CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY Cornell University Library CS71 .E16 1891 History of the Eberharts in Germany and olin 3 1924 029 840 646 The original of tliis book is in tine Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924029840646 ] j X ■'■•^W 4 j^fiMI^'^y jfc^^i ^;../ ^iL^co: HISTORY OF THE EBERHARTS IN GERMANY AND THE UNITED STATES, FROM A. D. 1265 TO A. D. 1890—625 YEARS. REV. URIAH EBERHART. WITH AN AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF THE AUTHOR, INCLUDING MANY REMINISCENCES OF HIS MINISTERIAL AND ARMY LIFE. DONOHUE & HENNEBERRY, PRINTERS AND BINDERS, l8gi. PEEFAOK. At a. " Family Meeting," held at the residence of Abraham and Esther Eberhart, in Chicago Lawn, 111., August 14th, 1878, where all their children and many of the grand-children were present, " It was moved and carried," that we organize ourselves into an " Eberhart Family Association." The following officers were duly elected: U. Eberhart, President ; Levi Eberhart, Vice-President, and Sarah Eberhart, Secretary. " On Motion, Resolved, That U. Eberhart be the historian of the society, and that all here represented collect statistics and forward them to him." Here originated the germ thought of writing a history of the Eber- harts, but we did not for a moment suppose it would extend beyocd this one family. But upon investigation, finding the Eberharts not only very numerous and respectable, but also the descendants of the nobility of Germany, we at once resolved to collect material and write a bjok for the benefit and satisfaction of the coming generations, and iQ this way rescue from oblivion's shades a few relics and facts of a brave and noble people. But this was found to be a gigantic task, as the Eberharts had already scattered all over the land, and but few had kept a "Family Record." It was a seven years' patient work, consist- ing in correspondence, reading German history, looking up biographies and encyclopedias, and persistently persevering therein, and all this in connection with ministerial and other duties. How well the work has IV PREFACE. been accomplished is left to the judgment of the reader into -whose hands may come this little volume. It must, however, not he forgot- ten that it is Intended principally as a book of records, and for the cor- rectness of the record the informer is responsible and not the author. Some families may appear to be meagerly represented in comparison with others, but it must'be remembered that the vyriter was governed by the information furnished. AUTHOR, Chicago Lawn, 111., 1890. CONTENTS. CHAPTER. PAGE. I. History of the Eberharts 5 II Eberhard, " The Noble." 8 III. Eberhard, "The Groaner." 13 IV. Eberhard, "The Mild." 20 V Eberhard, "The Young." 32 VI. Hearietta, "Duchess of "Wirtemberg." 23 VII. Duke Eberhard, "With the Beard." 25 VIII. Count Eberhard, "The Younger." 30 IX. Duke Eberhard III 31 X. Duke Leopold Eberhard 33 XI. General Remarks on Germany 35 XII. General Remarks on the Eberharts of America 37 XIII. Joseph, Peter and Michael Eberhart 39 XrV. Joseph Eberhart :... 40 XV. Jacob Eberhart 49 XVI. Peter Eberhart 53 XVII. Peter Eberhan 56 XVIII. Michael Eberhart 57 XIX. Jacob Eberhart 61 XX. John Everhard 65 XXI. Christina Everhard 67 XXII. Mary Everhard 68 XXIII. John Jacob Everhard 69 XXIV. Jonathan Everhard 84 XXV. John Henry Eberhart 89 XXVI. Christian Eberhart 93 XXVII. Paul Eberhart 94 CONTKN I S. XXVIII Abraham Eberhart flO XXIX, Rev. Uriah Eberhart 106 XXX, Rev. Levi Eberhart 110 XXXI, Rebecca E. Crouch lia XXXII Hon. David Christian Eberhart, D. S 117 XXXUI. Prof. John Frederic Eberhart, A. M 122 XXXiV. Manoah Henry Eberhart 13i) XXXV". Rev. IsaAmand Eberhart, M. D., Ph. D 134 XXXVf, Rev. Jeremiah S. Eberhart, A. M 138 XXXVII, Miry Ann, Sarah, Amos, Abraham and Calhariiie Eberhart 140 XXXVIII. Joseph Eberhart 142 XXXIX. John Eberhart 150 XL. Henrv Eberhart 153 X LI. Elizabeth and Susanna Eberhai t ICb XLII, Frederick Eberhart 159 XIJII, Frederic Eberhart 162 XLIV, John Eberhart 164 XLV. John Adam Eberhart, Dulie of Elsass, Germany. .. . 167 XLVI, Andrew and George Eberhart 168 XLVir, Martin L. Eberhart 173 XLVIII. Adolphus Eberhart 176 XLIX, Christian Eberhart 186 L. Paulas Eberhart 196 LI. Autobiography of the Author 199 History of the Eberharts. CHAPTER I. All the Eberharts in this country or their ancestors, so far as known to the writer, came from Germany. They are very numerous both in Germany and America. Thej'^ still obey the command, " be fruitful and multi- ply and replenish the earth" so that to-day they are numbered by thousands. And although the name has been written and pronounced in a great many differ ent ways such as: "Eberhardt," " Eberhard," " Eber- hart," "Everhard and Everhart," yet I believe they may all be traced back to one common parentage. This is evident from a resemblance in physical struct- ure, mental similarity and religious faith, as well as in the sameness of their names, and views of social, relig- ious, and civil freedom. In Germany I traced them back to the 13th centur}^- I found an Eberhart oflHciating as bishop in Constance, as early as 1266, and from that time on down through the centuries I found them plentifully distributed all over the German Empire, and in the United States of America. The primitive Eberharts of Germany were mostly of noble Mood, and well educated for those times, and many of them held high offices and honorable positions in church and state. So far as I can learn, they were all religious, at least, professedly so. Tney nearly all belonged to the Lutheran church, that is, after its orga.nization. An Eberhart 6 HISTOEY OF THE EBERHAKTS. greatly assisted Luther in his labors during the Reforma- tion. Many of them were and still are ministers and teachers, and some of them great writers both in prose and poetry. One man alone is said to have written 20 large volumes of songs and poems. Among them were found great scientists and philosophers. I will here men- tion only John August Eberhart, or as he wrote it, " 3ot)aime§ Stuguft (^-berfiavbt." He was born at Halberstadt 1739. He studied at Halle and entered the ministry, and was stationed at dif- ferent places, until through the influence of " Fredrick the Great " he was appointed " Post preacher " at Charlotten- berg. He was afterward " Professor of Philosophy " at Halle, and distinguished himself by his opposition to Kant and Fiohte. But as he was a follower of Leibnitz, and became rather rationalistic in his views, he did not succeed in the ministry, hence devoted himself almost exclusively to literary pursuits. Among the many books he Avrote I will mention only the following : " Theorie des denkens und Emphindens." "Neue Apologie des Sokrates." " Sitten lehi'en der vernunft." " Theorie der Schonen Kiinste und Wissenschaften," etc. He also wrote a dictionary of synonyms. For a time he was privy councilor to the King of Prussia, and a member of the Academy at Berlin. He contributed numerous papers to periodical literature. In a word he was one of Ger- many's greatest scholars. He died in 1809. In searching German history, I have been enabled to find "Eberharts " with the following titles and surnames, viz.: " Duke Eberhard the Noble," "Duke Eberhard the Groaner," or " Eushing Beard," " Duke Eberhard the Mild," " Duke Eberhard with the Beard," " Duke Eber- hard the Younger," " Prince Eberhard " and " Leopold Eberhard." HISTORY OF THE EBEEHAETS. i Some of these I will describe more minutely, so as to give the Eberharts of this age a better knowledge of the real character and worth of their ancestors. Just how far back the Eberharts could be traced I can not tell. Prior to the twelfth centur3', I simply found the name occurring here and there, but not in connection with any great public enterprise. But during the thirteenth cen- tury I find them belonging to the royal family and many of them occupying responsible positions in church and state. HISTORY OF THE EBEEHAETS. CHAPTER II. EBERHARD "THE NOBLE."^ He was a Swabian (now Bavaria) by birth. He was born March 13, 1265. Both his father and mother belonged to the royal faniil}^. His mother died when he was only a few hours old, as he was born by the " Cfesarian process," thus sacrificing the mother that an occupant for the throne might be saved in the royal line. When he was shown to his mother, she said "lay him down, he will be a great ruler, and will be arrayed against all the surrounding nations," and then expired. This prophetic language was almost literally fulfilled. He was probably the most daring and success- ful warrior "Wirtemberg ever had, and was excelled by few in Germany or anyAvhere else. He was evidently, like Moses and others, providentially " raised up," to sub- due and gather into one, the scattered fragments of the different tribes and provinces around him, which had been previously ravaged by terrible wars. He was a very large, noble and dignified man, hence called "Eberhard the Noble" 3)cv ©vtaud^te ox enlightened, a G-erinan word not easily translated. He was tall and erect, and yet well proportioned. He had very promi- nent features, and yet was prepossessing in appearance. He had high cheek bones, large nose and very large, keen, penetrating eyes, with large mouth and compressed lips, and round chin. He had long black hair, and a heavy flowing beard, and was very "persistent in spirit." He had a liberal education, and was a good writer, and good public speaker. He seems to have been more than ordinarily wise in early childhood, for when not yet HISTOEY OF THE EBERHAETS. D fifteen years of age, he conceived the idea of estabhshing the Kingdom of Wirtemberg. So, after having consulted with his friends and with the surrounding leaders of society, he bought a " seal " and set up his " Throne," and com- menced doing business as n. Ruler — bidding defiance to all opposing powers. This at first appeared ludicrous, and only provoked the smiles and ridicule of the surrounding Dukes and Kings, so that they called him the " crazy boy." But it was not long until he succeeded in gathering around him an army strong enough, not only to protect him- self, but add new territory, and thus carry on an almost con- tinuous warfare for over forty years, leading his armies in person, sometimes taking the offensive and sometimes the defensive, until he had fully established the still flourishing Kingdom of Wirtemberg, with the grand city of Stuttgart for its capital. As a military man he was stern, showy and rather arbitrary. He is described thus, by an eye witness, when he entered Stuttgart with his army, staff-officers and statesmen. " Our Eberhard looked grand and Lordly, as he sat on his noble charger (3toi3) caparisoned with fine, black harness mounted with silver. His uniform was royal and very imposing. On his head he wore a Barett, instead'of the old military cap. On his left side hung a very large, broad sword, and on his right side a heavy saber. He addressed his army and the citizens of Stuttgart with wonderful effect. Among other things he said : " My enemies are numerous and strong, but / trust in God! and I trust in you! And here I pledge mj'self that I will defend you until the last drop of blood has left my body." As a Ruler, he was greatly respected and trusted by his people. To prove this I will give you a bit of poetry, written by Kerner. 10 ' HISTORY OF THE EBEKHAETS. On a certain occasion a number of kings and princes met 'for consultation, when the question arose which one among them was the richest prince. So each one repre- sentecUhis kingdom as follows : THE RICHEST PRINCE. Once at Worms, in royal state, Sat the princes of the land ; Proudly each in tui-n did prate Of the wealth at his command. " Glorious," said the Saxon lord, " Is my land, and grand its might ! Priceless are the treasures stored Deep beneath each rugged height." " See the wealth of my domain !" Cried the Elector from the Rhine ; " Valleys rich with golden grain, On the mountains, matchless wine." " Cities great and cloistered old," Lewis of Bavaria spake — " With their countless stores untold. My fair land unrivaled make." Then spoke Eberhard the Great, Wirtemberg's beloved Lord — " No great cities boast my state. Nay, nor hills with silver stored ; ' ' But one treasure makes me blest, Though the days are fierce and dread ; On each subject's loyal breast, I can safely lay my head . " " Eberhard ! " cried one and all. And meekly before him bowed, " Thou art ' richest ' of us all ! " And their praise rang long and loud. His wife's name was Irmingard, daughter of Duke Rudolf, of Baden, with whom he had three children, all sons. To each of these he gave the name of Ulrich. HISTORY OF THE EBERHAETS. 11 This was a common thing in that age. The oldest one died in childhood. The youngest one studied theology, entered the ministry and soon died. The second son suc- ceeded his father on the throne, but did not reign very long, and I know but little about him. He was the father of Eberhard the " Groaner." Eberhard the " Noble " died June 5, 1325, in the 61st year of his age, after reigning* nearly forty -six years. I believe he was a noble, great and good man, one of whom all that bear his name may be proud. * In those days Dukes and Counts had almost despotic powers over their subjects. 12 HISTORY OF THE EBEEHAETS. CHAPTEE TIL EBBRHAKD THE "GROANER," Or Eberhard the " Rushing Beard " (JRaufcf)ebavt), as he was sometimes called, was the grandson of Eberhard the "Noble," but quite a different kind of a man, though prob- ably as great and good a man as he, and one who acccm- plished as much forWirtembergas any of her rulers. He was a very impulsive, rushing and courageous man. This was why he was called Dtoiifc^efiavt — a word hard to trans- late — and, also, because he had a long beard, which could be seen waving in the air when he made his rapid move- ments. Pie also was a very sympathetic, kind-hearted man, and often wept, prayed and groaned over his troubles and mishaps, so that he was often called the "Groaner" (^veinev), and, sometimes, the " Weeper." But as a military com- mander he was heroic, brave and daring ; and in a " hand- to-hand " fight had but few equals. In those days they usually fought with saber, lance and spear, and he always said " I am able for five of the best warriors they can bring," and this he fully demonstrated more than once. He always led his armies in person, and was usually found in the front of the battle; and during an almost constant warfare of over forty years he was never wounded, and really lost but very few battles. "With all his sternness as a military officer, yet as a civil ruler he was mild and merciful, and in his family he is said to have been kind and affectioriate, so that he almost idolized his children, especially his youngest daughter Sophia. To give the reader an idea of the true characteristics of this great man, I will give the following circumstances HISTORY OF THE EBEEHAETS. 