History of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 61

Author: Ellis, Franklin, 1828-1885; Evans, Samuel, 1823-1908, joint author
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Philadelphia, Pa. : Everts & Peck
Number of Pages: 1320

USA > Pennsylvania > Lancaster County > History of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men > Part 61

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The people of Earl were true to the principles that carried them over the sea, and resisted oppression in their new homes with the steady heroism they had manifested in the old. When the toesin of war again filled the land with its loud alarm in 1812, they grasped their muskets and marched among the fore- most to meet the threatened danger. And when in 1846, our country, for the first time in her history, carried on an aggressive war in a foreign land, the Earls sent both men and officers to represent them on the field of combat : the names of Roland and Luther ? are familiar as household words, and together with those of the older heroes who preceded them and those who came after, will remain green in the hearts of a grateful posterity. And when in later years

of importance or long duration. I believe he was the last of the Revo- Intionary heroes in the county at the time of his death, in 1847, and as ench was widely known.

" Brev. Maj. John F. Roland, son of the late Henry Roland, Esq., was born in New Holland, in 1818. He entered the military academy at West Point at the age of fourteen, and graduated from that institution in 1836; his commis-ion ns second hentenant in the Fourth Regiment Artillery bears date of July Ist, in that yrat ; four days afterward ho ference was held in Philadelphia, composed of dele- i was transferred with the same rank to the Second Regiment of Artil-

lety. He was promoted ta a hrst lieutenancy on July 8, 1838, and made captain on March 3, 1847.

Immediately after leaving West Point, laent. Roland accompanied Ins regiment to Florida, and participated in the Seminole Indian war. He also saw service in the Cherokee nation, and on the Canada frontier dming the disturbances there. He was the senior heutenant of Dun- can's famous battery, und suled from New York with it in 1845 to join Gen. Taylor at Corpus Christi. He took part in the brilliant actions at Palo Alto nud Resaca de In Palina, and received his brevet as captain tor gallant ser viers in thuse battles, and huis major's brevet for the dash ail courage he manite-ted on the hard-fought feld of Monterey.

He took part in the siege of Vera Cruz, and there receiving his cap- taimy, was ordered home to raise his company. Having done so, he re- turned to the scene of war, and joined Gon. Scott's army in the city of Mexico. After the war his regiment was sent to gartison the Southern Atlantic posts. In consequence of anticipated Indian hostilities he was agmin sent to Florida In 1850 he was placed in somumand of Castle l'im knev, where he died Sept. 28, 1852, at the early age of thirty-five. Maj. Roland was an officer of distinguished morit. His professional reputation was deservedly high, and in his death the country lost u brilliant suldier and an estimable citizen.

Cupt. Roland A. Luther was linn in New Holland in 1815, where his father, Dr John Luther, an eminent physician, resided. He entered the United States Military Academy at West Point along with his play- mate and kinsman, Maj Roland, in 1832, and, gradunting with him in the class of 18 16, was at once commissioned a second lieutenant in the Second Regiment of Artillery. He became first lieutenant in 1838, and was promoted to a captaincy in 1847.

Cupt. Luther accompanied huis regiment to Florida, and participated in several of the engagements that occurred with the Indians. He also took part in the troubles of the gover nuront with the Creaks and Cherokees, and after wards marched to the northern frontier when a conthet with Grent Britain seemed naponding. His tegiment having been ordered to join the forces of Gen. Taylor, then gathering in Texas, he sailed for Corpais (hnisti with his company. He distinguished himslf by bis gallantry at Palo Alto, where he was so severely wounded as to be compelled to come North. Before he was Fully recovered hin captain's commission trached him, when he at onee recruited a company in New York, and again sailed to join the army of Gen. Scott, then in the city of Mexico.

At the conclusion of the war he was stationed with his company in Charleston harhor on garrison anty. Disease, contracted in his line of service while in Mexico, soon rendered han unable to dis harge the ac- tive duties of his profession, and his health gradually falling, he died in 1853. Ile was a skillful soldiet, well road on the literature of his pro- fossion, besides having a wide acquaintance with literary sutgjects gen- erally. Both he and his companion-in- irmis, noticed above, are buried I In the Lutheran burying- ground in New Holland.

1 7 1

EARL TOWNSHIP.

809

that greatest curse of nations, civil war, swept over the land, scores of brave men left their homes and firesides in our midst, and signalized their devotion to the Republic in the tented field, ready alike to die in the army of victory or in the hour of disaster.

