USA > Pennsylvania > Historic background and annals of the Swiss and German pioneer settlers of southeastern Pennsylvania, and of their remote ancestors, from the middle of the Dark Ages, down to the time of the Revolutionary War > Part 43
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308
RIOTOUS GERMANS AT ELECTION OF 1750.
people and when he came back the! driven from the place of election and Sheriff was gone. Then the Coroner prevented from returning and it was not within his power to preside and do his duty; therefore, he could make no return of the election. He had several of his neighbors with him at Philadelphia, where the Council sat, and they were called in and exam- ined and gave their testimony con- cerning this matter, and Council ad- journed the case until Monday and heard some witnesses. Just what de- termination the Council came to is not shown. got up on the table and sat on the box, which was locked, and proposed to go on with the election; but it was decided the Sheriff must be sent for. By the time they sent for the Sheriff he was seen coming through the woods; but the people would not let him come in. Then two of the com- pany went to get the Sheriff and he said he would not come. Then a man by the name of Nicholas Ryland said he would go on with the election and they got another ballot box and three The proceedings are also noted in 5 Haz. Reg., p. 114, and there it is set forth that the Sheriff had 6 of the free holders give their testimony as to the persons that voted during the elections, and drew up a certificate which they signed. more Judges and two Clerks were sworn in. Then the election went on and was carried on until dark of the evening, and it was again proposed to send for the Sheriff and read the tickets in his presence: but the party that went for him said he was tired and he went home. Finally they started in reading the tickets and found the ticket box was in the hands of three parties, not regular officers and none of the inspectors were pres- ent. They read the tickets in both the boxes.
This gives us again a pretty good idea of the manner in which the elec- tions were held in those early days. That is, they were not always tu- multuous like the one just mentioned. They were quite frequently disorder- ly, drink was sold and a good many persons got drunk. There was great deal of fighting and intimida- tion.
We close this incident by saying that not only did the Germans who were refused, cast their vote, but they succeeded and won at the election.
These outrageous proceedings are also reported in 5 Col. Rec., p. 468, where it is set forth that Hans Ham- ilton, Sheriff of York Co., instead of presenting a return of election, pre- sented a petition, to the Council for the Province, setting forth in sub- stance, that he was by violence, |
The Germans gave the following explanation of their conduct, to the Governor, as appears in Haz. Reg. namely: The Sheriff did not open the polls until 2 o'clock, at which time the Marsh people assembled armed, surrounded the windows and would not let the Dutch people vote-that thereupon the Dutch people, being the most numerous, broke into the Court House and the Sheriff and the regular inspectors escaped out of the back window - that they invited the Sheriff to come back and he refused -that the Coroner took the Sheriff's place and proceeded to take their tickets-that when the election was over, the Sheriff was invited to come back to the place, and he refused, and therefore, the election went on with- out him.
1750-German Politics in Lancaster Borough.
About the year 1750, according to Hon. W. U. Hensel's address made at the time of the celebration of a cen- tennial event in connection with the Old Trinity Church in 1911, (which address appears in the New Era of May 18th, 1911), the Germans took a
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309
GERMAN INFLUENCE IN LANCASTER BOROUGH GOVERNMENT.