13 in connection with his son Ulrich. This son when about twenty years of ae;e had a strong inclination to break loose from parental restraint and mingle with gay society, attending places of amusements, such as theaters and dancing parties ; and as a natural result soon " fell in love " with a young lady, who was the sister of a young Duke who at that time was engaged in war with Eber- hard. So instead of assisting his father, he was trifling away his time in company with this young lady and her friends in an enemy's land. This so vexed and enraged his father that he crossed his name out of the family rec- ord, intending to disinherit him. But young Ulrich finally decided to change his course, and go home and assist his father. Accordingly, he came and went into the battle of Keutlingen in charge of some division ot^the army, but was repulsed, and also slightly wounded. Returning to where his father \Vas about to partake of some refresh- ments, was seated on the opposite side of the table, but the old Duke, believing he had not done his duty, and had disgraced the family name, never spoke a word, but took his sword and cut the table-cloth in two between them, as a token of a complete separation between them. This so grieved and vexed young Ulrich, that he "swore by his father's beard," that he would redeem himself in the estimation of his father, and wipe out this " foul stain." So as soon as his wounds were healed, he again went to the war, and in & fierce battle at DofHngen, having charge of the army, he fought furiously, "like a young lion," and gained a glorious victory, even against all odds in numbers. But just as the victory was won he was slain by three cowards, who stealthily came upon him in the rear and split his head by a stroke of a large saber. When the father heard the sad news, he at first seemed 14 HISTORY OF THE EBBEHABTS. to pay no attention to it, and said, " my son is like other men, go on in pursuit of tJie enemy," but he was soon found alone in the tent, weeping over his lost son, and could not be comforted. Of this sad scene there is a beautiful life-size portrait painting in the Corcoran Art Gallery at Washington ; also one in the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, and there is one in the museum at Rotterdam, and also one in the same place representing the cutting of the table-cloth. And in the capital of Wirtemberg there is to be seen a life-size statue in solid marble of the old Duke that is said to be the first thing that attracts the attention of visitors. On the subject of the relation of the father and son, in connection with the battle-field and death of young Ulrich, I will here give the reader a beautiful vrar song, written by Schiller and translated by Edgar A. Browning. A WAR SONG. Now hearken, ye wlio take delight In boasting of your wortli, To many a man, to many a kniuht, Belov'd in peace and brave in figlit. The Swabian land gives birth. Of Charles and Edward, Louis, Guy, And Frederick, ye may boast; Charles, Edward, Louis, Frederick, Guy- None with Sir Eberhard can vie, — Himself a mighty host! And then young Ulrich, his son, fla, how he loved the fray! Young Ulrich, the Count's bold son, When once the battle had begun, No fnot's-breadth e'er gave way. HISTOEY OF THE EBEEHARrS. 15 The Reutlingers, with gnashing teeth, Saw oui- bright ranks revealed, And, panting for the victor's wreath, Tliey drew the sword from out the sheath And sought the battle-field. He charged the foe, — but fruitlessly, — Then, mail-clad, homeward sped; Stern anger fill'd his father's eye. And made the youthful warrior fly. And tears of anguish shed. Now, rascals, quake! This grieved him sore. And rankled in his brain; And by his father's beard he swore With many a craven townsman's gore To wash out this foul stain. Ere long the feud raged fierce and loud; Then hastened steed and man To D.jflingen in thronging crowd. While joy inspired the youngster proud. And soon the strife began; Our army's signal- word that day Was the disastrous fight ; It spurr'd us on like lightning's ray. And plunged us deep in bloody fray, And in the spears' black night. The youthful Count his pond 'reus mace With lion's rage swung round ; Destruction stalk'd before his face, While groans and howlings flll'd the place. And hundreds bit the ground. Wo, Wo ! A heavy sabre-stroke CJpoQ his head descended ; The sight each warrior's pity woke — In vain ! In vain ! no word he spoke — His course on earth was ended. 16 HISTORY OF THE EBJJEHAKTS. Loud wept both friend and foeman then, Check'd was the victor's glow ; The Count cheer'd thus his knights again — " My son is like all other men, — March, children, 'gainst the foe ! " With greater fury whizz'd each lance, Revenge inflam'd the blood ; O'er corpses mov'd the fearful dance — The townsmen fled in random chance O'er mountain, vale and flood. Then back to camp, with trumpets bray. We hied in joyful haste. And wife and child, with roundelay. With clanging cup, and waltzes gay, Our glorious triumph graced. And our old Count, what now does he? • His son lies dead before him ; Within his tent all woefully He sits alone in agony, And drops the hot tears o'er him. And so with true affection warm, The Count, our Lord, we love; Himself a mighty hero swarm. The thunders rest within his arm — He shines like star above ! Farewell, then, ye who take delight In boasting of your worth ! To many a man, to many a knight, Belov'd in peace, and brave in fight. The Swabian land gives birth! At the death of young Uh'ich it was ascertained that he and the lady (" Hadalena " ) had been betrothed, and that her brother who, also, was opposed to the marriage, had secretly hidden her away in an old castle, and that HISTORY OF THB EBEEHAETS. 17 young Ulrich had raised a band of brave knights and taken her by force and brought her with him, and on the battle-field where he was slain she was found in the dis- guise and dress of an "orderly." After the young man's death she appealed to the sym- pathy of the father, who, on finding her a most amiable, intelligent and highly educated young woman, took her to his home and adopted her as his daughter. As already intimated, Eberhard was a religious man, although he did not put much stress in outward forms and ceremonies, but insisted strenuously on the practical part, such as honesty, justice and fidelity. He w&s free from skepti- cism and rationalism, which had, even at that early day, spread over many parts of the German empire, but, at the same time, he had but little sympathy with " Priest and Kaiser" especially in later years, although he had a priest or spiritual adviser at headquarters, with whom he sometimes consulted, and through whom he some- times made confession, and who was supported by the government. A strange and laughable occurrence is related in connection with this priest and Eberhard, which I will give the reader. During very hard times, the Duke told the poorer people of his parish they need not pay the church tax. This greatly offended the priest, so that, shortly after, when Eberhard came to " confes- sion," before entering on a military campaign, he refused to grant him " absolution." But the Duke authoritatively commanded him to do it, and then, when it was over, told him '' the next time 1 will go directly to Christ, my ' great High Priest.' " And it is believed that this was the last time he ever went to confession, it is also known that he was opposed to cloisters and nunneries, and entirely destroyed several of them in his dominion. 18 HISTORY OF THE EBERHAETS. EBEKHAED S FAMILY. So far as I can learn, he had but five children, two sons and three daughters. One of his sons was married, and left a son, and this grandson succeeded the old Duke on the throne, and was stj'led " Eberhard the Mild," indi- cating his disposition in contrast with the old Duke, whose sons both died when young, the one being killed on the battlefield, of whom mention was made before. In German history I find references to the daughters as being very beautiful (©c£)on) and accomplished. One of them was married to Rudulph, of Hohenberg, and was buried at Eothenberg. On her gravestone are the following beautiful lines, which I have translated for the benefit of the reader : Here, in the lap of earth, rests Irmengard, The beautiful rose, Grown from Wirtemberg's stock, O! how mild and lovely in repose. The other two daughters, I think, were both married. Sophia, the youngest, whom the father almost idolized, was abducted by some of Eberhard's enemies, just about the time they were preparing for her an extra grand marriage feast. They said, " we can not conquer Eber- hard on the battlefield, but if we can steal awa\'^ his daughter we will afflict him more than if he lost a bat- tie." This was trulj' the greatest calamity that ever befell this noble man. But the young Duke of Lothrin- gen, to whom she was betrothed, raised a band of noble warriors, and brought her home again to the great joy of her parents, as well as to the young couple themselves. This Duke Eberhard was quite wealthy and lived in kingly style, but was nevertheless a plain, economical, unassuming man, much beloved by his subjects, and by his servants. It is said he scarcely ever changed servants. I-IISTOEY OF THE EBBBHAET8. 19 but kept the same ones as long as they were able to serve. He is said to have had the finest horses in all the land, and prided himself much in his, "Rosz," as 1\\q fleetest charger in the country. He had many good qualities, but excelled as a warrior, and on a limited scale of war- fare, he probably had few, if any, superiors. He died very suddenly and unexpectedly on March 15, 1392, in the sixty-seventh year of his age, at the time when he was besieging Reichenberg in Baden. Here, for the first time in his life, he met with such a powerful and stubborn resistance that he decided to raise the siege. Audit has been supposed by some that this was such a source of grief and mortification that it contributed largely to his sickness and death. Let this be as it may, I verily believe he was a good man, and accomplished much for his people. 20 HISTORY OF THE EBEEHAETS. CHAPTER lY. EBERHAKD THE "MILD." Eherhard the " Mild''' nephew of Eberhard the " Rush- ing Beard," commenced to reign about A. D. 1392, and reigned about twenty-five years. He was married twice. First to Antonia, daughter of Barnabo Visconti, with whom he had two sons. The one died in infancy, and the other became his successor on the throne and was styled " Eberhard the Younger." With his second wife, Elizabeth, daughter of Duke Johann of Nuernberg, he had a daughter, also called Elizabeth. She was betrothed to Duke Albright of Bavaria when quite young, but after- wards Duke Johann of Werdenberg secretly beguiled her and she married him, causing considerable unpleasant- ness in the family, which was, however, all settled in a few years. Eberhard the " Mild," as this title indicates, was a very mild, serene and kind-hearted man. In this respect he was quite a different man from his grandfather, the " Eushing Beard," or his great-great-grandfather, Eber- hard the " Noble." But do not for a moment entertain the thought that he was feminine and vacillating in his character ; not by any means. He was a noble, dignified, intelligent and well-balanced man, but not so impulsive and enthusiastic as some of his forefathers; but yet decidedly firm and persistent in his ways and enterprises. He was also a military man, and led in person several large mili- tary campaigns and fought great battles ; but was espe- cially noted for his influence over society, by way of incul- cating good morals and manners, and establishing schools and churches and putting down the prevailing vices of the HISTORY OF THE EBEEHAETS. 21 land. It is claimed that Wirtemberg had never before risen to so high a state of culture and refinement, and never had made such progress in the Fine Arts, as well as in useful and substantial knowledge, and never had a ruler that was so well known and so well liked all over Germany, both among kings and emperors and the com- mon people in city and country, as Eberhard the " Mild/' He died Ma}"^ 16, 1417, under very peculiar circum- stances, rather hard to believe, though well substantiated in history, which I will give the reader for all it is worth. Feeling rather indisposed, he went to Gippingen to use the " chalybean waters " of a certain spring which had become very noted in his day for its medical properties ; not, however, for a moment considering his case a serious one. But, instead of being benefited he continued to grow worse, until one day his physician came to him and in a serious mood addressed him thus : " Most Gracious Lord, arrange thy house and prepare thy soul, for in a few hours thou shalt be called away." More astonished than alarmed at this strange and unexpected announcement he said : " It has been prophesied to me that I would not die until a certain woman (whom he named) should first have died, and a certain tree (referring to it) should have fallen." The physician then replied : " It is with a sad heart that I inform thee that the tree has fallen and that the woman is in the last pangs of death." At this saying he seemed to realize that his end had come, and, without the least excitement, arranged his house, attended to his temporal matters as best he could, and, committing his soul to God, expired within six hours. He was buried at Stuttgart under the most imposing ceremonies, multitudes of all classes and rank attending his funeral obsequies. It is said that in Stuttgart is to be seen a statue or marble monument in efiigy of Duke Eberhard the " Mild." 22 HISTORY OF THE EBEEHAETS. CHAPTER V. EBERHAKD THE " YOUNGER " Was the son of Eberhard the "Mild." He was born August 23, A. D. 1388. His father in early boyhood sent him to the Court of King Sigismund to be educated. Here he was betrothed, when only eleven years of age, to a very wealthy young woman in the " royal line," by the name of Henrietta ; but was not married until about twenty. But this union did not prove very successful. She Avas a self-willed and domineering woman, and prided herself much in her great wealth which caused unpleasantness ; and in course of time they separated and so lived until the death of the Duke, which occurred July 2, 14:19, in the thirty-second year of his age, after a comparatively short reign. He had three children ; two sons, Ludwig and Ulrich, and one daughter, Anna, who was married to Duke Philipp of Katzeneln- bogen when only fourteen j'ears of age. HISTORY OF THE EBEEHAETS. 23 CHAPTER yi. HENRIETTA, DUCHESS OE WIETEMBERG. After the death of Duke Eberhard the " Younger," his widow, Henrietta, claimed the right to reign in his stead, and toolc possession at headquarters, against the remonstrance of Duke Johann of Lotheringen, who, as nephew of Eberhard the " Groaner," also claimed the throne. But she powerfully and successfully resisted him. Duke Frederick of ZoUern also opposed her and spoke lightly of j^romen being so masculine as to take the place of men and try to rule — as this had not yet become a custom. But for his sport he had to pay dearly, as the offended Henrietta at once raised a large army and for a year besieged his city and then totally destroyed it — the Duke having fled sometime before. But her self-will and domineering spirit soon made her unpopular among her own people. So that in 1426, the seventh year of her reign, it became necessary for her to vacate "Wirtemberg to her eldest son, and by a compromise with the King, made through the medium of her son-in-law, Duke Philipp, she was permitted to retain Mempelgard, with an abundant provision for all her temporal wants. But, owing to her unpleasant disposi- tion, she could not agree with her sons, so she made an assignment of her property, and the right to be her suc- cessor, to her daughter Anna, Duchess of Katzenelnbo- gen, saying, if her sons were not satisfied with the "dry," they might take the " wet." But it went from bad to worse, until in 1442 the sons '2i HISTORY OF THE EBEEHARTS. put her into the prison at Wirtingen, until she became willing to agrae that at her death both her property and her kingdom should go to her legal heirs according to law and custom. In this woman with all her faults were found many good and noble traits of character. She was educated, intelligent and refined, and possessed rare executive abilities, but was ruined by her selfishness and pride. HISTORY OF THE EBBKHAETS. 