USA > Pennsylvania > Lancaster County > History of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men > Part 96
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Churches. - Manor township has fourteen churches and meeting-houses, -- two Methodist, one at Safe Har- bor and one at Millersville; three Evangelical, one at Millersville, one at Pittsburgh, and one at Creswell ; two Lutheran and one Reformed in Millersville; two United Brethren, one (Stehman's) about two and a half miles southwest of Millersville, and the other at
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HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
Ilighville; two old Mennonite meeting-houses, one | years ago. The pastors have been the same as those near Masonville and the other ( Habecker's) about a [ of Creswell.
mile north of Breneman's ( formerly Mann's) tavern.
The Methodists have an organization at Safe Har- bor about half a century old, and their church edifice there is a frame structure almost as old. The build- ing has been several times repaired. This is the only church building in Safe Harbor, and the Methodists are the only religious body having an organization in that village. This church is one of the four compris- ing the Safe Harbor Circuit. Its most noted pastors in recent years have been the Revs. W. B. Gregg, William Dalrymple, Mr. Watson, J. Kessler, John Shields, Mr. Manger, Mr. Hare, F. M. Brady, J. W. Harkins, and Rev. Mr. Amther. This church has maintained a flourishing Sunday-school organiza- tion.
The Methodists of Millersville have a church organ- ization also about half a century old. They erected an unpretentious frame edifice for worship nearly forty years ago. Their congregation grew in num- bers but not in wealth, and in 1869 a large two-story brick church edifice was erected immediately north of the Normal School. In this building the Millersville Methodists have ever since worshiped. The second story is still uncompleted. Previous to 1871 this church belonged to the Safe Harbor Circuit, but in that year the congregation secured a pastor of its own, and have maintained a separate pastorate ever since. The pastors of the church since its separation from the Safe Harbor Circuit have been the Revs. Moore, in 1872; Dungan, in 1873-74; MacLane and Devine, in 1875; Charles Rhodes, in 1876-77; Mckay and Hartley, in 1878; S. O. Garrison, in 1879; George Gaul, in 1880; Mr. Wheeler, in 1881-83. Through the energetic and zealous efforts of Rev. S. O. Garrison, the pastor in 1879, the debt, which had borne heavily upon the church for ten years, was paid off in one year's time. This church has maintained steadily a prosperous Sunday-school organization.
The Evangelical Church has had an organization in Millersville for over thirty years, and in 1852 this con- gregation erected a plain briek structure on the main street, about half a mile west of the Normal School. This building was enlarged in 1866, and a bell and steeple were added. The church has also had a flour- ishing Sunday-school. The pastors of this church have been the Revs. Litzenberger, Harper, Baker, Dissinger, Chubb, Zern, Shoemaker, Stirk, Specht, Weidler, Laros, De Long, Hershey, and Hoover.
The Evangelical congregation of Creswell is about thirty years old, and its church edifice, built of brick, is almost as old. The pastors were the same as those of Millersville until about ten years ago. Their recent pastors have been the Revs. Hess, Specht, Harper, and Witmer. The Evangelical congregation of Pitts- burgh was originally a part of that of Creswell, but the Evangelical members in and around Pittsburgh erected a stone structure of their own about fourteen
The Lutheran and Reformed denominations, which had for some time maintained church organizations in Millersville, jointly erected a house of worship on the main street, about half-way between the site of the Normal School and the " Black Horse Hotel," in 1843. This edifice, built of briek, was torn down in 1871, and in that year the two congregations erected separate church buildings of their own. These two buildings are each of brick, two stories high, and each is supplied with bell and steeple. They are located near the site of the old church edifice. Both these congregations have flourishing Sunday-schools. The Lutheran pastors were for a long time non-residents of Millersville, and also had other charges. The Rev. Mr. Fritchey and the Rev. Mr. Boyer for a long time preached here. Recent Lutheran pastors resident here have been the Rev. Mr. Reed and the Rev. Mr. Mark- ley. The Reformed pastors resident here have been the Rev. Mr. Steckel, the Rev. Mr. Shenkle, and the Rev. Mr. Moore. A small portion of the Lutheran congregation built a small but neat one-story brick edifice of their own in the lower end of the village, abont a quarter of a mile west of the Normal School, in 1876. This church has also a prosperous Sunday- school. The pastors of this second Lutheran congre- gation have been the Rev. Mr. Pore and the Rev. Mr. Eckert.
