History: Local: CHAPTERS LXXV - LXXVI: Upper Dublin & Upper Hanover Townships: Bean's 1884 History of Montgomery Co, PA Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Susan Walters 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. http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/montgomery/beantoc.htm URL of html Table of Contents and illustrations. ¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼ BEAN'S HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA ¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼¼ 1092 (cont.) CHAPTER LXXV. UPPER DUBLIN TOWNSHIP. By Wm. J. Buck. This township is regular in form, approaching a square, and is bounded northeast by Horsham, south by Springfield, southwest by Whitemarsh, west by Whitpain, east by Moreland and southeast by Abington. It is four and one-half miles long, three and one fourth wide, and contains an area of eight thousand eight hundred and forty acres. Its surface is rolling and the soil fertile, composed of limestone and loam. Camp Hill is an elevation of Revolutionary memory that commences in Whitemarsh and extends eastwardly across the township on the north side of Sandy Run. The Wissahickon passes through the west corner over a mile, propelling two grist-mills, and receiving as tributaries Rose Valley, Pine and Sandy Runs, which also furnish water-power. The limestone and iron-ore belts extend across the southern angle, following the valley of Sandy Run nearly two miles. The township is crossed by the Spring House turnpike two miles, the Lewisville and Prospectville pike two miles, Upper Dublin and Horsham pike one mile, Limekiln pike three and one-half miles and the Plymouth and Upper Dublin pike over one mile. The latter two roads were constructed in 1851 and 1855. The North Pennsylvania Railroad passes nearly a mile and a quarter through its western angle, and has a station at Ambler, fourteen and one-half miles from Philadelphia. The villages are Ambler Fitzwatertown Jarrettown Three Tons Dreshertown; with a post-office at each, excepting the last-mentioned place. The population in 1800 was 744 in 1840, 1322 in 1880, 1856. The taxable real estate in the year 1882 was valued at $1,652,492, and including the personal, $1,758,452 the average per taxable being $3094. Upper Dublin contains fourteen square miles, and, according to the census of 1880, had then 132 inhabitants to the square mile In May 1883, licenses were issued to four hotels nine general stores one stove-store six dealers in flour and feed one coal-yard one lumber and fertilizers one tobacco-store one restaurant. Without Ambler, it contains five public schools, open ten months, with an average attendance of 148 for the school year ending June 1, 1881. The census of 1850 returned 242 houses 245 families 129 farms. Every census taken since 1800 shows in this township a remarkably steady increase in its population. 1093 According to Holme's map of original surveys, the first land-holders in Upper Dublin, commencing at the Abington line, between the Susquehanna Street road and Horsham, were Samuel Clarriage Pierce & Co. Richard Hill and Richards & Aubrey; south of that road to the Gwynedd line, in the same order William Salaway Mathew Perrin Henry Patrick Mathias Seely John Southworth Richard Coates Andrew Soule Thomas Marle William and George Harmer. If the aforesaid is correct, it is very probable, judging by the list of 1734, that not one (unless the Harmers be excepted) of those mentioned was a settler, being merely dealers in land, which they took up with a view to speculation. It was, in consequence, settled slowly, and we cannot find that it was recognized as a township much earlier than 1719. Records exist establishing the fact that in 1705 it was regarded as a portion of Abington; hence we may justly conclude that its territory was set off from that township, but at what exact date cannot now well be ascertained. To touch on the early settlement of Upper Dublin, it is, perhaps, best to refer first to the list of resident land-holders and tenants in the township in 1734, and from that date base all anterior claims. According to that authority, there were at the time mentioned thirty-five, as follows: Derick Tyson, 100 acres Richard Witton, 200 Joseph Charlesworth, 200 Joseph Britain, 100 Ephraim Heaton, 100 Ellis Lewis, 200 Trump's estate, 200 Samuel Spencer, 100 Daniel Roberts, 200 William Atkinson, 50 Rees David, 100 Edward Burk, 200 Edward Burk, Jr., 20 Hugh Burk, 100 Thomas Parker, 90 Peter Cleaver, 100 William Melcher, 100 John Harmer, 100 Dennis Cunard, 100 Joseph Tucker, 200 Joseph Nash, 100 William Lukens, 200 John McCathery, 100 Thomas Fitzwater, 200 John Conard, 200 John Hamilton, 50 Thomas Fitzwater Richard Reagan Thomas Davis John Trout Charles Hubbs Henry Rinkard Ellis Lewis John Loanan Robert Doughty. Edward Burk's purchase was made from Nicholas Scull and others November 21, 1698, and extended from the Susquehanna Street road to the Whitemarsh line, and included a part of the present village of Ambler. It must have been soon after this date that he settled upon his tract, and he was probably ore of the earliest settlers in the township. Edward Burk, Jr. and Hugh Burk were his sons. John Burk was a supervisor of roads from 1774 to 1777, and from this last dates Edward Burk continuously to 1786. He was also a collector of taxes in the Revolution. In 1776 we find assessed in this township Edward Burk, "aged." fifty acres; Edward Burk, Jr., seventy-eight acres John Burk, sixty acres John Burk, single Charles Burk, now in his eightieth year, resides on the old homestead, which has never been out of the family. His father and grandfather bore the name of Edward Burk. The latter was born on this place in 1761, and died in 1832. He is the last survivor of eight children and the only one bearing the name now in the township. The family have been among the earliest members of the St. Thomas' Episcopal Church of which he has been warden since 1833. The records of this church go back no further than 1742, when Hugh Burk was warden and John Burk a vestryman. It is known that Thomas Fitzwater owned real estate and carried on lime- burning at the present village of Fitzwatertown before June, 1705, when he had sent in a petition for a road from his kilns to Pennypack Mills; but it was not attended to until 1725. His father, Thomas Fitzwater, with sons, Thomas and George, came from Middlesex, England, and arrived in the ship "Welcome," with William Penn, in November 1682. His wife, Mary, and children, Josiah and Mary, died on the passage. He originally settled in Bucks County, which he represented in the Assembly in 1683. He afterwards removed to Philadelphia, and was again in the Assembly in 1690. He was a preacher among Friends, and died October 6, 1699. In the assessment of Upper Dublin in 1776, John Fitzwater is rated for three hundred acres of land and a grist-mill. Mathew and John Fitzwater, probably sons, are mentioned thereon. John Fitzwater, a descendant of this family and an extensive lime- burner and real estate owner, died at Fitzwatertown, May 13, 1857, in his eighty-fourth year, and was buried in the family burying-ground near by. He was owner of a portion of the Emlin estate, on which is the large mansion used by Washington as his headquarters, while the army lay in the vicinity of Whitemarsh. Fitzwater as a surname has now become extinct in Upper Dublin. Dennis (or Tunis) Kunders (or Conard) came from Germany and settled at Germantown before 1700, and with his sons -Conrad, Mathias and John- was naturalized September 29, 1707, to hold and enjoy lands. Peter Cleaver also settled in Germantown, and in 1695 was married, in Abington Meeting, to Catharine Shoemaker, and naturalized in 1707. We find here in 1776, Peter Cleaver owning one hundred and fifty acres; John Cleaver, one hundred; and Isaac Cleaver, one hundred acres. Descendants still possess lands here. The Houpt family is also of German origin, and in Montgomery County has produced several successful business men. Samuel Hount, in 1776, is rated here as possessing a farm of ninety-five acres. His descendents have become numerous. Respecting the Lukens family, in 1776 Ryner Lukens is rated for 100 acres Joseph Lukens, 100 acres Isaac Tyson, 150 acres Mathew Tyson, 50 Jonathan Tyson, 123 acres and a grist-mill. Samuel Spencer, who is mentioned in 1734, was still living in 1776 and represented as "aged," and owing [sic] 150 acres; James Spencer, 150; and John Spencer, the same number of acres. They resided in the eastern part of the township and were members of Horsham Meeting. 1094 Joseph Nash, in the list of 1734, may possibly be the same on whom a raid was made by the British while they held possession of Philadelphia, for which he was allowed two hundred and twenty pounds damages thus sustained. The road from North Wales or Gwynedd to Germantown and Philadelphia, but now better known as the Bethlehem road or turnpike, which was laid out in 1704, but not opened until 1714, passes two miles across the west corner of the township. What is now called the Welsh road was opened from Gwynedd in 1712, forming the boundary line of Horsham, and extends to the present Huntingdon Valley, on the Pennypack. Respecting this road, there was a dispute, in 1731, between the two townships about keeping it in repair. Although Thomas Fitzwater had applied to the court for the grant of a road from his limekilns to the Pennypack Mills, by way of Abington Meeting- House, in 1705, it was not laid out and operated until 1725. This is the road now leading from Fitzwatertown through Weldon and Jenkintown. The Limekiln road was in use and bore this name before 1716. John Burk, in June, 1744, sent a petition to the Court of Quarter Sessions, stating that he had lately erected a grist-mill in Upper Dublin, and that he was in want of a road of about half a mile in length from the same to the Gwynedd road, passing on his line, with lands of Andrew Bradford, deceased. It was accordingly ordered to be laid out. This is now the present John Heist's mill, above Gilkison's Corner. Thomas Fitzwater was appointed collector of taxes for Upper Dublin in 1719; the amount was £10 10s. 8d., equivalent to $28.80 of our present currency. Thomas Siddon was collector in 1722 John Trump in 1723 Hans Caspar Schlater was supervisor of high-ways in 1765 James Spencer, to 1767 Michael Trump, to 1770 George Reagan, 1771 Samuel Murray and Christian Herner, 1772 John Spencer and John Burk, 1774 John Burk and Michael McCrory, until 1777 John Cleaver and Joseph Butler, 1786 Isaac Cleaver and George Dresher, 1788 Amos Lewis and George Dresher, 1792 Christopher Dresher and Jonathan Scout, 1810 Samuel Houpt was constable in 1767 James Spencer assessor in 1776 and Edward Burk collector. At the present Gilkison's Corner, on the Bethlehem turnpike, Andrew Gilkison kept an inn from 1779 to 1786, and most probably later; hence the name of the place. This was on the store property now owned by David Dunnet. About a quarter of a mile above this place was a tavern formerly kept by Benjamin Daves. Paul Bower kept an inn in 1774, and Susanna Wright in 1779, which we are at present unable to locate, but very probably in this vicinity. In 1776, John Fitzwater, Jonathan Tyson, Joseph Detwiler and Lewis Rynear owned grist-mills, and Arthur Broades a fulling-mill, at the present village of Ambler. Upper Dublin contains at present within its limits five houses of worship, namely: Puff's Lutheran, Friends', Dunkard, and Methodist Episcopal at Jarrettown and Baptist at Ambler. There are, besides, five private graveyards, belonging to the Fitzwater, Dresher, Whitcomb and Bergenstock families, and one on the McCormick property. The large stone building used by Washington as his headquarters while the army lay in this vicinity is still standing in Upper Dublin, on the south side of Camp Hill, but a few yards from the Springfield line, and about half a mile from Whitemarsh. In the beginning of this century it was owned by Caleb Emlin, to which was then attached two hundred and thirty-six acres; after his decease, in 1810, it was sold in several tracts. The mansion and about one hundred and twenty acres, were purchased by Mr. Stuckert, next by Mr. Frey in 1833, by John Fitzwater, and after his decease, in the fall of 1857, was purchased by the present owner, Charles T. Aimen, who has taken due care in its preservation. For its day it was certainly a great affair, and even now not many mansions are built larger. It is of stone, seventy-five by thirty-five feet, two full stories in height, and to it was formerly attached a wing on its western end, containing the kitchen. In making some repairs, over thirty years ago, it was deprived of its hip-roof, but otherwise has been very little changed. The hall is fifteen feet wide. The steps at the main front door are of fine soapstone, neatly wrought, and the general appearance of the building denotes it to have been at the date of its erection a superior structure. Its walls are substantial, and with care could be made to last yet for along time. While Washington was here the army was encamped on the hill to the north of the mansion, which was certainly a strong position. It is even yet principally covered with woods. The encampment lasted from October 20 to December 11, 1777, when they proceeded on their march to Valley Forge. On the night of December 5th, General Howe came hither from Philadelphia, by way of Chestnut Hill, with a view of surprising the camp; but on seeing the position and unable to draw out the Americans, returned, by way of Abington and Jenkintown, to the city, the result proving the expedition a failure. The Friends' Meeting-house is situated about half a mile northwest of Jarrettown, and was built in 1814 on a lot of ground presented for the purpose by Phebe Shoemaker. It is a one-story stone building, thirty-six by forty feet in dimensions. From its elevated position a fine prospect is afforded, towards the south of Edge Hill, for some distance, and the intervening country. The ground attached covers about two acres, on which are also erected several sheds for the accommodation of horses. About twenty yards front the front-door is a horse-block, of stone, consisting of five steps to the top, four and a half feet from the ground and three and a half feet wide, now so rare as to become an object of interest to the antiquary. The graveyard covers nearly an acre, and seldom among Friends is one seen having so many white marble tombstones, though rarely over a foot high and with brief inscriptions. The surnames found are Lukens Teas Rutter Beans Shoemaker Lightfoot Hawhurst Hughs Rich Danenhower Thomas Garrigues Cadwallader Spencer Fitzwater Shaw Wilson Reiff Willard Conard Robinson Kenderdine Matlack Dunnet Sill Tyson Atkinson Potts. The families originally composing the meeting were those of David Lukens George Shoemaker Naylor Webster Joseph Kenderdine Samuel Conard Cornelius Conard Thomas Hallowell Jacob Kirk Levi Jarrett Charles Thomas Jesse Lukens Phebe Shoemaker Daniel Shoemaker Thomas Shoemaker Elizabeth Potts George Dunnet Jacob Reiff Isaac Thomas Atkinson Hughs Michael Trump Jonah Potts, now all deceased. A First-day school was started here in 1875, and has been the means of increasing the general attendance of the meeting. 