lively part in political affairs in the 1750-Germans Intended for Halifax. Management of our Borough. Hen- In the Pa. Gazette of May 24th, 1750, there is a news item to the ef- fect that a Boston dispatch says that "They have advices from London that a Regiment of Soldiers and 600 English settlers with 1500 German settlers would be sent over this sum- mer; and that they would have a Man of War and two ships stationed at Halifax to protect them." sel said among other things, "160 years ago, the conduct of political campaigns and political elections were attended with debauchery and controlled by demoralization, which no party today could stand for." About the time Handchuh's preaching was most effective, and 250 persons attended his Communions, there was We are not able to say whether the emigrants who were thus expected to arrive, landed or not. The item is interesting however; because it shows us in addition to the natural perils of the sea voyage, these peo- ple were compelled to run the risk of being captured or interfered with by military enemies of Great Britain. a considerable political revolution in the town. Adam Simon Kuhn of this church entered upon six year's ten- ure of the office of Chief Burgess. Another Lutheran, Jacob Schlough, was elected Under-Burgess, and still another Chief Constable; four mem- bers were chosen assessors at the same election, "more quiet and or- 1750-Dunkers in Virginia. derly" than ever before known in the According to Vol. 5 of the Colonial Records, p. 531, there were at this time "Dunker" settlements in that part of Virginia now known as West Virginia. These people were a part of the migration of Germans and German-Swiss into the Shenandoah Valley from Lancaster County. In the book and at the page stated, it is set forth that a "Dunker" from the colony of Virginia came to Logs- town in the central part of Pennsyl- vania and required liberty of these people, to settle on the Youghiougan- ny, a branch of the Ohio in Pennsyl- vania. The Indians answered it was history of the town. The pastor in his joy over the prospect of a new and more efficient civil administra -: tion forgot the fever with which he : was breaking down. I am not pre- pared to admit, however, that the only issue in that memorable early municipal campaign was one of pri- vate or public morals for I find it recorded by Handschuh in the "Hall . ische Nachrichten" that "many of the Reformed, all of the Moravians, all the Mennonites without excep- tion and even five or six Lutherans who were afraid of proper town or- der and discipline, voted on the other side. On the other side, the Episco- not in their power to dispose of palians, many of the Presbyterians land; that he must appeal to the Great Council at Onandago and fur- ther that he should first be recom- mended by the Governor of Pennsyl- vania with whom all such business must be transacted.
and Irish Catholics, some refined Quakers and all the Lutherans." I apprehend it would be difficult to make municipal platforms or select candidates here today for or against whom there could be such allignment of the voters. Adam S. Kuhn began his term as Chief Burgess of Lancas- ter Borough in 1750-1. He also served 1752-4 and 1755-6.
This gives us an idea of the early existence of that branch, of the non resistant German-Swiss Christian or Mennonite that have since become so ¡ strong and influential in our state.
310
SHIP RECORDS. GERMAN-SWISS TROUBLES.
1750 - Mueller's Discussion of Hard- ships on the Ocean.
In the historical work, which we have heretofore quoted of Earnest Mueller, p. 245, he discusses in con- siderably lengthy statements the hardships of the German-Swiss peo- ple, in coming across the ocean. Taking these facts in addition to the ones given by Mittelberger, it makes a very interesting chapter. Mueller gives us a pretty fair idea of why it became such a distressing situation and how to correct it.
1750 -- Ship Records of This Year.
During this year we have 14 ship loads of German Swiss people, and we find among them the following Lancaster County names:
2 Ackermans-2 Albrights-2 Becks -- 2 Burkharts-2 Bauers-4 Beyers- 2 Bendets-4 Beckers-2 Bergers-2 Conrads-5 Foxes-3 Freys-3 Fish- ers-3 Grors-4 Gilberts-2 Hogmans --- 5 Jacobys-2 Jacobs-3 Kellers-2 Kings-2 Longs-22 Millers-2 Mar- tins -- 3 Meyers-5 Peters -- 5 Rein- harts-2 Roths-3 Rohrers-16 Smiths -2 Sanders-2 Shaeffers-11 Snyders -- 2 Shultzes-2 Steins-3 Wolfes-4 Wagners -- 7 Wises-5 Webers-and S Youngs.
Also one each of the following Lancaster County names:
Arnold - Benner - Bumgardner - Bernhart -- Bassler - Bricker Cooper - Dietrich - Eckert - Eb- erly - Fritz - Foltz - Falck Gerlach -- Gardner - Houser - - Hess - Herr - Herman - Hensel - Kramer - Leinbach - Leaman - Lutz - Metzgar - Mast - Oberly - Spangler - Shaffner - Shoop - Werner - Walters - Yaegar - Zieg- ler and Zimmerman.
