Family History: Hans Jacob Neifert Descendants: part 4 : Berks/Schuylkill Cos, PA written by William Washington Neifert in 1906 for family usage This copy contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives. 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. _________________________________________________________________ 23 Eva Neifert, 3rd child of John and Anne Neifert born at the Rush homestead Dec. 23, 1829. She married Jacob A. Leiby, born Apr. 7, 1818 at Lynn port, Lehigh Co. Pa the 2nd child of Andrew and Catherine (Brobst) Leiby. They lived in Heidelberg Township where he died Oct. 18, 1888. She then removed to New Tripoli where she died Feb. 6, 1894. Both are buried at New Tripoli. Children: 230. William N. b. Dec. 24, 1848 m. June 16, 1878 Sarah J. Schleicher b April 11, 1855 Issue: I. Granville Oscar, b April 10, 1879 II. Richard Franklin b July 1, 1882 III. William Alfred b Feb. 11, 1884 IV. Mary Matilda b Feb. 1, 1886 V. Benjamin Jacob b Aug. 3, 1888 VI. Eva Jane b Nov. 10, 1896 231. Mary A. J. b April 18, 1851 m 1875 Joseph J. Fink b Oct 9, 1855 Issue: I. Olicer J. b Apr. 16, 1876 II. Charles D. J. b Sept. 16, 1878 III. Ida F. b Mar. 11, 1880 died Feb 11, 1881 IV. George W. b Sept. 16, 1883 V. Edwin G. b May 18, 1888 VI. Elmer F. B Feb, 19, 1890 232. Elemina b April 2, 1853 died January 19, 1857 233. David N. b March 10, 1855 in 1876 m. Messetta H. Sensinger b April 6, 1858 issue: I. Clinton Elias b Oct. 18, 1876; II. Howard Edwin b July 16, 1881; III. Allen Eugene b Sept 13, 1884, d Feb. 12, 1885; IV. Ralph Elmer b August 18, 1892 234. Edwin N b Aug. 22, 1857 m Aug. 4, 1885 at Aberdeen S. Dak, Maggie McCall, b Nov. 29, 1862 issue: I. Viola b Mar. 1, 1887; II. John Jacob b Apr. 11, 1889 d July 17, 1889; III. Ruth Catherine b Nov 26, 1892; IV. Edwin McCall b May 17, 1900; V. David Kenneth b Aug. 31, 1903. 235. Sarah A. born July 15, 1862, died Feb. 9, 1882; 236. James b Dec. 3, 1867 died Nov. 26, 1870; 237. Oliver J. b July 5, 1873 m 1898 Mary A. Youse b March 10, 1881 issue: I. Herbert A. b Nov. 23, 1898 died Aug. 15, 1899. 24 Rebecca Cordella Neifert, the 4th child of John and Anne Neifert born at the old homestead in Rush, April 24, 1833, married at Tamaqua by Rev. Joel Grimm to Moses Hein, born in Berks County Dec. 10, 1827, 3rd child of Samuel and Rebecca (Yandser) Hein. He died November 4, 1902 and is buried at the White Church cemetery. Children: 240. George b Dec. 19, 1853 died August 8, 1896 241. Anna Rebecca b Aug. 22, 1856 243. Emilia Pruellen b December 3, 1858 244. Marie Jenn b Nov. 2, 1860 died Oct. 5, 1861 245. Mary Eve b June 27, 1864 died Oct. 27, 1870. 25 Jacob Lindner, oldest child of Anthony and Marie Barbara (Neifert) Lindner, born in Rush township April 17, 1818. On August 20, 1848 married Eve (Hurst) Lindner, widow of his uncle Solomon Lindner, the daughter of Jacob and Catherin (Wurst) Hurst, born October 14, 1813 in Wissenheim, Germany. She came to America when four years old. She was a twin but her companion, whose sex is not now known died and was 'buried at sea' on the passage. They lived in Rush until June 17, 1861 when they removed to Ringtown where he died May 20, 1882 and she on Dec. 3, 1882. Their ashes lie side by side in the cemetery near that place. He held several township officies in Union Township and also in Rush prior to his removal. He was a member of Lodge No. 287 I.O.O.P., likewise his son and grandson. They had two children and were born in Rush: 250. Henry Lindner b Dec. 15, 1849 m Minerv Heintzelman on April 15, 1875 She was born July 10, 1855 their children: I. Frank b Feb. 16, 1876 m Rebecca Elizabeth Hartman Dec. 9, 1905, II. son Harry Jonathan; III. Dora Catherine b June 26, 1878; IV. Daisy Mabel b June 8, 1881 m Robert Clayton Bitting, Dec. 14, 1899, children Harry Abner and Vada Minerva; V. Eva Esther b Nov. 26, 1883 m Alfred Daniel Carl Apr. 15 19?0, child Esther Lillian, VI. Sarah Jane and Alice Barbara (twins) b Oct. 3, 1887. 251. Rebecca Jane Lindner b Sept. 11, 1854 married Levi Miller children: I. Ella Lydiann, II. Clayton Jacob. 29 Catherine Lindner daughter of Anthony and Marie Barbara (Neifert) Lindner b in Rush May 30, 1834. In 1851 she married George Brause who was born in Schuylkill Co. Dec. 10, 1831 child of John and Cath- erine (Gebhard) Brause. They removed to the west in 1870 where he died Dec. 2, 1897. She is living near Knoxville Iowa. Children: 290. Kittura b May 30, 1858 m Samuel K. Sechler Oct. 6, 1872. 