Tavern Peitiions-Conestoga Township

The Conestoga Area Historical Society


Petitions for a Tavern License in Conestoga Township
During this time frame includes Pequea Township
Compiled by Gordon Reed


Taverns were originally controlled by the Colony of Pennsylvania but later controlled by the various counties. They were efforts to make sure that there were not too many taverns in a single location and that the taverns were operated in the community interest.
NOTE: Tavern petitions will be added for the other townships in our area


Year/Petitioner/ Date Filed/Advertised

1809
- George Hoffman On the road leading from Stasburg to Safeharbour, where Jacob Menart kept a public house
- Christian Snevely Occupies the house lately occupied by Tobias Kendig as a Tavern
- Ziba Webb At the mouth of the Conestoga on the Forge Road
- Nicholes Marks (Marx) The crossroads of Lancaster to McCalls Ferry and Strasburg to Safe Harbour. In the house owned by his father Jacob Marks on the road leading from Lancaster to McCalls Ferry. (Remonstration against) There are already 2 taverns, one is one-half mile and one is 100 yards. (Disallowed)

1810
-Nicholas Marks On the road from Lancaster to the Peach Bottom Ferry, where the Strasburg road intersects. (Disallowed)

1811
-George Heibner At Burkholder's Ferry where Henry Snyder has for some time kept a house.

1812
None

1813 -Samuel Lemmon Lately rented the tavern near Conestogoe commonly called Shenk's, but for the last two years occupied by the widow Shaefer and for upwards of 40 years known as such.
- John Forrer Owner and occupies a 2-story log house on the road leading from Columbia to Newport about half way between Millerstown and Lampeter Square, 8 miles
- Jacob Stoner Rented a house lately kept by John Hibner as a public house at Burkholder's Ferry
- Lewis Michy (Lewis Mucke, formally of Warwick Township) Rented a 2-story log house on the great road leading from Columbia to Wilmington, which passes through Millertown, Lampeter Square and the village of Strasburg. Waggoners pass by in great numbers.

1814 None

1815 - Philip B. Renner Occupies a house in Safeharbour known by the sign of Blue Ball, where
- Henry Kline has kept a public house of entertainment for sometime past.
- David Heiney Has for some time kept a public house; known by the sign of the Spread Eagle

1816 -John Nestleroad (John Nestebrute) Has a tavern and now occupies house which for a number of years was known as the sign of the Blue Ball, on the public road leading from Columbia to Martick Forge, well provided with stabling shed, water, etc.

1817
None

1818
None

1819
- Joseph Rathfon Rented a house on the road leading from Strasburg to Charlestown and Columbia, now occupied as a tavern by David Heiny and has been kept as such for a number of years.
- Lewis Urban On the road from Lancaster to Safeharbour and Burkholder's Ferry, about 300 yards from a Tavern of about 30 years licensed by John Kendig, Jr. Three licensed houses are at Safeharbour and within 3 miles the property of Isaac Freeman. Furthermore, Urban would be obliged to fetch his water from Kendig's well. (Not granted)
- John Forrer On the great road leading from Columbia and Blue Rock to Wilmington (Not granted)
- John Forry (Alas John Forrer) A large and convienent house on the road from Newport through Strasburg to Columbia.
- New Stand, A house never used as a tavern on the road leading from Strasburg to Columbia. There is another house about 150 yards away, occupied as a tavern for a number of years. (Not granted)

1820
- Lewis Urban Lately rented and removed to a handsome two story stone house situate about 8 miles from Lancaster, on the road leading from Lancaster to Burkholder's Ferry, Moore Fishery and the road leading from Strasburg to Safeharbour. Granting of a license was previously prevented by John Kendig, who keeps a tavern near this place. 18 Jan 1820 (Not granted)

1821

- Jacob Heiney Occupies on the road from the Bourough of Strasburg to the Borough of Columbia, lately occupied as a Tavern for 13 years by Joseph Rathvon 28 Mar 1821
- Isaac Mundorf On an Island 16 Apr 1821. (Not granted)
- David Heiney After great expense erecting a large & conveyient house at the intersection of the main road leading from Lancaster to Burkholder's Ferry and Strasburg to Columbia. Pray a license is granted because unable to labor and support a large family. Apr 1821. (Not granted)

