Notes

[NI00005] Name given at birth: Donna Marie Wenger.

[NI00028] Members of First Mennonite Church, Marshall Street, Norristown. They operated a meat store in Norristown for 20 years, then a religious bookstore for 8 years.

[NI00032] 1900 Census spells her name Catharine.

1930 PA census - Montgomery Co, Franconia Twp, Dist. 41, p. 7 of 40, taken April 9:
Kate F. Hackman, Head, 74, widowed - previous household is her daughter Kate and son-in-law Clayton Hunsberger.

[NI00033] 1850 PA census - Montgomery Co, Franconia Twp (roll 799), p. 8 - next to his cousin Henry. It's easy to get these Hackmans confused.

Herald of Truth - February 1878, pp 33-35:
HACKMAN.-Dec. 21st, in Franconia, Montg'y Co., Pa., ABR. HACKMAN, aged 65 years. Buried the 23rd. Services by J. Landis, Abel Horning, and H. Nice.

[NI00035] 1850 PA census - Montgomery Co, Franconia Twp (roll 799), p. 8.

[NI00042] 1734 Philadelphia County Taxables lists him in Franconia Twp.

[NI00044] Ordained preacher at Franconia but was silenced, tradition states, for intemperance (Oberholtzer/Ford p. 47)

It is said that the meeting at Franconia called him to preach, but that he refused preferring to follow his occupation of cattle dealer and butcher. (Clemmer p. 208)

[NI00052] Christian inherited from his grandfather, Christian Meyer, Sr., the homestead farm of 100 acres, the greater part of which is now owned and occupied by Joseph Drissel. To this property he added by subsequent purchases until he owned in all 232 acres. On Oct. 9, 1765, he purchased of David Stribe and wife 50 acres and 66 perches, which is now owned by Henry Oberholtzer. He next purchased on May 27, 1767, from the widow of his uncle Samuel Meyer, the 50 acres originally belonging to the homestead, with buildings and improvements, where William K. Moyer now lives, and on May 23, 1770, he purchased from Nicholas Schwenk and wife Barbara 32 acres and 67 perches, making in all 232 acres and 132 perches, and was rated for that number of acres in 1776. The last purchase now belongs to John A. Kulp. (Moyer p. 28, published in 1896)

The children of Christian Meyer for the most part took the Moyer name.

[NI00054] He lived in Franconia township where he purchased of James Steel and wife Martha, of Philadelphia, 170 acres of land, Nov. 14, 1729. His farm was bounded by lands of Henry Rosenberger, John Freed, Martin Detweiler, George Delp, and others. In his will dated April 26, 1782, he devised this whole tract of 170 acres of land to his son Samuel Mayer, for the sum of 800 pounds of gold or silver.
The tract was in the first place a regular parallelogram, 283 perches long and 96 perches wide and included all the land belonging to the Mennonite church (about 3 acres) except the graveyard. The land extended all the way from the corner of the Mennonite church southwest along the Harleysville and Souderton turnpike 283 perches, 7/8 of a mile to the corner of the other road generally known as Young's corner. The old homestead proper where Christian Meyer, Jr., lived is located 1/2 mile s.w. of the Franconia Mennonite church, where now lives Abraham F. Moyer, a great-grandson of Christian Meyer, Jr. The farm has been in the same family now for 166 years.
Christian Meyer, Jr., was one of the founders of the Mennonite meetinghouse in Salford, the ground fro which was purchased in 1738 by Henry Funck, Dielman Kolb, ministersm and Christian Meyer, Jr., and Abraham Reiff, deacons. He was later chosen to the ministry and served at Franconia. He was also one of the chief actors in the controversy with his nephew, Rev. Christian Funk, who was expelled from the church on account of his attitude toward Congress, and conducted an examination into the matter at the Plain Mennonite meetinghouse.
He made his last will and testament April 26, 1782, which was probated May 31, 1787. He probably died in the early part of 1787. His son Samuel Moyer and his son-in-law Abraham Kratz were executors. (Moyer pp 23-25)

1734 Philadelphia County Taxables lists him in Franconia Twp.

[NI00056] Christian Meyer founded an asylum from religious persecution in the Netherlands prior to 1700. (History of Bucks County p. 269)
Fled from Switzerland to the Palatinate, thence to the Netherlands; about 1700, left Amsterdam for Philadelphia.

We originally had Christian's parents as Heinrich Meyer and Margaretha Kundig. Phil Hertzler's home page (I'm assuming the information is from Jay D. Weaver - weaverrr@gte.net) gives his father as Jacob Meyer, born before 1658, and gives Jacob's parents as Hans Jacob Meyer and Margreth Kundig. I am accepting this for now, because the birthdate we had for Margaretha (1633) makes it more likely that there was another generation between them and Christian.

Christian lived in Langenzell, Pfalz in 1717. After arriving in Philadelphia, he located at the Indian Creek, in what is now Lower Salford township. Custer Family p. 153 says he settled in Lower Salford Township, now Franconia, and bought a tract of 50 acres Dec. 24, 1719. Another source says he lived at Lower Salford twp, Mont. Co [Phila. Co] on 30 Dec 1718 when he purchased 150 acres in Salford twp from David Powell.

His farm was in the form of parallelogram and was 240 perches in length and 100 perches wide. "It extended from near the North Wales road northeast along the present Souderton turnpike, back to the line of Franconia township, and then along the said line northwest 100 perches, bounded on that side by land owned by James Steel, of Philadelphia. On the northwest it was bounded by land belonging to Dirk Johnson, of Germantown; on the southeast by Hans Meyer's land, and on the southwest by land belonging to John Isaac Klein." (Heckler's History of Lower Salford Township)
There has been preserved a description of a cabin then and there erected by him. It was built where Joseph Drissel now lives and consisted of four forked saplings driven into the ground, and marking out a square in the forks were laid poles, and on these a roof of poles, and the walls were of upright poles. There was a single opening for an entrance, and the whole was built with an axe.
An article of furniture which probably adorned this primitive house was a large Dutch clock brought over from the Old World, which is now a much-treasured relic in the possession of Tillman W. Moyer of Campden, Ontario, Canada.

He and his son Christian were members of the Salford Meeting upon its formation in 1738. His will was written January 18, 1748 and probated June 6, 1751. The name is written "Moyer" in his will, and the signature of Christian Meyer was written in German. In his will he charges his children Christian, Anna [Funk] and Barbara [Reiff] to "from Time to time & at all Times from the day pf the date hereof well and truly equally Procure and Provide to and for my son the said Jacob Moyer Sufficient meat Drink apparel washing and Lodging fit and convenient for him during his natural life."

Christel Meier lived in Lower Salford Township where he was overseer of the poor with Jacob Clemens. Both men were Mennonite deacons and were therefore responsible for the poor of the congregation as well as those of the township. (Moyer Family History pp 23-24, History of the Mennonites of the Franconia Conference p. 281)

[NI00057] WFT #3159 v. 6 says that this is Barbara Bergey - further research needed to confirm this.

[NI00058] http://www.familytreemaker.com/users/b/a/s/Donna--J-Basinger/BOOK-0001/0009-0032.html - says Elizabeth died before 1876 when John married second Rebecca Manger. ??

John moved to Canada and finally Kansas.

1850 PA census - Montgomery Co, Perkiomen Twp (roll 799) p. 36a - John Hunsecker, 39, farmer; Elizabeth Hunsecker, 35; Isaac, 14; Ann, 12; Rebecca, 9; Morris, 7; Sarah, 4; Mary, 1.

[NI00060] Martin was ordained to the ministry in the Mennonite Church of Germantown and served there and at Skippack, as soon as an organization was established, having gone there to live in 1709. His signature appears, as witness, on the deed of the Mennonite Church at Germantown and he was one of the trustees who held the property of that Society at Skippack in trust, serving for many years. (Custer book)

"The night of April 29, 1749, John Philip Blocher died without having been sick. For the preceding day he had conducted preparatory services. It so happened that no Reformed minister could be secured to deliver the funeral sermon. martin Kolb, a Mennonite minister, was therefore called upon who performed the services." (The Perkiomen Region, Vol. 22:82) This was not the only evidence of Martin Kolb's tolerant spirit; he and Blocher had labored side by side in concord for thirty years. Saur, the Dunkard printer of Germantown, makes the following comment in an obituary he published in his newspaper of May 16th. "When such circumstances would take place, not of necessity but out of love, then all jealousy, sectarianism, and the likes would take an end." (from the Custer book)

Martin Kolb accompanied his grandfather, Peter Shoemaker, from Germany. (History of Bucks County, p. 297)

[NI00061] In the year 1772, Gysbert Van der Smissen, of Altona, compiled and published a genealogy of the descendants of Jan de Vos. Among them was a great grandson, Isaac Van Sintern, who emigrated to Pennsylvania prior to 1707. His daughter Magdalena, widow of Preacher Martin Kolb of Skippack - over eighty years of age as she was - made out a record of five hundred and ten of her father's descendants in America and forwarded it to van der Smissen under date of March 2, 1772. It was received at Altona on the 20th of June. Judge Pennypacker says that this energetic lady was the first genealogist in America. (The Perkiomen Region, Whole No. 37, pp. 41, 42 - Custer book, p. 99)

[NI00062] Leaving Amsterdam, Isaac Van Sintern took his family to Altona, near Hamburg, and lived there for a number of years. We find him settled in Germantown in 1707, and a deacon of the Mennonite congregation there May 22, 1708. In 1714 he owned and lived on Town Lot No. 5 East side. This lot was one of twenty-two acres and was located at the southeastern corner of Germantown Avenue and Bringhurst Street to Ashmead Street, and through to Chew Street. (Custer book, p. 98)

[NI00064] 1930 PA census - Towamencin Twp, Mont. Co, p. 14 of 26, on Forty Foot Rd. - State Rd.:
Milton Cassel, Head, 63, widowed, occupation: wheelwright, industry: at home; daughter Nora Hackman, 34, son-in-law Howard [Hackman], 35, occupation: merchant, industry: meats & groceries; [continued on next page] son-in-law Abram Allebach, 25, occupation: salesman, industry: department store; dau Mary, 23.

This census says it was enumerated April 15-16 (p. 14) and April 16-17 (p. 15). Somehow Ruth, born April 12, missed being enumerated!

[NI00066] 1880 PA census - Mont. Co, Lower Salford Twp, roll 1158, p. 309A:
David M. Cassel, 40, farmer; wife Amanda, 36; dau Ida, 15; son Mildin, 11; son Joseph, 8; dau Maggie, 6; dau Lizzie, 1M; Samuel Frederick, uncle, 73

[NI00069] 1850 PA census - Montgomery Co, Towamencin Twp (roll 800) p. 200b - Joseph Cassel, 50, farmer; Catharine Cassel, 46; Abr. Cassel, 23, carpenter; Mary Cassel, 20, Catharine Cassel, 18, Joseph, 15, David 11, Sarah, 6, Anna, 4, Susanne, 2. Listed next to his brother Henry.

[NI00072] See further history in A General History of the Cassel Family, D. Kolb Cassel (1896).

Cassel Family Roots p. 19 says he arrived in Germantown in 1729, and later moved to Skippack Township, about a dozen miles generally west of Philadelphia. He was a single man and hired his services as a husbandman and weaver, initially in the Germantown area. He became acquainted with a Dutch girl, a native of Holland, with whom he was united in marriage. In the meantime his brothers in Germany charged him with the most solemn remonstrances not to marry any Dutch girl. After this marriage he purchased 150 acres of land, the half of a 300-acre plot which Dick and William Ramberg of Muhlheim bought from Van Bebber, of Bohemia River, Md., in 1706. The date of title to this land was Nov. 16, 1725, and the title is now in the library of Juniata College, Pa.

In his will, his daughter Elizabeth's husband is named as Nicholas Holman, Jr. [The name was actually Haldeman.]

He was a signatory of the petition to erect the township of Perkiomen and Skippack (from the earlier Bebbers Township) in 1725, and a signer of the petition of citizens of Philadelphia County to the governor of the province against the Indian incursions, May 10, 1728. "... the Ingians ... have fell upon ye Back Inhabirots about falkner's Swamp & New Coshahopen ... (and we) humbly beg of your Excellency To ... Relieve ... us and our Poor Wives & Children that Is more to us than Life ..."
He had acquired a tract of 150 acres in Perkiomen & Skippack Township from Dirk Renberg, Nov. 16, 1725, and a part of its lands became the homestead, although he made still other purchases later. (Boorse Family p. 38)

[NI00073] 1850 PA census - Montgomery Co, Lower Salford Twp (roll 799), p. 22, taken Aug. 28:
Joseph Krieble, 28, farmer; Margaret, 27; Amanda, 5; Jesse Fulmer, 19, labourer; Mary Daub, 19

1860 PA census - Mont. Co, Hatfield Twp, roll 1143, P.O.: Line Lexington, p. 238, taken June 14, 1860:
Joseph B. Kreible, 39, farmer; Margaret, 33; Amanda, 15; Samuel, 8; (cont. on p. 239) Elizabeth Kreibel, 6; James Conard, 19, farm labor

[NI00075] 1850 PA census - Mont. Co, Lower Salford Twp (roll 799) p. 23b (bottom of page) - Samuel Krieble, 58, farmer; Elizabeth, 65.

Herald of Truth - September 1870, p. 143:
On the 16th of August, in North Wales, Montgomery county, Pa., of Consumption and Palsy, SAMUEL KRIEBEL, at the advanced age of 73 years, 11 months and 21 days. On the following Friday he was buried at the Mennonite graveyard, in Towamencia township, where a large number of people were present upon which occasion appropriate remarks were delivered by Ruben Kriebel and Jacob Meschter.

[NI00077] Jeremiah Kriebel was a man of influence in his community. He served his township as Overseer of the Poor in 1795, as constable in 1797, and as supervisor from 1802 to 1804.

[NI00081] [19] CHRISTOPH KRIBEL [E19] Christoph was born about 1688 and died May14, 1741. He was the son of Caspar Kribel who was born in Deutmansdorf, Lower Silesia, in 1650, and moved to Nieder Harpersdorf and married Anna Borman who died in 1720. Caspar was a farmer in Berthelsdorf at the time of his death in 1724. Of Caspar and Anna's children we know (1) of a Hans; (2) of a George; (3) of a Susanna who was the wife of Melchior Schultz, father of George [E68], Melchior [E69], and Christopher [E70] Schultz; (4) of a Melchior [E25]; and Christoph [E19]. Sometime around 1714 Christoph married MARIA HEYDRICK [E79] who was born about 1693 and died April 11, 1738. She was the daughter of Melchior Heydrick, sister of Balthasar Heydrick [E52] and of Eva [E141], wife of George Heydrick [E61].

Christoph Kribel and his wife left their home and possessions in Nieder Harpersdorf, Silesia on the night of February 21, 1726, and with their five children, the youngest an infant of 16 days, trekked fifty miles over the hills into the area of Gorlitz in Saxony (near the current eastern border of Germany) where they arrived on May 1st. Eight years later they trekked another fifty miles to the Elbe River, the first step in their long journey to America. Their estate in Nieder Harpersdorf was taken over by Christoph'sbrother, Hans Kribel who died in 1730. During their stay in Gorlitz, Christoph and Maria had two more children. The youngest, named Abraham, died on the ship St. Andrew during the voyage and was buried at sea.

