USA > Pennsylvania > Lancaster County > History of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men > Part 98
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The Armstrong family are also men of note in this community. Hugh Armstrong, the progenitor of the present family of that name in this township, came from Ireland to Edward Brien's landing at Martic Forge abont.the year 1800. After coming to this country, he married Jane Shoff, a relative of the pres- ent family of Shoff's, of Martie. From the union of these two persons sprang the present family of Arm- strongs. There are nine children, descendants of Hugh Armstrong,-John, Joseph, William, Gordon, Hugh, Nancy (married to Edward Galen), Elizabeth (mar- ried to Isaac Null), Belle (married to Hugh O'Nail), Jane (married to Mahlon P. Eckman). All of the male members of this family have become distin- guished citizens of the township. John, the oldest George Lamborn, an intelligent and public-spirited citizen, is a farmer living in the lower end of the town- ship (along Muddy Run). Hle is a member of the society of Friends. For fifteen consecutive years member of the family, was elected to the office of county commissioner in 1869, holding that position until 1872. Anterior to this time he had held nearly every office within the gift of the people of the town- i he was a member of the school board of Martic,
971
MARTIC TOWNSHIP.
and held the position of secretary in that body for nine years. During this time he has left a mark upon the pupils of the public schools that will be an enduring monument to his memory, such as any one may well be proud of. Mr. Lamborn is the owner of the largest mineral collection in the township.
Joseph Engles, one of the justices of the peace for Martie township, is one of the most prominent citi- zen. lle lives in the village of Mount Nebo, and has for a number of years been one of the leading mer- chants of the village. He is a man of commanding presence, vigorous intellect, and stern conscientious- ness. Few persons have a stronger hold upon the confidence and affections of the people than the sub- ject of this sketch. He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Mount Nebo since 1859. Mr. Engles has been a justice of the peace in Martie, with slight interruptions, from 1865 to the present time.
PROVINCIAL TAX OF MARTIC FOR 1757 (INCLUDING PROVI- DENGE TOWNSHIP).
t s. d.
€ s. d.
James Reed. 0 10 G William Stuart. 0 15 0
James Duncan
1 5 0
Samnel Siyon 1
11
Bricce Miller ... 0 5
0 1 Thomas White 2
Robert Pennery 0 10
John Celwill 0 18
Samuel Hilliss. # 10 =
JADIE'S Su Higrass 0 10
Andrew Johnson. 0 2
G Robert Fullon 0 5
John Mexander. ) 11
Samuel Work man. 0 0
0
Janet Suodgia's
= Hugh Workman 0 10
Robert Brotherton. 1 7
Robert Mathroll. 0 =
0
William Bintheiton. 0 10
5
Christian Giatt 1 G
=
U Arshel Strel . 7
Hugh Bbvar. 0
Which Youity
0 Samuel Ment's .. 0 10
Alexander Seuut 0
Michael Shank
1
William Reed. I
G
Ocly Everly .
10
Jacob lloover, Sen .
0 C George Johnson
=
Bleecher, Michael, Feb. 28, 1759, 20 acres, next to his other land.
Bowles, Thomas, June 19, 1744, 200 acres, next to John Taylor, over Sus- quehanna.
Boyil, John, Jan. 17, 1750, 50 acres, next to Thomas White and James Moore This property reniamed in the family until the death of W. C. Boyd, when it was soll to Milton Wike, of Columbia (present owner).
Boyse, Jacob, March 6, 1743, 100 acres, next to Sammuel Boyse. Now owned by Martic Forge
Boyse, Samuel, March 6, 1713, 50 ar res, next to his other land. The old forge property.
Duncan, James, Aug. 22, 1753, 150 acres, bought by Samuel Stevenson 18 1819, solil by his son, Jolin Stevenson, in 1858, now owned by Ellen Kehue.
Erwin, samuel, Sept. 30, 1757, 50 acres, next to Robert Boyd and Willinm Guay.
Forsyth, Robert, bac. 28, 1742, 50 actes, next to Widow Middleton and Samdris Scott, improved in 1789.