25 OHAPTEE VII. DUKE EBERHAED "WITH THE BEARD." He was born December 11, A. D. 1445. His father died when he was but five years of age, and he was then placed under the care of his uncle, who allowed him great freedom, paying but little attention to his morals, so that he soon got to be a wild boy, for he was naturally a pre- cocious, lively child. His mother, Mechtild, Countess of Paltz, was an excellent woman, but, not having her son under her personal care Avhen young, could do but little for him. She afterwards, when older, had a powerful influence over him for good. He, by nature, seems to have been endowed with greater talents and stronger intellect than any of his predecessors. He also received a good educa- tion in everything but the " Classics." This was forbid- den him by his uncle, giving as his reason that it was more important to have his physical system well devel- oped and disciplined, and that instead thereof he have a good " business education," learning well " how to rule." Kemember that virtually and legally he was Duke of Wirtemberg when but five years of age. The affairs of state, of course, were administered by others, he not being able, and, when older, not caring much about it, for by the time he was eighteen years old he had gotten to be quite a wild and reckless youth, so .that those in authority, as well as the common people, rose up against him and virtually expelled him from his high position. But, when about twenty-two, like the "Prodigal Son," he seriously considered his condition and a great change came over him. The historian says : " He experienced ' a change of heart and mind' and joined the church and was 26 HISTORY OF THE EBEEHABT8. quite a diflferent man." Soon after this he Wiis again restored to his position and office. To confirm his faith and strengthen his religious purposes, he decided to make a " Pilgrimage " to the " Holy Land." This he accomplished in 1468, when in hig twenty-fourth year. He took with him a company of forty persons ; among them were two chaplains, one physician, and many noblemen. Before starting, he took a solemn vow at the grave of his father to fully consecrate himself to God and the service of his fellowraen, at the same time publicly receiving the bene- dictions and good wishes of kings and bishops, as well as the common people. He arrived in Jerusalem July 8, and that day, in the " Church of the Holy Sepulchre," bare-footed, he was made a chevalier or " knight," according to some order of monks in the place, solemnly renewing his holy vow to be a Christian. From this day he never shavpd any part of his beard, as an evidence of his " vow." This is why he was called "Eberhard with the Beard." He also visited other places, such as Bethany and Beth- lehem, and returned home via Naples, Rome and Flor- ence, arriving at home in November of the same year. During all this time he was not married. So his mother looked around for a suitable companion for him, and through the aid of Duke Albright succeeded in finding one of her own nationality, an Italian lady called Bar- bara, daughter of one "Barbara, Countess of Branden- berg." The marriage took place July 4, 1474, and was the largest wedding I ever heard of in any country. "We are assured that 14,000 guests partook of the royal feast on that occasion. Among them were first the common people, but also kings, dukes, earls, bishops, ministers, pro- fessors, statesmen, and noblemen, by scores and hundreds. It was probably not only the largest, but also among the HISTORY OF THE EBEEHARTS. 27 most imposingly grand and stylish weddings ever known in Germany. And what was still better, the Duke got one of the handsomest and best women for a wife in all the land. She was educated, accomplished, and religious, and, though brought up at one of the proudest courts of Italy, she was a good housekeeper. And, notwithstanding that she was a wise counselor at the court of her husband, and in many ways greatly aided him in the affairs of State, yet she also had a model farm and lovely garden at " Schonbach," which she superintended in person, and from which she furnished butter and milk, and all kinds of vegetables and fruits for the table of the royal family in Wirtemberg. She was also a very charitable woman. She was con- stantly supplying the poor around her with the necessaries of life. Many a heart was made glad upon receiving a basket well filled from her garden or storehouse. In time of a famine, she said : " I would rather live on 'porlc and heans than allow my poor people to suffer hunger." She had only one child, a lovely daughter, who died when quite young. She, herself, died in the prime of life, May 31, 1503, truly beloved by all who kneAV her. Duke Eberhard "with the beard," or, as he was fre- quently called toward the close of life, Eberhard " the pious," was truly a good man, and very active and energetic in doing -good to others in every possible way. He person- ally attended to the most of his official business, but in addition to the affairs of State, he did much to improve the state of society, by way of establishing churches, and schools, and chariiable institutions. He established the first apothecary shop in Stuttgart for the improve- ment of the health of his people. He also was the founder of the University at Tibigen in 1477; and at his own home, instead of having a lot of sport- ing men loafing around, feasting and drinking wine, as 28 HISTORY OF THE EBEEHABTS. was the custom in his day, he established a sobool where theology and all the fine arts and sciences were taught by the best and most learned teachers and professors he could find in all the country. To this school he invited, free of charge, talented and promising young men, especially young counts and princes, and had them taught the great lessons of life. In this school he* insisted on good morals and manners — if possible, to atone in some measure for the loss he himself had sustained in this direction. He was all the time looking around for some new enterprise to do good, and when he saw an opening, paused and considered it well, then said, "/ ^vill venture" and then would go forward with all his might. He was rather small of stature, hence it was a common saying among the people : " Our Eberhard is the least of all the Eber- hards, but has the largest hearth He was very pleasant, talkative and polite in society. He died February 24, 1496, in the prime of life, being only fifty -one years of age. He was buried at Stuttgart, in " St. Peter's Hermitage," a place he had prepared for this purpose. It seems he preferred to have his earthly remains rest in a remote place, in preference to being interred in a public place with the great. His funeral was largely attended by all classes, with much " weeping and lamentation." Caesar Maximilian I. visited his grave shortly after his burial, and very feelingly said : " Here rests a prince, who, for true virtue and wisdom, had no equal in all the land." HIS WILL. In his will and last testament he directed : First, That his burial should take place without any demonstrations of "pride or ostentation," and that his robes and costly apparel should be put into the sepulchre with him. HISTORY OF THE EBEEHAETS. 29 Second, That on the first Sabbath after his death it should be announced from all the pulpits in his realm, that if he had in any way wounded the feelings of anybody, he was sorry, and asked forgiveness. And further, that if in any way any unjust money had come into his pos- session, that any person so injured, should bring the case before his executors, and it should be refunded to him. Third, After disposing of his property in a general way, among his relatives, he gave little mementos to his special friends. To his "dear wife" he gave his "golden drink- ing cup." To his sister's son, whom he had raised at his own court, he gave a costly golden dish. And last, but not least, he directed that in each of four towns named, granaries should be erected, and that the proceeds of certain farms and lands designated, should annually be treasured up therein, for the benefit of the poor in time of failures of crops, or in case of a famine. 30 HISTORY OF THE KBEEHAETS. CHAPTER YIII. COUNT EBERHAED "THE YOUNG." ALSO KNOWN AS DUKE EBERHARD II. Count Eberhard was born February 1, 1447, at Waib- lingen. He was nephew of Eberhard " with the Beard." He was educated at the Court of Duke Philip of Burgund. He was married in 146T to Elisabeth, daughter of Count Albright, of Brandenberg. He was physically well devel- oped and of good and erect stature ; had blue eyes and curly, blonde hair. He had a good classical education, but delighted more in fishing and hunting than literary pursuits and the duties and honors of his office. During the latter days of his uncle, Duke Eberhard " with the Beard," or Eberhard I., as it was written in later years, he acted as Count of Mempelgard and adjoin- ing towns ; but on being promoted to the Dukeship at the death of his uncle, being then fifty years of age, he made great promises of reformation, and was gladly welcomed at Stuttgart by all classes ; but in a few years he fell into his old habits again, so that his people became dissatisfied ; and he, caring but little for either the labors or honors of his ofiice, entered into a contract to vacate the throne, on the condition that they pay him annually a certain specified sum for the support of his familj''. This agree- ment was satisfactorily entered into some time in 1499, and he died in 1504, in the fifty-eighth year of his age. HISTORY OF THK EBEEHARTS. 31 CHAPTER IX. DUKE EBERIIARD III. I know not the date of his birth, but he commenced to reign about A. D. 1633, and reigned forty-one years. He was an excellent, well educated, and well-balanced man, but had great difficulties to encounter, as his reign commenced about the middle of the noted " Thirty years' Avar "with France, Turkey and their allies. This war was commenced about 1620 and did not fully end until 1650. As I understand it, it was principalh' a war of the Catholics against the Protestants, led and encouraged by Caesar Ferdinand III. During this war, almost the whole of Germany was overrun and laid waste by the army. Eberhard III. made a vigorous defense against bis ene- mies, but was not successful. The great decisive battle Avas fought at IS'oerdlingen in 1634. He had an army of 31,000, but his enemies were 35,000 strong and were Avell armed and drilled. At first Eberhard succeeded admira- bly, but, in the height of the battle, a wagon full of poAvder exploded, which threw his army into confusion. The enemy, taking advantage of this, rushed upon them furiously and drove them back in disorder, so that they finally fied to Strawsburg, Eberhard himself and family coming near being captured. He left 12,000 dead on the ground and 4,000 were taken prisoners. In 1638, arrangements Avere entered into by which, on certain conditions, he could return to his " beloved Wirtemberg" after a four years' banishment. But on his return he found nothing but destruction and ruin. 32 HISTORY OF THE EBERHARTS. Cities, villages and farms had been burned and destroyed. Even four years after the war, upon taking the census, it was found that there were still missing eight cities, forty-five villages, sixty-five churches, 230 public buildmgs and 36,000 private dwellings. Also 40,- 000 vineyards and 288,000 farms and meadows had been destroyed. The,people also were greatly demoralized, so that vice, suffering, starvation and death seemed to reign everywhere. But he went to work with commendable wisdom, energy and perseverence and gradually rebuilt the waste places and re-established good morals and the worship of God. He issued one of the best and strongest " Proclamations " against disobedience of children, unruly students and general lawlessness I ever read. He was married twice and had eighteen sons and seven daughters. He died July 2, 1^574, and his son "Wil- liam Ludwig became his successor. HISTORY OF THE EBEEHAETS. 33 CHAPTER X. DUKE LEOPOIiD EBBRHARD. According to Dr. Karl Pfaff's "Memorandums of "Wirtemberg" he was born May 21, A. D. 1610, and died April 3, 1723, of paralysis. This would make him 113 years of age at his death. But as few people lived to this age in his day, I think there must be a mistake in reference to the time of his birth. The time of his death is otherwise substantiated. His education was badly neglected. It is true he attended college for a time, then getting tired of it, returned home. His father, after traveling with him for a few years, decided he should learn the Arabian language and pursue his studies in this language. But he got hold of improper books. Among others, the Koran, instead of the Bible, was placed in his hands, and he adopted some of the leading tenets of Mohammedanism, among others the doctrine of polygamy. In accordance with this view he married three wives. This was very objectionable to the people of his country, and also contrary to the well- established laws of the land ; hence, his children were declared illegitimate and not entitled to be his successors either in office or inheritance. For all this he was very sorry in his declining years, and accordingl}^ made a vigorous effort to have them officially declared in the regular line of inheritance. To accomplish this purpose he appealed to the Pope, and to the King of France, who at this time was governor of Wirtemburg, but all in vain. So he proposed to Duke Eberhard Ludwig, who was considered the next legal 34 HISTORY OF THE EBEEHAKTS. heir to Wirtemberg, that he would relinquish all claims, both for himself and his family, if he would agree to pay his family 12,000 florins annually during their lifetime. This he readily agreed to do. But this plan was frus- trated in the following manner : A still more distant relative, Duke Charles Augen, married into a Catholic family of the " royal line," and himself also joined the church. This enabled him to get favors at headquarters and, as the sequel shows, he was made Duke of "Wirtem- berg instead of Eberiiard Ludwig, and commenced to reign in 1744. This is the way in which the Eberbards ceased to reign in Wirtemberg, as he was the last one. It was partly by his own improper conduct, but principally through the strife then existing between Catholics and Protestants, in which the Catholics, for the time being, were victorious. HISTORY OF THE EBERHAETS. 35 CHAPTEK XI. GENERAL REMARKS ON GERMANY. The Eberhards of Germany were intermarried with the Ulrichs, Rudolphs, Henrys, Fredericks, Hartmans, Ludwigs, and others. And during the time that the Eberhards were the reigning counts and dukes of "Wirtem- berg — viz., from 1280 to 1723 — 443 years — there were short intervals when there was not found the son of an Eberhard to take the place of the departed Duke ; in that case, the nearest relatives, such as a daughter's son, would be called to occupy the place. Here is where the Ulrichs, Ludwigs, etc., came in. But I will not delineate any more individual Eberhards of Germany, but a few words in a general way before leaving them may be interesting to the readers. They were neither angels nor saints, but the most of them were noble specimens of humanity, especially when we consider the age of the world in which they lived, and the circumstances with which they were environed. They lived in the darkest years of the chris- tian era — just before, and through the "Reformation " in Germany. They were decidedly religious, and their morals, though probably not up to the present standard in all points, were far in advance of the times in which they lived. They were also in advance of the age in which they lived, in social culture, temperance and edu- cation. They held sacred the family relation, and greatly enjoyed its blessings ami privileges. They were indus- trious and economical in their modes of living, and yet did not deprive themselves of the comforts, yea, even luxuries of life. They gave special attention to the laws 36 HISTOEY OF THE EBEEHAKTS. of health and hygiene. They were much in the habit of taking physical exercises, such as walking and riding horseback, hunting, etc., consequently were a large, healthy and robust race. HISTOKY OF THE E15ERHAETS. 3T CHAPTEE XII. GENERAX, REMARKS ON TI-IE EBERHARTS OF AMERICA. I will now leave the Eberhards of Germany and come to America. And here we find hundreds of them, scat- tered all over the land, though not all spelling the name alike, yet claiming to belong to some of the tribal fore- fathers and families who came from Germany at some time previous. From the best information I can get on this subject, I believe that the original name was Eher- hardt; but changes have been made both in Germany and in this country. Some have dropped off the " t," and others the "d," and still others, to "anglosize it, and make it more euphonious," as they say, have dropped out the " b" and put in a " v " — which I think a mistake, but of course allow every one to please himself. In our family we have adopted Eberhart, and in the future of this book I will so write it, except in a few cases where it is otherwise desired. During the first half of the seventeenth century, Ger- many was agitated and convulsed by both ecclesiastical strife and political revolutions, as never before. With the death of Charles VI., Emperor of Germany (1740), vir- tually passed away the long reigning " House of Haps- burg ; " and as there was not found a legal male heir to the throne, it involved all Germany in confusion and war. And about this time the conflict between the Protes- tants and the Eoman Catholics had risen to its highest pitch. The " 30 years' war" had ended with dire effects on both church and state ; and the most devilish of all 38 HISTORY OF THE EBEKHAETS. institutions, misnamed " The Holy Inquisition," was being banished from the land. This also was the time (1723) when the " Eberhards " ceased to be the reigning Dukes of Wirtemberg. In view of all these circumstances, many of them decided to leave the •' Father-Land " and seek their fortunes and greater civil and religious freedom in the New World. Hence, quite a number of them emigrated to this country between 1725 and 1750. They came either from Wirtem- berg or some of the adjoining provinces whither they had been scattered. I will now trace and describe some of \)i\%%& fatriarchs and their descendants as best I can. HISTORY OF THE EBERHAKTS. 