USA > Pennsylvania > Lancaster County > History of Lancaster County : to which is prefixed a brief sketch of the early history of Pennsylvania > Part 17
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Mr. Miller, Weiss, and John Bartholomew Rieger, fellow students, were on terms of intimacy, at home and in America. Rieger was a native of Oberingelheim, Palatinate. He studied at Basel and Heidelberg, arrived in America, in 1731 and afterwards settled in Lancaster county ; he had charge of several German Reformed congregations in this county. He died at Lancaster, March 14, 1769, aged 62 years, 2 months and 4 days; buried in the German Reformed church grave- yard. 1
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auditor. Their music is set in four, six, and eight parts. All the parts, save the bass, are lead and sung exclusive- ly by females, the men being confined to the bass, which is set in two parts, the high and the low bass-the latter resembling the deep tones of the organ, and the first, in combination with one of the female parts, is an excellent imitation of the concert horn. The whole is sung on the falsetto voice, the signers scarcely opening their mouths, or moving their lips, which throws the voice up to the ceiling, which is not high, and the tones, which seem to be more than human, at least so far from common church singing appears to be entering from above, and hovering over the heads of the assembly."
The reader may form some idea of their music from the following extract of a letter written by a tourist during the proprietary administration of Governor Penn : " The counter, treble, tenor, and bass, were all sung by women, with sweet, shrill, and small voices, but with a truth and exactness in time and intonation that was admirable. It is impossible to describe to your Lordship, my feelings upon this occasion. The per- formers sat with their heads reclined, their countenances solemn and dejected, their faces pale and emaciated from their manner of living, the clothing exceeding white and quite picturesqe, and their music such as thrilled to the very soul; I almost began to think myself in the world of spirits, and that the objects before me were ethereal. In short, the impression this scene made upon my mind, continued strong for many days, and I believe, will never be wholly obliterated."
This music is lost, entirely now, at Ephrata; not the music books, but the style of singing; they never attempt it any more. It is, however, still preserved and finely executed, though in a faint degree, at Snow hill,
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in Franklin county, where there is a branch of the society, and which is now the principal settlement of the Seventh Day Baptists .*
This society attracted considerable attention. Men of various rank and standing visited the place.
George Thomas, formerly an Antigua planter, ap- pointed in 1737, Governor of the province of Pennsyl- vania, visited Ephrara, in 1741. He came, says Peter Miller, accompanied by a retinue of twenty horses, and a large number of distinguished gentlemen from Maryland and Virginia; they were all honorably received by the brethren. The Governor said he was much graufied to see such an institution. He spoke very favorably of their religious and economical arrangements. The motives of visit, it is believed, were sinister. Without doubt, he gained the object of his visit more easily by adulation than he would have otherwise. At this time, the talented, and active Conrad Weiser, was a member of the association. It was the Governor's object, if possible, to secure once more the services of this man in a capacity, for which he seems to have been felicitously suited, that of an Indian interpreter. He tendered him the appointment of justice of the peace, which he accepted. . Weiser frequently presided at court, as chief justice, with his beard.t He was afterwards appointed provincial interpreter, in which capacity, he rendered his country essential services for many years .- Governor William Denny, spent some time time here, in
*The leading religious tenets ef this society, may be seen in a work, entitled, " HE PASA ECCLESIA," published by Rupp, Clyde & Williams, Octavo, 900 pages, 1843.
+Man hat ihn, C. W. auch auf der Court als obersten Richter gesehen unter Krone sitzen mit seinem gewoehnlichen¿ Bard .- Chron. Eph., 68.
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1756, and through an interpreter, had a long conversa- with Beissel, touching the condition of the country.
Peter Miller was a native of Oberant Lautern, came to America in 1730 ; soon after his arrival, was ordained by a Scotch Synod, at Philadelphia; received as a mem- ber of the Society at Ephrata, by being baptized in 1735, and remained sixty-one years, to the day of his death, September 25, 1796, a member thereof .- His remains rest in the grave yard at that place.
He was well known in the religious and literary world. It is said, he translated the Declaration of Inde- pendence into seven languages. His correspondence was extensive ; he was visited by hundreds : General Lee, David Rittenhouse, Count Zinzendorf, and several noble- men of Europe, have been the guests of the establishment. We have space to insert a few of his correspondents' communications. The first is from a female; the other is " a rhymic effusion," by a young gentleman of Phila- delphia, written many years ago, in consequence of a visit he made Peter Miller, and to whom he dedicated the Poem.
September 29th, 1774.
