USA > Pennsylvania > Lancaster County > History of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men > Part 104
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pointed wardens, and Rev. E. Y. Buchanan was . forts of its present pastor, Rev. E. W. Gaylord, at an elected rector.
proved unsuccessful. The first services of this parish were held in a school-house (which is still standing on the same lot with the church), Sept. 12, 1841. The parish and church were admitted into the dio- vese at a convention held in 1842, at which time there were seven communicants, one of whom is still living.
The congregation grew too large for the school- house, and steps were taken towards procuring funds and erecting a larger building. A resolution was passed by the vestry Feb. 27. 1843, for that purpose, and on Monday, Aug. 7, 1848, the corner-stone was laid. Charles Myers was the builder. At this time there were sixteen families belonging to the church, there were twelve communicants, and the Sunday- school consisted of forty scholars, Dec. 3, 1843, the church was consecrated.
Since the erection of the church a steeple with bell was added to it. There have been 500 baptismis, The present sub-districts in the township are : No. 1, Paradise; No. 2, Centre ; No. 3, Williamstown ; No. 4, Harristown; No. 5, Willow Grove; No. 6. Bellemonte; No. 7, Cedar Hill; No. 8, Spring Valley ; No. 9, Black Horse; and No. 10, Locust Grove. Of 116 marriages, 187 burials, and 199 communicants. The present number of communicants is fifty-one. The Rev. E. Y. Buchanan was rector for a period of thirteen years. Rev. B. B. Killikelly, D. D., succeeded him, and was rector eight years, Rev. J. F. Esch had these the schools in Nos. 1 and 9 are graded schools, "charge for a short time. Rev. II. K. Brown, M.D., with two teachers each. The houses in these districts are three of stone, four brick, and three of wood, all in good condition, and all furnished with modern improved fixtures. was rector for fifteen months. Rev. Thomas Burrows succeeded him, and stayed two years. Rev. HI. C. Pastorions was rector four years. The present rector, Rev. J. Me.A. Harding, assumed charge of the parish Sept. 1, 1879.
Previous to the organization of this parish the fol- lowing-named Episcopal ministers held services in the Methodist Church in Soudersburg, near Paradise : Rev. Mr. Varian, Dr. Cruse, R. W. Morgan, J. B. Clemson, and Mr. Clarkson.
All Saints' Cemetery is located on the south side of the church, and was used as such when the parish was organized. It is on an elevation of ground called "Lafayette Hill," and was used as a burial-ground by the Indians many years ago; some of their bones are still found. The cemetery incloses about one acre of ground, and is kept in perfect order.
The Paradise Presbyterian Church .- The Pres- byterian Church in Paradise village was built in 1840 for the better accommodation of the members of Leacock Church residing on or south of the turn- pike. It has no separate organization from the old church, being governed by the same session and trus- tees, and composed in a large part of the same con- gregation. Services are held on alternate Sabbath mornings in both 'churches, except in the winter months, when all the services are held in the church in Paradise.
In 1881 the building was enlarged through the ef- expense of five thousand five hundred dollars, the improvements being a new lecture-room and an ex- tension to the front, with the addition of a steeple
Previous to this time there was an effort made to organize a parish and secure funds for the building of a church at Carpenter's Cemetery, but these efforts | and bell. The congregation is large, and at present
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HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
the renovated house of worship is one of the most attractive in its internal arrangements in the coun- try. There is a cemetery on the north side of the church, covering an area of one and one-half acres; it is inclosed by a high and substantial fence, and is used principally by members of the church for the burial of their dead.
Old Mennonite Church .- This church is located in Paradise, and was built in 1847. The building committee consisted of Jacob Denlinger, John Den- linger, Samuel Eby, and John Mollinger. Services are held every two weeks, and a large congregation is always present. The following is a list of the minis- ters from the time of its organization : Peter Eby, Joseph Hershey, Samuel Wenger, deceased. Hanc Eby, the present bishop, is the minister in charge at the present time, and is assisted by John Ronk and Jacob Hershey. In 1880 the church added about three-fourths of an acre of land to their yard. There is no cemetery connected with the church.
