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REYNOLDS HISTORICAL
GENEALOGY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNT < PUBLIC LIBRAR
833 01202 7360
GENEALOGY
974.8
H61
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Digitized by the Internet Archive
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!Hf
Historical JMotes,
Relating to the
Pennsylvania
Reformed Church.
EDITED BV
HENRY S. DOTTERER.
VOLUME ONE.
Philadelphia:
PERKIOMEN PUBLISH! NG COW LOT
1605 North Thirteenth Street
1900
3 71
J.
HISTORICAL NO'IT
DELATING TO THE
PENNSYLVANIA REFORMED CHURCH.
VOL. I. No. 12 April 10. 1900. Perkiomon Publ
81.00 PER ANNUM.
Edited by Henry S. Dotterer. PHILADELPHIA.
Close of Volume One. slaughtered PmteftantM tA \\w U,
■ The present issue of Historical Xotes valleys, and the impovern lilMt*
X _ completes Volume One. With this Xmii- survivors i of tlic horn h
ber goes a title page and an index. We V':;'" U:11'-
shall have hound the surplus number* N'liere in modern hktory ran be i
left. <>n our hands. Most of these will be a nobler dimbijiaiiim *>l Christian s«i
distrihuted among the lending libraries lrJ,!,«««"»« IViinsylvania:? \\
of Pennsylvania and elsewhere A few cnn N> fuuml :i '"!";' ' »■!■ "••
bound copies will be retained and will l*> "Jwln»noWBHlicjiHMl da h
sold at Two Dollars each. With the issue ^ , Avr.,f.
of the present Number and tin- eon.ple- ^rot William J, Hmkfe
t ion of. the Volume, the publication of In the History ol iIh i
Historical Notes willbe discontinued, eluded in this niunW-r, in
specimen of the valuable w
A Sorry Showing. Uhikeis doing in dim
The Tinted Slates should be the might- "i:l1 history of . .in- < 'here!,. I
test stronghold of the Ik-formed Church, ana untiring in hit n earchcH, ulei
To Nqw Turk came, in the earliest years detecting the bearings
of its settlement, the Hollanders. To eon veratnt with liuineroiiH kill
Pennsylvania came the (ua'inans, the dear hi statement, lie if
Hollander.- and the Swiss, amongst iheni the ( 'hureh ninrkediv .• .. ■
. a large pei cent a-v of the iaiguenois, the lion thmugh its several pa
Walloons, and the Piedmontese. History will intiWHtonr reader* to kn
tells us that of the hundreds of thousands li,in- "' "!" contribute i
of Huguenots who took refuge- in tXoi- William . I. II m
land, Switzerland and (ierniany, great l^-dorf, near robkntx on th<
numbers changed their names and their Uw ivceivod im*t otf his d
language to conform to the speech of the :U llu' ^'ll'"^l,l!;
countries in which they were befriended. ,n UW7 he CUIUS to \ mK .1
A much larger infusion of Huguenot Ptfviu«olk<pp, Cleveland, <>hi«s whw
blood courses through American veins U;l^ .-Tadualed ill It
than is popularly recognized. Many of Sl**n1 lu" .v,':,,> lh
the Waldenses or Vaudois ocaped to ,-:uin :m'1 ( "'ivk- "' ''"'"
Switzerland and Herman V, and. in sub- years III L'jfeiniM
sequent generations, joined in the great S*vhw*ing m May,
exodus to our shores. The membership »>iw year's punt -giT
of the Reformed Church of Pennsylvania ton seminary, ho •
is a composition of the descendants of the "' "' l,u'u :U l*«*"»w '" ,s,,,' :">-
persecuted ft ltd tortured victims of the fw*°r ol nM r»^llMl' Ml '
Spanish inquisition in Holland, the Uterotnrv in l«>7. lie i
martvrs for the faith in France, the April -.v., IS .
178
HISTORICAL XOTES.
year of Trinity Reformed clmrcli h. Allen-
town, Pa. He was naturalized April •">,
1807. Ik> speaks English and German ;
and has a reading knowledge of 1 >uteh and
French among the modem, and Latin,
Greek, Hebrew, Aramaic and Arabic
among the ancient languages.
The Late Nathan Berkenstock.
The First Clmrcli of Philadelphia re-
cently lost, in the death of Xathan llrrk-
cnstock, a useful, faithful, active member
and officer. For a quarter of a century
he was the president of the hoard of cor-
poration of that congregation, whose or-
ganization dates hack to 17i'7 and whose
charter was granted in the Colonial time.
For many years Mr. Berkenstock sang
basso in the choir, and almost up to the
time of Ins decease he was the chairman
of the committee on music. He was one
of the trustees of the church — a position
of great importance in this congregation.
whicli is the owner of properties requir-
ing close attention in order to make them
productive of revenue.
Mr. Berkenstock was widely known
among the merchants of interior Penn-
sylvania. Frank in manner and upright
in dealings, he enjoyed the respect and
confidence of those with whom he had
business intercourse.
He was deeply interested in the welfare
of his clmrcli. He gave liberally of his
money to support it. He devoted his
talent:-, his time, and his energies t<> its
advancement.
Not Properly PastorecL
"Of what denomination are you a mem-
ber?" asked one of the most successful
clergymen of America "Of the he-
formed Church," was the reply of the
individual addressed. "That Chinch is
not properly pastored in this city. Yon-
der is a pew occupied by seven persons,
members of your Clmrcli. When they
came to me to apply for admission to inV
congregation, 1 said to them : 'Why do
you not start a congregation of yonr own
communion? You would he a nucleus for
a new organization ; and you could gat her
around you others who feel like your-
selves.' Tliey n-ould not ., ||„.
suggestion ; they w'wlu d to i
us : and they arc regular, am .
bers here."
Thifi conversation ■■< •< iirred ahotti t*o
yeans ago, in the city «.t Philadelphia.
Successful Church Work.
In Philadelphia the Ue< ted Church
has a natural eon-tim. nc;
portions upon which tl
may draw to replenish their i •
enlarge their i:
constituen i an I hat portion ••:'
the popnhition liclougiug by birth to the
Reformed ( 'hureh. « r
outside tin- limit- of our ci.m.
holding membership in no <>i !
eligible to membership in oiir
tion— if t hey ran be reach ■!. I
suppose, in view of these ui -
languishing Reformed churcli in I
delphia must lien tl in.' unknown. Yet
We d<» heal of Weak I .Mi-.
These reflection* followeil t !.-• j
of a circular issued for Pah,. S
the pitstor of t!*e I '
Presbyterischen Zions Kirch,
delphia. Tlie attenuated title •
church conveys a '••■n-.-cT indication .f
the congregation's origin.
pari of the circular we are t
delightfully develo] i
byterian Zion t> >i lahlfedi-
ed by Lutheran and I I • ■
Christians. The liai
willingly taken, because it w;i-
byterian synod which in the lirst
gave thousands of dollars towai Is
vanccment and .-upp-'ii nf mil
tion. which none of tl -• • •! ■ i •
chinches of the city couhl or •rtntl
A congregation favored In m
old Herman Church.--, it would -
could ha\c small lio]
hers. The energi ; ic i
church shows the e. ntran . II
the names of tlie ConHnunntiii th -
they numbor:Jl Kiailn u,u
a Mtiill ill •"'!• r
gathered from am
\\ Iimii. the l.nt!
cannot reach or hold.
HISTORICAL NOTES.
Goetschy's Colony*
15V HENRY s. noT'i KKI.l:.
[GmcbuM.']
Ludwig Weber was the name of the disheartened inemlxr of Cm i-. '..
colony, who returned to Zurich, and exposed the leader' a shorteou
to the extent of his ability. The title of his pamphlet, u I'lino
pages, was:
per Hinckende Bott von Carolina <)<1< r Ludwig Wei* i~ von W.il-
lisseTlen, Beschreibung seiner Beiso von Ziirich g<?n Uotterdam, mil der-
jenigeii gesell sell aft, welche neulieh jius dem Sehweizurland in I
zu zichen gedachte. Zurich, Key .Job. Jneoh Lind inner. MDCCXXXV.
The title in English would appropriately have been: The Disgrvi
Messenger from Carolina;; or a Description by Ludwig W'.l.r. of W'alli--
sellcn, of his Journey froni Zurich to llotierdam, in the t-oinpany wlikh
recently purposed moving from Switzerland to Carolina.
Weber was the father of a family of nine living ehihln n. One soil
lie took with him, intending, if all went well, to have Im wife ami re-
maining children join him. lie was in the party of '.j<"> [lersonH wImi left
Zurich on the morning of October •"), L734. WVh. r. in his |Klin]
gives much information of what happened on the journey from Zurich to
.Rotterdam.
VVISBKR's STORY.
The first day, October -5, we proceeded as far as Laufifenhurg. Tli
Hans Jacob Kulm, of Bieden, and his wife, became dissatisfied, >i «ri t Iv
left the party, and returned home. At Ilheinfcldcn tlie }>
show their passports. The same evening we arrived at Basel, and
we overtook those who bad started the day l>efore ns, also those win
travelled on ioot to Basel, of whom there were ahout 2H |M»rsons, from
Buchss. At Basel all had to wait until a passport through France waw
obtained at Strassburg. This cost II guilder*, hut jyntlemen at
paid it. We were delayed two days at Basel after this. Here the \\
Conrad Naif, of Wehers dorf, escaped and started tor home, hut h
no passport sic was brought back to Basel, Several ^^ the emij!
fused to wait for the passports, and a tailor from l.irl-ni
that it were better to travel through France, and offered himself a- jruidc
if bis ex])enses were paid. As he spoke French, 31 persons went with
him. Nothing more was heard of this eompanv. From 10
from Buchss, Kseh and MoM-UKUistetton, resolved to travel through l.omiine,
via Xamur, to Rotterdam. These fortunately obtained aim- at -
places, and arrived at Uotterdam eight days after the main party,
leaving Basel frequent rains and severe cold made the journey uncomfort-
able. Many were poorly clad.
Eighty riedmontese refugees joined us at Basel, hut sailed in a t
vessel. On our two boats were V-U persons. Our firsl night ciuampnu n
180 HISTORICAL KOTBS.
was under the clear heavens, upon an island covered iritl I ml
Shrubbery, in the middle of the Rhine. Some nights we could n«.t
ashore, but remained in the boat, although we eould not -it np, I
nothing of lying down. It was most pitiful with the child
up heart-rending cries. On the boat no cooking could he done, y«t \\»-
had to remain in ii day and night. When we could •_ . wc wan
ed and dried ourselves and cooked, as besi we could, in 1 1 1 • - open air.
Tlie poor women sobbed for their warm rooms :it home. M<>-t of the
passengers thought they would not have to pay )'<»r meals from I' -
but they were disappointed. They were consoled with th<- pi that
tlie commissary with the money would soon arrive, but he did n<»t make
his appearance. Many would gladly have returned t«> their homes, I
as armies lay on both sides of the Rhine, they dared n<»l venture. Lam-
entations arose. rJ nc men blamed their wive-: the women their l.
bands. Mrs. Gcetschy thus complained, and one day snatched his cane
from her husband's band, and struck him on the l>ack. On one side »-f
the Rhine, quite near us, we saw the camp fires of the fniperial to
and on the other side those of the French. This caused great f«ar am.
the passengers. We feared an attack from one or both at any hour, and
in consequence preserved perfect silence.
At Alt-JBreysach the boats were halted, and all our chests were open-
ed and examined. When Gmtsclri called on the commandant of the fort,
tlie latter warned him to sail instantly, saying he could see through
field-glass the : French, on the opposite side of the Rhine, aiininf! 11
field pieces at the boat. The master of the boat made off with all jiossihlc
speed. At Unter-Breysieh a child of John Held, tailor, from C5r '•
died,
Gcetschy stated that it was necessary and pro)>er to establish a
system of good order among the passengers. At one of the landing
directed the fathers of families to form a circle, and be selected from thcni
four Ehegaunicren (a sort of stewards):
1. Abraham Runningcr, of Bachenbulach.
2. Abraham Weidmann, smith, of Luflingen.
3; Rudolf Wekfrnann, tailor, o^i Ilftmlang.
4. Hans Gut, chief of the guard, of Ksch.
G(-ctschy also selected eight judges, two of whom, clKMeil by lot.
should serve under the Ehcgaumeren. These were:
1. Jacob Naff, from our dorf.
2. Jacob Scbellenberg, of Plunteren au< dem Bpiegelhoff.
3. Ileinricb Gallman. oi Mcttmensteticn.
4. Hans Maag, of Hoehfelden.
5. Jacob Dentzler, tailor, from Diebendoiff.
(). Conrad Keller, our carpenter.
7. Was myself.
8. Hans (J rob, of /will ikon.
HISTORICAL NOTES. 181
Geetschy, poor man, though a minister, had most of the time in his
iAouihihis tobacco pipe or the wine glass. Hut Ficinrich - in r, ul
Zurich, rend a prayer, morning and evening. Several day.- after the or-
ganization, Goetschy preached a sermon on the boat, in which he made
allusions to the Efoegaumer, which gave greal offense.
At Catch the hussars of the imperial army seized th<' ho.it, and man-
ifested unfriendliness. In consequence, Mr. Wirt/, of Zurich, M OUT
commissary — which title he assumed without our knowledge! «>r desii
went to Heidelberg to obtain a passport, which cost thirty guildvre. On
the way the1 hussars took his tobaceo pipe. We had to |»y two ill*
for both vessels. They rode after us nine miles below Mayence. We
should not have gotten rid of the hussars so leniently, if tie- leader had
not been of the Reformed religion. They took the meat from fUptscliy's
plate, and as they ate it swung their sabres about his head — whereby he
quite lost his appetite. When the fare for passage on the Ixxil was called
for, 40 to 50 had not the money to pay; and they left the l>oat, and wcnl
afoot. At Mayence a detention of four days occurred, owing to a failure
to agree* with the boat captains as to the price to lie paid. Finally, it
was agreed to pay to Llotterdam 3 guilder.- for adults ami lialf-pricc for
children. Things now went better.
It was stated at Zurich, before sailing, that a paper mill would he
erected in Carolina, and fine post paper only would l>c made; that the
best material would be sent from Switzerland to make the paper.
A4.J$euwik (Neuwied?) four couples were married by a Reformed
clergyman:
1. Commissari "Hans Conrad Wirtz and Anna fiutschi.
2. Conrad Naff, from our dorf, and Anna X.
3. .Jacob Rothgeb and Uarbara Hallcr, lx>th of our dorf.
4. Conrad Gewcillcr, a gardener.
The count here wished the entire company to remain in hip district,
and offered to furnish homes and needful supplies.
At Col Ion burg we remained four days, on account of strong wind-.
Gtrts&by 'preached here for us. The people here collected money for the
■emigrants, amounting to about one Dutch guilder for each ]«r-< n.
(hctschy and his family were also eared for, and they were invited ashore
daily. We were frequently called upon to sing psalms for the ciiii
for which we were liberally rewarded, in money, meats, kabis, p. i
and beer. Our quarters were in a bam. for which we had oacfc <«» pay
one steuber overy morning. We cooked mostly on the Iwnfc »'i the lihine,
A child ofplattmaeher Ilcinrieh Sehreilier, from Ries|wch, ilkd here
From here (eetseby sent three passenger-; to Rotterdam -Abraham
JUinninger, carpenter, from ttaehcnbulaeh, tailor Jacob fcsler, imd Abra-
ham Weidmann, smith, from Ludingen, —under pretense thai two V.wj-
lish ships were there, anxiously waiting for us. Mid lhal ill Kmjaud pro-
182 HISTORICAL NOT!.-.
vision had boon made to care for up during the Winter. Thin m
He and liis son-in-law sold. Here, both boats whieli wo had brought frow
Zurich, for 45 Holland guilders, of which we received nothing.
to pay 3| sieuben per adnlt and half that for children, to ltott< rdn
spite of the bargain thai the Mayenee chip's people shook] take m there
for what all had paid them. All were now transferred t«. one ship, murh
too small for convenience. The next morning l>eforc daylight we rcacliecl
Rottcrclain.
When wo landed the three men sent ahead informed ui there wi
English ship awaiting us. Goetschy could give ub no relief j on the «m-
trary, he said he could do no more for us, and th.it each one mmt l<«»k
out for himself. The ship master discharged our baggage in a heap, and
hurried away.
WHAT HAPPENED AT ROTTERDAM.
Goetschy received n letter from The Hague, from a certain
Schobingcr", of St. Gall, desiring him to come to the Litter at The Hague.
Goetschy and his son-in-law at once complied with this request
In a few days Wirt/, returned from The Hague, ami said .-■ \> ral n
would be sent us from there, that the States-General would take care of
us, and that a large sum of money had been collected for us in Kngland.
Goetschy also returned, and informed us that a position as :i minister, «.f
great importance, had been promised him by the States-General; thai he
and his family had been helped, and that we should see th.u we ton re-
ceive assistance. Meantime poverty and misery among us liccamc stcaililv
greater. No one dared beg, because in Holland beggars are put in Ihe
house of correction. Many became sick from want and hunger. Tin-
wife of -Hans Meyer, of Oher-Steinmur. died, and also her two-year old
child. A tailor from Buchss, Bolmstian Xeraehcr by name, who is mar-
ried in Rotterdam, visited us, and took us. especially thow fi »m Ittirhss,
kindly in hand. He brought with him ;i Mr. .Toh. Sella] wnhnudt, who
lived with him. These friends were instrumental in procuring us much
assistance.
At this stage some of our party went over to England.
After this we received much kindness from the people, who
food and drink, and furnished us night lodgings, Mr. Seh.ipenhaudt pre-
sented our case to Rev, Air. Wilhelm, who advised three al us t«> .<> \>> The
Hague. to apply to Mr. von Felss, at the English cmlttssy. Three went,
but applied first to Gcetsehy, who disapproved ul their calling iipm
Felss, whereupon they returned to Rotterdam without accomplishing
their errand.
Several days afterwards Goetschy came ami informed us that ivrtain
gentlemen recommended that we 1:0 to Pennsylvania, Most ol our party
were willing, and allowed themselves to he honked, and those who could
write wrote their own names. These went to n -hipping sehiff-
HISTORICAL NOTES. i
patron) and engaged to pay fi doubloon* passage money fur n grown |ier-
8on, and .3 doubloons for a child; and &*r thoae who died mi the 1
the living should pay the same mnn. 1 have heard nince I ain home in
Switzerland that they started from Uotterdam for that country on il..
of February (1735), The agreement for passage docs not mean Dial Uiey
will pay the money; but when they arrive in Pennsylvania I hey arc to be
sold to earn the required sum.
The 22 persons from K lot ten also came to Rotterdam, and
mas another vessel landed several passengers from various plat
Others besides myself wculd have come hack from Uottenlam, il
had had the means. Caspar Xutzli, of UoLssland, and 1. would
gladly have come with me, but he bad 110 money; In )j;id pre-
viously pawned his clothing for 5 guilders to purchase n< ■ • u*hib*
sick for several weeks in Rotterdam.
This ends thestory of the journey down (be Rhine as told by Lud-
Vfig Weber.
002TSCIIY 8 DOIXOS
Mr, Gcetaehy wrote an account of ibe journey down the Rhine,
at 1 The Hague, November 20, 1734, addressed to fcckelmcister (Trcsia-
•urer) Friess, of Zurich. After narrating the |irinci|ial events of ti 1
he stales t.aat be has been offered hy von l«Ylls, t Im- Antistc? <»t I lie
eriancfej the general superintendence, of the Itoformed L'hurehcs in Penn-
sylvania, provided he could furnish the requisite ercdcntiala and would
submit to an examination by thV judicatory of the General Synod. The
nu nailer of souls in the churches of Pennsylvania was estimated &i (50,000,
ol' whom 20,000 had not received baptism. Tlic PU|*erintoiMM nt 11
have the oversight in the whole of Pennsylvania, <>i eiglu" towns and more
than six hundred smaller places, and his income was i" lie 2000 thalera,
which was to be provided hy the Dutch Government until the plant
bo worked out that the people themselves could provide the. support
In Conclusion he asked most humbly the aid of liie Sockehncister in ob-
taining the required attestations fn an the Zurieh authoriliea, Tkifi im-
portant letter was addressed*
Iloehgeachtcr, Wbhl, Vornehmer, FYrmnwr, Hoch n. Wold Wet
meiu Ihsonders H<**hgeerter, (Jwissgmistiger If r. <i i Mr.: u.
holier Patron.
The signature was:
Memos insondt -r> 11 ijIk 1 1 r. U. P
Ergehenstcr Knccht,
Haaft & 2(U, 0^" 1784 Mauritius tiiHseliius,
In hochster Kyi. V. IX M,
Accompanying this letter waaom' written hy Henry (kctHchy, student,
ssaying tlmt in ease the testimonial irom /inieb should result favorably t«»
his father, Mn von FVilsen bad prtunised tbai he vll-nn | Rbmld fiuisJi
184
HISTORICAL XOTKS.
• I
his studios at the University of Leydcn at the public ex]M*n*c, mid Utnl lie
should be sent as Inline successor to his Father.
The replies, if any, made by the Bcckclmcistcr have 'not enroe t«> my
notice.
Two other letters ol great import to Gfrtachy'fi welfare i
about this lime. They are both in Latin. The firat wms hy U< r. Mr.
Wilhelmius, of Rotterdam, to Rev. J. I'». on. in Zurich. Tl
was by Rev. Joh. Bapi. Ott, dated Zurich, February 5, 17 '35, to
Mr. Wilhelmius.
Mr. Wilhelmius says: Unexpectedly Goetschius arrived here with 1 • ■• •
Swiss, in the middle of Winter, bare of means. Goetsclii proceeded n,
The, Hague to obtain from the English plcnipcntiary permission t«» emi-
grate to Carolina. The remainder of his party he left in Rotterdam,
where two citizens and myself cared for them to the extent that tin \ \\< re
not obliged to beg for bread. Wilhelmius then proceeds I in at
length that since the year 1GS2, at the instance of the 1 bid. 11* ■•. ■.< C.mi~-
tory, the two Synods of Holland had been endeavoring t<» find v.:iv> and
means to supply to the emigrants in Pennsylvania with religious R
It was determined to send a faithful, industrious, pious man thither, to
take charge of the circumstances and of the distribution of the building
of churches anYVthc engagement of ministers and teachers. In thetsrlii
they think they have found the light man \i>r this work. WilheJm
applied to Ott for information in this connection rcspectinj
reports which had come to Holland concerning him.
Ott replied at considerable length. Arhong other statements he in
these: Goetschi was trained in the Zurich gymnasium, and was
student, and reached the dignity of a V. D. M. (minister of the Word <»(
God.) He then became Diacon al Bcrncgg and afterwards at S d.tz. and
performed satisfactorily his official duties, and showed sueh
tha.t he gathered around him zealous adherents, hut also op]
well. Ott touches leniently and considerately the suhj 1 1
tarnished reputation. Gcctschy had ac<|uired. In |»erseveri
range of erudition far beyond the needs of a minister of the country I
lie manifested, for example, great zeal and diligence in tlie study of
Oriental languages, in Which he made progress so successfully
ported at least) that W used the original text as the foundation for
the daily services in his family, sons and daughter-.
Qiao result of the efforts of van Fels in Mialf of G«rtschy wa the
donation of 2000 guilders by the Government of the \
Kdel Grooi Mogenden,) given to him for the particular nhjwt of \
trustworthy report o\ the condition of the ehnn he- in [Vhum Ivani
The arrival of Gcetsehy's colony in Holland was brought to the
tion/of the States-General on the 11th of Deeeml^r, 1734. Tlw mlnul
state- From time to time large numbers of |>crsons from 111
HISTORICAL NOTES.
and elsewh ere in Germany come to these Province* with llie |mrp
sailing by way of England to thi colonic-- of that kingdom in '
At tins time divers person-- from the canton of Zurich,
object, have come here, Of the little they hail, they h .1 robbed
by wicked persons in Germany, and in consequence they !>
assistance in Rotterdam and elsewhere. The towns along the M
that the ingress of persons of this charactcf be prohibited
DISPOSITION' OF THE EMKiltAXTB.
Of the ardent emigrants brought to Rotterdam through tie inrtru-
mentality of the elder Ga»lschy eighiy-eigh* were Led t«» England, about
one hundred and fifty took passage for Pennsylvania; a few bund iln \r
way back to Switzerland; tin remainder arc unaccounted Jot.
Ludwig Weber in his pamphlet gives the ii>f of tb< I t.»
England, as follows:
from. Name of head of family.
Ilochi'cldeu Hans Maag, eclfaiid family
" Johannes M;iag
" Hciurich ( iassinaiin
" 3 leinricli Engeler
Mcttmcnstcttcn Hcinricli (fullnmn 4
IJachcnhtu-Jacli Abraham lhu*Kiiiiiger . 4
Zwillikoii 1 Ians ( Jrob s
Ojic of Hans (ii(»l/s daughters died^ also lier mfanl child.
" Hans Dutweiler
Esch ITuns Gut, chief of the watch
Affholteren Margrctli liader, whose brother remained ai Xaoinr
11 Hails Sticrli
Caspar Meyei
I leinricli aud Jacob UaMmauu I
Jacob (Jietli
Jinsserstorff Barlx'l Brunner 1
" Jacob .lssler
Meltmeus-tcUcn Hcinricli (iasemanu
Pscssikou A widow
— Han- ami Jacob Sehtnid
Basscrstorff Hans Rnderli »
The names of those who were registered to sail for Pennsylvania,
according to Weber's account, were these:
From, Name of bead of family. il*r.
Appeiuell Jacob Met tier
IJachss Jacob Bnchcr, shoemaker, self ami iamiJ>
BassurstorEf Ileinricli llmnner
" ileuiricb Ducbendorffor
Jacob Duobcndorffor
" Kilian Dielx»mlorWcr
V Hcinricli I lug, wheels riglil '
Ilei I rc I lickeii RnAolf Walder
Imeliss Jacob Schiukl
Jacob Miner
" ] leinricli 1 labor
11 Connul Meyer
Dicbendorfl Jacob Dentxler
Kscb Rudolf i::.r--
Fhniteicn Hnlthmwur How an
»< Jacob Schc lieu I tcrg and In? Bervaul
<>reiffensee Johannes I leid
186 HISTORICAL NoTKS.
From. Name of head of family. \,
Hirslanden Caspar Xoetzli and his children
Man Rudolf Hot/. 1
Kloten Verena Kern
Langenhuet flans (Mi 1
Liiflingen Abraham Wcidmann, sinitli
Monnidorff Hans EJlricli Aininaiin 1
Mncllibcrg Jacob Possart U
OpHikon Barbara Ivbcrhardl I
Ricspach Ileinricli Schroiber, blatmacher 1
Ruemlang KudoFf Wcidmann, tailor
Steinmur-ober-bey-Stcin Hans Meyer 1
Sultzbach Jacob Frev
Waljissellen Ileinricli Merck
" ^Martin SclieJienbcrg
" Liulwig Licnliardl 1
Jacob Wuesl 1
". Hans Kndolf Aberli 1
Conrad Keller
" Jacob X;rlt .
Conrad Na'ff
Jacob NVff
WaiVgtih Caspar ttimtz ]
Wondli Hans I'lricl) Arner
AYinckel Jacob "Meyer
Ziunikon Jacob iWtKcninger 1
Zurich Ileinricli Kchcnchicur 1
Ilans Mueller I
Jacob Mueller and brother i
Abraham Wjeckerli I
■ Hans ICuebler I
The ship Meremy bmiighl those of the ennVrants wlm worr nrn! t<»
Pennsylvania. Tlioy qualified at Philadelphia May 29, IT'.'-. Th.-
names of the passengers on this ship — among ihciu several lhaf ww
probably not members of (hetsehy's hand — appear in tie- urchin* |Mlli-
hshed by the State of lVnnsy Ivan ia. Rev. Moritz (JiHwhy's name ilnc*
not appear on the list; but he is said to have hceil in the rom|wmv. 1 M.
Good, in his History of the1 Reformed Chureh in the United SI itt-s
181 ), states that (hetsehy did arrive in this ship, bid <i<k. and thai ho
died a day or two after landing.
It was a merciful Providence-— I cannot regard it nthenvi
look away (oetsehy at this jnnetnre. and delivered the infant Reformed
Cbureli of Pennsylvania from the sinister inftiicricr* which a man «>f hi*
character would have brought to hear ii]w>n it.
Skippack Church Olhccs
The officer** of Rev. John Philip Buchm's ctangrcgation, on th.- 27lli
of October, 178 4, were:
Johan Ulrie Stephen, elder.
Jacob Arent, senior elder.
Philip Hcinrieh Seller, elder.
Christian Loeman. elder.
Johannes Pintenmcyer, deacon.
Adam Kind, deacon.
HISTORICAL NOTES. | ;
History of the Reiif Case.
BY [>KOF. W.M. .1. IIINKE.
IV. THE EFFORTS OF THE AITHOR1TIEP IN HOLLAND.
.We have seen that all (lie efforts of t; d Reformed people in i'
vania to settle the Lleiff Case proved fruitless, mainly owing bo the !..
documentary evidence. The only tangible result wa* ll
Rev. Riegcr from the pastorate at Philadelphia and tl<
tion of Rev. Boehm.
But when the zeal of the people in tin's country was flagging in th.-
Rein Case, the authorities in Holland were stirred up to n n tivily
bv the .letters which they received froic Pennsylvania, The I
Amsterdam was the first to push the ease rigorously.
J. Efforts of the Cfattis qf Anistrnlinn. 17 S^- J 7 39.
In the year 1 734 a large number of letters were Bent from Pennsyl-
vania .to tl\c C la ssis. Riegerand Dinner, as well m Rofclim and hi-
sistories, wrote stirring appeals to Holland. Especially the Ini.i of
Richer and Dienuv, dated February 23, IT-1.!, enuaed important na
lions and actions. It wag laid before Classis on June V. 1734, and on
July 19, Resolutions were passed regarding it. In one of 0 em CI
its opinion to the effect "thai Mr. Itcif ought to be compelled hy all pos-
sible means to render an account of the moneys already sent oi Tin-
suggestion ''to ^vm] a special order to Rev. Weiss to purge himself I
oath" seems to have been followed, for in obedience t" this command
"Weiss. aflirincd solemnly under oath, on November •'•. 17-'i">, that Ihc
money was still in the hands of Rciff." On September "-. 17-l'i. another
letter of Weiss is reported in the Classical minutes, stating that "hi-
Reverence had already brought the matter of the collected money •
the Court and was prosecuting Reiff. In answer to this letter of V.
the Classis wrote4 to him as follows, on October 1. 173G:
'.'We. take the liberty of assuring you thai Ihere ia a determination
among us that not only shall the Christian Synod not real until it is made
plain where the love gifts collected in Holland have gone to, but
also that they have heen properly accounted fur tind expanded ad puis
usus (for henevolent objects) for which they were given. Kl«e Ike foun-
tain of henevolence will run dry, as long as this satisfaction i- Rot -iven.
as well as if no explanation he given on yoni part which shall ' - ■ :
torv. You can therefore easily see that if your name i- Ui bfl he.- from
blame and if you are not to lie the cause thai to all those churches tlie
lavish hand shall ever remain closed, the above mentioned fin -U. still
diverted from their proper design, must he brought to light I
we advise you, in case KeilT cannot he compelled \o rend* r a hill
that the 2000 guilders he unreservedly produced, to which you
to he inclined. This surely would have a ver\ pood effect in n ;
HISTORICAL NOTES.
"8chiphach, Mat K, 17 ■:
"AlCbount, made with .J. Rciff, concerning the collected money, which
lie received in my presence in Holland a1 Rotterdam, Harlem ami
sterdam, from the respective persons, of which he nunle the foll<
disposition, namely:
"Receipts, according to the collection book added togetlier in earn
"Expenditures, being necessary expensea:
"1. "For voyage from Philadelphia to Lomkni without the j.
along . .
"2. For provisions in London during about one month, with tin* du<
gelf and Jacob Reiff .♦.:-•
"3. For passage from London to Rotterdam for each 15 sch. 1 chini 1 for th«-
bed and 3 sch. sterling for board I £ h
"4. Expenses for half a year's board in Holland and necessary joun
Dutch guilders *
i$b. At Rotterdam, shortly before my return to London, Jacob K
250 Dutch guilders. Of these 1 paid the passage from Uotterdnm t" Lond >n, lo
one chini (?) for the bed (i sch. for the board. The passage from homloi
land, 8 pounds, without the provisions taken along. The jouriM y from Maryland :■•
Philadelphia by sea and land :; £ 12 sch. 1 d. Board in London lUt<ch.
"In addition for mv labor and trouble I ask £o0 for the year
"N. 1>. Jac. Keif! declares to have paid to me for clot lies and l*H,k> 110 fl.
14 stivers
"When pounds and schillings are referred t<>, sterling money is meant.*1
With regard to this account Bcehm adds in the aliove quoted let
"This account is a proof of subtle treachery by which W idi*
the unnecessary extravagance in spending the money,- demands fifty
pounds sterling for his trouble and work, nor should the po8tscri)>l be
overlooked.
"Tinder the first head the amount of provisions if not mentioned,
iior how much Reiff asks for his time and trouble, and it seems this
been kept hack purposely, in order to lay claim to the rest of the money
that might lie left . ftcr the other expense are paid."
]>(elnn was right in calling attention lo the extravagance dmwn by
the account, for \Veiss and Reiff claimed to have -pent in all about five
hundred dollars, besides the doubtful forty -hair dollar.- mentioned in th<-
postscript. If the £50, or 9242, which Weiss claimed, had been allow. I,
the whole bill would have amounted to S78(», or but So 1 less than all Un-
collected money amounted to. Fortunately the attempt to settle tie
by sucti wholesale fraud did not succeed, and Weiss was compelled I
turn to' Albany without having accomplished his object, He tliei
wrote to the Classis. offering to pay hack the money with his own - i
A few years before, the Classical Commissioners bad urged him to do this,
but now the members of the committee had changed anil the new mem-
bers showed no longer the determination of the former committee, aid
hence they allowed the matter to drop by writing in January, 1
"We indeed commend your offer to reimburse the collected mom \
by means of a reduction of your salarv. Rut, dear brother, we under-
stand that this would be troublesome lo you and inconvenient, W
also that the elder Iteitf is ill a condition to pay and we are informed tb.it
lithe Lord Bishop of London were approached att the puhject, hi*
190 HISTORICAL NOTE?
Reverence would immediately take stcpa to oblige Rciflf to make
merit." There is no evidence that tins appeal was ever taken, nn I
forth Classis made no other active effort* to nettle tlto case. But aiicm the
Claris was losing interest, the ease was taken up with now energy by
another body, the Synod of South Holland, through their Syiiodical
de])uties.
2. Ihe Efforts of (l,r SijiKxI'inil I )ri„, in, _ 1731-1744.
When the Classis of Amsterdam abandoned it* efforts, in IT.".'.' n new
and most important factor appeared upon the scene, the Deputies of Ihc
Synods of North and South Holland. It must however not !"• fmp|ioseil
that the efforts of the Deputies in the year 1789 were the first nttenipt
which they made to settie the case. They were in reality the climax «»f a
long series of operations extending through many years. It will therefore
he necessary, in order to put the efforts of 1739 into their pro) km* historical
setting, to review hrieily the previous operations <•!' the Deputies, leading
up to the events of the year 1739.
After the departure of Weiss from Holland in the Ppring <.f 17-".l. the
Deputies waited patiently about half a year for news From Pennsylvania.
Meanwhile they learned, through a London merchant, the nam.- oi
tain Arent H assert, who wan said to be a memher of the Reformed con-
gregation at Philadelphia. Hence Deputy Jacob van Ostadc was asked to
write $6 -hka and three other parties, Rev. Weiss and his consistory, I
Pxelnn, and the Dutch ministers at New York. These four letters, writ-
ten on December 1, 1731, were the fust communications addressed by Ihc
Synods to the Reformed Church in Pennsylvania.
Writing to Rev. Weiss and his consistory. Do. van Ostadc i:il
them that "the Christian Synods have resolved to -end no more donation*
to Pennsylvania, until Do. Weiss and the Rev. Consistory of Philadelphia
shall have sent hither not only a report that the money already piven was
actually received, but also a proper specification for what it was spent."
Half a year passed hy, hut no answer to their letters came. Then
Jacob van Ostadc wrote a second letter on July '_'. 1732. Meanwhile four
letters arrived, written by Diemer and Rieper in Octolier, 17-1. Iiefore 1
Deputies had sent off their own letters. Their principal content* \
renewed complaints against Rev. Ilieh;... whi.h were ignored, but wha
astonished the Deputies most was that they -\vm\ learned from elder
HytY, that there must he in Pennsylvania ns many rs 30,000 Refonneil
eonnnunieants. 1 Jut in these letters the said Dienat writrs thai tl
are not .■>()()(). That makes a tremendously great difference."
An extract from the minutes of the Smith Holland Synod, held at
Leyden on July 7-17, 1 7;'>.')>, continues the history: "llavil d no
answer to all their former letters to Philadelphia and Vw V-ik. the I
•"The diirogmphv shown it was lt*e*»r. Having no -
decide. The Deputies judged by llie <i,u'n:uuiv »tf one n| I ho Mn*n|i
HISTORICAL NOTES. 191
Deputies had learned that the son ol An ol II; ;;
and that the same hid commercial relation* with his father, who lii
Philadelphia. Thereupon the Rev. Deputies had, on January 11,
once more written a long letter for information to Philadelphia, «
had been sent to Philadelphia hy the aforesaid Ilassert, Jr. The latter
also had sent to the deputies a communication in writing concernini*
Pennsylvania* hut therein was but little light on ecclesiastical m
;-till less [none] concerning the condition of tin- Palatine ehun 1.
M last, after waiting a year and a half, three letters from Pennsyl-
vania were laid before the Synod of South Holland, held .•>! 1 .... I
July 7-17. 1733. The first, dated March 6, 1733, was f:
llassert, the Philadelphia merchant, from which the Deputies
that he was not Reformed, hut a Mennonite. The second was fron
rad Tempelmann, and the last from Rev. [Sieger and Dr. John Dicmcr,
dated March 1, 1733. This letter explained the long delay. It had
taken them so long to get aeem/te information on all ipicrHi
by the Deputies. It, also gave the IVputics the first intimation that the
money was still in the hands ol' lh-itV, Hio not only denied t<» h:e
ceived 2000 il., but was even unwilling to fc'irrcndcr the 7o0 fl. which h«-
acknowledged -to have ill his possession. li-iviiu received tl
which conveyed to them such startling information, the Deputies wore
ordered at their next meeting to "endeavor t<> obtain knowledge «>i the
funds which were receive1 and collected by h'ylT." Km on Xovcn
24, 1733, they are compelled to report that "they had not Iwen able to
find anything anywhere, which would clearly reveal how much money
was placed in the hands ol' the EKler Ky[. "
In answering the letter of [lev. Uieger, on Dcccinlier 2«S, I733, Deputy
Velingius gave vigorous expression to his feelings. He wrote: "It cannot
seem strange to you that we are surprized and astounded with the utmost
indignation oyer the faithless dealings of Jacob Rciflf; and we Attribute
your late answer to our letters to the delay and act <>f the -aid Rciff; also
the reason why ours is dispatched later thai: we desired, i- thai \\-' gladly
wished to comply with your request to send over the itcmixi in! • •(
the moneys handed over to the said Ueiff among us, confirmed hyaul
tie proofs. However, hitherto without sucei'SS and thus far it seems to us
impossible to learn this accurately. It seems that Do, Weiss, who no
-companicd him in the journey to Holland, can l>est explain matters, and
we doubt not that yon have already written to this gentleman nUml it."
The efforts to discover the exact amount handed over to
continued, but without any results whatever
In March, l73o, the Deputies heard that Rev, fhi'tsrhius, fami
Zurich, had arrived in ttottcrdam with a colony of Swiss * itiigi nit*
*This corrects our statement on y. Iflfi nt the Hfrtnricnl S
tJ> have said the report was nude hy Ik mm <-t I he l'!.il.i«lel).liia imu haul.
192 HISTORICAL NO'] l .-.
wh^n -they first heard of him, he had already left Holland, and th<
grctted exceedingly not having had the opportunity of coining in
with him.
No news was received from Pennsylvania til! Octolx r 31, 1735, vrlicn
thq :Poputies had an important conference with Rev. \Vilh< Imius a( I: t«
terdam. He handed them a letter sent to him from the Philadelphia
congregation, dated February 23, 1734, and "an extract drawn up by
Rev. Weiss, from which it appears what moneys were formerly /< <« ived
by the Elder IteilT."
Besides Rev. Wilhelmius gave them an extended and interesting ac-
count of the Pennsylvania churches and furthermore informed them that
he had given Gcetschius full instructions to inquire into the condition <»f
the Church in Pennsylvania. He also promised to notify the Deputies a~
soon as lie would receive an answer from Go*tschius.
But instead of hearing from Gcetschius the deputies received on N
28, 17361, a letter and report from Rev. Roehm and his consistories. It
was the first letter he addressed to the Synodical Deputies, and altli
it had been wrjtten on October 28, 1734, it reached its destination only
after a delay of about a year and a half. When the report had l»ccn
translated and was laid before the Deputies. on June 1 1. 17"'»«». it was found
to be so voluminous that there was not sufficient time to give it the carc-
ful consideration it deserved. Moreover the minds of lie- Deputies had
been so poisoned against Bcehm that they had no confidence in him, and
hence all his lengthy and valuable reports were laid aside without careful
and prayerful consideration. '\ 'his was the most serious mi-take whi li
the Deputies made in our early history and most seriously did they and
the churches in Pennsylvania suffer for it.
At the same meeting the announcement was made, more than a yenr
after the event, that no news could be expected from Gcetschius, ns h<
had died on his arrival at Philadelphia. Their hopes having thus
to nought, the Deputies wer: compelled to look elsewhere for more infor-
mation and a proper medium of communication with the churches «-t
Pennsylvania. About this time Rev. Wilhelmius called their attention lo
a young student "who at the request of certain merchants --t \Yw \. thn-
land was (|ualifying himself to uo to Pennsylvania. M It was PWei li'
Dorsius. When their attention was first called to him. on Xoveilllier •
17oo, he was studying at Groningen, In 17*><i he went to l.« vdm and
When lie had finished his studies, he presented himself lieforc tie \h \
on June 11, 17:17, offering to supply them with the necessary infbrti
which they gladly accepted, urging him "to transmit a circumstantial and
correct report at the earliest opportunity."
Following .the suggestion of the South Holland Synod of 1787, lh<
Deputies prepared a set of questions which they transmitted to Dursiiis on
June!), 1 7**8. asking him to answer them as speedily us jiossihlo.
HISTORICAL NO'! KS,
13th and last question rcafl; "Finally (you are aakcd) accurnlel) I i
lain what has become of the collected moneys and the collection bo
At the name ^nccting the Deputies received Uw find l( a Do
sius, dated March 1, H738, which gave them additional information about
the condition of the Reformed people in Pennsylvania. With Lhii
information the Deputies felt warranted in adopting a new course <-f n
which promised to lead to the long desired solution of this diilicult pmb-
lem. It was an appeal to the governor of Pennsylvania. After having
obtained the list of the collected money from [lev. Wilhclmiug, Deputy
Proebsting drew up an appeal to the governor and wml it to l'r.»f. — ;
Gronovius, of Ley den, a famous Dutch naturalist, and personal friend «>f
James Logan, then lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania, to Ikj I
into English, and forwarded by him to the governor. (Thesis l( "
published by Rev. Jos. H. Dubhs, D. 1)., in the Reformed Quarterly
Review of 1893, pp. GG-69.)
A» lew days afterwards another copy of tliis appeal was sent lo Dr.
John Diemer, who, together with Rev. Dorsius, was given a pow<
attorney to prosecute Reiff. Having accomplished this, they l"<»k«- I
fidently into the future, hoping that now at last they were hearing lie-
end of this troublesome transaction. But all their hop
disappointed.
At first indeed the news from Pennsylvania was more cheerful than
usual. On June 7, 1740, a letter of Logan was laid before the Deputies,
dated December 18, 1739, which stated "that on account of hi< illness In-
had resigned all his offices and dignities, hut yet he hoped t<> have
sion and would not decline to serve Mr. Gronovius and particularly the
Reverend Synod; his Excellency had been acquainted with Wei* :'
his* departure from the Province, hut the other was unknown to
however he would not neglect to investigate it." But ^« >* »i i the Ik>|
ness of the news changed. On March 7, 1711. the Deputies resolve to
keep 11. 110 as ready cash to pay "the cost of the lawsuit, which will be
conducted in the name of this Synod in Pennsylvania, to force the falsely
called elder Reiff, as a wretched thief, to restore the 21*12 II., collected by
him in Holland for which lev. Mr. Dorsius indeed promises very little
hope of success. Pew. Mr. Dormus and Diemer hnd handed in a petition
about this to the Lo.'d Governor, but leal received un reply a.- y
March «, 1740."
On November 18, 1712, Diemer wrote to the Deputy as follow*:
"I received in the year 1711 [1740?] a Idler, wnich the Rov. Mi.
Krncst. Pnebsting, Deputy of the Uevcrcnd Syn..d. wrote at llensdeo,
under date Mav 3, 17^>. and received l*qt*idcH in the afort rcM ill
December, a copy of ;< special letter to the governor of PeiUlSJ Ivania under
date April 15, 173U, from The 1 laguc, in which was Riven author/
the Rev, Mr. Dorsius and myself, to prosecute the .Mill suit
194 HISTORICAL XOTKH.
against Jacob KcilT, of Hchipack, in Pennsylvania, in wroVh mi app.--d mi*
was made by the Reverend Deputies to the Governor. lmmediat.lv un
the receipt of the letter aforesaid, I was infonnod, hi- Excellency the
Governor promised to assist us, but the eircumstances of the war bet
the Eng|ish and Spanish crowns [173JM742] liavc until now prev<
such, on account of many special- engagements.
"We wished that the mattei be brought so far that the good? ..f the
rascal Jacob Ueili be placed in security, until the cane lx» finished. Hith-
erto I have paid this suit out of my own money without the 1-M-t
tance from anybody, but Ibis is too difficult for nic to continue, inasmuch
as I have already spent 250 fi."
Tbe a])])ointnient of Diemer to prosecute Reiff was ;i nn>.-t unfortunate
selection. He was an utterly unreliable man, and we think that IVehni
was perfectly right in bis judgment when be wrote to Holland: uIIe in as
much or more to blame than Reiff for the deeeptien and loss incurreoV1
It is doubtful whether he ever spent n penny in the case.
New interest was awakened in the Reiff case, when Dorsius himself
appeared in Holland and presented himself before the Deputies in S. p-
tembor,, 1743. He was closely questioned about the conditions in 1'
sylvania. lie reported that "touching the power of attorney (given to him
and Dr. Diemer to prosecute Reiff, he bad more than once urged Diemer
to proceed therewith, but be did not seem to he in a great hurry nlmiil it.
so that as far as he, Mr. Dorsius. knew, nothing, or at !east notliing of
any importancey had as yet been accomplished. However, imi his jour-
ney hither, passing through Philadelphia, he bad spoken with said Dr.
Diemer, who told him that be bad spent in costs about twenty pound-"
($52), a discrepancy of nearly 650 between bis letter and his statement
to Dorsius !
Tbe appeal to the governor of Pennsylvania, which was expected In
end the matter at once, bad signally failed liecntlsc the Deputies' had
failed to appoint the right man as their representative. The eld.
Bochm wiote truly: "If this matter bad been entrusted exclusively to unr
minister, we believe1 it would he in a difTercnl condition."
Tbe efforts of the Deputies came to an end when on Mareh 10, 17 11.
thpy received the followed letter from Logan, dated Septemlier IT. ITT':
"I am much concerned and ashamed about the Imniness relating In tin*
Reverend Synod, For which your friend, Holier! ftiers, to whom I bad
referred the business, must in no sense be blamed. I am u funned that
the debtor is a rogue (guit). Nevertheless he cannot lie touched U}
Common Court, according to custom, but this must lie done liy a lliglier
Court, called the Court of Equity. By certain circumstances Ihe affairs
here have been badly managed during seven years, but we Imvc bope that
in a short time everything will he put into proper order and every one
will be able to secure justice4.
HISTORICAL NOTE&
The hopes of the governor and of the U<pmi. - wore noj fuliilbd. r„r
Reiff was not disturbed in the possesion and use of the collected ni
V. THE SETTLEMENT OF T.IK i:i;iit CASE TIIROl till UFA'. MICII IEL
SCHLATTER, 17 hi -1755.
Wo now come to the last stage of the RciiTCasc, it* - ttlement through
Schlatter. That which many minds h.od been nimble to nccompliMh f.»r
many years, he succeeded in doinjj within a few months. With remark-
able energy, noticeable ill liis who].- activity, lie pushed this mw to n
cessful conclusion. His unpublished journal given lie all the i
this transaction and forms an eloquent, though iinconscioux, tribute t<»
his tact and tenacity of purpose.
On September S, 1740, Schlatter had the first conference with lhHT.
who expressed his readiness to make a settlement and only asked for Hie
presence of Rev. Weiss. Schlatter gave him twelve days1 time lo rotifer
with Weiss and to appoint a day for another meeting. A few day* bit r
he received a reply from Ueiflf to come to his house with Rev. \V< i
September 21.
Continuing the account, Schlatter writes in bin journal:
"Ilcmg the day appointed by Jacob I.Vil'f for a meeting, I. with Dw. Wimhb went
to him. As I caine into his house lie wept and said Lhal 1 ought lo !*• m»ieiml, in-
vestigate the affair well and require from him nothing bill what lie could give with-
out Joss to himself.
"After this he brought forward a multitude of accounts, a*
"1. 48011., which he claimed lo have given to l)o. Weiss \->v Ins return vo;
to Pennsylvania and for books, but Weiss could only remember ll¥) /I.
"2. i Ie showed an itemized account of what he and I > n. VVeiiv Iind -(H-nt in t lit*
in the time or six months in Holland for necessaries of living, etc . 7110 ll.
".'i. lie declared he had been compelled to make three journeys t<> I!
for the collecting of money in the name of and by the order u( lite Kevcrend S>
and that at his own expense.
"4. He said that lljose 000 IL, which they were permitted lo colled in the pity
of Amsterdam, had not been received, but that he secured only about lot! It.
' -">. lii-ought forward yet a large account of what he deemed lie limleiirnetl iiillie
course of two years for his trouble, claiming but 10 stuivers Holland iuojicj pel
day (20 cents)!
"So that he came to the conclusion I hat o\er and above w hat he had ov. ivd.
about 100 ft. were still due to him.
"Having seen all this, I gave in a word my resolution, namely that I. in the
name of the heverend Deputies of the Synods, and the Uevcreml (la—,- ot \
dam, of all those 2100 11., w/udi llr'nf ntbwuiidij^l la !>•> '. would b
With 1000 II: j and that this would end the affair once for all.
"I said that it was not unreasonable that those 7U) II., -pent by llie two of I hem
in the course of six months in Holland, should lie improved i»f; imi I would equally
credit him with the -lot) ll. given Id Do. fcVcfcs, but thee nciisalimt for lib tn-uMe
he must find jn the interest of the money, which Ik< had Uvn able In
years for nothing.
" 'Tis Due, \'erv Koverend Si !*, that I could have placed the demand I
than 1000 11., but then the affair would have made still Ie*
Which the sequel shall prove. Mv sole object was to bum: lliis distasteful
tion to a close in kindness. Further 1 stuck lo my resolution mid I
not to depart from it; gave him time for consideration till October::. i»u win
he promised me (after consulting with his brother- about it) that be would
me an answer to Philadelphia.
"October:;. Third Conference with Iteiff.
"He. namelv. .1. h'eiff. came on this ilav according In Ills l»i»inw, to me ;
Philadelphia, in'order, if it were possible, to remove out ot the way (be COiiK
190 HISTORICAL KOTO
""October h, rf I had not used thin precaution, 1 would have i.ul.-.l. fm
repemted the next day and \\ ishrd to ;j;i\e me t hr moncv required ..i him ami « ud
the affair with me. But l.lie elders of Philadelphia, in tin' liopc that ttcifl Would br
n/Mi/Lti>iniifl f,> .,>v- i.w.v,. (1,.,,, 1 i \l M \ ll cniil llw>« ,i..i.l I nilluir l.t il ...i,,.- I,, tl
"»"-' """" .1 HI I I I IV . I /III I I IV V I- I. I . - ■, , , , , ,,,. ,v . | ,. ■ |
condemned to pay more than 1000 ll., said they would rattier lei il conic In that and
stand by the compromise."
The fridges were Thomas Lawrence, Richard IVt , larad
Pdmbcrton, Jr., and John Reynell.
fin. a, postscript to the Journal (dated December 15, 174(1 . > Matter
adds that because of the ice in the river Ihe letter urn* detained till M
1, 1747. ]Je continues:
Tlie transaction with .J. Rciff has been brought to an end, I ran Inih raj
• , i . . ii . .»—— i, _ . o : i r I..
"The transaction with J. Rciff has been brought to an end. 1 ran Inil
1 have done m y best, and yet 1 could hot get more than 100 Spnnfcli e
American money he received Cl:i» Pennsylvania currency, or •] which I
will hold until 1 receive your iliivction concerning them.'
Schlatter hoped to settle the case by the following statement in S
paper, of June 1 6, 1717:
"This serves as notice, that no one in tin4 future may take t he trouble or I*' t»4tl
enough to insult tlie brothers Rciff or their families with* slanderous imI re-
proaches concerning the well known collection, since Mr. Jacob l.-iii. in I lie
honorable and upright manner, immediately after my arrival in ih
sauted to make a settlement and with the approval of prominent and
men, who with me took the trouble to bring this matter to a cnnclnflion,
given me entire satisfaction, so that I am well |»leas<M I and cannot I)
an honest man and a friend. Nor do 1 iloubl that I ran justify tlic
quarrel before the Very Reverend and Christian SvimmIhoI North ami - •■•ah Hollard
This notice, however, did not end the ca^e. The cncuti< - P lilat-
ter persisted in reproaching and accusing hint of eonniving with H
retaining the larger | >art of the collected money. Hence tin I
1745) was compelled to give him n resolution ni rjonfid<
he -had done his full duty, a resolution which was |HU»1Wm»1 in Sat
paper of November rfi, L749. Iwil oveu thin did not i|UiH his np|*.nmi-.
When Schlatter left for Holland, in February, IT -l. Simr, in hi- \
February 1, 17'>1, pave him a parting salute. Hw long titndc shows ilmt
HISTORICAL KOTRS. | 7
he wms misinformed and hiitis^ll misinterpreted many tiring*. With but
a hearsay knowledge of the ease, he could not do ju
Finally, after 24 years, the ease was concluded a1 the C«tus of 1*
•when Schlatter "presented an entirely satisfactory account of the sum re-
maining from RciflPs collection, amounting to 200 guilders, and linn
promised to pay 100 guilders to the congregation in (imnanUwn, and an
much to the church at Sehippach.'1
Holland and Pennsylvania.
V.
UOLLANl/s CURE OF THE REFORMED <Il I It* 1 1 IS PEXXSYLYAXIA.
[Condwlcd.]
It would be gratifying to follow, from year to year, the record <-f
Holland's generosity to IV nnsylvania. as written in the minuted ol the
Synods of the Netherlands. L<Y>r more than sixty years this benevolent,
Christian work continued.
Jlut the Church was nol alone1 in this noble work. The State ap
priated money for the same purpose. In the printed records of the laws
enacted by lCdele Grout Mogenden van de [Ieeren Staaten van Holland en
Westvriesland, (the Legislature,) we find that, August "J7. 1731, the sum
of two thousand guilders per year was granted for five years I' >r the main-
tenance of the Reformed preachers and schoolmasters in Pennsylvania,
and for the purchase of necessary hook's. NovciuIht 30, IToti, this grant
was renewed for three years; November 20, 17V.I, fifteen hundred guilders
per year was granted for two years more; and DecemlKM 5, 17<»1. a fur-
ther grant of a thousand guilders per annum was made for t
KC170l, December •">, voor twee jaaren geaecordcert ecu duisend guldens
ten hehoeve van de (iereformeerde (Jemeentcns in Pens} lvanicn. "
]>esides sending money, I tildes and hymn hooks, the Syi
ministers, as far as possible, for the Pennsylvania Held, and sent them to
us. The Dutch are methodical and business-like, and they fell it ivas
most important that a competent .clergyman should lie found to ••■
the congregations organized and t * * organize others. Gcetschy and Dorsius
were sent on this mission. These were unfortunate selections
were unworthy men. (icetsehy scarcely reaelud the field;
but few .ml unprofitable years in it. After many year- of eamo*»1 cIToil
by the Holland Church aulhorit'ns. Schlatter was found and Unit
Herculean labors during the twenty years prior had firmly c<laUisk<n] the
Churfch. l>ut now he was wmn out. Schlatter was young. lh--b
executive ahilitv He took the woric off lkehin's hand-.
later Schlatter went back to Holland and ivpresenkMl tin of the
Pennsylvania churches forcibly and elTix*tively, which eivihlnl tin 1 In-
land Synods to gather a great fund, the interest <>! which U*aJ sent iW
support the nongeegations here.
1--^ HISTORICAL NOTES.
The Heidelberg Herald.
One of the conspicuously able congregational monthly publi
that bearing the above title, issued in Die hitcresi of \)v. Zartman'* i hureh,
Nineteenth and Oxford streets, Philadelphia. From it wc learn that:
Communion will hereafter !><• administered to the ineinlier* in Hie
pews. This metliod has found favor, in the congregation, anil will l»c
adopted, in all probability, permanently.
The church has received a legacy of two thousand dollar* faun the
estate of a deceased member. Tins will l>c applied to the mortj
will be an interest saving of ninety dollars a year,
Uplifting Circle of King's Daughters is one of the useful artiviti
this church. Et has given five baskets of groceries, and some el
poor families, since January 1, and magazines have l»cen distributed.
large package of picture cards and copies of children's Sunday-seh«»ol
papers are to go to a missionary in China. The Circle is ti \
patches for a Scripture quilt to be sent to a hospital.
The Women's Missionary Society bf Philadelphia Classis will have
its annual meeting here May 15, )(M)().
Names of Subscribers to Historical Notes, Volume Oi
Pcv. Win. IT. Brong, Tnrmersville, P
Rev. Cyrus Cort, 1). 1)., Bahillasvillr \h\
Miss C. W. Crocker, liiiltim«i
Prof. Joseph llenrv Duhhs, 1). D., liL.R, I r, I'a
W. H. Kgle, M. I)., Ifai
Prof. James I. Coed, 1). 1)., H
Prof. Chester D. Hartranft, D. D., Hartfoi
Pev. Prof. William J. Ilinke, Philad.l,,!:
Prof. L. Oscar Kuhns, MiddMnwn,
Mr. W. F. Peidy, N« -w Hanover, \'
Rev. J. M. Levering, Moravian liisho|K Betlileliein, Pa
Albert Cook Myers, 13. L, Philadt-lphi
New York II isiorical Society, S fl York,
New York Public Library, York, \ >
lion. Samuel YV. Pennypacker, LLD., 1'hilad.lphi.-
Mr. Philip Quillmsm, v
W. II. Hood, Ph. G., M. 1)., x
John K. Holler, Ks<(., Harrisonlai
George AW Spiese, Esq., IMiilnilelpli
llev.A. Stapleton, I
Mr. John II. Stotler, N *k, N. Y
Ethan Allen Weaver, C. Iv, Philadelphia. Pa
Pev. R. I<\ Wiest, IMlihnlelph
Mr. Irwin Yost, Centre S,i:..!. . P
Pev. Uulus Calvin Zartman, D. P.. Philad. pi:
INDEX.
A Day at F/msiedcln, IS. Editorial*, 1, 17, :;.'. I • . •«;, 11 :,
Alter the Revocation of the Edid of 129, M.">, 101, 177.
Nantes, 17:5. Eineiedelo, 18.
An Old Cfosc Restated, !2». Fii-dM. School* lor ( iermai
A Sorry Showing, 177. vania, K5.
Baird, Ilonry M., 1 1<>, 17:;. Foikncr ftramp Reformed Ctturch,—
Bailsman, H., 42, in;. Founded by lltehm, n7: n
Bechtel, John, 41. tiie Revolutionary I
Berg, Joseph F., k;:>,. to Holland h ■■ senrici* Im-I<1 in Ik
Berkcnstock, Nathan, ITS. and ham-, IOCS; Sclw •
Biography of Harhaugb, 162. schncidcr, lOti; it- fanncHd anility, 107;
Beehm, Anthony William, :». signets \'> Hu'lim's patuphleL, 1
Bcchni, David, 9S. wooden church built,, [I John
Breton, Rev. .John Philip, :i t>8, 102. PluiipLeydich takes ch
liners. The, 11 :;. UN, i7»i. debt paid, i:K».
Hoys in the Country, Mi. First Quartet Century ol I <«ani|i
Bttflhrger, i'leinricli, 2(». Reformed Church, Hli, KMi.
- -Burial Ground ai Philadelphia ReiWined Plight of tls» Ilti - III.
Church, 28. — ! Frank ford Itaforuird Churchyard
Business Letter ol; 17") I, A, fll* Frank ford Reformed Chun:!.
Chandler, Rev. Samuel, 85. Franklin Squan'S I ><•.■■). I13L
Chester County Churches, .'»&. German Reformed Churoh ol Frnnkfonl,
Church at Market ftrnare, The, !:;, KS, :!'J, -7.
;V), <i0. German Ifeforiticd Church ••! I
Church at Philadelphia. The, 1.70. (own, The, It* hVgini
Church Building Funds, 74. DUbeck, 15; William \\ . lien-
Church Ollieers in !?:>(>, llo, drick IVuiliebrekoi mini
Colonial Church Duilders, -<'., ML ' Suldin, ..'.'; a e>uj#ivg&tiou formed, Kl:
Correspondence at The Hague, .)J. Rev. George MicluieJ Weiss, II; John
Cork Cyrus. IIS, 52, V.M. BechteL II : a church buill in 17 .
.Davis, P. Seiheit, Ml. purchase of laud «m Mark< h
<\o la IMaine, .James, 25. Rev. John Philip Kielun*f
.Dewees, Cornelius ami Garret, 25, Rev. Mr. Donsius'* report !•• Holland,
Pewees, William, 2:i, UK. "><.; at'l'aii- in J «k*nt
.Dilbcek, Isaac, 15, year. 57; hu Philip Hm Itm*f
Potterer, Henry S., Contributions by, 2, Mntemeut oi i;n. >v IW ; i nd l-vli-
5, l.'l, IS, 20, l'J!, 114, ;'.'.», 50, 55, i,.>. ijj), tel aminos d, JO; names of si
8JJ, S)% IKS, SM>, lie, J.:i. I7L 17!'. 1711, 7j; the Whiteiiuirsh cm
Dual Letter from Wittgenstein, 117. is panJv i town,
J)uhhs, Rev. Josejih Henry, I). J>., J.L.D., 71: Rev. Miclswl Scldatlei
115, Pi.".. I he c.'ii:;n':::ui'>n, 7J . in
200 INDEX.
72; the church renovated in 1702, 72; Marriages by 1:
chartered in 1771, 7:5; it plays a part iji 18, "»:;, :«), lot, 12-V i7o, 180,
the Revolution, 7:); Washington wor- 105.
shipped in it, 7:5; Rev. Jacob Heifer*- Moetej ,I;111, j |,.,|(jrjr!:. M.
.stein takes the congregation over to the Milton, Jolm it*..
Presbyterians, 7)); the spacious and MinnJch, Michael Heed, Contribution by,
beauteous church edifice of to-day, 71. L>0
German Reformed Church of Philadcl- Moerdvkc I lev. 1' 1> 1> (S
phia, 21, 22, 02. Moody, Pwight L.,' 1 13.
Girkhausen, 50. Moravian N*
Gleams of Light, 07. Mountain* ami M»»n, •»«'•.
(S'oetschy, Maurice, 171. Naincn of .Subscribers, IflR.
Gcetschy's Colony, 171, 17'.). Neisser, Augustine, 0.1.
Good, Rev. James I., 1). 1>.; A, 00. Xeuchatel, os.
Guldiit, Rev. John C, I>. J)., 4. New Goshcnhoppcn Clmrcl
Gtildin, Rev. Samuel, 39. New Goshen hoppcii |\u ; .
Happy Christmas, A, 114. North Virginia Church History,
Harbauglv, Henry, 1(1, 122, 102. Not Properly Pastored, 17s.
Hartranft, Chester D., I). I)., 51. Old Gotilicnhopncn C'liurrli, ai
Heidelberg, Ml. Old Race Street Church, l;:o.
Heidelberg Catechism, The, 01. Our Aim, I.
Heidelberg Herald, The, 198. Overman, Dr. I... Letter from, 11".
Heirloom, An, 115. Palatinate, The. 0,;.
Uelffenstoin, Rev. Samuel, 1). 1)., Pannebecker, llmdrick, 25,
Hillegas, Howard C, 128. Philadelphia Rcfoimcd ( liurcli
Hiltzheimer, Jacob, 21, 117, 111, 123, 107. 123, 107.
Ilinke, liev. Prof. William J., 2, 81, 1 r>, Philadelphia Reformed Congi
.177. 05, 111. 1411, 155.
Protest again-l I hi- Ordination .-t I
Mr. ftehm, 102.
Uinke, Rev. Prof. William J., Contribu-
tions by, 102, ]:):), 150, 1(14, 1S7.
History of the Reformed Church in the Random Thoi
United States, 99.
\lvn\, \V. II.. I'ii. ]>.. M. It., < nnmi-
lloljand and Pennsylvania, IS, 52, -17, S:l, cation by, 10, .'11, IX, ■>■•. \*\ MM
120, R57, 158, 174, 197,
14:», 150, 170, 180, I""
Homrighausen, Sebastian and Johannes, Reed, \\ . II.. M. IK, -
11~ Refonned Church Literature, I, W
Huguenot Element in Pennsylvania, Hi.;. &2, ,1S- vl- 1:;-- ] ,:
Huguenot Gal lev-Slaves, 2, 48, (13, 65, 77. Kelll, •]^'lU- "'• ]:"]-
Huguenots, 149. *«'»« <*»*. lllM,,,> "!- ,::- ]A)> l01' ,87<
Huguenots Invited by Penn, 100. Kev nstock, John, 30.
111-Starred Collecting Tonr, The, 5. Revival of Kriendnhip, 145.
Indian Creek Reformed Church, The, 111. Uieger, Jolm ItartholoiiM
Interesting Confirmation, An, 3. Saint George's Ueforuied c liurcli,
Jordan, Jno. VY\, Communication bv, 03. Sclmll, George, 17.
Kieffer, Henry M.f D. P., 170. Schneider, liev. Ltonjamin, Mimuwy,
Knauss, Sebastian Henry. 1*5. 8l| 147.
Laux, James Berkeley, 103, 100, Schlatter. Itev. *Rclinel, 21.
Leaders of the Reformation, 115. Scotch Church in Rotterdam
Leidy Family Record, 20. Sell'-l Vni.il. 112.
Leydich, Rev. John Philip, 2, 20, 50, 59, Skippack Church Officer!
100, 117. Stage RonU
Liberal (overs, 131. Stapleton, Uev. \ ■ -•
INDEX.
Stnmsbnrger, Tlvv. Jolm \mdrew, V»5, k.rl. Wack, Rer. George, Mi rri
StrassbiirgkM-, Be*. X. S., II J)., iM. IS, :•:;, 9Q, In J. 153, I i... |
Stumbling Plucks, 1(51. ] -a l^)o.
Successful Church "\Y<*rk.; 178. Weinberger, Ml - Minerva, 17.
Sunday-school in 1784, 114. Weiser, Kev. Dr. Oeinenl Z .
Swiss Slrclter to Beformed Refugees, 52. Wefag, Rev. tieerge Michael,
Tannemviftto Charge, 132. - H52, 132, l-l-\ 146, !."».
Ten Heuveii, Evert, 25. Wlriteneld ai .m*r
Thonis, Gosen, 110. Swamp, $3.
Tiele, A\a,rdm, 52. Wtritemareli TTni u Clauncli, L
Trappc JMormed Clmreli, The, lil. Wiest, E. F-, 1 ML
Treasured Volume, A, 91. Wolff, B. C,
Van Yiecq, Per. Pajnlus, 148. Yonng I'reaclierV Visit, Tlie, 1 H-
Vaiulois, The, 17('». Zurich, 116.
Waclc, Kev. Casper, 10, 115. Zwingli, Ulric, IML
7J^ ^K
HISTORICAL NOTES
RELATING TO THE
PENNSYLVANIA REFORMED CHURCH.
VOL. I. No. 1. May 10, 1890.
$1 00 per Annum.
Edited by Henry S. Dotterer.
Perklomr-n Publishing Co.,
N. THIBTI I N
PHILADELPHIA.
Our Aim.
Our purpose is to disseminate interest-
ing and important facts in the history of
the Pennsylvania Reformed Church, as
also in the history of the Continental
Reformed Churches which gave our
Church its life. Our laity, and clergy as
well, have need of fuller knowledge of
the origin and career of the communion
with which we stand associated, and of
its founders and heroes in Europe and
America.
The Reformed Church in this country
occupies, by its own act, an isolated and
helpless position. A hundred years ago
it severed its relations with the synods
of Holland. This was quite light in
itself. But at the same time it broke off
all intercourse with the European breth-
ren It has stood alone ; and in the tierce
rivalry with new religious organizations,
as well as old ones, it has not been able
to maintain its relative position. Its
present membership is only about a quar-
ter of a million ; under normal conditions
it should be ten times that number. The
danger is that it may lose more ground.
It deserves a better fate.
The Pennsylvania Church blindly
turned away from the parent bodies, and
deprived itself of the intellectual and
spiritual sustenance which could only be
obtained through cordial intercourse with
them. Money we do not lack ; we are
poor only in the wisdom to use it liber-
ally. Our Church needs a stimulus; it
needs the moral support and the Chris-
tian sympathy of the European Re-
formed Churches. It needs to realize
that the achievements of the Continental
Churches in and since the Reformation
belong to us. They are oar birtl
The memories of the heroism, t)
fering, the sacrifices, and the i
labors, of the HugUi not8, the [loll]
the Swiss, the Germans, the Wa
and the Waldenses, all belong to n& Is
not our Pennsylvania and An
membership made up of the descei
of all these? The blood
and martyrs is mingled in the v
our people. There is inspiration in the
undoubted fact.
Holding these views we regard tl
American history of the Reformed
Church— its faith, its fortitude, its
its triumphs— as our precious
We feel that a publication conduct
this broad, filial spirit mu-t yield not
only a rich return of gratification, en-
couragement and edification, hut aid in
arousing the fealty, enthusiasm and
spirituality of former times, and lead up
to the strengthening and effectiveness of
our denomination as a factor in the irre-
sistible expansion of the Gospel of i
The Presbyterian Historical v
Philadelphia will soon begin the publica-
tion of a monthly. The w has
its rooms and library in the W
building.
Rev. t«. Merle dc Fere Kachari
Baltimore, is makii in the
archives (A the Ref<
terdam, in the inten
of the Reformed Church in the United
States.
HISTORICAL \OTK:
Rev, A. Stapleton, of Lewisbuig, Pa.,
is engaged on a work of highest interest
to us of the Reformed Church. It is en-
titled Huguenot Memorials, unci is in-
tended to give the names and a brief ac-
count of all Pennsylvania families de-
scended from Huguenots who found a
refuge here.
W. IL Reed, M. P., of Norristown, Pa.,
Treasurer of the Historical Society of
Montgomery county, is engaged upon the
history of the Welker Family, of New
Goshenhoppen, on the Perkiomen. John
George Welker, who came in the com-
pany headed by Rev. George Michael
Weiss, in 1727, was the founder of the
family in America.
Rev. Prof. William J. Ilinke is con-
tributing a series of valuable biographi-
cal articles to the press of our Church.
In the Reformed Church Messenger John
Philip Bujhm, George Michael Weiss,
and Philip William Otterbein have been
his subjects. In the Reformed Church
Record he has written of John Henry
Haeger, the first German Reformed minis-
ter in Virginia. The rare merit of Troi.
Hinke's sketches lies in the fact that he
presents material heretofore in great part
unknown, gathered by himself in Ger-
many at the places whence these pioneers
came.
Huguenot Galley-Slaves.
At Dordrecht the editor of Historical
Notes found a paper the like of which
probably does not exist on this side of
the Atlantic. It is a list of names of
French Reformed men about to he re-
leased from suffering the horrors of ser-
vice in the galleys, to which punishment
they had been sentenced because of their
religious faith. It is a thrilling record
of what men in past times were willing
to endure for conscience' sake. It will
be published in these pages in the course
of a month or two.
Rev. John Philip Leydich.
BY IIEXBY B. D0T1 i
The interesting circumstan
ing the commissioning of this n
and his departui
buried, untouched and unread, lliii
tury and a half in the volui
cords in Holland,
The Synod of South Holland in 171\
was held July <>— 19, at Briclle. The
acta of the synod an- pren rvt-d, in manu-
script, in the archives of the i
Reformed church, in the ( >p] crt,
by the Groote Kerk, or St. Lawi
church. These lines are written in the
volume containing the proceed ii .
1748:
1). Deputatis Pielal heefl bij d«-.
legenheit aan de Chr. Si nodus I
gcgeven dat buiten dcesc V«
stond eene seekercn Prcdikai I
Johannes Philippus Leidichius (i
husia, welke recdts veerd a rrij
willig na Ponselvanie
van deese of eene gemcente in •
ten en versogt dat d. d. Depataten
ten gequalificeeit werden, <>m hem daar
toe te Committei-ren en van noodig reij*--
geld te voorsien.
In substance this means. : Lev. Deputy
Pielat took the opportunity t<> Inform
the Christian Synod that ontaide the as-
semblage stood a curtain preach
John Philip Leydich. of Girklu
who is now ready t<> gQ voluntarily t«.
Pennsylvania in the - this body
to take charge <>t any c
that province and dosii d that the l«V\-
erend Deputies would commif*ion him
for that purpose, and provide him with
the necessary passage money,
Leydich's lostimoi
It was found that lie had km red hit
connection with hi
tion in a regular way, 1 !
found to bo free from Mora\ inn
(TIernhuttise dwaling). lie a
ingly invested w itli authoi it)
Pennsylvania. A ColK d
and the sum of U > guild
pence received which was handod lo
Leydich. The presideul of tin synod
HISTORICAL XOTI>
then addressed him cordially in the
Latin language, encouraging him to Un-
faithful performance of his duties, with
the wish that every blessing might attend
the same.
It is worthy of note that Mr. Leydich
was a regularly ordained minister; that
he had proper credentials from his farmer
congregation ; that he put himself unre-
servedly at the service of the synod for
disposition as they saw fit ; and that the
offer of himself was unaccompanied by
any stipulation as to compensation or posi-
tion in his new field. No selfish motive
appears.
We part with the missionary pastor as
he turns from the meeting of South Hol-
land synod, at Brielle. His face is tow-
ards the West. His wife and two young
children are with him.
We next meet him at, Philadelphia, at
the threshold of his new labors Schlat-
ter in his Journal says : "On the loth of
September, 1748, to my exceeding great
joy, came to my house, healthy and
happy, John Philip Leydich, with his
wife and two children."
As to his voyage across the Atlantic we
know nothing. The irrepressible his-
torian may later on discover some record
of this important journey. As his name
does not appear amonj.- the lists of immi-
grant arrivals at Philadelphia, we infer
that he landed at New York or Boston.
His passage was not a long one. He has-
tened with his commission to Pennsyl-
vania. When he reached Philadelphia
he was at once placed in charge of Falk-
ner Swamp and affiliated congregations.
Here again he lost no time in proceeding
to his duties.
In this connection, a pretty legend
comes to us from the distant past. Just
before Pastor Leydich reached his desti-
nation, he came to a natural formation,
called the Gateway to Falkner Swamp.
Its time-honored German name — Pas
Schwammer Thor — is more expressive
than the English translation. There can
be no question as to the propriety of
designating the spot, the Gateway. It
is the ancient entrance to the rich low-
lands of the Swam]). The narrow pas-
Bago ia guarded by two hilly of un
height for this neighborhood, 1. I
which runs the road, flanked on either
side by fragments of huge rock* that
aforetime defied the tunij.il;
It i- a family tradition that when the
new pastor with hifl wife and two infant
children, for the- first time i !
way through the forest,
road, the vehicle which held
jolted so violently, here, that the
wife, accustomed to the comforts of travel
in Europe, burst into far- and besought
her husband to forego hie purp
make Falkner Swamp hi* future home
and the New World hi- field of labor.
The good domine, however, did not fal-
ter, and said, cheerily, to his help
"Ei, mamma, isl dieses nichl das gemote
Land?" — Dear wife, i.- not this the Prom-
ised Land? lb' pushed ^u, and soon wa-
in the midst of the expectant
tion. In due time he purchased land in
Frederick township, upon i!
Swamp creek, and established a home
close to its bright water.-.
An Interesting Confirmation.
Correspondence with Worms, on the
Rhine, in 1890, developed the in:"
tion that John Philip Btehm, foon
the German Reformed Church in Penn-
sylvania, was married before
that city, but that his fn
thereon the L'Tth day of April, 171 I.
The birth and baptism of the child,
was named Anton Wilhehu buhm, is
recorded in the church book ^i the lie-
formed congregation at Worms. The
discovery of this fad waa n garded
interesting incident in the P«rhm family
history.
About the same time thi- search was
going on in Germany, th ndants
i\\ John Philip Itu'hm who reside in
Lehigh and Northampton
sylvania. were pushing inquiri
ing their ancestry. They were ui
of the effort* being put forth in Germany.
They learned from tin
owned by the Rtehms thai John Philip
Bichm had had a son named Anthony
HISTORICAL XOTES.
William Boehm, wlio had been granted
land by his parents in the Saucon coun-
try. Thiswasasurpri.se to them— they
had heretofore known nothing of An-
thony William BoL'hm. Continuing their
investigations, they learned in addition
that this Anthony William Bcchm was
the progenitor of all the Bwhms in that
part of Pennsylvania. Coming into
possession, through the favor of the Hon.
Jones Detweiler, of a printed copy of the
papers read at the Sesqui-Centennial
Celebration at Bcehm's church in 1890,
they obtained still more light. Next
they found the grave and the stone
which marks the grave of Anthony
William Bu.lim. It is in a private burial
place on the farm formerly owned by
him, in Upper Saucon township. Lehigh
county, and has this inscription:
Ilier
Ruhet in Gott
Anton Wilhelm
BCEHM
ist geboren d. 27
April, 1714, in worms,
ist geStorben April 6,
1766. Seines Alters
52 Jahr.
For one hundred and thirty years the
silent stone has told its story to unheed-
ing ears and to unseeing eyes. But after
the lapse of this long period, its words
are read and treasured, and about the
same time" comes testimony, buried in
the records at Worms for one hundred
and eighty years, corroborating them to
the day." 11. S. D.
Whitemarsh Union Church.
"The Trustees of the Union Churcl
Whitemarsh" Is the title by which
trustees of the German Reformed ;
GermanLuthcran congregations of Wh
marsh township were incorporated
act of the Legislature approved March
1822. The trustees named in the
were: Henry Sheets, Jacob Gilbert, J<
Haney, and Christopher Crailley.
of
the
uul
itc-
hy
30,
net
>hn
Reformed Church Literature.
