USA > Pennsylvania > Berks County > Historical and biographical annals of Berks County, Pennsylvania, embracing a concise history of the county and a genealogical and biographical record of representative families, Volume I > Part 28
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1889
Jonathan Blatt, Centre, D
Daniel L. Badgenstos, Strausstown
Ontario, 1891
James B. Dry, Bowers, D. 1889
John A. Dorward, Reading, C.
-
BERKS COUNTY PRISON IN PENN COMMON
STATE ASYLUM AT WERNERSVILLE
. PUBLIC CHARITIES
105
Reuben Ebert, Trexlers
1889
Rudolf Mertz, Reading, R. . Ohio, 1894
Arthur C. Foos, Reading, R. . Ontario, 1887
James W. McNeil, Reading
Boston, 1894
Elias Groff, Jefferson.
1889 John P. Miller, Reading.
Pa. University, 1899
William D. Gross, Kutztown.
Ontario, 1885
Adam F. Noll, Reading.
Henry L. Gilbert, Colebrookdale
1889
Otto G. Noack, Reading.
Berlin (Germany), 1890
Samuel Goldsmith; Reading, R.
1889
Walter S. Phillips, Reading. Pa. Vet. Assn., 1886
1889
Solomon K. Hoffman, Hamburg, C.
1889
Charles Phillips, Womelsdorf, D.
1889
Abraham Henrich, Colebrookdale.
1889
John M. Richards, Reading, D ..
1889
Benjamin Y. Heffner, Richmond.
1889
John L. Richards, Yellow House ( Birdsboro)
1889
Frederick B. Hassler, Tilden.
1889
Chicago, 1899
Jonathan Reber, Hiester's Mill 1889
Jacob Kerchner, Windsor Castle.
1889
Owen B. Roberts, Blandon. 1889/
1889
Allen Z. Keelor, Boyertown.
Ontario, 1891
Robert O. Rothermel, Reading Pa. University, 1902
Elmer G. Kriebel, Hereford.
John H. Shaffer, Mt. Aetna
1889
Daniel R. Kohler, Boyertown
Ontario, 1892
William H. Seitzinger, Wernersville
1889
John Lutz, Klopp's Store; D.
1889
William Schaeffer, Jefferson.
1889
Tobias E. Landis, New Berlinville.
1889
George B. Sebastian, Rehrersburg.
1889
Nathaniel F. Lutz, Jefferson.
1889
James D. Schaeffer, Fleetwood.
1889
Henry R. Lutz, Jefferson, D ..
1889
Jared Spengler, Penn, D.
1891
David B. Levan, Kutztown ... .
. Chicago Vet. College, 1908
Howard L. Stein, Friedensburg, D. . Ontario, 1893
Albert H. Schmoyer, Boyertown.
Chicago, 1903
Pierce M. Miller, Gouglersville.
1889
Nicholas L. Schaeffer, Fleetwood
Chicago, 1906
Jared Miller, Jefferson. . 1889
Elias Troutman, Tulpehocken. .
1889
Henry B. Moyer, Hereford.
1889
Amos G. Weidenhammer, Richmond.
1889
Emendon Mogel, Bernville
1889
Kerby D. Werley, Virginville . Chicago, 1908
Henry A. Miller, Ruscombmanor.
1889
Henry S. Yoder, Pleasantville. 1889
William H. Moyer, Womelsdorf, R.
Ontario, 1891
Edwin C. Yoder, Kutztown Ontario, 1893
CHAPTER VII-PUBLIC CHARITIES
From 1824 to 1869, all matters relating to the poor inhabitants of Berks county, who needed pub- the prison are mentioned in connection with the lic assistance, were referred to the poor directors county buildings in Chapter IV. of the county; but by 1869 the institutions of a charitable, reformatory or correctional character in STATE INSTITUTIONS the State had assumed such proportions, and the number of inmates had become so large that the Legislature passed an Act of Assembly, establishing a State Board of Public Charities for the purpose of inquiring into the methods of instruction, gov- ernment of inmates, conduct of managers, condition of buildings, and all other matters pertaining to their usefulness and good management.
