USA > Pennsylvania > Butler County > History of Butler County, Pennsylvania. With illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 49
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THE ORPHAN'S FARM SCHOOL.
This noble charitable institution owes its exist- ence to a native of Zelienople-the Rev. W. A. Pas: savant, D. D., of Pittsburgh, whose generous labors in behalf of orphans, have gained for him a wide reputation. He organized the Pittsburgh Orphans' Home in 1552, and the same year the first purchase of land was made at Zelienople, for the purpose of founding a farm school for the larger boys. The land, twenty five acres, was purchased from Joseph Ziegler at $60 per acre. Subsequent purebases (namely, 100 acres from Mrs. Passavant and 275 from the Passavant estate), have enlarged the farm to 400 acres.
The first building erected was a Gothic cottage, to be occupied by the Director of the proposed institu- tion. It was built in the summer of 1853. In April, IS54, Rev. Gottlieb Bassler, of Middle Lancaster, having been appointed to the charge of the Farm School, removed to the Director's house, In the spring of 1854. two years after the establishment of the Home in Pittsburgh, the city Home was over- crowded, and it was deemed advisable to make a com- mencement at the Farm School without delay. Ac- cordingly rooms were rented for this purpose in Ze- lienople, and in May, eight of the larger boys from the Home were sent as the first class of the Farm School. Ground was broken for the main building* in the spring of 1854, and the corner-stone was laid on the 4th of July with appropriate ceremonies.
Other buildings were erected, as the increasing needs of the institution demanded, and under careful management the grounds and surroundings came to attain the beautiful aspect they now wear.
* Since destroyed by fire, and its place supplied by a larger and more elegant structure.
From the reports of the institution we select the following rules for the benefit of such of our readers as may not be familiar with them:
1. Though the institution is under the care of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, children are received without reference to the religious faith of their par ents. 2. Entire orphans alone are received. 3. The children are to be legally indentured to the institu- tion. 1. The children are to remain until of age. 5. The children are to be carefully instructed in religion. 6. Every child isto be taught a trade. 7. Children above a certain age and those of vicious habits are not to be admitted.
The institution since its inception has been favored by the receipt of legacies and donations from many churches and private individuals. The dark period in its financial condition has passed: its pres- ent standing is good, and its future prospects ex. cellent.
Roy. Gottlieb Bassler, the director in charge. la bored assiduously for the welfare of the institution from its founding until his death in 187. The Farm School is now superintended by Rev. J. 1. Kribbs, who has been director in charge since 1575. Mr. Kribbs' management has been entirely satisfac tory to the friends of the institution. His faithful, conscientious labors in the discharge of the duties of his responsible position have received hearty com- mendation. Dr. Amos Lusk has been the attendant physician since the school was founded, tendering his services gratuitously during its first years,
In 1561. the institution was incorporated by act of the Legislature, and placed under the immediate supervision and control of the Board of Managers of the " Institution of Protestant Deaconesses" of Al. legheny Connty.+
CHURCH HISTORY.
St. Paul's Church, German Lutheran. - This con gregation was formed in 1521 by Rev. Schweitzer barth, who continued to be its pastor thirty years. Upon the church records we find that the church council in 1821 was as follows: Trustees, H. W. Goehring. C. O. Muller. P. L. Passavant: Elders. Jacob Gross, Francis Pfeffer, Daniel Fiedler. Jacob Heberling; Deacons, Christian Buhl, John Lambert, Adam Goehring. George Hertzel.
At first the meetings were hell in the town hall. the schoolhouse, the old church in Harmony and elsewhere. The stone church, which this congrega tion has occupied for over fifty-six years. was erected in 1826. Rev. Schweitzerbarth was very active in
* Dr. Passavant was invited to furnish a history of the Firm Schad fu this work ; but as he was unable to do so un account of the pressure of other work, the hist oian has been obliged to gh on the facts in this arti 'e from the published reports This we trust will In suffi vient apology for any omiss: fs that may be noted.
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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY
seenring funds for the building, and after the work was under way his parishioners contributed what they conld, mostly in labor. It was a formidable job to build such an edifice of stone, at a time when im- proved methods and machinery had not been intro- duced. The stones were carried on wheelbarrows up to the masons, a long scaffolding of boards having been laid from the ground to the valls of the build ing. At first, of course, the scaffold was low: but as the work progressed it was longthened and elevated until it extended many fost back from the walls.
