USA > Pennsylvania > Dauphin County > History of the counties of Dauphin and Lebanon : in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania ; biographical and genealogical > Part 103
USA > Pennsylvania > Lebanon County > History of the counties of Dauphin and Lebanon : in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania ; biographical and genealogical > Part 103
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112 | Part 113 | Part 114 | Part 115 | Part 116 | Part 117 | Part 118
" The township of Derry, beginning at the mouth of Conewago, thence up Su-quehanna to the mouth of the Suataaro, thence up Snataaro to the mouth of Quetopohello, thence south on a direct line to Cone- wago, and down the same to the place of beginning."
The eastern boundary of this township as origi- bally adopted, seems to be involved in some uneer- . tainty. To pursue the letter of, the foregoing order, to run south on a direct line from the mouth of the Quitopahilla Creek to Conewago Creek, would strike the latter something like seven miles lower down than the point which, from everything which can now be discovered, seems to have been originally adopted as the southeast corner of Derry township, -that, instead of running the eastern line of the township south on a direct line, as the record calls for, the Quitopahilla Creek, Killinger's Run, and a line southeast from the head of that run to strike the Conewago Creek, seems most probable, if not entirely certain. This is inferred from the following facts : First, All the territory which lay between the Sus- quehanna River and eastern boundary of Lebanon township, and between the Conewago Creek and the mountain, was at the same time divided into three townships, viz., Pe-htank, Derry, and Lebanon. To adhere to a line directly south from the month of the Quitopahilla would have left the territory of Derry township very limited as compared with that of the other two townships. By adopting the Quitopabilla, etc., as the eastern boundary of Derry, that township was still less than either of the other two, but of course bore a better proportion to them. Second, In
the year 1768 the inhabitants of Derry township ap- plied to the court for a division of the township, wherenpon, at the February sessions that year, "the court, taking into consideration a petition preferred to them by the inhabitants of Derry township, set- ting forth that the bounds of the said township were very extensive and large, and the inhabitants thereof labored under several inconveniences by reason there- of, and praying the said court to divide the said town- ship into two parts, according to a boundary line agreed upon by the said inhabitants, to wit:
"Along a certain road leading from Conewago Creek, by the Widow Hall's, thence to Felix Landis, Sr., at Swatara Creek, whichi said road is to fall into the east part of the said township, and that the said part be known by the name of Londonderry, and that the west part of said township retain the name of Derry. It is considered and ordered by the court that the said township be divided agreeable to the prayer of said petition, and that the said part to the east be known by the name of Londonderry, and the west end be known by the name of Derry, which said division line is hereby confirmed to be and remain firm and stable forever, and as sueli to be entered of record."
Now, if in the year 1768 a line directly south from the mouth of the Quitopabilla to the Conewago Creek was considered as the eastern boundary of Derry township, a division of it by the road before mentioned would have been most objectionable, as it would have left Londonderry township but a mere slip of territory, for some distance not a mile wide. And lastly, if the Quitopahilla Creek, etc., was not considered in 1768 as the originally-adopted eastern boundary of Derry township, how or when was the township of Londonderry brought up to that line? There is no record or authority found, creating the township of Londonderry other than by the division
1
410
HISTORY OF DAUPHIN COUNTY.
of Derry in 1768, before mentioned, nor any after- of March, 1785, erected a part of Lancaster County wards extending the limits of the former eastward, into a separate county, called Dauphin (Smith, ii. p. 285), and on the 16th of February, 1813, the Legisla- ture constructed Lebanon County out of the conn- ties of Danphin, Lancaster, and Berks. A consider- able portion of the township of Londonderry, as it then existed, was within the bounds of Lebanon County. and yet it is certain that Londonderry extended east- ward to the Quitopahilla and Killinger's Run line in 1799, when on the occasion of a division of Lebanon township, Londonderry was called for on that line. as may be seen on reference to Annville township. Upon these grounds the conclusion that the Quito- pahilla Creek, Killinger's Run, and a line southeast from the head of that run to the Conewago ('reek, was the originally-adopted eastern boundary of Derry township, seems to be warranted; notwithstanding it must be admitted that that line does not appear to be in strict accordance with the foregoing record.