Christoph Kribel was sick upon his arrival in Philadelphia in 1734. He settled in Lower Salford Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. He was a farmer, both in Silesia and in Pennsylvania. Christoph bought 150 acres of land from Caspar Wister for 78 pounds soon after his arrival in 1734, and received his conveyance bearing date March 26, 1735. It is said that Christoph broke his leg on May 2, 1735, or about two months after he bought this farm. He did not live in his new home many years, for on the 14th of May 1741, he died intestate leaving two sons and two daughters. His estate was not settled up until nine years afterward when his son, George Kriebel, and daughters, Anna, wife of Christopher Dresher, and Mary, wife of Dr. Abraham Wagner, signed a release to their brother, Christopher Kriebel Jr., and granted the farm to him, June 6, 1750. Both Christoph and his wife are buried in the Salford Schwenkfelder Cemetery located behind the Salford Schwenkfelder Church on Fretz Road just off of Sumneytown Pike in Mainland, Lower Salford Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.

Children (7) [19-1]
1. George [E20], born 12/10/1715; died 9/2/1798; married Susanna Yeakel.
2. Susanna [E80], born about 1718; died 1/30/1740; single [64-1]
3. Anna [E81], born about 1722; died 7/24/1786; m Christopher Dresher. [19-2]
4. Christoph [E82], born 1724; died 12/31/1800; m Maria Dresher [192-1]
5. Maria [E83] born 2/5/1726; died 3/19/1760; m Abraham Wagner
6. Rosina [E84], born 2/27/1733; died 2/23/1750; single
7. Abraham [E211], born 7/25/1733; died 7/12/1734

[NI00089] Harman Boorse bought a parcel of 16 acres from Herman Hendricks and Margaret his wife, May 12, 1766, and this (together with 6 acres and 67 perches earlier acquired) constituted the homestead down through the War for Independence, and for a decade following. The place was situated om Morris Road, not very far from the Mennonite Meeting at Towamencin. ...
The Indians had not completely disappeared from Philadelphia County during the lifetime of Harman Boorse, and the late John C. Boorse, Esquire, was wont to tell a story of a visit they paid to the farm on the Morris Road. How a hog had just died, and redmen beholding the carcass in the barnyard had asked for permission to carry it away. The good Mennonite had feared to refuse their request, but in after years often inquired (doubtless with a troubled conscience) what they could have done with the animal. (Boorse Family pp. 19-20)

[NI00091] It was sometime in June 1731, when the "Britannia," of London, cleared the port of Rotterdam and sailed for the province of Pennsylvania. On board were 269 passengers, laregly Dutch and German citizens, sho sought to find in the new world a surcease from the political tyrannies and religious persecutions of Europe. The ship touched at Cowes soon afterwards, and on the 21st of September following arrived at Philadelphia. There all happily disembarked the men and every youth who had attained the ahe of 18 years, first marching in a body up High Street to the custom house to sign the oath of allegiance to King George the Second, and the important oath of abjuration. ...
Many familiar names appear on the two registers, which are both headed by that of the churchman Johannes Bartholomay Reiger, who latterly settled in Lancaster County, and would seem to have been the spiritual leader of at least a part of the immigrants. To our family two of the signatures have an especial significance, those of a GISBERTUS BOORS and a JOHANNES BARS, the fourth and the fifth in order. The names of the above subscribers are set down in the long hand of the Dutch, and that of Gisbertus Boors is so strikingly similar to the name attached to the last will and testament of our known American progenitor that we cannot foubt for an instant that they were written by the same man. ... The Christian name of our ancestor was commonly written as Gesbert, and would likely be Anglicized as Gilbert today. The signature is found once more, when attached as a witness to the will of Peter Keyser of Worcester Township in Philadelphia County (a neighbor). In the last instrument our ancestor is affectionately called "Gees" Boorse by the grandson of Dirck Keyser, who had married a daughter of Hendrick Pannebacker the patroon, and was through his marriage related to Margareth (Kuster) Boorse. ...
Gesbert Boorse became the owner of a tract of 91 acres in Worcester Township in Philadelphia County in 1741, and this the original homestead of our family in America was augmented by the purchase of small and contiguous parcels until it amounted to 111 acres (later deeds would indicate a little more). The "plantation," as it was then called, was situated at a distance of 79.85 perches from the Worcester-Perkiomen Township line, almost due south of where the Skippack Creek enters the former for a brief moment. The initial land of our ancestor (a tract of 72 acres according to an old deed) had been acquired by an indenture of release from Frederick Liembauh, April 2, 1741, and if its title was to be traced back it would be found to have been part of lands owned by Hermanus Kuster (the father-in-law of Gesbert Boorse) in 1729-31, and just after the turn of the century (1701) patented to Bridget Jennet. ...
The immigrant-forebear of our family was a capable and prosperous farmer, if we may judge from the inventory and settlement of his estate, preserved in the city hall at Philadelphia. A first and a second crop of hay (valued together at £18-0-0), and substantial crops of oats, rye and wheat had been harvested in the summer months preceding his death. Buckwheat and Indian corn were still standing in the fields, and flax "with the seed on" was valued by the appraisers at £4-0-0. He possessed a "riding mare," an old horse, a bull, nine cows, and a number of smaller animals. Seven hives of bees are also listed in the inventory. [He] had planned the erection of some building at the time he was stricken, or possibly an addition to one already standing. The appraisers note in turn a quantity (700 feet) of poplar boards, 400 feet of pine and cedar boards, a quantity of cedar shingles, and 50 pounds of nails, valued in the aggregate at £7-11-0. Lastly, two weaving looms, three spinning wheels, and other articles testify to his trade as a weaver.
That our ancestor was a Mennonite in faith has been pretty well established, although he may have been in the early years of his life a follower of Zwingli. However, his name does not appear among the records of Boehm's Reformed Church in Whitpain Township (not far from where he lived), and as his Worcester Township neighbors were almost wholly of the "German Quaker" faith, it is likely that he attended the meetings of the latter at Skippack and Towamencin. (The Boorse Family pp 1-5)

[NI00092] That the widow did not think well of the arrangements made for her (she was devised the annual sum of £6-0-0, one cow "of her own choice," and certain stipulated household goods) is revealed in her renunciation as executrix of the estate in favor of the parties named in the instrument, in which she complains that she has found herself "left very short and bare." (Boorse Family p. 6)

[NI00093] Hermanus Kuster was a bluedyer, miller and farmer. He appears as one of several citizens declining to serve on a jury in the German borough, February 8, 1704 (the year of his majority), and as one of the executors of the nun cupative will of his father, January 28, 1708. He removed to Bebbers Township in Philadelphia County in 1708. His lands, at one time comprising over 500 acres, were separately situated on the Skippack Creek in the aforementioned township, and in Worcester Township in the same county. He owned and operated a "fulling mill" on a branch of the Skippack Creek in the last place, which passed to a son John at his death.
Hermanus Kuster acquired a tract of 200 acres in bebbers Township from Matthias Van Bebber, June 10, 1708, and a part of its lands became the homestead. A parcel of 50 acres of the above tract was reconveyed to the Dutch patroon, May 24, 1717, who shortly deeded it together with a contiguous tract to the Mennonites of the county, to build a meeting and "Schoolhouse and fence in a sufficient Burying Place ... " This was the beginning of the Skippack Mennonite Meeting.
Hermanus was one of the 51 members of the Mennonite congregation in Germantown in 1708, the first of the faith in the new world, and a trustee of the Mennonite Meeting at Skippack from the time it was founded in 1717 until his death. (Boorse Family p. 6)

[NI00097] Jan Lucken came to Pennsylvania on the "Concord," arriving in Philadelphia Oct. 6, 1683, one of the Thirteen Krefeld Emigrants of 1683. In the famous drawing of lots in the cave of Pastorius (Oct. 25, 1683), he drew Number 6 on the East side of Main Street, his brother-in-law Reynier Tyson drawing neighboring lot Number 5.
With the incorporation of the German borough, August 6, 1691, with Pastorius as bailiff, Jan Luckens was constable. He was one of the three burgesses of the borough in 1693, and sheriff in 1694 and 1695.
John Luckens was one of the 62 settlers petitioning William Penn for naturalization May 7, 1691, and one of the signers of a petition protesting against a proposed act to tax all lands, June 10, 1692. But the last action was futile, the tax act being signed by Governor Fletcher, of the provinces of New York and Pennsylvania, June 1, 1693. In the tax list, dated Sept. 26, 1693, John Claypoole, Collector, the property of Jan Luckens is assessed at £50-0-0, and he is taxed £0-4-2.
He was one of the petitioners of Germantown for the erection of a road to Philadelphia, Nov. 18, 1701 [see below], and among the German and Dutch settlers naturalized by the Act of Council at Philadelphia, Sept. 29, 1709.
Jan Luckens very likely became a member of the Society of Friends in 1705, 22 years after his arrival in the province. He contributed to a subscription for the erection of the stone mettinghouse (northwest of the present Coulter Street), June 20, 1705, and in this same year, on May 7, resigning from the office of sheriff of the borough. The Quakers did not look kindly upon the holding of any public office.
He was one of the administrators of the estate of William Streypers of Sommerhausen, in the German township, Nov. 15, 1717, who in his will calls him a "loving friend." William Streypers had married Mercken (Luckens) Seimens, the widow of Jan Seimens, who is thought to have been a sister of Jan Luckens. (Boorse Family pp. 20-22)

Germantown Avenue is a thread connecting us with the past. Our Dutch and German ancestors found no roads in the wilderness, and in their first intercourse with the city of Philadelphia followed Indian trails. Gradually these trails became roads, but soon a problem developed. Farms began to be fenced in to mark boundaries or contain cattle, and overnight a road would change its course. Sometimes the way was blocked altogether. So it was in 1701 when two planters on the Frankford Road erected fences cutting off the direct route to Philadelphia. "(We) have been forced to goe round new fences ... set up in the Rhoad by Daniel Pogg and Thomas Lisom ... whereby they have driven us to uneven Rhoads & very dangerous for people Especially carts to pass." It was natural that the citizens of the first place should protest vigorously, and with them those of Abington, Cheltenham, the Northern Liberties and North Wales. A committee headed by Arnold Cassel (brother-in-law of John Kuster) was selected to choose a permanent route, and on Nov. 18 in the same year made their recommendation. The road was to pass through the tobacco land of Thomas Lisom, and the fields of Daniel Pogg and John Stacey ... But the planters Lisom, Pogg and Stacey also profited, for they had a better road thereafter on which to carry their produce to the city. (Boorse Family p. 22)

Jan Lucken brought with him a large Dutch Bible, printed in Holland in 1598 by Peter Sebastien, which has ever since been preserved in the family. In this old volume and heirloom Jan Lucken's descendants are recorded. ... The name has been modified or Anglicised into Lukens.

[NI00104] According to the late Gov. John F. Hartranft the name "Hartranft" was formed from two names: "Hart" and "Ragenfrid." The first was the given name and the latter the family name, and becoming too cumbersome when set together, the name was abbreviated to Ranft, Ranf, Ranfd, Ranph and Ranft (Schwenkfelder Book, pg 684).

[NI00106] Very little data regarding this family has been found. For further data regarding the daughter Susanna, see [49-4].

He was a recipient of the Charity Fund in 1767. In a letter written by Melchior Schultz, dated Hereford, June 1767, he says: "Christopher Schubert is poor and lives with his relatives in Germantown, where the highway passes through, and he seems dissatisfied to live there. His brother, David Schubert, lives near Christopher Jackel, four miles from Germantown."

[NI00113] From Deaths in the Skippack Region, Vol. VIII No. 2 April 1952, pp 98-114:
79. Old Heinrich Kassel died May 16, 1812. Devised his plantation to his brother Yelles' son Henry Cassel, whose mother's name was Elizabeth [Jansen]. From a study of deeds, tax lists and wills it is apparent he was the last surviving child of the emigrant Hupert Cassel and his wife Syche Up de Graf but NOT the Henry Cassel who married Margaret Godshalk.... Who Henry Cassel's wife was remains unknown - they had no issue. The Henry Cassel who married Margaret Godshalk, daughter of the miller Godshalk Godshalk and his wife Eve, was a son of Yelles Cassel, brother of Hupert. He was a resident of Lower Salford Twp. probably from about the time of his marriage - around 1747 - to 1776 when he made over his property to his son-in-law John Springer and removed to Towamencin, and died in 1797.

[NI00123] Death announcement is in the possession of Phil's mom, Ruth Hackman Wenger - Mary was her aunt.

Gospel Herald - April 28, 1959, pp 406-408:
Allebach, Mary R., daughter of the late Milton and Lizzie (Ruth) Cassel; born Jan. 20, 1906, died after a lingering illness on April 1, 1959, at North Penn Hospital, where she was a patient for one day; aged 53 y. 2m. 12 d. Married on June 19, 1926, to Abram G. Allebach, who survives. Also surviving are a daughter (Betty, at home), and a sister (Mrs. Nora Hackman, Norristown, Pa.). For the past two and one-half years she and her husband had been active workers at the Ambler Mennonite Mission. Funeral services at the Towamencin Church, Kulpsville, Pa., with Ellis L. Mack, John E. Lapp, and Norman A. Hunsberger, officiating; interment in church cemetery.

[NI00167] Gospel Herald - Jan. 23, 1990, pp 61-62:
Wenger, Roy G., son of Timothy J. and Mary (Powell) Wenger, was born in Stuarts Draft, Va., Mar. 30, 1900; died at Landis Homes, Lititz, Pa., Jan. 1, 1990; aged 89. On Apr. 16, 1927, he was married to Marian Keller Rosenberger, who survives. Also surviving are 3 sons (R. Gordon, Jr., Donald P., and J. Lowell), 3 daughters (Ruth Marie Kauffman, Esther M. Diller, and M. Lois Rivera), 20 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. In 1936, he was ordained deacon for the Mt. Pleasant congregation, Chesapeake, Va., and served also as pastor of the Norview congregation in Norfolk, Va. He was a member of Mt. Pleasant Mennonite Church. Funeral services were held in Bethany Chapel East, Landis Homes, on Jan. 4, in charge of James R. Hess, Donald W. Good, and Robert G. Wenger; interment in Millport Cemetery.

[NI00168] Gospel Herald - March 6, 1990, p. 174:
Wenger, Marian Rosenberger, daughter of Isaac G. and Laura (Keller) Rosenberger, was born in Silverdale, Pa., Feb. 22, 1906; died at Landis Homes, Lititz, Pa., Feb. 10, 1990; aged 83. On Apr. 16, 1927, she was married to Roy G. Wenger, who died Jan. 1, 1990. Surviving are 3 sons (R. Gordon, Jr., J. Lowell, and Donald P.), 3 daughters (M. Lois, Marie W. Kauffman, and Esther M. Diller), 20 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. She was a member of Mount Pleasant Mennonite Church, Chesapeake, Va. Funeral services were held at Landis Homes Bethany East Chapel on Feb. 13, in charge of James R. Hess, Donald Good, and Robert G. Wenger; interment in Millport Mennonite Cemetery.

