CHAPTER XXVI.
Lynn Township.
Pages 297 to 314
Including sections on:
Land Warrants, Tax Lists & Early Settlement
a
REGION of country lying in this township and in the township of Albany in Berks
County, adjoining, was from the earliest settlement designated as “Allemangel,”
and further for judicial purposes called “adjacents,” or “back parts of
Macungie,” and “The Heidelberg District.” In March, 1752, Northampton County
was erected; in June following Heidelberg township was organized, and at the
October term of court, in the same year, a petition was presented asking for a
new township to be taken from the west part of Heidelberg. An order was granted
by the court, and viewers were appointed, who laid out the territory and
reported their action at the June term of court, 1753, when it was confirmed.
In this connection we quote the following, which appears on the records under
date of June 9, 1753:
“The Petition of Sundry inhabitants lying under the blue mountains, between
Heidelberg and the County line, to be laid out into a Township was allowed, and
Edward or Nicholas Scull are appointed Surveyor to be Employed to Survey and
make return of the same.”
The report stated that there “was laid out a Certain tract of Land.
Beginning at a post at a Corner of Heidelberg township and from thence
Extending by the same north twenty (20) degrees west, 1280 perches and by
vacant land 290 perches to Ye blue mountains thence along the mountains south
sixty-five (65) degrees west 518 perches, south thirty (30) degrees west 60
perches, South fifty (50) degrees west 302 perches and south sixty-seven (67)
degrees west 1578 perches to the County line. Thence by the same line South
East (S 45 E) 2200 perches to a stone in said line thence by Weissenberg
township north East (N 45 E) 1640 perches to Ye place of beginning. Containing
about 20,000 acres which said described Tract of land is laid out and included
for a township Called Linn Township.”
At the September court following the confirmation of the township Charles Folk
was appointed constable, and on the 16th of September, 1755, George Briner was
appointed to the same office.
The names as found are here given, with the dates and number of acres:
Acres.
Valentine Barontheisel, March 6, 1741..........................................
156
Michael John Bomgarder, Feb. 15, 1743........................................
109
Valentine Barontheisel, Oct. 16, 1750.............................................
54
Henry Brenigh, Jan. 10,
1753........................................................... 64
Peter Beisel, Sept. 3,
1754................................................................. 25
Jacob Billman, Sept 4,
1772.............................................................. 40
Martin Brobat, Jan. 7,
1790.............................................................. 84
Michael Buck, Nov. 14,
1765........................................................... 64
Peter Bulldoff (Baldaüf), Sept. 24,
1768......................................... 43
Jacob Billman, Dec. 27,
1766............................................................ 50
Jacob Barr, Nov. 4,
1767................................................................... 121
Peter Beisel, Aug. 24,
1768............................................................... 36
Henry Bredich, April 6,
1769........................................................... 97
Adam Clause, April 3, 1767.............................................................
136
Adam Creities (Adam Creitz), Dec. 19, 1768................................ 154
Gottlieb Demut (Gottleb Donat), Aug 24. 1753............................ 95
John Everitt, May 4, 1759..................................................................
56
George Enos, May 30,
1785............................................................... 42
Philip Enos, April 12,
1768................................................................ 25
Philip Eberth, May 4, 1768................................................................
44
Thomas Everitt, March 18,
1769....................................................... 36
Gabriel Foagher, Oct. 25,
1748.......................................................... 63
John Flugh, Dec. 12,
1749................................................................... 53
Samuel Frees, Oct. 22,
1752................................................................ 60
Daniel Hiester, April 25,
1744........................................................... 112
George Harmony, March 6,
1749...................................................... 50
Zachariah Heller, May 11,
1769......................................................... 223
Christian Henry, June 22, 1769..........................................................
78
Abraham Kerper, Jan. 24,
1743.......................................................... 200
“ ” , Oct. 30,
1744.......................................................... 21
Henry Kuntzman, Sept 2, 1749..........................................................
160
“ ” ,
July 19, 1754......................................................... 79
Jacob Kistler, April 30,
1866................................................................ 126
John Kistler, May 21,
1766................................................................... 42
Henry King, June 14,
1769................................................................... 146
Evan Long, Feb. 8, 1744.......................................................................
348
Jacob Lesser, Oct. 14,
1749................................................................... 115
Peter Lutz, Sept. 13,
1765..................................................................... 59
Michael Miller, Aug. 11,
1747.............................................................. 63
Simon Moser, Dec. 22,
1748................................................................. 203
Christian Miller, April 20, 1749...........................................................
31
“ ” , March
23, 1750......................................................... 72
Frederick Michael, Aug. 4,
1750.......................................................... 70
Adam Miller, Aug. 5, 1752...................................................................
149
Michael Moser, June 8,
1754................................................................. 54
Simon Moser, Nov. 19,
1766................................................................. 33
Jacob Muntz (Moutz), Dec. 10,
1766.................................................... 48
“ ”
“ , Dec. 10,
1766..................................................... 39
Conrad Muntz (Moutz), Dec. 10, 1766.................................................
49
Christian Miller, April 7,
1767............................................................... 105
Larance Miller, Oct. 19,
1767................................................................. 44
George Nongener, April 1, 1747...........................................................
53
George Neiss (or Neirs), Dec. 19,
1751................................................. 75
John Neart, Feb. 8,
1769..........................................................................
56
George Oswald, June 9,
1752................................................................. 199
Daniel Oswald, April 27,
1768............................................................... 75
“ ” , May 11,
1769................................................................. 142
David Pillman, Oct. 4,
1738.................................................................... 200
Adam Potts, March 13,
1745................................................................... 79
Michael Poke, May 11,
1748.................................................................... 124
Henry Pedneek, May 3,
1749................................................................... 115
Godfried Peatzle, April 30, 1767.............................................................
131
Mathias Rhoods, April 15,
1740.............................................................. 204
Baltzer Redenhower, Nov. 29,
1748........................................................ 124
Henry Rubrecht, Nov. 12, 1768...............................................................
70
Job Sickfried (Earlist), Feb. 24,
1737........................................................ 300
Charles Stroub, Sept 5.
1748.................................................................... 293
Henry Sunday, March 6,
1750................................................................. 130
Page 298
Andrew
Seachler (Sechler), May 30, 1785..............................................
40
Nicholas Smith, Sept. 30, 1765..................................................................
107
Jacob Snyder, Oct. 11,
1765....................................................................... 112
Melchoir Geer, Nov. 12,
1766................................................................... 109
Gabriel Vogel, June 8,
1754...................................................................... 37
Sebastian Verner, Sept. 8,
1754................................................................ 125
Martin Wydsell, Sept. 29, 1741................................................................
168
Philip Wertman, Dec. 15,
1749................................................................. 197
“ ” ,
Aug. 8, 1750..................................................................
123
Henry Wetherstine (called Winderstein), May 12, 1773..................... 10
George Witzell, Dec. 28,
1767.................................................................. 17
Henry Weiderstine (called Wintherstein), Feb. 1, 1768....................... 86
Michael Wertman, April 27,
1768............................................................ 42
Baltzer Yeager, Nov. 4,
1752..................................................................... 65
George Huns Zimmerman, Aug. 2, 1751................................................
22
The names given below are taken from the assessment-roll made by the
commissioners of Northampton County, Dec. 27, 1781:
Philip Anthony
Christian Haas
Adam Arend Leonard
Haas
John Anthony Henry
Kram
Philip Breiner Andrew
Kunkle
Philip Bower Adam
Krok
John Breiner Christian
Kock
Michael Beck Jacob
Kuntz
John Bear John
Kuntz
Martin Baily Michael
Kuntz
Abraham Baily John
Kistler
Lorance Bachman Michael
Kistler
Paul Bachman Jacob
Kistler
Frederick Breyner Samuel
Kistler
Conrad Bylman Philip
Kistler
George Breish George
Kistler (Dietrich Mill, over two Henry Bautz miles from Kutztown)
Martin Bear Henry King
Widow Bear Frederick
Lyser
Conrad Baldauf John
Lyser
Adam Clause Peter
Leitz
Adam Critis John
Lyby
Wilhelm J. Carl John
Lorah
Melchoir Derr Christian
Luff
Mathias DeLong Jacob
Manes
John Dietrich Christian
Miller
John DeLong Simon
Mosser
Thomas Everett Philip
Mosser
Philip Ebert Berghard
Mosser
Bastian Edel Andrew
Meyer
George Eckroth Eagle
Meyer
Stofle Eckroth William
Meyer
George Ehris Carl
Meyer
Michael Fenstermaechr Andrew
Miller
Bernard Fallweiler Jacob
Miller
Philip Fusselman Martin
Metzger
George Folck Conrad
Nun
Joseph Gorber John
Moyer
Peter Gift John Moyer,
Jr.
Henry Gissler Daniel
Moyer
Conrad Hollebach Peter
Notstein
Christian Henry Daniel
Oswald
George Hauselman Jacob
Oswald
Zachariah Haller Anthony
Opp
Zachariah Haller, Jr. Philip
Puhl
Henry Haller Margaret
Pugh
Christian Haller Matthias
Probst (Matthias)
Dewalt Houck, Jr. George
Probst
George Hermany Martin
Probst
John Heil Philip
Probst
Jacob Hans Peter
Rerdenower
William Holby Jacob
Rex
Paul Hertzog Jacob
Reegle
Daniel Ham Henry
Ruprecht
George Hollenbach Henry
Riehes
John Herman Daniel
Reiss
Jacob Heinbach Henry
Steigerwalt
Dewalt Hanck George
Sausley
George Heilman John
Swatz
George Heilman, Jr. Abraham
Shellhamer
Peter Sheefly Philip
Shellhamer
Michael Stein Bernard
Snyder
Stoffle Sunday Henry
Snyder
Charles Shuck Daniel
Snyder
Widow of John Stein Samuel
Everett
Frederick Sechler Daniel
Stambach
George Shuck Christian
Shuman
Martin Shuck Philip
Shock
George Snyder Jacob
Steitly
Michael Shickly Jacob
Wertman
Andrew Sechler Martin
Wertman
John Smith Michael
Wertman
Mathias Schitz Widow
Weitzel
Daniel Straub John
Weiss
Charles Straub Jacob
Wannamacher
Andrew Straub Jacob
Wannamacher, Jr.
Philip Sittler Philip
Wannamacher
Ehrhard Seisloff Caspar
Wannamacher
Henry Snyder John
Weisser
Widow Stambach William
Yett
Frederick Sauder
Adam Stahler
Single Freemen
John Hermany Paul
Anthony
Daniel Shuman Henry
Fink
Leonard Bock Philip
Opt
Charles Bock George
Ruprecht
John Baldauff Deater
Hanselman
Philip Baldauff Andrew
Hanselman
Of these, the largest tax-payers were Philip Mosser, who was assessed for ten
pounds; Thomas Everitt for eight pounds; George Hermany, Jacob Manss, Martin
Probst, John Swatz, Bernard Snyder, each seven pounds; John Breiner, Conrad
Bylman, Geo. Breish, Paul Hertzog, Frederick Lyserbad, Michael Stein, each for
six pounds; all others for lesser amounts.
The following names are copied from the assessment-roll
made by the commissioner of Northampton county for the year A.D. 1812:
Paul Anthony Henry
Creitz
Daniel Arndt Henry
Carl (estate)
John Arndt Adam
Clause
Valentine Brobst Samuel
Billman
Jacob Bachman George
Castord
Sebastian Benninghoff John
Crash
John Benninghoff Martin
Crone
Mathias Brobst George
Crone
John Brobst Martin
Donot
Michael Brobst, Sr. John
Fogel, Esq.
