UNivERsmy PENNSYLVANIA. LIBRARIES
1.11
i
II.
Ill
by the
oriier lo avoi latest date
HISTORIC
BACKGROUND AND ANNALS OF THE
AND GERMAN PIONEER SETTLERS OF SOUTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA, AND OF THEIR REMOTE ANCESTORS, FROM THE MIDDLE OF THE DARK AGES. DOWN TO THE TIME OF THE REVO-
SWISS
LUTIONARY
WAR
An
Authentic History. From Original Sources, Of Their Suffering During Several Centuries Before and Especially During The Two Centuries Following The Protestant Reformation, And of Their Slow Migration, Moved By Those Causes, During the Last Mentioned Two
Hundred Years, Westward in Quest Of Religious Freedom and Their Happy Relief in the Susquehanna and Schuylkill Valleys In the New World: With Particular Reference to the German-Swiss Mennonites or Anabaptists, The Amish and Other Non-Resistant Sects.
BY
H.
FRANK ESHLEMAN,
B. E.,
M.
E..
LL B.
Member of the Lancaster Bar; Member of the Lancaster County Historical Society; Member of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania at Philadelphia; and Member of the Pennsylvania History Club of Philadelphia. 1917
LANCASTER. PENNA
of
'
PREFACE Southeastern Pennsylvania, during our colonial period was the prolific swarms of Swiss and German settlers of America almost exclusively came, who, during the latter years of that period and during the first several decades of our national existence, migrated westward and planted the seed of the Teutonic element of our population in the middle west, the southwest, the northwest and the far west, and whose descendants in our later decades have sprung from them by millions and have largely moulded the character of that vast empire, down to this day. The valleys of the Susquehanna and Schuylkill Rivers being thus, the mother-land of so powerful and populous an influence, in our state and national existence, it was deemed by the compiler a matter of sufficient importance, to gather up the historical events in chronological order, leading up to the German-Swiss settlement here, from the time of remote ages. It was also thought equally important to set out in like chronological form, the first six decades or more of the growth and development of those same peoples here after their initial settlement about the beginning of the eighteenth century and to show their wonderful growth in power, in numbers, and their vigor in pushing the frontier line of our wealth and settlement westward. These Annals record the outlines of a history of religious fervor and of hive from which the
tenacity of noble purpose stretching across a thousand years, as glorious as anything else that ever happened in the history of the world. As early as
men began
stand out as champions of religious liberty and the simple Gospel, against the great Romish Church, the only Christian Church of note then on the earth. They held fast to the faith, through fire and against sword. About the year 1150, Peter Waldo renounced the Romish Church and led the Evangelical Christians; and by hundreds of thousands they adhered to him. They held the faith nearly four hundred years more and went like lambs to slaughter. Then came the Reformation. Luther, Zwingli, Calvin, and Menno Simon, led the movement in the heart of Europe. the year 900, strong
to
Menno held to the Waldenseon beliefs (and especially to the doctrine of non-resistance) and his followers became the prey of the militant faiths both Romish and Reformed. But neither fire, nor sword, nor drowning, nor prison, nor the galleys could turn them from their conviction; and while Zurich and Berne and other cities exterminated, imprisoned and deported them, they multiplied; and they were found by thousands everywhere. They obtained governmental favor in Holland by the year 1575 and thus they beheld that
golden glow in the west and gravitated there at the close of nearly 200 years of suffering, holding on to their faith in all its simple purity. Then they learned of America and in the next half century not less than fifty thousand embarked to reach the glorious land of Penn. Nearly twenty thousand who thus embarked died at sea; the remainder reached their happy goal.
They
filled
the valleys of
Susquehanna and Schuylkill and
of all their
tributaries. Before the Revolution they flocked down the Shenandoah. They soon crossed the Alleghenies and filled the Cumberland. They multiplied and drifted into the Ohio Valley and by the beginning of the nineteenth century they settled in lower Canada. They opened up the Indiana and Illinois region, the Kansas section, the Dakotas and the Northwest. Their descending generations in all the vast empire of middle-western and far-western America as well as in eastern America, are sons and citizens of power and wealth and influence in the forces that are moving and making our great nation. Results such as these, make worthy of preservation, the origin and early struggles and gradual steps the long, the arduous and ever conquering march to such a goal.
—
—
H.
FRANK ESHLEMAN.
ANNALS OF THE PIONEER SWISS AND PALATINE MENNONITES OF LANCASTER COUNTY. AND OTHER EARLY GERMANS OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA These Swiss and Germans of whom shall write labored under many the narration problems and difficulties, which our set out in an
Introduction and Baokgrouud. It is the purpose of which shall follow to easy and attractive style, some
I
people of today will find it hard to They were foreigners and held leading events in the life of the early in disfavor for a time by the English Swiss and Palatine Mennonites and other Germans of eastern Pennsylva- government of this province, though nia, and particularly of Lancaster Penn gave them a special invitation County. This is a subject upon which to come and settle here. They were much is known traditionally but not looked upon with jealousy by other very much, accurately and authorita- people settled among them because, these Swiss and Germans, early in tively. It is believed that the noble life and the country districts at least, began of the
believe.
struggles of these pioneers who were the very backbone of early industrial Lancaster County and of other eastern Pennsylvania sections, should be publiclj' and familiarly known. And we feel that if they are truly known, a character will be shown to the public in every way the equal of that of the Puritans down east, upon whose early noble acts and life all generations of America have been taught to look with awe and reverence, as if all the good that was ever done for America in primitive days was done by those godly New Englanders. This, of course, is not the fact. It may be very truthfully said that the pioneer Swiss,
and Germans and
making money and progress by thrift,
their
etc.
not our purpose to give a comof these peoples; but rather only a series of "Annals" deIt is
plete
history
most striking events of and progress here. In order to understand fully the life, feeling and ideals of these picting the
their life
peoples it will be necessary to go back many hundred years and supply the European historical background, and trace up the long train of religious causes which brought them to
Pennsylvania. early history of
This their
foundation troubles,
or etc.,
kindred nationaliwill be necessarily quite lengthy and originally settled certain large portions of eastern Pennsylva- go back to the time of Caesar. But innia, have done as much for America asmuch as familiar Lancaster County other eastern Pennsylvania and have lived as nobly, and have up- and held the pure religion and gospel, of names will continually appear in it, our nation as faithfully as the "witch- we hope that it will not become tireties
who
burning" Puritans ever
did.
some.
—
THE EUROPEAN BACKGROUND
The
European
Causes
Wliicli
Background
— The
Forced the Swiss
Into Pennsjivauia.
of non-combatant Christians Brandenburg and other And, indeed, in parts of Germany. Altenburg, Switzerland, he directed
the
Hamburg,
through his fury against all Christians, but passed has Switzerland centuries of bloodshed, civil convul- chiefl}^ against Romanists. Then in sion, war and religious persecution. 991 the Pagan Danish hordes again Before Christ, Caesar fought the Hel- poured into Germany and vexed the vetian War, partly on its soil. The Christians during 40 years there, (Do.,
were conquest and empire. The Romans held it four centuries; objects
p.
249).
In the 11th century the question of then the Allemani, in the German in- infant baptism and transubstantiation vasion, took possession; and in turn gave rise to furious persecution by the Franks overthrew the Allemani, the main Christian Church upon the
and the Burgundians.
The Franks separatists who refused
to adhere to
Many of those doctrines. a new civilization under started of convicted were separatists Christianity, (Lippincott Gaz.). Perse- these (Do., cutions against the Christians first heresy and executed, p. 255). reached Northern Italy and the bor- The Berengarians of Netherlands and ders of Sv/itzerland and Germany about Germany suffered in this persecution, the year 600 A. D. Up to this time (Do., p. 260). By the middle of this the fiercest persecution in other parts century the Holy Roman (German) of Europe was that by the heathen Empire controlled Switzerland, (LipLongabards upon the Christians for pincott) their refusal to honor idols, (Martyrs' 1009 Earliest Authentic Appearance Mirror, Elkart Edition of 1886, p. of the Herrs. 210). But the Roman Church now began the same, and punished Bishop In the year 1009 we find the first Adrian in 606 as a criminal for refus- trace in Switzerland, of any name ing to baptize infants, (Do.). About common among us today in Lancas850 there was a butchery of non-con- ter county and Eastern Pennsylvania. formant Christians by the Franks, It is one of the two most prominent (Do., p. 233). At the opening of the and numerous names of the county 10th century persecutions were still Herr. Miller is the other. The county raging in different parts of Europe directory shows us indeed that there on the question of baptism, of which are nearly twice as many Millers as the learned Giselbert writes, (Do., p. Herrs in the county today. 245). But most of the religious perIn the year just stated the Herrs secutions during this century were appear in Northern Switzerland, in those inflicted by Pagans upon Chris- the person of the Swabish Knight tians generally, all along the Medi- Hugo, the Herr or Lord of Bilried, terranean coast, (Do.). In 926 King (Vien in Herr Genealogy, p. 1). The Worm of Denmark persecuted the race anciently lived in Swabia says non-resisting Christians in and sur- the same author. Swabia was one r^ounding Denmark, (Do., p. 246). By of the districts into which Maximilian 950 the current which the Danish King II divided ancient Germany, then instarted reached Slavonia, whose un- cluding Switzerland. Prof. Rhoddy godly tyrant King persecuted de- tells us that Swabia included nearfenseless Christians there; and by the ly the whole of Northern Switzerland, end of the century religious war was and a large tract of Germany east of in progress by the Vandals, against the Rhine, at one time called Alemaneither
of
.
—
ORIGIN OF THE WALDEXSES deposed
of foundation ia. Therefore the Lancaster county, was not only Swiss
in
but the pioneers in 1710 were descendants of a Swiss stock during a i)rior period of over seven hundred
Lyons,
in 1710;
years.
One p.
JOoO— The Great Eby or Eaby Family ^loTed to Switzerland.
We will not vouch for the truth of the statement announced in the title
bishops and others.
was Peter Waldo
who separated
in
1160,
of
(Do.,
His adherents were first nuthe province of Albi, (Do.,
265).
merous p.
Roman
these
of
in
They were called
2G6).
Lyonites,
Albigenes and finally nearly all Waldenses. They spread into every province and were objects of persecution during four centuries and more. The
Roman Church began to call them Ezra E. Eby late Anabaptists, (Do., p. 267); and by of Berlin, Ontario, author of the "Eby that name their descendants in faith Family" states that the Ebys lived in were called down to 1710 at least, as Italy known as the Ebees and were we shall show later. Their doctrine heathen until the Waldenses in the w'as essentially the same as that of 12th century or later brought them the pioneers who in 1710 first settled into Christianity. The Ebys were sup- Lancaster county. Their creed conposed to have come into Switzerland tained the following principles among during the 11th century. others opposition to infant baptism to this paragraph.
1050— The
Reformed
Romau
Spirit
in
the
Clnirch.
Miiller, page recites a letter 57, from the Papal legate Peter Damian to Adelaide Susa showing that the Reformed Spirit existed in the Church of Rome from 1050 at least. And it is added that the old Evangelical congregations to whom the Waldenses belonged existed from time immemorial. The diocese where the Waldenses lived maintained its independence of the Church of Rome until the
—
—to
—
—
transubstantiation to war to participation in government to oaths, They early etc., (Do., pp. 265-277). reached Northern Italy and the border of Switzerland, (Do., p. 279). 1150
to
1200— Troubles
—
of
>ou-Ke-
sislants In Latter Half of the
12th In
1161,
Henry
II,
in
Century. the
eighth
about 30 German
year
of
men and
w^omen sailed over to England to escape Papal tortures. They were Ber12th century says Miiller. And as engarians or Lyonites and separated early as this time began the majrriage because of their views on infant bapand expulsion of priests. In this re- tism, etc. They were illiterate and sistence against Rome Bishop Clau- led by a German of some learning dius of Turrene distinguished himself called Gerard. They were appreearlier than all others from 815 to hended in England. (M. Mirror, p. 835 a true reformer says Miiller, 283). Abram Millinus shows that (Ernst Miiller's Geschichte der Bern- their doctrine w^as similar to the ischen Taiifer, p. 57). Mennonite tenets of faith. They were scourged and banished and allowed 1160— Origin of the ^Valdeuses. six WaldIn the middle of the 12th century to freeze to death. In 1163 near barn at Utrecht and other places they were enses were discovered in a burned burning the Berengarians alive, (Do. Cologne, in Prussia and were
—
M. Mirror, p. 281). About 1159 those to death, (Do., p. 284). Ernst Miiller tells us (p. 64) that who opposed the doctrines of the Holy Charch which we have mentioned, be- the Abbe of Steinfelden named Evergan to have strong and able suporters vin wrote in 1164 to the Holy Bernard
—
!
GROWTH AND SLAUGHTER OP WALDENSEANS an untold where prepared
number
that
monks
to
are
were burned to death. Another test was that of cold water, the accused being thrown into a canal and if they sank in it they were heretics, but if they floated they were not. By 1203 these Waldenses or Anabaptists had the Holy Scriptures trans-
every-
oppose priests and
in their midst,
and
that
this
heresy has grown secretly ever since the time of the martyrs. In 1191 the City Basle, Switzerland, It has today a population of 70,000 and was the scene of a like persecution and refuge.
was founded.
lated into their ler,
p.
59)
;
own
language, (Miil-
and they did not practice
any other doctrine. The parts of the time the Waldesean Bible most carefully followed by doctrine was spreading rapidly. And them were the commandments and by 1199 one of their enemies said a the sermon on the Mount. with were filled cities thousand Miiller tells us that in 1212 in and them. They filled Southwestern Euabout Strasburg, Germany there were Germany, Hungary rope, England, more than 500 of these Waldenses and Northern Italy, (Do., p. 279), Ja(the parent faith of the Mennonites) cob Mehring says these people who and that they were made up of Swiss, .did not believe in infant baptism,
During
all this
Italians, Germans and Bohemians; and that in the early part of this cenpolitical affairs were contemptuously tury they had spread far and wide, (p. called Anabaptists, Waldenses, BerAnd about 1215, there were engarians, Mennonites, etc., by the 64.) 80 more of them burned at Strasburg papists, Lutherans and Calvanists (Do., p. 267). As far as the German, and more in other parts of Germany, Swiss and Dutch are concerned the (M. Mirror, pp. 300 and 304). And in 12th century closed with the expul- 1231 throughout Germany many more Waldenseans sion of many of these Waldesean of these Anabaptists suffered martyrdom, (Do., p. 300). By Christians from Metz and the burn1250 there was scarcely a land where' ing of their books, which books they the Waldensean sect had not found its had translated from the Latin into way and everywhere, where they extheir native language. isted they were known by their plain dress, moral life, their temperate liv1201 to ISOO— The Tliirteenth Century ing and their refusal to take part in Religious Struggles government and oaths, (says Miiller, As far as religious persecution in p. 58).
transubstantiation,
force,
war
o r
—
i
!
;
this century affects the
Dutch,
mans and Swiss we may
Ger-
notice that
p.
In the year 1277 in Berne, (Miiller, 64) the opponents of the Catholics
persecution about 1212 began to rage from Schwarzenburg through the in Holland, (Do. p. 298) and at that Bishop of Lousanne in Switzerland time 108 Waldenses were burned to were brought before the Dominican death in Strasburg, Germany; 39 at Humbert and the 'inquisition plied Bingen and IS at Metz, (Do.). In against them; whereupon many of 1214 Conrad of Marpurg was ap- them were burned. pointed by Pope Innocent III, the This shows how the Anabaptists grand inquisitor of Germany to exter- Waldenseans, as they were called, minate all who had strayed from the (the parent Church of the Mennonites) Roman faith. In 19 years he killed grew through the 13th century and hundreds. He gave them red hot how they were persecuted and torirons to hold and destroyed all who tured throughout that century in Gerwere burnt by it as heretics. They many, Switzerland and elsewhere. ;
j
MENNINITES, DESCENDANTS OF WALDEXSEANS Bracht says that
about 1305, the In 1360 the name .lohn de Rupe evangelical doctrine be- (Scissa) appears among the Martyrs. gan to arise on the Alps, through a Three years later he was burned at pious man and his wife who had ac- Avignon, (Martyr's Mirror I. cepted the Waldensean faith. In 1374 a separatist named Loffler Many followed his teaching but in 1308 he from Bremgarden was burnt on acand his wife were torn limb from count of his belief in oi)i)osition to limb and 110 of his followers burnt the established church for being a alive (M. Mirror, p. 317). Throughout free spirit says :\Iuller, (page 64). Austria also the persecution raged. During the last decade of this centorch of persecution was In 1315 a Waldensean teacher call- tury the ed Lolhard at his trial in Austria flaming against the Anabai)tists the said he could find 80,000 persons who Waldensean lambs called hereitcs by the church of Rome, in Germany and believed in his religion (Do., 318). light
of the
—
—
—
Switzerland particularly. From the year 1382 to the year 1393 Muller tells us (p. 64) that by order of Pope Clement VII the Minorite Franz Borell burned about a hundred of these Waldenses, or antecedents of the Mennonites round about Lake Geneva in Switzerland on cause he embraced the whole doctrine account of their religion, the papal declaring them heretics of the Waldenses; and also many church
In 1330 we find that a man named Eckart or Eckert (who formerly had been a Dominican monk and had left the papists, because he became a non-resistant and opposed the doctrine of infant baptism and transubstatiation) was publicly burned in Germany for those reasons and be-
more were likewise tortured for sim- worthy of death. In 1390 not less than ilar doctrines in Bohemia and Poland,
36
persons
Waldenses were burnt for (Do., p. 319). This Eckert may have their faith at Bingen on the Rhine, been an ancestral connection of the These martyrs were all widely known Eckert family of Lan- Germany. called
citizens of Mentz, (M. Mirror,
caster county. In the year 1340 among the Martyrs, appears a name, now well known in Lancaster county, Hager. This year Conrad Hager was martyred for having taught for 24 years the Waldensean faith. Many had followed his
—
teaching, (Do.).
Ten years
later .John de
Ghent, a highly
away from
the
learned
Landuno
of
man broke
reigning church and
embraced Anabaptism and was tor(Do.). "Landuno" may have been the Dutch form of "Landis". tured,
Now
about this
p.
320).
Almost the same time on the borders of the Baltic sea 400 were destroyed. Ernst Miiller also tells us that in the old books the doctrines of the Waldenses are set out, as those doctrines were in the 12th century, and there can be no doubt that these Anabaptists that the church of Rome called heretics in the 14th century are the same in religious principle as the early Waldenses. He says those persecuted at Bern and Freyburg (Switzerland) had exactly the same were religious belief of those who tortured in 1398.
time (1350) says Thus we show that during the 14th p. 378 the Keiser of Bavaria century the persecutions against the interposed and compelled the princiseparatists were very largely carried pal papal church in his dominions to on in the heart of Europe to which cease its persecution upon the de- places northward from it spread fenseless separatists. Rome. It crossed the Alps into GerCassel,
PERSECUTIONS OF THE 15TH CENTURY
6
many, Switzerland and Austria. Those Through imprisonment and torture who most fiercely felt its fire were, as during the early part of this century in the previous century, the non-re- the congregations of Waldenses of sistants or Anabaptists as they were Freyburg were entirely destroyed. called, the successors in faith of the Through this destruction it was found old Waldenses, and the antecedents of out that Swartzenberg was full of the Mennonites. Waldenses too; and that the Freyburg brethren had commiinication Persecution of the Non - Resistant with Zolathurn in Switzerland and in Cliristians iu the Fifteenth Germany and Bohemia, (Miiller, p. Century
64).
In the year 1430 several Waldenthrough the sean teachers from Germany came to Dominican, Maulberger of Basel were Freyburg and settled there to counsel the instigators of the expulsion of deand strengthen the congregations, fenseless Christians from Berne, but (Do., p. 65). they staid in Switzerland until the reThe benevolent converts of Begharformation, (Miiller, 65). and Beghinen, says a papal auden It was contended that .John Wickthority were nurseries of Waldensean liffe embraced a part of the Waldheretics and were polluted with Waldensean doctrine and that John Huss became a disciple and believer in the ensean proceedings. The Zurich officer or chief police Felix Hammerlin Wickliffe teachings (M. Mirror, poin 1440 a pamphlet opposing wrote 323-24). In 1415 John Huss having these "heretics" as he called them, examined and studied Wickliffe's growth book against the papal tenets and es- and in it he tells of the great and spread of them up to that time. pecially against war, oaths and infant He says every year they came from baptism accepted nearly all of these and preached in Switzerland Bohemia Wickliffe teachings or principles and Germany, which induced a great
The Beghienen
in 1403
.
(Do.).
number
of people to accept their be-
John Huss gained many of the Bern, Zolathurn lief, in the cities of Waldenses in Bohemia, when he be- and many Swiss villages, (Miiller, p. gan to preach. For want of a leader 65). About this time there were perthey had greatly diminished in the secutions in Basle, Switzerland, and last 30 years; but he revived trem. Both Huss and Jerome were burned on the shores of Lake Constance, part of the Northeastern boundary of Switzerland, by the Roman Church. Then the Hussites began a war on the German electors and after the war having largely given up the mild Waldesean faith went back to the Church of Rome again. But they turned again from them and became the Grubenheimers or cave-dwellers.
the so-called "heretics" Mirror, p. 335).
burned,
(M.
In the course of this narration of the sufferings of our early Swiss and German non-resistant ancestors, we now meet a name \ery familiar and our country,— the very famous in name Herr. Mr. Jacob Schnebeli of Obfelden, Switzerland, a historian of note there informs me that in 1440 Hansley Herr was one of the brave garrison of Greifensee, Canton of In the Freyburg district (SwitzerZurich, of 60 men, in the "Old Zuland) in 1429 Haris Michel of Wallace rich War," who under Wildhans von and Anna Grause from Erlaugh were Breitenlandenburg, defended the casburned, and the following year Peter tle; and after the fall of the Castle
Seager
too,
(Miiller, p. 64).
wag beheaded. May
27, 1444.
Hansley
'
HORRIBLE SLAUGHTER OF WALDENSEANS Herr was from Hagnau, Switzerland, near Uster. Thus while the Herrs are now non-resistant, some of them, at least, did not become Anabaptists or Waldenseans before 1450. But later they did largely become Waldenseans and eventually Mennonites; and
early Moravians believed in the same faith.) They did not pay their preachers a salary but depended on hospitality. Their apostles or traveling preachers went throughout all the
countries to Moscow, Asia Minor and Egypt. Their Bohemian teachers came a tradition in their own family is to on to Switzerland in 1474, (See Multhe effect that, the broken spears ler, p. 56). Bohemia as we all know which are a part of their coat of is part of the Austria Hungarian Monarms indicate that they denounced archy and lies northeast of SwitzerKnighthood and w^ar and became non- land, being sejiarated from it by the resistant Christians. province of Bavaria, part of the GerMr. Schnebeli wrote me also that man Empii-e. Thus in our Mennonite the names of Christian and Hans researches it is interesting to notice Herr (now so familiar in our Coun- that not only from Italy on the south ty) were found in 1450 in the Canton but from Bohemia on the east, the of Glarus, Switzerland; and that an Waldensean faith came into Switzerearly branch of the Herr family was land one of the ancient homes of the settled in the upper part of the CanIn Bohemia too during Mennonites. ton of Zurich (Southeast) called Zuthis century the persecutions raged. richer Oberland in very early times. The Spanish inquisition plied its fearThe Tchudi and other familiar Lanhorrible butcheries at this ful and caster county families came from In Gertime, (M. Mirror, p. 336). Glarus. many also there were tortures and In 1453 says the author of the "Eby .John of Wesel who was teaching the Family" the whole valley of the LuWaldensean faith at Worms was zerne in Switzerland was put under burned, (Do.). an edict against the Waldenses by The Waldenses who lived in the the Church of Rome. Catholic Bishopic of Basil where they Persecutions of the Xon-Resistant began to be numerous about 14S7 were i
;
—
one of the most zealous congregations in all Switzerland, and the authorities of the papal church were at their wits' end to know how to suppress As we shall show later the them. authorities of Basil and Berne in the 16th century held a convention to de-
Cliristiaus in the Fifteenth Century.
The next prominent persecution recorded by history against the nonis that which oc1457 at Eichstadt, in Germany, (M. Mirror, p. 335). In a convention in Sholka in 1467 the leader of the Bohemian brethren German the of in the presence Waldenses was consecrated through a Ro.nan Waldensean priest, from the first church, (Miiller, p. 65). Showing that the doctrine of the Waldenses in every country where they existed was the same at all times as that which early in the 16th century they handed down to the Mennorelate that infant baptism nites, I was rejected by the brethren of Bohe(Thus also the mia and Moravia.
resisting
']
Waldenses
curred in
some plan to get rid of as they called them "these unchristian and damned heretics". (Muller, p. 235). Innocent's Pope came In 1487 measures to exterminate the Waldenseans says the author of the "Eby Family", (Eby). This bill of the Pope
vise
!
w^as dated April 25
and
in
it
he asked
the whole confederation or league of Papal churches to help wipe the Waldenseans from the earth; and he also sent his legates and other military officers under Albrecht of Capi-
SIXTEENTH CENTURY PERSECUTIONS
8
taneis to Wallace
for
(Miiller, p. 65).
In
1498 says Miiller.
p.
PEKSECUTIOjNS in the 16TH CEJfTURY OF PENNSYLVANIA'S BoEUROPEAN ANTE-
purpose,
this
65,
a
hemian deputation of the Waldenseans were present in Upper Italy as spectators, when Savanarola was burned
CEDENTS 1500
—Meniio
Simon
This century begins with the infanthood of a notable character in this year under Pope Alexander VI religious history, Menno Simon, this faithful and powerful Christian founder of the Mennonites. He tells was strangled to death and then us he was born in 1496 in Witmarsum, burned to ashes. He helped to preSee his story serve in large part the faith which the Friedland, in Holland. of his conversion in Punk's "ComWaldenses kept inviolate and handed plete Works" of Menno Simon (Elkdown to the Mennonites, who in the hart, 1871) page 3. He says, "In the next century gladly received it. year 1524, then in my 28th year, I unAnd thus ended the 15th century dertook the duties of a priest, etc." amid blood and martyrdom. Those Rupp, (p. 84) therefore mistakably Thus the who first about the year 850 in a fixes his birth in 1505. Mennonite faith back nearly to dates weak way announced their dissent the discovery of America. Indeed, as from the Church of Rome, and their we have shown before, it is several approval of what they understood to be the plain simple teachings of the hundred years older than that, as without much modification it was and Savior, found themselves greatly is a continuation of the Waldensean strengthened about 1175 by the sect of doctrine, beginning at least as early the Waldenseans. These spread as 1170. The coming of Menno Sithroughout Southern and Central mon simply changed the name of one Europe in swarms and through fire for his faith in the mild doctrine. In
—
branch of the Waldensean sect; and and the sword and all manner of pergave new strength and vigor to its secution and death turned upon them, believers. defended the doctrine until the end of Noil- Resisting Waldenseans the 15th century and into the 16th, 1507 i
—
when about
1527 the
new
sect of the
Mennonites accepted the same from the old Waldenseans, and also defended it and died for it as we shall see through two full centuries and more, in face of both Catholic and Reformed tortures against them; and finally taking it to Holland and the Palatinate for safety, handed it down in all its purity to the new world in the beginning of the eighteenth century.
Before of that
we can
happy
describe the events
latter century, the blood
and the turmoil, and torture and martyr-death of the 16th and the 17th centuries
lie before us, which next proceed to narrate.
we must
Persecuted in Hungary.
As we shall show in a later item, both Holland and Hungary were ripe for the leadership of at this time Menno Simon as the faith which he espoused when he came to mature
manhood (the Mennonite Faith) was already strong in these places. Other places had their leaders, viz: Germany had Luther in 1517 and Switzerand had Zwingli about the same date. But Hungary and Holland including Moravia, etc., had to wait for Menno Simon about 1525. We shall give more of this later. In 1507 the Waldenses of Hungary and Moravia delivered a defense of their faith against certain unfounded accusations, because of which they were persecuted. This de-
—
MENXOXITES AND REFORMERS CO-EX STENT I
eracy of the Church of Rome. Different leaders took hold of it in different places in Central Europe about
fense they made to the king of Bohemia, (M. Mirror, p. 397).
1509
— Ilolluud
3Ieiiiiouites
Flee to
the
Geriuany.
The Congregation
of
same
time.
Mennonites at
I
Leer, a Prussian town on the Leeda river, at the beginning of this century was Flemish, that is, they were not native Germans, but came from Flanders, which in these early days included parts of Holland, Belgium and France. Thus the earliest centers of
'
I
I
I
Mennonite failh were Holland and adjacent places, and Hungary. In 1009 they had approached East Friedland, in Holland and were settled there. One of them suffered the death of a Martyr this distinctively
They
from
persecution
all
suffered
Established Church and State; but some defended by war while others did not resist. This difference in the manner of meeting persecution in the course of one hundred years or more caused a wide difference between these branches of the great body of Reformers and with differences of view on the subject of baptism and other questions gave rise to a new persecution by one branch of the new faith against another and thus we later find the Reformed and Lutherans, persecuting and destroying the Mennonites, more severely than Rome ever did. the
same year at Holstein. Persecutions were begun against them by the Roman Church and the Govern1510 Conditions Whicli MoAcd Lii. ment in Flanders, and they fled to thor and Zwinirli. Germany and particularly to Cologne, (See A. Brons, Annabaptists or MenBrons tells us (p. I'i) that as Lunonites of Europe, page 245 a Ger- ther when he went in 1510 to Rome man work published in Norden). became acquainted with the corrui)at once
—
—
1510
— JleuuouUes
tion
and "Ileformatiou"
Growing Up Together From the convent of Trub in Bohemia the reformation was promoted early. The Abbott, Thuring Rust of Wahlhusen, famous until 1510 as Vicar in Lauperswyl (Austria) felt himself possessed of the new faith. He resigned the dignity of Abbott and went out to the little valley of the "^rub Mountains, and married and pported himself and his wife by m; king shingles, and carried on the the Valley, (Miiller, He left the Church of Rome, p. 22}. which forbade him as an Abbot from marrying and became a "Reformain
We
passage from Miiller to show that the various branches of the Protestant Church, especially the Mennonites, Reformed, Lutheran and Moravian branches grew out of the same causes the abuses and degencite this
—
the
establish-
;
j
i
old Waldenses started and which Luand Mennonites therans. Reformed
were now carrying j
\
on.
He and Lu-
ther differed widely on the question of the sacrament and their follow-ers differ today on the same point.
1515— The
First Fierce Effort to De-
stroy the Holland Mennonites. this time the Bishop of Utthirty-five towns in Holcaused recht burned, to purge the to be land Waldensean descenthe of Country years later were few (who a dants was the This Mennonites). called While power. papal under condition
About
tionist."
of
ed church, so also Zwingli had his eyes opened as Chaplain among the soldiers of the Romish army in Switzerland and from being a staunch defender of that faith he turned aside to find purity; and this helped to prepare him to join with zeal and go into the cause, which the
s,
Retormation
heads
of the
10
WICKED CONDITION OF ZURICH
it may astound us to learn that a Bishop could do this, we must not forget that such was the power of the State Church, that almost anything it asked of the civil rulers, those rulers gave the Church power to carry out. About the same time came floods and conflagration and famine; and the people believing that this was a punishment on them for leaving the Romish church, again went back to it for consolation; but they found no consolation. Instead they found continual demands for heavy p a yments of money to pay for spiritual
benefits
1516
— Zwingli
Begins
Approving the
Waldensean Faith. Zwingli now accepted a position as preacher in the Abbey of Maria Einsielden, and he found rest though still
He now began to who came for sins. He told them
a Catholic.
preach to the pilgrims
forgiveness of they must not rely on indulgences and that all outward service is in vain -that the picture of Mary has no power and no priest could forgive sins. Many a seed corn did the pilgrims carry away with them from his speeches, (Do.)
—
—
as they were called. No says Brons, 397) the (p. Then too, Erasmus from Rotterdam people lost faith in the church and published a Greek new testament for lifted their hearts and minds to the priests as the language of the Heaven. Thus suffered these Waldpriests was in Greek. ensean parents of the Mennonites in Holland in the beginnig of the 16th 1518— Wicked Condition of Ziiricli. century. In 1518 Zwingli accepted a call as 1515— Zwingli Still Adheres to Ro- secular priest in Zurich. There were there delegates and foreign powers niisli CLurch— Not Friendly to and Swiss soldiers to be enlisted. the Mennonites. Money fiowed in streams to Zurich. In 1515 Zwingli a second time went Zwingli saw here that there was great with the banner of the Canton of looseness of morals great joy, delight Glarus as chaplain to Italy. The Swiss and pasttimes. Gentlemen and boys troops were to drive out the French took to drink, gambling and courting. who had made a stand at Milan. But Some of the first families took the here bribed by French gold, Zwingli saw they lead in this abandon. made a disgraceful treaty with the that the heads of the Church made French. Zwingli now preached with sport of the commandment to fast and wrath against this bribery and want on Palm Sunday they made pig of fidelity to Keiser and Pope and the roasts. influenced These things honor of Switzerland, (Brons, p. 13). Zwingli. He says on these festive days We jot down this item simply be- the people played, fought, gambled cause it gives us a view of the atti- drank and committed mortal sins. tude of Switzerland and particularly one mended shoes during this h ly of the Canton or State of Glarus at season, he was called a heretic; out this time. We remember that Glarus not if he did these things. For all was the ancient home of a branch of this he says the State Church was the the Herrs. The Reformer Zwingli, fault.
wonder
—
who later found faults with the
of the same We insert this item simply to show Church of Rome as the condition of Zurich at this time did the Mennonites had not yet re- just about the time the Mennonites nounced papacy, though as we no- began to grow in this sink of iniquity, ticed in a former article, he denounc where religious degeneracy was rank ed many of its doings. and the government winked at it.
many
NENNONITES 1519
— Swiss
Governineiit
IN
Frowns
BOHEMIA AND HOLLAND Who
on
Weldenseans asks. "The Cathulic the Weldenseans the
were the
MuUer? Then he
the Kisinf? Ueforiiicd Jind Menno-
11
Church called
says,
Boctriue.
old Evangelicals, who gradually gathPiedmont Egli in his Ziiricher Wiedertauffer ered in the valleys of the the borders Visa, on and around Mt. Zur Reformationszeit, a German work same name the the France." By of published in Zurich, he says, (p. 7), Evanall the called Church Catholic that it has been said when Zwingli came to Zurich in 1519 to preach the gelicals of Germany and Switzerland, new doctrine the Government powers who like the Piedmont brethren bewere in his favor blamed the wick- fore the reformation adhered to the edness of the place on the Roman old Evangelical principles in opposiChurch and wanted to get rid of it. tion to the Romish Church, (.Miiller. But he says it would be wrong to say p. 56). They stretched from Southern uite
—
Northward the heads of the State were with him, France and Bohemia and Alps. the across Southward and anxwere for the Council of that day novelties. iously working against his 1520— lleunonite Faith in Holland. And he says the Council forbade atSays Miiller, (p. 159) the Dutch tacks upon the Romish doctrine. derived Menuonites) (or Baptists This is added here only to show the their origin from the Waldenses who Reformed Christian lived there. He also calls our attenthe difficulties thought, of which the Mennonite was tions to a letter spoken of by Brons one phase, had to encounter at all from the Swiss Baptists (or Mennotimes in the places of its origin. This shows the coninites) in 1522. ,
i
I
I
1519
— Meuuonite
Faith in Bohemia.
{nection of Swiss and Holland !
In 1519 John Schlechta of Gostelek had written to Erasmus, conceriiing the Bohemian brethren, (Moravians). He was told that they choose out of the laity and not the learned Greek them. bishops and priests to teach Their ministers married and had wives and children they called themselves brethren and sisters and recognized only the Old and New Testaments as sacred, despising all other teachers. Those who joined the sect were obliged to submit to baptisms with Holy ordinary water, (not Water). They regarded the sacrament as a memorial of the sufferings
—
of Christ.
They regarded
nites very early. Other authorities relied
on by Mulprove that from 1520 to 30 Swiss were already present in refugees [Amsterdam, Holland with their MenThe Reformation 'nonite brethren. movement in the Netherdands from the beginning had all the marks of being led off by these Baptists or Mennonites, says Miiller (Do.). Menno I
ler
;
j
became the leader serious reflection upon the execution of Sicke Schneider, who was thus executed because he was re-baptized, deeming his infant baptism in the Roman Church of no
Simon a
little later
through his
I
petitions to
pennances, auricular confessions as out of place. They kept Sunday. Christmas, Easter, etc., (Miiller,
Menno-
avail.
1521
priests,
— Decree Zwinfflians
Against
Mtnnoniti's
and Lutlierans.
j
This year, under permission ofl^mperor Charles V of Germany, a decree These people we see were Walden- was issued forbidding anyone to read, seans of Bohemia, a species of Men- buy, carry, give or have possession of nonites in early times, afterwards any book containing the doctrines of Moravians. the Mennonites, Zwinglians or Lup.
56).
^
EARLY MENNONITE HOLD
12
therans. This decree was not made by the State; but by the mothei- Church, yet tolerated by the State. An old writer calls it, "the first prohibition or decree concerning religion and brought into the Netherlands without the consent of the State rather tolerated than confirmed by the State". The reason for this decree is explain-
—
ed by Brons, (p. 57). Congregations of the mother church were fast going to pieces and something had to be done. He says, "The movement (Anabaptism) was going on. The churches became empty, the sacraments neg-
IN
BERNE
and mechanics were very intellectuadvanced and ally and artistically that they had a monopoly of all Cathedral building
in
Central
Europe,
(Miiller, p. 20).
Miiller continues that when in 1522 the dean of Miinsingen prosecuted the Minister York Bruner in Kleinhochstetten before the Council of Berne, the Council took the side of Bruner and sentenced the Chapter of Miinsingen to pay the costs. Bruner's offense was that of speaking publicly of the Pope, cardinals and bishops, as devils and anti-christs and the priests and monks as cheats, seducers and oppressors of the poor; and wolves who kill and destroy body and soul.
lected, children not baptized, monks and nuns were leaving the convents and the preachers became indifferent to the mother church. Thus Charles Of course if the Government of V ordered those who were indifferent Berne would dismiss such charges as to be punished." not heretical, it shows that the Coun-
and all the heads of the Berne Government at this time were apcil
1522— Swiss Became Religious Refugees.
provers of or at least not opponents Brons speaks (p. 53) of fifty con- of the reformed doctrines of the Waldenseans and Zwinglians, which gregations, presumably Swiss, out of which the delegates, elders and teach- were taking root here. ers, numbering 600 had Miiller also tells us, (p. 159) that gathered at Strasburg about 1522. At least, he in 1522, these Anabaptists were in says, most of them were Swiss Switzerland and of refu- different parts gees, while other Swiss joined other secencouraging letters wrote the Bohemians and Moravians, within the tions. Wald as ancient documents show. The Canton of Switzerland, South of 1522— Early Hold of the Mennonite Doctrines in Berne. Zurich is called Unter Walden. Luther had correspondence with these The Bible in the time of the ReforWaldensean or Mennonite refugees in mation had a wide circulation and 1522. this was the same in Berne as elseIn a Shrove Tuesday play or where. 1522— The Waldensean "Reform" iu .
Berne.
Says Miiller, "In Berne we find a vigorous reform spirit in the aspiring
element of the
citizens, or the progressive, intelligent and business classes. Especially in all the guilds.
The Munster Cathedral
stone masons
showed themselves
of
full
it."
It
is
drama in 1522 written by Nicholas Manuel, the monks in the play comknow all plain that the farmers Among about the New Testament. the Weldenseans the Sermon on the Mount and the apostolic administrations were regarded as the law of those Christian communities. Miiller continues (p. 54) and says the chief
supposed that we generally know that question as to the Reform in the about the end of the middle ages the early fifteen hundreds is whether guilds or lodges of cut stone masons
there
is
only family or race relation-
MEXXONITE GROWTH ship between the Baptists or Anabapof the time and the old Waldenseans or whether both these conceptions of the Reform movement are different phenomena of one and the
tists
—having
great
and holy
zeal
the
for
eloquence (See
cause,
mention him beI Brons, p. 373). Lancaster familiar his is a cause seems he because county name; and Menwith filled to have been a vessel Zurich, about nonite doctrine in and our eastern of the home of many Pennsylvanians' ancestors.
is a close relationship between the early Baptist or Mennonite views and the
that both have
13
versation,
same religious community. Thus Miiller argues that there
Reformed and Lutheran views,
ZURICH
IX
and
152-t— Zurich OfHcials Favor
many
points of belief, identical with the ancient Waldenses. But whether these beliefs were inIverited ones or beliefs merely adopted and just happened to be similar to the ancient Waldensean belief, he does
tlie
New
Religion, Hut Fear the Kstaliiished
(jliurcli.
Dr. Emil Egli's Zurichter Weidertaufer (p. 8), it is stated that the In
Government was in sympathy with not undertake to say. However this the great mass of people rising from be, our ancient Mennonite faith grew the corruption in religious matters up out of the same soil as did that of and freeing themselves to do their the followers of Waldo in 1170. own thinking as the Bible taught them; but against the Roman Church 1523 Melcboir Hoffman's Religious The
—
as an
Labors in
Zuricli.
institution
nothing.
did
Government went only so far as the The Government Swabia, public compelled. !
aielchoir (anciently
Hoffman born
in
held back as long as it could says Switzerland; and as we have seen, Egli, and therefore so much more jealhome of a branch of the Herr family) ous became the Reformers. Zwingwas a tanner by trade about 1523, in lians, Lutherans and Evangelicals all Waldshut. When the movement of re- had stropg friends in the Government the
Northern
part
of
began, which emanated from Zurich, inspired him with the contents of the Bible which many common people now lirst began to read, he became a great student of it and learned it. In the Wald, in Switzerland, he began to make his faith known. Even in Zurich as Zwingli says, in a letter dated 1523, this pious Anabaptist's work and acligious
tivity
officers.
reformation
were
felt.
Hoffman went
ther than Zwingli. with the " Reformed
3Iovcmeut Says Dr. Egli,
;
Zurich.
(p. 10),
the Evangeli-
Reshowed Stumpf Simon Lutherans. formed and of Hongg. near Zurich, began teachas
cals
I
ing the mild
much
zeal as the
doctrine;
and
Rouplin
have taught the same docAt trine in Wyttikon, Switzerland. least the Council in the Spring of 1523 took action with regard to the tithes That is, that unof his congregation. and Reformed, Lutherans like the
seems
fur-
did not stop principles but
then Anabapviews, similar to the new Mennonite non - resistant doctrine. Zwingli says of him, " The good-fornothing fellow who dresses hides has turned up here as an evangelist and has brought me under suspicion." Contemporaries speak of Hoffman as a man of strictly moral walk and con-
in
(Meuuouite)
j
He "
Anabaptist
1523— The
embraced what were
tists'
to
(who while they did not longer prac-
Roman the tithes give Church, continued to which in for the use of the buildings they worshipped, as they were the property of the Catholic Church), Rouplin asserted that his congrega-
tice '
I
the
doctrine
of
EARLY MENNONITE LEADERS
14
tion was cut loose entirely from the Roman Church and that the buildings belonged to this congregation. So they refused to pay tithes and they not only ceased worshipping, but took down and removed the pictures of the Virgin and various saints. Thus we learn that soon a radical party was gathered, and opposed this delay of the Government. From this foundation the Zurich Anabaptism or Mennonitism took its rise, says Egli.
1523— Jacob
and
Klaus
(Taufers).
In 1523
we
find
Holliuger,
procession,
with a beautifully bound
Bible, with the proclamation, "This is
your Venerable tuary-
— all
—this
else
is your Sancdust and ashes." is the bread and
is
The "venerable"
wine after the prayer. 1523
— Zwingli
Converts the
ment
Govern-
Officials.
Brons tells us (p. 17) that Zwingli was now exercising such power that the council orderd that he might give a public disputation of his religion. Therefore, the Zurich authorities issued a proclamation that such disputation would be allowed January 3,
two more now famcounty names in 1523.
Upon this permission Zwingli Switzerland. Egli tells us (p. 11) that worked out 67 theses in which he the delay in the Zurich Government clearly set forth his doctrine in an The opponents did to recognize and encourage the re- emphatic way. formed spirit made the Evangelicals not reply and so the council ordered all the more insistent, especially the it made public that "since no one rose zealous Jacob and Klaus Hollinger, against Magister Huddrich Zwingli to who preached the Mennonite faith prove his error, or with divine Holy and aroused the county of Zollikon Scripture to overcome him, the burgin Switzerland. In June, 1523 they omasters, council and great council demanded the communion in both of the City of Zurich have resolved forms, and insulted the priests. In after mature consideration and it is September, Klaus Hollinger taught in their will that Zwingli continue as he Statehoffen that the pictures of the has done hitherto to proclaim and virgin should all be taken down and preach the Evangelical Gospel and later became a thorough Baptist scriptures according to the Spirit of among a company of them in St. God. And the other ministers of the Gallen, and was very bitter against word also in City and country shall the "pictures". Soon after Jacob be- teach and preach nothing else than gan making most dreadful expres- what they are able with the Evangelsions about the mass. They created ical doctrine and authority of the a great public explosion in religion Holy Scripture to prove. And all inby 1524. And says Egli, (p. 13) sult to this religion is forbidden under Lancaster
iliar
Stumpf, of whom we have spoken penalty." This surely was no mean triumph above continued his "awkward preachthe cause of the old Evangelical in ing and other matters" so much that first given to the world by the faith, he was entirely banished from the Waldenses and handed down by them city and country. to the Mennonites and to Lutherans 1523 William Reubliu Becomes a and Reformed. Mennonite at Wittikou. The doctrine had also spread by This Reublin says Brons (p. 23) 1523 and Brabant Holland, into had become pastor at Wittikon in Flanders and also a year or two later Zurich. He left papacy and was pub- into the Netherlands, where Menno licly married. And at Wittikon at Simon was its great advocate, (Brons, the Corpus Christi he proceeded the p. 60).
—
EARLY MEXNOXITE CONFESSIONS AND WRITINGS
— The
1523
Beginnings of a Meuuoulte
While the
confession of faith the Martyrs' Mirror is dated 1625, there are to be found some of the rudiments of a confession earlier.
In 1523 as Brons tells us (p. 53) a catechism of the Bohemian brethren appeared in German and Bohemian language, in which it was taught that it was not lawful to worship the sacrament of the Altar. This was about the same time that Michael Sattler (M. Mirror) was accused of the new custom of eating and drinking the bread and wine.
This catechism
caused
Luther
to
"A Scripture Concerning the Wor-
issue a "broadside" with the title
ship of the Sacrament of the Holy Body of Jesus Christ to the Brethren of
.Martyr
Maniiserpits
of Moravia, known In this broadside we read
Bohemia and
as Wald." at the beginning,
"There is a little book issued by your people in German and Bohemian to instruct the young children in a Christian way, in which among other things it is said that Christ is not independent and natural and the altar is not to be worshipped, which almost moves us Germans, for you must know how I through your delegates requested you that you should make this article clear also in a little book for our people."
Brons tells us also (p. 420) that the Moravians had entered into relations with Luther who issued a broadside to the Moravians, know nas Waldenses. Many Catholics went over to these Mennonites of Moravia and permitted themselves to be baptized again and thus brought upon them
in
Li-
brary at Amsterdam.
first
in
one hundred years
Little
— Early
the Mennonite Congregation
Coufesslou of Faith. set forth
1.V23
15
The following information is taken two anonymous German old
from
Baptist Manuscripts of the Meuuouite Congregational Library in Amster-
dam.
The
quarto in size and is en"History Book of the Martyrs of Christ, who in this our time in all places of German Lands for the sake first is
titled,
of the faith and Godly truth have been executed with fire, water and the sword. What was transacted and endeavored in many ways with them. How they steadfast and comforted were. Also what German persecutions and trouble the congregation has suffered in this last time." This writing extends from 1523 to 1618. The second is Octavo and has the
following title, History Briefly
"Description
of
Comprehended,
the
How
God Has Acted with his Faithful to His own Fame and Praise, from the Beginning of the World and has proved Himself Mighty till the Present Time." This extends to 1594. (See Brons, p. 419). These are the earliest manuscript accounts preserved of the sufferings of the ancient Waldenses, Old Evangelicals, Old Baptists, Anabaptists, etc., out of whom grew the Mennonites, the Reformed, Lutherans and Moravians, etc. They have no doubt all since been printed. 1523
—Anabaptists
icli
We
Separatists in Zur-
Compelled to Pay Papal Tithes. have shown before that what
distinguished
those
of
the
general
Reformation from those called the Brethren (in doctrine Mennonites) who also joined the reform movement great persecution." was that, the latter refused to pay In all this we see that the founders tithes to the papal church for use of of the Mennonite faith were as early the church buildings. The Governand as active as those of the Re- ment thought that these tithes should formed and Lutherans, etc. paid and the great Council of be
—
16
LUTHERANS AND MENNONITES DIFFER ON BAPTISM
Zurich passed a resolution, January Mennonites was impossible. The former became the state church and the latter the refugee body, (Miiller, p. All who use the churches must pay 9). the tithes. So these Anabaptists or Mennonites had to do so, (Muller, p. 1524 Early Difference Between Luth8). eran and 3fennonite Forms, Etc. Ernst Miiller says (p. 11), that 1523—An Old Anabaptist Belief That Luther in his book concerning bapChildren Should Not and Need Not tism published in Wittenberg, in Be "Taken Into Church". 1523-25, retained all the Roman 22, 1523, that the right of the church to demand tithes must be enforced.
—
A different conception toward the church was entertained by these Anabaptists from that of the Reformed. The church of the Reformed was viewed like the Roman church by its believers as a lawful communion, to which the children and minors belonged. The congregation of the Mennonites (or Brethren) was according to old tradition, customs and practices, a voluntary union of the faithful. These must have the right to receive and also expel members. The church of the Reformed was held by them as an institution for learning and Christian and intellectual growth for all, and they therefore
church ceremonies.
taught and the church as a school; but early Anabaptists believed only in adults being admitted, (Miiller, p. So their ways naturally parted 9.) more and more. Also when in October, 1523, the question was raised as to abolishing the mass, Zwingli
ceremonies in the baptism of children that we conjured the Devil that we gave the children salt burn a candle that we used spittle, etc. I did not want to defend this or excuse it for I, myself, don't approve of it at
They were as the child to be baptized was first exorcised througjh breathing upon him salt was then put into his mouth the cross was made upon him his nose and ears were touched with spittle the head was anointed with oil and in doing all this a burning candle was held in the hand. Even in the book of Concord 'the formula is found. "I conjure thee, thou unclean spirit in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost that thou come out from this servant of Christ." In this report concerning the consecration of the Minister of Basil unheld they did not dare refuse the to the Anabaptists there, whom he rechildren or anyone else the means of cently joined, Kalonford, a former grace. The Reformed believed in Lutheran Reformer, says, "It was children coming in as children to be thrown up to me that we performed
wanted to place the decision in the hands of the Council while Pastor Simon Stumpf (Mennonite) protested against this, saying "You have not the power to do this, to give the decision into the hands of the lords of this or any other place." The Zwingli party was successful, and in this way the form of a state church was preordained, whose forms and procedure the State Council commanded. Henceforth union between Reformed and
follows:
—
—
— — —
—
j
\
—
—
:
all."
Now from
the beginning the Anaor Mennonites refused to make use of these ceremonies of baptism or believe in them. Their baptism was as simple as possible. Justbaptists
us Menius Pratorius and other Lutheran theologians however, expressly attributed great importance to the exorcism.
But Hans Denck broke off from this and he and his followers came to the Anabaptism belief saying that
belief
ANABAPTIST (MEXXONITE) POEMS AND LEADERS
17
the new born child is pure and not parents began to be opposed to It bepossessed of the Devil. And this is cause of these sermons, and quit often expressed in Baptist writings, bringing their children. Finally ler. p. 11). about August, the Town council summoned two fathers and demanded of 1524 Early Anjibaph'sfs or Moiinoiiito them why they do not have their chilPoems. dren baptized. One had a boy about Among the Bernese Productions a year and a half old. These parents appear these two lyric Anabaptist appealed to Ruplin's sermons and said poems, which show how in early days they believed what he preached. One the Mennonite views of baptism then of the parents said that Ruplin deexisted in Switzerland. By a free clared that if he had a child he would not have it baptized, until it came to translation and reversification, I years of understanding, and could render them as set forth below. The sponsors. father choose its own This first is directed against exorcism in baptism of children, and is as follows: also appealed to his neighbors who followed his course. Ruplin was put So that our God might be despoiled, in jail, and a commission was apof his great name; pointed to examine his doctrine. It As if could be in his pure offspring consisted of preachers, the Abbot of Found a blame; Kappel, the Clerk of Kiiusnoch (EcA little child, without a sin; clesiastical clerk), the provost of EmWhich God into this world has sent; brach and four delegates of Council. And new created pure within; In addition to investigation they were "Its soul is lost", their cry is spent. to have all unbaptized infants immeThey take it quickly in their power diately baptized. And say, "Expelled and out of it we 1524 Miinzer, Grejhol & Manz, and clean Menuouitism. Sin and Devil from this hour." Though they themselves are steeped The last named author says (p. 19) when and place in sin. that the time and And this also is found on the sub- where their doctrine came from are not definitely known; but it is beject of Christian Companionship: lieved that the widely circulated writIn the inner light from our God we ings of the German head of the Anacan see baptists, Thomas Miinzer were much Into every one there now cometh a read in Zurich, for when in Septemray; ber, 1524, Miinzer travelled in WalsAnd the soul that is bright with these hut and remained eight weeks in Griebeams shall be ssen, the restless spirits of Zurich, esThe chamber of Christ and his spir- pecially Conrad Greybell and Felix itual way. Manz visited him and frequently they All they who receive this light from took in the Anabaptism preached by the giver, Miinzer. Miinzer, however, became a Shall have joy and day in their war anabaptist and believed that they souls forever. who believed in the new faith ought
—
—
—Revolt
1524
Against Infant Baptism in Zurich.
Egli tells us
(p.
18)
that from the
to fight for
it.
1524— 3Iaterials
for
the Martyr
Book
Collected.
spring of 1524, Ruplin had begun to About this time, too (says Brons, p. there was a great deal of maand 237), baptism, preach against infant
MUENZER AND GRAYBILL'S LABORS
18
collected about the sufferings the early martyrs, as a means to increase the faith and the courage of those who were suffering now. Hands and hearts were in it and many old terial
of
matters and rhymes were found and made new. Some preachers of the "fatherland" at whose head was Hans de Ries, undertook to make a new edition with increased contents.
These collections were made into a at Hoarlam, a large quarto with ten pictures, bound in leather with copper hooks and corners. The title was, "History of the Martyrs or the True Witnesses of Jesus Christ Who Witnessed the Evangelical Truth Under Many Tortures, and Established Them With Their Blood, since book,
the year 1524."
Their confessions
of
were also added and their disputations which express their living hope and mighty faith and love to God and his Holy Truth. faith
1524—Menuouite Growth erlauds,
By the
in
tlie
(Hollaud).
head of munificient offer from the NeUi- their former Church, having since learned that salvation is free to all
quoted author we are
who had
number
of 1524
the Roman church in the Netherlands, as early as 1524 through the influence of the writings of these fathers of the faith (considable of it being because of Luther's writings) according to the report of Peter of Thabor, (in Monch, in the Cloister of Thabor, or Thires, near Sneek a contemporary of Menno Simon) had become so great that the Pope the same year called a secret council in regard to the matter. It left
was resolved and proclaimed by the Council that in Holland the Pope would grant all backsliders for God's sake,
absolution
without money
back and come
if
to
of
all
their
sins,
would come confession, keep the they
pray according to prescription of their church and not neglect the sacrament of the altar. feasts,
pope himself, shows that it was regarded very the seriously by Church. And that such a wonderful concession was made to forgive all those people their sins without them being required to pay for it, when by the ordinary course of things the forgiveness of the sins of such a multitude would have meant thousands of thaler s (dollars) out of their pockets and into the pockets of the priests, shows how it was viewed. But the ancient fathers bravely withstood this ful
"whosoever last
told also, (p. 244) that the
those
This idem is highly interesting to us Lancaster county because it gives us light on the condition in Holland at the beginning of the Mennonite faith, the country where it started. It tells us of the vigorous hold it had on the people; and how anxious the Catholic Church was to stop it. That not simply a bishop or other high church officer was moved to bring back the Anabaptists, but the powerin
will."
—Miiuzer's
Anabaptists
Attacked.
this same time says Brons Zwingli published a broadside against the turbulent Miinzer and in alluded to Greybell and Manz. it Thereby Greybell was induced to send out of jail a defense to the Council of Zurich in 1524. He did not want to be considered as a person who incited
About
(p. 31)
to
riot in his
religious teachings, or
spoke anything that would lead to it. Miinzer as we have seen as an Anabaptist was of so determined a nature that he taught the people should defy opposition to God's truth as he saw not want to be it and Greybell did considered any other than, the mild Interand defenseless Mennonite. est is found in this item from the fact that it contains the well known prominent and honorable Lancaster county name, Greybill.
SATTLER'S EXECUTION: THE GRAYBILL MENNONITES lo2r>— Michael Sattler's Efforts In Anabaptisni.
Stauffen was a monk of St. Peters in the Black Forest and had gone over to Anabaptism He in 1525 in the region of Zurich. was expelled from that place but continued his work in his home and was the founder of several congregations at Horb and Rotenburg. He is deand Strasburg scribed by Swiss highly honorable, preachers as a "Golden and learned man. quiet Apples in Silver Pitchers" an Anabaptist book of 1742 contains his farein well letter to the congregation Horb, the events of his trial and his parting song. In 1527 he was cruelly executed and his wife was drowned. Unshelm, the Berne writer of the chronicles described the cruel execution in a tone very pathetic and pays Una noble tribute to Anabaptism. shelm was a fellow sufferer as he was also a prisoner, but whether an Anabaptism or Lutheran is not clear, Sattler's death is al(Miiller, p. 38). so described in Martyrs' Mirror, p.
Michael
Sattler
of
which renders me friendly
19
to the ef-
forts there, etc."
This people
item
is
of
Interest
to
the
Lancaster county because Berne is the place from which the first settlers of this county came two hundred years ago Swiss .Mennonites who were the descendants of those Anabaptists spoken of in 1525 and descendants of similar believers in and about Zurich. of
—
1525— More
Zurich
Anal»ai)fists
Ex-
amined.
A
very zealous stranger who had to Zurich was a man of peculiar habits called Blaurock. He was to be taken by ship with his wife to his home in Chur and there he was to be kept and if he came again about Zurich he was to be tortured into silence. His doctrine was to be passed on by three secular preachers and six members of Council at Zurich, among
come
whom were Hans Hager and Ulrich Funk; and the two schoolmasters were also to take part in examining him.
Bullinger reports that the Bapthe disputation proved no 401. more than before. Zwingli appealed to Graybill who behaved himself as 1525 Early Anabaptists of Berue. if the Savior was present. And others Muller tells us (p. 23) that in tell of the testimony the Baptists gave Berne there were Baptists in 1525 of of the joy and relief they felt after whom the ministers of the Council they were baptized over again, (Zur., tists
in
—
tell.
Mention
is
made
letter of H. Bullinger
of them in a which he wrote
p.
30).
1525— The Grajhill Anabaptists or Switzerland to HeinMennonites of 1525. rich Simler in Berne. John Jacob Simler dates the letter about 1525; The congregation of Anabaptists and he says according to the manu- had by 1525 had so far now become script or letter Bullinger writes, "In established that they the caused order that you may not get into the Council of Zurich to admit they were community of the society of Baptists, beyond control. There were by this etc.," which is conclusive that the time thirteen different religious ReBaptists existed about Berne at this formed bodies that had broken off the early date. The letter also sets out, Catholic Church and nearly all em"It has come to us through the com- braced some part of the Anabaptist mon report of many people, how with failh. One branch was called the free those also at Berne the doctrine of or rude brethren who condemned inAnabaptists has been introduced and fant baptism and baptized their adfrom Kappel,
GREAT SPREAD OF MENNONITISM
20
herents anew. Aside from these was the party of Graybill Anabaptists known as the quiet Baptists who kept themselves aloof from the other MenBut Zwingli nonites or Anabaptists. said he much feared in the end they would combine. This was away back in 1525, (Brons, p. 25).
—Anabaptism
1525
]
Nuremburg, Augsburg and along the Rhine; Jacob Gross of Wald in Strasetc. In Passau, Regensburg and Miinchen congregations of Anabaptists arose who kept themselves in communion with the brethren in burg,
!
;
{
j
Gaiuiug from Lutli-
Swabia and Upper Rhine and pressing forward to the Danube, established the same in Austria, Slazburg, Spener, Lenz and Stein. Even Vi-
eraiiism.
enna had congregations of AnabapAbout 1525 when Anabaptism be- tists. gan to spread whole town and coun- 1526 Jacob Gross's Mennouite Labors ties which did not adhere to Luther iu Strasburg. began to flock to Anabaptism and For a time in Strasburg there was thousands who had been Lutherans disposition not to incline either toa camps. They their went over into ward Wittenburg and Lutheranism or showed an enthusiasm and a courage to Zurich toward Reform Religion; to the death that had for its example and this gave Menuonitism a chance. only that of the times of early Christhus And it was that Jacob Gross was This was the tianity and its mart>'rs. able lead to an Anabaptism movement condition throughout Germany, (Miilin that region. Gross' main doctrine ler, p. 14). was that the Gospels teach there 1525 Eastward Spread of Anabap- should not be infant baptism but that
—
—
baptism
should
be given only to of their a seal Miiller tells us (p.93) that in Zurich faith. He also taught that one must the powers greatly reduced Anabapnot take an oath. Thus he was a tism by force which had in 1525 and 6 leader of the faith there. (Brons 408). spread over Schauffhausen, Basil, Wald and other parts of Switzerland, 1526— Graybill and Mauz Give the from the neighboring Cantons. But Eeasoiis for Their Faith. it found entrance into Swabia and in These Anabaptist leaders were sevthe Tyrol in early times. Especially eral times examined for their faith. when Zurich began to drown the AnaAt one of the examinations in 1526 baptists and when the fall of Wald Graybill said that a careful study of brought new threats to the itinerant brought him to the scriptures had messengers of the Baptists who Anabaptism. He held that no Chrislooked for a new theatre. Blaurach tian could defend by the sword. The especially from Zurich turned to warlike Anabaptist, Blauroch from Graubiinden when he had established his prison wrote that Graybill and a congregation of Anabaptists at Manz and himself were acknowledged Manz; and from there to Tyrol to Anabaptists as early as 1526 and gather a flock for the Lord. Ruplin that they were all ready to die for and Sattler went to Alsace and on to their principles. He went so far as Swabia where they found the soil to write that the Pope, the Luready by the Augsburgers (Luther- therans and Zwinglians and Judas ans) labors and in a short time were all the same class, that is murstood at the head of seven congrega- derers of Christ. He said baptism of tions of Anabaptists or Mennonites. children comes from the Evil One. Hatzler promulgated Anabaptism in This same Blauroch time and again
tism or Menuonitism
grown persons
\
—
as
VARIOUS ANABAPTIST REFORMtJRS
21
declared he wanted to debate with ed it and found by the scripture that Zwingli, and such a debate was ar- such doctrine is contrary to the teachranged but Egli says he departed a ing of Christ. Afterwards he says I went to Luther, and he said children confused man. (Zur. 54). are to be baptized on their own faith. 152(v— Zurich Tries to Get the Anawent to othThis was wrong. Then baptists Back to the Former child should be the they said ers and careparents more make baptized to Faith. Then I told me. Bucerrus ful. This Brons tells us (p. 47) that the Coun- went he called my and to Bullingerus cil of 200 tried in 1526 to bring the attention to the old covenant of cirAnabaptists or Mennonites deluded cumcism and said infant baptism was back to the former faith because their to be used istead of that; but I found movement hurt the government, and this would not stand with the scriporder, of tended to the destruction Then Menno Simon took a tures." and to bring this about they put sevview different from all these and what Also' eral men and women to prison. he felt accorded with the scriptures. there was a proclamation issued that (Do.) nowhere in the land henceforth shall any one presume to baptize again a 1526 Some Other .llennonite Keformperson who has once been baptized; ers at This Date. and any one who should violate this Muller tells us (p. 194) that in 1526 decree was to be tried and drowned. when Reuplin, Gross, Sattler, Denck, 1526 Advance and Growth of Ana]
I
I
|
,
—
i
i
|
I
—
1
Haetzer and Kautz and
baptism in Netherlands.
Brons
that in 1526 about Zurich an announcement or public proclamation was made in substance that as many of the subjects have been reading the writings of the new Reformers in religion that now no one shall secretly or publicly assent to the opinions in the books of Luther, Romerani, Karlstadt, Melanthon, Lamberti or others, and that all these books are to be gathered up within three days and be burnt.
(Brons
tells
us
(p.
man
—Menno
Simon
>'ot
a united
finally
Hoff-
way were carrying
on Anabaptism in Strasburg and surrounding countries, there was in spite of temporary banishment of former This leaders a good footing gained. 1555 there in that so growing on kept was at Strasburg the first important synod of the Baptists or Mennonites held, which brought unanimity to the
60)
leading spirits in the that w^ere to follow,
inflamed
times
After many more items on early times we will hasten to the times that more nearly concern America.
i
60).
1526
in
Disturbed by
1527
the Al>ove Order.
— Anabaptism Among
Says Brons at the same page Menno
or
Mennonitism
the High Germans.
About the year 1527 Baptist congregations had become established in German all the regions of the High language, and the new religion had become fixed in those places. There was a network of small congregations from Alsace to Breslau, and from it is laid down that Menno Simon said The center of "these men taught me that by means Kessen to Etchland. Neither Augsburg. was region this clean of Baptism children were made the can Switzerland in or Germany in testof hereditary and original sin. I
Simon
not suffer himself to be disturbed in the least by this order; and his fellow preachers also paid no attention to it but they all kept on reading these interdicted writings and especially in regard to baptism. And did
—
I '
BAPTIST OR MENNONITB FACTIONS
22
growth of this vigorous Mennonitism be considered as growing from any particular center it grew from different centers at the same time. In cities it took hold and there was soon intercourse from city to city by visiting brethren. The whole of Zurich was at this time a center of Anabaptism and also were Basil Zollothurn, Berne, Freiburg and other cities of Switzerland. Muller (20).
—
—
—
rise of these Baptists involved liberty of conscience, the very thing he fought for and yet he denied it to them. The
result of it was that at Strasburg an order was issued against the Baptists or Mennonites and they were exiled. Their enemies of the town of Strasburg followed up Luther's lead by publishing a document in which they warned the people against Kautz, a
Mennonite leader. The title of the book was "A Faithful Warning of the 1527— Hupmeier, Banished for His Servants of God at Strasburg Against Mennonite Faith. the Sermons which Jacob Kautz, a Muller tells us (p. 94) that Dr. Preacher in Worms has Published." Hupmeier, now Hoofmeier or Hoff- Thus by this early date a fact almost mier about 1527 was banished from incredible appears, that the different Zurich, on account of his faith and he branches of the new religion were at went to the wilds of Switzerlnad and odds with each other. founded an asylum for those who 1527— More Anabaptists Trouble were determined to carry on the Evangelical or Anabaptist religion. About Zurich. He found that the opposition to him was We are told (Zur. 62) that at the not so much from the Catholics as end of 1527 about 30 Baptists met at from the Zwinglians or Reformed Hein, and the report was spread their people and in Walshut the over- next meeting would be in a church coming of the Rebellion party, led by that they now had friends and funds Blauroch and others who professed enough to own a church. When the the Mennanite faith, but still who council of Zurich (Zur. 64) sent its were "resistants" made it impossible delegates in 1527 to the General As-
—
—
there.
sembly they were instructed to bring Synod up the subject of whether Christ's teachings were hot that all were subBegun by Sattler. ject to the government, and whether The same author quoted above (p. the Anabaptist movement was not 10) says that at two small synods spiritually wrong. When it was found held at Augsburg in 1526 and 7 the that five Baptists known of old had Swiss took no part; but on the other gone there too as delegates from Zolhand in 1527 at a meeting of the south likon it aroused suspicion and the Germans, who were under the leader- council of Zurich were doubly angry. ship of Sattler there were such gath- These confessed Baptist delegates erings held at Schlott on the Rand that they had themselves sent as and at Strasburg, at which Swiss delegates so that they could know Mennonites as well as Germans were whether their brethren were to be depresent. creed to be drowned, according to the 1527
—A
PrimitiTe
Anabaptist
1527— Lutheranism Rises Up Against Mennonites or Baptists. Shortly before the beginning of the year 1527 Luther had a sermon printed in which he attacked the Baptists says Brons (p. 411). In his eyes the
desire of the council, so that if that was the decision reached they would know it early and could go and visit comfort them so the brethren and that they should be firm, for Christ had taught clearly that they should visit the brethren in prison.
WORMS AND ZURICH
IX
UPROAR
23
The Council at Zurich now tried among the "Staats-Archivars", that suasion (Zur. 64). They invited the is, the Archives in charge of the govconfederacy of Baptitsts from Berne, ernment, by Dr. Keller, that in .MunAppenzel ster where a work on Anabai)tism Basil, Schaffausen, Chur, and St. Gallen, all in Switzerland to came to light, that Hans Denck who meet at Zurich, Monday after St. Law- in Worms in 1527 sought refuge, was rence day in 1527, stating that it could perliaps the most imiiortant of the be shown to them that their aim was teachers of the German Baptists of the destruction not only of true right- that time. He further says that eousness and inner faith of the Chris- Denck found here, as he had in Augstian Religion but also the outward or- burg enthusiastic adherents, who dinances of Christian and orderly gov- recognized in the man there a gospel ernment, against brotherly love and messenger of genuine gold. One of good morals. (Do. 65). his adherents, a Lutheran preacher, 1527 Zurich Decree Against Meniio- named Kautz, affixed a series of theses
—
to iiite
Street Preaching.
In the latter part of 1527, (Zur., p. 70) a decree was sent out to the Bailiffs or Sheriffs about Zurich, dated the 16th of December, to spot out all the Baptist or Mennonite
preachers who were preaching on the corners of the streets and trying to get the people to withdraw from the Catholic Church. Some of these preachers were foreigners from Holland and parts of Germany. The decree was that they were to be arrested and taken to Wellenberg, but to be dismissed on paying 5 Pound penalty. Following this decree there were several arrests in the Lowlands. From
Capito, four days
were
we
Church
needed
stricter
discipline.
— Great
Martyrdom of .Vnabaptism About Worms.
In Brons' work, (p. ISO) he tells us that according to recent research
before
the
theses
fi.xed,
these defenseless people was to reward them as the same kind as the and the Zwickauerites, .Miinzerites infant baptism and disregarded who these real Bapthat appear so made it class. We same the to tists belonged and othMiinzerites remember these and sincere ers were not regarded as persons as were looked upon more who simply took a delight in making leader, was their trouble; Miinzer, always trying to quarrel; henceforth Palatinate were the Baptists in the persecuted by the united spiritual and worldly powers in such a terrible man-
Egli says at the same page that this section of the country is the chief hearth or location of the third period of the Baptist movement, that is, in and about Zurich.
1527
Worms,
wrote to Zurich that the Worms had by a public agreeCity of the word of God, from ment seceded that is, he meant there were so many of these Anabaptists and Mennonites about that it looked as if they were about the only people in the district. he This Capito was not a Baptist; was a Lutheran, but in some ways agreed with Denck. opponents of Soon, however, the the Baptists succeeded in stirring up the Elector against them, which was All they had to do to a hard task.
see a new difficulty arising that often appears Baptist in the movement in this that there was corruption among the clergy; and these Baptist preachers were accused of some of this corruption. But the truth is that the corruiition was not among them but that the established
this
the theological Cloister at
June 9, 1527. Challenged by this the Lutherans and Catholics arrayed themselves against the Baptists and the whole city went into uproar. The Baptists in Worms were in such large majority that Wolfgang
I
ANCIENT AUTHORITY ON BAPTISM
24
ner that in a short time 350 of these harmless people were executed. This aroused many who did not agree with these Anabaptists or Mennonites but who were impressed by the steadfastness and who had read many writings of Hans Deuck. Among these friends of the Mennonites was a preacher named John Odenbach and he wrote a letter to the Judges and said, "Behold with what great and patient love and devotion these pious people died how knightly they withstood the world and how they can not be vanquished because of the truth. They have suffered violence but they prosper because they are the holy martyrs of God."
1527— Aucieut
Autliority of the
Ana-
baptists on Baptism.
The same author,
last
mentioned
us that the Anabaptists or Mennonites' view of baptism as it was in 15:^7 is expressed in an old work as follows: "At his baptism by John Christ called baptism a righteousness and when the Publicans were baptized by John he called it a Council of G'od, therefore, children are not to be baptized because they need no repentance and know nothing of righteousness and Council of God; further Christ says after his resurrection, he who believes and is baptized shall be saved but he who does not believe will be dammed." Thus it is said by this writer that no one could be baptized except those who understand and believe and therefore children can not be baptized.This work further says for this reason children will not be condemned and the Savior only speaks of those who understand to (p. 44) tells
1527— Death
of the .lleuuouite Patriot
Manz.
We
are told by Brons, (p. 40) that Felix Manz, of whom we have spoken of before was taken out on the ship to death by drowning "and when he stood there ready to be martyred, beneath him the floods of the Lake of Zurich above him the blue sky around him the great mountains with their sun-illumined summits his soul raised itself in sight of death above these and when on one side a preacher sympathetically spoke to him that he should be converted to the Catholic faith again, he scarcely heard it; but he heard the voice of his mother standing on the other side and his brethren with her, who at the same time prayed that he should remain steadfast; and lie sang when they fettered him, with a loud voice and said, 'Into thy hands, O Lord, I commit my spirit' and soon after the
when
'
—
—
waves covered him from sight." This happened in January, 1527. Brons gives us a very vivid picture of the event, etc.
1527
— First
Geriiian
and
Austrian
Menuouite Leaders.
The same author says in
this
year
Sattler,
(p.
412) that
Denck,
Haetzler had gone from preach the Anabaptist or
Worms
and to
Mennonite doctrine. Sattler went to Rotenburg in the Necker and the other two went to Augsburg. Here they met Kautz, Jacob Gross and Jacob Dascher and Sigmund Salminger and other friends, all important men, who asserted a great influence on the congregations; and all prepared to risk their lives
for their faith in the certainty that that faith was according to the genevil shall be in danger uine spirit of the doctrine of Christ. after they do the evil but as to the Christianity seemed to them a power rest he. says they are simple minded of God that rendered men capable to and must be aware that false prophets be a follower of Christ as it had also do not lead them astray. So to them renedered the first Christian martyrs. baptism would only be an outer sign Therefore, they had courage to stand and would not mean anytbing. up for their convictions in spite of
know good and
SECOND PERIOD OF MEXNOMTIS.M
—
disgrace and contumely in spite of They were contorture and death. vinced that their affair was God's and that they were the leaven for later generations. This kept them steadfast through the horrible events in which they saw everywhere the brethren, singly and in groups, robbed, expelled and tortured and killed women as well as men.
25
turbed his idea of the Trinity for a time. Thus he said we had the four gospels. And he preached about the four rivers the four colors of silk the four horns of the Altar and the four animals of Ezekiel and these he made more imi)ortant than the gospel. "So he got a little off." Hoffmeier brought about much evil. His agreement with Luther was kept and Luther, therefore did not bother about ;him because he did not attack Luther very much. Luther however, wrote to Kiel to his friends there that Hoffmeier was not right and that they should not heed his doctrine.
—
—
I
In Austria they were smoked out of the caves and camps, burnt as fast as convicted and the officers who arIt rested them got their property. Haetzler was was horrible there. In one of the old overtaken too. the death of Haetzler is manuscripts In this we see that there was dantold. He was learned in several lan- ger of the early zeal carrying the guages and in holy scripture. At the early fathers away as well as in these time of his departure he made a beau- later days. tiful speech, which moved many to 1527— The Second Stasre of the Anatears, and he composed a song which baptist Religion and Its Leaders. is still in use in Switzerland and other places.
The history of Anabaptism in 1.^26 see some of the earliest to 1528 enters into its second period attempts to act as a group of minis- at Zurich. After the victory in Zurich ters or a collective body to give the had been decided by the State and the new Anabaptist religion its organiza- Baptists had been oppressed, the tion. stronger of the Baptist leaders bring the Anabaptist religion into its second 1527 King of Denmark favors a 5Ienperiod in which the defeated found as iiouite Leader. leaders, and supi^orters such strong The same author says, (p. 377) that men as Balthaser, Hoffmeier and .JoHoffmeier about 1527 attracted the at- hann Denck, the recognized new leadIn this
we
King of Denmark, who examined his doctrine and made him preacher in the province of Kiel; and he soon had his own printing press, which the King assisted him in securing as he had no means himself but it excited the envy of other preachers. Brons tells us later, however, that this Danish Mennonite let his fancy and zeal carry him away. And whenever he had time he got to reading that part of the Bible which excited his fancy and led him into hallucina-
ers.
tention of the
'
persecution, (Miiller,
—the
tabernacle of Moses, the dress of Aaron, the Priest, the Exodus of the Children of Egypt, etc. From these he deduced the number four as the sacred number, which distions, viz:
At that time Sebastian Frank, Capiand Kessler in Saint Gallen recognized fully the difference between the Swiss brethren and Anabaptists in the narrower sense when in 1527 at in Northwest Moravia, the !Signau difference came openly to light. The type of the Swiss brethren is more that of the early martyrs, whose valiant stand for their new Christianity was brought out more prominent by to
,
10).
shown us in this item that there were really different branches of Anabaptism or Mennonite faith in early times. The preachers throughout Switzerland being the more reIt
:
p.
is
HANS SECKLER AND GEORGE WAGNER
26
and serious.
(9) Infant baptism has no no- foundation in the gospel but it was ticed that the leaders were inclined only begun by the Pope. This does to try to do something odd and create not make it a gospel rite; because no excitement. Christian practice can exist that is not planned and set up by God him1527— Hans Seckler's Eunnciation of
liable
many and
in
In parts of Gter- Church.
Denmark we have
During the year had come from
(Miiller, p. 42).
self,
Principles.
Hans SeckBasel to Bei'ne, both in Switzerland. Hans Dreier and Heinrich Seller were present at the Baptists' meeting or convention of 1528, and were, according to a manuscript in the Berne Library, drowned in the Berne Lake in 1535. A minute of the hearing against these people is set out in the old books and the main points that Seckler insisted upon were as follows: (1) Baptism of children is a bad practice and can not serve any good purpose. (2) Though we do not take part in Government we ought to be subject to Government, and we are. (3) The word of Christ must remain and govern all things we are not to swear at all 1527,
1527
— George
Wagner's
Execution
ler
—
what Govenrment commands we
will
do as long as it is not against God. (4) The heart belongs to God and not to men (he was surely not a Socialist). (5) Paying taxes is all that is imposed upon us and this a Christian will always do. (6) As to paying interest we hold it the same as paying tithes; if interest is usury so is paying the tithes. (7) As to having several wives, he said that more than one wife is wrong, but that he knew of some Anabaptists who had several wives in common, but most of them did not believe in this doctrine, and now I believe that all who used to follow are very sorry for it and that it is stamped out. (8) As to the mass and pictures of the Virgin and as to why they do not enter churches in which there are these pictures and idols in the church, he said, he does not complain about it and those who want to do so, may; neither do we say that the women should not go into the
Also Others Put to Death. In Martyr's Mirror, (p. 401) is given the following account of the execution of George Wagner in 1527.
"George Wagner, of Emmerich, was apprehended at Munich, in Bavaria, on account of four articles of the faith. First, That the priest can not Secondly, That he does forgive sins. not believe a man can bring down God from heaven. Thirdly, That he does not believe that God or Christ bodily in the bread which the priest has upon the altar; but that it is the body of the Lord. Fourthly, That he did not hold to the belief that water baptism possessed any saving power. As he would not renounce these articles, he was most severely tormented, so that the prince felt great compassion for him, and personally came to him in the prison, and earnestly adis
minished him thereto, promising that he would call him his friend all his
Thus also, the tutor of the earnestly admonished him to and likewise made him many promises. Ultimately his wife and child were brought before him in prison in order, on this wise to move him to recant. But neither was he to be lifetime.
prince, recant,
moved in this way; for he said that though his wife and child were so dear lo him that the prince could not buy them with all his dominion, yet he would not forsake his God and Lord on their account. Many priests and others also came to himffl but he was steadfast and immovable in that which God had given him to know. Hence he was finally sentenced to the fire and death.
ZURICH MORE SEVERE THAN BERNE
27
Having been delivered into the warning them that if they went into hands of the executioner, and led in- any other part of Switzerland and to the middle of the city, he said: 'To- keep on their doctrine, they would be day I will confess my God before all punished wherever they are. the world.' He had such joy in Christ About the same time Berne asked Jesus, that his face did not pale, nor information from Zurich how they his eyes show fear; but he went smilmanaged to reduce the Baptists to ingly to the fire, where the executioner bound him on the ladder, and tied such a small number so early, stating a little bag of powder to his neck, at that they wish to follow the same which he said: 'Be it done in the name method. Zurich said the best method of the Father, the Son and the Holy they found was to kill them, (Miiller. Ghost;" and having smilingly bidden p. 28). Christian who was farewell to a In this item we observe two points, there, he was thrust into the fire by (1) that Zurich got through her perthe executioner, and happily offered Mennonites the up his spirit, on the eighth day of secutions against is likely did. It than Berne earlier February, A. D. 1527. The sheriff however, surnamed Eisenreich von Lands- that many of them fled from Zurich berg, while returning home from the to Berne and into the Emmenthal or on valley Northwest of Berne; and (2) place of execution, travelling horseback, purposing to apprehend we notice that Zurich was much more others of the brethren, died suddenly severe than Berne in its treatment of in the night, and was found dead in these people. his bed in the morning having thus been removed through the wrath of 1,'>2" Xeiv Meinionite Strenarth in the
—
God.
Melchior Vet, who was a companion of George Blaurock of whom we have spoken before, was also burned at the same time that Michael Satter was executed. Leonhard Keyser, the same year, was drowned for having accepted the doctrine of the Aanbaptists,
405).
(Martyrs' Mirror,
The same
man and
Hague and land,
and
at other about 150 more
(M. Mirror, 406-9.).
403
Thomas
year,
67 others,
pp.
and tier-
also at the places in Holwere executed,
Ennnenthal. In 1527 Berchtold Haller, (likely today Heller, the common Lancaster
name), the reformer from Berne wrote to Zwingli that the valley of the Lower Zimmenthal is on his side and further he also hears that the subjects from the Emmenthal and particularly about Langnau and Ruederswell have turned for the right, that is have become Anabaptists and have given up the mass and county
have petitioned the rulers of the Asks Zurich How They country that they should let them unmolested. Exterminate the Meuuouitos religion their practice could show they There. They said also that On the 14th of September, of this by the scriptures that the mass was year, the Berne authorities wrote to a blasphemy. The Council agreed to Zurich and informed them that they let these faithful people go without had published a decree against the observing the mass now until further Anabaptists or Mennonites to the notice. This was the same also as to effect that they must stop practicing the congregations of Bollingen and the faith or leave the country, and Rohrbach, (Muller, p. 23). l.")27
— Berne
MENNONITISM
IN
SWITZERLAND
1527—Auabaptists Acted Unwisely
at
to
28
Zolotliuru, Switzerland.
The
agitation,
which
was
Anabaptism out of a population These formed the kernel
of of
12,000.
the Baptist congregations in that secin
1527
tion, known as the conservative Bancarried to Berne in favor of Anabaptists or Mennonites. There were also tism frightened the friends of the recommunities of Baptists there who formation in not a little degree and it were very excitable and they were was a year before the victory of the called the enthusiastic Baptists. Then reformation was known to the friends there were also the Swabian Baptists at Berne. At this time there were in the Upper Necker Valley, and they some restless and foolish dreamers among the Anabaptists and this cre- agreed to seven articles of faith about the year 1527, (Miiller, page 94). ated disorders in Zurich and the
—
news spread to Berne and did there 1528 Reformation Moienient cause much harm. Also in Germany Switzerland Retarded by the they caused trouble and now it was carried
to
Berne
and
the
(Miiller, p. 25).
1527—Mennouite Congregations Growing in Different Parts of Switzerland.
Doctor Hoopmeier, expelled from Zurich found an asylum in Nickelburg, Switzerland, and there for a long time he was not hindered in the Anabaptism doctrine, which he believed and which Zwingli prevented in Zurich. Others came to this Asvlum from St. Gallen and the Upper Mountainous regions of Switzerland. They had the powerful protection of County Lichtenstein and in a little while 40 to 50 households had turned
n
Mennonites.
Catholics
took a delight is this dilemma. Zehner in 1531 reports and says the reformation movement at Zolothurn, Switzerland, that the beginning was so good that the whole reformation should have grown very strong in Christ, but he heard that everything was spoiled by these Anabaptists, who were tolerated with pleasure by the Catholics, because they saw it held the cause back and so the true servants of the gospel are not now counted anything in that section,
i
A great discussion or debate was held in January, 1528, in Berne for the purpose of having the people decide
which branch
they would cling
of the reformation
to,
that
is,
whether
the reform under Zwingli or the
nonite or Anabaptist faith and
it
Menwas
according to the result E\;eryone could speak out what he desired. But the Bishops knew the opinion in Berne and remained away. Whether the Baptists would take part in it and defend their views or whether they wanted to take advantage of the excitement simply to push on their doctrine is not known but it was soon found that their appearance there would be disastrous to the success of the discussion and might have ended the debate because now all the strength of the powers or Government were to be held together to strike against Rome. And it was feared that a debate ingetting all the reform stead of preachers together, would just result Therein splitting them up more. who had foreign Mennonites fore, the come to attend this discussion were kept back in a cloister until the disto be decided
of this debate.
MARTYRDOM
IN
SALSBURG AND BAVARIA
cussion was ended. Then wiion they was decided they could it
multitudes with false doctrines trampled the word under foot.
came up
say whatever they pleased.
At
29
They then proceed and say that
this
time also a spirit commenced to arise to punish any of those Anabaptists or heretics as they called them, who were sent out of the country and were A now beginning to come back. great effort was now to be made to gather together all the reformers and make a move against the Catholic
and all
has been witnessed at Salzburg not a lamentable matter, viz.: that eighteen persons should be burned in one day for the doctrine of Christ. That they suffered a great deal before they were burned, to wit. they could not buy or sell land nor own property, because they did not believe in this
—
—
Church and because the Mennonites the State doctrine. and Anabaptists were splitting up 1.V28 Seventy-one Persons
—
reform movement by not accepting Zwingli and Luther views, the Reformed and the Lutherans now turned against them as fiercely as
this
in tlie
.Martyred
Valley of the Inn, Ita^aria,
Oerniany. In the year 1528, "Leonhard Schoe-
ner of Becklasburg was apprehended. He was a minister of God, and was 1528 Martyrdom in Salsbnrg'. well versed in the holy Scriptures, During this year IS persons in one and also in the Latin language. He part and many others were execuiod faithfully taught the true baptism of for their Mennonite faith in Salsbu".g. Christ and his apostles, the true Germany. The most reliable account Lord's Supper, and the articles of the
possible,
(Miiller, p. 28).
—
is
as follows:
"These
many
eighteen
persons,
Christian faith; yea, the word of God. He also testified against infant bap-
besides
were kindled with zeal tism, the abominable sacrament, and in the fear of God, and had turned to other abominations of antichrist. He God from the world and its idolatry, had originally been a barefoot friar and been baptized upon faith in for about six years, but beholding the Christ, entering upon obedience to- impurity, hypocrisy wantonness, wards his holy gospel. This the ad- (Matt. 7:15), and viciousness of the versaries could not endure; these monks and priests, and judging their eighteen were therefore apprehended, lives by the word of God, he left the and finally, as they, under many tor- monastery at Judenburg, Austria, and tures, piously adhered to their faith, went to Nurenberg, learned the taiwere also sentenced to the fire, and lor's trade and then traveling about burned on the same day, at Salzburg, as a journejTnan tailor, he came to There he about the year 1528." (See M. Mirror, Xulasberg, in Austria. p. 411.) heard of Balthasar Huebmeier and his All of these showed the greatest baptism, and learned that a number readiness to die for the sake of their of the same faith formed a little soHe sought them out, to ciety at Veyen. faith and left inspiring tributes strengthen their brethren and sisters. came to them, heard them, and, led Speaking of the state churches, they thither by Oswald was baptized. Affor ter this he went to Steyen to work truth the say they have hid more than 500 years, seduced the at his trade; where he taught and others,
i
I
»
30
MENNONITISM AND BAPTISM
baptized, having been elected teaclier
among
by them; and thus teaching and bap- the consolation he proceeded through Bavaria, as far as Rothenburg, in the Valley of the Inn, vv^here he was apprehended for his faith, disputed much with his opposers, and was examined. Previous to this he proposed: that, if they regarded his faith and doctrine as wrong and heretical, they should produce learned persons, doctors, monks and priests, to dispute with him concerning the matter. Should he, in dispute on true scriptural grounds be found to be in the wrong, they should punish him as unrighteous; and for still further confirmation of the truth, he offered, in order to confirm his assertion and his writings, that, if any of the learned could convince him with the truth of the word of God, that his doctrine was not comformable to the holy scriptures, he should, as having been vanquished be severed limb from limb by the executioner, and, when deprived of all his limbs, have the ribs torn out of his body, until he should be dead. But if he should not be able to obtain and hearing and disputation, and they should judge and put him to death unheard, he asked all the witnesses of his death, and all those standing by, that they be his witnesstizing,
fer for the ror, p.
By
of all those
name
who
for
suf-
of Christ." (See Mir-
409.)
we can
this
see
was
ligious agitation in
an admonition
others, left
that
in great
the central part of
the
re-
ferment
Germany
at this
time; and that the Anabaptist or Menrising nonite Church was slowly
through blood and turmoil to become a great religious power in cen tral Europe. 1528
—Hans
and Leonhard
Sclilaeffer
Frick Martyred in the Valley of the
"In
year
the
Germany.
Bavaria,
Inn,
Hans
Brother
1528,
a Roman Priest, but afterwards a teacher of the word and Gospel of Christ, a highly gifted man, was apprehended at Schwartz, in the Valley of the Inn, and with him Schlaeffer, formerly
Brother Leonhard Frick. They him greatly with many severe tures,
tried tor-
and disputed with him, through
the priests about infant baptism; but,
he
orally
well
as
as
in
writing,
showed them his defense, as it is commanded, and as it will be found throughout the entire New Testament, namely: That the word of God must first be taught, and that only those
and
who
hear,
receive
es before God, in His Judgment at the This is last day. But by virtue of the man- and no
the
understand,
believe
are to be baptized. true Christian baptism, it,
The Lord has
anabaptism.
date of the Emperor, and the edict of nowhere commanded to baptize inthe King of Hungary and Bohemia, he fants; they are already the Lord's, was condemned, delivered to the exe- and as long as they are in their innocutioner, beheaded, and burnt to cence and simplicity, they are not to
ashes on the 14th day of January of said year, at Rothenburg, for the testimony of Christ, from which he would not depart. After the death of this Leonhard, about seventy persons
be condemned at all. The also asked him, in what the foundation of these anabaptistic sects did properly consist.
To
this
he replied:
practice and baptizing
bore witness with their blood in the nothing else than •same place. Leonhard Schoener, Christ: Go ye into
the all
is
'Our faith,
founded on
command
of
the world and
EXECUTION OF MENNONITES preach the Gospel to every creature. pure
He
that believeth and
is
divine
31
truth."
(M.
Mirror,
p.
baptized will 410).
—
be saved' (Mark 16:16; Matt. 28:19); 1528 Other Excciilions of .Monnoand many other Scriptures. nitcs or Aiiabuptists. They also asked what design was During this same year Leojiold concealed under this baptism, since Schneider was beheaded at Augsburg they had thus exhorted them to raise He died with songs of for his faith. But l.e a new uproar and sedition. praise on his lips, (M. Mirror,
replied heart,
that to
it
make
p.
411).
never entered his Also an uproar; neither
had he ever approved of it in others; yea, he had fled fom a house in which they lived in contention, which he could prove by all with whom he had ever lived. And there is no other design concealed under it, than to amend the life, and to forsake the viscious ways of the world; so that in the doctrine which he teaches, this
Hans of Stotzingen was condemned to death for the Evangelical truth, in Zabern, p.
412).
And
he seemed to
was glad
to
Alsace,
(M. Mirror,
same as all the rest show no fear at all and meet his torture and
the
death.
two ministers gospel were deof the Evangelical stroyed in the city of Brueem, MoWhen they were being tried, ravia. is not the least commandment that one of them said to the Council who we are in duty bound to be subject to were trying them, to be careful that the authorities in all good things; they do not shed innocent blood, when how, then, should he raise and pur- one of the Council being pricked in pose uproar and sedition? his heart named Thomas Petzer arose Thus Hans Schlaeffer of Schaeffer and pretended he were washing his was asked what had caused and in- hands, saying, 'Thus shall 1 wash my duced him to forsake his office and hands in their blood and think to do priest. Concerning this he told them, iGod service.' But a few days later he that he had done it for conscience's was found dead in his bed, so that he sake, because he knew that he was died and passed away before those In the in a place of a prophet, and believed whom he helped to condemn. Mirror, (M. that God had sent him. Feierer, Hans year same They would also know of him, who p. 412) and five of his believers were told him to go into Germany to plant condemned and burned at Munich, in the evil seed of Anabaptism. He told Bavaria, and in addition three sisters, them, that no one had ordered him being wives of three of these men, thither; but that, since he had no were drowned and all of them seemed abiding place as yet, and had to go ready and willing to die for their
The same year
(Do.)
This name Feierer is much Lancaster County Feree, like our which at certain times spelled Ferree, and may have later been changed and for the will of God. As to the into Forry. And we also have the evil seed of which they spake, he name Fiero. All of these names seem knew nothing at all; but he intended to come from the same stock and nothing evil, but much rather the these people may have come from
he came there to one of his friends, with whom he stayed, and thence came to Schwartz, where he was apprehended, according to about
in misery,
father.
MENNONITE MIGRATION AND GROWTH
32
that part of Germany, bordering
on they began to migrate to other lands. This migration was partly caused by the reason that the great Mennonite 1528— Growtli of 3Ieniioiiitism. leaders, viz: Greybill, Stumpf and This year, according to Dr. Egli's others were expelled Hoffmeier was Ziiricher Wiedertaufer, Zwingli found taken captive by the Austrians and great difficulty in keeping his brethren burned at the stake in Vienna, Ludwig from leaving the Reformed church Haetzer of Kiisnitz and also Denck and going over to the Mennonites or were submitted to tortures; and thus Anabaptists. He remonstrated with they began to move onward like them but they did not heed and took sheep without a shepherd. The Mensuch means as they saw fit. Then the nonites from Schaffhausen may have Government came to his aid and com- gone down the Rhine about this time. pelled the people to follow Zwingli's Some went to the Netherlands, some teaching or suffer a penalty if they went to Alsace in the Pfaltz and joined the Anabaptists. In certain yet others to Hassen, (Brons, p. 47). places the Anabaptist strength grew so that in one town there was only 1528 Debate on Mennonite Principles at Berne. one woman left in the Reformed
France.
—
—
—
church, the rest of the neighborhood This year, according to Miiller, (p. having turned Mennonites and held 45) the Anabaptists were invited to their meeting in a barn, (Zur., p. 80). come to Berne to discuss the religious They now, however, began to have principles and to see whether those difficulties
this
among
retarded
and who were imprisoned might have the growth somewhat, their liberty again. After the regular themselves
(Zur., p. 87).
convention was held there was an indiscussion with these Anaformal 1528—First Migration of the Mennobaptists who were present and there nites into
Germany.
The Anabaptists begged that their opponents should examine the Baptist faith more closely and their teachings and they offered to submit them to the Council of Berne but they were refused. Council said they would not accept any opinion the Anabaptists had but their damned wrong teaching
again
the
Baptists
re-asserted
their
more strenuously than before as is shown by an old book pubZurich. The objections lished in brought against them were, they do principles
—
not say the "Ave Maria" nor pay taxes or tithes and that it is a shame
—
these "devilish, brazen Anabapare hot ashamed of thmselves about not baptizing until the children for refusing honor to Virgin Mary were grown up must be rejected en- since God himself, gave her honor by tirely and also their dotcrine of not making her the mother of the Savior assisting the Government. They fur- though she remained a Virgin." This ther said that the Anabaptist view book goes on to say, "why will they that
tists
Government was necessary call themselves Christians, if they do was dangerous and the steps taken by not give her the honor which the Arch
that no
to enforce the Anabap- Angel Gabriel gave to her, saying, change their views so dis- 'Hail, Mary, full of grace; thou shall gusted them with the fatherland, that be the mother of the Savior,' etc.
the
tists
officials
to
MEXXONITE DEBATE—AUSTRIAN DECREE yet these
people
do
uot
give
her
any honor." is
It
related that the city clerk of
33
by MuUer, that this movement was very strong all over Switzerland, (Miiller, p. 30).
Council was an Anabaptist and 1528— Anabaplisl Tortiins in Switzhe and his wife said something erland, Bavaria and <<<'riiiany. against the Virgin and were heavily Muller, (p. 17) tolls us that in the fined; ])ut he would not take absolution from the Priests. The Anabap- latter part of 1528, in Swabia (which tists or Mennonites were further ac- was anciently the Northern part of Switzerland) they had 500 to 1000 cused, because it was charged they would not observe the Apostles' creed, horsemen to go all over the country since that was not in the Scripture; and without trial or judgment, kill also they were charged with holding Taufers like wild beasts and take their the
there
that
should
be
no
authority
property.
George Ausl)ach, who was
what was given in the Bible, and the Bible says a sword could be used, they claim that it can
a friend of the Anabaptists, itrotected
or should uot.
Duke who
exercised, except
—Imperial
1528
Agiiiust
Decree
Austrian
the Anabaptists.
them against
Just as hard were Bavaria. Here William gave the order that all do not repent must be burned this.
persecutions
the
and
their
limbs be pulled out from
Some
bodies.
their"
in
were
fried
to
—
death on hot i)illars of stone some were tortured with red hot tongs year, there was pronounced an Imperwere locked in houses and ial decree by Austria against the Ana- some burnedwith the houses some burned bai)tists; and in 1.529 another. These at the stake some hung on trees decrees made it the duty of every Miiller says, (p. 32) that during this
—
—
and some died by sword and water some were gagged and taken to the movement. This movement went into Germany and appeared in many place of death and killed. But in s])ite places there as communism and of all this they continued to grow. citizen to exterminate the Anabaptist
looked to be detrimental to the State. 1529— Anabaptists \early ExlcriniTherefore, they were much persecuted nated Near (iroeningen. about ths time; their religious sincerIn this year there was such a severe ity was not believed in and they were in the district of Groeningen, measure looked upon as a new form of civil government much like socialists be- that only two small letters remind cause of their peculiar views concern- us that the Anabaptists were not ing
Government.
For
this
reason
St. Gallen and many other Cantons of Switzerland and other places decreed that it must be exterminated. The main question they asked however was "how shall these stubborn heretic people be exterminated?" Switzerland found that question harder to answer than to
Zurich, Berne,
ask.
By the middle
of 1529,
it is
shown
wholly swept or wiped out. cree
was
One
de-
that the Sheriffs and their
Deputy Sheriffs were
all
compelled to
went to and those that were not found there were condemned as heretics. In spite of all this a good many kei)t themselves hid and did not appear at the Catholic church see to
it
that these Baptists
the Catholic Church;
for
two years,
(Zur., p. 83).
HANS MILLER'S LABORS— TAUFER GROWTH
34
1529—Pious Old Hans and Troubles
Miiller's
Labors
in Switzerland.
At the end of this year the authorihad new troubles on hand with
ties
In the Aathal was
the Anabaptists.
Hans
Medikon (Switzerwas put to jail on account of debts but he was also held on account of his Anabaptist or Mennonite views. When the Miiller
land).
of
In this place he
promise given about going to church was offered to him, he said he wanted to have an interview with his people before he would answer, as he was one of their leaders. The Council were at the same time Judge and Jury in important matters; and he seeing that
their
methods were unfair said
them, what you want people to do to you you must do to them. He petitioned the Council that they should have fatherly mercy, that they should not compel him to violate his conto
science or
make
his persecutions un-
made an
effort to break out and his excuse was very simple and unsophisticated. He said, "Beloved do not let this surprise you that I wanted to break out from this Castle or jail, because the hardship here compels me to do it." Dr. Egli goes on to say that if his supposition is correct, this Hans Miiller of Medikon or Edikon is the same as the Miiller from the Aathal or Mathal, ac-
Miiller
of
jail
cording to a letter of the Sheriff of Gl'eoningen in the beginning of 1530, who interrupted the pastor in the church, because he would proclaim "Ave Maria." Edikon he says, is no other place than Medikon in Aathal, noticed as early as August, 1528, when Sheriff Vogt Berger wrote and said that one, Hans Miiller has strong Anabaptist views but otherwise he was a quiet and pious man, very willing to be taught; and afterwards he said of him, "He is a fine pious fellow." It
seems also that the
page of an Book used by the Early title
bearable on account of his faith be- early Hymn cause faith is a free gift of God, and Anabaptists contained some fine alas everyone has not the same faith lusions to the good qualities of this which the scriptures tell about, they Hans Miiller and Egli thinks that
ought
all
to
be dealt with according Sheriff Berger copied them in praise
to their individual faith.
He went on
to say that faith is not of the will of
the flesh but born of
God and because
they have the spirit of God are the children of God that all that comes
— —
of Miiller.
"A
The
title of
the
Hymn Book
Nice Christian Hymns Composed in Prison of Passaw and in the Castle by the Swiss Brethren and Other Righteous Christians." Some of the hymns were composed by Blauroch and Mans. And it is plain that Hans Miiller copied them and frequently quoted from them. is,
Collection
of
from God is good that the mysteries of God are hidden like a treasure in a field and no one can find them unless God shows them to him, therefore he said, "You servants of God, I 1529— Estimate of the Number beg of you let me and my faith free." Meunonites at Tliis Time. In a similar manner he expressed himself in a petition in which he asks
of
Miiller tells us (p. 17 that Sebastian Prank, estimated the number of Meufor patience until God gives him light nonites who were destroyed in two to decide and said he, faith is not to years by sword, water and fire was be taken up as a stone but must first about 2000. In Tyrol there was about be found. 1000 up to the year 1530. In Ensen-
LUTHER AND THE BAPTISTS
—
—
sheim in Austria, 600 in Luitz, 73 in Bavaria and tlie Palatinate up to 1529 There were also others in Mu350. nich and other sections. Among them were Michael Sattler of Rotenburg, So too whose tongue was cut out. there were prominent people in other
I
l)o>)ate
llollaiul
.Martyr
Hook.
These Baptists or Mennonites from
;
sections. i:,2{)— Molchoir Hoffinau's
i:)21>— Karlj
35
On
the Lord's Supper.
an early date distributed papers, books and other writings to advance their These were later gathered religion. The Government began into a book. to have them destroyed, when they found the Baptists were making an efThe book was finfort to save them. ished in 1562 and called the book of the sacrifices for the Lord. Five years book later a second edition of the came out and the Spanish Government tried to destroy it. But it was l)rinted the third time and accounts of
This year as we are told (Brons, p. that if the 381), Hoffman declared not yield Holland does of Government they Anabaptists peace, and allow the grow they will bring on bloodshed as many later persecutions added. The stronger. This he said after the great first edition had only the persecutions debate at Kiel, Germany, where today up to 1529. The next one those up to the great war vessels are gathered. 1559 killed in Holland, (Brons, p. Hoffman was looked upon as an 236). agitator rather than a harmless Men1529— Luther .Vdopts Parts of Baptist nonite. Plis enemies tried to have tlie Catediisni. ruler of Holland turn against liim, but he could not do so. Moravian Bohemian and The On tlie question of transubstantia- JWaldenses, got up a little catechism tion, Hoffman said, had Christ more about this time and Luther studied it than one body? Was he not sitting at and called attention to what he conthe table when he said, "This is my sidered their mistakes; and in answer body?" He did not mean it in that these Bohemians and Moravians tried sense. Neither can priests make the to prove that Luther was wrong. bread his body blessing it. No, said Luther did not answer their attack; Hoffman, "The bread is only a sym- but it seems he copied much of it, bol." On this subject Luther and changed it somewhat and published it Zwingli could not agree either; but as his catechism in 1529. (Brons, p. they did agree on all other points by j53). a special effort, (Do., p. 390). 1529— Torture of Hans Hut (now :
—Decree
1529
In 1529 the Emperor of Austria decided that all Baptists, men and women who have reached the age of understanding and who are stubborn, reproachful and inciting others not to recognize any government, may be
put to death by fire and sword without trial of any kind. This was called the "blood edict" and it drove many out of the country because at many this time there were a great
Bohemians and Moravian Baptists going over to Prussia. This edict was by the Emperor of Austria (Brons, p. 176).
Hutb).
Against the Baptists.
(p. 425) tells us of the torBaptist in 1529 who bore a ture of now a familiar Lancaster what is Hut or Huth. Hut Hans name county Bavaria and his in went to Augsburg He was Wiirtenbug. brother .John to tower. the taken to arrested there and fell but rope He tried to escape by a candle burning A off and lay as dead. set the straw of his bed on fire which In this half nearly suffocated him. dead condition they took him to Court. He was condemned and burned, as the author who first wrote the narraItive says he heard from the victim's
Brons,
—
"STAFF AND "SWORD" AND "WEIDMAN" MENNONITE FACTIONS
36
own
son. His offense was "free liever in part of their doctrine. Still speech." This Martyrdom of Hans Lichtenstein went with his dissenters Hut is also found in Martyr's Mirror, to his boundary line and gave them a 417). p.
1529— The Weidman Faction
of
drink and
Meii-
let
them
go.
They went to the Count at Austerlitz and begged him to take them and and the Sword Mennouites). help them and he said he would if Brons tells us (p. 424) that in there were even a thousand of them, Nickelsburg, there was a convention and he did help them. This party teachers. Hoffmier was in 1529 of was called the "Staff" party or pilgrim chairman it seems. But there were Baptists or Mennonites and the other present also Hans Huth, Oswald Vlait, party the "Sword" party. noiiites.
(The Staff
31eiiiioiiites
Hans Pitmaier, Christian Rothmantel, Men of power began to sympathize Hans Werner, Strahl Weidman, Jacob Weidman and others. We see here with the Mennonite movemvBnt, especthe forbears of Lancaster county ially about the Wurtenburg in South citizens. This convention was held Germany where these events hapunder Count
protection
*
of
Lichenstein,
pened.
a
Germany, who had come over to the Mennonite doctrine. They discussed whether a Christian could go to war, cany weapons, pay war tax and similar subjects; but no conclusion was reached. Huth and Weidman were against it. They differed in opinion from Lichtenstein, who of
There was a midle party also who were against war and carrying weapons and going to war but who were willing to pay war duties. To this latter party belong the Swiss Mennonites.
As the Baptists grew, the Catholics Church complained more and more thought patriotism made these things and as a result the German emporer necessary. Huth was captured be- commanded Lichtenstein and Hoffcause he was against Lichtenstein, meier to come to Vienna, the capital but aftei'wards a friend helped him of the German Empire, at that time. and let him down on a rope and he esAs soon as Hoffmeier arrived he caped. Lichtenstein wanted to bring and his wife were captured and taken Huth to his way of thinking. to the Castle Gravenstein and afterThis debate brought about another V. ards he gave out a statement that as and gave rise to two new parties far as bearing arms was concerned, or factions of Baptists. One was of he believed the same as Count Lichthe belief that weapons could be car- tenstein. Later however, he regretted ried and that war taxes should be yielding so far and said he was guilty paid and the other that it should not of not being firm enough in the faith be so. Those who split off, on the and wrote to the Nickelsburg congredoctrine that Christians should not gation that he had become too weak carry weapons, or pay taxes, followed but that they should hold fast to the Jacob Weidman to the number of faith? Soon afterwards the congreabout 200 to the great disgust of jgation received the sad news that their Count Lichtenstein, the powerful dear teacher was burned to death and friend of the Mennonites and a be- that his wife was drowned. But it split
I
:
1
HOFFMAN'S AND BLAUROCH'S MEXNONITK LABOKS seems
escaped
Lichtenstein
nient. IVJi)
I>iii>list
Kally at Kiiidcii,
punish- the King, had made the first speech, the Crown Prince and all of the peotheir kiicfs td in (ier- ple present fell on
Burgenhagen was
pray. iiiaii.v.
theologian
Brons
tells
us
(p.
37
o90) that, the fall
(Brons,
p.
tlic
Crown
the
of
great Prince,
379).
some preachers came toSix clerks were put on oath to take gether at Emden, most of whom were the debate in writing correctly or lose Baptists. They tried to come to a deheir souls. All the learned people finite view on the principal doctrines, and the aristocrats took seats near the especially on the Lord's supper. But Crown Prince, while those disputing
of this year
by this time the Lutheran view of the same had grown very strong. The Baptists semed to
become more
They differed much from their Hoffman and others too. They were right. They said their views were an extreme branch of Baptists about Hanover, Germany. Melchoir Hoffman baptized 300 people in 1529 about Emden. He was a valiant worker. This was the only leaders,
place outside of the
Hoffman was
divid-
ed.
Roman Empire,
standing.
•vere
all
why he
askinl
called
the preachers false prophets in his
books and he said because they all preached a wrong view of the Lord's sujtper.
lowed. the
And then
a long debate fol-
Hoffman here
learned
Germany,
aloiie
theologians
opposed
transubstantiation.
of
the
doctrine
This
was a great friend the same as Melanchthon. ha-^en
against
Northern of
Bungenof Luther,
This i)art neighboring territory of of Denmark was. in those times part East Freidland in the Duchy of Alof Germany, (Brons, p. 381). brecht in Prussia where the Baptist faith could feel any safety. Hoffman 153J)— The End of Oeorae IMaurocli or "Strong Georg*''— A Mennouite came there and worked and baptized the
e.xcept
all
Shortly after his ar-
these people.
rival he baptized
They
Church.
them
the Ancient
in
seem
did not
to
He came to this Embden) in August,
be
Father. that BlauMuller tells us (p. 30) roch was the best known and best
quite settled.
place
loved in 1520 of
(Emden or
1529.
Mennouite people.
He had two opponents
against
him,
(Brons, pp. 385 and 386). One spoke against Hoffman from the pulpit and another preacher Olmsdorf followed his example. Also the preacher of the Danish Crown prince was against him. Hoffman challenged them all to meet him in public debate but they refused.
At Keil
in
Northern
Germany
the Baltic Sea in the Gray Hoffniftn debated
the
Lord's
on
Cloister,
Supper,
The whole place was
April
8,
filled.
After Burgenhagen, by order of
1529.
all
the leaders of the
He
labored
in
Chur (Switzerland) and could bring the common the doctrines down to understanding better than |)eople's any other man. He labored in different places in Switzerland for the Baptist faith, and was driven out of SwitzHe was a erlrnd February 2, 1529. reformer of Tyrol also, till August 30, 1529 and was then burned to death. So ended the beloved "Strong George" which was his lovable nickname by the people of Tyrol and Switzerland. He was a second Paul in the view of hese Baptists or Mennonites.
PENNSYLVANIA NAMES ABOUT ZURICH 1530
—Fniiiiliar
Lancaster County
Names About
Zuricli.
In 1530, besides Miiller there were
the following Mennonites about lower
Switzerland, toward Basel: Balthaser
and Hans Ruschacher (may be now Ricksecker) the tile maker of
Stall
Eglisan, north of Zurich
— Gabrill,
the
brickmaker of Tossriedun, near the same place Casper Killer, Hans Nespler, Konrad Sewer (Sower), Jacob Schmidt, Burkhard Henry, Margaret and Ursula Myers, Appollonie Schnider and Ann Margaret and Julia Wiener, all of Blilach, a few miles almost directly south of Eglisan also Musterlis Bub of Oberglatt, a few miles south, slightly west of Bulach--Hans Flumer of Wuningen, a few miles northwest of Zurich also Jorg Stephen, Joder Ann and Eva Myers and Margaret Melcher of Watwill, near Keppel, far east of Zurich Elsie Muchli or Oberhasli, a few miles north of Zurich Margaret of Mettenhhasli, Adelaide Schwarz (or Black) of Dallikon, both near Oberhasli Regula and Verona Kern of Nussbaumen, southwest of Zurich and Ann Piirst of
—
—
—
the Common Lancaster County and eastern Pennsylvania names falies of
—
miliar today,
viz: Stoll, Ricksecker, Sowers, Schmidt Burkhard, Myers, Schneider, Weiner, Yoder, Schwartz, Fiirst, Sittler, Burkholder and Brubaker. I have set this item out at such length because of this
Keller,
fact,
1530
(Zur., p. 87
— Conrad
—
and
88).
Winkler
—Leader
and
Martyr.
There was also Conrad Winkler VVasserburg,
among
southeast of Dr. Egli
the hills.
of
Zurich 89)
(p.
tells us that Winkler was for several years leader of the Anabaptists in the lowlands, north of Zurich and came to
them from the mountains of the South. He was drowned January 20,
visit
1530 by the State authorities.
1530— Schwenkfeld, Working With
—
—
IN 1530
Hoffman.
Brons tells us burg, Germany,
(p.
392) that in Stras-
Casper Schwenkfeld touch with Hoffman. Both of them asked to be allowed to give a public debate on their principles. They were accused of being
was
in
close
Watt, north of Zurich. Working with heretics and Schwenkfeld in his petithese were foreign Mennonites, tion asserts he is no heretic nor seamong them, Henry Spattig of Dotti- ducer and he wants protection. He kon, among the mountains of the was against the State Church. He South; Hans of Horb in Wittenburg, was the father of the Schwenkfelders
Germany; Ann
of Zug and named Berkhald. Of
Sittler
several persons
these whole families were imprisoned
—husbands
and wives separated and
Zurich greatly reduced. Dr. Egli also mentions with these, Hans of John Bruppacher. Thus we the sect in
see that at
were living both
in
City
of
tains to
this in the
early
period
there
Canton of Zurich,
and
of today
nearly
four
Religious
Ex-
of the last
centuries.
1530
—Factions
Cause
citement and Fear of "End of the World."
Brons
tells
the Diet of
us
(p.
58)
that in 1530
Augsburg was opened
the Lutherans of Germany.
to
At this the lowlands north of the Diet the Anabaptists or Mennonites Zurich and in the moun- were particularly, severely condemnthe south, the ancestor fami- ed, because of opposition to infai.t
TAUFERS baptism.
IN
SWITZERLAND. GERMANY AND HOLLAND
Under these conditions the
[
thought the "world common was coming to an end" and there were all kinds of literature on the subject. Then Hoffman came out and wrote that the revelations are being fulfilled, and he explained how this was the people
Hoffman
case.
was
leader
of
course. in
"Pfister"
is
a
39'
name met with
Lancaster county today.
The growth was such now,
that
'.\t
January, 1530, a general conference: was held by delegates from Zurica, Bern, Basil, St. Gallen and ConstancCr
and they unanimously held that the Taufers or Anabaptists were becoming very dangerous and that there was a great falling off noticed from the true Christian Church that is, the was decided It Reformed Church.
ttio,
principle faction of the Mennonites, as
seen. He attacked Luther and said Luther makes himself a new God who can save or damn at will and that he calls all who do not believe as that a report should be made, so that at the next meeting they would know he does "Heretics.' curbing and breakl.'>30 Morals of the Anahaptists Com- how to go about ing up those "erring ones" by compared AVith Other Reforniers.
we have
—
—
mon
In 1530 Miiller (p. 2) Philip of Hessen wrote, "I find these Baptist people
who
tics
concerted action.
1531— Hoffman's
Followers In Holland.
are called dreamers and here-
are purer than those
that
Brons
are
tells
us
(p.
396)
Proselyte
that
this
nine men proselyting Lutherans." This he stated in a let- ivear there were in Belgium to the Anabaptist faith ter dated February 18, 1530 to his sisThey were taken from Holland. ter, Elizabeth of Saxony. Capito goes and put into the Hague and their beds further and says that the most of Their main offense was reprison. these Anabaptists were in his opinbaptizing those baptized in infancy. ion anything but bad they possessed were beheaded fear of God and Holy Zeal. And he November 15th, they Thus it happened these in Brussels. considered them, as dear brethren, Hoffman were exeeven though he was not wholly one of ambassadors of without accomplishing their dethem, but was an Italian, partly pros- cuted
—
sire.
elyted.
1530
— Anabaptist
Movement Toward 1531_«Taufers"
Go
Into
rrussiau
Lands.
Berne.
This year saw the beginning of the Taufer or Anabaptist movement into when these Anabaptists had 1530, Prussia, where it was safe for them. gained some freedom, they gathered They began to go into East Friesland moved toward in great numbers and These parts of also about this time. Berne from the Zurich tortures. Berne also for peoasylums Germany were began to deplore the fact; for they ple from all sections, persecuted for were now giving trouble there. Octothe sake of their religion, (Brons. p. ber 13, 1530, Pfister Meyer complained Miiller tells us
(p.
46)
that
about
243).
Baden that the Taufers or Anal)a])Labors of Menn<» Simon. tists were being badly used in the l.)3I— Early This year a girl from near East new regions and they demanded protection. But they received none, of Friesland, about 12 years old was in to
I
I
BERNE AND ZOLOTHURN REPRESS THE TAUFERS
40
a convent and she heard of people nonites coming from Zurich and the being burned at the stake on accouat east where they were driven. Reports of their religion and it made such an came in from the smaller towns, impression on her that she secured a and Bern ordered the authorities of Latin Bible to get a clear notion and one of them named Zolothurn to punwhen she grew up her views became ish them, or if they were not able, to known. She was pronounced a here- allow the Bern authorities to do so. tic and imprisoned a year. Then other These Mennonites were holding meetIt was feared the new sect nuns interceded for her and the Su- ings. perior allowed her to escape disguis- would get a stronghold on the coun-
Zolothurn answered that April ed as a milk maid and go to Leer. try. Here she found a Mennonlte Home 1st, all the Sheriffs were ordered to and she joined them. Then she went drive them out everywhere; and beto Linworden and associated with a sides it was forbidden under a penalty Mennonite woman named Hadein. She of 10 pounds fine, for anyone to give was the widow of a man who at the them shelter. Zolothurn reported that
beheading of Siche 'Drerick Schnider, if the few leaders can be gotten beat drum so that his dying speech of, the movement will cease. And could not be heard. This widow was said this town, there is no need soon afterwards convinced of the Bern authorities should come and correctness of the new faith and was (Miiller, p. 32). one of the first ones baptized by 1531— Deatli of Zwingli. Meno Simon, (Brons, p. 109).
—Mennonite
lo31
and
Reformed
De-
bate at Berne. In April,
there
m
hold thus that
help
This year too, at the Battle of Kappel in Switzerland, Zwingli, the "Reformed" leader, who was also chaplain in the
army
at Zurich,
was
acci-
appeared dentally killed. He fell a martyr to print the report of a debate between the dangers of war. Pfister Myer and several Reformed preachers on the subject of second 1531— The Name "Taufer" or "Menbaptism oaths taking part in Govnonite" Used Contemptuously. ernment and other Mennonite articles. So odious and yet so strong had The report was called, "A Christian grown the Anabaptist or WiedertauDiscussion Held at Bern, Between fer or Mennonite cause at this time Pfister Myer and the Reformed in Switzerland, that whenever anyone Preachers. The report states that an extraordinary zeal in any Myer was compelled to disavow some showed view different from the Lutheran docof his doctrine. This was the same trine in Germany, he was called in dePfister who was complained against rision a "Taufer" or an Arch-Taufer. by the Bern authorities as being so Weitzel in a letter dated 1531, tells us 1531,
—
strong,
—
(Miiller,
p.
46). this,
1531
—
ish
tlie
Aualiaptists,
p.
6).
About the same
to feel
(31ennonites).
book against the Mennonites calling it west of Zurich, now the "Brazen Faced, Shameless, Wickthe influence of the Men- ed, Erring and False Teachings of the
Bern, which
began
(Miiller,
Bern Orders Zolotliurn to Pun- time Hans Ballinger of Zurich, a minister of the Reformed church, wrote a is
MENNONITE PROGRESS
IN
BERNE— DECLINE
Self-Sent Anabaptists." A second edition was published in ir)61. (Miiller, p.
— Close
of the
Reformation
in
Zurich.
October 11, Zu1531, closed the Reformation in years there next two the for rich, bat were a great many mandates and or-
The Battle
of KapiJel,
directed
ders
against
Anabaptists,
(Zur., p. 90).
1532
—Mennonite
Trouress About
Berne.
The Anabaptists (Mennonites)
ZntlCll
n
northwest of the last named town, to check their growth in any way they could. So the officials began to hunt up and arrest them. In Solothurn, a large town about IS miles almost directly north of Bern City, the brotherhood was very strong. Haller wrote to Ballinger (an enemv of the Taufers) that there these Mennonites had the upper hand and they met openly and freely. Therefore Berne sent orders to them to prevent it or allow Berne to do so. Berne complained that Solothurn seems to take no interest in trying to stop their growth,
3).
1501
IN
now (Miiller, p. 72).
continued to grow in the Canton of August 17, 1532 the Baliiiff of 1532 Spread of Anal)ai»tisni in Berne. Bern. Miiller tells us (p. 72) that after Sumiswald about twenty miles norththe Taiifers (or Mennonites) east of the city of Bern, reported that 1532 and over the state or Canspread into these Baptists now continue in their And ton of Berne very extensively. activity without letup and the Counin August of that year, orders were cil went on to say they expected good sent to the Sheriffs of Aarburg, 30 results from the printed reports of the mil'^s northeast of the city of Berne, debates, in which they felt the Men- of Thun, 12 miles southeast of Berne nonites could not and did not successof Unterseen, near the same place about the same This little Interlacken of fully uphold their side. Hasti miles northeast place of six book or report the authorities throughSheriffs of the the and to of Berne out the canton or State of Bern, orof Sheriffs the Upland to whole dered to be read before the congregadirectalmost miles 10 Trachseiwald, tions against the Taufers or Mennoly east of Berne, of Signau, also close But during all this time the by and in January, 1533 and in other nites. council heard continual reports that times during the year, to the Sheriffs these Taufers or Baptists won their of Zolothurn, Summisvil and other case or debate at Sumiswald and the places all about Berne, commanding people were beginning in great num- all of them to bring these Anabaptists
—
I
i
j
I
'
I
—
—
—
—
—
attention to bers to believe in them and this gave into subjection, calling that prior orders were not efthe fact In ZofinCouncil great uneasiness. fectively carried out. geu, about 35 miles northeast of Bern, Taiifers or publicly 1532— Extinction of the the Mennonites preached
without
most ler,
p.
much
of the 69).
fear,
since
they
people with them,
_
had (Miil-
Anijl.-aptist
.Henn
Zurich.
Dr. Egli in his work says (p. 91) The growth about the city of Bern that after the battle of Kappel. Ocbecame so great, that orders were in tober 11. 1531, that the reform move1532 also sent out to the Sheriff of ment in that section closes, although Aarburg, a town about three miles the next two years a good many or-
42
MENNONITES ABOUND
SWITZERLAND, AND BALTIC
IN PALESTINE,
ders and mandates were issued. But a change had come, and the state did not prosecute those that were left, so hard as before. He also says that these Taiifers were up to this time in three principal centers the Zurich district— the Groeningen district 15 miles southeast and in the low country 25 miles north of Zurich. And these were large centers. But now they became broken up into many smaller centers, and small Anabaptist meetings were held all around, over the whole country. There were many small bodies of them in the Knonow district, about 20 miles southwest of Zurich, where the movement against them ended in 1533. These Baptists, it seems, in both the parts of this country, got new strength new adherents sprang up when the war was ended. But the Catholic Church yet was their enemy; but they did not do much of importance against them, except cause two executions,
—
Bohemia and Moravia rejected infant
—
baptism did not give their ministers any salary, but furnished them food
—
and
provisions required that they all follow some trade and make their living in that way so as not to be paid for teaching God's word. These Bohemian Anabaptist or Mennonite preachers, traveled and preached throughout Asia, in Palsetine and Egypt and other places in Africa.
should
They
also
came
into Switzerland and West in Europe,
other places to the
about 1532, (Miiller, 1532
— Taiifers
p.
56).
Spread
(Jlenuonites)
to the Baltic.
By
this date says
Brons
(p.
245),
quoting Duke Albrecht, very many Anabaptists or Taiifers had reached the Baltic region. Their spreading had become a very serious matter. The Duke did not understand their mild nature and he feared the excesses and boisterous conduct of that 1532— Early Baptist Doctrine in branch of adventurers led by Miinzer some time before, farther South, who Hymns. In 1532, Otmar Rote or Roth of St. were rebellious and warlike and hurt Gallen, composed a fine hymn, which the cause, would be repeated. Menno is set forth by Brons, (p. 173). And Simon in his defense was very careIn this hymn the chief elements of ful to impress upon the rulers the the Taiifer or Mennonite belief of that fact that he never had any sympathy time is expressed. The substance of with the Miinzerites, though he was
—
shown
in the
hymn
live true
and
right,
this as
must
that we that sin be righteous, declares that is,
brings pain, we must clean and humble. It we must not imitate the worldly ones that we must not talk about evil nor become familiar with it— we must be just that no sin will be allowed to be unpunished we must fear God ask for grace early and late and not repel by force, but submit, as the Savior taught.
—
—
—
1532
—Bohemian
—
Anabaptists or
Taii-
Preach from Palestine and Egypt to Switzerland and Westward.
fers
We
are told that the Anabaptists of
accused of
it.
Duke Albrecht,
therefore, wrote to
Luther and asked him what to do with these masses of new religionists who were now rising on the Baltic these Taiifers or Mennonites. He called them a sect of factious and restless sacramentarians. Luther spirits or replied that the Duke need not especially fear them for all adherents of adult baptism are the same. He said he was afraid the Lutheran interests would suffer by too many divisions
—
among should
the all
Reform
people.
They
try to get together he said.
MENNONITES FIRST DEMAND SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE has serious war with CathSo, said Luther, "There will be olics. no end to disi)ute and discussions and the best thing is not to irritate these people but rather to shun them and not interfere with them." as he
1532
(the
still
— HolTniiin's
Writliifrs
Schneider),
or
tailor
4:{
Christian
Brugger (Bricker).
The prominent debaters against the Taiifers were
Micahel
Haller
— Bech-
told Haller, Casper Megander, Sebastian Hoffmeister, George Stehle, Hein-
Comfort
rich Linkey (Lincki), Sutzer of Basil The discussion and Henry Morider. Hoffman was again in ended at a session at Aarian, where In 1532, Strasburg and there he continued to the minutes were revised to print write. His writings reached Holland them. and were a great comfort to the TaiiThe opponents told the chief debater
Holland
Tiiiifers.
I
fers there in
the
Netherlands.
took heart and hope again.
them now were fugitives
They
Many
in the
of
for the Taiifers,
Brugger or Bricker
that he shall declare whether he will
Neth- confess
convinced they are
himself
erlands and they were encouraged to
wrong and secede from them. And he
know
declared neither he nor any other of them would do so. He was told then they must all leave and if they come
;\Ielchoir
Hoffman, their leader,
was still fighting the cause. Holland was early through with her persecutions and cooled off sooner than some other countries. She became an asylum for persecuted Mennonites from Germany and Switzerland toward the end of the 16th century and remained so (Brons,
p.
396).
(p.
35)
Soffiiiffeii.
that
is,
would
be
swimmed
"geschwimmt"
or drowned.
He
did
come back and his arrest was ordered, and he was likely drowned. 1532
ir>32— Taiifer Debate at Miiller tells us
back they that
— Taiifer
or
for Separation of
Mennonile Demand
Church and
State.
from
Ernst Muller, (p. 34) states that in (Switzerland) this year at Soffingen debate at Soflingen, Switzerland on re- the Taufers or Bai)tists held and sent ligious matters, and also the same forth the demand that the state must year in St. Gallen Canton, Switzerland not interfere with matters of faith and another debate. Twenty-three Taiifer conscience that the state has nothor Anabaptist debaters met all oppo- ing to do with They set religion. nents who desired to come. But when forth as the state had been so cruel to it was found they were getting the them, they never found cause to be best of the arguments, they were kept enthusiastic about J;he Government closed up in a barn. nor show any patriotism. They statJuly 1st to 9th, 1532, there was a big
—
Froschaur of Zurich had the proceedings printed however, and they are very full of interest. There were
many more prominent Anabaptist bates too; and
some
de-
of the principal
Mennonite or Taiifer or Anabaptist denamed are Martin Weninger, Hans Hock, Simon Lantz, Michael Utt baters
ed that their ideas of justice were Evangelical and come from the scripTheir views of justice they tures. apostolic were according to said
models rather than those of the statutes and those enforced by the police^ the inquisition, the dungeon, the galleys and the piles of fagots and fire.
THE SWENKFELDERS ARISE
44
1532
— Taiifers
or Meunonites
Win
the
fate.
When
the minutes of the debate of circulation,
there
to pri-
SwenkHe was feldt did not fare so hard. Although he orderd out of town. he had split from Hoffman's faith, deep sympathy for him, which h€ showed in his letter to Leo Juda Julj
People.
15G2 got into
Hoffman was condemned
son for
was
life
and died there.
was arranged that were to be given The out to the sheriffs and officers. rumor became current that the Ana- 3, 1533. In the same letter he alsc his critics who accuse him baptists had gotten the better of the replied to argumens and therefore the goveru- of denying both Christ and God and ment sent out printed copies of the shows that he is as orthodox as the trouble.
Finally
it
printed reports of
it
debate much modified to rumors, that the Taiifers ceeded.
deny the most fervent can be had suc- (Brons 402).
in
Hoffman languished
(Miiller 70).
1582— Casper Swenkfeldt and His
that
regard
jail
several
in
In 1534 Swenkfeldt
and Martin him and and Casper Medio found him sick in body and in spirit. He was badly treated and they asked that he be treated more kindly; but it seems that neither he nor his friends years.
Fol-
visited
Zell
lowers.
Casper Swenkfeldt moved to Strasburg in Germany in 1.532 and labored for religion in that section. He wrote from that place to Leo Juda, the Anaof baptist and to Hoffman that he does made application to get him out kinder treatjail. Their requests for not longer patronize them and their ment of him were not heeded; and he doctrine except to that extent which is
died after being in
consistent with the spirit of Christ,
according as he
interpreted
it.
1540,
He
rather
change
than
jail six
give
years about or even
up
religion one iota (Brons speak thus at large of Hoffman, because his is a common name in our own county today.
began therefore his new faith and sect, which also have lived down to our day. He seems however to have had intimate spiritual intercourse with Hoffman; and to have had a quieting effect on him. They both asked (Catholic) the established church to have a debate with them. Swenkfeldt was accused of being a worse heretic than Hoffman, and thus
405).
1535
his
I
— Three
Hundred Anabaptists Im-
prisoned in Holland. Miiller tells us (p. 159) that a of
fugitives,
women and
300
in
group
number besides
children were barricaded
or imprisoned in a convent near Wit-
he avers marsum, the home of Menno Simon, in that he is not a heretic and challenges Friesland, Holland, this year, after Subseall mankind to prove him one. A dis- they had been overwhelmed. cussion was held by Swenkfeldt and quently they were tortured and the Hoffman on June 11, 1533 jointly women drowned, under the cruel edict against the Church of the State, which of Charles V of Spain and Emperor of seems to show that even at that date Germany, who ruled Holland as well. in his petition for a debate
I
—
Swenkfeldt had not split very far off 1535 Charles V and the Miinsterites Enenij- of Baptists. the Mennonite Church and faith. Both these champions of non-resistMiiller tells us (p. 159) that in many ing Christian religion had a hard places and particulars the "reform
—
COMPLETE CONVERSION OF MENNO SIMON movement" was
nii)i)e(l
the activity of Charles Charles took advantage
iiiid
by
against
it.
the
in
V of
any
cir-
cumstiiire he could to condemn these people, and especially any
ing or fault in
shortcomthe movement he was
ready to turn to its Therefore great hurt about to the Anabaptists the rebellious followers
disadvantage.
was
45
connection with the Catholic church
and
changed his care-free life for poverty and distress and lived in the fear of the Lord and sought out people of like mind to associate with him. By devoting himself to his cause, he found peace, says Brons (p.
brought 65). About a year later says the same or Taiifers by author, a body of men who were of John MatTaiifers called upon him near Witthias and .John Bockelsohn of Miinster. marsum; his home, and said they These people, called Miinsterites were were disgusted with the different uprebellious, law-breaking and often of starts who uesd to lead them and that immoral conduct and practice; and therfore, they had now come to him they tried to make it appear that they and they pleaded with him and were genuine Anabaptists and paraded begged him that he should take to in the garb of the same, much to the heart the leaderless condition of the disgust of both the government and Anabaptists or Taiifers and the hard Menno Simon tho religious forces. lot under which they suffered. They tried his influence with them, but it complained that the men who assumed only resulted in them trying to beto lead them were too mystical and smirch him too. And in his history of fantastic and were impracticable his life and works, he takes great idealists they called them "Schwarpains to inform the reader that he mers" or rovers they said these never belonged to the Miinsterites alleaders were constantly falling into though he says he was accused of it. fanaticism and reveries and withdrew They were wild agitators and they themselves away from people and becruelly persecuted all others who did came monastic and did them no good. not believe as they did. On their ban- Menno's heart was touched by this, ners they carred emblazoned all of the says Brons; but he said he doubted warnings and dire threats of the Rev- his ability to meet the educated oppoelations (Miiller 159). sition against the Anabaptists and also 1535 A Xureinbiirg Translatiou of that he was of so shy and modest a the Bible. nature he feared he was not the man This year says Miiller (p. 68) a to lead them. He said he was too translation of the Bible was made at "blodigkeit" or bashful and did not Nuremburg. at a great expense and have the "fahigkeiten" or capability sacrifice by the descendants of the to do the work. He told them, howWaldenses, which Waldensean doc- ever, to be patient and he would contrine the Anabaptists or Taiifers or sider the matter in prayer and if it Mennonites largely carried out and was God's will that he should lead continued from early days. The trans- them he could no more refuse to lation was into German. preach and teach than Paul who
—
—
—
1536
— ^lenno
Simon Completelj
Leaves Catholicism. In
1536
Menno Simon severed
"Woe unto me if I do not preach Gospel." And says Brons, he de-
said.
the his
cided
it
was
his
duty to lead these
BERNE MENNONITES COMBINE TO HELP BRETHREN
46
and from that time on they stood as solid as a rock in the great movement of reform, which was now people;
active all over
Europe
like the great
at this convention of the cities of Switezrland,
demand
and he sent many
encouraging doctrinal letters
to
many
places to help others.
The three events that made Menno Simon the leader of the Holland Wiedertaufers first,
or
Anabaptists
were,
his meditations over the execu-
the
"Holy Church" wa;
carried out.
wakes and tides of the ocean. Then 1536 numbers gathered around him and they were rebaptized. He began now to teach fearlessly
of
above chie
to see that thi
— Bern
Mennonites Flee ravia and Eussia.
to
Mo
tells us (p. 93) that abou time many of the oppressec Weidentaufers of Bern in Switzerlanc
Miiller
this
moved
to
Moravia and Russia. There
Church in Russif is also very old. They found Moravia he says, a new Jerusalem and a ha ven of peace and rest from their tor ture. There they remained in peac( a long time. Then calamities arose among them there from State anc fore the Mennonite
Snyder about 1528 behe was re-baptized then the shutting up of 300 or more of these Baptists in a prison-convent near Church, but they endured until 1622 him, and the destruction of them for when they received a fatal blow their faith, and finally the request of which almost exterminated them the Anabaptists we have just menfrom Russia. But during nearly a\ tioned to him, to lead them. this time Moravia was an asylum un 1530— Combined Action iu All Switz- til suddenly in 1622 they receivec erland Agaiust Anabaptists. there also the "todesstosb" or dealt tion of Sicke
—
cause
Muller, tells us (p. 34) that a meeting of the officers and political
powers of the towns of Zurich, Bern,
blow.
1536— The
Berne Mennonites Go Help the French Huguenots.
t«
Basel, Schoffhausen, St. Gallen, Miihl-
hausen and erland,
was
In 1536 Harry Frantz Nageli (no places in Switz- doubt a remote ancestor of the Negheld at Basil in 1536 and leys of our county and State) at the Biel, all
there they composed and worked out head of the Berne army of great mass a common form of confession, includ- of Taiifers at Waadt conquered much ing several articles against second of the opposition against the sect,
baptism and against the Taiifers or November 29th, he in company with Mennonites, etc. The 24th articles of a fellow christian named Yost, of this was that there must be a common Diesbach were sent as messengers to proceedings or movement against France to speak and plead for the second baptism and the Wiedertauf- Huguenots and their religion. He laers and declaring that all who sepabored to have persecution against rate from the Holy Church (Catholic) them cease. For these reasons Miilmust be punished as a duty to God, ler speaks of Nageli as a leader of by the high authorities of the Church and at the head of the Bern Taiifers and the State and must be prevented or Mennonites at this time. Nageli from polluting the people and poi- had difficulty to make the French soning their minds with their doc- King understand as Naegli's lantrines. Officers were then appointed guage could not be understood in
—
BERNE EXECUTIONS AND TORTURES But he did manage the King the cause
47
Council of Berne to the authorities of Zolothurn and declared that at Etplain to rise and organization of the Taiifers tigen and Lusbligen there are many or Anabaptist Mennonites and espec- Anabaptists or Mennonites; and that ially laid stress upon the point that if the Zolothurn authorities do not France.
to
ex-
of
the
them according to orders, Berne hand in it. Zolothurn was olic church had become corrupt in where the people were center early days and also that the subject a shown favors and mercy. Those who of infant baptism also caused the secame from Zolothurn to Berne were cession, (Miiller, p. 83). the priests and leaders of the Cath-
kill
will take a
In the (Lancaster sent back to be disposed of. Berne Executions the early Waldensean times before County and rennsjivania Names) days of the Reformation the WaldenAbout this time among others the seans had gained a foothold in Zolofollowing people were executed for thurn and therefore we must rememIn their faith, in and abount Berne. ber that even in 1737 this faith was 1537 Bernard Walti (now Welty) 200 years old them. That is why they John Sweitzer, Serf Hoffer, Ulrich had such strength there. There were Bichsel (now Bixler) Barbara Willpersons high in authority there who her (now Weiler) Catharine Friedwere Anabaptists or now Mennonites, ley, Berna Steli (now Sthely or whose ancestors going back several
l.')37—
—
—
Staley).
—
In 1538 Peter
Stecker,
Ul-
generations planted the faith there. This is why the State or Canton auElizabeth Rupser or Rupp, Peter Bestso anxious thorities at Berne were
rich Huber,
Hans Wilier or Weiler,
miller, Stephen Ricksecker and Rudolph Staley. In 1539 Lawrence Haberly, John Shumacker, Peter Unter
— in
about it. Solothurn or Zolothurn is a good sized city nearly equidistant between Berne and Basil, being about almost directly north of 15 miles
ter
Berne.
1543 Christian Oberlin, John Unand Waldi or Waldo Garber. Nearly all of these we recognize to be familiar Lancaster county and eastern Pennsylvania names of people living among us today; and our neighbors are no doubt relatives of these ancient martyrs for conscience sake. This shows again what a large number of our southeastern Pennsylvania families came from ancestry who 400 years ago lived in the mountains of
1538
yew
Tortures in Berne and Basel.
Right after the religious discussion or debate in Berne which was held in 1538 the feeling against the Anabapor Taiifers reached its high tists water mark. The debate was won by
The authorities now knew that all former means to suppress them had failed. And the moveSwitzerland, before their later gen- ment went on. So henceforth a forerations moved down the Rhine into cible extermination was decided on the Palatinate, (Miiller, p. 78). and there were many executions of 1537 Berne A grain Demands Solo- which there are no public records. If they were in prison every means was thurn Anabaptists to Be Crushed used to make them give up and when Out. In 1537 says Miiller (p. 73) mes- these failed they were killed. The orsengers were again sent from the der was if they do not yield to ordithese baptists.
I
i
1
—
I
HALDEMANS APPEAR— DEBATE AT SIGNAU
48
nary
questioning, "You must inter- Weiser— Henry Wcninger of Schloffrogate them with a rope." But this hausen. There were Hans Hatz, George was not to include women. It was al- Trasser of Bavaria. Of these, Weiser, so ordered that the property of the Trasser and Hatz spoke most. From
who have no children must be taken by the State at the death of the owner. In August 17, 1538 the Catholic Bishop of Basel sent out an order that no Anabaptists were to be allowed in his bishopric at all. They Baptists
must leave or be
killed,
(Muler,
p.
82).
1588— The Name "Haldeman" Appears.
This year
we
find the
in
the Berne neighborhood,
John
Switzerland,
name "Haldeman"
so fa-
were
and Hans Luthi who There were also present from Eggvil, Bernard Vergerter, Ulrich Wenenschwander, Bernard Jenruy, Christian Salzman Waldi Gerber of Rotherbach Ulrich and Klaws Rupp of Stauffen Hans Schellenberg, John Krahenbuhl (Graybill), Friedli DieVogt,
spoke.
— —
boldswiler,
Eggvil,
there
all
Schwendimann of
—
of
Signau
—
Peter
and Felix Shumaker Casper Kalb or
Big Hochstetten
—
miliar to us and so prominent in Lan-
Kulp and Andrew Shindler or Shindle county and Eastern Pennsylof Thun Casper Zugg, Frantz Oberpania, used the first time. This is ly and John Haslibach Jos. Meisabout 375 years ago. Miiller tells us
—
caster
—
(p.
75)
that Thiiring
Haldeman was
cher, Uli Flickinger, Christian Brick-
er, Jacob Sutter, and Jacob Caspar of ordered this year to "walk the plank" Aarburg Uli Hunsicker, Hans Gusor be killed. That is, he was to go per, Michael Zink, Hans Snyder and on board a vessel and leave or suffer
—
Herman, and others were presAmongst these we find many 1538— Houstten (or Hochtetteu) aud names today familiar in Eastern Sigiiau Demaud Auother ReliPennsylvania. All of which shows us gious Debate. where our ancestors lived and moved In February and March of 1538 says nearly 400 years ago and where they Miiller (p. 79) a discussion on religion were even before Columbus sailed on was demanded by the above towns. his voyage of discovery. The attempt was made to prove the The four presidents who managed Old Testament equal to the New. this debate (M,iiller, p. 80) had the This was an argument against the minutes compiled and reported to the Taufers, who largely avoided the Old. Council of Berne and it was ordered At this debate Rappenstein and Pfeis- that four copies be made and the ter Myer, the converted Baptists or same be put in the library. The MenTaufers, who in Sofnngen had done nonites wanted a copy of the minutes good work, were present and entered too but it was refused on the ground the debate. The minutes of this de- that it was a report and not a discuscussion are still extant in two copies sion for the public. This explains how Beit
death.
ent.
Berne. those ancient books got into the libStrange Baptists were present also rary where they are today. They and some of them spoke a great deal. would not allow extra copies to be Michael Utt (the tailor) Matthias made for the Baptists. in
the
State
Archives
in
—
THE EMMENTHAL FILLS UP WITH xMENNONITES 1538— Meiiiionitos
Into
Drifliiiff
From
Century these Vandois became numerous. The Church of Rome tried to exterminate them. In 1453 the whole Valley of Luzerne was laid under an interdict. In 1487, Innocent the XIII began an order of extermination against them; a large number fled and went to the They Northern part of Switzerland.
the
Emiiieutlial.
lu 1338 a conference between Berne and the Bishop of Basel at Miinster was held. The inhabitants of MiinsBishop of ter were subjects of the Basel and since 1486 they were also connected or had certain city rights Wattenbach and Ferrell in Munster. in Munster introduced the Reformation here and in the valley of the Em-
This
the
finally
8th
the
to
11th
settled in Bern, Luzeren, Zur-
and Schweyz. Among the Vandois (Waldenes) who settled in these counThese Swiss tries were the "Ebees." Menno Simon founded Waldenes when the Mennonite Church in 1538 joined hm. Among those who joined were
ich
important history, citizens of Lancaster especially to county, because it was to the valley of ihe Emmeuthal, northeast of Berne a short distance, that the persecuted Mennonites gathered, from whom and from whose descendants, came from that place, the first ten or twelve pioneers who reached Amsterdam in March, 1710 London about May, remaining to the end of June and finally reached the Pequea, now in Lancaster
menthal.
49
is
names of Herr, Graaf, Mylin, Shank, Witmer, Landis, Eby and others. Some of these are of Teutonic origin which proves the Waldenes had accessions from that source, after arthe
—
rival in Switzerland.
1538
county, in October, 1710.
—Offreus
Greisinger
is
Greisinger Destroyed. a
common
name,
Eastern
numerous Thus I give
in conference at Pennsylvania this Berne and Lancaster county. that both The death. and his sufferings item on Basel should contrive to wipe out "this damned sect." Berne said to the Martyrs' Mirror, page 432, tells us Bishop of Basel, "What shall we do that, in 153S, a Greisinger resident of The Sheriffs and Tyrol in Austria of the same stock as to wipe them out? Officers lead such bad lives they can the Swiss and Germans, after being valley was not punish anyone." The answer was sought in mountain and
The result Munster was
of the
I
!
get other sheriffs. is
But said
your own question
we do
to
deal
with;
not want to interfere," (Miiller,
p. 235).
1538
Basil, "It
—Herrs,
Oraafs, 3Iylins,
caught, after a large reward fered for him.
among
He was
was
of-
a preacher
the Taoifers and kept
many
of
They them encouraged to hold on. tried to make him recant but he deLandises clared he would "endure all pain unto
and Others Become 3Iennonites. Ezra E. Eby of Berlin, Out, in his book on the Eby family says: The Ebys belong to the Celts, an ancient Asiatic race. During the early ages lived in Northern part of Italy and heathendom were from brought (Waldenesj. through the Vandois
death."