While upon this subject, and to give our readers a better understanding of the subsequent division of Derry township, we give the explanation of the late Herman Alricks, who was, in his day, the best-in- formed lawyer on land title> at the Dauphin County bar: In the year 1815, when Thomas Smith projected his map of Dauphin and Lebanon Counties, which we have had reproduced from the original for this work, " what is now familiarly known as Derry Church was in Londonderry township. The grant of the lands was made by the Penns 'to the congregation of Derry,' but on the 28th March, 1757, an act of the Legislature was passed 'to incorporate the Pre-by- terian Church in the Township of Londonderry,' as the land, at that time, was in Londonderry { Bioren's Laws, ifi. p. 201), and yet is now and was originally in Derry township.
" By an act of the General Assembly of the Prov- inee of Pennsylvania, the county of Lancaster was erected on the 10th of May, A.D. 1729, and contained all the territory now included in Lancaster, Dauphin, Lebanon, and a part of Berks County, etc. (Smith's Laws, i. p. 176).
.
"The Court of Quarter Sessions of Lancaster, at August term, 1729, confirmed the report of the mag- istrates and inhabitants of said county fixing the boundaries of the several townships in said county, and we find that Derry township was bounded by Conewago Creek, the Su-quehanna River. the awa- tara Creek, and ' thence up to the month of the Quit- opahilla, and thence south in a direct line to Cone- wago' Creek, embracing within its limits all the territory south and east of the Swatara Creek in Dauphin County, and a part of Lebanon County.
"The Court of Quarter Sessions of Lancaster County at their February session, 1708, confirmed a report of viewers dividing the township of Derry ' by a line running directly south from the mouth of Quit- opahilla to the Conewago Creek, along a certain road' leading from the Conewago Creek to the Swa- tara Creek, after which proceeding all the territory east of what is known as the off road to Elizabeth- town was called Londonderry township, and all south and west of that road retained the name of Derry.
"The Legislature afterwards, by an act of the 4th
" As the country became more densely settled, the inhabitants of Derry and Londonderry townships complained that those town-hips made inconvenient election districts, and, on the petition of a number of citizens, the Court of Quarter Sessions of Dauphin County, at December term, 1816, appointed Thomas Smith and two other persons as viewers, to make a survey and plot of the townships of Derry and Lon- donderry, and report the most proper place for a divi- sion line between said townships. (Sessions Docket, p. 81.
"The viewers agreed in their report, that what is now known as the division line between said townships was the most convenient and proper place for the said line (Sessions Docket, p. 99) ; but on the 8th of May, 1817, the report was set aside, and no further action had on the premises until the 15th of April, 1825, when, on the petition of a number of the inhab- itants of said townships, the court appointed John Roberts, Esq., of Harrisburg, and two other persons, as viewers, to resurvey and mark a division line be- tween the said townships. (Sessions Docket. p. 10.) The reviewers made their report to November Ses- sions, 1825, and the report was, 21st January, 1826, confirmed absolutely, and the court denominated the northern section Derry and the southern section Londonderry. (Sessions Doeket, p. 13.) The line thus adopted and marked by Col. John Roberts has ever since remained the division line between the town- ships of Derry and Londonderry, except as since modified by the erection of the township of Cone- wago; therefore Derry Church, as it is called, has ever since the year 1325 been in Derry town- ship."
The following were the township officers from the year 1759 to 1785, when the county of Dauphin was erected. It will be seen that after the separation of Londonderry, in 1769. the officers were from what is now Londonderry, while the others of the latter township, which are given under the head of Lon- donderry, were from now Derry township. The ref- erence to the reformation of the townships explains this matter :
1759. Constable .- John Rep. Overseers of Pour -David Ree, Alain Buun. Overwers of Roads-Hugh Haya. James Forster.
1:00, Constable,-James Russell. Orerverts of Pour .- Hoven Potts, David Johnston. Chersers of Bounds .- James shaw, John Tanner.