Discourse | Commcmoraihre <>i tin-
Services and Chan John
C. Guldin,D.lX, i tat4
man Evangelical Mi.— ion Church,
York. ! Pceached l
the Classie of New '.
March, 1863, | in the Church
ette Place, I By I'. I'..
Chancellor of ii rity of tl
of New York, j Printed on the
quest of the Consistory of th
Evangelical Mission | Church,
Cassis, of X' w York, i Sew York: I
Board of Publication <»f the Rev. P.
Dutch Church, | Rvnod'i h Iflfl
Fulton street. Pamphlet, Ihro, .V>
pages. Owned by Henry 8. Dultcrer,
Philadelphia.
Rev. John C. Guldin was born in
Berks county, Pennsylvania, in Ai
1700. His great-grand fat lier, who
clergyman, came t<» this country ■•!>•• hun-
dred and eighty yeats since, from
Switzerland. Elia theological prepara-
tion was made under the toil
T. L. Hermann, whose daughter he
married. Rev. l>r. Hermann wi
last of the ministers sen! <>\-: by the
Claasis of Amsterdam. Having
plcted his studies, he became
of three congregations, being in <
and Montgomery counties, r<
vanla. "While hei
"he acquired new view-- of true religion,
becoming a truly OOnveited man. U
ScoM th<' commentator, under h.
preaching, or as in the e: NVoS-
terlo, at Albany, having a slumbering
piety quickened.'1 In 1841 1
a call to several churches in tlie vicinity
of Chambersburg, where he n i
only a year, going then to Ne« York to
take charge ot" the < iermnn 1
Mission church, nnd here be labored
until his death February 18, U
An important
torv ot" the Reformed Church in the
United States, I
1. Itood, D. l»-. Will apiH-.o in
days.
HISTORICAL XO'I
The Ill-Starred Collecting Tour.
BY HENRY B. DOTTEKER.
Nothing in the history of the Pennsylvania Reformed Church has I
more widely discussed and more bitterly commented upon than the jour-
ney of Elder Jacob Reiff and Pastor George Michael Weiss to Holland and
Germany in 1780, to receive moneys for the congregations on this Bide of
the sea. The damage wrought to the reputation of Mr. Rcifl arid Ihc
injury to the Church, will never be fully repaired. Mr. Weiss k
unquestioned pastor of the Reformed congregation in Philadelphia. FIc
also had a following in Skippaek, composed of opponent* of Rev. Mr.
Boehm. The latter was in contravention of an agreement solemnly made
at New York, November 24, 1729, which stipulated expressly thai "D*.
Weiss will slay away from Schipbaek," and leave that congregation en-
tirely to D". Boehm.
Mr. Reiff was a man of large affairs for those times. Ele resided in
the Skippack region, and was an elder in Weiss' a irregular congregation
there. Reiff and Weiss were authorized at Philadelphia, on the l'.Mh of
May, 1780, by the consistories of the Philadelphia congregation and
Weiss's faction at Skippack to go to Holland to receive moneys which
had been gathered there for the building of a church in Pennsylvania, and
to make-additional collections in Holland and Germany. The time of
their departure was probably immediately after the date Just givi n.
An idea of the sources from which the moneys came which awaited
the commissioners, Reiff and Weiss, and also of the liberality of the
Hollanders to the infant chinches in Pennsylvania, and of the alacrity
with which they moved to grant substantial aid from the moment they
became aware of our necessities, may he formed from an extract from the
acta of the Synod of South Holland held at Cuylenburg, July 5-15, 1729:
Alardus Ticle, minister at Rotterdam, and delegate from the cl
of Schieland, reported the missionary collections for the preceding year.
These' collections — called in the minutes of the Synod "penninge*1 Mid
"liefde gaaven" — were designed For needy churches in various parts oi
the world. Those for "Pensilvanicn" were:
Classes of the Synod of South Holland.
Zuydholland, f. — — —
Delvt en Dclfland, 116 -- —
Leydcn en Nedorrijnland, 180 — —
Goude en Schoonhoven, — — —
Schieland, — — —
Gomiehem, l()< (» —
Voorn A Puttc, 54
's Gravenhage,
S —
Woerden en Overrijnland, • •"> lo
HISTORICAL KOTES.
Butiren, —
Breda, 157 11
Total, t r/.K; 12 —
Those classes who reported nothing at thw time gjive liberally at
>sequent times for this object.
Reiiff and Weiss upon their arrival in Holland lost no time in enu r-
ing upon the business for which they had como. As i arly a* August 10,
17o0, they were at Haarlem, and there received the sum of 390 guilders.
On the lGtb» of August, 1730, they received from Domine Tielc i;. sum
of GOG guilders, collected at Cuylenburg in 1729, and 7i» guilders from I) .
Ba'rtholomeus van Velscn. On the 30th of Sep tend kc, 1730, the minim-.-
of Amsterdam classis say, ''Came in Dominus G. Mich. Wijs, minister at
Philadelphia in Pennsylvania, and an elder from Schihliacli." On the
19th of October, 1730, they received from the Church council at A
dam 1.50 guilders. The activity of the commissioner.- did not end here.
They obtained from the mayor of the city of Amsterdam on the IHtli of
October, 17o0, authority to collect the sum of h.\ hundred guilder*, and
on the 10th of October, 1730, the deacons of the Uefonued congregation*
in that city gave as a personal contribution six hundred guilders. The
text of the permit issued to the IVnnsvlvanians is preserved in the archives
of the General Synod at The Hague. A translation of tins inter
instrument has been made for me by licv. P. Moerdyke. IK 1).. of (*i.
with whom many in Philadelphia became acquainted several yearn
when" no preached here. Dr. Moerdyke is a native of Holland, hut wan
brought to this country in his infancy and educated here. He is I
ing divine in the Reformed Dutch denomination in the Wert. The
permit is as follows:
AUTHORITY TO COLLECT MOXKY.
The Burgomasters and rulers of the city of Amsterdam, pursuant to
the showing made to their Honors by CJeorge Michael Weiss, minister of
the Gospel, and Jacob Reiff, elder, as commissioned by the deformed
Church of Philadelphia, in Pennsylvania, regarding the miserable erudi-
tion of said congregation, consisting in geneml of poor and needy p« <>ple,
who through persecution or from lack of Rutaistcncc have 1 ecu comjielhtl
to emigrate', and after long and expensive journeys bad to settle there
with empty hands, being destitute of places and opportunities for tins
exercise of their religion and for the extension ^i the Christian Reformed
religion, have thought proper to such extent to come to the ussistui
these poo!*, banished fellow-believers in attaining their desire as to grant
to the aforesaid commissioners, being assisted by Johannes IVtru* llnlt-
huy/en, a resident of this city, permission and consent within th
and its jurisdiction to visit the homes of the <^>^\ citizen- and resident
and of them most courteously ask for the Rifts and don..- : their
Christian sympathy; moreover, that they may accept such tfifts nnd
HISTORICAL KOTE& 7
tributions with gratitude, to the amount of six hundred guilder! and no
Done at Amsterdam, 18th of Oetober, 1730.
By ordinance of Their Excellencies heforcnamed.
more.
B. J'.. B
. . J». QUAB,
At the 1731 meeting of the Synod of South Holland held at Dordrecht
July $-13, it was stated that George. Michael Weiss, minister at Philadel-
phia,, and his elder (meaning Reiff), who had come over from Ameri
had brought the information that in Pennsylvania were thirty thousand
baptized Reformed people, among whom were about fifteen hundred
members (ledematen).
The canvass for funds for Pennsylvania extended into a number of
prominent cities in Germany, among them Frankfort-on-the-Main
and Han.au.
A series of mishaps attended the transmission of these pious L'ift- to
the intended beneficiaries. The money was invested in Holland in mer-
chandise suitable for the Pennsylvania market — a profitable method of
remitting funds in those days. But the merchandise was detained at
Cowes in default of the payment of customs duties, and a delay OOCUI
not only costly hut almost ruinous.
Upon the return of Reiff to Pennsylvania disputes and litigati
newspaper criticisms and personal criminations, resulted from these un-
fortunate gifts, and continued for fifteen years. The proceedings of the
Svnods of Holland for manv years thereafter bristle with severe n
to Reiff, who alone was held responsible for the frustration of the pur-
noses of the donors. Schlatter in 17-10 formally made settlement with
Elder Reiff and gave quittance, llarbaugh frequently refers to the on
MjU own investigations convince me that Jacob Reiff, although not blame-
less* has been greatly misjudged and deeply wronged in thin affair. In l
paper printed some years ago it was my pleasure to bring to light -
facts bearing on the ease, which show that injustice was done and
since been done to Jacob Reiff, who afterwards for many years held
important public office in the province without reproach. In the lib]
of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, in a volume of cuttings, < ntitl.il
Montgomery County Historical Notes, may be found the ConchuT
readied by a candid investigator of the famous " Reiff Cat* .'"
In Zurich, memorial tablets are affixed to many historical buildings.
On the house in Kirchgasse L3, is this:
ZWIKGUS Amtewohnung.
Von dicsem llaus xog er am 1 1. Okt, 1 •"»■"• I
mitdemHeere der Zurcher naeli Kappel
aus, wo or fiir semen UVaubeu starb,
8 HISTORICAL NOTES.
North Virginia Church History.
In thcStadt Bibliothck of Frankfort-on-thc-Main my rcwnrel
rewarded with the discovery of an appeal for fund-- for the tmp]>or1 «.f :i
congregation at Germantown in North Virginia. The petition i~ - .
m embers of both the Lutheran and German Reformed denomination* it
is printed in the Extraordinaire Kayserliche Reicha-Post-Zeitui
1720. den 15. Jtmij. Owing to the im]>ortan1 historical
in the article, and the variations and shadings inseparable froin a transla-
tion, I give the statement of the American petitioner*, word for vrcml
line for line, as printed, in which form il will hot acrvc the purpo*
the historian. Henry S. Dotteri
Warhaffte Nachricbt, von einer [Iocbteutschofi Rvan-
gclischcn Colonic, zn Gcrmantown, in Xord-
Virginien in America, und dcrsclhcn dringundliclu
Ansuchen an ilirc^ Glnntans-Genosscn in Eurnim.
Es wird noch jedennan orinnerlieh seyn, ivie vor
einigen Jahren etliche tausond Mensehen beytlerley
Geschlcchts und verschicdc.nor Rcligionen ans <\<v
Pi'altz und bcnachbalulen Orlhen naclier Ame-
rica iibcrbraoht zu wcrden ; Ob nun wo] ein Thcil
dieses Volcks versehmoltzen, ein rJ neil aueb wicdemm
zuriick .nach Tcutschland gekehret, so sind dennoeh <la-
von nach Carolina an die 700. Seelen, und nach
Neu-York an 800. Familien uberschicket worden ;
Nach Yirginicn abcr sind 7*2. Familien gcknmmcn,
doch so, das der mehrere Thcil die Unkosten des Trans-
ports nach dortigcr Gcwohnheit, mit etliche J ah re
Dicnstbarkeit bey den dasigen Engellandern al»l»e/.ah-
len mussen ; Die iibrige Freye, bestehende in 82. Fa-
milien, woriinter zwolff Evangclisch-Reformirtc mul
zwantzig Evangelisch-Lutherisehe, nebst einem niton
70. Jahrigen Rcformirten Prediger, Flerm Ueinrich
Hajjcr, haben Anno 1711. cine Colonic auTgcrichtet
in gcmeldeten Yirginicn, genannt Gennantuwn,
Oder Teivtschon-Stadt an dem Klnss Brapcnhcnck,
woselbst als an einem hiczu liequcmen (nth. sic sich
untcr de-r (Iross-Iiritanischen Bothmassigkcit, in allcr
Stillc von dem Land-Bail nnd Vieh Zucht nehren,
in Hoffnung mehr und mclir nnzuwaehson, nnd sieh
auszubreiten ; insonderheit wann inncrhnlh .lahn >-
Frist, die iibrigc noch in Dicnstlutrkch leratrento twit-
sehe Familien Hire Frcvhcit orlangen, in hesagtcm
HISTORICAL NOTES.
Gcrmantoiyn sich wohnimffi niedcrlasecn, and Bolcher-
gestalt sclbigc Colonic verotarkcn werden.
Dicscr Land-£trich liegt zwar nnter eincm glfick-
scligen Clima, zwischen den 30. und 10. grad Nor-
dcrbreite, mid hat eincn guten fettcn Boden, dcr die
an selbigen angewandte Arbeit reiehlich belohnet, di<-
Einwohncr aueh das Gewonnene an die ankommen-
de Schifte mit nutzen verlassen kiinnnen. Es fchlel
aber den en inieu-gcpflantzten Teutschen, an dem hoehst-
verlangtcn, mid nothigen Gottes-Dienst; zumahl
da sie kein Gottcs-Hawss haben, audi dcr gcgen-
wartigc Prediger Alters halben taglich eines soeligen
Abschiedcs gewartig seyn muss.
Da nun mehr besagte Colonic (>velchc sich des oh
genannten Predigers gemeinschafftlieh bedienct) da-
selbst sich bestandig zu etabliren gedeneket, und zu s<»l-
chem Zweck <\vn Gottes-Dienst auf eincn bestiindigen
Fuss zu setzen beclaent ist ; Dergcstalt (lass cin cig<
Gottes-Naiiss und Sehul die wie gewShnlieh gchauct,
und dabey ein Predigei'j und andere nothige Bcdiun-
ten unlerhallen werden mogen, damit ihre nachkom-
mends Jugcnd nieht den arm en Ileydeh gleich, sondern
in dem Wort Gotten untcrrichtct und Fortgepflantzct
werden : So bat dieselbe eincn aus ihrcm Mittel, als
Jacob Christoph Zollickoi'fer, heriiber in KnrojMi Lrc-
sandt, urn bey wohlgcsinnten Evangel isch en Chri-
sten cine Ilulfic und Besteirer zu obgedachtem u» >t I -
seeligcn Zweck zu crbieten.
Wie sie claim hiemit alio Glanbsgenossen, dcn&i •
dieses fiirkommcn mochte, hertzlicb itltd l)runstig crsu-
ehen zur Ehre Gottes, und uneers Hcilandes Jcwu
Christi, (damit scin Nahme und Keich audi in (let
neiien Welt so vied mehr ausgebreitot werden moge,)
naeli ilircni Vermiigen, und Belicbeii etwan /.u so hcili-
gem Gcbrauch aufzuopffern, welches dcr grossc (!<>tt
ilmen insgemein, und jedem insbesondore rcichlich
gclten wird.
Das Attestatum welches hcmcldtcm llcnn Znlli-
koffer, geMirtlg aus dvv Sladt Sauct Gallon in dcr
Schweitz, dest'alls mitgegeben wordeii. war unl.r-
schricben von Elenrieh linger, Dienor Gottes Inv den
Teutschen in Virginien. Johann Jost Merdtcn, Hans*
Jacob liiebter, Elteste, im Nalunen dcr (ienieinde.
10 HISTORICAL KOTES.
Als mo.hr bemeldter Hen- Jacob ( 'hristoph Zolli-
koffer Bursar oius der Stadt Sanet Galien, in abge-
wiehenem Jahr in Engelland angDkomrattt, urn etnc
geistliche Collect zu sammlcn, so ist ihm l>ey ncincr dar-
auf er|olg(|ten Abreise der Wahrheit zu steuer, gleichialls
ein Attestat unterm 17. Qctobr. 1710. von der lb-
formirton, wie audi ein anders von der LuthcriHchcn
Gemeinde alkla ertheilet worden ; Die erstc Attesta-
tion hat unterzeichnet, Joh. \Verndli Prcdiger dieser
Zcit. Caspar Hundeshageji. Louis Fury. Am-
brose Godtfrey Hanokwitz. Paul Jordis. Laurence
Edlinger. Ulrieh Wcstrcicher. J. M. Sub hi in.
Und die andere auf erfcuchcri seiner Lordsehaffl dea Bi-
sch oil's zu Louden. Balthasar Mentzerus, Lutherischer
Gemeinde Altgspurgis. Confession in London Pastor.
Marriages by Rev. George Wack.
COMMUNICATED V,Y W. II. REfil), I'll. G., M. ])., of SORRISTOWX.
[Rev. George Wack, son of Rev. Casper Wack, was l»rn March 1, 1 77* .. :uu\ died
February 17, 1856. lie preached his first sermon at Know lion, New Jersey, .i
■1797,— Text, John 17: :>. lie was pastor of Hu-lun' s Reformed church, in Wl
township, from April 25, 1802, until the year 1834. lie was also pastor of W
Reformed congregation during this time, and eleven years longer. lliess
congregations he had in his charge at times the Ililltown and other churches in tin-
neighborhood. The marriages which follow are from his private record, a:.
dently include the marriage ceremonies performed by him in the congregations
named, as well as those outside of the congregations. The record begins w >:
words: "Record of marriages solemnized by me. George Wack, minister of the
Gospel in Montgomery County." Mr. Wack's wife was Kli/abeth fonncbeckcr.
The remains of both rest in Lxehm's churchyard. — Editor.]
1803.
] . — # John Hamilton and Mary Williams.
2. October — . Jacob Ileineiand Polly Walter.
3. Depembcr S. John Teany and Larbara Schlaugh.
4. December 11. John Iloiscr and Susanna bu.nlield.
1S0I.
Henry Levdi and Xaney Bpril
Lewis Stoyner and Patto Johnson.
John Hause and Polly Wi
William Kile and l.ydia" llumshrcr.
Philip 1 loober and Polly Conrad.
1805.
George Kneed lor and Kli/abeth Engert.
Christian Weber and Widow Busk irk.
5.
August
15.
f>.
October
11
7.
November
•1
8.
November
11
9.
November
ia
10.
11.
January
January
l.
i.
12.
March
13.
March
14.
October
15.
February
16.
17.
August
IS.
August
19;
November
20.
December
21.
January
22.
March'
23.
March
24.
March
25.
June
20.
Septembei
27.
October
28.
November
29.
November
30.
December
31.
January
32.
[February
33.
March
34.
April
35.
July
36.
Jury
37.
August
38.
September
30.
October
40.
October
4L
October
42.
October
43.
October
44.
October
45.
October
46.
November
47.
November
48.
December
49.
February
50.
February
HISTORICAL KOTES. 11
5. John Itilo ami Elizabeth Hoover.
7. Samuel Hcfccr and Sarah Oledcgravc.
19. Daniel Eyrea and Kli/ah.th Shive.
1806.
27. Henry Gcrner and Rebecca Raton.
Henry Iloldinan and FJi/.ah.th Dettcra.
2G. Christian Frcycr and Sarah Prachtliciaer.
3. Augustus Neizer and Mary Pluck.
2. "Gerret Schmger and Kancy Rauman.
2<S. Henry Panneheebr and Elizabeth R
1807.
6. Philip Steever and Mar^aivth Hoffman.
10, Samuel Wanner and Elizaheih Martin.
22. Ahraham Met/, and Kli/.aheth 15a/. \\.
22. Abraham Faust and Catherine Conrad.
28. .Michael Read and Cathrine Ilaan.
2(.). Henry Knipe and Christina Carahncr.
22. John Shive and Amelia loonier.
(S. .John Suplee and Cathrine Wcher.
17. Jacob Van Eossen and Elizabeth Been.
2'.). Jacob Meier and Elizabeth Metz,
1S0S.
3. John Roier and Cathrine Zumbruh.
28. Jesse Wilson and Mairdalena [lead.
10. Ahraham Del p and Kli/.aheth Hcndrix.
10. John Wei&G and Cathrine Zinnnernian.
17. Pelter Hooth and Elizabeth Kile.
17. Godfrey Bossen and Marieha Keinuald.
7. Henry Hooth and Anna Greavcr.
(S. Joseph Johnson and Magdalen a lVachtsei»cr.
1J. William Shannon and Elizabeth IIam>her.
14. John Makins and Elcriot Orphan.
14. John llara and Tolly Shive.
16. Philip Rudy and Kli/.aheth Daub.
23. Christian Wick and Cathrine Miller.
23, Frederick Wick and Maria Bceu.
30. Miehael Seholl and Maria Hooth.
21. Henry l>een and Elizabeth Van Fotvcn.
27. John BoOM and Maria Spit.-.ia-le.
21. Ahraham Ki.-terand Cathrine M
1S0(J.
5. Nathaniel Koplin and Maria Sell.
25. John Singer and Anna UeincK
12
HISTORICAL NOTES.
51,
February
52.
March
53.
May
54.
Juno
55.
August
56.
September
57.
September
58.
October
m.
October
00.
November
oi.
December
62.
December
63.
January
64.
January
65.
March
00.
April
67.
April
08.
April
61).
May
70.
July
71.
July
72.
May
73.
August
74.
August
75.
October
70.
October
77.
October
78.
November
79.
November
80.
December
81.
December
82.
January
83.
January
84.
January
85.
January
80.
February
87.
February
88.
February
89.
March
90.
March
91.
June.
28. Jacob Frederick and Ma^dalenn Ifendrix.
— . Samuel Wilson anil .Mary Li
22. Henry Smith and Cathrine New.
4. Daniel Rosslter and Barl»ary but/..
0. Jacob Kiiickimr and Barlmry Primer.
3. .Michael Van Fossen and Christina Noier.
24. Henry Hechl and Sarah Bhive.
15. Jacob Primer and Sophia WYh. r.
24. John Fny and Marichn Bortiman.
ID. Lewis Pilfer and Margaret Kc»lp.
19. Mathias Boos and Magdalcna l.<-hman.
81. Daniel Zcrhe and Kli/.abr(h K linker.
1810.
28. John Robins and Hannah Stannml.
28. Valentine Shamho and Marv 1 It » i * • >-.
27. George Casscl and Barlmry Tiitweilor.
15. Henry Kline and Polly Hehcllcnliergrr.
11). Jacob Wick and Hannah Smath.
24. Thomas Been and Poly Rtilwagim.
20. Henry Shade and Susannah Beever.
1. George Dales and Maria Taylor.
22. Jonathon Taylor and Maruaivt Kterringcr.
— . Thomas Harvey and Maria Hofeckcr.
14. Christian Casscl and Susannah Flendrix.
11). Jacob Kope and Sarah KHnkoT.
7. John Aman and Dolly Sunvr.
23. Daniel Hitner and Cathrine Scheeti.
30. Jacob Leitcap and Tolly Donnrhoiier.
8. Benjamin Fries and Rachael i1
13. Samuel Shannon and Kli/.abcih llarner.
(>. Daniel llarner and brUcca Kittle.
27. John Evcrhard and Mary M«
1811.
13. Samuel Fries and Ma^dalina W'ianlt.
15, Walter Howell and Polly If finisher.
15. Peter Dager and Maria Ilitmr.
27. Jacob Strong and Kli/aheih s. hn. ider.
3, John Leitcap and Saly Aderhnlct
17. Jacob Spcr and Cathrine Suesholds,
24. Michael Stce\<r and Kli/.ahrlh llartman.
10. Henry Moser and Maria Clemens,
15. (Jeorge Rahman and Kli/abcth Clvlllllier.
2. William Bcrkhcimcr and Maiyarcth Hil^enl.
( To bf. Con! i lined. )
HISTORICAL NOTES.
The Church at Market Square.
Read at a mooting in the Oh a pel of Market Square Presbyterian
Church, Cermantown, Philadelphia, on Thursday
Evening, November 17, 1898,
BY HENRY s. DOTTERER.
Religious considerations held a large place in the plan* ..f William
Penn for the colonization of Pennsylvania. This is well known. Francis
Daniel Pastorius, the founder of Germantown, was actuated hy ideals
equally lofty. Pathfinder, colonizer, lawgiver, magistrate, scholar, philo-
sopher— all these Pastorius was. His genius established here n munici-
pality upon a foundation, wise, practical, just, adequate which lias
yielded its citizens an unbroken prosperity of more than two ccnti
But he was in ore. Ele was a Christian — pre-eminently a Christian. II. •
loved his God and his neighbor. In his letters to his co-partnen <»f the
Frankfort Company and to his parents, his purpose of benefiting h:
low-man and glorifying his God is ever kept in view. In the letter to his
parents of March 7, 1(>84, after speaking of hi-- work, his aims and his
hopes fpr Germantown, he says : Hetrachtet mm. liebwertheste Eltcrn, oh
ieh aufr' diese Weiss Gott und meinem Xebcn-Menschcn nicht weitercpricsR-
licjicre Dienste leisten moge — Consider now. parents most worthy of love,
whether in this way I can not render praiseworthy service to f5od ami my
fellow-creatures. His religion was broad, lie welcomed godly men of
every faith. Under his liberal rule several denominations < tfahlishcd
themselves soon after the founding of the town. Prom that day to this,
Germantown lias been noted for the religious I taring of its people and the
number and prosperity of its churches.
Of the Churches which then took root hen', one is now extinct. It i-
the Reformed Church. Concerning this once prominent hut now almost
forgotten factor in (iermantown's religious history, it is my purpose to
speak. And I will ask your patient attention to some facts that I have
grouped — some of them, familiar to you ; others, discovered hy me in the
course of a three-months' rummage in the archives ^i the Reformed
Church of the Netherlands, (Hollands) where they had been buried for a
century and a half and longer. These facts deal with the Iteginnii
the; Reformed congregation having its house of worship on Mai lot Square,
the vicissitudes attending the infant church, an allusion t<> it- mihscqiicnl
prosperity, and a reference to its transformations later into a full-Hi
Presbyterian church.
ORIGIN OK THE REFORMED nil la II.
The Reformed Church, let me premise, had its origin in the great up-
rising in the Sixteenth century against the Romish hierarchy. Uric
ZwiUgli, Swiss Reformer and patriot, at Zurich j John Cabin, French
]4 HISTORICAL NOTES.
Protestant, atCeneva ; ftuilkuimc Parol, Reformer at Ncuchatcl ; Aili
do Coligny, leader of the Huguenots ; William the Bilcnt, Prin< I
Orange, founder of the Dutch Republic ; fredcriek the Pious, R1 rtnr >■(
the Palatinate-— names thai shine witli fixed find lustriotu light in
tory — are a few of the heroes and martyrs of that Protectant ism trhicb
became tile Reformed Church of Germany, Switzerland, Holland
France.
THE REFORMED CHURCH IX AMERICA.
This historic Church Was brought to America by the Hollander* \\h'»
settled Manhattan island in 1623. Forty-four years Itcfore Perm i rtablishcd
his government on these shores, a Reformed Churchman. Peter Minuit,
inaugurated a colonial enterprise on the hanks of the Delaware river, lie
was the first governor of New Amsterdam (now New Vork I. Am i ward-
he entered the service of the Government of Sweden, which sent him In
found a colony on the South or Delaware liver, which he did in UjfiH. This
Swedish settlement, and others made subsequently, IVnn found here U|ton
his arrival. Peter Minuit was horn in the city of Wesel on the Rhine,
and was an officer in the Reformed Church then'.
There are traces of immigrants of the Reformed denomination in tin-
locality prior to the coming of Penn. There is a tradition among the
members of the widely -dispersed lleifl family, that John CJcui
their ancestor, came to Pennsylvania before Penn set up his government.
Jacob lleiff, a son of John UeiJT, was prominent in the establishment of
the Reformed church in Skippack in 1 7 12 7 , and had important relation*
with the Skippack and Philadelphia congregations afterwards. . lie i
pied responsible public oilioe under the provincial government.
THE REllAOELS.
Reformed Churchmen became interested at its inception in thowheme
which led to the settlement of Cermantown. Among the original
dates of the Frankfort Company was Daniel Rehagel, who w> of !'
not or Walloon stock. In K)(i2, Jacob Rehagel, his grandfather, a victim
of the persecutions of the Reformed, Hod from the nciphliorhood o| Lille,
taking refuge in the vicinity of Frankfort on the Main. Daniel j:
was horn November IS, 1(525, in llanau, (iermany. and married. May 20,
1G54, at Muhlhehn near Cologne, Magdalcna von Mnstricht 1
der Wallen, another original purchaser, was a hrothcr-indaw
Rehagel. In 1(>.V>, Jacob von der Wallen, from Rotterdam, and Johanna
Rehagel, a step-sister to Daniel P.chagcl. were married. In loot. Daniel
Rehagel and Jacob von der Wallen applied to the council- of Krankfoii on
the Main and of llanau, for;pcrmissiou to establish the manufacture of
faience, and four days later llanau panted their request Their [Wtnluc-
tions found high favor. To this day, the name IV hagel i> identified
■
HISTORICAL XOTKS. 15
the porcelain business in Frankfort, Von Mastricht was the Burnam
Baniel Behagcl's wife, and Dr. Gerhard von Mastrichl was anoAfa r partner
o$ the Frankfort Company. In 1730 and later Isaac and Carl R
merchants and l)ankers of Frankfort, were designated to
contributed in Germany and Holland for the use of the needy R I
churches in Pennsylvania. An estimate of the high standing of this
family may- he 'formed .from the record of its acknowledged loyalty
services to,. the reigning sovereigns. In 1(507, Isaac Bchagcl wai
with a gold medal and gold chain, hy William the Third, King i
Britain, and their High Mightinesses the Stadtholdcrs of the United
Netherlands, for services rendered in the war from 1(>N to L697 ; and
February 2(>, 1706, he was similarly honored hy Frederick I., Ki
Prussia, with two gold medals — one commemorating the capture of
Gueldres (CJelders) from the Dutch in 170*2, the other for services rcn
in 1705 in connection with the ohsequi-es of Sophia Charlotte, Queen «>f
Prussia, sister of George J., of England, a lady noted for her literary and
philosophical tastes.
ISAAC DILRKCK.
Isaac Dilhcck, who came in the same ship with Pastorius, and who
was one of the original dwellers in Germantown, was of the Reformed
faith. He was in the employ of the Frankfort Company. The ship
America, in which he came, it will he remembered, reached Philadelphia
hefore that which brought the Crefcld immigrants, who were the main
body of original settlers of Germantown. [t sailed from Deal, England,
on the K)th of June, 1083, and was ten weeks in making the |ias$
On the l()th of August, 1683, its passengers first descried America, on the
18th they arrived in Delaware hay, and at twilight on the evening of the
20th, they reached the town of Philadelphia. Pastorius. in hi- letter to
his parents dated March 7, 1684, which I found in Switzerland and which
I have not met with on this side of the Atlantic, say< : "Isaac Dilhcck.
who apparently was the strongest in the company, was down ( wit!
sickness) the longest." And in another part of the same letter he p
"Isaac Dilbeck has been somewhat indisposed the past eight d
Dilhcck was a weaver. He soon became a landowner in Germantown.
On the 27th of Third month (May), 168G, Francis Daniel Pastorius, m
attorney and partner of the Frankfort Company, in fulfillment of the
contract between Dilhcck and the Comjwuvy, conveyed to Isaac Dill
twenty-live acres of land in ( J ermantown — twenty-acres within the
inhabited part of the town and live aires in the side land (including a
half town-lot), both hounded southeasterly hy lands ^^ Paul Kastlicr and
northwesterly by lands of Francis Daniel Pastorius, the twenty acres hav-
ing a breadth of 7 perches 2 feet, the live acres a breadth of 3 pen I
i'eet. ■ It was subject to a yearly rent o( a piece of eight or one Roichsthalcr,
payable, on first day of First month (March) ol Wich year, to the Prank-
1(; HISTORICAL XOTKS.
fort Company. There was another condition attached irhich w notable for
its moderateness : "In addition, Isaac Dilheck prouaiHCS fur him,.l[. anfl
his posterity who may he inclined t<» work- by the day, to work for our
Frankfort Company in preference to all others fur the name wag - that
can earn from anyone else." ["Anbcy rcrsprieht [saac DilUrk ror rich
mid sein pqptcritat daws wofern dicscllw gencigl seyen wiirdc luiih (aglnlm
zu arbciten, sie vor alien andferen un,serer Fraiikfurt Cie wercken wolltn vor
dclgkichen lohn welehen sic by jemand anders vcrdiencn konnten."]
Isaac Dilbeck's half lot was on the easl ride of (Jen nan town ro
In a list made April 4, 1687, it was nunil)ercd 15, his neighbors lieing
Cornelius Bom, No. 14. and Knncke Klostennan, N«>. Hi. The lot out <»f
which Market Square was afterwards taken was No. 10. Isaac Dillxvk
participated in the initial lahors of planting the new town, lie took kindly
to the new life in these primitive wilds. He was a model colonist Hi*
wife was Mary Blomerse. They were married in Euro|>c, and Ihev brought
with them to this land their two sons, Ahraham and Jacoh. On tin- Till
of Third month, 1G01, he was naturalized. On the first day of the Fifth
month, ]()')(>, Isaac Dilheck, with the consent of Maria, his wife, sold th<-
25 acres of land to Daniel Gcisler, for £12 Ms. current silver money «>f
Pennsylvania j subject to the original quit rent. Evidently he prefem
activities. of a large farm. On the Nth of February, 17<>i). he purchased
of George Keith live hundred acres of land in the adjacent township "f
Whitemarsh, on the Plymouth road. On the 28th of S«|i!oiiI»«t, |#0B,
Isaac Dilheck and Jacoh Dilheck, whom we take to have lx en tin- pioiu rr's
sons, were "naturalized by act of the Assembly of Pennsylvania, In Ihc
year 1710, Isaac Dilheck and his wife, Mary Blomerse, were incnil
the Whrtcmarsh Reformed congregation, organized by I'nulus Van
the Dutch minister at Neshaminy. He was the junior rid. r. In 17
was an officer of the German Uefornied congregation at VVhitcmarsh under
the pastoral care of .lohn Philip Bu'hni.
( 7c be Continual. )
BOYS IN Tin: COUNTRY.
And where are the hoys? Down along the brook digging and wall-
in*!; up wells. Or in the road building u>rts out ^^ dust Or at the mud-
pod] making marhlcs and bhrds. Or under sumc tr.v digging and
holding a funeral over a dead hectic al>out to I* buried '
hood. It is not changed. It is the same in all ages, and in all place?
We can enter into it all. It touch.- our sym|>athics. \Yli
outgrown this sense and substance or life we can Mill easily reali ■»• how
intdlfefitiug, how real, and how earnest all those tilings an- to thru..
— llr\i;\ II UtllAWII.
HISTORICAL NOTES
RELATING TO THE
PENNSYLVANIA REFORMED CHURCH.
VOL. I. No. 2. June 10, 1809.
SI 00 1'ER ANNUAf.
Edited by Henry S. Dotterer.
In the twelfth and last number of
Volume One of the Historical Notes, we
shall print a list of the subscribers who
supported this publication, giving, in
addition to their names, their professions
or occupations, titles and addresses.
This will show each of our friends who
are in sympathy with this class of liter-
ature. At least fifty bound copies of the
Volume will be distributed among an
equal number of the greatest libraries of
the world. Thus, all who contribute to
its pages and who subscribe money to
its treasury, will become permanently
known to a circle infinitely greater than
the comparatively few persons who are
its present readers.
It is a pleasure to note instances of a
just appreciation of the excellence of our
origin as a denomination. Some of our
men seem to think that we are not more
than a petty sect confined to a few con-
tracted hamlets inPennsylvania. Whence
we came or whither we tend does not
concern them. Our Church is inter-
national and interracial. It should be
so regarded. Its history of nearly four
hundred years is replete with instances
of lofty heroism and Christian achieve-
ment. Our people should be so taught.
Dr. Good, of Reading, author of the
History of the Reformed Church in the
United States, just from the press, will
make his seventh visit to ICuropc this
Summer.
Perklomen Publishing Co.,
1606 N. 'J Kir. , : ;
PHILADELPHIA.
George Schal I, who was killed in the
railroad accident :u Exeter, n<-ar
ing, on May 12, 1899, was a member ol
the Reformed Church of the I
Norristown. lie was a soldier in the
Civil War, and was postmaster of Norris-
town for a term of four years, ft "i;i
about 1SS7. His father, General William
Schall, was a member and support
the Reformed Church; and this cm la-
said of the Schall connection generally.
Miss Minerva Weinberger, of O
ville, has kindly translated the German
verse on page 1'.). She gives I
dering and happy interpretation of
Father Ilelffenstein's poetic thought:
The Fathers, far, in M thei lands,
With thoughts of us in \\'\ st rn lands,
Rent shepherds true, in glad
With Christian teaching, from the ]>>rd.
According to the published :
from Tiffin it appears that tlie \\
end of our Church gave the deles,
generous reception. Evidently
good people ate abreast *4 the times.
They do not feel that apologies an' call-
ed for for being Reformed. The?
no better Church than ours, in this
spirit they work and u in.
The list, of Huguenot sufferers will
appear in our next.
l>r. Zartman's able articles in the
Philadelphia Public Ledger immediately
prior to the recent n
eral Synod, and his special reports of the
proceedings of the Tiffin meeting, wens
prepared in a broad spirit, lie hit upon
the salient points and omitted tlw rub-
bish thrashed over a thousand times
before.
IS
HISTORICAL NOTES.
A Day at Einsiedeln.
BY 1IKNRV S. DOTTERER.
Kinsiedoln, in Switzerland, was the
scene of Zwingli's tabors during the
period that his mind and heart opened
to the conviction that the Romish Chinch
had fallen into practices contrary to the
teachings of Christ. This town of seven
or eight thousand inhabitants is but two
hours' journey from Zurich. A pleasant
way to reach it is to take a steamer at
the Dtoquai in Zurich at 8.45 in the
morning, proceed to Wadcnsueil, an
hour's sail, and there take the railway,
which after another hour's ride, entirely
up-grade, brings you t<> your destination.
The towns at the lake's edge are charm-
ingly .set amidst fertile fields, and the
glimpses of the lake and the Alps in the
distance, seen while ascending the moun-
tain side, disclose a wealth of picturesque
Swiss scenery. Our trip was made on
Ascension Hay, 1890. Fruit trees were
in full bloom in the many orchards on
the mountain slopes. It was a holiday;
business was suspended, and an unusual
number of persons went to the celebrated
resort of pilgrims.
The abbey is of the 9th century. The
town stands in a depression in the moun-
tains. Around it rise successive ranges,
the snowy Alps bounding the view. The
church is at the end of the town, built
upon higher ground, and beyond it
gradually rise the mountains. It has
two towers, and its interior is richly
decorated. Here Zwingli was curate
before he renounced allegiance to the
Catholic church. A company of some
hundreds of pilgrims from the neighbor-
ing cantons came to the shrine ^^ the
pleasant day of our visit. But it was
not a Reformed pilgrimage. The Black
Virgin, a madonna eatved in black mar-
ble, in the cathedral, is reputed to cure
the ills Of the flesh. To receive health
and spiritual blessings is the motive
which brings many thousand pilgrims
("Very year to this shrine. Outside the
cathedral and somewhat lower than the
plaza before it, arranged in a semi-circu-
lar arcade, art' booths at which are sold
votive- offerings
souvenirs in great variety, which ire
purchased freely by pilgrims and
ists, according to their mean
their various intended a
To American eyes the mod
sight if ih'- pro© ?fon of t :
pilgrims. Tin
peasants, with tie exception of the
leader. They came afoot from
homes, which they left on the morning
of the holy day. W« wcfC told
companies came i'i n< ai hy ;
They marched throng h t In cipal
street until they came t" the fart I H
of the goat square before the Caih
They termed in two line.-. Indian flic W©
would say, one of men, the othci ol
women. They chanted sailed
and repeated prayei ttativc
from the church came don n U) I
them, and led the pru - ;. the
ascending plaza into the church. Here
they clustered around the railing which
encloses the healing madonna, Aftvi
performing acts of devotion tl I
ed OVer the vast building, vi.-u.
objects of interest and sanctity. In the
great square is a fountain hi
teen outstretched arms or brandw -
which water flown The pilgrims bend
down and take a lip from each i
fourteen jets. It i.- believed thai the
Saviour drank from one of thi
Although several thousand people,
tourists and devotees, tilled the
about tin' cathedral, nut tin -
disorder occurred. The hotels, ol which
there- are more than a llUlldll d
grades, were kept DUay in BUpplying
dinner to the crowd \V* '■ ■■
lent meal at one h.i\ i: | I
Hotel I'evan and Wnu < iasthol built ul
which names, converted iutn the \
can language, mean l\*ocock Hotel.
Holland .u.d Pcnrw.
1.
dnk in nimuui \m- mm iv MM
\t i lie >\ no 1 •
in 1738, at The I IttgUC, it WA* »< -
that a (plant it)
HISTORICAL NOTES.
1"
purchased and sent to Pennsylvania for
distribution then'.
At the Synod of 1730, held at Woerden;
the interest on the money collected for
Pennsylvania (3000 guilders) was appro-
priated for the purchase of German
Bibles to be distributed in Pennsylvania
The edition of Bibles intended to be
purchased for this purpose, it tva? found,
had all been sold, but a new edition
was expected.
At the Synod of 1740, held at Yssel-
stein, July 5-15, the announcement was
made that through the good offices of
Mr. Manger, one hundred and thirty
Bibles, in the High German language]
had been obtained; one hundred and
eighteen were bound and twelve un-
bound; the cost of these books, includ-
ing petty expenses (the freight from
Frankfort to Cologne was made free by
a friend of Mr. Manger), IS!) guilders, 8
stivers. The inteiest for two years (150
guilders) on the Pennsylvania fund of
3000 guilders was applied towards pay-
ment.
The next year, at the Synod held at
Breda, it was stated that the 130 (Jerman
' Bibles, sent to Pennsylvania to be dis-
tributed as thought best, by D°. Dorsius
and D". Frulinghauzcn, cost 11. 189, 8s.;
and as the fund loaned yields but (1. 75
interest per annum, the Synod was re-
quested by the committee on Pennsyl-
vania's needy churches to send consider-
able subsidies over, or to give liberal
assistance to the emigrants going over.
In 174*4, at the Synod held at 1W-
drecht, the 130 Bibles were reported as
not having reached their destination.
The deputies wrote about them to the
Messrs. Mope, merchants at UnUcrdnm,
who had undertaken to forward by their
first ship.
At the Synod, held at (iorinehem in
1747, a letter from Rev. Michael Schlat-
ter, dated 28th September and 8rd Octo-
ber, 1740, was read, stating that the ISO
Bibles had been found by him in Phila-
delphia, and delivered, and, in accord-
ance with the Instructions, they would
be distributed through the country.
Reformed Church Literature.
An | Address, | to the I *ta*M,
| in | connexion with the I
Philadelphia, | ofthe | I lermanltef
Church, ! in tlie | United - Amer-
ica. J Chambersburp;, I*;.. ]•<
Publication Office ol the Genua
Church. | l-ii. Paiuphl 1 1 pp
Copies of the Kngliuli and tienuan edi-
tions owned by Henry & Doiierer, 1'hil-
adelphia
At a special meeting of th. |
PI iladelphia, held at \V;
Montgomery county, I**., on the -"'th «.f
December, IMo, ii wm /.•..-./#../. I '
address be prepared, and pub'
both in th. ( lerman .md Knglish lan-
guages, forth.- Information and edifica-
tion of the congregations in relation t..
the Centenary of the German Reformed
Chinch in the I'nited Sti pam-
phlet contains an historical add re*
nishing meagre and indefinite informa-
tion), a prayer and a centenary hymn.
From the last we qnote:
"Here in these Western wild--,
Wit h hope alone in < ;,.d,
( tor fat hers, 'mid great t 1
Sought a secure nljode:
And God was with them on their
lias kept and prospered t.» this day.
I « * * » • l
"On Freedom's -<>il we hero
A church in pear.
A 'school of prophet**1 dear,
And W'oid oi Life i<» I
And shall we not a Moiiafl HOW •
With KboilOXCT written iheiv?"
On the paper cover i- announced the
publication of a tract entitled "I
from Holland connected with the early
history of the Itoformod Church in this
count iv."
In the German edition the addn
signed by Samuel I lelffei -(• in. -
.lohann ('. Ouldin. Samuel llelffen>1ein,
.Inn.. Committee. The hymn in the
(ierinan edition, whieh differs from that
in tin- Knglish, wa- written by I; \
Samuel I leltfen-lein. Sen. OlK
"Die Vaetcr, lern, in Holland's Land
Paohteu an una ini Vliendlaml;
I ml snndten trenc 1 1 irten rem.
Mil Christi Leliro, von rlem llcrrn."
20
HISTORICAL NOT*
A Gratifying- Report.
Jn the press report of the Tiflin Synod-
ical meeting we find:
A committee appointed three years ago
for correspondence with Reformed
churches on the Continent of Kurope,
'reported that they have corresponded
with churches, in Germany, Hungary,
Franco, Holland, Switzerland and Rus-
sia. # This committee was instructed to
continue its work.
And this correspondence, mind you,
was not for the solicitation of funds. In
Colonial days the call from needy Penn-
sylvania was for money. Now it is
otherwise. We are of the giving, not
the getting, portion of the world's lie-
formed Chinch.
Something about Pastor Leydich.
John Philip Leydich was faithful to
the work of the Church. There is noth-
ing against him either as a citizen 01 a
clergyman. No scandal is associated
witli his name or his career. lie was,
however, but human. His nearest co-
laborer, George Michael Weiss, at New
Goshenhoppen, lived but about six
miles distant, and one of the congrega-
tions of the charge, Old Goshenhoppen,
was not more than three miles away.
To-day from the eminence which rises
near the former home of Leydich, look-
ing eastward, you can plainly see the
steeple of the present Old Goshenhoppen
church; and on the other hand, from a
score of points within ten miles, may be
seen the Reformed church at Falkncr
Swamp, which was the home church of
Leydich. Against Weiss and his friends
Leydich made complaint, more or less
open. Vet it does not appear that they
ever had any open quarrel1. The entente
cordiale was maintained through all the
ecclesiastical storms which swept over
the infant churches, planted upon the
hills of the rolling country of the IVrki-
omen region. Xo manusciipts the work
of Leydich are extant in our country, so
far as 1 know, if 1 except an ancient
Latin paper, the record of the family of
Rev. Loonhard Leydich. the father of
John Thilip Leydich. In the archives
of the General Synod of the Reformed
Church of tlie Sfetlierlanda, '••■
may be bccu several letter* and report*
written by him. Hi- pvnmanshi]
neat, even elegant, bat he
wrote hurriedly, u do many
thoughts pre** forward m rapidly
than their lingers can n BDoikL In tin-
year \7~><\ he w;
An account of the raone> -
Holland for that year an. I bow db*l
was re rule re i in Latin, a:
It is a beautiful piece oi hand writ
Umsny S. I'
The Perkromen Region.
Number Two, of Volunie Two, of llii*
publication, has made it- B|
with this li-i of contents:
Editorial; The Hartranft Statu
formed Church History; A
Briton; Notes.
Recent Publications,
Our Revolutionary Sii
Old-Time News.
An Interesting ConOrmalion.
Days Devoted to Research V brood.
Primitive Settlers <»f Kalkncr Swamp.
Snnmeytown in 1^_ J.
Fragments of Family History.
Payments for Land by Pureliasen in
the Perkiomen Country.
The Trappe Seventy-Five V
Mai ria^es by Lev. George Wack.
Leidy Family Record.
TRANSLATED ri:o\| Til BN \N
\\i> com i;na n:i) BY MKIIAH
t;i:i i> miwicii.
Jacoh Loidy, born Januni \
married April It, 177'.'; died Vnril -'"•.
ls.N, aged 75 years, :'. montliM, 2 us
Veronica Schell, daughter of John
Schell and Veronica Maurer . Inirn
June (?), I7">">; diet] January 31,
aged 70 years.
ivvi i::
.lo!in Leidy, born March ft, i
Mai iaMaiurieli.il.»id\ .b.un April 1
1'arbata Leidy, horn January 24, I
Cat l.crine Leidy, born June 24, l "
Jacob L'ittv, born March Mi,
Lli/ah, th 1 .oi.h . born I tetobcr I '».
Magdalin \ I <e id y, hom I Vc mU r *>
( leorui1 l.'id\ . b »i n Nowinl
Abraham Leidy. boi n Vpril •.
Samuel Leidy. born March -.
« Kr\ '>. la-iiumist nli
HISTORICAL NOTES. 21
Schlatter's Marriage Certificates.
After his withdrawal from the active ministry in the Rdtrmed Cllll
to accept the Chaplaincy in the British army engaged in the French and
Indian war in New York, Michael Schlatter appears t<> have had only unim-
portant relations, if any, with religions aiTairs. He was how
called upon at his Chestnut Hill home to perform the mam amy.
Evidently he was popular among the people having matrimonial inten-
tions. Two of his marriage certificates have come to the light within :i
few years past. Then; must he many more preserved in familii -
scended from ancestors who had the connubial knot tied by Schlatter.
The earlier in date of the two referred to we copy from tin new monthly,
The Keim and Allied Families :
Lectori Benevolo Salutem.
I Do Certify that Georg Keim of Goshen in Chester County. Bachelor,
and Cathrin Schenkcl of said place Spinster, were lawfully joyncd to-
gether in Holy Matrimony the Eleventh Day of April, in the Year <»f
our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy-four.
Given in Springfield Township, Philadelphia County.
Witness my Hand and >Seal.
^-^ MICHAEL SCHLATTER,
{WTax Real ^
**wi [ Minister of the Gositcl.
impression )
In James Y. Hecklers History of Lower Salford is Lhifl :
Lectori Benevolo Salutom.
I Do Certify that William Gorges, of Lower Salford township, Phila-
delphia County, Bachelor, and Philipinn Achenhach, of Frederick town-
ship, Spinster, were lawfully joyncd together in Holy Matrimony tfcfe
Third Day of November, in the Year of our Lord One Thousand -
Hundred and Seventy-eight.
Given in Germantown township, Philadelphia County.
Witness my Hand and Seal. MICHAEL SCHLATTER,
Minister of the I kjs|ic1.
Jacob Hiltzheimer's Diary.
Jacob Hiltzhcimcr, a member of the German Reformed Church «>f
Philadelphia, kept a diary, immediately below the Revolutionary War,
from whieh we present' extracts relating particularly to the old
Street (now First) Church. Some years ago his diary, which i- rich in
references to local affairs, was published ; bill many entricti
some of them relative to his church connection. The bllowinj
were made a year or two before the publication referred t«>.
Mr Hiltzheimer's family, as familiarly alluded to in the diary,
sisted of himself, his wife. Polly Walker, (his wifc'i sister, who m
22 HISTORICAL NOTES.
Thomas Clayton, June 10, 1772;, Billy ttiltzheimer, hi* wm, Kil
heimcr, his daughter, Hobby Hiltzheimer and Tomcy Hiltzheimcr, bi-
sons, Molly Hiltzheimer, his daughter, and a daughter Imni S.j.n mb. r-
1, 1773.
The Philadelphia Public Ledger, Decern!** 12, 1H92, In r.ply
to an inquiry Mr. A. W. Parsons writes: "The house in which -I
Hitzlieimer lived was in Seventh street, below Market, ens! ride, a two-
story one, now No. 7, which was lately occupied by Mr. William T. Gil-
bert as a tin store, but lias been torn down and given place t<» :i
building. At the time the British entered the city be owned and lived in
the house at the southwest corner of Seventh and Market rtrcct, trinee
torn down to give place for the lVnn National Lank.'"
1772.
May 17. Sunday. Went to Church Twice to the Academy, which
Place our Congregation make use of while their Church is Building in
Race street. Some rain.
May 24. Sunday. Warm & Pleasant. In morning my son Boby &
I went U miles up Lancaster Road with Bmanuel Carpenter A -1
Perrec, Esxfs. In afternoon I went to Church. In the Kvcning T<M»k a
small Hide on the Commons with wife, ami beard our Pilmorc preach.
June 13. * * * In afternoon my wbole family went t<» (travel
Hill to make hay. JW. the first Load of New hay home.
June 21. Sunday. Cloudy A: a little Rain. In forenoon went
Church.
June 22. Monday. * * This morning Polly Clayton A hef hus-
band set off in the Stage Waggon for New York.
June 28. Sunday. Clear. Went to Church Twice.
July f>. Sunday. Very Warm. The Thermometer was as high m
July 11. Saturday. * * * En the afternoon Prank Tea at Mr. John
Wistcr's with Mr. llih»A wife, Mr. B. Morgan & wile, Ion*, Dan', ft
Will'". Waster.
Octor. IS. Sunday. Clear and warm. In forenoon want wiib $t<
Reigart on board a dutch Ship, to see my Kindsman Christian N.rber.
Octor. 21. * * Sent off 3 Letters to Cermany by Bmsl Ludwicfc
Beush.
Dec'. 11. Friday. * * Fetch* a Letter from Mr. Schwcighj
which Mr (blank in diary ) Brought from my Brother- in -
law Conrad liberie in Cermany. Said Letter ( Jives an ncc\ nl the
of My Mother, My Sister and ber [ftifthand, Stephen l.eipf.
Dec/. 21. Thursday. Some Rain, Likewise Snow which w the tir>t
this Winter. In the afternoon went alnwinl ofn Dutch sbip and IV
Capt" (ieorge Dempster a girl for £31 19 H or which Sum tl
Mary Elizabeth Pheiffcr, is to Serve Six years; paid the Money at A i
Todd'", in front Street, in tbe Presence oi Norton Pryor,
( To he (niitiiini-tl. ) A
HISTORICAL NOTES.
The Church at Market Square.
BY HENRY B. DOTTEBER.
Oontimied.
In this connection it maybe of intcrosl to read a few more paragraph*
from the above-quoted letter of Pastorius to his parents. It ie written in
the familiar terms of a dutiful sou in a "far country." It is dated from
Philadelphia, although Germantown had been previously laid <>ut by
Pastorius and settled by the pioneer colonists. Speaking of the n
trip, he says : "The religious beliefs of the passengers, and their
lions, were so varied that the ship might be compared to Noah's ark.
I brought with me four men servants, two women servant-, two children
and one apprentice. Among these were adherents of the Romish, the
Lutheran, the Calvanistic (Reformed), the Anabaptist, and tic- English
Churches, and only one Quaker. * * * Lalmrcrs and farmers an- 1.
most, and 1 heartily wish for a dozen sturdy Tyrolesc to fell the mighty
oaks, for whichever way one turns it is : Ftur in antiattam sylcam, every-
thing is forest. " * * * He speaks of tin- fruits and nuts found in the
forests, and continues: "On the Kith of Octolicr I found pretty March
violets in the woods. Also, after 1 had laid out the town of Germantown
on the 2-1 th of October, and when returning the day following, the
with seven others to this place, (Philadelphia) we saw on the way. cling-
ing to a tree a wild grape vine upon which hung ahout four hundred
bunches of grapes. To get the grapes we cut down the tree, and the
eight of us ate as many as satisfied us, after which each of us brought a hat
full home with us. * * * Two leagues from here lies our Germantown,
where already dwell forty-two persons in twelve families, who are mostly
linen weavers, unaccustomed to husbandry. * :; : The path t<> CJcnnan-
town has by frequent going to and fro been so thoroughly l>caten thai a
road lias been formed." This sentence seems to explain the cause »>f the
eccentric lines of our Germantown Road : the plain first citizens
torius's biiclding Germanopolis attending to their simple errands in the
neighboring city, were the unconscious engineers of the historic highway,
WILLIAM ni:wi:i:s.
Another Reformed Churchman prominently identified with early <;« r-
mantown was William Dewees. Hq panic from l.eeiiwardm. provilM
Friesland, in Holland, ahout the year HiSi), landing at New Vork with
others of his family. He was then ahout thirteen. His outer, Wilhehniiu
Dewees, and Nicholas Kittenhousc were married by the pastor "f the
Dutch Reformed church of New Amsterdam, or New York, on the
of May, 1089, Nicholas Kittenhousc prior to ibis had located at South
river (as the Dutch called die Delaware river country \ and soon after
the marriage the Deweeses came over from New York to Germantown.
24 HISTORICAL NOT]".-.
William Dcwecs learned the trade of pap* r maker, douhtlcw from the
Rittenhouscs who were the pioneers in Uie manufacture (if pap.-r hi
America. His wife was Anna Christina Mecls. March 1. 1(100, <•
Hendricks DeWees bought a full lot of land fronting <>n tin- Main street in
the inhabited part of Germantown, containing thirty -eight acre*, and ad-
jacent land towards Plymouth, containing twelve acres, April IS, 1701,
Zyritien DeWees, his widow, sold half of this lot unci adjacent land to
Conrad Codweis, who sold it February U), 170:;, to William D< Ween, trim
held it until 22d of 11th month, (January) 1700, when he conveyed it
to Cbnfad RntterS. In these transactions In- is styled ;i huslKindnian.
December 23, 1 701, the attorney of the widow of Gerrit llcndrickx
DeWees sold the remaining half of the purchase made by her hunlmnd, t<»
John Henry Mehls. Whether Gerret Hendricks DeWeea mid Zynticn hi*
wife were the parents of William DeWees has not been definitely ti
tained; the archives at Leeuwardcn may be required to determine this
point. In 1 70S William Dcwees bought land in BeblKjr's (afterwards Ski (»-
pack) township, but he did not live upon it. In 1710, he ereetwl the
second paper mill in America, on the west side of tin- Wissahickon, in tl.-at
part of Germantown called Crcfeld. lie built one or more grid mill-
owned and sold lands, mills and dwellings in Crcfeld prior t<> 17 •_'"•.
William DeWees, as also his wife, was a member of the Wlutcmarsh
Reformed congregation, organized by Paulus VanYleeq in 171<>. ami he
was chosen senior deacon at the same time. They brought Ihcir children
to the dominie for baptism.
It is recorded that some of the pious colonists of early Gcrmantowii
scrupled at the assumption of public office, and paid penalties for non-
performance of such service in preference to doing violence t<> the d
of their consciences. William Dcwees was a man of a different stamp.
In his veins flowed the blood of that people who suffered the tortui
the' inquisition and who made indescribable sacrifices for tin- Reformed
religion which the arms of proud Spain, then powerful now humiliated,
sought to wrest from them. There were no battles to fight in |Mitccful
Germantown; the mild government of IYnn, administered in brotherly
kindness by Pastorius, precluded that. But IVwo- readily mm
every call to public duties. Note4 some of the contracts and |M**itions
taken by him :
December 3, 17CW, the Council of Germantown resolved Unit ft*
speedily as possible a prison (Gefangenhnus) be built, and an agreement
was made with William de Wees to cut GOO fuel of lumber For tin- pur-
pose at eleven shillings per hundred. December .".I. 17<>:;. ii was
further, that, beside the prison, stocks and a cattle pound should lie
erected. William de Wees undertook to put up the pound, under minute
stipulations as to number and quality of posts and mils, their length and
form. On sixth of 11th month (January) 17CW-4, it was resolved tha
HISTORICAL KOTES,
the prison, stocks, and pound be built in the market place October It.
1704, William de Wees was chosen Sheriff. Deccmlier 1, 17l duties
of court crier and court messenger were addetl to thai of the shrievalty.
20th of 12tli mo. (February) he was appointed fence insi>cctnr «.f his
district. November. 23, 1705, a committee was directed to audit hi
counts, which were evidently found correct, for on Decern h« r 18, follow-
ing, he was re-appointed sheriff and fence inspector. On the 23rd ..f 5th
month (April) the Court required him to furnish a Imnd for tin- faithful
performance of the duties of the oflice of Sheriff; and he was directed to
call in all taxes in arrears before the next session of the Court, and to sue
those who would not pay. Dccemher 4, 1706, he was chosen one of the
Council (composed of six men) of Gennantown. Here you have the
record of a faithful puhlic official.
For twenty years, from 172o until his death, the Whiteinarsh Re-
formed congregation, John Philip Bo'hm, pastor, used the houf
William Dewees for its place of worship. He was an officer in the chinch
all these years. The house used by this congregation, at least the latter
part of the time, stands opposite St. .Joseph's convent, close t<> the V
hick on, at the farther end of the Gennantown and Pcrkiomen turnpike
bridge over the stream. William Dewees died March 3, 17i~>. His body
rests in the Upper (or Axe) burying-ground.
Cornelius Dewees and Garret Dewees, relatives (possibly brothers
William Dewees, and men of similar character, also located at <>r near
Gennantown. Cornelius Dewees and Margaret Kostcr, his wife, brought
their son John Dewees for baptism to Dominie Van \' li< i j at Skippack <>n
the 29th of May, 1710. Cornelius Dewees performed various public
services at Gennantown. November 23, 1704, he was chosen constable
for the period of one year, or until a successor should he appointed; and
on December 1, 1705, he was appointed, in addition to the cunstahleship,
to the oflice. of court crier and messenger of the council.
James de la Plaine came to Gennantown from New York about the
year 1692. The de la Plaines were French Reformed people, otherwise
called Huguenots.
Evert Ten lleuven (otherwise In den Hoff, lui Hoff, now l>. ha\
came in 169S from Miihlheim on the Ituhr, bringing his family. He \\a>
of the Reformed Church, and was ordained senior elder ill the White-
marsh IMormed congregation on the Ith of June, 1710, the *\.\\ of it<
organization. His wife was Kli/abcth Sclriplsmwer. The Ddiavens
afterwards located on the Skippack.
Hcndrick ftinnebeeker lived in Gennantown at least w *av!
He left Gennantown in 1702 and settled at Skippack. Hifi wife WW Bvt
Umstead. On the 29th of May, 1710, they ImUlght their three children.
Adolph, Martha, and IVter, to ftistor Van Vlcaj tor Iwptism. 11.:
Pannehecker was the ancestor of our learned friend, Judgi lVnnvp.
26 HISTORICAL XOTKS.
Ho was a surveyor, and in that capacity nnicli in the Kcrvit*' of the Penn-
sylvania Provincial go vemment He was a large landholder. He ren-
dered invaluable assistance to tin- immigrant colonist* in sectnrii
them lands adapted to their particular want.-, in suitable localities. Thus
he was a benefactor to that great influx of eager emigrants from the I
nent of Europe — from Holland, Germany, Switzerland and France — who
carried irresistibly forward the work of subduing the forests, clearing the
land, cultivating the soil, and evolving the prosperity of the Provii
Hans Hendrick Meels ( John Henry Mehls) on the 23rd of Dcccnilier,
1701, bought a half lot on the main street in the inhabited part ol
mantown, containing nineteen acres and ,-i.\ acres of side land, from the
widow Zyntien Dewees, whose husband, Gerrit Hendricks Dewees, IumI
purchased the whole lot on the first of March, 1 600. He was Reformed.
In June, 1701, John Henry Mehls was chosen Recorder <>t' German town.
John Revenstock came in 1702. He anciently owned Lot No. _'.
containing two hundred acres, in the Sommerhausen division of German-
town. He was a member of Pastor Van Vlecq'fl Whitcmarsli Reformed
congregation in the year 1711. In July, 1728, lie was an officer of John
Philip Bo'hin's Whitemarsh congregation, which worshipped at the house
of William Dewees, on the Wissahiekon.
(To be Owtmued)
Colonial Church Builders.
OLD (JOSHEXIIOIMMW CHURCH.
A house of worship, built by the Lutherans and the Reformed jointly,
was begun May 1), 1744, and completed in 1748, On a large rtoin
the entrance was inscribed in German: "The united liberality «>f the
Lutheran and Reformed erected this Temple, J. Conrad Andrea, Luth-
eran Pastor." At the right of the entrance, on the east side, wriv the
names of the building committee of the Lutherans — Michael Reycr, Bnl-
thasar Gcrbach, Philip Gabcl, Conrad Schneider; (>n the left, the com-
mittee of the. Reformed — Christian Schneider, Christian Lehman, Item-
hard Arndt, John Ziebcr (Adam Meyer took Zicbcr's plac<
In Zwingliplatz, Zurich, a tablet on house No. 1 beaTP the<(> wroflL
Dass Pfarrhaus zuin (irossmunstcr.
Vor der Reformation Amtswohnimg dea
Custos der Propstei, soil I53ti lies
Antistes der zihvherischen Kirehe.
HEINRICH lU'LLINGKI!
und seiner Naehl'olger bis \s;\:\.
HISTORICAL NOTES. 27
The Reformed Church of Frankford.
ITS TRANSITION FJiOM THE GERMAN REFORMED TO THE PRESBYT1
DENOMINATION.
It is known that there was in past times a Reformed coi m at
Frankford, in Philadelphia county; hut few persons know when il
to exist, and what became of it. A printed paper in the antiquarian col-
lection of John F. Lewis, Esq., of Philadelphia, telle the story. Mr.
Lewis kindly permits its publication in Historical Notes.
CONSTITUTION.
To all to whom those Presents shall come Greeting:
Know ye that we, whose names are hereunto sultscrilicd, licing citi-
zens of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania — memlicn of n pition
associated formerly under the Style and Title of tin- Congregation of the
German Reformed Church of Frankford, in the Township of Oxford, and
County of Philadelphia, by an act of Incorporation of the State <>f Pcnn-
sylvania, have found upon experience that it is impossible to comply with
the terms of the said act of Assembly, there not being members enough ol
the Congregation to till the places of trust required in that Law. and have
accordingly determined to apply for a Charter upon other terms: — And
the said Congregation being satisfied that the shade of difference l»ctw< • n
the principles of the German Reformed Church and those of the Prcsby-
terians of the United States are scarcely discernible and unimportant —
And finding that the ministration of the Gospel can only he obtained by
connecting themselves with the latter Church, with one mind did agr
petition the Presbytery of Philadelphia, to he taken under their care t«>
their former corporate name, and become a Presbyterian Congregation—
And the said Presbytery having acceded to this proposition, and being
desirous of again acquiring and enjoying the powers and immunities of ;i
Corporation or Body Politic in Paw, according to an act «>i" Assembly "i
the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, passed the sixth day of April, in tin-
year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety-one — Do declare,
that we are now connected with, and under the care of the Pn sbytcry of
Philadelphia, under the articles and conditions, and the name, style and
title following: that is to say:
ARTICLE I.
That the name, style and title of the Corporation -hall lie Tin- P
byterian Church of Frankford, in the Town-hip of Oxford, in the County
oi' Philadelphia.
[Then follow thirteen articles having reference to the government of
the congregation. Then the nanus of the signers. |
28 HISTORICAL NOTES.
In testimony whereof, we have hereunto -<t our hand* in the rear of
our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eight.
BOARD OF TRUSTEE*.
G. Castor Joseph Dearman Benjamin Ffeliei
John If. Worrell Philip Buckiiw Stephen D«vntur
J acob Myers GeorgeC. Troutman Thomas Horton
Frederick Teese John Buckhis John Mire*
Jacob Mower
OTHER MEMBER* OF THE CONG ROTATION.
Edward Gilfillan Samuel Castor Joseph Hill
James Conner Benjamin Castor George I. Foillfc
Thomas Dods Rudolph Mower David Hunt
Thomas Gibson Isaiah Worrell, Junr. Samuel X< m
George Rorer Samuel King Barnct K non-
John Lemon Rudolph Worrell Jacob Xett*
Jacob Harper Jacob Rorer Jaeoh Smith
Jacob Deal Charles Hill Harry Smith
Caleb Earl John Worrell Jnghua Sullivan
George Bonner James Nice .John Benner
Jacob Benner Samuel WorreU Adam Baker
Approved by the1 Governor on the ninth of April, A. D. one thousand
eight hundred and eight.
Philadelphia Reformed Church Burial Ground.
Inscriptions on th(! stones marking the graves in the l<>t ol (he Fir-t
German Reformed Church of Philadelphia, in West Laurel Hill Coin
copied by Henry 8. Dotterer, December 3, 1889. More than half the
inscriptions are partly or wholly obliterated by the action of the elements.
Inscription on flat sill-stone at the entrance to the lot.
A. I). 1870.
Within this Rnelosurc are Buried
The sacred Remains of the Dead
Transferred from the Burial Ground
of the German Reformed Chinch
17th and Cherry St>..
Philadelphia,
Flat marble:
FAMILY VAULT
of
JOHN CLOPP, Son'
who departed this life
June 25th, is it;, a-vd M years
9 months and Ifi dava.
HISTORICAL NOTES,
Flat marble:
Church Vault
Rcvd. J. W. NEVELING
Died January 1,8th, 1811, aged (.)1 years
CATHERINE
Wife of llevd. J, II. WYnkhauw
Late Pastor of this Church
Died December 31**, 181 1, aged 79 years.
LEWIS LOWUY
Died January 24th, 1815, aged OH yearn.
Flat marble (vault ):
in mkmokv of
JOHN IIOTHEUMEL
Died April 5* ISM, aged (;o Vr\ 5 mo". & 10 ,'y
MARGARETTA McREDLVG
Died May Mth, 1844, aged 50 v. A- 19 ,1.
ELIZABETH BOTNER
Died Sept 23rd, 1843, in the bOtb year of her age
WILLIAM LONG
was bom 1809, died Feb. 11, 1846, aged :)7 years.
Flat marble (vault):
To the RJemorv of
PETEli FLN XLi; Sr.
died January 22nd INK), aged 7(.» yearn.
ANDREW LONG
•died June 15,h, 1840, aged 53 yearn 5 months.
AUGUSTUS M. WAGXEK
Died April 14th, 1841, aged 28 v. A- 21 d.
ABRAHAM KEIPER
Died Augl 0. 1837, aged 50 vis. (j mo. A- 17 ,1s.
Upright head and foot stones, white marble :
Faithful unto Death
AMELIA WARD
ni En
JANUARY '2nd 1881,
AGED 70 YEARS,
1 1 MONTHS & 18 DAYS.
Flat grave stone, marble:
SACRED
to the
memory o(
WILLIAM iVRKXTRUK
who departed this life
February r»'\ L845,
aged 7** years.
29
30
HISTORICAL NOTES.
Flat marble:
To the memory <>f
CONRAD KECK,
who departed thin life
the 20"' of Sept'. 1807,
aged 4\ yearn 7 months & .'i day*.
Gone from this grief productive -nil
To dwell wliere sorrows cease*.
His Soul has left this world of toil
To dwell in endless peace
Flat marble:
ITKNKY KLOSSFK
Rom 2'.)"' April, 1755,
at Dcventer in Holland.
He died in Philadelphia!
3rf March, LSao.
Flat marble:
■ JX
memory of
WILLIAM II.
son of Col. A. Steel,
who departed this life
Jan\ 31*, ism, Aged :;:, years.
JANE, Consort of Col. A. Steel.
departed this life
July 1, 1820, A^\ (ill years.
JANF (h, daughter of
Samuel L. A' .lane Palmer
Graiad daughter <>l' Col. A. Steel,
Departed this lite FW, 2K* bS2(J
aged 7 years A: 10 months.
Also
Col. ARCHIBALD STKKL
who departed this life OctolMT F.»"'. 1 v;;-
in the 1)2'"' year of Ids age,
He served during the whole of the Rev-
olutionary War, and proved a happy
instrument in gaining and securing
the independence of his country.
JANF, Consort o[ S. 1.. Palmer,
departed this life Koveml>er 5, Is '.'•'
Aged 50 yearn.
Flat stone, marble:
Departed this life Keh, 25,h, 1811
JANE I*.
Daughter <>!
S. L A- .1. PALMICK,
aued lH veaiv li months 1 day.
HISTORICAL XOTKs.
Wirt marble:
In memory of
MAliGARET SHKBLE
wile of John Shchlc
was born December 25'11, 1 7 7 ' '»
and departed thin life
July 2(>l" IMS
Aged -11 yearn 7 months & 1 day.
Also
In memory of
JOHN siii-;i;u;,
who departed this life
September 10th, lNo7
in the 00th year
of his age.
Upright stone :
TO .MY PARENTS
L\ MEMORIAL
of
JOHN KdKRirr
Died May 9,h, 18&3,
Aged ol years,
also ins win-:,
JANE HXJKEKT.
Died Sep', 17"', ism,
Aged 50 years.
A Daughter's Tribute
Erected June 10'", 1870.
Marriages by Rev. George Wack.
COMMUNICATED BY W. II. REED, PH. <i., M. 1>. . OK KORR1STOWX.
Coitdiuird.
92. June 16. Jacob Wolf and Rliaibeth Wolf.
93. JUly 4: John Mattis and Kli/aheth Cleiininns.
94. August ft. John Knipe and Margaivth Hurst,
95. Sopteinber 15. Jacob Weber and Eli ml totli Singer.
9G; October 24. John llinek and Mngdalenn Amen.
97. November 80. John llanpt and llehceca Itmndt
1S12.
2. Benjamin Corson and Christina FVivcri
*). Jaeoh Shade and Xnotiiy Williams.
19, Jaeoh t1a»a l and Susanna l»« m.
II. John ItedheiTer and Mar-areth IVijic.
<;. Philip llinek and hilly Haa. h<a.
II. Ahrahain Stong and Susina Kchler.
lo. Christian Stump and Kli/aheth Wink.
l<>. John Thomas and Louisa .
9S.
Januan
99.
January
100.
March '
101.
June
102.
August
108:
August
104.
August
105.
August
32
106.
August
107.
September
10S.
October
109.
October
110.
October
111.
Novem ber
112.
November
113.
November
114.
December
115.
January
116.
January
117.
March
118.
March
119.
April
120.
May
121.
May
122.
July
123.
July
121.
August
125.
October
120.
October
128.
November
129.
November
130.
November
131.
November
132.
December
life.
December
134.
December
135.
January
136.
January
137.
February
138.
February
139.
March
1-10.
March
111.
March
142.
March
143.
April
11-1.
April
1-15.
May
146.
June
147.
June
HISTORICAL NOT
25. David Griinzweig and Kach.il BdL
20. Joseph Houpt :uxl .Wily William*.
!). John Fisher and Margarctii Sti
11. Samuel Shive and Kli/.-o.th CJriinerwald.
15. Abraham Snyder ami Elizabeth Read.
17. George 'Weber and Barn Beever.
22. George Lever and Cathrine Shive.
22. Danid Heller and BsiHiary Jacnliy.
24. Joseph Been and Magdalcna Hitner.
1813.
2. George Sherej and Mary II- \.
14. Jacob Roth and Hannah Weidner.
2. Christopher Mattis and Hanah Lewi*
21. Charles Huberts and Mary Sylvia
8. George Beever and Anna Levellyn.
1. Rev. John Weiand and Cathrine Triehy
4. Abraham Weber and Elizabeth Ilillner.
22. Christian Fisher and Elizabeth Lukcrot.
31. Samuel 11a use and Sarah Kulp.
22. Joseph Lowe]- and Anna Kciscr.
5. Henry Sj>ere and Margaret h Siesholtz,
7. Joseph Harner and Hanah Smith.
2. Abraham Beaver and Elizabeth Lighlcap.
4. Samuel Jacoby and Snsanah Frecdly.
4. Isaac Beaver and Sarah Moor.
14. John Ivneedler and Nancy Shive.
14. Henry Hertel and Cathrine Been.
23. Jacob Shive and Elizabeth Sbemel.
30. Jacob Dager and Klizabeth Kii]>j>.
1814.
20. John Smith and Sarah Kei"jK»r.
27. Joseph Tetweilcr and Maria Meier.
25. Jacob I'reis and Margreth Smith.
3. Joshua Honde and Elizabeth Bilgcrd.
(>. Isaac Hil-onl and Nory lleineinan.
10, Dr. John Jacob* and Cathrint' Scht I
11. Jonathan Jones and Elizabeth Miller.
20. William [lamer and Ellin White.
23. Philip M- Werner and [leginii Anvine.
25. Ellen Cannon and l'att\ JohnniHtl.
22. Abmhani llecn and Margareth Jan*.
9, Thomas Melntire and Kw N
19. Edward Thomson and Edith Wliite,
( Jb l» ( 'onfiiiititl. )
HISTORICAL NOTES
RELATING TO THE
PENNSYLVANIA REFORMED CHURCH.
VOL I. No. 3. July 10. I89&
£1 00 per Annum.
Edited by Henry S. Dotterer.
Random Thoughts.
The present state of our Church — what
can a thoughtful man say of it? Our
ancestors were of the Reformed faith in
Europe. In this new country they re-
mained in the household. During the
six or more generations embraced in the
Provincial, Revolutionary and National
eras, they and their descendants con-
tinued steadfast. The thoughtful man
has seen many fall away from his side,
and enter other communions; but as for
himself lie has resisted the blandish-
ments and the inducements to forsake
the Church of his fathers. He is a lav-
man, let us stay, in contact with the im-
portant business and political activities
in our progressive country. lie is a
practical man He is up with the times.
He is trained, as are all Americans, to
measure the value of effort by results.
Two hundred and sixteen years ago
came the first settler of the Reformed
faith to Pennsylvania. Two centuries
of Church work according to the stand-
ards of the Reformed faith are accom-
plished. What is the result? A mem-
bership in the United States of l\;s,i;h
— less than a quarter of a million in a
population exceeding seventy millions
of souls. Is this a gratifying exhibit in
a country absolutely free from religious
persecution, and peculiarly favorable u>y
the spread of Protestantism? For nearly
two centuries not a year has passed that
thousands of Reformed immigrants have
not landed on our shores. These have
multiplied in the order of nature.
When' are their children and children's
children? And as to home missionary
Perkiomen Publishing Co..
1006 N. TllfSTKKJSTM tiTMCCT,
PHILADELPHIA.
work, what outcome in there t«.
The thoughtful layman love* his
Church. He hati hoped, and -till hoi***,
for a bhowing by it in the »pn ad •
Gospel of Christ worthy of i;- inal
history in the days of the Information.
Contemplating it calmly, how can he
regard its present numerical, social,
financial, intellectual and spiritual con-
dition? What are "tin- Klgnsof ;
The General Synod at Tiffin ■
decided not to undertake to Consolidate
the Church papei B.
The early records of the First Reformed
Church of Philadelphia are in cow
translation and transcription for the
genealogical branch of the Hi-:
Society of Pennsylvania. John 1\ Lea is,
Esq., of Philadelphia, i- hating il
tensive and hnportanl work done at liu
own expense. The records faegii 1747,
In the city of Rotterdam an two
churches in which the preaching and
services are conducted in t:
language—the Scotch Uhorch, in con-
nection witl) the Hatch Refbi I
of Rotterdam, and Pt Mary*a,of Hie l j-
lish Church. The pa**
Church is K'ev. .!. Irwin Brown, Iff. A .
B. D. Americans ate cord illj
comeil by the officers find |mstor, and
will find the survive- homo-like and in
their own langui S hurcli
was founded in Rotterdam in
the t one of t he I
Scotland, thousands of a ig
over to Rotterdam and became uietnbvn
of this congregation.
34
HISTORICAL NOTES.
The Pennsylvania Church Corre-
spondence at the Hague.
}JY HENRY S. DOTTEKER,
The Hague, the capital of The Nether-
lands, is a beautiful and wealthy city.
Its people are in large part public officials
and the Dutch nobility. The Queen has
her home at the capital. The represen-
tatives of the governments of the world
reside here. It is an aristocratic and
consequently an expensive city. The
natives call it \s Gravenhage, and den
Haag. Here the national Church has
its headquarters. Upon Java-Straat, a
fashionable street, away from the busy
centre, is the Archief van de Algemeene
Synode der Nederlandsche Hervormde
Kerk — the Archives of the General Synod
of the Reformed Church of the Nether-
lands.
Before my departure from home, Dr.