1822
- John Benedicks Old Stand, Occupies a house in Stumptown lately kept as a Tavern by Jacob Heiny and has been occupied as such for some time. 25 Mar 1822
- Michael Rathfon New Stand, Millers port 13 Aug 1822
- David Heiney Lately built a large house where public road from Strasburg to Columbia crosses the public road from Lancaster to McCalls Ferry. Although one Tavern is in Stumptown, about one-quarter mile, there is none on the road from Lancaster to McCalls Ferry for 9 miles.
- John Omet Old Stand, Has rented and removed to a large and commodious Tavern House formally kept by John Nestleroat 4 Apr1822
- Isaac Mundorff Has erected a large and comodious house on Mondorf's Island. 22 Nov 1822 (Not granted)

1823

- Christian Shenk Old Stand in the town of Safeharbour, on the river Susquehanna at the mouth of the Conestoga Creek. Lately kept as a public inn by John Omet and which has been kept as such for about 20 years. 31 Mar 1823
- Jacob Heiny Old Stand, on road leading from Strasburg to Columbia, has been kept as a tavern for about 10 years past. Lately kept by John Benedict 18 Apr 1823
- Isaac Mundorff At a very considerable expense erected a large and commodious house on an island commonly called and known as "Mundorff's Island" in the river Susquehanna, nearly opposite Burkholder's Ferry. 18 Aug 1823 (Not granted)

1824
- John Rathfon Old Stand in Safeharbour, has rented and removed to that old and well known Tavern House kept many years by diverse persons as a public house, and last year kept by Christian Shenk

1825
- Michael Haverstick Old Stand, lately rented and now occupied well known Tavern in Stumptown lately occupied by David Heiney
-** Christian Rohrer Occupies a large and commodious house with other buildings on the Conestoga Creek, where the road crosses which leads from Strasburg to Columbia. There is no Tavern on said road. **This petition is probably 1825

1826
None

1827
None

1828
- Christian Zercher Old Stand, Lately rented and removed into well known Tavern Stand lately kept by W. Michael Haverstick, known as sign of the Spread Eagle

1829
None

1830
- John Mecartney Purchased the house at the crossing of the road from Lancaster to Martick Forge & the road from Strasburg to Millerstown called the Bluerock Road 21 Apr 1830
- John McCartney Has purchased the house and property of John Bachman, situate at the crossing of two roads: Lancaster to Martick Forge & Strasburg to Millerstown. The house has stabling attached, and was was kept as a tavern many years ago. 18 Jan 1830 (First application in 1829 - approval was granted in 1830)
- Abraham Hess Lately purchased the well known Tavern Stand sign of the Blue Ball, situate in the village of Safe Harbour and lately occupied as a public house by John Rathfon 19 Apr 1830

1831
- Christian Zercher That he may continue to vend spiritous liquars by less measure than one quart to accommodate strangers & travelers at the large and spacious house in Stumptown, being kept as a tavern house for 10 years and upward, as the well known sign of the Spread Eagle, located on the road leading from Lancaster to Burkholder's Ferry
- Anna Tanger New Stand, lately rented that extensive house on the road leading from the city of Lancaster to Port Deposit, near the stone bridge over the Piquea Creek, 2 miles from any other house of entertainment and where travelers are sometimes detained by high waters from the creek 18 Apr 1831
- Abraham Hess Has kept and now keeps a licensed tavern in the village of Safe Harbour 19 Apr 1831
- Christian Snavely Continues keeping the sign of the Fox Chase 18 Apr 1831 - Henry Shank Has occupied the well known stand since the year 1812 18 Apr 1831
- John McCartney Continues keeping the sign of the Fountain Inn 18 Apr1831
- John Kendig Known as Conestoga Centre and is a place for holding township elections. Has been kept as a Tavern or Inn for 40 years past 18 Apr 1831
- Aaron McFann Has rented a large and commodious and well known Tavern and sign at Safe Harbor, at the mouth of the Conestoga, to sell and retail liquours by the small measure. The house has been kept as a house of entertainment for several years past 18 Apr 1831

