Pequea News
Updated - 12/17/2009
PEQUEA TOWNSHIP NEWS
Lancaster Intelligencer
June 22, 1852
Proposed Division of Conestoga Twp.
The undersigned Commissioners, appointed to inquire into the expediency of dividing Conestoga township, hereby give notice that they will meet for the purpose of their appointment at the public house of Jacob Kauffman, in said township, on Tuesday, the 3d of August next, at 1 o'clock, P.M., at which time and place all parties interested are requested to attend.
Wm. Carpenter
John Strohm } Commissioners
Ferree Brinton
Lancaster Intelligencer
January 1, 1853
MINING IN LANCASTER COUNTY- A company of Philadelphia capitalists have commenced working the old Silver Mine in Conestoga township about a mile and a half east of Conestoga Centre. This mine was opened and worked to some extent prior to the Revolution, but with what success it is not known. The presumption however, from the fact of its having been abandoned, is that it did not pay. But the great improvements made in recent years in the science of mining and separating ores may render the present undertaking more successful. - If the amount of silver obtained should not be very great, the other metals obtained - lead and zinc - may still remunerate the labor expended. We have been shown by Eli Gowen, Esq., Superintendent of the mining operations an exceeding rich specimen of the Argentilerous Galena obtained from the mine. This ore - a combination of silver and lead - is said to be worth $600 per ton.
The Copper Mine in Bart township, which was originally opened and abandoned under similar circumstances to the above, has now been re-opened in two years, and from the spirit with which operations are carried on, the Company is doubtless meeting with success.
The Lead Mine in East Hempfield, discovered and partially opened two or three years since, is, we understand, about to be tested again under more favorable auspices.
Several vary valuable beds of iron ore have recently been opened in different pats of the country. Mr. C. Geiger has opened a very fine bed (apparently) on Mr. Mylin's farm, a mile south of Willow Street, from which he intends supplying his furnace in South Prince street.
In passing Camargo, in Bart township, the other day, we noticed iron ore from the beds, near that place being taken to York Furnace, a distance of twelve miles. The superior quality of the ore warrants its transportation that distance. - Examiner & Herald.
Lancaster Intelligencer
April 26, 1853
Township Divisions � The township of Conestoga and Martic are about being divided. Commissioners in each case have reported favorably and their proceedings will most probably be ratified by the Court. Conestoga will be divided by a line running about the middle of the township, commencing about the middle of the township, commencing on the Conestoga at John Shenk�s thence along the road, dividing Shenk and Herr to the Long lane at Eby�s and thence by a straight line to Christopher Brenner�s clover mill on Pequea creek, leaving David Lumlis, Jacob McCallister and Jacob Harnish (where properties are near the line) on the on the lower or Conestoga side, and the Stone School house on the upper side by 20 or 30 yards. The lower part will retain the name of Conestoga and Conestoga Centre will be the place for holding elections. The upper part it is proposed to call Pequea and to hold its elections in Willow Street.-----Martic township will be divided by a line, commencing at the mouth of Spencer�s Run, about one mile east of Marticville, then by a direct line South-eastward to Heckler�s on the Buck road about a mile west of the Buck, leaving Rawlinsville a short distance south within the limits of Martic township. The Southern part will retain the name of Martic. The Northern will probably be called Providence or New Providence.
Lancaster Intelligencer
Tuesday October 31, 1854
Marriages
By the Rev. J. J. Strine, John Groff of Pequea to Mary Greider of Conestoga.
Lancaster Intelligencer
September 18, 1855
Deaths
On the 12th inst., at his residence in Stumptown, Mr. Benjaqmin Conrad, aged 38 years, 4 months and 19 days.
On Friday morning his remains were conveyed to the graveyard connected with the Mennonite Meeting House near nearby. Having been a man who was very useful in the community, and been much respected for his moral and Christian virtues. His funeral was attended by a very large concourse of neighbors and friends. Discourses were delivered on the occasion by Rev. Henry Shenk of the Mennonite persuasion, and Rev. H. Harbaugh, of this city. He has left a wife and four children to mourn his loss. He was a worthy member of the German Reformed Church.
Lancaster Intelligencer
October 2, 1855
Marriages
On the 20th ult., by the Rev. G. F. Krotel, Abraham Brubaker, of New Providence, to Martha Shaub, of Pequea.
Lancaster Intelligencer
October 16, 1855
Marriages
By the Rev. J.J. Strine, Cyrus Hersh of Pequea, to Catharine Hertzler, of Conestoga.
Lancaster Intelligencer
Tuesday Feb. 12, 1856
New Post Office - A new Post Office has been established at New Danville, formerly Stumptown, in Pequea township, and Jos. Conrad., Esq., appointed P.M.
Examiner & Herald
May 21, 1856
DEATHS
On the 8th inst., at Pequea, after a short and painful illness of eight days, ADELAIDE ELIZABETH, oldest daughter of Mrs. S. P. Wright, aged 21 years.
She died a blossoms die
And now her spirit floats above,
A seraph in the sky.
AH ! turn and weep - 'tis maudliness
To be heart-broken here -
For the grave of earth's best nobleness
Is watered by the tear.
Examiner & Herald
June 11, 1856
MARRIAGES
On the 5th inst., by the Rev. J. J. Strine, Jacob Werner to Elizabeth Harman, both of Pequea township.
Saturday Express
June 14, 1856
MARRIED
WERNER-HARMAN June 5th, by Rev. J. J. Strine, Jacob Werner to Elizabeth Harmen, both of Pequea township.
Examiner & Herald
August 20, 1856
MARRIAGES
August 16th, by Rev. B. W. Schmauk, George Keach to Elizabeth Mate, both of Pequea township.
Lancaster Intelligencer
Tuesday, August 18, 1857
Marriages
On the 15th inst., by the Rev. J. J. Strine, David Hamilton to Catharine Irwin, both of Pequea.
Lancaster Intelligencer
Nov. 3, 1857
Died
At his residence in Pequea township, Lancaster county, on the 7th of October, Captain Thomas Henderson, in the 85th year of his age.
Lancaster Intelligencer
May 18, 1858
Marriages
By the same (Rev. J. J. Strine), Benjamin S. Herman of Pequea, to Barbara Warfel of Martic Twp.
(Date isn't given but it may be May 11th, at the Washington Hotel, the date and location of the previous marriage.)
Lancaster Intelligencer
August 24, 1858
Death of Cyrus Hollinger. - It is a sad duty for us to report the death of this estimable young gentleman, which occurred on Wednesday last at his mother's residence, on the Willow Street pike, a short distance south of the city. Mr. H. was quite a young man, being in his 24th year, but gave promise of a brilliant future. His occupation was a Tanner, in which business he was extensively engaged. He had noble qualities of mind and heart, and was generous to a fault. An active and useful member of The Lancaster Fencibles, his loss will long be regretted and deeply felt, and his place will not be easily filled in that spirited corps. He was also a highly esteemed member of the Union Fire Company. His remains were interred on Friday morning in the family burying ground near New Danville, and a detachment of the Fencibles, in citizen's address, attended the funeral. It can be truly said of Cyrus Hollinger that "none knew him but love, none named him but in praise."
Lancaster Intelligencer
September 28, 1858
Marriages
On the 16th inst., by the Rev. J.J. Strine, John Mohn, of Warwick to Margaret Conrad of Pequea.
The Columbia Spy
Jan. 8, 1859
REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS OF THE FARMER'S MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY
The next fire consumed the kitchen and wash house of Henry Heidlebaugh, of Pequea township, on the night of the 24th of February. The dwelling house, though near by, was saved, by the exertions of the family and neighbors, aided by a providential change of the wind at the time of the fire. The loss was estimated at three hundred and sixty dollars ($360.) and the Directors paid him two hundred and seventy dollars, ($270). The fire was supposed to be accidental, but the family could not account for its origins.
Lancaster Intelligencer
June 5, 1860
Marriages
On the 29th ult., by the same (Rev. J.J. Strine) Christian S. Zercher to Hannah Bachman, both of Pequea twp.
Lancaster Evening Express
June 7,1860
Local Intelligence
The Pequea Silver Mines: The New York Courier and Enquirer, and the New York Daily Times, a short time since, reported the discovery in Pennsylvania of a rich silver ore, which after various assays by Prof. Torrey, of the United States Assay office, they pronounced to be richer than the famous ores of Washos and Arizona. The silver ore referred to by Gen. Webb and Governor Raymond, is none other than that of the Pequea mines, in this county. We visited them yesterday. The mines, or rather the quarries, included two large and splendid farms. Although there are many subterranean workings, (some of them begun by English miners in the year 1736), the ore is now obtained entirely in open quarries. There is a large hill of the most splendid limestone, in which the ore is diffused with singular regularity. The limestone is burnt up for lime, and sold out at the actual cost of production. The labor of the quarries is thus paid by the lime, leaving the ore, whatever it may be, as a clear profit. The ore is worth from $500 to $700 per ton, and it appears that every man engaged in quarrying limestone will average about 20 lbs. of the ore per day. When the kilns are erected, from two to four hundred men can be employed in quarrying lime, all of which would find a ready market if sold at the actual cost of production, thereby inducing several hundred limekilns now in operation, within a radius of seven or eight miles, to relinquish the business. The mine or quarries will thus become a vast depot for the production of the unrivalled Pequea lime, now readily commanding from 10 to 15cents per bushel. Supposing the lime, therefore, to pay the cost of quarrying, the mount of ore obtained by 200 men, in open quarry, (each averaging 20lbs. per day) would be 600 tons per year. The value of the ore, computed at $500 per ton, would present the amazing aggregate of three hundred thousand dollars per year.
It was proposed to work this mine some six years ago, when John Tucker and R.D. Cullen, of Philadelphia, were the principal proprietors; but owing to personal embarrassments and the pressure of the times, it was delayed until the property has again been purchased by the present proprietor, who proposes to work it in the manner proposed __thereby dispensing with all pumping and hoisting machinery, all underground tunnels, gang-ways, crosscuts and audits; and instead of having twenty to thirty men taking out ore rendering it perfectly expedient to employ 300 or 400. One man, thus employed outside, in open quarry, if fully equal to the labor of ten men underground, especially when blasting is necessary. Two hundred men, therefore, in open quarry, are equal to two thousand men under ground; and this fact furnished the key, in some measure, to the astounding results the quarries are capable of producing-for, owing to the contracted space below ground, it is seldom that more than thirty men can be employed in taking out ore, and the amount actually obtained is also in exact proportion to the length of gangway driven and the depth of shaft, while all the other men, machinery and appliances are employed in getting rid of rubbish, which, in this mine, is itself an item of value, and fully capable of paying all the expenses of the workings.
The proprietor, at present, has about twenty men employed, and is making arrangements to increase his force to two hundred or more, and to work it in future in a systematic and permanent form.
Lancaster Intelligencer
Tuesday, November 27, 1860
City and County Affairs
Court of Quarter Sessions
Comn'th vs. John Smith. This defendant, a ragged, loathsome and sensual-looking fellow; was charged with assault and battery with intent to commit a rape upon the person of Elizabeth Rinear, a child between seven and eight years of age. The parents of the child reside in Pequea twp. - Verdict guilty. Sentenced to twenty-three months imprisonment in the County Prison.
Lancaster Intelligencer
January 5, 1861
Marriages
On the 31st ult., by the Rev. J. J. Strine, Martin W. Harnish to Susan B. Harnish, both of Pequea
Lancaster Intelligencer
January 15, 1861
Marriages
On the 8th inst., by the same, (Rev. J.J. Strine), Benjamin Gross, of Providence, to Catharine Good, of Pequea.
Lancaster Intelligencer
January 16, 1861
Marriages
McCallister-Greider - On the 10tgh inst at Ray's Hotel, by the Rev. W. S. Gerhard, Mr. Jacob H. McCallister, of Pequea, to Miss Barbara M. Greider, of West Hempfield township.
Lancaster Intelligencer
January 22, 1861
On the 14th inst., by Rev. G. F. Krotel, M.A. Frantz, of Dauphin county, to B. Anna Rush, of Pequea township, this county.
Lancaster Intelligencer
February 26, 1861
Marriages
On the 21st inst., by the Rev. J.J. Strine, Eli K. Miley to Martha Charles, both of Pequea township.
Lancaster Intelligencer
Tuesday, March 12, 1861
Marriages
On the 5th inst., by the Rev. J. J. Strine, Lyman Fulton, of Pequea, to Annie Armstrong, of Martic twp.
Lancaster Intelligencer
May 4, 1861
Deaths
On the 4th ult., in Pequea, John Robinson, Esq., in the 81st year of his age.
Lancaster Intelligencer
August 13, 1861
Marriages
On the 8th inst., by the same (Rev. J.J. Strine) John Hershock, of Pequea, to Martha Martin, of Providence.
Lancaster Intelligencer
Tuesday August 27, 1861
Marriage
On the 22d inst., by the Rev. J. J. Strine, Levi Hess of Pequea, to Elizabeth Christ of Strasburg twp.