39 CHAPTER XIIL JOSEPH, PETER AKD MICHAEL EBEEHART, Peter and Michael came from Germany in the ship Friendship, John Davis, master, and landed at Philadel- phia, Oct. 16, ITSY. Joseph came over some time during the same year. Tradition says they were brothers, and though I have no positive proof of it, I verily believe it. J^irst, because I find this " tradition " among nearly all of their descendants. Second, because I find the same family names among them brought down to the present genera- tion. I am sorry that I have not been able to trace all the decendants of this noble trio, but such information as I could obtain during seven years' searching, with the assist- ance of some faithful co-laborers, I now freely give. But notwithstanding these difficulties I flatter myself that the most of them have been accurately described and truthfully represented. 40 HISTORY OF THE EBERHAETS. CHAPTER XIV. JOSEPH BBERHART.* Joseph Eberhart came from Switzerland, Germany, landing in Pliiladelphia in 1727, and settled in what is now Lower Milford township, Lehigh county. Pa., in 1742, and soon became one of the wealthiest farmers in the country. In a few years he was the owner and tiller of over 1,000 acres of very valuable land. Before his death in 1760 he divided this land among his six sons by a well- executed Will — still on record. From all that I can learn he was a man of good busi- ness habits, and at the same time sustained a good moral and religious character. He was a member of the Great Swamp Reformed Church, and did much to organize and sustain it. He died when well advanced in years, and is buried in the old graveyard. CHILDREN OF JOSEPH EBERHART. 1. Michael, eldest son of Joseph Eberhart, fell heir to the old homestead in Lower Milford, Lehigh county, Pa., and so far as known lived and died there and was buried at the Great Swamp Reformed Church. 2. Joseph Eherhart, Jr., second son of Joseph Eber- hart, who came from Germany, was born July 21, 1735, in Lower Milford township, Lehigh county. Pa., and was married April 3, 175V^, to Miss Catharine Seigle, who was born in England September 5, 1739, and died March 8, ♦He ended his name with a"t"on coming to this country, but it was changed to " d " by the English speaking people. The " d " was, however, soon dropped by the most of his descendants, and they now write it as he did. HISTORY OF THE EBEEHAET8. 41 1819, almost 80 years of age. He obtained by his father's will 192 acres of land in Upper Milford, and was a well- to-do farmer, as well as an honored member of the Ee- formed Church. They had the following children: 1. John Geot'ge Eberhart, son of Joseph Eberhart, Jr., was born December 25, 1763, in Upper Milford township, Lehigh county, Pa. He was married and lived in White Hall township and engaged in tilling the soil. He died June 17, 1858, aged 95. CHILDREN OF JOHN GEORGE EBERHART.' 1. Joseph Eberhart. He was married to Catharine Shriver, of White Hall, and was a farmer. He had two daughters married, but to whom not known, and a son Joseph, deceased. 2. Catharine Eherhart, married to an OnnaAvald. 3. Susanna Eherhart, married to a Heilman. They have one son called Moses. 4-. Elizabeth Eberhart, married to a Shafer in White Hall. 5. Lydia Eberhart, married to a Yuchter. ' 2. Margaret Eberhart, daughter of Joseph Eberhart, Jr., was married to Jacob Troxell, August 10, 1784, of White Hall township, Lehigh county. Pa. 5. Catharine Eberha7't, Adi\xgh.ieY ot Joseph Eberhart,. Jr., was born June 29, 1756, and died March 31, 1847, aged 91 years. She was never married. J^. Barbara Eberhart, daughter of Joseph Eberhart, Jr., was born September 2, 1760, and died September 24, 1827, aged 61. She was never married. 6. Daniel Eberhart, a son of Joseph Eberhart, Jr., was born January 16, 1778, and married Maria Erdman, of Spinnerstown, Bucks county. Pa. She was born March 23, 1783, and died June 17, 1857, aged 74 years. He 4:2 HISTORY OF THE EBERHA.ETS. died December 9, 1857, aged Y9 years. He was a farmer and a member of the Reformed Church, and she a mem- ber of the Lutheran Church. Both are buried at the Great Swamp Church. CHILDREN OF DANIEL AND MARIA EBERHART. 1. Daniel Eberhart, Jr., was born November 14, •1814, and married November 24, 1839, to Miss Mary Ann Welder, of Chestnut Hill, who was born June 28, 1820. He is a farmer, still residing on the old " Eber- hard Homestead" in Lower Milford, and is the oldest Eberhart in this part of the country. They belong to the Great Swamp Church. Since the above was writ- ten, he died, aged Y6 years. They had one child, Sarah, married to Mr. Mahlon Hillegass, of Greenville, Pa. ^. Jose])h Eberhart, a brother of Daniel, departed this life and is buried at the Great Swamp Church. 3. George Eberhart, third son of Daniel and Maria EberhaK, was born, March 9, 1816, and was never mar- ried. He resided with his eldest brother, Daniel, on the old homestead in Lower Milford, and departed *this life in April, 1890. Jf.. Rebecca Eberhart was born in Lower Milford and married to Jacob Shultz, of Spinnerstown, Bucks county. Pa. For some time he engaged in tilling the soil, then moved to AUentoW^n, where he engaged in the furniture :business. They are buried at the Methodist Church. 5. Polly Eberhart was born in Lower Milford and married Joshua Hallacker, of Limeport. He was a farmer. They have three children, viz.: William, mar- ried to Susan Eoeder, now residing in Philadelphia; Maria is married to a Shafer, and Emma to an Engleman. 6. Elizabeth Eberhart was born June 13, 1820, and jnarried to Jonas C. Roeder, of Hasensack. He was a HISTOEY OF THE EBEEHAETS. 43 farmer. Both are dead and buried at the New Goshoppen Church. 7. Lydia Eberhart, youngest child of Daniel and Maria Eberhart, was born June 25, 1822, and married to Jacob Dubbs, of Lower Milford, a farmer. They are hur- ried at the Great Swamp Church. They had three chil- dren, viz.: Jacob, deceased ; Elmira, married to "Wayne Gabel, of Lower Milford, now residing at Richland Centre; Marj', single, residing at home. Adam Eherhart, son of Joseph, and grandson of John George Eberhart, was born February 27, 1782, and mar- ried July 9, 1809, to Miss Margaret Mack, of Churchville. She was born August 16, 1787, and died -April 2, 1868, aged 81. He was a fanner. They belonged to the Ger- man Eeformed Church, and are buried at the Great Swamp Church. They had two sons and four daughters, viz.: 1. George, born September, 8, 1812, and married to Elizabeth Sherer, December 14, 1834, who died August 2, 1841, aged 29. He died September 9, 1863, aged 61 years. They are buried at the Great Swamp Eeformed Church. They had three children as follows : Henry S. born December 26, 1835, and married to Miss Maria Hunsperger, of Spinnerstown, on May, 7, 1859. She was born April 30, 1840. He is a carpenter by trade, and they reside at Quakertown, Pa. They belong to the Reformed Church. They have two sons and three daugh- ters, viz.: 1. Oeorge Benjornln H., born December 16, 1870. He is single, living with his parents and working in a harness factory. 2. Henry Orjphias R. was born in Philadelphia, November 20, 1878. He is at home with his parents. 44 HISTORY OF THE EBEEHARTS. 3. Elenora H. was born in Spinnerstown, Pa., November 30, 1860. She is married to Clinton Zeigen- fuss, of Qualfertown, where they reside. He is in the harness factory. Jf.. Jimma Catherine H. was born November 16, 1872, and married to John Eichner, of Qualcertown, Pa. He is a shoemaker, residing at Eichland Centre. They belong to the Lutheran Church. 5. Eva Maria H. was born August 6, 1880, in Spinnerstown. She is at home with her parents. '2. Sarah S. Eherhart, second child of Adam Eber- hart, was born at Spinnerstown, October 17, 1838. She is single, residing at JSTo. 1732 Monument avenue, Phila- delphia. She is a member of the Eeformed Church. 3. Isabella 8. Eherhart, daughter of Adam Eberhart, was born^September 7, 1840, in Lower Milford towmship, Bucks county. Pa., and was married October 1, 1859, to Daniel B. Neidig, of Frederick township, Montgomerj^ county, Pa. He was born ISTovember 22, 1834. They reside on the old homestead in Spinnerstown, Pa.; and she is a member of the Eeformed, and he a member of the Lutheran, Church. He is a builder by trade and doing a good business. They have two children, viz., Sarah E. and Mamie E. 1. Sarah E. Neidig was born November 20, 1860, and was married to Horace M. Eoeder, of Jerryville. He was born March 6, 1859, in Milford township, Bucks county. Pa., Avhere they now reside. They have two children — Gertrude May and Frederick, both infants. %. Mamie E. Neidig^ second daughter of Daniel B. and Isabella Neidig, was born February 18, 1863, on the old " Eberhard"' homestead, where she still resides with her parents, enjoying single blessedness, and making herself HISTORY OF THE EBEEHAKTS. 45 useful by her " labor of love " to her parents, neighbors, and the church ; she has taken an active part in collecting material for this book. She is a very amiable Cinristian lady, and a worth}-^ member of the Great Sivamp Reformed Trinity Church. George Eherhart, a son of Adam Eberhart, spoken of before, was married the second time to Catharine Sherer, sister of his first wife, in 1843, and as a result of this union had four sons and two daughters, viz: 1. Charles Eherhart, born August 27, 1844, and was married March, 1866, to Miss Emma Krauss, who was born April 19, 1846. He is a salesman, residing at No. 1723 ]Sr. Seventh street, Philadelphia. Both members of the Reformed Church. 2. John Oliver S. Eherhart, M. D., Ph. D., was born May 28, 1851, in Milford township, Bucks county. Pa., and after graduating from JeflFerson Medical College he was joined in marriage with Miss Susanna Boyer, of Philadelphia, on November 22, 1877, who was born November 15, 1856, in Milford, Bucks county. Pa. Thej' now reside on the southeast corner of Fifth and Cumber- land streets, Philadelphia, where he has an extensive practice in his profession. They are members of the Grace Reformed Church. They have two children — John Oliver, born November 7,- 1881, and Eva Mary, born December 26, 1878. 3. Adam S. Eberhart was born May 27, 1854, and married January 31, 1877, to Miss Emma Lovesa, who was born August 14, 1857. They reside at No. 2026 Bodine street, Philadelphia. He has been a conductor on the railroad for many years. On May 7 last, he met with a sad accident, which came very near proving fatal, and 46 HISTOEY OF THE KBEKHAETS. from which he has notj'et recovered. They are members of the Reformed Church. If.. PhJla. Joseph Elerhart was born December 25, 1857, and died January 25, 1858. 5. Catharine E'berha7't was born JSTovember 18, 1848, in Milford, Bucks county, Pa., and was married April 25, 1868, to Jacob B. Neidig, who was born October 31, 1843. He is a farmer and a member of the Lutheran Church. They had two daughters, viz. — Emma, born May 9, 1871, and died January 3, 1872, and Ida, born August 9, 1874. They reside in Milford, Bucks county, Pa. 6. Mary Jane Elerhart was born October 15, 1860, and married James C. Laudenslager from the Great Swamp, who was born August 11, 1862. They reside in Philadelphia, where he is engaged in a spice factory. They have one child, Bessie, born July 22, 1858. They belong to the Reformed Church. If.. Joseph Eberhart, son of Adam, and brother of George Eberhart, was born August 1, 1825. He was a salesman in Philadelphia, not married, and died August 18, 1845, aged twenty years, and is buried at the Great Swamp Reformed Church. 5. Catharine Eberhart, daughter of Adam Eberhart, was born July 8, 1810, in Milford township, Bucks countj'^, Pa., and married July 24, 1836, to David McNoldy, of Ober, Hanover township, Montgomery county, Pa. He was born November 22, 1808, and died June 22, 1885, aged seventy-six years. He was a farmer. Shedied January 17, 1889, aged seventy-nine. They were members of the Reformed Church, and are buried at the Swamp cemetery. They had seven children, as follows — 1. Maria, deceased ; 2. John; 3. Emma Lizzie, deceased; 4. Samuel, deceased ; 5. Kate ; 6. Amanda, deceased ; 7. Caroline, deceased. HISTORY OF THE EBEEHAETS. 4T 6. Esther EberJiart, daughter of Adam Eberhart, was born October 25, 1814, and was married August 16, 1835, to Jonas M. Koch, of Colebrookdale, who was born May 27, 1816, and died December 12, 1887, aged seventy-one years. He was a tanner by trade and a member of the Reformed Church and is buried at the Zion's Church in Allentown, Pa. They had three sons and five daughters, viz.: 1. Leah Koch, married to Henry Decker, of Allen- town, Pa. They had one son, Charles, who married Emma Weaver, and they have three children — Herbert, George, and a baby. Mrs. Decker was married a second time to Henry Wolf, and they all reside in Philadelphia. 2. Lydia Koch, married to L. Miller, of Allentown, Pa. They had two children. 1. Samh, married to Teargardener, of Philadelphia. 2. Clara 31., married to Allen Haven, of Cincinnati, Ohio. They have one son, Harr}^. She was again mar- ried to Allen Spinner, of Allentown, and they had three children, all deceased. They now reside in Phila- delphia. 3. Matilda Koch, married to Josiah Clader, of Allen- town. They have one living child, Mary Elizabeth, mar- ried to James Cooley, of Allentown. J/.. Rebecca Koch, married to John Hartzell, of Allen- town. They have two living children. 1. John Hartzell, married to Nora Seifert, and they have the following children — Florence, Annie and Mabell. '2. William Hartzell, married to Maggie Koons. They have one son called Alvin. 3. Ella Aurelia Hartzell, the youngest child, was married to Even Smith. She was a noble woman, but death had marked her for his prey, hence she departed 48 HISTORY OF THE EBEEHAETS. this life in the fall of 1890, leaving little Helen, an only child, behind. 5. Jonas Adam Koch, deceased, was married to Emma Aurelia Spinner. They have two children. 1. Annie M. Koch, an accomplished young lady, at present taking lessons in music and landscape painting in Chicago, 111. 2. Florence Ksther Koch, residing at home with her mother in Allentown. 6. Emma Eliza Koch, married to Alfred Ott. They had three children, all deceased but Hetty Aurelia, a promising girl. 7. Henry and Nathaniel, both died in childhood. 7. Anna Maria Eberha7't, daughter of Adam Eber- hart, was born January 12, 1819, in Lower Milford town- ship, Bucks count}", Pa. 8. Elizabeth Eherhart, sister of the above Anna Maria, was born November 3, 1820, at the same place. These two sisters are still single, and living together on the " Old Eherhard" homestead where they were born, with Daniel B. JSTeidig. They were confirmed as mem- bers of the Reformed Church fifty -five years ago, and have been worthy and faithful members ever since, still teach- ing in the Sunday-school as they did forty-five years ago. What a blessing such people are to the church and to the world. HISTORY OF THE EBEEHAETS. 49 CHAPTER XV. JACOB EBERHAET. Jacob Eberhart was the third son of Joseph Eberhart, who came from Switzerland, Germany, in 1727. By his father's will he obtained one hundred and seventy-two acres of land in Northampton county, Pa., and soon became an extensive farmer, and it is believed was a fine Christian man, belonging to the G-erman Reformed Church. He had three sons so far as known. 1. John Eberhart, who had a son — name not known. 2. Joseph Eberhart, who died without heirs. 3. Abrahayn E ber hart, Sr., who was married to Abi- gail Weber, and at an early day moved to Montgomery county, Pa., and lived and died there, and is buried at Trappe in that count}''. They had three sons and five daughters, viz. : 1. Dr. Charles W. Eberhart, who was born March 14, 1809, and married March 12, 1839, to Miss Elizabeth Van Buskirk, of Quakertown, Pa., and settled at Sellersville, Pa., where he had an extensive practice in his profession, being a very popular doctor. He died July 5, 1888, aged nearly seventy-nine years. He belonged to the Reformed Church, and is buried in Sellersville, Pa. They had ten children, as follows : 1. Mary Catharine Eberhart, who was born May 29, 1840, and died in April, 1845. '2. Sidney Ellen Eberhart, born December 25, 1841, and married Alfred Christ, a lawyer by profession, and a member of the Moravian Church. They had two chil- dren — Walter Elmer and Catharine Elizabeth. 