USA > Pennsylvania > Berks County > History of Berks county in Pennsylvania > Part 111
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26
28
ALLOWHILL STREET.
420
4.9
436
435
457
4511
469
407
SOA
389
450
167 ℃
BRIDGE
RINGE
153
709
CLEMEN
LORD
AT
3 547
550
STREC
681 =
49
137
141
17
218
225
E
£
T
490
489
165
266.ª
281
CALLOWHILL
75
9
3
TACET
27
39
143
335
052
351
337
338
353
354
359
355
72
341
342
358
37"
171
308
324
309
1325
J20
312
J28
TOWN PLAN-1748.
NOTE .- The lots between the river and King (Third) Street were laid out subsequently (1776). The dark dou- ble line through these lots indicates the canal, which ex-
tended through there for a time. This plan was taken
from the town-plan of M. S. Richards, 1825.
1
309
322
33t
332
348
3471
363
333
17
175 2
112 1 113
29
SOUTH
282
313
T
A
223
173
F
46
72
397
432
431
148
9471
¥63
461
457
519
517
472
T
C
201
36Zł
496
367
374
REET
Nc
32
653
with brick or stone in one year from March 1, 1750.
3. Lots on Main Street, not on the square, were to be built upon in two years.
4. Other lots withiu blocks adjoining Main (Penn) Street were to be built upon in three years.
5. Lots in blocks remote from Main Street were to be built upon in five years.
6. A sixty-feet lot, if too large, should be divided and ground-rent apportioned.
7. All who should take lots before March 1, 1750, were licensed to take stones for building purposes from any land of the proprietaries, assigned by Hartley.
8. Title would be made upon erection of building; and no assignment could be made before erection of building.
9. Privilege of ground-rent at seven shillings to continue only to March 1, 1750.
10. Houses should be built according to the regu- lation of the streets.
11. Persons might thereafter apply to the three commissioners named in reference to lots.
12. Two whole lots would be allotted in some con- venient place for building honses of religious worship.
13. Persons who should intend to take lots were to send 'in their names and the time in which they could build, but they were not to undertake to build sooner than they really could, otherwise they might obstruct the progress and success of the town.
FIRST PATENTEES .- In pursuance of the conditions named, town lots were sold, and pat- ents were issued to purchasers. The following statement shows the years in which the build- ings were probably erected, aud to whom, and for which lots patents were issued. It is possi- ble that buildings were erected in, and even before, 1751 and the patents taken up after- ward.
For the year 1751, seven lots.
Lot. Patentee.
2. Conrad Weieer (justice).
11. Daniel Steinmetz (merchant of Philadelphia).
29. Isaac Levan (Exeter, yeo- man).
Lot. Patentee.
34. Conrad Weiser.
106. Adam Witman (shop and inn-keeper).
114. Isaac Levan. 120. Conrad Weieer.
1752, one hundred and thirty-three lots.