Lancaster Intelligencer
October 15, 1861
Marriages
On the 6th inst., by the Rev. J.J. Strine, Daniel Ulmer, of West Lampeter, to Margaret F. Shroat, of Pequea.
On the 8th inst., by the same (Rev. J.J. Strine), Adam Lefever, of West Lampeter to Anna Sigman, of Pequea.
Lancaster Intelligencer
June 17, 1862
Marriages
On the 10th inst., by Rev. J. J. Strine, Jacob D. Will to Eliza B. Erb, both of Pequea.
Lancaster Intelligencer
November 18, 1862
Marriages
On the 11th inst., by the Rev. J. J. Strine, David S. Kreider, of Pequea, to Miss Elizabeth R. Herr, of Providence.
Lancaster Intelligencer
Dec. 23, 1862
Marriages
By the same, (the Rev. J. J. Strine, possibly on the 18th) Jacob K. Charles of Pequea, to Barbara M. Myers of Conestoga.
Lancaster Intelligencer
January 20th, 1863
Marriages
On the 16th inst., by the same (Rev. J. J. Strine)., John L. Barr, of East Hempfield to Susan H. Harnish, of Pequea.
The Columbia Spy
January 31, 1863
DEATHS
At the residence of his father, in Pequea Township, Lancaster Co., on Monday 26th inst., Samuel G. son of Daniel B. and Anna Bowman, aged 22 years.
Lancaster Intelligencer
Tuesday, March 17, 1863
Notice -----The undersigned Commissioners appointed by the Court of Quarter Sessions of Lancaster county, to view and inquire into the propriety of altering the dividing line between the townships of Pequea and Conestoga, in said county, according to the petition of diverse inhabitants of said townships presented at January sessions, 1863, will meet at the public house of Michael Zercher, in Stumptown, Pequea township on Monday, the 23rd day of March, A.D. 1863, at 10 o'clock, Am.,, to proceed thence to view the said lines and perform the duties of their appointment.
Day Wood
Joseph Ballance
Robert Barnes
Lancaster Intelligencer
Tuesday April 21, 1863
Marriages
On the 14th inst., by the Rev. J. J. Strine, John Christ of Pequea, to Miss Hannah Wilson of Strasburg.
Lancaster Intelligencer
Tuesday, Oct. 27, 1863
Marriages
On the 24th inst., by the Rev. J. J. Strine, Daniel Burkholder, of Pequea to Annie L., daughter of the late George Weidler, of Manheim Twp.
Lancaster Intelligencer
July 21, 1864
Deaths
After a protracted illness, of dropsy of the chest, on Sunday morning the 10th inst., at his residence in Pequea, Lancaster county, and in the 76th year of his age, John Douglass Wilson, Esq.
Lancaster Intelligencer
July 28, 1864
Marriages
On the 21st inst., by the Rev. J. J. Strine, John M. Bachman to Mollie B. Harnish, both of Pequea township.
Lancaster Intelligencer
December 28, 1864
ANOTHER VETERAN GONE. - Mr. Hamilton, a young man, a resident of Pequea township, this county, and who served his country, as a member of the famous Pennsylvania Bucktail Regiment, died at his home, on Tuesday last, and was buried today with the honors of war. Capt. C. L. Hebble, with a squad of military men, conducted the martial exercises.
Lancaster Intelligencer
March 8, 1865
SERIOUS ACCIDENT - On Thursday last, as Rev. David Rush, of Pequea township, was leaving the city in his carriage he met with a very serious accident. As he was driving over a crossing, in South Queen street, a little below the Odd Fellows' Hall, the coupling of the vehicle gave way and he was thrown out with great violence. His forehead struck the front axle of the carriage with such force as to tear loose the entire scalp from the eyebrows in the top of the head. It was as cleanly done as if a knife had been employed. He was conveyed into the residence of Mr. Walter Clarke, and Dr. Henry Carpenter was called in. The scalp was drawn to its place and sewed up. Hopes are entertained that he will speedily recover.
Lancaster Express
March 17, 1865
FATAL ACCIDENT - An accident occurred in Pequea twp., on Monday, which resulted in the death of Rev. Jacob Kreider, well known throughout the county as a Mennonite preacher. It appears that Mr. Kreider and his son went into a grove near his residence to cut down some timber, and while the son was at work Mr. K. was in conversation with a neighbor, when an upper limb of the tree suddenly broke off, and in its descent struck Mr. K. on the head, inflicting a severe wound, from which he died in about four hours. -
Mr. K was a prominent member of the order of Mennonists, and was not only highly respected among those of his own persuasion, but by the community at large, and this announcement of his sudden death will surprise many, as well as cast a deep gloom over his immediate friends. The funeral will take place from his late residence this morning at ten o'clock.
Examiner & Herald
August 2, 1865
MARRIAGES
On the 27th inst., by the rev. J. J. Strine, WILLIAM LINT of Pequea, to EVAN STAUFFER, of Manor
Lancaster Intelligencer
May 9, 1866
SUCCESSFUL SURGICAL OPERATION. - A most successful surgical operation was performed on Monday of last week, by Dr. S. S. Davis, of the firm of Hartman & Davis, of Millersville, in presence of the senior partner, on a child aged about 20 months, belonging to Mr. Spangler, of Pequea township. It seems the little one had picked up and attempted to swallow a grain of corn, but which passed into the windpipe and must have produced death, if not shortly removed. This was about 5 o'clock in the morning, and at 91/2 the Doctor was called in, who advised an operation and set 2 p.m. as the time. The operation is that known among surgeons as Laryngo-tracheatomy, and is, literally, cutting the windpipe open, the incision being made through the Larynx and extending to the Trachea.
The grain of corn was extracted and is now in the Doctor's possession. The child is doing finely, is lively and playful, as if nothing had occurred to disturb its physical system, and totally unconscious of the dangerous performance to which it had been subjected. The affair has naturally created quite an excitement in the vicinity, as well it might, few similar cases ever having transpired in the country.
Lancaster Intelligencer
Wednesday, November 28, 1866
Deaths
BAER, - On the 26th inst., in Pequea twp., Barbara, wife of Bejnamin Baer, (Tanner) in the 79th year of her age.
The Columbia Spy
Dec. 8, 1866
A Monster TURNIP - Mr. Andrew Baken, engineer of the Lancaster train, sent to our office, a few days since, a monster turnip. It weighs six pounds, two ounces, and measures twenty-nine and a half inches in circumference. it was raised by Mr. Silas Rambo, of Pequea, Lancaster County, Pa.
Lancaster Intelligencer
January 23, 1867
Marriages
SHENK-BURKHOLDER - On the evening of the 15th inst., at Christian Shenk's Hotel, by Rev. J. J. Strine, Mr. Samuel B. Shank, of Manor , to Miss Fannie Burkholder, of Pequea.
Lancaster Intelligencer
February 20, 1867
Marriages
LEFEVRE-ECKMAN - On the 7th inst., by the Rev. Samuel Laird, at Christian Shenk's Hotel, Benjamin R. Lefevre, of Manor township, and Mary Eckman, of Pequea township, Lancaster county.
The Columbia Spy
March 30, 1867
SERIOUS ACCIDENT - A little boy, son of Silas Rambo, proprietor of the Pequea flouring mills, this county, fell down the hatchway of the mill, a short time since. His right arm was broken in two places, and he also received a severe contusion on the head. He was attended by Dr. Wallace, who pronounced his injuries severe, but not dangerous.
Lancaster Intelligencer
April 17, 1867
Marriages
ECKMAN- MEHAFFEY - On the 21st ult., by Rev. A. H. Kremer, B. F. Eckman to Sarah Mehaffey, both of Pequea twp.
Lancaster Intelligencer
June 5, 1867
Marriages
FULTON-KURTZ - On the 29th ult., by the Rev. J. J. Strine, at his residence, Almon Fulton to Miss Harriet Kurtz, both of Pequea.
The Columbia Spy
Nov. 9, 1867
MARRIAGES
On the 5th inst., by the Rev. Dr. E. V. Gerhart, at the residence of John Bear, Esq., Martin H. Bear, of East Hempfield, to Miss Susan H. Kreider, of Pequea township.
The Columbia Spy
Dec. 7, 1867
Marriages
On the 21st ult., by Rev. J. J. Pomeros, John D. Wilson, of Pequea Valley, Pa., to Sallie F. Park, of Parkesburg, Pa.
Lancaster Intelligencer
January 29, 1868
Marriages
MILLER-CHARLES - On the 21st instant, at Cooper's Hotel, by the Rev. J. J. Strine, Joseph Miller, of Martic township, to Miss Catharine, daughter of Henry Charles, of Pequea township
.
Lancaster Intelligencer
March 4, 1868
Marriages
DEETS-GESS - At the same time and place (27th inst., at the residence of Rev. J. J. Strine) by the same, (Rev. J. J. Strine), Henry H. Deets to Miss Susan Goss, both of Pequea.
Lancaster Intelligencer
Oct. 28, 1868
Cattle Disease - A correspondent at Conestoga Centre writes that about two weeks ago a disease broke out among a herd of Western cattle, which had been purchased a short time before by Mr. Abraham Snively, and brought to his farm in Pequea Twp., from which quite a number died. The disease was also communicated to his other cattle, and five of six valuable cows died from it, and also the cow of Mr. Charles Riddle, which had been with Mr. Snavely's cattle. We also learn of other parties losing some by the same disease. The cattle do not live above two or three days after being attacked, or at least after they become visably affected by the disease.
Lancaster Intelligencer
July 7, 1869
SERIOUS ACCIDENT -- A boy two years of age, a son of Mr. Andrew Boreman, who resides in Pequea twp., this county, met with quite a serious accident on Thursday afternoon. The boy in some way got his right leg caught in a mowing machine, the knives of which so mutilated it that the amputation of the limb was considered necessary. This painful operation was successfully performed by Dr. Carpenter, of this city, and Dr. Miller, of Lampeter. The unfortunate lad's left leg was also badly cut by the knives of the machine.
Lancaster Intelligencer
Nov. 17, 1869
Whiskey Found � On Friday afternoon Deputy Collector Wiley and Assistant Assessor C. F. Eberman, after a hard hunt, found 44 barrels of whiskey in a straw shed at the end of a barn on Jacob B. Good�s farm, in Pequea twp. The farm is now worked by Henry Seigman, and is almost two miles distant from J. B. Good�s distillery. The whiskey was covered by about eight ot ten feet of straw. Immediately afterwards Assessor Rea and Collector Wiley discovered 12 barrels of whiskey in a hay mow on the premises occupied by J. Martin Mehaffey, about half a mile from the above distillery. The whiskey was brought to Lancaster this morning in four wagons and stored in Bitner�s Warehouse where it awaits a claimant. There are but a few of the casks with stamps on, and those had evidently been used before. As the whiskey was hauled through our streets it created quite a sensation and the question is asked, �Who owns it. ?�
Lancaster Intelligencer
Nov. 24, 1869
Court of Quarter Sessions
Commonwealth vs. Samuel Brodbeck indicted for the larceny of one turkey, the property of Christian Binkley, of Pequea twp. Mr. Binkley testified that he saw defendant fire a shot on his farm, and went to see if he had not shot one of his turkeys, and found a gamebag, with his turkey in it within a few yards of the defendant. Defendant denied that the gamebag was his and brought witness to prove that he left home without a gamebag, and brought back all the powder and shot he had taken with him.
The jury returned a verdict of guilty, with a recommendation to the mercy of the court: and the court sentenced the defendant to an imprisonment of 19 days and costs of suit.
Lancaster Intelligencer
Nov. 24, 1869
FATAL ACCIDENT � A son of D. W. Harnish, residing in Pequea township, aged about ten years, met with an accident on the 12th inst., which proved fatal. Two of Mr. Harnish�s sons were assisting in gathering stones from a field and hauling them off. While passing down a hill with a load of stones, the youngest of the boys attempted to get upon the wagon at the side by stepping upon the lock rail � his foothold slipped when he fell in front of the rear wheel and the load passed across his breast, injuring him to such an extent as to cause his death on Sunday morning.
Lancaster Intelligencer
Wednesday, March 9, 1870
Marriages
ADAMS-MCHUGH - On the 3d inst., by the Rev. J. J. Strine, at his residence, Jeremiah Adams to Christiana McHugh, both of Pequea.
This article has an interesting environmental argument, the author argues that Pequea Twp. farmers should stop burning wood on their farms and start buring coal. The burning of wood is causing a considerable loss of trees in Pequea Twp and trees protect the soil and have a positive environmental effect.