1095 The German Baptist, or Dunkard, meeting-house is nearly a mile northeast of Ambler, on the Plymouth and Upper Dublin turnpike. It is a one-story stone building, twenty-eight by thirty-six feet in dimensions, and was built in 1840. The ground belonging to it is nearly an acre, of which the graveyard occupies about two-thirds. The tombstones contain the names of Reiff Moore Smith Livezy Gamble Slingluff McCool Jones Sperry Fry Wentz Souders Detra Lear Ford Walton Bisson Henry Kneezel Buchanan Lightcap Haycock Wolfe Collum Fulmer Faringer. Before the erection of the meeting-house the congregation worshiped in a school-house in the vicinity. For some time it was a branch of the Germantown Meeting, and was served by their ministers. Elder John Price was its first stated pastor. Caleb H. Price was elected and preached here until he went to the West. John Slingluff and others next supplied the pulpit for several years, or until about 1881, when Israel Poulson, from New Jersey, settled within its bounds and the charge was given him. Worship is held here every Sunday, the services being conducted in English. The flourishing village of Ambler is situated in the western corner of the township, on the east side of the Wissahickon Creek, and near to the Gwynedd and Whitpain line. Its origin and prosperity have been chiefly owing to the North Pennsylvania Railroad, and only dating since its construction in 1856, The census of 1880 gives it a population of two hundred and fifty-one inhabitants, and it promises, from its present prosperity, ere long to add to the present number of boroughs, in the county. In 1883 it contained one hotel one hardware one drug and two general stores one lumber and two coal-yards a grist-mill and about seventy houses. The Baptist Church here is a one-story stone building, of which the Rev. Mr. Humphreys is pastor. Upper Dublin post office was removed here from Gilkison's Corner several years ago, and has only been recently changed to Ambler. In December, 1880, this village, with a small portion of Whitemarsh, Gwynedd and Whitpain adjoining, was formed into an independent school district, of which about one-half of the territory was included from Upper Dublin. The public school building here is of stone, two stories in height, of which Lizzie Magee is teacher. For the school year ending June 1, 1882, it was open eight and a half months with an average attendance of forty-six pupils. There is here also a beneficial society, incorporated May, 1883, -Camp No. 215, of the Patriotic Sons of America, -and several manufacturing establishments. A newspaper was published for about six months, by Dr. Rose, called the "Ambler Times," which was succeeded, in December, 1882, by "The Ambler Gazette," which continues to flourish. In the south part of the village, beside the railroad, is the extensive establishment of Keasbey & Mattison, manufacturing chemists, who employ about sixty hands, chiefly in the preparation of carbonate of magnesia and quinine. The business was commenced here in 1881, and they use several steam-engines, the largest of eighty horse-power. Their office in Philadelphia is at 332 North Front Street. The First National Bank of Ambler was organized in May, 1884, with a capital of fifty-five thousand dollars; Benjamin P. Wertsner, president, and J. J. Houghton, cashier. A batik building was commenced in 1884, and is now nearly completed. To the east of the village is Ambler Park, at which, for several years, an agricultural exhibition has been held. The turnpike through this place was made in 1855, on what has been long known as the Butler road, and extends from the Three Tons to the borough of Conshohocken. The grist-mill owned in 1776 by Joseph Detwiler is now in possession of Edward Plumly, on the west side of the Wissahickon. Arthur Broades had a fulling-mill here, on Rose Valley Run, in 1776, since owned by the Ambler family, but no longer in operation. The track of the North Pennsylvania Railroad here was stated by the engineer to be one hundred and ninety fee, above tidewater level. Should this in the future become a large town, it will possess, from its situation, excellent facilities for a water supply, so often found wanting, at growing places. Fitzwatertown is situated in the southern part of the township, on the Limekiln turnpike, in the midst of the fertile valley of Sandy Run, abounding in limestone and iron-ore. This is an old settlement where Thomas Fitzpatrick followed lime-burning before the summer of 1705 and had a grist-mill erected at an early period. It contains a store hotel, wheel- wright and blacksmith-shop, grist-mill and about twelve house. The post- office was established here before 1858. The value of lime produced in Upper Dublin for 1840 was stated to be twenty thousand two hundred and seventy- five dollars, which was all produced in this vicinity, but the business has since been greatly increased through railroad facilities. Edge Hill Station, of the North Pennsylvania Railroad, is only a mile distant; yet, with all its surpassing advantages, as may be observed, has made but very little progress for the last half-century. The grist-mill mentioned was long carried on by John Price and is now, owned by Samuel Conard. Sandy Run is a steady stream rising at the Moreland line, about three miles distant. 1096 Jarrettown is the second largest village, and is situated near the centre of the township, on the Limekiln turnpike, which was constructed in 1851. It contains a hotel, store, a three-story Odd-Fellows' Hall, two story public school-house and twenty-one houses. The post-office was established here in 1866. Gordon in his "Gazetteer," mentions this place in 1832, as containing five or six dwellings. The name of the place was derived from Levi Jarrett, the owner of several farms in this vicinity in 1815. In 1776, John Jarrett was assessed for two hundred and thirteen acres. The name of Jarrett, like those of Fitzwater and Dresher, has now become extinct in Upper Dublin. On the east side of the pike, in the lower part of the village, stands the Methodist Episcopal Church, built in 1866. The pastors who have served are J. W. Haskins Abel Howard W. L. McDowell R. Turner J. R. Bailey M. Barnhill E. C. Yerkes A. J. Collom E. Townsend G. L. Schaffer. The elections of the township are now held at Jarrettown; previous to 1840, strange to say they had always been held at Whitemarsh, nearly five miles distant, since the origin of the county, over fifty-five years. Dreshertown is situated at the intersection of the Limekiln turnpike with the Susquehanna Street road, and equidistant from Fitzwatertown and Jarrettown. As these two highways are ancient, they must denote an early settlement. It contains a store, grist-mill and eleven houses. A post- office was established here in 1832, and the township elections held here from 1840 until after 1856; both have since been removed to the more flourishing village of Jarrettown. George Dresher, the ancestor of the family, with his wife, Maria, arrived in Pennsylvania, in 1734, from Silesia, and settled in the vicinity of Towamencin. George Dresher, his grandson, shortly after the Revolution, moved to this vicinity, and was one of the supervisors of Upper Dublin in 1788 and 1792. Christopher Dresher, son of George, was born in 1771, and married Anna, daughter of Abraham Anders, in 1799. Their children were Agnes Rebecca George Eli. Christopher Dresher, after whom the place was called, died January 23, 1839, in this village, aged sixty-eight years. He was the owner of the farm now belonging to Jacob Barnet. Christopher Dresher was also a supervisor in 1810. George, the brother of Eli, died January 6,1851, aged thirty-five years. The village of Three Tons is situated in a fine fertile section of country, at the intersection of the Horsham and Butler roads, the latter being turnpiked to Ambler, two and a half miles distant. It contains a store, hotel, school-house, several mechanic shops and five or six houses. The post-office was established here in 1858; T. G. Torbert, postmaster. The Union Library of Upper Dublin is kept here, over the store of E. T. Comly, and now contains about two thousand volumes. It was incorporated May 25, 1840; E. T. Comly, treasurer, and Ellie Teas, secretary and librarian. The Upper Dublin Horse Company, organized many years ago, holds its annual meetings here. Recent researches establish the fact that before 1722 a well traveled path led from Edward Farmar's mill, in Whitemarsh, through this place, to Richard Saunders' ferry, on the Neshaminy (now the village of Bridge Point, three miles south of Doylestown). Gilkison's Corner is situated at the intersection of the Spring House and Butler road turnpikes. It contains a store, six or seven houses and the extensive steam tannery of Alvin D. Foust, established some thirty years ago. It was at this place where Andrew Gilkison kept a tavern in the Revolution and for some years thereafter. The Upper Dublin post-office was located here before 1827, but has been removed half a mile distant, to its more flourishing rival, Ambler, to which its name has only been recently changed. UPPER DUBLIN LUTHERAN CHURCH. -In its vicinity this church is better known as Puff's church, and is located at the east corner of the intersection of the Susquehanna Street and Butler roads, about a mile northeast of Ambler. Concerning its history very little has heretofore been published; but with the assistance of the Rev. B. M. Schmucker, of Pottstown, one of the editors of the "Halle Reports," we are enabled to present an account of this early congregation. The organization of the church was effected in 1753 or 1754 by the Rev. John Frederick Handschuh, the resident pastor of Germantown. It is supposed, from the fact that the burying-ground was then here, that he preached several years previously at this place. The first building was constructed of logs, of which the Rev. H. M. Muhlenberg, of the Trappe congregation, gives us a relation in his report to Halle, dated June 18, 1754. He says,- "Many German Lutherans reside in this neighborhood, and although new beginners and poor, they have erected a roomy school and meeting-house and have besought aid from us. Mr. Handschuh has visited them and administered the word. I visited them at their request and preached on a week-day, baptized several children in the presence of a large assemblage of German and English people, who had gathered from North Wales and other adjacent parts. As there was as yet no roof on the building, and it was difficult to preach in it, I urged the poor people to follow my example, and add their contributions to mine, so that at least one-half of the building might be roofed in, which was done." Mr. Handschuh ministered to the congregation for several years, perhaps until 1757, when the charge devolved upon Mr. Muhlenberg, who sent his student, William Kurtz, to preach, and afterwards committed it to the care of his assistant, Rev. John Helfrich Schaum, who was settled at New Hanover, and took charge of Upper Dublin in the spring of 1758. He continued in the same until 1762, when he removed to Berks County. Mr. Muhlenberg, however, had the general oversight, and occasionally visited the congregation. In January 1763, he administered the communion and stated that he was no longer able to minister to them. In the following June the Rev. Nicholas Kurtz took temporary charge of Germantown and Upper Dublin until June, 1764. This care of the two churches by the same pastor was now continued for many years. 1097 The Rev. Jacob Van Buskirk had charge from 1765 to 1769; John Frederick Schmidt from 1769 to 1785. The time at which his labors ceased is uncertain, but in 1785 the congregation, in union with Tohickon and North Wales Churches, applied for the recognition and ordination of Anton Hecht, who had been a schoolmaster among them, which request was refused. Mr. Hecht, however, was ordain by some independent minister and served Tohickon and same other congregations for several years, and probably preached at Upper Dublin. In 1793, Mr. Van Buskirk settled at North Wales and probably again preached to this congregation. In 1797, Rev. A. Geissenhainer was licensed at the request of Upper Dublin and North Wales, and was pastor until 1801. Soon after this it was again connected with Germantown, and Rev. Frederick David Schaeffer continued in charge at least until 1810, and possibly until his removal to Philadelphia, in 1812. At some unknown time, not earlier certainly than 1810 and possibly several years later, services ceased to be held, the congregation became scattered or lost, the building disappeared and the burial place remained the chief reminder of the past. Chiefly through the efforts of the Hon. John B. Sterigere, whose kindred repose here, a charter was procured from the Legislature in 1852 for a Lutheran congregation at the old burial- ground so long known as Puff's. By the will of Conrad Amrich, proved in 1835, a bequest of six hundred and sixty-four dollars was made to keep the graveyard in repair. Services were held in the public schoolhouse opposite, from 1852, with some regularity, until the erection of the present church by Revs. W. N. Baum and David Swope, of Whitemarsh Church. The cornerstone was laid October 15, 1857, and the church consecrated July 18, 1858, when Rev. John C. Baker, D.D., preached. Rev. Lewis Hippee was pastor until August, 1859; Rev. Edward J. Koons from March 3, 1860, to May 1863; Rev. George Sill from the following September to 1869; Rev. Mathias Sheeleigh from said date until the present time. The members now number about eighty. The church is a one story stone edifice, forty by fifty-six feet, with an iron railing in front. Worship is held here and at the Union Church of Whitemarsh alternately, the services being conducted in English. The graveyard contains about an acre of ground, and several of the earliest stones containing inscriptions are not legible. We find here the surnames of Baughman Leonhart Engard Rodemick Stout Brock, Webster Shaffer Rynear Smith McAlonan Fluck Dilthey Rex Baker Collom Hoffman Behlmier Swink Thomas Bates Berkheimer Snyder Pruner Houpt Taylor Sterigere Aimen Shay Gilbert Ulrich Timanus. The Houpts appear to be the most numerous. One stone was observed bearing the date of 1762 and another of 1770. A marble column about ten feet high has been erected here over the remains of the brothers Wm. L. and John B. Sterigere. The latter died at Norristown October 13 1852, aged upwards of fifty-nine years. In connection with this subject, we may add that the aforesaid was the son of Peter and Elizabeth Sterigere, and was born in Upper Dublin in 1793. He taught school when a young man in the schoolhouse opposite, and at the age of twenty-five received a commission as Justice of the peace and also followed surveying and conveyancing. In 1821 he was elected to the Assembly and continued for three years. He was elected to Congress in 1826 and now left his native township to teach law and was admitted to practice in the fall of 1829. In 1839 he was elected to the State Senate and served two terms. As a member of the Borough Council of Norristown he contributed much towards its improvement, He died unmarried and left a handsome estate, the result of his own almost unaided exertions, having been born of poor parents, and in his