Carpenter's Cemetery .- This is the oldest burying- ground in the township, and is situated on an eleva- tion of ground at the junction of the " Black Horse" road with the Strasburg Railroad. Previous to her death, Mary Ferree selected this spot (which is situ- ated in about the centre of her former possessions) as a burying-place for herself and family, and she was the first to lie within its quiet walls. Her death occurred in 1716.
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After the country became more densely populated, and this was used as a publie burying place, a charter was obtained for it by Abraham Carpenter, Joseph Ferree, Isane Ferree, David Witmer, and Adam Light- ner, who had a substantial wall of stone built around it, and other improvements added. Among those buried on these grounds are the Ferrees, Carpenters, , Lightners, Witmers, Lefevres, Stambachs, Esben- shades, and Armstrongs.
Frantz Cemetery. - This cemetery was laid out about 1815 on land donated by Jacob Frantz and ' who continued there two years, the shop then being John Denlinger. It is located on the north side of the turnpike, on the Bellemont and Intercourse road. A school-house originally stood on these grounds, and its old walls form a part of the inclosure. The first person buried in this cemetery was Maria Frantz.
Pequea Lodge, No. 161, I. 0. 0. F .- This lodge was instituted Feb. 16, 1816, in Sondersburg, with the following officers: William P. Michael, N. G .; Samnel Miller, V. G .; John F. Lefevre, A. S. ; Jo-
Present officers are: 11. S. Kendig, N. G .; Elmer Wiker, V. G. ; D. W. Edwards, Sec. ; Howard Miller, Asst. Sec. ; W. C. Frew, Treas. This is among the oldest lodges in the State, and among the first in the county for its careful and correct mode of working.
Insurance Company .- The Lancaster County Mu- tual Fire Insurance Company was incorporated April 19, 1841, with Heury F. Slaymaker, William Noble, William Henderson, Dr. Samuel Duffield, and James G. Henderson as corporators. The first officers were William Noble, president, and Henry F. Slaymaker, secretary and treasurer.
On Jan. 14, 1851, N. E. Slaymaker was elected to the position of secretary and treasurer, and the office was removed from Salisburyville to Williamstown. ITe acted as secretary and treasurer until January, 1882, when John S. Witmer was elected in his stead, and the office was moved to Paradise. The amount of insurance in force Jan. 1, 1883, was $8,836,556.78. The following is a list of the present officers : John S. Witmer, secretary and treasurer; Directors, Sam- uel Sloenm, president, N. E. Slaymaker, A. K. Wit- mer, C. L. HTimes, A. P. Mellvain, John N. Woods, Dr. S. R. Sample, John Seklomridge, Joseph F. Wit- mer.
The Wenger Carriage Factory, Paradise .- In 1847, A. K. Witmer erected at the east end of the village of Paradise (on a traet of land purchased from Jacob Witmer, his unele) a small, one-story shop, i which was first occupied as a wheelwright shop, by Martin Shultz. In 1852 or 1853, William Cox, of Lancaster, took possession of the shop and carried on carriage-making. Cox removing to Lancaster, was succeeded by Francis Snyder, who continued the car- riage business until his death, in 1858. The property was then sold by A. K. Witmer to Jolin Wenger, whose son, Joseph E. Wenger, carried on a thriving business in the manufacture of carriages for eight years, and was followed by his brother, 1. E. Wenger, taken possession of by a younger brother, Jacob Weniger, the present proprietor, and has been carried on by him for fifteen years.
Instead of the one-story wheelwright-shop there now stands a large three-story building, employing from twenty to twenty-five men. The annual busi- ness is twenty-five thousand dollars.