Gilson, Patrick, Dec. 22, 1721, 50 neres, next tu Henry Hoover and Leonard Beimson, improved in 1737.
Gwin, John, Jan 3; 1750, 60 acies, next to John McDrewins.
Gross, Andrew, Nov. 29, 1745, 50 acres, next to Mike Grove.
Grunde, Jacob, Nov. 7, 1755, 20 acres, next to John Smith. Johnson, Goorge, Nov. 8, 1743, 50 neres, next to John Logan.
Julinson, Benjamin, Out. 19, 1787, 11 acres, next to J. and S. Boyse, or Boyer.
Kinkead, John, Dec. 14, 1730, 50 acres, next to William Forbes and Widow Ronds
Laske, Elizabeth, Jan 31, 1750, 100 acres, next to Robert Steele and T. White, now owned by David E-hleman.
McAnaulty, John, Dec. 20, 1750, 100 acres, next to Widow Snodgrass, now owned by George M Stemman
3. Call. Samuel, March 27, 1764, 50 acres, on Susquehanna.
Mccullough, Samuel, F.b. 11, 1750, 100 acres, now owned by David Miller.
Widow Losk 6 0 Thomny Whorry. 0 10 0
Fr. emeu.
ť s. d.
€ s. d.
John Clark
1
Patrick Brubnk 1 0 0
1 Andrew MeHaffey. 0 0
James Brownlee .. 1
0 0
J.une. Long ... 1
John Brownlee 1
0 0
Samuel Whorty I
0
William Nixon 1
0
0
William Leaman .. 1
0 . John Bayd.
1 0
William Clark. 0
ILINS Adams.
1
0
0
William Gabley ..
1
Wilham Fullertown 1
11
Robert Stuart .. . 0 0.
WARRANTEES OF LAND IN MARTIC PRIOR TO 1800.
Anderson, William, June 19, 1745, 200 acres between the mouth of Con- estoga Creek and Mount Massey.
Aimior, Thomas. Feb. 25, 1772, 40 acres, on Susquehanna River, next to George Stevenson ; owned in 1883 by H. Brubaker,
Armstrong, Andrew, March 20, 1753, 100 acres, including improvements, next to Humphrey Bonuer and Chich Yartz, in Matic.
Atkinson, Michael, May 13, 176, 50 uvres, next to James Clark and James McFelson.
Baar, Jacob, Feb. 15, 1751, 50 acres, next to John Robison and George Turner.
Baldridge, John, Dec. 14, 1750, 100 acres, next to John Ramsey and others
Barnard, Jeremiah, Dec. 12, 1745, 150 acres on branch of Minddy Creek, near Susquehanna.
David Wells. 1G Daniel Reed.
0
7
Jumey Robison
12
James Blear 7
Moers Nelson.
0 10
David McBride 10
Thomas Nelson
10
John McAnolty 0 10
U
Samuel Luckley 0 10 0 John Alexatoler 12
Robert Luckley ... 0 10 0 John Raindey 1 10
John MC Mullon
0 15 = Adamı Moute. . 0 10
William Metiarrach
0 Samuel Mccullough 1 18
Jobin Met'nllongh
1
U James Lackey 0 10 3
Patrick Duncan 0 9
George Coop.
0
4 5
0 Atsbell Birdy .. 1)
4
U
Francis Taylor.
7
0 Thomas Smith. 2 15
Henry Stoler,
7
Julin Alexander .. 0
William Folk 1
U William Sundgrass 1
Jacob Loughmau.
0 George Campble 0
7
John Good.
= Ar-bell Brownlee ... 11
4
6
Henry Lines 1
7
John Stufen 5
1
=
Jacobi Brant
0 15
William Hover 3
George Kinkrad .. 11
7
0
Andrew Armstrong.
0
William Snodgrass.
0 15
Samuel Erwin .. 0
7
Peter l'atotsol . 5
0
Widow Stoel. 012 0
William Snodgrass 0 14
0
Samuel Dixson. )13
Jamey Snodgrass 0 12
Julin Leeman
1
11
George Sutter.