youth receiving but a very limited education. He was a man possessed of mental ability and force of character. WM. HOMER AND HIS REMINISCENCES. -Wm. Homer was descended from a family that by an ancient document dates back to 1684 in Byberry and perhaps Bensalem, adjoining. Mention is made of one of this name owning a farm of fifty acres in the former township in 1734, and in 1782 of two hundred acres. It is likely the former was his grandfather, as he bore his name. His father was also William Homer, who moved from Byberry, in the spring of 1767, on the farm he purchased from James Thornton, containing one hundred and forty-four acres, situated in the east corner of Upper Dublin, a little over a mile northwest of the Willow Grove. Here the subject of this notice was born in July, 1767, and resided during his long life, extending nearly to a century. After he grew to manhood he married Hannah, the daughter of Morris Edwards, whom he many years survived. He had an only brother, Chilion, and two sisters. While young, in addition to working on his fathers farm, be followed carpentering, and in the winter, in his workshop, made bureaus, tables and other articles of furniture. As a mechanic he was self-taught, having a turn that way. He received a very ordinary education, having gone but to two places to school, one was near the present Dreshertown. His father, in the assessors list for 1776, is rated for keeping two horses, four cows and six sleep, a fair example of the amount of stock then generally kept on farms of similar size. 1098 Several traits in the character of William Homer deserve mention. He had his farm divided with the requisite buildings to each, which were rented to his two sons, Cyrus and Jesse, on shares, while he retained for his use a part of the old mansion. Being of a rather retiring and unassuming turn, he was given to spending a portion of his leisure with tools. He had a peculiar fondness for rearing bees, and an attachment to straw hives, also for pigeons, having often over a hundred together, which he loved to feed. The latter would often be shot at during autumn by depredating sportsmen hailing from Philadelphia and Germantown. He estimated men by their intellect or for holding landed estates like himself. He never went farther from home than to Philadelphia, Bristol, Newtown, Norristown and Doylestown, which would not exceed twenty miles, The latter place be remembered when it contained but three or four houses. He had also been to "Buckingim" as he called it. It is supposed that he had never ridden in a stagecoach, omnibus, steamboat or railroad car. He thus passed a contented and unambitious life, was of good habits and respected by his neighbors. On the 31st of January, 1860, he died at the advanced age of ninety-two years and six months, retaining good health till near the last. At his funeral, Henry Woodman, of Buckingham, delivered an excellent sermon. In religion he was a Friend, and he was buried in the graveyard attached to Horsham Meeting-house. He left two sons and three daughters; the former are now both deceased. Jesse Homer, the last, died on the estate March 6, 1883, in his eighty-fifth year. Extracts will now be given from his reminiscences, taken down by the writer in casual visits to his house fully one-third of a century ago. He saw wild turkeys in his fathers woods occasionally as late as the year 1785. Turkey buzzards were frequently seen as late as the beginning of this century.. Wild pigeons, at times, were seen in immense flocks, particularly in 1793, the year of the yellow fever in Philadelphia. He remembered well one flock particularly, that appeared to be about one and a half miles long and all of half a mile in breadth. Previous to 1810 they bred in great numbers in the woods, and he had counted as many as twenty nests on one tree. He had himself caught, in nets, many thousands in the spring and fall. Horses an wagons were used to convey what were thus taken. One of his nets, now almost a century old, is still preserved in the family. The last bear seen in the vicinity was in the woods, nearly a mile northeast of his house, in 1772. In his woods he also showed traces of three sawpits, which had been used in his father's day to convert logs into boards with a whip-saw. Concerning the Willow Grove, he related the following particulars: Here he first went to school, in a log school-house that stood near the forks of the old York and Easton roads. Joseph Butler kept the tavern there in the Revolution, being the stand so long known as the Red Lion. While the British held possession of Philadelphia a detachment came out and took him prisoner. Divisions of the American army encamped several times in the orchard back of the tavern. The soldiers appeared to be chiefly Virginians, who practiced shooting at a mark one hundred yards distant with rifles, and he stated that they got him to cut out the balls for them with a hatchet. In the skirmish of December 8, 1777, on Edge Hill, near the present Susquehanna Street road, where Morgan's regiment had twenty-seven either killed or wounded, some of the latter were brought in a wagon to Butler's tavern, where the scholars beheld them so bloody that it frightened them so that they hurried back to the school-house. Where is now the Mineral Spring Hotel lived Nathan Bewly, who followed scyth-making, and had a mill for grinding them immediately back of his house, in the meadow, the dam being on the west side of the York road, now Rittenhouse's meadow. He caught sunfish there with a hook and line. Near the present intersection of the railroad and turnpike there then lived a woman called Nanny McSween, whose husband followed hunting at the Blue Mountains. On the formation of Montgomery County, in 1784, the elections for thirteen townships were held at the village of Whitemarsh, nearly four miles from his farm. On those occasions a great many pugilistic encounters took place, fighting being postponed for those occasions. He remarked the great diminution taking place in streams, through clearing the land and drainage. He remembered in his vicinity the sites of three grist-mills that had long ago disappeared, owing to a want of water. Apple-cuttings, apple- butter boilings, flax-pullings, flax-spinning, corn-huskings and shooting- matches had become things of the past. About 1790 there resided about two miles west of him a famed "witch doctor," as he was called, of considerable practice. He was chiefly called upon to relieve children, horses and cattle thus afflicted. He was a witness more than once to his operation. He carried with him on these occasions, a large black-letter volume, bound with brass clasps, which he would open and repeat a peculiar lingo, and use certain powders to exorcise and ward off the evil influences under which it was supposed the victim had been laboring. That he possessed supernatural powers, and that witchcraft actually existed, was really believed in at this time by not a few throughout the country. Those that practiced the "doctoring" were really looked up to as following a beneficial calling. ASSESSMENT OF UPPER DUBLIN, 1776. James Spencer, assessor and Edward Burk, Jr., collector. John Trump, 158 acres 1 horse and 1 cow John Fitzwater, 300 a. 5 h. 5 c. and a grist-mill Mathew Fitzwater, 1 h John Fitzwater, Jr Ellis Lewis, 280 a. 5 h. 5 c John Lewis, 1 servant 3 h. 2 c Jacob Howell, 1h. 1 c Joseph Nash, 100 a. 2 h. 2 c. Jacob Timenus, 100 a. 2 h 2 c. aged Peter Shoemaker, 14a., 2 h. 2 c Andraw Kastner, 140 a. 2 h. 2 c George Kastner, 140 a. 2 h. 2c Stephen Brown, 75 a. 1 servant, 2 h. 2 c John Mann, 150 a. 3 h. 4 c Isaac Tyson, 150 a. 4 h. 5 c Jonathan Tyson, 123 a. 1 servant 3 h. 3 c. and a grist-mill Abraham Charlesworth, 200 a. 3 h. 4 c aged and helpless John Heston, 150 a. 2 h. 6 c Leonard Knorr, 1h. 2 c Martin Faringer, 6 h 6 c Michael Rapp, 4 h. 8 c. 1 servant Rynear Lukens, 100 a. 5 h. 4 c Joseph Lukens, 100 a., 5 h 3 c Isaac Kirk, 200 a. 3 h.3 c Rynear Kirk, 200 a 4 h. 5 c Mathias Smith, 100 a. 1h. 1 c John Coler, 7 a., 1c David Coler, 3 a Caspar Slater, 50 a. 2 h. 2 c. has 9 children Mathusala Evans, 100 a. 2 h. 2 c Daniel Rynear 83 a., 1h. 3 c Samuel Houpt, 95 a., 2 h. 3 c George Regan, 100 a. 3 h. 5 c. 1 servant, aged Mathew Tyson, 50 a. 1 h 3 c Samuel McCrory, 30 a. 1 h. 2 c Abraham Hollis, 3 h. 2 c Henry Inghart, 10 a. 1h. 3 c Edward Wells, 3 h. 3 c Daniel McVaugh, 3 h 2 c Edward Burk, 50 a. aged Arthur Broades, 24 a. 2h 3c. and a fulling-mill John Weiss, 80 a., 2 h. 4 c Lewis Rynear, 80 a. 2 h 8 c. and a grist-mill William Homer, 140 a. 2 h. 4 c Christian Herner, 150 a. 4 h. 7 c. has 7 children Michael Trump, 140 a. 3h. 4 c Abraham Trump Catharine Inghart, 90 a. 1h 1 c Bastian Wolfinger, 1 c James Sloane, 1c Peter Cleaver, 150 a 1 h Nathan Cleaver, 2 h. 4 c John Cleaver, 100 a. 2 h 3 c Jacob Romer, 50 a. 2 h. 1 c Henry Romer Isaac Cleaver, 100 a. 3 h. 2 c Alexander McDowell, 130 a. 2 h. 4 c Isaac Shoemaker, 100 a 4 h 2 c. has 7 children Edward Burk, 78 a. 2 h. 4 c Isaac Wood, 40 a., 3 h. 2 c John Burk, 60 a. 3h., 8 c Jacob Cobler, 14 a. 1h. 1 c. John Chestnut, 2 h. 2 c John Martin 75 a. 1 h. 1 c Mathias Martin, 75 a. 1h. 1 servant John Trump, Jr., 100 a. 3 h. 3 c. John Jarrett, 213 a. 4 h. 8 c John Potts, 150 a. 2 h. 5 c John Spencer, 150 a. 3 h. 4 c Samuel Spencer, 150 a., 2 h. 2 c. aged James Spencer, 150 a., 3 h. 3 c Jacob Shaneline, 2 h 1c John Robinson, 70 a. 2 h. 3 c Henry Grubb, 1 a. 1 h. 2 c Benjamin Walton, 5 h. 3 c Hannah Walton, 1 h. 1 c William Brown, 2 h. 1 c John Inghart, 2 a. 1 h. 1 c John Baker, 1h 1 c Mark Cupp, 25 a. 1h. 1 c James McDowell, 1 h 1 c James McCrory, 15 a John Whitcomb, 1 c Peter Budey,[?] 2 h. 2 c Jacob Woolrich, 140 a. 2 h. 4 c Jonathan Thomas, 9 a. 1 h 2 c Rudolph Bartholomew, 2 h. 3 c George Snyder John Jamison Paul Brown, 19 a 1h 1c John Eman, 6 a 1 c Joseph Seifert Jacob Fulmore, 1 c Joseph Cartwright George Hoffman, 1 c Samuel Spencer, 30 a. 2 h 2 c. Henry Fret SINGLE MEN Amos Lewis John McGlathery James Britton John Faringer George Faringer Jacob Lukens Christian Herner Jr John Sterner Peter Leasor John Dunlap Benjamin Stemple William Inghart Peter Inghart John Burk Nicholas Rynear Amos Regan. 1099 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. CHARLES PAXSON. Charles Paxson was the son of Joshua and Mary (Willett) Paxson, of Middletown township, near Langhorne, Bucks Co., Pa, where he was born on the 19th of August, 1803. He was one of the younger of a family of nine children, all of whom lived to pass the middle age, and one of whom (Mrs. Anna P. Burton, widow of Anthony Burton, of Bucks County) is still living, at Germantown. It is related of these nine children that they were all possessors of vigorous health, stout and robust in person, and that at one time their aggregate weight exceeded two thousand pounds. In 1808, Charles Paxson removed with his parents from Bucks County to Cheltenham township, Montgomery Co., where he resided with them for eighteen years, on the farm, which is now of the estate of John W. Thomas, deceased. In 1826, he removed from the paternal homestead in Cheltenham to Upper Dublin township, where he located on a fine farm which his father, Joshua Paxson, had purchased a few years earlier, it being a section of the old Spencer property, patented from William Penn. In later years it became known as the "Spring Farm," on which Mr. Paxson lived for more than half a century, until his death, and which is now the residence of his widow. PICTURE OF CHARLES PAXSON, APPEARS HERE. Charles Paxson was married, January 4, 1844, to Agnes, daughter of John and Sarah (Paxson) Tyson, of Abington. The families on both sides, from their early ancestors down to the present time, have been of the Society of Friends. The children of Charles and Agnes Tyson Paxson have been Sarah T. (now living at the Paxson homestead) Joshua W. Anna B. Josephine (died in July, 1883) Charles S. Paxson. Their father, Charles Paxson, died at his home, in Upper Dublin township, on the 2d of March, 1880, in the seventy-seventh year of his age. His remains were interred in the family lot in the Friends' graveyard at Abington. At the time of his death Mr. Paxson was the owner of two farms, situated on the Limekiln, Horsham and Welsh roads, and aggregating two hundred and eighty-five acres of excellent and well-watered lands. He was a practical farmer, of advanced ideas, who pursued his chosen vocation with the intelligence, enterprise and industry, which seldom, if ever, fail to yield the return, which they gave to him, -that of abundant success. He possessed a firm will, a noble spirit and a genial nature. He ever gave his support to the wise reforms of his day, as opposed to traditional wrong and depredation, and he took especial delight in the eloquence of orators who, like Phillips, uttered what he termed sublime truths in advocacy of the righteousness which exalteth a nation. At the time of his death a gifted writer, who had known Mr. Paxson well and intimately through life, paid this truthful tribute to his memory: "The deceased was possessed of traits of character that, wherever found, adorn human nature. He was a good neighbor, a kind friend, an affectionate husband and a kind, considerate father; beyond these he was a just man, a liberal Christian, a patriotic citizen and an earnest reformer; a ]over and helper of every good work that was going on in the world, that came within his cognizance. He was one of a half-dozen noble men in his neighborhood who uplifted the banner of anti- slavery in the beginning, in the time that truly tried men's souls, and maintained it to the end, not aggressively, but patiently, steadfastly, and without a thought of consequences or of giving up the contest while the wrong existed." The ancestry of Charles Paxson and of his wife, Agnes Tyson, is traced back respectively to two brothers,-William and James Paxson, who came from Bucks County, England, to America, in the ship "Samuel," in 1682, and settled at Middletown (now Langhorne), in Bucks County, Pa. The first- mentioned William Paxson married Mary Packingham, and they became the parents of William Paxson, the second, who was married, in 1711, to Mary Watson. 