Lancaster Intelligencer
Wednesday, March 9, 1870
Pequea Township.- Pequea township, formerly the east end of Conestoga, is next to Lancaster township, the smallest township in Lancaster county. It is situated between the Conestoga Creek on the North and the Pequea Creek on the South and between Conestoga township on the West and West Lampeter on the East. The surface of the land is slightly undulating with the exception of a small portion near Willow Street, which is nearly level. Nearly the entire township is first quality limestone land, and among the most productive in the county. The system of farming pursued is the same as that of the other German parts of the county. The farms are in general what are called large in this county, and will average more acres to each than in many other townships in the limestone region. The farm buildings are nearly all such as would reflect credit upon any community, especially the barns of which there are many that are more than ordinarily large and fine even in Lancaster county. - Nearly all the land is under cultivation, and timber is getting exceedingly scarce; many of the farmers own wood-lots south of the Pequea Creek in Providence and Martic townships, from which they obtain their supply of fire-wood and fencing material. Nearly all the timber that remains in this township is heavy oak- mostly white-oak � and is too valuable for fire-wood, but notwithstanding that the forests have been nearly all removed and that timber is becoming so scarce farmers still believe in burning wood in preference to coal: and they will burn wood as long as they can get wood-land within a reasonable distance from their farms, as to Providence and Martic townships. But even in those townships the forests are rapidly disappearing and if the present strong drain upon them from the surrounding townships which are almost destitution of timber is kept up, it will soon be scarce there. Where will the rich farming districts, like Pequea township, then go for fire-wood and fencing material ? The farmers would better be wise in this respect, and be as saving as possible with all kinds of timber: they should turn their attention now to buring coal which is really more economical than burning wood at present prices, and they will eventually have to do it. Destroying all the forests is the most injurious practice pursued by our farmers, and the effective of it upon the crops of fruits and grains, will be felt severely when the country in general is as destitute of forests and trees as Pequea township and some other sections of Lancaster county. Forests have a great influence upon climate; they aid in producing moisture. As a proof of this let us call the attention of our farmers to Egypt, where at the beginning of the present century, and previous, very little rain efll, but since that time many millions of trees have been planted there by order of the Pasha, in consequence of which quite an amount of rain falls there now. It is stated that those are now from thirty to forty rainy days in the year, in the vicinity of Cairo and Alexandria, in Northern Egypt, and that in winter it often rains for five or six days in succession. Also countries formerly covered with forests, but from which they have been removed suffice now from drought, while before they had a moist climate. Countries in which the forests have been extirpated, and that had before a mild and genial climate, now have much hotter summers and much colder winters. Well-watered countries do not have as great extremes of heat and cold as those not so well wooded, and as the complete removal of the forests of a country diminish the amount of moisture, in consequently impairs its fertility. That this will be experienced in this part of the United States is certain, if forests are not protected and the planting of trees encouraged by legislative action. We notice already some effects upon the crops, especially upon fruit, in this part of Pennsylvania from the extirpation of its forests. It is stated by good authority that from one-fourth to one-third of the land in a country should be covered with forests, and if such were the case more grain, etc., could be raised upon the remaining two-thirds or three-fourths than in the whole were under cultivation, and destitute of trees. On account of some sections of the Middle States being comparatively well wooded, yet we do not experience the bad effects that we would if all that part east of the Alleghenies were as destitute of forests as Lancaster County.
Pequea is one of the lower tier, or border �Dutch� townships and south of it the people are principally �English.� Although the inhabitants of Pequea township are almost universally Dutch, they can, nearly all, speak English almost as fluently as Dutch. The Mennonites and Dunkards are much more numerous than all other religious denominations together and comprise fully nine-tenths of all professing Christians. Agriculture is the chief pursuit, nearly all its inhabitants being engaged in it. There is an iron ore mine in the southeastern part-south of Willow Street-and a silver mine in the extreme southeastern corner, very close to the Conestoga township line, and within a half mile of Conestoga Centre. This silver mine if we mistake not, was known and worked as early as previous to the Revolutionary War. During the last eight years it has not been worked, but previous to that it was worked regularly, and silver in paying quantities was obtained. No very large quantities of silver were obtained at any one time, but it yielded enough to pay for the labor and for a fair profit besides.
The silver, which is mixed with other minerals, the principal of which is lead, is found in veins which are imbedded in the solid limestone rock. Several pretty large veins were discovered, and they were followed a considerable distance under ground. Previous to the breaking out of the late war, a number of limekilns were erected, and stones were quarried from the body of the hill without regard to following the veins. It was expected that the silver obtained would enable the owners to sell lime at a lower rate than it could be burned any where else, and it was sold at $6.50 per hundred bushels. Upon the breaking out of the Rebellion the project was abandoned and the mines and kilns have since been idle.
There are in Pequea township 4 Churches � 2 Mennonite, 1 New Mennonite, and 1 Methodist -6 Public School Houses. The villages are New Danville and Linestown, which are entirely in the township and Willow Street, which is partly so. New Danville, on the road leading from Lancaster to Conestoga Centre and equally distant from either place, is a pleasant little village with a fine location; it contains a Store, a Post Office, two Taverns, a Black-smith Shop, a Wagonmaker Shop, a Weaving Establishment, a School House, two Churches � A Mennonite and a New Mennonite � and about 25 private houses.
Linestown is a small village without any business in the southern part of the township.
Willow Street is partly in Pequea and partly in West Lampeter township, and is a village of some importance. It is considerably scattered, but beautifully situated, the land in and around being very level as well as fertile. It contains three Taverns, a Store, the usual number of mechanical establishments and two Schools � one in the Pequea part, and one in the West Lampeter part.
Lancaster Intelligencer.
March 23, 1870
Charles - Bechtold -- On the 8th inst., at Cooper's Hotel, by Rev. A. H. Kremer, Benjamin Charles to Dora Bechtold, both of Pequea twp
The Columbia Spy
May 28, 1870
A Subterranean Lake - A correspondent furnishes the Express with the following description of an underground lake in the southern part of this county:
About eight miles south of Lancaster city, near Pequea valley, on the farm of Jacob Good, in Pequea township, is a cave which was formerly known by the name of "Bosler's Hole." This place has been frequently visited by persons who described it as one of great interest and curiosity, not alone for its geological features, but also for a subterranean lake of clear sparkling water having neither inlet nor outlet, imbedded in the solid lime-stone rock, which it was said to contain. It was also said that in the lake were fishes devoid of eyes, and that the depth of this body of water had never been fathomed, being beyond the reach of the sounding line. On Saturday last a party from Willow Street headed by M. W. Harnish, Jr., left early in the morning for the cave, taking with them torches, tar-poles, ropes, hatchets, etc., fully resolved to make a careful investigation of its contents, which had not long before been accomplished. After approaching the place, the party examined the adjacent grounds and the hill in which the cavern is situated in order to find a stream or subterraneous passage of water that might possible communicate with, or have access to the lake, existing within the cave. After a prolonged and diligent search, the party did not succeed in finding one. They now went to the cave, which opens at the top of a hill; the hole being funnel-shaped, or similar to the crater of a volcano. Ladders were suspended to the bottom by the aid of ropes. The first distance from the surface of the ground to where the limestone rock commences is thirty feet, where the cavity contracts and assumes the figure of a parallelogram, being about two feet wide and eight feet long. From this point to the first offset in the cave is twenty feet more, or a perpendicular descent of fifty feet from the surface to the first offset. From here to the surface of the water is twenty more, in a gradual descent. Moving back about twenty feet you come to the edge of the lake, which is forty feet wide to sixty to seventy feet in length. Material was procured and a flat constructed in order to explore the lake and sound its greatest depth, which was thirty-five feet. The water is cold, clear and sparkling, a sample of which was taken to the city for analysis. The water is perfectly quiet, and has apparently no inlet nor outlet. There are some kinds of fishes or animals in the lake, but the party were not prepared to secure any of them, and hence were obliged to postpone it till some future day. The cave is from seventy to seventy-five feet long, fifty to sixty wife, and from forty to fifty in height. There is a farm arch of solid limestone overhead as well as on all sides, and it appears as if it had been shaped and fashioned by some plastic hand.
Lancaster Intelligencer
Wednesday Nov. 2, 1870
Marriages
HESS-BINKLEY.- On the 3d inst., by Rev. W. T. Gerhard, at Cooper's Hotel, Rudolph J. HESS of Pequea, to Kate E. BINKLEY, of Manor twp.
Lancaster Intelligencer
Wednesday, Nov. 16, 1870
Marriages
MYLIN-BRENEMAN.- On the 13th inst., at the Fountain Inn Hotel by Rev. J. V. Eckert, Mr. Samuel MYLIN, of Pequea township, to Miss Mary Ann BRENEMAN, of Providence township, this county.
Is the author also the teacher, Ulrich Strickler mentioned in the article.
Intelligencer
March 6, 1871
Conestoga Items - The following is the report of the Sandstone School, of Pequea township, near Conestoga Centre, Ulrich Strickler, teacher, for the past month, during which the weather was very inclement. Whole number enrolled, males, 20, females 10; average of attendance, males 19, (or more strictly a fraction less than 19 1/2, but no account is taken of fractions less than one-half); females 10; percentage of attendance, males, 95, (strictly 97); females 100; number of days all present, 12; number present every day, 19. This is the third month of the present term, in which the average attendance of females is 100 percent. If any school in Lancaster county, or elsewhere (town or rural) can beat the attendance of this a purely rural school, we should be pleased to see a notice of it, and would say "well done." There were also 57 visitors present during the month, not including a number of pupils from other schools.
It is frequently asserted by parties not well-acquainted with this class of people, that the Mennonites and Dunkards are not favorable to education; for the information of all such we will state that all the families (with one exception) who belong to this school sub-district are Mennonites and Dunkards, principally Mennonites. They not only manifest an interest in the education of their children by sending them to school regularly, but also by exerting themselves to secure the best teachers to be had, and by frequent visitations to the school. They make up quite a liberal sum for the teacher besides his regular salary from the Board of Directors, when they can obtain one who is satisfactory to them. The old "Sandstone," though the smallest in the number of pupils, is, in other respects in the front rank of the schools of this section.
The contractors of the Lancaster and New Danville turnpike, Fletcher and Boyle, have thrown up their contract, and ceased work thereon. About two miles are completed, from the Conestoga to about a mile south of New Danville, also a short distance at the southern terminus. The remainder is all graded, excepting about a mile immediately south of the city. It is again to be put under contract immediately, and completed as soon as possible.
Protracted services have been held during the last two weeks, in the Reformed Church of Conestoga Centre, of which the Rev. A. B. Shenkle is the devoted pastor.
The farmers have been engaged in plowing the last three days; the roads, previous to Friday, had become quite dry; the blue birds, robins and black-birds have returned to cheer us with their cheerful songs-all this in connection with the warm, sun-shiny days of the present week, remind us that Winter has exhausted itself in its late effort, and that it must now succumb to its more genial successor, Spring. That it will yet make some desperate efforts during March to maintain its supremacy, does not admit of a doubt, otherwise it would be false to its ancient and established custom, but they will only be the dying struggles of an expiring giant, violent but blustering and blowing, soon to be permanently overcome by a stronger though milder combatant.
U.S.
Intelligencer
March 9, 1871
NEW PATENT-Benjamin and David H. Harnish, of Pequea, have received letters patent for an improved Lawn Mower, dated March 7, 1871. This is calculated to be moved by hand and to perform its office in a manner truly satisfactory, and is just the thing for lawns, orchards, or yards, to cut the grass with ease close to and around trees or shrubbery, and cannot fail to be appreciated. Obtained through the agency of J. Stauffer, of this city.
Lancaster Intelligencer
Wednesday, May 24, 1871
FATAL ACCIDENT. - A sad accident resulting in the instantaneous death of Abraham J. Will, occurred Monday forenoon about 9 o'clock, in Pequea township, near New Danville. He was in the employ of Mr. C. M. Herr, and engaged in handling stones for the Lancaster and New Danville Turnpike, and while going down a small hill, something connected with the rubber lock of the wagon broke, precipitating the wagon suddenly forward, causing the horses to run. It is supposed that in trying to stop the horses he was caught between the saddle horse and a fencepost which leaned towards the road. The lower part of the breast-bone was crushed in, and he was injured about the region of the heart. A woman, near whose house the accident happened, saw it and gave the alarm, but when he was reached life was extinct. He was about 18 years old, a son of Mr. Henry Will, residing on the farm of Jacob L. Hess. The funeral will take place from the residence of Mr. Hess tomorrow morning at 9 o'clock. Deceased was a promising young man, of unusual physical development, and his death occasions much sorrow in the vicinity.
Lancaster Evening Express
June 22, 1872
Pleasant Drive: The Lancaster and New Danville turnpike, completed within the last year of two, has opened to the public one of the most pleasant drives in the county. The distance to New Danville is less than four miles, but the road passes through a country of unsurpassed beauty. It runs for about a mile along the banks of the Conestoga and then gradually ascends to a higher elevation and affording exquisite views of West Lampeter, Manor and Pequea townships. Many of these views are, to use a familiar expression, "pretty as a picture". Indeed the artists pencil could not transfer to canvas their charms. Just at this time too the country wears its most inviting aspects. The grain is beginning to ripen, the clover is in bloom and perfumes the air with its sweet exhalations; the trees are wearing robes of the richest verdure; in brief, Nature has put on her most seduction smile. There are many of our readers who have no doubt passed over this road, but there are also many who have not. A ride over it the other day impressed us with its grandeur, and it is our object to call attention to it that we indite this paragraph. Those who appreciate a beautiful and diversified landscape scenery will find it in those four short miles. The turnpike is comparatively new and still a little rough in some places, but this slight inconvenience is compensated for by the beauty that unfolds itself to the eye when moving along.