Frew's Carriage Factory .- Mr. Nicholas Danner, in 1875, built a large carriage factory on his land ad- seph H. Graybill, Treas. The meetings were held in joining his hotel. It was leased by S. W. Frew and John F. Reese, who conducted the business for two years and established a large trade. In 1877, Mr. Reese withdrew from the firm and Mr. Frew took
a brick building in that place for a number of years, but the lodge, concluding to remove to Paradise, pro- cured rooms from Mr. Amos Witmer, and they are now hobling their meeting- in his building, over the . charge of the business, and conducted it for a period store, on Saturday evening of each week. Since the of two years, when his brother, W. C. Frew, bought time of its organization this lodge has initiated two , the right and fixtures, and he is now conducting one hundred and twenty members. Its membership is . of the finest trades in the country. The shop has a now sixty-one, and its treasury has in it about three capacity for working twenty-five men and is doing a thousand dollars. business of twenty-five thousand dollars.
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PARADISE TOWNSHIP.
Paradise Tannery .- This was established by Daniel Espenshade. At first it had twenty vats, and its only machinery was a one-horse bark-mill. It has since been owned by Daniel Lefevre, Samuel Foster, Jonathan Leidigh, Isaac Leidigh, and the present owner, Isaac Lichty. It has been remodeled and en- larged, and a twelve horse-power engine was put in it by Mr. Leidigh. Its present capacity is two thou- sand five hundred hides per year. It employs five hands.
Schum's Factory .- About 1840, Christian Hess built, on the site of an old fulling-mill in the north- east corner of Paradise township, a woolen-factory. After the death of Christian Hess it became the property of his son Moses, who, in 1864, sold it to George Levan. In 1866 he sold it to Philip Schum, by whose heirs it is now owned and conducted. It is a stone structure, and its machinery is propelled by the water of Pequea Creek. Formerly woolen-cloth was manufactured here, but now the mill is used for the manufacture of cotton and woolen yarn. Four hands are employed in the establishment.
Slaymaker's Kilns .- These kilns were established about the time of the building of the railroad, and are close to Mellvain's kilns about one mile east from Leaman Place.
The property originally belonged to the Bowers estate. The next owner was G. D. Mellvain, and at his death Robert P. Mellvain inherited it. The quarries and kilns are now leased by G. D. Playmaker, who supplies Charles Warner & Co., of Wilmington, Del., with all its products.
McIlvain's Kilns .- In 1832, when the State Rail- road, now Pennsylvania Railroad, was made, it opened a fine quarry of limestone on the property of John Slaymaker.
Mr. Slaymaker erected two kilns and commenced burning lime for building and fertilizing purposes. . In 1848 the father of the present owners, Albert and Porter Mellvain, became the owner, and at the time of his death, in 1867, the present firm of Mellvain & Brother took possession.
In 1869, finding that a better article was wanted for building purposes, they erected, at an expense of two thousand five hundred dollars, a kiln for the manufacture of wood-burnt lime, which has a ca- pacity of two hundred bushels in twenty-four hours. The lime is shipped to Philadelphia and Reading, Pa., Wilmington, Del., and Baltimore, Md.
Pequea Quarries .- These quarries are situated about one-half mile north of Paradise, on the line of the Pennsylvania Railroad. They were first owned by Hiram Witmer, and leased by John Keller in 1864, who took ont flagstone and ballast for the railroad.
In February, 1872, James Young leased them, and erected two derricks which were run by horse-power. During the spring of ISSI an engine was placed in it to hoist the stone, some of which measured four feet square by two feet thick. The stones are principally
used for building bridges, and are shipped to differ- ent parts of the State. This is the finest limestone quarry in the county, and one of the best in the State. At present it employs forty quarrymen and nine ent- ters. The third derrick is in course of erection.
The quarry is superintended by Samuel Johnston. After the death of Hiram Witmer, in 1881, his son, Joseph Witmer, became its owner.