George Breinere Job
Delong
Jacob Baush George
Dreine (Treiner)
Daniel Bachman Henry Drumbower
Frederick Frey John
Everitt (estate)
William Kistler John
Everitt
Martin Bear Peter
Everitt (weaver)
Philip Baldauf Tobias
Ebert
George Bihl Philip
Ebert
Catharine Baldauf Peter
Ebert
Godfrey Brobst Peter
Eberoth
John Baush John
Eberoth
Jacob Bear Ferdinand
Fullweiler
George Breisch (estate) Daniel
Fullweiler
Abraham Belchley Henry
Fusselman
Michael Brobst Ebrhard
Fusselman
James Brier Michael
Fenstermacher
Christian Beary Jacob
Fenstermacher
Jacob Benfield Frederick
Fry
John Bear Philip
Fenstermacher
Michael Croll Jacob
Frederolf (Fetherolf)
John Carl Jacob
Frey
Widow Carl Christian
Fink
Jacob Behley Widow
Frey
Page 299
Andrew Graver Henry
Moyer
John Seiberling Philip
Mosser
Daniel Greenwald George
Mosser
Philip Harman John
Neif (Neff)
Nicholas Hartman John
Meyer
Conrad Hartman Peter
Neif (Neff)
Adam Harry John
Notestein
Jesse Hermany Daniel
Oswald
Peter Hunsicker Jacob
Oswald
Jacob Holben Jacob
Oswald, Jr.
Desterich Hunsicker John
Oswald
Widow Hausman John
Oswald, Jr.
Jacob Haas Anthony
Opp
George Harman Conrad
Opp
Jacob Haas, Jr. William
Peter
John Heil John
Rubrecht
Lewis Herring Laurence
Reitz
Nicholas Hollenbach John
Reitz
Christian Holben George
Raush (supposed Baush)
Samuel Ely George
Rubrecht
Daniel Hollenbach Henry
Rubrochl
Samuel Jenser Isaac
Romick
George Jenser John
Sensinger
Philip Jaxheimere Andrew
Straub
Jacob Klingsman George
Sherry
Jacob King (Koenig) John
Sittler
Henry Krum Jacob
Shneider
John Kistler Henry
Shneider
Samuel Kistler John
Stein
Jacob Kuntz John Snyder
(Shneider)
Philip Kistler Peter
Shneider
Jacob Kistler John
Steirwold (Steigerwalt)
John Kistler, Jr. Jacob
Smith
Ferdinand Kistler Henry
Steirwold (Steigerwalt)
Jacob Kashner (Kerschner) Nicholas
Schleicher
George Krumm Jacob
Sechler
Michael Kistler Jacob
Schneider
Jacob Kistler Conrad
Stump
Samuel Kistler Valentine
Sell
Peter Kunkle Andrew
Sechler
Philip Kerschner John
Sechler
Conrad Kerschner Jacob
Schallhard (Schellhart)
Jacob Kerschner Henry
Schackler
Conrad Kerschner Frederick
Sechler
Christian Klingeman George
Sittler
Michael Klingsmen Daniel
Saeger (late Crawford Co.)
Michael Kistler Andrew
Straub
Frederick Andrew Leiby Andrew
Sechler, Jr.
Jacob Lutz John
Stroub
Daniel Lesser Henry
Stroub
Frederick Lutz Jacob
Schalhard (Schellhart)
Jacob Leiber George
Shnyder
Christian Lutz William
Shnyeder (Snyder)
Henry Lutz Henry
Smith
John Lutz Melchior
Schwab
Peter Lutz Conrad
Hartman
John Liebic, Jr. Henry
Schitz
George Lock (Loch) John
Schaller
Zachariah Long Henry
Soudal
Abraham Long Andrew
Steirwold
Conrad Lutz John
Shnyder
Andrew Miller Samuel
Shneider
Peter Miller John
Seiberling
Jacob Mauce (Mautz) George
Sentee, Jr.
Henry Mauce (Mautz) Peter
Shnyder
Philip Mauce (Mautz) Frederick
Sheoffer
David Mosser Joseph
Sechler
Borgart Mosser Christian
Shnyder
Abraham Merkch (Merkel) Jacob
Straub
Peter Myer George
Schallhamer
Michael Mosser George
Wonnemacher
Jacob Mosser Jacob
Wartman
Peter Miller Philip
Wartman
Andrew Miller, Jr. Philip
Wannemacher
John Miller Daniel
Wannemacher
Peter Miller Jacob Wannemacher, Jr.
Abraham Miller Jacob
Wannemacher, Sr.
John Weiss Henry
Weaver
John Weiss, Jr. Henry
Weaver, Jr.
Christian Wert Andrew
Wertman
Casper Wannemacher John
Ritter (estate)
Christian
Wannemacher
Single Freemen
Christian Kuntz George
Benighoff
Thomas Everitt Jacob
Bachman
Henry Weaver Henry
Beitz (supposed Reitz)
Abraham Fenstermacher Henry
Long
John Miller Charles
Long
John Fenstermacher Henry
Koenig
John Shnyder Philip
Brobst
John Miller Michael
Kistler
Jacob Weaver John
Kistler
Andrew Hartzell Jacob
Rubrecht
Peter Shnyder Henry
Fullweiler
Jacob Meyer John
Hoffman
Jacob Mosser
It is very difficult to gather reliable data concerning the early families who settled in the township, as their descendants in many cases know but little of them, except that the land they inherited came from some remote ancestor. Effort has been made to secure records of a few of the first settlers, with the result here given.
George Hermany emigrated from Europe in the year 1736, when but seventeen years of age, with his uncle, who settled in Kutztown, where George remained until 1749. On the 6th of March in that year, he took out a warrant for fifty acres of land, a part of the tract now owned by his grandsons, - George and Philip. George emigrated to Ohio, and died there: Philip settled on the homestead, married Catherine Stiegerwalt, lived to an advanced age, and died about 1837, leaving a family of five sons, - John, Samuel, Daniel, George, and Isaac. John settled in Jacksonville, kept the hotel, store, and post-office, and died in 1863. Samuel married Salome, the daughter of Christian Wannemacher, and settled on the homestead, where he lived all his days, and died in 1868, aged sixty-three years, leaving four sons, of whom Charles became a civil engineer, and resides in St. Louis. Edwin, Lewis, Samuel, and Amanda reside on the homestead, which is one of the finest in the county. Edwin is actively engaged in the interest of the schools in the township. Lewis was captain in the Carbon County regiment in the last war. Daniel, son of Philip, settled at Lockport, N. Y. George emigrated to Ohio. Isaac located in Hamberg, Berks County. Of the daughters of Philip, Rebecca married the Rev. John Zulich; Magdalena became Mrs. Jacob Lieby; Catharine married Jonathan Smith, of Albany, Berks Co.; and Molly, Mrs. Henry Long.
Peter Hunsicker came to the township from Heidelberg after 1781, and located on
land adjoining Philip Mosser. He was a farmer, and had one son, Peter, who died
in 1883, aged ninety years. He left several children, of whom Reuben and Paul
reside in Heidelberg, and Joseph resides in the township. John D. Kistler
resides on the old Hunsicker farm.
Page 300
Of the Fetterolf family were four brothers, - Jacob, Peter, Philip, and John. Jacob lived below Jacksonville, where his family still reside. Peter resided in the Kistler Valley near the Berks County line. Philip lived on the arm now owned by Daniel K. Fetterolf, of Allentown. John was a miller, and settled in Kistler’s Valley, at Fettrolfsville, in Berks County.
Among the very first settlers of Lynn township was John Heil, Sr., who was the
owner of a tract of land on the south side of Kistler’s Valley. The tract is
now owned by the heirs of David J. Kistler, deceased. John Heil, Sr., sold his
land to his son, John Heil, Jr., and John Heil, Jr., had two sons, - David and
John. John remained unmarried, and David, who was married, finally became the
owner of the whole tract, and in his lifetime sold the same to the above named
present owners. David had sons and daughters, who are all scattered in
different directions except his son, John Heil, who is residing with his family
in Germansville, Heidelberg township. The family all the way down was a
religious family, and the first John Heil belonged to the Moravian
denomination, who had
first settled here and who had a church here before any other denomination had
succeeded that far, and is buried in the Moravian graveyard, on land of Jonas
J. Kistler, in Kistler’s Valley.
On the 24th of September, 1766, Peter Baldauff took out a warrant for
forty-three acres of land. One Caspar Baldauff is assessed in 1781, and in 1798
Philip Baldauff lived adjoining land of Philip Mosser, and in 1812 Philip and
Catharine Baldauff were assessed. The family died out without leaving heirs,
and by authority of law Governor Shunk conveyed the property by deed to Michael
Lauchnor on the 29th day of July, 1846. It now belongs to his sons, James and
William F. Lauchnor. On the place is a station of the Schuylkill and Lehigh
Railroad. A store was kept there by Peter Miller from 1851 to 1855.
In the assessment-roll of 1781 occur the names of Martin, Matthias, George and
Philip Probst. The name later was changed to Brobst. In 1786 Martin Brobst was
licensed by the court of Northampton County to keep a tavern. It appears that
four years later, Jan. 7, 1790, he took out a warrant for eighty-four acres of
land. His name does not appear in the assessment-roll of 1812, when the
following members of the family were assessed, - Michael Brobst, Sr., Michael
Brobst, Jr., Valentine Matthias, John F., and Godfrey. In 1815 John F. Brobst
was licensed to keep a tavern and lived near Steinsville. Jacob F. Brobst was a
son of John F., and in 1822 married Lydia, a daughter of Philip Kistler; they
had three sons, of whom Samuel K. Brobst was the eldest. He was born Nov. 16,
1822, attended the Washington college, Kutztown Academy, Marshall College, and
later Washington College, where he gave instructions in German. In 1845 he was
appointed agent of the Sunday-school Union and to establish German
Sunday-schools. In May, 1847, he was licensed as a Lutheran minister in the
Zion’s Lutheran Church in Philadelphia, and in 1850 was ordained in Pottsville.
For a number of years he acted as missionary and supply for different
congregations. From 1843 to his death, Dec. 23, 1876, he was connected
with the publishing house at Allentown, and had charge of the St. Peter’s
Church in that city for several years.
Marcus, Jacob, Sr., and Philip Wannemacher were cousins who settled in Lynn
township at an early day. Marcus located on land around and including Lynnport.
He lived in a house that stood by the spring near where the depot at Lynnport
stands. His name does not occur in the assessment of 1781. The names of Jacob,
Sr., Jacob, Jr., Philip and Caspar appear. Jacob Wannemacher, Sr., lived near
Lynnport. He built the grist-mill now owned by Joel Snyder. He died about 1829
and left Jacob,
Daniel and Christian, and a daughter who married Jacob Wetherold. Jacob settled
on part of the tract of his father. He was at one time commissioner of the
county. His family are scattered.
Christian settled at Steinville. His son, Charles, was for several years a
merchant in Philadelphia, and now resides in Boston.
Philip Wannemacher resided on part of the tract, and where Edwin Hermany now
resides. He died about 1829, and at the time of his death was the wealthiest
man in the township. Catharine, his only child, married Joseph Sechler, and
settled on the homestead.
Caspar settled on part of the original tract, now owned by Daniel Wannemacher,
his son. He died about 1845, and left three sons and five daughters, - Joseph,
Daniel, and Jesse.
Of the daughters, Catharine married David Folweiler, and settled in Lynnport.
Maria married Abraham Leidy, who also settled at Lynnport. Susan became the
wife of Reuben Fetherolf, and she now lives at the old Jacob Fetherolf place.
Michael Fenstermacher resided near Lynnville. He was a resident there many
years previous to 1781, and built an oil-mill on the creek, which was later
changed to a grist-mill. He also started a store in his dwelling-house. It is
related of him that for many years his doors were without locks, bolts, or
bars. He was urged to fasten his doors, and finally consented. The next week
after he had bolted and barred his store it was broken into and some of his
goods taken. He was living in 1812, and his sons, Jacob and Philip, were also
owners of land at that time. His other sons were Abraham, Daniel, and Peter.
Daniel, a grandson of Michael, now resides on the old homestead.