1832

- Christian Snavely Innkeeper, continue the Tavern he now keeps, sign of the Fox Chase 16 Apr 1832
- John McCartney Innkeeper, continue the Tavern he now keeps, sign of the Fountain Inn 16 Apr1832.
- Christian Rohrer Occupies a commodious house as a licensed Inn or Tavern for a number of years past, on the road leading from Columbia to Strasburg 7 Jan 1832 (Signed Christian Rorer)
- John Kendig Wishes to continue keeping the house he presently keeps, known as Conestoga Centre 16 Apr 1832

1833
- Christian Rohrer Occupied a commodious house, as a licensed Inn or Tavern for a number of years past. Well provided with stabling for horses. On the road leading from Columbia to Strasburg 7 Jan 1833
- Henry Shenk has kept the licensed Inn now occupied on the shore of the Susquehanna for several years 15 Apr 1833
- Abraham Singer Has rented a large and well known Tavern in Safe Harbour, occupied as a Tavern last year by Christian Stauffer and several years by Aaron McFann & others 15 Apr 1833
- Christian Snavely Innkeeper, continue the Tavern now occupied, sign of the Fox Chase 15Apr 1833

1834
- Ann Tanger Sign of the Pequea Valley Inn
- John Kendig 2-story stone house situate in villiage of Conestoga Centre along road leading from Lancaster to Burkholder's Ferry & Safe Harbour. A great number of travelers during spring and fall due to volume of traffic on the river 22 Jan 1834
- Christian Zercher Stumptown, has kept this house For the past 6 years 21 Apr 1834
- Henry Shenk Has kept this house For several years, along the bank of Susquehanna River near Burkholder's Ferry 21 Apr 1834
- John Omet Sign of the Ark, in the village of Safe Harbour along the public road leading from Conowingo & Port Deposit to Columbia
- Abraham Hess previously occupied and licensed house several years past 22 Apr 1834
- Benjamin Snevely Old Stand kept by his father for many years before in Willow Street, along the road leading from Lancaster to Martick Forge & McCalls Ferry 21 Apr 1834
- Christian Rohrer Along the road leading from Strasburg to Columbia, licensed to and occupied by him for a number of years past 20 Jan 1834
-Abraham Singer Inn Keeper, Licensed to him the past year, located in Safe Harbour at the mouth of the Conestoga Creek, "much wanted particularily during the boat & rafting season" 21 Apr 1834

1835
- George Martin Pequea Valley, Old Stand 20 Apr 1835
- Christian Zercher Inn Keeper, Sign of the Spread Eagle, 20 Apr 1835
- John Omet Occupied previous year 21 Apr 1835
- Abraham Singer Old Stand, occupied past year, along bank of the Susquehanna, much wanted during the spring trade 20 Apr 1835
- Benjamin Snevely Inn Keeper, Old Stand, sign of the Fox Chase 20 Apr 1835
- Henry Shenk Along bank of the river near Burkholder's Ferry, a general stopping place for boats & arks ascending and descending the river 21 Apr 1835
- John Mecartney Sign of the Fountain Inn 20 Apr 1835

1836
- Daniel Conrad Intersection leading from Strasburg to (Third lock) Millers town and from Lancaster to Burkholder's Ferry 18 Jan 1836
- Christian Stehman Licensed for last year past, on the bank of Conestoga Creek, on the road leading from Millers town to Conestoga Centre 18 Jan 1836
- Hugh Mehaffy Licensed for year past, on road leading from Lancaster to Safe Harbour and to Shenk's Landing 18 Jan 1836
- John Kendig Hugh Mehaffy has removed from said house & John Kendig, MD has moved in Apr 1836
- Edward Hess House was occupied as a tavern during last year by Catharine Hess and for several years past by John Kendig, deceased. On road leading from Lancaster to Safe Harbour and Burkholder's Ferry
- John Mecartney Innkeeper, sign of the Fountain Inn 18 Apr 1836