It is said that the pastor was generally very sue. cessful in gathering funds, but his visit to the cele- brated philanthropist Girard resulted in failure. Mr. Schweitzerbarth explained to the millionaire his pro. jeet and its needs, and the latter at once wrote a check, and handed it to him. The pastor was disap- pointed at its small amount, and said in an aggrieved tone. " Mr. Girard. L expected more than this from a man of your well-known liberality." "Ah! I see I have made a mistake," remarked Mr. Girard: "let me have the check." And taking it from the elergy- man's hands, instead of renewing it and making it larger, as Mr. Schweitzerbarth confidently expected he would do. ho at once proceeded to toar the paper in pieces,
Rev. Schweitzerbarth was sneereded by Rev. Schwangofski, who labored four years. Rev. Theiss, the next pastor, remained nine years, and was sue ceeded by Rev. J. G. Butz, who is still in charge.
This church was formerly one of the largest Ger man congregations in the county: but the withdrawal of many members to form other churches has much reduced its members. The present membership con- sists of about one hundred families. The congrega tion is under the Ohio Synod.
The parish school and Sabbath-school were both organized by Mr. Schweitzerbarth, and still continne.
During the period from 1521 to 1852. there have 2. 161 baptisms and 252 burials.
The house is pleasantly situated and well for- mished. A large pipe organ of excellent tone has been in use in this church many years. The lots for the building (one acre) and for the graveyard (four acres) were donated by Mr. P. L. Passavant, who was a life- long supporter of the church.
ZELIENOPLE ENGLISH LUTHERAN CHURCH.
On the 7th day of January. IS13, a meeting was held in the session-room of the German Lutheran St. Paul's Church in Zehenople, Penn. Upon this oven sion. it was resolved by those prosent to organize an English Lutheran congregation. At this meeting. Rev. Gottlieb Bassler acted as Chairman, and Heury Muntz Secretary. The Chairman and Secretary were
appointed a Committee to report a Constitution, to be presented at the next regular meeting to convene January 21. ISI3.
The most prominent members were Henry Muntz. C. S. Passavant. E. V. Randolph. Michael Liebendar- fer. Reuben Heberling and John H. Allison.
The first officers elected were Henry Muntz and Michael Leibendarfer, Elders: and C. S. Passavant and Ronben Hoborling, Deacons.
Rev. Gottlieb Bassler became pastor of the con gregation from its organization, and labored faith- fully in this office until April 24, 1561, at which time he resigned on account of ill health, and the manifold duties imposed on him at the Orphans' Farm School, over which he was appointed Superintendent.
Ile is yet remembered as a conscientious Christian man. always faithful wherever duty called him. He now lies buried on the Orphans' Farin, his memory revered by all who knew him.
Immediately after the resignation of Rev. Bassler. a call was extended to the Rev. Jonathan Sarver, a a newly ordained minister, who accepted the call and served the congregation until April 1, 1866.
In December, 1866, the Rev. G. W. Frederick received and accepted a call. and served the congre- gation one year.
The Rev. M. L. Kunkleman was next called. and preached until April 1. 1870, at which time he re- signed and moved to Illinois.
The congregation was served by supply nutil July 1, 1871, when the Rev. M. L. Kunkleman again ro- ceived and accepted a call, and served until Novem- ber 1. 1877.
The congregation was pastorless until April 1, 1878, when the Rev. J. A. Kribbe accepted a call, and con- timmed his labors in connection with the Orphans' Farm School as Superintendent until February. ISSO, at which time he resigned, and is still laboring suc- cessfully in the interest of the orphan cause. He preached as supply until a new pastor could be se- enred. This supply continued until January 1, ISSI, at which time a call was given to the Rev. V. B. Christie, who is at the present time pastor. The church edifice is built of brick 34×44 feet. and was dedicated to the service of God July 6. 1515. The progress as to membership has been slow, but uni- form, commeneing with a membership of about twenty and now numbers eighty.
The Sunday school connected with the church was organized when the church was established, and con- times to increase, and numbers about one hundred scholars.
UNITED EVANGELICAL CHURCH.
