel to Maryland, represented his district, composed in part of Berks county, in Congress, and about the same time General John Hiester, was also chosen a member of the same body from Chester county. Both were re-elected for a series of years — the former, until he resigned in 1820, when he was elected Governor of Pennsylvania, and the latter until he declined a re-election, and retired to private life.* * See pages 175 to 180, antea. H 1ST ORY LEBANON COUNTY CHAPTEH L LEBANON COUNTY ERECTED. It has been shown, in a preceding page, (117,) that Philadelphia, Bucks and Chester counties were estabhshed in 1682; Lancas- ter in 1729; York in 1749; Cumberland in 1750; Berks in 1752 ; which, prior to that time, was a part of Lancaster coun- ty, as well as Lebanon; and afterwards, till 1785, when Dau- phin county was separated from Lancaster, embracing the whole of Dauphin and Lebanon counties, till then. Lebanon county was formed from parts of the counties of Dauphin and Lancaster, by an act of Assembly, passed Febru- ary 16, 1813. Its present limits are as follows : It is bounded on the north-east by Berks and Schuylkill counties, on the south-east by Lancaster, on the south-west and north-west by Dauphin; length and breadth, seventeen miles — containing two hundred and eighty-eight square miles — being a little more than one-fourth the superficial area of Berks county. Though Lebanon is small, yet it is one of the finest counties in the Stale of Pennsylvania. It forms a part of the great transition formation, lying chiefly between the south mountain and the Kittatiny range. "It is distinguished for the fertility of its soil, and the value of its agricultural productions. The 26 302 HISTORY OF B£RKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. limestone land is generally considered the best ; but in the eat- Careus portions of the slate formation, there are many excel-^ lent and highly productive farms."* The greater proportion of the original settlers of this part of Pennsylvania, was German, except the western and north-wes- tern part of Lebanon county, Londonderry township, which was originally settled by Scotch and Irish, whose descendants^- however, have nearly all disappeared, and given place to the present industrious, frugal and thrifty German population. The history of the early settlements and Indian massacres, is so completely merged with the history of Berks, that little of interest, separately considered, remains to be noticed. Be- sides, but little has been preserved, by record or tradition, of the early history of the portion embraced within the present limits of Lebanon county. What has been preserved, and what has been gleaned, is, however, of an authentic character. The best sources have been resorted to. In the history, as well as the topographical description of the townships of this country, Lebanon township being among the first settled and organized, claims precedence. LEBANON^ TOWNSHIP. Lebanon township was, till 1739, a large township, when in May of that year, the Court of Lancaster, ordered that Bethel township be erected, which was then bounded as follows: — " That the division line begin at Swatara creek, at a stony ridge, about half a mile below John Tittle's, and continuing, along the said ridge easterly to Tolpehocken township, to the northward of Tobias Piekels, so as to leave John Benaugle, Adam Steel, Thomas Ewersly and ]\Iathias Tise, to the south- ard of the said line ; that the northernmost division be named, and called Bethel — the southern division continue the name Lebanon. When Berks county was erected the greater part of Bethel was included by and separated with that county. Lebanon township was first settled by Germans; many of whose descendants are still the owners of their ancestors"" * C. B. Trego's Gebg. of Pa., p. 274. HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 303 first warranted lands. The first settlers of the county were some families of the Tulpehocken settlements, in the western part of it — now within the eastern limits of Lebanon. These have been noticed before. The rude huts, erected and occupied by these and others of the first settlers, have long since peiished, and in their stead, others were erected, and these in their turn are superseded by others of more durable materials, and more commodious. Where the scrub oaks stood thick, there are now highly improved farms, fertile fields, and smiling gardens. The persevering ef- forts of the husbandman are richly crowned. The first settlers, for the want of better ones, had to help themselves, as well as they could, with simple and rude uten- sils, furniture and fixtures, both culinary and agricultural ; their accommodations and comforts were ao-restical. Wide contrast — mstead of puncheon floors, carpets deck smooth plamed ones. One instance — hundreds might be given — of the first settlers in this township will be noticed. The writer's father's mater- nal grandfather, Michael Burst, a Palatine, on arriving in Phi- ladelphia, in August 1729, wended his course by Manatawny and Tulpehocken, westward some seventy-five miles into the wilderness, from the town of Philadelphia, squatted among the Indians, on a tract of land two miles north-west from the pre- sent site of the town of Lebanon. The farm is now owned by Joseph Light, near Lebanon. Burst's nearest white neighbors were the Noacres and Spy- kers, and others, who had settled in 1723 to 1729, at the west end of the Tulpehocken settlement. To answer his wants, he erected a cabin or hut — not unlike the shantees put up by the Irish a few years ago, near the same place, when excavating the canal. When Michael Burst ,or Boarst, left Germany for America, he was accompanied by rising of seventy Palatine families, making in all about one hundred and eighty persons. They were imported in the ship Mortonhouse, James Coultas, master, from Rotterdam, but last from Deal, as by clearance thence dated, 21st of June, 1729. They arrived iri August, and signed the following declaration the 19th of August. We, subscribers, natives and late inhabitants of the Palatinate 304 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. upon the Rhine, and places adjacent, having transported our- selves and families into this Province of Pennsylvania, a colony subject to the crown of Great Britain, in hopes and expectation of finding a retreat and peaceable settlement therein, do solemn- ly promise and engage, tliat we will be faithful, and bear true allegiance to his present Majesty, King George the Second, and his successor, King of Great Britain, and will be faithful to the Proprietor of this Piovince; and that we will demean ourselves peaceably to all his said Majesty's subjects, and strictly observe and conform to the laws of England, and of this Province, to the utmost of our power, and best of our un- derstanding. Among others w^ho sailed in the same ship, were the follow^- ing: — John Philip Rank, John Miller, Michael Urehck, Jacob Bowman, Dirick Adam Weidle, John Rice, Christopher Bum- garner, Johannes Orde, Jacob Fetter, Jacob Eshelman, Chris- topher Fry, Jacob Over, David Mantar.don, Martin Alstadtant, Adam Scharabach, Valentine Fikus, Conrad Killinor, Johannes Brinkler, Casper Dorest.* The region of country in which he located, waspreviously known among the Indians as " Qicitopahecla/' i. e.. Snake Harbor ; for Burst's first work, in the morning, v.'as, to kill snakes, in and outside of the hut. For the w^ant of earthen ware, they used gourds or calabashes, as drinking cups, and for "milk pans." Burst's location formed a kind of nucleus for a more dense and extended settlement. George Steitz soon followed Burst, and located south-east from him, on the Quitopahila creek. The greater proportion of land between Steitz's and Burst's, was located by Casper Wiester, the brass button-maker, (and son-in-law^ of Mr. Zimmermari*, of Lancaster county,) who sold several hundred acres, in 1738, to John Licht, grandfather of Joseph Licht ; or, as now spelt — Light. The Deed describes the southern boundary of this farm, "South by George Steitz's settlement," &c. Among others who settled in and about Burst's and Steitz's, besides Licht, at this period, were Peter Kuecher, Martin Meyhn, Henrich Klein, John Adam Kettring, John George Hederick, Jacob Rieger, Anastatius Uhler. Though many of them commenced with small means, they acquired so much of * Col. Rec. iii 390. HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 305 tills world's goods, as to render them not only comfortable, but many grew rich. From the subjoined inventory of goods and chattels, the property of Michael Burst, deceased,* it will be seen that he was well calculated to settle in a new country. It is evident he had all the necessaries to get along, and help his neighbors too. Anaccountofthe effects that belonged tothedec'd, Michael Burst, Five head of horses and mares, £14, 10, 0. Eight head of cows, £13, 10, 0, Six sheep, £1, 10. The dec'd, Michael Burst's clothes, £1, 3, A gun, Gi". Two spinning wheels, Ss. Woollen and linen yarn, £1, 3, A piece of linen cloth, £2. Two stone bottles 4*, Four books, £1. Two chests, 7^-. A tailor's shears and goose, 3,y, A hammer and anvil, 45-. Two augurs and a draw- ing knife, O^-, A log chain, 13^. A plantation wagon, plough and gears, £2, 10, A cutting knife and steel, 9^. Old iron tools, £1, Earthen ware, 4^'. Wooden vessels, 13^'. Eight bags, 15,?, A saddle and bridle, lOi-. A sow and pigs, 12^. The plantation, £40, Debts owing to Michael Burst from Adam Clately, £8, 10, and Henry Peters, £4,10, £99 1-5 This part of the county being the garden spot, soon a large number of families, Mennonites and others, settled thick around here. The massive three story house, with a " hipped roof," erected by John Licht in 1742, was a regular monthly meeting place, where the Mermonites met for worship. The Moravians also had a house of worship erected prior to 1743, hard by the * Michael Burst died in 1741. The widow, Barhara Burst, administered, entered into bond, to faithfully execute her trust. Her sureties were George. Steitz and Anastatius Uhier. Bond, entered at Lancaster, Nov. 3. 1741, 26* £28 o o 10 1 17 2 4 1 10 9 3 3 1 J. 9 1 12 41 2 13 306 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. Quitopahilla, a mile east of the present site of Lebanon, and a few hundred yards north from the stone Oratorium, which was built in 1750. The Moravian communion was considerable. In 1748, they held a synod for the transaction of ecclesiastical business in the wooden building, on the banks of Quitopahila. Loskiel says: "Soon after Bishop Cammerhofs return from Shamokin, a synod was held in Quitopahila ; in which the mission among the Indians was considered with much attention, and the following principles reviewed and approved: 1. The Brethren do not think, that they are called to bap- tize whole nations; for it is more to the purpose, to gain one converted soul, than to persuade many to take merely the name and outward form of Christianity. 2. We are not discouraged by the dangers and hardships at- tending the labor among the heathens, but always bear in re- membrance, that our Lord endured distress and death itself, to gain salvation for us, and rested not till the great work was finished. If, after the most strenuous exertions of soul and body, one soul is gained for Christ, we have an ample re- ward. 3. We will continue to preach nothing to the heathen but Jesus, and him crucified, repeating the same testimony of his gospel, till the hearts of the heathen are awakened to believe ; being fully convinced, that the power of the cross is the word of God, which is alone able to bring souls fiom darkness into light. 4. The missionaries should never reject any heathen, not even the most abandoned and profligate, but consider them as persons, to whom the grace of Jesus Christ ought to be of- fered."— Loskiel, P. ii, p. 108, 109. The names of the principal families connected with the He- bron station, or Quitopahila church, were Kuecher, Meylin, Klein, Kettring, Hederick, Rieger, Huber, Rathforn, Wagner, Waschebach, OHnger, Schmal, George, Teis, Trachsler, Re- wald, Mies, Urich, Danneberger, Heckedorn, Christman, Strue- big, Stoehr, Etler, German, Orth. Lebanon township contained in 1750, nearly one hundred and thirty taxables, as appears from the Tax Duplicate. Adam HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 307 Ulrich, was collector for that year. Their names have been preserved, and are as follows : Jacob Steiner, Ulrich Burkholder, Robert Boyd, John Espy, Jacob Helenger, George Berger, John Schnog, Michael Boarst, Benjamin Brechtbill, Jacob Maron, Joseph Gingerich, Christian Neave, Michael Gingerich, George Miller, Ulrich Zollino-er, Nicholas Huber, Peter Smith, Wollerich Steiner, Baltsar Road, Peter Witmer, Martin Miley, Felix Landis, Henry Bowman, John Gerber, Jacob Stouller, Peter Gingerich, John Heisey, George Hetterick, Michael Holt, John Adam Schneider, Os- wald Neis, George Strohm, Jacob WooJf, Andrew Wild, Wil- liam Burgholder, Abraham Witman, Geoi-ge Peters, Leonard Young, John Helams, Christian Better, Harman Egel, Daniel Seller, Abraham Corman, Michael Wambler, Jacob Diets, Ja- cob Meyers, Nicholas Neig, Jacob Huknan, Michael Schune- her, Adam Wenrich, Mathew Strawer, Henry Sanders, John Schalley, Philip Park,"Jona'tKan ireicl,llalph Whiteside, John Troxel, Casper Lieper, John Licht, sen., George Elliger, Tho- mas Hamraersly, John Hallenbach, Leonard Umberger, Thomas Clarke, John Clarke, Michael Polter, John M'Clintick, Rich- ard Robertson, Peter Gingerich, Jacob Geremor, Philip Byers, John Brechtbill, Christopher Siraonus, John Bernwalt, Henry Smith, Jacob Bian, Adam Bog, John Kreider, Henry Little, Jacob Graf, Christian Kreider, Christopher Myers, Jacob Hers- berger, John Dewalt, Martin Hoof, Peter VVoolf, Philip Olo- ger, Robert Warner, Conrad Braun, Adam Wolert, John Schwob, George Schitz, Martin Hostetter, Geo. Huber, John Whitmore, Peter Hailman, Peter Yoder, Christian Long, Pe- ter Yerte, Nicholas Erb, Nicholas Ellenberger, John Myers, Benjamin Noll, Jacob Freely, Adam Brand, Michael Teis, Philip Schaeifer, Henry Waschenbach, John Stohler, Thielman Waschenbach, Warner Fuller, Joim Licht, Michael Wao-oner, Francis Reynolds, John Egesohn, Charles Schally, Christopher Meyer, Andrew Miller, Peter Ebersohl, Michael Bachman. That the increase of population was constant, v»'ill appear on comparing the names of the taxables of the above list with the names that follows, for 1755: Philip Sheffer, Jacob Sheffer, Michael Tyce, Adam Brand, Adam Brand, jr., John Brand, Abraham Smutz, Baniel Higen- dorn, Peter Kucher, George Hettrick, Jno. Light, jr., Jacob 308 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. Light, John Light, sen., George Steitz, John Miller, Peter Slosser, Herman Orendorff, John Seiler, Martin Hot}", Adam Weibel, Jacob Zolicker, John Sehultz, Michael Singer, Henry Ushenbach, Jacob Gemberling, Christopher Miller, John Adam Reifwein, Conrad Ziegler, Jacob Schwobe, John Adam Miller, Conrad Wise, Herman Eckel, John Atkinson, Jacob Creesraan, Jacob Blaser, Michael Stegbed, John Kemmerling, Eartholo- inausKuntzelman, LenhartUmberger,AnastasiusUhler, Michael "Wagner, Philip Meeshy, William Blegher, Peter Wolf, Nich- olas Ackerman, Jacob Heger, Dietrich Weitzel, Christ. Bren- zer, Heury Ehler, JMenhard Sebold, Geo. Elinger, Jacob Gratf, Adam Bough, Christian Kreiter, J\Lirtin Kreiter, John Kreiter, Henry Little, Chiistopher jNIier, Felix Landis, Heni-y Bowman, Henry Smith, Jacob Giles, John Gerber, Philip Star, Conrad Brown, Jacob Stoutier, Peter Gingerich, Michael Gingerich, Jost Gingerich, John Hiesey, Michael Horst, Jacob Meyer, Adam jS'icoilemus, Geo. Diehl, Oswal Neave, Dorst Thomas, Christian Strohm, Jacob Schock, John Becher, Geo. Gloss- brenner, Geo. Huber, Philip Clinger, John Haushalter, John Dinius, Adam Steger, J\Iartin Illy, Jacob Graff, jr., John Gam- ber, Ralph Whiteside, Joseph Espy, Charles Shally, Michael Bachman, Christian Burkholder, JohnEbersohl, Michael Boor, Abraham Heit, JMichael Boltz, Philip Rudesill, Jacob Frolick, Ludwick Shally, Geo. Berger, John Snook, Gerhard Etter, Michael Zimmerman, Christian Blouch, Benj. Knall, Geo. Die- trich, John Brechbill, Dewalt Lichty, Daniel Resor, Philip Byer, Michael Fernsler, Hans Ulrich Huber, Frederick Kauf-. man, Nicholas Ellingberger, John Wilhelm, Peter Frank, John EUenberger, Nicholas Erb, Goo. Hopengortner, Peter Eschel- man. Christian Long, John Doner, Henry Xander, Peter Wit- mer, Casper Weaver, John Bachman, Ulrich Burkholder, Con-, rad Mintziger, Jacob Benedict, Mathias Boger, Henry Frick, ]\Iichael Wampler, Jacob Brenizer, Christian j\Iiller, Jacob, Horschberger, Delman Klein, Jacob Wolf, Jacob Killinger,. Jacob Beam, Peter Reise, IMichael Henry, Michael Kinnert, Casper Seller, Peter Schweigert, Mathia s Straj;^er, Christian Neave, John Huber, Richartl Cram, Geo. Mintzer, Michael- Lilerich, Ulrich Stephan, Martin Kerstetor, Adam Ulrich, Hen-, ry Humberger, Thomas Clark, John Clark, Adam Steer, Henry- Peter, Peter Yorty, Martin Mily, Adam Hailman, Abraham Kornman, Peter Hailman, Rudolph Miller, Peter Smith, Chris- HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 309 tian Herschberger, Nicholas Neu^ Richard Robison, John Spi- ger, Andrew Weltz, Peter Kremer, John Sieg;rist, Michael Roltz, Daniel Seiber, Abraham Weidman, John M'CJintock, John Casper Stover, Conrad Teinpleman, Abraham Sheafer, Ulrich Wampler, George Crusman, Henry Smith, Henry Eow- jnan. Lebanon, the county seat, is in this township ; little, how- ever, of its early history has been preserved. There is a di- versity of opinion, even as to the time when it was laid out. — According to Robert Proud, who wrote a History of the Pro- vince between 1760 and 1773, "Lebanon was laid out about the year 1759; and in 1772, it is said to contain above two hundred good dwelling houses, many of them large and well built of stone, dug out of the ground where the houses stand, and principally inhabited by Germans."* Another writer. Rev. George Lochman, D. D., whose op- portunities for research were favorable, and whose statement is worthy of credit, says, " Diese Stadt, Libanon, ist im Jahr, 1756 von George Steitz ausgelegt worden, iind liegt an dera Fluss Quitopahilla (ein Indianischer Name, der auf Deutch. Schlangenloch heist.)! An eastern gentleman, S. Day, says, "Lebanon — or Steitzo- town, as it was for a long time called, and still by many of the old Germans — was probably laid out about the year 1750, by one Steitze."t Touching Day's statement, it might, ^Mm;?g-, be remarked, that there is nothing problematical as to the town being laid out. No German seems to doubt this. All agree it ivas laid out. As to the time when, there is some difference of opinion. As to this, there is some "guessing." The late Col. Adam Ritscher's father, was, says Day, one of the first settlers, and paid ground rent, as appears by re- ceipts still extant, as early as 1751, (1761?) He cleared the lot west of the one upon which his son Adam lived, from the forest then standing.^ During the French and Indian war, this place being then * R. ProufVs His. Pa. ii. 28-1. t Evang. Mag. for 1812, vol. i, p. 20 X S. Day's His. Col. 420. 4 S. Day's His. Col. 420. 310 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBAISFON COUNTIES. already densely settled, was resorted to, as a place of safety,, by hundreds of families, who fled from the frontier settlements, to escape being murdered by the barbarous savages, whose cru- elty knew no bounds — they were insatiable. Sixty famihes had, at one time, taken shelter in the house of John Light, which is still standing, and known among the people there, as the " Old Fort." The house of Mr. George Gloninger was also a place of usual resort. Besides these, and some other private houses, the Moravian church, erected in 1750, a mile, and a half east of Gloninger's, was occupied by refugees, the principal part of whom had fled from the Moravian settlements in Bethel township.* Loskiel, alluding to this fact, says, " the savages continued to commit murders in Allemaengel — and a lance lost by them on the road, proved them to be some of the very people who attended the Congress (treaty) at Easton. Roving parties infested the borders of the country, the public roads, and all other places in which they found no re- sistance, so that the small colonies of brethren settled in Alle- maengel and Bethel, on Swatara, who had held out with un- common patience, were at last obliged to take refuge, the for- mer in Bethlehem, and the latter in Lebanonf — this was in 1756. Some of them soon returned again to their farms, and not a few of them were surprised by the Indians and cruell}- murdered. One John Spitler, son-in-law to Jacob Meylin, v.lio was the grandfather of Martin Meylin, of Jonestown, was shot dead while fixing up a pair of bars — his body cruelly man- gled. Mrs. Miley escaped by taking refuge in the watch-house, at her father's, a few miles from Stumptown. This happened in May, 1757. Spittler's mangled corpse was interred in the grave-yard at Hebron, near Lebanon. The following, touching the murder of Spittler, is found in the Records of the Hebron Church. " 1751, May den 16, wurde Johannes Spitler, jr., ohnweit von seinem Hause an der Schwatara von moerderischen Indianern ueberfallen und ermor- dert. Er war im acht und dreisigsten Jahr seines Alters, und Vierwichenes Jahr im April, an der Schwatara auf genommen. Seine uebelzugerichttete Leiche wurde den 17ten May hieher * Loskiel, P. ii., p. 180. t There is still an old meeting house remaining at Swatara, in which thu Rev, Simon reaches occasionally. 'm?TOIiy OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 311 ^febracht, und bei einer grossen Menge Leute begleitet auf un* sern hiesigen Gottes-acker beerdigt. During the Revolutionary war of '76, many of the residents of this place, a few of whom are still living, took up arms in common with many of their fellow patriots, in defence of Ameri- can liberty, and were engaged in the battle of Trenton, N.Jer- sey, December 25, 1776, when the Hessians were routed with great slaughter, and one thousand of them taken prisoners, and not a few of them taken to Reading, and to Lebanon, where they were confined in the old Lutheran Church in town, and the Moravian Church below town. Some of the citizens of Lebanon also took a part in the battle at Germantown, Octo- ber 4th, 1777. They constituted a portion of the Pennsylvania militia, three thousand strong, under the command of General Armstrong, whose march on this occasion, it is said, is enwrapt in mystery. "Some reports say, that he actually engaged the Hessian division of the enemy, others state that the alarm of the Americans retreating from Mr. Chew's stone house reached his ear, as the vanguard of his command entered Germantown, near the market house, and commenced firing upon the chas- seurs who flanked the left wing of the British aimy." But to return to the county town. In 1840, the following pensioners were still living in the borough ; George Hess, aged 79 years; Andrew Hoover, 75 ; Dilman Daup, 81 ; M. Weaver, 75 years old. Lehanon, so called after the county, which was so named, as some suppose, in allusion to the Lebanon of the Scripture, a famous range of mountains in the north of Canaan, is pleasantly situated on a branch of Quitopaheela creek, twenty miles from the Capitol, and seventy-five miles from the metropolis of the State, on the turnpike; and contiguous to the Union Canal. It is well laid out, and regularly built — the buildings are princi- pally of stone, or brick, and generally commodious, though there are but few large buildings in it, except the court house, which is a spacious and splendid edifice of brick, surmounted by a cu- pola. The county officers are in this building. In the area, in the centre of the borough, is a market house. There is, as a necessary indispensable, a jail; but, of late, it has had only a few inmates. There are, in the borough proper, which was •incorporated Feb. 20j 1821, about three hundred dwellings- 312 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. some ten or more taverns, and a like number of stores, one grist mill, one clover mill, a foundry, and many mechanics shops. There are in this place a number of churches — the Lutheran which was erected in 1798, and dedicated the dd of June — it is built of stone, with a large steeple. In 1808 it was supplied with an organ. The Lutherans had, previously, a log church, erected in 1766-. Prior to that time, a congregation had been organized — they had held their meetings in a private house, rented for that purpose. The German Reformed church, was erected of stone about the year 1787, and is at present undergoing some alterations. A Catholic chapel of brick; a Methodist meeting house of brick; one owned by the Evangelical Association; a United Brethren Church ; a Mennonite meeting house are here. At pres- ent here is another Lutheran Church building under the pastoral care of Rev. J. Rothrauf. The respective pastors of these churches are the Rev. Ernst, of the Lutheran congregation, who officiates in German ; Rev. Rothrauf, in English. The Lutherans number rising of four hundred members^ The Rev. Henry Wagner is the pastor of the German Reformed church — this congregation numbers be- tween two hundred and fifty, and three hundred members. — The Evangelical Association has upwards of one hundred mem- bers — their pastors are, the Rev'ds Banner and Sailor. The Methodist Episcopal has about one hundred members; the Rev. Greenbank has the pastoral charge of this congregation. Rev. Steinbach officiates in the Catholic chapel ; number of members about eighty. The United Brethern number probably twenty members. There are five Sabbath Schools here, and all well attended ; numbering between 500 and 600 children. The Borough contains 404 families, and an adult population of 1092. The entire population, by the census of 1840, was, of the borough pro- per, 1,860. The Union canal passes contiguous to the borough, affording great facilities to business, where the bustling, neat village of North Lebanon is growing up beautifully and rapidly. It will outgrow Lebanon proper. The means of education are favorable. There is a fine academy here, and ably conducted by Mr. Khige, whose effi- cient system of instruction cannot be too highly appreciated. — HISTORY OP BERKS AND LEBANOIf COlfNTIES. 313 liaS "been said that he is not sufficiently encouraged, because the importance of a proper education of youth, and its influence upon the habits and character, in after life, do not seem to be well considered. This is to be much regretted. The academy contains between thirty and forty scholars. It was incorporated in 1816, to which the State made a donation of $2000. There is also a female seminary here, and it is said to be well con- ducted. All the young ladies in town and country should at- tendi t. Where the acquisition of wealth is appreciated and trade understood, a bank would be deemed necessary — such an insti- tution is here — it is judiciously managed. The inhabitants are nearly all German, who usually, in addressing a stranger, speak in their vernacular tongue, though nearly all can speak some English. They are hospitable, frugal and industrious; many of them own out lots, and may be seen at work, in summer, barefooted. There are several newspapers published here — of these some account is given when speaking of the " Press." Near the town is a stationary steam engine, by which water is raised from the Quitopahila and conducted to the canal ! ! The original boundaries of Lebanon township have, by re- ducing and dividing it, since its erection, June 9th, 1729, been materially changed. In 1729, its boundaries were thus defined : " Lebanon township beginning under the aforesaid hill, (i. e., the Kehtotoning*' hill, above Peter Allen's,) at the north-east corner of Peshtank,'\ thence by the said hill, easterly, to the Tolpehocken manor, thence southerly by the said line, to the hills bounding Warwick township, thence by the said hills and township, westerly, to the corner of Derry, on Conewago, thence northerly by Derry and Peshtank, to the place of be- ginning." In 1739 it was reduced, by erecting Bethel township. In 1830, it was bounded as follows : — but since, divided into North and South Lebanon — on the north, by Swatara and Bethel townships; east by Jackson and Heidelberg townships; south by Lancaster county, and west by Londonderry and Annville townships. Greatest length, eleven miles ; greatest breadth, seven miles — containing 44,700 acres of first rate land — surface very level, and principally limestone soil. The improvements * Kittatinny, or Blue mountain, t Paxton. 27 314 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. are of the first rate order. There are many fine buildings in thi& township. North and South Lebanon are well watered. The Quitopa- hila creek, a beautiful, fine stream, flows through the borough of Lebanon, and in its course propels several mills. The Union Canal, and Reading and Harrisburg turnpike, pass through North Lebanon township. Iron ore is found in abundance — in South Lebanon, in the Conewago hills, and in the south part of this township. Cornwall Furnace, erected at the head of Furnace creek, is supplied with ore from these mines. The fur- nace is owned by B. D. Coleman. The streams are the head of Tulpehocken, Hammer creek, Kuder creek. Meadow run, and head of Conewago creek. North and South Lebanon, in 1S40, contained seventeen stores, three lumber yards, eight grist mills, five tanneries, three distilleries, two breweries, three potteries, four printing offices, three weekly papers and one periodical, one academy — fifty students, eleven schools — four hundred and twenty scholars. Population in 1830, 3,556 ; in 1840, 6,197. Tax valuation for North Lebanon in 1844, $569,465; county tax, $854 20. South Lebanon, $1,238,750 ; county tax, $1,858 13. BETHEL TOWNSHIP. Bethel township was part of Lebanon township, till May , 1739, when it w^as separated, by an order of Court, at Lancaster. It was divided, and bounded as follows, viz : " That the division line begin at Swatara creek, at a stony ridge, about half a mile below John Tittle's, and continuing along the said ridge, easterly, to Tolpehocken township, to the northward of Tobias Pickel's, so as, in the course, to leave John Benaugle, Adam Steel, Thomas Ewersly and Mathias Tise, to the southward of the line — that the northermost divi- sion be named and called Bethel — the southern division contin- ue the name Lebanon." Bethel then embraced, also, what is now Swatara township and part of Union. When Berks county was erected, in 1752, part of this town- ship was separated and included within the limits of that coun- ty. It was, no doubt, so called after a colony of Moravians^ HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 315 "Viplio had a small establishment on the Swatara, in this town^ ship, called Bethel — the literal import of the term, is " the house of God." The Moravian colony, formed'here, was one among their first in Pennsylvania. In 1737, Mr. Spangenber- ger, a Moravian missionary, having fulfilled his appointment in establishing the mission in Georgia, came to Pennsylvania, where he remained for some time, and thence to St. Thomas, one of the West India islands, to hold a visitation in that mis- sion. He then returned, and remained in Pennsylvania till 1739. Through him, it is said, the United Brethren were made attentive to other Indian nations, especially the Iroquois, or Six Nations. Mr. Spangenberger received the first notice of them from Conrad Weiser, justice of the peace, and interpreter to the government in Pennsylvania.