Then they drew him up by a rope about his neck, but quickly let him down and threatened hm saying he He would be torn limb from limb.
am
Eight your hands." days later they drew him up again and let him down but he would not said,
"I
in
WEIDMAN AND SHUMAKER SUFFER—HAEUSER MENNONITES
50
Eight days later they threatened him again but did nothing. Then he was sentenced to death and placed in the fire and burned to ashes, on Halloween, 1538. recant.
1538
—Michael
which they could not be separated through tribulation, fear, persecution, hunger, nakedness, or danger. 1538
— Our
Meunonite Ancestors
fered Also Weidiiiaii's
Suf-
Under English Decrees.
Sufferings In the Martyrs' Mirror, page 434,
and Death.
it
"After manifold tyranny, is stated: page 433, persecution and putting to death," that, "About this time also Brother writes P. J. Twisck, "in various counMichael Weidman or Beck was appre- tries and kingdoms, against the Chrishended at Ricten, in Allegan, togeth- tian flock, also in England, a decree er with some other persons, which was proclaimed December, to the orothers persons, however were ;sent dianance of Christ. By virtue of the home, while this brother was put in same, they, right in the face of cold Many things winter, were banished from the counprison for the faith. were resorted to with him, and he was try, and had to flee whithersover they admonished to renounce, but he had a could. Thus it came, that some of good assurance of his faith in Christ, them fled for refuge to Holland, and and said: "When I was living with the having come to Delft, they were there world in all unrighteousness, in sins spied out by their enemies, and fell and wickedness, no one admonished into the hands of the tyrants; and, me to renounce, but I was considered after manifold trials, and steadfasta good Christian before the world." ness in their faith, they were senAfter being imprisoned almost half a tenced to death for the truth, at said year, he was beheaded and burned. place, and, on the 7th of January, A. Here we find another old German or D. 1539, put to death. Sixteen men Swiss martyr of nearly four centuries were beheaded with the sword, and ago, whose surname is common here fifteen women drowned. in Lancaster county today. 1539 HJinser Mennonites in Stainer-
The same book
tells
us,
—
1588
— Caspar Sclinniacher's
hruun, Austria.
Sufferings.
A
Hauser Baptist who went under Brother Hauser to Hunanother remote ancestor of a large gary were named accordingly Hauser Lancaster county and Eastern PennThey were Baptists or Mennonites. sylvania family of today are given,, understood to make great and strong page 433, as follows: "In the year profession. Some of them later went 1538, the brethren Martin of Vilgraten, to Prussia. A little party who came and Caspar Schumacher, were both from Stainerbrunn, Austria, lived unapprehended for the divine truth, at molested there until 1539. But when Michelsberg, in Priesterthal, and af- they had grown to be a numerous conIn the
same book the sufferings
of
ter steadfastness, sentenced to death,
part of the
gregation, then the Catholic Priests in-
officers thus formed the King and they had with armed men and on horseback
and executed with the sword, manfully persevering in the faith unThey were of good cheer to the end. in their bonds and tribulation and held fast to the love of God, from
sent against them. December 6, 1539 some of the officers appeared before the houses of the brethren and took every one of the male members pris-
MEXNONITES AS GALLET SLAVES
.1
The Catholic mob robljod what- Swiss oflicers very active to do this l)ecausc it ever they could. The main purpose of for them, particularly the expedition was to get the treas- would rid the country of these Bai)ures of these people. The overseer of tists. The Swiss got their idea from congregation of Austerliz was France. In this way France treated the the Berne furnished many taken prisoner; and he with all the Huguenots. Mennonites the galleys; it was d<'for Castle of to the were taken others cided that only these big mountain near This happened Falkenstein. Baptists were fit go to .he galleys. to Stainerbrunn in Austria as we have early 1540 there were 90 of these As as They took 150 priosners and said. bound to King I'^erdinand Mennonites among them were some who had not and taken to Trieste to be been as yet baptized or taken up into of Austria sent to Venice. They escaped from the congregation, (Brons, p. 431). the Tower of Trieste but 20 were reIrfSJ)— Tiiufors or MoniionUos Buried arrested and sent on. This began as oners.
!
j
i
Paupers
in
early as 1540. And as Hans Landis. and Galli
Potter's Fields.
late
as
1613
Fuchs and It was decided in 1.j:;9 in Berne that Stephen Zehnder or Zehner were sent the Baptists ex-communicated from but they to the galleys by Zurich the Catholic church should not be Zurich tried to spread the escaped. buried on holy ground. The theory galley punishment to Basel and other church was that whoever in of the condemned as too
places; but it was time was not in the church, severe and went out of use, (Miiller, could not be buried in holy ground. p. 215). According to an order of 1539, they were not allow to be buried in any of 1540 TJiufers or Mennonites in the Prineipality of Basel. the cemeteries, and this decree was in his
life
i
—
force until 1695, (Miiller, ir)40
— Our
Meunonite
p.
362).
Auoestors
The as
Galley Slaves. the early times the 'maritime nations had to have slaves in their galleys to propel them before steam engines were invented and scores of strong men were captured constantly and chained to the oars of these war They used to take all convessels. victs and people whose lives were of no account and make them propel the Some of the Swiss cantons galleys. agreed with the Republic of Venice In
;
and with
Italy
and France by treaties
to supply them with slaves for the galleys. So they took these MennoThis saved nites and sent them.
Tiiufers or na])tists
now
called
Mennonites, had for some time been
Emmenthal,
settling
around
which
in Switzerland, northeast of
Berne.
is
the
They became numerous there
throughout the Valley. and successful farmers very They were in that region leaders and were the But in agriculture and stock raising. found they in the Canton of Zolothurn refuge first and then moved to the Some came* ,Jura in the Emmenthal. and to the section north of Biel spread
the Monto. Munsterberg, the entrance to the Jura and then went west. About 100 years later they Many of them went to Xeuberg. Among the Bucheggberg. from came came from that emigrants the first of
settled
in
the
Some went
valley
of
to the great
Switzerland the trouble and expense family of of their prisoners and the sea coun- Bucheggberg we find the Tanner. and Neusbaum tries were glad to get them. Venice Gerber and 1570. and 1540 between had great wars with Turkey and need- This happened the on Jura in ed them. Her ambassadors requested But the first Baptists neighthe from Swiss galley slaves and this made the Emmenthal were not
—
MORAVIAN MENNONITES— TAEUFERS USE GUNS
52
Berne but came from the Pennsylvania and we call attention to north regions, in the neighborhood of it to show the close relation between Staasb, from where they were chased. Southeastern Pennsylvania and these There were about 4000 of them as ancient lands. borhood
of
early as 1535, (Miiller, p. 235). Of these on the 4th of June, the Berne authorities wrote to the Catholic Bishop that it must be known to him what trouble these people are making and that they must be punished.
That he should punish them
was also stated It these Taufers. that the treaty with the Miinsterites would be renewed as they were enemies of the true Taufers. The Bishop promised that he would punish and Then the agreeexterminate them. ment was made that the Miinsterites should help to get rid of the Taufers. The Eerne Reformed authorities and the Catholic authorities were willing to work together now to put the Taufers or Mennonites out of the way, (Miiller, p. 236).
1540
— More
About Hoffman.
Brons in his book, (p. 405) states some of the hardships of Melchoir
whom we have studied says that Hoffman was a good man and that he had written several religious works, some of w^hich he dedicated to his Christian brethren in the Netherlands. He refers to a Martin Butzer. Butzer was against Hoffman. Their difference seemed to be on the subject of infant baptism. Butzer in a tract, after discussing Hoffman, of
before.
He
Hoffman, says, "Now you can see how Hoffman is in the bonds of Satan." It seems that both these men were of the Baptist or Mennonite faith but that Butzer told many untruths about Hoffman. Hoffman was one of the Switzer- greatest powers the early church had.
The authorities of Than, some distance from Berne, sent He died in prison in 1540. word that they are chasing these 1541 Taufers or Anabaptists Defend
land,
—
Taufers day and night and that they had the Sheriff of Signau to help them, (Miiller, p. 82). I'AG
—Xeiuionites
in 3Ioravia.
Witli
An
Guns.
extract from a writing dated De-
cember S3)
20, 1541, cited by Miiller (p. requests that consideration shall shown to the Taufers who are
There were congregations of Swiss be brethren in Popitz and Mahren; and backsliders. It seems some of them three brethren from congregations of finding mild methods did not avail, deThessa'onica appeared in these Mora- fended themselves with guns and sent vian towns, hunting for other brethren word that if the Sheriff of Interlacken of whom they learned. They received was coming with force against them, information in different parts of Mo- they would meet him with force, as ravia in 1540 stating that Miiller also states these they had guns. brethren had been taken by the Turks that in Stettler's Chronology under and sold as slaves. They did not find the date of 1545, it was stated that the brethren of their same faith there in 1541 the Baptists should have sepbut they found these Swiss brethren arate burial because in life they sepwho had emigrated there. One was arated themselves from other ChristHans Pech. They could not speak to ians. Nagely, one of these Baptists, him in Latin. They also learned that had travelled to France and he learnHans Fiihrman and twelve others had ed a great deal there. When he came been nine years in prison at Passau in back in November, 1541, he spoke in Bavaria, (Miiller, p. 101). The name a manner to which the people were Fiihrman is familiar in Lancaster not accustomed, that is in Latin. He county and other sections of Eastern said the reason of the growth of the
INIEXXO SI.MOX— GERMANS Taufer sect was the low morals of the Those who different religious bodies.
had resisted the government and were but then overcome were garrotted as others promised to be good citizens they were left go. ;
l.')41
In
— Thiirintr this
Haldcinairs Bravery.
year there was a mandate
many Anal)aptists to condemning death but Thiirman Haldeman refused He was one of the spokesto submit. men and teachers of the people and the most disobedient to the government. He was erratic and was ordered They told him that if he beheaded. would publicly swear an oath that he would obey the order, he would be left off. We can not find what hap-
FOrXD
VKNI-:ZCI:LA
53
From there to East Friesland. Several of his faith had escaijed and gathered into a congregation. Countess Anne was ruler of East Friesland and she and her peoi)le about this time went over to the Protestant faith and they gave Menno Simon's people a haven of rest, (Brons, p. 70). den.
l.')41
— Vent'ziicia — First uny
ill
Col-
(iorniiin
Aiiicricu.
In the year 1541 there was as adventurous journey from Germany and Switzerland to America. An active traffic for years existed between Germany and Spain, and it happened al-
and the preceding again familiar Lancaster county and Eastern Pennsylvania names, those of Butzer, Nagley,
so that, frequently, German soldiers in Spain. The adventurous spirit of the Spaniards began to fill the Germans. Some of them, hearing the stories of Spanish discoveries in America also set out and arrived at Venezuela, in 1541, which was the
Haldeman, and
first
pened.
articles
1541
In
we
this
find
—3Ieuno
Stettler.
About
Simon's
this
time
the
persecution acute.
edict against him personally was passed in which all people are forbidden under loss of life to hand him anything or read anything that he Ar.
wrote.
A
reward
of
100
was
guilders or offered. In
addition he had trouble with a false brother in faith, who gave his persecutors track of him. But he escaped to the town of Groeningen, a safe place. This was a privileged town under Charles V and later under his son. The son was friendly to the quiet Baptists. For this reason the Catholic monks accused the Emperor's son of being faithless to the church. The Bishop of Utrecht was also tolerant. In spite of this Menno Simon, as the most prominent of his brethren, safe his life was in hourly jeopardy. This curtailed his activity in the Netherlands very much but he did not leave; but he did go to Emb-
was not
—
in
America.
Insevisland or on dian village on an eral islands near the coast and they
Menno Simon became
florins for his capture
German settlement
Bolduess and As they approached they saw an
Labors. agai.»"^t
were
exclaimed "Venezuela" which means Little Venice and so the mainland was named Venezuela. A rich banker in Augsburg in Bavaria had loaned Charles V of Spain twelve "tons" of gold and the repayment of this sum was a hard task for the Emperor. The banker Weltzer In lieu asked for Venezuela and received it. Thus the country of Venezuela was originally a proprietary province owned by a German banker but under Spanish law. This country Americus Vespucius discovered and in this way Spain became entitled to the 149?
Government thereof
in
Charles V began his agitations and persecutions against Luther, a lot of German followers of Luther sailed to Venezuela, and began gold In 15-26 the first settlment hunting. Weltzer Banking This took place. and Merchant firm as owners of Venpowerful than ezuela became more
When
the Castilian kings.
While
it
was a
—
MYLINS. HUBERS, OBERLINS AND GERBERS APPEAR
54
hard matter for the Spanish govern-
ment
to furnish three small ships for
discovery, the Weltzers in a short time built three good sized ones themselves and in 1526 set sail with Ambrose Olfinger from Ulm in Wittenburg in command. They quickly built a city and a fort and began trade with South America. Later when their trade had grown, the Weltzers sent 500 German soldiers to Venezuela, but they became a pest and brought about all manner of mischief and lost their lives, (Loher, p. 15).
1542— A
Relic of Tiiufer or Meuuouite
Persecution. is
Muller an old
tells us,
(p. 251), that there folio of the Testament
New
comentary on the New Testament by Christian Froschauer in Zurich; and that a considerable part of this book is perforated with a or rather
a
a memento of the times when Baptists or Taufer were being hunted down for their lives. This book is in Bion above Lachsfelden. These places are in one of the principalities of bullet,
Basel.
1542— Cleaes Melias aud Hans Huber Destroyed. In the Martyrs Mirror (pp. 448 and 449) an account is given of the death of two Taufer of the same name as
many
executed in Berne, on the 17th of September. Also John Ankeu with them. This gives new evidence of how large a number of our ancestors lived in and about Berne.
A ^en
1543
Decree
Against Meuno
Simon and the Mennonites. The Mirror (p. 449) citing an ancient Dutch work says that this year a dreadful decree was proclaimed throughout West Friesland where Menuo Simon was taking refuge. By its
terms
ers
all
malefactors and murder-
were promised
pardon
for
their
crimes, the favor of the Emperor and 100 Carl guilders if they would deliver Menno Simon into the hands of the tormentors and executioners. This shows the extreme wickedness of the west Friesian Regents. It made murderers superior to the devout Christians.
1543— Dirk
Philip's
Taufer Writings.
This year Dirk Philips, who had written a book or manuel of the Christian doctrine (and which later ran into five editions) had it translated into French. He also issued a work on Christian marriage, which was highly praised, (Brons, p. 74). 1543
— Menno
Simon's
Learning
aud
Debating Ability.
Brons tells us, at the same page modern eastern PennsylOne is Dutch—Meliss,— which that Menno Simon was a consummate may be the Dutch form of Meiley. The Latin student, in 1543, and both wrote Papists killed him and several com- and spoke Latin; and that as to his panions in Holland in 1542. knowledge of the Bible, none of his The same year Hans Huber (a dis- opponents could surpass him. He tinct Lancaster County name) also was therefore, in the latter part of called Shumaker was imprisoned at 1543 requested to enter into a debate Waserburg in Bavaria. He was burned or religious discussion at Embden in
vania.
to death.
1543— Christian
Oberlin and Garber Executed.
Waldo
with several leaders of the Catholic at Francis Convent. It lasted three or four days. Menno spoke for the Taufer or Mennonites; and his
Church
This year according
to Miiller (p. chief opponent was a man named A'above mentioned persons, both Lasco. They discussed the two nabearing well known Lancaster County tures within us Christian baptism and eastern Pennsylvania names were original sin ordination of preachers
78) the
—
—
—
'I
THE x\AME "MENNISTS"—MENiNOS KNOWLEDCE
— sanctification,
Roth sides] etc. And tlien Menno claimed victory. promised at a future date he would prove his side so that no one would doul)t. He then withdrew to a quiet place and went to work and there
composed several 1544
—
Mciiiioiiife
treatises.
Leaders
'
Triiit
Ituoks.
Mennos Works
(See
part 2
was written
p.
325 to
East FriesIn this he refers to
350). This
land in Holland. with them
in
at
Emden
in
whom
he wrote this He discusses were his opponents. the use of the sword and says only 1543.
I
This year as we are told in the Mirror (p. 454) John Claess was condemned to death in Amsterdam, for the crime as the clerk read it, "That he had caused to be printed at Antwerp, six hundred books which he had concluded with Menno Simon and scattered abroad in this country containing strange opinions and sectarranisms; and had kept school and meetings to introduce errors held among the people which is contrary to the decree of our Emperor, and our mother the holy church". The same year certain Anabaptists in Germany printed over fifteen hunthat and books religious dred insect the throughout Germany creased greatly (Miiller, p. 83).
and Clear Confession and Scriptural Demonstration on the Incarnation and Teachings of Christ to John A'Lasco and his Fellow Laborers at Emden.
his debate
Many
oa
Those
to
|
weapons are allowable. He then takes up a learned discussion of the Incarnation. He says he wandered about for days without food, pondering and praying over this subject. He then answers the objections. The second part of this treatise is an admonition to A'Lasco, ArchBishop at Emden, East Friesland and preachers to his brethren on how them rebukes 'should be minded". He as wordly as sellers of the Word of they are blamable in doctrine G^od buried in "filthy lucre" produce no fruit of the spirit— have no fear of God— no brotherly love— and finally he says they are not the true messengers of God. Therefore he says he cannot hear nor attend their preach1544 Menno Simon's Followers First ing or partake of their supper. Then Called Alennonites or "Mennlsts." he follows up and tells the Catholic spiritual
—
—
—
—
the first applied to the followers of Menno Simon. Mr. Smith in his new book says the name
This year says Miiller name "Mennonites" was
was
first
used
by
(p.
Countess
160)
Ann
Though
ails
l,V15_3[ennonilos
their
Church,
Wander
Alousr
Northern Coasts.
of
the Mennonites had to suffer, this did not retard About this time there their growth. was a discussion of several days be-
East Friesland.
Arch-Bishop what etc.
1545 and during the next 5 years the Mennonites everywhere had great difficulty to form congregations. They were now chased and harassed. They scattered through Danzig, Elb-
From
tween the Netherland Mennonites and This and other ing, Konegsberg, along the northern the other Baptists. Therecauses brought Charles V to begin a coasts and the Weichsel river. the against reformation counter This fight, which Catholic Church. he as Emperor had against the Catholics, made times easier for the Mennonites.
— Menno
Simon's Exegeses at Emdeti. In 1544 Menno Simon wrote "A Brief 1544
fore,
they
bodies of 2
only gathered in small or 3 and met in private
—
worship sometimes in for Their plan at meeting was a preacher behind a small table and on each side of him the deacons and in front the members, women on one side and men on the other on bench-
houses barns.
es,
(Brons,
p.
248).
MENNO DRIVEN TO THE BALTIC— OTHER HARDSHIPS
56
Simon and His People time to his (Menno's) sick wife and This severe persecution children. Flee to Baltic Coast and Finland. compelled him to move to a place beMenno Simon this year found a tween Hamburg and Lubeck, where haven of rest in Cologne in Prussia. there was formely a large forest, Under elector Herman of Wied, all owned by a German who though cruel Mennonites were given refuge in the otherwise was much inclined toward principality until the Elector was de- the Holland martyrs. This he did in feated by the Arch bishop under defiance of the King. After Menno Charles Vs. Counter Reformation. settled there exiles from all sides But after these events came there too and shortly there was (Miiller, 160.) 1546_3IeiiHo
Menno and
his sick wife
had
to
flee
to the Baltic Coast and were overcome in and around Cologne by the new Catholic forces: and the Elector was
deposed by the Catholic Archbishop. This was a blow for the new teachStrict Popery held sway again. ing. Menno in his wanderings on the Baltic came to Liefland where he found
many
of
his
congregation
faith
and he formed a baptized and
a large colony of them.
1546
— Leonard
Scliueider and Dirk
Peters Executed.
This year these persons bearing eastern Pennsylvania and Lancaster County names were executed for their faith, the former in Vienna and the latter in Amsterdam. Peters we have frequently referred to.
there
1547— Tlie Diet of Augsburg. administered the sacraThis year says Brons (p. 88) it was This was in the region of ments. lucky for the Protestants that when Finland and says Brons (p. 77) fruits Charles V was successful over them of Menno's work there 370 years ago all, he at the same time had serious are still seen in the form of a large difficulties with the Catholic Church. Mennonite Settlement in territory, We remember he, though a Catholic, ago. long where he had labored so undertook to regenerate it. To reThe followers of that faith have concile the difference of views he existed there from that time to the called the Diet of Augsburg Septempresent. ber 1, 1547. Over the deliberations of The next year Menno Siman was in and one Wismar (1547) and a theological doc- the Diet he had two Catholics theologians moderators Protestant as tor opposed him with great animosity and they got a creed framed up; but and said he would rather have a the Protestant was out-voted by the hatful of Menno's blood than a hatful Catholic. of gold. This theologian Smedistedt, 1547 Lutheran Hatred of Menu© by name, also induced the authorities Simon. to compel the Baptists to get out of the country, (Brons, p. 77). This year says Brong, (p. 77) a
many
and
—
—
—Local
Lutheran Minister named Vincentius appeard in Wismar and preached so judice against Menno Simon. vehemently against Menno that he In his complete work (p. 8) pub- was smitten by a stroke of apoplexy. lished in Elkhart by Funk in 1871, But Menno was not much disturbed Menno Simon relates that in 1546, at by it. He kept a steady home there. a place in Holland where it was 1547—Menno Simon Tries to Consoli1546
Hardships
Of,
and
Pre-
boasted the Evangelical Christians or Baptists predominated, four dwellings were confiscated because the owner had rented one of them for a short
date Reform Movement. In 1547
Menno Simon went
to
Emb-
den to have a talk with the elders and
HOLLAND—NAME
PERSECUTION'S IN bishops
of the Baptists— Obbe and Dirli Philips, Gilliiis of Achen, Henry
of Vrenen, Antonius of Cologne and others. In the meeting there were
two present named Adam Pastor and Franz Ciiyper, whose divergent views disheartened (Brons, p. 77).
Menno
very
much,
1550—Menii(> Simon Defines Separation
In 1550
from the
>Vorl(I.
Menno Simon wrote
a discussion in the form of "Questions and Answers" on doctrine. He concludes that the regenerated must be separate from others or the world. And that those who disobey this are to be banned, and that this extends to members of the same family. Dealing with the banned should only be such as necessity requires, he declares. He then sets out who are the banned, according to Galations, Corinthians. Ephesians, etc. What Meuno advises here is more nearly the '-Reformed" Mennonite doctrine than the 'Old". Its strict practice today would cause much consternation, (Mennos Works part 2, pp. 276-8).
—
1551—Jolin Here we
iu
Holland
Hair, ui
rtT
Liclitentcis,
IM*d have anolhcr familiar Eastern Pennsylvania or Lancast.-r County name. The Bair or Barr family is very numerous, there being in Lancaster City, according to the Directory of 1910, by count 103 Bair and Barr heads of families and self supporting adults and in the countv by 1910 directory 140 of them. The Mirror tells us (p. 485) that the above John Bair was imprisoned 23 years in a tower at Bamberg in Franconia on account of his faith that
from 1528 to 1551 when he In 1548 he wrote a letter as he states in a dark dungeon at Bamberg. He states that he has received si.K pens, writing tablets, accounts of the doctrine (religious tracts) but a Bible he has not yet received. is
died.
And
this after 20 years' imprisonment. In the letter he pitiably begs for release
without being
compelled
his belief.
it
But
was not
he died three years was an old dutchy, duchies of Baden
later.
now
change and Franconia the grand Hesse and to
to be;
and Kingdoms of Saxony and Bavaria,Ger-
manj',
1550— Inquisition Revived
"RAIR" APPEARS
(Webster's Diet. Gaz.).
Jfeuno
Simon
and Belgium.
Writes
His
People's
Complaints.
About became
this
time the Romish clergy
more
bitter
against Mennonites and cals.
They caused the
in
Holland
all
evangeli-
This
what he Ai)ology
year
Menno
Simon
wrote
called the "Complaint or of the Despised Christians
Exiled to and Theologians Old au-
Emperor
Strangers, to All the revive the Inquisition there. and Preachers of the thors cited in the Mirror say that, German Nations, Concerning the Bitthough many persecutions were con- ter Falsehoods, Slanders and Abuses, stantly inflicted in Holland earlier, with which they Burden these sufferyet in 1550 the hatred and ill will of ing Christians". In this he laments the people increased to a dreadful de- (1) the falsehood of the accusations gree and caused Emperor Charles V (2) that the accusations are of capital at Brussels, April 29th, to revive an crimes— (3) the accusations are inquisition by the church whose de- against nature and reason and (4) the crees of death the government car- accusations are out of accord with the ried out. The decree was somewhat spirit of Christ and are animated by modified later, but not before many hate, etc. Finally he invites all to had fled to Brabant and Flanders, come together in a friendly discus(Mirror, p. 483). sion. (Menuo's Works, Part p. 115). '
;
2,
58
MENNONITE DOCTRINE— STRASBURG TROUBLES— PALATINATE
1552
—Menno
Simon's lius
Reply
to
elders and teachers, representing 600 members of different congregations. Some descenMany were Swiss. dants of the old Waldenseans were
Gel-
Faber.
This year Menno wrote his reply to Faber. The reply is really a book of 115 pages, (See Part 2, pp. 1 to 115, Menno's Works). He says that Gellius in a publication slandered the Christians and attempted to receive them. He then takes up each position of Faber.
!
here too.
!
1555
— Edict
Inspired by Lutherans.
This year says Brons (p. 86) a new Germany, not only against Mennonites but against all Reformed bodies was promulgated. It seems the edict was issued by the Lutherans 1552 Menno Writes an Explanation or at least the Lutherans of six large of tlie Mennonite Doctrine. towns advocated it; and the governIn the same work last cited, part 2, ment followed their suggestion. edict in
—
from
pp. this year
259
to
Menno Simon
276,
wrote his "Fundamental and Clear Confessions of the Poor and Distressed Christians Concerning JusThe Preachers, Baptism, tification, The Lord's Supper and the Swearing of Oaths, On account of which we are so much Hated. Slandered and Belied.
Founded the Word of God". lu this work he takes up each
of
named
subjects in an exposition I'ased on the Bible 3xplainij t'ie:.n. He shows strong power of discussion in the paper. Two years later Menno wrote a treatise on the causes and facts of his conversion, (See His Works, p. 1). In 1555 Menno also wrote a series of letters, found in the same book, pp. tl:e
last
277-83.
1555
— Great
Strasbnrg,
Brons
tells
Convention
Religious
us
a great meeting
at
Germany
(p. 52)
of
that this year
Menonites
and
generally was held. Some of the delegates traveled 150 miles. One delegate was present in whose house Michael Sattler 30 years before made an agreement on religious subjects. Sattler was then an
Evangelicals
1555
—Mennonite
and Synod at Strasburg, Germany. Strengrth
In his chapter on Ta/iifers in Switzerland, the Palatinate and adjoining countries, Miiller says under the date of 1555, that the Swiss through persecution were driven over the north boundary of that country and found asylum with their brethren in the He says at the beginning Palatinate. the Mennonites Reformation, of the AnabapBaptists or then known as same nutists were of nearly the the Reformed. merical strength as They were both living in and about Strasburg as early as 1526, when
Baptist leader Reublin appeared Hoffman also helped Strasburg. them there, and through him the an equal foothold Baptist^ gained there in spite of persecution. In 1555 in Strasburg, Germany, took place the first important general synod of the Mennonites as they were later caller, (Muller, p. 195). the
in
1555
— Calvinism
at Genera.
This same year says 76),
Zorkinden wrote a
Miiller,
(p.
letter to Cal-
vin that the differences between the various branches of the "Reformers" active Anabaptist teacher. Another could never be wipec^ out. It seems delegate was present who stated that from this that Calvin, who began his he had been on the rack eleven branch of the Reformation, (known as times, but escaped. But he repoi'ted Calvinism, later a form of Presbyterthat many of his brethren died. There ianism), about Geneva, hoped to have accepted by several were 50 delegates here, made up of his doctrine
1
MENNO'S
WORKS— BLOODY
PHILIP
II.
>!>
branches of the Reformation move- in thesp particulars. This treatise is ment. He was a contemporary of well worth reading by all. He also Zwingli and one of the great Swiss wrote his dissertation " True o n religious powers. Christian Faith" and his "Consoling lrft>6
— Meniio
Simon
Issues
Admonition Concerning the Sufferings, and Persecutions of the Saints" the same year, (Do., pp. 103 and 179).
Several
Works. This year
Menno Simon
issued
1556— Philip
a
series of letters (Menno's Works, pp. 277 to 284), one to his followers in Holland pointing out the errors of papacy there one of consolation to the Amsterdam brethren one to his brethren in F^riesland (Holland), rebuking them for their dissentions, and one to the Church at Emden on the subject and effect of separation in families of the Christian members and the "worldly" members, which doctrine caused much grief, in many
Charles
—
—
—
homes. The same year he wrote a work on the Anti-Christ doctrine as he called it, (Do., Part 2, pp. 351 to 422). This work is entitled, "A Very Plain and Pointed Reply To the Anti Christian Doctrine." This was a reply to a false account given by Martin Micron of the Discussion between himself and Micron in 1553, on the subject of the incarnation of Christ. This is an interesting work, written with fairness; but it lacks the learning which Menno shows in other
works.
The same year he published a work on the subject of Excommunication, the Ban, Exclusion, etc. In this he discusses fully "the separation from the world" as the phrase is. Thf same year he wrote a work on the nature of the "Resurrection" (Do., Part L p. 229), or the "Heavenly Birth." In this he shows considerable learning. The same year there came out his "Fundamental Doctrine From the Word of the Lord", exhorting all
'
;
j
!
>
j
j
j
,
V,
II
of
Spain,
Issues Kloodj
Iniitafinu:
Kdiots.
This year says the Mirror (p. 530) Philip II, son of Emperor Charles V, following his father's footsteps, caused all the former bloody edicts of his father to be renewed against theAnabaptists. The decree forbid all persons to read or discuss the scriptures, especially all doubtful points, except theologians versed in divinity and spiritual law. This was to apply to all those who try to seduce persi^ons away front the holy mother church. Those who do so teach were to be punished as seditious persons, and be executed, viz.: the men with the sword and the women to be burned alive and their property to be confiscated. The decree recited that as especially the Anabaptist violated all decrees and moved about secretly^ none of the inhabitants of Holland should be allowed into the territories of Philip, except bringing a certificate from the priest. All having knowledge of Anabaptists were comItelled to disclose them. The decree forbid the Judges to mitigate the pun-
ishment is
cited
in any particular. The above from the Great Book of De-
crees of Ghent, containing all the decrees of Charles and Philip, collected oy V/illiam I, Prince of Orange in 1.^09.
the same Miiller commenting on wicked decree (p. 161), says, that after Chanes came, Philip as ruler of to the "Heavenly Birth", etc. (Do., p. Kcihsrlanas- and with the assistance 165). In this he attempts to set peo- of his hangmen, during the Inquisior Anabapple right, he says, from the discus- tion, 1000 Evangelicals Alone in Holsion of learned men perverting the ists were destroyed. truth.
He
attacks, of course, the
ets of practice of the
ten-
Friesland, in these of land, outside and eleven years, one hundred
Romish church few
PERSECUTIONS BEGIN
60
THE PALATINATE
IN
He also had a discussion at Pfeddersheim that executed the Calvinists, until the exe- year with the Mennonite and Anabap-
Mcnnonites were executed.
nl' Duke of Egmout and Home. Then a general religious war broke out. In six years the Duke of Alba, known as Philip's hangman, executed
cution
18,000 people and then left for Netherlands. Goethe has written a tragedy of Eggmount. It likely depicts this
awful time in Holland. Alba was to Holland, what Weyler was to Cuba.
1557— First Meimoiiite
Gathering' Into
the Palatinate.
Brons
tells
us
(p.
181) that in 1557
leaders and the edict was the re(Do., 185). We notice above the striking similarity between the name ^of the Paltinate town Pfeddersheim land that of our well known Petf.rsheims in eastern Lancarit'jr county, adherants of the Amish Church. It is likely their names are derived from that of the ancient Gsrtnan town where ancestors of the family may have dwelt in olden times. Ft was a more or less general custom to name citizens after the towns, as is instanced in the Oberholtzers, who were first known in Oberholtz, a town of the Wald in Switzerland. tist
sult,
the persecuted of Holand and especially of Switzerland began going into the Palatinate, that is, the Rhine country in Germany, then the prov1558 Conrad Shnniaker and Peter ince of Frederick II, Elector Palatine, Creamer Suffer. Avho was a protestant, (Rupp, p. 68). They did this to escape their terrible This year Shumaker and Creamer, ordeals under Philip. names very commonly met with in 1557—Anabaptist Translations of the our county and state, were executed. Shumaker was a Swabian, a section Bible. anciently comprising northern SwitFrom 1525 onward to 1557 more zerland. He journeyed with his peothan 25 translations of the Bible ap- ple toward the Danube and was taken peared in Holland and the Menno- at Stein and imprisoned in "Vienna. nites and Anabaptist genrally helped Here he suffered torture and hunger. to do most of it. After 1557 the Ana- He was brought before Emperor Ferbaptist helped in many more transla- dinand, who was attending a great tions. Up to 1723 there were over one diet at Augsburg, and theratened with
—
hundred editions of the Bible in differnt sizes issued, and made up f»om Biestken's translation alone, whose work was completed in 1560 at Emden, (Broi!^ ].. 57). 1557
— Persecutions
Begin
Palatinate.
in
the
execution before daylight so that the people should not be excited in his favor. He would not yield though the executioner was by his side. He was remanded and brought before the
Bishops and his
monks
and
priests
three days later and threatened without avail. Then the Lutheran preachrenewal of ers of the King interceded and he was Mennonites released, (Mirror, p. 552).
This year there was a persecution against the and Anabptists generally, and it extended into the Palatinate. The discussions of Menno Simon when he was there in 1555 was the seed which a couple years later brought on the fruit, (Brons, p. 93). The result was that in 1557 sharp mandates against the Mennonites were issued throughout the Palatinate. Elector Frederick
Peter Creamer did not fare so well. He lived in the Duchy of Berg, was He arested and brought to Winnick. When time. long was imprisoned a brought to execution he appeared so upright and pious that nearly every one wept the steward, the judges, the deputy, the executioner and the
—
common
people.
The Steward begged
MEXXOS DEATH— GENEROUS ELECTOR FREDERICK and begged him to come back to the Romish church; but he refused. And at last he
the Sword.
1559
—
the 30 years' war it was again devastated. The place is near Leibeck a free city of Germany on the Baltic. in
was executed standing with (Do.,
.lloiiiio
580).
1559— Philip
Simon's Last Works and
("nicl
flic
the
Death.
would sem that this remarkable man worked, and wrote expounding and defending his faith and that of his followers up until his death. According to Funk, who published Menno's complete works, Menno wrote and finished on January 23, 1559 his "Thorough Answer to the Slanders, Defamation, Backbiting, Unseasoned and Bitter Words of Zyles and Lemmekes" concerning the Mennonite doctrine, especially on the subject of the "Ban
Gl
and
I'rcdcrick
(lieiieroiis.
We remember that Charles V of Spain abdicated in favor of his son Philip II. He was very cruel to all Anabaptists. But thoy (and especially the Mennonites) had a friend in elector Frederick; and he defended them
It
j
against Philip's hatred. March 7, 1559, Philip writes that he has road Frederick's defense of these people but that he still thinks most of them an antiChrist sect like those of Miinster, who made trouble wherever they were But he says there are some found. Separation or Shunning", (Menno's good communities of them, who are a Works, Part 2. pp. 2S3-295). This doc- plain peaceful people and not crazy The Miinsterites trine of separation from and shunning like the remainder. by the church, of those who are "of asserting themselves to be Mennonites the world" is more or less strictly ad- and yet full of war and rebellion and hered to today by one branch of Men- sedition and not having Mennonite nonites. They contend that they are principles at all, mislead the rulers the only true followers of the doctrine of the Bible .as explained by Menno Simon. In this answer, carrying his arguments to the point where parents and children and even husband and wife must be baned from and must shun each other if one has accepted the doctrine of Menno as he defines it, and the other has not, his reasoning leads to very cruel conclusions and no end of family discord. According to Brons, (p. 102), on the same day Menno finished this thesis he died .January 23, 1559, a true example of "faithful unto death". But some writers say he died in 1561. Brons says he was buried on his own estate or farm, in Germany, known as the "Wuestenfelds" or Wastefield, because when he first acquired it the place was a barren tract. He made it fertile. The place of the grave is not known. His followers, some time afterwards, continued to resort to his premises, and it seems, cultivate it and use it making it very fertile, until
—
I
I
'
and make a hard road for Taufers or Mennonites in all sections. Their cenPhilip then ones harmless said, cautious under tolerated, should be tral habitat
was
"Those
Miinster.
plain,
j
all the active the sword take and troublesome ones, ones mild and slay them. As to the efforts they simply err in faith and should be made by reason and charity Listen to them and to get them back. Put out and destroy their argue. teaching but you may as you desire
surveillance:
but as to
was now Philip save their lives". was very Spain as and Spain King of ruled also he time this powerful at adjaand Germany of parts Holland, the Frederick thus and ^cent country; him. elector, was under '
15-,9_Mar?ra\e
.Vlhreclit
of
Prussia
Orders lianishinent of .Mennonites
and All AViedertaufers.
w e remember "WMedertaufers", means, those who have received second baptism, on the belief that their
FIRST EMDEN BIBLE— TAUFERS IN PRUSSIA
€2
baptism while infants was of no All
who
held this view,
avail.
among whom
most prominently were the Mennonites, this year by edict were ordered out of Prussia. But the persecution was mild there and more tolerant and the order was not obeyed, for 20 years later the Mennonites petitioned the authorities for free permission to settle in Koenegsburg and other places in the Duchy, on the Baltic sea. The same time they submitted their articles of faith. This latter request in 1579 was again made as we shall see later to Margrave George Frederick. He said he was compelled to refuse their request, as the Government policy was that the peoplse since the Reformation, that people should be all Lutherans; but he told them this kindly and as he said regretfully, for he found them otherwise very good
pened that a Hollander named Van Diest in Emden, just across a little gulf from the Holland line, issued the Bible above referred to in 1560. 1560
— Begiuiiing
of
Mennonites
in
Prussia.
This year it became known that there were three large Mennonite congregations in Prussia, Germany. It is believed that Menno Simon and Dirk Philip organized them. They were the first known there. From that time onward there were many of them. These three had one bishop and formed the first conference district. From that time a register was kept there and it was complete at least down until the time, Anna Brons of Norden, wrote her work on "Taufgesinnten oder Mennoniten" in 1884.
The
bishop was Hans Von SwinDirk Philip died near Emden. 1560— Tlie First Edition of tlse BiestThe next bishop seems to have been kens Bible Issued .at Eniden. Quirin von der Meiilen in Dantzig. He
people.
first
derin.
Emden
a
is
German
city
the of the
in
province of Hanover on an arm North Sea, on the line between Holland and the German Empire. Here in 1560, says Brons, (p. 57) the first Biestkens (Van Diest) Bible was issued. Brons introduces this chapter by telling of the rise of Anabaptism in Holland. She tells us that before the Reformation the ground was prepared by the early Evangelicals or Frater-
These were followers of Waldo the Waldenseans. Some of the early leaders were Thomas of Kempis, John Wessel and the great Erasmus. Kempis wrote four books on the true Imi-
nals.
—
tation of Christ. He was of Rhenish But his Prussia a priest or monk. works extended into Holland. These works are famous now in many lan-
—
guages and libraries. The writings of Luther followed and soon spread everywhere. in Germany, in Holland
—
in Switzerland. Through this agitation the translations of the Bible were very numerous, but of all places,
and
printed a Bible at his own expense, called the Schotlandische Bible. Then there was a bishop named Hiltze
Schmidt, (Brons, 1560
— Holland
p.
251).
Mennonites Form Con-
ference Districts.
Between 1560 and 66 the congregaof four cities, viz: Harlingen, Francker, Leeuworden and Sneek of Friesland, now in Holland combined into conference districts, etc., by a compact of 19 articles, so that by the efforts of all they might help those who had fled to them from other places, where they had been persecuted and robbed. A good many of these refugees came from Flanders. The compact did not last long, because a large faction of them contended that Christ would not favor so much organization and machinery in the Church, (Brons, p. 133). Here can be seen the early stages
tions
Church simplicity and opposithey were more numerous in Holland tion to anything which looks like self simplicity which than anywhere else. And so it hap- aggrandizement, of the
THE EBY OR EABY FAMILY— THE St'HWENKFELDERS
63
shows itself today. These people of the Swenkfolders under Caspor always had a zealous care that their Swenkfeld. This year he died at church government, form of worship Ulm. Ulm is in Wittenburg, on the and church property should all be Danube and it is famous for having simple and plain and not exalt their the highest spire in Germany. The manner of religion into a magnififirst followers of Schwenkfeld were cence and ceremony that would make men forget their humility. They have in Silesia, Germany. Silesia is where thus for more than three centuries Schwenkfeldt was born. His followers never had any relatou to the Swedenbeen called the "plain church". borg doctrine, as asserted by Liiher. 1560 BoUiiiiier, Bocoincs a 3I(miiiostill
—
The The
nite IIi»»torian.
We
capital city of Silesia
have written of Bollinger's acAnabaptists or Mennonites, of which he was a member. In his now later and maturer life he wrote a work on the origin of the Mennonites, which he published this year. In it he tells how Moravia had become the New Jerusalem of the persecuted brethren of Zurich and Berne and Switzerland generally. Dr. Hupmeier of Zurich was active in orland ganizing and founding an asylum tivity for the
[
there, (Miiller,
wrote
up
p.
94).
Bollinger also
it
the
for him, (Do.,
p.
to land here,
1562— The Swiss
Mennonites in 1531, nearly 30 years earlier. Froschower
printed
is
Breslau.
Lutherans prosecuted the Schwenkfeklers severely. The Catholics tried also to punish them and to to get their children back to the Catholic faith. They endured all patiently without any signs of restlesswhen suddenly in 1725 the ness, Silesian colony departed by night for Saxony and in 1734 came to America leaving everything behind. They had quietly made arrangement with Eng(Do.).
Catholics of
^Vant Anabaptists
»aadt
Siii)i)ressed.
The persecutions about Berne are
3).
now beginning
to
be
This
agitated.
1560— The Eby or Eablj Family Move year the leading Catholic powers of Waadt asked for severe rules on the to Zurich. I
Mennonites to suppress them. They asked to have Bollinger suppressed. The fight was now on between the State church (Catholic) and the AnaTwenty-four Anabajitist baptists. the preachers left neighborhood of Waadt and emigrated toward Berne,
In the History of the Eby Family, written in 1889 by Ezra E. Eby, of Berlin, Ontario, he says, "The Ebys belong to the Celts, an ancient Asiatic race. During early ages they lived in the Northern Parts of Italy and
were converted from heathendom through the Valdois or Waldenses.who from the Sth to the 11th century became numerous. The Church of Rome tried to exterminate them; and in 1453 the whole valley Luzerne was laid under an edict. In 1560 a large number of them fled and went to the Northern part of Switzerland. Among the Waldenses vv'ho settled there were the Ebees. These Waldenses joined
Menno Simon 1562— Peath
We
Caspar
have written before
156i
49).
p.
—Berne
Decree Aurainst Eniinen-
thal Mennonites.
'
February
16,
this
year
the
Swiss
authorities in the Canton of the
Em-
Swenkfcld.
menthal had a decree passed and proclaimed from the Catholic pulpits in Signau. Trachelwald, and Brandis to the effect that all Mennonites are to be fined ten pounds each if they do not stop printing and reading books of their own invention. They were ac-
of the rise
tive
in 1538".
of
(MuUer
printers of their doctrines about
—
THE MYLINS AND KOCHS APPEAR— CALVINISM ARISES
64
the Emmenthal, (a locality in Switzer- favor of Philip, his son. Charles had land east of Berne) ever since 1551; sympathy for the Netherlands, but and the result was that the whole ter- Philip did not. Charles was born ritory about Hoechstetten and the there. Philip, however, had not the Emmenthal showed a big increase in least interest in the Dutch people he their growth. Soon a stricter order was a Spaniard. When he was crownwas issued, to the effect if they con- ed in Brussels that sealed the doom tinue in their heresy they will be of thousands in Holland. So the inpunished in body and in possessions. quisition was introduced in Holland; But the threat was not then carried but in spite of all this the Mennoout. In 1566 the subject was brought nites flourished greatly there, arid before the authorities again and a de- they were found in all places. Next cree of banishment was passed. But to them were the Calvinists. Their it was of no avail. They continued to preachers spoke on the street, in the increase. fields, and implored the people to desert papacy. They ridiculed the Catho1564 Tlie Meiileiis or Melius of lic Church and its Pope; showed the Ghent, Belgium. bad morals of the monks and priests There is an account in Martyr's and worked the people up into a Mirror (p. 640) edtailing how Peiter frenzy so that the crosses along the Von Der Meulen of Ghent for defend- road sides and on buildings were deing his faith as an Aanbaptist, was molished and the graves of prominent put to death. I speak of this only be- Catholics desecrated. In three days cause the name seems to have some 300 churches were demolished when relation to the family so famous and Calvinism s t a rted, Catholic so numerous in eastern Pennsylvania churches. This was the answer of and in Lancaster County, -Meilin, the people to the establishment of 14 etc. A well known home of the an- new dioceses under the papacy of cestors of our present day Meilins Cardinal Granvella. But regent Marwas Switzerland. The present item garet, wife of Philip was herself dismay establish that there was an an- satisfied and asked milder treatment cient home in Belgium also. for the Mennonites and all dissenters. But just the contrary resulted the 1565 Courad Koch of Berg Executed. Inquisition. Then in 1565 the nobility We now call attention to another got together and protested against its name quite common in Eastern Penn- further use and declared they would sylvania and in Lancaster County, stand together and if necessary lose Koch. This man seemed to live in all they had to abolish the inquisition; Berg, Germany, in the region of the but it was of no avail, (Brons, p. Rhine river. The record shows that 106). when the light began to shine along 1566 Executions About Berne at This the Rhine, Conrad Koch embraced it. Time. He lived in the little town of Hauf. The Mirror relates that up to this He was imprisoned in the Castle of Loemenburg about a year and then time, in Berne, 42 persons were put The informato death for their faith. executed, (Mirror, p. 659). tion is found in an extract of a docu1565 Fire of Calvauisni Arouses Holment by H. Vlaming, a resident of land Against Papacy. Amsterdam, citing a document drawn In 1565 the nobility of Holland got up in ancient times by the elders of together, on the question of abolish- Alsace. In it they say: As regards ing the Spanish inquisition in Hol- the brethren who were executed for land. Holland belonged to Spain at their faith in the Berne Country, there this time. Charles V abdicated in were executed from 1528 until 1566,
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
BERNE IMPATIENT OVER ZOLOTHURN: HANS HASLIRACH forty-two persons, among whom wore eight women. We have in our postheir of abstract a brief session death, of (p. names and the year 675).
Gruner relates that this year (1566) too, a Mennonite was beheaded in Berne, who was so invincible that he vehemently declared with his last breath that no one of his enemies should pray for him. He declared he Of him was praying for himself. prommost Zehnder says, he was the Berne Mennoinent teacher of the He was executed July 30th. A nites.
reward of 100 guilders was offered for his arrest and thus he was captured, (Miiller, p. 75).
1566—Mennonites Quit
the Elbe Dis-
trict.
Loher says, Mennonites and Quakers in the 17th century gathered about Wastefield in Holland, of which we have written before. The Mennonites by the middle of the 16th century were leaving the neighborhood of Hamburg and the Elbe district. They
— Moranan
1568
.M«-niionit<'s
6'.
Print a
Book This year (Brons, p. 77), the Mennonites of Moravia and Bohemia issued a book called the Golden Portals Heaven, published by Gabriel of
Ackerman
of Neweustadt.
In
it is
set
forth their doctrine, explaining why they do not have any pictures of the Virgin in their churches. They say they are reproached for this omission; but they count it only proper not to worship the Virgin.
1569— Great
Slauerhtor of Anabaptists
in Belt^iuni,
Flanders, etc.
to the Martyr's Mirror, 708 to 800) this year scores of Mennonites or Anabaptists were slain in Belgium, Flanders and parts of None of the names is faHolland. miliar in Pennsylvania, excei)t thosa Dirk Williams. ;in,l tI:s':jo..r'.i3 of
According
(pp.
Hasbourke
is
a
New York name
1571— Hans Basel or
also.
Ilaslibach
of
Haslibacb.
October 20, this year, Hans Hasliwhere bach, teacher of a congregation in the were going into Holland numerous congregations of Menno- Sumiswald in Switzerland was killed. nites found peace, as persecution with He composed a famous hymn reciting the decline of Philip and the uprising all about his trials, and reciting that of the people ended there before 1570. he had a vision in his sleep that as a But in Switzerland their troubles were sign of God's anger over his death, as never ended. Even in Holland, Men- soon as his head was cut off it would no's death had great effect. His con- leap into his hat and begin to smile, creek gregations divided and only a few re- the sun would turn red and the The blood. with flow would They nearby mained on the Elbe river. same the 851, page recites Mirror scattered into Denmark and Germany, supernatural events upon the execu(Loher, p. 56). tion of Hans Misel, which may be our 1566 Berne Drives Mennonites to The Haslibach same Hans Hasel. Zolothurn. Hymn is one of the most famous
—
Swiss Religious This year a company of Mennonites pieces of the old It is found in the "Ausbund" Poetry. came from Zolothurn, about thirty ancient Song Book of the Mennomiles away, to Berne; but Berne sent or nites published about 16JU, and also in Zolothurn was them back again. the Mirror (p. 1069). The hymn had never so severe on them as Berne and incidents in
companies of them went to Berne for the purpose of helping their brethren there and adding to their strength by Berne detersecuring conversions. mined to stamp this out, (Mviller, p. 73).
32 verses, detailing the the capture, hardships
and death of
Hans Haslibach or Hans of Haslibach. He was to the Sumiswald, (a region 15 miles religious
of
Berne),
what
William
northeast sense,
a Tell
in
BERNE KEEPS MENNONITES FROM MORAVIA
66
was
_
to another part of Switzerland in 1575— Bylers of Flanders, Tortured a patriotic sense; and in many ways in England. the two were alike. Governor PennyThis year several Mennonites from packer in 1904 translated this hymn and the same is found in the Menno- Flanders fled to England because of in simplicity nite Year Book for 1911. About this persecution and lived Their religious sertime there was a movement against about London. •capital punishment. The putting to vices were spied out by a constable death of these brave people; and their and he drove them to South Fort on bravery in meeting death had a won- the Mersey River. They were given alternative subscribing to of derful effect in making the common the oaths to intranssubstantiation to people believe in them. And many of public baptism the bearing fant to were heard to remark that they Some to death. offices, or being put wished they were as sure of salvation Gravesend they on board ship for put as the Mennonites. Thus capital punishment was simply making more and some they killed, by burning adherents of the faith, (Muller, p. 77). alive. One named Gerrett Byler, afHaslibach's death and the declared ter much misery, escaped. Byler is a well known eastern Lanfulfillment of what he predicted about caster County name as we know. He his head, the sun and the little river, gave renewed belief in the Mennonite tells of his ordeal in England this
—
faith.
—
—
year.
— Tortures
1572
Again Rage in Holland; United Netherlands Formed.
1576
— Zurich
Issues ?few Decrees.
Zurich followed the example of Berne in 1576. It was 'found that the this year Mennonites and other Evangelicals Holland executed a thousand were quietly leaving with their wives,
Philip and Duke Alba, his executor or hangman,
known
alone in Evangelicals or Anabaptists,
as
Menno- as the
result of the efforts of the "ex-
Holland was in an uproar. citers from Moravia" as they were Mennonites and Calvinists were mar- called. Particularly from Aargau the tyred until the execution of Eggmont migration was felt. These Aargau citiand the war for liberty broke out. zens secretly sold their goods and August 15, 1572 the foundation of the prepared to leave. They were ordered United Netherlands was laid and the watched and taken prisoners, (MiilPrince of Orange elected Governor. In ler, p. 96). 1573 Alba left Netherlands, having re1576— Mennonites of Zurich Fight sided there six years, and in that time Against a State Church. murdered 18,000 people. The same year the Prince of Orange joined the This year was published another Calvinists. Thus there are the Dutch edict against the Mennonites about Reformed who followed Calvin and Zurich, Switzerland and this brought the Swiss Reformed who followed on in earnest the fight against a State Zwingli, (Brons, 16). Church. Their congregations sepa1573 Berne Prevents Mennonites rated from the State Church and defrom Converting 3roravians. manded not to be interfered with. This year says Muller (p. 96) there Many congregations moved from Zurwere three edicts from Berne to pre- ich into Moravia. But they fared no vent her Mennonites from going into better there, and came back having Moravia as missionaries. Nor were lost all. The Sheriffs were to stamp missionaries allowed to come to out the migration. But there were no Berne. Each year after "bread break- results; and in 1580 there was aning" these missionaries were sent. other Zurich decree stating they were nites, etc.
—
BENDERS APPEAR— HOLLAND LIBERTY OF COXSriEXCE getting more and more numerous: that people were adhering to them; and warning all that they should shun them. (Brons, 192).
ready at
67
times to offer their tender an oath and agree that those who transgress the "Yea" shall be punished as perjurers. He then ordains that those people The FaiiiiUar Niinn' "Bender' l.')T(> shall be allowed to use their "Yea" in Appears. place of an oath; but if they transgress, they shall be punished as perThe Benders are prominent and numerous in Lancaster County and jurers. This was a great sin by the Eastern Pennsylvania. About this Mennonite Doctrine, (Mirror. 1000).
"Yea"
all
in place of
—
time Matthias Bender or Binder a 1577—Holland's Huler Trotects Ihi Mennonite minister of Wurtenburg in .Mennonites. Germany, was arrested and taken to This year a deputation of Reformed Stuttgart prison on account of his preachers met at Dortrecht in Holfaith, and later imprisoned in chains. land about ten miles southeast of He was examined and threatened by Rotterdam; and asked that the Menthe doctors of theology, the represennonites be restrained. But the Dutch tatives of the Prince and by the abbott.
of
He was
then sent to the castle
Hohenwithing
years,
when
and
in 1576
remained the
Castle
two was
burned to the ground. He was then released because of his brave conduct about the fire, (Mirror, 973). 1577
— Liberty
of
Conscience
Gains
authorities
now
refused to interfere them. The Prince of Orange said personally that they should not be interfered with and more than that, their "Yea" should be acepted as an oath. This shows how they were regarded as to truth telling. The Prince further expressed
longer
with
his dislike that
Foothold in Holland.
the
civil
authorities
should assume to control matters
of
King William I called William of conscience. He also said to the Reformed Churchmen who made the Nassau, January 26, 1577 at Middleabove demand that, they should reburg (in the southwest corner of Holmember how the Catholics had abused land on the North Sea) issued a letthem and not, in turn abuse these ter of privilege to the Anabaptists or Mennonites in a similar way. (Brous,
Mennonites, reciting that these citizens complain their shops have been closed by the magistrates, because these people would not take oaths, though they have always paid their taxes, etc. This, the letter says is against liberty of conscience and it has just been decided by the people of Spain against their sovereign that liberty of conscience must be allowed, especially as these Hollanders helped to gain liberty of conscience for others deprived of it; that the oath is used as a means to drive these good people out of the country, and not only those residing in Middleburg, but those in innnumerable other places in Holland and Zealand. The letter then proceeds and says these petitioners are
117).
1579
—
3Iennouites Settle .Vnionir Lu^ therans in >ortheasteru Prussia.
Brons tells us (p. 249) that this year the Mennonites handed in a request to settle about Koenigsburg in northeastern Germany on the Baltic Sea near the Gulf of Dantzig; and handed over their articles of faith for George Frederick, the inspection. ruler and successor of Duke Albrecht said reluctantly that the Constitution of Prussia required all should be of the
Lutheran
religion
there,
other-
wise he would allow it. He ordered them to go to the consistory and be questioned about their faith and if they did not want to join the Lutheran
'
MENNONITE MARRIAGES VOID— "NEGLEY AND KELLER"
68
church they should leave, in four months. But the order was not carried out. The Mennonites remained there and took deeper root. They cculd feel that Frederick at heart was favorable to them. Wherever they settled they made the land very fertile.
1579
—Berne
Declares Menuonite Marriages Void.
About 1567
it
was decided
in
Berne
that if married couples do not go to the state church they shall be considered as living together illicitly as if the marriage had never been per-
founded a large cloth business and sons became prominent in it. They were the head of the cloth makers' guild. One of his sons. Cornelius Claes Anslo was a prominent preacher of the Mennonites and his portrait was painted by Rembrant, and a poet named Vondel wrote some complimentary poetry under it. It is now in the gallery of the Lord Holland. Other great men about Amsterdam joined the Mennonites too, about his
this time, (Brons, 158).
1584— Wenish
Keller
from
Austria
Joins the Swiss Mennonites.
formed; and their children should be
Austrian historians tell us that this Illegitimate— the right to inherit should be denied to them. This re- year seven brethren were sent out of They went to the mained an edict not carried out for 12 that country. years; but in 1579 messengers were Swiss. One of them was Wenish KelHe labored about Berne nine sent among the Mennonite congrega- ler. tions warning them that the old edict year and his death was reported in enforced and that those not choose to obey shall leave within three months or be punished in their possessions and lives.
1593, (Muller, 97).
1581—At Berne, Negley a "Keforined
This year, says Miiller (p. 182) there was a mandate ordering the Mennonites to get out of Berne or suffer imprisonment or death. But execution by the sword was not allowed as in the past. It provided that those who were teachers should be branded. Hans Stence and Mart. Berger were two of them. After a long effort to cause them to recant they were expelled. Stence returned and was compelled to sign a covenant agreeing that if he came back as-ain -he should be beheaded. He was then sent away again; and never came back.
was
to be
who do
Praises the Mennonites.
Muller a
tells
us
(p.
that in 1581
84)
synod was held at Berne. There Negley announced as a Reformed adherent that the many accusations against the Mennonites were unjust. He said his own people, the Reformed, ought to study large
own faults. He showed that great moral rottenness existed about Berne, but not among the Mennonites. He said that each individual of them their
was
pure
and set an
example for said that most of them were poor and their preachers taught without pay and did various work to others.
He
support themselves.
We
call
atten-
1585
—Berne
Mandate, Ordering Men-
nonites
—Moravian
1585
Out
Missions
Successful
in Switzerland.
So many people followed the Moravian missionaries in Switzerland that they could hardly all be taken in. A 1582 Prominent Norwegians Join In 1686 good part were accepted. the Mennonites. many Swiss joined the Moravian MenThis year Anslo, a Norwegian, joined nonites. Moravia had her trouble the Mennonite church in Holland. He nearly 100 years before Luther led by tion to the fact that the is
a
common
—
name Negley
Lascaster County name.
EARLY ANABAPTIST STRICTNESS
«»
Huss, who was burned at the stake in that the drunkard should not have had Constance, beginner of the Moravians, the money because his creditors were So here was an entitled to a part of It. They held began his work. asylum for the Mennonites, (Miiller, Bintgens should have protected the creditors. Bintgens asked to purge p. 9S). himself befor=i the meeting. He said loSB Five (ireat (ieniian 3Ienuonite that he was sorry and that he would personally pay the creditors their Congregations
—
By
this time, in face of all
edicts,
was amazing Germany and throughout central Europe. The largest German congrethe Mennonite strength In
gations of Mennonites were at Marburg, at Niederulm or the Swamp of Weichsel, at Thom, at Gradens and at They were the strongholds Danzig. there, in spite of the edict of Danzig prohibiting any stiangers there, by ' Whitemtide, (Brons, p. 251).
1586— Edict Against
Anabaptists
in
by inflicted tortures upon the Anabaptists of Papists various countries drove many of them into Prussia, in the hope that these Lutheran sections would be more This mild than the Catholic ones. hope was partly inspired by the fact great
that Prussia boasted of her liberality. But in this hope the Anabaptists or Mennonites were sadly disappointed. The Government of Prussia, November 12, 1586 issued a decree that they must all leave or be tortured, but not George Frederick, Margrave killed. of Brandenburg issued the chief edict, (Mirror, 1006). The next year there was a similar decree against all the Baptists of Koenigsburg, (Do., 1007).
1588— Severe
Integrity of Early Ana-
baptists or Mennonites.
A
remarkable instance
nite discipline is
named
shown
of in
Menno1588.
A
Bintgens bou?j;ht li house from a neighbor for 700 guilders. who was a spendthrift and a drunkard. The deed expressed 800 g;:i!ders. The church found this out through a He brought it before th^ deacon. church as being a device that would deceive the next purchaser as to its The church also found out value. brother
congregations surrounding the were invited to join in the opinion. This meeting divided the churches far
of
—
and near some were for Bintgens and some against him. Then his opponents felt injured and wanted him 1589 there a big meeting of delegates from
to resign as teacher.
was
Prussia.
The
claims. Then some of the elders who did not trust him went and asked his wife whether he did it. She said her husband did not act honestly. Then the whole congregation was called together for an opinion and the elders
.Jan.
churches far and near to talk it over. The Amsterdam brethren asked Bintgens again if it was true that there were 100 guilders more expressed in the deed than he paid. He said "Yes", but that he paid the 100 guilders in Then a second meeting was ;:nen. held and all the prominent Mennonites to be found were pressed to be It was urged that Bintgens present. be expelled. Others wanted it decided by a vote in all the congregations of Others wanted delegates Holland. called from all the congregations and Others wanted to that they decide. I Timothy Ch. 5, to proceed according 3rd, there was July verses 19 and 20. to decide the called a special meeting Then the only. procedure method of on the divided Holland churches of led churches Haarlem The subject. Amsterdam the and one faction churches the other. The Amsterdam
Then faction was against Bintgens. the factions agreed to refer it to the church authorities of the congregations of Groeningen, Emden and Cologne.
At a later meeting in Haarlem and Bintgens was part-
this was done, ly exonerated.
Then
the
Amsterdam
enemies accused the Haarlem people Bintgens of covering up the facts.
—
EARLY MENNONITE CONFESSION OF FAITH
70
had denied the Groeningen Menno- to preach at certain times but only' nites and East Frieslanders the right under governmental supervision and Bintgens under conditions. One condition was, to take part in his dispute. and his adherents then left. Then the the collection was to be handed over Haarlemites were put on trial by the to the Reformed. To this, and to other Amsterdamers. Haarlem appealed to conditions they had to agree; and did the whole Anabaptist or Mennonite so in writing, signed by 108 persons. world to show they did wrong. And Only under the Prussian government so the matter ended in crimination did the Lutherans get permission to and recrimination. build the Church that stands in EmThe public result is the most inter- den today. It was that the Haarlemites esting. 1599 Berne Edict against Anaact in underhand and inferior did ways toward the Amsterdamers; and baptists. the latter gained in public esteem and This year, March 10, there was a as well. in the esteem of the King mandate promulgated by Berne, deThe Haarlemites gradually lost public manding that the Mennonites must favor. In Groeningen and East FriesTheir leave without their property. land Bintgens people fell in favor and real estate was confiscated to the were called "bankrupters" and '"house Government. they sold If it before buyers" in odium and finally they lost greatly in public favor. All this came going, the purchaser would be comfrom Bintgens sharp trick, which in- pelled to pay it again. This was a nocent in itself was supposed by the severe edict, (Miiller, p. 131). This ends the annals of the sixbrethren to be meant to deceive. The teenth century. much were party and his '-psult was he shattered for years throughout Hol1600— An Extensive Mennonite ConSo the right won says Brons, land.
—
fession of Faith.
(p. 122).
1592— The Familiar Name "Myers" Appears. This year at Wier, in Baden, MatMyers was arrested through the espionage of a priest. The priest had a servant maid go to Myers and pretend she wanted to join the Anabaptists. In this way they got evidence against him. And thus they drowned him in a most horrible way, putting him under water for some time repeatedly and drawing him out to induce him to recant, which he would He died steadfast, (Mirror, not do. thias
p.
— — — —
— Lutherans
Odds.
—
—
—
— — — — and Works — Marriage — Swearing Oaths— the Ban — Second Coming of where
and Keformed
—
—
Incarnation Death and Resurrection —Office of Christ— the Church— Ordinances of the Church Baptism the Gt)od Lord's Supper Feet Washing
Christ and
1032).
1595
About this year, says the author of the Mirror (p. 360), a Mennonite confession of faith was /adopted, consisting of 33 articles. It contains the doctrine as to the Father, Son and Holy Ghost the Creation Fall Restoration Free Will Election of Believers the law of Moses and the GosFaith Regeneration pels Saving
at
1601
this
Kingdom of Heaven. Just was adopted is not clear.
— Groeningen
& Sneek Decree
in
Holland against the MenThis year at Emden, a house in nonites. which the Lutherans held services The following decree was issued was closed by the Reformed. They fought over the Lord's supper. Finally by the Dutch authorities of Groeninthe Reformed allowed the Lutherans gen and Sneek by the Reformed
THE GROXIXGEN AND SXEEK DECREE (HOLLAXD)
:\
Whoever shall be found to have rpChurch authorities, who controlled the baptized anyone, shall be fined twenthe government now, against Mennonites. The Reformed seem ty dollars; and when detected the sec-
now
to have forgotten the fierce decrees of the Catholics in former centuries against them and in turn they now persecuted the Mennonites, who
from
them. This found in Martyr's Mirror, differed
and
decree (p.
is
1043)
ond time, shall be imprisoned on water and bread, and expelled as aforesaid.
Again, nnbaptized children shall not inheritance, according to the
receive
city statutes.
No one shall be admitted to any The burgomasters and the council administration or office, public or primake known: Whereas it has come to vate, nor be accepted as a witness, our certain knowledge that not only except he render the solemn oath remany in the city and in the jurisdic- quired for it. tion of the same presume to exercise And all that refuse such oath shall is
as follows:
and practice, contrary to the treaty sworn to and made with the city, A. D. '94, another religion than the Reformed,
adulteration of the word of God, to the misuse of his holy sacraments, and to the offense and seduction of many persons; but that also nearly all disorders and abuses in and without the marriage state, and also others contrary to the Christian church regulations established and customary here, creep in and are practiced; and we by virtue of our office recognize it our duty to meet and check all this with proper penalties: therefore, we have ordained, and do ordain and decree by these presents, as follows: Firstly, that the exercise of all other religions than the Reformed is herewith again strictly prohibited. And if any one be found to allow his house or place to the Anabaptists, contrary to the church regulations of this city, for the purpose of preaching, of holding meetings therein, he shall each time be fined ten dollars. The preachers, as aforesaid, if found for each ofto be preaching, shall fense be fined ten dollars, or be imprisoned two weeks on water and in thus bread; and when detected preaching the third time, shall be expelled from the city or the jurisdi.ction of the same. And all that shall be found attending such preaching or gatherings shall each time be fined two dollars. to
be punished as
is
proper acording to
law.
1601— Calvinists Try To Destroy
the
man
Ciitholios aind
(Ger-
Lutherans.
In the Mirror (p. 1044) under the date of 1601 we are told that, "In the year of our Lord sixteen hundred and one it occurred that Johann von Steyn, Count of Witgensteyn, Lord of Hamburg, being a member of the Calvinistic church, purposed to abolish the
Romish
and
Lutheran
doctrine,
and at the same time laid his hands on the defenseless sheep of Christ, which were contenii)tuously called Anabaptists, and put them into prison.
Among these are mentioned by name, Huybert op der Straten, Trijnken, his wife, Pieter ten Hove, and Lijsken te Linschoten, which latter, learned, was an aged as we have woman
of over seventy years.
three mentioned were imthe latter twelve weeks, prisoned seventeen days, she having been ap-
The
first
prehended much
later".
Mitrrato lo
Mennonites
1601— Zurich
Melio
Mora>ia,
ini:
It
"The
rromiscd Land". excellent book we hear "Repeatedly tells us, (p. 98), Zurich of Canton the complaints from concerning the Moravian emissaries,
Ernst Muller
who
invited
The pastor
in his
the of
people
to
emigrate.
Wald even reports
in
THE VOGTS AND BOLLINGERS APPEAR
72
the year 1601 that 25 Moravian Brethren are traveling about the country
two by two (Ottins, p. 192). The tidings of the "Promised Land" in Moravia and of the "New Jerusalem" at Nikolsburg even penetrated to the prominent circles of the City of Berne. On the 20th day of March, IGOl Samuel Oachselhofer and Jacob Vogt are to pass over to the Treasurer 4000 pounds from the state of th.nr mother and sister-in-law, Agatha Pfauderin and two children, who had secretly left the country for Moravia, this payment to be made to "His Grace" for his rights of confiscation".
There are Vogts
in Lancaster county. Miiller then tells us more of these banishments (p. 99), as follows: "If ever one of these children was to return, then its share would be given back to it. (R. M.). Very soon thereafter Elizabeth Oachselhofer, pre-
1605
— Bollinger
or
Bolsingrer of
Ba-
varia Executed.
Under this date the Mirror contains an account (p. 1044) of the execution of Hans Bollingeror Bolsinger, while traveling through Bavaria, Germany. With him was Marcus Eder, too. I use this item simply to show the Bollinger home in Europe. It is well known that there are several prominent families bearing that name in Eastern Pennsylvania and in Lancaster county. They too, were strong in their Mennonite Faith and died for it. The Bollingers came to this country about 1730. The now much paraded name Ballinger may be a form of it. 1605
— Menuoiiites
Tortured
in
Hungary.
Many Mennonite people were in Hungary, when in 1605, during the sumably a near relation of the above Hungarian War, the ruffians were named Agatha, with her son removed raging in Hungary and Moravia, pilto Moravia as a Baptist, leaving belaging and burning towns, torturing hind a very considerable inventory, to death the people. On May 4th, they which was taken on May 17, 1605, and led 42 pt^rsons and on June 28th, 112 contained enumerated goods and chatbrethren and sisters, as slaves to the tels and the rich wardrobe of a lady heathen lands and to the galleys. of the highest rank, (K. A., Vol. SO, No. 19). This inventory was estimated worth 8000 pounds and should to "His Grace". But there is kept an account in the interest eon, should he ever return.
1603— Keformed
(Muller, to he revert
to
Op-
Brons tells us (p. 132) that in "1603 a Reformed Synod resolved to request of the government, the latter should prohibit the bishops of the Mennonites from traveling from one place to another, preaching and baptizing; in 1001 a resolution was passed in like manner that they (these bishops) should be prohibited from educating young preachers; 1605 the Calvinistic predicants handed in a request that the Mennonites be forbidden to build churches. And thus it went on through the whole Seventeenth century at 55 Reformed Synods".
99).
—Mennonite
Church
Re-Organ-
ized in Strasburg.
be
of the
Swiss Churob presses the Mennouites.
1607
p.
There were certain rules and regulations for the conduct cf the Mennonite church in Strasburg, Germany as early as 1568. But in 1607 the con•iregation was re-organized and many regulations passed, upon the duties of elders, ministers and bishops. In addition to the regular church duties, rules were laid down upon their duties to visit, console and comfort the distressed and the bereaved and the
These missionaries endured many hardships (Muller p. 90). strangers.
—Progress
1608
Church
The
of the in
Mennonite
Holland.
Holland Mennonite brethren taken vigorous possession of Tiegenhof, had constructed dykes and
had
SWITZERLAND CONFISCATES MENNOXITE FROPEKTY canals
and
had achieved such
markable success
that
tors made contracts with were forty years, which
re-
1(110
— |{ern<>
proprie-
the
them
73
tJovernment Tearlu-s
.Vnti-Mennonitism.
for
thereafter
Consequently their numbers increased to such an extent that the Bishop of Kuhn complained
always renewed.
All
through the
authorities
continued
of to
century the Switzerland anything in their 17th
Berne,
do
power to harass the Meunonites on in the year 1608, that the vicinity of the one hand, and on the other hand Marienburg was filled with Menno- to encourage and give strength to Against this the Reformed religion. They held nites and Samosatenes. the town governments of Daniz, meetings with those who believed in Thorn and Elbing protested, refer- Anabaptism or the Mennonite docring to the Warsaw Confederation of trine to get the weaker ones by arguKing Sigismund, ment, to turn away from that faith, 1585 approved by which says: but they did not succeed to any great "We promise among us, for us and extent. The Protestant authorities of for our posterity forever under oath Berne, as the head of their church, of our fidelity, honor and conscience, left no method untried in order to that we, who differ in religion one guide and control the hearts and Among from another, will keep the peace minds of their subjects. among ourselves, and on account of these methods was the censorship or Hans Jacob Poll, of Zofinthe different creeds and the changes censure. in the churches, we will tolerate no gen, had written a tract, in which bloodshed, nor punish anyone by the the doctrine was defended that no acconfiscation of his goods, , injury to one should be prosecuted on banish- count of his faith or belief. This tract his honor, imprisonment or ment from the country, nor will we was printed in 500 copies at Basle, assist any authority or official to do and therefore the authorities of Basle such, etc." were requested to confiscate this Here again the industrious charac- edition, "for the sake of God and ter' of our Mennonite forefathers is beloved Church." (Mis. January shown. We also have here another His 31, 1610). view of King Sigismund's ideas of We have here another picture of justice toward these i>eople and his harassing of these nonfaith in their willingness to abide by the government. On this faith he
promised the protection which have stated, (Brons p. 255).
1610— Switzerland Confiscation
we of
Mennonite Property. Ernst Miiller (p. 131) refers to the confiscation of the possessions of the Baptist or Mennonite brethren by the State, viz: "If the Baptists who
have emigrated (from Switzerland) had previously sold their possessions, then such shall be taken from the purchaser and be confiscated, and the purchaser must look to the seller for his rights." (Mandate of April The hardships of the Men23, 1610). nonites in Switzerland
time are
still
going on.
we
see at this
the continual resistant people in the Berne disBut the church kept on growtrict. ing there. We remember that it wa,s the Ementhal. a little valley northwest of Berne, from which the L.ancaster County pioneers came in 1710. Their ancestors in earlier days had lived about Zurich. (Miiller, p. 104).
1610— Switzerland Restrains Baptists
from
(ioina: to
Moravia.
tells us that (p. 99) year means were taken to prevent our Mennonite forefathers from pergetting out of the country of Moravia. to and going secution Speaking of the instances of this he says: "These cases were by no means singular or exceptional. An order of
Ernst Muller
this
ELBING AND ALTONA MENNONITES— GERMANY
74
Galli Fuchs and Stephen Zehender to the galleys and led them bound and fettered to the French Ambassador at Solothurn, where with the assistance of Brethren from Berne they found the way out of prison (Ottins, p. 216). Hans Landis was beheaded September 29, 1614 at Zurich". We merely make a note of this at this date. We shall have considerable more to say about this prominent old patriarch Hans Landis under the year 1614.
the Council to Seekelmeister and promulgated means Venner, which for the prevention of the secret removal of Baptists to Moravia, bears
date of April
At were
page
3,
18,
Landis,
1610 (K. A.). Miiller
says,
"Some
author of the (so writes the preface to the History of the Martyrers of Christ, 1610) racked and pulled or torn to pieces; some were burned to powder and ashes; some burned to a crisp at the stake; some torn with red-hot tongs some penned up in houses and the whole burned down; 1613 Mennonite Colony in Elbing. others were hanged on trees; some were executed by the sword; others Brons tells us (p. 255) that at this were pushed into the water; many time there lived at Elbing, sixteen had gags put into their mouths in or- Mennonite families. This was apparder to prevent them from speaking, ently the extent of their growth in and thus lead to their doom." This that section at this date. is Ernst Miiller's way of stating the 1614 Mennonite Troubles in Zurich dreadful experiences of our Swiss and the History of the Martyrs. ancestry. ;
—
—
Of the condition in Zurich we pos1610— Elbiiig (Prussia) Mennonites sess extensive Baptist sources in the Made Citizens. chapters pertaining thereto in the Brons tells us (p. 255) that Elbing, Martyr's Mirror of Tielman Van in Prussia near the Gulf of Danzig, Bracht. Here we find the history of was a district where the Mennonite the martyrdom of the Baptists or Menpeople were required to exercise the nonites and a large number of tales ;
1
privileges and also to undergo the duties of citizens. As early as 1610 he says they were given the franchise of citizens and had to take upon themselves the duties of citizens.
1611
Mennonite Deacon Altona, Germany.
j
i
(Miiller, p. 165).
The above work was published in The work is divided into three
us
j
in
263) that "a cerin 1611 had come from Fresenberg to Altona before the devastation of the place during the Thirty Years' War and the scattering of the congregation there, in whose midst Meuno had spent his last days, was eldest deacon of the Mennonite Church or congregation at that place, viz: Altona opposite Hamburg in the province of Holstein, tells
j
1615.
—Eldest
Brons
sorrow and suffering in the persecution of Zurich at that time, etc.
of
(p.
tain Paul Rossen,
who
I
!
books, of which the first closes with the year 1566, the second with 1573, and the third with 1614. The last martyr recorded therein was the Swiss Hans Landis, (Brons, p. 237).
j
i
I
1614— The Sufferings and Death Swisser Hans Landis.
of
I
An important tist
teacher of
the
minded or Mennonites was
Landis,
who,
against the
Bap-
Hans
prohibition
preached before and field, forest large meetings in Germany." solemnized marriages. baptized and 1613 Swisser Hans Landis's He was, for that reason, taken prisTroubles Begin. oner and as he would not promise to the future, Miiller tells us (p. 216) that "Zur- cease such activities in ich had in 1613 condemned Hans condemned to six years' punishment
—
of the
government
SUFFERINGS AXU DEATH OF HANS LANDIS on the galleys.
The Swiss
authorities
75
till' |)ai)isls, e.\c('i)tiiig that he should forthwith be sent to sea or upon the galleys; but through the help of good hearted people he was there released; hut subsequently apprehended again and taken to Zurich, where he was rigorously examined concerning his doctrine, and when he would in no wise desist from his godly purpose or from his faith, they showed in him, that th.eir decree of eighty-four years previous was not forgotten, neither had the spirit of it died of old age; for, according to the import of the same, they sentenced him from life to death, and hence, in the month of September of the aforesaid year, 1614, for the sake of the truth he was beheaded as a true follower of Christ, Which they nevertheless would not acknowledge, but pretended and persuaded the common people to deceive them, that he was not punished and put to death for his religion, but for his obstinacy and disobedience to the
made use
of the galleys of the Italian Princes as penal institutions. On the galleys he sawed his chains by means of an instrument which the brethren had smuggled to him, escaped and re-
turned to his country, (Switzerland). But soon after that he was again taken into custody, whereupon he was ordered to depart from the country; but he refused stubbornly to obey the orders, saying: "God favored me with this land as well as all others and the eaith is the Lord's." Besides, he would remain in his native country, as he Furtherdid not know where to go. more he said he was now aged and And, indeed, he did not fear death. could verily say, he did not know where to go to, for in the adjacent Austrian countries the Baptistminded or Mennonites were persecuted since 1601 unto death by Emperor Rudolph, who had again put in force the decrees of Ferdinand. In consequence he (Landis) was condemned to death by the Great Council of Zurich and beheaded in 1614, (Brons, p. 200). The Mirror (p. 1045) gives us the following account of Hans Landis's
authorities."
The Mirror further states (p. 1046) a certain letter dated July 29, 1659 at Zurich, sets out that the writer was present at the execution of Hans Lan|dis; and the following extracts are
death:
made from
This account states that Hans Lanhad gone up the river Rhine w^here he had his place of residence, to feed and refresh the people with the word of God. "When the Council of Zurich learned of this, they instigated by the disposition of the envious scribes and Pharisees, could not tolerate this, but instantly caused it to be forbidden him. as though they had thought thereby to hinder the true progress dis
;
j
the letter.
"Hattavier Salr, witnessed the beheading of Hans Landis, which I also still remember well, having seen it myself in the Wolfsstadt, the whole transaction being as fresh in my recollection as though it had happened but a few weeks ago. Continuing, he speaks of his personal appearance and the manner of his death, saying.
"Hans Landis was a tall, stately person with a long black and gray who knew we must beard and a manful voice. obey God's commands more than the When he, cheerful and of good courcommandments of men, had such love age, was led out by a rope, to the to the truth and to the young suck- Wolfsstadt (being the place made ling's on Zion's breasts, that no hu- ready for his execution), the execuman threats could induce him to for- tioner, Mr. Paull Volmar dropped the bear feeding them with the true food rope, and lifting up both of his hands of the soul. Hence the enviers of the to heaven, spoke these words: " 'O that God, to whom I make my same apprehended him, and sent him ironed from Zurich to Solothurn to complaint, might have compassion; of the
word
of the gospel. with Peter, that
But
he,
'
'
"
MANY LANCASTER COUNTY NAMES ABOUT BERNE come into my and other Austrian counties in these manner; forgive me, for early times there were many families God's sake, that which I must do to that had emigrated there from Berne you.' in Switzerland. Some of the names Hans Landis comforted the execu- in the Moravian-Mennonite communitioner, saying that he had already ties that could be traced to the Emenforgiven him: God would forgive him, thal near Berne, in Switzerland were too; he well knew that he had to Gerber, Shenk, Hoffer, Schlechter, execute the order of the authorities; Born, Amster, Bauman, and others. lie should not be afraid, and see that Therefore as early as the year 1600 there was no hindrance in his way. the Berne district of Switzerland was Thereupon he was beheaded. After the home of these well known now his head had been struck off, the exe- Lancaster County and eastern Pennthat you, Hans, have
hands
in this
cutioner asked:
'Lord Bailiff
of
the
sylvania families.
Empire, have I executed this man rightly according to imperial law and 1615 The Holland Goyernment Saves sentence?' (Otherwise it was custothe Mennonites from a Flanders mary to say: 'This poor fellow', etc.) Decree. as though he believed he died saved and rich. This year at Aerdenborgh in FlanThe people were of the opinion that ders the enemies of the Mennonites, the executioner by dropping the rope principally the Romish Church, began meant to indicate to Hans that he a series of decrees and hardships should run away, it was also generally against the Taufers or Mennonites of said; that if he had run away, no one that place. This sad beginning would to all apwould have followed him. to stop him. pearance, have culminated in greater So far the aforementioned extract. Further Statement.— It is also ap- mischief to the aforesaid people, had
—
propriate to give here what has been stated to us through credible testimony, namely, that when the aforementioned Hans Landis was standing in the place of execution, to be put to death, his dear wife and children came to him in mournful crying and lamentation, to take a last and final adieu and leave from him. But when he saw them he requested them to go away from him, in order that his good resolution and tranquility of heart for the death awaiting him might not be disturbed or taken away by their
weeping and grief; which having been done, and he having commended
not
their
High
Mightinesses,
the
Lords States General of the United Netherlands, who had received information of this, opposed it with a certain mandate, whereby those who were the cause of sad oppression were prevented from proceeding with the execution of their aforementioned prohibiton, and on the other hand, liberty of religion was granted to those that were oppressed. The contents of the aforementioned mandate are as follows:
The States General,
etc., to
the Bailiff, of Aer-
Burgomasters and Judges
denborgh. Honorable, etc.: We have learned his soul into the hands of God, the with surprise, that, contrary to our quickly descending stroke of the order or resolution announced to sword put an end to his life." Your Honor by our order by the 1615 Berne the Ancient Home of the clerk, Jan Bogaerd, you still hinder
—
Shenks,
Hoft'ers,
Baumans, Etc.
the
members
of the
Anabaptists or
community
called residing parts under
Mennonites,
A brother Stoffel Schenk of Rehogk in Aerdenborgh and the in Switzerland, died in the Lord this its jurisdiction, in the freedom of year, says Miiller (p. 99). In Moravia their assembling and the exercise of
HOLLAND GRANTS PROTECTION TO MKNNON ITKS their
religion
in
Aerdenborgh, and
trouble and oppress them, by prohibiting their assembling, by arrests and
1617— (>n>iun!:cn Leaders a;raiiist
Warn
(IMifrh)
Thoir
Kecitniiiii:
77
Mcnnonite Flock
'»(»rl(ll\'.
fines.
The old plain mode of living of the Whereas we desire that the aforemembers of the community be- Mennonites was gradually changed longing to the Anabaptist persuasion to a more modern, finer way of living. be allowed to enjoy just as much The ban had been mostly abolished toquiteness and ward the end of the seventeenth cenfreedom, with all modesty, in their mind, conscience, tury. The ban compelled the Anaassembling, and exercise of their re- baptists to shun those not of their hear any of their ligion, in Aerdenborgh as is the case church and not said
Nevertheless care had to preaching. be taken and watchfulness exercised in order to curb at once any possible derelictions; for instance, the presidency of the Groningen Society in the year 1617 had published and printed a warning against the "getting worldly" every time that they desire to as- (worldly mindedness) of the flock, semble. Hence we command you, to and had the same sent to each congovern yourselves precisely in ac- gregation, (Brons, p. 149). cordance with this, to the better 1617— Abont 70,000 Swiss and Other maintenance of tranquillity, peace and Mennonites Crnshed Out of unity in the aforesaid city; without apprehension or execution causing the Moravia. of the aforesaid members for any fine Brons tells us (p. 178) that 10 years or contraventions, because of preSwiss brethren prior to 1617, many vious gatherings. Upon this we shall that but, into Moravia; fled had rely, and, etc. Given this first of May, the Chronicler) though fully (quoting 1615, (Mirror, p. 1046 and Muller, p. 70,000 Swiss and other Mennonites 187). were recently in Moravia, they were In November 16, 1619, the Holland by 1617 all exterminated there. Many Government was compelled to repeat of them fled to Sylvania. Aerdenberg, who had its orders to not fully complied with the former 1619 Moravian Mennonites Ravaged
everywhere else in the provinces, cities and places of the United Netherlands, without contradiction or resistance,; except that you may exercise an oversight over their gatherings, as far as they deem it well, and that they, to this end,, may inform you
—
demands,
(Miiller, p. 187).
— Berne
1616
Renounces
in the
Thirty Years' War.
Condemna-
Says Muller (p. 100), speaking of and onward, "The following brought levies of war and the years 216) that this Muller states, (p. passing through the troops, and in year the cities of Basle, Berne and 1619 the horrors of the thirty years* Schaffhausen, all prominent points 1619
tion to the Galleys.
in
Switzerland,
sent
protests
to
the
war.
First the soldiers of
Dampierre
ranged in Moravia, with murder and Zurich government against allowing arson in their trial, and by them that any Swiss citizens, Mennonites or any year 38 brethren were slain". others going to the Roman Galleys. And Berne particularly came out and 1619— Reformed Church Have said that the sending of the MennoTrouble Over Their Confesnites or Weidertaufers, as they called >i
MORAVIANS AND POLLOCKS BUTCHER MENNONITES
78
agitation among the Reparties were formed that tried to break down these confines; the minds became heated, and there came a clash. Here there were Re-
siderable
formed;
and
Counter-Remonand Socinians, who could not be held for the church and who began to form their own con-
monstrants
strants, Labadists
gregations,
1620
(Brons,
p.
—Moravians,
133).
Polooks, Etc.,
Butcher Menonites.
(Hans (Serber and Sliarach Huber Slain.)
In the year 1620
came
the "Polocks"
and massacred under
terrible tortures after the battle at
"The
magistrates
of the city of prohibit all citizens and residents of their city; that no Mennonists, etc., shall hold any secret or open assembly or meeting where preaching marriage, or any other exercise of religion is practiced; under whatever pretext the same may be done; on pain that those who shall be found to practice it shall forthwith be banished from the country forever; and every person that shall be found at such a place or in the assembly, shall forfeit the upper garment and twenty-five guilders in money; the second time, the upper garment and fifty guilders; the third
Deventer
time to be punished arbitrarily. And the Baptists in he that lends his house, for the purMoravia were without justice or pro- pose of holding such gatherings, forA feits a hundred guilders; the second tection, a prey to their enemies. number of horrible massacres was the time two hundred guilders; and the According to the records, third time he shall be banished forsequel.
And 72 brethren. the White Mountain,
there were Sabatisch,
killed
on April
among
others,
Gaerber and
17th,
at
Hans
a
Sadrach Huber. was altogether an awful, fearful, a
It
terrible time, yea, a time full of suffer-
ever."
1620— IJndolph Miiller
(p.
knowledge neither Ferry, and
Philip Forrer (Forrj). IS)
gives
us
the
first
Forry also called evil, and ing, anguish and at one time called Ferree words nor pen can describe the cruel, family of Lancaster County and barbarous tyranny and devilishness in Eastern Pennsylvania. The early this diabolical war, which were in- records in the Recorder's Office as flicted on our country people, on men well as Rupp the Historian, mention" and women folk, women in confine- the name as "Ferree." But the Rement, young boys and girls by the corder's twenty-five years records Spaniards, Neopolitans. Walloons, later spell the name Forrer. Whether Crabatians, Polocks and the like Im- the two names are identical or not we perial war hordes. The Chronicle can not tell. The Ferrees were Huenumerates 234 persons of the con- guenots; and the Forrers were Berngregations of the Lord who were put ese, in Switzerland. They may have to death in these five years, (Miiller, come from the same family stock. of
the
—
p.
100).
The subject of the title of this sketch attention here to was a Forrer, prominent in the Menthe two now familiar Lancaster nonite ministry. County and eastern Pennsylvania "Out of the atmosphere of the German or Swiss names, Huber and dungeons, court rooms and council Gerber or Garber. chambers we wander into the verdant 1620— Deventer Edict against the Emmen Valley and stop in at the par-
We
special
call
Meunouites.
sonage of Langnau, the wooden struc1047) the follow- ture which at one time stood below set forth under the above the church, and listen to the recitals of the pastor with regard to hia
In the Mirror,
ing edict date:
is
(p.
LAXGXAU AND LANCASTER COUNTY NAMES troubles with the Baptists. tor,
Johann
Rudolph
which valley extends from the northeast to the southeast of Berne.
The pas-
Valley,
Ferrer
Philii)
79
was born in the year ir)98, became in 1620 only twenty-two years old, pastor He showed a leniin Langnau, etc. forbearing spirit in his dealings ent His efforts to inthe Baptists. with
1621— Hichsel or Hlxler Above Named, Gave His Reasons for LeaviiiK the Reformed Clnirch.
Simon asked Forrer or Ferry, duce some of them to resume their Bichsel why he left his old Church and, church visits and attendance at the came to the Taufer or Mennonite services were not without success." Church this year. He answered that (Miiller, p. 18). this is a very bad world and many 1621
—Meiiiionite
Families
of
Lang- people of the State Church
nau, Switzerland.
Ernst Miiller (p. 119) gives us the following list of Mennonites living at The this time in and about Langnau. names of these Mennonite ancestors of many of our present day Lancaster County and eastern Pennsylvania, Swiss and German descendant families were: Fredley Baumgardner from Miilibach and his wife, to whom he had been married ten years also a Baumgardner of Diirsriitti and his wife but no small children; Oswald Probst or Brobst and wife, married six years; Fred. Moritz and wife;
—
'
'
"If
God
1621
Benedict
ber's or Reber's wife;
Rae-
Anna Kreyen-
wife of Benjamin Baumgardner; w'ife of Hans Gerber or Garber and the wife of Uli or Eli
buel or Graybill;
Rothlisperger. Among these
do more than familiar
names
it
eastern
we
is
call
find
not necessary to attention
Pennsylvania viz:
to
the
Swiss
Baumgardner;
staid
— Uli
among
sinners,
why
or
ririoh
IJaumsrardner
Gives His Reasons for Being a Mennonite.
er,
Barbara Dellenbach;
Langnau
could your people not do it too?" This he did not answer, (Muller, p. 121).
Simon Bichsel or Bixler and wife; Oswald Ruch or Reich; Michael Studa powerful youth; Tschoffen Elsi; Stinnis Gibbel's daughter living in the family of Christian Yost; Hans Utzenberger's wife; Klaus Yost and wife;
in
are corrupt. He said that at the last "Fair", there he saw these who called themselves Christians and who were members of these worldly churches, in the upper tavern, clubbing each other and cursing and swearing—even the young boys— that the young people of those churches dance and are gay, and reckless and so are the older people —that they "sauffen and fressen", that and are not is eat and drink to excess Godly minded. Forry then asked him.
Forry then
tells
us he asked Baumhe is a Taufer. He
gardner, also, why answered that the State Church is full Baumgardner lived in of wickedness. Dursrutti, in Switzerland and some of the Baumgardners live there today; but they belong to the State Church. In March. 1621, Michael Miller, Daniel Stroedel and Forry went on a journey to make converts back to the State Church, and took a New Testament along so that if the Mennonites would question them, they could answer by Scripture. Miller was the best scholar and he was sent to Baumgardner to argue the religious stand that BaumMiller, Stroedel and gardner took. Forry belonged to the Reformed Church. These men argued upon the right way to be saved, but each held
Probst or Brobst; Ruch, Yost, Raeber or Reber, Kreyenbuel or Graybill, Miiller, Bixler, Gibbel and Garber. in preacher himself a was the author, page title his states in Langnau as he of his book. Langnau is a city with a population of 7,000 about 18 miles directly east of Berne, in the Emmen [his
own
opinion.
Miller
made some
HOLSTEIN MENNONITES GREAT FARMERS
80
converts away from the Mennonite Bible Archives of the Historical Sofaith, but not many. Ulrich Baum- ciety of Canton, Berne, No. 12-2, (Miilgardner was a very strong teacher ler, p. 119). among the Mennonites, (Miiller, 122). The same author says at same page, "Forrer, soon after his promotion to 1621— Holstein Bulers Champion the the pastorate of Langnau, had heard Mennonites. of the Baptists there "that they In Frederickstadt in Holstein, the through wrong and perverted zeal did ruler took up the Mennonite side absent themselves from Christian about 1621 A colony of Holland Men- Church attendance and hearing the nonites moved over to Holstein (Ger- sermons, and held themselves aloof". many) and had permission to build a He determined to seek an opportunity town there and they called the town to do his duty in this matter, because Frederickstein. The town had a com- the sect was increasing from day to plete Holland appearance. These Men- day. and had many secret adherents nonites built a dyke to keep out the and protectors, particularly because sea about this town. They lived quiet- "they are mightily connected among ly, attended to work and were good each other". citizens. They kept no writings, He goes on and says with horror, (Brons, 265). "Some of them are living together in matrimony without attending church 1621— Holstein Mennonites Giyen Lib- as Christans should, and have big unerty of Conscience. baptized children, and finally the Fatherland, too is (in the great, dangThese Holstein Mennonites soon beerous war expeditions of these times) came famous cattle raisers. Many in danger, that the "enemy will beat others came to them, and soon they '
•
were all granted liberty of conscience. They were allowed to testify on "Yea" and "Nay". And when this privilege was once granted, every Duke thereafter renewed it. This was one of the first places in the world where the Mennonites were equal to every other class. The Government ever recognized their preachers. Preachers came to this congregation from Hamburg and from other parts of the Palati-
our head
nate, (Brons, 265).
This year, Sigsmund, a petty king in or Poland, complained that the Mennonites were given the privileges of subjects without taking oaths. He insisted that, at least they should make oath of allegiance to him. The town of Ebling particularly contained large numbers of Mennonites. But his order had no effect. The Mennonites continued to prosper. In 1631 some of them got a privilege to begin the silk business. Yost Van Kampen carried it on. His father and grandfather had similarly done so before in Elbing. Another Mennonite, Zachariah Jonsen also obtained a license to
1621— John Efforts
Philip
Rudolph
Forry's
near Berne, Switzerland.
We
have shown that Pastor Forry of Reformed Church at Langnau about 16 miles east of Berne, was
the
exerting great zeal in 1620 (the time the Mayflower reached Massachusetts) to stop the Mennonite growth. His arguments with them in the Langnau debates in 1621 he had printed in a
work called, "What Was Discussed Answering the Taufers in the Church and Parish of Langnau in 1621". This work may be found today in the Bapt.
full".
Forrer, thereupon brought his request under extensive or elaborate reasoning in God's name to the attention of the Church tribunal, February 21, 1621, with the plea, "no one should attribute sinister motives to him, even
were
if it
to
— King
1625
concern his own".
Sigsnmnd Complains That
the Mennonites
Germany
Do
>'ot
Take Oaths.
BAUMGARDNERS. MYERS, EGLES AND BENDERS APPEAR These carry on the wine business. to be privileges rare considered were granted to persons who would not take an oath of allegiance to the Govrenment (Brons. p. 255.)
1627— Bohemian
Mcnnonit^s
Merge
«ith Kcforiiied ("liurch. This year at a synod at Ostarz, the Bohemian brethren or Mennonites were swallowed up by the Reformed Churchmen, who were very strong there. So they united with them rather than to continue to struggle against them. This ended their existence as This happened Bohemian Taufers. during the struggle of the 30 years war lasting from 1618 to 1648, (Miil-
Baumgardner has played
81
a large part
business world of Eastern in Pennsylvania, particularly in LancasWe ter, and Dauphin Counties, etc. the
find
them here,
at early dates.
1629— Mennonite Exodus
into
Hun-
gary. that in 1622 the Mennonites were driven out of Moravia by the Cardinal of Dietrichstein under In order from King Ferdinand II. the began 24 villages October out of
We remember
exodus. They went to Hungary and Sylvania; but here also they were harassed. The Turks and the Tartars came and carried away 26 people, among them a family of young girls While in Hungary named Gerber. ler. p. 65). ministers' whose two elected 1629— More Trouble for Ulrieh Baum- they down to us and are come have names gardner of Langnau. George Gaul and today familiar September 25th, of this year Ulrieh Hans or John Albrecht. These two Baumgardner was arrested in fhe men were Swiss too, just the same as evening aid taken to TrachtelwaUl and most of the exiles who first went to held until the beginning of October. Moravia from Zurich and Berne and
—
Then October 6th, he was taken to other Swiss towns, and then went Brene. As they were taking him along from Moravia to Hungary. We may the road he told them God would send pause her to note that Caesar speaks a great punishment upon them and a of Gaul in his "Helvetian War"; and sundown, a thus it is not remarkable that "Gaul" meteor should be the surname of some Swiss great blazing and became all and air shot through the Here in Lancaster County families. terrified; but nothing more happened. we have the Golls, the Galls and December 2nd, he was put on the others perhaps modifications of old rack because he would not divulge the Swiss ancestral names, (Muller, p. names of the Mennouite leaders of 101). the Langnau district. David Amman, Herr Heinberg, Court Clerk, George 1632— Myers— Egli— Bender and Other Langhams and Jacob Fenner of the Swiss >"anies. Reformed Church had charge of his We have called attention to the torture, and they quoted scriptures to names of Gerber. Gaul and familiar him to prove to him that the word of Albright, in their ancient evironments God required him to disclose the of nearly 300 years ago. So too, now names. When that failed they used other common eastern Pennsylvania the rack to convince him that he names were found in Switzerland and should tell. But he refused. the Countries that became asylums most Benedict a time same About the for them about the same time and then leaders Mennonite Mennonite a composed them of Baumgardner now church that of in pillars years likewise few in a appeared Hymn. It three different versions and was a hear at home. In 1632 there appear such Swiss as pretty general iise among the Swiss Hans Myer and Hans Egli. mentioned Taufers, (Muller, p. 123). out because the name by Jacob Emsler— also Andreas BenI set this little
later in the day, at
hissing
—
DORTRECHT (HOLLAND) CONFESSIONS OF FAITH
.82
der, sicklemaker.
They were
elected
deacons and ministers of the early They were found in Mennonites. Hungary, too, refugees from Switzerland. Between the kings and the people and the Turks they had a hard life. The Turkish War of 1665 nearly wiped out entirely the congregations of Mennonites in Hungary, (Miiller, p. 101).
—
1632 The Dortrecht and Earlier Mennonite Confessions of Faith. This was a jubilee year in the history of the Mennpnite cult. Their first great confession of Faith or Creed was completed and issued to the world from Dortrecht, Holland on
Here is set forth a belief in the foreordination of salvation through Christ. IV.
The Coming
of
Christ.
Here
they say that the word at the proper time was made flesh. V. The Law of Christ, i. e., the Holy Gospel. Here it is confessed that before ascension, Christ instituted his New Testament and sealed the same and left it to the disciples.
Repentance and Reformation of Here it is declared that the imaginations of all men's hearts are evil and that faith and repentance are VI.
Life.
necessary to
all.
VII. Holy Baptism. Here they set forth that there can be no effective baptism, before years of understanding are reached. Only penitent believers may be baptized. This was one of the chief beliefs that brought thousands and hundreds of thousands of these people into torture and death through perhaps 500 years.
April 21st. This was not the first confession of Faith of this people. At Amsterdam, September 27, 1627, a code of "Spiritual Instruction" which was virtually a primitive confession of faith, was drawn up. It was more nearly a VIII. The Church of Christ. Here primitive catechism in the form of is set forth, belief in the "visible questions and answers. church," viz: those who repent and There was also another confession are baptized. They alone are the drawn up at Amsterdam, October 7, "chosen royal priesthood." 1630, taking up belief in God and the IX. Election and Office of Teachproper manner of living. At the end ers, Deacons and Deaconesses. "Christ of this confession it is recited that it instituted offices and ordinances and was done by the "undersigned min- gave himself as the chief shepherd isters, teachers and elders of the and bishop of our souls." He proUnited Friesic and High German vided ministers, apostles, evangelists, Churches" for themselves, as well as pastors and teachers, whom through their fellow-brethren and strangers the Holy Ghost he had chosen and assembled at Amsterdam subscribed such he meant should be continued to by the fourteen persons, heads of successively. Also that honorable the church for them and for all the aged widows should be chosen deachurches whom they were sent to conesses. represent. The "Friesic" churches X. The Holy Supper. This is an were those of Friesland, Holland. ordinance in "remembrance of him." Then came the Dortrecht confession It is not his actual body and blood. of 1632. This work takes up: XI. Washing of Feet. This is ad-
—
—
I.
II.
God and the Creation. The Fall of Man. This
sets by the "fall"
forth the belief that man became ruined, separated and estranged from God and that all would have been eternally lost had not God made provision otherwise. III.
The Restoration Through
Christ.
monished
mark
to be literally done, of humility.
The
XII.
as
a
State of Matrimony. This between free believing
shall be only
persons.
A churchman
any one not XIII.
Here
is
not to marry
zt the church.
Secular Authority of Officers. distinctly taught that seen-
it is
THE DORTRECHT CONFESSION OF FAITH lar civil
and
authority officers
are
government
and
by
God
instituted
83
almost extreme southwest corner of Holland; delegates from Vlissingen, that no now called Flushing, only a couple of
and are to be obeyed by all; one must despise or revile officers of miles from the last place, a town of government, but honor them; must 13,000 people; delegates from Amsterfaithfully pay taxes and customs; all dam now containging 400,000 people, must pray for them and for the pros- the great Dutch City on the Znyder Zee, and among these delegates were perity of the country. David ter Haer, Peter Singel, Tobias notice because important to This is Govertzs, Peter Moyer and Abraham notion pervails more or false less a Dirks; delegates from Haerlem, a city government people oppose that these and decay it. This is not the fact. of 50,000, about 15 miles directly west Certain brances of them do not take of Amsterdam; delegates from Bompart in the operations of government; mel, a small place; from Rotterdam, a city of 200,000 people, about 20 miles but they all heed it and support it. XIV. Revenge. admonished southwest of the Hague, among whose It it delegates were Shoenmacher and there must be no retaliation. XV. Swearing of Oaths. Here it Michaels; delegates from the upper parts of the County; from Krevelt is required that swearing of oaths is Westphalia, Germany, in abolished by the Savior and that there (Crefeld) shall be no more than the sanction of near the Holland boundary, one of whose delegates was the famous Her"Yea" and "Nay" to any statement. man Updegroff; delegates from ZeeXVI. Ecclesiastical Ban. Those
who
church law must be separated from it and purged out of it reproved before all. This is for example to others. But on amendviolate the
ment they may be re-admitted. XVII. Shunning the Separated. Here it is argued that those who peron being wicked separate themfrom God and must be held separate from God's people and must be shunned. Yet if the shunned be needy, thirsty, hungry and sick he must be ministered unto. This shunning is without distinction and exsist
selves
tends to members of the famly. XVIII. Resurrection and Last Judgment. Belief that all who have died shall awaken at the last day is asserted, and they with those who are then living shall be changed in the twinkling of an eye. The confession is then concluded by the statement that this was done in the United Churches in the City of Dortrecht, the 21st day of April, 1632. It was signed by delegates, froin, Dortrecht, a city now of 33,00 people about 30 miles southeast of the famous Hague; delegates from Middleburg, now a city of 17,000 on the
whom was
among
land,
Cornelius
Moir (Myers) delegates from Schiedan; from Leyden, Holland, 22 miles southwest of Amsterdam; from Blackziel; from Ziericzee; from Gorcum; from Aunhum and from Utrecht. Utrecht has 40,000 people and is about 15 miles south of Amsterdam. !\Iost of these places are in Holland and most of the Churches assembled and represented were Holland Mennonite Churches, but the western borders of Germany were also rep;
resented,
(Mirror,
36). fact is, however, that at this time and at this gather-
The
p.
prominent
Mennonite the Dortrecht, in ing Church took on its great constitution and laid the general foundation of its doctrine and has been, in the main, the model of the church as in later years it spread to other countries and grew In strength and numbers, until this day. There is only one thing of importance to add to the above, and that is that this Dortrecht confession of Faith, as the foundation of the Mennonite Church, was in 1727 translated into
German and English and adopted
THE PALATINATE RECEIVES MENNONITE REFUGEES
84
America in 1727, by a conference of phine in 1688; but it was restored to Mennonite ministers of Skippack, the Empire by the Treaty of Rysand Conestoga, here in Pennsylvania, wick." (Palatinate Refugees in Engthis Palatinate, Into among whom were Hans Burkholder, land, p. 26). Christian Herr, Benedict Brackbill, therefore, as early as 1634 and earlier Martin Baer of our county and others. the persecuted Mennonites of SwitzerAnd thus was planted here among us land flocked because the Count Palaalmost a hundred years after its tine allowed much freedom of readoption in Holland, the same con- ligious thought and practice. fession of Mennonite faith that guided 1635 A New Persecution of Mennoin
15
—
fathers
the
for
centuries,
(Miiller,
nites about Zurich.
369).
1632
— The
Mennouites of Alsace Join
In Dortrecht Confession.
Soon after the Dortrecht confession
was
signed, the faithful of other secThroughout tions joined in it also. apthe churches Lorraine Alsace the of thousands By 1660 it. proved Huguenots embraced it. The Palatinate also received it both before and
—
after the great Swiss immigration of Among the prominent Swiss 1671.
who
signed
beli
and Rudolph
After the execution of Hans Landis 1614, the persecutions in Switzerland died out for about 20 years. But against the in 1635 the old hatred non-resisting sect of Christians broke out afresh from the Reformed Church, and then the State Church in SwitzThis persecution led by the erland. Zwinglians was not new; because in 1525 Zwingli himself pronounced deyears crees against them over 100 before the persecutions of 1635. The cause of the persecution was the conversion of a rich and influenin
—
there were Jacob SchneEgli. So J;oo, the tial citizen of Zurich named Henry Schmidts, Scheiders, Fricks and others F He was chosen ensign and signed, (Muller, p. 195). requested to serve as an officer in the army. But being a believer in the 1634— The Palatinate Comes into Ke Mennonite or Baptist faith he refused ligious Prominence. to perform military duty and instead A writer about 1709 at the time of entered the Baptist convent. This Exodus into England, enraged the Government against the the German it
.
"The poor Palatines who are ob- Mennonites. A mandate was issued from Zurich charity inhabijects of our present tated lately a principality in Germany that all must attend the State Church called the Palatinate, which is divided — the Reformed Church or lose their and Lower Palati- liberty. They refused and toward the into the Upper arnate. The Upper belongs to the Duke end of 1635 many of them were imprisoned. Many of Bavaria and the Lower to Count rested and also but the prominent ones reIt takes its broke jail Palatine of the Rhine. name from the Count Palatine, who mained confined. Rudolph Egli, Uhli formerly owned the whole and admin- Schmidt and Hans Muller. They were probation; but istered justice in the Emperor's name. let out on a month's The city of Philipsburg was first the not willing to yield their faith, were chief city of the Palatinate. It was put back again, (Mirror, p. 1049). in the upper part on the Rhine river. 1636 Progress of the New Swiss It was taken six times; by the ImperPersecutions. ialists in 1633; by the Swedes in 1634; by the Imperialists in 1636; by This year in August and September the Prince of Conde in 1644; by the and in the beginning of 1637, nearly Germans in 1676; and by the Dau- all the Taufer or Mennonite brethren said,
—
;
—
BRUBAKERS, LANDISES,
EG'LES.
and sisters of Switzerland, but principally in Zurich, were summoned before the political authorities as well as before certain ecclesiastical authorities, whom the Government delegated for the purpose.
they were
F'irst
summoned
Castles of Wadischwyl on
to
the
Lake
AND MYT.IXS
nonites fire
and
IN
JAIL
85
apprehend
them. The was now raging. ceremony they entered
of persecution
Without houses of believers, took whatever they wanted and abused women and children. Scores of men they imprisoned among criminals. A damp prison at Othenbach was the worst
Zumiles place. Of those captured were Jacob Russouth of Zurich; and of Groenigen, 20 miles east of Zurich, and compelled to terholtz and Peter Brubach or Brurich
;
of
Knownau about twenty
bacher of Wadischwyl also a Hans Landis (the second) a minister of the Church of Horgerburg and his daughter Margaret Landis. She reA second time they were summoned mained in Othenbach prison about 60 to the same place and ordered to atweeks. While they were in prison tend the Reformed services. They were next summoned to Zurich the authorities sold all of their property for 7000 guilders. (especially all leaders) and commandRudolph Egly was again imprisoned ed to give up their views and cease at Zurich, his children driven out of teaching their beliefs as to infant bapthe house, the house destroyed and tism, the Lord's supper and the diseverything confiscated to the Governcipline of ex-communication. ment, (Mirror, 1051). A fourth time they were compelled These facts were written up by Marto appear as under arrest and give tin' Meyli, a Mennonite historian, who complete inventories of their properhimself passed through these tortures all movties and estates, especially of 1635 to 1660 and wrote of personal cautioned to property, and not able knowledge. He is quoted by the Mir dispose of any of it. After having all give their names, surnames, residences, ages, ancestry, etc., so that they could be watched.
projierty registered placed under arrest.
their
A
they
were
ror also.
1«37— Tlie
time they were sent for and the castles and given the alternative of attending the Reformed Church or being lodged in jail. They begged permission to leave the country with their goods. This was re-
Mejils,
fifth
brought
fused.
to
(Mirror,
Muller
p.
1050).
gives
substantially (p. the same account, except that he tells us that a commission of Reformed Church-men rode about on horseback to the various towns and sought out the Mennonites and had them sent to the Castles to be intimidated out of 70)
their religion, etc.
1637
;
— Bmbakers,
Landises and
Effles
in Zurich Juils.
In 1637 a perfect
swarm
of beadles,
sent were and sheriffs throughout all Zurich to spy out Menbailiffs
.Mylins or
Mcilens
Suffer.
The ancient European home
of the Mylins, seems, to have Mr. been in the Canton of Zurich. Schnebeli, a present day Swiss hisThere was a torian tells us this. Claes Meiliss in Holland in 1542 (MirPeter Von der ror, p. 448), and a Mdiilin in Ghent in 1564 (Do., 640). Whether they were the same family as the Meilins, we can not tell. Reliable history of the ancestry of our preseut Lancaster County Swiss Mylins exists from 1637. In the Kno— now Bailiwick in Switzerland the and aged Hans persecution raged; Meyli, a Mennonite minister was imprisoned that year. They also took She w^as imhis son Martin's wife. prisoned a long time at Ottembach, about 8 miles southwest of Zurich
Meilins
now
HANS HERR AND HANS MUELLER
86
and treated severely. They took all of the elder Mylin's property. About a year later they caught two of Hans Meyli's sons, Martin and Hans, Jr. and imprisoned them at Zurich where they were held in chains
and hand-
cuffs.
Their
children
(grandchildren
Meyli, Sr.) as poor forsaken orphans were put out among strangers. One of these, Martin by name, a son of Hans Meyli, Jr. and a nephew of Martin, the Swiss historian cited by the Mirror was one of the band of pioneer settlers of Lancaster County in 1710 on Pequea Creek, ( Mirror, p. 1052 and Rupp, p. 74).
Herr,
and the possession of their race to the latest generation and the coat of arms yet rightly belongs to the present living family of Herr. ;
of
Hans
1639— Hans
Hall, a written testimonial proving for his flourishing family their coat of arms, their free and noble descent
Lancaster County Pioneer Born.
E. B.
Recorded Families,
Book 1639
5,
VIEN.
the Register of Noble with their coat of Arms, in
page
—Barbara
258.
and
Elizabeth
Meyiin
and Others Suffer for Their Faith.
The Mirror
(p.
1053)
relates
that
year Barbara and Elizabeth Mylin and two other sisters in the faith, Barbara Kolbin Ottila Miilerin and this
They were suffered for their faith. not executed, however, for they managed to escape from the prison of Ottenbach, the location of which town we have mentioned. They were also relatives of the aged Hans Mylin.
This year, Hans Herr, leader of the Pioneer band of Lancaster County, which settled near Willow Street in West Lampeter Township, Pennsylvania, was born on September 17, near Zurich. He died in 1725 and 1639— Another Hans Miiller of Canwas buried in the Cemetery of the ton Zurich, Suffers. Brick Mennonite Church just east of We have set out the troubles of a Willow Street (Herr Genealogy, p. Hans Miiller of Medikon, Switzerland
under date of 1529 (See Supra., p. 34). Following the title page of the Herr More than one hundred years later Genealogy occurs the statement: the name Miiller again comes into "The race of Herr descended from prominence, through persecution in a very ancient family;— is free that is cruel Switzerland. The sufferer again is a 'Hans" Miiller. to say of noble origin; likewise The Mirror under date of 1635 (p. from time immemorial its knights were brave and worthy possessing 1050) refers to this pillar of faith as in Schwaben vast and rich estate, the defending the "poor fund" of the name which was called and written, Church, which they tried to make Herr von Bilried. The father of the him give up. His home was in Gi'iinrace was called the Schwabish Knight ingen, about 12 miles southeast of Hugo, the Herr or Lord of Bilried. Zurich. He was released but 4 yearsIn the year 1009 flourished and was later was again imprisoned, viz: in known to all, the family from whom 1639. He was a powerful factor in the Church and so zealous that of Herr is descended. But in the Mennonite fifteenth century several of the race were the officers to find him a second resigned their nobility and settled as time, that like ravening wolves they citizens. They, however, retained ran through his neighbors' houses to their noble name and their coat of find him. He had escaped from his arms, and in the year 1593 John Herr house and when they came to it and as Lord of Bilried obtained from the broke it open and found he was gone,, Emperor Ferdinand in Schwabish they broke open chests and drawers 1).
—
,
—
THE SNYDERS. WEBERS, ASIANS AND THE AMISH
87
and took all the property they could they followed a dissenting Mennonite They threatened his little chil- named Aman, in Europe. In 1639 we get. they find that Burkhard Aman v/ho lived dren with bare swords that would kill them if they did not re- by the border of Lake Zurich, was "
arrested for his faith, taken to Zurich and condemned and then taken to the Ottenbach i)rison where so many Mennonites suffered. But his year in formed churches of Zurich, that no prison was so cruel that he became one would be allowed to lodge or give ill and shortly after his release died. Amish abound in Lancaster food or drink to Hans Miiller, from The County and other southeastern Pennthe Groeningen Bailiwick under sesylvania sections, (Mirror, p. 1054). vere penalty. Egle of same year Jacob The Then they deceived him and sent Zurich as we near Gruningen district, abroad a proclamation that he would and was arrested stated, have before be allowed a three weeks' safe conwas imZurich at short trial after a duct to argue v/ith him, if he came dungeon, Ottenbach prisoned in the forth. He trusted this and went to the convent specified to discuss the during a year and a half. He was so matter but as he was about to leave miserably treated that he died in he was arrested in breach of faith prison, rather than give up Ms faith,
They took his wife and put her bound in the loathsome Ottenbach prison. Then a proclamation was announced in the Reveal his whereabouts.
.
and taken
to Ottenbach; imprisoned 60 weeks, of which he spent 16 weeks in chains. (Mirror, p. 1053). As to the Miillers, Zurich always had and now has many "Mliiller" (Millers). Mr. Schnebeli says a branch of the Miillers came in the early times from Zurich; but the Miillers were early distributed in Berne and in
(Do.).
The same year George Weber, an
man of Kiburg, a city 15 miles southeast of Zurich on a branch of the Rhine, was arrested for his faith and taken to Ottenbach dungeon and He also befed on bread and water. came sick and died soon after his reBesides being imprisoned, both lease. Egli and Weber were sentenced to pay 500 guilders annually as fine to the authorities, which if not paid was to be levied on their property until it was all consumed; unless they gave old
Germany and elsewhere. However, he says the whole Canton of Zurich is full of Mtiillers. Among the dead in the battle of Kappel in Affaltern. Canton of Zurich, where Zwingli was killed on October 11, 1531, were found up their religion, (Do.). nine Miillers, from Wipkengen, ZolliAffaltern. kon, Kussnach, Thalvil, Lzattiken, Hetlingen, Wetzekon and Mr. Switzerland. all in Gollikon, Schnebeli say that the Miillers have always held prominent offices, did valiant and distinguished services for the state at home and abroad, and produced many able statesmen, such as Miiller of Friedberg, of St. Gallen, and the historian Miiller, of Schaffhausen. He says, also, that the President of Switzerland in 1909 was a
Webers and the modern Weavers numerous i n Lancaster very are County. They first located here about Hans Weber 1711, just 200 years ago. Bundely Rudolph having bought the containing 530 acres, forming the north-eastern section of the original settlement of 6400 acres in our country, (See map following page 75, Vol. XIV, Lancaster County Historical Society, Reports or appendix, to s^id tract
volume).
The same year Ulli Snyder from about ten miles southWadischwyl, 1639— The A mans, E^les, Snjders, east of Zurich on the south side of Webers and Zehnders Suffer. Lake Zurich and four miles beyond because It is perhaps known to all that our Horgen suffered imprisonment him to tortured They faith. his because of Amish brethren are so called
Miiller.
88
THE HESS FAMILY— HOLLAND LNTERCESSIONS
compel him to embrace the Common or Reformed mode of worship. He died steadfast in jail, (Do., 1055).
The same year Stephen Zehnder of Church at Knonow was
the Mennonite
4000 guilders without giving any of it back. A guilder is worth 40 cents in our money. Thus they took $1600 from this man. The exact home of the Hess family mentioned is not shown; but it was in the Canton of
imprisoned in a damp cellar of the Ottenbach jail and so treated that he Zurich somewhere. died of exposure and hardship, (Do.). The above we all recognize as com- 1639 IVetlierland Intercedes for the mon Lancaster, York, Berks and LebSwiss Meuounites. anon county names. The item seems It must not be concluded that the to show that while it is ordinarily Mennonites had no friends and helpers said that the forefathers of this secduring these awful days. The persetion of Pennsylvania are of German cution against them in Holland whch descent, that such tradition is not raged 100 years earlier had cooled and strictly accurate. They are originally they were held in favor there long Swiss. Many of our ancestors, howbefore 1639. In the Mennonite Arever, were pushed by prosecution from chives of Zurich there is an extract of Switzerland into Germany and parthe event of church affairs from 1639 ticularly into the Palatinate on the to 43; and also similar matter in the Rhine and lived there some years, Bern Archives. Casper Suter of the migrating from that place to Eastern Mennonite Church kept these records. Pennsylvania. Holland sent a commission to Zurich inquiring about these matters and 1639— The Hess Family Appear in stated that reports in Holland were to History. the effect that 20 people were being cruelly treated and imprisoned in OtHere we have one of the earliest tenbach that some of them are supnotices of the Hess family also numerHolland; and ous in this county and in southeastern posed to be subjects of that they remonstrate in a friendly Pennsylvania and from Pennsylvania way for all of them; but insist on the distributed far and wide numerous in the Virginias, in the middle West, release of any Dutch subjects that many of them in Chicago and in sec- may be imprisoned. There are reports by Ottibus also about these matters. tions beyond as well. inquiries were made later by Other The Mirror (p. 1056) notes- Hans or Berne, of Zurich asking how they John Jacob Hess in 1639 as a Minister treat Mennonites. We shall see, howof the Mennonite Church in Switzerever, that a little later Berne began a land, and earlier. The account states
—
—
—
series of persecutions as fierce as that he was arrested and imprisoned those of Zurich, (Muller, p. 166). three times, first in 1637. The third imprisonment lasted 88 weeks. But 1639 Zurich Tries to Explain and he, with others escaped. The account Apologize to the World for tJie says that he was stripped and confined Treatment of the Mennoin prison, in chains 16 weeks with nites. fellow prisoners. While he was in This apology was issued in 1639, jail they arrested and imprisoned his and was called out by the fact that the wife for her religion, in the Ottenbach inflicted by Zuricli moved a cruelties dungeon. There she got consumption and died after 63 weeks incarcer- large part of Europe to protest. HolThe Swiss land lead the protests. ation, (Do., 1056). The account also states that the authorities, incited by "the so called Church" to which the property of Jacob Hess was seized and Reformed sold by the authorities and sold for ofl!icers of the government belonged,
—
MEXXOXITES ANSWER THE ZURICH MANIFESTO
89
gave as their chief excuses for torturing the Meunouites the following reasons. That "they separated themselves from the obedience which they owed to the Christian Church"; that they refused to allow baptism to be performed upon little children which endangered their salvation; that they would not help defend the government against its enemies; and that
or Huffmeier, saying that at a conference in the Graef in 1523 they, as founders of the Reformed Church declared that infants should not be baptized; and that Zwingli made this the 18th Canon in his Book of Articles. The same, they say, was held by Oecolampadius in a letter to said Huffmeier or Hubmor. They declare that Sebasitan Hoffmeyster, an early
they were disobedient to the authorirefusing to help support the ties, government and obey its laws. This apology was intended to influence the nations to believe that Zurich and indeed the whole of Switzerland was compelled to take the rneasures they did, for the alleged reason that the foundation of the government was endangered by these Taufers or Mennonites and the established religion in danger, (Mirror, 10.^6).
Reformed Church preacher wrote to Hupmeir and said that at a council at Schaffhausen that infants must not be baptized. These are all Reformed
1639
— Ueplj to
the
Swiss Mennoiiites
of the
Zurich Manifesto.
The Mennonites of Switzerland immediately made reply to the apologies and explanations of the government officials and Reformed churchmen against them. As to separation from the Christian Church, they said this is not a fact, but that they adhere and always have adhered to the pure Word of God, and for this reason could not possibly be members of the Reformed Church, They say their chief persecutor now. leaders of the also that the original Reformed Church held the same views as the Mennonites still hold, when they were both persecuted by the Catholic Church but that now the ;
Reformed churchmen have entirely drifted away from the old beliefs while the Mennonites have still held on to them. They then take up the subject of baptism and show that originally the founders of the Reformed Church held the same view the Anabaptists or
Mennonites
now
hold.
They
Zwingli himself and Baltzer
founders. Schaffhausen is a city of 12000 population about 20 miles north from Zurich.
They also cited that Christopher Hogendorf, Cellarius, both Reformed fathers, early Reformed and the Church preachers at Strassburg, GerWolfgang Gapito, Cester many;
Mathew
Zell and others agree writing that originally there was no infant baptism. Concerning war or retaliation, they say that Lutherans who in the beginning were Calvinistic Reformed and the Reformed churchmen or Zwinglians, in the beginning believed the same as do the Mennonites. Among the earliest were Andrew Carlstadt who in his book dated 1524 wrote that war is against God's law- and must not be entered upon. They also cited Luther in the twenty-second article or a tract written by him in 1520, explaining why he burnt the "pope's books" as (the pope) Because he follows: Christian teaches that it is right for a violence with himself defend to against violence contrary to Matthew
Hedio,
in
this
5:40.
They show that in a tract printed at Wittenberg in 1522 it is set forth that Luther taught opposition to all war and against suits at law. They
concluded that Luther believed these views until he was "Seduced to another belief by the Jesuits even as cited Sleydonus ( a Jesuit) testifies". (Mir-
Hubmor
ror. 1056 to 58).
MENNONITE CODE OF ETHICS
90
They go on
show
that all the against Popery in 1520 in 1530 in 1540 were opposed to war and resistance and to oaths and to infant baptism. As to the charge that they do not support the government they deny it wholly. Thus they show that it was not they, the Mennonites, who departed from the Christian Church and its doctrines; but that the Reformed and the Lutherans departed from those first principles approved by all who opposed the Catholic Church, while the Mennonites have held on to those principles to this day.
foremost
—
1639
to
Reformers
— Charges
—
against
and
naren". ize
1639
The purpose was to organencouragement and
rules for the
protection of the faithful. Moral rules adopted to guide them. A society was
organized also to admonish all to the performance of these rules, and to keep before all the necessity of living pure lives and taking care of the poor, of aiding the preachers, etc. The society however did not keep any minutes of its proceedings until 1694. But there is plenty of evidence that it existed as early as 1639; and as late as 1716.
The
12
chief
articles
or
Answers adopted by them which were
of the Mennonites, Printed. Mviller tells us (165) that the Burgomeisters and the Great and Small Council of Zurich called the Council of 200 drew up formally the Menno-
read in
all
rules to
be
the churches once a year
were as follows:
When
a brother or sister marsecond time i;'ney should settle on the children of the first marriage nite situation there in 1639 stating an inheritance; and obey all the laws the acts of Zurich against them, the of the land. form of the judiciary by which they All costly and elaborate wed2. tried them and the impartiality of the dings must be avoided. All must be justice visited upon them. The state moderate and in the fear of God, paper was printed by Dr. Humberger after the example of Tobias so as not the same year in Zurich. It is a to dishonor God. quarto volume of 71 pages. 3. Young men and women must It is found also in Leonard Meister's not be allowed too much freedom in 'Helvetian Scenes of Visionariries," as their association. They must not he calls it. "keep company" with each other nor 1()^9— Holland Mennonites in Confer, engage themselves to marry without the consent of their parents or guarence Adopt Ethical Kules. dians; such a step must not be taken Mrs. Brons in her book, which I without that serious consideration have often referred to says (p. 135) which becomes a Christian. that, this year there was a conference 4. Those who are about to marry held by the Mennonites of Holland to from another place or town shall be formulate a code of moral rules for required ot produce a good recomdaily guidance. A year or two earlier mendation from the place in which there was a similar conference of the they dwell. This shall show whether Mennonites of four Holland cities; they are still free, also whether the but now the conference was general. bans have been published. Under the Peter Van Twisk seems to have law of Switzerland at this same time, brought it about. The Friesland bans were allowed to be published in churches led off. The principal meet- the Reformed church only; and no ing was on a day called the 'Lands- other but Reformed ministers were dag"; and the elders who attended as allowed to perform the marriage ceredelegates were called the "Landsdie- mony. 1.
ries a
CODE OF ETHICS— BERNE PERSECUTIONS In trading and in doing business are to avoid taverns as much as possible, because there one seldom learns anything good, and is very likely to become drunk. 6. No one must have business so tangled up that he will not be able to pay on the day and the hour when he should. The word pledged in business, must be kept, otherwise a person gets a bad name and so does the congregation. 7. No one is allowed to buy or They who do receive stolen goods. so. share the sin of stealing or rob5.
all
Mennonites; fine
lives
and
9t
we can
they exacted
see
from
what
all
be-
Those who violated these rules were "set back", and not allowed to participate in the rites of the church until they repented. They bear the caption "Twelve Articlea Promulgated in 16o9 by the Conference of the Congregations, and for the Preservation of Good Morals among lievers.
Themselves". All I need add
to the above is to attention to the fact that our Swiss, German and Holland ancestors call
were not crude
was
a
in
thought,
more or
but
re-
common-
bing.
fined.
8. No one shall engags himself to go on an armed vessel. As soon as
held opinion here in our country many years that, our ancient stock of Eastern Pennsylvania Germans were gross and voluptuous, and not concerned about the api)reciation nor the i)ractice of the delicate and refined. This has been an injustice
ascertained, Christian must get be pretty serious.) it
is
it
off.
is
armed the (This might
No one should use tobacco or make it a habit, time and money are wasted by 9.
necessarily,
unfor
It
less
ly
for
to them and a slander. it; While their offensve to others. This evil taste has not always been standard, always been, in reality, is getting so great in Holland since they have trade is open with America that in- sensitive and cultured. stead of hymn books to edify, many 1640 Canton Berne Betrins Persecugo for the tobacco pipe. (About this
and
it is
—
tion Anew. and wigs were introJan. IT this year, the Berne authorduced and the church said that they ities in Switzerland sent out a manwere introduced by Satan.) 10. No ornaments are to be allowed date to Aarwangen Soffingen, Aarburg on or in houses or ships but all must Kiburg, Thun, Signau, Brandis and By external orna- Trachelswald that on Jan. 23 there be made plain. ments the internal ornaments of the should be an inquisition upon the Mennonites for the purpose of finding soul are spoiled. 11. If a brother or sister move to heresy charges against them and vioanother town they must get a recom- lations of the laws and customs of mendation or a certificate of good Berne and the Reformed church. It character from the place or congrega- was decreed that the time had come tion from where he or she come, to for severe measures because their superstitions, service and intolerable show that he or she is decent. 12. No one must neglect to talk to practice kept on prospering and their and admonish the struggling brother sect kept on increasing, in spite of all who is "going wrong''. This must be that had been done against them thus done in brotherly love and sincerity. far (Miiller 132). Most of the above There must also be reprimand, but in places are between 10 and 20 miles a loving way and by taking the east, northeast and southeast of the city of Berne, in and near the famous .brother alone. These, says Brons, were the 12 main Emmenthal or Emmen Valley, the which the articles of conduct of the Friesian particular location from
time
tobacco
MANY LANCASTER COUNTY ANCESTORS SUFFER
92
pioneers came directly to the Pequea and the Conestoga in 1710. and later. About 1630 they had come into the Emmenthal from the Zurich region.
1640
—More
Eastern Peniisjhania Ancestry
Suffer.
were
imprisoned.
(Mirror
1059
to
1062).
All of the above names we recognize as quite common among the generality of Eastern Pennsylvania and especially Lancaster County populace today. These incidents are meant to throw a clear light on the particular location of the sturdy ancestry of the neighborhood nearly 300 years ago. The places mentioned above are. none of them, far distant from the two main centers of tyranny and torture Berne and Zurich.
About this time and afterwards, the following persons suffered throughout Switzerland for their religion's sake. Among them w^ere Werner Phister of Walischwyl who was imprisoned at Othenbach; Gallus Snyder of the same place, put in the same prison; also Rudolph Bachman a very old man of 1641 Amsterdam, Holland, Becoming the same district who was bound to a a Powerful Supporter of sled and dragged to the same prison, Mennonites. where he was placed in chains until his death; also Henry Schnebli (now Muller relates that, this (p. 166) Suavely) of Knownow who was im- year Amsterdam received news of the prisoned for his religious views with persecution of Mennonite brethren by criminals in Zurich; about the same Zurich and began another examinatime Hans Rudolph Bauman (or Bow- tion. Zurich contended that the reman) of Horgerberg, imprisoned in ports were exaggerated. The AmsterZurich.after having been robbed by the dam authorities sent Isaac Hataver, State church and the government of an influential merchant of the Reformhis property worth over 3000 guilders; ed or Lutheran church of Holland to about the same time Ulrich Mliller of investigate. In the year 1642 Godfried Kiborg first imprisoned at Zurich and, Hattonus who was pastor of the French then thrown into the dungeon of church at Amsterdam began the agitaOthenbach where he dii^d; at the same tion for investigation, by writing to time also Oswald Landis who with his Zurich about the terrible reports that wife and two daughters-in-lav/ were came to Holland. He received an animprisoned in the Othenbach dungeon; swer from Antistis Breitinger, telling also his son Jacob Landis, and his en- him the facts pretty fairly. Then same pamphlets were printed and circulattire family, imprisoned in the Henry time place; about the same ed in Holland calling public attention Fricken and Hans Ring of the neigh- to the furious conduct of Berne and borhood of Knowow; a year or two Zurich. A pamphlet was started, a later Felix Landis of Horgerberg (son strong monograph came out against of Hans Landis who was beheaded in the doctrines of the Baptists or Men1614) who was imprisoned at Othen- nonites, alleging it to be a heresy foach and nearly starved to death after calculated to overthrow the governrobbing him of 5,000 guilders; in 1643 ment by Petros Bontemps, minister of Elizabeth Bachman of Gruningen and the "Gallicana" in Harlem (Holland). Verena Landis also suffered threats To this Yost Hendricks (perhaps an and imprisonment; also at the same ancestor of Laurens Hendricks whom time Barbara Neff and Barbara Ruff or we shall mention later) made reply, Rupp of the Knowow district; also painting the Swiss persecution of the In Martha Lindne and Anna Blau, (after- Mennonites as black as night. wards married to Moneth Meylich with 1643 Bontemps replied, in which he "Whom she moved to the Palatinate), made it appear there was no persecu-
—
—
DANZIG AND ELBING MENNONITES GOOD FARMERS Then three on at all. by the issued were pamphlets strong Mennonites of Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Haarlem respectively, showing that in truth the Swiss persecutions Several editions of were terrible. and greedily read printed, these were wth indigaaflame v,as until Holland There were Switzerland. tion against tioiu going
93
instead, he would not interfere with their goods. These Mennonites, many of them, lived in the "Vaterns" that is, on islands on the delta of the Vistula River or on swampy land;
money
—
and because they did not serve in the army they were made to pay very heavy fines or rents to the government, because of the false accusations the chamberlain made against them. to attention calling other productions They had to pay fifty gulden rent, Chrisdefenceless the suffering of the per hide. A hide is a small piece of appeal tians; and thi-s brought on the enough for two persons to live land, Holfrom the Holland government. whole sum collected from The on. land was a pov/er in those days, to dwelt in the swamp land who those whose voice all European nations paid fifty-thousand gulden; and about was attention. from Dantzig several thousand. 1641— Pro iniuent Hamburgers Became The Mennonites comi)lained of this Mennonites. suffering and the Land Court took it On the extinction of the Shumberg up and relieved them from these grievking, Christian ances. The king of Prussia saw that line the succeeding him. the IV of Denmark, who at the time the chamberlain had deceived was Duke of Holstein became a friend and gave them new privileges. He alof the Mennonites; and the congrega- so compelled his officer, the chambertion of Altona opposite Hamburg, and lain, to destroy the written authority also gained privileges. In he had given to him. After that, their condition was happy in the neighborhood of the Dantzig, and they took namely families, Hamburg principal new heart and built dykes, drained w^ho families Goverts the Roosen and the swampy land, and cultivated that Mennobecame The governhad large warehouses, which was desolate. (Brons 256). nites. ment protected them in their rights. 1«42— The Dantziff and ElMng Menno- The king said that the dykes which they built along the Drausees and the nites of tlie Baltic Become the in
Hamburg
spite of the raillery of the Lutherans, the Mennonites grew. Some of the
Sogat Rivers were splendid examples These Mennonites loto posterity. northeastern part of in the cated were driven out of they Prussia when gave them exalso Holland. The king forever. taxes war emption from (Brons p. 256).
Best Farmers of Europe.
the Mennonites of northwestern Prussia were left in peace; but then a new storm broke loose, especially about Elbing in Prussia. The Chamberlain of the king Bladislaus the IV, namely Willibald of Hexburg made the king of Prussia suspicious 1642— Kupps Account of Mennonite about the Mennonites; and he got a Sufferings at This Date. warrant or written authority from the We have given in a prior item from king, to drive the Mennonites out, because they hurt the trade of the other other sources the names of Lancaster Thia County ancestors, who suffered from people in Dantzig and Elbing. of paper allowed the officer to seize the 1640 onward. Rupp in his history that, Mennonites' goods and to use them Lancaster County (page 72) says He started to carry out among those who suffered was Hans for himself. Jacob Hess, Rudolph the instructions, and then arranged Miller, Hans Until 1642,
that
if
they would give him a
sum
of
Bachman, Ulrich
Miller.
Oswald Lan-
MANDATES AND SUFFERINGS
34
IN
ZURICH
Fanny Landis, Barbara Neff, Hans the faith and this is why Zurich is Meylin and his two sons. He says punishing them. Something must be that these sufferings occurred about done to help these people." 1643. This is what Hendricks wrote about the condition at the very time the 1643 Joost Hendricks Account of suffering was going on. (Brons p. dis,
—
Suffering in Zurich.
201).
This year, when thirty men and women of the Mennonite faith were in the Ottenbach prison of Switzerland, a Christian man of Holland named Joost Hendrick wrote about their sufferings. We have spoken before of the series of pamphlets written upon these hardships; but we now quote a part of Hendrick's letter written to Bontemps whom we have also mentioned before. He says, upon the refusal to leave their lands, persecution
and imprisonment followed; and in a short time these people were compelled to pay about eighty- thousand Eeichthalers. They were also imprisoned in a horrible manner so iorrible it cannot be described. About Easter there were thirty of them imprisoned in a small, dark dungeon. Most of them were so sick that they looked like dead. They even had women fast in chains.
—
1644
— Anotlier
Futile
3Ijin(late
from
Zurich.
This year a final mandate was issued against Mennonites preaching throughout Switzerland. After this
mandate and
failure there
its
was a
season of freedom allowed the Mennonites.
This edict demanded that there should be no more Mennonite preaching that no one should attend any services the Mennonites attempted to hold nor should any person harbor or give aid any of them. All to judges and magistrates and sheriffs and Reformed preachers and elders and adherents and God-fearing people were to help execute this edict under
— —
penalty.
A
final
effort
was made
former decrees of
to put
the
and 1597 into because as they
1.5S5
execution, in 1644 the condition about Zurich. said the Mennonite heresy was taking A man named Isaac Hattaver, a Men- deeper root than ever (Miiller 136). were particularly directed nonite elder in Amsterdam, also states Efforts against the teachers and leaders. they suffered, the greatest in NetherThe authorities were first to reagreat excitement land, and were in the offenders and if that did son with and offered prayers for their Swiss bring imprison them not the result to brethren daily. They are satisfied the worst representations were the truth. confiscate their goods and do whatever So they sent their brother Hattaver to may be needed. Those arrested were (Do. 134.) call on business friends in Zurich and to be sent to Zurich. get the truth. He did so. He got a 1644 The Proniiuent Swiss Names, letter to the prisoners; and admonStauffer, Z'ug and INeuhauser ished them to be mild; and they may
This
is
—
He says permission to leave. Holland. We come to "They hope to can get about to $200.00 to help them. "Zurich claims that the Mennonites were disobedient and must be treated harsh. Our brethren say they did make a hole in the wall and broke out of jail; it was so bad they could not stay. They say the people are joining
Appear.
get
In an edict promulgated throughApril 11, out the region of Berne 1644, a demand was made upon all adherents by the Reformed loyal Church to capture the leaders of the Mennonite "heresy" throughout the Among these the mandate orland. Christian particularly that dered
Stauffer,
Uli
GROWTH
IN
Neuhus
(or
BERNE—GOCHNAUERS APPEAR probably
examination was ended, what they
this
now Xeuhauser) and Uli Zuagg (like- would do. It appears ly now Zug or Zook) should be captured at all hazards. Their names we recognized as that of a numerous progeny now throughout eastern Pennsylvania and Lancaster County. It was ordered that these were "seducers"' of the people should be sent to Zurich. But their homes seem to have been in the neighborhood of
Thun,
Trachelswald
and
—-llt'nuonite
Growth
in
Their chief inquisitor was, Rev. Mark Ruttimyer. The principal Mennonites examined were Hanz Tester and Hans Glur. They declared for themselves and their followers that: (1)
They
(2)
Such separation is demanded by Holy Writ and the state church does not compel it.
Soffingen,
places in the Berne district. (Miiller 132 and 133. It was declared Oct. 26, 1644 that theretofore there had been much "winking" at the mandates; but now they were to be enforced rigidly.
1G44
that Yeagley and all the Mennonite leaders first above mentioned were at this examination.
other
will persist in separation because of the ungodly life of the state church.
Because of this stand taken by these Mennonites their free and safe conduct was violated; and Tester, Peyer the Berne and Yeagley were all imprisoned.
District.
The Mennouites of Aarau and Lenzburg near Berne were becoming particularly prosperous. Also near Zofingen or Soffingen. about half way between Zurich and Berne on a branch of the Rhine, there were many them. of Of their principal ones there were Hans Stentz, a teacher in Ober-Culm, Rudolph Kunzli (now Kunzler or Kinsley), also Hanz Yeagli of Adra, Hanz Dester and Solomon Yeagley (Muller 105 and Ottius). Three of the Aarau Mennonites, when they heard of the new edict, declared they were ready to go and defeud their religion. It was arranged that they should be heard by the clergy of the Reformed Church; and were assured they would have safe conduct granted them, to come to the hearing and to go back again. But no Zurich brethren would be allowed to come and be present at the debate and proceedings to hear whether they made an able exposition or not. All Zurich Mennonites must get out of the country. But to allow the Berne Mennonites to see their wrong, the mandate would be suspended till May 27. 1644 and they could decide after
(Muller 105). 1644
— Kexin'te
from Persecution
in
Zurich
Says the Mirror (p. 1063) that from 1644 to 1654 persecution abated. And in that time there is no record of any having died in prison of bad treatment or bad food.
— Gochnaiiors,
1644
Iliibers
and Hainu-
grartners SuiYer in Ziiricli
About Mirror
this (p.
time,
according to
the
1064) Mennonites or Ana-
baptists of Zurich of the names above specified suffered for their religion at the hands of the Government, which was now in the charge of the Re-
formed Church. .Jacob Gochnauer from Groeniiige.i Bailiwick about 10 miles southeast of Zurich near the famous field of Greifensee was first driven out of tho conntry, his family separated, and all his On his attempt to possessions sold. return and find his children he was caught and thrust into the horrible miles 6 l)rison of Ottenbach about southwest of Zurich on the Reuss clothes and his River, deprived of dressed in a gray coat and fastened Hans Huber from with chains.
^
DAVID SHAAR'S EXCOMMUNICATION AND PARABLE
96
Horgerburg was also imprisoned in the poor ignorant sheep went out afthe Ottenbach dungeon with eleven ter its nourishment on the pasture fastened many years. other Mennonites and was After long time it was with chains and his wife and sister hurt by a thorn and it bled a little. This was noticed by the shepherd and driven into exile. Jacob Baumgartner an old man of he cried out it shall hurry and come 70 years had been imprisoned for his to him. He set the time, the hours faith 5 times and each time escaped, and the day and said "if it did not but was now again apprehended and come, its injury might not be healed thrown into Ottenbach prison. He at all." Now this poor sheep is old was fastened to chains, deprived of and weak and the road is long and unhis clothes and clad in a gray coat, even and it thought to itself "How fed on bread and water, put in irons will it be if this shepherd does not and hand-cuffed and his property sold have the right salve to heal if you do for 500 gilders and the money taken by the government. These are all familiar names in Eastern Pennsylvania and also in other parts of the United States, whence they have migrated viz.: to
go to him; for many times before when you were hurt and wounded your Lord and master who had bought you healed you himself". Consequently he went to the Lord and found
walks of
hurt,
some relief. Then the hired man cried Indiana, Illinois and Kansas; and al- more and more that it should come to insert this article him and his colaborers if it wants to I so in Canada. ancient be healed. Now it did not want to the in this series to show home of the ancestors of our people despise the undershepherd and gave having the same name and now promi- an account verbal and written of what nent in many sections and in many had happened to it; and how it got 1C44
life.
—Interesting Shaar
to Uli
Zaugg or Zugg.
In the district of Diesbach, about 10 miles northeast of Berne lived Shaar and Zaugg or Zugg, above named. According to M'iiller (p. 117) Shaar, for some reason not revealed, was excommunicated from the Menuonite Church of Switzerland, and (it seems) in
having
done. Shaar thereupon wrote following letter: "Dear Friendly Uli Zaugg:
For your treatment
all
From David undershepherd
Letter
Zaugg was instrumental
but
of
me,
this
him the
I
will
was
of
no
avail.
could not cure
it.
The The
undershepherd then complained that and he made it stayed out too long; the injury seem so great and incurable. He then resolved with them it was not worth any more than that it should be killed and its misery ended. Therefore, the shepherd said, he does not want anything more to do with the sheep. But the poor sheep was not content with this and could not understand why it should be adjudged that his life be forfeited. When the master of this sheep shall come and give these shepherds their wages and when he asks of this shep-
pass no invidious judgment for the high arch-angel Michael did not dare herd what he deserves, what do you to judge any, only over Satan; but think, Uli, you would give him as pay Now I will tell you a parable and submit it for what you did in this case? There was a mas- I pray thee, you will be judge in an to your judgment. ter who had bought a sheep, as he did impartial manner when appealed to by many times. It was not as fine as the the Lord over all, whose judgment you others, but he gave as much for it as will have to bear. Herein I place you under the benign any of the others. He gave this one And protection of our Lord. And I, too, to the charge of the hired man.
—
ZUG AND SHAAR APPEAR— THE RACK USED. with my Lord who has bought me with his blood, and not with gold or silver. Therefore I will stay right with the universal church whose head is Christ. At times I will gladly go where the Holy Gospel is But with read, taught and preached. and judgrespect to unjust courts ments and power, which the people scmetimes, adjudge to themselves or usurp, to that my heart and conscience and my mind will never be Should the Almighty God bound. the benevolent God, in Heaven will it, he will give them all the wisdom to do these things, that they may govern with righteousness and justice, because they do not only hold Court by the people and account to them; but they must account to God also, who will finally be the judge of all of us. May he be merciful to us all, through stay
will
9'
very numerous
now
Berne
and especially in the of Aarau, Lenzburg
district,
three counties
throughout
and Sofiingen, (Miiller
the
105).
1644— The Berne Mandates Begin In
December
mandate was ordered to
of this year a
was promulgated.