In 1874, the Act of 1869 was amended, author- izing the State Board to appoint three or more per- sons in any county to act as visitors of the poor- houses and other institutions in such county as an aid to the State Board; and to cause the removal of insane persons in the county almshouses to State Hospitals for proper treatment. The State Board appointed Sydenham E. Ancona, Charles Breneiser and George D. Stitzel as its representatives in Berks county and they have served (excepting Stitzel, who died Dec. 12, 1905, E. R. Gerber being ap- pointed in his place) gratuitously ever since, visiting the several institutions, penal and chari- table, and reporting to the State Board.
The particulars relating to the poor-house and
WERNERSVILLE STATE ASYLUM .- In 1891, an Act was passed for the establishment of an Asylum for the Chronic Insane of Pennsylvania, and in this behalf.a commission was appointed by the Governor to select a site and erect the asylum. After exam- ining thirty-one sites, in nineteen counties of the State, they selected a site in Lower Heidelberg township, Berks county, a short distance west of Wernersville, as the one best adapted for the pur- pose designated. Several tracts of land, embracing 540 acres, were purchased, and a superior, com- modious building was erected at a total cost of $500,000. The institution was dedicated in a for- mal manner on Sept. 5, 1894, with the Governor presiding over the exercises. Since 1905, two new buildings have been erected: an infirmary building, costing $30,000, and a building costing $35,000, the first floor to be used as an additional dining-room, the second floor as a sitting-room for women. Until the end of 1894 the total number admitted was 662; in 1895, 357; in 1896, 114; in 1897, 146; from 1898 to 1900, 167; and from 1901 to 1904, 169.
A large three-story brick building was erected on The average weekly cost of each patient has been the poor-house property from 1871 to 1874 for less than $3. On Sept. 30, 1908, the total number an "Insane Hospital" and the indigent insane peo- of patients was 859; men, 652; women, 207. ple of the county have been cared for there, unless removed to the State Hospital at Harrisburg.
From the opening of the Asylum until Sept. 30, 1905, there were 70 inmates from Berks county, 50
1889
Charles D. Gruber, Bernville ..
Ontario, 1888
Samuel M. Petersheim, Caernarvon
Walter G. Huyett, Wernersville.
Amos B. Roberts, Blandon, D .. 1889
William Jacoby, Lenhartsville.
1889
Peter I. Kershner, Fleetwood .Ontario, 1891
Henry K. Rentschler, Shartlesville
1892
Franklin W. Miller, Gonglersville
1889
106
HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
men and 20 women. During the first year (Sept. 30, other half being paid by the State. 1893, to Sept. 30, 1894) there were 46 entered, 31 men and 15 women. On Sept. 30, 1905, there were 20 men and 9 women from Berks county ; Sept. 30, 1906, 21 men and 9 women ; Sept. 30, 1907, 28 men and 9 women; Sept. 30, 1908, 27 men and 10 women.
Henry M. Dechert, Esq. (formerly of Reading, but for nearly sixty years at Philadelphia), has offi- ciated as president of the board of trustees since the opening of the Asylum, in a most creditable manner.
The following trustees from Reading have served on the board: George F. Baer, 1894 to 1897; Thomas P. Merritt, 1894 to 1899 (officiating as treasurer), and since 1903 ; William H. Schick, 1894 to 1895; Thomas C. Zimmerman, since 1899.
STATE HOSPITAL .- Complete statement of the patients in the State Hospital at Harrisburg, from Berks county, from the time it was opened and the cost of their maintenance, which was paid by the county.
Year
Patients
Cost
Year
Patients
Cost
1851
0
1880
23
$2,636.96
1852
3
$335.40
1881
26
3,088.52
1853
4
447.20
1882
33
3,479.43
1854
9
1,006.20
1883
36
3,547.82
1855
7
782.60
1884
29
2,969.99
1856
11
1,329.80
1S85
36
2,955.28
1857
12
1,341.60
1886
60
4,690.29
1858
6
670.80
1887
82
5,794.85
1859
8
894.40
1888
132
8,493.37
1860
11
1,329.80
1889
159
12,577.88
1861
10
1,118.00
1890
165
12,265,09
1862
13
1,452.40
1891
178
12,860.83
1863
16
1,788.80
1892
166
12,444.00
1864
17
1,900.60
1893
165
13,501.02
1865
16
1,788.80
1894
187
12,317.01
1866
22
2,459.60
1897
182
12,352.60
1869
17
2,100.60
1899
192
13,285.02
1871
21
2,347.80
1900
210
14,521.19 .