* They erected a church here about 1740. The Rev. Johan- nes Brand Muell-er officiated here, about the year 1744. The names of their members are still joreserved — a few of them we were permitted, by the politeness of the Rev. Henry Francis Simon, their present pastor at Hebron, near Lebanon, to copy from the " Schwatarer Kirchen Buch, containing ein Verzeich- niss der Brueder der Gemeine und deren Kindern welche von den Bruedern sind getauft worden von April Anno 1743. Among their first members here, were Rudolph Hauck, Ja- cob Dueps, Wilhelm Fischer, Ludwig Born, Johan Frederich Weiser, Christian Bimmer, George Miesse, Jacob Gausser Thomas W^illiams, Franz Albert, Jacob Haentchy, Daniel Born, Michael Kohr, Johannes Spitler, Bernhard Faber, Casper Korr. This township was originally, nearly wholly settled by Ger-, mans and some French Huguenots : of the latter, was Franz Albert, a native of Deux-ponts, born in 1719, July 20, and who came to this country when a young man, and was afterwards cruelly murdered by the Indians, June 26, 1756. As early as 1751, the following taxables resided in this township: John Ebrecht, James Macnees, David Fischer, Jacob Mire, Mathias Grey, Mr. Folk, Edmund Schyiebly, John Schnebly, John Reynolds, John King, Abraham Stettler, Jacob Miley, Urbin Long, Peter Groff, Han Jfickle Garsi, Dewalt Garst, Philip Wolf, Rudy Huntsecker, Widow Gray, Widow Brecht- * Loskiel His. Mis. P. ii., p. 4. 316 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. hill, Casper Sherrick, Jacob Ohcrholtzer, Henry Wagoner^ Henry Dubs, Henry Soiiter, Peter Kenny, Christian Leaman, Peter Clop, Adam Berger, Jihraham Hubbler, Wendel Heyl. Earned Boughs, Jacob Weaver, Killian Long, Christian Long, Jacob Schnebly, Jno. Kneagy, Dewald J\abinger, Jlbraham Ch'ove, Jacob Wagoner, Adatn Snider, Jacob Miller, Jacob Carner, JVicholas Benner, Casper Hisler, Frederick Tibbin, Jno. Bickle, Henry Bohn, Henry Mark, Isaac Schnelby, Henry Kelker, John Martin, Henry Sietz, Crom Jacob Mire, George Miess, J^icholas Wirrigh, Martin Kemmerling, Ludicig Wai- ten, Andrew Hollo, Christian Lantz, Adam Kline, Christian I^eaman, John Mish, Frederick Rudy, Peter Forster, Jacob Goldman, Joseph Stout, Wm. Jones, Samuel Stout, Andreio Kaufman, Conrad Gerhart, Valentine Gerhart, John Wingerd, Henry Schnebly, Henry Stiegle, Ulrich Yeakle, Valentine Kei~ fer, Peter Gray, John Bop, Philip Creesman, Thos. Mottern, George Fredrick, Anthony Jfagle, Casper Stover, jr., Isaiah Casaway, Peter Smith, Thomas Mayberre, Jacob Albert, Dan- iel Schuhy, Ludwick Schuhy, Michael Frantz, Mathias Loser, Conrad Lor, Gotlieb Torro7n, JStcholas Schonty. During the French and Indian war, notwithstanding there was a line of provincial forts extending along the frontiers of Dauphin, I^ebanon and Berks counties, intended as defences against the incursions of the savages, and as places of security, many of the inhabitants of this part of the county were most cruelly murdered, their houses burnt, their children taken cap- tive. In November, 1755, twenty persons were killed, and some children carried off by the Indians. " Shocking," says the Secretary of the Province, in his statement to the Assembly, " are the descriptions given, by those who escaped, of the hor- rid cruelties and indecencies, committed by the merciless sava- ges, on the bodies of those unhappy wretches, who fell into the hands, especially the women, without regard to age or sex, these far exceeds those related of the most abandoned pirates."* In June, 1756, the Indians again appeared in this township, and committed, in cold blood, cruel and deliberate murder. On the 8th of June, in the afternoon, between three and four o'clock, four or five Indians made an incursion, at a place called " The Hole," where the Great Swatara runs through the Prov. Rec. N., p. 342. HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 31^ Blue mountain — they crept up, unobserved, behind the fence of Felix Wuench, shot him, as he was ploughing, through the breast — he cried lamentably, and run, but the Indians soon came up with him : he defended himself some time with his whip — they cut his head and breast with their tomahawks, and scalped him. His wife heard his cries, and the report of two guns — ran out of the house, but was soon taken by the enemy, who carried her, with one of her own and two of her sister's chil- dren away with them, after setting the house on fire and other- wise destroying property. A servant boy, who was at some distance, seeing this, ran to his neighbor, George Miess ; though he had a bad leg, with his son, ran directly after the Indians, and raised a great noise, which so frightened the Indians, that they immediately took to their heels, and in their flight left a tub of butter, and a side of bacon, behind them. Mr. Miess then w^ent to the house, which was in flames, and threw down the fences, in order to save the barn. The Indians had drunk all the brandy in the spring house, and took several gammons, a quantity of meal, some loaves of bi-ead, and a great many other things with thtm. Had Mr. Miess not been so courageous, they probably would have attacked another house. They shot one of the horses in the plough, and dropped a large French knife."* Shortly after committing the above mentioned murder, the Indi- ans killed a child of Lawrence Dippel's. The child was found cruelly murdered and scalped — a boy about four years old. Another lad about six years old was carried off.f On the 26th of June, 1756, the Indians killed four persons, scalped them, and shot two horses. Two men, Franz Albert and Jacob Haendsche, and two lads, Frederick Weiser and John George Miess, were ploughing in the field of one Fischer, were surprised, murdered and scalped by the Indians, as appears from an extract taken from the Schwatarer Kirchen Buck: In dem Wilden Krieg sind folgende vier Brueder, Fr^nz Al- bert, Jacob Haendsche, zwei Maenner; Friedrich Wicser und John George Miess, zwei Knaben, die in der Hohl welche, da sie daselbst auf des alten Fischers Feld, um der Gefahr wegen feraein schaeftlich pfluegten Nachmittags, den 26 ten Juli, 756, von den Wilden Indianern zugleich ploetzlich ueberfals- * Pa. Gaz., June 17, 1756. 1 Pa. Gaz., June 17, 1756. 318 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. len, getoedet und gescalpt worden; und Sontags den 27 ten Juni, mit einer Starlcen Bedeckung von Sold aten und auderer Mannschaft aus der Hohl gefahren und mit einem Starken Ge- folg von etwa zwei hundert Menschen, unter Bruder Friederich Schlegel's Liturgie, im Beysein des Bruder Samuel Herrs, der auch zu der Zeit hierwar, zugleich auf unser Gottes Acker, unter einem Gotlesfrieden beerdigt w^orden. From the same book, it appears Franz Albert was born at Deux-Ponts, July 20, 1719 — he was a shoemaker by profession, formerly a member of the Reformed Church. J. Haendsche was a mason by trade, also formerly a member of the Reformed Church. Weiser was born May 21, 1740, and Miess, Septem- ber 28, 1739. The Rev. Muhlenberg relates, in the Halhsche Nachrichten, page 1029, an affecting case of a widow woman, who called at his house in the month of February, 1765, This lady had been a member of one of the Rev. Kurtz's congregations. She was a native of Reutlinge, Wirtemberg — she and her husband had emigrated to this country, and settled on the frontiers of this coimty. The Indians fell upon them, October the 16th, 1755 — according to her statement, the Indians killed the old man, one of his sons, and carried off two small girls, while she and one of her sons had been absent. On her return home she found their dwelling reduced to ashes — she then fled to the interior settlements at Tulpehocken, and remained there. The Rev. Todd, in his Saihath School Teacher, alludes to the same affecting incident. In addressing his youthful readers he says: You are aware, my dear pupils, that many of the early set- tlers of Pennsylvania came from Germany. Among the ^nu- merous emigrants, from that country, was a poor man with a large family. At that time "thfere were no schools here during the week, or on the Sabbath, and no churches. So the poor man used to keep his family at home on the Sabbath, and teach them from God's word — for he was a very good man. In the year 1754, a dreadful war broke out in Canada, between the French and English. The Indians joined the French, and used to go to Pennsylvania, burn houses, murder the people and carry off every thing they wanted. They found the dwel- HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 319 ling of this poor German family. The man, and his eldest boy, and two httle girls, named Barbara and Regina, were at home, while the wife, and one of the boys were gone to carry some grain to the mill, a few miles off. The Indians at once killed the man, and his son, and took the two little girls, one aged ten, and the other nine, and carried them away, along with a great many other weeping children whom they had taken after murdering their parents. It was never known what became of Barbara, the eldest girl; but Regina, with another little girl of two years old, whom Regina had never seen before, were given to an old Indian woman, who was very cruel. Her only son lived with her, and supported her; but he was sometimes gone for several weeks, and then the old woman used to send the little girls to gather roots and herbs in the woods, for the old woman to eat; and when they did not get enough, she used to beat them cruelly. Regina never forgot her good father and mother, and the little girl always kept close to her. She taught the little girl to kneel down under the trees and pray to the Lord Jesus, and to say over with her all the hymns which her parents had taught her. In this state of slavery these chil- dren lived for many long years, till Regina was about nineteen, and her little friend was about eleven years old. Their hearts all this time seemed to wish for that which is good. They used to repeat, not only the texts of Scripture which Regina could remember, but there was one favorite hymn which they often repeated over. " In the year 1764, the kindness of God brought the English Colonel Bouquet to the place where they were. He conquered the Indians, and made them ask for peace. He granted it on condition that all the white prisoners should be given to him. — More than four hundred were brought to the Colonel; and among them, these two girls. They were all poor, wretched looking objects. The Colonel carried them to Carlisle, and had it printed in all the newspapers, that all parents who had lost children by the Indians, might come and see if they were .among the four hundred poor captives." Parents and husbands went hundreds of miles in hopes of meeting lost wives or chil- (^dren. The collection amounted to several thousand, and the sight of beholding relatives, who had been cruelly sundered, again meet and rush into each others arms, filled the whole company with rejoicing. There was also mourning. Others 820 HISTORY OP BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. W'ho were disappointed in their expectations of finding relatives, made much lamentation. Among them was " poor Regina's sorrowing mother. When she got to Carlisle she did not, and could not know Regina. She had grown up, and looked, and dressed, and spoke like the Indians. The mother went up and down among the captives weeping, but could not find her child. She stood gazing and weeping when Colonel Bouquet came up and said, 'do you i-ecollect nothing by which your child might be discovered?' She said she recollected nothing but a hymn, which she used often to sing to her children, and which is as follows : 'Alone, yet not alone am I, Though in this solitude so drear; I feel my Saviour always nigh, He comes the very hour to cheer; I am with him, and he with me. E'en here alone I cannot be I' "The Colonel desired her to sing the hymn as she used to do. Scarcely had the mother sung two lines of it, when poor Regina rushed from the crowd, began to sing it also, and threw herself into her mother's arms. They both wept for joy, and the Colonel gave the daughter up to her mother. But the other little girl had no parents. They had probably been murdered. She clung to Regina, and would not let her go, so she was taken home with Regina, though her mother was very poor. Regina began to ask after 'the book in which God speaks to us.' But her mother had no Bible — for the Indians burned her Bible when they burned her house, and killed her family. Her mother resolved to go to Philadelphia and buy a Bible, but her good minister gave her one, and it was found that Regina could read at once." — Todd's Sabbath School Teacher. The following is from Mr. Sarge, in answer to a letter ad- dressed him, on the subject of Indian incursions &c., he says : "In 1834, an uncle of mine purchased a farm, three miles from Fort Smith, the house then (in 1834) on this farm, was evidently also a Fort — tradition has it so — there are, besides — - HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 321 or were at least, when I saw the house in '34, marks of cor- roborating evidence, to conclusively show this to have been the case. The port-holes, though plugged when I saw the house, and the scores of partial perforations made in the logs by bul- lets or balls, concur to sustain the truth of tradition. The house has, however, been since removed, and in its stead, ano- ther is erected. The workmen, in sinking the cellar deeper, discovered a subterranean cave, which, it is surmised, seryed as a place of concealment and greater security for their wives and little ones, should the Fort be surprised by the Indians, in the absence of their men on their farms at work ; for in those days the neighbors were, from want of necessity, compelled to aid each other on their farms, and at night all would resort to the Fort. Mr. Mies, some years ago, informed my father that two of his brothers fell a victim to gratify the destructive propensity of the Indians. The two brothers were ploughing, and thus were surprised by the Indians. One of them was shot dead on the spot; the other, for his life, made for the house; having nearly reached his goal, and while in the act of leaping a fence, a ruthless Indian, hard on his heels, sunk his tomahawk in the head of his victim — he expired instantly ! A man by the name of Boeshore,* while returning from his farm in the evening, with his family, espied some Indians near Fort Smith — he halted at that instant, an Indian levelled his deadly weapon at him, but fortunately, the bidlet struck the cock of Boeshore's gun — for the gun was in that day a constant companion of the laboring man — his horses took fright and ran off in the direction of the Fort. B. was, however, wounded in his left arm. The Indians were fired upon ; night advancing, and the Indians retreating, nothintj more was done till next mornmg, when the settlers traced blood in the trail toward the Little mountain." Bethel township has been materially changed since its first erection. It is bounded on the north-east by Schuylkill and Berks counties, south-east by Jackson township, south by North Lebanon township, and west by Swatara. Its greatest length is thirteen miles; breadth seven. It contains about thirty thou- sand acres of land — the northern part of which is mountainous; * Boeshore resided in Hanover township at the time. 322 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. the southern is level — and some of the best kind of soil, espe-. cially that portion which is limestone — though the greater pro- portion is slate and gravel ; yet generally highly improved. Many of the buildings are good ; a few are still found covered "^v-ith tiles. There is considerable taste displayed — though some- what grotesque — in the arrangements about their dwellings. This township is well watered. The principal stream is the Little ^watara creek, which rises at the base of the Kittatinny — or Blue mountain — in Upper Tulpehocken township, Berks county, and flows south-west, forming the boundary between Bethel and Tulpehocken townships, in Berks; thence it crosses Bethel and Swatara townships, Lebanoa county, and falls into the Great or Big Swatara creek, about one mile below Jones- town. It turns several mills. In its course, it receives, in Bethel township, Elizabeth run and Deep run. In the forks of the former lies Fredericksburg or Stumpstown. There are several other smaller streams in the township. In 1840, there w^ere in this township, four stores, one fur- nace, one forge, three grist mills, one saw mill, two distilleries. Fredericksburg — or Stumpstown — was laid out about the year 1754 or 1755, by one Stump. Among its first inhabi- tants were Stump, Snevely, Meily, Mauerer, the first tavern keeper in the place, Desch, Hauer and Siegfried. During the Indian war, it was a place of retreat for the white settlers on the frontiers. In 1827, a great part of the town was destroyed by fire; but has since been rebuilt. It is pleasantly situated, in a fer- tile, and well improved country. It contains between sixty and seventy dwellings; nearly one hundred famihes; with a population of about seven hundred and fifty. The village con- tains three stores, three taverns, and the usual number of han- dicrafts; also a Union church, in which Lutherans, German Re- formed and Mennonites preach; also a church owned by the Evangelical Association. Population of Bethel township in 1830, 1,604; 1840, 1,662. Avera'G:e tax valuation for 1844, $538,011; county tax, 1^807 01. iSlSTOaY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 323 HANOVER TOWNSHIP. Hanover township embraced originally, when first erected, what is now Hanover, in Dauphin county, Hanover, Union, and part of Swatara township, in Lebanon county. In 1729, when Lancaster was erected, and additional townships were laid off, Derry, Lebanon and Peshtank, (Paxton,) embraced nearly all Dauphin and Lebanon counties, till 1739, when Be- thel was separated from Lebanon township. Peshtank township, out of which Hanover was formed, was bounded in 1729, as follows : — " Beginning at the mouth of Suataaro, thence up the river to Kehtotoning hill, above Peter Allen's,, thence eastward by the south side of said hill, to the meridian of Quetopohello, thence on a south course to the mouth of the same at Suataaro, and down Suataaro to the place of beginning." Hanover township was erected, upon a petition of the inhab- itants of Lancaster county, presented at the February session of 1736-7. " It was divided on the west from Peshtank, (Pax- ton,) by Beaver creek, from its mouth to the mountain — from Lebanon on the east, and Derry on the south, by Swatara creek, from Beaver to the forks, thence by the north branch to the mountain. Prior to 1751, Hanover was divided into the West End, and East End of Hanovtfir; the latter is now, principally, if not wholly, embraced within the bounds of Lebanon county. Many of the original settlers were Irish, who had emigrated princi- pally from the north of Ireland. They were an enterprizing and daring race. Presbyterians by religious profession. Prin- cipally conspicuous as militant and triumphant members of community. They and their kindred of Paxton and Donegal, for many years bravely defended the frontiers against the Indi- ans; and finally, when no other means answered, slaughtered ^'^ friend and foe" of the Indians. Allusion is had to ^^ Paxton affair" in Lancaster.* The taxables in the East End of Hanover, in 1750, were the following: — Jacob Musser, Peter Hettrich, Mel- chior Henry, Thomas Proner, Henry Bachman, Conrad * See Appendix E, for a full statement of the " Paxton affair." •324 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. *CIatt, Anthony Rosebaum, Jacob Mosher, Esau Ricker, Wil" 5iam Clark, John Sibbins, John Schwar, James Young, John Gilleland, Peter Halman, Widow Work, Frederick Hoak, Jas» Sloan, Widow Gilleland, Jacob Sops, John Sops, Rudolph Hake, Joseph Hoof, Benj. Clark, Killion Mark, George Tittel, Isaac Willianas, Adam Clannean John Casnet, James Williams, An- thony Tittel, Dennis Keril, Mathias Boof) John Sloan, Daniel Ankel, WiniajB-yjauag, .^braham Williams, James Clark, Mar- tin Lichty-, Adam Roth, iLudwig Shits, John Stewart, John Foster, John"Andre\v, Walter McFarland, Joseph Brechtbillj William Robison, Philip Kolps, Onwal Jagle, Thomas Croil, Alexander Swan, Alexander Thomson, John Graham, Samuel Ainsworth, John Martin, Barnet M'Night, Widow Brown, John Humes, Andrew M'Keehan, Thomas Brewster, John Thomson, James Graham, John Cunningham, William Cunning- ham, Christopher Sies, John Meyers, Patrick Brown, John Andrews, John Strein, Antony M'Crath, George Shetley, Wal- ter Bell, Leonard Long, Adam M'Neely, John M'Clure, John Henderson, WiUiam Woods, John Porterfield, Robert Haslet, John Crawford, William Watson, Henry Gantz, James Green- leaf, John Craig, Flugh M'Gowen, John Dickson, Joseph Will- son, Adam Miller, Edward M'Murray, Jacob M'Cormick, John Ramsey, James Stewart, Humphrey Cunningham, Robert Kirk- wood, James M'Coorey, William Thomson, Thomas Strain, Mathias Plank, Jacob Steiner, William Stoner, James Todd, John Young, James Dixon, Robert Bryson, William Bryson, Daniel Andrew, David Stevenson, William Cathcart, Wilham Crosby, Benjamin Ainsworth, Patrick Bowen, Adam Harper, Lazarus Stewart. These Irish Presbyterians — as they were called by some — defended their wives, children and country valiantly against the Indians. They were in good earnest* Lazarus Stewart was the one who proposed to his neighbors, to go to Lancaster and storm the castle — alluding to what took place in December, 1763, of which a detailed account will be given in the appendix, or close of the book. The inhabitants of Hanover, in common with the frontier settlers, were repeatedly alarmed, some murdered, others car- ried off by the Indians. We cannot fully appreciate the suf- ferings of the original settlers of this part of the county. — HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANOIT COUNTIES. 325 They were not secure for one moment from being surprised or murdered by the savages lurking on the borders of these coun- ties. From 1755 till 1763, Lebanon and Berks counties were scenes of murder, burning of houses, &c. They were exposed to the cruel incursions of barbarous Indians, whose delight was to shed human blood — who regarded neither age nor sex — all were, with them, alike objects of their cruelty. The 16th of November, 1755, a party of Indians crossed the Susquehanna — commenced their bloody deeds, and murdered thirteen persons. In the autumn of 1756, a company of ten Indians, came to the house of Noah Frederick, while ploughing, killed and scalped hiin, and carried away three children that were with him — the eldest but nine years old.* A large portion of the plantations had been abandoned in Ekist and West Hanover townships. In West Hanover, the following persons had fled : — John Gordon, Richard Johnson, Alexander Barnet, James M'Caver, Robert Porterfield, Philip Robison, John Hill, Thomas Bell, Thomas Maguire, William M'Cord, Robert Huston, Benjamin Wallace, William Bennett, Bartholomew Harris, John Swan, James Bannon, WilKam M'- Clure, Thomas M'Clure, John Henry, James Riddle, Widow Cooper, David Ferguson, Widow De Armand, James Wilson, Samuel Barnetts, James Brown, Widow M'Gowin, Samuel Brown, Thomas Hill, Jane Johnston, killed .f In the East End of Hanover, the following had fled : — John Gllliland, John M'Culloch, Walter M'Farland, Robert Kirk- wood, William Robison, Valentine Stoffelbein, Adam Cleaman, Rudolph Fry, Peter Walmer, John M'Culloch^ jr., James Raf- ter, Moses Vance, John Brooner, Jacob Mosser, Philip Mau- erer, Barnhart Beshore, Jacob Beshore, Mathias Beshore, Wil- liam M'Cullough, Philip Gulp, Casper Yost, Conrad Cleck, Christian Albert, Daniel Mosser, John M'Clure, Lazarus Stu- art, Thomas Shirly, James Graham, Barnet M'Nett, Andrew Brown, William Brown, Andrew M'Mahon, Thomas Hume, Thomas Strean, Peter Wolf, Henry Kuntz, Wilham Watson, John Hume, David Strean, John Stuart, John Porterfield, An- thony M'Crath, James M'Curry, Conrad Rice, Alexander Swan, John Gream. The following were killed — Andrew Ber- * See page antea G4. t See tax duplicate for 1756, at Lancaster, in which these are acted as having fled when the collector called. 28 836 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIEl?. ryhill, John Creigh, and his son taken captive ; Samuel Ains' worth's son was also taken.* A correspondence is mentioned in the Pennsylvania Gazette^, of May, 1757, stating, that " in a letter from Hanover, Lan- caster pounty, dated May 2, 17-57, the house of Isaac Snevely was set on fire, and entirely consumed, with eighteen horses and cows — and that on the 17th of May, five men, and a wo- man, were killed and scalped by the Indians, about thirty miles from Lancaster, &c." The editor of that paper says. May 26y ''We hear that more murders were committed — number uncer- tain, but it is thought there are about twenty destroyed, be- sides what may be carried off, and that the frontier inhabitants are in great distress, and moving from their plantations, &c.t The inhabitants of this region of country were kept in con- tinual alarm during the spring, summer and autumn of thisyear, on account of the murders committed by the Indians. One fails in the attempt to describe the perils of the frontier settlers at these times. The heart shrinks from portraying the scenes of horror — the barbarous murderers butchered the whites in the field — at their meals — in bed — at every unguarded hour. Who would not sicken to view, in imagination, scalps clotted with gore, mangled limbs, women ripped open, the heart and bowels still palpitating with life, and smoking on the ground — see savages swilhng, as it were, human blood, and imbibing a more courageous fury with the human draught — see the living, not captivesj fleeing for life, while the Indians are in hot pursuit ! In a letter before us, dated Hanover, Lancaster county, Au- gust 11, 1757, it is stated, " That on Monday, the 8th, while George Mauerer was cutting oats in George Schefl^er's field, he was killed and scalped. There is now," says the same writer, ^' such a severe sickness in these parts — the like has not been known — that many families can neither fight nor run away, which occasions great distress on the frontiers. Had it not been for forty men, which the province has in pay, in this township, little of the harvest could have been saved, and as the time for which they have been engaged, is nearly elapsed^ the inhabitants hope the government will continue them in the service, else the consequences will be dreadful. * See tax duplicate for 1756, at Lancaster, and page 66 antea. t See page antea, 69-70. HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 327 The Pennsylvania Gazette of August, 1757, states,— "We learn from Lancaster that there was nothing but murdering and ■capturing, that on the 17th of August, one Beatty was killed in Paxton, that the next day James Mackay was murdered in Hanover, and William and Joseph Earnet wounded. That on the same day were taken prisoners, a son of James Mackey, a son of Joseph Barnet, Elizabeth Dickey and her child ; and the W'ife of Samuel Young, and her child; and that ninety-four men, women and children, were seen flying from their places, in one body, and a great many more in small parties, so that it was feared the settlement would be entirely forsaken." What rendered their condition still worse, nay hopeless, the fugitive and remaining inhabitants had no means to engage forces, rangers or scouters, to apprise them of the approach of Indians, and repel their incursions; and it was, it seems, in va-in for them to appeal to a deaf government — their only appeal was to the sympathies of their fellow citizens for aid and means.* Patriotic individuals, who possessed means, would raise rangers at their own expense. John Harris, in an adjoining township, (Paxton) paid thirty men for their services as rangers, in watch- ing and preventing the inroads of Indians. Harris did this on more than one occasion. "On Monday, the 22d of May, Barnabas Tolon was killed and scalped in Hanover township. And we are," says ih^ editor of the Pennsylvania Gazette, " well informed, that one hundred and twenty-three persons have been murdered and carried off from that part of Lancaster county, by the Indians, since the war commenced; and that lately three have been scalped and are yet living." The Indians still continued to commit murders and depreda- tions till December, 1763, w^hen they were seen for the last time within the limits of Lebanon county. East Hanover township is, at present, bounded on the north and west by Dauphin county; east by Union, and south by Anville and Londonderry townships. The surface of the coun- try is diversified. In the southern portion, it presents gentle de- clivities; the northern part is mountainous, being crossed by the Blue mountain and the Second Mountain. There is quite a noted spring here, called the " Cold Spring," an agreeable wa- tering place, and considerably frequented in the heat of summer. * Page 75, antea. 328 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES, There is also, a very large and commodious house of entertain- ment here; it was erected by an enterprizing, and 2:)ub]ic pa- tronage deserving gentleman, Samuel Winter, Esq. In the southern part of the township, is the well known woollen factory on Indian creek, long owned by Gen. Harri- son, but now in the possession of Mr. Lemberger. The township is well supplied with streams affording abun- dant water power. The Swatara creek, or river, is the princi- pal one; it rises in Schuylkill county, on the south side of the Broad mountain, and stealing its way through the Sharp and Second mountains, enters Lebanon county on the north-east angle, through which, in its sinuous course, it receives Quito- pahilla, and other smaller tributaries; thence flows south-west through Dauphin county, and empties, into the Susquehanna river below Middletown. In its course, through this township, it affords much water power. The other streams are Indian creek. Raccoon creek, and Reed's run. In 1S40, the township contained four stores, one fulling mill, one woollen factory, al- ready spoken of, five grist mills, six saw mills, one oil mill, one paper mill, one tannery, one distillery. Population in 1880, 2,498; 1840, 2,461. Tax valuation for 1844, ^452,674 00; county tax, ^679 01. The following pensioners were still living in this township in 1840 — Thomas Koppenhaver, aged 80 years ; John Hetrich, 77 ; Jacob Decker, 84; Philip Witmoyer, 90; John Gerberich, 81 ; James Stewart, 83 years. It was in this township that the \xe]\ known Hollenback was born — to whom John Harris remarked, twenty or more years before Harrisburg was laid out, that this place — Harris's Jerry — would become the centre of business in this section of the country, and would be the seat of Government of Pennsylva- nia. — Strong and predictive faith, this.* Biographical notice of the Hon. Mathias Hollenback. The subject of this notice, was born of German parentage, in Hanover township, upon the Swatara creek — then Lancas- ter — now Lebanon county. Here he was inured to all the * Napey's Harrisburg Directory for 1842, p. 9. HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 329 sufferings and privations incident to a frontier settlement at th;at early day. Possessed of a firm and vigorous constitution, and endued by nature with a strong, active and enterprising mind, at the age of seventeen he joined the first adventurous party, who came to make a permanent settlement, under the authority of Connecticut, in the valley of Wyoming. This was in the autumn of 1769. From this period, the history of his long and eventful life, is identified with the history of this part of the country. In the controversy between Pennsylvania and Connecticut, he actively and firmly adhered to the latter, under whose auspi- ces he had embarked his youthful fortunes, and whose claims he regarded as paramount to every other, until the right of soil and the right of jurisdiction to the country were decreed by a competent tribunal, to be in the former. From that moment, he yielded obedience to the constitution and laws of Pennsyl- vania, and contributed all in his power to quiet the turbulent, and to reconcile the disaffected to the legitimate authorities. The dispute between Pennsylvania and Connecticut, had as- sumed all the characteristics of a civil war, and notwithstand- ing the conciliatory recommendations and remonstrances of the Continental Congress, it was continued during the revolution- ary struggle. Whilst the poor and destitute settlers were suf- fering on the one side from the common enemies of the country, the British, the savage Indians, and the worse than savage tories, they were attacked on the other, and endured equal dis- tress, by military parties under the authority of Pennsylvania. Thus surrounded with difficulties and dangers, calculated to appal the stoutest heart, at a period too, when many good, but timid men, doubted, hesitated, and feared — young Hollenback, in want of every thing, but personal courage and patriotic feel- ing, was approached by one of those agents of the mother country, whose bland and fascinating manner, and duplicity of heart, marked him out as a fit emissary for " treason, stratagem and spoil." On the one hand, the effort making to free the country from British dominion, was rej)resented as entirely hopeless, and that upon failure, poverty, shame and death, every where awaited the active partisan; on the other, by espousing the cause of the British King, money, office and honoir would be immediately conferred, and a life of ease and indepen.