Dubbs, of Franklin and Marshall College,
informed me that somewhere in Holland
was stored the voluminous corre-
spondence between the Pennsylvania
and Dutch Churches during our pro-
vincial times, and he charged me to
make every effort to discover these
records, so needful to us to a full under-
standing of our colonial church history.
After Mrs. Dotterer and myself were
comfortably domiciled with a private
family, natives of the country, in the
city of Rotterdam, I began inquiries for
the Pennsylvania records. In our do-
mestic circle was a literary gentleman,
Mr. D. Veen, who suggested to me to
write concerning the matter to the; Presi-
dent of the General Synod, Rev. Dr.
Perk, who is also the pastor of the
French Reformed congregation of Ams-
terdam. This was done, and a reply
came, in these words:
Amsterdam, 23 December, 1805.
Respected Sir: 1 was obliged to delay
answering your letter, because I had to
write to learn if the works you ask for
are in the Synod ical Library at The
Hague. Mr. L. Overman, Prinsengracht,
The Hague, is secretary of tin4 Synod.
He writes me that in the Archives are
two volumes, Wo. 74, Ix-aring tin- title
Pensylvanica, hut they arc not the irorki
you ask for. Probablj you will find
them in the acta of the Provincial •
of South Holland anno IGlfl 1810,
secretary is A. Loeff, at 1» irdrecht.
m. a. r
The title "Pensylvanica" point
strongly to the desired <! t<» be
passed over. Application to Rev. Dr.
Overman brought this generout
Ik sal V a. Dii Jannari,
wachten alhier Javastraal 84, si war InH
archief is, en dat fiij bereiken knnt met
de tram van 't Station van den lloll.
Spoorweg.
's Gravenhage, '•'> Januari, 1 -
De Secretaris van de Algeroi
Synode der Kederlandsche
Hervormde Kerk,
L OVKHMA.S.
Translation : I shall await von on
Tuesday, January 7, ni 84 Java
here, where the archives are, and which
you can reach by the train from the
Station of the Holland railway.
The Hague, 3 .January, 1
The Secretary of the General Synod
of the Nethcrland Reformed Church,
L, ( )\ti:m \n.
On the morning of Januarj 7.
my first visit was made t-> the archives.
Upon arrival at m Javt Mr.
Welter, tin1 care-taker of t1
Synod's building and library, showed
me to the meeting room of tin- bj
where a cheerful lire, <>t" English hard
coal, was radiating a grateful warmth.
Upon the table were lying two VOfoines
of manuscripts, marked tosiM-etivrlv
Pensylvanica Vol. I and 1\
A. Beside them was a printed
entitled Catalogus van !.» t Old Syil
Archief, a work of i containing
the names ol the books in the library
and an index to the mamwiio:- of the
i )ld Provincial Archives.
In a tremor of anticipation, I opened
the MS. volume-, whicli wore no other
than the tnuch-desired ftjnnsylvmnla
letters, since these wi
HISTORICAL NOTES.
far-off shores, one hundred to one bun- Rotterdam, it was my mnlom la
dred and seventy years ago, no Pennsyl- train to The Hague in the m
vanian had seen tliem; my hands, neivons spend the any in the aranii
with excitement, wore the Bret to turn turn in the evening. II ,iddl<-
the venerable leaves; my eager eyes the of winter, when the
first to scan these precious, treasures, compared with our
Here were messages from beyond the Leering the Bonn station in I
sea, penned when Pennsylvania was a about nine, the Java street bnildii
dependency of Great Britain, before the reached abent ten. The trip
name of the United States of America ant one. Delft
was coined, before the Declaration of J n- two stations between Rottevdaa
dependence, many of them before GeorOS The Hague. Ti.
Washington was born. Letters from the one for itt gin and I lor Ktt
Dorsius, and Boehm, from Weiss, and porcelain wore. From the COT windows
Lcydieh, from Rieger, Schlatter, Stay, is presented a meeeesion of I
Lischy, Otterbein and others of the
Reformed clergy; from the Presbyterians,
Kennedy and Tennent; the Lutherans,
BrunnholtzandMuhlenbergrfrom Chand-
Dutch views — wind-mill*, tilo-i
farm houses, flat land int.
canals; sometimes a lighl
the green grass, and Uicn kdad
ler of London; from Dr. and Captain sheep huddled together in i
Diemer and merchant A rend Hassert, Jr., panionship. Every tree and every
secretary Richard Peters, and Mayor in the landscape became familiar in these
Lawrence, of Philadelphia; requests, in- frequent trip-. Lid yen eve* in full
quiries and complaints from the churches
at Philadelphia, SUippack, Gennantown,
Tulpehocken, and of Bucks county; min-
utes of Ou'tus, controversial pamphlets,
reports of law suits, financial statements;
written in German, Dutch, Latin, French
and English; a wealth of manuscript in-
possession of a long-coveted pleasure try
to compare it as pointed in antici] i
by the imagination with the reality
spread before y<»n.' Fof many y
had looked forward to jus! such a
sojourn. Now it was an accomplished
fact. As the train sped on, sometimes
formation bearing upon the general and 1 would look inward and backward to
church history of Pennsylvania nowhere the anticipation; then outward opon the
equalled abroad, with the possible ex- realization. There ia no disappointment
ception of London. Besides the two in Holland. You admire the oonnUess
bound volumes, there is a portfolio, con- pictorial representations ^i
taining letters and documents relating to and its life; but when you are I
the Church of Pennsylvania; a bundle of face with the country and it- |
papeis concerning foreign churches and feel that the half had not
persons, among which is a large roll re- Arriving at the archives, Mr. Welter re-
lating to Pennsylvania; another bundle
regarding remittance of funds to the
Waldenses, and the churches of Lith-
uania and Pennsylvania; and account
books, entitled Kapitaalbockjes, con-
taining the record by the treasurer of the
investment of funds for the benefit of
the Pennsylvania and other mission
churches.
To examine this great collect ion wast
the work of nearly two months. At
intervals, however, 1 turned away from
this absorbing task to spend a day or
two elsewhere. Pleasantly located at
Bponded to the ring with ■ smile and ■
greeting. Immediately to woi
rule; time was t«>o precim -
At noon the ^^>d Welter sen! or bl
a cup oi coffee, which with
sandwiches constituted my luncheon.
At four o'clock it became dual,
taking a tram ear. 1 VH FOOD 0001 t<»
the line railway station, R waiting the
returning train, meanwhile
w ith great Intel il and de-
parture of other trains, si
passengers in the a
three classes of travellers By and by
36
HISTORICAL NOTES
the station people came to know tin: oft-
returning foreigner. In time, too, tin;
making of the trip became as familiar,
despite the unlike surroundings, as a
trip from Philadelphia to Gcrmantown.
The time between the two cities is :;<) to
35 minute-. Occasionally Mrs. Dottercr
would accompany me, and make copies
or notes from the papers. As said before
this work was not performed on consecu-
tive days. At intervals, work in the
City Library and South Holland lie-
formed archives at Rotterdam would
require attention. Interspersed, too,
were trips — sometimes for pleasure,
sometimes for research — to Delfhavcn —
whence the Pilgrims sailed, to Leyden,
to l)ordrecht and to Delft.
Since then, Dr. Good and Prof. Hinke
have visited this historical "Klondike."
Others will doubtless follow. The ac-
commodating Dr. Overman will have
put to the task many times, T fancy, his
friendly disposition to satisfy the wants
of the American historians. My opin-
ion is that there will not be entire peace
until all the documents relating to Penn-
sylvania in that repository are copied
in extenso and brought back to this side
for the ready use of our students and
writers.
Java street, is a stylish thoroughfare,
on which are the fine homes of wealthy
residents. The commodious building
occupied by the General Synod of the
Netherlands is admirably arranged for
the care of the tons of documents and
records of the Church and for the meet-
ing of the delegates. The more valuable
records are stored in a large fireproof
vault on the first door back. The council
chamber, in which I conducted my
labors, is on the second floor, is on the
second lloor. It is a room about thirty
feet long, fronting on Java street, about
twenty feet deep, and of proportionate
height. Three large window! lace the
street; they are draped with lace and dark
given curtains. Opposite these are two
double doors, draped in dark green
curtains. In the middle of the room is a
table about eighteen feet long, Bel length-
wise, covered with green broadcloth; at
one end in tin- lv
beside him that of the At
this tab!" -it tin- membei
when convened foi bush
to the Reformed < Shurch of 1 1
hind-. Twenty-three Inxurio
upholstered in brown leal rruund
the table for the m
rpon the tab!.* are t twelve nickol p '
inkstands on trays: from the
suspended a chandelier, ornament
brass and nickel, with five -• \t
one end of the room are three oil paint-
ings, one of which i- tin- work of
Iielifl van Ilaerlem. HaciaVm. 1
The subject of another m I tritan
Woman. At the Other end of the
room is a white marble mantel,
which rest a mirror in black
marble clock ami ornaments. <>a'.
nets are On each side of tin- mantel, above
which arc oil paintings —one, The < Soklen
Calf ; another, Christ Preaching to the
People. On the floor is brown linoleum,
covered with a heavy rug. In this ar-
tistic chamber is carried on the !
tion for the welfare of Holland'-
Church.
Reformed Church Literate.
Der in der Americani-chen Wildnm/
[Inter Mcnsclfen von
Nationen nnd Religionen llin and
wiedcr herum Wandclte I nd ver-
se hiedent I ieh Angefochtene
Abgemahlol nn I diet In einem
Gespraech mil Kincm Politic-* and
NVugcborencn, Verachiedeue Stnc
eonderhcil Die Nengeburl \
Verfertiget, nnd /u Refordertu
.Icsn Pelbsl aus eigener Krfnhrni
das LielU gcbiacht Von idmel
Weiss V. D. M. bu Philadelphia
dnickt bey Andrew Brndfordt, I "■-
Rev. Prof. \V, J. Hinke n Deutlj
tributed a I hical notice of ibis
publication to the Rtformrtl «
.«>i>>,r. It is a pamphlet
is in the Congressional 1
inetnn, 1>. 0,
HISTORICAL NOTES.
Jacob Hiluheimer's Diary.
[CmcUulcd.]
March 17. * * Rcc4. a Letter from England bom John All. n,
Esq*. Requesting trie to Look out for 2 or 3 horse* for John 1'- :.u. 1"
June 24. * * In the afternoon met the Dutch Company, at the
Lutheran School house and pd. off my ace*, as per Receipt, and Took t«»
Sell 10 Lottery Tickets from 3721 to .:>>7:;0.
Septr. 4. Went to Spring Garden to see rhy Aunt Klages, who K I
this morning. She did not Live Much above a year after my mother,
which two was Sisters.
Septr. 5. Sunday. Clear. In the afternoon went with Aunt Pouter and
my Daughter Kitty to Spring Garden to the Burial of my Aunt K
(my mother" Sister) and from the Burial-ground to thcChureh, win I
Reverend Mr. Weinberg Preach' d the Funeral Sermon, 8 Me t<» tin-
Text, which was Chosen by my Aunt herself, some time 1 >»F< » re her 1 '
It was in the Second of Timothy Chap: 4* and Yer: the 7" and v . N. B.:
♦She was horn in the year 1721.
Oetr. 11. * * In (he afternoon went to Gcrmantown. Wenf I
the Academy and Entd my son Billey to Go to School there and p
Entrance. Nov. 15. Enter1 Boby to go to s'1 school.
Novr. 14. Sunday. Clear. Recd 2 Letters from Germany, one fi
Stephen Spengler dated 12"' Apr. 177-'5, the other from my sister Dal
May Do.
Decr. 27. f * There was a meeting at the State house ami was
agreed that the Tea Shin should Take the Tea Iwick.
1771.
May 2. * * Jn the Evening met the Ajnieahle Fire Cornp'y at
Browns in Arch Street, My Self Clerck to said Cornp'y.
June 5. Sunday. Clear. In the afternoon went, the first time,
the New Church in Race Street Lately Fmiah'd Took Possess a 8
in Pew Num1' 52.
Aug1 28. Sunday. Clear <fc warm. Went to Church in fotenoou.
Weinberg* Text was Jeremiah the V[h Vera 21". the Latter part th.
Septr 1. Thursday. Very Close & warm. In foret)
to Churckto hear the Rever*. M'. Weinberg Preach a Sermon Suitable tu
the Meeting of the Great Congress which is to he-in Next V in this
City. His Text was in the lGlh Chap: of the proverhs tie I and
here follows the Words Amnns Hem* Dtvixih ftw IrVi
hi* Steps,
Sept1. 18. Sunday. Warm. * * [n the afternoon went I
The Same time Henry Mugs wife was Buried and M . M Kill k lief
Text, Second of Timothy, Chr. 1'" and V: 7 A s
38 HISTORICAL KOTES.
Octr. 25. In the Evening went to the New Calvin Church in
street and heard the Reverend Win Picrccy ['reach. Hi- Texl m /
riahehap. 4th & Vers 7th (and here follow the words) Who art thou
0 great Mount;) in? before Zenibbal>el Tliou shalt lie come iplain and he
shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shouting CryingGrn
unto it. The Explanation of -these words feasted one hoar and live
minutes. v
Chester County Churches.
]u the year 1S46} Frederick Bhceder wrote a paper giving hi- ■
recollections of the section of Chester county comprised in Vincent and
Pikeland townships. This contribution to local history has n<»t hern pub-
lished, but the manu^^^ presented in the lihmry of the Historical
Society of Pennsylvania.
Frederick Sheeder was horn in Saarbruck, Cicnnany, February
1777; arrived at Philadelphia with his parents, In-other* and sist< in, \
vember 26, 1793. Hebeeamea resident of East Vincent township in 1 v("
The following paragraphs are taken from tfheedcr's manuscript:
ZIOX's CHUitCH IX PIKKLAM).
This edifice was commenced in 1771 and finished in 177-1. It
used as a hospital the time General Washington lay at the Sprii
church on the hill was also used for the same purpose. The train i»l
brought was one mile long. This was after the retreat after the I Kit tic
of Brandywinc.
THE CHURCH OS THE till.]..
In the first or the old church built here are the nanus of lev. \/ idv.
Rev. Bumb,. Rev. Dallaeker and Rev. Herman as preachers, rn the time
of the last named a new church was built. Then followed R< v. John ('.
Guldin and Rev. .1. II. Kooken. The hill church is styled tin- German
Reformed' Church in Vincent Township. The old log church was mnsc-
crated May 27, 1758, under the pastorate of Rev. .John Philip 1 eydich.
At the foot of the hill on which this church is built is a plain monument,
a, pyramid about eight feet high inclosed by a strong wall, adjoining the
Ridge road, erected in memory of the patriot soldiers who fell in the !
lutionary battles in this vicinity in 1777.
Holland's Steadfastness and Generosity,
One hundred thousand homes were forsaken by Reformed families
rather than vow allegiance to Thilip the Seeond, King of Spain, and ibe
Roman pontiff. Thousands were slain and many found I inning
Reformed brethren in Germany, Switzerland and Great Britain. \
wards Holland, in turn, became the asylum for the Huguenot-, the Puri-
tans, and the oppressed of all lands. — C\m> Ourr.
HISTORICAL NOTES. 39
The Church at Market Square.
BY HENRY 8. DOTTERER.
Continued.
REV. SAMUEL 6ULBIN.
In the year 1710 a strong character was added to Germantown*fl Re-
formed contingent. That year Samuel Guldin, a minister of tin- Reformed
Church of Switzerland, came to Pennsylvania. He was born in the city
of Berne. lie first preached in the neighborhood of Berne, hut Ins repu-
tation as a forcible pulpit speaker led to his election as associate pastor of
the minister of Berne, and subsequently he became the minister of the
three chief churches of the city. His fervid presentation of Christian
truth gave offence to his ecclesiastical superiors. He was accused of
Pietism, and in 1699 declared guilty of the Charge. He was then rele-
gated to the pastorate of an inferior and obscure congregation outside of
Berne. On the Kith of January, 1710 (probably 175?), then a resident
of Roxhorough township, he bought 275 acres of land located along Wissa-
hickon creek. Residing so near G.ermantown, and sometimes in the
the town, he became intimately acquainted with his Reformed brethren
here, and as would he expected he preached to them occasionally. After
his coming to Pennsylvania he issued three pamphlets. The first of
these, dated 1718, entitled Kurtze Apologie, is a self-vindication of his
course at Berne; the second, also in 1718, is a short Guide with Contrasts
for the explanation and defence of Divine Truth; the third, in 1743, was
an argument in opposition to the coalescence of the several religious de-
nominations as proposed by Count Zin/endorf and his friends in Pennsyl-
vania at that time. In the first and last of these publications he repre-
sents himself as former preacher in the three principal churches of Berne,
in Switzerland. Guldin was possessed of a considerable estate. Besides
his Roxhorough property, he owned land in Oley, and personal property
as well. He has been heretofore regarded as one of the original settlers of
Oley, a fertile region in the present Berks county, hut recent investigation
indicates that he never lived there, and that Ins son of the same name was
the Oley pioneer. The Rev. Samuel (Julilin died in Philadelphia on the
last day of the year 1745, aged eighty-five. lie left a curious paper in-
tended for his last will and testament, a medley of business directions and
pious admonitions, a . mixture of English and German and Latin. Hi-
purpose was to dispose judiciously of his considerable means, remember-
ing old friends, designating laudable benevolent interests, and caring
appropriately for' his immediate family. But the paper having not been
executed was inoperative.
Thus we see there was a steady, although small, stream of incoming
colonists of the Reformed faith, who located in and about (iennantown in
40 HISTORICAL NOTES.
the carliw years of the Province. The great rush of the Palatines* mini'
later. What opportunities had theBe primitive settlers to worship after
the maimer of their fathers in Germany, Holland, Switzerland, and
France? Prior to 1710 we know of no clergymen of their faith in tin-
Province. It may be, however, that upon occasion one or another of the
Reformed dominies at Manhattan Island penetrated southward through
the wilderness — such is, and always has been, the indomitable missionary
spirit of the Holland Church — to bring the Word to his fellow Chris-
tians at Germantown. If any did, there was an open door for him
here. There was built as early as 1686 a house of worship for the com-
mon use of the. people. Pastorius, in one of his letters to Europe, says:
"Wir haben allhier zu Germantown Ann. 1686 ein Kirehlein fur die
Gem chide gebauet" — We built here in Germantown in the year 1086 a
small church for the community. Jt was built for the' Gemeinde — the
community. Gemeinde, it is true, is in America usually understood to
mean a religious society or congregation. Put in Germany the word
means primarily a political district, comprising in its limits a State chinch.
A Gemeinde there comprehends all the inhabitants of the district, irre-
spective of their church connection. The government of Germantown
was set up, by special permission of Penn, upon the lines then and Mill
in vogue in the villages, or dorfs, of Germany. So it happemd that
Pastorius caused the erection of a Kirehlein fur die Gcincindt — a small
church not for any particular denomination, there being no State church
in Pennsylvania, but for the use of the community in general.
In the course of time the Reformed people of Genua. .town crystallized
into a congregation. On the 20th of .May, in the year of Our Lord Jesus
Christ 1710, says a cotemporary record, Mr. Paul us Van Vlcwj was in-
stalled pastor of the Church of Jesus Christ at Shamminie, Bensalcm, ami
Jermantown, and the neighboring villages. A congregation was organized
by this minister, to meet the needs of the Germantown people, on the 4th
of June, 1710, under the name of the Whitemarsh church, with Hans
Hendrick Meels as senior elder, Evert Ten Ileuven junior elder, and
Isaac Dilbeek senior deacon. On the 25th of December, 1710, the officers
installed were: Evert Ten Ileuven, senior elder; Isaac Dilhccfc, junior
elder; William Dewecs, senior deacon; and Jan Aweeg, junior deacon.
On the same day, Christmas, 1710, Bihes Partels and Marytje Hendricks
his wife, and Kasper Staels, were admitted to membership upon pro-
fession of faith. The recorded members of the congregation in 1711 wire:
Hans Hendrick Meels, Isaac Dilbeek. .Ian Aweeg, Antonio CJecrt Yerkcs,
Geertruij Rcinbergh, Marritjc Plomersc, wife of Isaac Dilbeek, Catrina
(Christina?) Meels, wife of William Hewees, Annchen Barents, wife of
J. Pieterse, Maria Selle, wife of Gerret Ten Ileuven, Evert Ten Ileuven.
Johaimis Joddcn, Johannis Kevcnstoek, Geertrui Aweeg, Elizabeth
Sehipbouwcr, wife of Evert Ten Heuven, Elsje Schol, Sibillae Revcnstock,
HISTORICAL NOTES. 41
wife of Uendrick Tibbcn, Margaret Bon, wife of Rasper Staels. Pastor
Van Vlecq's ministry apparently ended here in 1712.
About the year 1720, John Philip Bcehm, a parochial schoolmaster,
then just arrived from the Palatinate of the Rhine, began to hold religious
meetings among the Reformed settlers at Whitemarsh and elsewhere. On
the 23rd of December, 1725, he administered the communion to twenty-
four persons of the congregation which he had previously organized at the
house of William Dewees, who then lived in the Crefeld district, on tin;
AVissahickon. This congregation maintained an existence until 1745.
In 1727, George Michael Weiss, a regularly ordained Reformed min-
ister, a graduate from Heidelberg, was chosen pastor o" the Reformed
congregation then organized in Philadelphia. About the same time he
was placed over the High Dutch church at Germantown. On the 24th of
November, 1729, he was more specifically placed in charge of the Phila-
delphia and Germantown congregations by the ministers of the Dutch
Reformed Church of New York city. Pastor Weiss then and there de-
clared his desire1 to become subordinate to the Classis of Amsterdam, and
promised to endeavor to bring his Germantown and Philadelphia congre-
gations into similar relations. At the same meeting the New York minis-
ters engaged to urge the Amsterdam Classis to send over whatever moneys
had been collected in Europe in behalf of the congregations of Mr. Weiss
at Germantown and Philadelphia.
Weiss went to Holland the following spring in quest of funds for the
churches, but when he returned to America he did not resume the pastor-
ate at Germantown and Philadelphia, but preached in the Province of
New York for some years, and then came back to Pennsylvania, engaging
in pastoral labors in the interior.
JOHN BECHTEL,
In 1720, John Bechtel, a native of Weinheim, about twenty miles
north of Heidelberg, came to Germantown, "Reared in the German
Reformed Church, and being an earnest, pious man, two years after he
settled in Germantown," according to John \V. .Jordan, of the Historical
Society of Pennsylvania, "he began to hold religious meetings for his
Reformed brethren in the town, and was instrumental in doing much good
prior to the arrival of Schlatter and the organization of a Synod. At first
be kept these meetings in his own house, not only on Sundays, hut every
morning and evening on week-days. The congregation which he gathered
built a small church on Market Square, and in 1733 he was given a call
as pastor, and a license to preach was sent him from Heidelberg Univer-
sity. * * * He was not ordained, however, until April IS, 1712. and
then by Bishop Nitschman of the Moravian Church." What place of
worship the Reformed people of Germantown had prior to the building of
the church referred to by Mr. .Ionian is not at present clear. The pains-
taking and exceedingly thorough editors of the English edition of the
42 HISTORICAL NOTES.
Halle Reports — Rev. Dr. Schmuckcr and Rev. Dr. Mann — say the corner-
stone of a Reformed church was laid here in 17R) by the Swedish pa-tor.
However ibis may be, as late as January l.), 1733, in a list of church
edifices in German town reported by Arcnt Hassert, Jr., a native of Hol-
land,, but long a resident of Philadelphia, no mention is made of a Re-
formed church. He -wrote: Germantown is six English miles from
Philadelphia. It has a large Quaker meeting house (the name by which
the Quaker churches are called), a High German Mennonite church, and
a similar one in which the Crefeld or broken Hoi Ian dish is used. Ha-
sort's report. was made at the request of the Synods of South and North
Holland and is preserved at The Hague.
We come now to the first purchase of land on Market Square for a
church. It was a lot containing one-eighth of an acre of ground. It was
conveyed on the 8th of November, 1732, by Henry Frederick, of German-
town, carpenter, and Anna Barbara, bis wife, to John Bcchtcl, turner,
Christopher Meng, mason, Jacob Bauman, carpenter, and George Bensel,
yeoman, in trust for the Reformed congregation. In the trust died made
by these persons, on. the 9th of November, 17o2, it is recited that "said
land and premises were so as aforesaid conveyed unto us by the direction
and appointment of the inhabitants of Germantown aforesaid belonging t<>
the High Dutch Reformed Congregation ... in Trust to the intent only
that we, or such or so many of us as shall be and continue in unity and
religious fellowship with the said High Dutch Reformed congregation, and
remain members of the same . . . shall bold it for the benefit, use and
behoof of the said congregation forever and for a place1 to erect a meeting
house for the use and service of the said congregation. ;' The description
of the lot was as follows: Beginning at a stone set for a corner (by the
Germantown Market Place), being also a corner of Nicholas Delaplainc's
land, thence by the same northeast eight perches and four foot to a stone
set for a corner, thence southeast two perches and seven foot to a stone set
for a corner by land late of John Midwinter, thence by the same south-
west eight perches and four foot to a stone set for a corner by the said
Market Place, thence by the same northwest two perches and seven foot.
to the place of beginning.
; ' (3b be Continual. )
,. WORDS, GOOD AND JSVTL.
Through the ear our words fall upon the minds and hearts of others,
like seeds of good or evil. On soil prolific do they fall. By us tbey are
quickly spoken and forgotten. We think, perhaps, they will die with
their sound. But tbey will take root somewhere; the pure or impure
seed will sprout and mature into a harvest in some soul. We keep no
account of them. God has the record. — R. BAUSMAN,
HISTORICAL NOTES. 43
List of Huguenot Galley-Slaves.
RELEASED BY THE KING OF FRANCE IX THE YEAR SEVENTEEN HUNDRED
AND THIRTEEN AND SEVENTEEN HUNDRED AND FOURTEEN.
The Church authorities at Dordrecht gave permission to the editor of
Historical Notes, the early pail of 1896, to examine the voluminous rcconl*
stored in the archives in the Augustiner Kerk, in that city. Two or three
days were spent in looking over the contents of the shelves and clnscta in
the large room used as a business meeting place In one of the large
bundles of pamphlets, manuscripts and records, was hidden away a thin,
dingy pamphlet, unstitched, uncut, without a cover, folded as it hit the
printer's hands. Owing to the great mass of material stored, and the limit-
ed time at a visiting foreigner's command, this particular pamphlet, after
its title had passed before the examiner's eyes, was, as were hundreds of
others, turned down, and one after another placed upon it. Something
in the title of the pamphlet, however — the words u(\v^ Protcstans qui out
souffert la peine des Galercs," — had taken hold in the mind of the seeker
for historical facts. He turned back to the pamphlet, looked through its
pages, read among the names some familiar in America, ami quickly de-
cided that here was something clearly identified with men who themselves,
or whose descendants, had enacted a part in the history of Pennsylvania.
and a greater part in the history of the Reformed denomination whose
members came from the Continent of Europe to the shores of America.
The first impulse was to copy parts of the pamphlet; the next to copy it
entire. It was now late in the afternoon, ami the train for return to Rot-
terdam was soon due. Then the fear, which often haunts the ardent an-
tiquary took hold of the writer. "I have it now ; perhaps to-morrow
will be too late. The doors of the archives may be closed against me
after to-day; the coveted paper may elude me.'1 These fears proved
groundless. The next morning, the 27th of Janunrv, !R9G. the kind
undcr-sexton of the church, A. Kwikkers by name, greeted the stranger
as pleasantly and received him as hospitably as he did the day before.
The pamphlet, of which a copy was made in full, was an octavo,
without date or imprint ; in three pails — the first seven pages, the second
three pages, and the third eight pages.
As the transcription progressed, the mind was busy with imaginings
of the sufferings of the faithful Huguenots. In America we know noth-
ing of persecution for religion's sake. And we have no dark dungeon-,
or museums of instruments of torture, as is the case in many Kuropean
cities, to remind us of the horrors of the inquisition and the religious
wars. Note the bald, official announcement, void of expression of any
feeling, of the release ordered by the king. Oliscrvetlie great number of
the victims, as evidenced by the numbers, running far up into thousands,
44 HISTORICAL NOTES.
by which they were designator! The numher of yean of suffering, the
highest twenty-eight, must thrill the heart of the sympathetic reader.
These men suffered for the faith which we profess. What burden do we
bear because of this faith ? They were wrested from their families these
many years; their plans for useful lives were frustrated; every comfort and
pleasure desired by noble souls, was denied them; year after year they
wrought in ignominy, without a ray of hope, except beyond this world.
The hard, cold facts of this official list may perhaps rouse to action the
languid, dormant religious sensibilities which 1 bored theology, pulpit
oratory, and the prayers of the faithful have not been able to quicken.
At several centres of learning the writer inquired for other such lists,
but no one had seen any, and some doubted the exist nee of such. It
was thought, by one well-informed archivist, that in the archives of the
Huguenot Society in Paris, the names of some of the sufferers in the gal-
leys might be preserved.
The title ami contents of the pamphlet follow :
FIRST PART.
LISTE
Des Protestans qui out souffert
la peine dv* Galores de Fran-
ce, pour cause de Religion, &
qui out etc delivrez lc 17. de
Jllin 171o. en consequence
de l'ordre du Roy, en date
du 17. deMai 1713.
DE PAR LE ROY.
^A Majeste voulant que les Cent trente-Mx Fbrcats,
c?Y scrvans aetuellement sur ses Galcrcs, clcnommex
au present Rolle, soient mis en Hborte, a condition
que dans le memo temps, & sans dckii, [Is se retirent
dans les pays etrangers; sinon & a fautc de ec, qu'ils
soient arretez cv; remis sur les Galores, pour y. roster
pendant lour vie; Sa Majeste leur faisant defense dc
tester dans le Royaume sous les memos pcincs, & or-
donre aux Commissaircs & Corttrolleurs ayant le dT-
tail des chiourmes, de les faire detacher de la chainr,
moyenant quoi ils en demeurcront hien A: valable-
ment dechargcz. Mande Sa Majeste' au Sr. de Tcs»
General des Galores, & au Sr. Arnold Intendant d'i-
celles, de tenir la main, chacun scion Pautorite d< sa
Charge, a l'cxecution du present ordre. Fait a Marly
le 17. de Mai 1718. Sight* l.oris, /•;/ pta /,„.., Pm-
LIPEAUX.
HISTORICAL NOTES. 45
TRANSL VTIO.X.
List of the Protestants that
suffered the penalty of the
French galleys for their religion
and who were released June
17th, 1713, in consequence of an
. order of the King, dated May 17th, 1 7 1 : 5 .
By the King,
His Majesty desiring that the hundred and
thirty-six convicts, now ser/ing in his galleys, named
in the present list, be put at liberty, on condition
that at the same time, and without delay, they retire
to foreign lands; if not, and in default of this,
they may he arrested and replaced in the galley.-,
to remain there during their life; His Majesty
forbidding them to remain in the realm, under
the same penalty, and orders Commissioners and
Controllers having charge of the galley-crews to have
their chains detached, through which act they are
formally discharged. Sent by his Majesty to Sicur
•de Tesse, gene.al of Galleys, and to Sicur Arnold.
Intendant of the same, to carry out, each according
to the authority of his olliee, the execution of the
present order.
Made at Marly, May 17th, 1713.
Signed by Louis, and lower down — Philipcaux.
Temps d<»
NUMEHO NfOMS Souffmnce
ANNl'.'l a
11809 Loiiis Manuel 24
11G57 Antoine Mercier - 1
20881) Salomon Bourget 16
imm David Vole 22
35921 Jaqucs Pinard 3
25728 .laques Fauche 12
98-19 Abraham Kispail du Caston 85
1138:) Daniel Crox 2 1
10583 Franeois Pochebillaire 19
17552 Fiacre Diahlain 90
20709 Daniel Poulonnois 10
21730 Daniel ({out, on Etiennc Gaul K»
21731 David Tessier If
11800 Parthelemy Rossignol 21
13910 Jaquea du Four
13074 Pierre Augereau SB
15912 Jean Daudet 2D
4G HISTORICAL NOTES.
11380 Jean Molct 2 1
12823 Pierre Sauzcl 23
14272 Louis Chapclwr 21
11663 Jean Semainc 21
10319 AndrSGazeau 25
21820 Louis Izoire 15
21506 Laurens Foulquier 15
10318 Daniel Compte 25
16228 Elic Pichot 20
1G229 Sanson Labuscagne 20
22519 Simon Pinot 23
12938 Jaques Dupon- 22
12954 Jean Guirand 22
23538 Jaques DriUand 1G
20891 Benjamin Germain 16
22847 Andre Reschas 15
23521 Daniel Rougeau Hi
14273 Pierre Maillet 21
21871 Charles Sabaticr 15
21833 Jaques Soulcynui 15
11G7-5 Louis Duclaux 21
182G2 . Andre* Peleeuer 22
21863 Michel Chabry 15
7G3G Pierre Boulogne 27
10222 Claude Sauvet 25
19320 Antoine Chabcrf 18
8381 Clement Palonnier 27
14669 Etienne Sallcs 21
11682 Jean Bcrru . 24
15842 Jean Pieau 20
21812 Francois Courteserre 15
21841 Jaques Bruzun 15
9487 Joan Lostalet 2G
12538 Guillaunie Roux
19712 Daniel Arzac 17
21821 Gabriel Lauron 15
21825 Jaques Gastngne 15
12171 Antoine Pcrrivr 23
21804 Jean Vcstiou 15
12851 Israel Bouchet 23
28(U8. Josur Chaigneou 1(5
11669 Pierre 13astide 2 1
118GS Pierre Meynadicr 2 1
11321 Joseph Courbicrc 2 1
HISTORICAL NOTES. 47
12392 Jean Vincent Maillot 23
11668 Mare-Antoine Relxni] 24
121 G2 Pierre Chapcllc 23
11658 Jean Mareelin 24
23808 Claude Pavie 1 1
21843 Jean Detempes 15
11356 Alexandre Astier 24
14283 Jean Martin 2\
11662 Antoine Perrier 23
21867 Etienne Jalabert 15
14268 Jaques Primarin CJ1
16231 Jaques Marteillc 20
15913 Jaques Perridier 20
9942 Jean Vilaret
9390 Jean Franeois Monblanc 26
23812 Jaques Durand M
8009 Pierre Richard 27
11684 David Douvic 24
9486 Jean Cazalef 26
15933 Jean Pierre Clair 20
10327 Charles Houin 25
11981 Abel Damouin 23
25719 Daniel Basque 12
11982 - Etienne Damnum 23
17272 Jaques Bnlaud 19
24899 Jean Rouge 13
24296 Jean Bonnelle 1:5
7632 Charles Melon * 27
7875 Cephas Carriere 15
7876 D^vid Serres 27
11652 Elie Maurin 27
11653 Jcan-P>a])tiste Baneilhon 2 1
7877 Jean tferres 27
8755 Pierre Carriere 26
13962 Jean Barthe 22
13652 Pierre Barraea 22
10953 Jean Bouwrely 2 1
11672 Michel Casevel 2 1
10957 Pierre La ton 2 1
19711 Andre* Bousqud 17
21810 Pierre SouK-ran 1">
8046 Pierre Quel 27
11810 Antoine Grange x 21
( To he ( bntinucd, )
48 HISTORICAL NOTES.
Marriages by Rev. George Wack.
COMMUNICATED BY W. H. REED, ]'U. G., M. P., OF KOKJtISTDWN.
Continued.
148. July 17. Jacob Santman and Sarah Tun:!-.
149. July 18. Jonathan Stannard and Susanna Shcttingcr.
150. July 28. John Harry and Rachel Trcxlcr.
151. July 24. Joseph Stockdale and .Maria Sterrigere.
152. Augu.t 14. Jacob Horter and Margareth Kline.
158. August 25. William Frette and Sarah Yanhornc.
154. August 80. Jacob Freyer and Anna Bcrge
155. September 27. John Novel and Maria Zelger.
156. October 25. Samuel Owens and Maria Bfiose.
157. December 12. Henry Cook and Mary Leaser.
158. December 21. Daniel Streepcr and Margareth Dew-
ISO. December 81. John Greer and Elizabeth A ekennan.
100. October 81. Peter Dormier and Daley Zelner.
1815.
161. January 17. George Shive and Mary Knipe.
162. January 29. Lewis Hauser and Susanna Zelzer.
168. February 21. John Spere and Caty Kline.
164. February 28. William N. Laurnee and Cathrine Zcarfoss.
165. March 11. Abraham Rhodes and Sarah Beaker.
166. March 19. Andrew Boier and Catlirine Clemniensj.
167. March 21. Jacob Boose and Willamina Culp.
168. March 28. Jacob Casselhcry and Elizabeth Stein.
169. April 16. Michael Peters and Tacy Bright
170. April 30. Jacob Allebach and Susanna Meier.
-171. August 20. Ile/.ekiel Bradford and Sarah Lehman.
172. August 27. Charles Francis and Nancy Lower.
173. October 15. Casper Lehman and Mary Carver.
174. November 15. Isaac Keiser and Margareth CiodshalL
175. November 12. Michael ITrpmnn inrl Pnrhrl f,i hi III nhuipi
176. November 16. Samuel Kneedlcr and Rachel Fetxer
177. November 16. Henry Black and Suphia Hecht.
178. November 26. John Kerper and Cathrine Herp,
179. November 26. John Biseon and Susanali Slum/.
180. December 7. Amos Kline and Martha Foster.
181. December 12. Charles Bams and Margareth Stout.
182. December 14. David Keesey and Cathrine Zimmerman.
183. December 21. Jacob Redifer and Susannah Engert
184. December 81. Philip Koplin and Maria Joiftoa.
(Jb be Continued.)
HISTORICAL NOTES
RELATING TO THE
PENNSYLVANIA REFORMED CHURCH.
VOL. I. No. i. August 10 1S99. Perklomen Publishing Co.
$1.00 PER ANNUM. le0g K> THIBTMOITH BTRXBt,
Edited by Henry S. Dotterer. PHILADELPHIA.
Random Thoughts, known and mosl earnest layworkersin the
Tlie desertions from the Reformed ^ptist^ongregaUoiialyllethodis^EpiHco-
Church to other denominations began palian and Presbyterian congrvgatioiu in
away back in the early Colonial years and Philadelphia were in the beginning mom-
continue to this day. .John Peter Miller berg of the Reformed Cliuroli. Why da
was the most noted ease of the clergy, they go over? They leave m ; but they
and John Beehtel and Henry Antes were &™ "° reason-
of the best known of the laity, who left Can thcrc be sometlung seriously wrong
us in the carlv davs. Those who have about our historic Church as conducted in
gone over to other eonm. unions in our America? Is it doing its duty to Christ
. ,.-«-, ,, , • ail(' 'i's work ?
time are legion. Every Churchman in . , ., . , . ,,
_ , * . . • And this brings up the question, blunt-
•cverv Reformed local it v, can count scores , . , . 7. ,„ . ,_
, * *' . . lv put— what is Ihc ( liurch lor ? It would
■of names— some inconspicuous, others ., . . 1111
.... , ' .. .' seem that there could be but one answer.
widely known — who have, for reasons, ,> , , , , ,
' But when we look around us, and observe
■expressed or suppressed, taken this step. ., ,-,.. .
* , ,. , ,. the differing aims 111 our own congrega-
In the rural sections the membership .. 1 • ,i .- • ,,
-._ , J tionsand in those <>t our neighbors, we
of congregations holds together better , . ... , . .. l ,, ,
. to,^ . . ,, * _,. . cannot conceal tin* fact that all do not
than in the cities and large towns. 11ns ,. ■ ,,., , , . . . . .
° think ahke as to the mission of the Chris-
may* be accounted tor by the fact that the .• , ,, . -,, . . .
. • _ , lian ( hurch. Here is a matter for serious
members grow up in our (hurch, are , ,
familiar with its ways and doctrines, and
know little or nothing of other denoniina- A feature of our times is the edi-
tions, with the exception possibly of the. tional Church paper. Many if not all of
Lutheran, which is much outwardly like tlu' Protestant denominations make use
our own. of them. In the Ueformed Church tliey
In the cities it is different, Here a are mostly marked by ability. They do
score or more denominations are actively llllu.h «,ontl Tj,0 jnl*MV>ts ,„• ,)u. congre-
in the field for proselytes. It is remark- <ratj,m ore brought directly to tlie iioli-
( able how many persons of Reformed ori- vidual member's attention by tills nsefnJ
'gin and training pass over to other agency in Church work.
Churches in the cities ; and it is especial-
ly noteworthy to see the high stations Ponder for a moment any one oi the
occupied by them in their new relation, names in the list of released galley vic-
The remark has became quite common: thus. Think of the sufferings endured by
"The Ueformed make the befit of Prefiby- these champions of the Reformed Church
terians," or "We have no more faithful of France. The live years' imprisonment
Baptists than those who have come over ol' a Dreyfus on iVvil island is not to be
from the Reformed ('hurch." The most compared with the hopeless horrorsof the
famous and most liberal Presbyterian galley. Every name is a witness for Christ.
layman in the United States to-day, is of Kvery sufferer a shining saint before the
Reformed parentage. Some of the best great while Throne.
50 HISTORICAL XOTKS.
Girkhausen, in the Mountains of of frame-work, and between the frames,
Witg-ensteiru lath-work plastered. Tlic frames are ;i
dark color and the plaster white, when
i$v ju:\i:y s. oottekek. , , ,,.,
not mud color. I he one main rtn
In Number One of Historical Notes is ,..„)„.,. (lirtVj ,-,,„„ t!l(. American rtand-
stated.howU«JmanuHcrii)tsiati>e archives point; the small, irregular side streets are
of the Reformed Church at Wofcterdam mi,re pathfi 0r lanes. I went to tlie
revealed the place of John Philip Ley- church, the bell tower, the paw
dieh's origin— the name of which was The Thu mi. or tower, dates from the 11 th
lost, forgotten and unknown to the Lev
century. It stands apart from t lie church.
dich family and the Pennsylvania lie- Jn earlier times the church was built
formed Church.
against the tower, us the marks of the
Having learned whence Leydich came, church roof on t})(. ,i(ll.s 0f t]lc tower
my next desire was to learn more about show A Jirc. destroyed the church in
the place. It is located amidst the north- part A tree has grown out of the wall
em spurs of the Pothhaar mountains, 0f the tower, perhapUhirty fwt from the
about four miles north of Berlehusg, in ground. The tower fe square; j,s walls
the county of Witgenstein, province of are cmmbling, but the German govcrn-
Westphalia. The proprietor of thp Hotel ,m.nt intends to repair it. It has two
Utseh, the leading one in Berleburg, put bells; a jarge one for Sundays; a small
me in the way of getting to tiirkhausen. one for scrviccs held at other times. I
It was by taking the yellow imperial entered the parsonage. The minister was
mail wagon— kaiserliche Post AVagen— a awaVj but the wife knew what 1 wanted.
one-horse conveyance, driven by a veteran t ha*d wrjtten in advance. She brought
of the war of 1871, who delivers the mail out a ])]u, {>i {]iV chllrch books. Mrs.
at the hamlets without regular post ollices Qtt0j the Frau p,;invi.jn, made coffee and
in that sparsely populated region. The set ou, rye-bread, currant biscuits, butter
places at which the mails are delivered and je]lv Thifi is tlu> |1(,>1>itai,],. llM(llli.
and received are designated by the Ger- There came on a visit while J was there
man postal department "Post Halle tll(l wife ()f a Hergvman located still
Stellen"— post stopping places. When higher up in the mountains. Mrs. Ottu
the driver is approaching one of these inviu.(l |ne to await the return of 1m r
stations he blows his brass post-horn, husband and to stay over night She
which promptly brings forth a person to kin(|K. ]mwnU.(i me"witli a photographic
exchange postal matter. My trip was vk,w of t|u. dorf of Gjrkhauseii. -
made March 17, 1S<)(». On the evening showed me the interior of the church.
of that day I wrote from Berleburg as ,t js very OMj WMj qn;1im, and has been
follows: "If I mistake not, this is Saint withhl lvtvn( Vears decorated in decided
Patrick's Day. Hut 1 see no Irish around. oolo,s in Nvl)i(.h ,ight ,)hu. jg conspicuous.
. . . I went this afternoon by post The Ce.neinde Vorsteher handed uh a
coach to (drkhausen (one hour), where brief statement of what the church rec f
the Leydichs came from. . . . My sav .,,„,,„ tho |at,u.r |if Jo||11 V]nUv
trip was intensely interesting. This dorf fx»vdieh."
of seven hundred people is away from * , , . . ,
., , 1 l , . , * 1 he (temeinde \ orsteher. tho 1.
railroad and government highway: i
built on both sides of a brisk stream.
which comes, from the mountains above,
down through tlu4 narrow valley. When
I reached there, I found myself in a
typical mountain village, composed of
straw-thatched and slate-roofed houses.
barns, and work-places; some old, others T1^ P*8*** "*"** in :l »fO«ik |»r
rather new. The sides of the houses are pared in IKU2 by (temeinde Vorsteher
the community, is <.i. I lonn ighau>en.
llis family name i> the same a> that oi
the wile of John Philip l.o\dich. Mr.
Uomrighauseii has placed me under
many obligations by information com-
municated since mv visit to Uirkluiusvn.
HISTORICAL NOTES. 51
Homrighausen, and kept at Girkhauscn: son of tin; Reformed Church under th<*
""Leonbard Leydich; from 1707 on, was broader conditions offered by a sister
for forty years the pastor here. His son, denomination.
.and adjunct, moved to America, where We quote from Rev. Mr. I latch1
he again became a minister." About ^('''' :
1750 Leonbard Leydich1s name disap- Dr. Ilartranffs baid thought is match-
pears from the church records, be having l-(1 h.v the sweet simplicity of bis life
either died or moved away. character. In hw bearing he has always
In another communication Mr. Horn- reminded me of the late George Mueller
righausen informs me that "from 1707 to as he appeared a few yearn ago. Profound
1739 Leonbard Leydicb made the entries learning and the childlike deposition
in the clmrch books. Of John Philip wonderfully blended in ibe character of
Leydich there is no trace. The book of Dr. Hartranft, Indeed, his modesty id
baptisms shows no names of the name <!"»*« <ls marvelous as his intellectual
Leydicb. In general the handwriting of force- At the beginning of his profes-
Leonhard Leydicb is very indistinct, sorial work it was i^metimes alleged that
The book from 1739-1774 is missing." lie soared beyond the capacity of hie
He adds: "When opportunity offers, I dents to follow bin.. "Yes." said a former
will rummage through the old papers P»Pn. "but that was due to bis singular
which are in the loft, and something may modesty ; and when he assigned a lesson
be found there. In all probability there »« twenty-four hours which we could not
is more in the missing book." prepare in twenty-four day* it was because
It is a somewhat remarkable qircum- he thought our intellectual capacity wan
stance that may be mentioned here, that eflna' to m's "Wl1"
John Philip Leydicb made no records as To paint anything like a complete por-
ta his immediate family in the Falkner trail of ,)r- Hartranft it would be n
Swamp clmrch books, although other- sary to tell of his impassioned eloquence,
wise the records were kept in good order. nis love r°r the noblest thenica of public
It seems to have been a trait peculiar to speech, his fearless devotion to truth and
the Leydicks to omit entries regarding duty, his gentle spirit and courtly man-
tbemselves and families. nera in buth wdumry and exceptional
occasions, bis borne life in joy and sor-
row, the immense extent and tliorough-
Chester D. Hartranit, D* D. nw80f his learning, his catholic temper,
In the Congregational ist, printed at his delight in art and nature, bis love for
Boston, appeared recently an article, the historic past and his confidence in tlie
written , by Rev. F. S. Match, under the church of to-day and to-morrow. Bui
heading, ''President Hartranft, Teacher, even were these characteristics spread
Administrator and Friend." Jn the same out in detail they would not fully account
number of the periodical mentioned was for the subtle charm of his fascinating
printed a striking portrait of the subject personality, or for the esteem and nffec-
of the sketch by Ke'v. Mr. Hatch. tiouol his pupils ami n&soeiataa.
Dr. Hartranft is President of the Hart- ft was an experienced pastor, as well
ford Theological Seminary, the leading as a trained scholar, who came to Han-
institution of tlie Congregational Church, Ford Seminary twenty wars ag<> and lv-
which is the orthodox fortress of New gnu the work whieb has already Ivooiu-
England. Dr. Hartranft is of Reformed so fruitful. To his pupils he has Ken
parentage; be was born in Frederick both pastor ami teacher, ami in the fra-
township, Montgomery county, IVnnsyl- grant relations of friendship he is cher-
vania ; ami was a Sunday scholar of tlie ished by the younger generation ^i StU-
Old Race Street congregation of Pbiladel- dents as Dr. Thompson is remembered by
phia. lie is an instance of the spiritual the men oi earlier days. A flawed char-
mid intellectual growth attainable by a neler cannot stand the strain i^i I X
•r)2
HISTORICAL NOTES.
friendship. It breaks or yields undo the
load of a great affection, and the intense
light of loving intimacy reveals hidden
weaknesses which the fiercest hatred
would never find. Just here is the secret
of Dr. llartranft's power and usefulness.
In the judgment of his most intimate
friends he is a holy man. Not only has
lie sat at the feet of Jesus and learned
his mind, but like the beloved apostle he
lias also come close to the heart of Jesus
and felt his love. The school or church
which cherishes such men will ever abide
in strength and beaut v.
Holland and Pennsylvania.
II.
ALARIH'S TIELE.
Of the clergymen who were 1 he friends
of the Pennsylvania Reformed churches
in South Holland, Alardus Tiele, predi-
cant te Rotterdam, was conspicuous. It
must hot be inferred that he was our only
earnest benefactor. There were many
others, among the clergy-and the laity, in
the various synods and classes. Mr. Tiele
was designated at Cuylen burg in 17l'<) to
receive the contributions for Pennsyl-
vania. The language of the acta is: Dc
penningen voor de noodlydende kerke
zijn gegeve om verdcr te bestellcn aan de
navolgende heeren en broederen: x" * *
Yoor Pensilvanien, aan \)°. Tiele." At
Breda, where the South Holland synod
met July 1-11, 17.">0, in the minutes, Arti-
cle 5, Part II, under the head Aangaande
Pensilvanien, the lieverend delegate from
the chassis of Schieland, speaking for Do.
Tiele, reported that his Reverence had
not had opportunity to send over the
penningen, but that he hoped before long
to be able to do so.
Zwingli and Luther*
As the Alps of his native Switzerland
tower above the hills of Saxony, so
Zwingli towers above Luther in the ex-
cellent gift of charity, which is the bond
of perfect ncss. — Cvius Cokt.
Reformed Church Literature.
A Perverted Gospel, or, The Roman-
izing Tendency of the M< rccraburg
Theology. A discourse delivered in the
German Reformed Cliurcli in German-
town, Pa., on the 27th of March,
By Iter. Jacob llclfenetein. "There be
some that trouble you. and would per-
vert the Gospel of Christ." — Gal. 1: 7.
Philadelphia. William >'. Young,
Printer, ,">() North Sixth Street. 1853.
Pamphlet. Svo., IS pages. Owned by
Henry S. Dotterer, Philadelphia.
Kirchen-Regeln der Reformirten Ge-
meinde in Allentown. [1824.] Folio
Svo., -1 ]>]). Owned by Henry 8. 1 totterer,
Philadelphia
At a meeting of the majority of the
members of the Evangelical Reformed
congregation in the town and vicinity of
Northampton, held on the 2d of May.
1824, Wilhelm Eckcrt, Piter \\uhard,
Johannes Rhoads, Daniel New hard.
Leonard Labach, Abraham Spinner and
MicTucl P. Kbcrhard were appointed a
committee to formulate regulations for
the government of the congregation.
Sixteen rules, prepared by the com-
mittee and accepted by the conj
tion, compo.se the four pages of the folio.
Swiss Shelter to Reformed
Refugees.
Despite the engagements to France
which Switzerland had entered into, it
never ceased togivc shelter t>> tin' French
refugees who lied to escape the persecu-
tions of Louis— to the Waldenses and the
Huguenots. After the revocation of the
Edict of Nantes, sixty-six thousand
emigrants are said to have found shelter
in Switzerland. Amongst the S
cities Geneva stands out conspicuously
and honorably by her great benevolence.
Not to speak of the vast amount of
private assistance given, the munici-
pality spent on the relief of the religious
refugees no less a sum than live million
Horins between IU85 and 1720.
— Story of the Nations.
HISTORICAL NOTES.
Marriages by Rev, George Wack.
.COMMUNICATED J'.Y W- IL REED, PH. GL, M. I)., OF KOBRI8TOWX.
1816.
185. January 2. Jolin Baughman and Marin Boler.
18G. January 11. Jacob Keisel and Margaret Rufe.
187. February 4. Jacob Ryrier and Rachel Spencer.
188. February 8. Abraham Henery and Margareth Jacoby.
189. February 11. Samuel Sparc and Maria Snyder.
190. June 6- Jacob "Weber and Anna Weber.
191. June '29. Jolm Ottinger and Elizabeth Meiere.
.192. October 6. George Ortner and Sarah Weikle.
193. October 31 Peter Dager and Elizabeth Dcwces.
194. November 10. Jobe Lowrey and Susanna Snyder.
195. November 10. Jacob Bean and Cathrine Herley.
19G. November 19.. Henry Dager and Su.-ana Rcyer.
197. December 15. Charles Mullen and Isabella Woodhousc
198. December 29. John Montier and Rebecca Clemens.
1817.
199. January 23. John Bergc and Polly Lctherack
'200. January 23. William Slater and Sarah Snyder.
•201. February 1& John Porter and Mary Jones.
•202. March 9. Jacob Fetterraan and Sibbilla Frantz. .
~203. June 22. John Kline and Mary Frantz.-
'204. June "22. Jacob Snyder and Rachel Thomas.
205. July 13. Abraham Beier and Abalona Stong.
'200. October 16. Michael Zilling and Susana Warner.
'207. November 20. Jacob Hampsliier and Eleanor Jones.
"208. November 20. Samuel Snyder and Sophia Martin.
'209. December IS. Joseph Hunspcrger and Cathrine Been.
'210. December 13. Abraham Martin and Maria Loch.
'211. December 28. Leonhard Clemnxms and Maria Moser.
1818.
'212. January 8. Frederick Nuss and Sarah Schlater,
•213). February 1. George Danehaur and Elizabeth Hoot.
"214. February 1. Henry Selzer and Anna Stout.
215. February 5. Samuel Fries and Sarah Knipe.
21G. February 8. Fred. HillcgffH and Susanah Sehellenhcrgei
217. February 19. Jacob Zimmerman and Elizabeth Colder.
218. February 21. Daniel S. Reiff and l)el)era Clemens.
219. February 26. Amos Weber and Anna Knipe.
220. March 12. John Matson and Elizabeth Mathcw.
221.
March
222.
March
223.
April
224.
April
225.
April
226.
May
227.
May
228.
May
221).
May
230.
June
231.
July
232.
August
233.
October
234.
November
235.
November
54 HISTORICAL SQTES.
19. Samuel Weidner and Marin Sceliler.
26. George Lehman and Anna Koplin.
1. Adam Dram and Sarah Vcttcr.
12. John Jlciizcl and Eva Schellenbcrgcr.
27. Eli Thomas and Mary Weidner.
3. Abraham Kocnig and Sarah KehL
16. Daniel Cassel and Regina Keiscr.
19; Henry Ruth and Sarah Winner.
28. Samuel Schlater and Maria Bute.
18. Adam Smith and Hannah McYaw.
— Daniel Beard and Patty Zimmerman.
30. John Dager and (?) Anna Fries.
1. David Tool and Elizabeth Heydrick.
1. Valentine ScHleiffer and Susanah Collin.
8. Abraham Lutz and Elizabeth Oonvcer.
23b. November 15. John Wanner and Margarcth Hoot.
237. December 13. Samuel Cassel and Barbary Hunspergcr.
238. December 13. Jacob Zeavcr and Elizabeth Harp.
239. December 24. Jesse Stem and Rachel Zelzer.
Peter Bean and Anna Hunspcrger.
1819.
10. John Classon and Mary Loucks.
Andrew Ziegler and Elizabeth Fryer.
David Kratz and Anna Letherach.
Abraham Moyer and Anna (Jodshall.
Henry Landis and Margareth Schwartz.
Benjamin Kister and Maria Cassel.
David Polick and Mary Zebold.
Christian Peters and Barbary Braucr.
-249. September 30. Isaac Cassel and Susanah lleehner.
250. October 29, John Shafer and Anna Halipt.
251. November "4. John Weber and Elizabeth Markley.
252. November 30. Amos Warner and Elizabeth Hcvser.
253. December 2. Samuel Stcbbens and Lydia Speakman.
254. December 9. Jesse Fronefield and CMhrinc Primer.
1820.
Lewis Hittner and Elizabeth Brynor.
John Pmner and Cathrine Wislor,
Jacob (iainer and Anna Boils.
Richard Anderson and Mary StorglR.
Jacob Frey and Cathrine Sj>ere.
20, Andrew Miller and Mary l.inek.
(71> he Obtitinued.*)
240.
December
24.
241.
February
10.
242.
March
7.
243.
March
27.
244.
April
6.
245.
A pril
29.
24b.
June
15.
247.
July
18.
248.
August
i.
255.
January
23.
256.
March '
2.
257.
March
7.
258.
March
23,
259.
July
4,
200.
Julv
20,
HISTORICAL NOTES.
The Church at Market Square.
BY HENRY s. DOTTERER.
('(in/liuird.
The land purchased was part of lot No. 10, on the main street in the
original plan of the town. On the 18th of Sixth month (August), 1689,
Francis Daniel Pastorius, partner and attorney of the Frankfort Company,
deeded fifty acres to Dirk op <\v}) Kolek, in compensation for work done
in (Jermantown under a contract March 2'-)y<\, His."), for Thomas Von
Willich and Johannes le Brim, partners in said company. By tin- terms
of this contract 0]) den Kolek was to work for his employers one day of
each week for the period of four years. Op den Kolek, by deed poll
dated and acknowledged the Gth of Third month, 1691, transferred this
tract of fifty acres to James de la Plaine. It is described as hounded
along the Mill street and Wolter Simon's land on the one side and with
the lot of Wigart Levering on the other side. On the 6th of Eleventh
month (January), 1702, James Delaplainc sold to the Bailiff, Burgess and
Commonalty of (Jermantown, one-half acre for a market place. it had a
front of fourteen perches on the main street, and a depth of live and three-
quarters perches. May 30, 172-'>, James Delaplainc and Hannah, his
wife, conveyed seventeen and a quarter acres of his land, part of the fifty
acres, to John Midwinter. April 26, 1727, John Midwinter and Sarah,
his wife, granted to Henry Frederick a half quarter of an acre, part of the
seventeen and a quarter acres. This one-half quarter acre, we have seen,
was purchased for the Reformed congregation in 1732.
The following year, 1733, a house of worship was erected upon the
lot, It was well built of stone, and of good capacity. Rev. John Philip
Bcehin, in a communication addressed to the Holland Church authorities,
in J739, describes it as "Eine wohlgebaute, ziemlich grossc Kirch, von
Steinen."
In 1733, Rev. John Bartholomew Rieger preached in (Jermantown.
We do not understand that John Bechtcl had any relations with the
congregation at this time other than as lay member and voluntary leader
of meetings of its members. Under date of March 1, 1733, (unless this
is 173.f, it must have been before the new church was built) tiie consistory
of ihe Philadelphia Reformed congregation wrote a letter to Holland, in
which is this statement: The Skippack, Germantown and Philadelphia
congregations have a minister — Bartholomew Rieger — who came a year
and a half ago to take the place of Dominie Weiss, He preaches on one
Sunday at Skippack, the second at Germantown, and the third at Phila-
delphia. Mr. Bartholomew also attached his signature to his letter thus:
Joh : Barth : Rieger, Verbi divini
Minister Hecles: ad V. D. licformatorillin
quix Christo Philadelph : Germantown :
et Colliguntur.
5G HISTORICAL NOTES.
In 1734, the year following the construction of the church, the i*on-
gregation llUmbercd thirty members. So Mr. Bohm advised Holland,
on the authority of figures received from two <>f the elder?, Mcng and
ISenseL In October of the same year Bcehm characterizes Gcnnantown
as a place possessing many advantages — "ecn seer voordeligc plants." It
appears that Rieger bad now left Philadelphia and Ciermantown. In the
same letter, upon request, Pastor Bcehnl points out to the Synod of South
and North Holland how four additional pastors could be usefully placed
in Pennsylvania. Among his suggestions was this: One minister t<> take
charge of the Philadelphia and Gcnnantown congregations, and in con-
nection with the latter the Whitemarsb congregation could be served, as it
was but four English miles away.
It may be proper to explain at this point the reason for the activity
of Pew Mr. Boehm in the affairs of the Gcnnantown congregation of
Which he was not, and bad not been, so far as we are advised, at any
time pastor. From the year 17'29 the Reformed churches of Pennsyl-
vania generally, few in number it is true, were subordinate to the Holland
Church authorities. A year or two before this date the Synods of South
and North Holland began to contribute money for the sustcntatioii and
advancement of these Pennsylvania congregations*. The Hollanders were
able arid eager to supply the men and the money necessary for the up-
building of the Church. They went about this matter in a methodical
way. Their first step was to find out where the congregations were, what
others could be judiciously organized, and bow much money each would
undertake to contribute for the support of its pastor. The Hollanders
tried several means to obtain the required information, but without suc-
cess. They then applied to Mr. Bcehm for help in this respect. He had
been here for about ten years, was well acquainted with the condition of
affairs, -and proceeded energetically to supply detailed statistics and facts.
When sufficiently informed they sent over the needed ministers, Bibles,
books for parochial schools, and money to build churches and pay school-
masters. In 1703 these relations between the Holland and Pennsylvania
churches ceased. A great debt of gratitude is due to noble Holland — an
obligation hardly acknowledged — for its unstinted liberality to I he Penn-
sylvania Reformed congregations for a period of nearly sixty-live years.
An idea of the confused state of the affairs of the Market Square
church in 1788 may be gathered from the advices sent from Pennsylvania
March 1, 1738, by Rev. Mr. Dorsius, sent from Holland for the special
purpose of examining and reporting upon the state of the several Penn-
sylvania churches, who wrote: At Herman town, six English miles distant
from Philadelphia, is a line" church but a mi sera We minister, a Quaker-
inclined weaver, who performs all the work of a minister there, although
not authorized to do so. (Tot (iennantown ... is well ecu fraai kcrk
HISTORICAL NOTES. 57
maar ecn cllcndirigen lceraar, een quafcer-gezindcn wcrcrdic daar alle hot
work van eenen lceraar verrigt zonder daartoc geregtigl te zyn. )
A glimpse of the condition df the congregation in 1740 iraa obtained
by me in the Church archives at The Hague, in a report made, at the
request of the Holland church people for a statement of the sum the
congregation felt able to pay towards a pastor's salary. The response to
the inquiry was, translated from the German, as follows:
Owing to dissensions caused by all kinds of sectarian persons the
Germantown church is in a very pitiable condition. However, if the
Germantown and Whitcmarsh congregations can he united, Ten Pounds
Pennsylvania money can be collected annually for a pastor's salary.
Signed as members of the congregation, by
Jacob Baumann,
Gcrmandon, 18th March, 1740. Joiiaxn Nicklaits RausciI.
The year 1742 was the most turbulent in the annals of Market Square
church. On the 24th of November, 1741, Count Zinzcndorf came to
Philadelphia, having as one of his purposes a scheme to unite the leading
men of the several denominations in Pennsylvania, especially the Ger-
mans, for evangelical work. John Bechtcl at once entered heartily into
the movement. Henry Antes, a prominent Reformed churchman, issued
a eall for the first meeting in furtherance! of this object to be held in (ler-
mantown on New Year's Day, 1742. .Market Square Reformed church
was now the storm centre. John Philip Ba>hm, who appears to have at
this time been nominal pastor here, in connection with bis pastorate of
Philadelphia and other congregations, vehemently opposed the project of
the Count from the outset. But Bechtcl and those of his way of thinking
were in control. On the 31st of December, 1741, the Count was invited
to preacn in the church, and lie did so. But of course contrary to the
wishes of Boahiri. The fifth conference of the representatives of the Zin-
zendorfian movement was held, April 17-20, 1742, in this church. On
Sunday, April 18, 1742, Bishop Nitsebman consecrated Bechtcl to the
office of inspector, Overseer, and teacher, over the Reformed preachers in
Pennsylvania. [Presenilis Nachrichton, 1 hitter Band, Frankfurt unci
Leipzig, 1748, p. 183.] On the second day of Faster, the same year,
according to Bcrhm, Beehtel arranged to administer the communion to the
members of the church, and some accepted it from him. Count Zinzcn-
dorf came to Gormantown on New Year's eve (December 31, 1742 >. and
preached in the Reformed church. Nine days later he sailed from New
York for Europe. In the course of the year 1742, the aims of the Count
and his friends were greatly modified. The establishment of the Moravian
Church in Pennsylvania was the outcome of their efforts, Mr. Bcchtcl's
connection with the Reformed Church of Germantown terminated in
1744. In 1740 he removed to Bethlehem, and there performed respon-
sible duties for the Moravians. Mr. Boehm's influence at Germantown
now became stronger. The congregation now accepted the ordinances of
58 HISTORICAL NOTES.
the Holland Church, which under Mr. Bochtcl'u ministrations it had
refused to do.
A graphic recital of doings at our first Market Square church during
its early years is given in another manuscript preserved in the archives ill
The Hague. It was forwarded to the Holland Church Fathers hy John
Philip Bcehrn in 1744. Its writer bad strong prejudices, for which allow-
ance must he made. Divested of its sharp strictures on Bcchm's oppo-
nents, the narrative runs substantially as follows:
As to the congregation at Germantown: ft is true, they built a hand-
some stone church, many years ago, for which they are still considerably
in debt; but against our admonitions, warnings and protestations they
have continually permitted the believers of all kinds of erroneous views
to become associated with them. Bartholomew Rieger, while pastor at
Philadelphia, preached for them a short time. When he left them they
permitted John Bechtel to preach regularly in their church. So also did
the aged Samuel Gulden, who according to his own printed writings was
formerly minister of the three principal churches of Berne in Switzerland,
but on account of bis Pietism was forced to leave, and then came to this
country. At this time be resides in Germantown and much of the time
he preaches in their church. At the same time they allow a sectarian
crowd to assemble therein every Sunday afternoon. Among these people
is one of the Inspired, another a Pietist, a Separatist — persons of all the
denominations known here. These meet in the church, select a subject
from the Bible, and then discuss it. The public calls these persons dis-
putants; but they call themselves the free assembly. At other times they
allowed Count Zinzendorf and bis Moravians to occupy the church and
the Count to preach therein. And John Bechtel, the turner, was one of
the Count's most willing lieutenants. Put because the Count became
involved in a difficulty with the Separatists, who pressed him too hard,
he turned the congregation at Germantown over to his brother, the said
John Bechtel, took bis departure, and went to Philadelphia.
(To be Continued.)
THE FOUNDERS OF oil? CHURCH IN AMERICA.
The Church of the Heidelberg Catechism, in the British colonics of
North America, traces its origin to the close of the seventeenth century.
It consisted chieily of emigrants from Switzerland and the Rhine provinces
of Germany. Many of them were of Huguenot descent-, whose fathers
bad tied from France to escape the persecution which followed the r<
tion of the Edict of Nantes. A better class of colonists never landed on
these Western shores. For the most part they were poor; but they were
religiously educated, industrious and frugal in their habits. — P. C. WOLFF.
HISTORICAL NOTES. ft)
Family History of Rev. John Philip Leydich.
John Philip Leydich, son of Rev. T,eonhard Leydich, was born on
tlie 28th of April, 1.715, and baptized on the succeeding 5th of May, in
Girkhausen, a dorf near Berleburg, in the district of Witgcnstein, in West-
phalia. His father » as the pastor of the church at Girkliauscn for fort}'
years, beginning with 1707. John Philip entered the ministry as adjunct
to his father. He married Maria Catharina Homrighausen. In 1717 he
came to Pennsylvania, under the auspices of the Synod of South Holland,
and was settled as pastor of the Falkner Swamp and affiliated Reformed
congregations, about thirty-live miles west of Philadelphia. He died at
the scene of his life's labors -January 14, 1784.
A manuscript still preserved is a record of his father's family, written
in Latin. A few words have been broken off. the timc-brittled paper;
what remains is this:
. . 15 die 28 Aprills horani circiler nonam respertinam in acpia-
natu et die 5 Maj baptista Filialu men Johann Philippua
Maria Catharina Homrighausen was born June 30, 1T21; died Octo-
ber 31, 1801
Thesurriame Leydich was changed to Leidig by the children of the
founder of the family in America, and so remains.
Rev. John Philip Leydich and Maria Catharina Homrighausen, his
wife, had seven children:
1. Franz Leidig, born in Europe, March 26, 1745; married Christina
Bitting; was a resident of Frederick township, occupying a prominent
place in the community; died June 2, 1811. His wife was a grand-
daughter of Rev. John Philip Bochm.
2. Elizabeth Gertrude Leidig, born in Europe October 10, 174(>;
married Alexander DielTenderlTer; died November 25, 1825 (N. B.)
Alexander DieffenderiTer resided in Whitehall township, Rucks 'now
Lehigh) county, Pennsylvania.
3. Maria Magdalena Leidig, born in Pennsylvania October 14. 1750;
married, at Reading, Pa., April 13, 1772, John Nycc; died at Knauers-
town, Chester county, Pa., January 2S, 1840.
4. Sophia Leidig, horn about 1752; married Gabriel Shulcr. They
lived and died in Vincent township, Chester county. Pa.
5/ Catharine Leidig, born in April, 1753; married Philip Miller;
died August 9, 1823. They resided in Chester county, and are buried at
Brownback's Reformed church, in that county.
6. Philip Leidig, born May 21, 17o5; married, June 9, 1778, Rosina
Bucher; died March 14, 1S22. They lived in Frederick township, and
are buried in Leidig' s graveyard,
7. Leonard Leidig, born ; married Catharine Nycc, daughter
of Zaebarias and Christina Margaretha Nycc. lie lived at Faston,
and died there about 17i»(>.
00 HISTORICAL NOTES.
OctoJxir 16, 1749, about two yearn after reaching Philadelphia from
Holland, John Philip Leydich purchased one hundred and five aci
land in Frederick township, located upon the hanks of Swamp creek.
This became the family homestead.
September 13, 1701), he purchased from George Hecbncr and wife,
Susanna, four tracts of land amounting to J7o acres, 0-4 perches, viz., two
tracts (one of 28, the other of 22 acres) in Frederick township, and two
tracts (one of 75} acres, the other of -11) acres, 104 perches) in New Han-
over township.
Rev. John Philip Leydich died intestate1, on January 1-1. 1784, leav-
ing issue three sons and four daughters. He owned at this time tie- n al
estate purchased of George Heebner, amounting to 175 acres, 04 perches.
His son, Franz Leidig, took this real estate, paying to the other heirs £900
Pennsylvania money, therefor, and to the widow, Catharine Leydich. in
lieu of dower, five shillings lawful money of Pennsylvania. The widow-
also stipulated that he should yield and deliver to her every year during
her natural life "Six Bushels of Merchantable Wheat, two Bushels of
Buckwheat, fifty-eight Weight of good Pork, fifty Weight <>f good Beef,
three Cords of good Firewood, Cut lit for immediate Use for the Stove,
and one quarter of an Acre of Flax prepared fit to Swingle, and also when
1 see occasion for a good milk Cow he is to furnish me with the same,
and when required take4 her hack again, and put another in the Place, hut
the said Cows remain the Property of my said Son, Franz Leydich."
The real estate was conveyed to Franz Leidig, on the 13th of Febru-
ary, 1.784. The grantors were: Philip Leydich, of Frederick township,
and Rosina, his wife; Leonhard Leydich, of Frederick township, single-
man; Gabriel Shuler, of Skippack and Perkioming township, yeoman,
and Sophia, his wife; Alexander Defen'derfer, yeoman, and Elizabeth, his
wife; John Nyce, tanner, and Magdalena, his wife; Philip Miller, joiner,
of Coventry township, Chester county, and Catharine, Ins wife. The
grantee was: Franz Leydich, of Frederick township, yeoman.
Leidig's graveyard, a private burial place, is in part located upon the
land originally purchased by Pastor Leydich. The immigrant and his
wife, and others of the family, rest here. The words on their gravestones
were printed in The Perkiomen Region, Volume One, pages 54 and 55.
NEW GOSHEN UOPPEN CHURCH IN 1740.
The elders of the Reformed Church promised that the congregation
would contribute £10, Pennsylvania money, towards the support of the
minister. Their names are:
Hermann Fischer, Caspar Holtihauscn,
Johann Jors Steinmann, Andres CSrcber.
HISTORICAL NOTES. \\\
A Business Letter of 1754.
The subjoined specimen of the financial correspondence between the
Holland patrons of the Pennsylvania Reformed Church and their bankers
in Philadelphia, in presented in the archives of the General Synod in The
Hague. It gives a view of the practical, financial side of the missionary
-work on (air chores fostered by the laterality of Holland. The super*
ficription is simply :
To
Gerardus Sand i fort
@
Hague.
The •contents, accurately copied, are:
Philadelphia 1!)'" April 1754
Esteemed Friend,
Thy favor of 4 Octo' last in behalf of the Synod of South
Holland we have recd w* Sundry Letters for M. Schlater, Stoy, Wald-
;smith & others, which have delivered except to one or two who live at a
great Distance, we have sent to them & expect to see y'" soon The
Money Wee shall Pay them on demand w'"1' have informed them, & if
AVcc can at any time render the Synod, or thy Self any Services Please to
Command us freely, being on all Occasions
Your Assured Friends
P>enj". $ Sam'- Shoemaker.
(J era rd us SandiforL
The Trappe Reformed Church*
In Rev. John Philip Boehm's reports to the Holland Synod- the date
of the formation of the congregation is clearly indicated. Mi-. Bochm
.-speaks of it as the congregation in Providence township. In a tabular
statement showing the communions held in the Spring of 1743, with the
number of communicants, is this concerning t ic Providence congregation:
d" 4. April; im Thounscbip Provident/, bcij finer neu
versammelten gemcinc, communicirtcn
Manns rersohnen P>
WeiUs Persohnen 13
Gantz Sunnna 32
On the -Jtli of April, in Providence Township, in a
newly gathered congregation, communed
Men 19
Women 13
Total :v:
02 HISTORICAL NOT!:.-.
In the report for the Spring of 17-14, the following appear* :
d" 3. Mey. Auflf des Hcrren Himmclfahrt, bey tier Neu vcr-
sammclten Gcnicinde auff I'rovidenz, ;ilw<> l>ey dem cretcn
Abendmahl daselbst d" 5. Alt' ITT*), 1(.) eonirmmicirt, com-
munieiertcn dissmahl 63
On the 3d of May, the day of the Lord's Asccnmon, in the ncw-
ly gathered congregation :>t Providence, where at tin- first
Communion on the 5th of April, 1743, 1') communed, this
time the communicants numbered <>.*5
He states that the eonnnunion services at Providence on May, 171 1,
were held in a barn — "in einer Scheucr."
The Philadelphia Church in 1795.
In Edmund Hogan's Directory of Philadelphia for 1795, in a map
of that portion of the city, the location of the Reformed Church is given
as on the south side1 of Race street, between Third and Fourth streets : ii
has no number, but it occupies the space of numbers 120, 122. 12 1
and 120.
The compiler of the directory says : The German Reformed Chinch
is built here; it is 90 feet long, 65 feet, broad, and 42 feel high. The
British made an hospital of it when they took possession of this city. A
school-house, nearly similar to that of Zion's Lutheran chinch, is built
on the lot, where the children belonging to the congregation are instructed.
The Reverend Mr. Hendel is the officiating minister.
On East side of Fourth street, between Cheriy and Race strict-;
lived :
No. 39 Reverend William Hendel, German Reformed
Minister.
"No. — (near Race st. ) Arthur Derr, Sexton of the German
Reformed Church.
The school house of the Zion's Lutheran church is described thus :
It is 87 feet by 34, two stories high, with suitable apartments for the ac-
commodation of a schoolmaster and his family.
THE SCOTCH ClU'KCll IN ROTTERDAM.
During the years of the persecutions in Scotland in the seventeenth
century, Rotterdam became the great home of banished Covenanters,
Owing to the number of fugitives the congregation hecame so large that
two stated ministers were required. In 1095—7 the present church wan
erected, the stones used in the building being brought from Scotland. In
September, 1898, the 25(Hh anniversary of the founding of the con-
tion was celebrated hv a series of services.
HISTORICAL NOTES. 62
List of Huguenot Galley-Slaves.
RELEASED BY THE KING OF FBANCE IX THE YEARS SEVENTEEN [IUNDBED
AND THIRTEEN AM) SEVENTEEN HUNDRED AND FOURTEEN,
» [Continued.]
Temps de
NUMERO NOMS Sauffrance
ANNE*E9
9378 Isaac Apostoly 20
18560 Antoinc Aquillon 18
37086 Jean Marteilhc 12
15910 Rene Peridier 20
.37997 Laurens Jacob .9
21407 Jean Senegat 16
1139G Bertrand Aurelle 21
109G4 Jaques Vigne 21
15443 Pierre (Jay 20
22357 Mathieu Duny ]n
11010 Moyse Reynaucl 24
10952 David Comtc 24
1 01)5(5 Pierre VaLat 21
8552 Jaques Maurd 27
17271 Jean Pierre 19
15911 Jean Daudet 20
11391 Jean Antoinc Penel 24
10055 Loiiis Coehet 25
21728 Pierre Roumageou 15
14080 Pierre Reymond 21
14538 Etienne Arnal 21
12080 Jean Maurin 2:5
13053 Jean Soulage 22
UG80 Jean Genre 24
11G70 Francois Sabalier 2-1
21848 Antoinc 1 'rival 15
28799 Jaques Amcnticr 8
•30318 Jaques Cal>anis 7
20591 David Roubeau 10
27972 Jean Roustan 10
20991 . Pierre Serviere 11
21732 Pierre Leques 10
SECOND PART.
LISTE
Des Protcstans qui ont souffcrt
la peine des Galeros de Fran-
ce, pour cause de Religion, &
qui en ont 6te* deliverez en
, vertu (Tun ordrc dn Roy, en
date dn 7. dc Mars 1711.
64
HISTORICAL NOTES.
NUMEllO
2G21G
11823
19$33
21482
25(>59
2519a
11238
UG90
11825
11817
11819
25725
11820
1182().
25712
209 11
10997
mm.(>
11829
11808
7875
11811.
10987
11236
37990
3799(>
26116
11812
6446;
10981
9251
23522
10991
26997
29251).