The United Brethren congregation> erected a church edifice in Stehman's neighborhood in 1857. This is a plain brick structure, and the congregation holding services here is large. Recent pastors here have been the Revs. Keyes, Baltzel, Mumma, Kautfinan, San- der», and Lightner. The United Brethren congrega- tion of Highville, which formerly constituted a part of the preceding congregation, erected a plain brick .building of their own about fifteen years ago. Their pastors have been the same as those of Stehman's Church.
The Old Mennonite meeting-houses of Manor are both stone structures over a century old, and are plas- tered outside as well as inside. The New Mennonite meeting-house, a lralf-mile south of Millersville, is a plain brick building abont a quarter of a century old. In 1876 the Dunkers of Manor erected a plain brick meeting-house about two miles west of Millersville.
School Affairs .- Manor was one of the townships which accepted the free school law passed by the Pennsylvania Legislature in 1834, but it made no report in 1837, when the other townships of Lan- caster County which accepted the law reported. In 1827, seven years before the law was passed, Manor paid 8389.69 ; for the education of the poor children in the township. In 1855 it had 21 schools and 1085 pupils, and $2500 was raised for school purposes. In 1882 there were 24 schools and 1057 pupils, and the total receipts and expenditures for school purposes were $12,928.88. The following school statistics of
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Manor for the years 1855, 1866, and 1882, will more , a State Normal School is within the limits of Manor, fully explain the educational development of this that township does not have as long school terms, wealthy and prosperous township. In 1855, Manor does not pay as high salaries, and is generally not as progressive as some other townships of Lancaster County. had 21 schools; the school term was six months ; there were 19 male teachers and 2 female teachers; 826 per month was paid to each of the male teacher-, and $20 per month to each of the female teachers ; there were 585 male pupils, and 500 female pupils ; 14 were learning German ; 643 was the average num- ber attending school ; $2500 in taxes were levied for school purposes ; $416.15 was received from the State appropriation ; $2874.30 was received from the school tax collector; $3096.50 was the cost of instruction ; 8671.34 was paid for fuel and contingencies; 82111 was the cost of school-houses, purchasing, building, renting, repairing, etc. In 1866, Manor had 22 schools; the school term was seven months; there were 10 male teachers and 12 female teachers; the average salaries of male teachers was $37.80 per month, and of female teachers $36.50 per month ; there were 528 male pupils, and 478 female pupils; 641 was the average number attending school ; $5000 was levied for sehool purposes, and was the total amount levied for that year ; $475.19 was received from the State appropriation ; 83868.38 was received from the col- lector of the school taxes, unseated lands, and other sourees ; 85712 was the cost of instruction ; $947 was expended for fuel and contingencies ; $2667 was the cost of school-houses, purchasing, building, renting, ete., and 81700 was the temporary debt. In 1882, Manor had 24 schools; the school term was six months; there were 16 male teachers, and 9 female teachers and 1 assistant teacher; $47.80 was the average salary of each of the male teachers per month, and $46.55 of each of the female teachers; there were 573 male pupils and 484 female pupils; 768 was the average number attending school ; 83 was the average percentage of attendance; 88276.52 was the total amount of tax levied for school and building pur- poses ; 81058.41 was received from the State appro- priation ; 811,870.47 was received from taxes and other sources, except State appropriation ; $12,928.88 were the total receipts; $4568.89 was the cost of school-houses, purchasing, building, renting, etc. ; $6822 were paid in teachers' salaries ; 81537.99 were expended for fuel, contingencies, fees of collectors, and all other expenses; 83021.58 were the township's liabilities for school purposes.
The Manor school-houses, with few exceptions, are substantial brick buildings, supplied with bell and cupola, with the latest improved school furniture, with globes, maps, and all the necessary school ap- plianees. For a period of about fifteen years Manor had a school term of seven months in the year, and for a short time higher salaries were paid to teachers, but since 1876 the school term has been six months, and the salaries have been slightly reduced. A large school building is in 'contemplation in Millersville for all the public schools of that village. Although
Justices of the Peace .- The following have been the justices of the peace of Manor township since the adoption of the State Constitution of 1838, giving each township its own justices of the peace : Rudolph Wissler and John Shissler, elected in 1840; John Wright and John Shissler, 1845; George Hawthorne and John Shissler, 1850; George Hawthorne and John Shissler, 1855; Charles Denues, 1857 ; Charles Denues and A. R. Witmer, 1962 ; Tobias Kauthman, 1866; A. R. Witmer, 1867; Tobias Kauffman, 1871; A. R. Witmer, 1872; Abraham Frantz, 1873; A. R. Witmer, 1877; Abraham Frantz, 1978; A. R. Wit- mer, 1882; Daniel H. Lintner, 1883.