Examiner & Herald
December 29, 1875
MARRIAGES
FISHER- BURKHOLDER - Dec. 23, 1875 at the parsonage of Trinity church, by Rev. Dr. Greenwald, Jacob K. Fisher of Manor, to Maria R. Burkholder, of Pequea.
Examiner & Herald
January 5, 1876
Obituary
"FATHER" HENRY BOEHM, A PATRIARCH
The venerable "Father" Henry Boehm, patriarch of the Methodist church, and the oldest clergyman in the world, expired on Tuesday evening, at the residence of his granddaughter, near Richmond, Staten Island, in the 101st year of his age. His centennial anniversary was celebrated on the 8th of June last, in Trinity Methodist church, Jersey City. On the 27th of the same month he preached in the Methodist church, John street, New York, and that was his last appearance in the pulpit in that city. He then, by the advice of his physician, Dr. Hadden, remained in retirement at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. Emly, in Jersey City. The excitement of the centennial anniversary prostrated him, and he was attacked with erysipelas of the eyes. He then removed to his granddaughter�s residence on Staten Island, where he would be removed form the noise and bustle of the cities. Under the kind treatment and warm affection of his family, as well as the constant care of his physician, he soon recuperated and was restored to the enjoyment of ordinary health. On the 12th inst., in obedience to a unanimous call from the congregation in the village, he undertook to preach in the village church, and this effort in the service of God proved to be his last. Indeed, it precipitated his death. He contracted a cold which prostrated him, but it was hoped from day to day that he might rally. On Monday morning Dr. Hadden was summoned to his bedside, and it was found necessary to subject the old man to a painful operation for an affection of the kidneys. His physical condition was so depilated that recuperation was out of the question, and he sand into a peaceful slumber which had its waking beyond the confines of the grave. His prophecy was fulfilled. When told that he would probably live to see the centennial of his country, which was not born when he first saw the light, he replied with a faltering voice that his centennial anniversary in Jersey City would be his last appearance among his brethren of that Conference.
Henry Boehm was born in Conestoga, Lancaster county, Pa., on the 8th of June, 17775. This was immediately after the battle of Lexington, one year before the Declaration of Independence, and nine years before the Methodist Episcopal Church was organized. He was the youngest of eight children. His ancestors were from Switzerland. His great great grandfather, Jacob Boehm, was a Presbyterian. His grandfather, Jacob Boehm, was born in 1693, and came to this country in 1715, settling down in Lancaster, Pa. He was a lay elder in the Mennonite Society, and his trade was that of a blacksmith. He died in 1780, at the advanced age of eighty-seven, leaving several children, the youngest of whom, martin Boehm, was father of the subject of this sketch. Martin was first a Mennonite preacher, but he was expelled for being too evangelical, and he became a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Henry received a common school education, his teacher being Henry Rosman, who was one of the Hessian soldiers captured by Washington�s troops at the battle of Trenton. From him young Boehm acquired a thorough knowledge of the German language, and this knowledge he turned to good account, for, as he observed, he was "one of the first among the Methodists, that preached in that language." When fifteen years old Henry went to learn the milling business, and while thus engaged he was first seized by a desire to devote himself to the service of the Lord. His father kept a house of prayer, the name of which has been handed down to posterity as "Boehm�s Chapel." It was the only temple of worship in that section of the State. Thither resorted Robert Strawbride, who laid the foundation of Methodism in Maryland, Benjamin Abbott, Richard Webster (the second Methodist preacher raised up in America), Sylvester Hutchinson, Richard Whatcoat, William Thomas, John Jarrell, Valentine Cook, Joseph Everett, Simon Miller and many other distinguished apostles of Methodism. Whatcoat was then the only Methodist preacher in Philadelphia.
In 1799 Bishop Asbury visited Boehm�s chapel. At this time Henry Boehm was class leader at Souder burg. His itinerant life as a preacher began in January 1800, on the Dorchester circuit, in the eastern shore of Maryland and in the Philadelphia Conference. He was next assigned to the Annamessex circuit, in which he traveled with William Colbert. They denounced slavery with such boldness that the planters became alarmed and many were induced to liberate their slaves. After preaching in several towns of Pennsylvania, Boehm received a call from Bishop Asbury to travel with him, and he obeyed. This was in 1803. They traveled and preached with great effect in the Southern States, and made their fist visit to New York on May 7, 1809. On the 23d of March, 1812, his father died, at the age of eighty-seven, having preached the Gospel fifty-fie years. Thus it will be seen the longevity was here hereditary in the Boehm family.
The names of Asbury and Boehm will be ever linked in the history of Methodism in this country. What these pioneers endured in the service of the Lord away in the last century can be estimated by the immense growth of the Methodist Church. "Father " Boehm�s own words, delivered at his Centennial anniversary, in Jersey City, convey a pretty clear idea on this point:
"I have witnessed with my own eyes the many changes in this country. When I became a man there were but thirteen States in this country. I witnessed the system of slavery and rejoice that I have lived to see it wiped out from the land. I knew the time when there were no steamers or locomotives. I have traveled over 100,000 miles on horse-back, and have seen the increase of cities from small towns. When I was a young man New York city only extended to Canal street, and Brooklyn was only a small town with a few houses. I was born nine years before the first Methodist Church was built. At the time I commenced to preach there were but nineteen traveling preachers and but few commodious churches. Our meetings were held in houses and barns then, and I have had stones hurled at me while preaching. The time I occupied in the traveling with Bishop Asbury was the most important of my life, as I as the representative of the church. I crossed the Alleghany Mountains many times in thirty-six hours , but have since done it in an express train in a much shorter space of time. I visited the State of Indiana and went thirty five miles into the interior and only saw the faces of six human beings. I hope to see a union of the Methodist Church North and South. This desire lives strong and warm in my heart, which still beats for the welfare of the Church in which I have spent my best endeavors. In 1809 I saw the first steamship at Elizabeth, N.J., and it was then I saw for the first time the noble Hudson. It would be impossible to recount the many scenes through which I passed. I know all the bishops of the Church, but for none did I hear the affection I did for Bishop Asbury. I was his traveling companion and bosom friend.
The death of Henry Rohrer, a prominent citizen of Fulton county, Illinois, and former of this county, where he has a large circle of relatives was recently announced. The Canton (Illinois) Register says that he died very suddenly at his residence three miles northeast of Canton, Friday morning, December 17th. He was in good health in the evening when they retired, and in the morning he was a corpse. Cause was apoplexy. He was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, September 23, 1811, and at the time of his death was aged 64 years, w months and 24 days. In 1830, he was married to Mary Donor, who still survives him. At the age of twenty-eight he united with the Church of God, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. In 1847 he with his wife and family removed to what was then the far West, and settled in Fulton county. As a citizen he has been identified with the Republican party, but commanding the respect of those who different from him in politics. As a neighbor, it will be hard to fill his place, as he was always kind, affable, and obliging. He was most methodical and exact in his business transactions. Every business letter was written thrice, once on a slate, once to be mailed, and this was then copied word for word into a book dept for that purpose. He was attended to his last resting place, in the cemetery in Canton, by almost the entire community. Seventy three carriages were counted in the procession. His loss will be long felt in his neighborhood.
MARRIAGES
BROOKS-KREIDER - December 30, 1875, at Hess� Swan Hotel, by Rev. Dr. Greenwald, William Brooks, of Pequea, to Lizzie Kreider, of Conestoga.
Examiner and Herald
February 9, 1876
MARRIAGES
SIGMAN-JONES - Jan. 27, 1876, at the Duke Street M. E. parsonage, by Rev. Dr. Dobbins, A. Sigman, of Pequea, to Mary A. Jones of Martic township.
HOLTZHOUSE-KOONS - Jan. 20, 1876, by Rev. F. P. Maysar, Albert Holtzhouse of Pequea to Adeline Koons, of Lampeter.
Examiner & Herald
July 26, 1876
Accident to a Wagon - Monday afternoon about half past three o�clock, as Mr. H. S. Herr, of West Willow, this county was engaged in hauling lumber, an accident happened to his wagon. He was attempting to cross the track of the street railroad at the corner of North Queen and Orange streets, when one of the wheels running along the tracks was wrenched off, breaking ti, causing the hind part of the wagon to all on the street.
MARRIAGES
EDWARDS-YOUNG - July 23, 1876, by Rev. D. P. Rosenmiller, at his residence, Sanders Edwards to Anna Young, both of Pequea twp.
The Columbia Spy
May 25, 1878
A SERIOUS ACCIDENT AT MARTICVILLE. On Tuesday evening Mr. Jacob Good, residing in Pequea township, sent his little grandson, Jeremiah Helmey, to the store at Marticville for the purpose of purchasing some goods. On leaving the store, being on horseback, a young son of Mr. Martin Eshleman, who resides near Marticville, concluded to have a ride with young Heiney. They both mounted the horse and proceeded very quietly until they reached the Marticville church, in the upper end of Marticville, when the horse became frightened at the rattling of nails which Heiney had in a basket, ran off, and both boys were thrown. Helney struck the bank along the road, breaking his nose, cutting his head in a terrible manner, and being otherwise injured. It is feared he has received some severe internal injuries. Young Eshleman, in his fall, struck the wheel of Mr. Aaron Good's wagon, which was passing at the time, tearing the "calf" nearly off his left leg and otherwise injuring him.
The Columbia Spy
April 26, 1879
A DESTRUCTIVE FIRE IN THE COUNTRY.
On Wednesday morning, a large barn at Willow street, Pequea township, was totally destroyed by fire, together with a large number of outbuildings. The immense barn was 112 feet long by 57 wide; the outbuildings included two large tobacco sheds, carriage house, corn-crib, hog-pen, &c., and were situated on the property in Pequea township, owned by David Hostetter, proprietor of Hostetter's Stomach Bitters, Pittsburgh, and occupied by John Sener, an old and respected farmer, being totally destroyed with nearly all their contents. The fire started in the barn and when discovered by members of the family was bursting out in several places. The alarm was at once given and the neighbors gathered rapidly to render what assistance they could. As there was on fire engine near, the buildings, of course could not be saved, and the men turned their attention to the rescue of the contents and the preservation of the dwelling house.
In the barn there were 45 head of fat cattle, which had been sold and were ready to deliver to-day, cows, 5 fine horses, 4 hogs, 20 tons of hay, and 3 reapers, besides plows, harrows, mowers and numerous other farming implements. Twenty-nine head of cattle were saved, but the flames advanced so rapidly that the men could work no more; the other stock had to be abandoned, and perished. The carcasses of the steers could afterwards be seen chained to the stalls as they were before the fire. After the barn was partially destroyed, the other buildings mentioned caught fire and in a short time everything but the dwelling was in a blaze. The fire raged for hours, and the Shiffler Fire Engine of Lancaster was sent for.
The fire was undoubtedly the work of an incendiary. Last evening, a German tramp went to Mr. Sener's house, and demanded his supper. He was told that he could eat after the family had finished, but this did not satisfy him as he wanted to sit with the family. This modest request was refused, and the tramp went to the barn to sleep. he was not seen again until this morning when, as the flames were seen bursting from the barn, he was discovered making off over the fields. He was pursued and caught by Mr. Sener's hired men, who seized him by the arms and legs and would have thrown him into the fire if their employer had not interfered. The supposed incendiary was taken in charge by Constable Erb, brought to this city and taken before Alderman Spurrier. He said his name was George Beidenger, and that he lived on Manor street, but has for some time been a tramp. He was committed on April 5th to prison for 15 days and was released on Monday. The alderman committed him to await an investigation.
Mr. Hostetter's loss on the buildings far exceeds the insurance, which is f$3,500 in the Farmers' Mutual.
Mr. Sener's loss is also much greater than his insurance, and in his misfortune he has the sympathies of all his friends. He estimates his whole loss at $14,000 and is only insured for $1,500 in the Farmers' Mutual. He has been peculiarly unfortunate. Some years ago, several parties whose paper he had endorsed failed, and Mr. Sener suffered heavily. He was just recovering form the effects of that failure when he met with this new disaster, which cripples him again.
Examiner of Wednesday.
The Columbia Spy
Dec. 13, 1879
SUICIDE- Eli Harnish, residing at New Danville, Pequea township, committed suicide on Wednesday night by shooting himself with a seven-barreled revolver, the ball lodging in his right temple. He was under the influence of liquor, being a habitual drunkard. He leaves a wife and eight children.