It
particularly in Thun, be published Burgdorf, Langenthal, Brugg and other places. The authorities in these l)!aces were compelled to make a list of the children not baptized; and of the marriages entered into and not completed in the state church. It was decreed that all children of such marTo the unriages were illegitmate. were issued to der-sheriffs orders make an inventory of the possessionsof all these Mennonite people; and ta arrest all obstreperous ones and bring them to Berne to the jail and their Christ. Amen. children to the Orphan Asylum (Miil-all ler 167). to It was also decreed that all This, I, David Shaar wish who are ingrafted in .Jesus Christ not their teachers, preachers and leaders only by baptism of water; but by a were to be branded with a hot iron true and living, simple and pure (Do. 182). faith.
date
Herewith
—next
Sat.
I
close,
will
before
day
of
this St.
Margaret, this year 1644. God give us his grace and his blessing for tempor-
and eternal
al
life.
Amen. David Shaar.
Miiller records (p. 128) that the day the mandate was read in Berne and throughout the land, and at the very hour, a thunder storm raged all over the country; and that in the church at Berne a great stone fell on the chair of the Burgomaster and mashed it. So God was on the Mennonite side they said. This created such panic and fear that for a few years persecution
quote the letter in full, first, because in it, Shaar tries to make Zaugg feel that his church is as bad as the churches of "the world" because it later when another fierce exercised a cruel jud
—
there always 1645— :^rart. Mjiin and Jere Mangold was a more or less strict censorship Chronicle Mennonite Troubles. publications. But of the Mennonite We simply call attention here to the now their enemies began to use the rack. About Aarau the activity against fact that the Mennonites had some them became active now. This, says able writers among them. According Miiller
Mliiller,
tells
us that
was because Mennonites were
to
Rupp
(72
and Muller 165), Bracht
—
—
HAGBN, MEILY, STENTZ AND BURGER.
S8
Here again we meet familiar names the writer of the Mirror got considerable of his matter from Mangold and in Eastern Pennsylvania today; parMylin, especially the record of the ticularly, Hagen, Miilley (or Meiley) Thus we prison. and Wagman or Wagaman. in Othenbach sufferings Bracht shows this also by citations. find they also came to the eastern countries of Pennsylvania from that 1645 Swiss Menuonites Call on Holnumerous hive of Switzerland. land Brethren to Pray For 1645-8 Hans Stentz and Martin Their Deliverance.
—
The following statement is made by the Mirror (p. 1062) of the despair of our Swiss Ancestors in 1645. "jNlow when some brethren and sisters in the Swiss dominations had died want, hunger in prison, of misery, lived in confive still and grief, but finement, the remaining ones who were yet out of bonds, when they were threatened, espic illy by th se of Berne, that they should expel them all from the country, and seize their goods, and sell them, had recourse, next to God, with an humble and their fellow beletter, to friendly lievers in Holland and elsewhere in the Netherlands, requesting that they should everywhere fervently call upon God the Lord in their behalf, for comfort and grace, to the end that that they might patiently endure
which might come upon them according to the flesh, for his holy name's sake. letter was written the 22nd of old style, in the year of our July, Lord 1645, and was signed by
The
Hans Duster, an elder
in
at
the
Baltzen,
word
of
the Lord.
Ruth
Kiinstel, at Miichem,
a minister in of the Lord.
Ruth Hagen, an
the
From
the
Berne Jurisdiction
word
Burger
From the
note,
man."
in
connection
with
Ully
Wag-
For
Suffer
of the faith
came
prominence, according to the into records by being thrown out of Berne about the end of 1644. On account of One was a their faith (Muller, 182). teacher and the other an exhorter. It their proselyting seems that for power they were expelled by the Government under the Reformed Church. They were compelled to take a solemn oath that they would not return. If they did, they would be executed as perjurers. But about 1646 or 1647 they did return and had a discussion with the State Church authorities; and set forth tenets they would not re-
An
tract.
old sheriff
named
Fresh-
and a sheriff named Marlott were deputed to watch them. Two members of the State Church named Venner and Hummel met them and tried to win them back. The sheriff and the last named Venner and Hummel asked Stentz and Burger to have a prayer with them, that God would give them as light. Then they began to interrogate them and the two held to their faith. In substance, Stentz said he was born in Stezwyl and had a house at Qulm that he was married and had five children that he was a farmer a member of the Mennonite Church which he had joined a couple years ling
(Do.
Zurich Hans Meily, a minister. Jurisdiction Hans Stuss, a minister. What followed therefrom, and how earlier by his it subsequently went with those who
were imprisoned, can be seen in a subsequent account, in a marginal
and
These two fathers
—
elder,
Labor
the ^on-resistant Faith.
107)
—
—that
he was called a teacher which he people, a position fills without pay, being called by lot of God, to it according to the will against his own though he accepted it will
be cause he
felt
unfitted
for
it.
MRNNOXITES ACCUSED OF SOCIN IAN ISM— SWISS INDEPE.NDElXCE.
99
he took pay or refused severe. And so they were banished he would be and nothing more was ever heard of to teach after the call
But he said
if
j
I
thrown out of the sect entirely. Martin Burger said he was born in Burg Castle that he married at Rynack and has six children three years before he joined the Mennonites and a year before stopped going to the State Church entirely and that he
—
them. write thus in extenso in this case I because "Burger" is a name of prominence in our county and city and in eastern Pennsylvania and elsewhere. Stentz is also a name more or less
\
—
I
familiar here. I
was a farmer. These men were eral
answered these If they favorably they would be released; As to otherwise not. (Miiller 108). why they separated from the State Church they said, the immorality in the established religion was the cause cheating, fraud, adultery, etc., were common that there was no spiritual On life or devotion in the church. doctrine, they said they do not live by the Old Testament, as much as by the New and have not read it as much. As to infant baptism, they said it has no power; but they say it does no harm to do it. As to government they God, though of said it is ordained it. Yet a Christake no part in they tian may take part so far as it is not inconsistent with God's will. All are bound to pay taxes, hut as to war. it As to 0"ths. they say an is wrrn
matum.
—
Jan.
I may add that about 1671 the tyrants of Berne and other parts of
I
given, in 1648, sevquestions to answer as an ulti-
!
Switzerland overcame their borrow of spndin
j
i
—Meuiionites
Ifi48
CMuUer
115)
of
Socin-
lunisin.
This year a new danger befell the Mennonite faith. The doctrine of Socinianism arose and many influenSocinianism was tial men took to it.
—
1.5.
Accused
1648
I
the
name
of
this
doctrine
after
the
I
It started in Pofounder Socinian. lland; and in connection with the lArian doctrine. It denied the Trinity, Tin] Council of did much dania-^e. held, in was Nicae at Constantinople 300 A. D. and the Arians seceded from and led this the Catholic Church movement off. These Arians attracted Some of the the Socinians to them. Mennonites were suspected. It was held that the Government should confiscate Mennonite proi)erty the same as the Socinian; but the King would not allow it. This was largely in Poland was under King Kasimir.
it
decided finally that Stentz and Bur2;er were unsafe and they were ordered to be expelled, and to be sent to Venice as galley slaves. But for a time they were to be held in the Zurich jail to try to convert their souls back. They broke jail and were caught and exStentz saii pelled from the country. he would gladly leave his country rather than yield his faith. But says Mtiller fp. 216) after these men were in jail it was decided they sho; li h2 banished to some island r.Tther than be sent to the galleys, as that was too
I
I
16J8— Switzerland
Declares
Her
In-
depoudence of the German Empire. This year an event,
vitally
—
important historical Switzerland
affecting
occurred her Declaration of Independence from the German Empire. affected the Mennonites and Switzerland worship, in that
It vitally
their
was now holly unrestrained cruelty.
We
shall see that she
in
her
began
a new series of persecutions henceforth and continued them until these defenseless Christians migrated, into
UN.' J
JPENN&YLVANIAI
—
HOLLAND HELPS MENuMONITBS— PEASANT WAR.
100
the Palatinate and finally fled across the Atlantic (Lippincott's Gazeteer).
1650
—
Schaffhausen
that the congregation of Amsterdam protested against the persecution of the Bapists or Mennonites in Berne
Edict
Against and other places in Switzerland; but or Menuouites. without success. Thereupon, the About this time the persecutions States General, of Netherlands and that had been confined about Zurich the Magistrates of Amsterdam took as a center, suddenly burst forth like the matter in hand and remonstrated exploded powder from one place to with the Swiss authorities, asking of another. Principally in Schaffhausen, them to allow the Baptist or Mennoa Canton on the extreme northern nites unmolested to leave the country boundry of Switzerland, about one- with their families and belongings. (Miiller 164). sixth as large as Lancaster County, etc. containing about 40,000 people today, 1653 JTennonites Blamed for Inciting whose chief city is also Schaffhausen. the German Peasant War. located about 20 miles north of the Anabaptists
j
I
i
I
j
—
city
of
Zurich,
—
princijjally in tliis About this time it was thought that persecutions now broke the Mennonites had something to do out afresh. The non-resistants here, with the peasant war. This peasant were banished. (Mirror 1063). This war broke out all over Germany is the section where many of the and lasted a long while. Two generals Millers, and the Herrs, Goods and were ordered June 10, 1653, to take up Hubers lived. A very large percen- all Mennonites, and see whether they tage of our, Lancaster. County anceshad helped to bring on the war, as try came from there, moving first into they were against the authoriies. It the Emmenthal, the Palatinate and turned out that they had nothing to other sections (Rupp 72). do with it. They always denied it; because it was directly against their 1650— i>efliprlands Puts Forth A New doctrine of non-resistance. Defense of the Swiss Meuuouites. The peasant war was a rebellion of At the time when all authorities the poor people of Germany which vied with each other in their persecu- broke out about this time against the who were tion of she Baptists or Mennonites plutocratic land owners,
canton
— the
and Emperor and Empire led the way becoming rich at the expense of their The Mennonites were suswith mandates and ipersecutions, it tenants. transpired about the middle of the pected also, because they never showseventeenth century, for the first ed any strong liking for those in powtime that state and city auhorities of- er, but on the other hand an aversion Miiller 135). ficially undertook the protection of the against them. persecuted; and strongly mediated in 1653— Hollanders Help the Persetheir defense. The ple of the United
sorely
tried
peo-
Netherlands had learned the value of freedom of creed (or belief) at the time of the reign of terror under the Duke of Alba. She had. by the blood of her noblest citizens gained this freedom of belief, and the joint sacrifice of the martyrs blood, had reconciled the adherents of Menno Simon and the followers of Zwingli and Calvin, etc. It appears
cuted Mennonites
Who
Fled
to the Palatinate.
Miiller tells us that the
first
help
Mennonites who fled into the Upper Palatinate in and about Strasburg came about this year from the -Vetherland Authorities and Brethren, which country a century earlier went through the same terrors. Miilfor the
ler 206).
THE EM.MEXTHAL SP:TTLEMEXT— MYLINS AND BURKHOLDERS. IGoil
— The
jNcuborg:
All
Mandate
Against
Anabaptists.
This year those non-resistant chriswho were forced to flee from Switzerland and establisiied themselves in the Principality of Neuberg, the Jesuit found that Germany authorities of that place succeeded in Prince turning their former friend William Wolfgang, against them and in causing liim to promulgate a sethem .(Mirror vere decree against tians
1063).
1653
— The
Nouborg
Yictinjs
Go
to
lloliaud.
According to Miiller (195) these whom liave Mennonites v/e just mentioned of Guliche and Berge, about turned Wolfgang Neuberg, when Cleve and against them, went to Netherlands to other places in the
101
Eggwyl is situated about miles southeast of Berne in the Eramenthal about hve miles south of Langnau, the home of Pastor Miiller. This is right in the heart of the Mennonite center Switzerland, the first of western of refuge to which they lied I)lace when driven out of Zurich by fire and sword 50 years earlier. Zurich is about 60 miles northeast of Berne. The Emmenthal or Emmen Valley is about 50 miles southwest of Zurich and about 10 miles northeast of Berne, the Emmen creek flowing from southeast to northwest. Here then, about 1650 or earlier congregated the Swiss forefathers of Lancaster County and of eastern Pennsylvania. At the early date of l.'j
1654 a group of 40 heads of families of those lived there in the little
of
Eggwyl
town
(Miiller 338).
They came as w'e liave seen, 1658— Martin 3Iylin Tublishes His Now from Switzerland to Germany. Mennonite History. they go to Holland. Shortly after this Miiller tells us (p. 165), that Martin they formed their first Swiss Congregation in Holland. They were called Mylin published this year liis writHis chronicles extend over at Pfaltzers in Holland because of their ings. Many of them are least 30 years. temporary residence in the Palatinate experience and written from actual or Pfaltz. They kept up their Swiss writer of the observation. Bracht, the customs in Holland. Mirror quotes freely from them. He 1654 Eg^wyl, First Mennonite Cenwas the grandfather of the Martin Myter in the Enimeuthal. Pequea in lin who in 1710 came to (Mirror 1052). County In 1654 Venner Sturler reported to Lancaster the court of Berne that, there were in 1658 Hans Bnrkholder Escapes Eggwyl. Mennonites, who as long as Arrest. there was preaching there, never have been to a sermon in the Catholic or We now note the appearance of a Reformed Church. Among them are name of great extension in eastern Zaug Lichten Hinden Wolfgang Pennsylvania Burkholder. The Burkand other Signau people. Berne asked holders form one of the most numerMiiller the predicant whether it is so that ous families in this section. none of them go to church. The per- relates (191) that in 1658 Hans Burkdicant investigated and sent a detailed holder was arrested; but that he took report in whicli lie mentioned not less to his heels and escaped November 26. than 40 Mennonites who did not at- He lived in Schneisingen about 10 tend Catholic or Reformed services, miles northwest of Zurich. This is and this report was handed to the the earliest mention of this name council of Eggwyl and was a hard' known to us. In 1718 there were sevpoint to controvert. eral Burkholders in Conestoga. live.
—
—
—
—
—
—
SLiABACH,
102
1659
— Zurich Their
In
BAUMGARTNER, PETERS AND OTHERS.
Mennonite
Sufferings 1659
Home About
New
—Berne
ial
Berne and Emmenthal.
The Mirror
Now
Branch
of
Organizes a Spec-
Goyernment
to
Crush the Mennonites.
the Jan. 4th of this year says Miiller (p. 1065) having fled from (p. 136) Berne organized a special Zurich to Berne, now found they must bureau to take full charge of supThey were undergo similar sufferings there. pressing the Mennonites. to look into thoroughly the question Berne now imitated Zurich and made and whatever necessary. do was especial efforts to capture the leaders little
tells
us
flock of Christ
They
were to find particularly whether the Mennonites gave symThis year "seven of the teachers pathy and encouragement to the peasand principal elders of the church ant war of Germany and Switzerland were apprehended, for whom special The Mennonites were suspected of prisons were prepared, namely: Uly, this because, same as peasants the Bogart, Anthony Hinnelberg, Jegley they opposed power and monopoly; Schlebach, Hans Zuag, Uly Baumgart- and because the peasants showed ner. Christian Christians, and Rhode such a liking of the Mennonites and Petres. joined them cordially. The committee or report that bureau made a These were for a while kept very Lenzburg particularly was a Mennohard at work, and very poorly fed Lenzburg nite hot bed. is a city about with heavy food, spelt and rye. to 16 directly Zurich. miles west of make good the expenses they caused; besides much reproach, contumely and Sixty Mennonite families were found there. The council accordingly isvituperation was heaped upon them. They were first told, that they sued an edict punishing by a fine of should be kept confined in this man- 10 guilders any one who gave any ner until the end of their life; in encouragement or aid or held any which they patiently comforted and communication with these Mennosurrendered themselves to the grace nites. All people were ordered to reof the Lord. However when they saw port any neglect to attend services of The edict was to that there was no hope of dissuading the State Church. proclaimed from all pulpits. The be these people from their faith and reTitus, (Miilmotto adopted was 3:1. ligion, they determined upon another (Mirror 1065).
plan (according to what we have been informed from Alsace) namely, that they should have to choose one of three things: (1) To go with them to church; or (2) Be Perpetually banished to the galleys; or (3 To have to die by the hands of the executioner.
This item is given prominent place, because here we have in the Emmenthal or in Berne, near it the familiar names Slabach, Zuagg or Zugg, Baumgardner and Peters, shov/ing where the ancestors of these familiar Lancaster County descendants lived and suffered.
ler 173).
1659
—Amsterdam
Edition of Martyr's
Mirror Printed.
Brons tells us (p. 240) that, this year a complete copy of the Martyr's Mirror was printed at Amsterdam. The author says that this book next to the Bible was the most generally used of all books by the Mennonitos of early days both in Switzerland and in Conestoga. The stories of the sufferings of the Waldenses, of Menno Simon and the death of Klaus and Jacob Hollinger and Graybill and Manz and Hupmier
BENEDICT BAUMGARDNER'S HYMN. and Denck and Wagner and Miiller and Hoffman and Hochstetter and Blauroch and Hasel and Meylin and others were familiar stories to the
Two
fiends right.
named
Bound brothers
lOj Shriner,
left
and
'gainst their cries.
And then the teacher
of the flock, glad himself confessed Hjiiin They took, and hastened to the block 16r>J) IJendk't IJauiii^'^ardner's And threatened so, the rest. Muller tells us (p. 123) that this Baumgardner com- So, Ully Baumgardner, the head, Benedict year posed a hymn in which he relates his Went fettered to his death; troubles growing out of his persecu- "Fear not. Oh little flock, nor dread" tions and as well the sufferings of his He said with parting breath. sake. Some people for conscience samples of its verses freely trans- To Trachselwald they first were lead Whose bailiff waiting stood; lated are as follows: And took them then, in fear and dread. Lord, for thy grace, I, Thee, beseech To Berne, to shed their blood. In chanting a new song. Without thy grace naught we can And there in prisons, vile and foul, reach. With other brethren thrown; Help, God, my heart along. Two ancient shepherds of the soul
children of our pious forefathers.
Who
—
.
Our Savior
in the
mountain taught,
In beatitude sublime;
So we the mount Dursrutti, sought. In sixteen
fifty
nine
(1659).
Cheered
all,
their
Lord
to
own.
The jailer sought to wean away These Christian, from their faith; But Ully straight declared their stay Was God, of Heaven and earth.
And we the doctrine there proclaimed. Which on the mount, the Lord Cruel and false accused were they; In holy lessons sweetly named. To strange lands driven far; From the beloved "Word." But yet by grace of God they pray;
And
as our blessed meeting charmed. There came into the room.
His love their guiding
star.
They trusted not in human aid; But built right on the "Rock." armed. And crowns and scepters ne'er disAnd sealed our horrid doom. mayed; e'en the headsman's shock. Nor One Simon, fierce and foremost came. And with him many more; none of these their duties cease. And our poor Brethren, prisoned Yet Imposts and tithes and taxes gave; Stern
men
with
dreadful
weapons
them,
And vexed
their hearts full sore.
Then horsemen and rough halbred-
served their country well peace; Prayed God, their rulers save.
And
in
ers.
1660— Holland Forms a Swiss MenBared swords in every hand. Rushed, cursed and swore; excited nonite Relief Committee. fears
In 1660 (Miiller 206) a large number of worthy people of the NetherThen ropes were brought, and in the land cities of Dortrecht, Haarlem, sight Leyden, Amsterdam and Rotterdam, Of children dear, and wives. met and formed a committee to help
In
all
our Christian band.
104
MENNONITE CHARITY AND EMIGRATION COMMITTEE FORMED. Swiss
Mennonite
cause. This our suffering forefathers. This committee did as rnuch toward settling Lancaster County and eastern Pennsylvania as any one of the three or four factors producing that result. The commit-
the
was a valuable
1.
aid to
tee lived at least 75 years, ing the dreary time of the
Rudolph Wertz, from Lenzburg, not yet an avowed and declared Mennonite.
2.
Anthony Himmelsburg, from the
3.
Congregation of Wattenwyl. Jacob Schlabach of Oberdiesbach. Ulrich Baumgardner of Laupers-
4.
and dur-
wyl.
edicts of the dark
1671 and 1690 and later, and days of the expulsion down the Rhine into the Palatinate as late as 1700 and the days of embarkation to America from 1707 to 1735 and later Amsterdam Mennonite Charity the
5. 6.
7.
Hans Zuagg
of Signau.
Jacob Gut (Good) of Offtringen,' of the Soffingen Congergation, Hans Jacob Mumprecht of Ruegsan.
Peter Frider of Bigler. Benedict Baumgardner of Langnau. 10. Christian Christians of Langnau. 11. Mathias Kauffman of Kriegstetten in Zolathurn district. 8.
9.
and Emigration gave Committee, encouragement, made provisions with monarchs and rulers and furnished much of the moneys by which the Swiss and German Mennonites found relief in the New World. A remark- We observe in this list the names of able fact is that while Holland was Kauffman first appears an ancestor, more thickly settled than Switzerland no doubt of the prominent and familand Germany, few if any of the Holnow. land Mennonites came America. iar family of that name here to
—
—
The design
of this item is to set out 1660 A Congregation of Swiss Menconspicuously, the beginning of that nonites in Alsace. organization noble in Holland in 16G0 which did so much during the Feb. 4, 1650 there was a Mennonite following three quarters of a century congregation in Alsace, the leaders of to aid the oppressed and persecuted which had moved there from Switzerforefathers, of the most numerous naland. On that day this congregation tionalities of our imperial county and assembled and signed the Dortrecht of eastern Pennsylvania. Mennonite Confession of Faith for-
—
1660
—^List
of
Ancient
County Ancestors
in
Lancaster mulated and
Berne
Jail.
Under the year 1659, quoting from the Mirror p. 1065, we noticed that Zurich the Mennonites driven from migrated westward toward Berne, and fell into afflictions there too. Miiller (p. 179) now tells us that in the beginning of 1680, the Holland Committee or Mennonite Relief in Switzerland found a considerable number of these Emmenthal Mennonites in Berne jails. The minutes of a meeting held by the committee Jan. 20, 1660 reports the following in jail:
adopted originally at Dortrecht. in Holland April 21, 1632. Among the Alsace brethren signing the same in 1660 were Jacob Schnebly
—
Budlenheim Rudy Egli in Kunenheim, Swissers and perhaps also Schmidt, Schneider and Funck. Thus before 1660 there was an immigration into the Palatinate or upon its borders. However the great inrush was :n 1671 (Miiller 195). of
1660— Walloons
(of
Belgium) Friends
of Mennonites.
From very
early times there dwelt in Belgium in the region of Luxembourg and parts of Brabant, a Roman-
;! ;'
AMSTGRDAiM INTERCEDES FOR SWISS MENNONITES. they showed a marked friendship for the In 1660 one persecuted Meiinonites. in boolt of these Walloons wrote a year (which Feb. 29, dated French, must have been a leap year) interceding for them, addressed to the opponents and persecutors of Mennopastors and other nites and to the French church, at leaders of the We cannot ascertain much Berne. about the book its name or conic
people.
In
—
tents
Holland and
and before 1660
their duties as
citizens; they always showed an extoward the traordinary beneficence I^eformed Church in Holland though not belonging to it; and they, shortly before, on the recommendation of Holland Government collected the 7000 pounds Holland money for the persecuted Waldenses?
',
j
letter then continues and says durst therefore not, deny our dear fellow citizens the favors of inUreeding with you in favor of their brethren in your country Switzerland, that if you cannot resolve to let them live as we do here in the c'.tios and country of Holland, that it may please you to treat them kindly after the example of those of Schaffhausou or even after that of the Roman Cathgiving Neuberg, by olic prince of them time to depart with their famDated at Amilies and their goods. Holland, Rotterdam, sterdam and June 7, 1660 (Muller 184).
The
i
"We
j
j
(Muller 183).
—
|
Intercessory Letter, Meuiiouites. For the
1660—AinstordaiJi
!
Apr. 16, 1600 a certain Harry Fleming in Amsterdam wrote an letter of nine pages, folio to William of Dleszbach interceding for the Mennonites and for better treatment of them. He
fulfilled
105
\
bases the letter on passages from the Gospels and on a historical presenta-
manner in which freedom had won victory in the Netherlands and finally on the stateThis is a most extraordinary exment that wherever toleration gained nation for a foothold it brought blessings with it ample on the part of one in no were and persecutions always brought mis- citizf: IS (f another, vho (Muller way connected with the intercessory persecutors fortune to the nation except by the ties of common 179). humanity and of religion. It is an letter June 7. 1660 an intercessory example (238 years earlier) of what Amsterdam, Rotterof the cities of States did toward the United the dam and by the Holland States Generin Cuba. butcheries Spanish Vreed, was al carried by Adolph de It is very strange that there should persecuted to the Berne persecutors, and prmission was given to de Vreed be such a marked difference between Swiss the Reformed Church of Holland and to meet the committee of the be- the Reformed Church of Switzerland. seen we have (whom Government MennoHolland evidently was without fear fore, had entire charge of the and Switzerland) in and apprehension of any danger comnite question treat with them in the presence of the ing from the Mennonites at this date, Switzerland particularly the great Council and Burgesses. In this while noble great canton of Berne was full of letter a beautiful testimony of Mennonites. fear because of them. the character is given They were declared to be a people Ancestors County 1660— Lancaster who had lived in the cities of Holland Berne. From Banished and in the country, in perfect peace, Quoting above from the Mirror many years, under the government; and from Muller (170) we cited what(1065) contributed they always gladly Emmenthal Mennonites as of of a list and levied ever was demanded Berne Jail in 1660. in the them in support of the Republic of being tion of the of religion
1
i
i
'
i
•
,
—
—
BERNE DOMINATED BY THE STATE CHURCH (REFORMED).
106
help the struggling brethren is shown with some here very beautifully (Miiller 162). variation of names as being banished 1660— Eeply to the Holland Interces-
Under the same date
mentions the same Sept.
10,
Miiller (p. 19l)
list
Berne and
from
Brug, Holland, in a
ship.
talten to
He men-
Berne,, on June Anthony Weber (Weaver) Jacob 15 of this year make reply to the reSchlabach, Ulrich Baumgardner JaMumprecht. quests of Holland complaining that cob Gut, Hans Jacob Switzerland should give the MennoChristian Christian, Rudolph Wertz, nites better treatment. Benedict Baumgardner, Hans Zaugg, Berne says that rulers are bound to Peter Freider Fridy, Mathias
tions
J^O i
V
sions.
The
authorities of
or
Kauffman and Hans Wenger. He adds preserve good order and peace in the nation and also to preserve and defend that this was the first small emigraEvanglical Relithe true Reformed tion to Holland, to which other Mennonites
afterwards joined themselves
(Miiller 191).
Miiller adds (192) that the Hollanders continued to care for the Berne brethren continually. There existed
regular correspondence between them up to 1681 as a letter in native Dutch on the subject shows.
a
1660
—^Meniionites
ties in
Pay
Heavy
Lieu of Assisting in
BounWar.
gion, pure and unadulterated; that the disobedience of the Mennonites has given much offense to the government; and ways and means must be devised out entirely now ;ts to root them weeds, for they set bad examples; that it was intended to do this with great patience and good nature, but the evil kept on growing and growing instead of abating; that finally twelve of the principal leaders and teachers have been arrested and placed in confinement, but not in jail, and that a room has been furnished for them so that the imprisonment shall not be too se-
During the wars of the middle of the 17th century in Europe, heavy drains were made on the public revenues and upon the men of Switzer- vere; that the government authorities, land, of Germany and of other coun- who are all sworn to support the Retries. Since the Mennonites would not formed Faith held friendly discusgo to
war, they
were
compelled
to
make up
large sums of money, and to contribute that instead. The general mass of Swiss Mennonites were poor. They gave all they could possibly gatl'.er up; but that was far short of the demand on them, and for the shortage they were imprisoned. Their friends in Holland contributed for the
Danzig Mennonites in Poland Mennonites in Moravians in 1665 and
1660, for 1663. for
the the
in 1678 for those in the Palatinate. The whole sum raised for the Palatinate, mainly by Holland, in the last year was 30,000 guilden which was at least $12,000.00. The latter part of the same year they raised 20,000 guilden more. They also sent them several shiploads of goods. The sense of obligation to
Mennonite leaders with these and reasoned with them so that they might be won back, but all this was of no avail; that nothing is left but to sions
clear the land of them entirely, since they are so stubborn; they cannot be tolerated at all; that their goods and
possessions must be taken from them because property is always a source as they have of power and so long property they can do harm; and besides, a just punishment for violating the law is deprivation of property. All this was decided upon, declare the Swiss authorities: but as Holland has so strongly intervened they declare they would modify the decision somewhat and not absolutely confiscate the Mennonite property; but only take it and hold it for their use and
—
SWISS MENNONITES MORE STRICT THAN HOLLAND METS'NONITES. them the income for it, that was expenses were taken out; and at the death of the owner the out to his principal would be paid wife and children if they obey the government and the religion of the give
1660— Holland
Reformed Religion (Do. 16(50
— Berne
186).
Withdraws Mennonitc
Permit
to Migrate.
At one time the Swiss Government to Mennonjtes who migrated from the country, certificates as to their character, citizenship, etc. But gave
was stopped. Then the Holland authorities were satisfied with the baptismal records given to the Mennonite immigrants by their church later this
\ot
So
Strict us Swiss Mennonites.
left after
country. If not, then it should go to such relations as did adhere to the
3Iennonites
1(J7
Adolph De Vreede, as we have seen, admonished his imprisoned Swiss brethren to be patient. He told them, also that they should not be obstreperous; and that they should yield in minor points, so that the Swiss government officers (who were of the Reformed Church) would let them out of prison. But while they greeted him with friendly salutation, and in christian fellowship, they would not yield any of their principles, at all. De Vreede, as was the case with Holland Mennonites, generally, was quite lib-
The Holland Menbecoming liberal soon found many favors and much protecfrom their government. They tion authorities. The Berne governmeut 'n wanted the Swiss Mennonites to modi1660 ordered this to be stopped, so fy their views also, and to compromise that the Holland authorities should with the government's request. De deny entrance to the Mennonites. But Vreede told them that they should in spite of all this, Holland received give up a lot of their fogy ism. But and comforted these persecuted Swiss they would not do so. They preferred brethren (Muller 191).
in his views.
eral
by
nonites,
rather than violate their Holland Mennonites Interest conscience. Rev. A. D. Wenger, who 1660 visited the Mennonites of Switzerland, Holland Government in the Swiss.
—
For some time the Mennonites of Holland tried directly, to influence Switzerland to be more mild to their brethren, about Berne and Zurich. But they would do very little. Then they appealed to their own govern-
to
suffer,
of
Germany and
of
Holland
a
few
says the Holland Mennonites today are more liberal and worldly than the Swiss and others
years
ago,
(Do. ISG).
1660
— Coneessions
Demanded by Hol-
land for Swiss Mennonites ment (Holland) authorities to interSwiss Answer. vene. The Holland government then appointed De Vreede as a special De Vreede had with him six ceragent of the government to intercede tificates of concessions, granted to in Switzerland. Amsterdam and Rot- Mennonites by the Holland Governterdam took a leading part in the ment; and he urged that Switzerland movement (Miiller 167). should grant the same to her MennoJune 21, Adolph De Vreede having nites. They were: (1) The ordinance spent some time in Switzerland asked of Jan. 1577, by which the Mennonites to inspect the jail where the Menno- of Middleburg were relieved of all nites were imprisoned. He was shown forms of oaths, because that was a their sleeping apartments. They were matter of conscience; (2) A prohibi-
allowed to have a friendly conference with him and he counselled them to be patient and to trust to the Holy Spirit for comfort (Do. 186).
by the Prince of Orange, Earl of Nassau, of July 1570, restraining all persons from interfering with Mennotion
and freeing them pursuing trade; (3)
nites, in their trade,
from
all
fines in
tor _^.iT
SWISS REBUKE HOLLAND—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS.
108
An acknowledgment
of the last
named nations toward
the Mennonites, about
concession, by Maurice of Orange, in 1660. (4) A reprimand by the States 1660— Elbing, (Prussia) and the MenGeneral to the City of Aerdenburg nonites. (Holland) May 1615 because that city Elbing is a city in West Prussia on interfered with the Mennonites in the the Gulf of Danzig of 42000 people toexercise of their religion; (5) A repi- day. In this town, Mennonites fiourtition the order of Nov. 16, 1619 grant- ished nearly 400 years ago. For over ing them freedom from interference 100 years, or down to about 1660, in trade; and (6) An order of the they were compelled to hold their States General of Aug. 1651, according meetings secretly here, arid in priThey were at last alto which marriage contracts solem- vate families. nized by Mennonite ministers shall be lowed to build a church in 1660. The as valid and binding as if done by same privilege was allowed to the State Chui'ch authority, which custom Priesian Mennonites, living on the was allowed Holland Mennonites over borders of Germany and Holland, sixty years (Miiller 186). about the same time. They were also Their demands for concessions after allowed to build hospitals for the being presented were heard by the in- poor and sick. Thus their privileges 1593;
ferior court or council. But instead of deciding the matters they certified them to the Superior Council in Berne as the highest body, and they gave opinion that:
began about
this time
1660— Musical
(Brons 260).
Instninients Not lowed in Early Mennonite
Al-
Services.
Brons tells us (p. 260) that as the concession can be granted services seearly Mennonites held until it is decided whether the governcretl}', they did not have either inment will modify its orders against strumental or vocal music as part of the Mennonites or not. their worship, since it would reveal 2. It is not advisable to modify the the congregation and endanger aredicts preventing Mennonites from rest. This writer also says that about emigrating to Holland. The orders 1660 when the Danzig, and the other cannot now be revoked, taking away northern Mennonites were allowed to the Mennonite property from them build houses of worship, they omit(except a small interest) because the organs and instruments from ted Mennonites of the country of Lenz- their equipment partly because they burg and of Eggivyl are gaining every feared to make much noise in connecday in numbers and they declare the tion with worship, and partly because government is yielding. instrumental of a prejudice against 3. The complaint that the Menno- music in service from the long cusnites are persecuted barbarously are tom of having omitted them. They not true. thought it wrong to have them. How4. That Adolph De Vreede, while he Friesian the ever, soon 'after 1660 will be allowed to continue to con- Mennonites installed a pipe organ in verse with the Mennonites in the jail, their church. They were the first of must first declare what and how he the European Mennonites to use orwished to speak to them and must gan music in their service. This inspeak only in the presence of the novation was very offensive to the Swiss authorities. Flemish Mennonites. who lived near This shows pretty clearly, the atti- them in Flanders, who were more tude of these two antipodally disposed strict. Yet later the two congrega1.
No
A SOCIETY TO ASSIST MENNONITE EAIIGRATIOX.
103
amalgamated
into one. Tobias Wingert, Hubert Wlngrrl, perhaps, here have some Isaac Van Limburg. Gerrett Kuvscn light upon the cause of the great and Frans Stevens. mass of the Mentionite church not The signers for RotterdTm were having musical instruments in their .\ndreas Jacobsen, Jean BoJ'iies, Baschurches today. The prejudice against tian von Weehingen, Guil van der tions
We may
instruments of music must have been Sluys, Mathias Mullen and II mdrlck vtry strong, when such great ,music Doeman of Reet. lovers as the Germans, would not almention the names of these leadI low them to be used. ers of these six chief Mentionile. conHolland. gregations of because, 1671
—Renewed
Intercessions
By
Holland.
There
is
written by the Swiss lowing the leave; but
a letter dated Feb. 26. 1661 the Hollanders, thanking authorities for finally al-
persecuted Mennonitea to the
letter,
at
the
whose sons, throughout
Holland
did
very great service fror^.i this timu onward to 1710 and later, in gathering
same money and means and in moulding the influences which enab.ed the i)cr-
complains that the time given them to go is entirely too short, s'nce they cannot sell their property in that time, except at great loss, not settle their obligations. Thus they ask that time,
while scarcely any of them u.re familiar Lancaster County names, they are the very men who and jirinci pally
oKcuted
Mennonites
of
Switzerland
and of the Palatinate, (Gemany) to get started to Pennsylvania and to our county. Holland early formed an emigration society to help our S^\is3 the time be extended. These intercessions, were recorded and German ancestors to 'America also by each of the six largest con- (Miiller 192). gregations of Holland, viz: those of 166C Furnish IForaud Mennonites (where the Mennonite Dortrecht Money to Defend Groningen. Church really was born), Leyden. In the northern part of Holland, on Gouda, Haarlem, Amsterdam and the Reit Diep River is Gronin.^'ii a Rotterdam. It was bomcity of 56000 people. The signers for Dortrecht were barded in 1666, and the citizens lacked William Broithhunsen, Thielem Van The government called on money. Bracht (Author of the Great Marthe Mennonites of Holland; and 12
—
Mirror) John Zorn Byghhoom. small congregations raised in a "ew Geisbert Rees. Cornelius Dirchson of years 149.810 guilden toward a govSoferyl and Klaus Cornel. ernment loan. A few years earlier The signers for Leyden were Jaques 2,tyrs'
the town was bomdarded also by 4000 French with 60 cannon or m.orThe whole cost was 8 tons of tars. The catholics were not allowgold. This ed to take part in the defense. is the first time in history that such John mortars were known. Those that the Paul Dutch captured were exhibited in the
Van Gamerslagh, Anton David Kop. Abraham .Jackson of Limburgh, John Bogl, Henrich Van der Doeck and Ludwig Peter Caelvert. The signers for Gouda were Henrich
Giesbach, Adrean Kahlor, Cornelius Abrahamissen,
Gillis.
Wouhert Daemen. museum for mouey. (Brons 14')). The signers for Haarlem were Peter Marcus, Boudobin Doom, Isaac 1668 Differences Between Palatine, Swiss and 3Iennonites. Snep, Conrad Von Bollenborn, Lam-
Gillissen and
—
bert Colen and John Everson. The signers for Amsterdam
This year, in the
official
conference
were between Holland and Berne, a com-
BURKHOLDER,
110
GPINGRICH,
made between
the AnabapThe countries. three titsts of the Berne authorities say to Holland that the Holland Mennonites are different
parison
is
BABY AND HALDEMAN. They dwelt weiler, Germany. tion.
in the
town
of Stein-
Mr. Conyngham. in an address delivered July 4, 1842, on valley, the early settlers of Pequea spoke eloquently of the good qualities of the Lafevers and Ferrees. (Do.)
There in from the Swiss branch. Holland are well off and pay taxes willingly and contribute to the Re1670—Doris Eby and Hans Haldeman formed Churches as well as their own Condemned. and have farms, etc.; but the Swiss Mennonites are of the poor classes This year it was ordered by the auand exempt from taxes and do not thorities of Berne, that no one was to defend the Fatherland or visit the Mennonites in that Canton, lielp to show anything of a public spirit at particularly those of Zofingen and all. In recent disturbances they were Canalsingen. under a penalty of 200 not peaceable; but were carrying on pounds. Two Mennonites who were all manner of secret intrigue. Be- ordered banished, were particularly sides no pressure can be brought on to Doris shunned Eaby from be them so as to affect their conscience. Trachselwald and Hans Haldeman (Miiller 193). man from Hotchiken. It was ordered that if they are caught they are to be 1669 Burkliolder and Gingrich branded with hot irons and be sent Escape. away. This last punishment was orThis year Christian Gingrich and dered by the mandate of November 5, Hans Burkliolder escaped from the lfi70. There was also a mandate of jail of Berne. Miiller tells us (p. 146) November 28, the same year. It was that the Berne jails were all full of ordered that the Mennonites who are these people now, and that the watch ^oing about in the Swiss country, liad become careless and there were preaching should be found out, and a several escapes, among them the two list be made of them, so that they may mentioned above. He says that they ^11 be arrested. They are to be pubeven allowed some of them to go walk- licly whipped and be expelled. If they ing and they were even known to go come back, they are to be burned with out and preach alone. They came Tons. Their teachers are to be deback in the evenings. livered to the dungeon. (Miiller 144).
—
—
Isaac Lefeier, Lancaster Connty
Pioneer
Bom.
The authorities
of
Berne
the beginning of this year
declared, that the
approvingly, Mr. Cony- former orders were not obeyei and Bgham, that Isaac Lefever was born that this Mennonite faith was becomthis year (Rupp 97). The Penn Land ing a grat stumbling block and must Commissioners confirmed to Isaac Le- be removed (Dd. 139). Several other fever 2000 acres of land in the Pe- raandiStes were issued this same year quea in 1712, being a part of 10.000 (Do. 137). acres first allowed to the original Doers Aeby is an early form of our colony of Mennonites who settled in familiar name. Theodorus Toris or our county. Martin Kendig. who had Eby, earliest settler of upper Mill first right to it, asked it to be laid out Creek, Lancaster County where he to Maria Warenbuer and she asked it had a large mill. Hans Haldeman is laid out to her son-in-law Isaac Le- a representative of the numerous and fever and to Daniel Ferree. The Le- prominent family of that name in fevers were French Huguenots, who Eastern Pennsylvania and elsewhere fled into the Palatinate from persecu- today.
Rupp quotes
—
GREAT EXODUS INTO THE PALATINATE. 1671—Poverty Strlckon Condition Our Suffering? Swiss Ancestors.
of
Ill
by Jacob Everllng of Obersulzheira. Copies of Everling's letters we will give in a later item.
(Miiller 195).
year the condition of the unbearable in 1671 Swiss Kefornied Church's View nonresistants became Berne, which city now persecuted of Swiss Meuuonites and of them more severely than Zurich. This Galley Torture. was because Zurich had practically In the year 1671 the Reformed We are told exterminated them. clergy again mediated and went be(Brons 226) that both individuals and fore the Council with a petition which whole congi-egations of Berne Mennoshows their view of the Anabaptists or assisted about this nites had to be Mennonites, and which we reproduce This was so, especially, right time. here in abstract. after the Armies of Louis XIV (who "The great privilege accorded the reigned over France from 1643 to Baptists four years ago to leave the 1715) had devastated the Palatinate in country free with goods and chattels, raged about his fierce wars, which has been an honor to the powers that this time. be, and has also shown how far the 1671— The Great Swiss Exodus Into spirit of the Reformed Church is re-
About
this
—
—
the Palatinate.
This year begins the last act of the bloody drama of centuries, which prepared our Swiss and Palatinate Ancestors to come to Pennsylvania in 1710
and
later.
moved from
ties,
young and old, men and women, were compelled to turn their backs toSome auwards the "Fatherland". thorities say there were "700 families" and not only 700 persons. They migrated to the Palatinate a region of that is the Rhine country wide extent. A few of their brethren had gone there as early as 1527, and kept up a couple small congregations This was at the beginning of there. the Reformation, when Luther had set the world aflire and when Zwingli was fanning the flame and when Menno Simon felt the cords, of the faith which had hitherto bound him to the Catholic snap, and give way.
ment.
—
In 1672 Van Bracht. the chief Mennonite historian and teacher of DortBerne Mennonites recht. visited the and found their condition very poor and miserable. He found the reports even worse than they were reported
spirit
of
the
Anti-
It is to
partly for the love of home, and partly for the honor of their doctrine.
This year (1671) the distress of the Mennonites of western Switzerland became so great that about 700 persons,
the
be deplored that these poor, erring people did not take this benefaction sufficiently to heart, but have returned to their native land contrary to the orders of the authorichrist.
For this they have deserved punishBut as David asked of the Lord might punish himself, and he he that over into the bonds of given not be enemies, therefore we intercede in behalf of these deluded persons doomed to punishment that they may not be delivered over to strangers (or his
foreigners) and enemies of the justice Jesus Christ, viz: to the galleys, and thereby be thrown not only in great danger to lose their soul, but also to suffer untold misery and pain of
(since
it is
known what
cruel methods
are employed on the galleys to make The these victims turn apostate). confessors of our faith (the Reformed) vho have just been released from ihese implements of torture can reBy the awf.il late plenty thereof. are daily which atrocities vices and but them, before perpetrated, not only in practically very often on them, and Italy, all possiiblity for a true
112
THE REFORMED CHURCH INTER,CEDES FOR MENNONITES.
contrite Christian spirit is cut off. We are not only concerned, on account of these people, but also for your own sake and for the sake of your other subjects. You are by divine authority given power over these people; but God has limited this power. The door to a penitent, returned for the redemption of his soul may not be closed against man, if the country is It has to enjoy the blessings of God. pleased an all-wise God to make these erring people, so to say, a thorn in the flesh of our high authorities and the clergy as a punishment ever since the Reformation, which thorn coulrl so far not be removed, no matter what means were employed. Once before the galley punishment was used in spite of the intercession, at that time; but God did not want to sanction this method, and the evil became even greater, until lately when by the clemency shown, the greater part oi these people were removed from the country. This method will have continued success without using such
extreme measures, of which Reformed institutions have such horror, that they not only have abolished such slavery among themselves, but have never handed over any one for such punishmnt. known, however, that the It is enemies of truth use this as one of the most powerful methods to force the confessors of truth to a revocation of their faith; what, would we have to bear from them if we were to hand them over to such, who allege
a 'principium religionis' obstinacy for torture?
for
cause great defection among the peasantry, who regard these Baptists as poor people, anyway. Although we are otherwise not so bold as to interfere with your busineFS, we could not let this opportunity pass to discharge our conscience in this matter which is of such great importance to the salvation of souls, and the honor of our church. And although no one suffers more from these people, separated from us by error, and arrogant peculiar holiness, than the servants of the Reformed church, we, nevertheless, will not cease to minister to their salvation in a spirit of impartial Christian love, and to avert in the measure of our power all that may be harmful to them, wherefore, we plead for a
change and modification of this galley punishment inflicted upon them, for the sake of the honor of God, and for the salvation of their souls, as well as for the good name of Jesus Christ in whom we glory and after whom we are named. Amen (D. E.)" For this honorable and candid ex-
pression the clergy received no lauda-
and
tion
thanks
from
but a high was given them.
superiors;
mand It
their
strict
official
repri-
thus seems that while the Re-
formed church
church
was
now
the
state
and while the rulers were Reformed churchmen, yet the clergy of that church were horror stricken that the government should inflict galley torture upon the Mennonites (Miiller 221).
their
1671
of Switzerland,
— Twelve
Swiss Mennonites Con-
demned to Yenetian Galleys. be more pitiable than if these poor people (should they be Miiller states (p. 216) that, at a of several Evangelical sent thither, but which God in his conference grace may prevent), be induced to cities and St. Gall, held at Aarau deny their faith, which, as we are April 5th to 7th. 1671, the honorary told, some of the others have done? ambassadors from Berne stated, for Should they, however, remain stead- what reasons they were compelled to fast and loyal, this would be a matter condemn 12 of your obstinate Baptists
What would
of
triumph
to the others,
and would
to
the
galleys.
Two
of
them
had
ME.WOXITE SlFFEIilXG had defour obedience, quit the clared tlieir readiness to country. These six were not shipped, but the other six, who had remained stubborn and obstinate were fettered and sent to Venice in charge of a lieutenant and two muskar.eers, with the concession, however, that they could change their mind en-route. Th-^y were condemned to tvvo year? and were to be kept together on the promised
galleys.
(Fv. A.)
This method of punishment came into use in the year 1671, when the extermination of the sect was to be carried out with full force, at the time when the great expulsion into Alsace took place; in the year when the Council in Berne was occupied in almost every meeting with the affairs of the Baptists.
1671
— Swiss
tinate
Emiarrants Into the Pala-
Support Those Following.
The numerous Swiss who had
settl-
ed about the year 1671 in the Palatinate, and in Alsace were, in the following years the support of all those who, either voluntarily or by force had left Switzerland. The Count of Wied or Xew-weid also showed this constant willingness to receive exiled Baptistst or Mennonites. The Palatinate and Alsace, too, were not far distant from the old home. Thus there were always communications between the new abode and Switzerland in person and by letter. A certain Bingelli of Schwarzenburg, took Mennonite children from there, as well as from Pohleren and Blumenstein to the Palatinate for instruction
and afterwards called for them again, (Miiller 206). to take them home. 1671
—Jacob
Everlincr
of
Obensuftzen
Describes Ilennonife Suffering in Berne.
196 et seq). Rupp (p. 72 etc.) and the Mirror (p. 1066) all several letters give extracts from Miiller
(pp.
IX
BERNE.
113
written by Jacob Everling from April 1671 to January 1672, describing the condition and suffering of the Anabaptists or Mennonite brethren about that time in and about Berne, Switzerland. In the first letter of April 7th among other things he says: "As to the request of the friends, concerning the'
situation of our Swiss brethren in thef Berne dominion, the facts are, that they are in a very sad condition, as we have learned from the lips of the fugitives that have arrived here,
some
are still in my house. They say, that they are daily hunted by' constables, and, as many as they caif prisoners to the city of -;et, taken Berne, so that about four weeks ago^ of
whom
about forty, men and women. weF« in' They have alh^ confinement there. scourged some, and banished them from the country, one of whom has They also scourged a arrived here. minister in the word, and then conducted him out of the country, into Burgundy, where, when they arrived there, they first branded him, and let him go among the Walloons. However, as he could talk with no one, he had to go about three days with his burnt body, before his wounds were dressed and he obtained some refreshments; being in such a coniiton, that when they undresed him for the purpose of binding his wounds, the matter ran down his back, as a brother who helped dress his wounds This friend arrived told me himself. in Alsace together with two women and a man, who had also been Hence they scourged and banished. proceed very severely, and. as it seems, will not desist from their purpose until they shall have utterly banished from their country and exterminated this harmless people. It also appears that nothing further can be done in favor of these persecuted brethren; for besides that the friends of Amsterdam and elsewhere
114
JACOB EVERLING AND MENNQNITE SUFFERING.
labored for several years in the matter, so that several favorable letters of recommendation from the Lords Ststes of Holland, as also in particular
them and strengthened them in their weakness, so that they may patiently bear the cross, and in
their
Amsterdam, and strive other persons of quality, were truth
from the
city
of
also cf sent thither to the ma:?istrates; also, in the year 1660, an Express named Adolf de Vreede, was sent to them; however, he did not effect much for of our friends there. benefit the Hence, I cpnnot see that the friends at present will be able to effect anything that would tend to the relief of
May
prison.
the Lord comfort
sorrow,
faithfully unto the end, for the
of the gospel, and thus be enabled ultimately to obtain the prom'sed salvation and crown of life.
Amen.
In his letter of October 13, to Henry Backer or Baker he says, "Hendrick de Backer, most esteemed friend and beloved brother in Christ, I wish you and yours much grace and peace our persecuted brethren there. We from Father, God our Heavenly will have to await with patience the through our Lord Jesus Christ, as a deliverance which the Lord our Gol friendly greeting. Amen. may be pleased to grant them." This is in reply to your request (Mirror 1066). touching the condition of our perse1671— Letters of Jacob Ererling of cuted Swiss brethren. The facts are, that on the 11th ult., it was resolved Obersiiltzen, (conthiiied) in the full council at Berne, to send In his letter of May 23d, he says: the male prisoners that young are "The persecution of our friends con- and strong also upon the galleys, tinues as rigorous as before, go riiat even as they have before this done we are surprised, that they do no: to six of them; but the old and feeble make more speed in leaving the they would either send elsewhere or Now and then one or two keep them in pereptual confinement. country. come straggling down; but the most Learning of this resolution, and being of them stay above Strasburg, in Al- moved to compassion, a certain gensace. Some go into the woods and tleman in Berne went to the magischop wood; others go to the moun- trates, and requested that they would tains and work in the vineyards, in be pleased to postpone sending away the hope, as it appears to me, thnt the prisoners untO he cnuld go to by and by tranquility will be restored their fellow-believers, residing in Aland that they mi'jht be able with the sace, and see whether they would be greater convenience to return to their responsible for the prisoners, by forsaken abodes; but I fear, that it promising that the latter, after leavwill not pass over so soon, and that ing the country, should return no they will find themselves greatly de- more wthout consent? This he obceived in their hope. Alsace to tained, and coming into The magistrates at Berne caused our friends, he presented the matter whom to them, who, as soon as they had six of the prisoners, among w?s a man with nine children, to be heard it, forthwith accept'^d the confastened to a chain, and to be sold for ditions, and promised, in case the authe sea, to be used as galley slaves thorities at Berne should be pleased between Milan and Malta; but as to to send the prisoners to them, thnt what they propose to do with the they would be responsible for them, other prisoners, cannot really be and aid them in obtaining other This our friend, as I underlearned. One of the prisoners, an old abodes. man of about eighty years, died in stand, promised this gentleman (hi3
EVERLIXG'S REPORTS, CONTINUED. name was
II;
to their "coming this him in writing. way" means coming from Switzerland Thereupon he promised them again around about Berne, toward Obersulttown, where to do his best with the authorities of zen, which is a small
Beatiis), not
only
Referring
orally,
I
but also gave
it
to
j
I
I
Berne, and hoped to obtain so much Everling lived, about 10 miles northfrom them, that they should bring the west of Manheim on the Lower Rhine in the very heart of the Palatinate, inprisoners as far as Basle, from where to which the Swiss Mennonites were the friends might take them away now swarming. with them. Hence, we long to meat them, daily expecting to hear that 1671 Letters of Jacob Everlini^ of they have arrived in Alsace, or that OlKTsiiltzen. (Continued) they s'lai. come over here to us. In his letter of Jan. 5th, 1072, he At this moment there have arrived says: "There has arrived in the reat my house, four Swiss brethrfn gion above Heidelberg, a man being a with their wives and children, who minister in the North, having twelve, say, that also many others are on the mostly very young chilidren, but havway, since the persecution and search ing, as I understand, brought wi,h him are daily increasing. Concluding only four rix-dollars in money, and a herewith, I commend you, after a very poor horse. Some others have Christian and brotherly greeting, to brought with them some money, but the Most High, for your eternal sal- many have nothing at all, so that after vation. Yo!ir affectiomte friend and close examination there was found brother in Christ. Jacob Everling." among two hundred and eighty-two In his letter of November 2, he says persons one thousand and forty-six "Concerning our Swiss friends, they rix-dollars. And in the Alzey Bailiiare now coming this way in large wick, there were found one hundred parties, so that there already arrived and forty-four persons; but as to what over two hundred persons, and among their means are I have not learned; them are many old, gray-headed peo- but from appearafices I judge them ple, both men and women, that have to be most indigent. In short, we find reached seventy, eightv, yea. ninety that their number consists of about years: also a number that are crip- eighty full families, then further, pled and lame: carrying their bundles widows, single persons, and husbands on their backs, with children on their and wives that had to forsake their arms, some of good cheer: some also companions, because the latter, being with tearful eyes, particularly the old attached to the Reformed religion, and feeble persons, who now in their could not make up their minds to great age are compelled to wonder leave; in all, six hundred and fortyabout li m'sery, and go to strange one persons, whose funds amounts to
—
—
many of them have no more than the little sum already nothing on which to s^eep by night, so stated: so that you can easily calcuthat I and others with me, have now late, that considerable assistance will for about two weeks had to make it be necessary. Besides these, we our re'^ular work, to provide shelter understand, there are about one hunand other necessaries for them. dred persons more sojourning in We are also in daily expectation of Alsace, whom we also exi)ect by the still more, so that we hope, that when fore part of the year. Farewell." the people have mostly the left Subsequently the brotherhoods recountry, the prisoners also will be re- siding in the provinces of the Unitied leased. Farewell. (Mirror 1066). Netherlands, in March of the same countries, and
EVERLIXG ON THE EXODUS.
116
year, 1672, sent some from their midst Palatinate, who traveling to the everywhere to the persecuted breth-
ren and hearing and seeing them, not only found the above related, to be true, but also, that already some of the last mentioned had come over from Alsace, who, bringing also, like the others, no funds with them, were, together with these, aided and comforted by the common assistance of the wealthy churches or brotherhoods of the United Provinces.
Moreover, they learned from some of the forty prisoners themselves that they had all been released, and, ac-
request of the above mentioned gentlemen, been brought to Basle, and there turned over to their brethren, with whom they then together removed. But when the chiefest of them were asked why they had not left sooner and sought such places, where they might have lived with more freedom according to their conscience, seeing the author ties had not prevented their leaving, they gave different reasons for it, of which the following ones were not the least. 1. They said that they say that the churches greatly waxed and increased, so that, though under the cross, they rose a nevertheless flourished as among thorns, and that further increase could daily be expected because many persons manifested themselves, who saw the light shine out of darkcordin-?,-
to
the
to love the same and that the ministers considering this in their heart, found themselves loth to leave the country,
began
ness, and
seek after
it;
there are
among them many
divided the husband or the wife is in the church, while the companion still attended the public church, in which case, if the latter would not follow their persecuted companions, also to forsake everything and leave the country, it caused great inconvenience and sorrow; that there were even divers ministers not exempt from this difficulty, and there were also two ministers there in the Palatinate, who had wives that were not in the church, and whom they (having secretly been warned by a good friend), also had had to leave by night, and take to flight, without knowing as yet whether their wives would follow them, or whether they, loving their property more than their husbands, should remain there in the land, and forsake husbands. That such cases their created the more sorrow and difficulty, because the authorities granted liberty to such remaiining persons, whether women or men, to marry again and These and seek other companions. other reasons had prevented them from departing uncompelled out of their earthly fatherland: but induced them rather (as they had now done), they should see that to wait until they could no longer remain there and preserve a good conscience." (Mirror 1067). The only excuse for devoting so much time and space to these letters families, of
whom
,
is
that,
the people of
whom
Everling
(now perhaps Eberly)
writes, are the of at least 90 per cent, of
ancestors thereby this promising the German and Swiss descendants country harvest might be lost, and thus many forming the back bone of our purpose: today. fall back from their good 1671 Berne Holds Mennonites as and hence, they chose rather to sufHostages. fer a little than to leave in order that thev might yet rescue some souls from Not only did the exodus into the perdition and bring them to Christ. Palatinate suddenly grow to great proportions during this year, but 2. A second reason was, that they could not so easily take their de- Berne began the custom of compelling parture to other countries, because the Mennonite congregations in that fearinig
that
—
SWITZERLAND PROHIBITS GALLEY TORTURE.
117
part of Switzerland, to send hostages were so sent up to the time of the March 6, 1671 an to compel the congresations to obey exodus in 1671. the stringent rules laid down for these edict was issued abolishing the galley brethren. Each congregation was com- torture (Miiller 21.")— 219). pelled to send two or three prominent 1671 Galley Masters Show Kiutlness men to Berne whom Berne could torto .Mennouites. ture, send to the Venetian galleys or Miiller tells us that toward the last, kill, if the congregation disobeyed. Three of these hostages were Andrew the galley Masters themselves showed Mowrer of Thun and Christian Oesch kindness to the Mennonites who were and Peter Forney (Fahrni) (Miiller sent to them to be chained to the galleys. They allowed them, as a distinct 144. p. 339). favor, to keep their beards. They were 1671— Mennonitos' Friends Find Hos- known as the bearded oarsmen, and pitnls for Tliem. the cruel masters of Venice said of Flamming, a friend of the Swiss them "Those bearded oarsmen we
—
wrote to Berne need not keep constantly in. si^ht But They are conscientious. They prefer to for them. offend the coun- carry their fetters over the Alps to sent word that, us and suffer, on distant seas, than his interference was resented by the deny their faith, of which their unBerne government and if he did not shorn beards in the midst of criminals stop it, complaints would be made to bear testimony. They are not crimihis government, Holland. nals, but good men" (Miiller 219). Another friend, B. Fisher, however, 1671 The Mowrers, Oesolis and Forwas allowed to gather sick Mennonites neys Appear. together and bring them to an Orphan House in Basle (Muller 198). As shown by the above item about 1671— S>Yitzorlan(l Prohibits Galley this year we find the above named common Lancaster County family Punish men t. names in and about Berne (Miiller Miiller in Chapter 13, of his book (p. 339). IMiiller says that these men 215) sets out that galley punishment were made to suffer financially more
Mennonites
this year expressing sympathy the only effect was to cil of Berne. He was
—
was useful to "men of war," that is than bodily. It was announced that war vessels, for many years. Criminals if this does not make the Mennonites and those whose lives were considered go ,a great number of hostages would of little value were condemned to such be taken. fate. Several of the cantons of Switz1671— The Eggwyl Contrrcgation To erland had contracts with Venice to Be Wiped Out. supply her galley slaves for which May 3, this year the bailiff of SigVenice paid a good price. Venice had wars with Turkey and needed them. nau was instructed to tell the Men-* As early as 1540 Mennonites of Switz- aonite congregation of Eggwyl that In they, (who are well known to them), erland were sent to the galleys. 1613 Galli Fuchs and Hans Landis were to be taken at once and be imwere so condemned. In 1648 Stentz prisoned in the Orphan Asylum, and and Burger were also sent to the f they do not come and surrender galleys. But a couple years later the themselves within 14 days, armed men government of Switzerland condemned would be sent for them at the expense sending respectable Mennonites to of the congregation. But up to S:>pt. such fate. However under the pretext 26, nothing was done to deliver up of punishing criminals our ancestors these Mennonites of Eggwyl.
—
SWITZERLAND TAKES MENNONITE HOSTAGES.
118
Then another method was tried, their eyes they fell upon his neck and which was effective in some places. showed their gratitude. They further There were twelve of the wealthiest related that they could no longer repeople of the congregation to be sent main in Switzerland on account of the to Berne to be kept on the expense strict and cruel mandates and the of the congregation until the
Menno- anxiety
were either delivered up or quit the country. Oct. 4 they were given eight days more; and as to the 12 hostages, six were to be sent away to exile or the galleys, and after eight days the other six were to suffer. These twelve were in addition to two, prior ones who were to be executed, nites
that caused. They expect about 40 more persons to arrive if they have not been intercepted, as the roads and passes are well guarded, because the Swiss authorities do not want to let them get out of the coun-
try. Many were sent to the galleys, and others were scourged and whipped and burnt with branding irons. Among because their congregation did not them was an exhorter who died a few obey. days after being branded. Others were The result of this was that the cast into prison where they suffered whole Eggwyl congregation took their misery and hunger. (Miiller 199.) departure as is shown by the testi1671 P.ilatines' Account of Similar
mony
of their minister.
—
Then
the hostages were discharged and their expenses were refunded to them as a special favor. But the congregation was compelled to pay some expenses. Hostages were also demanded about the same time from the congregations
Sufferings.
This year an account was given by Mennonites who had reached the
the
Palatinate,
of
the
suffering
brethren in Switzerland.
of
their
The account
states that fu!l> 100 families have fled. Guggisberg and Schwarzenberg and The Palatinate was now overrun by from Thun (Miiller 339). the refugees; and the brethren now in the Palatinate are too few and poor 1671 Jolin Floss's Account of Swiss to help the fugitives very much. Many Meunonite Suffering. who arrive, even in the cold winter The On December 19, the Mennonite con- are nearly bare and naked. gregation of Crefeld wrote a letter to Palatinate brethren find themselves the congregation at Amsterdam, the under the severe necessity of calling upon the well-to-do Amsterdam Mensense of which is as follows: "Our brother John Floss informs us nite congregation and people to help that on October 21, coming from clothe and feed the Swiss sufferers Heidelberg he met about 20 brethren now flocking into the Palatinate. at Manheim in tlie Palatinate wlio had (Miiller 199.) arrived there the day before from 1672 List of Swiss Refugees Near the Berne; and they offered a pitiable Palatinjite. appearance. Mostly they were (5ld Muller (200-204) gives the following people of fifty, sixty and even seventy years of age. Many were bare and list of Swiss Mennonites near the naked, and for more than a year they Palatinate in 1672 as found by Valenhad not had a night's rest in theii- tine Huetwol and Lichty between house. He says they told liim their Brehm and Bingen. of
—
—
and pitiable condition There were: George Lichty (or with bitter tears which was very sad Light Hans Borchalter (Burkholder) and touching. After they had received and his wife Michael Oxenheim his sympathy and alms, with tears in Adam Burkholder Christian Immel distressing
—
—
—
—
—
FAMILIAR LANCASTER COUNTY NAMES
— —
Melchoir Brenneman Margaret Beiler Babbie Schappe Frona Engler Ulrich EnJers Barbara Reusser (Kisser) Michael Schnebeli (Suavely) Daniel Snavely Hans Van Giente Margaret Biery Mary Ummei Bab-
—
— — — — — bie Reauformet — Anna ReumschwaniReuscher — Hans Eiicher er — Hans Daniel Reuscher — Frona Robe! — May Anthony —Christian Robel —Catherine Dinzeler — Christian Reusommet — Hans Reusommet—Christian Stauffer — Peter Reigshnerer — Hans Matti (Maili)— Ulrich Strom— Ulrich Bitner —Christian Klari — Babbie Kin?elsbecker — Magdalena Luthi — Peter Walte — Mary Bauman — Christian Stauffer — Anna Stauffer — Daniel Stauffert — Hans Stauffert — Barbara Lehman — Ulrich Lehman — Ulrich Kiiehner — Elizabeth Einsberger — Michsel Shenk — Hans Shenk — Babbie Kieffer — Hans Staller — Nicholas Jurien — Ma'^dalena Krapf — Babbie Weilman — Michael Miiller — Ulrich Stauffer — Katharine Kuene (Kahni) Bets Bachman — Hans Miiller —Christian Shenk — Ulrich Laiibel — Babe Burki (Burkey) — Hans Egmann — Hans Egman (son) — Hans Roet (Rupp Roth) — Hans Schneider — Babe or Ruesser (Risser) —Christian Wenger —Stephen Luechtie (Lichty or Light) — Ulrich Lichty — Peter Boomgaert (Baumgardner) —Maria Kraebel — Bar-
names.
THE PALATINATE.
L\
Among
119
these are Burkholder,
Breneman. Schup or
Shoff.
Stauffer,
Bauman, Shenk, Miller, Bachman, Sayder, Wenger, Kraebel, Bauman and others.
Maili, Strom,
1672
—Galley
Punislimeut Oeuerully Fatal.
In the
Amsterdam Archives
there
is
a statement that the lot of the Men.lonites were on a certain galley saip which had gone to the Island of oorfu. and that it is sapposta that will be the last that will ever be seen of them.- They are hardly ever known to
come back.
1672— Swiss
(Miiller 219).
Kcfut'ees
Own
State
Tlieir
Miseries.
This same year the Swiss refugees in one of their own petit. ons to Amsterdam ask for help. They also had prominent Amsterdam people approve the petition and
names
among them we
find
Valentine Hutewoli Lichty Jacob Gut Christ. George Peters Uly Seyler (now Saylor) and Lescher). (now Loescher Hands hownames Lichty and Gut are Swiss The petition runs as follows: ever. "Beloved brethren and sisters in Holland and elsewhere and particularly our friend Hans Flamming We wish to report to you that our people here are driven out of Berne and came to bara Fredericks and Barbara Schenk. the Palatinate where our brethren All these persons were found in were already there to receive us; and 1672 between the places mentioned we are staying with them, and they above, Brehm and Biugen, a territory are supplying us with food, clothes near the Palatinate, but somewhat and drink, but because there are so above it toward Switzerland. This many of us who have nothing, and our fact proves that our persecuted an- brethren here are not well off, we are cestors at this time were migrating a great burden to them and too slowly out of cruel Switzerland (and heavy a load for them to carry. We away from Berne) toward the Palati- find ourselves compelled to write you nate where in 1671 over 700 of their in the Netherlands, and there are so brethren had gone. many charitable people of our faith, tlie
—
of
—
—
—
—
because that we ask them to give us alms No doubt appear many of which we sorely need. our present day numerous Lancaster Tacob Everling has told of our condiCounty and eastern Pennsylvania tions; and we therefore believe you This item
in
the
list
is
of interest to us
set
out,
NUMBER OF MENNONITES
120
understand our January 1, 1672." was petition This
will
petition,
dated
IN
1674
THE PALATINATE.
—^Vllliam
Penn's Interest in the
Mennonites of Eniden. by indorsed This year William Penn- wrote a Everling, whose home we have noticed letter to the Magistrates of Emden, before was about eight miles north- counselling them to kindness toward west of Manheim. (Miiller 205). the Mennonites and preaching the 1672—Everling Statistics of Jlenno- Gospel of Peace. Brons says that he nltes Residing about the Palatiuate. Miiller
(p.
205)
further the
states
Jacob Everling which he sent from Darmsteiner County or conference district to the Netherlands, detailing the Mennonites situated in the Rhine valley, east of the PalatiHe says that nate, being near to it. in that year 1672, in Darmsteiner section, the number of Mennonites, counting the women and children was 144 in Hilsbach round about Heidelberg 250 among whom there were 19 widows and unmarried women of women who left their husbands and children and remained with the Reformed religion 4 in Manheim are statistics of
—
—
—
—
section of Germany. They were much impressed by him, and some of them were the first to come to the new world. Several letters of these people are in the Amsterdam Archives, in which letters they One of plead for more toleration. them is signed by a member of the Mennonite congregation by the name also visited this
of
Von Ravenstein.
it
was
in conse-
quence of these letters that William Penn wrote to the magistrates. Penn's letter was written partly in Latin and partly in English: and was sent to a business friend of his in Amsterdam to have it translated into German, and then forwarded to the sufferers. It
seems that the original
letter, in a
very bad condition, as well as a copy settled 11 making a total east of the of it, are printed and preserved in the Rhine of four hundred twenty-eight. .\rchives of the City Hall in Emden. In the congregation at Alzey, among It is so classic that it is worth while which are people of the Town of to rescue it from oblivion says Brons Obersultzen, Chriesum, Osthoben and (p. 223) and she has the letter comother places, according to Huetwold's plete in German in her book as a supregister which places are west of the plement, page 435. Emden is a city Rhine, and in the upper part of the of about fourteen thousand people in Palatinate, there were 215 Mennonites. the state of Hanover, Germany, borThis makes a total of six hundred dering on Holland on an arm of the forty-three persons just above the Xorth Sea. The Palatinate and just east of it. 1678 Holland Helps the ]>rennonites Swiss authorities compute that there in the Palatinate. were about one hundred Mennonites these Among This year the Holland Mennonites in Alsace at this time. latter, there were twelve teachers of furnished 30.000 florin and also sent Henry Funk was one of -hips up the Rhine toward Switzerthe faith. In the Amsterdam Archive? 'and to bring the distressed brethren them. there is an account of the moneys paid Town into the Palatinate and into Holfor the relief of the Swiss settling land where they would not be subabove the Rhine country, which states iected to such suffering as the Rethe sum to be 11,290 florin, which in formed Church was heaping upon our money was about $4500.00. The 'hem; and a short time later 20 000 account is Number 1198 in the said more were collected for the relief of ;
'
—
archives.
the
hundreds that were lately come
TELNER AND THE MENNONITES. into
the Palatinate. they distress
This
shows
of
in
December,
121
1682,
we
them
find
to-
gether with the Finns and Swedes presenting a petition to the Assemb'y 162). that they may be made free as asking 1(578— .Tacol) Tclner (oincs to tlie the other members of the Province, Dchnvare. and that they might hold and enjoy Miil'er tells us (p. 364) that, this: land and pass it to their children the year Jacob Telner came to America same as others; and that they might from Crefeld, Germany. He had, for be naturalized. The Assembly resome years been interesting himself commended this (Vol. 1 of Votes of The .\ssembly, Part 1, p. 3). These Palain the welfare of his brethren. outcome of his visit was that a little tines of course, were the pioneers of later 13 families from Crefeld consistGermantown and were not in Lancasing of 33 persons followed him and ter County at this early date. It was landed October 5, 1683. This was the the law, however, that no foreigner beginning of Germantown. Telner re- could be naturalized unless he paid mained from 1678 to 1681, says Brons. taxes to the extent of 20 shllings; and 221). He bought 5000 acres of the Palatines complained very loudly (p. land on Skippack Creek in 1682 and against this, for in those days it was the next year six more came; and a large sum. each bought 1000 acres. 1682—"Lam bister' and "Sonnister" 1680—aiennoiiite Alleged Secrets Factions of the ]\Ienno:iites.
what
were.
(Miiller
Exposed. About this time according to Muller This year Seyler wrote a work, the fp. 162). a large part of the Holland purpose of which was to expose the Mennonites divided into two factions Mennonites, as he said, being an alover a doctrinal difference upon Christ i
I
leged exposition of their secret rites. of the Reformed Church, much opposed to the INIennonites. He was pastor at Basle, (Muller, 3).
God" and Christ as the God"; and the factions were called the "Lambists" and the "Son-
as the "Son of
|
He was
"Lamb
of
The question of the "Ban" or ists." 1680—Jacob Telner and tlie Fire separation from the world began to Hundred Year Comet. cause more trouble. One party tried The great comet whose appearance to tear down the meeting houses built occurs once very 500 years and which by the others. The separation grew appeared in the time of Caesar again appeared in 16S0. It is the most imcomets known to portant of all Telner was deepJacob astronomers. ly moved by its appearance and concluded that it had appeared as a guid-
v/ider
the suffering of And every Switzerland to freedom. night as it hung in the West, he concluded that it beckoned them to
ical
ing
star
America. of
1682
—Early
p.
Germans Beg
is
are 120 University men,
shades of
inter-denominational. preachers that are (Do.).
1683— Germantown: The First Permanent Mennonile Settlement in
126).
America. to be
Naturalized.
At a very early date these Palatines disadvantage and on the 6th
felt their
facu'ty
There
(Pennsypacker's Settlement
Germantown,
all
Flammingers to the liberal Frieseners and the more The Holland Waterlanders. liberal strong and been always has church theologHer 40'.000 today. souls has
lead
to
and there were from the Strict
belief
I
Kauffman's Mennonite
History, stated that the first Mennonite settlers made up of 13 families reached America on October, 1683;
In
I
p. 126.
it
is
\ ^
—
MENNONITES AND MILITIA—NEW CODE.
122
and that a few days after their arrival, fourteen divisions of land were measured off to them, and they proceeded to the cave of Pastorius, in which he lived at this time, on the banks of the Delaware and drew lots, each family taking one lot, and the for Pastorius. They bedig cellars and build huts at once. Some of the first ones were Hendricks, Cassels, Rittenheisens,
fourteenth
gan
to
Van Bebbers
The and Upd&graffs. colony was so poor for a while that it
was named Armentown, which means in the English, "Poor Town." This custom of living in caves was one which the old Swedes established about forty years hefore.
When
trade
began to grow so that wharves were needed along the Delaware river, the people who had their caves built a'ong it would not give them up. They did afterwards give them up, and now their descendants are living in very elegant mansions on Spruce Street and Pine Street in Philadelphia. These Mennonite families came in the ship "Concord." They did not mingle with the Swiss Mennonites on the Pequea,
1687
Basel Mennonites Print a Testament.
New }
This year the Mennonites printed a .Mew Testament in Basel. It was at once denounced as false by the authorities of the Government at Berne and ordered to be suppressed. The mandate also said that all of the Anabaptist or Mennonite meetings should be suppressed for the honor of God and His church. However, as late as 1692 we find the authorities trying to get rid of
this
New
Testament,
(Miiller,
p.
104).
1688—Mennonites Forced
Into the
Militia.
One
the first instances of the Anabaptists or Mennonites refusing to 5erve in the army or do any sort of military duty, occurred in 1688. This enraged the Council of Berne. The Government decided that there should be militia musters several times a year and that all men of the Canton of
Berne were compelled to wear a short sword at their side to indicate that they were loyal to the Government. The purpose in this was- to who came later. It seems that the find out who were Taufers or MennoGermans and the Swiss being of dis- nites, and by the absence of this tinct nationalities, also kept their sword this could be told, (MHiller, p. settlement separate. 1684
—A
Company of German Palatines Arrive in Philadelpliia.
This year a lot of German Palatines who had a special invitation from William Penn arrived in America, according to the statements set forth in the petition of Johannes Koster found This in Vol. 2 of the Col. Rec, p. 241. petition is dated 1706 and in it, he says that 22 years before many of his German brethren encouraged by William Penn came here and their industry changed the uncultvated lands
good settlements, and behaved themselves well; and that they always will be ready to do anything for the welfare of Pennsylvania, that they into
can.
of
132).
1688—Mennonites' New Code of Religious Rules and Practice. This
year the ancient articles of faith from those of the times of Hans Seckler about 1528 down to this date, were gathered together and augmented and re-adopted at a meeting held Some of at Obersultzen, March 5th. the principal landmarks in this code were the minutes of the meeting in Starsburg in 1568 the minutes of the Strasburg meeting of 1667, and others. This was not the real confession of faith because the old Dortrecht confession was still in use; but this collection was rather a code of rules for the moral welfare of the Mennonites. Among the common directions given
—
:
—
MENNONITE RULES— OPPOSITION TO SLAVERY.
had not only the displeasure of the Government but the disadvantage of being imposed ui>oa by the people, (Miiller, p. 52).
them was that: the church should follow only the practice laid down in early Christian times by the apostles
ren, so that they
in
— brethren
and
sisters
should
meet
three or four times a week and when gathered they should read something about the scriptures and explain it, and they should read the Psalter daily all scandals should be suppressed that there should be separation from that servants, elders and the worldy should go through the difdeacons how find ferent congregations and
1688— Jacob Telner's Continued Afforts
on Skippack.
devotes chapter 22 of his the Swiss Mennoniles in In this America, (p. 364). after tellin? us chapter he states, about the founding of Germantown in 1682, that .Jacob Telner in 16S8 from Crefeld, became very much interested in this place in America for the MenTelner eventually got up a nonites. colony of these brethren and landed them on the Skippack creek, one of the early Mennonite centers in America, near the Schuylkill. Miiller
—
book North
—
they fared spiritually and look after A rule the widows and the orphans. was enforced that the rich should educate the poor that, at the breaking that in partof bread all must kneel ing the brotherly holy kiss of peace should be given that those who were tailors or mechanics should not make any fancy garments or articles of any kind, for the brethren or any one else, because it would help the worldliness along that money .should be gath-
—
12:?
—
—
to
1688—1110 Mennonites First Ref?ular Prachcr In America. This book on p. 127, Kauffman informs us that in 1688 William Ritten-
—
huisen was the first minister. He was ered up and given to the deacons and born in Holland in 1644 and died in elders to relieve suffering that if any Pennsylvania in 1708. He moved to one owed his brother or sister money. New Amsterdam about 1678 and they should demand it and set a time reached Germantown in 1688 and befor payment, but never enter any suit gan preaching. In 1690 he built the \ that in or issue any execution for it first paper mill in America at Roxvillages where the Government comborough near Germantown. He was pels people to be watchmen at night, ordained the first Bishop of the brothers should be willing to be Church in 1701. His descendants are watchmen or sentries, but they should the active workers of still among not have any guns or weapons in their that church. Also see Miiller. p. 364. hands, because they might hurt somebody that the brother could hire a 1688— The Mennonites tlie First to Protest Against Slaverj. substitute for watchman if he wished to and that money could be loaned Kauffman tells us in his book and out at interest, but only in case of page 127 that in 1688 the Mennonites necessity should any interest be taken, of Germantown sent their protest that is, if the party had needed his against slavei-y to the Friends quarterinterest to live on. This was the firsi known ly meeting. These were some of the main rules public protest in America against that were re-adopted by the primative human slavery. It is not improper to brethren for their peaceful conduct notice that in 1712 the Assembly of and life in early days. The main dif- Pennsylvania moved by a big petition ficulty was that being surrounded by passed an Act against slavery, (See
—
—
;
I
—
1
—
;
'
j
the Votes of Assembly, p. taken of these breth-» 110) and also (Vol. 2 of the Statutes at
the wicked conditions,
advantage was
all
manner
of
'
Vol.
2
of
'
MENNONITE MARRIAGES VOID.
124
Large, p. 433). How different might have been the history of America if these early protests of the Mennonite Brethren and the pious pioneers of Pennsylvania had been heeded. 1689
— Sixty
Meimoaites Imprisoned
at
Leiisburg.
This year about 60 persons were persecuted by the Berne authorities (who were Anabaptists or Mennonites).
The
Sheriff of
Lensburg was
refuse all military exercise which is necessary to protect the fatherland from its enemies that they are a detriment to the public and that they must all be driven out. This mandate the different Sheriffs are ordered to execute, (Miiller, p. 145).
—
1691
—Daniel
Grimm
clared a
Langnau DeSpecial Enemy. of
Miiller tells us (Do, p. 145) that this year Daniel Grimm of Langnau, liv-
ordered to make a register of all the Anabaptists and to deliver the list to the authorities at Berne, who determined to make an effort to convert them. Graffenreid mentions the list of the persons found, but Miiller does not give them, and we have not any
ing in the village of Geibel, was declared a special enemy of Switzerland
access to the Graffenreid
violating the ordinances.
ler,
list.
(Miil-
167).
because of his strong Meunonitism, and the Sheriff of Langnau and the Trachelswald were authorities of given strict orders to watch him and arrest him upon the least proof of his 1691
1680—Decree
All Mennonite Marriages are Toid. tliat
—Berne
Complains against nouite Growth.
Men-
Miiller tells us at the page last menThis year it was decided in Berne tioned, that this year Berne and other that Anabaptist or Mennonite mar- parts of Switzerland, lamented the riages are absolutely void that their fact that the Mennonites had increased children shall not inherit that the greatly and especially that their big inheritance shall fall to the authori- congregations in the district of Konolties that the property coming to fingen; and that they are so disloyal those who were minors should be held that the Government must reform by guardians appointed by the Govern- them, and that they are so numerous ment until it would be found out that it is impossible to get any militia which way these minors would lean company together in that neighborand what church they would embrace hood, because those who are not Menwhen they became of age and that nonites take their part and refuse to if they joined the Mennonites the do military duty. property should not belong to them, 1691—Division of
— —
—
—
the
(Muller,
1691
p.
135).
—Mennonites
Confiscated
Mennonite Property. Declared Enemies
This year on the 17th day of November, there was issued a mandate This year complaint was made decreeing that the fines, the forfeiagainst the Mennonites throughout tures and all moneys raised by penalSwitzerland, that they refused to ties upon the Mennonites or Anabapswear fealty to the Government, and tists should be divided into three are therefore, dangerous and must be parts, viz: one-third to be given to considered as enemies of the Govern- the Government authorities for supment. This was a revival of the old port of the poor one-third to the mandate of 1671. was further expenses of the special court that was It charged that they make a practice of created to take charge of the Menno<;ondemning the authorities that they nite violations of law and one-third of the Governmelit.
—
—
—
MENNOXITES IX)OKIXG FOR LAND ON SUSQUEHANNA. the judges and officers who tried the cases against the Mennonites. This was a provision very well calculated to make the propaganda against the to
125
Island desires to settle himself in Pennsylvania and that there would be about two hundred families with him, and that they would like to have 40,000
Mennonites effective and the officers acres of land. zealous and active, (Miiller, p. 132).
1691— Tho ance
rromise Allegiand Fidelity Pcnn.
ralatfiies
to the Kinir
to
The
He stated that if they could not be accommodated in Pennsylvania they would go to New Castle in Delaware or to Maryland. It was represented that the colony were all sober and industrious. The authorities
petition of Joannes Koster that on the 7th of May, 1691, answered that they would be glad to over 60 of these German Mennonites have these German people come and
states
had
,
open Court
one time promis- that they would look for a tract for and them, and report to them in two days. Queen Mary and fidelity to William Accordingly on the 30th the CommisPenn; and that many others have done sioners of Property gave a report in the same since and that all are will- writing to De Lavall and Brant, that ing and ready to do so, (Vol. 2 of Pennsylvania would encourage their Col. Rec, p. 241). Those items give people to come and that they had sevus a hint of the difficulties under eral tracts that would accommodate which the early Mennonites labored, them, and also that they should come and make their patience, loyalty and and view the tracts, (See Series of the ed
in
alle'^iance
to
at
King William
industry all the more commendab'e Living as we do when liberty to us. universally is enjoyel this discrimination against them seems very unjust indeed as in reality it was.
—
.An Early irenno'iiite Father Secures Land on Susquehanna.
16f)l
In the Second Series of the Penna. Archives, Vol. 19, p. 72, it is set forth that William Penn on the 16th day of July, 1691, granted 37.5 acres of land
toward^~The Susquehanna River to 'Henry Maydock of Holmholl in the County of Chester (Lancaster County ;
Penna. Archives, Vol.
19, pp. 78 and the 26th of December the Dutch Minister wrote and asked what would be the lowest price for the land and how far from Philadelphia they could settle and how far from a navigable creek. The Commissioners replied that they wish the German
79).
On
settlers
would send some one
to
view
the land, that there were several tracts and different prices, but that they could have it all near the Schuyl-
River can not
they wished, (Do., p. 80). any further record of th's proposal so that it does not seem likely that the Germany colony settled kill I
if
find
having been originally a part of Chester County) and that he could here. take up the land at once. Afterwards his son, Mordecai Maydock got a 1692— Incidents of Mennonite Faith patent for
it.
I'reserAed at Lani;nau.
1691— The Dutch Minister Desires Move from Lonsr Islaud to This
to
Province.
On the 28th of November of this yearDe Lavall and Albertus Brant.im reported to William Penn's commissioners of property that the Dutch minister of Flatbrush upon Long
In the collection of Baptist or Mennonite manuscripts at Langnau (which the Western part of 's a town in Switzerland near Berne), dated 1692, we find the following items jotted down by Johannes Mozart, the Reformed minister at that place, giving the following facts as to the attitude
126
INCIDENTS OF EARLY MENNONITE FAITH AND CONVERSION.
of the recently converted Mennonites toward the Reformed Church. He states that he often visited Ully
does not dwell in temples made by hands. Mozart says that he reasoned with
G'od
Krie? (now Krick), a recent convert and that he was very strong. Of Hans Snyder of Trub, he says that Snyder became stubborn about the baptism of his child and said that
object to the Church because you preach that we must honor people and rulers and that doc-
there are so many views about baptising children that his child will not be baptized until it grows up.
says further that Grimm was one of the leaders in the peasant war in younger days.
Of Michael Burkholder, he says that Michael was an old Baptist or Mennonite and so was his wife and that they lived at Maettenberg. She had been a member of the Mennonite Church forty years. Michael said that it was God's will that they should not any longer go to the Reformed Church: but that his son Jacob goes and as his father, he (Michael) did no' have anything against that, if Jacob
In Mooshad, Mozart talked with an Anabaptist preacher and showed him a spiritual hymn he had composed; the Mennonite or Anabaptist said it had some good in it but "you should see what T composed." Mozart asked him what he and the other Anabaptists thought of the state church and he answered, "You are with the world."
Dan Grimm Ihey said,
trine
—
wanted
Burkholder;
have
renounced."
Mozart
Christian Wahley said to Mozart since he became a Mennonite he could not go to the Lord's Supper in the state church, because the members are too careless in their habits and that they drink and have froMcs, and such persons must not put their lips to the Lord's cup. Ullv Steiner's wife said that since she became, an Anabaptist or Mennonite, she had found a short cut to Heaven; th^t she is sure she is on a
to go.
th'^t
Ully Fisher, he says was an Anabaptist or Mennonite at Signau and
when he asked him why he stopped going to the Reformed Church, Ully said, "What will I do in that grand stone pile?" He also sa'd. "Why do the people say 'My Lord' to you? Only God should be called 'Lord'; and priests should not be called 'Fat'.'er' either. Your grand stone pile is too full of pride. We must be humble." Mozart said he talked to Fisher's sister and she said, "Yea, verily, I would join the Anabaptists but I am not worthy to be one of them they would not accept me because they are a holy people. My brother, Ully Fisher was formerly a Godless man when he was in the s^^ylish church, but since he is a Mennonite it is altogether different with h'm, like when Paul was converted and enliT;htened." Mozart says she did join later and so did her mother and sister Magdalena: and he says that when he ask°d Magdalena about falling off from the State Church, she said that she is going to
way now. Michael Gerber,
direct
sect
life,
from
one
Wannethal
the same said that he of
would
rather suffer death than go back, to the State Church. Mozart a,sked h'm wh^t would become of those Anabaptists that do go back again to the Reformed Church. He said, "God have pity on them, they will find out what will become of them." Mozart further says that this year (169?) there were in Langnau, 28
—
try to live a righteous
we
Hans
and
"We
known Anabaptist
or Mennonite famand that nearly everybody was well disposed toward them. In fact, he says thev had such influence there at that time that even our own memand that bers do not want to hear us preaching ilies,
j
j
LIST OF MENXOXITDS DRIVEN OUT OF LANGNAU.
127
anything against them, and that the 10. Ully Aeschlimann's wife Magdapublic opinion was with them, the lena (Herman) of Rigenen. prominent people being very sorry to 11. Ully Bieris's wife of Katzbach, see them moving away. He says sev- who was Maria Hoffer. She became a eral of them left but the most of them Mennonite or Aanabaptist in Trub and had to be driven out by force. They came with her husband to Langnau in were first sold out as bankrupts and 1692. then driven out, (Miiller, p. 125). 12. Ully Steiner's wife. She went at one time In distress to Caspar Luethi. 1692— List of Mennonites Driven Out a minister of the Mennonite Church at of La II gnu u. Langnau, and he proselyted her to Miiller tells us at the page last cited, that faith. that the following Mannonites among 13. Anna Blaser Miiller, wife of others were driven out of the Langnau Michael Miiller. Her husband ran district, because of their religion away but she stayed. about this time, 14. Anna Gysler, whose maiden 1. Ully Gerber and his wife, Kathname was Mill ten. arine of Wissenhollen; and a son 1.5. Young Hans Gerber of Yngey, Peter and daughter Elizabeth. who was a son-in-law of Caspar 2. Michael Gerber's son Michael of Luethi. Wannethal. These are among the list who were Bracher's wife Barbara banished 3. Oswald from the region of Berne (Sterchi) and himself of Frittenbach. and Langnau and perhaps a larger 4. Jacob Wissler of Eyschachen and section of Eastern Switzerland in his four children, Christian, Peter. Katharine, Levi, and his wife Magdalena.
Michael Burkhalter, the shoeof Maettenberg, an old man, and his wife, who had been a Menno5.
maker
nite for forty years. 6. Dan Grimm of Geibel and Hans Burki, his neighbor, the first of whom before he became converted to the
The paople said punish Switzerland for doing this and as it did not rain for a couiile of months, the people said, "Now God is punishing this cruel country for what it has done^' (Miil'er, p. 125). We will all observe here that nearly all of these ancient Swiss names are al=o present prominent r-,ancaster County names. 1692 for their faith.
that
God would
Mennonite Church was a petty Judge 1(503— Local SiirnaniPs in Tlmn, Olterand the latter, a Poor Warden. hoften and Hurj^dorf, (Switzerland). 7. Jacob Schwartz, in Moss and his wife, Elizabeth Schenk Schwartz and It was now decreed that all sales, their son Ully; also Peter Schenks transactions and obligations of the and Barbara, the sister of Elizabeth. \nabaptists or Mennonites, were to be 8.
beth
Also the old fish woman, ElizaAeschman and her two daughters,
void
— that
in
the
said
districts,
the
whole military force must come out Magdalena and Elsa. und reiister. that is, all the males 9. Ully Brasers' wife and Christian from fourteen and over that all must Tanner's wife, both from Wallistolen. fake the oath of allegiance, and that These last two have permitted them- all who refuse will be considered selves to be persuaded to the Menno- Vnabiptists or Taufers. The payment nite faith by their brother Ully Fisher, provided for apprehending an Anaa very dangerous Anabaptist of Sig- baptist tefcher was $25.00 if a resinau. in fact one of the worst of dent, and $50.00 if he was a foreign
—
—
them.
teacher.
—
FAMILIAR NAMES—ORIGIN OF THE AMISH.
128
There was a mandate a in May, declaring Anabaptist or Mennonites to church Saturday night, later,
few weeks creek, which that
these
northeast
of
lies
a
Berne.
short
distance
They held that
(who went there should be no emigration or at and would any rate that they should neither emi-
often be compelled to wait until Sunday night to go home, so as not to be should be closely hunted caught) Berne, about and all suspicious persons be arrested, (Miiller, p. 157). Following these instructions there were discovered in the towns -of Thun, Oberhoften and Bergdorf, a large number of these people. The following aged people were excused by the authorities: From Thun, Christian Schneider Anna Neuwhouss Christian Miiller
grate nor
mix wiih the Amish, who
—
were the "Oberlanders" that is, they on the Ober or upland regions in Switzerland. This split was not on fundamental doctrines; but upon the lived
question of ality of rules.
strictness versus liberIt really had its origin
Holland where a discussion arose upon the question of discipline and in
behavior, especially with reference and association with to worldliness the worldly. When the same question Hans Kropf Michael Miiller Abram was taken up by these brethren in Switzerland, the feeling became more Stayman Anton Kropf and Jacob intense than it was in Holland, andNeushousen. From Oberhoften, Hans Wolf and resulted in those who believed in adherence and severe strict literal Madaline Ammon. unworldliness following Jacob AmFrom Bergdorf, Hans Kohler Jacob mon, and those who took the someSchiippack (Shaubach) Christian Yawh Adam Reist Barbara Sterchi what more literal view, following Hans Reist. (Stirk) Oswald Bracher Elizabeth
—
—
—
—
— —
—
— — — Schank — Michael Burkholder — Ross— Kaspar Luethi (an old teacher) — Peter Weidmer (Witmer) and Chris-
The Dutch Ambassador, Runckel, reasoned with the Amish but they would not be convinced. The Reist Mennonites claimed that they were the tian Walti. old original Mennonites and became as I have mentioned these names because we recognize again in them, hitter against the Amish as the Amish ancestors of our Eastern Pennsylvania lid against them, and for a time took Sw'ss-descendant families of today, the stand that if the Amish migrated Ita
out of Switzerland, they would not Nevertheless, it was the follow them. 1693 Origin of the Amish MeunoReist Mennonites who first reached the nites. Pequea valley here in Pennsylvania. This year there was a division They also tried to get others to break among the congregations of Menno- away from the "Oberlanders," as they It nites in Berne. A faction of them fol- called them, that is, the Amish. Amish were sent that when the =eems lowed Jacob Ammon, and the remainder remained under the leadership of down the Rhine, some of the Reist Hans Reist. The factions were known Mennonites were forced into the ship as the Amish and Reist factions. The with them, but they left the ship near parting was quite bitter: each party Alsace and Upper Palatinate and did putting the other under the ban. The not go on to Holland. (Miiiller,
Do).
—
.
was deep and painful. division was carried from This The Reist party were the Emmen- Switzerland into Alsace and into the thalers that is, their stronghold was Palatinate, and also to America where division
—
in
the Thai or valley of the
Emmen
it
is
preserved today.
—
ORIGIN OF THE AMISH MENXOXITES There are manuscripts upon the diand the discussion resulting from it at the time, in the library of the Reist Mennonites in the Emraenthal or valley. These documents
129
conisderable doctrinal controversy, This is signed by those Reist Mennonites who are mentioned in Xo. 9 above, and also by Hans Reist Ulrich Kolb Xichlaus Baltzli Doerse among others, consist of: Rohrer .Jacob Schwartz Dan C.rimm 1. The separation letter or history and Ulrich Baltzli, from the Emmenth.al; and by Jacob and Hans Gut of the division, by Christian Blanck. Peter Zollinger Benedict Mellinger 2. A report of the said division or and Hans Henrich Bar. from the schism, by Peter Geiger, dated 1693. vision
I
— —
—
— —
—
Palatinate.
A
confession of faith of the 11. Amish, gotten up by .Jacob Ammon and written into form by Hans Gut in the^^^"' 3.
Palatinate.
I
A ^•'
letter of the 26th of
February,
"^"^ Bachman and others
in
^^^ Palatinate.
°/ ^^^ 23rd of December, brethren J' ,i'ff^ ''^"^ ^"^>' «"^written from Markirch in the paiati J ^'f V^^/^*7 /^^"'^'J^ •'^^"\^'°^4.
A
letter
to
the
Swiss
^
December 13, 1697, by Hans ""j/.^^f L^ ^^^ ,. treatises on the subject *° Rudy Xagele (Negley) Christian , ^f ^l' Pleam-Rudolph Huaser-Peter Lee- ^'!! ^'."'^'ff ^""^ ^'"'^^'"S tobacco, nate.
-
of,
During the year 1693. .Jacob Amwhile this subject of separation l™on. . the ^^s uppermost in his mind, with division movement during the year several other believers in Switzerland u94 went from congregation to congrega6. A letter by Hans Rudy Nagele tion to get converts. By what authorof May 6, 1694. to Jacob Ammon and ity he did this is not shown; but the his adherants. proceedings, as we have said before 7. A letter to the same by Jonas were generally believed to have gotten Lohr from Alsace, dated September impulse from the Netherlands.-^'here 28. 1695. the Mennonites were discussing for 8. A letter by Gerhart Rossen in; many years, the question of strictness Hamburg, dated December 2, 1697, to and liberality. Ammon considered the Alsace Mennonites. himself the head of what he called. 9. A letter dated October 19, 1699. "The Real Christian Order." He said by Jacob Gut (Good), in the name of that he would not have his followers all the congregations of the Upper build temples either grand or modest. Palatinate to Rudy Husser— Peter but they would worship God in the Leman Christian Dollam Hans Mei- old way as did Abraham and the patrier Christian Neucomet fXewcomer) archs and the early disciples, that is, Hans Rudy Xegele Rudy Blotchan, in the homestead. He also said that Reist Mennonites in the lower Palati- the Bible compels him to introduce nate; and to Peter Hapegger (Ha- keeping aloof from the world by being becker) Peter Geiger and Hans Bur- strict
mann and Christopbel Dohltan. _ , .^ ^ 0. A report of the happenings .
<,
I
m .
,
;
'
J.
'
I
'
I
I
|
j
'
—
—
—
—
—
—
ki.
of the
'
Emmf nthal
in
Switzerland.
Therefore, he held that all former expelled should be
,
A
declaradon by the servants, elders and df aeons from the Palatinate and from Switzerland, who adhered to the Reist faction and who called themselves, "such as can not be in accord with Jacob Ammon. and therefore, his opponents," containing 10.
j
members who were
avoided— if, of a married couple, one was under the ban, the other must separate from him or her and members of his family must not be allowed
—
I
,
'
to
eat
with other
under the ban.
members
that
are
130
LOCAL GERMAN-SWISS POLITICALLY OPPOSE THE QUAKERS
few years Peace and showed his willingness to after this feet washing break away from the Quakers and was first introduced by the Amish; help Fletcher. (Do., p. 371.) and later practiced by the Reist MenThese and other events show that nonites, who did not do so before. He the Germans took the opportunity of says that the Reist party objected to Fletcher's presence to show their the ban because it was too sharp and dissatisfaction with the Quakers. strict a law, was not Christian and 1694— Ploclihoy, Sole Snnivor of the Tvould cause misery in, and break up Ill-Fat€d Mennonite Colony on families, separating husbands and Delaware, Reaches the Village wives, parents and children. MXiller says further that, Ammon got most of of Germantown. his followers in the beginning from In Cassel's History of the Mennothe Berner Oberland; but that he had nites, p. 88, it is stateo that, in the one strong leader in the Emmenthal, year 1694 an old blind man and his and that was Isaac Kauffman, (Mtilwife came to Germantown. His misler, p. 315). condition brought much symWe find here again the location of erable pathy from the Mennonites there. the ancestors of our Lancaster County They got him naturalized free of and Eastern Pennsylvania families. charge and gave him a plot of ground 1693—The Germans Adhere to Fletch- to build a little house on and make a garden, which he could use as long as er; and Do Not Side With the he lived. They planted a tree in front Quakers. of it and the minister took up a colBecause the Quakers would not lection to build him a house. He was heed the demands from Great Britain Peter Plockhoy, leader of the Dutch to organize a military in 1692, William Mennonite colony of 1662, who after Penn's Government was taken out of thirty-one years of wandering from his hands and Benjamin Fletcher of the South, where it seems he was sold New York was made military Governor into slavery, reached a resting place While the Germans of Pennsylvania. with his brethren at Germantown. anything warlike as well were against as the Quakers, they were glad of an U)96 Hans Graif Arrives in Germantown, opportunity to take sides against the Quakers when they had a chance, beThe famous Hans Graff, one of the cause the Quakers put them to much founders of the Lancaster County setinconvenience and expense on account tlementflrst appeared in Pennsylvania This year they in 1695 or 1696 and joined the German of being foreigners. promising colony at Germantown. He remained Fletcher a paper to sent him to adhere to him and his require- there for some time and joined the ments and to rebuke the Quakers for German-Swiss settlement in the neigh(Vol. 1 of borhood their opposition to him. of Strasburg about 1709. However, (Lyle's History of Lancaster County, Votes of Assembly, p. 71.) John De Lavall with seven Quaker p. 63.) members of the Council sent an adus
that separation,
Miiller tells
a
—
—
1698 Henry Zimmerjtr'an Arrives in dress to Fletcher protesting against Germantown. his rule in Pennsylvania; De Lavall, history says on p. 126 in his Rupp vfe remember, was a German. (Vol. 1 Col. Rec, p. 370.) Francis Daniel Pas- that another old father of the Church torius, the leader of the German colo- by the name of Henry Zimmerman (or ny, accepted the office of Justice of the Carpenter) arrived this year and in-
GERMAN MEXXONITES NEAR SUSQUEHANNA
131
spected the brethren at Germantown. people to come here; and also that He then went back to Europe for his they are now conducting the affairs family and broii2:ht them over in 1706 of Germant,own without any hel]) and settled first in Germantown and from the rest of the County. The then removed within the bounds of Charter of Germantown was then sent Lancaster County in 1717. His de- for and it was soon seen that the scendants are especially numerous Germantown people had full power of and respectable. holding their own Courts and trying all their cases but had no right to 1701 Coruelius Einpson's Colony. have anyone represent them in the This year Cornelius Empson applied Assembly. And they objected to taxfor 20,000 acres of land along the ation without representation. The An account of it may be Council however said that they had Octoraro. found in the Sec. Series of the Penna. the right to choose members as well Empson as the rest of the county and they Archives, Vol. 19, p. 24.5. seems to have been a minister or at ought to bear their part of the taxes; least he was acting for twenty families and that they enjoy the roads and who desired to settle together. On p. bridges built around them, and must 280 it is stated that he renewed his help to support them. They answered request, and the names of the people that they had their own roads and They do not seem to be bridges to build and the rest of the are given. German, however, but some of them county was enjoying their roads. The seem to be Huguenots, whether they question was not solved at this time were Mennonites or not I can not tell. but was to be taken up at another The method, however, of applying for time. However, no further action land was very much like that im- seems to be shown. (Vol. 2 Col. Rec, pressed by Mennonite leaders for their p. 13.) !
—
people.
1701
—^lonnonite
1701— Hans School Started.
Bingjreli (Binklej)
a
Teacher.
This year a school was started in This year a man by the name of Pastorius for Binkley appeared in Binggeli or later Christopher Schwarzenberg. M'iiller in an item (p. his celebrated 207) says that he took the children school on Skippack. Further particufrom Schwarzenberg and from Phollars about these events may be found eren and Blumenstein to the Palatiin Kauffman's Book, p. 129.
Germantown with teacher. Some time Dock commenced
1701— The Germans Petition to Free From Taxes about Phila.
be
This Francis Daniel Pastorius, the leader of the Germans, by a petition signed by himself in behalf of the whole German population in Germantown, asked the Council of Pennsylvania to exempt the Germans from paying any taxes, for the reason that they were a corporation of their own, that is that they were chartered as the Germantown Colony. He sets forth for
his
his
1701
— Some
ed ^"ear
Germans May Have LocatSusquehanna Temporarily At This Time.
In the Treaty 1701, with the
made
the 23rd of April,
Susquehanna and Con-
Penn estoga Indians there are references to German the conduct that the Indians should
brethren that, William
had especially requested
nate for instructions in the Mennonite doctrine. He left them there for a term and then brought them back again to their homes. He seems to have been conducting a school to advance Mennonite principles, similar to the modern Mennonite Sunday School.
MEXXOXITES PRINT THE NEW TESTAMENT
132
observe towards the Christians inhab- matters or Baptist affairs. It was iting near or among those Indians. found that Peter Geishboihler was the But it is not likely that there were any binder and had six of these books. Germans Iving here then but that the Finally in 1705 Basle was given orders provision was to be made for the Ger- to suppress the work (Mtiller, p. 353). mans that were about to come. (Vol. 1702— A Mennonite Hunt Tliroughont 2 of Col.
1702
Rec,
—Hans
p.
15.)
the Emmenthal.
Burkholder, Mennonite
The edicts against Mennonites in the Emmenthal did not have the desired In Geraldsheim in 1702 there was a result. The people sympathized with Hans Burkholder, a teacher among them and gave them warning by varithe Mennonites. He tauglit several ous signals when any officers were years, and about 1710 we find him about. Ully Dummersmuth for a long Teacher.
begging the Holland authorities for 500 gulders for the family of Christian
Wenger, impoverished through
He
cattle
time harbored baptists and gave them in his building for their meetings, though he was not a Mennonite
room
Men- himself. He lived in Rotachen. Anna congregation at Geraldsheim Wenger, and the two brothers. Chrishad been subject to an extra contribu- tian and Hans Dummersmuth were tion of the 1000 gulder for the corona- caught and imprisoned twenty-four tion of the new elector and that taxes hours for being obstreperous against ranging from six to ten gulden a head the officers. Ully had to pay 159 were levied upon the Mennonite breth- pounds and the costs of the chase and ren (Miiller, p. 208). It will be ob- capture and work in the work house. served here that the familiar names of He gave battle to the chasers. One of Burkholder and Wenger are mention- the men who was employed and hired ed, giving us some knowledge of the to hunt down and chase these Menlocality from which they came. nonite brethren and harass them was diseases.
also states that the
nonite
1702
— Skippack
Settlenioiit
Begius.
Quoting from Pennypacker's Settleof Germantown, we observe that he states (page 140) the Skippack Mennonite settlement began in 1702, in
ment
the
present
Perkiomen Township
in
Montgomery
County. Some of the Skippack pioneers were William and Cornelius Dewees, Hermanus Keister, Christian Zimmerman, and others.
1702— Jiiew Testament Printed by Men-
Christian Rupp. He later came under suspicion of blackmail by the Swiss Government, extorting large sums of money from these Mennonites and then letting them go. There was some testimony that he pointed a gun at the brethren or at the breast of some of them and threatened their lives if they did not pay (Miiller, p. 341).
1702— The
First German Tract of Located.
Land
seems that about this time some German Mennonites contracted This year a New Testament was for land about Conestoga or someprinted by Yohon Jacob Gevoth in where in the Conestoga or Pequea valBasle in octavo form and it was con- leys because it is stated in Vol. 1 of sidered dangerous by the State the Penn and Logan Correspondence, Church. These New Testaments were pp. 148 and 149, that there is a fear discovered at a book-binder's shop in that the Indians would disturb the reBergdorf. They were ordered to be mote settlers, such as the "New Gerseized and sent to the Court of Switz- man Tract" which they say has not erland having charge of Mennonite been purchased from them by the nonites in Basle.
It
of the
FUNKS SKRMO.N BEFORH KING CHARLKS white ppople.
I
can not say
where interest
new German Tract was
located as early as 1702 but the Indians referred to are the Conestogas and it is so stated. So that at this time it is certain that a German Tract was decided this
,
upon and contracted for with Penn's authorities, even though the Germans themselves had not actually located on it. 1702— The Skipimek Meniionite Settle-
Kauffman says in his book, p. 129, that this settlement was an extension of Germantown. It is in Montgomery County and it began by Matthias Van Bebber securing 6000 acres of land there which he immediately began to
colonize with Mennonites. The prinfamilies were the Kolbs, Zim-
cipal
Pannebeckers,
Jansons,
Zieglers, and others.
1703— Swiss
Suffer and Perish Crossing the Ocean.
Our ancestore in the beginning of the century suffered with what was known as Palatine fever. It is said that the children under seven years of age rarely lived. Mittelberger says he saw no less than thirty-two children thus dying and being thrown into the sea (Kuhn, p. 71 ). 1703
— Swiss
Baptist
Property Con-
fiscated.
This year in Switzerland the farms of a lot of Mennonites who had been banished were sold at auction. We have no record of how many there were, but at least quite a number. They brought 5576 pounds. Of this money 220 pounds went lo the Judge of the Court and the balance was divided among the Mayors of the towns off Steffisburg. Schwarzenegg, OberNeiderstachten, Blumenstein, Balsringen, Ruegsau, Trachelswald, Trub,
Lauperswyl,
Schangnau,
the
children went principal fell (Miiller,
1703
page
— Stephen
heirs as
But
with to
of
the
exiled
generally the parents,
the
the the
Governments
.358).
Funk Preaches Before
KinfT Charles XII of
Sweden,
at Thorn.
Many Baptists or Mennonites at this time lived in Poland in the town of They were compelled to furnish supplies to Charles XII in his wars. Among them was a leader named Stephen Funk from Moravia. King Charles XII's chaplain on one occasion held services and Funk was present and listened attentively to the chaplain's sermon and took notes. Thi.s was brought to the attention of the authorities and State Church dignitaries and Funk was asked why he took notes. The author was brought before the King and he asked Funk who he was and why he took notes of the sermon. He said to see if it were The King said for correctly spoken. that act Funk must preach a sermon Thorn.
inent Again.
menuans,
to
Mennonites.
1 )•»
XII.
Hutwyl,
the King, and asked. "When oan you do it?" Funk said, "In fourteen days, but you must keep me safe from harm." The King promised. The day came and Funk appeared and to him,
Tho the tent of the King. prominent and generals, provost and The King told petty, were present. all that he had ordered the sermon tio be preached and that all should At the conclusion, give attention. none had any objections to offer. The King said to Funk, "You have proved your position in all points except you Funk should not condemn war." said, "War can not be upheld by anyThe King said, thing in the Bible." "Is there no permission given at all Funk replied, in the Bible for war?" "If a King should be attacked in his country he could defend by war, but went
to
Criswyl, Hasli, Schofftland, Diesbach and other towns, whose officers were he must never go to another country to hold the same in trust and pay the and devastate it." This ended the
LANCASTER COUxNTY GERMAN-SWISS PIONEERS
134
This was King diaries of Sweden. He compelled the Mennonites to furnish supplies to carry on his wars. Th,is happened in Thorn, no^ in Poland in Prussia; or formerly (Brons, 330).
1704
matter.
— The
Connty Menno-
Lancaster
nlte Pioneer.
Rupp 70,
a
in
and
his history, pp. 54, 55
says that this year Louis Michelle,
Swiss
.miiner,
was
in
America look-
ing for a convenient tract to settle a 1703 Jacob Telner and Skippack colony of his people on. He was among Mennonites. the Indians near Conestoga about Telner at this time was zealous in 1706 and 1707 in search of mineral the Skippack project. He was on the ore. It is thought that he built a fort ground and spent part of his time in several miles above Conestoga. These Philadelphia. Penn in a letter to performances do not look much like Logan, the 6th of June. 1703, writes, the Mennonite actions, especially the "I have been much pressed by Jacob building of warlike defenses, yet in Telner about Rebecca Shippen's busi- those days a defense of that kind was ness in ihe town. I desire that truth as needful as an ordinary house just and righteousness may take place" (1 now. It is safe to say he was interPenn and Logan Corr., 189). Penny- ested in the Swiss Mennonites bepacker says that Telner had a right cause the statement that he wanted a "colony of his to five thousand acres and took up the tract to settle the that he was acton" indicates bulk of it on Skippack Creek. It people ing for his distressed brethren. comprised a township.
—
1704
— Germans
Not Allowed
to
Own
1705
— The
land Absolutely.
This year several Germans filed a petition in the Assembly asking that they might be naturalized, not only so that they could hold their lands, but have ail the other privileges of other Pennsylvania. (Vol. 1 citizens in Votes of Assembly, Part 2, p. 47.)
lived on, to their children by will or otherwise even though they improved In order it by buildings and tilled it. to have the same right as the English people they complained to the Assembly asking that their titles should be as good as anybody else's. Their first petition seems to have been filed in 1704. (Vol. 1 of Notes of Assembly, Part 2, p. 26.)
Moved
to
1705
the Palatinate and resided
there until 1715, when he came to Philadelphia and thence to Eby's Mill on Mill Creek, afterwards Roland's Mill, south of New Holland on the line between Earl and Leacock townships. (History of Eby Family, p. 5.)
de
Eedeiarelt,
Palatine, Takes
a
Ger-
Land on the
Susquehanna.
Palatinate.
to
—Frederich
man
the
This year an old patriarch, ancestor of a large Lancaster County family, Theodorus Eby, who was born in Zurich on the 25th day of April, 1665,
moved
Apply
Palatines
for Naturalization.
Without naturalization the Germans oould not pass the land which they
1704— Tlieodonis Eby
German
|
This year it is stated in the Sec. Series of the Penna. Archives, Vol. 19, 468, that John Henrich Kursten p. showed a deed translated by Daniel Pastorius, from Frederick de Redegelt, for 750 acres of land, part of the 10,000 purchased of William Penn in England by Redegelt, to be taken up,
rent free for seven years, near Sus-
quehanna.
So
it
appears
from
this
that this friend of old Pastorius and of his church had likely member
land about this early date.
secured
Susquehanna
at
GERMAN-SWISS PIONEERS BECOME NATURALIZED 1705— Sniss rnparc
SetUe
to
in
caster County.
Lnn- as they are considered as foreigners; and they beg that a law may be passed
In a letter written by William Penn Logan, the 16th of February, 1705, he says, "I have a hundred German
to
to
pass
Toleration
formed Toward
tlie
hy
the
it
the
all
Germans
that
and to give and of being Assembly or other
to their children,
them the right
of voting
elected to serve in
discoursed me upon a Swiss Colony intended thither (eo Pennsylvania) by request of our envoy in the Cantons; but keep this close for many reasons" (1 Penn & Logan Corr., p. 352). Thus we see that this year preparations were taking shape to people the section which afterwards became Lancaster County.
— Some
naturalize
come, and to give them the right to hold and enjoy land and to sell it or
families preparing for you. They buy 30,000 or 40,000 acres: and no longer than yesterday Sir Charles Hedges
1705
135
offices. They also set forth that they are Mennonists and that they as well as their predecessors for over 150 years past could not on account of
conscience take an oath. And they ask that they should have the same rights as the Quakers about this matter, as the Quakers are not required to take an oath. (Vol. 2 of Col. Rec, The Assembly thought this p. 241.) was perfectly reasonable and that these good people ought to be secured in their estates and titles and have the other rights they ask for. And the Attorney General was instructed to draw up the proper act of Assembly to be passed.
Re-
Mennonites
in Switzerland.
By this time the Swiss Reformed Church began to allow toleration to the Mennonites; but even this year a legacy left by a member of the Mennonite congregation to the congrega-
was confisoated by But these poor Mennonites had to Government authorities and State wait three years before the Act got Church. By this we see that toleration had not made much headway in through Assembly, when finally on the 17th of August, 1709, some of them Switzerland around Berne. appeared with an act drawn by the tion for its benefit
the
—Familiar
1706
Names
at
Skippack.
Attorney General and Council would urge the pass it into a law; and agreed that they would
Among
the Mennonite land buyers of the Skippack settlement is to be found under the date of 1706 the name of Edward Beer (Bear). Ajnong the preachers a little later were found
Assembly to act on Rec, p. 480.) From
begged the Assembly to the Council request the
it.
(Vol.
this
we
2
Col.
see that
two Hunseckers, two Landises, a matters moved very slowly towards George Detweiler, a Christian Huns- giving these German Palatines any berger and a Hans Witmer, (Brons, p. well-deserved relief. The matter was 369). now dragging along, and on the 31st
1706— German Falatines
of 'August the Council decided that this
Petition again
bill of these Germans required dispatch, and the Council read it and returned it to the Assembly and instructed the messenger that the As-
for Naturalization.
This year Johannes Koster and about 150 other High and Low Germans presented a petition, stating that though they came over here by Penn's invitation like,
\
sembly is requested to consider carefully whether it is safe to make this
and many more had also done the naturalization so they feel insecure in their estates. 488.) But finally
extensive. (Do., was passed.
it
p.
SETTLEMENTS AT SKIPPACK,
136
1707
— Swiss
Settlers
Come
to
PA.,
Pennsji- 1707
AXD XEW BERNE,
— Swiss
This year it seems there were Germans or Swiss who came into Pennsylvania "under a particular agreement with the Honorable Proprietor at London"; and took up lands under him, and a couple of years later moved up to Lancaster County. They had not followed the formalities necessary on the part of foreigners to get complete title, and thus on the 16th of June, 1730, they asked the Government, who called them "several Germans now inhabitants of the County of Lancaster" for the rights and privileges of British subjects. The G'overnor says they are all of so good a character for honesty and industry as deserves the esteem
Government.
374— Old 1707
Style
—First
p.
Mennonites Not Allowed
To Be Employed.
yania.
of this
N. C.
(3
Col.
Rec,
p.
397.)
Germans
Some
One
of the first settlements of PalaNew Jersey was that in what was named German Valley, in the Counties of Sussex, Passaic, Essex and
tines in
These Germans intended
Cantons
of Switzerland,
vember 20th to leave the country. It was also enacted that a fine of fifty pounds would be inflicted on anyone who hired a Mennonite as a servant or leased any land to Mennonites as tenant farmers, except such as could show a certificate from the Judge that they were honest, law-abiding citizens and obedient to the authorities of the country and had made an oath of allegiance. Whoever did not have certificates were given orders l)y the Government to leave and were deported if they did not leave voluntarily.
1708
in Jersey.
of the
by a mandate of June 29, this year, gave the Swiss Mennonites until No-
(Miiller, p. 349.)
—Accession
to Skippack and Germautown. About this time some of the principal leaders of the Germantown colony arrived in Germantown and at Skippack. By the 23rd of May, this year, there were 43 members in the Germantown and Skippack congregations. Among them were Herman Kasdorp and Martin Kolb, who were
to go York, but the ship leaked, and they stopped in the beautiful valley of a little river in Jersey. They were, chosen their preachers. (Pennypacker, however, a Reformed congregation p. 174.) from Germany. In the year 1705 they got to Neuwyl on the Rhine, from 1708— Swiss Settle Newborn, >. C, and Are Destroyed. which they went to Holland, hired themselves for Dutch settlement in In 1708 a colony of Swiss went to New York and were sent over in 1707. North Carolina and founded Newbern. (Loher, p. 70.) Others came to the colony a little later Most of them 1707 Swiss 3Iennonites Secure Xatur- from Pennsylvania. were Mennonites and were induced to alizntion in Germany and Threaten go to colonize that neighborhood by Swiss Autliorities. Michelle and Graffenreid. They cut In the year 1707 Mennonites were down the forests to make their settlepermitted to leave Switzerland on pay- ment. The Indians allowed them to ment of a fee. Some left and went to build their huts and to build a fort in other lands, became naturalized in their midst. Graffenreid purchased those countries, and then came, back 15,000 acres there for them. He was as citizens of other countries and also kindly treated by the Indians for made trouble for Switzerland. (Miil- a time. Later they captured him up ler, p. 349.) the Neuse river and decreed that he
others.
to
New
—
—
1
DUNKARDS ORGANIZED— FIRST MMNXONITK CHURCH should be burnt. The chiefs sat in two rows in front of him, and behind hin. the savages were dancing the death Graffenreid told them fairy dance.
IN
AMERICA m?
have requested
a certificate of the authorities to set forth that they are free
and not subject
to
vassalage and
and that and tried the exi)edients of Cap- they have behaved themselves piously tain John Smith upon the savages, and and honestly. It then states that they they let him go; but Lawson, his parthave the permission of the Council or Graffenner, they burned to death. of the Palatinate to leave and go to have
paid
all
their
debts,
tales
I
colony for five then left his the New Country. The same day, as weeks, and when he came back it was shown on p. 95 of the same book, they all destroyed by the Indians. (Loher, reid
1
|
|
1708
got
also
p. 51.)
—Diinkards
j
Secede from the
.Mennonites.
year
1708— Kocherthal Colony of Palatines. On the 28th day of April, 1708, a number of the German Palatines were Kocherthal in a colony from New York on a Government vesLord Lovelace, sel, accompanied by the newly-appointed Governor. ("Die deutsohen im Staate N. Y." by Kolb.) Diffenderffer's GerI cite this from man Exodus, page 7, in which he also says that the Board of Trade records (Appendix B.) state there were ten men, ten women and twenty-one children in this colony. sent under
— Mennonites
1708
to
Granted rerniission
of
their
Church and a certificate that they were Christians and had the record baptism of their children. So, with these blessings they departed for America. This company went to New York, but their religious customs not being approved thjere they finally drifted across into Pennsylvania. They were
10,
set forth in Rupp's History,
some
of the first fruits of
1708
—First
—
Mennonite Church
in
America. Mr. Kauffman says in his book that the Mennonites held their services in private houses or in the open air until 1708, when a log house was erected
worship in Germantown. He says that Christopher Dock, the Mennonite preacher, taught school in He also this house for several years. tells us that it was rebuilt in 1770 and is today the oldest meeting house in America.
for
puljlic
1709—A Lot
of the Palatines Naturalized.
The
we spoke of before was 29, 1709, and September passed
petition
by virtue of it 82 of the Palatines of Philadelphia County and one of Bucks
1708 93
Mennonite
migration.
finally
Leave the Palatinate.
By a paper dated March
pel-mission
of the
Alexander
Mack, of Schwarzennau, in Westphalia, founded the Dunkard denomination. (Kuhn, p. 179.) About twenty families of them in 1719 came to G'ermantown, Skippack, Oley and to the Conestoga. Their leader was Peter Baker. It would seem from the similarity of their creeds that they were formerly Mennonites. This
the
Among County were naturalized. them were Pastorius, the Conrads, nites mentioned in it, with the view Shuemakers, Vanbibbers, Gattschalks, Kesselberrys, Hoffs, Smiths. of improving their conditions, wish to Stolls, reside in "The Island of Pennsyl- Scholls and others. (2 Col. Rec, p. is
p.
it
provided that the several Menno-
vania."
It is
further stated that they
493.)
138
SWITZERLAND DETERMINED TO SEND MENNONITES TO AMERICA
1709
—New
Attempt
Baoisb the Ana- authorities, the Ambassador of England, Mylord Townshend, and a numFrom oif Brethren and friends of the deber Berne. ported Swiss. These friends sent word The Berne authorities again en- to their brethren in Rotterdam to deavored to get rid of the objectionable have a watchful eye, lest the deported Anabaptists (all other means and Swiss be secretly shipped over to Engmeasures having failed) by shipping land. them to America; since it became As the efforts of the Swiss Ambasknown that the Queen of England was sador at The Hague to secure passage desirous of obtaining colonists for her for Ritter's expedition had become transatlajitic possessions. There ap- known, letters were written by Messrs. peared at Berne about this time a for- Hendrik Toren and Jan von Gent warding merchant, or agent, named (good fellow-believers in Amsterdam) to
baptists or Meniionites
Ritter, with
some
associates,
who was
about to emibark (for Afnerica. They declared themselves willing to take with them "poor families" and capable persons of the Anabaptist religion, who were to be deported from the country. Negotiations were opened with this Mr. Ritter, by the authorities; and it was decided that he was to receive for the 101 persons to be deported 500 Thaler (Dollars) and for the Anabaptists 45 Thaler per person actually landed in America. The Anabaptists were to pay for their own transportation, the money to be taken from the funds obtained by confisca;
tion of their possessions. Return to the fatherland was prohibited on pain
Burgomaster, von der Poel in the passenger lists of the packet boat at Hellevoet, and to Mr. to the
Briel;
to
James Queen
of
Dayrolle,
Egnland
Secretary at
of
the
The Hague, ask-
ing to inform them, should anything about the prisoners be reported from England. Mr. Torne (who reported
on March
this in
31st, to
Amsterdam), also
Mr. Vosterman told
Vosterman
Mr.Machielse, who appeared to be a servant of the Swiss Ambassador. This is very likely the heretofore-mentioned Mr. Michelle, who was in Lancaster County, in 1705. Preparaof a certain
were made to go to Nimewegen, meet there the Swiss prisoners,
tions to
and to furnish them, if possible, with a ship for their transportation over The Swiss Ambassador at The to England. (Miiller, p. 269.) Hague, Holland, Francois Louis Pes1709 Mennonites Prepare to Come to ine, Seignueuer de Saint Saphorin, inPeqnea Valley, Lancaster County. terested himself in Ritter's undertaking by asking the Dutch authorities to Rupp tells us (p. 71) that a lot of be watchful lest some of these deport- Mennonites reached Pennsylvania and ed Anabaptists might make good their also some, North Carolina in Decemescape while en route through Holland ber, 1709. He says that "a respectful or at their re-shipment at Rotterdam. number of Mennonites left Strasburg, The Anabaptists of Holland had re- in Germany, where they had come ceived word of their Swiss brethrens' overland, and sailed for America." plight; and as they were influential Page 74, he also tells us that they and were held in high esteem in that first made a bargain with William country, they were determined to Penn, that is the Swiss Mennonites, have them set free as soon as they and then came to Lancaster County, arrived in Holland. There had been reaching it in 1709. He quotes this several conferences with the Amibas- from Benjamin Eby's "Geschchten sador, Saint Saphorin, by the Dutch Der Mennoniten," p. 151; and the of death.
—
LAMCASTE'R COUNTY'S FIRST SWISS SETTLEMENT
\
statement Rupp sets forth from that book is that in the year 1709 the first families from the Pfalz reached Lan Rupp also bases this caster County. papers belonging to the date on ancient Herrs and Mylins.
Rupp
tradition
the
says
is
that
139
according to Rupp (p. 91 to reached New York in 1709, and were very Godly people.
and
12,
101)
Rupp
also tells us that some of the of 1710 (the first set-
Pequea Colony
tlement in Lancaster County) lived in before coming here. They lived there in 1709. He does not mention the names of those who did live there and I do not believe the fact can be established. The Germantown and Skippack pioneers always seemed to live separate from those of Pequea they were Germans.
Germantown
these Mennonites made improvements and cleared land here in Lancaster County before they got their first warrant for land, that they felled trees ;and made cabins. Their warrant was 'dated October 10, 1710 (Rupp, p. 76). He says that the warrant last menA tioned in 1710 would prove that they The Pequea settlers were Swiss. came and settled early because it letter written in London in 1710 by states on its race that these different our Pequea ancestors proves they families had lately arrived and had were not in Germantown in 1709 nor time. settled and selected land twenty miles in 1710 either, any considerable Names.) (Rupp's' 30,000 easterly from the Conestoga, near the In 1709 the Germans of Germanhead of Pequea Creek. Then on p. 96 town who had come over a couple of he says that they reached America in "We years before were naturalized. 1709. names He also sets forth Letters Patent, find no Lancaster County dated 1708 by Queen Anne, to the an- among them. (2 Col. Rec, p. 480-483.) cestors of the Mennonites of Eastern Indeed they had made application Lancaster County and shows that they to be naturalized in 1706, and the arrived and registered in \ew York matter was delayed three years (2 C.
—
the 10th of August, 1709. On p. 97, he sets forth an extract from an address by Redmond Conyngham on "The Early Settlement of Pequea Valley." This address was delivered .July
4,
1842.
Conyngham was
a ver>' famous liistorian and can be thoroughly relied on. He tells in the address of the wanderings of Issac Lefever, the head of the Mennonites in that section of our county. Much that is highly interesting could be said here upon the beginnings of this fist colonly in the Pequea Valley, but that must be reserved for our discussion under date of 1710, which we will shortly enter upon.
—Importnnt
1709
Item
Swiss
tand Palatinate
of 1709.
The Ferrees, now Ferrys and Forrys who reached Lancaster County in 1711
R. 241).
Benjamin Eby, who about moved from Lancaster county
Bishop 1805,
Canada, in his "Geschicten der Mennoniten"' p. 150 and 151, says that in the year 1709, there moved several Swiss families from the Palatinate and settled in Lancaster County. (Rupp 74.) We will show, by many evidences, that the date of their ar-
to
rival
was
1710.
1709— Berne Mennonites Write Complaint to Holland of Swiss State Chnrch Persecutions.
The following
letter written in 1709
by one of the Mennonite elders describes the condition in Switzerland at that time.
Switzerland, June 22, 1709. "To the Brethren of Holland: We greet you most friendly in the Lord, and return thanks to you in
I
-
140
SEVERE EDICT AGAINST SWISS MENNONITBS
general for all the fidelity and love which you have showed to our brethren in the faith, in the Palatinate and in other places. The Lord will reward you in time and eternity. We as ministers and elders in Switzerland wish this to you. First we make known to you that we are all in mourning because of how the government treats us. In the year 1708 they sent hostages to Berne out of the parishes, in which we lived, that had to be maintained at the expense of the parish, in order that they might help to hate and expel us; and gave council that even children must report their parents; and the brother report against his brother that he is a INIennonite. Friends and neighbors, such were their commands, must expel each other out of the bailiwick of Berne and of the whole government,
and must then bring report and testimony to the government that they are quite gone. Among others, they have carried away to prison on a cart, poor old people who could travel with difThe sick and the faint were ficulty.
brought prisoners to Berne. Some were compelled to leave family and all else back. They had to give promise they would not come back again. If they came again, they had to keep themselves concealed. The government sent out men to search all the houses, and with their swords, they thrust into the hay cocks and hit the minister of the congregation, who had concealed himself in it and he came out with another brother; they brought them both to Berne. The minister had a chain put upon his feet in the severe cold; and he is still a prisoner with others. It also happened that where there was any property, they divided it among the children, who joined the State Church and the portion which would come to
the Mennonite children was paid to the Reformed Church. From some who had no children, they took every-
thing and made large bills of cost, in favor of the Court House officials, who carried out their work. This was paid out of the Mennonite property."
This edict issued
a renewal of one years before, which that all persons must go is
fifteen
commanded
the court of Sagnau and make a promise that if any one should see a
to
Mennonite, they must bring him to or the officer of the court, him into the hands of the government; and those who harbored them, if found out, must leave the
the to
bailif.
deliver
country. the State
Where
the husband goes to Church and the wife to the
Mennonite, or vice versa, the one that is Mennonite was to be called before the court, known as the Mennonite Chamber, where he or she would be punished. It happened that where a man harbored his own wife, who was a Mennonite and he was not, that she was ordered to leave the country, and had to pay 300 pounds fine; and a father for harboring his Mennonite son was ordered by the Mennonite Chamber to pay 500 pounds fine. This simple letter is sent to you to
make known
to the congregations in Holland to stand by us your servants and elders in Switzerland. We pray to God that He may be counsel to you that your labors may succeed for us, according to that which seems good to Him. You know 'better than we can write, how to interecede so that the government may treat us a little milder, which would It be happy news to our breasts. seems too, my brothers and sisters that it would be better if we were at peace with each other and there were no divisions and our government would have no reason to accuse us of all
I believe trouble among ourselves. that if the ministers and elders would come together, as they did long ago, at Strasburg, much division would be stayed and we would be reunited. Oh," that the dear God might grant us
FRAXKENTHAL ADDITION TO SKIPPACK grace
his
that
this
should
Penn says "Herewith come the Pala-
happen.
(Miiller 255.)
— The
FrankentliJil .Meiinonite !
Vicinity.
The
error of some historians in stating that the first Lancaster County seatlement araived in 1709, arises from confusing the Skippack German Mennonite Colony of 1709 with the I 'Swiss Lancaster County Colony of
.
&
L. Cor. vol. 2, p. 354).
Smith says '"They reached and located on Skippack."
Prof ;
I
fix
—
(P.
America (p. 146.)
The Telner I
1710.
A
use with tenderness and them so that they may send over an agreeable character for they are a sober people divers Mennonites and will neither swear nor fight. See that Guy uses them well.
and
love
Addition to Skippack aud
German Mennonites ^kippack on the Schuylkill in 1709, as an accretion to an earlier colony there. They may have been a branch of the great German Exodus of 1709. (Kuhn 26.) But this is not certain. They were Strasburg people. (Rupp 71 and 79.) But they may have come by way of London. Those of the Exodus left from London for lAmerica. These Strasburg people settlement of
came
whom
tines
Amen. liOy
141
letter
about
August
6,
dam
in part as follows:
is
1709, addressed to
them of Amster-
"Eight families have gone to Pennsylvania from here; the English friends called Quakers helped them. The truth is many thousand persons,
to
young and
old,
men and women, have
arrived here in the hope and expectation of going to Pennsylvania, but the poor men are mislead in the matter. If they could transport themselves by any means, they might go when it pleased them, but because of inability, they cannot do it, and must go where they are ordered. Now as there are among all this multitude, six families of our own brethren and fellow be-
jwent to Skippack. April 8, 1709, a letter coming from the committee on Foreign Needs at Amsterdam, states that nine or ten poor families from Worms had come to Rotterdam, asking for help to be transferred to Pennsylvania; but the committee advised them not to go (Pa.
—
mean German Mennonites I ought to go to Pennsylvania, the brethren in Holland should extend to them the hand of love and charity, for they are poor and needy. I trust and believe, however, that they are honest and God fearing. It would be a great comfort and consolation to the poor sheep if the rich brothers and sisters from their superfluity, would their wants satisfy and let some crumbs fall from their tables to these poor Lazuruses.'' (Vol. 2, Pa. Mag., p. lievers
—who
Mag. of Hist, and Biog., Vol. 2). August 6, 1709, Jacob Telner wrote of them from London that eight families had gone to Pennsylvania and that there were six more Mennonite families in London, too poor to pay passage. He asks the brethren in Rotterdam to come to their assistance. And this year also the yearly meeting of the Quakers at London voted fifty 122.) pounds to help Mennonites to go to Telner by speaking of "all the mulAmerica (See Smith's Mennonite His- titude" refers to the great German. tory 145). Exodus of 1709 in England, of which It is these people no doubt, says we shall presently speak. Only six Prof. Smith, of whom Penn wrote to families of Mennonites were, so he Logan as having gone to Pennsyl- says, in that Exodus. These six famvania. The letter is dated 26th of ilies and perhaps a few more with fourth month (.June) 1709; and in it them, came from Worms and Franken,
I
[
I
'
,
j
FRANKENTHAL AND SKIPPACK SETTLEMENT
142
They reached Skippack. thai and were Germans: not Swiss. The Lancaster County pioneers were Swiss. Pennypacker in his "Settlement of Germantown" also notices this settlement, 1709 the
(p. 126.)
— Pr.
Hoop Scheffer's Views on German Mennonite Emigration to
Pennsylvania
in
pended upon them heretofore, freely, and these people bring with them scarce anything that is necessary in the way of raiment and shoes, much less the
fare
1709.
"Dr. J. G. De Hoop Scheffer, Amsterdam Mennonite College, in an
of
on Mennonite Emigration to Pennsylvania, written in 1869, vol. 2 Pa. Mag. p. 117, says (inter alia p.
article
120) on this subject: One of the oldest communities, if not the oldest of all in Pennsylvania, was that at Scheeback or Germantown. The elder of their two preachers, Wm. Rittenhouse, died in 1708,
and two new ones were chosen.
together very poor men, who intended to seek a better place of abode in Pennsylvania. Much has been ex-
The
money
from here
must be spent for England and from
that to
there on the great journey, before they can settle in that foreign land." The committee who considered the matter useless and entirely unadvisable, refused to dispose in this way of the funds entrusted to them." The Palatines understood the situation If they could only reach Holwell. land without troubling themselves about the letters the committee would end by helping them on their way to Pennsylvania. The emigrants in April, accomplished their 1709, object; though it appears through the assistance of others. At all events, I think they are the ones referred to by Jacob Telner a Netherlands Menno-
of emigration the other brethren from the Palatinate with Peter Kolb, were men enabled to make the journey by the aid of the Netherlands and gave a favorable prospect of growth. the circum- nite, dwelling at London, who wrote Financially, however, stances of the community left much August 6, 1709, to Amsterdam and In a letter written to Haarlem." to 'be desired. Amsterdam, dated September 3, 1708, 1709— The Great Palatinate Exodus from which these particulars are deinto England. rived and which was signed by Jacob This year a great number of povGodschalk, Herman Kaasdorp, Martin Germans from the erty stricken Kolb, Isaac Van Sintern, Conradt JanPalatinate (also Swiss, who earlier sen, they presented a long and friendly request for some catechisms for had moved into the Palatinate) rushed There the children, and some little Testa- like madmen into England. First: were several causes for it. ments for the young.'' It is no wonder that half a year Queen Anne of England had issued a later, April of 1709, the Mennonite glowing prospectus of the great opCommittee on Foreign Needs cher- portunities in Pennsylvania and inished few hopes concerning the colony. vited the Palatines to go there and They felt, however, for nine or ten take up the rich farm lands. Second: families who had come to Rotterdam, there was great hardship and poverty according to information from thence, in the Palatinate, resulting from its under date of April 8, 1709, from the over-crowded condition (but the people
neighborhood
of
thal, in order to
Worms and Franken- who flocked emigrate and whom Exodus were
earnestly sought to dissuade from making the journey. They were (said the letter from Rotterdam), al-
they
religious
into
England
in
this
not suffering any serious prosecution, because they
were Catholics, Lutherans and Reformed, who were not the people per-
i
—
GREIAT PAX,ATINATE
EXODUS OF
1709
143
secuted for their religion). The num- 3,200 were taken by Col. Hunter to ber in the exodus has been stated at New York, in May, 1710. various amounts, from 14,000 to 33,000. The whole subject is written up in Their ultimate object was Pennsyl- a masterly way by Dr. F. R. Diffenvania. But when they flocked into derfer in his "German E.xodus of England they learned that there were 1709"; and is entrancingly interesting. The great bulk of them were Luthneither money nor ships to take them erans and Reformed there. Their Lutheran minister took 3,548 of them back to The most authentic account of it is
\ '
House Germany and 1,600 also went back, *of Commons in 1711. The report in who were to go to Scisily Islands; part states: "In the Spring of 1709, and 746, who were ordered to go to great numbers came down the Rhine Ireland, went back to Germany; and and did not stop until reaching Rot- 800 who had gone to Ireland, came terdam, Holland. Their destination back and returned to Germany, makwas England. By June, the number in ing nearly 7,000 in all going back. The England reached over 10,000 and the elector Palatinate protested against Queen's government became alarmed. the report that religious persecution given in a report
made
to the
;
He English min- drove these people to England. says they were not persecuted. ister at the Hague to check it. AdMy only excuse for writing at such vertisements were put into the Dutch length on this subject is to show that Gazettes, that no more would be alwhile all of these 14,000 or more, poor lowed to land. But three thousand Palatinates intended in 1709, to come more came. England issued a proto Pennsylvania, the only ones who clamation in December, that all would be sent back; some were sent to the did arrive here were the few who West Indies and Ireland; but those reached Sklppack in 1709. And none coming after October were sent back. of our Lancaster County pioneers Holland also tried to stop the tide. came here from the Exodus. The The English Board of Trade and British government ordered the LuthPlantations met twenty times to con- eran and other ministers, in England, sider the matter, in May, June and to take an accurate census of the hordes in England, and make a record August. K)f their religious faiths. This was Queen Anne ordered help to them done to the number of about 6,520. and 19,838 pounds were provided. The record has been recently copied They were lodged in ware houses, in England, brought to America, and etc. on the commons in large buildprinted by the New York Genealogical ings of business men and fed. Society. Before the record was printThe Commons Committee says that ed the writer went to New York and most of them were farmers and vine tabulated the list. It was found that dressers, but many had trades. 1,784 were Lutherans, 2,257 were ReFinally, 3,800 were sent to Ireland formed, 44 were Catholics, 10 were in August, 1709, and February, 1710, Baptists, only six were Mennonites; there were 800 more sent 600 were and the remainder were of various finally lodged on Black Heath, 650 faiths. were sent to North Carolina (to New Our Lancastr County pioneers were Bern), where Michelle and GrafEen- Mennonites. Beside, of all the 7,000 reid had bought 10,000 acres of land— names, not more than a dozen or 800 (those who were Swiss) were in- twenty are familiar Lancaster County duced to go back to Switzerland names (See N. Y. Gen. Rec. Vols. 40 & Orders were sent
—
to the
— —
j
'
—
|
DUTCH AMBASSADOR HELPS SWISS SUFFERERS
144
It is indeed, most remarkable good men in the Council who did not out of 14,000 to 17,000 persons want to approve this persecution. intending to come to Pennsylvania in But on the other hand, the unspiritual 1709, having accomplished their jour- clerics have mightily supported the ney to England, only a little handful Mayor. Also, oije of these Godless reached the province of Pennsylvania preachers has not been ashamed to
41).
that
and none at al 1 reached Lancaster County, though they were of the -Swiss and German stock, who, the next year, began to settle here and who, in the next ten years, had settled here to the number of many thousands.
him that one should cut off the heads of some of them, then the others might come to their senses. In tell
meantime, the Council has writto Zurich in order to ascertain how they got rid of the Mennonites Whereupon, they answered there. 1710 (Tiernian Colony in Ireland. that they had ordered some to be In our article on the Exodus from killed; and after that they had thrown the Palatinate to England, we noted the ten
—
that a large number of the refugees were sent to Ireland. Dr. Mitchel, who visited the Palatines in Ireland
says that it is very odd to find the names Baker, Miller, Ludwig, Madler, Pyfer, Strine, and Shirk in that section of the world, where all those about them are full blood Irish. About 1895 or 6 an article in the Philadelphia Record also dwelt on this situation. (Diffenderffer on the in
1840,
Exodus 1710
81.)
—Dutch
Berne.
Ambassador lluuckel
at
Tells of the Mennonite
Conditions There.
A
written by ambassador Runckel to J. Beets in Hoorn (Holland) January 22, 1710, explains itself. It is as follows: "Your letter of Oct. last year has come to me. I have not been able to answer sooner, because I have been detained to the present time in Lyons and Geneva and other places in Italy. Yesterday I came back here again and have informed myself as far as possible. I have heard, with compassion, that the so called Mennonites are persecuted so severely as has not been the case for years; and that since one named letter
Willading has become Mayor of Berne, who is a Godless man and an enemy to all the pious, has that been the fact. However, there are yet
some
many as they Some have been as
could,
into
prison.
transplated forcibly Others had into the war in France. been sold to the galleys others had been banished and forbidden to reOf these latter, some had return. turned and have given their persecutors occasion to let their wrath loose against them, so that they are now persecuted more than ever and are hunted down in every possible way
—
and thrown into dire imprisonment. They pay money to informers, whereby a large number have come to
How many
and who, I cannot Although tell but hope soon to do so. it is strictly forbidden to let any one visit them in their prison, yet I hope through the aid of good friends to be able to speak to them myself. In the meantime, it is reported they are very patient under this affliction, edifying one another, and have increased their friends greatly through this persecuWithin the last month, two of tion. the best teachers were caught whom they could not get before, until two prisoners who were in jail, because of thieving, promised to bring them to jail, if they would obtain their liberty This bold purpose they for doing so. carried out in delivering up these two good men, whereupon, they received $200 in specie, as a reward. But that some of those had died in prison I They say that of those cannot tell. prison.
RITTER'S PROJECT OF DEPORTATION TO AMERICA now
in prison some are to be sent to Pennsylvania. Now there was in Berne a Mr. Spezieria Ritter, and fellow associate, who were of a mind, soon to take their journey into America; and offered of the very poor families here and those Mennonite people, who were of good reputation to be gotten out of the country, to take them along. Arrangements were made with this Ritter that he was to receive for 101 persons who were to go along with this expedition $500: and for the Mennonites $45 a person actually landed in America. The Mennonites were to pay the transportation by wagon themselves, to the boat which was to be taken out of the Mennonite property of the congregation to which they belonged. Return to the fatherland was prohibited on penalty
of
death. Ritter to Carolina.
them
was
to
accompany
This was
made
in
1709; and supplemented the following year, to the effect that Ritter obtained some advance payment and the
145
l)arkation to America. March 12, 1710, was set for the departure from Berne.
Shortly
from
I
before
that
date,
a
letter
Chancellor to the Bernese Ambassador in Holland, Mr. De St. Saphorin, announced that the French and English passes had been given to Mr. Ritter in order to secure safe transport of the people from their plight. (So they did not need to flee.) Xow St. Saphorin took care that the States will impart to the police officers the necessary directions along the route, in order that not only free foreign passage but also the necessary assistance be given to the leader th
the expedition against any accidental escape at the embarkation o£ the Mennonites at Rotterdam. The necessary writing together with instructions, St. Sapharin is to send to Ritter in Cologne, to the address of Mr. Deitrich Kaester, export merchant. He is also to get into communication with the authorities in Rotterdam. St. Sapharin is a perfect diplomat, in the true sense of his time; and one of the finest and most of
town Council provided for good ships themselves. These Mennonites were skillful of men." required by the Queen of Great Bri 1710 Swiss and Holland Correspondtain for the peopling of their Amerence on Mennonite Persecution in ican islands and colonies. There Berne. must therefore have been agreements In the item just cited, found in Mtiland transactions with Great Britain; and passes were provided from there ler 257-259, we set forth the Dutch also. Everything was ready for the Ambassador Runckel's letter. departure on the 18th of March, 1710. We now give the substance of furIn the last hour, a French Ambassa- ther correspondence on the same subdor, Counte Du Luc, asked for a pass. ject between the two nations. The Imperial May 13, 1710, the Swiss authorities Ambassador, Herrn Feontianmansdorf, also asked for a wrote to Holland saying: free pass and passage on the Rhine We do not doubt that if your Highand the places along the same. ness were acquainted with the condi(Minutes llth March.) The Council tion of our Canton, you would approve and authorities of Basle, were asked of our proceedings in this matter and
—
appoint a walled place situated not far from the Rhine for the passengers (Min. 15th March). They had their thoughts wholly set on getting free pasage through the Netherlands and necessary passes for emto
with us, that, this kind of people cannot be tolerated in our land, without danger. All the more because we, as a case of necessity, must arm our subjects, and unlike some other of the federated nations, have no foreign find,
ST.