Members of the Legislature from Manor .-- The following have been members of the State Legisla- ture from Manor township at different times. Mem- bers of the House of Representatives: Jacob Kim- mel, elected in 1803-10; Andrew Kauffman, 1837 ; Jacob B. Shuman, 1845 and 1846; Abraham Peters, 1861; Charles Dentes, 1864 and 1865. Jacob B. Shuman was a State senator, elected for three years, in 1854.
Old Tavern-keepers in Manor .- The following were tavern-keeper> in Manor from 1798 to 1809 in- elusive : 1795, Abraham Peters, Millerstown ; 1799, Michael Rinehart, on the road from Lancaster to Turkey Hill ; 1805, Samuel Petit, on the road from Columbia to the Black Horse, Christian Mellinger, on the bank of the Susquehanna, and Abraham Pe- ters, Millerstown; 1806, Edward Ilughes, Christian Mellinger, on the road from Lancaster to Columbia, Magdalena Stahl, on the road from Columbia to Blue Rock, John Lewis, on the road from Columbia to Blue Rock, Jacob Martin, Blue Rock, John Stehman, on the turnpike from Columbia to Lancaster, Joseph Charles, Millerstown ; 1808, John Eshleman, on the road to Safe Harbor, Jolin Stehman, on the turnpike front Columbia to Lancaster, Israel Nestleroad, at the mouth of the Conestoga (Safe Harbor), Jacob Martin, on the road from Columbia to Martie Forge, John Lewis, on the road from Columbia to Blue Rock ; 1809, John Bender, on the road from Columbia to Martie Forge, William Lewis, on the road from Lan- caster to Blue Rock, John Rupley, John Stehman, on the turnpike from Columbia to Lancaster, Peter Burk, on the road from Lancaster to Safe Harbor, Joseph Charles, on the road from Millerstown to the Susquehanna, Magdalena Stahl, on the road from Columbia to Blue Rock.
Election Districts .-- Manor township has three election distriets, -New Manor, Indiantown, and Millersville. New Manor embraces all the north- western section of the township, and the voters of this district east their ballots at Breneman's (for-
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HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
merly Mann's) tavern. Indiantown comprises the southwestern section, and the voters of this distriet deposit their tickets at Mrs. Stoner's tavern, at High- ville. The Millersville district embraces the whole eastern section, and the voting for this district is done at the Black Horse Hotel, at the upper end of Millersville.
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Manor's Population in 1880 .- The census of 1880 gave the population of Manor township at 5053. Of this number about 1200 were in the village of Millers- ville. Millersville district had 2043 inhabitants, In- had 1213. It will thus be seen that the village of | Millersville had almost one-fourth of the inhabitants of the township.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
JOHN LANDIS.
The name of Landis is one of the most respected and influential in the township of Manor. The family have Jong been represented in Lancaster County, though of Swiss nationality. Benjamin, the father of John, was united in marriage to Miss Eliza- beth Brackbill, whose family first came to American shores in 1717. To this marriage were born two sons, John and Benjamin. The birth of the former oc- eurred June 9, 1786, in Manheim township, Lancas- ter County, where his early years were spent upon the farm of his father, whom he materially assisted in his daily avocations. The opportunities for education were at that day limited, though Mr. Landis readily availed himself of such as were offered. When nine- teen years of age he removed to the farm now in pos- session of his son Tobias, in Conestoga township, and the same year was married to Miss Elizabeth Rudy, to whom were born children,-Mary, Benjamin, Anna, I lersville Street Railroad. and Fannie. By a second union with Anna, daughter of Jacob Hoover, his children were Su-an, Betsey, Jacob II., David, Tobias, and Magdalena. Mr. Lan- dis was a man of much publie spirit and enterprise. Ilis judgment was regarded as sound, and his influence in the community was wholesome and beneficial. He was elected supervisor of C'one-toga township, and in 1539, when a resident of Manor, served as county com- missioner. In politics he was a Whig, and subse- quently a Republican, but not active in the politica) field. In his religions belief he was a consistent Mennonite until his death, which occurred Aug. 22, 1870, in his eighty-fifth year.
JACOB HI. LANDIS.
Elizabeth Brackbill. The progenitor of the Braek- "bill family was Ulrich, the great-grandfather of Mrs. Landis, who emigrated from Germany to the United States on the 24th of August, 1717.