At their first settlement these townships were al- most entirely covered with heavily-woodled forests ; here and there grassy meads were to be found; the Indians generally selected these spots for their dwell- ing places. And here we may add, that the red men were never numerous hereabouts; scarcely more than half a dozen families were ever to be found at one place; they had no villages of any importance.1 There was little underbrush, in consequence of the Indian custom of annually burning the scrubby un- derwood ; it was not a difficult matter to drive a cart for long distances through the woods in all directions.

It has not been ascertained that Indian depreda- tions were ever committed in these townships. The hostilities that everywhere prevailed along the fron- tier and in the adjacent counties, in 1763, resulted in a tragedy near by New Holland that was long re- membered by the citizens. In Berks County scores of men, women, and children fell victims to Indian cruelty ; a general alarm and uneasiness prevailed in these parts, and when one day in early summer the rumor reached the vicinity of the town that a band of merciless, murdering savages were at hand, the farmers and their families sought safety and shelter in the fields and woods. On the farm immediately north of the town, now owned by Mr. Blank, lived a farmer named Hoffman; at the alarm he and his family sought safety in flight, the several members of it scattering in every direction. The panie proved groundless, but when it was over a daughter named Rachel, about eight years old, was missing ; search was instituted, but all the efforts to find her were in 5

1 The Indian tribes by whom these townships were inhabited were Piquawe and Cotestogoes, principally the former, whose chief place of residence, however, if the term is admissible, was in the Pequea Valley and on the Pequea Creek, to both of which they have appropriately left their name. They were of the Algonquin tribe, Imt paid tribute to the Six Nations, and seem to have been in the beginning among the best disposed and most tractable of ull the natives with whom the whites ever came in contact. They were extremely hospitalde to the carly set- tlere, furnishing thein trom their own stores with no stinted hands when- ever called upon. No serious troubles ever arose between them and the Europenns. The Ingnenots and Palatiors often joined the Pignaws In their hunting and fishing excursions and in their other justomnes. Their principal chief was Tunawa, who had sold his lands to Penn, was present at the " Great Treaty," and ever prided himself on the warm friendslup entertained for him by the Proprietary.

Indian tradition tells us two hundred years before the arrival of Penn, hardly an Indian was to be found in the present territory of Lancaster County. The Piqunws came about 1630. Fragments of other tribes, driven from the South by the whites, found their way hither. But they never beramo numerous, and As the settlements began to ap- pear all through the interior they began to disappear gindually, even as they bad first come. Their tribul seintione were broken up, and while some went northward and united themselves with the Six Nations, others slowly wended their way into Ohio and Indiana, joining their destintes with the tribes in those states. Shortly after the Revolution the last of the red men had left this fair county nevermore to return .- Add, ess of Redmond Couyngham. Watson's Annuls.

vain. It was only when the wheat was cut in an ad- joining field that her dead body was found. Fear and fright had done their work, and the child's life had been sacrificed to their united influence.

It is not generally known that prior to the present century justices of the peace occasionally issued docu- ments of the nature of passports or letters of security. A paper of this kind is still extant; it was issued by Frederick Seeger, a man known to many still living as one of the most enterprising and prominent men of his time in these townships. A part of the paper is here given :

"Commonwealth of Penna .- Lancaster Co. Fredk. Seeger Esq. one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the said county certifyeth that the Bearer hereof John Stein, otherwise called Stane, of Brecknock Township in the said county, youman, is the eldest son of Leonard Strin, otherwise called Stone, Lite of Earl Township in the said county, yeoman, deceased, and one of the lawful heits of the deceased. The said Toho intends to travel into Northumberland county . ... All persons are therefore requested to suffer the said John Stein to pass on his journey unmolested. . . . In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my band nud senl this 16th day of May, Anno Dom 1800. " FREDS, SEEUFR.

" To whom it may concern.

" N. B .- Should any person doubt the foregoing certificate, there are people in that county who know the well, and my bomplwriting-und Mr. Stein can make oath or affirmation that he did see ine sign the above certificate.

"FREDK. SEEGER."2

º Mr. Seeger left, among his papers, a brief autobiographienl sketch of himself, whose very frankness stamps it with the seal of truth. It affords another instance of what honesty, fidelity, and energy can ae- complish when inspired by high purposes. Just such men have made this country what it is, and their example must have an influence for good. I make no apology, therefore, for inserting it here ; the original is in German, of which the following is a translation .