The land known as the Holben farm and mill property, on Switzer Creek, was
originally warranted by Caspar Wieser, and by him sold to ____ Kuntz, and in
1750 came into possession of Sylvester Holben. He left Germany with his
brother, John, and his wife. On the voyage John was taken sick, made his will
in…
Page 301
…favor of his brother, with the
provision that Solomon should marry his wife. John died, and was buried in the
sea. Solomon carried out the provisions of the will, married the widow, and
settled on the Switzer Creek. He had two sons, Gideon and Jacob. The former
moved to Lowhill, where his descendants now live. Jacob settled on the old
tract, built a grist-mill about half a mile up from the present one, and in
1813 erected the present stone mill. He had three sons, - Jacob, Andrew, and
David. The latter settled on the homestead, and died in 1882, leaving the
property to a son, Dr. M. J. Holen, of Slatington, and a daughter. Jacob
settled at Pleasant Corner, and died there. Hon. Evan Holben, of Allentown, and
Professor Oliver Holben, of New York, are sons of Jacob. Andrew settled at
Weissenberg, and died in 1883, aged eighty-two years.
Among the
early land warrants appear the names of John Everett, with the date of May 4,
1759, and Thomas Everett, in April, 1769. It is not known whether these men
settled in the township or not. There are families of the name residing in the
township. Samuel Everett, whose name has not been associated with the others
above mentioned, married a daughter of Philip Mosser. Although his name is not
found at Easton in the list of justices of the peace of this district, it
appears attached to many of
the deeds as the justice taking the acknowledgments. He resided on a farm near
the Jacksonville church, and where for many years Jacob Oswald, son of John,
resided. Michael Everett, a son of Samuel, settled at Lynnport, and kept the
hotel and a store several years, and moved to Philadelphia, where he was a
merchant. Other sons of Samuel removed to Ohio.
Jacob, Samuel, and John Everett, not of the line of Samuel Everett, Esq., were
living in the township fifty years ago, and their descendants now reside here.
Andrew Miller was born near Lynnville, some time between 1730 and 1740; he
married Magdalena Sieberling, and settled on the farm now owned by Nathan
Bachman. He had three children, - John, Maria and Catharine. Maria was the wife
of John D. Heintzelman, and Catharine became the wife
of Samuel Kistler. John was born in 1790; served in the war of 1812; married
Maria Rex, and settled on the homestead. He died in 1835, and left six
children, - Reuben, John, Stephen, Catharine, Mary, and Sarah. Reuben, John,
and Catharine are residents in the township.
George Kistler was among a number of Palatinates, or Swiss, who, it appears,
moved, between 1735 and 1745, from Falkner Swamp and Goshenhoppen (present
Montgomery County) up to Lynn township, and settled down in the vicinity of
what is now called the Jerusalem Church, formerly called Allemangel Church,
which section of the country was then called “Allemangel.” He was elder of the
Allemangel Church about 1755 to 1768. The names of his children were George
Kistler, Jr., who afterwards lived near Kutztown; Jacob Kistler, John Kistler,
Samuel Kistler, Philip Kistler, and Michael Kistler. Barbara was married, first
to a Brobst, and afterwards to Michael Mosser, of Lowhill. Dorotea was married
to Michael Reinhart, and Elizabeth to a Keller, near Hamburg, Pa.
Samuel Kistler was born Sept. 20, 1754, and died April 24, 1822, at the old
homestead, where Daniel b. Kistler now lives, and is buried at the said
Jerusalem Church, who, with his first wife, Mary Elizabeth Ladich, daughter of
Jacob Ladich, who was born Nov. 22, 1761, in Greenwich township, Berks Co., had
three children, - Barbara, who was married to Henry Sunday, who died, and is
buried at the Dunkels Church, near Klinesville; Jacob S. Kistler, who was born
Oct. 5, 1781, and died Oct. 7, 1849, and is buried at the Jerusalem Church; and
Samuel Kistler, who was born Aug. 12, 1785 and died Sept. 18, 1862, and is
buried at the Ebenezer Church at New Tripoli. And with his second wife,
Catharine Brobst, he had the following named children, to wit: John S. Kistler,
who died, and is buried at the Jerusalem Church; Michael Kistler, who moved to
Ohio, where he died; Christian Kistler, who died, and is buried at the Ebenezer
Church at New Tripoli; Daniel S. Kistler, who died in
West Penn, Schuylkill Co., and is buried there; David Kistler, who is still
alive, and is residing in West Penn township, Schuylkill Co.; Jesse Kistler had
moved to Ohio and died there; Charles Kistler had also moved to the State of
Ohio, in the neighborhood of Warren, and is still living; Levi Kistler, who was
the youngest son and child, was born July 8, 1811, and died Feb. 9, 1884, and
is buried at the Jacob’s Church at Jacksonville, in Lynn township. Maria
Elizabeth Kistler was married to Jacob Snyder, who moved to Ohio and died
there; Catherine was married to George Weida, and died at an early age in
Lowhill township; Salome was married to Jacob Mosser (the tanner), and died at
Allentown; and Magdalena was married to Solomon Mosser, who died, and was
buried at the
Jerusalem or Lynnville Church. The above-named Samuel Kistler was the owner of
large tracts of lands. He had at the time of his death, in 1822, a tract of
five hundred and ninety-six acres one hundred and ten perches of land, all
adjoining, in Kistler’s Valley. Besides that he owned a tract of land near New
Tripoli, on which he had built an expensive stone grist-mill, saw-mill, etc.,
and had also owned the tract on which now Parry Kistler resides, where he first
started out. He was favorably known as a leading man in the upper part of the
county.
Jacob S. Kistler was born in Lynn township, at the place where now Parry
Kistler resides; was a farmer by occupation, and had two farms in Kistler’s
Valley, which together contained nearly four hundred acres of land. He held the
office of justice of the peace, and served otherwise
in the affairs of the township. He was first married to a daughter of Wilhelm
J. Carl, with whom he had two sons, - John, who was born…
Page 302
…Aug. 21, 1802, and who died Jan. 27, 1862; and Jacob, who died in or about the year 1836. Both are buried at the Jerusalem Church. His second wife was Catharine, and his third wife Anna Barbara, daughters of Henry Bausch. Jacob S. Kistler had no children by the second wife, and the following are of the third wife. She was born June 25, 1790, and died Nov. 19, 1867. Nathan Kistler was born April 6, 1811, and died Sept. 11, 1878; Stephen Kistler, born Dec. 26, 1817, died March 13, 1874; David J. Kistler, born Jan. 1,1826, died Oct. 15, 1880 (all buried at the Jerusalem Church); Reuben Kistler, born March 8, 1816, is still alive, and is residing at Louisville, Ky.; Jonas J. Kistler and Charles Kistler are both living, and reside in Kistler’s Valley, Lynn township; Salome, who was born Feb. 17, 1810, and married to John Hermany, died Jan. 27, 1851, and is buried at Jacob’s Church at Jacksonville; Mary, who was born Oct. 4, 1812, and who was married to Elias Wertman, died Sept. 21, 1875, near Yates City, Ill., is buried at French Grove, Peoria Co., Ill.; Lydia , who was married to Daniel Long, died Aug. 9, 1854, aged thirty-four years, at Ringgold, Schuylkill Co., and is buried there; Catharine, who is living yet, and who is now the widow of Reuben Buck, resides near Jacksonville, Pa., and Elizabeth at Saegersville, Pa.,; Anna Fenah is married to Charles Lenhart, and resides near the Corner Church, in Albany township, Berks Co.,; and Helenah, who was the second wife of Daniel Long (deceased), is now a widow, and resides near Atchison, Kan., and Samuel J. Kistler at Saegersville, Pa.
Philip, son of George, settled on the Billman land, in Kistler Valley, and died there. He left nine children, - Jacob, John, Ferdinand, Philip, Jonathan, Barbara, Maria, Catharine, and Elizabeth. Jacob located where the Kistler tannery now is, and died there, leaving a large family. He married Marie Bear. Mrs. Philip Fetherolf is a daughter.
John, known as the hatter, married Sally Markle, settled on the Billman place,
where his father had lived. He learned the trade of a hatter, and carried on
the business. He left two sons - Benjamin, of Allentown, and David, of Iowa -
and three daughters. Judith became the wife of Jacob Kistler. Ferdinand moved
beyond the mountains, and had two sons, - Adam and Isaac. Philip settled near
Orangeville, Columbia Co.; Jonathan in Schuylkill County. Barbara married Jacob
Wannemacher, and settled near Lynnport, in Lynn township. Maria married Tobias
Wehr; settled beyond the Blue Mountains; later married Jacob Fetterolf.
Catharine became the wife of Daniel Wannemacher; settled near Lynnport.
Elizabeth married Peter Greenwalt, and lived in Lynn township.
Michael Kistler, son of George, removed to Ohio from Lynn township. He had
seven children, - John, Michael, Joseph, Nathan, Monroe, Salome, and Judith.
There all remained in Ohio.
Jacob, son of George, settled at the old homestead. He had eight children, -
Philip, Jacob, Daniel, Michael, Solomon, Catharine, Magdalena.
Philip settled in Kistler Valley. He married Maria Freece. Rev. Samuel K. Brobst is a grandson.
Jacob lived at Levan’s Tannery. He left Louisa (Mrs. Elias Hartman), Polly (Mrs. Joseph Sechler), of Indiana.
Daniel settled near Catawissa.
Michael was the tanner in Kistler valley, and lived there many years, carrying
on the business. His son Stephen was born here, and learned the trade with his
father, and later went to Catawissa seven years; returned home, worked the
tannery with his father, and after a few years he went to Lehighton, where he
was in 1841. There ten years, and moved to Tannersville, Monroe Co., and
purchased a tannery property. From this time he enlarged his business, building
and buying tanneries at Stroudsburg, Great Bend, Bartonsville, Fennersville,
etc., and established a headquarters in New York. His sons later became
interested with him. He died in 1880, at Stroudsburg. The business is conducted
under the same name.
Other sons were Parry, Jacob, Joel.
Dr. Willoughby K. Kistler, of Germansville, is a son of Jacob.
Solomon Kistler, son of Jacob, moved to Ohio.
Catharine married Jacob Baily, and also emigrated to Ohio.
Magdalena married Jacob Bear, and lived at Jeremiah Fusselman’s, in Lynn
township.
Henry Baush, who came at the age of eighteen years from Germany, by the way of
Amsterdam, to this country, and who was married to Anna Margaret Greenwalt, a
daughter of Jacob Greenwalt, Sr., settled east of Peter Miller, on Switzer
Creek, and had the following-named children: Jacob Baush, Henry Baush, John
Baush (Henry and John had moved to Columbia County, and died there), George
Baush, Maria Baush, who was married to Peter Snyder, and settled near Bath;
Anna Elizabeth married Henry Snyder, and afterwards to a Mr. Gray, and both
died near Bath, Pa.; Dora was married to Nicholas Bachman, Catharine and Anna
Barbara to said Jacob S. Kistler.
Jacob Baush settled on the homestead; had one daughter, who married, remained
at home, and died there. Henry and John moved to Columbia County, Pa. George
married Peter Miller’s sister, and settled on the homestead. His sons, Joseph
and Stephen, live on the place, and David, another son, lives near.
In 1781, Laurence and Paul Bachman were assessed on property in the township.
Nicholas also was of the family. The tract on which they settled is partly
owned by Owen Elwyn, near Switzer Creek.
Paul’s sons were David, Daniel, and Nicholas. They mostly emigrated to Ohio.
The sons of Nicholas were Paul, Peter, Nicholas, Daniel, Jacob, and Jonathan.
They settled for a…
Page 303
… time on the land of their father, and later Paul and Peter emigrated to Ohio. Nicholas lived and died on the homestead, as did also his son John, whose sons, Levi and Jonas, now reside on the farm.
Daniel, son of Nicholas, settled near Lynnville, where he died. His sons, Jonas, Peter, and Nathan, reside in the township. Jacob and Jonathan, sons of Nicholas, after a few years of mature life on the home farm, settled in Mahoning township, Carbon Co., Pa.