0
0
Samuel Rugets
0 10
U
Alexander Mclaughlin.
0
Hugh Cilwell. 0 14
Hugh Bear .. U 7
6
Jaines Monte. 0 13
0
Elward Gilbert 3
Thomas Black. 0 19
Sutunel Mears 0 10
Daniel Mc Dryon 0 10
Alexamler Scout. 0 15
George Reed ..
0
William Reed ..
William Neely ...
William Reed, 8
David Reed 0 19
4 James Xixsun 0
Thomas MeColley 7
Martin Funk, 0 12- 0
Widow M. Gachey
0
0
Jobn M. Bride.
0
€ a. d.
Peter Clark
0 5 0
John Owall. 0 12 0
John Doucan. 1 7
James Clark. ..... .. 0 7 6
Robert Duncanl. =
John LowDIAn .. ..
0 7
6
Hugh Gray. 1 10
Sammel Byis .... 2 0
Jolin Baby 7
0
Jacob Sturer ...
2 10
William Stoatt
5
0
Patrick Metleale. 0 10
Jacob Bear.
0 16 0
Wilham Chuk
41
7
John Graft, Jr
1
G
James Pigott.
1
John Winter.
G
Widow MeChutvy 7
Adamı Tomons
0 14
Harry Blecher 0 14
Heury Stare 0
2 5
Michael Blecher .. ...
Martin Byr's
0 10
John Hannow .
x
U
Frederick Shouler.
9
0
John McClean .... 4
Jacob Brubacker. 1
8
Christian Shank
1
Francis Taylor
1 10
Benjamin Alsball
5
=
Henry llover
1
2
6
Dinis MeMackon.
5
Alexander McCalestre
0 John McDowel
1 0 0
Andrew Rodgers. 0 5
11 Sammel Willson.
0 10 0
John Baldredge,
0 10 0
Jacob Winter ...... 0 17 6
Robert Gall 0 14
Alexander Baldridge 0 10
John Muckle ....
William Reynokis ... 0 10 0
William White .. 0
0 Hugh Reynolds 0
William Diven 2
5
Thomas Cally 0
7 Andrew Pagon. 0 15 George MeLanghhn. 0 14
0
Jumey Clark 4 1
7
Robert Lees .. 0)
6
7
=
John Snodgrass .. 1
Jacob Whitter.
11 1%
John Garvin .. .
Matthew Cuningham. 0 12
Joseph Bluar.
1 David Moor .. 5 Hugh Long 1 7
0 James Reed
U
4
WIlham Leamen. u 16
Jacob Bealls ... 10
0
John Long 1
Michael Gratt ... 3 10
U
Jacob Graft 15
Christian Mmphy.
= Alexander Huntet 0 10
John Funk.
5
= John Gialt .... 1
Widow Erwin. 0
John Grinirs. 0 18
5
John Hunter > 11 10 =
Thomas Boyd. I
972
HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
MrLaughlio, George, Dec. 1, 1750, 30 acres.
MeLaughlin, Alexander and George, May 24, 1753, 150 acres, now owned by J. S. H.unet.
' MeLanghlin, Alexander, Feb. 12, 1753, 20 acres The two Melaughlin brother, owned nt one time a large tract of latel comprising at pres- ent the farms of Thomis E Amibler, John S. Hatner, Isaac J. and W. H Wentz, and Thomas Robinson, Ments, Samuel, Dec 14, 1750, 40 acres
Muldleton, George, April 13, 1737, on east side of Pennen Creek.
Middleton, George, Feb 3, 1743, 70 acres, improved in 17 17.
Rumsey, John, March 20, 1743, Ion acres, returned in Pramore.
Read, James, Jan. 3, 1754, 3V neres, next to his other land, now ow ned by Rolindus Brubaker.
Read, James, March 10, 1743, 50 acres, over river. Read, James, July 1, 1755, 70 acres, in Martic .
Read, James, Nov. 26, 1736, 50 acres, next to Josoph Read.