Doner's Mill .- In 1760, Frederick Wise, a German, built a small grist-mill, distillery, and hemp-mill at the base of the Mine hill, on what is now called Wolf Rock road. The mill was one and a half stories high. Wise lived there about fifty years, and amassed a large for- tune. After his death, George Eckert, Esq., married the widow, who was still young, and assumed charge of the same. Twenty years after this J. R. Eckert bought it, and in a few years sold it to Jacob Eshle- man, who added to it a story and new machinery. Eshleman owned it abont twenty years, and after his death it was sold to Nathan Sharpless, who owned it five or six years, when Daniel Rice became its possessor. Rice lived there ten years, when it was sold to Elias Doner, its present owner, in 1873. It is run by a large overshot water-wheel, and has one burr and one chopper.
Rohrer's Mill, situated one mile south of Stras- burg road, and in the southwestern part of the town- ship, occupies one of the oldest mill-sites in the county. The early history cannot be ascertained further than that there was a small mill built there in the early settlement of the county. In the course of time this mill, being too small, was torn down, and one of larger proportions erected to take its place. In 1834, Henry Rohrer purchased from the Den- lingers the frame mill which, in 1852, was taken pos- session of by his son, Christian Rohrer, who removed the old mill and built a large briek grist- and saw- mill in its stead. In 1879 it was enlarged by the ad- dition of an end to the main building, in which was placed a fifteen horse-power engine. The water- power is derived from Calamus Run.
Spring Valley Mills .-- About the year 1800, Abra- ham Carpenter built a small mill on London Run, near the centre of the township. The original struc- ture was stone, and some time after a saw-mill was attached, and an engine added to the motive power.
In 1858, John Ranek became its possessor, and lif- teen years ago he rebuilt it with brick. It is now run by a large overshot water-wheel.
Brua's Mill .- This mill was bought by David Wit- mer previous to the year 1800. The name of its builder cannot be ascertained, but is supposed to have been Joseph Ferree. The mill has changed hands several times since its erection, and is now owned by Daniel, John, and Frank Brua. Ten years ago this mill was burned, but it was immediately re- built by the Brua brothers,
Beiler's Mill .- This is the last mill on the Pequea Creek, in Paradise township, and is owned by George
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HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
Beiler. It was built in 1825 by Michael Mussleman, who owned it until ten years ago, when it was bought 'by George Beiler, its present owner. The mill is now being run by Elam Trout, and, though a small mill, is considered one of the best in the township.
Evergreen Mill, owned by the Eshleman estate, and located on Pequea Creek, is a large three-story mill, with two burrs and two chopping-stones. The present lessee, Mr. Christian Hershey, is doing a thriving business.
London Vale Mill .- This mill is situated on Lon- don Run, and owned by Silas K. Eshleman, who rents it.
Osceola Mill was originally an old forge called Springwell forge. In 1800 George Eckert, Esq., built a mill on the same site, which was held by him until 1867. It was then sold to Israel Rohrer, who sold it to his brother, Martin Rohrer, and the name was changed from Springwell to Osceola. Martin Rohrer rebuilt the mill and furnished it with first-class ma- chinery. Mr. Rohrer shortly afterward sold it to Martin Snavely, who is still its owner.
Justices of the Peace .- The following is a list of the justices of the peace of Paradise township from its organization up to the present time: Isaac B. Burrows, 1846; Daniel Lefevre, 1848; N. E. Slay- maker, 1852; John B. Warfel, 1855 ; Martin D. Hless, 1859; John B. Warfel, 1860; William M. Slaymaker, 1862; I-aac Phinegar, 1863; George Anthony, 1864; Henry Kendig, 1864; Henry Miller, 1865; Isaac Leidigh, 1865; II. C. Miller, 1866; John G. Free- land, 1867; Milton B. Eshleman, 1868; R. P. Mell- vain, 1872; Robert Girvin, 1873; W. C. Frew, 1875; Jacob M. Eby, 1878; W. C. Frew, 1880; II. 1. Rohrer, 1883.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
HON. WILLIAM HAMILTON.