The Columbia Spy
Jan. 8, 1881
KILLED BY A KICKIN MUSKET. - On Friday night, Frederick Summerfield, a farmer residing near Linestown, Pequea township, this county, met with an accident that resulted fatally. Hearing the reports of firearms, discharged by men in the neighborhood, who were celebrating the last of the old year, he resolved to take part in the celebration, and taking down an old musket that had not been discharged for months, he went out on the porch. Resting the barrel on the railing of the porch and holding the stock in his hands only, he pulled the trigger. The recoil was tremendous, and the butt end of the weapon striking Mr. Summerfield in the abdomen, knocked him down and ruptured his bowels, causing hemorrhage. He died on Sunday night. Mr. Summerfield was 60 years old and leaves a wife and several children.
The Columbia Spy
Feb. 26, 1881
TO BE REBUILT - On Wednesday the County Commissioners decided to have the bridge, partially destroyed by ice at the mouth of the Pequea, taken down at once. Proposals will shortly be asked for the rebuilding of the bridge.
The Columbia Spy
March 5, 1881
DROPPED HIS MARKETING. Jacob McAllister, of Pequea, Lancaster county, drove to Lancaster city market the other morning, but on arriving there were astonished to find the tail-board of his wagon out and most of his marketing missing. He wondered where all his nice fresh eggs, good cheese, and bully "passengers" had gone, but on returning home, discovered the whole lot in the private lane leading to his house, where they had fallen as eh drove from home. Out of a large basket only nine were unbroken.
The Columbia Spy
March 18, 1882
MORE SLANDER SUITS. _ On Wednesday, Samuel Eshleman entered a complaint of slander against Adam C. Snyder, of Martic Forge. The complainant alleges that the defendant charged him with selling unsound meats. He lays his damages at $3,000. Deputy Sheriff Strine arrested the defendant.
Witmer Hess, John M. Bachman, and Hiram Warfel, who are charged by Henry Rush, of Pequea township, with slander, were arrested on Wednesday, by the sheriff, and they gave bail in the sum of $5,000.
Slander suits are rapidly multiplying in Lancaster county. It is a form of legal redress which was almost unknown to our courts a few years ago.
The Columbia Spy
June 30th, 1883
Local Intelligence
The Greatest Rainstorm
The New Danville road bridge, over the Conestoga, and belonging to the county, was swept away on Wednesday noon.
Lancaster New Era
November 2, 1883
Boehm's Chapel
The Oldest House of Worship in Lancaster County-Repaired and Remodeled, it Will be Reopened on Sunday, Nov. 11.
The venerable building, the oldest place of worship used by Methodists in Lancaster County, was built in 1791, from plans furnished by Rev. Richard Whatcoat in 1790. Its derived its name, "Boehm's Chapel", from the fact that the Boehm family was instrumental in its erection and contributed a large part of the funds. It is said that Henry Boehm, son of Martin Boehm, a bishop of the old United Brethren, or German Methodists, helped to haul part of the stone used in the building when quite a young man. Henry Boehm figured conspicuously among the pioneer preachers of Methodism, and was for a long time the intimate friend and traveling companion of the famous Bishop Asbury.
The building is of limestone and is located about six miles south of Lancaster city. The church was originally regarded as a model of architecture, especially in the interior. The pulpit was elevated considerable above the heads of the people, with an extended enclosure for the minister to stand in, and also a sounding board; but that was, in course of time, removed, the gallery extended around on the three sides of the building and almost covered the first floor. The seats seemed to be constructed on the principle that comfort is not compatible with worship.
The original deed of the land (in possession of the trustees,) on which the church is built, is written in a fair, clerkly hand, and is a model of neatness. It was made by Philip Gloninger, bearing date December 24, 1791.
The land was sold by Christian Herr, of Manor township to Martin Boehm and Jacob Boehm, of Conestoga township, Abraham Kenegy, John Miller, Solomon Miller and John Hart, of Martic township, Frederick Rathvon, of Strasburg township, John Buckwalter and Benjamin Souder, of Lampeter township, in trust for the sum of 5 pounds, current money of the State of Pennsylvania, to a religious society called Methodists.
The church has been lately repaired, and will be ready to re-open on Sunday, November 11. Former pastors will be present, and a grand season is expected. Love feast at 9 a.m. Preaching at 10 a.m. by J. W. Harkins, of Philadelphia. Preaching at 2 p.m. by Rev. J. T. Satchell, of Lancaster, and evening service at 7 p. m. by Rev. F. M. Brady, of Fulton circuit.
New Era
November 7, 1883
MARTIC MATTERS
Large Crane Shot - More Minerals - Extraordinary Gunning Experience.
Reuben Herr shot on Tuesday of last week a crane (Grus America) which measured in the extent of wing six feet, two inches, and from the tip of its toes to the point of its beak fifty-two inches, or four feet, four inches. This is the largest of the kind shot in this section for some time.
More Minerals
The Martic correspondent was the recipient last week of the following miners: 1 specimen of lead ore from Galena, Illinois, weight four pounds. 2 Specimen of hornblende from Southern Martic township, weight two and one half pounds. 3. Specimen of cyanite - from Southern Martic , weight two pounds. 4. Specimen of native copper from the Lake Superior region, weight eight ounces. 5. Specimen of mica schist, weight eight ounces . 6 Specimen of bronzite, weight one and a half pounds. 7. Specimen of iron pyrites upon magnetic iron, weight three pounds. 8. Specimen of copper ore form Cornwall, weight one and a half pounds. 9. Quartz crystal, weight one and a half pounds. 10. Shell rock from Massachusetts, weight six ounces. Anyone wishing to exchange minerals can communicate with the correspondent, by7 addressing U.S. Clark, Marticville, Lancaster county, Pa. Minerals and plants exchanged for minerals and plants. We have also on hand twenty-eight hundred specimens of the flora of Martic township and Southern Lancaster county, some of which we will exchange with botanists in other parts of the State. We desire to correspond with botanists and mineralogists in all parts of the State.
Good Attendance at School.
During the first month of school at Marticville, there were seventy-seven scholars in attendance - thirty-two girls and forty-five boys. Of this number twenty-one of the girls and thirty-four of the boys were present every day of the month. During the second month, the whole number of pupils in attendance was 85- 35 girls and 50 boys. Of this number 30 girls and 45 boys were present every day of the month. If any other school in the county can show a better record, we would be pleased to hear from them.
A Logical Sermon
It was our pleasure to listen, on Tuesday evening of last week, to another sermon preached by the Rev. Mr. Amthor, at the M.E. Church, at Marticville, from the test, "If the righteous scarcely are sand where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear ?"
From Conestoga - Finger Crushed
Mr. Urias Warfel, whilst working upon the Columbia and Port Deposit railroad, had the misfortune to let a railroad tie fall upon his hand, crushing it considerable. Mr. A. A. Pegan, of Conestoga, reports an ear of corn which measured eighteen inches in length. Also a beet, which weighted eleven pounds. Pretty good specimens of the vegetable kingdom.
Extraordinary Gunning Experience
Two young men of Marticville, noted as crack sportsmen, went gunning one day last week. The object of their expedition was to put an end to the innocent gambols of several representatives of the Lepus Sylviticus, commonly called rabbit, whose haunts they knew. Arriving at the place, they carefully quartered the ground, when a whispered "hush" from the lips of the crack shot of the party called a silent halt. In the vicinity of a stone pile he pointed out the dim outlines of a rabbit, raised his gun, took deliberate air and pulled the trigger. Swiftly flew the leaden death, and the young gentleman, almost frantic with his success, rushed forward to secure the coveted prize,. Imagine his disappointment - "disgust" would be a better word -when his rabbit turned out to be a peculiarly shaped gray stone,, known in common parlance as "niggerhead." It is almost as much as a man�s life is worth to say "rabbits" in his presence. Out of pity to his family and sympathy of his wounded feelings we without his name.
A Singular Freak of Nature
Mr. Jacob Clark, of Bridge Valley, husked upon the farm of Mr. Joseph Miller, of Marticville, an ear of corn which presents a close resemblance to the human hand. The ear is about ten inches long and its apex is expanded into five projections, which closely resemble the fingers of a hand. This anomaly of the vegetable kingdom may be see at the store of Mr. A. F. Bruce, in Marticlville.
New Era
November 13, 1883
DEATHS WORK
A Young Lady Found Dead on Her Bedroom Floor - An Aged Citizen�s Demise
A sudden death, that of Miss Elizabeth Young, daughter of Mr. Samuel Young, of Baumgardner�s mill, Pequea township, occurred in Marticville, Martic township, some time last night or this morning. The deceased was living with her brother, Sam�l Young, jr., who resides at Marticville. Miss Young was laboring for some time with an affection of the lungs, and it is the opinion of Dr. L.M. Bryson, who was called in, that in a fit of coughing she ruptured a blood-vessel, and bled to death before assistance could be called. She was found upon the floor of her bed-room, quite dead, and surrounded by a pool of blood. An inquest was held upon the remains, this morning, by Deputy Coroner Jacob F. Herr, who summoned the following jurors: James Creamer, Alexander Hemperly, Albert Guiles, John Shank, Walter Albright and Benj. Herr. Dr. L.M. Bryson attended as Coroner�s physician. The verdict of the jury was that Miss Young came to her death from hemorrhage produced by the rupture of a blood vessel, brought about by a violent cough. The funeral will take place from the residence of her brother, Samuel Young, Jr. The remains will be interred at Byerlin Old Mennonite church. Miss Young was in the forty-third year of her age.
Lancaster New Era
Nov. 22, 1883
WIDE AWAKE WEST WILLOW
Happenings in and Around the place, as Told by a Correspondent
Our public highways were perhaps never in better condition than at present. This is mainly due to the efficient management of our supervisor, Mr. Hershock, who has spared no pains to make the roads what they should be, instead of public nuisances, as is the case in many districts.
Agricultural Notes
Mr. Jacob Goss, employed on the farm of Samuel Mylin, esq., planted a row of potatoes thirty-six yards in length, from one tuber, the yield being two bushels-more or less.
Mr. Eli Mylin, a progressive and intelligent farmer, residing near Valley station, has now in operation on his farm a large stream feed mill, the machinery being driven by a twelve-horse power engine.
Mr. Daniel Stokes, of Pequea, husked in one day on the farm of Mr. Heidelbach, one hundred shocks of corn, the shocks being the usual size. This feat, we believe, has never been equaled, and entitles Mr. S. to the championship of the county.
A few days since, while on the farm of Mr. Frank Mylin, of Pequea, we were shown a strange freak of nature in the form of a large stock of corn, containing four perfectly-developed ears. The stock was cut by Mr. Al. Brooks, an employee of Mr. Mylin, and is still in his possession. The yield from a part of this field was one hundred bushels to the acre, some of the ears being fifteen inches in length.
Building Improvements
Quite a number of building improvements have been made here during the past year.
Capt. Richard Hicks, one of our prominent citizens, has built for himself a handsome residence near Baumgardner's Station. The building stands upon the summit of a hill, and commands a fine view of the surrounding country.
Mr. Weaver, who purchased the farm formerly owned by Cyrus Charles, has removed the old buildings and erected others in their stead. Mr. Bachman, the contractor, did his work admirably, and Mr. W. can congratulate himself on having the handsomest farm buildings in Pequea.
The work of remodeling the old church, known as Boehm's Chapel, an account of which has already been published, was done under the direction of Messrs. Hackman and Brenneman, two of the leading builders and contractors of Pequea. The building occupies a prominent site east of the Quarryville railroad, and on account of its great age and the many incidents connected with its history, is an object of more than ordinary interest to travelers.
During the past year extensive repairs have been made on the Quarryville branch of the Reading railroad. In many places new ties and rails have been put in and the road reballasted. The two sections between West Willow and Refton, udder the superintendency of Emanuel McCorkle and Diller Plank, are considered the most perfectly-constructed of any of the division.
About a year ago Mr. A. H. Harnish, of West Willow, constructed a large pond near the village, and placed therein about a thousand German carp. During the present fall two additional ponds have been added, and which will be used exclusively as hatcheries. These ponds are a great attraction to the village, and have been visited by persons from all parts of the county.
The old mill, on the Pequea known as Baumgardner's and owned by Thomas Baumgardner, esq., of Lancaster, has lately been remodeled and improved. New and costly machinery has been introduced, securing the advantages of the newer method in the manufacture of flour. Under the management of Mr. Young, this mill has secured a large patronage, their shipments of flour to Philadelphia and other points amounting to thousands of barrels in the course of the year.
During the week of the Institute, the school house at the valley was thoroughly renovated and repaired. New and improved charts, as well as other appliances in the work of instruction, have been added, making the room in its interior as well as exterior arrangements one of the most complete in the district. Mr. Heidlebach, the director in charge, by his efforts in behalf of the school, merits the thanks of teacher and pupils, as well as the warm approval of the intelligent and progressive citizens of the community.
Prof. Brecht's Annual Visit
Professor M. J. Brecht, the newly-appointed County Superintendent, has paid us the annual visit, and reports the schools as being in excellent condition. He is a gentleman of commanding presence, as well as scholarly attainments, and possesses the rare faculty of enlisting and holding the attention of children. He is winning golden opinions from teachers and directors, and is deemed a worthy successor of the eminent men who have preceded him in the same field.