1761. Constable. - Christian Simuler. Overseers of Poor .- John Meban, John Logan. Verkeers of Rouda .- James Campbell, Adam Baum
411
DERRY TOWNSHIP.
1762. Constable .- Patrick Kelly.
Overseers of Pour .- Charles Clark, Robert Mckee Overseers of Rouds .- John Tanner, John Malin.
1763. Constable -John Long.
Orerseers of Poor .- John Campbell, Joseph Candur. Overseers of Roads -- John Campell, Martin Brand.
1764. Constable .- John Tinner.
Overseers of Poor -Willun Willson, WHll ut Sterrett. Overseers of Roads .- Matthew Laird, Christly snyder.
Overseers of Poor -Matthew Iaurd, Robert MeCalleu. Overseers of Roids -William Willson, Stophel shonpe.
1766. Constable .- Adam Bani.
Overseers of Pour .- John Walker, Sr., Frederick Humble. Overseers of Roads,-William Boyd, Robert Mickee.
1765. Constable -John Fivennin.
Orerserra of Poor .- Andrew Shridley, William Siwyer.
Bvers. Jn"
nagel, This
3.50
Overseers of Foods-Joseph Candur, William Moore.
Bles-ley, John.
Patton, James.
Perchi, l'eter, June
...
Blair, John 150
Pershit, l'eter
Overseers of Roads -Adam Haymaker, William Met'linket.
1769. Constable .- Robert Walker
Ouvriers of Poor .- Bobert Mekre, Michael Houver.
Cander, Joseph.
Bandrock, Peter
Canfmin, Ju
Rilley, Henry.
111)
Cain, Ju" ...
Rause, Martin
Rritzel, John 250
114
Rasser, John.
..
Thum, Martin 10
Darr, Conrad.
15
luichart, Philip. ...
Verreers of Poor .- William Shaw, John Brandi !.
Etter, Henry, 150 smith, Jacob.
E-py, Thomas.
Overseers of Roads,-Christian Stopher, Jacob smith.
Elliot, Itaint,
1752. Constable,-Wilham Dram.
Orerseera of Poor .- Max Spille, Robert Allison.
Fifer, .Ino.
Shote. Frens. 100
Fontz, Conrad.
150
Sellars, Philip
1773. Constable -William Bredin.
Fox, Jnº ....
shaffner. Freds
Shopp, Margret
spisile, Mack.
Spidle, Mack, Jr.
1774. Constable .- John Myers.
Overseers of Poor .- Castin Byers, Moses Willson.
Overseers of Roads .- Max Spidle, William Shaw.
132
1575. Constable .- Stophel Shoop
Overseers of Poor .- Castle Byers, Jacob South.
Grape, W ...
spidle, Adamı.
Studie. Jacob, ...
1776. Constable -Juseph Misker.
Orerer rs of Punr .- 3 .lin Myers, John Coffman.
Humel. Valena 100
Henry, Adam
Shreally, And- ...
Stall, Fredk
Strickler, Jacob ...
1775. Constable .- Moses Campbell.
Hamicher, Adam
Hamacher, David
sinun man, Nich !.
...
Hess, Frodo ..
Hurk, Philip ...
...
Hood, Geo
..
Haun, Mich !.
...
Orerseers of Roads .- John Blair, Jacob Reiger.
..
1780. Constable .- Wilhatu Lurd.
Hindmin, Juha.
Flintman, Famil
Tuts, Fruit
Taylor, Ino 50
Overwerk of Bonde -Daniel Eliot, John Kain.
Taner, Mich !.
...
Johnston, David
Wolf. Gro
Wagner, Fredk
Whitmer, no. . 150
Jamison, William
White, Wm
150
17:2. Constable - Daniel Shelly.
Overseers of Pour .- John McFarland, John Kaufman.
Long, In .