passed his life in Leacock township. Hle married Isabella Knox, and had six children, viz., Lyle, Sally, Robert, Margaret, William, and John. Of these, William was the only one who married, and who survives, at the present writing ( 1883). Hle grew up on the paternal farm in Leacock, and attended the district schools of the neighborhood. At the age of sixteen he went out to labor among the farmers, and continned in that arduous line of employment until he attained the age of twenty-five years. He then entered the service of the Pennsylvania Rail- road Company, and filled the position of supervisor of a section six miles in length for five years. On Feb. 29, 1848, he married Louisa, daughter of Henry and Susan Slaymaker, of Paradise township, and soon thereafter took up his residence at Williamstown, where he has since continued to live.
At an early period in life Mr. Hamilton manifested a taste for public life and the science of politics, and through that source has become widely known in his native county. He was formerly an adherent of the Democratic party, but in 1856 became the candidate of the Know-Nothing party, and was elected to repre- sent Lancaster County in the State Legislature. Ile was re-elected to the same office in 1857. This public service at Harrisburg in behalf of his native county brought him in contact with the political leaders of the State, and he became the warm friend and trusted adherent of such men as Hon. Simon Cameron and the Hon. Thaddeus Stevens, with the latter of whom he continued on intimate terms until the time of the demise of that illustrious statesman. Upon the for- mation of the Republican party, in 1860, Mr. Ilam- ilton co-operated with his friends, and was one of the founders of that party in Lancaster County. The same year he was elected to represent the county in the State Senate, where he served for three years with marked ability and fidelity. lle was a warm sup- porter of the Union onuse during the nation's second struggle for existence, and served on the military committee of the Senate at a time when the duties of the position were arduons and important. In 1864 he withdrew from the field of politics, and has since been interested in the agricultural development of his township, living within the peaceful precinets of bis home. He owns a farm of one hundred and thirty-five acres near Octorara, and one of one hun- Ired acres at Belmont, and in the decline of life de- votes all of his time to overseeing and managing them. Hle has led an active, industrious life, and in spite of the political struggles in which he has been engaged has always sustained a reputation for integrity and uprightness, and been held in general respect by his friends and acquaintances, He has lent a cheerful support to the various progressive movements of his day, and always felt a deep interest in the material and social improvement of his native county. Ilis first wife died on Feb. 22, 1857, leaving five children,
Hon. William Hamilton was born in Leacock town- ship on Nov. 25, 1818. The family is of Scotch-Irish descent, and a collateral branch of the same family from which sprang Hon. Alexander Hamilton, the first Secretary of the Treasury under Gen. Washing- ! ton, who was killed in a duel by Aaron Burr on the heights of Wechawken. Hugh Hamilton, grand- father of the subject of this sketch, was the first of his race of whom anything is known in Lancaster County. He made a settlement prior to the Revolu- tionary war in the neighborhood of the old Leacock Church, and owned a large tract of land in that locality. During the struggle for national indepen- dence he served as a captain in the patriot army, and was in many important engagements. Ile had a family of eleven children, of whom nine sons aud a daughter attained adult years. Of these, Hugh (201 was the father of Hon, William Hamilton. He also . viz., Isabella C., Mary M. (wife of John Borland, of
MyDam Hon
John C. Ofrer
.
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PENN TOWNSHIP.
Sadsbury township, Laneaster Co.), John (deceased), Elizabeth S., and Louisa Hamilton (deceased). lle married in 1858, for his second and present wife, AAnn Lemer, widow of O. J. Bailey, of Harrisburg.
JOHN GUNDACKER OFFNER.