Read, Joseph, Jan. 4, 1759, 50 acres, next to James Bred.
Robinson, James, May 5, 1752, 100 acres, included in his improvement, now owned by Jesse Shoemaker's heir.
Schollas, Frederick, March 30, 1756, 5 ) aeres.
Smith, Abraham, March 11, 1737, 200 artes, next tu Jacob Boyer and J. Middleton.
Snodgrass, James, Sept. 6, 1751, 20 acres, now owned by J. N. Massey. Snodgrass, Jolin, Dec. 20, 1750, 100 acres, next to James Patterson's, now owned by George MI. Stemman. Snodgrass, Janet (widuw), Dec 20, 1750, 100 acres, next to John Me- Anaullty, now owned by George M Steiuman
Steel, Robert, Nov. 28, 1753, 90 acres, next to his other land, sold to John Simpson in 1821. The present owners are the heirs of John Simpson
Stewart, James, July 17, 1742, 50 acres, including improvements by Thomas Stewart.
Thomas, Adam, Jan. 3, 1759, 25 acres, next to his other land.
Warry, Thomas, Feb. 28, 1750, 100 acres, now owned by Dana & Miller. Wentzel, John Adam, May 24, 1748.
Wilson, Samael, Nov. 25, 1751, in his improvement of 1745,
Yorty, Uriab, Dec. 21, 1750, 100 acres
NON-ASSOCIATORS FOR MARTIC TOWNSHIP, 1777.
Thomas Whiry.
Martin Byers.
Sumael MeCoulough. Peter Miller. Peter Toute.
Williamn Clark.
Ilagh Barr. Henty Stofer.
Jubn MeGinnis.
Christ. Stofer
Wilham Turner.
Chriley Luie. Frederick Heble. John Heble.
Arthur Rody. Conrad Heble.
Jacob Whitalan.
Henry Bleeker.
Alexander Kegy.
James Inins.
Christ. Kegy.
John Smith.
Ilenry Kegy.
Woolery Smith.
Alexunder Kegy, Jr.
Saminel Kecder.
Martin Byers, Jr.
Jucob Beal.
TAXABLES IN 1807 OF WHAT IS NOW MARTIC TOWNSHIP.
Aukrim, Jatues, tanner.
Connelly, Henry, laborer.
Alexander, John.
Cramer, Peter.
Allen, William, collier.
Doroach, Thomas
Ankrim, Samuel, Brine, Edward, Esq.
Denning, William, merchant. Dont, Roger. Dout, Samuel. Duut, Robert.
Debuts, Hugh.
Byers, Henry, doctor. Byers, Jacob.
Dunkle, Grorge.
Douglas, John, wood-hauler. I'lliotte, Samuel
Eule, Henry, collier.
Frayzer, Widow
Farmer, Gregory. 1 usgason, John, laborer. Fullerton, Alex , wood-haaler. Galen, James, Gardner, Valentine, tunner. German, Lawrence, cordwainer. Good, John
Harris, William. Heston, Hemy.
Hartis, John, innkeeper.
Hagen, John, forgruman.
Hemmetrue:, Jacob, laborer.
Hart, Benjamin, tanner. Hut, John, tanger. Iferr, Emannel.
Huber, Abrahamn. Heston, John.
llemy, Richard, mason.
Irwin, William, collier.
Jones, Richard, distiller. Johnston, John, hatter.
Kline, Henty.
Kelly, Samuel, cordwainer.
Knk, Lentilus, wagoner.
Kepperly Jacob, mason. Kepporly, Frederick.
Lines, Samuel.
Limburn, George. Lambura, Townsend.
Robison, Jules. Robison, John, Jr.
Long, Ingh.
Lemon, William.
Heard, John, Latilor.
Lines, Christian.
Seigmint, Jane.
Miller, Martin.
McCouch, Robert, tailor.
McMullin, Steward. Moore, Adam.
Mackey, Thomas,
Miglaughlin, William.
Miglanghlin, George,
Spencer, John.
Shod, John.
McKee, William.
McCullongh, Sumnel.