1100 Their son, William Paxson, the third, was married, in 1740, to Anna Marriott, daughter of Thomas Marriott and his wife, Martha Kirkbride, who was a daughter of Joseph and Phebe (Blackshaw) Kirkbride and a granddaughter of Randle Blackshaw. William and Anna (Marriott) Paxson were the parents of Joshua Paxson, who, with his wife, Mary (Willett) Paxson, were the parents of Charles Paxson, the subject of this memoir and the great-great-grandson of the William Paxson who came to America in 1682. On the maternal side his ancestry is traced still further back, to Thomas Cornell, whose daughter, Sarah Cornell, married Thomas Willett; and their son, Col. Thomas Willett (baptized in 1645), married Helena, daughter of Elbert Stoothoff. Their son, John Willett, married Mary, daughter of John Rodman. They were the parents of Jonathan Willett, whose wife, Deborah Lawrence, was a daughter of Obadiah Lawrence, the granddaughter of Major William Lawrence and his wife, Deborah Smith, and the great-granddaughter of William Lawrence, and of Richard Smith. Jonathan and Deborah (Lawrence) Willett were the parents of Mary Willett, wife of Joshua Paxson and mother of Charles Paxson. The lineage of Agnes Tyson, wife of Charles Paxson, is traced back to James, the brother of the first William Paxson, who, as before mentioned, came to America and settled in Bucks County in, 1682. William Paxson, son of James and Jane Paxson, was born October 25, 1675, and died in May, 1719. He was married, December 20, 1695, to Abigail, daughter of George Pownell. Their son, Thomas Paxson, was married, in 1731, to Jane Canby, daughter of Thomas and Mary (Oliver) Canby and granddaughter of Benjamin Canby and of Evan Oliver. Thomas Paxson died in October, 1782. His son, Jacob Paxson, was married, November 13,1777, to Mary Shaw, daughter of Jonathan and Sarah Shaw, a daughter of Jacob and Mary (Shaw) Paxson was Sarah Paxson, who became the wife of John Tyson and mother of Agnes Tyson, wife of Charles Paxson. PICTURE OF WILLIAM C. POTTS, APPEARS HERE. WILLIAM C. POTTS. William C. Potts, of Upper Dublin township, and one of its most widely- known and prominent men, as he is also one of its most prosperous farmers, is of Welsh extraction, directly descended from the first emigrants of that family name, -David and Alice Potts, -who came from Wales to Pennsylvania, and settled -at Germantown nearly, if not quite, two hundred years ago. Among their descendants of two or three generations later was John Potts, who, in 1760, was married to Hannah Davis. Their farm was one of about one hundred and fifty acres, in which was included about fifty acres of the homestead property, now owned and occupied by their great-grandson, William C. Potts, in Upper Dublin. The house in which he now lives was built by John Potts for his son Thomas at the time of his marriage. It was occupied by Thomas Potts, the elder, during his life, and after him by his son, Thomas Potts, the father of William C. John Potts, the great-grandfather, died in 1808. His son Thomas was born July 7, 1761, and died March 2, 1812. His son, Thomas Potts, the second, was born February 23, 1802, and died February 1870. His wife was Caroline Cooper, daughter of William Cooper, of Horsham Township. She died in 1851. 1101 William C. Potts, son of Thomas and Caroline (Cooper) Potts, was born November 10, 1827, in the house where he now lives, and which had been the home of his father and grandfather before him. The only other child of Thomas and Caroline C. Potts was Thomas Elwood Potts, who is now living on a good farm near his brother's, in Upper Dublin. The youth of William C. Potts was passed in the manner usual to farmers' boys of his time, -working on the farm in the summer season, and in winter attending the common schools, which furnished his only means of education. In 1855 he commenced farming for himself on the farm of his father, who at that time retired from the active pursuits of agriculture, but continued to live at the homestead with his son until his death, in 1870. The farm of Thomas Potts, which was seventy-seven acres in area, became the property of his son, William C., who has been very successful, not only as a farmer, but in other business enterprises. By subsequent purchase he has increased the farm to one hundred and five acres, well stocked and under excellent cultivation, and he is also the possessor of ample means independent of his real estate. He was an original stockholder in the First National Bank of Ambler, and has been a member of its board of directors from its organization to the present time. He has been a Republican in politics from the time of the formation of that party, but has never held nor in any way sought for public office of any kind. On the 4th of January 1855, William C. Potts was married to Phebe K., daughter of Jacob Walton, Of Horsham Township, and they have been the parents of the following-named children: Thomas Elwood (now living with them) Dubre K. (deceased) Carrie (died in her tenth year) Lydia W. (youngest child and living at home). Mr. and Mrs. Potts are members of the Upper Dublin Friends' Meeting, and the ancestors of both, for many generations back, were of the people called Quakers. DAVID J. AMBLER. David J. Ambler, of the village of Ambler, in Upper Dublin township, is descended from an ancestor named Joseph Ambler, of Montgomery township, who (as is shown by the Philadelphia County records) purchased a certain tract of ninety acres of land in that township of William Morgan, May 1, 1723. Among the children of this Joseph Ambler and Ann, his wife, were Edward and John Ambler. The ninety-acre tract in Montgomery Township, above mentioned, was sold by Joseph Ambler, in 1768, to his son Edward, who, in 1770, devised it by will to his brother John, who was great-grandfather of the present David J. Ambler. In 1794, John Ambler sold the same tract for two hundred pounds to his son Edward, who was by trade a weaver. The present residence of Mrs. Mary Ambler, in Montgomery Township, is the place where Edward Ambler lived, and where he died on the 1st of January, 1838. His wife, Ann Ambler, died October 15, 1827. Their son Andrew, the father of David J. Ambler, was married, May 14, 1829, to Mary Johnson, daughter of Benjamin and Abigail Johnson, of Richland, Bucks Co. The Johnson family was of German descent. Andrew Ambler settled in Lower Dublin Township, on eighty acres of land, which he purchased in 1832 of Mary Davies, and on which he built and occupied a house, which is still standing in Ambler village, and owned by Charles 0. Yocum. He was a fuller by trade, and soon after his settlement he built a fulling-mill on his land, on the site of a small mill of the same kind which had stood there more than seventy years, having been sold, in 1759, by the executor of Daniel Morris, to Arthur Broades, father of the Mary Davies, from whom Andrew Ambler had made the purchase. The Ambler fulling-mill remained in use many years, and was finally destroyed by fire December 31, 1869. Andrew Ambler died March 7, 1850, at the age of fifty-six years. His widow, Mary J. Ambler, died August 18, 1868, aged sixty-three years. It was for her that the station (and from it the village) of Ambler received its name. During her widowhood (in 1856) a very serious railroad accident occurred near Fort Washington by the collision of a school excursion train going north with a local passenger train going south. On receiving the intelligence Mrs. Ambler, without a moment's delay, gathered lint, bandages and other necessary materials, and went on foot two miles to the scene of the disaster, where she remained through the day till all the wounded were cared for, rendering such conspicuous service to the suffering victims as elicited the warmest gratitude and high commendation from the officers of the railroad company, who, after her death, honored her memory by changing the name of the station from Wissahickon to Ambler. 1102 David J., son of Andrew and Mary (Johnson) Ambler, was born March 22, 1837, at his father's place, in what is now Ambler village. His education was obtained at the common schools, supplemented by two winter terms at the Freeland Seminary, then in charge of Henry A. Hunsicker. After leaving school he was employed for two years as a clerk in a store at Fitzwatertown, Montgomery Co. In 1859 he went to Quakertown, Bucks Co., where he established a coal and lumber business, in which he continued for ten years. In 1869 he removed to Upper Dublin Township, where he purchased the homestead property on which he was born, and upon which a part of the village of Ambler was laid out and sold in lots in 1870-71. In 1874 he returned to Quakertown, and again engaged in the coal and lumber business, which he still retains, though now living in Ambler, to which place he returned in 1878, and built the stone mansion which has from that time been his residence. PICTURE OF DAVID J. AMBLER, APPEARS HERE. In the years 1866-68, inclusive, Mr. Ambler was a member of the Borough Council of Quakertown. In 1868 he was elected a director of the Doylestown National Bank, and resigned after two years' service. In 1884 he, with Benjamin P. Wertsner, William M. Singerly and others, organized the First National Bank of Ambler, of which he has been a director from the time of its opening. He is now, and has been for four years, one of the directors of the Ambler Independent School District. Mr. Ambler was married, March 6, 1862, to Caroline F., daughter of Aaron Penrose, of Quakertown, Bucks Co. They have one daughter, Ella, who is the wife of Daniel M. Leedom, son of Dr. Edwin C. Leedom, of Plymouth, Montgomery Co. Three brothers of Mr. Ambler-viz.: Isaac E. Joseph M. E. Evan J. -are also residents of Ambler village. Another brother, Louis J., resides in Philadelphia. The family of Ambler in Montgomery and Bucks Counties for many generations, extending back at least one hundred and sixty years, have been members of the Society of Friends. JOHN L. JONES. John L. Jones, one of the substantial land-owners and farmers of Upper Dublin township, of which he has been a resident for more than sixty years, was born on the farm of his father, in Montgomery township, of the same county, on the 25th of June, 1811. He was a son of Henry Jones and his wife, Jane Lewis, daughter of Amos Lewis, who owned and occupied a fine farm at Three Tuns, Upper Dublin Township. 1103 The children of Henry and Jane (Lewis) Jones were Lewis and Clement, both deceased; John L., born as above stated, and now residing at Jarrettown; and Henry, now living at Ambler, in Upper Dublin. The father of these children, Henry Jones, died in 1815, when his son John L. was between four and five years of age. He received his only education at the common schools, which he attended in winter, working on the farm in the summer season. In 1821 he moved, with his mother and the family, from the Jones place, in Montgomery Township, which was then owned and occupied by his grandfather, Amos Lewis, who died a few months later in the same year. Mrs. Jones then occupied the farm of her father for nineteen years, until 1840, when she died and the property of herself and her deceased husband (the homestead and two other farms) was divided among their sons, Lewis, the eldest, taking the old Jones place of one hundred and seventy acres, in Montgomery township, and John L. becoming the owner of the Lewis homestead farm, of one hundred and eight acres, in Upper Dublin. On that place, as boy and man, he lived and worked as a farmer for more than a half-century, leading an honest and industrious life, and gaining a property more than ample for all his needs and requirements. In 1872 he removed from the Lewis farm to a smaller property which he had purchased at Jarrettown, and which is still his place of residence. After his removal from the old homestead farm of his grandfather, Lewis, he still continued to own it about twelve years longer, and finally sold it in 1884. PICTURE OF JOHN L. JONES, APPEARS HERE. John L. Jones was married, February 12, 1840, to Margaret Garrigues, daughter of Benjamin and Anna Garrigues, who were the parents of three daughters and one son, all of whom are now living, viz.: Margaret (Mrs. John L. Jones), Lee Garrigues (now of Norristown), Sarah (wife of George Wood, of Moreland township) and Ellen (wife of John Meredith, of Norristown). The children of John L. and Margaret Jones have been Evan, born February 2, 1841, and died November 5, 1864 Jane, born January 13,1843, and now the wife of Dr. Franklin T. Haines, of Rancocas, N. J. Anna G., born February 13, 1845, and died April 1, 1866 Mary Ellen, born April 20, 1847, and died, January 30, 1869 Caroline, born July 12, 1849, and died in infancy Clement, born November 21, 1850, died in infancy Henry, born November 28, 1852, died in infancy Caroline H., born July 9, 1854, and died September 19, 1881 Louisa G., born August 6, 1837, died at Enterprise, Fla., and March 12, 1882. Mr. Jones has always been a steadfast adherent of the Republican Party from the beginning of its existence to the present time, but he has never been an office-seeker or a politician, in the strict meaning of the term. He and his wife are descendants of Quaker ancestors, and both are members of the Friends' Meeting of Upper Dublin. 1104 BENJAMIN KENDERDINE. Benjamin Kenderdine, one of the wealthy farmers and most respected citizens of Upper Dublin, was born in Horsham township, Montgomery Co., on the 16th of August, 1818, he being a son of Thomas Kenderdine, a grandson of Benjamin Kenderdine, and a great-grandson of Thomas Kenderdine (all of Horsham township), and a descendant of a more remote ancestor of the family name, who came from Wales and made his first settlement in Abington. The first of the Kenderdine family who settled in Horsham was Richard, a half- brother of the elder Thomas Kenderdine, which last-named, purchased and settled on the Horsham farm immediately after the death of its previous owner, Richard Kenderdine. From that early time to the present the Kenderdine family have been of the Society of Friends and members of the Horsham Friends' Meeting. Benjamin Kenderdine, of Upper Dublin, was the youngest of Thomas Kenderdine's family of eight children, who were the following named: Armitage, who died in Illinois Margaret, unmarried, and now living in Horsham township Mary, married David Todd, and both she and her husband deceased Hannah, widow of Robert Tomlinson Sarah, unmarried, living in Horsham Elizabeth, married Chalkley Kimball, of Hilltown, Bucks Co., where she died Rachel, unmarried, living in Horsham Benjamin Kenderdine, of Upper Dublin, to whom this sketch especially refers. PICTURE OF BENJ. KENDERDINE, APPEARS HERE. In January, 1844, he married Sarah Ann Sneden, of New York. Their children are Cornelia, wife of D. Jarrett Kirk, of Upper Dublin, and Thomas, who is unmarried, living at the Kenderdine homestead, in the same township, near the Horsham line. 1105 CHAPTER LXXVI. UPPER HANOVER TOWNSHIP. IN the extreme northwestern part of the county is situated the township of Upper Hanover, bounded on the north by Lehigh, northwest by Berks, and east by Bucks Counties, south by New Hanover and Frederick, southeast by Marlborough and west by Douglas. Its greatest length is five and a half miles, greatest width four and a half miles, with an area of twenty-three square miles, or fourteen thousand seven hundred and sixty acres, having been reduced nearly two hundred acres by the erection of East Greenville into a borough, in 1875. The surface is rolling and in some parts quite hilly. The soil it chiefly red shale. The Horsensack Hills, the highest elevation, commence near the Douglas line and extend across the whole northwestern part of the township at the distance of a mile from the Berks County line. They are covered with large bowlders of granite, which are being split up, and furnish the best of material for building purposes. From the top of these hills splendid views of the valley on each side, with the hills beyond, are had, the view to the south being, especially fine. Below, the valley expands and becomes a broad basin surrounded with hills, extending a distance of over six miles, nearly through the centre of which the Perkiomen Creek flows in a southern direction upwards of seven miles, and propels in this distance five grist-mills and four saw-mills. Hosensack, West Branch and Macoby Creeks are tributaries of this stream, the last-mentioned flowing through the eastern