" PHILADELPHIA, April 4, 1780. " A short account of my life and parentage; also a copy of my bap- tismal certificate in the event that it should be lost. Copy-In the name of the Most Holy Trinity :- In the presence of witnesses-William Fer- dinand Frederick Seeger was born of christian parents in Diedelsheim, Palatinate, Juny 16, 1750. The parents were Rev. George Frederick Seeger, pastor of the evangelical Lutheran Church in Diedelsheim, & Catharine Frederica Nota Weisen, daughter of Rev. M. Gottlich Weisen, pastor of the Lutheran church of Gol-hausen in the Palatinate. The sponsors were 1, Baron Ernst Fredk. Laris, 2, Baron Philip Fredk. Von Shonfeld, 3, Miss Maria Magdalena Von Sister, 4, Mrs Erustina Von Kechler, 5, Mr- Maria Kerkler Von -- , 6, Rev. Christopher Charles Fiber, 7, Mi. Sophia Keller, 8, Mis Fred Gottlieb Weis, This is taken from the record of ministerial acts in the hand writing of Rev. - subscribed with my own band and confirmed by my usual seal, tiol- shausen, April 11, 1776.

" CHRISTOPHER JOH. ITAUSRATH, Pastor.

" My beloved father died in the year -- ut the ngo of 57. my beloved mother departed this life in the year 1760. Even in my tender yonth, no expense and pains were spared upon my education by my pa- iunits. My father had me not only attend church and hent the word of Gol, but also diligently attend school. I was also sent to a Latin be hoo] from iny 6th to my 13th yeat, that with this and an acquaintance with Futher necessary branches of knowledge, I might the better get along in the worbl. For the parental love and Gothinless I experienced, may the great God reward my parents before the throne of the Lamb in heaven.

" After my father found me qualhed to renew my bajdimminl covenant by a public profession of my lauth, I wastouhrmed in the thn teenth year "of my nge, unnl received for the first time the Lord's Supper. Soon alter I expressed my wish to learn the mercantile profession, to which may father gave bis consent I then served a four year 'apprenticeship in the city of Stuttgart with Mr. Barnhard Frederick Behringer. After this I went to Heidelberg, where I was in the employ of John W. Gudel-

810

HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.

Education and Early Schools .- A large majority of the settlers of these townships were men of little , education and culture. They were sons of toil, and in the absence of proper advantages seldom rose into wordly distinction. Their daily struggle for existence left them little time for mental training. Our wonder is that, with so many drawbacks, they accomplished so much. Their views were often narrow and con- tracted, and innovations of most kinds were steadily opposed, or else but tardily adopted. Even the Eng- lish language, which, from the beginning, was that in which all the business of the colony and courts was transacted, found no favor with them, or even with their descendants, until a period within the memory of men still living. The Lutheran and German Re- formed Churches for many years successfully, but un- wisely, resisted the introduction of English in their church services. In the parish schools, that were so frequently connected with the churches, only German was taught; still the leaven was at work, and pro- duced good results in after-years.

Fortunately, the colonists were still filled with the same deeply religious views and feelings that caused them so many troubles in Europe, and when they could indulge these views unquestioned here they gave outward expression to them in the organization of In 1882 there were seventeen districts, which con- tained eight hundred and thirty-four pupils, $8956.96 was received from all sources for school purposes, and $7585.72 were expended. congregations, and in the building of churches and school-houses. Not all were ignorant and unlettered. . Their pastors were men educated in the universities of Germany and Holland, and wisely turned the Public Men .- While we do not find that any eiti- minds of their parishioners in the direction of a more ' zens of these townships became very prominent in generous culture. The result was the erection at an early period of numerous school-houses, where public instruction was afforded at certain seasons of the year. Of some of these schools all traces have been lost, but others more fortunate have sent their light down to us through all the vanished years. A large log school-house is known to have stood at Laurel Hill as early as 1765, how much earlier is uncertain ; , the public men of the county during the past hundred it served as the school-master's residence also. This , years. Thomas Edwards was one of the eight justices building was replaced by a stone one about the year 1810, which in turn was torn down in 1867; the

man for two years. From thence I went to Mauitz, and outered the cel- ebrated house of John George Goutzinger,

" In order to learn more of the world and to improve my fortune, I resolved to travel to Holland with the hope of finding employment in some large commercial house. My undertaking was unsuccessful, and this contributed to my roming to America, for as I saw no prospect of getting employment ip Holland, and did not wish to return to my native Inud, the way to Amerien was prepared. I crossed the ocean in the ship 'Minerva,' Capt. Arnold, and landed in Philadelphia on Sept. 20, 1771. 1 had to content myself with the circumstances in which I then wus, and with the ways of the country, which, it is tine, were not very agreeable. I was under the necessity of turing myself to Benjamin Davids, an in- keeper, for three years and nine months. My situation was unpleasant, for my employment did not correspond with that to which I had been necustomed from my youth in my fatherland. In the course of nine months my hard service ended, for with the aid of good friends I found means in a becoming way to leave Davids for the employ of Messis. Miles & Wistar, where I remained thice yeats and six months."