They came over in the ship "Pa- tience," Hugh Steele master-"Ben- net Galley," Wm. Wadham master -- "Edinburgh," James Russell master ; -"Royal Union," Clement Nicholson
master -- "Anderson," Hugh Campbell master - "Brothers," Muir master --- "Two Brothers," Thos. Arndt master -"Phoenix," John Mason master --- "Nancy," Thos. Cantom master -- "Prescilla," Wm. Wilson master - "Brigantine Sally," Wm. Hassleton master-"Osgood," Wm. Wilkie mas- ter-"Brotherhood," John Thompson master-and "Sandwich," Hazlewood master.
1750-Mueller on Origin of Weaver- land District.
Earnest Mueller, historian, whom we have mentioned so frequently, seemed to have kept track of the movement of the Mennonite Church in America, and seems to have stud- ied the history of it carefully. Page 360 in his book he says in the Weav- erland District, Christian Burkhold- er was in 1750, the first Bishop; and we also find Martins, Zimmermans,~ Webers, Wanners, Goods, Newsweng- ers (Neiensch wander), Hollinger,
Nornings, Gerhmann ( Gäumann ), Baumans, Wengers, Liechtys, Metz- lers, Rissers, Ebersoles, Lehmans, Stauffers, Stricklers, Snyders, Schipes, Kreybills ( Krähenbühl ), also among the pioneers of that dis- trict.
Christian Burkholder may have been a son or other descendant of Hans Burkholder, whom we have mentioned before, -a father in the Mennonite Church in Switzerland,- who died in 1752.
1750-New Movement to Expel Swiss Mennonite Tenants.
Müeller in his history, p. 245, un- der the date of 1750, refers to the movement which was inaugurated in 1730-3, to expel these "Baptists" or non-resistents or Mennonites, from the vicinity of Munster (in Alsace) : but he says the movement was op- posed by the "Congregation Court." where about 20 of these non-resist-
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311
SWISS EXPULSION OF NON-RESISTANTS IN 1750.
ent religious families lived. Then he ! recites that this conflict, however, went on and it is summed up in the statement made to the Prince Bishop under the date of January 17th, 1750, which statement representation, was signed and joined in by leading citizens and especially by the pastors of the Reformed Church of St. Im- men and of Pery. The petition or statement recites, that the movement to expel these people, known then as Anabaptists, began about 20 years ago, by those who through wanton- ness and litigousness or barretry had been reduced in circumstances (be- came impoverished), and who hoped by the expulsion of the Baptists to get tenantry of the places themselves. To counteract this, a representation was made by the land owners to the Prince Bishop Johann Kourad which was favorably received. But the dis- turbance and the petition against these people did not cease until his Highness, in the interest of peace finally yielded. This measure did not benefit the petitioners; who thought that by continually complaining to the Bishop that the Baptists would be expelled. But it was found that when the Baptists or Mennonites had gone away other tenants took their places who were also Anabaptists or non-resistents.
Then this statement made to the Bishop (whether this means Bishop Kourad or not, is not very plain) proceeds and says "that now in 1750, this same movement to expel these people, is being undertaken again, and it will appear as is generally the fact, that it will affect mostly the poor people." These petitioners, who are urging this statement to the Bishop, to interfere for their sake, - want this to be prevented by a coun- ter movement. These petitioners. : From this we can see that these , non-resistant people dil not need to fight their battles alone: but that they then, go on to state, that the Baptists are of great benefit to the country and they set forth the following, as had also good and influential friends
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the reasons for that opinion: In 1724 James Als Couradt (Rector) applied for land on Conestoga near Mill Creek (Pa. Arch., 2d Ser., Vol. 19, p. 726).