"SIR :- Your very respectable character would make me ashamed to addres you with words merely of form .- I hope, therefore, you will not suspect me of using any such, when I assure you, I received the favor of your let- ter with great pleasure. And permit me, sir, to join the thanks I owe to those worthy women, the holy sisters at Ephrata, with those I now present to you, for the good opinion you and they may have of me. I claim only that of respecting merit, when I find it; and of wishing an increase in the world, of that piety to the Almighty, and peace to our fellow-creatures, that I am convinced is in your hearts ; and, therefore, do me the justice to
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believe, you have my wishes of prosperity here, and happiness hereafter.
I did not receive the precious stone, you were so good to send me, until yesterday. I am most extremely obliged to you for it. It deserves to be particularly distinguished, on its own, as well as the giver's account. I shall keep it with grateful remembrance of my obliga- tions to you.
Mr. Penn, as well as myself, were much obliged to you for remarking to us, that the paper you wrote on, was the manufacture of Ephrata. It had, on that ac- count, great merit to us ; and he has desired our friend, Mr. Barton, to send him some specimens of the occupa- tion of some of your society. I heard him say, that he rejoices to hear of your and their welfare.
It is I, that should beg pardon for interrupting your quiet, and profitable moments, by an intercourse so little beneficial as mine; but trust your benevolence will in- dulge this satisfaction to one who wishes to assure you, sir, that she is, with sincere regard, your obliged and faithful well wisher.
JULIANNA PENN.
'TO PETER MILLER, PRINCIPAL OF THE SOCIETY OF DUNKERS AT EPHRATA."
Th' Eternal God from his exalted throne,
Surveys at once, earth, heav'n, and worlds unknown- All things that are, before his piercing eye, Like the plain tracings of a picture lie- . Unutter'd thoughts, deep in the heart conceal'd, In strong expression stand to him reveal'd- Thousands and twice ten thousands, every day, To Him or feign'd or real homage pay- Like clouds of incense rolling to the skies, In various forms their supplications rise.
Their various forms to him no access gain-
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Without the Heart's true incense all are vain ; The suppliant's secret motives there appear, The genuine source of every offer'd prayer.
Some place RELIGION on a throne superb, And deck with jewels her resplendent garb ; Painting and sculpture all their powers display, And lofty tapers shed a lambent ray. High on the full-ton'd organ's swelling sound, The pleasing anthem floats serenely round; Harmonic strains their thrilling pow'rs combine, And lift the soul to ecstacy divine.
In Ephrata's deep gloom you fix your seat, And seek Religion in the dark retreat; In sable weeds you dress the heav'n-born maid, And place her pensive in the lonely shade ; Recluse, unsocial, you, your hours employ, And fearful, banish every harmless joy.
Each may admire and use their fav'rite form, If Heav'n's own flame their glowing bosoms warm. If love divine of God and man be there, The deep-felt want that forms the ardent prayer, The grateful sense of blessings freely given, The boon, unsought, unmerited of Heav'n, 'Tis true devotion-and the Lord of Love, Such pray'rs and praises kindly will approve, Whether from golden altars they arise, And wrapt in sound and incense reach the skies ; Or from your Ephrata, so meek, so low, In soft and silent aspirations flow.
Oh! let the Christian bless that glorious day, When outward forms shall all be done away, When we, in spirit and in truth alone, Shall bend, O God! before thy awful throne, And thou our purer worship shalt approve, By sweet returns of everlasting love.
What yet remains of Ephrata, is worthy a long journey to be seen; "its weather beaten walls; upon
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which the tooth of time has been gnawing for nearly one and a half century, are crumbling to pieces, render- ing it more interesting from its antiquity. "Many traces of the olden time remain, but its life has departed .- There are, however, many delightful associations con- nected with the mouldering walls, and like some of the dilapidated castles, which are apparently falling to the ground, deserted and given to the rooks and owls, yet it contains many habitable and comfortable apartments." These are occupied by several single sisters, one of whom, sister Barbara, has been here fifty-five years; but under different Government; in former days the whole property and income belonged exclusively to the single brethren and sisters; but now by legislative enactment is invested in all the members, single and mar- ried. The sisters, since this enactment, in the convent, are not supported out of the common stock and their common labor, but each has house-room, which all the married members are entitled to, who require it, as well as firewood, flour and milk, from the society, who still possess some land and a mill, and their labor they apply to their own use, or dispose of it as they see proper."
We state, with regret, that the prescribed limits of this work, preclude a detailed account of this highly in- teresting association.