Laferty, Patrick
Servine, Stephan
...
1783. Constable-James Ru -- +ll.
Verriers of Poor .- John Brandur, Fred. Her.
Overseers of Roads, -William Mills, Henry Etter.
1754. Con-table .- Henry Etter.
Urerseers of Poor .- John Long, Jobu Kain.
Overseers of Rounds .- John Sherer, John Kauffman.
In the Derry return for 1730, which is herewith given, we find that mills were possessed by Michael Hann 2, Adam Hamaker (2), Barbara Sharer, and William Scott. Stilla were operated by Martin Brand 12, Jame- Laird (2), and David Mitchell (2). Negroes were owned by Joseph Candor, George Cass, and William White ( 2).
Humels Toun.
Fredk Homei.
Jacob Quhard.
Ann Arbuckle.
Jacob Derrey.
Aun Ales.
And Gamble.
Geo. Lower.
Adam Deam.
Richard Hail.
Wm. Whigind.
John Gall.
Lodwig Emrich.
Christoph Bower
Sus anah Wetherholt.
James Donally.
Peter Spa le.
Jou Furey. Adam Cram.
Micht Spade.
Martin Fredley.
...
Brand, Martin. 212
Brudan, Rob
Breden, Ww 200
J. Kee, Rolf ..
100
Bucks, Geo
..
Bucks, Peter
...
Braver, Geo.
50
Nissley, Jacob ..
Bucks, Juhn
Nupher, Henry
...
Blessley, Anthony
I'r.in, Jos ...
1768. Constable .- Robert Walker.
Overseers of Poor .- Robert Allison, Stophel Shoop.
Chambers, Jantes
Rodes, Mich1
...
Coss, Jacob .. 45
Rife. Jarob
En++l, James
Overseers of House,-Castle Byers, William Devo.
ITTO. Constable .- Moses Willson.
Overseers of Your, -- William Shaw, Abraham Strickler.
Camble, Muse ...
Overseers of Roads .- David Johnston, Her ry Nover.
Couns, Gro
1571. Constable .- John Appter
Overseers of Roads -William Laird, Jacob Mitzker.
Feirx. Stephan 150
Funtz, Barnard
...
Fleck, Alex !.
100
Fritz, Henry.
Grussman, Nicholus
Galawiny. Jos.
Stephan-on. Gen.
Scott, We (James Gold). ...
Singer, Jacob.
115
Gingrey. Abramı
250
Orersers of Rouds .- Henry Snyder, Frederick lles3.
Hall, High ... Hershey, And* 251
Stnl, Pennea.
stunter, Chris
Stells, Din 150
Hindman, W'm
Hamacher, Chrisn 100
...
Strickler, Abrain ...
Overseers of Poor .- Jacob Sunth, Christian Stonter.
...
Overseers of Rouds .- David Datwiller, Andrew Sretley.
1779. Constable. - William Laind.
Overseers of Poor .- James Russell, Jacob Shofuer
Hamacher, Adam, Jn 174
Thium, David.
Hanna, Sami.
Tetweiler, David.
Tetweiler, Jacob. 130
Orerects of Poor .- John Ritzell, George Allison.
1781. Constable -John Ritzell. Overseers of Poor .- Daniel Elliott, John Myer, Jr.
Overseers of Roads .- Nicholas Lighty, Henry Larndy.
Kile, Janie4
Wilson, Mosses
Williams, William.
Wickersham, Abner. ...
Landı4, Peter.
Hurst, Charles
Landi -. Jacol
Yratas, Anthony 66
Laird, Wo 263
Yeates, Peter
...
Landıs, Henry
Acres. $0
Acres.
Alısun, David
I.urd. James. ...
Alison, Grn. 153
Alman, Kole. 18
Bransor, Chrisn
Bonsor, Henry 120 Mills, i'm
Horholder, Chrisn 164
B .wer, Gerge. 150
Bransor, John.
Monigh, Vanile ...
Brichpl. Mathias.