Bernardt Folweiler emigrated to this county from Switzerland, as one of the
early settlers, and before 1781 purchased about one hundred acres of land, now
owned by Edwin Schitz. He left two sons, Ferdinand and Daniel, and Susan (Mrs.
John Brobst). She became a widow, married a man by the
name of Taylor, moved to Ohio, and died there.
Ferdinand settled on the farm of his father. He was born Feb. 17, 1765, and died April 1, 1844, aged seventy-nine years. He was a captain in the State militia, and at the time of the Whisky Insurrection he called his men together and urged them to go with him; they refused, and he went to Lancaster, and went on without them. The agitation at the time was intense, and public opinion was quite equally divided. Upon the return, Ferdinand and his brothers were antagonistic in politics, Federalist and Democrat, and always remained so.
He had a large family of children, - Daniel, Henry, Ferdinand, Jonas, Israel,
Anna, Maria (Mrs. ------- Grover), Catharine (Mrs. Eckerode), Magdalena (Mrs.
Daniel Brobst), Susanna (Mrs. Henry Brobst), Leah (Mrs. Eckerode), Rachel (Mrs.
Adam Lynn). The daughters all emigrated to Ohio.
Daniel moved to Schuylkill County, and Henry, Ferdinand, Jonas, and Israel
settled in this township and died here.
Daniel,
son of Bernardt Folweiler, was bon Oct. 2, 1769, died Feb. 14, 1847, aged seventy-seven
years. He married Marie Dorothea Leazer, daughter of Frederick Leazer, and
settled on the land of his
father-in-law below Jacksonville. He died there and left children, - Daniel,
born 1793, died Dec. 23, 1878, aged eighty-three; John, now living at
eighty-five years on the old Leazer farm; David, born 1807, now living at
Lynnport, aged seventy-seven years; Jesse, living in the township at
seventy-two years of age; Magdalena, born Jan. 26, 1792, married Henry Lutz,
and is still living in the township with her daughter, Mrs. Jeremiah Fusselman;
Elizabeth, born 1802, married Henry Creitz, and now lives at Jacksonville;
Maria, born 1789, died July 20, 1865 (she married John folk; they moved to
Ohio, where he is living at the age of ninety years); Esther, born 1809,
married Adam Kressley, lived in the township, she died about twenty-five years
ago.
Daniel, the eldest, lived on the old Leazer farm and died there. His family are scattered. Two of his sons, Charles and Levi, live in Tamaqua; Jesse, eldest, lives in Lynn township, at Steinville.
David Folweiler, Esq, of Lynnport, has in his possession a deed for land that
was located on the Allemangel Creek, a branch of the Schuylkill, and sold to
Joseph Gibson in 1750. The acknowledgment was made before Benjamin Franklin,
one of the justice of the peace of the city of
Philadelphia.
On the 14th of October, 1749, Jacob Leazer took out a warrant for one hundred
and fifteen acres of land. In 1781, Frederick Leazer owned a tract of land now
owned by his descendants. He was in the Revolution, and was engaged as a
teamster, having his own team. He hauled the bell from Independence Hall, in
Philadelphia, to Lancaster, when the British were threatening the city. The
hubs of two of the wheels are in possession of Jesse Folweiler, a descendant,
who resides near
Jacksonville. Frederick Leazer had three children, - Daniel, who served in the
war of 1812, and resided on the homestead; Ana Maria, who married the Reb.
Miller; and Maria Dorothea, who became the wife of Daniel Folweiler. Mrs.
Folweiler used to relate that she could remember when
the Indians had their tents near her father’s house, where she used to play
with the Indian children.
The families of Daniel Leazer and Daniel Folweiler were numerous, and the Leazer
tract is still in their possession.
In the
Kistler Valley, Jacob Billman took up a warrant for land in 1766 and 1772,
having lived there several years earlier. The story is current in the township
that in the early times the Indians were in the habit of coming over the Blue
Mountains and selling their baskets from house to house. The Billmans at one
time set the dogs upon them. Some time after that the Billman family were
aroused in the night by the Indians, and the whole family, with the exception
of Mr. Billman, were murdered. No
one else in the neighborhood was molested. They then crossed the mountains.
John Kistler, the hatter, settled upon the tract which came to him from his
father, Philip. The farm is now owned by Deitrich.
The land at the mill and tannery of Mosserville was first warranted by John Much, Aug. 13, 1746, and was in two tracts, - one of forty-three acres, the other of thirty-nine. On the 2d of May, 1763, one of these tracts was sold to Philip Mosser, who also bought the other tract six years later, April 27, 1769. Philip Mosser came from Goshenhoppen when a young man, and settled at this place, and from time to time added to his lands.
A Sebastian Mosser took out a warrant for land in 1750. Whether this was a
brother of Philip is not known. It was surveyed to Philip in 1810.
The sons of Philip Mosser were John, Philip, Jacob, and David. With the exception of David, the sons all removed to Centre County, in this State, where they now pass by the name of Musser.
A daughter of Philip Mosser married Michael Ohl, Jr., of Heidelberg, and
settled in Schuylkill…
Page 304
… County, where he owned a large tract of land, and was extensively engaged in milling.
David Mosser married Catharine Oswald, of the township. They settled here permanently; on the 25th of April, 1798, David buying the farm of his father, who lived with them till his death, in 1817. Philip Mosser had built a log grist-mill on the Attellana (or Maiden) Creek, which in 1817 was rebuilt by David. This mill, with additions and repairs, is still in use. David Mosser died in 1832, aged sixty-five years. In February, 1839, the property was divided, John taking the tannery and Joseph the grist- and saw-mill.
Mrs. Mosser used to relate to her children that she remembered when (in 1794)
two companies of New Jersey soldiers, on their return from the western part of
the State, where they had been to assist in putting down the Whiskey
Insurrection, tired and hungry, encamped on the farms of Philip Mosser, Jacob
Oswald and Peter Hunsicker. The ovens at these farm-houses were brought into
requisition, and Mrs. Mosser was actively engaged in baking for the soldiers,
who stood around anxiously waiting or the bread to bake. After their hunger was
appeased and they were rested, they went on their way.
David and Catharine Mosser had eleven children, of whom were John, Jacob,
Elizabeth (Mrs. Christian Kistler), William, Magdalena (Mrs. Daniel Kistler),
Lydia (Mrs. William Kaul), Joseph, Catharine (Mrs. Joshua Sieberling), and
David O. Mosser.
John was a farmer, and carried on a tannery that had been established in a small way previously. He conducted for this region an extensive business. David J. and John, his sons, continued the tannery. They also have a store at the tannery. John, the father, died in 1857. A post-office was established at the place in 1865.
Jacob was
a tanner, worked here a few years, married Salome Kistler, moved to
Trexlertown, and established a tannery at that place. Later he moved to
Allentown and purchased a tannery on the Little Lehigh, which is now conducted
by his grandson, William Mosser. James K. Mosser, a son
of Jacob, established with others the tannery at East Allentown, and also one
at Williamsport. Charles, another son of Jacob, came into possession of a
tannery in Trexlertown, which he still owns.
William was a miller, and moved to near Steinsville in Berks County.
Joseph settled on the home-place, and still resides upon it. His sons are
William F. Mosser, of Allentown, and Lewis F., who conducts the farm and mill.
David O. was ten years of age when his father died. He studied medicine in New
York, and after graduation settled in Breinigsville, where he died in 1861,
aged thirty-nine years.
Berkhardt Mosser, a cousin of Philip Mosser, who came to the township in 1769,
settled about the same time on the farm now owned by Jacob Mosser, Jr., his
great-grandson. He started a store at the place in 1784, which was continued by
his son, Jacob.
George Philip Wertman came from Berks County to this township, and on the 15th
of December,1749, took out on a warrant one hundred and ninety-seven acres of
land, and on the 8th of August, 1750, took up one hundred and twenty-three
acres. These tracts were where Daniel Wertman, his great-grandson, now lives,
near the foot of the Blue Mountains. He had sons, of whom Michael took up
forth-two acres, April 27, 1768. Other sons were George Philip, John Martin,
Jacob, and Simon. George Philip went to Nova Scotia in 1799. John Martin and
Simon moved to Schuylkill
County. Jacob married and settled on the homestead farm. He died in 1819 and
left four sons, - Andrew, Philip, Jacob, and Daniel, - and five daughters.
Jacob and Daniel moved to Northumberland County. Andrew and Philip kept the
homestead. Daniel, the son of Andrew, occupies a part. The family of Philip are
scattered from the homestead. The farm is now owned by Joseph and Henry Weber,
sons of Jonathan.
The Kreutz (or Creitz) family emigrated from Nassua to Switzerland about 1680,
and, in 1735, John Adam Creitz emigrated to this country with his family, and
settled in that part of Allemangel that lies in Albany, Berks co., where now
Jeremiah Behly resides. He died there, and left children, of whom were John
Adam, Christian, Samuel, and Daniel. The sons, with the exception of John Adam,
emigrated to the West. John Adam Creitz, Sr., took up a tract of land of one
hundred and fifty-four
acres, near Lynnport, now owned by John Braucher, on the 19th day of December,
1768. On this tract John Adam Creitz, Jr., settled. He married a daughter of
Ritter, an early settler. He died in 1812, and left six children, of whom
Henry, Isaac, and Samuel settled in this township. Henry married Elizabeth,
daughter of Daniel Folweiler, and located on the farm where William Lory
resides, near Jacksonville. Daniel H. Creitz, living in Shochora valley, is a
son. He was justice of the peace
from 1860-68, a member of the Legislature in the term of 1868-69-70. He was
actively interested in the introduction of the railroad through the township.
He resides on the old Baer farm, which is now well stocked with choice fruit.
Henry F., a son of Henry, is in the regular army, stationed at Fort Clark,
Texas. William F., another son, is in Portland, Oregon. Lewis F. and Samuel F.
are in Iowa. Isaac, a son of John Adam, and brother of Henry, settled in
Jacksonville, and died in Tamaqua.
Samuel, also a son of John Adam, settled at Wannemacher, and died in 1833.
George Custard, a German, came to the township after 1781, and purchased land now owned by Peter Bachman. He was born April 25, 1750, and died May 11, 1813. His wife, Anna Maria, died in 1841,…
Page 305
… aged eighty-one
years. They had no children, and half of their property was left to the
Evangelical Association, of which they were members. Services were held at
their house.
On the 19th of June, 1752, George Oswald took out a warrant for one hundred and ninety-nine acres of land in the territory that soon after became Lynn township. One Daniel Oswald, on the 27th of April, 1768, took up seventy-five acres, and on May 11, 1769, one hundred and forty-two acres, in the township.
In 1781
the names of Daniel and Jacob Oswald appear in the assessment-roll. In 1812, Daniel
Jacob, Sr., Daniel, Jr., John, Sr., and John, Jr., appear. Jacob Oswald, Sr.,
lived on the farm now owned by
Lewis F. Wertman. He was an assessor in 1798, when the Fries rebellion was at
its height, and in the trial was called as a witness. He had two sons, Daniel
and Jacob; both settled in the township. The family is still represented.
Of the daughters Anna Maria married ------- Frederici. The settled in Columbia
County, and raised a family of children, who, after their parents’ death,
returned to this county.
The other daughter became the wife of John Neff.
John Weiss, who was a prominent man in the township and a member of the
Legislature from Northampton County before Lehigh was erected, is said to have
been brought to the township by some unknown family, and left here to the care
of the people. The date is not known. He came into
possession of land before 1781, and lived on the farm now owned by Owen Weida.
He left three sons, Henry, John, and Daniel, and two daughters, who became Mrs.
Conrad Opp and Mrs. Jacob Holben.