[NI00170] Gospel Herald - May 26, 1981, p. 422:
Allebach.- Edith K., daughter of Irvin K. and Susan F. (Kriebel) Moyer, was born near Elroy, Pa., Dec. 19, 1910; died at Abington Memorial Hospital on Apr. 26, 1981; aged 70 y. On Sept. 2, 1961, she was married to Abram G. Allebach, who survives. Also surviving are one stepdaughter (Betty McClymon), one granddaughter, one sister (Florence K.-Mrs. Orvis Johnston), and one half sister (Lizzie A. Moyer). She was a member of Lansdale Mennonite Church. Funeral services were held at Towamencin Mennonite Church on Apr. 30, in charge of Jacob Z. Rittenhouse and Norman H. Bechtel; interment in Towamencin Mennonite Cemetery.

[NI00171] Gospel Herald - March 5, 1957, pp 238-239:
Ruth, John Y., ----, Pa., was born July 8, 1875; died Dec. 27, 1956; aged 81 y. 5 m. 18 d. He is survived by his widow, one son, one daughter, 3 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Funeral services were in charge of Ellis Mack with Marvin Anders assisting.

[NI00173] Gospel Herald - Dec. 27, 1960, pp 1105-1106:
Ruth, Martha M., widow of the late John Y. Ruth, died Aug. 6, 1960, at the Eastern Mennonite Home, Souderton, Pa.; aged 80 y. 5 m. 19 d. Surviving are one son (Abram A., Harleysville, Pa.), and Salley Ruth, Eastern Mennonite Home. Services were held at the Eastern Mennonite Home, on Aug. 9; interment in the Towamencin Cemetery.

[NI00174] Benjamin was born in Franconia township, near Elroy on Schoolhouse Road (Mahlon Cassel Jr. farm). Here he farmed and operated a blacksmith shop. Isaac Hallman (father of Ephraim, Linford and Wellington) was his hired man and partner in the blacksmith business. Benjamin later moved to a farm along Wambold Road. His son Warren then farmed it, then Henry Godshow. It is now owned by Max Baum just east of the Turnpike. He was ordained Deacon at Towamencin Mennonite Church on June 1, 1899. (Ruth Genealogy p. 56)

1880 PA census - Mont. Co, Lower Salford Twp, roll 1158, p. 310C:
Benjamin H. Ruth, 21, farmer; wife Kate, 27; dau Lizzie, 6; son John Y., 4; Isaac Hallman, other, 24, farm laborer

Herald of Truth - Feb. 18, 1904, pp 63-64:
RUTH.-Feb. 1, 1904, near Kulpsville, Montg. Co., Pa., Deacon Benj. Ruth, aged 54 Y., 9 M., 7 D. Bro. Ruth had been afflicted with lagrippe and heart failure fro a little less than two weeks. He leaves a sorrowing wife and four children to mourn his loss. Services at the house by Jacob Moyer; at the Towamencin M. H. by A. Mack and J. Clemmer. Texts, Matt. 25:21 and 1 Thess. 5:12. Buried in the cemetery near by. Peace to his ashes.

[NI00175] Gospel Herald - Feb. 16, 1922, pp 911-912:
Souder. - Catharine P., wife of Fred H. Souder, Lansdale, Pa., fell asleep in Jesus Jan. 20, 1922, aged 68 y. 7 m. 5 d., after lingering for several months with bright's disease. She seemed to realize her work on earth was nearly ended and looked to the city that had foundations. Sister Souder had a loving disposition and was largely and favorably known among the Mennonites of eastern Pennsylvania. Bro. and Sister Souder enjoyed the Christian fellowship of the church and visited extensively the congregations of the neighboring counties. By a former marriage to the late Benjamin Ruth, deacon of the Towamencin congregation, she was blessed with 4 children. Two (John and Howard) survive. Warren and Elizabeth Cassel preceded her in death. Two step-children (Artemus Souder and Laura, wife of Wilson Stauffer) also remain to mourn her departure beside the grandchildren and a host of friends. Funeral services were conducted Jan. 24 at the Towamencin Mennonite meeting house by Frank Cassel, Jonas Mininiger, J. C. Clemens, and Isaac Kulp. Text, Rev. 2:10.
"Why should our tears in sorrow flow
When God recalls his own,
And bids them leave a world of woe
For an immortal crown."

[NI00176] 1850 PA census - Montgomery Co, Franconia Twp (roll 799), p. 3b:
Michael Young, 30, blacksmith; Mary, 21; Elias Price, 20, blacksmith

1880 PA census - Mont. Co, Franconia Twp (roll 1157), p. 81A, taken June 8:
Michael Young, 60, farmer; wife Mary, 52; son Daniel, 29; granddau Mary, 3M

[NI00179] 1930 PA census - Towamencin Twp, Mont. Co, p. 15 of 26: Howard Y. Ruth, Head, 49; wife Verna, 48; son Howard Jr., 26; son Markley, 22; son John, 13.

[NI00180] Gospel Herald - June 27, 1912, pp 207-208:
Ruth. - Warren Y. Ruth died at his home near Mainland, Pa., May 5; aged 29 y. 11 m. 5 d. He was afflicted with spasms early in the spring and was taken to the University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pa., and underwent a successful operation on his head. He came home improved and there was hope for his recovery; but God's ways are not our ways, so it turned for the worse and he died of paralysis. He is survived by a sorrowing widow and a four-year old daughter. One son preceded him to the spirit-world. He is also survived by his mother, 2 brothers and 1 sister. Services at the Towamencin M. H. June 10, by the brethren, Christian Allebach, Jacob Moyer and Jacob Clemens. Text, John 11:25. Interment was made in the adjoining graveyard.

[NI00181] In 1852, he purchased 6 acres from Jeremiah Kriebel estate with blacksmith shop. He subsequently purchased 3 other tracts. In 1857, he conveyed these combined tracts now containing 22 acres to John Goshow. This is now the Arthur Leatherman farm, Schoolhouse Road, southwest of Elroy (sold in 1966 for industrial development).
Israel and Elizabeth then moved to North Front St., Souderton, where Elizabeth had a millinery shop. He was hostler at the hotel next door and watch-man at the Old Union National Bank Building, Main St. (Ruth p 48)

1850 PA census - Montgomery Co, Franconia Twp (roll 799) p. 4 - Israel Ruth, 22, blacksmith; Mary, 21, Benjamin, 1; John Climer, 22, tailor.

Herald of Truth - March 7, 1907, pp 99-100:
Ruth.-On Feb. 21, 1907, in Franconia Twp., Montgomery Co., Pa., of the infirmities of old age, Bro. Israel Ruth. He died at the home of his son. He was buried on the 26th at the Towamencin Mennonite M. H. He reached the advanced age of 81 Y., 5 M., 7 D. He was twice married and leaves two sons to mourn his death.

[NI00183] 1850 PA census - Montgomery Co, Lower Salford Twp (roll 799), p. 22, taken Aug. 28:
George Hunsicker, 53, farmer; Anna, 44; George, 19, laborer; Charles, 17, blacksmith; William, 14, Hannah, 11

1880 PA census - Mont. Co, Franconia Twp, roll 1157, p. 86C:
George Hunsicker, 84; wife Ann, 73

[NI00186] 1880 PA census - Mont. Co, Lower Salford Twp (roll 1158), p. 306C:
John H. Ruth, 27, farm laborer; Sarah, wife, 26; Mary, dau, 2

[NI00197] Check the Towamencin cemetary listing for a John Ruth (1785-1817). Is he the same as this John?

[NI00202] chart says Barbara Ledrach - ??

[NI00211] WILL OF JACOB OBERHOLTZER is in Oberholtzer Family History

Jacob and Deborah were first cousins - their mothers (Deborah Krey and Catherine Krey) were sisters.

[NI00212] CONFLICT: Genealogies of Pennsylvania Families I: A Survey of Immigrants of the Haldeman Family of Switzerland to Montgomery, Chester and Lancaster Counties, p. 707, does not list Deborah as a child of Christian Haldeman and Catharine Krey. Something isn't quite right with the dates. Catharine Krey was born about 1715, so Deborah would have been born after 1735, but Deborah's daughter Catharine was probably born about 1738.

[NI00219] 1860 PA census - Montgomery Co, Franconia Twp (roll 1143), p. 187, taken June 29:
Jacob Ruth, 77, gentleman; Mary Ruth, 75; Susana Ruth, 46, serving
Following household is their son Jacob Ruth.

Herald of Truth - June 1871, pp 94-95 Obituaries:
Ruth. - On the 20th of April, in Franconiaville, Montgomery county, Pa., JACOB RUTH, aged about 80 years. Buried on the 22nd at the Plain Meeting-house.

[NI00226] In 1772, Jacob purchased frrom Hendry Hendricks a tract of 111 acres in Hatfield Township (Philadelphia Co., but since 1784, Montgomery Co.) for L. 595. This is a long and somewhat narrow tract bordering the north side of Forty Foot Road west of and including part of the Hatfield Speedway and Auction grounds, also the newly built Pennfield School and the farms of Otto Hilgner and Arthur Hackman.
In 1790, he purchased 20 acres in Franconia Township from Benjamin Wilson, atty, for Robert Clibborn Wilson of Ireland who owned 800 acres in the southern end of that township.
In 1799, he purchased from Manasses Fretz 8 1/4 acres in Hilltown Township on which was a tanyard. He had already been assessed for it since 1796, and now after the purchase his son Isaac was assessed for it till 1804 when it was sold to Joseph Ratzell.
In the 1785 Hatfield Township assessment, Jacob is listed for 111 acres, 2 horses, 6 cattle; in 1783 for 3 horses, 4 cattle, and 5 sheep.
In 1780, he paid L. 71, 10sh, for the Effective Supply Tax (war tax) rate $2.12 per hundred; valuation L. 2750.
In 1787, 88, 97-1800, Jacob Ruth was an assessor, and a township supervisor during 1800-02, also 1810.
Jacob wrote his will on Nov. 1, 1817, witnessed by Abraham Shipe, Sr. and Jacob Overholtzer. An account of the estate was filed with the Register's Office, Norristown, on Sept. 11, 1822 by Jacob Ruth, Jr., executor, showing valuation of $5336.90 1/2. Final settlement was made April 1, 1836 (dates don't match) following the death of the widow (November 9, 1838). The balance, $2091.18, was divided into seven shares, son Isaac being excluded because he was indebted to the estate for a much larger sum than his share of inheritance. Daughter Elizabeth with husband, Christian Atherhold, was living in Northern Liberties, Philadelphia; Daughter Mary with husband James Yocum in Lower Salford Tounship; Daughter Catherine married to Abraham Cassel was a widow. Daughters Madgdalena Keeler and Sarah Sellers were both deceased, as was also son John. Jacob was living on a part of the stead and was the executor of the will. Sarah's share was divided into 13 equal parts of $22.98 each for her children who were scattered over a wide area in Pennsylvania and Ohio. John's share was divided into 6 parts of $49.79 each for his children of whom 4 were minors (Source: Ruth book - which also includes the text of Jacob's will).

[NI00228] Henry Ruth was probably born sometime between 1690 and 1700, in Europe, and died in New Britain Township, Bucks County, Pa., apparently during the winter of 1756-1757. His will seems to indicate that he was twice married; his second wife Magdalena, variously spelled Magdalen, Modlena or Madlen, surviving him. Also surviving were nine children of whom a son Henry was a child of the first marriage. The remaining eight were Christian, John, Andrew, Abraham, Cornelius, Mary, Jacob and Bishop David Ruth.

The first official public record that we have of Henry's presence in Pennsylvania is the recording of a deed, dated February 14, 1718, whereby David Powell on behalf of the Proprietaries of the Colony granted to Henry Ruth 200 acres of Land in Salford Township, Philadelphia County (present-day Lower Salford Township, Montgomery County). This tract of land is located west of present-day Harleysville. (notes from "Ruth Geneology" compiled by Warren R. Kriebel, first edition (c) 1972) (David Driver has this book)

Heckler writes (History of Harleysville and Lower Salford Twp., p. 57): "He wrote his name in German: Rudt, and Ruht, for so we find it as witness to deeds and wills. He came up here [to Lower Salford] from New Britain, Bucks Co., and after owning a tract of land and premises here 29 years, he and his wife returned to the neighborhood from whence he came." [For a description of this land, see p. 57, History of Harleysville.] On May 23, 1747, Henry purchased 200 acres at the western end of New Britain Township from Methusalah Evans, about a mile east of present-day Line Lexington.

Henry's will is dated Dec. 12, 1753, no doubt written by one of his Welsh Baptist neighbors, perhaps the pastor of the Montgomery Baptist Church, Rev. Benjamin Griffith, who was a neighbor of Henry, his land bordering on the south of Henry's tract. The will was proved Jan. 25, 1757 at Newtown, the county seat at that time. The executor was the second oldest of Henry's children, Christian.

It has been claimed that he came to Pennsylvania in 1717, landing at Philadelphia on Aug. 10 of that year in company with several fellow Mennonites - Hans Reiff and Dielman Kolb, Jr. with wife Elizabeth (Schnebeli) Kolb.

Warren Kriebel, in Ruth Genealogy - The Ruth Families, pp 4-6, presents his research into the Ruth origins. There were three distinct branches of the name - a Mennonite branch, a Reformed Lutheran branch, and a Catholic branch. It is believed that the Mennonite branch came from Switzerland to the Palatinate.
After the severe persecution which started afresh in Zurich, Switzerland in 1635, and soon spread to Berne, Valentine Hutwohl wrote on Dec. 4, 1641, that 450 from Berne, mostly on seven ships, arrived in the Palatinate. "These are scattered among the fellow believers throughout the region, over a 12-mile territory. Amongst these you will find those who need canes, being 70, 80, and 90 years old. On the whole they need clothing sorely; they didn't take more along than what they had on their backs. With their little bedding, we don't know how to keep them warm. Some amongst us have 7, 8, or 9 living with them. In that way some of us have very little cheese, butter and other provisions ... When you speak of their poverty, they sigh, wishing that they had had their homes and farmlands here before. They cannot rent for they have not the wherewithal to pay, and they have no furniture, no equipment to farm, no horse, no wagon, no plow and all that belongs thereto, no shed, etc., and they must need wait one and a half years before they get fruit of their sowing. Until that time we will need to provide maintenance ... You can imagine what the situation must mean and whereas the Mennonites in the Palatinate are not very well to do and they probably have enough trouble themselves, there is an added burden by the great number of these persecuted people."
Among these were (here follows a list of names of which some have since become familiar family names in America because of subsequent migrations): Eschleman, Snyder, Gutt (Good), Wenger, Witmer, Wingert, Schmidt, Herr, Lotscher (Latshaw), Borockholder (Burkholder), Stoffer (Stauffer), Fredericks, Anthony, Hiers, Rohr, Ech, Muller, Leicht (Lichty, Light), Engel, Hornich (Harnish?), Wirtz, Mosser, Graber, Ebbe (Eby), Winger, Schenck (Shenk), Newkommet (Newcomer), Burge (Bergey), Weber, Vouck, Pitzge, Leeman (Lehman), Abi, Steiner, Phadt, Reyst (Reist). Among these were also Peter Root, of Fronsheim, age 32 years, wife Anna Ruyschur [Risser], 30, and a mother Frommick Eck, 72 [Davis says this was Verena Eichacher]; 4 children, oldest 9, given 2 beds, a cow, clothing, 2 sheets, 2 pairs of shoes. (from "The Lancaster Mennonite Conference, History and Background" by Ira D. Landis, pp 37-39, ch. 5 "Leaving Their First Homeland")

Our Heinrich may or may not be of the Swiss lineage. I have used the lineage as posited by Davis in Emigrants vol. 2, p. 356. He thinks that Henry may have been the son of Heinrich Ruth, son of Hans Ruth born 1620 in Hesse, Germany. Of Hans Ruth it is stated that he was born a Reformed member but later became a Weidertaufer. Heinrich married Adelheid Neukommet of Eggiwil, Bern, in 1677 at Weiler, Germany, so it would seem likely that Heinrich was also of Swiss origin.

