History of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 86

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 86

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In 1852 an independent school district was estab- lished, composed of small portions of the territories of Leacock, Salisbury, and Paradise respectively. The school-house for this district stood at first in Salisbury township, but in 1970 a new house was erected, and is now used, which stands just over the line on the soil of Leacock. It has itsown board of directors, and its name is New Milltown. Since that time the legal name of the okt district is the school district of Leacock. >

In 1857 another school-house was erected by the school district of Leacock, near Intercourse. It was of brick, and its cost was six hundred and ninety nine dollars. Since the erection of this house there have been in the township ten schools.

According to the minutes of the board there have been sixty different persons who have served as school directors in the district since the acceptance of the system in 1544. Some of these persons served three years, some six, some nine, and a few of them twelve years. And the number of different teachers that have had charge of the schools is one hundred and sixty, some of these teachers having taught in the district for only a session or two, while many other- of them tutight for four, five, or six terms, and a number of them for a still longer time. Among the ten teachers recently employed for the schools for the school year of 1883 are Miss Sallie E. Stehman, who has taught in the district five sessions; Mr. W. W. Busser, eight ; John B. Senger, ten ; Phares Buck-

LEACOCK TOWNSHIP.

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walter, eleven ; and Miss Sallie J. Trainer, twelve sessions.

The school-houses originally erected having be- come much dilapidated, the board of directors com- menced, in 1875, the work of taking them down and rebuilding. In that year one new house was erected, the next year two, and the following year three more were erected. In 1878 two, in 1879 one was built, and lastly the brick house which had been erected in 1857 was taken down and a new one erected in 1882. All of these new houses were placed on or near the same ground on which the old houses had stood, ex- cept two or three, which were placed some consider- able distance from where the old ones had been located. These new houses are frame, of good size, substantially built, and tastefully finished. Each Jatest and most approved style. They were built and furnished at an average cost of thirteen hundred and twenty-four dollars, exclusive of the land. The esti- mated value of school property in the district is six - teen thousand dollars.

In the year 1770, Leacock and Lancaster were set one is supplied with patent desks and furniture of the ! off' by Synod from the Presbytery of Donegal and put under the care of the New Castle Presbytery.

The present members of the school board are Elias Leaman, W. Kennedy, Mahlon Buckwalter, Tobias K. Hershey, Michael K. Lapp, and John Fisher. The president of the board is Mahlon Buckwalter, secretary, W. Kennedy, treasurer, Elias Leaman.

Leacock Presbyterian Church.1-In 1724, Mr. . studies under his direction became eminent and use- Adam Boyd, a licentiate from the Presbytery of New Castle, was commissioned to collect a congregation at Pequea Church and take preliminary steps towards its organization. He afterwards performed the same duty at Leacock. The congregation of Leacock was at first connected with Pequea. The regular place of preaching was at Pequea, with occasional services at Leacock. In 1739 a log meeting-house was erected by the Leacock congregation on a lot of one acre and fifty-seven perches of land, purchased from John Vernor, Sr. for the sum of five shillings, the same being conveyed, by said John Vernor and wife, of Leacock township, by deed dated Feb. 9, 17-11, to

Rev. Joseph Barr, the next pastor for Leacock, was George Brown, John Cooper, William McCausland, ' installed over the churches of Leacock and Middle

Octorara, May 6, 1823. On account of declining health he, in 1844, gave up Octorara, and in 1846 resigned Leacock, having been pastor over Leacock for twenty-three years. Mr. Barr was an impressive preacher, and his ministry was highly successful. In 1840, and while Mr. Barr was pastor, a new church building was erected in the village of Paradise for the better accommodation of a portion of the Lea- cock congregation. Leacock and Paradise were, however, and are yet one organization, having the same session and the same board of trustees.

Rev. P. J. Timlow had been pastor over the church of Belleview from the year 1839. In September, 1846, the Leacock congregation made a call for one- half of his time at Leacock, which call was presented to Presbytery by the commissioners for Leacock, Dr. N. W. Sample and Thomas S. Woods, and Dr.