3. Conrad Weieer.
4. Conrad Bower (shop and inn- keeper).
5. Martin Gring.
6. Michael Reie (Tulpehocken, yeoman).
7. Mosee Starr (Maiden-creek, yeoman).
8. John Epler (Bern, yeoman).
{ Daniel Steinmetz,
12. Jacob Morgan (inn-keeper).
13. Jacob Morgan.
14. Peter Haws (inn-keeper).
15. Daniel Hiester (Montgomery Co., tanner).
18. Francie Parvin (Maiden-cr., tanner).
19. Conrad Weiser.
20. John Lepoe (Tulp., yeoman).
21. Peter Weidner (Cumru, yeo- man).
24. David Evans (Cumru, yeo- man).
25. Michael Schmell (Heidbg., yeoman). 26. Benjamin Parvin (Maiden- creek, yeoman).
27. William Reeser (cordwainer). 28. Christopher Stump (Lancaster County, yeoman).
30. William Parsons (Easton).
33. Tobias Waggoner (clerk). 35. George Albert (yeoman).
36. Goorge Yoh (yeoman).
39. Isaac Weidner (Alsace, yeo- man).
40. Peter Weidner (Alsace, yeo- man).
41. Peter Ruth (Cumru, yeoman). 42. Simon Scherker.
44. Conrad Kissinger (yeoman).
45. Christopher Gottschalk.
46. Jacob Kissinger (yeoman).
48. Jacob Kern (Curu, gent.)
49. Henry Wolf (Cumru, 'cord- wainer).
51. George Daum (cordwainer).
54. John Schneider (yeoman).
55. Peter Schneider (Exeter, blk ._ smith).
61. Conrad Bower.
62. Reinhard Waldtz.
64. Philip Weiser.
66. William Erman (yeoman).
69. Benjamin Lightfoot (shop- keeper).
70. William Persons.
71. William Parsons.
72. Conrad Weiser.
74. Abraham Broeius (teilor).
75. Jacob Bollinger.
76. Michael Graul (Alsace, yeo- man).
77. Wm. Hottenstein (potter).
79. John Woher.
81. Philip J. Moyer (baker).
82. Andrew Wolf (Cumru, yeo- man).
85. Nich. Kennell (beer-brewer).
87. George Sheirer.
89. Christopher Witman (cord- weiner).
90. Christopher Witman.
91. Michael Zuster (saddler).
92. George Douglass (saddler).
95. Fred'k Marsteller.
96. Henry Melchior Muhlenberg (minister).
97. Henry Souter.
98. Samuel Brackman.
99. Peter Knorr.
100. Benjamin Pearson (joiner).
105. Adam S. Kuhn (Lancaster, eequire). 107. Eleanor Waggoner.
108. George Hitner (Philadelphia, merchant).
111. Adam Gerhart (Alsace, yeo- man).
113. Henry Reuthmyer (wheel- wright). 115. Ernest Kurtz (Phila., tobac- conist).
116. Peter Bingaman (Alsace, yeo- man). 117. Mary Bishop.
118. Henry Boyle.
119. Kratt Hüner (baker).
122. Peter Trumbour (yeoman).
124. Jacob Bucher.
130. Charles Fricker. 131. Paul Derst (Exeter, inn-keep- er). 132. Andreae Shack.
133. Peter Feder (inn-keeper).
135. John Early (Lanc., joiner).
136. Henry Boyle.
137. Baltzer Schwenk (Alsace, yeo- man).
139. John Wilson (Lanc., miller).
14G. Peter Muma.
147. Henry Hahn (blacksmith).
148. Henry Lick.
149. Evan Popkins (cooper).
151. George Mich. Kreter (slaugh- terer).
152. Ulrich Richard (Heidelberg, yeoman).
153. Paul Parlet (carpenter).
154. William Miller (carpenter).
155. Sebastien Graneer (carpenter).
159. Henry Graul (Green tavn.).
160. Philip Ziegler (Tulpehocken, yeoman).
161. Henry Goodhart.
163. John Kissinger.
164. Peter Rapp (butcher).
165. George Crumlauf.
166. Jacob Conrad (Virg., emith).
167. Peter Baum (turner).
168. Fred'k Goodhart (Alsace, yeo- man).
175. Peter Baum.
180. John Kissinger.
190. Henry Gerritt (Alsace, yeo- man).
196. John Nicholae Yoet (Cumru, inn-keeper).
199. George Chris. Spengler.
253. Francie Fisher.
266. Abraham Brosius.
268. Simon Scherker.
271. Henry Graul.
275. Joseph Wilkinson.
278. Isaac Leven.
281. Philip Jacob Moyer.
282. Henry Feeder.
288. Conrad Bower.
296. Christian Bentzer (Lanc. Co.)
298. Fred'k Weiser (Heidelberg, yeoman).
299. Philip Jacob Moyer.
328. Jacob Morgan.
339. Jacob Leibrock (haker).
355. Michael Ludwig (Amity)
379. Conrad Bower.
382. Conred Bower.
383. Nicholas Retschew.
386. George Yoh (potter).
389. Abraham Smith.
390. Conrad Bower.
391. Philip Erpf (Lanc. County).
400. Adam Reifell (Aleace, cortas.)
401. Geo. Francie Winter.
404. Francie Morgan (yeoman).
405. Jacob Erpf.
443. Philip Reaser.
1753, eighty-four lots.
9. George Douglass.
10. Christopher Witman.
23. Isaac Weidner (yeoman, Al- sace).
31. Jonas Seely (justice). 47. Jonas Seely.
50. William Thomas (Chester Co.)
53. Nicholas Werner.
59. Christopher Camerer.
60. Philip Erpf.
67. Mark Sterr.
68. James Starr (brewer).
READING.