This is an independent German organization formed in 1859 by Rev. E. F. Winter It started with
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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY
a membership of abont one hundred and ten families. The meeting-place, until 1561, was the English Pres byterian house. In that year. a house was created at a cost of abont $3,000 -a neat and substantial frame building surmounted by a steeple. A graveyard of one and a quarter agres hi I been parchase I previously. Rev. Winter continuel to officiate as pastor until 1880, when failing health compelled him to resign. Rev. Caspar Sheel is now pastor.
HARMONY.
The religious status of Germany at the beginning of this century was peculiar. Rationalism and inti- delity had long been prevalent, and even the estab lished church had become impregnated with nnortho- dox tendencies. But in Wurtemberg more than anywhere else in the nation. there still existed a strong religions sentiment, uncontaminated by ration alistic influences, as well as a spirit antagonistic to the growing faithlessness of the age, To this class belonged the Pietists, whose history date from the seventeenth century, and who, at the time of which we . speak. were led by Michael Hahn and his eo laborers. The Pietists sought to preserve the religion of their forefathers undefiled. and to bring about a reform in the church itself. Many of the common people took to studying the Bible diligently: and from their ranks arose a number of enthusiasts who came to be looked upon as prophets and leaders. Speculation ever be- gets theories, and one outgrowth of this era of inves tigation was the millennarian view of the personal coming and reign of Christ, which became one of the most prominent features of the religion of the soci- ety which founded Harmony. George Rapp. to whom this society owes its existence, was the son of a farmer and vine-planter. and was born in the town of Iptingen, Oberamt Maulbronn, Wurtemberg, October 28. 1757. He was brought up, as is usual with peo ple of his class, receiving a fair common school edu- cation. He passed his early life assisting his father upon the farm in summer, and working at weaving in winter. In 1753, he married a lady of his own rank in life, who became the mother of two children, a son and a danghter. John Rapp, the son. died of con- sumption in 1812. The daughter, Rosina, died of old age in 1549.
George Rapp was fond of reading, and at an early age turned his attention to the study of the Script ures. He was also a good conversationalist and a student of humanity as well as of books. When abont thirty years of age, not finding the religion of the es tablished church satisfactory, he began to address small andiences of his friends at his own house upon religions topies. Though the clergy strenuously opposed and denounced him, the number of his
adherents steadily increased, until at the time of his emigration to America they numbered abont three hundred families.
Rapp urged upon his followers the necessity of a striet obedience to all the laws, both of church and state. Novertheless, the clergy excited the civil an thorities against him. and at length those who were proven guilty of attending his meetings were either finod or imprisoned. The persecution was even car- ried to the extent of potitioning the King for a de eree to banish Rapp and his followers. The King in- quired for the grounds of complaint, and on learning that the offenders were orderly citizens and paid their taxes regularly, tore the petition in pieces, saying: " Let them believe what they please." But their op ponont- continued to molest them, until at length Rapp and his people felt that it would be best for them to leave their native land, and, like the New | England Pilgrims, find on a foreign shore " freedom to worship God " as their consciences dictated.
Accordingly in 1S03, at the request of his disciples, Rapp visited America, accompanied by his son. John, and two or three others, leaving the interests of his yet unorganized society in the care of his adopted sou. Frederick. He visited portions of Maryland and Pennsylvania, and went as far west as the Tus carawas Valley, in Ohio. The latter place seemed too remote from civilization, and Rapp returned to Penn sylvania and found in the beautiful vatley of the Connoquenessing suitable lands on which to found his colony. He purchased of Dr. Detmar Basse, who was then living in this valley, abont five thousand acres of unimproved land. His people were notified of the purchase, and early in the spring of 1501. three hundred of them sailed from Amsterdam, and on July 4. landed at Baltimore. Some six weeks later. ar companied by Frederick Rapp, a like number arrived in Philadelphia, having taken passage on another ship. A third ship brought the remainder of his followers. Most of the last named were prevailed upon to make a settlement in Lycoming County. Penn .. under the management of Mr. Haller, who had accompanied Rapp to this country.