Christian Miller emigrated to this country from Switzerland, and came to this
township partly by the Warrior’s Path, which crossed the Lehigh River at
Slatington. On the 20th of April, 1749, he took up a tract of land of thirty-one
acres; March 23, 1750, seventy-two acres; and April 7, 1767, one hundred and
five acres; and, later, other tracts. He was born June 25, 1706, and died July
14, 1785, aged seventy-nine years. He had two sons, - Andrew, who died in 1817,
aged seventy-three years, and
Christian; the latter was born in 1741, married Maria Butz. He died in 1778,
aged thirty-seven years, and left John, Christian, Daniel, and Peter. John
first settled at the old place and later moved over the Blue Mountains.
Christian settled at Schwartz Dam on the Lehigh River. Daniel emigrated to the
West. Peter was born Jan. 19, 1772, married Maria Magdalena Bachman in March,
1793, and settled on the homestead farm, where he conducted and commenced the
manufacture of the tall clocks that
are so well and widely known throughout this county. He died Aug. 22, 1855,
aged eighty-three years, and left three sons, - Jonas, George, and Peter. Jonas
married Salome, daughter of Jacob Baush, and settled on part of the old tract
and died there. His descendants are in the county. George also settled on part
of the tract and left descendants. Peter also settled on part of the tract. His
daughter became the wife of Samuel J. Kistler, Esq., of Heidelberg, with whom
he now resides.
On the 11th of October, 1765, Jacob Snyder took up a tract of one hundred and
twelve acres of land, and in 1781 Henry and Daniel Snyder were assessed on real
estate. In 1812, the names of Peter, Henry, Jacob, John, George, William, and
Samuel Snyder were on the assessment roll. The family are still in the
township.
Rex’s Mill. – This was probably the earliest mill in Lehigh County,
north and west of the Lehigh Mountains. It was situated on Switzer Creek, in
Lynn township, near the boundary line of Weissenberg, the dam being in Weissenberg.
It was about a quarter of a mile below where
Greenwald’s mill now is. Rex’s Mill was built of lags, and was already an old
mill that had probably stood for half a century in 1790 when Greenwald’s mill
was built. In 1790 and thereabout, Rex’s mill was doing a large business, and
Mr. Greenwald asked Mr. Rex to sell it to him, but the latter refused, and then
Mr. Greenwald built a mill just above it. Rex’s mill was used to make flour and
chaff; also for hulling millet, which was at that time much used for pap, being
considered an extra dish; and for breaking and cleaning hemp, and for bruising
hemp-seed. The place where the mill was is still visible, although it has been
torn down for many years. Such a place has its history, but who can trace it.
When the sturdy farmers came from five, ten, to fifteen miles to mill, having a
bag of grain on a horse, and sitting on top of it, often passing through woods
for miles, without roads, but only paths, with Indians and wild beasts lurking
about on each side.
(Prior
to 1840 the justices having jurisdiction over this territory were elected in
district,
and
their names will be found in the civil list of the general history)
Commenced Commenced.
Peter
Snyder....................April 14, 1840 David
Follweiler......... .April 11, 1865
Jacob S. Kistler.................
“ 14, 1840 Daniel H. Creitz........... “
11, 1865
Jonas Haas.......................
“ 15, 1845 Alvin F. Creitz.............. “
14, 1868
Peter Snyder.....................
“ 15, 1845 David Follweiler........... “
8, 1870
Jonas Haas........................
“ 9, 1850 Alvin F.
Creitz............... “ 15, 1873
David Follweiler.............. “ 9, 1850 William
F. Krause....... March 13, 1875
Peter Snyder.....................
“ 10, 1855 Alvin F. Creitz.............. “
25, 1878
William M. Kistler........... “ 10, 1855 William
F. Krause....... “ 30, 1880
William M. Kistler.......... “ 10, 1860 Alvin
F. Creitz............. April 6, 1883
Daniel H. Creitz.............. “ 10, 1860
Page 306
… what later in the town plot were lots 70-71, each sixty-six feet wide on Decatur Street, and one hundred and seventy-seven and a half feet deep. It was called the Saegersville English school-house, and school was regularly kept there from that time till the township accepted the school law. A copy of the rules and regulations is here given:
“RULES
AND REGULATIONS OF SAEGERSVILLE ENGLISH SCHOOL SOCIETY.
“At an Election held at the House of George Tryne, Innkeeper, on the
twenty-seventh Day of March. A.D. 1812, Jacob Mosser & Daniel Saeger, Esq.,
were Duly Elected a committee to establish Rules and Regulations, as follows,
to wit:
“1st. That there shall be five Trustees and One Treasurer Chosen annually by
ballot, and the Elections to be held on the second Saturday of April at the
School-Room, and the sail Trustees and the successors shall be elected in
manner and form as is hereinafter Described, to have the name & title
‘Saegersville English School Society.’
“2d.
That the said Trustees, after each annual election, shall elect from among
their own members a President and Secretary, and in all cases Two-Thirds of the
Trustees shall constitute a quorum to transact any business.
“3d. That all elections to be held in Pursuance of this Rule Shall be conducted
by two members of the society, who shall be appointed
inspectors at the same time & Place where the Trustees are to be elected
as af’ordered by the Electors then assembled, and the inspectors so
chosen shall appoint one suitable person as a clerk.
“4th. That the Secretary of the Society shall make out and furnish the
Inspectors of every election with a fair, true, and correct list of all
members of the said Society & the number of shares set opposite their
Respective names.
“5th. That in all elections to be held in pursuance of these Rules, every
person of the age of twenty-one years who has subscribed for any number of
shares in Said Stock of Said society, shall be entitled to a vote for each and
every Respective Share.
“6th. That in case any vacancy happens by Death, resignation, removal, or
otherwise, a majority of the Trustees assembled shall appoint special
election for supplying such vacancies, and ever special election shall be held
and Conducted as is directed for the annual Election, and the Persons so
legally chosen shall hold said office for the remainder of the time in whose
place he was elected.
“7th. That it shall be the Duty of the Trustees yearly and every year to get a
School-Master who is by them judged competent for Business, and agree with him
for his salary for Three months, to commence from the first day of December, or
near that time as conveniently may be, and defray the said salary. Each
subscriber of the said English School Society shall pay quarterly the sum of
two Dollars, and every month if not amounts to a quarter the sum of eighty
cents, and every non-subscriber shall pay quarterly the sum of three Dollars,
& every month if not amounts to a quarter the sum of one Dollar &
twenty cents; and if it should happen that it would not be money enough to pay
said salary, and no money in the Treasury, then every Subscriber Shall pay his
proportionable part according to the number of shares subscribed, & if
money left, then to remain in the Treasury for any use the said Trustees shall
direct.
“8th. This after the said quarterly school is expired, and any number of said
subscribers is Desirous of having School for any time before the then next
quarterly school, they shall apply to the Trustees, who shall grant them Leave
for any time for getting a School-Master competent for Business to have a
school at said school-house at the expense of the Company supplying for said
school.
“9th. That in case the Teacher or employees should think themselves
aggrieved, they are to make known their complaint to any one of the
Trustees, who can at any time call a meeting of the Board of Directors in all
cases.
“10. That the Trustees take particular Notice that Sufficiency of wood be
provided for the stove during the quarterly school mentioned in the 7th
article, for the comfort of the Teacher and Scholars.
“11th. That the said Trustees & their successors shall be impowered to keep
the school-house & appurtenances whatsoever thereunto belonging, all in
good order and Repair, and to draw the Money from the Treasury of said society
found to defray the expenses of all warrants or orders on the Treasury which
shall be signed by the President of the Society.
“12th. That the present Trustees and their Successors shall permit and suffer
all Persons of Lawful age who shall offer to subscribe in their own name or the
name of any other person who shall Duly authorize the same for any number of
Shares in the Stock of said Society, and the Shares in said stock shall be Ten
Dollars each, and that each and every subscriber shall have and to hold the
several and respective shares for which subscribed for themselves, their Heirs,
or Assigns, & the warrants or titles for said shares or Share shall be
signed by the President of Said Society.
“13th. That a book to be kept by the Trustees and their proceedings recorded
therein.
“In
witness whereof we, the said Committee, have hereunto set our hands the
twentyeth Day of August, in the Year of our Lord one Thousand Eight
Hundred and Twelve.
“JACOB MOSER.
“DAN. SAEGER”
A paper was circulated, a copy of which is here given:
“We,
whose names are hereunto subscribed, do promise to pay to the managers or
trustees of the Saegersville English School Society the sum of Ten Dollars for
every share of stock in said society or company set opposite to our respective
names, in such manner and proportion, and at such time as shall be determined
by the Trustees of the said society, and the said sums of money to be applied
for the use of the aforesaid
English school, as witness our hand the 20th day of August, A.D. 1812.
Names of Number
Subscribers. Of
Shares
Jacob
Moser............................................................................
2 $20
Daniel
Saeger.........................................................................
2 20
Henry Mantz..........................................................................2
20
George
Tryne.........................................................................
2 20
Burckhardt
Moser................................................................. 2 20
Christian Holben...................................................................
2 20
John
Kishler............................................................................
2 20
John
Sittler...............................................................................
2 20
George
Sittler..........................................................................
2 20
David
Moser...........................................................................
2 20
Samuel Ely, Jr.........................................................................
2 20"
On the 2d of April, 1813, an election was held at the school-house, and the following persons were elected trustees: David Mosser, George Sittler, John Sittler, George Tryne, and Henry Mantz. These trustees chose George Tryne president, and Henry Mantz secretary.
From the old minutes from which the above facts are derived it is learned that the school-house cost L85, 3s. 5-1/2d.
Teachers were employed, and the school was well conducted until 1838. Robert M.
Blair was the last of the teachers under the old system.
This
school-house at New Tripoli (Saegersville English school-house) was occupied
until the township accepted the school law in 1838. At that time there were in
the township three hundred and seventy-five persons liable to taxation for
school purposes; $242.78 was received from the
State for schools. Jesse Hermany was chosen president of the board of school
directors, J. S. Kistler secretary, and Daniel Brobst treasurer. Slowly under
the new law schools began to be kept, log and frame houses were erected. In
1855 there were thirteen in the township, and there were six hundred and four
pupils.
There are at present (1884) fifteen schools in the township, as follows:
Jacksonville. – At this place was erected about 1839-40 a log house,
which was used until the present brick house was erected about 1856.
Federal. – The present house, the first at the place, was built of brick
in 1860.
Page 307
Donnot. – The present house, built of stone, was erected about 1845.
Steinville. –About 1862 a school was started in a room rented in
Odd-Fellows’ Hall, which is still used.
New Tripoli. – The old Saegersville school-house was in use by the board
of directors from 1838 till 1857, when the present two-story brick edifice was
erected.
Other houses are at Lieby’s, Fenstermacher’s, Snyder’s, Baush’s, Lynnville,
Weaver’s, two at Lynnport, Camp’s, Kistler’s, and Jacob Kistler’s.
Soon after the establishment of the school, Daniel Saeger, who was a brother of Nicholas and Jacob Saeger, late of Allentown (deceased), moved to Allentown, and he and Jacob then built the flour-mill, now of Pretz, Weinsheimer & Co. He soon afterward sold the same to Dr. John Romig’s father. After that Daniel Saeger lived on the farm where the Allentown Furnace is situated, and afterward bought a farm on Cedar Creek, near the Lehigh Poor-House. After he had resided there several years, he then (abut 1822) moved to Crawford County, Pa., to the place now called Saegerstown, which town he laid out and named. In 1836 he was a member of the Constitutional Convention, and soon after he had returned from said convention he died.
Daniel Saeger sold the mill property and store to Samuel Ely, Jr., on the 11th
of March, 1813. He was a miller, and kept the mill, store, and tavern. The
tavern has a stone in its wall with “1771" engraved upon it. In 1816,
Samuel Ely, Jr., proprietor of the place, engaged James Price, surveyor, to lay
out lots, streets, and alleys, which was done in July, 1816, and named “New
Tripoli,” in honor of the success of the United States navy at Tripoli, and on
the 28th of July the lots were offered for public sale at the house of Samuel
Ely, Jr. The first one was bought by Peter Haas, No. 31, for twenty-one
dollars, fronting on Wayne Street.