146
SAPHORIN HELPING' THE MENNONITES TO AMERICA
troops in our pay. This we must do to keep the treaties made by the con-
then succeeded as he St. Saphorin says in a communication, dated March 28, 1710, in arranging for a temporary federation.'' (Miiller 264.) Another letter is noteworthy. It is stay for them in Holland where Holthe reply of the Dutch Ambassador to land Mennonites were prevailed on to the request of the Berne authorities, take care of them, for he says "they asking the Dutch to take an interest cannot be expected to go back to in banishing Mennonites to America. Berne and be killed." March 29, 1710, The reply dated March 22, 1710, is in St. Saphorin wrote to the English Ambasador at Hague (Holland) Lord part as follows: Miiller "In religion, freedom must be al- Townsend to win him over. lowed to every man to believe and says, the manner in which he presents profess that which in his judgment is the project does him great credit as No one a diplomat. necessary to his salvation. may be persecuted and punished for He says among other things "Some such faith and such profession.if his private individuals of good family of have purchased life and doctrines do not tend to the Berne, from the Queen of Great Britain a considerable injuring of the state. And as to these Mennonites, it is portion of land in North Carolina and well known that they have at all seven thousand acres in Pennsylvania times conducted themselves as good in order to found colonies there under inhabitants and subjects. Therefore, the mild government of the Queen. the Holland authorities cannot in any More than eighty families belonging way, lend a hand to the forcible trans- to a religion, according to their portation and banishment of Menno- consciences from the Canton of Berne nites to America; nor do anything are on the way there. Besides these, "Whereby they might give color of ap- there are fifty Anabaptists or Mennoproving even indirectly, such pro- nites who are in prison because they ceedings as have been inflicted upon will bear no arms for the defence of the Mennonites in the Canton of the Fatherland will not obey the sovereign Berne." (Miiller 265.) nor recognize him and who have been given their liberty on 1710 St. Sapliorin, the 3Ienuonites' the condition that they bind themFriend Still Assists Them. selves to settle in America where
—
—
—
Obstacles arose and largely prevented Ritter's project from realizing any important results. Louis Michelle (who before, had been to America, both in what is now Lancaster County, Pa., and in what is' now the region of New Berne, North Carolina), was assisting Ritter in the project of taking the Mennonites down the Rhine fell to him to tell them that was no home in Holland for them and no funds to take them on to America. It thus became necessary to persuade those who were in Holland to find means to go on to America and also those who were coming on to Holland to do the same.
and
it
there
sect is tolerated. And on the condition that they go to America, they have been allowed to sell their goods. And favorable contracts have been made with the owners of the land; and the state of Berne has astheir
sumed
to pay all expenses from Berne America. All this was carried on with Mr. de Stanin the Ambassador of the Queen of Great Britain. It will be of great advantage to the kingdom of Great Britain if the American colonies became populated with these people, in part, as both the families of these brethren in faith, who are going thither from Switzerland and all Mennonites are very good farmers
to
MENNONITES PLEAD FOR HELP TO GO TO AMERICA And
and industrious people.
as
in [
large
part they are provided with money, they will be brought into the colonies without cost to Great Britain. Thus all will be of great ad-
vantage
"My
,
to her."'
lord
I
Townsend," he says,
"is j
therefore requested to intervene with their high mightiness the Holland states general, that they grant to all those who are in Holland a free pas-
'
I
,
sage who hope to emigrate from Switzerland to America." (IVKiller
147
majority desired to live in the Palatinate but found great difficulty in accomplishing it. The Palatinate coramunity were generally poor and much hardship they endured there for want of religious liberty. They were subject to the humors of the elector, or worse, of his officers. For nearly seven years they waited, often supported by the Xetherland brethren.
always
hoping for Finally, at a meeting
j
better
times.
of the Elders at
Manheim, in the Palatinate, held Feb. 1717, it was decided to call upon the The Mennonites, seeing the transac- Mennonite brethren of Netherlands tions of Berne simply religious per- for help in carrying out the project secution by which they meant to send of going to Pennsylvania, which they their subjects to America by force had long contemplated, and which at just as they previously sent them to last came to maturity. And the very the galleys of Venice, were about to land to which in 1710, they were to be alarm their brethren in faith then forcibly exiled, they adopted in 1717, in England, to interest the Queen in viz. Pennsylvania particularly the the cause of their Swiss brethren, Pequea and Conestoga Valleys. when St. Saphorin took up their case The actual numbers coming here in as above. 266.)
—
i
'
>
(Do. 267.)
1710— Hans Funk Leads
a
of Switzerland.
There
we will treat of under that year. may note here too, that this same Colony Out Hans Burchi, or as Dr. Scheffer calls i
a brief note in RPdller (p. 206) stating that about 1710, apparently, Hendrick Funk led a colony of 12 exiled Mennonite families out of Switzerland. is
1717 I
him Burghalter in 1727, was a Mennonite preacher at Conestoga. Also according lated the
to
Rupp,
Brechbuhl
Wanderland Seele
German from
the Dutch.
1710— Swiss Mennonites 1710—Burkholder, Zellers, Brackbill, Rupi) and Donens at Amsterdam, Plead for Help to Transport Swiss Mennonites to
America. This year, according to Dr. SchefMennonite College at Amsterdam (Holland) in his article on
fer of the
Mennonite
Emigration to Pennsylvania in Vol. 2 of Pa. Mag. of Hist, and Biog. pp. 117-126, five Swiss Mennonite leaders, Hans Burchi or Burghalter, Melchoir Zeller, Benedict Brechtbuhl, Hans Rupp and Peter Donens were in Amsterdam pleading for their people in Switzerland. The
transthe
into
the First
Settlers in Lancaster County,
Pennsylvania.
We now enter upon a most interesting item, locally the first settlement in the Imperial County of Lancaster. This settlement was the Mennonite colony on Pequea Creek near Willow Street in 1710.
—
Miiller says (p. 365) that
among
the
emigrant Palatinates to Pennsylvania, there were a large number of exiled Bernese. Bernese emigrated not only out of the Palatinate(where many had prviously settled) in 1710 to America but also directly out of the Eramenthal. They were two months on the
148
JOURNEY OF FIRST SWISS SETTLERS TO LANCASTER COUNTS
ocean and experienced ships of
first
all
the hard-
settlers.
Miiller says further "Bernese Mennonites are mentioned in a letter written by Toren van Gent in Rotter-
dam
to
Wherewith we commend you the merciful God (together
al
1
to
with
courteous greetings from us all) and remain your true friends. London, the 24th of June, 1710.
JACOB MILLER, MARTIN OBERHOLTZBR,
Jacob Forsterman in Amster-
dam, dated March 31, 1710, which Mennonites had gone to England on their way to Pennsylvania and whom the Rotterdam brethren had helped with money to reach London. And
MARTIN MAILY, CHRISTIAN HERR, HANS HERR, MARTIN KINDIG."
These six pioneers came from London in the Mary Hope, a small ship having ninety-four passengers on board (one of whom was the famous Quaker preacher, Thomas Chalkley), in Amsterdam. with John Annis, master, and left That letter quoted in full by Miiller, London early Friday, June 29, 1710, p. 366, is as follows: in the morning, and later the same "Worthy and Beloved Friends: day left Gravesend for America and "Besides wishing you all temporal reached the Delaware in September. and eternal welfare we have wanted We base our belief on Chalkley's to inform you how that we have Journal, page 74, where he says: "I received that financial aid which the took passage in the Mary Hope, John dear friends out of their great kind- Annis master, bound for Philadelphia; ness of heart have given toward our and on the 29th of the 4th month says M*iiller (p. 366) they are likely the same six Swiss Mennonites, who on the 27th of June, 1710, wrote from London to their brethren in the faith
And this kind contribution came very opportunely to us, because the journey cost more than we had imagined. God bless the worthy
journey.
time and eternity; and whatever may be of good for the body and wholesome for the soul may the merciful God give them and continually be and remain their rewarder. But of our journey we report that we were detained almost ten weeks, before we were put on board ship; but then we actually entered into the ship on the 24th, were well lodged and well cared for, and we have been informed we will set sail from here next Saturday or Sunday from Gravesend, and wait there for the Russian convoy. God be with us, and bring us to land in America as happily as here in England. Herewith we commend you to the merciful God; and, should we not see one another in this life, may God permit us to see one another in eternity. friends
in
(June), 1710, at Gravesend, we set sail and overtook the Russian fleet at Harwich and joined them and sailed
with them as far as Shetland, northward to the Isle of Orkney. We were two weeks with the fleet, and then left them and sailed to the westward for America. In this time we had rough seas, which made divers of us sea sick. After we left Shetland we were seven weeks and four days at sea before we saw the land of America. We had sweet and solemn meetings on the first and fifth days; had one meeting with the Germans, or Palatines, on the ship's decks and a
person who understood both languages interpreted for me. The people were tender and wrought upon, behaved sober and were well satisfied." He also says the ship was small and was well loaded, with ninety-four on board; and all were brought well and safe to Philadelphia in September, 1710;
and
that
the
Palatines were
LANCASTER COUNTY'S FIRST SWISS COLONY wonderfully try,
pleased with the counmightily admiring the pleasant-
149
1710— The Pioneer Swiss Colony Secures Land on l'e<|uea Creek,
ness and
fertility of it." Lancaster Countj, Pa, not known that in the fall of Shortly after arriving in Philadel1710 any other Palatines than these phia in September, 1710, the Colony who signed the London Letter, came just mentioned secured the right to to Philadelphia. Chalkley.'s ship left take up land on Pequea Creek. Gravesend, and was under convoy of They procured for themselves the the Russian fleet, just as the Menno- following warrant, which is No. 572 nite letter says they e.xpected to do; of the Taylor Papers, in the Historiit had Mennonites on board; it left cal Society Building at Philadelphia. It
is
Gravesend (which is fifteen miles Phil. ber 16, 1710. from London) on Friday, June 29, alBy a warrant from dated most the day the Palatines wrote they the 8th day of Oct. Lord, one expected to leave. They expected to thousand seven hundred and is go Saturday, the 30th, but to catch authorized and required to survey the Russian fleet, they had to sail a and lay out to Rodolph daj- earlier. We find that the 29th of Bundely and company ten June, 1710, was Friday, because in 2 thousand acres of land with reasonCol. Rec. p. 5.33, June 16, 1711, was able allowances for roads and highsaid to be Tuesday, and the 25th was ways on the northwest side of a hill, about twenty miles easterly from thus, Tuesday, and the 25th of June. Conestoga and near the head of 1710, therefore, Monday, which made Pequea Creek, and thereof Friday. the 29th on
with
This traces up these six pioneers of Lancaster County settlement from
Amsterdam (where
prior to
March
31,
there were gathered), to their arrival in Philadelphia in September.
1710,
evidence makes it fairly clear that, in the winter of 1709 and 10 they fled out of the Bmmenthal near Berne and went to 1710.
Other
fragmentary
my
office.
JACOB TAYLOR. To Isaac Taylor Surveyor of the
County
of Chester."
The blanks above are occasioned by reason of the fact that the original paper has partly crumbled to pieces because of age. There is no full copy of it. In Vol. 19, Sec. Series of Penna. Archives, p. 529, may be found certain minutes of Penn's Commissioners of Property of their meeting held
Holland to collect means, etc., from wealthy Mennonites there and make arrangements to go to Pennsylvania. Lancaster County thus owes a debt of thanks to Holland for helping the Sept. 10, 1712, making reference to is there stated It opening up of this county and for the same tract. helping so good and God-loving a that, the Commissioners granted ten thousand acres of land to the Palaclass of early settlers here. ber, 1710 We shall next trace the movements tines, by warrant dated acres) was that part of it (2000 and Philof this handful of settlers from Martin Kendig. laid to out adelphia to Pequea Creek, their steps Rupp, in his history of Lancaster to acquire land there and bring it under their dominion. While only six County (p. 90) quoting the same minare signers of the letter quoted, it is utes says, the warrant was dated the certain that several more were in the 6th of October 1710. The copy which give above of the original, found colony. I
—
FACTS ABOUT ORIGINAL SETTLEMENT
150
of
Pequea Creek"
— the
8th and the 10th of October, declared as the date of this first ti^tle of land in Lancaster County by our Swiss-German ancestors.
an order to survey according to the Taylor Papers (No. 573) dated October 16, 1710, which sets out that by a warrant dated 11th day of
There
is
eighth month (OctoDer) 1710, there was given to John Rudolph Bundely 500 acres of land adjoining the 10,000 located or to be laid out to the Pala-
Company. Thus the true date
tine
is
not later than
October 1710. These pioneers at once journeyed to the head of Pequea Creek but did not find that 'point to meet their desires and journeyed down the stream until they arrived at a point on the creek directly east of present Willow Street and there took up, on both sides of the creek 6,400 acres of this land and had it surveyed Oct. 23, 1710 and divided the 27th of April, 1711. This may be found in a map called "Plot of Original Tract of Old Rights in Lancaster County" in the Office
burg. later.
by
C.
—
Kendig
—
—
—
John Herr 530 Bundely 500 acres
264
acres
—
acres John Christian Franciscus 530 acres Jacob Miller 1,008 acres John Funk 530 acres Martin Kendig 1,060 acres. The tracts extend nearly north and south and are of regular parallel form, the whole plot reaching from West Willow on the west to Strasburg on the east. Upon this tract also are the remains of the original settlers in the private grave yards on the same one on the bank of Pequea Creek, known as Tchantz's Graveyard, afterwards called Musser's, where are found tombstones (practically intact today) over the resting places of the Mylins and Millers one adjoining the brick Mennonite Willow Street Church,, where lie the Herrs and one just east of Willow Street, where repose the Kendigs and some of the Mylins. The division lines of the old original farms, determined the public road of today of that whole section of ten square miles, five miles from east to west and two miles or more from north to south: these roads being located precisely on the old property lines. Much of the original tract is today owned and occupied by descendants of the original owners.
—
—
—
—
etc.
Thus we have the 6th
LANCASTER COUNTY
The division was as follows: Beginning on the west Martin Kendig 530 acres Martin Mylin 265 acres Christian Herr 530 acres Martin
in the Taylor Papers seems to be dated the 8th of October as I state; but the date is so indistinct that the 6th may be correct. Rupp (p. 85) sets out another paper, apparently not in the archives, stated to be a document signed by former commissioners, which states that those former commissioners by a warrant bearing date the 10th of October 1710, granted unto John Rudolph Bundely, Hans Herr, and divers other Germans, late inhabitants in or near the Palatinate of the Rhine, 10,000 acres to be laid out on the north side of a hill, about twenty miles easterly of Conestoga, near the
head
IN
i
I
!
:
I
—
—
1710— Itecord
of Siibdivisiou
of
Pequea Tract.
In the record of warrants at Harrisburg the subdivision of the great tract mentioned above may be found. Among other facts, it is set out that "Martin Kendig late an inhabitant of Switzerland, had surveyed to him 1060 acres of land in Strasburg townof Internal Affairs at Harris- ship, bounded by Mylin. Herr and The remainder was divided Funk another of 530 acres and an(See Mennonites of America other of 265 acres. Recorded Sept. 1711. Henry Smith, p. 146.)
—
— —
ANCIENT HOME OF OUR COUNTY PIONEERS Likewise Christopher Franciscus of Switzerland 530 acres bounded by Miller,
Bowman and Bundely — in
1710
— LanniJsler
iianished
151
Coimtj AiKest<»rs
From Heme This
1710
Year. acres founded by KenProf. Kuhns (p. 46) in his "German dig and Miller, surveyed Feb. 28, and Swiss settlements of Pennsyl1711. Bundely of Switzerland had 500 vania" states that, in 1710 among acres bounded by Bowman, surveyed those banished out of Berne were the in 1710 and Mart. Mylin 265 acres names of Brechbuhl, Baumgartner, Christian Herr 530 acres and .John Rui)p, Fahrni, Aeschliman. Maurer, Herr 530 acres all recorded July 3, Ebersold and others and that as 1711; Wendell Bowman 530 acres resurely as these are of Bernese origin, corded July 7, 1711. Warrants for all the names of Landis, Brubacher, of these are dated 1710. (See Rupp Meiley, Engli, Ringer, Gut, Gochenor 79.) and Frick are from Zurich. The particular Swiss home of the 1710 Meiiibersliip and First Steps of pioneers of Lancaster County may Pequea Colony. claim our brief attention in this item. We have mentioned above six of the The ancient Herr home we have members of the Pequea Colony those discussed before. signing the London Letter. Rupp Martin Meiley and his ancestors, says that in addition to them, Hans says Mr. Schnebeli of Obfelden, came Mylin, Michael Oberholtzer and from the Canton of Zurich. And he others (whom he does not name), says the ancient home of Meileys were in the Colony. (Rupp 75.) He was at Hedingon in Canton Zurich; says their warrant was recorded and and that there are doctors and prothe land surveyed Oct. 23, 1710; and fessors of that name there now. that April 27, 1711, the surveyorOf the Kendigs, Oberholtzers and general, at their request subdivided Millers, this same authority also says it; "into so many parts as they had they were from Zurich. He says too previously agreed upon." that, the name Miiller is most numerIn warrant book 1700-1714 p. 229, ous there (as it is here) of them all. Shippen, Griffith Owen and Thomas In Canton Glarus there are many under date of Oct. 10. 1710, Edward Herrs and Tschudys. Story Penn's land commissioners Mr. Schnebeli says that "It is proborder Jacob Taylor, Surveyor General, able that two of the six signers of to survey to those named above the full quantity of ten thousand acres, the London letter were from Zurich with allowances for highways into as Oberland (that is southeast part of many small tracts as they (the pur- the Canton mountainous part). They chasers) shall agree or appoint to are Martin Kendig and Martin Obereach of them his respective share to holtzer. Jacob Miiller was from Zurich, for be holden by the purchasers, their There were nine dead heirs and assigns under the rents re- a certainty. served, of one shilling Sterling yearly Mullers on the battle field of Keppel for every hundred acres. They were where Zwingli met his death Oct. 11, The Mullers are most promito pay 500 pounds Sterling for the 1531. land one hundred pounds each year nent in Switzerland. so that in six years they .should pay They have been statesmen, domesprincipal and interest in full. (See tic and foreign. The president of
Funk had
7V.]0
—
—
—
—
i
—
—
Rupp
75.)
Switzerland
in
1909
was
a Miiller.
—
152
ATTEMPT TO FORCE MENxNONITES INTO PESTILENTIAL SWAMPS
A branch of the Oberholtzers came dor, Von Bundeli, to give all the aid from a village called Oberholtz near he could and report to the leaders of Wald. There are families of that the Swiss Mennonites that they would name there today. have religious freedom there and be Speaking again of the Mileys, Mr. exempt from war. The States GenSchnebeli says, there was a Colonel eral of Holland told their AmbassaMeiley in late years. There is today dor at Berne to help the project also. a Rev. Meiley and a Dr. Meiley there The letters which passed between too. Berne and King Frederick's officers now Other familiar Lancaster are said to be very interesting, but County names are found in the we do not have copies of them. They County of Obfeldon and says Mr. are dated July 31, lYlO^Sept. 26, 1710 Schnebeli, "At the beginning of the and Nov. 14, 1710. They may be 18th century several Obfeldon residents moved to Pennsylvania, such as Huber, Landis. Ringger, Gut, Funk,
found says Miiller 330
and others."
that
in
Schaerers
History, etc. Miiller,
from
however, goes on to tell us the correspondence, it is
He
concludes by saying that the plain that the following conditions best authority on these subjects is were laid down by Prussia: Dr. Weber, the High Librarian of 1. That Berne should allow the Canton Zurich. Mennonites full freedom to depart with their goods. 1710 Projected Lithuanian Colony 2. They should be brought free of Swiss Mennonites iu that is without expense to the PrusPrussia. sian boundary. As early as 1526 there were Menno3. That before they came, a commitnites in Marienberg, Prussia, asd thus tee of Mennonites of Germany and that section of the German Empire was not a new country to them. When Holland were to be allowed to examine all the conditions of the counthis nation had become depopulated try and see whether it would be by pestilence and what Miiller calls satisfactory to and suited to the needs the northern war (Miiller 329) King of the brethren. Frederick of Prussia, in 1710 asked Berne agreed Nov. 14, 1710, to the Berne to send a colony of the perseprojects in the following manner: cuted Mennonites there. The Prus1. That ten per cent, of the estates sian Ambassador Von Bundeli was which the Mennonites took with them consulted by Berne as to the matter. was be given up to be applied to to The Prussian King also oipened the the expense especially to the expense matter with the Ambassadors at the of needy the ones; and that all who Hague and at Hamburg and reported went were to forfeit Swiss citizenthat the Dutch and the Hamburg
—
Mennonites thought this would be a good place to locate some of the persecuted. But these Dutch and German brethren advised that by all means a committee of Mennonites should go and view the land to see whether their Swiss brethren would like the
ship. 2.
Berne
undertook
to
those who were paupers landed at Frankfort.
see
should
that
be
Berne would not have a committee of Swiss Mennonites go to view the land the Holland and Prussian Mennonits should do that. place. King Frederick thought well of the 4. Berne expressed the hope that project and told his Berne Ambassa- the Mennonites would find a comfort3.
—
BRACKBILLS SERVICES FOR HIS BRETHFIEX able place there so that none of them would attempt to come back.
i:,?,
to Brons 215 and Miiller Brackbill and two other church brethren Zahier (Zellers) and
According
329,
etc.,
The particular place in Prussia where these Mennonites were to be Burchi (Burgholder) March 22. 1710, the authorities of settled was in a district on the east- appeared before Amsterdam (Holland) to request Holcalled Lithborder of Germany ern !
,
I
!
land to prevent the Swiss Mennonites,
This is a former grand-duchy, later sub^divided between Russia and
uania.
Prussia.
whom Berne was now j
'
This colony of Mennonites was to be made up of a considerable number of Swiss Mennonites who had been banished from Berne and were now in Holland with the brethren there and of a lot more still in Switberland around Berne, who had not yet been sent out. failed. A few Mennofrom the Palatinate went but as wars were numerous in those sections then, they found that their principle of non resistence was not respected and that while they were not compelled to bear arms, they were compelled to pay large sums of money as
The project
nites
exemption. Then the Switzerland were not willing to go to a place which war and pestilence had once made desolate. The Swiss Mennonites in Holland were too well pleased with the the
price
Mennonites
of
in
happy condition nites with
of the
Dutch Menno-
whom
they were living as servants, etc. (and with prospects of getting to Pennsylvania) to leave and go back east again. (MiiHer 329 and 330.)
1710— Benedict
Taluable Services for His Swiss Brethren. Brackbill's
'
forcibly throw-
ing out of Switzerland, from crossing Holland to the ocean. There three patriots found out that a ship-load of fifty-seven of these Swiss brethren (of whom we have spoken of before) mostly old people and in many cases husbands separate from wives, etc., were taken out of the jails about Berne and were being sent down the Rhine. They were sick and half starved in their imprisonment and were not fit to travel at all. By the time the vessel reached Manheim, thirty-two had to be taken off the ship or they would have died. They were left to the mercies of Manheim. They were all to be sent to America. (In a later item, see page 159, we give their names, which on inspection will nearly all be found to be our common Lancaster county names of today.) Brackbill and his two fellow laborers agreed that these people were too weak to try to reach America and that The they would all die on the trip. Holland authorities agreed to what he asked. And thus when St. Saphorin, the Swiss Ambassador in Holland, asked for freedom of the Swiss emigrants to go on, he was refused by Holland. St. Saphorin was a great friend of the Swiss Mennonite sufferers.
One
the finest and foremost characters in the Mennonite troubles of the beginning of the 18th century of
Switzerland was Benedict Brackor (Brechbuhl) ancestor of our Strasburg Township and other eastern Pennsylvania Brackbill's of today one of the best and most numeorus of the families of the great county of Lancaster. in
bill
—
When
ship containing the rethe fifty-seven reached Ximwegan, they knew at that Switzerland could not harm them and they disembarked. They found Brackbill, Zellers Burgholder and waiting for them and they brought them before the Dutch Mennonite Congregation there for comfort, etc. There too, they gave testimony of
mainder Holland
the of
SENDING SWISS MENNONITES DOWN THE RHINE
154
their suffering and treatment as we Holland, arranged so that the journey have set out before. (Brons 215). might be acoo'mplished. They asked There it was too, that Benedict for a promise on the part of the States Brackbill got Holland interested in Qieneral, that the prisoners upon their trying to get them to settle in Lith- arrival in the country would be in due uania; and it seems he had been in form declared free, so that they might that place of proposed settlement to go unhindered to their brethren, who examine conditions too. (Miiller 330.) would take care of them. This request Brackbill also did another service was granted by Holland on April 3rd, for his Swiss brethren, when he with the advice not to allow them to visited Holland's capital in March, return to their fatherland; for in such 1710. They were represented by an event a further protection would be Berne as bad people and enemies of impossible. government and this was beginning At last the important information to poison the Dutch against them. was received that the Swiss ship had Brackbill explained their faith in all arrived at Nimwegen, where the prispoints and satisfied them that the oners were set free by the authority of Swiss Mennonites were the same good the Holland Government. Their soonChristians as were the Holland Men- to-be-expected arrival had been hernonites. alded froon Neuwied, by the teacher of The circumstances leading up to the said congregation. Tielman Rupp, in jail delivery in Berne resulting in the a letter by his son, Lieubard Rupp to fifty-seven brethren having been sent Jacob Hendriks in Amsterdam, dated down the Rhine are harrowing and April 6th. Originally (the writer horrible. states) there had embarked at Berne In February, 1710, Berne decided 56 persons, who were shipped down that the government must get rid of the Rhine, among them Brechbuhl, the imprisoned Mennonites, as their Zahler and Burki, ancestors of famous imprisonment excited sympathy and Eastern Pennsylvania families today. kept the cause alive. The Council Of these 28 were by reason of sickacted on the matter and a large num- ness and infirmities incapable of ber of the body held out for executing travelling further; and upon urgent them alii; but the majority carried entreaties the officer released them on through a vote to send them to Amer- the 29th of March at Mannheim. The ica. Then the Holland Mennonites other 28 were transported further. At determined to help them all they Neuwied, an effort had been made to could and gathered up a fund of land them (which place was passed
50,000
guilden
for
the
cause.
A
worth forty cents. The government of Holland too was favorable to them. All this again shows the gratitude Lancaster County and all southeastern Pennsylvania owe to Holland (Brons 215). guilden
is
—Preparations
April 3rd, at three o'clock in the afternoon), but the attempt was frustrated by two officers and fifteen men of the guard. In the letter of Tieleman Rupp the Hollanders are requested to purAlhough the chase their liberty. Messrs. Von Bent and Jan Frederiksen
Rotterdam to NimeSend the Swiss hurried from wegen, on the strength of this letter, Mennonites Down tlie Rhine. it was impossible to reach Nimewegen The negotiations between the Swiss in time, the ship having arrived there and Holland Government with Mr. April 6th. The banished travelers Ritter, deporting agent, of which we had been apprised that there existed have spoken before, finally bore fruit. a congregatiin of Anabaptists or 1710
to
'
SWISS MENNONITES RESCUED AT NIMBWEGEX Mennonites
in
this
port,
and asked with tears of joy and cheerful minds we embraced each other and parted with a kiss of peace. Thereupon they I
leape that some of them, ever under escort of a guard, be permitted to Mr. visit their brethren of the faith. Ritter placed no obstacles in their way. They sought out and found the place of meeting and the teacher, Hendrick Laurens, residing there. We will his
now own
wrote dam.
it
let this
155
Hendrik Laurens
I
[
I
I
tell
story of the arrival, as he to the brethren at Amster-
"It was on the 6th of April that they As soon arrived here at Nimiwegen. as they had heard that fellow-believers resided here, one of them came to me, guarded by two soldiers; but the soldiers went away and let the man remain with me. After I had spoken about this matter to other sei*vants of our congregation, we went together to the vessel, and there found our Swiss brethren. We had a talk with the ofRcer of the guard, and soon saw that some refreshments ought to be supplied to these people, as they had spent twenty days on the water in great disand misery; whereupon we tress brought them into the town. Now we said to our captive brethren: 'The soldiers will not get you out ol here easily, for if they sfhould use force, we will make complaint to the States General.' But nothing of the kind happened. Now they were free, over which we felt great joy, and we showed them all token of friendship and love, to their great delight and happiAfter we spent some time hapness. pily together, and they regaled themselves, with great enjoyment, they left But they could the following day. only walk with difficulty, for by reason of their long imprisonment they had become quite stiff; some of them had been confined for almost two years amid much suffering, and particularly last winter during the intense cold, when their feet were shackled with fetters. I went with them for an hour and a half outside of the town. Then
returned to the Palatinate, to seek out their wives and children, who were scattered there, as well as in Switzerland, and in Alsace, not knowing whither they had gone. They were quite confident and of good cheer in their misery, although all their worldly goods had been taken from them. There were among them a preacher and two teachers. They were by nature a very sturdy, hardened people, capable of enduring great privations and hardships, with long unshorn beards, wearing disordered clothing, heavy shoes, made all the more clumsy by horseshoes on the heels and great They nails being driven into them. were very assiduous to serve God with prayer, reading and other works, were very plain in all their actions, like They asked me how larnibs and doves. the congregation was conducted here which I told them; and they seemed to be very well pleased. But we could converse with them only with difficulty,
owing
to
the
fact
that
in
Switzerland they had dwelled in the mountains f;ir from villages and cities, and had little intercourse with other Their language was quite people. awkward and uncouth; and coarse, they could hardly understand anyone
who of
did not si^eak their language.
them went
to
Two
Deventer in order
to
see whether they could make a living in this country." Such is the letter of their host Laurens. (iMiiller, p. 170.)
1710— nroohbiielil.
Zaliler
(Zollers)
&
Burki and Tlieir Noitrhbors, Swiss Mennonites Tell of Berne's Cruelty.
I
The Swiss sufferers, Brechbiiehl, Zahler, Burki and others, before mentioned as being at Nimewegen, afterwards went to Cleve, there to await the result of the negotiations of their brethren in Holland, of which thy had
DEPORTATION OF
156
no
knowledge;
and then
to
1710
wander stand the sermon,
further South.
When
DOWN THE RHINE
about twenty of them had arrived there (one, Bendicht Brechbuhl, upon leaving the ship had preceded them to Crefeld, by way of Cleve), they repaired to the teacher for the congregation at Cleve, Isak Vrauken. Here the emotion and pity of the In a liberated brethren were great. trice their arrival was known; one of the deacons asked the privilege of caring for half of them. The other brethren also came around, and each one asked for his portion, in order to exerhospitality. cise Consequently no one could entertain more than two himself; for a teacher and a deacon remained with Vrauken. Whoever received no guest, brought clothing. These strangers could not be persuaded to lie in bed; but preferred to sleep on straw, as most of them had subsisted for one or two years on nothing but bread and water. Meats and other nutritive foods did not agree with them. They made no other request than to be taken as soon as possible to
not likely
fail
to
it nevertheless did create a deep im-
pression.
Isak Vrauken writes to the CommitAmsterdam, he has found that these people are well versed in the Holy Scriptures, that they are very humble without any hypocrisy or deceitful show of character. Of the twenty, seventeen were married. They had a heartfelt longing for wife and children after such a long and grievous separation. None of them had a desire to return to Switzerland. They preferred rather to settle down in the Palatinate, at Mannheim or elsewhere. On May 2, 1710, the Committee of Amsterdam transmitted the sum of 1200 florins to the congregations in tee at
the
vicinity
of
Mannheim, who were
not able to care for the Swiss who had remained there, and for those who had just returned there from Nimwegen. The Committee of the Mennonites at Amsterdam had asked some of the Swiss, freed at Nimewegen, to come before them in order thoroughly to learn the conditions in Switzerland. In Mannheim, where their fellow-prison- their meeting at Amsterdam on April ers, as we have seen before, 28 in num- 25. 1710, twenty-four questions were ber, were left behind. When asked submitted to them to be answered. Of about the state of their purses, they four of these questions written, anrefused to accept anything, saying swers were requested, viz: How and they had partaken of more than they by whom were they taken prisoner? could ever recompense. But Isak How long and where were they imVrauken collected hurriedly 9 florins prisoned? How were they treated of Cleve money and slipped them into then? Whether an investigation had their hands, whilst Vice Chancellor been conducted and by whom? These Heine procured for them a good pass- Swiss were, Benedicht Brechbuhl of port and 30 floirns, in the bargain. So Trachselwald, teacher and elder at they remained a few days longer at Mannheim; Hans Burki, of Langnau, Cleve, principally upon the suggestion deacon, and Melchoir Zahler, deacon of some brethren at Emmerich, to of Prutigen. Brechbuhl had once beawait tidings from Holland which fore been expelled from the Bernese were soon expected, as two delegates territory and gone thence to Mannhad left Rotterdam on April 11th, to heim. Returning to fetch his wife and come to their aid with good advice. children, he was taken prisoner and As Sunday had arrived, Vrauken's in that way got among the deported. guest occupied in his stead the pulpit Upon his liberation at Nimwegen, he of the congregation of Cleve. Albeit at once traveled toward Mannheim and the brethren of Cleve did not under- was then recalled to Holland. Three
BURKIS AND BRECHBUHL'S REPORT AT NIMEWEGE.N
157
Swiss sufferers made reports such close surveillance that only very few persons could speak to us. We were compelled to work on wool from 1710— Hans Burki's lUport. morning until late at night, viz: early For the remembrance of my descenfrom four o'clock in the morning until dants and of all my fellow-believers, Burki, of Langnau, want to eight o'clock at night, and we got I, Hans I had nothing to eat and drink but bread relate what happened to me. gone to the mountain called Blutten- and water. This lasted about thirtyThereafter ten more (Community of Langnau), in five weeks. ried company with my wife and two sons. weeks we were treated less severely. There a poor man came to us to whom Then the authorities had us conveyed we gave something to eat; this man to the ship, viz: on March 18, 1710, subsequently went to Harvag to the with the design of having us taken to authorities and told them that he saw America. The authorities told us that me. Thereupon the Bailiff of Trach- if any time and by any means we selwald sent the traitor with a few were to return to their country, they others to take me prisoner. They came would inflict the death penalty on us. quite early in the morning to my hut, Thus the merciful Father has by his in which I stood unawares of any evil, strong hand and through the medium and when I noticed the man before of our brethren and friends in Holthe door I had him supplied with land, delivered us from our oppresof these
in writing of their treatment.
we
something to eat. Then I was made a captive and they took me away from my wife and twelve children and led me to Castle Trachselwald and placed me into a prison or dungeon, for four days, during which time I was taken sick. Then the bailiff with two provosts brought me on a cart into the city of Berne. There they placed me.
arrived at Ximewegen, and came to the town where they had to release us. For this we thank the
confessed my faith. Then they locked me up alone in a separate hole in the Ahur, and there I lay sick about five weeks, and altogther 17 weeks, in solitary confinement. Thereupon they led me into another prison, named the Island. There I lay during the whole long and cold winter with an unhealthy body, and suffered very much from the intense cold. For a long time
close here.
sors,
as
Almighty God and Father of all mercy, who will not forsake all those who place their confidence in him, but will cause them to prosper. The whole time of my imprisonment has been about 21 months, for in the month sick as I was, in the prison, called of July, 1708 I was taken captive, and Ahur. After two days the gentlemen on the 18th of March, 1710, I was led Will come to a called and questioned me, whereupon away from Berne. I
Breohbuhl's Report in the year 1709, on the 12th the authorities of of January, that Berne sent seven provosts with a conIt
was
early in the morning to my whereby we were greatly house, frightened so that my wife and myI conself tried to hide ourselves. cealed myself under a haystack. They
stable,
so closely that none of searched my house in every nook and corner. Finally they came to the haystack and thrust their swords in it, so that they struck me and were made aware that some one was hiding month of May, 1709, I was brought therein. Thereupon I crept out and with all the other prisoners to the they seized me, asked my name and hospital, and there, too, I was kept in whether I was a preacher, which I I
was watched
my
family or anyone else could come did not to me, so that my friends know whether I was living or dead. Thereupon, at the beginning of the
M/ELCHIOR ZELLBRS REPORT AT NIMEWEGEN
158 told
them and acknowledged
it.
Then were forbidden by pain
they led me into my room; there the constable gave me a box on the ear
and
tied
my hands
on
my back
and
me
out of nay house. Thereupon my children began to lament and cried so piteously that, as the saying is, a heart of stone would have been touched thereby. But the provosts were in great glee that they ihad succeeded in catching me. They led me hence to the city of Berne in comipany with two other brethren, and put us in imprisonment and that too, in the very long and cold winter, there we lay as prisoners. If we wanted anything warm, we had to pay dearly for wood. After six or seven days they bi'ought me in another jail. There they put iron shackles on me. In the mean time the authorities had given those who captured me 100 Thaler, which my family had to reimburse out of my estate. After two days they again brought me in the tower and set me in a separate hole and fastened me to an iron chain. There I laid about 18 weeks. After that they led me with all the other prisoners to the hospital. There we led
of loss of their
possessions, privileges and expulsion from the country, to harbor any one of us and to give them food or drink;
furthermore
anyone !
it
would
was ordained that discover
or
see
if
any
Anabaptist or Mennonite, he was to inform the pastor or bailiff of such
A reward was set, a liberal sum money, for some 50, for others 100 Thaler of the realm, and they had fact.
of
make oath, that if they can get hold of any of us, be it in the houses or on the roads, or elsewhere, they should bind us and lead us all into captivity, so that the same happened about this time to myself. For when I was about to get some bread and wine for my sick and pregnant wife, now deceased, which was about their subjects
between 10 and 11 o'clock at night, I was asked whether I was not a Baptist. And when I did not deny this. they told me they had to be true to their solemn promise and would not perjure themselves on my account, or they would not do this injury. Thereupon they led me part ways with much cursing and swearing. But at were compelled to work from four the same time I was released by a o'clock in the morning to eight o'clock good friend. in the evening in wool and they fed After that the gentlemen of Berne us with bread and water, but supplied had caused to be sent to the city of these in sufficient quantity. This last- Berne, from all parishes wherein it ed about 35 weeks. The remaining was presumed that some Anabaptists ten weeks the work was easier. So dwelled, two, three or more persons; the whole time of my imprisonment at these people had to remain there for Berne was one year, 7 months and 7 several weeks at great expense to the days. This happened in the 44th and people of their respective parishes, so 45th years of my age. that by such loss and detriment we Benedicht Brechbuhl, a. Native of were to be made all the more obnoxthe Bmmenthal. ious and hated by the peasantry, whereupon many of our people re1710 Melchior Zahler s Statemeut. moved about that time from the counIn the year 1709, about the month try to Alsace, Mompelgard and Neuenof March, the authorities of Berne had burg, whereby the oppressed fugitives issued a commandment and a strict and banished, suffered great distress mandate, which they had announced and poverty, since everything was from the pulpit in all their territory taken and robbed from the most of !
I
I
—
against the so-called Anabaptists or .Mennonites, wherein all their subjects
them, so that nothing was left to them; and all this against all rights
—
NAMES OF THOSE DEPORTED DOWN THE RHINE and justice and against their own mandate. At the same time, I, Melchior Zahler, also went to dwell in the territory Thereafter some time, of Neuenburg.
my
brother-in-law with a friend well known to me by the name of Hans Germann, both Reformed, requested me by word of mouth through a confidant, to
come back
my
to
possessions
IN 1710
159
furthermore banished and ties of blood, and transported me with the following 15,000
florins;
me from my
company
to
out giving
estate
be sent to America witha penny for the jour-
me
ney, viz:
Hans Burki, who was captured 170S
—Christian
made
Sattler,
prisoner
.July,
July,
captured and 1708
—
Isaac
Baumgartner, taken prisoner the first time 1709 the second time Benedicht Brechbuhl, a teacher, on .January 1709 12, Jacob Ulrich Peter Zalfanger Kaspar Bieri Christian Janthauser Christian Berger of Laupersville Dan. Moser (Musser) Ulrich Schmied of Langnau Nicklaus Blaser of Lauperswyl Peter Hofer of Schoenek Peter Hofer of Lauperswyl Christian Grahenbiihl ^Samuel Reber; this Samuel Reber, according to a letter of Runkel, of January 17, 1711 (A. A. No. 1301), came back and was sentenced to imprisonment for life Ulrich Ellenberger Peter Kohler— Henrich Wenger of Moglenberg Christian Steiner, deacon ^Hans a Jacob of Uetendorf Jacob Schwander Peter Thonen of ~Reutigen Hans ;
in the
Bernese
District.
Thereupon
I
went to this well known friend, who showed me all love and friendship, and who wanted to give over to me my two children in order that I might Then I maintain and clothe them. wanted at one time to visit my brother and sister and my other children, and while I was with my brother and sister and other children, he went to the Reformed pastor and betrayed me. He divulged everything, the time, the night when I returned into the country; and of the clothing, etc. All this
he told the
pastor.
Thereupon
this
—
— —
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
— —
pastor sent three provosts on the same evening, who took me prisoner, bound me and took me to the pastor who questioned me concerning my creed, Gasser, a teacher Hans Stubet (Stoabout infant baptism, swearing of an ber), a deacon Hans Rupp of Sigrisoath, about the regulation of the ban, wyl Hans I^Iurdt (Maurer) of Niederabout the carrying of arms, about the hunigen Niklaus Hager of Niederinstitutios of the authorities, etc. And hunigen Ulrich Fahrni of Schwarzenhe ordered them to again bind me egg Hans Ramseier Yost Kopfler and transport me to Berne, which was Hans Engle of Rothenbach Durs
—
—
—
subsequently
done
on
February
27,
1710.
Once before, in the year 1706, I had been imprisoned for three weeks, and now at Berne in the hospital six weeks my right hand shackled and locked ,and fed on bread and water, whereby I was afflicted during this time with much anguish, sadness and misery, for the reason that they had betrayed me so falsely, and that they had robbed me of all my children and worldly goods. They also took away from me, besides my five children, more than
—
— —
— —
—
Rohrer a deacon
—
— Rudolph —
—
Stettler, a
teacher Michael Aeschlimann, a deacon Niklaus Baltzer Melchior Zahler taken prisoner February 27, 1710, and once before in May, 1706 Mathias Benedict Muster (MusGrahenbiihl Benedicht Maurer Diesbach of ser) Hans Berain Niklaus Moser, a teachwho died in prison Benedicht er, Nusbaum Peter Mutrich of Trub and Niklaus Luthi and the women folks Elizabeth Katharina Ebersole are Gerber Elizabeth Gerber of Signau Elizabeth Krieg (Krick) of Hettingshem Elizabeth Steiner of Nurzenburg
—
— — —
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
SUMMARY OF SWISS SENT TO THE GALLEYS
160
— Anna Schenk of Diesbach —^Barbara Fahrni —Margaretha Engel of Diesbach —'Magrith Aeschlimann —Katha-
other Mediterranean icountries. Miiller Chapter No. 13, page 215, discusses the whole subject. Wars with Turkey made strong galley-men necessary. Switzerland was glad to send our Mennonite ancestors to this torture. As early as 1540 ninety Anabaptists or Mennonites were taken out of the dungeons in Austria, to be handed over to the great king of Venice for galley-service; but they escaped from the torture at Trieste. Twenty were afterwards captured and transferred to the galleys. When they arrived a receipt was given by the officer who took them and an agreement that after two years, they would be released. It was also agreed that they were to be used in one ship and not be separated. Any that would repent their religion before reaching the galley could go back. in his
rina Ellenberger of Eggiwyl and Barbara Frutiger, who escaped from the Basle district. The above named women and men folk were on March 18, 1710, transported from Berne in a ship after enduring much persecution and oppression and severe imprisonment; of these people 32 were liberated at Mannheim on the following 28th of
March
in consideration of the fact that they were old and feeble people, and some of them very sick. The other
were
26
somewhat
were
stronger,
taken to Nimwegen, where, on April 9, they were set free through the intercession
(or
intervention)
the
of
and mighty gentlemen of the States General and the Dutch Brethren and friends, which happened by
high
In 1671 George Orell was in Venice divine will or decree." collecting payments due to Zurich and At the close of the whole episode Berne for the hiring of our Mennowe enter once more the residence of nite brethren as galley-servants. (Do. the Ambassador, St. Saphorin, at The 216). He reports that Venice was Hague, and find him busily engaged greatly pleased with, these people with the Messrs. Ritter and Isott, There are works devoted entirely to which, of course, ended to the disad- the subject of galley-punishment. vantage of that firm. In consequence The great emigration in 1711 Berne thereof there remained for the master thought, would rid Switzerland of the of the ship, Schinder, 12 Thaler of the Mennonites (Miiller 220) but it was money which he had received at found there were many of them still Berne for the maintenance of the ser- in Switzerland and that many more geant and the soldiers. As he could came back from Holland, refusing to not enter upon the home journey with be banished. This caused a split in this small amount, St. Saphorin paid the Mennonite religion. Jacob Amover to Schinder for this purpose 130 nion headed the stricter party and Thaler, taking a proper receipt thereHans Reist the milder party. The for. Amnion people, that is the Amish, On April 26th, the Ambassador also were willing to go; but the Reist received a well merited testimonial wing were not, and were put under from his government for his exeer- the ban by the Amish. Berne now de;
|
tions.
1710— Brief Snininary
We
of Galley
Torture have several times given items
upon the persecution ancestors by means Berne sending them
of of to
our the
ancient galleys,
Venice
and
termined to send the obstinate Reist people to the galleys, because they came back_ from Holland; and thus it happened that this year about fiftytwo were sent. Berne now seleeted from those who were expelled in 1710 and 1711, (and
ATTEMPTED DEPORTATION TO
.UIEJUCA.
If?-!
had returned), six of the most promi- king agreed to transfer the men free to be to Nice. An influential Swiss friend nent, to be sent to the galleys but only named Frey of Torren, succeeded in sold to the king of Sicily, four were found fit to go, the other getting them liberated and he gave two were too old. They were Hans them money and clothing and conthem back to Switzerl'ind Luithi, XicJiolas Bumgarduer, Peter ducted (MuUer 231 and 232). They had the These Weitrich, and .Joseph Brobst. were of Trub. Much influence was shackles taken off of their feet, and brought to try to have the govern- they started to walk to Turin but got ment re-consider; but to no avail. very sore feet. From Turin they proThey were strong men about fifty ceeded through Savoy and Geneva to years old and had to go (Miiller 220). Neuenburg. They were met by the They were to be fettered with irons. l)i3hop of Pruntret, in whose neighSome time in 1711, Jacob Schnebeli borhood some Mennonite friends had (Suavely) of M.inheim wrote to Jacob settled and got together a small conFrey and others at Amsterdam and gregation. Here they were given not to go back to stated that he had news of these de- earnest advice ported from Turin by letters that Berne. All of them but Christian they were to remain there over win- Liebi (Levy) remained there; but he that they were kept in a vault to- went on alone to the Palatinate. ter
—
—
—
gether
with
had been sold
criminals, who man named Hack-
ninety to a
—
ITlO^Scattered Itiiiis on Alteiiipted Deportation to America.
that they were Miiller devotes Chapter 15, page taken out to do some hard work. Schnebeli further wrote that 252, to an attempted deportation to by Spring they would go on the high America. Much of this we have alThe question beseas to the galley. They presented a ready discussed. shall be done fore Berne was, "What petition to the Duke of Savoy to reMennonites?" All orders lease them. The Duke said he was with these Whenever the satisfied but it was all in the hands of had been partly futile. were forced over the the officers at Berne. When at Turin Mennonites the prisoners received some aid from Swiss boundaries, they were sure to This was made worse about their Mennonite brethren in Holland. return. A little later Berne agreed to release 1710 by a famine that had broken out the prisoners, provided they would in Alsace, where some had been sent So they went b'lck to Switzerl.'md. not return to Switzerland. The original letter from these gal- Many were in the .jails and were a ley-slaves, dated at Balermo, Septem- burden. The galleys were too dreadber 16, 1715, signed by Christian ful. Many were old and weak. Liebe, The idea of deportation to distant Peter Whitrick and Joseph Brobst is found in the archives of the countries began about 1699; and on Mennonites or Baptists at Amster- the 17th of May, that year, the East brett for their crimes
daily
dam
India
(Miiller 226).
In this letter they complain of great tribulation and distress and that one of them died that year, another one the year before, at Turin, so that only three were now left. These were
Nicholas Luthi.
A
Bumgardner
ordered them
and
Hans
the king of Sicily released (Do. 230). The
little later
Company
at
Amsterdam were
requested to take ship-loads of them The city of away. (Miiller 253.) Berne sent a long communication to the company, stating how obstinate that measures these people were; were of no avail, and and mild harsh that nothing would do but to send them to a far-off land. Thus Berne
FIRST SETTLEMENT IN LANCASTER COUNTY.
162
urged the East India Company to take a lot of them to the Islands of
East or
East India.
The other steps in this attempted deportation to Pennsylvania we have already had in former items and I have simply added this at this time because it was omitted heretofore.
the foremost leaders was Isaac Kaiiffman; and it was arranged that he should be taken to the Company at Amsterdam and be sent to India. The company paid no heed to
One
of
We
The idea of deportation soon again was taken up as the number of prisoners was increasing in Switzerland. This time the Court, erected to take charge of the Mennonite matters, known as the "Baptists Chamber"
was informed of the 17, 1709 and directed ously to clean them
affairs in April
to start vigorall
out of the
country. So vigorously did this Court take hold of its work that shortly, more than five hundred were driven out of the country and it was hoped that soon they would all be gone. It seems that two places where the
imprisoned Mennonites had been were in the "Upper Jail" and on the Among those mentioned "Island." are Benjamin Brackbill of Troxelwald, Christian Krayenbiihl of Norben, Hans Wager (Wenger) a weaver of Wattenweil, Peter Thouen of Reutigen, Jacob Neueuschwanger (Newswanger) of Stocken, Hans Burki of Christian Steiner of GTafenElsbeth Steiner, his sister Catri. Aebersold, Anna Shenk, Hans Gerber's wife; a baby, Catrina Leuenberger of Wytigen, Peter Rubeli's wife of Aesehlen; Elsbeth Gerber, Peter Gerber's wife of Zimmerzey; Christian Danzler, an old bedfast man, Babi Forni, an old woman quite deaf. To the Baptists incarcerated on the Island were added Rudolph Stettler of Stettlen;
Durse Rohrer
and Hans Rupp of Gunten.
of Ittigen (Miiller
Pennsyl-
the
principal
step
deport to Ameirca was that in 1710, when fifty-seven were put in a boat and sent down the Rhine, of whom three gave their story and testimony to the Dutch Mennonite preacher, Hendrick Laurens, at Nimewegen. We have also heretofore given the names of them.
1711
to
-The Pequea
Swiss Tra^t Sub-
divided.
We
have stated in a prior item that acres (part taken up) was
in 1711 the tract of 6,400
of the
10,000
acres
different sub-divided among the owners. This happened on the 27th and the surveyor general at of April the request of the purchasers made the actual division I hope to append a map of this subdivision to these annals which will show the particular lines dividing the large tract. (Rupp ;
75.)
1711—First Swiss Birth
in tlie Settle-
ment.
Gibel,
hiihl,
and
Indies
that
recall
taken
this.
West
vania.
According to Rupp 83, on the 22nd January this year, Samuel Miller was born on the Pequea, son of Jacob
of
Miller,
a
pioneer.
He was
the
first
child born to our Swiss ancestors in this county.
1711"Interesting Conference Between the Governor of Pennsylvania and the Pioneer Colony of Lancaster County. In
the
Colonial
Records.
Vol.
2.
page 533, there is an interesting ac253.) These and others were people not count of a treaty at Conestoga on the able to do galley-service, and there- 13th of June, 1711. The Governor of fore, Berne asked the Baptist Cham- Pennsylvania, together with four of ber to see that they were sent to the his most noted members of Council
!
NEW BBRNB SETTLEMENT— REIST AND were present
It took at this treaty. place at the fork of the Little Cone-
settle."
stoga and Big Conestoga Creeks. As far as it relates to the German-Swiss settlement of this county, we simply note that under date of Tuesday the 18th, in the forenoon, the Governor in his speech to the Indians says that he intends to present five belts of Wampum to the Five Nations and with them the Conestoga Indians, he required their friendship to the 'Palatines settled on Pequea." This is conclusive proof to show that the Periuea settlement of the Swiss was in existence at that time. To this the Indians made answer "As to the Palatines, they are in our opinion safely seated." This gives us some! little side light upon the conditions in which our fore-fathers lived.
the
We
AJVIMAN FRACTIONS.
16l{
(Taylor Papers No. 2796.) item simply to show
state this condition
of
toward the end of
the its
first first
colony, ye.ir
ot
residence in this county; and we can gather from Taylor's letters that it consisted only of a few families. But
many more
families were interested in coming there to settle. And that generally they were prosperous, is also evident. that
1711
— The
Keist and
Amman
Factions
of Mennonites on Eniig^ratlun.
We
have before stated that .lacoLi led off a branch of Mennonites from the regular church on the doctrine that they were not strict
Amman
I
enough. When the question of sufferpersecution or emigrating to ing,
America came
Amman 1711— Palatine Colony
of
it seems that the were more willing to
up,
faction
New Berne emigrate least we
than the Reisi faction. At are told by Miiller (page According to Rupp in his 30,000] 220 and 221) that the Reist people renames of Swiss and Germans coming sisted being sent to America and he says, either remained at home or left the to Eastern Pennsylvania page 3, that in 1709 a considerable ships wherever they could to return number went and found New Berne, home and join their brethren in faith the Palatinate. Therefore, the N. C, about 150 families; and that in Killed.
I
Sept,
22,
1711,
one hundred of them
were killed by the Tusoaroras. The New Berne Colony do not appear to have been Mennonites. New Berne exists today.
1711— Condition and
Size of the
Pequea Colony. surveyor for Penn, Logan, the 20th a of the 5th month (which was July) 1711, concerning the Pequea Colony of Swiss writes "^Many people are desirous to go backwards to settle land. Six or seven families of Palatines are settled at Pequea; and more desire to In another go there next winter." part of the letter he says that there is "a great want of commissions to that sell the proprietor's land and many people desire to go back to .Jacob
in
Ta.\ lor,
letter to .James
wrath
of
the
authorities
was more
against the Reist people than against the Amish. The Berne Government called them "the most contrary people known." The government also declared that all those who fierce
were banished and came back would be sent to the galleys or imprisoned for life. Among those sent to the galleys was Hans Gerber.
1711— Holland
Take Ip Cause Before
^fennonites
Beriie Mennonlte
Berne Ambassador
in
Holland.
About this time a deputation of eight leaders of the Holland Mennowith them nites, who had brought four Berne or Swiss Mennonites, one of them a preacher, came to try to induce the Berne ambassador in Hoi-
1G4
BERNE'S AMBASSADOR AT AMSTERDAM CRITICIZES HOLLAND.
land to new efforts, to influence Excellencies, the Swiss government. The Bernese Ambassador to With profuse thanks they had acceptBerne. Holland tried to thwart this. The four ed this, glad that a punishment had Bernese Mennonites were taken be- been meted out so little commensurThe Holland Mennonites ate with their disobedience. fore him. While not all could emigrate to said that they regretted that Berne was again imprisoning their Brethren America although such was stipuand that the wives and children of lated yet it would have been quite those banished, had been kept back. proper for some who liave neither (Mliller 281.) They represented that wives or children to show by the these Brethren do not hinder the journey, their compliance; but none state in any way and only ask the would give in, to the admonitions of gentlemen here who are so right to serve God, according to the the solicitous of their welfare. Instead, dictate of their own consciences. they have remained in Holland St. Saphorin relates as follows: I deemed it proper to answer the Hol- to complain of Switzerland, their Country and Sovereign. Although with asperity. I land Mennonites told them "I am astounded to hear there is only one religion prevalent you speak in such a manner after in all reformed Cantons in Switzeryou had yourselves an opportunity to land, it is nevertheless not the reknow the Bernese Baptists. These ligious dogmas which impels the inpeople had the permission to sell tolerance of the Anabaptists or Mentheir possessions, but only upon the nonites in the territory or the dominprovision not to enter any more upon ion of their Excellencies; but because the territory of their Excellencies in their creed contains certain things Switzerland from which they had which are diametrically opposed to No power banished. Not only did they re- the State Constitution. been can reprove if their Excellencies us turn to the land but they also tried to convert to their notions as many fwho maintain no standing army, and on of the inhabitants as they were able who impose no other burdens which under the Constitution of our their subjects, than the duty of deState would lead to nothing less fending the Fatherland), cannot tolthan the annihilation of its defences. erate a religion which tends to overThey could have been punished with throw the only foundation of their As to the intercessions of the severity which the law prescribes security.
—
—
against those who break their banish- so many different powers such as ment; but instead arrangements had Holland, England, etc., their Excelbeen made with the minister of Eng- lencies know full well that all these land by which they were to be re- powers have too just an opinion, as ceived in America under the mild to disapprove what Switzerland dedominion of her Majesty, the Queen, mands, when they expect of their with the same privileges enjoyed by subjects the defense of the Fatherland. Besides, their Excellencies are the other subjects of their Excellennot bound to render an account of cies who emigrate thence on their their doings to any one; nor do they own accord, or voluntarib' ^ouly with expect from any other an account of this for their advantages that those their actions. I declare that all who profess the religion of their movements by which you cause a sovereign must go there on their disapproval of the attitude of their own expense, while the Anabaptists Excellencies will only have a tendare sent there at the expense of their ency to embitter the public mind in
—
—
SWITZERLAND DENIES HOLLAND'S REQUESTS. Switzerland, and to make the condition of your brethren in the faith all the harder." This action of St. Saphorin defines the Bernese standpoint. The military view takes precedence of all others. The military duty is the most prominent affair of honor of the citizen; and in the storms which sometimes swept through Europe, it was not an easy matter to guard the neutrality of the country which, in addition to other duties, had to defend the Reformed Faith against the Catholic, making it a countiy with weapon in hand; and one whose best forces were hired to foreign countries as
165
Nimewegen,
Holland, should reSwitzerland as they threatened to return; and that a bond be given to guarantee this. If this be done, the detained wives and children may go to them. The delegates also state that as to the property of these divided families, they be allowed to turn it all into money and take the money with them; but the Ambassador said all he could do was to see
at
turn
to
dowry rights were reas the husbands' share had
that the wives'
spected,
already been forfeited. As to the milder treatment of and liberation of the Mennonites, then in Berne jail,- all St. Saphorin would say mercenary soldiers. The speech did was that, the act of the first ship-load, not fail to have effect. violating their agreement to go on to America, and instead of that getting 1711 Holland Mennonites .Vrranging on the ship at Nimewegen as soon as tA* Help Swiss Brethren Out of the they were in the free soil of Holland Country to America and was responsible fey the rough treatElsewhere. ment of those then in jail and for After St. Saphorin had delivered refusal to liberate them and send his lecture to the delegation of Dutch them away free of charge; and that Mennonites and their Swiss brethren future severity of Switzerland would present, just set out, the delegation depend on whether the first ship-load made the following requests: sent out, would stay out or come 1. For the free departure of the back. The delegation then gave bond wives and children of those who were ^guaranteeing that this would be obbanished and are being banished to served that they would never more America, so they may join them. St. set foot on their native land. 2. For milder treatment of, and Saphorin also said he heard from liberation of, those recently impris- what prominent between passed oned so that they can emigrate out of Dutch and Swiss Meunonite repreSwitzerland too. sentatives and Lord Townsend, Eng3. To stop the horrible practise lands Ambassador in Holland, that of Mennonite-hunting and rewards the Mennonites are full of hope that for their capture, so they can come their religion, having been born in out of hiding, collect their possessions the Reformation, the same as the and leave too. State Church of Switzerland (the ReSt. Saphorin replied that the first formed Church), it will not be exterr6quest would be granted, on condi- minated by Switzerland. He told the tion these families would not settle delegation they must give up all down near the boundary line of hope as to this, as the country was Switzerland; and that Holland should determined to crush it out entirely; see to it that none of the ship-load and that if they had any love for sent down the Rhine in 1710, of fifty- their Swiss brethren, they should inseven persons of whom thirty were duce them all to get out of Switzerput off at Manheim and twenty-seven land as soon as possible.
—
—
HOLLAND'S HELP.
166
ST.
SAPHORIN'S EFFORTS.
They aroused surprise and admira- they are determined Ambassador Saptiorin's breast sect in Switzerland.
tion in
saying that since the charge against them was that they were not patriots and would not help to defend Switzerland, they would try to get their Holland friends and the government too, to guarantee that they would raise money instead of troops, and thus do their duty to their native land. But he said, Switzerland does not keep up her defenses by bounty and substitutes, but by her own soldiers alone. This ended the conference on the three subjects. (Muller 281-3.)
by
1711
— Holland's
The
Help to Persecuted Swiss Mennonites.
final
determination
to
deport
to
maintain their
Saphorin, while
anxious to help the Mennonites to America, was against them in all other respects. He deprecated (to the British Government) any further efforts by Holland to help them, and especially that the Mennonites were trying to have Holland interfere with Berne. These complaints he made to what is called the "Pensioner," who seems to have been an o^cer with help Mennonites; funds to the whether English or Dutch is uncertain.
A conference was arranged with St. Saphorin and other powers of the Berne government; and the "Pensioner" demanded that the banished be allowed to take their goods with them, saying they could get riil of them quicker by so doing.
the Mennonites to America brought affairs to a crisis. (Miiller 279.) These Mennonites could not see extradition as in any sense, a favor to them. The 1711 St, Saphorin Announces Netherlands being in close sympathy Berne's Final Decision. with the oppressed Mennonites kept themselves advised on all these matThe deputies mentioned in an ters, and all that the Holland Menno- earlier item, it seems, were al&L> the nites did for the Berne Mennonites, representatives They of Holland. the Holland government approved. tried again this year to intercede The Holland Mennonites did every- with Berne. But St. Saphorin thwartthing that diplomacy could bring ed it. Again and again these Mennoabout. The great help that Holland nites tried to get favorable action gave the cause has never been ac- from St. Saphorin and hoped that knowledged publicly, or at all by Secretary Runckel, who was going Switzerland. to Berne could secure favor at the As soon as the Bernese Mennonites home office. These Dutch friends who were sent down the Rhine in tried to persuade Berne that they 1710 were liberated at Nimewegen, were trying to find settlements for the crisis came. St. Saphorin, the the Swiss Saphorin brethren. St. Swiss ambassador at the Hague im- praised them highly for the love and mediately took up the matter, with sacrifice they showed and said he was the English throne and the Menno- glad only five hundred were left in nites also tried to get Lord Townsend Switzerland, since they must suffer to intercede with Britain to help so severely there. He said finally he them. Saphorin represented to Eng- would recommend the Swiss governland that Holland's help to the Men- ment to give them sufficient time to nonites instead of speeding them on go. He represented to this governto America made them more stubborn ment that the Swiss Mennonite questo return, and caused many of them tion is stirring the whole Protestant to return to the Palatinate. He said world.
—
HOLLAND DECLARES VIRTUES OF MENNONISTS. He
told the deputies that
Berne
167
which would prove clearly above accu.sations originated that the from erroneous notions, inasmuch as their creed and that of their brethren in the faith was not properly understood, as to the three points in quesWhereupon the aforenamed tion. Benedikt Brechtbiihl, Hans Burki and Melchior Zahler, each one for himbefore us. burgess and self, have
is
this
about to resort to severe torture upon those who refuse to go and he was compelled to exact a bond from the Dutch Mennonites that the Swiss would go and not return. (Miiller 284.)
1711— Holland Declares the Good Character of the Mennonites.
city,
The Dutch brethren became active, council of this city, pul)licly attested and to get all the information they and declared that the creed after could, three of the Nimewegen re- which they had lived in the Canton fugees came before them as we have of Berne, in regard to the above seen before, April 25, 1710, at a meet- named three points consisted of: That they believe and proclaim 1st. ing at Amsterdam. They learned the that the authorities were ordained by condition in Switzerland, by submitthe Almighty, to punish the ting to them twenty-four questions. God It seems from Amsterdam, the Hol- wicked and protect the righteous, and land authorities took Brackbill, Burki that therefore every Cliristian is in and Zellers to the Hague and con- duty bound to acknowledge it as a fronted St. Saphorin with them and servant of God; and dare not resist from the answers made by the Swiss it, so that one may be enab'ed under Mennonites, for their brethren and its government, to lead a quiet peaceall else learned about them, the Hol- ful life, and that, therefore, one must land officials and deputies entered in render that which he owes toll to their "Great Memorial" on record, whom toll is due, fear to whom fear Vol. IX, page 106, and published in is due and honor to whom honor is French, this defense of the Swiss due. They believe that, according 2nd. Mennonite cause, in answer to all the teachings of Christ (Matthew to the reproaches against them. "We, the Burgess and Council of 5), it is not incumbent upon them to the city of Amsterdam, make known swear an oath, but yea whatever is to everyone whom it may concern yea and nay whatevei' is nay; and and declare according to the truth that by this they feel themselves as that, there appeared before us Hans strictly bound as all others who take Burki, Benedikt Brechtbiihl and Mel- an oath, and that they, when they chior Zahler, teacher and elders of break their word are just as amenthe Mennonite Congregation in the able to the punishment of the authorhonorable canton of Berne, Switzer- ities as a perjurer. That they are ready to pay 3rd. land, who declare that they came into our city and were cognizant of the to the authorities taxes on imports fact that they were accused upon for their protection and safe-guard, three points of their Christian Doc- as much as may be levied against trine, namely: that they denied the them, according to their means, and authorities were ordained by God, which they may be able to render, that they refuse to take an oath, and and that in times of distress they they refuse to defend the Fatherland would be willing in lieu of military with weapons. They, therefore, de- service to participate in the works of
—
|
make
a solemn declaration of their faith, before the magistracy of sire to
defense,
power.
as
much
as
lay
in
their
BENEOICT BRACKBILL'S VALUABLE SERVICES.
]68
The
4th.
deponents
humbly
pray
that we might register this, their public declaration in order to serve as a testimony for all times, when-
children.
For
this
reason
I
had
some time ago to the Canton Berne to have them show me the grace and privilege of receiving me
written
would be necessary. with favor, or at least to grant me a document we have affixed passport so that I might return for our city seal and have had it signed some time to the country, since I by our secretary." (Miiller 285.) have made the promise in the past 1711—Brackbulil's Further Services Spring to the friends of the committee, while we were at the Hague, For His Swiss Brethren. that I would not travel up to SwitzerAfter numerous conferences and land without their knowledge and visits to Holland as we have seen consent. Therefore I will try to get before, the three Bernese Mennonites, the government to release me of my Breckbuhl, Zellers and Burki, took promise; for I cannot very well have their leave on June 6, 1710, with a my children and other things brought Christian and brotherly farewell, and out (or called for) by some one else. ever
it
"To
this
supplied with a present of fifty florins It is my friendly request to the as traveling money, returned to Man- friends to write me whatever may be heim. Brechb'iihl was there again your pleasure in the matter. Furactive as elder in his congregation, as thermore, I report that, I am able to we now show. He was the mediator earn my board and keep, by my and confidential agent between the hands; consequently, I am well con-
Mennonites
many
of
Berne and Holland and
cases, rendered his brethren faith many services in those
tent.
But, as yet
I
know
of
no place
can dwell with my people. I in the trust to the Lord, however, that he years. He writes under date of Jan- will not forsake his people (for uary 4, 1711, from Manheim to Hol- whoever does His will the Lord will land: not forsake), but will furnish me with "Report to the friends that some a place of abode. time since I received a letter from I have also received word a short servants and elder in Switzerland time since that, the authorities of with reference to their exodus to Berne have promised those who Prussia: they write me that they do were made prisoners that, if they not wish to go there; but want to would promise to appear whenever await the mercy of God. and wish to they were wanted, they would be reremain in their land as long as they leased; but when this would be, only can. They who were in the ship time will tell. thank you most friendly and cordialAs to the two morasses (swampy ly for all the great love and fidelity tracts in Luthania where the German shown to them. I understand also King wanted to induce them to settle from their letter that, the brother- in Germany, vacant because of pestihood in Switzerland do not deem it lence), I would report that I have well that I, because of fear of men, heard from good authority that it do not help foster the small flock of would entail an almost impossible Christ; and express the opinion that expense to make them fertile, or proI should not forsake their people. ductive, therefore, I know not what But until now, I have not deemed it further to write on this subject. Alfeasible, however, to help more than though I would like to write much on I am. In the Springtime I mean to account of the unbroken love for the undertake the trip up, to fetch my friends with which I am imbued. But in
where
I
EFFORTS TO COLONIZE SWISS MENXOMSTS. as
I
lar
have nothing further to
relate,
I
will
let
intellisence suffice, and
in
particu-
this
short the
commend
together with their whole families to the gracious protection of Almighty, remaining herewith the your affectionate friend and brother friends,
in Christ.
"BENEDICHT BRACHTBUHL." On May biihl
IT.
1711, Benedicht Bracht-
writes to .lohn Willink. that his
three children have arrived hale and
hearty from Switzerland, that they, however, have brought the word that the congregations there are so greatly eager to have him come that he intends to yield to them, and requests a speedy release from his promise or vow. (Muller 286 et. seq.)
and trust in the Lord under the difficulties he details, ought to put to shame the dissatisfaction we so often feel and the mistrust of God we show whenever the affairs of our lives do not w-ear the rosy tint we unreasonably expect. It may be found in the Mennonite Archives at Amsterdam, No. 1299. The project to send the small company of Mennonites at this time left about Berne, to the bogs of northern Germany to a place where war and pestilence had destroyed all the inhaibtants. and the powerful influences behind the project ought to make us appreciate how narrowly the ancestors of many of us here in LanThis
'
letter, so full of love
169
The oppressed Mennonites of Switzciland and the Palatinate turned to the Quakers of Pingland, through the advice of their Holland brethren, to have them intercede with the English government; but, the queen's authorities refu.sed to interfere with Swiss affairs. They then turned to the king of Prussia in a petition; and he gave it as his opinion that there would be no help for them unless they all leave Switzerland. In a letter dated July 5, 1710, the king wrote that these Swiss sufferers should settle themselves in the district of Brandenburg, at such places where extensive dairies could be operated, or in Prussia, where there were good chances of success. In Prussia, the raging epidemic completely depopulated many villages in the most fruitful region; but houses and cattle and agricultural implements were still there ready for people to use them, said the king. I' the new settlers come at once they would
profit from the rich harvest, as the former settlers had died after planting the crop.-!. The king promised further, that everything that would help these good people would be done (Huizinga, page 25). This act on the part of the king of Prussia was hailed by the "Amster-
dam Courant"
of
August
9,
1710, with
delight and it spread' the news that the king had already written to the canton of Berne, that he would receive these people. Baptists or Mennonites, without any exception and would help them to make a living.
caster County, escaped being sent to another section of the world, from which they never would have reached (Miiller 288.) Miiller further says that, even a Pennsylvania. By a similarly narrow margin, we remember they also narrative of the Amsterdam commitescaped being taken to the East tee's acts in behalf of their Swiss Indies by the East India Company. brethren in faith .would be too long to Benedict Brackblihl was a strong recite complete. A recital of all the factor in preventing both of these Journeys from Amsterdam and Rotfates of our people. Isaac Kauffman terdam to the Hague; and the numeralso rendered service to prevent the ous conferences, with influential deleEast India project. gates and the letters sent make up a
SWISS MENNONISTS INVITED TO HOLLAND.
170
catalogue
the
Mennonite the more he
is concerned that these poor people must be helped to escape at Berne, the heavy storm which is hovering Runckel, used all means with the over their heads and seek a home Berne government to have the hard somewhere else until the wrath has Mennonites subsided. He concludes his letter In measures against the stopped; and to secure freedom of part as follows "I believe, therefore, worship for them at home. His next the greatest act of love which oould be plan was, if this was not allowed, to done for these people will be to seek secure a few years chance for these out some place of abode for them and Mennonites to sell their goods and that they should completely leave But Runckel had a hard Berne. The princess of Nassau and land. struggle in this effort; and July 12, the count of Newweid are willing to 1710, from Berne, he wrote to the receive some of them such as are comrnittee in Amsterdam, that though artisans and mechanics; but as these he had no further orders from Hol- people are mostly farmers and stockland to assist the Mennonites, yet raisers, the above offer was of no that of his own accord, he had in- value, as Holland has enough farquired carefully into the condition of mers. By the last mail, I have rethem; and in this inquiry he states ported to Amsterdam that more than that he found in Switzerland some twenty of these poor people are again people who felt that the Swiss gov- in prison and the rest were scattered ernment was entirely too severe; and and chased into the neighboring who were full of pity for the poor countries. I will endeavor to talk Mennonites. (Muller 289.) But he with these poor prisoners myself and says for every one of these, there are to comfort them as much as possible two or three who wish them all the in their bondage. (Muller 290.) pains the government has given them Joahn Ludwig Runckel." and no remonstrance can influence 1711—Further Plans to Deport Menthem. He states that the government nonites Holland the Final especially makes it a point of honor Asylum. that all they have done was right and
large
in
Amsterdam. The Holland Ambassador
librai-y
at
—
—
—
the welfare of the government and the glory of God. He says it is most certain the Berne officials have no idea what kind of people these Mennonites are and what difference there is between them and the Munster Anabaptists, who stirred up for
trouble for the government in earlier These people believe everything true that is charged against the Mennonites, he says; and that he knows no way to overcome it, unless the pamphlets that have been printed in their faith in Holland, and their creed, be translated into High-German and be printed, and especially that a great lot of such pamphlets be scattered throughout Berne. He says that the more he things of the subject.
times.
In Muller ('page may be 290), found a list of the prisoners (mentioned in a letter from Alsace), who were in the jail of Berne, July 27. twenty-three consisting of 1710, brethren and seven sisters, of the Anabaptist or Mennonite faith. They are as follows: Peter G'erber, a servant in the Word of God, lies In chains. From the dominion of Trachselwald: Peter Blaser, Hans Wisler, Hans Schneider, Clauss Baumgartner. Ulli Bear, Peter Hertig, Peter Leuti. Ulli Brachbul, Hans Grasser, Joseph
—
Probst,
Daniel
Rotenbuler,
Haua
Zahn.
From
the
dominion
Ulli Trussel, Ulli
Schurch.
Sumiswald:
;
PROJECTS TO COLONIZE MBNNOXISTS. From the Piflckinger. From
dominion Brandiss: Hans
the dominion Signau:
emigration was necessary. But where should these people be sent to? They would be received with open arms in Prussia. The Mennonite committee, therefore, requested Benedict Brechbuhl in Manheim on July 18, 1710. to use his efforts to persuade his countrymen to accept this offer; and that they, as obedient subjects, submit to
Martin
Stramm,
Christian Gouman, the younger, Hans Hoitzer, Leupersweil (bailwick of Schnottweil) district of Solothurn. Hans Kuoubuler from the dominion of Diessbach. Hans Fruthe dominion of Thun. tiger from Niclauss Haberli of Buchsi. ;
the the
Anna
Brentzighoffer,
demand
of the authorities to quit country. Brechbiihl replied on August 27th that he communicated this suggestion to the brethren in Switzerland and that those residing in Manheim were too well pleased with their condition there to think of such a thing.
The .sisters imprisoned are: Verena A^schlimann, Catrina Bieri, Christina Trussel, Margret Scher, Margret Oberii,
17 f
Anna
Moseri.
There is a letter in existence stating that these thirty prisoners were As the Baptists or Mennonites in also to be sent down the Rhine to Switzerland could not be enthused Holland, in a ship, the same as a over to Prussia, it the emigration former party were. The letter is as August seems, Runckel on 30, 1710, follows: Cunonheim in Alsace, July broached another subject Comto the "Have received a letter 26, 1710. Baptists from Switzerland, and understand mittee at Amsterdam. The from it that twenty-three brethren or Mennonites might be colonized on and seven sisters are imprisoned at Bernese territoiy on the two great Berne, and that they are willing to marshes, which could be drained and take them down the Rhine on a ship, by cultivation, would make excellent grazing purtherefore, we, the undersigned dea- land for tilling and recompense for making poses. As a cons and elders in Alsace beg of your deacons and elders in the these morasses arable, the Bernese Palatinate, namely, Tillman Kolb and government should grant freedoim of Hans Jacob Schnebeli, very friendly religion. But much money would be to pay attention and see to it, when needed for this enterprise, which the the ship arrives at Breisach. But we may not know when they will arrive. We are willing, however, to send people to Breisach who will let us know as soon as they arrive there. We ask of you kindly if it be your pleasure that you will write to the friends in Holland. We are afraid if they have a further passport from the king, we can hardly accomplish any-
Holland and Hamburg Mennonites Brechbiihl, would have to furnish. being interrogated by the commission on this subject, on September 26th, held the project of the great morass unacceptable. to absolutely be Runckell wanted to consult with an engineer on the matter. He did so and October 4 he secured the opinion of engineer Bodurer In
thing.
Amsoldingen that
Then
In haste
MARTIN EGLI. HANSS BLUMM, CHRISTIAN RUPP." A. A. 1269. I
On
all
sides,
it
was
agreed
that
this
was unfavorable. The project was dropped.
engineer, however, informed Runckel and Romainmotier between that Romont, on the boundary of Burgundy, a great tract of unfilled land was in possession of Berne, which would be used as a place of abode for
—
SWISS MiENNONIST EXODUS INTO HOLLAND.
172
the Mennonites. He hoped to be able to submit a chart and an estimate of the cost by October 25th. Such wellmeant but impractioable plans were it discarded; and became soon clearer and clearer that the Netherlands must be the haven of refuge for To this end the S'wiss brethren. preparations in Holland were now made to receive them. (Do. 292.) 1711
—Joyous
Swiss
Mennonite Exo
dns Into Holland.
!
j
|
j
I
;
j
to Deventer, and were now brought by S. A. Cremer to the assembly. They reported to the meeting, in detail, they their everything which and brethren in Switzerland had to suffer innocently; and that of them all (as badly as they were treated), only one, Niklaus Riigen, had apostatized
j
Mennonite
They
related that their split into two parties: viz. that of Hans Reist and that of Jacob Ammon, largely concerned the "Ban";
his
that
they
faith.
could
not
calculate
the
Holland now became the goal. To number of their church members, but transport the suffering Mennouitef one faction estimated them at 600, the collection of money was other at more than a thousand. there, a new as in the year? The report of Vorsterman contains, and 1694; and now under date of December 2, 1710, a greater sacrifices were demanded. Of touching letter of consolation by the the 20,000 florins which were collected Committee at Amsterdam to the breimprisoned at and sisters in the last named year for the fugi- thren tives in the Palatinate, nothing was Berne, and as an answer thereto Ijeft. For the balance, namely; 1200 dated January 8, 1711, from Peter florins, Brechbuhl, on May 2. 1710, Blaser in the name of his fifty-two gave his receipt at Manheim. There- fellow prisoners. fore, the Committo.es at Amsterdam Of the condition of these prisoners, on August 12, 1710, dispatched a cir- Runckel writes from Berne to the cular to all Mennonite or Baptist Committee at Amsterdam under date Congregations in the Netherlands. of October 1, 1710, as follows: This appeal was signed by the Am"The day before yesterday, Sepsterdam brethren Willem von Maurik, tember 29th, I, at last, found an opHarmanus Schijn, Jan Willink Jansz, portunity to visit the prisoners and to Adr, Jacob Fries, Jacob Vorsterman, console them in their sorrow as much Frans von Aken and Cornells Beets. as lay in my power, and to encourage A general assembly was held on No- them to submit to God's will and obey vember 5, 1710, at which detailed re- the authorities in calmness of Spirit. ports were made by the thirty-seven In this, two local citizens, Messrs. brethren present. The Committee Knoll and Wagner, have given me
needed, the 1642,
1660,
same
1G71
received j)ower of attorney to dispose of the money to be received at their discretion. In important questions
the commission should be augmented by two delegates, each of the cities of Zaaudam, Haarleh, Leiden and RotThen the various projects terdam. for the rescue of the Swiss were thoroughly discussed, and further information requested of Mr. Runckel. Of the Swiss liberated at Nimewegen, two, Hans Rupp and Peter Tenne (Thonen) had gone from there
much
In the found eleven men and six women, but without chains or fetters. Among the first The men are named, three sick. idle, the women spin hemp and flax to In the upper while away the time. hospital are sixteen men and fourteen women, among whom are also some The men are all sick and weak. penned up together in one room, but without any fetters or chains. These must earn their bread by carding or assistance. (Miiller 293.) 'Island' prison, I
so-called
EXODUS INTO HOLLAND combing wool or by other trade with which they are familiar. The women, too, are in a separate compartment, but not alone; and by reason thereof not confined as strictly as the men. They must in conjunction with other
[
(Continued).
173
In the upper hospital, men: Peter Hertig, Hans Gasser, Peter Liithei, Ulrich Triissel. Daniel Rothenbiihler,
Peter Gerber, Hans Zahn, Hans Schonauer, Hans Frutlger, Heinrich Schilt, Uli Brechbiihl, Daniel Neuwomen who are imprisoned for other komet, Hans Wissler, Michael Riiscauses, pass their time by spinning ser, Hans Kreybiihl, Bauman the wool. As much as I could observe, Younger. (Do. 294.) they are permitted to read the Bible The women are: Gertrud Riigsegand some other books, and, as I am ger, Barbara Riiugsegger. Margrif informed, there is no lack of food and Gerber, Elsi Brast? (Graf?), Barbara drink, though of course, everything, Steiner, Luzia Wymann, Barbara as well as very poor.
the sleeping
places,
are
Among all these p" isoners, there are very few who have any means, and even if they once had anything, it is to be feared that the costs of the prison and other things connected have already consumed therewith, that Those w'ho associate with these poor people declare, too, that there are ("generally speaking) not as many wealthy among them as among those I spent more sent away a year ago. than three hours with them, and conversed with them. I heard from them that they are willing to leave their fatherland and go away, but that they are not able to forget it at once, and Besides it is to take leave forever. very much to be feared that they will raise difficulties when they learn that His Royal Majesty of Prussia wants to settle them in a county bereft of its inhabitans, caused by a terrible pestilence. When I hinted this, they protested most energetically against such a proposition, and earnestly requested to be spared from it. They would rather be sent to some other which scruples, I and the place, above-named affectionate God-fearing endeavored to remove to the and will use best of our ability; every endeavor in the future to remove. A list of the prisoners incarcerated on September 29, 1710, concitizens
tains the following
names:
Rohrer, Margret Schiirch, Elisabeth Aebersold, Gertrud Parli, Vrenl
Aeschlimann, Stini Triissel, Salzmann. Anna Moser.
Anna
On
the "Island," men: Hans ScheniBear, Joseph Brobst, Glaus Baumgatrner, Christian Gaiimann, Christian Gaiimann the Younger, Martin Strahm, Peter Blaser, Benedict Lehmann, Ulrich Schiirch, and Uli
der,
Hans
Fliickiger.
Women: Anna
Brenzikoffer.
Anna
Habegger, Vreni Rubin, E. Heimann, Anna Bear, and Margret Oberli. (AA) 1711
— Joyous (1ns
into
Swiss Mennonitc Exo-
Holland
—Continued.
Runckel took upon himself the further task of ascertaining the number of Mennonites set at liberty out of the jails, and their residences, in order Of to induce them to emigrate. course, this was no easy undertaking, since they all kept themselves in hidThe only ing as much as possible. sources from which anything could be learned, were the prisoners at Berne. But these, too, showed themdistrustful. He (Runckel) selves secured the services of Messrs. Kuoll (or Kuoff) and Wagner to mediate; but they, too, failed to induce the prisoners to make any disclosures. So Mr. Runckel had to try the thing accompanied by being personally, aforesaid two men. He conthe vinced them of his intentions, and
EXODUS INTO HOLLiAND
174
upon his promise to observe their urgent request for secrecy, he re•ceived on November 17, 1710, the desired information that there were at present in the Bernese lands about '295 men and women, not including the husbands and wives and children who must still be counted with the Reformed. This is reported under date of November 19, to the Committee at Amsterdam. By the aid of confidential messengers he procured, as nearly as possible, the lists of all participants.
Runckel learned and communicated the Committee, under date of December 3, 1711 (A. A. No. 1290) that the Burgess Willading of Berne, formerly a bitter enemy of the Mennonites, was now engaged in an effort He to effect their speedy departure. directed (December 10th) a memorBased ial to the Bernese authorities. on the proposal of the King of Prussia and the Netherland Mennonites, he now submitted, in the name to
the following request: (1) The Swiss are to have the privilege of making a choice between the two offers. (2) A general amnesty is to be published so that all Mennonltes, who have heretofore secreted themselves, may without danger to themselves, appear openly and sell their possessions. (3) That they be permitted to name some one who shall have the right to dispose of their possessions for their benefit, even after their departure. (4) That those who are still imprisoned be liberated at once. (5) That the Reformed who are wedded to Mennoof
the
latter
(Continued).
General, Mr. Fogel, whereupon the States General by resolution of De-
empowered Mr. 1710, urge also in their name, the granting of the demands of the Mennonites. The matter was considered. B\A Runckel writes on December 17th, with indignation, the exhortations were met with many fines and penalties, so that the Bernese government cember Runckel
30,
to
if they wanted to retard the departure of the Mennonites, because of these requests. In the meantime, the desire to emigrate grew stronger. To Prussia, they did not want to go, as they feared the pestilence and had an aversion against the system of serfdom still
seems to act as
vogue there. On January 7, 1711, the delegates met at Amsterdam. They deMberated about the places where the Swiss might be taken; passed resolutions to in
to bring further pressure the Bernese government in favor of the wishes already submitted and remitted to Mr. to it; Runckel, in addition to the 300 Reichstdalern, which he had at his for the brethren, 1000 disposal florins more. At last, information was given out that the amount of the
the
effect
upon
collection
now had reached
a total of detailed state-
as per Huizinga, page 99). "What transpired in the meantime in Switzerland on the subject, Mr. W. wrote on J. Willink in Amsterdam, March 6, 1711, to Mr. H. Toren in Rotterdam, as follows: "After much vexation, at last thirtynites, be permitted to emigrate with six of our brethren in the faith in their spouses and also to take their Berne have already been set free children with them, and (6) That from the prison under bail, and we they may be exempt from the fee hope to hear before long that the exacted until now, as a tax on emi- fifteen still in prison will be libergration, when they leave the coun- ated too. Further, that the proclatry. mation of amnesty will soon be proOf this proposition, Mr. Runckel mulgated, in such manner that all informed the Chancellor of the States will receive permission to sell their 50,000
ment
florins,
(in
1;i;
HOLLA.\DS HELP
FX)R
estates by the end of June and to leave the country with the proceeds thereof, together with the concession that, whatever they, themselves cannot accomplish in that time, they can
have attended to by their authorized agents, to which end, it is hoped, there will be granted them a term of one year. We now deem it necessary to consult with the committees outside of our city, and to find ways and means to transport and settle down these poor down-trodden people. For a place of settlement, the King of Prussia is making very generous proposals, such as we cannot offer.. He' I
j
I
SWISS MENNONISTS.
175
the Baptists or Mennonites who had been deported the previous year. This made their condition worse. Among those returning was Samuel Rebar, 75 years old. He was imprisoned for Also Hans life, or so condemned. Burki.
Through Holland's continued intercession however an amnesty proclamation was made Feb. 11, 1711, by Berne.
forth that, as all past efforts the land of the Baptists had failed, and the sect increased— and as they will not take the oath of and as nor bear arms allegiance places all his various provinces at they did not take advantage of the the disposal of the oppressed, they to right to depart because as they say choose whichever they want. He no fixed place has been provided for agrees to furnish them there at once them to go to, where they could enwith comfortable houses, cattle and joy what they call "liberty of consupplies, hired help, utensils and imthe government of that, science," plements, and whatever else may be It set
[
\
to
rid
I
—
—
'
without may be installed in their new places without delay. He even agrees to grant them great privileges in preference to the But he wants also the rich natives. necessary for their calling, great expense, so that they
as well as the poor." (Miiller 296). The King had a suspicion that the Hollanders wanted to keep the rich with them and to saddle the poor upon Prussia. Mr. Runckel endeavored to set the King's too great expectations about the wealth of the
Swiss Meunonites aright, by mentioning the fact that according to his investigation they mostly belonged to the lower order.
1711— Holland Doing Everything Possible for tbe 31ennonites.
There
a long list of documents in the Archives of Amsterdam showing what trouble and expense Holland expended to help our ancestors to flee from the wrath of Berne. Ambassador Runckel led off in the tas'^. In Runckel's letter of Jan. 3, 1711, be speaks of the repeated return of is
Berne has
finally
made arrangements
with the government of Prussia by consul Bundeli, and with the Government of Holland, by their Secretary, M. Runckel, to take over these They are therefore allowed persons. now to go to Holland or Prussia if they do not return; except they must not go into Neuenburg or Valeudis. But those already condemned are not Those in at liberty to thus depart. prison will be at liberty to go too if They are allowed they furnish bail. 1711, to go, but June, of to the end not after and no fee for departure The journey is to will be exacted. be at their own expense. Wives, children and husbands of these Mennonites or Baptists, who belong to the Reformed Church may go too if they
its
—
desire.
But
all will lose their citizen-
Whatever is not reported to the Baptist or Mennonite Chamber in time will be confiscated. In the meantime all Mennonite meetings are prohibited under penalty. All who leave ship.
be severely punished if they reRunckel reported that by Feb. turn. will
—
176
!
SWISS ALE-NXOXISTS INVITED TO HOLLAND.
14th at least 18 Meunonites secured 29, 1711, that all people of Berne in release from prison by giving bail, whom the Mennonites have confiand departed out of the Canton Berne dence, whether Reformed or otherunder this amnesty. They went to wise, who will assist the departure Holland. Thirty others wer^ promised shall receive instructions and the thanks of the government. (Miiller freedom. 296-7.) condithe March 18, at Amsterdam, tions of this amnesty were discussed 1711— Exodus Into Holland (Conin a meeting held under government tinued). Runckel was given a vote authority. I
good work; and he Xow that the movement into Holwas given general charge by Holland land was to become a fact, a list was of the departure, etc. to be made of the property and of thanks for his
At the meeting Dr. Herman Schijn read the draft of a letter, he favored approved and It was sending out. ordered translated into German, and to be sent to Runckel to be distributed This letter throughout Switzerland. to take everywhere Mennonites urged permission to dethe advantage of They misery. part, and end their were to come to Holland. The King of Prussia, too, soon
possessions of these Mennonites. But toward the beginning of Summer ia 1711, these people had not yet made and a statement to the authorities the Berne government now began to feel that they would be accused of embezzling the estates of the op;
pressed.
The authorities, therefore, decided that heavy penalties must be inflicted, and did so, by mandate of the 11th of On May. requiring the statements. the second of June the mandate was repeated.
granted special privpeople and v/elcomed them. Agents of the King, Steven Creamer and Alia Dirks, invited them June 22, 1711, there was a mandate to come; but the meeting decided it issued by Berne that the wives, husbest to wait until the Swiss arrived bands and children of Mennonites or and then let them select whether they Baptists, who belonged to the Rewould take Holland or Germany to formed Church and who are going to live in. Holland with the Mennonites, should Runckel complains in his letters lose their Swiss citizenship. And that it is very hard to find amons inose wHj are not members of the these Swiss men who can be of much Baptist or Mennonite families, should help to him in arranging for their pay, in addition, ten per cent, of the advantage, and their departure. Dan. "departure Mandate of money." Reichen he says seems to be the only June 24. man who can help much. He comTen thousand florins of the moneys plains that there is a good deal of collected by the Dutch for the Swiss He distrust among the Mennonites. were now put at the disposal of their says arrangements are made that lists needs. of those who will take advantage and July 15, a meeting was held by the depart, and the names shall be sent at Amsterdam and the government Anin at once or by Feb. 20, 1711. as the Swiss were Mennonites, Dutch nouncement is to be made in all pularrive there, at to Berne promulgatea a mandate soon expected pits. full report was made April 17, 1711, that everything is to which meeting had transpired durthat everything of be done to assist these people to deThere was a mandate of April ing the last few weeks. Mr. Runckel part. after, Feb. 1711,
ileges
to these
SWISS MENNONIST DEPARTURE FOR HOLLAND.
ITi
reported that with the cousent of the try, after having jjromised not to do committee he had persuaded Mr. G. so. and had brought a company of Ritter from Berne, who managed the brethren back with him and they expedition of 1710, to take charge of were all again thrown In jail and a the tran.'^portation of this expedition dark future in sight for everybody. of 1711 that his first duty as arranged, The Mennonite committee in Holwas to provide five vessels for con- land extended their thanks to the veyance of about five hundred per- Swiss Ambassador at the Hague (M. number estimated who St. Saphorim) and also to the King sons (the would migrate) that t!ie vessels were of Prussia for the interest they took that the cost of them in these oppressed Swiss Brethren. built in Berne furnishings The King was so interested that he with all necessary amounted to one thousand six hun- visited the Holland authorities and dred and fifty-six reichsthalers (or leading Mennonites at Amsterdam on
—
dollars of the realm).
Upon
advice of Ruuckel, the committee secured the intercession of the States General that is the govthe
—
—
whereby erning officers of Holland the migrants are to be accorded at Vasal, Treves, Cologne, Hesse-Cassel and Prussia, unhindered passage on the Rhine and exemption from toll They also had instructions or duty. issued to Runckel to continue his stay Runckel reported that the at Berne. crews of the ships demanded higher wages than they did in 1710; and that the cost of the crews and the
the 16th of June, 1711, to learn more fully what he could do ror them. 1711
— .Mennonites
Dcpjirt
for
Hoi-
liUKl.
The dfi)arture of the emigrants was fixed to take place on the 13th of Runckel had given informaJuly. tion that according to the latest esti-
mates, the number who would go was 307, together with fifty-two. who had But it was not been imprisoned.
known whether any members family would accompany
of their them or not.
It was recommended that, it be earnwould reach estly insisted on departing, that two hundred they must obligate themselves as and fifteen reichsthalers. the Berne government wishes, never It It was reported that there would again to return to their country. be hardly five hundred members, be- was arranged that they should not cause the faction of the Mennonites disembark until they reached AmThe necessary instructions led by Hans Reist decided that they sterdam. would not go, because Switzerland were to be handed by Abraham was their home and no one had a Fortgens, the pastor or teacher of the right to drive them out. But the fac- Mennonite congregation at Emmerich tion led by .Jacob Ammon (that is to Mr. Ritter, who had charge of The place they Christians. the Amish Mennonites) w^ere likely these all to go. Runckel reasoned with the were to settle when they landed was Reist Mennonites a great deal but to be referred to a meeting to beheld they had not yet made up their minds. a few days prior to their expected (Miiller 299). Runckel further re- arrival in Amsterdam. By that time ported that he felt quite indignant at minute information about colonizing this resolve, as he haa done every- in Prussia was expected to be availthing he could for these people. He able. The committee had sent, early was disgusted further because, he in July, three Swiss Mennonite ex-
board and about three
said old
expenses thousand
Hans Brackbiihl, Benedict Hans Burki, disregarding all perts, come back to the coun- Ramseier and Uly Bauer to the dif-
danger, had
FINANCING SWISS MENNONISTS IN HOLLAND.
178
ferent places from which so many wives to be placed on the list thai reports and good prospects had been were being made out under Runckel's held forth, to investigate and see the orders, after great difiBculty. They condition with their own eyes, and had no confidence in the promise of make report. It was also reported the government; they felt suspicious at the meeting by the delegate from about whether their teachers and Preisland, the northern province of leaders would be included in the amHolland on the North Sea, that Mr. nesty about whether their children G. von Aylva, a notary or Court could be taken along or whether the Officer at Bakkoveen (a town in Hol- government would keep tliem back land twenty miles southwest of the and train them up in the State retown of Groningen in the swamp ligion. The Hans Reist people, since country, about fifteen miles from the they split from the Amish people north coast of Holland), was willing were quite stubborn about going. A to place part of his lands, on which great deal of trouble arose about peat or soft coal could be dug for separating the goods and property of two hundred years, at the disposal of families, between the members who these Swiss Mennonite members and would go and those who would stay. to all others of them who should A great deal of time was necessary come, for the sum of two thousand to make the sales and transfers of florins. Others reported in favor of property. The notice was really too colonizing in the Groningen country, short. And the fact that such an the north eastern province of Hol- emigration could be accomplished at land, on the North Sea. The inves- all is evidence of the sacrifices that tigation of these proposed sites pro- the people were ready to make for gressed some time but the final de- their religion and how hard the intolcision was not to be rendered until erance which they suffered, bore upon the Swiss did actually arrive. We may add that, without the (Miil- them. great ingenuity ler 299.) and services of Runckel, the exodus to Holland in 1711 Exodus Into Hollsmd (Contin1711 could not have been possible. ned). Nor must we forget the great services We now glance again at the events which George Ritter and Daniel transpiring in Switzerland. Berne Richen rendered Runckel in this agreed, though unwillingly, upon matter. Richen was in banishment pressure being brought against her in Neuenberg at the time, and only by Prussia and Holland, to grant on the 23rd of May, 1711, by the earnamnesty to the persecuted Anabap- est efforts of Runckel, was he given tists or Mennonites; but did so only permission to return to Switzerland, upon payment of twenty-five reich- on the first of July. thalers, expense money for every one Runckel received from the Anareleased from prison. Berne also in- baptist or Mennonite Chamber all sisted that these payments should the moneys of the emigrants who not be taken out of the charity funds were to go to Holland and transmitcollected in Holland. (Miiller 300.) ted the same by a draft to the MenThe The ships of which we spoke before, nonite Committee in Holland. were ready to sail, but now it ap- sum he remitted was twenty-eight peared that the emigrants delayed thousand five hundred florins, which making preparations for the journey, on the 17th of August was receipted
—
—
though they had given in their names for by Jacob Vorsterman and John and th* names of their children and Honnore at Amsterdam, to be repaid
SWISS EXODUS INTO HOLLAND
(Continued).
179
by them later to the proper owners 16th, all arrived safely at Basel. on presentation of obligation which Runckel had reached this i)laco a day these owners held and which had before by a land route. The open been issued to them as an evidence vessels were here furnished with of what sums they were entitled to. awnings and the necessary supplies The sum paid to each owner was the were put on board additional passame that he had been required to sengers were taken on board here. pay in. upon entering the ship, so Shortly before the departure from that it would be impossible for him Basel, on the 17th of .July, two MenThese nonites, Hans Burki (or Burkholder) to turn back with his money. receipted obligations are still on file and Samuel Reber, were released in their original completeness in the from imprisonment and brought by Archives of Amsterdam. the government of Berne to Basel In addition to this, the sums of and put upon the ships. Those men money wbich the Swiss themselves had been condemned to severe puncarried with them 'in drafts and in ishment because they sneaked or cash, accordin
—
—
Runckel received for the aid of the Swiss and for which he rendered an account on March 29, 1713, in Amst-erdam amounted to thirty-eight thousand one hundred and thirty-
The Baptist or Mennonite teacher. Grimm, had been arrested at Langnau with Hans Burki (or Burkholder), and was to have been transported to America the previous year. Daniel
upon his liberation in Holland, sand two hundred and thirty-three he became one of the three trustees or (1.5.233) reichthalers. men of confidence of the Mennonites By the beginning of June, the dif- in the Netherlands, though he had, as ficulties and hindrances had become we have just stateil, violated his so great that it seemed to Runckel, pledge and returned to Switzerland. three (38,133)
florins
or fifteen thou-
as well as to the Committee, that the Tn enterprise would be impossible. the second week of .July, the five ships (four of which had been constructed at Berne) were all ready. As the five hundred emigrants could not be gathered together, other passengers were accepted (Do. 301). Penally embarkation took place .July 13th in Neunberg. as well as in
Berne.
The ships joined one another at Wangen. Here one of the former prisoners, Henrich Schilt, of Schangnau, absented himself, contrary to
On the 14th the journey was continued to Lafenburg: and on the
his vow.
But,
Burkholder's action caused great difficulties; and the more so because all of his children, in company with Uli Gerber, his hired man. as well as the ten sons of three other Mennonites, Peter and Daniel GTimm and armed Neuenschwender, Christian themselves with pitch forks, sticks and clubs and made a stubborn resistance to either being thrown out of (R. Switzerland or being arrested. Upon this opposiM. July 9, 1711.) tion to the authorities, proceedings to punish them were instituted. Burki and Grimm particularly angered the government of Switzerland because endeavored to dissuade the they
—
RUNCKEI^'S
180
Mennonites from going
GREAT SERVICE FOR SWISS SUFFERERS.
the mother country (R. M. June to Holland. in
and other prominent men, whether he(Runck6l)
presence
of
Mr.
Ritter
intended to take them away as prisoners or free men. He answered them that they were certainly to go as free men but the order was, thev m- st go on to Holland, where full liberty would be granted them. BurkhoPer reported that the Burge-s of Berne, when he delivered him up to the ship merely told him that he .must keep away from the Berne territory in the and was worth at least one hundred future and did not say that he must florins. go to Holland. He now insisted that The command over the flotilla was here at Basel, he was outside of confided to George Ritter and his two Berne territory and was at liberty to superintendents, Gruner and Haller. go wherever he 'plea=-ed; and further He was also to be advised in import- that he did not intend to go into the ant matters by two prominent Menship again; but savs Kunckel, Burknonite Brethren, Daniel Richen and ho'der finally submitted, after being Christian Gauman, the elder, who had been appointed for this purpose. Be- informed that he (Runckel) would sides this there were on the ships a get the a"d of the Basel government few brethren entrusted with the su- to order him locked in irons and to be taken to Holland in that manner, pervision and care of the emigrants Hans Burki, Jacob Richen, Emanuel if he would not go willingly, accordLartscher, Michael Lusser, Hans ing to his vow and pledge. Runckel Meier and Peter Zehnder. (Miiller says further, that he lectured BurkEach vessel had its experienced holder very severely for his opposi302.) helmsman or pilot, and the necessary tion to all that was being done for crew from the brethren, of whom his and others* best interest. Py twenty reported as experienced oars- energetic action, Runckel says he men. Experienced pilots were taken nipped great difficulties in the bud along from one place to another ac- which later could not have been pre cording as they were familiar with vented or overcome. Some of the emigrants subsequently m"de theii the river at different points. The embarkation took place in good escape from the ships in order to g( order. Runckel tells us in A letter, back to Switzerland and were a^ain however, of July 18, 1711, which he arrested and locked rp. And after wrote from Basel to the Committee, of having now broken their promise sevtimes nothing could the trouble he had with Hans Burki eral liberate and Samuel Reber, who said they them. positively would not go along to HolRunckel inspected every ship and land. He said they had the rudeness, made a careful and correct list ot in company with a number of others those who undercook the journev; whom he names, all of whom had issued the necessary orders; enbeen imprisoned and whom he had trusted the care of the who'e expedigotten out of prison with great dif- tion to Mr. Ritter; and af'er the deficulty that they had the rudeness to parture of the ships, returned tc inquire of him in a public place in the Schaffhausen. (Muller 303.) 10. 1711.)
Basel it was plain that the travelers could be transported In four ships. Therefore, the fifth vessel was left behind here to be usel, perhaps, later for similar purposes. After it had lain there for a year, the people of Basel had it dismembered and removed, though it was the property of the friends of the Mennonites
At
—
I
—
1
EXPENSES OF DEPORTATION OF 1711
— i:\4)diis
Holland
iiitu
(Contin-
aed).
The
following items of expense, taken from Ruuckel's account which he rendered on November 30, 1711, from Schaffhausen to the Committee considerable at Amsterdam, throws light on the expedition: 1710 6
—To
—
—
—
—
muttzer" (snail mother) who had attended to the wants of these Baptists, and who had usually opened the prison doors to us, as a tip, two dollars. Do. To the poor Baptists in the upper hospital for their necessi-
—
62 dollars. Do.
—To
the so-called "Spinnmutter" (spinning mother) who had attended to the wants of these Baptists and who had usually opened the prison doors to us, as a tip, 2 dollars. Feb. 5— To the messenger of the Chancery who had delivered to me the decision for the liberation of the above mentioned Baptists, tip, 15 batzen or cents.
ties,
181
—
March 5 Paid to the Baptist Chamber at Berne for i)rison expenses one hundred Reichsthaler. Of these were refunded by: Niklaus Haberli Elsbeth Aebersold
Reichsthaler
16 15
Barbara Rohrer Katharine Balli
15 15
61
Maid
Jenner, prisonkeeper at Berne, for necessaries and habiliments for the Baptists who had been imprisoned on the Island, on twenty ducats or 25 account; Reichsthaler. Oct. 6 To Mister Berabard Wagner for the same purpose for the prisoners contained in the upper hospital, ihirty-five ducats or 26 Reichsthaler and 18 batzen or cents, of which he had used only twenty-six. Oct. 20 Journey to Amsoldingen to Mister Boduer, to consult with him in reference to placing the poor Baptists on the bogs of Aauburg, Yoerdon and Orbe, spent in three days with an hired man and two horses, 7 Reichsthaler and 25 batzen (cents). Feb. 4, 1711 To the poor Baptists on the Island for their 10 Reichsthaler. necessities, Do. Cave separately to Samuel Reber who had recently been re-arrested 3 Reichsthaler. "SchneckeDo. To the so-called Oct.
1711.
Leaving a balance on thirty-nine Reichdollars.
account
ol
March 11th, paid further to the Baptist Chamber for prison expenses foilieinrich Schilt of Schangnau, 25 dollars;
25
Hans Kuenbuhler of Diessbach, March 12 To Mrs.
—
dollars.
Langhaus, attendant at the Baptist Chamber, for various services on account of the imprisoned Baptists; particularly at the time of their reby request of the Baptists, 1 Louisdor, 3 dollars and 24 cents. (Miiller 304)—March To Peter 30, of Lauperswyl, who was sent Blaser
lease,
into the judicial
districts
of
Trach-
selwald and Sumiswald. in order to induce the Baptists residing there to emigrate, as travelling expenses, 1 dollar
and
15
cents.
—May
13,
To
member of who was Church but Reformed
Peter Sheuk of Trub,
a
the kindly disposed towards the Baptists, and who distributed the printed circulars in the Emmenthal, a gratuity May 18, Mr. for his trouble, 1 dollar. Bernhard Wagner, who was sent into the Emmenthal to persuade the Bap-
—
residing there for Heaven's sake get themselves in readiness for
tists
to
departure and for this purpose to have their names written down, since he refused absolutely to charge anything for his trouble and expense, a gratuity of four Louisdor paid him, June 15, To 15 dollars and 6 cents. Samuel Reber, preparation for the Journey, 25 dollars. June 13, To the four provosts, who had brought Samuel Reber and Hans Burki from the
—
—
;
SWISS EXODUS INTO HOL.L.AND
182
—
the ship, 2 Reichdollars July the journey to Basel, nights
jail to
14,
On
lodging in Wangen for Mr. Bernhard Wagner's postillion and horse, 1 dollar and 16 cents. July 16, To printer Thurneisen in Basel, for the printing of seven hundred copies of that circular, 9 good florins, 4 dollars and 12
—
—
(Continued).
theless could not forget. And (their hearts, heavy with sorrow) they in-
tonated a
hymn which gave them
so-
lace:
"O Lord, we Thee implore, G'uide well our hearts
and minds
Thy Holy Word, Through Thy great mercy kind."
According
to
July 19, Paid in Basel for board and lodging for Mr. Wagner's postillion and horse for 3 days, 8 Kindle in our hearts A fervent love to Thee. dollars and 16 cents. For his return Watch o'er us and defend us; home, 12 dollars and 15 ecnts. Or sundered we shall be. 1711— Exodus Into Holland (Concents.
—
Who
tinued).
Various
how the
writers
have
described
exiled protestants
of
Salz-
loves his
But who
for
life shall
Him
lose
it;
leaves wife' and
child.
And home and
friends and countiy. bearing their scant effects, Gains Christ and Heaven mild! journeyed over the mountains of their country, and with tearful eyes, cast a last glance upon the valleys of their The winds are blowing tempests; The flowing streams swell high native- land. It has been related too, how the columns of French emigrants Yet these we freely brave. And to God, our Savior cry. wandered toward the boundary line
burg,
of their fatherland,
singing
psalms.
Whoe'er avows the truth; Of our exiles from the Emmenthal And keeps his soul from sin; and from the highlands of SwitzerThough haunted down and seized, land, no countrymen of theirs has Has joy and peace within. made mention in sympathy and sorrow, none have described the feelings The Lord two groups will form. of these pople when they set their eyes for the last time on the spires and the of the cathedral of Basel,
On the stern judgment day, Come blessed of my Father,
To the righteous he will say. and saw country recede from Ye suffered taunts and outrage; their native view. On the boxes and bundles piled Left home and Fatherland of old. up on the deck of the ship, old men, He gains who struggles wage, the weak and infirm are seated. In A hundred thousand fold. wooded crests
of the
Jura
other parts of the ships, the young
and strong are standing together and No man can speiak it out. looking with wondrous eyes on the No bond can it portray. shores, as ships the glide along. What God will give his own, Sometimes hopeful, sometimes full of On the great Judgment Day." anxiety, they glance to the North, and Hans Burki took the first opportunthen again and again to the South to their home country, which they were ity to leave the ship at Breisach, takcompelled to give up, the country, ing with him twelve companions; and which had driven them so cruelly in- when Mennheim hove into view, the to exile but whose verdant hills and haven of refuge of so many friends Reber, silver-crested mountains, they never- and acquaintances, Samuel
—
SWISS EXODUS INTO HOLLAND decamped. and thirty others too, Mayence, Coblenz, Cologne, DiisselAt were passed. dorf and Wessel Elmmerich, Abram Fortgens brought greetings of welcome, and in all formed them on behalf of the Committee that,
Amsterdam was
citizens of
(Continued).
183
Amsterdam came in such it became neces-
great throngs that
sary to put the entrances to the quar-
under police protection. The boxes placed at the doors contained ters
charitable offerings to the
amount
of
to be the
one thousand and forty-five florins. end of the journey. Now the boun- For two weeks, the Swiss were here dary line of Holland had been reach- the guests of their brethren in the Utrecht was passed, and at Niii- faith. It was indeed an arduous time ed. From for the Committees at Amsterdam. den. the ships were docked. Utrecht on, two envoys from Amster- The best we can do in the way of bedam accompanied the transports. In lated thanks, is to present the name Amsterdam Jan Frederlksen on Au- of the Holland loaders for future pergust 2nd, gave notice of the arrival petuation. The membere of the relief In Nuiden they were bid at Utrecht. committee were William van Maurik, a cordial welcome by a number of Hermanns Schyn, Jan Willink, Abragentlemen of Amsterdam. ham Jacob Fries, Jol) Sieuwerts,
On
the
same
Au- Jacob Vorsterman, Jan Honnore and Hounore gave a glow- Cornells Beets. the arrival of the Swiss The most accurate kno.wledge of the day, (the third of
gust, 1711) Mr.
ing report of at Nuiden, to his friend Bennings at Rotterdam, saying they would be in Amsterdam by evening, and adding their number the information that,
hundred and forty, among one hundred and fifty children, eighty to ninety men and ninety to one hundred women.
was
tliree
whom were
1711
—Exodus
Into
Holland
(Con-
We leam, too. the gifts and money. the names of all who furnished sup(Miiller 307 ^ plies. The entire accontained in Huizinga, pages 100 to 102. The orphans were placed
count
tinned).
The Swiss, who actually
doings of the relief committee is obtained by examining the account of Messrs. Vorsterman and Honnore. We find therin the entire total daily consumption of the emigrants, the furni.^hing of the barracks, the service,
did arrive
is
A in homes and their board paid. admitted into the Christian was young at Amsterdam, were given quarters Orphanage of the Baptist congregafor the night in the large rooms of florins annually. the warehouses on the "Zaudlock," tion for seventy-five had anived at fugitives who The which was part of the malting plant, part members most and which had been placed at their Amsterdam were is the disposal by one of the gentlemen. of the Amman faction, that The adherents of Reist had This building had been transformed Amish. nearly all decamped en route. within the last few days into huge In the "Emmenthaler" ship most of barracks and had been supplied with prisoners had been placed. The the the necessary bedding, blankets, utenwere Hans Burki, Christen Overseers sils, victuals and beverages. EveryJacob Richthing that was needed was brought in (jaumann the Elder and on the evening of the third of August
large quantities, and the sick and inIt firm received special attention. was a hospitable reception in evei-y sense. Great was the love and cordimutually exhiblte-d. And the aJlity
ener.
Strahm, of Hohsteten, left the ship at Breisaeh; so did Hans Burki of Langnau, Peter Hartig of Laupei-swyl; Peter Gerber and wife Martin
184
DEPORTATION OF SWISS
and Verena Aeschlimann of Langnau: 1711 Joseph Propst of Lauperswyl; Daniel Rothenbublier of Lauperswyl escaped at Mannheim; so did Hans Schwarzentrub of Triib; Ulrich Beer of Trub escaped at Breisach; so did Hans Gas'ser, teacher and his wife, Katrina Stauffer, and a young son of Lauperswyl. Hans Zann escaped at Mannheim; so did Hans Fliickiniger of Liitzelfliich and Niklaus Baumgartner of Trub, and Niklaus Haberli of Liicbsee, and Ulrich Triissel and his daughter Katherina of Sumiswald. Chr. G-aumann the elder and his wife, Anna Brenzikoffer of Hoctstetten. Chr. Gaumann the younger and his
Katharina Streit, with two sons, and eleven years of age, respectively, and two daughters of six and three years of age respectively, of Hochstetten, arrived at Amsterdam. Daniel Neukomm, of Eggwyl, escaped at Mannheim. Hans Wisler of Langnau escaped at Breisach. Verena Kohler and daughter of Rothenbach, escaped at Mannheim, Hans Schonauer and his wife Elsbeth Aebersold of Hochstetten, Hans Snyder of Trub, and Samuel Reber of Trub, escaped at Mannheim. Ulrich Schurch and his wife, Barbara Grunbacher, with three sons and one daughter, of Sumiswald, Katharina Haldimann, of Hochstetten and Katrina Galbi of Hochstetten, and Lucia Weinmann, forty years old, weaver of Hochstetten, arrived. (Miiller 308.) Barbara Rohrer, forty years of age, her husband, and Veit Sagimann, of the Reformed Church, and a son twenty years of age, not a member of the congregation of BoUlgon, arrived. She died shortly after the arrival at Amsterdam. Marg. Schurch, widow, and a daughter twenty years of age (not a member) of Lutzelfluh, wife, five
arrived.
IN 1711.
— Exodus
Into Holland ued).
(Contin-
Marg. Oberli, of Ruderwyl, escaped; so did Kath Bieri of Trub; and Marty Kling of Tru'b and Anna Habegger of ;
Trub; and Hans Shellenberger and his wife, Elsbebh Neuensohwander of
Among the expedition were Trub. Daniel Becker, Ulrich Hugo, student and Andreas Jeggli a tanner. Besides these the following voluntary travelers had been placed on the ship: Rudolf Stettler and his wife, Elsbeth Widmer, with two young sons, thirteen and fifteen years of age respectively, a weaver of Stettlen, who went through to Amsterdam. But Jacdb Richeuer and his wife belonging to the Refoi-med Churoh, with five children eleven years down to five weeks Ruppertswyl, of respectively, old, escaped at Mannheim. Hans Kohler. thirty-nine years old, and his wife, a member of the Reformed Church, re-
Wimmingen, did Madg. Amsterdam. So arrived at Gisler. widow, with two ehildren, aged ten and six years respectively, seamspectively, stonecutter of
old of Sumisand Ester Bohlen. single woman, weaver of Rueggisberg; and Barbara Shar. widow, with two children, eleven and eight years old respectively, of Sumiswald; and Barbara Joost, with a daughter, of the Reformed faith, twenty years of age. of Sumiswald; and Katharine Mliiller, stress forty-six years
wald;
single
woman,
forty-four
years
of
age, of Melc'huan; and Anna Heiniger. single woman, thirty-five years old, of
and
Kathrine Heiniger. thirty-two years of age; Magd. Heiniger, twenty-eight years of age; and Elsbeth Heiniger, thirty-four years of age, of Dunenroth; and Elsbeth Somner, single woman, thirty years of and Elsbeth Sumiswald; of age, twenty-two woman, single Kaner, years of age, straw hat maker orf and Elsbeth Althouse, Dunenroth
Duenroth;
;
—
DEPORTATION OF SWISS wid<>w fifty -six years of age. and daughter, twenty-three years old, not a memljer of Sumiswald; and Christ Brand, an oriihan. eleven years old. of Sumiswald; and Elsbeth KupfersIn the "Emahusied, of Sumiswald. enthaler" ship, there were altogether (Miiller eighty-nine i>ersons. aihout
children, Jobam, Abrahajn, Jakob, Isaac, David, Hans Rudolf. Susanna, Salome, all by the name of Lortscher, and all children of the
Reformed
On another list there are the following names and facts: Hans Ogi and wife, thirty-four years old and daughter five years old farmer, arrived at Amsterdam; so did Hans Qchallenberg, of Neunberg, and his wife, Marg. Richen, and four daughKroff, 'his wife and ters. Christian three sons, aged ten, two and one years respectively, shoemaker, arrived; and Hans Hauri, weaver, wife
Ulrich Roth, miller, fifty-five died. years of age, his wife Elsbeth Steiner, a son of fifteen years, and three and daughters Anna MWller (or Moser) widow, sixty-six years of age, lame, arrived, and so did Daniel wife,
;
Thonen,
respectively, and Hans age, Schmied, Reformed, and wife, Baptist, with one son and one daughter, nine and seven years of age respectively, of Frutigen; and Chr. Schlapbaoh, wife, Reformed, of Frutigen, his Kath. Bohner, and four children, eight and two years of age, respecand Anna Schmied, single tively; woman, thirty years old, of Frutigen. They all arrived at Amsterdam. Magd. Schmeid, single w'oman of Frutigen, was the only one to join the party en route. Melchoir Kratzen, husbandman, of Aeschi, forty years of age. wife) Elsb. Graf. Reformed, (his (Baptist) who had been imprisoned with four sons and three daughters, fourteen years to six months of age,
and two sons, from the judicial disof Leuzburg; arrived. Hans Lang, -weaver, thirty-five years old, his wife. Barb Gerber, twenty-seven years old and one child, arrived. Hans Grerman, farmer, wife, his Magd. Schallenberger, children and two
arrived at Amsterdam. So did Verena Barben, single woman, thirty years of age, of Spiez, seamstress; and Kunggold Kropfli, of Spiez, with one son and one daughter, 12 and 10 years of
Magd. age, respectively.
years old. In the siip, "Oberlander" (people from up tihe country), there were: Overseers Daniel Richen, inspector general, and Bmanuel Lortscher; and Emanuel Liortsoher, husbandman, of Erlenbach, his wife, Anna Andres, and four children, from six years to six months of age, respectively, who reached Amsterdam; and Anna and Duchtly Teuscher, forty years old, single women, weavers; and Marg. Kallen, of Frutigen, seventy years of age, lame, and daughter, twenty years old, R-eformed (her husband stayed behind) and Magd. Schmied, fifty-four years old. Baptist, of Latterbaoh, and
Hans
of
trist
husbandman, and
and
faith;
years of age, husbandman, of Frutigen, Reformed, and wife, Kath. Reichen, with three sons and six daughters, from twenty to three years fifty
309.)
Richen,
18i
eight
,
Gerljer,
IN 1711.
forty-six
310.)
(Mliiller
1711— Exodus Into Holland (Continned)
Christ Stutzwann, farmer, of Spiez, thirty-four years of age, Magd. Stuck, thirty-seven age( he a member of the
and
wife,
years
of
Reformed and Barb Manhelm,
and she a Baptist) Gerber of Thun, escaped at but Elsbeth Wenger, of Fhierachem,
faith,
i
;
single woman, thirty-eight years old, arrived at Ampterdam. So did Maria BogU, of Herzogenbuchsee, single woman, twenty-five years old; and Dan Richen, teacher and husbandman, of Frutigen, thirty years old, and his wife, Anna Blank, three sons.
—
DEPORTATION OF SWISS
186
and one daughter, aged from six to one year, respectively. According to this list, there were in the ship "Oberlander" sixty-eight persons. The following names appear in another list: Christ Neuhauser, husbandman, thirty years of age, and his wife, Marg. Plank, with one child,
IN 1711.
Schiffhausen,
Magd. Meier
wife
his
of Hilterfingen, a son and a daughter,
of three years and six respectively;
also
Hi
thirty
months
Anna
of
age
Jenni,
of
years of age, 'widow, with one daughter, one year old; also Hans iSchlappach, farmer, of
terfin2;en,
Eriz
in
the
judicial
district
of
who
arrived at Amsterdam, Thun, fifty years of age, Reformed, his wife, Verena Duchti, forty-two In the Tbiin ship were overseers Mi hael Reusser, Hans Meier; ^also yeas old, four sons and four daughpassengers Hans Meier, tailor, of ters, from two to eighteen years of Sigriswyl, forty-one years old, his age respectively; also Elsb. Eicher,
—
—
Dorothy Frutiger, thirty-four of S hwarzenburg, country servant, years of age, two sons and two daugh- twenty-six years of age; also Christ ters, from seven to six years of age Ste'ner, farmer, of Diesbach, deacon, also Ulrich Frutiger, s xty years of age, and his wife, fifty respectively; husbandman, sixty-eight years old. years of age; also Hans Krenbuhl, Deformed, his wife, and one daughter hired man, of Diesbach, who had of thirty-six years, who are Baptists; been imprisoned; also Anna Kuenzi, wife,
also Hans Frutiger, farmer, of Sigriswyl, forty-four years of age, his wife, Maria Konig, forty-seven years of age, three sons and one daughter of thirteen years to six years respectively; also Hans Ruff (Ruff or Rufener) forty-five vinegrower of Sigriswyl, wife, Elsb. Baptist, his years of age. Thommen, thirty-nine years old (Re-
called
formed), three sons and four daughsixteen to three years respectively; a' so Christen Ruff, farmer, of Sigriswyl, thirty-nine years of age, Magd. Konig, thirty-nine wife, his years of age, and one child of four years; also Stephen Reusser, of Hilterfin-ren, seventy-six years of age, his wife, Anna Buhler, thirty-eight years old, and one son of twelve years, still Reformed; also Michael years old, twenty-seven Russer, (who teacher, son of Stephen Reusser had ben a prisoner), these all arrived at Amsterdam; also Vereva Ritschard, single woman, thirty years of age, of Bryner, also Ulrich Hilterfingen; forty-two years of age, his wife, M'^ria Ruff, one son and one daughof age reter, four and two years Sorg, of Blasius spectively; also
Barbara Ruegsegger, at Mannheim; of D'.e&bach, who had been impris-
ters,
Diesbach, single woman, twenty two years old; also Pet r Krahenbuhl, of Diesbach, thirty seven years of age, Reformed, his wife, Anna Wenger, thirty-eight years and three sons from old, Baptist, six to three years of age respectively. All these arrived at Amsterdam. Anna Rubeli, of Diesbach, escaped Seller,
of
Kath, escaped at Breisach; Rue^seg^er, of Diesbach, who had been imprisoned, escaped at BriesAnna Aeschbacher, widow,^ b'-ch. thirty years of age, of Barbers, of the Schwarzenburg, of judicial district with two sons and two daughters, from fourteen to five years of age, oned,
arrived
at
Amsterdam;
also
Christ
husibandman, fifty years of also Barb Gerber, unmarried; age, twenty-five years of age, single woman, lame; also Elsb. Huber, forty years of age, of Frutigen, widow, with a son six years old; also Els'b Tsihbald, of Steffinburg, widow, fifty years of age, a son of sixteen years and a daughter of twenty years. These last reached Amsterdam. Stockli,
'
DEPORTATION OF SWISS Although in the ship "Thuner" On there were seventy-one persons. names, another list are the following Hans Buhler tailor, thirty-nine etc: years of age, who arrived at Amsterdam; also Peter Streit, widower, rope maker, thirty-four years of age; also Adam Gautschi, shoemaker, seventytwo years of age. and his wife, sixty
—
years old; also Hans Gautschi, thirty two years of age, his wife, Barbara Hafele. twenty-six years old, and two children; also Jakob Peter, carpenold, Reformed, his ter, forty years wife. Maria Stadler, thirty-eight years All reached old and three children.
Amsterdam. the
In
Hans and
ship
Anken,
"Neuenburger" were husbandman, teacher
elder, of Spiez, thirty-seven years
one son and two daughters, who arrived also Peter Lehner. at Amsterdam; husbandman, of Oberhofen, thirtyfour years of age, and wife; and Ulrich Roth, his wife, two daughters and Nikand one son, of Diesbach laus Gerber, husbandman, of Thun. thirty-four years of age, his wife, Magd. Yenger, twenty-four years old, of age, his wife thirty years old,
;
and
two sons; also (Miiiller 312) Peter Wenger, husbandman, of Blumenstein, seventy-nine years old, and his wife, Kath. Wyler, seventy years old; and Melch Zahler, deacon, husbandman, of Frutigen, forty-one years old, and his wife, Anna Richen, thirty years old; and Mathys Aeschbacher, husbandman, of Diessbach, seventyfive years of age, and his wife seventy years old; also Math. Aeschbacher, Jr., wine grower, twenty-six years of age, his wife, forty years old, and one daughter; also Peter Krebs, glazier, of Reutigen, thirty-two years old, his wife, twenty-four years old, and one daughter; also Martin Richer, husbandman, of Frutigen, thirty-four years of age, his wife, Barbara Turner, twenty-five years old, and one son; also Peter Thonen, shoemaker,
IN 1711.
187
twenty-five years old; Krebs, husbandman, of Reutigen, thirty-two years old, and his wife twenty-two years old; Peter Krebs, Jr., husbandman, of Reutigen, twenty-four years old, and Barb. Rubi, eighteen years old; and Steffen husbandman, of Reutigen, Simon, thirty-nine years of age, his wife, Ursel Fahrni, and a daughter; and Peter Aeschbacher, farmer, of Lauperswyl, widower, thirty-nine years of age, and three children; also Abr. Lauffer, tailor, of Zofingen, twentyfour years of age, his wife, Kath. Richen, a son and two daughters; and Hans Schallenberg, of Erlenbach, and his wife and four daughters; and of Gasser, husbandman, Hans years of Schawrzenburg, seventy-five age, his wife, fifty years old and three
of
Reutigen,
also
Hans
children; also Jakob Stahli, husbandman, thirty-five years of age, of Hilhis wife, thirty-five years age and one daughter; also Bevd. Stockli, forty-two years of age, of terfiugen,
of
Schwarzenburg, his wife, Anna Glaus, forty-four years of age, a son and one daughter; also Hans Furer, forty-five years old of Oberhofen, his wife, Magd. Kampf, a son and four daughters; also Hans von Gunten, of Sigriawyl, fifty-five years of age, his wife, Kath. Isler, thirty years old, two sons and one daughter; also Hans Bauer, vine grower, of Oberhofen, forty-one years old. Reformed, his wife, Anna Willener, thirty-four years two sons and two daughters; old, and (.Miller 313) Kath. Rubi, of Frutigen. sixty-seven years old, and a daughter, Magdalena, twenty-six years also David Lauffer, tailor, of Zofingen, seventeen years of age; also Peter Maier, shoemaker, of Siebenthal, thirty-eight years of age. Reformed; also Peter Tschageler, (?) husbandman, of Barometer (?) in the twenty-five Thun, district judicial years of age. Reformed; also Nikl. Hoffman, cooper, of Affoltern, thirty old:
1
DEPORTATION OF SWISS
188
years of age, Reformed; als Hans Zurcher, forty years of age, cripple, of Frutigen, and his mother Barb. Germann, widow, seventy years old, knitter; also Anna Trachsel, of Frutigen, thirty-four years of age, forsaken; also Verena Kallen, country servant, of Frutigen, twenty-nine years of age, single woman; also Christina Kallen, country servant, of Frutigen, thirty-two years of age, single woman; also Anna Bucher, of Reichenibach, weaver, thirty years of age, single woman; Barb. Frei, of Hilterfingen, country servant, thirtynine years of age; and Elsb. Binggeli, of Schwarzenburg, thirty-eight years of age. Reformed; Hans Lortscher, wine grower, of Hilterfingen, unmarried, thirty years of age; and Hans! Aeschbacher, husbandman, of Lauperswyl, twenty-three years of age. All these arrived at the end of the journey. On another list is recorded Hans Schmied, Reformed, thirty years of
IN 1711.
county on account of old age; Christen Dubach and Benedict Lehmann. There is a record of forty-nine names of persons who had reported themselves willing to emigrate, but who failed to appear. On the other hand, twenty-three went along who had not been advised, or reported, an'd who are enumerated in the foregoing register. At Breisach, thirty more persons embarked. These are in part the same who are mentioned as being recorded on one of tne lists above mentioned. The complete record is undersigned "Schaffhausen, the 23ra of July, 1711. Johann Ludwig Runckel." (A. A. No. 1396, Huizinga page 113, etc.)
1711
— Goal
of the
Emi^ants
to
Holland.
j
'
The emigrants
to Holland intended America. A large number of them never reached America, age, Elsb. Schmied and two children, however. (Miiiller 319.) i
who
arrived at Amsterdam. There had departed, therefore, altogether: 67 men among them 14 " 76 men 2 " 21 single men 2 " 35 single women 3 147 children
Reformed " "
to
push on
to
We remember many
of
them were
housed in the Daudhoek near Amsterdam. They, as well as others in Holland, were looking for a place In Prussia; but as we have seen before, the persons sent to view the land, reRichen, ported against them going.
Anken and Zahler were asked opinion, as Swiss, but
their
representatives of the 346 persons 21 they said the country Of these, who had been imiprisoned, would not suit. A landholder of there escaped at Basel, Ulrich Brech- Groningen offered to take twenty buhl and Peter Blaser, of Lauperswyl, families of about one hundred perPeter Luthi, Anna Einmann, the wife sons and see that they got a suitable of Smaule Roth, from the parish of place. Abraham Cremer undertook to Diessbach, with her Reformed hus- find a place for the rest at Kampen band Heinrich Schilt had already de- and Deventer, till the following May camped at Wengen, making a total of at least. How to maintain these six. Swiss Mennonites for the winter was Two women returned to Switzerland a question. The deputies of Friesland to their husbands Katharine Moser (Holland) said they would take a and Barbara Steiner. "With the per- number of them for the winter. Mr. mission of the authorities of Berne, Ritter was voted two hundred reichtwo of the prisoners remained in the thalers for what he did.
—
—
DISTRIBUTION OF HOL.I^\ND HiXODUS. On
the 20th of August, the vessels
and some of the individual
I
may
mooring crowd (who
in the presence of
left their
18»
be given with
persons,
profit.
were deeply 1711— Swiss Leave Hollands Shelter departure) and carThe names of the heads of families angry the ried the Swiss out on and individual persons referred to waves of the Zuider Zee, to distribute above are; the families of Peter Lehthem. Twenty-one went to Harlingen ner, Ulrich Roth, Jacob Stahll, Christ one hundred and twenty-six to Stutzman, Niklaus Teuscher, Hans Grooiingen eighty-seven to Kampen Tschabold, Peter Krahenbuhl, Hans and one hundred and sixteen to De- Bauer,— and the single, Elsbeth TschIt is ob- abold, settled at Saperneer. venter, total 356 persons. In Hooglarge
a
moved
their
at
—
—
served that this distribution was made by water some of the Swiss being landed at the first coast point to these towns, and then escorted to the town. The expense of those who went to Groningen was taken care of by the committee, largely of the elders of the old Flaninger congregation and of the Vaterlander congregation. They rendered a detailed account on the 30th of March 1712. In it they show that the board and lodging amounted for the first few days to five thousand &even hundred and eleven florins, in Groningen. (Mtiller 320.) Authorities of the town had very little information when the Swiss ar-
kerk, also near Groningen are the families of Emanuel Lortcher, Hans Furxer, Hans von G'unten. In Helpen, with the widow Magdelena Schmidt, her family, purchased an estate; in Vinklaus, Steffon Simon, with his fam-
—
and
rived,
called
upon
Runckel
ly,
j
all
favorable to them in the town. The price of land there was low, because the crops had failed in 1709. but there was demand for labor ditions
all
now. Lists
of
names and accounts are
existence, from which we get a good idea of the settlement. Names and numbers of families are given. and the expense of the trip. Also the points they touched on the road
still
in
the families of
rich Frutiger,
to
about the causes of this emigration and the kind of people these were. Runckel praised them highly and succeeded in having conexplain
—
was located the rest of the people were in and about Groningen, name-
ily
I
j
who
Hans Meier, of Ulin December 1711^ Groningen; Anna
wife in lost his Eesclebacher; of Kringold Kroflli; Matheys Aeschebacher; Christ Stucki, Christ Schilling, Elsbeth Rubin, Peter Krebs, and Peter Thonin. The other unmarried persons are, Niklaus Hoffman, Vreni Barber, Hans Knenbuhl, Hans Aeschbacher, Peter TschaggelTillie er, Hans Lortscher, Anna and Tuscher, Anna Kunzi, Elsbeth Bin?Barbara Frei, geli, Elsbeth Wenger, Katharina Sch^ied. In the year 1721, the information •was sent from Groningen to the committees at Amsterdam, that none of Swiss were in need of any further assistance. Some of these in later years emigrated to Pennsylvania.
To Kampen came thirty-five children,, three widows and seven children, and eight single persons,
with
a
total
amount of ten thousand nine hundred and seventy-eight florins. These were domiciled in the same manner as the amount of money brought along those of Groningen by Steven Cremer by each the allowance granted to of Deventer, who bought the rights of
—
each out of the general fund. The full details would be too long but the names of the heads of families
citizenship in Kampen for six families, for one hundred and forty florins each, which carried with it the prlvl-
FROM HOLtLAND TO NORTHERN GERMANY.
390
lege of pasture for six cows and two horses each. They are the families of Michael Reusser, Stephen teacher Reusser, Melchior Zahler, Hans Long, Hans Jacob Burki, Hans G-erwanni Hans Ogi, Hans Schmied, Hans Surer Hans Buhler, Hans Gautschi, (?), Peter Aeschbacher, Benedict Stockli, Hans Grasser, Blasins Sorg, Anna Muller, Marg, Galli, Chr. Schlappach,
Daniel Gerwanni, Adam Gautschli, Jacob Petri, Chr. Stockli, Peter Meier, Peter Streit, Math. Aeschbacher.
The above named brought one hundred and six persons to Deventer, namely, the families of the teacher Daniel Richen, Martin Richen, Peter Richen, Hans and Peter Krebs, Abra-
ham
Hans Schellenberger, Chr. Neuhauser, Ulrich Bryner, Elsbeth Althaus, Daniel Gerber, Peter Wenger, Chr. Krebs, Margret Giseler, Barbara Schar, Kath. RuL,auffer,
Hans Thonen,
Amsterdam,
until the 8th of Septthat time the Swiss had already gone to their new places of abode in Ireland, and there was a question whether, on the strength of the favorable reports of Brechbuhl,
to
ember.
i
By
they could again be induced to wander to another place. For that reason three delegates to their brethren in Kampen; but neither there nor in Groningen and Deventer did they find a willingness again to emigrate, inasmuch as there was a prejudice against the plague, which had a short time countries. before decimated those September 20, reported on Brechbuhl 1711, from Deventer in like manner as two days later Russer, Anken, Richen. Steiner and Zahler, who gave the assurance that they would no longer be a burden to the commission, but
would endeavor Brechbuhl was
earn their bread, enthusiastic quite Prussia, and over the colonization in no doubt, through his efforts, there were in later years, founded Swiss congregations there, which, howveer, in 1720, and particularly in 1730, became greatly distressed and later on to
Anna, Elsbeth, and Margaret Heiniger, David Laufer, Anna Bruger, Verena and Christian G-alli, Marie Bogli, Peter Thonen, Elsbeth Koner, Kath Muller, Esther Benli, Barbara Gerber, and mostly emigrated to Germany, the student Daniel Becker. Netherlands and North America. The Swiss experts, who, headed by 1711 Wanderingrs of a Portion of the Benedict Brechbuhl, were to investiExodus. gate and pass on the Prussian offers, wrote under date of August 12, 1711, From the year 1711 on, more emifrom Danzig to Amsterdam. They grants followed almost annually, since gave a description of their experiences the persecutions did not cease, and in Lutkania, praised the remarkable which found renewed expression in
bin,
Elsbeth
Kufferschmied,
—
fertility
of the soil, the favorable in-
the
pi*oclamation of
March
24,
1714.
ducements of the king, and the great In this year there emigrated from love and affections which were shown Goutenschwyl near Lenzberg to Holthem by their brethren in the faith, land Hans Gautschi, his wife, Barin Danzig and Elbing. The houses.very bara Hafele and his daughter, Jacob naturally, did not suit them, but they Peters and his wife, Marie Stodler; had the royal promise of the permisSamuel Peter and Barbara Frei; Rudi sion to fell the needed lumber from Peter and Anna Erisman; Samuel the forests of the domain free of cost. There were to be had 62 farms of 30 Peter StuHzer and his wife; Samuel and acres each. These journeys and a visit Leutswyler, single; Rudolph Peter WurgRudolph and Aeschbach to Berlin, where they went upon invi- Verena
—
tation of the king, delayed their return
ler.
THE HOLLAND SWISS REACH LANCASTER COUNTY.
191
This split lasted from the year 1720 to the last quarter of the century, and extended to the congregation at Sappeneer. The stylish house of Anken's led as supposed to this split. It is very likely that the showy or eonspicious house which Anken had bought was only a i)retended motive who settled in Groningen, to make to bring to a focus a deeper rotted difa difference which ever and this the destination of their journey, ference shows itself among the Baptists, and they remained in Kalkivyk at ever Hoogezand, near G'roningen. At Sap- between the strict and severe and the peneer and Groningen, small indepen- less strict. dent Swiss emigrations were formed. 1711 Exodus Emigrants of 1711 Prior to 1671, fugitives of Swiss orign Reach Lancaster County (M. 323) had come from the PalatiEventually. nate into the country about Groningen, We have in a previous article given and were called Pfalzer (inhabitants a description of the transportation of of the Palatinate). This w^as applied down the Berne Mennonites the to the arrivals of 1671, as they amalKuhns in his work Rhine In 1711. gamated into a congregation which (page 46), calls attention to the fact held their services in a house in the those Swiss As that the names of many of Groningen. in "Achterunner"' emigrants are identical with our Lanfounder of this congregation, their caster County names and those who first teacher, Hans Anken, may be rewent down the Rhine in 1710 are idengarded as principal; soon thereafter, tical with our Lancaster County promassisted by Daniel Richen and Abrahe ham Stauffer. It would have been inent names also. Among them Schurch, Gaumann, Gerber, mentioned considered too good a fortune if these Galli, Haldiman, Burki, Rohrer, SchalSwiss could have been without dissenWisler, Jeggli, Oberli, lenberger, sions in their new place of abode! Neukomm. Wenger, Graf, Hauri, Hans Anken had bought a house for Fluckinger, Rubeli, Ruegsegger, Krahimself, called the "great cloister." Kuenzi, Huber, Buhler, Abraham Lauffen deemed the style of henbuhl, Stahli, Rubi, Zurcher, Bucher, Strahm. architecture too vain, and insinuated Among those exiled in 1710 were the t» the owner to change the same. of Breehbuhl, Baumgartner, names Anken did not take kmdly to this sugFahrni, Aeschlimann, Maurer. Rupp, gestion, and this difference of opinEbersold and others. All these names ion was sufficient cause for a split in which, more or less changed, are into "Old" and the congregations throughout the State and common "New" Swiss. country today are of Bernese origin. 1711 Mennonite Diyision Into Old The Landis, Brubacher, Meili, Egli. and New Swiss Factions Ringer, Gut, Gochnauer and Frick The heads of one congregation of families came from Zurich. fbrty to fifty members were Hans and This would argue that (while Miller Peter Kreb, the heads of the other does not trace any of these emigrants congregation of fifty to sixty members of 1711 to Lancaster County) many of were Daniert Riohen and Abraham them eventually readied this county.
Samuel Peter and Barbara Frei were Neuhauser from their estate Waihaus, near Gontenschwyl, and are the ancestors of the very large and flourishing Xeuhuizen, whose family tree Huizinga has worked out in great Very likely they were induced detail. by relatives who were among those
Lauffer.
oailled
—
—
—
—
—
PERSECUTED SWISS REACH LANCASTER COUNTY.
192 1711
—Brethren
Join the Pequea
George
Miller,
Snavely,
Christian
Musser, Andrew Shultz, John Foutz, According to Rupp, it would seem Jacob Stein, John Hickman, John Bowman, Valentine MiUer,Jaoob Hain, that as soon as the winter of 1710-11 John Herr, Henry Carpenter, Daniel
Colony of 1710.
was passed, the Pequea colonists sent Isaac Ferree, Lefevre, Christian one of their members back to the Old Stoner, John Beiers, Hans Lein, AbCoHntry, to bring on members of their raham Smith, John Jacob Hoover, family, who were left behind. Septimus Robinson, Samuel Hess, Rupp des-cribed very vividly, pages Samuel Boyer, John Musgrove. 80 and 81, how this came about. It is intended a little while later Quoting from a source which he does not mention, he says, that before the
ground brought forth
its
first
ti
make a map of the show the present
and
original tract sub-divisions
crop,
thereupon, setting forth the name of they made preparations to bring the the owners of the present farms balance of their families over that carved out of the same. Mention of after the lot fell to Hans Herr, it was this tract is made in Rupp, page 77. decided that Mart Kendig should take 1712 Poor Ragged Palatines in his place and that he, accordingly,
—
—
England.
went abroad and brought a company of Swiss and Germans back with him.
Ralph Thoresly in his diary under us that the party consisted date of June 1712, published in 2 volof the balance of famLlies already umes in Loudon in 1830 says that on here and of Peter Yordea, Jacob Mtil- his return ,to Hyde Park, he saw a ler, Hans Tchantz, Henry Funk, John number of Palatines in England and Hau'ser, John Bachman, Jacob Weber that they were the most poor and and three others, whose Christian ragged creatures that he ever beheld.
He
tells
names are not given, Schilagel, Wenrich and Guildin. It would seem that Schlagel's name was Christopher, because in 1713, he had established himself on the Conestoga creek, and complained of the Cartledges interfering -with his
1712
— Large
milil.
Palatine Possessions in
Lancaster County. This year a tract of 3330 acres in Strasburg Township was ordered to be surveyed to Amos Strettle, for the It occupation of Swiss Mennonites.
(Diffenderfer's
—(rjrowth
1712
Exodus of
86.)
German
Ski))pack
Colony.
We
are told that by this year, on
Apriil 6th,
the Mennonites of Skippack
numbered 99. They had additions in 1708 and '09. (Pennypacker's Germantown 169.)
—Ferree
1712
and Lefevre^ennonit©*,
Take 2000 Acres
of
Land
in Con-
estoga Yalley. In the minutes of the Pennsylvania Board of Property, under date of September 10, 1712, it is stated that
adjoins the original Herr tract of The warrant Is 1710 on the east. July 1712, and the "at a meeting of the commissioners of 5th dated the survey was made November 1st, the that day held—the late commissioners same year. This tract was divided having granted 10,000 acres of land to during the next twenty years among the Palatines, by their warrant, dated Henry 6th of 8th month, 1710, in pursuance the following holders, viz.: Shank, Ulrich Brackbill, Augustine thereof there was laid out to Martin Widower. Alexander Fridley, Martin Kendig, besides the 2,000 acres already
1 . ; :,
ADDITIONS TO SWISS SETTLEMENT. confirmed and paid
193
the like quan- County reached Conestoga in their towards Susque- settlement for under the name of the hanna, of which the General Surveyor "Dutch" it is stated in First Pa. Arch., has made a return. The said Martin Vol. 1, p. 338, that they had been livKendig now appearing desirous that] ing at Conestoga during the past 20 the said land may be granted and con- years. The date of the letter is 1732. firmed to Maria Warenbuer, for whom In some of the proceedings of the the same was taken up. But upon Conestoga Road, as it was laid out further consideration of the matter, it from time to time, there is a reference is agreed among themselves that the to "The road up to the Duitch settlesaid land shall be confirmed to Daniel ment on the Susquehanna" in 1712. Fierre and Isaac Lefevre, two of the This makes it plain that there was a said widow's sons, and the considera- settlement that year, including road tion money, viz £140 at £7 per 100 improvements up to the River. This acres, by agreement having been for refers to a road "that leads from some time due, but is now to be paid Philadelphia to the Dutch settlements down in one sum. 'Tis agreed they at Conestoga" found in Volume one of shall only pay £10 for interest, thait the original road papers in Chester is £150 for the whole. (2nd Series Pa. County, p. 50. The public are indebtArc, Vol 19, p. 259 and Rupp, page 90.) ed to the industry of Gilbert Cope in. This is the Jarge section lying north Chester County for the compilation of. of the Herr and Strettle tracts; partly these road papers. in East Lampeter Township and partly 1712 Further Swiss Additions abont in Strasburg Township. The Fierres This Year. of
tity
for,
i
acres,
2.000
—
the ancestors of the present Ferry or Forry family. Neither the Lefevres nor Forrys were pure Swiss, as there was French extraction in their race. This tract was subsequently divided among the following persons Henry A. Carpenter, Forre Brinton, John C. Lefevre, Joseph L. Lefevre, Jacob Hershey, Christian Le-
are
—
Henry
man,
and
Jacob
Brackbill,
Theo. Shertz, John Shertz, F. S. Burrows, D. Lefevre. (Rupp 102.) I hope to
have a
map
of the sub-divisions of
this tract also.
That
it
Township
lay is
partly
in
shown by the
Strasburg fact that
According
|
Budeli, ler,
the Palatinate. (Rupp
— German-Swiss
85.)
Reach the Con-
estoga Valley. It
appears that, this year, the Gerin Lancaster
man-Swiss immigrants
Rupp,
in
his
"Thirty
Jacob MiilGroflf, Hans Herr, Martin Wendel Bauman, Martin
Martin
Hans
Kendig,
Oberholz, Meylin, Samuel Gulden, John Rudolf, Daniel Herman, John George TruJHans Mayer, Hans Hagj', berger, Christian Hereby, Hans Pupather, Heinrich Bar, Peter Lehman, Melcher Brennen, Heinrich Funck, Michael Landis, Alrich Schenck, Johannes Honench, Emanuel Herr, Abraham Melchoir Erisman, Michael Herr, Mliiller and Christopher Schleagel.
Maria Warenburger, mother-in-law of Isaac Lefevre paid a quit rent on 2,000 acres in Strasburg Township, the same year. (Rupp 107.) Ferrees and Lefevres came from Steinmerster into 1713 1712
to
Thousand Names," about 1712, additional tracts of land were bought by Pequea settlers. The settlers living in the Pequea Valley at that time (1712) he gives as follows: Johan Rudolph
— Rapid
Additions to the Mennonite Colony.