29292
29095-
29257
29057
NOMS
Isaac Lavenue
Pierre: Dcdier
Pierre Bcrtaud
Pierre Martinenguc
Jean Periez
Claude de Beau, ou dc P>os
Pierre Boyer
Jean Musscton
Andre Thier
Jean Bautias, dit Estran
Jean Gachon
Pierre Gaillard
Etienne Fer
Franeois Au^ier
Mathien Demars
Etienne Vincent ■
Jean Prunier
Jean (la lien
Etienne Poret
Etienne Tardieu
Pierre Serres
Jean Bancilhon
Philippes Tardieu
Pierre J 'lane
Francois Noircan
Daniel le (5ras
Etienne Mcsge
Jaqucs Blanc
Abraham Janoir
Jean Juillen
Jean Lnrdent
Daniel Rousselin
Philippes 'Pure
Fmngpis Martinet
liarcin David
Louis Bourdariez
Henry Leotard
Andre Fraisse
Antoine Dausin
(7c be Continual)
Temps do
Hot if trance
AMHNi
13
24
18
16
j •>
25
25
25
25
25
1:5
25
25
1:5
12
25
19
25
25
28
25
26
25
l:;
12
12
25
26
.)-
17
26
11
<)
9
9
9
9
HISTORICAL NOTES
RELATING TO THE
PENNSYLVANIA REFORMED CHURCH,
VOL. I. No. 5. September 10, 1899.
$1.00 per Annum.
Edited by Henry S. Dotterer.
Random Thoughts*
The purpose of Christ's coining to earth.
was the conversion and salvation of men.
This is granted by all who regard Him as
the Son of God. The disciples found tie
new life, were born again, became con-
verted men. The grace of God entered
their hearts. They found the way of
salvation. Then they were sent forth to
spread the knowledge of this salvation.
The Church is now the means to carry
forward this work. Js the Protestant
Church faithful to this duty? Is the Re-
formed Church true to this mission?
The conversion and salvation of men is
the primary, central, vital duty of the
Church. The pulpit should devote its
best energies to this essentia! object. In
some instances this is done, in others it is
lightly passed over or ignored.
The list of Huguenot Galley Slaves,
which is concluded in this Number, com-
prises the third part of the pamphlet
found in Dordrecht. This part gives the
names of the prisoners who were not re-
leased by the King of France in 171.') and
1714, but who remained under sentence.
Tin1 list also contains the names of the
vessels upon which they were serving.
The publication — to all appearances at
the time of the release of their fortunate
fellows — of the names of the men and
the ships, is remarkable. Whether this
was done by the friends of the 1 luguenots,
or by their enemies, is a matter of con-
jecture. From this it would appear that
the names of these men, and the ships
upon which they suffered, were kr.own
to the world, while the victims them-
selves were enduring a living death.
Perklomen Publishing Co.,
160"> N. Thirteenth Bteei
PHILADELPHIA.
The Church at Market Square*
We have a number of copies of this
historical paper, (concluded in this Num-
ber of Historical Notes,) in pamphlet
form, for sale at 25c each.
Mr. John Birkinbine, Engincer-in-Chicf
of the construction of the buildings, and
electrical, water and power plants, of the
National Export Exposition, to be held in
Philadelphia, in September, October and
November, of this year, announces that
not one day of Sunday work w::s done in
his department of the vast enterprise.
Mr. Moody is coming to Philadelphia to
do evangelistic work. He is not a clergy-
man. He has neither Kev. before his
name nor I). J>. after it ; but he has the
grace of God in his heart.
The lay teacher of the Gospel of Christ
brings more sinners to repentance than
the best preacher. When1 is the parallel
to Moody ?
The Philadelphia Reformed Con-
gregation in 1734.
HY iii:m:v
DOTTKItKK.
[Re Ad at the Commemoration by Philadelphia
ClusMsol the 150th Anniversary of the Ol
tlon ol the Reformed Church in the failed StaU >.
on Wednesday Rvanlug, September 29, iv.t.)
Now we must return from OUT wander-
ings in these hi>toi ic la mis. and come back
to our own city of Brotherly Love shall
we take an American steamer at South-
ampton, and s\\ in a> the wind skim the
66
HTSTOIMCAL KOTES.
broad ocean, reaching home in six days?
Very pleasant would it he thus to make
our homeward journey. But this is im-
possible. We are, in imagination at least,
in the distant past. It is, let us say, the
year 1734. Steam is not as yet known as
a motive power. We must make our way
to Rotterdam, from which port commu-
nication with Philadelphia is quite fre-
quent, if not regular. There we go to the
Haringvliet, agraehi or mooring, in which
lie several vessels ready to sail as soon as
Palatines in sufficient number present
themselves as passengers. If Captain
John Stcdman is in port we shall secure
passage with him, for we have heard that
he carries a greater number of emigrant
to Pennsylvania than any other ship-
master. His business house is beside the
Haringvliet. Let us hope that we have
sufficient means to prepay our passage in
full, with enough to spare to buy from
the stewards such supplies as we shall
need during the long, trying, dangerous
voyage. Some of our fellow passengers,
among the impoverished and down-trod-
den Palatines, will, we may be sure, have
insufficient means, and will have to re-
deem themselves from indebtedness to
the ship by selling themselves and their
services upon arrival at Philadelphia to
a farmer or other employer for a period
of time varying with the sum of money
due and the value of the emigrant's ser-
vices. The passengers thus situated, our
companions for the voyage, are known in
Pennsylvania history as Redemptioners.
No disgrace attaches to them ; they are
as worthy as their richer fellows; they are
the blameless victims of the desolating
wars waged by France upon western
Germany. In the New World they will
work out their indebtedness, become
owners of land, supporters of churches,
founders of estimable families, and help-
era in the building up of a noble com-
monwealth.
After many weary weeks we shall enter
Delaware bay, and a few days Intel our
vessel will lide at anchor before the
young city of Philadelphia, And now,
having landed, let us inquire for the he-
formed Church here. VVe shall he told
that there is a congregation. One will «iy
it is the Palatine Church, another will
speak of it a- the Calviuist. From this
wo shall gather that it i - a cm .
accepting the Heidelberg Catccliism. We
shall limber learn that i; John
Philip Bcehm, who resides oul in Whit-
pain township : that it- services are held
alternately with the Lutherans, in an old
frame building on Mulberry t Arch | -
near Fifth, adjoining the Friend..-' bury-
ing ground. The history of that o
gallon, which is tllC same OS that now
worshiping within these wall-, ha-
related here during the past li
To what has been said 1 will but .
statement of the circumstances attending
Mr. Boehm's assumption of the pa-
in 1 7:14, which came to my notice in the
Holland archives in January, lvm. On
the 24th of April, 1734, the Philadelphia
congregation, after a short and uuiiappy
experience with Mr. ITuger as pastor,
gave a formal call to Rev. Mr. Bushni,
who preached to congregations in the
vicinity of his home. He accepted the
call and in November of the same year
the frame building ju.-t mentioned was
rented for use in common with the Luth-
eran congregation. The call to Hu-lun
was signed by forty-two members of the
congregation, a large number lor that
early date. But though numerous they
were poor ; for it mu.-t 1h> rememl
that they had not been long enough in
the province to accumulate any con
able means. The names of these, our
ancestors, were :
Bern hard Sipmundt,
Stephan Grclff,
Joh. Ulrich Gaull.
John Jconj Uaitz
Johannes lork,
Hans Jterg Kramer,
Lorcnt* Kuntx,
Johannes Scherer,
Jacob Utiri .
Abraham Kfntxtng
WYn.'cl llrcchbiel,
Johann Michel Diet,
Conrad S.tM.or.
Jnhann Casper Ullrich,
Jacob Bete!
/ar'i.u ias Schuckert,
KHas Strecker,
Johannes Schmiet,
Goi haul CulTcroth, Kr.
(fWend)
Hans JrerR Strohlmuer,
Peter Hem *
I John Jacob Orucr,
' lienrich Schcrsler,
• Daniel Stciumets,
, Franu Stlettell, I
(friend).
| Keirhcrt Veltcr,
i Ullrich (1
■or.
I Joh. Ji
ken.
i Joh Jm
! Joham
i Jacob Mu '
■
UudnllV M. - !•
J •hnnu
Valentine Beyer,
: leyderich,
♦ For two Illegible
HISTORICAL NOTES.
67
Holland and Pennsylvania.
III.
THE TRANSMIGRATION PROM EUROPE TO
AMERICA.
The time of the Slates (Legislature) of
the Province of Holland was frequently
taken tip with matters pertaining to the
passage through Holland of the emigrants
eager to reach the Promised Land. Here
follow a few examples :
1722. The pensionary informed the as-
sembly that again a great number of fam-
ilies from Germany had arrived in ves-
sels for the purpose of being transported
via England to the colonies of that king-
dom, but that no preparation had been
made for them ; that they had come with-
out invitation, but that on the contrary
the King of Great Britain had advised
his ambassador to this country ( Holland)
that an order had been issued to forbid
their entrance to his colonies.
173-fi Dee. 11. In the meeting of the
noble and mighty Lords on the; 11th of
December, 1734, it was stated to the as-
sembly that from time to time large num-
bers of persons from the Palatinate and
other parts of Germany have come to the
Nctherland provinces with the intention
of sailing by way of England to the
American colonies of Great Britain ; that
at this time divers persons from the can-
ton of Zurich, having this purpose, have
come here, who having been robbed by
wicked persons in Germany of the little
they had When they left home, have in
consequence asked for assistance in Rot-
terdam and elsewhere, and that in the
towns and places along the Maas fear is
entertained that these people, alter spend-
ing what they may have brought with
them, may remain in great part and be-
come a charge upon the communities.
The resolution of June 12, 1722, for the
prevention of the inconveniences from
the influx of large number of these peo-
ple, was renewed.
1735, April 20. The deputies from Gel-
derland to the States-general made a
proposition concerning the provision made
in that province against the late influx oi
emigrants intending to Bail to England,
and thence to America.
April 20, 17:;.">. Archibald and P.
Hope, merchant.- of Rotterdam, re]
sented that they had advice from their
London correspondents that 300 to -100
persons from Switzerland desired to j
through this country on their way to the
English colonics, for whose free
they requested permission ; that the peti-
tioners will undertake to care for tl
emigrants while in this country, and that
petitioners have two ships lying at the
bounds of the city of Rotterdam, ready
to sail with the least delay. The same
day, the same firm, Messrs Archibald and
Isaac Hope, made similar representations
to the Their High Mightinesses the States
General : They stated that the emigrants
were described as well-to-do persons from
Switzerland, that information had come
from the upper Rhine that they have ap-
proached the frontiers of this State, w I
they have been detained by the officers
of Their High Mightinesses with e.\|
orders to permit none to travel through
the Province of Holland : that they im-
agined the orders for this detention a
from the frequent coining from Germany
of indigent persons ; that the petitioners
venture to take the liberty of inform Their
High Mightinesses that these three or
four hundred persons from Switzerland
an1 not composed of this undesirable class,
but on the contrary they are not needy.
The merchants asked permission to bring
these emigrants over the soil ol the State,
and transport them to the English colon-
ies, promising to give proper attention to
them upon arrival, and agreeing to |
a special obligation of their persona and
property that the emigrants shall depart
without expense or injury to kite State.
Their High Mightinesses granted this
quest, and directed the deputies from the
eitv i^i liottcrdam to communicate this
action to their principals.
April 2D, L7oo, the prime minister com-
municated to the States-General the decla-
ration of Willem van YValsem. Khine
ship captain, trading between Cologne
and Rotterdam.! hat became from Oak
with his vesfieij a dugout, llat-boilomed
68 HISTORICAL XOTES.
boat, having aboard forty-five families the irordn on a few <>f them and enc
from (lie duchy of Zweibrnocken, who them. Hie descendant* ol arly
intended to travel across this comitry to worshippers have 1 < » 1 1 -_r shicc forg*»tten
go to the English colonics in America, their ancestral language, and there w nm
but that at Schcnkenhaus he was hinder- one to-day who eoukl read I
ed from passing, and that the skipper re- old epitaphs."
quested permission to come to Rotterdam Hier
with these passengers. This request was RuhctiiiGntt
granted. Jacob Self,
Ar, „r) -,-.,,, ., , \ 4- 1st Gestorben den otcn
May 13, 1/3S, was the presented a pet;- September 17'.-:;.
tion from the sheriff and court of Kralin- Seines Altera r>7 jahr
gen, a suburb of Rotterdam, concerning und 0 mount
a party of two hundred persona who ar- nicr Rnhe| in (;,iU
rived on their way to Pennsylvania. [Re- Maria Ax
queste van Sellout en Geregte van Crahn- Gewesenc Khcfrad des
gen weegens ecu troup van twee honderd * <-nrad Ax
Persoonen aldaar aangekoomen, om na flier Ruhet in Gott
Pensilvanien over te gaan.] Sclig En t sell hi fen Die
One of the principal shipmaster of this Gebeinc Des Philip.
• -, i i c-i i i .i r0 ckroth 1 \r \\ ar
period was John Stcdman. In the pro- Gebohren im Iahr 1717
ceedings of the States General permission (]rn 10 October I'nd
was granted to him to transport emigrants Vollendet Dieses Lebcn
to Pennsylvania amounting to thousands, I)on -7 Augustus Aniw
via : August 13, 1 m, r,(1»,,t tor pen,*. ™* B MtaStnS"
sion to bring 1000 emigrants from the 2 Wocben.
upper Rhine across Holland for shipment T)k>S(>r T(>jh ^ |Uef jn ,,„},
to the English colonies; February 14, In Der Erden KanniRT Seine
1747, consent, was given under a resolu- Sele 1st in (lot Prey von Allem
tion of :February LV>, 1745, to his request Iammer.
to bring 2000 German emigrants, in par-
ties of 40, 50, 00 and more, from the up- Reformed Church Literature.
per Rhine across Holland for transports- -. „ , • i <, ,, k , v ,
\ l In rennsvlvamsche Maatsb. ; . S
tion to the English colonies; March 11, , D , — * ,..• , • ,,.
° ' ' bex 8. 1//4, appeared this advertisement :
1749, for 3000 : Julv 4, 1749, for 3000: -r • , • , ./ , • ■ ,., . v
' t j ) i t Eh 1st* in der Press, und winl ehesteus her-
Apnl 30, 1750, for 3000; April 7, 1751, aus kommen, fuer den Vcrteaer:
for 3000; February, 2, 1752, for 3000. Kurxgufasste Pruefungen clec Lehre von
The Hopes, Ward .Stanton, John Dun- dem Ewigen Evangelium. Aul
i^ i- /-, n • IT, , iy ,, gehren vieler Ireunde/um DrtlCK I*
lop & Co., Daniel Ha vart, Pierre Benexet & , , x- ,, \- i» m
1 .' ii i •■ dertvon N. Pomp, \ . D. 1L
and Daniel Cromwell, were also consider-
able carriers. A ('°1)y of Paslor ^»"Pe ,K,,k "
ed by the German Society of Philadel-
phia. It is described l>v l*rofessor Os
Frankford Reformed Churchyard. W.,M seidensticker, in Tlie First Century
A friend at Frankford, Mr. George \V. oi* German Printing in America, a« a duo-
Geist, who is a member of the Presby- decimo, having as preface W pagee and
terian congregation which succeeded the text 200 pages. It was written to refute
Reformed, as shown in a recent Dumber, P, Siegvolck's arguments for an
kindly sends us copies of inscriptions on salvation. The full title of the volume
the headstones which mark the graves of is: Kurxgcfasste Pruefiingen der
several of the members of the original des Ewigcil F.vangcliuu><: WotiUl dcutlicii
congregation there. Mr, (t'eist says : gc/.eigot wind, dilSH man die Wiedcrhrin-
There are a half a dozen or so old grave- gung aller Dinge in der lleiligen Sell rift
stones in the graveyard. 1 have copied vergcblich Bucliei.
HISTORICAL NOTES. 60
The Church at Market Square.
BY HENRY S. DOTTERER.
[Concluded.']
Now the unthinking people allowed themselves to be led captive by Bech-
tel. lie promised in future to teach faithfully the Reformed doctrin
conforming to the Heidelberg catechism in every respect With thi.< under-
standing they engaged him on the 27th of January, 171". to he their
minister for the term of one year, making a written contract. But scarce-
ly a week elapsed before he requested the four chosen wardens of the
gregation to subscribe to a letter omitting the 80th and the 111th ques-
tions* from the Heidelberg Catechism. Asked why? he replied: The
80th question is not needed in this country, and the 114th (said lie) was
not true, because those who had become comertcd to God cease to commit
siris, and can riot only keep the commandments of God, hut that it was
very easy for them to do so. Whereupon the grcaterpart of the congrega-
tion became dissatisfied; hut as they had made a written agreement they
had to submit until the expiration of the year. In the course of the \a ar
a gallery was built in the church, and an organ was purchased for sixty
pounds and placed in the gallery. At the end of the year which the con-
tract covered, on the 27th of January, 1714, the membership again
became masters and Bechtel was discharged, and he left the church; hut
lor the expense of building the gallery and for the cost of the organ they
arc responsible, and the sums paid on account or contributed for the pur-
pose they must restore. How this can be done I cannot figure out.
But as these people are of steadfast disposition and can he relied
upon, and with a view to bunging the congregation under the rules of the
church, it was worth while to offer them a helping hand. But up to this
time they have not made a request to come under our rules.
For when they had beenreleased by Bechtel, and almost all the neigh-
boring Reformed people, from far and wide, came the Sunday thereafter
(the most of the members of Whitemarsh being also present) to take
counsel with each other as to placing the congregation in good condition,
(William de YVcese, the Whitemarsh elder, testifies to this) there was not
a single member present who did not vote to call me to Gcrmantown to
become the regular minister there, in conjunction with the Whitemarsh
congregation. But as one must he circumspect when dealing with stub
people, it so happened, on the 20th February last (1744), when passing
the house of a. man named Mcng at Gcrmantown, 1 stopped to speak to
him concerning these things. I informed him that 1 was very glad that
the matter had finally been brought so far. Ami that if the people would
•The 80th. question is: What difference is there between the Lord's Supper and
the. Popish mass? The 114th question is: But can those that are converted to God
perfectly keep these (the Ten) commands?
70 HISTORICAL XOTKS.
come under the ordinances, and into Christian fellowship with the
Whitcmarsh congregation', whoso regular minister of God'a Word I ira*,
I was heartily willing to ttndei*tn:ke to serve them. I desired a written
declaration to this effect. Meng replied: That shall be done. But they
have not done so. It appears one man who has arbitrary power if op-
posed to coming under the ordinances. This member of the congregation
upon Rig own responsibility, on lite 11th of March, allowed a wandering
minister, named Slotemakcr, from Raritan,- to preach in thecliurch. And
this was done without consulting the four elected elders. This informa-
tion 3. have from one of them.
This act I regard as ho better than was the taking of Bcchtel. The
more so because Beehtel on a Sunday in the latter part of the year of Ids
service preached in the morning and announced that in the afternoon
Slotemakcr, who was then present, would preach. And this came to
pass. From this one may judge that Beehtel and Slotemakcr are of the
same character and that they play into each other's hands.
A word as to the severe comments in this communication. Ba?hin,
its author, had been ordained to the ministry by the Reformed cl< rgymen
in New York by authority from Holland, and he had brought the Penn-
sylvania congregations, as far as he was able to do so, under the rules
governing the Holland Church. lie looked to Amsterdam for inspiration
in matters of doctrine and for guidance in matters of government. He
had organized congregations in the various sections of the Province settled
by Reformed colonists. This was a, difficult task, requiring many long
journeys on horseback into the inland wilderness. His strong, rugged
character was suited for this work in those rude times. He was a rigid
observer of the letter of the law of the Church, and he insisted upon entire
obedience from the congregations to that law. His combative disposition
not unfrcquently brought him into collision with individuals both of hi<
own and of other denominations. The announcement of the Zinzendorfian
movement was the signal for instant resistance from him. lie saw in its
success the probable disruption of the Pennsylvania Reformed church
organizations. Accordingly he exhorted the membership to shun it.
Such of them as disregarded his warnings, one of whom was Beehtel, he
pursued with severest censure. He issued two pamphlets, couehed in
strong language, in opposition to the unity movement. His vigorous
exertions saved the Reformed Church from disintegration.
Beehtel was a man of quite different disposition. He was n
averse to strife, obedient to the spirit rather than the letter of the law o(
the Church. He leaned to the Swiss view of Reformed Church doctrine
He did not make submission to the rules for church government prescrilHxl
by the Holland authorities; nor was he ever a beneficiary of Holland's
largess. When Zinxcndort came upon the scene, Beehtel hastened to his
standard. In the movement for unitv of Christ's followers, he saw the
HISTORICAL NOTES. 71
realization of his heart's desire. Doctrine concerned hint little. Hh
main endeavor was to find the footsteps of the Redeemer that lie might
walk therein. When Rcohm was inveighing in his pamphlets, Bechtel
was calmly compiling a catechism. BechtcPs work was limited to the
Gcrmantown congregation, lie followed the trade of turner, and v.
comfortable circumstances. In all probability he received no comp
lion for his religious labors. If we read the character of the man aright,
his sense of duty as a follower and lover of Jesus would have recoiled
from accepting pay for doing the .Master's work.
Let us not misjudge these two unlike men. Both are deserving of
honor. Boehm stands forth as the zealous founder and preserver of the
Reformed Church in Pennsylvania. Bechtel conies down to ns as a guile-
less teacher of the Word, who longed and prayed and worked for the
salvation of men.
And now let us turn to a few more items of interest touching the
Market Square Church, gleaned from the manuscripts in the arcliiv
Rotterdam and The Hague. A letter dated 14th .July, 17-14, from the
members of the German Reformed congregation of Germantown, address-
ed to the deputies of the Synods of South and North Holland, was
signed by
Niklaus Achs, Eltester Pridrich Lorentz
Fritrich Gortner, Eltestcr Conrad Weydnct
Jacob Bauman Hanes Buber
Christo}>h ]\Ieng Hcnrich Bard
George Bensel Johannes Von Sanden
Daniel Kroninger Jacob Madori
Jacob Kunff (?) Johann Gcorg Ri sa
Jacob AVeidman Jacob Maag
Eastian Miiller
Adam Miiller
This letter was received and read at the Synod of South Holland,
held at Gouda, July G-1G, 1745.
In 1745, the Germantown congregation received some additions to its
membership from a nearby source, as explained by a letter written by
Rev. Mr. Beehm to the Holland supporters of the Pennsylvania churches.
His words are: The Whitemarsi) congregation, which at all times consist-
ed of but few members, has, through the death of the aged, faithful elder,
William Pcwees^ come to a standstill (because his house was at all times
our church, but since his death it can he so no longer, nor i- there oppor-
tunity at hand to worship elsewhere, much less the means to build a
church). The lower portion of the membership has gone to German-
town, which will serve to strengthen that congregation somewhat.
In 17-K), Rev. Michael Schlatter, a Swiss Reformed minister, was
sent by the Holland Synods to Pennsylvania to BUpcrvise the churches
here. He assumed the pastorate of Philadelphia in connection with his
72 HISTORICAL NOTES.
duties as superintendent. He wrote letters from Philadelphia
Septeml)cr 2<S, and October 3, 1740, which were read at the meeting of
the Synod of South Holland held at Gorichem July 4—14, 17-J7. in which
he stated that he had preached at Gcrmnntown, and that in this congrega-
tion fifty-five men had subscribed the sum of £24 Pennsylvania monev.
He advised making one charge of the Philadelphia and Gerniantown
churehes, with one service in each every Sunday. The congregation was
in good condition. When it was further canvassed, eighty-two male
members, whose names are in the Holland archives, subscri1>cd £34
towards maintaining a pastor. A few of the principal subsoril)CTS were:
Sebastian Miller, deacon, £1 5 0; Nicholas Rebein, £1; Nicol Rausch,
£1; Job. Georg Kies, £1; Jac. Bauman, elder, £1; Paul us Geiset, £1;
Christian Geisler, £1; Christoff Meng, elder, £1.
In 1747, in pursuance of Ins mission to introduce order among the
Reformed churches, Schlatter organized a Coitus, or Synod, subject t<> the
Holland Church government. At the initial meeting of the Ceetus, held
in Philadelphia September 20, 1747, the Gerniantown congregation was
represented by Michael Schlatter, V. D. M. , and Christophcl Meng and
Paulus Gcisel, elders. At the second Ccetus, a year later, Mr. Schlatter
was still pastor of Gerniantown, in connection with the Philadelphia
congregation.
In 1752 a letter from Gerniantown congregation, dated 5th 9hris, and
sent to Holland, was signed by these members:
Christoph Meng Jacob Caiman
Paul Geissel Sebastian Mii Her
Nicholas Rehbein Johan Con rat Schuta
Johann Georg Ries Wilhclm Hoffman
Johannes Zacharias Molcher Meng
Henrich Schellei d >erg
In the church books of the Race Street Reformed church is recorded
a contract with Rev. William Stoy to preach for that congregation from
July 1, 175G, to July 1, 1757, for a stipulated sum. There is in tliis
instrument a postscript as follows:
P. S. Hierbey ist austri'icklich vorbehalten das weilen Hr. Pfarr Stoy
alien vierzehen Tag eine Predigt auf den Sontag in Gcrmcnton thun soil,
der obstehende accord doch in alien Clausulc (clauses?) was das Solarium
angehet veslstehen imd Bleiben soli.
P. S. It is expressly reserved that although Rev. Mr. Stoy is to
preach a sermon on Sunday every fortnight, in Gerniantown, the foil-
going agreement shall remain in force in all its clauses touching the
salary.
In 1702 the church was renovated and enlarged. The rear end was
taken out and an addition built which doubled its former capacity. We
bear in connection with this improvement of a steeple on the church. In
this steeple, we are told by the late Townscnd Ward, a faithful historian,
HISTORICAL NOTES. 7:;
hung the historic bell, cast in 1725, bearing the words: "Gott allcin die
EJhre" — to God alone the glory.
In 1771 the congregation was chartered by the Proprietaries, in
the name of "The Minister, Trustees, Elders and Deacons of the German
Reformed Congregation in Germantown." The names mentioned in the
articles of incorporation are: "Christian Frederick Fcering, the p]
minister, Christopher Meng, Ulricli Zollinger, John Moore and John
Bockeus, the present trustees; Jacob Wcidman, John Unruh, Join; D
and Godfrey Bockius, the present elders; Peter Smith, George Walter,
Jacob Hoffman and Jacob Ritter, the present deacons." These incor-
porators are required to apply the income to "the maintenance and support
of the ministers and officers of the said congregation, and their church-
yards or burying grounds, and other houses which do now or hereafter
shall belong to the said congregation, and for erecting a parsonage, and
supporting one church more and a school house in said town/'
May 10, 1704, Christopher Ottingcr, on behalf of the congregation,
bought two and a quarter acres, fronting on Gcrmantown road.
This ancient church has played a patriotic part in our national his-
tory1. Mr. Ward, already quoted, says: ilh\ the battle of German town a
battalion of Virginians, under Colonel Matthews, having been taken pris-
oners, were lodged in the church." Watson says: -The church was
where, during the fever of 1793, Washington regular]}* worshipped, as
often as there was English preaching, a service performed occasionally l>v
Dr. Smith, from the Falls of Schuylkill. V
A succession of distinguished divines — at least seventeen in number
— proclaimed the Gospel of Christ from the Market Square pulpit, dining
the hundred years from the coming of Schlatter in 17-10 to the pastorate
of Rev. Jacob Ilelfenstein. This is the honored roll: Michael Schlatter,
Conrad Steiner, William Stoy, John George Alsentz, F. C. Fabcr, C.
Frederick Foa-ing, J. C. Albertus Hclffenstein, Samuel DebcndorfT, J. C.
Albertus IlellTenstein, a second time; Frederick Herman. William Runkel,
Charles Helffenstein, Frederick van der Sloot, Casper Wack, John 11.
Smaltz Albert Helffenstein, Jr., Truman Osborn, Jacob Ilelfenstein.
During the pastorate of Reverend Jacob Helfenstcin a radical change
took place; the congregation's old afhliations ceased, and the church took
a new departure. 'Mr. Ilelfenstein dissented from certain phases c»f the
doctrines taught in the Theological Seminary of the Reformed Church.
On the 27th of March, 1853, be preached a sermon, entitled A Perverted
Gospel, which was a forceful presentation of some of the points at issue.
By degrees the ties which bound Market Square church to the Reformed
Synod weakened more and more. The congregation sympathized with
their pastor. The statistics of the Classis o( Philadelphia of the Reformed
Church show that in 1850 the congregation had a communicant member-
ship of 425 and two Sabbath schools. In 1853, i 15 communicant mem-
74 HISTORICAL NOTES.
bers were, reported. The two succeeding years, 1854 and 1855, no report
was made. Jn 185G the name of the Germantown church and of itu
Pastor, Ilelfenstein, disappeared from the records of the Reformed Church.
A union was effected about this time between this congregation and the
Presbyterian Church, which continues to the presenl time.
This is the history in brief of the Reformed Church of Germantown.
It is, in other words, the story of the genesis of the Market Square Pres-
byterian congregation. The career of the old church has been marked, as
Ave have seen, by sharp contentions, heroic labors, disheartening failures,
blessed triumphs. Could the worthies of the former times be with us this
day, they would with one accord give thanks to the Almighty for the out-
come of their unsuccessful and successful efforts. For be it ever borne in
remembrance, what they did, one and all, whether in hot controversy or
in gentle ministration, was done in the firm faith of its righteousness and
was meant for the glory of God. Their work has yielded a noble fruitage.
What marvelous changes Time has wrought i Look around. The
prosaic market square of the olden time, once the site of the prison, the
stocks and the pound, is now dedicated to patriotism and art, crowned by
an ornate monument to the memory of the valorous great-grcat-great-
grandsons of the primitive settlers. Where stood the humble meeting
house of 1738, albeit of stone and fine for its day, this spacious temple of
worship, replete with modern appointments, now rears its l>eauteoiis
front, a striking example of present-day ecclesiastical architecture.
Church Building Funds,
The most encouraging feature of our Church work for the spread of
the Gospel is, by all odds, the steady increase of the Church Building
Funds. As is known to every member of the Church worthy of the
name, these funds consist of contributions of Five Hundred Hollars, or
multiples thereof, to be loaned by the Board of Home Missions to young
and struggling congregations for church building purposes; the intention
being, as the outcome in many cases has been, that these loans shall be
repaid to the Board, and then loaned to another needy church, and .<(■> on
indefinitely. Many of these funds have been contributed by living per-
sons. These contributions are an indication of genuiiu Christian pur-
pose, and a refutation, so far as they go, of the reputation for selfishness
and niggardliness which has weighed down our Reformed Church hereto-
fore. In the report recently published we find the following funds have
been contributed, from the beginning to the present time, from Eastern
Pennsylvania:
The Charles Santee Church-building Fund. Given in 1888 by Elder
Charles Santee, of Christ church, Philadelphia, Pa, Loaned July, L888,
to Faith church, Baltimore, Md. Returned in IS!):;, and $450 loaned to
Scranton, Pa. Balance in a loan to Grace church, Altoona, Pa.
HISTORICAL KOTES. 75
The Catharine Dictz Church-building Fund. Given in 1888 by Elder
Jacob Y. Dietz, of Christ churph, Philadelphia, Pa, Loaned 1 1" I first to
Ballard, Wash., returned in 1807; now in a loan to Salisbury. X. C.
Balance in Scranton, Pa
The Malinda M. Acker Church-building Fund. (liven in 1889 by
Mrs. Malinda M. Acker, of Uwchland, Chester Co., Pa. Loaned to Steel-
ton, Pa,, May, 1891. The $150 paid are now in a loan to Grace church,
A 1 toon a, Pa.
The John and Hannah Brownback Church-building Fund. Given
in 1889 by Miss Mary M. Brownback, of Uwchland, Chester Co., Pa.
Loaned to Steelton, Pa., May, 1891. All returned. Now $350 in South
Norwalk, Conn., and $150 in Grace church, Altoona, Pa.
The Woman's Missionary Society of Philadelphia Classis Church-
building Fund. Completed in 1891. Used in parte for several ye
but now loaned to Tioga mission, Philadelphia, Pa.
The Eliza C. Knecht Church-building Fund. (liven in 1801 by
Miss Anna M. Knecht, of Freemansburg, Pa. Loaned to St. Stephen's
mission, Baltimore, Md,, January, 1893. Repaid in 1897, and loaned to
Messiah mission, Philadelphia, Pa.
The Joseph Keely Church-building Fund. Given in 1891 by Mrs,
AnnaKeely, of Spring City, Pa. Loaned to Royersford,Pa., February, 1893.
The Tohickon Classis Church-building Fund. Completed in 1892.
Loaned to lloycrsford, Pa,, February, 1893.
The Rev. Dr. Henry W. Super Church-building Fund. Given by
Rev. Dr. H. W. Super, of Collcgeville, Pa., July, 1895, ami Loaned to
Hungarian Reformed church, Bridgeport, Conn. All paid, $300 being
now in a loan to Salisbury, N. C. , and $200 in the treasury.
The Charles Santce Church-building Fund, 8500. Contributed in
1892 by Elder Charles Sanlee, Philadelphia, Pa. Invested in Cleveland. I '.
The Anna Maria Klopp Church-building Fund, 8500. Bequest of
Mrs. Anna Maria Klopp, of Womelsdorf, Pa. Invested in Denver, Col.
The Arthur ar.d Jane Hughes Church-building Fund, $500. Con-
tributed by Mrs. Rosa H. Jenks, of Lancaster, Pa., in 1896. Invested
in Denver, Col.
The Caroline Henry Stein Church-building Fund, $500. Contributed
in 189G by Elder George W. Stein, of Annville, Pa. Invested in Spring-
field, 0.
The Henry D. Hackman Church-building Fund. $500. Contributed
by Mr. Henry D. Hackman, Womelsdorf, Pa., in 1897. Invested in
Springfield, 0.
The William A. and Mary P>. Schall Church-building Fund, $500.
Contributed by William A. Schall, of Barto, IV, in 1897. Invested in
Chicago, 111.
The William H. Schneider Church-building Fund, $500. Contrib-
70 HISTORICAL NOTES.
uted by William II. Schneider, oi' New Hanover, Pa., in 1S98. In
in Detroit, Mich.
TheMahlon and Sallie W. Hillegass Church-building Fund, 8500.
Contributed by Elder Mahlon Hillegass and wife, of East Greenville, Pa.,
in 1808. Invested in Lincoln, Neb.
The Francis J). Hartzel Church-building Fund, $500. Contributed
by Mrs. Catherine A. Hartzel, James M., Leidy S., R. Frank, Fcvi M.,
Wilson S.r and Harvey S. Hartzel and Mrs. F. F Murphy, of Easton.
Pa., in 181)8. Invested in Faston, Pa.
The Thomas T. and Emma M. Miller Church-building Fund, $500.
Contributed by Mrs. Annie F. Hart, Frank C. and Rufus W. Miller and
Mrs. Florence M. Thompkins, of Easton, Pa., in 1898. Invested in
Easton, Pa.
The Philip Williard Church-building Fund, $500. Contributed by
Elder Philip Williard, of Collcgeville, Pa. Invested in Sioux City. Iowa.
The Freeland G. Hobson Churph-building Fund, S500. Completed
by Elder F. G. Hobson, Collcgeville, Pa., in 1898. Invested in Denver, ( 5oL
George Michael Weiss' Slaves.
There has been some uncertainty as to ownership of slaves by the
Rev. George Michael Weiss, who died in Upper Hanover township, Phil-
adelphia (now Montgomery) county, in 1761. A reference to the ac-
counts filed with the Ccurt in Philadelphia makes this nutter entirely
clear. Adam Hillegas and John Coleman (otherwise Galhuan) made an
appraisement of the personal estate of the deceased clergyman on the 11th
day of September, 1764. After the inventory of books, furniture, etc,
follows this statement:
Besides the above there is a Negro Family belonging to the said
Minister deceased viz':
A Negro Man named Gideon, aged about -I i years, but now a
Cripple, who is not appraised.
His Wife Jenny, aged 4*2 years, with a female Child about Six
months old, valued at - £30 0 0
A Negro Lad named .Jacob, old 20 years. - - - 50 0 0
A Negro Wench named Elizabeth, 18 years old. - 40 0 0
[In the original alter C40 0 o is written "il»ved" ■- probably meaning deorawd.]
A Negro Lad named Henry, 10 years old, - It) 0 0
A Negro Wench named Anna Mary, 11 years old, - 90 0 0
A Negro Girl named Catharina, 1 1 years old, - - SO 0 0
A Negro Girl named Margareth, ') years old, - - 25 0 U
A Negro Girl named Susan, 6 years old, ... 20 0 0
A Negro Boy named John, t years old, - - 15 0 0
Amounts to - £28(1 0 0
RELEASED II Y TI
AND Till
NUMERO
29273
29055
26118
29000
14282
HISTORICAL NOTES. 77
List of Huguenot Galley-Slaves.
IE KING OF FRANCE IX THE YEARS SEVENTEEN HUNDRED
KTEEX AND SEVENTEEN HUNDRED AND FOURTEEN.
[Concluded. ~]
NOMS
Pierre Juillen
Isaac Bourfy
Loiiis Bertrand
Claude Terrason
Jean Savcrac
THIRD PART.
LISTE
Des Protcstans qui souffrent a-
ctuelleinent le peine des Ga
leres cle France
de Religion,
& au dessous
, pour cause
denuis 19. ans
TRANSLATION.
List of the Protestants, who
for nineteen years and less, are
suffering the penalty of the
French galleys because of
their Religion.
NUMERO
Noms rtcs Protcstans, & des
Galores Bur leaquellea
ile servent.
27645
28239
GALERE LA REALE RLEUE.
Noel Bicavj
Jean Lantoeirc
29591
Isaac Boissier
28811
Jean Istier
28G14
Denis Dost en
28815
Claude Beehard
LA PATRON XK.
35871
Jean Chabrie*
•
LA YALEl K.
28823
Jean Heugue
27312
Noel Guerin
30792
Jean Malct
30902
Isaac Gauchon
3277G
Pierre Fonbonne
27G59
Pierre Dupont
36647
Pierre Martin
34527
Antoine Millicre
Tenip^ de
Sou a ranee
ANNK'KS
9
9
13
9
22
Temps de
Souff ranee
ann:
12
11
10
11
13
11
11
13
9
9
7
9
4
6
78
NUMERO
27G50
27308
28795
28200
37(539
28333
27305
28834
29593
28238
2G129
2G128
28204
29G28
29515
27G43
27309
2851G
27374
20643
31890
152G1
381GO
2G141
29576
29574
33582
28822
28243
27311
2G41G
28S29
2G58<>
27G0C;
HISTORICAL NOTES.
NOMS
L' AM A ZONE.
Jaques Roequetc
Jaques Olivier
Louis Dufer
Guillaumc Rpusel
Frangois Rozet
LA COUROXNE.
Pierre Saint Jean
Jean Peyre
Etienne Rouycr
Jean Verdaillon
Jaques Granier
LA FIERE.
Jean Marlier
Jaques Marlier
David Mafre
Etienne Apolo
Pierre Gautier
LA 8DUVERAINEJ
Francois Bigot
LA SUPERRE.
Daniel Paech
Jean Fasid
Antoine Andre
LA PRINCESSfi.
Pierre Corribette
David Coudray
Jean Claude de la Fosse
Jacob Crinquer
l'jiekojne.
Etienne Auziere
Jean Pougneau
l'eclatante.
Antoine Reynand
Jaques Bergeon
Jaques Isnard
Claude Roger
LA FAVORITE.
Antoine Chabrol
Simon Cazalet
Jaques Merlct
LA FIDEIXE.
Pierre Chardcndn
Moyse Bretcl
deux Frercs
Temp* de
Bonurance
an:
12
12
10
11
3
11
12
11
10
11
(11
114
11
10
10
12
11
11
12
10
S
17
11
10
10
10
11
12
13
11
13
12
HISTORICAL NOTES.
NUMERO
27804
27657
31211
37246
391 02
26413
36875
27664
28285
28197
28810
27376
27375
28827
29624
37978 "
37562
37063
37315
27647
38924
26391
28819
28818"
27378
28241
27649
28221
36356
36642
291 15
39336
26135
26399
27302
28880
NOMS
Jean Manuel
Israel Bernard
David Marin
Michel Clave!
Jean Harrison
LA FLEUJM)E-LTS.
Rene Prat
Francois Puntoux
LA COXcjUEKANTE.
Jean Favas
Marc Fou card
LA DUCHESSE.
Jean Fize
Jeaii Boudet
l' invincible.
Jean Rampon
Antoine Rampon
Michel Gossen
Jean Roumicou
Antoine Coulet
Pan! Dornion
Pierre Panic
LA MADAME.
Jaques Comberou
Adam Castant
Isaac Ramon
LA GUERBIERE.
Jean Deleuse
Elic Marignan
Jean Andre
Jean Quel
Andre Meyge
Louis Brugierq
Laurens Paulet
CJuillaume Arnal
Jean Loiiis Daser
Jean Volgant
Jean Guillaume
la gloire,
Antoine Rolland
Jean Pierre Langucllo
Jaques FoutagUOU
Andre Bourrdy
Temps de
SoufcnuMe
AMKWWt
12
12
5
3
2
14
3
12
11
12
10
12
12
11
10
6
3
3
12
12
2
1-1
11
11
12
11
12
11
5
3
10
2
11
11
12
11
80 HISTORICAL XOTI«>
NUMERO
29571)
20885
84484
3G9(W
27871
2790<>
38974
27046
85382
27051
88588
26130
27G58
19575
29588
29592
33975
24801
37991
37998
26894
81134
22032
28231
28825
38587
urns
25735
28809
28835
27058
80821
27311
30789
29(527
27990
818S0
29577
Tetni
NOUS
'. ranee
ANN
Francois F] Hsicre
11
•lean Compel
18
Ben die Martin
0
Pierre Joseph de Rive
8
LA maoxaxjmk.
Jean Chapon
12
Joan Barrandon
12
.lean Manrol
(i
LA PERLE.
Adrian Trine
12
Isaac Jougla
5
LA FRANCJS.
Joan Monniejan
12
Louis Berger
0
LA GRANDE REALE.
Pierre Marliex
11
Jaques Brunei
12
Joseph (1c Nancy
19
Cezard Doric
10
Antomc Martel
10
Pascal Delorc
6
Pierre Nadeau
15
Artaniant Gregcr
10
Jean I'AMemand
8
Roustan Glaize
[3
Pierre Muret
9
LA VDSILLE REALE.
David Petit
10
Joseph Rieard
11
Fulcrand Fremeau
11
Jean Botimlon
5
Claude Vilarel
1")
David du Mas
11
Isaac Fspcrcndieu
11
Loiiis Fa veto
11
Jean Fabre
12
Jean Luncan
(i
Jaques Thomas
12
Antoinc Clavel
C)
Abraham Yigier
10
A L1 llol'lTAI..
Monsieur Francois Pclet Baron
de Saigas 12
Tobie Roeairo)
B
Jean Lacroux
10
HISTORICAL NOTES
RELATING TO THE
PENNSYLVANIA REFORMED CHURCH.
VOL. I. No 6. October 10, L899. Perklomen Publishing Co.,
81.00 rna Annum. 1G0.3 N. Thibtkekth Bti bet,
Edited by Henry S. Dotterer. PHILADELPHIA.
Random Thoughts. services, lie v. Prof. W. .J. 11 ink.' made
Can there be an unconverted minister? an address on the history of the eongro-
Can there be one who will undertake to gation. The organization of tliis etiurch
load sinners to Christ, who himself has dates back upwards of eighty years, h m
not experienced the change of heart? an offshoot of the Race Street (now Fin*)
Can the 1)11)1(1 lead the blind ? Reformed Church,
"What mean the greed for large pay, the
selfish struggles for positions of honor, We are glad to learn that Dr. Good's
th 3 wranglings in ecclesiastical bodies? new work, the History of the Itcformcd
What is the inevitable outcome of ihc Church in the I'nitcd States. iV having a
ferocious controversies— lengthened into ready sale. In our November number wHI
years — carried on by leaders in the Church appear a review of this important volume.
over theological abstrusenesses, in which
the salvation of men's souls finds no
place ?
The history of the Reformed Church in »M wvixiky, ins early MM! and ius
Pennsylvania is not without examples of convkksiox.
unworthy' ministers who have, stood up Benjamin Schneider was of Reformed
to proclaim the Gospel of Christ. Through niuvs(rv. His great -grcat-gnuulfatlier was
them thousands have been lost to our Jolmnnes Schneider, a primitive settler in
Church. Unfortunately, too, it is the FalU, km Swamp, having bought a planta-
best who leave us— the wealthy, the edu- ti(,n of tW() iimi(|lvu acrc8 ,„ i:uui in
cated, the awakened. The ignorant, the iian()Vrr township, on the 9th of Decern-
indifferent and the unconcerned feel easy ^ l718j 0f Jol.n Henry Sprogcll. At
under a pastor of questionable piety or ()kU time the Falkner Swamp Reformed
smutched reputation. Church was not organized, but from the
Benjamin Schneider, Missionary.
time of the formation of a congregation
there, by John Philip Btehm, down to
the present day, the Schneiders of this
branch have been members there. Tlie
Prof. \V. J. Hinke informs us that a
letter written in the year 1771 by Sebas-
tian llomrighausen, of Wittgenstein, to
Rev. John Philip Leydirh, his brother- lino fn>lu lIu> fomuU>r ((f ,1k. f;nnilv t<> llu,
in-law, in Pennsylvania, has recently sul)j(H, ()fthis sU,,h mns tlms : "
been discovered in the llelfr.ch papers, , Jolmnncfl Schneider, died lvtwren
and has been added to the collection ol v^U]Wr ._>•>, |7:Mj aml Jftnttary ,7< i:;;.-,
rrsinus College. 1K, |ef| a wSdow Siip|iia SohlK>iiK>rt ;nul
Salem Reformed! Church, Philadelphia, <lvr sons-
in which the German language is used. * Henry Schneider, horn about 1 7"J7 :
has occupied its present edifice twenty- married, December l\\ 1751, Catharine
live years. This event was celebrated on Reinhait; waa buried October 'J*1.
Sunday, October In, lsuu, by anniversary aged 7fi yean*. His widow, Catharine
82
HISTORICAL NOTES.
Schneider, was buried October 1:5, LHOrt,
aged 73 years, 3 months, 1!) days.
3. Jacob Schneider, born October 26,
1752; baptized December 10, I7")2; con-
firmed June 13, 17(17; married June •'►,
1780, Magdalena Gorharl ; died October
27, J840. Magdalena (Gerhart) Schnei-
der died March .'50, 1835, aged 75 years,
11 months, 4 days.
4. Henry Schneider, horn August 2(>,
17S1 ; married Anna Maria Xyce ; died
August 2, 1S72. Anna Maria (Xyce)
Schneider was born February 2(i, 17sc»,
and died May 27, 1844.
5. lienjamin Schneider was born in
New Hanover township, January 18, 1807.
The late William II. Schneider, brother
to Benjamin Schneider, communicated to
the writer these facts concerning the early
years of tlie future missionary :
"Brother Benjamin left home when lie
was between lorn- and five years old. He
went to Pottstown to attend school. After
he left Pottstown, he went to Xorristown,
and attended school in the old Academy.
lie boarded with Mr. William Powell,
during his stay there. When about Mi
years of age he taught school two winters
in our old school house at the church.
Then he went to Amherst College, took a
regular course, and after he had graduated
in college he entered the seminary at An-
dover to complete his studies for the
ministry. From his youth he had made
up his mind to study for the ministry,
and after lie had been in college some
time he determined to go to some foreign
country as a missionary. 1 le so wrote to
father. At first father was opposed to his
going, but eventually he consented. After
he was licensed as a minister, he was
married to Miss Abbott, 'of the Stale of
Massachusetts. Then they were sent by
the Presbyterian Board of Missions to
Turkey."
The aged Mrs. Rachel Xyce, now in tlie
ninety-seventh year of her age. states that
Benjamin Schneider' kepi school at New
Hanover Square during the Winter of
182:5— '24. He succeeded Adam Slemmer
as teacher of that ancient school. She
savs : "It was then his intention to be-
comes) preacher and missionary. II
free from all foolish conduct ; was diligent
in study, and prayed upon hi.- knees morn-
ing and evening." lie lived i»« I lie fam-
ily of Mrs. Nye-.
In the volume entitled Lettem from
Broosa, (1KK>) is given an account <>i' Ben-
jamin Schneider's conversion, in there
words :
"It was dining his connection with the
Academy at Xorristown thai lie became
decidedly pious, and united with the
Presbyterian church at t hat place. In a
letter addressed to his beloved preceptor,
when in the seminary ;ii .Vndover, he
thus speaks of his awakening and con-
version: 'Permit me to allude to a sli-hi
circumstance which, i believe, I never
mentioned to you before. Perhaps you
will remember that, w Ink- at Xorristown,
on a Sabbath afternoon, after the close of
Sunday School, you had a religion* con-
versation with me in Mr. Uamill's piazza.
My mind was then exercised on the sub-
ject of religion. Put there was n«i ileli-
niteness about my feelings. I had no
full, determined purpose to seek the >:i 1 -
vation of my soul. That interview wits
blessed to me. In reflecting upon it. 1
have often thought that half hour was the
awful crisis — the turning point — the pivot
on which hung suspended my everla-ting
destiny. ... It has often seemed to me.
that if nothing had been said In me at
that lime, I might have been lost for-
ever. . . . [ delight to reflect on the time
I spent ill Xorristown. It formed a new
and most important era in my life. There,
I hope. I found an interest in the .\i\-
iour.'
Rev. James C How was the principal
of the academy at Xorristown, ami he is
the person who led young Schneider to
Christ.
Mr. Schneider was licensed In prearli
in is:5:5, and united with the Presbyterian
Church. He was sent out as a missionary
by I he American Board of Foreign Mis-
sions. In IH42 he was transferred to the
German Reformed Church, and (or some
years lie was supported bv it in the for*
eiini Held.
IttSTOTlTCAL NOTES.
Holland and Pennsylvania. second— -jacob weimer,
jy was born about IG25, resided in the name
place, juki held the game office, lib bmi,
PAYMENT TO WIDOW IKKII.M AUTHORIZED.
THIRD — JOHN CONRAD WEISER,
The synod of South Holland met, in was bom about Ki'iU; married Anna Mag-
1751, at Leerdam, and remained in session dalena Uebele; came to America, with
from July <; to hi, inclusive. })is falI1j]V; landingat New York, inJnne,
Dominc Btehin having died in Pcnn- \710. Their son
s.vlvunia, the sum of fourteen guilders ten
:. FOURTH — JOHN CONltAD WEISER, THE J\-
Stivers was upon request and on rccom- TERI*RETKK
mendation directed to be paid to his was born at Affetaett (tlie present spelling
widow. 0f thename), November^ 10116; married
The full record upon the juinutes is: "my Anna Eva," «* Schohari.-, Novem-
"Js J)o. Shlatterook moedig vcrsoekt of ber22, 1720; died July 13, 1700; buried
aand Wed: J: P: Bolun inner voor eene near Womelsdorf, Pa, Their son. r
reis eene Heine bijstand uit de Lievde
, . J PIFTII — PHILIP WEISER,
gaaven konde toegestaan werden oin dat
*,,.,, w ,. n\ , . i , i ii was born September 7, 1722; married, in
syn It*, veel onkosten gedaan had oni ' .
ir iii- i ii i 17-JN, Sophia ; died March 27, 1/ul.
tegeiJB de dwahng dor Ilernhutters te ' '
sohnyven." (The Reverend Schlatter sixth— .ioiin conk \i> wbiskr,
also earnestly desired that a small contri- was born August SO, 171'.); married Bar-
biit ion be made from the charitable col- bara ; died February 1, IX0C1.
lections to the widow of John Philip seventh— *by. da XI El. weiser, I>. m.,
IWhm for the reason that his Reverence ^ ^ a( Sl,ln vo, p^ i:nin:irv ]:)<
had had many expenses, n a journey made l7 ^.^ (flnt) L ^ Uul|l> aml
to resist the errors, ot the Moravians.) , ,. ., ,. ,, ,. , . ... ,
' (second) Caroline Buyer; died at hast
Greenville, Pa., December 2. 1875.
Rev* Dr. Clement Z. Weiser's
MOUTH — REV. CLEMENT 'A. WEISER,
Lineage. son 0| \\U]\V] and Caroline . P-.y.-n
Although Conrad Weiser, the noted In- Weiser, was born ( )etober •_,,>. 1880; mar-
dian Interpreter of (ho Colonial era, is ried Louisa C. Cutelius; died, at KaM
one of the best known characters in our Creenvillo. I'a.. March I, IKOK.
Pennsylvania history, the list of his lineal
descendants is not large. An effort to White fie Id at Skippack and Falk-
construcl the line from the founder of the ner Swamp.
family to the late Rev, Dr. Clement X. ! ,-.,, ,> ., \vi -, ,; n ,i .
In 1(10 Rev. tieorge \\ hitelield. the
Weiser revealed the fact that but few • • , ...i , ; ,
eminent revival preacher, accompanied
members of the connection have definite . ^ ^^ Q||d , , na Ml.ial snnpon,.r.
genealogical information on th.s subject. yftmm s,wanL y]Awy] America. He
Mrs. C. a North, ot Sehnsgrove. who ,s bc0 wherever he went, and brought
a descendant, and an en. hus.ast.e search- about a gmtt awaReilillg. life Olftlj ■:
er lor iamilv records, kindlv furnished ., ,,, ,• , , , . , ,
the joiirnev was published, as also a reeurd
the missing link, namelv: Philip Weiser. i . Vi u ... i \i ^ . . -
S° _ . made by Mr. Seward. Mr. Seward s was
born September 7, 1722. The line runs : , ,. , * , , ,, ,•,, i . .. ,i
1 ' published under t he Ulle: Journal ot ;\
kihst— .i.uou wkiskk. Voyage from Savannah to Philadelphia,
"The eldest Weiser at present on rec- ami from Philadelphia to Kngland,
ord," writes Mrs. North, '"was Jacob, M.PCC.Xh. By William Sewa'd. t lent.
born about 1500, SehullheisK, (Justice of Companion in Travel with Hie Rewrend
the Peace,) of Cross Aspach, a place of Mr. Ccorge Whitelield. London.
note in the county of Hacknang, in Wur- III the course of their travel,! he) passed
temberg." Jlisson, through our present Montgomery county.
84 HISTORICAL XOTKS.
and preached at Abington, skippack and his Name, he heard my Prayer*, and
Falkner Swamp. spoke Peace to my troubled Soul. —
uvakd'h Accorvr. "At Ni*ht ] wan drawn tosingand pray
with our Brethren in the Kiehls.
From Seward's Journal we quote: "Brother Whitefield was very weak in
"ApI. In, 17-10. Preached to 5000 on Body, but the Lord Jehovah was his
Society Hill. Strength, and did indeed magnify the
"ApI. 17. At Abington to 0000, and in same in his Weakness, for I never hoard
the town to 1(1,000. him speak more clear and powerful.
"April 22. Agreed with Mr. Allen for "They were Germans where we dined
Five Thousand Acres of Land on the and supp'd, and they pray'd and sung in
Forks of Delaware, at 2200/. Sterling; Dutch, as we did in English, before and
the Conveyance to he made to Mr. White- after Rating. — <) Heavenly Mustek ! how
field, and after that assign' d to me, as sweet and delightful it i- to a New- Horn
Security for my advancing the Money. Soul ! —
Mr. Whitefield proposes to give Orders "April 2">. Hose at Three o'clock, and
For building the Xegroe School on the tho' our Brother Whitefield was very
purchased Land before he leaves the weak in Body, yet the Lord enabled him
Province. to ride near fifty Miles, to preach i<>
"April 2:$. Whitefield preached to about about Five Thousand People at Amwell,
five thousand at Neshaminy. with therame Power as- usual.
"April 24. Rose at five, wrote my "May I. Paid Mr. Allen 22U0f. for
Journal, and dispatch'*! several Letters Five Thousand Acres of Land in the
for Georgia. Came to Christopher Wig- Forks of Delaware."
ner's Plantation in Skippack, where nianv
Dutch People are settled, and where the
famous Mr. Spangenberg reside* 1 lately.— Whitefield preached in the evening at
It was surprising to see such a Multitude ll,(> »»«k» of Henry Antes, on Swamp
of People gathered together in such a creek, in Frederick town-hip. Ileiv-
AVilderness Country, Thirty Mihs distant niained l here for the night, lie speaks
from Philadelphia.— Nothing but the of the farm as ";i Dutch Man's l'lania-
mighty Power of Cod could effect this.— fi<"--" Henry Antes wan long before ih;.i
Our Brother was exceedingly carried out aml :»herwards until hie death known m
in his Sermon, to press poor Sinners to » pk*IH man. Whitefield felt lhat lie
com- to Christ by b>ith, and claim all "seemed to have drank deeply into the
their Priviledges, vi/. not only Righteous- consolations of the Holy Spirit*" and
ness and Peace, but Joy in the Holy ^>"s of his home, '-surely, that llouac
Ghost: and after lie had done, our dear was a Bethel.."
Friend, Peter Pxehler preach' d in hutch We quote Whiterield's worth* :
to those who could not understand our "Thursday, April L.M. I7li>. Was ln»-
Brother in English. — Came to Henry An- ratably entertained with my friend*! last
t i ' s Plantation in Frederick Township, night at Montgomery, about eight Miles
Ten Miles farther in the Country, where from Neshamini. whither I came to make
was also a Multitude equally surprising this pay's Journey the rasier. Wrote
with that we had in t Ik' Morning, and our some more Letters to my little Flock and
Brpther was equally carried out to press Family at Savannah. Preached at Skip-
poor Sinners to know God, and Jesus pack, sixteen miles from Montgomery,
Christ w hoin Cod hath sent, where the Mutch people live. It WHS
"There was much melting tinder both seemingly a very Wilderness" Part of the
Sermons, but my Heart, was too hard. Country: hilt there were not lew, I U--
which I was drawn to complain of to iuy lieve, than 2MX) Hearers. Conviction
dear Jesus, whose lilood, and nahing seemed to fasten at the latter Kail ^\ the
less, can soften it; and, forever Mossed be Sermon. Travelling and preaching in the
HISTORICAL NOTES.
85
Sun again weakened me much, and made
me very sick ; but by the Divine Assist-
ance ] took Horse, rode twelve Miles, and
preached in the Evening to about 3000
People at a J)utch Man's Plantation, who
seemed to have drank deeply into the
consolations of the Holy Spirit. We
spent the cveiring in a most agreeable
Maimer; I never saw more Simplicity :
surely, that House was a Bethel. The
Dutch prayed and sung in their own Lan-
guage, and then God enlarged my Heart
to pray in ours. Many Tears trickled
down my Face, and afterwards I was in a
great Agony of Soul in the Field. Do
thou, O blessed Jesus, who wast in all
Things tempted as we are, hearken to and
answer the Petitions thou didst- enable
me in that Hour to put up !
Friday, April 2.">. Pose before Day.
Sung and prayed with my own Friends
and the German Brethren. Set out before
Sun rising, and reached Am well, thirty
five mik's from Skippaek, where I had to
preach at six at Night,"
English Schools for the Germans
in Pennsylvania*
In the MS. correspondence of the Duke
of Newcastle in the British Museum is a
letter requesting contributions for the
support of the schools maintained in Penn-
sylvania for the purpose, mainly, of in-
structing the children of the German in-
habitants "in the English language, the
principles of the Protestant religion, and
fidelity to the British Government." Ac-
companying the letter is a printed list of
names of English trustees of the funds.
TllE LETTER.
My Lord
After a tedious confinement of more
than live weeks illness, 1 have the honour
to wait upon Your Grace, by your own
permission, to beg Your Grace's interest
with his Majesty, for the continuance of
the bounty of the late good King, for sup-
porting the schools of the German Pro-
testants in Pensilvania. and the other
provinces of America. Your Grace well
knows the importance of training up the
Children of those people in the English
language, the principles of tlie protectant
Religion, ami fidelity to the British Gov-
ernment. These schools in which now
are educated six hundred children, mu.-t
immediately drop, should the usual source
of the Royal Charity fail, which
thousand pounds; to be paid in three years.
I know Your Grace will want no other
motive to represent this affair to his Ma-
jesty, in the most effectual manner, than
the natural benevolence of your own
heart, and the unspeakable advantage the
continuance of the Royal bounty will be,
to the cause of religion and liberty, the
interest of the King's Government, and
the. welfare of his subjects in those dis-
tant colonies. I beg leave to inclose a
list of the Managers: of this charity, and
with my warmest prayers to Almighty
God for the long continuance of Your
Grace's health and influence, I have the
honour to be, with the highest esteem.
My Lord
Your Grace's highly obliged
most obedient
and most Hum. Sent.
Feb. 11th, 1702. Sam i 'El. (.'ji.wm.ia:.
Tin: LIST.
The Names of the Lords and Gentle-
men, Entrusted with the Moneys collect-
ed for the L'se of the German Kmigrants
in Pensilvania, and oilier Provinces of
North America.
The Right Hon. the Earl of Shaftesbury.
The Right lion, the Earl of Mort- -n.
The Right Hon. the Karl of Kindlater and
Sealield.
The Right Hon. the Lord Willoughby oi
rarhatn.
Sir Luke Schaub, Hurt.
Sir .Joshua Vail-Xrck, Part.
Dr. Avery, LL. D.
.lames Vernon. Ksq.; Commissioner oi
His Majesty's ( 'u&toms.
Mr. Alderman Chilly.
Mr. Alderman Fluddyer.
Robert Ferguson, Ksq.
Nathaniel Price, Esq,
Dr. Thomas Birch, Secretary to the P. s.
Lev. Mr. Gasper WetMcin. P. P. H
Rev. Mr. David Thompson, of Amsterdam.
Dr. Samuel Chandler, Secretary to the
Socictv, and P. P. v
8G HISTORICAL XOTFS.
The First Quarter Century of Falkner Swamp Reformed
Church.
BY IIKNI.'Y s. DOTTERER.
Read at Falkner Swamp FReformed Church, October 31. 1897.
It is an unmixed pleasure tp nic to be accorded this opportunity to
speak to the Falkner Swamp Reformed congregation, in whose member-
ship have been enrolled five generations <>f my ancestors.
Nearly two hundred years ago our forefathers began to find their way
to the delightsome Falkner meadows. Upon the rich land of it- far-
reaching lowlands, beside its copious springs and along it- swift streams,
they set up the primitive roof-tree. The engirdling hills were covered
with the unbroken forest. The Indian still roamed at will. Wild game
and wild fowl then for the first time were startled by the resounding echoes
of the settlers axe.
Year after year came the colonists from the continent of ICuropc —
from Germany, Switzerland, France and Holland, hut most of all from
the war-swept Palatinate, the beautiful Rhincland, the productive Wine-
land. Men and women they were strong in body, broad in mind; diligent
in business, upright ih walk; staunch for the right; nurtured in the Chris-
tian Church.
Why came they, at peril of life, across the treacherous sea, hi eon-
front the hazards of this untried land? To escape the honors of unholy.
Unceasing wars; to shake oil" the slavish service to the cruel l>ehests of
heartless, quarrelsome princes; to flee from all-prcvading taxes and gov-
ernmental robberies; to seek a refuge from religious intolerance and p<r<e-
cution. Men and women of high principle they were, moved by noble
aspirations. Fortunate was Pennsylvania to receive colonists such as
these. Fortunate for us that to Pennsylvania they came to plant tluir
homes and to erect their altars.
Two centuries have passed. You, their descendants of the sixth and
seventh generation, have taken the place of the pioneers of this favored
plain. Others of their posterity — thousands in numher — have spread
themselves hroadcast over the world: for there is scarce a land or a clime
which has not at some period felt the presence and the influence of a son
or daughter of Falkner Swamp.
Am\ now, in these latter days, in this our uneventful age, exempt
from war and havoc, and marked by ease and peace,* there has arisen a
longing to know more concerning our immigrant ancestors, their particular
anteccdonts, and their individual lives. Moved by this desire. 1 sailed in
November, 1S(.)5, for Europe, and spent the better pari of nine months in
searching the archives, and libraries and records, there, for information re-
* A tew months alter these won Is were ntteivil, the war between the Tnie-il Siau s
ami Spain broke out, fortunately ii was of short duration.
HISTORICAL NOTES. 87
gating the persons, the individuals, who migrated to those shores 'luring
the century preceding the present. 1 will relate somewhat of that which
rewarded my quest, having reference especially to the Falkner Swamp
Reformed church during its earliest years, and its pastors at that lime,
and something, too, as to a few of its earliest members.
As is how generally known, John Philip Bcehm began at least as early
as the year 1720 to conduct religious services among the early settle] -
the Reformed faith in this then new land, reading sermons and prayers
antf-leadirig'the singing. In 1725 at the urgent request of the most in-
fluential men amongst the pastorless people, he assumed, without ordina-
tion, the office of a minister of the Gospel. Upon accepting the call to
the ministry lie drew Up a plan of Church government, under whieh three
congregations were organized; namely, Falkner Swam]), Skippack and
\\ hitemarsh. Falkner Swamp congregation was the first in which under
this arrangement the sacrament of the Lord's Supper was celebrated. This
took place on the 15th of October, 1725, when forty members, were pres-
ent Ra>hin says, in a letter to Holland: "bit was het eerst begin"—
this Was the first beginning, meaning, of his assumption of the ministry.
This fixes the date of the regular organization of the Falkner Swamp
Reformed Church. Let me repeat: In the year 1720, the Reformed
church people began to meet for devotional services; in 1725. they adopted
a system of Church government, and on the 15th of October, 1725, they
held their first communion. Four years later, on the 23d day of Novem-
ber, 1720, in the city of New York, by the direction of the Holland
ecclesiastical authorities, Mr. Bcehm was regularly ordained.
Your congregation, therefore, was fully established more than six
years before George Washington was horn; twenty-three years before the
Coetus, whose one hundred and fiftieth anniversary we celebrate, lirst met;
fifty years before Pennsylvania ceased to he a colony of Great Britain ;
fifty-eight years before our forefathers struck the final blow, whieh gave
to us independence and to the world the most lustrous example of a gov-
ernment by the people.
Crucial 1770! In this centre of influence — in this nourishing, closely-
peopled locality, the fires of liberty burned brightly on almost every
hearth and heart. From the records of Falkner Swamp Reformed con-
gregation have been transcribed upon the roll of heroes of the Revolution-
ary war many names. A few occur upon the moment. — Antes, Bender,
Bemhard, Bitting, Dotterer, Feather, Freyer, Halm, Lachman, Lick,
Palsgrove, ftouchon, Reiffschneiuer, Seheffey, Schmidt, Schneider, Speeht,
Weiss, Yost. They glow, imperishable, upon the pages i)i American
history.
Of the three original churches organized by liu'hlll, yours \\:i< the
first SkjppacU and Whitemarsh congregations have long since disbanded,
xs
HISTORICAL NOTES.
dispersed, disappeared ; Falkncr Swamp churcli still stands forth a valiant
host for the cause of Christ.
Falkncr Swamp was the congregation best beloved by Pastor BVchm.
It was the strongest in membership, and was least disturl u-«l by internal
dissensions. He could depend upon it to stand by him in all emergei
Here were intermingled with liis flock a smaller proportion of adherents
of the "hurtful sects" — bane of the rigid pastor's peaci — than elsewhere
in his great field. He served it continuously for upwards of twenty-three
years ; then, weary and aged, he gladly transferred it to the care of John
Philip Leydich.
A statement of events in the first twenty-five years of the lifetime of
this ancient congregation, as found in the records preserved in Hoi lam',
can he quickly given, for the gratifying reason that its annals are almost
free from the controversies and contentions which burden the rej>orts f roni
the other Pennsylvania congregations.
The names of the forty persons who communed on the loth of ().;..-
her, 172o, are not found anywhere in the records extant. The earliest
names occur three years later.
Jn July, 1 728, when steps were taken to have Mr. Pxehni ordained.
the six ofiieers of Falkncr Swamp congregation, the six of Skippack con-
gregation, and the four of Whitemarsh congregation — sixteen in all. join-
ed in a presentation of the case to the clnssis of Amsterdam. Among
the names of the Falkncr Swamp consistory were: Ueorge 1'hilip Dot-
terel1, Frederick Antes, and Sebastian ReifTschneider. At the same time.
in connection with the request for ordination for Mr. Ba»lnn, the order of
church government adopted in 172o, was sent to the elassis of Amster-
dam, and by it approved.
In 1721), as hefore stated, Mr. Beehm was ordained in New York.
Frederick Antes, an elder of the Falkncr Swamp congregation, vent t<>
New York as commissioner to attend the ordination and to give the sanc-
tion of the congregation to certain covenants there entered into.
In September, 17oQ, a letter was received at Amsterdam in opposi-
tion to Pastor Pxehni. It was dated May 10, 1730, ami was signed hy
forty-four persons, who styled themselves elders and congregations of the
churches at Philadelphia. Skippaek. Swamp, and other neigh boring places.
The ground of their opposition was Pastor ItoehnVs alleged deficiency in
education and imperfect training for the ministry. The names of Uiesc
forty-four signers have up to this time not been found. Who and how
many of the Falkncr Swamp member* were dissatisfied is therefore un-
known.
On the 7th of April, 17-H, forty persons communed and on the 22d
of September, 17<U, sixty-three.
Jn a report made to Holland in 1734, Pastor P>o-hm gave a detailed
account of the condition of the *Ucfonned church in Pennsvlvania and at
HISTORICAL NOTES.
Die same time he pointed out how four additional ministers could be
judiciously placed. He says : Falkner Schwamp and Skippack arc twelve
English miles apart. Oley could he combined with these points, ii
much as Falkner Swamp and Skippack have services every three weeks,
and Oley might conic in between. Goshenhopnen is needy. And he adds:
"The members of Goshenhopnen conic to the service at 'Falkner Swamp,
.some of them a distance of 2o to BO miles, to receive communion and to
have their children baptized." He Fays, further : "I have now for about
eight years regularly served my three congregations at Falkner Schwam,
Schip Bach and \Yeitmarge2' These officers of the Falkner Swamp con-
gregation endorsed this letter :
Gosen Thonis (?) Elder,
Done in our Presbytery Sebastian Reiffschn eider, Elder,
at Falkner Swamp, Sigmundus Schmidt, Elder,
20th October, 17&4. Johannes Herb, Elder.
- j Johan lleinrich Schmidt Deacon,
Johannes Drickdenhengst, Deacon.
The signature of the first elder is not plainly written. As no person
of a name approaching that given has been a resident of Falkner Swamp,
so far as iny knowledge goes, the interesting question who the first elder
was is left open for solution.
( 7 c he OuHitmiffh )
KEFOHMEO CIU'KCU LITEKATl'KK.
Kirchen-Uegeln ] der ] Rcformirtcn (Jemeinde | in Allentown. [1824.]
folio, <Svo, -J pp. Owned by Henry S. Dottever, Philadelphia.
At a meeting of the majority of the members of the Evangelical Re-
formed congregation in the town and vicinity of Northampton, held on
the2oV6f May, 1834s, Wilhelm Eckert, Peter Keuhard, Johannes Klioads,
Daniel Neuhard, Leonard Labach, Abraham Spinner and Michael D.
Eberhard were appointed u committee to formulate regulations (<*r the
government Of the congregation. Sixteen rules, proposed by the commit-
tee and accepted by the congregation, compose the four pages of the folio.
The Doctrines of Divine Uevehdion. as taught in the Holy Scriptures,
exhibited, illustrated, and vindicated. Designed for the use of Christians
generally, and for Voting Mod, preparing for theUospel Mini-try. particu-
larly. By the Rev. Samuel Hclifenstein, D. D., Philadelphia: James Kay,
dun*, cv Brother, 1 2*2 Chestnut Street Pittsburgh:-^. II. Kay A Va.
1842. — Bound, Svo, 394 p|f. Contains Portrait on l^teel of the Author,
by J. Bartain. Owned by Henry S. Dotterer.
Five Years' .Ministry | in the ) German Reformed Church, ] on Kacc
Street, belcm* Fourth, j Philadelphia. ] An Anniversary Sermon, j Preach-
ed, January S, INf.O. | and ] An Ecclesiastical Appendix. | By | J. 11. A.
P.oinhero-er, D.D, | Philadelphia: | Lindsay iv Blackiston, I 1800. Bound,
8vo, 72 pages. Owned by Jlenry S. Dotterer, Philadelphia.
90 HISTORICAL NOTES.
Marriages by Rev. George Wack.
C0MMUMCATKI) liY \V. II. UEED, PH. 0., M. \)., OF XOIIRISTOWX.
( Chn tinned. )
261, August 8>. Jacob Guldy and Mary Ann Vanfosscn.
202. September 10. Daniel Uittenhause and Elachal Byor.
208. September 19. John Cassel and Sarah Been.
204. October 12. John Bean and Elizabeth Keyser.
265. November 1-1. Jacob Mcster and Cathrine Ilendrix.
200. November 21. Jessie Elamshier and Mary Rep|>ert.
2G7. November 25. Jacob Schellcnberger and Elizal>etti Springer.
208. December 12. Jacob Rosenberger and Maria Dettwiler.
209. December 14. John Selzer and Hannah ( iroff.
1821.
270. January 21. John Greenewald and Elizabeth Conear.
271. January 27. Peter Legrant and Cathrine Nim (widow. )
272. March 11. Samuel Herly and Elizabeth Gad wcaltz.
27o. March 11. Samuel Keyser and Elizabeth Grove.
274. March K>. Frederick Primer and Lydia [Jmstead.
275. May 4. Abraham Spere and Sarah Fetely.
270. May 17. Abraham Reimvald and Anna Tresher.
277. June 14. William Frcas and Kaehel Clare.
278. September 11. Joseph Metz and .Mary Beyer.
279. September 9. Abraham Phipps and Hester Brant.
280. November 1. George Schellenbergcr and Cathrine Zerfoss.
281. November 1. Samuel Sholl and Hester Kline.
282. November 27. Jacob Bisbing and Mam Pliipps.
283. December 4. Abraham Smith and Debera Spere.
284. December 27. Henry Kicker ami Sarah Lees.
1822.
285. January 1. Daniel Roilcan and Lydia Weber.
280. January (>. Christian Keyser and Elizabeth Wagner.
287. January 10. John Carroll and Maria Shamhongh.
288. January 1.3. Jacob Hover and Magdalcnn Boorse.
289. January 13. George Kline, Esq., and Maria Xorney.
290. January 20. John Lehman and Eva msbing.
291. January 21. Peter IloiVman and Sarah Fulton.
292. March 5. Jacob Levering and Margaretn Gerhant,
293. March 7. Daniel Pmner and Barhary Rittenhause.
294. March 10. Benjamin Cole and Cathrine Freed.
295. March 20. Jesse Kitten hn use and Cathrine Metx,
290. May 5. Henry Bolcy and Rlixalieth Keyser.
29<. May ■ 2o. Thomas Fitzwater :uid Klizalteth Phipj*J*.
HISTORICAL NOTES. 91
298. July 23. Peter Harp and Magdalena Wevcr.
299. Jul)- 24. H\^gh McCarty. and Elizabeth Lehman.
800. September 12. John Yetter and Elizabeth Merriam.
301. September 15. George Weiscl and Catherine Scheib.
302. October 10. Samuel Hamshier and Elizabeth Haak.
303. October 31. John Keyserand Elisabeth Cassel.
304. November 28. Philip Hoot and Elizabeth Cassel:
305. November 28. John Frick and Susannah Been.
{To he, Gmtinued.)
A TREASURED VOLUME.
Anfangs-Griinde Des general Basses (Thorough bass) fiir Den Ehrw.
Hcrru Strasberger Rockl'iill Tsp. Pa. by Ch". Fortman. December, 1824.
MS. Bound in Leather; 142 pages, 11 in. by 5| in. Owned by Mrs. Re-
becca S. Dotterer, Philadelphia.
Tins "Note book" was made for Rev. John Andrew Strassburger, a
widely-known divine of tlie Reformed Church in eastern Pennsylvania,
and is now owned by one of his grand-daughters. With Charles Fort-
man the world has been made acquainted by William J. Buck, our Penn-
sylvania historian, in an article written for the first volume of Sketches
published by the Montgomery County Historical Society. The title of
Mr. Buck's interesting five-page sketch is : An Early Teacher of Langu
and Music in Norristown. In tbe book prepared for Pastor Strassburger
are ninety-one sacred and forty profane songs — nearly all German.
A mono- tbe "profane" pieces are: Hail Columbia, Hunting Song, llanns
war des alien Harinssen Sobn, Washington's March, and Yankee Doodle.
SWISS SHELTER TO REFORMED KKlToK/.s.
Despite the engagements to France which Switzerland bad entered
into, it never ceased to give shelter to the French refugees who fled to es-
cape the persecutions of Louis — to tbe Waldenses and tbe Huguenots.
After tbe revocation of the Edict of Nantes, sixty-six thousand emigrants
are said to bave found shelter in Switzerland. Amongst the Swiss cities
Geneva stands out conspicuously and honorably by her great benevolence.
Not to speak of the vast amount of private assistance given, tbe muni-
cipality spent on tbe relief of the religious refugees no less a sum tban
five million ilorins between lC8o and 1720,
— Story or the Nations,
THE HElDEUiERU CATECHISM.
It has been the oriilammc of our Sacramental host for over ten meli-
orations. It enshrines tbe faith sealed by tbe blood of thousands and
hundreds of thousands of martyrs in past ages. — CYRUS 0>RT.
92 HISTORICAL XOTES.
Rev. John Andrew Strassburger.
BY EIKXKY S. DOTTEKER.
While in Germany, in 180(5, the ancestry of Rev. Join: Andrew
Strassburger, minister of the Reformed Church in Bucks county, iras
communicated to me by Jacob Strassburger, Burgcnncistcr of Ober-1
heim. The line of descent is from Johann Ulrich Strassburger, the great-
grandfather of Rev. John Andrew Strassburger:
1. Johann Ulrich Strassburger, of Ober-Diebach, was united in mar-
riage, on the 20th of February, 1715, with Maria Elisabetha, widow of a
certain Peter Fliickcn, of Obcr-Ingelheim. Tbeii first child was:
2. johann Andreas Strassburger, born January 19, 1716, who was
united in marriage, July 21, 1751, with Catharina Rosina Kolb. Two
children were born to them: Christine Strassburger, born October 2, 1751 :
and' John Andreas Strassburger, born January 2-1, 1754. John Andrew
Strassburger (horn January 19, 1716,) came to America in the ship
Minerva, from Rotterdam, via Portsmouth, which arrived a1 Phila-
delphia in October, 1769. On the 13th of October, 17<'>(.), he signed the
declaration. Ue was a school teacher. He located in llilltown town-
ship, Bucks county, and is buried in the Tohickon churchyard, in Rtx*k-
hill township. The opinion is expressed by a member of the family thai
John Andrew Strassburger (born January 10, 17H>) returned to (Jomiany,
but came out to Pennsylvania a second time, and remained here until his
death. Catharina Rosina Kolb, his wife, died at Ober-Ingelheim March
15, 177L
3. John Andrew Strassburger, Second, horn, in (Jcrniany, January
24, 1754, came to America, with his father in the year 1769; married.
in 1780, Eva Jaeger; died April 27. 1825. He learned the trade of tan-
ning, and was successful in amassing a considerable fortune. He and his
wife arc. buried at Zionsvillc church, Lehigh county. Pa. They had
seven children, the fourth being
4. John Andrew Strassburger, Third, the subjecl of this sketch, who
was born, in Upper Milford township, Lehigh county, Pennsylvania,
October 3, 1796; married (first), September 1"), 1818, Catharine Stout,
and (second) Mrs. Anna Worman, maiden name Stover: died, at Sellers-
ville, Pa., May 2, l'N(H). Catharine Stout, daughter of Henry and
Elizabeth (Kern) Stout, was horn November 1, 1 70S; died Octol
1838. The children of Rev. John Andrew and Catharine (Stout; Strass-
burger were:
Nero S. Strassburger, horn August 7, 1810, married Diana K. Dirk-
enshied; died at Allentown, Pa.