50 HISl'OEY OF THE EBERHAETS. 3. Josephine Eberhart, born April 21, 1844, and died in April 1845. Jf.. Kate E. Eherhart was born Ma}' 2, 1846, and married Dr. C. D. Fretz, of Sellersville, Pa. They are members of tiie Reformed Church. To them were born two sons — Alfred E. and Samuel Edward. 5. Maggie H. Eherhart was born September 12, 1849, and married to Eev. S. A. Leinbach. They belonged to the Reformed Church. She departed this life, February 12, 1874, leaving one child named Maggie Grace. 6. Mary S. Eherhart was born May 8th, 1852, and was married to Pearson W. Mickley. They are members of the Reformed Church. They have two children — Thomas Edward and Lizzie Grace. 7. Clara B. Eherhart was born February 24, 1855, and married Llewellyn S. Shimer. They belong to the Lutheran Church. They have two sons — -Howard E. and Harry W. 8. Lizzie B. Eberhart was born June 25, 1857. She resides at home with her mother, enjoying single blessed- ness. 9. Annie 0. Eherhart, twin sister of Dr. Charles W. Eberhart, was born June 25, 1860. She is still single at home, sharing the exalted duties of domestic life. 10. Charles W. Eherhart, M. I)., was born June 25, 1860, and married Miss Lizzie Ashenfeldter. He is pro- fessionally a physician. After many years' practice at Grater's Ford, he locatea at 505 "Wlldey street, Philadel- phia, and has a promising future before him. They are members of the Reformed Church. 2. Jesse Eberhart, second son of Abraham Eberhart, undoubtedly was raised and lived in Montgomery county, Pa. He was a dentist by profession, and was never mar- ried. HISTORY OF THE EBERHAETS. 51 3. Abraham Eberluui, Jr., third son of Abraliatn Eberhart, was married but bad no children. He was a miller by occupation. J^. Mary Ann Eherliart (deceased), eldest daughter of Abraham Eberhart, had two sons — Charles and Isaac — both noted doctors, residing in Reading, Pa. 5. Elizabeth Eherliart (deceased), daughter of Abra- ham Eberhart. Nothing more known. 6. Catharine H. Eherhurt, daughter of Abraham Eber- hart, was married February 14, 1841, to Benjamin D. Mil- ler. They reside at Hitner, Chester county. Pa. They have had three sons and seven daughters, all of Avhom are with the departed dead but three sons and one daughter. 7. Margaret Eberhart, daughter of Abraham Eber- hart, was married to a Mr. Holloway, and resides at Potts- town, Montgomery county, Pa. 8. Abbey Eberhart, daughter of Abraham Eberhart, was married to a Mr. Schleigh, and they reside at Potts- town, Montgomery county, Pa. Nearly all of this branch of the Eberharts are mem- bers of the Reformed Church. I),. John Eberhart, fourth son of Joseph Eberhart, who came from Germany in 1727, inherited 149 acres of land from his father, in Northampton county. Pa., and it is understood that he lived and died on it, and was buried at the Great Swamp Graveyard. I know nothing of his descendants, but think he is the John Eberhart referred to in Chapter XVII, as having died in 1849, aged seventy years. 52 HISTORY OF THE EBERHAKTS. CHAPTER XYI. PETER EBERHABT. Peter Eherhart was the fifth son of Joseph Eberhart, who came from Switzerland, Germany, in 1727. His father gave him a farm of two hundred acres in Lower Milford township, Lehigh county, Fa., and he was an extensive farmer and good citizen and a worthy member of the German Reformed Church. I know not the names of all of his children, but his second son's name was S. Conrad Eherhart, who was born February 26, 1768. He was married to Maria Feitnauer, and they resided on his father's farm and were able farmers. He also took an active part in military affairs. He was four years a commissioned major of Second battailion, Thir- teenth regiment, in the First brigade of the Eighth division of Pennsylvania militia. He was an active and brave officer. They were members of the German Reformed Church. He died in 1813, aged seventy-five years, and his wife died in 1816, aged eighty years. They are buried at the Great Swamp Reformed Church. They had two children, viz.: 1. David Eberhart, born June 8, 1797. He was mar- ried to Miss Mary Dubbs, who was born September 22, 1803, and died June 21, 1880, aged seventy-seven years. He died January 13, 1872, aged seventy-five years. He was quite an extensive farmer and active business man. The}^ were both members of the German Reformed Church and are buried at the new cemetery of the Great Swamp Church. HISTORY OF THE EBEEHARTS. 53 CHILDREN OF DAVID AND MARY EBEEHART. 1. Catharine Eherhart, born February 4, 1828, and died January 9, 1829. '2. Mary Ann Eberhart was born December 3, 1823, and was married to Edwin David Spinner. They had three children, viz.: Amanda, Emma and Catharine, all deceased and buried at the German Reformed Church. 3. John Eherhart, third child of David Eberhart, was married to Miss Lucy Shiffert, of Chestnut Hill. They had two children, viz., Maria, born June 11, 1855, and died June 18,1856; and Clement Augustine S., born Feb- ruary 17, 1857, and married Miss Maria Jane Wieand, who was born September 15, 1856. They are both mem- bers of the German Reformed Church. 2. Elizabeth Eberhart, second child of Conrad Eber- hart, was married to a Mr. Scholl, a German Reformed minister. They moved West and are now both dead. 3. John Eberhart, son of Peter Eberhart, was born February 15, 1779, and married Eva Reitnauer, who was born November 9, 1772, and died November 19, 1854, aged eight}'-two years. He died November 8, 1849, aged seventy years. They were both members of the Reformed Church, and are buried there. They had the following children, viz.: 1. Jesse Eberhart, who was married to Judah Mowery, from Locust Valley. They belonged to the German Reformed Church and are buried at the Great Swamp cemetery. They had one child, Dianna, who married a Mr. Bruner. 2. Nathan Eberhart was married to Lydia Blank of Saucon. They lived for a time at AUentown, then moved 54 HISTOKY OF THE EBEEHAETS. to Bethlehem, where they both died, and are buried at the Lutheran cemetery. They had no children. 3. Elizabeth Elerhart was married to David Dubbs, of Locust Valley. They had four children, as follows— John, Charles, Amanda and Emma. Ij.. David Elerhart, son of Peter Eberhart, and twnn brother of John Eberhart, was born February 15, 1779, and married a Miss Reitnauer. They had six children : 1. Charles Elerhart who was drowned when young, and is buried at the German Reformed Church. 2. George Elerhart was born March 4, 1803, and died April 17, 1874, aged seventy-one years. He was married to a Miss Cope, from HillstoAvn. She also departed this life, and they are buried at the Great Sw^amp Reformed Church. 3. 8ophia Elerhart was born November 27, 1802, and died June 21, 1871, aged sixty-nine years. She was mar- ried to Daniel Huber, who was born March 8, 1808, and died August 3, 1847, aged thirty-nine years. He was a farmer, and they were both members of the Reformed Church, and are buried at the Great Swamp cemetery. Ij.. Elizaleth Elerhart was born October 19, 1808, and died February 21, 1889, aged eighty-one years. She was never married, and is buried at the Great Swamp Church. 5. Polly Elerhart was married to a Mr. Lorite, from Fretland. Both deceased. 6. Lydia Elerhart was married to a Mr. Cope, of Sellersville. Eoth deceased. David Eberhart was married a second time to a Miss Wittimer, who was born March 11, 1781, and died March. 23, 1861, aged Eeventy-five years. They had the follow ing children: HISTORY OF THE BBEEHAETS. 55 1. William EherJmrt, now living in Lebanon county, Pa. 2. David Eherhart. He was married to Miss Sarah Strick, who was born January 29, 1830, and died March 20, 1859, and is buried at the Great Swamp Reformed Church. He died and is buried in Philadelphia. 3. Thomas Eherhart was born October 21, 1821, and died July 3, 1881, aged sixty years. He was married to Susan Jacoby, from Limeport. They resided for a time near Steinsburg, on the old farm, then moved to Philadelphia, where he died and was buried at the G-reat Swamp Reformed Church. She still resides in Philadelphia. They had two children ; one died when eight years old, and Melinda was married to a Mr. Walp, of Quakertown, Pa., where they reside. 4^. Susan Eherhart was born ISTovember 3, 1817, and was married to Reuben Dietz. She died February 22, 1882, aged sixty-five years. She is buried at the Great Swamp Reformed Church. 5. Rebeoca Eherhart was born November 22, 1815, and died November 29, 1880, aged sixty-five years. She was never married and is buried in the new cemetery. ABRAHAM EBEEHAET. Ahraham Eherhart was the sixth son of Joseph Eher- hart, who came from Germany in 1727. He, too, inherited two hundred acres of land from his father in Northamp- ton county. Pa., and undoubtedly lived on it, but I know nothing of his descendants. Joseph Eherhart, who came over in 1727, also had three daughters, as follows: 1. Veronica Eherhart, married Phillip Dosch. 'B. Elizaheth Eherhart, married Michael Bleyler. 3. Barhara Eherhart, married George Fisher. 56 HISTOEY OF THE EBEKHARTS. CHAPTER XVir. PETER EBEBHABT. Peter Elerhart was one of the "three brothers" who came from Germany in 1727, and settled in JSTorthampton county, Pa., but after this I can not trace him or any of his descendants. I think he must have died soon after, and may have been buried in some family burying ground, or in some old graveyard, where no marble slab marks his last resting-place ; or, it may be, that the epitaph has become so obliterated that it can not now be read. Of this kind there are many in the old graveyard at the " Great Swamp " church, where hundreds of Eberharts are buried, and of those that can be read, a goodly num- ber can not now be identified with any of the Eberhart families of the present generations. Here is a list of some of tffem : Michael Eberhart, born 1732, died 1788, aged 56 John Eberhart, Jacob Eberhart, Phillip Eberhart, Anna Maria Eberhart, Anna Margaret Eberhart, Michael Eberhart, ' Elizabeth Eberhart, Johannes Eberhart, ' John Eberhart, ' Catharine Eberhart, Joseph Eberhart, ' PhiUip Eberhart, ' Reuben Eberhart, 1734, U 1812, 77 1738, U 1823, 85 1757, u 1807, 44 1766, u 1837, 71 1768, u 1824, 56 1772, u 1777, u 1787, a 1851, 64 1779, u 1849, 70 1808, u 1815, 7 1813, a 1815, 2 1759, u 1807, 40 1830, u 69 HISTORY OF THE EBEEHAETS. 5Y CHAPTER XVIII. MICHAEL BBERHART. Michael Eherhart came from Germany in the ship Friendship, landing at Philadelphia October 16, 1727, and settled in what was then Northampton, but now Lehigh county. Pa. He was one of the "three brothers" who came over in 1727, but whether he came from Switzer- land, as did his brother Joseph, or some other part of Germany, I can not tell, but feel certain that they were all three descendants of the Wirtemberg Eberharts. He was a farmer of no small dimensions, and a mem- ber of the German Reformed Church, which is evident from the fact that I have secured a copy of a long deed of conveyance of 113 acres of land to the Great Swamp German Reformed Church, made by Michael and Joseph Eberhart in 1762, during the third year of the reign of King George III. Up to this time the Lutheran and German Reformed Churches worshiped together. They then separated and continue so to this day. Of those who remained in that vicinity, I believe the majority were members of the German Reformed Church, but the descendants of Michael Eberhart, especially after coming West, mostly belonged to the Lutheran Church. The "Great Swamp" church is not only one of the oldest, but also one of the most popular churches of the land, where hundreds of Eberharts have worshiped, and still worship the God of their fathers. It is not known to a certainty, where or when Michael Eberhart died, but I believe he is buried in the old graveyard of the Great Swamp church — at least there is an epitaph on an old 58 HISTORY OF THE EBEEHAETS. \ gravestone of a Michael Eberhart, who died in 1T88, who can not be identified with any of the other Eber- harts of that vicinity. I know not how many children he had, but know he had a son by the name of Henry, and according to " tradition," and the best information I can get, he had one by the name of Paul, who was born on the ocean, coming over from Germany, and whose descendants are very numerous, and well described in this book. 1. Henry Eherliart, son of Michael Eberhart,was mar- ried to Miss Anna Maria Dubbs, and lived in Lehigh county. Pa., and was a tiller of the soil. This is all I know of him to a certainty. He evidently lived and died in that county, and is one of the many whose names are so obliterated on the old gravestones that they can not be read and identified. They had three children, viz.: Catharine, Jacob and Michael D. • 1. Catharine Eherhurt, only daughter of Henry and Anna Maria Eberhart, was born June 28, 1798, and was mar- ried to Dr. Charles Frederick Dickenshied, who was born September 28, 1792, in Lower Milford township, Bucks county, Pa. He was one of the old line practitioners, who enjoyed great professional popularity through a long period of active life. He was the son of John Dicken- shied, whose wife's maiden name was Mary Martin — a descendant of a famous family of physicians. Dr. Charles Dickenshied studied medicine with his uncle Charles, and graduated from Pennsylvania University in 1817. During the war of 1812 he entered the United States service as surgeon, and when he died, October 24, 1881, he was one of the oldest veterans of that war, and the oldest male citizen of Allentovvn, being- about 90 years of age. His Avife died March 11, 1888, also nearly HISTORY OF THE EBERHAETS. 59 90 years of age. Both are buried at the Great Swamp cemetery. CHILDREN OF DR. CHARLES FREDERICK DICKENSHIED. 1. Dr. Charles Henry Dichenshied, married to Miss Elvina Spinner, of Spinnerstown, Pa. 2. Dr. John Henry Dickenshied was married to Miss Amanda Steinman, of Bethlehem, and now resides on the old Eberhart farm. They had the following children, viz.: 1. Emma; 2. Ida; 3. Agnes; 4. Annie; 5. Mamie, 6. Eugene, married to Miss Clara Bryan, now residing on part of the old Eberhart farm, and he and his father have a very large practice ; 7. Frederick ; 8. Charles. 3. Diana Dickenshied was married to Kev. Kero Strassburger, a Reformed minister, of AUentown, Pa. ^. Maria Diakenshied was married to Dr. Samuel Young, of AUentown, Pa. 5. Rebeoaa Dickenshied is still single and at home. 2. Jacob Eberhart., son of Henry and Anna Maria Eberhart, was never married. This is all I know about him. 3. Michael D. Eberhart, son of Henry and Anna Maria Eberhart, Avas born September 20, 1796, in Upper Milford, Lehigh county, Pa., and moved with his father to AUentown, Pa., in 1810, where he attended the schools of the place for a number of years, and then went to Philadelphia and pursued his studies for a time. On his return he engaged in teaching school, but having a taste and talent for music he soon became a proficient in both vocal and instrumental music. This profession he fol- loAved for many years. Later he engaged in the lumber trade and was an active business man. He held some minor city offices and was a director in JSTortharapton 60 HISTOEY OF THE EBEEHAKTS. Bank. In politics he was a republican from the organiza- tion of the party. In religion he belonged to the German Eeformed Church, and held the office of elder and treas- urer for many years. He was married in 1821 to Miss Elizabeth Knepply, of Saucon, who departed this life October 1, 1879. They had only one child, viz., Maria, who was born February 6, 1822, and was never married. She is a fine, Christian lady and member of the Reformed Church. He died in 1888, aged ninety-tAvo years, and is buried in Allentown, Pa. PAUIi EBERHART. ^. Paul Eherha7% son of Michael Eberhart, was born, according to " tradition," on the ocean, during the time his parents were coming from Germany to this country, in 1727. This is only "tradition" and I give it as such, but it is so generally and strongly believed among all his descendants that I dare not doubt it. He was raised and lived in Northampton (now Lehigh) county, Pa., until he was forty-six years of age, when, in 1773, he moved to the Manor settlement, seven miles from Greensburg, West- moreland county. Pa., where he engaged in tilling the soil until, like a ripe shock of grain, he was "gathered into the garners of Heaven." He was a member of the Lutheran Church and is buried in the old Eush Creek graveyard. He had four sons, viz., Jacob, John Henry, Christian and Frederick. I know nothing about his daughters. HISTOEY OF THE EBEKHARTS. 