History of Berks county in Pennsylvania, Part 185

Author: Montgomery, Morton L. (Morton Luther), b. 1846
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: Philadelphia : Everts, Peck & Richards
Number of Pages: 1418

USA > Pennsylvania > Berks County > History of Berks county in Pennsylvania > Part 185

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Heidelberg Township-Hoch Deutsche Reformierte Kirche.

Alle die ein und aus gehen sollen Gott und dem Koenig getrei bleiben.

After the war for independence was over, and their allegiance to the crown could no longer be enforced, one of the builders (Rnth, it is said) exclaimed " Der verdamdt Koenig musz raus !" A chisel was procured and the word King was cut from the stone. In this condition it is still preserved in the building. In 1794 a pipe- organ was supplied. The next improvement was made in 1844; the brick floor was removed and the galleries were rebuilt, being made more sloping than previously. In 1851 a steeple was

1117

TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY.

built and supplied with a bell weighing ten hun- dred and forty pounds, and dedicated on the 19th of October, of the same year. On June 6, 1866, the centennial of the church wascelebrated in the presence of many people. Twelve years later it was decided to enlarge the church and to modernize it to meet the demands of those ac- customed to worship there. Mull, of Reading, was the architect. On April 9, 1878, ground was broken for the new part of the building.

The addition to the building gave it the shape of the letter T, and the entire dimensions of the church increased to fifty by eighty-two feet. The basement is thirty by forty-eight feet, and the tower is one hundred and thirty-two feet high. The new part is of brick and the remaining walls of the old church have been made to resemble brick-work. The interior has been handsomely finished in oil and water-colors, the entire im- provements costing eleven thousand dollars. The old bell having broken in 1884, a new one was supplied in 1885, whose volume and fullness of tone causes it to be heard many miles. The capacity of the building is a little more than eight hundred. It is sometimes too small to accom- modate all the members of the congregation. The cemetery and the church surroundings show care- ful attention on the part of those entrusted with their oversight, and the place is, with all its appointments, creditable to the community.

One of the most important events in the early history of the church was the meeting of the Coetus, on the 29th of August, 1743, which was attended by fifty elders. At that time the Rev. Jacob Lisby was the pastor, and he was the first minister who had a regular pastoral connection. The preachers before that time had been the Revs. Boehm, Weisse and Schlatter. The pastors following the Rev. Lisby were Revs. Wm. Boas, Philip Moyer, Wm. Pauli, Wm. Hendel, D.D., Frederick Herman, J. S. Dubbs, Anthony Hautz and Thomas H. Lein- bach. In 1834 the Rev. Augustus C. Pauli began a pastorate which was the most import- ant in the history of the church, and whose ministrations harmonized the congregation and caused it to increase in membership. He con- tinued until his death, in 1871. His successor was the Rev. W. F. P. Davis, who began on

the 17th of March, 1872, and continued until September 8, 1883, when Rev. W. J. Kershner became the pastor.

HAIN CEMETERY is in the immediate neigh- borhood of the church. It is controlled by a company which was organized in 1876, with the following members : Isaac Hain, Moses Gockley, John A. Weitzel, Johu W. Ernst, John H. Miller and William Yoder. The company purchased seven acres of land, and laid out two acres of the same in lots sixteen by eighteen feet.

VILLAGES.

WERNERSVILLE is on the Berks and Dau- phiu turnpike and the Lebanon Valley Rail- road, eight miles from Reading. It was laid out in December, 1855, on the lands of William Werner, after whom it was named. The plat was made by Aaron Albright, sur- veyor, and shows one hundred and thirty-one lots, located south of the turnpike and extend- ing to the railroad. The adjoining lands were owned on the north by John A. Hain and William Werner (the latter was a farmer and lived in this locality until his death), on the east by Thomas Reber and Israel Grim, and on the west was the Lerch tavern. The buildings on the plat were the houses of Reuben Keim and a tenement house, occupied by Daniel Stoudt, the father of ninetcen children. He was by trade a mason. Near him lived John Maurer, a shoemaker, who is the oldest citizen in the place, having settled here in 1852. East of him was a large stone building, put up by William Werner in 1849, and occupied by Philip Ludwig as a store. The Wernersville post-office was established in 1853, and first opened there. Farther down the pike was the fine stone mansion of William and Rebecca Werner, erected in 1844 ; farther east, at what is now the lower end of the village, was the inn kept by ex-Sheriff Binckley, still owned by the family. The Lerch tavern was in a large rongh-stone building, put up before 1800, and kept in 1855 by Daniel Lerch. Its use as a public-house was long ago discontinued. It is still in excellent condition as a residence belonging to the Lerch family. Other early settlers of Wernersville were Jonas Kuorr,