The descendants of those who were connected at an early date, are numerous, and many of them influencial in society. The principal ones connected with the society, in early existence, were Conrad Beissel, Urner, Landis, Lang, Meylin, Graff, Weber, Grebil, Funk, Eicher, Naegly, Frey, Wolfart, Gass, Hildebrand, Hoehn, Sigmund, Landart, Peter Miller, Conrad Weiser, Heur- man, Zinn, Hoecker, Pettikoffer, Gorgas, Mack, Ries- man, Eckstein, Kinsing, Eckerlin, Heipel, Koch, Meyer,
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1
Hordie, Stretch, Pearcol, Derborough, Griffyth, Peas- cify, Rogger, Seymour, Hackly, these were English- Philip Beusel, Lohman, Kimmel, Sangmeister, Hoellen- thal, Martin, Horn, Koenig, Beller, Hummer, Senseman, and others, who all were members prior to the death of C. Beissel, who died June 6th, 1768.
NOTE .- We shall close this chapter with a list of the names of land-holders (not before mentioned) who settled at an early date, within the present limits of the county, some before, others shortly after, Lancaster county had been erected. For the want of information, the list is necessarily limited. Those named, all settled prior to 1735. Among these, in various parts of the county, were the Roddyes, Craigheads, Towsten- beriers, Cooksons, Mayes, Jervis, McCawlys, Storys, Greens, Whitehills, Hermans, Irwins, Wolfs, Bezoars, Venericks, Ritters, Millseps, Royers, Woolricks, Houslemans, Byerlys, Simons, Palmers, Poutchs, Kitchs, Travengers, Linders, Verdrees, Wises, Barnetts, Ringers, Stoners, Alberts, Beards, Pendalls, Kores, Owens, Eaves, Thornburys, Marshalls, Brickers, Lertys, Jacksons, Beesons, Nessleys, Swoops, Bears, Emmets, Herseys, Astons, Steers, M'Nabbs, Smiths, Beckers, Forneys, Rowlands, Weidlers, Elroods, Stumps, Snevelys, Eberles, Oikelbergers, Wypreights, Finks, Longs, Lindseys, Kings, Reads, Wells, Blyths, Fullertons, Moores, Francis, McKanes, Dehoofs, Goughnours, Lines, Dyers, Hietts, Stam- bach, Bumgarners, Hoffs, Noacres, Lytles, Darbys, Douglas, Sturm, Echman, Guy, Philips, Basler, Shinover, Scroop, Varner, Mackrells, Shillys, Turners, Hoffmans, Knowls, Whit- mers, Kinrighs, Burkhards, Leepharts, Pleystows, Weightmans, Burkhunters, Andersons, Piggots, Wiesenants, Blacks, Leon- ards, Steels, Ramsays, Sypes, Lyncks, Lowdons, Musselmans, Matthews, McClanaghans, Staigys, Bradens, Burtons, Gales, Cowens, Robinsons, Murrays, Bensons, Shannons, Browns, Kellys, Allisons, Eddys, Fultons, Mitchells of Sadsbury, Fos- ters, Graypeels, Shryers, Clinehaws, Harnist, Webbs, Reiffs, Watsons, Montgomerys, M.cCardys, Le Rues, Adlumns, Clem- sons, Conodes, Plumbs, Shieffers, Warders, Dennings, Reists, Slemmans, Armors, Templemans, McConnels, Sensineys, Tillers, Hustons, Meixells, Geers, Wolfspaniers, Baughmans,
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Ters, Hennings, Andrews, McNealys, Rudeneglee, Kitzmillers, Le Chaars, Bushans, Roodes, Birshings, Jacks, Flemmings, M'Clellands, Howards, Ellmakers, Adams, Haines, Haltzingers, Tettenhauers, Hokenbracks, Davisons, Bishairs, Seldenridge, Saunders, Sherrards, Molers, Stinsons, Rancks, Keysers, Sherks, Davids, Paxtons of Sadsbury, Robertsons, Coxs, Heis- tandts, Pences, Painters, Pouts, Livistones, Kellers, Wingers, Lightners, Bombergers, Kreils, McGarrys, Shallybergers, Hig- genbothems, Evalts, Walters, Middletons, Hanricks, Heys, Baldwyns, Campbells, Vanleres, Stiles, Musgroves, Balls, McKimms, Phillips, Pegellis, Brittans, Dyers, Dieffenbachs, Gillmores, Boyds, Overs, Georges, Lambs, Bishops, Stritchs, Krebs, Hastings, Alexanders, McNealys, Kahoons, Hudsons, Wendels, Feezers, Westhavers, Cuffroots, Weitmans, Lloyds, Lyncks, Hewstons, Berriers, Buchanans, Saudters, Sherricks, Perrys, Cumptons, Reynolds, Moffats, Moodys, Allinsons, McClenns, Littles, Shennons, Classprinners, Klings, Griffiths, Shizlers, Hendersons, McClures, Hughes, Thomes, Walters, Duffields, Stetters, Kates, Cralls, Hollers, Crawfords, Dennys, Scotts, Baltens, Brackens, McPhersons, Pennocks, Rippys, Daws, Walkers, Rohrers, Richardsons, Linvilles, Walls, Gaills, Ross, Postlewhaits, Pughs, Beckott, Encks, Imbles, Boosons,, Kyles, Bauds, Elis, Blackshaws, Doughertys.