1837
- John Kendig Sign of the American Coat of Arms 19 Jan1837
- Emanuel Harnish Long known as the Pequea Valley Inn, along the public road leading from Lancaster to Port Deposit
- Benjamin Snavely Sign of the Fox Chase Apr 1837
- John Mecartney Sign of the Fountain Inn Apr 1837
- Daniel Conrad Sign of the Conestoga Hotel 19 Jan1837

1838
None

1839
- Samuel Charles Sign of Pequea Valley, lately kept by George Martin 15 Apr 1839
- Abraham Singer 15 Apr 1839

1840
- Christian Funk Safe Harbor, lately kept by Mr. Bowers 16 Apr 1840

1841
- John Daily, Jr. Sign of the Pequea Valley Inn, Continuer; House has been occupied by Samuel Charles and others for a number of years 5 Apr 1841 Advertiser
- Jeremiah Wilson immediately opposite village of Safe Harbour, being the landing place of boats & crafts at the mouth of the Conestoga Navigation. Occupied and licensed by Abraham Singer for a number of years past. (License not granted) 5 Apr 1841
- Dr John Kendig Old Stand in Conestoga Centre, sign of the American Coat of Arms 13 Jan1841
- Daniel Conrad Sign of the Conestoga Hotel, along the road from Lancaster to Safe Harbour 14 Jan 1841
- Jacob Eshleman Old Stand on the banks of the Conestoga River, known as Rohrer's Place, at the fourth lock of the Conestoga Navigation 19 Apr 1841
- John Mecartney Sign of Fountain Inn 3 Apr 1841
- Abraham Hess Resided in house as a licensed Inn or Tavern in the village of Safe Harbour for a number of years 5 Apr 1841
- Isaac Heiney Old Stand in Stumptown, sign of the Spread Eagle 1 Apr 1841
- Benjamin Snavely Sign of the Fox Chase 5 Apr 1841
- Samuel Harnish Occupied as a licensed Inn or Tavern last year past, on the bank of the Susquehanna, along the road leading from Shenk's Ferry to Lancaster 5 Apr 1841
- Adam Kendig Old Stand, occupied as a licensed Inn or Tavern for three years past, on the road leading from Safe Harbour to Lancaster 13 Apr 1841

1842
- Daniel Conrad Old Stand in village of Stumptown, sign of the Conestoga Hotel 10 Dec 1841-
- J. Myers
- John Kendig Old Stand in Conestoga Centre, sign of the American Coat of Arms 14 Dec 1841 Union
-Amos Hess New Stand, New house erected on the banks of the Susquehana River opposite Hess Fishery 19 Apr 1842 Intel Journal (License not granted)

1843
- Christian Forrer New Stand, located at old stand lately occupied by John Daily 15 Mar 1843 Forney's
- John Mecartney Old Stand, Fountain Inn 4-Mar 1843 Examiner
- Gontner (Samuel & William Gontner) Old Stand known as Shenk's Tavern, lately kept by Samuel Harnish 14 Mar 1843 Forney's
- Isaac Heiney Old Stand, sign of the Spread Eagle 14 Mar 1843 Examiner
- John E. Mellinger Old Stand, has occupied same for one year. By lock no. 4 on the Conestoga Navigation, on the road leading from Strasburg to Columbia. Has been kept as a licensed Inn for a number of years past. 20 Mar 1843 Union
- John Daily Has rented Old Stand, well known & established Tavern Stand in Conestoga Centre, kept by Adam Kendig for a number of years 13 Mar 1843 Forney's
- Benjamin Snavely Old Stand 11 Mar 1843 Examiner
- Daniel Conrad Old Stand, sign of Conestoga Hotel 11 Jan1843 Myers
- John Kendig Old Stand kept by him for a number of years past, sign of American Coat of Arms, Conestoga Centre 6 Dec1842 Union & Sentenel
- Amos Hess New Stand, on the banks of the river Susquehana about one and one-quarter mile below Safe Harbour 20 Dec1842 Examiner & Herald
- Abraham Hess Old Stand, in village of Safe Harbour. He has occupied the house as a licensed Inn or Tavern for 12 years past. 12 Apr 1843 Forney's