- dence secured. The youth stood firm — he was not to be allured 28* 330 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. from the path of duty. He had taken his resolution — staked his all upon the issue — and was willing to abide the result. In 1776, and the following years, two companies were raised in Wyoming, in one of which young Hollenback was appointed Lieutenant. He was active and successful in filling up and pre-- paring his company for active service — and, shortly after, joined the army under General Washington, in the State of N. Jersey., His merits were soon discovered and properly appreciated by the General, who frequently consulted him in relation to the frontier settlements, and the means of defending them against the incursions of the enemy. He participated in all the suffer-^ ings of our half fed, and half clothed troops, during the winter campaign, in the state of New Jersey — and was, on several occasions, employed by the General in the execution of confi- dential agencies. Such was the patriotism of the Wyoming settlers, that, dur- ing the short period, when they were not immediately threat- ened with attacks from the enemy, almost every efficient man among them joined the army, and left their families without protection. This calm portended a storm. The defenceless state of the frontier invited aggression. The valley again began to suffer from the tomahawk, scalping knife, and fire brand — and early in 1778, it was discovered that a horde of British, Indians and tories, was collected upon the Susquehanna fron- tiers, and preparing to pour down upon the valley of Wyoming, and exterminate the defenceless settlers. The officers from Wyoming, urged the General lo send a force for its protection, or to permit the two companies, drawn from this settlement, to return, for the purpose of defending their aged and helpless pa^ rents, wives and children. But such was the situation of the array, that no adequate force could be spared. An intense anxiety was felt among the officers — some obtained furloughs, and some resigned and returned to the valley. Every prepa- ration was made in their power, to repel their invaders. About three hundred and fifty men marched out to meet the enemy. They were drawn into an ambuscade. The result is known- Wyoming was reduced to widowhood and orphanage. About fifty only escaped this disastrous battle, of whcm the subject of this notice was one. Articles of capitulation were made, in which security and protection of life and property had been stipulated, w^ere no HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 331 sooner made than they were violated, on the part of the faith- less enemy. What property could not be carried away, was burned and destroyed, and the remnant of the settlers was driven naked and houseless to the surrounding mountains. Lieu- tenant Hollenback, whose property was all destroyed, still clung to the valley and participated in all its sufferings, until the conclusion of the war. Upon the settlement of the controversy between Pennsylva- nia and Connecticut — and upon the promulgation of the laws of Pennsylvania in the disputed territory of 1786, Mr. Hollen- back was chosen and appointed one of the justices of the courts of Luzern county; and upon the adoption of the Constitution, he was re-appointed an associate judge, which office he sustained with reputation, till the time of his decease. He was honored with the command of a regiment by his fellow citizens — a mi- litary officer being almost the only one in Pennsylvania, com- patible with that of a judge. In all the great political struggles which have agitated the country, Judge Hollenback was actively and firmly attached to the cause of the people. In a late conflict, although most of those around him, with whom he had been accustomed to act, entertained different views, and although he was exceedingly enfeebled by disease, he procured himself to be carried to the poll, and there, for the last time, exercised the right of suflrage in favor of a distinguished individual who succeeded to the presidency. He was firmly persuaded that the interests of the country demanded this preference, and he acted accordingly. It is believed, that he was not a member of any Christian church, but it is known, that he reverenced the religion of the cross. Throughout his life, he contributed liberally to the sup- port of that communion and its pastors, to which he was con- scientiously attached, and it is feared, it will long feel the want of his supporting hand. His life, was a life of temperance, industry, and attention to his business, the full fruits of which he enjoyed in almost unin- terrupted health, until his last illness. From the incidents of his life, the young may draw useful lessons for the regulations of their conduct, and from his death all may learn, that jnan is mortal. That neither riches, nor honors, nor virtue, nor age, can form any shield against the fell destroyer.— Haz. Reg. 332 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. LONDONDERRY TOWNSHIP. Derry township organized in 1729, was then bounded as follows: — "The tow^nship of Derry, beginning at the mouth of Conewago, thence up Susquehannah to the mouth of Suataaro, thence up Suataaro to the mouth of Quetopohella, thence south to Conewago, and down the same to the place of beginning." As then bounded, it embraced all within its limits, known as the "West End, and the East End of Derry;" or, as subse-r quently called, Derry and Londonderry. Derry was settled prior to 1720, and about the same time when the Semples, Pattersons, Mitchells, Galbraiths, Andersons, Scotts, Lower- eys, Pedans, Porters, Whitehills and others settled in Donegal. They were principally Irish emigrants. As early as 1750, many of them moved to Cumberland county, among whom were the Works, Moores, Bells, Galbraiths, Whitehills, Hendersons, Sterrits, Mortons — all early settlers in the east end of Cumber- land county. In 1751, the following were taxables residing in the West End of Derry: — James Semple, James M'Kee, Joseph Gandor, Thomas Hall,. James Clark, John Allison, James Shaw, Robt. Ramsey, James Russel, Thomas Boman, James Chambers, James Long, David Campbell, James Inland, Patrick Down, John Vanlier, Robert Carothers, William Breedon, Charles Neely, Arthur Chambers, John Tice, John Laird, David Caldwell, Andrew Morrison, John Thompson, Alexander Felix, Alexander Robison, John I^icom, John Kerr, William Blackburn, Andrew Lockhart, David M'Nair, James Wiley, William Drennan, Christian Sad- dler, William Mitchel, Moses WilLson, Michael Hour, Moses Patterson, James Russel, William Sterret, Robert Armstrong, Valentine Kloninger, Martin Brand, John Singer, Jacob lonan, John Welsh, Hugh Laird, Wm, Irland, William Boor, James Harris, James Russel. The taxables for 1751, of the East End of Derry, were the. folio v/ing :— James Galbraith, James W^ilson, James Campbell, James Walker, John Walker, Henry Walker, John M'Cord, David^ HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 333 M'Cord, William Robison, Archibald Walker, David Taylor, John Over, John Pinagel, William Wilson, James Miller, Wil- liam Boyd, John M'Cosh, WiUiam Sawyers, George Espy, David Mitchel, Leonard Denie, John M'CulIoch, Charles Con- noy, David Shank, David Glenn, Michael Hoover, Hans Eal- mer, Henry Peters, Hans Kettering, Charles Clark, Thomas Macky, Andrew Moore, James Foster, Robert M'Clure, Felty Fillipo, Hugh Hall, Thomas Rutherford, William Rea, John M'Quinn, John Rea, Neal M'Calhster, Christian Snider, Neal Dougherty, Thomas Logan, George Miller, John M'Callister, Joseph White, John M'Clelland, Robert Murdock, Moses Potts, David Johnson, Jacob Rife, Jacob LoKgenecker, Andw. Rowan, Hugh Hays, Patrick Hays, John Kerr, Duncan M'Do- nal, -Thomas Willson, James Willson, John Campbell, John Hays, Widow M'Clan, Widow Sloan, John Maben, Patrick Kelly, James Duncan, John Duncan, William Hays, John Fos- ter, Robert Foster, David Foster, Wilson Cooper, John Strean, John Cochran, Hans Adam Nai, Jacob Seller, Hugh Miller, John Godfrey, Thomas Aiken, Anthony Plernsly, Christian Cochran, Alhijecht Ziegler, Conrad Vv-'isan, John M'CulIoch, John Gingerich, William Miller, John Moore, John Hays, Thomas Freeman, William Hustoi). Though the original settlers, in this township, were princi- pally Irish, but few of their descendants are residing here ; some as stated above, settled in the eastern part of. Cumberland, others settled in the western portion, now Franklin county, called the Conococheague settlements, where are still to be found — the Campbells, McDowells, Smiths, Barrs, Welshs, McClellands, Finleys — the ancestors of Gov. W. Finley. This township being more towards the interior, w^as not so much exposed, as the more northern townships, to the incur- sions of the Indians. Nevertheless, the barbarous savages penetrated into the more sparsely settled parts, and com- mitted several murders and effected abductions. June 19, 1757, nineteen persons were killed in a mill on the Quitopahilla creek ; and on the 9th of September, 1757, ome boy and a girl were taken from Donegal township, a few miles south of Derry.* — About the same time, one Danner and his son, Chiistian Danner, a lad of twelve years, had gone out into the Conewago * Loudon's Narrative, ii, p. 200—208. 334 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. hills to cut down some trees; after felling one, and while the father was cutting a log, he was shot and scalped by an In- dian; and Christian, the son, was taken captive — carried off to Canada, where he was kept^several years, till the close of the war — when he made his escape from them. Another young lad, named Steger, was, while cutting some whoop-poles, sur- prised by three Indians, and taken captive; but fortunately, after remaining some months with the Indians, made his es- cape. Jacob and Henry Bowman, brothers, both young men, were taken by some Indians, who tied them in a secluded place, in the thickets, and proceeded, as was supposed, to the Conestoga Indians, with a view, when returning from thence, to take them to Canada; but in the interim, a Mr. Shally returned from Lan- caster to Lebanon, and they perceiving him, called him, who immediately went to the place where they were tied, and un- loosed them, and they returned to their, parents, residing in the vicinity of the present Palmyra. So much were the inhabitants constantly alarmed, that dur- ing the Indian troubles, the men attended church with loaded guns, and other defensive weapons. Their Pastor, the Rev. Elder, who ministered to their spiritual wants, and counselled them in those perilous times, had then charge of a congregation in Derry. It is said of him, he was doubly armed ; first by faith in the certain protection of an all-ruling Providence: se- cond in his gun, which he had often with him in the pulpit ; for he was an unerring marksman. It may be here added, " that the Rev. John Elder, a Scotch- man, was the first clergyman settled west of the Conewago hills, towards Susquehanna — he preached fifty-six years in the Paxton church, about two miles from Harrisburg, and for many years in Derry. "He wielded the sword of the flesh, though clothed with the helmet of salvation, as well as the sword of the spirit: for he held for several years a Colonel's commission in the provin- cial service; commanding the stockades and block-houses that extended from the Susquehanna to the Delaware, at Easton. '•'It is saiti, as above intimated, that he often carried his rifle into the pulpit, and his congregation were prepared in the same way against the attacks from the Indians. "About the year 1756, the church was surrounded by the HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES* 835 savages so closely, that, as was afterwards learned from an es- caped prisoner, the rifles in the church were counted by the In- dians, but as there appeared to be too many of them, the sava- ges went off" without molesting the congregation. In the year following, the congregation (at Paxton) was attacked after they had dispersed, and two or three were killed and others wounded." The Rev. Elder died at the advanced age of 86, in the year 1792, on his farm, near Harrisburg, beloved in life, and much lamented by his survivors. As late as 1763, in July, the reapers in this and other parts of Lancaster county, took their guns and ammunition with them into the harvest fields, to defend themselves against the In- dians. Londonderry township is bounded on the north by East Hanover township; north-east by Annville; east by Lebanon ; south by Lancaster county, and west by Dauphin county. It contains nearly twenty-six thousand acres of land, some of the best, and some of the worst in the country. The middle por- tion of the township is level ; limestone soil, and some gravel and slate. The northern part is undulating; the south and south- western, hilly and much of it covered with sienite bowlders, of huge size, and greywacke. The Swatara creek runs along the northern boundary of this township, and receives Quitapohilla, a considerable stream, from the south-east. Klinger's run, a tributary of the latter, flows northwardly into it. The Conewago creek flows west- wardly through the township, north of the Conewago hills, on which is Colebrook furnace, in operation for sixty years. — It is owned by Mr. Coleman. The Downingtown, Ephrata and Harrisburg turnpike passes through the township, on which is Campbellstown, a small village, containing a dozen or two of houses; and the Reading and Harrisburg turnpike, on which is Pahnstown, or Palmyra, containing some twenty houses. There are several mills in this township. The improvements in this township, are generally good. In 1840, the following pensioners were still living in this township* — Jacob Lenta, aged 81 ; Jacob Keaner, 86 ; Andrew Robison, 81 years. Popu- lation in 1830, 1,874; 1840,1,762. Average tax valuation iorl844, $794,285 00; county tax $1,191 43. >336 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. HEIDELBERG TOWNSHIP. Heidelberg township originally embraced all that is now within the limits of Upper and Lower Heidelberg, in Berks county; and Heidelberg in Lebanon county, a part of Jackson. But when Berks was erected in 1752, the greater part then known as Heidelberg, was taken in with that county. This township was originally settled by Germans; the first of whom had either directly emigrated from Germany, or from the State of New York, where many of them had arrived in 1710;* thence they emigrated to Pennsylvania, in 1723. It was within the bounds of Heidelberg township, as first organized, that the German Baptists — commonly known by the name, Dunkards, had commenced a settlement as early as 1724. Many of these first emigrated from Germany and Holland, in 1709, and settled first at Germantown, and some years after- ward established a church at Muelbach. One of their promi- nent members, Conrad Beissel, a native of Germany, arrived in America, in 1720, and took up his abode among them at Muelbach — he, and one Stuntz, built a house, and they were soon joined by Isaac Van Babern, George Steifel, and others. Conrad Beissel being somewhat dissatisfied with some of the observances of his brethren, commenced promulgating his views, and eventually seceded from the Dunkard community, and formed a new sect, known as the German Seventh Day Baptist. The following brief sketch of this society, taken from the History of Lancaster County, will afford the reader some idea of their rise and progress. Conrad Beissel, wholly intent upon seeking out the true ob- ligation of the word of God, and the proper observances of the rites and ceremonies it imposes, stripped of human authority, he conceived that there was an error among the Dunkers, in the observance of the day for the Sabbath; that the seventh day was the command of the Lord God, and that day being estabhshed and sanctified, by the Great Jehovah, forever ! And no change, nor authority for change, ever having been announ- ced to man, by any power sufficient to set aside the solemn de- cree of the Almighty; a decree which he declared that he had sanctified forever ! He felt it to be his duty to contend for the HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 837 observance of that day. About the year 1725, he published a tract entering into a discussion of this point, which created some excitement and disturbance in the society, at Mill creek; upon which he retired from the settlement, and went secretly, to a cell on the banks of the Cocalico, that had previously been oc- cupied by one Elimelich, a hermits His place of retirement was unknown for some time to the people he had left, and when discovered, many of the society at Mill creek, who had become convinced of the truth of his proposition for the observance of the Sabbath, settled around him, in solitary cottages. They adopted the original Sabbath — the seventh day — for public worship, in the year 1728; which has ever since been observed by their descendants, even unto the present day. In the year 1732, the solitary life was changed into a con- venticle one, and a monastic society was established as soon as the first buildings erected for that purpose were finished, May, 1733. The habit of the Capuchins, or White Friars, was adopted by both the brethren and sisters; which consisted of a shirt, trowsers, and vest, with a long white gown or cowl, of woolen web in winter, and linen in summer. That of the sis- ters differed only in the substitution of petticoats for trowsers, and some little pecuharity in the shape of the cowl. Monastic names were given to all who entered the cloister. Onesimus (Israel Eckerlin) was constituted Prior, who was succeeded by Jaebez, (Peter Miller,) and the title of a Father — spiritual father — was bestowed upon Bcissel, whose monastic name was Friedsam; to which the Brethren aftervvards added 'Gottrecht ; implying together. Peaceable, -God-right. In the year 1740, there were thirty-six single brethren in the cloister, and thirty-five sisters; and at one time, the society, including the members living in the neighborhood, numbered nearly three hundred. The first buildings of the society of any consequence, were Kedar and Zion; a meeting house and convent, which were erected on the hill called Mount Zion. They afterwards built larger accommodations, in the meadow below, comprising a sister's house, called Saron, to which is attached a large chapel and "Saal," for the purpose of holding Agapas, Oi' Love Feasts. A brother's house called Bethania, with which, is connected the large meeting room, with galleries, in v/hich the whole so- ciety assembled for public worship, in the days of their pros- fWtJ 338 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. ferity, and which are still standing, surrounded by smaller buildings, that were occupied as a printing-office, bake-housCy school-house, almonry, and others, for ditierent purposes; on One of which, a one story house, the town clock is erected. " The buildings are singularj and of very ancient architec- ture; all the outwalls being covered with shingles, or clap- boards. The two houses, for the brethren and sisters, are Very hirge, being three and four stories high; each has a chapel for their night meetings, and the main buildings are divided into small apartments, each containing between fifty and sixty^ so that six dormitories, which are barely large enough to con- tain a cot, (in early days a bench, and billet of wood for the head,) a closet, and an hour glass, surrounded a common room, in wdiich each sub-division pursued their respective avocation. — On entering these silent cells, and traversing the long narrow passages, visiters can scarcely divest themselve'? of the feeling of walking the tortuous windings of some old casvle, and breath- ing recesses of romance. The ceilings have an elevation of but seven feet; the passages leading to the cells, or kammers, as they are styled, and through the different parts of both con- vents, are barely wide enough to admit one person, for when meeting a second, he has always to retreat. The dens of the kammers are but five feet high, and twenty inches wide, and the window, for each has but one, is only eighteen by twenty- four inches; the largest windows affc ding light to the meeting rooms; the chapels, the saals, and even the kammers, or dormi- tories, are hung and nearly covered with large sheets of ele- gant penmanship, or ink paintings; many of which are texts from the scriptures, executed in a very handsome manner, in ornamented Gothic letters, called in German, Fractur Schrif- ten. They are done on large sheets of paper, manufactured for the purpose at their own mill, some of which are put into frames, and which admonish the resident^ as well as the casual visiter, whichever way they may turn the head. There are some very curious ones : two of which still remain in the chapel attached to Saron. — One represents the narrow and crooked way, done on a sheet of about three feet square, which it would be difficult to describe ; it is very curious and ingenious : the whole of the road is filled up with texts of scripture, adverting the disciples of their duties, and the obligations their profession imposes upon them. Another represents the three Heavens. In HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 339 the first, Christ, the Shepherd, is represented gathering his flock together; in the second, which occupies one foot in height, and is three feet wide, three hundred figures in Capu- chin dress, can be counted, with harps in their hands, and heads of an innumerable host; and in the third is seen the Throne^ surrounded by two hundred Arch-Angels. Many of these Fractur-Schriften express their own enthusiastic sentiments on the subject of ceUbacy, and the virtue of a recluse life, whilst others are devotional pieces. "A room was set apart for such purposes, called 'Das Schreib Zimmer,' the writing room, and several sisters devoted their whole attention to this labor, as well as to transcribing the writings of the founder of the society; thus multiplying copies for the wants of the community, before they had a printing press. TwG sisters, named Anastasia and Iphigcnia, were the principal oriiamental writers. They left a large folio volume of sample alphabets, of various sizes and style, which are both elegant and curious, exhibiting the most patient application. The letters of the first alphabet are twelve inches long, surr rounded by a deep border, in imitation of copper-plate engrav- ing ; each one of which is different in the filhng up. It was finished in the year 1750, and is still preserved in the hands of the trustees. There was another transcribing room appro- priated exclusively to copying musi(^. Hundreds of volumeSj €ach containing five or'^ix hundred pieces, were transferred from book to book, with as much accuracy, and almost as much neatness, as if done with a graver. " It was in contemplation, at one time, by the Eckerlins, three brothers, one of whom was a prior, and had the superin- tendence of tlie secular concerns, to make it a place of more importance than a mere religious refuge. They were from Germany, and had been brought up Catholics. They conceived a project of erecting extensive buildings, and connecting trades with it; and had some preparations under way; the timber all hewn, as all the buildings are of wood, even the chimneys, which remain in use at this day ; and in readiness to erect a tower, and had sent to Europe, where they had extensive con- nexions, and got a chime of bells cast, unknown to the society, until they arrived at Philadelphia, and the bill for payment wag. forwarded to them. The society resolved not to receive them, but had them sold, and paid the loss. 340 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. " The commuity was a republic, in vv'hich all stood upon per- fect equality and freedom. No monastic tows were taken, neither had they any written covenants, as is common in the Baptist churches. The New Testament was their confession of faith, their code of law, and church discipline. The pro- perty which belonged to the society, by donation, and the labor of the single brethien and sisters, was common stock; but none was obliged to throw in his own property, or to give up any possessions. The society was supported by the inccme of the farm and grist mill, oil mill, fulling mill, and the labor of the brethren and sisters, in the cloister." Many of the male members were men of education, and the school which they had established, attracted attention abroad; young men from Baltimore and of Philadelphia, were sent to this place to be educated. Ludwig Hacker, the teacher of the common school, projected the plan of holding a school in the afternoon of the Sabbath, or Saturday, and who, in connexion, with some of the brethren, commenced it, to give instruction to> the indigent children who w"ere kept from regular school by em- ployments which their necessities obhged them to be engaged at tku'ing the week, as well as to give religious instruction to those in better circumstances. The precise time when this, school was established is not known; it was after 1739. The society, after an existence of fifty years, began to de- cline, from some cause, which we have not been able to learn- Some say that Beissel's successor, Peter Miller, wanted vigor of mind. This, says Doctor Fahnestock, is not, he believes, the case; for he assured us, in a conversation with him on this subject, in 1836, so far as he could learn, Peter Miller was a man of much greater powers of mind than Beissel, and that he had the management of the establishment during Beissel's time; and to whose energy and perseverance, is mainly attributable the great prosperity of the institution in its early days. That Miller was a man of more than ordinary powers of mind, is evident from the testimony of the Rev. Jedediah An- drews, an alumnus of Havard College, of the class of 1695, Andrews speaking of Miller, in a letter, dated Philadelphia, 8th, 14th, 1730. "There is lately come over a Palatine candidate of the min- istry, who having applied to us at the Synod (Scotch Synod) for ordination, 'tis left to three ministers, (these three were Ten- HISTORY OF BEKKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 341 ant, Andrews, and Boyd,) to do it. He is an extraordinary person for sense and learning. We gave him a question to dis- cuss about JustiJicatioJi, and he answered it, in a whole sheet c-f paper, in a very notable manner. His name is John Peter Miller, and speaks Latin, as readily as we do our vernacular tongue, and so does the other, Mr. Weiss." At an early period, they established a German printing office, which enabled them to distribute tracts and hymns, and after- wards to print several large works, in which the views of the founder are fully explained. Many of th^se books have been lost and destroyed. In the Revolutionary war, just before the, battle of Germantown, three wagon loads of books, in sheets, were seized an.d taken away for cartridges. They came to the paper mill to get paper, and not finding any there, ihey pressed the booiis in sheets. " Music was much cultivated. Beissel was a first rate mu^ sician and composer. In composing sacred music, he took his style from the music of Nature, and the whole comprising se-. veral large volumes, are founded on the ^Eolian harp; the sing- ing is the vEolian harp harmonized ; it is very peculiar in its style and concords, and in its execution. The tones issuing from the]!choir imitate very soft instrumental music; conveying' a softness and devotion almost superhuman to the auditor/ Their music is set in four, six and eight parts. All the parts, save the bass, are led and sung exclusively by females — the men being confined to the bass, which is set in two parts, the high and the low bass — the latter resembhng the deep tones of the organ ; and the first, in combination with one of the female parts, is an excellent imitation of the concert horn. The whole is sung on the falsetto voice, the singers scarcely opening their mouths, or moving their lips, which throws the voice up to the ceiling — which is not high — and the tones, which seem to be more than human — at least so far from common church singing appears to be entering from above, and hovering over the heads of the assembly." The reader may form some idea of their music from the fol-. lowing extract of a letter, written by a tourist during the pro- prietary administration of Governor Penn: "The counter, tre- ble, tenor and bass, were all sung by women, with sweet, shrill, and small voices, but with a truth and exactness in time and intonation, that was admirable. It is impossible to describe to 99* 342 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. your lordship, my feelings upon this occasion. The performers sat with their heads reclined, their countenances solemn and dejected, their faces pale and emaciated, from their manner of living, their clothing exceeding white, and quite picturesque, and their music such as thrilled to the very soul ; I almost be- gan to think myself in the world of spirits, and that the objects before me were ethereal. In short, the impression this scene made upon my mind, continued strong for many days, and I believe, will never be wholly obliterated." This music is lost, entirely now, in Ephrata — not the music books, but the style of singing — they never attempt it any more. It is, however, still preserved and finely executed — though in a faint degree — at Snow hill, in Franklin county, where there is a branch of the society, and which is now the principal settle- ment of the Seventh Day Baptists. This society attracted considerable attention. Men of various rank and standing visited the place. George Thomas, formerly an Antigua planter, appointed in 1737, Governor of the province of Pennsylvania, visited Eph- rata in 1741. He came, says Peter Miller, accompanied by a retinue of twenty horses, and a large number of distinguished gentlemen from Maryland and Virginia ; they were all honora- bly received by the brethren. The Governor said he was much gratified to see such an institution. He spoke very favorably of their religious and economical arrangements. The motives of visit, it is believed, were sinister. Without doubt, he gained the object of his visit more easily by adulation than he would have otherwise. At this time, the talented and active Conrad Weiser, was a member of the association. It was the Gover- nor's object, if possible, to secure once more the services of this man, in a capacity for wdiich hs was felicitously suited, that of an Indian interpreter. He tendered him the appointment of justice of the peace, which he accepted. He was afterwards appointed provincial interpreter, in which capacity he rendered his country essential service for many years. Governor Wil- liam Denny spent some time here, in 1756, and through an in- terpreter, had a long conversation with Beissel, touching the condition of the country. Peter Miller was a native of Oberant Lantern — came to America in 1730 ; soon after his arrival, was ordained by a Scotch Synod, at Philadelphia — received as a member of the HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 343 Society at Ephrata, by being baptized in 1735, and remained sixty-one years, to the day of his death, September 25, 1796, a member thereof. — His remains rest in the grave-yard at that place. He was well known in the religious and literary world. It is said he translated the Declaration of Independence into seven languages. His correspondence was extensive — he was visited by hundreds — General Lee, David Rittenhouse, Count Zinzen- dorf — and several noblemen of Europe — have been the guests of the establishment. The following were taxables in Heidelberg township, a year after Berks county had been separated fiom Lancaster