1118

HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.

carpenter ; Daniel Seitzinger, blacksmith ; Michael Newman, blacksmith ; Charles Spohn, tailor ; Michael Shrum, wheelwright ; Fred. Werner, tinsmith ; Samuel Charles, saddler ; Harry Wolfekill, plasterer ; Reuben Landis, cigar-maker. The latter trade was carried on in 1885 by-Franklin B. Sohl in a factory with thirty hands. Allison H. Eirich was the first coach-maker and he was succeeded by John Roether. At the Lerch tavern the first stores were kept.

In 1872 J. W. Deppen put up a large build- ing in the western part of the village, in which he has kept a public-house, and where the firm of Deppen & Wenrich has also merchandized. In this place is kept the Wernersville post- office, Dr. J. W. Deppen, postmaster, since Oc- tober, 1885. There are four mails per day. Prior to its establishment here the office was kept at the Wernersville tavern, opposite the depot, by Charles Spohn. The building was put up in 1847; but was not at first used as a tavern. A fine grain warehouse, built by J. W. Deppen, is occupied by E. M. Witman, who is also a large lumber dealer.

One of the first located physicians was Dr. Edward Livingood, who removed to the West. A Dr. Kalbach, after being in practice a short time, removed, and Dr. Jacob Addams succeed- ed him. During the war he became a surgeon in the army. Dr. R. D. Weinrich became a practitioner at this place in 1864, and continued until 1879, when he took charge of the "Moun- tain Home." Dr. J. W. Deppen became a citi- zen of this place in 1872 and has followed his profession since that time. Dr. David H. Haines, after being in practice a few years, re- moved to Mount Pleasant. Since 1883 Dr. J. M. Myers has been in successful practice. The present veterinary surgeon is Dr. William H. Seitzinger, who succeeded Dr. Reuben H. Spon- agle.

Lower Heidelberg Live-Stock and Theft Insur- ance Company was incorporated November 3, 1873. In January, 1886, the company reported a membership of one hundred and sixty-six and the following officers : John Roether, president ; Frederick Frees, vice-president ; John A. Weit- zel, treasurer and collector ; M. E. Smeltzer,

secretary. The operations of the company are confined within a radius of twenty miles and have been successfully conducted since its or- ganization. The rates of insurance have aver- aged about two dollars per hundred. The total disbursements per year are about twelve hundred dollars, which amount is nearly all collected on the mutual plan, there being only a small re- serve fund. The home office is at Wernersville.

BROWNSVILLE is a small hamlet in the north- western part of the township, containing about twenty buildings, an inn kept by Moses Bal- thaser and a store by M. W. Kieth. The latter is also the postmaster of the Lower Heidelberg office, established there in 1864. The place takes its name from the Brown family, who were early merchants at that point. Sebastian Blind- lein carries on the business of coach-maker. East from this place is an old-time inn, popu- larly called the "Dry Tavern," not because those patronizing it could not obtain stimulating drinks, but because there is no running water in the locality. It was opened some time about 1800.' Its use as an inn has long since been discontinued. Eastward, on the same State road, Isaac Addams opened another public- house at a later day, which was quite popular before the era of railroads. Isaac Addams, Jr., was also a landlord, and the place was last kept by the Haag family. The place was closed to the public about fifteen years ago, and the house is now a farm residence.

BLUE MARSH is the name of a small village in the northern section of the township, close to the Tulpehocken Creek. It has been known by this name for one hundred and fifty years. The Rebers were some of the earliest settlers in that vicinity. The place contains a number of dwellings, which extend along the " Bernville Road " for half a mile.

LORAH .- At the top of the hill, south of Blue Marsh, commonly known as "State Hill," a post-office was established recently. It con- tains a fine two-story tavern, coach-making es- tablishmeut, blacksmith-shop and several build- ings.

HEALTH RESORTS have given this locality great prominence. The mountains have pecu- liar configurations which afford gentle exposures

1119

TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY.

and sheltered sides, beaming with the warmth of the glowing sun, or fanned by cooling breezes. This locality is almost wholly free from fogs, which sometimes hang over moun- tain-sides, and having a sandy and gravelly soil, which assures quick drainage in case of rains, there is no dampness and seldom any dew in summer. The temperature is equable, and Bayard Taylor pronounced it the finest cli- mate in the world.