Myers, JIny, Juur
MyPI4. JHº. 25
MeGre. Heury
Mitchel, David.
1.300
MrGiums, Jamey
Mitzeer, Jacob,
MeKer, Esther.
1 lott.
MeFarland, Jn"
Bayer-, Cimor 243 Supher, Christian
...
Berine, Dan!
Pohongh. Ahrani 120
...
Cough, Mathias 25
Sharer, In ...
sharer. B.ulara
Fryer. Andw 200
shire, Jno ...
Overseers of Pour .- Martin Brand, Moses Willson.
Overseers of Roads -Peter Landia, Moves Campbell.
...
Grinies, Hector
Gingrey, Jno ..
singer, Inº ...
Hun berger, Jacob. 50
Oververs of Roud :.- Heury snyder, samuel Bell.
1777. Constable .- Jacob MIetzgar.
Scott, James .. ...
Shuffner, Jacob.
Shearer, Henry
Thom .s. Adam
Jackson, In .
Johnston, The Inn-
Johnstor., Sanı!, 100
Jackson, Ed.varil.
Lightic, Nicholas 250
Overseers of Roads -Jacob Newly, Abraham Coppigh.
DERRY TOWNSHIP RETURN, 1780.
1765. Constable .- James Futer. Banm, Adam ... 1.011
412
HISTORY OF DAUPHIN COUNTY.
Lewis Meyer Mary Heruof. Adam Haverling.
Peter Fredley.
1832. John Bear.
Jamey Glung.
Freemen.
Sam' GInrk,
I'bilip Blessly.
Jacob Bricker.
James Carms.
Jno Shoop.
Dan1 Baum.
1835. Jacob Hoover. Samuel Bechtel. 1856. Joseph Nissley. George Shiffler.
Hirmian Birnard. Fredk sellars
Jnº Landis.
Chaise Landis.
Heory Miller.
James MI. Glester.
Jacob Quhard.
Robt Henderson.
Jnº Camble.
1838. Abrain Yingst. Christian Lindis.
Dan1 Robinson.
Edward Burgess.
Jacob Shearer.
Geo. Minet.
Geo. Crabner.
Jacob Axnoe.
DERRY TOWNSHIP, 1826.
Derry township as now constituted i- hounded on the north and west by the Swatara Creek, which sep- arates it from the townships of Lower Swatara, Swa- tara, South Hanover, and East Hanover, on the east by the Lebanon County line, and on the south by the townships of Conewago and Londonderry. It is one of the richest townships in the county. The following is the only complete list of supervisors we have been able to obtain of any of the townships :
SUPERVISORS OF DERKY TOWNSHIP.
17×5. J. Sherer.
1810. John Berst.
A. Strickler.
Jacob Merisler.
1786. A. Blessing.
1-11. Jacob Books. Peter Geib.
17-7. J. Bienser.
1>12. Frederick Hluminiel.
J. Risser. Henry Gosy.
17-J. J. Kinzrich. C. Stauffer. John McKee.
1>13. James Wilson.
1792. G. Balsbangh.
1814. John Landis. Henry Horst.
1793. J. Candor. 1-15. Christian Apple.
J. Nissley. Jacob Heister.
17.4. Frederick Hummel.
1816. M. Hoover.
J. Hoffer. Henry Boo-er.
1795. George Bower.
1817. Abram Brandt. F. Wagner.
1796. D. Brandt.
1SI8. G. Hoover.
P Rindrock.
C. Brennaman.
1797. George Loner. J. Funck.
John Hoffer.
179%. J. Groff.
1820. M. Nissley. Daniel Seller.
1799. Christinu Earnest.
1821. John Nissley.
J. Bricker.
George Mc Cauu.
1800. H. Walford.
1822. J. Beinhower. J. Lime.
1801. C. Buer.
1823. David Metzler.
J. Mumina.
C. Landis.
1802. C. Boughman.
1:24. H. Roadrock.
Joseph Rif ..
T. Smith.
1893. D. Baum.
1825. H. Hawk.
J. Martin.
John Detweiler.
