Family History: Pletcher Family descendants- PartII: Lancaster/Centre Counties, PA Copyright © 1997 by Thomas Pletcher. This copy contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives. tompletcher@worldnet.att.net USGENWEB NOTICE: Printing this file by non-commercial individuals and libraries is encouraged, as long as all notices and submitter information is included. Any other use, including copying files to other sites requires permission from the submitters PRIOR to uploading to any other sites. We encourage links to the state and county table of contents. _________________________________________________________________ one of the Daughters of Peter Sternman late of Manor Township in the County aforesaid Yeoman deceased, Send Greeting. Whereas by Virtue of an Order of Orphans Court held at Lancaster for the County aforesaid on the Twenty sixth Day of March Anno Domino One thousand Seven hundred and Seventy three the Plantation and Tract of Land of the aforesaid Peter Sternman --------- in the Townships of Manner in the said County of Lancaster whereof he died intestate seized and -------- of the same containing One hundred and twenty Acres and Allowance leaving a Widow and several Children ( besides the above named Catharine) was appraised and confirmed to Jacob Gerber and Christian Gerber Guardians of and for Christian Sternman (the eldest Son then alive of the said Peter Sternman deceased) for the reason of the said Christian Sternman their Ward at and for the Sum of Nine hundred and thirty Pounds twelve shilling and five pence lawful Money of Pennsylvania Subject to the Principal Money, Interest and---- Rents due to the Proprietors for the same. Know ye that the said Henry Bletscher and Catharine his Wife for in Consideration of the Sum of one hundred and eighteen Pounds Seventeen shilling and four pence lawful Money aforesaid (being, the Share and Part of her the aside Catharine in the Plantation and Lands aforesaid) including also her Share of and in that Person Estate of her said Father Peter Sternman deceased in hand well and truly paid by the said Jacob Gerber and Christian Gerber the Guardians aforesaid at and before the Sealing and Delivery here of heave and each of them Health granted bargained sold released remised on ----- and confirmed and by these Presents Do and each of them Doth grant bargain sell release remise and confirm all their Estate Right Title Interest Benefit Claim and Demand whatsoever which they the said Henry Bletscher and Catharine and Demand whatsoever which they the said Henry Bletscher and Catharine his Wife may have or claim of in on to the said Plantation and tract of Land his wife may have on claim of inter to the said Plantation and Tract of Land and their---- or any Part thereof Saving and ---- their Distribution Share and of the said Plantation and Tract of Land at the Death of the Widow of the said Deceased. And also release all actions Suits and Demands whatsoever which the said Henry Bletscher and Catharine his Wife their Executor and aforesaid may have concerning the same. Witness our Hands and Seals the eight day of June Anno Domino One thousands seven hundred and eight two sealed and delivered in the Presence of several signatures Before me the Subscriber one of the Justices of the Court of Common Please in and for the County of Lancaster aforesaid personally appeared the within named Henry Bletscher and Catharine his Wife and acknowledge the within Writing as and for their Act and Deed and Desired that the same ma be recorded as such the said Catharine thereto voluntarily consenting he being of full age and by me first privately examined the Contents the being of full age and by me first privately examined the Contents she being of full age and by me first privately examined the Contents thereof being first made know unto her Witness my Hand and seal the 8th Day of June AD 1782. Recorded the 23 Day of December 1785 Henry Bletcher and Wife Henry Bletcher and Wife to Henry Miller, this sixth day of July Anno Domino One thousand seven hundred ninety one between Henry 'Bletcher of Conestoga township Lancaster County and in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Yeoman and Catharine his wife of the one part and Henry Miller of the same place yeoman f the other part. Witnessed that the said Henry Bletcher and Catharine his wife for and in Consideration of the sum of fifty pounds lawful money of Pennsylvania to th3 said Henry Bletcher I am unable to read the rest of the writing, will need to get a clearer copy. Names that I can read are Peter Kline, Ludwig Urbahn ? Parents of Catharine Sterneman and additional notes on her family. GENERATION NO. 1 1. PETER1 STERNMAN died 1768 in Manor twp. Lancaster County PA .. He married MARIAH STERNMAN (MOTHER). More About PETER STERNMAN: Fact 1: 1749, Arrived on the ship St. Andrew Children of PETER STERNMAN and MARIAH (MOTHER) are: i. CATHERINE2 STERNMAN, b. 1762, Lancaster PA.; d. 1792, Lancaster PA., married Henry Pletcher ii. JOHN STERNMAN. iii ANNA STERNMAN, m. CHRISTIAN HESS. More About Ann STERNMAN: Fact 1: March 05, 1773, ORPHAN'S COURT Lancaster County PA. p. 98 Fact 2: March 26, 1773, ORPHAN'S COURT Lancaster County PA. p. 101 Notes for ANNA STERNMAN: March 8th 1773 At an orphans Court held at Lancaster for the County of Lancaster on the Eight day of March Anno Domini 1773 Before Adam Simon Kuhn, Robert Boyd and William Henry Esquires, Justices of the same Court. Upon the Petition of Christian Hess in Behalf of himself and Ann his Wife late Ann Sternman who was the eldest daughter of Peter Sternman late of Manor Township deceased Setting Forth that the said Peter Sternman died Intestate seized and possessed of a Certain Plantation and Tract of Land in said Township Containing one Hundred and twenty Acres and allowance leaving a Widow and nine children that since the decease of the said Peter Sternman? John the eldest son died intestate under age unmarried and without Issue and praying the court to appoint proper persons or an inquest to view the premises whether the same can be3 divided to and among the widow and all the children of the deceased without injury to and spoiling the whole, if not then to value and appraise as the said petitioner is willing and desirous to hold the same, and pay t he widow and children their respective shares according to law and the court orders that the sheriff of the county of Lancaster do forthwith summon a jury to view the said premises with the appurtenances and make partition thereof it is may or can be divided to and amongst the widow of the whole and if the same cannot be so divided then to value and appraise the same, that notice be given to all parties interested of the time of such view and partition or appraisement ant that they make report of their proceedings under their hands and seals to the next Orphan's Court. March 26, 1773 At an Orphans Court held at Lancaster for the County of Lancaster on the Twenty-fourth day of March Anno Domini 1773 before Emanuel Carpenter, Isaac Sander and Everrard Gruber Esquires Justices of the same Court. Peter Sterneman Pursuant to an order of this court of the eighth day of March. The Sheriff of the County of Lancaster returns the said order with an Inquisition thereto Annexed taken upon the Oath and Affirmation of Twelve Good and lawful Men of his Bailiwick who upon their respective Qualification do say that they have viewed the Plantation and Tract of Land late of Peter Sterneman deceased situate in the township of Manor in the County aforesaid containing One Hundred and twenty Acres and allowance in the said order mentioned and do find that the same cannot be divided to and among the Widow and all the Children of the deceased without Injury to and Spoiling of the whole, and the said Inquest do Value and Appraise the same Plantation and Tract of Land in the said township. Containing one Hundred and twenty Acres and Allowances to at and for the Sum of Nine Hundred and Thirty Pounds twelve Shillings and five pence lawful Money of Pennsylvania subj3ct to the Principal Money Interest and Quit Rents due to the Proprietors for the same which Inquisition being taken into Consideration is approved of by the Court and on Motion of Mr. George Ross in behalf of Jacob Garber and Christian Garber Guardians of and for Christian Sternman the eldest son now alive of the said Peter Sternman deceased, that they are willing and desirous to Hold and take the said Lands and Premises for the use of the said Christian Sternman their Ward which the Court approves of and they do Adjudge that the said Christian Sternman hold the same in Fee on Paying or Securing to be paid the several and respective Shares of the window and Children of the said deceased or their legal representatives of and in the premises (within eighteen months from t his Time) agreeable to the directions of the acts of assembly in such case made and provided and the court directs the payment of the said appraisement moneys in Manner following to wit, that they retain in their hands the sum of Three Hundred and Ten pounds being one third thereof during the life of Maria Sternman the widow and Relict of the said deceased to enable them to pay discharge to her or her assigns the sum of eighteen pounds and twelve shillings yearly during her Life in Lieu of her Dower in the Premises which Principal Sum of 310..0..00 is at her deceased to be distributed amongst all the children of the deceased and their representatives. And it being represented to the court that the eldest son of the said deceased died