[NI00230] Henry Ruth Jr., on Sept. 4, 1745, purchased 100 acres in Lower Salford Twp, which he sold to Christian Stauffer on May 16, 1755. It is located along Store Road, west of the village of Mainland, which in turn is on Rt. 63 between Harleysville and Kulpsville. At the settlement of his father's estate on Mar. 15, 1758 he received 15 pounds from the executor. On May 30, 1757 he purchased 100 acres in Hilltown Twp, Bucks Co. from Walter McCool and wife Mercy. He sold this to Christian Lederach on Apr. 20, 1763. On Mar. 20, 1762 he purchased 90 acres from Ephraim Thomas, also in Hilltown Twp, which he sold to Casper Crimer on Apr. 30, 1763. On Mar. 8, 1763 he bought two acres in Rockhill Twp from George Shermer and on Apr. 25, 1763, another 132 acres from John Heany in the same township. It was here that Henry died. His will, written Mar. 7, 1765, was executed by his brother-in-law Jacob Hunsicker and Samuel Moyer, who conveyed his lands to Valentine Burkstresser on Dec. 27, 1766. His widow Elizabeth was assessed in Hilltown Twp during the years 1781-1789, usually for 10 acres. (Ruth Genealogy - The Ruth Families p. 11)

Henry's will, a copy of the original, can be seen on pp 373-374 of Ruth Genealogy - The Ruth Families, with a typed transcription following on p. 375. Written March 7, 1765, proved April 17, 1765.
Be it Remembred That I Henry Ruth of the Township of Rockhill in the County of Bucks in the province of pensilvania yeoman being mindful of my mortality thought proper whilst mercifully favourid with a perfect sound mind & memory to settle my worldly Estate by this my Last Will & Testament in Manner and form following that is to say first I will the payment of my Just Debts and funeral Expenses and I give & bequeath unto my beloved Wife Elisabeth one hundred pound sound lawful money of pensilvania to be paid to her in one year after my Decease & my bed ... bedstead and is furniture & the bed & bedstead of the two younger childern and the Grattil [probably cradle] with the beding belonging to at [it] and a Chisd [chest] maid of bind [pine] boards three beuder [pewter] disches three beuder blads [plates] and a cow and seven sheep the which Legacy my wife freely accepts of in lieu of her Dower and Right of Widowhoof and I give and devise all my Estate Real and personal to be sold, except such which is giving to my wife above mentioned after my Decease by my Executors hereafter mentioned and the monys to be bood [put] upon Intres [interest] except the one hundred pound which is given to my Wife afor said and the Intres mony shall be for the maintaining of my children to the time as my youngest Chil is fourten years of age and after at shall be equally to be divided amongst my childern except to my elder son Michel shall have one shilling sterling over and above his equal chair [share] with the rest of my childern and I nominate my good and trusty frind Samuel Mayer of the Township of Hilltown in the County of Bucks and Jacob Hunsacor of the saim plais my Executors giving them full power and authority to bargain sell and dispose of all my Estate both Real and personal except what above excepted which I give to my Wife (in the performans of this Will granting and transfering unto them and the survivor of them full power and authority [etc.?], this presents to maick [make?] and execute firm tithes indefeasible and effectual Deeds and Convayinces in Low [law] on all my lands to such person or persons as will purchase the saim and I revock all former wills and this and no other shall be my will in witnes wherof I the said Henry Ruth have set my hand and seal herunto this the seventh day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hunderd and sixty-five 1765.
Sialed signed and delivered as my last will in the present of us...
Signed by John Heany [possibly Junior or Senior], an unreadable signature [possibly Christian Clemmer - my guess], Ludwig Benner, and Heinrich Ruth, April 17, 1765.

[NI00232] Abstracts of Bucks County Wills, 1785-1825, Will Book No. 7:
Page 278. John Ruth, New Britain Twp., weaver. October 28, 1805. Proved August 1, 1807. Gdsn. Henry Ruth of Twp. and Co. on [sic] Montgomery exr. 100 acres I live on to Ann Ruth, widow of son Henry Dec'd. and her ch. by him. Dau. Magdalena Delp. Wits: David Ruth, Jacob Swarts, Abraham Swarts.

[NI00237] David Ruth was a minister serving at Line Lexington 1796(?) - 1820.

[NI00239] Gospel Herald - Sept. 11, 1956, pp 886-887:
Wenger, Timothy J., son of Jab and Hannah (Brenneman) Wenger, was born near Harrisonburg, Va., on Feb. 18, 1864; passed away at his home near Fentress, Va., on Feb. 11, 1956; aged 91 y. 11m. 23 d. Death was preceded by an illness of about 5 weeks, up to which time he had enjoyed good health, and had been a regular attendant of church and Sunday school each Sunday. In 1886 he was married to Mary Powell. To this union were born 2 sons and 8 daughters. He was preceded in death by his wife in 1923, and 2 daughters. Surviving are one sister (Mrs. Katie Brunk, Denbigh, Va.), 8 children (Anna-Mrs. Moses Hertzler, and Mollie-Mrs. Sam Brunk, of Denbigh; Mrs. Lessie Hershberger , Harrisonburg, Va.; Etta-Mrs. Ernest Miller, Mrs. Lula Lehman, Mrs. Ida Shaddinger, Roy and Powell, all of Fentress), 34 grandchildren, 51 great-grandchildren, and many other relatives and friends. He accepted Christ in his youth and in 1900 was ordained deacon of the Springdale Mennonite Church in Augusta County. He also taught school a number of years in the Greenmount vicinity, and in Augusta County. In 1908 he moved with his family to Fentress and served as deacon of the Mt. pleasant Church, where he remained a faithful worker and regular attendant. At the time of his death he was the oldest ordained man in the Mennonite Church and had served longest as deacon. Funeral services were conducted in the Mt. Pleasant Church by Joseph R. Driver and Clayton Bergey, with burial in the adjoining cemetery.

[NI00241] Abraham Wenger ... was a man of industry, integrity, and piety, very exact in business, a strong advocate of peace principles and nonconformity to the world, and a faithful, consistent member of the Mennonite church.
When forced into the Confederate army, and shouldering the musket, he remarked that by compulsion he would be obedient so far, but assured the officer that he would hurt no one.
In his every-day life he practiced the principles that he always advocated, and was true to his convictions, regardless of cost. His life was worth of imitation. -- Solomon B. Wenger, South English, Iowa

See Lindale's Song pp 15-19 for a story of Virginia Mennonites in the Civil War.
... Before long Mennonite young men were forced into the army, in many cases against their wishes. The above Jacob Wenger is an example. When coerced into Confederate military service he agreed to carry a gun but he "assured the officer that he would hurt no one." If this is the Jacob Wenger of the Greenmount area, his paretns were Joseph and Barbara Beery Wenger who lived near Edom. Father Joseph, being an old man when the war came, became very distraught when the soldiers came to burn his barn in the fall of 1864, and he tried to keep the fire from spreading to his house. "His strength was overpowered" and he never fully recovered. He died four months later.

Herald of Truth - August 1879, pp 157-158:
July 22nd, about 5 miles north of Harrisonburg, Va., Bro. JACOB WENGER, aged about 50 years. He was a consistent member of the Mennonite Church for many years, and a useful man in the neighborhood where he resided. He was much interested in the progress of the church and took an active part in her Sunday Schools.

[NI00242] 1880 VA census - Rockingham Co, Linville District, p. 479D, taken June 12:
Hannah Wenger, 46, widow, keeping house; son Solomon B., 23, farmer; dau Annie, 21, at home, heart d.; dau Lydia, 20; son Adam, 18, servant; son Timothy, 16, servant; son Amos, 12, servant; son Samuel, 9; dau Maggie, 7; dau Katie, 5

Gospel Herald - June 5, 1919, pp 175-176:
Wenger. - Hannah, widow of Jacob Wenger (who preceded her in death nearly forty years ago) was born near Edom, Va., April 9, 1834; died May 13, 1919; aged 85 y. 1 m. 4 d. About a year ago she had a stroke of paralysis which intensified the infirmities of body and mind and from which she never recovered. Her descendants number 108 souls (99 of whom are living), there being 11 children, 73 grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren. With but few exceptions, those of accountable years have accepted Christ as their Savior. Fifty are members of the Mennonite Church, in which she was a member for some sixty years. Her long and faithful service, we believe, has won for her a crown of glory. As we look back over the flight of many years and picture mother with the responsibility of a large family, especially after father,s death, we recall so vividly the many tears and sleepless nights of grave concern for us all, the desire that we keep good company, the counsels against wrongs of every kind, the encouragement to read the Bible, and kindred books, and the anxiety to have us accept Christ and unite with the church. We often heard her say, "After we have been in heaven ten thousand years we have no less days to sing God's praise, than when we first begun." Her body was removed from Denbigh, Va., where she had her home with her youngest daughter, Mrs. George R. Brunk, to the Lindale burying ground near Edom, Va., where services and interment took place on the 16th. Daniel Shank conducted the service at the home, and Lewis Shank and A. P. Heatwole at the church near the place of burial. --A. D. Wenger.

[NI00243] Mostly self-educated; mastered English, German and vocal music, and understood French, Greek and Latin. Died of fever and exposure - following severe illness, autumn 1864, his strength was overtaxed in attempting to keep fire from spreading to home when barn was burned by soldiers in Civil War. (Beery Family History p. 88)

Herald of Truth - May 1865, pp 39-40:
On the 14th of Feb., near Edom, in Rockingham Co., Virginia, with slow fever, Joseph Wenger, aged 70 years, 4 mo., and 27 days.

[NI00244] Barbara Beery was the oldest of her father John Beery's family, and was raised at the homestead three-fourths of a mile south of Edom, Rockingham Co., Va. When at the age of 23 years she married Joseph Wenger. Soon afterwards they began housekeeping on a portion of the Wenger estate, one-fourth mile east of Edom, where they started in the forest, and with the blessings of good health, brawny arms, and willing hands they converted it into a well-improved farm, besides adding other farms.

It is natural that we reverence our parents. Indeed, it is due unto them. But how sad it is in some instances where children do not respect father and mother, especially in old age. The above parents were kind to their children, yet strict, and decisive, and the longer I live, the more I consider that they did the right thing at the right time, and the more thankful I am for the training and advice I received at their hands. My memory of these sainted and departed parents is indelibly fixed in my mind.

This sketch is written on the date of mother's anniversary of her birth, 110 years ago to-day (March 12, 1905). These parents united with the Mennonite church in early life, and are buried at the Lindale Mennonite church cemetery, a short distance north of Edom, Va.--(Their Son, Joseph H. Wenger, South English, Iowa) (Abraham Beery Descendants pp 18-19)

[NI00245] From Lindale's Song, pp 3-4:
Another prominent early settler was Joseph G. Wenger (1747-1812) , who settled southeast of Edom soon after the American Revolution. He and his wife Barbara Huber (changed to Hoover in Virginia) are also buried at Lindale. They bought nearly 600 acres of timberland that included a fine spring. Joseph and Barbara had 13 children, three of whom became ministers. Christian and Abraham became Brethren and Mennonite ministers in Augusta County. Benjamin, a Mennonite minister, lived near Dayton, Virginia.
After bearing 13 children Barbara died and Joseph G. Wenger married his second wife, Anna Hockman. They had five children, the first one being Joseph II who married Barbara Beery. Joseph II and Barbara's fourth child was Isaac Wenger, who married Lydia Brenneman, thus joining the two pioneer Brenneman and Wenger families who have many descendants at Lindale. ...

[NI00247] Herald of Truth - October 1874, p. 175:
Died, on the 6th of September, in Holmes county Ohio, of Sciatic Rheumatism, Sister CATHARINE, wife of George MUMAW, aged 48 years and 2 days. Her mortal remains were committed to their final resting place on the 7th, in the presence of a large concourse of friends and relatives who had assembled to pay her the last tribute of love. She leaves a deeply afflicted husband, with whom she lived in peace for a period of thirty-one years, seven children, four grand children, three sisters and four brothers to mourn their loss. Services by Henry Beery and Henry Kilmer in German, and the writer in English, from 2nd Timothy, 4:6-8.
Sister Mumaw was afflicted for about three years, and toward the latter part of this time she was totally deprived of the use of her legs, and had to content herself in reclining on a rocking-chair, or upon her bed. She had continual pains - sometimes hardly to be endured, yet she was always cheerful and pleasant, and bore her afflictions with much patience and Christian resignation. It seemed that no physician could restore her; none but the Great Physician, who we have great reason to believe has restored her to that healthful clime in a state of bliss and eternal joy and happiness, in the heavenly mansion, in the presence of an innumerable company of angels; among those who came out of "great tribulation, and washed their robes in the blood of the lamb, among those who hunger and thirst no more, for the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of water, pure as Crystal, and shall wipe away all tears from their eyes."
The father and children may well comfort themselves with the hymn:
"Farewell mother, God has called thee
Home to dwell with Christ above;
Where no pain nor sickness enter,
And where all is joy and love.