MeNear, Archibald.
MrCreary, Jobn.
Morris, John, forgemanu.
Shank, John.
Mayley, James. Wallace, John, tailor.
Wents, Joseph, miller.
Williams, Robert, hatter.
. Young, Peter, distiller.
Fiermen.
David Smith, merchant.
Samuel Snodgrass.
| Isaac Smith, merchant.
Thomas Clark.
Jantes Pendry, sickle-maker.
Philip Gardner.
Robert Francis,
Robert Douglas, collier. Owen Connelly, collier.
Joseph Reid.
Thomas Shindletoa. Patrick Connelly, collier.
Elward Pennel.
John Connelly, wood-chopper.
Sammel Stevenson. Anthony, Keines, cordwainer Joseph Meginues
Thomas Black, tanner. James Black.
David Irwin. Samuel McConnell.
John Ryley. Peter Polen.
George Warfle, cordwainer.
John Crumer, collier. Willmin Doub.
Hugh Black
John long.
Sunttel Snodgrass.
Justices of the Peace .- Since the adoption of the State Constitution, authorizing townships to elect their own justices of the peace, the following-named persons have been elected in Martie township :
Ryland MeCalister, April 14, 1x40. Thomas Wentz, April, 1861. John Good, April 14, 1840. Joseph Engles, April, 1865. Elias Aument, April, 1809. Juseph Engles, April, 1870. Jacob Reese, Ajnil, 1874. James Black, April 15, 1843. R. B. Mc Allister, April 15, 1815. Hh my Rush, April 9, 1850 F. Henry Andrews, April 11, 1854.
Jobn Rawlins, April 11, 1851. Julin MeClone, Aput 14, 1839. lenty Andrews, Apd 12. 189. Jacob L. Lehman, April 12, 1864
Miller, Abraham.
Miller, l'uter. MeConnel, Oliver, blacksmithi. Moore, John, collier. McCull, Robert, collier. Nerl, James. Nogil, Juhu, forgeman. Neilson, Stephen, laborer.
Olilfiehl, Pavid.
O Donnel, Hugh. O'Noni, Chaut les. Patterson, John. Penny, James, Joiner.
Porter, James, Joiner.
l'atten, John, Pagen, James.
Penney, Hagh.
Paul, Janie's. Robison, John. Robison, Thomas.
Reed, John, Esq. Rice, l'eter, wagoner.
Robison, John, weaver.
Sides, Groige. Snodgrass, Jaines.
Swagert, Fehv.
Strer, Michael, wagoner. Seabrook, Henry, collier.
Seabrook, William, wood-chopper.
McCandles, John.
Swagert, Schastian, Shank, Christian. Seabrook, Wilham, gausmith.
Shon, Jacob.
Mayberry, Sylvanus. Moore, William, collier. MeCatty, John, blacksmith.
Joseph Penny. Juha Dankle, . Powley Dunkle.
Brown, James, Innkeeper. Brannin, Margaret. Black, Widow.
Blair, John, weaver. Cully, Widow.
Campbell, Patrick. . Campbell, Grurge. U Inth, Widow. Clark, Jamiea. Cartilo, John, forgeman. Cherry, George, cordwhiner. Crow, George, steel-maker. Coil, Henry, collier
Heury Hebel
James Rribura.
Juhu Bughanan.
Abraham Good, April, 1874. Joseph Engles, April, 1877. Hugh Armstrong, April, 1879. Joseph Engles, April, 1882.
973
MARTIC TOWNSHIP.
Martie township contains four villages of consider- able size.
Marticville is situated in the northern part of the township, about nine miles south of the city of Lan- easter. It contains about two hundred inhabitants, one Methodist Church, two stores, one of which is the post-office, one good hotel, and one public school. The village is pleasantly located in the midst of a limestone region, noted for the productive quality of its farms. This village was commenced early in the history of the township, being started upon the road leading from Conestoga Centre to the present village of Martieville, and was originally called "Frogtown," the western part still retaining that name. The popu- lation is principally of the Dutch element, and retains to a great degree the customs of its ancestry.