since his father intestate in his Minority unmarried and without issue, The Court directs the payment and distribution of the remaining (after deducting twelve shillings the expenses of this Court) 620 within eighteen months as aforesaid in Manner following, to wit, That they Pay to Anna Sternman 77.10 Elizabeth Sternman 77.10 Catharine Sternman 77.10 Peter Sternman 77.10 Maria Sternman 77.10 Jacob Sternman 77.10 Daniel Sternman 77.10 And retain for the said Christian Share 77.10 total 620.00 pounds And the court orders that the costs attending the Inquisition be Equally paid by all the Parties Interested (Continued) Children of Peter Sterneman and Mariah iv. ELIZABETH STERNMAN. v PETER STERNMAN, b. Unknown, possibly Germany; Notes for PETER STERNMAN: TO ALL PEOPLE to whom there Presents shall come Peter Sternman of the Borough of Lancaster in the County of Lancaster in the State of Pennsylvania Yeoman one of the sons of Peter Sternman late of Manor Township yeoman deceased. Send Greeting whereas by virtue of an order of Orphans court held at Lancaster for the County aforesaid on the Twenty sixth Day of March inn the year of our Lord One thousand seven hundred and seventy three the Plantation and tract of Land of the aforesaid Peter Sternman situated in the Township of Manor in the said County of Lancaster whereof he died intestate seized and held the some containing one hundred and twenty acres and allowance leaving a Widow and several Children besides the above named Peter Sternman Party hereto was appraised and confirmed to Jacob Gerber and Christian Gerber Guardians of and for Christian Sternman the oldest son then alive of the said Peter deceased for the use of the said Christian Sternman their ward at and for the sum of Nine hundred and thirty pounds twelve shillings and five pence lawful money of Pennsylvania Subject to the principal money, interest and quit rent due to the proprietor for the same. KNOW YE that the said Peter Sternman for and in Consideration of the Sum of Seventy seven pounds and ten shillings in gold and silver being the share and part of him the said Peter Sternman in the Plantation and Lands aforesaid in Hand well and truly paid by the said Jacob Gerber and Christian Gerber the guardians aforesaid and also the further sum of Forty pounds and ten shillings in full for my share of and in the personal estate of my said father Peter Sternman deceased at and before the sealing and delivery hereof. Hath granted bargained sold, inveighed and confirmed and by these Presents Doth grant bargain sell release remise inform and confirm all my Estate Right Title Interest Benefit Claim and Demand whatsoever which I the said Peter Sternman may have or claim of in or to the said Plantation and Tract of Land and Premises or any Part thereof and also in full of the Personal Estate of my said Father Peter Sternman deceased, Saving and excepting my Distribution share of the said Real Estate of the Death of the Widow of the said deceased and also release all actions suits and demands whatsoever which I the said Peter Sternman my Executors Administrators and assign my have concerning the same. Whiteness my Hand and Seal this Eleventh Day of December in the Year of our Lord One thousand Seven hundred and eighty one. Sealed and delivered in the presence of Received on the Day of the Date hereof the sum of One hundred and eighty Pounds in Gold and Silver full my Share of the Real and Personal Estate ( then I can't read it for awhile) Lancaster County before me the subscriber one of the justices of the court of Commons Please in and for the County of Lancaster aforesaid personally appeared the within named Peter Sternman and acknowledge the within instrument of writing as and for his act and deed and desires that the same may be recorded as such he being of full age and by me first examined the Contents thereof being first made known unto him Witnessed my Hand and Seal the IITh Dec. 1781 GENERATION 2 vi. JACOB STERNMAN. vii. DANIEL STERNMAN. . viii CHRISTIAN STERNMAN. ix. MARIA STERNMAN . I have included information on Catharine Sterneman Family in the form of a Genealogy Chart, in case other decided to continue this research. Descendants of Peter Sternaman Sr. 1 [14] Peter Sternaman Sr. 1727 - Abt 1769 ... +Mary Abt 1731 - WFT Est. 1766-1826 .... 2 Elizabeth Sternaman Abt 1755 - WFT Est. 1756-1849 .... 2 Christian Sternaman Abt 1759 - WFT Est. 1760-1849 .... 2 Peter Sternaman Jr. Abt 1763 - WFT Est. 1801-1854 .......... +[15] Elizabeth 1763 - WFT Est. 1807-1858 ........... 3 Peter Sternaman Abt 1787 - WFT Est. 1788-1877 ........... 3 [8] Abraham H. Sternaman Sr. 1789 - 1861 ............. +Anna Bachman 1814 - WFT Est. 1840-1908 .................. 4 Abraham H Sternaman 1834 - 1903 .................... +Ann Jane Neff 1831 - 1931 ..................... 5 [1] Edna Marie Sternaman 1852 - 1897 ........................... +Lewis Gilbert Berg 1848 - WFT Est. 1879-1939 ..................... *2nd Husband of [1] Edna Marie Sternaman: ........................... +Lewis Gilbert Berg 1851 - 1913 ..................... 5 John Edward Sternaman 1860 - 1918 ........................... +Mary A. Ginter 1863 - WFT Est. 1890-1957 ..................... 5 Arthur Landon Sternaman 1862 - 1934 ........................... +Flora E. Youngs 1873 - 1954 ..................... 5 Albert Neff Sternaman 1863 - 1864 ..................... 5 Carrie 1865 - 1948 ........................... +William R. Hodges 1861 - WFT Est. 1892-1952 ..................... 5 Eva 1867 - 1904 ........................... +Walter G. Hodges 1863 - WFT Est. 1892-1954 ..................... 5 Warren Elliott Sternaman 1869 - 1927 ........................... +Della Kittle 1875 - WFT Est. 1902-1969 .................. 4 Daniel Starnaman 1836 - WFT Est. 1867-1927 .................... +Mary Matilda Hoover 1841 - 1927 ........... *2nd Wife of [8] Abraham H. Sternaman Sr.: ............. +Anna Moritz Ettling 1813 - WFT Est. 1856-1908 .................. 4 David Sternaman 1840 - 1894 .................... +Elizabeth Jane Bagley 1844 - 1920 ..................... 5 Annie William Wesley Franklin 1861 - 1931 ..................... 5 George Henry Sternaman 1872 - 1896 ........................... +Olive Adele Chipman 1874 - WFT Est. 1900-1968 ..................... 5 Avery Chapins Sternaman 1875 - 1968 ........................... +Barbara Elizabeth Hoover 1879 - 1962 ............................ .................. 4 [13] Elizabeth Sternaman 1841 - WFT Est. 1868-1935 .................... +Fred Hans 1837 - WFT Est. 1868-1928 .................. *2nd Husband of [13] Elizabeth Sternaman: .................... +Abner Anguish 1837 - WFT Est. 1868-1928 ..................... 5 Susannah Anguish 1863 - WFT Est. 1864-1957 .................. 4 Mary Jane Sternaman 1841 - WFT Est. 1882-1936 .................... +Chapins Anguish 1840 - WFT Est. 1883-1932 ..................... 5 Annie Anguish 1864 - WFT Est. 1865-1958 ..................... 5 Mary Anguish 1866 - WFT Est. 1867-1960 ..................... 5 David Anguish 1867 - WFT Est. 1868-1957 ..................... 5 Catherine Anguish 1869 - WFT Est. 1870-1963 ..................... 5 William Anguish 1870 - WFT Est. 1871-1960 ..................... 5 Lewis Anguish 1872 - WFT Est. 1873-1962 ..................... 5 Jacob Anguish 1874 - WFT Est. 1875-1964 ..................... 5 Sarah Anguish 1876 - WFT Est. 1877-1970 ..................... 5 Leattie Anguish 1878 - WFT Est. 1879-1972 ..................... 5 Elizabeth Anguish 1880 - WFT Est. 1881-1974 .................. 4 Catherine Sternaman 1844 - WFT Est. 1873-1938 .................... +Jacob Spreice 1840 - WFT Est. 1872-1931 ..................... 5 Otto Spreice 1865 - WFT Est. 1866-1955 ..................... 5 George Spreice 1867 - WFT Est. 1868-1957 ..................... 5 Lectie Spreice 1869 - WFT Est. 1870-1963 ................. 4 Anna Sternaman 1845 - WFT Est. 1873-1939 .................... +James Dunnett 1841 - WFT Est. 1873-1932 ..................... 5 Edward Dunnett 1867 - WFT Est. 1868-1957 ..................... 5 Ethyl Dunnett 1869 - WFT Est. 1870-1963 .................. 4 Magdalena Sternaman 1847 - WFT Est. 1886-1942 .................... +James Moffatt 1843 - WFT Est. 1886-1935 ..................... 5 Leslie Moffatt 1869 - WFT Est. 1870-1963 ..................... 5 John Moffatt 1871 - WFT Est. 1872-1961 ..................... 5 Allen Moffatt 1873 - WFT Est. 1874-1963 ..................... 5 James Moffatt 1875 - WFT Est. 1876-1965 ..................... 5 Freeman Moffatt 1877 - WFT Est. 1878-1967 ..................... 5 Sarah Moffatt 1879 - WFT Est. 1880-1973 ..................... 5 Isabel Moffatt 1881 - WFT Est. 1882-1975 ..................... 5 Susan Moffatt 1883 - WFT Est. 1884-1977 .................. 4 Peter Sternaman III 1849 - WFT Est. 1882-1940 .................... +Mary Ann Dennis 1853 - WFT Est. 1882-1947 ..................... 5 Cynthia Sternaman 1875 - WFT Est. 1876-1969 ..................... 5 Maud Sternaman 1877 - WFT Est. 1878-1971 ..................... 5 Agnes Sternaman 1879 - WFT Est. 1908-1973 ........................... +David Humphrey 1875 - WFT Est. 1908-1966 ............................ .................. 4 Jacob Sternaman 1851 - WFT Est. 1852-1941 .................. 4 Susan Sternaman 1854 - WFT Est. 1855-1948 ........... 3 John Starnaman 1798 - 1885 ............. +[20] Martha J. Thomas 1802 - 1885 .... 2 Jacob Sternaman 1763 - 1842 *2nd Wife of [14] Peter Sternaman Sr.: ... +Mary Abt 1731 - WFT Est. 1770-1826 .... 2 Ann Sternaman Abt 1753 - WFT Est. 1778-1847 .......... +Christian Hess 1752 - WFT Est. 1778-1843 .... 