Louisiana Strassburger, born November 2 I, 1820; married Klias llart-
zell; died January 1. 1809.
(Jideon Strassburger, born February 20, 1822: married, in the
HISTORICAL XOTKB. 93
West, Fanny Wood; engaged in railroading; lived and died al Lad
Wis. His death occurred the latter part of 1S72.
Reuben Y. Strassburger, born at Bridgetown, October 1, 1823;
married, January 21, 1847, Elizabeth X. Schwenk; died, at Sehwenksville,
August U, 1-872, Elizabeth Z. Schwenk, daughter of Jacob and Lena
(Ziegler) Schwenk, was bom, in Skippack township, September 24, IS21.
Stfrassburgcr (a son), born April 8, 1825; died three
hours after bfofth.
Elizabeth S. Strassburger, born February 25, 1820; married,
March 12, I.S-Ui, Dr. Aaron F. Shelly; died in Philadelphia, November 9,
1880. Dr. Aaron F. Shelly, son of Francis and Catharine (Funk) Shelly,
was born, in Great Swamp, Bucks county, February 10, 1823; died in
Philadelphia, October 13, 1883. They are buried at Laurel Hill ceme-
tery, Philadelphia.
Henry Stout Strassburger, horn November 2, 1S27; married, Sep-
tember 22, 18G0, Margaret Kay Graeff; resides in Philadelphia, Mar-
garet Hay Graeff was born October 2, 1836.
Strassburger (a (laughter), horn November 21, 1829; lived
only eleven hours.
Mary Strassburger, horn December 20, 1830; married Jesse D.
Hartzell; resides at Bridgetown, Bucks county. Fa.
Catharine Strassburger, horn Nov. In, 1832; died Aug. 17, 1834.
Andrew S. Strassburger, (twin with Sarah), horn l)eceml>er 31,
1833; married, September 2-5, 1858, Margaret Amelia Lorah; died near
Amity ville, Berks county, Fa.
Sarah Strassburger (twin with Andrew), born December 31,
1833; died July lo, 1834.
Noah Strassburger^ born F-eltfunry 23, 1 N;i<; ; died .luly 11. 1836.
John Andrew Strassburger studied for the ministry under Rev. Samuel
Helticnstein, 1). 1)., of Philadelphia. September 10, 1818, at Carlisle,
Fa., he was licensed to preach by the Synod of the German Reformed
Church. He was chosen, while still a student, to the pastomte of the
charge composer! of the Tohiekon, lndianlield and Charlestown congrega-
tions, in Bucks county. Here he labored from the beginning to the end
of his ministry, from Easter, ISIS, to June, 1854. At the close of Ins
ministry a circular, printed in English and Germali, was issued to the
members of his congregations. The English version was as follows:
KKSIONATION.
After due notice, the Consistories of the four united Congregation*, to
wit: Indian-Field, Charlestown, Tohiekon, and Ridge Road — assembled
in lxid*j:e Rtiad Church, on Saturday afternoon, at 1 o'clock, on which
occasion the Pastor of said charge handed in his resignation, \; :
On account o^ bodily and mental debility. 1, J. A. Strassburger,
resigii mv ministerial charge amongst vou, after a servitude of thirtv->ix
94 IIIOTOKICAIi SOTRS.
years and tlncc months; during wImgIi time al>out three thousand ehil-
drcn were received by infant holy Baptwm; fifteen hunched and ninety-
live nicDiIici's by Confirmation, after Catechetical instruction*: twelve
hundred and thirty-five couple were instituted in the holy liondfl of wed-
lock, by matrimonial ceremony; one thousand and forty-four committed
to their long and solitary home, on which occasions funeral uMn -- ■ -
were delivered.
That the great Shepherd of his flock may soon bless you again with
a pious and faithful Pastor, is the solemn wish and humble prayer of
yours affectionately irt the Lord, J. A. STKAssRruoEit
Ridge Road Church, Rockhill fcsp., Bucks Co.. July 14, 1854.
Rev. N. S. Strassburger. son of Rev. John Andrew Btrassburger, was
invited to become a candidate for tin1 vacant pastorate, bu1 he ileclineil to
allow his name to be used.
The words on the gravestone of Rev. J. A. Strassburger, in lite
Indian Creels Reformed churchyard, arc:
Rev'1. J. A. Rtrassburger,
Born Oct. 8, 17U(>,
Died May 2, I KIM).
As a minister M the ( ionium
LVforniol ( 'lnucli, lie served
the Indian Creek, Tahtcknit,
Chailcstow ii and liidgc I load
Congregations, from April,
1S18, t<» .July, ISol.
KKV. X. s. sTi;.\ssnn;<;i:i:, i>. i>.,
was horn August 7, lS.lt), in the Reformed pa l^oiiagc. near Sellers villc., l'a..
and died at Allentown, June 27, 18S8. lie graduated from Marshall
College, at Mercersburjr, in 1844. He studied theology in the seminary
at Mcrcersburg from 1844 to 1847, and was licensed to preach l>y (aoshon-
hoppen Classis May K>, 1847, and ordained November II. LS47. lie
served as a home missionary, taking charge of weak, distracted congrega-
tions, and restoring peace, and then resigning them to form parts «.f
charges. Thus he served Friedensburg, 1S47— 'o9; Prieetown, ls17-'"»l;
Huber's church, 1847-52; Boyertown, is is- 53; Pottstown, I84fl
Amity, 1849-'G3; Limerick, 1 853-' ('»:»; Bamnstown, ISG1-G.°»; Allen-
town, 1808-'8l. When he resigned* in 1881, Allentown had four K>
formed congregations^ when* he found one. lie preached German and
English in all his charges, lie helped to organize the College for Women
at Allentown, and taughl there four years, as he did also temporarily in
the earlier years of Muhlenberg College. He wrote the Child's CnUvhism
in 1801, compiled the' Sunday-school Hymnal in 1S7S, and contributed
articlefe to the Review and Messenger. He translated seventl works into
German, among them the Liturgy* He was slated clerk o\ Goshcnhoppcn
Classis, 1848-6&; East Pennsylvania Classic isii-l-'so, and Lehigh
Classis, L880, to the time of his death. He was also treasurer nf l.ehi-'n
HISTORICAL NOTES.
Classls from 1880 unit] his resignation, a week previous to hia death. He
was married, November 27, 1849, to Miss Diana E. Dickenshied, a
daughter of Dr: Charles F. Dickenshied; ol Lower Mil ford. Pa, She
born November 9, 1818, and died Augusl 15, 1890.
The record of the birth of the children of Johann Ulrich Strassburger
is in the church book, now in the public office (Standesamt) at Obcr-
Ingclheim.
There is a handsome Protestant church at Obcr-Ingelheim, which
dates from the 13th century. It was restored about twenty-five years .
Ober-Ingelheim is located south of the Rhine on the railroad between
Bingen and Mayenee. It is in the midst of a rich wine producing dis-
trict. The red wine bearing the brand Ober-Ingelheim is known the
world over.
Additional genealogical information obtained from Burgernieister
Strassburger may be fonnd in The Perkioinen Region, Volume Two,
Number ^ix.
Moravian Notes.
COMMUNICATED BY .7 No. W. .lol.'DAN, OF ' THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OK
PENNSYLVANIA.
STACK KOl'TE.
In July of 17-12 the Moravians established a postal and express ser-
vice between Bethlehem and Philadelphia; four postillions were appoint-
ed. The service was the following:
Leave Bethlehem on .Monday and proceed as far as Falkncr's Swamp,
and put up at llolstein's; thence to Gerinantown by Tuesday evening;
Wednesday to Philadelphia, and return to Gcrmantown for the night;
Thursday to Falknci's Bwanip and put up at Henry Arites's; peach Reth-
lehcm by Friday evening.
ATCl STINK NEISSER,
the celebrated cloekmaker of (iermantown, was horn at Schlcn. Moraxia.
in 1717, and iled to llerrnhut with his parents in ] 7"_)-"». lie married,
November, 1770, Catharine Reisinger, Rev. Michael Schlatter performing
the ceremony. Issue: George Henry Neisser. horn 1771: Augustine
Neisser, horn 1774; Jacob Neisscr, horn 1 774. The old cloekmaker died
at (iermantown in March of L780,
SEBASTIAN HENRY knaiss,
a son of Ludwig and Anna Margaret ha (maiden name Gorlach) Knauss,
born October G, 1714, at Titelsheim, in the Wctterau. He was brought up
in the Reformed Chuwh, Came to Pennsylvania in 1723. January 1.
1741, he marrie<] Anna Catherine Transuc. United with the Moravian
90 HISTORICAL KOTRS.
movement while learning his trade of wagonwright* with Henry .'
Visited Bethlehem in 17-12, united with the congregation ;il Emails* in
1747, where he died, February 2(>, 1777. Union blessed with eight boya
and three girls. J lis sons were:
Henry Knauss, horn X»)vembcr 23, 1711.
Leonard Knauss, born January S, 1745.
John Knauss, bom November G, 1748.
Joseph Knauss, bom October 11, 1750.
Abraham Knauss, born March 1, 1755.
Jacob Knauss, bom January 2G, 17">7.
John Ludwig Knauss, bom May 17, 1750.
Philip Knauss, born October 25, 1767.
ENDT — BECHTEL — ANTES.
Bishop J. C. F. Cammerhofi", writing to Zinzendorf, states (1717 i:
"Jolni Beehtel's house m Germantown, \\^c<\ for a school, was next
to Theobald Endt's house, and also near that of John Stephen lVne» ■?."
Charles J. Wister, of Germantown, who has two chairs and a walnut
stand presented to his grandfather by Count Zinzendorf, told me in 18711
that the Endt house was still standing, on the west side of (Iermantown
avenue, near the corner of Queen street. Jt was built of stone, 2-storied.
The Seventh Pennsylvania Synod was held in Endt's house.
Several burials were made in the garden of the Bechtel l<»t.
John Bechtel was ordained April 2'2< 174*2, by Bishop David Xitsrh-
mann, at (iermantown.
Henry Antes was ordained October '27, 1748, "Conscnior I'ivilig" at
Bethlehem.
MOUNTAINS AND MEN.
Mountains are a blessing. They give strength to their inhabitants.
They lift their children towards heaven. Their Fountains bear freshness
and fruitful years to the plains. Their foundations fear not the storm's
wild sweep. Unshaken they breast the howling tempest. To sec this
and ponder over it, adds to one's strength, and nerves him in battle.
They relieve the sameness of scenery; thev give lieauty to the landseape.
With all their rugged outside, thev are gentle and lovely. The teiirlerest
plant arid the tallest trees alike find their home on its slopes. It rocks
cradle the baby-plant; and train the giant oak. 'Tis so with great men.
They are the mountains in the landscape oi humanity, pointing and lift-
ing souls toward God and heaven. — B. Bai -man.
A MARRIAGE EJGIITY YEARS AGO,
Married, on the loth inst., by the Uev, Mr. Keller, the lb v. Mr.
J. A. Strasshurger, of Koekhill township, to Mix Catharine Smut, of
Hill town township. — Duylestown Correspondent and Farmer's Advocate,
Tuesday, September 22, 1 s ] s.
HISTORICAL NOTES
RELATING TO THE
PENNSYLVANIA REFORMED CHURCH.
VOL. I. No. 7. November 10, 1899.
$1.00 pek Annum.
Edited by Henry S. Dotterer.
Perklomen Publishing Co.,
1005 N. Thutbemth Stklet,
PHILADKLPH1A.
Random Thoughts*
A reproach to our denomination is its
failure to provide homes for the poor and
helpless, and hospitals for the sick and
incurable.
Whether we are less liberal than other
churches similarly situated is not entirely
certain. Much of our membership is in
rural districts, where, at best, little more
than a livelihood may be earned. In
former times the tillers of the soil in the
interior districts had a hard tight to make
a living. They gave to the Church the
minutest gifts. A cent was the rule.
There was some excuse, under the cir-
cumstances. The children and grand-
children of these people regard the mite
of their ancestors, it is to be feared, as
quite enough. The idea of self-denial
hardly enters into the matter. The mite
was blessed for the poor widow, but it
will be a curse to the well-to-do farmer,
the wealth)' merchant, or the millionaire
manufacturer.
It is a sad thing to sit under a mediocre
minister trying to unravel the mysteries
of the theologies of the Fathers. The
simple-minded folk vainly try to under-
stand, what he is saying. Can an un-
learned man or woman get" a blessing
from such preaching? Can theology
save a soul, at best? Why not teach the
simple truths proclaimed by Christ-
repent and be baptized, love (\*n\, and
your neighbor as yourself? Every one
of sound mind can be touched by appeals
to accept Christ and llis teachings.
We hear much in Reformed Church
literature of Christ as the centre of a pro-
found system of theology, but little ^i
Him as the only hope of a sinful world's
salvation.
Gleams of Light.
Said a pastor from the pulpit on Sun-
day morning: "The King's Daughb
our congregation are doing good. They
distribute flowers among the sick; they
have furnished two rooms in the Home
for Incurables; they do many quiet acts
of kindness and benevolence, carrying
comfort to the sick and distressed."
The Women's Missionary Society of
one of our congregations, according to
the annual report, collected the sum of
seventy-four dollars and eighty-seven
cents dming the past year, for lie cause
of missions. ''This sum," said the pas-
tor, "I feel free to say, is just so much
over and above what our congregation
would have contributed if the Women's
Missionary Society had not been organ-
ized."
An aged, widowed lady, during the
greater part of her lifetime in easy cir-
cumstances, now finds herself without
means of support and quite dependent
upon her friends and strangers for the
necessaries of life. Among her friends
are two who are able to give her some
assistance. These two in turn have in-
duced a wealthy Christian lady to add
something. A remote relative has found
it possihle to make some contribution.
The Church has supplemented these gifts.
Many Christian aets, by unassuming
members oi our congregations, art' per-
formed, unknown to any but the giveis;
and the recipients.
The spirit of Christ's teachings is still
at work. The instances staled above are
gleams of light shining through the dark-
ness of indifference and apathy.
B8 HISTORICAL KOTES.
Death of David Boehm. and was buried at Apple's Church, Xo-
.'..„, , ,. , x. , wiiihcr s, lv.i'i. Hannah Solliday was
David IkiMini, who died, November 3. , , r , .... 1C1U ,. , ¥
lorMI . . ... ' ., born March 2i), 1 8 IK, and di.-d January
ISO!), at Leith\ lUQ, .Northampton counlv, .,_ ..,,,., ,r, .... . ,,
,, , ,' ., ,,,,.,: 2/, 1892. rhrce children survive: Mary
Fa., was a descendant of llev. JohnPhihp A, ,> , w-u- n o •
-,, .. . , ... ,, . f M. Ho Inn, William JI. Po-hm, and
Bochm, the founder of the German branch , , ,, . ,, . , ,
.-. ' . .,,. . . , , . Isabella A. Ixehiu, wim oi Amandus
ot the Keformcd (hutch in Pennsylvania.
i r, w t • , ' •,. Benner.
James P. More, .Justice ot the Peace,
Hellertown, Pa., kindly furnishes His- The Perfciomen Region.
torical Notes with the line of descent . . .. . ,.. . . .
.. ,. • , ,, . ,• , ., ,.f.n. Number N«ven oi \olmnr J wo ot tlu>
ot David I.o'luu, from Anthony AN llham • , , , • • , ,
T> , -, ' serial has been issued, with these contents:
Bcehm down: _,.
.., , . .. , . Editorials.
We begin the genealogy several gener- ., ., ... ■ r<
. °., . , *■ ' Recent Publications: Snyder (ountv
ations farther hack. __ . _. „ . : ,
, ,-, ". ... . . ,, , Marriages; 1 he I enns\ lvania Dutchman.
1. Kev. Philip Lewis Bcehm was horn, , .... • ,, , ■' ,, , m ■■•
,„.,. . .. . . rTA _, ,, ... and Wherein I le has Excelled; I he Jhs-
in 1645, at porlieim. [Dr. (rood's His- , . ... ,, .. ., -,.
, .. .. . '- „ . . , tory ot the Wagcnscller lannlv; The
tory oi the Reformed Church in the ... . ... ,. . , ,, ,
ir . , ,,. . '_ ... Origin nt the I niversitv ot Penn>vlvania.
United States, page 89.1 I lis son, ^ _ . -.
n ,, . , „. ... J „ , ' Davs Devoted to P. search Abroad—
2. Rev. John Philip Beohm, born at „ , „ ., ,,. ,,
„ , , . , . ,. ,Jt ' , Pennsvlvania lannlv History lound ai
Hochstadt, and baptized there, November ., ."
o- i/'oo it l.iii iSeucnatel.
2d, 3083. lie was elected schoolmaster ..... ... ,, • • • ,
t. w at i ii .wo ii p • kihan l\eelv, a Primitive Settler m
at Worms, March 11, 1708. Ifofnrc going ,> ,, .
i w i • . . .v, . haikner swamp.
to Worms he was married to Anna Maria . . r„. v,
HMUw, bis Brst «if... [B-of. W. J. * '' * '"" ' N"">'
1Jf. i • d ,- , /., , ,, [lenrv Antes. A papc?r prepared bv
Hmke, in Pelormed Church Messenger, ,, \ ,, . , ., . '
tx, in ....... -, „ ., . . llenrvN Dotterer, and read at raglcvs-
I\Iay 10, 1SDS.] Cam© to Pennsylvania ... • i in iJckj
i i i~!„ rra i i , ville, March P>, lsi's.
about 1/1°. Ihev had, among others. „ ' _
,, . ,, ,,.'•,,. ,, , , 1 he J rappc ^events -I- ive ^ ears Ago.
.». Anthonv William Bcehm, born ai .. . . , .. .;. ..
,u . .' u_ ._.. . . ,, (ileamngs in Old lulds.
Worms, April 27, 1/14; married Hannah _, , .. .
!»,.,.. .. , . .. ,. ,_.,. riI. 1 reasuri'd N olumes.
Philhs ; died April 0, 17oG. Tlhs- , .
, .v w , a- i /x .,i Our Kovolntionarv Mres.
torical Notes, Volume One, pace :>. ... .,,,*.
„M , , .... J Our kinstolk and Acquaintance. Con-
Ihey had one child, * ... .
. ,,, ... .. , . ,._ . tributed b\- Michael heed Minnich.
4. IMiilij) Bcehm, born at what is n<»w 14 " , .. . . . ,, ,
,, „ , ., T, . ,_,_ Payments Cor Larlv Land Purcha>es in
Jlellertown, Pa., December 14, 1/4/; ,,'.,. .
. , . ., , ., . .. ... the Perkiomen ( ountrv.
married Anna Parbara Schreiber; died ,, , „ / ....
f. . , ... -,,,.,.-, m, , , . Marriages bv Nev. CicK>rge Wack.
October 10, 1832. Ihey had four sons
and four daughters — Anthonv Bcehm, nj < i
Philip B(elim, John lUehm, David Po-hm. INeucnatCh
Catharine P..ehm, Susanna Rcehin, Mary HY ,n:NUY s- ""«»
Pxehni and l'Jizabeth Pxchm. Xeuchatel, on the lake o\ the same
5. Anthony Bcehm was born at Heller- name, in the eastern part of Switzerland,
town, January 11, 1770; married .Airs, is a cit\ of nire attraction to the Poform-
Catharine Hartman (nee Geissinger), ed churchman. In thi> section the
April 1, 1X01; died March (i. 1845. Tivo l^iem-h language prevail.-. A stet^p hill
Children survived them: Mary Po-hm, or bluff rises from ilu lake; at the fool,
mother of James P. More, Justice oi the upon the sides and upon ihe Bnuiniit ul
Peace, Hellertown, Pa.; Susanna Biehiu, t he eminence, the city is built. Orapc-
Elizabeth Po-hm, David Btvhin, Solo- are cult ivated here, and one i< nininded
mon P>oshm. Their SOU, of Naples and the i-land of Capri by the
(>. David Po-hm was born at Holler- many walls and pat h\\ay< upon the hill-
town, September I. ">, 1S12; married Han- >'ules. and 1>\ the men and w-mu-n do-
nah Solliday, of Springfield township, scendiug and ascending. On clear days
Bucks county; died November ::, isimi, a magnificent view spivtuls v-ut Ix'fore the
HlSTOinrAL NOTES. 99
visitor; the lake lined with picturesque enta at all times, but especially wlten
villages and landings in the foreground, stranger*! in a foreign bind. Count de
the snow-covered Alps in the distance. Salig is :> gentleman of broad culture and
The cathedral, dating prior to the liefor- wedded to art; and is in charge of the
mation, is the most, conspicuous object in local museum of art and antiquities.
the view of the city from the lake. The He is a citizen of England as well as
castle is beside it. They are of the 12th of Switzerland. Prof. Godet is the head
century, and are located on a spot about of the School of Theology. He wasd
half-way up the mountain side. Here ly interested in the sufferings of the
the faith of the Reformers supplanted Armenians in Turkey and of the Stund-
that of the Romish Church in 1-5550. ists in Russia. lie issued* pamphlets in
William Farel was the man who brought French and German describing the un-
about the change. A memorial tablet speakable horrors of Turkish fiendish -
was erected three hundred years after the ness, which then, and which since have
accomplishment of this Work. It reads: even more, -hocked the Christian world;
(Juillaume . Farel and he was instrumental in collecting
Keforinateiir large sums of money to be applied to the
en . 1530. amelioration of the condition of these
Jubile6.* de "ikio. "n,,aPl'-v a'ristian l"'"''1"- '" ,hr l,on,ca
of these families we were shown many
We were accompanied in our visit to S()im.nirs :llul m.on,s pertaining to .he
the old church and (he environing poll Us ^^ fnmily Countese de Salis and
by two residents of Xeuehatel, of lVnn- Mad|Ulie (i(uKl( sm. t,u. daughters of
sylvama ancestry, great-great-great-grand- (Ml.irlrs Jwepll LaTrobe. |il>t Lieutenant
daughtersof Philip Lreder.ek Antes, who tioviinior of Victoria. Australia; grand-
was a member of John Philip [fcohm's cfclll„lllcrp lrf Krv. christian [gnatius
congregation at Falkner Swamp, in the L.yfVnh(.. grottt-graiKldanglitfW of Anna
year 1728, and doubtless one of the found- M.,,,r.nv, ,,'., An((.s< uilr „f lVnjamiu
ers of the congregation on the Mth of UTrobc; Kivat-great-grauddaughters of
October, 1725. These ladies were Countess n ^^ (),- FlV(U.ru.k U»Wliship,
de Salis and Madame Godet, wile of Rev. >IontgDmerv (,mn,v. Pennsylvania; and
Prof. Georges Godet. They made our great.grcat^lvat.graiKidaughtcreof Philip
visit of exceeding interest. They are ,,1V(k>,.i(.k Antes, emigrant from 1'ivin-
thoroughly familiar with the history of s|u>im jn {Uv |ihcuisll Palatinate, m
the town, the church, the castle, the ,.-a,klu.r sua.np, in IVnn>ylvauia.
Reformation period and the church affairs
of our times. They pointed out to us Dr# Good's New History,
every object and place of interest, and
gave us descriptions of the carvings, the
monuments, the choir, the organ, the
statues, and the other interior furnish-
ings of the church, and told us of the
A Briof Review of This Important
Work.
BY IIKNKV s. l>on I.KI K.
History of the Reformed Chureh in the
United Slates, 1 72V 17'.»2. By ftav.
past customs and celebrations here. At . , ,.,,., .
1 , ,, „„ Prof. Janus 1. (iood. I), !>.. author of
present three different congregations wor- . . . . ,, . , . ,, .
\. . . ,i . ! , uk ,, the "Origin hi the Reformed Churrli
■ hip in the cathedral at alternate hours , ....,,,, in
. . , , i L. i »,M m (icrmanv. "Rum hies bound Iw-
during the week and Sundays. Tl
ladies were pleased to meet tourists com-
ing from the home of their ancestors in
Pennsylvania, familiar with the careers
of those ancestors, and extended to us,
during our three days' sojourn in N'eu- It is nearlx fifty years since Henr\
chatel, hospitalities warm and hearty, llarbangh gave to the Chureh and tl.e
such as delight the hearts of the recipi- world his 1 ife of Michael Schlatter ami
formed Lands." and "Historical Hand-
book of the Kef.. lined Church in the
l'. S." beading. Pa.: Paniel .Miller.
Publisher. lv>o Svo; ?0H pp.
UK) HISTORICAL KOTKS.
The Xivcs of the* fouiiers of the Reformed the venerable leaves; my pager i
Church. From that time to thin, these scanned every word on the precious
works have been regarded as standard l,:i-('s-
authorities upon the subjects whereof In my enthusiasm I wrote to I>r. Good:
they treat, and they have been u-v(\ and '4,n ,Im' "chive* m Tins Hague ispreserv-
a})propriate<l by writers without number. ,,(1 ;1 ">>!"'>• «« the firel twenty-five yean
They were by many considered ex- ,}i ,1k' Pennsylvania Reformed Church,
haustive ami Jinal as to on r early Penn- written by John Philip Inehin." A feu
sylvania Church history. months litter, Dr. Good wa* in Glasgow
Now this is all changed. Four years at the International Conference of P< -
ago, namely on the 2t)th of November, formed Chinches, and at London. As
ISO."), ] sailed I'oi' Europe for the purpose soon as his representative duties at the
of making search for traces of the names, Conference were ended, he crossed th<-
nativity and history of emigrants from North Sea, spurred by the energy and
the Continental States to Pennsylvania — diligence which marks his pulpit,
who constituted the main body of the total and literary labors, and repaired t-»
colonists of our Province. My purpose The Hague to delve into the treasures of
was not at all to write Church history; Pennsylvania Church history in tin-
that J regard as the province of others, archives. In the preface t<> the work
fitted by appropriate training for the now under consideration lie makes cour-
work. toons acknowledgment of my agency in
In my search for names and facts as to this matter.
the personality of the men who left the The central feature of l>r. Good's his-
ports of Holland for Philadelphia, 1 found tory is the production of the minutes of
in the Archives of the General Synod of the Ccet us, succinct and unbroken, from
the Reformed C))urch of the Netherlands, beginning to end ol that historic organi-
at The Hague, several volumes and bun- nation. This occupies three hundred and
dies of manuscripts consisting of the cor- fifty pages of his book. These minutes
respondeR.ee between the Dutch Church have been carefully preserved in The
and the Pennsylvania Church, covering Hague this hundred and more years, and
the period that the former sustained the now hove come t" light lo clear up the
latter, and that the latter observed alio- history of the Church here daring the
giance to the former, say from about 17-(.) colonial era. Kor this alone the author is
to 1780. Among these papers was a entitled to t he gratitude o! the Church.
statement prepared by Ilev. John Philip More valuable perhaps to lay renders Is
Boehm giving a full and considerably- the wealth of information, hitherto un-
detailed account of what happened in his printed and unknown in America, re-
experience as founder of and lighter for garding the nativity and li\c< tA the
the infant Reformed Church of Pennsyl- earliest Reformed ministers who came to
vaiiiii during (lie nearly twenty- five years Pennsylvania — Samuel ttuldin, John
from 1720 to 17 14. My eyes first rested Philip ruehm, Peter Henry l>or*in* and
upon these papers on the 71 h of January, George Michael Weiss. These facts were
1S«)(). Explorer never experienced greater gat hered n<>t only in The Hague, but ill
joy at first sight of land, long sought. n«>w widely separated points in Switzerland
found, than did I at the discovery of this and tier many as well. In this portion of
great mass of facts, written by the hands the work, USafclO in the POpying of the
of the1 tory actors in the dramatic scenes Holland records, Rev, I'rof. \\\ J. Hi like
which marked the early years of our was t he ellicient and pain-taking Colleague
Church in Pennsylvania. I was the first of In. Good.
Pennsylvania!! to handle these writings We must admire the judgment ami di>-
since they had left our shores, one hun- action observed by the author in Ids
dred to one hundred and seventy years treatment of the controversies and church
ago. Nervous with excitement 1 turned quarrels which hlemisli lair Colonial
HISTORICAL NOTES. 101
Church history. He docs not — indeed, these easy-going writers will have oeca-
can not — ignore them; but from trie sion tonne.
almost inexhaustible mass of matter, Dr. Good's book will without question
manuscript and printed, transmitted to have a large sale. A new edition will in
Holland- from Pennsylvania, by the con- time be called for. When thai time
tending parties on our side to the patient come* it may be wise to make some re-
Church authorities there, he extract? virion. The tteiff article, for example,
those facts which help to illustrate our deserves different treatment. The Ktory
history and lets rest in obscurity the mis- of Schoolmaster Bcehm's tribulations in
chievous stuff to which misguided men Worms and Lambflheim may well l*' cut
gave utterance. down one-half <>)• two-thirds. A more
There is an exception to every rule. ] particular account of h'ev. .John Philip
cannot refrain from finding fault with the L(\v,li('h, whose antecedents have recent-
seven pagos4evoted to the Heiff Accounts. '>' bee" ascertained, deserves a place: he
Dr. Good leaves Mr. Reiff where Dr. came with clean credentials, and served
Harbaugh left him— under the stigma of in the ministry without reproach. In
dishonesty. As far hack as 1885, I took Bome to*4imo», too, the diction of the
the trouble to show that Mr. Reiff was wo»k is Busceptible of improvement. Dr.
unjustlv charged with dishonor; The Gootl is ,K'V('r superficial; every line
storv is too long to repeat here; hut it can bristles with facts. His style, however,
be seen and read upon application at the is> now and then, commonplace, lie is
rooms of the Historical Society of L'enn- so tl,!1, ol 1,IS mh)eci ,l,al hc ,iaa litt,c
sylvania. Mr. Reiff was one of the fore- ear* for literary polish. A more dignified
most men of Teutonic origin in I'ennsvl- Phraseology would be an advantage.
vania in his time. He ranked with Mnt,cv «hI Maaiuluy did not disdainele-
Michacl Hillcgass, Conrad Weiser, Daniel -;m,v oi expression. AN ith these emen-
1 Hester and Henry Antes as a man of Nations the volume is entitled to stand a
business, lie held for many vears, after '»»»«"™.nt, clear-cut and sufficient, oi the
,, .. ,! ,, .. . ., , Colonial history of our Church.
the occurrence ot the collecting tour and •
, , , ,, ... ,• i . i> • . Dr. Good's present production is the
trouble, the position oi deputy Register ' . '
,, , , ., n • ', . . outcome ol \ ears ot research. Heloreand
ueneral under tlie rrovincml uovern-
T, . , , . . , .. since the discovery ot the Pennsylvania-
ment. It cannot be admitted lor a . •
, ., . ., i( ... , ., . Holland correspondence he has rcpeatod-
moment that the authorities ot lVnns * . , . ■
. . , , - ly crossed the Atlantic to make historical
government would tolerate a man ol .* . _. . . .
, . ■. ., ., ... . . investigations. 1 he result is a series ol
doubtful honest v m the o'lice having to ; ...
.,: ;, .. ... . ., , valuable works on Reformed ( hurch his-
do with the disposition ol the estates oi . . ■
. . , . tory. the latest being the notrworthv
the men ol means ol the country. It is • "... ,. '
, , , . . ' ... DOOK now under consideration. 1 e\\
to be honed that (»ur historians will take . .
, . stop to think ol the expense and lalx-r
the pains to get the exact tacts in this ..... , .. .
. ..... , incurred in this work. lew ijossess i|u.
case, m order that injustice mav no longer .,, , , , . ,
' ... • unselfish enthusiasm to do such work,
be done to Jacob Keill. , , , . .... .
Many there are who never, willingly,
Dr. (iood's history starts' a new era. perform a service without exacting recoin-
flereaiter his book must he consulted by pense. Dr. Lioodis not of the latter cIusk
those mild historians who undertake to hi true altruistic spirit, he devote* his
write church histories and personal mem- energies, his talent-, and his mean- to
orials. Heretofore Dr. llarbaugh's works achievement for the good of others.
have served this purpose. To many of Will the Reformed Church appreciate
these inert, authors it never ocelli's to take the magnificent service performed hy Dr.
the trouble to add an original fact to what Cood ? The ICnglish-reading literary
they read in the printed hook. Tin' public in all lands will. The interest in
wealth of facts marshalled in this new the 'Talaiines" extends far beyond our
history will go far to furnish all thai ( hurch membership.
102 IIXSTOKTCAL VOTES.
The Protest Against the Ordination of Rev.Boehm, May J 0, J 730.
I'.Y I* |<OP. W. J. II1XKR,
When Mr. Dottorer delivered his Interesting address on tin- history of
the Palkncr Swamp congregation, in October, I8W, the names <»f the
opponents of Rev. Ba»hm, who protected againsl hi- ordination, irei
unknown. Fortunately this is no longer the ease, for in the Bummer «»f
last year. I discovered the original protest in the archives of the (
Amsterdam. Por many years it had remained hidden, together with
some other ( Jermai: Reformed documents, in a portfolio of Dutch letters
from New York; for which reason previous investigators had overlooked it.
This protest has an interesting history. When Rev. George Michael
Weiss landed in Philadelphia, on September 18, 17:27. and heard shortly
after his arrival that John Philip Bnehm was ministering to the Reformed
congregations without ordination, he protested most vigorously against his
work. On October 2, 17_!7, he wrote to Boehni's congregation in the
Concstoga valley. Lancaster county, that Bo?hm had no right to preach t<>
them; that he had neither been examined nor ordainec I; that he had n<»t
the requisite qualifications for a minister; and that no regularly ordained
minister could recognize him or his work. With such arguments he tried
to invade all of Bu4im's congregations, to take them away from him if
possible. As a result an unfortunate quarrel disturbed the peace of the
congregations for several years. Some of them, like Palkncr Swamp,
Whitemarsh and Tulpehoeken, remained faithful to Bcchm; others, like
Philadelphia, Oonestoga and Goshcnhoppcn, went over to \\'» iss. The
most unfortunate condition prevailed at Kkippack. Mere the congregation
was divided. The party of Weiss, headed by Jacob Reiff, and ussisteil hy
Peter and Michael Hi llegas, MJchaei Scliniidt and John Dicmcr, M. 1>..
of Philadelphia, heeame very violent in their demonstrations against
Bcehni. On March 10. 1728, they hroke u|> a service held by Brehm as
usual in the house of Jacob Reiif, and refused to grant him the further
use of the house. This condition of affairs heeame at last intolerable, and
hence in July, 1728, the consistories o\ the three congregations ^i Palkncr
Swamp, Whitemarsh and Skippack, petitioned the ( 'lassis of Amsterdam,
through the Dutch Reformed ministers of New York, to grant the ordina-
tion of Bkehm hy the New York brethren. This request was granted, and
on November '2<*>, 1 7*20, Bo»hm was ordained in New York, in the pres«»nce
of three of his elders as witnesses. ( )n the following day a reconciliation
between Weiss ami B<ehm was effected, in which Wei— promised \>
recoo'nize Btehm and not to interfere in his congregations any more.
Whether AVeiss kept his promise is difHcult to say; -<• much i< certain,
that Beehm com]>lained afterwards thaj he had not kept it. When \V» isw
went to Holland, in 1730, to collect money for his congregations, the
dissatisfied members at Skippack gave him their protest against Bo'lim's
HISTORICAL NOTES. 103
ordination to hand it to the Chassis of Amsterdam. The protest is in tin-
handwriting of John Diemer, who also wrote another, even more slander-
ous, report to the Synods of North and South Holland. The protest ra
supported by only two very weak arguments: First, they protest because
Boehm had deceived the Classis, since it had not been their wish that he
should be ordained. This is certainly a misstatement. Most of the
members of his congregations and certainly all of hi.- followers desired
his ordination. Of course his enemies were displeased with his bin
Second, they claim that the ordination is not valid because they had not
given their consent to it. Such a claim is certainly of no force nor value.
This protest, however, would not have been made, if the Classis had not
ordered Weiss to leave Skippack and confine himself to Philadelphia and
Germantown. The larger part of the letter is therefore filled with protests
and complaints of the adherents of Weiss, that they would not accept
Bcehm but were satisfied with the ministry of Weiss. When this letter
was laid before the Classis on September 4. 1730, it was referred to a
committee which reported, on October 2. that the ordination of Bu*hm
must necessarily be recognized. On December 5, 1730, the Classical
deputy, J. ]>akker, wrote a long letter to the "Friends and Elders of the
church of Skippack," in which he admonished them to submit to the
decision of Classis, to accept the ministry of Uev. B<ehm and live together
in peace and harmony. This very earnest and appropriate letter did not
have its desired result. Other ministers kept tip the strife begun by
Weiss, and after years of struggles and difficulties, the congregation ceased
to exist in 1717, when Wit pen was founded.
In conclusion we add the names of Bcehm's opponents:
Elders: l Wendel Keiipper
j Christophell Sehnhtt
"1 (ierhard (0. 1. 11. I In Dehaven
{ Hans Oeorg IJeiiT
Dewalt Jung Willhelm (X.) i Schmit
Johannes Scholl Jagoh Kebler
Johannes Lefeber Marte Hiltel>eudel
Johannes (11. ) Lcman Clrich Pteffen
•lost Ferer J oh an Jacob A null
Felix Guth Hans Atam (H. M.) Mauer
llenrich (11. ) Huwcr Johann Philb Ried
Jerg (1. G.) Gernan Philips llenrich Soller
Valentin ( V.H.A. ) Haussammen .Johannes Ldbo
Lorentz ( L. S. ) Schweitzer liastean Schmit
Johannes (O.) Willhe Hans Philb Stcinhein.lig
Peter Wence Jacob Heidsehuh
Nieklass Loseher Jacob Hanf (f)
Christian Weber .lost Schenler
Peter Borgcr David Montandon
Carl Ludwig Keipper llan> Jerg liaumann
Andres Hack Friedcrien SclioH
Lutwich (X.) Schefer, Jacel Ix?idy
Georg Pbilih Dodderer
104 HISTORICAL N'OTKS.
Marriages by Rev, George Wack.
COMMUNICATED BY \V. H. REED, PH. G., M. I>. , OF NORBISTOWK.
( Continued. )
306. December 1. George Detwiler and Cathrine Detwiler.
307. December 8. Isaac Shlater and Susanna Newman.
308. November 9. Samuel Zearfoss and Sarah Fries.
309. December 12. Benjamin Waxier and Leah Yeakle.
810. December 22. Jacob Been and Elizabeth John««on.
311. ■ December 26. Daniel Beaver and Cathrine Detwiler.
812. December 81. Jacob Fisher and Mary Reinhard.
1828.
818. January %, George JieifY and Cat) nine Ashenfclter.
314. January 12. Henry Zepp and Tirza Sellers.
815. January 21 Jacob Laixlis and Cathrine Miller.
316. January 23. Henry Primer and Mary Ilaupt.
317. January 28. Henry Peters and Anna Color.
818. February 8. Thomas Walton and Cathrine Zimmerman.
819. February 20. Samuel Wringler and Mary Lehman.
(>. Joseph Knipe and Susannah Shearer.
9. Henry Wilson and Cathrine Eble.
17. Peter Reiser and Elizabeth Been.
18. Henry Weikie& Porothy Rosenl»ergcr(wid.)
8. Samuel Fries and Maria MofTmau.
17. John Reaver and Lydia Steinljerger.
21. Elijah Summers and Mary Role.
327. September 4. J ohn Godschall and Margareth Lock.
328. September 14. Jacob Martin and Elizabeth Sands.
329. September )H. Samuel Smith and Elizabeth Weiguer,
830. September 23. Isaac Harrison and Elizabeth Miller.
831. October 12. William Cole and Cathrine Espenship.
832. October 21, Abraham Favinger and 1 lannah Spcre.
838. November 6. Christian Lightoap and Margnreth rloohcr.
1N24.
831. January ' 1. Philip Wanner and Sarah liciser.
8)8o. .January 18. David Pitlenhause and Sarah Smith.
8;>6. January 18, Christian Detwiler and Cathrine Heehner.
38)7. January IS. Seth Q. Col loin and Eliza Sorvcr,
838. February S. Abraham lb-ilY and Sarah PeiiV.
839. February 12. George Green wall and Sarah Concar.
840. February 12. Joseph Dewees and Eliza be tb Lukens.
841. February 12. Jesse Snyder and Lydia Rnipe.
842. February 12. Benjamin White and Cathrine Dungan.
320.
March
321.
March
822.
April
828.
May
824.
June
825.
August
826.
August
HISTORICAL XOT1X LOG
343. February 12. Absolom Cromwellg and Levenia Smith.
344. March 4. David Heebner and Mary ILihn.
345. March 7. Henry Hunsickcr and Cathrine Shoemaker.
340. March 14. John Bartolel and Cathrine Dettwiler.
347. March 25. Arnold Vanfossen and Ann Teany.
348. May 0. Henry Shellenberger & Sarah Thomas (Avid. )
349. May 30. John feucher and Rachel Wagner.
350. June 30. John Clenimens and Susannah NYissemer.
351. June 3. William Kinny and Elizabeth Cole.
352. June 0. George Leidy and Margareth Scheib.
353. July 8. Henry Leightcap and Hannah Roman.
354. September 13. Enoch Castner and Elizabeth Hoffman.
355. October 14. Conrad Colehaur and Rachel Garner.
350. November 27. Philip Summers and Ann Shutt.
357. December 2. Jacob Schlough and Susannah Grove.
358. December 2. William Pluck and Mary Hellings.
350. December 5. John Fulmer and Mary .lames.
3G0. December 7. Charles Hcndrix and Elizabeth Warner.
361. December 10. John Savior and Mary Heyser.
302. December 23. Jonathan Faley and Elizabeth Hartenstinc.
303. December 28. Mathias Custerd and Eleanor Tyson.
1S25.
304. January 10. Samuel Hechler and Ann Rosenberger.
365. March 10. Samuel Pluck and Margareth Hallowcll.
300. March 24. George Streevey and Margareth Dager.
307. April 17. Martin Hunsberger and Mary Zieber.
308. October 9. George Hoot and Cathrine Weber.
309. October 20. Jacob Lehman and Hannah Jones.
370. November 17. Anthony Whitby and Mary Metz.
371. November 17. Michae} Stouebajok and Susannah Hoffman.
372. November 20. Daniel Cassel and Magdalena Oberholtzer.
373. December 11. Abraham Hendrick and Maria Met/..
374. December 11. George Lehman and Hannah Trumbor.
375. December 18. John Stotler and Eliza Knuckle.
370. December 20. Jacob Kolh and Susanna Cassel.
377. December 22. John \). KYiiT and Elizabeth Tyson,
378. December 22. Lewis Ott and, Levea Gerhart
379. December 29. Eli Stauver and Hannah Stauver.
1S20.
380. February 21. .John Lehman and Nancy Spore.
381. March 21. Joseph Hubnor and Susannah Lethera.
382. April 0. John Groff and Mary Knipe.
383. June 20. Isaac Hatchelor and Anna M. C. Kittenhau<c.
384. July 9, Henry Yawn and Catherine Buehaincr.
10fi HISTORICAL XOTES.
885. July 12. Andrew Hide and Suphia Hooven (widow.)
386. July 25. Christian Rittenhause and Hetty Mete.
887. August 31. Jesse Bowman and Hannah Snyder.
388. October 8. Henry Kolp and Maria Kolp.
389. October 26. James Yost and Elizabeth Dettera.
390. October 81. Mathias Tyson and Sarah Myers.
391. November 9. Joseph Cassel and Rebecca Heebner.
392. November 23. Jacob Stover and Anna Stover.
393. November 30. Jacob Print/ and Sarah Rex.
894. November 2. Ben jamin Dettweiler and Anna Urailla Dagcr.
395. December 14. Samuel Eckel and Cat brine Leydie.
896. December 23. Andrew Keel and Elisabeth Summers.
(To he Continued)
The First Quarter Century of Falkner Swamp Reformed
Church.
RY HKXIJY S. DOTTRREK.
Read at Falkner Swamp Reformed Church, October 31, 1897.
[Omirf.u(lefl.^\
On the 3d of April, 1737, thirty-seven communed; and on the 17th
of September, 1738, eighty-nine.
A report sent to Holland in 1739, stating that Falkner Swamp congre-
gation always has four elders and two deacons, was signed on the part
of the congregation thus:
Bastian Reiffschneider, Eltester
Jacob Kraus/.en, Eltester
Falckner Sell wam Johannes Dricktenhengsz, Eltester
afctestiren Johannes Dunekel, Eltester
d'4J^ruri Andreas WYisx. Diac
Job. Diter Rueher, Diac
Kltesten und Diac
der Gemeinde zura
1739.
In the same report, Pastor Boehm makes a statement regarding the
accommodations for having worship which does not correspond with the
impression heretofore held, and which is rather surprising in view kA' the
large membership in Falkner Swamp and vicinity. lie writes: "Zum
Falckner Schwam, zu Weitmarge, Oley. und Philadelphia, wu auch auf
den neben Platzen, wird Gottesdienst bey alien gemetn in Eiaussern und
Scheuren wie man kann. mil grosser! behulf gchaRen." I At Falkner
Swamp, \\ nitemarsh, Oley, and Philadelphia, and at the neighboring
places, making shift as best we can, we hold divine worship in houses
and barns. )
As regartls schoolmasters, Mr. Boehm made1 a more encouraging re-
port: ISlv congregation at Falckner Sehwam is well supplied by the school-
HISTORICAL NOTES. 107
master Johannes Reiffschneider, and at Philadelphia ifl one named
Johannes Berger . . . but neither can live from tin office, for tin-
reason that the people in tins country (except in Philadelphia and
inantown, where they live close together, ) are scattered over a large terri-
tory and not enough children can he brought together to yield a living
for the schoolmaster.
The congregation wan steadily growing. In 1740. ;it the communion
held on the 26th of April, one hundred and fifty-two were present.
It would have been proper to mention, earlier in this paper, that
from the year 1729 the Reformed Church of Holland, the national church
of that country, had been giving help to the needy congregations — which
meant all of them — in Pennsylvania. The people of that noble country
were at all times eager and able to send ministers, schoolmasters, Bibh -.
hymn-books and money to this western land, as indeed they Mere doing,
and to this day are doing, to many other countries throughout the world.
The Hollanders, while giving freely, wished to give wisely. They made
frequent inquiries as to the state of the Reformed Church and it- needs in
Pennsylvania. Their object was to supplement the means and tin- efforts
of the people here. Before 17-10, the Synods of South and North Holland
desired to know how much our congregations would undertake to con-
tribute toward the salary of a pastor. The answer of Falkner Swamp was
in these interesting terms:
Die Gemeinde im Falkner Schwam verbindet sieh jahrlieh gi-wiss
und ohnefehl vor eincs Prcdigers Sallarium zu zulegen zehen Pi'undt sngen
10 Pfund, hiesigen landes Ucldcs, und zwantzig busehel Haffern: welches
attestiren
Johannes Drickdenhengst, Kltester
per Gemeind^ Johannes Dunckel, Kltcster
irh Faicktier Fridrich Reviner, Eltester
,^hfam . Jacob Krau'ss, Eltester
d. 6. Jannarj , , rv. ., , ...
1740 Johann Diter Isueticr, Inaeoii
Adam Floder, Diac.
The congregation at Falkner Swamp will obligate itself to contribute,
annually, certainly and without fail, toward a pastor's salary, Ten Pounds,
say 10 Pounds, money of this province, and twenty bushel* ol oats,
which we attest for the Falkner Swamp congregation, this 0th of
January, 1740.
Johannes Driekdenhengst, Eld«*r
Johannes Dunckel, Elder
Fridrich Uevmer. Elder
Jacob Krauss Elder
Johann Diter Hucher, Deanm
Adam Rilder, 1 >caeon
^The latter part of 1711 came trouble to the congregation and the
pastor, which extended all through 17 1- and over into 1743, 111 th<
1741. Count Ziliwjndorf Came to Pennsylvania, and proposed to WW*e ->t
108 HISTORICAL NOTES.
the most active (lernam churchmen, in nil the denominations, a move-
ment to bring tlicni into n unity for the advancement of the cat
Christ; not an obliteration oi the old church names, nor even of the
grogations, but an association of those most highly blessed with spiritual
graces for mutual edification and growth in love for Christ, with the view
of reacting beneficially upon the average membership, and kindling in
them a heartier piety. Henry Antes, a men) her of Falkncr Swamp le-
fornyecl church, warmly embraced the purposes of the Count, and acted
largely as his spokesman in his intercourse with the Germans of Pennsyl-
vania, by whom Antes was greatly honored. On December 15, 1741,
Antes sent out from his home in Frederick township, a call for a meeting
of the sympathizers with the advance movement. Pastor Bu?hm, seeing
danger and disruption for the Reformed Church in this, at once op]w»scd
the scheme with all the power at his command. Henry Antes and John
Philip Pxehm, each sincere to the utmost degree, were at variance, and
never became reconciled. Boehm issued a pamphlet in opposition to the
Count's purposes, and obtained to it the endorsement of the consistories
of the Reformed churches. The date of the signatures was in the months
of February and March, 17-12. The officials of Falkner Swamp who -up-
ported Pastor J'n'hni, were:
Job. Dirk den Uengst, R.
.loll. Dunekel. K.
Fridrieh Itcimcr, K.
Job. Jacob Kiaus. K,
Joh. Ditrieh lluclier, !>.
Adam Udder, h.
.Tost Bitting, a member of Palkner Swamp congregation, also was
identified for a time with the Xinzendorlian movement, which ended in
the formation of the Moravian church of Pennsylvania. Bitting after-
wards renewed his connection with the Reformed congregation. No fur-
ther withdrawals were suffered by the congregation, so far as known.
Despite the agitation caused by the Zmzcndoff movement in Penn-
sylvania in general and in Palkner Swamp in particular, the congregation
here flourished* In the year 1743 a phenomenal increase in memlicrship
was witnessed. No cause is assigned. From 152 communicants in 1740,
the number 'increased to' 286 in 17 b'*). Let me give you the rtfttement as
it is recorded in the records in Holland, in tin4 language of that country:
i74a
den 2('». iMaart, 181, en den 24. April, 105,
N. B. Weyl de eomniunieanten veel wcrden,
zo wordhet H. Avondmaal daar telkens 2 maal gehouden.
Translation: March 2G, 1743, 131, and April 24, l(V>, total .
X. B, As the number of communicants was large, the Holy Supper iras
held there on two occasions.
It is possible that some members communed on both occasions.
We are further informed that on March 2(>, the eommunieant> comprised
HISTORICAL NOTES.
109
71 men and (50 women, and on April 24, 5G men and 19 women; and that
included among them were 5 young men and 8 young women who came
to the table for the first lime. In the Pall of 1743, the report is: At
Falkner Swamp, now named New Hanover township, lit!) of September,
66 men and 68 women communed; and on the 9th of Octol>er, 55 men
and 55 women. In the Spring of 1711 "auff die Heil. Ostern" 110. and
on April 2&, !();>— a total of -2):), communed.
In the Spring of 1711 Pastor Bcehm, reporting upon the condition of
the Pennsylvania Church, said, concerning Falkner Swamp:
l)e Gemeente te Falckner Schwam heeft een van houf wol gehouwcle
Kerke opgeregt, welke langcn tyd kan duuren: maar sy b nog by de sestig
pond op schuldig. En By heeft als nog geen woonhuyscn, nog voor den
predicant, nog voor voorlezer.
The congregation at Palkiier Swamp ha.- erected a well-built rhureli
of wood, which will last a long time; but they are yet aboul sixty pound-
in debt, And they have as yet no dwelling house, either for the minis-
ter or the schoolmaster.
Oil the 15th of September, 1748, Rev. John Philip Leydieh mine to
Philadelphia, and not long after that he relieved Rev. Mr. Boehm <>f the
FaTkner Swamp congregation. In a pamphlet printed in Philadelphia in
1748 Mr. Boehm speaks affectionately of this congregation: "Welehc
letztcrc (Falkner Swamp), me'ine Hebe und mir arivertraute tiemeindo.
liber 23 Jahre gewesen, mm aber wcgen meiner herau nahenden Ohnver-
mogenheit in meinem Alter, da ich die Reisen nieht lang melir auszustehen
gctraue, gern und willig zu der Gemeindc Bestcn an 1). Lcydich sand der
neucn Gemeinde in Providenz, ubergeben hab." [The last of which
(Falkner Swamp) was my beloved congregation, confided to my care for
more than twenty-three years; hut now by reason oi the rapidly approach-
ing in mini ties of age, which, as I dare not much longer venture t<> make
long journeys, 1 gladly and willingly, for the congregation's best interests,
hand over, together with the new congregation in Providence, to Domine
Leydiih.]
At the second Ccetus, held 28th September, 1748, at 10 a, m., in the
new church in Philadelphia, John Philip Leydieh preached from Kphe-
sians (>: '!•), 2\. At this Ccetus the pastors and elders subserilicd a declar-
ation that they are attached with heart and sold to the Heidelberg I
ehism and the canons of the Synod of Port of 1018 and 1610, and that
they will unalterably hold to them — udass wir d<m HeydelU^rgiselum
Catech. und den en Canonibus Synodi Nationalis Dortracsena1 von Hilti
und 1610 mit Hertz und Seel zugethan sind, und mis audi unventnderl
daran halten wollen."
John Philip Bohnij then pastor, and John Philip Leydieh, -.»>n to
become pastor, of Falkner Swam]) church, and Frklricli Lemur, elder,
lav delegate to the Ccetus. were anions* the signers hi this deelanitioii.
UO HISTORICAL XOTES.
Letter from a Holland Friend.
Dr. \j. Overman, the Secretary of tlie General Synod of the Reformed
Chinch of the Netherlands, Curator of the Chnreh Archives at The Hague,
and editor of Church publications, in one of the busiest nun in Holland.
lie is at the same time one of the most genial and obliging of church olri-
cials. In manner and method he is entirely like an American. Hi- sun-
shiny disposition makes him popular with all who have intercourse with
him. He speaks our language, 1 >nt prefers the Dutch or French. Several
mornings, while the editor of Historical Notes was making researches in
the Archives, Dr. Overman came in to see what progress he was making,
and what assistance he could lend. On one such occasion he asked, in
English, a conundrum involving a pretty play on words. In this way he
made the stranger feel quite at ease. Recently, we sent the booklet,
entitled The Church at Market Square, to the Archives. In reply we
have this formal acknowledgment, which we give in the original:
ALGEMEENE KYNODE
DER
NEDER LAN DSOTIE UERVORMDE KERK.
N°, 521. 's (J raven ha ge, den 8dcn NoveinlxT, 18519.
Ik hob de eer U te herichten, dat hot hoekgeschenk :
,,The Church at Market Square'' en ,, I listorical Notes",
door U aan de Aloemeene Sijnoue der Seder landsoiih Her-
vormde Kerk aangebodeu, is ontvangen.
Net is mij eene aangename taak I \*oor dit geschenk te l»e-
danken, en ik h'eb de eer met de meeste boognehting te /.ijn
De Secretaris van de Algemcone Synode der
Xedcrlandsehc Ilervonndc Kerk.
L. Overman.
Aan
den Ileer Henry S. Dnltever
te'
Philadelphia'.
Gosen Thonis.
The name of Gbsen Thonis, an elder of Falkner Swamp Reform oil
congregation, in 17ol. appears on oage 89 of Historical Noies. As to the
doubt of the correctness of this name Prof. Hinke writes us: "1 notice in
your article on Falkner Swamp that von question tin' reading of '(..-in
Thonis'. My photograph slmws that it is certainly correct. Only one
must remember that we have no longer the original letter i^\ Boehm. The
Hutch copy is a translation made in I lolland. Boehm always wrotH ierman."
HISTORICAL NOT);-. Ill
Record of a Methodical Church Officer of the Past Century.
Jacob Hiltzheimer was an officer of the German Reformed congr
tion of Philadelphia. Recently a record kept by him has been presented
by A. W. Parsons, one of his descendants, to the First Reformed church
of Philadelphia, which is the present name of the original congregation.
We copy some of the more interesting entries. On the inside of the front
cover is written :
Tins book
Contains The Orders given on Mr. W. Von Phul,
Treasurer to the Vestry of the German Reformed
Congregation.
Philad*., January 19th, 1784.
Kept by Jacob lliltzhehner,
a Member of S'\ Vestrv.
J'7H4. An order on W". Von Phul Treasurer £56 0 0
January in favour of Dielman Beck for the above
j9 Bum, fifty Pounds being Money Borrowed
and Six pounds is the interest in full.
Signed
Number Philip Odcnhchwr
1 Jacob Sebreinei-
26 An Order on the Same Tiv.isuivr 1 2(1
in favour of Philip Boehm of Twenty
two Shillings as )>r ace' N*. 2 filed.
Signed
Ph. Odenheimcr
N°. 2 -P'. lliltzhehner
26 An order In favour of John K luges 23 11 0
Twenty three pounds Eleven shillings being
the full ballance of his account for painting
the Church after deducting live pounds n
sum he greed to give towards said painting
as pr ace' Number 3 and filed.
Signed
Philip Odcnheimcr
N°. 3 J''- lliltzhehner
A))1. 5 An order on Mr. \V". Von Phul Tre1
in favour of the Reverend M'. Weiherg
for Seventy five pounds, 3 Months Salary 75 0 0
Signed Philip Odcnheimcr
Number 7 John Baker
112 HISTORICAL NOTES.
Ap1. o An other order on Ditto in favour of
Sd Weiberg for fourteen pounds being 14 0 0
for Wood. Signed P. Odcnheimer
No. 8 And*. Hcrtzog
Ap1. 5 An order in favor of Jacob Schneider
for one pound, being 3 Months wages
for Blowing the Bellows of the Organ 1 0 0
Sig* P. Odenheinier
Jacob Schreiner
Ap1. p An order In favor of Conrad Sehlemer
for Three Pounds being .*> Months Salary
for Keeping the Church Clean, and Keep the
Boys in order & give Notice to the •
Vestrymen when the President shall order 3 0 0
a meeting.
Sio" P. Odenhcimer &
W". Rush
Ap1. 5 An order on Mr. W". Von Phul
Treasurer in favor of Christopher
Schreiner School Master for Eight
pounds fifteen shillings £3 15 0 being three
Months Salary Playing the Organ and
five pounds is for Teaching poor Children 8 15 0
Sig" P. Odenheimer
Charles Seitz
SELF-DENIAL.
Tlie Christian and the cross are inseparable. The cross is the symbol
of self-denial and suffering for the good of others for Jesus1 sake. To
many this is a hard saying, an offense, They approve the many sweefl
things said by our Saviour, but when it becomes clear to them that no
one can follow Jesus without self-denial, they are disappointed, displci
offended, and repelled; so that in the end they forsake Him and thus
crucify Him anew. Oh, what a pity ! Let us not deceive ourselves.
Jesus distinctly declares that no one can follow Him, be worthy ^i Him,
or be a true disciple, unless he deny himself, and take up His cross daily.
Those who truly love Jesus rejoice in the cross. It is their divines! sym-
bol. Paul found but one thing worth glorying in — it was the cross. So
every true follower of Jesus, for the joy that is set before him, endures
the cross, despising all the shame, and finds an ample reward in the a^n-
sciousness of doing good, and the promise of a life of glory with Christ in
eternitv. — K. F. Wir-
HISTORICAL NOTES
RELATING TO THE
PENNSYLVANIA REFORMED CHURCH.
VOL. L No. 8 December 10. 1899,
$1.00 i'ek Annum.
Edited by Henry S. Dotterer.
Franklin Square's Dead.
Along the northern limits of Franklin
Square,, Philadelphia, rests the dust of
thousands of the early comers from the
continent of Europe to Pennsylvania. In
the year 17-11 Thos. Penn directed the
surveyor general to survey to the congre-
gation of the German Reformed church
of Philadelphia a piece of ground 300 feet
in length, north and south, and lot) feet
east and west, in the North-west- (now
Franklin) Square, for use as a burying
ground. For nearly one hundred years
the Reformed Church people who came
from Germany, Switzerland and Holland,
— the Palatines and Huguenots — at the
end of their life's work were laid to rest
in this (iottes-Acker. Some sixty years
go the. Reformed congregation was rude-
age
the
ly surprised by the contention on
part of the city that the burial ground
must he surrendered, to become a pact of
the public squa re. After years of litiga-
tion the city's claim was established
through the courts.
Some of the remains of the dead were
removed ; but the great majority ol Hu-
g-raves were not disturbed, except that the
head-stones were turned down and cov-
ered with a layer of earth. Now the
green sod covers the ancient cemetery,
broad paths have been laid through it,
and lofty trees tower above it. Hurrying
crowds daily pass over it unmindful and
uninformed of the fact that they aie
treading upon ground which covers the
forepa rents- -if not their own — of many
thousands of the dwellers in the great
city.
* * *
This portion of Franklin Square would
afford a suitable spot upon which to erect
Perkiornen Publishing Co..
ICOo N. Thirteenth stkkj.i,
PHILADELPHIA.
a memorial to the tJolonial immigrant- of
the Reformed faith. Here a stately mar-
ble or granite shaft might appropriately
he erected to tell the present and corning
generations of the vast body of Reformed
Church members who came in the Pro\ fa-
cial period from the Protestant countries
of Europe. It should bear design- em-
blematic of their faith and representative
of their nationality. It should be gener-
ously costly and richly artistic.
And who is to pay for the monument.
to be thus magnificently reared'.' shall
our Reformed Church mcmljcrship be
burdened with Mich an undertaking? By
no means. Depleted and weakened by
the untoward influence* heretofore re-
ferred to iti these pages, this can not be
expected. From some one or more of
the hundreds of thousands of their de-
scendants now holding other denomina-
tional connection, among whom are
many, as is certainly known, who have
the abundant means and the liberal spirit,
it must conic. (Jilts of a hundred thou-
sand dollars— nay. of a million dolhtn —
lire quite a common occurrence in these
our days, for public purposes. Is not
this which we propose a most laudable
object 7
The Boers of South Africa are a branch
of our international and interracial Re-
formed GOUllMinw 41. Two hundred \ .. r*
ago their ancestors weiv Hollanders of
good degree. The> carried their na-
tional religion with them to South Atrica.
and we now hear of the celebration o\
Nachimaal there as we tlo of the Nacht-
mahl in interior I'ennsvh ania.
114
HISTORICAL VOTES.
A Happy Christmas.
The happiest, of the millions who have
had a Merry Christmas, was, possibly, a
blind young woman, suffering from spinal
meningitis, who is a member of one of
our city churches. When five years old
she lost her sight. For twenty-three
years she was protected and provided for
by loving members of her family. Death
came and took away her mother ; mis-
fortunes followed, and deprived the in-
valid of her other care-takers. She was
in dark distress. The King's Daughters
applied for admittance for her into the
Home for Incurables. Room was made
for her. Upon the payment of one hun-
dred dollars she might come. Her pas-
tor-was asked to call upon the members
of her congregation for contributions.
The second Sunday before Christmas at
the morning service he stated the case
from the pulpit. Apart from the regular
Sunday collection, the members brought
forward gifts of love — liefde gaven. t hey
say in Holland ; during the day more
was given ; at the evening -service the
sum required, and more, was made up.
On Wednesday before Christmas the poor
invalid was taken by the Daughters to
the Jlonie, where every possible comfort
will be provided. She was happy. When
her friends went away the sufferer was
singing for joy. To this poor child of
sorrow and pain came a Christmas more
delightsome than to any favored son or
daughter of wealth, in all the land. And
to those who made it possible for her to
be so placed, came a pleasure akin to hers.
It is refreshing to look down the long-
list of donalions to Bethany Orphans'
Home. Our people -give to it freely.
They like to do it. They see in giving to
the orphans a practical charity. If we
had homes for tin- agod poor, or hospitals
for the needy sick, our Reformed (lunch
people would respond with their gifts
with as much alacrity as they do for the
orphans.
It is not enough that we keep our Re-
formed people in our congregations. Wo
should get ot hers in.
We cannot find words to thank
Hiltzheimer for thoughtfully jotting down
in tiia Memorandum book tin- principal
occurrences in the affairs of the German
Ueformed Church of Philadelphia. In
this number we give a numbered extract!
from his record. One hundred ami nix-
teen years have passed away cince lie
made his notes. Compare the doings of
the city Vestry of that day with the
transactions of your Board at this time.
J low great t he changes!
Before and after 17S4 the children wen-
taught on Sunday afternoons in tin- la-
formed Church of Philadelphia. More
than one hundred and sixteen yean
It was before the era of Sunday School
literature. International logons, illu-
strated papers, wall maps, Snuda\ Scliool
libraries -all these were unknown then.
But an eminently suitable book for study
was at hand and was used. It was th"
Heidelberg Catechism. Where is an-
other Sunday School that dan- hack one
hundred and sixteen yean*!!
One of the Woman's Missionary bo-
eietiesof out Church has taken up the
study of the heroines of the Church in
Reformation days. After tin- regular
business has Urn transacted an hour i-=
devoted to reading, the snbjecl being one
of the characters in Dr. Good's Women
of the Reformed Church, a- published in
the Reformed church Magazine. In Iv-
cember it was Electress Louisa Henrietta
of iinuukiiburg and her Hymn. She
was descended from William >>f Orange
and Coligny. The hymn, Jesus aieine
Zuvei>icht. which i>>ti!l >ung at the fun-
erals of the royal family of I'russia, wa<
W Htlen by the I \ lee I iv-.
lie good, ho good. It i- easier t«> d«»
good than to ho good. It is better to do
good than .-imply t»» be good. lV»ing
good, ut the same time. lead- t<> doing
good. IVi be good only is <^\ trilling value.
"Faith without works i- dead ."' is it not
worth while to think ovei this? LYactt-
eal Chri-tianil v i- hi»st.
HISTORICAL NOTES.
115
Wo could wish that .Mr. Hillegas had
made plainer, in Ooui Paul's People, the
Boers' religious relations to the Holland
Reformed Church, and thus to the Re-
formed Church the world over. A scion
of thehpuseof Hillegass, which has been
trained by Dr. Weiser, father and son, for
fifty years, and whose adherence to the
Reformed faith goes back at least as fai-
ns the persecutions of the Huguenots, lie
could have set forth, in a hundred words,
a historical fact unknown, possibly, to
nine-tenths of the thousands in America
and England and their colonies who will
read his book.
Dwight L* Moody.
No other man of our time did as much
to bring souls to Christ as D wight L.
Moody. He was a business man, not a
clergyman. Me appealed directly to the
sinner. In no discourse delivered by him
did he omit to emphasize the solemn im-
portance of conversion. Creeds, denomi-
nations, all extraneous considerations, he
eschewed. This is different from the pul-
pit in general. The result was different,
He is dead. Thousands of saved men
remain to laud him and his works.
An Heir-loom,
The editor of Historical Notes has re-
cently been presented with a walking-
stick, made of ebonized bamboo, which
was presented some eighty years ago to
Rev. Casper W'ack by members of the
German Reformed Church of (Jermaii-
fcown, of which congregation he was then
t lit1 pastor; It is so constructed as to
serve the double purpose of a cane and
a pipe. The handle is the bowl of the
pipe, and by unscrewing the stick about
the middle a mouth-piece for smoking is
disclosed. This ingenious piece of work-
manship descended to M rs. Abigail Panne-
becker (Jerhard, of Philadelphia, who is
a granddaughter of its original recipient.
The editor, who has been lor more than
forty years a friend of .Mrs. (icrhard and
her family, greatly appreciates this gift,
which came to him appropriately at the
Christmas-tide of )Nui>.
Recent Publications,
Leaders of the Reformation. By J
Henry Dubb«, I>. U, LL. I). The Hei-
delberg Press, Philadelphia. For sale
at the Reformed Church Book Stone,
1966 Arch Street.
This work consists of a series of lec-
tures on Reformation of the Sixteenth
Century, delivered by Professor Dubbfl.
They are written in an entertaining style,
and are well adapted to instinct our lie-
formed Church people with regard t<» Lite
men who led the struggle for liberation
from the Romish Church. The book is
divided under six heads, viz: The Dawn
of the Reformation (.John Huss) ; The
Clory of the Reformation! MartinLutlier);
The Yrvv Church in the Free State
Zwingli) ; The Church under the CrOSfi
(John Calvin i; The Struggle of the (
(Cranmor and Knox); The Threefold
Cord (Frederick 111., Olevianus and l*r-
sinus). It is handsomely hound, suit-
able for library or parlor ; and i< an im-
portant addition to tin' meagre literature
of the Pennsylvania Ueformed Church.
Reformed Church Officers in \ 730.
Prof. W. J. llinke communicate- the
following information which he met with
in his researches in Holland :
In a letter of Rev. John Philip Boehm's
consistories, written on January 29, 1730,
the following are given a- Ifcelim'g elder-
and deacons.
v M.KM'.U scuw \ M.
Friedrioh Ames.
Hans WolfNiniller.
Ilastian lleil'fsehncider.
seiner. \en.
Hans Meyer,
Cahiicl l>. Schueler's merk.
Lipueii sp;n .
Lorenlz Riltj*CUUtnil.
\\ ri rM \i;v> u.
Willem lVvwivr
.Johannes Reueiisl«tck,
lack Pilhack.
Llldwis KlMtUSS
IKi
HISTORICAL NOTE:
Zurich.
BY ITEXRY s. DOTTERBR.
Zurich, the scene of Zwingli's most im-
portant labors, is a Mecca for all Ameri-
cans of the Reformed persuasion, It is
familiar to all, made SO by picture and
story. It is built upon steep acclivities
on both sides of the Li m mat river, at the
head of Lake Zurich. It is a busy manu-
facturing town, and the seat of a famous
university. The churches and other
buildings associated with the Reforma-
tion struggles have been carefully pre-
served. The citizens of the present time
evidently regard them, and the scenes
enacted within them, the chief glory of
their delightful city. Every edifice of
historic interest has been plainly marked,
in order that the tourist may know it as
he passes by and the resident may regard
it with due veneration.
The twin-towered minster, in which
Zwingli preached, is the chief object of
interest. On the opposite side of the
Limmat is the church in which Lavater
preached and beside it his grave, the lat-
ter marked by a stone bearing the words:
I. C. Lavaters Grab, Geb. 15 Nov. 1711,
(Jest. 21 An. 1S01.
In the rear of the Wasserkirehe, in an
(►pen space in the heart of the town, is
the bronze statue recently erected to the
memory of Ulric Zwingli. It is a figure
of heroic size, and represents (he In-
former in standing posture, with uplifted
face, his right hand holding a clasped
Bible, his left grasping and resting upon
a great sword. It is a line conception,
and instantly calls to mind his valiant
efforts for man's deliverance from ecclesi-
astical and civil enthralhnent and hi-
heroic, death upon the field of battle in
defence of the gospel brought by Christ.
The Wasserkirehe is now the city library
of Zurich. In it are kept many rare
books and manuscripts, which the visitor
may see. A Greek Bible, containing
notes made by Zwingli, is on exhibition
there. A letter from Zwingli to his wife
in 1528 is also preserved. It is signed
HuMriyeh Zwingli. IVnoath the signa-
ture he wrote "schick mil' so bald itu
kanst den tolggen rock" — send mo as soon
as you can my home coat.
script recalls tlie request of Paul fnun the
Mam merti ne prison in Rome to Timothy:
The cloke that I left :it Troax with Carptv,
when thou comest, bring with tin
The museum, remarkable forifp collec-
tion of relics of the Lake Dwellers i
historic times, nosaeiwc* great inlet
The views from tlie lb. he l*romenade,
and other high points, are cliai
clear days i he snow-capped Alpine I
can be seen distinctly. Many points of
interest to the Reformed traveller cluster
in the vicinity of Zurich, among thorn.
Wildhaus, ( darns. Kinsiodoln and < appel.
In the City Library is a book <•:
Heraldry, entitlod Gcschlechtsbuch, in
which are collected the coats-of-arms of
the burghers or citizens of tlie canton
and city of Zurich. It is not a printed
book. It is hand-made, and of ccairse
the only copy in existence. Tlie names
and arms of many well-known IVnnnyl-
vania families appear tlierein.
It may be interesting to qtmtc some of
the numerous tablets atlixed t<> tlie walls
of notable building about the city.
ZwiNo'i.iia. \ iz I :
Das Pfarrhaus kiuii Groswiiaiister.
Vol" der Itcfomnitioii
Amtawohmtllg *h-> ( u>!i>- der
I'roKici.
seit IVKi
des Antistes der /. Yrichrri-chow
Kirche.
I leinrich rtullingcr
und seiner Nachfolger l»i> iv
Sen on.; USK 1 1 :
Das 1 laus nun Waldries.
I lier wohnte von
1711 -177N
Job. Caspar Lavater,
hei ilciii sicli I ~7>
(net ho aufhioh.
Knu tit. VftSK 1" :
Zwingli* Amtswohnung
Von die-em Ma use gng er am
1 1. Oktober 1">.:1
mit dem Ileere der Zurcher
nacll Kap]>el au<. \\<» or fu r
seiiieu t ilaubeu -tail*.
Translation: No. 1.". Church >imi
Zwingli's ofticial residence. To in this*
house he marcheil, October 11, I3RI, with
the army of Zurich to C\ip|*»l, wliere bo
tliod for lib faith.
HISTORICAL NOTES.
117
Dual Letter from Wittgenstein, May 31, 1773.
WRITTEN BY SEBASTIAN AND JOHN 1IOMRIGHAUSEN TO THEIR BBOTHER-IN-
LAW, REV. JOHN PHILIP LEYDICH.
The letter has tliis address:
A
Monsieur
Johann Ph. Leydich
ad Friedrich Township
a Phjdadclphia County
Pfarrer dasel1>st
Eigenhandig abzugeben.
The original of this interesting letter was found 1a- Professor W, .J.
Hinkc, of Philadelphia, among the papers of the late Reverend William
Ilelrrrieh, D. D. We can offer no explanation as to how the letter found
its way into the Hclffrich papers. The genealogical infonnation, given in
the letter, can hest he presented in the following sunn nary:
I. Sebastian Homrighausen, living at Diedentzhawsen, His children:
1. Maria Magdalena, married at Christhfius.
Her children: Two sons and two daughters.
2. Catrina Elisabeth, married at Kriogerbaus.
( )nc daughter.
8. Anna Elisabeth. |
4. Johannes.
[ living at home with
their father, all single.
•">. (JcOrg \Vtlhelm.
<). Johann (ieurg.
7. Hanna Wilhehnina.
Born 17(50.
II. Johannes Honirighauscn, a widower in 1773 at Diedentzhausen.
1. Son, married, living with his father. His children:
a. The oldest had died.
b. A son and a daughter, still living.
2. Son, married, living at Bertaburg, a school teacher.
H, Son, married, lf ''
4, Son, siimlt
both living at home
5, Daughter, single. \
III. A sister, married at Wunderthausen.
Having One married daughter and a grandson.
The letter also refers to Maria Catharina llomrighausen. the wife of
Reverend Leydich and to two married sisters, Elisabeth Gertrude Hom-
righausen and Maria Magdalena llomrighausen. living in Pennsylvania,
after whom two of the daughters of Reverend Leydich were named.
TRANSLATION OK Till: LETTER.
The grace of God and Christ Jesus, our Mediator and Saviour, he with
yen and us, in our hearts, mind-; and thoughts, living and dying, ever
our consolation. Amen.
With wishes for every good, dear brother-in-law", sister-in-law. sis!
children and all blood relatives, first of all 1 wish you all God's grace
and blessing.
118 HISTORICAL NOTES.
If these few lines meet you in the enjoyment of good health, ther
will speak to you from true and sincere heart.-, and kiss and emlirae
all with rejoicing love. It pleased us much bo see and learn from the
loiter which you wrote us in the Spring thai you are still Living and well;
and particularly that our dear hrother-in-law and Bister, Maria Catharine,
in their old age, are comfortably continuing housekeeping and living de-
lightfully among their dear children. Concerning sister 1C I i ~a 1 >. 1 1 1 Cn-
trudeand sister Maria Magdalona we could not feel thus p^tificd, because ira
wen1 not informed how many children they have, or whether they live in
comfort, whether they are happily married, and how far they reside from
each other, and whether they can visit each other in affliction and sorrow;
for after sunshine conies rain, and after rain sunshine. Wedlock has its
changes. When all else fails, a life of joy in the Lord i- hest.
As for ourselves, we are still, thank Clod, all hearty and well: we also
live m comfort with our children, and have not relinquished our borne.
We have still with us three sons and two daughters, and two daughters
have married. On r eldest daughter, Maria Magdalona, in Christhaus, has
two daughters and two sons, and our Catharine Elisabeth, in K riegcrhaus,
has one daughter. My sister, Anna Elizabeth, at Wundertliaiisen, and
her husband and their daughter, are also well, and their daughter also
has an heir; and thev intend building a new barn this Spring. Our ruler,
Prince of Witgenstein-l>erlcburg, has died, as has also his consort, and we
have now a young proprietor; but we are still under severe burdens and
an unquiet life; and the contention is not yet over, and who knows when
it will come to an end ?
Dieleman died this Spring and his wife last year, and he bequeathed
his house and estate in Christhaus to one. but the other relatives will
contest; but what the result will be 1 know not. Our I aim and house on
the clearing — the large new house — was burnt in the Spring; it took lire
at the lower part one Sunday, and burnt the roof of Krieger's smithy, and
a.lso burnt a hob1 in the roof of the house, but Almighty (Jod checked the
flames, otherwise we should have lost everything.
When the messenger reaches yon he can tell you everything, how
matters stand here and around us. More 1 will not write at this time.
With manv thousand salutations from myself, and my beloved house-
wife, and my dear children and sons-in-law, and with greetings from me
for inv deaiv sisters, and brothers-in-law, and all relatives, and gn«xl ac-
quaintances, 1 commend you all to the care and protection of the Most
High. Adieu.
I must mention that we had here this Spring a terribly deep snow,
which lay four to live days, and longer. (I reel lor me also lhni\ bemur
from Allentsbausen, formerly from Zimern, and all good acquaintances.
Johannes Dienst and bis wife, of Wuiiderthauson in Liende llaus. - .
desire to send manv salutations to brother-in-law ami his wife and ehildrvn.
HISTORICAL NOTES. Ilfl
N. B. 1 must request you, it' it can he arranged, [to employ] the lad
who takes this letter. His name is John Justus Baste. 11 of the
survivors of the Bohre Willi,,; and he and his brother have from their
youth tip made their home with us. His brother William lias learned
the tailor trade. They have been with as some fifteen or Sixteen year-.
and they are faithful, and 1 cannot perceive that they have taken any-
thing. He [the lad] would like to he your servant. It you will kindly
free him from the ship [by paying his passage], he will servfe yon as Ion*
as you desire. Tic would like to remain with our family. He is good at
plowing, and mowing, and clumping, and hewing, and threshing; hut
sowing he has not tried. If you give him half a chance, he will ace, p1 it.
He is a poor orphan child, who has neither father nor mother. W
your sympathy for him. And the small one, if lie could get employment
With a tailor, he could also work.