Here thy form was bent and feeble,
Sore disease had bent thee down;
But through grace and faith in Jesus,

Thou shalt wear the golden crown." which the departed mother selected during her stay at the Mansfield Water Cure, and handed it to one of her daughter, exclaiming, "Preserve this hymn: you may want it as a token of me." She was for many years a member of the Mennonite Church, and was faithful in the discharge of Christian duties: was a bright and shining light in the church, beloved and respected, a kind and affectionate wife, mother and neighbor; and by her Christian course, walk and conversation, became endeared to the hearts of a large circle of acquaintances among whom she lived.
Her greatest solicitude was for her children. A few days before her death she called them all to her bed side, extending her pale and feeble hands, embracing each in her arms and bidding them the last farewell: earnestly exhorting them to consecrate themselves to God and his service, associate with humble and good people, and so live and labor that they could all meet her in heaven where there is no parting. It is hoped that her motherly admonitions will not be forgotten.
The neighborhood and the church deeply deplore their loss. She is greatly missed by all, but especially by the bereaved father and children, and will only be comforted by the thought that their loss is her eternal gain - by the thought that she has fought the good fight, finished her course and kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for her a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the Righteous Judge will give her, and not only to her, but to all them that obey his gospel, and love his appearing.
JACOB KILMER

[NI00251] The subject of this sketch came from Pennsylvania to Virginia when a young man. As his parents afterwards came from Adams county, Pa., to Virginia, this is some evidence that he was born in that county. Then, sometime between 1792 and 1794, he married Barbara Kagy (my grandmother) of Shenandoah county, Va., and, during the first few years of their married life, they lived in New Market, Shenandoah Co., Va., near the line between Shenandoah and Rockingham counties, where their first child (Barbara, my mother) was born March 12, 1795. Soon afterwards, about 1796, they purchased a large tract of land, mostly timber, about three-fourths of a mile south of Edom, Rockingham Co., Va. Here they made a fine home and raised a large family of industrious and intelligent children. The homestead portion of this farm fell to his eighth son, Henry Beery, and later to Henry's son, Henry C. Beery. Then, in 1898 or 1900, it was purchased by Mr. Perry Swank. A part of the present Noah W. Beery farm and a portion of the Isaac N. Beery farm were taken from the foregoing original purchase. Grandfather John Beery erected a fulling mill and carding machine upon his premises. This building was burned about 1810 or 1812, but soon after was replaced by a brick building, enlarged and improved. This was about a hundred yards northwest of the homestead buildings. Here he died of old age June 25, 1834, and his wife died Sept. 25, 1835, from injuries received by being thrown from her formerly gentle horse, while returning, after services, from the Brenneman Mennonite church. The accident occurred by a hog jumping out from the old-fashioned fence corner, and frightening her. However she lingered for a time in a crippled condition. She and her husband are buried in the Lindale Mennonite church cemetery, just north of Edom, where small but neat white tombstones were erected by the descendants in 1902. These dear old grandparents were consecrated members of the Mennonite church, as also were all their children except two.--(Grandson, Joseph H. Wenger, South English, Iowa, Abraham Beery Descendants p 14)

[NI00258] Herald of Truth - March 1867, pp 46-48:
On the 18th of January, in Rockingham. Co., Virginia, of Pneumonia, ANNA, widow of Christian BRENNEMAN, dec,d, and daughter of Pre. Henry Shank, who was one of the first ministers of the Mennonite Church in the county, aged 71 years, 8 months, and 8 days. She was buried on the 20th. Funeral services were conducted by John Geil, Samuel Coffmann, and Jacob Miller, from Rev. 14:13. The deceased was a consistent member of the Mennonite Church about fifty years. She was sick only a few days. The last thirty six hours of her life she lay as though she was asleep. She breathed out her last breath in calmness. We mourn her departure but we mourn not as those who have no hope; for we have reason to believe, that she was at peace with her Maker, and is now enjoying the reward of the blessed. O! what a consolation it is in the hour of death, if we have the comforting assurance that, when we go hence, we shall enter into the rest prepared for the children of God! We, too, are traveling to our eternal home, and we know not in what hour the messenger may call for us; for God is no respecter of persons, and persons are often taken away in the twinkling of an eye; therefore, we should try to be ready; for"in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh." --Christian Brunk.

[NI00259] Was a prosperous lansholder and left his children well established in life. (WWW)

[NI00261] [S2] breneman Descendants of Abraham Breneman Charles D. Breneman Elida, Ohio 1939 A history of the
descendants of Abraham Breneman : born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, December 3, 1744, and settled near Edom, Rockingham County, Virginia, in 1770, or soon after, and a complete genealogical register with biographies of many of his descendants from the earliest available records to the present time, giving dates in three centuries / by Charles D. Breneman.

Lindale's Song pp 2-3:
The cemetery at Lindale began in March 1788, more than 110 years before the Lindale meetinghouse was built nearby. Abraham Breneman (1746-1788) and Maria Reiff (1746-1788) were Lancaster County, Pennsylvania natives who migrated to Rockingham County perhaps as early as 1770 and purchased about 800 acres of land in the Linville Creek area. Maria gave birth to eight children and then died soon after the birth of Eve Margaret, who also died. Sadly, Abraham buried his wife and daughter in March 1788, in a half acre of ground he set aside for a community burying ground. ...
The seven surviving children of Abraham and Maria scattered somewhat. Magdalena married Frederick Rhodes who became a Mennonite minister. They lived south of Harrisonburg. Elizabeth married Michael Miller and lived west of Harrisonburg. Melchior married Elizabeth Burkholder and they purchased 560 acres of his father's homestead near Edom. He became the first deacon of Brennemans Church, the local congregationt hat developed. Along with sons Abraham and Peter, and Melchior's half-brother, Christian, they built Brennemans meetinghouse in 1826. Several children of Abraham and Maria lived in Augusta County, Virginia and Ohio. Not all remained Mennonite. Anna Barbara married Jacob Hildebrand and they owned a large tract of land five miles northwest of Waynesboro near the HIldebrand Mennonite Church, where their youngest son, Jacob Jr., became an outstanding bishop during Civil War times and later.
About two years after Maria Breneman and baby Eve Margaret died, Abraham married Magdalena Shank (1769-1851), who was 25 years younger than Abraham. He then fathered a second family of eight more children, the youngest being born when Abraham was 60. Many of these eventually lived in Ohio. Son Henry, with his bride Barbara Beery, migrated to Fairfield County, Ohio, where he had two farms, a grist mill and a saw mill. Twice, it is told of Henry, he made the round trip on foot to Rockingham County. Two of Henry and Barbara's sons, John M. and George, became Mennonite bishops in the Elida, Ohio area. ... Another son, Daniel, became a minister and in Indiana became the founder of the Mennonite Brethren in Christ (later Missionary Church). A number of Henry and Barbara Brenneman's descendants became Mennonite ministers or bishops, including the well-known Augsburgers of Ohio and Virginia. ...
Abraham and Magdalena Breneman's second child was Christian, who eventually married Anna Shank and helped build Brennemans meetinghouse. They had 12 children and both parents are buried at Lindale. The rest of Abraham and Magdalena's children lived in Ohio where, it is presumed, she died and was buried. Abraham Breneman, with 16 children, had 111 grandchildren, many of whom he never saw! He was described as a "pillar in the church," a tall, slend man, smooth shaven and highly respected by fellow Mennonites and his neighbors. Tradition says that before the Brennemans meetinghouse was built, regular church services were held in his home. When his youngest son David was nine years old, Abraham Breneman died at age 70 in 1815 by contracting "camp fever" from some soldiers who returned from the War of 1812. He was buried with his first wife Maria in the Lindale cemetery.

[NI00263] 1850 VA census - Rockingham Co (roll 974) 56th District, p. 80:
Christian Brenaman, 75, farmer; Ann, 68; Rebecca, 18; Hannah, 16; David, 14
Christian Brunk, 27, farmer; Magdalena [Brenneman], 26; Michael, 5; Ann, 3; Susanna, 2; George, 20, laborer
Isaac Wenger, 26, farmer; Lydia [Brenneman], 24; [p. 80b] Ann, 1
Christian Funk, 35, farmer; Frances [Brenneman], 32; Ann, 10; Susannah, 8; Samuel, 6; Hetty, 2
Martin Brenaman, 24, farmer; Susanna, 22; John, 4/12; Henry Good, 22, laborer

[NI00265] from Lindale's Song p 9:
It appears that Henry Shank (1758-1836) and Henry Rhodes ( 1748-1827) were the first two Virginia Mennonite bishops. Henry and his wife Anna may have come to Virginia around 1783 and lived close to his brother-in-law, Abraham Breneman. Bishop Henry and Anna are buried at Lindale. His gravestone says that for 52 years he was a "diligent minister of the Gospel." Shank outlived Bishop Henry Rhodes who died in 1827.

[NI00269] MILITARY: Enlisted Oct. 8, 1863 at Rockingham for service in Civil War. Served with Co. B, 41 Batt. Va. Cavalry and also Co. B., 23 Va. Cavalry. Paroled May 19, 1865.

1850 VA census - Rockingham Co, Harrisonburg Twp (roll 974) p. 16 - Lewis Powell, 22, and Mary A. Berry, 14, and Mary Ann's sister Barbara Ann, 6?, are listed in the household of Henry E. & Mary Rexrode(?), farmer. Franklin Mowbray, 14, and Tazewell Mowbray, 21, are also listed.

Herald of Truth - March 14, 1907, pp 109-110:
Powel.-On Feb. 9, 1907, in Rockingham Co., Va., at the residence of his son-in-law, Joseph Good; Lewis Powel, aged 79 Y., 18 D. He had suffered a long time with paralysis. His wife died six weeks before. Surviving him are two sons (Henry, of Tennessee, and Lewis, of Virginia), and three daughters (Josephine Good and Mary Wenger of Virginia and Maria Brunk of Ohio). Funeral was held at Cook's Creek Presbyterian church, where services were conducted by John Ruff, assisted by Joseph F. Heatwole. Text, 2 Pet. 3:4.

[NI00270] Gospel Witness - January 23, 1907, p. 688:
POWELL.-Annie Powell was born May 5, 1836; died in Rockingham Co., Va., Dec. 31, 1906; aged 80 y. 7 m. 25 d. She was a consistent member of the Presbyterian church for a number of years. She is survived by her husband who is very much afflicted, almost helpless. Also five children, Henry of Tennessee, Lewis, who lives on the home farm, Mariah, wife of Pre. Perry Brunk of Ohio, Mary, wife of Dea. Timothy Wenger of Augusta Co., W. Va., Josephine, wife of Joseph Good, of Rockingham Co., Va. All were at home when mother died. Funeral services at the house by Jos. F. Heatwole and at the church by Pre. Ruff, the pastor, assisted by Jos. F. Heatwole. Text, Phil, 3;21.

Also Herald of Truth - January 17, 1907, pp 29-30:
Powell -Polly Ann Powell was born May 5, 1836, near Lilly, Va.; died Dec. 31, 1906, at the home of her son near Harrisonburg, Va., aged 70 Y., 7 M., 28 D. Her death followed an illness of several weeks of pneumonia and heart trouble. At the time of her death she was a consistent member of the Presbyterian church. She is survived by her husband, two sons and three daughters: Mary J. Brunk of Elida, Ohio; Mary E. Wenger of Augusta Co., Va.; Margaret S. Good of Rockingham, Va.; Henry J. Powell of Concord, Tenn., and Lewis J. Powell, Jr., of near Harrisonburg, Va. Funeral services were held on Jan. 2, 1907, at the home of Joseph F. Heatwole and at the church by John Ruff, assisted by Joseph F. Heatwole.

[NI00271] 1850 VA census - Greene Co (roll 947) p. 345b - William Powell, 41, farmer; Mary, 25, Henry, 18, (continued on next page, 346) John Powell, 15, Sally, 12, Francis, 10, Obadiah S., 8, Henry C., 5, William (T. or F.?), 1, Elizabeth, 14?; 3 others whose names I can't fully make out - John ? [not Powell], 30, farmer, Mary, 29, Sarah, 1?.

[NI00273] His wife was his first cousin, the daughter of his Uncle, Benjamin.
DEATH: Green County, Virginia; Will Book 1, p 184.

[NI00275] Culpeper County Deed Book D, Page 222, June 4, 1765, Recorded January 17, 1765, James Powell of Orange County unto Ann Powell of Culpeper County, one negro Woman, Vena until the sum of the estate of Honorias Powell and the estate of Ambrose Powell and 14 pounds of current money of Virginia to be paid to John Powell and then the said sum of money is to be paid Ann Powell, otherwise brothers Honorius Powell and Ambrose Powell and John Powell, his heirs, executors, and administrators do pay unto Ann Powell and her heirs, exec. etc. the said sum of money the said negro wrench returns the said James Powell, his heirs, exec; said Ann Powell being security to see all her three sons paid the sum of money paid Honorias Powell, Ambrose Powell, John Powell. Signed James Powell. Testees: Steven Shiflett, Elizabeth Shefsshot; Roger Dixon, Clerk.

[NI00279] 1850 VA census - Greene Co p. 352 - John Riddle, 69, farmer; Elizabeth, 66; John, 25, laborer; Ann, 22 [John Jr's wife?].

[NI00281] James Riddle served in the American Army during the Revolution. Was appointed with his brothers an executor of his fathers will in 1776. He received from the estate a third part of land containing two hundred fifty acres, and a negro slave named Sampson. He was a farmer in Orange County, Va., and owned numerous slaves.

[NI00283] 1850 VA census - Rockingham Co, Harrisonburg Twp (roll 974) p. 27b - Alexander Berry, 46, blacksmith; Susan, 40, Mary A., 14, Elizabeth, 12, Eliza and Augustine, 10 (twins), Barbara, 7, William A., 5, David H., 3, Margaret E., 1/12.

[NI00284] Norman Wenger's father, Powell Wenger, used to laugh that Susan Black married a Berry and that made her a Blackberry.

Herald of Truth - Jan. 15, 1883, pp 29-30:
BERRY.-Near New Erection, Rockingham Co., Va., Sister Susanna Berry. Aged 72 years, 4 months and 3 days. Buried at the Bank church, where appropriate remarks were made by G.D. Heatowle, D.S. Heatwole and W.T. Price. Text, 3 Cor. 5:1.

[NI00285] There is an 1828 Chancery Case in Augusta County, Virginia where Rebecca sues her brother Thomas over a dispute involving settlement of her Father's Estate. According to Rebecca, the entire family had worked to pay for a farm which Thomas frauduently had deeded to himself. The case involves testimony that give insights to the personal lives of the family members and tells of their migration from New Jersey to Rockingham County about the time of the Whiskey Rebellion. It also reveals that Rebecca had two children out of wedlock including an unnamed daughter and a son Alexander.

BIRTH: Letter from Christos Christou, Jr., Baltimore MD, to Norman Wenger in Bridgewater VA; Letter dated 8 Dec 1994.

[NI00288] 1850 VA census - Rockingham Co (roll 974), Harrisonburg Twp, p. 15:
Benjamin Hoover, 50, cooper, born Pa.; Barbara, 46, born Va.; Malinda, 12; Sarah Ann, 10; John, 8?; Nancy, 6; Isaac Black, 89, born Pa., blind

[NI00297] Former John Deere dealer in Silverdale, Pa.

1930 PA census, Bucks Co, Silverdale, p. 3B, Mt. Pleasant Road:
Isaac G. Rosenberger, head, age 49, married at age 23, farmer
wife Laura K., age 45, married at age 19
son Stanley, age 9
son H. Leroy, age 9
Next to them in the census is the family of Harper W. Beyer, 43, wife Sarah, 39; John O. Hedrick, orphan, 18; son Harper Beyer Jr., 12, son Thomas F. L., 7, dau Elizabeth, 4, son Edgar W., 5/12. Is this the family of their granddaughter Dorothea's husband?

SSDI: Harper Beyer b. Oct 28, 1917 d. Dec 1975, res: Abington, Mont. Co PA
Thomas L. Beyer b. Aug 5, 1922 d. Sep 25, 1998, res: Schwenksville, Mont. Co PA

Gospel Herald - Jan. 15, 1957, p. 70:
Rosenberger, Isaac G., husband of Mary (Detweiler) Rosenberger, was born near Silverdale, Pa., Dec. 20, 1880; passed away Dec. 12, 1956, at the Eastern Mennonite Home, Souderton, Pa., where he and his wife have been guests for the past year; aged 75 y. 11m. 22 d. A serious of strokes caused his death. He was a member of the Blooming Glen Mennonite Church, a faithful worker in the church and Sunday school for many year, and also a member of various Franconia Conference boards. Surviving are his wife, 2 sons (Alvin K., Farmington, Maine, and H. LeRoy, Perkasie, Pa.), a daughter (Mrs. Marian Wenger, Fentress, Va.), 2 sisters, one brother, 16 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren. His first wife (Laura Keller), and a son and a daughter preceded him in death. Funeral services were held at the Blooming Glen Church on Dec. 16 in charge of David Derstine, Jr., with burial in the adjoining cemetery.