2 John Sternaman Abt 1757 - WFT Est. 1758-1847 .... 2 Catherine Sternaman 1761 - WFT Est. 1788-1855 .......... +Henry Bletsher 1760 - WFT Est. 1788-1851 .... 2 Peter Sternaman Jr. 1763 - WFT Est. 1807-1855 .......... +[15] Elizabeth 1763 - WFT Est. 1807-1858 ........... 3 Peter Sternaman 1787 - WFT Est. 1849-1880 .................. 4 Hanna Sternaman 1849 - WFT Est. 1878-1943 .................... +George Otis 1845 - 1920 ..................... 5 Jessie Otis 1872 - WFT Est. 1873-1962 ..................... 5 Ida Otis 1874 - WFT Est. 1875-1968 ........... 3 Elizabeth Sternaman 1795 - 1854 ............. +Johannes Nier 1793 - WFT Est. 1822-1884 .................. 4 William Blackman 1820 - 1898 .................... +Jane Van Loon 1823 - 1912 .................... 5 Theodore Blackman 1844 - 1914 ........................... +Ann E J Smithers 1855 - 1936 ..................... 5 Calvin Blackman 1845 - 1929 ........................... +Susan Bostaph 1854 - WFT Est. 1885-1948 .................... 5 Gustavus Blackman 1847 - 1847 ..................... 5 Jake 1848 - 1930 ........................... +Ester M Hoover 1848 - 1930 ..................... 5 Nell 1851 - 1931 ........................... +Matt 1847 - WFT Est. 1883-1938 ............................ 1880 - WFT Est. 1881-1974 ..................... 5 Henrietta A Blackman 1853 - 1918 ........................... +Alonzo Kindree 1851 - 1920 1884-1973 ..................... 5 Sarah Jane Blackman 1855 - 1862 ..................... 5 [19] Arthur William Blackman 1857 - 1922 ........................... +May Lewis 1858 - WFT Est. 1888-1952 ..................... *2nd Wife of [19] Arthur William Blackman: ........................... +Barbara Reiner 1870 - WFT Est. 1897-1964 ..................... 5 Carrie 1859 - 1935 ........................... +MacK 1858 - 1939 ............................ 1893-1982 ........... 3 John Sternaman 1798 - 1885 ............. +[20] Martha J. Thomas 1802 - 1885 .................. 4 Rachael N Sternaman 1842 - 1842 .................. 4 Amarett Matilda Sternaman 1843 - 1898 .................... +Silas D Winn 1838 - 1888 ..................... 5 Charles Dominion Winn 1867 - 1939 ........................... +Clara Catherine North 1875 - 1969 ............................ Wallace Donald Winn Private - .................... 5 Abram Duncan Winn 1869 - 1882 ..................... 5 William Eathen Winn 1871 - 1939 ........................... +Grace Ellen Martha Speck 1873 - 1959 ..................... 5 John Wilburt Winn 1873 - WFT Est. 1874-1963 ..................... 5 1872 - 1964 ............................ ..................... 5 Ai Winn 1878 - 1878 .................. 4 Phoebe Theresa Sternaman 1846 - WFT Est. 1890-1941 .................... +William Edward Finch 1839 - WFT Est. 1889-1931 ..................... 5 Thomas Edgar Finch 1862 - WFT Est. 1863-1952 .................... 5 John Calvin Finch 1864 - 1957 ........................... +Laura Jane Jenny Hillyard 1870 - WFT Est. +Norman Ernest Leary Private - ..................... 5 Clara Agnes Finch 1867 - WFT Est. 1892-1961 ........................... Perry Finch Private - .................. 4 Jane Angeletta Sternaman 1849 - WFT Est. 1875-1943 .................... +John Swarts 1847 - WFT Est. 1875-1938 .................. 4 Elizabeth J Sternaman 1851 - 1936 .................... +Samuel C Williams 1847 - WFT Est. 1882-1938 ..................... 5 Edward Williams 1875 - WFT Est. 1876-1965 ..................... 5 Roy Williams 1877 - WFT Est. 1878-1967 ..................... 5 Clara Williams 1879 - WFT Est. 1904-1973 ........................... +Stearns 1878 - WFT Est. 1904-1969 ........... 3 [25] Daniel Sternaman 1805 - 1856 ............. +Margaret Overholt 1809 - 1845 .................. 4 Lydia Sternaman 1829 - WFT Est. 1853-1923 .................... +Howey 1827 - WFT Est. 1853-1918 .................. 4 Esther Sternaman 1832 - WFT Est. 1833-1926 .................. 4 Isaac Sternaman 1837 - 1860 .................. 4 John Peter Sternaman 1841 - 1912 .................... +Henrietta Brighton 1849 - WFT Est. 1886-1944 ..................... 5 George Washington Sternaman 1881 - 1943 ........................... +Emma Schneider 1888 - WFT Est. 1926-1983 ..................... 5 Walter Sternaman 1883 - WFT Est. 1884-1973 .................. 4 Euphemia Sternaman 1843 - WFT Est. 1844-1937 ........... *2nd Wife of [25] Daniel Sternaman: ............. +Meary Armstrong 1827 - 1914 .... 2 Maria Sternaman 1765 - WFT Est. 1766-1859 .... 2 Daniel Sternaman 1767 - 1851 iii. .......... +Ann Nancy Rohrer 1798 - 1867 The Schenck Family has been included in this narrative,-because they are interrelated to us and we moved to Centre County with them. The article I am using is, The Emigration from Lancaster County to Centre County which occurred not only with the move of Michael Schenck Family (ca. 1745 - 1816) but with many others who left Lancaster County for Centre County during the decade of 1790 to 1800. The Schenck group in Centre County stems mainly from the Michael Schenck who with his brother Daniel left Lancaster County in 1795. They settled in Bald Eagle Valley along the creek of that name about five miles from the eastern edge of the county on land that had been surveyed by the state in 1769 to officers of the French and Indian War of 1756 to 1763.The names Bechdel, Holter, and Pletcher occur frequently in association with the development of this Schenck family in Centre County. These families all settled within about a five - mile area and came to the county within the same decade. Several Shanks had land surveyed to them in Benner Township in Centre County, and other Shanks located in Miles Township of the same county so that settler Michael Schenck was not the only family of that name in present day Centre County before 1800. A survey of October 23, 1770, went to John Shanks and west of John Shanks a survey on the same date went to Michael Shanks.1 Who these Shanks might have been is not clear. They may have been Scotch - Irish. None of the Benner Township surveys were taken up by the persons for who they were made, but the survey action may indicate a possible contemplated emigration from Lancaster County to Centre County, then Norhumberland County, before the Revolutionary War. Michael Scheck's father was John Schenck (possibly the Hans Jacob who immigrated to Philadelphia on November 9, 1738, on the Charming Nancy 2, who purchased tracts of land in Manor Township consisting of some four hundred acres in Central Manor twp. Lancaster Pa. Before leaving his native land, he had married Barbara Gingerich, a daughter of Hans Gingerich 3. To them were born eight children (see chart). John Schenck acreage was located along what is now the Blue Rock Road about two miles from the Susquehanna River and about seven miles from Lancaster PA in a southwestern direction from Lancaster and about a mile from Central Manor at the junction of present Blue Rock and Washington boro roads in Manor township, Lancaster Pa. His warrant, or right to survey the land was dated July 10, 1741, included 197 acres, but the patent (deed) went to John Shank, Jr., and twenty days later. 4 He evidently bought two hundred or move acres from neighboring patentees. The Centre County settler Michael Schenck was born on his father's farm in Manor Township and married Magdalena Maynard about 1769 or 1770. On July 14, 1773, Frederick Mennard, her father, willed to his son in law Michele a 163 - acre tract whereon he the said Michael is now seated. On January 17, 1776, the executors and children of Frederick officially deeded to Michael this tract in Conestoga Township. 6 The 1779 Manor Township assessment lists a Michael Schenck with no land and John Schenck with 197 acres and another John Schenck with 150 acres. The 1780 list included John Schenck (old); John Schenck; Michael Schenck; and Henry Schenck, freeman. The 1782 assessment list Michael Schenck with 100 acres and only one John Schenck with 160 acres. 7 We cannot be certain if Michael Scheck, Michael Schenck, and Michael Schenck are the same individual on all three lists nor if he is the Michael Schenck, son of settler John Schenck. The 1790 census for Conestoga Township shows Michael in Conestoga Township as one of the two Michael Shanks in that township. His family comprised three males over age sixteen (Michael, S.; Frederick; Michael, Jr.), three males under age sixteen (John, Rudolph, and Daniel), and four females (Mariah, Anna, Barbara, and Magdalena). 8 His Conestoga Township tract is now a recreation area at Safe Harbor. The Michael Schenck farm in Conestoga Township must have been near those of a second Frederick Maynard and of Henry and Samuel Pletcher because of the interrelationship between the Pletcher and Maynard families as well as the possible relationship of Michael Scheck's wife, Magdalena, with this Frederick Maynard, a farmer in Conestoga Township. Why Michael and Daniel decided to emigrate to another part of the state is not clear. On October 31, 1795, Michael sold his 163-acre farm to the second Frederick Mannart/Maynard/mennert, and utilized the proceeds to finance his venture, into recently opened land in Centre County. 