With many thousand greetings from us all to large and small, young
ahd old, and committing you, old and young, to the bare" of God and Hi-
grace. Adieu.
I remain your faithful brother and brother-in-law hnto death.
8i:UAstl.\.\ 1 loMKIMIArsKN.
Dated
l>iedent/hansen,
Mist May, 177.J.
Lightning struck at Klein Klattcbach, in this month of May, ITT-".,
and six houses and six barns wore burned;
N. B. 1, John llofnrighausen, and all my children, wish you much
success, and hlessing, and the grace of God, and the comforting help of
Jesus in body and soul. God grant that these few lines may find you
enjoying life. This will he a gratification to me. As regards myself. I
and my family are, Mod foe praised, hearty and well. 1 am now an old
Widower. My eldest son, who is married, has two children, a son and a
daughter. ■ Mis eldest children died; two have gone to Berleburg.
, , ( son) has the uirls' school, and also is the chorister in the
church. Francis has gone to Baehorshaus; and another, unmarried, I
have with me; and the youngest is a daughter. They all learned the
trade of tailoring. Now, salute lor me all my si-ters. brothers-in-law.
and all their children.. 1 intrust you all together1 to the care i^\' God and
His favor. Amen.
1 rcYnahi your faithful brother and brother-in-law unto death.
Jon AN'NKs 1 ln\n:i«.ii \i -kv
Diedcntzha'usen,
.'Mstof May, 1 7 7. ».
Sebastian llomrighausen. 1 call t«> mind something more: the name-
of the children which 1 still have Living with me. The eldest is a daugh-
ter; her narnc is Anna Elizabeth, and the eldest son's name is John: and
the other (Jeo rge' William; the third, John George; ami the youngest is a
120 HISTORICAL X0TI>.
daughter, named Hanna Mina (Wilhelmina), for whom oui
daughter was sponsor at baptism; is seven years old. We are pronp
we have all we need in this life. May Cod give us eternal life.
Dear brother-in-law and sisters, we may not see you again in this
earthly life. May the Almighty God in His mercy grant us all His lavor
and Hi-S Holy Spirit, to guide us, control us, and lead us into smooth
pathways.
O, Lord, show us Thy ways, teach us Thy paths, guide us in tip-
truth, and enlighten us. Amen.
N. B. If God had not averted the chastisement of fir.' we should all
hate been 'obliged to come* [to Pennsylvania?]. To God he praise and
thanksgiving for this.
Holland and Pennsylvania.
V.
Holland's cakl of the reformeo niriaii i\ Pennsylvania.
At what precise date the national church of the Netherlands licgan t"
manifest a care for the destitute colonists in Pennsylvania mav U- im-
possible to <jletepninc. ft was engaged in great missionary undertakings
long before Pennsylvania was granted to William I'enn. Having pass**!
through tin* bloody persecutions of the Spanish inquisition, the peopl<- of
the Netherlands, with the zeal born of suffering from tyranny, devoted a
generous portion of their wealth to the support of struggling Protestants
in widely-separated parts of the globe.
Holland became familiar with the emigration to IVnnsylvania at it-
very start. Our historians have told us, over and nvei again, of William
Penh's visits to Holland to preach Quakerism, and the sulxscquem meas-
ures by himself and friends to induce emigration from that country to the
new province. A few Hollanders came in the beginning. But that pro-
pie for some cause4 did not look with favor upon Pennsylvania as a dwell-
ing place, and the total number of them who came to make their homes
here, in the colonial times and since, is inconsiderable.
'Germany mainly furnished the colonists essential to the making of a
great commonwealth — tin1 realization of the dreams of the Quaker founder.
Its people, oppressed by religious persecution and impoverished hy cea.-f-
less wars, saw in Pennsylvania a happy refuge. Ami next to them the
Swiss. These two hardy nationalities hy thousands and tens of thousands
made their way to the New Land. Among those who -ought to licttcr
their fortunes in Pennsylvania were many descendants of Huguenots who
had been driven generations hcl'ore from their native France and had found
homes in Holland and (Jermany.
These multitudes made their way to Holland to find ships t>» convey
them to America. Down the Rhine to the seapous they came. Rotter-
HISTORICAL KOTKS. 121
dam and the other towns swarmed with emigrants bound for Pennsyl-
vania. Thus, Holland, though not a participant in the hegira, had much
to do with its conduct, and was entirely familiar with its progr»
Were the newspapers of that day at hand, we should doubtless find
frequent references to the incidents which marked the passage of the emi-
grants through Rotterdam. Unfortunately few have been prescnecL
Only partial tiles of the Courant for 1720 and 17.*5S arc to he found at this
day. But if the newspapers fail us, the minutes of the Synods of the
Church and the proceedings of the law-making assemblies come t«» our aid.
The people of Holland had kept before them the Pennsylvania colony
in another way. Besides the records of the Church and the State, and
the sight of emigrants passing through the country, pamphlets were
printed and circulated advertising the province of Pennsylvania. Benja-
min Ftirly, a friend of Penh, an Englishman, a merchant in Rotterdam,
took pains to keep it before the Dutch public. He owned Large trac - ol
land in Pennsylvania, which he was desirous of selling, and as a conse-
quence lie was a promoter of emigration thither to the extent ol' his influ-
ence. In Amsterdam and elsewhere in Holland were merchants and
others engaged in the same business. As is well-known, Pcnn, Pastoriua
and others were early in the field with literature calculated to stimulate
emigration. William IVnn's Letter to the members of the Free Society
of Traders of Pennsylvania, residing in London, was one of the pamphlets
showing in strong colors the advantages to settlers of the Province. A
translation was issued in Holland. The second edition of this letter,
issued at Amsterdam, in 1684 (twenty-eight pages), has a four-page
introduction written by Benjamin Furly and dated Rotterdam, 6th of
Third month, 1684: And a postscript was added at the end oi the pam-
phlet as follows (translated; :
Since receipt of the Letter here printed, other letters have arrived in
England,. from the (iovernor, dated Xovemher 10, 1683, Holland Style,
giving further advices of the prosperous progress of the Province, and that
in the past month live ships had arrived, of which thai by which ><> many
people from Orefeld and the nearby places; in Men rs- land sailed was one.
(losing with this, 1 remain, your affectionate frit nd. Brnjamin PuRLY.
The church system of Protestant Germany two centuries ago \ya*
unlike tjiat which prevails in the United Stales in our time, that some
notice must he taken of the wide difference. In the Fatherland the
churches were supported and controlled bv the government— the royalty,
the nobility and their instruments. The government provided the house
of worship, the minister to preach the (iospel, the schoolmaster to teach
the children in the established doctrine. The church was a pail (4 the
government. In infancy all children were bapti/ed, and at proper age all
young persons became members of the church, The means of grace came
to the people as a matter o\' course, without act or thought on their port
122 . HISTORICAL NOTES.
One church building in a town nerved for all, and to it all betook them-
selves at stated times for worship. To us this took* like a mechanical
system, void of vitality, little calculated to develop zeal in the can
Christianity. Under this system the Reformed and Lutheran people irere
trained.
When the German church people came into Pennsylvania they irerc
. confronted by different conditions as to ecclesiastical affairs. Here iraa
no established church; here all were free to worship as conscience dic-
tated; here nil must themselves provide for their religious wants. The
Church people, too poor to bring ministers with them and too poor to
support them here, stood aghast when they realized that now they were
without spiritual monitors. Here were no churches, to receive them, no
ministers to lead them, no officers to perform the familial- functions. The
accustomed Sunday sermon, trie periodical celebration of the Lord's
Supper, the baptism of the children, the instruction in the Catechism, the
solemnization of marriage, the Christian burial of the dead — to whom
could they look for these ministrations? Strangers, in a "wilderness
land," unhappy was their lot. Sheep without a shepherd, the) tell
themselves indeed to be.
Probably the first circumstance which brought the Pennsylvania
Reformed Church distinctly to the attention, officially, of the Holland
Church authorities was the request to Amsterdam Classis to authorize the
New York Reformed clergymen to ordain John Philip Ihehm t<» the regu-
lar ministry. This was in .1728. The Amsterdam ecclesiastical body
granted the desired authority, with the proviso that the congregations in
Pennsylvania become subject to the Holland Chinch. Thus began the
oflieial intercourse between tin4 Pennsylvania and Holland Churches, and
here began thesustentation of the destitute congregations in the new province
by the wealthy establishment of Holland.
( To hv CiiHt'iinial. }
WITH TIIK STATE AND sillMil.i: MAKERS.
Our first half day was spent with the stave and shingle makers, wh<»
are just now engaged1 on a job near us. There is something exceedingly
delightful in this kind of out-door work. -Inst think i>i being thus quietly
imbedded in the deep green woods, or ensconced in a shady nook along
the tranquil mountain side. The sunlight tails charmingly through the
gently waving branches of the trees and plays upon the ground. The
very smell of cleft wood is pleasant as spices. Then through vista i^i
parted tree tops you get a glimpse of the open country lying like variegated
mosaic beneath you, ami extending out to the distant horixon.
— Hi:ni;y II aim; won.
1A i
U ;>^ "' HISTORICAL NOTES. 123
Philadelphia Reformed Church Records.
Jacob Ililtzheimer too"k an active interest in the affaire of the German
Reformed Church of Philadelphia while he was an officer. He made
memoranda of the financial transactions of the congregation. Some of
these were printed in a former number of Historical Notes. II- kept
also, in another book, a record of the various resolves of tin- Board of Cor-
poration having reference to the welfare of the congregation. The latter
book hears the title oil the inside of the first cover:
.Memorandum book
Belonging to the Vestry of tin-
German Reformed Congregation
of Philadelphia.
January, 17S-I.
Kepi by Jacob Hiltzheimer, one of
the Klders of said Vestry.
This book of record has been preserved in the Ililtzheimer family for
more than a hundred years. A few years ago it was restored to the con-
gregation, vvhich now worships at Tenth and Wallace streets. Extracts
from this interesting record follow:
1784 _ The Vestry agreed that the Instruction of Children in the
January.) Catechism on Sunday afternoons shall Cease until I the tirst
Sunday after Easter .Next, and then to begin again. The
above was done with a View to bring more People t<> Church
in the afternoons.
January 20 Family Pews have been Proposed by several Members hut it
was Thought Necessary to Consult the Congregation at Large,
before anything Farther he done in it.
May 19 At a Meeting of the Vestry at the School Mouse it iras agreed
that William Lohman & Jaciih Ililtzheimer call on Abraham
Peters Concerning the care of our Burial Ground. The .'i(»,h of
s'1 Month we made our Report to s'1 Vestry: Told said Peters
that he is to keep up the fence of s'1 ground, the Vestry finding
Materials, and that he is not to Claim the Grass farther than
that that is on the v,est side of thr Walk: to all of which he
agreed.
1785 At the meeting 3d day of January, Mr. Peter Cooper handed
January 3 {o the Vestry a. List of lOo Persons Nanus that Subscribed
towards the 3 glass Candle sticks and Sundrys belonging to
them, that was put up in our Church in August last.
The Different Sums p1 out <>!" the Subscription money
For 3 (handle Sticks or Branches ... CSS ft *>
To John liutter for painting & gilding . 7 10 l)
For Carving t he Pine Apple 4 4 u
TO Godfrey Uoeblerfbr the Iron Rods , . 7 11 \
To Paniel IVakley t»» put on i;.>so> ... 7 i.
H4 12 10
The Several Sums Subscribed Amouni ing to 1 1
Balance E 0 M I
1/24 HISTORICAL NOTES.
January 24 . . . It was agreed that Andrew Hertzog a- Jacob Reb-
sam bo a Committee to wait on W"'. Peltz ami with him Settle
the Subscription book concerning the Mouse Purchased by the
Vestry, where the Reverend Mr. \Veibcrg Now Live-, in I
Street, and make their report at the Next Quarterly Meeting.
April 2 It was agreed that Peter Schmitt <fc William Lohman Plant
in the Churchyard the -1 r^ocust Trees thai was Brought to
Town by the sd P. Schmitt for that Purpose.
Octor. 30rh . . . It was agreed to have a Number of Posts put along
Race Street, fronting our Burial Ground and Jacob Hiltz-
heimer was appointed to see it done, and Likewise to net tin-
Bridge in .said P>. Ground Repaired.
1786 It was agreed that the Rev'1. Mr. NVeiberg he Furnished with
Octor. 2 Twelve Cords of Wood a year, one half to he Hickory.
1787 At a full meeting of the Vestry Twenty four shillings & -Id.
Jan. 22 was taken out of the Charity Box and delivered t<> .Mr. Etrcs
being the sum he paid for Hauling Wood to Sundry pom- Per-
sons of our Congregation, CI -J 4.
17SS It was agreed that Peter Loch have the grass in the grave
January 28n y.m\ again the ensuing Season for Six pounds.
At the same time a Member moved to halve a Stove or Stoves
put up in our Church early Next Winter, Provided our Twis-
liry will admit of the Expense at the time Mentioned. The
Question being put 10 members for the measure and I
against it.
March 20 About this time our Vestry had thought to Petition Hie
House of Assembly again concerning pari of tin- Square 1m-
tween Race & Vine Streets, and between IV* & 7"' Streets ad-
joining our graveyard, on that aeeo' we looked up our Papers
of a former Application, four in Number. The 1"' a piece of
Writing Signed Tho". Penn in the year 17 11 ordering the Sur-
veyor General to Survey to the Congregation a piece of ground,
we now oeeupv. part of the square above Went* in length
%•.$ S. ;!()(> feet, & & W. loO feet.
2d. A Copy of the Petition from the Vestry to the house of
Assembly which was rend the 1"' time 26,h Novein' I7S2; the
second time the ;>0"1 (if said month and referred t«> the City
Members.
8*. Their report thereon.
-1th. NY'1". Bradford l<]s(|rH Opinion .el/ [~&% who says that
the Citizens of Philad' have no right in the Square hut that it
was tin1 Property of the Proprietary1 before the Revolution and
now Vested to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
These -1 Papers are amongst others in the Vestry Room,
1788 The Vestry agreed That Mr. HYeitag, our Schoolmaster, be
Junes directed to Instruct tho youths in the Catechism in Stead of
Mr. NVeiberg every Sunday in the afternoon about an half
hour before the usual time oi chureh setting in. Mr. FYcitag
at the same time was told to make a beginning Next Sun daw
HISTORICAL NOTE*. 123
l)ecr. 29 Vestry took under their Consideration a Resolve ol the 28^
of January Last concerning the Stoves being put up in our
church. Jt was unanimously agreed thai M< hler,
Frclicli and Esler be a Committee to contract for tl
and have them put up in the Church as soon as Possible.
1789 ' ... Agreed that John Schenk Blow the Bello
January o yie Organ for which he is to receive £4 a year, to commence
this day.
Marriages by Rev. George Wack.
COMMUNICATED BY W. II. REED, PH. <:., M. D. , OF .\oj:i:wro\VN.
{Continued. )
1827.
307. January 7. Eleaser Sellers and Elizabeth Shcih.
. 398. January 10. Valentine Wartz and Hannah Signa
899. January 80. Mathias Rittenliause and Cathrine Godwals.
400. January 80. John Cold and Mary Keel.
401. February 15. Sam. D.Davis and MargarethLeightcap(wid. I
402. February 15, Janus McBrian and Hannah Ilartel.
408. March 15. John Yerkes and Cathrine Dull.
404. March 26. John Wilson and Man [tecs.
405. March 29. Jesse Kneosel and Eliza rfenois,
400. April 10. Harmon ilendrix and Rachel M.-u.
407. June 5. William Hart rant' and Margaret li Adams.
40<S. June 7. Jonathon Bailey and Mary Bruwcr.
409. August 12. George Garner and Rebecca Fray.
410. August Hi. Mathew Chain and Cathrine Wagenseller.
411. September 2. John Cms tad and Maria FavingCT.
412. September (>. Samuel B. Matlack and Dcliora Snyder.
418. September 9. Thomas Frantsi and filizalietli GmrT.
414. September 10. Joseph Hoffman and Eliza Summers.
415. September 20. Leonard Vanfossen and Sophia Derrstein
By Rev. C Wack.
IK>. September 30* Daniel I lallman and Cathrine Favinger.
417. September 30. John B, Sauter and Mary Wiegner.
41S. Octoher 2. Joseph Fisher and Harriet Farm,
419. October 11. James Raker and Cathrine Donvorth.
420. Octoher 14. John Schwartz and Cathrine Ovorholtzer.
421. October 2S. Andrew Tyson and Elizabeth Beiff.
422. November K Jonas Godshalk and Cathrine Zielier.
428. November K. Joseph McCombs and Cathrine Hartel.
424. November 18* Jacob Donvorth and Anna Uittenhause
425. November 22. James Carson and Elizaltcth Walker.
426. November 25. Mathia- Booz and Christina Ache.
126 HISTORICAL VOTES.
427. November 27. Joseph Marklev and Hannah Gotwaltz.
428. December 2. Israel Thomas and Elizabetli HoflFmain.
420. December 6. Abraham Hcndrix and Mary Stocver.
430. December 13. Peter Koines and Cathrinc Wienium.
43*1. December 25. Michael McG ill and Mary Schlatcr.
1828.
'432. January 6. John Mete and ElizalxHli IJoier.
433. January 8. Henry Stem and Mary Lukcns (widow).
484. January 24. Thomas Baker and Susanna Wolnier.
435. January 24. Edward Tin nlinson and Elizabeth Hunter.
430. January 24. David Bleyler and Maria Knocdlcr.
437. February 3. Henry Snyder and Sarah liittenhausc.
438. February 14, J. Adam Roman and Horriotl Slioll.
439. March 1). Samuel Huster and Fulmina Drake.
448. May 4. Michael Shumaker and EbV^iWrth Lethero.
441. Juno 1. Jacob Gulp and Cathrine* H nnsiekcr.
442. July 10. Epraim Miller and Charlotta Cassellierry.
443. August 10. John Hciser and Elizabeth Funk.
444. September 11. flames Wood ruf and Eliza Bodgers.
445. September 8. Petqr Mattis and Elizabeth Watts.
446. October 14. Abraham Heckler and Samh Shudi'l.
447. October 21. George Mover and Minna Markloy.
448. November 1(>. Jacob Keyser and Kollena (iodshall,
449.. December 4. John Sherer and Kli/.aheth Engort.
450. December 4. William Moore and Hannah hmke.
451. December 9. Benjamin Keyser and Kli/.a!>«-ili Dt'ttorer,
452. December 11. Jacob Hendrix and Ahum Wislor.
453. December 11. Abraham Oberholtzer ami Kli/ah.-th Bonner.
454. December' 21. James Peters and Rlizabeth Schlaugh.
455. Deeember 25. Jfosiah Evans and Elizabeth Fnink.
1829,
4r>G. January 15. Enos Fmntz and Sarah Summers.
457. March 17. Abraham Ziejder and Elizabeth 1 1 un sicker.
45S. May 12. Isaae Raser and Magdalcna Ilunsperger.
459. June 9. Frederick Sehmied and Maiyaivth Sliiedl.-.
460. July 12. George Brooks and Mary Uittenhauso.
40)1. July 1(>. Abraham Oarncr and Elizabeth Davis,
402. July 28. John Springer and Maria Ueimvahi
463. August 9. Henry Pennebawker and Cathrinc Haiwshier.
464. August 25. Abraham Knippand Maria Eumk.
4(>5. August Hi. W'm. W. ('Inward and Evdia A. (*asscll>crry.
4(>(>. August lb. Henry Johnson and Maria Davis.
467. September 10. Thomas J. \\VI)er and Elizabeth Stroud.
468. September 10. Tael Rrown and Ann Phipps,
HISTORICAL XOTKS. 12:
469. September 'JO. Thomas White and Mary Speice.
By Rev. C. Wack.
470. October 1. Ezekicl Rhoades and Eliza Moore.
471. October 11. Jesse Cassel and Cathrine Calp.
472. October 18. George Shunmker and Elizaljeth Hallman.
473. October 21. Samuel Summers and Ann Kinp.
474. November 5. Samuel Earnest and Martha Ottinger.
475. November 15. Henry (Jndercofler and Cathrine Solomen.
476. Npvember 15. Enos Ratzel and Cathrine Camel.
477. November 19. John White and Mary Jordan.
(Colored people. )
478. December 1. Anthony Custer and Mary Bromback.
470. December 6. Abraham Rittenhause and Elizabeth Met/.
480. December 13. John Mover nix] Barbary Ilallman.
481. December 31. Silas Garner and Lidia Martin.
1830.
482. January 12. Jacob Wismcr and Hetrie Roscnbcrjjer.
483. January 17. James Pannahcckcr and Elizabeth Koons,
484. January 21. Isaac Tyson and Ann Wismer.
485. January 21. Jas. II. Tompson and Temperance A. Perry.
4<sc>. February 7. Henry Rile and Margarcth (Vmvcar.
4X7. February 28. Joseph Rittenhause and Cathrine Cassel.
488. February 28. Joseph Shearer and Eliza)>eth Hoover.
489. March -I. Benjamin Godshall and Barbara Mailman.
400. March 18. Samuel Linton and Maria Hoover.
491. April 8. Samuel Rowland and Jane McKinscy.
By Rev. ('. Wack,
402. April 8. Jobn Maslcrson and Elizabeth /cm.
498. April 2o. Henry Bozerd and Susannah Teany.
494j May 25. Jacob Sine and Delila Bamefi.
495. July 1. Frederick Klairaml Margaretli Rile
40f>. August 3. William (Jartly and Henrietta Savior.
407. August 15. A brabam Schneider and Susanna Buehamer.
40S. Oetober 14, Jobn M< slyinsey and Sarah lx>ve.
400. October 31. J>enjamin Sjure and Mary Vanfnssen.
000. November 7. Isaac Staufer and Barbara Hoffman ( widom
001. November 9. Jobn barb and Cathrine l)el]».
o()2. Jhx'ember 19, Henry Tyson and Barhant (Jodwah/..
-503. December 2<i. Peter Bowman and Ehzalicth ThoniaH,
.W4- December 28. Hiram Hendricks and Fli/.aUtb Pre**.
505. Deeember 28, Jesse Warner and Abigail Knipc.
.r*Q6, December 30. Jesse Heat on and Ann Kverliart.
is.;i.
."V07- Jamiaw 1 -\. Jacob Pennel>eekcr and Marv Saylnr,
128 HISTORICAL NOTES.
508. January 20. Henry Human and Ann Carney.
509. February 3. Dewald Warner and Barliara Hoot.
510. March S. Samuel Werkheiscr and Elizabeth Fetter.
511. March 17. Hertry Frick and Cathrine Vanfo»
512. April 12. Ferdinand II. Polls and Sarah Ann Saylor.
513. April 17. John Mayhury and Mary Johnson.
514. .June — . Jonathon Kline and Elizabeth St<.nLr.
515. June 10. John Steiner and Anna Folmer.
516. August 21. Henry Stauffer and Susannah Kafwel.
51.7. August 30. Jobc Snyder and Susannah WiegilCT.
518. October ft. .Joseph Tyson and Anna Booze.
510. October 13, Joseph Moycr and Deliorah llhoadea
' 520. October 20. Isaac Cassel and Mary Ilcebncr.
521. October 20. John Bodey and Mary Pi shop.
522. November 3. George Seehler and Klizabcth Schcctz.
523. November 20. Henry Dcttwiler and Margareth Kieglcr.
524. Xovemhcr 24. Henry Garner and Margareth Itam.
525. December 8. Henry Bodcy and Hannah Watts.
520; December 22. Philip S. Kirk and Eliza1»cth McKann.
527. December 25. George Sunnncrlot and Margareth Bcnnct.
(To be Orntinitrrl. )
TIIK RELIGION <)F 'NIK ISOKItS.
The boat-load of Pilgrims left England to come to Amorifsi and found
the freedom they sought. About the same time a small number of Dutch
and Huguenot refugees from France departed from Holland for similar
reasons, and decided to seek their fortunes and religious freedom at the
Cape of (mod Hope. . . . The Pilgrims were constantly harnwsed
by the savage Indians; the Dutch and Huguenots at the Cape had treach-
erous Hottentots and Bushmen to contend against.
The .Boer is a Low Churchman among Low Churchmen, ... of
the nine legal holidays in the Transvaal, live — Good Friday, Raster Mon-
day, Ascension Day, Whit-Monday :m«l Christinas — are Church festival
days, and arc strictly observed by every Boer in the country. The Dutch
Reformed Church has been the State Church since IStto,
— Howard ft 1 1 ii.i.i:<; \s, in Oom Paid*- People.
REQUEST BY AN I MM IOH A NT.
April 4, 1748, at Philadelphia, Nieolaus Croncr died, aged GO years,
lie was fnan Ivinu'enbcrucrholT, near Mannheim. He bequeathed £20 to
the German Reformed Church of Philadelphia,
HISTORICAL NOTES
RELATING TO THE
PENNSYLVANIA REFORMED CHURCH.
VOL. 1. No. 9 January 10 1900. Perklom an Publishing Co.,
81.00 per Annum. 16fl6 N Tim.TI:ENIII sn „ (
Edited by Henry S. Dotterer. PHILADELPHIA.
An Old Case Restated* history, will be convoyed by Prof,
In this number we begin a series of ,Imk(V contributions. The reason for
articles, by Prof. Win. ,1. Ilinke, upon 1,ns new U-h{ on ('a,1.v 1 '«'i>n~> 1 v;mia
the Reiff Case. The revival of (his sub- 1,,slor.v »« curious. During the pre-Revo-
jcet may seem, at first thought, to be ,utionar>' I»,,i"<1 'll(> r«»rda "■' the Re-
thrashing over that which has been formwl Punches here, mid the rorres-
thrashed out before. This is a mistaken !),,n(U'"^' ^'ith II. .Hand, wore written in
view. The past three or four years so the (German language. To Pennsylvania
manv new and interesting points have ,,Xstoria"s »P to a not very remote dan-
been discovered, in Europe and here, that this language was unknown. As they
the present time is opportune for a re- cm,,d not ** ,V:ul thc <;<''»':>» m*nu-
viewofthis long-standing contention in S('ni)tH were "turned down." ignored,
the Reformed Church In Pennsylvania. rc&ided as ot no value. Tliere has been
Prof. Ilinke is at this time giving to :m improvement in this respeet. IVnn-
(he Reformed Church, through its East- *vl van la ran now boast ol historical >tu-
e.rn journals — the .Messenger and the
ileuts wh<. are better linguists. That
Record-some of the results of his search- "Inch was passed by in former limes,
ing investigations into the facts of 1'enn- "°w -vul,ls a ricn return of historical in-
formation to the earnest search* r. The
papers on the Reiff Case will BO prove.
The Church at Philadelphia.
sylvania history imbedded in the masses
of historical material hoarded in Euro-
pean archives. In the prosecution of his
self-imposed task he has encountered
numerous records and references in in.- The question of the date of the .. ^un-
published manuscripts relating to the station of a congregation of the Re forme* I
collection of money by Elder .Jacob Reiff, Church people again comes up. Tlwt an
and the ensuing controversy. lie has organization was effected upon tin- ;mi-
beofunc greatly interested in this topic, val of Rev. Ueorgc .Michael \\"ii>-. in
and he now gives the world, through tin' 17l'7, is perfectly clear. liut thai w;i-
pages of Historical Notes, the substance forty-five years after the cit) was founded
of the pertinent acquisitions he has by IVnn. It cannot with reason be w
made. sumed that immigrants of tin- Reformed
Considering the primitive Colonial faith, from (iermany, Holland. France,
days in which these events occurred, ami and Switzerland, who located liere ihir-
the artlessness of the plain pioneers who ing these forty-five years, made ihi move
were the keen contenders in them, the* to establish their native Chinch,
subject partakes of a romantic as well as In Rev. John Philip Ifcchm's report on
a historical character. the state of the Church in IVnnsylvanni,
Incidentally, much information or sent to Holland in 17-11, and preserved
collateral phases of our Reformed Church (translated into |>uteh) at Tin- llagtn
history, as also of our provincial civil this statement: "Wat dan o..u .1.
VU) HISTORICAL \<)Ti:>.
mecute te Philadelphia aangaat, sso nam *ons of fCnglish nationality, aftei prim1
IIr. Weisss derzelve l>ij sijn aankomst, b»roMe invitation, lor hit I •* : » t . i.
met hulp van boven gemeldte tcgenpartij, Excellency oai Governor. Ber. Mr.
inij ook uijt de ha.ndeu, want ik had Ifcehm, minister at Lancaster, -I d,
reeds eenige reijze, op hin begeerte toen- with an evening sermon on rValm*27:4,
maals aldaar gepredikt." The '"tegeri- Hie first day of thin solemn transaction.
partij" referred to consisted mainly uf °" Monday morning b<\. doctor
Michael llillegass and Dr. John Diemer. Smith, Professor of tlic High School,
Prof. Ilinke comments on this extract opened the divine services with ai, I
from Bo?hm's report in his paper on The lish sermon; and the evening * n i»f
Reiff (Vise, in this number of Historical the same day w a> preached b) Mr.
Notes. Bluuicr, minister al Allcutown, and ,
It may well be doubted that Bail mi ident of the Pennsylvania tortus. In
Ijad organized a congregation in Philadel- this manner the entire week was Mpcnt
Dhia after the distinct manner that he in continue us worship, and by Uirns
did at Palkner Swamp, Rkippack and preached ministers of the Knglish Kpi
Whitemarsh. But the Reformed Chinch palian and Presbyterian rhurclie*, as well
congregation, in whatever shape it may as hot h ministers of the evangelical I. uth-
have been, was, he says, taken out of his eran congregations, ris: lira llev. Mr.
hands by Mr. Weiss upon his arrival, Muhlenberg, Sr., and the Rev. Mr. Kniixe,
with the aid of tlra men named. beeidesother Itevercnd member* ..f tin*
Of the Heformed Churchmen who re- Kefol med ( Vet US of PeilllSV Ivania. At all
sided in Philadelphia prior to Mr. Weiss' these services large numbers nf hearers
arrival were George Peter llillegass, were present,
Michael llilleg;iss, Peter Lecolie, William ><^' evening there preached in this
.Rohrich and ilendrick Weller. church a reverend guilt I. man of the an-
cient noble family of I'ierey. front which
the earl of Northumberland is descended.
The discourse nf this Noble llivilie re-
The Reformed church on Race street, ceiwd the applause nf all who fun** h
below Fourth, in Philadelphia, was the S(.ust. of the I ruth* of I he Christian
scene of many memorable services. The religion.
second editice on the spot was dedicated In this way this house >^\ liod in no*
on the first of May, 1774. It was one of dedicated to the Lord. May lie grant
the largest, if not the largest church in that many souls may therein In* Unit up
the. cH vat that time. From a German m the living temple of tiod.
newspaper, dated Tuesday, May 10, 177-1. in mkjuoby up iiknkmal uontoomicky.
we take this report of the dedicatory On February 19, 1?7t>, lis? church was
services: used for a memorial >er\i<o which was
Regarding the soleinn dedication of the held under the auspices of the ritj an-
Herman Reformed church in this city we thorities, < In that occasion Rev. \h
can Ollly give our readers the following Sn»jt h delivered a solemn and affecting
brief account: The first or morning ser- discourse, in memory of the late < ien.ral
inon was delivered on Sunday, the iirst Montgomery and t he oihei bravt! oti
of May, by the Rev! Mr. Weyberg, the who lost their Uvea befon Quebec
regular pastor of the congregation, who processum to the church formed in tin-
show ed from M/ekiel 4.",: 7. t hat the glory order: I. the Students and professors ••!
of a congregation, and of every child of the Academy, wearing the long clerical
C ff)d in particular, consists in this, that robes; -. the Congress; •;. thr (..meal
Christ basset U]> in them His throne. In Assembly o\ t he Province; }. the M.
the afternoon, the Rev, Dr. Peters, rector and Corporation ol the UKyj - the
of the Knglish Church here, preached. Committee ol Safety; U, Die t mi.v
and had. among oihei- distinguished per- "< Supervision; 7. i be iillieeiv iif I be
Old Race Street Church.
HISTORICAL NOTKS.
i.;i
Pennsylvania battalions in the pay of
the Continent; 8, the four city battalions:
of Ass.oeialor.s. The companies of light
troops of foot and of sharpshooters
marched on either side the procession.
About four thousand persons attended.
Two galleries were occupied by leading
society ladies. Several musical coin po-
sitions were impressively rendered by a
number of gentlemen.
St. George's Reformed Church,
Philadelphia,
In the Historical Society of Pennsyl-
vania Archives, Philadelphia, is the orig-
inal of a petition dated Philadelphia,
November 'J'J, 17(14, addressed to the Pro-
prietaries, protesting against a change in
the Government founded by William
lVnn. It is signed thus:
The Consistory of St. ( ieorge's Church
at Philadelphia in the name of the whole
Congregation.
Frederick Uothenbuehier,
.Minister.
Conrad Schneider Johannes .... 11
J org Fodel Jacob l>acr
Jacob Kots Jacob . . eissley
Conrat Alster Kaspar 1'riss
'Samuel Mans Caspar (do-ckner
.lohaun Sigmund
Ilagelgau/ .Jacob Zucber
Abraham Fri <>ls John Krick
.Joseph Tob Christian [lath
Valentin Kern Johannes Hang
Christian Allborgcr John Wolff
Liberal Givers.
The Tanncrsville charge may Ih> com-
mendod as a model for Church members
generally. In the September, I SUN, issue
of the church |«iper is the announcement
that a parsonage would be purchased. In
the next (December) number we lind
this self-explanatory
STATKMK.YIY
ni.'.
Cust of Parsonage KKOOtX)
Recording Deed, ;; U>
sso:; ik(
t'K.
iJeorge K. gtuuffer, . . . . S 2o IK)
llouser Mill congregation . 200 (K)
Tanhersville congregation I .'Ml "»<»
Appenzell congregation . . IHMXl
Paradise coni^regat ion . . 71(H)
P.alancc due' LMJ"» 50
sso:; (K)
Heidelberg.
BY JICNl'.V 8. DOTTEUR.
The city of Heidelberg, which ga
name to the Catechism of tbe Reformed
Church, i^ otic of (he most attractive
places in Europe, and i> visited annually
by a great army of tourista It v.
capital of tbe Palatinate during tie-
stormy times of tie Reformation, and
the residence of the Klectot Frederick
III. The ruined castle ;< thf moat
interesting object; the University enjoy*
world-wide fame as a :*«-at of learning.
Tbe church of the lh.lv Ghost, now
partitioned by a RtOUt, >t<>m- wall, and
used oti one side of the partition by tie-
Protestants and on the other by the
Roman ('at holies, is to many a curiosity,
on account of this joint occupancy,
although it is no! the only instance of
the kmd in Germany. The museum in
one of the halls of the partly- restored
castle is a large collection of curios, relics,
imprints, paintings, carvings, j
anil bric-a-brac generally, of historic
interest, much of it having direct refer-
ence, to the Reformed Church. In <>ne
room is exhibited a number of works
printed in Pennsylvania. Several edi-
tions of the Catechism were among these
and a copy of tbe Tercentenary Monu-
ment, the record of the proceedings and
papers read at our Race Street church in
Lfifirt, upon the occasion of tbe celebra-
tion of tbe three hundredth anniversary
of the issue of the 1 hidelberg 1 tatechisili.
The library of the University is very
extensive Then' are here pamphlets
and volumes treating of tbe condition of
the Reformed t'hurch during the inva-
sions of the Palatinate by the French
armies. A larja* work of value i- fed-
lar's rniversal Lexicon, consisting of
sixty-eight volumes, including
supplemental volumes, issued from 1730
to 17~>4. It is important in this n
the persons and places are described in
it as they were about the lime of the
greatest emigration Irom (iertnany t<>
Pennsylvania. When von read, there-
fore, in this work, the description ni a
132
HISTORICAL NOT 10
place, you get it as it was wlien our an-
cestors left it to/come hither.
In the matriculation book of the Uni-
versity are several names familiar to
us, but only two entries of immediate
historical interest, namely:
1718. 18ten Octobris, Georgius Michael
We is i us, Philosophic Studiosus Kppinga
Palatums.
1724. 14 febry .Joannes RartholomuMis
Itieger, Ingelheimensis Studios Plfilo-
soph.
Thus wrote these men, both afterwards
pastor of the first Reformed church of
Philadelphia, with their own hands,
their names the day they entered the
University.
A continuous stay of live or six weeks
in Heidelberg, in !&)(>, enabled me to
become well acquainted with every part
of the city, the castle, and dozens of the
neighboring places. In many instances
curiosity was shown concerning the rea-
son for the researches carried on by me.
When informed that Heidelberg was
held in high esteem in one of the leading
Church organizations because it was the
birth-place of the Heidelberg Catechism,
the compendium of the Biblical authori-
ties upon which the Reformed Church
doctrines rest, no interest was evoked.
At the University library it wns different
— there the historical fact was known,
but reference to it seemed tiresome, to
say the least. A little incident occurred,
a few days before we left finally, which
illustrates what has just been stated.
Mrs. Dotterer was completing her collec-
tion of views at one of the many pretty
shops at which photographs and engrav-
ings an* sold. The proprietor, who had
waited on her several times before, and
knew that she was an American, iv-
marked that an American customer had
that day purchased a large, number of
postal cards illustrated with views of the
castle, for Sun lay-school uses, and ven-
tured to inquire what there was about
Heidelberg that could make it oi interest.
to American Sunday-schools. Of course
the matter was explained to him.
The. churches in Heidelberg, Catholic
and Protestant, are well attended. One
of the latter is very prosperous and fash-
ionable. But there seems to be Utile in
them of that which we in America, for
lack of a better term, call spirituality.
This .-tale of thing IT think-
ing, to be inseparable from a -•
Church.
Tannersville Charge.
Tannersville charge- consisting of Tan-
nersville, Ilouser Mill. Appointed and
Paradise congregation] — has ntvntly pur-
chased a parsonage for it- voting pastor
and his bride. Rev. If. II. lining in the
minister. His wife is a lineal de.-eeiidani
of Rev. John Philip Leydicll. 1 1 « - ■ - mai-
den name was Clara II. Leidy. sin- i- a
native of New Hanover township, Mont-
gomery county, and a spiritual daughter
of the Kalkner Swamp Reformed church.
The Parish Helper
is the name of tl>e little journal issued in
the interest of the Tannersville phi
in Monroe county, P;t. It i> carefully
edited by Pev. W. 11. Prong, the post or.
and is free from gossip and advertise-
inents. We notice in it poetical contri-
butions over the initial- of the pa.-t<>i*-
young wife, dated while sin- wa> a -in-
dent at AlloiltOWH College for W« mien.
Reformed Church Literature*
A Historical Sketch of the KslcklHT
Swamp Reformed Clilirch, Prepared b\ a
Committee, 180(1. Bnyertown, Pa. Pi---
of the Charles Spat/. Company. M
Pamphlet, 1-mo.. pp. IQi Owned
George W. Heist, Prank ford. Pa.
The Committee who issued thi- nketeli
Consisted of (i. P. Pi>hel. Pa-La; .lv--e
(ieist. Mahlon Stettx. and Solomon Hoff-
man.
|)ii' KvangclisclieZeit ling del l>ei:
Reformirten Kirclie in den V'ervinjf
Staaten von Kord-Amerika. Am
ordnung dor au-uebeii«len Committee der
Alis-ions-tu^ell-chaft herau.-gcueUm von
.lohann lleinrieh Pie\er. Pied. d. I.
form. Kinhe. Kami l November, is
No. 11. York. Pa «.edrihkt U\ D
May. 1831. Pamphlet. Kvo, pp. ltd lit!
Owned h\ llenrx S. lV;ieiei. Phila-
delphia.
HISTORICAL \'<>TI> 1 ; ,
History of the Reiff Case.
15 Y PROP. WM. .1. MINKi;.
The recent review and criticism of tin- Reiff (W, a* presented in Dr.
Good's History of the Reformed Church in the United States ha* induced
the writer to study once more, with the help of all the known document*,
the complicated story of this famous case. We herewith present the re-
sults of our investigation with the hope that they may contribute to a
more thorough elucidation and proper understanding of these important
events in the history of our Church. Our aim has heen two-fold. In the
first place, we wish to tell the whole truth, as far as it can be known at
present, without reservations or restrictions, without trying to shield any-
one, or withholding the Maine where it ought to he put. But, in tin
second place, in order to exclude as far as possible all later opinions, we
shall let the original documents speak lor themselves, and thus confine
ourselves to the testimony of eye-witnesses, from whoso corroborative evi-
dence alone legitimate conclusions can he drawn.
1. THK CAUSES OF T1IK COJJLKCTIXti Toll; OF I7:M».
When Rev. George Michael Weiss arrived in Philadelphia, on Sep-
tember 18, 1727, he found the German Reformed people scattered ovo
various, widely separated settlements. There were hut three fully
organized congregations, as far as we know — Falkncr Swamp, Skippack
and Whitemarsh. l>ut at several other places religious meetings were
being held and congregations were ;;i the process of formation, whose
Organization was actually completed in this very year 1727. These newly
organized congregations were at Philadelphia, (iermantown, Goshen-
hoppen, Conestoga and Tulpehocken. The number of Reformed people
at these eight different places was variously estimated. Weiss stated in
Holland, three years later, that there were 15,000 German Reformed
members ill Pennsylvania, and the minutes of the Synodieal DcpUtien of
March 1(>, 1731, inform us that the total membership was 30,000 hap-
tized members or lo,000 communicant uieinhcrs. These figures are cer-
tainly exaggerated, perhaps even intentionally, to increase the liberality
of the Keformed people in Holland. Rev, Kieger estimated thcni in :i
letter of November 22, 1731, as heing less than 3000. This its much
nearer to the truth, for Ko-hm, in his repeat of 17-U. gives the actual
numher of communicants in these eight original congregation* :t- 3841
At the time of Weiss' arrival there were hut three men hdtoring in tills
large field: John Philip Btehm in the Schuylkill valley, Jitfin Conrad
Tcmpclmann in the (onestoga valley, and John Kechtel, who preached
oceasionallv, since 172(1, to the Reformed at (iermantown. That Samuel
<iuldin ('id any active work at this time cannot he proved. The moot
])rominent of these men was Ru'hlll, who preached at this time without
being ordained to the ministry. With him Weiss soon mine into eon-
13-1 HISTORICAL \'oTI>'.
ilict. Hardty two weeks after hia arrival — on October 2, 1727-*- lie i~-u* «{
thrf first protest against the ministry of Rtehm, in the form ci a letter to
the Reformed people at €onestoga. Shortly afterwards he followed n|>
this protest with numerous nets directed agarmrt Bohm. lie invaded
evorv one of his congregations,* preaching and baptizing in all of them
without the consent and knowledge of Bohm. Not only that, bllfl he
also publicly attacked Boehnt aiu I "declared him t<. he a man until lor
the ministry, whom he did not consider worthy to admin inter the rarni-
mewfe*.*1 The climax of these strained relations was reached on March
10, 1728, when Weiss with a number of his adherent- frolu Philadelphia
— Peter and Michael Ffillegass, Michael Sehmi<lt and othi ?rn ■— a|.j icared at
Skippack, to prevent Itahni from further holding his servinvi at the
house of Jacob Beit)'. Bnami'says: "At this time a disgraceful tumult
arose in the presence of a large number of people'" i,i which the imiijiiii-
ions of Weiss ''absolutely disputed my riuht to p]-each. using the tinted
insulting words, and drove me" away forcibly from the usual uniting
place, which was the private house of Jacob lloiff. Asa result I had t<>
conduct my pervices with my elders arid the members trim remained
faithful to the Church order suhscrihed by them, in different h<>u>e> her.-
and there. "
The separation of the two parties Was coni]ileted when the new
church at Skippack was dedicated, on June 22, 172H. On that tlay
Weiss took possession of the church, which, as liiehin claims, his elder*
had be<>un,. hut which was seized by Elciff and his brothers because "they
insisted that they had loaned most of the money and thus had the la. .
claim on it.-" (These facts are taken from a letter of hVrhm t<» the Clnsai*
of Amsterdam, dated November 12, JToO. )
This state of affairs became at last intolerahle to the congregations «»f
i'xvliii), which would not give up their beloved leader. Hence tlnv
appealed through the Dutch Reformed ministers at New York to the
(Massis of Amsterdam for the ordination of Bo-hm. This earnest reqiifiM
was granted, and Bo'hm was iirdaincd at New York on November '_'•*'..
17*2*). On the following day a reconciliation was effected between Weiss
and Btrftuil, by which Weiss recognized the ministry of Btehin and prom-
*Bophm considered as his congregation* not only Fa Ik nor Kwutnp, SkippHck.
Whitemarsh, (/onestoga ami Tnlpchockcn. but also Philadelphia, where lie had
preached before the arrival of Weiss, although there i< no evidence thai lie had
ganifcexl a congregation. If there had been an org* luxation, he would -anely rmv«*
mentioned it. Mis silence seems to imply that Philadelphia had rally been a preach-
ing place, when Weiss arrived in I7:'7.
In all his letters, written from lYnnsvlvanin \v Holland i Iwent) -f«»nr in nunv
Ikm-), IVehni refers but once to his activity at Philadelphia before the arrival >>l
Weiss. In his report to the Synods, dated* July 8, I. II. he writes an follows
"Now concerning the congregation at Philadelphia. \kh Wcic* t«mk the >.niie at
his arrival, with the help of the above mentioned opponents" i Too and Muhael
llillegas anil Mr. John Jacob Diemer) "rail of my hand-, for / hod n/n
Ihrrr xtrrml liima til t/i, if rn/msf."
HISTORICAL NoTKS. 1:;",
isedto interfere no more with his work, hut to retire bom the eongn gataoni
of Boehm, especially Skippack. That \\*<iss did not keep these promises
is evident from his continued preaching at Skippack, and that his •
nition of Boehm's ministry was not sincere will clearly appear fmm hit
later conduct in Holland.
The "wooden chureh" at Skippack was the fimt nhurch building of
the German Reformed people in Pennsylvania, at least a- far as is known
at present. (The corner-stone of ' the Reformed church at Gevraantown
could not have been laid by the Swedish minister Dylaodcr in 1719,
simply because he did not arrive in Pennsylvania till 1737, and, mop-
over, a1* report made on January 9, 1 TH'i. by the Philadelphia merchant,
Arent llassert, makes no reference to a Reformed church, while mm— Bf-
ating all the other churches of Philadelphia and (iermantown. The Ger-
mantown church of 1719 is a fiction, which Might to he dismissed from
«*ur history. ) There being but one church for the Reformed people in
the province, the need of other church buildings was keenly felt ;it many
places, especially at Philadelphia, and as the people were too poor Ui
erect these necessary houses of public worship, they finally agreed t«> -end
Rev. Weiss to Europe to collect the necessary funds For the erection of
one or perhaps several churches. Weiss suggested In the church of
Holland that four additional churches be built.
The reason why Jacob Ueiflf was associated with him in thi^ under-
taking is explained in a -letter of Rev. Rieger and John Diemer t«» the
Synodical Deputies, written on March I. \~'-Y-\:
''When Doniine Weiss, ahout three years ago, resolved t<> go to Hol-
land and Germany to present our need to good-hearted souls, eager to ad-
vance the honor of God, a doubt arose in the minds of Kane of us.
whether he mighl not allow himself to be persuaded to remain h
many, where! >v on r good efforts would prove fruitless. tint thi> reason
we associated with him Jacob Rcitf, a naturalized citizen of this country
and a well-to-do man, whn intended Ui travH to (!< rnmm/. and we ga\*e him
a special power of attorney, by virtue of which he was requested t<> take
charge of this collection in case Weiss would not return, and act in
accordance with the order of the consistory of Amsterdam and Rotterdam. "
This statement throws some douht on the claim, set up hy KeilY three
years later, that he had no other husiness in Kurope than this collection.
and went to attend to this affair exclusively. This claim is more fully
disproved hy the minutes of the Synod of Sort 1 1 Holland, held at
Enkhuyzen, .Iul\ ••_>!)— August 7, 1732. At that time Rev, Wilhdmius.
of Rotterdam, informed the Synod that '"the society i^i merchants had
bought If large district in Pennsylvania, but that they were going I
this land again, for which reason Jacob Reiflf had been sent to the Palati-
nate to act in this affair. The above mentioned Mr. Wilhelmius ban
proposed Rev. llottinuer to .laeoh ReifT, in owler U% sew! him to Penney I-
130 HISTORIC AL NoTKS.
vania to organize the church. Jacob Reiff ha-' written to .Mr. Wiihelmiu-
that he had spoken with Mr. Hottinger and that there was hope thai
Hottinger could be persuaded to go. " There was -till another bn*i
to which Reiff attended on this journey. The Dutch Reformed people in
Bucks county had long been without a minister, hence they pave Reiflf a
letter to Rev. Wilhehnius and Rev. Knibhe, of [>eyden, dated May •"..
1730, asking them to send them a suitable pastor. They also Rave lei:;
a sum of money to pay for the travelling expenses of their new minister.
On May 20, 1784, Rev. Wilhelmius reported, "the money which Rcifl
has handed to me in your name, is still in my care."
We have thus learned that the objert of Reitf in going t«» Kure.pr was
at least threefold. First and above all, to act as an agent for ;i land « -« * 1 1 • -
pany; secondly, to assist Rev. Weiss in his collection, and if nerosary t»»
secure another minister for the congregations of Weiss: and. thirdly, t«»
assist the Dutch Reformed people of Bucks county to get a minister from
Holland. Reiff was evidently a thorough business man. who made me
of every opportunity presented to him. Shortly before their depaituiv.
on May 10, 1780, the adherents of Weiss wrote two letters, one to the
Classis, and the other to the Synods, in which they protested against the
ordination of Bcehm and asked the Classis not to force Bo*hni U|m»ii them
as ihe&r minister, but to notify him "that he has to give up bin ministry,
abstain from preaching and the administration of the sacraments, that we
poor and oppressed people may be delivered From further scandal< and
vexations.''
These two letters were handed to Rev. Weiss to present them t<> tin
authorities in Holland. But before Weiss left be arranged several fare-
well services with his followers. On May 1. 17-I0. he eelcbrated ;ln-
communion with his adherents at Skippack and on May 7 A wen si on
Day) and 17, he preached two farewell sermons. I>\ these scr\ices, ws
well as by continued ministerial acts in his congregations, he offended
l)<ehm very much, who regarded them as a breach of the promises made
at New York, and hem*? complained bitterly to the ministers nt New York
on May 17, 1730; The severity of his language is pardonable, when we
realize his feelings. All his fond hopes that through the reconciliation at
New York, peace would he restored in his congregations, had l»cen shat-
teued and hence he writes, full of indignation: "To sign such a covenant
with one's own hand, before such venerable men. who had done their
utmost for the honor of Jesus, to promote the U-st interests ^i the Church
and then to break it agwin in such a disgraceful way, is not only dishon-
orahlc, hut far from godly, and unworthy of a teaeher. t<> set such an
eecaipple..1'
Nor was Pxehm delighted ubout Weiss' journey to Holland, hilt
could only see in it a great danger to the Reformed Chinch. cs|»cciaHy as
Weiss was reported to have said that '"he would j*n to Holland t.. obtain
HISTORICAL N'OTKS. 1:;7
the m<mcy which had there Uecn <-olleeted in answer to bit loiter. Thin
he would put oji interest, so that lie could live on it after hi, return."
Two days after Btthm had scut this report to Sew York. Reifl re-
ceived his power of attorney, on May 19, 17:;o. the original document
is still in existence in the archive- at Lancaster.
furnished with letters of recommendation, and the above mentioned
papers and instructions, the two travellers set out on their journey in tin-
latter pant of May, 17-30. The good wishes of their friend, followed them,
hut on the part of their opponents then- were hut anticipations of coming
trouble and "brooding mischief."
Holland and Pennsylvania.
VI
hoixam/s caim: of tin: nkkohmkh riit'ltcH in i'i;\nmi.v\\ia.
[Confiiuu'fl.]
It is now well known tliat John I'hilip fUehui orirani/« d congrega-
tions of the Reformed colonists, in the year 172~>, at Falkner Swamp.
Skippack and Whitemarsh. He trained rules for the government of tin-
infant churches, which were duly adopted by the memlicrs. lie wan for-
mally called to the pastorate, and, although not ordained, he aeerpn d
the call. The necessary preparations For the celebration of the Lord'*
Supper were made in each congregation. The first communion was held
at Falkner Swamp on the 15th day of October, 1725, with 40 communi-
cants in attendance; at Skippack in November, of the same year, with
37 communicants, and at Whitemarsh on the 2tfd af Deccmlier, following,
with '2-1 communicants. In the course of the succeeding two year- con-
gregations were cstahlished in like manner at Concstoga and Tul|>choekcn.
The first communions at these places were held: At t'oncstoga, on the
14th of October, 1727, with 511 communicants; at Tul|K»h«jcken, on the
IStli of the same month, with -V2 communicants. These facts and date*
are obtained from eotemporary manuscripts preserved in the Reformed
Church archives at The Hague, Holland.
New came a check to Ihchm's progress in Chinch work. In Septem-
her, 1727, Rev. (Jeorjie Mieliael Weiss, a regularly (»rdained minister nf
the Reformed Church, arrived at Philadelphia. I "pmi hi> arrival the
IMormed residents in Philadelphia organized a congregation an 1 cIiom1
him for their pastor. In 1 72S Weiss f«»und his \\a\ t<> Skip|M< k. where
Kojhm had organized a eongregatkai. The irregularity of Rabins us-
suniption of the ministerial olliee was made eJcar to the people, and
division an<l confusion ensued. Weiss also went to Cones toga, after
Rcelnn had visitt < I the congregation several limes, and by dia|mragin^
representations turned the people against Ike! nil. "Sn hat !><>. Weiss
i;W HISTORICAL N'o'lKS.
mich hey dicscr Gemeindc,'' so wrote Boehm to Holland, "durch einen
sehr schimpfl. Bericht (den ieh in handen habe) verlasterl nmb ne da-
dnreh irre gemacht nnrl dieselbe an rich gezogen, aber Laid wider rer-
lassen."
Preliminary steps were taken in July. 1728, Jot Mr. Boehm'fl ordina-
tion. After a tedious correspondence with the Classis of Amsterdam, Mr.
Boehm was publicly Ordained, on Sunday afternoon, November 23, IT.
in the Reformed Low Duteli church in the city of New York.
While these matters were going on in America^ Hie church authori-
ties of Holland were giving careful consideration to the state of the Penn-
sylvania Reformed congregations.
The ecclesiastical organization of the Netherlands at thai time wax
made up of eight Synods, and each Synod comprised a number of Clasf
The Synods met once a year. At these meetings written reports were
received from the other Synods and delegates attended. By thin eumlx r-
some system of intercommunication the general work of the Church \\ .» ^
kept before all the several parts of its jurisdiction. There was m. general
Synod, as at present. In 1727 the Synods were:
Zuid Holland, (South Holland I
(jelderland,
Noord Holland. (North Holland)
lTtregt, (It reel it )
Friesland.
Overijssel,
Stad en Landen.
The Classes in the Synod of South Holland were eleven in num-
ber, viz:
Zuid Holland.
Delft en Deltland.
Leyden en Xeder Kynland.
(Joude en £choonhoven,
Schieland.
(lornichem.
\'oorn en Pifttcn,
's Mmvenhflge,
W'ocrden en ( her Lynlaiid.
Buuren.
lire. la.
The Svnod of South Holland met in 172*5 at W'oeiden. Jul) I W
The president laid before that body a communication EfOM tin' Chief
Church Council of Heidelberg, conveying a request foi mean- t » he
applied towards building a church in Pennsylvania for the Kefornud
brethren who had gone thither from the Palatinate, who were there
compelled to hold religious service under the blue heavens. They
regarded this as affording a lield in which, with the blessing of the
Almiffhtv, a rich harvest might lie gathered for the Chun h ..I r,<u\: .md
HISTORICAL N'OTKS. 1;:.,
they desired to recommend the subject to the i arnesl attention of theOaifsea
and through correspondence to the other Synods, in order that in the
coming year a generous assistance might be given towards working out
the purposes of God. A proposition was made thai the charities col]
by the deacons should be set aside for the support of the brethren and
trie churches persecuted for the truth and in nml of help; also to petition
the States' Genera] for a definite sum yearly to apply to this pur]
Consideration of the subject was postponed.
In 1729 the South Holland Synod met at Cuylenbcrg, July 5-15.
Collections for the needy Pennsylvania churches were taken, amounting
to six hundred and ninety-six guilders, twelve stiver.-.
Delft, etc., f. IKS
Leyden, etc.. 180
Gornichcm, 107 IS —
Voorn & I'utte, M — —
's Gravenhagc, 8 — —
Woerden, etc, 7.*! 1~> —
Breda, etc., 1~>7 I —
Total, r. \m\ vi —
This sum was handed to I )". A lard us Tiele, preacher at Rotterdam,
to be paid over to the Pcnnsvlvanians.
1 1 (j ( Ta be ( but in tied. )
1 Falkner Swamp Reformed Church.
This congregation held its first communion October 1">. 1725. It i>
the oldest congregation of the German branch of the Reformed Chureh in
the United States. [See Historical Notes, page 86, et scqucntes.]
THE PKESKNT CHURCH RD1FICK
was built in 17i)0. The same year the Synod— oll'niallv termed, I)ei
Khrwiirdige Ccetus der Hoch-Deutschen Refonnirten (iemeinen in Perm-
sylvanien, Maryland und Jersey — met in Falkner Swamp. Nicholas
Pomp was the pastor.
eiii'Rcii debt.
The congregation remained in debt to the liuilding Committee i«»r
the new church Cor several years. The Building Committee — Itaumcistcr
— was composed of Philip llahn. Michael Dotterer, Peter Steltx, John
Smith, John Schnell, Jacob Schneider. October '-'^K ls»)j, <( »•«•! .
tional meeting was held, at which it was resolved to take a special sub-
scription to pay the remaining debt. June •>. l«S0ft, another meeting was
rolled. The effort l<» raise funds had heen suwcssful. At this time t)ie
pastor was L. h\ Hermann, ami the consistory consisted ol
George Nyce Moses Kehl
John Reegner Ludwig Wormaii
Conrad Jaeger Peter Itefsnydcr
( ludf, Sehler Abraham i>..tln r
no
IIISTOIIK AL NOTI*
The collections amounted to £268 0 1. June '•'. 1*04
were paid oft' at the parsonage. A considerable numb. i of tli
of the neighboring Lutheran congregation made contributions.
SUBSCRIPTION M8T.
The principal contributors wen
:,ll debts
memb i-
Ludwig Bonder, sr
John Bender, jr.
Ludwig Bitting
George Buehrer
Dieter Buehrer
George Dengler
Michael Dotterer, sen
Midi1 Dotterer, jun.
Conrad Dotterer
Abraham Dotterer
Barny I >otterer
Hannes Dotterer
Henrieh Grob
Leonard Hart ran ft
John Hahn
Conrad Jaeger
Johunes Junger
Andreas Jung
Moses Kehl
Michael Koons
Philip Koons
Henry Knaus
George Kayser
Reinhard Kiehler
Henry Krebs
Franz Leidiir
2
G
1
15
0
0
5
0
5
5
0
5
5
:; 0
10
h
o
-)
0
8 0
:\ 0
8 0
7 10
7 10
:) 0
:; o
3 0
2 5
1 10
;; 0
•0 Peter Martin
0 George Moor
0 Beiij. Markley
0 ( fcorge N yee
0 Widow Syvv
0 Conrad Nemnaii
0 John [leegner
0 Peter licifschneider
0 Sebast. Reifschneider
0 Andreas Reifsehneide
0 John Richard
0 Abraham Schell
0 Andreas Schmidt
6 Hen rich Schmidt
0 1 lanes Schmidt
0 Christian Stclz
0 Peter Stclz
0 John Schlonckrr
0 Peter Sehler
0 John Sehnell
0 ( hristian Schweyer
0 Peter Sehwcist'nrth
0 Peter Voegelev
0 Frcderich Weiss
0 Christian /oiler
3 0
1 2
0 15
r> 7
0 7
0 |5
:; (i
1 10
0 i/i
n 7
2 T\
7 10
:; 0
1 10
()
0
0
17
(}
10
]()
10
I)
• )
15
0
TEACHER* OF THE PAROCHIAL SCHOOL.
Christopher Smith in 180S, and Samuel Schoeh in I s_; I
schoolmasters, as is shown by the receipts given by them for salarie
Empfangcn von Mr. Abraham Dotterel* a uf mein Kirehen I
Pt'und den 20ten April 1808.
£8 0 0 Christnph Si
IS2J. April den hen.
Kmpfnngen von den Yorstehren fur <'in Jahr Kirehcn Dienst die Sum
mil Kwey und drev/.ziu Thaler den Hmipfang bezeige icli.
$32.00 Samuel S< hoeh, Kehnllehrer.
\\«"'" the
ries:
en Lohn ilrev
nitli.
PAINTING TI1K rllURCH.
In 1<S10 the church was painted. Hie work
Dengler. A committee was given the i
the hill. The sums obtained were:
By Christian Stclz C 5 b' 10J By Daniel
Henry Grubh (.» :»
Abraham Doterer 2 lo
John Na-le :\ 0
\\;i- done by Jacob
luty of collecting the money to \u\y
Joseph Freyer
Jacob Dengler
•j \H U
i :: 10
">1 If) 0
HISTORICAL NOTES, 141
minister's salary.
The minister was paid in the Spring of the year. April 12, 1811,
Rev. Mr. Hermann's salary was paid him for the previous year. It was
£50. April 12, 1812, he was paid £70. It must be remembered thai
ho Pennsylvania pound was equal to $2.66$, or seven shillings, six
no to the dollar.
The Flight of the Huguenots.
The Huguenots who fled from Franco because of Louis' crnel admin-
afcation numbered perhaps a million. How they escaped is marvelous.
Qiery moans that the most powerful government in the world could take
I prevent their escaping was taken. The dragonnade was fruitless. It
aincd only a temporary spoil. For fifty years the. emigration went on,
md those magnificent industries that Huguenot enterprise had built up,
espite all the efforts that Louis XIV. and Louis XV. made to have it
therwisc, sank into paralysis and ruin. And Franco, beautiful France,
land destined by nature to he the homo of as prosperous a people as the
-hole earth can show, became poorer and more wretched and more callous
i the instincts of humanity and more indifferent to the principles of jus-
ee and freedom year by year until in ho ''revolution" her whole politi-
i and social structure fell in utter and inevitable eollapsc.
— John Rrkkezkii Bryant.
Colonial Church Builders.
INDIAN CRKKk IM.Fomi HI > (111 K<I1.
In the foundation wall of the present Christ Reformed church, Indian
■. trek, Bucks county, are two stones that were in the building erected in
7~-l. They are brown sandstone. These names, doubtless those of the
nililing committee, are carved upon them:
dT'i^W J«AV-Ua §r, ® M IT! #54 %
Jt JACOB RIEH * 1MIILR UHXRU'II SKLKR W^
&- XICIIAL MR(JK * JACOB LK1TK ^
PKTHR GERHART -::- WILEJM ALTHALS £
JOIIAXES SCHELERERGER * ABRAHAM ARNT
142 IllSTolllCAL NoTKS.
Marriages by Rev. George Wack.
COMMl'XICATKn 1>,V W. ||. KKKJ), I'll. Q., \l. 0. . UV N«»ir I: I- I I iW.V
( Chntiwnl. )
1 S3:
52<S. January
52*). January 1
l*:-»2.
5. Jaeoh Kropp illicl M:ig<lafcna 1 1 UIIXM'ktT.
12. Cileries Stout and Harliani Hoffman.
580. February 12. Samuel Ashenfclter ami Rehee^i Miller.
581. February 19. Charles Xcwii);ii) ami Mary J<fVi i< -.
582. February 19. Hfcnry Peteni ami Mary I^hman.
4. John Harttlc and Susannah Srhlatejh.
22. Samuel Summers and Elizabeth Whitby
588. March
584. March
585. March
580. March
587. May
538. August
5(39. Septembei
eptemher 18. John Sim
25. Charles Buttcrswa ami Susanna Mashman.
29. Samuel Kugler and Elizabeth Kilmer.
20. Isaac Spere and Mary Vanf<»ssen.
21. David Jeffries and Sarah Meyers.
9. William Khert and Kli/ahrth Kitten hause.
540. September 18. John Snell and Caroline Carr.
541. September 18. Thomas Dorworth and Sarah Kline.
542. September 23. Andrew 1 )enner and Sihilla Stailffcr.
548. October 2. Charles Dickey and Mary Ann lioier.
544. October 7. Henry Fox and Christina 1 1 of T: nan.
545. October 7. Jacob Mark ley and Maria Wagner.
54<>. October 11. Ivisdon J. IVrry and Dorcaa Priee.
547. October 14. William Johnson and Mary Hallmnn.
548. October 21. John Cmstad ami Susanna Vomig.
549. November J. Aaron Leidy and Rachel Tassel.
550. November (>. Isaac Snyder and Chi islina Henning.
a-dal.n:. (a — -!
550. November (>. Isaac Snyder and Christina llennii
551. Xovember 6. Abraham Wiegner and Magdalemi
552. November IS. Samuel Williams and Lidia Tyson,
558. Deccinher (>. .Jacob AllderiVer and Mely I Vn w il. i\
55-1. December 18. Joshua Hcehncmnd Klizaheth Williams
555. December 20. Mark Widger and Hester Ann Drake.
55(J. December 28. Lewis Pergenot and Herriet (Jchry.
557. Deccinher 23. Joseph Tohan and Sarah Keehtel.
188*.
55S. January 27. Jesse Frantx and Margaret (Jreenwaild.
559. February 17. Peter Pager and Elizabeth Savior.
5(10. February 21. Andrew Crawford and Kli/ah. th King.
">(>1. February 2S. Jacob Flauss ami Ann MeVay.
*\ ]i\]\\\ l«Vv ;ind M:irv Sliiiii-
5(52. Manh 8. John Fry anil Mary Stong.
5l>8. March
5(14. Manl
5(15. April
8. John Fry and Mary Stong.
21. William Hopkins and Ann Smith.
7. Owen M. Evans and Martha Putt*.
80. Jamh K miner and Ann Bergstnwr.
500.
August
507.
September
508.
September
509.
October
570.
October
571.
October
572.
October
573.
October
574.
November
575.
November
570.
November
577.
November
578.
November
579.
November
580.
December
581.
December
W2.
December
W.\.
December
584.
December
585.
December
580.
January
587.
January
r^K
February
589.
.March
590.
May
591.
July
592.
September
593.
September
594.
September
595.
October
590.
November
597.
XovciiiIht
598.
November
599.
November
000.
December
001.
December
002.
January
()():;.
January
004.
January
005.
February
000.
March
007.
March
HISTORICAL XOTKS. 1 y.\
25. Abraham Krop and Susannah Johnson.
15. George Butz and Elizabeth Levan.
26. Jacob S. Tyson and Susannah Pcttwiler.
15. Benjamin Beyer and Hannah Cancel.
27. Iveas Buttcrswa and Margarcth Mall.
29. Jacob Wanner and Ann Deriek.
27. Peter Maust and Ann I'nruli.
.">!. Jacob Schmied and Uachacl Davis.
17. Philip Stong and Sarah Fry.
7. Christopher Heebner and Ann Mitchell.
20. Thomas Clink and Itclwcca Slough.
21. Peter VVagner and Margarel behold.
26. John \j. Adamson and Mary Ann Hooth.
20. Abraham Dettera and Mary Flart.
12. Nathan Moore and Elizabeth Panm bc< ker.
17. Andrew Hvserand Keheeca Custer.
17. Henry Nungesser and Mary Ann Byer,
22. Joseph Fretz and Maria Markle.
25. Wells Tomlinson and Hannah Arlman.
20. Isaac Tassel and Eliza Ml) Until.
ls:M.
12. John Detteree and Mary Boyer.
.')(). Benjamin Jones and Margarcth SIuiiiiIm*.
27. Jonas Ashenfeltcr and Margarcth Davis.
IS. Henry AUehaugh and Hester J I m. sicker.
20. Joseph C. Frontield and Eden Boier,
0. Cleorge Tarrenee and Clarissa Davis.
7. John Kncezcl and Eliza Uhoads.
11. John Matlock and Cathrine Fight.
M. Isaac Yost and Mary Keith
9. Peter Mundslmwcr ami l.oisa Steward,
9. Henry Harley ami Anna Kolp.
10. Pet of Johnson and Elizabeth Custer.
2»i David Uanier and Mary Dewces.
29. Jacob Singer and Mary Ann Thomas.
1. Samuel Klaireand I tester Martin.
25. Joshua Ileal ami Elizabeth KUi hard.
is:;5.
12. Abraham Klaireand Veronica Kooglcr.
15. Alexander (J ray and Cathrine Drake.
is. Benjamin Baker and Mary Ann Hoover.
22. Jacoh Dcllcrcc and Ann Place.
5. Michael Longcnticld and Christiana Deishlay,
15. Thomas W'owel ami Kli/.ahet h I bun ho,
Ml HISTORICAL VOTKS.
008. March I.",. Charles W'alk.-i and Am. Kuril.
009. April !). Charles Smith and Ann Hnere.
010. April 10. Othniel Sands and Cathrinc Wimier.
HI!. May 5. John Ashenfelter and Cathrinc Johnson.
012. June 21. John Custer aw I Sarah Custer.
018. July ft. William Baker and Susannah Funk.
014; July 11). Philip Stong and Sophia Pry.
015. August 9. James Farley and Hannah Camel.
01f>. Augtisl 11. Henry Cleiinner and Margarcth Ilarley.
017. August 11. Abraham Kly and Klizalietli Meyers.
(UN. Augusl 29. Mahlon YV. her and Kllen Matilda Hum.
01.9. September 5. Samuel Fenstermaeher and Lidia McU.
.0*20. December 2R. Conrad Boose and Sarah Ann Wanl.
1830.
021. January :*>. Aaron Frantz and Sophia Wamier.
i\-2'2. February IS. Joseph Fetter and Cathrine Walker.
028. April 11. Michael Heckler and Hannah Kittenliouse.
(ijM. April 17. Francis Beyer and Margami K inch tier
025. August 10. William Wanner and Susannah leister.
(;2C>. October 10. JohiV J. Swart ley, and Heater Tyson.
(527. October 20. .ImcoI. Beyer ami Kli/aluth Cassel.
( 7)i hi' ( h/il i n nrt I '. )
The Young Preacher's Visic.
1 lc arrived iu KainHeld on Sat unlay evening, was met at tin <;n-.
and carrier! off hag and baggage to the lumsr of Mr. Absalom Stnipinai.
It was sou!) known that 1 1 it" preacher had come. The children peep. .1 in
on hiii) through the crack of 1 1 h^ floor until those behind, in tlieir eager-
ness to get a sight, pushed those? before into the rooi i, and I lien Ihc
whole herd scampered off as if a tribe of Indians was after them. Tin*
glossy black clothes of the young preacher fully eomilionited the id»a
that he must lie well off. Besides these, lie wore patcnt-li-athcr Iwtita,
and ha<l ;; silk umbrella and a gold watch.
At tea, the children, about a linker's dox.cn in all. would put a s)mioii-
lul of mush to their mouths, look first at the young clergyman's let.
then at one another and snicker, till their maternal put six ur eight of
them through a process shc.called "smacking," and sent them into the
kitchen till prayer time. Albeit Mr. Meagre wore his clothes as if all
unconscious thai they were the subject of any remark.
Sunday morning tame. I'p the aisle moved Mr, Muigre. The
whole congregation looked towards the door as he entered the liouse, the
ehoir peeped down over the gallery, and he felt that lie wiis tin observed
of all observers. — I*. SkIIIKHT I>.VVIS, in The VoUllt! Pir-.-n.
HISTORICAL NOTES
RELATING TO THE
PENNSYLVANIA REFORMED CHURCH.
VOL.1. Nolo. February 10. 1900. Perkiomen Publishing Co.,
SI .00 PER Annc.m. iaCt S. Tin in »
Edited by Henry S. Dotlerer. PHILADELPHIA.
Revival of Friendship. R*?«u*, of Skippack, went to Kurop
Correspondence between the (ierman
Reformed Church in the United States
and the (Tassis of Amsterdam, which
ceased in 179:5, has been renewed bv a
mg with htm a petition from the Phila-
delphia and Skippack congregations t'. tlie
Holland Church for donation*. ' T
this petition," I'rof. 1 1 inke declares, "tlie
letter, dated Amsterdam, January i:i. Dutch Cliureh wan made ««|i«liit«l and
1900, written by the committer of Classis b™lgl* "^Contact lor t
ol Amsterdam on Correspondence with
the other Reformed Churches, ami ad-
dressed to the brethren i.f the Kef or mod
Church in the Tnited States In this George Michael Weiss* Coming.
communication is this statement : "We
recall the iimnv and close connections that
with the < lei man Reformed Chureh of
IVnns\ Ivania."
What i nth him I Rev. Ueorge Michael
Weiss to conic to lYniisylvania in 1727?
have ; bound us together in the past, and ... , , 1 , . , .
, _ . . . .,, . ,. " us he invited to come? If so, bv whom,
il when' is the reeon! of such invita-
tion? Or did he come of his own motion,
ire glad to feel our union still in working
for the advancement of Christ's King-
dom, and the downfall of the bulwarks •,,■ ... . , ■ ,
, ' ... . ,, Willing to take the chances ol (nidim:
of Satan in our respective fatherlands. • ,, .... , , ,
, ' . . . , a suitable held ol lalmi
Rclerring to the satistaction expressed
in America at this rc-rstablishnicnl of in-
tercourse bet ween the Dutch and Ameri-
can branches of the Reformed Church, the
editor of Our Magazine, of Rotterdam,
Could we klMW what pooncd on the
ship William and Sarah, during let voy-
age from Rotterdam, \ hi Dover, we shonld
be vastly hetler prepared to an-wer the
foregoing questions, Four humlreil l'ala-
the organ ol the Knghsh non-hpiscopal . , . .
.* . . ^ , , .'.. tines were <»n 1 he vessel. Among them
were hY\. (icorgc Michael Wei—, a ivgu-
larlx 'ordained minister of the Reformed
ikmomiiuitioii, a voung, talented graduate
churches of the Netherlands, says: "\\\
are sure that it is equally gratifying hen
to know that the link which hind- tlies*
two Churches is again being tightened, ,, • , ,, ,
& ?. from Heidelberg universit v. <n the other
and that the daughter-Church is so grate-
ful for what the mother-Church in Hol-
land was privileged to do for her in tlu
davs of her infaucv.'1
|>assengcrj w ere Sebastian < Irn'ff, Rudolph
Wellecker, .h.hann l'rideiiih llilligars,
Hans Michael Zimmerman. Flans Ca<|»ci
Spangier, Hans ( ie<»rg Wehker Alexan-
der DucbeiuHrrffcr, Hans Michel hiel.
How Holland's Interest Began. Daniel l.evan. ami possibly ..the.-, wh-
in that portion of Prof. 1 1 hike's llis- afterward^ U-came active member* and
lory of the Reiff Case primed in this officers ill the variou> roitgregotions ol
number, the beginning of fraternal ivla- 'he Reformed Church in IVnnsylvmiia.
(ions between Holland's wealthy Church It cannoi be doubled that i he yomig
and Pennsylvania's struggling congroga- clergyman fresh, high I > educated, wiih
lions is lixed at ] 7l(7. J n t hat year .laeoh a bright future U'foir him marie Httmifl
UC> HISTORICAL XOTKS.
and favorable impression upon these tunc was of engaging manner and com-
emigrants. Did he know that the unor- punionablc qualities ; and we know tlutl
daincd Budnn wan performing all the; flillegass was a man of ample mean* ami
ministerial functions in Pennsylvania 7 of forceful character. Nothing coukl be
Possibly, he had learned this at Heidel- more natural, therefore, Hum thai
berg before his departure from Germany, the young divine and the mature layman
The, other passengers would hardly be should be attracted to each ot!icrfai
possessed of this knowledge. They were warm Summer days, while standing u|mhi
emigrants, going with tlieir families and theship'sdeck looking out ii|xm tin
their possessions to a new eon nt ry, to try ling waves, talk of their respective plans
the hazards of life in the mighty forests for the future. During these coufe
as vet peopled by savages and infested by repeated main ti - on the long voy:igic,
wild beasts; and it is little likely that did (hoy sometime diseiiss tin- piop..-i-
they had definite information as to the lion of securing for Weiss the pastorate
status of the1 Reformed Church in their of Philadelphia — Michael llillepis* ami
prospective home. Weiss seemingly know George Peter II illegass lieing eisuil
the quest ional)le manner of B<ehin's as- as factors to influence such a cousummu-
smnption of the oiliec of the ministry. ImnY
Note how quickly after his arrival at Where shall we turn for aiisw<
rhiladeli)hia he went to Skippack and *»«** questions? Shall we find them
the other interior congregations and ac- in {hr archives at Heidelberg? among
quainted the people of Lfavhm's congre- ,ll(> descendants of Weiss' relatives in
•rations with the faultiness of their pas- Germany? or among tin- |inpers of tin*
tor's title to the clerical offlee. Ifillegass descendants?
The accidental coming together of
^OOrge Michael Weiss and John Frederick Weiss in Philadelphia.
1 J illegass as fellow-passengers upon this
memorable voyage was fraught with mo-
mentous consequences. It is altogether
improbable that Weiss and li illegal
knew each other before they entered Un-
ship. At the place of Weiss' birth, the
name II illegass is unknown. They were
h'ev. George Michael Wei-.-. pastor of
the Ueformed Church in Philadelphia.
announced his willingness n> take private
pupils to teach l-hem some >>\ the higher
blanches of learning. In (he Philadel-
phia American Weekly Mercury, in its
issue for t he week from Tuesday, leluuai \
thrown together just as now strangers are ., t()Tlu^1;lv> ,-.,„ U:irv ,,, ,f.
thrown together <>n ships crossing the
Atlantic. And they contracted a friend-
ship just as friendships are made now. T]^ |fl ,o ^ Uiilu.(. (|l:„ ,,„. ^
That of llille-ass and Wimss proved to be ^-^ lu>)vol M ,|,.Ho,n- ... I
one that lasted tor hie.
17:50) the following advertisement appears
the first time
John Frederick llilleua-s may have
known something about the condition of
the Reformed Church in Philadelphia.
His brothers, Michael Hillcgass ami
tieorge Peter II illegass, lived there, and
had established themselves as potters. , ... ' '
? , , , oiiNrniul Nrnl where he will allcm
h- ns
generally useful a.- he can in this coun-
try, (wherein he is a stranger . declares
hi- willingness to tench Logic Natural
Philosophy, Metaphysics, Ac, to all such
as are wilting l<» learn The p! .
teaching will be at tin* Widow SfMMgePs
In the eorresmmdenee between the broth- .... ,
. ,,.,,.,. , , , . u ho has encouragement, iiuif time, a
ers in Philadelphia and the brother about
to follow them, did they make mention
of the congregations in Pennsylvania, of
IV eh m, and of the need of more pastors?
And did Millegass communicaie i hoe In the same paja-r, for the ismkm
facts to Weiss'.' ing the period fnmi htcsilay, rVbi
We cannot doubt that Weiss at that in to Thm-.h>. IVh.uaiv to. I7_M
week for that exercise, lt\ <;. M.