291. Charles L. b May 9, 1854 m Eliza Lichty Nov. 15, 1877 292. Jacob Francis b. July 21, 1856 m Lennie Brawner Jan. 4, 1887 293. Mary Missouri b Nov. 6, 1858 m William Ridnouer Feb. 11, 1879 294. Isabella b Apr. 5, 1861 d May 7, 1896 295. George Washington b June 7, 1864 m Hattie Gartin Aug. 30, 1894 296. Lucien James b Feb. 23, 1867 m Mary E. Harvey Jul. 4, 1898 297. Catherine Anna b Jan. 24, 1870 m Charley R. Neifert Dec. 24, 1905 298. Franklin Thomas b Nov. 5, 1872 m Ada E. Houser Apr. 4, 1906 299. Samuel Edward b Feb. 2, 1875 m Laura M. Rebuck Jan. 23, 1903 300. Lydiann b June 17, 1878 m John O. Rebuck Mar. 14, 1900 33 William Neifert, the oldest child of Jacob and Elizabeth (Faust) Neifert, was born in Rush township, PA. Sept. 11, 1821 probably at the farm now know as "Iffert" farm which his parents owned and where they lived for some years. On Nov. 10, of the same year he was baptised by Rev. Carl Kroll, the sponsers being his grandparents, John Jacob Neifert and wife. His parents were good and more compelled to strug- gle hard to provide for themselves and their children the necessaries of life so that his boyhood was spent as any farmer's boy of that period. He had a very restricted advantage of education even in the German and the instsructions om the English language for 24 days was the sum of his privileges in that line. As a young man he learned the carpenter trade which coupled with that of a builder he followed prac- tically all of his time and Rush township even at this day owes to his energy many of her buildings. During the early Forties we find him engaged in the saw mill industry being employed by William Mintzer at Major's Mill which was the first mill in the region and was on the site now occupied by Weldy's powder mill near Hintzer's station. From his memorandum books we learn that he received for his labor the sum of eighty cents a day, which was the pay of mechanic at that time. What a comparison between that and the demands of the present day would be mechanics holding membership in labor organizations. There was no 8 hours a day system either, but he worked from sun to sun or 12 hours a day. On Sept. 24, 1843 by the Rev. C. F. Sallmann he was married to Lucinda Lindner the oldest child of Solmon and his wife Anna (Herbster) Lindner who was born in Li?n Township Lehigh Co. PA Jan. 7, 1824 and was baptised by the Rev. Jeger on Feb. 20, 1824. Nine children were born to them and all in Rush township except the youngest daughter who wa born in Catawissa Valley: 330. Nathan b Dec. 30, 1844 died Oct. 14, 1902 331. Caroline b Dec. 22, 1845 died Mar. 22, 1884 332. Mary b. Apr. 2, 1847 333. Matilda b. Mar. 20 1849 334. Priscilla b. Feb. 18, 1851 died May 23, 1874 335. Sarah Anna b. Dec. 24, 1853 336. Lovina b Dec. 27, 1855 337. Melinda b Aug. 9, 1858 338. William Washington b. Jan. 27, 1860 (Note the writer has in his possession the cradle in which all of these children excepting the oldest were rocked. It has also furnished temporary sleeping accommodations for grand and great grandchildren) They began housekeeping in a small story and half house on his father's farm and later moved to that portion of Rush township known as "Lindnersvillle". They also lived at Hometown, Taggartsville on his farm on Shrader's in Tomhickon and also in Catawissa Valley near what is now Brandonville. In 1862 they again moved to the farm and on April 1, 1868 moved to the hotel in Barnesville where they lived until Oct. 1870 with the exception of a few months during which interim the lot adjoining the hotel property was purchased and the house which the younger children and grandchildren recall as "Home" was built and to which they removed on the last named date. It re- quires a vigorous appeal to memory to recall several incidents that occurred in the hotel prior to this removal. Here in this home at his mother's knee the writer was taught Martin Luther's pathetic little German prayer: "Gottes Sphringlein, ot Wasser, Die Fuells, Amen.: which is translated, "God's springlet, Hath Water, In plenty, Amen." or the nursery rhymes crooned by the side of the old wooden cradle; 'Nodel, fade'l, fingerhute, flickt em bauer die ho sen gute, Geh't died frau im's hauhner--haus, Und sucht die bestha oyer raus. Haenk'd en pupple an der want, Hut en gackerle in der hand'. Or 'Schlof Bubbeli schlof, Der Daudy hut die Schof, Die Mommy hut die Lammer In der dunkle Krammer, Die schwartze wis die weise, Sie wolle em Bubbeli beise'. or on father's knee, 'Reite, reite Gauli, Alle stun en Meile. Alle Meil en Wertshaus, Bring der Daudy en Bretsel raus' or Trose, tross, trille, der Bauer hut en Fuelle, Das fuelle will nicht laufe, der Bauer will's verkaufe, Owver von das Fuells weeder laufe kon, will der Dauer's veeder hon. also this : 'Patsche, Patsche, Kuche, woll sie maul versuche, Un won die gute sammache, Mus die Monny noch mae boche. Then there were the Mock Sermones: 'Dau stehn ich uf der Kansel, Un bridig wie en Umschell Mei Huhn Mei Mahan, Mei Bredig in an, Mei Kuh mei Kalb, Mei Bredig is half, Mei Katz mei Maus, Mei Kelich is aus. Here mother died Nov. 8, 1884 after a long illness the result of a rupture and finally a billious attack and some heart troubel. A short