1872
22
2,459.60
1901
225
16,119.18
1873
27
2.610.44
1902
232
16,646.35
1874
24
2,850.65
1903
252
16,919.98
1875
23
2,839.90
1904
260
18,432.86
1876
25
3,220.50
1905
264
19,318.72
1877
24
2,555.21
1906
289
19,476.93
1878
25
2,719.06
1907
275
18.948.63
1879
26
2,651.57
1908
294
20,644.70
$370,677.49
GLEN MILLS REFORMATORY .- A reformatory for boys and girls was established at Glen Mills in Dela- ware county in 1827. The first inmate from Berks
Previous to 1901 the State paid the entire cost.
EASTERN STATE PENITENTIARY .- Previous to the year 1850, no data on the subject can be obtained. From 1850 to 1869 inclusive, 46 prisoners were re- ceived from Berks county. From 1870 to 1894 no prisoners from the county. were confined here. The following table shows the number from the county here each year from 1895 to 1908 inclusive. The average cost of each per diem was about 21 cents.
Year No. of prisoners
1895
1
Year 1902
No. of prisoners
32
1896
11
1903
38
1897
33
1904
42
1898
52
1905
32
1899
42
1906
36
1900
31
1907
37
1901
30
1908
68
HUNTINGDON REFORMATORY .- This institution for the reformation of boys was established by the State of Pennsylvania and opened in 1889; and the first boy from Berks county was entered in 1894, who continued to be the only one during 1895 and 1896; there was none received in 1897 and 1898; then the number began to increase as follows: 8 in 1899; 11 in 1900; 17 in 1901; 24 in 1902; 43 in 1903; 54 in 1904; 52 in 1905; 55 in 1906; 56 in 1907; and 60 in 1908.
The cost for 1904 to the county was $3,838.73; and the total cost for all the years named was $25,879.52.
COUNTY INSTITUTIONS
There are a number of charitable institutions in the county, partly supported by appropriations from the public funds; which reflect the humane senti- ment and generous nature of our people in a most commendable manner. They are classified as Hos- pitals, Schools, and Widows' Home.
HOSPITALS .- Three hospitals have been estab- lished at Reading, described with the Associations of Reading in Chapter X., namely: Reading, St. Joseph's and Homoeopathic.
HOMES .- The homes number seven: Bethany Orphans' Home, founded in 1867, in Heidelberg township, by the Reformed church.
Topton Orphans' Home, founded in 1897, in Longswamp township, by the Lutheran church.
St. Catharine's Female Orphans' Asylum, found- ed in 1871, at Reading, by Mrs. Catharine Madary, and devised by her to the Roman Catholic church ; by which it has since been enlarged, improved and successfully maintained.
St. Paul's Orphans' Asylum for Boys, founded county was entered in 1842. Until 1850 there were in 1889 at Reading, by the St. Paul's Roman Cath- altogether 6; and from 1851 to 1900, 190. In 1901, olic church. It has been enlarged several times, there were 7; in 1902, 11; in 1903, 21 ; and in 1904, evidencing its successful management.
9. The total admitted until Jan. 1, 1909, was 302; House of Good Shepherd, founded in 1889, at Reading, by the Roman Catholic church, and re- moved to Bern township in 1900. and the average cost per diem has been from 20 to 25 cents. The cost for the county of this institu- tion from 1901 to Jan. 1, 1909, was about $11,000 to Home for Friendless Children, founded in 1888, Oct. 1, 1905, and $11,337.62 from then until Jan. 1, at Reading, under the auspices of the Bureau of 1909, but only one-half was paid by the county, the Employment (having been started in 1884); in
1868
19
2,223.00
1895
151
10,649.11
1867
23
2,571.40
1898
176
12,673.66
1870
19
2,224.20
1S96
163.