1804. C. Kouffman.
1826. A. Henry.
J. Gingrich.
Jobin Minvick.
1805. P. Brinhanr.
1827. Christian Stoner. Henry Land:s.
150G. A. Hocker. W. Luril.
1825. John Fishburn. Peter Berst.
1.07. J. Hershey.
1829 Jolin Lamiis.
DJ Shop.
Jonas Miller.
1^^. If Shatner. J. Greenawalt.
1830. Jacob Coble. Christian Nissley
1>00. Abram Ho ber.
John Moses.
1831. Christian stoner. B. Finhaburn.
Abram Yingst. 1833. David Earnest. Abratte Yinget. 1834. David Earnest. John Banm.
John Henry. 1955. J. Ifummel. D. Fishburn.
Henry Cooper.
1836. Christian Rutt. Samuel Bechtel. 1837. Fred. Shreadly. John Munta.
1857. D Hummel. D Coble, 1858. J. Emerick. Elias Smith. 1859. John Yingst. Abraham Yinget.
1860. M. Nissley. Christian Landis.
1861. H. Famenacht.
A. Hummel.
1862. H. Fausnacht.
1842. Jacob Shenk.
J. Hocker.
1863. A. Inmmel.
J. Goodman.
1864. J. Bernhard. M. Eby. 1865. J. Balsbangh.
1944. J. Hershey. W. Parthimore.
1845. John Strickler.
John Letter.
Christian Eby.
1866. D. D. Lebman. J. Hoffer.
1546. David Reitzel. S. Bechtel.
1867. Daniel Felty. Philip Siders.
1847. John Berst. D. Lehuian. 1868. F. Balsbaugh. A. Hummel. IS48. John Yingst. David Keitzel. 1869. F. Balsbangh. A. Hummel.
1849. Adam Hocker. C. Hollinger.
ISTO. J. Hocker.
S. M. Hummel.
1850. Adamı Hocker. John Leetz.
1871. Jacob Zoll.
1351. D. Berst.
David Ginder.
J. M. Hummel.
1852. John Landis.
The fords of the Swatura were more or less noted in the history of this section.
Diron's Ford was in the bend of the Swatara, not far from the Lebanon County line. It is now Lau- dermilch's Ford.
Hamilton's, or Derry Church, is between Manada- ville and Union Deposit.
'Logan's is farther down the Swatara than the fore- going.
Col. Rogers', now Me Elhenny's, is at Manadaville.
Earnest's and Sherer's Ford or Ferry was located for many years at the Swatara, one mile due west of Hummelstown, on the Reading pike. Before the year 1816 the Swatara could be forded easily at the point designated during the summer months, but ferry flats were used in stages of high water. When the fourteen-feet dami was erected across the Swatara, about a mile farther down the stream fat Nissley's and Brehm's mill:, the back-water necessitated the build- ing of a bridge at sherer's and Earnest's Ferry. John Earnest, Sr., who lived on the east bank of the river, and Samuel Sherer, who resided on the west bank, built the first bridge, of two spans, across this ferry, owning it and collecting tolls jointly. Mr. Sherer died in 1:21, and the interest in the bridge fell to his son, Joseph Sherer. By the breaking away of the big dam above the Union Water-works, located five
1852. John Moyer. 1853. John Landis. D. Fishburn.
1854. Adamn fummel.
Jnº MeLaughlin.
W'm Gray.
1839. John Landis. John Felty.
1840. A. Strickler. D. Fishburu. 1841. A Strickler. John Yingst.
John Yingst. 1843. M. Nissley. John Yingst.
1872. J. Kaufman. J. Snavely.
J. Nissley.
Philip Fishburn.
Is19. H. Strickler.
M. Brandt.
A. McClary.
D Detweiler.
Joseph Rife.