county: Bastian Zimmerman, Abraham Stump, Godfried Loader- milch, Martin Kohl, Christian Smith, Yost Hojfman, Lorentz Bauman, Philip Kistaker, Jacob Kr eider, George Trear, Hen- ry Gring, JohnDootweiler, John Lane, jMcholas Fellenberger, Jacob Durst, James Dutiueiler, Henry Miser, Jacob JYeaf, JYicholas Cress, John Stoler, Joseph Krotzer, John Wolfels- parger, Frederick Wolfelsparger, Peter Wolfelsparger, Jldam Fritz, Barned Mous, Fridreck Miller, Hyronomus Troutrnan, Jacob Gishon, Peter Stone, Anthony Troser, John Shuh, Chris- tian Orendorf, Peter Edelman, George Conrad, Jacob Green- inger, Andrev) Kreutzer, Philip Breidenbach, Christopher Jfoacker, Martin Jfoacker, JYicholas Miller, Valentine Her- chelroth, Henry Bassler, Jacob Huy, John Ramler, Jacob Ramler, John Immel, Michael Spengler, Michael Coppenhef- fer, Christian Leaman, John Adam Mosser, Tobias Bickle, Jacob Brown, David Zeller, Henry Zeller, Geo. Mieser, Len- hard Holstein, Michael Mieser, Andw. Ellig, Jacob Becker, David Lebenstein, Michael Prccht, Geo. J\'\lf', Michael JYeff, Ulrich Reasor, Joseph Pugh, Valentine Boivman, Christian Zwalle, Peter Borger, John Stock, Valentine Veeman, AVm JYeff, Andw. Sholl, Stophel Stump, Widoio Moore, Jno. Mire, John Knoiver, Henry Mire, Wendel Loudermilch, Casper Rebo, Andiv. Reigand, Geo. Cogandoerfer, John Loudermilch, Lorentz Arnold, Michael Kapp, Peter Reem, Geo. Stoler, Jacob JVeff, Mathias Albrecht, Henry Boyer, Lenhard Leidig, Conrad Heigberger, Daniel Clark, Ulrich Croll, Michael Schenck, John Grebill, Geo. Swingle, Martin Thomas, Tho- mas Durst, Alexander Sheffer, Valentine Urich, Peter Sum- 844 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. me, Vlrich Springer, Christian Milhr-, Peter Babler, Stofel' Miller, Jacob Gensly, Peter Miller, Peter Schell, Hermanus Potorf, John Line, Thomas Copenhoefer, Christian Walborn, Martin Potorf, Wilhelm Hoster, Geo. Lash, Walter JYewman, J\lcholas Sivingle, F. JVeivman, Andreas Strickler, John Fague, Peter Zetler, Andreas SaJtzgeher, John Mull, Peter Brua, Michael Snider, Martin Eichholtz, Jacob Gass, Nicho- las Bressler, Dictrict Marker, John Kiister, John Oxman. I'he following resided in the south-east part of the township of Heidelberg, and on the borders of Warwick: Dillman Shite, David Taylor, Moses Irwin, Jacob Huber, Abraham Roland, Jacob Polinger, Liidwig Cole, Simon Tobias, Yost Blagher, Henry Stiegle, John Pofasberger, Nicholas Smith, Casper Simon, Martin Shoody, Stephen Beninger, Ja- cab Selzer, John Timothe, Tobias Hauk, Balser Shade, Michael Balmar, Henry Botts, Henry Hoyl, Han Nickle Entsminger, Han Nickle Entsminger, senr., Henry Wise, Stephen Yoacky, Jacob Gass, Christian Pence, Samuel Sellar, Mr. Shoufler, the tailor. Freemen — John Sheets, George Lidioh, George Hoyl, Peter Porgner, Yelia Swally, Jacob Stelly, Ulrich Bare, John Pile John Bale, George Ougai;!steen, John Switzer. There is nothing special that occurred during the French and Indian war, not common to the townships of this county. The Indians committed several murders in the northern part of the township, (now Jackson.) They carried off several young children, one of them, named W^illiam Jackson, was returned, w^ho had been held captive for some time, in 1762, at Lancas- ter. An extract of the proceedings of a conference with the Indians, held at Lancaster in 1762, is given. Lancaster, August, Friday 13, 1762. James Hamilton, Esq., Lieut. Governor of Pennsylvania, re- covered the following prisoners from the hands of King Beaver: Names of prisoners — Thomas Moore, taken from Potomack, Maryland. Philip Studebecker, taken from Conegocheague, Md. Ann Dougherty and Peter Condon, taken in Pennsylva- nia, Mary Stroudman, taken from Conegocheague, Pa., Wil- liam Jackson taken from Tulpehockcn, Pa., Elizabeth Adam, and John Lloyd, from Little Cove, Pa., Dorathy Shabrin, from HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 345: JBig Cove, Eleanor Lancestoctes, from Pa., Hans Boyer, a boy, not known from whence taken. Richard Rogers, Esther, Rogers, Jacob Rogers, Archibald Holtemon, and Rebecca, Walter, all from Virginia, about the South branch. " Thursday, 19 Aug., 1762, the following were delivered : Elizabeth Williams, a young woman, delivered by Mussause, a Muncy Indian. Henry Williams, about eighteen years old, brother to EUzabeth Williams, delivered by Canyhocherato- quin, a Muncy. Peggy Dougherty, delivered by Eckgohson, a Muncy, Mary Tidd and her child, taken near Samuel Depuis, by Eckgohnson. Abigail Evan and her child, taken at Stony creek, in Virginia, by Cowachsora, a Seneca. '-'A boy by Meightong, a Muncy. A little girl by Eckgoh- son, a Muncy. A little boy, Pessewanck, a Muncy. A boy of about fourteen years, by Eckgohson. A boy of twelve years, by Cowackslaira, a Seneca. A little boy of seven years, by Coracksaraa, a Seneca. These children's names unknown, as they cannot speak English, or give any account from whence they were taken."* The neighborhood of Sheafferstown was, it is said, originally settled by German Jews. They were so numeious, at one time, as to have a synagogue, and a rabbi, to read the scriptures and impart to them other instruction. As early as 1732 they had a grave-yard, around which was a substantial stonewall built, nearly the whole of wdiich is still standing. The cement, or mortar used, must have been very adhesive, and must have been made of a larger proportion of lime than is generally taken; for it is, even now, quite as compact and solid as lime- stone itself. This grave-yard is about half a mile south of Sheafferstown — one hundred yards east from the Lancaster road, and a few hundred yards south of " Thurm-Berg," i. e., Tov/er-Hill — a hill on which William Henry Stiegel had erect- ed a tower, or castle, which will be noticed below. When this, vicinity of Jewish settlement was pretty well populated, they left, and Germans of other denominations — Lutherans and Ger- man Reformed — settled here, among whom was Sheaffer, the proprietor of the present village. Sheafferstown — laid out about the year 1745 or '46 — is a pleasant village, south-east of Lebanon, and contains about one * Provincial Rec, for 17C2. 346 HISTORY OF BEEKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. hundred houses, several stores and taverns — a Lutheran churc!r built in 1765, and a German Reformed one — both built of stone. The inhabitants are Germans. It was here, as well as at Manheim, that the eccentric Baron Stiegel figured strangely^ He was a man of singular fortune — his vicissitudes in life were varied. In Europe he was a Earon — in America an iron-mas- ter, glass manufacturer, a preacher, and a schoolmaster — now rich — then poor ! In Sheafferstown, or hard by it, near the road to Lancaster, the spot on the hill, is still pointed out, where stood his tower, or castle — by those who saw the ruins €f it — nothing is left to be seen of it now — which was built by the notorious German Baron. Baron Stiegel was undoubtedly, with all his eccentricity, a man of much enterprise — of great skill in the arts, and of sin- gular taste, as is still raanifiest from the house he erected in Manheim. The house is now occupied by Mr. John Arndt, of Manheim — and though Mr. Ardnt has, in having the house materially altered, so changed it, as to leave nothing of the Baron's pulpit, in a large upper saloon, where the Baron, as preacher, addressed Jus hands, he had employed, at the glass factory, still much to excite admiration is to be seen. What remains of the internal, as decorations, has not its like in the , United States. Its rich scenery painting, of falconry or hawk- ing, on the side of the room walls — the tablets of China, curi- ously painted, the jambs, attract and excite the admiration of all who have the pleasure of spending a few moments with the affable owner of the house. Though he was proprietor of Manheim, and had a fine chateau there, he resided mainly in Philadelphia with his family, but was occasionally in the habit of inviting his friends into the cpuntry with him, to enjoy his, baronial hospitahty. He had two of these towers or castles erected, one at Sheafferstown, and another near Manheim — they were mounted with cannon, for the express purpose of firing a salute whenever he made his appearance in the coun- *^T- . . . . . , " This salute was the signal for his more intimate friends to. repair to his castle, and enjoy with him the festivities of the .occasion — and for all his workmen, at the furnaces and glass houses, to wash the dirt from their hands and faces, take up their musical instruments, and repair to the castle, to entertain their lord and his guests." HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 347 He lived beyond the competency of his means — he failed in business — was imprisoned for debt. A special act was passed for his relief, December 24, 1774, before the revolution of 1776 had cut "off his resources in Europe."* It is said he died as an obscure schoolmaster. Sic transit gloria hominis .' JVewmanstown, which has been noticed, (page 195,) is on the borders of this township, on the road to Wommelsdorf. Heidelberg township is bounded on the north by Jackson township, and by Berks county on the east ; south by Lancas- ter county, and west by South Lebanon township. It contains thirty-six thousand acres of land, chiefly limestone, and gener- ally well improved. The township has several streams, affording water power to propel mills. Muelbach, or Mill creek, rises in the southern part of the township, and runs northward, and flows in Tulpe- hocken creek. In the south-west is Hammer creek, a branch of the Conestoga. In 1840, this township contained six stores, one fulling mill, five grist mills, five saw mills, four tanneries and two distille- ries. Population in 1830, 2,822; 1840, 2,827. Average tax valuation for 1844, $819,496 00; county tax $1,229 2o. SWATARA TOWNSHIP. Swatara township was originally included in Bethel and Hanover townships; its boundaries have been changed since 1830, by erecting Union township. On the east it joins Bethel; Union on the west, and Lebanon on the south. The surface is diversified; the north and south are hilly; the centre level; soil, some of it limestone ; the greater proportion gravel and slate, but generally well improved. It is well supplied with water, mills, &c. This township possesses many advantages worthy the atten- tion of capitalists, as will be seen from the subjoined communi- cation, addressed to the writer. * His. Col. of Pa., by Day, p. 421. 348 HISTORY OF BERKS a'ND LEBANON COUNTIES. Jonestown, February 12, 1844. Respected Friend: When here, I promised to furnish you something touching our village, neighborhood, and surrounding country. This pro- mise, it is my intention, to redeem, though a press of secular 'engagements, has hitherto prevented me to give the subject the attention it deserves. I shall begin with the early history of our place. Williams- burg — this is the name of the town, now usually called Jones- town, was laid out into lots by WilHam Jones, about the year 1761. The tract of land on which the town is built, was origi- nally granted, by warrant, dated the 13th December, 1753, by the Honorable Proprietors, William Penn's sons, of Pennsylva- nia, to a Mr. Klein, who afterwards conveyed the same to Wil- liam Jones. Williamsburg or Jonestown, is situated near the forks of the Big and Little Swatara, seven miles north-west of the town of Lebanon, and on the main road leading from Harrisburg to Easton, on the Delaware river; it is 24 miles east of Harris- burg, and 77 from Easton; 32 from Lancaster; 31 from Read- ing, and 31 from both Pottsville and Orwigsburg, in Schuylkill county. The Big Swatara creek flows on the west of the town, and the Little Swatara on the south, at the base of Bun- ker Hill, and both unite within about one-fourth of a mile south w^est of the town— ^thence, with accessions from a number of tributaries, flow unitedly onward, and empty into the Susque- lianna river, near Middletown, Dauphin county. When this region was first settled, and about the time when Williamsburg was laid out, and for some years afterwards, the Swatara was considered One of the richest waters for fish, for its size, in the Province of Pennsylvania. This stream teemed with the finny race — the scaly salmon, the lubric eel and cat- fish, the coy shad, the slovenly mullet and sui generis — in short, " iish of all sorts," were abundant. Even within the last forty years — about 1804, 5, G and 7 — five hundred shad Vere taken at a time, There is a stone two feet square and three feet high in the centre, which might have served as a table or altar, this is sur-r rounded with seats of solid stone. In this cavern, tradition has it — ^internal evidence favors it — the Indians held councils. — The orderly arrangement of the massive furniture may have given rise to the tradition. It is well enough not to contradict so pleasing and so current a "Sage." From the top of "Bunker," you have one of the most com- manding prospects desirable. Place yourself on a rock — you have choice — look northward, you have a prospect, that presents a view of the coal regions through Swatara Gap, in the Kittitin- ny Hills — in this view lies spread before you, and between the mountain and Jonestown, a fine region of country, of sixty or more square miles. The eye tires not to view the variegated scenes — finely improved farms, interspersed with woods, and dotted with houses and barns. Contemplate on the past. See in imagination the savage Indians, thirsting for blood, crossing at Swatara Gap, in pursuit of marked victims. But, turn from so resiling a subject — wend, your face south — there rises in view, for miles in extent, a lovely country ; view that, while I tell you, that Bunker Hill also affords, to old and young, one of the most pleasant places of retreat and recrea^ tion in the sui-nmer season, and especially to the naturalist — here he can botanize and mineralize, while the carolling of the songsters of the wood heighten, by their varied notes, his plea- sures in examining this part of our neighborhood, as to its plants,^ minerals, et cetera. This, no doubt, had been a great place of resort for the In- dians, on account of the commanding view afforded them of the country, on either side of the hill. Hundreds of arrow-heads are still found here, and go far to strengthen the hypothesis, that this was a common place of resort for the Indians, in all sea- sons of the year. Passing, it might be stated, that near the Little Swatara, variegated marble is found. Other advantages, not generally considered, are to be met with here. There are some superior advantages for manufac- turing purposes. I would venture the prediction, to say:i — "This place will some day become a manufacturing town."' — We possess water power in abundance for all such purposes. — ■ Where need be more for propellmg machinaries of all kinds ? — 352 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. The facilities to transport, by canal, all raw materials to, and manufactured articles, from the place, are certainly not surpas- sed by any in Pennsylvania. Fuel, essentials to every one and at all times, is cheap and plenty, and can be readily supplied; the coal regions being not far distant. Capitalists and enter- prising manufacturers, would do well to give this place a seri- ous consideration. The investment would be more than "bank- sure." Two miles above the Big Dam, in Swatara Gap, near the public road, is a beautiful cascade, which, it is confidently be- lieved, is unsurpassed by any in the interior of the State. Four miles north of the cascade, on the summit of Sharp Mountain, is a prominent ledge of rupic projections, resembling very strikingly, at a distance, a group of houses; from the top of one of them, if you stand up there, you have a view of the Susquehanna Gap and Swatara Gap, where these streams, the former in its majesty rolls its way, and the latter sinuously steals through an opening in the Blue Mountain. It is currently supposed — there is some ground for it — that the Indians were wont to build signal fires here: sort of telegraphs — for which Morse has a substitute — as they had a regular path from our neighborhood to Shamokin, which passed hard by this rupic town. These rocks are six miles north of Union Forge, where Jacob Weidler is always found, to hail and receive a friend. In the language of his favorite, Harrison, — "The latch string of his door is always hanging out." Few only of our old settlers, are living. Among them ?ire the following: Peter Rank, my aged father; George Heilman, Martin Meiley, John Seltzer, and John Bickel, Esq., the post master. He has held the office since it was first established in 1802. Comment is not necessary to show his fidelity as a pub- lic officer. Col. Valentine Schaufler is an oJd inhabitant, but has not resided here as long as some of the afore-mentioned. — He is an aged man — ninety-two years old. He was a soldier in the revolutionary army. I have heard the colonel often re- late that, during the revolution of '76, he had been taken pris- oner by the British, and afterw^ards deserted from them, and that he was obliged to swim several miles to etfect his escape. This, said he, was near New York. Five miles west from our town, Mr. Adam Harper settled himself, at an early period. His location was the most westers HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 353 in this county at that time. He was surrounded by Indians, They had a string of wigwams hard by his house. He kept the first public house in all this region of country. The place is still known as "Harper's tavern," on the Harrisburg road. Near this, in 1755 or 1756, th Indians killed five or six white persons, not half a mile from Harper's. A woman — a sister of Major Leidig — was scalped by the Indians, and incredible as it raay appear to some, survived this barbarous act, and lived for years afterwards. This, however, agrees with what you stated, when here last winter. In conclusion — once more to our own place. All tradition says, when this place was first settled, it was noted as a place for horse racing, gambling, &c., &c. But at present — and for a number of years past — it has been, and is a very moral place. Vice and immorality have turned their hideous faces t'other way. All we need now is a more general diffusion of know- ledge, by means of Sabbath schools, schools of advanced standing, and preaching of the gospel in its purity and simpli- city. The thought has occurred to me that a well chosen site for an academy would be " Bunker Hill." Its advantages need no discussion. A trial would, undoubtedly, decide in its favor. I must close my epistle. Believe me, I remain your friend, William Rank. Swatara township contained a population in 1830 of 1,510 ; in 1840, 1,056 — part of Union township having since been, taken from it. Average tax valuation for 1844, $416,636,000; county tax, $624 96. annville township. AimviUe toionship was formed out of part of Londonderny and Lebanon. It is bounded on the north-east by East Hancr ver township; east by Lebanon; south and west by London- derry. It contains nearly twenty-two thousand acres of land, principally level, and of the best limestone quality, and highly improved. Some portion of it is gravel. Some of the finest 30* 354 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. and best improved farms in the county, are to be met with in this township. Many firm substantial farm houses and barns, principally of stone, indicative of wealth and taste, can be seen as one passes along the public roads. Some old tile-covered houses are still to be seen. This township is well supplied with streams of water, which afford abundance of water power for mills, &c. The Swatara forms the boundary on the north ; the Quitapohila flows through the township, and receives, in its course, Killinger's run. There is a forge on the Quitopahila — Meadow run is the name of an- other small stream in this township. In 1840 it contained one fulling mill, one woollen factory, eight grist mills, five saw mills, one oil mill, one distillery, and eleven stores. Population in 1830, 2,7S6; 1840, 2,649: average tax valuation of 1844, $915,937 00; county tax $1,373 98. The Harrisburg and Reading turnpike passes through this township. — Millerstown is on it. Millerstown — this place was formerly called "Annville," and was laid out by Messrs. Riegel and Ulrich. It is handsomely situated, and is a flourishing village on the Quitopahila. It contains about one hundred and twenty houses, four or five stores, and the same number of taverns, and the usual handi- crafts. Several schools — one pubUc school — and an academy, are in successful operation. It contains several churches. The names of the first settlers are given when speaking of Lebanon and Londonderry townships. It was at this place — Rev. Dr. Dady — the noted impostor, first commenced, by aid of his fascinating eloquence, to gull the honest Germans. To show what may be done among a people believing implicitly — " men untried," — that place is given to the following. A wholesome lesson may be deduced from it. When he failed, he tried another region, more genial to hifj purposes. DOCTOR DADY. The following account of that noted impostor, is taken nearly word for word from that written by the Hon. John Joseph Henry, and sent by him to Philadelphia with the convicted impostors. Jud^re Henry wrote the account from notes taken at the trial. It follows, in most things, the order of the testis mony as given in by the witnesses. Dr. Dady, who was a German by birth, came to this coun- try with the Hessians during the American revolution. Posses- sing a fascinating eloquence in the German language, and being very fluent in the English., he was afterwards employed as a minister of the gospel by uninformed but honest Germans. When the sacerdotal robe could no longer be subservient to his avaricious views, he laid it aside and assumed the character of a physician. As such he went to York county, and dwelt among the poor inhabitants of a mountainous part thereof, (now within the limits of Adams county,) where, in various artful ways, he preyed on the purses of the unwary. Of all the numerous impositions with which his name is con- nected, and to which he lent his aid, we will mention but two. The scene of one of them is in what is now Adams county, where he dwelt ; and of the other in the " barrens" of York county. The following is an account of the Adams county imposi- tion : — Rice Willams, or rather Rainsford Rogers, a New England- er, and John Hall, a New Yorker, (both of whom had been plundering the inhabitants of the southern states by their wiles,) came to the house of Clayton Chamberlain, a neighbor of Dady, in July, 1797. 356 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. On the following morning, Dady went to Chamberlain's, and had a private conversation between Williams and Hall, before breakfast. After Dady had left them, Williams asked Cham- berlain whether the place was not haunted. Being answered in the negative, he said that it was haunted — that he had been born with a veil over his face — could see spirits, and had been conducted thither, sixty miles, by a spirit. Hall assented to the truth of this. In the evening of the same day, they had another interview with Dady. Williams then told Chambei-- lain, that if he would permit him to tarry over night, he would show him a spirit. This being agreed to, they went into a field in the evening, and Williams di'ew a circle on the ground, around w'hich he directed Hall and Chamberlain to walk in silence. A terrible screech was soon heard proceeding from a black ghost (!!!) in the woods, at a little distance from the par- ties, in a direction opposite to the place where Williams stood. In a tew minutes a while ghost appeared, which Williams ad- dressed in a lanp;uao:e which those who heard him could not understand — the ghost replied in the same langvage! After his ghostship had gone away, Williams said that the spirit knew of a treasure which it was permitted to discover to eleven men — they must be honest, religious and sensible, and neither horse jockeys nor Irishmen. The intercourse between WilUams and Dady now ceased to be apparent; but it was continued in private. Chamberlain, convinced of the existence of a ghost and a treasure, was easily induced to form a company, which was soon affected. Each candidate was initiated by the receipt of a small sealed paper, containing a little yellow sand, which was called "the power." This " power" the candidate was to bury under the earth to the depth of one inch, for three days and three nights — performing several absurd ceremonies, too obscene to be de- scribed here. A circle, two inches in diameter, was formed in the field, in the centre of which there was a hole six inches wide and as many deep. A captain, a lieutenant and three committee men were elected. Hall had the honor of the captaincy. The ex- ercise was to pace around the circle, &c. This, it was said, propitiated and strengthened the white ghost, who was opposed by an unfriendly black ghost who rejoiced in the appellation of Pompey. In the course of their nocturnal exercises they often HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 357 savf the white ghost — they saw Mr. Pompey too, but he ap- peared to have "his back up," bellowed loudly, and threw stones at them. On the night of the 18th of August, 1797, Williams under- took to get instructions from the white ghost. It was done in the following manner: He took a sheet of clean white paper, and folded it in the form of a letter, when each member breath- ed into it three times; this being repeated several times, and the paper laid over the hole in the centre of the circle, the instruc- tions of the ghost were obtained. The following is a short ex- tract from the epistle written by the ghost: " Go on, and do right, and prosper, and the treasure shall be yours. I am permitted to write this in the same hand I wrote in the flesh for your direction — O ,£;j]. Take care of your powers in the name and fear of God our protector — if not, leave the work. There is a great treasure, 4000 pounds a-piece for you. Don't trust the black one. Obey orders. — Break the enchantment, which you will not do until you get an ounce of mineral dulcimer elixiraer; some German doctor lias it. It is near, and dear, and scarce. Let the committee get it — but don't let the Doctor know what you are about — he is wicked." ' The above is but a small part of this precious communication. In consequence of these ghostly directions, a young man named Abraham Kephart waited, by order of the committee, on Dr. Dady. The Dr. preserved his eliximer in a bottle sealed with a large red seal, and buried in a heap of oats, and demanded fifteen dollars for an ounce of it. Young Kepharl could not af- ford to give so much, but gave him thirty-six dollars and three bushels of oats for three ounces of it. Yost Liner, another of these wise committee men, gave the Doctor 121 dollars for eleven ounces of the stuff. The company was soon increased to 30 persons, many of whom were wealthy. Among those who weie most miserably duped may be mentioned Clayton Chamberlain, Yost Liner, Thomas Bigham, WiUiam Bigham, Samuel Togert, John M'- Kinney, James Agnew the elder, James M'Cleary, Robert Thompson, David Kissinger, George Sheckley, Peter Wikeart, and John Philips. All these and many other men were, in the words of the indictment, " cheated and defrauded by means of certain false tokens and pretences, to wit: by means of preten- 358 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. dec! spirits, certain circles, certain brown powder, and certain compositions called mineral dulcimer elixer, and Deterick's mineral elixer." But the wiles of these imposters were soon exerted in other parts. The following is an account of their proceedings in and about Shrewsbury township, in York county. Williams intima- ted that he had received a call from a ghost resident in those parts, at the distance of forty miles from Dady's. Jacob Wis- ter, one of the conspirators, was the agent of Williams on this occasion. He instituted a company of twenty-one persons, all of whom were, of course, most ignorant people. The same and even more absurd ceremonies were performed by these people, and the communications of the ghost were obtained in a still more ridiculous manner than before. The communications men- tioned Dr. Dady as the person from whom they should obtain the dulcimer elixer, as likewise a kind of sand which the ghost called the " Asiatic sand," and which was necessary in order to give efficacy to the "powers." Ulrich NeafF, a committee man of this company, paid to Dr. Dady ninety dollars for seven and a half ounces of the elixer. The elixer was put into vials, and each person who had one of them, held it in his hand and shook it as he pranced round the circle ; on certain occasions he annointed his head with it, and afterwards, by order of the spirit, the phial was buried in the ground. Paul Baliter, another of the committee men, took with him to Dr. Dady's, a hundred dollars to purchase "Asiatic sand," at three dollars per ounce. Dady being absent, Williams pro- cured from the Doctor's shop as much sand as the money would purchase. In this instance, Williams cheated the Doctor, for he kept the spoil to himself, and thenee arose an overthrow of the good fraternity. Each of them now set up for himself. Williams procured directions from his ghost, that each of the companies should despatch a committee to Lancaster to buy "Deterick's mineral elixer," of a physician in that place. In the meantime Wil- liams and his wife went to Lancaster, where they prepared the elixer, which was nothing but a composition of copperas and cayenne pepper, Mrs. Williams, as the wife of John Huber, a German doctor, went to Dr. Rose, with a letter dated " 13 miles from Newcastle, Delaware," which directed him how to sell the article, &c. The enormity of the price aroused the HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 359 suspicion of Dr. Rose. In a few days the delegates from the committee arrived, and purchased elixer to the amount of $740 33. When the lady came for the money, she was ar- rested, and the secret hecarae known. Her husband, Williams, escaped. The Lancaster expedition naving led to a discovery of the tricks of the impostors, a few days after the disclosures made by Mrs. Williams, an indictment was presented in the criminal court of York county, against Dr. John Dady, Rice WilliamSj Jesse Miller, Jacob Wister, the elder, and Jacob Wister, the younger, for a conspiracy to cheat and defraud. The trial took place in June following, and resulted in the conviction of Wis- ter, the elder, and Dr. Dady — the former of whom was fined ten dollars, and imprisoned one month in the county jail, the latter fined ninety dollars, and sentenced to two years confine- ment in the penitentiary at Philadelphia. Dady had just been convicted of participating in the conspi- racy in Shrewsbury, when he and Hall were found guilty of a like crime in Adams county — whereupon Hall was fined one hundred dollars and sent to the penitentiary for two years, and Dady was fined one hundred and sixty dollars, and sentenced to undergo an additional servitude of two years in the penitentiary, to commence in June, 1800, when his first term would expire. Thus ended the history of Doctor Dady, who certainly was not devoid of talent, who possessed a most winning ad- dress, and was a thorough master in quick and correct discern- ment of character. He reigned, for a season, with undisputed sway, in what was then the western part of York county. His cunning, for a long time, lulled suspicion to sleep. The history of his exorcisms should teach the credulous that the ghosts which appear now-a-days are as material as our own flesh. — His. York Co, 360 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES, MILLERSTOWN. To return again to the vicinity of Millerstown. About one mile north-east from Millerstown, the first public house, in this region of country, was kept by the grand-father of Adam Ul- rich, the present occupant. Mr. Ulrich also kept a small store, and traded with the Indians, many of whom staid weeks with him. Mr. Adam Ulrich's father, when a boy, frequently sported and played with the Indians, in the thickets. It appears there was a burying ground near Ulrich's house,. One evening, about the year 1756 or '57, Mr. Adam Ulrich's father, and grandfather;, were feeding their cattle, when they were surprised by the Indians, but fortunately escaped and eluded the pursuit of them; whereupon, the Indians killed all the cattle, by cutting out their tongues. This happened on the farm now owned by Mr. Shenk. During the late war of 1812, when a praiseworthy spirit pervaded community to resist British encroachments, and also to establish manufactories to manufacture goods for our own consumption, several wealthy gentlemen of Lancaster county, headed by the enterprizing Mr. Hentzelman, erected an exten- sive cotton and woollen factory, a few miles from Millerstown, at the enormous expense of $06,000 — and for some time car- ried on business with success, but owing to the ruinous policy of tiot protecting American industry — opening our ports wide for foreign manufactures, they failed. Their goods were con- sidered equal in quality to any manufactured in the country. Free foreign importations — either of British goods, or Brit- ish paupers — will eventually ruin the whole country. Our country should be protected against both, by wholesome re- strictions. Our policy is too liberal. It is mis-directed chari- ty, to open our ports for foreign goods, and foreign paupers, without salutary restrictions ! I JACKSON TOWNSHIP. Jackson townships — this township was originally embraced by Heidelberg and Bethel townships, to which the reader is HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 861 referred for the names of some of the first settlers, a few of whom had come from Schoharie, in New York, others emigra- ted directly from Europe. This part of the county was em- braced, in what is so well known, in the early history of Penn- sylvania, as the "Tulpehocken settlement," or as the name is written in the Provincial Records, Turpyhocken.