part of the township. They also furnish some water-power. The Goshenhoppen and Green Lane turnpike extends to Treichlersville, Berks Co., and was completed in 1851. It passes on the ridge between the Perkiomen and Maceby Creeks, its elevation being such that persons driving along the road have a full view of the valley and surrounding hills. For about four miles this road is nearly level, and presents one of the most beautiful and attractive drives, with its succession of villages, farms, churches and fine scenery, that can be desired. The Gerysville and Sumneytown turnpike, finished in 1865, crosses the eastern angle of the township for two and a half miles, and another public road passes along the ridge between the Perkiomen and West Branch, known as the "Devil's Hole road." The Perkiomen Railroad has a course of upwards of five miles, with stations at Welkers, Hanover, Pennsburg, Palm and Hosensack. It was opened to Pennsburg in 1874, and in September of the following year to Emaus and the Lehigh Valley. Though so recently constructed, this improvement has already done much to develop this part of the county, formerly so remote from railroads. The post-offices are Pennsburg, Red Hill, Palm and Hillegass. The largest villages are Pennsburg, Palm, Kleinville and Hillegassville. The population of Upper Hanover in 1800 was 738 in 1830, 1300 in 1850, 1741 in 1870, 2197 in 1880, 2408. The taxables in 1741 numbered 97 in 1828, 258 in 1858, 504 in 1875, 646 in 1884, 628. This township, which was a part of Hanover township, was formed before 1741 and for early settlers the reader is referred to the article on New Hanover Johann Frederick Hillegass, the ancestor of the numerous family of this name in this locality, arrived in the ship "William and Sarah" from Rotterdam in September, 1727. He had seven sons and three daughters; two of the former, Leopold and Adam, came over a few years later. Before 1734 we find that he took up a tract of one hundred and fifty acres of land here, on which he made the first improvement. Isaac and John Kein came from German in 1736, and the Kleins of this locality are probably their descendants. Tobias Hartranft in 1742 took up a patent of one hundred and thirty acres of land from the proprietaries. THE FIRST GRIST-MILL ON THE UPPER PERKIOMEN. -The following data of an ancient and interesting character, furnished by Philip Super, Esq., would seem to fix with reasonable certainty the claim of Upper Hanover to the oldest grist-mill on the Upper Perkiomen. Considering the importance attached to improvements of this character in the days of first settlements, the expensiveness of machinery, the importation from Europe of mill-stones, and their transportation on wagons from Philadelphia, over roads that were little more than cart-ways or bridle-paths, it becomes a matter of historical interest to fix as near as possible the early location of those establishments which supplied flour to the first bread-winners of the valley. "To-day, date ye 6th February, 1738 to '39, an agreement has been made between Geo. Groner and Frederick Hillegass, in Upper Hanover township; above-named George Groner has sold his mill and the land to it from the white-oak tree down to where the stakes are set to Robert Thomas' line and along with it the crow-bar, two hatchets, and one broad axe, and the half-bushel, and the toll and two hogsheads, and all things nail fast; and George Groner promises that Frederick Hillegass shall have the right from Jacob Wissler's line down, to the mill-privilege, with the mill race, one perch on this side and one perch on the other side, but the above-mentioned Hillegass must do him no damage; the above-mentioned Hillegass shall keep said George Groner clear of expenses that might be made on the certain land that he has sold to him and said Groner shall still have the privilege to grind in the mill till the first day of April, 1739, and the above-named Frederick Hillegass promises said George Groner to give for the mill and above-mentioned land 150 pound and one wagon, 80 pound on the 16th of November, and 25 pound on the 16th of November, 1740, and again 25 pound on the 16th of November, 1741, and further Frederick Hillegass promises to pay 20 pound on the 16th of November, in the year 1742, and the purchaser and seller promise to fulfill the above sale, as witness. "JOHANNES HULS. " PHILIP LARAR "FREDERICK HILLGASS "GEORGE GRONER "[Seal.]" "Articles of agreement made, indented, agreed and fully concluded on the twenty-third day of February, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and thirty-eight end nine, between George Groner of Upper Hanover township and county of Philadelphia, yeoman, of the one part, and George Shenk, of the game place, husbandman, of the other part, witnesseth that the said George Groner for the consideration of fifty-five pounds, current lawful money of Pennsylvania, the said George Groner hath bargained and sold, and doth bargain and sell, unto the said George Shenk all the improvements and work done upon a piece or tract of land that was bought of Lodowig Christian Sproegel some years ago, in the township above mentioned situated on Macove creek, an improvement which Henry Roder hath improved and possessed some years ago, containing in one hundred and fifty acres of land, which has been surveyed to the said Groner and said Roder, doth except for a reserve of the said plantation for his heirs, exes., adms., or assigns one perch or pole of land upon one side of the mill-race, and one perch or pole upon the other side forever, for to mend the race, but the said Groner, his heirs, execs., admins, and assigns shall not moe any grass upon the said reserved land, and the said George Shenk, his heirs execs., and admins., End assigns shall not make any fence without license within a perch or pole distance of the said race, and it is also agreed that the said Geo. Shenk, his heirs, execs., admins., or assigns shall keep the said the George Groner, his heirs, execs., admins., or assigns harmless of any costs or charges or interests which could or should be demanded any time hereafter of the said tract or piece of land. As for the time performance, the both parties have interchangeably set their hands and seal in the 12th year of his Majesty's Reign, George the second, by the Grace of God, King of Great Brittain, &c., in the year of our Lord one thousand seven, hundred and thirty-eight and nine. N. B. -The said George Groner hath accepted the half crop of winter corn which is now sowed in the ground, which shall be divided next harvest upon the field. "Sealed and delivered In the presence of us, "LUDWIG BITTING "PETER WALSTEIN "GEORGE GROWER "GEORGE SHENK "[Seal.]" These documents conclusively prove that there was a mill on the Makove Creek, in Upper Hanover township, before the 6th day of February, 1739. 1106 PENNSBURG is situated on the Green Lane and Goshenhoppen turnpike, and the station of the Perkiomen Railroad here is twenty-three miles from the Reading Junction, and forty-eight from Philadelphia. The greater part of the ground on which Pennsburg now stands was formerly owned by several brothers by the name of Heilig, and as each of these had built a house along the public road, which has since become the turnpike road, the place began to assume the appearance of a village, and people, in speaking of it, began to name it, some calling it by one name, and some by another, the greatest number speaking of as Heiligville. After much talking, a meeting wag held at the store of Jacob Hillegass, Sr., on an evening in the beginning of the year 1843, for the purpose of deciding the question in dispute, at which three different names were proposed, viz.: Heiligville Pennsburg Buchananville this last after James Buchanan, who was then a Senator of the United States, and afterwards President. At this meeting it was agreed that the village should commence at the line of Frederick Hillegass' (later Thomas B. Hillegass') land at the south, and extend up the road to the upper line of land then owned by the heirs of James Ashmead, deceased, on the north, a distance of a mile and a half. There was no difficulty in fixing the boundaries, as each one was agreed that the village was destined to become an important place, and that it was therefore desirable to have plenty of ground to spread upon, and thus prevent the necessity of annexing more territory for a long time to come. But when it came to agreeing upon a name, the unanimity of the meeting was at once broken up, the advocates of the different names becoming very much excited, and each vehemently insisting upon the adoption of his favorite name. It becoming evident, after a long discussion, that neither party could command a majority of the votes of the meeting for the name desired by it, a compromise was effected, by which it was agreed to adjourn the meeting for a week, and to invite all either in or out of the village who felt an interest in the matter to attend. Notice of the adjourned meeting was accordingly published, and as each party had been busy in advocating its cause, the meeting proved large and enthusiastic. After another heated discussion the vote was annually taken, when the name of Pennsburg was adopted by a considerable majority over its competitors. The proceedings were ordered to be published in the "Bauern Freund," at that time published in Sumneytown, and from thenceforth Pennsburg was the name under which the village has grown and prospered. At that time the village contained twelve houses scattered along the road, in one of which was a country store. It also had a blacksmith-shop, a carpenter-shop, and some out-buildings." The tavern was wanting. There had formerly been a tavern kept in the large two-story store building at the crossing of the Pottstown and Quakertown roads, but for want of patronage this had for several years been abandoned. It was not till the year 1847 that a tavern was again opened in the place, when Mr. George Graber put up the large two-story frame building, which was licensed the same year, and which has since been kept as a tavern by the name of the Pennsburg Hotel. For many years before the village was named there was a post-office established and kept at a house in the lower end of the place, at present owned by Mr. Aaron Griesemer, which was called Upper Hanover post-office. At that time there was a weekly mail to and from Philadelphia, by which a person could with reasonable certainty count upon getting an answer to a letter sent to any part of the State in from two to four weeks. About the year 1840 the post-office was moved to the house before mentioned as having been a tavern, where it was kept till 1866, when it was moved to the store of Jacob Hillegass, Sr., where it is kept at present. The name of the post- office was changed to Pennsburg about the year 1850. The first improvement in mail service was a tri-weekly mail from Philadelphia to Hereford and return, established about twenty-five years ago, which passed through the village. Then came a daily mail over the same route, after which another daily mail was established from Pennsburg, by way of Quakertown, to Philadelphia and return. These Services were kept up till the opening of the Perkiomen Railroad rendered a change necessary. At the present time the mail service consists of two daily mails from Pennsburg to Philadelphia and return, one by the Perkiomen Railroad and the other by the way of Quakertown and the North Pennsylvania Railroad. A daily mail is made up from Pennsburg to Hereford, and a tri-weekly mail from Pennsburg, by way of Hillegassville, Pleasant Run, Douglas and Frederick, to New Hanover and return. 1107 In 1851 a lodge of Independent Order of Odd-Fellows was opened in the village which now numbers one hundred and seventy-five members, and meets on Saturday evening of every week. An encampment of the same order has been established, which meets on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. Pennsburg contains upwards of one hundred dwelling-houses two potteries two blacks smith-shops one wheel-wright shop one butcher-shop two carpenter-shops two cooper-shops one fine school-house one brick church (occupied jointly by a Lutheran and a Reformed congregation) a printing-office (at which the "Bauern Freund" and "Pennsburg Democrat" is published, also the "Perkiomen Valley Press") a steam brick-yard where bricks are manufactured by machinery a steam felloe manufactory a large steam planing-mill and sash-factory and numerous out-buildings. There are in the place a hotel a restaurant two large country stores a hardware and drug-store a shoe manufactory employing a number of hands, and a tin-ware and stove- store. Several trades in addition to those enumerated are carried on in the place. William M. Stauffer began the manufacture of cigars here about 1870, and later John Dimmig, J. M. Keller and William M. Jacobs entered the business. About sixty persons are employed in this industry, and four millions of cigars are made annually. The Perkiomen Railroad Company have erected here a large and convenient depot, and have also put up a large frame engine-house, cattle-pen and the necessary sidings. Messrs. Hillegass & Mensch have opened a coal, lime and lumber-yard near the depot. The railroad facilities enjoyed by this village have greatly increased the value of property. Streets are being opened, building-lots laid out, which, when offered for sale, command excellent prices, and the idea of those who named the place, "that it was to become the largest and most important town in the valley," is fast being realized. PALM STATION or village is situated on the Goshenhoppen and Green Lane turnpike, between two and three miles northwest of East Greenville. The main highway is here intersected by a cross-road leading to the Schwenkfeld meeting-house, and the Perkiomen Railroad passes within a few hundred yards of the turnpike. The village has its hotel, store, post-office and station, with mechanic industries and a number of dwellings, most of which appear to have been recently built. The village is pleasantly located near the base of the Hosensack Hills, and near where the Hosensack Creek empties into the head-waters of the Perkiomen. The surrounding country is well improved, and the station is one of considerable importance to the community. KLEINVILLE, so named from two brothers by the name of Klein, who owned several farms in the vicinity, is nicely located on a straight and level piece of the turnpike road. It is a rather scattered village, containing about fifteen houses, most of which are neat and comfortable farm-houses, surrounded by the usual farm buildings. We here find the tavern, the store, blacksmith-shop, shoemaker-shop and several useful trades. HILLEGASSVILLE is divided into two parts, each of which is apparently about to set up for itself and to repudiate the old name. The upper part of the village consists of a hotel and several dwellings. The hotel was built about fifty years ago by George Hillegass, who died shortly after its erection. It then, with a large tract of land, passed into the hands of his sons, who, several years back, sold the hotel, with about eighty acres of land, to Henry N. Hevaner. This part of the village is but a fourth of a mile from Hanover Station on the Perkiomen Railroad, and Mr. Thomas