Dr. Charles Frederick Leisenring was the first person to utilize these advantages for sani- tary purposes. In 1849 he put up a small frame building near the site of the present large "Grand View House." The place was not so accessible as at present, and institutions of that kind had not yet been popularized. He con- tinued successfully for nearly ten years, till his death. In this time he established a promising business and prepared the way for institutions of this kind. Dr. Aaron Smith then purchased the property, and shortly afterward (1860) im- proved the place by erecting a fine, large stone building. He conducted the enterprise with increasing success. In 1867 he erected a large stone addition to the building, and in 1874 a fine frame cottage opposite the main building. During this time Dr. R. T. Trall, of New York City, leased the institute and carried it on a year (1864-65). In 1874 Dr. J. S. Preston became the lessee, and shortly afterward Dr. Robert Walter. The latter was very successful for over three years. He then founded an in- stitution of his own, a · mile to the west, on a much more comprehensive scale, when the " Home " was again conducted by Dr. Smith for five years. In 1879 Drs. R. D. Wenrick and J. W. Deppen became the proprietors. They improved the property, changed the Home to an eclectic institution and have since been very successful. The main building and annex are heated by steam.

There are miles of walks and drives leading to many local points of interest. Included with the -property are groves of native timber, some of them several acres in extent, and which are named after the woods growing there. "Cush- ion Peak " is also a part of this property. Tour- ists have declared the view from the buildings

and also from this peak to be unsurpassed by any in America or Europe. It extends to the "Delaware Water Gap," seventy-five miles to the northeast, and to the Swatara Gap, thirty miles to the north west, overlooking the Schuylkill and Lebanon Valleys, with all their numerous fine farms, growing towns and busy thoroughfares. Since the ownership and management of the place by Messrs. Wenrick & Deppen, it has been known as " The Grand View House," and patronized by many people every year from all parts of the country.

Walter's Park Sanitarium .- After leaving the " Mountain Home" Dr. Robert Walter secured a fine site, one mile to the west, on the northerly slope of the South Mountain, and there erected a superior building for the accom- modation of his patients and guests, taking pos- session in May, 1877. This building is known as "Chestnut Lodge." The patronage was so liberal in the summer and fall of 1877 that tents were erected to afford shelter, and he at once began the erection of " Maple Wood Hall," which was finished by the summer of 1878. In the spring of 1879 he built the " Home Cottage," and in August of that year began work on "Science Hall," completing it in 1880. The last-named is an imposing build- ing, forty-eight by sixty-four feet, five stories high, exclusive of the attic, and is properly the hotel part of the sanitarium, containing the offices, parlors, dining-rooms, etc. The follow- ing year additional cottages were built, and, in 1882, a fine gymnasium. These four buildings are of stone, lined throughout to prevent damp- ness. Including piazzas, they aggregate three hundred feet front, and are arranged in semi- circular form, so as to obtain sunlight and air in abundance. They are capable of accommo- dating one hundred and fifty persons. The main building has an elevator for the use of feeble persons.

The parlors are large and airy, capable of seating two hundred persons. The dining- room is equally capacions and comfortable. The ceilings are twelve feet in height. The piazzas are double, extending around the principal buildings, connected with three floors, and so arranged that any one may walk out upon level

1120

HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.

ground from any one of them-an unusual con- venience and safe fire-escape.

The gymnasium and bowling-alley are seven- ty-five by twenty-two feet in dimensious, twelve feet to ceiling, with abundant apparatus, health- lift, Indian-clubs, horizontal-bars, swings, trav- eling-rings, railroad, Gifford's apparatus for row- ing, etc., giving complete facilities for exercise.

The buildings are heated by steam. Each of the three lower floors is supplied with pure, soft water, obtained from the mountain, at an eleva- tion above the buildings. The park comprises two hundred and forty acres, with over a score of buildings. The piazzas, and the property The South Mountain Sunset Home is a re- generally, afford magnificent views of the coun- sort for summer boarders, and occupies a com- try to the north and east for many miles. The landscape gardener has embellished the grounds, bringing nature and art to- gether with harmonious effects. More than two miles of walks and drives have been provided on the grounds, which afford a pleasing variety for all classes of persons.

The offices have telegraphic and tele- phonic connection. Dr. Walter and his wife have been very successful in building up and carrying on this sanitarium. The principles which they set forth, and the practices which they follow, have given the place its popularity and success.