654
HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
73. John Smith (shop-keeper). 78. George Douglass.
83. Peter Weiser (saddler).
84. Peter Weiser (Heidelberg).
86. Henry Sheirer.
93. Fred'k Weiser.
104. Jost H. Sassamanhousen (Ma- natawny, blacksmith).
109. James Biddle (lawyer).
116. James Biddle.
121. Henry Sheirer.
126. Simon Sherker.
134. Isaac Levan.
138. Abraham Lovan.
143. John Steel.
156. Peter Weiser.
171. Wendell Hains.
172. George Saurbrey (baker).
174. Adam Schlegell (tailor).
179. Haus Martin Garich.
183. George Hutner.
189. Michael Rosh.
195. Lawrence Spats.
197. Michael Fichthora.
381. Martin E. Kraft.
384. Adam Reifell.
387. Nicholas Souter.
392. Adam Reifell.
397. Adam Reifell.
402. Court-House and Prison.
409. Christopher Spengler.
413. Henry Schneider.
433. George Kappus (mason).
438. George Kappus.
490. Francie Creek.
491. Francia Creek.
493. Francie Wearich.
498. Elizabeth Godschalk.
1754, seventeen lots.
Lot. Patentee.
Lot. Patentee.
88. Christian Bussey.
308. Francis Morgan.
123. Philip Breitenbach.
388. Nicholas Seitsinger (inn-kp'r).
173. Nicholas Keim.
265. Christopher Godshall.
407.
421. Calvinist Church, Reformed. 424.
285. Maria Barbara Bishoff.
290. John Hartman (tailor).
509. Peter Haws.
293. Jacob Rappolt (tiler).
512. Peter Hawa.
305. Jacob Morgan.
In the four years named patents were issued for two hundred and forty-one lots. If the conditions of sale were fulfilled, there would ap- pear to have been at least two hundred dwell- ings in the town in 1755, and one thousand in- habitants. It is possible that all the lots and patentees are not included in the foregoing statement. The estimated buildings and inhab- itants are, therefore, rather below than above the correct numbers. Nearly all of the paten- tees named were resident at Reading. The growth of the town was certainly wonderful.
In order to show when certain additional lots were patented, not included in the state- ment arranged, and when certain other persons
most probably settled in Reading, the follow- ing numbers and patentees are added :
1757 .- 200, Valentine Kerper.
1758 .- 187 and 188, Dort Pfister (cordwainer).
1761 .- 228, Fred'k Helwig ; 292, Jacob Rappolt ; 378, Jacob Kern.
1762 .- 170, Jacob Dicks (carpenter) ; 181, Moses Heyman ; 289, Fran- cis Wainwright.
1763 .- 145, Conrad Bower ; 162, Philip Klinger ; 176, Alex. Klinger ; 207, Peter Klinger ; 222, Martin Young ; 236, Francis H. Zimmerman ; 237, F. H. Zimmerman ; 346, Philip Scholl ; 347, George Schneider.
1765 .- 16, Edward Biddle (lawyer); 37, Abraham Brosius ; 38, Jacob Kearn ; 43, Michael Ruth ; 56, Heory Kealer ; 80, Jacob Fry ; 84, Chris- tian Maur ; 94, Henry M. Muhlenberg ; 129, Anthony Fricker; 140, Christian Schneider ; 150, George Bernard ; 177, Fred'k Schreyer ; 233, Wm. Ermill ; 286, Wm. Ermill; 309, Isaac Levan, Jr.
1766 .- 223, Paul Dorst.
1767 .- 141, Josiah Reese ; 144, John George Geissler; 192, Mich'I Rush; 193, Valentine Kerper ; 327, Peter Zimmerman ; 345, George Isiabis ; 412, Ludwig Dieple.
1768 .- 22, Joha Schreytee ; 303, Joachim Kepner ; 416, Henry Gosler. 1769 .- 185, Nicholas Dick ; 202, Christ'r Beyer ; 218, Adam Drink- house ; 359, Thos. Youngman.
1770 .- 393, Balthaser Fornewalt ; 440, Jacob Yeager.