9 Before the end of the year Michael, his wife, and their eight children , ranging in age from seven to twenty four years, along with his brother Daniel (1765 - 1854) and his family - wife Susanna (b. 1769) and two small children‹loaded their belongings onto wagons and traveled the colonial road on the eastern side of the Susquehanna River to the mouth of the Juanita River. Here they crossed the Susquehanna to follow the smaller stream to the area of present-day Water Street. They headed north to Bellofonte and traveled westward through a narrow valley to what is now Howard Township in Centre County, PA. Centre County was formed in 1800 from Mifflin County, which had been part of Northlumberland between 772 and 1789. Howard Township was formed in 1810 from part of what was Centre Township in Centre County. Pletchers from Conestoga Township, Holters (possibly from Maryland), Bechdels of Lancaster County, and others soon joined the Schenck. The Bechdels, who settled a mile or more to the east in what is now Liberty Township, had purchased land in 1790 and may have proceeded the Schenck families to their wilderness homes. The Pletchers followed Michael and Daniel Schenck to Centre County within three months. 10 Wilderness it was, for few white people had previously come here except hunters, trappers, surveyors, and perhaps military detachments during the French and Indian War (1756-63). Treaties that terminated this conflict such as that made at Fort Stanwix in new York on November 5, 1768, required that Indian chiefs release any claim for this area. Favored officers of the English army received land grants from the 1769 surveys in payment for their military service. Few of the officers who received the original land titles ever lived on them. General John P. De Haas sold one of his holdings to the Bechdel family, General De Haas also acquired Ensign Augustus Stein's 232 * acres, and the general's heirs sold this grant in the Bald Eagle Valley to Michael Schenck. Although Michael settled on the land in September 1795, he did not own it until a Ma 17, 1796, purchase 11 Agents of these heirs had probably circulated in Lancaster and York counties after General De Haas death on November 18, 1793, and offered for sale his purchase in Centre and Clinton counties, Michael Schenck may have been interested by them in this distant land. EARLY ROADS At the time of Michael Scheck's settlement no roads, went pat or through his property, Bald Eagle Creek served as the highway, having been declared a public highway from the Susquehanna River to Spring Creek‹that is, to Milesburg‹by state authorities on March 9, 1771. On the creek canoes made from hollowed-out logs or flat-bottomed "keel" boats were used. In August 1795 the Mifflin County court appointed viewers to lay out a road from the mouth of Beech Creek to Milesborough at the mouth of Spring Creek. 12 This road eventually became part of U.S. Route 220. From Blanchard to Michael Scheck's place it closely followed the Indian path, sometimes called the warriors path, from Shamokin‹that is, from Sunbury‹from Great Island (Lock Haven) to Bald Eagle's nest (Milesburg), where it divided: one path continuing up Bald Eagle Valley and the other path going southerly through a gap in the mountain at Milesburg to Frankstown near Hollidaysburg in Blair County. In March 1791 the Mifflin County court appointed viewers to lay our a road from Bald Eagle Creek through Lick Run Gap into Nittany Valley and room there to James Potter's mill in Penn's Valley, where it joined a road already laid out. 13 This constitutes the present road from the creek through Howard borough through Nittany Valley and from there through Logan Gap (now called heclay) to Potter's Mill. The road may have been built by 1795, when Michael Schenck came from Lancaster County, and, if so, he would have used it to reach the village of Howard, a mile distant from his settlement. Also, on this road and in Lick Run Gap sometime between 1795 and 1800 a gristmill was erected to use the waterpower of Lick Run, Michael Schenck could take his grain here to be ground. Prior to the erection of this mill the grain had to be carried by horseback to the Philip Antes mill, where the village of Curtin now stands about six miles from Michael Scheck's settlement. Otherwise the grain had to be taken fifteen miles to Fishing Creek, where Mill Hall now stands, to the Mill of Frederick Richards. In 1801 Centre County court appointed viewers to lay out the road on the northern side of the creek from Michael Shank's tract to the bridge at Milesburg. It began at the Schenck cemetery, went to the Fairview church and former location of the Fairview schoolhouse, then turned west not far from the northern bank of the creek, passed the iron bridge across the creek north of Howard, then stretched along the creek to the west of Mount Eagle and on to Milesburg. The building of Sawyers Dam at Blanchard and the subsequent flooding of much of the valley from the dam to beyond Curtin caused abandonment of the 1801 road and also the relocation of U.S. Route 220 to the northern side of the flooded area from Blanchard to Milesburg. 14 The Schenck land was wooded with a mixture of pine, hemlock, and hardwood (mostly oak) in the elevated part lying north of the creek branch. On Long Island between the creek branches much walnut, hickory, elm, and buttonwood stood, especially along the stream. We have no record of the shelter for these families prior to the erection of log cabins. Was it tents or saplings pulled together wigwam style? Was it protection provided by Conestoga wagons? Whatever it was, everyone survived the rigors of the trek into the wilderness. No death occurred until 1797, when two year old Frederick Scheck, son of Michael, Jr., and Mariah (Sternaman) Schenck, died. His was the first burial in the Schenck cemetery. Log cabins were soon built for both families. Daniel Scheck's family lived on the western third of the 232 * acre grant. Five men could build a small cabin in two days. 15 Later they would fell unwanted trees and roll logs onto huge piles to burn. Tremendous heat produced by the larger piles darkened the soil under them so that it was still noticeable sixty years later. 16 A few trees left standing near the middle of each field provided shade for grazing cattle and also provided chestnuts, hickory nuts, walnuts, or mulberries for family use. Michael's house of hewn logs was erected on the hillside on the northern bank of the branch of the creek about two hundred yards southeast of the Schenck cemetery location and about one-fifth mile from the eastern boundary of his tract of land. The house, or part of it, was standing in 1967 and was then being occupied by Laird H. Schenck, great-great-great-grandson of Michael. Jonathan's son Nathan, who at this time made a number of additions to it, had remodeled it first by Michael's grandson, Jonathan Schenck, probably about 1855-60, and again in 1902. The appearance then changed considerably. Prior to 1902 another structure, a two-story, log section used as a summerhouse, almost joined the house. Evidently this was built subsequently to the dwelling. 17 In 1902 the barn stood alongside U.S. Route 220 and between the house and the cemetery. Built of round logs, it probably was erected soon after the family had cleared some land and after the road was completed through their holding in 1796. Nathan Schenck, who graded the land between the barn location and the house and built a new barn to the east of the remolded house, tore it down in 1902. The house, new barn, and all outbuildings were demolished in 1968 and burned by the contractors who cleared the area for later flooding by the united States-government-built Sawyers Dam at Blanchard. 18 Apparently at some time after the settlement Michael divided his tract of land. Part went to his oldest son, Frederick; part went to his brother Daniel; and part he retained for itself. Its is indicated in the 1800 or 1801 assessment list of taxable persons when Centre Township was erected. The list includes: Michael Schenck, Sr., 30 acres cleared, cabin, I sawmill, 2 horses, 2 cows Michael Schenck, Jr., 1 horse, 2 cows Frederick Schenck, 15 acres cleared, house, 1 horse, 1 cow John Schenck, 1 cow Daniel Schenck, 20 acres cleared, 2 horses, 1 cow 19 The above Daniel was Michael's brother as Daniel --- the son of Michael, Sr. ---was twelve years old when this listing was made. Where Michael's sawmill was located is unknown. In those days horsepower or waterpower operated sawmills. Horsepower probably operated Michael's mill because the streams through or in his property lacked sufficient fall or volume. The Bald Eagle Creek "branch" would have enough volume but little fall, and a sawmill and race on this stream would have been exposed to damage from floods in the creek. The saw mill run north of the "ridge" may have had sufficient volume to operate a mill before the land was cleared or many have accumulated enough water behind a small dam to run a mill intermittently. Twenty three years later Michael Schenck, Sr., owned a total eight-five acres; Michael, Jr., eight acres; and John, son of Michael, Sr., fifty acres. Daniel Schenck, who had purchased additional land, had one hundred fifty acres. Daniel farmed until about 1829 and then sold out to John Harris. This farm became known as the Furnace Farm. 21 Daniel moved to Washington Township, Holmes County Ohio, and lived until 1854, his ninetieth year. Daniel Scheck's son Daniel moved to Hamilton County, Indiana, in 1853, and ten years later to Howard County, Indiana. 22 Within a few years after Michael Schenck settled in Centre County, his farm became a hub of community activity and earned the temporary name of Schenckvsville, which was sometimes called Germantown. As a village developed nearby, the name of Striptown preceded that of Howard, its present name, in Howard Township. 