Minister ^\ Ihe Ucfonoed
]'<tl.iti)i> t inircli.
HISTORICAL NO'I Eft 1 17
the advertisement again appears, but tluj him— a year ago. The comtnunioa
signature Is changed to "ity G. Michael, vice at last i- ended. The pastor in-
Minister of the Reformed VaUuine nounees thai now tlie offering will be
Chprch," and it so axmears for Thursday, gathered and in a few direct worth
February 10, to Tuesday, February 24. mind.s the membership of then- dut;
1729-30. give as the Lord ha- prospered tiieni I
In the issue for Tuesday, March 3 to worthy object to which their gifts will be
Thursday, March 5, 1720 --:;<>, tlie fiigna- applied, thir friend, at this stage, m
turo is changed to "By G. Michael Weis, uneasily in his scat, for he had not given
Minister," £c, this feature <»f worship any thought be-
The advertisement appears for the last fore entering the hot) place. It I
time in the isssue for Thursday, April 2, his mind instantly that chtircltcs and
to Thursday, April o, 1780. their ministers an- always asking
money. Why need they !«• ever thus
Easter Communion. causing him uneasiness? I- not the
i- ... .11 , , , church out of drl.t -paid for by the lih-
At this season, the laggard church .. . , . . ',
.... erahtv ol the forefathers a hundred .,r
member makes his appearance, it at no
. . , . , . . more years ago .' And d<> not t In- m
other tune during the vear. He feels ' . ,
,; . , ' ,■,.,,, , generous members <»i tin- congregnt ion
that he must not neglect his ( hureh at ., , ,
..... ,. .-.•,., contnhute enough to pav the pastor*
this testival. lie comes tort h in his best . . . . .. ' ■ . . ,
, . .. . .. salary, ami tlie trilling expenses incident
raiment, accompanied l>v wile and chil- . , , ,
. .. ... , " ■ , lo running a church? Let tin- active,
dren, all smiling and entirelv content .
.,, . , .. .* . regular memoers contrihute more lur
with themselves on this occasion ol per- ... ,
,. . , . ,, , , benevolence— they are accustomed t" d..
lormance ol religious duties. lie looks . . ,
, , . . , . . so, and it seems to please them to give*.
over the congregation and notices with ' , . ' . . ,
..,.,.", ,. However, here is a dutv which tin- de-
quiet satisfaction the presence of so ntanv . ,',,,•
, .. , ... . . . . . ,,. • voted animal ineml>or feels obliged to face.
ol the laminar laces ol the church ofneers ,, , ...
. , , , , He reaches down into hi> porket — re-
ancl tlie steadv members. He misses , , .
. . : . ' ,.,,.,,, .• meinhennur that he i^ not bound to give
With surprise a white-haired elder Iroin ,. . .
, , . . . a fixed sum, in lad can give what he
his accustomed seat, or .a devout ladv he . .
; . * pleases, \oluntarilv - -and draw- loii h
was wo.. c to see in her pew these nianv , . . , , , *, . , • ,
' , ,, ,.* that which the l.ihie has stamiM'd with
vears past. A moment's thought recalls
*',..., , ... approval, his mite. I he account Ivt ween
to his mind that the former was laid to ; ' . . ,,-.,,
, .. ill the annual meiuoer and his Maker l-
rest the preceding Summer and the latter ... , .. .«■
„ . , , . . settled for another vear. He will mine
Inushed her work on earth months ago. . .
. . ,. . again, a vear hence.
It seems somewhat strange to him to find
their places vacant, for without them the
church seems not what it formerly was to ry i j r*i i t -^
. . . . . v Ketormed Church Literature.
him, nor what it ought to he now. l es.
it saddens him, and even discourages hellers from Itroosa, Asia Minor, by
him, to note these changes in his chinch. Mrs. I '.. ( '. A. Schneider, with an timn
and he feels half disposed to drop church oil the Prospects y>i the llciihen. and
altogether, seeing that it brings him un- our Duties to Them. b\ L'< \ . It. Schnei-
pleasant thoughts like these, del. and an Introduction h\ \U\ I
Lis attention is soon diverted from lleiner, A. M.. l*rvsiuVnl of the I". |'.. ..i
these gloomy reflections. The latin- M. «»f the Reformed (iiurcli. IHiblislMnl
comers ari> now in their seats, and the by Itev. Samuel tiutelius, ('liainU»n«burg,
solemn services proceed. The full, I'a. Printed at the Publication tittict* *4
round voice of the pastor is just the same the tier. Kef. Church, lsh>. IVaiinS,
hut thi' annual meinher thinks he di>- ISlllo, 211 pa-e>. 12 full-paue illn-trau -
tvrns a few moiv stii'aks o\ gniy in his Owned by llenn v I'oiten-r. I'hila-
hair than he did the last lime he >a\\ ilelphiu.
14.S
HISTORICAL XOTK?
William Dewees, Paper Maker.
Quite; unexpectedly has conic to light a manuscript in which mention
is made of business traiisaetions with William Dcwces, |>aper maker, cm
the Wissahickon, as far back as the year 1 7 M >. It is tin- record o| the
personal accounts of Llev. Paulus \'an Vloeq, Dutch Refonncd minister in
Pennsylvania^ These business entries are scattered through th<- Church
record of the congregations served by Van Vlecq. The transcript from
the original has been made by Prof. \Vm. .1. I link*', whose deciphering of
antiquated manuscript may be depended upon :is unerringly accurate.
We append the entries in the language of the original record, and add a
translation:
Anno 1710 den 18 December aen Willem
DeWees geleenl o jKindt light gelt
inn in 't eerst van Mey anno 1711
weedev te geven : •"» : — : — :
Ontfnngen 2 pqndl 7 shcl. en
10J swaer gelt.
Aimo 1710 Den IN Decerning aen
I'ieter Van 1 [<><»ren geleenl
2 pondt 8 schel. (>l pens swaer 2 : R : l»j
geldt inn in 't laest van
April weder <e geveri.
Ontfangcn van Willcm itc
Wees 2 schel. — : 2
A hock papier a ~h pens per hock — : 2
\ schel 6 pens an pa>t<>riu> — : -1
iijii papier 10 a '.' ]h-w^ per hock — : 7
5 book papier a li pens per hork -- : '2
5 bock papier a 1\ pens per hook — : :>» : 1
Dilbecck debet voor ecu psalm
hoek 2 schel.
an Willem de Wees over Uitaclf
2 schel : 10 pens.
liogh 12 tinne lepels
Rest van *t oudc nogh fi «*hel : <>.' pen-
TKANSl.ATIoN.
IStli December, 1710. loaned William Dcwee
o pounds light (paper?) money, to he
returned on 1st (if May, 1711
Received £2 7 10.1 in heaw
money (coin '?)
18th December, 1710, loaned Peter Van
Horn £2 8 tfj heavy
money, to be returned on
the last »>f April.
('
ffi 0 0
1*2 F
% HISTORICAL XOTKS. i p.i
Received from William
Dewees, 2 shillings ..2 0
4 quires of paper (2 7M. f> quire .. 2 6
4 shilling 0 pence (paid) to Pastnrius .. 4 6
fine paper 10 @ 9d. f> quire .. 2 6
5 quires of paper (3 6d. Y* quire .. 2 6
5 quires of paper (a 7h\. Y* qtiiie •• ;; 1 1
Dilbeeck Debtor for one PhaIiii
Book, 2 shillings.
Paid over to William Dewees
2 shillings ]() pence.
also 12 tin (or pewter) spoons £ .. (J (1
Balance of the old ('. shillings fi pence.
COMMENTS,
Here is an instance of a pastor who was in a position to lend liis
parishioners money. Tt will be found upon examination that, including
the payment to Pastorius, (made no doubt hy William Dewees for credit
of Van Vlecq) the entire loan of Five Pounds was repaid by William
Dewees. This is the only instance of sales of paper by Dewees that has
come to our notice. The concluding items relating to William 1>
must remain unexplained.
How the Huguenots of Beam were Converted.
Foucault led his troops from town to town, from village to village.
They entered every place with drawn swords. They were billeted npon
the Protestants alone. They lived at free quarters and committed the
most inhuman actions that brutality, fury and rape can inspire when
granted full licenses Foucault hade them to prevent those who refused t<»
yield to other means of torture from falling asleep. Tin' Iteatingoi drums,
loud cries and. oaths, the breaking am1 burling al>ou1 of furniture, wen
customary means of keeping the Huguenots awake. II these annoyances
did not suiliee, the soldiers compelled their hosts to stand, or to m<'\<-
continually from room to room. They pinched them, they prodded them-
they hung them up hy ropes, they blew t ho smoke of tobacco into thei1
nostrils, they tormented them in a hundred other ways, until their
unhappy victims scarcely knew what they were doing, and promised
whatever was exacted of them.
They committed unspeakable acts of indecency. They spat in the
faces of women, made them lie down on burning coals, made them put
their beads into ovens whose hot fumes stilled them. So writes Kenoist,
with much nn»)-e to the same elVeet. — llr\UY M. liuim.
150
HISTORICAL XOTES.
History of the Reiff Case,
m PROF. w.m. .). iijnkk.
II. TIIF (:oLLK(TIX<; TOUR of WFISS AND KKIFF IN KC'KCH'E, I7:J0 I7:«.
When Jacob lleiff went to Europe in the summer of 1730, it
neither (lie first nor the hist, time that he crowed the ocean. In 1727 \w
"went over there to fetch his relations*' and incidentally (which in reality
was of far greater importance to us) to deliver to Rev. VVilhchni
Rotterdam a petition which 'S.as signed and sulwerihed by the church
wardens or elders of both the said congelations of I'll ikn lei phia and
Skippack setting forth the unhappy and necessitous condition of (he
congregations and' prayed the charitable donations of the said Classis.'1
Through this petition, delivered to the authorities in Holland U\ Jacob
Reiff, in 1721, the Dutch Church was made acquainted and bronchi inn*
contact for the first time with the German Reformed Church of lYnmyl-
vania. Thus far jt has "been thought thai the petition of Ibrhiu. written
in July, 1 72<S7 and laid More the Classis of Amsterdam on Xovcmlicr 1 I.
3 728, was the first step which brought the two churches together and was
the beginning of a union winch lasted for 0 1 years. A more thorough
investigation, however, shows that the petition of Weiss, delivered by
Jacob Reiff, preceded the other petition by u full year, and hence must l»e
awarded the honor of being the first link in the chain which united the
two churches. The personality ami activity of Jacob Reiff gains new
interest and importance for us by this interesting discovery. N«» matter
what his faults or mistakes may have been, he stands as ;i pr« minent
figure in the opening chapter of our history, a man by whose agency t\\»»
continents were brought closer together.
The petiiti on of the congregations of Weiss in 17_7 was th»- herald
which prepared the way for his visit in 1 730. As a result ,-a ml lection
was made in favor of the said congregations of the (ieiinan Reformed
Church of Philadelphia and Skippack to the amount of aUmt 200 guild-
ers." On his return to Pennsylvania Reiff was asked by VVithckiiius -i.»
receive the money so collected for the use of the said congregations/1 but
lie refused absolutely to do so. as his honesty had Uvn i|Ucstioned.
Reiff arrived in Philadelphia again on August P>. IT--!'1, on the ship M«i
tollhouse. The petition, of Weiss in 1727 and the consequent collection
in Holland were therefore the two steps that led Ui his journey in 17-Ml
Tlie petition had another result. It infiuenced Rev. VVilhclmius, the
President of the Synod of South Holland, at its meeting at Ihvda in 1 7 - U >.
to read a lengthy report on the Pennsylvania churches, UistnJ on llic in-
formation he had thus received. This made the church at large. aet|Uaiiut-
ed with the pitiable condit ion of the (icrmau Reformed people in Penn-
sylvania, and when their two representatives appeared, tin v WW
everywhere received with open arms ami open pockct-liooks. Tin tine-
HISTORICAL VOTES.
I.'.l
of their arrival must have been the beginning of August, 1730. There u
no evidence that they attendee! the Synod of Breda, held July 1-1 I.
1730, for their names do noi occur in the minutes. We fire! meet thein
at Haarlem on August 10, where they received of Rev. Jacob Gec1k(
fl. 390 from the Synod of North Elolland. A few days lab i\ on All -
15 and 16, they were at Rotterdam, where Rev. Tide gave them tin- con-
tributions of the Synod of South Holland, held at Kculenhurg in 1729, in
all II. 000 12, and Rev. Bartji. Vran Velsu gave the eonlri hut ions of the
Synod, just held at Breda, namely. 11. 7(.). At the same time th«y ap-
peared before the Synodica] Deputies, whose minutes give us the following
interesting information:
"1. f he Deludes of the Synods have requested the Rev. Classic of
Seliieland to appoint some of her members, to make further inquiries, in
accordance with the resolution of the Rev. Synod of South Holland. held
at Bre<la, about the report concerning the churches in Pennsylvania, which
had been presented to the Synod. They hear with much satisfaction fnun
the month of the President, Rev. Wilhchnius, that a good opportunity
will be afforded to do this, because Rev. (reorge Michael Weitzius, minis-
ter at Pliiladelphia, and an elder of that congregation sire at preset* in
Rotterdam.
'"2. Who having been interviewed at length l»y the Deputies nboul
the condition of the church and the contents of the memorial, presented
before Synod, it was resolved to further discuss the matter with them to-
morrow at the house of Rev. Wilhelmius.
"3. Having met here the above mentioned Rev. Weitxius,
(a) presented to the Deputies his certificate of examination and the
commission given to him by the Upper Consistory at Heidelltcrg, dated
May 1, 17:27, and renewed by the said Consistory on April 20, 1728.
(1>) He gave an account of the large numher ol Reformed people in
Pennsylvania, who hitherto have heen served by him alone and by a
certain Philip Rohm, who has set himself up as a teacher, although lading
without education and having no proper call, hut who through wrong
information was examined, it seems, and admitted to the ministry by one
of the ministers of New, Xetherland, upon the order ^i the Rev. (')assis
Amsterdam, about which the congregation at Philadelphia and at Skip-
pack Have written' a1 letter to the Ulassis, dated May •".(). 17H0, signed 1»\
forty-four persons, requesting that the aliovc mentioned Ikelini might n«»t
be forced upon them as their minister,
(c) lie accepted the request to prepare a chart, showing the different
Colonies of Palatines, the distances of one from the otlnMT, and how many
churches ought to he built there for their service, and how many shepherds
or teachers would be necessary to serve them properly, and further he
agreed to give a detailed written account concerning the whole condition
of the land and the Palatines living therein."
152
(J'ISTOUIC-AL XOTIiS.
Tins account was presented to the Deputies shortly after tlicii Se|>-
tembcr meeting of 1730, and no doubt formed the basis of tin first printed
account of our Church,,, published by order of the Synod of Dort in 17 11.
It is entitled:
"Bezjgt | en | Onderrigtinge | nojwns en aan de Colon ie | en Kerkc I
van Pensylyanien, | Opgcstolt en uijtgegeven door eta Ucdeputeerden van
| de E. Christolyke Synodus van Xuvd-llolland | , IxMievena de Oecom-
mitteerdon van de | E*. Classis van Drill en Delfsland [ en SrlnVlmul."
]>j). I & 18, small (quarto.
This is in English*:
Kcport and Instructions*, concerning nod for I lie eohaiy and rlmn'li of
Pennsylvania. Prepared and published by the Deputies of the Re .
Christian ■■Synod of South Holland, together with the Commissioners of
the Rev. Classis of Delft, Delfsland and Schieland.
On September 4, 17o0, Weiss and Ueiif weie at Amsterdam, where
they appeared before the Classis. The minutes of that meeting inform
us that
"Do. (J. Mich. Wijs, minister at Philadelphia, appeared \\ i 1 1 1 an
elder of Sell i bach and made known that the congregation at Schiliach,
from which also a letter has been received, is very much disturbed and in
great confusion, because the eongregatiou refuse's to recognize Do. Ikchm
as a properly ordained minister, who has been installed as their pastor1 in
accordance with the order of this Classis, by the ministers «4 New Vork,
which can be seen in the Acts of January 11, 1720. His KcYCfcnee n -
quested tins Classis to take such measures as would restore the law* <>t
the congregation. Whcreup<»n the Deputies for foreign affairs were asked
to investigate this matter carefully and present their recommendations to
this body."
"Further His lie vercuce request ed a contribution to build a eluucli
at Philadelphia in Pennsylvania, which congregation is recommended to
the charity of all the congregations under the jurisdiction of this Classis/1
In the light of these reports, made by Weiss, to the authorities in
Holland, the charge of Bee) on is fully su Instantiated, that Weiss was n<«t
sincere in his attitude towards him. lb- was neither Cully reciMiciled lo
l><elun nor did he recognize his ministry, hut used every opportunity to
injure a man who was every inch as ^uu{ ps he, and moreover rendered
the Reformed Church far more important and valuable services than
Weiss ever did.
The two travellers remained in Amsterdam f«wr sevenil month* ()u
October IS, 1730, the burgomasters o\ the city permitted them to colled
11. (UK) (seethe permit in Historical Notes. Volume 1. page G), while mi
the next day the Amsterdam Consistory voted them It. l"»»». and on
October '20 the diaeonate gave H. UOU. The otHeial list of thecontriUitions.
as contained hi the minutes of the Synodical Deputies is as follows:
differs in some details from the copy sent to Pennsylvania, which wa-
HISTORICAL \OTKS
153
published by Prof. .1. II. Dnbba in the Reformed Church I;
1893, p. 68 fO «;„;;
1. Barth. Van Velse, minister at Rotterdam, has given by
the order of the Synod of South Holland, held at Breda, T'»
2. Alardus Tide, minister ai Rotterdam, l>y order of the
Rev. Synod of South Holland, held la*t year, 1729, si
Cuyl?nburg, lias given on August 1G, 1730, 696 12
3. Jacob Geelkcrke, minister at I [aarlem, by order of th<
Synod of North Holland, has given at Haarlem on
August 10, 1730, 390 —
4. The Consistory at Amsterdam gave on October 19, 1730,
through John Visscher, pro tern. President of Synod. 150 —
5. The Diaeonatc of the true Reformed Chinch at this city
gave towards the same object on October 20, 1730,
thwugh the deacon Wm. Coevenhoven. 600 —
P. S. C&iitfhutionfl of private persons in Holland. Guilder*
1780j October 2(>. A. B< -ave cash, 120 —
1730, November 2. I). S. gave cash, 2<) —
.1. Lhust gave cash, G —
1780, November 2. (J. Cbrven, 40 —
P. R.. 31 —
Total. 11. 2132 12
Besides this there was collected at Frank fort -Oiv4 lie-Main :
1. [Of the Dutch Kef. eonm-. at Frankfort] 40 —
2. [Of the French Kef, church at Frankfort] 20 —
3. [Of the French Kef. church at Ilanan] 12 —
4. [Of the Low Dutch church at Ilanan] -I —
7fi -
(J. C. Van Asten sent 750 Dutch judders by draft to Frankfort.
(The words in hraekets are taken from another source. |
The last reference to the presence of Weiss in Holland is found in the
minutes of the Classis of The Hague, which refer under dale Noveinl>eff 6,
1780, to a Latin letter of Lev. Weiss to the Classis. asking for their help
and encouragement. Dr. Good has inferred (History of the Reformed
Church, j). 142) from the minutes of the Deputies, that Weiw and Roiff
were again present on March H'>, 17">L bill it is doubtful whether that
inference is justified by the minutes. They only state: "The Deputies
have learned from letters and oral reports i^ Rev. W'eys and hi< elder,
having come over hither, etc." I herwaarts overgekomen ). The laM
phrase refers more prolwibly to their trip across the ocean. Tlic prepwi-
tion "over" implies an ohstaele that ivns overtime and eonld hardly he
used of a journey on land.
Rev. Weiss returned to Pennsylvania by way of Maryland in the
spring of 1T')L lief ore he left be gave Ueiflf a power of attorney t«» act in
his absence, lie also aave him a large sum iif mnnev, although Ihis iras
J/5-1
JFhSTOKICAL XOTKS.
most strenuously denied l>y lieiff ou liis Mum. yet there w sutficicilt «'\i-
denee to prove this statement. Weiss declared distinctly to the nieuilicrs
of his congregation "that he delivered to the said Jacob Reiff all tlie two
thousand and one hundred and ninety-seven guilders, which he Hi
Georg Michael Weiss received in Holland, to Ihj hy him. Hie said Jsi
Reiff, delivered to the church wardens of the Reformed Church at Phila-
delphia. (Affidavit of the petitioners hefore Court, January 23, 173*2
Again, the minutes of the Synodical Deputies o! April 13-10, 1731), rtate
'!that the money collected in Holland is still in the hands of Reiff, has
been declared by Rev. (i. M. Weiss under oath on Noveutlier •'. 17 •"»•'»."
And finally Kei 11' hinisel I" confessed to have received iilmul II. 21M in the
• ])resence of Schlatter, as will he shown more fully later on.
A part of the money, 750 guilders, given hy the ttmsistory and
Diaconate of Amsterdam, were sent hy John Leonard Van Asten to Frank-
fort, which Reiff visited after the departure oi Weiss.
When Rev. Weiss arrived in Philadelphia and informed the |ieo|ile
of his success and the large amount of money collected (large at least for
those days) there was <; real rejoicing, and measures were at once taken t»«
insure the safety of the <-ollcet(;d money. With this object in \ i< w Dr.
John Dicmer, of Philadelphia, wrote to the Synodical Deputy, Jacob
()sta<le, on November 22, 17«>1:
*' We hear from Rev. Weiss that the llov. tJlassis has already handed
over some gifts or contributions for building a church in Pennsylvania,
which have been represented by llev. Weiss as lieillg H. 2000, and it ha-
llow been learned from a letter of Reiff, that still mure gifts of luVC have
been contributed. We would therefore ask, without wishing t<» dictate,
to send such money to certain well known merchants in London. I lien hi
communicate to us the name of the one who holds the money, whereupon
two of our ciders will designate two merchants here with whom it may lie
deposited through a bill of exchange, which according hi my opinion is
the safest way, by which nothing can lie taken away from the church.
To authorize one man to do all this is very dangerous, ns it is a very
doubtful tiling to trust a mortal man, for the money might easily be l< <t,
and on the other hand no evil minded person could reproach us. it
follow this plan, moreover certain merchants have offered t<> exchange the
money for us. We leave however this matter to your wise counsel and
decision. "'
If this sound advice had been followed hum' many Future troubles
would have been avoided !
The first event which brought iilnrnt evil results u.i» the removal «>f
Weiss to the State oi New York. The reason for I his removal was
prohahly not, as has been suuucsted, his autici|iatioti "i coining diUicul-
ties, but the fact that his congregations were served by another minister
when he returned from Kurope. Oil August 20, 17&>, Jollll l*etcr Miller
1IIST0PICAL KOTKS.
l&i
arrived and look charge of \Vc\m' congregations. When he left in tin-
following year to go to Tulpehoeken, Rev. .John B. Elicger followed him,
who had arrived on September 21, 1731. Weiss was therefore compelled
to look around for another Qo)d of labor. About this time a call was
extended to him to serve some German congregations in the State of
York. This lie gladly accepted; and settled for about a year in the
Schoharie valley. On February 8, 17.'>-2, he received and accepted a call
from Catskill, then in Albany county, where he labored for a number
of years.
JUit before he left he ''purged himself with an oath, that he had
received of the collected money not more than 200 guilders, which, it is
said, were due to him for travelling expenses, and he declared under oath,
that the other contributions were in charge of the Elder, Reiff."
(Letter of Deputy Proebsting to Mr. Logan, of Philadelphia, April
14, 17B9.)
111. THE EFFORTS OF THE PHILADELPHIA CONGREGATION TO SETTLE
THE UK! IT CASE, 1711-17:*.!.
While llie events described in the last article had happened in Penn-
sylvania, other and even more far-reaching transactions had been carried
on in Holland. In relating them briefly, we shall follow the statements
of Reiff himself. Shortly before Weiss left Holland, Reiff tells us thai a
consultation was held between himself, Weiss, and Rev. Wilhelmius, of
Rotterdam, ''about disposing of the collected money, when il was pro-
posed by the said (ieorg Michael Weitzius, that it should be laid out in
goods and merchandise, which the said Dr. Wilhelmius approved of."
After the departure of Weiss, Reiff went to the Palatinate lo transact some
business for a land company and collect there some money for the R< -
formed, congregations in Pennsylvania, lie visited Frankfort and llanau,
where the Dutch and French Reformed congregations gave him small
contributions. They were themselves poor and could n<»t afford t«» give
much, but they gladly contributed their mile to the good cause. After
consulting with Prof. Uottingerat Heidelberg, Reiff returned to Holland.
The money then in his hands he invested in merchandise, which he put
on board of the ship Britannia, bound for Philadelphia. About the same
time, from July 8-13, 1781, the Synod of South Holland met at Dort,
Rev. Wilhelmius persuaded Reiff to attentl its meetings, hut when he re-
turned to Rotterdam, he found the ship with his gortds had left for Penn-
sylvania. It was the same ship which brought Rev, .1. P. Rieger to
America. When the ship arrived in England, the goods were detained
"by the collector of his Majesty's customs at Cowcs, in the Isle i»l Wight,
where the said ship went to clear." Reiff, however, instead of following
with the next ship, stayed in Holland For a whole war. It i< (Missihlc
thai he took his trip to the Palatinate during the cour-e of (hi- y. ar. In
l-r>fi HISTORICAL VOTK8.
June, 1732, we find that lie had boarded another ship and was at
trying to free his goods from the custom house. But before he ootild
make a settlement with the collector, the ship was ready to sail and he
was forced to leave the goods in England. In the fall of 1732 I'
arrived again in Philadelphia. Such, in short, is the sto*y of ReifTs
troubles and difficulties, as told by himself. Other witnesses, however,
give us accounts which differ in several important particulars from the
representations of Reiff, and as they throw a new and unexj>ectcd light
upon these events, we shall give them at length, in a literal translation.
The first is a letter of Rev. Rieger and Dr. Diemer, of Philadelphia, writ-
ten on March 4, 1733, to the Synodical Deputies. They write ;is Follows:
"After Do. Weiss, who had not been further than Holland, returned,'
he reported that Mr. Reiff, when he left him, had already nreived more
than 2000 fl., of which he had taken charge in his presence. We exp
ed this money with great eagerness and thoughl tli.it he (Reiff') would
bring it over with him, hut with the next ship we received the rc|»ort that
he had continued his journey to Germany, and finally we heard thai In-
had bought several hoxes of goods, had put the same upon one <«f tin-
Palatine ships and had intended to transmit them to his brothers with the
order to hand over those goods for which they had no use to the congre-
gation upon a proper receipt. But these Ik>xcs were detained ;it Oowes in
England, as there was no one who had his order t<» pay the duty on them.
Thereupon Reiff himself returned last fall. Meanwhile I ><-. Weiss had
accepted a call to Albany, situated in the State of Ww Vork, and had
moved thither. Reiff arrived here with the first ship f nun Holland [prol»-
ably the first of the year 1732] j which caused us great joy. as we hoped
now to receive your contributions and devote them to the use intended hy
our henefactors, but he avoided us as much as possible and would not
express himself clearly about the matter, under the pretense that the
above mentioned goods would arrive with the next ship. However, ten
ships arrived from Holland, hut nothing for us. Whcrcujion we were
compelled earnestly to demand an account <»f him. then he answered us
that he had not received more than tl. 7~>0 from Do. Van Astcn, for
which he was ready to give security and which he was willing to put t«»
our account. As Do. Weiss was faraway From us and we had no pi
against Reiff, we wen compelled to let the matter rest till we had written
to Do. Weiss. He did not come himself, hut answered us, that he him-
self had not received all the collected money, hut that Reiff had it in his
keeping, and before his de|»arture from Holland he had charge «>f more
than 2000 fl., that Reiff had given him only as much rtS was absolutely
necessary for his return, and that he had tthntyx trictl t<> tli**Htt<lf linn /
iiircstiit</ (he iiioiii}/ in grinds, hut urged him to follow tin- iirdcrs "I the C\ ni-
si story of Holland and do nothing without their cou-eut.
"Meanwhile a report was current thai Reiff intended to leave ihi<
HISTORICAL XMTIX 157
province for Virginia and uc wore < ► 1 » 1 i «_r < - < I to (rom plain to the governor
about his dishonesty, who sent him a mandate in exeat provineia [not
leave tlie province] and compelled him to give hail for CHKH>. After I
Reiff came to US and threatened us with many word-, that w<- would
nothing of the money, that he would rather spend it all in litigati.
There are two important statements in this account which clearly
contradict the statements of lieiff. In the Cum place, Weiss denies explic-
itly, ever k> have consented to investing the goods in merchandi*
secondly, the moneys held liy Reiff wore more than 200011., and not 750 il.
as Reiff pretended before the people. We shall produce other evidence
that in these two points lieiff willfully and intentionally misinformed the
people.
The last part of the above quoted letter has shown that when Reiff
tried to evade his obligations, the congregation took the case into court.
The court records, which are fortunately preserved at Harrisburg, niv-
the following information: On November 23, 1732, Jacob Dicmer, Michael
Hiilegass, IVter Ilillej^ass, Joost Schmidt, rlendriek Weller, Jacob Sigel
and \\jilhelni liidirieh appeared before CJovernor Keith in Ute Court <»f
Chancery at Philadelphia and laid before him a complaint and petition.
in which they stated their whole ease, the story of the collection, the
moneys received hy lii-ilT. his unwillingness to render an account and hi-
apparent intention to leave the province, and heme they prayed the court
"to restrain the said Jacofi lieiff from departing this province until he has
answered the bill of complaints of these deponents who prosecute in hehalf
of the said Reformed German Church of Philadelphia." Their petition
was granted and lieiff was compelled to give hail, sis stated in the letter of
liieger. On June 20, 1733, the attorney of Mr. Reiff asked the oonrt to
discharge UcifT and his securi ties from the bond, ami when the raae was
called up, it was found that the petitioners had failed to lodge a formal
hill of complaint against Reiff, thinking perhaps th..t their petition and
affidavit would he sufficient. They were given time to Hie their hill oi
complaint to July :!. and when they wen1 not yet ready at that time, till
July 12, when the bill of eomplainl was at la<t presented. 'Two day-
later Reiff filed his answer, upon which the lirsl part <^ our article is
based. ( 7" fo rwittHtu </. i
Notes.
linn llarhaugh. Kso,., of t'hamhcrshuftj* I'm., has recently issued a
biography of his father, the late Henry llarhaugh. Il, 1 >. Tin- work
cannot fail to interest the membership of our Church.
The IVnr.sylvania-tierman is the title of an attractive and able quar-
terly, edited and published by RcV. I'. ( \ (roll, A. M.. .it Lebanon. P.e
As its name indicates, it deals with the history and biography of the early
settlers of Pennsylvania from the Continent, and their descendants. Sub-
scription, $1.0(1 pei- annum, in advance.
158 HISTORICAL NOTES.
Holland and Pennsylvania.
\'.
HOLLA XI) S CARE OF TIN] REFOKMKD rill |.'c|| |\ |»BXXSYLVAXIA.
[Continued. \
That the Synod of South Holland, of whirl, R. rttcrdam was tllC ecil-
tral city, took as deep an interest in Pennsylvania as the Classis «»r Am-
sterdam, whdoh was the leading Classis of the Synod of North II. -Hand,
there can be no doubt. The MS. records of the proceedings of tin- South
Holland Synod, carefully preserved in the Archive* in one of the oftiet*
buildings of St. Lawrence Church, show this to Ik; Hie cane. RoUcnlam,
however, was not by any means as largo or as wealthy ;> city as Ai
dani; consequently, the hulk of the correspondence from Pennsylvania
asking aid was addressed to (he Litter, the financial and coniincreial, if
not ])olitical, capital of the Xetheriands.
Rotterdam saw in its streets and on its waterways, daily, the (lining
of "Palatines,'* men, Women and children, many of them carrying in their
hands and on their hacks, their entire worldly Mongings — «lll niger to
embark for the new Promised Land. This was an object-lesson to the
Reformed Church people of Rotterdam which made a ilcep imp
upon their kind hearts and intensiticd their Christian sympathies for their
unfortunate fellow-believers.
In 17:i<) the Synod of South Holland met at Rivda. July 1-1 I. Col-
lections for the needy Pennsylvania churches amounting to 7(-» guilders
were reported from the Classes: Delft, etc., 12; Schicland. 50; Tlie Hague,
16; Huuren. 1. The delegate from the Classis of Se lieland stated for I>.
Tield that his Reverence had not had opport unit v to hand over 'hi- money
in his care, hut that he hoped to do so. TheClassis of The Hague ilesinil
the Reverend Synod to make inquiry as to the state of the church in
Pennsylvania.
This was the year of the memorable visit <>f Pastor Weiss and Elder
ReilT to 1 lolland. sent at the instance of the P! iladelphia ami Skippa. k
congregations, to obtain funds for the use of these churches. Tin Presi-
dent of the Synod presented a letter -not improbably inspired liy the two
American envoys — touching the state of the church in Pennsylvania, .>t'
this purports 1. Th;d the number of Palatines of the Reformed faith there
is already about (if teen thousand, and that it grows from year to year;
that within a Few weeks six hundred |icrsons in three ships had departed
from Rotterdam bound thither; 2, that two ministers, nrni in the work
and -the other gone on a journey, liave lieen placed there h\ the Pdatine
Church Council, and the new American church is under the management
of the same; but that it appears that the condition of things anion- the
Reformed in the Palatinate is such that it were better that the control and
care of this great opening should come from the Synods of the Netherlands,
( 'in l„ i UtUiutitil. )
lllSTollKWL NO'I KX l.V.i
Marriages by Rev. George Wack.
COMMUNICATED BY \V. II. REED, I'll. <;., M. D., OF NORRISTOW!!.
( ( 'ontifwed. )
028. November 1"). .Joseph Primer and Sarah Taylor.
629. November 22. Nieolaus Slough ami Elizabeth Hazard.
02,0. December 20. Abraham Custer and Mary C. shmd.-r.
(kU. December 22. James Keel and Susannah Van Fospen.
63*2. December 22. Thomas l.niran and Ann Tiwler.
J-S-W.
633. Ja-nunry 26. John ftuyder ami Mary Ann Rueknam.
(i-M. February 23. William Booz and Mary Ann Johnson.
635. August 0. Philip Hcndrix and Lea Keiser.
636. September 12. William Went/ and Hannah Livergood.
0;>7. September 14. Nathan ftaile and Sophia Wentz.
63K. September 17. Flarnian Ache and Oathrine Schwcinhart.
631). October 8. Isaac- Bean and Hannah Undercufler.
040. November 5. William Beyer "and Elizabeth Camel.
641. November 5. Laurent/. Xuss and Veronica Ruth.
642. November !). Samuel Booz and Sarali Knipe.
648; December ?>. John Landes and Ann FTunsicker.
044. December 3. Christian Wismer and Mary Casscl.
645. December 31. David Rosenl>crger and Cathrinc l^on**acre,
1s:js.
646. January 14. Charles Weak* and S<»|>]ii:j Sehrack.
647. January 20. John P>. Fergerson and Jane, (iraham.
648. January 28. George Tettweiler and Ann Beyer.
649. February 4. Benjamin VanFossin and Mary Earn hart,
650. March S. John Mover and Ann Eliza Taylor.
651 March 22. William \'ans;mt and Sophia Pri.-e.
652. April S, Jesse Davis and Mary Caster.
658. .Inly . 9. Henry Dowde and Mary Ann MofTman.
054. August 26. John Freed and Liana retta (Joclcr.
655. September 30. Isaac Bean and Sarah Vanfosscn.
050. October 23, Peter Houok and Cathrine Cassel.
057. November 22. Michael Bean and Ann Wismer.
1 831).
055. January 3, Tlnanas Coulston and Susan nn l>cttcrer.
0)59. March 10. .lohn Steever and Sarah Panneh:iuer.
000. Man h 21. Samuel Bender and Mart Steinhnck,
061. May 17. KchvirHl K, L>\ver and Klizalicth Weak.
002. July 7. Jesse Ohdeumve and Kmelia Mover.
003. November 17. Joseph P»oier and l.idia Bitten house.
0)04. September 15. Andrew Helming and Susannah Stoog,
n;o
ITISTOliN \\L XOTKS.
005.
November
Mt>.
.June
007.
July
v>(\s.
Soptemhei
G09.
September
070.
(Moher
071.
November
072.
December
073.
December
674.
IK (•einber
075.
April
070.
September
077.
September
07*.
October
07».
January
(i.SO.
February
r>s].
February
0.S2.
May
(>«sa.
August
<>X4.
September
«85.
October
<)Sn.
November
087.
November
088.
Deeenlher
HSft.
December
WO.
Deeeml)er
mh
December
092.
January
(><).••>,
January
Iii)4,
January
»>*).">.
March
mio.
March
097.
June
098.
October
099.
November
7(H).
December
701.
June
702.
April
28. Frederick Beaver and Marpircth Kni|
1840.
20. Henry Clair and Catlirfne Sir!
27. Henry II. Hipjiel and I -.-. I .<l ].-, Honvir.
20. Jesse Tyson and Llizab.-th Styles.
20. Joseph Robins and Sarah Craft
4. Jesse Schultz and Cat brine Godshalk.
2G. Abraham Cassel and Susannah Caw el.
2-1. John Booze and Eliza Beljjert.
2 1. Isaac Hitler and ElizaMh Keiff. ■
• )1. .Joshua Cozens and Maria Coll on i.
1841.
18. David [lining and Bel»etra Stonjr.
2(J. Joseph Hendricks and Sarah Ann C; --lUrry.
20. Jacob K lemmings and Sophia Schultz.
2-1. William KrieaM and Mary Zilliiur.
1842.
2. Jacob Becver and Mary Ann Snyder.
10. George Dannebauer and Sarah A. Bcrjrenstock.
20. Solomen ilartman and Knplicmia Stong.
22. Gerret Lean and Cat brine FrvviT.
2o. John Andrew Mires and Kllcnora Bainsev.
20. Ahrahani Obdegraf and Harriet Taylor.
'10. Henry Xiee and Levina Tyson.
•">. Silas H. Land and Barbara Daiiebaiier.
27. Thomas (I. Schultz and Lli/aheth (Timincr.
1. Lewis W'asser an«l Llizah, ■{), Until.
8. George Kline and Maria Godshall.
11. Levi Barndt and Suphia Knipc
2<5. Henry Push and Lli/aLtth Johnson.
1843.
o. Isaac Zimmerman ami Saral: Wissler.
12. Andrew 1>. Verier and \ n <j « d i n » I >« >n« lm ' i
12. Samuel llendii. k- and Kli/aUih Whim.
Hi. Charles Vcakle and Sarah \'u — .
2)1. Fntacis \V. Votf and Ann L<id\.
(o. David J oil nson and Susannah Bitter.
2N. -Us-so Bean and Henrietta Schwenck,
12. Antrim Ilanisber and Edith W'ii-ma.
•~). Henry Uittenhau* and Sophui Gouldy.
isi |.
20. William Winkler anil I fester S« -ill. n
is. Martin Ittith and Mary Miller.
( '/'" In l 'mill in" il. )
HISTORICAL NOTES
RELATING TO THE
PENNSYLVANIA REFORMED CHURCH.
VOL. T. No. il. March lu, 1M0. Perkiomon Publishing Co.,
$1.00 per Annum. 1005 n. Thirtkrsth -
Edited by Henry S. Dotterer. PHILADELPHIA.
Rev* Mr. Wack's Marriages. mifcht »x» ns various ns the names of llu*
T ii i i i i.i branches <»f t lie ( 'lunch. The illtli
In the present number is concluded the ....
.. j e . .. ii i> /• able point was that the series of doctn I lefl
hstof marriages performed bv Kev.Gcorgc , ,,
,, ... , rpl . , , '. . , ., embraced bv one - own ( hurcli. was l !»«•
C. Y\ack. litis record begins with the ... ■
1on„ , ■ •., ,,,-., >n, lanltless and only sale one.
year ISO) and ends wit Ii I8.)2. Ihemnii-
; , , ., , • ,. , , , , There has been a change. At anv rail*
her ot couples united in the holv bonds . •
. ^,. in some quarters. It has mine t<» Ik-
is I St.
i ,„, .' . , ,, , , -ii thought that the chief end of the Church
Tins is a valuable, record, and will now " .....
! . ., ,, . ., ,., ... . as the custodian ol l he religion uiMituied
be available, in the libraries ol this and , , . . , , ...
. . '. , , , ,,, . bv Christ is the salvation ol -mini man.
other count lies, lor reterence lorall luture *
n i " .i i. .i 1 hose who hold and practice this view.
tune. It was a happy thought on the _ . . .
, ., ... ,,,,', .. v • . ook lo the word-, the example and the
part ol Dr. AY. II. Reed, oi Nornstown. . . ,'.,
.. . . , , ., precepts ol the Redeemer while on earth.
to rescue this important record Irom the ' ' . .
. .. . . ,. i*i )-t ( ontroversy is not required to explain
danger ol destruction ; and we take credit
. ... ., . . . , these teachings. All men read and un-
to ourselves lor putting it in print, and . ... ... ... ..
., , , . ., derstaml the storv ol 1 1 is hi.- alike. .Men
preserving it Irom lurther risk. • .
1 ° out oi the pulpit have substantially Hie
f same perception of the purport of Hi>
Stumbling-blocks. words and His works as men who LlW
What is the chief cause of the failure been under the influence of the schools,
of our Church to perform its share of the The intelligent layman can discern the
work of evangelizing the world? Why is essential points of Christ 's gospel as rcadi-
it at a : tand-stil! in some sections, and in a jv ;ls t|ir consummate theologian. The
state of dry-rot iii others? Why is it devoid change f mm the old life to the new in a
of influence in the centres of population matter of the bean : not at all of the in-
and of culture ? Why can it not get a foot- telleet. Instances are numerous of the
hold in leading American cities, in which utterly unlettered having attained p.
we aspire to be represented? perfect grace.
We have in our ministry and among The Christian whose life i^ guided by
our laity earnest men and learned; men the example of .JesUS while in the flesh
who have a just apprehension of the has no care for church names, Tliercarc
spirit of Christ's canst'; men who live such in every denomination. The\ inert
godly lives, who have the grace of tiod on common ground. The men uf nlir
in their hearts, consecrated men. These t ime w ho ha\ e done most lu bring sill-
are not stumbling-blocks. ners In accept Christ Moody, fur . \
It does seem that in limes past, not ample In what denomination do ihey
very remote, the setting up of a particular belong ? Who known? Whom
set of doctrines, and their maintenance. We have had in t he laM lilix yeurssev-
was regarded as the highest function of a era! learned men in the l*< formed Church
Christian denomination. These doctrines whnHO intellectual power made litem
were not necessarilv uniform. Thev know u beyond 1 he honnd- of oiu deiiomi-
uv>
HISTORICAL NOTES.
nation. Mighty in controversy t hey were.
l*ittc*< I against each other, their learned
battles shook to its centre cur little Zion.
whose single-hearted membership looked
on, awe-struck.
Whore are the iVuils of their labors'.'
Where the sinners brought t<» repent-
ance by them? Where was the Reformed
Church extended and strengl hened? I low
was t he cause of ( 'hrist advanced '.'
Acrid discussion cuts both ways. it
drives members of the Church out of it.
and keeps, others from coining in.
Ministers and members who use Un-
church to further their private interests
and ambitions will never do much toward
the spread of the (iospel. The World
quickly detects those who are in the
church to make money or lame out of it.
A source of injury in the Church, and
the cause it espouses, is the thinly-dis-
guised struggle for "easy berths*' by
clergy men, aided by their partisans. They
use the methods of the politician to effect
their ends. Sinner and saint despise
them and their ways.
Creed, selfishness, intrigue in the
Church are a blight upon its growth,
\V hate ver stands bet ween t he sinner and
the Master is a stumbling-block. It is t he
duty of the Church to clear the path.
Biography of Hafbaifgfh.
Life of the flew Henry Lartmugh, If I f
P.y Linn ttarbriugh, Ksq'. fMnladolphin:
Reformed Church Publication Hoard.
Sunday-school Hoard of the Reformed
Church. .")()() pp. Price, si. •_>:>.
Henry Harlfciugh was beloved by the
membership of the Reformed Church.
lie was of the plain people, in heart \
accord with them and .their interests.
His writings in The (iuardian. simple in
style, sincere in purpose, susceptible o|
readv comprehension, made a lasting im-
pression. His poems in the colloquial
speech of the Pennsylvania-* ierman folk
endeared him to the vast host of the lie
scendanls of the stock who came in the
colonial times from i he Palatinate and
other < Iernian sections to find a home in
PcnnsN lvania.
Fortunate it in that n »ti of l\n* h
ed f:idor in tllC < 'hurcb \* at b:iiid m
pm form this net of lili:il duty. Il<- IttW
done his work well. tiood jmlgnirtll
pervadi-s the voltlino from I »» *ir i 1 1 1 1 i 1 1 -,' to
end.
The volume begins with an apprecia-
tive Introductory at fifteen pace* by
Rev. Nathan C. Sc ha offer, If If Th
followed by Hie Kitlogy delivered, si
weeks after l>r. HarUtngh'fl ilosith, \ty
Rev. L.m'l V. (Serhart, l>. I'.. LI- l». < »f
the hymns and poems written bi In.
1 larb;iir_di. six arc given: Jesus*, I lb--
to Thee ; .le-us. my Si n-pherd : Jcsiltf, l«.
Thy Crow I Hasten : The Myxtir Weaver;
Heemweeh: I his alt SctllllliailS :ili dm
Krick.
Henry llarbaugh was of Swiss li
His immigrant ancestor, .f-.-t llerlmrli,
came to PeiinsN 1\ :inia alioul the year
17:;r>. and took up a Iraet of about ime
hundred acres of land, '.hire mile- horn
Maxala w n\" cieek. in what i- lion i "..
county. About four years later liemoved
to Lieut/, creek, we-t l»f I lie Sum p |< -ha l il 1:1 .
Henry HnHKiugh was tin* grout -graiHlnon
of Yost Harlxuigli ; gnuio5wHi of Jacob
Harhaugh and Anna Margnretta Smith,
his wife; son of tJenrge Hnrlmugli and
Anna Snyiler, his w iff. I n the old i I
hough homestead, four aiiles south-east
of Waynesboro. |'a., I fury wa- bimi
( Ictobor 28, IM7. Here he '*|MM«hI l«S
bo\ h<»od. in t he w inter mom lis nl ih«
school house by tin- creek : in the sum-
mer turning the hay now* or following
after I he cradles *.n the broad acre* iW t he
harvest Hold."
( in the It h of August, 1 v.o. lie left
home, going to LaMein Ohio, i«» make
a temporal') sta\ with relatives, lie
remained in this L u-.i lit \ until the fall of
isit». lie taught school litre*' wint
and devoted bi- >p.ire time diligent I > !-•
StlldV. He \\l««le N ui.;.l dill.
down everything I lint impioxd him.
1 1|> w rote a number of po,-m«- at leftH
fifty during his three rain*' sojourn in
i )hio. In ( >< "toiler, |840, he run
I i.-hnian rlastf at Marshall Otllctfe, M.-i-
(•ei-biim. Pa. Hi- -ub-e.i'H'Ut I union I-
well know n to the ( huicli.
HISTORICAL XOTKFS.
The Huguenot Element in Penn- anditwaafotmdtocMaitainfortf^woariw,
sylvanfa. with allowance of sixacro p<-r hum
Mr. James Berkeley Laux, semiiry of for road8' T,,e congregation ileten
Society of American Authors, made an toWWa '"'"^ ,,*,,M" ,,,r ,,,,• mhlhlr
address on the Huguenot KlemeiK in Ujr>fl 1^|,i('"(-" forever. Tliey del
Pennsylvania, before the Huguenot So- WHig for the land. Immediately a dwel-
eiety of America, in N'ew York City, '"^ house and stable were ereetiHl, a well
April 30, 1800. Himself a descendanl of *as dug on the property, ami sonic land
Pierre Laitx, who arrived in the IVcjuea w"^w,llfdM '" ""' >'"",'r "' ,7:,,•
Valley in 17:58, Mr. Laux has made a ln'»»*ter Weiss and lib* wife- cainc l» live
painstaking study of tin' Huguenot ingre
there. The> brought with them their
dient in our composite Pennsylvania 'H^> ^>ve family, consisting oC <iuU-«.n
population.
Moor, aged .'50 ; Jcnnv Moor, hi- wife.
A greater number of Huguenots settled ***** M ; :,,,(| lm?n Hiihlwn, Jacob Moor,
inlVnnsvlvani:uMr. Laux declares, than (1 ; Eliailirtk Moor, 2 ; :....! Ann.- Ma.v
came to New York, to Virginia, to New Moor' inkmU
Knglaiul, »r. even to South Carolina.
Their emigration to Pennsylvania u:ls The Palatinate.
involved with that of the Hermans and .
., . . . . , . • , At the tune ol its greatest imitorlauee
Swiss, with whom thev had east their lot . ,, . .
. . . tho ralalinale con-iMed oi iun
tor generations betore cotiunv to America. . ...
m, .,..., .,. , provinces, which were not contiguous,
1 hev came as individuals, as tanuhes, and . , . . . .....
, . „, , , ,. ' , wit h several out Iving principahi:.-. I he
not as colonies. .More than hall ol the .. • , , • ' • , •
.. ,,,,-,, * pper Palatinate was >itualed in lite
Huguenots who fled Irom I- ranee went to .. .
, ... eastern part ol the present kingdom ol
dermanv.. In the course o! tune these . ' . . ,
.. , Havana. It> principal town wsis Amlicrg.
refugees were absorbed, (iermani/ed not ,,,. , ' , ,,. ... ,
. . . , , I he bower ralalinale i or IMiein Pfalx )
onlv m speech and thought, but also m , ■ ,
. l ? ,„, was bv far the most imp.. riant <.l ihe
name in verv niiinv instances. 1 he . . ... ...
. . . • • , elector's possessions. It i> oiien called
translation ol Huguenot surnames became ... . ,,., ,
A em I'lal/. on account o| I he abundance
a common practice. Among the ( ierman . . .. , .
.. ,' . ol Willi' which It producer Mtualed on
immigrants to Pennsylvania, we must .... . , ,., . ,
';.,.,; . . , both SHU'S <»i the b'lnne, and extending
theretore look lor the descendants ol the . . . , .
„ . , ., i_ i. , . upward mi the banks <>l the b.autilul
k rench exiles. Mr. Laux has discovered .. ' . . . . . .
. ... . . Neckar. n has ulwavs keen regarded as
mnnv such, and continued investigation . , . * ...
,„ ' . . ,. one ol thcinoM teltile coll 111 DC* m ihe
will add manv more to the list.
world. It consisted ol live pnncipali-
wT /— < i t» • t ie> : Siniinern. /weibriiecken. >i.onheim.
JNew Goshenhoppen Jrarsonapc in ... . , , ,, , ' ....
-r & \ elden/., and the I'alaiinale Piopei. I he
* *"• principal cities were lleioVlhcrg, Man-
The land along Perkiomen creek, in the heim, and kiankent ha I.
vicinity of the present boroughs of Kris! losKI'll IlKXIO IH HUK.
( ireenville and IVnnsburg, was in litiga-
tion in the earlier times; ..\fter this was f _
concluded, it was surveyed to, he settlers Antiquity ol our Church.
and purchasers, about I he year 1 7H>. A To t hose w ho. w it h a -in ei . iiii|iiiiv of
tract was reserved I'm- the congregation of l)s, where was I he doctrine of l he b\ -
the Reformed Church. On the l'.Uh of formed Church of Switzerland and no-
November, 17M), 1 >avid Shult/.e, t he well- many, before the diivs of /u ingle and
known citi/.n of that locality, surveyed Luther, we reply, in the valley* of I'ied-
t he tract at live request of William I'ar- nionl. and in I he -out h ..i I knur, am* ng
SOUS, John boss and bobeil lireenwa\. (he simple, aposiolic. but d.-pi-. d. .. :
the owners, for the congregation, in the uinnialed. and pei-ccuted A II - -
presence of the elders or church wardens, Wa Menses. Jomki*II I III
10-1 IIISTOHK AL XOTKS.
History of the Reiff Case.
II Y I'KOF. WW. .1. II INK K.
in. thk kitouts oftiik iuuladkli'IHA com jkwiATIox to skttlk
TIIK I M : 1 1 T (ASK, 17:51 17:54.
[f 'tlitlilllK '/.]
The next iix »\-c in the case was taken mi KVIa'tiary 20, 17-M, when
Kciff's attorney gave again not ire of a motion to release his elienf from
his bond, lmi two days Inter he agreeJ th.it Ueiflf should be discharged
from the first bond on condition that ho enter n new liond of half the
former amount, namely .-C ."><>(). to abide l»\' the division. of the court, when
the ease should come up. This ended the case hefc»re tin- court, ul Icasl
nothing else is found in the reeord wliieli closes in 17*V». The
itself, because oj Which Ueiff was compelled to cuter kiij, was \\v\i-r
tried; as the complainants failed to prosecute. This was due to m new
and Unexpected turn which the affairs of the congregation ul Philadelphia
took in the year 17-M. But before we turn our attention n> these new
c\ents wc shall take ouc more retrospect ul the events up to I his time, as
giverr in a letter on February 2:1. 1 7 : J 1 . hy Uov. •). II. Uieger and signed
by .John Dieiner, lVter Locolie, Michael llillegas, (icorgc IVter llillegas,
llcntlrich WeMeranil Just Schmidt, (the prosecuting mcinhers,) t<> the
(Tissis Of Amsterdam. They wrote:
"'Wc are iii a lamentable condition because of the collected money,
sent over to us, which had hcen given to the unbuilding of the I* chained
Church and is still in the hands of the dishonest (tmuwlnsrii J Jacob
beii'f, who with Do. Weiss was in Holland in the years 1 7 •*'.<> and 17**1.
We thought we could compel him to lender an account and learn whether
tiie collection hook agreed with his statements, but it was all in vain,
lie insists that he received no more than 7"><> Dutch guilders <>l Do, Van
Asten, whereas according to the statement of Do, Weiss, the collection
hook shows more than ll. •_!()()<). Wc wen therefore compelled lo look up
the laws of tins land, hoping meanwhile to receive from your Uevcrciul
Classis a detailed statement, how much money and to whom it had really
been given and copies of the different receipts, so that we could arrest tin-
evildoer. When Jacob Ueiff heard of this he gave a cousidcnihlc sum «»f
money to the lawyers,, who immediately obtained from the court of
chancery his release, although we fought against it with all our |»nwcr
and spent the little money which we had, being very [mor, fol lawyers lo
succeed in our efforts, but in vain.
"Do. Weiss has not acted with the congregation uccoolini' I" his
duty, when he left us and went to Albany. Wc have often m-jed him
with earnest requests and petitions, even offering to pay his expense-. t<>
come to Philadelphia and in pers »n testify In -fore the authorities, but it
was never done, so that all these gifts will have been given in vain, unless
IITSTOKK'AL KOTE& !«,:,
your Reverend Classis will hunt up and cause the arrest of this .'
lieiff, who on the 24th of this month (February, 1734,) hafl 1- ft Ifiiladcl-
phia for Holland with Captain Ktetiuan. lie has without doubt the
collection book and the power of attorney with him. and it i- to be :
that this evildoer will try to colled more money, unless von will arrest
him and compel him to render an account
"We also ask your Reverend Classic to Henri a special order In
Weiss in Albany, that he should purge himself by an with, otherwise this
poor congregation will have to expeel many unpleasant thing* from the
authorities here."
Such was the state of affairs, when the congregation wit* suddenly
startled by an unexpected discovery, which channel at onee it- whole
later history.
\Vre are informed of these important events l»y a letter of Rev. ftcbm
(a most reliable authority ), written on October 2K, 17-.I. t«> the Syiwdiml
Deputies and signed by Caspar Ulrieh, Jacob rttre, Steplien (ireiff, lTlrieh
(Ellen, Zaeharias Schuckerd and Jacob ( truer, elders of the Philadelphia
congregation. Continuing the account of the dirlienltiesof the congrega-
tion, where their last letter stopp'ed, they write:
"The persons who have hitherto acted as representatives of the con-
gregation were mostly *t&f math rider* without ordination. They have tried
in all things, as the congregation has now clearly drseoveml, to divide the
spoils with .Jacob KeilT. For Jacob Ueiflf Imughl merchandise with th«-
collected money in Holland, which goods were detained in England, and
thus far not a penny has been handed over by Jacob It. ill'. This pained
these members very much, and suspecting that KeilT intended to have the
country, they had him arrested for the collected money, irillawt harhaj
rcrcircd atit/torift/ from am/hodi/ to do no, new did they know definitely the
slim of the collected money nor how much he had received. This re-
sulted in a great quarrel and uproar, whereby our congregation made
a troiidcrfn! disrorrn/. For when the same had come together and perhaps
thirty members were present, Jacob Reiff said distinctly before us all:
'Doctor Diemer. Peter ;ii'd Michael Ifillcgus are church robbers; tliey
steal the bread from the mouths of the Reformed people i»f lliiludclphia,
their chiWren and children's children. I confess that 1 am u church
roblver ( Kcrkcudicf ), but they are rohhers as well as I. If they bad not
written and told me, 1 wouhl not have Hone it.' Whereupon he shown I
us a letter, which they had written to him while in Holland, lifter they
had taken the power of attorney away from Weiss (which he received
from the whole congregation ) and transferred it \<- IteirT. This letter iv.id
as follows: \ho-oh Hi iff s/mlf loir tin <■<>//, ,trd money and l><< i '•■»• tht
xonn ond srinl l/iriii orrr In thrm, his fn'opl is (<, fir sir fur rriit, tint( oltt r In ha*
returned^ Ihnj (the nnderxianetl) nil/ rrtinol everything he hti* * nils
letter was lead l>v us with teal's, and was sillied bv n\vii men. who
ir><;
[IISTOIUCAL XOTr
pretended to be elders, They wrote further in thi* letter to ISeiflf, Hint he
should do this on their own risk and whatever would be tlio result, tfiey
would indemnify him for all loss willi all their property. Of fill thin i»>i
a ainglq member of the congregation 1'nnc angfhhig, from which no other con-
clusion can be drawn than that it was clone for thefr own profit R<
furthermore claimed to have sent the goods over to them, hut they denied
having received them. Through this trouble the eongn-gation weemed to
be confronted with total ruin. as the members were already l>eginnine t<>
disperse.
''Whereupon the congregation met again [on April 2, 1734], having
come to the inevitable conclusion to depose these men for these and other
important reasons and to choose others who would faithfully serve the
congregation, which was all the more legitimate, since John Jacob iJjcnicr,
the physician, never had been an eider nor c< mid have been elected Ixmuse
of his well known disgraceful life and eondOct. lie was also the lender
of the others by life deceitful and cunning pen. Peter Llillegas was also
never recognized by tin1 congregation as an elder, but he had elevated
himself to that position, so that they all were on the same lev! with
Jacob IiciTf, who also allowed himself to be called an elder in Holland,
although he had never twen an elder in thexe rrntf/rctftifiinnt.
"On the above mentioned day in the presence of Do. Uieger, who was
at that time our minister, we the undersigned were elected as elders and
deacons, as is shown by the accompanying copy, tinted April 2, 1 7 - '» t .
When Do. llieger 'left the congregation, it seems Ikvuuhc he tlmughl that
by his absence we would be made helpless and be compelled to unite
again with the deposed persons, with whom he sympathize*1 (which wns
considered most hurtful to the congregation, because of the evident tricks
to which they had resorted ), we came to a different conclusion, namely,
resolved to ask Uev. John Thilip llo-hm, minister at Kalkncr Swamp,
Wliitemarsh and Skippack, who was a properlv ordained preacher, for
help and assistance, in order to prevent the total destruction ^\ Ihe con-
gregation, which was done immediately by a letter, dated April _'(>. IT-- 1.
signed by \'2 members and sent to him by two of our number.'1
With the resignation of Uieger and ihe mil given to Halnn, the
second staire of tin1 UeitV case eanic to an end.
Huguenots Invited by Penn.
William IVnn, follow ing < the example of other Colonial leaders, \
tended a cordial invitation to the llttjrnenots to settle in Pennsylvania.
lie recognized their high character and accomplishments, and rcfjiirdcd
them as an invaluable help in the building up ^\ hi> I'mvincr into a pros-
perous State. IK4 had a personal k no w let Ige of their worth, ^*v ill early
manhood he visited K ranee and studied under Moses Amyrault. the ivlc-
brat ed 11 uiruenot theologian. — Jamks IU:ukki.k> Lajtx.
HISTORICAL NO] ES. 167
Some More Transcripts from Jacob Hiltzhcimer's Mem-
orandum Book.
TRANSACTIONS OF TIIE VESTRY OF PHI LA DELPHI.* UEFOBMED « I M I : < J 1 .
178-1. An order on Mr. \VW. Von Phul, Treasurer, Ub 0 0
May 10 for fifteen pounds in favor of George
Friday School Master who just arrived
with his family from tin: State of New York in
Consiquance of n Letter tie- Vestry senl liiiu
some time ago which sum heing advanced
for Services t<> he done.
Signed Philip < Mciiheimcr
0 A- J. JJilt/I.Oi.j.-r.
10 An Order on Ditto in lover of licakly 1 G I
A: Morris, Carpenters, for Making a 1 'art it ion
in the uper room of the School Ilouxe four
pounds six shilling & one )>ennv.
Signed Ph. ( hlenhcimer »v
Jacoh Sehreilier.
10 An Order on Ditto in favor of John Hart 7 W 0
Seven pounds ten shillings for Gilding
and Painting done for the Vestry by sJ
Hart A' I<Yaiu\z Giehel in Company, in
the year 1773, as '-j-»r ace" and Qualification,
before John Miller Esq' A|i' 20"' 17sl. which
is filed at the School House. Signers In the order
Philip ( Mcnliciliicr
Jacoh J{(jl>M)jn.
July 5 An Order in favor of Christopher Itaueh 1 •*•
for Bretzels tJj.it was given to the School
Children, Signed Odcnhemier cv Stoltx.
.Jj An order in favor of George Friday School 2 )() l)
Master, Lor fifty shillings l>eing twn
Months Salary for Playjng the Organ.
( )dcnln'i)ncr ijfc Hcrtzug.
July 12 An order on Ditto, in favor of Jacoh Ihi'lisani 24 1 1"
for Twenty four pounds I ' 10 l»eiug the
Expense of tl.e Wall in the Church yanl
and laying tin1 Pavement at the l*ack
door of tin- School 1 loose.
Aug, 3 An order for fifty shillings for C2 10 • >
a Cap Stone Andrew llower Turn
for Die Wall in the Church ViinL
Julv 20 An O^ler in favour of Kdwanl
( iarrimies J'or a lire I bidder. < ,l n
k;s
HISTORICAL XO'I ES.
Sept. 20. An Order in favour of Conrad 1 10 0
Pigeon for Making a
Bake Oven hack of the School Ftousc.
Signed 1'. Odenhcimer
iV J. IN. ■I.siiii.
Sept. 2<S An order in favour of John Klages 1 10 • )
for five pounds 10/3 for painting done
to the School House.
Deer G
Note- This being due 25rt of I/irl .Month.
An order in favour of Christopher IS 0 (>
Sclireiner for Six pound- being i\ rears
Interest on ,C10() Left hv the Late Mr.
John Sehweiuhiiusser to the V««strv of the
German Reformed Congregation which
Interest the s'1 Vestrymen are desired
in s'1 Schwcighausser'fl will to
pay to the School .Master of said
Congregation as a Perquisite over and
above his vearlv Salarv.
P. Odcnlieiiner. W. Will.
178o An Order in favour of Jacob Sehreiner s 10 <>
Febrv 21 Eight pounds ten shillings, as p ;ur' l»y him
Produced, Ensuring Co(K) of the House
in Race Street belonging to our Congre-
gation where the Reverend Mr. Wilierg
Dwells 17 10 is the Ensuranee *
20s Entrance.
Signed Ililt/Iteinier & Will.
Ap1 2 An order in favour of the ReveV1
Mr. Pauly for Thirty Dollars, us
a Present for his Preaching on
Sunday evenings in our Church
for ahout •"> Months.
J1', lliltzliei mer
A: Clr. St it/..
11 .1 (1
May 31 Aw order in favor of Charles CO 17 IS
Scit/. living for [fupev & Quills.
J. Itakcr A: IFiltsdieiiiicr.
July 2-*> An or.der in favor of Dan' Sutter
for Twenty six pounds (i 7 l>cing for
Candles.
31
Oct. 10
Ci c
An order in favour of Andrew [left Sengs
for Mil Owning.
An order in favour of John Kiri-
for a l>ox of Spermaceti Candles.
Signed J. Sehreiner and
1. Ilill/heiiner.
7 1
HISTORICAL NOTES,
178(3 An ardor in favor of Charles Bcitz
Januan 2 for 42 /being a discount or prim
left in his hands at the time they
changed from 12 to 15 for a shilling.
J. Schreiner A- liiltzhehner
ll£)
2 2 0
.January 11 An order in favor of Anthony Moll
for Thirty Shillings for Haling
grave] on the Walk in the graveyard.
Signed A. Hertzog and J. Ifiltzheimer
1 10 0
2 K) 0
n ]_' 0
April 17 An order in fayor of Jacob
Hiltzheimer for fifty shillings
being Money lie pa to Jacob
Borkard for Mending the
fence around the Burial Ground.
Signed C. S.-itz & J. Kins.
19 An order, in fayor of Charles
Seitz for Twelve shillings Moncv
he paid to Jacob Borkard for
Making a fence at (lie School House
Qawlcn. Signed Kauch & Sutler.
*l787«n Au 0rder on ^r- Wm- Von l'huh signed KM) 0 o
my 10 Baker A Hiltzheimer in favor of Mr. I'..
Shoemaker Of one hundred pounds
being in part of Cl'A) for a lot of
ground in T" Street, 85 feet wide
* 49^ in depth which the Vestry
I'ureh'' of saicl Shoemaker. The
Remainder C'2n() the ['resident
J. Baker in behalf of the Vestry
gave two Honds ;it CI •_'."> e;ich.
The first to he paid with interest
the 1M day of April 17<SS, mid the
other in one year after with Interest
Likewise.
<Mo' 0 An order in favor of M1. Israel Whelen C100 0 0
for £100 papQr hfoney lent him
for which sum he is to return in Six Month-
Seventy live pounds Specie in order to get u
Certain fixed Sum of bard Money in the
Treasury, and Not leaving the Paper
Money in the Treasury upon an micertaint v.
because of its Bapid Depreciation at this
*«»<■'. Si--' Baker, llilt.dieii.Mr.
Diehl A- Kilt*
1788 An order in favor of Adam (J 17 <;
March Hi Doerr for Seventeen Shillings A
six pence being Money he paid
for L.M Ihishels i)\' sand for our
Chumh. Signed lliltzheim. r kV ()v;iv
170 • HISTORICAL XOTKX
April 7 In favor of Peter Dielil for making 6 IC 7
a Gate to our grave vard and
rinding the Stuff for it.
7 In favor of Godfrey Gelder for 2 I 9
Smiths work done to >aid ( late.
July 7 An order was drawn on M'. \V"\ \ron 11 o' 11
I'hul Treasurer in favor of
Godfrey ( lebJer being for two 1 nm
Rods called Conductors,
and pitting then* upon our Chureli
and sundry other expenses attending
the same.
Marriages by Rev. George Wack.
COMXrUXTCATED IVY W. II. i:i:i;i>. imi. <:.. m. i>., OF SOKIHSTOWN.
[ttmrtmlt'fl.]
70:!. September <S. Aaron I'aee and L<*a Ihifli.
704, Oetoher 20. Frederick Stong and Clementine NYv.-l.
1845.
705. Fehruary 0. Daniel KYeyer and Elizabeth Wanner.
700. August 10. Krnos Knipe and Eliza Knuithamel.
707. November 1JJ. (ieorge l*eavcr and Elixuhetli L*iyer.
70S. November 23. Isaac Mailman and Susannah Wanner.
184G.
700. January 4. Henry Kivv and Helena Eisenhlirg.
710. March 10. Charles G erhart, Kw|., and Maria Gerhart.
711. April 2."). Aaron Until ami Cat limn -Miller.
712. May 31. Francis Held and Susannah G«>dsha II.
713. May 81. John Geiger and Ann Denner.
7U. October -4. George Krb and Ilerrietta Schneider.
715. Xovember 1. -John Wisler and Mary Warner.
1847.
710. February M. Adam Miller and Uvliwni VVelker.
717. Oetoher 10. lYti r Selmeider and Vi.miia Opn-ehi.
718. Oetoher- 24. Charles Good win and Mary lion*.
710. Xoveinher 18. Henry Weisel and Maria LouX.
720. December 2(>. John Allahaeh and Anna Maria UoflaU'i^e
1840.
721. April 21. .laeoh Pecm and Caroline Konk.
722. Mav 215. William Custer and Mary Ann \r\\.
72-'!. September 11. K/.ekiah Rhoads and Maria Slirpjirrd,
1852,
72-1. Fehmarv to. William Svlt Wale ivr and An-eline Kilt in*
HISTORICAL XOTK-. 171
Goetschy's Colony.
BY III.M.Y R. IMITTKKKK.
The story of Goetsehy's colony, closely examined, must 1"- r« _':» r«l« <1
as one of tlic noteworthy incidents of the eighteenth century migration
from the Contincnl of Europe to the Province of Pennsylvania.
Maurice Gcetsehy, the leader — he does not merit tlic title organizer —
was a minister of the Reformed Church of Switzerland. Tlie pi-
gathering the intending emigrants wan Zurich. Tlie dates of tlieir de-
parture from Zurich for Rotterdam were October -1 and 5, 1734. Tlie
number comprised in the jialty at the start was 25C. Their destination
originally was Carolina. Gcetsehy was a discredited clergyniaii, having
been guilty of an atrocious offense; 1 nit the unreasoning people, mostly
peasants, in a frenzy to Lro to the Xew World, were not ileterre«l by this.
Gntfsehy's purpose was, to all appearances, an ambitious one. His
design in collecting so large a numbeY Of people, there can l>r little doubt,
was to lead them in a body to Carolina, locate1 them there in a settlement,
make himself tlie head of the colony, and minister to them a* tlieir spir-
itual guide and teacher. By thus having control <>!' them, lie might rea-
sonably hope to regain bis good reputation, secure a position of influence,
and command lucrative compensation. All these cxjiectatiens, if lie
entertained them, failed of realization.
What inducements he held out to these confiding people, and upon
what they were based, is not disclosed by the reeords thus far dLseoveml.
Some little light is thrown on these points by a small lw»ok published by
<»ne of tlie party who relented at Rotterdam, ahandoin d the emigrant
company, and returned to Switzerland. Further reference to tliis publi-
cation will be made Inter on. What this writer says is strongly tinged
with resentment.
At that time the desire to emigrate to America was at fever hent in
Zurich and vicinity. Carolina was represents! ;is the most desinihlc place
for emigrants. Pennsylvania was deserilicd as uncomfortably cold in
winter, and as being already so closely settled as U> make the cost of bind
niuch higher than in Carolina. The civil authorities ami the Suite clergy
of the Swiss cantons strongly 'opposed the departure of the common pim-
ple to the wilds of America. On the other hand were men who encour-
aged and urged emigration. The latter had the inir and the eonfrdenee of
the masses. Pamphlets wefe distribute*! I m »t 1 1 in favor «»f tllld ojijmsed l<»
emigration.
In the Xaehriehten von Xiirieh. a ncwspa}tcr printed by Halts Jacob
landinner. in its issue of July 15, I7H4, was offered for sale, a pu
tion entitled Kine llcsehrcihung von dem gliickligeu Carolina, allwo die
Kanwohner, sonderiich 1 1 ii- Sehweitzer, kein lleemweh liekommeii, tun
•1 ss. (A description of fortunate Carolina, where the people. |Kirticularly
the Swiss, have no homesickness, at \ ss. |
In the same newspaper. <»l Septemher '.0. 17".I. is this notice: 1-
wird xn entlehnen gesucht, Kin laiehlein. gcmuit : IVnsylvanicn nirlit
172
JIISTOIMCAL XO'I I •"..-.
Canaan. ( It is desired to Ikhtuw, a hnoklct, pntitled Pcnwiylvania n«»t
Canaan. )
In Hie Xachriehten von Zurich, of tin- 7tii of Oetolier, (ilcn 7. Wein-
monat, ) 17oi, appeared in a conspicuous plaec thin hn|>ortan1 newn
article:
X. I). Vergangnen Montag hat sieh Hr. NForitz Ootsclii sainl Weih
und Kindern, mil ziemlich viclen Land-I.euthcn, jung unci ill ten, auf pin
Scliift' gesetzt, und nach dor so genanten rnsul Carolina von Land •/<-
stosscn, mehr auf Iloffnung alldo scin (ilCiek hesser zu mnehen und zu
linden, als in deni Vatcrland, darin er gehohrcn. Man hat es ihneii zw.ir
von Seiteii Cnserer ( Inad. Illlrn, hicsiger (ieistliehkeit gar naehtrncklirli
inissrathen, allcin lt 1 xd k"m It seine [Resolution, und msielite sieli davou.
Bald hernach ist ihme noeh ein SchifV mil solehen, kau wol sngen einfal-
tigen Leulhen, naehgefahren, und so in alleni dessellien Tap 17 1.
Menscheii, denen vil 1000. zugeschen, und grosses Mittleiden, lM«sonders
hey deni kal'ten Kegel) und Wind, dass sic s<> armscli<! mil Weih und
Kind dit1 wiehtigc und in 800. Stundcn hestehendc Keiss liey ahnehni-
enden Tagen sieli unverstandeu. 1 >< »< 1 1 wurdc ihneii von gut hertziger
vornehnieii liaiifern allerhand initgetheilt, als viel Brod, llalsstueher,
Kap]>en, itf. Tags hemaeri is das 8te Seliiflf wi^jgt fahren, die aus i1«*m
Alhnosen-Amht mil einer grosser Portion Knal, Mild. StruniptT, N
linger und andern reiehlieh versehen worden. Sondertieh hat die Xaeli-
ItarsehalTt him KaufFhaus sich gar mittleidig erzeiget, wie sje dan I iiiieli
das Salt/.-l Iaus seliwerlich wenlen vergess<»n konneii, was ihneii danttif
fur Erquiekungen leihlieh mitgetheilt worden, drssgleiehen vil Urn.
Kaufrleuth audi gellian. Es sind auf dieseni letzten Sehiflf etwa S2. I'< :
sotum gewesen, die noeli mehr mittlcdens vviiixlie gew<»seii wsiren, vr, mi
sie um.der K\w und Lehr (Jottes willen hatten fort illusion. Den VV
ihr oigen Kchuld, es gehe ilmen wol oder iihel. (Jleiehwol hahen >ich
mehr dann 20. durch klugc Vorstehung ehrlieher Urn. und Kurgere, den
Sinn geandert, die hahen den hessreii Theil erwehlt, und sind hier ver-
hliehen, die man gar I'reundlich wieder in Hire lleiniatli gewiesen. In-
<lessen soil man doeh audi (Jotl fur diegrosse An/aid Hortgereissten hitten,
dass sie einweder hald ujiikchivn, oder doch an deni ( >rlh kommen mogeii,
dahin sie so sehr wiinsehen. Er versehe alier ihre llertzen mil (itilult,
weil vil hetriihte Stunden ihnen dorfTten die Keise nvht saner inaehen, so
verstise es ilmen, dass wann sie I'ronun hleihen, ein weil Insser L«l»<n
auf sie warte.
TRANSLATION.
X. P>. The past Monday, Mr. Maurice ( io tx-liv. w ilh wife and chil-
dren, together u ith a consideraMc iiuiuUt nf nnuitrv |Mi»ple, iJd and
young, took passage on a boat, and stalled for the so-called Carolina in-
land, in the hope of meeting there with hetter fortnre than he has Found
in his native land. lie was dissuaded fiv our gracious nHieials and the
local clergv. hut he ]»t>rsisted in his resolution, and took his departure
Direcllv aHer anolhei h,>at Mlnued him. with like, we most -ay. silly
people, making;, tolal for that day ot 17 1 |Sl^ais, whom many IIhAIhmikih
saw depart with manifestations of sincere syni|mthy, particularly Uttiusc*
ol' their undertaking imprudently, ihese shortening day-, in cold rain and
wind, with wile and child, so poorly provided, the danger* > us joum
.'MM) hours. in spite of this, they were presente<l hy kinddicarnd |N*rsons
historical notes. 17:5
with large quantities of ;l]l sorts <»J' article*, sue i iw bread, liandkenhicf*,
caps, etc, The following (lav the thin I boal started off. These- w. i,
liberally furnished from the'oihee of charities with a large supply «'f
broad, meal, stockings, for nourishment and otherwise*. Especially (lie
neighborhood of the exchange showed itself deeply sympathetic; nor
they be likely to forget, what was given them :il the Salt lions* • for buddy
refreshment; in like manner many merchant* assisted them. rpon the
Inst boat were 82 persons, who' would have been worthy of more consider-
ation had fhey gone ol>edieii1 to t1 e glory and will of (iocl. They must
bear the consequences of their net, be they good or ill At the same time.
upwards of 20, induced by the wise representations of worthy gentlemen
and citizens changed their intentions, choosing the letter part: they re-
mained here and will be very kindly returned to their homes. Mcan-
while we should pniy (Jod that the great number who have gone on this
journey, may either soon return or reach the destination they so much
wish for. May He fill their hearts with patience, and as many sad hours
may embitter their voyege, may He comfort t lien 1 with the thought that
if they remain faithful, n far letter life is reserved for them.
( To lie ( 'mil '/' n m (I . )
After the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes.
Providence had opened to the fugitive from persecution in Fnuicc
three, doors of escape, which, could they but be reached, led to a safe
retreat. They lay toward the east, the north, and the northwest.
Happily there remained Switzerland, the Netherlands, and England— all
■three not only themselves hospitable, hut permitting a passage i<» other
and equally inviting regions at a greater distance.
The Swiss Reformed cantons had not waited for the actual neall of
the Edict to give practical expression to their sympathy for heir suffering
brethren in Prance. From ItiS'l, and annually for many a year, they
made collections for the relief of victims ol royal and |»opular oppn
Upon Frankfort-on-the-Main a goodly part of the stream |*>uring "tit
of B wither la n< \ converged, only to he directed from Fninkfoil to many
another slate of the empire The Queen of IVnmark.
who, got content with relieving the necessities of all that threw themselvi -
upon her tender compassions, provided generously lor their spiritual
interests by fostering the establishment of a large and nourishing chun-h
and providing for it pastors of marked ability. The refugees wen wcl
in the Netherlands, to which great numbers suc«ve*led in making their
way. All classes iA the population in the republic weiv stirred with in-
dig< ation at the accounts of cruelties |ier|Mkt rated upon mmlTending pn»-
fessors of the same faith that was held by the majority of the Ihiteh.
. . . It was said that fifty thousand Huguenots but the number is
altogether uncertain — found n home in (lival llritailt, when* their d< -
seendants have long lieen ivcugnisGcd as among the nn»>i n>p««t«d and
most prosperous of the inhabitants ^\ the Kingdom.