B. Hillegass, the owner of the land on the north side of the public road leading from the hotel to the station, has laid out his from in building lots, several of which have been sold to parties who intend to erect buildings thereon. The upper and lower parts of the village are divided by a tract of farm-land of more than a quarter of a mile in length, making the two parts of the village more than a quarter of a mile apart. Some years ago a post-office was established at a place called Red Hill, a hill on the turnpike road about a mile below Hillegassville. At that time a store was kept there, the proprietor of which selling out, and there being no other place for the post-office, it was removed to the store in the lower part of Hillegassville, which at once adopted the name of Red Hill. This part of the village was commenced in 1836 by Jacob A. Hillegass, now deceased, who in that year built a large store and dwelling-house and a large barn and out-houses, which were occupied in the spring of 1837. Subsequently he put up other buildings in the place. This part of the village contains about a dozen dwellings, a school-house belonging to Upper Hanover District, a blacksmith-shop, a tailor-shop, a cigar manufactory and other buildings. This is the last of the villages in the basin through which the Perkiomen, the Northwest Branch and the Macoby Creche flow. There are eleven public schools in Upper Hanover, including the independent school district of Pennsburg. The regular school term is five months, nine teachers (all male) being employed at a salary of thirty-two dollars per month. When Pennsburg was formed into an independent school district a large two-story brick school-house was erected at a cost of four thousand dollars, which is conveniently fitted up and is an ornament to the place. Two schools are organized in this building, for which two teachers, one male and one female, are employed, the former at a salary of fifty dollars and the latter thirty-two dollars per month. The school term is six months. The entire number of pupils in attendance upon the public schools in the township is four hundred and sixty-six. 1108 The number of taxables is 628 value of improved lands, $1,305,970 value of unimproved lands, $74,540 value of 540 horses, $33,615 value of 1205 cattle, $35,860 total value of property taxable for county purposes $1,511,705. The following, from the mercantile appraisers list of 1884, gives an accurate idea of the present business places in this township: Joseph H. Bechtel, livestock Frank Bachman, butcher William Christman, live stock William Diel, stoves B. B. Emery, merchandise M. K. Gilbert, merchandise D. K. Graber & Brother, stock S. P. Hillegas & Co., livestock M. H. Houch, merchandise Hillegas & Heyner, flour and feed J. G. Hillegass, lumber and coal John G. Hillegas, flour and feed William Hiestand, coal William Hiestand, flour and feed Charles Kentz, coal and feed D. S. Kern, sewing-machines Krause, Brother & Lesher, flour and feed Milton Kern, butcher John Kepler, flour and feed Kline & Brother, flour and feed S. G. Mensch, hardware John Mack, merchandise Wilson Ritter, live-stock Jesse Rodenberger, live-stock E. Senkle, butcher F. S. Schelley, merchandise J. F. Seasholtz, livestock M. Snyder, flour and feed W. H. Trump, coal and lumber W. H. Trump, flour and feed Charles Void, boots and shoes William A. Welker, merchandise J. Yergey, flour and feed C. A. Miller, butcher Peter S. Renninger, live-stock Henry Schwenk, live-stock Henry Stahsel, truck and fruit F. K. Walt, boots and shoes. REFORMED CHURCH OF GOSHENHOPPEN. -About one mile west of East Greenville, and close to the east bank of the Perkiomen, stands the Reformed Church of New Goshenhoppen. [See NOTE.] [NOTE: The region known as "Goshenhoppen" is a part of Perkiomen Valley, and comprises two sections, -Old and New Goshenhoppen. The division of the territory does not imply an earlier and later occupancy, since the whole wag settled simultaneously; but that the southern portion (Old) was brought into note somewhat sooner than the northern part (New) in consequence of its proximity to Philadelphia. Since the date of the oldest record extant Goshenhoppen has been variously written, viz.: Quesohopen, Cossehoppa, Coshenhoppen, Coshahopin, Cowisshopen, Coshehoppen, Goshenhoppen.] The reason of its location at this point was owing to the donation of six acres of land for graveyard purposes by John Henry Sproegel at the opening of the eighteenth century. It is impossible to fix the date of this benevolent act more definitely. It is known from the public entries that the Sproegel brothers entered the province of Pennsylvania as Hollanders, and that they were naturalized in 1705. By several purchases they acquired thirteen thousand acres of land, which was known for many years as the "Sproegel Manor." A part of the domain embraced Upper and New Hanover townships. Their homestead of six hundred acres lay in Pottsgrove. In the neighborhood of Pottstown, on the bank of the Schuylkill, the Sproegel burying-grounds are still to be seen. The six acres which were donated for burial purposes were given to the Reformed, Lutheran and Mennonite denominations, and were used by the several parties till quite a late period. Tradition establishes the German Reformed Church at New Goshenhoppen as early as 1716, but, adhering to the first church records, on which there is certain knowledge, it is only safe to date its organization from the opening of the book. In 1731 the following preface was written: "A Record of the names of the Fathers of Families who belong to the congregation at New Goshenhoppen." Catologue of names: John Steinman Henry Gallman John Bingeman Joh. George Welker Benedict Strohm Philip Emmert John Hut Abraham Transu Aredreas Graber Philip Ried George Mest John George Pfalsgraff Jacob Fischer Paul Staab Wendel Wiandt Herman Fischer Conrad Colb John Michael Roeder John Michael Moll Frederick Hillegass John Bartholemaus Kucker Michael Lutz Andreas Loehr George Mirtz Michael Fabian Henry Jung Philip Jacob Shellhammer Loenhart Fnozf Jacob Fnozf Caspar Lamm Caspar Holtzhauser Michael Zimmerman Baltasar Hut Michael Lefy Jacob Maurer Frederick Maurer Christian Fnozf Frederick Pfanenbeker Benedict Raderly Valentine Griesemer Lorentz Hartman George Philip Dotder Jacob Meyer Daniel Lanar Peter Walzer. Some of the emigrants whose names had been entered in this early church- roll had arrived prior to 1727. Quite a goodly number of this colony are still represented in the congregation by their posterity. Of these are especially to be noted the Hillegasses Grabers Molls Reids Griesemers Welkers Wiandts Youngs Maurers Roeders Pannebeckers Kolbs Fishers Kuckers Lefys Moyers and others. The church at this time had a membership of about one hundred and thirty- five persons. The bulk of these original members had been to the Germanie churches what the Pilgrim Fathers were to the Puritans in America. With these Pilgrim Fathers of the Reformed Church in the New World, we count the primitive members of the German Reformed congregation at New Goshenhoppen. Johann Heinrich Goetschy, who brought a number of Swiss to this country about the year 1731, is accredited with being the first minister of this congregation. The pastors -Boehm, who had arrived in 1720, and Weiss, who piloted a colony of Palatinates in 1727 to Pennsylvania--doubtless installed Goetschy in his large field, the various points of which were Skippack Old Goshenhoppen Egypt Maxatawny Masillon Oley Bern Tulpehocken Great Swamp Saucon and here at New Goshenhoppen. Pastor Goetschy was a learned man, being familiar with the Holland, German, Latin and Greek languages, and was a most diligent worker. 1109 His pastorate seems to have closed in 1739. It is not to be unmistakably inferred that Dominie Goetschy had really been the first pastor at New Goshenhoppen. All that can be declared is that he opened the church register in a regular way. Pastor Weiss may have been the pioneer and founder of the congregation, and he may have placed Pastor Goetschy in the field after an organization had been effected under his hand, for he was familiar with the whole Reformed field at that day, and subsequently became closely identified with this charge. Pastor Weiss was born at Stebbeck, in Necherthal, Germany, about 1700. He was educated at Heidelberg well and thoroughly, and licensed in 1725. He emigrated in 1727. Ministering in Philadelphia and visiting outlying points for the purpose of organizing congregations in various localities, such as Skippack especially, he returned to Holland in 1729, in company with Elder Reiff, of the latter point, to collect funds for church-building. In 1731, Dominie Weiss returned to America, Elder Reiff remaining abroad still longer. Instead of returning to Skippack, we find him operating in the State of New York from 1731-35, the reason for which being thus accounted for: The Rev. John Philip Boehm, who had emigrated in 1720, already had, as a schoolmaster, performed ministerial functions at the earnest solicitations of the people and flocks scattered over the province. Dominie Weiss could not endure such an irregular course. A long quarrel ensued between the two men and the several parties siding with them. Opposition organizations were forming. Weiss' trip to Holland was directly occasioned by a desire to gain funds for the church edifice at Skippack. Meanwhile Boehm was ordained, in the wake of which act a reconciliation was effected and the opposition ceased. Consequently Weiss sought another field on his return. In 1746 he returned to Pennsylvania, according to the records extant. He commenced his labors now at Goshenhoppen (New and Old) and Great Swamp, in Montgomery and Lehigh Counties (then Bucks), receiving an annual salary of forty pounds and continued in this charge until the day of his death, in 1763. His tomb is inclosed in the churchyard at New Goshenhoppen. Comparing the roll of membership which Pastor Goetschy entered with that of Pastor Weiss, an addition of a number of emigrants is noticed, whose names were mingled with those of the primitive colony. Although they were all possessed of a religious mind and identified with the Christian Church in the Old World, it must not be forgotten that the Reformed colonies planting themselves over the province of Pennsylvania during the early period of its history were a chaotic body. Many and severe were the trials of the zealous and cultured Dominie Weiss in organizing the masses into congregations. They were suspicious of ecclesiastical enslavement and imposition above all things. When Pastor Weiss presented his ordination certificate in Latin they ignored it, and obliged him to secure a German copy, which they could themselves read, ere they confided in him. It was during Pastor Weiss' term that the six acres which John Henry Sproegel had originally donated as a burying-ground to the Reformed Lutheran and Mennonite denominations were increased by fifty acres and twenty-six perches. The purchase was effected in 1749, although the deed was not secured until February 23, 1796. The instrument was executed by Abraham Sniger and his wife, Anna, and Thomas Tresse and wife, Mary, who succeeded to the Sproegel estate, to Wendel Wieandt and John Schell, of the Reformed congregation, in trust. The Lutherans and Mennonites became joint owners with the Reformed. The first church was accordingly a Union Church. In what year it was erected no record declares. The primitive log building may have been planted shortly after the organization of the congregation, in 1731. Perhaps the year 1744, during which the church in Old Goshenhoppen was built, may be taken as a good and a correct one. The Lutheran congregation sold out its right, in 1796, to the Reformed for ninety pounds. The Mennonites had erected for themselves a meeting-house in Washington Township, Berks Co., in 1741. They, however, held a burying right until a very late day. The parsonage grounds, a tract of some fifty acres, were likewise appropriated to the use of the three Reformed congregations during Pastor Weiss' reign, in 1749-50. In 1834 the Old Goshenhoppen congregation seceded from the triune fellowship. In 1865 the remaining two congregations sold the parsonage to Mr. Jonas Welker, in whose possession it still remains. The death of Pastor Weiss caused a break in the regular line of ministers likewise at New Goshenhoppen. The congregation had not been left wholly without a shepherd, the following persons having temporarily officiated: Jacob Reiss, a pastor almost unknown, who had been minister in charge at Indian Field and Tohickon from 1749-53. It is probable that he had not been a regular pastor after the year 1753. He died December 23, 1774. Another pastor was Philip Jacob Michael. Though a weaver by trade, he is said to have been a man of culture. He was the founder of Ziegel's church, and succeeded in gathering a series of congregations around himself near his home. Pastor Leydich had been the minister at Falconer Swamp and New Providence, in Montgomery County, a man in good repute and loyal to the church. He emigrated in the year 1748, from which time dates, likewise, his long and settled pastorate to the end of his life. Besides ministering faithfully to his own charge, he supplied, in seasons of emergencies, Upper Milford, Salzburg and New Goshenhoppen. Pastor John Theobold Faber was born in the Palatinate in 1739. 