61 CHAPTEE XIX. JACOB EBERHART. Eldest son of Paul Eberhart, was born in Northamp- ton county, Pa., in 1760, and in 1773 moved with his par- ents to "Westmoreland county, Pa. He was married to Miss Barbara Meyers, a native of Pennsjdvania. They moved to Armstrong county. Pa., and in 1812 to Trumbull county, Ohio. In 1818 he took up land southeast of Wadsworth, Medina county, Ohio, and opened up a farm on which he lived until the day of his death in 1833, being 73 years of age. He was not in the war of the "Eevolution," but was a brave soldier in the so-called " Indian war." He was by occupation a farmer, and by religious profession a worthy member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. 1. Christian JEverhard* eldest son of Jacob and Bar- bara Everhart, was born October 26, 1783, in Westmore- land county. Pa., and married September 17, 1812, to Miss Magdalena Smith, of the same place. They first took up their abode in Trumbull county, Ohio, and in 1816 moved to Wads worth, Medina county, Ohio, where they resided until his death, June 7, 1842, being 59 years of age. He was a " potter" by trade, but devoted his later years to tilling the soil. They were Lutherans and he held at dif- ferent times the office of deacon and elder and was noted as a devoted Christian man. They had the following children, viz.: *The descendants of Jacob Eberhart dropped the " b " for " v " and the "t"for"d". in their name after they moved to Ohio, hence I so write it at their request. 62 HISTORY OF THE EBEBHABTS. 1. Jacob Everhard, eldest child of Christian and Mag- dalena Everhard, was born April 26, 1813, and died Feb- ruary 22, 1814. i. Adam Everhard, second son of Christian and Mag- dalena Everhard, was born May 3, 1814, in Trumbull county, Ohio, and moved with his parents to Wads- worth, Ohio, in 1816, where he now resides on the old homestead of his father. He was married August 9, 1838, to Miss Elisabeth, daughter of Jacob Long. They are both members of the Lutheran Church. CHILDREN OF ADAM EVEEHABD. .?. Jacob S. Emrhard was born in Wadsworth, Medina county, Ohio, August 30, 1839, and was married to Sarah M. Long, March 17, 1864. She was born October 24, 1841. They have the following children, viz.: 1. ILirmon Delbert, born February 22, 1865, at "Wadsworth, Ohio. •£. Carrie Jennett. born May 15, 1869, at Wadsworth, Ohio. She graduated in the High School in 1889, and is a very promising young lady. She is a member of the Reformed Church. 3. Oliver David was born in Wadsworth, Ohio, May 24, 1872. Anna, second child of Adam Everhard, was born March 31, 1843, at Wadsworth, Ohio, and was married October 21, 1866, to Hiram Yockey, who was born Feb- ruary 19, 1839. They have the following children : 1. Walter Ainsworth Yochey, born March 30, 1868, and graduated in the High School in 1888. ^. Annette Elisabeth Yockey, born October 6, 1873. 3. Leora Yockey vf&s born January 29, 1875. ^. Ina May Yockey was born November 27, 1880. HISTORY OF THE EBEEHAETS. 63 3. Henry, third child of Adam Everhard, was born December 8, 1844, in "Wadsworth, Ohio, and in 1869 was married to Miss Harriet Strohl. He is a farmer, residing at Guilford, Medina county, Ohio. Their children are : Isie, born in 1874, in Medina county, Ohio, and Edgar O., born in 18Y4, in Medina county, Ohio. Jf. Maggie, fourth child of Adam Everhard, Avasborn March lY, 1847, in Wadsworth, Ohio, and was married February 16, 1866, to L. H. Werkhiser, of Pennsylvania. She is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. YiolaWerkhiser, their only child, was born October 7, 1868, and married February 16, 1889, to Mr. O. G. Eeese. 5. Charlotte, daughter of Adam Everhard, was born June 1, 1856, in Medina county, Ohio, and married November 9, 1876, to Oscar Wotring. Their postoffice address is Doj'lstown, Ohio. They have tAvo children, viz.: Henry Willard, boin April 20, 1877, and Xenophon Charles, born June 15, 1879. 6. Phebe, sixth child of Adam Everhard, was born in "Wadsworth, Ohio, and married EobertAspinall. They moved to Philadelphia, Avhere they now reside. 7. Lovina, daughter of Adam Everhard, married John Rhodes, of Philadelphia, where they now reside. 3. Ezra Everhard, third child of Christian and Magda- lena Everhard, was born November 5, 1815, in Wadsworth, Medina county, Ohio, and married, about 1860, to a lady of Montello, Marquette county, Ohio, where he still resides. They have two children. Ip. Emanuel Everhard, fourth son of Christian Ever- hard, was born July 22, 1817. He was never married. He lives with his brother Adam Everhard, at Wadsworth, Ohio, and is a member of the Lutheran Church. 64 HISTOJBY OF THE EBBEHAETS. 5. Jonathan Everhard, fifth son of Christian Ever- hard, was born March 23, 1819, and married to Miss Elizabeth Gunsaulus, about the year 1853. They have three children. He enhsted in the Union army in 1863, and was a brave soldier. He was shot during the siege of Vicks- burg, and died shortly after. It is said he sacrificed his life rather than betray fear or cowardice on the battle-field. 6. Joshua Everhard, sixth son of Christian and Mag- dalena Everhard, was born December 30, 1820. He mar- ried Miss Anna Hower and they had three children. He died May 22, 1857. He and his wife both belonged to the Lutheran Church. 7. Sarah, Everhard, daughter of Christian and Mag- dalene Everhard, was born June 29, 1823, and died March 27, 1843. She was a fine christian lady, belonging to the Lutheran Church. 8. Jesse Everhard, eighth child of Christian Everhard, was born June 18, 1825. He is not married and resides in the State of Washington. 9. Paul Everhard, ninth child of Christian Everhard, was born May 31, 1826, and died March 2, 1835. 10. Henry Everhard, tenth child of Christian Ever- hard, born March 7, 1828. Kesidence not known. 11. Elizabeth Everhard, eleventh child of Christian Everhard, was born in 1831. She was married to Abra- ham Gebhart. They had two children. She died in 1876. Both members of the Lutheran Church. 1^. 2[agdalene Everhard, daughter of Christian Ever- hard, was born March 13, 1834, and died September 24, 1869. 13. Hannah Everhard, daughter of Christian Ever- hard, was born May 30, 1838 ; married to Eli Hoben. She was a member of the Lutheran Church. HISTOET OF THE EBEEHABTS. 65 CHAPTER XX. JOHSr EVEBHAED. John Everhard, second child of Jacob and Barbara Everhard, was born November 3, 1786, in Armstrong county, Pa. His English education was limited, but he was a good German scholar. When twenty-three years of age he moved to Ellsworth township, Mahoning county, Ohio, and took charge of Gen. Elijah Wads- worth's dairy, located in Canfield township. In 1813 he bought 132 acres of land in Wadsworth township, Medina county, Ohio. On June 8th, of the same year, he was joined in marriage with Miss Ann M. Harter, of Stark county, Ohio, and soon after took up his residence on his new farm, where he lived, engaged in tilling the soil, until the day of his death, November 1, 1854, aged sixty- eight years. He was a faithful and consistent member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, and one of the organizers of the Zion's Church, of Doylestown, Wayne county, Ohio, where his earthly remains are interred. Children of John and Ann M. Everhard ; 1. Mary, born June 20, 1816 ; married Jonas Kryder. She is not now living. ^. Catharine, born March 18, 1818. She married David Kosslin. She is dead. 3. Ann M., born May 30, 1820. She married Phihp Shoop, and resides at Wadsworth, Ohio. 4.. Elizabeth, born October 21, 1822; married Jonas Long. She has departed this life. 5. Solomon was born June 22, 1825, at Wadsworth, where all the children were born, and where he still resides. He attended the free school in his neighborhood 66 HISTOKY OF THE EBERHAETS. until he was eighteen, and then attended McGregor's Academy until qualified to teach. After that he engaged in teaching and farming, and is a very influential and highly respected citizen. He was married in 1852 to Catharine Ann Keusimer. There were born to them fifteen children, six of whom died in infancy. Otto O., died in early manhood ; Alverna E., married to Andrew Keckler, of Wadsworth, Ohio; Frances I., married Kudolph Heller, living at Akron, Ohio ; Lura A., married Charles Farr, living at Sharon, Ohio; Soloman L., living at Hutchinson, Kans.; Jacob A., EiBe A., Orpha D., and Nathan N., are still living at home. HISTORY OF THE EBKEHAET8. 67 CHAPTER XXI. CHBISTIISrA EVBBHABD. Christina Everhard^ third child of Jacob and Bar- bara EverhardjWas born in 1788, in Westmoreland county, Pa., and went with her parents to Armstrong county. Pa., and then to Medina county, Ohio. She married Christopher Pasor, also a native of Pennsylvania. She died July 8, 1860, aged seventj'-two years, and he died February 27, 1864. They were both members of the Lutheran Church. To them were born the following children : 1. Mary Rasor, married to Benjamin Baughman — both are dead. ^. Margaret Rasor, married Jacob Frederic — both dead. 3. Susan Rasor ^ married Jonas Baughman — both dead . ]f.. Jacob Rasor — not living. 5. Eli Rasor was the first white child born in Wads- worth township, Ohio. He married Eliza Boke. Is not living now. 6. Elisabeth Rasor, married to a Poland. 7. Frederic Rasor, married to Susan Waltz. Lives in DoylestowD, Ohio. 8. John Rasor, married to Sarah Waltz. Lives in Doylestown, Ohio. 9. Barbara Ann Rasor, married Jacob Hower. 10. Saloma Rasor, married E. K. Treaner. 68 HISTOKY OF THE EBEEHART8. CHAPTER XXII. MARY BVERHARD. Mary Everhard^ fourth child of Jacob and Barbara Everhard, was born October 22, 1790, in Westmoreland county, Pa., and went with her parents to Armstrong county. Pa., then to Medina county, Ohio. She was mar- ried December 10, 1811, to "Wm. Rasor, of Pennsylvania, who was born September 2, 1789. She died ISTovember 20, 1865, aged seventy-five years, and he died March 29, 1868. They were both members of the Lutheran Church. To them were born ten children, viz.: 1. Elisabeth, born October 8, 1812, at "Wadsworth, Ohio. 2. John, born November 11, 1814, at Wadsworth, Ohio. 3. Susan, born October 30, 1816, at Wadsworth, Ohio. J^. Mary, born April 30, 1819, at Wadsworth, Ohio. 5. Margaret, born March 18, 1821, at Wadsworth, Ohio. 6. Zydia, born May 28, 1823, at Wadsworth, Ohio. 7. Frederic, born October 25, 1825, at Wadsworth, Ohio. 8. Jacob, born December 27, 1827, at Wadsworth, Ohio. 9. William, born October 10, 1830, at Wadsworth, Ohio. 10. Jonathan, born November 25, 1834, at Wadsworth, Ohio. HISTORY OF THE EBEKHAETS. 69 CHAPTER XXIII. JOHTSr JACOB ETEKHAED. John Jacob Everhard, fifth son of Jacob and Barbara Everhard, was born April 29, 1792, in "Westmoreland county, Pa., and in youth moved with his parents to Arm- strong county, Pa. Then, in 1812, to Trumbull county, Ohio. In 1814, he bought a quarter section of land in Chippewa, Wayne county, Oliio, receiving his deed in 1818, signed by James Monroe, president of United States, and Josiah Meigs, land commissioner. For six months he lived entireW alone on this land, there being no other family within a scope of many miles. He constructed a rude shelter for himself out of the bark of an immense chestnut-tree, by placing one end of the bark on the ground, and the other against the trunk of the fallen tree. Here he regaled himself with venison and wild turkey, prepared by his own hands, for the country then was a dense forest, almost uninhabited, so that but little food could be obtained, save wild game, of which there was plenty ; and as our hero was an expert hunter and sure shot, he was not often in want. And here, on this ident- ical spot, where he made his home, until removed by death, in his more substantial and commodious house, built after- ward, he often entertained and delighted his boys by relating his thrilling exploits and "hunting stories," telling how in the dark, dismal night the wolves would howl around his premises, while the bears were cracking the turke^^ and venison bones by him thrown out. And it is said that none of his sons failed to imbibe their father's love for hunting, and some of them acquired his skill and success as hunters. To HISTORY OF THE EBEKHAETS. In January, 1815, he was united in marriage to Miss Elisabeth Smith, who lived but a short time. In January, 1818, he was married again to Mary Harter, of Stark county, Ohio, a native of Center county, Pa. She died April' 9, 1874, being seventy-four, and he died February 9, 1867, being seventy-five years of age. His education, in so far as it pertained to schools, was limited, because his means and opportunities were limited; he, however, taught school when a young man. But such an education as may be acquired by diligently studying the Bible, history, newspapers and nature, he possessed very liberally. He also possessed a legal mind and decision of character, coupled with good common sense, which enabled him to transact much business. For over fifteen years he was engaged in administering estates; and conducting in the different courts suits relative to disputed lines and surveys, and titles of real estate; during which time he formed the acquaintance, and had in his employ, some of the most eminent attor- neys and jurists in the State of Ohio. He had one case of this kind which was in the courts fifteen years before he gained it. It was, however, always a source of great satisfaction to him that he was never sued in the courts, and that he never sued any one on his own behalf. From his youth he was an earnest and active member of the Lutheran Church, as was also his wife. He was alwa3's ready and willing to perform any and every office and function of the Church. So devoted was he that nothing but illness or unavoidable circumstances pre- vented his attendance at church, together with his entire family, or interrupted his family devotions, in which all under his roof were expected to participate. He was rigid and uncompromising in his religious belief and lived his convictions ; but being exceedingly anxious that HISTORY OF THE EBEEHARTS. 71 others also should enjoy this privilege which he valued so highly, he was not given to criticising the religious beliefs of others, however much at variance with his own. He regarded all matters pertaining to the Christian religion so sacred that he would not himself, nor would he allow any of his family, to speak lightly or in a jesting way of any one's religious beliefs. He was chaste in his language and it is a pleasant remembrance to all who knew him in his home life that each day they heard his voice in prayer and praise, and no one ever heard him utter a profane or obscene word. He believed in a wholesome self-restraint and strictly temperate habits. From his youth he was a total abstainer from intoxi- cating drinks. He was especially opposed to having strong drink at public gatherings or at house and barn " raisings," and in the harvest field ; and when this practice was almost universal, his courage to act out his convictions was severely tested. He had a large barn of heavy timbers to raise, which required a large number of men, but when it was fairly under headway the men demanded whisky, which he would not furnish. The men then declared they would have it or quit work, and if he did not furnish it they would do it themselves. To this he also objected, so they quit the job. But another day was appointed for the "raising," and a new set of men were invited, and to the credit of the good sense of this part of the community, be it said, he found men enough to raise the barn without whisky. He was bitterly opposed to human slavery, and was a " free-soiler " when it was considered a disgrace to be so known. He, with two others, constituted the entire " free-soil " party for a number of years in Chippewa township. He was opposed to secret societies, and never belonged to any, and never signed any " pledges." 