Rawlinsville is situated in the eastern part of the | deceased), the eldest son of John Hagen, was a man township, on the road leading from Lancaster to Me- Call's Ferry, about thirteen miles from the former and five miles from the latter place. It contains about one hundred inhabitants, two stores, two hotels, one Methodist Church, and one public school. We have been unable to obtain any authentic data as to when the village was settled, but it was probably made the site of a village very early in the history of the township. It is situated in the midst of a fine farming region, the people being noted for their thrift, devotion to the cause of education, and general intel- ligence.
Bethesda is situated in the southwestern part of : at present is a member of the board of prison in-
the township, about one mile north of the famous ferry on the Susquehanna River, known as McCall's Ferry. It contains about one hundred inhabitants, two stores, one Methodist Church, one resident physician, and one public school, and a post-office.
Mount Nebo is situated near the centre of Martie township, about foarteen miles south from Lancaster, and about two and two-thirds miles east from the Co- lumbia and Port Deposit Railroad. It contains two general stores, two churches, one Methodist and one Presbyterian, cabinet-shop and furniture wareroom-, , and one public school. It contains no hotel, and it is a remarkable fact in the history of this village that it never did contain a hotel.
It is situated in the midst of a region noted for the grandeur and beauty of its landscape scenery. From Arinstrong's Hill, a little to the east of the village, may be seen one of the grandest landscape scenes to be found anywhere within the limits of the county. Looking to the north from this point of observation, you behold an extended view of hill and dale, dotted with smiling fields, sleeping groves, isolated farm- houses, and an ever-varying panorama of beauty, until the view is lost because the eye does not possess the power to pierce the distance beyond. On the northwest the observer has a magnificent view of the Susquehanna River, bordered with wooded slopes, and, taken as a whole, this view, especially in the summer season of the year, is really enchanting. Mount
Nebo is remarkable also as being the seat of the old- est Methodist Church in Martie township. The in- habitants are noted for their hospitality to strangers, devotion to the cause of religion, general intelligence, and zeal in the canse of common school education. As an evidence of the truth of this latter statement we may mention the fact that the school district of which Mount Nebo forms a part has within the last three years sent out five common school teachers, all of whom were trained to the profession at the public school in this place.
Closely identified with the history of Mount Nebo is the Hagen family. For the last sixty-five years the name has been prominent in every enterprise, and they are numbered among the most valuable citizens of the village. Joshua Hagen (recently of note, holding a number of positions of honor and trust. Though never married he was a householder all his life, and was noted for his hospitality and en- terprising spirit. Davis Hagen, who learned the trade of axe-making with his brother Joshua, spent the greater portion of his life in this village working at his trade, which he taught to his five boys, viz .: Henry Bascom, John, Albert, Davis, and William. Of these five sons John is at present working at blacksmithing in Rawlinsville, William is carrying on axe-making in Mount Nebo, and Albert is en- gaged at his trade (blacksmithing) in this village, and spectors of Lancaster County.
Schools .- The common school law of Pennsylvania was passed in 1834, and adopted by Martie township in 1836. From that time until the preseut there has been a steady and gradual improvement in her school system. At the date of the acceptance of the com- mon school law by Martic she had 616 taxable in- habitants, including Providence township. In 1837 she had 9 school-houses, 9 teachers, 4st pupils, and the tax levy for school purposes amounted to $800; State appropriation, $1162.81 ; total receipts, $1605.58; expenditures, $1617.41 ; expended on building, 8525. Tax collector Joshua Hagen collected the first school tax levied in the township. The most notable im- provement in the history of the common schools of this township was made between the years 1861 and 1883. In 1861 the aggregate amount of taxation for school purposes was $1900 ; term of school, five months; number of school-houses, 7 ; amounts paid to teachers, ranging from $18 to 825. From that time until 1880 there appeared to be a standstill in the history of this township, when at that period a new impetus was given to the cause of education. In the above- named year the taxation aggregated 82800, the term of school six months, and the salary ranging from $30 to $37. At present, though there has not been much increase in taxation, Martie now boasts 10 schools, a term of six months, and a salary ranging from $34 to $50.