Rapp met the first party upon their arrival in Bal timore, saw them located for the winter in various parts of the country, and with a chosen party of work men. returned to his land- to prepare homes for them. The winter was one of toil and hardship, but the following February (1505) the homes were ready. Before the emigrants left Germany. they had em braced some peculiar views, which. as they believed. were taught in the New Testament. They generally believed that the millennium was near at hand. " Like the primitive Christians, they were disposed to have all things in common, and sonne of them. at least,
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came to this country with the expectation of forming a community on this principle." But no such dis posal of property had yet been made. Each family had paid its own expenses from the time they left their native land until Harmony was reached.
On the 15th of February, 1505, George Rapp and his associates with as many of their scattered breth- ren as could then be gathered together. proceeded to organize the Harmony Society. Those who had wealth and those who had little alike cheerfully add- ed their possessions to the common fund. The honses were built as nearly alike as possible. 1 uniform style of dress was adopted; in short. they strove to maintain the principle of equality in everything.
Their town. very appropriately, was named Har- mony. In the spring about fifty additional families who had passed the winter in the East and elsewhere. arrived and joined the community. Several who came to America with them chose not to adopt the community principle, and accordingly made their homes wherever they wished, and were soon merged in the great American population.
About ten families, including some of the wealthi- est of Rapp's followers, became dissatisfied with the socialistic views of the majority of their brethren, and withdrew themselves with their funds. This added to the trials which already beset the community. But, despite these drawbacks, the society, with a member- ship of about one hundred and twenty-five families, went forward with its work, under the wise and en couraging leadership of Father Rapp.
The association having been organized and the few thousands of which its funds consisted having been devoted to payment for the lands and for neces- sary articles, the members of the society engaged in the work of clearing land, cultivating the soil, erect- ing buildings and following trades. The amount of work they accomplished is surprising. During the first year, they cleared 150 acres. erected forty or fifty log cabins, built a house of worship. a grist mill. shops. a large barn. ete. The following year. 450 acres were added to their clearing. a vineyard of four acres was planted. and a distille y. tannery, saw mill and brick storehouse erected. Their grain crop was sufficient for their wants, and they had 600 bush- els to sell. Three thousand gallons of whisky is like- wise reckoned among their products for this year.
Whisky and wine making, whether it be consis- tent with the character of a religious body or not, was a species of work in which the Harmonists excelled, and from the manufacture of those articles they de. rived large profits. During the year 1809, they raised 6,000 bushels of corn, 4,500 of wheat, the same quantity of rye. 5,000 bushels of oats. 10,000 , and all seem contented and happy."
of potatoes. 1,000 pounds of flax and hemp, and made fifty gallons of sweet oil from the poppy. During this year, they did spinning and wove cloth by hand. In 1810. they erected a woolen factory, where broad- cloth was made from the wool of the merino sheep. These sheep were kept in large numbers, and were a source of great profit to the society.
At this date. tive years from the organization of the society. the Harmonists numbered 1440 families, or between seven hnudred and eight hundred persons. All kinds of trades were represented among them; they had 2,000 acres of land under cultivation, and not only supplied their own community with the nec essaries of life. but received a large amount of work. such as milling, blacksmithing, etc., from the sur- rounding settlements, besides having a constantly in creasing amount of produce to sell.
The following testimony of a writer who visited Harmony about this time will be of interest. Though he pictured everything with a roseate hue, the sub- stantial truthfulness of his statements will not be questioned :
"We are struck with surprise and admiration at the astonishing progress in improvements and the es- tablishment of manufactories which the little republic has made in the period of five years. They have, in doed. made the . wilderness to blossom as the rose.' They have done more essential good for this country in the short period of five years than the same muun- ber of families scattered about the country have done in fifty. And this arises from their unity and broth- erly love, added to their uniform and persevering in dnstry. They know no mercenary view, no self-in- terest, except that which adds to the interest and hap- piness of the whole community. All are equally in- anstrions, for an idler has no companion. If any should fall into the bad practices of idleness and in- toxication, he is kindly admonished by the head of the family, backed by the countenance and wishes of the rest; but if he is found incorrigible, he is expelled from the society, so that there is no opening for the practice of vice and immorality. All attend the place of worship twice on each Sabbath, and give serious andience to the words of their venerable father and preacher, George Rapp, who from his manner ap- pears devoted both to the spiritual and temporal in- terests of his flock. They have also sermon twice every week. The children are kept in school from six to fourteen, and then are put to such trades as they may choose. Sometimes nearly the whole force of the society. male and female, are put to one object, such as pulling flax, reaping, hoeing corn, etc., so that the labor of a 100-acre field is accomplished in a day or two. In fact, all seems to go like clock work,
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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
The society, four years after the above glowing account was written, determined to change their lo- cation. Among their reasons for this change was the disadvantage they experienced from being twelve miles from navigation; besides the grape and other fruits, to whose cultivation they wished to give special attention, did not flourish here. Accordingly, in 1511. having purchased a large traet of land in Posey County, Ind . in the Wabash Valley, they determined to remove thither. A part left in the summer of 1SI4, and the remainder followed in the following spring. They had disposed of their lands in Butler County, together with all of their factories, mills and other buildings at a great sacrifice, receiving for the whole at the convenience of the purchaser the sum of $100,000.