72 HISTOEY OF THE EBERHARTS. He possessed strong individuality, and was not a fol- lower of public opinion, but was more likely to shape the opinions of others. But in no sense was he a " reformer " or extremist. He never enthusiastically ranted on temperance, aboli- tionism or secret societies, but rather tried to convince by reasoning calml}' and by his exemplary life. In his person he was a large and strong man, with a splendid constitution, though slightly lame on account of being bitten by a huge rattlesnake while reaping in the harvest field. All things considered, he was a noble specimen of the age and times in wnich he lived, and his life and example ought to teach his descendants valuable lessons of character and usefulness. CHILDREN OF J. JACOB EVERHARD. 1. Lydia, daughter of J. Jacob Everhard, was born November 25, 1820, in Chippewa, Wayne county, Ohio, and married to Nathan Hartman, October 25, 1838, Avho died September 25, 1839. She was again married, Feb- ruary 28, 1855, to Isaac Weidman, and they now reside on a farm near Poe, Medina county, Ohio. Her children are : 1. Phebe Hartman, married first to Joseph Brown, who did not live very long. She then married a Mr. Loomis, of Fairfield, Iowa, where she now resides. She is a Presbyterian. 2. Charles 0. Weidman. who is a farmer, and resides in Poe, Medina county. Ohio. 3. Mary Weidman lives with her mother at Poe, Medina county, Ohio. They are both Lutherans. Lydia, during the time she was the widow Hartman, taught school and conducted a millinerv store. HISTORY OF THE EBEKHABTS. Y3 2. Sybilla, second child of J. Jacob Everhard, was born February 22, 1822, and was married to Peter Wall, June 18, 1841. They resided at different times in Sharon, Spencer and York, in Medina county, Ohio. At the last named place she died November 5, 1882. She was a member of the Lutheran Church until nearly the close of life, when she joined the Methodist Church. 1. Jieuben, first child of Sybilla Wall, was born December 30, 1842, in Sharon, Medina county, Ohio. He served in the Union army during the War of the Re- bellion. After returning home, on July 3, 1865, he was married to Miss Mary Hartman; he resides in York, Me- dina county, Ohio, and is engaged in tilling the soil. In early life he belonged to the Lutheran Church, but now he and his family belong to the Congregational Church. Their children are : i. JTendrio, born April 9, 1866, died July 22, 1866. 2. William J., born November 28, 1869. He is engaged in teaching school, and assists his father on the farm at home. He is a member of the Congregational Church. 3. Jessie, was born July 13, 1884. ^. Jacob J., second child of Sybilla Wall, was born May 16, 1849. He studied medicine with Dr. Garver, and then graduated at the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery, June 19, 1876. He married Miss Louise Bleil, August 29, 1876, and they now reside at l''ork, Medina county, Ohio, and he is doing a good business, having the confidence and respect of the entire com- munity. They have two children, viz.: Edith Amelia, born July 16, 1877, and Georgia Lillian, born November 24, 1888. 3. Hanson, third child of Sybilla Wall, born October 18, 1853, in Spencer, Medina county, Ohio, and was mar- 14 HISTORY OF THE EBERHARTS. ried to a Miss Lane, March 4, 1874. He is a painter by- trade. The}' have one child, Daisy, born June 28, 1876. 3. Aaron Everhard, M.J)., third child of J. Jacob Ever- hard, was born March 10, 1824, in Chippewa, Wayne count3% Ohio, and received his education in the common schools, and in a select school, then taught school four j'ears, after which he studied medicine with A. M. Armstrong, M.D., of Doylestown, Ohio, and finally graduated from the med- ical department of Western Review University, at Cleve- land, Ohio, in 1848. He practiced his profession one year in Medina county, Ohio, one year in Pleasant Valley, Wisconsin, and in 18.50 moved to Hamilton, Wisconsin. He was united in marriage to Miss Ann Vennette Marsh January 19, 18.51. In 1855 he was elected superintendent of schools for Pleasant Valley, Wisconsin. In 1856 he moved to Ripon, Fon du Lac county, Wisconsin, where he now resides. He was elected mayor of this city in 1871, and again in the years 1874, 1875, 1876, 1877 and 1878; and re-elected in the years 1882, 1883, 1884 and 1885, when he resigned his office to take charge of the post-office, which he did January 1, 1886, under Presi- dent Cleveland. Tlie doctor has an extensive practice, and stands high in the medical profession. He has had a ilarge number of students under his instruction, all of whom have been successful practitioners. He is a good surgeon, and is at present employed as surgeon for the JSTorth- Western Railroad Company. CHILDREN OF DR. AARON EVERHARD. 1. Hanson, born November 5, 1851, in Hamilton, Wis., and died December 28, 1854. 2. Titus Andrew, born February 1, 1854. He ■attended the city schools, and also Ripon College. He HISTORY OF THE EBEEHAETS. Y6 learned the tinner's trade in Buda, III.; and April 29, 1878, was married to Miss Emma E. Battel!, and went into busi- ness in Applington, Iowa. In 1883 moved to Dakota and took Government land and lived on it until 1889 ; then worked at his trade in Bryant, Dak. His wife died June 6, 1888. He has one daughter, Emma A., born May 9 1888. 3. William Harter EverJiard, M.D., born May 4, 1857. He attended the city schools, also Ripon College, and studied medicine with his father, and then graduated from Rush Medical College, Chicago, 111. He married Miss Ellen T. Taggart, May 19, 1883, and moved to Yolga, Dak., and in December, 1884, moved to Eipon and entered into part- nership with his father. Then in 1886 he returned to Volga, Dak., where he now resides. They have three children : 1. Frank, born February 14, 1884 ; 2. Bertha, born May 3, 1886 ; 3. An infant son born June 28, 1888. 4,. Hendrick Marsh was born May 16, 1859. He attended the city schools in Eipon, "Wis. He went to Dakota and took Government land, and on February T, 1887, "was joined in marriage with Miss Lena Mattun. His infant daughter was born in February, 1888, in Po, Bryant, Dak. 5. Mary Jennette, born September 19, 1861. She was educated in the city schools and Ripon College, and mar- ried January 9, 1883, to the Rev. Geo. D. Herron, now pastor of the Congregational Church, at Lake City, Minn. They have three children : 1. Newman Everhard, born December 12, 1883, and died July 14, 1884 ; 2. Margaret Yennette, born September 10, 1885; 3. "William Ever- hard, born May 7, 1888. 6. Fra/nk Aaron Everhard, M. Z^., sixth child ofDr^ Aaron Everhard, was born March 6, 1864, and was educated, jxv the city schools, and Ripon College; then studied medi- Y6 HISTORY OF THE EBEEHAETS. cine with his father, and in 1887 graduated from Kush Medical College, Chicago, and entered into partnership with his father at Eipon, Wis. 7. Eleanora S. was born September 3, 1867. She was educated in the city schools, and entered the senior year at Ripon College in the year, 1889. She is a member of the Congregational Church. ^. Reuben, fourth child of J. Jacob Everhard, was born in Chippewa, Wayne county, Ohio, October 3, 1825. He attended the village school and received a good com- mon English education, and then taught school and assisted on his father's farm, until A.ugust 15, 1850, when he was married to Miss Mary M. Maginnis, and settled in Adams county. Wis. His wife died April 23, 1875, and he was again married to Lucy Hunting on March 8, 1876. He is a farmer by occupation, and a member of the Presby- terian Church. He resides in New Chester, Adams county. Wis., and has been justice of the peace and county commissioner for a number of years. CHILDREN OF REUBEN EVERHARD. 1. Franzula was born June 5, 1851, and married December 27, 1867, to Charles HoUenbeck. She died March 28, 1874. ^. James M. was born October 27, 1853. He was married to Eachel Irwin, and had two daughters, but both died; also his wife in November, 1888. He lives at Kassan, Minn. 3. Charles A. Everhard was born July 31, 1853, and married Jane Irwin. He resides in Tacoma, Washington. Jf.. Rosalia M. Everhard was born December 8, 1862, and married to P. M. Holm. HISTORY OF THE EBEEHARTS. Y7 5. Lousia Everhard was born July 16, 1866, and died February 6, 1884. 6. Bessie Everhard was born December 18, 1876, in New Chester, Adams county, Wis. 7. Ethel Everhard was born February, 7, 1880. 8. Mabel Everhard was born February 19, 1882. 5. Hannah Everhard, fifth child of J. Jacob Everhard, was born April 23, 1827, in Chippewa, Wayne county, Ohio, and was married to Mathew Laggart in 1850. They resided in Orville, Ohio for some time, and then moved to Etna, Kosciusko county, Ind., where he engaged in the lumber trade. In youth she was a member of the Lutheran Church, but in 1855 united with the Disciple Church. She was a devoted Christian, and died in the faith of an eternal life. She was of a remarkably cheer- ful and happy disposition, never complaining even in the most adverse circumstances. In early childhood, and during her school days, and in her associations with her playmates, she was noted for being unusually kind and self-sacrificing, and hence was esteemed and loved by all. CHILDREN OF HANNAH LAGGART. 1. Newton Everhard Laggart was born in Orville, Ohio, September 2, 1852. He resides in Etna Green, Kos- ciusco county, Ind., and is engaged in the milling business. ^. Horace Milton Laggart was born in Orville, Ohio, July 5, 1854. Eesidence in South Bend, Ind. Is in the stock-raising business. 3. Glarahelle Laggart was born December 14, 1855, in Orville, Ohio, and died April 1, 1857. Is buried at Etna Green, Kosciusko county, Ind. J,.. Judson Laggart was born April 27, 1858, in 78 HISTOEY OF THE EBEKHAETS. Orrville, Ohio. Is a breeder of stock at Etna Green, Kos- ciusko county, Ind. 5. Rhoda C. Laggart was born July 16, 1861, at Etna Green, Kosciusko county, Ind., and died at the home of her aunt in Wayne county, Ohio, November 21, 1879. She was an affectionate and greatly loved girl. 6. John Jacob Everhard, M. D., Jr., sixth child of J. Jacob Everhard, was born November 25, 1829, in Wayne county, Ohio, and was married March 19, 1863, to Miss N. V. Gertrude Scoville, who was born May 30, 1846, at Conneautville, Crawford county, Pa. He is by profes- sion a ph\'sician and surgeon. He studied with Dr. Aaron Everhard, of Ripon, Wis., and graduated at Rush Medical College, Chicago, in 1857. He resides at Mantorville, Dodge county, Minn., and has a very extensive practice, being a very successful surgeon and physician. He is a member of the " American Medical Association," and sur- geon for the Chicago & North-Western Railway. He is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, and his wife is a member of the Congregational Church. Since the above was written, he moved to Seneca, Kans. They have four children, viz.: 1. Jessie Josephine, born April 14, 1864, in Mantor- ville, Dodge county, Minn. She has a good education and is teaching in the public schools at Duluth, Minn. She is a member of the Congregational Church. 2. Carrie was born April 17, 1866, in Mantorville, Minn., and died October 1st, of the same year. 3. Winifred Agnes was born July 6, 1869, in Mantor- ville, Minn. She is a fine Christian lady, belonging to the Congregational Church. She is a graduate of the State Normal school, of Minnesota, and at present teach- ng in the'public schools at Duluth, Minn. HISTOBY OF THE EBEEHAETS. 79 Jj.. Oordon Glayde, born April 30, 1874, in Kasson, Dodge county, Minn. 7. Mary Everhard, seventh child of J. Jacob Ever- hard, was born February 24, 1832, in Chippewa, Wayne county, Ohio. She attended the village school at Doyles- town and the Vermilliou Institute at Hayesville, Ohio. She then taught school for some years, and on October 7, 1858, was married to England D. Dague, also a native of Wayne county, Ohio. They resided several years in Ohio, then moved to Monroeville, Ind., where he engaged in the manufacture of staves. After this he moved to Danville, 111., where he died April 17, 1886. She is a member of the Presbyterian Church. CHILDEEN OF MAKY DAGUE. 1. Nathan H. Dague, born October 7, 1859, and mar- ried March 24, 1884, to Minnie F. Lovelace, to whom "were born two children, viz.: Helen L., June 21, 1885, and Bessie B., May 23, 1888. He is a railroad office clerk. They are members of the M. E. Church. 2. Emmitt D. Dague was born December 29, 1860, and died January 21, 1862. 3. Venette M. Dague was born September 27, 1862. She is a school teacher and member of the Presbyterian Church. ^. Arthur L. Dague, born N"ovember 18, 1863. He is a telegraph operator, and was married October 10, 1889, to Miss Lucy Mater. 5. Clinton T. Dague was born March 11, 1866, and died January 22, 1870, in Monroeville, Ind, 6. Lewis E. Dague was born June 28, 1872. He is a clerk in a store. 80 HISTOEY OF THE EBEKHAKTS. 8. Elijah Melancthon Everhard, eighth child of J. Jacob Everhard, was born August 20, 1834, in Wayne county, Ohio. He attended the common schools and also Wittenberg College, and was a very successful teacher when quite a young man. He was married Octo- ber 2, 1861, to Miss Elizabeth Manly, of Shreve, Ohio. They took up their residence in Etna Green, Kosciusko county, Ind., and then in 1866 moved to Warsaw, Ind., where he died September 11, 1868. He was a lumber merchant, and by industry, economy and remarkably accurate business habits, was very successful. He was also noted for order and precision and for zeal in all that he did, especially in matters of religion and moral- ity. He was exceedingly chaste in his language and entirely free from all filthy habits, such as the use of tobacco in every form and all intoxicating drinks. He was a very exemplary Christian. To them were born three children, viz.: 1. Ambrose B., born September 4, 1863. He is a lawyer by profession. 2. Eudora, born March 2, 1866. 3. Eulolia G., born December, 1867. She is a teacher by profession and a member of the Baptist Church. 9. Andrew Everhard, ninth child of J. Jacob Ever- hard, was born in Wayne county, Ohio, in the year 1835. He went to Wisconsin when a young man and enlisted in the Union army, August 21, 1862, at Eipon,Wis., and was mustered into the United States service September 25, 1862, at Oshkosh, Wis. He was a corporal in Company B, Thirty-second Regiment, Wisconsin infantry. He was a genial, cheerful, young man, a delightful companion, and noted for the wai'mth of his friendship. He died at Mem- HISTORY OF THE EBEEHAETS. 81 phis, Tenn., May 24, 1863, of typhoid fever, and his body was sent to Eipon, Wis., where he is buried. 10. William 11. Everhard, tenth child of J. Jacob Everhard, was born July, 1837, in Chippewa, Wayne county, Ohio. He was attending school at Vermillion Institute, Ashland county, Ohio, when the War of the Rebellion broke out, and enlisted at the first call for the "three-months men." When his time was out, he enlisted again, and was taken prisoner at Harper's Ferry. After his return from the war he was married to Miss Margaret Elizabeth Huffer, daughter of Abraham Huflfer, of Sonora, Ohio. Formerly he was engaged in teaching, but now is a traveling salesman, residing at Davenport, Iowa. He is an active business man. He had five children, viz.: 1. Desmond Ogden, born October 31, 1865, at Ithica, Ohio. He now resides at Davenport, Iowa. He was married in February, 1890, to Miss Martha W. Babcook. 2. Leida was born in Huffersvilie, Green county, Ohio, November 9, 1867. She was educated and taught school until December 24, 1884, when she was married to Jacob Arthur Vandruff, of Eock Island, 111. They have two children. 3. Mary Gertrude was born September 6, 1869, at Peoria, 111. She graduated in the High School of Daven- port, and is now a teacher in the public schools of that place and a very promising young lady. U. Edith isabelle was born April 7, 1871, and grad- uated in the High School of Davenport, Iowa, in June, 1889. She now resides with her parents at the above named place, and is destined to make her mark in the world. 82 HISTORY OF THE BBERHABTS. 