23 Man of the early houses and barns sat off from the highway sometimes as far as one-fourth mile or more. The reason for such locations of dwellings and barns was to be near natural sources of water for household use as well as for livestock. Consequently, barns often stood only a short distance from a stream or a large spring. Household water sometimes came from the same source water for livestock, particularly if this source was a spring, but more often the household water came from a well dug at the house or a cistern into which rainwater from the roof was collected. In the Schenck-Bechdel area the wells often were quite deep for hand-dug ones and sometimes reached a depth of sixty feet for a sufficient water supply. Another reason for such location of the earliest dwellings and barns in this area is that, through they were not far from natural sources of water, they stood on the edge of the low bluffer ill at the edge of the creek's flood plain, thus removing them from the chance of damage from high floods from the creek. 24 The original settlements were located on land that extended across, and east-west low hill or ridge, and when the land was cleared, the crest and northern slope of the ridge usually was left wooded. Probably this was done because the northern slope would not get as much sunshine as the southern side, resulting in less abundant crops on the northern side. On the other hand, because the northern slope soil was much more sandy than the southern slope, it was not as fertile. The last of these wooded strips, having virgin timber on the northern slope, was cut off on the on the Christian Schenck farm in 1942 though some large oak trees probably not virgin timber remained on the ridge on the farm of settler Michael Schenck. When the large houses replaced or supplemented the original cabins, many of the house were built to have two front doors‹one leading into the large living room usually located on the left end of the house as one entered it and the other leading into a room which in my childhood was called the parlor. The two-door entrance might have been an old Mennonite custom, perhaps brought from Europe with the earliest settlers in Pennsylvania. However, the two-door entrance had a practical purpose. In the early days the families usually were large, and the aging patents lived in the same household with their children. So that the parents could have separate quarters for themselves, the interconnecting and were provided with their own entrance so that the two parts of the family could come and go without much interference with each other. The same general idea can be seen in Lancaster County, where often the separate granny dwelling is built close by or adjoins the later family home. 26 THE MENNONITE CONGREGATION Religious services apparently were held in homes and no doubt rotated among the Schenck, Pletcher, Holter, and other families. Not until 1812, several years before the death of Minister Michael Schenck, Sr., did Jacob and Anna Pletcher own a meetinghouse erected on land. It was a structure built of sizeable logs and measuring fourteen by twenty-four or twenty-eight feet with an entrance from the west, and it had a pair of small windows on each side with unpainted shutters and a wood-shingled roof. A typically plain Mennonite meetinghouse unadorned by a belfry or steeple, it was located close to the edge of the railroad fill about one-half mile east of the town of Howard and seventy-five feet north of the main road leading to Blanchard. This was the highway later know as U.S. Route 220 prior to the construction of Foster Joseph Sawyers Dam. In the original setting it stood about fifty feet north of the old winding public road on an elevation about three feet from the surface of the road. The building extended east and west along the road width.27 The 1821 deed named Frederick Schenck as a trustee for the church. 28 Members of the early congregation lived as far away as Houserville in the Buffalo Run Valley and some near Uni0nville and possibly north of Howard Family names included Helman, Shereck, Bower, Holter, Houser, Schenck, and Pletcher. The log meetinghouse served the congregation until after the death of the last minister, Henry N. Holter, who died in 1887. Later Rudolph purchased the building and Leah Pletcher, who moved in, remodeled it, and lived there until about 1913. 29 Still another log meetinghouse was built about 1814 supposedly by "Mennonites, a sect of German Baptists" but was moved in 1825. Sources conflict as to who built the meetinghouse, when it was built, and who attended and provided leadership. 30 This building was located near where the Methodist church building stood in 1883. Whether this second building was used by another Mennonite group or by a dissident congregation is not known. While the extensive efforts of early Reformed Mennonites were widespread in many Mennonite areas we have no record that their activities reached Centre County. Magdalena Schenck, wife of Michael, Sr., died two years after her husband. Both Michael, Sr., and she were buried in the Schenck cemetery. Their remains with all other buried there were removed by federal engineers to a more elevated area prior to the formation of Sawyers Dam. An address given on Memorial Day 1965 by Hugh Manchester, editor of the Centre Democrat, a weekly newspaper published in Bellefonte, provides a picture of life in the early 1800's: Pastor SchenckŠ died in 1816 and is buried here in this Cemetery. On his death his assets totaled $2,614 and his Liabilities $1,932. His financial legacy to his wife and Eight children was #682. The spiritual legacy and the Pioneer spirit he left, however, remains to this day as the Physical evidence around us indicates. His wife, MagdalinaŠsurvived him but a short time and is Buried here beside him in a coffin that cost $6, a tidy sum In those days. In his last illness, the Medicare the good pastor got Totaled $5 and was administered by the nearest doctor Available, Dr. Dobbins, of Bellefonte, who spent more Time on horseback tending the pioneer sick than he did at Home. He also took care of Mrs. Schenck when she passed On. Her medical bill was $9.75. The personal goods of Pastor Schenck at his death Included his clothes, valued at $28; 3 coats, I great coat, 3 Jackets, 2 pairs of overalls, I pair of breeches, 4 pairs of Stockings, 5 shirts, I pair of boots, and I hat. The broad ax with which he cleared the land was Valued at $I, his plow, $2.25; his pistol, $I.25; books, $20.50; red cow, $21; black cow (with star on face), $16. 31. The last mentioned items total $61.75; therefore, the remainder of his assets probably would be valued at $2,551.25. Michael, Sr., died intestate. The administrators of his estate made their final settlement on December 13, 1824, eight years after Michael's death. Heirs mentioned were sons Rudolph, Daniel and Michael; daughter's Magdalena and Nancy Pletcher; and granddaughter Magdalena Pletcher. Two other sons, Frederick and John, are not mentioned, they evidently had received their shares earlier. Nancy/Anna Pletcher, widow of Samuel Pletcher, signed her release with a X. The others signed in German. 32 Coincidentally, the three female heirs married Pletchers; Nancy/Anna, the second wife of Samuel Pletcher, Magdalena, the wife of Henry Pletcher and granddaughter Magdalena Bechdel, wife of Frederick Pletcher and the only child of Michael Schenck, Sr., second daughter, Barbara, who married David Bechdel. HENRY2 PLETCHER (SAMUEL1) was born 1756 in Baden Germany, and died November 14, 1803 in Howard Pa, Centre County. He married (1) CATHERINE STERNMAN 1787 in Lancaster PA., daughter of PETER STERNMAN and MARIAH (MOTHER). He married (2) ANNA SCHENCK February 1796 in Centre County PA, daughter of MICHAEL SCHENCK and MAGDALENA MENNART. Children of HENRY PLETCHER and ANNA SCHENCK are: 1.FREDERICK3 PLETCHER, b. January 09, 1797; M Mollie Bechdel d. September 19, 1886 Notes for FREDERICK PLETCHER: Frederick Pletcher, the eldest son of Henry and Anna, Henry's second wife, was born and bred in the vicinity of Howard. Frederick married Mollie Bechdel in 1822. The result of this union were seven children: Ezekial, Barbara, David, Anmna, Samuel, Sarah, and Henry. Frederick farmed and preached and was a devout man. The wife of Frederick died in 1872. Frederick died in 1881, Sept. 19 "Uncle Freddy" preached in Dutch. Frederick Pletcher KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS THAT WE D.B Pletcher Rudolph Pletcher and Jonathan Schenck all of the County of Centre, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, are held and firmly bounded unto the said Commonwealth in the sum of Six thousand dollars, lawful money of the said Commonwealth, to be paid to the said Commonwealth or its certain Attorney, to which payment well and truly to be made and done. We bind ourselves jointly and servile, for and in the whole, our heirs, and each of our heirs, executors and administrators, firmly by these presents, sealed with our seals and dated this 30 day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighty three. The condition of the above Obligation is such, that if the above bounden D.B. Pletcher and Rudolph Pletcher Administrators of deceased of Frederick Pletcher late of Howard Township deceased shall faithfully execute the powers committed to him by the Orphans Court of Centre county aforesaid for the purpose of making sale of real estate of the said Frederick Pletcher deceased and truly account for and pay over the proceeds thereof in such in such manner as the said Court ______unreadable________________________ or