[NI00298] Gospel Herald - Aug. 10, 1945, pp 350-351:
Rosenberger. - Laura, wife of Isaac G. Rosenberger, Silverdale, Pa., peacefully fell asleep, June 15, 1945, at Grand View Hospital, Sellersville, Pa., where she had been admitted eleven days earlier; aged 60 y. 8m. 27 d. Her life was one of much suffering caused by various complications, but she was able to move around the family circle most of the time. We saw her fast declining and knew we could not have her with us long, yet the parting is hard. We humbly say, "Thy will be done." Besides her husband, she is survived by 3 sons (Alvin K., Chalfont, Pa.; Stanley and LeRoy, twins, Silverdale, Pa.), one daughter (Marian - Mrs. Roy G. Wenger, Fentress, Va.), her mother (Anna Geil Keller, Chalfont, Pa.), 2 brothers (Howard and Walter), 13 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. One daughter (Esther) preceded her in death at the age of thirteen years. Funeral services were held June 20, from her late residence and at the Blooming Glen Mennonite Church, of which she was a member, in charge of Melvin Bishop, Wilson Moyer, and Joseph Gross. Text, John 14: 1,2.

[NI00299] He is a Mennonite in religion, and in politics a Republican. (History of Bucks County, p. 675)

1880 PA census - Bucks Co, Hilltown Twp, roll 1106, p. 277D:
Abm. Rosenberger, 27, farmer; wife Mary, 27; Anna Godshall, mother-in-law, 54; Catharine Swartz, 89; George Eckhart, 16, farm laborer

Gospel Herald - Feb. 24, 1916, 782-784:
Rosenberger. - Bro. Abraham B. Rosenberger died at his home in Hilltown Tp., Pa., Sunday morning, Jan. 16, 1916, after a lingering illness brought on principally by a tubercular affection of the lungs; aged 62 y. 9 m. 20 d. He was married to Mary G. Godshalk of Doylestown, Pa., Jan 10, 1880. This union was blessed with 6 children, one of whom preceded him in death. He leaves his wife, 5 children (Isaac, Anna, Emma, Martha, and Henry), and 5 grandchildren to mourn their loss. Also 2 brothers: Bishop Henry B. Rosenberger of Perkasie, and Jacob of Dublin. Funeral services were held by Bro. Aaron Freed at the house, and Bros. Joseph Ruth and Jacob Rush at the Blooming Glen meeting house. Text, Rom. 8:18. Interment in the adjoining buryingground. We trust that our loss may be his eternal gain.

[NI00300] Gospel Herald - June 10, 1926, pp 239-240:
Rosenberger. - Mary Godshalk Rosenberger was born in Bucks Co., Pa., Sept. 14, 1852; died at her home near Nace's Corner, Pa., April 14, 1926; aged 73 y. 7 m. She was united in marriage to Abraham B. Rosenberger, who preceded her in death ten years ago. This union was blessed with six children, five of whom survive (Isaac, Anna, wife of S. O. Landis, Henry, Emma, and Martha) also twelve grandchildren. She had been in declining health for a number of years, suffering from kidney trouble and other complications. For the last ten weeks she was confined to bed in a helpless condition, bearing her lot patiently. Funeral services were held April 19 with interment at Blooming Glen Mennonite Church, of which she was a member. Text, Rev. 3:4, 5.
"Oh! call it not death, it is true indeed
The soul from the shackles of earth is freed
'Tis true, that dissolved is the house of clay,
And the spirit unchained hath passed away;
'Tis true, too, the loved on hath gone before
The home how darkened, that knows her no more,
But! call it not death, 'tis a holy sleep,
And the precious dust the Lord doth keep;
She shall wake again, and how satisfied
With the likeness of Him, of Him who died,
As He rose again, she shall also rise
From the grave, from the place where now she lies."

[NI00301] Killed in Philadelphia when his horse ran and his market-wagon was upset. (Roger's notes)
1870 Census for Philadelphia lists an Oliver Keller age 28 b. PA series M593, roll 1399, pg 305, who was a Shoemaker and lived alone. This Oliver would have been born in 1842, only 11 years difference between our Oliver.

There is another Oliver Keller buried at St. Peter's Union Cemetery (p. 125)
Levi B. Keller b. 14 Feb 1829 d. 19 Feb 1903
m. Hannah M. b. 4 Aug 1833 d. 27 Sep 1910
son Oliver S. Keller 1855-1924 m. Ellen B. 1855-1929
dau Anita L. Keller 1877-1879

[NI00302] 1910 PA census - Bucks Co, Perkasie Boro, roll 1320, p. 23b, taken April 27:
(125 5th Street) Annie Keller, Head, 44, widowed, 3 children, 3 living; son Howard, 22, single, Asst Freight Agt, R.R. Co.; (next page) son Walter Keller, 21, Cigar Box Maker, Box Factory

[NI00303] Gospel Herald - Aug. 13, 1963, pp 709-711:
Rosenberger, Mary B., daughter of Garrett and Sarah (Bergey) Detweiler, was born in Hilltown Twp., Pa., Feb. 10, 1880; died at the Grand View Hospital, Sellersville, Pa., July 6, 1963; aged 83 y. 4 m. 26 d. On June 13, 1946, she was married to Isaac G. Rosenberger, who died Dec. 12, 1956. Surviving are 3 stepchildren (Alvin K., H. Leroy, and Marion-Mrs. Roy G. Wenger) and 16 stepgrandchildren. She was a member of the Blooming Glen Church. Funeral services were held at the Eastern Mennonite Home, July 10, with Marvin Anders and David Derstine, Jr., officiating.

[NI00304] Is this Garret R. Detweiler, son of Garret Detweiler & Fannie Reiff?

[NI00311] Gospel Herald - Aug. 2, 1928, pp 382-383:
Rosenberger. - Esther K., daughter of Isaac G. and Laura K. Rosenberger, was born at Silverdale, Pa., Mar. 16, 1915; passed away at Grand View Hospital, Sellersville, Pa., June 26, 1928; aged 13 y. 3 m. 10 d. She was sick just a short time during which she suffered much pain, but she bore it all patiently. She was operated on for appendicitis, but peritinitis had already set in. Although young in years, she had left us a wonderful experience. Before going to the hospital she accepted Christ as her personal Savior, asking to be baptized. From that time on she seemed to be living on higher ground. On Wednesday afternoon she wished to see us all. As we were standing around her bed she sang many beautiful songs and said, "Nobody should be ashamed to live for Jesus." She seemed greatly concerned about her girl friends, wishing that they would accept Christ also. The following Monday night she again sang, prayed, and talked. She said, "I,m going down the valley day by day and if I keep going down as fast as I have been these last three days maybe I won,t get well." Later she said, "Mother, take hold of my hand; not that I,m afraid. Oh, no." The following noon she fell asleep in Jesus. Although she is sadly missed we feel like saying, "Not our will but Thine be done." She is survived by her parents, 3 brothers (Alvin, Stanley, and Leroy), 1 sister (Marian - Mrs. Roy Wenger), 1 grandmother, uncles, aunts, and a large number of friends. Funeral services were conducted at the house by Bro. Abram Histand, and at the Blooming Glen Mennonite Church by Bros. Frank Swartz, Wilson Moyer, and Warren Bean. Interment in adjoining cemetery.
"This tender bud just swelled to bloom,
When Heaven's high King transplanted it
From earth's bleak wilds and life's dark gloom
To realms by Christ's own glory lit." --The Family.

[NI00318] 1850 PA census - Montgomery Co, Hatfield Twp (roll 800) p. 214b - George Geaghman, 31, farmer; Nancy Geaghman, 30, William, 6, Tobias, 4.

[NI00327] 1850 PA census - Bucks Co, New Britain Twp (roll 758) p. 296

[NI00331] Andrew Swartz was one of the founders of the historic meeting in Lower Salford Township, January 25, 1738. An old writer tells us that he was an unordained preacher of this church, and that he became blind while serving in its pulpit. This seems to have been in 1748, but for his remaining years he continued to farm and fulfill his ministerial duties.
He was a witness of the will of Christian Stauffer of Salford Township, Feb. 26, 1735, and it is possible he married a sister of Christian Stauffer. (Boorse Family pp. 35-36)

Records at the Heimatstelle-Pfalz show that Andreas and Abraham were brothers. They came together from their home near Mannheim or Worms, in the Pfalz or Palatinate. With Andreas were 2 "jungen Kindern, Christian and Elizabeth, and his brother Abraham." It is presumed Andreas' wife died before he emigrated. He mentions in his will his son Christian, "begotten by my first wife deceased," and his deceased daughter Elizabeth, "likewise begotten by my said deceased first Wife."

Shortly after arriving in Pennsylvania, Andreas remarried, to Barbara [likely Stauffer]. They settled in Franconia Township... (Ruth Schwartz Brown)

[NI00363] Is this the same person as Clayton K. Cassel?

[NI00365] Gospel Herald - Feb. 14, 1918, pp 846-847:
HACKMAN. - John M. Hackman, a faithful brother in the Franconia, Ps. Congregation, passed away peacefully Nov. 14, 1917, after a five weeks illness of typhoid fever. He endured his portion of suffering very patiently, offering many short prayers. He leaves a sorrowing widow and five children. This happy Christian family and their beautiful home is broken up. His voice is stilled, his smiles are past, his presence remains to be remembered as a dear loving husband and a kind father. O what a change in so short a time, but we know it was the Lord's will. Age, 38y. 3m. 4d. "Bloved husband, Father of my five He left us all too soon. He longed to stay, and longed to go, But God claimed him His own. We watched him breathing through the night, His breathing soft and low, As in his breast the tide of life Kept heaving to and fro."

[NI00366] Gospel Herald - May 11, 1965, p. 419:
Wismer, Barbara M., daughter of John and Catharine (Musselman) Hackman, was born in Franconia Twp., Jan. 3, 1881; died of complications at the Grand View Hospital, Sellersville. Pa., April 6, 1965; aged 84 y. 3 m. 3 d. On Nov. 15, 1902, she was married to David B. Wismer, who preceded her in death, Dec. 7, 1963. She is survived by 2 sons (John H. and Abram H.), one daughter (Katie H. - Mrs. Charles A. Voce), 5 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren. She was a member of the Franconia Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held April 10, in charge of Leroy Godshall and Curtis Bergey.

[NI00367] Gospel Herald - Sept. 11, 1962 pp 814-815 Obituaries:
Hunsberger, Katie, daughter of John and Katherine (Musselman) Hackman, was born near Franconia, Pa., June 14, 1844 (sic); died at Franconia, Aug. 1, 1962; aged 78 y. 1 m. 18 d. On March 31, 1906, she was married to Clayton K. Hunsberger, who died Sept. 26, 1956. Surviving are one daughter (Mrs. Barbara Wismer, Souderton). She was a member of the Franconia Church, where funeral services were held on Aug. 5, in charge of Menno Souder, Leroy Godshall, and Curtis Bergey.
(Transcriber's note: Born 1884?)

[NI00373] from "An Essay on the Stoner/Steiner Families of Pennsylvania," by Samuel S. Wenger (PMH Jan 1988):
To distinguish this John Stoner (d. 1750) (S5) from the many other John Stoners, I refer to this one as "Brenneman" John Stoner, for he married Catherine Brenneman, daughter of the famous Melchior Brenneman, the early settler in Pequea Twp, Lancaster Co PA. In 1730 he received from the large 700-acre tract of his father-in-law a tract of 150 acres near the present village of new Danville. His widow married Benjamin Wissler. Many of the present-day Stoner descendants in Lancaster County, except those in the vicinity of Ephrata, descend from this couple. Through the years this has been the most important Stoner line in Lancaster County.

[NI00391] Herald of Truth - September (or October?) 1866, p. 76:
On the 24th of August, near Bremen, Fairfield County, Ohio, of a protracted illness, Bro. Henry Brenneman, aged 74 years, 9 mo., and 23 days. He was buried on the 26th at Brenneman's Meeting-house, where an appropriate discourse was delivered by Wm. Marlow in the English language, from 2 Tim. 4: 7, 8, and by Jacob Good in the German language, from 2 Cor. 5: 1.
The deceased was born in Rockingham County, Virginia, on the 1st of November 1791. His father's name was Abraham Brenneman and his grand-father's, Melchiah Brenneman**. In April, 1816, Henry removed from Virginia to Fairfield County, Ohio, about 12 miles S. E. of New Lancaster, where he resided until his death. He had three wives all of whom he survived. He was the father of ten children, eight of whom-four sons and four daughters-are still living. Of the sons three are ministers of the Gospel and one a deacon.
He has been a brother in the church for upwards of fifty-two years, and led a consistent Christian life. He was a kind father, charitable and kind to the poor, bore his sickness with patience and Christian fortitude, and never murmured but frequently expressed a desire to depart out of this world of trouble and pain. He expressed a sure hope in the merits of his Savior, and a few hours before he expired, was heard praying to him to receive his soul.

Dearest father, thou hast left us,
Here thy loss we deeply feel
But 'tis God that hath bereft us,
He can all our sorrows heal.

Yet again we hope to meet thee
When the day of life is fled,
Then in Heaven with joy to greet thee
Where no farewell tears are shed.

Herald of Truth - November 1866, p. 92:
In the death-notice of Henry Brenneman, given in the September No., we are requested to make the following correction. His grand-father's name was Melcher, not Melchiah, as stated. Henry Brenneman was the father of 9 children by his first wife, of whom 7 are still living, and one child by his second wife. He had in all ten children, 56 grand-children, and 5 great-grand-children, of whom 8 children, 43 grand-children, and 5 great-grand-children are still living.

[NI00392] Herald of Truth - May 1867, pp 78-79:
Bro. Benneman (sic) was born in Rockingham Co., Virginia, whence he came to Fairfield County, Ohio, when a young man. In 1854 he removed with his family from Fairfield to Allen Co. He bore his bodily afflictions with great patience and resignation, and repeatedly remarked that he was not afraid to die, and that he felt prepared and willing to depart. After he was confined to his room, he frequently requested exhortations and prayer. It seemed to be his great delight to speak of heavenly and spiritual things. He told me that it appeared to him, that Christianity is of much greater importance than many persons imaginethat he was afraid, there are a great many persons who know not what Christianity is. Although his departure seems to be a great loss to his friends, we have reason to believe that their loss is his eternal gain. He leaves a wife and eleven children. --J. M. Brenneman.