This year Isaac Lefever purchased 300 acres of land adjoining the other settlements made by his countrymen near Conestoga and received a war-
FIRST SWISS GRIST MILL ON CONESTOGA.
194
rant for
had
it.
lately
And Samuel Guilden, who was accordingly given him, (Do. 644). come from Berne, in Rupp also notices that Christopher
minister to the Schleagel in 1712 took up this land to Sw'itzers, desired 800 acres in Stras- build a mill and he finds the place not burg with the rest of his countrymen far away from the land granted to the and a warrant was signed to him for Palatines, (Rupp, 115). the price of ten pounds i>er 100 acres, 113 The English are Moving In Pennsylvania money, 80 pounds or 60 Among the German Mennonites pounds of English money. (2d Ser. Pa. We have just noticed that Edmund Arch., V. 19, p. 669.) Cartlidge, the Indian agent, seated 17ia—The Mennonites Build Their himself on Christopher Schleagel's First (nrist Mill on the Conestoga, land a,nd in addition to this, we have This year we have an account of a the account that a patent was given reimarkable German Mennonite on the in 1713 to Thomas Story near a setIn Vol. 19 of the Sec. tlement of the Palatines at Conestoga, Conestoga. Series of the Penna. Arch., p. 569, it and that he had a right to it as early was stated at a meeting of the Land as 1711, (Vol. 19 of Sec. Series of Pa. Commissioners, held on the 8th of Arch., p. 572). There are also signed October that, Christopher Schleagel, the same year, a patent to John Marto low for 260 acres on Pequea in the late of Saxony, being desirous These last settle near the Palatines about Con- rights of Gilbert Mace. estoga and build a mill on a run, run- are English names and show that the ning into the Conestoga Creek, wishes English were interested also in set1000 acres of land there tlements in this section. .to take up and build such a mill for the accom- 1714 Scheagel's Mill is Now Serving modation of his neighboring inhabithe Mennonites tants and it was agreed that he could have the 1000 acres for 100 Pounds. The mill which Christopher Schleagel
Switzerland
as
a
—
—
;
he built the mill immediately 20 Pounds were to be thrown off. He did build the miM, because a year later I shall show he made complaint that people were interefering with
And
if
lis mill race. Schleagel had some trouble about bis land and at a meeting held on the 18th of Miarch, 1718, Edmund Cartlidge claimed to own it by having purchased from Schleagel, the right to a tract of land and an ordinary grist of the Conestoga; that Schleagel did not comply with the term.s, when he It is, first bought, he lost his right.
mill
on a branch
and
it
is
stated
however, set forth that Cartlidge has s.jnce built a good mi-ll on the same land and he desires 400 acres to be laid out to him, including his buildings and improvements. A warrant
said
he was about
to
build
he evi-
dently erected as may be seen in the papers. No. 2827. Schleagel went to Philadelphia, and made complaint about the English claiming his mill; and James Steele gave him a letter dated the 24th of September, 1714, which Schleagel carried to Isaac Taylor, surveyor for the Penns, who was surveying at Conestoga. In this letter, 'Steele states that Schleagel complains that a certain person has seated himself near the miU he hath lately built at Conestoga, by whose means the Indians that are thereabout are likely to be troublesome and dangerous to him. This letter then further states that Isaac Taylor shall order the people there interfering with Schleagel's mill to remove and that belonging to the mill 300 acres
Taylor
—
!
—
FOrtriBLE DKI'ORTATIOX 01 SWISS TO PENlXSYLVAXIA. should
be Schleagel.
—
1714
liioorure
in
quiet
possession
195
cording to Smith, were to be sent to
of
the galleys.
Leonard Takes Land
in
1714
— Benedict
Octorara.
Brackhiirs Letter to Fries.
A
patent for 300 acres on the OctoIn Muller, p. 224, the following letrara Creek, dated 15th of September, ter written by Benedict Brackbill in was also executed to George LeonManheim to Jacob Fries of Amsterard. (Do. 572.) dam appears: 1714— Additional Settlers Come to "Some time ago, a brother came Pequea Colony. from Switzerland and told me the In Rupp's "Thirty Thousand Names," present condition of the Swiss brethpage 10. he sets forth a statement by ren. The government still keeps up Johnathon Dickinson, under date of its persecution against our people. 1719, in which Dickinson says: -"We They have given their police power are daily expecting ships from London anew to take our people to prison, which will bring Palatines, in num- and on one day about fourteen perwere taken and conveyed to ber, about six thousand to seven thous- sons l)rison. whose names, as well as I and. We had a parcel that came over know, are Casper Ammann, of Reugan five years ago, who purchased land Benedict Mowrer, who was i)reviabout 60 miles west of Philadelphia, ously a prisoner with me and who and proved quite industrious." Reference may also be found to this addi- also was gotten free with me at NimAt present tion in Colonial Records. Vol. 3, p. 29 wegen, three years ago. he is in prison without his wife. and 228.
—
1714
Babbie
— More
Steiner.
They have
robbed
dlernian-Swiss Locate in him of everything that they were able Our County. to find. They also imprisoned a R of Signau, and This year the following order for poor H passes to deiwrt some of our ances- Oswald Otzerberger of Hochstetten Wagsel (Wochtel) from tors was issued, "We, the Mayor and Christian Eggwyl, also Has Luthi and his sonCouncil, of the City of Berne, herealso Elizabeth Zeuricher with notify you that we, being the in-law i
—
persons in authority and especially appointed for this purpose, having power and command to transport five stubborn Mennonites and one celebrated thief out of the country to Lausanne, under guard, with all necessary secrecy, on the 10th day of August, to be delivered to our Chief of Police, do command you and all people to allow them to pass safely through, and unhindered, and to give all aid to our State Officers conveying the said Mennonites, that lies within your power." (Mtiller 224.) These Mennonites (who were called stubborn) to be sent to Lausanne, ac-
—
from Lauperswyl and Barbara Yost from Landau, and three of the Amish They are in a city side or branch. situated far from us, in Savoy, hired out as slaves. One of them died on the way, by the name of Niklaus Baumgartner. At the end of the year they are to be set free. Some say they are to be set free and to be given some money." Dated Nov. 14, 1714. (Muller 224.)
Muller goes on to say that Brackbill made a mistake here, because the fourteen prisoners were not taken away to Turin, which he called Savoy, as can be shown.
;
ANABAPTIST OR MENNONIST TORTURE RENEWED.
196
— Another
was condemned with no less than the native teachers, punishment The substance of another letter written by Brackbill, this year, is as and, therefore, he was sent to tihe 1714
to him,
Brackbill Letter.
galleys, in company with the teachers already sentenced and as a terror to "Under date of February 6. 1714. teachers. (R. M. June 6, strange other Brackbill reported to Holland that (Miiller 228.) 1714.) conditions in the Palatinate were most The Jacob Sehnebeli's Testimony on Mendeplorable, owing to the war. with gift of 400 florins was received nonite Torture.
follows:
Many are fleeing back to pleasure. Switzerland, and are there again taken into captivity; others have gone into Alsace and to Zweibrucken."
Information was given by Hans Mannheim to Schnebeli in Jacob Abram Jacob Fries and Company in Amsterdam, he learned by the deported Mennonites at Turin that they must remain there during the winter. They were confined in a vault, in company with 90 miscreants and
(Miiller
207.)
This shows again the interest that Brackbill displayed for his people. In the Historical Society at Philadelphia, a lot of letters called "Dutch Copies" are several in German, written by Brackbill.
among
1714
— Swiss
\
Mandate against Mennonites.
The attitude of the Swiss government toward the Anabaptists found expression in the Great Mandate of \
May 24, 1714. It provided that those who were tJhen in captivity, some of them teachers, and those who had
j
been expelled under pain of punishment, corporal and capital, and who in
spite
of
their
oath,
came back, who were
nevertheless fit
for
work
be sent to the galleys, for as they have well deserved it. life, Others were to be confined in Berne,
should
in
all
imprisonment forever.
— Christian
1714
(Miiller 221.)
Leiby or Liebeck
|
good-for-nothings, who were sold on account of their wickedness 'to a certain man named Hackbrett, of Turin. They were daily taken out to hard fear," writes Schnebeli, work. "I "that by springtime, they will he sent A to the galleys on the high seas." petition had been presented by certain persons to the Duke of Savoy, to which answer was given that the Duke would be willing to grant their release, but that this matter was wholly concern of the gentlemen of a A. No. 1371. December 1, Berne. (A. 1714.) (Mulder 225.) As we notice above, this letter is still preserved in the Amsterdam Ar-
and is number 1371. written by Jacob Snavely. chives,
;
;
s
Letter.
Miiller gives the following account:
my
was
1714—Further Light on BraokbiU
Tortured. Christian Liebi (R. M. "Liebegg") came from the Palatinate under
It
who
the liege lords, and ad-
In a former item, Bennedict Brackbill's
out.
letter
of
Miiller
Nov. states
26, (p.
1714,
225)
is
set
that
Brackbill relates one of the brethren mitted that he h.ad intended to visit died on the way to a distant city in This Mennonites in Berne here, to console Savoy Nicholas Baumgartner. Amsterdam and preserved in is letter chance and if teachers, comfort and Archives. Amsterdam 1371 of the of is No. several presents itself, to baptize them; who declared that the inhibi- It is stated tjhat Brackbill got the tions of the authorities were known prisoners and the deported confused.
dominion
of
—
MIGRATION TOWARD PENNSYLVANIA.
191
never emigrations every year, west into the Palatinate and into Holland, intending to reach America; but he says a 1714 Keforined Clergy Sjiupatliize new impulse was given by the manwith Mennonitos. daite of 1714; and that the severity of ADiiller relates (p. 223) that under that mandate sent an eanigration that date of July 19, 1714, the olerg>' of Che year from Goutnschwyl, near Lensamong others, Holland; to State Church, criticized the govern- burg, ment for the cruel treatmen/t of the Hans Goutchi and wife, Barbara Mennonites. They uttered very com- Hafeli. and daughter— Jacob Peters Samuel mendable and honorable sentiments. and wife, Maria Stattler FryBarbara But the government severely repri- Peters and his wife. manded them. The government of- Rudy Peters and his wife. Anna ficials said that the sentences im])osed Erisman^Samuel Peter Stultzen and are no concern of the Church, and that his wife Samuel Lentzwyler. single Verena Aeschbach and Rudolph these AnabapOists are so stubborn, It will be noticed that the Wiirgler. that sentences must be severe. maiden names of the wives are given 1711— Persecution On the Deported of That seems to have been the here. 1710 and '11 who Returned. We may notice also, that custoan. and wife are ancestors Peters We have noticed above that an Samuel edict was issued by Berne to send to of a very large family in Neihuizen, the galleys, such of the iNIennonites, and also of Groningen. who were deported in 1710 and '11, as 1714_The Means of Itaptist Persecureturned to Switzerland. Some of tion. these who were deported in 1710 and '11, reached Lancaster County. The Muller inquires, (page 352) "With edict, condemning to galley punish- what means had the campaign against ment, required that until they should the Baptists to be carried out?" He be sent to the galleys, they should be then answers, before 1714, "the state put in the jail of Titligen. It seems church was blamed," that is. the that on account of their age and Reformed Church. An effort was then
because these prisoners taken to Turin in Savoy.
were
—
—
—
—
inculcate the Orthodox docfor galley service. into the minds of the young, Luthi, the teacher of Schaufelbuhl. through the land, so they would grow54 years old Nicholas Bumgartner of up in the State Church and not emTrub, forty yeai-s old— Peter Wiith- brace the faith of their Mennonite Trub, fifty years old and ancestors, who were tortured and rich of Joseph Brobst of Trub, fifty years old. suffered all manner of penalty; and These were to be given over to Col. the government and the State Church
weakness, only four
were found fit made They were Hans trine
to
—
Hackbrett.
who was
to force
them on
to Silioia.
1714_\
>ew Flood
grants Moving
of
Swiss
secure teachers the land to do this. to
tried
Emi- 1714
— Another
Toward Pennsyl-
View
of
throughout
the Edict of
this Tear.
and '11 out Muller tells us Opage 322) that, be- and help to get these Mennonites America, did ginning in the year 1711, with the of Switzerland and to exSwitzerland result the have exodus of four shiploads of Menno not Menthese that hoped They nites down the Rhine, there followed pected. vania.
The
efforts to deport in 1710
THE PERSECUTION OF
198
nonites in America would draw all the others over to them, but there still
remained many powerful mem-
bers of that church in Switzerland, who refused to go. The amnesty offered by Switzerland in 1711, to all who would go, did not have the result intended. Therefore, this severe edict of 1714, imposing life imprisonment and galley service for life, was issued.
1714—A
Growing: Out Edict of 1714.
Battle
of
the
(page 344) how the trying to carry out the edict of 1714, were very roughly handled near Sumiswald, a town of now 6,000 people, about 15 miles northeast of Berne. He relates that several Baptists or Mennonites had been arrested there, but that a party of 60 or 70 neighbors rescued the prisoners from the officers. In this struggle, these Mennonite hunters were Miiller relates
officers
1714.
and the two sons were fined heavily. Peter Sommers, the son of the horse doctor, was banished a year to St. Cerge, and Jacob Christen, the hired man, who had a hand in this fight, was sentenced to eight days imprisomment. His term was made short because he had a large family. Some of those condemned had behaved themselves obstinately and were impudent before the Court and were to be kept under the eye of the Sheriff. Some were sent to the galleys. One of them, Christian Wachsel, was pardoned. 1715
—A
Few More Warrants
Given
to the Mennonites. In Vol. 19 of the Sec. Series of the Pa. Arch., p. 597, under this date, it is set forth at a meeting of the Land Commissioners at the end of the year that several warrants were signed at sundry times at ten Pounds a 100 acres and One Shilling, sterling quit
rent, all in Chester County. The handled roughly and beaten in a whole is 2800 acres but the only bloody way. The government punMennonites among the number were ished some of the perpetrators and a Hans Graeff. 200 acres Benedictus hunt was made for all the others Venerick, 200 acres and Joseph who beat the constables. Several Hains, 100 acres. At the same time were arrested and they had to pay the there were 250 acres laid out to John expense of the officers sent to catch Funk at Strasburg, (Do) and 1000 Mennonites, and fines to the exacres to Herman Richman in Strastent of $100, for each one. Andreas
—
Sommer
Nttenwatte, was the chief leader of this rescue. He was ordered to pay $100 or be banished. in
the
This banishment was annuled in 1715, by him furnishing bail. There was another Peter Soimmer, a horse doctor, that harbored Mennonites. He was sent, for a year, to one of the French provinces. Benedict Widmer (Witmer), the school master, who was in the fight, was sent for a year and a half to Brassu in Romainmaister Benedict Risser in the Lengenwalt, who sent his two sons with bludgeons to this fight, was banished until the next November to St. Croix.
—
—
burg.
1715
—Ambassador
Miiller
recites
Runckel's Letter. 360)
(p.
that under
of March 7, 1715, Runckel Holland about the destitute condition of the prisoners and the rest of the Mennonites whose determination to stay in the country, brought upon them. They are losing friends by it. He says he does not feel satisfied that Holland owes them much more sympathy and assistance.
the
date
wrote
1715
to
—Disposition
of
Fines on Menno-
nites.
Miiller
(p.
356) informs us that the
fines collected
from
the
Mennonites,
'
.
GALLEY TORTURE RENEWED and the moneys raised from their conproperty, was divided up; fiscated and that one-third of it went to the Court or Mennonite Chamber, onethird to the Lords of the land and onethird to the SheiifE
for
his
submitted the
— Efforts
199
to the king, in the
authorities
of
name
of
Berne, asking for
the release of all prisoners. There was also a letter from the Burgess
and Council
of Berne to the king, giving their views upon this subject.
activity j
and vigilance
L\ 1715.
in the matter.
Miiller recites
(p.
232)
that
at
a
Kelease Mennonites meeting of the committee on the welfare of Mennonites at Amsterdam, from the Galleys.
1715
to
was stated that four prisoners had been condemned by the Government of the mother of Christian Liebe (or Liebeck) for the release of her son, of Berne, to the galleys; and 40 more who had been sentenced to the gal- had been imprisoned. The aid of the leys. The petition was received by Holland Government was invoked; and the Holland officers took up the the authorities but nothing particuMiiller
larly
the
(p.
288)
was done on the subject
mation
was
of
it
recites the petition
galley
subject.
torture,
On matter with
Switzerland, and secured all of them. Former efforts to the same purpose were without avail. full
infor-
15th of October, 1715 (Muller 229) of the release of the Swiss Mennonites from the galleys, under a proviso that they would not go back to the Berne territory. At the same time, attempts were made to secure the release of 40 prisoners, sent,
freedom for
1715
— More
Galley
Torture and
Trouble. Miiller sets forth, (p. 226) that even
Turin, these prisoners, ready for the galleys, were aided financially by who were being prepared to send on the Dutch. Goosen Goyen, in Kreto Venetian galleys, provided they would promise to leave the country feld, wrote to Van Woorst, that he had and never come back. It was further received moneys for these Mennonites reported that if money was needed, and had forwarded the same. He also there was an English Arch-Bishop, wrote that Freytorrens (a man reready to place a large sum at their! ferred to in the preceeding article, p. 229) was a fanatic or Mennonite, and disposal. that he was interfering too much with 1715 More Condemnations to tbe affairs at Berne. He also says that Galleys. he has false doctrines on religious About the same time, Daniel Knopf, matters, and was supposed to be the in Berne, sent word to Mennonite author of a shameful tract or treatise, Finally he subjects. religious friends at Amsterdam, that a friend on His politiof the Mennonites named Freytor- was placed under arrest. rens, at Berne, offered his services cal activities were to be looked into. and had a plan to raise moneys and He states that it is expected that he send to the prisoners, now at the will be banished from the country as galleys. He stated that the Swiss au- an undesirable foreigner, if some one M^iiller thorities would be willing to do this, pays the cost of his release. if pledges were made that when re- continues and says that his noble leased, these people would forever efforts on the part of the oppressed leave the country. There were sub- Mennonites who were suffering galley sequent letters on this same point, torture, was looked upon with jealous One proposed that the petition be eyes. in
1
j
j
j
I
j
1
—
|
j
j
j
j
;
SETTLEMENT AT SUSQUEHANNA AND STRASBURG.
200
At another place Miiller recites that there are original letters in Amsterdam, written by Christian Liebe, Peter Wetrich, and Joseph Brobst, •dated at Palermo, September 16, 1715,
ard
Hyde and
25 acres
new
land.
It
was warranted on the Susquehanna. (See also
ip.
575.)
Page 594 of the same book, there
relating to the efforts made for their release, in which they promise that if they are released from the galleys,
an account setting forth that the land commissioners of Pa. had an application for 1,000 acres of land in Strasburg from Harmon Richman,
they will never go baclt to Swiss ter-
late
ritory again.
the commissioners have decided to give him a part of that land which was first laid out to John Bundeli in Strasburg. The account states also that he wants 100 acres more and the
The
same
tells us Gabriel of Wattenwyl, to get these people out of prison. He also states that if some •one would be willing to go to Turin to intercede for the release of the
again
of
the
page,
Mliiller
efforts
of
prisoners sent there, Berne is ready to give a written pledge that they will take up mediation on the part of the friends of these people, provided they would never come back to the old home.
—Eby
1715
Family Come
to
Lancaster
County.
The
Bby family
is
numerous
in
is
of
Hamburg, Germany, and
same was assured
to
that
him by a war-
rant dated Oct. 22. 1715. This same year, the commissioners of property signed a patent to George Pierce for 600 acres in Sadsbury Twp., dated
May
right of John HenHarris's History will be found an interesting record of Strasburg land purchased in 1691. If this is a fact, it seems to be the earliest land taken up in the present county. In the same volume of the Arch., page 600, there is a record of 650 acres of land on a branch of the Pequea Creek, applied for by Richard Cloud, for which he is to pay 78 pounds, and also 300 acres to Wm. Cloud. (See p. 597.) This year, 1715, there was also an account of several other warrants,
nery.
1715, in
24,
In
and the original home seems to be on Mill Creek, at a point Icnown as Eby's Mill, Theodorus Eby was the ancestor. According to Bishop Benjamin Eby's records, found In the "Eby Family," pages 2 and 3, Theodorus Eby was a son of Jacob Eby, and came to America in 1715. one to Robert Hodgen and James Peter Eby, a nephew of Theodorus, Hendricks, for 3,500 acres at Concame in 1720; also Nicholas Eby. estoga, ten pounds per 100 acres (see These are all Swiss. But it is said p. 595) and a warrant to Henry Worthat earlier generations of the family ley for 600 acres on a branch of a came into Switzerland from Northern creek, whose name is not given, for Italy. Menno Eby, a young lad living erecting a mill. (Do. 595.) And one near Terre Hill, is the 9th genera- to Francis Worley for 1,000 acres in Conestoga. (Do. 602.) tion descendant of Theodorus Eby. section,
this
—Land
1715
Taken Up on the Susquehanna.
1714
In
—Land the
Laid Out at Strasburg.
second
series
Arch., Vol. 19, page 587,
of
the
Pa.
recorded
In the 2d Ser. 19, there is an account of a war- that a patent for 350 acres at Strasrant being issued to John Salkeld for burg, was signed to Isaac Lefever, at 400 acres of land. This is made up of 10 pounds per 100 acres, dated Sept. 575 acres formerly granted to Rich- 25, 1714. Pa.
p. 602,
Arch., Vol.
it is
—
'' 1'
THE
GKR.MAN-SW.ISS
1
TAKK LANCASTER when
The same year a warrant for 1,000 James Hendricks, near acres to Strasburg, at the same price, dated December 28, 1714 (See page 591) was Also the same j'ear and granted. same date, a warrant to Peter Bellas at Strasburg, for 200 acres at the same price, was granted; and also, the same year and date, 1,000 acres to Thomas Reichman, of Strasburg. Rupp states that the land taken up by Peter Bellas was in the neighborhood of Smoketown, that is near Blrdin-Hand, and that Daniel Harmon,
it
COL'.NTV LAND.
was patented
to
liOl
Martin Ken-
dig.
This same year, a warrant was executed to Isaac Lefever, dated October 10th for 300 acres, at Strasburg, and RyjlL) says, page 116, that this same year, Jacob Greider or Kreider, Jacob Hostetter, Hans Frantz, Shenks and others, settled on the banks of the
Conestoga. He also says that Kreider and Hostetter arrived in America earlier than 1716, visited their brethren in faith at Pequea, and then settled on the north side of the ConSmith were estoga, William Evans and James two miles south of the presneighbors, (p. 116.) ent site of Lancaster, and that here, they took up the 800 acres above re1716 Gorman-Swiss Take
—
Land
Up Some
in
ferred to. tent was
Lancaster Countj-.
In the second series of the Pa. Arch.. Vol. 19, page 607, it is set forth that in 1716, a warran? was issued to
Anthony Pretter
He
recites that their first
covered with tow-cloth, which they brought along with them, and that during the winter, the Indians came to secure shelter with them and sleep by their fire. Rupp does not quote his authority.
for .300 acres of land
Conestoga, dated November 16th 608, a warrant dated December 9, 1716, was set forth as being 1717— A in
and page
issued to John Gardner for 500 acres of land on the Conestoga River and page 608 there is a patent, dated De-
Few More Mennonite
Addi-
tions This Year.
—
This year a patent was signed to Hans Moyer at Strasburg for 700 cember 10, 1716, to Thomas Dawson acres (Rupp 624). A considerable for 300 acres, near Conestoga. On the tract was also surveyed near the head same page, tracts amounting to 12,871 of Pequea Creek, inculding the old acres, were granted to John Bstauch, Shawanna Town by Mathias Vanbibnear Conestoga ^and page 609, aj ber for some Germans to settle. This tract to Columbus McNair, for 200 year also, says Rupp, Hans Zimmeracres in Conestoga. In Pequea, in the man came to Lancaste Crounty (Rupp year 1716 (See same book, page 609) 126) and Hans Graeff settled in Earl there is a record of Daniel Fierre (Rupp 133). (now Ferry or Forry) applying for 600 acres of land near Pequea, for 1717— The First Ship-loads of Menwhich he was to pay in three months, nonites. 10 pounds for 100 acres. A warrant Under this date, we are given knowlwas signed October 4th for the same. edge of the first ship lists of MennoAlso note here that in 1713 (See nites, who were coming to Pennsylsame book, page 574) Samuel Guilden vania, and up into the Susquehanna I
j
—
j
|
of Berne, the Mennonite Minister, asked for 800 acres in Strasburg, with the rest of his brethren. The warrant! was granted January 1, 1714. We will notice this again under date of 1718,
'
!
In Vol. 3, Col. Rec, p. 29. it stated that Captain Richard, Captain Tower and Captain Eyers(Ayers)
Valley. is
waited on the Council of Pennsylvania with a list of Palatines or Mennonites
\/-^
—
, !
CONESTOGA VALLEY FILLING
202
UP.
—
they had brought over in their ships Hans Pupather, 1000 acres ^Michael from London. The names are not Shenk and Henry Pare (Barr), 400 given, hut the record states that acres another to Hans Pupather for Richards had 164, Tower 91 and 700 acres another to Peter Leaman Eye.ris 108; this makes a total of 363 for 300 acres another to Molker persons. This throws some light Preneman (Brenneman) for 500 acres upon how rapidly our Swiss ancestors another to Henry and John Punk, were coming to this section. We be- 550 acres ^another to Christopher lieve that nearly all of these settled Fanciscus for 150 acres another to in Lanoaster County, because in the Michael Shenk for 200 acres another year 1717, all who came over were to Jacob Landis and Ulrick Harvey, coming up to this region. In 1739, a 150 acres one to Elmanuel Heer list of 178 Lancaster County German(Herr) for 500 acres one to Abram Swiss were naturalized and likely, Herr for 600 acres one to Hans many of these were among the list. Tuber, Isaac Kauffman and Melker(4 St. L. 326.) man, 675 acres and one to Michael Miller for 500 acres. 1717— Slow Progress of tlie Mennonite will see later that these were We Colonies. settled practically in a colony, neighThe Mennonite colonies in Lancas- bors to one another. It will be also ter County seem to have made very noticed that the authorities were not little progress. There is a record of slow in laying the assessment upon only a few additional land grants. these newcomers, and under the year The principal one seems to be the one of 1718 we find the first assessment given to Martin Kendig and Hans list of Conestoga sets forth these Herr of 5,000 acres, to be taken up in names and we have noticed that they several parcels about Conestoga and have just arrived about this time. Pequea Creeks at 10 Pounds per 100 Christopher Franciscus was more than acres. The Penna. Pound was worth an ordinary man and we will notice $3.24 and, therefore, this would have later his activity and his encounters been $32.40 for 100 acres or 32 cents with panthers and wild animals about an acre. In addition to this, there his home. was the usual quit rent to pay. The record of this grant of land is found 1717— The ftovernor Advised the Province to Protect Itself Against in Vol. 19 of the Sec. Series of the Pa. the Mennonites Arch., p. 622, and it states that these I
—
—
—
''
i
—
—
—
—
two men took up the
5,000 acres for settlements for several of their countrymen, lately arrived. The warrant was dated the 22nd of November, 1717. In addition to this tract, the same date, warrants were signed for 15 other persons about Conestoga for
land,
making a
total
of
6,675
acres,
but this land may have been practically the same that Kendig and Herr had applied for. The warrants are set forth as follows: To Hans Moyer, 500 acres Hans Kaiggey, 100 acres Christian Hearsey (Hershey), and
—
—
— —
In Vol. 2 of the Votes of Assembly,
Governor Keith in his address to the Assembly under the date of 1717, warns the province to protect p.
217,
against the great number of forPalatines now arriving. Keith says to the Assembly on the 13th of October, "I must recommend to you in particular not to lose any time in securing yourselves and all the people of this colony from the inconveniences which may possibly arise by the unlimited number of foreigners that without any license from itself
eign
German
THE GOVERNMENT ALARMED OVER GERM.\N-SWISS INFLUX.
203
the King:, or leave of this Government, us; The Governor, therefore, thought have been transported hither of late, it requisite that this matter should be and to provide some discrete regula- considered by the Board, and accordit was considered, and it was tions to allay the apprehensions we ingly ordered thereupon, that all the masare under, of greater numbers, which ters of vessels who have lately im1 am informed are to be daily expectported any of these foreigners be ed from Europe." We can plainly un- summoned to appear at this Board, derstand that he meant the Menno- to render an account of the numbers nites, because Englishmen, Irishmen, and characters of their passengers Scotchmen and Welchmen were not respectively, from Britain; that all foreigners and the only other persons those who are already landed be recoming were these German Menno- quired by a proclamation, to be issued for that purpose; to repair within the nites. It will be a pleasure to notice space of one month to some Magisthat Governor Keith a few years later trate, particularly to the Recorder of changed his opinion very much about this City, to take such oaths appointthese good people. ed by law as are necessary to give assurances of their being well affect1717— Great Increase of the Mennoed to his Majesty and his Governnite Colony Alarms the Govment; But because some of these forernment at Philadelphia. eigners are said to be Mennonites, On the 17th of September of this who can not for conscience sake, take year, Governor Keith brought before an oath, that those persons be admithis Council the fact that a greater ted upon their giving any equivalent
number
of
Germans have
come assurances many of manner and
lately
into the province and that them are Mennonites, and therefore
their own way and that the Naval Officer of
in
Port be required not to admit any inward bound vessel to an entry, will not take the oath of allegiance, until the master shall first give an and that there may be some danger exact list." in allowing them to come. He gives In this we see that very few of our the matter to the attention of CounMennonite forefathers came over and cil in the following words: "The Governor observed to the joined the Colony of 1710 until about Board that great numbers of foreign- the year 1717. They are now coming ers from Germany, strangers to our rapidly as this extract from the reLanguage and Constitutions, having cords tells us. An imi)ortant regulation in the lately been imported into this proMennonite migration started from this vince daily dispersed themselves imincident, that is, it was now made the mediately after landing, without producing any certificates, from whence law that hereafter every ship must they came and what the^- are; and as give an exact list of the Palatines imthey seem to have first landed in Bri- ported by them before they will be From this action by tain and afterwards to have left it allowed to land. without any License, from the Gov- the Governor and Council, we have ernment, or so much as their knowl- today the complete records of the edge, so in the same manner they be- coming of these Mennonites, including haved here, without making the least the times, the numbers, the ships in application to himself or to any of which they came and the names. this
—
the Magistrates; that as this practice 1717 Lands Taken I'p By German might be of very dangerous conseSwiss This Year. quence, since by the same method any According to the Penna. Archives number of foreigners from any na(Vol. 19 of Series 2) Dan Morris retion whatever, as well enemies as friends, might throw themselves upon ceived a warrant for 1,000 acres of
—
GERMAN-SWISS COMPLAIN OF OUR LAWS.
204
land at Conestoga, dated Oct. 621)
(p.
—Mart
—
Hans We
and
Kenddg
of other criminals in jails. respect your rights do you also, We demand respect our customs. nothing from you beyond what the
support
1717
12,
Herr, for 5,000 acres in several parand Pequea cels about Conestoga Creek, for settlements for several of word of G'od justifies." Since their American freedom of countrymen "latelj' arrived" their that day and the laws were not satdated Nov. 22, 1717, the total of isfactory to them, we can easily unwhich, however, reached 6,675 acres Hans Haiggy derstand how odious their attitude viz. Hans Mover 350 100 Christ Hearsey and Hans Pru- must have been at home in Berne. In pacher 700— Peter Lehman 300—Mel- the face of their partial dissatisfacker Prenema*! 500 ^Henry and John tion here, they prospered and grew, Christopher Franciscus so that in 1883, they had 3,500 bapP\ink 500 47 41 churches 150—Michael Shenk 200— Jacob Lun- tized members Abram preachers and eight bishops in Landes and Ulrich Harvey 150
—
—
—
—
—
—Emanuel
—
—
Herr 500 Hans caster County Herr Tuber, Isaac Kauffman and Milker- 367 and 8.) man 675 and Michael Muller 500 1718— William acres (p. 622). These foreigners were 600
they expect their cbildren to able to flail heir to this land.
alone.
(Miiiller,
Penu,
Jr^
pp.
Was
a
Friend to the Mennonites.
informed they should be naturalized if
—
be
In Vol.
and
(p..
64,
whiich
624.)
of the Col. Rec, pp. there is a letter dated
he
63
3
first
recites
(p.
63)
in
the
father and then says, "I Complain views of his profess myself to be a minister of the That They ]>rust 01>ey Laws They Church of England and recommend to Have No Part in Mating. be careful of her interest and protect
1718
—Our
Swiss Ancestors
I
i
i
In a letter to Wm. Penn, dated May 20, 1718, the same year he died, our
the clergy; but also protect in their possessions such 'strangers' as are
I
I
complain ancestors laws in subject to that they are to be which they have no share in making, and which they do not want, or avail themselves of. In lit they say "We are subject to the laws of God you to We do not go to tlie laws of m«n. the elections iwe do not go to your Courts of Justice we hold no offices, neither civil or military we do not refuse to pay for our land, but we regard it as a subject for complaint that we should be subjest to oivil and We came to military domination. Pennsj'^lvan.ia to enjoy the freedom of our opinions and of our bodies, and expect no other prescriptions of the laws than such as God has commanded. Because we make no debts and Swiss
(Amish)
—
settled
:
is
concerned
us, for the public faith
in
it."
We
readily see
by the last clause here that the Junior Penn referred to the Mennonites as the strangers and he shows that, while his father was a Quaker, he was a member of the Church of England.
;
I
;
—
—
among
1718— The
—
I
i
'
!
I
I
First Assessment List,
In the first assesisment list of Conestoga, which included all of Lancasfrom Strasburg to the ter County River,
and as far North as what
is
the names of the Mennonite families living here in that year (1718) are as follows: Martin Kundig, Martin Milan, Christian Heer, John Haer, Wendall Bow-
now Manheim.
I
need no laiws to collect such, we man, Jacob Miller, Jotseph Steman, ought not be compelled to pay for the Daniel Harmer, John Miller, John j
i
'
CONICSTOGA'S FIRST ASSESSMENT LIST— 1718.
20&
Henry against the laws of Penn, concerning Henry Carp^nture, Funk. We simply Peter land, inheritance, etc. Francisciis. Hayne. Christopher fact that attention here to the call Daniel Benedictus Venrick, Bellar, in volume protest found is Ferre, John Ferre, Philip Ferre, Isaac the same Lefevre. Richard Davis, Thomas Falk- 7 of Hazard's Register, page 151, ner. John Milen. Hans Haure, John where, however, it appears in someMartyn Berr, Imanuel Heer, what different language. Henry Kundic & Son. Jacob Moyer, 1718— The Assembly Take Action on Hans Steff, Hans Keague. Jacob Gri- the Growth of Oiir Swiss Ancestry. ter. Jacob Highstetter, John Widwer, the Governor'fet In answer to Andrew Koffman, John Broakpather. speech, the Assembly in an address Jacob John Broakpather, Junior, drawn up by David Lloyd, say to the Abraham Broakpather, Peter Swaor, Governor that the Assembly feel a Heer. Melchior Arisman. Christopher great concern at the coming of so Hearse & Son. John Toup, Henry many foreigners and that the Royal Heer, Michael Bowman, Hance BugCharter seems to be taken against Melchior
Taylor,
i
Hans
Neicomer. Prenamon, George Kendrick, John Xatts, Junr., Michael Shank, Junr., Jorn Natts, Senr., Henry Funk, Benjamin Wilmer, Jacob Lundus, Hance Henry Neff, Michael Miller, Felix Lundus. Jacob Kundrick. Junr., John Frame. Charley Christopher Woolrick Prenaman, Jacob Stoffal Howry, Hoober, Christian Stone, Isaac Frederick & Son, Jacob Kundrick, Jacob Lundus, Junr.. Martin Boyer, Hance Penedictus Boyer, John Bowman, Brackbill, Christian Shank, Michael Shank, Senr., Rudey Moyer. Hance Brand, Hans Graff, Junr., Hans Graff. Senr., Peter Yorte, Torey Ebys, Hans Currick Moyer, Christian Shank, Hans Weaver, Woolrick Hource, Peter Laholder,
them, especially unless they take the proper tests to show that they are not his enemies. The Assembly went on further and suggested that it would be well for the Governor to appoint a Committee of the Council to join a Committee of the Assembly and plan proper methods to remove in the already raised jealousies minds of the inhabitants concerning these foreigners; and also to prevent the inconveniences which may arise from their settlement in one place or some of them settling promiscuously
I
I
among
the Indians.
conclusion left the MennoThey were nites very little choice. not to be allowed to settle in one place and they were not allowed to settle promiscuously among the In-
This
\
man.
original of this assessment list The Governor replied to this dians. the possession of Gilbert Cope January, two days later As may be seen on the 10th of of West Chester. said that he approved of the apfrom the above spelling, the German- and of a Committee to confer pointing deSwiss names were not well foreigners lately transthese about ciphered. In addition to these Dutchbut that he would delay men, as they were called, there were ported here; present because he had at action 43 Englishmen settling or owning written home to England to find out property there. the King's desire upon the matter. 1718— The Amish Protest Against The upshot of it was that the As-
The
is
in
I
1
I
!
Penn's Laws.
sembly proceeded
to introduce a
law
In a previous article we set forth that the sum of 1 pence per pound the protest of certain Amish brethren. and four shillings a head should be
ACTIVE GERMAN-SWISS INFLUX— 1718.
206
those Palatines that are Strasburg. The same year land was This, however, was doing also taken up by Theodorus Eby at taxable. His land it seems, was nothing more than putting the same Conestoga. tax on them as the other subjects located on Mill Creek, and when the were taxed. (See Votes of Assembly road was laid out from the junction of the Cocalico and the Conestoga, down January 10, 1718.) laid
1718
upon
all
—Large
Additions to the Menno-
to
what
is
now Dowingtown
in 1726.
speaks of the same running by Dorus Ehy's mill on Mill Creek, (Do. it
nite
Colony in Lancaster County.
This year, according to the records, a considerable addition was made to the number ot Mennonites in our county; but I can not find any mention of a church built by them at this date. It is likely they held their services in the different homes before they built their church, the whole
632). Later in the year 1718':, patents were granted to Hans Graeff and Christopher Franciscus, (Do. p. 639). Abram Herr also got his deed or patent ^Henry Pare got his deed for 300 acres at Conestoga and Hans Shenk took up 200 acres at the same place, (Do. p. 640). This same year, Hans Graeff took body gathering Sunday after Sunday at these different places. There is no up 1100 acres more near Strasburg by The douht that they had services because a new warrant, (Do. p. 642). their minister was usually the leading same year Michael Danager, late of man of the Colony from the beginning. Germany, was given a warrant for 300 This year, as shown in volume 19 acres of land near Pequea, Joseph of the Second Series of the Pa. Arch., Stehman 100 acres near Conestoga and Christian Stone 100 acres, (Do. p. 626, there is considerable set forth showing the activity of these Menno- p. 650). This is the record as far as It is stated that the the Land Commissioners' books show nite forefathers. late settlements on and near the Con- the state of the land taken by our estoga Creek have made it necessary Mennonite forefathers at this time. We notice at this time that a conthat the Indian fields about the town should be enclosed by a good fence siderable number got their warrant to secure the Indians' corn from the or rights to land in 1710, nearly all horses, cattle and hogs of the new about the neighborhood of Strasburg A patent was also granted and a few about the same time along settlers. acres at the Conestoga. near where the Little for 300 to Isaac Lefever
Strasburg.
p.
—
And Pupather, Hershey, Conestoga and Big Constoga come
Shenk and Henry Pare were given patents for the land which they took up last year (p. 628). Matrin Kendig was given a patent for his 800 acres. Wendell Bowman also got a deed or patent this year for his part of
gether, which
of
Rock
Hill
;
to-
the neighborhood and no patents or deeds
is
in
were given, with perhaps a very few exceptions, until 1718, In which year the patents or deeds were signed and the delivered, and we find many of them so
Mennonite tract which he first took recited in our records in the Recordup in 1710; and so did Hans Mo.yer, er's Office; and also that in this latMelker Preneman, Jacob Hochstater, ter year of 1718, a new lot of appliJacob Kraytor and Christopher Fran- cations for land were made and a new This shows ciscus, the land being ail about Stras- lot of warrants given. incoming of burg. According to Rupp, these par- that there was a second ties all joined one another and lived Palatines in 1717, and between the in and about the neighborhood of two dates, there is no record of very
—
I'
EMANUEL ZIMMERMAN'S GREAT CAREER. many
207
The Colonial I^ancaster County, an Amish-Mennohaving come. Records do not contain accounts of nite boy, 15 years of age, who was any arriving between these two dates. gifted with a wonderful intellect, reThose who took up their land in 1717 ligious spirit and strong constitution. did not get their deeds or patents At the early age of 16, in the year of until about 1734. 1718, it is asserted he drew the As to the Mennonite population in memorial we have just referred to, for Lancaster County in 1718, there is no his brethren, addressed to William record except the assessment list of, Penn. He lived to be seventy-eight Conestoga Township, which I have years of age, dying in 1780, after havfound in charge of Gilbert Cope at ing served as .Justice of the Peace, West Chester. This list contains 86' Judge and Member of Assembly many Dutchmen and 43 Englishmen, as years. Mr. Conynghara has the folbeing assessed in Conestoga at this lowing to say of him, as may be seen |
.
i
i
I
;
i
I
time.
Therefore,
averaging
these early Mennonite families at six in a family, including parents, it would seem as if there were fully 500 Mennonites in Conestoga, at this date. As Conestoga, at that time, included what is now Strasburg and Pequea, we may say that it included all of the settled part of Lancaster County. Thus in the first eight years, from 1710 to 1718, the; Mennonite population of Lancaster! County reached perhaps the neighborhood of 600 persons. There were practically no other inhabitants in the Conestoga and Pequea Creek valleys at this time, as the ScotchIrish had not yet come up to the Donegals. So that Lancaster County, at that time, was wholly a Mennonite settlement. j
in Vol. 7 of
Haz. Reg.,
"Henry
Zimmerman
p.
152:
arrived
in
Pennsylvania in the year 1698, and returned afterwards to Europe for his family, whom he brought out in 1706; and settled first in Germantown, and removed within the present bounds of Lancaster County (then Chester County) in 1717.
\
1718
—Eniannel
Zininierman
—A
Won-
derful Aniish-Mennonite Boy.
The great concensus of opinion is the effect that Hans Herr and Martin Mylin, Dr. Hans Neff and a few others were the leading spirits to
Emanuel Zimmerman, son was the most distinguished early settlers.
of
Henry,
of all the
He possessed from
naardent love for liberty in every form, zealous and active in every pursuit. His mind was finely organized: and he enjoyed an unbounded influence over the whole settlement. Tunkers, Aymenish. Lutherans, Calvanists, and Mennonites, all applied to him in any emergency. He possessed as strong a constitution as intellect. He was born in Switzerland in the year 1702, and died in the year 1780. He lived beloved, and died lamented, by all denominations. He was in every sense an honest man always just, liberal and tolerant. He was arbitor in all matters of dispute among his neighbors; and from his decisions, they never appealed; such was the confidence in his integrity. ture,
an
of the early Mennonites in Lancaster County and there is no doubt that these elderly fathers were the very back bone of the first Mennonite settlers; they managed the spiritual, The memorial of the AjTnenish and financial and business affairs for their Mennonites, breathes the spirit of a brethren. But in 1717 there appeared William Tell. It was written probwithin what is now the bounds of ably by Emanuel Zimmerman, as his
AMISH SETTLEMENTS
208
name
IN
long beards of the
attached to it, on behalf of the Mennonites, Amish, etc. is
the
"The men wore long red "caps on the women had neither bonnets, hats or caps, but merely a string passing around their head to keep the hair from the face. The dress of both male and female was domestic, quite plain, made of a
says,
their heads;
coarse material, after an old fashion of their own.
dates.
in the
from
the
the short
ing the knee, attracts the attention of English settlers. He further
memorial is dated May 20, William Penn died on the 30th 1718. of July of the same year, in England. Sir William Keith was deputy governor; and it does not appear, from any record that I can trace, that he ever acted upon the memorial." The of Emanuel Zimmerlater services will mention under later man I
—Danger
men and
petticoats of the females, just cover-
The
1718
LANCASTER COUNTY.
Wild Beasts
Soon
after their arrival in Philadel-
phia, they took a westerly course in
Mennonite Country
pursuit of a location, where they and page last could all live in one vicinity. They spoken of, the following appears from selected a rich limestone country, beautifully adorned with sugar maple, the pen of Conyngham: hickory, and blaek and white walnut When the Amish Mennonites first on the border of a delightful stream, settled on the Pequea, its woods were abounding in the finest trout here infested by wolves and panthers. they raised their humble cabins. The These animals committed great deprewater of the Pequea was clear, cold dations, especially among the sheep. and transparent, and the grape vines The hunters would laugh at the and clematis, intertwining among the Amish, because they would not atlofty branches of the majestic buttontempt to destroy them. The Amish wood, formed a pleasant retreat from said in justification, "That they conthe noon beams of a summer sun. sidered it a crime to deprive any of These emigrants were neither stimGod's creatures of life, except those which God gave us for our use; and ulated by the desire of distinction, or that to instruct youth in the use of the love of wealth. They approved of firearms, would be to lead them to an equalization of rank and property. "You," said an old All they required was sufficient land, eternal ruin."' Amish to a hunter, "pursue the deer, from .which by their own industry, the fox and the squirrel, and neglect they could raise produce for the snipnot only your farm, but your family. port of their respective families. Tea, We give your children bread, when coffee, West India sugar, and spirituYou are ous liquors, were not considered by you leave them destitute. improvident we are provident. Your them, either as useful or necessary. race will be short ours will be long. The sugar tree supplied them with In the eye of the Almighty, who dis- sugar and molasses. Th«y had, therefore, no want but what they could charges his duty? You or I?" the
In
same book
j
—
—
1718
— Customs
—
of
Early Amish- Men-
nites.
Mr.
Conyngham
in
Vol.
7
of Haz.
gratify.
As land was easily acquired, it was in the power of each individual to ibe a large proprietor
Reg., p. 150, speaks thus of the early
agreed
dress of the people saying that the
practises."
with
their
but this neither professions and
EARLY 17IS
— Earli(>>t
Form
I'X)R.MS
OF FiAPTTSM AND SACRAMENT.
Administer-
209
and breaks
it, then hands it around saying "Take, eat, this is my body;" then taking up the pitcher, Mr. Conyngham in the same book he returns thanks to God, then handlast referred to, p. 131, gives this as ing the pitcher to the congregation, the early form of baptism, which he he says "Drink ye all of it." The peosays they had brought over from the ple partake of the Holy sacrament old country. "In administering the whilst walking around the table, talkfight of baptism the following rule' ing with each other sociably; and was observed: The person to be bapafter having finished the bread and tised being an adult kneels; a wine, sing a hymn and then return to preacher holds his hand over him or their respective dwellings." her while the deacon pours water into the hands of the preacher, which runs 1718— The ^lennonite Settlement, the on the head of the person to be bapThickest Settlement in the Intertised, after which prayer accompanied ior of the Prounce. by the imposition of hands closes the ceremony." In Vol. 3 of the Col. Rec, p. 37. un-
ing:
«»f
Sacrament, Hiiptism,
the
etc.
table
|
I
j
,
Conyngham then goes on and
gives
I
form that another sect practised on the same page, as follows: "One of the Mennonist sect baptise after this fashion; the person to be baplised is accompanied to a stream oi water by a large number of people, attended by persons playing on various instruments of music and some singing. The preacher stands on the bank and pours water on the head of the
'
;
:
^^^ the date of the 13th of February, Governor Keith acquainted the Board of certain dangers at Conestoga by Maryland people and he says that they were surveying land not far from Conestoga. "near the thickest of our settlements" to the great disturbance of the neighborhood there. I simply quote this item to show that the Governor called this the thickest 1^18,
of
our interior settlements.
the person, who is in the stream, say1718 Swiss and Germans Who Came ing "[ baptise thee in the name of the to Lancaster Connty Prior Father, and of the Son, and of the to This Date. Holy Ghost."
—
j
What
sect
of
them
followed
this
In Vol. 4 of the Statutes at Large 147) there is a list of persons who
not tell. As to the sacrament, the form came from Switzerland and the Palatwas this, says Conyngham, on the i"^te to Lancaster County, prior to sime page: "The principal ancient ^'^1^- ^he list in part is the same as assessment list of Conestoga ^lennonists pursue the mode pointed the
custom,
early
I
mode
can
(p.
of
out in the New Testament, in administering the sacrament. See the eighteenth verse of the twenty-sixth chai)ter of St. Matthew. The preacher sends a message to a member "Make ready for the passover." In the evening the congregation collect; and on a table are placed small loaves of bread and a pitcher of wine, and as th?y eat, the preacher blesses the bread (see the twenty-sixth verse)
—
Township &iven;
names
of
1718,
which
we have
but
there are the following in addition to those appearing
^^ that
list:
MJartyn Mylin, Jacob Funk, Franciscus Neiff, Sr., Franciscus Neiff, Jr.,
Abraham
Burkholder, Michael Bohman, John Frederic, Martin Harnist, Michael Mire, Henry Bare, Peter Bumgartner. Melcor Erishman, Jacob Goot, John Woolslegle, Jacob Mire,
GERMAN-SWISS IMMIGRATION AND LAND GRANTS.
210
Hews, 400 acres near Conestoga, (p. ^warrant to Richard Carter, Con-
Christopher Somers, Joseph Stoneman, Daniel Ashleman, Christopher Jacob Hare, Abrahann Peelman, Leaman, Peter Yordea, Biere, Peter John Jacob Snevely, Isiaac Coffman, Andrew Coffman, Woolrich Rodte,
648)
—
200 acres (p. 649)— grant to Joseph Steman, 100 acres near Conestoga warrant to Christian Stone or Steman, 100 acres near Conestogi Roody Mire, Jacob Bheme, John Coff- (both page 650). Andrew We may say in reference to the Doneder, Michael man, Mathias tract of Theodorus Eaby that it was a Preniman, Shults, Christian Jacob grant on Mill Creek, at the point Slaremaker, big John Shank, Churts, John Croyder, John Leeghte, where the Old Peters Road today
Newcomat, Peter Mire, Abraham Longnicker, David Henry Mire, Woolrich Houser, John Mussleman. Peter Aybe, Hans Goot, Christian Staner, John Jacob Light, William Loughman, Frederic Stay, John Line. John Shoope, Bastian Royer, Jonas Lerow, Simeon King, Joyn Aybe and Everard Ream. Conestoga was a large section in those This list includes residents of times. the whole county.
John
1718
estoga
—
crosses that creek,
Haniipher,
_ Land
Grants
and
Warrants
The
list
Eaby
i
Mill.
for Con-
This
known mill
of
as the Ress-
Theodorus
referred to in the laying out of a road in 1726, (the records of which are in Chester County), extending from near Downingtown, originally, to the junction of the Cooalico and Conestoga Creeks. We note also that it became necessary at this time for Penn's land commissioners to order James Steele, the surveyor general, to prevent Maryland from surveying lands about Conis
estoga,
This Year on the Conestoga. Vol. 19 of the Sec. Ser. of the Pa. Arch, sets forth the following warrants for or grants of land in 1718 in
Lancaster Connty.
ler
among our Germans. (Do
625).
1718— The German Cattle and the Indian Corn Fields at Conestoga. Vol. 19, of the Sec. Ser. of the Pa. Arch, sets forth that the late settlements on or near Conestoga Creek make necessary that the Indian fields about the town should be closed by a good fence to secure the Indians' corn from the horses, cattle and hogs
estoga consists of 200 acres to Moses Comb, a brother-in-law of Peter Bizalion (p. 625)— patent to Hans Pupather, 700 acres--to Pupather and Hershey, 1000 acres— to Daniel Herman Michael Sh©nk and may fence in 200 acres more for conacres to 450 Henry Pare, 400 acres (p. 628)— war- venience of pasturage; 300 acres were rant to Theodorus Eaby, 300 acres (p. of the new settlers; and the govern ordered that the therefore, 637) —patent to Thos. Baldwin, 200 ment, tract the of part made and that James a be as should stated fences acres, Hendricks-^warrant the same out of for James should pay Logan laid out to to warrant acres public funds, not over 20,000 pounds. to Henry Pare, 300 640) (all p. Hans Shenk, 200 aces, 1718 John Cartlidge at Conestoga warrant to Robert Wilkins 150 acres, Allowed to Fence Off Pasturage. above Conestoga (p. 641)— warrant to In the same book, pag>e 644, it is Thos. Morgan, on branch of the Conof the land Creek warrant to Gabriel stated that at a meeting estoga commissioners, held Jan. 18th, this Davis, 450 acres, same place— warrant year, John Cartlidge, having seated to Hugh Hughes, 500 acres same place 642)— warrant to William himself between Conestoga Creek and
—
—
—
(all
page
—
—
sp:ttlements about conestoga.
fronting on said river, and to include the said improvement; to extend as far back into the woods as the place will bear, for which said Peter agrees to give 70 pounds and 1 shilling yearly, sterling, quit rent to Christopher. Warrant signed Jan. 2.5. 1719, for 700 acres.
the Susqiit^lianna River, desires a grant of 300 acres, aaid also that he granted to him at ten pounds per
hundredweight and one shilling ing quit
sterl-
The 200 acres he is fence in and hold for
rent.
permitted to pasturage for the term of fourteen years, in consideration of the good services he has done among the new settlers of those parts as well as to the Indians, wliose toAvn is very near to
his
dwelling.
A
211
1718
— Maryland
EncrcKU-hes on Our.
German Land. In the Sec. Ser. of the Penna. Arch. Vol. 19 (p. 625) it is recorded that,
warrant for said
grant is signed dated Dec. 11, 1716, for 300 acres, and for 200 acres.
Mathias Van Bebber from Maryland, taking with him Henry Hollingsworth 1718—Christian Selileg:el's Old Mill surveyed a considerable tract near Site Granted to Edninnd Cartlidge. head of Pequea, including in same old Sawannah town, by virtue of warsame book G44) we find In the (p. Edmund Cartlidge having purchased rants from Maryland and offered the of Christopher people settled there under this gova pretended right lands in right of Schlegle to a tract of land and ordi- ernmnt to sell Annary grist mill on a -jranch of the Maryland and make good titles. Conestoga, which the said Christopher dros issued proceedings to dispossess by not complying with the terms on them and ten pounds reward to any which it was granted, became void. one apprehending the surveyor. But the said Edmund having since James Steel was ordered to Conesbuilt and erected a good mill on the toga to present like orders there. same land, the grant of 400 acres to At the same time 500 acres near the be laid out to him, including his Old Sawannah Town on the Pequea buildings and improvements for 10 Creek was surveyed to Col. French, pounds 100 acres and 1 shilling quit for the interest he took in keeping rent and was signed Oct. 1, 1717, for Maryland people from taking up land i
i
400 acres.
1718—Nathaniel
in
the
Pequea Valley, that was
in-
Tract tended for our Germans. These operations took place evidently near the Ahore Conestoga, Granted to head of the Pequea Creek in Salisbury Peter Bizalion. township. There was such a town In the same volume of the Archives there. was It the town of the it is stated that Peter Bizalion. havShawanee Indians. There as also ing purchased a small improvement one of their towns on the Octorara. made by Nathaniel Christopher, on near Christiana, and another at the the Susquehanna River above Conmouth of Pequea called Sequehan. estoga, desires to purchase 700 acres 1718 A Few Peqnea Settlements. of land to include the said improvewhole being for Nathaniel ment, the This year, according to the same and his wife, daughter of .John Comb, book, there were additional warrants It is agreed that for land on the Pequea, some to the late of Philadelphia. 700 acres be laid out to said Martha. Swiss and some to the English. the wife of said Peter Bizalion, in the Thre was a patent to Ezekial Kennett place aforesaid, in a regular tract for 200 acres (p. 625) one to WilChristopher's
—
—
SUSQUEHANNA, PEQUEA AND STRASBURCx ADDITIONS.
212
We
liam Middleton for 100 acres, (p. 640)
—warrants
Owen
to
remember that
John perhaps the
O'Neil,
or
year,
this
later part of the previous
was the first big migration of Swiss and Germans to our acres (p. 621)— and, also, (p. 650), county, after the first colony came in there is a record of a warrant to 1710 and 1711 and perhaps, 1712. beMichael Donnager for 300 acres, near tween which two settlements, there Pequea Creek, and he was to pay one was five years of a recess. Blake and
shilling ly,
David
Jones
sterling per 100
quit rent.
each
year,
100
acres year-
The same year
a
there
— Lands
Taken Up at Snsqnehanna This Year. Turning in the same book to Susquehanna, we find that a warrant was
war- 1718
rant was given to Thomas Edwrad for 250 acres "back in the county of There is a furChester" (p. 651). this year to lay out to Peter John Frencn granted the ther record about Carterer, 300 acres on the Susque(p. 681) the
tract,
same year.
hanna "where
had settled, at his father's request" and (p. 634) a warrant to John Henry Henison for laJ^ing out 100 acres at Susquehanna, part of 10,000 acres sold to Redegeldt by his land commissioners, a part of which Redelgeldt transferred to Heni-
1718— Land Taken About Straslmrg This Tear. three 628) In tiie same book (p. hundred acres were granted to Isaac
his father
Lefever at Strasburg anl the patent was granted to Hans Hawry (Howry) and fifty son. for 300 acres at Strasburg and at the same acres land (p. 632) 1719—Hart Nylin's Gun Factory. page, there is a record of a patent to Rupp tells us that Martin Mylin, Wendell Bowman for 250 acres at who landed here in 1710, built a gun Strasburg, and it stated to be "parr, of factory on Mylin's run in Lampeter the land granted to the Palatines in Township in 1719. (Rupp, p. 74.) It 1710" at the same page also are reis well known that the gun factory corded a patent to Hans Moyer at industry was begun in this section one to Strasburg for 350 acres very earlj-. In the time of the RevoMelker Prenneman for 500 acres and lutionary War, there was a gun faca warrant to Jacob Hockstatter for tory in the neighborhood of Smithville 250 acres at the same place and a.\so on a run of water there, and in other a warrant to Jacob Kryter for 250 county.
—
—
—
acres,
(p.
633)
—
parts of the
a warrant for 200
—
acres to Christopher Pranciscus (p. 639) a patent to Hans Graeff for 300 acres one to Christopher Franciscus for 150 acres and one to Hans Snyder for 200 acres, all at Strasburg and U). patent to 640) there is recorded a Abram Herr for 600 acres at Strasburg; and (at p. 642) a warant to Hans Line, Strasburg, for 900 acres; and also a warrant to Hans Graeff for All these 1100 acres at Strasburg. warrants and patents in and about Strasburg were granted by Penn's land authorities, in the year 1718.
1719
—Dunkards
in
Pequea,
or
C'on-
estoga.
—
Kuhns I
tells
us
that
this
year the
Dunkards were founded. Alexander Mack of Schwarzenau in Westfalia, began the foundation of that
faith
as
Though they became early as 1708. perfected as an organization about 1719 and on or about the same year twenty of those famileis came and settled in G'ermantown on the Skippach, Montgomery County at Oley,
—
—
Berks County, and on the Conestoga, Lancaster County. (Kuhns, 179.)
!
MILL CREEK (JERMAN SWISS SETTLEMENTS.
—
1719
Propertios
(•eriiiaii-8>vis.s
up the same
at
(2
21:;
votes of Assembly,
p.
253).
Coiiestotrn.
This year, accordius to the records of Penn's land cammissioners. David Powell agreed to take 3,000 acres of
1719— .Mill
Creek
.Mennonite
.Settle-
ment Beenin.
Conynghani in Vol. 7 of Hazard's vacant land back of the late survey, Reg., 124, says that the word p. uiK)a which he had settled divers "Tunkers" was a name given to the families of Palatines, to whom he sold ?ect that broke off from the Baptists the whole 3,000 acres. Th^is was for 'n Philadelphia and moved up the 300 i)ounds. (Second Series of the country. In the year 1719, about Pa. Arch. Vol 19. p. 663.) William twenty families came to Philadelphia, Grimpson, "who dwells on the road some settled at Pequea, some at Gergoin? to Conestoga." is to have 100 mantown, some at Skippack, etc. In acres that belonged to John Hendricks the year 1729, more than thirty famiHans Weaver was given 500 lies arrived within the province, be(p. 690). acres on the Conestoga Creek, four longing to the original church of The Tunkers were miles above Hans Groff's. James Le- Schwardzenau. tort who had taken up land between originally Calvanists and were bapthe Conestoga and the Pacstang on tized in the river Eder by Schwardzethe east side of the Susquehanna nau. The words, Tunkers in German River, at a convenient place to trade —Baptists in Greek and Dippers in vith the Indians, desired 500 acres English, have all the same significamore laid out, fronting on the river, tion. Persecution drove some to Holand a warrant dated Jan. 25, 1719, was land, and some to Crefeldt. The origcongregation removed from granted to him. The price was 50 inal Schwardzenau Sornstervin to in Friezpounds and 15 shillings quit rent. land, and from thence to Pennsylvania 1719— New Strasburer Laid Out. i- 1719.
—
In this
the date,
same book it
(p.
stated
is
Ream is given 200 New Strasburg, at
652) under that Edward
acres of
1720— Lands Taken Up in Conestoga and Strasburer by Swiss and land near !
pounds and 1 Just where this is,: 20
Germans.
j
shilling quit rent.
This year 600 acres of land were
known' warranted to David Lewis on a branch that Everhard Ream, about 1724, was of the Conestoga in tv/o parcels (2nd given the first grant of land, which is Ser. Pa. Arch., Vol. 19, p. 707). The now Reamstown. same year Walter Wr.lters and others examined the country back in the 1719— A Law to he Drawn in Favor of is
difficult
to
tell.
It
is
well
—
j
the .llennonites.
On
the
11th
of
February
of
this
Conestoga branches to find a place to settle themselves and their families, where they desired 2,000 acres, above the lands of Evan Jones and others. They were allowed 1,000 acres. This was on the head waters of Conestoga (Do. 708). There were settlements tile same year on Oc:oraro to James Cotton, 200 acres near Xottiugh^m and to John Matthews, near Mus-
year a motion was made in the Assembly that leave be granted to bring in a bill to settle and confirm the foreigners in their possessions and to make firm all the sales heretofore made by them. The Assembly ordered that leave be granted to bring in such a bill and David Lloyd should draw grove's 200 acres (Do. 704-708).
—
i
{
;;
]\ffiiNNONIST
214
CHILDREN AND INDIAN PLAYMATES.
About the same time, Hans Geo. of aim. In wrestling, and in most of Sbutz and Mathias Reuger were given their exercises, the Indian boys ex500 acres of land including the old celled; but in the mechanical arts the plantation, v/here Peter P. Bizalion little emigrants had the advantage. I lived (Do. 626) and Thomas Edwards have often seen the chiefs reclining was given 250 acres "back in the on the ground leaning on the arm, County of Chester" v/hich was the looking at the diversions and amusename of this section before Lancaster ments
i
County was erected (Do. 651). Page 289 of same book, it is stated that a tract of 30,000 acres in the upper part of Chester County was laid
out soon after in
it
was
first
that
purchased
We may also note that, in 1686, by Act of Assembly, 20,000 acres of land on the Conestoga were vested in Chas. Reed and others in trust. This, later deeds show, included practically the whole peninsula, between Pequea and Conestoga creeks, from the Susquehamia River, many miles up said Creeks. (Recorder's Office of LancasBook
Cliildren
and when the
little
of
Germans would show anger, when they were
unsuccessful, by giving a blow, and taking up a stone and unceremoniously hurl it at the head of a competitor, which the little Indians would receive with the utmost complacency. by seeing a I was one day amused struggle between an Indian and a German, the former was younger, but more active than the latter, and the little son of the forest was evidently playing wiith the strength of his adthe German became heated, versary and exerting all his strength, endeavored to throw his adversary with some force upon the ground, but the wily Indian gave a sudden trip, which caused the German to fall beneath; who. rising angrily, seized a stone and levelled his opponent to the
j
B, p. 213, etc.)
1720—Mennonite
the
some degree
1686.
ter Co.,
of the children;
little Indian would excel, they would laugh very heartily. It would not unfrequently happeoi,
Play With
;
the Indians. |
A
very interesting topic in the life the Mennonito families in the early of times is shown in 7 Haz. Reg., p. 163, in an account given by the ancient Amish-Mennonite of those early times, r.s follows: "An aged member of the Amish or Ommish faith relates, that he often heard his grandfather say, +Lat his family was one ol the first of the Europeans who settled v\'est of the
|
I
i
chiefs who were near laughed very heartily, for the little white faces diid not stay to see the result, but ran hastily homewaTdB, dreading the severe catigation. In all
earth. ^
i
I
and every transaction, we had with the Indians, we found them mild and peaceable; and as just related, not
|
That the Indians lived near them; and that the German and would frequently children Indian play together in the neighbouring wigwam. Some times you would see them engaged in eonests of foot race; in which the Indian lads would excel although the German lads would discard their clothes, to put them on an savages. Somectquality of the naked times with the bow and arrow, but here the little Indians would all show their superiority in skill, and accuracy
The
Conestoga.
j
j
\
[
|
{
'
j
[
disposed to revenge, when the act appeared to be a momentary burst of I have often seen the little passion. Brennemans, children of a Mennonist emigrant, playing in the most sportive and innocent manner with the little red faces, and I never knew or heard of one little white face receiving an injury from their red brethren: that is.
i
no intentional injury.
j
GERMAN-SWISS ACTIVITIES HERE. 1720— Arrival
of a Ship-Load of Ger-
mans and Swiss
IniinitrraiUs
sume; and as the rules forbid the disposal
Not
215
of
of our Society the surplus, I
can not accept your liberal offer: but you may divide it among my married In the American Weekly Mercury, children, who at present reside with under date of September 1, 1720, there, me." This individual is supposed to an item stating that "the ship' have been a man named Kurtz. is Laurel, John Cappel from Liverpool, 1720 Conrad Beissel Reaches with 240 odd Palatines, who came here America This Tear. to settle" just arrived Oiliciallj
Kecorded.
—
This is the only place where a reAccording to Harris' Biographical people these of shipload cord of this History of Lancaster County, p. 44, "Rupp's in not It is is to be found. Conrad Beissel arrived in America in Thirty Thousand Names," nor in any 1720, and settled at Millport, in I^nof the ship registers. Pennypacker in caster County in 1729; where he and His serhis preface to the reprinted first vol- a companion built a house. ume of the Mercury says that this is vices to the early colonists in arrangthe only place any knowledge of this ing Indian matters, is one of the particular shipment of immigrants is greatest instances of life devoted to The "American Weekly betterment of conditions to be found. to be found. Mercury," which began publication on About 1759, as I recollect it, there the 22nd of December, 1719, in Phila- was an attempt to burn his house. delphia, was the third newspaper in Bundles of straws were laid about the United States, in point of time. The doors and windows and ignited, but It is a refirst was a newspaper called "Public the fire was extinguished. Occurances," first issued September markable fact that nearly 150 years 25, 1690, in Boston, then the "Boston later, a similar attempt to burn that Letter," first issued in 1704— "Mercury." There was a the then pai)er known as the "Boston Gazette," issued on the 21st of December, 1719, but as that was the only issue, we may say it died the day it began, and thus, could hardly be called a news-
same house resulted
paper.
Votes of Assembly, 12th of p. 297, it is stated that on the October of that year a petition of a considerable number of Swiss- Palasetting forth the reason for tines, removing themselves or their families into this province, and praying leave to bring in a bill for their naturalization and to be exempt from swearing and bearing arms was presented to
News
1721— German-Swiss
Absence
of
Avarice
Object to Bear-
ing Arms. In Vol.
1720— The
in its destruction
This Millport, howabout 1909 or ever, is now in Berks County, but was in 1729 part of Lancaster County. '10.
in
Early German-Swiss Life.
We
are told in an article in Vol. 7 p. 150, of a reply made by a Mennonite in 1720 upon an offer of 1000 acres of land granted to him In the year 1720, a thousand acres of Haz. Reg.,
2 of the
an influential member by the proprietary tbe House and read. The Assembly agent, but he refused the grant saying ordered the bills to lie on the table so "It is beyond my desire, also my abil- as to be examined by the members of upon ity to clear; if clear beyond my power the House afterwards for action docinteresting an be would This would it it. to cultivate; if cultivated, and the people good these of yield more than my family could con- ument
were offered
of the
Amish
to
faith
I
'
CONESTOGA HIGHWAYS TO PHILADELPHIA.
216 times
early
if
it
could be found.
I
cannot find any act passed to relieve them from bearing arms but tliey were frequently naturalized from time to time as they applied. I am inclined to believe that they could be relieved from military service only by paying a bounty as has been the law
under date of July ath, that year, that the Governor arrived at Conestoga at noon and in the evening v.'ent to Captain Civility's cabin. The Governor held part of the treaty set
is
forth,
at the cabins
of the different Chiefs'
and then adjourned to the house of John Cartlidge and continued the in some later days. treaty on the 8th of July. It appeared 1721—Menuonist Outlet to Philadelthat large numbers of the Swiss Palaphia. tines were present at this treaty and This year we find there was a prothe Indians told the Governor that ceeding to improve the road which led they would take very good care that from the Mennonite Colony about these settlers were not interfered The reConestoga to Philadelphia. with, and the Governor refers to the cord is set forth in Vol. 3 of the Col. town of Conestoga, that is, the Indian Rec, p. 142. The petitioners state that the Ju.dges of the Courts of Chester County lately directed a road to be laid out in the highway to Conestoga,
which road runs through uninhabited land quite up to the Mennonite settlement on this side of Conestoga and they think that the change that is asked for here is not a good one. These good people had a road of some inferior character as early as 1714 and in a petition filed in the Quarter Sessions of Lancaster County in 1734, to improve it, they speak of having used it
It 20 years before that date. King's make a to also proposed
for
was Highway out
as early as May, 1718, and the Mennonite people around Conestoga were the leaders in trying to
get
this
of
it
improvement,
for
town.
We
are to notice here that the In-
dwellings are referred to as cabins and not tents; so they likely built small houses here. Some light on this treaty and the conditions about Conestoga is given in a small book published on Neath Street, Dublin, in 1723. The publisher there goes on to say that the Indian Village of Conestoga lies 70 miles directly west of Philadelphia, and that the land there is very rich and is "now surrounded with divers fine plantations or farms, where they raise quantities of wheat, barley, flax and hemp, without the I merely quote help of any dung." dians'
this so as to give a picture of the forof agriculture by our Mennonite ancestors at this early date of 1723. We must remember that they had only reached this section five or six years before, and thus, that they
which wardness
they signed a petition that same year. This may be seen in Vol. 3 of the Col. Rec, p. 43. This road was what is now known as the Long Lane, passing through Conestoga, Pequea and other were good farihers is clearly shown. of what townships to the East, beginning at This was in the neighborhood is now Indiantown, in the central part Rock Hill and going through StrasIt was the earliest outlet to burg. Philadelphia that these ancient people had.
1721— The Conestog-a Palatines
Assist
in the Indian Treaty of This Tear.
In Vol.
3
of the Col.
Rec,
p. 121, it
of
Manor Township. The account fur-
ther goes on to state that the Governor was attended by between 70 and 80 horsemen well armed and that great there, arrived when they amounts of provisions were provided. Thus, we see that our ancestors were
i
\
j
)
GEIWIAN-SWISS CONTINTK TO FLOCK TO CONESTOUA. rp'ady to co-o|)erato of
way; however thy opinion
with the projects
Pennsylvania.
ter line
1721— The Takina Ip
of
Land
in
Taylor Pai)ers. Xo. 3323, paper inrlorserl '"lauds in Chester County" and on one of the first pages, this heading, "lands on Pequea and Conestoga, 38937 acres." how early this account I cannot tell was set forth of lands surveyed in Conestoga, for our Mennonite ancestors: but it is as early as 1721 and perhaps earlier. This shows that at In
the is
a
I
I
I
!
i
i
of the land that contained the ore deposits.
From
to
In
;'.
Spoken
Conestogra,
Col. Rec.
light on
how
p.
Philadelphia Of.
142. is given
the country
was
some devel-
I
is
set
1
of those
people,
new road was
setting forth that a laid out ana
lately
to sell.
cleared in the highway to Conestowhich "runs all along through ga; uninhabited and unsettled lands, quite up to the Palatine settlements on this side of Conestoga"; and they then go on and ask to have certain changes made on this road and viewers are appointed etc., for that purpose. I quote this simply to show the activity of that time.
Discovered in Conestoga.
1721-
among our
activity
ances-
and in fact, from 1714 onward, in the Taylor Papers, there are letters upon letters, showing the extreme anxiety for land on the ConAbout this time complaint estoga. was made that nearly all the back lands were taken up and there is very
1721
find
'
tors at this time
more
estoga, and
now Manor oping around Conestoga. In a petitAnd about the ion signed by a considerable number
Taylor sets forth his authority forth. I cite this simply to for all of this.
little
was found about ConJohn Cartlidge wanted to out whether he could buy some
ter is that ore
is
Township 16,500 acres. same time, a survey on Chickies
show the
an opportunity present a conversation and consultation yt best measures further about ye same, which Respectfully from is all at present. the true and loving friend, John Cartlidge." The sense of the above let-
1721—The Road
that time, the immense sum of nearly lOrt square miles of land was surveyed and taken up. In paper 3349, a surveyor renders a bill for surveying
Conestoga Manor, which
mat-
yt
what is desired by me, and a or two from thy hand to advise, is
till
Conestoirn.
there
in
21'
— Ores
Under the date
of the 17th of Feb2-22 Taylor, Paper
ruary, 1721, No. No. 2975, the following letter is found: "Isaac Taylor, Esteemed Friend: These inform thee yt there has come into this province from New England
—
a gentleman
named John McNeal and
he hath been with me and hath viewed ye iron ore and matter yt we laid I suppose yt I will sell to them out. as I have advised him to note how we shall ye most easy way come at ye land, if we conclude with business for if any old rights can be had, I incline most to make a purchase yt
ralatiiies
Tell
Why
they Left
the Palatinate. In Vol. 297,
under
2.
Votes of this
Assembly,
p.
Palatines the religious reasons
date,
forth that for financial difficulties, etc., they left the Rhine valley and came to Conestoga Country, where greater lib-
set
and
erty of conscience
1722— .Vctivity
was allowed them.
on
the
Conestoga
River In Vol. 9 of the Penna. 714, there is a record of
Arch., p. 200 acres
granted near Stephen Atkinson above Conestoga Manor to Edna Dougherty
—
GERMAN-SWISS GENEROSITY TO INDIANS.
218
a return made of an Page 720 "Casper additional grant. ttie Smitli" having desired a tract of land, is given 100 acres" where some Indians settled on Conestoga Creek, this year, asked for 200 acres, two near Atkinson's mill." On the same page it is recorded that "Stephen Atkinson requests the grant of a parcel of land lying in the barrens behind his plantation for a erecting mill and that "Logan has writ to Isaac Taylor about it; Vide book of letters." The land was given to him.
and
fat p. 718)
estoga originally, included all the reRiver gion from the Susquehanna almost to the Octorara particularly all of the great middle belt of our County. It extended south to present Drumore, east to the Gap, including the Earls, Leacocks, etc. In 1720, Salisbury and Gap and adjacent sections were organized into Pequea Township. Our present Pequea Town-
—
ship
is
no part
of old
Pequea Town-
The
inhabitants were the Davises, Powells, Gaits, Clarks, Morgans, Cooksins, Collins, and others. The Lefevers and Ferrees are also 1722— Settlement Activity on Goto- mentioned; but they lived farther raro north than we now think. (Cope and Futhey.) This section was not really In the same book. p. 714, John Asold Conestoga proper. part of a ler or Hassler, a tailor, is recorded section of West the northwest But settlement near as having made a Arthur Park on a branch of Octoraro Conestoga included what is now Donship.
Seager egal, Conoy, Mount Joy, Rapho, etc. -about the same time John asks for a tract (p 710), also on In 1723, this section was cut off from .
—
Susquehanna, Gordon Howard, two miles from Garlbseath's Mill to the northward and about four miles back of Susquehanna River (p. 713) also Pat Gammel wants land on the Suspuehanna River (p. 715). the
—
1722
—^Mlennonite
Hospitality
and
the old Township. Most of the inhabitants in the new section were Scotch-Irish; but a few Germans were also in that section,
Ephraim
Moor,
Jos.
Woork.
John
(Jardner and others.
1723— John Meylin Joins Ephnita Commnnity.
Charity towards Indians.
makes a simple note of Meylin joining the John Pala- the fact it recorded that this year the Sieben Taeger (Seventh Day) fraterntines undertook to bring corn to the Ephrata and assuming the name Indians at Conestoga as their stock ity at There "Amos" or "Bruder Amos." seemed to be exhausted. It seems, seem, at the present day, to does not however, there was to be a small payment for the same. This was the be any branch of the Meylin family so In Vol.
3,
Col. Rec. p. 153,
we
find
Rupp
(74)
of
—
connected. season of hard times the first panic in Pennsylvania. We are told also in 1723 German Palatines of >ew York the same book, p. 179 and 180, that Come to Pennsylvania. there was great scarcity of bread at In the great Gennan Exodus of 1709, Conestoga and the Governor went up which we have spoken before. Govof to that country to find out how presernor Hunter brought 3,000 of those sing the need was, (p. 181). (who were landed and Palatines 1723— Conestoga Township DiTided. stranded in England in the Exodus) The good old German-Swiss region to New York. They camped or lived of Lancaster County, known as Con- in New York till the fall of 1710, and
—
POVERTY OK THE PALATINE IMMIGRANTS. then the Queen of England provided for their transportation to a wilderness near Schoharie, New York, where it seems one of the chiefs of the Five
21&
because of the great quantities
fleld
hemp
c'.
raised.
1723— Weavers Take
Rupp
Nations gave a tract of land, because Welsh this chief and several of his tribe (who
says
(p.
Ip Weber-Thiil
191)
that while
the
making Improvements, some Swiss and Germans settled in were
get England to of Conestoga south Weber-Thai, send a force to reduce the French in Creek, so called from the Webers o.Canada), saw the destitute condition Weavers who took up between two of these Germans, while they lay in and three thousand acres of land in England in their poverty and misery. George Weber and Hans 1723 or 4. The laws of New York did not suit Guth, brothers-in-law, Jacoband the Germans— and therefore, in 1723, Swiss, all Weber and Henry Weber, they asked permission to come to were the first settlers, contiguous to Pennsylvania. They were allowed to the Welsh. The name "Guth'" became
were
England
in
to
so, and settled on Tulpehocken and "Good." Swatara Creeks becoming the foun-
do
—
The Webers and Goods had
settled in Lancaster County twelve or fifteen years earlier and lived near present city of Lancaster. the good account of their early move-
dation of some of the best German stock of Upper Lancaster, Dauphin and A Montgomery Counties. Conrad Weiser descended from them. (Rupp 183 and' ments and connections is contained in 4.) The petition of these people for a record owned in 1842 by Samuel
permission to come to Pennsylvania Weaver. also found in the Colonial Records. 1723 Onr Poor Palatine Ancestors 1725—Mary Ditcher and Palatines. Cannot Pay Passage. According to Hazard (See Register
is
1
—
I
There is a notice in the American the first proprietor of Weekly Mercury of January 15, 1723, the western end of the Hempfields, calling on the Mennonists of Conwas a peculiar old German woman Rupp also estoga to pay the passage money of named Mary Ditcher. quotes Hazard (p. 189) and says that their brethren who were then coming "the land back from the River was to the Susquehanna Valley and advissettled principally by Germans For- ing them that if the passage money Sherricks, Garbers, was not paid, the delinquents would Stricklers, rys, Therefore, Their first purchase was from be sold into servitude. etc." Vol.
9,
p.
113)
—
an old woman, who used to go through the country making what was then called "improvements" a few sticks a fire kindled and a piled together pot hung over it. This constituted a Those who could pay for first right. the land had first choice; but these generally were "improvements" bought for a trifle. Mary Ditcher is described as wandering through the woods, leading an old horse, her only property, with her knitting in her hand; and clad in a garment chiefly of sheep skin. This was called Hemp-
—
—
before any of us became overbearing or haughty, we had better look into bhese ancient names and annals.
The notice "These are Palatines
as follows:
is
who
give notice that rhe were advertised to be
to
head of Elk River in Maryland, are now come up to Philadelphia and
at the
will be disposed of for five years each,
any one paying their passage money If any of their 10 £ per head. friends, the Dutch at Conestoga, have a mind to clear any of them, they may to
at
see
them
at this Port."
;; 1
GERMAN-SWISS BEGIN REAMSTOWN AND SALUNGA.
22ft
1723—A Hitherto Unknown Shipload
200 acres of land on a branch of that
creek including a small Indian settle-
of Palatines. i
In
the
Mercury
we
find
year,
a
of
brief
June
6th,
article
He had
the
Indians "consent to settle and pay the purchase money down."
can
ment
this
stating
called
Cocalico.
the Brigantine that came out This is very definite. It shows that with the Beaver bound to Philadelphia Conestoga was recognized as extendwas not Captain Lee's, but Captain Lee's Brigantine sailed out of the ing up to the region of Adamstown, River a tide before Captain Fitch, etc., and tliis lay entirely across the heing bound to Holland, to take in present county, following up the ConPalatines for Pennsylvania. estoga Creek, almost to its source. It also definitely locates a small Indian I note this item only for the purpose of recording the name of the vessel village; and shows his fair dealing and of its captain interested in bring- and that he had means. that
|
|
I
'
ing our Mennonite ancestors here, as 1721 Our Swiss Mennonite Ancestors the records from official sources are Begin the Settlement of Salunga not yet complete. Frequently, our people today, try to trace their family and Chickies. history back to the ship in which they In the book last mentioned (p. 724) aiTived. we find that this year, Michael Shank 1721 Everhard Keam Begins Eeams- requested and was allowed 250 acres Jacob of land near Checosolungas. town. Graeff requested the same amount Rupp (p. 190) relates that this year, near that place. Henry Work and Ream, whose descendants still reside John Garrett were also given tracts in the village called after him, began of land (the size not specified) at this the settlement of the northeastern time "near Conestoga or Shecossolunpart of present Lancaster County. He gus." "'Shecossolungus" is our Chickstates that Ream journeyed to the ies Creek. spot with his wagon, into the woods 1721— Additional German-Swiss Setthereabout and unloaded his "fixtures tleTiients at Conestoga. and furniture"' under an oak tree and lived there until he built a small hut In the Second Series of the Pennsyl-
—
!
i
j
—
is now known as (or was in vania Archives (p. 721) it is recorded He gives as the Lesher farm. that Mart Mayley desires a grant of Ream's earliest neighbors, the Buch100 acres in the "Point" in a fork of ers, Hubers, Walters, Kellers, LeadConestoga Creek, near the land called Schneiders, Kilers, Schwarwalders, "William Willis's," to make tiles and lians. Docks, Forneys, Rupps, Balis a request mers, Mays, Mayers, Hahns, Resslers, l)ricks. At p. 724, there of ordiacres 50 for Herr Boyers, Leets, Schlotts, Groffs, Wolfs, by Christian Feiersteins, Weidmans and others. He nary land in Conestoga, joining his
on what 1843)
does not tell us the source of his information. In the Second Series of the Penna. Archives, Vol. 19, p. 725, there is recorded a minute that "Eberhard Ream of Conestoga requests a grant of about
other land. that
And
p.
726, it is
James Als Couradt,
recorded
rector,
re-
quests the grant of a piece of land near Conestoga, adjoining to Frederickful. Just what and where "Frederickful" is, we cannot tell.
GERMAN-SWrSS AGITATE THEIR NATURALIZAT-IOX 1724
— Earliest Yard
in
Kiunvn
Tile
and Brick
Lancaster County.
I
'
I
Referring
we may
to
the
last
named
item,
call attention to the fact that
Mart Mayley
(or Mylin), very likely, the first tiles and brick in this county. We know there were tiled
made
Mart Mylin
houses here very early.
was evidently a genius.
Rupp
tells
us
that in 1719, he erected a Boring Mill on Mylin's Run, in West Lampeter Township, and that he was also the first gunsmith in our county. (p. 74)
1724
—Our
Swiss Mennonist Brethren
Apply for >'aturalization.
Rupp
(p.
194)
notices
the
efforts
our Swiss ancestors were compelled to make in order to be naturalized, to hold land and pass it on to for their children, at their death; without naturalization, they could not do so. He states that as early as 1721, they began to petition for naturalization, but it was not until 1724 that they were given permission to bring a bill before the Assembly, to naturalize them. It could only be done then, provided each German or Swiss would obtain from a Justice of the Peace, a certificate of the value of his property, the nature of his religious faith, that
etc.
table.
The next day
and debated, and
it
221
it was read again was resolved that
many of these petitioners as shall bring certificates from the Justices of the Courts, signifying the lands they hold and of what conversation they are reputed: and also have taken the oath or affirmation and declaration of fidelity and allegiance, and set forth the profession of their religious belief as the law directs, shall have leave to bring in a bill; but the Assembly orders that the Justices shall examine this matter very closely. It seems that there was still more difficulty for our ancestors because the Register General now began to stir up strife against them, and to make it appear that they were suspicious characters, Votes 391). (2 However, they were finally naturalized as
Two, however, Casper Wisand John Cartho, under the allegiance of the Emperor of Germany, were naturalized this year (Vol. 3, Statutes at Large, p. 424) and a great 1727.
in
ter
;
many
others later.
1725— The Swiss Take Up Land Susquehanna In Vol.
2 of 'he
in
the
p.
734,
Tallej".
Penna. Arch.,
we find that in 1725, Mathias Stauffer recommended by Christian Herr, requests the grant of a piece of land
The proceedings in 1724, for natural- on the Checosolangas; and the same ization came up in April, and in Vol. year, according to the same book (p. 2. Votes of Assembly, (p. 388) it is 729) Jacob Funk requested the grant related that a petition of a great num- 3f 50 acres adjoining his other tract ber of persons who were born under in Conestoga. The same year several the allegiance of the Emperor of Ger- tracts were granted on the Octorara many, setting forth that they have one of 300 acres to John Devour moved themselves into this province near John Musgrave's (p. 726) — one and their families, and have purchased to Robert Burd, 100 acres near the lands which they are not capable to place called Horse Hook, formerly of hold for them and their heirs, and Cornelius Empson (127) one to
—
—
therefore, they pray that they may be enabled by a law, to buy and hold
George Carr at the head of the Octorara, where he wished to carry on lands and enjoy the same benefits as tanning (p. 723) one to Hugh Morrithe rest of the inhabitants was filed. son, Thomas Paxton, Hugh Robinson The Assembly ordered it to lay on the and Lawrence Small, near the same
—
1;
GERMAN-SWISS NATURALIZATION CONDITIONS.
222
—one
James Harlan best but the most justifiable method (p. 734) between the Octorara Creek (and that we have many precedents and the Susquehanna River and one in England): but he says that to derequested by Mrs. Musgrave for John mand a strict inquiry into private Cohalan. As these are not German conversion and the religious faith of Swiss people, but rather English, we these people, other than what the law will say no more about them and only directs, and especially to pry into the '.netion them for the sake of regular- circumstances of their private estate, place
(p.
734)
to
would be contrary to natural and equal justice and a dangerous precedent, and would injure our reputation as a free country. The Governor, therefore, hoped that they would have a particular regard against being drawn into propositions and new emthods inconsistent with liberty. He goes on to say that he thinks it is a very hard case to deny a stranger who has purchased land in this province, the right to transmit those lands to his children; therefore, he approves of the bill, only so far as it requires a qualification to be made, but he does aot approve inquiring into the religious beliefs and private estate of these people. A few days later he goes on to say tliat he congratulates them on passing a liberal law for the ease of conscience, and that he expects them to use their best endeavors among the people to convince them of the peace and quiet we enjoy. He then says that he wants to impress
ity.
The same year lands were taken up in Pequea; but we must remember Lhat Pequea was the region about the 'lead of the Pequea Creek, north of the irap, and we find in the same book (p. 729) that Robert Eyes, a cooper, was given a tract of land and (p. 734) that William and James Johnson his son, requested a tract on a branch of the
Pequea Creek called Cat 172.')
—
Governor
Keitli,
Tail.
a Friend of
Our Mennonite Ancestors. I
[ '
About the year 1725, the Governor of Pennsylvania began to realize that our
English
laws
discriminated too and severely against the Germans Swiss. In that year Governor Keith, in the message to the Assembly, found in Vol. 2, Votes of Assembly, (p. 442), among other things, states that as to the '"Palatine Bill," as he called it, he is of the same opinion he was the year before that the producing of certificates is not a proper method of securing the allegiance of these people to the king and this government, but that it is not agreeable to English liberty or to the proprietor's declaration for encouraging settlement of the colony and much less to the freedom professed conscience, so much of here, to demand other qualifications to
—
settle
any
man
to the right of
upon them the
bill
which
lies still be-
them, not acted upon, in behalf of some "protestants from the Palatinate and other parts of Germany," who have a great desire for the blessfore
|
ing of |
the Engli.sh
Government.
He
says that they have seen him personally and in the humblest manner have besought him that he should have extended to them the same terms of naturalization, granted in England to foreign protestants. also
an Eng-
lish subject, than what we have prescribed by law, namely, affirmation of allegiance. The provision made in this 1725 Our O.erman Swiss Ancestors intended law to prevent these persons Very tirateful to the Governor; from enjoying privileges of this govand They Stand by Him. ernment, unless they go and take a legal qualification, is not only the It seems that a very stern struggle i
i
—
NATURALIZATION PROGRESSLXi;. was before our Meunonite forefathers chandise was
laid before the house. secure their right to make' This simply means that they applied and deed land over or to have it for naturalization. I
hf>re
w
ills
to
pass to their children, on their death, unless they made certain affirmations. On the 25th of November this year, there was a petition of -oT of these people setting forth the tender care and kindness of the present Governor and the many advantages of the religious and civil rights of the people that have been granted by him and especially by the creation of paper money, which is very much appreciated by them. They go on in this petition and state that they are his friends and that they know that he is grossly misrepresented in the province of Pennsylvania to the proprietor for his taken and that enterprising stand there may probably be a change in the government by a new governor being sent. They pray the house in this petition and the governor, that as they are faithful people, that their needs be recognized and that the true state of affairs concerning the blessing paper money has been to the people here shall be sent to the proprietor at home, so that their friend, the governor, may be saved from removal
172.>— The Early Mennouist Ministers,
Because Aliens, >Vere >ot Allowed to Perform a 3Iarriat?o
i
I
Ceremony. Theie was a law in the early days Pennsylvania that only the ministers of the State Church could perform marriage ceremonies. Rev. Anthony Hinkle was arrested for marrying a pair. This was because he was an
of [
I
alien minister, there being a law against an alien minister joining parties in matrimony. Assembly, p. 465.)
2, Votes of can readily see, therefore, that so long as ministers of our Mennonite ancestors were not naturalized, they were aliens, and could not perform the marriage ceremony. These are some of the hardships in early Pennsylvania, that people hardly dream of as existing.
1726
—Mennonist
(Vol.
We
^Veierhlwrs
at
Donegal.
This year James Anderson, a Presbyterian Minister, who formerly lived by his enemies and by the misrepre- at New Castle, desired to settle among sentations made concerning him. This the people at Donegal and asked a petition they filed in the House of grant of 300 acres there, he being a Representatives and begged the rep- person of good repute at New Castel. resentatives to stand up for the gov- The Land Commissioners thought he ernor and not let him be scandalized. would be of great service in this •Paper money was opposed by Eng- neighborhood and Secretary Logan land. 17*2.>
—A
also desired that the land be granted him. rSec. Ser. Pa. Arch., Vol. 19, p.
Larae > umber of Our Ger-
man-Swiss Brethren Desire
745.)
to be
1726— Mennonist Xeisrhbors
Naturalized.
The records of the Assembly Nov. 2 i, 1725, show that the petition of high and low Germans on taking and sub-
i
alone: the
SuSQuehanna and Octorara. This year there was granted to Mordecai Maydock 375 acres of land on the Susquehanna, which his father,
scribing the qualification required by law, that they may have a bill passed, Henry Maydock. had the right to, by to enable them to hold and enjoy a writing from William Penn. dated lands and to engage in trade and mer- May 6, 1691. Peter Risk was also
CONESTOGA AND PEQUEA GERMAN-SWISS ADDITIONS.
224
acrej at the same time; and This is no doubt the origin of Eby's Gatchell and others this year, Eiisah Mill on Mill Creek, a branch of the were given three tracts of land, "on Conestoga, because in 1728, when the the running water of Conowingo," old Peter's Road was recornized and and first laid out by law as appears in the where there was a vacancy Emanuel Grubb was given 100 ocres Road Records of Chester County, on the same place, on the northeast (which I have personally examined), side of his former tract. James Dan- one of the courses surveyed extends iel and Robert Mackell were given to Torus or Dorus Eby's Mill, this land by request of the Minister Craig- being a contraction of Theodorus head. James King and Charles Allen Eby. Likely Theodorus was a son of and Josiah were given land on the John, the original applicant for land. The same year Hans Hess of ConOctorara also John Kirkpatrick and and requested 75 acres of land for William Evans estoga Ross and Moses Thomas Jackson and James Buchan- his son Jacob, between a branch of nan and Alexander Allison and Alex- Conestoga and land of Hans Ulrich, Jackson and adjoining his own tract (Do. 746). ander Montgomery. And Thos. Honenger and Phil Shong Buchannan were given 200 acres each Evans 60 acres and the size of the requested the grant of land for two (See the settlements on a branch of Conestoga, others are not mentioned. 29-740-742the same year (Do. 746) Also Hans book last mentioned pp. 7
given
-100
I
I
j
;
j
—
—
—
744 two grants 745 two grants and 743 three different grants.)
1726
— 3Iore
Swiss Brethren Buy Land
on Conestoga.
According to Vol. 19, Sec. Ser. Pa. Arch., this year Ulrich Burkhold, Hans
—
Miller for 100
—
acres on Little Cone-
stoga recommended by Christopher also Sebastian, (Do) Franciscus Beyer and Geo. Goodman requested the grant of a parcel of land; each near Conestoga (Do).
—
1726—Pequea
Additions.
Krow, and Hans Leaman requested
In the book last noted (p. 743) v.-e through Christian Herr, among find that this date, 200 acres of land the Swiss Colonists near Conestoga were granted to Wm. Richardson and (Vide p. 742). a like amount granted to Samuel RobThe same year Henry Zimmerman inson, both located on Pequea. or Carpenter set forth that Henry Beginning to German-Swiss 1726 Vinger (Wenger), who had some years Take Part in Public Affairs. ago settled on a piece of land of Henry In Vol. 3, Votes of Assembly, p. 4, Richmann formerly, and that Wenger died, leaving a widow and three sons. there is mention that Ludwig Sprogle But that John Musgrove's son has set- was a member of Assembly. He was tled on the land. He desires the same active on a committee to induce Eng(200 acres) to 'be turned over to Wi- land to allow salt to be imported.
land
—
— Our
dow Wenger (or Vinger), see p. 743. 1726 The same year Henry Zimmerman requested a grant of 600 acres of land
on a branch of the Conestoga (Do). The same year John Eby requested a grant of a vacant piece of land on a branch of Conestoga Creek to build a grist mill upon as a convenience to the neighborhood (Vide 745).
Petition
German Ancestors Again for Right to Pass Land to Their Sons.
It is stated Vol. 2, Votes of Assembly, p. 461, that a large number of high and low Germans have presented a petition asking that upon qualifying, according to law, their
\
i
, !
ROBBERIES, UPON THE GERMAN-SWISS AT COXESTOGA. they may be empowered to hold and transmit land and enjoy trade, etc. (See also 3 Col. Rec. 241). The Assembly replied by proposing to tax them three pounds each and then they are to be allowed same privilege in holding land as others, (2 Votes of
captain, and one Lynch, whom they call their lieutenant, with Dobbs, Wiggins and many others, who sulk about this and neighboring provinces; their villianies being to steal the best horses and load them with the best goods, and carry them off before the people's faces, which they have done their
[
'.
|
j
Assembly, 1726
467).
p.
— Another
German Minister Pun-
ished for Perform ine: a Marriage. Anthony Hinkle, a German minister of the Gospel, who was fine:l for performing a marriage for two people,
i
refused to pay the fine and costs and
was committed Assembly 470).
to prison,
Votes
(2
of' i
1726— Our Oernian-Swiss Ancestors a 3Iark for Vagrancy. I
In Vol.
we
/
find
2,
Votes of Assembly,
a complaint
made
p.
this
466,
year
about vagrants and horse thieves on the Susquehanna, preying upon the The Asthrifty Germans and Swiss. sembly took note that a great number of convicts and some Irish servants of low character had arrived and a great many more were expected; and it was decided that there should be a fine of five pounds a head put upon all of them. This condition is noticed in the petition to create Lancaster XlauntyTwErcir-sBts fortB^hat along the] Susquehanna, the people not having local government, are very great victims of robbers and horse thieves and vagabonds. On the 19th of June, 1726, a petition was signed by the citizens
/
and
about Conestoga. It usual practice has been to steal horses from this province and carry them to sell into Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina. It is said' that they begin to grow more numerous and have a place of rendezvous where they meet to consult how to perpetrate their rogueries and enThis tertain all like themselves." last note is three years later than 1726, but it is intimately connected with this subject, and I, therefore, inlately
in
seems
their
sert
at this place.
it
I
[
—Trouble to
1726
|
\ .,
Collect Taxes
Among
Our Ancestors on Conestoga. In Vol.
we
find
it
2,
Votes of Assembly,
p. 491,
/
set forth that the people on
Conestoga began to neglect and refused to pay their excises and other
taxes to the province in their sense immunity from being so far away from the ofl!icers of the law the county seat being at Old Chester, 100 miles distant. It is hard to say at this time whether this complaint was made against our German-Swiss brethren or the people generally, but we can readily understand that in the face of the hardships, the German-Swiss were of 'Corr?5roga setting forth that many undergoing, because they were not alvagabonds resorted to that neighborlowed to hold and transmit land, they hood, praying that the law be providbeing foreigners, that they might very ed to suppress them. (Vol. 2, Votes of readily feel like retaliating, by with/Assembly 468). In a little while the holding the tax upon lands which they newspapers began to notice this un- were not certain whether they had a lawful condition and in the Pa. Gaz. good title to or not. of April 12, 1729, the following item "We hear that there are as- 1726— The Law to Xaturalize Geroccurs: of
—
i
'y
,
\
I
sociated together a company of Irish robbers, the chief of whom are said to be one Bennet, whom they call
mans. In Vol.
we
4,
Statutes at Large, p. 457, law to naturalize
find set forth a
^
i
|
GERMAN-SWISS TAKING UP LAND.
^26
several Germans who had moved to They do not seem to this province. be Lancaster County names, as their names are not familiar here; and there
ceived the land which they asked for very shortly after their request.
—
More Neighbors on Octorara. This year Hugh Morrison requested They are land are only a few of them. on the Octorara, (Do. 745). AlBernard Van Lear, Arent Hassert, bert Edwards requested 200 acres adMichael Smiths, Wm. Selliger, Arnolt joining the old settlement that FranBam'barger, Wm. Hilligart and Ulrich cis Warley owned, (Do. John p. 747). Haggeman. The Statute states that Musgrove obtained 300 acres but sold they are born under the allegiance of his right to Roger Dyer and George the
Emperor
of
1727
Germany.
Legerd, (Do. 748).
1727—More Lands Taken Up By Our requested lands German-Swiss Brethren in the Susquehanna VaBey. Benjamin Roads, recommended by sundry Inhabitants of Conestoga, was granted 100 acres near a branch of Conestoga this year. (Vol.
19,
3rd Ser. j
Pa! Arch., p. given 100 acres,
748.)
Henry Bear was
adjoining his other land on Little Conestoga, (Do. 751).
Joseph Hickenbolten and Joseph Sterrequested a piece of vacant land lying between their plantations near the Conestoga Creek's mouth, (Do.). Anthony Breller requested a piece of land near his own settlement, "near Killian Law the Dutch Mill" (Do.). requested a piece on Mill Creek (Do.). Jacob Rife, Ulrick Sauck, Rudolph Bear, Jacob Lintner, John Snevely, Jacob Snevely, John Long, Casper Hoorn, Derrick Miller and Christian Graybill were recommended by several old settlers to have land to settle Richard upon at Conestoga, (Do). Carter in behalf of his kinsman, Henry Noland, requested 200 acres on the east side of Lewis Lewis', under the barren hills some distance from ConWilliam Cloud re(Do.). estoga, quested 300 acres of vacant surveyed land on the Conestoga. Nathan Evans
man
Abraham Bmmett
for three settlements
on the Octorara, (Do. p. 750). Robert Wright requested land on Octorara, (Do. 750). John Tinner, from Ireland, requested land on the Octorara (Do. 751). John Creswell, for himself and Robert Stewart, requested the same, (Do.). Robert Evans requested 250 acres on the west branch of the Octoraa, (Do. 752). Robert Love requested a parcel near Octorara, (Do. 754). Hugh Berkely and George Patterson requested land on Octorara, (Do. 754). All these requests
were made
in 1727,
and in every case the land was granted a little later.
1727
—Neighbors
on Pequea.
John Barnett desired 200 acres near Joseph Hinkman, (Do. 750) and Pallso who (a very odd name) Friends dwelt with Daniel Ferree, desired a tract of vacant land on the south side of Pequea, (Do. 756) and Peter Bazillion requested 200 acres of land adjoining other lands where he dwells, 100 acres at each end of his tract, (Do. These requests were made in 747). 1727 and were granted.
—
Grants on Susquehanna. Commissioners by their warrant The of June 2, 1718, had granted to Peter Chartier 300 acres on Susquehanna, which he afterwards sold to Stephen Atkinson, and in 1727, Penn's land commissioners confirmed Atkinson's 1727
requested 100 acres east of his other land to erect a mill, (Do. 753). John Burkholder requested a grant of 200 acres adjoining Benjamin Hershey's land on Little Conestoga, and it is title for these 300 acres, (Do. 749). stated that he is ready to pay cash for The same year James Moore reAll of these persons re- quested land on the Susquehanna, it, (Do. 755).
LANDS TAKEN UP—NEW HOLLAND FOUNDED. (Do.
750)
—and
William
Brackin re- mans and Swiss that they bring over. These lists were carefully kept and preserved and may be found in the Colonial Records from time to time. They have been collected from Rupp in his "Thirty Thousand Names." This resulted from the fact that the
land on Fishing Creek near Nathaniel Susquehanna, (Do. 754). Newlin and Joseph Cloud requested 500 acres on the Susquehanna, (Do.). And near Susquehanna, on Chickies, John McNile requested land and has sent another letter that an order be made out to him, which was done, The commissioners hav(Do. 747). ing prior, by two warrants, granted to Thomas Griffith the right of 1500 acres which on Chickies Creek, Thos. Griffith, in 1724, transferred his right to Isaac Norris and in 1727 Isaac Norris was given a deed from the commissioners dated April 15th for the same, he to pay 100 pounds, (Do. 749) and
quested
227
—
government
authorities became frightened at the inrush of so many foreigners. Rupp stated that of course they meant these Non-Resistant Germans and Swiss. Rupp also says that in the year 1727 about a thousand Palatines arrived in this province, (Do. p. 193) and we have observed in the items preceeding that a lot of them were coming, which is shown by the land which was taken up.
also on Susquehanna near Donegal, 1727 Pioneers of ^'ew Holland. this same year, Richard Allison reAccording to Rupp, about this year quested a tract above Donegal, called the Diffenderfer Brothers, Alexander and "Cornish's Plains," (Do. 750) John, r^ailed from Rotterdam in and Jonas Davenport, having purchased ship the William and Sarah and arof Leonard improvements certain John settled Millborn, an inhabitant of Donegal, rived here in the Fall. at SaeueSchwamm, (now New Holrequested a deed for 200 acers made to land) the His in woods. grandson him which was done, (Do. 750). He David, who was a son Michael of also requested 300 acres more on the Diffenderfer, lived be high to in the upper side of the mouth of Swatara nineties, and he personally informed Creek, (Do. 750) and John Galbreta Rupp that his grandfather's houseplace: same the requested 200 acres at hold were brought from Philagoods and William Alexander, recommended delphia brother in the faith, by by a by James Anderson, requested land to who unloaded the name of Martin, settle about Donegal on the Susquethem oak under an tree, but a cabin hanna. These requests were all made or was built the hut by aid of the in 1727 and were granted. neighbors in a few days, and thus, 1727— Origin of the Hans Graeff Holdsettlement began in that comfortable ings. and wealthy section, now known as In the Volume last set out above, p. New Holland, (Do. p. 193). 746, we find under the date of 1727 that Hans Graeff requested the grant 1727— Copy of the Declaration that the Geriuan-S>viss AVere Required of a piece of land on the Cocalico Creek, a branch of the Conestoga, to to Sign. accommodamill for the build a grist In Vol. 3, Col. Rec, p. 283, (new tion of his neighbors. It was granted series) the paper is set forth which to him. had been agreed upon and was
—
—
—
—German-Swiss
drawn
Begin to Regis- up by the authorities of Pennsylvania, ter About This Year. which all the Palatines (and this inThe law was fast requiring ship- cluded the Swiss as well as the Gerowners to take a list of all the Ger- mans of the Palatinate) were required
1727
228
DORTRECHT CONFESSION OF FAITH
IN
CONESTOGA.
Hans
Christian Burkholder, Martin Hearshey, and The Herr, Benedict tion of settling in the province. Daniel "We, Sub- Baer (Bar) of Conestoga paper is in these words: These scribers, Natives and late Inhabitants Longanecker from Manatony. of the Palatinate upon the Rhine and are all of Berne ancestry. There was desiring to transport ourselves and also a Henry Hunsecker and other of families into this province of Penn- the Germantown Congregation. sylvania, a Colony subject to the 1727 Comment on the Dortrecht ConCrown of Great Britain, in hopes and fession. Expectations of finding a Retreat & In a previous article, we noticed peaceable settlement therein. Do Solto sisu,
if
they
came
v/ith the inten-
were
—
—
—
emnly promise & Engage, that We will how the Mennonists of Conestoga this be faithful and bear true Allegiance year accepted the ancient Dortrecht
MAJESTY KING present his to GEORGE THE SECOND, and his Successors Kings of Great Britain, and will be faithful to the proprietor of this province; And that we will demean ourselves peaceably to all His said Majesties Subjects, and strictly observe and conform to the Laws of England and of this Province, to the utmost of our Power and best of our This shows what understanding." these good people were required to do; and we may mention here that because they and all their successors were required to sign a similar paper that it explains in a large part the reason why there was opposition among them in the Revolutionary War to fight against the mother country, remembered It must be England. these prosettlers in the other that vinces did not take any such oath or affirmation or make any such similar promise to stand by the British gov-
confession of faith, adopted in 1632. A writer of note says that the Mennonists
and Aymenists refer for their and usages to their confes-
principle
sion of faith,
phia in 1727.
published in PhiladelThis writer makes note
of the fact that this year, to wit, 1727,
they changed the method of baptism from immersion to affusion and that thereafter they were no longer known as Baptists or Anna-Baptists. It is not known generally that before that date the Mennonists believed only in immersion as the efficient form of baptism. This writer goes on to say that Aymenists or bearded Mennonists are the Amish of today (7 Haz. Reg. 124.) He also says that the Mennonists used later another confession of faith, one composed by Cornelius Riss, which was published in Hamburg in 1726 (do. 129). He gives a succinct history of the rise of the Mennonists at the page last mentioned and states ernment. that it arose largely out of opposition 1727— Conestoga Accepts Dortreclit to infant baptism that their main inConfession of Faitli. crease was along the Rhine and WestThis year the Dortrecht Mennonist phalia, Holstein and the Netherlands. Confession of Faith (promulgated at He tells of their rising and complete Dortrcht, Holland, in 1632) was adopt- control of Munster, the capital of ed in America by formal action. The Westphalia. He speaks of the twentyfifteen Mennonist ministers of Ameri- six missionaries sent out and notes ca in Conference, signed an Article of that Melchior Hoffman was one of the He also says that its approval and adoption here.Among strongest of them. these ministers, so signing and thus in early days in Moravia, these peobinding themselves and their congre- ple divided into three branches; one gations to that confession of faith called the "buttoners" because they
—
—
2 3
2
GERMAN-SWISS IMMIGRATION TO SUSQUEHANNA.
229
wore buttons; one called the "pin- Archives), and none except the names ners" because they used wire pins and of the men are given that is only 272 another the "hookers" because they of the 1,000 persons. Boc!;inning about wore hooks and eyes to fasten their 1730 we frequently find the ages clothes. lU^ also mentions two or given, names of women and children three other classes. also and from the ages given in the lists, that are set out in full, we find 1727 German Swiss Inimlijrad'on into that a great many of them were beTennsjlvania This Year. tween 20 and 40 years old; but a great In the year 1727, as we have already many of them were very young chilstated, the German and Swiss were dren also. pouring in so rapidly that the G'ov1728 German Swiss Immigration into ernment determined that they should Pennsylvania This Year. be put under an oath or promise of In the year 1728 there was considallegiance. Ship owners were reerable falling off of German Swiss quired to make accurate lists of all of Only these people who came over to Penn- who came into our province. sylvania. Many came before 1727 as three ship loads are mentioned in the the County was pretty largely filled records in the Archives (3 Colonial,
—
—
—
But accurate and
327, 328, 331, also Vol. 17, 2nd. Series
information as to just how many there were, is to some extent wanting; but from 1727 onward we have reliable information. The Colonial Records show, that in 1727, iQye _shijiJoa.ds of these people came making a total of about 1,000 persons of whom 270 were male heads of families (3 Colonial Records 284, 287, 288,
Pa. Archives, pp. 12 to 15). The number of the heads of families was only 152; Including women and children
up before that time. reliable
the total number was 390. Among them occurred the following prominent names: 3 Dinkelbergs 2 Denlingers
3
Grosses
ers
—4
2
Shirks— 3
—
—
Groffs
2
Myers
—2
— —
2
Keel-
2 Mussers Staulfers— 2 Engels— Schmidts (Smiths) and also one each
290).
The names
—
Millers
following representative famiBair Bixler Dumbach Ebersole Eshleman Frey Hensel Hoffer Newcomer Forrey Neff Pheffley Rltter Hellar of the
most familiar
— — — — — — — Bowmans — — — — Bairs— Graybills— Hoffmans — — — — — Hiestands — Leamans — 10 Millers — — Strickler — Sellers — Schumaker Sieglers— Siegrists— Stauffers— known of the and Ranch. Nothing Snavelys — Svvartzes and Zuggs. ages of these immigrants. of
the
families that came over year are: 2 Martins 4 2
during this
j
5
2
4
2
lies:
!
-2
2
is
2
In addition to that, there were one of each of the following prominent Lan- 1728— German-Swiss Arrivals in Lan-
caster County families in this year: Bixler Diffenderfer Frey Funk
—
— — Gross — Good — Habecker — Hostler — Keener — Kendig — Longenecker — Landis — Oberholtzer — Swabb — Seitz — Shertz — Snyder — Strickler — Shultz — Schaeffer — —
Wolf As
—
Weaver and Zimmerman.
This
year
.Tahannes
Kitzmiller
of
Germany, having purchased the consent of Nathaniel Evans, was given a license to build a mill on a vacant piece of land on the Little Conestoga Creek, and he was granted 400 acres there (Sec. Ser. Arch. Vol.
19. p. 757),
and Jacob Huver reported 150 acres the Pennsylvania of vacant land on the went side of the 2nd. Series Pa. Conestoga Creek, which he desired
to the ages of these people noth-
ing is set forth in Archives (Vol. 17,
caster County.
GERMAN-SWISS LAND OCCUPATION.
230
and it was granted to him (Do. 760). The same year Hans Hess was given
April last. Nor does this conceive, from any Dislike to the People themselves, many of whom we know are peaceable, industrious and well affected, but it seems principally intended to prevent an English Plantation from being turned into a Colony of Aliens. It may also require our Thoughts to prevent the Importation of Irish Papists and Convicts, of whom some of the most notorious I am credibly infoiuned, have of late been landed in this River." (3 Col. Rec. 342.) It is rather annoying at this late day to have the ancestors of our good German-Swiss people of this county classed with criminals or convicts. Tbe grov/th of Papacy we can here also see was struck at in these earlier times. All these obstructions put in the way of the earlier settlers add additional luster and glory to their pluck in continuing to ooQue and settle the land. 18th
i
j
50 acres
additional to his settlement near Conestoga (Do.); and John Burkholder was given 200 acres adjoining Ben Burkholder's land on the
—
Little
these
Conestoga (Do.
names
755).
We
j
i
j
i
find in j
beginnings of the Burkholder and Hess and Hoover families, who now inhabit the Conestoga locality so numerously. Kitzmiller is not so numerous a name at present; but the name is found frequently in Berks and adjacent counties. Pequea, in the region adjacent to New Holland, received some addithe
1
\
I
'
tional settlers this year, as well as did
the Strasburg section; and on the Sus-
quehanna.
George Stewart obtained being a part of the land owned by Isaac Taylor, between lands of John Gardner and Robert Wilkins 200
acres,
(Do.
759).
About
the
same
time,
Joseph Jones was given the right settle on the Conowingo Creek.
— England
1728
Opposed
to
of
arise, as
to
1728
— Gennan-Swiss
Further
It is interesting
We
of the
of Pennsylvania
subject is as follows: "I must make use of this Opportunity to acquaint you, that I have now positive Orders from Great Britain to provide by a proper Law, against these crowds of Foreigners who are yearly pour'd in upon us, of which the iate Assembly took notice in a message to mc of the
Actively Trading
With Philadelphia.
Swiss Settlement Here.
have noticed that the proprietor and the English inhabitants and owners of the province of Pennsylvania, several times became frightened less the Germans should completely crowd them out. The fear seemed to have reached England this year, because this year governor Gordon stated to the House of Representatives of Pennsylvania, in his address to them, that Great Britain demanded these people should not be allowed to come into Pennsylvania hereafter. Part of his message on this
I
to note the extent
commercial and industrial ac-
our local development. The year 1728 was the year before Lancaster County was formed, and according to Witham Marsih, was the year that the first house was built in the location. Samuel which is now Lancaster. Blunston, who lived on the Susquehanna, in writing a letter to James Logan, dated the 12th of May 1728, tivity at different stages of
historical
,
'
;
among other things, states that "there are a great many wagons going down this week to Philadelphia, and It is needless now to engage any more for you may have your choice." He also provisions were very states that scarce in this section. (1 Pa. Arch. 216.) The reason I mentioned the extracts from this letter is that it shows the activity of our GermanSwiss ancestors in trading with Phil-
'
FEAR OF GERMAN-SWISS INFLUX.
231
—
So many wagons moving at 1728 Swiss and German Brediren Allowed to Come Into Tenna. that time between Philadelphia and from >'ew York. the Conestoga Creek was to give, as he says, in his letter, any one a choice This year a number of the non-reof going down by one of the several sistant brethren, who in the Exodus from Germany and Switzerland unto wagons continually on the move. England in 1709 succeeded in reach1728— Swiss Hretliren Ajrain Ask Hoi- ing New York with the assistance of Governor Hunter, were allowed to land's Aid. settle on Tulpyhocken Creek in MontThis year the Swiss brethren sufsurrounding and County gomeiy fering for religions sake and desiring There were 3,000 of them country. to emigrate to America, asked Holwho came to New York, where they land again to aid them. There was lived 19 years and then finding the great poverty among these suffering iSfew York policy not to their advantpeople at this time. But they were age, prayed permission to move to not all honest in their poverty not Pennsylvania, which they were alonly beggars; but also imipostors. A lowed to do. (3 Col. Rec. 325.) certain Rudolph Agh, a teacher in the 1728 General Extitonient and Alarm non-resistant church was deposed Continnes in Fenna. from the from his office for imposing on the German-Swiss luilux. charitably inclined. A Daniel Landes The large numbers of our German was found making collections without Swiss continually now ancestors warrant authority, also. He operated coming to us, increased the general in Germany and Holland. In Gerold- alarm which had excited tne people sheim a Hans Burkholder, a teacher for some time. The Assembly noted Palatines" are now since 1702, was found soliciting from that "thousands of coming and held strongly that they the Holland commissioners, a hun"refused to obey" our laws. (3 Votes dred guilders and then five hundred It is claimed they of Assembly 42.) for the faanily of Christian Wenger, Tulpyhocken on unlawfully were impoverished as he said, by reason of Creek. This was false (3 Col. Rec. The need was 325). They were complained against the cattle disease. found to be genuine. He asserted for owning and conveying land, conthat the Mennonist congregation at trary to law, without being naturalGeroldsheim were subject to an extra ized. (3 Votes of Assembly 42.) Many assessment or contribution of 1500 applied to be naturalized but were (3 Votes of Assembly guilders toward the expense of the long delayed. officially made Reports coronation of the new elector. Com- 43 and 45.) on their citizenship and behavior were plaint was made against this by the good. (Do.) The government of Pennbrethren who felt that Burkholder sylvania appointed a committee with was urging the government to extract full charge and control of the Mennothis from his own people, for profit to nist or Palatinate question. (3 Votes himself. Numerous complaints were of Assembly 46.) Governor Keith was made about this by the brethren, also their friend, however. (3 Col. Rec. against the poll tax upon them which 325-325.) More petitions to be allowed was doubled about this time per capi- to hold land were filed by them but the delay continued. (3 Votes of As(Miiller 20S.) ta. adelphia.
i
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[
—
—
—
NATURALIZATION OF GERMAN-SWISS.
232
sembly 435-436.) The subject of the states that 114 years it was in the treatment of our German-Swiss an- possession of the Mylin family; and cestors as to holding of land is com- when he wrote his history of the prehensively treated in Mr. Sache's county, Abraham Mylin of West LamWorks and a succinct write-up of the peter Township near Willow Street same may be found in the Philadelphia had the original naturalization act and The act as set Bulletin of Jan. 31, 1910, under "Men slioiwed it to him. forth In the Statutes at Large, omitand Things." ting such parts as are repetitions is 1729 German Swiss Immigration into "An act for the better as follows; Pennsylvania This Year.
—
year created
Lancaster County was out of Chester County. The German Swiss immigrants this year consisted, as far as Tills
is
the
that
enabling province
inhabitants
divers of
Pennsylvania
of
to
the hold
and to invest them with the privileges of natural-born subjects of lands,
the said province.
Whereas by the encouragement the oath of allegiance is concerned, of only 2 ship loads containing 134 heads given by the Honorable William Penn, of families or a total list of 306 (3 Esquire, late proprietary and govColonial Record 367, 368, also Vol 17, 2nd. Series of Archives, pp. 15 and 18). The ages are not given; but the names of the female passengers who were on the last ship load are given, however. Turning to the names we find that there were 2 Freys— 3 Mil-
—
—
—
4 Macks 2 Bossarts 2 Moores Snyders and 2 Weavers in the list and one each of the following: BowEshChrist Bumgardner man LongKlllheffer Hoffer leman Ranch— Rote and Snave'.y. enecker
lers
—3
•
— — — — — 1729— ^'atiiralizafion of
—
—
our
German
Swiss Ancestors.
As we have written before, the subpect of naturalization was a grievance •which was continually affecting our ancestor;. A great leader in all steps for the advancement of these brethren
was Martin My Tin (Rupp
75).
ernor of the province of Pennsylvania, and by the permission of his late Majesty, King George the First, of blessed memory, and his predecessors,
and Queens
Kings
divers Protestants to the
Emperor
England,
etc.,
subjects of Germany, a prince the Crown of Great
amity with transported themselves and estates into the province of Pennsylvania between tilie years one thousand seven hundred and one thousand seven hundred and eighteen, and since they came hither have contributed to the enlargement of the British Empire and to the raising and improving sundry commodities fit for the markets of Europe, and have always bereligiously and themselves haved pea'ceably, and have paid a due regard and obedience to the laws and govin
Britain,
He was ernment
conitinually looking out for their welfare. This year a large number of
of
who were
of this
(Section
1.)
ijrovince
Be
it
enacted by the
Honorable Patrick Gordon, Esquire, these people were naturalized (Rupp (Lieutenant) Governor of the Pro121). The complete act of naturaliza- vince of Pennsylvania, etc., by and tion is found in Vol. 4, Statutes at with the advice and consent of the Large, page 147, and, it seems that the freemen of the said Province in Genoriginal document itself, which Mar- eral Assembly met, and by the authorto secure, ity of the same. That Martyn Mylin, tin Mylln so ably helped Christian Stonemen, Graaf, was in the possession of himself and Hans Neiff, Junior; his descendants for many years. Rupp Jacob Funk, Francis
'!
! ,
EARLY LAXCASTEH COUNTIAXS NATURALIZED.
::}3
Oeorge Kindick, John Biirkholder, has, of Phil. County, be and shall be John Biirkholder, Junior; Abraham to all intents and purposes deemed, Burkholder, Michael Bohman, John taken and esteemed His Majesty's Hess, John Frederick, Christopher natural-born subjects of this province Preniman, .Martin Harni-t. Joseph of Pennsylvania as if they and each Buckwalter, Felix Landas, Junior; of them had been born within the said Adam Preniman, John Funk, John province, and shall and may and Bohman, John Taylor, Henry Xeiff, every of them shall and may within Michael Mire, Henry Bare, Peter this province take, receive, enjoy and Bumgarner, Melcor Hufford, Melcor be entitled to all rights, privileges Erishman. John Brubaker, Jacob and advantages of natural-born subI
,
'
!
j
I
I
i
Nisley,
Jacob
Snevely, Jacob Goot, jects as fully to all intents, construcJohn Woolslegle. Jacob Mire, Christo- tions and purposes whatsoever as any pher Sowers, Joseph Stoneman, Dan- of His Majesity's natural-born subiel Ashleman.Christian Peelman, John jects of this province can, do or ought Henry Xeiff, John Henry Xeiff, Junior; to enjoy by virtue of their being His Abraham Hare, John Ferie, Jacob Majesty's natural-born subjects of Biere, Peter Yordea, Peter Leamon, His Majesty in said province of PennJohn Jacob Snevely, Isaac Coffman, sylvania." (Passed February 14, 1729Andrew Coffman, Woolrick Rodte, 30.) Apparently never considered by Henry Funk. Roody Mire, John Mylin, the Crown, but allowed to become a Jacob Bheme, John Coffman, Michael law by lapse of time, in accordance Doneder, Charles Christopher, An- with the proprietary charter.) dres Shults, John Howser, Christian We observe in this thiat nearly all Preniman, Jacob Miller, black; Henry of these are Lancaster County perCariienter. Emanuel Carpenter, Ga- sons, and the act of naturalization, in briel Carpenter, Daniel Herman, addition to giving them the right to Christian Herman, Philip Fiere, hold land, gives us an accurate his:\Iathias Slaremaker, big John Shenk, tory of the time when they came to Jacob Churts, Jacob Snevely, Junior; this country, as we observe that the John Woolrick Houver. John Croyder. preamble to (the act states that they John Leeghte, Martin Graaf, Peter came between 1700 and 1718. In this, Smith, Peter Xewcomat, Jacob Bare, therefore, many persons today may Junior; John Henry Bare. Jacob ascertain that their first ancestor in AVeaver, Henry Weaver, John Weaver. this countr>' arrived here before the David Long-anickar, George Weaver, year 1718. Abraham Mire, Woolrick Houser, John 1729— Rohbors Harass Onr Early GerMire, Henry Musselman, Michael man-Swiss Ancestors. Shank. Jacob Miller. Jacob Miller, :
j
I
Junior;
Martin Miller,
Peter
A
Ay be,
Hans
Goot, Christian Staner. John Jacob Light, Adam Brand, Christopher Franciscus, Caspar Loughman, Fred erick Stay. John Line, John Shwope,
picture of the dangers which our
early
German-Swiss ancestors
here were exposed to (in addition to dangers from Indians) is painted in an article found in the Gazette of April Bastian Royer, Jonas Lerow. Simeon 12, 1729, as follows: King, John Aybe. Everard Ream, all "We hear there are associated toof Lancaster County and John Xegley, gether a company of Irish robbers, Bernard Ressor, John Wister, John! the chief of whom are said to be one Frederick Ax, John Philip Bohm, Bennet, whom they call their captain: Anthony Yerkbas and Herman Yerk- and one Lynch, whom they call their :
I
'
234
THE EXODUS OF GERMAN-SWISS TO
AJMERICA.
with Dobbs, Wiggins and of these immigrants and the ships on others who skulk about this and which they came are entirely too the neighboring provinces their vil- numerous to set forth in this work lianies being to steal the best horses as they constitute a complete book in and load them with the best goods, themselves. ^ and carry them off before people's 1729— Temporary Falling Off of Gerfaces, which they have lately done in man-Swiss Immigrants. It seems their or about Conestoga. The real exodus of German-Swiss usual practice has been to steal immigrants into this section occurred horses from this province and the Jerseys and carry them to sell in a few years after 1729. In the year Maryland, Virginia and North Caro- 1728 the immigration was only 152 families, making up 390 persons. In lina. It is said they began to grow 243 1729, persons came and this yet more numerous and have a place of rendezvous where they meet to con- number caused the English governsult how to perpetuate their roguer- ment to be much afraid of them. Duries and to entertain all like them- ing 1729 there were 267 Welsh immigrants, 43 Scotch, 1155 Irish and only selves." 243 German-Swiss Palatines; and the This makes it clear that there were same year by way of New Castle many drawbacks in the "good old there 4500 Irish immigrants. So was times" and that the pathway was far can that the number of Gerwe see from a sunny one with continual fear of savages and robbers and wild man-Swiss that were corning at that time compared to the Irish was very beasts uppermost in the minds of all. small. Later, however, the German1729— Complete Registry Kept of Ger- Swiss came by thousands. (Rupp lieutenant,
many
;
i
man-Swiss Immigrants
From about
of
the year 1726
Penna.
onward
195-196.)
Among
the Irish there were some Iris'h noblemen, as appears in the Penna. Gazette of April 12th this year. An account of the coming about this time of our ancestors is also found in
it [
was the law that
all immigrants into Penna. who were not subject to Great Britain and Ireland were compelled to be registered and their names, dates (7 Haz. Reg. 150). of arrivals and the ships in which they arrived were all taken down and 1729 Conrad Beissel, the German's Great Friend, Arrives. preserved. Thus we have a list of About 1720 there arrived in America about thirty thousand or more of the names of our German Swiss ances- a German native of great usefulness tors largely of this county, but con- and power. He settled at Millport, taining some of adjoining counties. Lancaster County, in 1729, where he And in the Colonial Records these and a companion built themselves a names may be found. Rupp's "Thirty house. He gave his attention to reThousand Names" was made up from ligious matters almost entirely. He these ship lists. By this means, was the first in America to insist that thousands of people today in Lancas- Saturday was the true Sabbath. He ter County can find the names of the contended, therefore, that the 7th day original members of their family who was the Sabbath. Before he moved to arrived here. They nearly all came Millport he had published a tract on from Rotterdam ibut the ships touched the subject which caused a great deal at Cowes or other points in England, of excitement throughout this region. on the way to America. TTie names (Harris 44.) ;
—
j
I
!
\
|
—
WILD BEASTS AND DANGERS AT CONESTOGA. 1730— Wild Heasts— The \eieIibors Our Early Ancestors.
of
A
graphic picture of the wild animals living plentifully about the residences of our German Swiss ancestors is given in the American Weekly-
Mercury of Jan. 14, 1729, and of Jan. The first is a picture of a 27, 1729. panther that was killed near Conestoga. The article states that he had been among some of the swine in the aight and the owner hearing a noise went out with a couple of dogs to drive him away. The animal had gotten up into a large tree. The farmer did not know what kind of an animal He made a fire under the was. it tree and left the women of his household to watch it, while he went to a neighbor for a gun. They fired at the animal twice and the second shot The infuriated broke his fore legs. animal made a great desperate leap and fell to the ground near the people who just managed to get out of his way. The dogs seized him and after another shot he was killed. The second item is also about Conestoga and this item sets forth that at Conestoga the beginning of January, Christopher Franciscus was wakened up in the night by a disturbance among his sheep and he arose and went out and found that a wolf had been in the sheep pen but that in jumping over the fence one of his legs was caught and he could not get away. Franciscus took a strong grasp upon the wolf's neck and held his leg by his other hand; then he threw him on the ground and forced his knee on his body and called for his daughter, who came with a large knife and ripped him open, letting out his entrails. I put this under the date of 1730 because in the olden times, January and
two months of the year instead of the first two When the first month being March. the calendar was re-arran?ed about February were the
last
1750.
January and February
the following year, so really 1730 in this case.
1730
235
— Indians
at
that
Conest<»ga
in
fell it
was
Disup-
prove the Great Inrush of Ger-
man-Swiss This year Captain Civility, a chief of the Conestogas, wrote a letter to Governor Gordon saying that when he was at Lancaster a short time before he heard much talk about the crowds of
"Dutch" who were going
to settle
on
the Susquehanna and that the Indian lands were being surveyed there to be sold to the Dutch. This he said gave his tribe much trouble and uneasiness. The Indians' road for hunting would be shut off, he said. The letter is dated September 28, 1730. (1 Pa. Archives 271.)
1730
— Our
German-Swiss
Not
Be Drawn as Jurors.
to
According
to
Hazard
(7
Ancestors
Haz. Reg.
150) the sheriffs of Pennsylvania
were
ordered this year, by Gov. Gordon, not to summon any of the Mennonist people nor the other non-resistant sect as jurors. This, he says, was done because they held God only could punish man and that the Courts had no right to deprive any one of liberty or life at all. Besides this, an oath was required of a juror and these people would not so qualify (Do. 152). One of the finest characters and purest minds in Pennsylvania, Emanuel Zimmerman or Carpenter, this year, framed and pushed to adoption a memorial for the Amish and Mennonists and all plain sects, asking the legislature to provide by a law passed that these people might take an affirmation istead of an oath.
1730— Onr Ancestors'
Gx)od Character
Certified.
January this year the governor Pennsylvania came out and certified
In of
—24
IMMIGRATION
236
TAX—CHURCHES AND SCHOOL
to the sterling qualities of the early
they were
HOUSE.
securing
the
in
Germans and Swiss here on the Sus- government in America, quehanna in a message to the Assem- Pennsylvania. All
hly.
sorts
afloat as to
them
of
rumors had been
for several years
—to
1730
— Overman
Swiss Immigralion into Pennsylvania This Tear.
the effect that they were an unpatrio-
and disloyal people.
tic
Thus when
they petitioned for naturalization he made a careful investigation into their character, customs, etc. And on this point he says to the assembly: "Upon application made to me in behalf of several Germans, now inhabitants of the County of Lancaster, that they may enjoy the Rights & Privileges of English Subjects, & for that End praying to be naturalized; I have made Enquiry & find that those whose names are subjoyned to a Petition that will be laid before your House are principally such who many years since have come into this province under a particular agreement with our late Honourable Proprietor at London & have regularly taken up lands under him. It likewise appears to me by good Information, that they have hitherto behaved themselves well, and have generally so good a Character for Honesty and Industry as deserves the Esteem of this Government, & a Mark of its Regard for them. I am therefore inclined from these Considerations to favour their Request, & hope you will joyn with me in passing a Bill for their Naturalization." 1730
— Our
gration
In 1730 the list of immigrants was there being only three ship loads consisting of 147 persons or 440 all told (3 Colonial Records, 385, 386, 289, Vol. 17 Pennsylvania Archives, 2nd. Series, pp. 20 ajid 22). The names of the women and children are given in the last ship load and the ages of the entire lot. The oldest person was Christian Miller, 60 years old. There was another Mike Shever 50 years old and Margaret Miller 50 years old. The ages of the others would average The greater about 20 or 22 years. small,
number by 20
and
Tax Against Tbem Be Removed.
In Vol 3 Votes of Assembly, p. 99, there is a minute account of the petition and application presented by our German-Swiss ancestors to have the immigration tax removal which discriminated against them. They failed in this, how^ever, as the English government felt a jealousy against Germany and Switzerland on account of the strong and influential foothold
them being between This shows that years.
far of
35
they were mostly the middle aged people that were coming across at this time. Among the prominent families that came this year we find 3 Bairs
— Hartmans —
— —
—
Hoffmans 3 Hesses Hertzlers— 6 Millers 3 Myers_— 4 Schaeffers and 2 Smiths. There were also one each of the folAmnion lowing prominent families: KepKellar Gross Good Minnich Oberlinger Leaman Shultz Bitner and Bricker. holtzer 2
Burgers
—
1731
3
— — — — Onr
Succeed Ancestors Pray that Immi-
English
especially in
in
—
— —
— —
German-Swiss Ancestors the Right To Hold and
Transfer land. After a hard struggle lasting through several years, our German-Swiss ancestors succeeded in having a law passed allowing them rights in real estate the same as other people. The law was passed Feb. 6, 1731 (4 St. L. 208). The Act sets out that at their own cost they purchased small pieces of land in Pennsylvania and erected churches and other houses of religious worship and school houses and almshouses thereon, and enclosed burying
PARTICULAR LOCATION OF OUR ANCESTORS It
1721— Our
(ierinaii-Swiss
in the
THE PALTLNATE.
Manheim
237
in the Palatinate
year 1731
The congregation on the Zieh(1) merhof one hour (4 miles) from the
Wimpfen on the Xeckar, to the northwest. The heads of the family Ancestors city of
are Ulrich Steckley, Nich. Schnepacli, Hans Loscher, Hans Wittmer, Jacob Lehmann's widow, Chr. Hodel, Jacob
Many Churches and School
Build
l.\
tions above
then goes on and allows' them the rights they prayed for. It also allowed their religious societies to hold property for religious, educational and charitable purposes. groun;ls.
—
:
'
Houses.
The Act of Assembly last referred to Kauffman, Hans Wittmer, Hans Bloetshows plainly that our German-Swiss scher, Peter Gran's widow, Uirlch forebears built churches and schools Gletler, Nich. Neukomn, Nich. Ploet;
scher.
as soon as they arrived.
1731
— Residence
of
:
This Time. Miiller
adequate
idea
came
(who earlier)
time.
209-212)
(p.
He
of to
lived
in
Neukomm
of
Griembach,
Our Swiss Ances- Markus Frantz, and Hans
the Palatinate at
tors in
Minister of the congregation;
—Ulrich I
gives
an Swiss
us
where the Rhine Valley
the
that Valley
at
this
says there were in the con-
Friedelsheim (about gregation at miles from Xeustadt) forty eight families. The ministers were Hanz Tchantz (Johns) and Hans Jacob In the congregation six Schneider. miles south of Worms 40 families, whose ministers were Hans Burltholder, Christian Burkholder, Christian Stauffer, the last named a deacon of Ober Sultzheim. Of the congregation of Ibersheim near Worms, the minister was Hans Jacob Heistand and the deacon Abram Burkholder. In the Tribbach congregation, John Neff was minister and Hans Longanecker deacon. Altogether, says Miiller, there were in the Palatinate (or Rhine Valley) 458 families of Swiss below Manheim and 160 families above Manheim in all 618
—
—
Baechtel
Deacons.
The congregation on the Biiechtwo and one half hours from Wimpfen on the Neckar to the northwest: Christian, Hans and Daniel Neukomm, Peter and Jacob Kraehenbuehl, Henry Engersten's widow, Nich Wagner, Hans Horsch, Peter Brand, Hans Kuendig, Tob. Hodel. Minister of the Congregation Samuel (2)
elhoff
Boechtel
at
Krahenbuhl,
Unter-Gambfer, Nich at Dreschkiln^-
— deacon
en.
The congregation at Hassel(3) bach one hour from Bischofsheim to tlie South Kaspar Rasy, Hans Hecht, Hans and Peter Witmer, Melchoir Bauman, Melchoir Huersch, Henry Vol Weiters (Vollen Veider's) widow, Hans and Jacob Schenk, Oswald Hofstetter, Samuel Lierstein, and Samuel Dierstein's widow, Hans Ringstbacher's (Rindlisbacher), Chr. Gaumann, David Kauffman, Peter Rasch's widow. Minister of the
congregation:
—Abr.
sert on the Rauhof, Valantine
— deacon
at
Zer-
Wagner,
Haselbach.
The congregation at Halmstad (4) one hour from Bischofsheina to tlie 1731 Names of Stviss Mennonites in north, Ulrich Iseli, Henry and Hans Upper Rhine Valley Tliis Year. Wagner, Christian Kleh, Andr. Diter, Andr. Schmits, Peter NeuenschwanMiiller (page 209 et seq.) give the following persons as those constitut- der, Peter Aebi, Nichlaus Strahm, Val. ing the Swiss Mennonite cong'rega- Schmitz. Minister of the congregafamilies.
—
238 tion:
PARTICULAR HOME OF OUR PALATINE ANCESTORS. Hans Schmitz
The congregation on the high Haelmstad and (9) Eckerhof one hour from Wersloch same place.
at
Chr. Schmitz of the
Jacob Shallenberger, Chr. Wenger's widow, Hans Gleller, Peter Allenbach, Nicholaus Gutzler, Jost Gutzler's widow, Chr. Fuchs, Nich. Bachtel, Daniel Hattel, Hans Fallman, BurkhalUlrich Moser, David Kobel, Chr. Martin, Hans Schaerer's Nat. Schenk's widow. Minister of the ter, Christian Bachman, in widow, Samuel Nysli, Samuel Hess, congregation Samuel and Martin Meyer, Hans Hu- Wersloch, Hans Meyer in convent ber, two Hans Schaerer, Hans Graf, Logefield, Hans Plaetcher, deacon in Chr. Shenk, Chr. Kraitter, Chr. Ober- Mechersheim. Minister of the holtzer, Peter Graf. The congregation (10) on the congregation: Heinrich Kuendig in iiaschlof one hour from Neustadt, Grambach. Martin Kreiter, deacon in: northward. Peter Schneider, Chr. p<7 Zetlingen. Frantz, Andreas Moeselmann, Peter The congregation on the Strei- Kunzi, Daniel Gran, Ulrich Neukomn. (6) genberg, one hour from Ehingen east- Minister of the congregation: Chr. ward: Heinrich Beer, Samuel Funk, and Nath. Moeselmann. two Hans Frei, Hans Baehr, Fr. The congregation on the Im(11) Rohrer, Hans Hodel, Hans Funk, Jost melthaeuserhof, one hour from SintzMinisters of Glnecki, Hans Mueller. helm, southward, Chr. Buenkeli, the congregation, Chr. Janw. on Strei- (Binggeli) Samuel Frei, Hans Baehr, genberg, Hans Funk in Richen, Hans Hans Brand, Heinrich Mueller, HeinHeinrich, Mueller, deacon in Ebinrich Schab, Peter Gut, Claus Gerber, gen; Peter Plaettle, deacon in Strei- Hans Lienhard, Jacob and Samuel genberg. Schneider, Martin and Jacob OberThe congregation in Wesingen holtzer, Chr. Huber. Minister of the (7) two hours from Durlack eastward, congregation: Chr. Eicher on the Im Hans Chr. Ruth (Rupp?), Samuel melhaenserhof, Rudolph Linhard at Kraehenbuehl, Nich. Hassler, Hans Rohrbach, Peter Moser, deacon in Eschbacher, Hans Gut, Hans Bauman, Logefield, Hans Plaetcher, deacon in Minister of the con Mechersheim. Phil. Schneider. in "WesEschbacher Chr. gregation; The congregation in Thern(12) ingen, Ulrich Schneider, deacon in heim, one half hour from Sintzheim southwestward: Jacob Meyer, Chr. (Rupp 209.) Kraetzingen. Rudolph Plaetscher, Peter Herr, The congregation in Meeke(8)
The congregation of the Bokschaft, two hours from Ebingen to the Hans Landis, Hans and northwest: Hans Dierstein Peter Brand, Chr. (5).
eastward.
:
—
—
sheim, two hours from Neckarsmond, southward: Samuel Ploetscher, Jas.
Wisler, Hans Pfaeffli, Hans Herr, Nich. Kratter, Nich. Meii, Hans Jacob Santer, Bend. WissMinister of the congregation: ler. Rundolp Linhard of Rohrbach, Sam-
Brand,
Hans
Huersch, Nich. Brand, Peter and Hans Bueller, Hans and Jacob Zety, Hans Rohrer, Nich. Myer's widow, Benj. uel Meyer, deacon at Dirhheim. Nich. and two Hans Musselman (Mosthe on The congregation (13) Hans Rohrhof, two hours from Mannheim and imann?), Hans Jacob Kauffman. Minister of the congrega- eastwards, Hans Schwarz, Wolfgang David Kauffman in Dasbach, Hall, Hans Rudolph Schneebeli, Hans tion: Hans Bresler in Langzael, Hch. Lan- Jnerg Bachstel, Hans Meyer's widow, Hans Bachman, Melch. Hanri, Hans dis, deacon in Zutzenhausen.
—
CONESTOGA FOREST Werner, Peter Schneider,
Hans Jacob
Hans Sanrer, Greg.
ger's widow.
gation:
Biirchdalff,
Jost.
nagel,
Stoe-
Seltzer,
FIRES.
239
Cressman, Funk, Schrack, Pennypacker, Hollaubiak,
Ministers of the congre- Reiff, Peters, Kline, Snyder, Kosdorf, Eschbacher, in Oelbel- Sander, Bauchman, Roth and Acker.
Foeimann in None appear in the list as Lancaster lenheini, Meichoir Bruchhausen, Chr. Neukommer, dea- County settlers. con in the Rohrhof making together 1731 Early Forest Fires and Other 160 house fathers or families.
—
—
1731
— Additional tlements
German Swiss
in
Our
Items. SetIn
t'ounty.
the
American Weekly Mercury
under the date of April
Rupp built
Mart Kendig the a walnut log house on his large says,
page
78,
following
Monday
items
15,
this year
appear,
number
"Last
waThis tract, as we gons, coming from Conestoga to the have seen before, included all the city of Philadelphia laden with flour land between Willow Street pike and the West Willow road on the east and and hemp, etc., were set afire by burnwest and extended from the property ing bushes along the road. The hemp of William G. Mellinger to John Rush burned with such violence, that it was with great difficulty that they saved on the north and south. According to the Colonial records. the wagon. They lost all their hemp, Volume 3, page 381, seven shiploads four bags of flour and six bags of protract of 1060 acres.
German-Swiss arrived at Philadelphia this year and nearly all came to the Conestoga Valley, (See page 417). Several Acts of Assembly were passed concerning these people. They laid a duty or tax upon them because they were foreigners, (See 4 Statute at Laws were also passed large, 135). naturalizing them and enabling them to hold land. (See same book, page concerning this 20). The discussion right to hold land, as it took place in the Assembly of Pennsylvania may be found in Vol. 3 votes of Assembly,
(April
12)
a
of
of
vender."
page
This item shows that there was a trade between Conestoga and Philadelphia, in the hemp and flour business. The mills on the Conestoga and other Lancaster County places were manufacturing flour for Philadelphia and growing hemp. Hemp raising was so general, among our Germans, that in fact, Hempfield Township was named from it. Another thing made plain is that there were evidently, much wood and underbrush along the road in these early times, nearly 183 years ago or more. From the Pennsylvania Gazette, under the date of May 6, 1731, there is an item reported as follows: "From Lancaster County, we hear that on the 18ih past the woods being afire some people fearing that their fences would be burned, went out to save them, when a child following them wandered along the rails and being surrounded by fire the flames seized her clothes and she was burned to death." Tliis is not an unusual item especially; but it gives some light
131.
Many
of
them
were
naturalized by a later act, this same year. The naturalization is found in 4 Statutes at Large 147. We have discussed under the date of 1729. Those naturalized under the act 1731
Swiss who County and city and Bucks County and Chester County. Some of the names promi-
(Page 219) were German
settled
in
j
Philadelphia
nent in the list are: Ziegler, Detweiler, Hunsecker, Zimmerman, Schmidt, Mayer, Bowman, Swartz, Andrews, Levand, Kauffman, Shenkel, Hoff-
j
i
,
THE ESHLEMAN FAMILY
240
upon the early condition
(SWISS).
whom
and about
there is reliable proof, is that Daniel Lancaster. Ashleman, who came beAnotlier item of early German Swiss fore 1718, as set forth in the Act of days, of Lancaster County, is that, naturalization which embraced him, surrounding tlie name of Mary Ditch- recorded in Vol. 4 St. L. 147. He is er, in Volume 9 of Hazzar's Register, stated there as one of those who came page 119. Mr. Conynghgam, proficient before 1718 and as a native of Lan-' writer, states that, land back to the caster County. (See also Rupp 125.) in
i
of
j
i
i
Susquehanna river, was settled in the Neighborhood of Columbia, by Farricks, Strickler, Garbers, and others and that they purchased their first right from Mary Ditcher, an old German woman who went about making what she called, improvements. This
1
'
;
John Eshleman, above named, arrived in Philadelphia as one of a ship load of 269 Palatines, (Swiss Palafrom Rotterdam by way of London and Cowes on September 21, 1731, in the ship Brittania and signed the declaration of fidelity to the Govern.ment of Pennsylvania that day. (3 Col. Rec. 414 and 415.) He lost no time in reaching Lancaster, for as we have stated, 8 days later Martin Mylin settled his passage and head money. Mylin lived on Pequea Creek near Willow Street. According to the same record page 367 and 368, Jacob Eshleman arrived about Aug. 19, 1729, with a ship load of Palatine Swiss of 180 persons in the ship Mortonhouse, from Rotterdam by way of Deal and signed the promise of fidelity, etc. And Hendrick Eshleman (Ishelman) arrived about Aug. 24, 1728, in the ship Mortonhouse from Rotterdam by way of Deal, with a ship load of 200 Palatine Swiss immigrants (See Do. tines)
j
consisted of a few sticks put together and a fire kindled and a kettle hung over it, which constituted her claim. She would sell out her claim for a trifle and then move and take up anThe article continues other claim. and says that she wandered through woods leading her horse, which was her only property, with her knitting in her hand and clad in sheep skin. T'he writer gives a good description of the founding of Columbia, also.