1110 His early training and later preparation for the office of the ministry had been of the highest order. He sailed for this country and landed at Philadelphia September 2, 1766. On the 24th of October of the same year he opened his pastorate as minister in the charge composed of the three congregations at New and Old Goshenhoppen and Great Swamp. He resided near Sumneytown, Montgomery Co., having found a home at Mr. Hiester's house. On the 7th of August, 1770, he was married to Miss Barbara Rose, of Reading, and after his marriage moved to the parsonage. For thirteen years his ministry in this field went on smoothly. In 1771 a new church was erected, and the inner life of the congregation near his home had especially revived. The Reformed Church at Lancaster had, at various times, extended a call to Pastor Weiss to that charge. His old charge unanimously desired to retain him as their pastor, but, notwithstanding, the thrice-repeated call led the synod, to urge him to make the change. He preached his farewell sermon at New Goshenhoppen October 6, 1779. It seems that, the city of Lancaster contrasted unfavorably as against the quiet valley of Goshenhoppen in Pastor Faber's mind. In his correspondence with his former rural friends he betrayed a restlessness and frequently expressed his regret over the change be had made. Nor did things move on so smoothly in his new field, and be assured his wife and intimate friends that he would return to the lower counties by the first opportunity. After the lapse of three years the Indian Field charge, in Bucks County, Pa., become vacant. A call having been extended him, he promptly accepted it, and now he was within fifteen miles of his former home. He labored in Bucks County during two years, when he moved back into his first and favorite field. During his absence the Rev. Frederick Dellicker officiated at Goshenhoppen from 1781- 84, and Rev. Frederick Wilhelm Vandersloot from 1784-86. The reunion of Pastor Faber with his flock, resulted well to both parties, but it was not of long continuance. At the close of a funeral sermon, preached on the 2d day of November, 1788, he became unconscious and in a short time breathed his last. Two days later his grave was dug within the walls of the church, beneath the pulpit. The elder Weiser had a memorial tablet placed over his remains, with an inscription corresponding to another similar one which he had also placed over the remains of the younger Faber's dust, likewise buried within the church, at the opposite side of the pulpit. For nearly one year after the sudden demise of Pastor Faber the Goshenhoppen flock was without a pastor. The neighboring ministers did all necessary services, but in 1789 the Rev. Nicholas Pomp commenced his ministry here and remained in charge till Johann Theobald Faber, Jr., had prepared himself to be his father's successor. John Theobald was in his eighteenth year (1789) when he entered upon his preparatory course for the holy ministry. In the early part of the year 1791 he was licensed, ordained and installed pastor of the charge. His return to the flock as pastor was a circumstance of much interest to all parties. In his introductory he did not fail to call attention to the peculiarly solemn position in which he found himself placed. The death of his beloved father occurring, as it were, in the very spot on which he then was speaking; his mouldering remains lying under his very feet; his youth and hasty preparations to become his sire's successor; the questionable propriety of becoming a prophet in his own country, -on all these points the young pastor delicately touched with much trembling and many tears. He was married to Mary Arndt, of Easton, Pa., in 1796, and then established himself in the parsonage, becoming fully his father's successor. He filled the pulpits in charge acceptably, the older members regarding him in the light of a dear son and at all times addressing him in words of encouragement and love. He wisely cared, too, for the young of his flocks, and gave himself no little concern for the maintenance of parochial schools. In consequence of some dissatisfaction arising, he resigned his charge, in 1807, for one in New Holland, Lancaster Co., Pa., and after having served this people in the room of his father for the period of fifteen years. The Rev. J. Albert C. Helffenstein succeeded to the pastorate. His first church record in the church register was made April 21, 1808, and his ministry extended over a period of two years and ten months. The Goshenhoppen charge was his first field of labor, he having been a licentiate fresh from his studies. Being young man and somewhat inexperienced, as well as wholly unused to the ways of a rural people, are found himself ill at ease in his work here. Besides, the English language was his vernacular, which he was obliged to lay aside entirely among this people. Believing that a more congenial field had opened for him, and fully persuaded, too, that another shepherd could be chosen who might prove more efficient in this charge, he left for Carlisle, Pa. When Pastor Helffenstein left Goshenhoppen, in 1811, the choice of a successor fell at once upon Pastor Frederick Wilhelm Von der Sloot, Jr. The remembrance of the father, no doubt, contributed much towards the selection of the son. His father and grandfather having been men of liberal education, Frederick Wilhelm enjoyed many advantages over others in his own country. He had been prepared with a view of entering the legal profession, and it seems that had actually entered upon the active practice of his chosen calling for a few years prior to his emigration, which was in 1801. Coming thence to Philadelphia and Easton in search of his father, who had preceded him to America, he fell in with a farmer from Allen Township, Northampton Co., who conducted him to the parsonage which the older Von der Sloot occupied. The meeting of father and son proved, in a measure, the narrative of the parable of the Prodigal Son over again. The elder exclaimed, 1111 "This is my only beloved son from Germany!" The stepmother said, "And a fine-looking son he is." He remained with his father and prepared himself for the ministry. Later be visited the charge at Goshenhoppen, preached trial-sermons in the several pulpits, received and accepted a call and entered upon his duties in this locality in 1812-13. He served in the charge for a period of five years, supplying the Reformed congregation at Trappe, Montgomery Co., in addition to his regular duties. By an inscrutable Providence, the younger Pastor Faber was led to follow still further in the foot-prints of the elder Faber. Both father and son had commenced their pastoral life among this people, and both had been called to separate charges, the one to Lancaster City, the other to Lancaster County, and so, too, had it been ordained that both should again be recalled to and end their histories among this people. When Pastor Von der Sloot had vacated the field, the minds of a large majority of the membership in his congregation favored the recalling of their former pastor. It was during this election of pastor that the Reformed congregation of Old Goshenhoppen became dissatisfied and severed its connection of eighty years standing with the other churches of this charge. Its pulpit was supplied by the pastor over the charge in Falconer Swamp until the death of Pastor Faber, when it became identified as a factor in that pastoral charge. The congregation at Upper Milford was substituted in its room in Pastor Faber's field on the 22d day of October, 1820, and remained a part of his field to the close of his life. He entered upon the discharge of his duties on the 3d day of June, 1819, and continued his second pastorate over thirteen years, both periods swelling it to twenty- nine. His field of labor was still the same, though its complexion had vastly changed. The old house at the parsonage had been removed and a new two-storied stone building erected in its stead under Pastor Helffenstein. The few who remained of his father's time at the close of his first term had ended their days, and the companions of his youth and early ministry had become aged like himself. He was no longer "young" Faber, but "Father" Faber rather, and in his own mind he determined that, as he had been young and old in this field, his bones should lay beside the dust of his father, if it pleased God. Pastor Faber's history, like that of his sainted father, came suddenly and solemnly to a close. While in the middle of a funeral discourse he was taken suddenly ill and sank away. It was just forty-five years later than the time his father had received his final call to the eternal world. He lingered a few days, his death occurring on the 16th day of February, 1833. The congregation decided to lay his remains beside the dust of his father within the chancel. When the repairing of the second church was being carried forward, the pastor had the unpretending mark of Pastor Faber's tomb supplanted by an entablature. Thus did the tombs of the two Fabers, under the right and left shies of the pulpit, seem as pillars. In the erection of the third church these sacred spots fell without the walls. The temple now standing excels all its predecessors, it is true, but the glory which these tombs conferred on the former the latter has not. The next pastor over this charge was the Rev. Daniel Weiser, the youngest child of eleven born to Conrad and Barbara Weiser. In his youthful years he was employed as clerk in the service of his brother Conrad at Beavertown, Snyder Co., Pa. In his fourteenth year he enlisted as a volunteer in Nerr Middlesworth's company and served in the war of 1812 for four months, after which he was discharged, the war having ended. For this act of youthful patriotism he was rewarded with one hundred and sixty acres of land in 1861, and a pension of twelve dollars per month in 1871 to the day of his death. His trade was that of a nail-smith during his first manhood. In his twenty-second year he commenced the study of theology under the Rev. James R. Riley, of Hagerstown, Md. He subsequently continued and completed his course under the Rev. Henry Yost Fries, of Mifflinsburg, Pa. He was licensed to preach the gospel in 1822 and ordained by the Synod in 1823. His first charge was composed of three congregations, located around Selinsgrove, Snyder Co., Pa., which subsequently embraced fourteen stations. Here he labored ten years. During this part of his ministry he married Lydia Ruth, of Milton, who died seven months later of yellow fever. Several years later he married Caroline Boyer, of Norristown, Pa. In 1833 he succeeded as pastor over the New Goshenhoppen and Great Swamp charge, over which he ministered as an active pastor for thirty years, serving during the last twelve years as superintendent of the Infant Sunday-school, occasional assistant to his son and temporary supply in vacant fields. Pastor Weiser continued healthy and vigorous to the last. On the 22d day of November, 1875, after complaining of a cold for several days, he was stricken with paralysis. After lingering for ten days, with conscious and unconscious intervals, he died December 2d, at the, age of seventy-six years. He was buried on December 9th, at the New Goshenhoppen Reformed Church, amid many of his former members and friends. But two children survive him, a son and a daughter. Pastor Weiser had served but two charges during a ministerial life of fifty-two years. His first field embraced the church in which he had been baptized by the Lutheran pastor, Iasensky, and subsequently confirmed by the Reformed pastor, Isaac Gerhart. He was a self-made man, and for a man in his circumstances, or of his opportunities, we would pronounce him well-made. Franklin and Marshall College conferred the title of Doctor of Divinity upon him during the evening of his life Pastor Daniel Weiser had often said the next evil to a pastorate too brief seemed to him to be a pastorate too long. 1112 As little as he approved of itinerating, so little did he favor the outliving of one's day. Accordingly, after laboring diligently and successfully through thirty years, his son was called to his side as assistant pastor, April, 1862. The younger Weiser had been serving his novitiate pastorate in and around Selinsgrove, Snyder Co., Pa., his native place, as it had likewise been the birth-place of the father, as well as his maiden field. On the 2d day of November, 1863, the Rev. C. Z. Weiser was elected pastor-in-chief of the Goshenhoppen charge by a literally unanimous vote. Thus for the third time in the history of this charge had father and son worn the same mantle in the same field, -the Von der Sloots, the Fabers and the Weisers. On the 21st day of August the installation services were held in the Great Swamp Church, the brethren Revs. A. J. G. Dubbs, R. A. Van Court and P. S. Fisher having been appointed the committee by Goshenhoppen Classis to attend to this duty. After a term of service, extending over twenty years, the present pastor has reason to be thankful for having had the labor of his heart and hands largely blessed. The number of the several flocks has constantly increased by fair accession, the guests at the altar now numbering near one thousand souls. He attributes the steady and healthy growth of the field, under God, to the long line of properly equipped and very worthy pastors before or back of himself. In comparing the condition of the church to-day with that of more then a century ago striking contrasts are noticed. One hundred and fifty years ago Pastor Goetschy served in a diocese which extended from Skippack to Tulpehocken, from Goshenhoppen as his centre. Many laborers have entered the field, whilst New Goshenhoppen and Great Swamp have sustained their own shepherd exclusively since the advent of Pastor Daniel Weiser, in 1833. We doubt whether the whole territory numbered as many communicants as now surround the altar at New Goshenhoppen. The church at New Goshenhoppen is a large brick edifice, built in the year 1857. It is one of the largest and most showy churches to be found outside of the cities and is the third church built at this place. REV. CLEMENT Z. WEISER, D.D. -Dr. Weiser, the only survivor of three sons, was born in Union (now Snyder) County, Pa., which was also the native place of his brother the late Dr. Daniel Weiser. He is the fourth removed from the renowned and historical Conrad Weiser. He graduated from old Marshall College in 1850, and then, acted as German tutor, and subsequently as co-principal over the preparatory department for two years after the removal of the college to Lancaster. Just twenty-five years after graduation Franklin and Marshall College conferred upon him the meritorious, title of Doctor of Divinity. He was called to his native place as pastor, and so also was his father, it being the first field of labor for both. Serving in this field is pastor from the time of his ordination, in 1855, he, was called as an assistant to his father in Goshenhoppen, Montgomery Co., where be has now lived seventeen years. A fact worthy of note is that Dr. Weiser began his pastoral duties where his father did, and closely followed in his footsteps, each serving but two charges. PICTURE OF CLEMENT Z. WEISER, APPEARS HERE. The charge he now holds has quite a history, and has on three different occasions been served by father and son, - first, by Pastors Vandersloot, Sr. and Jr. second, by Pastors John Theobald Faber, Sr. and Jr. third, by Dr. Weiser and his son. The congregations at Lancaster, Philadelphia and at several other points placed calls in the hands of Dr. Weiser for his consideration, but he invariably refused to leave his country parish. Here his spare time is zealously devoted to general literature and study. His pen is not idle, and whatever time is allowed him from his pastoral duties is used in the preparation of articles for the "Messenger," "Guardian," "Hausfreund," "Reformed Quarterly Review" and other publications. Among his literary productions is a "Life of Conrad Weiser." He also devotes much time to the aiding of churches and Sunday-schools by the delivery of lectures. Dr. Weiser stands high in the councils of his church, is much esteemed for his good qualities of mind and heart by his brethren in the ministry, and dearly loved by the people of his congregation. As a man fully equipped for the work and the field of work of his choice the church cannot, perhaps, show many as his equal and none as his superior. Dr. Weiser has been since 1874 a member of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. On the occasion of the celebration of the Centennial of Montgomery County he was honored by an invitation to deliver the Centennial oration. He is chaplain of the Sixth Regiment National Guards of Pennsylvania. Dr. Weiser was, in 1859, married to Louisa C., daughter of Judge I. Gutelius, of Mifflinburg, Union Co., Pa. Their children are three sons and a grown daughter, all deceased. OFFICERS OF THE SUNDAY-SCHOOL AT NEW GOSHENHOPPEN, 1840-80. [See Note.] Superintendents.