1771 .- 1, Thomas Rutter ; 32, Christopher Whitman.
1772 .- 158, George Shoemaker.
1773 .- 184, Conrad and Daniel Koch ; 276, George Ream.
1776 .- 101, Reformed Church ; 102, Dort Pfister ; 112, Dort Pfister ; 224, Matthias Moyer ; 396, Henry Gossler.
In December, 1767, twenty-four water lots were laid out by John Lukens, surveyor-general, fronting on both sides of the Schuylkill River, at and near the "Ford,"-eighteen on the eastern side and six on the western. These were laid out to accommodate warehouses and encour- age transportation by water. From the "Ford," westwardly, the Tulpehocken road was indi- cated, called " road to Sinking Spring."
In June, 1776, four additional squares or blocks were laid out, between King (Third) Street and the river (Front Street), two on each side of Penn, and " divided into lots of the same dimensions as the other lots in the Town, and numbered ou from the last number in the present plan," being from No. 521 to No. 584. The two streets crossing Penn were called Treat (Second) and Bridge (Front).
GROUND-RENT.1-When the lots were laid out in the town-plan of Reading, each lot was made subject to a ground-rent of seven shil- lings, payable annually on the 1st day of March. Notwithstanding this condition, nu- merous lots were sold without the charge of
1 By act of 27th of November, 1779, the estates of the proprietaries of Pennsylvania were vested in the State and placed at the disposal of the Legislature; quit-rents were abolished, etc., and a donation made to the devisees and legatees of proprietaries of one hundred and thirty thousand pounds sterling.
272. Casper Zio. 273. Jacob Zia.
274. Fredericka Waggoner.
280. Philip Jacob Erpf (mason).
284. Andrew Fuchs.
291. Francis Morgan.
294. Conrad Bower.
295. Conrad Bower.
297. William Marck.
300. William Bird.
310. George Mich. Kreter.
312. Jacob Morgan.
314. Michael Schrack.
318. Conrad Stichter (weaver).
319. Valentine Stichter.
329. Isaac Weidner.
331. William Marck.
333. Jacob Hetler.
341. Joseph Breadlinger.
349. Peter Klinger.
350. Jacob Morgan.
356. Fred'k Volant.
357. Fred'k Volant.
199. William Cluse.
201. Paul Durat.
203. John Philip Klinger.
204. Alexander Klinger.
208. Martin Moll.
209. Andrew Engel.
217. Hans Geo. Back (baker).
221. Paul Durst.
231. Andrew Steger.
234. Everhard Martin (soap-mak- er).
235. Martin Moll.
260. Geo. Mich. Kreter.
267. Christopher Witman.
406. Lutheran Church.
270. Fredk. Feroaler.
655
ground-rent. Over sixty years after the town had been laid out, this charge, having become generally overlooked, was a great subject which agitated the citizens to a considerable degree and for a considerable time. In 1815, and again in 1818, a public notice was given to all delinquents that the ground-rents due should be paid; otherwise the lots remaining charged with them would be sold. The attorney for the Penns was apparently very lenient in his demands. He endeavored to satisfy the public that the ground-rents due could be legally collected. This professional service must have been found very objectionable, for in 1822 he notified the public that he would not settle any further ground-rents after October 15th, and that he would discontinue his agency for the Penns after that time. Nothing was subsequently done in this demand. In 1820 numerous releases of ground-rents were issued and recorded in the recorder's office at Reading. Many of the early patents are also recorded at Reading.
LIST OF TAXABLES, 1759 .- The following list of persons comprises the assessment of the town for the year 1759. It is the earliest that could be found among the county records in the court-house. It includes two hundred and sixty-nine taxables. The total assessed value of taxable property amounted to nine hundred and ninety-four pounds ; and the tax levied, ninety pounds and three shillings. Single men were each assessed at twenty shillings. Henry Hahn was the collector.
£
£
Benezet, Daniel.
4
Daum, George
Bright, Michael
8
Diehm, Jacob) .
2
Bird, William,
9
Diehm, Adam,
5
Biddle, James 12
Dick, Jacob.
6
Bishoff, John,
3
Degenhardt, Henry
4
Bucher, Jacob
5
Drury, Edward
4
Jung, Isaac
6
Rule, Henry.