time prior to her death the surviving children gathered under the old roof to celebrate the fortieth anniversay of their wedding. Once previous on a similar occasion all the children returned at the same time, 'Oft we think we hear our mother, coming through the open door, then we tearfully remember Mother will come home no more All her earthly labors over Gone with cares no more oppressed Where the wicked cease from troubling, and the weary are at rest. After the death of his wife and his children had grown to maturity and started on their own life's voyage, he began to dispose of his real estate holdings around Barnesville and on October 1, 1886 he moved to Quakake Junction where he lived until his death. Military affairs were active in the county from its organization until the beginning of the civil war. Companies of men formed in every section and battalions of them drilled annually at the "Badolia Tag'. The nations light infantry of Pottsville was organized March 1, 1832. It is now Co. H 8th regiment, N.O.P. and is the oldest military organization in the state. Among the young men of Rush township who were actively connected with the "militz' in those early days we find William Neifert as lst Lieut of the 15th company of the 30th regiment, 2nd brigade and 6th division. His commission was signed by the Governor of the Commonwealth, Hon. David R. Porter on August 3, 1842 and continued for seven years. "This commission his belt buckle and shoulder epalet are in the writer's possession). Frolics and dances were frequent at the public houses and "Battalion Day" was successfully brought to a close with a dance and a supper and brought much profit to the tavern that was located near the place where the military exercises were conducted. Farm maidens came flocking from all directions, truding for miles barefooted to save their shoes for dancing. Then there was a dance indeed--no soft swish of lace and silk but the active swing of linsey and homespun. There were no intricate lancers nor languid waltzed but neat shuffling "forward and back" with every note of the music beat, floor thumping and jolly jigs, "two by two" and a "swing your corner" or first lady to the right, cheat or swing, no flirting from behind fans and under stair- ways or little nooks but honest open courtship, strong arms about healthy waists. The supper was an important part of the evening and had printed menus been in order at that time, the following dishes would surely have been mentioned "Grumbire Supp, Rivvel Supp, Zwivwell Supp, Welsch Mahne, Gaens, Ente und Hinkel, Kalb fleisch, (Brodewurscht, Laberwurscht, und Pon-haus, Sauer Kraut, Weiss Kraut, Schnitz and Knep, Latwerg, Fett kkuche, Eppelkicheler, Lebe Euche und Weck, Schnitz Boi und Zucker Kkuche Eseig Pensch und Haemgemacht Beer." The preparation of food was an important work of the landlord's wife and her helps. The housewife and her daughters of that time had no opportunity to attend cooking schoools. Mothers taught their daughters to prepare food and it was considered no disgrace for daughter to serve with a family that needed help, where she could learn more of good housekeeping. Among other special occasions which brought joy into the experience of these pioneer families may be mentioned the erection of barns. After the excavation and the necessary preparation of timber the neighbors gathered on some appointed day then the building and raising while dangerous and hard work, was accomplished by the combined services. Men who had willing hearts and strong arms. Occasions of light work and much merriment for the young people were those of apple paring and cutting, boiling a plobuztor, corn husking, rag parties, quilting parties when old and new stories were told and popular songs were heartily rendered. Among the other important incidents in the life of these pioneers may also be mentioned, public sale or cendue or a change of residence. Great preparations were necessary for the moving day, especially was an abundance of good prepared and carefully packed on moving day. The safe arrival at the new homne was followed by work of busy hands, unloading goods and placing effects in the house and other buildings. The first meal in the new house was made of the abundant supply that was brought from the old, followed by a social gathering of young folks in the evening. The "fiddler" was an important person generally on all these occasions, thus cheering the young folks and it was also an incentive for the older ones to resume their labors with greater diligence and patience, knowing that human life has also a bright side. My parents frequently entertained the children, by relating their experiences in these happy events. The butchering day was "ains fun de grossa dawga uff der beweri" and still is an important event with its brode-wurscht and ponhaus