* It was through tliis region, that the Indians had their common course, in carrying their furs and skins from the west to the east, as may be learned from a proposal made by William Penn, in 1690, for a second settlement in the province of Pennsylvania. He says: — "It is now my purpose to make another settlement upon the river Susquehannagh, that runs into the Bay of Che- sapeake, and lies about fifty miles west from the Delaware, as appears by the common maps of the English dominions in America. There I design to lay out a plan for the building of another city, in the most convenient place for communication with the former plantation on the east, which by land is as good as some already, a way being laid out between the two rivers very exactly and conveniently, at least three years ago, and what will not be hard to do by water, by the benefit of the river Scoulkill; for a branch of that river lies near a branch that runs into the' Susquehannagh river, and is the common course of the Indians with their skins and furrs in our parts, and to the province of east and west New Jersey, and New York, from the west and north-east parts of the continent from which they bring them.f The Honorable John Evans, Esq., Lieut. Governor of the Province of Pennsylvania, passed from the Susquehanna, through here on his way to Philadelphia, in July, 1707, as may be seen from the following extract from his journal. " The Governor, with Messrs. John French, William Tonge, Mitchel Bezaillion, and one Grey, and four servants, set out from New Castle, the 27th of June, and the next morning ar- rived at Otteraroe, &.c4 "On Tuesday, 1st July, we went to Conestogoe, and lay there that night, and the next morning proceeded on our jour- ney, and arrived in the Evening within 3 miles of an Indian * Min. Prov. Council ii, 19G. t Haz. Reg., vol. i, p. 400. t Minutes of Prov. Coun. ii, 404, — 5. 31 362 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. Village, called Peixtan. The Govr. had received Information at Pequehan, that one Nicdlcj a ffrench Indian Trader, was at that place, agst. whoni great Complaints had been made to the Govr. of which he acquainted the Chief Indian of Peixtan, as also of his design to seize him ; who willingly agreed to it, but advised the Govr. to be very cautious in the manner: there being only young People at home, who perhaps might make some Resistance, if it wei'e done without their first being told of it; for this reason we lay short of the Village that night; but Early in the morning we went within half a mile of the Town, & leaving our horses, march'd a foot nearer the same ; from whence the Govr. sent Martine to the Village : Ordering him to tell Nicole that he had brought 2 Caggs of Rum WTLth him, which he had left in the woods, for fear any Christians were there; and withal to perswade Nicole to go with him and taste the Rum. Martine returned with James Letort, & Joseph Jessop, 2 Indian Traders but could ndt prevail with Nicole ; upon this, Martine Avas sent back with Orders to bring down some of the Indians, and Nicole with them : then we drew nearer the Town, and laid ourselves in the bushes, and Martine returned with 2 Indians, Avhom the Govr. acquainted with his intent of taking Nicole, telling at the same time, he had spoken with to the Uncle of one of them upon that head, W'ho ordered the Indians to submit to the Govrs. Commands, with which they were contented, tho' we perceived too well the contrary, by their inquiring how many we w^ere, and how armed ; and by the Concern they seemed to be in, when they found we were more men in number than they : but still Nicole was wanting; it was therefore Resolved to try once more if he could be got into the woods, according- ly Martine went again, and brought Nicole to the place where we lay concealed, and asking him to Drink a dram, he seized him; but Nicole started from him and run for it, when imme- diately we started out and took him, and presently carried him to the Village, (thro' which we were obliged to pass,) and there we found some Indian's with Guns in their hands, who lookt much displeased at what we had done, but we being in a readiness against any surprize, they thought it not fit to attempt any thing; here we stayed abot. half an hour, and then parted for Turpyhocken; having mounted Nicole upon a horse, and tied his legs under the Belly ; we got within a mile of Turpy- HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 363 hocken about 2 of ye Clock, on fryday morning, and about 7 the Govr. went to the town, from thence we went to Mana- tawny that night, & the next day to Philadelphia." During the French and Indian war, from 1755 to 1760, the inhabitants of this township, in common with many others, were repeatedly alarmed by the Indians. Several murders were committed by them within the borders of this township. On one occasion many of the inhabitants of this and adjacent town- ships, met at the house of Benjamin Spycker's, near the pre- sent site of Stouchstown. There, a company consisting of ris- ing of three hundred men, went in pursuit of the Indians, most of them well armed, though about twenty of them, had nothing but axes and pitchforks — all unanimously agreed to die toge- ther, and engage the enemy, wherever they should meet them. This happened in October 1755.* In this, as well as other townships, there were several block houses, or forts, to which, in cases of emergency, the inhabit- ants would flee. There was one — we were informed by Mr. Breitenbach, on the farm now owned by him — a short distance east of Myerstown. Philip Breitenbacbj father of Mr. Breitenbach mentioned above, came from Germany — in 1754 he purchased the tract of land, on which a fort was afterwards erected, from Martin Noacker. Philip Breitenbach was wont, on many occasions of alarm, to take his drum and beat on an eminence near his house, lo collect the neighbors from work, into the fort. On one oc- casion, the Indians pursued them close to the house, when one of the inmates took up a gun, and shot the Indian dead on the. spot. Jackson township is bounded on the north-east by Berks county — on the south by Heidelberg township, and on the west by South and North Lebanon, and Bethel townships ; and con- tains nearly fifteen thousand acres of first rate land — limestone soil, and the surface is generally very level. The improvements, are very firm. Buildings are — many of stone — lai'ge and com- modious. This township is crossed by both the Reading and Harris- burg turnpike, and Union Canal. Tulpehocken creek, and the -* See Conrad Weiser's letter to Governor Morris, p. 43 — 44 antea. 364 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. Swatara, are the principal streams, affording water power for mills, &c. In 1840, this township contained three grist mills, one saw mill, two tanneries, two distilleries, four stores, and two lumber yards. Population in 1880, 2,120; 1840, 2,508. Average tax valuation for 1840, $1,031,326; county tax i2,546 99. Myerstown, on the Reading and Harrisburg turnpike, seven miles east from the town of Lebanon, was laid out by Isaac Myers about seventy-five years ago. The locality is quite a pleasant one. The country around it is certainly not surpassed by any in the State, for fertility of soil. The town has been much improved within the last twenty years. It contains several fine buildings; among others, the Lutheran church, built in 1812, which, in its way, makes a "modest" appearance. All the useful branches are taught here — with what success, it has not been stated to the writer. It is supplied with a School Library. This is a good feature in the general plan. The Evangelical Association is erecting a house for public worship here. Sunday schools, and other schools are pretty well attended. The population exceeds 700 souls. Some three or four buildings are being put up at present. UNION TOWNSHIP. Union township has been erected within a few years, out of the contiguous townships. It has East Hanover on the west, and Swatara township on the east. The Big Swatara creek is its principal stream. Fort Smithy it is believed, was in this part of the country, within the limits of Union township. Not a few seem to think, each of them has the honor of having it perpetuated, that Fort Smith was on his farm. Some with whom we have conversed, locate it at Union Forge. An intelligent gentleman, Jacob Weidler, Esq., in a communication of Feb. 13, 1844, says: — "The following facts I obtained from Mr. Daniel Mus- ser, who is nearly seventy years old. He suggests that there may probably be an error to locate Fort Smith, where Union Forge is. Mr, Musser's maternal grandfather, Peter Hey- HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. o65 tirich, who emigrated from Germany and located, previous to 1738, about three-fourths of a mile due north from this place, it appears, owned the place on which Fort Smith was erected. My informant says, he knows that a fort had been erected on his grandfather's farm, to which, in great emergencies, the neighbors fled for safety. The persons whom Mr. Musser remembers of having heard of that resided in this township, as old settlers, were Mr. Nor acre or Noecker, who was shot dead in his field while plough- ing, on the farm now owned by John Zehring. He says that one Philip Maurer was shot dead while cradHng oats on the farm now occupied by John Gross. Martin Hess, who escaped unhurt, his house also had been a place of refuge — often half a dozen of families would resort to Hess's house, which was about one mile south-west from Peter Heydrich's, and a half a mile west from this place. Mathias Boeshore (your mother's relative) was also an old settler, who, on one occasion retreated from the enemy, the Indians, towards Hess's. Just as he had go.t inside the house, seized his gun, and turned upon his pur- suers, levelling his deadly weapon at them, am] while in the act of drawing the trigger, he received a shot from an Indian, which wounded him but slightly. The bullet of one savage's gun struck that part of Boeshore's rifle, to which the flint is attached; the ball glancing a little to one side, wounded him in the left side. Boeshore lived to be a very old man. The land on which this fort w^as erected, is now owned by widov.' Elizabeth Shuey. The old people are unanimous in lo- cating the fort on Mrs. Shuey's farm, at that time the property of Peter Heydrich. None of them seems to know that the house on Mr. Weidman's place here was ever used as a fort, May it not, like the house of Mr. Hess, have been only a kintl of blockhouse ; as the house of Hess, as well as the one here, has also some apertures, or port holes, which were evidently used to fire out upon the enemy? Of Peter Heydrick, it is related, that on a certain occasion^ the Indians appeared in great numbers — and nearly all the. neighbors being in their own houses — Heydrich gave imme- diate notice to the people to resort to the fort, and in the mean- time, (having both fife and drum in the fort, and could beat and fife well) took the drum and fife, marched himself into the woods or thickets, now beating the drum, then blowing the 31* 366 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. iife ; then and again gave the word of command, loud a7:d dis- tinct, as if it had been given to a large force — though he was the only one to obey orders — by this Guerre de ruse, slight of war, he managed to keep the savages away, and collect his neighbors securely. JYoth bricht Eisen. The following letter from the pen of Adam Reed, Esq., da- ted in Hanover, Oct. 14, 1756, may cast some additional light on this point. The letter was addressed to Edward Shippen, Esq., and others. " Friends and Fellow Subjects : I send you in a few lines, the melancholy condition of the frontiers of this county. Last Tuesday, the 12th inst., ten In- dians came on Noah Frederick, while ploughing, killed and scalped him, and carried away three of his children that were with him — the eldest but nine years old — and plundered his house and carried away every thing that suited their purpose; such as clothes, bread, butter, a saddle, and a good rifle gun, &c. — it being but two short miles from Captain Smith's fort, at Swatara gap, and a Uttle better than two miles from my house. Last Saturday evening, an Indian came to the house of Phi- lip Robeson, carrying a green bush before him — said Robeson's son being on the corner of his Fort, watching others that were dressing, flash by him — the Indian perceiving that he Vv'as ob- served, fled; the watchman fired, but^missed him. This being about three-fourths of a mile from Manady Fort; and yester- day morning, two miles from Smith's Fort, at Swatara, in Bethel township, as Jacob Farnwal was going from the house of Jacob Meyhn to his own, was fired upon by two Indians, and wounded, but escaped with his life ; and a little after, in said township, as Frederick Henly and Peter Sample were car- rying away their goods in wagons, were met by a parcel of Indians, and all killed, lying dead in one place, and one man at a little distance. But what more has been done, has not come to my ears — only that the Indians were continuing their mur- ders! The frontiers are employed in nothing but carrying off" their effects ; so that some miles are now waste I We are willing, but not able, without help — you are able, if you be willing. HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 6b/ (that is including the lower parts of the county) to give such assistance as will enable us to recover our waste land. You may depend upon it, that without assistance, we, in a few days, will be on the wrong side of you ; for I am now on the frontier, and I fear that by to-morrow night, I will be left two miles. Gentlemen, consider what you will do, and don't be long about it; and let not the world say, that we died as fools died I Our hands are not lied, but let us exert ourselves, and do some- thing for the honor of our country, and the preservation of our fellow subjects. I hope you will communicate our grievances to the lower parts of our country ; for surely they will send us help, if they understood our grievances. I would have gone down myself, but dare not, my family is in such danger. I expect an answer by the bearer, if pos- sible.* I am, gentlemen, Your very humble servant, Adam Reed. P. S. Before sending this away, I would mention, I have just received information, that there are seven killed and five children scalped alive, but have not the account of their names. A considerable portion of this township is hilly. The soil gravel and sienitic, some yellow shale and limestone, all of which is susceptible of high improvement. Average tax valua- tion, $178,890 00; county tax ^288 34. * Provincial Records, P., p, 69. CHAPTEEII. GENERAL STATISTICS OF LEBANON COUNTY, PRODUCTS OF THE MINE. Products of the mine are iron, manufactured into cast and bar iron. There were, according to the census of 1840, three furnaces in the county, and they produced three thousand and twenty tons of cast iron ; three bloomeries and forges, which produced two hundred and ninety-seven tons of bar iron; the furnaces and forges consumed six thousand one hundred and eight tons of fuel — employed two hundred and thirty one men, including mining operations — capital invested, two hundred and thirty-three thousarid dollars. LIVE STOCK. Lire Stock. — Five thousand and fifty^six horses and mules ; fourteen thousand seven hundred and eight) -one neat cattle; ten thousand nine hundred and seventy-seven head of sheep; thirteen thousand seven hundred and eighty swine; poultry of all kinds valued at seven thousand one hundred and thirty-five dollars. CEREAL PRODUCTIONS. Cereal productions. — Wheat, two hundred and fifteen thous- and four hundred and twenty-eight bushels ; two hundred and HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 369 forty-five bushels of barley ; oats, two hundred and thirty-two thousand six hundred and two bushels; rye, one hundred and forty-seven thousand two hundred and fifty-four bushels; eight hundred and thirty-five bushels of buckwheat; two hundred and thirty-nine thousand and thirty-one of Indian corn. VARIOUS AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS. Various other agricultural products are: fourteen thousand nine hundred and forty-three pounds of wool raised ; one hun- dred and one thousand six hundred and thirty-two bushels of potatoes; sixteen thousand five hundred and sixty tons of hay; one hundred pounds of silk cocoons ; six thousand nine hundred and thirty-three cords of wood sold. THE DAIRY. Value of the products of the dairy, twenty-six thousand five hundred and twenty-two dollars. The value of the products of the orchard, six thousand one hundred and twenty-three dollars; fifty gallons of wine manufactured. Home made or family goods made, nine thousand seven hundred and twenty- two dollars. COMMERCE. There were fifty-eight groceries and stores, with an aggre- gate capital of two hundred and forty-one thousand nine hun- dred dollars; seven lumber yards, capital invested twenty-four 'housand five hundred; employed one hundred and twenty eight men. Thirty-five persons were employed in internal transpor- tation. MACHINERY. The value of machinery manufactured was estimated at six thousand dollars, and employed twenty-six men. Hardware and cutlery, two hundred dollars — employed three men. Bricks and lime, twenty-one thousand eight hundred and sixty dollars; two hundred and eleven men employed. Capital invested in the preceding manufactories, sixteen thousand nine hundred and ten dollars. 370 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. MANUFACTORIES. The county is pretty well supplied with factories.; four ful- ling mills, two woollen factories ; value of manufactured goods produced, four thousand one hundred and eighty dollars; thirty persons employed; capital invested, one thousand four hundred and eighty dollars. Silk has received some attention, ninety pounds of reeled silk were raised, valued three hundred and eighty dollars; em- ployed six males and five females; capital invested limited, only tifty-two dollars. The value of manufactured goods, eleven thou- sand and thirty-four dollars; persons employed, three hundred and eighty-three ; capital invested, five thousand four hundred and fifty-one dollars. The raising of tobacco has received some attention — the value of .the manufactured article amounted to five thousand seven hundred and fifty dollars; employed twen- ty-six men; capital invested, three thousand and seventy-five dollars Value of hats and caps manufactured, eleven thousand nine hundred dollars; nineteen persons employed; capital invested, five thousand five hundred and fifty dollars. TANNERIES, &C. Tanneries, there were twenty two; tanned four thousand- six hundred and sixty-six sides of sole leather; two thousand eight hundred and twenty-five sides of upper leather; fifty-two men employed; capital invested, forty-six thousand eight hundred dollars. There were twenty-nine saddleries; value of manu- iiictured articles, estimated at thirty-four thousand four hun- (h'ed and fifty; capital invested, fifteen thousand seven hundied and sixty-four dollars. SOAP AND CANDLES MANUFACTURED. Soap, three thousand six hundred and eighteen pounds, ; tal- low candles, seven thousand two hundred cind twenty-five dol- lars — employed one hundred and thirty-seven — capital invested, one thousand seven hundred and seventy dollars. "illSTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COtJiftlES. DISTILLED AND FERMENTED LIQUORS. Twelve distilleries were in operation in 1840, which pro- duced seventy-three thousand five hundred and twenty gallons; two breweries made twelve thousand two hundred gallons ot beer — the distilleries and breweries employed twenty-four men ; capital invested, fourteen thousand three hundred and fifty gal- lons. VALUE OP MEDICINES, DRUGS, &C.. &C. One thousand and fifty dollars. Five potteries produced in value, one thousand eight hundred dollars — employed eight men — capital, seven hundred and seventy-five dollars. One sugar refinery — value of produce, one thousand two hundred dollars. Confectionaries made to the value of twelve thousand dollars — four men employed — capital, six thousand dollars. PAPER MANUFACTURED, &Ci There was one paper manufactory — value of produce, six thousand dollars — five men employed — capital, three hundred dollars. Four printing offices — three weekly newspapers pub- lished and one periodical — thirteen men employed — capital, nine thousand seven hundred and fifty dollars. CARRIAGES AND WAGONS. Were manufactured to the value of thirteen thousand and forty dollars — employed fifty-eight men — capital invested, seven hundred and fifteen dollars. MILLS, &c. The number of grist mills was thirty-seven, which manufac- tured two thousand six hundred and ninety barrels of flour. Saw mills, twenty-four. Two oil mills. The value manufac- tured of saw and oil mills, was forty-three thousand two hun- dred and ninety-three dollars — employed seventy-eight hands — capital invested, seventeen thousand nine hundred and sixty-five 'dollars. •- 372 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. The number of brick and stone buildings built in 1840, -wajs twelve, and twenty-two of wood — ^employed one hundred and nineteen men. All other manufactures not enumerated above, amounted in value to one hundred and seventeen thousand two hundred and fifty-nine dollars — capital invested twenty-two thousand three hundred and seventy dollars. Total capital invested in all the manufactories, wag one hundred and ninety thousand eighty- seven dollars. POPULATION. The Population of Lebanon county in 1840, was as follows : Free white males under 5, one thousand eight hundred and seventy-seven; of 5 years and under 10, one thousand five hundred and thirteen; of 10 and under 15, one thousand four hundred and seven; of 15 and under 20, one thousand two hundred and ten; of 20 and under 80, one thousand seven hundred and eighteen; of 30 and under 40, one thousand one hundred and sixty-three ; of 40 and under 50, nine hundred and five ; of 50 and under 60, four hundred and ninety-nine ; 60 and under 70, two hundred and eighty; of 70 and under 80, one hundred and twenty-six; of 80 and under 90, thirty-four; of 90 and under 100, one. Free white females under 5 years, one thousand eight hun- dred and four; of 5 and under 10, one thousand five hundred and sixty two ; of 10 and under 15, one thousand two hundred and seventy- six ; of 15 and under 20, one thousand two hun- dred and ninety-seven ; of 20 and under 30, one thousand nine hundred and nineteen ; of 30 and under 40, one thousand one hundred and seventy ; of 40 and under 50, eight hundred and eighty-six; of 50 and under 60, five hundred and seventy-nine; of 60 and under 70, three hundred and thirty-eight ; of 70 and HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 373 under eighty, one hundred and sixty ; of 80 and under 90, forty ; of 90 and 100, five. Colored Persons. — Colored males under ten years, 17 ; of ten and under twenty-four 10 ; of twenty-four and under thirty- six, 9; of thirty six and under fifty-five, 10; of fifty-five and over one hundred, 4; colored females under ten, 19; of ten and under twenty-four, 11; of twenty-four and under thirty-six, 9; of thirty-six and under forty-five, 11 ; of fifty-five and under one hundred, 3. Total population of Lebanon county, 21,872; of these 27 are engaged in mining; 2,205 in agriculture; 122 in commerce; 4,324 in manufactures and trades; 2 in navigation on the ocean; 130 in the navigation on canals; 47 of the learned professions; 30 pensioners; of the borough of Lebanon, namely: George Hess, aged 79; Swatara, Peter Witraoyer, 80; Anna Barbara Yeagley, 78; Peter Sailor, 77; John Shalley, 79; Ja- cob Heim, 74; John Bickel, 88; Valentine Shoufler, 88; Mar- tin Meily, 68 ; George Heilmen, 81 ; East Hanover, Thomas Kopenhaver, 80 ; John Hetrich, 77 ; Jacob Decker, 84 ; Philip Witmeyer, 80; John Garberich, 81; James Steward, 83 ; Lon- donderry, Jacob Lentz, 81; Adam Trist, 80; Jacob Keaner, Andrew Robeson, 81; Heidelberg, George Wolf, 79; Marga- retta Leob, 79; Elizabeth Derr, 8i ; Lebanon, Andrew Hoover, 75: Dilman Doup, 81; Mary Weaver, 75; Bethel, Catharine Walborn, 85; Jackson, Mary Bainny, 75; Rebecca Bowers, 74; John Smith, 86. Six deaf and dumb persons of 11 years and under 14; four- teen of 14 years and under 25 ; nineteen of upwards of 25 years; sixteen blind persons; twenty-six insane and idiots. EDUCATION. Four academies, one hundred and fifty-four scholars; thirty- aix primary and common schools, one thousand three hundred and twenty-seven scholars; four hundred and twenty-four schooled at public expense. There are six hundred and eighty- nine white persons over twenty years of age, who cannot read and write. .-1 v. CHAPTEE IIL GEOLOGY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES, In giving an account of the geology of a small district of a country, it requires, to enter minutely into it, a larger space than the design of this compilation will admit. Nothing origi- nal is presented. What is given, is from the pen of that dis- tinguished and accomplished writer, the author of the Geogra- phy of Pennsylvania, a book that should be in every family in the State.* BERKS COUNTY. The geological character of this county is various in its dif- ferent parts. On the southern border is the "red shale of the middle secondary series; in the upper or northern portion of this red shale, the calcareous conglomerate rock, called Potomac marble, is abundant in several places, particularly near the Schuylkill below Reading. North of this are the hills of the South mountain range, which contain gneiss, sienite, and other primary rocks, together with the hard whitish sandstone which overlies the primary. Several of the little valleys interspersed between these hills, contain irregular belts of limestone. — Northward of this chain of hills is the great hmestone formation of the Kittatiny valley, which extends along its south-eastern side from the Delaware river to the Maryland line ; and adjoin- ing it on the north, reaching to the Blue mountain, is the slate formation next in position above the hmestone, which is equally extensive in its range. At several places in Berks county this * The Geography of Pennsylvania by Charles B. Trego, Esq., Assistant State Geologist, published by E. C. Biddle, Philadelphia. HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 0*75: Hmestone contains belts of slate of considerable thickness, and in the neighborhood of Bernville and Womelsdorf, the limestone and slate formations appear to have no distinct line of division, but alternating strata of both are found. A dike of trap rock extends northward across the limestone, east of Sinking spring, crossing the Tulpehocken near the mouth of Cacoosing creek, and extending northward into the slate region. Iron ore occurs in several parts of the county. At Mount Pleasant, in Colebrookdale township, the magnetic variety of ore has been mined to some extent, and is found in other places connected with the primary rocks. In Oley township, and near Boyerstown, are mines which were formerly worked for the supply of furnaces in that neighborhood. Brown argilla- ceous iron ore occurs near Kutztown, and at Moselem it is ex- tensively mined, as also near the Lebanon turnpike, about eight miles west of Reading. A rock yielding hydraulic cement of good quality, is found near the Schuylkill, from which that ar- ticle is manufactured in considerable quantity for use. Copper ore occurs at several places within the county, but generally in such small quantity and so mixed with iron as to render the ex- pediency of working it very doubtful. Near Morgantown is a mine of this character, which is not at present in a productive state. LEBANON COUNTY. Being situated mostly wdthin the Kittatiny valley, the phy- sical features and geological character of this county, are simi- lar to those of Berks and Dauphin, between which it lies.— Along the southern border are hills of sandstone and trap rock, and in the same region we find the middle secondary red shale, extending northward from Lancaster into the edge of Lebanon. North of this is a broad belt of the valley limestone ex^ tending to a line nearly parallel with, and a little north of the Reading, Lebanon, and Harrisburg turnpike, where it joins the slate formation. The next western part of Berks county, thin strata of limestone frequently occur, and belts of the slate are observed which are red, brown and yellow^, thus differing from the general dark bluish colour of this formation. In the northern part of the slate region are some thick beds of coarse gray sandstone, occasionally containing imbedded pebbles.— r 376 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. These may be observed in the hills on both sides of the Swa~ tara creek, about three miles above Jonestown. Near Jones- town, on the south, are hills of trap rock, the influence of which has produced some curious and interesting modifications in the geological features of the neighborhood. The northern part is mountainous. Proceeding northward from the Elue mountain, to the county line on the Fourth moun- tain, we pass, in succession, over the intermediate foimations between the sandstones of the Blue mountain (IV,) and those of the Second mountain (X). In the valley of Stony creek is the red shale, (XI,) and above it, in the Third and Fourth mountains, the pebbly conglomerate, and sandstone (XII) next below the coal. In the narrow trough between these two mountains is the extended south-western point of the Pottsville coal basin. Magnetic iron ore is found among the hills in the southern part of the county; it is mined at Cornwall, where specimens have been obtained yielding 70 per cent, of metalhc iron. In^ dications of other varieties of iron ore occasionally appear, and in the limestone formation argillaceous and pipe ore has been dug in several places. NOTES. The Roman numericals IV, X, XI, and XII, refer to, and exhibit the order of stratification of the low^er secondary forma- tions of Pennsylvania, east of the Susquehanna. For the information of those who have not the State Geolo- gist's Reports, the following extracts are indispensable to under- stand the preceding article. IV. This stratification consists of hard white and gray sand- stones, and coarse massive conglomerates — contains impres- sions of several species of fucoides. X. White and gray silicious sandstones, with dark bluish and olive colored slates, also coarse silicious conglomerates, al- ternating with gray, yellow and white sandstones, and bands of black carbonaceous slate; the latter is sometimes erroneously taken for coal slate. XI. Red shales and soft argillaceous red sandstone, and oc- casional beds of compact silicious, red and gray sandstones; also a few thin calcareous bands. HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 377 XII. Coarse quartzose conglomerates, alternating with white and gray sandstones, and occasional thin beds of dark carbona- ceous shale. — Second AnniLal Report of the Geological explo- ration of the State of Pennsylvania^ by Henry D. Rogers, 1838. 