Mr. Seeger found his way to New Holland, where he succeeded in ar- cumulating a large estate, He died March 13, 1835, aged eighty-six years.

ground is still held for school purposes. The first log church, at Zeltenreich's, is also known to have been used as a school-house; the date is uncertain, but it was probably even of an earlier day than the one at Laurel Hill. A school-house was built in Weaverland in 1772. There was also one built in Hinkletown, near the former residence of Dr. Isaac Winters, shortly after the close of the war of Independence; it was a stone structure, and stood until about twenty-three years ago.

The school law passed in 1834, and in 1838 the township of East Earl, as it was then known (em- bracing what is now Earl and East Earl), accepted the provisions and organized its territory into twenty school districts. The next year, 1837, as by report of the secretary of the commonwealth, there were twenty school-houses and eight hundred and forty- five pupils. There were eight hundred and thirty- three taxables, upon whom was levied a tax of $1500. There was received from the State appropriation $1995.33. In 1851 what is now East Earl was taken from Earl, and the territory of the township was re- distrieted and made into fourteen districts, which contain seven hundred and sixty-four pupils. . The tax levied for school purposes was $3300.

the councils of the province at an early day, in after- years their descendants were among the best and most honored in the State. Propriety forbids that we should name any in private life, still living, but there are those among us whose standing, enlture, and use- ful publie lives might well merit a passing notice. The Earls have contributed their full proportion to of the peace appointed when the county was organ- ized ; he was a member of the Colonial Assembly in 1729, '30, '31, '32, '35, '36, and '39. It is said of him that after his appointment as justice of the county, he was accustomed to leave his home at the fine spring north of New Holland, known as " Martin's Spring," walk barefoot to Lancaster, and sit shoeless as a member of the Justices' Court until the term was over. He is buried in the old Welsh graveyard in East Earl. Zacchens Davis was county commis- sioner in 1756. Nathaniel Ellmaker was elected to the State Senate in 1796. Christian Carpenter was sheriff' in 1799. John W. Kittera, a native of Earl, represented the district in Congress from 1791 until 1801, a period of ten years, and was afterwards an eminent jurist in Philadelphia. Jaenh Ringwalt was elected to the State Legislature in 1811, and served one term. Amos Ellmaker was district at- torney of Dauphin County, and likewise one of its

811

EARL TOWNSHIP.

representatives in the State Legislature for three terms; he was also elected to Congress from that county in 1814, but declined to take his seat, having been appointed presiding judge of Dauphin, Lebanon, and Schuylkill Counties, and attorney-general of the State from 1816 to 1819, and again attorney in 1828. In 1832 he was the Anti-Masonic candidate for the Vice-Presidency, and a formidable competitor of James Buchanan for the United States Senatorship · in 1834. Gen. Henry Hambright was an officer in the war of Independence and a member of the State Leg- islature in the years 1813, '14, '16, '17. Henry Shirk was county commissioner in 1810 and in 1819. Heury Roland filled the same position in 1821. Dr. John Luther was director of the poor for three years. George Duchman was county recorder for three years. Adam Bare was sheriff in 1830, and became county commissioner in 1834. William liester was the Anti- Masonic candidate for Congress in 1828 against James Buchanan, but was defeated ; in 1830 he was succe-,- ful and won the prize; he was twice re-elected, and served from 1831 until 1837; he was also a member of the convention that revised the State Constitution in 1836; he was a member of the State Senate in 1840, and was Speaker of that body in 18-12; he was presi- dent of the great Whig meeting held at Lancaster in July, 1843, which proclaimed Henry Clay Pennsyl- vania's choice for the Presidency in 1841. Anthony E. Roberts was elected sheriff of the county in 1539; he was a candidate for Congress in 1843, but wa- do- feated ; in 1819 he was appointed United States mar- shal for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, by President Taylor, and held the position until 1853 ; in 1854 he was nominated and elected to Congress, which honor was a second time conferred on him at the expiration of his first term. William Duchman was recorder in 1845. I-aar E. Hiester was appointed

district attorney of the county in 1848; in 1852 he was elected to Congress, and was again a candidate in 1854, but was defeated. John K. Reed was pro- thonotary in 1851. Solomon Diller was in 1836, 137, '38, and'39, a member of the State Legislature. Jona- than Roland was sent to the Legislature from this county in 1856. David Shultz was mercantile ap- praiser of the county in 1847, and was twice reap- pointed; he became county treasurer in 1851. W. D. Stauffer was made prothonotary in 1869, the young- est incumbent that office ever had. Abraham Setley was elected clerk of the Orphans' Court in 1872.