"By reason of their constant indus- try and thrift tilling the soil as well as pursuing trades, principally as weavers, by their simple mode of living, by their complete avoidance of luxury, their shunning of the tavern and of litigation (staying out of Court), they are enabled to pay a much higher rental than others." Should the owners be compelled to employ as tenants the people who have squandered their own posses- sions? Can it be expected that these would take better care of property belonging to others than of their own? In consequence of such a state of affairs, the owners would have to sell their lands to strangers. Among those who are protesting against strange tenants, are such who them- selves are tenants, who sell their harvested crops to the strangers, even to Baptists, and thereby are at. tracting them. The statement that those to the manor born. would plant more corn than the strange tenants, whereby the title of the bishop would be increased, is sophistry. For since the great felling of trees in the woods on the Chasseral os which arable lands are to be gained, much colder weather manifested it- self on the mountains opposite, that almost every year there are killing frosts, ofttimes only the seed being sowed. In spite of all these draw- backs, it has been proven that the tithe has been increased since the presence of the Baptists (P. A.).
And, indeed, we now hear no more of that peculiar social policy of the congregation (or communities).
312
SHIP RECORDS. CHRISTIAN BURKHOLDER'S LETTER.
in other churches, and among people who did not belong to their faith. This gives us the information, that while the extreme measure of torture we have noted as happening in earlier days in these annals, were past; yet the non-resistent, Anabap- tists, were compelled continually to look out for their interests and to make every effort by all possible means, that they could, to secure anything like even the meagerest personal liberty.
1751-Ship Records of This Year.
In the year 1751 we have fifteen (15) ship records of these early set- tlers, coming into United States.
Among the common Lancaster County names we have the following:
Two Arnolds-2 Adams-2 Becks- 3 Benders-3 Bernharts-3 Burkharts -2 Baumans -3 Ehrharts - 3 Eber - harts-5 Foxes-4 Fishers-2 Frantzes --- 4 Flicks -- 2 Groffs-2 Gerharts-7 Hoffmans -2 Hubers-3 Hesses-3 Haases-7 Klines-4 Kings -- 3 Longs -12 Millers-6 Martins-11 Meyers- 2 Peters-4 Reinharts-2 Roths-16 Smiths -6 Shaeffers - 11 Snyders-2 Steins - 2 Straubs-3 Steigers - 3 Steinmetzs -- 10 Wolfs-12 Wagners- 2 Walters-6 Wises- S Webers - 4 Youngs -- 2 Zimmermans.
Also one each of the following Lan- caster County names:
Albright - Brant Becker - Bucher - Decker - Eckert - Eck- man - Fritz - Frank - Herman - Heller -- Hahn - Hirsh - Hartman - Kauffman - Lintner - Messner- Stauffer - Sprecher - Werner and Weidner.
They came in the Ship "Anderson," Hugh Campbell master - Ship "Shir- sley" with. James Allen master-Ship "Patience" with Hugh Steele master -Ship "St. Andrew." James Aber- crombie master-Ship "Duke of Bed- ford," Richard Jefferson master Ship "Edinburgh" with James Russell
master-Ship "Nancy," Thomas Coat- am master - Ship "Brothers" with William Muir as master-Ship "Two Brothers" with Thomas Arnot as mas- ter-Ship "Neptune" with James Weir as master-Ship "Neptune" with John Mason as master - Ship "Phoenix" with John Spurrier as master - Ship "Queen of Denmark" with George Parish as master-Ship "Janet" with William Cunningham as master, and the Ship "Duke of Wirtenberg" with Montpelier as master.
1751-Great German Wheat Crop.
This year and that of 1752 produced for Lancaster County's German farm- ers tremendous wheat and other crops. The Chron. Ephratense, p. 190, tells us that these mercies were not thank- fully received and appreciated. They led men into excesses. Many in their wantoness destroyed this rich stora of provisions and fattened their hogs on wheat. Others in various parts of the county erected distilleries and thus consumed the wheat by convert- ing it into a poison and thereby brought great evil upon the commun- ity. See also Rupp 299.
1752-Another Christian Burkholder Letter.
Among the "Dutch Copies" in the Historical Society of Pennsylvania Library, is one written by Christian Burkholder, April 4th, 1752, from his Palatinate home. It is No. 1521.
The introducing paragraphs are of religious character.