The town as teft by them in 1815, is described by old residents as consisting of fully as many houses then as at present; but the houses of round logs, with thatched roofs of straw have given way to modern structures. The four large barns which stood at the west end of the town have disappeared. as has also the old orchard near their site. But the brick build- ings of the Harmonists are mainly standing in a good state of preservation. Before speaking of the sub- sequent history of the society, something more should be said of Father Rapp.
He was the head of the society, and both in spir- itual and temporal affairs, his word was law. He was the prophet. priest and king. All rules and regula- tions were dictated by him; he was the arbiter of all questions that arose, and from his decision there was 10 appeal. He. however, did not exercise his power tyrannically, but with a truly paternal spirit, with a view only for the welfare of his people. He was loved and roverenced, and his authority was never questioned. He had a reputation for sternness and harsh severity among outsiders, and perhaps did not hesitate in his utterances " to fulminate spiritual thunders against bold transgressors." But he was fatherly toward his followers. sympathized with them in their trials, smoothed their perplexities and pa- tiently instructed them in religion. The reverence of his people toward him grew as the years advanced. Through all the vicissitudes of the society he con- tinned his administration, and was in such good phys- ical and mental condition, even up to his ninetieth year, that he was able to preach two sermons every Sabbath, and one on Wednesday evening, besides at- tending five class meetings during the week. Some of his people, witnessing his vigor and energy in old age, were weak enough to believe that Father Rapp would never die, or at least that he would abide until the Lord's coming. He died on the 7th of Angu-t, 1847, being almost ninety years of age.
" He was a remarkable man and had performed at remarkable work. Had he been a propagandist and lived in a different age and country. he might have been known as the founder of a new sect or nation; but he had no other thought than the welfare of the small body of people who had followed him from Germany. for the purpose of serving God in their own way. He left his impress upon the society which still exists much as he left it. only with diminished numbers "
Frederick Rapp, the adopted son of Father Rapp, was likewise a man of able talent. His proper name was Frederick Reichert: he was born in 1775, and died in 1531. By trade he was a stone cutter and architect. He became one of the most devoted of Rapp's adherents, and, as he possessed great executive abilities, he became at the organization of the society its associate business manager. Father Rapp's time being fully taken up with the home management to Frederick was intrusted all business negotiations with those not members of his society, as well as the making of business trips to Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and elsewhere when necessary. He was a man of enlture, of literary tastes and a good musician. Some of the hymns of the society were composed by him. In the case of Father Rapp's illness or absence. he was accustomed to officiate as preacher.
THEIR RELIGIOUS AND SOCIAL LIFE.
The religious and social life of this peculiar people was such as we might expect to find among a band of religious enthusiasts in their situation. Their early life at Harmony was beset with difficulties. They were strangers in a strange ' land, and with small possessions. Besides being ig- uorant of the language, manners and customs of the country, they were, on account of their peculiar be- liefs and practices, necessarily looked upon with some what of suspicion by their American neighbors. Slanderous accusations and exaggerated reports of internal dissensions were spread concerning them. so that at one time they found it impossible to obtain credit at the business houses of Pittsburgh with which they had formerly dealt. The work of clearing land was now and difficult for them. Their fare at first was coarse and seanty, and sometimes they felt the terrible pangs of hunger. Their faith and patience were sorely tried; but their stout hearts and pineky German spirit enabled them to persevere and tri umph.
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