;
1731— The Eslileman Family. The following receipt
is found in "Received September 29, 1731 of Martin Mylin, 8 pounds, 11 shilling and 8 pence for passage and head money of John Eschellman. 327 & 328). It is evident, therefore, Signed Thomas Lawrence." that the pioneers of the family here, This suggests that an item on the go back to the days of the first openEshleman Family might properly be ing up of civilization in our Susquehanna Valley near year 1710. entered at this point. There were also Peter Eshleman, arrived America The Eshlemans in Aug. 28, 1733, in ship Hope; Barbara and in the Susquehanna Valley, much earlier than 1731 and perhaps the Eshleman, and Jacob Eshleman, the chronology of these annals would be same time and several more in early better preserved, by this item having years. (See Vol. 17 2nd Ser. Pa. Arbeen entered under the earliest date chives pages 13, 16, 17, 29, 30, 85, 86, of any Eshleman arrival here. But as 88, 90, 282, 284, 433, 439, 440 and 494. But mention is made in European that was omitted, this item may as properly be entered now as at any records, of Eshlemans on the move toward Philadelphia and the Susqueother time. The earliest arrival of an Eshleman hanna Valley much earlier than the in what is now Lancaster County of above dates.
Rupp page
75,
,
—
,
I
;
j
;
i
—
'
THE ESHLEMAN FAMILY the
111
ship
down
sent
the
year, he mentions Michael
origin of the Eshleman name is Imobersteg established. who published a work on the Emmenthal in 1876 says that the Aeschlimann (Eshleman) family originates
Mennondst deacon and Eshleman. (See Ante 159 & in Holland,
clearly
from Aeschlen in "Gemeinde" (congregation) of Diesbach, in the EmmenAnd a certain Michael Aeschlithal. mann, nicknamed "der Bergmichael"
Margrith 160.) Tliey
did not proceed farther than
gen
not
Rhine that Eshleman,
a
241
The
account given by Melchoir
Zahler (Zeller) in 1710 of those who were being deported for America in the
(SWISS).
Nimewe
however.
or mountain Michael Eshleman was an- one of the leaders of the peasant war cestry of the family, it api)ears from against the industrial tyranny and Ernest Miiller of Langnau, Switzer- landed tyranny of Switzerland, about This I cite on the land (a noted historian) that about Berne, in 1653.
As
to the
old Swiss
home and
[
'
1550 the Eshlemans were
first
Cyrus H. Eshleman of Grand Haven, above referred to. He authority of
known
—
Langnau district a short distance southwest of Berne. In the list of Mennonites driven out of Langnau in 1692 occurs the name Elizabeth Eshleman the old fish woman and her two daughters Magdalena and Elsa and also Ely Eshleman's wife Magdalena. (See Ante 127.) According to Kuhns in a letter written to Cyrus H. Eshleman of Grand Haven, Michigan, a few years ago, an infant Peter Eshleman, son of Benedict Eshleman, was baptized in Langnau in 1556. He states that there are few, if any, earlier Eshleman records in SwitzerThe Consul of the land than this. United States, at Berne states that there are 20 or more Eshleman families in Berne; and that the family may that is in be of Bernese origin western Switzerland.
in the
has a copy of Imobersteg's book. Authorities give two or more deriIt vations of the name "Eshleman." may that the name is said by them mean one who came from the villageof Aeschlen or Aeschi or Aeschli, receiving the name Aeschlimann to designate them after they removed to another town to denote their original Another theory is that an home.
—
—
1731— The Eshleman Family. (Continued.)
But the Eshlemans are throughout the Emmenthal is
i
numerous too,
which
Authors
a short distance northeast of Berne.
They
found in Trachselwald, Summis'wald and Burgdorf as well as in Langnau. It seems that the family lived earlier than 1550 in the Emmenthai and embraced the Baptist or Mennonite faith during the migration of the Zurich refugees into the Emmenthal about 1530.
Aeschlimann was one who was an overseer of an Aesch, a section of cultivated land extending around a small town. In the old towns in Switzerland the land round about them was called the Aesch and the tenants lived in the center in a small cluster of The overseer for the noblehouses. man (owner of all the land the village was built on and extending some distance about it in all directions) was the Aesch-man. And the "li" is said to be a Swiss localism whose use made the name of the overseer the Aesch-li-mann.
man"
in the
"Pennsylvania Ger-
places give interesting history relative to the Eshleman family. In the number for June
are
|
different
at
Kuhns, commenting on says that Aeschlimann comes from the parish of Aeschli in Diessbach he also says in number for Oct. 1906, page 311, that there are 1910,
page
373,
Imobersteg,
—
,
242
THE ESHLEMAN FAMILY— IMMIGRATION OF
many Eshlemans day— under Oct.
in
Langnau
1731
to this
—German
page 610, he says he found Aeschlimanns also in
1731.
Swiss Immigration into
Pennsylvania This Tear.
1906,
According to the Colonial Records Canton Zur- and other records this year, 4 ship But the name does not ap- loads of the German-Swiss or Palaich, etc. (3 pear in the Lexicon of Leu (Switzer- tine-Swiss reached Pennsylvania. 410-13-14-16.) The number Rec. Col. land). families of these four There is an Eshleman family coat- of male heads of shop loads was 235; and the total of-arms too. Ernest Miiller, of Langnumber of immigrants was 638. Of considerable nau, Switzerland, has the most general families residing in knowledge upon it. The description Lancaster County we find the followof the coat-of-arms given, is as fol- ing: 2 Huberts 2 Leamens 3 Keelows: There is shown upon it a man seys 2 Ritters and 6 Smiths. and an Eschbaum (ash tree) but it One representative of each of the seems that in other instances there is following families were among these Bumgartner described a man and a fish "Aeschi." immigrants: Albert DieBender Cramer Bauman The name, however, seems to be older Frey Frieman Eshleman trick than the coat-of-arms. The Eshleman Fisher Hiestand Myers family hold family reunions annually. Seyler Roth Rohr Metzgar Mrs. John Flaharty, of Plains, LuWanaSnyder Vogell Shultz zerne County, Pennsylvania is the maker and Wald. Secretary of the association. The women and children's names Hon. W. U. Hensel, of Lancaster, are given in most instances and frePennsylvania, states that, heading the quently there were more women than In the ship-load of the vessel list of those who died in the old men. Switzerland wars, in long columns on called "Pennsylvania Merchant" qualtablets on Memorial buildings in ified at Philadelphia Sept. 11, 1731, Berne, the names of several Aeschli- there were 56 women above 16 and 58 children under 16. (Second Series the top of the lists. the district of Meilin in
—
—
—
;
—
—
— —
—
—
— — —
—
—
manns
stand at
In the County
of
Lancaster
—
— —
In Pa. Archives, Vol. 17, page 25.) the ship load coming in the ship Brittania Sept. 21, this year, the ages are given and they average about 22 years,
there
are 180 of Eshleman adults and heads of families noted, and in the city directory 53 heads and adults, total 233.
women, men and children. One child, It only 5 weeks old, is reported. was born in passage. Another child
In America at large today there are
perhaps four or five thousand of them. They are found, according to Cyrus H. Eshleman, of Grand Haven, Michigan, following in the large American cities: Boston, New York, Rochester, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Memphis, Washington, D. C, Columbus, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Toledo, Detroit, Minneapolis, Chicago, Springfield, St. Louis, St. Joseph, Kansas City, Indianapolis, Sioux City, Seattle and Los Angeles, etc.
— — — —
—
landed 15 days '
j
that
we can
old.
That
is
about
all
collect of interest in the
immigration of 1731. 1732
— German
Swiss Immigration into Pennsylvania Tliis Tear.
The year 1732 records the beginning
new inrush into Pennsylvania, of German Swiss or Palatines. Accord-
of a
ing to Colonial Records, (3 Col. Rec. 429, 31, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58. 65
and
66) eleven vessels of these people ar-
—6 2 3 5 8 6 4
IMMIGRANTS OF rived this year,
making
1732
TO SUSQUEHAXXA VALLEY.
a total of 762
heads of families and a total cargo of about 1950 persons. The first vessel arrived on May 4, this year the second iu August the next seven in September and the last one in October.
—
—
Turning
the
to
names we
following persons of
find
familiar
the
names
24'
were not many old people, as far as ages are given, among these immigrants. The ages of the men average 28 years that of the women 27 years and of the children 7 and one-half
—
years.
In some of the earlier immigrations the people that came were older persons; but it seems that in later years the spirit of immigration, into the Susquehanna Valley, was taken up by the younger people as the above de-
Albrights— 4 Breckleys 3 Bumgartners 5 Bairs (Bears) Brickers 5 Benders Bergers 3 Brandts 7 Brackbills 2 Balmers Berntheisels 4 Burkhoklers 2 Bol- tails seem to show. Basslers 2 Buchers 3 lingers Our (>'orniiinllardslii]is of 1732 Crlsts Beavers 7 Cramers 12 Swiss Ancestors on (lie Sea. Ebermans 3 Freys 11 Frantzes Fishers— 3 Gerlachs— 3 Gro^s^^9'HoffIn the Pennsylvania Gazette, the mans 4 Hartmans 7 Hostetters fourth newspaper published in AmerKieffers 2 Kreiders 2 Harniches ica (which was begun by Benjamin Hoaks 2 Hoffers 2 Keeseys— 4 Kel- Franklin in 1728, and which exists to 2 Keplingers 2 Kolbs 7 Kuhns this day in the form of the Saturday lars 3 Longs 2 Kauffmans— 4 Klings Evening Post) there are set forth the 18 Myers 7 Mumaws 48 Millers 24 following accounts of hardships enMussers 4 Peters 2 Pickels 2 Ack- dured by our early German Swiss ers 2 Andrews 2 Abels 4 Rupps local ancestors in coming across the Stauffers— sea. Ritters— 6 Seylers— 10 Snyders 8 Steinmans 2 Sanders The first item is found in the issue in the list:
16
—
— —
— —
—
—
— —
—
— — —
—
— — — — — —
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — Saddlers — Schuymeyer— Strauss Schlaughs — Spanglers — Schocks — Sigmans — Wolfs— Weavers and Webers — Wagners — 17 Zimmermans
—
— — — — — —
3
3
2
2
3
2
6
6
7
and 4 Zieglers. There also appears one each of the following families: Sprecher Schuman Shaub Shilling Berger Gochenaur G'erhart Gable Kleinhous Keeler Kline Moseman Byerly Brenner Bechtold Reinhart Shearer Landis Pellman Albert Hostetter Frank Brackbill Gerlach Herman Kreider Moseman Burkholder Kellar Kolb Lehman
—
—
—
—
— —
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — Zircher — Meek — Oberholtzer — Rohrer — Smith — Snyder — Schuyler — Wendel — Weaver — Ziegler — Crist — Capp and Christian.
of
February 8, "There is a
1732,
and
is
as follows:
town from some Palatines who embarked at Rotterdam in June last in a ship bound letter
in
for this place, but instead arrived at Martha's Vineyard, an island on the coast of New England containing an account that the ship, being four and twenty weeks in her passage, their
—
fell short, and in the last weeks they had no bread; but a pint of grouts was all the allowance for five persons per day. They ate all the rats and mice they could catch, and the price of a rat was 18d. and of a mouse 6d. and water 6d. a quart. That seven persons died of hunger and thirst in one night; and of 150 passengers, which came on board at Rotterdam, over 100 were
provisions
eight
A large number of women and chil- miserably starved to death. When at dren came with the immigrants on the length it pleased God that a sloop ships that arrived in the fall. There should meet them and conducted the
HORRORS OF SEA VOYAGES OF OUR ANCESTORS.
244
ship into Homes-Hole, a liarbor of ttie relieve and protect the first, it will In tlie first be no less a necessary act of justice above named island. three days after their arrival fifteen to call the last to strict account. That more died, who had been reduced so if he cannot acquit himself of what low b.v famine that it was impossible is laid to his charge, he may reap the They write further just reward of his oppression and to recover them. that they think if they had continued cruelty. " 'I am with much respect, sir, etc. at sea three days longer, they should all have died, no one being able to " 'Philadelphia, February 9, 1732.' " hand another drop of water. But the And in the issue of May 18th we good people of the island are very have a brief account of the slow charitable to them and do everything progress of these suffering people on in their power to refresh them; so their toilsome journey from Boston to that many who were famished and their final home with their brethren near death began to revive, but none here in this land of Pequea and Conare yet strong enough to travel." estoga. What was done for their relief apIt is as follows: pears in an article in the same paper, "Philadelphia, May 18. Saturday dated February 22. It is as follows: last arrived 34 Dutch here passengers, pleased "Governor G'ordon has been |
—
write a letter to the Governor of Boston, in behalf of the distressed Palatines on Martha's Vineyard as follows: " 'Sir On the application of several Germans and others from the Palatinate, now inhabiting this province, I am to address you on behalf of their unhappy countrymen, who, after a
being those
to
who came
into Martha's
in December They have since been in Boston, where they say the people took them into their houses and used them very kindly, so that many of them were at no charge, all the while they
Vineyard
half
starved
last.
—
j
waited for passage; and, moreover, a
;
collection
i
was
made among
the in-
from habitants for their relief, by which passage of twenty-four Rotterdam, are lately arrived at a port 200 pounds was gathered and given to them. The Captain who brought them in your government, near R. I., as I The enclosed being an from Holland was prosecuted there suppose.
weeks
I
I
a letter from here, sets Minister Dutch them to a forth fully their calamitous circumstances, and the horrid barbarity with which they have been treated by Lohb, the master of the vessel, who seems to have formed a design to destroy them, in order to posses himelf of their effects, which are said to have been very considerable, when they exact
translation
of
A gentleman of your embarked. goodness and humanity cannot but be moved with pity, for the miserable conditions of these poor wretches, and with a just indignation against the author of their misfortunes. And as it will be an act of great charity to
;
1
j
j
on their account; but the accusations against him were not made good and he was acquitted and has since arrested those five who signed the letter for damages, and they are forced to remain behind to answer his ac'Tis said the people who arrivtion. ed here complain almost as much of being abused by those five, who were the chief persons among them, as they in their letter did of the Captain." It
may
ancestors
body
of
be that some of our town were among that desolate
men and women,
fleeing
land to escape persecution poverty at home in Europe.
this
to
and
MORE SUFFERING UPON SEA VOYAGES. 1732— Another
rictiire
of
245
Boshung and Philip Melchoir Meyer and John Peter Appel,
Suflering
Nicholas
I
and Hardships.
Laurens Kieffer, and Baltzer Gerlach, and Stephen Matz and John George Martin, and Ludwig John Herr and Sebastian Druckmiller, and John Shock and Conrad Getz and Mathias 19, 1732. It is as follows: -Musser and John Vogel and John "Sunday last arrived here Captain Michael Hoffman, and John Jacob Tymberton, in 17 weeks from RotterScherr and Joseph Houbley and Midam, with 220 Palatines 44 died in chael Miller and Mathias Mentzer their passage. About three weeks and
Another picture of the dreadful exwhich ignorant Palatines periences subjected themselves to in their tedious journey to our land is shown in an item of the same paper of October
—
among the list. the passengers dissatisfied with We recognize all of these as comthe length of the voyage, were so imLancaster County names. It is mon prudent as to make a mutiny, and, interesting to contemplate that indeed being the stronger party, have ever (ancestors no doubt of these persons since had the government of the vessame name sel, giving orders from among them- present families of the selves to the captain and sailors, who now in our county) suffered such a their on experience were threatened with death in case of discouraging fascinating What a journey here. disobedience. Thus, having sight of land, they carried the vessel twice story they must have told their chilbackwards and forwards between our dren and grandchildren of their desago,
perate plight, at sea. No wonder they Ordinairly 10 to 12 weeks mutinied! were quite sufficient to make the pasBut these people saw no land sage. after 12, 13, yea 14 weeks of patient sailing. Then they became frightened —horror stricken. They felt that they were lost lost on the great Atlantic Dcean, with no land in sight anywhere. TTiey threaten the master and seamen and take charge of the ship. This they did at the end of 14 weeks or as the account states, about 3 men's souls. This ship was the "John and Wil- weeks before landing. Philadelphia Think of the scene on that ship liam" which reached October 17, 1732, under Captain Tym- from another point. According to the berton from Rotterdam according to record there were 98 women and chilVol. 17, Sec. Series of Pennsylvania dren on the vessel when it landed in addition to about the same number of Archives, page 72. What terror they must have Turning to the list of passengers on men. the children that ship we find Martin Lorenz, experienced and how George Albright, Jacob and Benedict must have cried in terror. How desand Hans Peter Brackbill, and John perately in despair were the mothers. Peter Reinhart, and John Martin How helpless all of them! Think too Schaeffer, and Jacob Weber and Gid- of the deaths 44 deaths that voyage. eon Hoffer, and Jacob Henrich and That is, one each third day dies and John George Sprecher, and John is sunk in the sea.
capes and Virginia, looking for a place to go ashore, they knew not where. At length they compelled the sailors to cast the anchor near Cape May, and eight of them took the boat by force and went ashore; from whence they have been five days coming up by land to this place, where Those they found the ship arrived. concerned in taking the boat are committed to prison." Those indeed were times that tried
!
•
I
—
—
/
1
246
BROTHERLY COMMUNICATIONS OF THE EARLY CHRISTIANS.
It took brave souls indeed in those days to cross the ocean and found a new land. This was, no doubt, one of many similar fated ships. And according to the preceding item, that vessel had a much more terrifying experience. These people were surely persons of grim determination; and it is not a great wonder that they sucthemselves ceeded in establishing comfortably in a little while after they reached their new home here on the Jonestoga.
our ministers and elders to you. For this purpose Peter Kolb of Knightstheim (Kriegsheim) was appointed, and Hans Bechtel from here, an ordained Deacon, has been appointed to
accompany him on '
with
much
his journey.
love that
It is
we send them
to
you and many other places. For the love and great good you have shown by your brotherly love to us and those in needy circumstances, we visit
hereby to express our gratiOur wish and hope is that the tude. Lord, by his holy angels, may guide 1732— Ministers and Members in the them to you and back again in health. Palatinate. That the above may carry more The name Landis appearing in the weight we have with our own hands ship records of this year suggests to subscribed thereto. us that an important item, that is Jacob Landis, dated 1709, was omitted. fore,
insert
it
at this
We, there-
place.
It
is
a
and communication from the brethren in Switzerland to the brethren in Holland, and it is as follows: greeting"
March
We
3,
1709.
desire
Samuel Meyer, Christian Bath,
Jacob
GXit,
Hans Heinrich
Ber,
Pieter Bladtli, Michel Meir,
Samuel Meyer, Ulrich Neiwkomme, congregations here wish Hantz Chenstsy. all ministers and elders of the AnaWe the ministers and elders of the baptist (Taufesinden) congregation in acknowledge assembled Palatinate, the Netherlands, much grace, peace and advisproper be and blessing from God, the Father of the foregoing to all Grace, through the comfort and able, and l)ear testimony to the same blessing of the Holy Spirit, in Christ by subscribing to it with our hands. Ubersheimerhoff, March 13, 1709. Jesus, Amen. AlHantz Miller, Lord, his by It pleased, God the Hantz Mayer, mighty hana to call our brother Jasper Giit, Christian Phlein from this world, and Tielman Kolg, Since thus close his earthly career. Peter Leman, then his accounts, and some errors Heinrich Hiestant, and discrepencies have been discovHanz Buszhaler, ered, and this fact has had rather a Hanz Jacob Schutbly, wide circulation among the people and Jacob Miller, caused much unpleasant gossip; sevChristian Siekommel, eral have been gone so far as to enter Henrich Friedt, complaint against us with you, which Valentine Giitwohl, might cause you sadness. Christian Swustut, That this might be avoided and that Hansz Brubaker, you may be correctly informed, we Christian Kruntz, the undersigned have mutually agreed Hansz Schimmer. and thought it well to send several of the ministers and elders of the
Mennonite
!
POVERTY OF MANY OF THE EARLY GERMAN-SWISS. we see a large Lancaster County names of today. This will serve to show where they lived 200 years ago in what sections our forefathers inhabIn these signatures
number
of
—
ited.
1732
— >'atiiralizatiou
of the I'nder the Year 1718.
Ante
Palatines (See
We made note of a large number of Palatines, principally from Lancaster County, who came to the County before 173 8 and who were naturalized. We now make them who
note of a company of were naturalized about this
year.
St.
(4
L.
219.)
The preamble
of the naturalization act states that divers protestants, subjects of Ger-
many under encouragement
given by William Penn, transported themselves to Pennsylvania and have contributed very materially to the enlargement of the British Empire and have always behaved themselves religiously and peaceably, and as they desire naturalization they
are
now
to
be natural-
ized.
Most of them were set aown as resof Philadelphia County and a few of the city; a few of Bucks ounty and Chester County; but no Lancaster County residents are mentioned among them. There are about 100 mentioned in the list. Among them are such names as are now in and about Philadelphia as Kolb, Ziegler, idents
Detweiler, Zimmerman, Bowman, Levand, Shenkel, Longenecker, Pennypacker, ReifT and others.
1732
who have passage nor given security for the same; that they are hereby required to come to said John Grey or to Benjajnin Shumaker in Philadelphia, and there pay the passage money or give security, or they will be proceeded against according John
Poverty of Some German Swiss
Immi^ants.
Grey
never paid
to
209.)
247
commander,
their
law."
A similar notice the Palatines who Pleasant.
is
inserted as to in the ship
came
The law which is referred to is the Statute passed by early Pennsylvania giving authority to the ship masters to sell the persons, who did not pay their passage, into servitude to make up the money to pay their passage. According to Colonial Records (3 Records 457) there were 61 Palatines on that ship Mary, John Grey commander, and of the common Lancaster County names we find: Mike and John Eberman, Conrad Miller, Christian Klenn, John Mazer, Henry, George, John and Heinrich Shissler, John Adam Miller, Andrew Mazer, Kasper Meyers, Jacob Walter, George Pickle and others. No one can tell at this late date, whether any of these were among the persons who found such great difficulty and hardship in coming over, whether they paid their passage or not. It is not, however, to their discredit that the hand of poverty was so heavy upon them; but rather a compliment to their pluck and determination that they would face all these difficulties for the sake of religious and political Col.
freedom.
While some of the immigrants from On the ship Pleasant, record of the heart of Europe had means to en- which is found in the same book, page able them to come to this country, yet 465, we find there were 42 heads of a great many of them were miserably families and among them, Balzer and poor. In the American Weekly Mer- Henry Spangler, John Kellar, George cury, December 26, 1732, there is the Peters, George Bair, Fred Bassler, following notice: Hornberger, Henry Eckert, Jacob "This is to give notice to all Pala- John Sickman, Funk Miller, John tines, who came in the ship Mary, Tauber, Isaac Reidenbaugb, John Mi-
A CASE OF GERMAN-SWISS LAPSE OF MORALS.
248
Hoffman,
chael
Conrad
others.
These all sound County names and it
like
Book
and was sentenced to death, according to law. But, it appearing to the Judges Lancaster that there was great doubt concern-
is highly probable that the ancestors of our German Swiss people, here in the County were among those poverty today, stricken sufferers, who were mentioned in the article in the Mercury as having such an unfortunate financial ending of their voyage. The holdings of their descendants, round about us today, very forcibly teach us that they have overcome the obstacle of poverty against which they struggled, in those early times.
— Occasional
1732
Instances of
Low
3Iorals.
In the Colonial Records. Volume 3, page 429 and 430, there is set forth a record, which gives us a melancholy picture and the fact that human weakness was a factor among other German Swiss ancestors, then as now. In fact, it would not be compli-
ing the mother's injuring the child and, therefore, the Judges themselves ask the Council to relieve her from the death sentence. In addition to this a petition, signed German neighbors of Margaret
by 63
Sheets, this all
in
which they ask mercy to Taking
woman, was presented.
these facts into consideration, the
board decided that this woman should not be hanged; but be given a much littler punishment. The names of the persons petitioning for this mercy are not given.
—A
1732
In
page there
German Fore-Father DiscoTers a Gap Mckel Mine. Volume 2, of the Pa. Archives, under the date of 1755, a letter from Governor Morris
311, is
Thomas Penn
which he states that certain persons concerned in the mentary to civilization at all if we "Gap Mine," in which Penn is intercould not point to advancement and a ested, are inclined to go to work on rising of the moral plane, as the re- it again. He says, that it may be sult of years of effort and culture. worked to advantage by the help of a We do not believe, that by any means, fire engine similar to the one that all of the ancestors of whom we have Schuylers have erected at their mine. been speaking, were clean and godly He also says, that the vitrol which he for there are many accounts to the is told the mine abounds in should be He further goes contrary. The item which we are now turned to account. if Thomas say, that Penn is satabout to give, while it shows the on to weakness of one individual and her isfied that he, Morris, will buy or sin, on the other hand, shows that the lease Penn's whole share. spirit of charity and humanity filled the breasts of her neighbors. At a meeting of the Council of
Pennsylvania, (which corresponds to our Senate and the Governor Cabinet
combined today) a report of the Justice of Lancaster County was received, setting forth, that at the Oyer and Terminer Court, held at Lancaster, Margaret Sheets was convicted of concealing the birth and burial of her child, born to her, she being a single woman, and upon being so found she
to
in
A note at the bottom of 312 goes on to say, that this mine is near Gap, in Lancaster County, and was first discovered by a German named Tersey in or before 1732, and that a grant of land, made by John Penn to Governor Hamilton an account of a couple springs later discovered,
was
re-
ported to the Philosophical Society of London. I simply quote this item to show that the Germans were on the lookout for ore as well as for rich ground.
4 6 8 7
8
GERMANS OF EPHRATA— IMMIGRATION Some time I
earlier than 1732, in fact
think about 15 years earlier, there as the
was considerable excitement,
ancient records show, concerning "Ore Mine at Conestoga."
1732— The (U'rmans j
'^
'
an
Start the Ephiatji
OP^
249
173:^..
— Rushers — Reeds— Richters— Reinharts— 20 Smiths— 9 SteinStraubs— 10 Schaeffers — mans — Roots
5
7
3
2
3
Snavelys— 3
Sanders— 5
Taylors—
—
Trouts 15 Whitmans. Besides these there are a large numcommon Lancaster other ber of County names of which there are one It will be obsingle representative. served that among these immigrants
Monastic Society. In Volume 15, of Hazard's Register, page 161, there is a historical sketch of Ephrata by Mr. M. Fahne- the greater number are still Swiss. stock. In it he says, that in the year The pure German names have not yet 1732, the solitary life of Ephrata was appeared in these ship lists. changed into a Conventical one and was established. 1733— More Hardships and Perils on Monastic Society the Ocean. The first buildings erected for that purpose were finished in May 1732. From the Pa. Gazette, of Mar. 22. The dress of the White Friars was 1733, we cull the following item: "We adopted. hear from New York, that last week that this say The writer goes on to arrived there the Snow, 'Experiment' grew out of the Dunker movement with about 80 or 90 Palatines. She which originated in Europe and ex- came from Dover about the middle of tended to America in 1719, namely, to October, beat 8 weeks upon the coast Germantown, Skippack, Oley, Con- and then put away for Bermuda, in estoga and elsewhere. which time the master and many of much He goes into the account the passengers died. She set out with deeper than these annals contemplate. 180 on board and brought not more Harris in his biographical history than the above 80 or 90 to shore." of Lancaster County discusses the This vessel is not among those regissame solitary life under his sketch of tered as arriving at Philadelphia dur
Conrad
Beisel.
1733
— German
Immigration.
The records that we have mentioned above, 3 Col. Records, pp. 515 to 524, show that there were 7 shiploads of these German Swiss immigrants who arrived at the port of Philadelphia, during this year making a total of 444
ing the year; but, we think that the name does appear in earlier or later years. This particular trip of 1733,
was
to
New
York.
Settlers DeMaryland. ceived hj In Vol. 4, of Colonial Records, page 64, there is a petition set forth, by heads of families or a total list for our German-Swiss under the date of 1736, complaining that 3 or 4 years the year of 1183 persons. Lancaster prominent earlier, they having just newly arAmong the rived in Pennsylvania and not knowCounty names we find 4 Adams between Pennsyl8 ing the boundary Becks 3 6 Brocks Arndts vania and Maryland, were deceived Burkharts 2 Beyers 5 Bergers
—
— — —
—
—
—
—
Burkholders— 3 Bowmans 4 Christs 19 Freys— 6 Fishers 5 Eshlemans 10 Fousts— 5 Hoffs— Fegleys— 13 Hallers— 10 Hetricks— 3 Hoffmans— Isemans 11 Kuhns 7 Kemps 8 Mil11 2 Mosemans lers 7 Moores
—
—
—
—
—
—
1733— German Swiss
—
—
into
believing that
the
Susquehanna
River was the division and that all lands west of the Susquehanna were Maryland lands. Therefore, they took up lands there and mrrde settlements with the Government of Maryland;
4
OUR EARLY GERMANS CLASH WITH MARYLAND.
250
found that the usage and treatment of them was so different from the rest of the Government and that the small substance they had was They also state, stolen from them. that they complained, frequently to Maryland authorities but received no redress; except, that they were told that they were worse than negroes for they had no master and were not under the protection of any laws; and they were finally told that the. Susquehanna River was not the boundary. They also state, that they noticed people living east of the river, further south than they do, were living in peace and without any disturbance. They also say, that they now they were imposed upon, to see answer some object of the Government of Maryland; and now, conscious of the wrong that was done them and wrong they have done to Pennsylvania by living on land and not paying acknowledgement to Penn-
but, they
sylvania or its laws, they have resolved to show to Pennsylvania their loyalty and spirit and ask the authorities that they should not hold against them what they did in ignorance. The Board or Council read the petition and sent a letter to the Justices and the High Sheriff of Lancaster County, in which they state they are apprized of a warlike proposition in Maryland and that, therefore, the Sheriff of the County should go to the west side of the Susquehanna River and protect our people living there. TTiis shows some additional hardships and perils under which our people suffered in those early days.
1733— More
Petitions
for
jVaturaliza-
tion.
In Vol. 3 of the Votes of Assembly, page 197-199, mention is made of the
1733
— Oldest
German Swiss Cemetery
in Lancaster County.
Soon after our here, and took Pequea, in the ies of course,
arrived
first settlers
up
home
their
in
of 1710, cemeter-
fall
became important. The
as far as records show, was known anciently as "Tchantz Grave Yard" later as "Musser's Cemetery"' on the west bank of the Pequea Creek just south of Lampeter, being on the Jacob Miller ancient tract or farm of 1008 acres^now being on the oldest
one,
farm owned by Mrs. McAllister near Mill. In that cemetery is the tomb stone yet standing of Jacob Miller, who was one of the first settlers that came in 1710 and who was one Neff's
of
the
signers
London on June
of
a
when
letter
in
which he and others state they "are now about to set sail for America." Right south of his grave and stone are those of his wife, Magdalena and Samuel, likely a son; next north of Jacob driller's grave is that of Martin Mylin, Jr.; and north of his Hans Mylin; and north of his Barbara Mylin's. These persons all died at a very early age. Martin Mylin in 1732 Barbara Mylin in 1742— Samuel Miller in 1743 Jacob Miller in 1739 Hanz Mylin in 24, 1710, in
—
—
—
1733.
Another
cemetery,
ancient as this
one,
quite is
likely
that
of
as
the
Herr cemetery, connected with the old brick Mennonite Church just east of Willow Street. 1733
—Swiss
and German Palatine
Ira'
migrants This Year.
According to Vol. 3 of the Colonial records pages 515-524 there were 8 ship loads of these people who aryear rived at Philadelphia in the
They constitute 400 heads of making a total of 1252, and petitioning for among th^ common Lancaster County their naturalization was accordingly, names are the following: 4 Adams—
fact that
taken up.
many
of the
Palatines, are naturalization; and
1733.
families,
Arnd'ts
—
5
Brocks
—
3
Beck.s
—
8
Burk-
—735 4
'
GREAT STORMS AT CONESTOGA— HOT WEATHER.
— 6 Burkholders — 5 Burgers — — 5 Eshlemans—20 Freys — — 13 Fegleys — 10 Fausts —
thunder and lightning, that can be remembered in these parts. It blew down several stacks of chimneys, unHoffs— 8 Hellars— 10 Hetricks— 7 Ise- covered several houses, some wholly mans 11 Kiihns 7 Kemps 9 Klines and others in part, and demolished —4 Kautz— 14 Longs— 6 Lutz— 8 ATil- some weak buildings. The wind was lers so violent that we have heard of it 7 Moores 4 Peters 5 Reeds 11 Roots— 5 Rhodes— 3 Richters— 23 going from Conestoga to the Bay in Smiths— 9 Steinmans 3 Straubs 10 one-half an hour." Schaeffers S Snavelys 3 Sauders 1734— .Michael Welfare, German of Stricklers 9 Shermans 5 Taylors Conestoga, Preaches in PhilaS Trouts— 8 Wises— 5 Wagners— liarts
Christs Fishers
—
—
—
—
—
— — Whitemans —
each of
—
— — —
9
many
Whitmans other
—
—
and
•
delphia.
one
common Lancas-
and Elizabeth" Christopher Cline master "Mary of Dublin" James Benn master and the "Charming Betty" John Ball master. All of these came from Rotterdam, except the last one seems to have left from London; and they came by way of Diehl, Dover, Cowes, Plymouth some of them goin;; one way and some of them
—
—
i
—
another. 1734
—Great
Suft'ering'
in
Gazette under Septemis stated that "yesterday morning. Michael Welfare one of the Christian philosophers of Conestoga appeared in full market in Philadelphia, in the habit and dress of a Pilgrim, his hat of linen, his beard full length, and a long staff in his hand. He declared himself sent by Almighty God to denounce vengence against the wickedness of the inhabitants of Philadelphia and to |)reach speedy repentance. His discourse continued about one-quarter of an hour and the imjiortance of what he delivered commanded Vr.e attention of a multitude of people; but when he finished he went away unmolested." In the Pa. ber 25, 1734,
County names.
The ships in which these people came are the "Samuel of London" of which Hugh Percy was master — "Eliza" Edward Lee master "Hope" David Reed master— "Richard ter
Conestogfa
from Heat This Summer. In the Pennsylvania Gazette of July 11, 1734, it is stated, that the weather has been so exceedingly hot for a week that a great number of people have fainted and fallen into convul-
it
Welfare, later, was one of those who joined the Ephrata community, in the days when they lived in monastaries
and withdrew themselves from the sions and died and "we also hear, world and felt themselves called upon that a great number of harvest peo- to denounce al! manner of worldliple fainted in the fields and in some ness everywhere. places a multitude of birds were 1734 Baltzer Hubmier. found dead. Since the hot summer 7 years ago, such intense heat has not We have, at an earlier place in these annals (see pages 22, 2.5. 28, 29 and been known in this country." 103) referred to Hubmier and his 1734 Great Storm at Conestoga. work. We made note of his name, beIn the same paper, under the date cause the name Huffmier is frequentof September 25, it is stated that "last ly met with in our county, and it Sunday, between 7 and 8 in the even- seems to be related to the ancient in^:, we had the most terrible gust of Hubmier. At this time, we refer again wind and rain, accompanied with to him, only in form of a brief note.
—
i
—
•
—
252
GERMAN BELIEF
IX
WITCHCRAFT—ACCOUNT OF HUPMEIER.
A
rather extended account may be found in the Mennonite Year Book and Almanac, for the year 1914, page 38. This publication was gotten up by Bishop N. B. Grabb of the Mennonite Church in Germantown, and contains
some
quantity above stairs, which soon took fire so that in an In instant it was past putting out. the company, there was an old woman who had been spinning there and was helping to get some things out of the a lot of historical matter which re- fire before they were burnt, and belates to the German-Swiss people in thinking herself of some of her own clothes that were above stairs, said America and Europe. tells of hastily, I'll go save my clothes if I article Bishop Grubb's Hubmier's debates with Zwingli and lose my life for it. So running up bis various arguments made, concern- stairs, she threw them out and they For a were saved; but the fire was so ing the non-resistant faith. Zwingli, vehement that she could not return time Hubmier believed with yet eventually he differed with him but fell upon a bed and was there on the subject of infant baptism and burnt. It is somewhat surprising, the was finally firmly established in the fire beginning at night, there was belief, that only adult baptism can such a violent whirl-wind about the This belief he finally place where she lay burning that it avail anything. held to through the preachings of raised the flames to such a height Reublin. He also stated, that Hub- that it gave light above a mile. Anmier introduced feet washing, imitat- other thing added to the surprise of ing Christ's method. For a longtime the spectators; there suddenly gathhe was rather uncertain about infant ered out of the darkness a company baptism; but eventually he renounced of dogs, some thought near 20 about He was a thorough scholar and the fire who were so fierce about the it. Pro- place where she lay burning that it wrote many strong pamphlets. fessor Wedel, who has written an ex- was thought they would have leaped Mennonites, into the fire had they not been hindof the cellent history that "We may ered." Hubmier, about says side of Peter The imputation here is, that the justly place him by the BlauWaldO; Bishop Reesner, George great flame shooting around where Michael Settler, Hans Denk. this old woman lay burning, was due roclv, Menno Simon and other leaders of our to the fact that she was a witch. Also faith." the fact that there appeared a pack of 1734—Belief in Witcluraft Among tbe about 20 dogs, out of the darkness trying to get where this old woman Early German-Swiss. lay, was also a fact which the In the American Weekly Mercury, witches brought about. we have, under issue of January 22, 1734 Swiss and German Palatine 1733-34, the following account: Immigration This Year. us was sent "The following letter
being
,
I
j
I
i
j
—
by an unknown correspondent with a desire that it might be published just as it is, viz: Lancaster Swafort, of "James of Dethe 29th Octorara, at County, helping hands cember, 1733, had some him dre.ss flax in one end of his dwelling house, and by some means the flax or tow took fire, and there
—
I
'
According to Vol. 3, of the Colonial Records, pages 568-570, there were two ship loads of these people who arrived at Philadelphia in the year TTiey constitute 89 heads of 1734. families,
making
a
total
of
261
per-
and among the common LanCounty names are the follow-
sons, caster ing: 2 Freys
—
2
Housers
—
6
Hoffmans
—
—
4
IMMIGRANTS OF 1734— THRIFTY ANDREW FERREE.
—
Leshers
2
—
2
Millers
—2
3
3
7
Youngs and each
—
Meisters Reshs 2 Rein3
— — — Smiths — ShuSteiners — Wagners —
Nobles— 3 Naumans waUls— 5 Shiiltz 5 berts
—
2
—
1
735— The Large EsUite
of a
22 bags, Lb.
2,
pair chains, 14s, hackles, Lb. 1 10 to beles, 12s
2
To
3
2
—
And one
Andes, Albrecht, Bowman, Cameron, Camel, Carter, Hilderbrand, Johns, MaGee, Richter, Reynold, Ruth, Reinhold, Weber, Yager, and others. The ships in which these people came, are the "St. Andrew" of which John Stedman was .Master and the "Hope" of which Daniel Reid was Master. All of these came from Rotterdam.
1— to
10s
7
Zimmermans. following:
the
of
Lb.
252
To
10
5
2 16
small chains and other horse geers at To other horse geers at Lb. 1 10 to a man's saddle at Lb. 1 10 To 3 felling axes at 10s two fowling pieces at 4
1
4
—
3
Lb. 2
2
To a large Byble To 2 feather beds 6
Thrifty
—to
wearing
at Lb. cloaths.
Lb. 7
Gernian-S«iss Ancestor.
10
2
13
To sundry pewter. Lb. s 8 In Rupp's history of Lancaster to a box iron, 4s County, p. 103, there is set forth an To sundry wooden ware at inventory of the estate of one of our Lb. 1 to two iron potthrifty French-Swiss ancestors, Anracks, Lb. 1
—
2
12
—
drew Ferree, who died that year. The To sundry iron ware. Lb. name now is Ferry or Forry, and is 2 to a watering pot 6s quite common among us. To 4 working horses, Lb. The inventory is as follows: 24 to a mare and 2 colts, Lb. 11 To wheat in the stack at 8 To 6 grown cows at Lb. lb. wheat and rye in 15 to 10 head of .voung the ground at 5 pounds. Lb. 14 cattle. Lb. 13 10 To great wagon. Lb. 12 To 11 sheep. Lb. 3 17— to little wagon Lb. 5 17 swine, Lb. 1 10 To a plow and two pairs To 2 chests, of irons 15s to a 1 10 spinning wheel, 8s To 2 mauls and 3 iron To sley, 6s to cash rewedges, 9s to four old ceived of Samuel Taylor weeding hoes, 4s 13 To cash received for a To a spade and shovel, 8s servant girles time to a matock and 3 dung forks, 10s 18 To 2 broad axes, 12s— to
2
— —
—
2
35
—
28 10
—
—
—
—
joyner's axe and adze, 7s
To
Sundry
tools,
1
lb.
7
4 stock bands, 2 pair hinges, sundry old iron. To a hand saw, Lb. 2— to 5 sickles and 2 old hooks To a cutting box, 2 knives.
7
1
3
2
8
3
152
8
6
A
joy-
Duch sythes
5
19
carpenter
— sundry
ner's tools, 2 Lb. 5s
To To
6
hundred pounds was "big money" But besides this the man owned a fine farm also. One is attracted too by the variety of the in
3
5
12
those days.
articles.
14 11
wagons
Where
did
he
get
these
and plows and carpenter's tools, etc.? There were certainly very few mechanics here then. He may have brought some of them with him
4
GERMAN-SWISS
254
and bought some of them
IN
THE BOUNDARY TROUBLES.
in Philadel-
they
now
are
given
further
notice
working that the subscribers, that is the ReWe notice that phia. horses were worth 24 pounds or 6 ceiver general, is appointed to attend pounds per head. He thus had the his Office at the town of Lancaster, equivalent or value of 25 horses as for County of Lancaster from the his 152 pounds of personal property 26th to 31st, of March, for the recovand that would be equal to $4,000 to- ering of the arrears of quit-rent due day as horses are worth $150 to $200 there; at which place persons in 4
—
a head.
— German
Swiss Between Two Mill Stones in Border War. It is known, that during the first few years after Lancaster County was organized, Maryland made unreasonable claims against Pennsylvania concerning the line. An account of this is set forth in 4 Colonial Records, 63, stating that from LanCounty certain information caster 1735
arrears of quit rent are requested to pay the same, and if they refuse to pay the same, measures will be pursued against them." J. Steel Receiver appointed.
Of course, there were other parts of
the
State
subject
quit-rent,
to
which gave much trouble also; but our Conestoga citizens felt very much aggrieved by being compelled to pay
these rents. received, to the effect that, after 1735 Swiss and German Palatine Imthe Sheriff of the county and some of migration This Tear. the people were gathered near the
was
—
and 200 men under officers of Maryland, met just across with drums and the Susquehanna went to the they Then trumpets. where 300 inWright, house of John and dehabitants were assembled manded the Dutch who were in the house. The Lancaster County Sheriff asked, why they came in such a hosriver, the Sheriff
tile
manner
after these
Dutch. They
appointed a time to discuss the boundary matter; but while this was going on, about 5 o'clock Sunday evening, multitudes of Maryland started to show a warlike disposition and they demanded, that these Dutch had come over there and settled on their lands and now they owe obedience to MaryPennsylvania, of course, claimland. ed that they were inhabitants of Pennsylvania. 1735
— German-Swiss
llefuse
to
According to Volume 3 Colonial Records, pages 593 to 607, there are three ship loads of these people, who arrived at Philadelphia, in the year
They consititute families, making a total 1735.
85 of
heads of 260
per-
and among the common Lancaster County names are the follow8 Buchers 2 Ebering: 3 Brunners harts 4 Freys 2 Hallers 3 Hubers —2 Kellars—2 Millers— 2 Meyers— Witmers 7 7 Smiths 8 Wises sons,
— —
—
—
—
—
—
—
Wingers 3 Weidmans bergs. And one head of
—
—
Shellen2 the following Eberly, Appel, Albrecht, names: Kline, Oswald, Peters, Weber, Sweitzer, and Schwab, and many other com-
mon
Lancaster County names.
The
ships in which these people came, are the "Ship Mercury" of which William Wilson was Master and the "Brig
Pay Mary"
—
of which James Marshall was Penn's Quit-rents. Master, and the "Billander Oliver" of In the Pa. Gazette of December 30, which Samuel Merchant was Master, All of these 1735, "this notice is given, that as the from South Carolina. that from Rotterdam. their came duty done have not people
1
GERMAN-SWISS BEGIN SOLITARY MONASTIC
— The
LIFE.
255
Solitary (lermuus ut Coii-
their poverty. At times he says the necessaries of life were wanting. estoi^a. Then to make things worse, a con-« In Volume 16 of llazzard's Register, stable came into the community and page -oo, we are given one of the demanded the single man to pay original letters of Peter Miller. Peter taxes. Some paid and some refused. Miller was one of the early patrons But the* Constable summoned six of or founders, at least, of the Ephrata Brethren to prison in Lancaster community, of which the old cloister these for 10 days. But a Magistrate set buildings are still land marks. them at liberty. A very venerable old After stating that he published the Chronicon Ephratense, he goes on to Justice of the Peace, Tobias Hendrick, offered himself for their bail. He say, that in August 1730, he arrived said when Court came on, the fear of in Philadelphia and at the end of the God came on the gentlemen who were year, upon order of the Scotch Synod, was ordained in the old Presbyterian their Judges. When they saw these 6 meeting house by three eminent min- men before them in the prime of life and reduced to skeletons, the Judge isters, Tennant, Andrews and Boyd. He then says, that he visited among decided that since they were so thin, that the whole lot of them could be the Germans for several years and taxed as one family. This taxation quitted the ministry and turned his remained in force for over 50 years; attention to the monastic ideas. lu that is, all the brethren of Ephrata his company he says was a School community were just taxed as one Master, 3 Elders, one of them Conrad Wiser, 5 families and some single person. He says further, that they erected persons, who had raised a fermentagrist mills one of three sets of tion in the Presbyterian Church. stones paper mill oil mill had Then he says, that they had septhree wagons, printing ofhce; and arated and incorporated with the conthen money commenced to come in. gregation at Ephrata in May 1735. lllio
I
i
—
—
—
They also gave alms
—
to the
Indians, others. This is about the solitary bretliren and sisters lived the substance of this interesting letin the wilderness and caves, as hermits. "An*d I following in the same ter.
He
further says, that at that time,
Mohawks and
—
way, set up my hermitage in Tulpe1735 Conestoga Manor Parceled hocken and laid foundations for soliOut. tary and religious life." Conestoga Manor was surveyed in He then says that after about one the year 171S, and the warrant to half a year "a camp was laid out for survey may be found in the Taylor all solitary persons at the very spot papers. It is also set forth in Rupp's where Ephrata now stands and where history of Lancaster County (pagi then, the President lived with some 130), as follows:
hermits."
He
time charity had been their chief occupation that Conestoga was a great wilderness and began to be settled by poor Germans, saVs,
at
this
—
who
desired
assistance
—
March 1, 1717 to 1718. While the Manor was laid out and surveyed, it was not divided among These are
purchasers
until
afterwards.
It
seems that no patents were granted houses for them, which kept them until 1723 and from that time on until employed several summers in hard 1774, different patents were issued to carpenter work and also increased various Germans. in
building
—
CONESTOGA MANOR (NOW MANOR TOWNSHIP) PARCELLED OUT.
256
As the patenting to different owners was at its height, about the year 1735, •
—
patents unIt is better that they der this year. should be together in one paper, than to be distributed through these an-
we are placing the
list of
•
nals.
—
John Keagy 159; Henry Funk David Hare 195, John Miller 150, George Adam Dustier 112, John Correll Stoner 244, all 209, Christian dated 1761, Michael Kauffman 116, John Kauffman 118, Jacob Kauffman 167, Christian Kauffman 163, Michael 1761, 177,
Kauffman 118, Abraham Steiner 200, The principal ones are as follows: Israel Pemberton held 300 acres, date John Wormley 115, Jacob Wistler 19, John Kreemer 184, Bartholomew Butt of this patent is October 1, 1723. The
— date
John
Graff 136, all dated 1762, Ulweiler 39, Ben.1amin Miller of patent, December 13, 1735— sold David Hare, 220, Jr., 94, Peter Snyder afterwards in smaller parcels to John Henry Atkinson 86, and Adam BigHerr, Andrew Stineman, Daniel Lintging 49. Peter Witmer 132, dated 1763, ner, Jacob Kilhaver, Rudy Herr, Jr., John Miller 60, January 19, 1764, John Godfrey John Kilhaver, Jacob Frantz, Newcomer Joseph Nelson 109, 109, Klugh, Mathew Oberholtzer, Christian Jacob Wistler Mary Wright 119, 178, James Hershey, Andrew Kauffman Kendrick John dated 1767, 558, James November 21, Pattison 107 acres, Pratt Henry Buckley 150, 232, 1768, 173, James Logan 700 acres, patent dated July 15, 1737, afterwards held 1769, William Wright 257, 1770. Ulrich
Messrs. Wrights
own
1500 acres
40,
Philip
—
by George Brenner, Philip Brenner, Souter, Casper Stouffer, Christian Adam Fisher,. Valentine Rummel, Lawrence Cliffer, Christian Stake Michael Baughman 489, Michael Mayer 131 acres, both same date February 1738, Michael Mayer, sen., 217 20, acres, patent dated October 16, 1737, Abraham Steiner 63 acres May 3, 1740. John Wistler 167 acres July 3, 1741, Jacob Kuntz 166, Anna Ottila Betty Koffee, 166, Jacob Hostetter 475, John Shank 197 acres, patent dated July 30, 1741, Edward Smout 113 acres June 21, 1743, Michael Baughman 339, May 28, 1752, Abraham Hare 424 April 22, Jacob Wistler 125. Valentine 1751, Miller 140, both May 25, 1756, Martin Funk, 237, December 18, 1758, Jacob Wistler 202, Jacob Shuck 185, August 18,
89,
1759,
Abraham and John
Valentine Haith
29,
Miller
Robert Beatty
226 February 1760, Samuel Herr 247;
Henry Funk 150, Ludwich and Fredrick Ziegler 209 June 1760, John Witmer 77, Abraham Miller 204, Rudolph Herr 176, Jacob Witmer 77, November James M'Master, 247, April 1761, John
Keagy
Jacob Wistler
188,
173,
John Manning 165 1772, Ashleman 340 1774, Indian Town 414, Blue Rock 800 acres. We
Rebur
232,
Jacob
omitted fractions of acres. of
Thomas Penn estimated Conestoga Manor being
the 65
value miles
from the City of Philadelphia, 13,400 acres, 40 pounds per hundred acres, 5,360 pounds, Pennsylvania currency. There is no date to the paper from which the extract is made. See Sparks' Franklin Volume 3, page 535. All can be found in Rupp, page 131, 132.
German Swiss Distressed by Bound' ary Troubles.
About the year 1736 the troubles between Maryland and Pennsylvania boundary became very acute, and our German Swiss were really between two mill stones if they sided with Pennsylvania, Maryland oppressed them, and if they sided with Maryland, Pennsylvania oppressed them they were non-resistants and therefore, did not take up arms to defend themselves. Maryland had asserted the Susquehanna River was that
—
GER.MAX-SWISS AND THE PA.-MARYLAXD BOUNDARY TROUBLES. the boundary
between Pennsylvania Maryland. This was contested for tjO or Tit years before l)eins finally settled by the Mason and Di.xon Line. Sixty families of our German-Swiss ancestors, living west of the Susquehanna River, and holding their allegiance to Pennsylvania and their titles from Pennsylvania, this year were forcibly disi)osed of their land, and driven out of their homes and compelled to flee to the other side of the river. Thrilling accounts of this can be found in Vol. 4 Col. Rec. 149 and also Vol. 3, Votes of Assembly, page 28S. Cresap "a free hooter" of Maryland, was encouraged by the iNIaryland authorities, to harass the German-Swiss because he had a great deal of the character of an outlaw, and he was very rough to our ancestors. And through a rough character by the
and
257
Governor
of Maryland to the Governor of Pennsylvania in which he enclosed the letter signed by the 60; Germans, who he said, asked the
Maryland authorities and the Governfor lands there, and that the Maryland Government empowered them to settle, which he claimed to be in Maryland, and that these people ment,
resolved, by this enclosed letter, as a combination or association, to disown their allegiance to Maryland; and transfer themselves to the Govern-
ment of Pennsylvania. The letter which the Governor of Maryland refers to, signed by these 60 people, is in substance as follows:
(page
61.)
That they met with oppression and Ill-usage from Maryland, very different from the treatment in Pennsylvania, and that they believe that they are not settled in Maryland at all; but name of Higgenbottom some of these in the bounds of Pennsylvania: that Germans being intimidated, acknowl- their troubles are so unjustifiable and edged the right of Maryland to gov- so grievous that they finally fled. They ern them. Afterwards they found concluded by saying that they, the their mistake and then acknowledged subscribers, with many of their Pennsylvania was their lawful au- neighbors are truly sensible of the thority. (Vol. 4 Col. Rec. 56.) The 60 German-Swiss, who
wrong
dispossessed, sent a pitiful letter as to their troubles to the authorities at Philadelphia, renouncing their allegiance to Maryland and announcing their cleavage to Pennsylvania. (Vol. 4 Col. Rec. 57.) In fact, matters became so serious, that a particular Justice of the Peace was appointed, by the authorities of Pennsylvania, to protect these defenseless Germans or
German-Swiss
in
this region.
that they have done Pennsylon lands that are in Pennsylvania, and at the same time, paying allegiance to Maryland. They decided therefore, to do their duty
were vania
(Vol.
4
and
live under the laws of Pennsylvania and the Government of Pennsylvania, and that they will unani-
mously adhere
to this
cision had.
disputed
Maryland, among her other cruelsent a letter to the 60 families, threatening them anew with vengeance, if they did not acknowledge Maryland's right to rule them. In Vol. 4 Col. Rec. page 60, there is set forth, a letter from the Lieutenant
of
the
till
a legal de-
boundary
is
German Swiss Distressed by Boundary Troubles. (Continued.)
Col. Rec. 58.) ties,
in settling
The communication is dated to be on the 11th day of August 1736; and in
addition to this letter, depositions
were taken of Francis Kipp to the effect that he met the Master of the Sloop "Bachelor Hall," a vessel now lying in Susquehanna River. He said
!
258
GERMAN-SWISS AND THE PA.-MARYLAND BOUNDARY TROUBLES.
number of men from Baltimore County with guns and on horseback, came out along the River, passing near by him. He asked the Colonel at the head of the column, if he was going to fight? But the Colonel said, that he was going on on peacethat a large
able terms.
He
later learned, that the
HaU went up
with these soldiers and crossed the Susquehanna River near the Northeast Iron Works in Cecil County, and was going up to join Cresap and get possession of certain lands the German Swiss had posession of.
The same year there was a petition Germans, sent to James
of 4S of these
Logan, and members of Council, stating that they are inhabitants on the west side of the Susquehanna River, opposite to Hempfield, in the County Lancaster. In this petition they that three years before, many of them just newly arrived in America, were by fair promises of the 3Iaryland authorities told to settle west of the Susquehanna River and were promised and told that the Susquehanna River was the division between two provinces. They state that they soon found the whole usage was different from the usage in Pennsylvania; and also, without any cause, they were told that they were worse than negroes, that they had no Master and that they were not under the protection of any laws. They later learned that the Susquehanna River was not the boundary of PennsylThey also noticed that their vania. neighbors living on the east side of the River, further down than they lived, were enjoying the blessings of Therefore, they Penn's government. promised obedience to Pennsylvania, would take care of if Pennsylvania them. On receiving this, letters were sent to the Justices along the River, to protect these people against Cresap of
state,
and other Maryland rogues.
Vol.
4
Col. Rec. 65-67.
But things went worse. The followreport was sent concerning the affairs. That a man named Tanner ing
some
of these Germans This report was made to the Sheriff of Lancaster County. It was stated, that on Tuesday morning, a certain person went about six miles back from the River and there the Maryland people were plundering the Dutch people's houses. They were taking out of windows, cloth and other things that they could get their hands on, informing the Dutch that this was a public tax and that they owed Maryland money. They stated that these Dutch people did not pay the Government and for this reason they had the right to do this. They threatened to burn the houses. When they were asked why, they retorted, because the Dutch people had revolted against Maryland. Then they told the Dutch, if they would come back and obey Maryland law, these taxes would not be collected until they had money. One of these intruders got a leader of the Dutch to get the neighbors together and ask them, if they agreed to go back to the Maryland government, and if they would sign a paper. They all refused. TTien these intruders said that they would not do anything more to molest them now; but at the end of two weeks if they did not comply with the Government of Maryland that they would come up, with an assembly of men, and put them out of their houses and put people in, who would be true to Maryland. These troubles lasted for a (Vol. 4 Col. Rec. good many years.
tried
into
to
get
ambush.
69.)
In the same book, (page 70), James Logan writes a letter to Mr. Blunston,
one of the Justices along the river, in which he states among other things, "You may let the Dutch people know
GERMAN-SWISS TROUBLES UNDER NAVIGATION ACTS.
2.19
that the Susquehanna River is a part of Pennsylvania; but it is hard to keep up a large force to protect
likewise hereunto annexed, humbly showeth: That being protestants and subjects them." But he states that Pennsyl- to the Emperor of Germany, and envania is going to stand by them. couraged by the accounts that they There were petitions sent in by the had received from others of their Maryland people to the Maryland Gov- countrymen in the province of Pennernment. One of these is found in sylvania, of the great blessings of the same book page 101. In this peti- peace and liberty of conscience, ention the subscribers who complain, joyed in the said province, under the state that they hear there is some protection of that gracious and mighty vacant land near the Susquehanna Prince, King George the second, King River that the Dutch families settled of Great Britain and Elector of Hanon. They also state that these Dutch over, they thereupon, in the year of people are disloyal to Maryland and our Lord, One thousand seven hunloyal to Pennsylvania and, therefore, dred and thirty six, did transport they asked if Maryland will allow ihemselves, with their families into them to go and settle on these lands this province; and having disposed of and throw the Dutch out. their old household goods and utenA great deal more on the contro- sils, which were very bulky, at their versy may be found in Col. Rec. Vol. coming down the Rhine, for very small quantity of new ones of the 4, pages 90 to 120. All this tends to show, that great same kind, they were laden on board difficulty was had and great hardships the ship Princess Augusta at Rotterwere endured by our German Swiss dam. And when the said ship made ancestors, in those dark early days. report of her lading at the port of Cowes, in Great Britain, the said 1736 Our German-Swiss Ancestors household goods, utensils and other Suffer I'nder the Navigation Acts. things belonging to your petitioners were freely exposed to the view of A new view of the difficulties and '
—
the Officers of that Port, who sufthe burdens, under which our Germanfered them to pass without molestaSwiss ancestors labored, in the Sustion or requiring any rates, duty or quehanna Valley, and southeastern customs for the same, they being for Pennsylvania generally, is shown by the proper use of your petitioners the following item, which appears in and not for sale. But so it is, may it Vol. 4 Col. Rec. page 171: please your Honors, that upon the ar"A petition of Durst Thome, of rival of your petitioners in the said Philadelphia, in behalf of himself and ship at Philadelphia she, together others, was presented to the Board, with the goods and utensils aforesaid and read in these words: was seized by the collector and Naval To the Honorable, the President and Officer of this Port, or one of them, Council of the Province of Pennsyl- by which and the severity of the said vania Officers, your petitioners were reThe humble petition of Durst Thome, duced to very great straits. And notof Philadelphia, in behalf of himself withstanding the said ship, upon a and others, whose names are men- full hearing in the Court of Admiraltioned in a schedule hereunto an- ty of this Province, before Charles nexed, being owners of the household Read, Esq., then Judge of the said goods and utensils in an inventory Court; but since deceased, was legally
—
:
GERMAN-SWISS TROUBLES UNDER NAVIGATION ACTS.
260
acquitted, yet the said goods were condemned as forfeited; which sentence, as to the condemnation of the said goods and utensils, your petitioners
Lawrence Simon, John Dubbs, Hans and Thomas Kerr, John Jacob Busch, John George Graeff (Groff), Christian Suavely (Sneiblein), Teilman Hershel, Fred Greir, John Jacob Kellar, John Rudolph Erb, John Jacob Kreider, John J. Dubbs, Fredrick Gardner, Groff, Sebastian Walter Bowman (Baumann), Melchoir Detweiler, Hans Zwalley, Peter and John Binkley, Rudolph Bumgardner, Jacob Christman, Lawrence, Jacob Nicholas Faree Christian (Free), George Mowrer, Newell and Shibley and Joseph
being advised could not be warranted by law. They thereupon, petitioned the said Court of Admiralty for a rehearing of the said sentence as to the household goods and utensils, in which petition they humbly conceive they have sufficiently shown that the said sentence was altogether null and void; and that the same (were the Judge of the said Court stil living) could not be put in execution, as by a others. W^e may, perhaps, infer from this true copy of the said petition herewith exhibited, and to which your peti- fact, that many of these people who tioners for greater certainty beg leave suffered these hardships came to the One to refer themselves, your petitioners Susquehanna Valley to settle. thing certain, if they up manifestly apis come did humbly conceive will pear; and as they, are so unfortunate here, they came without their goods, as to be deprived of having the sen- for as we shall see in the next item, tence re-heard in that Court, by rea- their goods were forfeited to the Govson of the Death of the Judge, they do ernment and sold. A list of their most humbly pray, as your honors are goods will appear in the next item. interested in the forfeiture of the said goods and utensils if they had been legally condemned, that you will in compassion to the unhappy circum-
stances of your poor petitioners, be pleased to grant them such relief as you, in your wisdom shall think fit. And your petitioners, as in duty bound, shall ever pray.
DURST THOME. It
will
be observed that these af-
1737
—List
of
Our German-Swiss An-
cestors' Forfeited ftoods
and Dis-
posal of the Same.
The following petition (4 Col. Rec. 173) and the added items show how our ancestors fared in the difficulties mentioned in the preceding item. "To the Honorable Charles Read, Esq., Judge of the Court of Vice Admiral-
Province of Pennsylvania. Nicholas petition of that they arrived in the Ship Princess Tainy, Youghly, Bastian Benedict Augusta in 1736. Upon making a Graffts and George Graffts, passensearch of the list of those who came gers, in the plea of the aforesaid in this vessel, which list is found in Samuel Marchant, mentioned on beSecond Series of Pennsylvania Ar- half of themselves and others, the chives Vol. 17, page 126 and also in passengers aforesaid, humbly showVol. 4, Col. Rec. page 72 we find eth: among them the following general That the said petitioners and others, Lancaster County names, George and the passengers aforesaid whose names Jacob Myers, Jacob Miller, Jacob are contained in a schedule hereunto Bair, John Bumgardner, Philip Gard- annexed, were owners and now claim ner, Charles Smith, William Huber, property in Thirty Stoves, in tlie inflicted
German Swiss ancestors
—
said
ty of the
The
humble
,
,,
'
GERMAN-SWISS AND XAVIGATIOX ACTS. formation
exhibited,
called
Chimney
i
backs, five hundred and ninety-six Syths, One hundred and three large Iron Instruments called Strawknives, Fourteen Iron Instruments called drawing knives. Twenty seven Iron stew pans, eighty one Iron Ladles, Five dozen and three Iron Shovels, Twenty-seven Iron pot lids. Twelve Iron dripping pans and frying pans. Thirteen axes and one hatchet, three small and one large crosscut saws, one gross of Shoemakers' and two of Saddlers' awls, six box Irons and six Chissels, Six Iron baking stove pans, T-wenty three dozen of Clasp-knives, One dozen of Steels, One dozen of Flyers and Hammers, Six Iron Lamps, Six Trowels, One spade. One cask of nails and a smith's Vice, /f'ourten copper kettles,/ •
j
I
2GI
that
proceedings in the cause against the said goods are Null, void, Invalid, and of no force and effect in the law, for the several causes following, viz: for that it appears by the plea of the said Samuel Marchant the goods aforesaid were the goods of those Claimants, and therefore, ought not to have been the aforesaid
condemned without given them.
a
hearing
first
And
also an opportunity witnesses, by which it
examining might have appeared to the Court here that the said goods were not of
liable also,
to be condemned as forfeited; for that by the practice of this
Court and Law in such cases, at least a third proclamation ought to have been made before the goods aforesaid could legally be condemned; also for that the information aforesaid is altogether uncertain and illegal, which has rendered the sentence grounded thereupon, altogether null and void; the said information being exhibited on behalf of the Governor or President, whereas, at the time of
Five copper stills, Two dozen scissors, packet of sleeve buttons and Studs, four Umbrellas. Four dozen and one half of Worsted Caps, Two dozen of printed linen Caps, Six pair of worsted stockings, Four pieces of striped cotton Handkerchiefs, Twenty the exhibiting of that information, the five pieces of Tape, Two dozen black Government, by the death of the late Girdles, One piece of black Crepe, One Lieutenant Governor and the laws of piece striped of Cotton, Nineteen this province, devolves upon and still pieces of Bedtick, Two pieces of continues in the President and Counbrown Linen, One piece of blue and cil and not in the President only, and white Linen, Two dozen of ivory therefor the information aforesaid Combs, Two dozen and one half of ought to have been in the name of tobacco Pipes with brass covers and the President and Council of the a brass box. Two dozen of Ivory Province of Pennsylvania fin whom needle cases. Three handbrushes, the power and authority of a GovThree dozen of Pewter Spoons, Three ernor of this Province, by the death dozen of Spectacles, Eight looking of the said late Lieutenant GovGlasses, Eight Flutes, Six w^ooden ernor. Patrick Gordon, Esq., deceased, Clocks, and one dozen of briarhook is vested) and the sentence ought to Sickles, in the information aforesaid have been pronounced accordingly. mentioned; that to them they belong And even had this been done, as your and were imported for their own Honor is a member of that very private use, and not for sale; And say Council, and consequently interested they are advised and hope to prove in the event of the forfeiture, if any that the sentence against the Goods, be. They submit it to your Honor Wares, and Merchandise aforesaid whether it be consistent with the ought not to be put in execution, for rules of Justice and Equity that any
one
i
I
|
[
I
,
I
j
I
j
:
SHIP RECORDS—MICHAEL WELFARE'S PREACHING.
262
be given time and
sentence should premises at this
in
the
in
this
Court.
For
which
reasons
they
humbly
pray, that the said sentence may be reviewed, reheard, and not put in execution; but that the proceedings for the causes aforesaid may be declared invalid, null and void, and that the
goods, wares, and merchandise aforesaid be restored to their owners. And they, as in duty bound shall pray.
NICHOLAS TAINY BENEDICT YOUGHLY BASTIAN GRAFFTS GEORGE GRAFFTS.
A
list was likewise anthe foi;egoing petition, containing the names of One hundred and Which petition sixteen foreigners. and papers annexed, are contained un-
schedule or
nexed
to
der consideration." Other steps taken by these unfor-
nate company who arrived in the Princess Augusta, set forth (ante) in these annals. The only other ship arriving during that year was the'Perth Amboy, account of which is found in 2nd. Series of the Pa. Archives, Vol. 17, page 130. The immigrants arriving in this ship are as follows, common in Lancaster
County
—
—
—
SteiLambert Frantz Hellar Shultz Eberhart Herr ger Rausch and Smith. Haas
—
—
—
—
There are others arriving
in
—
this
but these are those of Lancaster County's common names. ship;
1736
—
Welfare
Michael
a
German
Baptist Preacher from Ephrata.
The Germans who followed
in
a
and about Ephrata monastic religious
produced several peculiar characters and a great many religious
life,
concerning
their writings. One of these characters was book, goods, are found in the same Michael Welfare. page 226, where it is made plain, that In the Pa. Gazette, in the issue of all these goods were condemned and January 6, 1737, there is a notice of a sold and the moneys given to the use book published by Welfare called, of the English Government. "The wisdom of God crying and callFrom these we observe, that since ing to the sons and daughters of men these German Swiss were not English for repentance." and not naturalized, the goods which The notice states, that this is really they attempted to bring to this coun- a sermon or testimony delivered to try and start their life here with, the people of Philadelphia Market were liable to seizure as the English September 1734 by Michael Welfare; law did not allow any goods from any together with some additional reother country except England, to be marks on the present state of affairs imported into the colonies of Ameri- concerning Christianity in PennsylIt seems that under a certain ca. vania. To be sold by Benjamin certain restriction, and taxation Franklin. About the same time the amount of clothing and household testimony was delivered, a notice apgoods could be brought over. But peared in Franklin's newspaper under they fared very badly in the incident the date of September 25, 1734. referred to above. This may be found under that date Preceding the Roeords of 1737_Sliil> in the preceding item of these annals.
tunate
foreigners,
Year.
The records
of immigrants,
coming
1737— Ship Records For This Year.
During this year we find 7 ship Pennsylvania in 1736, may be found loads of these German Swiss people. forth, the unfortuthe item setting in to
l\ '
'
— 4 3
!
'
HORRORS OF THE BORDER WARFARE. Among
the
names we
common Lancaster County
Alberts
—
"But what must the world judge, or yourself say, of the last transactions begun about the time of the date of your letter, and since continued by your new Captain Higginbotham and his crew, the seizing and taking at one time half a dozen quiet and peaceable German men from the human office of digging a grave to bury the dead of a neighbor's family, hurry them through the woods in the most rigorously cold season that has been for some years known, about a hundred miles on foot, and there
find the following:
—
Arnolds — Beck— 6 Bowmans Fishers — Frantzs— Falcks— Groves — Gar^ers^6 Habeckers — 2 Kauffmans — Longs — Leamans — Millers — Meyers — Minnichs —2 Rotes — Reigels —2 Smiths— Stouts— 3 Wolfes— "Wises — Wagners — 2 Welches — Zieglers — Stricklers — 5 Shantzs and
Four
ers
2
2
2
2
2
4
2
8
3
2
2
2
4
2
2
1
3
3 Shrivers.
We
find
one each of the following
— Bishop — Bumgardner — — Eberhart — Engel — Foust — Fink — Frederick — Grim — Hoilinger — Gardner — Kline — Krauss — Melchoir — Thomas — Snyder — Ritter — Ruth — Vogel — Weber — Wetzel — Spangler — Shober — Shank — Slegel and Springer.
263
Appel
Christ
i
;
[
{
committing them in the like weather to a narrow noisome gaol without any other subsistance than a pint of Indian corn boiled in water for the whole twenty four hours, for which pint of the value of about a half penny each man is charged by the Sheriff twenty pounds of tobacco for each day, and no fire or any other lodging than the bare floor allowed them further than as the distressed people could procure them from thehumanity of others, or borrow money And again others to purchase them.
These German Swiss people came in the Ship "Samuel" Hugh Percy master "Snow~~3IoITy" John Howell master "Virtuous Grace" John Bull master "St. Andrew Galley" John Stedman master "Bilander Townshead'' Thomas TTiompson master of the same people yet more barbar"Charming Nancy of London" Charles ously treated, for instance your CapStedman master and the Ship "Wil- tain and his gang, breaking down the liam" John Carter master. window fired in upon the family at
— —
—
—Horror
—
violently then man's house, breaking up both his doors then Early Germans in the Lancaster cruely beat him and his wife with County Border Warfares. their guns, until they broke tw'o of Tlie Colonial Records, particularly them, and then took the man: anVolume 4, contains a great many let- other they took from his threshing, ters upon the suffering of our Ger- and being at the work very thinly man ancestors by reason of the con- clothed, his wife following him to tention of Maryland along the Sus- carry his coat to him, they fired at the woman and obliged her to req'lehanna River. and conturn; they cut down the door of the In that book, page 159, tinuing for several pages, there ap- third and took the man; at another pears a letter drawn up by the Presi- who had fled on horseback to escape dent and Counsel of Pennsylvania to them, they fired two shots; at anthe Maryland Governor, on the state other's house they cut down two affairs. of And contains, among doors and took the man: at another's others, the following extracts, made they cut down three doors, two at from it: his house and one at his mill, and
1737
and
Suffering
of
the one
|
|
'
—— 34
NAMES OF LOCAL GERMAN-SWISS IMMIGRANTS.
264
Among the common Lancaster County them with the intention names we find the following: to have those unhappy prisoners 3 Beyers 4 Bowmans 2 Benders freed; and all these, when thus taken, 2 Burns 3 Fullmers 2 Funks 2 they hurried down in the same man- Fritzs 2 Hellars 8 Hoffmans ner to Annapolis and committed Halls 2 Hesses 4 JacoLs 2 Klines them as they had the others before. —3 Lites— 3 Longs— 18 Millers— 9 MyThey have also since taken Joshua ers 3 Nagles 2 Palmers 3 Reeses Minshal, a frequent sufferer in your 11 Smiths 13 Snyders 2 Shoemakers gaols, for no other reason formerly —3 Sharps 2 Shaeffers 2 Thomases than acknowledging the jurisdiction —8 Wagners— 2 Walters—2 Wolfs— he lives under, and now for none that Zieglers and 3 Weberr.. we can learn besides their own will We also find, one each of the foland pleasure. Nor do we find any- lowing: and then took two others
took him;
who went
to
— —
—
—
thing those
or
can
be alleged against or Germans, more than that being from their own observation convinced (for they were never that we can discover, solicited or persuaded to it by any of this Government) that the place they lived in could not be in Maryland but in Pennsylvania, and therefore, they thought themselves obliged in conscience to acknowledge their rightful proprietors and accordingly let you know this, a proceeding that, on their application to some of our Magistrates of Lancaster, they were advised to as the most candid and in genuous means they could use on their return to us, which they had of themselves proposed and were determined in before." This is simply a summing up of what our German-Swiss ancestors had to endure along the Susquehanna River in 1737 and before. And it is set forth as a mirror, which our people of the present day can see reflected, some of the conditions of the so-called "good old times." This took place in both Manor and W. Hempfield townships and also along the west side of the river. This extract was found in Vol. 4, Col.
is
Dutchmen
Rec,
p.
—
— —
— —
—
—
— — — —
— —
Arnold, Abel, Burkhart, Brock, Bernhart, Bricker, Beck, Daniel, Diehl, Engle, Fisher, Funk, Fehl, Gable, Goodman, Huppart, Hartman, Hoover, Hellar, Kiuzer, Haller, Kauffman, Leanord, Mitchell, Mosser, Moore, Peters, Roth, Rhode, Stout, Ruth, Shenk, Shoop, Shultz, Starr, Slegel, Strauss, Stein, Shearer, Swartz, Tshudy, Zimmerman, Weaver, Wenger, Wise, Walker, Wanamaker
and others. These German
and
Swiss people came in the Ship "Bringantine Catherine" Jacob Philips Master "Winter Galley" Edward Paynter Master "Glascow" Walter Sterling Master "Snow Sisters" James Marshall Master "Robert and Alice of Dublin" Walter Goodman Master "Queen Elizabeth" Alexander Hope Master "Thistle" John Wilson, Master "Nancy" William Wallace, Master "Friendship" Henry Buch, Master "Snow Fox" Charles Ware, Master "Davy" William Patton, Master—"St. Andrew" John Stedmans, Master "Bilander Thistle" George Houston, Master "Elizabeth" George Hodgson, Master "Charming Nancy" Chas. Stedman Master and "Snow Enterprise,'' Lynell Wood, Master.
—
—
—
— —
—
—
,
160.
1738— Ship Records For TUs Tear. During this year we find 16 ship loads of these German Swiss people.
—
1738
—Unsanitary
Accommodations
Our Ancestors'
From
in
Shiips.
time to time the ancient rec-
'
CONTAGIOUS DISEASES AMONG IMMIGRANTS.
265
ords make reference to the sick and Province has been for some time the deceased conditions of the poorer im- asylum of the distressed Protestants migrants and of the necessity for hos- of the Palatinate, and other parts of In Vol. 4, Col. Germany, and I believe it may with pitals and lazarettos. Rec, page 306, necessity for quaran- truth be said that the present flourishing condition of it is in a great tine is again brought up.
owing to the industry of It is there stated, that Dr. Thomas measure Graeme, who was appointed the of- those people; and should any discourdivert them from coming ficial visitor on all ships arriving in agement Philadelphia made a report concern- hither, it may well be apprehended ing four ships that had just come that the value of your lands will fall, from Rotterdam and Amsterdam. It and your advances to wealth be much
was particularly pointed out, that the slower; for it is not altogether the passengers on the ship Nancy and goodness of the soil, but the number Friendship should not land, as such and industry of the people that make landing might prove dangerous to the a flourishing country. The condition health of the inhabitants of the prov- indeed of such as arrived here lately And, it was therefore ordered, has given a very just alarm; but had ince. that the Masters of these ships should you been provided with a Pest House be taken into custody for contempt in or Hospital in a proper situation the not obeying the Governor's order, evils which have been apprehended which required, that all ships must might under God have been entirely remain one mile away from the City, prevented. The law to prevent sickly until they give security not to land vessels from coming into this Govany of the passengers, baggage or ernment has been strictly put in exgoods until the passengers have been ecution by me. A physician has been examined and until the ships have a appointed to visit those vessels and the Masters obliged to land such of license to do so. It seems that Philadelphia was the passengers as were sick at a disafraid of small pox and other con- tance from the City, and to convey them, at their own expense, to houses tagious diseases. On turning to the records of those in the Country convenient for their who arrived in the Nancy and Friend- reception. More could not have been exposing without inhumanly ship, we find persons bearing our done the perish board on Lancaster County names, such as great numbers to Hoffman, Myer, Beck, Reese, Rhode, ships that brought them." Young, Hoover, Miller, Shoop, Smith 1738 Another Lot of German Swiss j
I
I
[
—
and many others.
173S~The Progress Largely
Due
i
of
Our
Ancestors Naturalized.
Connty
During
to the German-Swiss.
Turning again to Col. Rec, Vol. 4, page 315, we find, that at this same time, the Governor made an address to the Assembly, in which he gave his views upon the subject of the German Swiss people and their condition in this county up until that
this session of the Legisla-
ture the following persons were naturalized, among those, we recognize
many names people of
of
the
our Lancaster County present day, Michael
j
Leanord Bender, George Miller, John Bushong, Nicholas Candle, John Hagey, Charles Kellar, Stephen Leiberger, Ludowick time. Dettenburn, John Peter Ccoher, MiAmong other things he says: "This chael Becker, Kaspar Stump, Jacob Albert, William Albert,
;
NATURALIZATION—MORE IMMIGRANTS COME.
266
Becker, Bartholomew Peter Rutt,
Pickle,
Shaver, Tobias
ly,
George Mathlas
number
Klein,
Brecknock
old
Township. The about this time Lancaster County.
taxables
of
Paul Tittenhoffer, Tise, were 2560, in George Ludowick Horst, Sebastian 1738— Settling- of Another Lot of Graeff, John Henry Bassler, Mathias Palatines. Yung, Jacob Schlough, Henry Michael Immel, Felix Miller, Martin WeyIn the Pa. Gazette of Oct. 26, 1738, brecht, Frederick Eigelberger, Sebas- contaijis this item. "Last Saturday tian Fink, Hans Adam Shreiner, arrived here, the ship Davy from HolChristian Lang, Caspar Fillar, An- land with Palatines. thony Bretter, Hans Graff, Theophilus The Captain with both mates and Hartman, Jr., Benjamin Witmer, one hundred and sixty passengers Abraham Witmer, Johannes Binkley, died on the passage and the Carpenter Turst Buckwalter, Henry Neaf, Jr., brought in the vessel. Most of the Valentine Hergelrat, Henry Bassler, ships which bring Dutch passengers John Stettler, Leonhard Romler, this year, have been visited with a Leonhard Heyer, Peter Schell, John sickness that has carried away a great Nohaker, Michael Knoppenheffer, number of Swiss. Christian Leman, George Unrook, We see by this, why a pest house or Jacob Sheffer, Valentine Keffer, Jacob a similar method of quarantine was Etshberger, Herman Walburn, Casper so badly needed. This ship had to be Reed, Christian Ley, Jacob Lower, brought in by the Carpenter and apHans Moor, Johannes Blum, George parently very few passengers were Steitz, Erasmus Bluckenmeyer,George left.
Graff; "being all of the Protestant or
Reformed Emperor
and subjects of the of Germany, and other provinces now in amity with the King of Great Britain; every one of them was by this Act declared citizens, and all the immunities enjoyed by natural liege subjects, were to be enjoyed by them." (Rupp 271.) religion,
Turning
to
Volume
of Pa. Archives,
page
17,
169,
Second Ser.
we
find that
"Davy" was not Dutch, but German; and came from Amsterdam. this ship
The
list
records
of
passengers given in the
number
94.
We
observe that two-thirds of the number died on the passage.
Among
the ordinary county names in this ship we find such as Kunzler, mans. Long, Shearer, Thomas Seber, Myers, Rupp, in his history of Lancaster Stein, Kellar, Frey, Wise, Fehl,Shrum, County, page 273, says that about this Kinzer, Subert, Khehr, Snyder, Moore, year, many immigrants from the Reichert, Hoffman, Beck, Lantsinger, Palatinate settled in Brecknock Wetzel, Lantz, Stoltz and others.
1738— Another Small
Township. Guth,
who
Influx of Get-
Among these were Jacob erected the first grist mill
John Mussleman and Francis
who
erected
Brecknock;
the
Jacob
first
Diller,
distillery
Schneder,
in
We
see, therefor, that the sufferers
mentioned
in this item were ancestors of people actually living in this county today.
and 1738
—
Great Percentage of German Francis Eckert, Herman Deis, ChrisSwiss Immignrants Died En Route. topher Waldhauer, William Morris and some others. This marks the From the records we have shown of opening of the northeast section of the several ships names, whose caLancaster County settlements, name- tastrophes we were able to describe.
—
ONE-THIRD OF SHIP PASSENGERS DIE AT SEA.
I
We
because, of the meager accounts of ancient newspapers, still on file, we are able to calculate how many thouwho started for sands of those America from Amsterdam and Rotterdam between the years 1700 and 1750 never reached America; but died at sea and were buried in its waters. We cited the case of the ship that had 150 on board and arrived here with only ',{) persons: and another case where one-half of the crew were lost and one-half of the passengers died: and of the ship Davy, just mentioned in which, out of 254, fully 160 were lost and only 94 reached shore. There were many others, no doubt, in which 50 to 100 died on the voyage and no note was ever made of them. It is therefore safe to say, that the
2fi7
also find one each of the follow-
ing
Albert, Burkhart, Brenner, Barr, Christian. Dorwart. Engle, Fisher. Frey, Fox, Gerhart, Good,
Cook,
Hess, Kramer, Moore, Martin, Neff. Roth, Reisser, Ream, Schaeffer. Shearer, Swartz. Strauss, Weaver,
Welchans, Wolpert and Zimmerman.
These German-Swiss people came in Ship "Bilander London" John Pipon Commander: "Jamaica Galley"'
—
the
—Robert Harrison, Commander; "Snow Betsy" — Richard Buden, Commander:
"Samuel"
— Hugh
Commander; "Robert Walter Goodman,
and
Percy, Alice"
—
Commander;
"Friendship"— William Vittery, Commander; "Loyal Judith" Edward Painter, Commander, and "Lydia" 30,000 German Swiss immigrants who James Allen, Commander. arrived here from the year 1700 until 1730 Xany Inliabifants of Lancaster the times reaching up to the Revoluand Philadelpliia Petition to be tionary War may not have been more
—
—
than
two-thirds
three-fourths of those who started to reach America. That is to say, it is wholly likely that out of nearly 45,000 or 50.000 immlgrants who set sail for America in that time, 15,000 to 20,000 of them died on the voyage by diseases, hardships and exposure. And perhaps, many entire ship loads of them went! down, of which we have no record in
Naturalized.
or
In I
,'
j
Vol.
set forth
Votes
of
number
of
3,
334, a large
Assembly, p. our ancestors
their desire
for naturalizaaction as well as the general situation in Pennsylvania on the subject of German Swiss immigration the Assembly represented to tion
and
this
Hon. Thomas Penn as follows; To the Honorable Thomas Penn: America at all. Those 30.000 who arThe address of Representative of rived here during that time, may Freeman of said province showeth: simply be survivors of a list of nearly That we have received sundry peti50,000
who
from a great number of inhabiof Philadelphia and Lancaster Counties, which we take the liberty to
started.
1739— Ship Records
tions
tants
for This Tear.
During this year, we find 8 ship loads of these German Swiss people, Among the common Lancaster County
names we
find the following:
lay before the Proprietor setting forth the great straits they and their families wilh be reduced to and the incon-
veniency that will arise to man.v others though not under their cir3 Diehls 2 Gables 4 Hnffmans 3 cumstances, if those poor people Klines 8 Millers 2 Smith.s 4 Sny- should be removed from their present ders 2 Swenks 2 Stouts 2 Thom- habitations at the time limited by the ases 2 Wolfes 2 Webers and 2 proprietor's advertisement of Xovem2
—
Adams — 3 Beckers — 2 Bachmans
— — —
—
— — —
—
— —
j
—
Weidmans. i
ber 23 last:
!
268
LANCASTER COUNTY GERMAN-SWISS NATURALIZED.
Though some of these people have most unwarrantably possessed themselves of your lands and others of them very much" failed in their duty in complying with their contracts, yet we hope the Proprietor will be pleased to have compassion upon their present circumstances and rather impute their falling short in that justice which they owe to your Honorable family, to their necessities and want of knowledge and due con-
John Bushong, Nicholas Camile, John Hagey, Charles Kellar, Stephen Remsberger, Ludowick Dettenburn, Jacob Bair, Jr., John Leiberger, BarCaspar tholomew Shaver, Stump, Jacob Becker, Tobias Pickle, Peter Rutt, George Kline, Paul Tittenhoffer, Mathias Tise, George Ludowick, Sebastian Graff, John Henry Basseler, Mattheas Yung, Jacob Shloug, Henry Michael Immel, Felix Miller, Weybrecht, Fredrick EigelMartin ler,
than a disregard berger, Sebastian Fink, Hans Adam and contempt of your right or author- Shreiner, Christian Long, Caspar Til-
sideration,
rather
Anthony Bretter, Leonhart Ellmaker, Bersinger, Hans Andreas And as we are of the opinion that Graff, Jacob Hartman, Theopolis the greatest part of these people, under the circumstances mentioned iu Hartman, Jr., Benjamin Witmer,Adam Binkley, Johannes Turst said advertisements, may in time be- Witmer, Buckwalter, Henry Neaff, Jr., Valencome useful ler,
ity.
inhabitants,
— We
humbly
Heargelrat, Henry Basseler. request our Proprietor to take their tine Stetler, Leonhart Romler, unhappy condition into his considera- Johan Leonhart Heyer, Peter Shell, Johan tion, and allow them such further Nohaker, Nicholas Miller, Johan Hock, time, under such limitations as the Thomas Koppenheffer, Christian LeeProprietor shall judge reasonable, in man, George Unrook, Jacob Shaffer, order to pay for and get their titles Valentine Keefer, Jacob Etshberger, to their lands confirmed; and this Herman Walburn, Caspar Reed, house, will in a proper time, readily Christian Manusmith, Nicholas Cutts, join with the Governor in any Act that George Weyrick, Christopher Ley, may be judged necessary, as well as Jacob Lower, Hans Moor, John Blum, for protecting the property of the George Steitz, Erasmus Buckenmeyer, Proprietor and others from such unand George Groff. These 78 names just intrusions in the future, and for are all familiar ones down to this day. the preservation of the Peace of the It is quite a satisfaction to know the Government, as for guarding against date when they were thus granted the danger which may arise from the full citizenship. They are spoken of great and frequent importation of in the record as of the Protestant or foreigners; and by these means we Reformed religion and are stated to hope the Proprietor's interest will be have been subjects of the Emperor much advanced and the poor people of Germany and other princes in much relieved. amity with Great Britain. TVe shall see that the wish of these At the same time a long list of people was gratified. Germans or Swiss of Philadelphia were naturalized. They are as fol1739— Lancaster County Ancestors lows; ^^ituralized. Dylander, Johannes Christian May 19, of this year, the following Grassold, Henry Shocklier, Michael residents of Lancaster County were Jansen Hailing, Daniel Steinmetz, naturalized, Michael Albert, William Johannes Smith, David Deshler, Hans Albert, Leonhart Bender, George Mil- George Passage, David Seesholtz, j
i
i
PHILADELPHIA NATURALIZATIONS— POVERTY OF I.MMIGR.\NTS
269
Greiff, Hans George Hickner, 1739— (ilernijm Sniss Ancestors Not Rudolph Bonner, Mirry, Sebastian Able To Pay Their Passage. Baltzazae Ressler, Jr., Joannes ZachWe have noticed in piior articles, Charles Benzel, Jr.. Daniel arias, Reeb-Camp, that some of our German Swiss ancesJustis Macjnd, Jr.. Charles Reeb-Camp, Jacob Gallete, tors were held occasionally for their Anthony Hinkle, Peter Righter, Wil- passage money. This difficulty they In liam Rerig, Henry Stouz, Christopher seemed to encounter continually. Pa. the Gazette of April 19, 1739, it is Singer, Ludowick Roab, Caspar Knauss, William Hauke, Leonhart stated, that "Whereas sundry PalaMichawl Kline, Leonhart tines are indebted for their freights Hartline, Kristler, Johannes Wilhelm, Ludo- in the under mentioned ships and wick Cirkel, Ludowick Hinnige, sundry others have given their notes George Cressman, Fredrick Gotshall, and bonds which have long been due; Andreas Trombourger, Jacob Troum- they are desired to take notice that if berger, Hartman Detterman, Philip they do any longer neglect to come Enghert, Jacob Coob, Henry Deinig, and pay their respective debts unto Johan Ditterig Bauman, Johan Kleim, Benjamin Shoemaker living in High Fredrick Alarstaller, Mathias Koplin, Street they may expect to be proseJohannes Bender, Henry Deeringer, cuted according to law.
Stephen
Adam
Moser,
Peter Jarger, Jacob The ships are as follows: Samuel Gooldin, Hans George The Ship Hope, Daniel Reed comJarger, Andreas Kepler, Jacob Frey, mander Ship Samuel, Hugh Percy Christopher Witman, Andreas Geis- commander Ship Mercury, William berts, Benedictus Muntz, John EigsWilson commander Ship Princess Aister,
—
Michael Herger, Philip Frederick Hillengas, Philip Labar, Michael Knappenberger, Michael Dotterer, George Hubner, Herman Fisher, Conrad Kolb, George Philip Dotterer, Johan Miller, Jacob Freeh, Henry Smith, Leonhart Smith, Rowland Smith, Michael Kraus, Daniel Kreestman, Abraham Beyer, Michael Good, George Good, Henry Snyder, Adam Reed, Christopher Ottinger, Anthony Jager, Nicolaus Jager, John Henry Weeber, Johan Jacob Roth, Johannes Geldbaugh, and Christian Gondy. ter,
Nk) doubt many ancestors of the
ord of this naturalization in Vol. L.,
326.)
4,
the fruit of the petition set forth in the preceding item. p.
—
Augusta, Samuel Marchant commander Ship Virtuous Grace, John Bull commander Ship Harle, Ralph Harle commander Ship Winter Galley, Edward Painter commander Ship
—
—
Queen
—
—
Alexander Hope commander Ship Glascow, Walter Sterling commander and the Ship Friendship, Henry Berch commander. We can easily gather from this, that poverty was pretty generally the comElizabeth,
—
mon
lot of the earliest forefathers of
Lancaster County. Of course, they had opportunity ahead for making of these are the money and did make money; but they great flourishing began in face pinching poverty.
Mennonite Church of the City of Philadelphia, which is (among others) under the jurisdiction of that enterprising and learned father of the faith, Bishop N. B. Grubb. (See recSt.
—
T-his
is
1739
The Dangrers
of Wairoiiinsr to
Pliihladelphia.
Gazette of October 25, an account as follows: "On the 20th inst. as one Willmouth In the
Pa.
1739, there is
Brackbill,
team
a Palatine,
was driving
a
on the Conestoga Road, he stepped out of the fore part of the
S
SHIP RECORDS—NATURALIZATION.
270
1740— Ship Records For This Tear.
wagon, his foot slipping the wheels went over him and he was killed." There is nothing of importance in this item, except that, undoubtedly the road ways were in a bad condition between Lancaster and Philadelphia The and they had many dangers. traveling between the two places was quite numerous and many accidents occurred. It will be remembered, we learned that commodities of all kinds were taken to Philadelphia in wagons. Harris in his Biographical History of Lancaster County contains notes of
During this year we find 6 ship loads of these German Swiss people. Among the common Lancaster County names we find the following:
—
—
We
also find one each of the follow-
ing:
Arnold — Beyer — Beck — Brosius — Berger — Cramer — Casper —Cook — Fisher — Fink — Frantz — Greenawait — Hoffman — Hall — Hersh — Hart — Kress — King — Moore — Marks — Oster — Rhode — Reinhart — Reissner — Rupp — Schaeffer — Stein — Saylor — Shaeffer — Weber — Wacker and Werner.
Where he death also. (P. 5.) speaks of him as Ulrich Brackbill. It may be that it was Ulrich Brackbill As Harris says, that was killed. was one of the most Brackbill Ulrich prominent of our early ancestors. He was, I am quite positive, a son of Benedict Brackbill mentioned in a previous item of these annals. Benedict Brackbill was very instrumental in preventing the first ship load of Palatines from being sent by Switzerland to the East Indies. He interceded with Holland not to allow such a shipment to be sent across the Holland dominion down the Rhine and,
These German Swiss people came in the Ship "Friendship," William Vittery master "Lydia," James Allen master "Samuel and Elizabeth," William Chilton master "Loyal Judith," Lovell Painter master ^"Robert and Alice," Walter Goodman master, and '^Samuel," Hugh Mercy master.
—
—
—
—
1740— Taxation Without Representa-
therefore, the project was abandoned and some of the same people after-
1739
to
tion.
Germans Naturalized. In 4th Statutes at Large p. 327, will be found a list of what are called,
Reformed Lancaster County Germans naturalized. This is the same list we gave in a previous item, although in that item, we did not refer to them as faith.
It
is
made
clear that they are not of Mennonite At the Court of St. James, May faith. 12, 1740, an Act for naturalizing these Germans came before the King's Council, and on recommendation of the Lords Commissioners for Trade and of the Privy Council the Act for naturalizing was approved.
Vol.
16
page 253, there
Connty Reformed
being of Reformed
Hazard's Register, an article showing the original letters of Peter Miller, who was a prominent figure in the Miller Peter Ephrata settlement. writing about the events in his letter of 1790 says, "that 50 years earlier, which would have been 1740, the subject of taxes came up and they were all very poor at that time." He further states, that at that time, a Constable entered their Camp, for they lived in the form of a Camp then, and demanded a single man's tax from each one of the single men. The Brethren differed among themselves In
Lancaster County.
—Lancaster
—
Wolfes.
this
wards came
—
—
Beckers 2 Freys 2 Hellars Millers— 3 Myers— 8 Smiths— 13 Snyders 4 Shoemakers 2 Walters and 3 2
'
'
in
opinion,
of
is
some
paid,
some refused
j
I
and claimed a personal immunity, on the ground that, in the eastern coun-
EPHRATA DUNKERS AND TAXES— GERMAN-QUAKER COALITION. tries the Monks and hermits were not subject to taxes, they simply collected every harvest by their labor so much grain as was needed for the yearly supply and have also supplied all the prisons and helped the poor and, therefore, the old Roman Emperor freed them from any taxes. They claimed these early brethren were not inferior to those of ancient times. The result was, that six of these brethren were taken to jail at Lancaster and were imprisoned 10 days but were set free, and a veneral old Justice of the Court offered himself for bail for them. His name was
low wall of mountain ridges between lower Susquehanna and the settlements following to the southwest into the Potomac and other valleys, no longer formed the western boundary of our German population. It is stated in Vol. 5, of the Colonial Records, page 445, that about 1740, Fredrick Starr, a German, with two or three more of his countrymen made a small settlement in what is
now
— Historical
called the Cumberland Valley. seems that the Delawares roamed these parts of Pennsylvania and
It
in
that they
considered it a breach of for white people to come into that section. They complained to the treat.\,
Tobias Hendricks. When the Court came on and the brethren appeared before the Board, the Judges became greatly impressed with the fear of God; because these 6 men had been reduced to skeletons, and finally, the Court decided they could go and be free: but, they should pay the tax as one family, that is the same as one head of a family would pay instead of each man paying a tax. You can readily see, that the only excuse the brethren had, was that as they did not labor for gain and lay up estates; but spent their time in helping the poor and in teaching religion, they should be freed of taxes. 1740
271
Governor and the Governor said that he would see that they were thrown back over the mountains again. We simply note this item as it seems to be the beginning of the Cumberland settlements. 1740
— Germans
in
Support the Quakers
Opposing Gov. Thomas's War Spirit.
We
all
Thomas
know
that in 1740 Governor
Pennsylvania
was very zealous in this Province, in gathering up soldiers to take part in King George's War and he made no scruples of causing servants to leave their masters (who had paid for their services for a term of years), and entering the army. TTie Quakers opposed this; and John Wright the presiding judge of our local courts (also a member of the Assembly) was strong in denouncing the governor. The governor refused to continue him longer as a judge and dropped him. He was a Quaker. Gov. Thomas found himself opposed of
—
Ephrata.
I
In Volume 15, of Hazard's Register, page 161, there is a historical sketch of our early German ancestors at Ephrata, stating that they came to America about 1719 and settled at germantown, Skippack, Oley, Conestoga and elsewhere. They formed a church at Germantown in 1723 and established a church at Muehlbach; and the account details, how they grew from time to time. It is too and overcome by the Quakers in the large an account for these annals. Assembly, and the Quaker members ;
|
|
1740
— German
Mierration into tbe
Cumberland Valley.
It
held their seats by the German votwho also opposed war measures.
ers,
The governor complained of this to seems, that about this time, the England at last. In his communica-
—
—
GERMAX-SWISS FIRST TASTE OF POLITICS.
272
He also says that though only one to the English Government Oct. 1740 (Vol. 4 St. L. p. 46S) he says third of the people are Quakers yet in explanation of why he does not by electioneering and using the Gersucceed better, that the Quakers and man vote they elected all but 3 Germans, "entered into consultation Quakers to the Assembly out of 30. This article shows us several facts: and came to a resolution to exert that our early German and Swiss their whole power to secure a considerable majority of their own per- non resistant ancestors took an active suasion to be chosen to assembly to part in elections, which in some oppose all expense on warlike prep- branches is not exercised today that That this they were however, not independent arations as they call it." was not secret but publicly openly in politics as in religion, but were Again p. 470 he says, used by Quaker politicians that they avowed. "There is little reason to expect pro- were fearful of expense and extravagance that they were numerous vision for defense of the Province as the same people at their yearly that they were for peace, and fearful meeting which is now designed to of arbitrary power and that they direct the civil affairs of the govern- could easily be frightened, because of ment, instead of regulating religious their ignorance of the constitution The translataffairs, were so strong that out of 30 under which they lived. members of the Assembly there are ed paper above referred to is not preonly 3 that are not Quakers. He then served nor set forth. tion 20,
—
—
—
—
—
complains that "This could not have been effected had not the votes of the
Germans
numerous
here)
deceiving
them
(who are very been engaged, by
into a belief that a militia will
1740
—Earliest
German-Swiss
in
Western Pennsylvania. About
this
time or a
little
earlier,
Germans and Swiss found new bondage homes in "western Pennsylvania." In
bring them under as severe a to governors as they were formerly under their princes in Germany; that the expense would empoverish them, and that if any others than Quakers were chosen upon the Assembly they would be dragged down from their farms and be obliged to build forts as a tribute for their being admitted to settle in this Province. Many other falsehoods were spread among them in printed papers one of which falling into my hands I have enclosed with as good a translation of it as I could procure."
our
Vol. 4 Votes of Assembly p. 140 it is noticed that some Germans were then settled in western Pennsylvania and
were getting into trouble among the Six Nations of that place. Thus we see that at this early date, the country toward the east was filled up and the new comers were obliged to seek homes farther west. We remember that by 1730 the whole country east of the Susquehanna River was filled up, and the migration into what is now York County began. We thus can trace the rate of growth and miFurther on he says that "This pro- gration westward, of these Germanvince is become very populous from Swiss ancestors. the great numbers that have for many
years past come into it from England, Ireland and Germany and there is
1740— Our Germans and King
—
now
10,000 pounds interest bank from the interest of money, etc."
George's War.
the
This
paper
clared
against
which
later (in
in
year,
war having been
de-
Spain by England 1744) included France
I
ARTHUR ANXESLEY AMONG THE GERMANS.
273
and became known as King Georg's military operations between England, War, the Governor of Pennsylvania' Spain and France, of these early ordered notice to be given to all per- days. We were loyal Englishmen then sons in Pennsylvania, that they are and fought for mother Britain against invited to join Pennsylvania's expedi- her European foes. But later we comtion against the Spanish West Indies; pelled her to acknowledge our indeand that the persons to receive their pendence. enlistment in Lancaster County, were 1740 A Lancaster County German Andrew Galbraith, Cookson, Dan Had a Genuine English Lord as Thomas Edwards and Samuel Smith j
—
the
late
a Servant.
The notice further that these gentlemen were
sheriff.
Lord Altham, whose name was not permitted to give out any per- Arthur Annesley, and who was marson's name who would join; but to ried to the daughter of the Earl of Buckingham in 1715 had a son .Tames keep it secret. This notice was published in both by her the next year. Then he had a German and English in the papers difference with his wife and separatand was designed to attract the ed soon afterwards, she died and the "Dutch servants" of the Lancaster father became intimate with a Miss County people. See American Weekly Gergory. She expected to marry the Mercury date Apr. 17, 1740, in the lord, and did all she could to alienate Historical Society Library of Penn- the father's affection for his son. The sylvania at Philadelphia, where old son was placed in a Dublin school, and in a few- years the father died. newspapers are on file. Then his brother, uncle of James, to anygiving out The design of not body's names was to prevent the own- possess his brother's estate, enticed ers of servants from making claim the boy on board a vessel for America and from obtaining knowledge of in 1728. He was landed at Philadelphia a redemptioner that fall, at the where their servants were. The fact that German servants and age of 13 years, sold as a redemptionfree Germans were enlisting is shown er, and served 12 years here in our by the names of some of them who county in rough farm labor. In 1740 deserted the army, who were from when he was about 25 years of age Lancaster County and also by the two Irishmen found him, working for an old German, in the eastern part of following article: "Notice is hereby given to all mas- Lancaster County near the "40-mile" ters of servants in the Counties of stone on the Lancaster road. The two Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester and Lan- Irishmen found that they and the boy caster who may have in any manner were all from the same locality in suffered by the late enlisting of serv- Ireland and they agreed to go back immediately make with him and testify to his identity that they ants, known their several grievances to the and prove his lordship; and did so. constables of their respective town- In England, James was tried for killships, who have orders to transmit ing a man, which he accidentally did the same to Philadelphia, to the com- soon after arriving, and his uncle mittee of grievances appointed by the tried to have him convicted. But he Assembly." See Pa. Gazette, Aug. 14, was acquitted. Tlie great estate was given to the boy, but he did not live 1740. Though names cannot be ascer- long, when his uncle again became tained yet- there were a great many entitled to it; but he also died soon after coming to it a finished villian »f our German-Swiss ancestors in the set
forth
—
j
j
I
I
j
—
2
SETTLEMENTS ON PEQUEA AND CONESTOGA.
274
and an Irish nobleman. Haz. Rec. 145.) This is perhaps
(See Vol. 9
Hostetter.
(See
Recorder's
the
only
case
in
Office,
&
29.) Lancaster, Book pp. These deeds recite that, William Penn on September 27, 1681, granted to Charles Jones, Sr., and Charles Jones,
A,
2.5
which a plain German Lancaster County farmer had a member of the British nobility as a farm hand; al- Jr., soap boilers of Bristol, England, beit, many Americans have had scores 2000 acres of land in Pennsylvania to
From the Joneses it surveyed. Nov. 1711, to Esther Shippassed 4, since. wife of Edward Shippen and 1740—An Eclio From tlie First Set- pen, from them to their grand-son Joseph tlemeut. Shippen by will August 4, 1724. Among the first settlers on Pequea Michael Shank paid 35 pounds for in 1710, there was one named Martin his 194 and 2-3 acres. Thirty years later his son Mylin. It is described as a tract on a Martin Mylin erected on the Mylin branch of the Conestoga and extends tract just east of what is now Willow 130 perches or nearly half a mile Street, a fine large stone house of north and south and 123 perches or imposing proportions. Rupp tells us, about three-eighth of a mile east and pp. 286 and 287, that the house, com- west. The Hostetter tract lies by it. pared with the modest dwellings of There was a conveyance this same the times was so much a mansion year on November 22, for 192 acres that the settlement who were prac- of land in Sadsbury Township from unassuming Mennonists, James Musgrove to Daniel McContically all of
fool
British
nobility
sons-in-law
be
were greatly excited and felt it their nell. (Same book p. 27.) duty to take him seriously to task 1 cite this transaction on Conestoga for such violations of the principles Creek to show the state of Germanof humility which were fundamental Swiss settlement at this date. And I Therefore, they called a meeting and protested against such ambitious building on the ground that it would seriously affect the peace and harmony of the community and offend their central tenet of humility. Brother Mylin, however, mollified the brethren; and with a sober and friendly admonition against further grandeur and display the matThe house was enter was dropped. during and substantial as well as palatial and stood until a few years in their faith.
ago.
give the history of the transaction to show the fact that the early land titles of this county run back far beyond the first deeds. In this case 60 years elapsed before a deed was given and 16 years between the warrant and the deed.
Penn made many sales of land in Pennsylvania in 1681 and 1682 which land was not taken up and settled until 1720-1725 and later.
1741— Ship Records For This Tear. During
1740—Land Transactions
of This
this
loads of these
year we find German Swiss
9
ship
people.
Among the common Lancaster names we find the following: County This year Jos. Shippen and wife 2 Bernharts— 2 Kocks— 2 Millers— sold by deed of December 6, 1740, a tract of 94 and 2-3 acres of land on Myers 2 Martins 2 Welshes and 2 the Conestoga Creek, and also a tract Kieffers. We also find one each of the folof 100 acres adjoining it by deed lowing: dated December 9, 1740, to. Oswald Tear.
—
—
'
NAMES OF GERMAX-SWISS IMMIGIIAXTS.
—
—
— —
BiegBitner Arnold Becker Huler Frey Hess Berger Hoffman ber Hertzog Henry Kapp Keiper Kemper Smith Reese Ruth Kapp Snyder Wagner and Wolfe. Stout These German Swiss people came in the ship "Frances & Ann," Thomas Coatman master "St. Mark,'' Thomas Wilson master "Lydia," James Allen master "Marlborough," Thomas Bell master "St. Andrew," Chas. Stedman master "Friendship," Alexander Thomas master "Snow Molly," John Cranch master "Snow Thane," William Weems master and "Europa," Lumnsdaine, master.
—
— —
— —
—
—
— —
— — —
out among them on were suspected of bringing over foreign fevers and foreign ailThey themselves asked for ments.
were
—
—
— —
— —
— Contag-loHs
Diseases on Ship
Board.
The question of contagious diseases among the German Swiss immigrants for some time had caused a great
breaking
ship, they
^
1
— —
—
1741
—
—
275
j
j
quarantine. (4 In Col. Rec. 507.) sloops which had been landing it was reported that great fear seemed to be rising in Pennsylvania, because they were afraid of the spread of small pox and other sicknesses. (See 4 Col. Rec. pps. 496 and 498.) The province of Pennsylvania passed a law for the protection of themselves as well as of the Province in general, from the diseases which were being founded. (See Vol. 4 Col. Rec. The Governor was glad that p. 475.) the Assembly could agree to something favorable to these people, and he expressed himself favorably to them. (See Vol. 4 Col. Rec. p. 511.) These German Swiss people felt that these new troubles were very likely to cause more intolerance to be exercised towards them, and therefore, that began to seek toleration. Some of their troubles can be seen in
deal of excitement and trouble; but about 1740 and 1741 measures began to be passed to guarantee protection against the spread of the diseases. Vol. The Government appointed Dr.
3
Votes of Assembly,
p.
347.
—
Graeme to make a report and investi- 1741 Tremendous Snow Storm and gation on the con(Jition and upon the Cold Winter in Lancaster. necessity of erecting a lazaretto or In the Penna. Gazette, under the quarantine. What he did on the matdate of April 9, 1741, we are given a will ter be found in Vol. 4, Col. Rec, picture of some of the suffering of page 51.5. Swiss in the Conestoga German these The German Swiss about this time began to feel that they were quite settlement, at that early date. The article is as follows: disfavored in Pennsylvania; and in fact they had great reasons to feel "We hear from Lancaster County, that way because every Legislature that during the continuance of the tad something to say against them. great snow, which in general was They were looked upon suspiciously. more than three feet deep, great numThis was partly because of them bers of the back inhabitants suffered being aliens and partly because they much for want of bread; that many began to take positions in political families of the new settlers for some affairs in the Province. At least time had little else to subsist them those who were naturalized. (See but the carcasses of deer they found Rupp page 286 and Lyle's history dead or dying in the swamps or runs page 126. A few years later they be- about their houses. And although they gan to be very zealous politicians. had given all their grain to their catXow that these contagious diseases tle many horses and cows are dead. ;
—
276
LOCAL GERMAN-SWISS AND THE ELECTION RIOT OF
and the greatest part of the gangs in the woods are dead, that the deer which could not struggle through the snow to the springs are believed to be all dead, and many of those which did get into the Savannahs are also dead, ten, twelve or fifteen being found in the compass of a few acres of land. The Indians fear the winter has been fatal to the deer, turkeys, etc., in these northern parts that they will be scarce for many years. We also hear, that a young woman in Derry Township attempting to get home about one mile, as soon as she came within sight of her father's home turned out the horse which she had borrowed of her neighbor, as he directed her, but not being able to make her way through the snow, she threw off her clothes and attempted to return in the horse's footing, but after much struggle as appeared by her tracks froze to death.''
—
Therefore, we have here another evidence that our early ancestors had a very rugged existence in this new country.
1742
Amish Mennonites
Petition As-
sembly.
Hazard's Register (Vol. 5, page 21) informs us that in 1742 a number of Germans stated to the General Assembly that "They had emigrated from Europe by an invitation from the Proprietaries; they had been up, brought and were attached to the Amish Doctrines, and were conscientiously scrupulous against taking oaths they therefore, cannot be naturalized agreeably to the existing
—
law."
To remedy
this
a law
was passed
1742.
the Reist and Amman They bethe church. lieved in a more primitive form of worship and in "foot-washing" as the form of sacrament. This subject is discussed in these annals under date
known
as
branches
of 1693,
of
page
128, ante.
— Germans
1742
and tbe Election Riot of 1742.
In the fall of 1742 there was a serious election riot, between what was known as the "country party" and the "city party" in Philadelphia. The city party secured a lot of toughs and dare-devil sailors to appear at the election and with clubs and missiles terrorize the Quakers and Germans as they came to vote. The city party asserted that the country party imported Germans in recent years from Lancaster county and other places to help swell their Philadelphia vote, and alleged that many of such persons were present at this election. At any rate, an ugly fight ensued. The matter came before the Governor and Council and also before the Assembly. The petition of the country party is found in Vol. 4, Col. Rec. 620. The proceedings in Assembly are found in Vol. 3, Votes of Assembly page 498 and also pages 564 to 575. Some of the witnesses for the country party were Hugh Roberts who said the mayor refused to quell the sailor rowdies and to call the constables together. John Dellyn also
and said the mayor simply said the sailors "have as much right at the election as the 'Dutchmen' you
testified
had
to night."
meet
at
Reese Meredith's last
Thomas Lloyd said about led the fight. He reported
50 sailors it
to
the
allowing them to be naturalized. city Recorder and that officer said he These people followed the leader- heard that 300 unnaturalized Dutchship of Jacob Aman, originally, sep- men (Germans) had come down to the arating themselves from the main city armed with clubs and stated the Mennonite Church to which they had sailors had as much right as those belonged. The factions were then Dutchmen.
I
s
LOCAL GERMAN-SWISS AND FIDKLITV TO
Till-:
PROVINCE.
277
Wharton in his testimony said had been formed and that the magisthere w?s a riot like this two years trates did not try to suppress It and before and that there are only 400 that the ori.gin of the plot must be naturalized Dutch in the county and found and all concerned in it must be many more were at the polls (p. 568). punished. (Do. p. 501). This will suffice to show us that the Another witness said that one of the were subjects officers declared he would not stop early Germans here could draw to which politicians upon as had they as sailors the rioting '
Jos.
'
much
further their ends and also that many and Swiss were jf those Germans zealously interested in the political affairs and in the Government of the Province; and I fear it is true that some of the unnaturalized (who did not have the right to vote) could be induced and frequently were induced We shall see that this was to vote. so, not only in Philadelphia, but in I do not Lancaster County also. know whether any of the Germans or Swiss engaged in the Philadelphia riot were from Lancaster County or The statement that they were not. 'brought down" to vote may mean
right there "as the Dutch that
you have brought down
to
vote"'
(do.
A
witness said that every year they had trouble to dissuade the unnaturalized Dutch from voting and arming themselves with clubs. John Rynell (p. 571) testified that the Recorder when asked to restore order said "the sailors have as much right at the election as the unnaturalized Palatines many of whom have come down to the city to vote." A witness (Samuel Maris) said Captain Mitchell was drinking with the sailors and when spoken to, that he said it was agreed that these sailors and others should be there too, with clubs as the were brought down from Germantown country party intended to have a lot to Philadelphia proper. Some may But of unnaturalized Dutch on hand to have come from other counties. Another witness Jo Hitchcock ihe chief grievance was that they tried vote. said he heard a gang of rough sailors to vote and did vote though unnatgoing from the wharf to the Court uralized. The riot at any rate did not sucHouse with sticks and asked them ceed in defeating the German and where they were going and they said vote, because a large Quaker Quaker "to knock down the broad brims." (p. was elected helped by the assembly 575). John Mitchell said he heard The sailors say "Damm it, let us go down votes of their German friends. action of the new assembly in resolvand knock those Dutch s s of b Another wit- ing to punish the rioters, studiously off the steps." (p. 578). ness heard the city party call the avoids any reference to Germans vot"Broad-brims and ing illegally. This is ignored as if country party Dutch 'dogs." Another witness said there is nothing in it.
56S).
I
[
'
'
1
'
i
{
:
—
—
Recorder said "There are 1742 ^nly 400 naturalized Dutch in the county and you have over 1000 of the
City
them here" (p. 586). The Assembly having heard all this testimony decided to draw up a "humble petition" to the Governor
Assure
tlie
Ancestors
'
I
1
i
Re-
G^rernment.
Our unpopular German-Swiss
setting forth that a pre-meditated de-
sign of disturbing the public peace of the province and terrorizing elections
— German-Swiss
local
ancestors were now being continually accused of lack of love for the GovBut in ernment in Pennsylvania. every instance they proved that they were wrongly suspected. Excitement ran high against them. To allay the feeling and prejudice they held a
—
SUSPICION UPON THE GERMAN-SWISS.
278
meeting and made a representation by the "stately mansion" and organto the Governor and assembly in 1741 ized the meeting, himself presiding over the deliberations of the assemin part in the following words: .
"Who
they are that look with jealous eyes at the Germans, but the Governor has not been pleased to inform us, nor do we know. Nothing of the kind can be justly attributed to us, or any preceding Assembly, to our knowledge. The Legislature of this province has generally, on application made to them, admitted the Germans to partake of the privileges enjoyed by the King's natural subjects; and as we look upon them to be a laborious, industrious people, we shall cheerfully perform what can be expected from us for their benefit, and for those who may hereafter arrive."
To
unfounded prejudices, the Mennonites gave a decided proof thereof in 1742, in convoking a church allay
consisting of elders, preachers and the bishop, and meeting at the house of Martin Meylin, in Lampeter Township. council,
]\Iartin was first questioned, conscience, to openly declare his intentions were in erecting large, so gorgeous a dwelling so reminding him of the rumor some twelve or thirteen years ago; and prejudices excited lately, of the He stated, he against the Germans. consulted only his comfort, and that Next he he had no sinister views. w^as reminded that, in their view, the house was rather too showy for a Mennonite. The question was, whether he deserved severe censure, if not
bled.
upon what
suspension
from
church
privileges,
After some concessions, and mutual forbearance, by the parties, it was resolved that Martin be kindly reprimanded: to which he submitted thus the matter ended, (Rupp and all parted as brethren. 286 and 7.) for this
oversight.
—
We cannot tell at this date whether the meeting was held for the purpose Martin Meylin, grandfather of Mar- of re-assuring the Government that they were a humble people and not tin Meylin, Jacob Meylin, John Meyambitious for political power: or lin and Abraham Meylin, all at preswhether it was held for the purpose ent residing in West Lampeter townof cautioning brother Mylin that he ship, built what was then called a was in danger of violating the rules It was. in 1742 palace, of sandstone. the church. of one of the most stately mansions in the country; and as the ilennonites 1742 Tlie Case of Jealousy Against were a plain people, and r\Iartin Meythe German Swiss (Continued). lin an active member, the house was not only considered too palace-like, Governor Thomas in his address to but the appearance of it might, as the Assembly, concerning the suspicthey reasoned, strengthen their ene- ions that the German Swiss settlers mies in prejudicing the Government had inspired among the early political against them they had been virtually powers of Pennsylvania, says, in Vol. charged with disloyalty "determined 4 Col. Rec, pages 507 and 508, "Sevnot to obey the lawful authority of eral of the most substantial Germans,
—
government
—that
organize own." to
The
a
paired to
they were disposed now inhabitants of this province, have government of their joined in a petition to me, setting forth in substance, that for want of
Hans Tschantz, with a convenient house for the reception and assistance, having re- of such of their countrymen as, on the humble log cottage hard their arrival here, laboured under
bishop,
his elders
—
GOVERNOR DEFENDS CHARACTER OF THE SWISS. diseases contracted in a long voyage they were obliged to continue on board the ships which brought them, where they could not get either attendance or conveniences suitable to their
condition
from
whence
many
have lost their lives; and praying that I would recommend to the Assembly the erecting of a proper building at the public expense, not only to accommodate such as shall arrive hereafter under the same circumstances, but to prevent the future importation of diseases into this City, which has more than once felt the fatal effects of them.
The numbers of people which 1 observed came into this province from Ireland and Germany, pointed out to me the necessity of an hospital or after my arrival pest-house, soon it recommended 1738 I here; and in who year, that to the Assembly of seemed so far from disapproving it that they gave me hopes of building one so soon as the circumstances of I very the province should admit. heartily wish for the sake of such families, inhabitants of this City, as suffered in the late mortality by the
some who were
chief support, and will therefore feel it for years to come, and on account of the loss
of
their
279
well considers this matter allow that every industrious must labourer from Europe is a real addition to the wealth of this province, and that the labour of every foreigner in particular is almost so much clear gain to our Mother country." In this we see very plainly that while some of the English inhabitants settled here and holding offices were jealous of the growing power of the German Swiss people, that the Governor of the province was favorable More than that it is evito them. dent, from what he says, that the Parliament of Great Britain had great faith in them, as a proper people to develop the resources of this prov-
man who
The Assembly
ince.
Governor,
to the
many
of these
in their
state,
that
Germans and
answer a
great
Irish are
with the contagious diseases, that that is a cause to make us more cautious, and that it makes a quarantine building a great necessity. In the last pargraph, the Assembly also tried to make it appear that they are also favorable to the Germans, for as we said in the former item, that the Governor did not tell them who the people are that are jealous of them; and further, that they, the Assembly, look favorably upon them. This will suffice to show, that while at present the line of jealous ijowers of the two nationalities in this counafflicted
Irish and German strangers, that it had indeed been done so soon as the circumstances of the province did adty and in southeastern Pennsylvania, mit of it. But as it can profit nothing has died out, that in early times there to bewail evils past, I hope you will now make the proper use of them by was great danger of friction. "We shall trace up this growing power of the doing all in your power to prevent the German Swiss people in southeastern like for the time to come. Pennsylvania as these articles proI am not insensible that .some look ceed. with jealous eyes upon the yearly These proceedings may also be concourse of Germans to this prov- found in Vol. 2, Votes of Assembly, ince, but the Parliament of Great pages 48-49 etseq. Britain see it in a different light, and have therefore given great encourage- 1743 The fiJovernor and Assembly Divide On the 0,erman Question. ment by the late act to all such foreign Protestants as shall settle in his The feeling against the German majesty's dominions; and indeed every Swiss coming into Pennsylvania grew
—
QUARANTINE FOR SICK GERMAN-SWISS.
280
stronger in the Government of the province about this time. Turning to Vol. 4, Col. Rec, pages 526-27, we find, that a committee of Assembly really made charges against the Governor and the Council. The Assembly ask the Governor why, if he has full power to employ a Doctor to examine the condition of the sickly palatines that arrive
he asks help of them.
— why
found 472-500
Vol. 3, also the and 501
in
451-2-2;
Votes of Assembly same Volume, pages
and other places
in
Vol. 4 Col. Records.
1743—Further Naturalization
man
of Over-
and Swiss.
One
of the results of landing a foreigner, was that such person still in Pennsylvania, could not will their
They charge land
to their heirs, the
same
as nat-
For this governor is not vigilant ural born subjects could. that was made purposes, it and other for in these people enough concerning and naturalize them necessary to restraining the ships from landing 1743. again in came up this subject for they will spread unhealthy dis(See Vol. 4 Col. Rec, page 627.) eases over the City. The proceedings to have the law The Assembly also discharged the quarantine doctor, so that the Gov- passed also appear in 3 Votes of Asernor had no physician to examine sembly, page 505. A law was passed Governor also enabling these people to devise The passengers. these complained that without examining their real estate to make wills, etc. these passengers and proving them (See 3 Votes of Assembly, page 514•dangerous, he would admit them. The 15.) Governor also observes, that the As- 1713 Law Passed to Establish Hossembly try to accuse him of arbitrary pitals for German and Swiss power; but he states, that the law Immigrants. gives him the authority to examine This same year a law was passed these vessels and he has the right to employ physicians to see whether any to establish hospitals for the sick imdisease is found in them or not. He migrants. It is found in Vol. 4 Statcomplains that they refused to pay utes at Large, page 382, the law states that as there had been a law the doctor he employed. Further on, the Governor proceeds before not allowing vessels with sickto consider what he calls the facts ly immigrants to come nearer than and says on page 529, that doctors one mile of any town or port, withappointed to examine these Germans out a bill of health; but that noplace acted diligently and that in 1738 there was provided for the sick passengers was a Palatine vessel with sick pas- that were on these vessels, and theresengers arrived and the Assembly fore, they started to land them sespread the fear that dangerous epi- cretly and they got into Philadelphia demic diseases were being brought and spread diseases. Therefore, Fisher's Island in the but the doctor found nothing more than a common ship distemper among Delaware River was to be henceforth containing them. Afterwards it turned out that called Province Island, 340 acres, with buildings erected, and they had a very malignant disease. The Governor here says that he that this island together with the acted as diligently as was needed and buildings should be under trustees to the Assembly publicly thanked him be used as a quarantine or hospital The buildings for the care he took. In this manner, for these sick people. the contention kept on during several should be put on it for these purThe same subject may be poses and that the buildings and years. the
—
PARLIAMENT PROVIDES MEANS OF NATURALIZATION.
2S1
fences and other improvements on it mans in Pennsylvania and in other The complete act shall always be kept in repair; and parts of America. that the Governor or two Justices of is found in a pamphlet known as the Magazine and the Peace shall have the right to or- General Historical der and direct all persons brought Chronicle, a monthly periodical, pubinto this province, who have infec- lished by Benjamin Franklin about tuous diseases to go to that island 1740. The January number of 1741, conand remain there until the physician tains this Act of Parliament. disease. says that they are free of This .shows another event of Benjamin Their nursing and maintenance must activity. The pamphlet be paid by the master of the vessel, Franklin's that the sick people were brought in may be found in the Philadelphia His'
I
torical numbered Api. 228. In conformity with that act of Parthe goods and property of the passengers, liament, the Pennsylvania Gazette reports, under the date of April 14, if they had any. And for this purpose, the Justice 1743, that "at the Supreme Court held of the Peace have the right to send here (Philadelphia) on Monday, Tuesfor the master of the vessels and day and Wednesday last, 304 Germans oblige them to give a bond that they Protestants were naturalized by virwill find proper food and nursing for tue of a late act of Parliament, havthe sick people, before they could ing resided in this province upwards land them. The law further pro- of seven years." It would be intervides, that a book must be kept in esting to know the names of these which the persons' names are en- Germans who were naturalized; but there seems to be no list in existtered, as sick persons. It is also proThere is no record in the vided that after the persons have re- ence. covered, they could be discharged Statutes at Large of such naturalizaBut there is, only under the seal and certificate of tion about this date. however, in the Statutes at Large, two Justices. It is further provided that no inn Vol. 4, page 391, an act passed in keeper or other inhabitants shall re- February 1743, allowing Protestants ceive in their house, any of these settled in Pennsylvania, not Quakers, persons who are known to be afflict- to be naturalized on an affirmation ed with any of these contagious dis- instead of oath. And the introduction eases, imtil after discharged. A fine of the act recites, that there was an of ten pounds is provided for such act of Parliament passed, in the 13th year of King George II, which is persons. The one above referred to, Therefore, we can readily see that likely. there were many difficulties to be en- for naturalizing Protestants, states that after June first, 1740, all persons count^Ted. who have resided for seven years or 1743. An rniisu.il Naturalization of
and the expenses of the master was put
to,
must be repaid out
of
—
more
Germans.
in
American
colonies, and shall
not have been absent more than two We have heretofore seen, that the months at a time, and should take an Germans and Swiss in Pennsylvania, oath and repeat the declaration of alwere naturalized by virtue of acts legiance and subscribe and set forth passed by the Assembly and the Gov- their Christian belief before the ernor of Pennsylvania, but finally, Judges, shall be adjudged to be the Great Britain herself passed an Act same as his Majesty's natural born of Parliament to naturalize our Ger subjects. [
GER.MAX
282
NEWSPAPER— ENABLING
This Act goes on to say, that any foreigners who were not Quakers; but who conscientiously refused to talie an oath, desired to be naturalized, a*id therefore, this Act allows them to be naturalized on an affirmation instead of an oath, if they have lived here seven years. But it further provides, that after the affirmation is administered, and entered in the Secretary's Office, the names of these persons naturalized must be transmitted to the Commissioners for trade and plantations in England yearly, in the same manner as the Act of Parlia-
ment 1743.
is
—A
directed.
As
was
ACTS.
this Island southerly side of the mouth of the Schuylkill River in the County of Philadelphia, adjoining on Delaware river, before known as Fisher's Island; but afterwards known as Province Island. Containing 342 acres of land and buildings," etc. Full provisions are made in the Statutes at Large, for the maintenance and regulations of the hospital. The act was passed February 3, 1743. is
it
situate
1743.—Act
said
before,
"on the
to
Enable
Germans
To
31ake AVills and Give Legacies.
We
have seen before that these German Pstper Began PuMi- Germans and Swiss, until they were cation.
In the Pennsylvania Gazette, on the June 2, there is a notice as follows:
naturalized, could not vising their lands to ants.
Further
it
was
make
wills, de-
their
descend-
(not apparently
1743) lawful for any person to a legacy in money or goods was given to sue and prosecute an action to recover the legacy in Court. Therefore, particularly to assist the Germans and Swiss, an act was try men, the Germans, in all 'parts of passed, to enable them to get propthe province. So if all merchants who erty by will, and to accept it. want ads inserted, send them to the subscriber or David Doshler, they 1743.— Crash Over Conflicting Land will be faithfully translated and inGrants.
'•WHEREAS,
the Subscriber has begun to publish a weekly newspaper in the German language for the carrying out of which he has received good encouragement from his coun-
until
whom
serted.
In Vol. 4, Col. Rec, page 648, we have another picture of the trouble J. CRBLLIUS." our German Swiss had to encounter, This was no doubt a Philadelphia concerning their lands along the Suspublication; but at any rate, it is quehanna River. This time the Inpretty early and deserves mention, as dians were mixed in the difficulty, one of the marks of German enter- and one of the chiefs of the five naprise in an English Colonial history. tions, made a speech to the Governor of Pennsylvania, and said that "the 1743. German Quarantine Again. Dutchmen settled on southeastern In Vol. 4 Statutes at Large, (382) Pennsylvania lands, claimed the right the final steps, as to the German to the land simply because he gave a Quarantine building is taken. This is little victuals to the warriors of the in the shape of an Act of Assembly to Indian tribe, who were very often in secure the tit-le of Province Island need of it. The Indian then went on and the buildings thereon, for a hos- in his speech and said, this string of pital for the sick passengers, to pre- wampum serves to take the Dutchvent the spread of contagious dis- men by the arm and throw them over the big mountains beyond the boreases.
Signed,
—
INDIANS AND LAND TITLES— SHIP RECORDS.
—
—
2S3
—
The Indian chief also said, that 2 Wagners 2 Webers 2 Helthey had given these valleys over to lars 2 Youngs. their cousins the Delaware Indians We also find one each of the followShawanese, ing: their brothers the and to Albright and reserved some rights there to Appel Bumgardner live themselves. Therefore, he re- Beyer Brunner Burkhart Caspeated that the Indians will demand par Eckert Eberhart Fisher Frey the Governor of Pennsylvania to reGood Garber Huber Hellar move immediately by force, all of Kuhn Koch Kreithose Dutchmen that are living on der Leinbach Lehman LanNeffs their lands. It appears, however, dis Root Sherts that this concerns lands further up Soutter Shoemaker Walters Wise and Zimmerman. the Susquehanna River, in the neigh- Wolf borhood of the .luniata River. These German Swiss people came However as it is the same question in the ship "Francis and Elizabeth," "Snow Charof the Germans looking for further George North master lotte,"' John Mason master "Lydia," settlement, and coming in contact James Abercrombie master "Rosanwith the native tribes, this item has na," James Reason master "Phoea place in this article. clers.
—
—
— —
—
—
—
—
— — — —
—
—
—
— — — —
— —
—
— — — — —
— —
—
This orator then goes ,on to say that he now lives on the River Ohio, harmless as a child. He could do nothing and is weak and does not intend any mischief; but that he looks for the Governor to have charge of this. He, therefore, went on to say, that the place where he lived, is over shadowed by a great cloud, that he looked with pitiful eye on the poor women and children, and then looked on the ground all along for sorrow; because of these poor women and
— — — master — "Rob-
William Wilson and Alice."' Martley Cusack master "St. Andrews," Robert Brown master and "Snow Endeavor," nix,"
ert
—
—
Thomas Andrews master. 1744
—Lancaster
and
Its
Germans
This Tear.
—
Lancaster was an English town it was founded by the English. It be-
gan
to be built
about 1728, according
Witham Marsh (Marsh's Diary), there was a sprinkling of German
to
Swiss
in the town, from its beginning; but they resided most numerHe states further, that the people ously in the rural sections. An old were given to lies and raise false geography of 1816 calls this. Lancasstories, and they asked the Governor ter the "biggest inland town in to stop up their mouths, as he could United States," which it was at that do it with one word. time (Jedidiah Morse's D. D. geography, published by Thomas and An1743— Ship Records of 1743. drews, Boston, in 1816, p. 171). The Dnrpg this year we find eight ship County of Lancaster at this date, was loads of these German Swiss people. given a population of 58,927. But to Among the common Lancaster come back to German Swiss element, County names, we find the following: in the little Lancaster town, which in
children.
—
2
Kauffmans
— 13 —
—
Benders
3
mans 1
Kleins
Millers 2
— 2 GoodHarts — 4 Hermans — Krafts Kellars — Myers — Snyders — Smiths Swartz — 2 Shaubs
3
Bakers
Gilberts
—2 — —
Stamms
4
2
—
—
2
2
4
4
4
the date of which we are now writing was 16 years old. William Marsh in his diary says, "the town was begun about 16 years earlier and has one main street."' He says the "inhabitants are high Dutch, Scotch
1744,
MARSH'S VIEW OF "DUTCH" LANCASTER.
284
Irish and English, and some unbewho dwell very Israelites, lieving Marsh place." this in considerably of spirit the "that say, proceeds to least the in yet, not cleanliness, has
and played for some time under the window." Then he says, "the Governor ordered them to come in and amuse us, which they did; but
troubled the major part of the people; for they are in general very great s...s and slovens. When they clean their houses, which is very seldom, they are not willing to remove the filth away from themselves, for they place it near to their doors,
for
it
he
would
the summer time breeds quantities of bugs, fleas and vermin." We believe that Marsh was very much prejudiced and was telling falsehoods in making these statements. The German Swiss who lived here were industrious and were also scrupulously clean, as to the scrub-
which
in
brush and broom and mop, which were almost constantly in
bing
their hands.
The
leading
German
churchmen,
who lived here, according to Marsh, at this time, were the sect of Lutherans. He also says the Dutch church was flourishing here, which is to be understood to be the German Reformed. Evidently in his opinion, the Lutherans were much more prosper-
ous in their religious advancement, than the German Reformed people. The houses of which he called this Dutch town, he says are mostly built with and covered with wood, except a few are stone and brick. He also tells us that he was stopping at Warancient rail's Hotel, which was the Cross Keys, and when he went to bed he w-as "attacked by legions of Dutch fleas and bugs which were ready to devour both himself and the minister that he was sleeping with."
He
also gives us the description of
a dance held in the Court House, during which the Governor of Pennsylvania got too much wine and got very He says "during the merrimerry.
ment two Germans happened to pass by the Court House with harp and
fiddle
harmony of their music, was very uncouth and displeasing; that they played a tune of some some young Indian who sort to danced a jig with Andrew Hamilton." He says that the Dutch girls (which not with the
call
females,
not
ladies)
danced wilder than the Indians, that the dancers in the party consisted of Germans, Scotch Irish and some Jewesses, and that the Jewesses were Finally he says, the best dancers. that after the Indian treaty, which he was attending was ended, he and his people mounted their horses and went away from this filthy Dutch town, to a very kind landlord at Nottingham, by the Gap road. (See Lancaster County Indians P. 346.) We believe that this man Marsh, an Englishman from Maryland, was entirely unfair to the German Swiss people living in this town; and it is likely this feeling arose from the fact that Maryland and Pennsylvania, had for a dozen years prior to Marsh's visit, been in grevious dispute, about the boundary line, and the German Swiss people living on the western side of the Susquehanna, as we have earlier in these items, were bone of contention between the two provinces, Maryland, in a very greedy fashion, claimed the Susquehanna River her northern boundary.
shown the
1744
— Our
German-Swiss Are Victims of Priyateers.
In the Pa. Gazette of December 25, the following item appears: "That Friday last, arrived at Philadelphia, Captain Duraell, from Holland, but the last from Poole, with Palatines after a passage of thirteen Admiral Davis, with the weeks. squadron for the West Indies was at 1744,
Spit
Head when he
sailed,
and was
to
2
GEF^MAN-SWISS IMMIGRANTS AND PIRATES. in
tin — Conrad
town
—
— —
— —
—
the wide range
activities
of
this
of
man.
1744— Ship Records
AVeiser.
for This Tear.
During this year we find 5 ship German, outloads of these German-Swiss people. those who lived at GermanWe find a total of 1080 people.
The most side of
— his
labors among the Mohawks his opinions and activhis ities in the Connecticut dispute his services at the Albany treaty purchase of provisions for the Indians his history of the Owandot Indians his controversy with Sowers concerning some newspaper notoriety his efforts to discourage scalping, All of and his trading business. these activities are found in Vol. 3 onward, of the Col. Rec. In the first to the fourth series of the Pa. Archives are found a large number of his letters, his journals, accounts of his dealing in wampum, accounts of the transactions with the Indians, in buying and selling horses and dealing in their goods, etc., all of w'hich are illuminating and show
Governor Clinton
In his passage, a few days. twelve leagues to the west of Sicilly, he was chased by a French Privateer, designed for Philadelphia with Palatines, as he sailed from Cowes, the But his day before he left Poole. vessel going very well, he got clear of the Privateer." This article is not very clearly stated in the Gazette, nevertheless serves to show us, that the Palatines, that is our GermanSwiss ancestors, had a great deal to rough with the contend besides which frequently at sea, storms lengthened their voyage from 10 or 11 weeks to 17 and 18 weeks and perhaps 20 weeks. We are here given one of these difficulties, namely: The "being chased by privateers." privateers evidently found profit in robbing these poor people of what little substance they had. sail
influential
during the first half of the Among the common Lancaster eighteenth century in Pennsylvania, County names, we find the following: was Conrad Weiser. His labors ex2 Bergers 2 Benders 2 Engles tend over a long series of years, until Groffs 2 Harts— 5 Klines— 3 Kings he died in 1760. He was the leading 7 Millers— 2 Michaels 8 Myers spirit in all of the treaties held with 3 Smiths 4 Snyders 3 Moores the Indians of Pennsylvania, and at Webers
— — — —
—
—
— Schaeffers — Wagners —
— — —
—
4
the great treaty in 1744. He was the chief interpreter and was implicitly relied upon, by the Indians, in all matters. He made a journey to Shamokin at the instance of the Province of Pennsylvania, in 1744 (See 4 Col. Rec. 680), to investigate the murder of James Armstrong by the Indians.
Wises and
We
—
Bernhart
— Baer —
Baker
—
Bauman
— —
fol-
Brown
Doebler
— — — —
— Hartman Huber Kurtz — Long — Lobach Lintner — Metzler — Morgan Mosser — Mussleman — Roth — Reith — Stein — Thomas — Werner Herman
Kautz
Among'
his many activities, from about the year 1730, was his leading his of the Indians to Philadelphia
—
Youngs. one each of the
also find
lowing: Albright
—
4
6
—
—
interpreting at Philadelphia his entertaining the Governors at his house
—
Witmer and Steinmetz. These German-Swiss people
came
"Aurora." Robert his conferences with the Indians of Pickeman "Phoenix," Wilmaster Ohio his dealing with the 6 nations liam Wilson master "Friendship."
— — —his work tricts — his
in
the
interest
for the Indians
—his
over
in
the
ship
—
Cumberland Dis- John Mason master missionaries conferences with
—
in
!
—
—"Carteret,"
Stevenson master and "Muscliffe Galley," George Durell master.
—
GERMAN-SWISS ACTIVITIES.
2S6 1744
—Indians
Bark
at Lancaster
Trees for the Germans.
One
happening, in connection with the Indian treaty of 1744 at Lancaster, was the depredation by Indians, upon the property of citizens. Among those injured was John Musser near Lancaster. July 31st, of this year, he made a complaint to the Assembly of Pennsylvania, that at the late Indian treaty he had considerable trouble and loss, by the Indians breaking several of his walnut trees, which they wanted to "bark" their cabins, and that he was told not to differ or interfere with them about it, but to hand in his bill to the Assembly, and that he now does so, and claims six pounds dam-
(Do.
France.
:
,
:
1744— Praise
p. 549.)
for Lancaster
Germans
A states
traveller
in
County
Ag:riculture.
Lancaster
County
"We have been accustomed
to
hear the population of Pennsylvania, sneered at and continued as vulgar and ignorant; and our Germans branded as animals. But by their fruits ye shall know them. Thus tested, they are not surpassed by any population in any country. They are intelligent and honest; they understand perfectly the business that belongs to them they do all that they have to do in the best manner and with best results. There is no agriculture in the United States like that of the Germans of Pennsylvania
I
other
1744— (?.ermans Oppose War With
;
innocent.
known farms on which
69.)
age.
threatening to the peaceful Germans among them, even_ though they were
is
have
occupiers have starved and have been finally ejected by the Sheriff, and then they were succeeded by Germans, who, in a few years, covered the barren fields with rich crops and became prosperous and wealthy." (6 Haz. Reg.
of the results, incidentally
August 2nd, the Assembly allowed him five pounds. (See 3 Votes of Assembly 555 & 6.) Our German-Swiss ancestors also suffered by reason of the traders and others carrymg rum to the Indians and then cheating them when drunk, When they became sober, these Indians were inclined to be savage and
none superior anywhere.
there
This year England declared war against France and the colonies in America became involved too. Our Cxermans were having a great deal of trouble with their servants, running away to war, whose time these owners had paid in advance from three to seven years. As many persons came to Pennsylvania not having money to pay the expense of their passage, our German farmers constantly bought these persons who were sold for a term of years to pay those expenses, Thus when war was declared and these servants found they could obtain ready cash for their services in the army, they joined the ranks. A o-reat storm of opposition to the effeet of war on the servant question in arose Lancaster County and throughout the Province. The trouble had existed some years, and John Wright, Judge of our Courts, was dismissed by Governor Thomas, because of his opposition to the War
Governor
new
this 14.
in
1741.
trouble.
Then
later
(Pa. Gazette
came June
1744, etc.)
—Attempt
1744
to
Burn
tlie
House
of
Conrad Weiser By His Enemies. In the Penna. Gazette of December 1744, the following appears: "By order of the Governor some evil minded person or persons, did in the night between the 15th and 16th, inst., attempt to burn the dwelling house of Conrad Weiser in Tulpyhocken in the County of Lancaster, 6,
—
I
— WHEREAS
ATTEMPT TO BURN COXRAD WEISER'S HOUSE. by means of a large bundle of straw, which was purposely laid and set ou fire, upon the roof of a low building joining the house, and at the same time fastened the door of the house, on the outside, with the intent to confine the family so that they might be unable to help themselves and perish But the same was hapin the flames. pily prevented, through some of the being awakened from the family flames and great quantities of smoke from the straw, and the shingles beating on the roof, into the room where they lay, and alarming the rest
2S7
prosecution, in the premises, such persons who shall cause the said Adam Haines to be apprehended and secured, shall be handsomely rewarded. And by his Honor, the Governor, special command is hereby 4iven. that if any one of the accoml)lices in the said crime shall give to the Secretary of this province, the uames of the rest, so they may be persccuted, and brought to condign punishment for the same, he shall secure his pardon." It is to be observed in this article, that this good old German friend, ad-
a legal all
I
i
the family. Then with difficulty visor and counsellor, of the infant they broke open the door, which had provinces of Pa. had his enemies for Not been fastened by a strong rope, and conscientiously doing his duty. (This at- anly were there rascals among the they extinguished the fire. tempt did not succeed; but a few younger people of this German Swiss years later this house was burned to ancestors here; but also among other the ground, as we shall note.) aationalities. And whereas, one Adam Haines, a Adam Haines, referred to above, He was convile, profligate young man, in the seems to be a rascal. neighborhood of the said Weiser, hav- victed in Quarter Sessions Court of ing committed a crime, which coming Lancaster County, February 5th, 1745, to the cognizance of the said Weiser, of stealing a cow, and being found he as the next Magistrate, was by the guilty August following, was senduty of his office, obliged to bind him tenced to pay 50 shillings, the price over to the Court of Quarter Sessions of the cow, 50 shillings fine, and the of Lancaster County. And refusing to cost of the suit, and to have 21 accept a bribe of the said Haines, lashes, the next day, across his bare which he solicited him very much to back, at the public whipping post at take to suppress and keep back the Lancaster. recognizance, and for that and other George Haines was prosecuted for reasons, the said Weiser having good stealing a ram and a ewe and Adam reasons to suspect Haines and other Haines was also convicted of being of his accomplices, supposed to be of the father of a bastard child, and the same family, to have been guilty sentenced to pay a fine of ten pounds of that villanous attempt to destroy and costs, and the woman received him and his family, he caused the the same sentence. of
—
said Haines to be apprehended by the Constable: but Haines made his escape and fled from the Constable and now absconds. These are therefore, to give notice that if any person or persons will discover and find out, the said Haines, so that he may be retaken and committed to some of the common jails of .this Province, in order to undergo
1744
— Suffering
in
Switzerland and
Holland from Oppression, Disease and Famine. Anabaptist Earnest IMiiller's In in 1744 that states, 208, he History, p. name the one of the old fathers, by of Burkholder, wrote, that he and his people were suffering indescribably, because they were compelled by Eng-
HANS BURKHOLDER'S EFFORTS FOR HIS PEOPLE.
288
France and Austria to furnish supplies for them in their wars, and to quarter the troops of soldiers and take care of them and feed them. He states that these soldiers became unbearable in their manner, insulting and threatening to the families of these non-resistant people, and often they had to sup.port and quarter as many as five or seven soldiers, for a considerable time. Besides this they suffered from failing crops, and famine. There were also epidemics land,
among their
their cattle,
young
and thousands
cattle died.
Some
of of the
brethren lost every head of stock they had. And to make matters all the worse, they were now living the best they could, since they were compelled to flee from Switzerland, when they began to take measures to expel all these Anabaptists or Mennonites. Now they began to turn their attention towards emigrating towards Pennsylvania, as their Brethren in distress, had done more than thirty years earlier. Therefore, we see from this, that the difficulties and persecutions, both in Switzerland and in the Palatinate along the Rhine, were continuing.
1744— John Armstrong an Early Resident Killed by Indians. In
Pa. Gazette of April 26th, stated, that news from Lanreports, that John Armstrong,
the
174-1, it is
castei
an Indian trader, and two servants, were murdered by three Indians, who waylaid them as they were going with goods to Allegheny. The chief of the murderers was taken to the Lancaster
He confessed the fact with all circumstances. The Indians are of the Delaware tribe. It is stated that there had been some differences and difficulties, between the deceased and the Indian, that was taken to jail.
the
jail.
And in der May
the 10th,
same news appears, unit
is
stated
that
the
Indian
who
killed
Armstrong
side of the trouble,
tells his
and says,
it
was
about a horse. The Indian gave his horse and three belts of wampum, for goods, and found that he was cheated; and when he went to get his goods back, Armstrong would not give them up, but got mad and hit the Indian with a stick. The Indian then killed him with a tomahawk. The Indians then buried Armstrong by the side of the Juniata Creek, and threw bodies of the two German servThe corpses of ants into the creek. these two fellows were found by the crows and a bald eagle, hovering • over them. the
— Swiss
1744
Mennonite Patriarch Hans From Germany.