I
Beruhisel, John
5
Diehm, Peter
5
Jacobs, Israel
9
Rhine, David
3
Barret, Joseph
3
Diehm, Themas
2
Joh, George.
7
Ruth, Peter.
5
Burkhardt, Jacob
2
Dehaven, Edward
1
Kuhn, Adam ..
4
Riehm, George. 1
Riehm, John, Sr I
3
Backtold, John.
2
Depoy, Widow
I
Kern, Jacob.
6
Roreboust, Bernhard
4
Baum, Peter
7
Deible, George,
Kline, Peter
1
Bernhard, George.
4
Dengler, John
2
Balde, Jacob
2
Doret, Paul.
3
Kerper, Juliue,
6
Reitmoyer, Michael,
I
Brendlinger, Joseph
2
4
Kendle, Catharine
1
Reitner, Joseph
I
Bower, Conrad,
18
Diel, George
6
Klinger, Philip.
9
Reese, Josiah
1
Brosiue, Abraham
7
Evans, ADIce
6
Kock, Adam
1 Rop, Peter.
5
Brown, Conrad
2
Engel, Andrew.
9
Klinger, Peter. 3
Ruch, Michael, Jr.
2
Breidenbach, Philip.
2 Ege, Adamı
1 Koch, Johannes 2
Reser, Jacob, Jr. 1
Creek, Francis
I
Ermel, William 6 Kerber, Valentine 10 Sammet, Christian. 1
Cluse, William
3 Early, John
1
Krimler, Henry. 5
Sweitzer, John 4
Dalman, William
3 Eissenbice, John.
Egy, Martin.
1
Klinder, Conrad.
1
Eplar, Adamı. 12
Earman, Williau. 8
Feather, Peter 12
Fisher, Jacch 5
Focks, Adam.
2
Kraueer, Sebastian
2
Frick, William 3 Krafft, Martin
2
Fix, Lawrence.
3
Faes, Adam
Feagle, Matthias
3
Fricker, Anthony.
9
Lincoln, Themas.
7
Fichthern, Michael
4
Lesher, Jehn.
2
Fetter, Michael
2
Lapler, Lorentz
1
Ficher, Dorst
6
Lebe, Paul
Levan, Isaac ..
7
Leibrook, Jacob.
4
Geiesler, George
4
Lutz, Jacob
1
Lehman, Christopher
2
Loch, Peter
1
Geiger, John
1
Geiger, Adam
2
Gross, John
1
Graff, William 4
Gerst, Henry 3
Goaler, Henry
2
Gotschall, Nicholas
3
Haga, Wolfgang ..
6
Hause, Peter (mason)
2
Huttenstein, William
15
Henry, John
1
Haus, Peter (junk'r)
8
Henderson, David
12
Henig, Balthaser
1
Heiner, Krafft.
9
Huth, Samuel.
8
Mergen, John
3
Miller, William
7
Milleisen, Christopher
2
Hollig, Barbara
3
Hugh, Owen
Neidly, Nichelas.
1 8
Hiddings, William.
1
Hauck, Joseph
2
Nagle, Simon. 2
1 2
Haag, Michael.
2
Parvin, Francis.
2
Heist, George
3
IIillegas, Michael
3
Philipi, John. 5
Perlet, Paul.
2
Haun, Henry
8
Hitner, George.
5
Hausihl, Michael.
1
Hetler, Jacob
3
Hart, Philip.
1
Handshoe, George
2
Riehm, Edward, 2
Reitmeyer, Henry. 4
3 Rice, Michael 3
Jacob, John
2
Reiffle, Adam
4
Jäger, Jacob
8
Reasor, William 15
2
Buckman, Matthias
2
Debler, Melchior
1
Kooch, William
1
Boyer, Christopher.
4
Dorff, Samuel
1
Kerper, Abraham
5
Reiff, Conrad
1
Price, EvaD ... 3
Read, Jamies, Eaq. 14
1
Maurer, ErDet. Megly, Jacob
2
Meyerly, Balthaser
4
Holdzader, Peter,
6
Hartman, John
3
Marsteller, Henry. I
3 Marckle, Christian 8
Hughes, John
i
Neidly, Christopher.
Newhardt, Conrad
1
Heinlein, Matthias
Nagle, Philip.