Churches and Mills .- Earl township has ten churches,-two at Vogansville, one a Union and the other Evangelical ; one at Hinkletown, a Union ; two Mennonite, one at Stauffer's and the other at Fair- view, near Martin's store; four at New Holland, one Lutheran, one Reformed, one Methodist Episcopal, and one United Brethren ; one at Seldomridges, or Zeltenreich's, a Union.

It also has six mills,-one at Ilinkletown, first (perhaps) Hinkle's, then Bushong's, Werntz's, Shri-

ner's, and now Martin's; Sensenig's, now Bear's; Galt's, then Erb's, Overholser's, and now Zimmer- man's; all these are on the Conestoga and have saw- mils attached. There is also a clover-mill on this stream known as Sensenig's clover-mill. On Mill Creek there are two,-Brubaker's, formerly Horst's, and the other, once Rein's, Roland's, Swope's, Neff's, and now Hoober's; these have also saw-mills belong- ing to them. The sixth and last is Martin's, located on the fine stream known as Martin's Spring. There was in addition to these a small chopping-mill near the head of Mill Creek known as Hildebrand's. This property was lately sold and the mill building torn down.

Zeltenreich Church.1-After the removal of the church to New Holland, in 1802, there was no house of worship on the old site until 1841. In the year 1839 the Rev. Daniel Hertz commenced preaching under a large tree near where the present Zeltenreich Church edifice stands. The encouragement he re- ceived brought the desire for a new congregation and a house of worship. A church was soon after built at a cost of fifteen hundred dollars. A stone placed in the building has the following inscription : ".This building for the publie worship of God by every Christian denomination was erected A.D. 1841." The house was conscerated on the 23d of April, 1842. The Rev. Daniel Hertz became the pastor, and con- tinued till 1867. The Rev. D. W. Gerhard succeeded him, and is still the pastor. The church has a mem- bership of about ninety. In 1870 the church build- ing was repaired and improved. Other denominations hold service in the church from time to time.

Justices of the Peace .- The justices of the peace who held jurisdiction over this town-hip from 1777 to 1840 will be found in the civil list of the county. The names of the justices who served from 1840 to the present time are here given. By the constitution of 1839 the township became a separate district :

Roland Diller, April 14, 1840, Ehas G Groff, May 8, 1865.

l'eter Ranck, April 11, 1st, Roland Diller, May, 1866.

Jolin S. Stager, April 15, Ist. Samuel Hull, May, 1968.

John Lightner, April 15, 1815. | George H. Ranck, May, 1871.

Levi Klauser, April 10, 1849, Samuel Hull, May, 1873.

Jolin & Stager, April 9, 1850.

Auron W. Snader, May, 187G.

V. S Hoffman, April 13, 1863. 31. D. Mull, May, 1×78.

Samuel K. Grdf, April 10, 1853. Lunes Diller, May, 1ss1.

John C, Martin, April 13, 1857.

khas G Groft, Apriį 10, 1860,

John C. Martin, April 27, 1863.

(. I. Pleam, May, 1882. M. D. Mull, May, 1883.

The towns in Earl township are New Holland, Vo- gansville, and Hinkletown. New Holland is the largest and most important of them.

New Holland .- On June 19, 1760, a patent for two hundred and sixty-eight acres of land, with al- lowances for roads and highways, was granted to Michael Diffenderfler (son of John Diffenderffer, who

1 From a " History of the New Holland Charge of the Reformed Church," published in 1877, the history of the Zeltenreich congregation is obtained.

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History of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 61

Author: Ellis, Franklin, 1828-1885; Evans, Samuel, 1823-1908, joint author Publication date: 1883 Publisher: Philadelphia, Pa. : Everts & Peck Number of Pages: 1320

Author: Ellis, Franklin, 1828-1885; Evans, Samuel, 1823-1908, joint author
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Philadelphia, Pa. : Everts & Peck
Number of Pages: 1320