Then he says, "I want news of Nova Scotia of England, etc., for this year many of our families want to take the journey to America, for they are promised much freedom there. I want your advice, whether our men- bers shall go or not. Concerning the journey to Pennsylvania this year he says, there are many of those who would like to go but have no oppor- tunity. They want to go and I feel
313
BURKHOLDER'S DEATH, SHIP RECORDS.
that we must allow and assist them! early this spring. It is also said the to go. I hope your honors will not object nor make difficult the journey. Unless they are supported by a cer- month." tificate from me, under my hand, I do This item shows us that the Ger- man ancestors of that great horde of 700 men will be put on the "Kings Works" at Halifax some time this not advise you to encourage them.
That is as much assistance as I can descendants which now so powerfully expect of you. Do not be displeased with my frequent entreaty. I send my cordial thanks for your condescen- sion toward our people and hope the Lord will reward you.
If your lordship will allow a little aid, there are six orphans in our con- gregation of whom three are under age -- very young. Three can earn their bread. They all need money for support. There is nothing left of their parents' property by the time the debts and expenses which their oppressors have put upon them are paid. We leave it all to you; but any money your honors give for these purposes will be well spent. May we expect an answer by next post.
CHRISTIAN BURKHOLDER. To His Honor
De Knotel of Gerroldshein.
1:52-Death of Hans Burkholder.
Early this year (Mueller 213) Hans Burkholder died, at a great age, after 47 years of activity as teacher of the Congregation of Geroldsheim, having gone through many extremely severe trials, and having served his congre- gation with loyalty and fidelity.
Burkholder was a name of great worth in Germany and Switzerland in early days. He may have been the father or uncle or perhaps a cousin of Christian Burkholder spoken of above.
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1752-Germans Settle at Halifax.
An item in the Pennsylvania Gazette of April 2, 1752, informs us that "By a letter from Halifax dated 21st of last month, 700 Germans are going to settle at Mallagash Harbor, twelve leagues to the westward of Halifax
influence America, were quick to gain a foothold in all climes and quarters of this land, as soon as they had re- liable knowledge of conditions and prospects here.
1752-Ship Records of This Year.
During the year 1752 we have 1S ship loads of these German Swiss people.
Among the common Lancaster County names we find the following: Three Albrights-5 Becks - 6 Bern- harts-6 Beckers-2 Baumans-3 Con- rads -4 Dietricks -6 Eberlys -2 Fishers-2 Gehrharts-11 Hoffmans- 4 Hubers-2 Hesses -- 7 Hermans -- 2 Hartmans -3 Kleins - 6 Kings -- 3 Kautzs-6 Longs-2 Ludwigs-30 Millers -14 Meyers-6 Roths - 21 Smiths - 4 Shaeffers - 11 Snyders-2 Shumakers-3 Wolfes -- 3 Walters-6 Webers-2 Wagners-4 Zimmermans -3 Youngs."
There were one each of the follow- ing:
Arnold - Beyer -- Berger - Cra- mer - Eberhart - Herr - Holling- er - Keller - Metzgar -- Neff - Reinhart -- Straub - Shaub - Snav- ely - Weidner - Weidman.
They came over in the Ship "Two Brothers," Thomas Arnot, master --- "Edinburgh," James Russel, master - "Brothers," Wm. Muir, master - "Halifax," Thomas Coatam, master- "St. Andrew," James Abercrombie, master-"Ann Galley," Charles Ken - neway, master - "Richard & Mary," John Moore, master - "Anderson," Hugh Campbell, master-"President." Captain Dunlop as master-"Nancy." John Ewing, master -"Forest," Pat- rick Ouchterlony, master -- "Snow Ket-
314
PALATINES ARRIVE CONTINUOUSLY. SHIP RECORDS.
tey," Theopolis Barnes, master -- "Duke of Wurtemberg," Daniel Mont- pelier, master-"Bawley," John Grove, master - "Phoenix," John Spurrier, master-"Queen of Denmark," George Parish, master - "Louisa," John Pit- cairn, master - and ship "Phoenix" with Reuben Honor as master.
1752-Germans and Lancaster Town.