making, followed by smoking meats and making candles. Alles hut gute g'schmocked, un ich daid now en goncer dawg fens maucha far uaht much en stick wurscht und ponhaus. I can yet see my every busy mother superintending mattters on butchering days for invariably father had business in town or those days. He could do any hard work but when it came to killing he always sickened and was compelled to leave the job to others. Then also my dog "Rawley" (originaly Rollow) how selfishly interested he was and kept rubbing and that word coaxing in that wordless language which all pets know so well how to use, until mother have him his usual choice bits. William Neifert was for sometime Postmaster at Barnesville and also for many years Tax Collector of the township in fact he held practically all of the various township offices at different times. He enjoyed the confidence and esteem of all and his counsel in town affairs was frequently sought by his fellow citizens. He also seems to have acquired popularity and social influnce in the county for in the years 1871-74 he served Schuylkill County as director of the Poor. His honesty, integrity and conscientious devotion to his public duty was not questioned. He evidently filled the position with general satisfaction to his constituents for he served again in the years, 1882-84 and was revered by all who knew him for he was an active worker in all that was good for his community. He was a life long member of the White Church and was prominently indentified with its doings for many years. At the age of 16 he became the leader of the signing and played the accompaniments on a violin. He was the prime mover in the purchase of serving in that capacity until 1880 when he gave way to newer life and ideas. It was his custom of frequently gather the children about the organ in his home during week day evenings to rehearse the music for the following Sunday exercises and if any of them failed to "boe uf' they were apt to feel the rod. The new church, was planned by him he superintended its erection and he also presented the 'corner stone'. On his 73rd birthday he was with his youngest son at Vineyard Haven, Mass where he spent the following week leaving there on the afternoon of the 18th of September for his hime. He reached East Mauch Chunk the next after- noon intending to remain there that night. After supper he spent a pleasant evening with his oldest son and family relating the experiences and pleasures of his visit to New England. Shortly after retiring he complained of feeling ill and a physician was called who prescribed for him when he rallied slightly but he passed away within an hour from what is designated as "heart failure" It was augmented by over exertion in running to catch a train in New York that morning. Death was sudden but just as he so often hoped it would be in his case. I believe he tried to so live that when death came he would "like ripe fruit, drop from the tree of life, into the lap of Nature--in death Nature". His remains were interred at the White CHurch cemetery under the auspices of Tamaqua Council, No. 134 O.U.A.P of which he was a member. The funeral was held on Sunday the 23rd from his late residence at Quakake Junction. The respect shown his memory forded ample evidence of the appreciation in which he was held by the community in which he spent his entire life. Nearly the entire populace of his own and the neighboring towns attended, besides numerous friends travelled for miles to show their respect for the deceased so that long before the hour set for the funeral procession to move a vast throng had gathered about the residence and the street was so blocked with carriages that it was difficult to make a start. A random estimate of the line of carriages puts the number at 128 and at the church where the service was held every possible space was filled to the utmost, the multitude numbering fully a thousand only half of whom were able to hear the eloguent oration of the Rev. George Gebert and Rev. H. A. Keyser, the former in German text chosen by the deceased himself, (1 Timothy 6-12) just three weeks prior to his death when he visited the minister at the parsonage in Tamaqua and when he made the reqauest. When being gently admonished by his pastor for the premonition he replied "Ja bradiger es gaht nicht mehr lange'. Mryu. Keyser spoke in english and having known him so intimately for 25 years was able to pay a tribute to the deceased by a statement of facts in connection with the inside history of providing improved facilities for public worship when the old church building was about to be razed on account of its unsuitable and unsafe condition. The present "White Church" is the result of his suggestions and with combined efforts of the ministers it stands as a monument to his memory in his native township. e his