Burliholder's Letters
Among
most active of the early was Hans Burkholder, who neai'ly all his life, was a Swiss
the
Mennonites,
leader in everything that pertained to the welfare of our Swiss ancestors. There are records of his activities before the year 1700, and these records continue down to the time of his death. We are fortunate in being able to present a translation of two letters, written by him, a very short time before he died in the year 1744, from Heroltzheim in Palatinate, giving us again, a picture of the renewal of the difficulties that had arisen for these non-resistant followers of Menno Simon, in the heart of Europe. Switzerland had driven the most of them out by this time, and they were strangers living in the valley of the Rhine, that is, in the Palatinate. The later difficulties seem to be famine and the necessity of furnishing quarter, for soldiers, while the regular run of difficulties that grew out of their religion, while religion in the heart of Europe generally was a State matter, controlled by the State, etc. These letters are translations from a collection of what he called the "Dutch copies" in the Historical So-
ij-:tters fho.m
2S9
iiEi{oi/rziii-:i.M.
and are here in- tant from us, with a great army so purpose of giving a that we must again, do compulsory
ciety at Philadelphia,
serted for the picture of the difficulties in the ancient home of our ancestors, from the
service dured.
that can no longer be enAfter this, the army broke
who was going through camp and went to Weyer. Then we the difficulties himself; and one who have had the headquarters of the twice among us, so that is an ancestor of the great family of Austrians County and Your Honors can well see how things our Burkholders, of Pennsylvania, and other parts of the liave gone with us, and that we passed These letters are this summer in great cares and under United States. written to Johannes Deknatel who unbearable burdens.
mouth
was
of one
an
official
somewhere
in
Hol-
land, likely one of the officials of that Government, who was friendly to
Now
dear
these troubles the great have come to an end; but God has visited us with another punishment, a contagious disease and death have come among the hornedcattle so that many thousands of friend,
Mennonites; and perhaps, a of the Swiss Mennonite commission or Chamber of Holland's Government, kept up for the sake of them have fallen and many of our helping the Swiss and Mennonites, to brethren have not a single one left so better their condition and to go to that the poverty is very great among Pennsylvania, and to America in gen- the friends and many know not how
these
member
The
first letter is
Xo.
149.")
and
is
as
follows:
Heroltzheim, Jan.
4,
1744.
Bartholoraens von Lowenig together with other fellow-servants of our Taufgesindten (Mennonite congregation)
help themselves. (Herrschaftlich) very great and no
to
eral.
in
Amsterdam
— May
(E.
L.)
ly
hoped
Now known
Besides the lordoppressions are remission to be
for.
dearest friend,
we must make
to Your Honors, yet another situation. On the death of
gloomy our most gracious Elector and
lord,
we have, as at all times proper, made Your Honors be blessed. application in a moral moving petiVery dear and worthy friend and Christ Jesus, we cannot word, Your well omit giving you Honors, about our sorrowful condition and of how we have found this past summer. So you must know that the French have oppressed us with many and great burdens, compelling us to give supplies which we can hardly accomplish. To comfort us, we are told that everything shall be paid, but we have not, as yet, received a single Stuber (silver coin). And besides we have been Ipaded with so much compulsory service (villainage Frohndrenst), that it is no longer possible If one comes home at to bear it. night, one must go away again in the morning. Besides these the English have also come and for four long weeks remained, only two hours dis-
brother in
tion, to the present reigning illustrious Elector, regarding the confirmaSo far we tion of our Confession. have received no answer and have also little hopes that we shall receive a favorable one, for a command has gone forth from the the high government of all bailiwicks regarding the burial of our dead that they shall no longer be buried in the churchyards: which seems to us very hard and burdensome. I have, myself spoken about it to several gentlemen of the
Government who said to me that we must have patience and first see what protection we receive from our gracious Elector.
I
have been myself to
five of the most eminent ministers and have also spoken with them. They gave good answers, but as yet
MORE HANS BURKHOLDER LETTERS.
290
we know nothing about how the mat- painstaking care to the eminent Minister) that we do not know well how ter will end. We beg dearest friend, Your Hon- to accomplish them, since we have ors will in this give us good counsel suffered so much damage by the war
may best be brought and the death of the horned cattle, a close, for we are so embarrassed and besides, had to advance the large the matter. It has almost the look sum of money so that w^e do not know how to help ourselves while the if they would drive us from out of
how to in
the matter
as the land.
The great God
will
have
So much for desired and we hope for an agreeable answer from you. Your Honors.
pity
on
news
of us
us.
close for the present friendly greeting and remain and recommendation to the divine protection, your Honor's affectionate friend and brother in Christ Jesus. In
Wherewith
I
with
the name of the other fellow workers our Mennonite Congregation, I of have written this Adieu.
HANS BURKHOLDER. Hans Burkholder
Letters continued
No. 1496.
"Heroltzheim, February
17,
1744.
Johannes Deknatel: Dear and worthy friend and brother May you be blessed. in Christ Jesus. Dear and worthy friend and brother your (E. L.'s) Excellency's agreeable letter of the twenty-fourth of January has been duly received, wherein we perceive with love, that you also have duly received our letter of January fourth, the which we were pleased to know. We have also seen by your (E. L.) Honor's letter, that you are very sorry for our afflicted condition, but for this time can give us nc advice, regarding our letter of protection (safe conduct). You should be informed that so far, we have as yet received no answer to our letter and request, which surprises us, as we were given favorable information by word of mouth. Also we as yet know nothing, dear and worthy
poverty is so great here in the land, and yet no understanding or sympathy is to be expected, so that we do Dear not know what we should do. friend and brother, it is the wish and intention of some of our friends, to We cannot travel to Pennsylvania. very well advise them against it since we dwell so uncertainly ourselves and do not yet know how we shall be sustained. But we do not wish to burden and trouble your (E. L.) ExcelWe hope that lency, in the matter. they may be able to cross and thus not trouble your (E. L.) Excellency; but we would like very much to know your advice and opinion, if indeed you Dear and could advise to go there. worthy friend, we have judged from your letter, that you would like further information of where there is the greatest poverty and need, on account They might each one of the cattle. try to help himself as much as possible, so we advise you that we do not wish to trouble you much in the matter outside of three or four families If your that cannot help themselves. (E. L.) Honor, seem inclined to help them according to your pleasure and as you deem proper, it would be very So far for dekind and agreeable. sired news. friend, I am growing old and and travelling grows tiresome When however, we have anyto me. thing to do for the Master and Mis-
Dear
infirm
tress (Hunschaften) the ants always think that I We precedence. Because I friend, how it will go with us. have to give so many promises be- man and have a white fore the Muhwaltung to the eminent think that my words are minister (or so many promises of than theirs, which I have
other servshould take am an old head, they
worth more also discov-
HANS BURKHOLUEK ered, myself, but my si5
jyi
LETTliIliS (Continuecl).
and hear- that they may govern themselves accordingly.
Your Honor, you are however, by me, most cordially greeted and committed to God's good care, with which we then close for the remain v.'ith friendly present and to the recommendation greeting and
Concerning our letter oi protection, we have yet no news. 1 have been, myself, a short time ago at Manheim and have, myself, spoken with the He has given me very president. So good news all shall go well. news. for desired mucn affectionate protection of God, your I await a speedy answer from your brot'.^crs in Christ. Excellency, with which I L.) (E. HANS BURKHOLDER, close at present and remain with corCHRISTIAN STAUFFER, dial greeting and commending you to .lACOB HIRSCHLER." the divine protection your (E. L.'s) The second is number 1499 and is Honor's affectionate friend and brothlE.
L.)
—
er in Christ Jesus,
as fellows:
"Heroltzheim, March
6,
HANS BURKHOLDER."
1744.
call your attention to the fact I Johannes Deknatel: that, in connection with these letters, Very worthy and in Christ beloved the sufferers could find no apparent friend and brother, May your (E. b.) relief from their distress, except to Excellency be blessed here in time migrate to Pennsylvania, which many and hereafter in the blessed eternity hundreds of them did about this time, a friendly and brotherly greeting in although the greatest flood of immi-
—
the Lord,
Amen.
gration
Worthy
friend,
the
cause
of
this
the
was
over.
We
observe too,
danger froin pirates that existed
writing to you, your (E. L.) Honor, in those days, as discussed in these this, that some friends and brothletters. ers of our congregation are thinking 1744— Our Germans and the Indian of going to Pennsylvania, as I in-
is
formed you in my former letter, and as we have found from the newspaper, and also otherwise, that it is very unsafe on the ocean on account of pirates and not very promising for the journey, we desire in the most cordial and friendly manner, to beg your advice and opinion, regarding this journey and whether you approve of it, and whether it is also safe to If your (E. L.) Honor start or not.
Treatment.
Leber in his book (p. 104) says: That from 1744 to 1748. while King George's War was going on here, the Germans had a hard lot of it things were so war-like here that a fort was built in the neighborhood of LancasFurther he states, that ter he says. the white traders used the Indians badly and cheated them, and the Indians were very likely to take revenge
—
does not approve, the friends will re- on the peaceful Germans that settled here. They have sold their things and prepared themselves for the journey, but will not further trouble your (E. L.) Excellency, than to know of the safety on the sea. Please, dearest friend, be not displeased that I write to you; and write to me at once your (E. L.) Excellency, your advice and opinion
main
in Pennsylvania and Carolina, who were innocent of this kind of conduct towards the Indians. Also he states, that in South Carolina the Mennonites who had drifted down there had to bear the burden of a great deal they were not guilty of; and further he states, that it became worse when the French began to fight the Indians.
MEIHUISEN'S LETTER, ON HARDSHIP.
292
situation was made all the worse, because the young, strong and hearty ones, to a certain extent, were taken away from their homes and left the homes unprotected; and besides this,
The
many German
servants ran away from their masters and joined To show the extent of the army. military operations, he says, there a good
companies of soldiers fifteen that were raised throughout Lancaster County, for these French and In-
were
dian Wars. 1745
— Samuel
ter
on
tlie
ment
Peter Meiliuiseii's LetConditious and Treatin Switzerland.
Miiller, page 328, gives the substance of a letter which a Swiss father wrote July 5th, 1745, giving account of his son's trials on a trip back to Switzerland in 1745, a goorl many shears after the father was He writes from Noogedriven out. land in the Palatinate to his brother and sister in Gautenschwyl; and a copy of the letter is found in Huizinga, a historian of those times and
events.
he states family news and news He then admonishes all of friends. to seek the Lord.
letter
Among
other things that he says in his letter, he states, that his son Melchoir intended to see his fatherland (Switzerland) as they were now in Holland. It seems, that it was not possible for him to see his friends, which he would like to have done. Later he went to see them with one While in Berne, they of his chums. were in the great church (Cathedral). As the Apostle Peter had said "Prove everything and hold on to the thing which is good." Here he refers to the experience of his son, that is the boys wished to hear the services and learn how much good was in it. They heard the whole worship, and kept what they thought was good. Further he says his son and his friend were taken prisoners in Berne and put in the big dungeon in the Tower. Then he adds, that the Lord had said, that the child should not bear its right for It was not father's sins. his father, bear the sin of this boy to Switzerbecause his father fled from Whoever sins land years before. should bear the punishment himself.
In this letter, Samuel Peter Meihuisen praises the country as a great place to produce milk and butter and They must determine for themselves cheese and meats; but he states that whether this act was Christian or not. so much misery and unrest and an- We leave it to you to consider. Closguish exists because of the wars and ing he exclaims, "Oh my dear fatherthe rumors of wars, and the cattle land that I loved so well and wish Miiller epidemic, and that it is very destruc- well always" (Switzerland). tive. He alone lost 19 head of cattle. says that Huizinga thinks their boys But it extends all over the country. had not got to Switzerland and that This epi- the other writers are mistaken. But It made many people poor. demic came from Italy, was intro- the Manual of the Star Chamber or duced into Holland and from there to the Mennonite Court, contains a recSwitzerland. It was all the people ord that two Baptists came from HolThere is no land and were again expelled. But could do to endure it. land here, too good for pasturage he these probably were other persons, he He also has 30 sheep and thinks. says. young horses and cattle in the pas- 1745 Swiss Wandering in Germany ture. He means that pasturage is the and France. best use land could be put to; and Earnest Miiller in his book (p. 248) not good enough for farming, at that particular place. Then further in his states, that about this date, Jonas
—
—
SWISS WANDERING
IN
GKRMANY.
293
item to show the continual drifting of our persecuted foreant] the into Buckeberg lived near France. Also he fathers from Switzerland migraPalatinate, and their further states in Paterlen about 1745 there From this place, adto America. tion Peter Lichty of Biglen, and lived settlerrf in this county, were ditional Elizabeth Yobs of Bechigan, and Cathcontinually coming. erine Berger of Lauperville and Jacob Miiller also states (i). 248), that in Sprunger and his wife Elizabeth 1745 there were in Peri La Hutt, near Schmedly who came from Tannegg Sonzeboz Christian Swartz who came were of similar faith, from which the Scliutzigen near Zurich, Nicholas Kniir of Goszwyl in
Stiegler
of
I
cite
this
—
other Anabaptist families that went to America, for causes growing out of the Reformation and to escape their sufferings.
At the bottom of p. 247 he says also, speaking of the year 1745, that on the 22nd of February in Perry,
seems
which
Palatinate that
near
were
there
time,
be
to
the
fifteen
town in the French border,
a
Swiss families at
who had migrated from
Among
from Langnau. Anna Myers from Rothenbach. Durs Rohr of Solligen— Christian and Gauman Benedict Nicholas Schnegg of Hochstetten, Rochenof Engle John and Strohm John Biglen. of Lichty bach, John Abram Lauperville, Bunigardner of Newswenger of Eggville, Peter Luginbuhl of Runkhofen, Peter Somraers of And that as early as Sumiswald. 172 4 there were also Catherine BergAndrew^ Bechtol or Bichsel, Eli er, Lehman all from Langnau. All this Miiller recites under his chapter on
were came Michael aud John 233)— or from Rothenbach, and Michael Long- 'Im Piirstbistum Basel" (p. in Switzerland negger (Longenecker) formerly from the Anabaptists from Basle. of Trub, John Burkholder, John Henry and about the Principality of miTurner, Jacob Marti, Peter Beck, Ul- This item will show us the line into Gerrich Lerch. John Gauler of Sumis- gration out of Switzerland on to later and Alsace, the and many wald, Michael Burky of Diesbach, .\nierica. Barbra Hertig, Michael Witmer of He also says p. 248. "Welter thalaufLauperville, John Burky of Biglen, Langnau, wartz folgt Gorgemont mit dcr grosBurkholder of Christian Peter Burkhart. and Witley Grenhen- ren ein-wanderung des St. Immerthals Trauschenwald, Oder Erguel." And that in 1745, were )of (Graybill buhl
Switzerland.
others Sieger who
Luderswyl, of Burkholder Joseph Wenger of Amsoldinger. These towns, from which he says these people came are towns in Switzerland. But the place he says they were found this year, as we have stated above, are in Germany near the French borUlrich
—
Christian here the families Weiclner who came from Sumiswald Ulrich Engel of Rothenbach. Joseph Bumgardner and John Steiner of
found
Langnau. Peter Brobst and John Newcomer of Eggville, Christian Gauman Samuel and from Great-Hostetten Ulrich Tames Geiser of Langenthal der. He adds in this paragraph, that in Berger of Signau—Magdalena Burger 1724 there were 16 of these Taufer and Elizabeth Dreier of Truh: Simon Laufamilies, consisting of 50 members Siegenthal and David Tngold of were there 1729 in that And and perville. Hockstetter Suniiswald. from Langnau and other places. About 1738 Peter Siegenthaler. Ulrich Newcomer, Among Nicholas Luthi. Abrani Bomgardner, other families came. five others were Burkharts, Burkholders, Abram Grier. Ulrich Zolner. Hans Burky, Christian Jacob and Peter Brobsts, Millers, etc.
—
—
SWISSERS
294
IN
THE HEART OF GERMANY.
Brobst, David Swartz and Andrew Bichsel all of Langnau and J. Schonauer of Hochstetten, Ulrich Berger of
—
1745
— German
Lutlieran and Moravian
|
Controversy in Lancaster County. This year the German Pastor of the
Konig of Bucksee, Lutheran Church united a portion of Simon Seigenthaler, Barb Schild, and his congregation witli the Moravians. Nicholas Erb of Rothenberg and Jacob A great ferment was excited among Kommer of Jnrich there. In 1738 he the Lutherans. They carried their finds the families of Joseph Bumgard- trouble to the Governor and reprener, Christian Berger, Barbara Kuller, sented to him that they were comNicholas Imhoff, Peter Brobst, Peter pelled to hear a doctrine which they David Bomgardner, did not approve or resign their Newswenger, Christian Widmer, Elizabeth Gerber, church. But the Governor told them Benedict Gauman there. And that in he could not interfere; "that the law all there were 103 eingewanderte, or however, would protect them in their Signal!, Nicholas
|
|
\
persons
"in-wandering"
or
settlers
rights."
(5
Haz. Reg. 22).
from Switzerland, of whom 40 were 1745 Hans Burkiiolder's Labors Mennonites or Taufers. We have noticed Hans Burkholder's Page 249 Miiller says that in Tramletters in a preceding part of these elan in 1745 there v.'ere Barbara GerWe insert here another letannals. Nicholas Maurer ber from Langnau him to the influential Govfrom ter of Desbach. And p. 328. he says about
—
—
Lotsher (Lesher) family ernmental friends of his people in 1489 of the "Dutch and the Gerbers were numerous about Holland. It is No. Historical SoPenna. Copies" in the Groningen. this date the
1745
— Early
Execution of a
in
Lancaster County. It is
stated in the Pennsylvania Ga-
October 24, 1745, that Rebecof Conestoga Township was executed at Lancaster for the murder There was another inof her child. zette of
ca
Moss
stance of a similar killing of a natural born child by its mother in Conestoga;
but as the evidence was not a great number of the
conclusive
German
friends
of
the
women
peti-
be spared and this There was a great deal of
tioned that her
life
He
writes from Geraldsheim and addresses Bartholemew Von Leivening and other religious friends in Holland. After religious greetings" he says: "I cannot refrain from writing to you as I wrote February 27, 1742. I do not know whether you received the same." Then he says that he gave the money which the friends sent to him to the most needy of the Mennonite Brethren of the congregation and states that he set cut the names and amounts. Then he states that he heard early in 1742 that some of their brethren in the Palatinate near Heilbrom were thinking of going to Pennsylvania. ciety at Philadelphia.
Woman
was done. punishment in Pennsylvania He heard this from Henrick Kendig from about 1725 onward during 30 the pastor of the congregation. He whether these peoyears or more, including punishment says he inquired provided with necessary were ple other crimes.
capital
for burglary and many This came about because of a reign of terror and lawlessness and the killing of a couple of .judges, about 1718, which excited the people to en-
act a very severe law.
means, but that the pastor said they were not. Then he asked how they could go in such dangerous times.
him
had friends in Pennsylvania who would pay their passage on landing and set
The
minister
told
they
—
HANS Bl-RKHOLDER'S LETTERS
O.N
CKIEVANCES.
must be relieved of Burkliolder then says that hearing failing, free. against his advice that these peo- all Ijurdens as I cannot hold out. ple go without ready money to pay Wishing all, God's Grace, etc. their own way. HANS BURKHOLDER." Then he continues in his letter: "I 174(5— Interesting Landes Letter of have word from the minister of the congregation of Tliis Date. Amish so-called F'riesland, that some of his people are The zeal of Bishop N. B. Grubb, of determined to go to Pennsylvania, too. Philadelphia, in gathering up and I asked him if they had the money information and letters translating and he said they had and also had from the original sources, concerning letters from Holland which told them our German-Swiss ancestors, has put to come and they would see that they in form some interesting matter conThis seems strange to landed safe. In the Mencerning the Landeses. me because your friends in Holland 1914, page 38, he for book nonite year encourage them and discourage our of a letter verbatim, a copy giv.is, Those people (Amish) make people. written by Elizabetha Landes of Gerno common cause with us; they do mantown in 1746, which letter in Gernot associate with us. when we are is the property of J. M. Landes. man, in trouble. They try to bring us inin connection with the letter And They belong to the betto dispute. there is shown an excellent sketch of They, consider themter classes. the Landes homestead in Switzerland, selves the best and finest people. at Hirzel erected in 1488. They are very irominent. As far as located The letter written 1)y Mrs. Landes I am concerned I would not lidicule is addressed to her friends and relaanyone; but they ridicule us. tives and especially to the children of Conditions are very hard among She sets the late Caspar Landes. us here Palatinate. in the Our concerning forth the following facts young men cannot be received as the Landes family, and the following congregation men by the authorities events that happened in the family: here. To get a letter of protection "I, Elizabetha, the widow of Hein-
them
1
it is
we must pay 50 florins. This is double what others pay for safe conduct. We cannot endure this much longer. We have no civil protection. Besides this, the oppression of the "herrschoft" or local magistrates is already too great and the taxes l)rovidGd by court are too heavy. We cannot provide them; let alone the n;oney for bounty for -our yonn^ men to escape army service. I have tried to help others in my household; but I must give up house keeping and seek provision for myself elsewhere. I must get rid of my burdens because my bodily powers are failing me as I am getting so old and on account of my sisht and
—
rich Landes, a brother to your father, Caspar Landes, a barber in Richterswil, but again married to Heinrich
End, desire to inform you as follows: When my former husband, Heinrich Landes, left Switzerland for the first time with his father, he entrusted to his brother Caspar a certain sum of money without taking from him anything in writing because he had abconfidence
solute
in
his
brother's
and had not the least doubt at all, that everything would be right. Twice he had received some of the honesty
;
that now there is a balof aljout 300 Rix Dollars (about remaining unpaid; as my $210.00)
amount so
ame dear
husband
Heinrich
Landes, so Since
often informed and assured me.
!
296
AN OLD LANDES SWISS HOMESTEAD.
then, my husband Heinrich Landes, entered orderly and publicly into the bonds of matrimony with me, Elizabetha Hirt, born in Mark-Kirch, in
Elsass, the daughter of Jacob Hirt, of the same place. This was in 1709. After having resided for ten years in different places in Germany, we finally, twenty-two years ago, came to
mediately to the left of it stands another building somewhat in the general shape of the buildings erected by the Amish of Lancaster County, consisting of a main house and an attachment which seems to be "shedroofed." And then to the left of it stands a frame or externally-plastered church, with a high steeple which appears to be hexagon in shape, standing upon a high square tower. It is likely a Reformed Church. In the background there are undulating hills, dotted with a great many trees, and the whole picture is
Pennsylvania, fully intending again at some time to visit you, as he had promised his brother Caspar he would, and then bringing the balance of his money home with him. From this he was however prevented by my frequent solicitation and entreaty not distinctively agricultural. to go until the year 1727 when he I find from the maps, that Hirzel is died, leaving me a widow with four about 9 miles southeast from Zurich, children namely, one son and three on the south side of Lake Zurich. daughters. 1746 (?4ermaiis Along the SusquelianIn addition she states that she has na Want Maryland Line Dispute four children living, Elizabetha, BarSettled. bara, Henry and Dorothea. She also states that the money about which she The dispute between Maryland and is writing could be transferred to Dr. Pennsylvania, over the line between Hollinger, the Reformed Minister in them still continued. It had now deHeidelberg, who is a native of Zurich, stroyed the tranquility between the and by him can be sent, through cer- two provinces many years. tain other persons to Philadelphia, adCertain ])hases of the dispute are dressed to certain party in Germanset forth in Vol. 1, of the Pa. Artown by which it can be transferred chives From these pp. 692 et seq. to the proper owners. It is signed records, the following condition apAunt Elizabetha Landes, Germanpears: In August 1746 the Governor town, Pennsylvania, 20th Nov. 1746. It of Maryland wrote to the Governor of is addressed to be delivered to the Pennsylvania, enclosing a letter from surviving children of Casrer Landes Virginia. A man opposite Conewago (barber) at Richtersvil, three hours named Diggs, claiming that section to from Zurich. be Maryland, complained that the She states that she and her hus- Pennsylvanians used him badly. The band after living for 10 years in dif- Governor of Maryland says allowance ferent places in Germany, came to must be made for Diggs, because he Pennsylvania in 1724. is a Catholic and is opposed to the The cut of the old Landes Home- Government. Diggs replying to the stead at Hirzel plainly shows it to be charge, that he is a troublesome perlong and low, one story high with an son says, that by a Maryland warrant attic, about one-half story high at the dated 1727, he has settled on a tract eaves. It seems to be of stone plas- called Diggs' choice, opposite the tered on the exterior and stands on Susquehanna and received a patent the side of a Commons, at least the in 1735. That he had his land surside of an unfenced road. Just im- veyed and the Dutch objected to this.
—
;
GEUMAX-SWISS.
IN
THE PEXXSYLVAXIA-.MARYLAND DlSPrTE.
and he had them arrested
This excited the Germans as it included their land. Page 709 of the above stated record, the case between the Germans and Diggs at Conewago is set out showing the difficulties of our people at that place. It there appears that the tempoi'ary Pennsylvania-Maryland line was furnished in May 1739, and as soon as it was run many Germans took out warrants for land, from the Pennsylvania authorities, lying north
for tres-
there.
since then a survey was made including his land, by officers of Pennsylvania, defying the Governpass.
And
knew
they
That a man ment of Maryland. named Kittsmiller and others, threatto shoot and kill Diggs if he did not move away. Another witness declared that he heard this land was David out for John Lemon, laid Miller Messier, Adam Young, Adam and others of Pennsylvania.
ened
Another witness declared that when Diggs came for his land, he found some Germans plowing on it, Xicholas and Adam Furney, who claimed they owned it. Furney said he would pay no attention to Maryland officers, and went on plowing. Adam Furney said that Mr. Cookson told him, if any land officers of Maryland came, to bind them and take them to Lancaster. These friends of Furney spoke Dutch to them. The upshot was, that Furney and his friends began to beat and club Diggs and the Maryland officers, and one of the Maryland officers attempted to draw his "banger" and Furney ran to the house to get his gun. It seems that then the Lancaster County authorities took an ax and tried to use it on the Diggs The battle finally ended by party. the Maryland parties taking their band si)ik^s and giving the Pennsylvania party a chase. On the other side Herman Updegraff, being a Quaker, said that 5 years ago he tried to buy a piece of land from Diggs at Conewago. He said the tract lay north of the Pennsylvania line. Then too the deposition of Adam Furney was taken on the dispute. He lived at Conewago, and he said that he and several other Germans had agreed to purchase some land of John Diggs, lying at Conewago, and they found that Diggs land was of great extent there, that Diggs claimed he had 14,000 acres
297
j
of that line at the Little Conewago, over the Susquehanna, adjoining the
tract claimed by
!
Diggs.
This Diggs
tract was found to be wholly in Pennsylvania and surrounded by lands these Germans took up and paid for. These Germans did not interfere with Diggs; but asked him to mark his
line
so
they
could
their
locate
and then he threatened them not to come near his place, etc. He warned them that their surveys were not good, as all that was Maryland land,
Then in 1743 Diggs property, etc. applied to Pennsylvania to get as much land as would make his tract a regular square, and that this would He was told he take 1,000 acres. could have land at the same price the Germans were paying; but he could not interfere with their land. But he disregarded this and asserted title See right over the German's land. these conflicts fully discussed in Vol. 1. Pennsylvania Archives pp. 692 to 713.
1746— SLip Records
of This Year.
During this year we find two ship loads of these German-Swiss people.
Among
the
common
County names we Three Bohns j
Reinharts
—
—
2
Lancaster
find the following: 2
Kauffmans
Zimmermans and
2
—
2
Mil-
{
lers. I
>
We
find one each of the following: Beck, Herman, Pieffer. Reith, Sny-
j
der,
Thomas and Wagner.
HANS BURKHOLDER'S LETTERS AND LABORS.
298
These people came over in the Ship bailiwick, who directs the person to Galley," William Wilson Master the high electoral government which Ship "Neptune," Thomas Wilkinson sends him to the exchequer to a clergyman of the church, who must Master. pass his judgment about it, and so he 1747 More Labors of Haus Burkall the time has his hand in his liolder. pocket and by the time he has finAmong the "Dutch Copies" in the ished it costs much money as well as Pennsylvania Historical Society at labor, and often it is a quarter of a Philadelphia is a letter of Hans Burk- year or even a half a year, before he holder, which is No. 1510 among the can come to the end. Now if your said paper, and is as follows: honor could give us good advice in this matter, we would be very glad. Heroltzheim, March 16, 1747. Among those who cannot help themJohannes Deknatel:
"Ann
—
—
selves the poverty is very great. If loved and worthy friend and things cannot be changed, we fear a brother in Christ Jesus, together with falling off in the congregation among other fellow workers of our congre- the young people. God will, however, gation in Amsterdam. May your cause all this to work for good and Honor be blessed now in time and graciously assist us. hereafter in the blessed eternity, As concerns myself, I grow from Amen. time to time more decrepit and infirm Very dear friend. I cannot in Chrisin my body with tremblings and tian love refrain from once more weakness and my calling and service making known to you our hard conbecome more and more a burden and dition regarding the marriage of our yet at Easter I administered to five children, as also concerning the congregations, the Holy Communion, burial of the dead. We are not per- and had to travel three or four hours, mitted to bury them in certain which was very fatiguing to me. I places without great expense. But hope with Paul, soon to lay down this we do not wish to make too much of tabernacle and to obtain a better, this as we desire to attend to our own your If, which I greatly desire. burials when it can be done elsewhere Honor, is not fully opposed to me as and so do not make much more of heretofore seen, I hope your Honor this. But concerning the marriage of will pity me, and grant me graciously, our children that is very trying for your Christian support and contribuus that no one will accept any one tion, as you deem proper, and be to from a common or middle class famme a cordial friend in my old days. I ily as they do not wish to increase hope the great God will again richly the number of poor grave lots. recompense you for all. Wherewith I When, however, the parents have close for the present and remain with died or the housekeeping has been greeting and recommenda-
Much
'
friendly
broken up (as I also have done mytion to God's protection, your affecself) a boy can be brought into the tionate friend and brother in Christ place only with great labor and expense; for then a certificate must be procured from the mayor and other proper officials with which one enters on the office and duties of And then the subordinate a father. office directs one to the superior father's
Jesus,
HANS BURKHOLDER. Beloved and worthy friend, I have just learned with great astonishment that some of our friends from OberPfalz
(in
the
Palatinate)
wish,
in
—
2
,; '
DISEASE AND HORRORS OX SHIPBOARD.
—
299
—
—
Hoffm.Tns 4 Hermans 2 Hubers Kaspars 2 Lantz.s 3 Myers 2 Millers 2 Rohrers 3 Snyders 4 Smiths 4 Wagners 2 Wises and 2 Wengers. We also find one each of the foldone under the circumstances about lowing: I this journey we would thank you. Adams, AUeman, Bowman, Bauawait an early answer. Adieu. Buck, Fox, Hahn, Kline, Kurtz, man. BURKHOLDER. HANS these dangerous and difficult times, to set out on the journey to Pennsylvania. If your Honor would only give us your advice as to what is to be
17i7
— Infected
])clled
to
(iorinaiis
.Submit
to
AVcre
number
Kxuminatiou
ner,
Witmer, Young^ and Ziegler.
liam
Tiffin
"Restauration," ——"Two Brothers,"
master
James Hall master
Thomas Arnott master, and This last ship seems to be unknown. and
of
to
turn to the
—
They came in the ship "Billander," Thomas Ricks master — "Lydia," Wil-
list of
passen-
.
1748— Ship Kecords of This Year. During this year we find six shiploads of these German Swiss people coming
to this country.
Among
the
common
County names we
Lancaster
find the following:
Three Adams— 3 Diehls— 3 Myers— 2 Millers— 2 Smith.s— 4 Steins and 2 Wagners. Also one each of the following: Antes, Brown. Eberhard. Foltz, Gerhart, Gtove, Hoffman, Hartman, Hel-
100).
When we
—
—
fer.
these people, be given to two doctors to examine the health of "his passengers. The ship landed quite a distance below Philadelphia. It could not come up to the ciiy, and unload passengers in the city, until the examThe Council sent ination was made. Dr. Graeme and Dr. Bond to examine them; and gave them authority to decide whether they should be allowed (See Vol. o. Col. Rec. to land or not p.
—
—
Kaulfnian, Lesher, Lutz, Mosser, PiefRoth, Relth, Roop, Reese, Shaeffer, Steinmetz, Streiker. Wolfe, Weid-
Coiu-
This year, the ship Vernon, from Rotterdam, arrived in Philadelphia with foreigners from Switzerland and Captain Ricks, comthe Palatinate. mander, reported he had on board a
asked an order
—
—
Before a Ship Doctor.
great
—
'
Hollinger, Keller, Hensel, Kline, Metzler. Mann, Moore, Shoemaker, Stauffer. Stout, Weber and Wolf. They came in the ship "Edinburgh," James Russell master "Hampshire,"
ler,
gers who came in this ship, (p. 256 of the Sec. Ser. of Pa. Vol. 17), we find among the names, Christopher Barr, Jacob Lesher, Abram Funk, Samuel Witmer, Rudoljih Huber, Fred
—
—
"Mary Thomas Cheeseman master Michael Eiselman, Jacob master Lawson George Galley," Peter Bowman and Henry "Two Brothers," Thomas Arnatt masGeorge Schar and others. This en"Patience," .Tohn Brown master ter ables us to determine that they were and Margaret," John "Patience likely persons who were destined to Povan, master. settle in Lancaster County. 1748— Crowds of These («ernian Swiss 1747— Sliip Records of This Year. Einijiratinsr, Taxes Holland's During this year we find five ship People Resources. loads of these German Swiss people coming into this country. Tt is related by Muller (p. 365) that Among the common Lancaster the number of emigrants coming from
Wertz, Shavely,
—
—
j
—
I
County names we find the following: Two Arnolds 3 Beyers 2 Becks
—
2
—
Eberhards— 2 Freys— 3 Frantzs— 3
the
Palatinate,
(but
originally
from
j
{
Switzerland and other sections), has A greatly increased in late years.
SHIP RECORDS AND SHIP PASSAGE HORRORS.
300
commission of the Mennonite breth- the doctrine, practice and discipline ren in or near Amsterdam, was doing of the ancient and stricter party of all they possibly could to aid these the Dutch Mennonites." (See Barcemigrants to Pennsylvania. As these lay's Religious Societies of the Comemigrants became more numerous monwealth p. 77). the commission was compelled to To this thought, ex-Governor Pencease its financial aid. About 1732 nypacker adds that "To the spread of there had arrived at Rotterdam more Mennonite preachings in England, we than 3000 inhabitants of the Palatinate,
among whom,
of
course,
there
owe the origin of the therefore Quaker and the settlement of Pennsyl-
were some Reformed and some Luth- vania." (See Pennypacker's SettleA portion of these founded ment of Germantown, p. 66). the congregation at Skippack (ScheIt is no small honor to the Mennobach), Montgomery County, Pennsyl- nite to have the credit of being the vania. By the year 1748 they had real founder of the province (and thrived so far in their new home, as now the great Commonwealth) of to own a paper mill and printing of- Pennsylvania back of William Penn, fice. Miiller also tells us (p. 369) that whose lives and characters, as Penn this year some of these people who viewed them, when he visited them had emigrated, had settled at Hill- along the Rhine Valley, which gave town, in Pennsylvania, and among rise in his mind to the "Holy Experithem were Christian Lederich who ment" and made him the father of came in 1747 and Valentine Hun- Pennsylvania, that he was, and is held secker in 1748. As William Penn to be, to this date. erans.
—Horrors
These made Pennsylvania, so the ancient Mennonite Brethren in reality, made Poor Germans and Swiss Settlers William Penn. in Small Vessels. As the rush of the Germans to 1748—Martyr's Mirror Published at Ephrata. Pennsylvania became more numerous about this time, the owners of the About this year, the German Brethvessels began packing them away in ren in and about Ephrata, who about places entirely unfit for them, so that 25 years ago, had left the Conestoga a great deal of sickness broke out. We settlement and became a religious shall see that in a year or two, a law sect of their own (existing down to was passed to prevent this. Henry P. this day, and known as the Seventh Fairchild has written up this subject Day Baptists), bad attained such proin a thorough manner, in a work ficiency and skill, and such intelleccalled "Immigration in the Early tual ability, so as to be able to pubDays." It was published by McMillan lish Tielman, Van Braght's Book of & Co. and gives a great deal of infor- Martyrs or Martyr's Mirror in Germation concerning the horrible con- man, being a work of about 1400 1748
of
Overloading-
dition that existed.
had these Germans become so numerous as to be the main civilizing factor in Pennsylvania shortly before and about 1750; but we must remember that as Barclay says, of George Fox, the founder of the Not
only
according to the type of that large edition was published running into the hundreds at least. This shows not so much the intellecpages, time.
A
which the advancement to time attained that "brethren" had at (even though the book had to be Quakers, "We are compelled to view translated from Dutch to German), him as the unconscious exponent of but more particularly the mechanical tual
'
GERMAN-SWISS GO INTO POLITICS.
301
ami the ingenuity attained, by people, in making presses and
Webb in his petition to the Assembly set forth that at the late election
in procuring type of a superior character, so as to print that great work.
there were gross frauds whereby he was not elected; that the good people thereby are defeated of their privilege. Many of the voters in the County also joined in a petition setting forth that at the late election the people crowded in a body and that they stuck their tickets in the end of cloven sticks, and committed other frauds; that tickets were put in by boys; that many voted several times; that the number of votes received was more than double the number of the people who were present; that the officers did not put any on oath or call
skill
these
Many
coi)ies of the Mirror,
which they
the early capacity and skill of these people. Inasmuch as the "Chronicon Ephratense" gives a minute detail of the lives and ways of these people and their history, I will not insert any of it in these annals. According to Kuhns, it took 15 men three years to printed,
still
extant, attest
complete this task. 1749
— (ieniian-Swiss
First
Political
Efforts in Lancaster County
As soon as King George's War was for any tests. ended, there was leisure in the Britthey pray the ish Empire for attention to local poliagain.
tics
in
void.
Factional contests began
November 22, the Assembly took the case up and heard many witnesses. The testimony was that the election was tumultuous, that no regular list could be taken of the voters' names; that votes by proxy were allowed; that illegal votes were received by inspectors especially by Christian Herr an inspector; votes from minors received that persons not legally chosen inspectors received votes as inspectors, that many people voted three, four, five and even ten times; that one of the candidates (Worrall) who is returned as elected encouraged giving in more than one vote by the same person, that the number of voters attending did not exceed 1000. though the tickets found 18).
earnest in Lancaster County and
were made more intense, because the German-Swiss-Quaker alliance against the Scotch-Irish was now an established condition here. The GermanSwiss now took part in earnest. There was a keen fight for Assemblyman in 1749 in Lancaster County, between James Webb and Peter Worrall.
Worrall was the popular hotel keeper on West King Street in Lancaster Borough and Webb a prominent politician in Lancaster Township (See 3rd Series Penna. Arch. Vol. 17, pp. 83, 170 and 346). Both were members of the Assembly in 1748. Webb was English; had just finished building the stone work of the new jail and was close to the English and Scotch-
Lancaster County politicians. Peter Worrall was "Dutch" (German) very widely known and very popular
By reason of all this election to be declared (4 Votes of Assembly pp. 117-
box were more than 2300 122 and Rupp p. 299).
p.
Irish
as the county.
principal
hotel
man
in
|
'
Counsel for the
petitioners
ined more witnesses Then Counsel for the the
So the "Dutch" or Germans threw their strength to Worrall and reelected him. Webb was defeated and charged fraud and contested Worrall's election before the Assembly.
(4 V.
in the
the
exam-
next
day.
and inThese spectors examined witnesses. Sheriff
are objected to because terested witnesses.
The
they
are in-
defense was that only two tickets were taken by proxy, by the owners of the tickets were in view.
— 24 2 •
302
GERMAN-SWISS AND LANCASTER
that tickets to get rid of
were taken from rrtinors them, but they were not
ELECTION TUMULT OF
CO.
1749.
care must be taken to prevent tumult and disorders by placing constables at the doors; that the fraud of repeating must be suppressed (4 V. pp. 127 and 128). After all this the Sheriff had the "cheek" to present a bill of
put in the box, that those elected inspectors soon after starting in were pulled away from their tables and that the number of voters present was as great as the number of votes cast £20 for his expenses in defending his The case went over to suspicious and crooked proceeding, (4 V. p. 123). 1750, and Jan. 2nd the Assembly re- (4 V. p. 142). sumed considering it (4 V. p. 126). No comment is necessary upon the Several witnesses were heard the next extraordinary election of 1749 in the day and the list of taxables of Lan- County, except to notice that Chriscaster County was produced showing tian Herr being appointed out as one there were 4598 to show there was no of the chief defiers of the law, it may duplication in voting or repeating (4 be reasonably inferred that the GerV. p. 126). The next day the case was mans had control of the election and up again and the representative who that their friends the Quakers counwas charged with encouraging plural- selled them. ity of votes in favor of himself on his We may conclude too that they oath purged himself and also by wit- knew their case would not suffer in nesses supported the same (Do. p. review before the Assembly in the 127). hands of their friends in that body, a January 5th, a vote was taken on large majority of whom were Quakthe question of issuing a writ for a ers. new election because the other one 1719— Shi]) Keoords of This Tear. was fraud; but it was voted down and During this year we hnvy twentythe election was adjudged good and one ship loads of these German-Swiss regular (Do. 127).
The next day
Jan.
6th the
people.
Sheriff
Among
Lancaster County was called in and admonished that though the proofs were not sufficient to throw out the members returned the method of managing the election in Lancaster County was very irregular and he was of
these ship loads of
German-
Swiss people, we find the Lancaster County names:
common
—
—
Adams 5 Appels 2 Bernharts Brunners 6 Becks — 12 Beckers 3 Bauer s 4 Benders 2 Browns warned that hereafter the names of Burkharts 4 Benners S Conrads 6 Eckerts 6 Fishers 2 those for Assembly must be on one Diehls £rant— -2 5 Franks— Foxes— 16 Hoffballot, those for Sheriff on another 4 Hasslers 7 and those for Coroner on another, mans 2 Hertzlers Hubers 3 Hausers 2 Hellars 5 those for Assessors on another and Hartmans Hasses— 14 Hesses 4 those for Commissioners on another, and not all on one ballot as has been Hahns 2 Hagers 4 Isemans 2 Jathe custom in Lancaster County; that cobys 13 Klines 3 Konigs 7 Kel2
5
—
—
—
I
j
;
inspectors must be more particular in the choice of clerks and choose only such as excessive drinking will not, as heretofore, disable them from acting; that the Sheriff must hereafter call for the list of voters and have the tally taken and preserve the tallies;
i
— — —
—
— — —
—
— — — —
—
— —
— — — — — — lers — Kramers — Kaucmans — Kuhns — 3 Kurtzes — Longs — Lenharts — Lutzes — 9 Markles — 2 Messners— 41 Millers — 12 Meyers— MaSchaeffers — 25 gees — 22 Snyders — Stauffers — Shumakers — Snavelys — Shumans — Schieds — Sprengers 2
4
3
5
2
9
2
2
2
2
5
3
SHIP RECORDS OF
—
Smeltzes— 2 Steiger- master "Fane" Wm. Hyndman mas19 tor and "Show Good Intent" with Ben31 Wagners Wolfes
Shermans— 4
4
walts
—
6
Webers— 10
174&.
— Wises —
—
Wanamakers— jamin
2
2
Workmans— 10 Weitzels— 2 Yosts—
2
Yaegers— 11 Youngs
—
3
Zieglers and
It
Boswell as master.
will be
observed from the above
these Germans were Zimniermans. coming in great hordes now. They Also one each of the following Lan- were nearly all poor Germans at this time. The Swiss immigration had caster County names: practically been ended a few years BergAlbright Albert Arndt earlier. This is a period when the BowBarr Baer er Brant Germans began to push to the front, Care Christian man Buchman as leaders in other lines, besides agriDerr Dellinger Detweller Eberhart culture in the County of Lancaster, Erb Eshleman Dietz Foltz and we shall observe from now on, Fritz Eckman Ernst (true to their nature), having once Hersh Hummel Frey ;^2,^^jaaitz become accustomed to these matters, Herman Herman Herr have never ceased, but paid every InKern Kessler Hetrick Kiehl records,
that
4
—
— — — C^ —
—
—
—
— — — — — —
— — —
— —
—
— — — — — — — — — — — — Kramer — Kieffer — Kraus — Krantz — Lambert — Lehman — Lanyz — Ludwig — Morris — Martin — Mann — Marshall — Pieffer — Pfoutz — Peters — Rohrh — Roth — Richer — Reinhart — Schwartz — Simon — Schaeffer — Switzer — Singer — Stump — Steiger — Smeltz — Stein — Steinmetz — Seitz — Stauffer — Shock — Spangler — Thomas — Tshudy — Vogel — Wissner — Waters — Witmer — Widmyer — Walker — Warfel — W^eidner — Walters — Zerfoss and Zwally.
creasing attention to the subject. In the last preceding item their political activity fully appears. 1749
— .Hore
(lierman
Contaiiious Disease A nionu'
Immigrants— Its Treatment.
At a Council held Sept.
11, this year Philadelphia, the subject of contagion among our German ancestors was discussed again. The minutes (5 Col. Rec. 410) of the discussion, are as follows:
at
"The Governor having order'd DocGroeme and Doctor Thomas Bond They came over in the ship "Elliot" to visit the Ship Francis and ElizaJames Adams master "Chesterfield'' beth, arriv'd in the Cove below the Thomas Coatam master "Albany" City with Palatines on board from Robert Brown master "St. Andrew" Rotterdam, and they having reported James Abercrombie master "Priscil- that she was an unhealthy Vessel, Wm. Muir master "Christian" several of the Passengers labouring la" Thomas Brady master "Two Broth- under an eruptive fever which they ers" Thomas Arndt master "Edin- were of opinion was infectious, he had burg" James Russell master — "Phoe- order'd the Trustees of the Province nix" John Mason master "Patience'' Island to attend the Council to be inHugh Steele master "Speedwell" form'd of the Condition of the Pest James Creagh master "Ranier" Hen- House and what conveniences there ry Browning master "Dragon" were or might soon be made for the George Spencer master "Isaac" Rob- reception and care of the Sick: and ert Mitchell master "Ann" John the Trustees accordingly attending, Spurrier master "Jacob" Adolph together with the Doctors, it appear'd DeGrove master "Leslie" J. Ballen- on examination that the Place was in dine master "Lydia" John Randolph great Disorder, and that for want of "Dragon" Daniel Nicholas room, Household Furniture, and suitmaster
—
— — — — —
—
—
—
—
— — —
—
—
——
—
tor
LAW TO PREVENT CROWDING PALATINE
304
able Apartments, the Sick cou'd be but indifferently taken care of, yet there being a necessity of immediately landing the infected the Trustees promis'd to put the Rooms into the best order they cou'd and to build some slight out Houses that might
j
I
SHIPS.
also became interested. Among other things, he said that the provisions of the new bill ought to make considerable amendment, while the law
should be stronger to prevent these While the Council was debatevils. ing it, the Assembly agreed to certain amendments and asked a joint committee on the subject, so that the Act be sufficiently strong. (5 Col. Rec. 427). The result was that on
serve the present Occasion; whereupon the Captain of the Ship Francis and Elizabeth was serv'd with an order from the Governor to remove his Vessel to the Mouth of Schuylkill, as Jan. 27th, 1750, the Statute was near to the Pest House as he cou'd passed, which is found in Vol. 5 conveniently lye, to send there all the Statutes at Large, p. 94, which sets sick and keep the well on board, and forth that it has been the practice not to suffer any Persons to go near for masters and owners of the vesthem except the Doctors, Necessary sels, trading in this province, to import so great a number of Germans Nurses, and Servants." in one vessel, that through want of 1750 Law to Prerent Crowding Ger- room and accommodations they conman Immigrants in Unliealtliy tracted mortal and contagious diseases, which have caused not only Ships. the death of great numbers of pasIn prior articles, we have noticed, sengers; but infected those that have that the greedy ship owners, began arrived, who when they landed, to overcrowd immigrants into their spread the disease. The Act then making ships for the purpose of provided, that no vessel bound to money. This became so bad that the Philadelphia elsewhere in this or Philadelphia merchants began to obprovince, shall import into Delaware ject to these passengers being treatRiver, or any port in the Province of ed in this way and exposed to disPennsylvania, a greater number of ease and, they brought it to the atpassengers in a vessel, than such as tention of the Assembly in 1749, as may be well provided with good may be seen in Vol. 4 Votes of Aswholesome meat and drink and necsembly, p. 121. Conditions became so essaries; and have room for single bad, that citizens began to petition passengers of the age of over 14 the Assembly to prevent sick and years, 6 ft. in length and 1 ft. 6 in. diseased passengers from being imin width, and if under 14, to contain (Do. 178). ported. the same length and width for every was further contended, when two passengers. Upon failure to It the reason for this condition becomply with this Act, the parties came known that not more than a were to be fined 10 pounds for each certain number of these immigrants, violation. depending upon the size of the vesFurther, the Act provided, that the sel, shall be put on a vessel, and a ship owners must know the condition bill was drawn for that purpose (Do. circumstances of all the passenand the granted in This bill was 132). gers, and inquire whether the officers Assembly (Do. 133). The Council of of the ship have provided them with Pennsylvania, the higher legislative
—
j
I
j
i
i
j
body
in
hand
in
the Province, also took a The Governor the matter.
such room and necessaries, as this Act provides. The law further pro-
1
MITTELBERGER. OX SEA VOYAGE HORRORS. if master or officer of the had passengers that die on the way, leaving goods behind, that the vessel within twenty days after arrival, or after the death, should pre-
vided, that
!
ship,
305
ies— that the journey from Germany to
Pennsylvania
is
1700 french miles,
and that you pass
30
going down the Rhine.
custom houses
He proceeds
and says, that it takes 6 weeks goods, down the Rhine alone that
—
to
go
sent a true inventory of the if a out of which the costs of passage woman should die in child birth, that were to be taken, and the remainder the dead mother and the living child should be given to some person for are both thrown into the sea tothe benefit of the wife or children of gether—that 32 children died on the the deceased. This Act the Govern- ship that he was on that every year ment of Great Britain approved May 20 to 25 ship loads of Germans and
—
I
13th, 1751.
1750
i
— Gottlieb
.Mittolberger
Tells
i
of
I
Swiss come to Pennsylvania— that in the last 4 years, 25,000 peoide came— that on his way to America a large
tbe Sufferings of These Germans.
shark was caught and when he was brought We have another authority upon a whole on the vessel and cut open, man was found in him with the condition under which these Gerboots and silver buckles on. He says mans had to live while crossing the that a trip from Durloch to Holland ocean, in the writings of Gottlieb in open sea, takes 200 hours and Mittelberger, who journeyed to often from May to October to cross Pennsylvania in 1750, and knew and the ocean that sickness on board experienced personally some of these the vessels is horrible and terrible conditions. His writings contain his stench is present all the time that experience in coming over and of his people vomit continually suffer visit through this section of Pennsylfrom dysentery, headache, scurvey, vania. This we find in small book
—
—
—
a
cancer, mouth rot, the latter coming from old sharply salted food and foul vania at Philadelphia, marked Vg. 33. Among other things he relates the water that besides that, they are afflicted with damp, heat, hunger and state and unfortunate conditions of in the Historical Society of Pennsyl-
—
i
want— that the lice are so thick they Germans who immigrated. can be scraped off that when a gale Mittelberger was the organist at the Lutheran Church at Trappe. He rages for two or three nights, misery these
—
j
i
May
he set out from Enzwehingen, Vaihingen Co., for Heilbronn, where an organ was ready to be shipped to Pennsylvania that he sailed with the organ down the Necker and Rhine to Rotterdam, with 400 persons, Wurtenbergs (Durlach) Palatines, and Swiss to Cowes in England. Finally he landed at Philadelphia, Oct. 10, 1750. He then says the reason /or publishing this book is the grevious says
I
—
one another that a woman in childbirth (because of no physician present, it was thought she would die), was pushed right into the sea that children from 1 to 7 years nearly all died from hunger and thirst and itch.
—
conditions
of
those
who
at its height, people cry and pray most pitiously—the healthy ones get cruel and curse and some time kill is
1750,
1,
—
|
1750
—
Gottlieb
scription of the
ings
traveled
Mitt^'lberper's
German
De-
Suffer-
(Continued).
from Germany,
and the outrageous As to the food he says it is dirty proceedings of the "Dutch Man Deal- and that the passengers get warm ers" and other man dealing emissar- food only three times a week that \
;
—
—
306
MITTELBERGER, ON SEA VOYAGE HORRORS
the water is black and full of worms the biscuits are full of red worms and spiders' nests, and finally, that when the passengers land, they are barely able to walk and just creep from the deck, and when they reach the ground they weep for joy and pray and praise God.
—
He
(Continued).
day to walk around the town there are 300 new houses built every year that there are 8 churches, three English, 3 German, 1 Swede and 1 Quaker that the language is German and English. Then as to Pennsylvania he says (p. 57) that this is a very populous province inhabited far and wide that there are new towns here, such, as Germantown, Lancaster, Rittengstown (Reading). As to country weddings and funerals, as many as 400 and 500 come on horseback neighbors give warning as far as 50 miles in 24 hours and give notice to people to come to funerals that while takes
— that
1
—
—
goes on to say that when the cargo is landed at Philadelphia, only those who can pay their passage can leave the ship the others are sold they often stay two or three weeks before any one will buy them and during this time, a good many die. As to the cost of the journey from Rotterdam to Philadelphia he says it children coming in, good cake is is 10 pounds or 60 florins 5 to 10 years old go at one-half price and a goblet of hot West —cost from his home to Rotterdam, punch into which lemon, juniper berries are put 40 florins.
—
—
—
—
—
handed India
all
rum
sugar and and sweet
—
—
drunk that the coflins are He then tells about how the pasmade of walnut stained brown and sengers are sold, and tells that it varnished 4 brass handles are on begins in a market on board the ship. them and if a young man dies, 4 That every day the English, Dutch maidens carry him, and if a maiden and the High Germans come from dies, 4 unmarried men carry her. He the city of Philadelphia and other said that the German Lutheran 30 40 hours away, cider is
—
—
places, 20,
or
(1
go on miles) and hour means board the ship and select and bargain, the adults agreeing to serve three, four or five years for the amount that is due; but young children serve ten to 15 years until they are 21 as a rule. He says that many parents must sell and trade their will children like cattle, for this free them of their passage money. A woman must stand good for her husband's passage, if he should arrive If the passenger dies when he sick. is half way over, or more than half, family the other members of his must pay for him; but if he dies less than half way, he goes free. 4
preacher
in
was Mr.
Lancaster
—
at
that
time
Garack there are no beggars in Pennsylvania —^that on the first Sunday of May all make merry, those born in America deck themselves like Indians and no one else allowed to do that. He states at that time there were pipe organs in Pennsylvania, namely in Philadelis
phia,
Germantown,
Providence
and
New Hanover and Tulpehocken and
—
Lancaster, and that they \vere all shipped into this country in the last 4
years.
Speaking about the people he says an English servant woman in Philadelphia is as elegantly dressed as an
—
Mittelberger then tells of some of aristocratic lady in Germany Engthe customs in his day in Pennsyl- lish ladies are very beautiful and vania among the Germans and what wear their hair cut short or frizzled. Speaking of the development of As he learned about Philadelphia. he it the country he says: in one day's 1750 says, Philadelphia in to
GERMAX-SWISS POLITICAL ACTIVITY.
307
from Philadelphia, you into wild, uncleared land; but there are three great roads one
another riot happened and the Sheriff tried to quell it; but he was afraid of getting hurt that there was fight-
from Philadelphia to Delaware and Frankfort, one to Germantown and Reading: and one to Lancaster. This ancient minister and musician
ing
journeying
come
—
—
among
the
people, several were at last the Dutch prevailed and came in a body to the number of 150 all around the house where the election was held, and the Sheriff went out the third time to quell the tumult the election was
knocked
says considerable more in his book: but we have quite enough to give us a general idea of the conditions of the German sections of Pennsylvania
down— but
—
stopped and the ballot box was locked up by the Sheriff before he at this time. went out. When the Sheriff returned IT.jO (•.vrinan-Sniss iu Tolitical Af- the box was put on a table and he was asked whether he would not go fairs. on with the election. He said when In Vol. 4, Votes of Assembly, p. the tumult was over a little he would 153, it is stated that this year a great go on but not at present. The Sheriff multitude of people, mostly Germans, told the people if they would be quiet came upon the regular election ofthe election would be opened by him; ficers at York and with sticks and but the people behaved in a disorderbillets of wood, drove them away, and ly manner -and threatened in the Gerbroke the windows about the place of man language, if their tickets were holding the election; threw brick not taken immediately, they would bats and took the ballot box away break open the door. The Sheriff all and held the election themselves. this time was walking about the This seems to indicate that the Gerhouse in great fear and his friends mans were determined that they advised him to go on with the elecwould see that justice was done at tion at once, or otherwise the people the elections and they employed t^he would break in. The Sheriff said he methods of getting control, that were would not go on with the election used by all parties during these that night. Then Benjamin Swope times, brute force. There was a simwent and told the people in Dutch ilar, clash somewhat earlier in Pennlanguage that they might as well go sylvania. Account of this appears in a prior article of these annals. It home, there would be no election that appears that this was a regular elec- night. The Dutch answered, that they tion riot between the Irish and Eng- had as good a right to vote as the lish and the Germans. The case others that voted, and they would came up before the authorities and vote and they began to tear down the among others. Benjamin Swope gave windows, broke down the door and his deposition, which appears in Vol. behaved disorderly. Then Swope two, 1st ser. of Pa. Archives, p. 51. His tried to get the Sheriff to go on with deposition is in substance as follows: the election, that he would surely be That the election was begun and car- killed if he refused: but he said he ried on by the Sheriff, in a peaceable would take the box into a private manner, about one hour and one-half, room and count the ballot. Swope and then the riot began and the Sher- said he would not be present at the iff went out and quieted the people reading of these tickets; because and then he returned. Then five or there was only one-half of the tickets six men of the neighborhood of taken in that were there ready to be Marsh Creek came wath clubs and voted. Swope went out to quell the
—
I
I
RIOTOUS GER:MANS at election of
308
people and
was
Sheriff
1750.
when he came back the driven from the place of election and Then the Coroner prevented from returning and it was gone.
not within his power to preside and do his duty; therefore, he could make no return of the election. He had several of his neighbors with him at Philadelphia, where the Council sat, and they were called in and examined and gave their testimony concerning this matter, and Council adjourned the case until Monday and heard some witnesses. Just what determination the Council came to is not shown. The proceedings are also noted in more Judges and two Clerks were 5 Haz. Reg., p. 114, and there it is set sworn in. Then the election went on forth that the Sheriff had 6 of the and was carried on until dark of the free holders give their testimony as evening, and it was again proposed to to the persons that voted during the send for the Sheriff and read the elections, and drew up a certificate tickets in his presence; 'but the party which they signed.
got up on the table and sat on the box, which was locked, and proposed to go on with the election; but it was decided the Sheriff must be sent for. By the time they sent for the Sheriff the he was seen coming through would not let the people woods; but two of the comThen him come in. pany went to get the Sheriff and he said he would not come. Then a man by the name of Nicholas Ryland said he would go on with the election and they got another ballot box and three
that went for
and
he
went
him said home.
fie
was
Finally
tired
they
The Germans gave the following explanation of their conduct, to the Governor, as appears in Haz. Reg. namely: The Sheriff did not open the polls until 2 o'clock, at which time the Marsh people assembled armed,
started in reading the tickets and found the ticket box was in the hands of three parties, not regular officers and none of the inspectors were presThey read the tickets in both surrounded the windows and would ent. the boxes. not let the Dutch people vote that This gives us again a pretty good thereupon the Dutch people, being idea of the manner in which the elec- the most numerous, broke into the tions were held in those early days. Court House and the Sheriff and the That is, they were not always tu- regular inspectors escaped out of the that they invited the multuous like the one .iust mentioned. back window They were quite frequently disorder- Sheriff to come back and he refused that the Coroner took the Sheriff's ly, drink was sold and a good many There was a place and proceeded to take their persons got drunk. great deal of fighting and intimida- tickets that when the election was
—
—
—
—
tion.
We
close this incident by saying that not only did the Germans who were refused, cast their vote, but they succeeded and won at the election.
These outrageous
proceedings
are
also reported in 5 Col. Rec, p. 468, where it is set forth that Hans Hamilton, Sheriff of York Co., instead of presenting a return of election, presented a petition, to the Council for the Province, setting forth in subby violence. stance, that he was
over, the Sheriff was invited to come back to the place, and he refused, and therefore, the election went on with-
out him.
1750
— German
Politics
in
Lancaster
Borouf?h.
About the year 1750, according to Hon. W. U. Hensel's address made at the time of the celebration of a centennial event in connection with the Old Trinity Church in 1911, (which address appears in the New Era of May 18th, 1911), the Germans took a
,
GERMAN INFLUENCE part
lively
in
IN
LANCASTER BOROUGH GOVERNMENT.
affairs
political
in
years ago,
the
conduct
of
Intended for Halifax.
IT.'iO— (ierinans
the
Management of our Boroush. Hansel said among other things, "160
In
the
Pa.
Gazette
1750, there is a
political
fect that a
309
of
news item
May
24th.
to the ef-
Boston dispatch says that
campaigns and political elections "They have advices from London were attended with debauchery and that a Regiment of Soldiers and 600 controlled by demoi'alization, which English settlers with 1500 German no party today could stand for." settlers would be sent over this summer; and that they would have a About the time Handchuh's preaching Man of War and two ships stationed was most effective, and 250 persons at Halifax to protect them." attended his Communions, there was We are not able to say whether the a
considerable
political
revolution in
who were thus expected The item landed or not. church entered upon six year's ten- is interesting however; because it ure of the office of Chief Burgess. shows us in addition to the natural Another Lutheran, Jacob Schlough, perils of the sea voyage, these peowas elected Under-Burgess, and still ple were compelled to run the risk interfered with another Chief Constable; four mem- of being captured or by military enemies of Great Britain. bers were chosen assessors at the the town.
same
Adam Simon Kuhn
election,
'"more
quiet
emigrants
of this
to
arrive,
1750
and or-
than ever before known in the The pastor in town. his joy over the prospect of a new' and more efficient civil administration forgot the fever with which he was breaking down. I am not prepared to admit, however, that the derly*'
—Dunkers
According
history of the
i
in Virgrinia.
to Vol. 5 of the Colonial
Records, p. 531, there were at this time "Dunker" settlements in that part of Virginia now known as West Virginia. These people were a part of the migration of Germans and
German-Swiss into the Shenandoah memorable early Valley from Lancaster County. In municipal campaign was one of prithe book and at the page stated, it vate or public morals for I find it is set forth that a "Dunker" from the recorded by Handschuh in the "Hall-j of Virginia came to Logscolony ische Nachrichsten" that "many of' the Reformed, all of the Moravians, town in the central part of Pennsylall the Mennonites without excep- vania and required liberty of these tion and even five or six Lutherans people, to settle on the Youghiouganwho were afraid of proper town or- ny, a branch of the Ohio in Pennsylder and discipline, voted on the other vania. The Indians answered it was only
issue
in
that
On the other side, the Episcopalians, many of the Presbyterians and Irish Catholics, some refined
not in their pow'er land; that he must
side.
of to dispose appeal to the
Great Council at Onandago and furall the Lutherans." I ther that he should first be recomwould be difficult to mended by the Governor of Pennsylmake municipal platforms or select vania with whom all such business candidates here today for or against must be transacted. whom there could be such allignment This gives us an idea of the early of the voters. Adam S. Kuhn began existence of that branch, of the non his term as Chief Burgess of Lancas- resistant German-Swiss Christian or ter Borough in 1750-1. He also served Mennonite that have since become so 1752-4 and 1755-6. strong and influential in our state.
Quakers and apprehend it
i
i
—
—
2 4
SHIP RECORDS.
310
1750
— Mueller's
GERMAN-SWISS TROUBLES.
Discussion of Hard-
master master
— "Anderson,"
Hugh Campbell
—
— "Brothers,"
Muir master "Two Brothers," Thos. Arndt master In the historical work, which we "Phoenix," John Mason master have heretofore quoted of Earnest "Nancy," Thos. Cantom master Mueller, p. 245, he discusses in con"Prescilla," Wm. Wilson master ships on the Ocean.
—
—
—
lengthy statements the hardships of the German-Swiss people, coming across the ocean. in siderably
"Brigantine Sally," Wm. Hassleton master "Osgood," Wm. Wilkie master— "Brotherhood," John Thompson Taking these facts in addition to the master and "Sandwich," Hazlewood ones given by Mittelberger, it makes master. Mueller a very interesting chapter. gives us a pretty fair idea of why it 1750 Mueller on Origin of Weaverland District. became such a distressing situation
—
—
—
and how
to correct
it.
Earnest Mueller,
historian,
whom
we have mentioned so frequently, 1750— Ship Records of This Year. seemed to have kept track of the During this year we have 14 ship movement of the Mennonite Church loads of German Swiss people, and in America, and seems to have studwe find among them the following Page the history ied of it carefully. Lancaster County names: Weav360 his book he the in says in 2 Ackermans 2 Albrights 2 Becks
—2
—
— —
Burkharts 2 Bauers— 4 Beyers 2 Bendets Bergers 4 Beckers 2 Conrads 5 Foxes 3 Freys 3 Fishers 3 Grors 4 Gilberts 2 Hogmans 5 Jacobys 2 Jacobs 3 Kellers
—
— — — — — — — — — — — — Kings— Longs — 22 Millers — Martins — Meyers— Peters — Reinharts— Roths— Rohrers— 16 Smiths — Sanders — Shaeffers — 11 Snyders —2 Shultzes— Steins— Wolfes— Wagners — Wises — Webers — and 2
2
3
5
5
3
2
2
2
2
3
8
5
7
Youngs. Also one each of the following Lancaster County names: Arnold Benner Bumgardner Bernhart Bassler Bricker Cooper Dietrich Eckert Eberly Fritz Foltz Falck Gerlach Gardner Houser Hess Herr Herman Hensel Kramer Leinbach Leaman Lutz Metzgar Mast Oberly Spangler Shaffner Shoop Werner Walters Yaegar Ziegler and Zimmerman. They came over in the ship "Patience," Hugh Steele master "Bennet Galley," Wm. Wadham master "Edinburgh," James Russell master "Royal Union,'" Clement Nicholson
—
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
—
—
—
Christian Burkholder was in 1750, the first Bishop; and we also find Martins, Zimmermans, Webers, Wanners, Goods, Newsweng-
erland
District,
(Neienschwander), Nornings, Gerhmann
ers
Baumans, Wengers,
HoUinger,
(Gaumann),
Liechtys,
Metz-
Rissers, Ebersoles, Lehmans, Snyders, Stricklers, Stauffers, (Krahenbiihl), Kreybills Schipes, also among the pioneers of that dislers,
trict.
Burkholder may have Christian been a son or other descendant of Hans Burkholder, whom we have a father in the mentioned before, Switzerland, in Mennonite Church
—
who 1750
died in 1752.
—New
Movement
to
Expel Swiss
Mennonite Tenants. Miieller in
his history,
der the date of 1750,
p.
refers
245,
un-
to
the
movement which was inaugurated
in
expel these "Baptists" or non-resistents or Mennonites, from the vicinity of Munster (in Alsace) but he says the movement was opposed by the "Congregation Court," where about 20 of these' non-resist1730-3,
to
;
SWISS EXPULSION OF NOX-KKSISTA.NTS Then he ent religious families lived. however, conflict, recites that this went on and it is summed up in the statement made to the Prince Bishop under the date of January 17th, 1750, which statement or representation, was signed and joined in by leading citizens and esiiecially by the pastors of the Reformed Church of St. Ira-, men and of Pery. The petition or statement recites, that the movement to expel these people, known then as Anabaptists, began about 20 years
l.\
nil
1750.
the reasons for that opinion: James Als Couradt (Rector)
In 1724
applied
Conestoga near Creek (Pa. Arch., 2d Ser., Vol. for
land
on
Mill 19,
p.
726).
"By reason of their constant indusand thrift tilling the soil as well
try
principally as trades, as pursuing weavers, by their simple mode of living, by their complete avoidance shunning /of the luxury, their of (staying out litigation of tavern and enabled to pay a of Court), they are wantonthrough who by those ago, much higher rental than others." had barretry ness and litigousness or should the owners be compelled to been reduced in circumstances (be- employ as tenants the people who came impoverished), and who hoped have squandered their own possesby the expulsion of the Baptists to|sions? Can it be expected that these get tenantry of the places themselves. would take better care of property To counteract this, a representation belonging to others than of their was made by the land owners to the own? In consequence of such a state Prince Bishop Johann Kourad which of affairs, the owners would have to was favorably received. But the dis- sell their lands to strangers. Among against those turbance and the petition protesting against w^ho are until his cease these people did not strange tenants, are such who themHighness, in the interest of peace selves are tenants, who sell their This measure did not harvested crops to the strangers, finally yielded. benefit the petitioners; who thought even to Baptists, and thereby are atthat by continually complaining to tracting them. The statement that the Bishop that the Baptists would those to the manor born, would plant But it was found that more corn than the strange tenants, be expelled. when the Baptists or Mennonites had whereby the title of the bishop gone away other tenants took their would be increased, is sophistry. places who were also Anabaptists or For since the great felling of trees non-resistents. on the Chasseral uy in the woods Then this statement made to the which arable lands are to be gained, Bishop (whether this means Bishop much colder weather manifested it!
i
}
i
1
j
Kourad or not, is not very plain) self on the mountains opposite, that proceeds and says "that now in 1750, almost every year there are killing being this same movement to expel these frosts, ofttimes only the seed drawthese all of In spite again, sowed. people, is being undertaken has been proven that the the tithe has been increased since will fact, that it of the Baptists (P. A.). poor people." These petitioners, who presence we now hear no more indeed, And, are urging this statement to the
and
it
will
Bishop,
want ter
to
appear as
generally the affect mostly the
interfere
this to be
movement.
is
for
their
sake,
prevented by a coun-
These
petitioners,
then, go on to state, that the Baptists are of great benefit to the country and they set forth the following, as
backs,
it
that peculiar social policy of the congregation (or communities).
of
From this we can see that these non-resistant people did not need to fight their battles alone: but that they had also good and influential friends
— 2 7
SHIP RECORDS.
312
CHRISTIAN BURKHOLDER'S LETTER.
—
and among people master Ship "Nancy," Thomas Coatdid not belong to their faith. am master Ship "Brothers" with This gives us the information, that William Muir as master Ship "Two while the extreme measure of torture Brothers" with Thomas Arnot as maswe have noted as happening in ter Ship "Neptune" with James Weir earlier days in these annals, were as master Ship "Neptune" with John past; yet the non-resistent. Anabap- Mason as master Ship "Phoenix" tists, were compelled continually to with John Spurrier as master Ship look out for their interests and to "Queen of Denmark" with George make every effort by all possible Parish as master Ship "Janet" with means, that they could, to secure William Cunningham as master, and anything like even the meagerest the Ship "Duke of Wirtenberg" with personal liberty. Montpelier as master. in other churches,
—
who
—
—
—
—
—
—
1751
— Ship
Eecords
of Tliis Year.
1751
the year 1751 we have fifteen (15) ship records of these early settlers, coming into United States. In
Among
the
common
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — Steins Straubs Steigers — Steinmetzs — 10 Wolfs — 12 Wagners 2 Walters — Wises — Webers — 4 ^
—2
3
3
Croi).
This year and that of 1752 produced for Lancaster County's German farmers tremendous wheat and other crops.
led
men
into excesses.
Many
in their
wantoness destroyed this rich store of provisions and fattened their hogs on wheat. Others in various parts of the county erected distilleries and thus consumed the wheat by converting it into a poison and thereby brought great evil upon the community.
1752
See also Rupp 299.
—Another
Christian Bnrkholder Letter.
8
6
Youngs
German Wheat
Lancaster The Chron. Ephratense, p. 190, tells us that these mercies were not thankfully received and appreciated. They
County names we have the following: Two Arnolds 2 Adams 2 Becks 3 Benders 3 Bernharts 3 Burkharts 2 Baumans 3 Ehrharts 3 Eberharts 5 Foxes 4 Fishers 2 Frantzes —4 Flicks— 2 Groffs— 2 Gerharts— Hoffmans 2 Hubers 3 3 Hesses Haases 7 Klines 1 Kings-^ Longs 12 Millers— 6 Martins 11 Meyers 2 Peters— 4 Reinharts— 2 Roths— 16 Smiths 11 Snyders— 6 Shaeffers 2
— Great
Among
Zimmermans.
the "Dutch Copies" in the Society of Pennsylvania Library, is one wi-itten by Christian Burkholder, April 4th, 1752, from his Palatinate home. It is No. 1521.
Also one each of the following Lan- Historical caster County names:
— Brant — Becker — Bucher — Decker — Eckert — Eckman — Fritz — Frank — Herman — Heller — Hahn — Hirsh — Hartman — Kauffman — Lintner — Messner Stauffer — Sprecher — Werner and Albright
Weidner.
They came in the Ship "x\nderson," Hugh Campbell master Ship "Shirley" with James Allen master Ship
—
—
The introducing paragraphs are
Then he Nova Scotia
says,
—
—
Richard Jefferson master would Ship "Edinburgh" with James Russell tunity.
ford,"
"I
want news
of
England, etc., for this year many of our families want to take the journey to America, for they I are promised much freedom there. want your advice, whether our members shall go or not. Concerning the journey to Pennsylvania this year he of
"Patience" with Hugh Steele master Ship "St. Andrew," .James Abercrombie master Ship "Duke of Bed- says, there are
—
of
religious character.
many
of
those
who
go but have no opporThey want to go and I feel
like to
2 6
"
BURKHOLDER'S DEATH. SHIP RECORDS. that we must allow and a.ssist them I hope your honors will not to go. object nor make difficult the journey. Unless they are supported by a cer-
3i:
It is also said the early this spring. 700 men will be put on the "Kings
j
\
Works"
some
Halifax
at
time
this
month." This item shows us that the Gertificate from me, under my hand, 1 do not advise you to encourage them. man ancestors of that great horde of That is as much assistance as I can descendants which now so powerfully Do not be displeased influence America, were quick to gain e.xpect of you. I send a foothold in all climes and quarters with my frequent entreaty. my cordial thanks for your condescen- of this land, as soon as they had resion toward our people and hope the liable knowledge of conditions and |
!
Lord
will
prospects here.
reward you.
—
lordship will allow a little are six orphans in our conof whom three are under Three can earn young.
sui)port.
They all need money for There is nothing left of
If
your
there gregation age very their bread. aid,
their parents' property by the time the debts and expenses which their opjressors have put upon them are paid.
We
leave
ship loads people.
of
Among
the
CHRISTIAN BURKHOLDER. To His Honor De Knotel
we have 18 German Swiss
1752
these
common
Lancaster
find the following:
County names we Three Albrights harts 6 Beckers
—5
Becks
— —
4
—
6
Bern-
— Baumans — ConEberlys — Dietricks — 6 2
3
4 you: but any rads 2 Gehrharts— 11 pishers— these give for
purposes will be well spent. May we expect an answer by next post.
—Death
During the year
it all to
money your honors
1752
17:)2— Ship Uecords of This Year.
Hubers— 2
Hartmans
—3
Kautzs
6
Hoffmans— Hermans—-'
Hesses— 7
—
Kleins
Kings Ludwigs Roths 6 -
6
'>
— 30 — 21
— Longs — Millers — 14 Meyers — Shaeffers — 11 Smiths — 2
—
Snyders— Shumakers— 3 Wolfes— 3 Walters— Webers— 2 Wagners— 4 Zimmermans 4
of Gerroldshein.
of
Hans
Burkliolder.
Early this year (Mueller 213) Hans Burkholder died, at a great age, after 47 years of activity as teacher of the Congregation of Geroldsheim, having gone through many extremely severe trials, and having served his congregation with loyalty and fidelity. Burkholder was a name of great worth in Germany and Switzerland in He may have been the early days. father or uncle or perhaps a cousin of Christian Burkholder spoken of above.
—3
Youngs. There were one each of the follow-
ing:
— —
—
—
CraBerger Beyer Arnold HollingHerr Eberhart mer Neff Metzgar Keller er SnavShaub Straub Reinhart
— — — — — — — — — _ Weidman. Weidner eiy They came over Brothers,"
— "Brothers," "Halifax," "St.
the Ship "Two Arnot, master— Russel, master
in
Thomas
"Edinburgh,"
—
James
Wm.
Muir.
master
—
Thomas Coatam, master-
Andrew,"
Abercrombie, Charles Ken"Richard & Mary," "Anderson," master
James
17.>2— Germans Settle at Halifax.
master— "Ann
An item
neway, master Moore, John Hugh Campbell, master "President." Captain Dunlop as master "Nancy. "Forest," PatJohn Ewing, master
Pennsylvania Gazette of April 2, 1752, informs us that "By a letter from Halifax dated 21st of last month, 700 Germans are going to settle at Mallagash Harbor, twelve leagues to the westward of Halifax in the
Galley,"
—
——
—
—
rick Ouchterlony,
master— "Snow Ket-
— 3
PALATINES ARRIVE CONTINUOUSLY.
314
—
to ask further favors of aid. He says their people do not have even enough of bread. He then says "I inform you I am greatly troubled to feel that you think the money is for myself. We need what we ask, for the help of others. It is Christlike to help others. He hopes that those in power will take "our part" when we are assailed, or when any speak evil against "us." He then concludes and says "Our congregation has been proceeded against again another decree has been made against us the Lord will turn it all to great good."
him
master Barnes, "Duke of Wurtemberg," Daniel Mont"Bawley," John Grove, pelier, master "Phoenix," John Spurrier, master Theopolis
tey,"
—
master
——"Queen
Parish, master cairn,
master
Denmark," George John Pitand ship "Phoenix''
of
— "Louisa,"
—
with Reuben Honor as master. 1752
—Germans
SHIP RECORDS.
and Lancaster Town.
In 1752 the town of Lancaster, according to Hazard's Register (Vol. 5, that is 115) had 311 taxables p. about 1800 souls. We remember then in 1744 Witham Marshe in his journal or diary called it a filthy Dutch town. CHRISTIAN BURKHOLDER. It was no doubt most largely made up 1753 Sliip Records of This Year. of German people both in 1744 and in During the year 1753 we have S 1752. But at neither dates was it these early Germanshiploads of The scrub and physically unclean. people. Swiss mop were too constantly in evidence Among the common Lancaster to allow slovenliness.
—
—
—
—
County names we have the following: Two Bakers 3 Bausmans 3 CramImmigration of Palatines continued ers— 3 Longs 3 Leanords 3 Fishers 5 Hoffmans 5 Millers 3 Hartmans to be a subject of live interest in and about Philadelphia at this date (as it —2 Kuhns— 6 Browns 7 Snyders had been for many years). In the Wagners 12 Smiths— 3 Klines and 5 Pennsylvania Gazette of September Webers. Also one each of the following: 20th, this year, it is stated: "Since Bernhart Arnold Adams our last, the Captains Russel Still, Gerhart Frey Engel Brenner Moore & Lickty arrived here with :\Ietzgar Hellar Jacoby Palatines, and the following are daily Schied RuKast expected: Arnott Mason Coolan Bollinger Young and Ziegler. Wise Abercrombie dolf Muir Pitcairn
1753— Continuons Arrival
— —
— —
of Palatines.
—
—
—
—
I
—
—
—
—
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
!
—
—
—
•
They came in the Ship "Two Brothand Lyon from Hamburgh, Captain with Thomas Arnot as master ers" Brown from Maryland and Captain Thos. Ellis as master Michael," "St. Crawford from New York both with with Captain Richey as "Buelah," Palatines sailed before Captain Rusof Denmark," with master "Queen sel. "Edinmaster Parish George as 1753 Burkliolder's Further Advice. burgh," with James Russell as masFrom Gerroldsheim on Nov. 20th, ter "Patience," with Hugh Steel as 1753, Christian Burkholder writes to master "Richard and Mary", with De Knatel again, and after sending John Moare as master "Leamley" expressing with John Lackley as master. Christian greetings and surprise that former letters are not 1751 Palatines Again Contract Shii>
—
—
—
—
—
—
'
—
answered, says, he thanks all friends for helping the projected colony in Nova Scotia. He also thanks them for
kindnesses,
during his
life.
shown to his father The great need drives
Diseases.
i'
This year a report was made by the surgeons employed at Philadelphia to enforce the quarantine against "Sick-
INFECTIOUS DISEASE AMONG PALATINES.
BURIALS.
315
vessels," arriving in that city. (6 seemed to have claimed the attention The following ac- of the early Government of PennsylRec. 173-5). count of conditions is given by them. vania, and in 6 Col. Rec, p. 168 to p. ly
Col.
They say all passengers are liable in 17G, a considerable amount of inforcrowded vessels to fevers from foul mation on the subject may be found.
— fevers
Among other things, in their report, these surgeons state (p. 173) that they inspected the different contagious diseases on these ships, and have given their view of the cause of the same. On page 175 they state the number of Palatines who recently died from the fevers and were buried, to be 253 during the year 1754. They were buried in what was known as the "Strangers Burying Ground." They state that Alexander Stedman reports 62, Henry
from contact with others fevers from infecsmall rooms The tions matters brought on board. steam of bilge water and the breath of great numbers between decks made the air putrid and produces poisons. Animal putrefaction is added to this and also uncleanliness. The sickness caused makes the victims rage in delirium. The poisons stay in the ships after the people land. This year (1754) we have had these It fevers again, the same as in 1741. spread from the ships to the wharves and over large areas in Philadelphia. Vessels that bring convicts and servants are the worst. Among the poor Germans it is so bad that often half But not all by the of them perish. fevers breaking out about the wharf air
—
in
Keppely 39, Benjamin Shumaker 57. Daniel Benezet 87, Michael Hilligas 8. This gives us an idea of the continued difficulties under which these people suffered.
—Petitions
1754
of the Germans in Philadelphia.
This year the Germans who had But that newly arrived and who were disarrival in such con- persed throughout the City of Philaditions do a^d "fresh fever" is prob- delphia and its neighborhood, in a that too often the penniless, sick and other unfortunate It is true able. state of Palatine ships is concealed condition, had their friends draw up from the physicians who visit them a petition for them, and set forth in such a manner, that it is impossi- some of the evils they were compelled ble to discover it, from anythin'^ they to undergo, etc. can see on board. The petition was read in Council,
came from the their numerous
Palatines.
Thus we see that in spite of the Dec. 21, 1754. by Richard Wistar, and "humane" law of a few years prior, is found in the second Volume of the requiring more space and greater Pa. Archives, p. 217, as follows: sanitation to be provided by ^hip humbly requested that the "It's owners, for poor passen^^ers. great Governor would please to take the epidemics of sickness were prevalent present unhappy situation of ye poor in this ocean travel. Germans dispersed thro' this City and 1754 German Immigrants Buried in! the neighborhood under his considerj
—
Strange Biiniusi (Grounds
ation.
at
Our complaint is not so much of such as are called sick houses, that Thomas Greene and Thomas Bond, is houses hired by the merchants for medical inspectors for the Province the reception of their sick, tho' we of Pennsylvania, gave an account of have reason to fear that there is not the deaths, occurring largely from the such provision of food, sufficient contagious diseases, in a report to the clothing and fuel made for the sick, Governor, this year. The subject even in those houses as their weak Pliiladelphia.
i
j
|
;
j
i
SICKNESS AND POVERTY AMONG PALATINES IN PHILADELPHIA.
316
condition and tlie severity of the weather requires. But our chief complaint is on the behalf of such as the Importers don't look upon as under their care, having as they term it, discharged themselves of them. These are people in years, dren,
with
others
very
small
chil-
especially widows with small children, who not being able to pay their passages nor fit to be bound out as servants, the merchants have discharged them upon their own security, or after interchangeably binding them one for another, generally keeping their chests which contain their cloathes, tools, &c., & often best bedding as a farther security, many of these are now dispersed as lodgers in many houses in town, in the outskirts and in the small plantations near it, generally destitute of necessaries, not only to restore them to health, but even to keep them alive; such as are able to go abegging to the terror and danger of the inhabitants, who from the smell of their cloathes when brought near a Are and infectious disorder which many of them are not free from, apprehend
and
in great danger. And those who are not able to beg must inevitably perish of misery and want, as it's believed that scores if not hundreds have already done this fall. It's therefore earnestly requested that the Governour would please to direct that a particular inquiry may be made
themselves
in this
1754
melancholy case."
— Address
of
the
German Protestants
Philadelphia
Governor. 2,
of
the Pa. Archives, p. 200, the German Protestants of Philadelphia and the vicinity, delivered an address to the Governor of Pa., the following were the subjects, after first setting forth that they were of various religious
denominations:
Pennsylvania for the "inestimable liberty of conscience" and adminisof laws, resulting from the plan laid down by Wm. Penn of immortal memory."
tration
They have great affection towards King; and are thankful for the continued succession of the Protestant rulers on the British throne; and they have very great respect for the governors, that have been sent from time to time, though they have not publicly said so, heretofore, because of their people living so far apart over the province, and because they were modest and feared it would be looked upon as audacious. 3.
the
4. They remind the government that in the past they were accused publicly in England, of being against the government: but they say no single instance can be pointed to.
this address is the name classes of Protestant people, (except a few ignorant unmannerly people, who lately came among them) and these same people were always inclined to submit themselves under Romish slavery.
That
5.
of all
They
King and Parliament in their effort to overthrow the designs of the French King, who are trying to 6.
of
firmly stand with the
Britain
disturb our peace.
they say that being confident, that the Government of Pennsylvania and of the King of Great Britain and Parliament will not be moved by the various defamations made against them, and believing in the love of justice, to Great Britain, they now do this to deface unjust Finally
to the
This year according to Vol.
That they appreciated the excelgovernment under which they live, where the best privileges in the known world are established. 2. They praise the government of 1.
lent
clamors
at
home,
and
in
England,
against them and promise to prove by their loyal behavior, their affection
—
GERMAN-SWISS DECLARE LOYALTY. GERMANS They for this government. follows: their names as
then sign
Michael Schlatter George Hitner
Mareus
Kiihl
Christian Schneyders
Henry Keppele Jacob Peinerz David Susholtz Rudolph Buner Friedrich Mauss
Ernest Kurtz Henrich Bassler Johannes Gamber Mathias Cline Mattias Abell Jacob Keanke
Jacob Kopp Henry Antes George Hubner
Ten years
IN
LANCASTER
later
1754,
in
CO. 317 (6
Haz.
Reg. 28-29) Governor Pownall visited this section and he has written what he saw. I make a note of this here, because at that time, the buildings, and the improvements on property, etc., were more largely carried on by the Germans and Swiss who lived here, than by the Irish, English and
Scotch Irish. He says "Lancaster is a growing town and making money manufacturing saddles and pack-saddles and guns it is a stage town 500 houses 2000 poi)ulation. Between Lancaster and Wright's Ferry I saw the finest farms any one could possiSwitzer. It belonged to a bly see.
—
Here
was
—
saw
method
of watering the meadows by cutting a trough in the side of the hill, for the it
I
the
Henry Keck Henry Muhlenberg
springs to run in. The water would run over the sides and water the whole of the ground. If the plan be used in England, I never saw it."
Michael Walther Mathias Hollenbach Christophe Rabe John Schrack
Lancaster, settled by people called Donkers, Doopers, Dimplers; they are, think, a queer set of protestant I
Philip Lidick
regulars.
Christojiher Sholtze
Peter Pennebacker
Peter Brunnholtz Heinzelmann Mathias \^ George Graff Johann Caspar Rubel
A town
called
Ephrata
lies
near
Captain Gustavus Cunningham has
given this picture of Lancaster, which he drew as an inference from Governor Pow-nall's Journal, "When GovThe exact trouble or cause, made ernor Pownall visited Lancaster there against them is not made very plain; was not one good house in the town. but it is likely it was similar to the The houses were chiefly of frame, of logs and a accusations made so many years filled in with stone was Lancaster When stone. few of loyal were not against them, that they the prothe desire of was it laid out Vol. Pa. See 2, to the government. prietor to raise an annual revenue Archives, p. 200. from the lots; no lots were therefore 1754 Germans and Others in Lancas- sold of any large amount; but settlers ter This Year. were encouraged to build and receive
—
—
It will
be
remembered that we gave
a lot, paying an annual sum of ground rent hence the large number of poor
—
a brief picture of Lancaster at least persons in indigent circumstances as far as the German-Swiss element who were induced to settle in Lanwas concerned, under the date of caster. The Lancaster town was time Witham Marshe therefore too large at an early period at the 1744, wrote
in his diary the
impression he
received while visiting here.
in proportion to the population of the
surrounding country, and
its
inhabi-
—
SHIP RECORDS AND DATA.
518
tants suffered much from want of employment as from its local situation remote from water, it was not or could it ever possibly become a place of business. The proprietor was therefore, wrong in forcing the building and settlement of Lancaster. The town outgrew its strength and looks dull and gloomy in conse-
quence. 17.33
— Ship
The following
Kecoi'dSo
an additional list year: Ship Peggy, James Abercrombie, master, qualified 'Sept 24— Ship Brothers, Wm. Muir, waster, qualified Sept. 26 Ship Windof
ships
for
is
this
.
—
—
John Good, master Ship Halifax, Capt. Coatam, master, qualisor, Sept,
7,
—
burgh the average age
is 27 years, the oldest being 48 years, and the youngest being 16 years on the ship Louisa, the average being 26 years, the oldest being 41 years and the
—
—
youngest being 17 years on the shij) Friendship, the average age being 30 years, the oldest being 44 years and the youngest being 17 years. The names which appear most aumerously among these passengers, which are common Lancaster County names are the following: Wagner, Lintner, Berger, Brown, Arnold, MilMartin, Smith, etc. It will appear from these figures that these were mostly young peo-
ler,
ple.
—
Ship Two Brothers, Capt. I'oi Ship Records of This Year. Arnot, master, qualified Sept. The ships arriving at Philadelphia, 28 Ship Rowand, Arthur Tran, masin 1754, with Palatines, that is Gerter, qualified Sept. 28 Ship Edinburgh, mans and German-Swiss immigrants, Capt. Lyons, master, Sept. 29 Shi]) this year, were: Louisa, Capt. John Pitcairn, master, Neptune, with John Mason as masqualified Oct. 2 Ship Eastern Branch, ter, qualified Sept. 24, 1754 Nancy, Capt. James Nevin, master, qualified Captain John Ewing as master, who Oct. 3. There ships all came from took the oath Sept. 14, 1754 (inhabiAmsterdam. tants of Loraine) ship Barclay, John The Ship Good Hope, John Trump, Brown as master, who took the oath master, qualified Oct. 1 Ship Friend- Sept. 14, 1754 Brothers, Capt. Muir ship, James Seix, master, qualified as master, qualified Sept. 30, 1754 Nov. 19. These two ships came from ship Edinburgh, with James Russell Hamburg. as master, qualified Sept. 30, 1754 This makes a list of eleven ships, ship Neptune, Capt. Ware as master, and 931 passengers. qualified Sept. 30, 1754 ship Phoenix, On these ships, in which the ages Capt. Spurrier as master, Oct. 1, 1754 are given, the average age of the im- —ship Peggy, with Capt. Abercrombie migrants is: 27 years, the oldest as master, qualified Oct. 16, 1754 being 50 years and the youngest ship Henrietta with John Ross as being 15 years. master, qualified Oct. 22, 1754 ship On the ship Peggy, the average age Halifax with Thomas Coatam as masin the men's list is 29 years, the old- ter, qualified Oct. 22, 1754 ship. Mary, est being 54 years and the youngest Capt. Moore as master, qualified being 17 years. On the ship Brothers Sept. 30, 1754. All these came from the average age being 25 years, the Rotterdam. oldest being 31 years and the youngWe have the following from Amest being 20 years. On the ship Hali- sterdam fax the average age being 26 years, Friendship, with Charles Ross as the oldest being 50 years, and the master, qualified Oct. 21, 1754 ship youngest being 15 years. Banister with John Dyles as master, Mary and In the men's list on the ship Edin- qualified Oct. 31, 1754 fied Sept. 27
Thomas
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
:
—
—
IRISH
AND GERMANS TO SEPARATE. Massachusetts,
Sarah, with Capt. Broderick as mas-
(lualified
Xov.
7,
Ham
as master,
1754.
have the following from Ham-
We burg:
qualified Sept. 25. 1754.
This makes a list of 17 ships, and in all we have 1778 passengers. Some of the well known Lancaster County names are: Hartman, Shaeffer, Miller, Brubaker. Kauffman, Long, Smith. Conrad, etc. The names that occur most numerous are: Miller,
Hartman, Smith, Weber,
etc.
Leave Lancaster Coun-
175.'>— Irish to
ty to
Germans.
Immediately after the Indian treaty of 1755, the proprietors of Pennsylvania told their agents that "In all sales made by them, that they should take particular pains to encourage emigration into Cumberland County, from Lancaster County, as serious disturbances had arisen in consequence of dispute between the Irish and the
Germans
The proprieYork be settled by Germans, and Cumberland by Irish." at
election.
taries desired that
This
cited in 15, Hazard's Regis-
is
but the source of the knowledge is not set forth. We have noticed heretofore that the ScotchIrish and the Germans ever since ter,
p.
1742,
81,
had election
remember election
fights
and we and 51 that those
conflicts:
in 1749-50
were particularly
bit-
congregation
though Pennsylvania will have some inconvenience from too many unas-
Neiitune, with Wm. Wallace as master, qualified Dec. 31, 1754— ship Adventure, with .Jos. Jackson as master,
his
(just as many other ministers of the .New England States did to their congregations), stated in his sermon, before the Governor and members of the Massachusetts, that of Legislature
1754— John and
qualified Oct. 26, Elizabeth, with Peter ter,
to
319
i
I
similated Germans coming among the people, yet the growth and prosperity of the province of Pennsylvania, has become a fact. largely because of the great number of German and Swiss He further people, inhabiting there. Massachusetts had too said, that many English now^ to be hurt by the ad-mixture of these foreign races, and that he advocated all proper measures to be used to encourage the immigration of foreigners from the Palatinate. (See election sermons for 1754. pp. 30 to 48, and Fairchild on
"Immigration," p. 46.) Indeed, not only Massachusetts, but other provinces invited the GermanSwiss to settle among them. As early as 1726 Governor Clarke, of New York, sent a circular advertisement to Ger-
many, which was distributed
far
and
wide, offering to give free, 500 acres to each of the first 200 families from the Palatinate that would come to New York. The invitation did not
meet with any great success. This partly from the fact that the Germans who went to New York with Governor Hunter 1709, (about 3000 of them), soon found the laws there not favorable to them, and about 1722 they nearly all left and came to Pennsylvania, and settled on the Perkiomen Creek. (See Doc. Col. Hist. N.
may be
Lancaster and York counties. Y. Vol. 6, p. 60.) This gave the Government sufficient Additional light upon the influence cause to desire the separation of and effect of the Germans in Pennthese two nationalities, that "would sylvania can be found in Watson's not mix." Annals, Vol. 2, pp. 266 and 267. 175r> ^Tassaoliusetts Invites the Ger1755 Crofldinff Germans on Ships mans and Swiss. Again Causes Trouble.
ter
in
—
This year Dr. Jonathan Mayhew preached election sermons in
who
—
We
have noticed
articles,
efforts
in
several
prior
were being made
to
—
MORE HORROR
320
IX
CROWDING PALATINES ON SHIPBOARD.
prevent crowding poor Germans and eases have spread all over the provSwiss on ships. In Vol. 6, Col. Rec, ince. The Act then goes on to provide that no commander of any ship, p. 225, a bill was entered to prevent importation of Germans in too great having on board more than 50 pernumbers, on vessels, and was deliv- sons, including mariners and all, ered to the Governor, and he gave the shall bring his ship nearer than 3 Assembly a message upon the same. miles from Philadelphia, land any The Governor stated, several parts of goods or passengers, until the health the bill were against the principles of officers and physicians examine it humanity that more power was given and the license from the Governor alA penalty of 150 to the magistrates than was consist- lows the landing. that in other sec- pounds is attached. ent with justice tions they were excluded from exerFrom this point on a large number cising rights which belonged to them of amendments and changes of more and in general the bill they intended or less importance were made in the to have passed into a law, amounted bill the subject occupying about ten to an absolute prohibition of Germans pages in Colonial Records. It then being "immigrated," and this he said, appeared to be in proper shape, but would meet with disfavor in England, when the Governor sent it to the Asas England was now convinced these sembly, they returned it and compeople were a great help in develop- plained of the personal amendments ing this Province. that the Assembly demanded, the Gov-
—
—
—
This
German
bill,
as
was called, ernor refused to carry out. Assembly laid 1755 Em«imiel Zimmerman's it
came up later, and the another answer before the Governor. (See
p.
243.)
They
said
that
portance to the health of the people, and because trouble is arising from this, they ask the Governor to make this a law, as nearly like the proposed
The Assembly furact as possible. ther explain, that they were attempting to strike at the owners of the vessels, who were making a business of importing these people, in the same you would import commodities for sale and merchandise that is, carrying on a kind of slave as
Politi-
cal Career,
they
conside.r the bill to prevent immigration of Germans, to be of utmost im-
manner
—
One of the greatest figures in Pennsylvania, before the Revolution, was that of Emanuel Zimmerman, the English equivalent of w^hose name is Emanuel political
member
He Carpenter. career in 1755. of the
Assembly
began
his
He was
a
of Pennsyl-
vania seventoen consecutive years, up to and including 1771. Many times, he requested his fellow citizens to cease voting him into office; but they would not do it. In spite of his protests, year after year, they elected him by great majorities. When the end of his career came, a large meeting of citizens gathered together in 1772, and passed resolutions, thanking him for his great services. We shall try to give a complete account of this, at the proper date.
They insist that these are important matters on the bill; but in the Governor if respects, other wishes to amend it, they are satisfied. The matter dragged along until about April, 1755, and then a copy of Besides, being a member of the Legthe proposed act was laid before the islature, he was Justice of the Peace, This copy in says, 345). Council (p. President Judge of our Courts, which order to prevent spreading contagious position he held up to his death in diseases, it is found necessary to add He shed as much luster on the to the insufficient laws; because dis- 17S0. trade.
GERMANS XOW ARRIVING INFERIOR TO EARLY IMMIGRANTS. early history of our county, as George Ross and some other great figures (Harris 129). An interesting biographical sketch of his career will be found also in The Vol. 7 Haz. Register, p. 152. writer of the Register says, he was the most distinguished of the early settlers. He possessed an ardent love
IV-'l
make proper
provisions to prevent the spreading of diseases in the future, and that the bill they first suggested was a fair one that many of thesp immigrants were perishing for w-aut
—
change of clothes, room and neceson the ship that the Governor and the Assembly could get along
of
—
sities
very well in enacting legislation; but the Council are interfering too much for liberty in every was finely organized, and his influ- and this obstructs legislation. The ence was powerfull alike, over all the Assembly then go on and state that non-resistant religious sects, as well the Germans now coming are of enas over the Lutherans and Calvinists: tirely different grade from those who and they all appealed to him for ad- first came. They state that at first vice in every measure. He was born and for a considerable time, the famin Switzerland, in 1702 he first be- ilies were persons of substance, incame presiding Justice of the Com- dustrious, sober people, who brought mon Pleas Court in 1760 and re- with them, chests of wearing apparel, mained on the bench for 20 years, un- and other necessaries; but that for til his death. He was also a historian some time past, the passengers who and gathered up such history of the are thus fortunate, are sent on other non-resistant people as he could vessels, so as to leave more room for From his race an illustrious line has crowding in the miserable Germans in greater numbers, who are now descended. coming. They also complain, that in 175."i— The Quality of fhe Germanorder to be secure for the fare, of Swiss >'ow Arriving Has those who died on the vessels, which Become Low. was the case lately, they hold the From the debate, between the As- passengers' trunks, and they aresembly and the Governor and Coun- crowded in the ships without any change of clothes or any means of cil, we are shown, the German-Swiss immigrants who were now coming, keeping themselves clean. They comwere very different from those who plain that the Governor has cut out came to Pennsylvania 25 years ear- of the bill, the provision the Assembly This appears in the contest on desired to change this for the better. lier. the bill, which was attempted to be They also state that they tried to passed improving the condition of provide for pure air which the Govshipping, and to prevent undesirous ernor cut out. Germans from coming. The Assembly then proceeds and This German bill was again con- says the immigration of the Germans sidered May 14th, 1755 (See 6 Col. for some time, past, are composed of Rec. 382). At that time the reply to a great number of the refugees of the Assembly's answer was given by their people, and that the jails supply the -Council to the Assembly. The some of them. Therefore, the AssemGovernor and the Council still insist bly think it reasonable to prevent all on their amendments or most of them. such coming to prevent the ship The Assembly sent another message owners from exacting grevious bonds to the Government, later the same or security, but the Governor cut this day, which is found p. 384. In this out. The Assembly say that from the message they say they are anxious to late immigration, many numbers of
form — his
mind
—
—
GERMANS AND RELIGIOUS LIBERTY— GERMAN BURGESS. Germans are beggars from door good sized and flourishing town. and that many of them who Jacob Schlauch was under-burgess have bound themselves out for serv- and also another German was electthese
to door,
have loathesome diseases and are ed Constable. (See The Governor has dress, New Era, May service.
ice,
unfit for
The result is, the struck this out. matter ended in a dead-lock for a long time, and the bill failed of passage for a considerable time. 1755
— Christopher
Saiier's
Joy
in
Pennsylvania Keligious Liberty
1755
—The
Against
Hensel's IS,
Ad-
1911>.
Governor Complains Efforts
affect the
to
Dis-
Germans.
we have Governor Morris's message to the Assembly: "You have in the Message now before you, and in several other, taken great pains to infuse into the minds In Vol. 6 Col. Rec.
p.
621,
the following complaint in
—
local ancestors were early their old to careful to send back home the good news of religious In 1711 the liberty enjoyed here. particularly the Gerfirst settlers of Lancaster County did of the people lived mans, that the Government have deso, the very first Spring they them of their glad tidings to abridge that many signs After here. of One went back to the old home. Privileges and to reduce them to a the most prominent of the en- State of Slavery. This may and will good things to alienate their affections from his thusiasts over the live here, was Christopher Sauer. He Majesty's Government, destroy that was learned and influential. In 1756 Confidence in the Crown and its
Our
he wrote to Governor Denny: "When and found I came to this province contrary from the everything to where I came from, I wrote largely to all my friends and acquaintances liberty, of the Civil and Religious
Delegates, which at this time
is
par-
ticularly necessary, and
render all us very indif-
the Foreigners among ferent as to the success of the French attempts upon this Continent, as worse Circumthey cannot be in privileges, etc., and of the goodness you have them than stances under and my letI have heard and seen; expect from the them to taught ters were printed and reprinted and Government." King's provoked many thousand people to "This you may with your usual come to this province ( and many thanked the Lord for it and desired Confidence call Duty, Loyalty, and to come here." affection to his Majesty, but I am their friends also (Brumbaugh's History of the Breth- convinced it will not be esteemed such by his Majesty and his Minisren). whom all these matters 1755 A German is Chief Burgess of ter, before must be laid, and how the innocent Lancaster Boro. people of this Province may be afWe have noticed before that the fected thereby Time will show." And in the same book p. 631 the Germans began (about 1750) to take an active political interest in our Assembly reply and say the GoverAfter this lesson was nor knows that his charges against local affairs. learned they kept on holding "fast them of trying to turn the Germans to that which" was "good." In 1750-1 against the Government is false and and in 1752-4 and in 1755-6 Adam that he does not believe the charges Simon Kuhn was selected Chief- himself and knows that no one else Burgess of Lancaster borough, then a believes them.
—
MENNONITE CHURCHES
IN
CONESTOGA AND PEQUEA VALLEYS.
•J9
Propertios veyed on interest to John Burgholder Church who with his wife Catherine by Deed and Peqnea Seof Conestoga 29th May 17:?3 granted and conveyed onred by Oor Early ^fenthe same to their son John Burgholdiionite Fathers. er and to hold the same for the ConIn the Recorder's Oflice at Lan- gregation "in common whole undicaster ill Deed Book D. Pase 296 vided and never to be divided propthere is recorded a Deed dated July erty forever." 1. 1755, between Stephen Prinnaman This Deed was acknowledged be& Margaret his wife and John Burg- fore Robert Thompson, a Magistrate the of Lancaster County. in Conestoga, It is witnessed Province of by him and by Geo. Gibson and County of Lancaster and was part and John Hare, Recorded Sept. 24, 1755. Pa., of one Charles Christopher and Jacob Beam This is the church property known each of them elders and Trustees of as the New Danville Old Mennonite the Mennonist or Baptist Congrega- Church. It has since been enlarged tion in Conestoga in the County of by additional purchases of land. Lancaster, in which the Grantors sell The Mennonite Congregation in to the second parties their heirs and Conestoga Township at "River Corsuccessors etc., for ten pounds in trust burying first their secured ner," for the said Mennonist Congregation a ground and place of worship, about certain lot of ground in Conestoga this same year from Benedict EshleTownship. man which appears in the Recorder's BEGINNING at a stone in line of Ofiice in Book S S pages 110 and 112. lands of Stephen Prinnaman and exThe Mennonite Congregation at Boytending by the same North 16 perches erland formerly in Conestoga Townto a stone; thence by same land and ship (but now in Pequea Township) by land of John Burgholder East Ten secured their burying ground and perches to another corner stone; place' of worship from Samuel Boyer thence by said John Burgholder's or Kans Boyer about the same time. land South sixteen perches to another Hence it was called "Boyerland." See corner stone, thence by same and same office in Book R. Vol. 3 P. 549 lands of Stephen Prinnaman West ten and also in B. Vol 3 P. 153. perches to the place of BEGINNING. The Willow Street Mennonite Con-
holder
all
of
;
CONTAINING ONE ACRE.
Being part of the land (viz. part of two tracts) one of which was granted in fee to Melchor Prinnaman by the late Commissioners of property under William Penn, by Patent dated 30th Nov. 1717 and Recorded in Patent Book A. Vol 5 P. 295 and Melchor and his wife by deed of March 16, 1730 conveyed a part of it to Stephen Prinnaman; and the other a part of a tract granted to Martin Kendig by
—
the said properties by a patent 31st Day of December 1714 entered in Patent Book A. Vol 5 P. 264 and Martin Kendig and wife Elizabeth by Deed ^lay 2, 1729 granted and con-
gregation now in Pequea Township, formerly in Conestoga Township, secured their church property very early, in fact shortly after 1710, from Christion Herr, son of Hans Herr, an
original 175.')
pioneer.
— Ship
Records of This Year.
The ships arriving
at Philadelphia
year with Palatines were the George Smith, captain, "Neptune," from Rotterdam, Oct. 3, 1755, and the ship "Pennsylvania," Captain Lyons, Nov. 1. 1755. This indicates that the The land was rush had fallen off. pretty generally taken up now, and a this
feverish
war
condition
existed
in
324
"DUTCH" GRAIN FANS INVENTED— BOEHM SECEDES.
America at the time. have had the effect
This cause may checking the
of
board. ter
Among
County
the
names
common Lancaswere:
Conrad,
Derr, Bernhart, Klunck, Hengel, Miil-
immigration.
Wagner, The number of immigrants in 1755 ler, Schmidt, Schoff, Haas, Kuhn, Eberle, Dall, Kamp, Fulweiler, arriving here was 106 90 on the first Zimmerman Weber, Karner, Weytzel, named vessel and 16 on the second.
—
common Lancaster and Eplinger. After this date County names we find the following:
Among
Acker, Bertch,
the
Barr,
Bausman,
Bauman,
Buch, Dietz, Deitrich, Funk, Fisher, Gast, Henckel, Klinger, King, Leity, Kauffman, Kraus, Keller, Messner, Miller, Mayer, Metz, Moser, Reingier, Schaeffer, Shock, Schneider, Scheldt, Seitz, Shauh, Steinman, Weise, Ulrich, Schindel, Schmidt, Weninger, Wertz and Weber.
vessels
mans years,
(1756)
there are no
carrying Palatines or Gerrecorded as entering for five viz:
until
1761.
The German
and Swiss immigration had truly become slack at this time. 1757
—Martin
Boehm Secedes from
Mennonists.
This year according to Harris
(in
his biographical history of our coun-
1756—"Dutch" Grain Fans First
page 49) Martin Boehm, a father Mennonist faith, left that secin conjunction with other tion; and In the Pennsylvania Gazette of July characters laid the religious strong S, 1756, the following appears: United Brethren the foundation of "Notice is given that Adam Acker Later, says Harris (page 50), makes all kinds of Dutch Fans for Church. Boehm's son helped to found the first cleaning wheat, rye and other grains. Methodist Church in Lancaster CounIt will take cockle, etc., cut and clean ty, that of Boehm's Methodist Church 200 bushels a day." in Pequea Township near BaumgardThe grain fan or cleaning-mill ner's Station, which simple but solid here referred to was the kind used in stone building is still standing. Switzerland long ago. Thus we see it Lancaster County 3Iennonites was introduced among us 160 years 1758 ago. The type is still in use, though Sponsor the Cause of Their Virthey are made much lighter now. And ginia Brethren, in an Appeal try,
Manufactured Here.
of the
—
besides fans are attached to threshers now. In earlier times these fans
to Holland.
Among the "Dutch Copies," before were heavy to turn and it took fully referred to, is a letter dated Sept. 7, could grown up men to do it. One which representatives of the 1758, in hear them running whole days in the Mennonist in Virginia deColony In some sections even these barns. scribed their and hardsad condition heavy fanning mills were not known 75 years ago, not even 50 years ago; but men threw up the grain by shovels and let the air clean out the chaff, Now all this is changed. etc.
1756— Ship Records
of This Year.
because of Indian slaughter; and ask Holland for help. They send John Schneider to Holland for help; and the Lancaster County brethren appoint Martin Funck one of their ships
ministers to go with him. A very lovely lesson in service for others is corded as arriving in Philadelphia here shown. The letter, for which I am deeply this year, the "Chance," under Captain Lawrence, Nov. 10, 1756. Only 42 indebted to Bishop N. B. Grubb, of heads of Palatine families were on Philadelphia (as well as for Holland's
Only one vessel of Palatines
is
re-
,
LANCASTER COUNTY MENNONITES ASSIST VIRGINIA BRETHREN.
0'>:
brother will give you a better report than I could in my simple and imper-
response, both of which he translated), is as follows: "The grace of God and the love and
fect writing, for, |
had been in with his wife and
he
too,
peace of Jesus Christ, is our wish to danger of his life all God-loving souls and especially to four children, and was compelled to our brethren in the faith in Holland flee and leave his all behind. He had or Netherlands. been so situated that he could make Greeting: He had a nice a comfortable living. 1758. begun Today, the 7th of September, little farm, and besides he had brother our turpentine authorize and Herewith we distilling of
—
the
,
and co-fellow in the faith. .Johannes oil. He was always a good friend to Schneyder, who until now has been a the distressed in times of need. good friend to the poor, and who conFurther we request you to rememtemplates a journey to the friends and are ber us in your prayers, as we brethren in Holland on account of the toward you, that we may dark times in which we find ourselves likeminded of good old Tobias, at this time, owing to the tyrannical have the comfort his son, or barbarous Indians who have al- with which he comforted we are have and though people, "Even ready killed so many when he said, carried reand shall taken many prisoners poor, but if we fear God, we from driven them away; others were ceive much good. their homes and lands, so that many This our friend desired a P. S. people are now in great poverty and contraveling companion from the distress. his on him gregation to accompany were thirty-nine Mennonite "NVe not to journey, as he deems it best families living together in Virginia. with and advice go alone. Upon our One family was murdered and the reand our Best Wishes, our minister maining of us and many other famconsented elder, Martin Funck, has true were obliged to flee for our ilies found was he now Until to go. He lives, leaving our all and go empty- and honest in all things by all. and man, single handed. however, still a !
'
|
^
j
,
is,
was by occupation a miller. He, too, had he all leave compelled to flee and the by behind. This man was found a be will grace and help of God, and our companion to traveling true Schneyder, on his Johannes brother,
Last May the Indians have murdered over fifty persons and more than two hundred families were driven away and made homeless. We come, therefore, with a prayer to you,
and
brethren
co-fellows
in
journey to Holland. Further, in my simple-heartedness, table aid, if your love will persuade [ do not know what more to write, you to show mercy to us, so that we only to greetings from us all to all may with God's help, and the aid of the brethren and congregation in good friends, be guided through this Holland. the faith for help,
by
way
of
chari-
j
by us and many others, Borner, Jacob Kauffman, reward you for it, here in this life Stauffer. Daniel you Bohm, Samuel and finally in eternity for what us. Written by Benedict Hirsche, one will do for town, Mennist Further, I do not deem it neces- mile from Lancaster sary to write much, as our friend and Minister."
Valley of Grief;
the dear Lord will
Signed Michael
326
HOLLAND'S FRIENDLLX'ESS TO VIRGINIA MENNONITE SUFFERERS.
1758— Holland's Answer
Appeal God who makes this impression on our bowels and gave us the power to of the Tirginia Mennonists, Which assist you. the Lancaster Coxinty BrethWe hope the bearers of these, the ren Sponsored. above mentioned Deputies, will return "Amsterdam, Holland, soon and in good health to you, and find you and the other friends in a December 27, 1758. good condition. We have provided Michael Kauffman, Jacob Borner, them all the necessities here and for Samuel Bohn, Daniel Stauffer: their return till London. Dear Friends: We have received We leave you to the Almighty Provyour letter dated September 7th, but idence of God and our Saviour Jesus without denomination of the place Christ, and we are with tenderest out of which it is written, by the affection, Dear Friends, hands of your deputies, Johannes Your well-wish, in Friends, Schnyder and Martin Funck, who The committee of ye Baptist have given us an ample account of the calamities you had suffered, which Congregation in Holland. moved our hearts with due compasP. S. When occasion offers we desion, and since we do not doubt but sire your answer that we may be sure their narration of your troubles were that you have duly received the above true and faithful, we have opened our mentioned money, and please to dihands to your assistance with fifty rect your letter to Mr. Hendrick Kops, pounds English Sterling which acAmsterdam." cording to the value of your money amounted to the sum of seventy-eight 1758— Miiller's Observation on the Virto tJie
pounds, eleven shillings and five pence, Philadelphia money, which you may receive upon the enclosed Creditive from Messrs. Benjamin & Sam
Shoemaker
in Philadelphia.
We
hope that this sum will be sufand assist you until it pleases the God of Peace to restore the desired peace in America, as well as in Europe; and that you get restitution at the hands and properities you are driven out and enjoy there ficient to help
the same prosperities as before for ye sustentation of your families and the assistance of the Poor, which the
Almighty will grant you out
of his all
sufficient Grace!
In the meanwhile we recommend you highly to keep fast the confession of your Holy Faith in our Savious Jesus Christ, and be always thankful for the Goodness of God bestowed upon you by our compassionate hands and hearts: for as we were unknown to you, it was only the good
ginia Situation.
In
Miiller's
"Wiedertaufer,"
etc,
page 365, he gives us the following account of the Virginia Mennonists' troubles and the sympathy of their Lancaster County brethren: "In Virginia to which colony the Mennonite colonization had extended, nineteen families were attacked and ransacked by the Indians, and returned in flight to their Brethren in Pennsylvania; but here, too, the Indians surprised and attacked the colonies. Two hundred families were robbed of their possessions, and fifty people were killed. In consequence thereof, two envoys, Johannes Schneider and Martin Funk, arrived in Amsterdam December S, 1758, and presented to the Commission for Foreign Aid a request for assistance which was undersigned by Michael Kauffman, Jacob Borner, Samuel Bohm, and Daniel Stauffer. It may be assumed with certainty that among the
1
CrERMAX-SWISS AND FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. inhabitants of the Palatinate
emigrated large
to
number
who had
frequently the victims of these outrages than they would have been, had they been always armed and ready.
Pennsylvania were a of brethren expelled
from Berne.
17.'.8— Swiss
At this time, about the middle of the last century, brethren of Berne did not only emigrate from the Palatinate to America, but also from the Jura and Emmenthal direct. After a sea voyage of two months they experienced all the discomforts and dangers of the first settlers. Ulrich Fugel, Christian Brechbuhl and Isaac Neueuschwander write under date of December 7, 1755, from "Donigall" in Pennsylvania that Hans Jacob Konig, or the dyer from Souceboz, had left his wife and the younger children with a certain Abraham Herr in "Canenstogen," but that he himself with son and daughter and "Odina of Dramlingen" went up as a hired man, and together with several other households (or families) settled down on the borders of the savages, at a place called "Scharaogen" (now pre-
sumably
Shamokin
in
Northumber-
— German-Swiss
in
French
and Indian War. by Rupp (p. 87) that Bouquet, Colonel a Swiss, in the employ of the English during the French and Indian War, visited Daniel Zimmerman in 1758, while his detachment of men was quartered at LanIt
|
i
is
stated
caster. I
This visit was made at or near Big Springs near "Lampeter Square," the ancient "capital" of West Lampeter Township. Zimmerman bought of Franciscus, who was one Christopher SwissTMennonite of those original Colony who took up 6400 acres in 11 big farms, near Pequea Creek, in the fall
1710,
of
combined
their
tracts
reaching from West William to Strasburg, 5 miles from east to west and being about two miles in width, north to south.
1758
— Mennonlsts
land County)." 1758
Help
Settlers
of
Pennsylvania
First Opposes of Slaverj.
Suffer from
In-
dian Attacks.
The sufferings of the Mennonist Communities spoken of In prior items, are further illustrated in the following news items from the Pennsylvania Gazette of June 29, of this year.
"Advice from Swatara, in Lancaster County, is to the effect that on Tuesday 20th a Dutchman was shot and scalped by Indians; and that the next day a man named Samuel Robinson was also killed by them.
In
his
"Mennonite Year Book for
1914" Bishop N. B. Grubb quotes the following article from our our deceased mutual friend, James M.
Swank: "Lucy Foney Birttinger copies the following incident from the journal of John Woolman, in 1758, which illustrates
the
Mennonites friend gave
continued aversion of the to
negro slavery: "A account of a re-
me some
society among the Dutch, called Mennonists, and among other things related a passage in substance as follows: One of the Mennonists having acquaintance with a man of another society at a considerable distance, and night coming on, he had ligious
-\lso "A letter from Fort Henry in Bucks County dated 19th giving an account of the wife of John Frantz nnd their children being carried off by Indians. The woman was found thoughts of putting up with him, but murdered. A son of Jacob Snavely passing by his fields, and observing was also killed." the distressed appearance of his
The non-resistant sects being least ready to defend themselves were more
slaves, he kindled a fire in the woods hard by and lay there that night. His
328
GERMAN-SWISS ALLOWED TO MAKE WILLS.
said acquaintance, hearing where he had lodged, and afterward meeting the Mennonist, told him of it, adding that he would have been heartily welcome at his home, and from their ac-
them in the presence of two witnesses were so executed, such deeds, wills, etc., should be good and valid, same as in case of natural-born citizens; and further if any such unquaintance in former times wondered naturalized foreigner purchase such at his conduct in that case. The Men- lands and die without a will the nonist replied, "Ever since I have lands should go to his heirs the same lodged by thy field I have wanted an as naturalized or native born citopportunity to speak with thee. I had izens. intended to come to thy house for enThe King in Council however retertainment, but seeing thy slaves at pealed the act, so that what Pennwork, and observing the manner of sylvania lawmakers did, the King their dress, I had no liking to come undone. This he did September 2, and partake with thee." He then ad- 1760. monished him to use them with more The King's objections are found in humanity, and added: "As I lay by Vol. 5 St. L. 669 and are in substance the fire that night I thought that, as as follows: "This act is the most inI am a man of substance, thou wouldst famous attempt to cast a reflection have received me freely; but if I had upon the proprietors that ever was been as poor as one of thy slaves, invented. It supposes that the heirs and had no power to help myself, I and devisees of persons dying unnatshould have received at thy hands no uralized have suffered for the want of kinder usage than they." James M. such act for though estates of perSwank on "Negro Slavery in Penna." sons dying unnaturalized do by law
—
—
1759— Efforts Made to Allow German- escheat to the proprietors yet there is no instance found where the proSwiss to Make Wills, prietors
have refused to grant the have seen that the law of Penn- lands to the heirs or devisees, and sylvania did not allow the German- this is the constant well-known cusSwiss, who were foreigners, to will tom in Pennsylvania. It is therefore abominable any real estate at their deaths to any in the assembly to atone, nor if such persons died inte- tempt to take away a right in the prostate, would lands be allowed to go prietors, and is an evidence that they to the children of such foreigners. Of are so desirous of stripping the procourse if these persons were natural- prietors of every legal power and authat they would ized, then they could so dispose of thority whatever, their lands. Several acts were passed debar him from the power of doing to naturalize them. It always re- good." quired a special act in each case. In "The proprietors are determined, 1759 such an act was passed by our strenuously, to oppose the law, but assembly. It is found in Vol. 5 of the would consent to an act for this purStatutes at Large, page 444; and it pose, imitating the Legislature of provides that as it has happened that England who confined naturalization these people born outside of the Brit- to Protestants, whereas this will be ish Empire were induced to come to an encouragement to Papists to setPennsylvania and here purchased tle in Pennsylvania in hopes of simlands, and died without being natural- ilar acts." ized, therefore further provided that This sentiment, which was adif they died without being natural- vanced by the proprietors, was apized, yet if any deed or will made by proved by the King's Council and the
We
'!
GROWTH AND PROGRESS OF GERMANS
IN
SOUTH EAST PENXA.
329
—
Note. The above is the Report of a Committee appointed at the last sit-
Today, with the wickedact failed. ness and greed there is extant in high places, we would not be any more content than our humble ancestors, to have a dangerous and impoverishing engine of power hanging over us, simply upon the excuse that while it could be used, it never would be used. We have learned too well the lesson of the need of placing an effective check on every dangerous official power.
ting
the
of
Assembly,
to
apportion
the suras to be paid annually by each
county for sinking the several late grants from the Province to the King. It will be seen that the total assessed value of Pennsylvania was 34.855 pounds at that time; and that Lancaster County was worth more than one-sixth of the whole province; and outside of Philadelphia County and City its land was valued at more 1760 Growth and Progress of Gerthan one-fourth of the province. We man and Other Counties Corahad 1760 as many people in Lancaspared. ter County as Philadelphia County and over twice as many as the City In Volume 5 of Votes of Assembly, of Philadelphia. In fact as figures page 120, may be found a table showgiven in the tables are the number ing the progress of Pennsylvania by of taxpayers, we had, likely, three counties in acres of cleared land, times as many people as Philadeltaxables and amount of taxes paid, in phia City because our families were I
'
—
1760.
The
table
is
as follows:
Acres of Philadelphia Co. Philadelphia City Chester
.
.
—
399,674 287,868 436,346 256,561 208,925 179,185 189,173
Lancaster
York Berks
Cumberland Northampton
2,273,537
£ Philadelphia Co. Philadelphia City
.
s. d.
tion
from
this
Pennsylvania
of
31,673.
in
The popula-
was perhaps
6
to
7
—
;
I
31,673
£
s. d.
1760 1- 3-0
6,540- 1-0
2- 3-0
5,926-10-0 5,237- 2-0
Bucks
1-2-0 1-1-0
Lancaster
1- 2-0
York
0-16-0
Berks
0-16-0 0-16-0 0-14-0
amount
numbered
am
indebted
to
Mr.
Morris
K.
Turner of the University of PennRate of Land sylvania for this table, from the Votes Taxable Valuation of Assembly.
Counties
Total
taxables
1760
5687 times that number, or about 200,000 2634 people. It will be noticed that the 4761 average tax was slightly over one 3148 pound $2.66 if a Pennsylvania pound 5635 or $4.86 if an English pound. 3302 It will be noted that the rate per 3016 head in the City of Philadelphia and 1501 the older counties was higher in 1989 than in the new counties.
315,805
..
Bucks
Cumberland Northampton
The
No. of
Land Taxables
Counties
Chester
larger.
— Emanuel
Zinimeruian Appointed
President Judge of Lancaster Co. In
Hazard's Register, page
Vol.
7
note
is
made
Zimmerman
3,305- 8-0
152,
6,198-10-0 2,641-12-0
was appointed presiding judge of our court this year. The following sketch of his life which is seen on the same
2,412-16-0 1,200-16-0 1,392- 6-0
that
page:
"Henry
Zimmerman
arrived
in
Pennsylvania in the year 1698, and 34,855- 9-0 returned afterwards to Europe for his i
GERMAN-SWISS FAMILIES SCATTERED.
330
family, whom lie brought out in 1706; and settled first in Germantown, and removed within the present bounds of
27th of this stating that:
year there
is
an item
"WHEREAS in June 1759,- a wagLancaster County (then Chester oner who lives near Reading acCounty) in 1717. Emanuel Zimmer- quainted the subscriber that he had man, son of Henry, was the most dis- about Christmas before, lost several tinguished of all the early settlers, bars of steel on the road between He possessed from nature an ardent Philadelphia and Reading, and the love for liberty in every form zeal- same being advertised in the Dutch ous and active in every pursuit. His News was procured by the subscriber mind was finely organized; and he en- for the owner, who has not since been joyed an unbounded influence over heard of, notice is hereby given the the whole settlement. Tunkers, steel will be sold to defray the Aymenish, Lutherans, Calvinists, and charge." Mennonists, all applied to him on any (Signed) Geo. Absentz. emergency. He possessed as strong 1760 German-Swiss Families Scata constitution as intellect. He was tered By Being Bound Out born in Switzerland, in the year 1702, and died in the year 1780. He lived The result of binding out the chilbeloved, and died lamented, by all dren of the poor German-Swiss famdenominations. He was in every ilies who came over to this country sense an honest man always just, in the early days is shown by an arliberal, and tolerant. He was arbiter ticle in the Pennsylvania Gazette in all matters of dispute among his Oct. 30, 1760, which is as follows: neighbours; and from his decisions "WHEREAS Rudolph Miller & Barthey never appealed, such was the bara Miller came over from Switzerj
I
—
j
—
—
_
confidence in his integrity. The memorial of the Aymenish and Mennonists, breathes the spirit of a William Tell. It was written probably by Emanuel Zimmerman, as his name is attached to it, on behalf of the Amish, Mennonists, etc."
1760
—Jfewspaper
in Lancaster.
In Vol. 6 of the Register, page 137,
we have an item
stating that in 1760
there were five newspapers in Pennsylvania, all weekly, three in Philadelphia, one in in
Lancaster.
Germantown and one We may state that
Lancaster had a paper several years before that, the Lancaster Gazette, which was put out about 1754 and ran
two years.
contains interesting concerning the early fairs which were held in May and October each year for the purpose of selling goods; and also items about the schools at that time. Also in the Pennsylvania Gazette on November in
items
It
land to this Province with their father Miller, since deceased, and
Jacob
and the said sister Regina; Rudolph and Barbara were then bound out' as apprentices; and the said Regina has never since heard of she her said brother and sister; therefore desires them or either of their
they hear of this advertisedirect a letter to her or to husband Daniel Kohn living at
them,
if
ment
to
her
Conestoga Ferry near Lancaster." This is similar no doubt to many cases that happened in those early days. One would think that when there were so few people it would not be hard to find the relations of one another; but it must not be forgotten that there were no railroads nor modern conveniences and that Thus it travel was very difficult. happened people living thirtj^ or forty miles apart did not get to see one another as often as people living 1000 miles apart visit one another now.
—a
:
GERMANS AND LAND PFRCHASES— WOOD TUl'ST 1760
— London tlie
Comiianj's Lands Go to
Slayermackers. Robert Smith, John Huston, Wm. White, Isaac Taylor and others and is intended to be sold in
German-Swiss.
Pennsylvania Gazette December there is an advertisement anno^incing the sale of the land of the London Company which consisted of 15 tracts. This land was in Philadelphia County Bucks County Lancaster County and other sections of Pennsylvania. The sale was advertised for April 2, 1761; but the Gazette of that year does not give any account of the sale. Fi-om the description of the land in Lancaster County which are tracts number 12 and 13 it is seen that at this time this land was surrounded by German settlers. There is no doubt that these same Germans also bought up the land. The GermanSwiss descendants occupy it today as the Germans have done in previous In
11,
as
1760,
of
Wood
in
Gorman
It seems that the (lOrman-Swiss soon learned that the good heavy timber in the rich lime stone lands which they owned was very valuable and that they had the best grade of it found anywhere. Thus as time went on they began to ask and got high prices for it. Of course hauling it was an item of expense. In the Pennsylvania Gazette of
January
10. 1760, the situation is set forth as follows: "Help! help! help! Wood at 3 pounds and 10 shillings a cord, price never before heard of. The
—
Tracts 12 and 13 are described as follows 1 2. Tract (2500 acres) in Lampeter and Manheim township, and partly on Conestoga Creek and on the road from the city to Lancaster and extends within a mile of that town, containing upwards of 2500 acres, laid out in plantations, now in the possession of John Kirk, David Crawford, Andrew Baisinger, James Patterson, John Rorer, Christian Stover, Widow McFilly, Mart Mosser, Rudisball and others, and is bounded by land of Sebastian Grove, Michael Immel dec'd, Melchor Snyder, Leon-
& Wm.
parcels.
Valleys.
years.
ard Bender, John
many
1760— IHgrli Price
—
— —
:;:'.!
Bond, Jacob
Hartman, Darus Buckwalter and others and is intended to be sold in parcels.
country men say we have wood enough. The boatman says he can bring two loads w'hile he is bringing and unloading one. The nierchants complain that the boatmen can bring wood at the same time they are bringing sugar. The woman hears a noise in her yard, rises from her bed at midnight and from her window sees a thief and she asks him what he is doing. He answers, that he must have wood. In the morning she views her small i^ile and laments the loss The rich engross, of half a cord. while perhaps 200 families have not a stick to burn. And thus it is at the very moment, that at one house two persons lie dead of small-pox. Should not the fathers of the city do something in this extremity? Cannot our magistrates appoint an officer or officers to inspect every boat and to agree on a price of the whole
13. Tract (1874 acres) Strasburg Twp., on a branch of Pequea containing 1874 acres bounded by land of —make them distribute their wood in John & Isaac Ferree, John McCauley, small quantites at a price agreed on John Elliott, John Huston, >.Iatthias restrain the carmen from every other ,
—
I
!
Slayermackers and others. It now consists of five plantations in possession of Mathias, Daniel and Henry
service and compel them to attend to the boats until they are unloaded? If this or something to the same pur-
CONDITION OF PALATINES AT THIS DATE.
332
pose be not done, what may be the condition of this city before the beginning of next February?" Here was a wood famine. We are beginning, in this 20th century, to notice that a question is rising as to coal becoming harder to get and going higher and higher in price. We are not as far on yet, in the pinching stage of the coal question, as our ancestors were in 1760 in the wood
He says this
his father corresponded with and his children some
Egly
years; but not of late. He also says he is the only child of Ulrich Hack-
man and Maria Egly Hackman and lives
in
Manheim, the
— that
capital of the
he has eight nephews and nieces (brother's children) and that four of them have gone to Pennsylvania in America. The balance of his letter is as folelector,
Thus we see that the same lows: come round again and "As for me and our congregation There evidently was a great here in Mannheim, we number seven-
question.
difficulties
again. deal of the mean monopolistic spirit then as now. Old King "Selfishness"
teen families and are contentd in our condition. Thank God, we have not would crush and destroy others for had any great burden on account of his own gluttonous self then, as now. the war. We have a gracious lordship and reasonable liberty and cit1761^ Conditions in the Palatinate at izens' right to do business for a livThis Time. ing. I distil whiskey as my meahs of Air. John C. Egly of Philadelphia livelihood. In our worship we are has a letter written in Manheim, in not disturbed. The meetings are held the Palatinate, in 1761 by John Jacob in my house. As far as our countryHackman to a relative or friend in men are concerned, they have someHolstein inquiring concerning rela- what heavier burdens to bear because tives there, a short sketch of his re- of the war and winter quarters and lationship and also giving something forage for the army. Still we fare of the religious conditions and liberty better than the people who have to there at that time. It required 8 provide quarters for the soldiers both years tbr this letter to reach its des- summer and winter. This we have tination the addressee acknowledges not had to do here in the Palatinate, that he received it in 1769. The dis- for which we cannot be sufficiently tance was only a couple hundred grateful to the Lord. Everything is, miles. It is remarkable that such of course, dear food and other necesdelay ensued. We give below the sities. For the French army is stasense of the first part of it; but the tioned only eight miles away and is part concerning conditions in the lying in winter quarters only two Palatinate is given in full. Those in- miles away. I do not intend to write terested may see the whole letter in much more now about the circumthe Mennonite Year Book of 1914, stances of our country.
—
—
—
page
35.
Hackman
says that he has relatives in Holstein, near Frederickstadt his mother's brother Conrad Egly, who was born in the Palatinate. He states that during the late war the Palatines moved to Holstein, temporarily, most of them returning after the war; but that Conrad Egly and Conrad Strickler did not return. In the letter
—
You will already have understood our situation. I pray, therefor, dear brother, not to think hard of me for thus troubling you in taking the liberty of writing to you. If I can otherwise be of service to you, I shall do so with pleasure. If you wish to reply to my letter, address me Jacob Hackman, at the Schwarzen Lamme, Mannheim.
God
:
CAPITAL PUNISHiMENT OF GERMANS—THEIR FINANCES. Mayer, Zercher, Eckert, Rohrer, others. In 17G2, no recorded ships arrived at all.
bless you. and greetings and the protection of the Most High to all who read this. Commending all friends and brethren in Christ to God's care, I
ner,
Hackman and
1762— Early Executions
remain.
Your
faithful servant.
religious
lives
Liinca^tcr
It frequently happened that capital Iiunishment was inflicted upon criminals in early colonial times. The German-Swiss in southeastern Pennsylvania figured frequently in crimes so severely punished. We have referred to crimes that were not uncommon to the more ignorant German women's weaknesses.
This shows again the conditions even in 1761 which made it hard for our German-Swiss ancestors to live peaceful
in
County.
JOHANN JACOB HACKMAN."
their
'
in
Europe. The reasons are very plain why they came to the Susquehanna and Conestoga.
1761— Ship Records of this Tear. We now set forth the predicament or The Col. Rec. (Vol. 17, second series, two more Germans who were senTheir felony was page 454) record only one vessel ar- tenced to death. For
burglary.
riving in Philadelphia carrying German Palatines this year. It was named the "Squirrel," and carried
this
they
were con-
demned to die. The record states that Anthony Miller, John Heller and CorDougherty were convicted of burglary in Lancaster County on Nonelius
There may have been many wives and children on board. Her master was "John Benn" and she came from Rotterdam by way of Portsmouth and arrived in
for
Philadelphia Oct.
November
only thirty heads of families.
vember
made
21, 1761.
No application was council for a substitute death penalty and thus on
1st, 1762.
to the
the
11th,
1762,
it
was ordered
that the sheriff of Lancaster County
The names of the men on board execute them by hanging, Saturday, were Peter Mischler, Christophel Bom- November 20th. Apparently they were berg, Andreas Graff, Daniel Schaab, hanged that day. The horror of capital punishment Valentin Anwaldt, Johann Wilhelm shocks the senses today; but in those days it was inflicted even for burglary because people lived widely separated; and burglary was more serious than
Serger, Joh. Nickel Hertzog, Nicolaus Schweitzer, Wilhelm Becker, Henrich Holtzapfel, Friederich Probst, John Henry Diessinger, Johann Friederich Diehl, Johan Ludwig Probst, Johann Dietrich Taub, Eberhart Disinger, Johannes Beyerele, Stephan Danner, Friederich Lieberknecht, Casper Knobaluch, Johan Simon Mayer, Johann Conrad Serger, Johan Nickel Becker,
George
Vogelgesang,
Hans Eckardt, |
Joh. Jacob Vogelgesang, Georg Friederich Rohrer. Johann Jacob Hackman,
now^ and often resulted in death. The victims could not secure help. The swiftness with which sentence and execution followed the verdict is a noticeable fact. The "hangings" were carried out on Saturday because it was a day when hundreds could be present to witness the entertainment. See this record in Vol. 9 Col. Rec. 5.
Johann Xicolaus Diehl, Johan Jacob 1762 Probst.
Among them we notice many common Lancaster County names, viz: Mishler, Bomberger, GrolT, Schweitzer, Becker, Brobst, Disinger, Byerly. Dan-
—Financial
Standing of Germans and English in Lancaster at This Date.
This year a law was passed providing for a night watch for Lancaster
—
SHIP RECORDS OF IMMIGRANTS.
•OOI
Borough. The people, living on the outskirts of the town, petitioned to have a law passed for tlie repeal of the law on the ground of its expense. This led a large number of the citizens who lived in the heart of the town to oppose the repeal. These citizens say that those who want the law repealed "'are
—
possessed of
little
property and
liable to bear very little tax"
and that
the greater part of the taxes fall on those who desire the law to remain. Complaint is also made that those who want the repeal acted in a secret manner. The petitioners there conclude as follows: "Your petitioners beg to observe that without the aid of the law or one similar the borough will be exposed to the greatest disorders by reason of the near situation of houses therein to each other that the chief intent in applying for a law was to furnish themselves with a sufficient quantity of water, lodged in public parts of the borough to prevent fire which expense is too much for subscription; and that the useful design of the several fire companies of the borough purchasing engines, etc., buckets at great cost is frustrated by the want of water. Your petitioners beseech your honors not to assent to the law to repeal and further that the house reconsider the bill and pass one which will allow the levy of a tax for the purpose of supplying a quantity of water in case of fire.'"
—
;
— James Sanderson —Wm. Ceary —Michael DiffenMontgomery — Jas. SoloReigart— Geo. Peters Lowerntz Margert — Royer Connor — Union Fire Co. —Edw. Shippen — Adom Simon Kuhn — Christian Crawford — John Hopson — Rudy Stoner — Geo. Graeff — Christian Voght — Frederick Dombrey — Thomas Boyd — Anthony Snyder — Adam Reigart — Christ Reigart— Lenhart Kleis — John Eberman Henry Dchoff — Balzer Keller — Mathias Slough — Jos. Simon — Nis Sun Fire Company — Martin Quay Michael Gross— Paul Wentzel — Christ Wentz —^Casper Singer — Christ Mendenball — Wm. Bausman — Christian Hayne — John Spoore — Philip BushJohn Henry —Wm. Lasch — Chely Lintner —Christian Stone — Bernard Hubly — Philip Beakler— John Epple—John Barr — Michael Fordner — John Hambright — Michael Job — Jawb Weaver Daniel May — Simon Schnyder — Henry
Andrew
Graff
—John derfer^Wm. man— Ulrich Jevon
Millei'
Hutlenstein—Christian Knerscheldt Peter Gonder and Michael Garther." From this list it will be seen by going over the above names that about half these petitioners (who say they are the chief men of substance in the town) are English and half are German-Swiss. The original petition and list of signers may be found in a volume of manuscripts in the library of the Pennsylvania Historical Society at Philadelphia known as Miscellaneous
Papers of Lancaster County (1724The signers are: "James Burd (Chief Burgess) Isaac 1772) on page 157. Whitlock A. Hubley John Fellman 1763— Ship Records of This Year. Caster Shaffer Lodewick Stone Geo. Four vessels carrying Palatines arMoyer Wm. Henry — Stofel Franciscus rived in Philadelphia harbor this year: Casper Shaffner (Town Clerk) The Richmond under Capt. Chas. Y. Friendship F^re Co. Thos. Barton Miller Albertson Wm. White Jacob Husband from Rotterdam via Portsmouth Oct. 5; The Chance, under Capt. Jeller — David Trissler John Miller Philip Frank .lohn Chas. Smith from same place via Jas. Marchall Grassel Nicolas Stoner Stofel Mar- Cowes Nov. 1; The Success under tin Fred Shadel Mary Louman — Se- Capt. Wm. Marshall from same place bastian Graff Jocob Clefs John Mus- Nov. 25. 1763; and the Pallas, under Richard Milner from same place via ser Ludwig Louman Jos. Chalye
—
—
—
—
—
— — — — — — — — — — —
— —
—
— —
—
GERMANS AGAINST PAXTON MURDKR— CLEARING LAND. Portsmouth Nov. 25. The total num- ing outside. Mr. Barber was not perber of heads of families, or male sonally acquainted with them, though adults reported in them was 248. This he knew from what part of the counrepresent perhaps 800 to try they came. He made up a fire to list may warm, and treated them to the cus1000 persons. Among the familiar southeastern tomary morning refreshments. While Pennsylvania names in the list are: they warmed themselves, they inquired why the Indians were suffered Kessler ALsbach Shellenberger to live peaceably here. Arnold Mr. Barber Hauch Becker Wolf Hauser said they were entirely inoffensive, Schmidt Huber Johns being on their own lands, and injurSchwabb Zeiner Ebersohl Miller Weller ing no one. They asked what would Hoffman Behr be the consequence if they were all Menges Bernhart Gill destroyed? Mr. Barber said he thought Speilman Hedrick Christ they would be as liable to punishment Christman Helm — Bauman Schoff as if they had destroyed so many white Mo;v er Kuhnete Wagner Wendell Flick Blum Ham- men. They said, they were of a different opinion, and in a few minutes Pieffer mer Scherer Keiser went out. In the mean time, however, Burkholder Groff Rohrig Schweitzer Sehner Seitz and two sons of Mr. B. about 10 or 12 years old, went out to look at the strangers' Schreiber. In some instances there are several horses, which were hitched at a little These distance from the house. After the of the same name in the list. names are almost wholly sure Swiss men went, the boys came in and said though there is a percentage of Ger- they (the men) had tomahawks, tied mans among them. (See series 2 of to their saddles, which were all bloody, and that they had Christy's Pa. Arch. Vol. 17 page 455, etc.) gun, (Christy was a little Indian boy 1763— German Tries To Stop Paxton about their own age they were much Mnrder. attached to him, as he was their playProm the manuscript journal of the mate, and made their bows and argreat-granddaughter of Robert Bar- row's, and other means of amuseWhile the family all wondered ber, one of the three pioneer settlers ment.) what it could mean, a messenger came of Columbia; it is stated by Arthur B. from Herr, giving information of the Bradford in Vol. 9 Haz. Reg. P. P. 114 dreadful deed. Mr. Barber and some and 115 that "On a snow^y morning in December, 1763, a German neighbour others went down to see the extent of came to Robert Barber's house, and the massacre. Shocking indeed was requested him to go with him in pur- the sight! the dead bodies of foursuit of some ones who had been at his teen poor Indians lay among the rubhouse the night before, and whom he bish of their burnt cabins, like half Mr. Barber after called robbers. They had behaved in consumed logs! some trouble, procured their bodies to a very disorderly manner, such as administer to them the rights of melting the pewter spoons on the sepulchre." stove, etc. Mr. Barber, supposing it had been some persons in a frolic, ad- 1763— German-Swiss' Stroniioiis Clearvised his friend to take no notice of it. ingr of Land. He had scarcely left the house, when Hazard in Vol. 5 of this register, five or six men came in, very cold, their great coats covered with snow page 22, says under date of 1763: "The and wet. They left their guns stand- rapid growth of the county by large
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
— — — — — — — —
]
—
—
—
336
MENNONITES KIND TO INDIANS.
extensive clearings, made each year by enterprising emigrants from Germany, Holland, and Ireland, induced also many of the worthless, idle, and dissolute to follow, and therefore compelled the honest settlers to build a House of Correction for the punishment of the vicious. A large number of the Scotch-Irish, in consequence of the limestone land being liable to frost and heavily wooded, seated themselves along the northern line of the counties of Chester and Lancaster, well known at an early period by the name of the "Chestnut Glade." The Germans purchased their little improvements, and were not intimidated either by the difficulty of clearing, the want of water, and the liability to frost which at this period was experienced every month in the year. Several valuable mills were built, but altho' very necessary for the settlement, they became a subject of much irritation among the farmers on the waters of the Conestoga, as appears from a petition presented to the General Assembly, stating, "that Michael Garber, Sebastian Graff, and Hans Christy, erected three large dams on Conestoga Creek, to the great injury and detriment of the settlers on its banks; that said Creek flows about thirty miles through a woody and fertile country, of a width about 250 feet, well calculated for boats and rafts, of wood; that the price of wood in Lancaster is raised to 10s. a load for oak and 15s. for hickory; that before the dams were built, wood was lower, and they had an abundant supply; before any dams were built shad, salmon, and
healthy is now become unhealthy: They, therefore, pray that the Assembly pass a Law requiring the Sheriff to remove said dams, as there would be left no less than ten good Grist Mills, all in the distance of five miles from the town of Lancaster."
and
—
Note. The owners of said dams altered them so as to remove many of the causes of complaint.
1763—Mennonists Help Indian Victims. In the Pennsylvania Gazette of Aug. 1763, the following item dated Lancaster, July 28, occurs: There are certain accounts that Indians have passed the South Mountain and are gone into York County, and that some of them have assuredly been near Carlisle. The wants of the distressed refuges have been greatly relieved by sums of money collected in the different congregations in Lancaster County. The Quakers and Mennonists have been very liberal on this occasion, having raised a considerable sum and having hired men to assist the poor people in gathering in as much of their harvest as possible and we are told that several large 4,
i
parties have again attempted to go over the mountains for this necessary and laudable purpose, but the risk they run is so great we cannot think of them without dread." While this item mainly shows the Indian situation in southeastern Pennsylvania at this date, it also shows that the German-Swiss people were liberal in helping to relieve distress and gives us a picture of the "good rock fish were in abundance, and in old times" in which they lived. the tributary streams plenty of trout; 1764—Mennonists Kind to Indians till before the water was dammed up, the Extinction. country was free from pestilential In the Annals of the Suskuehanfevers and from diseases of every nocks, etc., page 386, published by the kind; that in consequence of the dam- present compiler in 1909, the followming of the water, the country along ing item showing the kindness of the the Conestoga is visited by an autum- German-Swiss toward the Indians of nal fever, and that which was formerly lower Susquehanna Valley occurs:
:
— •
:
GKRMAN-SWISS IMMIGRANTS AT THIS DATE. Thus it will be noticed that the Hershey family is honored with decently burying the last Indians of Lancaster County and suitably marking their
"in a lonely spot in one of the back
Homestead (The Old Hershey Homestead) the visitors found four stone markers set securely in tlio ground within whose enclosure lie the remains of "Michael and Mary," the last two Indians of Lancaster County. These Indians were friendly and during their declining years were cared for by Christian Hershey, who then owned the homestead. The following document was read by Mr. Hershey at this spot, after Itasttiio fields of this
graves."