Pearson, Benjamin 4
2
Meyer, Matthias ..
1
Miller, Frederick 1
4
Meyer, Jacob 2
Morgan, Francie .. 4
Meng, Melchior 2
Morgan, Jacob
3
Marx, William, 1
Messersmith, Valentine, 1
Miller, Andreas
1
Moritz, Nicholas
7
Fichthore, Andrew 1
Fessing, Ph. Jacob, 2
Gibeon, Francie
2
Garrett, Henry
1
Meierly, David 3
Martin, Eberhard,
Kost, Martin 14
Kurrer, Adam Daniel. 4
Kepner, Joachim 1
Kelser, Jacob 2
Kime, Nicholas 10
Kortz, John. 2
3 Kemrer, Agath, 2 Smith, Christopher
2
Heyman, Moses. 4
Perlet, Frederick.
Rush, Michael 2
2 Imler, Ludwig 6
Jack, George.
Jung, Martin, 2 Rieff, Peter
Rabbeld, Jacch, 8
2
Kiney, Christian 1 Rose, Everhardt. 5
Dick, Nicholas.
READING.
Klinger, Alexander 10
656
HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
Shomon, Joseph
7 Weiser, Peter 10
Springer, George.
1
Wenrick, Francis.
7
Shrite, John
7
Weie, Philip. 3
Spang, Lenhart
1
Wagner, Adam 1
Shower, Michael.
1
Whitehead, Jamee 12
Shultz, Samuel
2
Wicks, Christian
1
Smith, Peter. 2
Weiser, Conrad 26
Seister, Michael
7
Wirtenberger, George. 1
Snyder, Jacob
3
Wunder, George. 1
23
Stedman, Alexander
1
Witman, Ludwig 2
Shapport, Nicholas 2
Witman, Christopher .. 6
Schultz, George 7
Wickersham, leaac. 4
Sowerbry, Widow
2
Williamson, James. 1
Strohacker, Godlieb. 2
Witman, John. 2
Zinn, Frederick. 2
Sharpar, Andrew 1
SINGLE MEN.
Snider, Henry
1
Barger, Thomas.
Seiler, Philip. 5
Hartley, Richard.
Shorp, John. 6
Jackeon, Samuel.
Shop, Gabriel. 6
Josepheon, Myer. Kimrer, Matthias.
Shreck, David 1
Spatz, Lawrence. 1
Koch, Michael.
Spatz, Michael 1
Lebo, Isaac.
Sleagle, Adam
7
Lightfoot, Benjamin.
Sprincker, Philip. 1
May, Thomas.
Senger, Henry 4
Nathan, Lyon.
Sassamanhoueen, Henry 2
Pearson, Elijah.
Seitzinger, Nicholas 12
Popkin, Robert.
Salegaher, Andreas 2
Shegtley, Michael.
Sump, George 3
Sheirer, Adam.
Smith, Abraham 1
Spindler, Lorentz.
Suder, Barbara (widow). 3
Sowermilk, John.
Smith, Andrew. 1
Starr, James.
Urledig, Valentine 4
Weiser, Samuel.
Wolf, Henry, 3
Witman, Henry.
In 1780 the town had four hundred and sev- enteen resident taxables, or fully two thousand inhabitants.
DISTRICT OF READING ERECTED .- The town of Reading and part of Alsace township ad- joining it were erected into a district called the "Township and District of Reading," at May sessions, 1760. The boundary lines to the east- ward were not then fixed. A petition for this purpose was presented on February 11, 1761; a survey was made on May 11, 1761, and the proceedings were confirmed at May sessions, 1761. The commissioners appointed by the court were Benjamin Pearson, Edward Drury, William Iddings, Martin Kast, Christopher Witman, Michael Brecht.
The district contained about nine hundred and fifty acres.