In 1752 the town of Lancaster, ac- cording to Hazard's Register (Vol. 5, p. 115) had 311 taxables -that is about 1800 souls. We remember then in 1744 Witham Marshe in his journal or diary called it a filthy Dutch town. It was no doubt most largely made up of German people both in 1744 and in 1752. But at neither dates was it physically unclean. The scrub and mop were too constantly in evidence to allow slovenliness.
1753-Continuous Arrival of Palatines.
Immigration of Palatines continued to be a subject of live interest in and about Philadelphia at this date (as it had been for many years). In the Pennsylvania Gazette of September 20th, this year, it is stated: "Since our last, the Captains Russel Still, Moore & Lickty arrived here with Palatines, and the following are daily expected: Arnott - Mason - Coolan - Muir - Pitcairn - Abercrombie and Lyon from Hamburgh, Captain Brown from Maryland and Captain Crawford from New York both with Palatines sailed before Captain Rus- sel.
1753 --- Burkholder's Further Advice.
him to ask further favors of aid. He says their people do not have even enough of bread. He then says "I inform you I am greatly troubled to feel that you think the money is for myself. We need what we ask, for the help of others. It is Christlike to help others. He hopes that those in power will take "our part" when we are assailed, or when any speak evil against "us." He then concludes and says "Our congregation has been pro- ceeded against again-another decree has been made against us-the Lord will turn it all to great good."
CHRISTIAN BURKHOLDER.
1753-Ship Records of This Year.
During the year 1753 we have S shiploads of these early German- Swiss people.
Among the common Lancaster County names we have the following:
Two Bakers-3 Bausmans-3 Cram- ers-3 Longs-3 Leanords-3 Fishers -3 Hartmans-5 Hoffmans-5 Millers -2 Kuhns-6 Browns-7 Snyders-3 Wagners-12 Smiths-3 Klines and 5 Webers.
Also one each of the following:
Arnold - Adams - Bernhart - Brenner - Engel - Frey - Gerhart - Jacoby - Hellar - Metzgar - Bollinger - Kast - Schied - Ru- dolf - Wise - Young and Ziegler.
They came in the Ship "Two Broth- ers" with Thomas Arnot as master- "St. Michael," Thos. Ellis as master- "Buelah," with Captain Richey as master - "Queen of Denmark," with George Parish as master - "Edin- burgh," with James Russell as mas- ter-"Patience," with Hugh Steel as master - "Richard and Mary" with John Moore as master - "Leamley" with John Lackley as master.
From Gerroldsheim on Nov. 20th, 1753, Christian Burkholder writes to De Knatel again, and after sending Christian greetings and expressing surprise that former letters are not answered, says, he thanks all friends 1754-Palatines Again Contract Ship Diseases. for helping the projected colony in Nova Scotia. He also thanks them This year a report was made by the surgeons employed at Philadelphia :o for kindnesses. shown to his father during his life. The great need drives ! enforce the quarantine against "Sick-
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315
INFECTIOUS DISEASE AMONG PALATINES. BURIALS.
ly vessels," arriving in that city. (6 |seemed to have claimed the attention Col. Rec. 173-5). The following ac- of the early Government of Pennsyl- vania, and in 6 Col. Rec., p. 168 to p. 176, a considerable amount of infor- mation on the subject may be found. count of conditions is given by them. They say all passengers are liable in crowded vessels to fevers from foul air-fevers from contact with others in small rooms -fevers from infec- tious matters brought on board. The steam of bilge water and the breath of great numbers between decks made the air putrid and produces poisons. Animal putrefaction is added to this and also uncleanliness. The sickness caused makes the victims rage in de- lirium. The poisons stay in the ships after the people land.
This year (1754) we have had these fevers again, the same as in 1741. It spread from the ships to the wharves and over large areas in Philadelphia. Vessels that bring convicts and serv- ants are the worst. Among the poor Germans it is so bad that often half of them perish. But not all by the fevers breaking out about the wharf came from the Palatines. But that their numerous arrival in such con- ditions do add "fresh fever" is prob- able. It is true that too often the state of Palatine ships is concealed from the physicians who visit them in such a manner, that it is impossi- ble to discover it, from anything they can see on board.
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