11,132.60
107
WAR PERIODS
which William D. Smith has shown special inter- est toward its enlargement and success.
WIDOWS' HOME, founded in 1875 at Reading, by the Society of the "Home for Widows and Single Women" which became an incorporated body in 1876. A superior, commodious structure was es-
tablished by the society in 1886, at Sixteenth and Haak streets.
The three hospitals, and Home for Friendless Children, and the Widows' Home have been aided and encouraged by State appropriations.
The foregoing institutions are also mentioned in Chapter X., under the head of Associations.
CHAPTER VIII-WAR PERIODS
FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR
CAUSE OF WAR .- Whilst the Penns were endeav- oring to locate a town on the eastern bank of the Schuylkill river at the "Ford" (now Reading), war was being carried on between England and France, and the treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle was formed be- tween them in the same year in which the town was laid out (1748). But this treaty of peace did not settle the controversy between them in respect to territory on the American continent. The English Colonies were originally planted along the sea- coast, but they advanced westwardly, and therefore the English claimed the right to extend their set- "tlements across the continent from ocean to ocean.
The French, however, had possessed Canada to the describe the wretched state of the people who lived
north, and Louisiana to the south, and they too claimed the intervening territory which lay along the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. Both parties hav- ing claimed the same country, they, in order to maintain their respective rights, rushed into a fierce and bloody war for lands which belonged to neither of them, and which after the termination of hos- tilities passed away from both, and became vested in a new power whose national existence grew out of their contentions. It was accelerated by a grant of six hundred thousand acres of land in that dis- puted territory by the English to certain persons who associated under the title of the "Ohio Com- pany," and the company having agitated a scheme for its settlement, the French became alarmed. Re- monstrances and complaints were fruitless and each party seized and plundered the subjects of the other, ending in hostilities which resulted in the defeat of Braddock in the western section of Pennsylvania in 1755.
carried their arson and murder into the counties adjoining. Berks county was entered, and numer- ous persons (including men, women and children) were killed, and many dwellings and barns burned. This naturally spread consternation throughout the county, and the settlers along the mountain aban- doned home and property. The enemy soon extend- ed their incursions to a point near Reading, alarm- ing the inhabitants of the town for their safety. In consequence of this, they armed and organized them- selves to defend the town, and marched to the mountain to assist in driving the cruel foe out of the county. Many letters have been published which
in the townships to the north and northwest of the town.
The cruelties of the Indian's and the unsettled condition of the inhabitants of the upper section of the county continued during 1755, 1756 and 1757. During that time, the English were unsuccessful in their campaigns against the French and Indians, and their affairs here were in an awful situation. Their efforts had produced only expense and disappoint- ment. But in 1758, the tide turned in their favor through the vigorous administration of a new leader, William Pitt. The Indians retreated and victory crowned the British armies everywhere during the succeeding years until 1760, when the French were dispossessed of all territories in dispute and forced to surrender Canada. Peace was declared in 1763.
The town of Reading had just been fairly started when this terrible shock fell upon the inhabitants. Though discouraged they did not abandon their The Indians, having united with the French new settlement and its bright prospects, as the set- tlers were forced to do along the mountain. It
through misrepresentation and finding the frontier open, proceeded eastwardly to repossess the terri- is probable that the unsettled condition of affairs tory which had formerly been theirs and out of there during that period contributed much toward which they believed they had been swindled. On the rapid growth of the town.
their way, they committed depredations and cruel- ties which resulted in a great loss of life and prop- erty; and notwithstanding forts were erected by the provincial government along the Blue Mountain, from the Delaware river to the Susquehanna river to afford protection to the settlers in the vicinity, and garrisoned with twenty-five companies, com- prising 1,400 men, they crossed the mountain and Corporal, - Schaeffer.