1 In the preparation of this article many of the facts are taken frota an historical sermon by Rev. P. J. Timlow, Nov. 23, 1854.

The present church building was erected on the site of the former log church while Dr. Smith was pastor. It was completed and opened for service in 1754. After Dr. Smith had resigned the charge of Leacock in 1759, the congregation had no regular pastor, but depended on occasional supplies until 1769, when a call was made by Leacock and Lancaster for the Rev. John Woodhull, and was accepted. Mr. Woodhull was installed pastor over Leacock on the Ist day of August, 1770, and he continued as pastor over the united churches of Leacock and Lancaster until 1779, a period of nine years. He for many years occupied a prominent position in the Presby- terian Church. He died Dec. 22, 1824, at Freehold, N. J., aged nearly eighty-one years.

In 1780, Leacock, Middle Octorara, and Lancaster Churches became united, and the Rev. Nathaniel W. Sample, having received a call from these churches, accepted the same, and was installed as pastor over them in December, 1781. Ilis pastoral relations to these churches continued until Dec. 26, 1821, a pe- riod of forty years. Mr. Sample is said to have been a very interesting and popular preacher. A number of young men who had pursued their theological ful ministers. Ile died at Strasburg, Lancaster Co., Ang. 26, 1834, aged eighty-three years. Several of his descendants have been elected ruling elders over Leacock Church. His grandson, Dr. Samuel R. Sam- ple, hokis that office at the present time. While Rev. Mr. Sample was pastor the congregation of Leacock was incorporated, March 10, 1787, by act of the Gen- eral Assembly of Pennsylvania. The trustees named in said act of incorporation were Rev. N. W. Sample, James Mercer, John Craig, John Slaymaker, George Melivaine, Henry Slaymaker, Jr., William Porter, William Crayton, and James Cooper.

and John Rees, of the same place, trustees chosen "by and for the congregation of the Presbyterians of Leacock." The church was regularly organ- ized in 1741 by the Presbytery of Donegal. After its organization the congregation obtained occasional supplies until March 25, 1751, when the Rev. Robert Smith was ordained and installed pastor over the united churches of Leacock and Pequea, and con- tinued pastor of both until 1759, when he was re- leased from Leacock in order to give all his time to Pequea. For many years Dr. Smith had charge of a classical and theological school of a very high char- aeter. lle is represented as having been both an eminent divine and a successful instructor.

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HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.

Timlow, having accepted the call, was installed pastor on Nov. 4, 1846, from which time he was pastor over the churches of Belleview and Leacock until 1857, a period of eleven years. He afterwards served the church a second time.

In the winter of 1848, while Dr. Timlow was pas- tor, important repairs were made in the interior of the Leacock Church, and at a later period, perhaps about the year 1866, extensive general repairs and improvements were made on the building.

Mellvaine, George D. MeIlvaine, George L. Eckert, Henry Eckert, Thomas S. Woods, and Nathaniel E. Slaymaker.

Rev. Robert Gamble was the next pastor. He was installed Oct. 22, 1857, and continued pa-tor for three years. Rev. John Elliot, the next pastor, was installed June 4, 1861, and continued until October, 1867, six years. May 5, 1868, Rev. P. J. Timlow was installed the second time, and continued pastor until April 5, 1874, having served the Leacock Church in all seven- teen years. Dr. Timlow was a gentleman of learning and good attainments, and stood high in the church

a divine. He was held in high estimation by the Leacock congregation. This is evidenced by his re- ceiving from the congregation a second call. The next pastor was Rev. D. K. Campbell, installed May 11, 1875, and continued until October, 1876, ste- ceeded by Rev. G. W. Duffield, who was installed June 16, 1877, and dismissed at his own request Feb. 1, 1880. Rev. E. W. Gaylord, the present pastor, was called Ang. 7, 1880, and installed November 16th of the same year. The present number of members of the church is two hundred and four.