The streets and alleys running north and south were named Washington Street, Apple Alley, Franklin Street, Mantz Street, Butchers’ Alley, Madison Street, Market Alley, and Water Street. The streets and alleys running east and west were called Pumpkin Street, Egg Alley, Bridge Street, Farmers’ Alley, Jefferson Street, Brewers’ Alley, Perry Street, Jackson Alley, Wayne Street, Cheery Alley, Market Street, Hucksters’ Alley, Decatur Street, Merchant Street, and Drovers’ Alley. From No. 1 to 284 regularly-numbered lots are laid out.
The following is a list of names of men who bought lots at New Tripoli in
1816-17:
Peter Haas, Nos. 31, 42, 13, 64, 65, 81, 82.
Christian Kuntz, No. 115.
Jacob Fenstermacher, Nos. 10, 14, 61, 62, 72-77.
Abraham Smith, Nos. 39, 40, 80, 87.
John Straub, Jr., Nos. 31, 67, 68.
John Schoenberger, No. 88.
Henry Weaver, Nos. 89, 90, 91.
Jacob Schmeck, Nos. 10, 13.
Philip Everett, No. 86.
Isaac Miller, No. 85.
Henry Rubrecht, Nos. 83, 129, 130.
John Schmeck, Nos. 11, 12.
Andrew Kunkel, No. 20.
Andrew Straub, Nos. 66, 125, 126.
George Lock, Nos. 29, 30.
Henry Meyer, No. 103.
John Settler, No. 102.
Michael Krum, No. 116.
John Kresley, No. 131.
Solomon Kistler, Nos. 118, 119.
Abraham Miller, No. 63.
Jacob Linn, Nos. 133, 134.
John Reitz, Nos. 127, 128.
Daniel Marburger, No. 115.
George Tryne, No. 48.
Daniel Shaeffer, No. 16.
Christian Biery, Nos. 7, 8, 15-18.
William Wuchter, No. 132.
John Bier, No. 9.
John Mantz, No. 69.
Henry Falmer, of Bucks County, Nos. 32-38.
Adam Heckman, No. 43.
Diedrich Hiesler, Nos. 44-47.
Daniel O’Daniel, Nos. 17, 122.
Andrew Krause, No. 49.
Andrew Shifferstine, No. 50.
Samuel Marx, No. 21.
Daniel Koch, Nos. 18, 109.
Isaac Frober, No. 37.
Henry Rossman, of Berks County, Nos. 19, 36, 39-42, 61, 62, 63, 67, 68, 73, 74,
79, 80.
Solomon Hartman, Nos. 14, 123, 124.
Samuel Ely, Nos. 4-6, 64.
Conrad Hartman, No. 78.
Jacob Moyer, Nos. 11, 12.
John Kistler, No. 54.
Daniel Kern, Nos/ 100, 101.
Morris Ancona, No. 66.
Jacob Hillegas, No. 157.
Maria Hiller, Nos. 120, 121.
Jacob Grim, No. 22.
John Derr, No. 79.
Conrad German, Nos. 52, 105.
Page 308
Daniel Dorward, Nos. 104, 167.
John Mohr, Nos. 58, 59, 99.
At the time of this sale Samuel Ely, Jr., kept the hotel, and Daniel Saeger the
store. He (Saeger) soon after moved to Allentown, and Peter Haas moved from
Lynnville to New Tripoli, and purchased the store. In the year 1819, Samuel Camp,
who had married Esther Tryne, daughter of George Tryne, came to town and
entered the store of Peter Haas, and in a few years became a partner. Later,
the interest of Mr. Haas was purchased by Mr. Camp, who carried on a prosperous
business many years,
and sold the store to his son Edwin, who continued the business till 1866, when
he sold to James & W. P. Krum, who carried on the business for a year, when
W. P. Krum sold to James Krum, who continued till April, 1868, when he sold to
Jonas German, in whose possession the store and hotel now are, he having built
a new store and hotel building at the corner of Madison and Decatur Streets.
The
post-office was established at New Tripoli in 1823, and Samuel Camp was the
postmaster, and remained many years. He was succeeded by Silas Camp and Edwin
camp, and in 1866, James Krum was appointed, and served till 1869, when Jonas
German became postmaster, and served till 1872. W.
F. Krause succeeded to the position, and served ten years, and in 1882, Elias
K. Giltner, the present incumbent, was appointed.
Samuel Camp, who came to the place in 1819, married Esther, the daughter of
George Tryne, who lived near here. Mr. Camp was a member of Legislature in
1862. His son, Silas, was recorder of Lehigh County from 1868 to 1874, and now
resides in Allentown. Edwin, who was in business in New Tripoli for several
years, resides in Tannersville. Franklin, another son, resides in New Tripoli.
The mill property was owned by Mr. Ely from 1813 to Dec. 12, 1820, when it was
conveyed to Henry Weber, who, in September of the next year, sold it to Jacob
Grim. He continued the business till his death, in 1833, when it was sold by
his executor to Jonathan Shoemaker, Feb. 26, 1834. It passed, in 1838, to
George Blank, in 1839 to George Blook, in 1843 to Thomas Tryne. The property is
now owned by Reuben Sherman, having been purchased of Joseph Ricker in 1867.
W. H. Krause, in 1858, came to New Tripoli, and entered the store of Samuel
Camp, and later became landlord, merchant, postmaster, and justice of the
peace. He is now engaged in grain, coal, and lumber, and also interested in
slate-quarries near the village.
The Ebenezer Church. (By Rev. W. A. Helffrich) - This church is
also known by the name of the Lynn Township Church, and in earlier times was
called the “Orgel Kirche,” or “Organ Church,” being the only church in that
region which had an organ. The church stands at New Tripoli, in Lynn township.
The limits of the congregation extended to the Blue Mountains on the north, to
the limits of the Heidelberg congregation on the east, to those of the
Jacksonville on the west, and to those of the Weissenberg on the south. The
jurisdiction of the church comprises a territory lying between the Blue
Mountains and the Schochary Mountain, three or four miles in width, with low
hills and short valleys, from which the Antalaunee, and, more toward the east,
the west branch of the Jordan arise. The church has always been a “union”
church, although it takes its origin properly from the Reformed.
The settlement was made by a portion of the Allemãngel colony; it was the
northern, as the Weissenberg settlement was the eastern, limit of that colony.
While Kistler’s Valley was settled properly by Allemãngel immigrants,
principally of the Lutheran faith, those of the Reformed
Church settled here more particularly. The slopes of the Schochary were
occupied before Kistler’s Valley was settled. The earliest pioneers were
Christian Weber, Georg Ludwig Schüt, Heinrich Oswald, Philipp Gabriel Fogel
(Vogel) with his two sons, Conrath and Johannes, the latter of whom moved back
with the remainder of the family and founded Fogelsville; Valentine Schnider,
Jacob Lynn, and others, all of whom came here about 1735. They were all
Palatines, Swiss, and Huguenots.
Soon others followed, and moved farther into the valley, and quickly took
possession of the good tracts, especially those along the sides of the
Antalaunee, where there were excellent woods and fine meadows inviting the
settlers. The following heads of families generally pass for the first
settlers, but of these many came later, and some may even belong to the
succeeding generation:
Peter Scholl Philipp
Mosser
Peter Beisel Philipp
Wertmann
Mathias Schütz Philipp
Antoni
Wilhelm Meyer Martin
Schuck
Heinrich Widerstein Dietrich
Sittler
Bernhard Schneider Melchior
Düer
Aaron Hartell Jacob
Mauz
Jacob Hoffman Joseph
Holder
Jacob Lynn Erhard
Zeisloff
Christian Müller Jacob
Grünewald
Joseph Gerber Michael
Fenstermacher
Johannes Schmidt Jacob
Oswald
Burkhard Mosser Heinrich
Hauss
Michael Bock Conrath
Billmann
Michael Hãttinger Johann
Adam Kressly
Peter Kirschner Andreas
Straub
Stephen Gross Thomas
Everitt
Abraham Schellhammer Heinrich
Kðnig
Philipp Schumann Georg
Kistler
Martin Grentler Abraham
Offenbach
Sylvester Holben Adam
Arndt
Michael Habbes Jacob
Donatt
Adam Brentz Friederich
Hess
Georg Brenner
The foundation of the congregation dates from about the year 1740. Where the road from Lynnville to the Blue Mountain crosses the Antalaunee there stands,…
Page 309
… a couple of hundred paces on the other side of the creek and on this
side of Kistler’s mill, an old wealtherboarded log house, in which for
many years Peter Snyder, Esq., of Lynn, resided. This old house witnessed the
origin and beginning of the Ebenezer Church. About the beginning of the decade
between 1740 and 1750 it was the residence of Peter Scholl, one of the
prominent and most active of the founders of the church. The settlement
contained at that time a very talented teacher by the name of Andrew Steiger,
who kept the winter school. In response to the solicitations of his neighbors
he held the first divine service, with reading of sermons, prayer, and praise.
The house in which Peter Scholl lived being the most appropriate for the
purpose in the vicinity, these services were held in it until after the church
building was erected. It was also the place of refuge in the time of the Indian
troubles for the neighbors when threatened with danger. The walls under the
weatherboarding, as we were informed by Squire Snyder, are pierced
with loopholes for protection of those within. It was at the same time a store,
which was kept by Scholl, who transported the necessaries of life from
Philadelphia and sold them to his neighbors.
About the year 1745 the neighborhood agreed to build a church. The construction
languished, however, for fifteen years. All that was done was the extending of
invitations to Revs. Philipp J. Michael and Melchior Muhlenberg to preach and
to found the church. Both of these pastors preached here once, and then
apparently delivered the further charge of the congregation to the
schoolmaster.
In 1760 the congregation purchased from Jacob Hoffman the piece of ground which still forms its church and school lands. It lies near Scholl’s house, above referred to. The brethren who accomplished the purchase were: Peter Scholl, Bernhard Schneider, Aaron Hartel, Jacob Hoffmann, Peter Beisel, Heinrich Widerstein, Philipp Wertmann, Philipp Mosser, Dietrich Sittler, Martin Schuck, Jacob Lynn, and Jacob Oswald.
In the
year 1761 the building was erected. The building had been planned as early as
1750, but the Indians, who had a village in the vicinity, becoming troublesome
and burning down more than one-half of the dwellings of the settlers, the
construction was postponed from year to year until they believed themselves
safe from further attacks of the savages. The building here, as everywhere
else, was of logs; there was neither flooring nor any side-boarding. An
ordinary table served for the
altar, the pulpit was constructed of rough boards, and a small organ (from
which the church became known as the Orgel Kirche, or Organ Church) stood on
one side. Where this came from or who brought it there no one can tell. Rev.
Michael, and one of Rev. Muhlenberg’s assistants - undoubtedly Rev. Schellhardt
- dedicated the church.
No community suffered more during the Indian wars than this one. They occupied
the extreme bounds of the settlements of the whites, and before the Indians
could attack those farther in they must first overcome these. Here, therefore,
the massacres and the burnings began. Right through the middle of the
settlements ran one of the principal Indian paths, leading to the southern
regions. Conflagrations were a common occurrence in Lynn, and frequently the
entire population fled to the
settlement lying farther south. Upon the southern slope of the Schochary
Mountain, above Lynnville, in a small hollow on the left hand side of the
present road, dwelt the Zeisloff family, who were overtaken in their flight by
the Indians, and butchered without mercy. And yet nearly all the settlers
returned and erected their log houses again, and strove anew to maintain
possession of the ground. The old fathers used to relate that every night they
would place the loaded guns and their
well-sharpened axes within easy reach from their bed, not knowing when they
might be attacked by the savages.