New Era,
November 22, 1883
DIED
HEINEY. November 21st, 1883, in Lancaster township, Isaac Heiney, sr., in the 74th year of his age.br>
The relatives and friends of the family are respectfully invited to attend the funeral from the residence of his son-in-law, Abram Fisher, on Friday afternoon at 1 o�clock. Services and interment at the Old Mennonite Church, New Danville.
Lancaster Examiner & Herald
January 23, 1884
Big Porkers- A Good Crop of Tobacco-Sleighing Accident
Pequea has long been famous for big porkers. The "returns" as far as heard from the present season are as follows: Benj. Good killed one that weighed 402 pounds; Mr. Witmer, two, 800 pounds; Christian Mylin, one 461 pounds; Jacob Heidelbach, one, 548 pounds, and Frank Mylin one to kill that will tip the beam at 500 pounds.
While in Millersville a few days since we were informed that Benjamin Eshleman grew on the farm of Jacob Hostetter, of Manor, on three acres of ground 5,700 pounds of Havans tobacco. The crop was sold at 25 cents through, realizing over fourteen hundred dollars by the sale. The above shows the possibilities of tobacco farming with a basis of good seed, good soil, and skillful handling, and proves conclusively that Lancaster county will be in the future, as she has been in the past, the leading tobacco growing district in the United States.
Cyrus Harnish is home on a visit from Dakota.
Benjamin Mylin, son of Eli Mylin, Esq., will go west in the spring.
Porter Rutter claims to be the champion skater of Pequea.
Protracted meetings are being held at different points and with marked success.
A new building for the accommodation of passengers is needed at the valley station. The present one is unsuitable for the purpose and is a disgrace to the company.
On Sunday evening while Mr. Benjamin Goss and wife were returning from church services at Boehm's chapel in a sleigh, the backing straps broke, and the sleigh crowding upon the horses heels, the animal commenced to kick. In a few minutes the horse, sleigh and occupants were in the gutter, with one of the shafts resting on R. Goss' leg, and the horse on tip of it. The sum total of the accident is a broken sleigh, a scared wife, and a husband confined to his room with a broken leg.
On Wednesday evening, while a party was in progress at the Valley Hotel, a constable from Drumore arrived with a prisoner, on his way to Lancaster. Being somewhat tired, etc., the officer concluded to lie down awhile. This proved to be an unfortunate move, as during the nap, the prisoner made his escape and has not been heard of since.
During the past week two of our directors, Messrs. McAllister and Shenk, spent a few hours very pleasantly at the Pequea Valley school. Both gentleman made addresses, commending the pupils for their excellent deportment and good recitations, as well as for the spirit and interest which seemed to pervade the school.
Through the kindness of Mr. Frank Mylin, of Pequea, we enjoyed a splendid sleigh ride on Friday evening, behind his Kentucky thoroughbred, "Jack." The animal is a dark roan, with black mane and tail, and will be five years old the coming spring. He is valued at five hundred dollars, and is, without doubt, the handsomest specimen of a thoroughbred trotter to be found in the county.
Lancaster New Era
November 4, 1884
West Willow
Happenings In and Around the Place-A Vicious Cow-Industrial Notes
Masters Oliver Kreider and Charles Cochran, of West Willow, are the owners, each, of a pullet that lays, every other day, an egg with a double yolk. We were shown, a few days since, by Master Joseph Cochran, of Pequea, a monster red beet that tips the beam at six pounds. "Dode" is rather proud of his big root, and would like to know who can "beet" it. One of the largest quinces we have ever seen was taken from a tree in the yard of Martin Huber, of West Willow. It measured fourteen inches in circumference and weighed one and a-quarter pounds. On Tuesday evening our citizens were treated to some choice selections of music by the Mt. Nebo Cornet Band. It is under the leadership of Mr. Jacob K. Shenk, of Mt. Nebo, and for its age, two years, is not excelled by any musical organization in the county. Mr. Harry Lintner, of the firm of Litner & Grosh, stock dealers of Millersville, purchased a number of cows in this neighborhood during the past week. The prices paid were quite liberal, and, as a result, the above firm have secured some of the best stock in this section of the county. The present is one of the best apple seasons we have had in many years. Mr. Sigman informs us that from a large tree in the orchard of Mr. John Sener there were taken thirty-five bushels that were gathered from under the tree at different times.
A Machine for Repacking Cigars
Mr. Washington Jones, of Lancaster, assistant packer in the cigar factory of Zercher & Hess, at West Willow, has lately invented a machine-for repacking cigars. Though simple in construction, it does rapid and effective work, and will, doubtless, in the near future, entirely supersede the old system of hand packing. The Pequea School Board, at its last meeting, decided to put in a new floor and repaint the blackboards at the school at West Willow. For their prompt action in this matter the Directors are entitled to the thanks of teacher and pupils, as the above are much-needed improvements.
Brief Mention
Among the distinguished checker players of this section we note the names of George Caffrey, of West Lampeter, and Al Sullivan and Harry Weller, of West Willow. The last named gentleman have triumphed over most of their opponents; while Mr. Caffrey has not only worsted both of these in nearly every encounter, but defeated some of the best checker players in Lancaster county.
A good joke is told of a country operator on one of the branch lines of the Reading railroad. Having called on a certain night, to see his lady love in Lancaster, he tarried too long, missed the last train and was obliged to walk home through the rain and mud, a distance of five miles. Here he arrived the next morning about daylight, with all the love and ambition washed out of him-a sadder, and, it is hoped, a wiser man.
In a former communication we referred to the extensive cigar manufactory of Zerchar & Hess, of West Willow. Next to it in size and importance is the factory of Harry Herr of the same place. Mr. Herr employees quite a number of hands, uses good material and produces an excellent grade of goods. His foreman, Mr. Weller, has been engaged in the business for a period of twenty-three years, and is considered a first-class workman.
We are pleased to notice that Mr. Simeon Tshudy, of Lancaster, has established a furniture manufactory in our village. Mr. T. has for many years acted as foreman of a large establishment in this city, and comes well recommended by his former employers. His reputation is fully sustained by his work, which gives entire satisfaction, and stamps him as a master mechanic. We predict for him a large patronage and abundant success.
On Wednesday morning, as Mamie Lipp, of West Willow, was on her way to school, she was attacked by a vicious cow belonging to Mr. Elam Zercher. The animal caught the child on its horns and pinned her to the fence, and, but for the timely arrival of Mr. Zercher and William Cochran, would have killed her on the spot. As it was she was considerably bruised and badly frightened, and will doubtless never forget the exciting events of that morning.
The percentage of attendance at the school at West Willow during the past month was for the girls 96, and for the boys 98 percent. The following pupils attended school every day during the month: Amos Ritz, Oliver Ritz, Ezra Huber, Isaac Keesey, Calvin Kendig, Jacob Kreider, Walter Mowrer, George Sigman, Frank Sigman, Serenus Harnish, Mary Lipp, Alice Miley, Minnie Martin, Kate Keesey, Kate Kaiser, Emma Kreider, Ida Cochran, Ella McCorkle, Bertie Harnish, Mary Harnish, Lottie Harnish and Lillie Harnish.
On Saturday a game of quoits for the championship of Lancaster county was played at West Willow between Jack Martin, hotel proprietor of that place, and Jake Harnish, cigarmaker, of Lancaster. The following is the score: First game -Martin, 14; Harnish 1; second game-Martin, 15; Harnish 0; third game-Martin, 15; Harnish 0. At the close of the contest Mr. Harnish started for the West, and, it is supposed, is playing "big injun" somewhere in the vicinity of Omaha.
Three of the leading tobacco buyers of Pennsylvania reside at West Willow, viz: John Sener, of the firm of Dohn & Fate, of Philadelphia; Jacob L. Kreider, buyer for Friend & Co., of New York, and A. H. Harnish, representing Oppenheimer & Co., of the same city. Most of their purchases during the coming season will be of the home product; although Mr. Kreider may extend his filed of operations into Chester. They pronounce the present crop as an exceptional one, being the best, in many respects, ever raised in Lancaster county.
The New Era,
November 21, 1884
MARTIC AND PEQUEA
Attacked by a Tramp - Rented his Hotel, Abandoned his Profession
Last week, while Miss Ida Hambleton, of Mount Nebo, and Miss Hensel were driving from Fairmount, in Britain township, to Quarryville, and wile midway between the two places, they were suddenly attacked by a tramp, who seized their horse by the head and made an attempt to stop him. Miss Hambleton, by a vigorous application of the whip, succeeded in making the tramp release the horse, and they made good time to Quarryville. Both ladies were terribly frightened, but beyond this suffered no injury. What the object of the attack was, we did not learn.
WILL ORGANIZE A LYCEUM
The lyceum at Mount Nebo, Martic township, which has been in successful operation for the last three or four winters, will be opened on Friday evening of the present week. This lyceum has heretofore been one of the most successful in this end of the county, and we hope that the session about to convene will not fall below its former fame.
PEQUEA
Not that the farmers of Pequea township have succeeded in husking their crop of corn, they are anxiously waiting for the weather to assume such a condition as will enable them to prepare their tobacco crop for the market. There are many first-class crops in this vicinity, and it is to be hoped that the farmers will have as much success in selling their crops as they have had in raising them. It will be to the interest of those who contemplate buying this staple to visit this neighborhood.
RENTED HIS HOTEL
Mr. Benjamin Charles, hotel keeper at Pequea Valley, has rented his hotel stand to his brother, Mr. Aaron Charles, who will take possession of the premises in the spring. Mr. Charles has had some experience in the matter of managing a hotel, having been formerly engaged in this business at the Buck, this county, and is one of those men who know how a good hotel ought to be kept, and who have the ability and moral stamina to keep it as the law requires. We bespeak for him an abundant share of success in his business. The present proprietor, we apprehend, will take charge of his farm in this vicinity.
GIVEN UP THE PROFESSION
We are informed, through a reliable source, that Prof. James Andrews, who for many years taught a select school at Union, Colerain township, has abandoned the profession of teaching, and that the house in which he formerly taught is now for rent. This is a good opening for some live teachers who desires to teach a select school.
GOT HER CERTIFICATE.
On Thursday of last week, Miss Dora McGuigon, one of the teachers of Martic township, succeeded in securing a permanent certificate, not, however, to teach school, but from a minister to take charge of the house and home of one of Martic�s enterprising young men. The fortunate groom is Mr. Oscar D. Brubaker, son of Mr. Rolandus Brubaker, of Martic township. We wish them a prosperous voyage, fair sailing and a safe anchor when the voyage of life is ended.
Lancaster New Era
December 2, 1884
Martic and Pequea
Broke His Arm-Protracted Meeting - Good Attendance
We are informed that Mr. Jacob Hart, residing near the village of Mount Nebo, Martic township, met with an accident a short time ago by which his arm was broken. We were not informed as to how the accident happened, but simply of the fact.
Protracted Meeting
A protracted meeting is in progress, and has been for some time, at "Boehm's Chapel," Pequea township. Several conversions are reported. The meeting is under the charge of Rev. Smith, of the Safe Harbor Circuit.
Good Attendance
Ever since the adjournment of the Teacher's Institute, every male pupil upon the list in the school at Pequea Valley, has been in attendance every day. The following pupils have not missed a day since school commenced.
Misses Ida Hess, Nora Stoke, Ida Shank, Bertha Mylin, and Lizzie Ulmer. Upon the part of the boys, the following have been in attendance every day. Master Frank Hershenk, John Mylin, Walter Mylin, and Jacob Stoke. We hope that this good attendance will continue during the term.
Fall of a Blain Pole
Messrs. Samuel Charles and Thomas Walkingshaw, the former a son and the latter a hired man of Mr. Benjamin Charles, on Wednesday morning of last week, dug out the Blain and Logan pole, which Mr. Charles had erected during the Presidential campaign. Just as the correspondent was passing the hotel on his way to school upon the morning above indicated, the pole fell from its lofty height, and lay prostrate upon the ground, but fortunately no one was hurt.
Paying an Election Bet
The following bet was made between Mr. O. F. Groff, proprietor of one of the hotels at Rawlinsville, Martic township, and Mr. T. J. Shirk, of Providence. If Blain was elected, Mr. Shirk was to wheel Mr. Groff through the village of Rawlinsville. If Cleveland was elected Mr. Groff was to perform the same office for Mr. Shirk. At 6:30 on Saturday evening of last week, Groff wheeled Shirk and his thirty-five cent drum through the village. Ahead of them was about a half a dozen boys with torches given to them by Republicans. There was one single hurrah sounded, and that by a telegraph operator, measuring six feet, three inches, who does not have a vote.
Lancaster New Era
Dec. 6, 1884
Martic And Pequea
Lost of a Valuable Cow - Sale of a Hotel Property-Purchase of a Farm
Mr. Aaron Charles, of Pequea Valley, suffered quite a serious loss on Saturday of last week. He had a very valuable cow, which, as we understand, he had refused sixty dollars for. A few days ago, she was attacked with a running sore in the leg, gangrene supervened, and on the morning above indicated he was compelled to shoot her. As Mr. Charles is a comparatively poor man, the loss is severely felt by him.