So far as can be ascertained the following-named person- have served the church as ruling elders : Henry Slaymaker, Col. James Mercer, John Craig, Henry Slaymaker, Jr., Daniel Slaymaker, William , fer, David Witmer, Robert MeLelland, Nathaniel McCau-land, Dr. William B. Duffield, Nathaniel Watson, James Johnson, Di. N. W. Sample, John C. Lefevre, James P. Mellvaine, Henry Barton, George In September, 1854, Mr. Buchanan's connection with the church as rector ceased. He was a very able preacher, much esteemed, and he maintained a high standing in the Episcopal Church. He was a of the United States. He is still living. Mellvaine, John Slaymaker, William Slaymaker, Robert MeIvaine, James Whitehill, George Duthield, Samuel Slaymaker, Moore Connel, David Stirling, Capt. John Slaymaker, Joel W. Lightner, Nathaniel : brother of the Hon. Jame- Buchanan, late President E. Slaymaker, Jonathan Leidigh, John G. Offner, Dr. Brainerd Leaman, Albert P. Mellvaine, and Dr. In 1854 the yestry of the church were Richard J. Rutter, l'eter E. Lightner, Samuel Sheaffer, Joseph Slack, Christian Warfel, Samuel O'Dare, and B. F. Holl. Samuel R. Sample. The present session consists of Rev. E. W. Gaylord (moderator), N. E. Slaymaker, James P. Mellvaine, Henry Barton, A. P. Mellvaine, Dr. Brainerd Leaman, Dr. Samuel R. Sample.

The pre-ent trustees are A. E. Moore, president ; James P. Mellvaine, secretary ; Dr. Sammel R. Sam- ple, treasurer ; Dr. Brainerd Leaman, H. II. Shertz, E. W. Esbenshade, David F. Beam, John N. Woods, C. Keneagy.

Cemetery .- The cemetery at Leacock Church is an old and large one. A very large number of persons

are buried in it, some who died a long time since, and a number who died at quite an advanced age.

Christ Church.1-This is a Protestant Episcopal Church, . It was organized on the 2d day of May, IS18, in a new stone building intended for its use. The warden-" then were John Hopkins and Daniel Buckley, and the vestrymen were Nathaniel Rutter, William Lightner, Jacob Rutter, Nathaniel F. Light- ner, John B. Henderson, Joel Lightner, Sr., Jacob Ringwalt, George Ellmaker, Joel Lightner, Jr., An-

In 1855 the trustees of the church were Dr. N. W. drew Lytle, John Dunlap, John Lightner, and Sample, John C. Lefevre, Philip Foster, James P. , Leonard Awater. The church building was ereeted upon a lot of ground which had been purchased from I-ane Eby for the sum of fifty pounds, and on June 7, 1818, it was consecrated.

Rev. Mr. Clarkson was the first rector of the church, being also rector of the churches at Lancaster and Pequea, and the only minister that officiated. About 1819, Rev. Mr. Spencer officiated as minister. In January, 1825, Rev. Samuel Bowman became asso- ciate rector of the churches of Leacock and St. John's (church near the Compass). Mr. Bowman was sue- ceeded by Rev. John B. Clemson, in 1828, who con- tinued rector until the spring of 1831, when he was succeeded by Rev. Richard U. Morgan. In 1835, Rev. Mr. Morgan was succeeded by Rev. E. Y. Buch- anan, who continued rector of the church for nearly nineteen and a half years. At the time Mr. Buch- anan took charge of the church there were forty fam- ilies and thirty-one communicants, and in 1847 there were forty families and forty communicants. The following is a partial list of the families connected with the church in 1835, viz. : Judge John Lightner, Joel Lightner, Sr., Joel Lightner, Esq., Nathaniel F. Lightner, John Yeates, George Ellmaker, John Dunlap, Richard J. Rutter, Anderson Rutter. Andrew Dunlap, Christian Beam, Samuel O'Dare, George Wyke, Shaw Frew, Isaac B. Burrowes, Samuel Sheaf- Rutter, William Hoey, John MeSorley, Archibald Young, Henry Kinzer, Jacob Eshleman.