John Gundacker Offher was born in the city of Lan- easter, on Sept. 30, 1816. His father, Dr. Samuel C. Offner, was born Ang. 22, 1792, and practiced bis profession in Laneaster, dying, however, in the twenty-eighth year of his age. His mother was Catharine Gundacker, eldest daughter of Jolin Gun- dacker, an early and prominent merchant of Lan- caster, who was born Sept. 28, 1765, and died Nov. i by all classes of citizens. His home-life was one of 13, 1814. The children were John G. ; Abraham C., who died at Portsmouth, Ohio, in 1848 ; George C., who was drowned at Octorara, in his boyhood ; and Joseph C., who died in infancy.
The early life of our subject was passed in the city of Lancaster, where he enjoyed the benefits of an or- dinary English education. At the age of ten years he entered the employ of Col. Myer-, of Lancaster, for the purpose of learning the hardware business, and remained with him until he attained the age of nineteen, when he went to Philadelphia and clerked in a hardware store of that city for a short time, About the year 1836 he returned to Lancaster and entered the post-office of that city as a clerk, where he remained until his marriage, on Ang. 8, 1818, to Mary R. Dickson, daughter of Mr-, Mary Dickson, the postmistress, who was first appointed to that office by President Jackson, and who continued to discharge the duties of the position in a faithful and competent manner under all administrations for the long period of twenty-one years. She was the daughter of George Mellvaine, of Paradise township, and the widow of William Dickson, the founder of the Lancaster Intel- ligencer, who enjoyed the rare distinction of editing the only Democratic newspaper between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh for many years. Besides Mrs. Offner, who was the faithful assistant of her mother in the post-office during the entire term of her office, there were also two other daughters,-Jane Dickson, who married Joseph Boyd, of Pequea, and removed to Zanesville, Ohio, where he died, and Ann E. Dick- son, who became the wife of Gunning B. Bedford, of Philadelphia. A daughter of Mrs. Boyd, M. Jose- phine Boyd, married Rev. Herman Hooker, an Epis- copal clergyman of Philadelphia, who died soon after, leaving her a widow. She is now acting as a missionary of the church in the city of Mexico, and is at the head of the orphanage of the Church of Jesus in that place.
Soon after his marriage Mr. Offer removed to ' fectly level plane along the Reading and Columbia
modest and retired life until his death ou Feb. 3, ' township. The soil is mostly of the best quality of
Williamstown, Lancaster County, where he lived a 1880. During his entire life he proved faithful in the discharge of every duty that devolved upon him,
and aeted the part of a consistent and devoted Chris- | tian. Holding himself aloof from public affairs, "avoiding all ostentation and display, he confined his energies to the performance of his private duties, and to the advancement of the interests of the church atul of society. He was a devout member of the old Presbyterian Church of Leacock, and was officially connected with that body as elder for fifteen years, holding that position at the time of his death. He also took an active interest in the Sabbath-school cause, and served as superintendent of the school connected with the Leacock Church for several years. Ile gave liberally of his means to the support of all worthy enterprises, and was held in general respeet contentment and peace, and he ever manifested a genial and happy temperament. He was extremely popular among his acquaintances, and his sudden death was attended with universal regret. He left no children, but his widow still resides at Williams- town.
CHAPTER LXX.
PENN TOWNSHIP .!
THE greater part of what now comprises Penn township was cut off from the western portion of Warwick township, and legally organized into a sep- arate and distinet township in 1846. The commis- sioners appointed by the Court of Quarter Sessions of Lancaster County to view the proposed dividing line were Henry Shreiner, Esq., David May, Esq., and .John Forney. They met at what was then called Shober's hotel, on the Lititz and Lancaster turnpike, about a mile south from Lititz, on the 22d day of February, 1845, viewed the proposed division line, and reported in favor of a new and separate district, to be called West Warwick. Their report was not confirmed until Jan, 22, 1846, and named by the court Penn township, in honor of William Penn. The township is bounded upon the north by Lebanon County, northeast by Elizabeth township, east by Warwick township, southeast by Manheim township, south by East Hempfield, and west by Rapho town- ship.
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