1844
- Christian Forrer Old Stand (Signed by Samuel Charles) 27 Feb 1844 Express
- John Kendig Old Stand, Conestoga Centre 22 Dec1843 Union
- Amos Hess Old Stand which he has kept for several years, between Safe Harbour & Shenk's on the river 22 Dec 1843 Union
- Daniel Conrad Old Stand in village of Stumptown 6 Jan 1844 Myer's
- Abraham Hess Old Stand in village of Safe Harbour 6 Apr 1844 Forney's Paper
- John Daily Old Stand, Conestoga Centre, along road leading from Safe Harbour & Burkholder's Ferry to Lancaster, Strasburg & New Providence, well provided with stabling for horses Occupied by John Daily for last year , occupied by John Kendig & Adam Kendig for many years before that. A place of holding the general and township elections. Forney's Paper
- Isaac Heiney Old Stand, sign of the Spread Eagle 4 Mar 1844 Examiner
- Benjamin Snevely Old Stand, Willow Street 13 Mar 1844 Examiner
- Samuel Harnish Situate on the River Susquehana, New License, occupied last year by Daniel Gontner and for many years by Henry Shenk 6 Apr1844 Forney's Paper
- John McCartney Old Stand, sign of Fountain Inn 7 Mar 1844 Examiner
- J.E. Mellinger Old Stand 19 Mar1844

1845
- John Dailey Tavern Keeper, Conestoga Centre, New Stand 26 Apr1845

1846
- Anthony W. Baldwin Pequea Valley Inn Old Stand 10 Mar 1846 Examiner
- Jacob M. Hess 18 Apr 1846 American Republican
- Adam Kendig Old Stand formally kept by John Daily in Conestoga Centre, sign of Conestoga Centre Hotel 5 Mar 1846 Intel Journal
- John Mecartney Old Stand, sign of Fountain Inn 11 Mar 1846 Examiner
- Frederick Gemperling Old Stand 23 Mar 1846 Intel Journal
- Isaac Heiney Old Stand, sign of the Spread Eagle 17 Mar 1846 Examiner
- Benjamin Snavely Old Stand, Willow Street 6 Mar 1846 Examiner
- Daniel Conrad Old Stand, sign of "Conestoga Hotel" 14 Jan 1846 Examiner
- Dr John Kendig Old Stand, Conestoga Centre 14 Jan 1846 Intel Journal
- Christian Funk Old Stand 27 Dec1845 Union
- Samuel Harnish Old Stand on the bank of the Susquehanna River, well suited for travelers, fishermen & Boatmen, with stabling for horses. He has occupied the house as a Tavern or Inn for several years
- Martha Crow New Stand on the banks of the Susquehanna River on the road leading from McCreeny's to Safe Harbour. (License was rejected)

1847
None

1848
- Jacob Hebble Old Stand, Lately occupied by A.W. Baldwin 8 Mar 1848 Examiner
- Christian Funk Old Stand 10 Mar 1848 Union & Tribune
- David Groff Old Stand , Shenk Tavern on the Susquehanna, 2 Mar 1848 Lancasterian presently in the occupancy of Samuel Harnish.
- Isaac Heiney Old Stand 8 Mar 1848 Exam & Herald
- John Mecartney Old Stand 31 Feb 1848 Exam & Herald
- Jacob Hess Old Stand, in the village of Safe Harbor 6 Apr1848 Myer's Paper
- Adam Kendig Old Stand 25 Mar1848 Intel Journal
- John Martin Old Stand 6 Apr1848 Myer's Paper
- Jonas Urban Old Stand, in Willow Street 9 Feb1848 Union & Tribune