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THIRD PART.
FROM THE ORGANIZATION OF LANCASTER COUNTY, ONE THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED AND TWENTY-NINE.
CHAPTER I.
Erection and organization of the county-Boundaries of-Seat of Justice- James Annesly-Boundaries of townships-First court held at Postle- whaites-Extracts of court records-Morris Cannaday indicted-Found guilty and sold-Constables, Overseers and Supervisors appointed- Applicants to be Indian traders-Petitions for license to sell rum-First court held at Lancaster-Conrad Weiser, notice of-Notes, &c.
SETTLEMENTS on both sides of the Susquehanna, especially on the eastern, having been extended and greatly augmented by the influx of a mixed population ; emigrations from abroad and natives of the province; the inhabitants of the upper parts of Chester county deemed it necessary as early as 1628, to avoid inconve- niencies arising daily from the want "of justice at every · man's," to petition the proper authorities, to erect and establish a new county. Petitions were accordingly forwarded to the council at Philadelphia, February 6th, 1728-9, and received due consideration.
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"At a council held at Philadelphia, February 6th, 1728-9: Present, the Hon. Patrick Gordon, Esq., Lieut. Governor of Pennsylvania, and James Logan, Richard Hill, Isaac Norris, Samuel Preston, William Fishbourn, Clement Plumsted, Samuel Hazle, Esquires ; a petition of the inhabitants of the upper parts of Chester county was laid before the board and read, setting forth that by reason of their great distance from the county town, where courts are held, offices are kept, and annual elec- tions made, they lie under very great inconveniences, being obliged, in the recovery of their just debts, to travel near one hundred miles* to obtain a writ; that for want of a sufficient number of justices, constables and other officers, in those parts, no care is taken of the high-ways; townships are not laid out, nor bridges built, when there is an apparent necessity for them; and further, that for want of a gaol there, several vagabonds and other dissolute people harbor among them, thinking themselves safe from justice in so remote a place; and therefore praying that a division line be made between the upper and lower part of said county, and the upper part thereof erected into a county, with all the immu- nities, rights and privileges which any other county of this province does enjoy.
"The board taking the same into consideration, are of opinion, that the Governor is fully empowered by virtue of his commission, to grant the prayer of the petition, if the same shall appear necessary; but as it is a matter of some moment, and will require a mature deliberation, it
*The courts, &c. were held at Upland or Chester, on Dela- ware river, 15 miles S. W. from Philadelphia. Upland is an ancient place. The first adventurers under Penn landed here, Dec. 11, 1682. It was also the seat of the first legislature after the arrival of William Penn.
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was moved and agreed that the further consideration thereof should be deferred till to-morrow at nine o'clock, beforenoon, to which time the council is adjourned."
"Council met next day-the minutes of the three pre- ceeding councils being read and approved, the board according to order entered into the consideration of the petition in the minutes of yesterday, touching the division of Chester county, and after the same had been fully considered and debated, the board came to the following resolution : That, as well for as reasons set forth in the said petition, as the security, peace and good order of the whole government, there doth appear a real : necessity that a new county should be erected, according to the prayer of said petition ; and although the power of erecting counties is wholly vested in the proprietary, and therefore in the Governor, or his lieutenant, yet, in- asmuch as this will require the establishment of courts of judicature, with other alterations, for which a due provision will best be made by a law; it may be convenient that the government acquaint the House of Representatives now sitting, with the application made to him, that the same may be carried on with, and strengthened by the joint and unanimous concurrence of the whole Legislature."