TROOPS IN COUNTY .- The provincial military offi- cers of the county in 1754 were: Lieutenant-Colo- nel, Conrad Weiser ; Captains, Christian Busse (at Fort Henry), Frederick Smith, Jacob Orndt, and Jacob Morgan (at Fort Lebanon) ; Lieutenant, Philip Weiser ; Ensigns, -Harry (at Fort Leban- on) and Edward Biddle; Sergeant, Peter Smith;
=
108
HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Weiser was lieutenant-colonel of the 2d Battalion habitants when danger was imminent. They were of the Pennsylvania Regiment, which consisted of nine companies. This was a portion of the troops ordered by the Governor to be raised for the pur- pose of repelling the invasion. The total force was to comprise twenty-five companies, numbering 1,400 men. Of the nine companies under Weiser, one and one-half companies were at Fort Henry, and one company was at Fort Williams.
In March, 1756, an independent company of grenadiers, in General Shirley's regiment, was sta- tioned at Reading on duty. Upon receiving orders to march to New York, 25 men, under the command of a lieutenant, were ordered to Reading, to remain on guard until further orders. In June, the town was occupied by a company of men, under the command of Conrad Weiser. It was composed of two sergeants and 28 privates. The ammunition at Reading then consisted of 25 good muskets, 25 muskets out of repair, 11 broken muskets, 9 cart- ridge-boxes, 240 pounds of powder, 600.pounds of lead. In August, 1757, 50 men from Cumru and other townships near Reading set out in expecta- tion of bringing in some Indian scalps.
In February, 1758, Fort Williams was garrisoned by Captain Morgan and 53 men; and Fort Henry by Captain Busse with 89 men, and Captain Weiser with 105 men; and Fort Augusta with eight com- panies, numbering 362 men. The whole number of men then receiving pay in the province was 1,274.
In June, 1758, Berks county had in the service 56 good and strong wagons, each wagon furnished with four horses and an expert driver. These wag- ons' were formed in two divisions, the first division containing 26 wagons, and the second 30. A depu- ty wagon-master was over each division. Their names were John Lesher and Jacob Weaver, able to speak the English and German languages, and they understood smith and wheelwright work.
In the limits of Berks county, in 1758, there were at Fort Henry two companies, comprising 105 men ; at Fort William (Forks of Schuylkill), one com- pany of 53 men; and at Fort Augusta, eight com- panies with 362 men.
In 1761, the inhabitants of Tulpehocken and Heidelberg townships raised 159 men as rangers to guard the county lines of Berks and Lancaster counties.
erected hastily to serve a temporary purpose. Un- fortunately for the people, they were too few in number and too far apart to serve the purpose for which they were intended, especially to those who were somewhat removed. The Indians did not march over the mountain in large numbers together, and they did attack the forts. They came quietly, in small parties, and without warning they fell up- on the unprotected families like a thunderbolt ; and after murdering men, women and children indis- criminately and setting fire to dwellings and barns, they departed like a flash. Their success in these wicked incursions was truly wonderful.
In 1758, the location of the forts and distances apart were reported as follows :
Miles
From Wind Gap to Doll's Blockhouse. 20
Thence to Fort Lehigh 8
Thence to Fort Allen 10
Thence to Blockhouse 20
Thence to Fort Everit 10
Thence to Fort Williams
12
Thence to Fort Henry 22
Thence to Fort Swatara 14
Thence to Fort Hunter, on Susquehanna 24
Total distance 140
FORTS IN COUNTY .- The following forts were erected in the territory which was embraced in Berks county, the first five having been along the Blue Mountain, and the last at Shamokin (now Sunbury) : Fort Henry, Fort Dietrich Snyder, Fort Northkill, Fort Lebanon, Fort Franklin and Fort Augusta.
A log house was built within the stockades, and it was often crowded uncomfortably by the neighboring inhabitants in times of danger. The stockades were logs, about eighteen feet long, cut in the woods where the forts were built, and planted in the ground as closely as possible. They were intended to protect the house and prevent the Indians from shooting its occupants when they stepped outside.