There are few communities which have remained so entirely secluded from public
intercourse during the whole of the last century down to the middle of the
present as this one of Lynn. This accounts also for the preservation of the
ancient customs and ways in their primitive simplicity. It accounts, likewise,
for their want of advance or development. This is the case in worldly as well
as churchly affairs. Even now along the sides of the Blue Mountains can be
found dwellings whose construction dates back to the earliest times. The ground
naturally is more suited to agriculture than farther south, and that upon the
Weissenberg and Lowhill hills; but the conveyance of lime to Lynn used to be a
difficult matter, and so frequently remained undone, and the crops,
consequently, became poorer than in the country farther south. But since the
construction of the Berks county Railroad an unusually rapid advance has been
made; the harvests testify to the use of lime, and new residences and immense
Swiss barns have everywhere been erected; and the people enjoy prosperity and
wealth. Especially is this the case since the slate quarries of Lynn have been
bringing their excellent products to the notice of the public markets.
The church records begin with the year 1764. The old writings concerning the
first church are entirely wanting; and many family histories, containing
accounts of the first settlements and their early
circumstances, were destroyed by fire during the Indian wars.
Between 1790 and 1800 the congregation owned a parsonage in common with the Jacobs’ and the bethel congregations.
The community early erected a school-house, and for the most part had able
preachers.
The Second Church was built in the year 1798. A storm had almost entirely
destroyed the old building. The organ, too, lay in ruins (and, by the way, did
not
Page 310
appear in the following building). A new building was a necessity, and the work of construction was willingly undertaken. The consistory resolved to erect a two-story church upon the site of the old. In the course of the year it was constructed. This church was also built of logs, but had galleries and all the conveniences of those times. The dedicatory services were held by Rev. Johannes Roth, the Reformed minister, and DAniel Lehmann, the Lutheran.
Concerning the construction of the Third Church, there are complete records at
hand. The congregation adopted a new constitution, founded upon the former
contracts made between the reformed and Lutheran members, under which
constitution they resolved to maintain the church -
a union one - as it had been originated by their fathers. This constitution
answers its purposes better than that of any of the neighboring churches. The
corner stone was laid on the 16th of May, 1824, and the service of the day were
conducted by the pastors of the church, Revs. Johannes Helffrich and Däring and
Wartman, assisted by Rev. Johann Gobrecht, of Whitehall, and Conrath Yaeger, of
Hanover, who were present by invitation. The teacher of the school at this time
was
Jacob Salem.
The members subscribed towards the building the sum of $2433.53; the cost of
erecting the church was $2425.04. The church was dedicated in the fall of the
same year. The building still stands, firm and sound. It is of stone, and is
more beautifully finished, and provided with more conveniences than any other
in the neighborhood.
The consistory at the time of building the Third Church were as follows: On the Reformed side, Philipp Ebert, elder; Jacob Oswald, trustee; Daniel Oswald, Abraham Fenstermacher, Peter Mayer, Johann Miller, deacons; Philipp Ebert, and Jacob Fenstermacher, building committee. The work of George Fusselman, the carpenter, and of Peter Neff, the mason, puts to shame that of many of the artisans of the present day.
A new organ was built under contract by Charles Heinzelman during the summer of
1850. It was dedicated on Saturday and Sunday, the 19th and 20th days of October,
with services conducted by Revs. Johannes Helffrich, William A. Helffrich, J.
S. Dubs, and Jeremiah Schindel. The Lutheran pastor, Rev. Zacharias Peter
Oberfeld, was drowned on the 2d of September preceding in the great flood at
Tamaqua, where he lived. The teacher at the time was Frederick Schmidt.
Some years after the building of the organ, in 1853, a new Swiss barn was
erected upon the church lands.
Frederick Schmidt, who had served the congregation well and faithfully as a
schoolmaster and organist for many years, had also brought the church lands -
which had always lain neglected - by his industry to a fine state of
cultivation. The old barn being about to fall into ruin, and there being no
room for storing the products of the soil, the new barn was put up. Schmidt was
a man in every sense of the word; he was not only a well-educated
school-teacher from Germany, devoting himself with his whole heart to his
calling, but was also faithful and honest without wavering.
The old school-house which was first occupied by Jacob Salem, another capable
teacher, was of stone, and stood several feet farther within the meadow than
the present one. It had one story, with a hall running through the middle. On
the left was the school-room, on the right a room used as a living and
sleeping-room, and another small room used as a kitchen. The children slept in
the loft where the snow was often blown in, and lay in heaps upon their beds in
the morning. But the old ways have disappeared even here. The congregation
built a new dwelling-house recently appropriate to the times. Here the old
teacher, worn out by his manifold labors, spent with his spouse, a worthy
German matron, and surrounded by their children, the declining years of his
life in peace. Friederich Schmidt died in April, 1876, and was interred on the
27th of the month, with services held by Revs. William A. Helffrich and H. S.
Fegeley, the pastors of the church, in the cemetery of the congregation,
whither his wife had already a short time before preceded him. His son,
Theodore, became his successor.
At the same time with this house a two-story brick school-house, with two rooms
- one for the school, the other for the congregation - was also erected.
The old God’s-acre had been filled and enlarged and filled again, and a
cemetery was therefore laid out upon a regular plan and interments began.
The Reformed preachers of the church were:
1. Philipp Jacob Michael. He was elected in 1760, and preached till 1770.
Before his time there was a reader here by the name of Andreas Steiger, who
also remained for some time after Rev. Michael came, but must soon afterwards
have died or moved away. There is also mention made of a certain Peter Miller,
likewise a reader, who came about this time to Heidelberg and the surrounding
country, and is yet spoken of in Lynn. Rev. Michael is the same minister who
preached in the Ziegel Church.
2. Peter Miller, formerly a reader, was afterwards accepted as pastor. He did
not serve for a long time. He died here, and his remains rest in the old
cemetery.
3. Heinrich Hentzel, commonly called Herzel, who was also only a reader, but
preached in several of the churches of this neighborhood. How long he labored
here cannot now be told.
4. Johannes Roth, also a man who, without being…
Page 311
… educated, elevated himself to the ministry, and was accepted as minister by the congregation, because no other was to be had. Both Hentzel and Roth had made application to the Snyod for ordination, but were both rejected on account of their unfitness. None of these four were ordained, nor did they acknowledge any higher churchly authority. They undertook the office like a trade. The worthiest of the four was Michael; but he was not fully qualified for the ministry. Roth lies buried at Jacob’s Church. He was buried beneath the alter, but it is said the new church does not occupy the same location as the old.
5. J. Friederich van der Slat, a minister belonging to the old Synod, was
called by the congregation, but he preached only occasionally. Yet with this
the congregation were well satisfied; they would sooner have none than
incompetent preachers.
6. Johann Heinrich Helffrich, who served from 1804 to 1810, when he died. He
brought the congregation into subjection to the Synod.
7. Heinrich Diefenbach, from 1810 to 1816.
8. Johannes Helffrich, from 1845 to 1852. He had his son, William A. Helffrich, as assistant.
9. William A. Helffrich, from 1845 to 1867.
10. E. J. Fogel in the last-named year was appointed his assistant, who,
however, served the congregation alone till 1874, from which year till 1879,
Rev. William A. Helffrich again served as the pastor.
11. Nevin A. Helffrich was in the latter year appointed his assistant.
The Lutheran ministers were (1) Melchior Muhlenberg, and his assistants preached occasionally; (2) Hermann Jacob Schellhardt; (3) Daniel Lehman; (4) Friederich Gaisenheimer; (5) Johannes Knoske; (6) G. F. J. Yeager; (7) Däring and Wartmann; (8) Jeremias Schindel; (9) Peter Z. Oberfeld; (10) August Bauer; (11) W. Siegelin; (12) Owen Leopold; (13) S. S. Klein; (14) ________ Zuber; (15) H. S. Fegeley.
Steinsville. – The land on which Steinsville was originally located was
granted to Michael Stein by Warrant about the year 1756. After the Steins, J.
L. Brobst possessed the hotel and store until the year 1878, when it was
conveyed to dr. J. D. Graver. It is occupied by Joseph Rose.
Steinsville at present includes the property of Jacob Miller, which was by
warrant granted to him about the year 1760, conveyed to Philip Wannemacher in
1791, and in 1812 to Christian Wannemacher, who began to improve the same in
1825. He built a grist-mill at the Antalaunee
stream, which with the farm was conveyed to his son, Daniel Wannemacher, in
1840, who rebuilt the mill in 1866. In 1874 the Schuylkill and Lehigh Railroad
was cut through the property, and the Steinsville depot was located upon it. Soon
after that year a hotel was built near the depot by Benjamin Swan, a stone
building erected by William Fusselman, stream saw-mill by Jerry Klingman, and a
foundry by Klotz & Billig, and a marble-yard by Milton Kergner. In 1878 the
Wannemacher farm was conveyed to Dr. D. S. Shade, and the mill property to
Willington B. Griessamer, and in 1881 Benneville Lutz became the owner of the
mill and occupies it at present.
The village of Steinsville is situated in the north-western part of the county,
one mile south from the foot of the Blue Mountains, and one-fourth of a mile
north of the Antalaunee Creek, on the Schuylkill
and Lehigh Railroad. It was founded by John Stein in 1810, a son of Michael
Stein, who emigrated to this country from Germany. The Stein family consisted
of eight sons and one daughter. The father being a man of industry, decided to
provide homes for his children in the West, and traveled as early as 1825 to
the Scioto, at Circleville, Pickaway Co., Ohio, and secured land for all his
children, and afterwards one by one, from the oldest to the youngest, all moved
to their Western homes, and
finally the father, after the decease of his wife, followed his children as
late as 1847. Dr. Joseph Soliday came to Steinsville, footing his way from
Sumneytown, Pa., in 1826, and settled down to practice medicine. After being in
practice several years, he became wedded to the daughter of John Stein. He was
engaged in continuous practice until 1856, when he removed to Circleville,
Ohio, with his family, consisting of four sons and one daughter. Two of his
sons are physicians, and two practice
dentistry. In the year 1818 a young German Reformed minister, Rev. John Zulick,
came on foot from Philadelphia, and began to preach not only at Steinsville but
also to congregations across the Blue Mountains, in Albany, Berks Co., and
Jacksonville. He was fond of travel on horseback, and followed his calling in
that style until he died in 1874. He was married to Rebecca Hermany, a daughter
of Philip Hermany, of Jacksonville, and was blessed with seven daughters and
one son, John, who was prepared in 1855 to take upon himself his father’s
labors, when he was taken with consumption and died. The homes of both the
clergyman and doctor are at present in the same state as they left them, the
former being occupied at present by two of his daughters. The hotel and store
building built by John Stein in 1832, is a spacious brick structure. The
carriage-factory is operated by its founders, Ely & Waidelich. It was established
in 1852. Dr. D. S. Shade was the successor to Dr. Soliday in 1856, and is at
present following his practice, in connection with his partner, whom he took in
with himself in 1870, viz., Dr. J. D. Graver. In 1860 several people of
Steinsville and vicinity obtained a charter and organized The Steinsville Hall
Association for religious, society, and educational purposes, and in 1861
erected a fine brick building, where from that time to the present the
Independent Order of Odd-Fellows have held their lodge meetings. Religious
services…
Page 312
… are held, and a good school is open for children and the more advanced
scholars. In the fall of 1881 a few men in the village and surrounding country
started a creamery to manufacture butter and cheese, which has proved a success
and is highly appreciated. The country immediately surrounding Steinsville is
productive and healthy. Slate was first discovered here by three brothers, -
John, Michael, and Samuel K. Lutz,
- sons of Samuel J. Lutz, in 1851, and quarries were opened and first operated
by Foulk, Daniel, and William Roberts. No especial interest was manifested in
the slate industry until in the year 1869 a storm uprooted a will-tree on lands
of Samuel F. Lutz, which unearthed a slate-bed that was afterwards quarried and
is now owned and operated extensively by George W. Griessamer. In 1874 the
Berks and Lehigh Quarry was opened by Mosser, Krumm & Roberts, and is at
present operated by Lutz & Keever. In 1876 the Centennial was opened on
lands of Charles Foust. In 1880 the Standard was opened by a foreign party on
the same tract, and in 1882 the Quaker City Quarries on lands of Willoughby and
Charles Lutz.