1849
- Jacob Hebble Called Pequea Valley Inn Old Stand 15 Mar 1849 Exam & Herald
- Baltzer & Lipp Village of Safe Harbor, fomally Old Stand some years ago 19 Dec1848 Examiner *Citizens submitted petition to refuse license because building is too small & has no stable & is in the immediate neighborhood of the recently erected iron Works 27 Jan 1849 (Rejected)
- Isaac Heiney Old Stand 12 Mar 1849 Exam & Herald
-Daniel Conrad Old Stand 24 Feb1849 Intel Journal
- Jonas Urban Old Stand, in the village of Willow Street, sign of the Willow Street Inn 21 Feb1849 Lanc Co Farmer
- Adam Kendig Old Stand,Conestoga Centre 26 Feb 1849 Intel Journal
- Edward Hess Old Stand in village of Safe Harbor 8 Mar 1849 Union & Tribune
- David Groff Old Stand, formally known as "Shank's Tavern", on the Susquehanna Lancasterian
- John Martin Old Stand 9 Mar1849 Exam & Herald
-John McCartney Old Stand 3 Mar 1849 Exam & Herald
- George H. Hess New Stand in village of Safe Harbor 5 Apr1849 Lanc Co Farmer
- John Fry Old Stand now occupied by C. Funk 8 Mar1849 Volksfre'und

1850
- Jacob Hebble Valley Inn Old Stand 16 Mar 1850 Exam & Herald
- John Kendig Conestoga Centre, Old Stand 20 Dec 1849 Union & Tribune
- Isaac Heiney Old Stand, Stumptown 8 Mar 1850 Examiner
- Abraham Charles Old Stand, now kept by David Groff 5 Mar 1850 Volksfre'und
- Adam Kendig Old Stand 12 Mar 1850 Intel Journal
- John Martin Old Stand, sign of the Conestoga Hotel 16 Mar 1850 American Republican
- Henry Minnich Old Stand, Safe Harbor, formally kept by Baltzer & Lipp Exam & Herald
- Daniel Conrad Old Stand 29 Mar 1850 Intel Journal
- George H. Hess Old Stand in village of Safe Harbor, "Mannin House" 22 Mar 1850 Union & Tribune
- John Fry Old Stand at the Susquehanna River 21 Mar 1850 Exam & Herald
- John McCartney Old Stand, sign of Fountain Inn Exam & Herald Herald

1851
- Jacob Hebble Old Stand, Known as the Pequea Valley Inn 13 Mar 1857 Herald & Examiner
- Benjamin Rowe, Sr. Old Stand 27 Mar 1851 Intel Journal
- John Fry Situate on the east bank of the Susquehanna River provides lodging & stables for travelers, river, fishermen & boatmen 15 Mar 1851 Exam & Herald
- Daniel Conrad Old Stand 19� Apr 1851 Intel Journal
- S.G.Clark For a transfer from Old Stand of Henry K. Minnich 8 Mar 1851
- John Martin Transfer of Dr. John Kendig's Old Stand , Conestoga Centre 8 Mar1851
- George H. Hess Old Stand in Safe Harbor, "Morusein House" 15 Mar 1851 Union & Tribune
- Isaac Heiney Old Stand 15 Mar 1851 Exam & Herald
- Jacob Kauffman Old Stand, house now occupied by John Martin 27 Mar1851 Intel Journal
- Adam Kendig Old Stand 27 Mar1851 Intel Journal

1852
None

1853
- John Eberly Old Stand, Pequea Valley 27 Feb 1853 Examiner
- John Bitts Old Stand, At Shenk's Ferry 11 Apr 1853 Republican
- Jacob Kauffman Old Stand 29 Mar1853 Intel Journal
- James Hildebrand Petition from John Martin, Esquire for tavern license transfer, Public road leading from Lancaster to Shenk's Ferry
- John Kolp Old Stand, in� Safe Harbor. 24 Mar 1853 Examiner
- Petition for a tavern license transfer from Levi G. Clark,
- Benjamin Rowe, Sr. Old Stand, Willow Street 4 Apr 1853 Republican

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