Fort Henry was situated in Bethel township, in what was, and still is, commonly known as "The Hollow," about three miles north of the present village of Millersburg, fifty yards to the east of the "Old Shamokin Road," which leads over the mountain. The spot was elevated, to enable the guard to look out some distance in every direction. There is no particular mention of this fort in the Colonial records, and this omission induces the belief that it was a fort erected by the people of that vicinity for their protection. It was some- times called "Dietrich Six's," doubtless because it stood on the land of Dietrich Six. The records mention several times that the people fled to Diet-
COLONIAL FORTS .- When the officials of the provincial government learned that the In- dians and French had united for the pur- pose of cooperating against the English on this continent, they decided to afford protection to the settlements near the fron- tiers by the erection of forts ; and the number of settlers who had gone beyond the Blue Moun- tain till this time having been small, they deter- mined to locate these forts along this natural boundary line from the Delaware on the east to rich Six's, but the place was not indicated as a the Susquehanna on the west. The object of these military post. The field where it was situated has forts was simply for refuge-a retreat for the in- been under cultivation for many years, and not
109
WAR PERIODS
a single mark remains to indicate where it stood. It was erected some time before June, 1754. In in a letter by Governor Morris, on Feb. 1, 1756, in the beginning of June, 1757, the Governor visited which he states that he proposed to build a fort Fort Henry, having been escorted thither by sixty substantial freeholders of the county on horse- back, completely armed. They presented a very dutiful address to his honor, in which they' ex- pressed the warmest loyalty to the King and the greatest zeal and alacrity to serve His Majesty in defense of their country.
Fort Dietrich Snyder .- A fort was situated on the top of the mountain, north of Fort Northkill. It occupied one of the most prominent spots, and being within two miles of Fort Northkill, it is sup- posed that it was designed for an observatory or watch-house.
Fort Northkill was in Upper Tulpehocken town- ship, near the Northkill (a branch of the Tulpe- hocken creek) about two miles east of Strauss- town and a mile south from the base of the Bluc Mountain. It was built in the early part of 1754. As to the dimensions of the fort Commissary Young says, June 20, 1756: "The fort is about nine miles to the westward of the Schuylkill, and stands in a very thick wood, on a small rising ground, half a mile from the middle of Northkill creek. It is intended for a square about thirty-two feet each way; at each corner is a half-bastion of very little service to flank the curtains. The stockades were ill fixed in the ground, and open in many places. Within is a very bad log-house for the people; it has no chimney and can afford but little shelter in bad weather."
the guards about Reading) sent two lieutenants with forty men to the relief.
There was an attack in the neighborhood of this fort on Oct. 1, 1757. Application was made to Conrad Weiser (then at Reading) for immediate soldiers, the Indians naturally followed their allies. assistance, and Captain Oswald (who commanded Hence the cruelties .here ceased after 1758; and when Canada was surrendered in 1760, the peace and safety of our community were assured. The declaration of peace was delayed for three years,
Fort Lebanon was situated about six miles be- yond the Blue Mountain, a short distance east of and when it was published in 1763, only a few In- the Schuylkill river. It was erected in the begin- dians remained in the eastern section of Pennsy !- vania. A small settlement of them (who were friendly to the government and the inhabitants) re- mained at Shamokin; and some families were scat- tered in different parts of the county, where they 'remained for many years afterward. ning of 1754. In 1758, it was known as ."Fort Williams," and called sometimes "Fort Schuylkill." It is frequently mentioned in the Pennsylvania Archives. Two years after its erection, it was des- cribed as follows: "Fort Lebanon, about twenty- four miles from Gnadenhutten, in the line to
Before the war, considerable trade had been car- Shamokin .- Fort, 100 feet square. Stockades, 14 ried on successfully between the settlers and the
feet high. House within, built 30 by 20, with a large store-room. A spring within, and a maga- zine, 12 feet square. On a barren, not much timber on it; 100 families protected by it within the new purchase. No township. Built in three weeks. Something considered given by the neighbors to- wards it.'
Fort Franklin .- The fifth fort on the frontier of the county was several miles above the Blue and sold articles of their handiwork.
Mountain, on Lizard creek. It was built about two years later than the other forts. It was some- Indians killed about one hundred and fifty, and cap- times called Fort Allemaengel ("all wants").
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