To Benjamin and Elizabeth were born two sons,- John and Benjamin. John married Elizabeth Rudy, whose children were Mary, Benjamin, Anna, and Fannie. His wife having died in 1816, he contracted a second marriage with Anna, daughter of Jacob Hoover, to whom were born children,-Susan, Betsey, Jacob II., David, Tobias, and Magdalena. The death fifth year, his second wife having died in 1857. Their son, Jacob HI., was born April 18, 1822, in Conestoga township, Laneaster Co. On attaining his fourth year he removed with his parents to Manor township, and during his youth was a pupil at Lititz and also at a select school in Manheim township. After becoming thoroughly familiar with the labor of a farm, he in 1841 became apprentice to the miller's trade, and having served his time assumed the management of his father's mill. In 1861 he became sole proprietor of both mill and farm, each of which he conducted successfully until his retirement from active business in 1880, when he was relieved of his responsibilities and cares by his sons.
Mr. Landis was married on the 26th of February, 1852, to Miss Anna S., daughter of David and Susan IFerr, of Lancaster township. Their children are John H., Mary (Mrs. Wenger), Susan ( Mrs. Reist), Lizzie (Mrs. Stehman), Fannie, and David.
Ile is a Republican in polities, but not an active partisan. He is greatly interested in the cause of education, and is at present a trustee of the State Normal School of Millersville. He has also been a school director of his township. He is a director of the Farmers' National Bank of Lancaster, and one of the board of managers of the Lancaster and Mil-
In religion both he and Mrs. Landis are Mennon- ites, though cheerful contributors to other denomi- nations. MIr. Landis, as a successful business man and an honorable citizen, enjoys the esteem of his co- temporaries throughout the county.
EZRA M. HOSTETTER.
The progenitor of the Hostetter family was Jacob, who, in 1741, purchased of the government the land now in possession of his great-great-grandson, who is the subject of this biographical sketch. Ile had two sons, Abram and Jacob, who inherited the ances- tral acres, the former of whom was the father of a son Benjamin, born March 12, 1755, who died Feb. 4, 1844. The latter, who became heir to a portion of his father's estate, had five daughters and two sons, Benjamin and Rudolph. Benjamin, the father of Ezra M., was born Oct. 16, 1796, on the homestead
The progenitors of the Landis family were natives of Switzerland, and the date of their emigration is not positively known. The grandfather of the sub- ject of this biography was Benjamin, who married | farm, the land of which he devoted a lifetime to cul-
diantown district had 1797, and New Manor district , of John Landis occurred Aug. 22, 1870, in his eighty-
Lacote de Grandis.
Gell Herstellen
John S Mann
Abraham Jetcus
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MANOR TOWNSHIP.
tivating and improving. He was, in politics, a Whig, and in his religious belief a Mennonite. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Christian Miller, of York County, Pa., and had sons, -Ezra M., Jacob, and Chris- tian. The death of Mr. Hostetter occurred March 22, 1858, in his fifty sixth year. Hisson, Ezra M., was born Dee. 20, 1838, at the house which had been for successive generations in possession of the family. Here his boyhood was spent either at school or in labor upon the farm. In 1860 he became owner of the property, and in February, 1861, was united in marriage to Miss Susan, daughter of Tobias Deitrich, of Manor township, who was also of German extrae- tion. They have had four children,-Benjamin D., Jacob D., Mary, Lizzie (deceased), and Katy. The sons reside at home, where they render invaluable assistance to their father on the farm.
Mr. Hostetter usually casts his vote with the Demo- eratie party, though untrammeled by the claims of party, choosing always the most eligible candidate for office irrespective of his political affinities. The time and attention demanded by his own business interests leave little leisure for affairs of a public nature. Mr. Hostetter is in religion a supporter of all evangelical denominations.
JOHN S. MANN.
Bernhart Mann, the grandfather of John S., was born May 9, 1740, and when eight years of age emi- grated from Huiffenhart, Germany, to America. He was, in accordance with the method of that period among emigrants, sold for his passage-money to a Mr. Stehman, of Lancaster County, with whom he remained until his majority was attained, after which he settled upon a purchase of eighty acres of land now owned by his grandson, the subject of this sketch.
He married Mary Staumb Aug. 11, 1743, also of German ancestry, and had children,-John, Bernhart, George, and Elizabeth (who became Mrs. Wormley). Mr. Mann's death occurred June 6, 1817, in his sev- enty-eighth year, and that of his wife April 21, 1821, also in her seventy-eighth year. Their son, John, was born on the paternal land March 7, 1774, where his life was devoted to farming employments.
He married Elizabeth, daughter of George Snyder, of East Donegal, Lancaster Co., who was born Oct. 8, 1780, and died March 25, 1870, in her ninetieth year. Their children were Bernhart, Jacob, Margaretta, Marie, Elizabeth, Sophia, Catharine, Barbara, Sarah, John S., and George.