Sale of Real Estate
The hotel property at Marticville, owned formerly by Mr. David Huber, and subsequently by Mr. Frances B. Groff, deceased, was sold at public sale on Saturday of last week, Mr. Amos Groff, of Lancaster, being the purchaser. The sum for which the property was sold was $4,000. Mr. Charles Miller, son-in-law of Mr. Amos Groff, will take charge of the hotel in the spring. The personal property attached to the hotel was not, so far as we could ascertain, offered for sale. It will probably be disposed of at a later period in the season.
Meeting of the School Board
The Board of School Directors of Pequea township met at the public house of Mr. John Martin, West Willow, on Saturday afternoon of last week, for the purpose of taking into consideration the wants of the schools of this district. They did not forget to make glad the hearts of some of their teachers, also, by giving them vouchers for a months salary. Not the least interesting part of the program was a magnificent supper of roast turkey, furnished to the Board and the teachers who remained to supper. Mrs. Martin, the genial wife of mine host, understands well how to cater to the appetites of her guests.
Purchase a Farm
Mr. Benjamin Charles, proprietor of the Pequea Valley Hotel, recently purchased the farm known as the Burgis property in Providence township. Mr. Charles has a son married the present fall, and it is his intention to put his son upon the farm in this spring.
Obituary
Death has again visited this district, the victim being a little daughter of Mr. Jos. Charles, aged four months. The particular disease of which she died was not known, but the attendant physician pronounced it some affection of the heart. The interment was made in the burying ground attached to Boehm's Chapel. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. Smith, of the Safe Harbor Circuit.
The Weed
Some of the farmers in this section have already commenced to strip their tobacco, and others are only waiting for the weather to assume a favorable condition that they may push their work to a conclusion. We hear of some few complaints of white-veined tobacco, but none to warrant any serious fears upon that score. All the farmers were very successful to curing their crops, and the present is said to be the most successful that has been grown in this vicinity for a number of years. If the farmers are as fortunate in disposing of as they were in raising their crops, their labor will not have been in vain.
Brevities
Miss Lizzie Breneman, daughter of Mr. Frank Breneman, merchant at Rawlinsville, and teachers of one of the schools of Eden township, paid a visit to the school at Pequea Valley, one day last week.
The correspondent of the The New Era will open a school at Rawlinsville during the coming spring. The school will be devoted especially to the training of teachers, particularly those who are not able, financially, to take a session at the Normal. Special attention will be given to the theory of teaching, and the terms will be reasonable. Mr. Clark's postoffice is Refton.
New Era
December 22, 1884
Pequea Items
THEIVES ABOUT - A NUMBER OF LARCENIES - BIG PORKERS
A few evenings since, some thief or thieves, not having the fear of the law before their eyes, entered the cellar of Mr. Benjamin Good, of Pequea Valley, and stone there from four crocks of pudding meat. Mr. Good, who was in bed, heard the thief unlock the kitchen door, proceed to the cellar and leave the house by the same way entered, but supposing it to be his daughter returning form church he made no investigation, and the perpetrator of the theft escaped. His loss was not discovered till the next morning. Mr. Good had just butchered the day before, and the person who perpetrated the outrage was, doubtless, familiar with this fact, and also well acquainted with the premises.
While Mrs. Witmer, wife of Mr. Benj. Witmer, of Pequea Valley, was on her way to market last week, some one stoke a fine fat gobbler from her wagon. The theft was not discovered until she reached town. It was suggested that the turkey may have made his own escape from the wagon during the drive to town, but Mrs. Witmer scouts this theory, as she had both the wings and legs of the bird securely tied, and in addition had him covered in a large basket. Somebody got a Christmas turkey without any cost.
Some thief, or thieves, invaded the premises of Mr. Samuel Miller, Providence township, recently and carried off a considerable amount of his property. We did not learn what was the extent of Mr. Miller�s loss No clue to the perpetrators of these numerous thefts has, as yet, been discovered. Several other places in the neighborhood have had their hen and turkey roosts raided. Thieves also made a raid upon the premises of Mr. Benjamin Snavely, of West Willow, last week, and carried off several articles of property.
One day last week Messrs. John Hess and John Martin, of Pequea Valley, chopped one hundred and sixteen pounds of sausage meat in the short space of one hour and fifteen minutes. This we consider pretty hard to beat.
Mr. Henry Andrew, of Pequea Valley, killed two porkers last week, the aggregate weight of which was seven hundred and ninety-one pounds; Mr. Frank Mylin, two aggregating eight hundred and forty-one pounds; Mr. Henry Eckman two, each ten months old, which aggregated something over six hundred and seventy pounds, Pequea Valley is prolific in large porkers.
Lancaster New Era
Dec. 24, 1884
Pequea Items
All About a Turkey - A Tribute to a Worthy Man
The theory advanced by a correspondent that the turkey which we reported as having been stolen from Mrs. Catherine Witmer, while on her way to market, was not stolen, but had escaped from the wagon, has since proved to be correct. The turkey was found by Mr. Abraham Brenneman, upon the road leading from the valley to Lancaster. As Mr. Brenneman could not discover for some time to whom the turkey belonged, he killed and we presume made a dinner of it, as we have not heard of its being returned to the owner.
The correspondent, who boards with Mrs. Witmer, has not had the pleasure of feasting upon it, and , and this fact leads us to suppose that it has long since been incorporated into the muscular fiber of Mr. Brenneman and his family. Mrs. Witmer must learn to fasten her turkeys more securely the next time she has occasion to visit market with this particular kind of fowl.
A Tribute to a Worthy Man
Mr. John S. Ewing, an old and respected citizen of Martic township, departed this life, as his residence near Mt. Nebo, as has already been mentioned in these columns, on Thursday of last week. Deceased was for a long time well and favorably known in the community in which he lived. During his younger years he worked as a hand in the forge, known as Martic Forge, near Marticville. He subsequently bought a small farm near Mt. Nebo, on which he resided at the time of his death. He was married to a sister of Mr. D. S. McElhany, the well-known brickmaker of Marticville. From this union resulted 10 children - William, Jas. A., John, Mary E., Sarah, George, Harry, Amanda, Samuel and Rettie, all of whom are living. William lives in Kansas, and is clerk of Lyon County Court, James in Ohio, John in Ohio, George is an editor of a newspaper in one of the Western States, Harry a clerk in a store in Lyon county, Kansas, Mary E. is the wife of Mr. Lofian, a noted mechanic of Philadelphia, Sarah is the wife of Mr. L. R. Hasting, of Drumore township, Amanda is the wife of Mr. Erastus Ritchie, of the same township, while Samuel and Rettie are still at home with their mother. Mr. Ewing was a good citizen, a Republican in politics, having held several offices of trust and profit in the township of Martic, a great friend of common school education, and a sincere and earnest Christian. He was connected with the Methodist church almost from his boyhood. In the death of Mr. Ewing the township has lost a good citizen, the cause of education an active and earnest supporter, the church an active and consistent member, his wife a loving husband, and his sons and daughters a kind and affectionate father. His death warns us all to prepare for the same great change. The writer of this article can truly bear testimony to the sterling worth of Mr. Ewing, having known him since the year 1862. When as a boy the writer came to Martic township for the purpose of teaching school, the friendship between him and the subject of this sketch began and has continued ever since, growing and strengthening as the years advanced. Green be the turf above the grave of our valued friend, and may we live so as to meet him in a better land, where the parting word is not said, the parting tear is not shed, and forgotten is a forbidden word.
The Columbia Spy
Jan. 21, 1888
A STRANGE DEATH AND LARGE FUNERAL
What impure Drinking Water Will Do - ?
The largest funeral in the history of Pequea township took place on Sunday afternoon when the body of the later Jacob Eckman was laid in its last resting place. The church at New Danville was packed with people, fully nine hundred being in attendance and hundreds could not gain admittance. So great was the crowd that when the services were concluded, the people had to be dispersed so that the funeral procession could be formed. In the funeral cortege were 270 carriages. The distance from the church to the burying ground was about a mile.
When the services were concluded five hundred people repaired to the house and partook of dinner. All were invited, but the accommodations were not ample enough to entertain the great gathering.
Mr. Eckman leaves a wife and seven children. He was ill but a week. Typhoid fever was the cause of his death.
His friends believe that he contracted the disease from drinking impure water while working at Donegal, and this belief is strengthened by the fact that three of his workmen, who were with him at that place at the same time are now lying critically ill. They are three brothers, named Frey, and live in Millersville. One of them was so low on Sunday that his life is despaired of.
The funeral feast was a great affair. About five hundred people partook of it. A large corps of skillful cooks were engaged two days in baking, roasting and cooking for the event. Long tables were provided. Hams, roasts, vegetables, coffee, chocolate and tea formed the principal articles on the bill of fare. People drove from the burial ground back to the house, several miles out of their way home, just to get something to eat. Funeral-baked meats have peculiar attractions for some people.
Intelligencer
June 15, 1888
Infrequent Visitors
The Seventeen-Year Locusts Again Appear in Pequea Valley
Some Facts Concerning the Habits of this Insect-They Sing and Eat Leaves, but Never Sting People-Dr. S. S. Rathvon Remembers seeing them in 1817
The seventeen-year locust, the cicada septendecion of the scientists, is beginning to make its appearance in some parts of the Pequea valley. Farmers are plowing or hoeing them up in the fields, and the probability is they will soon cover the trees and bushes in immense numbers. It is a little too early yet for their appearance, the last week in June or the first in July being their season for coming to the earth's surface after their seventeen years of subterranean existence.
No doubt some of the older inhabitants will remember when the locusts visited the Pequea seventeen years ago. Prof. Riley, a noted scientist in the employ of the United States government, several years ago predicted that the locusts would appear this year in the Pequea region. Almost everybody remembers the swarms of them that appeared in Lancaster and York counties in 1885. It is a well-known fact that the seventeen year locusts appear in different sections in different years. Dr. S. S. Rathvon remembers their appearance in Hellam township in 1817, when he was a small boy, and subsequently in 1834, 1851, 1868 and 1885. These were an entirely distinct brood from the Pequea locusts, though it occasionally happens that the two broods overlap in the territory occupied by them, and hence appear twice in seventeen years; but this is only an accident, a portion of the brood having overstepped its territory, and thus apparently come up at the wrong time, but everyone of them had their seventeen years under ground.
It has been noted that there are two varieties of these locusts, a larger and smaller variety. The smaller variety is very dark, nearly black, and has very fine wing tracings; the larger variety is of a lighter brown color.
Our friends along the Pequea will be rendering a service to science if they will capture specimens of the locust and forward them to Dr. S. S. Rathvon, 506 North Queen street. They should be captured alive, and sent in small paper boxes, or wide mouthed bottle, uncorked, and with a piece of thin muslin or mosquito bar tied over the mouth of the bottle.
They have been in times past a good many stories circulated that persons had been stung by the seventeen-year locusts. Dr. Rathvon tells us there is not upon record one well authenticated case of a person being stung by a locust. They may be gathered by the handful, and handled with impunity. They are perfectly harmless except that they will puncture the trees when laying their eggs.
The Inquirer
August 4, 1888
David Rutt, ten years old, living near West Willow, was trampled and gored by a bull while driving home his father�s cattle and so badly hurt that he may die.
Jacob, Fannie and Mamie Hess, of Pequea, driving through Willow street on Saturday last, were run into by another buggy. One of the girls jumped from the buggy and the other fainted.
New Era
November 16, 1888
BOEHM�S CHAPEL
The Interesting ceremonies of the Reopening- An Old Building Modernized.
n spite of the inclement weather, the reopening of Boehm�s chapel last Sunday was a success. Before nine o�clock in the morning the people began to assemble, and it was found necessary to place benches in the aisles. Many sat on the chancel rail and pulpit platform. Others were obliged to stand. It is safe to say that had the weather been favorable the church would not have held one half of the people, so great is the interest in this old landmark of Methodism.
To those who had seen the church previous to its alteration it seemed as if Aladdin�s lamp had been brought into requisition, so complete was the transformation effected.
Boehm�s is substantially new as to its interior, and unless some unlooked-or mishap befall it is good for at least another half century of service. The old gallery, lofty pulpit and bac-breaking benches have disappeared. New and comfortable pulpit and benches have been put in. The modern demand for "more light" is met by day by new and enlarged windows, and by night by a new chandelier and bracket lamps. Folding doors replace the old fashioned, latched door that for so many years admitted saint and sinner. A new clock keeps the parson�s sermon within bounds, and the painter�s art has covered a multitude of sins of omission and commission. A new tin roof bids defiance to Jupiter Pluvius. The walls are repainted, and to mark denomination and other lines new fences have bee set in place. It is also intended to build new carriage sheds.