Sunny-Side Sanitarium is on the south- ern side of South Mountain, which insures it some advantages of location not possessed by the other places. It is three miles from Wernersville and about ten miles from Reading. Its situation upon a small platean, eight hundred feet above tide-water, and four hundred feet above the adjacent valley, gives it a view both extensive and beautiful. A large portion of Lancaster County is spread before it like a great map. In the rear of the building, on the moun- tain-top, an observatory has been erected, which gives an additional elevation, from the summit of which a grand view is afforded to the north, east, south and west, overlooking mountains and valleys. The property embraces fifty acres of land, most of it sloping gently towards the south, and enjoying the protection and shelter of the wooded heights beyond. This delightful location was selected by Dr. James S. Preston.

He began improvements in 1879, and completed. the buildings in the spring of 1880. The main building is of gray mountain stone, lined, and contains three full stories and a basement, ar- ranged for comfort and convenience. It is cap- able of accommodating seventy-five guests. Hot aud cold water are supplied on each floor. The rooms are so arranged that the sun shines into every one. It is a delightful place, and the proprietor has been very successful. It is a popular institution since the spring of 1885. James H. Preston, a son of the founder, has been the proprietor.

RESIDENCES AND PAPER-MILLS OF CHARLES L. VAN REED. [SEE INDUSTRIES IN SPRING TOWNSHIP.]

manding site near the summit of the moun- tain. The building is of gray mountain stone, four stories in height, with an obser- vatory on the top, which commands a fine view. It was erected by Francis Grosch in 1876, and additions and improvements were made by him in 1880, and in 1885 by the proprietor. The entire building contains sixty rooms, capable of accommodating one hundred persons. The dining and reception-rooms are spacious. This resort is complete in all its ap- pointments, and has been conducted very success- fully by Mr. Grosch for ten years.

BIOGRAPHICAL.

THE VAN REED FAMILY .- The progenitor of the Van Reed family in Berks County was

TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY.

1121

John Van Reed, who died April 18, 1820, in his seventy-third year. He was married to Eva Yost. Among their children was a son, Henry Van Reed, born in 1780 and settled in Lower Heidelberg township, Berks County, on a tract of land now owned by Charles L. Van Reed. He was united in marriage to Mary Reber. Their children were Mary (born December 13, 1800), Elizabeth (May 1, 1803), Charles (Octo- ber 12, 1807), John (July 1, 1810), Thomas (October 13, 1812), Levi (March 10, 1815).

ber, M.D.), Mary, second, (August 19, 1839, who died March 29, 1842). Henry Van Reed built a paper-mill in Lower Heidelberg town- ship, but did not long survive to witness its successful operation. His son Charles succeeded to the interest and for years conducted the mill, practically establishing the business on a firm basis. Having finally abandoned active busi- ness, he leased the mill to his son Henry, who became the head of the paper manufacturing interest. Charles Van Reed was an enterpris-

CHARLES VAN REED.

Mary Van Reed married Samuel Knape, Eliza- beth became the wife of Daniel Baum, Charles married Rebecca Zacharias, Jolın married Mary B. Adams, Levi married Amelia B. Bowerman and Thomas married Eliza Ruth. Henry Van Reed died July 13, 1826. Charles and Rebecca Zacharias Van Reed had children,-Henry (born September 14, 1827), Rebecca (May 24, 1830, married to Rufus Adams), Mary (May 26, 1832, who died February 1, 1835), Charles (July 22, 1834, who died March 16, 1842), Elizabeth (August 17, 1837, married to Charles T. Re-

ing citizen and a man of much public spirit. He served in the office of county treasurer of Berks County. His son Henry married Mary, a daughter of Christian Leinbach, of Bern township. Their children are Emma L. (born September 24, 1850, married to Harrison R. Epler), Charles L. (March 31, 1853), Clara L. (December 4, 1854, married to D. K. High, of Cumru township) and Joseph L. (October 31, 1856, who died January 8, 1868).

The business of paper-making having in- creased greatly, Henry Z. Van Reed purchased

1122

HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.

a grist-mill at the mouth of the Cacoosing Creek, which he converted into a paper-mill and conducted successfully until his death, when it became, by inheritance, the property of his son, Charles L. Mr. Van Reed enjoyed the reputation of being one of the most sagacious business men of the county, his opinion and judgment being often sought and received with

deacon. He died March 8, 1879, in his fifty- second year. His son, Charles L. Van Reed, was born on the homestead at Lower Heidel- berg. From boyhood he became familiar with the paper-mill owned by his father, and finally entered it as an assistant, in 1873 assuming the management of the establishment. The prop- erty, on the death of his father, became his by

great deference. As a citizen, he was public- spirited and foremost in advancing the interests of his township. He was a director of the Na- tional Union Bank of Reading. He was a Whig in the days of that party, and since a Republican. He was first a member of the First Reformed Church of Reading, and later of the St. John's Reformed Church of Sink- ing Springs, in which he filled the office of

inheritance, since which time he has continued its successful management as the sole owner. His extensive business interests preclude par- ticipation in public affairs, though frequently solicited to represent the Republican party as a candidate. Mr. Van Reed was, on November 18, 1875, married to Laura E., daughter of Christian Hertzler, of Mechanicsburg, Cumber- land County, Pa. Their children are Henry

TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY.