413
DERRY TOWNSHIP.
miles north of Lebanon, in 1851, the bridges were 1872. The dedicatory services were conducted by Ex- swept from their piers from that point all along the . Bishop Erb, Revs. J. F. Smith, Lewis Peters, Ezekiel Light, and G. W. Miles Rigor ( presiding older). The building is thirty by forty feet, and is neatly fur- nished. A cemetery adjoins the church, in which a monument twenty-two feet in height bears the fol- lowing inscription in raised letters : " At Rest, Ed- ward Stover, died July 31, 1870, aged 21 years, 10 months, and 3 days."
Swatara (save the one at Laudermilch's Ferry) to its mouth at Middletown. The bridge at Hummelstown was rebuilt in less than a year after its destruction by the original owners. Joseph Sherer died March, 1824, and his interest fell to his wife, who dispo-ed of it to Mr. Hetllefinger prior to her removal to the West in 1838. John Earnest. Sr .. also dead, his widow held the half-interest until the homestead was sold to Samuel Klopp. Mr. Klopp afterwards purchased Mr. Hlethe- finger's interest, and hell the entire control of the bridge until he disposed of it to the commissioners of Dauphin County in 1855, since which time it has been known as a "free bridge." The Swatara River at this point is from twelve to fourteen feet in depth the best portion of the year. The first bridge was built about the year 1818. The bridge built twenty-five or thirty years later at Hammaker's Mill Ferry by the county was always a free bridge. The old Red Bridge, leading from Centre Square through Water Street, Hummelstown, to the Hanover townships, was built by a stock company, but was also purchased by the county twenty-five years or more ago, and is free for travelers. Below Landis' Dam, one-eighth of a mile north of Hummelstown, and visible from the railroad depot, is another ferry or fording-place, which is still used by the farmers of Lower Paxtang and We-t Hanover, between their homes, the mill, and the railroad depot.
DERRY VILLAGE is situated thirteen and a half miles east of Harrisburg, and is named for Old Derry Church. It is a post-town, located in the midst of a beautiful and productive farming region. The United Brethren have a church here, a brick structure, rebuilt in 1881, of which Rev. David Longnecker is the pas- tor. One mile west of Derry is SWATARA STATION, aud, like the former, situated on the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad. Mechanicsburg lies east of Derry, and is really an extension of Palmyra, Lebanon Co. Spring Creek was the name formerly given to the west- ern part of the village of Derry, but it is now gen- erally known by the latter name.
A Dunkard Meeting-house is located about half a mile south of Derry Station. It is a neat brick build- ing, erected nearly half a century ago.
South of Hummelstown about two miles is the Hill Church of the Evangelical Lutheran congregation. It was the oldest German church in the town-hip, the old log church having been built in the year 1756. It was rebuilt in 1575. The ministers are supplied by the Hummelstown charge. There are several other churches in the town-hip, concerning which we en- deavored to secure information, but failed to receive it.
OLD DERRY CHURCHI.
It is almost certainly e-tablished that what is known as Derry Presbyterian Church, in Dauphin County, held its first services near the head of a con- fluent of Spring Creek, in that portion of Chester County from which Lancaster was taken, and subse- quently Dauphin, about one and a half miles from the site upon which its first church building that of 1729) was erected. This building was nearly square, twenty-three by twenty-five feet, of logs and clap- boards. The first services we have account of were held at the close of the month of April, in 1724. The small congregation must have been gathered from all the frontier within a radius of ten mile-, and without exception was of the Scotch-Irish immigration. Its canopy was the primeval forest. It was addressed by the Revs. George Gillespie, David Evans, and Robert
OLD DERRY CHURCH.
Cross. Some names of those present have been pre- Perved: Rowland Chambers, Thomas and William Clark, James Galbraith, Patrick and Robert Camp- bell, Jolin Mitchell, William McBey, James Quigley. William Hay, Robert Moody, Malcolm Kar . Kerr), Thomas and Hugh Black, James Harris, William MeCord, Morgan Jones, David MieClare, James Mas- Farlane, Alexander Hutchins in, John and Benjamin Boyd, James Hamilton, John Mccoch and sister. These men were all engaged making themselves
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.