else to and remain in full force and virtue Signed by D. B. Pletcher Rudolph Pletcher in old German John? Schenckcome to this knowledge of your petitioner, To the Honorable the Judges of the Orphans Court of Centre County. The petitioner of D.B. Pletcher and Rudolph Pletcher administrators of dec. of Frederick Pletcher late of Howard Township in said County of the deceased. Respectfully represents that the said Frederick Pletcher died on or about the 19th day of September 1881 intestate, leaving to survive him five children viz. Ezabiel K. Pletcher, David B. Pletcher, Henry J. Pletcher. Sarah B Pletcher intermarried with H Adams and Ann Pletcher. That the personal estate of said decedent is in sufficient for the payment of his debts or a will appear by a true and perfect inventory and conscionable appraisement of all the personal estate whatsoever of the said decedent and a Just and true account of all the debts of the said decedent which have recount? exhibited the petitioners further represents that the said Frederick Pletcher died seized in his demise as of fee of and us certain real estate situate in Said County of Centre described as a statement herewith exhibited and being hereto annexed. the petitioners therefore pray the court to order the Sale of such part or so much of said real estate as is the Court shall appears necessary for the payment of debts of said decedent. And they will ever Prayer D.B. Pletcher Rudolph Pletcher A full and Correct statement of all the real estate of the said Frederick Pletcher deceased. A Messuag? being the Mansions farm, situated in the township of Howard and County of Centre described as follows to wit: Beginning at a stone on the bank of the Bald Eagle Creek thence by lands of Rudolph Pletcher South 42 1/2 degrees east 138 4/10 perches to post thence South 61 1/2 degrees West 1118 2/10 perches to a stone thence by land of Samuel Pletcher south 42 3/4 degreesWest 96 perches to Stone. thence south 51 degrees last along the Bald Eagle Creek 43 perches thence acres the same south 28 degrees east 29 perches south 39 degrees east 45 35/100 perches to the lease of beginning containing eight two acres. 1. JOHN PLETCHER, b. 1798; d. 1868; m. BARBRA SCHENCK,1821. Notes for JOHN PLETCHER: John Pletcher, the second son of Henry, by his second wife, Anna Schenck was born Jan 23, 1798 in the vicinity of Howard. He was bred on his fathers farm making farming his life occupation. In 1824 John married Barbara Schenck, the daughter of Frederick and Susan Schenck. Barbara was born Nov. 21, 1801. The results of this marriage were twelve children. Susan was born Dec 25, 1824 and married. Peters, burrie3d at Unionville; Anna was born Feb. 3, 1826; Samuel was born Jan. 27, 1827 and married. Ruth Tmonts: Frederick was born Oct. 9, 1829 and was blind: Emanuel was born Nov. 30, 1830: John was born Feb. 1, 1833: Rueben was born Oct. 9, 1834: Daniel was born July 18,1836: Mary was born Jan. 29, 1838: Sarah born Sept. 6, 1840: Leah born Aug. 6, 1841: Joseph born Feb. 6, 1843 John went to Potters Bank to preach where he took sick and died June 30, 1868. he was buried in Shanks graveyard. Barbara, after a Lingering illness, died June 9, 1871. Frederick who had been blind from age three, died Dec. 21, 1880. Samuel who had been afflicted more or less for several years died Sept. 19, 1890 at the home of his brother Emanuel. Notes for BARBRA SCHENCK: 2nd Daughter of Frederick Schenck 3.MAGDALENA PLETCHER, b. 1799; d. 1850; m. ADAM BRETH. Notes for MAGDALENA PLETCHER: Mollie Pletcher, the daughter of henry and Anna Shank Pletcher was born in Howard Twp. In 1843 was married to Adam Breth. The children of this union were: Anna died Nov. 3, 1876; Margaret; Adam; and Mollie. Adam Breth lumbered in Clearfied Co. Mollie died April1, 1850 Adam entered the Civil War and was supposed to have died in a prison camp. 1. RUDOLPH PLETCHER, b. October 10, 1800, Howard, Centre County Pa. married Anna Schenck died Feb. 25, 1888 in Centre County Pa. Notes for RUDOLPH PLETCHER: Rudolph Pletcher, the son of Henry and Anna was born Oct. 10, 1800. He farmed near Howard. In 1844, April 30, he married Anna Shank (Little Aunt Ann) Rudolph Pletcher was a representative man, honorable and reliable. His memory was remarkable: Rudolph died Feb. 25, 1888. 2. MICHAEL PLETCHER, b. 1802, Centre County PA; d. March 09, 1885, Cedar County, Rochester Twp. married Susannah Spade. 6. ANNA PLETCHER, b. 1804; d. 1881. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx LAND HENRY PLETCHER PURCHASED IN CENTRE COUNTY PA May 24, 1800, John Philip De Haas, executor of the last will and testament of John Philip De Haas late of city and county of Philadelphia deeded to Henry Pletcher, Land lying and being on Bald Eagle Creek then in the County of Northumberland in the state of Pa. and more especially a tract of three hundred acres and allowances called Union Green Surveyed on a Warrant to William Austin dated the day of March 1774 and of another tract of 290 shillings and three pence lawful money to John Philip DeHaas, all that tract of land situate lying and being on the southerly side of Bald Eagle Creek in the twp. of Centre late in the county of Northumberland, now said to be in the new county called Centre in the state of Pa. June 3, 1800. (Deed A-283 Centre Co.) This information may help establish where exactly the Pletcher Land was located in case we want to visit it. Believe it may be a State or City Park now. next west was the Lieut. Charles Stewart tract, running up the creek 128 * perches to a hickory from the white walnut, West line, and north 40 west 358 from hickory. The farms of the Pletchers, in Liberty Twp. are on this tract. The officers, surveys all lie north of Bald Eagle Creek,. south of Bald Eagle Creek, and immediately south of the Askey, the creek intervening. Charles Lukens surveyed in 1770 the Winston Dallam application of April 3, 1769. the village of Howard is in the southwest corner. The de Haas portion. The William Austin warrant of March 7, 1774, was located east of the Dallam, and the Howard Iron-Works are erected upon it, and the James Jones, a survey of Aug. 12, 1775. East of Jones, attaches the Rudolph Pletcher warrant of Oct. 22 1824 and east of the Pletcher the Peter Lyttle, Christopher Smith surveys, 19th Nov. 1793 line the south bank of the creek. (The above from, Linn, John Blair. History of Centre and Clinton Counties, Pennsylvania. reprinted 1975, original Louis H. Everts 1883. page 10 First document written after Henry Pletcher death Whereas my late husband Henry Pletcher, died Intestate and the right of Administering being vested in me, Now knew ye that I, Nancy Pletcher widow and relict---- renounce my right----- this 26 day of Nov. 1803 Witness David Irvin Her Mark Nancy Pletcher Anna Scheck Pletcher married Samuel Pletcher jr. in 1804, after the death of her husband Henry Pletcher. Samuel Pletcher jr. was the son of Samuel Pletcher Sr. who was the brother of Henry Pletcher, Henry died in 1803. More notes on Henry Pletcher Anna's deceased husband No. 3496 Ann Pletcher Wards. Petition for Guardian Petition 24 Apr. 1809 of henry Pletcher Jr. of Centre Twp. That his late father Henry, died intestate, leaving among other children your petitioner, a minor above, 14 years and has no guardian--- The Court appoints Frederick Shank guardian. Petition April 1809 of Anna Pletcher, widow of Henry Pletcher deceased, for guardian of her minor children under 14 years Frederick, John, Magdalena, Rudolph, Michael, Anna, it appears that John Ness was appointed guardian of Michael and Anna. Additional information on Anna/Nancy Schenck Pletcher Orphan Court petition No. 3550 reference Centre County Pa. Valuation of the real estate of Henry Pletcher Deceased April 27, 1810 Aug 28th 1810. The eldest son appears in court and agrees to take the estate at the appraisement. Centre County ss: The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to the Sheriff of the said County of Centre, GREETING l whereas Jacob Pletcher eldest son of Henry Pletcher late of Centre Township in the County aforesaid deceased. On the 24 Day of April last past presented his petition to our Justices of the Orphans Court of the said County Setting forth "as Follows'. That the said Henry Pletcher died Intestate leaving a widow named Anna Pletcher now intermarried with Samuel Pletcher and issue besides your Petitioner seven children, one thereof named Henry Pletcher who hath for his Guardian Frederick Shank one other thereof named Frederick one other thereof named John one other thereof named Magdelena. one other thereof named Rudolph one other thereof named Michael and one other thereof named Anna who have for their Guardian John Neff senior . That the said Henry Pletcher at the time of his death was seized in his demise ? as of fee in and to a certain plantation of Tract of land in the Township of Centre aforesaid Containing one hundred and sixty acres be the same more or less about fifty thereof cleared and small building thereon erected adding land of Kaniel Shank and Jacob Bonn and the Bald Eagle Creek. that you Petitioner is will and to hold and enjoy the premises and pay the respective shares of the between of the deceased in case the same cannon be divided to and amongst the children of the Deceased or any number thereof with prejudice to or spoiling the whole you Petitioner therefore prays your Honors to await an Inquest to view the tract and if they find that the same can be divided to and amongst the said children or any number thereof without prejudice to and spoiling