Mr. Mann during his lifetime espoused the tenets of the Lutheran belief. He died Dec. 3, 1843, in his seventieth year.
Ilis son, John 8., was born Nov. 26, 1819, on the homestead farm, the birthplace of all the members of the family and the scene of his lifelong labors.
the farm. In 1846 he became owner of the aneestral acres, which he still retains and on which he resides. He was married, in 1852, to Miss Barbara, daughter of Jacob Zeigler, of East Donegal township. Their children are Harriet, Alice, Ida, Emma (deceased }, John (also deceased ), and John Edwin. Mrs. Mann's death occurred Feb. 10, 1881, in her fifty-fourth year. ller grace and beauty of character still live in the memory of his attached family.
Mr. Mann is in politics a Democrat and at present a member of the township committee of Manor town- ship. He is actively engaged in business operations, and a director of the Lancaster County National Bank. Ile is a member of the board of trustees of the State Normal School, appointed by the State.
His religious convictions lead him to support all worthy denomination, irrespective of sect, though educated in the Lutheran belief.
HON. ABRAHAM PETERS.
Abraham Peters was one of the most distinguished representatives of the native German element of Lan- caster County. He was born Ang. 29, 1791, near Millersville, Lancaster Co., Pa. His father, also named Abraham Peters, emigrated to this country when abont nineteen years of age, from near Stras- burg, a town of Alsace, now in Germany, but at that time a province of France. He located in the vicinity of Millersville, then called Millersburg, where, in 1777, he purchased ten aeres for two hundred and seventy pounds. He was an industrious and intelli- gent man, was for many years engaged in the distil- lery business, and also kept a tavern in an okl log house, in which the subject of the present sketch was born. He died Feb. 5, 1818, aged seventy-seven years. Upon the death of his father, Abraham Peters took charge of the business, which he continued until 1853, and at the same time engaged in farming. He was a model landlord, strictly temperate himself, and careful that there should be no rowdyism or intem- peranee at his hotel. In the days before railroads were built, when goods were hauled in Conestoga wagons from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh, his tavern was a popular and noted stopping-place for teams en route.
During this time his devotion to his aged mother was a remarkable incident of his life, for on her ac- count he delayed marriage until he was thirty-four years of age. On the 16th of October, 1825, he was married to Miss Fanny Gamber, of which marriage one son and six daughters survive. He continued the business of farming up to 1862, and also carried on the business of saw-milling on the Conestoga.
Through his long life, though engaged in active pursuits, he was always publie-spirited, lending his aid and influence to the promotion of many public enterprises. He was an earnest advocate for the con-
Ile received but limited advantages of education, and at an early age engaged in the employments of ! struction of the turnpike from Millersville to Lancas-
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HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
ter, of which company he was for many years presi- dent, and also gave his money and influence for the .connection of the same two places by a street rail- way. When the common school system was intro- duced into Lancaster County it met with a determined opposition from a certain class of citizens, but through his able and persistent fight in its favor much of the opposition was overcome, and its introduction into his district was largely due to his influence. He was one of the early advocates of the county superinten - deney, and his support and influence did much to allay the prejudice with which this office was re- garded in the county.
In 1854 there was begun in Millersville an educa- tional enterprise which eventually developed into the Millersville State Normal School. Mr. Peters was one of the leading movers in this enterprise, and was elected the first president of the board of trustees, a position to which he was annually re-elected up to the time of his death. The institution was the pio- neer of the normal schools of the State, and as it was an experiment, it was with some difficulty that the citizens were induced to subscribe for its stock. By his earnest solicitation of his friends and neighbors he succeeded largely in having the stock taken, and he was so enthusiastic and confident of its success that he was always ready to aid in keeping up its financial standing. He always manifested a deep in- terest in the school, was proud of his connection with it, and was a wise counselor and a firm support to its administration. The writer of this sketch remem- bers with grateful feelings his words of kindly ad- vice and his loyal support in hours of difficulty and anxiety.
In 1861, the Republicans of Lancaster County hay- ing a factional disagreement in their nominating con- vention, the minority united with the Democrats in forming a Union ticket, and placed the name of Abraham Peters at its head. This ticket was elected, and Abraham Peters, a lifelong Democrat, represented the strong Republican county of Lancaster in the State Legislature. In this position he discharged his duty with great fidelity to his constituents, and to the satisfaction of both parties. For many years he was a director in the Farmers' National Bank of Lancas- ter, but a few years before his death he requested that his place should be filled by some younger and more active man. During the last few years of his life he withdrew from all active business, and, surrounded by
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