After the Quarterly Love Feast, Rev. J. W. Harkins, of Philadelphia, a former pastor, preached an interesting sermon. The past then stated that $300 were yet needed to cover cost of improvements and called for subscriptions. Two hundred and sixty-nine dollars were subscribed in a few minutes, which sum, in the afternoon, after an excellent sermon by Rev. J. T. Satchell, of Lancaster, was increased to $320. Rev. F. M. Brady, a former pastor, preached an earnest sermon in the evening, and one penitent was present at the altar. The total cost of the improvements was $750.
A pleasant surprise was the gift of Miss Eliza Smith, of Lancaster, consisting of a beautiful floral design and framed picture of "Father" Boehm, taken at the age of 101.
Philadelphia Inquirer
January 20, 1890
Married
HESS-MOWRER - On January 14, 1890, by Rev. D. W. Gerhard, at his residence, No. 131 South Duke street, Lancaster, Pa. Mr. Jacob L. Hess, Jr., of New Danville, and Miss Lillie R. Mowrer, or West Lampeter township.
Daily New Era
August 5th, 1890
His Thumb will be Saved
Galen Ressler, of New Danville, who had the thumb of his right hand badly cut at the Caramel factory last week, is doing well. The wounded thumb, which bled profusely, was dressed by Dr. R. A. Campbell, who states that the thumb will not have to be amputated.
Philadelphia Inquirer
October 10, 1890
Three Weddings at Lancaster
Special to the Inquirer
Lancaster, Oct. 9. - C,.K. Herr, of New Danville, and Miss F. F. Charles, of Mountville, were married this morning by Rev. D. W. Gerhard, at the residence of the minister. Mr. Christian Frantz, of Millersville was best man and Miss Hettie F. Charles, sister of the bride, was maid of honor.
Philadelphia Inquirer
March 4, 1891
At 5 o'clock last evening there was a pretty wedding at New Danville of prominent young folk, Mr. D. H. Bausman, of Lancaster township, being married to Miss Anna, daughter of John B. Myers. The ceremony was performed at the bride's home by Rev. J. M. Titzel, of Lancaste.
Lancaster New Era
April 8, 1893
A Venerable Rolls
Mr. George K. Harnish, residing near Baumgardner's Mill, in Pequea township, is tearing down an old house, preparatory to creating a new one on the old site. While doing so he came across a sandstone about eight and an half inches high and as wide, and almost three and one half feet long, on which were the following figures and letters. "1738, H. B." The old house was built by Henry Buyers, one of the first settlers in that locality, who located right among the Indians. The place has had but three owners. It passed from Buyers to a man named Smith and from him to Mr. Harnish. The stone weighs about fifty pounds, and may be regarded as one of the oldest relics of that part of the country.
Philadelphia Inquirer
June 13, 1893
TORNADO IN LANCASTER COUNTY
Special to the Inquirer
LANCASTER, June 12 - A tornado visited the southern end of Lancaster county last evening, doing great damage about New Danville, New Providence, West Willow and Refton.
Philadelphia Inquirer
January 11, 1895
Suicide of a Farmer
Lancaster, Jan. 10 - David Haverstick, a farmer, 69 years old, of Pequea township, was found hanging in his barn later yesterday, having committed suicide. The cause is ascribed to melancholia due to the death of his mother about a year ago.
Philadelphia Inquirer
March 4, 1896
Burned Corpse Found
Supposed to Be That of a Tramp Whose Smoke Cost Him His Life
Lancaster, March 3 - The burned trunk of a man's body has been found in the ruins of the barn of George K. Herr, in Pequea township, which burned early yesterday morning.
It is supposed that a tramp took refuge in the barn on Sunday night and ignited the straw with his pipe, perishing in the fire.
Lancaster Inquirer
March 7th, 1896
BURNED IN A BARN
George K. Herr�s Large Barn in Pequea Destroyed on Monday.
HUMAN BONES FOUND IN THE ASHES
Nineteen Head of Cattle Perish in the Flames-Horses Saved.
A large barn on the farm of George K. Herr, near Willow Street, was destroyed by fire early Monday morning with nineteen head of cows and steers and several wagons and other farming utensils. All the horses were saved only by a desperate battle with smoke and fire. Loss $1000, and insured for $2,800 in the Mennonite Mutual company of manor township. The fire is believed to have been started by tramps as several suspicious looking fellows were in the neighborhood on Sunday.
The barn was a frame structure, 40x80 feet. The fire was discovered at 4 o�clock by Mr. Herr, who hastily dressed and ran to the barn. He entered the horse stable and succeeded in getting the four horses out. By this time the entire building was in flames, but he made an effort to get into the cow stable to release the cattle. He was driven back by the intense heat, and all the stock in that department were burned to death.
His house stood about 40 yards from the barn, but the wind blew the flames away from the house and that building was not damaged any. There was a high wind prevailing at the time and the sparks from the burning barn were carried an eighth of a mile distant. Some of them fell on the manure pile of Henry Harnish, and it was on fire several times and once Mr. Harnish�s barn was on fire but neighbors extinguished the flames.
There was in the building that was destroyed the hay, straw, corn and wheat from the 80-acre farm owned by Mr. Herr. In the cattle stable there were six fat steers and thirteen milk cows and feeding steers, all of which were burned to death. Nearly all the farming implements of Mr. Herr were in the barn, and they also were consumed.
On Monday afternoon while clearing up the debris of the burned building some human bones were found. It is supposed that a tramp had slept in the barn during the nigh, and in lighting his pipe or in some manner had accidently set fire to the hay and was unable to get away before being overcome by the fire or smoke.
The Pequea correspondent of the Inquirer informs us that an opinion prevails in that neighborhood that the person was the victim of foul play and that the building was fired to cover the tracks of the perpetrators of the crime. A band of tramps have a rendezvous near the Herr property and often quarrel among themselves.
It is now pretty certain that the charred bones found in the ruins were those of James Reed, the insane man, who escaped from the County Almshouse on Saturday night.
A man has been found who said that on Sunday he saw a man answering the description of Reed in the neighborhood of Herr�s barn, in which he said he was going to sleep. Reed had only been in the county a few months and no one knows where he belonged. All he would say was that he lived in the West.
Philadelphia Inquirer
January 19th, 1898
CHILD FATALLY BURNED
Four-Year Old Plays With Matches and Cannot Recover
Special to The Inquirer
Lancaster, Pa., Jan. 18. - The four-year old daughter of Henry Urban, of Pequea township, was fatally burned last night while playing with matches.
The victim was frightfully burned. She inhaled the flames and cannot recover.
New Ear
February 2, 1903
Obituary
Mrs. Mary A. Chryst Dies at a Great Age, Leaving Numerous Descendants
Mrs. Mary A Chryst, of West Willow, widow of Daniel Chryst, died at eleven o�clock Sunday night from a complication of diseases, being in her ninetieth year. Several years ago she had a paralytic attack, and had not been in good health since. Mr. Chryst was a native of Lancaster county, and for fifty-eight years was a member of the Mennonite Church. Her surviving children are: Mrs. Mary Diffenbaugh and Mrs. George Rowe, of Lancaster; John, of Willow Street; Mrs. Amos Ritz, of West Willow, and Benjamin and Abram of Ohio. She is also survived by twenty-eight grandchildren and thirty-four great-grandchildren and thirty-four great-grandchildren. The funeral will be held at nine o�clock Wednesday morning from Mrs. Ritz�s home, and services will be held at the Mennonite Church at Willow Street.
New Era
February 4, 1903
DEATH OF DAVIS S. HERR
Davis S. Herr died at his home, No. 103 Church street, on Tuesday night, aged 26 years, death resulting from typhoid fever. His mother, two sisters, Mrs. Martin Kreider, and Mrs. Enos Harnish, and two brothers, Rudolph and Harry, all of New Danville, survive. The funeral will be held from his home to-morrow morning at 8 o�clock, and at 1 o�clock pm services will be held at the Millersville Mennonite church, where interment will be made.
New Era
February 5, 1903
HERR On February 3, 1903, in this city, Davis Herr, in this twenty-sixth year.
The relatives and friends of the family are respectfully invited to attend the funeral from his mother�s residence in New Danville, on Friday morning at 8:30 o�clock and at 10:30 o�clock at the Millersville Mennonite Church. Interment at cemetery adjoining.
Intelligencer
May 29, 1905
Death of Mrs. Catharine Snavely
Mrs. Catharine Sanvely died at the home of her son, Rohrer Sanvely, at New Danville, on Saturday. She had been sick for more than three months past and died of a complication of diseases. She was 76 years of age and the widow of Abram B. Snavely. Her maiden name was Rohrer and she was a daughter of the later Henry Rohrer, who lived near Strasburg. She was a member of the Reformed Mennonites and her surviving sons are Rohrer and Stoner Sanvely. Her brothers are John S. Rohrer, of Lancaster, and Henry, of Hagerstown, Md. Her funeral will take place on Tuesday morning, with services at the New Danville Reformed Mennonite church.
Lancaster New Era
January 6, 1906
THREW HERSELF IN WELL
ANNIE DAGEN'S DETERMINED SUICIDE
Ill Health, Occasioned by Coasting Accident, Followed by Mental Derangement, Led Pequea Township Girl to Death-Carefully Watched
An affair of a distressingly sad character occurred at the home of Frederick Dagen, in Pequea township, on Friday night, when his twenty-one-year old daughter, Annie, while suffering from a mental aberration, eluded the watch maintained by the family and committed suicide by throwing herself in the well.
Several years ago Miss Dagen was seriously injured in a coasting accident, her spine was affected, and since the occurrence her health was delicate and evidence was given by her behavior at various times that her mind was deranged. She became very despondent and, in order to guard against any attempt on her part to end her existence, her father sat up with her at nights. On Friday night he remained downstairs, as usual, and was seated in a room next to the one his daughter occupied. When slightly off his guard, he thinks he dozed for a few minutes. When he awoke he was startled to find that Miss Dagen had left the house. Awakening his son, the two hastened to the barn and instituted a search. Not finding any trace of the young woman, they were returning to the house, where their attention was attracted to the pump bed in the yard, from which several heavy planks had been ripped. They instantly divined what had happened.
Young Dagen promptly expressed his determination to recover his sister's body. Assistance was summoned, and he was lowered into the earth with ropes. The well is sixty feet deep, the water depth being eleven feet. At the surface of the water the young man made a gruesome discovery, finding the greatly mutilated remains with the head resting on a rocky ledge. After two hours' hard work the party succeeded in bringing the body to the surface. The head was terribly crushed from contact with the many protruding rocks that lined the excavation. One arm was broken, and there were innumerable bruises. It is believed that death was instantaneous.
Deputy Coroner S. M. Mylin, of Herrville, and Dr. A. E. Leaman, of Willow Street, were notified, and instituted an investigation. They disclosed the above state of facts, and ascribed the cause of the desperate act to mental derangement, superinduced by bad health.
Beside her parents, the young woman is survived by two brothers and two sisters. The funeral will be on Monday at 1:30 o'clock at the house, and at two o'clock at the Reformed Church, Willow Street.
Inquirer
April 24, 1906
Deaths
Rhodes, Evanna, widow of Henry, Apr. 16, at the home of her son Jacob M., at West Willow, aged --; left 4 married children.
Rineer, Aaron, Apr. 17, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Adam Lehman, in Pequea Twp., aged 65; left 7 adult children.
The Inquirer
May 25, 1907
DEATHS
LIPP, Mary, widow of Christian, near West Willow, May 17, of heart disease, aged 75; left 4 children.
Inquirer
September 28, 1907
DIED
STAUFFER, Martha, wife of Jacob, in Pequea, Sept. 19, of typhoid fever, after 6 days illness, aged 37; left 6 children.
Philadelphia Inquirer
September 28, 1907
NEED NOT GO TO PRISON
Pequea Vender of Liquor Against Law Must Only Pay $600
Special to The Inquirer
LANCASTER, Pa., Sept. 27. - With the idea of saving the county the cost of a trial John Andes, a resident of Pequea township, at a recent term of Criminal Court pleaded guilty to selling liquor without a license. He was fined $600 and sentenced to four months imprisonment. The court was subsequently informed that he had not consulted an attorney and was ignorant of the fact that the sentence included imprisonment.
Friends interceded for him and today the sentence was revoked.
Inquirer
October 12, 1907
DIED
HESS, Barbara N., widow of Abraham (who died 4 months ago), Oct. 4, in Pequea, aged 71; left 3 adult children.
Lancaster Inquirer
May 9, 1908
Died
URBAN, Susan, wife of Benj., in New Danville, May 7, of paralysis, aged 60; left 3 married children-Mrs. Amos Good of Greenland, Mrs. Tobias Klugh of Lancaster twp., Mrs. Daniel Shaeffer of Millersville.
WILL, Elam, born in Pequea twp., Apr. 30, in Newark, N.J., of paralysis, aged 66; left wife and son.
Lancaster Inquirer
May 16, 1908
DIED
RICE, George, a Union veteran, in Pequea, May 11, after a long illness, aged 68.
BUCKWALTER, Mabel, wife of Benj. H., in Conestoga Centre, May 19, of pneumonia, aged _ ; left 1 child, an infant.