[NI00393] Herald of Truth - January 1865, pp 7-8:
On Jan. 1st, 1865; in Allen Co., O., of dropsy, Bro. Jacob Brenneman, aged 68 years, 2 mo. and 25 days. He was buried on the 4th. A very large number of friends and relations followed him to the grave. Funeral discourses were delivered by the brethren C. Culp and D. Brundage, from Rev. 14: 13. The deceased had been married twice-he had 8 children with his first wife, of whom four,-three sons and one daughter,-are (as far as is known) yet living. He likewise had 8 children with his second wife, five sons and three daughters, who are yet, (as far as if(sic?) known) all living. Two of the last named sons are in the army.
The deceased brother formerly came from Rockingham Co., Virginia, to Fairfield Co., Ohio, where he lived a considerable time, five miles east of New Lancaster. From there he removed to Allen Co., where he has now been living some 12 or 13 years.
He was ailing for more than a year with a kind of stomach disease, and not long before his end he was yet taken with dropsy which soon brought his life to a close.
He appeared to be truly willing and prepared to make the important change out of time into eternity. He was a meek, sympathizing, liberal and helpful brother, wherever it was necessary, and generally beloved. We have reason to hope that he has fallen asleep, blest in the Lord.

[NI00405] Herald of Truth - March 1, 1883 - p. 77 Obituaries:
RANCK.-On the 4th of February, near Stone meeting-house, Lancaster Co., Pa., Susan Ranck, widow of Jacob Ranck, Sr., dec'd, aged 67 years, 11 months and 8 days. On the 6th she was followed to her final resting place by a large concourse of friends and relatives. Appropriate remarks were delivered by John Harnish and Bishop Amos Shenk, from Mark 13:34-37, at the house of Abram B. Herr, with whom she had lived six years, the time of her widowed life. She was buried in the graveyard at Strasburg meeting house, where services were held by Bishop Benjamin Herr and Amos Herr. She was the mother of Anna, wife of Abm. B. Herr. In the evening she went to bed in her usual health. At 10 o'clock she had a stroke of apoplexy, and at 12 o'clock she was a corpse. She was a faithful member of the Mennonite church, and labored to live and die in peace with God.

[NI00423] In 1599 Peter is found to be living at Steffisburg. At this time he was evidently a married man. 40 years earlier in a
census of the canton all the Bronnimann families are shown to be living west of the Aare. Peter's name again appears in 1617 , 1618, and 1628. By 1630 he is treasurer of the Steffisburg district. Peter continues to be mentioned until 1663 when he retires to the cloister in Interlaken because of his great age. (WWW)

Peter had at least two sons named Niclaus and Bendicht. One of these men was probaly the father of Melchior.

[NI00452] 1850 PA census - Montgomery Co, Lower Salford Twp (roll 799), p. 22, taken Aug. 28:
Jeremiah Krieble, 28, blacksmith; Susanna, 28; Aaron Landes(?), 19, blacksmith

[NI00453] 1850 PA census - Montgomery Co, Lower Salford Twp (roll 799), p. 22, taken Aug. 28:
Samuel B. Krieble, 26, wheelwright; Lovina, 25; Elizabeth, 2; Mary, 1; John Cassel, 17, wheelwright
John may be a nephew - he may be the son of Henry Cassel & Elizabeth Wagner, who is probably related to Samuel's wife Lovina.

[NI00460] Herald of Truth, October 15, 1898, pp 316-317 Obituaries:
KRUPP.-On September 18, 1898, at Kulpsville, Pa., Sister Margaret, wife of Bro. Henry Krupp, at the age of 78 years, 5 months and 7 days. She was buried on the 22nd at the Towamencin burying-ground, at which occasion Bro. Josiah Clemmer and Henry Bower spoke at the house of mourning, and the Brethren Jacob Stauffer and Jacob Hunsberger at the meeting house. The first named in English, from Rev. 14: 13.

[NI00472] Gospel Herald - Oct. 22, 1968, p. 968:
Hackman.- Cora A., daughter of Jesse and Mary Jane (Anders) Keeler, was born in Towamencin Twp., Nov. 3, 1885; died at the Rockhill Mennonite Home, Sellersville, Pa., Sept. 27, 1968; aged 82 y. 10 m. 24 d. She was married to William K. Yoder, who died in 1918, and to Abraham M. Hackman, who died in 1952. She is survived by 4 sons (Clarence K, Norman K., William K., and John K. Yoder), 2 daughters (Kathryn-Mrs. William B. Lewis and Grace- Mrs. Clifford H. Kinkle), 25 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, and one sister (Lillian-Mrs. Melvin L. Freed). She was a member of the Franconia Church, where funeral services were held on Oct. 1, with Leroy Godshall, Floyd Hackman, and Curtis Bergey officiating; interment in the Plains Mennonite Cemetery, Lansdale, Pa.

[NI00474] 1930 PA census - Montgomery Co, Franconia Twp, Dist. 41, p. 3 of 40, taken April 4:
Katie L. Hackman, Head, 49, widowed; son Henry S., 24; son Warren S., 21; son John S., 19; dau Lydia A., 14

Gospel Herald - Aug. 25, 1959, p. 735:
Hackman, Katie L., daughter of Abram M. and Lydia (Landis) Stauffer, was born July 22, 1880, at Bergey, Pa.; died after a lingering illness June 22, 1959, at the Rockhill Convalescent Home, Sellersville, Pa.; aged 78 y. 11 m. On March 26, 1904, she was married to John M. Hackman, who died Nov. 14, 1917. Surviving are 3 sons and one daughter (Henry S., Telford, Pa.; Warren S., Myerstown; John S., Telford, and Lydia-Mrs. Paul F. Landis, Souderton), 15 grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and one sister (Mrs. Warren K. Musselman, Telford). She was a member of the Franconia Church, where funeral services on June 26 were in charge of Menno B. Souder and Curtis L. Bergey.

[NI00476] Gospel Herald - Dec. 29, 1992, p. 17:
Hackman, Henry S., 86, Souderton, Pa. Born: Dec. 29, 1905, Franconia, Pa., to John M. and Katie (Stauffer) Hackman. Died: Dec. 3, 1992, Souderton, Pa. Survivors - brothers and sister: Lydia S. Landis, Warren S., John S. Predeceased by: Emma (Swartley) Hackman (wife) and Miriam (Bergey) Hackman (wife). Funeral and burial: Dec. 7, Franconia Mennonite Church, by Floyd M. Hackman and John M. Ehst.

[NI00477] Warren moved to Lancaster County (per Carl, 9/8/1999)

[NI00478] Lives in Jersey. Carl says he doing family research. (Sep 8, 1999)

[NI00483] Gospel Herald - Dec. 4, 1990, p. 838:
Wismer, Abram H., son of David B. and Barbara (Hackman) Wismer, was born in Franconia Twp., Pa., Mar. 2, 1915; died at Quakertown (Pa.) Hospital, Nov. 3, 1990; aged 75. On Mar. 12, 1936, he was married to Elsie B. Freed, who survives. Also surviving are one son (Paul Wismer), 2 daughters (Kathryn Nice and Dorothy Detweiler), 7 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and one sister (Katie Voce). He was a member of Franconia Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Nov. 7, in charge of Paul M. Lederach, Russell M. Detweiler, and Curtis L. Bergey; interment in Franconia Mennonite Cemetery.

[NI00486] 1930 PA census - Montgomery Co, Franconia Twp, Dist. 41, p. 7 of 40, taken April 9:
Clayton K. Hunsberger, Head, 51, md. at age 25; wife Kate M., 46, md. at age 19
Next household is Kate's mother Kate F. Hackman.

[NI00487] Gospel Herald - Aug. 14, 1979, pp 648, 662:
Landis, Laura Y., daughter of Edward and Anna (Yerger) Hunsberger, was born at Soudertown, Pa., Feb. 8, 1904; died at Eastern Mennonite Home, Souderton, Pa., July 9, 1979; aged 75y. On Oct. 1, 1933, she was married to Henry M. Landis, who survives. Also surviving are the following children: (Raymond, Russell, Kenneth, Marian Gannon, and Beulah Haffley), 4 step-children (Henry, Linford, Ellis, and Paul), 29 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren. She was a member of Towamencin Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on July11, in charge of Harold M. Fly; interment in adjoining cemetery.

[NI00488] Gospel Herald - July 9, 1931, pp 351-352:
Landis.-Katie M., wife of Henry M. Landis of Lower Salford Twp., Pa., was born Dec. 29, 1907; died May 26, 1931; aged 23 y. 4 m. 27 d. She is survived by her husband, 4 sons (Henry, Linford, Ellis, and Paul), her parents, 3 brothers, and 1 sister. Funeral services were held May 30 at the home and at the Towamencin Mennonite Church by Bros. Rhine Alderfer, Isaac Kulp, and Warren Moyer. The body was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery.
"Remember, friends, as you pass by,
As you now are so once was I;
As I now am so shall you be,
Prepare for Christ and follow me."

[NI00490] Gospel Herald - March 28, 1995, p. 14:
Freed, Norman H., 87, Earlington, Pa. Born: Aug. 24, 1907, Franconia, Pa., to Oswin H. and Mary Ann M. Hackman Freed. Died: March 3, 1995, Earlington, Pa. Survivors - children: Elizabeth Mae, Harold M., Marvin M., Norman M., Paul M.; brother and sisters: Melvin, Stella Moyer, Katie Guntz; 22 grandchildren, 48 great-grandchildren. Predeceased by: Lizzie B. Metz Freed (wife). Funeral and burial: March 7, Franconia Mennonite Church, by Steven Landis, John Ehst, Floyd Hackman, and Curtis Bergey.

[NI00491] Gospel Herald - Jan. 20, 1987, p. 46:
Freed, John H., son of Oswin H. and Mary Ann (Hackman) Freed, was born in Franconia, Pa., Aug. 11, 1909; died at Grand View Hospital, Sellersville, Pa., Dec. 24, 1986; aged 77 y. He was married to Lizzie M. Landis, who died in August 1977. Surviving are 4 daughters (Ruth Vander Vennen, Elizabeth Allred, Esther Gagg, and Miriam Hunsberger), 7 sons (Ralph L., John L., Stanley L., Richard L., LeRoy L., Clarence L., and Marcus L.), 24 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, 2 brothers (Norman and Melvin), and 2 sisters (Stella Moyer and Katie Guntz). He was preceded in death by one daughter (Naomi L. Freed), one granddaughter, and one great-grandson. He was a member of Franconia Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Dec. 27, in charge of Floyd Hackman, Curtis Bergey, and John Derstine; interment in adjoining cemetery.

[NI00495] Gospel Herald - Oct. 12, 1965, p. 910:
Alderfer, Lizzie O., daughter of Charles and Mary (Overholt) Brunner, was born in Hatfield Twp., Pa., in 1892; died at the Grand View Hospital, Sellersville, Pa., Aug. 29, 1965; aged 73 years. She was married to Levi Hackman, who died in 1936. Later she was married to Henry Alderfer, who died in Feb. 1961. Surviving are 7 children (Dorothy-Mrs. Aldus Derstine, Esther-Mrs. Leroy Gehman, Charles, Catherine-Mrs. Paul Gross, Lizzie-Mrs. Paul Clemmer, Levi, and Beulah-Mrs. Gerald Derstine), one stepdaughter (Mrs. Raymond Bauer), 35 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, one sister (Mrs. Allen Freed), 2 brothers (Charles and Edgar), and one stepsister (Mrs. Katie Mininger). She was a member of the Franconia Church, where funeral services were held Sept. 2, in charge of Leroy Godshall and Curtis Bergey.

[NI00497] Gospel Herald - Nov. 14, 1989, p. 814:
Freed.- Lizzie B. Metz, daughter of Benjamin A. and Lizzie R. (Bower) Metz, was born in Montgomery Co., Pa., Jan. 7, 1908; died at Grand View Hospital, Sellersville, Pa., Oct. 19, 1989; aged 81. On Aug. 24, 1930, she was married to Norman H. Freed, who survives. Also surviving are one daughter (Elizabeth Mae Freed), 4 sons (Harold M., Norman M., Paul M., and Marvin M.), 22 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and one brother (John B. Metz). She was a member of Franconia Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Oct. 23, in charge of Curtis L. Bergey, Floyd M. Hackman, and Russell M. Detweiler; interment in Franconia Mennonite Cemetery.

[NI00503] Gospel Herald - Sept. 6, 1977, pp 677-678:
Freed.- Lizzie M., daughter of Abram and Susan (Metz) Landis, was born in Lower Salford Twp., Mar. 3, 1911; died at Rockhill Mennonite Home, Sellersville, Pa., Aug. 10, 1977; aged 66 y. On Sept. 15, 1928, she was married to John H. Freed, who survives. Also surviving are 7 sons (Ralph L., John L., Stanley L., Richard L., Le Roy L., Clarence L., and Marcus L.), 5 daughters (Ruth-Mrs. Earl S. Vander Vennen, Naomi Freed, Elizabeth-Mrs. Reginald Allred, Esther Cope, and Miriam-Mrs. Glenn Hunsberger), 19 grandchildren, and one brother (Norman M. Landis). She was a member of Franconia Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Aug. 13, in charge of Earl Anders, Jr., Leroy Godshall, Floyd Hackman, and Curtis Bergey; interment in adjoining cemetery.

[NI00521] Harriet was a bookkeeper in Alpheus' store. His parents would not let them marry because she was not a Mennonite. They married after his parent's deaths. (Ruth Wenger)

[NI00525] Gospel Herald - Aug. 3, 1982, p. 534:
Ruth.- Abram A., son of John and Martha (Alderfer) Ruth, was born in Montgomery Co., Pa., Sept. 17, 1910; died at Grand View Hospital, Sellersville, Pa., July 9, 1982; aged 71 y. He was married to Clara Mae Kulp, who died in 1960. Surviving are 3 children (Donald K.,-Mrs. Charles Bolton, and Phyllis). He was preceded in death by an infant daughter (Marilyn). He was a member of Towamencin Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on July 11, in charge of Harold Fly and Ellis Mack; interment in Towamencin Cemetery.

[NI00526] Death announcement is in the possession of Ruth Hackman Wenger. Clara was married to Ruth's mother's cousin Abram.

Gospel Herald - Feb. 21, 1961 pp 182-184 Obituaries:
Ruth, Clara Mae, nee Kulp, wife of Abram A. Ruth, Harleysville, Pa., was born March 20, 1908; died Oct. 17, 1960; aged 52 y. 6 m. 27 d. Surviving are her husband, one son (Donald K.), 2 daughters (Mrs. Charles L. Bolton and Phyllis A.), 3 grandchildren, 2 sisters (Mrs. Jacob Alderfer and Mrs. Abram Alderfer), and one brother (Irvin S.). One daughter preceded her in death. Funeral services were held at the Towamencin Church, Oct. 22 in charge of Ellis Mack.

[NI00528] Maybe a son of Joseph & Mary (Dettra) Mininger.

[NI00531] Gospel Herald - Jan. 7, 1964, p. 22:
Moyer, Ulyses K., son of Jonas B. and Lizzie (Krieble) Moyer, was born in Lower Salford Twp., Pa., Aug. 18, 1886; died at the Grand View Hospital, Sellersville, Pa., Oct. 7, 1963; aged 77 y. 1 m. 19 d. His first wife, Ella Landis, and 3 infant children preceded him in death. On Nov. 27, 1932, he was married to Cora Landes, who survives. Also surviving are 7 children (Norman, Harold, Ezra, Mrs. Marvin Godshall, Mrs. Irvin Detweiler, Mrs. Walton Rittenhouse, and Ada), 34 grandchildren, and 56 great-grandchildren. He was a member of the Towamencin Church, where funeral services were held Oct. 10, in charge of Jonas Freed and Harold Fly.