"At a council held at Philadelphia, February 20th, 1728-9. The minutes of the preceeding council being read and approved, the Governor informed the board that pursuant to the resolution of the last council, he had acquainted the House of Representives with his inten- tion to erect the upper part of the county of Chester into a separate county, in which they had concurred and desired that an equal number of the inhabitants of the lower and upper part might run the division line; and therefore, he was now to recommend to the board to
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chose fit and well qualified persons for that service, and to consider of proper directions for their guidance therein; and after due consideration thereof:
'TIS ORDERED That, Henry Hayes, Samuel Nutt, Samuel Hollingsworth, Philip Taylor, Elisha Gatchel, James James, John Wright, Tobias Hendricks, Samuel Blunston, Andrew Cornish, Thomas Edwards and John Musgrove, or a major part of them, calling to their assistance John Taylor, the surveyor of Chester county, meet at some convenient place near Octoraro creek or river, and cause a marked line to be run from the most northerly or main branch of the said creek northward, or to the east or west thereof, as it shall be found most con- venient, to the next high ridge of barren or uninhabited hills that lead from thence to Schuylkill river, keeping as near as may be to the right of said hills, and to proceed along the ridge thereof, yet with as few changes in the course as their situation will admit, and fixing the same to the most conspicuous, natural and durable marks, that may be least subject to uncertainty or variation; to be bounded southward by the southern bounds of the prov- ince, and eastwardly the said Octoraro creek ; and from thence the northern line to be by them run as aforesaid, to the said hills, from thence the said line along the said hills to Schuylkill, and from thence to the main northern or easterly branch thereof, above the forks of said river, to lie open on the westward, till further orders shall be given therein ; and to make report of their proceedings to this board.
"At a council held at Philadelphia, May 2d, 1729 :- Present, the Hon. Patrick Gordon, Esq., Lieut. Governor Richard Hill, William Fishbourn, Clement Plumsted, Thomas Lawrence and Samuel Hazle, Esquires. A return being made by the order, dated the 20th February
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last, for running a division line in the county of Chester, and settling the boundaries of the county to be erected in the back parts of this province towards Susquehanna, pursuant to the minutes of council of the 20th of said February, the same was read, approved and confirmed, and is in these words:
"Pursuant to a warrant from the Hon. Patrick Gordon, Esq., Lieut. Governor of the province of Penn- sylvania, and counties of New Castle, Kent and Sussex, upon Delaware, bearing date the 22d day of February last past, We, whose names are hereunto subscribed, met together on the 17th day of March, 1728-9, near the head of the northern branch of Octoraro creek, and with the assistance of John Taylor, Surveyor of the county of Chester, run a line from the said branch to the river Schuylkill, according to the courses following, viz: Beginning on a corner marked white oak standing on the eastern side of the said branch, on the land of John Minshall, thence north-east by north, five hundred and eight perches to a chesnut oak standing on the top of a barren mountain at the head of the branches of the said Octoraro creek, thence along the said mountain, north- east by east, three hundred and forty perches to a chest- nut tree, thence north north-east, four hundred and forty perches to a white oak by a branch of Pequea creek, thence continuing the same course along the said moun- tain four hundred and eight perches to a chestnut oak, thence north by east seven hundred perches to a white oak near a small branch of Brandywine creek, thence north by west six hundred and sixteen perches to a chestnut tree standing on the top of a mountain at the head of the western branch of the said Brandywine creek, thence east north-east along the said mountain two thousand two hundred and twenty perches to a
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chestnut tree near the western branch of the French creek, thence northeast by east three hundred and fifty perches to a red oak, thence north east one hundred and ninety perches to a chestnut oak near another branch of the said French creek, thence north east by north two thousand one hundred perches to a corner marked white oak, standing by the said river Schuylkill, about three quarters of a mile below the house of John Burroughs.
Henry Hayes, Samuel Hollingsworth, Philip Taylor, Elisha Gatchel, James James, John Wright, Tobias Hendricks, Samuel Blunston, Andrew Cornish, Thomas Edwards, John Musgrove.
"And the upper parts of the province described as aforesaid, are hereby declared to be erected, and are accordingly erected into a county by the name of LANCASTER COUNTY .* And 'tis ordered that the same be signified to the House of Representatives, and the return laid before them for their direction in describing the boundaries thereof in the bill now before them for establishing courts of judicature, &c. within the same.
"May 8th, 1729, the governor recommended to the board to consider of proper persons to be appointed justices of the peace of the said county of Lancaster, and the following persons were named justices, viz :- John Wright, Tobias Hendricks, Samuel Blunston, Andrew Cornish, Thomas Edwards, Caleb Pierce, Thomas Reid, and Samuel Jones, Esqrs.
*Lancaster county was named by John Wright-" When Lancaster county was laid off from Chester, my grand father, says William Wright of Columbia, in a letter to George Ford, Esq., gave it, its name, after the county he came from in Eng- land." Wright came from Lancashire, England, in 1714, and settled in Chester; in 1726 he moved to, and settled on the Susquehanna, at Columbia.
LANCASTER COUNTY. 241
Robert Barber was likewise appointed sheriff, and Andrew Galbraith, Coroner; and commissioners were ordered to be proposed accordingly.
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