the whole then to make partion thereof but if they find that the same cannot be so divided then to value and appraise the same and make return of their proceeding. We therefore command you that taking with you twelve honest and lawful men of you Balliwick you go the said tract of Land with appurtenances and there by their oaths and affirmation in the presence of the parties aforesaid by you be warned (I upon being warned they will be present) the said tract of land with appurtenances (having respect to the value thereof) into eight equal parts you cause to be parted and divided if the same can be so parted and divided without prejudice to or spoiling the whole and if the same will not divide into eight equal parts as aforesaid then amongst as man as the same will conveniently accommodate you cause the premises to be appointed and divided with out prejudice to or spoiling the whole and one of the said eight equal parts( if the same will so divided) unto Jacob Pletcher the petitioner one other of the said eight equal parts unto te said Henry Pletcher who hath for his Guardian Frederick Shank one another said Eight equal parts unto the Frederick Pletcher one other of the eight equal parts unto the said John Pletcher one other of the said Eight equal parts unto the said Magdelena Pletcher one other of the said Eight equal parts unto the said Rudolph Pletcher one other of the said Eight equal parts unto the said Michael Pletcher and one other of the said Eight equal parts unto the said Anna Pletcher who have for their Guardian John Neff senior. to hold to them in severalty who assign and deliver amongst as many of the children aforesaid as the same will accommodate you assign and deliver as aforesaid. so that neither the said Jacob not the said Henry who has for his guardian Frederick Shank nor the said Frederick nor the said John nor the said Magdelena nor the said Rudolph nor the said Michael nor the said Anna who have for their Guardian John Neff senior have more of the said premises with the appurtenances than to them of right it preterits to have. And that the said Jacob of his one equal eight part thereof to him happening, the said Henry of his one equal eighth part thereof to him happening, the said Frederick of his one equal eighth part thereof to him happening, the said John of his one equal eighth part thereof to him happening, the said Magdalena of her one equal eight part thereof to her happening the said Rudolph of is one equal eighth part thereof of his happening, the said Michael of is one equal eight part thereof to his happening, and the said Anna of her one equal eighth part thereof to her happening . Severally may posses themselves. And that immediately afterward you cause full of equal eight parts of the premises aforesaid with the appurtenances to them and said Jacob and the said Henry who has for his Guardian Frederick Shank; Frederick, John, Magdelena, Rudolph, Michael and Anna or to as many of said Children as the premises aforesaid will accommodate. And to the said Anna Pletcher now intermarried with Samuel Pletcher you cause to be ascertained and assigned the one third part of the value of the premises aforesaid with the appurtenances as her dower in the said real estate for the term of her natural life. But if the said inquest cannot make such partition of the said premises with the appurtenances as aforesaid Without prejudice to or spoiling the whole thereof that then you cause the said inquest to value and appraise the same. And that partition or valuation you distinctly and openly have before our Justices at Bellofonte at our orphans Court thereto be held on the 23 day of April next under your hand and seal under the hands and seals of those by whose oaths or solemn affirmations you shall make that partition or valuation and have then and there this precept. Witness the Honorable Jonathan Wlker Esquire president of our said Court at Bellefonte the 24-day of January the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and ten. Children of Anna Schenck Pletcher and Samuel Pletcher jr. i. DAVID4 PLETCHER, b. 1805, Centre County PA; d. 1888, Lewiston NY. ii. DANIEL PLETCHER, b. October 19, 1806. iii. SAMUEL PLETCHER, b. 1809; d. 1894. iv. ESTHER PLETCHER, b. June 10, 1810; d. March 23, 1900. v. JONATHAN PLETCHER, b. 1812; d. 1814 More about Samuel Jr. and Anna Schenck Pletcher In 1804, the widow of Henry, Anna Schenck Pletcher remarried Samuel Pletcher jr. (son of, Samuel I and Elizabeth Yordy) who was born 1778. The children of this marriage were: David, Daniel, Samuel III, Esther, and Jonathan. Samuel jr. died Nov. 1811 of a cramp two months before his son Jonathan was born. Jonathan died in 1814. The widow of Henry I and Samuel II, Anna Schenck, died at Howard in 1848 of dropsy. Her father and brother, Rev. Mike Schenck I and Rev. Mike Schenck, Jr. were Mennonite preachers and her sons Frederick and John were Mennonite preachers in and near Howard Pa. her sisters and nieces intermarried with the Pletchers at Howard. Families are still there. GENERATION NO. 4 1. DAVID4 PLETCHER (ANNA3 SCHENCK, MICHAEL2, JOHN1) was born 1805 in Centre County PA, and died 1888 in Lewiston NY. He married ELIZABETH PLETCHER. Notes for DAVID PLETCHER: David was married to Elizabeth Pletcher Children of DAVID PLETCHER and ELIZABETH PLETCHER are: i. SAMUEL5 PLETCHER, b. 1827. ii. DANIEL PLETCHER, b. 1830. iii. ANNA PLETCHER, b. 1831. iv. WILLIAM PLETCHER, b. 1833. v. LUCINDA PLETCHER, b. 1835. vi. CATHERINE PLETCHER, b. 1836. vii. ELMIRA PLETCHER, b. 1838. viii. DAVID PLETCHER, b. 1840. ix. CHARLES PLETCHER, b. 1842. x. LEAH PLETCHER, b. 1844. 2. DANIEL4 PLETCHER (ANNA3 SCHENCK, MICHAEL2, JOHN1) was born October 19, 1806. He married ELIZABETH BAKER April 26, 1832. Notes for DANIEL PLETCHER: Wagon Maker Children of DANIEL PLETCHER and ELIZABETH BAKER are: i. MARY5 PLETCHER, b. 1833. ii. SARAH PLETCHER, b. 1834. iii. LUCINDA PLETCHER, b. 1835. iv. SAMUEL PLETCHER, b. 1836. v. ELLEN PLETCHER, b. 1839. vi. JOSEPH PLETCHER, b. 1842. vii. BARBRA PLETCHER, b. 1844. viii. ELIZABETH PLETCHER, b. 1847. ix. ALBERT PLETCHER, b. 1849. x. DAVID PLETCHER, b. 1853. xi. FRANCES PLETCHER, b. 1854. 3. SAMUEL4 PLETCHER (ANNA3 SCHENCK, MICHAEL2, JOHN1) was born 1809, and died 1894. He married MAGDALINA SCHENCK. Notes for MAGDALINA SCHENCK: 5th daughter of Frederick Schenck Children of SAMUEL PLETCHER and MAGDALINA SCHENCK are: i. SUSAN5 PLETCHER, b. 1841. ii. THEOPHILUS PLETCHER, b. 1847. iii. RUDOLPH PLETCHER, b. 1848. iv. MARY PLETCHER, b. 1854. v. WILLIAM PLETCHER, b. 1860. 4. ESTHER4 PLETCHER (ANNA3 SCHENCK, MICHAEL2, JOHN1) was born June 10, 1810, and died March 23, 1900. She married JOHN MCCLAIN. They moved to Iowa and are buried in the same cemetery as Isaac Pletcher, son of Michael Pletcher. Ester is a half sister to Michael Pletcher Children of ESTHER PLETCHER and JOHN MCCLAIN are: i. MARY ANN5 MCCLAIN, b. 1832. ii. MAGDALENA MCCLAIN, b. 1834. iii. LEAH MCCLAIN, b. 1835. iv. ELIZABETH MCCLAIN, b. 1833. v. SAMUEL MCCLAIN, b. 1838. vi. RUDOLPH MCCLAIN, b. 1840. vii. MICHAEL MCCLAIN, b. 1842. viii. AMANDA MCCLAIN, b. 1842. ix. NANCY MCCLAIN, b. 1844. x. JOHN D MCCLAIN, b. 1845. xi. IRWIN MCCLAIN, b. 1848. More notes on Anna (Nancy)Schenck Pletcher I have included the Genealogy of the Schenck Family since they are in our bloodline and if one of you decides to do further research you will not have a place to begin. This decadency chart came from the article Descendants of Michael Schenck published by the Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society. I earlier included the entire article, both as a way of showing our connections to the Schenck Family and as a way of talking about the history of our families and Centre County PA. Anna Schenck Pletcher's Ancestors Generation No. 1 Anna family is included because she is a direct ancestor to us and Mary, the mother of Samuel and Henry was to have married a Schenck, even though I have not been able to prove this yet. 1. JOHN1 SCHENCK was born 1715 in Switzerland, and died 1765 in Manor twp. Lancaster County PA.. He married BARBRA GINGERICH, daughter of HANS GINGERICH. Notes for JOHN SCHENCK: Emigrated about 1740 from Switzerland to Manor Twp. Lancaster Co. Pa. More About BARBRA GINGERICH: Fact 1: 1750, Barbara Gingerich: daughter of Hans Gingerich Children of JOHN SCHENCK and BARBRA GINGERICH are: 2. i. MICHAEL2 SCHENCK, b. 1744; d. April 12, 1816, Howard twp. Centre County Pa. 3. ii. HENRY SCHENCK, b. 1755; d. 1852. iii. JOHN SCHENCK, b. Switzerland. Generation No. 2 2. MICHAEL2 SCHENCK (JOHN1) was born 1744, and died April 12, 1816 in Howard twp. Centre County Pa. He married MAGDALENA MENNART in Lancaster PA., daughter of FREDIRICK MAYNARD/MENNART. More About MICHAEL SCHENCK: Fact 1: 1795, Mennonite Minister Children of MICHAEL SCHENCK and MAGDALENA MENNART are: i. Anna Schenck b.1775 died July 8, 1848 in Howard Pa. ii. FREDERICK SCHENCK, b. March 26, 1771; d. May 23, 1847; m. SUSAN BECHDEL. iii. MICHAEL SCHENCK JR, b. 1773. iv. JOHN SCHENCK, b. 1777. v. BARBRA SCHENCK, b. 1779. vi. RUDOLPH SCHENCK, b. 1782. vii. MAGDALENA SCHENCK, b. 1786. viii. DANIEL SCHENCK, b. April 02, 1788. 