CHURCHES .- During the first decade of the town the several religious denominations were active. But it is not known which of them was first in the erection of a meeting-house. The Friends were in the ascendency in respect to gov- ernment; but their number could not be compared with the number of the Lutherans and Calvin-
ists (or Reformed). The Lutherans had, beyond a doubt, a meeting-house in 1752. It is believ- ed that the Calvinists also had one at that time, though there is no record to establish the fact. They had a fine stone church in 1761. The Friends had a meeting-house before 1760. Their minutes refer to it as having been too small and inconvenient to accommodate their services. In 1765 the several meetings of Friends at Philadelphia and Exeter concurred in the necessity of erecting another. The Bap- tists had an organization at that time; and if they did not have a place of worship in the town, it was not far distant.1 There were also Episcopalians and Roman Catholics ; but these denominations did not come to possess churches during that period ending 1783, though they held services occasionally. They assembled in the dwellings of certain members. The nearest church of the former denomination was at " Molatton," in Amity township, twelve miles distant to the southeast; and of the latter2 at "Goschenhoppen," in Hereford township, near the county line, twenty-five miles distant to the east. Possibly there was a Catholic Church in Maxatawny township also, to the northeast about twenty miles. There were Roman Cath- olics in the town from the beginning. Written complaints against them were made by certain prominent men to the provincial government in 1755; but these were disregarded.3 The largest religious denomination in the town was the Lutheran, though the Reformed was not much smaller. The members of both were zealous. They exhibited their devotion by promptly erecting, or moving toward the erection of, churches in which to carry on their services. And this they did, though they had a church only several miles to the north, in Alsace town- ship. The number of either denomination could not be ascertained. Judging from a list of
1 In Cumru township, along the Wyomissing Creek ; an- other at Sinking Spring.
2 But by the preamble of the act incorporating Reading into a borough it would appear that there was a Roman Catholic meeting-house in Reading in 1783. Four are there mentioned, three of which certainly were the Luth- eran, Calvinist and Friends.
$6 Col. Rec., 503, 533-534.
Stichter, Conrad 5
Witman, Adam.
Smith, Philip. 2
657
READING.
communicants in the Lutheran congregation in 1775, their membership was about one hundred and twenty-five.
SCHOOLS .- In the matter of schools, the in- habitants displayed much earnestness. Each religions denomination carried on a separate school-especially the Lutherans, Reformed and Friends. Though the education was secular in kind, it was tinctured to a great degree with religion. Statements have frequently been made that schools were scarce and their encouragement was backward in this district of territory in that early period,-those which existed at all having been in villages and towns. This is a mistake. Before Reading was laid out there were at least eight schools in the territory now comprising Berks County,-four to the east of the river, in Hereford, Oley, Exeter and Maiden-creek, and four to the west, in Caernarvon, Robeson, Tul- pehocken and Bethel. The education was lim- ited, having been confined mostly to spelling, reading, writing and simple arithmetic. Each scholar was obliged to pay for tuition, generally several dollars for a quarter. In some instances scholars paid a cent a day, and this payment was made each day at the close of the session. Teaching was conducted during the spring, fall and winter. The greater number, if not all, of the scholars assisted daily in labor of some kind or other at their homes. The teach- ers were men, and men only; no women, and especially no young people. The schools were generally small one-story buildings. In some cases they consisted of rooms rented for that purpose.
PUBLIC BUILDINGS .- Upon the erection of the county and the establishment of Reading as the county-town, quite naturally the county officials, especially the justices and county commissioners, took immediate steps for the erection of public buildings to subserve the convenience of transacting the public business of the county. But some time elapsed before their efforts in this direction were successful. In the mean time private buildings were used instead. The courts were held in taverns. The court-house was the first to be erected. The enterprise of the officials in this behalf was. accomplished in 1762, The public offices were
opened in February, 1766.1 The court-house was not built upon an extensive scale. A large building was not necessary. The public busi- ness of a judicial character was still limited. One clerk held all of the five offices at one time from the erection of the county till the Revolu- tion. A county jail was erected in 1770.2
MARKETS AND FAIRS .- In one of the peti- tions to the Assembly for the erection of Berks County, the petitioners represented that Read- ing, in 1751, contained one hundred and thirty dwellings, one hundred and six families and three hundred and seventy-eight inhabitants. By the foregoing assessment, it would appear that Reading, in 1759, contained one thousand two hundred inhabitants,-a growth of three hundred per cent. within ten years. In 1761 the town was erected into a separate district ont of Alsace township. With so large a pop- ulation and feeling their importance, the citizens quite naturally desired the town to possess the privilege of holding markets and fairs. They accordingly presented the following petition to John Penn, Governor of the province :
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