— IIkniiy M. n.\iun, iu The Huguenots anil the Hevoesit inn.
171 HISTORICAL XOTES.
Holland and Pennsylvania.
V.
Holland's cake of tin-: hkfohmkh eiiritcii in im:\nsvlv.\xia.
[Continued. ~]
The delegates of the Delft and Ke.hieland (Masses were instrocte<l to
liriii^ tho subject before ^H the classes of the synod. A pamphlet was
issued in which the needs of the IVnnsx dvanians were clearly and einphati -
cally set forth. This was circulated in all the classes of the synod The
effect of this presentation of the case was apparent the following year.
1731, at the animal meeting of the synod at Dordrecht when these "liefde.
gaven" for Pennsylvania were reported, amounting to 11. 18(Kj (.» <»:
■Znvd Holland (I *>7 2 's( rravenhage 250 —
Delft en Del fhmd :J84 — Woerden — —
Levden <ftc — — Kueren 24fi 12
(loi-Mla &c 1(51 :'» P.reda 114 12
SchieiaiKl 4.10 —
(Joriiicheiit 40 — II ISiii; <»
Voorn $ l'utteii lL'4 —
While the synod of South Holland was in session at Dordrecht, in
July, 17ot, announcement was made thai a ship was lying near the city
with Palatine refugees on their way to Pennsylvania, and that another was
near Rotterdam, and that four of the passengers had come to seek alius
from the synod to enable them to purchase a few comforts for the sick
during the voyage across the Atlantic. A collection was made in the synod,
and a committee was appointed to visit the two ships, which, was done
and help was given the poor emigrants.
The extraordinary statement was made also that in Pennsylvania the
number of baptized Reformed people was thirty thousand and the number
of members about fifteen thousand : that these were cared for by hill one
minister, D". Weiss, Ijesides one Philip Itaehin, who was without education
and without call to the ministry [benevens nog mien Philippic P.eem.
dog die zonder Studie, zonder roepingc sijnde].
The4 Holland brethren were much perplexed by the meagre advices
which came from Pennsylvania : they were contradictory in some cast's,
and they revealed the existence of discord, discontent and ((liarrcls. let-
ters and reports came from Mine to time — several during the year \~:)\ —
of a discouraging character. These inauspicious manifestations, however,
did not divert the Hollanders from the prosecution of the main purpoM —
the giving of aid to the needy Pennsylvania brethren; they continued,
for the present at least, with undiminished zeal to tabor for the promotion
of the interests of the feeble chinches in the new American province.
The Classis of Amsterdam met on the. 2* M of July, 1731. It was o-
porled that gifts had been made to the Philadelphia church, as billows:
liv the Consist orv of Amsterdam I •TO (iiithlcre.
IJv the Heurons ' WKl
Uy tlie Claris loo
S.VI (itiildcix.
HISTORICAL N'OTKS.
17
October 1, 17:51, at the meeting of Classis <f Amsterdam, l>". Alntcn
reported haying received a letter From Lkehnt in Pennsylvania concerning
church matters. The Classis requested Bu'lim to consul! with VV< is* con-
cerning the matter in his letter- Weiss was supposed by Classic to liavc
returned to Pennsylvania.
The year 1732 was in urr< ;i t maasure one of suspense to the chuivli of
Holland, so far as Pennsylvania was concerned. There was unnecountable
delay in the receipt of replies to the inquiries sent out for trustworthy in-
formation. Put while thus waiting the work' <»f collecting funds and <»l'
keeping the cause of Pennsylvania before the membership- was not relaxed.
In 17,32 the Synod of South Holland was held at Delft -luly 8-18.
The Synod of North 1 Iolland communicated the collection of Nine hundred
and ninety-one guilders for Philadelphia, but that these gifts had not been
paid over. The Synod of Stad en Lande reported sixty guilders for Penn-
sylvania. Concerning Pennsylvania the Reverend Deputies stand that in
conjunction with the Deputies of North Holland Synod, tliev had done
all that was passible, in pursuance of the requesl of the synod to obtain
accurate and sudicient information as to the real condition of the Palatines
and other Hermans there. For this purpose they had written letters, all
dated December 1, 1731, to the Consistory of the Philadelphia church and
their minister, D". Georgius Michael Weissius, to D". Philippus liuhm,
another letter to Mr. A rent llassaart, well-known merchant of Philadel-
phia and layman of the German Reformed congregation there, and. lastly,
to the Consistory of New York, the capital of New Xetherland. Rut n«>
reply having been received from any of these parties, they wrote as re-
cently as .Inly 2 another letter to the Consistory of Philadelphia, and sent
the letter by Captain Samuel Kami, who was now at Amsterdam ready to
sail for Pennsylvania.
The collections for Pennsylvania reported at the Synod ^\ South Hol-
land amounted to Two Hundred and seventy-nine guilders, six stivers,
eight pens, viz:
(')assis of South Holland 40 .. ..
Schicland |:',l .. ..
(ioricheni lo
WoevdiMi (additional) <>u
ftredfl 21 '2 ..
loom special sources at Pordreclit
broi^ht ))\ \)". van Meurs \'2 1 S
— : 27»l i; s
The deptities having the linauces in hand made the statement, that the
accumulation of funds in hand for Pennsylvania amount* «1 U > marly thnr
thousand guilders.
Collected year before last ( repented in 17."d ) il IKfili !J II
which sum was increased hv liluaal con-
tributions | ".ransuadijke liel'dciravni'* |
of (he elassis of Worrden. of s:l4 III 11
Collections of 1 7. •'.•_' as above 2711 li S
11 L't'SO ."> S
( T<> />/' ( 'tuihjiin il. }
170 HISTORICAL \<>TKS.
Why Does America Favor the Boers ?
Key. Dr. Henry M. KierTcr in ;i recent sermon said: "Isitnot \w.
our people are persuaded that England is to-day waging a war in South
Africa very closely resembling the one she waged against our forefathers a
hundred years ago, for the suppression of a republican form of govern-
ment? Our fathers fought England to he free, and that i< what (la' B«»ers
are fighting so desperately for now — simply to be free j And is it any
wonder thai every American heart that loves liberty turns with |wofonnd
sympathy toward the heroic struggle now being made by tin- South African
Republics for the very life of republican institutions on that great continent?
"No wonder the once much talked of Anglo-American alliance dart-
now not be so much as breathed in high places. And they who advocate
such an alliance on the ground that the interests of the two English
speaking nations are identical, are confronted by the perplexing problem
how to account for and reconcile tin- contrary and utterly opposite na-
tional instincts of these two' j*eoplcs— England being an essentially colonial
and imperial power, ever and always* seizing additional territory wherever
she can or may, and the Inited- States, on the other hand, scarcely know-
ing whether to accept additional terrib >ry when thrust upon her by th<-
logic of events; the one seeking to suImIuc the peoples of the world to her
almost oligarchical rule, and the other seeking only to protect and defend
the peoples forced upon her. until they have been taught and trained to
govern themselves.'"
Dr. Kieffer, who uttered these stirring words, is himself a veteran of
the Civil War, an<l the author of that widely read hook. The Drummer
Boy of the Ifcebcllion. lie is pastor of the First Reformed Church of
Eastou.
Massacre of the Vaudois, April 24, 1665.
7J;VEXUE, O Lord ! thy slaughtered saints, whose hone*
/ |c Lie ^cattcr'd on the Alpine mountains cold:
Even thrin kepi thy truth so pure of old.
When all o\i]- fathers worshipped stocks and stones.
Forget not: in thy hook record their, groans,
Who were thy slu-rp, and in their anchni fold
Slain \)\ the bloody l^iednmntese, that rollM
.Mother with infam down the rocks. The moans
The vales redoubled to the hills, and limy
To Heaven. Their martyr'd i>l«»od and ashes so\i
O'er ail Italian fields, when- still ilnth sway
Tile triple tyrant: that from thesr may grow
A hundred fold, who, having learn'd thy way
Early may II v the III by Ionian woe.
— JoilN Mu.rox.
HISTORICAL NOTES
RELATING TO THE
PENNSYLVANIA REFORMED CHURCH.
VOL. I. No. 12 April 10 HMO. Perkiomen Publishing Co.,
#1 .00 per A n num. 1605 If. Thi rte i: n hi Street,
Edited by Henry S. Dotterer. PHILADELPHIA.
Close of Volume One. slaughtered Protestants of the Italian
Tfce piv.^nt i'ss-wu of Historical Notes vallteys, : and tile tinpcmwlied llilatinatc
conwletes Volume Ohe. With this Xum- snnivora of Hie lirirrora of the Thirty
;. . , , w ^ ears' \\ ar.
ber goes a title page and an index. We .
.... ,1.1 i i W here in modem historv win he loiuid
shall have bound the surplus numbers . . .; . .
, , -., ,. , -,,■, a nohler coinhinat mn ol (hnslian ances-
leit on our bands. Most ot these will be . . ,
... .11 t i:i • try than ours m Pennsylvania . W h-ae
distributed among the leading libraries ■ . . . • , . ,
. ., , tii \ t can l)e lound a punier leadership than
of rennsvlvania and elsewhere A tew ■ "
. ' . .,, , . • -, i I, i has been ours t he past eenturv and a hall ?
bound copies will be retained and will be
sold at Two Dollars each. With the issue ^ r \vr-ff. T t_j> t
. v , , ,, , rrot William J. Hmke.
ot the present .Number and the comple* J
tion of the Volume, the publication of in the History of t Ik- Weill Case, con-
Historical Notes will be discontinued, eluded in this number., is fnrnisltcd a
. • specimen of the valuable work Prof.
A Sorry Showing, Hinfce is doing in disentangling the Colo-
The Tinted States should be the might- lli:l1 history of our Church. Thorough
iest stronghold of the Reformed Church. Will untiring in his researches, alert in
To New York came in the earliest years detecting the bearing of discovered lads,
of its settlement, the Hollanders. To conversant with numerous languages, and
Pennsylvania came the Germans, the clear in statement, he is placing before
Hollanders and the Swiss, amongst them the Church markedly important ill for ma -
a large percentage of the Huguenots, the tion through its several publications. It
Walloons, and the Piedmontese. History will interest our readers to know some-
tells us that of bhe hundreds of thousands thingof our contributor's history.
of Huguenots who took refuge in Hoi- William . I. II hike was born, in 1871, al
land, Switzerland and Germany, great Diordorf, near Coblent/ on the Rhine.
numbers chained their names and their 1 b' received most of his college training
lanLruagt to conform to the speech of the :U the gyuinasium (college) ill Klberfeld.
countries in which they were befriended. In IsS7 lu> came to America ; attended
A much larger infusion of Huguenot Calvin college, Cleveland, ( H.i... u here he
blood courses through American veins was graduated in 18H0, after which he
than is popularly recognized. Many 6f si)on1 Uv" >va,s tluMV M professor of
the Waldenses or Vaudois escaped to butill «ud Wreck, lie then took two
Switzerland and Germany, and, in sub- years at Drain us theological seminary,
sequent generations, joined in the great graduating hi May, 1S!»I. After hiking
oxodu-' to our shores. The membership one year's post-graduate work al Prinee-
Ot the bcfoiiiu'd Gliurch of Pennsylvania l,,n Summary, he was appointed instructor
is ;i companion of the descendants of the n|" Hebrew at I'rsinus in lvi">, and pro-
pei-ccnied and tortured victims of the lessor of Old Te-iament Language and
Spanish inquisition in Holland, the Literature in IHII7. He WHS ordained
martyrs for the faith in France the April 2u, 181HJ, and had charge for ^>nc
178 HISTORICAL NOTES.
year of Trinity Reformed churcli in Allen- selves.' Tliey would not entertain th<-
town, Pa. He was naturalized April 5, KUggestion ; they wished to coriie with
1897. He speaks English and (Jerman ; us; and tliey arc regnhir, oseful inenri-
and 1ms a reading knowledge of Dutch and ,,(,1> here."
French among the modem, and Latin, This conversation occurred about two
Greek, Hebrew, Aramaic and Arabic years ago, in the city of Philadelphia.
among the ancient languages.
Successful Church Work.
The Late Nathan Berkenstock. ty Philadelphia the lie-formed Church
The First Church of Philadelphia re- lias a natural constituency of large pro-
cently lost, in the death of N'atlian Berk- f>ortions upon which the congivgntioiM
enstdbk, a useful, faithful, active member may draw to replenish their membership,
and officer. For a quarter of a century enlarge their inffUenea lly a "natural
he was the president of the board of cor- constituency" we mean thai pillion of
poration of that congregation, whose or- lhv Papulation belonging by birth to the
ganization dates back to 1727 and whose Reformed Church. Of course, those burn
charter was grantedin the Colonial time. ("]lsi(^' lll(' limits of our Church, and
Formany years Mr. Berkenstock sang holding membership in no other, are also
basso in the choir, and almost up to the eligible to membership in our congr»-ga-
time of his decease he was the chairman tion— if th(>>' can 1,(' reached. One might
of the committee on music. He was one s«PPoso, in view of these fads that a
of the trustees of the church— a position languishing Reformed church in Phila-
of great importance in this eoiigregrft-ion; ttolP»ia itiittH be a thing unknown. Y.-t
which is the owner of properties requir- U(> do ho:n' of *>*»* congregations.
ing close attention in order to make them TheKC reflections followed the |>erusal
productive of revenue. of a circular issued for Palm Sunday by
Mr. Berkenstock was widely known tm< Pastor of t!e neutsehe-Kvangelisch-
among the merchants of interior IVnn- Presbyterischen Zions Kirche, of Phila-
sylvania. Frank in manner and upright delphia. The attenuated title of this
in dealings, he enjoyed the respect and churcli conveys a correct indication of
confidence of those with whom he had lllt' congregation's origin. In another
business intercourse. l)art ol' ,lu' circular we are told: "Onr
He was deeply interested in the welfare delightfully developed evangelical Pres-
of his church, lie gave liberally of his hyterian Won congregation was estahlish-
money to support it, lie devoted his (><ll).v Lutheran ami Reformed Herman
talent:-, his time, and his energies to its Christians. The name 'Presbyterian' wj s
advancement willingly taken, because il was the l*res-
— byterian synod which in the lirst years
Not Properly Pastored. gave thousands of dollars town nls the ad-
'*6f wnkt denomination are voua mem- vaneement and support of our congrega-
ber?" asked one of the tnost successful tion, which none of the old Gennan
clergymen of America "Of the Ke- chinches of the city could «>r would d<>."
formed Church," was the reply of the A congregation favored by none of the
individual addressed. ''That Church is ok} (Jerman Churches, it would seem,
not properly pastored in this city. Von- could have small hope of gathering mem-
dor is a pew occupied bv seven persons, bew. The energetic minister of thi>
members of your Church. When they church shows the contrary. He gives
came "to me to apply for admission to my ,lu> names of the Conlirmanten this y<
congregation, I said to them: 'Why do they number 21 Knaben.and 30 M.-edohen
you i\of start a congregation of your own " :l totnl of, 51. This large number lie
communion? You would be a nucleus for gathered from among tlmse tuMiuans
a new organization ; and you could gather whom the Lutherans and the Reformed
around you others who feel like vour- cannot reach or hold.
HISTORICAL NOTES. 17(J
Goetschy's Colony,
BY HENRY s. DOTTfcUElt.
[Concluded.']
FAidwig Weber was the name of the disheartened member of ( la'tschy's
colony, who returned to Zurich, and exposed the leader's shortcomings
to the extent of his ability. The title of his pamphlet, a l2mo of 30
pages, was:
Der Hinckende Bott von Carolina. Oiler Llldwig \\'<1h rs von W'al-
lissellen, Bcschreibung seiner Ueise vmi Zurich gen Rotterdam, mil dcr-
jenigeUjgcscllschaft, welchc neulich aus dem Sehweizerland in Carnlinam
zu Ziehen gedachte. Ziirieh, bey Jfoji. Jacob Lindhmer. M 1)( '( X X X Y.
The title in English would appropriately have been: The Disgruntled
Messenger from Carolina; or a Description by Ludwig Weber, of Wallis-
sellen, of Ins Journey from Zurich to Rotterdam, in the company which
recently purposed moving from Switzerland to Carolina.
Weber was the father of a family of nine living children. One son
lie took with him, intending, if all went well, to have his wife and re-
maining children join him. lie was in the party of '.)(> persons who left
Zurich on the morning of October 5, 1734. Wcher. in his pamphlet,
gives much information of what' happened on tin.' journey from Zurich to
Rotterdam.
WEBER'S STORY.
The first day, October 5, we proceeded as far lis Laivffenburg. There
Hans Jacob Kuhn, of liieden, and his wile, became dissatisfied, secretly
left the party, and returned home. At Rheinfelden the passengers laid to
show their passports. The same evening we arrived at Basel, and h< re
we overtook those who had started the day before us, also those who had
travelled on foot to Basel, of whom there were about 28 persons, from
Pmehss. At Basel all had to wait until a passport through France was
obtained at Strassburfe. Tins cost 44 guilders, but gentlemen at Basel
paid it. We" were delayed two days at Basel after this. Here the wife of
Conrad Naff, of YYebcrs dorf, escaped and stalled for home, hut having
no passport she was brought back to Basel. Several of the emigrants re-
fused to wait for the passports, and a tailor from Liebtenstcg suggested
that it were better to travel through France, and offered himself as guide
if his expensed were paid. As he spoke French, 31 persons wont with
him. Nothing more was heard of this company. From 10 to 50 others,
from Buchis, Eseh and Mettmenstetten, resolved to travel through Lorraine,
via Xamur, to Rotterdam. These fortunately obtained alms at several
places, and arrived at Rotterdam eight days after the main party. After
leaving Basel frequent rains and severe cold made the journey uncomfort-
able. Many were poorly clad.
Eighty Piedmontese refugees joined us at Basel, but sailed in a special
vessel. On our two boats were I'M persons, Our firs! night encampment
ISO
HISTORICAL NOTES.
was under the clear heavens, upon an island covered with trees and
shrubbery, in the middle of the Rhine. Some nights we could not go
ashore, btit remained in the boat, although we could not >\\ up, to say
nothing of lying down. It was most pitiful with the children, who kept
it]) heart-rending cries. On the hoat no cooking could he done, yet we
had to remain in it day and night. \\ nen we could go ashore, we warm-
ed and dried ourselves and cooked, as hest we could, in the open air.
The poor women sobbed for their warm rooms at home. Most of the
passengers thought they would not have 1o pay for meals from Jlasel on;
but they were disappointed. They were consoled with the promise that
the commissary with the money would soon arrive, hut he did not make
his appearance. Many would gladly have returned to their homes. But
as armies lay on both sides of the Rhine, they dared not venture. Lam-
entations arose. The men blamed their wives; the women their hus-
bands: Mrs. Occtsehy thus complained, and one day snatched his cane
from her husband's hand, and struck him on the hack. On one side of
the Rhine, quite near us, we saw the camp fires of the Imperial troops
and on the other side those of the French. This caused great fear among
the passengers. We feared an attack from one or both at any hour, and
in consequence preserved perfect silence.
At Alt-lh'cysach the boats were halted, and all our cliests were open-
ed and examined. When Gootschi called on the commandant of the fort.
the latter warned him to sail instantly, saying he could see through his
field glass the French, on the opposite side of the Rhine, aiming three
field pieces at the boat. The master of the hoat made oil' with all |iossil>le
speed. At Unter-Breysich a child of John Hcid, tailor, from GrciiTcnsec,
died.
Ghctschy stated that it was necessary and proper to establish a
system of good order among the passengers. At one of the landings he
directed the fathers of families to form a circle, and he selected from them
four Ehcgaumeren (a sort of stewards):
1. Abraham Biinninger, of Bachonbiilach.
2. Abraham Weidmann, smith, of Luilingen.
3. Rudolf Weidmann, tailor, of Riimlang.
4. Hans Out; chief of the guard, of Escli.
OoUsehy also selected eight judges, two of whom, chosen hy lot,
should serve under tin4 Ehcgaumeren. These were:
1. Jacob Naff, from our dorf.
2. Jacob Schellcnberg, of Klnnteren atis dem Spicgclhoff.
3. Ileinrich Oallman, of Mettmenstettcn.
4. Hans Maag, of Iloehfelden.
5. Jacob Pentzler, tailor, from PicbendorlT.
0. Conrad Keller, our carpenter.
7. Was myself.
S. Hans Orob, of Zwillikon.
HISTORICAL NOTES. 181
Goetserry; poor man, though a minister, had most of tlio time in his
mouth his tobacco pipe or the wine glass. Bui Heinrich Schcuchzcr, oi
Zurich, read a prayer, morning and evening. Several days after the or-
ganization) Gcetschy preached a sermon on the boat, in which he made
allusions to the Ehegaumer, Which gave great offense.
At ('etch the hussars of the imperial army seized the Ijoat, and man-
ifested unfriendliness. In consequence, ^Ir. Wirtz, of Zurich, as our
commissary — which title he assumed without our knowledge or desire —
went to Heidelberg to obtain a passport, which cost thirty guilders. On
the way the hussars took his tobacco pipe. Wc had to pay two ducats
for both vessels. They rode after us nine miles below Maycncc. We
should not have gotten rid of the hussars so leniently, if the leader had
not been of the Reformed religion. They took the meat from Goetechy's
plate, and as they ate it swung their sabres about his head — whereby he
quite lost his appetite. When the fare for passage on the boat was called
for, 40 to 50 had Mot the money to pay; and they left the boat, and went
afoot. At Maycnco a detention of lour days occurred, owing to a failure
to agree with the boat captains as to the price to be paid. Finally, it
was agreed to pay to Rotterdam 3 guilders tor adults and half-price for
•children. Tilings now went hotter;
It was stated at Zurich, before sailing, that a paper mill would 1h>
erected in Carolina, and line post paper only would be made; that the
best material would be sent from Switzerland to make the paper.
At Ncuwik (Xcuwicd ?) four coupks were married by a Reformed
clergyman:
1. Commissari Hans Conrad Wirtz and Anna Gotschi. -
2. Conrad Naff, from our dorf, and Anna X.
3. Jacob Rothgeh and Haibara Nailer, kith of our dorf.
4. Conrad ( Jcweiller, a gardener.
The count here wished the entire corhpany to remain in hi< district,
and offered U> furnish homes and needful supplies.
At Collenburg we remained Pour days, mi account of strong wind-.
Chrtschy preached lure tor US, The people here collected money for the
emigrants, amounting to about one Dutch guilder for each person.
(jbctschy and his family were also cared far, and they were invited ashore
daily. We were frequently called upon to sing psalms for the citizens,
for which we were liberally rewarded, in money, meats, kal>K potatoes
and beer. Our quarters were in a ham, for which we had each i<» pay
one steuhcr every morning. Wc cooked mostly on the hank of the Rhine,
A child of plattmacher Heinrich Srhiviher, from Ricspach, died Ik-re.
From here (ovtschy sent throe |>assengeTS \o Rotterdam — Abraham
Biinninger, carpenter, from Ilaehenbuiaeh, tailor Jacob Fssler, and Abra-
ham Weidmann, smith, from Luttingen, — under pretense that two Eng-
lish ships were then\ anxiously waiting for us, :^^\ that in England pro-
182
HISTORICAL NOTES.
vision had been made to care for us during the Winter. Thin wn- not -".
He and his son-in-law sold, here, both boats which ivo had brought from
Zurich, for 45 Holland guilders, of \vlii<'li we received nothing. We had
to pay <)h steuben per adult and halt that for children, to Rotterdam, in
spite of the bargain that tlie Mayenec ship's people should take us there
for what all had paid them. All, were now transferred to one ship, much
loo small for convenience. The next morning before daylight we reached
Rotterdam.
When we landed the three men sent ahead informed us there was no
English ship awaiting us. Gostschy could give us no relief; on the con-
trary, he said he could do no more for us, and that each one must look
out for himself. The ship master discharged our baggage in ;i heap, and
hurried away.
WHAT HAPPENED AT ROTTERDAM.
Gcetsehy received a letter from The Hague, from a certain Mr.
Schobinger, of St. Gall, desiring him to come to the latter at The Hague.
Gcetsehy and his son-in-law at once complied with this request.
In a few days Wirtz returned from The Hague, and said several oxen
would he sent us from there, that the States-General would take care of
us, and that a large sum of money had been collected for us in Kngland.
Gcetsehy also returned, and informed us that a position as a minister, of
great importance, had been promised him by the States-General; that he
and his family had been helped, and that we should see that we too re-
ceive assistance. Meantime poverty and misery among us I >ecame steadily
greater. No one dared beg, because in Holland beggars are put in the
house of correction. Many became sick from want and hunger. The
wife of Hans Meyer, of Ober-Steimnur, died, and also her two-year old
child. A tailor from lUichss, Sebastian Xeracher by name, who is mar-
ried in Rotterdam, visited us, and took us, especially those from liueliss,
kindly in hand. He brought with him a Mr. Job. Schnpctdiaudt, who
lived with him. These friends were instrumental in procuring us much
assistance.
At this stage some of our party went over to England.
After this we received much kindness from the people, who sent us
food and drink, and furnished us night lodgings. Mr. Schapenhaudt pre-
sented our case1 to ReV. Mr. Wilhelm, who advised three of us to go Ui The
Hague to apply to Mr. von l'elss, at the English eml»assy. Three went,
but applied first to Go>tsehy, who disapproved of their calling upon von
Felss, whereupon they returned to llnttcrdam without accomplishing
their errand.
Several days afterwards Gostschy came and informed us that certain
gentlemen recommended that we u<> to Pennsylvania, Moat oi our party
were willing, and allowed themselves to he hooked, and those who could
write wrote their own names. Those went to a shipping agent (seJiilT-
HISTORICAL NOTES.
183
patron) and engaged to pay fi doubloons passage money for a grown per-
son, and 3 doubloons for a child; and for those who died on tli" voyage
the living should pay the same sum. I have heard since J am home in
Switzerland that they started from Rotterdam for thai country on the '21th
of February (1736). The agreement for passage docs not mean that they
will pay the money; but when they arrive in Pennsylvania they are to Uc
.sold to earn the required sum.
The 22 persons from Klotten also came to Rotterdam, and on Christ-
mas another vessel landed several passengers from various places.
Others besides myself would have come hack from Rotterdam, if tliey,
had had the means. Caspar Notzli, of lloissland, and his son, would
gladly have come with me, hut lie had no money: besides he had pre-
viously pawned his clothing for 5 guilders to purchase necessaries while
sick for several weeks in Rotterdam.
This mh}± the story of the journey down the Rhine as told by Lud-
wig Weber.
gostschy's noixos.
Mr, (hetschy wrote an account of the journey down the Rhine, dated
at The Hague, November 2G, 1734, addressed to Scckehncistcr (Treas-
urer) Friess, of Zurich. After narrating the principal events of the trip
he states tjat he has been offered by von Fells, the Antistes of the Neth-
erlands, the general -superintendence of the Reformed Churches in Penn-
sylvania, provided he could furnish the requisite credentials and would
submit to an examination by the judicatory of the General Synod. The
number of soli 3s in the churches of Pennsylvania was estimated at GO, 000,
of whom 20,000 had not received hapiism. The superintendent was to
have the oversight in the whole of Pennsylvania, of eight towns and more
than six hundred smaller places, and his income was to be 2000 thnlers,
which was to be provided by the Dutch Government until the plans were
^o worked out that the people themselves could provide the suppori.
In conclusion lie asked most humbly the aid of the Scvkehneister in ob-
taining the required attestations from the Zurich authorities. This im-
portant letter was addressed:
IToch^eaehter, Won!, Yornc'mner, Frommer, Hoeh u. Wohl Weisser,
mein Insonders JToehgcei'ter, < inxsgunsliger llr. (fovnttcr Sefeel Mr.: it
holier Patron.
The signature was:
MeineS msandem llgh. llr. u. Patronen
Krgehcnster Knccht,
Haag, d. 26t 9™s 1V:W Mauritius ( Uetsehius,
\n hoehster Kyi. V. IX M
Accompanying this letter was one written hy Henry CtaetHchy, student,
saying that in ease the testimonial from Zurich should result favorably to
bis father, Mr. von FeJsen had promised that he (Henry) should finish
184
HISTORICAL NOTES
his studies at tbo University of tayden al the public expense, siimI tli.it be
should he sent as future successor to his father.
The replies, if any, ma<lc by the Seckohneistcr have not come to my
notice.
TVo other letters of great import to Geetschy' s welfare were written
about this time. They are both in Latin. The first was by Uev. Mr.
Wilhclmius, of Rotterdam, to Rev. J. B. .Ott, in Zurich. Tin- second
was by Rev. Job. Rapt. Ott, dated Zurich, February 5, 1785, to [lev.
Mr. Wilhclmius.
Mr; Wilhclmius says: Unexpectedly Go?tsehius arrived here with 1()(>
Swiss, in the middle of Winter, bare of means. Gcetschi proceed* d t<
Tlie Hague to obtain from the English plenipentiary permission t<» emi-
grate to Carolina. The remainder of his party he left in Rotterdam,
where two citizens and myself eared for them to the extent that they were
not obliged to l>eg for bread. Wilhelinius then proceeds lo explain at
length that since the year 1682, at the instance of the HeidellKTg Consis-
tory, the two Synods of Holland had been endeavoring to find ways and
means to supply to the emigrants in Pennsylvania with religious needs.
It was determined to send a faithful, industrious, pious man thither, to
take charge of the circumstances and of the distribution of the building
of churches and the engagement of ministers and teachers. In GoHschi
they think they haye found the right man for this work. Wilhclmius
applied to Ott for information in this connection respiting Gojtschi and
reports' which had come to Holland concerning him.
Ott replied at considerable length. Among other statements he made
these: Gcetschi was trained in the Zurich gymnasium, and was a zealous
student, and reached the dignity of a V. D. M. (minister of the Word of
God.) He then became Diacon at Bcrncgg and afterwards at Salet;-.. and
performed satisfactorily his official duties, and showed such earnestness
that lie. gathered around him zealous adherents, but also opponents ns
well. Ott touches leniently and considerately the subject of (Sutachy's
tarnished reputation. Gcetschy had acquired, by persevering effort, a
range of erudition far beyond the needs of a minister of the country folk.
He manifested, for example, great zeal and diligence in the study of the
Oriental languages, in which he made progress so successfully I it is re-
ported at least ) that 1^ used the original text as the foundation for the
the daily services in his Family, sons and daughters.
One result of the efforts of van Pels in hehalf of Gn»tsehy was the
donation of '2000 guilders by the Government of the Netherlands, [the
Edel Groot Mogenden,) given to him for the particular object ^i getting a
trustworthy report of the contrition of the churches in Pennsylvania.
The arrival of (icutsehy's colony in Holland was brought to the atten-
tion of the States-General on the 11th of l)eeeinl>cr, 17->l. The minutes
state: From time to time large numhers of persons from the l'.daiinate
HISTORICAL NOTES, l«o
mid itfsc^hcre in Germany come to these Provinces vritli the purpose of
wailing by nay of England to the colonics of tliai kingdom in Amcri
At tins time divers persons from the canton of Zurich, having the panic
object, have come here. Of the little they had, they have l»ccn roblxnl
by wicked persona in Germany, and in consequence they have asked
assistance in Rotterdam and elsewhere. The towns along i 1 > «* Maas asked
that the ingress of persons of this character he prohibited.
DISPOSITION OF THE EMIGRANTS.
Of the ardent emigrants brought t<> Rotterdam through the instru-
mentality of the elder Go ilseliy eighty-eight were l<k<l to Km/land, about
one hundred and fifty took passage for Pennsylvania; a few found tin ir
way back to Switzerland^ the remainder are unaccounted for.
Idiid wig Weber in his pa m pi ilet gives the list of those conducted to
England, as follows:
From. Name of head of family. Number.
HloclilVklei) Hans Ittaag, mIl ai.nl family 5
" Joliauncf! Maag :)
44 1 [einricli ( lassinanu 4
44 \ (chinch Engeler •">
Mcttntcustciteii Ileinrich (Jaljinan 4
KacheutnieJach Abraham ftuenninger 4
Zwillik.ut Hans (hob s
One of (lane (iron's daughters died; also her mfanl child.
" Hans 1 >uUveiler <»
Kscli 3 laur Gut, chief <»f the watch 5
-Affhotlereit Margre.th Ifculer, whose brother remained .al Namur 1
" Hans Siicili 7
Caspar Mewr n
Ilcinricli and Jacob UaJimaiin -
.Jacob (ilctli a
iBhsserstOrff Rarbe! Brnimer 1
Jacob Lsslei
IMi'llincnslcUi'ii "Jh-inrich (jassmann :'»
Psessikoii A widow 8
Hans and Jacob £ehniid 2
JSasscrstori! Hans Knderli 4
The names of those who were registered n> sail for Pennsylvania,
aecordiug 1<> Weber's account, were these:
From. Name of havl of family. Number.
Appenzell Jacob Mel tier \
Baches Jacob l.uclu r, shoemaker, self and famiij 4 -
Bassurstorff Ifeinrich I Iron nor I
" ] Icinrich 1 >u«bciidorffcr 5
" Jacob haebrmlorffer
■f Kilian nir).,-n.l..i!'UT
41 Heinrieh ITnjj, w he< ■■iwriirhi t
Bcrtschiekcn Rudolf Wulder ;
liiu'.liss Jacob Schmid
11 Jacob Muivr
44 "J leinrieh I lulior »
14 Conrad Meyer
Diebendorfl Jacob Dent xlcr * U
Ksch Krtdotf lv- 1
Finnic re n llalthassar liossari '»
" Jacob SchcDcnhcrg and hi? scrvanfl -
(livil'l'cnscc -If iluimu'^ I li-id
186 HISTORICAL NOTK8.
From. Name of head of family. Number.
Iliralanden Caspar Xoet/Ji and his children
Ulan Biulolf iiotz 1
Klbtcn Verona Kern •"»
Langenhnet IIjuis ott 1
IfUJlmgcii Abraham SViMclmnnn, smith -
Mennidorff liana ['Inch Ainiiiaiin I
Mnelliberg Jacob Possarl fi
Opliikon Barbara Kberhardt 1
Kicspach Ileinrieh Sehreiber, blatmachcr -4
Rncmlang Rudolf Weidmann, Uiilor ">
lutein mur-obor-boy-Stein J Jan.- .Meyer *
Snltzbach Jacob low ">
Wallissellen Heinrioh Merck <i
" Martin Si-Ik dlenborg '■'>
LildwiR Lionhardl 1
Jacob Wucsi 1
Hans JJudoIC Aberli 1
Conrad Keller 3
Jacob Xii'tf 5
Conrad N;cff •",
11 Jacob Wit' L'
Wangen Caspar < itint/, 1
Wondli Hans I'll ich Arner fi
Winckel Jacob Meyer ■"»
Zmnikon Jacob iWlKchiiigor 1
Zurich Ileinrieh ScheiK'hzer 1
Hans .Mueller •»
Jacob Mueller and brother 2
Abraham W;«rkeili 4
liana K nobler -I
The ship Mercury brought those of the emigrants who wore sent to
Pennsylvania. They qualified at Philadelphia May 20, 1735. The
names of the passengers on this ship-— among them several that wore
probably not members of (hrtschy's hand— appear in the archives pub-
lished by the State of Pennsylvania. Rev. Moritz (io-tschy's name does
not appear on the list; but he is said to have been in tho company. I)r,
Good, in his History of the Reformed Church in the I nited Stales (page
.181 ), states that Gcctsohy <Ii<l arrive1 in this ship, lull sick, and that lie
died a day or two after landing.
It was a merciful Providence — 1 cannot regard it otherwise — thai
took away Guctschy at this juncture, and delivered the infant Reformed
Church of Pennsylvania from the sinister inlluences which a man of hir
character would have brought to hear upon it.
Skippack Church Officers.
The ollieers of Rev. John Philip liuuhm's congregation, on the 27th
of October, 17»>4, were:
.lohan Vlrie Stephen, elder.
Jacob Arcnt, senior elder.
•Philip Ileinrich Stiller, elder.
Christian Leeinan, elder.
Johannes Dinteiuneyer, deacon.
Adam Kind, deacon.
HISTORICAL NOTES. 187
History of the Reiff Case*
BY PROF. \VM. .7. HINk'K.
IV. THE EFFORTS OF TIIK ATTTHOIUTtES IX HOLLAND.
We have seep that all the efforts of the Reformed people in Pewiityl-
vania to settle the IteifT Case proved fruitless, mainly owing to the lack of
documentary evidence. The only tangible result was the displacement of
Rev. Riegqr from the pastorale at Philadelphia and the consequent <•!<•<•-
lion of Jlev. Bcehni,
But when the zeal of the people in this country was flagging in the
ReifT Case, the authorities in Holland were stirred lip to renewed activity
by. the letters which they received from Pennsylvania, The Classic of
Amsterdam was the first to push the case vigorously.
/. Effort* of the Clams of Amsterdam, 1734-?t3().
In the year ]7>U a large numher of letters were sent from Pennsyl-
vania to the Classis. Richer and Diemer, as well as Boehm and his con-
sistories, wrote stirring appeals to Holland. Especially tin1 letter of
Ricgcr and Diemer, dated February 23, 1734, caused important resolu-
tions and actions. It was laid before Classis on June 7, 1734, ami Oil
July 19j resolutions were passed regarding it. In one of them Classisgavc
its opinion to the effect "that Mr. Rcif oughl to he compelled by all pos-
sible means to render an account of the moneys already sent over." The
suggestion "to send a special order to Rev. Weiss to purge himself by an
oath" seems to have been followed, for in obedience to this command
"Weiss affirmed solemnly under oath, on November 3, 1735, that the
money was still in the hands of Reiff. " On September 3, 173fi, another
letter of Weiss is repotted in the Classical minutes, stating that ''his
Reverence had already brought the matter of the collected money before
the Court and was prosecuting Keilf. In answer to this letter of Weiss,
the Classis wrote to him as follows, on October 1, 173G:
"We take the liberty of assuring you that there is a determination
among us that not only shall the Christian Synod out rest until it is made
plain where the love gilts collected in Holland have gone to, hut
also that they have been properly accounted for and expended ad pins
usus (for benevolent objects) for which they were given. Vase the foun-
tain of benevolence will'run div, as long as this satisfaction is not given,
as well as if no explanation be given on your part which shall he satisfac-
tory. You can therefore easily see that if your name i< to he free from
blame and if you are not to he the cause that to all those churches the
lavish hand shall ever remain closed, the above mentioned funds, still
diverted from their proper design, must he hrougltf to light. Therefore
we advise you. in easu Reiii cannot be compelled to render a full account,
that the 2000 guilders he unreservedly produced, to which you also neem
to be inclined. This surely would have a very Rood effect in reference to
188 HISTORICAL NOTES.
yourself as well as in behalf of the church in general." Urged by these
demands of Claris, Weiss resolved to make a supreme effort to bring this
troublesome case to a final settlement. lie therefore visited Pennsyl-
vania in Slay, 173S. The circumstances of this visit arc ilescril>cd in a
letter of Bcehm, dated July 25, 1741. Jio-hm writes: "With his asso-
ciate Jacob Rciff, he (Weiss) called the reputed ciders of JN-ilt's |*irty
together, they all being inexperienced men, stating to them that the llcv.
Classis had demanded an account of the collected money in order that
the money still in Holland might he; sent over. This account had been
rendered by himself and Rciff. Jt only needed their signatures. lb-
would send the account to Holland as soon as possible and the money
still held there would he sent over immediately. If it had not lieen for
one man, who appeared at the meeting and was ex]>crieneed in these
things, the signatures would have heen obtained, for they had the pen
already in hand. This man, however, prevented it. They took a copy
of the account, but returned the copy of Weiss to him. 1 knew of it at
the time, but could obtain no proof of it, because they all belonged to tin*
party of Reiff, but now I have obtained a copy through the man who
prevented it, and who has become my friend, lie is a reliable man. who
told me the whole affair, which would he too long to relate. Ihit this 1
will state1, that when Mr. Weiss talked with them about the account
which they demanded in Holland, he remarked that the Uev. Classis had
written to him, which letter he said was at Philadelphia, and he felt
sorry that he had forgotten it, lor he would like to show it to them.
When Reiff heard this he was silent, but sent a man, without the knowl-
. . .* .
edge of Weiss, to Philadelphia, and gave him commission to ask for tie-
letter in the name of Weiss and bring it to him. The messenger did so
and succeeded in getting the letter. When Reiff read the letter (as 1
have heen told by three men) he found in it the statement that Weiss
should see to it to arrange this matter properly, for Reiff could not be
forced to a settlement, since he (Weiss) had been the receiver of the
money and he would be held responsible for it. Whereupon Rciff laugh-
ed and said to the people present: lSee here, thin in {he proaf that I <>■ ■
•nothi)i(f;' you hare to <i*k Weiss fnr it; and n%h(U ht run protu nyaimi »»r, fur
that I will (ti)xiccr mid pay it to him/ It is this upon which Reiff relics, for
Weiss has not a single letter to prove that Reiff has received any money
from him. Besides, I was also informed that ihcse were the words of
Rciff: iAs nwrJt as is found in the account I hart ->i><itt. they map xiyn i( <>>- Mof,
I do not rare for thai, mid if it cmncs to o settlement I want In I'Mtn wh
the monrtj unnecessarily spent and ///( r.r/w.'M*tr«. ' types all this mean to seek
the best interests of the church and to act in good faith ? Let any mem-
ber of the church, or any pious soul, who loves Christ and his \\ ord in
true faith, decide this question!'1
The account referred to in this letter is as follows:
HISTORICAL NOTES.
J-!'
"Sehiplmch, May -\ 173
"Account, made with J. Rciff, concerning the; collects 1 money, which
ho received in my presence in Holland at Rotterdam, Harlem and Am-
sterdam, from the respective persons, of \vlii<*]) he made the following
disposition, namely:
"Receipts, according to tlie collection book added togetlier in rain total tl. lMo:.
"Expenditures, being neeesKary expenses:
"J. "For voyage from Philadelphia to London without tlie provisions taken
along . is c
"2. For provisions in London daring about one month, with the duty for my-
self and Jacob Keirt "> C7sch. (id.
".'). For passage from London to Jvotterdani tor each 1") seh. 1 chini (?) for tlie
bed and 3 sch. sterling for board 1 ch.-Hi.
"4. Expenses for half a year's board in Holland and necessary journeys, 7011
Dutch guilders ' * . . .*700fl.
'% At Rotterdam, sliortly before my return •«> London, Jacob Keiff pave in<*
250 Dutch guilders. Of these "I paid the passage from Rotterdam to London, 1.1 nch.,
one chini (?) for the bed 0 seh. for tlie board. The passage from London \>> S\
land, S pounds, witliout the provisions taken along. The journey from Maryland to
Philadelphia by sea and land :\ £ 12 seh. 1 d. Board in London *Hi sell.
"In addition for my labor and trouble I ask £o0 for the year 50 X
"X. B. Jae. Rciff declares to have paid to me for clot lien and books im ll.
]4 stivers.
"When jxiunds and schillings are referred to, sterling money is meant.'-'
With regard to tliis account Boehm adds in the above quoted letter:
"This account is a proof of subtle treachery by which \\ » i». Is sides
the unnecessary extravagance in spending the money, demands fifty
•pounds sterling for hie trouble and work, nor should the postscript be
overlooked.
"Under the first head the amount of provisions is not mentioned,
nor how much Reiff asks for Ins time and trouble, and it seems this lias
been kept back purposely, in order to lay claim to the rest of the money
that might he. left ; Iter the other expenses are paid."
Jkehm was right in calling attention to the extravagance shown by
the account, for Weiss and Keiff claimed to have spenl in all about five
hundred dollars, besides the doubtful forty-four dollars mentioned in the
postscript. If the £o0, or $242, which Weiss claimed, had been allow,, I.
the whole bill would have amounted to $7SG, or but $54 less than all the
collected money amounted to. Fortunately the attempt to settle the case
by such wholesale fraud did not succeed, and Weiss was compelled to re-
turn to Albany without having accomplished bis object. lie therefore
wrote to the Classis, ottering to pay back the money with bis own -alary.
A few years before, the Classical Commissioners had urged him to Ao tin-.
hut now the members of the committee had changed and the new mem-
bers showed no longer the determination of the former committee, aid
hence they allowed the matter to drop by writing in January, 17-*'(.»:
"We indeed commend your offer ki reimburse tbe collected money
by means of a reduction of your salary. But, dear brother, we under-
stand that this would bo troublesome to volt and inconvenient. We learn
also that tbe elder licit! is in a condition to pay and we are informed that
if the Lord Bishop of London were approached on tin' silhjcct, his Right
190 HISTORICAL XOTES.
Reverence would immediately take steps to oblige Uein* to initio- ;i -< mo-
ment," There is no evidence thai this appeal was ever taken, and hence-
forth Classis made no other active efforts to settle tin- ease. Bill when the
Chassis was losing interest, the case was taken up with new energy hy
another body, the Synod of South Holland, through their S\ nodical
deputies.
2. The Effort* of the Synodical Deputies, 17-H-l ; /, ',.
When the Classis of Amsterdam abandoned its efforts, in 1730 a new'
and most important factor appeared upon the scene, the Deputies of tin-
Synods of North and South Holland. It must however not be siipi>os< J
that the efforts of the Deputies in the year IT-')') were the first attempt
v/hich they made to settle the ease. They were in reality the climax <>f a
long series of operations extending through many years. It will therefore
be necessary, in older to put the efforts of 173U into their proper historical
setting, to review briefly the previous operations of the Deputies, leading
up to the events of the year 1780.
After the departure of Weiss from Holland in the1 spring of 17*51, the
Deputies waited patiently aboul half a year for news from Pennsylvania.
Meanwhile they learned, through a London merchant, the name of a cer-
tain Arent Hassert, who was said to Ik- a member of the Reformed eon-
gregation at Philadelphia. Hence Deputy Jacob vim Ostade was asked to
write to him and three other parties, Uev. Weiss and his consistory, Rev.
Bo?hm, and tin1 Dutch ministers at New York. These four letters, writ-
ten on December 1, 1781, were the first communications addressed hy the
Synods to the Reformed Church in Pennsylvania.
Writing to Uev. Weiss and his consistory. Do. van (Made informs
them that "the Christian Synods have resolved to send no more donations
to Pennsylvania, until Do. Weiss and the Pew Consistory of Philadelphia
shall have sent hither not only a report that the money already given was
actually received, but also a proper specification for what it was spent."
Half a year passed by, but no answer to their letters came. Then
Jacob van Ostade wrote a second letter on July 2, 1782, Meanwhile four
letters 'arrived, written by Dieiner and Piegcr in Oetol>er, 1731, before the
Deputies had sent off their own letters. Their principal content- were
renewed complaints against Uev, Ikchin, which were ignored, hut what
astonished the Deputies most was that they "had learned from elder
PylT, that there must be in Pennsylvania as many as 30,000 Reformed
communicants. Put in these letters the said Dieiner- writes that there
are not oOOO. That makes a tremendously great difference."
An extract from the minutes of the South Holland Synod, held at
Leydcn on July 7-17, 1733, continues the history: "Having received no
answer to all their former letters to Philadelphia and New York, the Uev.
•The chirograph}* show's it was Uiejjer, Having n<> sigii'ttare, it was hard lo
decide. The Deputies judged by the signature of one i>f t lie aco »m|vin\ in* letters.
HISTORICAL NOTES, 191
Deputies hud learned that the son of A rent Hasscrt was living at Haarlem
and that the same had commercial relations with his father, who hv<~- at
Philadelphia. Thereupon the Rev. Deputies had. on January 11. 1733,
once more written a long letter for information to Philadelphia, which
had been sent to Philadelphia by the aforesaid Hassert, Jr. The latter
also had sent to the Deputies a communication in writing concerning
Pennsylvania* hut therein was hut little light on ecclesiastical matters and
stiM less [none] concerning the condition of the Palatine churches tie
At last, after waiting a year and a half, three letter- from Pennsyl-
vania were laid before the Synod of South Holland, held at Levd< n, on
7uly 7--17, 1733. The first, dated March G, 1733, was frottl A rent
ilassert, the Philadelphia merchant, from which the Deputies learned
that he was not Reformed, hut a Mehnonitc. The second was from Con-
rad Tpnmelmann, and the last from Rev! Rieger and Dr. John Dicmcr,
dated March 4, 1733. This letter explained tin1 long delay. It had
taken them so long to get accurate information on all questions prop
by the Deputies. It also gave the Deputies the fust intimation thai the
money was still in the hands of tleiff, who not only denied to have re-
ceived 2000 (1., hut was even unwilling to surrender the 750 tl. which he
acknowledged to have in his possession. Having received this letter.
;.' which conveyed to them such startling information, the Deputies were
I ordered at their next meeting to "endeavor to obtain knowledge of the
funds which were receive-1 and collected by ItyftV1 But on November
24, l/3o, they are compelled to report that "they had not heen able tn
find anything anywhere, which would clearly reveal how much money
was placed in the hands of the Elder Kyi'. "
In answering the letter of Rev. Rieger, on December 28, 1733, Deputy
Velingius gave vigorous expression to his feelings. He wrote: "It cannot
seem strange to you that we are surprized and astounded with the utmost
indignation over the faithless dealings of Jacob KeilV; and we attribute
your late answer to our letters to the delay and act of the said KeilT: also
the reason why ours is dispatched later thai: we desired, is that we gladly
wished to comply with your request to send over the itemized account of
the moneys handed over to the said KeilV among us, confirmed by authen-
tic proofs. However, hitherto without success and thus far it seems to us
impossible to learn this accurately. It seems that Do. Weiss, who ac-
eompanied him in the journey to Holland, can best explain matters, and
we doubt not that von have alreadv written to this gentleman about it."
The efforts to discover the exact amount handed over to KeilT were
continued, nut without any results whatever
In March, 1735, the Deputies heard that Rev, Chptsehius, from
Zurich, had arrived in Rotterdam with a colony of Swi>v emigrants, lint
*This corrects our statement on ]>. I-.V> of the Historical Notes, where Wt' i»Ughl
to have .said, the report was made by th, .<,,>, o/lbe Philadelphia merchant.
192 HISTORICAL XOTES.
when they first heard of him, ho hail already left Holland, and they re-
gretted exceedingly not having had the opportunity of coming in contact
with him.
No news was received from Pennsylvania till Octolier 31, 1735, irhen
the Deputies had an important conference with Rev. Wilhdmim at Rot-
terdam, lie handed them a letter sent to him from the Philadelphia
congregation, dated February 23, 1734, and "an extract drawn up hy
Rev. Weiss, from which it appears what moneys were formerly received
by the Elder Reiff."
Besides Rev. Wilhelmius gave them an < xtended and interesting ac-
count of the Pennsylvania churches and furthermore informed them that
he had given Goctschins full instructions to inquire into the condition <>f
the Church in Pennsylvania. Jle also promised to notify the Deputies as
soon as he would receive an answer from (io*tschius.
But instead of hearing from Goetschiug the deputies received nn May
2<S, 1736, a letter and report from Rev. Roehm and his consistories. It
was the first letter he addressed to the Synodieal Deputies, and although
it had heen written on ( )ctoher 28, 1734, it reached its destination only
after a delay of ahout a year and a half. When the report had heen
translated and was laid lief ore the Deputies, on .June 11, 17:)''». it was found
to be so voluminous that there was not sufficient time to give it the care-
ful consideration it deserved. Moreover the minds of the Deputies had
heen so poisoned against Bofehm that they had no confidence in him. and
hence all his lengthy and valuable reports were laid aside without careful
and prayerful consideration. This was the most serious mistake which
the Deputies made in our early history and most seriously did they and
the churches in Pennsylvania suffer for it.
At the same meeting the announcement was made, more than a year
after the event, that no news could he expected from (tcetschius, as he
had died on his arrival at Philadelphia. Their hopes having thus come
to nought, the Deputies wer: compelled to look elsewhere for more infor-
mation and a proper medium of communication with tin* churches of
Pennsylvania. Ahout this time Rev. Wilhelmius called their attention to
a young student "who at the request of certain merchants of New Nether-
land was qualifying himself to go to Pennsylvania. " It was Peter Henry
Dorsius. When their attention was first called to him. iw November •'.
1735, he was studying at (ironingen. In \'i'^> he went to Peyden and
when he had finished his studies, he presented himself before the Deputies
on June 11. 1 7-57, offering to supply them with the necessary information,
which they gladly accepted, urging him "Mo transmit a circumstantial and
correct report at the earliest opportunity."
Following the suggestion of the South Holland Synod i^\' 1737, the
Deputies prepared a set of questions which they transmitted to Dor-ins on
June t), 173S, asking him to answer them as speedily as po«ihle. The
HISTORICAL NOTES. 193
13th and last question road: "Finally (you are asked) accurately to ascer-
tain what has become of the collected moneys and the collection book."
At the same meeting the Deputies received the fust letter from Dor-
sius, dated March 1, 1738, which gave them additional information about
the condition of the Reformed people in Pennsylvania. With this new
information the Deputies felt warranted in adopting a new course of action,
which promised to lead to the long desired solution of this difficult prob-
lem. It was an appeal to the governor of Pennsylvania. After having
obtained the list of the collected money from Rev. Wilhclmius3 Deputy
Proehsting drew up an appeal to the governor and sent it to Professor
Gronovius, of Ley den, a famous Dutch naturalist, and personal friend of
James Logan, then lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania, to be translated
into English, and forwarded by him to the governor. (These letters were
published by Rev. Jos. II. Dubbs, D. I)., in the Reformed Quarterly
Review of 1893, pp. GO-GO.)
A few days afterwards another copy of this appeal was sent to Dr.
John Diemer, who, together with Pew Dorsius, was given a power of
attorney to prosecute ReifT. Having accomplished this, they looked con-
fidently into the future, hoping that now at last they were ncaring the
end of tins troublesome transaction. But all their hopes were again
disappointed.
At first indeed the news from Pennsylvania was more cheerful than
usual. On June 7, 1740, a letter of Logan was laid before the Deputies,
dated December 13, 1739, which stated ''that on account of his illness he
had resigned all his oilices and dignities, but yet he hoped to have- occa-
sion and would not decline to serve Mr. Gronovius and particularly the
Reverend Synod; his Excellency had been acquainted with Weiss before
his departure from the Province, but the other was unknown to bin;;
however he would not neglect to investigate it.1' Put soon the hopeful-
ness of the news changed. On March 7, 1711, the Deputies resolve to
keep 11. 110 as ready cash to pay "the cost of the lawsuit, which will be
conducted in the name of this Synod in Pennsylvania, to force the falsely
called elder Rciff, as a wretched thief, to restore the 2132 ft., collected by
him in Holland for which Rev. Mr. Dorsius indeed promises very little
hope of success. Rev. Mr. Dorsius and Diemer had handed in a petition
about this to the Lord Governor, but had received no reply as yet i^n
March 4, 1710."
On November IS, 1742, Diemer wrote to the Deputies as follows:
"1 received in the year 17-11 [1710?] a letter, which the Rev, Mr.
Ernest Pnebsling, Deputy of the Reverend Synod, wrote at Hensdcil,
Undei' date May 3, 1739, and received besides in the aforesaid year in
December, a copy of a special letter to the governor of Pennsylvania under
date April 15, 1789, from The Hague, in which was given authority to
the Rev, Mi". Dorsius and myself, to prosecute the still pending suit
194
HISTORICAL XOTKS.
against Jacob Reiff, of Sehipaek, in Pennsylvania, in which sin ;ipp<\d urns
was made by tlio Reverend Deputies t<> the Governor. Immediately on
the receipt of tin: letter aforesaid, I was informed, his Excellency the
Governor promised to assist us, but the circumstances of the war between
the English and Spanish crowns [1739-1742] have until now prevented
such, on account of many special engagements.
"We Wished that the mattei ,bo brought so far that the good* of the
rascal Jacob Rciff be placc<l in security, until the ease he finished. Hith-
erto I have paid this suit out of my own money without the least assis-
tance from anybody, hut this is too difficult for me to continue, inasmuch
as I have already spent k2o() fl."
The appointment of Dinner to prosecute1 Reiff was a most unfortunate
selection. He was an utterly unreliable man, and we think that Hcclim
was perfectly right in his judgment when he wrote to Holland: "He is as
much or more to blame than Reiff for the deceirticn and loss incurred.'1
It is doubtful whether he ever spent a penny in the case.
New interest was awakened in the Reiff case, when Dorsius himself
appeared in Holland and presented himself before the Deputies in Sep-
tember, 1743. He was closely questioned alxmt the conditions in Penn-
sylvania, lie reported that "touching the power of attorncj' given to him
and Dr. Diemer to prosecute Reiff, he had more than once urged Diemer
to proceed therewith, hut he did not seem to he in a great hurry alnmt it,
so that as far as he, Mr. Dorsins. knew, nothing, or at least nothing of
any importance, had as yet been accomplished. However, on his jour-
ney hither, passing through Philadelphia, he had spoken with said Dr.
Diemer, who told him that he had spent in costs ahont twenty pounds"
($52), a ^discrepancy of nearly $50 between his letter and his statement
to Dorsius !
The appeal to the governor of Pennsylvania, which was expected to
end the matter at once, had signally failed because the Deputies had
failed to. appoint the right man as their representative. The ciders of
Rochm wiote truly: "If this matter had been entrusted exclusively to our
minister, we believe it would be in a different condition."
The efforts of the Deputies came to an end when on March 10, 17 11.
they received the followed letter from Logan, dated September 17. 17l."»:
"I am much concerned and ashamed about the business relating to the
Reverend Synod, for**whieh your friend, Rol>ert Peters, to whom I had
referred the business, must in no sense be blamed. 1 am informed that
the dobtor is a rogue (guit). Nevertheless he cannot he touched by the
Common Court, according to custom, but this must he done by n Higher
Court, called the Court of Equity. Ry certain circumstances the r flairs
here have been badly managed dining seven years, but we have hope that
in a short time everything will be put into proper order and every one
will be able1 to secure justice."
HISTORICAL NOTES. 195
The hopes of the governor and of the Deputies were nol fulfilled, for
Reifl was not disturbed in tin1 possession and use of tin- collected money.
V. THE SETTLEMENT OF THE REIFF CASE THROUGH REV. MICHAEL
SCHLATTER, 174G-1755.
We now come to the last stage of the ReifTCase, its settlement through
Schlatter. That which many minds had been unable to accomplish for
many years, lie succeeded in doing within a few months. With remark-
able energy, noticeable in his whole activity, he pushed this ease to n suc-
cessful conclusion. His unpublished journal gives us all the details of
this transaction and forms an eloquent, though unconscious, tribute to
his tact and tenacity of purpose.
On September 8, 174fi, Schlatter had the first conference with Reiflf,
who expressed his readiness to make a settlement and only asked for the
presence of Rev. Weiss. Schlatter gave him twelve days' time to confer
with Weiss and to appoint a day for another meeting. A few days later
he received a reply from Reiff to come to his house with Rev. Weiss on
September 21.
Continuing the account, Schlatter writes in his journal:
"Being the day appointed by Jacob Reiff For a meeting, I, with !>■>. Weiss, went
to him. As 1 came into his house lie wept and said that I ought to be mem fill, in-
vestigate the affair well and require from him nothing but what lie could give with-
out loss to himself.
"After this lie brought forward a multitude of accounts, as
"1. 480 11., which he claimed to have given to l>o. Weiss for his return voyage
to Pennsylvania and for hooks, but Weiss could only remember :M<» II.
"2. llo sl to wed an itemized account of what he and Do. Weiss had spent in the
in the time of six months in Holland for necessaries of living, etc . 700 II.
"#. He declared he had been compelled to make three journeys to Heidelberg
for the collecting- of money in the name of ami by the Oilier of t he Reverend S\ nods,
and that at his own expense.
"I. He said that those <;00 II., wlurh they were permitted to collect ill the city
of Amsterdam, had not been received, but that hi' secured only about 1">r, II,
''5. Brought forward yet a. large account of what he deemed he had earned in the
course of two years for his trouble, claiming but 10 sluivers Holland money per
day (20 emits)!
"So that he came to the conclusion that over and above what he had received,
about 100 II. were still due to him.
"Having seen all this, [ gave in- a word my resolution, namely that 1. in the
name of the Reverend Deputies of the Synods, ami the hVvereud Olassis i^i Amster-
dam, of all those 2100 II., which lleig mhwnivdffttl to htm mvoW, would lx> satisfied
with 1000 11., and that this would end the affair once for all.
"I said that it was not unreasonable that those 700 il.. spent by the two of them
in the course of six months hi Holland, should lie approved iA\ also 1 would equally
credit him with the 100 11. given to Do. Weiss, but the compensation for his trouble
he must foul in the interest of the money, which he had been able to use fifteen
years for nothing.
"'Tistrue, \ erv Reverend Sirs, that 1 could have placed the demand higher
than 1000 II., but then the affair would have made still less progress than now.
Which the sequel shall prove. My sole objeel was to bring this distasteful transac-
tion to a close in kindness. Further I stuck to my resolution and lirmly resolved
not to depart from it; gave him time tor consideration till tklohcr.% on which day
he prornisod me (after consulting with his brothers about it) that lie would bring
me an answer to Philadelphia.
"October:). Third Conference with Reiff. ■
"He, namely, .). Reiff, came on this day according In his promise, to me at
Philadelphia, in Order, if it we re possible, to remove out of tin- way the contention
19G HISTORICAL XOTKS.
oil account of the collected money and completely settle it. Hut for two
could not reach an agreemeni with liim or his brother, whom he had brought with
him, and other gentlemen who were present, f<»r I insisted upon my point, that is.
the demand for JOOO II. Whichever way J might consider or tnrn the affair I could
not regard it in any other light, than that the amount projiosed would be reawuuilile
for Keiff and the churches. < October 4, 1 also made as great an effort as I could to con-
clude this affair in love, kindness and without any expenses. Yea, 1 linally often il
to pay 15 pounds out of my own pocket as a means to reach my aim and put an end
to this disagreeable transaction and thereby to obtain favor with the Ueyereiul
Fathers in Holland and confidence in Pennsylvania, but my efforts were in vain.
"I believe thai he would indeed have given 700 or SOI) II., but he never com-
mitted himself, lie indeed made me the proposition that he would voluntarily pivc
a present to the Pennsylvania churches, if I lefl it to him, bill surely. 1 did not daie
to risk that. 1 said he should pay me '.>()<) II., as for the rest I did not care whether
he called it a present or debt.
"At last came the elders of the Philadelphia church and requested n:<- to give
over the affair, by way of compromise, to the decision of four impartial men innlei a
bend, and thinking that thereby with a good conscience 1 could avoid a great re-
sponsibility, J i educed Keiff thereto with much trouble and cunning and resolved to
end Umj dispute in this manner. Then I immediately arranged it so that the nio.-t
prominent members of the Philadelphia congregation, opposed to Keiff, pledged
themselves to abide by thai compromise, so that whichever party would now draw-
back, must pay 2000 pounds or six times more than the sum under dispute.
"October r>. If I had not used this precaution, J would have failed, for IJcifl
repented tlte next day and wished to give me the money required of him and vu*\
the affair with me. But the elders of Philadelphia, in the hope that Ucifl would be
condemned to pay more than lOOi) ll., said they would rather let it come to thai and
stand by the compromise."
The judges were Thomas Lawrence, Kichard Petere, Ksq., Israel
Pemberton, Jr., and John lleynell.
In a postscript to the Journal (dated December 15, 1 7 1 « *» » . Schlatter
adds that because of the ice in the river the letter was detained till March
1, 1747. lie continues:
"The transaction with J. Ueiff has been brought to an end. I can truly say that
I have done my best, and yet I could not gel more than UK) Spanish pistoles, [In
American money he received £1.'1«~> Pennsylvania currency, or about S'.r.n] which 1
will hold until 1 receive your direction concerning them.
Schlatter hoped to settle the ease by the following statement in Saur's
paper, "of June 16, 17-17:
"This serves :is notice, that no one in the future may take the trouble or l>o bold
enough to insult the brothers Ueiff or their families witli slanderous words and re-
proaches concerning the well known collection, since Mr. Jacob Ueiff, in the mo: t
honorable and upright manner, immediately after my arrival in this country, con-
sented to make a settlement ami with the approval of prominent and intelligent
men, who with me took the trouble to bring this matter to a Conclusion, In' lias
given me entire satisfaction, so that 1 am well pleased and cannot but regard him as
an honest man and a friend. Nor do I doubt thai I can justify the outcome of this
quarrel before the Very Uevercnd and Christian Synod? y^i N'ort h and South I lolkiiHl."
This notice, however, did not end the ease. The eneniie- «>f Schlat-
ter persisted in reproaching and accusing him o( conniving with Rciflf in
retaining the larger part of the collected money. Hence the Ductus of
17-15) was compelled t<> give him a resolution oi confidence, declaring that
he had done his full duty, a resolution which was published in Sam's
paper of November lb, 1740. Hut even this did not t|uiet his opponents.
When Schlatter left for Holland, in February, 1751, Sam-, in bin paper of
February 1, 1751, gave him a parting salute. His long tirade shows that
HISTORICAL NOTES. fifi
he was misinformed and himself misinterpreted many things. With bu1
a hearsay knowledge of the case, he could not do justice to Schlatter.
Finally, niter 24 yean?, the ease was concluded at the Coetus «>f 1755,
when .Schlatter "presented an entirely satisfactory account of the sum re-
maining from ReifPs collection, amounting to 200 guilders, and baa
promised to pay 100 guilders to the congregation in Gennantown, and as
much to the church at Schippach."
Holland and Pennsylvania.
V.
HOLLAND'S CAKE OF THE REFORMED CHURCH IN PENNSYLVANIA.
[On) rlii tied.']
It would he gratifying to follow, from year to year, the record <>f
Holland's generosity to Pennsylvania, as written in the minute- of the
Synods of the Netherlands. For more than sixty years this benevolent,
Christian work continued.
But the Church was not alone in this noble work. The State appro-
priated money for the same purpose. In the printed rccortls of the laws
■enacted by Kdelc Groot Mogendcn van de Ilecren Staaten van Holland en
Wcstvricsland, (the Legislature,) we find that, August 27, 1751, the sum
of two thousand guilders per year was granted for live years for the main-
tenance of the Reformed preachers and schoolmasters in Pennsylvania,
.and for tin1 purchase of necessary books. November 30, 1750, this grant
was renewed for three years; November 29, 1759, fifteen hundred -judders
per year was granted for two years more; and December •">. 1701, a far-
ther grant of a thousand guilders per annum was made for two years.
'■'lTOl, December 5, voor twee jaaren geaecordccrl ccn duisend guldens
ten behoove van de Gercformccrde (Jemeontcns in lYnsvhanien."
Besides sending money. Bibles and hymn hooks, tlic Synods selected
ministers, as far ;\s possible, for the Pennsylvania field, and sent them to
us. The Dutch are methodical and business-like, and they felt it was
most important that a competent clergyman should he found t<» oversee
the congregations organized and to organize others. Gcetschy and Dorsius
were sent on this mission. These were unfortunate selections. Both
were unworthy men. Gcetschy scarcely reached the field; Dorsius -pent
hut few . ml unprofitahle years in it. After many years of cam
by the Holland Church authorities, Schlatter was Pound and sent, Boehiu's
Herculean labors during the twenty years prior had firmly - d the
Church. But now he was worn out. Schlatter was young, He allowed
executive ability He took the work off Ikchtn's hand-. A . w year*
later Schlatter went back to Holland and reinvented the rnvd- of the
Pennsylvania churches forcibly and effectively, which cnnhlcd the Hol-
land Synods to gather a great fund, the in ten si of which was sent over to
support tfoc congregations hem
198 HISTORICAL NOTES.
The Heidelberg Herald.
One of' the conspicuously able congregational monthly pnblicatioi
that bearing the above title, issued in the intercsl of Dr. Zart man's church,
Nineteenth and Oxford streets, Philadelphia. From it we learn that:
Communion will hereafter be administered to the incmliers in the
pews. Tliis method lias found favor in the congregation, and will be
adopted, in all probability, permanently.
The church has received a legacy of two thousand dollars from the
estate of a. deceased member. This will he applied to the mortgage, and
will be an interest saving of ninety dollars a year.
Uplifting Circle of King's Daughters is one of the useful activities i>f
this church. It has given five baskets of groceries, and some clothing to
poor families, since January 1, and magazines have been distributed. A
large package of picture cards and copies of children's Sunday-school
papers are to go to a missionary in China. The Circle i> trying to secure
patches for a Scripture quilt to be sent to a hospital.
The Women's Missionary Society of Philadelphia Classis will have
its annual meeting here May 15, 1900.
Names of Subscribers to Historical Notes, Volume One.
Rev. Win. II. Brong, Tannersville, Pa
Rcv\Cvras Cort, I). I).. Sabillasvillr, Md
Miss C! W. Crocker, Baltimore, Md
Prof. Joseph llenrv Duhhs, I). 1).. LL.M., Lancaster, Pa
W. H. Egle, M. I)., Harrishurtf, Pa
Prof. James I. Good, 1). ])., Heading, Pa
Prof. Chester!). Hartranft, D. I)., Hartford, Conn
Rev. Prof. William J. Hinkc, Philad< -lpbia. Pa
Prof. L. Oscar Kuhns, Middle! own, Conn
Mr. W. P. Lowly, New Hanover, Pa
Rev. J. M. Levering, Moravian Bishop, Bethlehem, Pa
Albert Cook Myers, P>- L, Philadelphia. Pa
New York Historical Society, New York. N. Y,
New Yoik Public Library, New York, N. Y
Hon. Samuel W. Penny packer, LL. I)., Philadelphia. Pa
Mr. Philip Quillnmn, Nbrristown, Pa
W. II. Peed, Ph. (J.. M. ])., Norristown, l\i
John E. Roller, Bsq., Harrisonburg, V
George W. Spiose, Esq., ' Philadelphia, Pa
Rev/ A. Staple-ton, . Carlisle, P
Mr. John II. Slotler, New York, X. Y
Ethan Allen Weaver, C. E., Philadelphia. Pa
Rev. R. P. W'iest, Philadelphia, Pa
Mr. Irwin Yost, Centre Square, Pa
Rev. Itut'us Calvin Zartmun, l>. !>., Philadelphia, Pa
INDEX.
A Day at Einsicdeln, 18. Editorial*, 1, 17, :)X -P.*, 05, 81, 97,
After the Revocation of the Edict of J2<), 145, 161, J 77.
Nantes, 17:). Einsicdeln, is.
An Old Case Restated, 129. "English Schools for Germans in IVnnsyl-
A Sony Showing, 177. vania, 85.
Raird, Henry M., I-li*. 17.'/. Falkner Swamp Reformed Church, —
Bailsman, B., 42, 90. Founded by IVehtn, s?; members in
Bechtel, John, -li. the Revolutionary War, 87; report
Berg, Joseph F., 103. to Holland, 89; servio s held iji I
Berkcnstock, Nathan, 17S. and bams, 100; .Schoolmaster Reiff-
Biography of Harbnugh, 1<>2. Schneider, 100; its financial ability, 107;
Bcclun, Anthony William, .'{. signers to Bojhm's pamphlet, lfl8; •
Buihm, David, 98. wooden church built, IflM; Rev. John
Biehin, Rev. John Philip, 3, 98, 102. PhiMpLeydieh takes charge, lOWjchurch
Boers, The, 11.1, 128, 170. debt paid. l.*«).
Boys hi the Country, 10. First Quarter Century of Falkner Swamp
Bullinger, Hcinrich, 20. Reformed ('lunch, Si;, 100.
Burial (hound of Philadelphia Reformed Flight of Mie Huguenot, The, 111.
Church, 28. Frank ford Reformed Churchyard, ti^.
business Letter of 1754, A, (11. Frank ford Reformed Church, 27.
Chandler, Rev. Samuel, 85. Franklin Square's Dead, 113.
Chester County Churches, 38. German Rearmed Cliurch of Frank ford,
Church at .Market Square, The, 13, 23, :)!>, 27.
55, 09. German Reformed Church of (German-
Church at Philadelphia The, h')0. town, Tins, — Its Reginnings, l">: taiac
Church Building Funds, 74. I )i J beak, 15; A\"i 1 J i:i 1 1 1 newees, 23; llen-
Church Officers in 17; >0, 115. drick Tannebceket, 25; Rev. •Samuel
Colonial Church Builders, 2(5, Ml. Culdin, ;'.'.); a congregation formed, 10;
Correspondence at The Hague, 3 J. Rev. George MicliaeJ Weiss, 11; John
Curt, Cyrus, lis, 52, Hi. Bechtel, 41; a church buill in \7:ll- H.-
Davis, 1\ Scihcrt, 144. . pnrclxise of land mi Market Squa ■
do la Plaine, .lames, 25. Rev. John Philip IfechmV a
Dewecs, Cornelius and Garret, 25, Rev. Mr. Dnrsiutr'fl report to Holland,
Do woes, Willijun, i':), 148. oil; affair in \7U\ 57; 1742a turbulent
Dilbeck, Isaac, lo. year. ">7: Pew John Philip IVelilii'f
Dotterer, Henry S., Contributions by, 2, Mntemenl of 17M. 58; \U Inn and llecli-
."), 13, is, 20, 23, :!l, 39, .'hi, 55, 05, 09, lei compared, 70: name* • I members in
80, 92, 98, 99, 110, lid, 171, 17!'. 1744, 7k the lYIiitemarsh congregation
Dual Letter from Wittgenstein, 117. is partly merged int. » 3 Ik* (Scrmaiitown,
Dubbs, Rev. .Joseph J hairy, 1 >. 1)., J.L. ) >., 71; IK«V, .Michail SC.uier ean>
115, 103. the conjctvgatioii, 71. m uthers in IS ,
200 INDEX.
72; the church renovated in 1702,72; Marriages by Rev. George Wack, II
chartered in 1771, 7:5; itplaysa part in is, :,;;, U0, KM, 1l'~>, 1 13, ]•»'•, 1 T* », ISO,
the Revolution, 7.'!; Washington wor- 195.
shipped in if, 7:5; ttev. Jacob Elclfen- Meets, Hans llendrick, 2li.
stein takes the congregation over to the Milton John 170.
Presbyterians, 7:5; the spacious and Miimich, Michael Reed, Contribution by,
beauteous church ediiice of to-day, 74. 20.
German Reformed Church of Philadel- Mocrdyke Rev. 1'. I>. 1>. tf.
phia, 21, 22, 02. Moody, Dwight L.,11.V
Girkhansen, 50. Moravian Notes, o.~>.
Gleams of Light, 07. Mountains and Men, 90.
Goutschy, Maurice, 171. Names of Subscribers, Ifl8.
Guitschy's Colony, 171, 179. Nuisscr, Augustine, D5.
Good, Uev. James L, D. 1)., 4, 00. Neuchatel, 9S.
Guldin, Uev. John C, D. I)., 4. New Goshen hoppen Church, fiO.
Guldin, Uev. Samuel, oU. New Goshenhoppen Carsunagc in 17 i 1 , 1 • »".
Happy Christmas, A, 114. North Virginia Church History, 8.
Harbaugh, Henry, 10, 122, 102. Not Properly Pastored, 17s.
Harfcranft, Chester D., 1). J)., 51. Old Goshenhoppen Cliurch, 2fi.
Heidelberg, 131. . Old Race Street Church, l.'JO.
Heidelberg Catechism, The, id. Our Aim, 1.
Heidelberg Herald, The, 198. Overman, Dr. L., Letter from, 110.
Heirloom, An, 11,"). Palatinate, The, Hi.;.
Ilelffenstein, Kev. Samuel, I). I)., Pannebecker, llendrick, 2"..
Hillegas, Howard C, 128. Philadelphia Reformed Church Record*,
Hiltzheimer, Jacob, 21, 27, 111, 122., 1(17. 12:5, Ki7.
llinke, Uev. Prof, William J., 2, si, 115, Philadelphia Reformed Congregation, 2K,
.177. 65, HI, 14H, I.m.
Hinke, Rev. Prof. William J., Contribn- Protest against the Ordination of Rev.
tions by, 102, 12.:;, 150, HI I, 1S7. Mr. Bumm, 102.
History of the Reformed Church in the Random Thoughts, «!, 4!>, Ifi, ftl,
United Stales, 0'.». Reed, W. 11., I'll. 1>., M. I>.. Conuiiuni-
Hollandand Pennsylvania, IS, 52, 47, 83, cation by, 10, 31, 48, W, HO, mi. |£>,
120, 12,7, 158, 171, 107. H3j l»>, 170, 1st). MR,
Homrighausenj Sebastian and Johannes, Reed, \\ . 11.. M. P.. '-'.
117^ Reformed Church Literature, 4. I1
Huguenot Element in Pennsylvania, 1(12,. r>2, R8, &>i b".2. 147.
' Huguenot Galley-Slaves, 2, 42, <;:;, Go, 77. Reiff, Jacob, 5, 150.
Huguenots, 140. Reiff Case, History of, l:«, loO, 104, 1^7.
Huguenots Invited by Peim, 100. Kev nstock, John. 2ti.
Ill-Starred Collecting Tour, The, 5. Revival of Friendship, 1 15.
Indian Creek Kefonneu Church, Tlie, 111. Kieger, John Bartholomew, KB.
Interesting Confirmation, An, 2». Saim Georgc'R Reformed Church,
Jordan, Jno. W., Communication by, IKi. Schall, George, 17.
Kieffer, Henry M., I>. [)., 170. Schneider, Kev. IViijamin. Missionan
Knauss, Sebastian Henry, '.»:». 81 1 W7.
Laux, James Berkeley, Hitt; KM*. Schlatter, Rev. Michael, 21.
Leaders of the Reformation, 115, Scotch Church in UnUertlai
Leidy Family Record, 20. Sclf-lVnial, 112.
Lcydich, Kev. John Philip, 2, 20, 7.0, 50, Skippack Church Officers, ISU,
100, 117. • Stage* Koute, IKi.
Liberal Givers, 12>l. Staplotpn, Uev. A 2.
<
N
INDEX.
201
Strassbnrger, Rev. John Andrew, fll, 92.
Strassburger, Rev. X. S.„ I). J).t 5M.
Stumbling Blocks, 161.
Successful Church Work, I7&
Sunday-schooi in 1784, m.
Swiss Shelter (o Reformed Refugees, ^2. ■
Tannersviile Charge, 132.
Ten rieuven, Evert, 25.
Thonis, Gosen, 110.
Tide, Alardus, 52.
Trappe Reformed Church, The, 6L
Treasured Volume, A, 91.
Van Vlecq, Rev. Paulas, J^18.
Vaudois, The, 17<i.
Wack, Rev. Gasper, 10, 115.
Wack, Rev. George, Marriages by, 10, •)!,
48,53,90, HO, J25, 143, U», 161, 17i\
1-8(9, l*J5.
Weinberger, Miss Minerva, IT.
Weiser, Rev. 3>r. Dement Z., 83.
Weiss, Rev. George Mieiiaet, -x 41, 7<>,
102, 132, 135, IK V7i .
Wliitefield at Skipfioek sunl r:dki**r
Swamp, 83.
Wbitemaish Union Chnfcli, 4.
Wiest, E. P., 112.
Wolff, IS. C, 58.
Young Preaclier's Visit, The, 1^-
Zurich, 11G.
ZwinglL (Uric, 1ML
h -/</, 6 e </