Rev. Bryan B. Killikelly sneereded Mr. Buchanan on Easter-day, April 8, 1855. In 1863, Rev. J. F. Esh had charge of the church. The Rev. Augustus White took charge Dee. 6, 1865, and continued rev- tor until July, 1867, and on the Ist day of October,

1 Rev. J. MeAlpin Hutding, the present rector, kindly furnished from the records of the church mmqua tant matter used in preparing this out- line of its history.

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LEACOCK TOWNSHIP.

1869, Rev. Henry R. Smith became the rector. The Catharine Zook. This small society was then a part next rector was the Rev. Thomas Burrows, who served from 1873 to 1875. Rev. Henry C. Pastorius became rector on Nov. 1, 1875, and continued in that relation until June 30, 1879.

While Mr. Pastorius was rector the old church building was torn down, and soon after a new brick building was erected in lieu of the old one on the same site. The corner-stone of the new building was laid by the rector June 25, 1877, and the building was consecrated on All Saints' Day, Nov. 1, 1877.

Since the organization of Christ Church, Leacock, many changes as regards the families once connected with the church and with respect to its membership have taken place, arising from various causes, such as death-, removals, and the ercetion of other churches in the vicinity. The present number of families is forty, and the number of communicants fifty-four. The present rector is Rev. J. MeAlpin Harding, who took charge Sept. 1, 1879. lle is also rector at All Saints' Church, Paradise, and at Grace Church, or Gap Mines.

The present vestry consists of Jacob Hunsecker, Isaiah Miller, Samuel Snyder, Elim W. Esbleman, John Sigle, William Ellmaker, and W. Frank Kra- mer. The Sabbath-school connected with the church has seven teacher-, and the number of scholars is thirty. A cemetery is at the church building, in which many interment- have been made.

Church of the United Brethren in Christ .- Some time after 1774, William Otterbein, in conjune- tion with Martin Bochum, Christian Newcomer, and others, after many years of preaching became the founders of a distinct religious society. In the course of time. the members having greatly increased and being scattered over a large territory, the society became more fully organized, and at length a general organization was effected. The first conference was held at Baltymore in 1789, and in 1800, at a confer- ence held at the house of Peter Kemp, in Frederick County, Md., the name' United Brethren in Christ was given to the church organization so that it might be distinguished from all others.

Intercourse Church. 4 -- The origin of the church at Intercourse dates from about 1839. First meeting's were held in the Old Pond school-house, and some- times at the residence of Mr. Charles Sweigart, an oldl house which stood in the rear of the present residence of Mrs. Mary Ranck. The society attending these meetings numbered ten persons, viz. : Charles Swei- gart, Polly Sweigart, Charlotte Miller, Polly Miller, John Miller, David Ranck. Christian Fink, Catharine Zook, John Church, and Julia Church. Of these ten original members there are at present but three living, to wit : Charles and Polly Sweigart, and Mrs.

Lawrence's " History of Vinted Bretinen in Christ," page 291.

" From a manuscript prepared by Mr. Sammuel J. Campbell, for the use of the Intercourse Church, much assistance in preparing this sketch las been derived.