82* CHAPTEH lY. INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. The internal improvements in, and passing through these two counties, were made by associated individuals, as incorporated companies, or by the Commonwealth. These shall be briefly noticed. UNIok CANAL. In the year 1690, William Penn issued proposals for a se- cond settlement or city in the Province, upon the Susquehanna river. In the proposals then 'made, he alludes to the practi- cability of connecting, by canal, a water communication be- tween the city of Philadelphia, and the city to be, in future., erected on the banks of the Susquehanna. "It is now," say^-s Penn, "my purpose to make another settlement, upon the river Susquehanagh, that runs into the bay of Chesapeake, and bears about fifty miles west from the Delaware, as appears by the common maps of the English dominion in America. There I design to lay out a Plan for building another city, in the most convenient place for the communication with the former plan- tations in the east : which by land, is as good as done already, a way being laid out between the two rivers, very exactly and convteniently, at least three years ago ; and which will not be hard to do by water, by benefit of the river Scoulkill; for a HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 379 Branch* of that river lies near a Branch^ that runs in the Sus- quehannagh river, and is the common course of the Indians with their skins and furrs into our parts, and to the provinces east and w^est Jersey, and New York, from west and north-west parts of the continent from whence they bring them." Turnpikes and Canals were not known in England at that time. It is acceded that Pennsylvania is entitled to the credit of having first directed pubhc attention to canals and turnpikes in the United States. David Pvittenhouse, the Astronomer, and William Smith, D. D., provost of the University of Pennsyk vania, were the first movers in this matter. Afterwards Robert Morris, the financier of the revolution, and still later Robert Fulton, the engineer, of whom Pennsyl- vania is justly proud, lent their powerful assistance. The writings of Turner Camac, Wilhara J. Duane, and Samuel Breck, Esqs. ; and subsequently of Gerard Ralston, Richard Peters, Jr., Matthew Carey, Samuel Mifiiin, William Lehman, John Sergeant, and Joseph Mcllvaine, are too well known to require enumeration. In the year 1792, David Rittenhouse, (and Dr, William Smith, w^e believe, at the same time,) surveyed and levelled a route for a canal to connect the waters of the Susquehanna and Schuylkill rivers, by means of Swatara and Tulpehocken creeks. The Union canal, wiiich has since accomplished this object, passes over a portion of this route — the first, which was surveyed for a canal in the colonies. The views of the projectors of this work were, if the diffi-: culties of that period be considered, far more gigantic and sur-. prising than have been entertained by their successors in any part of the Union. They contemplated nothing less than a junction of the eastern and western waters of Lake Erie and of the Ohio with the Delaware, on a route extending 582 miles. The Allegheny mountain was wisely deemed to oifer an insu- perable obstacle to a continuous navigation. A portage over this section w^as accordingly recommended : an expedient which we at the present day have been compelled to adopt. Duly to appreciate the enterprise of that age, we ought to consider the great valley of the Ohio and Mississippi was al- * The Tulpehocken creek, no doubt is alluded to. [ The Swatara creek, probably. 380 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. most one boundless forest; uninhabited, but by the beasts of the forest, or the Indians. Attainable moneyed capital was then almost unknown in the vocabulary of those days. No canal was then in existence in England. Sankey Brook and the Duke of Bridgewater's were yet unfinished. PubHc opinion even there, had yet to learn that canals were not visionary un- dertakings. The snrers of many were to be encountered ; nevertheless, under all these discouragements, the earliest ad" vocates for inland navigation ccmmenced their efforts in Peni> sylvania. In 1760 they induced the American Philosophical Society to order a survey for a canal to connect the Chesa^ peake bay with the Delaware. The provincial legislature about the same period, authorized a survey on a i-oute, extend- ing 582 miles, to Pittsburg and Erie. This survey was per^ formed, and a report made strongly recommending the execu- tion of the project. The adoption of the plan was postponed in consequence of the revolution. After the termination of that struggle, several works were commenced in North Carolina, Virginia, and Maryland. The canal through the Dismal Swamp, connecting the Chesapeake bay and Albemarle sound, with the works on the Potomac, James, and Rappahannock rivers, were commenced and partially finished, between the years 1786 and 1791. The great project of Pennsylvania, was allowed to slumber until the 29th Sept. 1791, about a century after William Penn's first prophetic intimation, when the legislature incorpo- rated a company to connect the Susquehanna and Schuylkill by a canal and slackwater navigation. Robert Morris, David Rittenhouse, William Smith, Tench Francis, and others, were named as commissioners. The intention of connecting the eastern and north-western parts of the state is distinctly expressed in this, and a subsequent act, of 10th April, 1792, By the terms of this last act, a company was incorporated to effect a junc- tion of the Delaware with the Schuylkill river, by a canal ex- tending from Norristown to Philadelphia, a distance of 17 miles. The Schuylkill river from the former city to Reading, was to be temporarily improved; and thus form, with the works of the Susquehanna and Schuylkill company, an uninter- rupted water communication with the interior of the state; with the intention of extending; the chain to Erie and the Ohio. Ex- penence soon convinced the two companies that a greater HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 381 length of canal was requisite, in consequence of the difficulties of improving the channels of the rivers; hence the coinpany last mentioned determined, (in compliance with the suggestion of Mr. Weston, a British engineer, whom they had imported,) to extend their canal from river to river, a distance of 70 miles. In conjunction with the former company, they nearly comple- ted 15 miles of the most diiiicult parts of the two works ; com- prising much rock excavation, heavy embankment, extensive deep cuttings, and several locks, which were constructed with bricks. In consequence of the commercial difficulties, (in which it is known that some of the chief stockholders weie shortly after involved,) both companies were compelled to suspend their operations, after the expenditure of $440,000. The sus- pension of these works, and some years after, of the Chesapeake and Delaware canal, had a most disastrous elTect on every simi-. lar work which was projected for many years afterwards. Frequent abortive attempts were made, from the year 1794, to resume operations; and notwithstanding the subscription of $300,000 stock, subsequently tendered by the state, these com- panies continued a mere languishing existence. In the year 1811, the two bodies were united, and reorganized as the Union Canal Co. They were specially authorized to extend their canal from Philadelphia to Lake Erie, with the privilege of making such further extension, in any other part of the state, as they might deem expedient. In 1819 and 1821, the state granted further aid, by a guarantee of interest, and a monopoly of the lottery 'privilege. The additional subscriptions, obtained in consequence of this legislative encouragement, enabled the managers to resume operations in 1821. The line was re-lo- cated, the dimensions of the canal changed, and the whole work finished in about six years from this period ; after 37 years had elapsed from the commencement of the work, and 6-3 from the date of the first survey. The Union canal is 89 miles in length, including the Swatara feeder, &c., from Middletown, on the Susquehanna, to a point on the Schuylkill, a short distance be- low Reading. It is calculated for boats of 25 to 30 tons bur- den. At Middletown, on the Susquehanna, it connects with the main line of Pennsylvania canals; at Reading, with the works of the Schuylkill Navigation Co. The descent from the summit to the Schuylkill is 311 feet; to the Susquehanna, 308, 3d2 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. The summit is 6 miles (between the Swatara and Tulpe-. hocken) 78 chains in length ; to which must be added the nav- igable feeder, which at present extends 6 8-4 miles. The sum- mit passes over a limestone district : much deep excavation in rock was required. In consequence of the many fissures which abound in Hmestone rocks, the usual expedient of puddling did not succeed in retaining the water in the summit. After many experiments, it was found necessary to plank this section throughout. On the Schuylkill Navigation Co.'s canal, near Reading, which passes over the same limestone formation, a similar expedient was adopted. In hoth cases the plan was successful. On this section, the canal passes through a tunnel of 729 feet in length, excavated in solid rock. This summit is supplied by the water of the Swatara, conducted to it by the feeder already mentioned. As the summit is above the level of the feeder, two large water-wheels and pumps are resorted to for the purpose of raising the water to the requisite height. Two steam engines, one of 120, the second of 100 horse power, are provided for the purpose of supplying the feeder in case of accident to the water-works. [The feeder has since been con- tinued to a point within four miles of the coal mines.] A c^reat error was committed in makino- the dimensions of this canal too small — an error which threatens to be fatal to its existence. It arose partly from the great scarcity of water, and partly from erroneous views entertained by engineers and others having charge of the work. The locks being adapted only for boats of 25 tons, while those of the state canals ac- commodate a boat of 40 or 50 tons, exclude the greater portion of the boats plying on the state works ; added to which, the work has to contend with the competition of the railroad from Harrisburg and Columbia to Philadelphia. The latter compe- tition discourages the Union Canal Co. from enlarging their locks. In 1828, about $1,600,000 had been expended in the con- struction of the work, in addition to the proceeds of the lotte- ry, and excluding the sums expended on the old work. Schuylkill Navigation commences at Fairmount dam, near Philadelphia, and is continued up the Schuylkill by Nor- ristown and Reading to Port Carbon in Schuylkill county ; thus opening a communication between the city and the heart of the HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBAJfOW COUNTIES. 'SS'B Schuylkill coal region. It was commenced in 1815 and com- pleted in 1826. This work, hke the Lehigh navigation, is a series of pools formed by dams across the river, with interven- ing short lines of canal, sometimes on the east and sometimes on the west side of the river, which is crossed several times on the route. Near Reading it is intersected by the Union Canal, and thus has a communication with the Susquehanna, and with the State canals of the interior. Length of navigation from Philadelphia to Port Carbon 108 miles, of which 58 is canal and 50 slack water. The longest line of canal on the route is 22 miles, called the Girard, the upper end of which is 5 or 6 miles below Reading. Width of canal 36 feet at top, 22 at bottom, and 4 feet deep. Locks 80 by 17 feet: total ascent, 610 feet. TURNPIKES. Some interesting letters, it is said, are still extant of William Penn, Logan, and other early statesmen of Pennsylvania, which contain much interesting information relating to the improve- ment of roads, the structure of bridges, &c. In the preceding article, part of one of Penn's letters has' been quoted, allud- ing to the practicability of effecting a communication by wa- ter, &c. As to the actual construction of turnpike roads in Pennsyl- vania, nothing was done before 1792, when a company was incorporated to construct a turnpike from Lancaster to Phila- delphia. This road was commenced 1792, and finished in 1794, at an expense of $465,000. The road is sixty-two miles long. Since 1792, more than two hundred and twenty-five turn- pike companies have been incorporated for the purpose of making roads. The Berks and Dauphin county turnpike company was incor- porated, and commenced the making of the turnpike in 1816, Bnd finished it in 1817, at an average cost of $3,800 per mile. The original price of the shares was $50. Individual subscrip- tions amounted to $63,905. Subscriptions on the part of the state, $29,900. 334 HIStORY or BERKS AKD LEBAJJON COUNTIES. The Perkiomen and Reading turnpike company was incor"- porated, and commenced a turnpike in 1811, and finished in 1815. The average cost of the road was $7,000 per mile. — The individual subscription was $133,000; on the part of the state 853,000. These two companies constructed the turn- pike east and west of Reading, between Philadelphia and Har- risburg. The Downington, Ephrata and Harrisburg turlipike compa- ny was incorporated, and began a turnpike in 1803, and finished it in 1819. This turnpike passes through the western end of Lebanon county. Besides these turnpikes, there is another in Berks county, leading from Reading to Sunbury, through Al- sace, Maiden creek, and other township's. RAILROADS. Philadelphia and Reading Railroad, connects with the Col- umbia Railroad, at the foot of the inclined plane, on the west side of Schuylkill, near Philadelphia, and thence extends u|» that river, by Reading, to Pottsville in Schuylkill county, thus opening a line of communication between Philadelphia and the Schuylkill coal region. Being connected with the railroads which extend from the various mining districts to the river, it will afford a means for the conveyance of coal to the city at all seasons. The whole line, from Pottsville to Philadelphia, is composed of levels and descending grades, which gives great advantages to the descending transportation. A locomotive en- gine of 11 tons weight has conveyed from Reading to the Col- umbia Railroad near Philadelphia, at a single load, 101 cars, with a gross burden of 423 tons, at an average speed of 10 miles to the hour. A part of this load consisted of 2002 bar- rels of flour, weighing 190 .tons. There are three tunnels on this road : one at Flat Rock, 8 miles from the city, 960 feet in length ; another near Phcenixville of 1832 feet ; and the third near Port Clinton, 1600 feet. Near the second tunnel, about 30 miles from Philadelphia, the road crosses to the east side of the river, by a neat and well built viaduct, 228 feet in length, and 24 feet above the water. Length from the Columbia Rail- road to Reading: 54 miles: from Readingr to Pottsville 36 miles. HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 38d A branch, 5 miles in length, designed for the transportation of coal to the Delaware, leaves this road at the Falls of Schuyl- kill, and crosses eastward to the Delaware rivefr at Richmond, about three miles above Philadelphia. Public roads and bridges are numerous, convenient, and kept in good condition in various parts of these two counties. CHAPTEE V. THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION As early as 1765, the Britisli Parliament passed an act that all instruments of writing, such as promissary notes, bonds, in- dentures, &c., were to be null and void, unless written on pa- per or parchment stamped with specific duty. This measure was opposed in England and in this country; and being found unpopular, the act was repealed in 1766; but another act was passed by Parliament, declaring that the British Parliament had a right to make laws binding the colonies in all cases whatever; this act was soon followed by another, imposing, in the colo- nies, duties on glass, paper, painters' colors, and tea. These several acts kindled in every patriotic bosom, a strong opposi- tion to the measures of the mother country, and one circum- stance after another led to an open rupture between the colo- nies and the parent country, which happened about the year 1773, when the Bostonians threw the tea overboard. From that time on, a flame was kindled in every breast. Gen. Gage, from Britain, arrived at Boston in 1774, with more troops', some having arrived before, " to dragoon the Bostonians into compliance." — The Bostonians had to suffer much; but their sufferings excited the sympathy of others. Associations for their relief were formed in nearly all the colonies ; even this tounty was not the last nor least to aid in relieving their snf- fering bretliren, as will fully appear from the following ; KiSTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 38? Notices, headed " Boston Port Bill," were posted up in Heading, calling meetings. The following are the proceedings of one of them : At a meeting of a very respectable body of freeholders and others, inhabitants of the county of Berks, at Reading, the 2d of July, 1774, Edward Biddle, Esq., in the chair. This assembly, taking into their very serious consideration, the present critical situation of American affairs, do unanimously resolve es follows, viz: 1. That the inhabitants of this county do owe, and will pay due allegiance to our rightful Sovereign, King George the Third. 2. That the powers claimed, and now attempted to be put into execution by the British Parliament, are fundamentally wrong, and cannot be admitted without the utter destruction of the liberties of America. -3. That the Boston Port Bill is unjust and tyrannical in the extreme. And that the measures pursued against Boston are intended to operate equally against the rights and liberties of the other colonies. 4. That this assembly doth concur in opinion with their re- spective brethren of Philadelphia, that there is an absolute necessity for an immediate congress of the deputies of the se- veral advices, in order to deliberate upon and pursue such mea- sures, as may radically heal our present unhappy disturbances, and settle with precision the rights and liberties of America. 0. That the inhabitants of this county, confiding in the pru- dence and ability of the deputies intended to be chccen for the general congress, will cheerfully submit to any measures which may be found by the said congress, best adapted for the resto- ration of harmony between the mother country and the colo- nies, and for the securitj; and firm establishment of the rights of America. 6. That as the people of Boston are now suffering in the grand and common cause of American liberty, Resolved — That it is the duty of all the inhabitants to contribute to the support of the said sufferers, and that the committee hereafter named, do open subscriptions for their relief. And further, that the said committee do lay out the amount of such subscriptions in purchasing flour and other provisions, to be sent by them to our said suffering: brethren. 388 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 7. That Edward Biddle, James Reed, Daniel Brodhead, Henry Christ, Esqs., Christopher Schultz, Thomas Dundass, and Jonathan Potts, gentlemen, be, and they are hereby ap- pointed a committee to meet and correspond with the commit- tees from the other counties of the Province. The thanks of the Assembly were unanimously voted to the chairman, for the patriotic and spirited manner in which he pointed out the dangerous situation by the unconstitutional measures lately pursued by the British Parliament, with respect to Boston; expressing, at the same time, the greatest loyalty to our Sovereign, and the most warm and tender regard for the liberties of America. There never appeared to be greater unanimity of sentiment upon any occasion, than in the resolves made by the freemen of this county, all cordially agreeing to sacrifice every temporary advantage, for the purpose of securing liberty to themselves and their posterity. Similar meetings had been held in Lancaster, in which citi- zens from that part of the county, now Lebanon, attended. — One of these meetings was held, at the court house in Lancas- ter, the 15th of June, 1774. The following resolves were then adopted: — Agreed — that to preserve the Constitutional rights of the inhabitants of Ameri- ca, it is incumbent on every colony, to unite and use the most effectual means to procure a repeal of the late act of Parlia- ment against the town of Boston. That the act of Parhament for blocking up the port and har- bor of Boston, is an invasion of the rights of the inhabitants of the said town, as subjects of the crown of Great Britain. That it is the opinion of the inhabitants at this meeting that the pro- per and effectual means to be used to obtain a repeal of the said act, will be to put an immediate stop to all imports, and exports, to and from Great Britain, until the same act be re- pealed. That the traders and inhabitants of this town will join and concur with the patriotic merchants, manufacturers, tradesmen, and freeholders, of the city and county of Philadelphia, and other parts of this province, in an association or solemn agree- ment to this purpose, if the same shall be by them thought ne- cessary. HISTORY OF BESKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. SbV December, 1774, the following persons of that part of Lan- caster, now Lebanon county, were chosen, with others of Lan^ caster county, as inspector at an election, to elect a committee to observe the conduct of all persons touching the general as- sociation of the general Congress ; and as it was necessary that each township should elect a proper person to act as inspector, and receive the tickets of the electors, on the day of the elec-^ tion, &c., the following persons were chosen. From Hanover township, Timothy Green ; from Londonderry, John Cainpheli ; from Lebanon, Thomas Clark, Curtis Grubb, Henry Light ; from Bethel, Ludwig Schuey, Casper Corr, JohnBishon; fronj, Lebanon Town, Henry Bealor. The course pursued by the mother country, incensed the ].>eople of the several provinces and colonies — a continental con- gress was assembled at Philadelphia, September 4, 1774. Res- olutions were passed, approving the course of Massachusetts, in opposition to Gen. Gage — the open and decided hostihties eventuated in bloodshed, at the battle of Lexing-ton, April 19, 1775, which was soon followed by another — the battle of Bun- ker Hill, June 17th. To meet the emergency, the provincial- ists and colonists held conventions, military and other meetings. In this great conflict between the mother country and th<^; colonists, the inhabitants of Berks and Lebanon, took in its incipient, progressive and consummating stage, an active part, in common with ethers of Pennsylvania, and the states cener- ally. Notice for a meeting of (Jeneral Committee, on 2d of Juh . 1776. . In Standiuff Committee at Reading, Berks countv, Thurs- day, June 27^th, 1776. Nicholas Lutz, Chairman. Resolved, That notice-be irnrnediateiy given to the members of the General Committee of this county, to meet at the Court House in Reading, on Tuesday next, trie second day of July, on affairs of public importance, and very interesting at thi§ critical time, especially to choose officers for six hundred and sixty-six men — and that the several members be desired to en- quire what oificeis now in the Association are \villir,g to go into immediate service on call. 33* 390 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. A public meeting was called at Lancaster, to which the military of Berks, as well as other counties, sent their i atio of men. The meeting consisted of the officers and privates of fifty-three battalions of the Association of Pennsylvania, to choose two Brigadier Generals, to command the battalions and forces in Pennsylvania. We give the names of those of Berks who attended the meeting. The meeting was held July 4, 1776. The proceedings of that it 'eting, in the autograph of the Secretary, are still preserved -y the Clymer family, of Read- ing. They are worthy a place here, as a reminiscence of '76 — they cannot be too carefully jireserved or too generally circu- lated. Minutes of a meeting of the Officers and of the Private As- sociators of Pennsylvania, July 4, for the choice of two Briga- diers. At a meeting of the Officers and Privates of fifty-three Bat- talions of the Associators of the Colony of Pennsylvania, at Lancaster, on the 4th day of July, 1776, on due notice to choose two Brigadier Generals, to command the Battalions and Forces in the said Colony. Col. George Ross, President. Lieut. Col. Daniel Clymer, Secretary. The Protest of the Board of Officers of the five Battalions, of the City and Liberties of Philadelphia, to the Assembly, v;as read. No. 1. The Circular Letter, signed by the Chairman, Col. Roberdeau, was read. No. 2. The Circular Letter from the Committee of Privates, of the City and Liberties of Philadelphia, signed by the Chair- man, Mr. Sara'l Simpson, M-as read. No. 3. The Protest of the Privates of the City and Liber- ties of Philadelphia, to the Assembly, signed by Mr. Samuel Sinapson, v.'as read- By the returns of the City and Liberties of Philadelphia, and the several counties of the colony of Pennsylvania, the follow- ing persons were delegated to the Convention, to wit; HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 391 CITY AND LIBERTIES OF PHILADELPHIA. First Battalion; Officers, Col. John Chevalier, Capt. Joseph Copperthwait. Privates: Mr. Thomas Nevil, Mr. George Nelson. Second Battalion; Officers — Col. D. Roberdeau, Capt. Wm. Bradford. Privates : Mr. Thos. Montcjoraery, Mr. Wm. Pool. Third Battalion; Officers — M ^or Robt. Knox, Capt. Sharp Dulaney. Privates: Mr. Paul Cox, Mr. Charles Prior. Fourth Battalion; Officers — Capt. Jno. Kling, Capt. James Brewster. Privates: John Brower, Henry Keck. First Rifle— Fifteenth Battalion; Ofhcers— L. Col. Daniel Clymer, Capt. Lewis Bitting. Privates: Thos. Craig, Jacob Kitter. Philadelphia County — First Battalion ; Officers — Major Isaac Hews, Mr. Geo. Gray, standard bearer. Privates: Jesse Roberts, William Smith. Second Battalion ; Officers — Capt. Josiah Hart, Capt. Mar- shall Edwards. Privates: Robt. Whitten, John Simpson. Fourth Battalion ; Privates — James Ilazelett, . William Hicks. Bucks County — First Battalion; Officers — Capt. John Jar- vis, Capt. John FolwelL Privates: Arthur Wats, Joseph Fenton. Second Battalion; Officers — Capt. John Jameson, Adjutant Wm. Thompson. Privates: Ab'm Hollis, Wm. Harr. Third Battalion; Officers— Col. And'w Kekline, L. Col. Jo- siah Bryan. Privates: John Patterson, Mich'l Stoneback. Fourth Battalion; Officers — CoL Robt. Robinson. Privates: Tunis V'n Middleswart, Francis Titus. Chester County — First Battahon; Officers — Major John Culbertson, Capt. Benj'n Wallace. Privates: Samuel Cun- ningham, And'w Boyd. Second Battalion; Officers — Lt. Col. Wni. Gibbons. Pri- vates: David Denny, Sam'l Culbertson. Fourth Battalion; Officers — Col. Wm. Montgomery, Capt. Joseph Gardiner. Privates: John Mackey, John Fulton. Sixth — Lancaster County — First Battalion; Officers — Col. Geo. Ross, Lt. Col. Adam Reigart. Privates: Christian Werts, Francis Baily. 