The Steinsville post-office was established in 1858.
Jacksonville. – The land on which this hamlet is located was in 1781
owned by Daniel Hamm, who resided where William Long now lives. He gave the
land for the church and churchyard. It lies on a ridge of land north from the
Antalaunee Creek, in the direction of the Blue Mountains, and on the line of
the Berks County Railroad. The first house was built there about 1820 by Martin
Baer, and was later purchased by John Hermany, who made additions to the house,
and opened a hotel and store.
A post-office was established about 1845, with Zachariah Long as postmaster.
His successors have been John Oswald and Jacob Oswald, John Hermany, E. F.
Lutz, and the present incumbent, John Folweiler. The hotel and store is now
conducted by E. F. Lutz. The store was for a time owned by Uriah Long.
Jacob’s Church. – This church stands in Jacksonville, Lynn township. It
is a Union church, held in common by the members of the Reformed and of the
Lutheran faith, as is generally the case in churches in Eastern Pennsylvania.
The first settlement of this region took place about the same time as that of
Allemangel. The same throng of settlers which came from Oley and Goshenhoppen,
and originated the Ziegel, Allemangel, Weissenberg, and Ebenzer Churches, also
caused the beginning of this congregation. The beautiful tracts of land
bordering on the Antalaunee attracted these wanderers, and soon the valleys and
hills were dotted with their small log huts. These settlements were made
between 1730 and 1740.
Among the first settlers were the following families: Vollweiler, Oswalds,
Wannemacher, Corell, Lutz, Tittell, Hamm, Koenig, Probst, Franz, Mosser, Baer,
Nungesser, Sechler, Everett, Friess, Stumpf,
Miller, De Long, Krietz, Klingemann, Fussellman, Reitz, Straub, Aenos, Wietzel,
Lauenberger, Gerhard, Witterstein, Hess, Billman, and others.
About the
year 1750 the first church was built, and with it a school-house. The
dedication of this little log church, which stood on the spot now occupied by
the third church, was held by the Revs. Philip
J. Michael and H. J. Schellhardt, who were also chosen the first pastors.
No church records were kept in the early times. It was only about the year 1774 that the first church book was kept, and the first baptismal records were entered by the Rev. Conrad Steiner, Jr., who at that time was the minister here. Probably a church book was kept before that year, but was no doubt destroyed by fire during the Indian troubles. The want of these records leave us very much in doubt as to the early history of this congregation.
The second church building was erected about the year 1808. The corner-stone
was laid, and the church dedicated according to the customs of both faiths. At
the same time a constitution was adopted, which was changed and extended in the
year 1854.
The third building was constructed in the year 1864. It is of brick, surmounted
with a tower and bell, and is a beautiful building suitable to these times.
In the course of time the old log school-house was remodeled in the year 1780,
and in later years, after the construction of the new church, a new
school-house of brick was erected. This was dedicated on the 9th and 10th days
of October, 1858.
The members of the Reformed faith of this church owned in earlier times a
parsonage in conjunction with three other congregations. About the year 1812
this house with the surrounding land was sold.
The Reformed ministers were Rev. Philip J. Michael, followed by the Rev. Peter
Miller, who was the regular preacher of the Ebenezer Church. Heinrich Hertzel
(Hentzel) also preached here for a time. Then came _______ Roth. None of these
preachers had been admitted to ordination. The congregation could not obtain
the services of any minister from the Synod, and the congregation preferred
having these rather than none. Johannes Roth was followed by Rev. Conrad
Steiner, Jr., who was a preacher from the Synod, and served from 1774 up to the
close of 1777. He began the church records, which are still in existence. Rev.
C. Steiner was called by several other congregations, and Peter Roth was again
elected because the Synod would not send a minister. In the beginning of the
present century Henry Dieffenbach came to this church, being sent by the Synod.
He was followed, about the year 1816, by the Rev. John Zulich, and served till
some time later. Rev. J. M. Bachman became his successor, and he is the present
pastor.
The Lutheran ministers were Rev. Herman J. …
Page 313
… Schellhardt, Daniel Lehmann, Frederick Geissenhainer, Johannes Knoske, G. F. J. Yeager, Elias B. Kramlich, Owen Leopold, F. Zuber, S. S. Klein, H. S. Fegley.
Lynnville. – The first person to build on the site of Lynnville was
Valentine Stull, in the year 1806. He opened a store, which he carried on for
many years. He had no children, but adopted a nephew of his wife, named Peter
Haas, who carried on the business after his uncles’ decline. He (Haas) was
elected to the Legislature several terms, also served as associate judge for
some years. John Sieberling built a house in 1807, and opened it to the public.
He was the landlord and proprietor of the Lynnville Hotel up to April, 1846,
when his son James became possessor by purchase. The post-office at Lynnville
was established in July, 1820, and John Sieberling made post-master. He
continued as such up to his death in December, 1875. He died at the age of
ninety-two years, and served as postmaster fifty-five years. Solomon W. Bachman
is the present postmaster.
The hotel is now the property of Dr. F. C. Sieberling. The village at present
contains a hotel, school-house, post-office, store, harness and
blacksmith-shops, and six dwellings.
The elections of the township were held at this place for many years till 1879.
At what is known as Greenwalt’s, on the Schuylkill and Lehigh Railroad, a store
was opened about 1850, and kept for a short time by Henry Neff.
St. Peter’s Church. – This church stands upon an elevation along the
Sieberlingsville road, south of Lynnville, and is in Lynn township. This is
also a Union Church for Lutherans and Reformed. The church was founded in the
year 1857, members of the Weissenberg, Lowhill, Lynntown, and Jerusalem
communions uniting in forming a new congregation here.
The corner-stone was laid on the 30th of August, 1857, on which occasion
appropriate services were held by Rev. W. A. Helffrich, the Reformed minister,
and Rev. Siegli, the Lutheran minister.
On Whit-Sunday the 23d and Whit-Monday the 24th days of May, 1858, the building
was dedicated to the service of God. Sermons were preached by Revs. J. Derr,
Jeremiah Schindel, and William A. Helffrich.
Lynnport. – Marcus Wannemacher was the original owner of the land on which
Lynnport is situated. He lived in a house that stood near the railroad depot by
the spring. Michael Everett, about the year 1814, erected a part of what is now
the hotel, in which he lived, and opened a store for the use of the people
roundabout. Levi Kistler, Feb. 8, 1843, opened a tavern in the building. David
and William Kistler kept the store at the time. Lewis H. Oswald, the present
proprietor, came to the place in April, 1865, and keeps hotel and store and
post-office, the latter having been established under Levi Kistler. In addition
to the hotel, post-office, and store, there are two school-houses, depot of
Schuylkill and Lehigh Railroad, a slate quarry, and about forty dwellings.
Slate quarries were opened near Lynnport first about 1844, by James M. Porter,
McDowell, and Daniel Jones, and the same who opened Slatington. David Folweiler
was the superintendent. They have been worked more or less from that time.
A mantel factory was started by Anthony Donnon, of Philadelphia, in 1860, and
continued by Henry F. Martin. It is carried on by Jesse B. Keim, of
Philadelphia.
Laurel Hill Mantel Factory was established in 1880 by Alvin F. Creitz, Moses K.
Jacob, and Charles K. Henry, who sold to Potter & McHose, who are now
running it.
Stein’s Corner is situated in the southeast corner of the township. The
land on which it is located was formerly owned by the Grims. About 1855 Simon
Lentz erected a hotel and was the landlord from that time till 1865.
About 1875 a post-office was established with Joshua Weida as postmaster, who kept it till his death, when he was succeeded by William Seaman, who retained the position till 1884, when William Stein, the present postmaster, was appointed.
About 1874 William Stein opened a store, and now has charge of the hotel,
store, and post-office.
Oswaldsville, now called Raber’s Corners, was started about 1860, at which time Jonas Oswald, who owned a farm at the locality, built a hotel and store, which were kept by him for five or six years. A post-office was also established at the place and kept by him till 1866, when it was removed to Mosserville.
New Slatedale contains twelve or fifteen dwellings and a hotel kept by Joseph
L. Lutz. The place was started by the opening of slate quarries about 1854 by
Daniel Faulk. Quarries are now worked by Lutz & Keever, and Griesemer &
Brothers.
Reitz. – At the store of Samuel Reitz, nearly in the center of the
township, the elections of the township have been held since 1879. Prior to
that time they were held at Lynnville. The old stone house at this place was
built by Andrew Straub, Jr., in 1817, his father, Andrew Straub, Sr., having
taken up ninety-two acres of land at that place on the 22d of March, 1800, and
transferred it to his son, Andrew, on the 23d of May the same year. It later
passed to John Ulrich, who in 1849 erected a store and kept it for many years.
In 1862 Jonas Reitz purchased the property now owned by his son, Samuel.
Page 314
…hundred years ago. The sacred
spot is well preserved. The first congregation brought into existence in those
parts was formed by Moravian missionaries from Bethlehem, and was called the
Allemangel Moravian Church. Later, Rev. Muhlenberg established a church in the
same vicinity, and called it the Allemangel Lutheran church, now known as
Jerusalem. The old Moravian’s burial-ground is numerously dotted with clayed
mounds, underneath which repose members of the ancient brotherhood from that section.
Among them a preacher by the name of Wirs or Wirz.
In the old burial-ground at Miller’s, near the Baush school-house, many old
tablets are standing. Some of the names and dates are here given:
Christian
Miller, Sr., born June 25, 1706; died July 14, 1785, age seventy-nine years,
nineteen days.
Christian Miller, Jr., born Jan. 6, 1741; died Oct. 9, 1778, age thirty-seven
years, nine months, and three days.
Maria Elizabeth Hansin, born April 10, 1809; died Sept. 18, 1820, age eleven
years, five months, eight days.
Anna Elizabeth Miller, died Dec. 16, 1830, age seventy-three years, one month,
four days.
Andreas Miller, died 1817, age seventy-eight years, three months.
Salome Miller, wife of Jonas Miller, daughter of Jacob Bausch, born May 20,
1802 , age twenty-five years, six months, fourteen days.
William F. Miller, son of Stephen Miller, born June 21, 1854, age eight
months, twelve days.
Mary Kuhns, wife of John Kuhns, died April 2, 1843, age forth-seven
years, nine months, fifteen days.
Mary
Cathilla, daughter of John Kuhns, died Sept. 18, 1838, age sixteen
years, eight months, twenty-eight days.
Apolona Ettinger, daughter of Peter Miller, died May 29, 1843, age
thirty-one years, ten months, three days.
Peter Miller, Sr., born Jan. 19, 1772, age eighty-three years, seven
months, three days.
Maria Magdalena Miller, wife of Peter Miller, born Oct. 20, 1770, age
ninety-three years, seven months, six days.
David Miller, born Dec. 30, 1829, age twenty-nine years, four days.
George Miller, born Feb. 10, 1798, age sixty-seven years, three months,
twenty-five days.
Maria M. Miller, wife of George, born Jan. 1, 1805, age sixty-nine
years, eight months, six days.
Anna
Maria Custard, wife of George custard, born April 15, 1760, age
eighty-one years, nine months, ten days.
George Custard, born April 25, 1750, age sixty-three years, sixteen days.
John Kuhns, died Sept. 20, 1830, age forty years, nine days.
********************************************************************************
From
The History of the
Counties of Lehigh & Carbon, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,
By
Alfred Mathews &
Austin N. Hungerford
Published
in Philadelphia, Pa., in 1884
Transcribed
from the original in 2005
by
Shirley
Kuntz
Proofed, arranged &
web page by
November 2005