3. HENRY2 SCHENCK (JOHN1) was born 1755, and died 1852. He married (1) BARBARA HOSTETTER. He married (2) BARBARA HOSTETTER. Children of HENRY SCHENCK and BARBARA HOSTETTER are: i. CHRISTIAN3 SCHENCK, b. 1780. ii. JOHN SCHENCK, b. 1782. iii. HENRY SCHENCK. Child of HENRY SCHENCK and BARBARA HOSTETTER is: 5. iv. HENRY JR3 SCHENCK, b. June 09, 1791; d. February 07, 1869. HENRY JR3 SCHENCK (HENRY2, JOHN1) was born June 09, 1791, and died February 07, 1869. He married BARBARA SHELLENBERGER, daughter of HENRY SHELLENBERGER. Children of HENRY SCHENCK and BARBARA SHELLENBERGER i. HENRY4 SCHENCK, b. March 28, 1822. ii. BARBARA SCHENCK, b. 1824; m. JOHN DIETRICH. iii. ISAAC SCHENCK, b. January 16, 1830; m. SARAH FRY. Generation No. 3 2. ANNA3 SCHENCK (MICHAEL2, JOHN1) was born 1775 in Lancaster PA., and died July 08, 1848 in Howard PA.. She married (1) SAMUELPLETCHER JR.. She married (2) HENRY PLETCHER February 1796 in Centre County PA, son of SAMUEL PLETCHER and Maria Pletcher. More on Anna Nancy Schenck Pletcher 1. Nancy was the nickname for Anna Schenck Pletcher. Last Will and Testament In the name of God amen. I Anna Pletcher of Howard township in the county of Centre, being sick and weak in body but of sound memory and understanding. Praise be to God for it. Do make and disclose this to be my last will and testament in manner following, that is to say, I order all my just debts and funeral expenses and charges of having this my Will be in the first place fully paid and satisfied and after payments thereof I give onto bequeath unto my Son Rudolph and daughter Anna their heirs and assignees my House and lot of five acres of Land upon which I now live for which they shall pay one hundred dollars as here in after mentioned. I also give and bequeath unto my son Rudolph my beadstand and bedding my ------------------and copper Kettle and three head of cattle, and I also give and bequeath unto my daughters Ann live goats two beadstands and bedding my Kitchen cuplements and family Bible. I give and bequeath unto my grand daughter Elizabeth McLain One heiffer and one sheep. and the above mentioned hundred dollars to be paid by my son Rudolph and daughter Anna, together with all the rest residence and remainde rof m goods and chattel, debts, ready money and effect whatsoever and whatsoever. I give and bequeath the same and every past thereof unto my other children to wit, Frederick, John, Magdalena, Michael, David, Denise, Samuel and Esther, to be divided among them share and share alike. And I make and ordain my son Rudolph executor of this my last will and testament. In writing whereof I the said tester have to this my last will and testament set my hands and seal this 21st day of June A.D. 1848 Signed, Sealed and published by the said tester in the presents of Jacob Baker and Emanuel Schenck. Anna her mark X Pletcher The Migration to Ohio of the Pletcher families In 1804, Ohio lands were for sale by Congress at $2 dollars per acre with a mimimum purchare of 640 acres. In 1820, Congress passed a law, lowering the price to $1.25 per acre and selling in sections and quarter sections of 80 acres, lands in Ohio, (cash down). This is what started the great "Ohio Migration" of Pletchers for good farmland. The following is the route that Michael Pletscher took from Howard Twp. to Crawford and Richland Counties in Ohio. They moved over the Allegheny Mountains. Stopped at what is now Pittsburgh and took boats down the Ohio river, then loaded up their belonging onto carts. When they found good farming land they stopped, Michael traveled with his family and would have been about 21 years old at the time. The following is a list of family members Michael traveled with. His uncle Samuel and Elizabeth Youth or Yoder and his five younger children and their children. Henry and Barbara Lider Pletcher and their children: Jacob, Elizabeth, Joseph, John, Christopher, Barbara, and Kate... Jacob and Barbara Nestlerode Pletcher (Barbara from Howard Pa and their children: Israel, Samuel, and Elizabeth... Elizabeth Pletcher Reed and David Reed and their children: Jacob, Andrew, and Samuel...... Catherine Pletcher Nestlerode and Christopher Nestlerode and their children: Anna, Margaret, Samuel, Nattie and Ellie..... Once the Pletcher's arrive in Crawford and Richland Ohio they begin to buy land, our ancestor buys land in the near by County of Pickaway, and I have a copy of this document, under Michael Pletcher. 10. MICHAEL3 PLETCHER (HENRY2, SAMUEL1) was born 1802 in Centre County PA, and died March 09, 1885 in IA, Cedar County, Rochester Twp.. He married SUSANNAH SPADE November 18, 1826 in Pickaway County Ohio, daughter of GEORGE SPADE 11. The following are the Ancestors of, Susannah Spade Pletcher Generation No. 1 1. GEORGE1 SPADE. Notes for GEORGE SPADE: George Spade, who was born in Germany and served with the Hessian soldiers in the Revolutionary war and later settled in Snyder County, Pa. Children of GEORGE SPADE are: 2. i. SUSANNAH2 SPADE, b. November 10, 1806, Pickaway County, Ohio; d. December 12, 1886, Cedar County, Rochester Twp.. ii. JOHN SPADE. iii. HENRY SPADE. iv. DANIEL SPADE. v. LUCINDA SPADE. FACTS About MICHAEL PLETCHER: Fact 1: September 08, 1824, Richland Co. OH Land entries Vol.9 p454,1825 Fact 2: September 08, 1824, cont. Sw1/4 S18 T20 R20 152.78ac became Sandusky twp. Crawford Co. 1845 Fact 3: September 08, 1824, Land Office, Wooster OH: 1825 Sec.20 Jefferson(Crawford Co.) Fact 4: September 08, 1824, former residence of purchaser: Pickaway Fact 5: 1880, Census: See details in notes Fact 6: November 18, 1826, Married, Pickaway County Ohio, have copy of Fact 7: March 09, 1885, Buried in Hebron Cem. Sec 30. Rochester Twp. East side of Hwy 38- South of Tipton Fact 8: 1859, Map of Linn Co. IA-Monroe twp.sec.8-9 Fact 9: August 04, 1860, Census Lafayette small unicorporated. town Michael 58,PA. Susanna 47, Amos 27, Isaac 19 Fact 10: 1830, Census Pickaway Co. Walnut Twp. Fact 11: 1860, Census IA-Linn-Monroe: 281 Fact 12: 1870, Census IA-Cedar-Rochester Page 337 Fact 13 April 3 1865 Michael Pletcher buys property in Tipton Iowa, Cedar County Fact 14 On Michael's and Susannah's Grave Marker it reads- Our father and mother are gone they lie beneath the soil, Dear parents thou we miss you much we know you rest with God. Children of MICHAEL PLETCHER and SUSANNAH SPADE are 14. i. ANNA SPADE4 PLETCHER, b. March 29, 1829. 15. ii. ELIZABETH PLETCHER, b. 1831, Ohio. 16. iii. AMOS PLETCHER, b. July 06, 1833, Pickaway County Ohio; d. September 23, 1910, Robins IA. 17. iv. ISAAC PLETCHER, b. November 28, 1841, Ohio, Pickaway County; d. May 25, 1921, Cedar County, Rochester Twp. IA.. Notes for MICHAEL PLETCHER: 1830 Census Ohio Pickaway Co. Walnut Twp. page 57 next to each other Spade, Jacob (M) AGE 30-40, Male Child 5-10 (f) 20-30 TWO female children 5-10, -5 Spade, Henry (M) 20-30 (f) 60-70, 20-30 Pletcher, Michael (m) 20-30 (f) 20-30, 15-20, -5 Spade, Daniel (m) 20-30 (f) 15-20 1840 Census Ohio Pickaway to faint to read accurately 1860 Census Pletcher, Michael 58m farmer 3600/560 PA born Pletcher, Susanna 47f OH born Amos 27 m farmer /160 OH born Isaac 19m OH school born in Ohio Birkdoll, Sarah E. 10 f IN 1870 Census p254 Mike Fleitscher 68 farmer *000/600 PA, Susannah 65 OH 1880 Census- p336 4041 Rochester, Cedar County Iowa The 1880 Census is the first year that we are given information about the head of the household's father and wife fathers birthplace. Pletscher Michael, white male, occupation retired house carpenter has dropsy born in Penn., father born Germany, mother born Penn. Wife- Susannah White female 74 housekeeper born Ohio father Penn. mother Penn Grimm W.O. White Male 47 son in law farmer born Ohio father born Penn mother from VA. Grimm Elizabeth S. White female 48 Daughter, keeping house, born Ohio father Penn mother Ohio. Grimm Mansuetus White Male 21 Grandson, farmer born Ohio, father Ohio, Mother Ohio. Although the document states that Michael Pletcher is living in Pickaway Ohio the land he purchases is in Crawford County Ohio. Deed Certificate No. 764 The United States of America To all to whom these presents shall come, Greeting: whereas Michael Pletcher of Pickaway County Ohio had deposited in the General Land Office of the United States a certificate of the Register of the Land Office at Wooster Ohio whereby it appears that full payment has been made by the said Michael Pletcher according to the provisions of the Act of Congress of the 24 of April 1820 entitled act making further provision for the sale of the Public Lands" for The South West quarter of section eighteen in Township twenty of Range twenty in this district of Wooster and State of Ohio attaching one hundred and fifty two acres and Seventy eight ,according to the official plat of the survey of the said Lands, returned to the General Land Office by the Surveyor General which said tract lands been purchased by the said Michael Pletcher Now Know Ye, that the United States of America, in consideration of the premises, and in conformity with the several acs of Congress in such case made and provided have Given and Granted and by these presents do give and grant unto the said Michael Pletcher and to his heirs the said tract above described: To Have and to Hold the same, together with all the rights, privileges, immunities, and appurtenances, of whatsoever nature there unto belonging unto the said Michael Pletcher tenancies, of whatsoever nature thereunto belonging, unto the said Michael Pletcher. tenancies of whatsoever nature, thereunto belonging, unto the said Michael Pletcher and to his heirs and assigns forever. In testimony whereof, I John Quincy Adams President of the United States of America have caused these letters to be her unto affixed. Given under my hand, at the City of Washington the twenty day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty five, and of the Independence of the United States forty- fifth elt. By the President QA EG Commissioner of the General Land Office