—
176J
.Slilp
R^Tords of
Tills
Year.
The vessels importing Gtrman-Swiss Palatines to Pennsylvania in 1764 were
The Ship
Captain Robert Rotterdam by the way of Cowes, September 19, 1764, carrying "Polly,"
Porter, from
prayer over the remains of these last 56 passengers; among the familiar Children of the Forest, by Rev. Her- names in the list are: Beck Galle
— —
Friendly Indians
Mann — Bergman — Wenger Konig — Eulman — Holleback — Strass —
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania By Ho'ble John Penn, Esq., &c.,
Schwaab Grebiel Dietrich Moser Wenger Graff Schmidt
shey.
"Protection for
Two
In
To Whom
It
May Concern Whereas, I am given
— —
—
Strass
— — — — — — Heibst — Bauer — Welte
The Ship "Sarah," Capfrom Rotterdam understand that the Bearers Michael by the way of Portsmouth, September and Mary his wife are friendly Indians 20, 1764, carrying 100 passengers; who formerly resided with other In- among the familiar names in the list Lehman Frick dians in the Conestoga Manor, and are: Bischoff Keyser Eich Hoch have for upwards of fifteen months Lichtenfeld Greeting:
past
lived
at his
with
Christian
plantation in
too
Hoffman.
tain Francis Stanfell,
— — — — — — — Allspach — Vollprecht — Welte — Betz — Weber — Kaufman — Hubacher — Dorr — Gass — Bintz — Lohr — Funck — Scheffer — Schaub — Strack — Thran — Hoff — Schuster — Kuhn — Sheets — Hitz — Ottershelt — Hartman — Kuhn — Raque.
Hershey,
Warwick Town-
Lancaster Co., Pa., during which time they have constantly behaved in the most friendly and peaceable manner to all his Majesty's subjects, I do hereby grant the said Michael and The Ship "Brittania," Captain Thomas Mary my protection and do enjoin and Arnot, from Rotterdam. September ship,
26,
require all officers, civil and Military, 1764, carrying 108 passengers; among as well as all other persons whatso- the familiar names in the list are: ever within this Government to suffer Heger Weber Roth Lamphardt to pass and repass on their lawful Wolker Wiser Schaffer Milbusiness without the least molestation ler Bruckert Ott Paut7ler — or interruption, and they are hereby Ersterger Weibel Stettler also desired to treat the said Indians Lombach Weiss Gitt Reiff with Civility and to afford them all
—
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — Krombach — Rau — Jager — Rup — Freiberger — Nieder — Helidz — Spitzer — Lampart — Michel — Buhler — Kaintz — Menges — Fishier. —
necessary assistance. Given under my Hand and Seal at
Arms
at Philadelphia, the 17th Aug.,
17G4.'
The Ship "King of Prussia," Capt. James Robinson, from London, Octo-
JOHN PENN. Command. JOHN SHIPPEN, Secretary.
'By his Honour's
!
\
ber
3,
among
1764,
carrying 48 passengers;
the familiar
names
in the list
LANCASTER COUNTY GERMANS AND HEMP CULTURE.
338
—
—
—
Haffner Apffel Muller Suder Mattes Deisert Dippel Specht Stutz Horst Schell Reinbold Steinmetz Breszler Gantz Hart Kilb Fischer "RichShip The Wagner. Koster mond," Capt. Chas. Yoiinghusband, from Rotterdam, October 20, -764, caramong the rying 106 passengers; familiar names in the list are: Jacoby Staufftr Kuhn Gulcher Haffner Jacob Seitz Schott Gerhard Kamerer Bardon Heiser Runckel Bockle Rupert MulSatzler Reiner G'luck are:
— — — — —
— — —
—
— —
—
—
— — — —
—
— — —
— —
gers; among the familiar names in the SchaffWentz are: Bertsch Scheffer Wentz Lampart er list
—
—
Bausmann
Kessler
—
— — — Klein —
— —
Hartman The Ship "Snow
—Bernhardt.
John Clapp, from Amsterdam, December 4, 1764, carrying 23 passengers; among the familiar Tryall," Capt.
names
—
in the list are:
—
Bender
—
— Stein
Enck. The Stauffer Gross Ship "Chance," Capt. Charles Smith. from Rotterdam, Aug. 8, 1764, carrying 90 passengers; among the familiar Metznames in the list are: Bender Ammann Grosh Wanner gar SchoU Vogt Geiger Tandt Beck Mayer Muller Hes Blum Schaffer Kemper Scherer Strein Descher Huber Ringer Schmidt Weinberger Hoffman Gebhardt Druckenbrodt Haass Wilhelm Chasseur Grob
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — ler — Minger — Feikert — Thiel — — — — — — — Harn Beckel Mayer — Henrich — — — — — Muller — Knoblauch — Kolb — — — The Pfeiffer — Henrich — Heiss. — — — Ship "Hero," Captain Ralph Forsttr, — — 1764, car- — from Rotterdam, October — — — — the among passengers; rying 180 are: Hufer Weniger — Zimmerman. familiar names in the — Weiss — Wolff — Muller — Lud- The total number of passengers im^ig — Durr — Walter — Klein — ported on these ships were 927. Berg — Hass — Etter — Will — Honig 1765—Lancaster County Germans in — Gress — Durr Bauer — Schiff — the Hemp Industry. Sellheim — Wittig — Daniel — BrenThe German-Swiss who crowded the nemann — Lutz — Sehantz — Weidenmeyer — Frietsch — Baum — Schad valleys of the Susquehanna, the Con— Beck — Seybtrth — Brubacher — estoga, the Pequea and other adjacent Bi-uchauhser — Becker — Weber — regions, became very active near the Volck — Hess — Nagel — Weiss — Susquehanna in raising hemp. Peter — Buch — Unangst. The Ship Many prizes were offered by Phila27,
list
George Kerr, from delphians for the best water-rotted Rotterdam, November 5, 1764, carry- hemp and the best hemp prepared by ing 86 passengers; among the familiar other means. The ancient newspapers names in the list are: Kromm Miller frequently offered such prizes, for the Decker Frantz Strunck Lan- Lancaster County product. The PhilFrantz Reyman Gruck Klein. adelphia merchants were also very Reutch Meisset des Capt. eager to advertise Lancaster County Wales," of The Ship "Prince NovemJames Edgar, from Rotterdam, hemp seed. Among these an adverber 5, 1764, carrying 68 passengers; tisement is found in the Pennsylvania "Jeneffer,"
—
—
among
— —
Capt.
—
—
the familiar
—
names
— — —
—
in the list
Gazette of May 9, 1765, setting out "Lancaster County hemp seed is to be had at very reasonable prices at Daniel Wissler's store on Market Street." Lancaster County red clover NoRotterdam, from seed was also advertised as a special Carr, Matthew passenby Philadelphia merchants. 62 seller vember 10, 1764, carrying
— Muth — Booss — Hap— Hessler — Orth — Mattheis — pel Haerberger — Schneider — Umstatt — Duckel. The Ship "Boston," Capt. are: Becher
that,
,'
SUPPLEMENT TO GERMAN-SWISS SHIPPING LAW. 1765
— Oerinan-Swiss
1765— Supplement
^lisfortmie in the
ping
Susquehanna Valley.
4,
it
is
set out that the
property of the late John Stoner is to be sold hy virtue of an execution on April 6. in Conestoga Towrnship, Lancaster County; on
it is
erected a com-
two pairs of stones fit merchant and country business and a complete saw mill excellently There is situated on Pequea Creek. plenty of water and 200 acres of land. It is set forth that the title is good and that it is likely a copper mine can be opened on it as there is supposed It might to be plenty of ore there. be added here that up to this date 150
German
Ship-
Hill.
In the same Law Book mentioned in the above item there is set forth an act that was passed May 18, this year, to better protect the Germans, that came over in crowded ships. This act sets forth that to protect these people and at the same time to enable the ship owners to recover their fares,
In the Pennsylvania Gazette of the
issue of April
to the
3^9
plete mill with
must be regulations these regulations it is set out that there must be room for each passenger, and that these rooms must be three feet nine inches high in the forepart and two feet nine inches in the cabin and steerage, and that no more than two passengers shall be put together in one bedstead except if the father and mother want their chilyears later the copper has not been dren in the same bedstead with them they may do so. These berths were found. 18 inches wide and six feet long. The 1765— The Palatines Still Come. act further provides that these ships Pennsylvania Gazette of carrying German passengers must have In the August 29 this year it is set forth that a well recommended surgeon and a on Saturday last Captain Porter ar- complete chest of medicine that the given to the passenrived at Philadelphia from Rotterdam medicine must be gers free that twice a week the veswith 240 palatines all in good health. sel must be smoked with burning tar This is good news because usually the between the decks and that it should Palatines ships had a great deal of be well washed with vinegar twice a sickness on board, a large number of week. It is also said that neither the the other ships cleared from Philadel- purser nor other persons shall sell to phia about the same time. passengers at a greater price than 1765— ?fi?btly ^Vatch Established in 50% profit on first cost, any wine, brandy, rum, beer, cider or other Lancaster. liquor or any spices or necessaries for The growth of the people in the sick persons that no person shall Lancaster County region made it nec- carry any liquor or other things more essary for better police protection. To than 30 shillings worth. The act also meet this necessity a law was pre- provides that the officer in Philadelpared September 20, 1765, found in phia appointed to carry out this law Vol. 6 Statutes at Large 441. The law shall take with him a reputable Gerprovides that the people of the bor- man inhabitant of Philadelphia to inough may elect such night watchman; terpret into English the statements of and provided the manner in which the the German passengers. It is also money can be raised for the purpose. provided that the interpreter in a loud This item is inserted for the purpose voice shall declare in German that of showing the continual growth of the duties required by this act will be this section. read to them in German and that they that
for
made.
certain
Among
[
'
—
—
|
j
I
i
—
|
\
,
LANCASTER COUNTY AND SWISS FARMING.
540
The Ship "Betsy," Captain John Osthey pro- man, from Rotterdam by the way of vided that the master of the ship Cowes, September 19, 1765, carrying must give each person a bill of lading 85 passengers. Among the familiar mentioning the trunks, crates, chests, names in the list are: Gabriel GarthZweigart Betz bales or packages belonging to every Schaffer Litcht Hiller Gottschall passenger except of such goods they ner Schaffer Pfeiffer Becker postheir own keep in may want to Wolff Strauss OsIt is also provided that the Schneider session. Metzger Weller. tertag when startship owner must declare
may inquire about any matter may wish to know. It is also
—
The Ship
—
—
— —
— —
—
—
Myrtilla," Captain
—
James
Caton, from London, September 21, Among 1765, carrying 33 passengers. the familiar names in the list are: Dieterich Frey NauSchmidt Burgholdter Keller mann Christian. Meyer Wissler
— — —
—
—
—
—
—
The Ship "Countess of Sussex," Captain Thomas Gray, from Rotterdam, October 7, 1765, carrying 23 passengers. Among the familiar names Metzler in the list are: Hacker Bender. Vohl Hubert Schultz
—
The
total
—
—
number
—
—
of passengers im-
ported on these ships were 299. 1766
—Lancaster
1765— Ship Records of This Year. The
— —
—
i
ing out what goods the Germans will not be allowed to bring from their home to America, and that if they have such goods he shall declare what taxes or duties they must pay on the same, so that they will not lose them. The act provided that the fares must be fixed and certain, and that if the German passengers offer that sum the ship master must take it and dare not hold their goods to compel them to pay higher prices. Many other provisions were made in the act; but all with the same end in view to prevent these ignorant people from being robbed.
—
—
—
County a
Modem
Switzerland.
Germanimporting vessels Palatines to Pennsylvania in
In Switzerland there are many tabcontaining lists of names of those who fought and died in the various The Ship "Polly," Captain Robert Swiss wars. These lists are numerPorter, from Rotterdam by the way of ous. They are found attached to pubCowes, August 24, 1765, carrying 81 lic buildings, churches, ancient resipassengers. Among the familiar names dences, boulders, monuments, and on Schneck other permanent bases throughout Werner in the list are: Dietrich Rhein Switzerland. They contain the names Muller Obermiller Kohler of Swiss patriots from 1766 onward, Bender Schwenck and the names of some prior to 1766. Schultz Heintz Gram Kauffmann The names are particularly numerous Dietrich Schmidt Fischer. of those who fell in the Napoleonic Mayer. The Ship "Chance," Captain Charles wars.
Swiss 1765 were:
—
— —
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
— —
— —
Smith, from Rotterdam by the way of Covires, September 9, 1765, carrying 77 passengers.
Among
the familiar
Hon. W. U. Hensel, who died early in
1915,
while
visiting
Switzerland
made note of many of these above names named tablets; and stated to the com-
Grim — Roth — Haf— Meyers — Muller — Mayer — Weber — Keller — Frantz — Ritter — Schmidt — Schissler — Metzger — Kurtz — Hoyer — Franck. in the list are:
ferstock
lets
piler of the annals that if the surroundings did not prove to you that you were in Switzerland you would conclusively presume that you were reading the names taken from the as-
1,
GERMAX-SWISS AND CHURCH LOTTERIES.
341
—
sessnients lists of the central, nortli 1767 German-Swiss Iiii|iroved Xfsr'u and eastern parts of Lancaster County, cultural Iniitlcnieiits. Pennsylvania. The names are exactly It is shown from some early rethe same, both the surnames and cords that the German-Swiss did not christian names, and the proportions lag behind in certain improved methof persons of one family name comods of conducting their affairs. Those pared with those of other family names before referred to show that the Gerare identical with the proportion in man Lancaster County Clorver Seed Lancaster County. That is the family had gained great reputation in early names which are most numerous in Lancaster County are the ones that days. These farmers of the Susquehanna Valley made efforts to turn are the most numerous there, such as out high grade products. The cleanMillers Herrs Weavers Staufing of the grains was an important fers Harnishs Millans Kenmatter to them. digs Eshlemans Hubers and |
— — —
—
—
— —
—
others.
1766— Ship Records
This Tear.
of
In the Pennsylvania Gazette April 1767 there appears among the advertisements the following:
9, |
Five vessels carrying Palatines arrived in Philadelphia harbor this year: The Ship "Chance" under Capt.
"Dutch Fans
&
Screens made and
sold by Richard Truman at James Truman's place Elbow Lane near the j
Charles Smith from Rotterdam Sept- Harp & Crown Tavern at Third ember 23, 1766 with 106 passengers. Street, Philadelphia, also various The Ship "Betsy" under Capt. John wire work for cleaning grain and Osman from Rotterdam October 13. flax." Accompanying this advertisement there is a picture of the Dutch with 84 passengers. The Ship "CullFan; and it shows the fan to be simiodian" under Master Richard Hunter lar to those in use about here for from Lisbon October 15, with 12 pascleaning grains just before the comsengers. The ship " Polly " under bined trasher and seperator took Master Robert Porter fom Rotter- their place. dam October 18, with 53 passengers. This article is cited to show the The ship "Sally" under Master John progress made among these people at Davidson from Rotterdam November this date in the processes of agricul4, with 7 passengers. '
ture.
The total were 263.
Among
the
number
of
passengers 1767
familiar
— Lottery
for
Church Improve-
ment,
Southeastern
Among
Pennsylvania names
in the list are: Muller, Weitzel, Locher. Arnold, Schaffer, Weber, Kehl, Meister, Lantz, Hasler, Becker, Weingartner, Lipp, Gross, Conrad, Locher, Weber, Flick,
but
not only the early Germans
among
all
nationalities of
early
southeastern Pennsylvania and elsewhere the lottery besettlers
in
came a favorite method of raising Frey, Martin, Sand, Zimmerma-Ott, money for laudable improvements. Shffer, Singer. Hoffman, Wolff, Mos- We have given items on this before. Kauffser, Keller, Volmer, Benner, Another item on the same subject man, Wagner, Miller, Frantz, Zieg- is found in the Pennsylvaia Gazette i
j
ler,
Eckert,
Meyer,
Oberlander,
Stoltzfus,
Fisher,
of October 22, this year
Walter, Schmidt, Jacob, Muller,
Herman,
Donner,
Schreiner,
Henninger and Amecker.
and
as fol-
is
lows:
j
"The Managers Lutheran Church
of
The
Lottery
German In
Earl
342
GERMAN-SWISS AS POLITICAL LEADERS.
are Lancasetr County obliged to postpone the drawing till And as the 4th of January next. there are but few tickets on hand those who desire to become adventurers are requested to be speedy in applying for the same."
Township
1767— Tlie German-Swiss As
Political
Leaders. In the Gazette of October 8, 1767 it reported that those elected to the
derfer, Philip Martsteller, John Shultz, Charles Miller, George Rine, George
Stohley and Henry Rockey of Lancaster County shall be and are appointed
managers and directors of the lottery hereby instituted and to be drawn and to attend to the drawing of the lots, etc., and they shall cause proper books to be prepared in which each leaf shall be divided into three columns, on the first column shall be printed
4444 tickets, numbered from 1 to 4444; assembly for Lancaster County were on the middle column shall be printed Emanuel Carpenter, James Wright, 4444 tickets same as first column and Jacob Carpenter & James Webb. And likewise numbered; in the extreme those elected for sheriff were James column a third rank or series of tickWebb Jr. and Fred Stone and for ets of the same number as those of the Coroner Mathias Slough and Adam other two columns, which shall be Reigart. The Governor had the right joined with oblique lines and in addito select the sheriff and coroner out tion to the date, each ticket shall have of the two persons for each of these printed on it: This ticket entitles the holder to offices elected by the people. such prize as may be drawn against 1767—More Light On the AltOTe Gernumber, if demanded in nine its man Lottery. months after the drawing is finished To show that lotteries in days past subject to such deductions as is menwere perfectly legal and did not par- tioned in the scheme." And the managers are empowered to take of the criminal nature which now brands them as public evils, I cite an sell the tickets in the extreme or last act of assembly passed (7 St. L. 133) column at 15 shillings each to be cut authorizing the same. The circum- out through the oblique line or device is
stances justifying the resort to lottery are set forth in the act as follows: "Whereas it hath been represented to the assembly of this province by the Church wardens and elders of the
German Lutheran Church
lately built
indentwise and delivered so as to secure his interest in the ticket. When tickets of the column are sold the managers shall cause the tickets of the middle column to be rolled up and fastened with thread or silk the same all
Earl Township that not-with-stand- being cut out of the books indentwise ing the subscriptions heretofore made (by a waving or saw tooth line) towards raising a sum of money for through the oblique lines and put the erecting and finishing of said them into a box marked with letter A church there yet remains a consider- and to be sealed, till the tickets are the first column able sum of money due for the work to be drawn; and
in
already done, and a further sum be- shall remain in the book to discover sides what has been hitherto raised any mistake. And another book of tickets in two by contributions among themselves will be wanted to complete the same columns of 4444, tickets in each coland to erect a school house near the umn shall be prepared with oblique church for the education of lines across; and 1519 of the tickets said youth; Therefore it is enacted, etc., of the outer column shall be called that Edward Hughes, Michael Tiefen- fortunate tickets and on one shall be
!
GERMAN-SWISS CHURCH LOTTERIES. 112 pounds 10 shillings— on 37 pounds and 10 shillthem two o£ ings on four of them 18 pounds and upon 10 of them 11 15 shillings pounds and 5 shillings on 20 of them 7 pounds 10 shillings— on 50 of them on 100 of o pounds and 15 shillings on 400 of them 2 them 3 pounds pounds and 5 shillings— on 932 of them 1 pound 10 shillings, and a premium of 9 pounds 7 shillings additional to the first fortunate drawn ticket and the same to the last one makes 3333 pounds. Out of these prizes the managers are to deduct ratably 15% amounting to 490 pounds and 19
writteu
—
—
prizes drawn to make up the It was an atto be raised. 4444 persons tractive plan indeed paid in the 3:133 pounds, each one paying 15 shillings for his ticket or (15 shillings for each ticket he bought) •?4 pound and then 1519 persons falling into the luck of getting the 3333
the \
amoimt
—
—
—
the sum needed for the And the outside school and church. column of these tickets shall be rolled up and put in a box marked "B" and sealed, and the boxes shall be taken to a public place and the managers shall publicly cause the boxes to be unsealed and the tickets well shaken and mixed in each box. And a disinterested person shall draw out one by one the numbered tickets and another person draw out one by one tickets not numbered from other box among which are the 1519 fortunate tickets, the other 2925 being blank. If the one di'awn at same time a numbered one is drawn is a blank, they shall be put on one file; if a fortunate one a clerk shall record the number and amount drawn and so on till the 1519 fortunate ones are drawn. the
to be
published in
—
pounds in prizes and each one giving up 15% of the prize secured by him for the object intended and expenses. To add zeal to and to whet the interest in the plan one capital prize and 8 or 10 other very large ones were Who would not have nibbled offered. at such bait even today, in spite of the plan being illegal? It would almost be strong enough to divert our credulous inventors in gold mining stock, etc., from their favorite hazards, to a scheme at home where the chance of winning was more certain. This plan from another angle is inThe man who drew the teresting. 112 1^ pounds by paying % pound cleared up all the money that 150
shillings
The result was
543
I
1
others paid in. 1519 lucky ones gathered in all the money that the 4444 down. This operation affecting l)ut 3333 involving 4444 persons and pounds (about $15,000) had to be re-
i
I I
I
sorted to and employed to raise about 450 pounds or $2,200 for the laudable purpose desired. It is small wonder that the legality of the lottery has been struck down.
Of course w-hat I have said is no condemnation of the people who held All grades particular lottery. nationalities and religions and sects as well as the public itself, em-
Pennsj-Ivania Gazette and a de- this
duction of
and 15 per cent made and bal-
ance went as prizes. Then when the expense of the lottery was taken out of the 15% or 490 pounds the balance went to the church and school house. What fun these German Brethren of Karl had in drawing the lottery! One can see in the plan a provision to ease the conscience of the projectors and to salve the disappointment of those viz. that the drawing the blanks lucky ones had to shave off 15% of
—
ployed the lottery.
1767— Ship
IJetords of Tliis Tear.
Seven vessels carrying Palatines arrived in Philadelphia harbor this year: The Ship "Juno" under Capt. John Robertson, from Rotterdam, January 13,
12
passengers.
The Ship "Sally"
under Capt. John Osman, from Rotterdam, October 5, 116 passengers. The
344
PETER MILLER AND THE EPHRATA COMMUNITY.
Ship "Hamilton" under Capt. Charles Smith, from Rotterdam, October 6, with 134 passengers. The Ship "Brittainia" under Capt. Alexander Hardy, from Rotterdam, October 26, with 39 passengers. The Ship "Brigantine
derness," he says, "and began to be Germans who desired our assistance in building Ironies for them; which not only kept us employed several summers, at hard carpenter's work but also increased our poverty so much that we needed the
settled by poor
Grampus" under Commander Henry Robinson, from Rotterdam, November Then he says, necessaries of life." 4, with 7 passengers. The Ship "Min- tax troubles arose and that "The conerva" under Capt. John Spurrier, from stable entered the camp and demanded Rotterdam, November 9, with 88 passome of the a single man's tax; sengers. The Ship "Sally" under Capt. brethren paid and some refused and Patrick Brown, from Rotterdam, November 10, with 36 passengers. The total number of passengers were 432.
Among the familiar Southeastern Pennsylvania names in the list are: Hirsh Huber Sommer Adam Bernhardt Bast Detweiler Muller Weber Acker Miller
— — — — — — — — — — Ziegler — Hartman — Diehl — Dietz — Fischer — Beyer — Lechler -^ Lutz — Hoffman — Buchman — Keffer — Zeller — Kuntz — Smith — Schneider — Gramm — Butz — Smith — Hartman — Beck — Wagner — Schmidt — Futter — Hirsch — Dietrich — Stelgerwalt — Nauman — Herr — Stahl — Schaffer — Fischer — Kauffman — Blankenburg — Schmidt — Pfeiffer — Dieterich — Roth — Schaub. —
•
,
1767— Peter
3Iiller's
Presidency and
Difficulties.
Peter Miller, at one time a prior or president of the Ephrata community, in letters, tells of his labors and difficulties. In Vol. 16, Haz. Reg. 256, speaking of the beginning of his presidency he says he followed a learned man in that position. Pie also says (p. 254) that soon after he arrived in Philadelphia in 1730 he was ordained in the old Presbyterian meeting house by Tenant, Andrew and Boyd. Then he served among the Germans several years and he quitted the ministry and returned to private life. He continues his story saying that charity was their chief occupation. "Conestogues was then a great wil-
claimed each a monk's immunity. But the constable
summoned some wicked
neighbors and delivered 6 of the brethren to prison at Lancaster for 10 days. But the venerable magistrate set them at liberty and offered himself as bail. His name was Tobias Hendricks. At court, when the brethren appeared, the fear of God came on the gentlemen who were to judge them when they saw the six men before them reduced to skeletons by their charitable labors and privations though they were in prime of life, and the judges granted them their freedom under the agreement, that the whole number of the brethren should be taxed as one family."
He
says that in the French and Ina Marquis from Milan in Italy lodged a night in the convent or Cloister; and that he presented to him
War
dian
the
former
president's
writing on the "Fall of in it
sermon
and
Man" published
Edinburgh Magazine and requested The Pope
to be given to the Pope.
greatly appreciated
it.
1768— Siiip Records
of Tliis Year.
Four vessels carrying Palatines arrived in Philadelphia harbor this year:
The Ship "Pennsylvania Packet" under Robert Gill from London, October The Ship "Min3, with 19 passengers. under Thomas Arnott from Portsmouth, October 10, with 109 i)assengers. The Ship "Crawford" under Charles Smith from Rotterdam, October 26, with 85 passengers. The Ship erva"
;
DESTROYED BY
(JER.MAX FIP:LDS
passengers.
Among
the
of
niiinbfM-
familiar
passengers
Southeastern
list are: Pennsylvania names Hoffman Linder Brennor Wagner Frauenfelder Engel Herr Decker Wolff Hultcr Weber Strecker Koch Holland
— — — —
in
—
the
—
— — —
— — — Zimmerman — Fisher — Dietrich — Meyer — Schmidt — Hartman — Keller — Becker — Heller — Dietz — Giehl — Fries — Diehl — Anthony — Sieber — Muller — Kuntz — Dupont — Bernhart — Huber — Gerhart. — —
inches In circumference, some seven, whilst others were no larger than peas. As to their forms, some were globusome spheroidical, surrounded lar, with small excresences or knobs; some elliptical, and some irregular and smooth, like pieces of broken ice. Such as were globular, were endued with so much elasticity, that they rebounded from the ground like a tennis This storm divided into several ball. branches or veins, (if 1 may use such terms) all which kept the same course, but bent their fury most towards the At mountains, hills and highlands. large Susquehannah the hail was as
17
A
writer in the Pennsylvania Chronicle of 1768 as reported in Vol. 8, Hazard's Register, page 124, under the title of
"Hailstorm
in
Lancaster Coun-
ty" says: "I now sit down, under the shade of a friendly oak in the country, in order to give you some account of the late dreadful storm here, the effects of which I have taken pains to examine, liaving rid several miles for that pur-
as pigeon's eggs. At Lancaster about the size of peas; at Dunkertown, and in the Valley, between the Welch and Reading Hills, they were as large as
pose.
about two o'clock P. M. th« sky was overspread with flying clouds, apparently charged The wind blew with heavy rain. pretty fresh from the S. E. and thickened the clouds in the opposite quarter; so that about 4 o'clock there was "darkness visible" in the N. W. attended with a distant rumbling thunder, and now and then a small gleam of lightning, without any exi)losions. The clouds deepened more and more in the N. W. and there seemed to make a stand, being opposed by the wind At half from the opposite points. after four, they assumed a frightful appearance, and at last formed a large crescent, with its concave sides to the wind, and its inner edges tinged with a dusky violet colour. About 5 the
"On Friday, the 17th
345
wind veered about to the N. W. which motion to the gave immediately olouds, and discharged a most dreadful and destructive volley of hail. The storm then proceeded in a S. E. direction, at the rate of about twelve miles an hour, attended with a most in dreadful noise, something like the sounds of cannon, drums and bells mingled together. The hail stones were of various dimensions, shapes Some measured nine and forms.
"Betsy" under Capt. Samuel Hawk from Rotterdam. October 26, with 102
The total were 315.
HA.II..
inst.,
turkey's eggs; in some other places still larger; and at Reading no hail
appeared.
The damage done by
this
storm is very great; the county of Lancaster alone, it is thought, has suffered several thousand pounds. In
many
i)laces there is not a single ear of wheat, rye, barley, &c., but what is
cut off; and nothing left but the green straw, bruised and beat to pieces. It is melancholy to see fine plantations, and extensive fields, which, a few days ago waved with luxuriant crops, now
Many able farmers, who expected to carry several hundred bushels of grain to market, will be obliged to buy bread for their families; and many of the poorer kind will be ruined, and reduced to beglying waste.
'
•
GERMANS AND THE CONNECTICUT CLAIM.
546
gary.
All these people are
now mow-
1770— Ship Records
of This Tear.
ing
their late promising and rich crops, as fodder for their cattle. Their distress is truly moving and alarming.
Seven vessels carrying Palatines arrived in Philadelphia harbor this year: The Ship "In The Snow Neptune" unAt Dunkertown, it is said (with what der Thomas Edward Wallis from Listruth I cannot say) that cattle were bon, Portugal, July 27, with 8 paskilled by the hail; but certain it is, sengers. The Ship "The Brig Dolphin" that about Muddy Creek, in this under Capt. Geo. Stephanson, fi'om county, calves, pigs, fowls, etc., were London, August 29, with 9 passengers. killed in that settlement; the ground The Ship "Snow Rose" under George in the woods, is as thick covered with Ord, from Lisbon, Portugal, Sept. 10, green foliage, beaten from the trees, with 7 passengers. The Ship "Minas it is with the fallen leaves in the month of October; and in many places erva" under Thomas Arnott, from Rotterdam, October 1, with 89 passenthe birds are found dead in woods and gers. The Ship "Brittannia" under orchards. The N. W. side of the fruit Riclaard Eyres, from Lisbon, Portutrees are barked, and all the glass windows on that side, that were not gal, October 3, with 6 passengers. The Ship "Sally" under John Osmond, from secured by shutters, are demolished; Rotterdam, October 29, with 79 pasand even the rails of fences visibly sengers. The Ship "Crawford" under show the impressions of the hail upon Chas. Smith, from Rotterdam, Novemthem. In short, this storm threw ber 23, with 26 passengers. every person, who saw it, into the The total number of passengers most dreadful consternation; for the were 224. oldest man here never saw, or heard Among the familiar Southeastern anything like it." Pennsylvania names in the list are: 1769— Ship Records of This Tear. Alison Dore Kuntz Miller Wolff Schmidt Weber Four vessels carrying Palatines ar- Hess Shultz Marx Becker Heintz rived in Philadelphia harbor this year: Wager Stein The Ship "Nancy and Sueky" under Zimmerman Klein Dietz Wagner Petersen Capt. William Keys from London, SepBauman Stauffer Gramm tember 1, with 13 passengers. The Diehl Rohrer Seitz. Hartmann Ship "London Pacquet" under Capt. James Cook, from London, September 1770 Germans and the Connecticut j
!
—
— — — — —
— — — — — — —
— — — — — —
— — — —
—
—
—
with
passengers. The Ship "Minerva" under Capt. Thomas Arnott, 29,
15
Claim.
An item appearing in Vol. 9, of Col. from Rotterdam, October 13, with 92 passengers. The Ship "Crawford" un- Rec. 663 gives us information of the der Capt. Chas. Smith, from Rotter- early life of our ancestral Germandam, October 24, with 18 passengers. Swiss people in Wyoming Valley, of passengers the traitorous conduct of brother Germans under Connecticut Yankees. This is the region in which massaAmong the familiar Southeastern later, perpetrated by the cres occurred Pennsylvania names in the list are: Roth Miller Mellinger Weller Indians, and the region in which durBentz Dobler Weber Fritz ing the gloom of the Revolutionary War General Hand led an expedition Neff Becker Hess Jacob Weber Schaffer Arnold Stumph exterminating the Indians. Ziegler Frey The item is a report made to the Jacob Hinckel Hoffman Flick and Miller. Colonial Council and is as follows:
The total were 138.
— — —
—
—
number
—
—
— —
—
—
—
— — —
of
— — — — —
—
, ' 1
INDUSTRY OF PIONEER GERMAN WOMEN. 1770— Spinninii and
"Mr. TighiiLin comnimiicated to the Boaril a Letter he had just received by Stewart, Charles from Express Esquire, dated at Easton, the 2d In-
on Wednesday the 28th of last month, the New England Men, accompanied by a number of Germans, appeared before the Houses at Wyoming, possessed People under the Proprietaries, whooping. Yelling, and Swearing they would have the Prisoners which had been taken from them, and after expressing much abusive Language they began to Fire upon the People in the Houses, who immediately returned the Fir-e, by which one of the Germans was shot Dead, and thereupon the New England Men, etc., returned to the stant,
which
informs
him
Indiislrial
AVeininir of
Women
the
of
Lancaster.
and before, an elaborate manufacture was carried on
1770
"In
that
textile
our industrious German by here mothers, God bless them. In the year
May
1,
17G9,
to
May
1,
1770,
cotton,
woolen and linen goods, consisting of clothing, bed clothing, curtains, etc.,
i
varieties, made by the Lancaster, reached 28,000 yards reported, with materials in the looms for 8,000 yards more and many more not reported at all, as the Germans feared it was sought for taxa-
of j
thirteen
women
'
tion.
at the of
of
One good mother alone, while same time she w^as proprietor
one of the principal hotels
town wove 600 yards herself June 14, 1770).
Fort, etc.
The
:;i7
in
the
(Pa. Gaz.,.
Letter contains several other particulars relating to the Conduct of the Connecticut People at Wyoming. (Vide Letter and its in-
Nine vessels carrying Palatines arrived in Philadelphia harbor this year:
closures.)
The Ship "Pennsylvania Packet" un-
said
1771— Ship Records
of Tbis Tear.
Considera- der Peter Osborne, from London, June "Brig tion the best Measures to be pursued 17, with 7 passengers. The Ship Copeland, William on this Occasion, advised the Governor America
The Board taking
into
1
I
|
j
i
leader."
I
were
341.
—
GERMANS AND SILK PRODUCTION ON SUSQUEHANNA.
548
Among the familiar Southeastern The Ship "Bright Morning Star" under Penna. names in the list are: Bach- Georg Demster, from Rotterdam, Dec. The total man Rohrer Eckman with 44 passengers. Stahl 24, Hepp Miller Schaffer Wentz number of passengers were 318. Kiintz Oster North "WagAmong the familiar Southeastern ner Heiss Kurtz Pennsylvania names in the list are: Wenger Ziegler Straub Jacob Schmidt Wohler Berger Ack- Vast Bentz Beck Miller erman Weber Hartmann Benner Thomas -Zimmerman Hoffman Becker Schneider Kessler Wagner MulRupp Apple Beyer Beyer Ziegler Steinbecker Eberly ]\Iartin Stauffer Marx Winter Weill Zimmer- ler Vogel Hess man Stump Trexler Wolff Smith Herr Kock Paul Wertz Smith and Berger. Lindeman Dieterich Ostertag Lehman 1771 Silk Production in Lancaster Hentz Pfautz Hoover Meyer County This Year. Turner. Hoffmann Richards
—
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
— —
—
— — — — — — — —
—
— —
In Vol. 1 Haz. Reg., page 63, there
—
—
—
—
—
—
— —
— — — — — — — — — — — — —
1722— Great
an
account of cocoons (or silk balls') purchased in Philadelphia and among them there is mention of certain of them which came from Lancaster. Among these Lancaster producers were Samuel Davis who produced seven pounds and 8 ounces John Ashbridge who produced 39 pounds and 8 ounces Caleb Johnson 44 pounds and 4 ounces William Heny 16 pounds and Isaac Whitlock; as it took a great many cocoons to make a pound, their yield as stated above was quite considerably large. is
— — —
Silk
—
— —
Production in Lan-
caster County.
Our German women took great pride
the textile industry, in early times. In securing clothing for the family, they were compelled to do in those times a great deal that is done by machinery and in great mills now. In silk production in 1722 in "Pennsylvania for the greatest number of cocoons and best reeled silk, Lancaster County led the entire state, (Philadelphia city included) in quantities and quality. Widow Stoner herself 1772— Sliip Records of This Year. having raised 72,800 cocoons, Caspar Eight vessels carrying Palatines ar- Falkney 22,845 cocoons, and Catharine All of these rived in Philadelphia harbor this year: Steiner 21,800 cocoons. living were Germans in this producers The Ship "Hope" under John Roberts, Philadelphia Chester county. and from London, Feb. 24, with 23 passencounties and city fell far behind. (Pa. gers. The Ship "Minerva"
—
in
They were very industrious.
—
under James
Johnston, from Rotterdam, Sept. 30, Gaz., March 17, 1773.) with 39 passengers. The Ship "Craw1772 Banking and Agricultural Comford" under Charles Smith, from Rotmerce of Our Local German- Swiss, terdam, Oct. 16, with 94 passengers. The Ship "Catharine" under We are given a picture in the Pa. Sutton, from Rotterdam, Oct. 19, with Gaz. of January 2, of this year of the 19 passengers. The Ship "Phoebe" manner of doing banking business and
—
under Castle, from London, Oct.
It is 19, of marketing farm products. The Ship "Sally" stated that "Henry Funk of Manor under John Osmond, from Rotterdam, Township on Dec. 19, sent his wagon Nov. 3, with 53 passengers. The Ship with flour to Newport and gave the "Hope" under George Johnston, from wagoner Philip Jacobs an order to Rotterdam, Dec. 3, with 40 passengers. bring 40 pounds or 50 pounds in cash
with
6
passengers.
;
i
'
:
i
i
—
GERMAN REDE.MPTIONARIES AND PASSAGE MONEY.
;:4rr
ords include only adults or children
from James Latimore and a neighbor Jacob Center likewise gave him an order to bring for himself and others 100 pounds from James Latimore and Jacob having received the cash bought
and infants also. It is certain that there were a number of females on board: but likely not as many as males. The following is a list as givea in the record.
a horse at Newport left his wagon 5 miles on this side of the town and The names are as follows: went off. He is 30 years old "Dutch" John Kreble Nicholaus Scheuerman 41/^ feet high sandy hair and copper Ludwig Schneider Hans Georg Benred face, white eye brows, gray eyes, ner Sebastian Willie Nicholas Grunlarge teeth and one crooked leg. Had enwald Peter Wagner H. Jacob Wagon a blanket coat, a blue great coat ner Johannes Muller Johaun Jacob leather breeches, crown boots, yarn Beyerie Dominicus Heyrom Johann Ten pounds reward and Lautenschlager Peter Wasser Henry stockings. charges." Anthony Klein Apple Johnaanes In this we also see that the agricul- Heigle Caspar Beyer Nicklaus Kohtural products of the Susquehanna ler Jacob Burg George Hann Jonas valley were sent by wagon to distant Bleech Gustavus Muller Peter Odpoints in this case to Newport on the ern Wilhelm Kumpf Johannes Ihrig seashore; and that long wagon trips Henrich Kicker George Eissenring were a common thing in those days. Joh. Gottlieb Steinbecker Johaun We also see the dishonesty of the Adam Low
—
—
— —
—
— —
— — —
— — — —
—
— — — —
—
—
—
—
—
— —
—
—
— — Johan Caspas Lorentz times. Johan Wilhelm Schneider — Johann 1772~""PoYerty of Some of the Ger- Nickel Martin — Johann Ludwig Starck — Johan Conard German — Johannes man-S>viss Immigrants." Peter Reusch — Johannes. Schott — Johthis annes In the Gazette of January Nitzel — Georg Volck — Peter dated at a notice there year (1772) Kessler — Johannes Benner — Jacob 1772, stating! Marx — Peter Trexler — Jacob Kessler Philadelphia, Jan. remain several Ger- — George Michael Weiss — Jacob Samthat "There man families on board the ship uel Golde — Johann Michael Beltz — "Tyger,". George Johnston, Master, George Mich Raffenberger — Johann lying in the Bird-in-hand Wharf whose Wilhelm Fleck — Hen. Jac. Raubenfreight are to be paid to Willing & heimer — Hen. Lautenschlager — Morris. These families are willing to George Henrich Kindle — Johannes serve a reasonable time for their Waltman — Johann Christ Jager — Johfreight money and credit will be given ann Peter Weill— Johann Daniel Cleiss on giving bonds — Lewis Noy— Sebastian Unacht— Marto those that want In this item we tin bearing interest." Eberts — Adam Steiner — Henry see again the extreme poverty of Webber — Nicholas Jost — Matheis many of the German-Swiss immigrants Fauth — Johannes Motte — Friederich who came to Pennsylvania and settled Foltz— Jacob Hoffman—Nicholas Hoffin the Schuylkill and Susquehanna man — Jacob Ihrig — Johannes Lupp valleys. Chritoph Storner — Henrich Mulberger When we turn to this ship we find —Martin Grahn — Johann Freiderich 1771 (Vol. 17 Dorr — Johann Peter Schrig — Johann that landed Nov. Second Series Penna. Archives, 497) Georg Horn — John Bernard Leyer — and that carried 118 male passen- Hans Heinrich Zimmerman — Gottfried gers. There no of the number Kuhner — Johannes Leonhardt Henn 23,
is
20,
still
:
.loh.
it
\
19,
it
!
p.
j
it
is
list
j
of females:
and we are not able
whether the names stated
to tell
in the rec-
!
i
—
Johann Adam Dracker Johann Leonhard Ragel Coard Meyer— Johannes
—
EMANUEL ZIMMERMAN'S PROMINENCE.
.501
—
—
Johannes Leonard Kessler Muller BenMartin Schneider ^Caiie Benner Trexner Adam Grosshart— Michael Joh. Daniel Conrad Haasee ler Johann Nicolas Fuchs Schwanfelder Hans Georg AckerJohn Le Port
—
— —
— —
—
—
—
mann — Georg Simon Grim — Johannes
beautiful and splendid example modern office-holders and servants the public. The resolution is found the Pa. Gaz. Oct. 14, 1772, and also
to
of in in
Harris' History of Lancaster County, page 130, and is as follows:
—
"To Emmanuel Carpenter, Esq., late Wucherer Johannes Willmann Nicl- one of the Representatives in the AsGeorge Friederich sembly for the County of Lancaster: aiis Samuel Golde Johan Wilhelm Schmidt Kuchle The burgesses, assistants, etc.,Sir: Michael Johann Scheuermann Georg of the borough of Lancaster met this Ihrig John Noy Johannes Schletzer number of the the request of
— —
—
—
—
—
—
—
a inhabitants of the borough, sensible of your services as one of the Representatives for the county of Lancaster in the General Assembly of the Province, these seventeen years past, have directed that the thanks of the corporation be offered to you, with the assurance of their approbation of your steady and uniform conduct in that station. And as you have declined serving your country in that capacity, I am charged to mention, that it is the earnest wish of the inhabitants of Lancaster that you may be continued in the commission of the peace and a judge in our country, where you have so long presided, and deservedly acquired and supported the character of an upright and impartial magistrate, &c.
—John Jorts — Jacob Scheibly — Adam reputable Als— Johannes Reusch — Johann Jacob and being Mich
—
day, at
—
Johannes Kiebel Hans Anton Eberhardt Lautenschlag Philip Egle Christ Jeremias Schmidt Jacob Sanner Conrad Radman Johan Georg Lautenschlager Conrad Von Halt Andreas Ehmer. Many of the above German-Swiss descendants are living today and in affluence and have not the slightest
Menges
—
—
—
—
—
— —
—
idea of the poverty of those days.
1772
— Emmanuel
Zimmerman Fore-
most Local derman-Swiss. In the Penna. Gazette of October 14, we find that, unlike most men, Emmanuel Zimmerman was elected to •office again and again against his will; and begged his constituents many times to release him from furBut his ther holding political office. reputation and character and the results which he obtained for his community and state were so great that the people would not heed his request to be released but kept on electing him. Finally in 1772 he came to a positive resolution not to hold office any longer. This final decision the people accepted but not without passing a resolution of their respect for 1772,
him.
He was
a citizen of Lancaster Borough and the whole Borough in its corporate capacity passed the resoluHis attitude tion and sent it to him. toward public office and the manner in which he discharged his duty are a
By order
of the Burgesses
and As-
sistants,
Casper Shaffner,
Town
Clerk.
(Signed)
Lancaster, October
3,
1772."
To which Emmanuel Carpenter made answer as follows: "To the Burgess
of Lancaster
County:
The appreciation you express of my conduct as a representative and magistrate for this satisfaction.
I
County gives me great hope to continue to
deserve your great opinion by endeavoring to discharge any trust reposed in me with impartiability and fidelity.
Emmanuel
Carpenter."
—
:
PHILADELPHIA AND BALTIMORE BID FOR GERMAN TRADE. A
similar resolution of respect and confidence was passed at the same in compliment to George Ross; and appears in the same issue of the
time
but as he is not a Gerof English extraction the article does not properly fall into these annals.
Penna. Gaz.
;
man-Swiss but
1773— Lancaster County Clover Seed A^ain Commended. In
the
Penna. Gaz. April
14,
item: —
1773,
appears the following Lancaster County Red clover seed of the last year's growth to be sold by Benjamin Paulley at the sign and "Crown of the Anvil" on Market Street above Fourth and opposite to the sign of the Conestoga wagon. This shows that at that time the GermanSwiss farmers of Lancaster County were producing a very superior article.
—German-Swiss
1773
Redemptioners.
In the Penna. Gaz. of Sept. 22, 1773, the following notice is inserted with special reference to Lancaster County farmers calling attention to the num-
?51
Lancaster County with the advice of many gentlemen of Philadeli)hia City has offered a scheme of lottery to the patronage of the i)ublic to enable him to carry on a manufactory of public advantage and to raise a sum of money for that and other beneficent purposes, in the scheme mentioned." This was the Stiegel factory, which though it had been in operation some years needed more capital than it then could command. Stiegel the famous
German other
whom made ware
whom we
all know, and German-Swiss iieople he had associated with him
of
early
a very superior line of glassin Lancaster County at that
time.
1773— Pliiladelpliia and IJaltiniore Rivals for German Trade and Produce of Susquehanna Valley In the Gazette of April stated that:
7,
1773,
it
is
"There are many anonymous handbills of great complaints about the badness of the Lancaster Road by reason of which the writer says we will ber of young German-Swiss passenlose the western trade. The inhabigers who are willing to bind themtants of Lancaster, York and Cumberselves out for several years to pay land counties carry great
for their passage:
"Lancaster Co. German Passengers Just arrived in the Shij) Brittenna, Peters master a number of healthy German passengers chiefly young people whose freight are to be paid to Johannes Fisher and Sons or to the master on board ship lying off
Johnes
draw
a part of the landings on Christiana Creek, Elk River, and Baltimore. Christiana Creek has always been a near and safe way to transport the produce of the Counties of Chester and Lancaster to the markets of Philadelphia and always will be. This trade was early encourged by some of the ablest and best merchants of the Province. The people who are most their
bridge."
produce
to
This gives us a view of the hard- alert in keeping good roads to Christiships and difficulties of the remote ana landing deserve the hearty thanks ancestors of Lancaster County. of the public. 1773
—Establisbment
of Glass Factory
by a German.
You will find that there is but one main road from the back counties to
Baltimore and thereby the inhabitants Mar. are able to keep it in good repair. 17, 1773, contains the notice that: On the other hand by several roads "The proprietor of the American being laid out from Susquehanna to Flint Glass Manufactory at Manheim Philadelphia they are all very bad and
The Pennsylvania Gazette
of
—A
STATE OP GERMAN-SWISS IMMIGRATION.
352
new one now
to dam Sept. 27, 97 passengers. The Ship Govthe "Hope" under George Johnson Oct. 1, be opened and ordered by ernor and council is laid out in sight from Rotterdam, 75 passengers. The of the old one and very erroneously Ship "Charming Molly" under Robert laid out by those who wish to in- Gill from Rotterdam Oct. 22, 60 pasThe Ship "Crawford" under It is laid sengers. crease their land to sell. spoil trade.
And
the
swampiest Charles Smith from Rotterdam Oct. 25, "Ship 66 passengers. The Ship "Snow Neptune" under Thomas Edward Wallace, Tavern." from Lisbon Nov. 23, 5 passengers. Our predecessors formerly judged The Ship "Fame" under James Dunvery right in laying out the public Lisbon. Nov. 24, 3 passencan from roads to Lancaster. They looked for gers. The Ship "Clementina" under the highest and best ground and made whose in- Patrick Brown from Lisbon Dec. 7, 7 it central to the inhabitants passengers. The Ship "Montague" un"landings" the terest it is to go to der Wm. Pickels from Lisbon, 36 pasTulpehocken and to Conestoga and on ground
out
the
all
worst
the
way
and to
the
Let us repair the old settlements. It will cost only one-tenth as road. much as to make a new one."— Friend of Liberty."
sengers.
1774— Ship Becords
of This Tear.
Six vessels carrying Palatines arrived in Philadelphia harbor this year:' In this we see early road politics The Ship "Snow Sally" under Capt. also the deep concern with which PhilStephen Jones, Aug. 15, 8 passengers. adelphia viewed Baltimore as a rival The Ship "Brigantine Nancy" under for the Susquehanna trade. Then too Thomas Armstrong from Hamburg, we see that considerable of the Gerpassengers. The Ship June 21, 7 man-Swiss rural development and "Charming Molly" under Robert Gill progress in Susquehanna Valley defrom 14 passengers. London, Sept. 29, pended on the highways to the big
The Ship "Union" under Andrew Brybusiness centers of Philadelphia and son from Rotterdam, Sept. 30, 108 pasBaltimore. sengers. The Ship "Patty and Peggy" under Robert Hardie from Lisbon, Oct. 1773— Ship Records of This Tear.
The Ship "Sally" 29, 12 passengers. Fourteen vessels carrying Palatines under from Rotterdam, John Osmond arrived in Philadelphia harbor this Oct. 52 passengers. 31, The Ship "Pennsylvania" unyear: der Peter Osborne from London April 1774 Local German-Swiss and the
—
The Ship "Cathpassengers. Revoliitioii. (name not under Sutton" arine The All readers of local history know given) April 30, 18 passengers. Arthat, beginning with 1774, the County Ship "Brigantine Dolphin" under thur Hill from London May 31, 36 pas- of Lancaster in common with other The Ship "Carolina" under counties and sections of the Province sengers. Benj. Loxley Jr. from London June 4, of Pennsylvania held patriotic meet8 passengers. The Ship "Sally" under ings protesting against Great Britain's John Osmond from Rotterdam Aug. 23, treatment of us and also held meet114 passengers. The Ship "Brittannia" ings to draw up resolutions upon the under James Peter from Rotterdam sufferings of Boston and New England The Ship in general. Among the persons who Sept. 18, 118 passengers. "Catharine" under James Sutton, Sept. attended the meetings there was alThe Ship "Union" ways a considerable number of our 21, 14 passengers. under Andrew Bryson from Rotter- patriotic German-Swiss people; they 30,
22
AMISH MENNONITES— GUN MAKING. did their part nobly in that struggle
as well as others. Uocords of This Year.
177,-,_Sliii)
Just two vessels carrying Palatines arrived in Philadelphia harbor this The Ship "Catharine" under year:
333
'RESOLVED That a messenger be sent to Joseph Ferree, of Lancaster County with a letter from this Committee requesting him to complete the guns wrote for as patterns, and to know how many he can furnish of the same kind and at what price."
John Baron from London, Jan. 16, 7 This little item is sufficient passengers. The Ship "King of Prus- us that Lancaster County and sia" under William Potts from Rotter- man-Swiss had a prominent dam, 177.')
Oct.
9,
68 passengers.
— .Vinish
In
Vol.
7,
Mennonite Haz.
show
to its
Ger-
position
the time of the Revolutionary War. were others besides Joseph Ferree making guns in the towns of Lancaster. in
There
Iinnil);rants.
150 may be called "History of
Reg.
found a monograph the Amish, etc."; it is only a sketch however. Among a number of other things the author speaks of these men wearing long red capes; and the women wearing neither bonnet, hat nor capes but a string is tied around the head so the hair is kept from falling in their faces. He says that they lived in a limestone country and near the Pequea, whose w'ater was clear and cold. As to worldly possessions he says that they desired very little and gives an instance of a brother of the faith being offered 1000 acres of land by the Penns free, to gain this influential man's favor and thereby stimulate purchase of land in that neighborhood. The writer states that the old churchman refused it saying that it was against the church as they did not believe nor approve of a man owning more land than he could cul-
—Meuiioiutes
1776
Confession of Faith.
We have stated at a prior place in these annals something of the Dortrecht Confession of faith under the date of 1632 and of the first confession of faith in the new world at Conestoga about 1721. We now notice that the Mennonites revised their confession of faith in the European countries about 1776. In Vol. 7, Haz. Reg. 129 it is staled that the Mennonites followed a confession of faith about that date composed by Cornelius Riss, preacher, and which was published that year at Hamburg. He goes on to say that this gave them new life in Europe and that they launched out on education; and erected the Mennonite College at Amsterdam. Considerable more is set forth in the article just mentioned. 1776— Genuan-Swiss in the Revolutionary War.
tivate.
In the same article a petition is set forth addressed by these people to Vol. 4, Penna. Arch. 774 we are told William Penn or his son dated 1718 of the formation of the German Batwhich is quite interesting and which talions for the War. Not only is this we have mentioned in its proper place so but there were several German in these annals. regiments in the War. One of the Gerr1775 Joseph Ferree Bejrins Oiiiimak- man regiments was very largely made
—
intr
for the
War.
In 10 Col. Rec, page 290, under the date of July 22, there was a resolution passed by the Committee of Safety as follows:
up of Lancaster County Germans. 1777
— Germans
In Vol.
5,
.Vgrainst 3Iilitary
Laws.
Penna. Arch., page 343, we
find set forth that the local
Swiss people were very
German-
much opposed
GERMANS AND THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR.
354
methods which would make a mili- the struggle would be lost and their tary nation of America; and again on treatment from Great Britain would page 504 they voiced their opposition be harder than ever. This led them to military proceedings in very cer- to refuse to sell cattle for war purIn the same poses; (Pa. Arch. Vol. 8, page 329) tain and positive tones. book, page 396, it is recorded they re- and also to oppose the payment of war Do. 330. The result was a fused to sell their produce for military taxes. purposes believing that the country large number of them were impristo
was taking a wrong same Vol., p. 427, we
course.
In the
find these breth-
ren meeting and passing remonstrances About the against military action. same time in the same Vol., page 576, we find these same brethren taking a positive stand and resorting to strenuous actions at York. A similar account of other proceedings may be found, page 414; and page 768 another stand against militarism in Pennsylvania is recorded as being taken. The leaders of these Germans were wide readers and thoughtful students and their newspaper was highly respected and was subscribed for by the Government so that the authorities might be able to keep in touch with GermanSwiss thought and action. Col. Rec. The paper however was 11, page 409. discontinued the next year. Col. Rec. 11, p. 573.
1778—"Dutch"
Disaffection.
Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. of 1715, page 233, there can be found an article upon what the writer terms to be the In
the
German-Swiss for the stand this country was taking against Great Britain. However this may be, these people did valiant service in that struggle. They did however renew their complaint against the disaffection of the
oath which was attempted to be urged upon them. Vol. 6 Penna. Arch. 572. 1780
— German-Swiss ary
War
and BeTolntionTaxes.
seems that about this time Germans became discouraged with the long dreary war which was in progress more than four years and felt that It
oned for this matter of conscience. Do., page 343.
1780— German Society
8
for Relief of
Germans.
may be seen in Vol. 10 355 the suffering of the German-
This year as St. L.
Swiss people of Pennsylvania caused a law to be' passed to incorporate a
German
Society for contributing relief
Germans in Pennsylvania. The act says that the Germans by their numerous settlements in Pennto the distressed
sylvania have greatly contributed to the wealth and strength of the State; and that it is necessary to furnish relief to those who need assistance here, and teach their children the English and German languages, thereby allowing these children to finish their studies at the University at Philadelphia and to have means of creating a library. A society for these purposes was needed. The act then goes on to set forth the organization of the society and to mention its purposes, and give the names of original founders. This shows that they were enterprising for an education and general welfare.
1782
— Tlie German-Swiss Disregard the Prohibiting of Trade With
Great Britain. In Vol. 13 Col. Rec, pages 317 and it is set forth that some of the
328,
German-Swiss people began selling, buying and dealing in British goods; in spite of the fact that the
Colonies
had determined not to deal in British trade in any manner whatever. Those who did so were severely punished as referred to in this book.
Vol. 15 Col.
JACOB FRIES' TREASON TRIAL. Kec, page 546, there is an account of in the proceedings of the Pennsylvania the seizure of some of these goods State Bar Association held at Erie, It is interesting to note that that were dealt in by some of their 1914. people in defiance of what the patriots Judge Chase was impeached for cerhad decided upon. This clashing of tain acts occurring in these treason views between those who felt it their proceedings. Christian duty to live a life of nonIt was our intention to bring these oaths to annals down to the time of the Revoresistance and to obey the Having done so, we supiiort the British government they lutionary War. had taken when they were permitted now conclude the series. The items to enter Pennsylvania on one hand, and set forth in the latter part of this i
.
j
j
!
the patriots on the other hand (who were determined to break the bands which bound them to British authorcaused many bold, open outity") breaks. One of the most noted of
these Fries
was
found
in the
that of the action of Jacob
work are simply specimen items
illus-
trating the trend of the life of these people and their general policy. It is not pretended that all of their doings are here chronicled, but only a few of them. Many thousand items that might
Revolution- have been written concerning them ary the United from 1750 onward are not taken in the Many of the States Government to such an extent scope of this work. that he w^as tried for treason. The items of this volume have been gathfull particulars of the trial may be ered from rare sources and translatfound in Vol. IS of the proceedings of ed from the Dutch and German lanthe Lancaster County Historical So- guages; in which languages the origciety, page 87. There is a document inal manuscript which we have conconnected with this trial; namely a sulted were written. petition signed by some of the GerWe feel that the estimate we gave man sympathizers of Jacob Fries ask- in the opening paragraph of this work ing release from these burdensome is justified by the material included conditions, in the library of the Lan- within these covers. caster County Historical Society. Our task is now at an end and we leave it to the consideration and judgOn the corner of the document are those who shall read the hisment of the initials of the President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson. Other tory which, we feel that, herein we particulars concerning the trial are have helped to preserve.
who refused to pay War taxes and defied
paper of Lewis Richards
H.
FRANK ESHLEMAN.
356
INDEX OF ITEMS Note:
It is probable that
some items are inadvertently omitted from this index.
Anabaptists, see Mennonites Alsace Anabaptists "
104 114
Mennonites in
Banking and Financiering of Ger348 man-Swiss Baltimore Wants Germans' Pro-
duce Altham - Lord - Servant of German 273 Beghinen, Rise of Farmer 341 Berne Walderseans, 1522 and Mennonites Agriculture and ;
Amsterdam
Library, "Mennonite". Supports Anabaptists. Interceded E o r Ana-
15 92
105 128 128 Mennonites Documents Documents on Faith, 1693. 129 baptists
) Amish Mennonites
Orders Extermination Berne's Decree Against Emmenthal
to,
1710
Deportation to, 1710 Amish Protest Against Penn's Law Mennonites' Early Customs Protest Against Laws Mennonites Petition for Re-
161 205 208 204
13
Rise in Zurich
Early Spread in Ne18 therland " Attack ]ry Rival 18 Creeds " LuthOver Triumph 20 erans Annesley, Arthur, an Irish Lord.. 273 Austrian Decree Against Anabap-
"
Roll Decrees, 68,
104
Jail
91, 92, 97, 100, 102,
105. 107, 110, 116, 124 "
Biestkin's Bible, First Edition 1560 Bible, Biestkin's Translation, 1560
138 144 151 215 215
25 60 62 62 62
Emden Edition Bixler Leaves the Reform Church 79 Bible Testament Printed at Basel. 122 131 Bingelli's Colony Birth (First in Lancaster County) 162 211 Bizalion and His Labors Blauroch's Death 37 33 Bloody Edicts of Charles and Philip 59 50 Bohemia and Mennonite Faith.... 11 56 11 and Anabaptism 215 Bollinger, Mennonite Father and
tism Anabaptists
Augsburg Diet of Avarice, Absence of Background (European) Bavarian Prominence Baptism (Early Anabaptist View) 29, Bavaria and Anabaptism Baptists, see "Anabaptists" Basel, Tortures in
39 40 63
Banishment of Mennonites. and Runkle 276 Banishments of 1710 lief " 353 Beissel's Labors and Achievements Immigrants Armstrong, ,Iohn, Killed by Indians 288 Bearing Arms, Objection to... 11 Bible, Xuremburg Translation.... Anabaptsm and Bohemia 12 Anabaptist Translation.... Anabaptism's Rise in Berne
"
6
12
Belgium Mennonites, 1564 64 64 Berne Executions Government Teaches Against 73 Anabaptism 159 94 Growth of. In
Origin
America, Attempted Banishment
Berne, Migration of Anabaptists to
351
63 Historian Bounties, Anabaptists Pay to 24 105 Escape War Service 30 Bounties in Leiu of Military Serv1 5
35
106 330 Bair (John) A Mennonite Father, 324 57 Boehm Secedes 1551 323 Church " 57 Boyerland of Lichtenfels 153 Services 93 Brackbill's Baltic Anabaptists 155 Diary Banishment Divides Families o f 157 1710 Exodus of Report 116 Mennonites Friendly Services, 168, 169 159 Banishment of 1710 to America. Benedict's Letters 195, 196 209 Baptism, Earliest Form of 47, 51
.
.
ice
Bound
Out,
German Boys
INDEX OP ITEMS.
357
Brickmaking Among Palatines.... 221 Conestoga Manor Sub-divided Confiscations of .Mennonite Goods Anal)a|)tisin 79, 81 Confiscation, Mennonite Goods, 259, Burkliolder (Hans) Escapes Arrest 101 Commerce between Philadelphia lO:? Bunigardners Hymn and Lancaster 157 Contagious Disease on Shipboard. Biirki's Report of 1710 Exodus. Bunisardner, Ulrich. Reasons for
.
.
.
Burkholder. Letters of Hans Burkholder's Labors and Letters. Letters and Labors.. " Letters and Labors.. (Hans) Death Burial a t Philadelphia o f Dead
255 260 260 269 275 315
288 Ship Diseases 294 Contagion on Ship Board, Crowd298 ing, etc 319 312 and (Quarantine 339 313 "Corner" in Firr; Wood 331 Congregations in Palatinate, 1671 332 315 Connecticut Claim and Our GerGerman Immigrants 333 Burglary and Punishment many 346 58 Cumberland Valley Migration Calvinism at Geneva 271 64 Denmark Favors Anabaptism vs. Papacy 25 71 Debate on Anabaptism Calvinists vs. Lutherans 32 Cartledge and Conestoga 210 Deventer Edict vs. Anabaptists... 78 Capital Punishment in Pa. (Early) 333 Delaware Mennonite Colony 130 Cemeterj-, Oldest in Lancaster Co. 250 Deportation to America 161 .
Children in Church Church and the Children and State, Separation
and
State,
of.
Sejjaration
.
16 16 43
.-
ica
Churches, First Mennonite Mennonite, Earliest in Lancaster County.... Chalkley's Account Chickies and Salunga Settlement. Clover Seed. Germans Produce It. Comet. The Great and Telner Confession of Faith, Mennonites, 15, of Faith, Anabaptist. Confiscation of Property by Swiss Confession of Faith in Reformed .
.
Church of Faith (Dortrecht). Confiscated Property of Anabap.
44 44 97
170.
171,
172
Deportation,
28,500
Florins
Col-
lected for
178
Ocean Travel 275 Ditcher, Mary and the Palatines. 219 Death
in
Disease. Contagion on Shi]) Disaffection of Germans
323 148 220 351 121 353 70 73
Dortrecht Confession of Faith.... 82 Donegal, Mennonite Neighbors at. 223 Dortrecht Confession of Faith in
of
77 82
in 1712 192, 193 Settlements. .200, 201
More Assessment
to Holland,
137 323
124
tists
Conestoga Valley Settlement
List
Departure Money of the Banished 176
of
1532 Charles Fifth and Anabaptists.... Chronicles of Anabaptists' Torture Church. First Mennonite, in Amer-
Mennonites 1711, from Berne Jail 170
of
321 322 354
"Dutch"
Conestoga
228
Dry Goods of Early Times 261 Dunkards Secede 137 In Pequea and Conestoga
212 309 324 Dunkers' Troubles at Ephrata.... 344 "Dutch" Disaffection 354
Dunkers in Virginia Dutch Grain Fans Invented
Eggvyl Anabaptist Colony in Emmenthal 101 Eggvyl Congregation to be De-
stroyed 204 Elbe. Anabaptists Flee from Land Grants 210 Elbing Anabaptists and Strasburg Additions 213 Election Riots of 1742 and the GerThe Great Road 217 man Additions 220 Funds of 1749 and Collection of Taxes 225 Emmenthal. Earliest Anabaptists of and Dortrecht ConfesDrift Into, 1538 sion 228 Suffering and Wild Beasts 235 Empson's Colony on Octoraro. Sufferine 251 Emmenthal Hunt of 1718
.
.
.
117 65 108
276 301 27 49 102 131 132
INDEX OF ITEMS.
358
Emigration Tax Opposed by Men236
nonites "
to
Lancaster
Co.
"
203
Pennsylvania Op230 posed to Pennsylvania Creates New Alarms... 231 to
to
"End
of
Lancaster,
1731.
..
World" Scare
239 38
English Decrees Against Anabap50
tists
192 England and Poor Palatines Ephrata Monastic Society Begun.. 249
Community Community
Solitary Life 255 Historical 271 Note 344 Dunkers' Troubles 240, 241, 242 Eshleman Family 90 Ethical Rules of Anabaptists "
European Background
1
Galley Slaves (Anabaptist) Torture, Berne Renounces
Torture and
51 77
Reformed
Church Torture in 1671 Tortureof Mennonites. 1671 Torture Prohibited Masters Show Kindness... Punishmen*: Fatal Torture Summed Up Torture on Mennonites Germans (High) and Anabaptism. Germany, Migration Into, Anabaptists
Ill 112 114 117 117 119 160 199 21 32
Geneva. Birthplace of Calvinism, 1555
58
German Peasant War. Anabaptists
Accused of 5 Evangelical Doctrine, The Rise of Germans Adhere to Fletcher Everling's Letters 114, 115 German First Settlement 120 Statistics of 1672 Reform Exodus to EngExecutions of Anabaptists at Mun31 land in 1709 ich 142 Swiss Trading with PhilExodus to England of 1709 154 adelphia on Rhine in 1710 " Swiss Victims of Robbers Hymn (Exodus into Hol182 Swiss Thrift and Industry land) Swiss Emigrants, Poverty 190 of 1711 " of of 1711 Reach Lancaster Reformed Christians Seek 191 County Naturalization Executions in Lancaster County. 333 Swiss on the Election Farmers, Anabaptists Excel as ... 93 Riots of 1742 Faith and Conversion of AnabapSwiss Supporters of the 125, 126 tist Fathers Government Fares and Expenses of ImmigratSwiss Newspaper in Penn. 269 ing Swiss in Lancaster in 1744 Families Separated 330 Swiss and Indian DepreFeierer as a Mennonite Father, dations 1528 31 " Swiss Agriculture Very 276 "Foot Washing" Among Amish. Successful Finland. Anabaptists Flee to 56 Swiss and the Indians... Fines, Disposal of 198 Swiss Mennonites MurFile Making Among Palatines.... 221 dering Filthy Condition of Ships 269 Swiss Woman Executed Financial Pro2-ress of Germans... 333 for murder Flanders Decree. Holland Inter" Swiss and the Quaranvenes 76 tine Forrer (Forry) Philip Appears... 78 Forest Fires. 1731 239 Swiss and Politics " Frankenthal Colony and Skippack 141 Swiss Politics in LancasFrench & Indian War, Germanter County " Swiss Oppose 286 Immigrants Poor and Fries, Jacob. Tried for Treason.. 355 Needy Fraud at Election of 1749 301 Germans and Irish to be Separated .
133
Stephen and Charles XII.. 133
of
1717 "
Funk Preaches before Charles XII of Sweden
lOO 130 132 143
230 233 265 269
270
.
.
276 277 282 283
286
.
286 291 292 294 299 307 308 315 319
I
INDEX OF ITEMS. German Swiss Limited
to
Hauser a Mennonite Father, 1539.
Massa-
319 320 Swiss in Politics Swiss Quality Declines... 321 322 Swiss Disaffection
chusetts
Swiss
Hel|)
Indian
French and
War
Germantown Brethren
359
327
Oppose 327
Slavery
50 65 Hambergers Turn Anabaptists.... 93 93 Hamburg Mennonites, 1641 243 Hardships of Sea Voyage of Sea Travel. 17 weeks 245 249 on Ocean Halifax. German-Swiss Intended for 309 Hardships of Ocean Travel 310 Halifax. Mennonites at 313 Ilaslibach, the Ilymnist
32S Germans as Aliens 329 Penna. in German-Swiss Increase Germans Get London Company "Hangings," 331 Land "
German
Paxton Murder. 335 and Last Two Indians.. 337
Oi)i)ose
339 341
Mills Sold by Sheriff Swiss and Lotteries
"
Lutheran Church Lottery
"
Swiss Political Leaders.. 342 Crops Destroyed by Hail 345 and Connecticut Claims. 346
341, 342 "
.
Germans and Glass Making German Produce. Baltimore and " "
351
a Public Event Hail Storm in Lancaster County. Hershey's (Benedict) Letters Hemi) Industry and Mennonites.. Herr as a Mennonite Feather, 1538 Hendricks' Account of Suffering.. Hendricks. Jacob. Dutch Preacher, Diary of Rhine Expeditions.... Heat. Great Heat in Conestoga, 1734 Hempfield, Its Hemp History of Anabaptists Published .
.
Pihiladelphia Customers 351 Holland Mennonite Refuge Mennonite Faith in 1520.. 353 Swiss Gunmakers Hollinger. Jacob and Klaus, MenSociety for Relief of Ger-
mans Germans
Disregard
354
Among Our Germans
Government Declares Mennonites 124 Enemies Golden Book (Queen Anne's) 143 Greybill, Munzer and Manz as Mennonite Fathers, 1524 Graybill Mennonites Gross. Jacob, as a Mennonite Father. 1525
Groeninger
Attempts Extermina-
tion
49 94
154
251 338 101 9
11 14
Hoffman. Melchoir, as a Mennonite
Navigation
354 351 Gun Making in Lancaster County. 353 324 Grain Fans. "Dutch" Invented 331 Graft in Stove Wood Good's Account of Suffering Mennonites in 1672 119
Acts Glass flaking
nonite Leaders, 1523
333 345 325 338
17 19
Father. 1529
Hoffman's Followers in Holland.. Houstetter as a Mennonite Father,
35 39
1538
48 67 72 in.. 80 Holstein Anabaptists of 100 Holland HeliJs Anabaptists 103 Relief Organized " Anabaptists Not Strict... 105
Holland Refunds Anabaptists " Anabaptist Progress
Anabaptists Brethren
Help
Swiss 107
"
109 Intercession Hostages. Berne Holds Anabaptists 116 117 20 Hosi)itals for Anabaptists Holland Helps Palatine Anabap120 33 tists " 139 Persecutions 145 49 Holland's Friendship .
Greisinger, a Mennonite Father, 153S Greisinger's Death Graef (Hans) Arrival Graffenried's Expedition with IMennonites Grist Mill (First in Conestoga) Gun Factory. Mylin's "Haldemann" and "Hochtetter". Haldeman as a ^Mennonite Father, 1538 .
.
.
.
49
130 143 194 212 48
Holland at Nimewegin Rescues De155 l)arted Mennonites " Brethren Care for Rhine " Expeiition Refugees... 156 " Mennonites Befriend Their Brethren. .163. 164, 165, 166 Exodus, List from Berne Jail
48
Holland's Valuable Help
170 175
INDEX OF ITEMS.
360
Holland Migration Divides
Among German-Swiss.... Attack Mennonites Inheritance. Germans Allowed.... of 185 Indians Helped by Mennonites.
Fami-
Exodus Into
(Names
People)
.
Exodus, Those on Board 186 Ship Thun Another List of Exodants
"
"
286 327 328 336 143, 144 Irish Palatine and Germans to be Separted 319 263 Jails in Early Times Jealousy Against t h e German278, 279 Swiss 355 Jefferson. Friend of Germans " President, and Jacob 355 Fries' Trial 136 Jersey, First German in 235 Jury Duty and Mennonites 329 Judge Zimmerman Appointed Keith. Governor, a Friend of Men222 nonites 125 King, Fidelity to, by Anabaptists. George's War and the Men272 nonites 137 Kccherthal Colony Lancaster County Names in Zurich 38
Indians
1^6
lies
186
Into
Exodus To. 172, 173, 176, 177, 178, 179, 180, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 187, 188 Exodus, Those in
Ship
"Neumburger" Exodus, List Summed Up " Exodus, List of Heads of Families Mennonites Leave is Asked for Aid Horse Stealing Mennonite Victims Household and Farming Utensils of Early Times Hospitals for Contagious Diseases Among German Swiss Holland Oppresses Mennonites.... Overtaxed i n Exporting German Mennonites Horrors of Ocean Travel Holland Helps Virginia 324, Huimieier as a Mennonite Father,
187 188 189 189 231 233
261
(or Huth) as a ther. 1529
Mennonite Fa-
Huguenots, Anabaptists Aid Huber as a Mennonite Father. 1542
Hungarian Mennonites Hungary. Exodus Into Huguenot Mennonites
in 1629....
County Names
(Berne 47 Executions) Landis", Hans, Suffering and Death 74 Langnan Colony of Anabaptists... 79 299 "Lamb" and "Son" Anabaptists... 121 304 Langnau Expulsions o f Anabap-
280 287
326
"
tists, 1692 List of Mennonites pelled from 1692
54 SI SI
nites to N.
Menno-
Y
Immigration of 1729 Floods Tow^ards Penn-
and Contagious eases
143 142
County's "
Great
Snow
Storm of 1741 275 County Election Riot, 276 282 283 295
1742 Conflicts Over Lancaster in 1744 Landis Letter
Dis-
303
Lancaster County
and Crowding
of Ships 319 17 Infant Baptism, Revolt Against... 29 Inn. Valley of. Martyrdom 57 Inquisition in Holland 69 Integrity of Anabaptists
Indian Treaty and Mennonites. ... 216 Inheritance Law Favoring Menno224 nites Industry and Thrift of Our Ancestors
192
sions
Land Grants,
197
sylvania "
127
193 County Additions Land, The Right to Hold 236 Lancaster Trade With Philadelphia 269
Ill of
127
Ex-
134 Land Ownership 35 Lancaster County First Settlement 147 46 County Pioneer's Graves 149 " County Palatine Acces-
(Lefever)
1669
Hunter (Colonel) Cargo
.
.
22
1577
Hut
.
265
Germans
Politics
and
301 314 in 1754, etc... 317
Town and Germans.... Germans "
County to Send Irish Cumberland German Burgess
to
319 322
County, Acres of Tilled
Land Land Cleared and sylvania
329 Tilled in Penn-
329
INDEX OF ITEMS.
361
Bohemia, 1519 Holland Doctrine's Early Foot-
Land Valuation in Pennsylvania.. 329 Mennonite Faith Faith 330 Lancaster Xewspaier " County Like Switzerland 340
Land Clearing by Germans
67 Liberty of Consciene, Rise of.... 152 Lithuanian Colony of 1710
List of pelition of 1710
M
.
From German
neers Lotteries and German-Swiss
and the Church
20, 21,
22,
248 341 340. 341
Loyalty to Government Pledged by
18,
19,
35.
36, 37, 38, 42, 48. 50, 52, 56. 57, 60
First
Confession
Lil)rary.
Amsterdam.
.
15 15
.
-Mennonites, Early Torture Graybill Faction
19 19 21
Reformers
Menno Simon,
the
Mennonite
Founder. Persecuted .Mennonites'
i:.26..
21 21 22
.
Synod
316 Mennonites and Hupmier German-Swiss -Mennonitism, Second Stage of.... to Government Pledged by 316 Mennonites, Attempt t o ExtermiMennonites " 352 nate of Germans to America Retard Reformation.. Lutheranism, Rise of 8 Number of, in 1529.. Lutheran-Mennonite Differences.. 16 " Catechism AnabapLutherans Try to Crush .
.
.
tists
Lutheran Hatred
of Anabaptists.. E.xodus t o England in
and
Moravian
versy Martyrs, Lancaster County
The Burning
Contro294
Xames
of
Martyr Manuscripts Manz, Greybill and Munzer as Mennonite Fathers, 1524 Martyr's Mirror, Beginnings of .
Martyrdom
of
.
.
Wagner
Marriages, Anabaptists Void Mangold, a Mennonite Historian.. Martyr's Mirror, Amsterdam Edi-
26 68 97
27 28 34 35 37 41 41 45
(Berne) Help French
Huguenots "
22 25
46
sia
"
15 17 17
Emden
Success in Berne Extinction in Zurich.
.Menno Simon Renounces Catholicism Mennonites (Berne) Flee to Rus-
5 5
102
tion
"
"
143
1709 "
Rally at
22 56
49,
of
Faith "
Pio-
17,
24, 25. 26. 28. 30, 31, 34,
159 322 35 125 331 148
Letter in
13,
14.
o v e
London Company Lands
Low Morals Rare
Fathers and Founders,
E.\-
Liberty Reigns in Pennsylvania.
Lords Supper, Debate On Long Island, Mennonites
11
11 12
hold. 1522
335
Those on First Rhine
in in
To Be Crushed..
.
Executions
"Mennonists"' First Appearance.
.
Menno Simon's Death Mennonite and Reformed Merger. Mennonites as Vine Dressers. 1671 Mennonite Refugees' Poverty and
46 47 54 55 61 81 114
115
Suffering
Manheim-Rhine Expedition Halted 154 Mennonites, Early Large Families 115 211 Mennonite Refugees (Statistics) of Maryland Encroachments Border "War
254
in
120
1672
Boundary Troubles. 256, 257 -Mennonites (Swiss) Number Boundary Oppressions. 257 the Palatinate Border Struggle Line Dispute Martyr's :\Iirror Published Massachusetts Invites GermanSwiss There
Manheim Glass Works Mennonites, See "Anabaptists" " Descendants of Waldenseans
263 296 300 319 351
First
America Enemies o ment
120 i
n 121
f
Govern124
124 Mennonite Marriages Void Mennonites and Fletcher 130 Not Friendly to Quakers
5
Settlement
in
130
Mennonite School at Germantown 131
INDEX OF ITEMS.
362
Mennonites Beg to Escape Taxes. 131 Mennonites Industrial Prosperity 279 Oppose French and Mennonite Leaders, 13, 14, 17, 19, 20, 22,
24, 25,
30,
34, 35, 36,
Mennonite
49, 52, 60
Teachers "
132
First Church in rica
Mennonites Banished from "
in in
Ame137
"
n
of,
in Switz-
erland in
292
Maryland Line Dis296
pute
England
and Ship Travel Hor143
in 1709
i
292
Mennonites Treatment 138
to
286
Germany
Berne
1709
Exodus
Indian War Swiss Wandering
300
rors
Sent to Ireland, 1709 143
and Political Activity 301
"
Banishments from and Political Affairs.. 151 Mennonite Tenants Berne 167 Good Character Wheat Growers Rescued from Berne Mennonites and Lancaster Town. 174 Jail and Ship Diseases... " Old and New Swiss Petition Governor to
"
Large
;
Factions Shiploads
191 "
Ar201
rive
Mennonite Colony o f County " Emigrants
ernment
Lancaster
209 213
Indian Children Mennonites Assist Indian Treaty. Fond of Keith " Victims of Vagrants. .
and Taxes Victims of Robbers.. Mennonite Emigration Falling Off, .
"
214 216 222 225 225 233
"
234
1729
235 Mennonites and Jury Duty High Character Cer-
"
Tax
Names
237
Mennonite Immigrants Poverty... 247 Mennonites Deceived by Maryland "
Government Goods Confiscated 259,
261
List of "
Migration
Into the
271 Cumberland Mennonites Friendly With Quak" "
271
ers
and
King
George's
War and the Election Riot of 1742
o
f
353
Mill, First,
353 and the Military and Window Taxes... 355 194 On Conestoga
213 Creek Settlement Mennonites' Right to Make. 224 Migration Into Cumberland Valley 271 260 to Western Pennsylva-
249
Mennonite Household Utensils,
352
Confession
Faith
Rhine
Valley, 1731
Revolutionary
New 236
in
of,
323 324 324 326 327 335 336 338 341 348 349 Immigrants Poor Clover Seed Producers 351
War
Emigration
Oppose
Primitive Churches... Boehm Secedes Virginia Despair .... and Indians Oppose Slavery Clear Land Befriend Indians Raise Hemp and Agriculture and Silk Raising
and
235
tified
.
Lancaster in 1754. 317 Invited t o Settle i n 319 Massachusetts
to
171S
of
316
GovPenna. 316 to
in
206
Prior
Mennonites Franchised Mennonite Children and
"
Trust Thun Pledge Loyalty
307 310 312 314 314
272
"
Mills.
272 nia Travel Ocean Tells of Mittelberger ^^^ Horrors 339 Sheriff... by Sold German. Mills. 343 Miller, Peter, Dunker's Troubles. 353 Germans Military Laws and Local 39 Morals of Anabaptists •
Moravia, Taufers in 276 Moravian Religious Printers
.
52
65
INDEX OF ITEMS. Moravia, Restrain from -Migration 70,000 Crushed Out of.
.
.
Morals. Code of Slip of.
Among
73 71 77 90
Palatines. 248 248 266
Occasional Slip of Mortality in Sea Voyages
Moravian and
Lutheran
Contro-
versy
294,
Munzer, Gray bill and Manz as Mennonite Fathers, 1524
17
363
Ocean Voyage Horrors
305 Travel. Hardships of 310 Travel, Horrors of Crowd319 ing and Disease Ores Discovered at Conestoga 217 15 Pai)al Tithes Demanded Palatinate, Swiss Migration 60 " Persecutions in 60 Religious Prominence. 84 Palatine Swiss Not in Accord 109 Palatinate Migration, 1761 113
"
18 Against Anabaptism Poverty of Mennonites, in 1672 Muller as a Mennonite Father,1529 34 " Exodus to England in Hans, Labors and Troubles 34 1709 Musical Instruments Not Allowed 108 Exodus of 1709 Feather 49 Mylin as a .Mennonite 97 Palatines, English Settling Among the Chronicler Declaration of Fidelity. 212 Mylin-.s Gun Factory Palatinate Mennonites in 1731 Naturalization in Pennsylvania
(Anabaptists)... Palatines Navigation Laws and Palatines... Naturalization of Germans, 135, 137, 221, 223, 225, 232, 247, 249 Navigation Act Injuries Naturalization
121 134 259 136,
Defends
88
Swiss
Ana-
baptists
Neuberg Mandate Neubern Settlement
New Berne Colony
Destroyed Mennonites Formed York Palatines Come to Penn-
" "
sylvania Pioneers Danville Original Church
Holland
Newspaper in Lancaster Nimewegen, Reception of, Departi-
Refuse to Pay Quit Rents 254 and Navigation Acts. .. 259 .
Navigation Acts and Mennonites.. 354 Netherland Anabaptist Growth.... 18 Intercedes
142 142 194 227 237 Palatines Leave New York 218 Condition in Palatinate.. 246 Thrift of 253 Decendents' Inventory.. 253
259
265, 267, 268, 270, 280, 281
"
119
100 101 136 163 191
Palatinate, Condition in 1761
Paxton Murder, Germans Try
332 to
Stop
Law to Protect Our Ship Pennsylvania Names (Earliest ApPalatines,
pearance
335 339 2
)
Persecutions, New Swiss Peters Dirk, Execution 1546
84 56
Peasant War, Anabaptist Accused 100
of
Wm.
120 and Anabaptists 218 Pequea Valley Settlement, Prepa-
Penn.
227 323 330
rations for... 138, 147, 149, 150, 151
Penn's Conference With First Col-
ony Pequea Colony, Size
of
162 163 192 195
Colony, Additions to 154 tion Down Rhine. 1710 Additions Nickel Discovered in Lancaster Co. 248 339 Pennsylvania Fearful of MennoNightWatch Among Germans 202 Non-Resistants, Troubles 3 nites " Persecution.s of. 7 Penn's Friendshi]) to Mennonites. 204 Pennsylvania's Goverment F'earful Growth n Bohe 205 mia of Mennonites 7 211 55 Pequea Additions Northern Coast Anabaptists Norwegians and Anabaptists 68 Pennsylvania, Western Part Set272 tled Non-Resistant Friends 98 " Government and the Oaths. Taking of 80 .
i
Ocean Perils Octoraro Settlements Mennonite Neighbors
133 218 at. 223
German Swiss 277,278 Maryland Line Dispute
296
364
INDEX OF ITEMS.
Philip II and Charles V 59 (Cruel) and Frederick (Generous) 61 Philadelphia, Outlet to 216 Pirates Rob German Emigrants.. 284 Plauroch as a Mennonite Father, 1529 37 Plockhoy, Sole Survivor 130 Political Contest of 1749 301 " Affairs and German Swiss 307
Redemptioners, List of 260 and Transportation Fares 269 Registration on G e r m a n Emigrants
227 301 Religious Liberty in Penna 322 Redemptioners (Poor) 330 German and Swiss 351 Revolutionary War Taxes and GerPolitics and German Swiss mans 308 354 and German Swiss 342 Rhine, Expedition That Poverty of Some German ImmiRiver 145 grants Deportation of 56 Menno349 Political Career of Zimmerman nites, 1710 154 Endorsed Expedition of 1710, List of 350 Members Poems. Early Mennonite 159 17 Attempted "Potter's Field" for Anabaptists.. Deportation 51 Down, in 1711 Poverty of Immigrants 170 247 Five "Vessels to Carry Refof German Swiss Emiugees 177 grants 269 Down Rhine, 28500 Florins Poor German Immigrants 315 Passage Money Collected 178 Printing and Books (by AnabapValley. Mennonites in 237 tists) 5.5 Rittenhouse, Great Mennonite Prussian Margrave Banishes AnaPreacher, Germantown 142 baptists 62 Ritter and The North Carolina Anabaptists 62 Project 145 Preacher, Anabaptist, First in Ritter's Expedition With MennoAmerica 123 nites 145 Prussian Migration 152 Expedition 145 Privateers Prey Upon German Em"River Corner" Church igrants 323 284 Quakers Friends of Mennonites. 2 271 Romish Church (Desertions) Quarantine Against Ship Diseases 280 Roman Church (Reformed Spirit) 3 Against Ship Rote or Diseases 282 Roth as Mennonite Fa]^ of the German Swiss. 299 ther. 1532 42 and Contagious DisRobbers Play Upon Mennonites... 233 eases 303 Roads in Early Times 269 Rack Used on Berne Anabaptists. 97 Russia, Anabaptists In 46 Reformed Church, Rise of 3 Runkle, Ambassador at Berne.... 144 Religious Struggles, 13th Century 4 Saltier, Michael as a Mennonite Reformed and Anabaptists 9 Father, 1525 19 Reublin a Mennonite Father, 1523. 14 Sattler Aids Anabaptism 19 "Resistance" and "Non ResistSalsburg and Martyrdom 29 ance," 1541 52 Sacrament, Earliest Form of the "Reformed" vs. Anabaptists 72 Ministry 209 " Religious Rules and Code of 1688. 122 of Baptism, Earliest Redegelt on Susquehanna 134 Form of 209 Reformed and Mennonites ComSalunga and Chickies Settlement. 220 promise Matters 135 Sauer, Christopher, on Liberty in Reist and Amman Mennonites.... 163 Penna 322 Reform Church Sympathizes With Schaeffer as a Mennonite Father, Mennonites 197 1528 30 Redemptioners Among Palatines. 219 Schneider as a Mennonite Father, Reamstown Laid Out by Everhard 1528 31 Ream 220 Schwenkfelders' Origin 38, 44
Repeating at Election of 1749
Down .
'
.
.
..
INDEX OF ITEMS.
Susquehanna, Additional Settlements 200
Schumacker, a Mennonite Father, 50
1538
Schneider a Mennonite 1546 Scheffer's (Dr. Hoop)
365
Father,
Valley Additions.
View
of
Im142 196 194 211
migration Schnebli On Torture Schlescl's Mill Schlegel and His Mill Seckler as a Mennonite
Father,
221 226
.
Land Grants
56
I '
Switzerland (Sixth Century) " Migrations from Italy Swiss Anabaptists Flee 1528
"Sword" Mennonites. 1529 26 Swiss. All Combined Against Ana-
•6 .• Seckler's Religious Principals.... baptists "Separation From World" Defined 57 Swenkfeld's Death Sea Voyages, Extreme Hardships. 243 Swiss Anabaptists Pray for Hol.
Servants Leave German Masters and Enter Army 272, 273 Sea Travel. Horrors of 300
Shumacher's Death Sliarr David to Zugg Ship Records of German Emigration Ships, Filthy Condition
.
33 36 46 63
land's Help 98 Independence 99 Anabaptist Relief Organized 103
Weeks
243 Death Rate in Transit 266 26
12
Swabia and the Mennonite Faith,
E.xodus Into Palatinate. 1671 111
53 96 "
Refugees (1672) List of... Refugees Tale of Misery... First Settlement Persecution Edict of 1711 and 1714.. 197,
lis 119 135 197 198
264 Switzerland, Destitution of Mennonites 287 Filthy and Contagious Dis310 eases 275 Swiss Mennonite Tenants Horrors on Board 300 Switzerland and Lancaster County 340 22 Ship Diseases and Germans 303 Synod, First Mennonite, 1527 " Loading Law Regulating.... 304 "Taufers," Rise of 14 ' A Name o f Reproach Diseases of Palatines 314 " 39 Horrors, Crowding and Dis(1531) " Migration Into Prussia 39 eases 319 " A Contemptuous Term. 40 Shipping Regulations 321 Ship Travel Horrors 42 On the Baltic 339 Simon's, Menno. Works Survey Taylor's 149 59 Silk Production in Lancaster Co. 34S Taxation Without Representation Among Mennonites. 204 Skippack Colony (Telner) 123 Settlement of Mennonites 225 132 Slavery and Anabaptists (MennoWithout Representation 270 " nites) and Taxes Raised 329 123 Mennonites Oppose 327 Telner, Jacob, Comes to the Delaware Small Pox Infection 121 266 Snow Storm, Great, of 1741 275 Telner's Skippack Colony 123 Socinianism, Anabaptists Accused Telner and the Skippack Settleof ment 99 134 Spinning and Weaving Among GerThrift and Industry of Our Ancesmans 347 tors 265 Staff and Sword, Anabaptists 36 Thomas, Governor, Friend of MenStrasburg Religious Convention.. 58 nonites 271 St. Saphorin's Friendship 145, 146 Tortures in Flanders and Zurich. 66 166 Transportation Pleaded For 147 Strasburg Laid Out 200 Trade Between Philadelphia and Additions Lancaster 212 269 Storm, Great, at Conestoga 251 Treason, Jacob Fries Tried for... 355 Stiegel's Glass Factory 351 Venezuela (First Germans Ame.
.
Susquehanna, Mennonite Lands On 125 rica) Subdivision of Pequea Track 150 Venice and the Galleys
in
53 112
366
INDEX OP ITEMS.
Virginia and Diinkers
309 Wild Beast Ravages Mennonites Despair 324 Beast Depredations Mennonites, Holland Aids 325 Witchcraft Believed In Among Brethren Helped by HolPalatines land 326 Wills and Legacies, Law Allowing Mullpr's Account 326 German-Swiss Right to Make Waldenses, Origin of 3 Willow Street Church Waldensean Translation 4 '"Window Tax" and the MennoWaldensees, Origin of Mennonites 5 nites Wagner as a Mennonite Father, Worms Persecutes Anabaptists... .
1527
Wagner's Execution War Weapons and Taufers Walloons Help Anabaptists Wagoning Between Philadelphia and Lancaster Walnut Groves in Early Lancaster County War. French and Indian Weidman as a Mennonite Father, 1529
Weidman's Death
26 26 52 104
269
"Worldliness''
Warned
Wood Famine
in
Against.
.
.
Eastern Penna.
.
208 235 252 282 328 323
355 23 77 331
Wyckliffe and Waldenseans 6 Zeller's Account of 1710 Expulsion 155, 158 Zimmerman (Henry) Arrives 130 "
Emmanuel,
A
Great
286 Leader 207 327 Zimmerman's (Emanuel) Political Career 320 36 Zimmerman Appointed Judge 329 50 Emanuel, The Ger1559.. 61 350 man Leader
"Weidertaufers," Origin of, Welfare, Michael, Preaches in PhilZolothurn and Anabaptists 28 adelphia 251 Zurich's Wickedness 10 " Michael's Wanderings and Zurich and Mennonite Faith (1523) 13 Preachings 262 Zurich's Friendliness 13 Western Pennsylvania, Mennonite Zurich Proselytes Anabaptists.... 21 " Migration to 272 Apologizes for Anabaptists' Weiser, Conrad's Great Labors... 285 Torture 88, 89 " Conrad, Attempted to Burn Zurich's Decrees Against AnabapHis House 286 tists, 22, 23, 66, 84, 86, 92, 94, 95, 102 Weaving Among German-Swiss... 347 Zwingli and Romish Church 10 Wheatfield Battle 263 Zwinglians, Decrees Against, 1521 11 Wheat Crop. Great German 312 and Anabaptists ConWinkler as a Mennonite Father. 11 demned 1530 14 38 Zwinglism and Officials
367
INDEX OF PERSONAL NAMES" Note
It is
:
probable that some names are omitted, by oversight, from this index. 243, 264
Abel
Andiere
317 Appel 245, 254, 263, 283, Abell 318 Arisman 314, Abercrombie.283, 303. 312. 313. 109 Arnold 203. 264, 270, 275, 299. Abrahamissen 243 313, 314, 318 Acker 249, 250, 303, 243 Arndt Ackers 285, 310 Armstrong 65, Ackerman
Adams.... 249.
310 288 299, 314 299 312. 313, 314, 318 348 217, 218, 226. 256
Arnott Arnatt Arnot 172 Athleridge 184 Atkinson
250, 269, 267, 299, 302, 303. 312. 314 249. 269. 267. 299, 302. 303, 312, 314
Adr Aebersold Aebi
162, 173, 181,
237 Ausbach
Aeschbach Aeschbacher
Aeschman
344 302 205 310
190, 197
233
A.X
Avbe
186. 187, 188, 190, 189, 239 127, 151, 160
Aeschlimann 127, 159, 171, 173, 184, 191, 210
269 172
Aister
Aken
210, 233 Baer 84, 226, 228, 229, 233, 236, 238 247. 260. 285, 303
Basle Balthaser
4 25.
Bausmans Baumgardner
76, 119, 260, 314 79, 81, 95, 102, 103,
55 104, 106. 119. 151. 159, 161, 170, 173, Alasco 184, 191, 195, 196, 197, 232, 209, 233, Albert 242, 243, 263, 265, 267, 268, 303 242, 243. 260, 263 Albrecht 61, 81, 253 Albright.... 242, 245. 254. 283, 285, 303 Barell 5, 195, 196, 205, 243. 245 243 Bassler 310, 312, 313
Alexander Allenberg
27
Allen Allison Allenbach
224, 267, 270, 275, 312 224, 227
2
Alleman Althouse Alba
Aman Amman.. SI,
184,
87. 128, 129, 163, 195,
Amos Amster
Ammon Andrews Andres Anderson Andes
Anken Annis Annesley Antes Antonius
Anthony
172, 239, 243,5 55,
223, 187, 188, 190,
299,
238 299 190 100 276 237 218 76 177 283 185 227 253 191 148 273 317 57 119
Anslo
68
Ansbach
33
Bachman
92, 93, 119, 129, 192,238,
Barber
Balmer Baldwin
220,
Baltzli
Bar Baker
Bauman Bauer
129, 137, 144, 283, 92, 173, 177,
193, 285, 193, 187,
Balli
Barber Bare
185,
Barnett Bazillion
Baeschtold Bachtel Bair Balzer Ball
Banghman Bassler Basseler Ballendine
Barnes Barr
267 189 253 210 129 267 314 242 189 181 335 209 226 226 237.
238 268 247 251 256 266, 268, 310. 317 268 303 314 299. 303 57. 243.
:
INDEX OF PERSONAL NAMES.
368
Bauer Baker
302, 310
144 9-1 ool 115
Beisinger Beatus Bestmiller
Berve Bender
Binkley Bieri
Biniggeli
Birk 47 Digging
41
Bmtgens
269, 283, 285, 302, 312 Beck 49, 266, 267. 270, 293, 297, 299, 302, 310, 312, 313
Bittinger
Blum
Blaurock 243 Blaker 190 Blauck
Beaver
Berr
205,
Beisel
Bebber Bennings Bebber Beer
134,
Benedict
Bear
Berkley Bennett Eerntkeisel
Bechtold
Bern Beatty Bersinger Bell
Bechtol or Bichsel
Benzel Benner.s
Bendets Berch Bernharts
.
228 233 243 243, 246 251 256 268 275 293, 294 263 302, 310 310 269
274, 285, 302, 310, 312, 313,
Benezet
Beyer Bent
Beam Bheme
323, 324,
Bitner Biegler Bixler
275, 119, 47, 79,
Bieris Bieri
159, 171,
Bizalion
210, 211,
233'
189 265 256 263 69 327 266 252 212 129 188 185 171 259 237 246 266
Bowman
192, 204, 205, 206, 209, 212, 229, 231. 233, 237, 238, 239, 247, 249, 253, 263, 264
Bodeur Bohlen
Bohner Bomberger Bossart
Book Boyd Bohn Bomgardner Bond Bonner
255, 293, 299, 303,
Boswell
Bowman
Boutemps 314 Bollenbom 315 Boenes
O1 o 269, 270, 283, 299, 310, olO
Beiler
268, 19, 27,
260
192 Blaser 159, 170, 172, 173, 181, 201 Blank 204 Blumm 246 Blumston 230, 249 Bloetscher 211 Blath 182 Bluckenmeyer 133 Blau 92 184 Bohemia 4 167 Bollinger 63, 72, 243 173 Born 76 183 Bogart 76, 102 267, Boyer 192, 205, 220 Bohm 233, 324, 325 275, Bogli 109, 185, 190
170, 172, Becker 184, 190, 263, 266, 265, 268, 270. 275, 302. 310, 312, 313 Berger 159, 243, 249, 251. 270, 285, 293. 294, 303. 310, 312, 318 Beissel 215, 233 Beyer 224, 249, 264
Beets
266, 210, 188, 264,
Bishop
67, 81, 82, 243, 268, 242, 264,
Benli Beiers Bellas Bellar
131, 268, 238, 119, 159, 131, 249. 251,
Borchalder
299,
181 184 185 226 232 248 344 297 294 315 269 303 303
92 109 109 118 323 325 327 109 127, 128
119 Boyer 154 Boener 325 Bouquet 233 Broithausen 236 Bracher 275 Brackbill 84, 147, 151, 153. 154, 155, 229 156, 157, 158, 159, 162, 167, 168, 169, 127 170, 171. 172, 173, 177, 192, 193, 269, 184 270, 327 214 Brandenburg 3
INDEX OF PERSONAL NAMES. Prancht Bni backer
o.
74. 07.
Burkey
101, 109, 111
119. 147, 155, 162, 167. 168, 175. 177. 179, 180, 181, 183. 190. 191. 292. 293
3S, 151
Bnmer
12,
254
Burrows
43 4S Brons.57. 61. 62, 64. 74. 77, 78, 111, 121
Bii?;2;er
85.
Brobst
86.
Bucher Buhler 109 Burd
191. 233. 246. 319 79, 161, 173. 197
Broithhiinsen
US,
Brennemaii
Brand
205, 233. 185, 237, 238,
Bretzi2;hoffer
Brast Breiuikoffer
173.
Bremen Bni2;er
Bryner
186,
Breller
Brackin Bricker Breckley Brenner Brock
236, 264,
249, 251,
Bretter
266,
Brady Braghts Brant
109,
303,
Brenner Brobsts Bricker Broderick
Browning Brown. 283.
79, 293,
285, 299, 302, 303, 314,
Brosius
Brunner
283,
Brunnholtz
193 205 243 171 173 184 193 190 190 226 227 243 243 243 264 268 303 300 312 314 294 310 319 303 318 270 302 317
221 224 233, 266, 268 239 245, 265 246 246 256 256 260 263, 269 264 267 268
Buckwalter Burchdolph
125 131, 188. 190, 191
Broadi)ather
205 1SS.191. 220. 243. 254 186. 187, 190.. 192, 238
Buchanan
202, 323
Brantam Brochbuhl Brinton
193 193
Bundeli Bu^holder
Bruker
Bruhaker
369
Bushong Buth Buszhaler Butt Buckley
!
Busch Bull
Buch Buden Bushong Buner Buckenmeyer Bumgardner Burkhart
Buck
Buchman Bucher Burki Byler
Byghboom Byerly Cp npel Carterer Carpenter
,317
268 283, 293, 294, 310 283, 293, 302, 310. 312 299 303 312 1.57, 159 66 109 243 215 212
130, 192, 193, 204, 224, 233, 350 194, 216, 210, 211. 217
Cartlidge
Carr Calvin jCassel Capito
221 lOO 5 (
Wilfong)
23,
I
'Caspar Carter 335 Catton
Breitinger
92
Bradford
!
Bub
38
Cameron
Bullinger 19, 40, 41 Cammel Bnrkhalter.127. 228, 229. 237, 238, 243 Cartho
Burkard Butzer Burkholder
38, 249, 264, 267 52. 53
84, 101. 110. 131, 132. 147. 153. 155. 179. 224. 226. 236. 233, 249, 250, 290. 293. 294, 295, 298, 299, 313. 314. 323
118, 180, 287, 310,
128, 206, 288. 312,
|Capp Candle jCamile Campbell jCantom Casper Carpenter j
i
j
Bundely.87. 149, 150, 152. 156. 157. 200 iCare
Burger
98, 99, 236,
48,
210, 226,253,
293 jCarlstadt
218,
310, 312, 270.
320.
25 218 263 213 253 253 221 243 265 268 313 310 283 342 303 89
INDEX OF PERSONAL NAMES.
•370
109 109 246 Chenstsv Christians.. 102, 104, 106, 243, 267, 303 211, 233, 323 Christopher
Crawford Cuyper
Charles Christen Charts Christ Chartier
Daemen
Carnell Calbert
5,
Christman
Cheeseman Chilton
Chalkley Christy
Chase Civility
Cirkel
Cloud Clark
:
Clists €liffer
11, 44
198 210, 233 232, 242, 250, 249, 263 226 260 299 270 148 336 355 216 269 200, 226, 227 218 243
Cline
Coffman Coningham.llO, Conrad Cope
Comb
210, 139, 207, 208, 209, 193, 205, 207, 210,
Conradt Cooksin Cohalan Cooher
Cook Coatman Coatara
Coob Cook Cookson Cooper Coolan Conrads Conradt
303, 312, 313,
270,
302, 310. 313,
Coller
Crovden
Cremer Creamer
210, 172, 188, 60. 176, 242,
Craighead Cresswell
Cressman Cresap
Cramer Cranch Crawford Creagh Crellius
232, 257, 270, 313,
331 57 312, 317 283 268 109 238 138 162 24 201 205, 210, 218, 284, 348 206 224, 264 227
Cunningham Cusack Cutts
Dasbach DayroUe Danzler Daesher
Dawson Davis
Danager Daniel
Davenport
Dennmark
2
Denlingers
229 21, 23, 24, 25, 103, 16, 252 107, 114 221 135, 239, 247, 260 132
Denck De Vreede Devour
Detwiller 256 Dewees 285 Dellenbach
Clinton Clarke
•
79
319 317 233 239 137 218 211 220 218 222 26o 267 275 318 269 270 297 310 314 319 311 109 233 189 243 224 226 269 252 314 275 314
Detchar Dettenbern
Dobbs 303 Dougherty
225,
282
Doom
108,
265,
Deis Dellinger Dellyn
Deer Deeringer
DeGrove Decker Deinig Deknatel Deshler
289,
Detterman Detweiler Diter Diehl Ditcher
264,
Dinkleberg Dickinson Diffenderfer Dieboldswiler
143, 227, 229,
Dirks Dirckson Dinzler
83,
Dierstein Dietrick
237,
Diller
Diggs
296,
Dietz Dietrich Diffenderfer
310,
217,
240 268 266 303 276 303 269 303 312 269 298 268 269 303 237 267 219 229 195 342 48 176 109 119 238 242 266 297 303 313 143 233 333 109
INDEX OF PERSONAL NAMES. Dock Donens Doneder Donnager Dohltan
Dock Dorwart Doebler Dotterer
Doeck
Doemen Dreier Druckmiller Duster
Dumbach Dumniersmuth Diichti
Dubach Dustier
Dubbs Dunlap Duraell Durell
DuLuc Dyer Dylander Dyles Ebersoles Eberly
Eby
3. 49, 63,
End
137 1^" 210, 233
211 129 220 267 285 269 109 109 26, 293
|
H5 98
229 132 186 188 256 260 313 284 285 145 226 268 318 310 254, 310, 313 110, 134, 139, 200, 205,
206. 210, 224
Ebersole....l62. 173, 181, 184, 191. 229 243, 247 Eberhard 299
Eberman
Eberhart 283, 303. 312, 313, 254, 262, 263 5, 247, 266. 283, 302. 310, 312 Eckman 303, 312 Edwards 214, 226, 270
Eckert
Eder Egli.
.
.
72 332 119 186, 238 188 266, 268 269 299 79 159, 160 190 268 314
.81, 84. 85. 87, 104, 171, 191,
Einsberger Eicher
Einmann Eigelberger Eigster
Eiselman Elsi
Ellenberger Elsbeth
Ellmaker Ellis
Emsler
Emmett Empson Engle Engerston
;
81
226 221 160, 229, 263, 264, 267 237 13,
j
,
1
371
372
INDEX OF PERSONAL NAMES.
Fortgens Fogel
177 174 148 Forsterman 299, 303, 310 Foltz 267, 299, 300, 302, 310, 312 Fox Frantz 201, 236, 238, 243, 256, 263
Gattschalks Gasser
Gaumann
137 173, 184, 187 173, 180, 183, 184, 191
Galbi 184 Gautschi 187, 190 Gardner.... 210, 218, 230, 260. 263, 310 Franciscus Gait 218 227 150, 202, 204, 205. 206, 212, 224, 233 Galbreti 190, 191 151, 191 Galli Frick Frey torren 199 Garber 192 Frixilly 47, 48, 54, 219, 220, 263, 283, 336 81 172, 182, 195 Gaul Fries 106 Gatschell 224 Fridv 104 Garret 220 Frider 43 Garlbseath Froshour 218 47 Gauman Fieidley 237, 293, 294 Frederick 62, 69, 205, 263 Gable 243, 267 ,264 84 Gabrill Fricks 38 Fredericks 119, 233 Galbraith 270 Frey 161, 188, 189. 190, 191, 197, Gamber 317 229, 231, 238, 242, 243, 249, 251, 252, Garack 306 254, 266, 267, 269, 270, 274. 283, 299, Gallete 269 Gauler 303. 310, 314 293 264 Gabito Fritzer 89 Franklin 243. 262, 281 Gevotli 132 242 Geishbuchler 132 Frieman Frank 243, 25. 302, 312 Gerfer 76, 81. 126, 127, 159, 162, 163, 246 170. 173. 179, 183, 185, 186, 187, 190, Friedt Frame 21 191, 238 Frutinger 171, 186 Geibel 127 Frutiger 173 Geiger 129 Frant 302 German 185, 188 Frantz 270, 299, 303, 312 Gerw anni 190 269 Gehrhart Freeh 243, 267 Fritz 303, 310, 132 Gerlach 243, 245 Freeh 269 George 247 Fritz 303, 310, 312 Geldbaugh 269 Froschauer 54 Geisberts 269 Friedley 79 Gergory 273 92 Geiser Fricken 293 Fredericksen 154 Gerber 48. 51, 76, 294 Fries 355 Gerhart 299, 312, 313, 314 Furst 38 Gerlach 310 Fiichs 51 74, 238 Gerhmann 310 Fuhrman 52 Genter 349 Funk 56, 119, 133, 147, 150, 152, 192, Gilleser 109 193, 198. 202, 204, 205. 208, 220, 221. Gilles 10& 229. 232, 233, 238, 239, 255, 264, 299, 326. 348 '
Fullmers Futhey Fiirer
Furxer Furney Furst
Fugee Gamerslaugh
264 218 187 189 297 38 327 109
Gillius
Gingrich Gilbert Gissler Giseler Gilberts
Gierbach Glaus Gletler
Glerecki
57 110 79 184 190 283, 310 109 187 237
238
INDEX OF PERSON A.L NAMES. Gleller C.olthe (lonertzs
Gochnauer Good
238 Grier 60 Grove 83 Groeme 95, 151, 191, 243 Grors 100. 209, 210. 229, 233, 237, Grubb
Goyen Gontchi Godschalk Gounian.
Gordman Gordon Godfrey
Goodman Gotshall Goervertz
199 197 142 171 224 230, 232, 233, 244, 261 256 264, 267 269
83 Graff. .49, 130. 205, 206, 220, 232, 238, 256. 260. 268. 317, 336 136, 137 Graffenreid .
Grasser Grauser
170 6
17. IS. 19. 20. 38. 79. 103. 226,
Greisinger
Graf
Gruner Gran
Grubb Grimpson
49 49 185, 191 65 237, 238 198. 210, 212, 227, 224,
Griter
Grieb
Grimn
124, 179,
Grilden Grasser
Gruner Grunbacher Groff
193, 213, 220,
Greider
Grey Greir Graffts
260,
Grove Graenu Greybill
Graiibunden Graybill
Graeme Grassold
Greene Grenhenbuhl Greenawalt Greiff GrofiE
229
220, 229, 237, 21
Griffith
Graeff
269,
Gut. 104. 119. 151, 104, 106. 129, 152,
Guth Gulden Guildin Gutzler
227 266 252 213 205 159 263 201 190 180 184 229 200 247 260 262 263 265
17, IS, 34
Gysler Hafele
Hauri Hackbrett Haer
Haldeman Haser
187, 185, 191, 161, 196, 83, 48, 53, 110, 184, 5,
Hain
Hammerlin Harvey Hatzler
Hatz Haslibach Hattauer Hauser
Hagen Harnish Hassler Hapegger Habegger
Hagy Hafeli
Haiggy
Harman Hayne Hare
Hampher Haas Harlan Hassert
Hahns Haggeman Hartman
43, 254,27, 180, 249,
303 310 295 48 191 219 193 194 238 246 266 127 190 205 197 204 191 302 192 264
6 202, 204 20, 24, 25
48 48, 65 92, 94
192, 252, 250
98 209, 233, 243 218, 238
129 173, 184 193, 265, 268
197 204 204 204 210, 233, 256, 323 210 262, 312 24 226 220 226, 333
236, 243, 264, 266. 268, 285, 299. 302, 312, 131. 314, 319
20 Hattel 293 Hamilton 275, 299 Haith 268 H-'becker 315 Harrison 293 Hasel 270 Haberly 268 Hahn 268, 285, 312 Haines 20,
191,
Gutwohl Guth
Haller
Graybill
Gross Graaf
293 299, 314
Gusper
238. 246, 267
.
373
238 247 256 263 267 65 47 299, 302, 312 286
INDEX OF PERSONAL NAMES.
374
48
Haldeman Hall Hailing
268 318 284 314 269 270, 283, 285 270 269 48 302 302 310 310 269 302
Hamp Hamilton
Hamburgh Harle Hart Harris Hartline Haslibach Hassler
Hass Hasselton
Hazlewood
Hanke Hauser Haer
,
Hagen
•
Hackman
•
92 98
333 6. 7, 49,
28^, 285. 297, 299, 303, 310, 312, 313 275, 302, 310, 312, 313
Hess
Hertig
293
Hensel
299, 308, 309, 310 302, 333
Heller
Heinzelmann Hedia Hinkle
Hinnelberg
Hickman
102, 192,
Highstetter Hilligart
Higgenbottom Hickner
229, 242, 246,
257,
Hilligas
84. 86 ,100, 39, 148,
Hillengas
203, 204, 206, 207, 262, 212, 220, 256, 310, 313 193, 210, 233, 243 57, 238, 275
Hinnige Hirsh Hirschler
150, 192, 193. 202, 224, 228, 238, 245, 205, 801, 302. 303, Herman .... 48, 56,
224, 222,
Hinden
Hickenbolten Hiestand Hicht 83 Hildebrand
Hallonius
Herr....2,
Hermans
270, 299
Hlrt
317 89 269 101 104 226 205 226 226 237 237 253 263 269 315 269 269 312 291 296 277 317 325 47 43
Hitchock Hitner 913, 202, 206, 226, 228, 256, 337 Hirsche 81 Hoberly Heinberg Hess.... 88, 93, 192, 224, 230, 232, 236. Hoffmeister Hoffman.... 13, 35, 36, 37, 43, 52, 103, 238, 264, 267 187, 228. 229, 236, 243, 248, 252, 264, Hendricks 94, 122, 201, 210, 213 265, 266; 267. 270, 275, 299, 302, 312, 170, 173, 183 Hertig
Henry Hershey
Heimann
173
313, 314
Heiniger
184, 190
Hollinger
Hearsey Hearse Hereby
14, 103, 263, 296, 299, 310, 313 204 43, 268 205 Hock 47, 76 193 Hoffer 71 210 Hove 103, 206, 212 221 Hochstetter 193 348 Honenck 211 242, 340 Hollingsworth Hostetter 201, 243, 256 200 312, 314 Hodgen 264 236, 302 Hodgson 192, 230, 264, 265 237, 238 Hoover 189, 249 245, 344 Hoffman 137 251, 303 Hoffs Hoffer .... 47 159, 229, 231, 243, 245, 344 271, 171 260 Holtzer 178, 182, 183 266 Homnore 205 266, 268 Hoober 268 Hource 205 269 Houser 210, 233, 310 251 270, 303 Hoff 204, 212 275 Howry
Hews Henison
Henry Hensel
229,
Hellar 239, 251, 264, 270, 283, 299,
Hertzler
Hersh Henrick Hetrick
Hendrick Hershel Hergebrat Heyer Heargelrat
Herger Hersh Hertzog
94,
249, 92, 154, 255,
-.
INDEX OF PERSONAL NAMES. Howard Honens^er
Hoorn Hostler
Hodel Hofstetter
Hodel Hoftnasel Hollenbaik
Hoak Hostetter
Honbley Hornberser Howell
Hope Houston Horst Hoffmeier Hollenbach
218 Jansons .Jansen 144, 226 Janthauser 229 Jansz 237 j£\.ckson 237 .Jacobs 238 Jacob 239 lacoby 239 Jackson 243 Jager 243, 274 Jarger 24o Jacobson 247 Jefferson 263 Jenruy 264 Jennie 264 Jerome 266 Jenner 25, 32 Jeggli 317 Johns 310 Jonsen 314 Joost 269 Jones 2j!4
.'. .
Hospians
Honor Hope Ho2;endorf
89
Hubner
269, Hull 238, Huber 47, 76, 95. 100, 152, 186, 220. 229. 238. 254. 260, 275, 283, 299. 302, 312. 313
Hupmeier Hubmier Huss Hunsecker Humberger Huetwokl Hunsberger Husser Hunter
Hugo Hughes Hufford Huberts Huiipart
Huebmeier
Hummel Hunter Hut Hyndnian Huth Hunsicker Hughes Hyde Imhoff
Immel Ingold
Iseman Isott Iseli
317 264 191, 285,
22, 25, 28, 29, 103
251, 252 6 48, 135,
Johnson Kahlor Kalonford
133 142 I'.y
172 109, 224 264 293, 310. 34S 302, 310. 314 319 269 2tj!t
109 312, 355
48 186 6
181 184, 191 253 80 184 211, 213, 230, 274 222, 348 109
16 SO Kauffman 104, 106. 121, 123, 137, 162. 202, 204, 237. 238, 239, 243, 256, 263. 264. 283. 297. 299, 312, 319, 325 Kasdorp 136, 142, 239
Kampen
Kaester
228 Kaner 90
375
Kautz
120
Kallen
35
Kampf
145 184 21, 22, 124, 250, 285, 313 185, 188 187 202 48 275 299 314 302 132 38, 303
129 Kaiggey 143, 218, 231 Kalb 184 Kapp 210 Kasper 233 Kast 242 Kancmans 264 Keister 29, 88 Kern 23. 68. 220. 254. 260, 266, 268, 303 Keller 283, 299, 302, 310, 313, 38 319 35 Kemp ; 249, 251 303 Kempis 62 102. 110, 149, 191, 192. 193, 36 Kendig 202. 204, 206, 229, 237, 238, 239, 294 48 229 342 Keelers 200 Keener 229 294 Kennett 211 205 118. 119, 266, 268 Keague 293 Keith 202, 213, 208, 209, 222, 231 249, 251, 302 Kesselberrj's 137 160 Kellar 237, 243, 217, 265 237 Keplinger 237, 243
INDEX OF PERSONAL NAMES.
376
Keagy Kendrick Kerr Keffer
Kepler Keiper
Kemper Kessler
Kenneway Keppely Keppele
Keanke Keck Khehr Kissler Killer
Kingelsbecker Kieffer Kltzmlller
Kirkpatrick Killian
King
256 256 260 266, 268 269 275 275 303 313 315 317 317 317 266 25 38 119 119, 243. 245, 274, 303 229, 230, 297 224 220
Kobel Kolg
238 246 256 274, 283 269 268 269 294 311 109, 317 330 206 189, 191, 237
Koffee
Kocks Kolb Koppenheffer Koplin
Kommer Konard Kopp Kohn Krayton Ki-ahenbuhl
48,
Krutzen Kraehel Krick
Kraymbuhl Kropf Kreybuhl Krenbuhl Krebs
Kreider Krvter 232 Kroff
162, ;
186, 187, 1S9, 190, 201, 238, 243.
210. 224, 233, 270, 285, 310, 312, 313
Kilheffer
Kindig Kilhaver
Kipp Kinzer Kiehl
Kirk Klare Klina-
Klugh Kleh
148, 205, 232
256 257 264, 266 303 331 119 184, 243 256 237
Kline
239, 243, 254, 263. 264, 266, 267, 268. 269. 285, 299, 302, 312, 314
Klinehons Klein
Klaws Kmidlich Knaiiss
Knappenberger Knor Knopf Knoubuler Knoll
Knenbuhal Knoppenheffer
Koch Koster Kohler Kolb
243 247, 269, 283, 313 48 232 269 269 293 199 171 172 189 266 64 122, 134 28, 159, 184
Kocherthal
Konig
185.
Krow Kraetzingen Kresey Kruntz Kriemer
Kraws Kramer
242,
267, 302, 303,
Krantz
Kraus
269,
Krafts
Krees
Kreestman Kreider Kreybill Kristler
Kulp Kuene Kunstel Kursten Kuenbuhler Kurtz
Kuhns Kuenzi Kuoff Kiipperschuised
215, 285, 299, 302, 212, 213, 251, 191. 186, 89, 191. 185,
Kiintz
Kunzler
129, 133, 136, 142, 171, 243, 245, 147
Koffman Koner
Kropfli
Kuller
205 Kulp 190 Kuhl 137 Kuhn...73, 283, 301, 302, 309, 314, 186, 294, 302 Kuysen
185 119 126 186 128 173 238 191 260 212 185 189 224 238 243 246 256 263 310 303 303 283 270 269 283 310 269 48 119 98 134 181 317 249 238 173 190 256 266 294 48 317 322 109
INDEX OF PERSONAL NAMES. Lans
185. 266
Lartscher
1^0 154, 162 130 _•
Laurens Lavall
Landis
5.
94. 135. 151. 152. 191, 229, 231, 233, 238, 243, 246
•
Landuno Lantz
193.
Laiienberger Lauffer Lauffen
240, 262,
Lackley
Landes Lanyz
Lawson Latimore Lescher Lefever.llO. 192, 193, 200, 201,
Leiby 173, 188,
Lehner Lewis
219,
Leemann Lefever Lenti Lentsw>ler Lein
Leman 195, 264, 239, 210. 229, 233,
243. 263. 310
Lerow Ley
Lemon Leeman Leinbach
Lehman Leivening Lederich Lerch Lenhart
256, 226, 285, 312,
Lites Ivieberger
,..._.
265,
Lickty Liechty's.
Lidick
Linkey Linde Limberger Lloyd
226 267 303 269 314 296 303 299 349 119 218 196
205,
I^ffer
5
129 295, 163, 210, 218, 223, 230, 256, 258 185, 188, 189 Lortsches 263, 264, 268 251. 243, 226, Long... 190, 210, 232, 237 Longnicker 210, 233 Longhmane 205. 226 Love 247 229, 233, 61 Longnecker 228, 245 204 Lorenz 193, 266 189 Lower 187, 8, 62, 68, 111, 15, 35, 39 226, 213 Luther 220 Luthi. .48. 119. 128, 159, 161, 173, 188, 230 195, 197, 293 144, 268, 303, 313 220, 251 Ludwig 204, 205 213 Lundes 180 210, 233 Lusser 184 129, 224 Lutzenfilick 238 139, 206 Luiehart 251, 299, 302, 310 170 ILutz 293 190, 197 Luginbuhl 275 192 Lummsdainc 144 193, 246 Ludwig 314 Lyonites 3 247, 09r 233 237, 242, T.,ynch 194 Mace 144 210. 233 Madler 232 212, 137. 294, 299 Mack 125, 223 266 Maydock ^^ 297 Mangold
Loher Logan..
.
Letort Leeghti
Leonard Leaman....202,
Lierstein
Lintner
43 71 1^1 293 161 212 233 237 318 264 268 314 310 317 43 92 109 213
65,
,
Leets
Leadus Lee
233, 210, 210,
I.i-ht
205, 266
Laserd Lawrence Lambert Labar
Lemmeker Lehmann
202,
161S7, 190, 191 191
Laman
lis, 119,
Lichty Liebe Line
81 119
Lauhel
Lesher
Linschoten Lichten
5 43, 266. 299
Lanphams
28, 36, 37
Lichtenstein Linki
49. 51. 74, 75, 76, 85. 92,
93.
268
Ley
226
Law
377
220. 237. 252.
26S 283, 310 283, 293, 303, 310 294 300 293 302
.
Martin...
85, 86, 227, 229, 238. 267, 274,
303, 310, 312, 318
Manz Marpurg .Margrave
17,
18,
20,
25, 103 4
69
Marsh
2.30
Matti
119
INDEX OP PERSONAL NAMES.
378
Mackell Mail-
Maurik Maier
172,
Maurer Mayer Marlow Mathews Mayley Mays Magee
193, 220,
220,
Marshall
254,
Matz Mazer
2,
Manning Macjnd Magee Mauss
•
Mann
.
299,
Manusmith Marshe Mason Mast
314, 312, 314,
Markle Marchant
Marsh
283, 284,
Marshall Matthias Marti Marstaller
Marks Mason Maurer
283, 285, 303,
Mayhew Mangeld Marcus Madler Marsteller
Merchaiet
254, 260,
Megonder Melchoir
38, 245,
Melanchlhon Mettenbasle
Meyer Media Meisiher Meiilen Meyli Meil
Meier Mellinger Meylin
Melkerman Meek Metzgar Melbrin Mentzer
39, 233, 245, 246,
85, 86, 98,
129, 186, 189, 190. 209, 129,
202, 242, 310, 313,
224 148 182 187 191 256 194 213 221 220 253 264 245 217 256 269 302 317 303 268 317 318 310 302 269 308 303 45 293 269 270 310 294 319 97 109 144 342 261 43 263 21 38 265 44 48 64 191 238 ll5 239 193 204 243 314 1
Meister
253
Mehring
4 54
Meliss
Mercy Meredith's Metzler
270 276 285, 299, 310 278 292 297 302, 312 302, 310, 312, 313 38
...'
Meylin Meihuisen Messier Messner
Meyer Melcher
Megander Meylich
43 92
Millinus
3
Michel
6 70, 73, 74, 79, 81. 82, 84, 89, 91. 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 99,
Miller 100. 162, 197, 229,
34,
103, 169, 198, 232, 249, 250, 263, 264, 342, 344
65.
66,
69,
107, 117, 127, 184, 185, 190, 199, 200, 202, 236, 240, 243, 251, 253, 254, 265, 266, 267,
Minnich Middleton
128, 192, 204, 245, 255, 268,
144, 195, 224, 246, 256, 330,
148. 196, 226, 247, 260, 333,
236, 263
212
Mittelberger Michelle
133, 305, 306, 310 136, 138, 146
Milan Milen
204 205 264, 277, 303, 337 6, 144
Mitchell
Michel Misel
65
Michaels Mirry Miley Moritz Morider
Mowrers Moyer
285, 337
269 148 79 43
117 ,83,
Mozart
Montgomery Moseri
Moser
201, 202, 204, 205, 212 125, 126
224 171 269 260 303 218 268 226
159, 173, 188, 238, 195, Morris 203, 247, 266, Morgan 210, Moor 218, 231, 251, 264, 266, Morrison 221, Moore 236, 249. 266, 267, 270, 285, 299, 313, 314, 318 243, 249 Moseman 159, 264, 285, 299. 381 Mosser Montpelier 312, 314
Mowrer
Moss
245 Muchli
294 38
INDEX OF PERSONAL ^~' ^^' "^
Munzer Munster Mumprecht
^^ 104, 106 238, 310
Mueller Mutrich
Musser
159.
Miissrove
Mussleman Musgraves
192, 229, 243, 248, 1^2, 210, 233, 238, 266, 221, 222, 224,
Mumaw Muir
303,
Norris
Noaker Xohaker Xornings Xorth
Xusbaum Xysti
^2 Oachselhofer 54, 47 Oberlin 38 Oberhasli .48. 171, 173, 184, 191, 310, 48 Oberly. 60, 61, 148, 229, 236, Oberholtzers 238, 243, 256 193 Oberholtz
38
Muller's
310, 312, 313, 314, 318 287, 292, 293
.
269 317 109
Muntz Muhlenberg
MuUer Mvlin
Xoland
-'*•-'
Muller...3. Miichli
310 253 226 227 266 268 310 283 51, 159 238
Nickolson Noble
1^^ 250 274 28o 226
4, 6, 19. 20, 34, 37, 92, 151
379
NAJSfES.
.
24
Odenbach
49. 85, 94. 97, 101, 139, 150,
185, 190
Ogi Oherhoften 238, 236, 180, 229,
"207. 208, 212. 220, 232. 250, 280, 274
Mvers....38.
70, 81.
O'Xeil 201 Orell 217 Oswold 256 Oster 227 Ottinger 250 Otzerberger 274 Ouchterlony 300 Orenheim 331 Painter 205 Parish 264 Passage 253 Park
McNair McXeal McMaster McXile McAllister
McConnell McMillan McFlllev Natts Nagle
Nauman
a3,
Nasrlev Neiff
Newcomer
....
Neff
209, 232, 129, 229, 239, 256, 92, 94, 205. 237,
Negeli
46, 68,
Nesiiler
Newhauser Newswanger Neukomet Neuenschwender
Nenkomm
94, 128, 186,
162, 293, 294,
179,
184, 237, 184. 191,
Neicomer
Neweomat Neff
210, 229, 266,
Negley
Neuivkomme Nelson Neaff Neffs
Nevin Newlin Nissleey
Nicholas
Pare
68 I
Newell
283,
261 233 293 250 129 38 190 310 173 327 237 205 233 267 233 246 256 268 313 318 226 233 303
128
Omnger
239 242 243, 247, 254, 260, 263, 264, 266. 270. 274. 283, 285, 293, 299
Pastor Ipastorius i
Pannebecker
i
Parli
Paxton Patterson
Palmers Pattison
Pavnter Patton Paulley
54, 55
211 160 29, 254 270 269 195 313
US •
269, 270, 267 312, 314
268 218 200, 210 57 130, 131, 134, 137 133 173 221 226, 331 26 256 264 264 350
243, 251, 254, 264, 56, 102, 119. 187. 190. 191. 197, 247, 303. 310,
Peters 312
351
251, 263, 267, 269 120. 204, 207, 208, 223, 248, 257. 267. 300, 316, 337 52 Pech
Percy
Penn
i
Petri
190
Penny packer 121, 142. 215, 239, 247, 300. 317 233, 210. 243 Peelman 66,
Petersheims
60
INDEX OP PERSONAL NAMES.
380
Peinerz Pfoutz Pfauderin Phlein
317 Reiff 303 Ressler 72
246 229, 238
Pheffley
Phiester Myer
48, 92, 93 57, 264, 54, 57, 62
Phillips
Pierce Pickel Pickle
243, 247,
Pipson
Pickeman Pieffer
297, 299, 314,
Pitcairn
Pitmaier
Pleam Plank Ploetscher
237,
Plaettle
Plockhoy Poll
Povan Pownall Porter
Prenamon
205,
Pretter Pratorius
.
Preneman
203,
Prupacher Probs
205, 206, 210, 204, 170,
Pratt
Pupather Pyfer Rappenstein Ramseier
193, 202, 205,
159,
Ranch Rasy Ranck Rausch Rabe Randolph Raeber Reist
79,
Reumschwenger Reuscher Reiisommet Reigshoerer Reittenheisens Reichert Reichen Reiisser
Ream
Redelgeldt 210, 219, 220, 233, 109, 264,
268 266 267 285 303 318 36 129 186 238 238 130
299 317 339 233 201 16 212 206 184 256 210 144 48 177 232 237 229 262 317 303
Reichman Ressor Reinhart Reidenbach Reublin Reisner Reinwald Reinholdt Reuplin Reason Reinhart.s
Reese
175, 179, 180,
Reissner Ressler Reith Rerig Reusser
297,
303, 310, 312, 275,
285, 297,
Rockey Rhode Ries Rictisecker Risser
Ricker Richardson Richard
Richman Rife
Ritschard Rittenhouse
IS,
264, 109,
213 211 267 265 201 233 270 247 252 252 253 253 21 283 313 299 268 269 270 269 299 269 119 342 270 228 47
119. 198, 310
187 224 201, 202, 243 198, 200, 224 226 186 142
Ritter
138. 145, 154, 160, 167, 177, 178. 180, 188, 229, 242, 243, 263 Ringer 152, 191 Richen.178, 180, 185, 187, 188, 190, 191
Richener 14, 58 Richeuer 79 Risk 181, 184 Ringstbacher
119 119 119 119 119 122 266, 342 176, 185 186, 190, 267 213
245, 249,
Reed Reeb-Camp
129, 160, 172, 177, 178
Reublin Reich
Reher Reauformet
Reuger
200 Reese
79 128,
220
Reed... 214, 249. 251, 253, 258, 260, 266
Ream
73 212, 218
Powell
239, 247
Richter Riegel Ricksecher Ricks Richer
Richey Righter
Ring Rine Richards
183 184 223 237 251, 253 263 38, 47 299 303 314 269 92
342 355
381
INDEX OF PERSONAL NAMES. Riss Robel
.
.
,
.
Roui)lin
..
Rossen Roades Ross
.
74.
226, 251,
188.*189,'239, 242. Rotlf...' .'isS.' 187'. 267. 269. 285. 299. 303. 310, 312,
Rothenbubler Rotenbuler 162. Rohrer 242
173, 181, 184, 191,
1^2, 210. 233, 232, 233,
Rohrbach Root Romler
249. 266,
Roab Roberts
Rohr
Sauck Saches Sauter
Sauder ".'...' Saddler
"^'^
48, 132, 171, 191,
206, 220, Sauer Schwenkfeld 38 Schwartz 85 Schneider
Schnebeli....67. 161. 171, 196 Schlecta
Schwarzenberg 193 Schoener 9
150,
189
Russer Rugsegger
173, 173, 186, 191
Ruff
186 187, 191 173, 189, 190 239 249 266, 268 268
Rutt
Runsberger
Rupe Ruplin Rubel
8 ''S
159 "--^
38, 44, 63 238, 239 229. 127, 38. 31. 38. 56. 128. 266 84, 87, 119. 151. 152,
H '^
29, 30 30, 142. 147
38, 84. 104. 189, 229, 237. 238. 239
172 Schwartzentrub 186 Schellenberg
Rugen
Rusher
48 270 310
Schmidt
175. 176. 177. 178. 179. 180, 181, 188,
Rush
239. 243, 249, 251 159, 243
Savior
Runckel....l66, 170. 171, 172, 173, 174, Schaeffer
Rubi Rubin
^^^ 200 226 231 238. 256
Salzman
162, 186, 190 Rupp 5. 93, 97, 100. 110, 119, 147, 149. 150. 154, 162, 172, 201, 238, 243
Rust Rudolph
125. 243
^^^ Sander 331 Savanarola 256 Salr 253, 263, 264 Sattler
232. 255, 257
Rusterholtz Rubeli
Saylor Sas;imann Salkeld
^y,"^,
Ruth Rusbacher
145. 164, 165, 166. 167, 177. 205 ^ Savanaiolo
221 331 263 238 251 268 269 276 293o 2^^ 299
Rummel Rupn....47.
Saphorin
^'^^
Root Roop Rohr Rolhmantel Ross Rorer
47. 48,
•
243. 299. 310
Rothenbubler Robinson Rover Rote
"^ *
270 275 79 Ruth 129 Russel.299. 303. 310. 312, 313. 314, 318 38 265 Ruschacher 79 224 Ruch ^"^ 210 Ruttimyer 331 264, Rudisill 308 313 Ryland 277 l^'* Rynell 1"3 •^^. Salzman }'^ 24 238, Salnuinger Sattler...l9. 24, 15, 58, 159, 21, 22, 35
Rupp
13. 14, 20
Rothlisperger
314
355 Rudolf 119 Rupser
92,
48.
184 254
Schwendimann
48
Schlechter
''^
184, 104, 170, 173. 220. 237. 238, 239 92, 104, 229, 233
Schnebly Schappe Schilling Schlagel
Schangnua
5
Schallenberg Schlapbach 317 17
1
119 189 192, 193, 194. 210, 263 179 185, 187, 191 185
INDEX OF PERSONAL NAMES.
382
Schlappach Schar
Schmied Schenk
186, 190
190 185, 188, 189, 190 76, 160. 181, 201, 202, 204,
Schilt
Schyn Schallenberg Scholls
Schurch Schonaner Schwarwalders Schotts
Schnepach Schaerer Schrack
Schuymeyer Schuyler Schutbly
Schwab Schell
Schearer
Schumacher Schellenberg Schaeffer Schar Schieds Schild Schlou2;h
Schonauer Schipes Schlatter
Schmedly Schneyders Schneider
Schnegg Schrack Schwartz Schwarz
Schwendimann Schmeid Seckler Seller
Sewer Seager Sellinger Seitz Sellers
Seltzer
Seyler
Sekimmer Seber Seeshotlz Seigenthaler Seitz
318 293 128
Shaubach Shaeruaker
47
Shumaker
206, 210, 237
Scher Schin
Seix Seiger
171, 245 172, 176 173, 179, 181, 188
Shindler
183 185 137 170, 173, 184, 191 173, 184 220 220 237 238, 243, 264 239 243 243 246 254 266 266, 267 50 48 270, 285, 302, 303 299 302, 314 294 309 294 310 317 283 317 38, 56 293 317 303, 38
Shaar
38 48
48.
50, 302, 313,
,
83
315 48
Shank
49. 128, 162, 220, 233, 76, 119, 192, 205, 210, 263. 264, 274
96
Shultz
192. 210, 229, 233, 236, 242,
253, 262. 267
Shertz
193,
Shar Shellenberger Shirk
Shenck Shoope
184, 190, 144, 193, 233, 210, 264,
Shultz Sherricks
Shong
22» 184 238 229 238 265 214 219 224
Shaffer 229, 243, 249, 251, 264, 266, 267
Shwope Shever Sheetz
Shantz Shenckel Shocks
Shuman Shaub
239, 243. 243, 283,
Shilling Shissler
Sherman Shubert Shriver
Shober Sharp Shaver Shreiner
266, 266,
Shrum Shlong
Shell 159 Shaffner 26 Shaeffer 268, 270, 299, 310, 312, 26 38 Shavely 218 Shawanese 226 Sherts 229 Sherman 229 Shock 239 Shocklier 270, 283, 242 Shoemakers 246 Sholtze 266 Shoop 268 Shuemaker..60, 137, 185, 229, 294 Shippen 303 Shultz
310,
233 236 248 263 247 243 302 313 243 247 251 253 263 263 264 268 268 266 268 268 350
313, 319
299 283 283 303 303 268 269, 299 317 310 247, 264 337 342
INDEX OF PERSONAL NAMES. Simon
14. 21,
44. 45, 46, 55, 56, 57,
58. 59. 260, 8, 53. 61. 62. 100, 303 Simon (Menno).S, 21, 187, 252, 53, 54
19 38, 252, 38 83
Simler Sittler
Singel Sieinverts Siesler
183 229 229 243 246 247 293 303, 269 293
Siegrist
Sigman Siekommel Sickman Siegenthaler Singer Siegenthal Sleeker
47
Slabach Slaremaker Slough Sleydonius
102, 104, 106 210, 233 243, 266, 342
89 109
Sluys
Smith
137. 226. 233. 236, 254. 260. 262, 269. 270, 275,
141. 242, 263, 283,
150, 243. 264, 285,
192, 249, 265, 299,
195, 251, 267, 310,
218, 253, 268, 312,
313
Small Smeltz Snyder
48, 87. 92, 126, 184, 212, 229,
232, 242, 243, 251, 269. 270. 275, 283. 310. 312. 313, 314, Snavely 119, 192. 302. 313
263, 264. 266, 267, 285, 297. 299, 302,
326
Sommer
210, 226, 249, 251,
184, 210, 198 233, 285, 38
Spangler Sprecher Springer
243, 247, 243. 245,
Spurrier Spangler
303, 312, 314, 303,
Sprenger Sprunger Spencer
Stayman Stephen Stoll
Steitz
Stettler
285 38 224 263 312 263 318 310 302 293 303 128 38 38
Stuck Strassburg Stiimpf
Stiuler
Stroedel Stauffer
79-
119. 184, 191. 229, 237, 243. 256, 291. 299, 302, 303, 310, 312, 94,
325 Stuss
Strettle
98 119 253, 256 113, 183 189 339, 348 210, 254 206, 210 193, 53
Stein
192, 266.
Strom Steiner
162, 185, 171,
126,
Stramm Stntzman Stoner
192, 256, 194, 204,
Steele
Stehman Strahm
191
Stone
205, 206, 210, 339, 342
Steiner 159, 173, 188, 195, 256, 186, 190
Strine
144 184, 187, 190
Strict
Stucki Stadler
189
'
187, 190 186, 187, 190
Stutzwarm
185 137 197 197
Stolls Stattler
Stultzen Stein
Stoneman
210, 210, 210,
Staner 109 Stay
Soutter Spattig Sprogle
Stehli
71 71 79
StefE
Snep
Sowers
Straten Steyn
Stockli
221 303
383;
Starr
Sterman Stewart Staner Steiger Steckley
4
191 13, 265, 268 266 53, 162, 184, 266
262, 302,
Stoeger
Steinman Strauss Straub
Stedman Stake Stout Sterling Stoltz Stetler
185 Starr 43, 47, 187, 189,
226,
Stamms Steli
Stehle Steitz
Steinmetz
243, 249, 243, 249, 251, 253. 263, 264,
251, 264, 312, 275,
264 20S 232 348 233 264 226 230 233 312 237 239 256 267 313 315
255 263, 264, 267 264, 269
266 268 271 283 47 43
26S 268, 285, 299, 303, 31?
INDEX OF PERSONAL NAMES.
384 Stein Stiegler
270,
285, 299, 303, 310, 312
Steigerwalt Steele
303, 310,
Still
Steiner
293,
Stevenson Stout
275,
Steiitz
Stohley Stewart Stour Steel Stall
Streiker
Strohm Strickler
Stecker
Stump Stumpf Staley Stulzer
Studer Stuss Sturler Stevens Stanin Stover Sutzer Sutter
Surer Sultzheim Subert Susholtz Suter Sweitzer
47,
Swobia Swinderin Swisser
Swustut
Swenk Swenkfeld Switzer
Teme
262,
Thabor
18 192
Thoresly
Thomas
62, 263, 264, 267, 271, 275,
285. 297, 303
Thouen
162, 185, 187, 189, 190
Thommen Thome Thompson Timmer
186 258, 260 263, 310
Tiller
Tittenhoffer Tise TifRn Tieffenderfer
266, 266,
Tilghman
Tower Toup
201,
Toren Torne
138,
Townsend Tran Trombonrger
147, 165,
Trump Trachsel Trasser Trussel Trulberger Trout Tsibbald Tsehageler
Tschdbold Tschantz
Tshudy Tuber 62 Turner 104 Tuscher 205 Twisk
246 Ulait 252 Ulrich 267, 283, 293, 294 Ulweiler 267 Ummel 63, 44
172 248 95
Tersey Tester
2
Swaor Svk^afort Svi^artz
293 302 312 314 348 285 299 98 342 347 269 314 38 299 292 310 47 303 32 47 190 79 98 101 109 146 331 43 48 190 237 266 317 88 254
Unrook
303 Unter Swope 307 Updegraff Taylor 149, 163, 194, 205, 217, 218, Utt 230. 233, 249, 251 Utzenberger Tauber 247 Van Leer Tainey 260, 262 Vanbibber Tannegg 293 Van Webber Tanner 51 Van Suitern Tell 207 Van Giente Tenant 255, 344 Venerick Teuscher 185, 189 Vet Telner 121, 123, 134, 141, 412 Vergetter
26 268 268 268 299 342 347 202 205 174 138 166 318 269 318 188 48
184, 170, 171, 173
193 249, 251
186 187, 189
189 192, 237, 278 151, 264, 303 202, 204 187, 293
189 50, 90
36 48, 159, 47
256 119 266, 268 47 122 43, 48 79 226 201, 137 191, 220 142 119 196, 205
83, 297,
27 48
INDEX OF PERSONAL NAMES. 48 267 270
Vergerter Vittery Vitery
Vlamins Vo.i?el
Vogt Vo.gel
Vollen Veiders Von Ravenstein
Vorsterman Von Aylva Von Guten
64
303 48, 72 242, 245, 263 237 120 172. 178, 183 178 187, 189
Vondel Vollmer
68 75 156 47
Vrauken Walti Wallace
Ware Wacker Walther
Wadham Wanners Walburn WjrTrers-
Walker Waters Wattenbach
Wanamaker
268, 270, 303, 310, 312, 303,
303, 242,
Warf el Wagner
319 318 270 317 310 310 283 313 264 303 49 264 303
26, 103, 172, 173, 181, 182. 237. 243. 251, 253. 263. 264, 275, 283. 285. 297, 299, 303, 310, 312, 313. 314.
318
Wagsel
Waldo Walte
Wahley Waldenseans Walti
Wagman Wattenbach Warenbuer Warenburger Wachsel Wattenwyl Walters
Warley
Wald Wallace
Ware
W alburn
Waldhauer Wechingen Wertz
Weinmann
3,
195 252 119 126
44 47 98 49 116. 193 110, 193
198 210 213, 247, 264, 220 226 242 264 264 266 266 109 104, 106 184
Weitzel
263, 266, 40
Weiner
38
Weiler
385
•386
INDEX OF PERSONAL NAMES.
Witman Wise Wingert Wolfgong Wolf.. 218.
Yanghley Yobes 109 Yoder
269
260, 262
283, 285, 299, 314
293
220, 229, 243, 263, 264,
Worley Wooklegh
Woork Wook Woolslegh
Wormley
Wood Wolpert Wolfes Wolfe Wolf Worrall
270, 283, 275, 299, 299, 303,
Workman Woolman Wright Wurgler Wuthrich Wyler Wyckliffe
Wymann Yawh Yeager Yerkes Yeager Yenger Yeaglev Yost Yordea Yorte
Youn?
226, 256, 271, 286, 190,
100 267 200 209 218 220 233 256 264 267 313 310 312 301 303 327 342 197 197 187 6
Zahler Zalfanger
Zahn Zann Zaug
38 156.
167, 187, 188, 190
159 170, 173
184 101, 102, 104, 106
Zacharisas Zerfoss
269 303 238 51
Zetz
Zehner
Zellers 147. 153, 155, 158, 159, 167, 168, 240 Zehnder 74, 179, 180 Zenricher 195 Zell 44, 89 Zehnyder 87, 88 Zink 48 Ziegler 133. 239. 256, 247, 263, 264, 243, 299, 302, 310, 314
Zimmerman
130, 132, 133, 201, 207, 208, 224. 229. 239, 243, 247, 253, 264, 267, 283, 297. 302, 310, 312, 313, 320, 329. 350
173 128 Zolner 303, 310 Zolothurn 233 Zolfinger 253 Zorn 187 Zugo: 48, 94, 95. 96. 95 Zurcher 188, 79, 195, 303 Zurich 192, 210, 233 Zwingle 8, 10, 14, 84, 100, 111, 205 252, 16. 19, 20, 35. 40
253. 265, 266, 268, 283, 285. 297, 299, 303, 310, 312, 313, 314
Zwally Zyles
293 40
129 109 229 191 21 151,
260, 303
61
(Form
L-9)
M-7I9
^I'i'iiMiimmi
7ax
3 1198 00040 3118
IC 18896