392 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. Second Battalion; Officers — Col. Carlis Grubb, Major Philip MarstaJer. Privates: James Sullivan, Ludwick Ziering. Third Battalion; Officers— Lt. Col. Rob't Thompson,"Major Thos. Smith. Privates : John Smiley, Isaac Erwin. Fourth Battahon ; Officers — Capt. Joseph Sherrer, Captain James Murray. Privates: Ab'm Darr, Wm. Leard, Fifth Battahon; Officers — Col. James Crawford, Captain James Mirur. Privates: Henry Slaymaker, John Whitehill. Sixth Battalion; Officers — Lt. Col. LovvTy, Major James Cunningham. Privates : John Bealy, John Jameson. Seventh Battalion; Officers— Col.. M. Slough, Lieut. Col. Leon'd Rautfaung. Privates: Christian Bough, Simon Snider. Eighth I3attalion; OfRcers — Col. Peter Grubb, Capt. Henry Weaver. Privates : William Smith, George Wr} . Ninth Battahon; Officers-^-Lieut. Col. Chris'n Weyman, Major Michael Tire. Privates: Micha&l Diffebaugh, Anthony Debler. Tenth Battalion — Rille Battalion : Offxers — Col. Jojm Ferre. Lt. CoL And'w Little. Private Acorge Line, Joseph White- hill. Eleventh — Riile Battahon; OfHcers — Col, Timothy Green, Lieut. Col. Peter Heddricks. Privates: Wm. Barnet', George Little. York County — First Battalion; Officers — Lieut. CoL Jos. Donaldson, Capt. Mich'l Smiser. Privates: Wm. Scott John Rwing. Second Battalion; Offiicers — Major Hugh Domviddie, Cajit., Hugh Campble. Privates: Da. McConnaughy, Esq., Geo. W. Clinghan. Third Battalion ; Officers — Major Jos. Jeffereis, Major John Andrev,-. Privates: John Hamilton, Thos. Little. Fourth Battalion; Col. Wm. Smith, Major Smith, Major .lahn Finley. Privates; Jacob Shley, Josiah Scott. Fifth Battalion; Offi.cers—Col. Mathew Dill, Major Garrett Creft. Privates: James Nealor, Dan'l Messerty. Cumberland — First Battalion; Officers — Capt. John Steel, Lieut. Wm. Blau\ Privates : Jonathan Hogge, Ei)h'm Steel. Second Battahon; Officers— Capt. John McClelland, Capt. Flias Davison, Privates : Jonathan Smith, Henry Pawling. Third Battalion; Olhcers— L. Col. Wm. Clark, Capt. And. McFarland. Privates: James Brow-n, Wm. Sterrett. HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES, 393 Fourth Battalion; Officers — Lieut. Col. Fred'k Watts, Capt. Geo. Robinson. Privates: John Hamilton, James Read. Fifth Battalion; Officers — Col. Joseph Armstronn;, Major James McCalmont. Privates: James Finley, John Vance. Berks County — First Battalion; Officers — Major Gabriel Heister, Lieut. Philip Cremer. Privates : John Hartman, Pe- ter Filbert. Second Battalion; Officers — Col. Mark Bird, Major John Jones. Privates : David Morgan, Benjamin Tolbut. Third Battalion; Officers — Lieut. Col. Nich's Lutz, Capt. Geo. Keim. Privates : Henry Spoon, Mathias Winrich. Fourth Battalion; Officers — Major Mich'l Lindemut, Capt. George May. Privates : Mich'l Moser. Fifth Battalion; Officers — Col. John Patton, Lieut. Col. John Rice. Privates : Jacob Selsir, Christ'n Winter. Sixth Battalion; Officers — Major Conrad Lellier, Lieut. John Miller. Privates : ^ohn Hill, Henry Larke. Seventh Battalion; Offii ts — Co/. Sebastian Swan, Adjutant Samuel Ebey. Privates: J- o Wisters, Casper Smack. Northampton — First Battai i; OfKcers — Major Ab'ra Le- har, Capt. John Orndt. Privates: Wm, McFarren, Jacob Upp. Second Battalion; Officers — Col. Henry Geigar, Capt. Mi- chael Snider. Privates : Rich'd Barkhous, Peter Haas. Third Battalion; Officers — Major John Sigfried, Captain Nich's Karn. Privates: Robert Brovrn, Henry Best. Fourth Battalion; Officers — Col. Jacob Stroud, Capt. Tim- othy Jayne. Privates: John McDowel, jr., Derrick Von Fleik. Northumberland — The Battalion under Col, Hunter — Offi- cers — Capt. Ch's Gillespie, Lieut. Geo. Calhoun. Privates : Fred'k Stone, Laughlan McCartney. The Second battalion under Col. Plunkett — Officers — Maj. John Brady, Lieutenant Mordecai M'Kinzie. Privates: Paul Gattes, Andrew Culbertson. The Third Battalion under Col. Weiser — Officers— Col. Benjamin Weiser, Lieut. Col. Samuel M'Clay. Privates: Seth Matlock, Jonas Yokan. The Fourth l)attalion under Colonel Potter; Officers — Lieut. Col. Robert Moodie, Capt. Wm. Gray. Privates: James M'CIanahan, Benjamin Starret. Westmoreland. First battahon; Officers — Capt. Vendle Orey, 394 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES- Captain Alexander Thompson. Privates: William Guthery, William Perry. Second Battalion ; Officers — Col. Providence Mornly, Ma]. James Smith. Privates: John Carmiohael, George Gray. A question was put, whether the officers and privates shall vote by ballot, singl3^ Resolved, unanimously, in the affirmative. Resolved, That both Brigadier Generals be voted for at the same time, and the highest in votes to be the commanding of- ficer. Adjourned till 5 o'clock, P. M. P. M., 5 o'clock, the officers and privates met, according to afijournment. Resolved, that Col. Mark Bird and Capt. Sharp Bdancy, with the President, be judges of the election for Brigadiers General. The election came on the same day, and after casting at tlie poll, the votes stood thus for Brigadier General: Daniel Roberdeau, ICO; James Ewing, 85; Samuel Miles, 82; James Potter, 25; Curtis Grub, 9; George Ross, 9: Tho- mas M'Kean, 8; Mark Bird, 7. The President immediately declared Dan'l Roberdeau 1st Brigadier General, and James Ewing 2d Brigadier General. Resolved, That the Brigadier Generals shall have full power and authority to call out any number of the associates of this jirovince into action, and that power to continue until super- seded by the convention, or by any authority under the appoint- ment. Pt,esolved, That the President of this board shall have full })0wer and authority to grant commissions to the two Briga- dier Generals, until commissions issue from the convention, or any authority they shall appoint to succeed them. Resolved, That we will march under the direction and com- mand of our Brigadier Generals to the assistance of all or any of the Free and Independent States of America. Resolved, That the associators to be drafted out of each county, by the Brigadier Generals, shall be in tlie same pro- portion as that directed by the late Provincial conference in Philadelphia. Resolved, That the thanks of this Board be presented to the President for his seasonable and correct speech this day in be- HISTORY OP ISERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. '395 half of the Liberties of America, and of this colony in particu- lar, and the cheerfulness, alacrity, and impartiality with which he conducted the business of the day^ which the colonel re- viewed, and politely thanked the Board for the honor done hira in their address. Resolved, That Col. Ross, Lieut. Col. Daniel Clymer, ami Capt. Chas. Dulaney, be a committee to review and correct the number of the proceedings of this day, and they are hereby de- sired to publish them in the first new^spaper of this Colony, and that they be signed by the President. George Ross, President. D. Clymer, Secretary. Lancaster, July, 4, 1776. At a meetintT of a board of Officers of the Five J3attalions ol the city and liberties of Philadelphia, and of the committee of Privates, at the College Hall, on Friday, the 14th of June, 1776. Col. RoBERDEAU in the Chair. A member of the committee of Privates, acquainted the Board, that the committee of Privates had prepared a Pr-otest to the Assembly, against the appointment of Brigadier Gener- als, under a Resolve of Congress ; Therefore Resolved, by the Board of Officers, That an officer out of each Battalion be appointed to draw up a Protest against the Assembly's appomting Brigadier Generals under the Resolve of Congress. Resolved, That Col. Matlack, Col. Dean, Major Bayard, Major Knox, and Captain Will, be appointed for that pur- pose. The said gentlemen returned a Protest, which being read, paragraph by paragraph, was amended and unanimously agreed to. Resolved, That the chairman sign the same, in behalf of this board of officers, and present it to the Assembly, which Protest is in the words following : To the Honorable the House of Representatives of the Free- S9iS HIStORY OP BteilKS AND LtBANON COUNTIES. men of the province of Pennsylvaniaj in General Assembly raetc The Protest of the board of officers of the five battalions of the city and liberties of Philadelphia, respectfully sheweth: That this board address you by the title heretofore used 10 the Honorable House of Assembly, in order to avoid the least appearance of disrespect to the Honorable members now sit- That this board has received information, that the Honorable Congress of the United Colonies, has recommended to this co- lony to appoint two Brigadier Generals to command the Asso- ciators of this province : And we, apprehending that this House may be induced to take upon them to nominate and appoint the said Brigadier Generals, without having authority of the Associators for that purpose : And further apprehending, that any nomination made by this Honorable House will not give satisfaction to the Associators of the province, and, consequent- ly) that they will not act under them: For these, and other important and weighty considerations, this board do hereby Protest against the Honorable House making, or attempting to making the said appointments. Resolved, {ivith one dissenting voice,) That there is an im- mediate necessity of calling together a Provincial Meeting of Associators, for the purpose of appointing the said Brigadier Generals. Resolved, That two officers and two privates, of each bat - talion in the province, be requested to attend in the borough of Lancaster, on Thursday, the fourth day of July next, for the purpose of appointing two Brigadier Generals, according to the recommendation of congress. Resolved, That Colonel Matlack, Major Knox, Capt. Will, Capt. Wade, Capt. Loxley, and Capt. Humphreys, be a com- mittee to draw up and send to the officers of the battalions, in this province, a circular letter, for the purpose of calling the said convention at the time and place aforesaid, and that the chairman sign the same. Philadelphia, June 14, 1776. Sir, — The above proceedings of the board of officers of the five battalions of this city and liberties, will inform you of their proceedings in a case which we conceive to be of the most irn- HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 397 portant concern to the Associators of this province. The ex- trems dangers to which the province now stands exposed, we hope, justify us in requesting two officers and two privates of each battahon, to meet together at a time which we are very sen- sible, will be attended with great inconvenience to you. We flatter ourselves, that your zeal in the great cause of Liberty will induce you to a compliance with our recommendation, in appointing the delegation mentioned in our resolves, to attend in Lancaster, at the time mentioned therein. Various modes of appointing Brigadier Generals have been proposed and care- fully considered ; and we assure you that we have dihgently at- tended to this very important allair, and are fully satisfied, that the mode we recomrasnd is the only one which will effectually secure the rights and liberties of the associators of this province, and enable them to defend themselves against our inveterate and cruel enemies. N. B. The Resolve of Congress is, That three Provincial Brigadier Generals be employed for the Flying Camp, two from Pennsylvania, and one from Maryland. That the said Briga- dier Generals be appointed by the respective Colonies above mentioned. D. ROBERDEAU, Pres't. To the Privates of the several Battalions of Military Asso- ciators in the Province of Pennsylvania. Gentlemen, — The Honorable Congress having resolved upon a flying camp of 10,000 men, for the protection of our Province and Maryland, viz: 6000 for this Province, 6000 for the low- er counties, and 3400 for Maryland : and that Maryland should appoint one, and this Colony two Brigadier Generals; The Committee of Privates of the Associators of the city and liber- ties of Philadelphia, considering that an appointment made by any body of men, besides the Asssociators, would not be per- fectly satisfactory, and being further convinced that it was their right to make the appointment, and that the security of their liberties depended greatly on the exercise of this right, and being desirous of having it enjoyed equally by all, have agreed with the Board of Officers, to call a Provincial meeting of As- ^98 HISTORY OF BERKS AJTO LEBANON COtjNTIES. soeiators, consisting of two Privates and two officers from each Battalion, elected by said Battalions for the purpose of choos- ing said Generals, to meet in Lancaste?', on Thursday, the 4th of July. We attended particularly to the season of the year, and the difficulty of your attending so near harvest; but yet, as the matter was very important, and we were unwilling to do any thing without consulting all, and giving them an equal op- portunity with ourselves of exercising their right, we adopted this measure: We therefore were persuaded, that freemen, as- sociated for the defence of their rights, would overlook every difficulty attending a perfect and free exercise of it. — Our As- sembly, we mean such of its members as are not quite with us, wished to have the appointment, but we prepared the follow- incr protest against it, as the whole of our success depends on a proper choice. We trust you will see it in the same impor- tant light with us, and send the delegation above mentioned, that every battalion in the Province may have a perfectly equal representation — if said conference should unite in some test to be taken by the Associators, that we might know who to de- pend on, it might be well. We wish to take nothing upon our- selves; but being the advance-guard, our duty requires that we give the alarm. We are, gentlemen, &c. Signed by order of the Committee of Privates. SAMUEL SIMPSON, President. To the Honorable the Representatives of the Freemen of the Province of Pennsylvania. The Protest of the Committee of the Privates of the Milita- ry Association belonging to the city and liberties of Philadel- phia, respectfully Sheweth: That this Committee, understanding that the Honorable Con- gress has recommended to this Colony to appoint two Briga- dier Generals to command the Associators of this Province, do Protest against any Appointment of said Brigadier Generals to be made by this House : First, because there is no regular Militia Law which obli- ges the Constituents of this House to become Associators, or to HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 399. find persons in their room, if they decline associating: And therefore the Association is not properly provincial, and of con- sequence this House is not properly constituted to be compe- tent to the business, nor can the Appointment come before them as a Provincial Representation. Second. Because many of the Associators have been ex- cluded by this very House from voting for the Members now composing itj though this House was applied to on their be- half: And Therefore they are not represented in this House. Third. Because the Counties which have the greatest num- ber of Associators have not a proportional Representation, and therefore cannot be considered as having an equal voice in the nomination. Fourth. Because the Association has been voluntary — and this House choosing, by their Resolutions respecting it, that it should remain so: Therefore cannot interfere, nor in any wise, consistent with decency, attempt to impose officers upon us not of our own choosing. Fifth. Because many members of this House are the Repre- sentatives of persons in religious professions like themselves, to- tally averse to military defence : And therefore cannot be called the Representatives of Associators ; nor do we wish to inter- fere so much with their religious sentiments as to reduce them, to the necessity of quitting their seats, or joining in the nomi- nation. Sixth. Because it is well known that there are men in this House who have, ever since our first opposition to Great Bri- tain, refused to concur in any measure necessary for defence ; and we have reason to fear that some are disposed to break the Union of the Colonies, and submit to the Tyranny of Great Britain. Seventh. Because this House is under no oaths of fidelity to their constituents, by which they would be bound to consult their interest ; nor are they proper persons to make the oaths which are to bind themselves. Eighth. Because, though the members of this House, who were under oaths of Allegiance to the Crown, consider them- selves absolved therefrom, and have admitted the new-elected members to their seats without taking oaths, thereby dissolving the old Constitution, and finally abolishing the charter; — yet 400 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES, effectual care is taken to head the several pages of their re- solves, as usual, with " Votes of Assemhiy, John Pmii, Esq., Governor,'^ without the assent of the people for this purpose.. These things wear such a face of design as renders the inten- tions of this House suspicious ; and we think a House still con- fessing the King's Representative their Governor, cannot safe- ly be trusted with the appointment of Generals to command us, lest it might give us such as would enable a certain party to make up with the enemy, at the expense of our Lives and Liberties. JVinth. Because a House, which shewed itfelf so unfriendly to the Association at a time when so much depended upon their exertions, as after frequent and repeated applications for justice, to impose no more than three shillings and six-pence fine en non-Associators for every day of general muster, and that in so lax a manner, that it is a question whether it will ever be col- lected, is not to be trusted with appointment of Generals to command us, lest they should shew as little regard to our in- terest in the one case as in the other. Tenth. Because, as this House was chosen by those only, who were acknowledged the liege Subjects of George our ene- my, and derived their sole right of electing this House from that very circumstance. We conceive that the moment they undertook to set aside this allegiance, they by that very act destroyed the only principle on which they sat as Representa- tives ; and therefore are not a House on the principles on which they were elected, and having derived no new authority from the people freed from such allegiance, they are a Representa- tive body on no one principle whatever, and therefore can in no manner undertake to do the business of Representatives farther than the people indulge them, without usurping authority, and acting arbitrarily. Eleventh. Because the Associators have the right of appoint- ing officers to command them, and mean ever to retain it. We therefore protest against, and declare w^e will not sub- rait to any appointment of General officers to command us, w^hich this House may think proper to go into. Nevertheless, that the resolve of Congress may be fully com- plied with, w^e have taken the proper steps to have a number of Associators, Representatives from every Battalion in the province, collected together as soon as possible, to proceed to the choice of said Brigadier Generals, under whom, we doubt HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 401 not, but the Associators will serve with cheerfulness, and the) beino- the officers of their choice, will have the confidence of the Associators. Signed by order of the committee of Privates. SAMUEL SIMPSON, President. List of persons in Middle Ward, in the City of Philadelphia, of the age of eighteen years and upwards, w^ho are able and wilhng to bear arms. May 1, 1775. Dan'l Clymer, Samuel Bush, Thomas Leonard, Ross Currie, Charles Lyon, jr., George Tudor, James Bryson, Will'm Huston, Wm. Falconer, Wra. M'Dougall, Nathaniel Parker, William Ritchard, Jno. Wigton, Thos. Tisdall, Wm. Oliphant, Jona'n Adams, Joseph Harper, Wm. Carson, Andrew Carson, Tobias Slidham, Ezek'l Getz, Gab'l Valois, Nathaniel Richards, John Sparhawk, Thomas Irwin, Wm. Sheaft', John Dupu\-, William Stretch, Ptobert Smith, Daniel Craig, John Springer, A. Kuhn, Charles Simpson, Gust's Risberg, Robert Vallance, Joseph Warner, jr., Henry Strenbk, Alex'r Bartrum, Jamts Huston, Thomas Palmer, Esmond Leonardnan, Richard Sweat, David McFee, Caspar Flesher, 'J'homas Logan, Jas. Burnside, Richard Hunt, Wm. Marshall, Adam Zantzinger, Sam'l Jervis, Wm. Thorne, Henry Salor, Tho. M'Kean, Thos. Montgome- ry, Joseph Vandegriff', James Suther, John Reynolds, Chris. GofFner, John Cobey, William Bombeger, Jacob Trosler, .James Harris, William Rediger, Peter Gosner, John Book, Daniel Gosner, Elijah Coffing, Enoch Morrer, William Orr^ Henry Taylor, Philip Warner, I. Sutter, Joseph Osborne, Jo- seph Hood, Pat'k Connelly, Chas. Torrence, Adam Clelan, Wm. Thompson, Archibakl M'Lain, George Lufi't, Wollore Ming, Rich'd Graham, John Wokel, John Warner, Nathan Jones, Peter Wiltberger, John Handlyn, Sam'l Fletcher, Jot Govell, John Halbarett, Patrick Doddey, William Reed, his mark X, Thos. Fisher, Jacob Shober, John Little, John Shea, his mark X, Sachevol C. Wood, Bernard Harigan, his mark X, George Reinholt, Jeremiah Wilbaron, Benjamin Williamson, Andrew Graydon, John Withospoone, Michael Shoemaker, Jo- seph Burns, Jacob Frailey, John Koppold, Jacob Gubble, John Baker, John Park, William Marshall, Andrew Forrost, Wm, McCloster, James Porter, John Davison, Lawrence Seckel, 34* 402 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. John Bowman, Thomas Power, Frankhn Rood, John Shop- land, McDonald, And'w Slarrett, John Hanna. To return to Berks — That the inhabitants of Berks ard Leba- non as a body — lories, if any, excepted — were as ardently de- voted to the cause of American freedom, and did as much as any portion of the Union, is a matter of historical fact, and needs not here to be repeated ; nevertheless, a few extracts from the Minutes of the Committee of Safety, and other documents, letters, &c. are given, to show what was done, as it is believed, will be read with interest, by those whose fathers took a part in the ever memorable Revolution of '76, in favor of the Whigs. The extracts are given in detached order, without attempt- ing to fill any hiatus. It would occupy too much space to do so. An order was drawn, Sept. 2, 1776, on John S. Nesbitt, Esq., Treasurer, and was directed to pay Mr. Isaac Levan, £50, on account of the committee of Berks county, in supply- ing the families of poor Associators, who are now in actual service, with necessaries to be charged to said committee. The committee of Inspection and Observation, of Reading, in Berks county, having resprescnted to the Board the neces- sity of keeping a guard in that town, Resolved, That the committee of Reading be empowered to appoint a small guard in that town, so long as the prisoners* of war shall reside there, and the Board will take proper mea- sures to defray the expenses attending it. So determined were the patriotic soldiers of Berks, not to suffer one transgressor or delinquent to escape condign punish- ment or being publicly exposed ; as w411 appear from the fol- lowing communcation, addressed to the Committee of Berks county : Philadelphia, 21 Dec, 1776. To the Honorable Committee of Berks, at Reading. Gentlemen : At our being properly quartered in Mr. Galloway's house in * See pages 145, 146, antea. HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 403 the city, by the Quarter Master General, F k R p, one of our men, very imprudently and wickedly broke open a room, wherein were some valuable effects, which were the property, as is supposed, of said Galloway, and took off with him some loaf sugar, lawn, a diaper, table cloth, &c., and immediately deserted his company. These are, therefore, to request you'll take proper steps to secure said R p, so that he may be brought to trial, for said offence, which is by no means coun- tenanced by any of the officers — as we are likely to be greatly disgraced by such depredations or unwarrantable proceedings. H y M r and B r H e, have also deserted — whom, we expect, may be secured and made a public example of, otherAvise, we are determined never to serve longer in the cause. There is still remaining at home, numbers of others, belonging to the militia, well known to you all, enjoying their ease and pleasure, all of whom we request, you would, for the honor of Berks, order them to join us at the camp, to which place, we march to-morrow; otherwise, we will earnestly re- quest, they may be published to the world, as enemies to their country — and we shall deem them as such. We are, with great respect. Gentlemen, your well wishers and humble servants, John Mears, Adj't. George Will, John Diehl, John Witman, Daniel Rose, John Kidd, Philip Kremer. 404 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. Extract — Letter sent by Express. Chester, 14th December, 1776. James Head, Esq. — Dear Sir: The Honorable Continental Congress having directed me to visit the Associators of the several counties of this State, and to endeavor, with the aid of several gentlemen of the Assem- bly, and of the freemen at large, to stimulate and encourage Ihera to set forth, at this critical time, to the support of their country, I request the favor of you to convene the committee of your county, and to inform that we propose to meet the of- ficers and Assooiators of the several battalions in your county, at the town of Reading, on Wednesday next, at 10 o'clock in the morning. We depend much on the zeal and activity of yourself, and the other gentlemen of the committee, and trust that the ap- pearance of your inhabitants on that day, will do honor to themselves and their country. I have the honor to be your Obedient Servant, THOMAS MIFFLIN, Erig. Gen. 1 am directed to pay the expense of Expresses, &c., which may be necessary to convene the inhabitants, which I will most cheerfully do. T. M. December 31, 1776 ; an order was drawn on Mr. John M. Nesbitt, for ^2000, payable to John Biddle, jr., to be paid by lum into the hands of Andrew Whitman, of Reading, to be subject to the drafts of the committee of said county, for to de- fray such expenses as they have incurred, by order of this Hoard. — Mimdes Com. Safety. , iii, 3„ January 12, 1777 ; in council of safety, orders were given to Col. Morgan to have the second Battalion of militia in Eerks county, which he is to command, to make all necessary preparations, and hold themselves in readiness to march on the shortest notice, and wait until further orders from theEoard. — .Mill. Com. Saf., iii, 29. January 17, 1777; Captain Bickham was directed to pay Col. Henry Geiger, £89, 4s. 5d., for charges of apprehending and bringing to Reading jail the following persons, who are HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 4.U'J suspected of being torles, to whose account this sum is to be charged, viz: W mT s, P p M r, M 1 O d, C r E f, M 1 B k, H y S r, J-__b O- t.—Mm. Com. Saf. January 18, 1777 ; Whereas this council is informed that many of the principal Associators of Col. Hunter's Eattalion of Berks county, refused to march to join General Washington's army, at this important crisis, when so glorious an opportunity offers of crushing the enemy, and thereby have prevented and discouraged the rest, and proceeded even to dare them to en- force the Resolve of this council upon them. Therefore, resolved, That Col. Hunter be directed forthwith to collect all the well affected in his Battalion, and to sieze upon the ringleaders, in this defection, and send them under guard to Philadelphia ; and that he do execute the resolve of this council, of Dec. 7th, last, upon all who refuse to march, without favor or affection; and that they do collect blankets and other necessaries, for the use of those who are to march, paying a reasonable price for the same; and should any person refuse to deliver such necessaries as they can spare, the Col. is directed to take any pay for the same. Those that turn out to march the most direct road to head quarters. — Min. Com. Saf., iii, 40. The following notice was then served upon John Schuty and John Blattner, by John Fry. Reading, January 22d, 1777. Sir — The committee at Reading, do order that you attend there on Saturday next, the twenty-fifth day of this instant, January, at ten o'clock in the forenoon, to give them informa- tion of such things as you know, relative to any person or per- sons discouraging the march of any part of the militia, hereof fail not. By Order of the Committee. James Read, Chairman. January 27, 1777, Captain Bickham was directed to pay to Captain Furry, £50, and to Captain Hederick, £G2, 16, for subsistence money of their two companies, belonging to the 406 HISTORY OF BERKS ANB LEBANON COUNTIES, 'I'hird battalion of militia of Berks county — to be charged to Congress. November 8th, 1777 — In council of safety, ordered that the jiersons herinafter named, in the respective counties, be author- ized and required to collect, without delay, from such of the inhabitants of the said respective counties, as have not taken the oath of allegiance or abjuration, or who have aided or as- sisted the enemy, by arms and accoutrements, blankets, wool- len and linsey-woolsey, shoes and stockings, for the army — that they approve the same, when taken, according to the qua- lity, &c., &c. The committee appointed, on this occasion, for Berks coun- ty, the following named gentlemen: Henry Christ, Henry Haller, Thomas Parry, Daniel Utree, Philip Millar, Nathan Lewis, John Laner, GooFRiED Ream, Jacob Seltzer, Nicholas Shaffer, Minutes of Committee of Safety, Vol, III. C H A P T E H YI. EDUCATION William Penn, the founder of the co]ony of Pennsylvania^ whom Montesquieu denominates the modern Lycurgus, seems to have well known that a sound education was indispensable among all classes to secure, enjoy, and perpetuate the blessings of civil and religious liberty. A few extracts from his writmgs are here presented on this subject. "Nothing weakens kingdoms like vice ; it does not only dis- please Heaven, but disable them;" — "It is our interest to bf good, and it is none of the least arguments for religion, that the piety and practice of it is the peace and prosperity of go- vernment; and consequently that vice, the enemy of religion, is, at the same time, the enemy of human society. What, then, should be more concerned for the preservation of virtue, than government? that, in its abstract, and true sense is not only founded upon virtue, but without the preservation of virtue, it is impossible to maintain the best constitution, that can be made. And, however some particular men may prosper that are wicked, and some private good men miscarry, in the things of this world, in which sense, things may be said to happen alike to all, to the righteous as to the wicked, yet I dare boldly affirm, and challenge any man to the truth thereof; that, in the 408 historV of berks Airt» Lebanon counties. many volumes of the history of all ages and kingdoms of the world, there is not one instance to be found, where the hand of God was against a righteous nation, or when the hand of God WMS not against an unrighteous nation, first or last ; nor Avhere a just government perished, nor an unjust government long prospered. Kingdoms are rarely so short lived as men; yet they also have a time to die; but as temperance giveth health to men, so virtue gives time to kifigdoins ; and as vice brings men betimes to their graves, so nations to their ruin. Respecting modes of government, the memorable founder of that of Pennsylvania declares, — ** There is hardly one frame of government in the world, so ill designed by its first founder, that, in good hands would not do well enough; and history tells us, the best, in ill ones, can do nbthi^ig, that is great or good ; witness, the Jewish and the Roman states. Governments, like clocks, go from the motion, which men give them; and as governments are made and moved by men, so by them are they ruined too: wherefore governments rather depend upon men, than men upon governments. Let men be good and the go- vernment cannot be bad; if it be ill they will cure it: but if men be bad, let the government be never so good, they will endeavor to warp and spoil it to their turn." — "That, there- fore, which makes a good constitution, must keep it, viz; men of wisdom and virtue ; qualities, that, because they descend not with wordly inheritances, must be carefully propagated by a virtuous education of youth ; for which after ages will owe more to the care and prudence of founders, and the suc- cessive magistracy, than to their parents, for their private pa- trimonies. " I would think (says he in another place) that there are but few people so vicious, as to care to see their children so; and yet to me it seems a plain case, that, as we leave the govern- ment, they will find it : if some effectual course be not taken, what with neglect, and what with example, impiety and the miseries that follow it, will be entailed upon our children. Cer- tainly it were better the world ended with us, than that we should transmit our vices, or sow those evil seeds, in our day, that will ripen to their ruin, and fdl our country with miseries, after we are gone; thereby exposing it to the curse of God, and violence of our neighbors. But it is an infelicity we ought to bewail, that men are apt to prefer the base pleasures of their HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 409 present extravagances to all endeavors after a future benefit; for, besides the guilt, they draw down upon themselves, our poor posterity must be greatly injured thereby; who will find those debts and incumbrances harder to pay than all the rest, we can leave them under." "Upon the whole matter (continues he) I take the freedom to say, that, if we would preserve our government, we must endear it to the people. To do this, besides the necessity of present, just and wise things, we must secure the youth: this is not to be done, but by the amendment of the way of their edu- cation; and that with all convenient speed and diligence. I say, the government is highly obliged : it is a sort of trustee for the youth of the kingdom; who, though now minors, yet will have the government when we are gone. Therefore depress vice, and cherish virtue: that through good education, they may become good ; which will truly render them happy in this world, and a good way fitted for that which is to come. If this be done, they will owe more to your memories for their education, than for their estates." Especially does the permanency of all Republics, depend upon the enlightenment of the people. As education is therefore encouraged or neglected, so will their foundations be sure and stable, or loose and unsettled ; and it is difficult to say, whether in their moral relations or political privileges, this truth is most self-evident. The certainty, stabihty and perpetuity of a re- publican government, with all its vast machinery of offices and officers, such as the efficient administration of the government by the Executive, the judicious and wholesome exercise of its powers by the Legislature, the prompt and energetic adminis- tration of justice by faithful Judges, and above all, the just de- termination of the rights of parties by impartial Jurors, must depend alone upon the people. There is no other foundation upon which the structure can rest. This constitutes its chiet excellence, its greatest strength. In a government then such as ours, based as it is upon ac- knowledged democratic principles, in the theory and practice of which, it is admitted that the people are the source of all power, making and unmaking at stated intervals all their func- tionaries, from the chief magistrate of the nation, down to the humblest officer created by a Borough charter, the necessity of 3-5 41G ttlSTORy OF BERKS AND LEBASDN COUijtifeg. having that same people educated, "will not for a moment be questioned. For, as they are enlightened or unenlightened 30 will their government be elevated in character, or depressed in a corresponding degree. Called upon as they are, to the fre- quent exercise of the elective franchise, and thus necessarily to judge of men and measures, their course of action must be de- termined, either by each man's own personal examination into the character of the one, and a careful investigation into the propriety or expediency of the other, or else it must be sugges- ted, and fixed by the advice and opinions of others. And what a prolific source of abuse is this. It is seldom indeed that such advice is honest, for the most part, it is the gratuitous offering of interested men. How shall all those whose minds are ob- scured by the clouds of ignorance, be capable of discriminating between the correctness and incorrectness of questions of pub- lic policy? How shall th^y judge between the patriot and the ambitious, self-aggrandizing demagogue? Are they competent to arrive at a proper decision of the various complicated ques- tions, necessarily arising for their determination, and by a re- ference to which, their choice, is to be regulated in the selec- tion of officers and representatives? Let the people be educa- ted, and thus each individual wnll be rightly impressed with the important truth, that his own interests are identified with those of the State. For no government is so free as that which is upheld by the affections of the people, and no community so happy as that in which the youth, by proper education, are dis- ciplined to the exercise of all those moral virtues that ennoble human nature. So thought and so acted, almost all of the early settlers of nearly every state in the Union. Although Colonists it is true, and perhaps entertaining not even the most remote idea of a separate existence, at any period of time, as a nation, they were in their Colonial government, if not essentially, at least par- tially democratic. Returning by a popular vote, their own Representatives, and — with the exception of their Governors — the greater part of all their prominent officers, they felt the ne- cessity of so elightening this first great power, that at a very early day, schools and institutions of learning were established and founded by voluntary contributions among them. Such is the history of the Puritans of New England, the Roman Catho- lics of Maryland, the Quakers of Pennsylvania and the Hugue- HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 411 iiots of the Carolinas. True, their first efforts in this respect were feeble. The country was new, and surrounded as the in- habitants were by savage foes, the first elements of education which the children obtained, were communicated by the pa^ rents themselves, in the midst of dangers and unexampled hard- ships. By degrees, however, as the different settlements in creased in number and strength, schools were established for the instruction of the children, in the ordinary branches of the education of the country from whence the parents had emigra- ted ; and as in time, wealth began to flow in upon the Colonists, schools, academies and colleges came to be endowed, either by individual liberality or legislative munificence. Truly the good seed sown thus early by the settlers, has yielded abundantly, "some thirty, some sixty, and some an hundred fold." In general terms and fewer words, we have thus described the progressive history of the education of almost every com- munity in the United States. In some parts we admit, the ad- vance has been accelerated more perhaps by the comparative extent of the information of the first emigrants and diminished number of obstacles encountered by them in subduing the coun- try, than from any other cause. Under ordinary circumstances, this might therefore suffice for the object to which the present chapter is devoted ; but as it is intended to present to the reader a detailed account of all matters of sufficient importance, and worthy of being embodied in a work of this kind, it is our duty as a faithful historian, to enter into details. Schools were for many years, except a few among the Friends and Welsh settlers, exclusively under the control of German teachers. Many of the first German settlers in Berks and Lebanon, brought with them their school masters and ministers. The former in many instances, in the absence of the latter, offi- ciated in a two-fold capacity, as school master and preacher. — Of this number were J. C. Wirtz, at Sacany, and Casper Leut- becker, at Tulpehocken. Rev. Muhlenberg, speaking of him says, "Nach einiger Zeit kam ein Mann mit Namen, Cas- per Leutbecker, seiner Profession nach ein Schneider, naclj Tulpehocken (1745) setzte das Vorlesen in der Kirche fort, hielt Schule und Catichesirte."