of the Mountville mission, and afterward it formed a part of Lancaster Circuit. The first preacher was Rev. Mi. Wenger, who was followed by Revs. Frank- hauser, Sand-, Stavely, and Pfeilly. In the time the church was served by the above-named preachers, the appointment was occasionally visited by the Rev. John Light, of Lebanon County. In 1846 and 1847, Rev. D. O. Darrel was pastor, the appointment then forming part of New Holland Circuit. From this time until 1850 services were held at Mother Zook's and at Brother David Ranck's. In 1848 and 1849, Rev. George Gilbert was pastor, assisted in part of 1849 by Rev. T. F. Halowell. In 1850 a church building of brick was erected. It stood on a small lot of ground obtained from Mr. David Ranck, one of the original members of the society. In 1850 and 1851, Rev. J. Brewer was pastor, and in 1852 and 1853 the Rev. Simon Zimmerman. In 1854 and 1855, Revs. I. Carpenter and J. Fritz, and in 1856 and 1857, Rev. J. P. Reiland. In 1858, Rev. Samuel Siders was pas- tor. He was returned in 1859, but died about one month after his return and was buried at Ranck's Church. The balance of the year was filled part of the time by Rev. J. Brewer, and the rest of the year by Rev. George Gilbert. In this year the appoint- ment paid as preacher's salary the sum of thirteen dollars and a quarter. From 1860 to 1864 the pastor was Rev. W. S. II. Keys. Mr. Keys was a gentleman of good attainments, and a fluent and forcible speaker. During the time of his pastorship very many persons were added to the church. In 1865 and 1866 the church was served by Rev. I. Baltzell, and Rev. W. M. Evers as junior preacher. In 1867 and Isos the Rev. Mr. Yeager was pastor, and in 1869 and 1870 Rev. D. O'Farrel. From 1871 to -1874, inclusive, Rev. M. J. Munina served as pastor.

In the year 1871, Mr. David Ranck set apart an- other piece of land adjoining the old church lot, and lying on the south sple thereof, which he donated to the church. The whole church lot nowy contains about ninety-one perche- of land. In the same year, chietly by the active exertions of Rev. Lewis Peter-, who at that time was presiding elder, sufficient funds were raised for the enlargement of the oldl church. A new end was built, a number of alterations and some repairs made, a steeple with bell placed upon the building, and the building itself properly painted and finished.

The Intercourse Church had been a part of the New Holland Circuit until 1875, when the New Hol- land Circuit was divided, and a new circuit estab- lished, called the Intercourse Circuit. In 1875-76, Rev. J. K. Fisher was pastor ; in 1877-78, Rev. J. D. Killian ; in 1879, Rev. J. S. Riddle; in Isso, Rev. Israel Groff; in 1881-42. Rev. E. L. Hughes. The present pastor is Rev. J. N. Monden.

Intercourse Circuit has a parsonage, which stands near the Intercourse Church building.

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HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.

The present trustees are Mr. Jordan Steen, Abram R. Kurtz, Henry C. Kurtz, Samuel J. Campbell, and Phares Buckwalter. The present number of members is ninety, and the amount raised by the church last year towards preacher's salary was two hundred and fifty dollars.

A flourishing Sabbath-school is connected with the church, and is under its control. The number of scholars on the present roll is eighty-two.

The church has a cemetery adjacent to the church building.

St. Joseph's Methodist Episcopal Church.1- About 1860, Rev. Mr. Rink, a elergyman from the Strasburg Circuit of the Methodist Episcopal Church, held religious meetings for a time in the school-house at the village of Intercourse. Afterward the Rev. Jos- eph McGee, a preacher of the Enterprise (now Bird- in-Hand) Circuit, held a protracted meeting in the hall in said village, at which meeting a great revival took place, resulting in the conversion of about eighty persons. The want of a permanent place for worship then began to be felt. Mr. MeGee, together with some of the members of the society, commenced the work of procuring funds for the erection of a church : building. A lot of forty-two perches of land was purchased from Mr. Peter Eby for the sum of one hundred and fifty dollars, and the present brick build- ing was erected. It was completed in 1862, the Rev. Mr. McGee being the first pastor, and the church or- ganization being a part of the Bird-in-Hand Circuit. The first trustees were Augustus Rodgers, Joseph Ryan, William Graham, Henry Troop, George W. Smith, Abraham Bowman, John Espenshade, Isaac Gabel, and Joseph Smoker. The name given to the church was St. Joseph's.