-
974
HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY.
Church History .- The church history of Martic township commences with the Muddy Run Presby- terian Church. The land upon which the church stands was taken up or patented in 1742 by David Jones, John Marshall, and William Andrews, and a log house built the same year. There are no records to show who was the first pastor, as some years after | school-house and in private dwellings until 1834,
its erection nearly all the settlers left, on account of a difficulty with the Indians, and removed to South Carolina. The second house, also log, was built in or about the year 1760. In the year 1820 a man by the name of Gregory Farmer, an eccentric character, liv- ing upon the banks of the Tuequan Creek, near the farm now owned by Henry Galen, conceived the idea of erecting a stone church in place of the "Old Log House," then in a very dilapidated condition, and although building-stone was very plenty in the vicinity and nearly valueless, he would accept nothing as a gratuity, but paid for everything enter- ing into its construction with his own means. A man by the name of Annans was pastor of the congrega- tion, and to show the relation existing between pas- tor and people at that time the following anecdote may be related : A member of the church, David Stewart by name, was leader of the choir. In en- deavoring to sing the psalm read by the minister he missed the tune. After several ineffectual attempts to right himself, the preacher's patience became ex- hausted, and he peremptorily ordered him to close the " beyuk," saying, " You shan't abuse the word of God so." This command ended the psalm-singing for that day. The fourth and present house was built in 1853. This house was also built of stone, but still at this late day it is known as the " Old Log Church." Mr. Annans was succeeded in 1826 by Rev. William Easton as pastor, who preached there regularly until the year 1877, a period of fifty- one years, during which time he had seen laid to rest in the quiet graveyard adjoining the church almost the entire congregation that was present to listen to his first sermon. The present pastor is David Ander- son, who preaches here the second and fourth Sab- baths in each month.
Methodist Episcopal Church, Mount Nebo .- The second church in point of age is the Methodist Episcopal Church at Mount Nebo. Methodism, in its struggle for a foothold in this township, had many difficulties to encounter. The strong leaning to the doctrine of the Mennonites by the inhabitants of the northern part of the township, the religious fervor of the Scotch-Irish Covenanters in the southern sec- tion, made this section of the county a barren field for a time for the inculcation of the doctrines of Wesley. In' 1817, however, we find that Jacob Harnish, of Conestoga township, leased a lot to James Neal, Valentine Gardner, John Read, and William McCreary, for a term of ninety-nine years, the yearly rent, being one pepper-corn, to be paid upon the ground if desired, upon which was erected a house to | William MeLaughlin, L. R. MeClune, John H. Car-
be used for church and school purposes. In the year 1818 Methodist meetings were held at the house of David Sockett, at which a man by the name of King preached. Sockett lived upon the property now owned by David Miller, near Muddy Run. After this occasional meetings were held in the public when the zeal and influence of Isaac Greist and others caused a Methodist Church to be erected in the village of Mount Nebo, it being the first Meth- odist Church in this part of the county. The ground upon which this church was erected was deeded, the deed bearing date Aug. 2, 1834, by Jacob Harnish and wife, to Isaac Greist, John Mites, Isaac Wentz, John Owens, and Robert Bruce, who constituted the first board of trustees. In this connection Isaac Greist should receive more than a passing notice. The cause of Methodism never had a warmer friend or a stronger advocate. He gave liberally of his means whenever called upon. Ile had for some years before his death contemplated leaving his property to the church at Mount Nebo, but he died before his wife, namely, March 18, 1876. His wife, however, who died Nov. 1, 1879, carried out the wishes of her husband, and bestowed the bulk of her possessions to the trustees at Mount Nebo for the purpose of erect- ing a new house, the corner-stone of which was laid Aug. 17, 1882, and the house dedicated to the service of God Aug. 12, 1883. Revs. J. S. J. McConnell and George Cummins preached the dedicatory sermons, assisted by Rev. J. C. Wood, of Marietta, and others.
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