* Common schools were very few in number in Berks and Le^ * Hall. Nach., 249. 412 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. banon, till 1750 or 1751. Some townships had none "In Oley," says Muhlenberg, "1748, sincl Schulen sehr entfernt." No systematic efforts were made to improve the schools among the Germans, in Pennsylvania, till after 1751, when on the representation of the Rev. Michael Schlatter, who had been some time in Pennsylvania, to the churches of Holland. A scheme was started by a society of noblemen of Europe, for the instruction of Germans and their descendants, in Pennsyl- vania. These foreign gentlemen "were truly concerned to find that any of their fellow subjects, in part of the British domin- ions, were not fully provided with the means of knowdedge and salvation. They considered it a matter of the greatest impor- tance to the cause of Christianity in general, and the protes- tant interest in particular, not to neglect such a vast body of useful people, situated in a dark barren region, with almost none to instruct them, or their helpless children, who are com- ing forth in multitudes, and exposed an easy prey to the total ignorance of their savage neighbors on the one hand, and the coi- ruption of their Jesuitical enemies, on whom they bordered, on the other hand; and of whom there were always, perhaps, too many mixed among them. Moved by these interesting con- siderations, these noblemen and others, did accordingly take the good design into their immediate protection, and formed them- selves into a society for the effectual management of carrying out the scheme of instructing the Germans.* Schools were subsequently organized at Reading, Tul}x>- hocken, &c., under the direction of the Rev. Michael Schlatt- er, as Visitor or Supervisor General of the schools; but met with little or no success, at least not commensurate vrith the importance of the enterprize. The designing — these are always to be found — persuaded the more ignorant, that it was a scheme gotten up to enslave them! The scheme for, and its effects upon those whom it was intended to benefit, evanesced. The consequence was, that schools were still few till about the time when the Lutheran and German Reformed congregations were more permanently organized, through the efforts of the Rev'ds Muhlenberg, Schlatter, and their coadjutors. At no part of this History better than the present, can it with greater propriety be observed, that almost co-existent with the establishment of the first Lutheran churches in Ger- * See pages antea, 99, 109, where the scheme is given in detail. HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 41^ many and of the Reformed churches in Switzerland and Hol- land, there sprang up a custom among their members, peculiar to themselves. Each congregation was regarded as a spiritual municipal corporation, and among other duties performed by those having its control or government, in order that " the word might not perish for lack of knowledge among the peo- ple," they employed a competent teacher, to instruct the youth of both sexes, wdthout any regard whatever to the wealth or standing of the parents in society. Generally each church was supplied with an organ — indeed this instrument was regarded as indispensable to the proper worship of the Almighty, and the person employed to perform upon it during divine service, was required to unite with his skill and knowledge as a musi- cian, the profession of a school teacher. He usually received a stated salary, and was furnished with accommodations for his school, himself and family, at the common cost of the congregation. In return for this, and in addition to his duty as an organist — as has been shown — he was required to teach the children of the congregation upon such terms as the vestry might from time to time determine. The sum thus fixed, was paid to him by the parents of such of the children, as were able to afford it, w^hile the children of those who were in indigent circumstances, were taught the same branches wdthout charge and in consideration of the salary paid by the congregation. This mode of educating their own poor, by a system as simple, was regarded as a religious duty. It was so taught from gen- eration to generation, through successive years. And when the Lutheran and German Reformed churches were thoroughly or- ganized and provided with settled pastors, they also had better qualified teachers, and schools regularly taught. It was the unceasing effort of both the Revds. Muhlenberg, Schlatter, and their coadjutors, to establish schools in con- nection with churches. All great reformers appreciated, and will ever appreciate the importance of schools. Luther — the immortal Luther — when speaking of schools and schoolmasters, used the following emphatic language : — Die Schulen sind kleine, doch sehr nuetzhche Goncilien una die edelsten Kleinode der Kirche; und die Lehre derselben ein koestliches Amt und Werk. Ich W'ollte dass keiner zu einem Prediger erwaehlt wuerde, er haette sich denn Schon mit dem 35* 414 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. Unterricht der Kinder beschaeftiget. Wer dem Teiifel in sei- nem Reiche einen Schaden zufuegen will, der ihn recht beisse, der mache sich an die Jugend und Kinder, und suche bey ihnen einen Grund zu legen, der fuer und fuer bleib.e. In the same light, schools should be ever regarded as the nurseries of virtue and piety. It is stated, however, with re- gret, that the citizens of Eerks and Lebanon counties had, for some years, lost sight of these nuetzliche Concilien, in bestow- ing that fostering care upon them, so generally, as their im- portance demands ; nevertheless, some attention was given to this subject at a comparatively early date, in the effort of esta- blishing schools of advanced standing, in some sections of these counties. An academy was started at Reading, in 1778, but owing to a want of proper management and sufiicient patronage, it was suspended till 1836 — but subsequently revived, and sus- tains at present, a deservedly high character. The course ot instruction is extensive, embracing the ancient and modern lan- guages, mathematics, and the other branches usually taught in in academies and high schools. A Female Seminary, located in Reading, was incorporated in the spring of 1838. This school, some private ones, and the public schoolsin the borough, sustain a very fair reputa- tion. At Wommelsdorf and Kutztown, are academies of advanced standino;. These academies and seminaries, exert a wholesome influence upon a certain portion of community, and it is hoped their influence will be, before long, generally ielt in the coun- ty, in liberalizing the views of those hitherto opposed to a ge- neral and advanced system of education. At present, but few of the districts of Berks county have accepted the provisions of the law in 1835. " In many instances," says Trego, "there has been much opposition in collecting the school taxes, build- ing school houses, and making any improvements involving cost. The want of good teachers has been felt here, as in many other parts of the State ; but it is believed that there is a general improvement in the schools as well as in the disposi- tion of the public mind on this subject." The state of education in Lebanon county, is nearly the same as that in Berks. There are three academies in this count} , viz: at Lebanon, Myerstown, and Millerstown; all, except the HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBAKQN COUNTIES. 415 last named, are in successful operation. Many gentlemen are to be found, in both counties, ardently devoted to the cause of education, exerting themselves in behalf of academies, semina- ries, and common schools. These schools are the sure defences of our country. The patriot and the christian have reason to rejoice at the prospect of the ultimate, general adoption of the common school system — all should exert themselves with much anxiety, to aid in introducing the system, and supplying schools with w^ell qualified teachers. Who even does not know that much depends upon teachers, to speed the labors of our legis- lators, magistrates, and the minisler of the gospel. The teach- ers must be virtuous and intelligent, to make intelligent and useful scholars, or to aid the cause of intelligence ; for without intelligence, on which the minister of the gospel, the legislator and magistrate, can act, and jmnciple, cultivated in childhood, and matured in riper age, they will all act in vain. They ma}' as well endeavor to remove mountains, as to attempt to accom- plish much and prominent good without them. For, without these two — virtue and intelligence — it is truly said : "The Le- gislator, the Magistrate, and the Minister, will descend into the same gulf of ignorance and corruption." Sabbath Schools — great auxiliaries in diffusing useful and indispensable knowledge among the junior portion of society — are fast gaining ground. Nearly all rehgious denominations foster them. CHAPTEH VIL RELIGIOUS HISTORY III this chapter, brief sketches are presented, of the different religious denominations that existed, and are still found, in this part of Pennsylvania. It is not consistent with the limits of this compilation, to notice the doctrines of each, or to trace the origm of all. Those who wish more extensive information on the origin, rise, progress, doctrines and statisticsof the religious denominations noticed here, and of all the sects in tire United States, are referred to the writer's work, entitled " He Pasa Ekklesia, &c." published by Mr. James Y. Humphreys, Phila- delphia, 1844. If differences of opinion touching dogmas of religion and inultiplicity of sects, serve as a standard of deep toned piety and Christian benevolence — charity in the true sense of the Gospel, then may the people of Berks and Lebanon lay some claim to a share of it — and it is undoubtedly true, they have claims of the kind — for the diversity of opinion, and sects or denominations, are not a few in Berks and Lebanon, as will be seen from the following brief and imperfect notices. For the want of the promised materials, so kindly proffered by those on whom we called, or whom we addressed, the no- tices are brief and imperfect. They are made up of ^^ frag- onentary rubbish,'^ furnished, or gleaned at a late hour. Had these been furnished at an earlier date, though mere fragments, HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 417 the writer could, if the reader will believe him, have reiidered these sketches more v/orthy of his notice. DIE NEUGEBOHRENE, OR THE NEW BORN. A sect that assumed the appellation, JV'ezo Born, existed about the year 1717 or 1719, in Oley, headed afterwards by one Bowman. Their peculiar tenets can only be gathered from detached fragments: a few of them are in the possession of the writer. From these it appears this sect existed for a pe- riod of some thirty or forty years. The existence of this sect has been noticed in another part of this book — pages 233, 236. John Petei Miller, contemporary with Bowman, speaking of this sect, says: — "Damals, Zwischen 1717 — 1721 cntstand ein Volk in der Gegend Oly die man Neugebohrne nannte, und einer Matthies Bauman zum Anfaenger hatten. Ihr Vorgeben war, dass sie nicht mehr koenten suendigen, in einer in Deutschland gedruckten Schrift, genant, "Ruf an die Unwied- ergebohrne Welt, klingt es . wunderlich, wan Bauman sagt, Pagina 13." Die Menschen sagen: Christus babe die Suende hinweg genommen, es ist war bey mir, wer sich also befmdet, dass er also ist wie Adam vor dem Fall, als wie ich bin." Da, says Miller, setzt er sich neben Adam vor seinem Fall. Und Pagina 17, machet er noch einen aergern Sprung, Vv ann er sagt: "Wie Adam vor dem Fall war, sa bin ich gemacht, und noch fester." Was aber die Menschen am meisten aer- gert, war, was er Pagina 12 sagt: "Mit dem Leib kann Man nicht suendigen vor Gott, Sondern nur vor Menschen und andern Creaturen, und die kann der Richter schlichten." Daraus sie gefaehrliche Folgen zogen. . Sie ruehmten sich, zu seyn nur von Gott gesandt, um die Menschen irr zu machen, welches sie auch innerhalb zehn Jah- ren (1725 — 1734) fleissig getrieben; also dass man oft zu Maik-Zeit ihre Disputationen in Philadelphia mit Verwunder- ung hat koennen anhoeren, da auch Bauman sich einst erbotten, er wollte zum Beweiss, dass seine Lehre von Gott sey, durch deji Delaware Strohm gehen. * Col. Rec. 319— page antea, 233. 41S HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. Bey ihrera Reissen durch Conestoga, allwo sie Eingang hin und wieder fanden, kamen sie endlich auch zum Vorsteher (Conrad Beissel zu Ephrata) und da brachte sich Bauman we- gen der Wiedergeburt an. Der Vorsteher gab ihm kurtzen Besclieid, und sagte: Er sollte an seinem Unflat riechen, und betrachten ob dieses zur Wiedergeburt gehoere ; darauf sie ei- nen spitzigen Geist nannten und davon giengen. Man hat wargenommen, dass von derselben zeit an sie Kraft verlohren, ihre Verfuehrung weiter aus zu breiten : und ist mit den Urstae- ijdern endlich abgestorben. Gedachter Bauman ist urns Jahr 1727, gestorben ; er soil sonst ein redlicher "Mann gewesen seyn^ und die Welt nicht ueber die Gebuehr gesucht haben, aber Kuehlenwein,* Yotter, und andere senier Nachfolger waren in dera Weltlichen unersaetlich. Dieser Mattheis Bauman war ein armer Tagloehner, aus der Stadt Lamsheim, in Churpfaltz. Im Jahr 1701 ist er mit einer, harten Krankheit heimgesucht worden, da er in den Himmel verzuckt" wurde, und Offenbahrungen an die Menschen em- ptieng. Als er wieder zu sich selbst kam rief er bey einer Stunde lang aus : "O ! ihr Menschen ! ! bekehret euch 1 1 ! der juengste Tag kommt!!!!" Er fielabermal.in Verzuckung, und da wurde zu ihm gesagt : "Die Menschen meinen, sie leben bey Tag?; sie sind aber alle verkehrt bey der Nacht I !" Diese Verzuckungen haben vier.'zelm Tage angehalten, dar- unter die letzte vier und zwanzig Stunde gewaehrt, dass man auch raeinte er waere gestorben, und Anstalt zu seinem Be- graebniss machen liess. Als er wieder zu sich selbst kam, gieng er zumPrediger, und sagte ihm: "Gotthabe ihn wieder in die- se Welt gesandt, den Menschen zu sagen, dass sie sich sollten bekehren." Der Prediger aber, w^elcher raeinte, er waere im Kopf verrueckt, suchte durch ein Weltbuch ihm die Grillen zu vertreiben. — Chron. Ephra. page 128 — 130. They maintained they were impeccable, or that they had attained to a state of sinlessness. They were in their own es-, timation, perfect! This is dogmatically asserted by one of them, a female in a. letter, dated Oley, May 14, 1718, to a friend of hers in Ger-. many . "I will apprise you of my present condition. I am in a bet- * See page 233, 31, where the original is given. RlSTO^V OF BERKS AND LEBANON COt^TIES. 419 ter state than I was while with you (in Germany). Here God has absolved me from all sin — I can sin no more; for which I now praise, and shall ever laud his name." "Teachers and hearers, none of them are christians, for they are sinners; but Christ came to destroy sin. He that is not absolved from all sin, for him Christ has not appeared in this \vorld. All teachers, in the whole world, not freed from sin, and not in an impeccable state, are false teachers, be they pious or impious. In the kingdom of Christ, none but Christ prevails. He that has not him is none of his ; and where he is, there man is set free from sin." Under date of June 10, 1747, the Revd. Muhlenberg says: " I started from New Hanover, and eight miles from here, called to see an aged person of the so called JVeu> Born, who had married a widow woman some twenty years ago, with whom he had five children, &c., &c. The old gentleman says he was new born in the Palatinate. But the evidences of his being new horn, are simply these : According to his own oft repeated declaration, that he has seceded from the Reformed Church, and denounced the sacraments^and having refused to take the oath of fealty to the then ruling elector, he, with others, was brought before the consistory and imprisoned ; and according to his own notion, had suffered on account of Christ and the truth. He will not listen to any rational counsel — rejecting all reveal- ed truth — nor will he sulFer himself to be taught, because he is of a weak understanding — obstinately selfish, and a man of vi- olent passions. "After he had arrived in this country, he united with the so called New Born. They feign having received the new birth through mediate inspiration, apparitions, dreams, and the like. When one is thus regenerated, he fancies himself to be God and Christ himself, and cannot, henceforth, sin no more. Hence they do not use the word of God as a means of salvation. They scoff at the holy sacraments.* ^ Hallisch Nachrichten, p. 227. 420 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIESi fHE SW3£dES. The Swedes; who first settled within the limits of the pro- vince of Pennsylvania, as early as 16oS, and within the bounds of Berks county, prior to 1700, had, undoubtedly, erected a church at Molatton, near Douglassville, about the year 1720 or 21. They were a "God-fearing and just people," and were the first to build sanctuaries, and by liberal donations, to estab- lish permanent funds for the support of the ministry in other parts of the country. They had a church at Tinnecum Island prior to 1675, as is evident from the following: — "At a special court, held at New Castle, in Delaware river, the 13th and 14th days of May, 167o, it was ordered that the church, or place of worship, be regulated by the court here, hi as orderly and decent a manner as may. That the place for meeting at Craine lloeck (opposite Wilmington) do continue as heretofore — that the church at Tinnecum Island do serve for Uppland, and parts adjacent. "And whereas there is no church or place of worsliip higher up the river than the said Island, for the greater ease and con- venience of the inhabitants there. It's ordered, that the magis- trates of Uppland do cause a church or place of meeting to be built at Wickegkoo,* the which to be for the inhabitants of Passayunk, and so upwards. The said court being empow- ered to raise a tax for its building, and to agree for a compe- tent fund for their minister: of all which they are to give an account to the next general court, and they to the governor for his approbation." Signed E. ANDROSS." The following extracts from the "Annals of the Swedes," by the Rev. J. C. Clay, go to show, that they v^^ere anxious to liave the gospel preached in their new settlements, in the direc- tion of Molatton. "In 1705, the ' upper inhabitants' — meaning, I suppose, those at Upper Marion, or perhaps up the Delaware, towards Bris- tol — made application for occasional services in their neighbor- hood, in the winter season, because of their distance from * Wickegkoo is Wiccacoe, above the Navy Yard, Philadelphia. Rev Foot's Address, pa. 17. HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 421 church. It was agreed that the rector should officiate twice during the winter season. "About the year 1720, the Rev. Samuel Hesselius settled among the Swedes, in the lower part of Berks. This appears from the following^ from the same author, Rev. Clay. " 1720— A meeting was held on the 27th of March, for the transaction of business, at which four clergymen were present: the Rev. Provost Andrew Hesselius, the Rev. Mr. Lidenius, ot Racoon and Penn's Neck, and the P^ev. Moses Lidraan and Samuel Hesselius. The Provost proposed that the last named clergyman should take charge of those portions of the congre- gation residing at Kalkonhook and Neshamani. This was ob- jected to by the lay members present, upon the ground that the Swedes living in those places might become weaned from the mother church at Wicaco. '•'It being understood that one clergyman was competent to the duties at Wicaco, it was then proposed by Lidman, that as the people at Manatting— supposed to be Mollaton, four miles above Pottsgrove, on the Schuylkill — were a great distance irora the church, they, perhaps, would be glad of his services there, and that he would cheerfully relinquish to him so much of the salary as was furnished by that part of the congregation. Marcus Hulings, and other respectable inhabitants of that part of the country, then present, earnestly seconded this proposi- tion, promising to contribute to the extent of their means, to- wards his support. It was accordingly arranged that the Rev. Samuel Hesselius should settle at Manatting." From ail these it may be fairly inferred, that a congregation was organized at an early date, in the southern part of Berks county. Molatton, for years afterward, and to this date, is an Episco- pal church. The Rev. Muhlenberg, mentioned in the sequel, preached statedly here. 36 422 HIStokt OF fi£EES ASH LltE.'iWON COUKTrES. THE QUAKERS. The FriendSj or Quakers, were next to the Swedes in preach- ing the gospel within the borders of Berks. Two of thecQj Anthony Lee and George Boone, settled in the interior of this county, about the year 1716 — 1718, and were soon followed by others, and without doubt, were visited by their ministers or preachers. They had many self-denying men at that early date, who not only visited their brethren, but preached thegos- pel to the tawny sons of the forest. Thomas Chalkley, who came from England in 1701, was of that class; as early as 1705, he visited the Indians living near Susquehannah, at Conestoga, and preached the Gospel of Christ freely to them. Some of their most eminent ministers in the county of Berk.s were, Samuel Hugh, Ellis Hugh, Job Hugh, Enos Ellis, Abel Thomas, Moses Embree, James Iddings, Amos Lee, Peter Thomas, Judah Thomas, The Friends were very numerous be- tween the year 1750 and 1780 ; their number, at the period al- luded to, was rising of two thousand in the county; owing, however, to the vast emigration to the western states, their number does not, at present, exceed two hundred members. — They have three Or four meeting houses in the county ; besides the one in the borough of Reading, which was originally built in 1751, and pulled down in 1766, and in its place the present one story log house, built on Washington street. The Friends, though not patrons of a classically educated ministry, have always been the supporters of good schools.- — They have contributed much towards improving society, — They are the friends of Peace and Universal Liberty, and of unfettered tolerance. No where in the annals of history, can the finger be pointed to this or the like sentence, as applicable to the Quakers — "They persecuted others for opinion's sake." This dark stain is not in their drab coats — it would show if il were. SISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES, 42o THE MENNONITES. The Mennonites having settled about the year 1722 to '24, ill the Southern part of Lebanon county, had meeting houses for public worship among their brethren, who were very nu-. raerous for many years. In Europe, they had been sorely persecuted, and on the in- vitation of the liberal minded William Penn, they transported themselves and familes, into the province of Pennsylvania, as early as 1683. Those who came in that year, and in 1698^ settled in and about Germantown. In 1709, other fami- lies of them arrived and commenced settlements in Lancaster county, in Pequea valley ; these were the Herrs, Meylins, Ken-. digs, and others. They were soon followed by others in 1711, 1717, 1727 — of these last, many settled in tlie more northern parts of Lancaster county, within the limits of Lebanon county. Among their first preachers in America were, John Gorgas, •lolm Conerads, Clas Rittinghausen, the grandfather of the cele- brated David Rittenhouse, Jacob Gaedtschleck, Henry Kolb, ( 'laes Jansen, Michael Zigler, Hans Burgholtzer, Hans Herr, Christian Herr, Benedict Hirschi, Martin Bear^ Johannes Bow- man, Yclte Clemer, Daniel Langenecker, Jacob Beghtly Ulricli Breckbill, Hans Tschantz — all these were ministers prior to 1735. They continued to increase till about the year 1790 — '92, when a certain Martin Boehm, John Neidig, ministers, and suany lay members, seceded from them, and afterwards connected themselves with the JJniied Brethren in Christ, since when their number has diminished in Lebanon county. They stili have a number of meeting houses in this county. The Mennonites, in this county, asis well known, have been for the last forty years on the decline; but the indications at present seem rather more favorable to again resuscitate the doc- trines, at least, among a portion of them,* which their ances- tors so strenuously advocated. The Mennonites never wasted money in rearing stately houses, in which to dispense the word of life, or in erecting mas- sive college edifices, in which to impart useful knowleege, nor do they encourage theological seminaries. In this respect, like * The Reformed Mennonites. 424 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES, the Friends, the Mennonites of this country have been content to walk in the ways of their fathers, and to hear the " word of hfe" expounded, by men of as simple taste and habits as them- selves. Let none, however, reproach them with hostility to useful learning — learning for hfe, and not for school. Holding Peace principles, and taking little or no part in the af}"airs of government, they teach their young men, that the first great duty of life is, for each man to mind his own business. Prac- tising upon this maxim, they encourage industry by their own examples, and discourage ambition by a representation of the evils necessarily following in its train. They spurn alike the honors and emoluments of office. Hence they detm an educa- tion, beyond the rudiments of a very common one, as super- fluous, among all their members of society. They have, there- fore, no ministers, to use a common phrase, classically educated. This is not, however, the case in Europe. At Amsterdam, they have a college, in which all the useful branches are taught. Students of theology receive instruction in a room, containing the library, over the Mennonite chapel. The lectures are delivered in Latin; and each student befoie his entrance, must be acquainted with Latin and Greek. They attend at a literary institution for instruction in Hebrew, Ec- clesiastical History, Physics, Natural and Moral Philosophy, &,c. The college was estabhshed nearly a century ago, and was at first supported by the Am.sterdam Mennonites alone ; but lately, other Mennonite churches sent in their contributions. — Some of the students receive support from a public fund ; they are all intended for the Christian ministry.* THE BRETHREN, DIE TAEUFER, OR DUNKARDS. This society, or members of it, emigrated frcm Germiany and Holland, in 1719; some of them settled in Germantown, others in Oley, Conestoga, Muelbach, and elsewere. Frcm a society organized at Muelbach, Conrad Beissel seceded and formed a new association, commonly called the Sicben Taeger, or Ger- man Seventh-day Baptists, of whom some account has been given in the preceding part of this book. * Dr. Ypeij HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNIItS. i^ri The Brethren were numerous, from 1730 to 1745, in 01e> ; I'rora that time on they seem to .have declined; at least, their number in that neighborhood began, at that period, to decrease, In the year 1724, the Dunkards held a general meeting, or Grosse Versammlung, in Oley. Rev. Peter Miller, in his (Jhronicon Ephratensa, says: "Sie, die Dunker, nahmen sich vor, einen allgemeinen Besuch zu machen — zu ihren Bruedern im ganzen Lande, und hierzu ward der 23ste October, 1724 ausgesetst, als an welchem der Besuch von Germanton absetzte, und zwar zuerst nach Schip^. pack, Falkner Schwamra, hielten Brodbrechen da bei einem Bruder, Albertus genannt; von da reisten sie nach Oley, da sie vine Grosse Versammlung hielten und das Brodbrechen: dan nach ihren, Neugetauften Brueder an der Schuylkill, wo sie Versammlung und Brodbrechen hielten, und zwei tauften, von da nach Conestogo." This appears to have been a kind of Apostolischer Kreutz^. zug. Fourteen of the Brethren travelled in company, seven on foot and seven on horse. Shortly after the arrival of Count Zinzendorf, there was another General meeting held in Oley, which v/as composed r.t Dunkards, German Seventh Day Baptists, Moravians, Mennor- nites, Separatists and others. Ira Jahr 1742, says Miller, ist noch cine Conferentz in Oley gehaiten worden, da bey Vier Vaeter der Germeinde in Eph-r rata sind erschienen — Diese Versaramluno; wurde eig-entlich von den Dunker gehaiten — dann die Einsame Brueder hielten