Mr. McGee's connection with the church as pastor having terminated about 1863, his successors have been Revs. William MeMichael, Mr. Jones, Mr. Ilammond, Mr. Manger, B. T. String, William Me- Michael (a Second time), John Gray, Mr. Wood, Mr. Wiggins, Joseph Gregg (two years), R. C. Wood (two years), Mr. Best, Samuel Horwell, Rev. Mr. Rink, and J. R. Bailey, the present pastor, who has entered upon his third year. Besides the services of the regular circuit preachers, the church has had occasional preaching by Revs. John Sayers, Amos Longnecker, and John Bell, as local preachers.

For a number of years after the organization of the church its membership inereased rapidly. In late years, however, owing to the removal of many of its leading and most influential members from the neigh- borhood and to changes that have taken place, the church has not advanced. Its membership at present is not large ..

Baptist Church .- In 1867, chiefly through the in- fluence and exertion of Mr. Samuel M. Brua, a large

frame building was erected in Gordonville, intended to be used as a place of worship for the Baptist Society. For a number of years it was so used. After Mr. Brua had removed from the village the members of the society being few and scattered, ser- vices in the building by the society were discontinued. At the present time, however, meetings are occasion- ally held in it by different denominations.

The Old Mennonites .- There are now upwards of forty families residing in the township belonging to the Old Mennonite Church. The society has at pres- ent no meeting-houses which stand within the limits of the township, but their houses of worship are situ- ated in adjacent townships, and are well attended by such members as reside in Leacock.

Amish, or Omish .-- The name of this religious de- nomination is derived from Jacob Amen, who had been a rigid Mennonite preacher of Switzerland. In doctrine they adhere to the Mennonite faith, but they hold certain peculiar views which distinguish the society from that of the Old Mennonite. They settled in Lancaster County at an early day, and a few were here in 1810. There are at present probably about eighty families of this religious denomination in Lea- cock township. They own much good land, and being skillful farmers and very industrious they cultivate it in the most improved manner. They have no meeting-houses, but hold their religious meetings in private houses. In some of the adjacent townships, " however, they have of late years erected houses for worship. They have a cemetery or graveyard near Gordonville, which graveyard was formerly called " Weaver's. The land was set apart for burial purposes about 1840 by one of the society, Mr. Michael Lapp.

Military .- In regard to the military record of Lea- cock township, it may be stated that Maj. William MeCausland, a resident of said township, was an officer in the Revolutionary war, and Dr. Nathaniel W. Sample was a brigadier-general in the war of 1812. Ile died in 1865, aged eighty-one years. Ilis son, Dr. Samuel R. Sample, was acting surgeon of the Fifth Wisconsin Regiment (Col. Cobb's) in the late Re- bellion, and Dr. Brainerd Leaman was also a surgeon in the same war. Lieut. David Leche was killed in 1862, while acting as captain, in a cavalry fight, at Accoquan, Va. Cyrus L. Eckert was first lieuten- ant Company C, Seventy-ninth Regiment Infantry of Pennsylvania Volunteers, and Daniel A. Zook was second lieutenant Company I, Seventy-ninth Regiment, all being of Leacock township. Joel S. Eby was first lieutenant Company I, Second Penn- sylvania Regiment'of Militia, not mustered into ser- vice. Besides the above, a number of persons from the township enlisted as volunteers and served as privates in the war of the Rebellion.

When the government had recourse to drafting, Leacock township adopted the same course as was adopted by many of the townships in the county. Large amounts were raised from time to time by sub-

A Many of the facts contained in this brief history of St. Joseph's Church were furnished by Mr. Augustus Rodgers, who has been a lead- ing member since its organization.

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UPPER LEACOCK TOWNSHIP.

scriptions, contributions, and local taxation, with ' which substitutes were procured for the drafted men.

At the time of the great Revolutionary struggle for independence, Leacock township was not indifferent as to the result. On the 15th day of December, 1774, in pursuance of a call made by a committee of the then borough of Lancaster, a general election was held at said borough for the purpose of choosing a committee of "sixty proper persons to observe the conduct of all persons touching the General Associa- tion of the General Congress." David Watson and Nathaniel Lightner, of Leacock township, were chosen at the election as members of the committee of sixty.

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History of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 86

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