[NI00533] 1930 PA census - Mont. Co, Franconia Twp, taken May 10:
Jacob H. Moyer, 47; wife Sallie H., 46; dau Mary W., 12; dau Ella W., 18; son John W., 15; son Howard W., 12; dau Sarah W., 10; dau Eva W., 8; dau Anna W., 4-5/12

[NI00534] Gospel Herald - Oct. 25, 1949, p. 1062:
Moyer. -- Sallie H., daughter of the late Henry and Mary Weber, was born near Salfordville, Pa., June 3, 1883; departed from this life at her home, near Souderton, Pa., Aug. 17, 1949; aged 66 y. 2 m. 14 d. Death resulted from a cerebral hemorrhage. On March 3, 1906, she was united in marriage to Jacob H. Moyer, who passed away Oct. 16, 1935. Surviving are 5 daughters and 2 sons (Mary, Ella, Sara, at home; John, Vernfield, Pa.; Howard, Souderton, Pa.; Eva - Mrs. Noah Gehman, Bally, Pa.; Anna - Mrs. Raymond Moyer, Souderton, Pa.), 9 grandchildren, and 2 brothers (Wilson and Joseph, both of Salford Heights, Pa.). One son died in infancy. In her early years she united with the Mennonite Church at Salford, remaining faithful until death. She was kind and thoughtful. Funeral services were held Aug. 21 at the home, in charge of Elias Landis, and at the Salford Church by Rein Alderfer, Paul Ruth, Menno Souder, and John E. Lapp. Text: Rom. 8:28. Burial was made in the church cemetery.

Phil's mom has her death announcement, I think. Her husband was a cousin of Ruth's father.

[NI00537] Herald of Truth - May 15, 1890, pp 157-158:
MOYER.-On the 15th of April, in Upper Salford township, Montgomery county, Pa., of old age, Catharine Moyer, aged 85 years, 4 months and 4 days. Services were conducted at the house by A. Moyer and M. Moyer, and at the meeting-house by Isaac Moyer and Josiah Clemmer from the 92d Psalm.

[NI00543] Gospel Herald - Feb. 2, 1954, pp 118-120:
Hackman, Emma S., daughter of the late Jonas D. and Hannah (Shoemaker) Swartley, was born in Franconia Township, Pa.; died Oct. 18, 1953, at her home in Telford, Pa., after an illness of two years; aged 47 y. She was a member of the Franconia Mennonite Church. Surviving are her husband, Henry S. Hackman, 2 sisters (Mrs. Howard McClemmer, Harleysville, Pa., and Mrs. Melvin L. Moyer, Harleysville, Pa.), and a brother (Abraham, Telford, Pa.), Funeral services were held at the Franconia Mennonite Church in charge of Menno B. Souder and Elwood Derstine, with interment in adjoining cemetery.

[NI00547] 1880 PA census - Mont. Co, Franconia Twp (roll 1157), p. 81A, taken June 8:
Henry Shueck, 29, laborer; wife Sarah, 28; son Irwin, 2

[NI00551] Gospel Herald - March 21, 1961, pp 270-271:
Alderfer, Henry K., son of Reuben S. and Mary Z. (Kulp) Alderfer, was born March 22, 1888, in Franconia Twp.; died of a heart attack, Feb. 6, 1961, at Lansdale, Pa.; aged 72 y. 10 m. 25 d. In 1910, he was married to Ellen Landis, who died Dec. 3, 1953. On Feb. 27, 1955, he was married to Lizzie Hackman, who survives. Also surviving are one daughter (Rosa--Mrs. Raymond Bauer, Spring City), 3 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, and 7 stepchildren (Dorothy--Mrs. Aldus Derstine, Sellersville; Esther--Mrs. Leroy Gehman, Telford; Charles, Kulpsville; Catherine--Mrs. Paul Gross, Perkasie; Lizzie--Mrs. Paul B. Clemmer, Souderton; Levi, Lansdale; and Beulah--Mrs. Gerald Derstine, Sarasota, Fla.). Two sons also preceded him in death. He was a member of the Franconia Church, where funeral services were held Feb. 11, in charge of Curtis Bergey, Menno Souder, and Leroy Godshall.

[NI00554] Gospel Herald - March 17, 1953, pp 262-263:
Moyer, --John Hackman, son of the late John Rosenberger and Mary H. Moyer, was born in Bucks Co., Pa., May 15, 1875; passed away Dec. 18, 1952; aged 77 y. 7 m. 3 d. He farmed at Morwood, Pa., until 1923, then he moved to Souderton and worked for Moyer and Son up until about a year before his death. He was a member of the Franconia Mennonite Church. He was married to Minerva Moyer, who survives. Also surviving are 2 foster children (Mrs. Frank Nace, Souderton, Pa.; and Mrs. Joe Tucker, Cape May, N. J.), and a sister (Maggie Baker, Souderton, Pa.). Five brothers and 2 sisters preceded him in death. Funeral services were held Dec. 22, at the Franconia Mennonite Church, in charge of Menno Souder, Elwood Derstine, and Arthur Ruth, with interment in the adjoining cemetery.

[NI00569] Possible parents? Jacob Steinmetz md. Hannah Regina Hausser, Exeter, Jun 4, 1789, Schwartzwald Reformed Church, Exeter Twp, Berks Co PA. (PA German Marriages p. 63)

[NI00581] Minister at Franconia Mennonite Church 1775 to 1813. Farmer. Lived in Franconia Twp, Penna., all their lives. His will was made Dec 30, 1813 and it was proved Jun 3, 1814.

[NI00584] THE WILL OF JOHN KREY (Some Account of Jacob Oberholtzer, pp 146-147)
In the name of God Amen the fourteenth day of February in the year of our Lord 1719/20 I John Krey of the County of Philadelphia in the province of Pennsylvania yeoman being very sick and weak in Body but of sound mind and memory thanks be given to God therefor Calling to mind the mortality of my body and knowing it is appointed for all men once to Dye do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament that is to say principally & first of all I give and recommend my Soul into the hands of God that gave it & for my body I recomend it to the Earth to be buried in a Christian like & Decent Manner at the discretion of my Executors nothing doubting but at the General Resurrection I shall receive the same again by the Mighty Power of God and as Touching Such worldly estate wherewith it had pleased God to Bless me in this life I give devise & dispose of the same in the following manner & Form
Impremis I give and bequeath to Sytge my Dearly beloved Wife a Bed & one Cow w'th the third part of all my Household goods and moveables, as also for herself & her four children (viz) Deborah, Susannah, Catharina and John one half of all the Estate both moveables & Immoveables as Equally Shared among them Soon. Item my Dear Children William, Maria, Peter and Jacob I give the other Half of my Estate both moveables & Immoveables Equally Shared among them. I likewise Constitute make and Ordain my Dearly beloved Wife Sytge John Henry Sprogle Dirk Opdegraf & Jacob Senseneg to be my only and sole executors giving them full power of disposing or Selling my Estate if they think fit and I do hereby utterly disallow revoke and disanul all my every former Testaments Wills and Legacies Bequests & execut'd by me in any ways before this time named Willed and bequeath Ratifying & Confirming this and no other to be my Last Will & Testament In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal the day & year above written

JOHN KREY (seal)

Signed Sealed published pronounced & Declared by the said John Krey as his last Will & Testament in the presence of us the Subscribers Henry Kassel, William Dewees Isaac Opdegraf his mark Then personally appeared William Dewees Isaac Opdegraf two of the witnesses to the Foregoing Will & on their oaths did declare they saw John Krey the Testator above named Sign Seal publish D Declare the same as his last Will & Testament and that at the doing thereof he was of sound mind memory and understanding to the best of their Knowledge

COMM. (CORAM',) PETER EVANS
Regis'er Gen'el.

Be it remembered that on the 18th day of March 1719/20 the last Will and Testament of John Krey dec'd was proven in due form of Law and prob'c & Letters of adm'n was granted to Sytge Krey & Isaac Opdegraf ex'rs these in name being first sworn well and truly to adminester and to bring an Inventory of the deced's Estate into the Register General's Office at Phila'a at or before the 18th day of April next to render acc't when Required Given under the Seal of the said Office
& PET: EVANS Reg'er Gen'el

[NI00588] Arrived in Philadelphia Aug 11, 1732 on the ship Samuel. Swiss form: Tierstein; from Thunerberg near Boswil, Ct. Bern; origin perhaps from a branch of the princely House of Tierstein.

[NI00596] This may be the Susanah Van Fossen in the 1850 census following the household of Christian and Frances (Van Fossen) Hunsberger.
1850 PA census - Montgomery Co, Perkiomen Twp, roll 799, p. 49b, taken Sept. 24: Susanah vanfossen, 51; Susanh, 16

If this is Frances's mother, then I have the death date wrong.

[NI00597] Clemmer book (p. 207A) has this Catharine who married John Shutt in the family of Elizabeth Clemmer and Jacob Halteman Oberholtzer. The Oberholtzer book says the Catharine in that family is Catharine Overholt who married Martin Strohm Kindig.

[NI00598] 1850 PA census - Montgomery Co, Franconia Twp (roll 799), p. 13 - Elizabeth, age 76, is listed in the household of her son Henry Alderfer, age 39.

[NI00604] 1850 PA census - Montgomery Co, Lower Salford Twp (roll 799), p. 21b, taken Aug. 28:
Isaac Alderfer, 41, farmer; Mary, 40; Isaac, 16, labourer; George, 14; Susanna, 10; Mary, 4
Previous household:
Daniel Alderfer, 47, farmer; Leah, 35; Elizabeth, 12; Frederick, 10; John, 7

Herald of Truth - February 1869, p. 31:
On the 29th of Nov., 1858*, in Lower Salford, Isaac A. Alderfer, aged 60 years. He was buried the next day at the Salford Meeting-house burying-ground, and a large concourse of friends and acquaintances attended him to the grave.

[NI00607] 1850 PA census - Montgomery Co, Franconia Twp (roll 799), p. 5, taken Sept. 25:
Jacob Oberholtzer, 65; Mary, 49; David, 12; Amanda, 11; Emaline, 9; Henry, 7; Jeremiah Kraft, 2

[NI00609] Herald of Truth - March 1, 1890, pp 75-77:
OBERHOLSER.-On the 31st of December, in Telford, Bucks county, Pa., of dropsy and old age, Mary Oberholser, maiden name Wismer, aged 88 years and 16 days. Buried at the Indian Creek Reformed church. Services were held at the house by Abel Horning, and at the church-house by Preacher Kehm. Text, Psalm 38:18.

[NI00610] Isaac was the fifth child of Peter and Sara. Seven children all.

[NI00612] Peter de Voss and Jannike van der Mers fled on account of persecution to Colchester, England, where they renounced Popery and joined the Reformed church. They later removed to Amsterdam, Holland, and joined the Mennonites. They had six children born during their stay in England. (Hunsicker Genealogy p. 11, Moyer Family History, p. 27 footnote)

[NI00614] He was a Burgomaster at Bolle (Belle?) in Flanders.

[NI00621] Thought to be the eldest child of Peter by some, the fifth child by others (Custer book). Some sources name her as Agnes Schumacher.

[NI00622] The Schumacher family came from Cresheim (now Kriegsheim), a little village in the Palatinate, situated in the fertile and beautiful Rhine Valley some two hours journey from the historic town of Worms. (The Strassburger Family, p. 381)

Three men of the name were living there in the latter part of the 17th century - Peter, Jacob and George - who were either brothers or cousins. They were originally Mennonites, but when the English Quaker William Ames came to Cresheim, and worked as a missionary there between the years of 1655 and 1662, the Schumachers were among the first to accept the faith of George Fox. (Custer book)

Jacob was the first to leave Cresheim, coming to America with Pastorius and his company in 1682. Peter emigrated three years later. "The Francis and Dorothy from London, Richard Bridgemand, commander, arriving at Philadelphia the 16th of the 8th month, 1685." Among the passengers were "Peter Schumacher and Peter his son, Mary his daughter and Sarah his cousin and Francis and Gertrude his daughters." Peter's wife had evidently died in the old home, and he himself was a man well on in years when he crossed the sea, for he was born as early as 1622.

George Schumacher, with his wife Sarah and his seven children, sailed from London the next year. George died at sea, but the others arrived at Germantown the 20th of the 1st month, 1686.

In the list of original owners of town lots in Germantown in 1689 we find that "Peter Schumacher lived on the west side of the Main street, toward Schuykill." (Lager Buch, p. 3)

Once settled in Germantown, Peter Schumacher became an active and prominent citizen. He was "one of four persons who signed the certificate of Samuel Jennings, in 1693, as a delegate from the Philadelphia Quarterly Meeting of Friends to the Yearly Meeting in London." (The Strassburger Family, p. 389)

Peter was one of the earliest converts to the principles of George Fox, the founder of the Society of Friends, and suffered persecution for his religious faith as early as 1665 when he had goods to the value of two guilders taken from him in payment of a fine for attending a meeting of Friends at Worms. He was also imprisoned and fined at subsequent periods for his religious faith. He was one of the Friends seen by Penn on his visit to Kreigsheim early in 1683, and was induced to join a company of Palatines in founding a colony in Penn's new province of Pennsylvania. He was a carpenter by trade, and before leaving Kreigsheim entered into an agreement with Dirck Sidman, of Crefeld, on Aug. 16, 1685, to proceed to Germantown, where the original 13 families from Crefeld had already formed a settlement and receive from Herman op den Graef 200 acres of land upon which he was to erect a dwelling and pay therefore two rix dollars. This old agreement and the deed for the land is recorded in German at Philadelphia.
A grandson, Martin Kolb, accompanied him from Germany. (History of Bucks County, p. 296)

[NI00623] Van Bibber Pioneers, Vol. 1, No. 1 - November 1996, gives Peter and Sarah Hendricks Schumacher as parents of Fronica Schumacher.

[NI00625] "On October 1st, 1739, as he (Jacob Kolb) was pressing cider, the beam of the press fell on him, crushing one side of his head and shoulder, from which injuries he died a hald hour later. He was 54 years of age at the time of his death. Was a Trustee of the Skippack Congregation as early as 1717 and no doubt buried in the graveyard adjoining that church. He removed from Germantown to Skippack as early as 1709." (Strassburger Family, p. 392; Custer Family p. 123; Kulp Family p. 18)

[NI00630] 1850 PA census - Montgomery Co, Franconia Twp (roll 799) p. 11 - John Overholtzer. Susanna is not listed here (Alan Eckert says she belongs in this family).

[NI00633] While a young man he was ordained to the ministry of the Mennonite Church. He moved to Canada in 1826, settled in Waterloo County, Ontario, and lived on lot #35 German Company's tract near Berlin, Ontario, Canada. Children (14) all born in Waterloo County,

[NI00634] Herald of Truth ­ January 15, 1895 ­ pp 29-31 Obituaries:
OBERHOLTZER. ­ On the 12th of November 1894, at residence on King St., East, Berlin, Ontario, sister Hannah Erb, widow of the late Pre. Jacob Oberholtzer, aged 81 years, 9 months, 18 days. Buried at Eby's M. H. Berlin, where a large number of relatives and friends gathered to pay the last tribute of respect. Appropriate remarks were made on the occasion by Moses Erb and Noah Stauffer.

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