- Rev. Daniel Weiser, 1841-46 Henry Dotts, 1846-49 Charles Hillegass, 1849-55 John F. Gerhard, 1855-59 Jonathan Gery, 1859-60 John F. Gerhard, 1860-63 Jesse D. Pannepacker, 1863-71 George Deisher, 1871-74 Rev. C. Z. Weiser, D.D., 1874-86 Professor C. S. Wieand, A.M., 1880, etc. Assistant Superintendents.- Philip Super, Esq., 1841-44 Lewis Masteller, 1844-46 Rev. Daniel Weiser, 1846-49 Lewis Masteller, 1849-50 John F. Gerhard, 1850-55 William Trippe Cramer, 1855-56 Rev. Daniel Weiser, 1856-57 Charles Hillegass, 1857-58 William Trippe Cramer, 1858-59 Rev. Daniel Weiser, 1859-60 Henry L. Gerhard, 1860-62 Rev. C. Z. Weiser, D.D., 1862-64 Reuben Masteller, 1864-65 Jonathan Gery, 1865-66 Abraham Welker, 1866-73 William H. Kehl, 1873-75 Professor C. S. Wieand, A.M., 1875-80. 1113 Treasurers.- Lewis Masteller, 1841-49 John F. Gerhard, 1849-75 Adam J. Dimmig, 1875-81. Secretaries.- Charles Hillegass, 1841-49 Mahlon Hillegass, 1849-55 Charles Hillegass, 1855-57 Mahlon Hillegass, 1857-81. Assistant Secretaries.- Benjamin Gery, 1866-70 James D. Bobb, 1868-74 Mrs. Mahlon Hillegass, 1870-74 William H. Steltz, 1874-81. Librarians.- Jonathan Gery, 1863-65 James D. Bobb, 1865-68 Nathanial R. Reed, 1868-69 Ambrose E. Roeder, 1869-81 George F. Hoot, 1876-81. Chorister.- Mahlon J. Gerhart, 1869-81. Collectors.- Nathaniel Deisher, 1869-73 Charles Kehl, 1873-80 Charles L. Fluck, 1880-81. Sunday-School Paper Agent.- Tobias Fried, 1876-81. Infant Sunday-School.-1865-70: Superintendent, Rev. D. Weiser, D.D. Assistant Superintendents, Mrs. Maria Hillegass Mrs. Elizabeth Deisher Mr. Samuel Roeder S. M. Beysher (chorister) 1870-73: Superintendent, H. E. E. Roeder Assistant Superintendent, Mrs. Maria Hillegass, Mrs. Deisher, T. K. Gerhart, E. H. Steltz (chorister) W. Krause, D. Dimmig 1873 to date: Superintendent, Mrs. C. Z. Weiser Assistant Superintendents, Mrs. M. Bobb, Mrs. M. Roeder, D. Dimmig, T. K. Gerhart, M. J. Gerhart (chorister) F. L. Fluck (assistant chorister). [NOTE. C. Z. Weiser, D.D., "Hist. of New Goshenhoppen Reformed Church," 1881.] THE NEW GOSHENHOPPEN LUTHERAN CHURCH, commonly called the "Six-Cornered Church," is about a mile east of the village of Pennsburg. It is a large and handsome stone building, surmounted with a tall steeple, and constitutes one of the land-marks of the valley. The congregation is probably as old, or nearly so, as the Reformed congregation, it having had part with said congregation in the burial- ground and having buried its dead there till it sold its claim to the Reformed Church, in 1796. The exact date at which the Congregation was organized is uncertain, but that it was previous to the Year 1739 is shown by the church record, which states that in that year Johann Jacob Birkenstock was installed as pastor of the congregation. At the spot where the present church stands formerly stood an old log church. When it was built is uncertain, but it was probably in the beginning of the last century. An old member of the congregation states that he had often heard his forefathers say that at the time this log church was built Indians were still plenty in the valley. This church stood till 1803, when the congregation resolved to build a new one of stone. The old one was torn down and sold, the purchaser using the best logs in the erection of a house, which is still standing. Rev. F. W. Geissenheiner, who was the pastor of the congregation, and who was afterwards widely known as Dr. Geissenheiner, was requested to furnish a plan for the new church. This he willingly did, but unfortunately for the congregation, it came in his mind to furnish two plans,--one with a four- cornered building and one with six corners, -he, in the goodness of his heart, supposing that the congregation would be able to decide on one or the other of them. In this he was mistaken, as there immediately arose two parties in the congregation,-one for the four-cornered and one for the six- cornered plan. After much heat and contention, the six-cornered plan was finally adopted. The church was built with six corners, and has ever since been known as the "Six-Cornered Church." The six corners are caused by the building of an alcove, in which is placed the large organ of the church. In 1860-61 the large steeple, containing a bell weighing fifteen hundred pounds, was erected on the part forming the six corners. The first pastor of the congregation, as has been said, was Johann Jacob Birkenstock, who served from 1739 to 1743. The second was Conrad Andrea, from 1743 to 1752. The third was Frederick Shultz, who had charge from 1752 till 1756. He was succeeded by Rev. Frederick Reis, who, in turn, was followed, in 1764, by G. Frederick Neimayer. In 1771, Conrad Sebastian Roeller took charge and was followed, in 1775, by Pastor Schwabach. After him came Pastor Dornapfel, who served the congregation till 1790. In this year Christian Esprich took the charge and remained there three years, when he was succeeded by Rev. Frederick Wilhelm Geissenheiner who took charge and served till 1807. Of the reception of this pastor by the congregation the following is told: "When, in 1793, Pastor Esprich left the charge the congregation applied to Revs. Smith and Hellmuth, of Philadelphia, to procure them a pastor from Germany. The new pastor arrived safely on the 8th of December, 1793. He was a young man, apparently much younger than he really was, and wore a three- cornered hat. On Sunday morning he found the congregation, many of who were old German emigrants from Oberwald, gathered in the old school-house to receive him. On his entrance many of them whispered together, 'What can that youth know, and what can he teach us.' They went from there to the old log church to hear his first sermon to them. The stripling was equal to the emergency, and as he proceeded in his sermon with ail enthusiasm and pathos that struck deep into the hearts of his hearers, all eyes were turned upon him and he was listened to with deep attention. After the service the old men gathered around him and congratulated him, saying, 'This we did not expect of you.' Another difficulty now arose; the young preacher must have a home. Another meeting took place in the school-house, and the question went round, "Who will take the pastor in his house?' On all sides came the answer, 'I don't want him; neither do I.' They could not agree what to do with him, till at last one of them made the proposal, 'We will draw straws, and the one who draw the longest must take the pastor in his house.' This was assented to, and one of the fathers of the church, named Reiter, draw the longest straw, and with it, not only the pastor, but his future son-in-law, as some time afterwards Mr. Geissenheiner married one of his daughters." The pastor left the congregation in 1807 and moved to Reading, being succeeded by the Rev. Jacob Miller, who had been his student. He remained till, 1829, when he also moved to Reading. After Miller, on May 12, 1829, the Rev. Frederick Waage took charge of the congregation, of which he was pastor till 1870, when he was succeeded by his son, the Rev. 0. F. Waage, the present pastor. Rev. Frederick Waage served the congregation over forty years, and only retired when his age prevented him from performing the hard work of his large charge. 1114 On the evening of the 23d of August 1884, closed the life of this venerable and highly-respected man. His long, active and devoted life rendered Pastor Waage's name one of the best known over Eastern Pennsylvania, as well as quite famous throughout the Lutheran Church, more especially so during the earlier history of his time and services. Cay Frederick Sophus Waage was born August 17, 1797, in the dukedom of Holstein, Denmark. At a remarkably early age he commenced his school-days, and from the primary, through the higher and classical institutions, he was promoted until he entered the university at Kiel. For six years he attended here, laying the foundation to a high degree of scholarship in later years attained. His stay at Keil made him a familiar friend of Pastor Claus Harms, who became to him his ideal pastor and theologian. His picture hung on the walls of his admirer's study, his autograph was put under glass and inclosed in a frame of gilt, and Pastor Waage's whole life was tinged by the spirit of this man. When twenty-two years old, in 1819, in the month of June, the young student went to Hamburg for the purpose of sailing for America. In the ship "Milo" he was tossed about on the ocean for sixty-eight days, and landed in Philadelphia in the month of September. On the shores of this new world he met a Reformed clergyman, Rev. Jacob Wilhelm Dechant, who led the young German to the house of Rev. Frederick William Geissenheiner, a Lutheran minister of note, and under the roof of this pastor young Mr. Waage spent two years preparing for the ministry of the gospel. To this happy event Father Waage referred with great gratitude. In Chester County these two years were spent both in somewhat Americanizing himself and in waiting, since the rules of the church required that a certain time should lapse ere a foreigner could take orders. In 1822, on the 27th of August, Mr. Waage became a licentiate, by order and permission of the Pennsylvania Lutheran Ministerium, during its sessions at Germantown, Pa. His ordination followed on the 10th of June, 1828, by authority of the Synod at Reading, Pa. He served his first charge as a licentiate, which consisted of the congregations at Trumbauerstown (Charlestown) and Flatland (Richlandtown), Bucks Co., Pa. After a little more than four years he received a call to his second charge, spreading over parts of Northumberland, Columbia and Lycoming Counties. The points were Milton Fulmers Muncy Williamsport Paradise St. John's St. James' Black Hole Valley. Here he remained three years, and during this period be was naturalized as an American citizen. In 1829, in the month of May, be was called to his third and last charge in this region. The New Goshenhoppen Lutheran, together with the congregation at Charlestown and Sheetz's church, formed a pastoral field. In 1836 he organized and added the church at Huber's, in Montgomery County; and in 1854 he established and joined Ridge Valley Church. In this unwieldy field Pastor Waage labored and toiled during a period of forty years. Adding his student service and his voluntary labors since his retirement, his pastoral history covers a full half-century. Pastor Waage maintained independent views in religious matters. His personal life was singularly pure and Christian; be erected his own standard, and according to that lived and worked conscientiously. The large and growing family of this busy and thoughtful man led him to study the theory and practice of homeopathy for the benefit of his own house, and his skill and success soon went abroad in the charge and neighborhood. But "the strong man" fails and falls at last. Even the physician cannot heal himself always. Age and its inevitable colleagues came to him too, who had so long been hale and hearty. The evening of his life was spent in meditation and quiet acts of personal devotion in near communion with his sons. Father Waage died at the close of the week, -on Saturday evening, -as if to show that a full life had been well rounded off. In his death a spirit left the world matured for a higher life, -a man scholarly, educated, well-informed, conversant with men, of a poetical temperament and a believer in everlasting life. The burial of Father Waage was largely attended, on the 27th of August, at his favorite "Six-Cornered" Church, in New Goshenhoppen. There were present clergymen of four denominations. Rev. Dr. A. R. Horne, of Allentown, preached a sermon in the German language, on the words found in Zechariah i. 5 Rev. Dr. E. Huber, of Philadelphia, followed with a discourse, likewise in German, based on the text found in Rev. xxii. 14 A biographical sketch was read by Rev. Dr. C. Z. Weiser, of the Reformed Church. The hymn was announced by Rev. Dr. Wackernagel, of Allentown The reading of the Scripture lesson (St. John's Gospel, 14th chapter) was attended to by Rev. Dr. Sadtler, president of Muhlenberg College, Allentown, Pa. Rev. Jacob Maeschter, of the Schwenkfeldian Society, read the burial service. Rev. Moses Gottschall, of the Mennonite Church read the hymn, in addition to some remarks at the house. His remains were borne to the grave by six of his brethren,- Rev. A. L. Dechant Rev. William Rath Rev. S. K. Gross Rev. Dr. Wackernagel Rev. C. Z. Weiser Rev. Williant B. Fox. There were also present Revs. D. H. Reiter and Professor Mathew Richards, of the Lutheran Church, and Rev. Jacob Kehm, of the Reformed Church. 1115 In Pennsburg we find a neat brick church built in 1855. It belongs to a congregation of Reformed and a congregation of Lutherans, and is occupied by them on alternate Sundays. The Reformed congregation was organized some five years before this church was built, and the Lutheran in 1855. The present pastor of the Reformed congregation is the Rev. A. L. Dechant, and of the Lutheran, the Rev. William B. Fox. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. PHILIP SUPER. Philip Super, the grandfather of Philip, the subject of this biography, came from Germany to America at an early date, and in 1788 purchased four hundred acres of land in Columbia County, Pa. His children were Hannah (Mrs. Ristine) Mary (Mrs. Ludwig Knoll) Sarah (Mrs. Block) Joseph Philip Jacob. The last of this number born in 1774 was probably a native of Philadelphia, where his death occurred. He learned the trade of a cabinetmaker, which he conducted in Philadelphia until his death, when his wife succeeded to the business. He married Jane Brooks, of Delaware County, whose children were William John Sarah Mary Ann (Mrs. Lewis W. Hampton) Hannah Philip Jane (Mrs. Charles Famous) Ann and one who died in infancy. Philip was born on the 21st of February, 1815, in Philadelphia, where he resided until his seventeenth year. After a rudimentary education, he, at the age of fourteen, entered a hardware-store and remained thus employed for three years, when advantages were offered which induced his removal to Lederachsville, Lower Salford township, as clerk in a country store. PICTURE OF PHILIP SUPER, APPEARS HERE. In 1835 he removed to Pennsburg, in Upper Hanover township, and acted in the same capacity for Jacob Hillegass. His attention was next directed to the vocation of a teacher, which absorbed the following three years, when he was, in 1840, elected, as a Democrat, justice of the peace, in which office he was continued until 1875. His business was gradually merged into that of a conveyancer, while his familiarity with property in the township, together with his popularity and known integrity, caused him to be frequently selected as guardian and executor. To these responsible trusts his time and abilities have been mainly devoted for many years. Squire Super was married, on the 3d of December, 1837, to Catherine, daughter of Henry Dotts, of Pennsburg, whose only child, William Henry, died in infancy. In 1884, Squire Super was elected county auditor. He is secretary of the Perkiomen Railroad and the Goshenhoppen Mutual Fire Insurance Company, at Pennsburg, and secretary of the Green Lane and Goschenhoppen Turnpike Road Company, as also identified with all important movements of a business or social character in his township. His religious preferences are for the Lutheran Church, of which Mrs. Super is a member.