1123

H. (born September 11, 1877, who died August 14, 1878), Mary H. (May 10, 1881), Charles Raymond (June 23, 1882). Mr. Van Reed is a member of St. Paul's Memorial Reformed Church of Reading.

CHARLES V. R. EVANS is descended from Welsh ancestry. Three brothers emigrated from Wales about the year 1720, and landed

the Schuylkill River. He married a Miss Thomas, to whom was born, among other children, a son, Philip Thomas Evans. He inherited the homestead and was by occupation both a farmer and a miller. He was married to Elizabeth, daughter of John Van Reed, ot Cumru township. Their children were Thomas, John, Joshua, Charles V. R., Henry, Mary

Char Llan Reed .

in Philadelphia. All started on a prospecting | (married Peter Bright) and Elizabeth (married tour through Pennsylvania with a view to the to Thomas Jones). purchase of land.

Daniel, settled in Chester County, a second in Montgomery County, and Philip, who located in Berks County, is the progenitor of the. branch of the family represented by the sub- ject of this biographical sketch.

Joshua Evans, in the direct line of descent, resided in Cuinru township, on the west side of |

Charles Van Reed Evans was born on the 4th of March, 1810, in Cumru township, and spent his youth on the homestead. His early education was obtained in the log school-house erected by the neighbors in the vicinity, the services of a teacher being paid for by the patrons of the school. He afterward gave his time and labor to his father in connection with

1124

HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.

the farm, and on the death of the latter, and a consequent disposition of the estate, he inherited his patrimony, and with it purchased the farm he now owns in Lower Heidelberg township. After a life of industry he retired from active labor and transferred the resposibility of the farm to his son John, who now directs its culti- vation. Mr. Evans was, in 1836, married to Maria, daughter of William Spohn, of Lower Heidelberg township. Their surviving chil-

youth been an invalid, and his case finally re- garded as hopeless, he was induced, in 1862, to seek restoration to health at the water cure lo- cated at Danville, N. Y. The benefit he re- ceived while under this peculiar treatment led to the study of health subjects and finally to the investigation and study of hygienic medica- tion. He entered the Hygeo-Therapeutic Col- lege and was graduated from that institution in 1873. Removing to Franklin County, Pa., soon

Charles. V.P. Evans

dren are Jane, John (married to Margaret Van | after, he practiced his profession for one season, Reed), Thomas and Anne. Mr. Evans is a and the following year leased the water cure es- tablishment located at Wernersville, Berks County, Pa., which he successfully conducted for a period of three years. Republican in his political faith. He has held various township offices. He enjoys the con- fidence of his fellow-citizens to such an extent as to have frequently been appointed guardian, executor and administrator.

ROBERT WALTER is the son of George and Betsey Walter, who emigrated from England in 1837 and located in Western Canada. Their son Robert was born in Halton County, Onta- rio, on the 14th of February, 1841, where he remained until his twentieth year. Having in

In 1876 Dr. Walter purchased ground in Lower Heidelberg township, Berks County, and began the erection of buildings, increasing the dimensions and capacity of the institution from year to year until, in convenience and comfort, it is one of the most perfect in the State. The doctor claims to have established a distinct sys- tem of medication in which the use of drugs is

Robs Walter

1125

TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY.

wholly avoided. The correctness of his theory has been demonstrated in the success of his treatment and the popularity of the institution, which the experience of several years has fully confirmed. Dr. Walter was on the 4th of July, 1872, married to Eunice C. Lippincott, daughter of John Lippincott, of South China, Maine. Their children are Maud Marion, Robert L., Mabel Helen, Stella M. and Earnest Albert.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Berks county in Pennsylvania, Part 185

Author: Montgomery, Morton L. (Morton Luther), b. 1846 Publication date: 1886 Publisher: Philadelphia : Everts, Peck & Richards Number of Pages: 1418

Author: Montgomery, Morton L. (Morton Luther), b. 1846
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: Philadelphia : Everts, Peck & Richards
Number of Pages: 1418