5. William Hujfer was born September 9, 1876, in Davenport, Iowa, and is at home with his parents, attend- ng the public schools of that city. 11. Nathan S. Everhard, M. J)., eleventh child of J. Jacob Everhard, was born January 8, 1841, in Chip- pewa, Wayne county, Ohio. He engaged in farming and teaching, having obtained a good English educa- tion, until 1863, when he began the study of medicine with Dr. Aaron Everhard, of Ripon, Wis. lie then attended medical lectures at the Medical Department of the Michigan University ; also the Cleveland Medica- College, Medical Department, Western Eeserve Uni- versity, graduating in the spring of 1867. He was married to Miss Ella M. Finley, daughter of Wm. Finley, October 17, 1867, and located at Wadsworth, Ohio, in June, 1868, where he is now engaged in the practice of his profession, and is a very popular and suc- cessful physician. He is a member of the American Medical Association, the Ohio State Medical Society and the Union Medical Association of Northeastern Ohio, of which society he has been once president and twice vice- president. He is also surgeon for the Western Division of the New York, Erie & Western R. R., and is a member oi the Board of Censors of the Medical Department of the University of Wooster, Ohio. In February, 1886, he was formally offered the chair of Theory and Practice in the Medical Department of this university. He has taken an active part in schools and educational enterprises. In his own city he has been a member of the School Board for nine years past. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Church. HISTORY OF THE EBERHAETS. 83 1^. Moses Everhard, Margaret Ann Everhard and Levi Everhard, children of J. Jacob Everhard, died in childhood and are buried beside their parents in theceme- tery at Doylestown, Ohio. 84 HISTOEY OF THE EBEEHAET8. CHAPTER XXIV. JOKATHAX EVBBHARD. Jonathan, sixth child of Jacob and Barbara Everhard was born February 18, 1801, in Westmoreland county. Pa., and with his parents moved to Wadsworth, Ohio, in 1818. He was married August 15, 1826, to Mary "Wall, who vvas born November 2, 1806, and died February 11, 1829. He was married the second time to Catharine "Wall, who was born June 9, 1811, and died August 23, 18Y6, aged 65 years. He moved to Sharon, Ohio, in 1831, and was one of the early pioneers of that country. Here he lived until his death, December 6, 1879, aged 78 years. He was by occupation a farmer, but for many years held the offices of trustee and justice of the peace. He was a worthy citizen and conscientious Christian, and his moral and religious influence will be felt for many generations. He was a consistent and zealous member of the Lutheran Church from his youth up, holding the offices of deacon and elder at different times. CHILDEBN OF JONATHAN BVEEHAED. 1. Catharine Everhard, eldest child of Jonathan Ever- hard, was born November 6, 1828, in "Wadsworth, Ohio, and was married to John J. Bauer. They reside at New- burgh, Ohio, and are members of the Lutheran Church. They have the following children, viz.: 1. Milton A. Bauer. He taught school several years but is now a practicing physician at Uniontown, Ohio. 2. Byron B. Bauer resides at Newburgh, Ohio, and is foreman in a wire manufactory. HISTORY OF THE EBEEHAETS. 85 3. Jonathan M. Bauer resides at Seville, Ohio, and is clerk in a drug store. ^. Gora O. Bauer, married a William Stooker and resides at Norton, Ohio. 5. Albert A. Bauer resides at ISTewburgh, Ohio, and is a telegraph operator. 6. Richard M. and Joseph D. Bauer died in youth. ^. Mary Everhard, second child of Jonathan Ever hard, was born July 23, 1830, in "Wadsvsrorth, Ohio. She married Charles Young, and they reside at Loyal Oak, Ohio, and belong to the Lutheran Church. They have six children. 1. Marshal A. Young resides at Akron, Ohio, and is a merchant. 2. Edwin J. Yoimg resides at Wadsworth, Ohio, and is a traveling salesman. 3. Charles Young resides in Norton, Ohio, and is a farmer. If.. Kent Yoiing resides at Loyal Oak, Ohio, and is a farmer. 5. Lauj'a Young resides at Loyal Oak, but is a student at Thiel College, Pa" 6. Minnie Yoking resides at Loyal Oak, studying music. 7. Allen E. l^oww*/ died in youth. 3. Sarah Everhard, third child of Jonathan Everhard, was born November 11, 1832, in Sharon, Ohio, and married Charles Bauer. They resided at Loyal Oak, Ohio, and belonged to the Lutheran Church. She taught school in her younger years. She died July 31, 1887. They had one child, Leora, who is a graduate of Thiel College, Pa., and resides at Loyal Oak, Ohio. 86 HISTOKY OF THE EBEBHABT8. ^. Sophia Everhard, fourth child of Jonathan Ever- hard, was born July 5, 1834, and married Philip Shelhart. They reside at Lo3'al Oak, Ohio, and belong to the Luth- eran Church. They have four children, viz.: 1. Willis A. Shelhart resides at Loyal Oak, Ohio, and is a farmer. ^. Catharine Shelhart, married to Milton Boerstler. They reside at Loyal Oak, Ohio. 3. Jonathan E. Shelhart resides at Loyal Oak, Ohio, and is clerk in a dry goods store. ^. Edwin Shelhart died in youth. 5. Elizabeth Everhard, born April 6, 1840, at Sharon; Ohio, and married William Eeam. They reside at Cop- ley, Summit county, Ohio, and are members of the Reformed Church. They have four children, as follows : 1. Orris Ream is a farmer at Copley, Summit county, Ohio. ^. Catharine Ream married Leander Schlott. They reside at Sharon, Medina county, Ohio. 3. Park Ream, at home with his parents. ^. Frank Ream is teaching school at Coplej^ Ohio. 6. Isaac Everhard, oldest son of Jonathan Everhard, was born January 12, 1838, in Sharon, Ohio, and married December 29, 1859, to Miss Matilda Ream. He com- menced business when young, and without means, but b}'' patient industry and frugality has acquired a compe- tency, which assures ease and comfort for his declining years. He has held various town offices, and is alive to the best interests of the community. He is a member, of the Lutheran Church. He has the following children, viz.: 1. Melvina R. Everhard, born October 3, 1860, and married Josiah Spigle. They reside at Wads worth, Ohio. HISTORY OF THE EBEEHARTS. 8Y ^. Ira Everhard, born February 16, 1862, at Sharon, Ohio, and was married November 7, 1888, to Persia Col- dren. He taught school two years, but is now a mer- chant at Wadsworth, Ohio. They are members of the Reformed Church. 3. Edward G. Everhard died when young. ^. Sarah 0. Everhard was born April 14, 1863, and married Edgar Miller. They reside at Kokomo, Ind. 5. Remus R. Everhard, born xlugust 21, 1864, in Sharon, Ohio. He has taught school five years, and is a member of the Reformed Church. 6. Mary C. Everhard, born January 26, 1866, in Sharon, Ohio, where she still resides. 7. Charles E. Everhard, born in September, 1870, at "Wadsworth, Ohio, but resides at Sharon, Ohio. 8. Etta A. Everhard, born April 23, 1873, at Wads- worth, Ohio, and is still at home. 9. Warren F. Everhard, born June 8, 1875. 10. Edgar C. Everhard, born December 6, 1876. 11. Roman H. Everhard, born December 3, 1878, at Sharon, Ohio. 7. Fietta Everhard, seventh child of Jonathan Ever- hard, was born May 16, 1849, at Sharon, Ohio, and married Edward Hunt. They reside at Fulton, Kalamazoo county, Mich., and are members of the Reformed Church. They have three children. 1. Elsie Hunt, married Charlie Hope. %. Harry E. Htmt resides at home with his parents. 3. Weal L. Hunt resides at home with his parents. l^. Walte7' Hunt died in youth. 8. Daniel W. Everhard was born December 25, 1841, in Sharon, Ohio, where he still resides on the old homestead he helped to improve in his younger years, and is justly 88 HISTORY OF THE EBERHABTS. entitled to the comforts it now affords him. He was mar- ried October 22, 1868 to Louoinda Lake, who was born July 15, 1848, and died March 18, 1874. He was mar- ried a second time to Sarah A. Weigandt, who was born January 31, 18i1. He has held various township offices, and is a member of the Lutheran Church in good stand- ing. He has children, viz.: 1. DurbinJS}verha7'd,hornMa:rch 17,1883. He resides with his parents. 8. Howard E. Everhard, born JSTovember 3, 1877. He resides at home. 9. Edwin C. Everhard, ninth child of Jonathan Ever- hard, born June 28, 1851, in Sharon, Ohio, and was mar- ried October 2, 1878, to Mary E. Freeborn. He resides at Wadsvvorth, Ohio, and is a merchant and a member of the Lutheran Church. He died February 2, 1890, since the above was written. 7. Susan Everhard, daughter of Jacob and Barbara Everhard, was born at Greensburgh,Westmoreland county, Pa., about 1795, and moved to Ellsworth, Ohio, about 1807, and was married about 1812 to John Parshall. They had one child, Jacob C. Parshall, who resides at Fairbault, Minn., aged sevent3''-six. Her first husband died about 1814, and she married Jesse Kose, about 1817. They had eight children, viz.: Susan Eose, Kancy Eose, Elizabeth Eose, Mary Eose, John Eose, Hiram Eose, Jesse Eose, and Preston B. Eose, an eminent physician in Chicago, 111. Mr. Jesse Eose died about 1848, and she died about 1870, aged about seventy -five years. 8. Elizabeth Everhard, daughter of Jacob Everhard, was not married. She died in 1873, aged seventy-five years. She taught German school for a number of years when a young woman. HISTORY OF THE KBEEHAETS. 89 CHAPTER XXV JOHlSr HENRY EBERHART, Son of Paul Eberhart, was born March 3U, 1768, in Northampton county, Pa., and at the age of five years moved with his father's family to Westmoreland county, Pa. He was married November 26, 1793, to Mary Mag- dalena Hewit, of "Washington county, Pa., where they resided until 1809, engaged in manufacturing earthenware ; then moved to Stark county, Ohio, and opened a farm and built a mill, and lived there until death, December 29, 1848, being eighty years of age. As the writer now remembers, he was a noble, gen- erous, good-hearted specimen of his race, and a little more fleshy than the average Eherliarts. He was a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church and did much to encour- age the building of churches and school-houses and other good institutions. His education was principally in the German language, and he unravels the mystery relative to the changing of the name "Eberhart" (gber^art), as our forefathers wrote it, to Everhard, as his descendants write it. When he obtained a deed for his first home the lawyei; or justice wrote it Everhard, and he, supposing that was the English of it, did not object to it, and it was so recorded. So after this the English people called him and his descenda'nts Everhard, until they finally accepted it, and so wrote it — which is to be regretted very much. To them were born ten children, viz.: 1. John, eldest child of John Henry and Mary Mag- dalen Eberhart, was born August 29, 1794, and married to Miss Julian Harbough, who is still living with her son-in- 90 HISTORY OF THE EBBBHAETS. law, Joseph Welty, principal of the public school at Madison, Ohio, aged eighty-five. He was a man of good intellect and had a liberal educa- tion. He taught school seven years in Washington county, Md.; then returned to Ohio, engaging in business of various kinds, among other things opening a farm in Tuscarawas county, where also he was county auditor, and later state auditor ac Columbus, Ohio. He also for a time held the office of associate judge of Stark county ; and, finally, he was superintendent of L. M. K. R. machine shops at Cincmnati, Ohio, where he died in 1864, aged seventy. They had six children, three of whom are living: Wesley, in Colorado ; and Melancthon, in charge of the Miami R. R. bridge over the Ohio river at Cincinnati. I know not where the other one is. £. Catharine, their second child, was born March 31, 1796, and died at the age of two years. 3. Susan was born December 4, 1797, and died at Canton, Ohio, July lO, 1881, aged eighty-four. 4-. Jacob, fourth child, was born November 8, 1800, and died November 17, 1829. He was married to Martha Hibben, who lived a widow over thirty-one years after his death, and then married Henry Bachtel, and died in 1887, about eighty-five. They had one son, J. S., who now lives at St. Joe, Mich., running a fruit farm. 5. Henry, fifth child of John Henry Eberhart, was born August 6, 1803, and died June 29, 1885, aged 81 years. He was married to Miss Eebecca Slanker, who died, and he married her sister Eliza, who-outlived him; dying May 10, 1888, aged 83. They had seven children, four of whom are still living — Katie and Martha at Santa Barbara, California; Lewis at Wooster, Ohio; and Henry H. is in charge of an extensive stone quarry at Massillon, Ohio. HISTORY OF THK EBEKHAETS. 91 6. Paul was born September 10, 1806, and died Sep- tember 20, 1829, aged 23. 7. Mary, born February 14, 1809, and died May 30, 1855, after being an invalid over twenty years, aged 46. 8. Philip, their eiglith cl:i]d, was born September 28, 1812, and married Nancy Hane, September 1, 1846. Thev settled near Canton, Ohio, on a farm, and enoaeed in agricultural pursuits until 1875, when they moved into the city, where they still reside. He has a liberal educa- tion, so that he has taught school thirteen winters in connec- tion with his other responsibilities. He is a man of good principles, and a worthy member of the Lutheran Church, sustaining an excellent Christian character. Of late years he has suffered terribly in the knee-joint of one of his limbs. At first it was pronounced rheumatism, then neu- ralgia, and finally turning into a running sore. It had to be amputated. He is among the oldest Ebei'harts now living in his branch of the family. They have six chil- dren living. Mary Ann and Ira are still at home with their parents. Charles lives in Canton; Elta in Cleveland, Ohio, where her husband, T .A. Ileward, has been employed for many years in the office of the Standard Oil Company; A. H. and O. P., at Highmore, Dakota, are in the bank- ing business, running the Hyde County bank. Three of their children are married, and they have four grand-chil- dren, whose names I do not know. 9. Zyc^ia, ninth child of John Henry Eberhart, was born March 31, 1818, and married to Henry Kuthrauff. They now reside at Canton, Ohio. They have had seven children, four of whom are living — Luther at Canton; Mary at Kansas City, Missouri; Charles in Michigan, and Eev. J. M. Ruthrauff at Dixon, 111., minister of the Lutheran Church. 10. Rachel, youngest child of John Henry Eberhart, 92 HISTORY OF THE EBEBHAETS. was born January 15, 1823, and was married to Eev. Edwin Melsheimer, a Lutheran minister. Tliey both died in 1849, leaving two daughters, both of whom are married and live somewhere in the West. HISTORY OF THE EBERHARTS. 93 CHAPTEK XXVI. CHRISTIAN EBERHART. Christian Eherhart, third son of Paul Eberhart, was born March 9, 1772, in wha.t is now Lehigh county, Pa., and moved with his parents to West Moreland county, Pa., in 1773, where he was raised and in due time married to Miss Anna Maria Snyder, of the same place, who was born November 12, 1773, and died July 2, 1849, in the seventy-seventh year of her age. She was a noble Chris- tian woman, devoted wife and prudent mother. At her request, the writer preached a sermon in the German language at her place of residence in Armstrong county, Pa., at 3 p. M. on the day of her death, at the close of which she said : " I am now satisfied." And that night she quietly breathed her last, without the least sign of suffer- ing or even being sick. Christian Eberhart was a tall, dignified and mentally well-balanced man, and, though rather limited in his edu- cation, was, nevertheless, able to carry on an excellent farming business. His farm was in the "Manor settle- ment," seven miles from G-reensburg, West Moreland county. Pa. He moved on to this farm as soon as married, and lived on it until the day of his death, which occurred on the ninth day of March, 1839, when he was nearly sixty- seven years of age. He was, from his youth up, a devoted member of the Lutheran Church, in which he held some office nearly all the time. He and his wife are buried at the Manor Church. 94: EHSTOKY OF THE EBBKHAETS. CHAPTER XXYII. PAUIi BBERHART, Eldest son of Christian Eberhart, was bora A. D. 1795, in Westmoreland county, Pa., and was married to Miss Sarah Berlin, of the same place. She was born July 8, 1798, and, at this date (January 30, 1890), is still living and able to go to church and visit with her children. She has been an active, energetic, noble, Christian woman and good mother, and is still a comfort to her children and grand-children. (Died Feb. 1891.) Paul was a good-sized, well-proportioned man. He had dark hair, but rather fair complexion. He had a liberal common education, botii in the English and Ger- man languages. Shortly after his marriage he moved to Mercer county, Pa., where he soon opened a fine farm and, in due time, put up fine buildings and lived com- fortably and independently. He was not a very extensive farmer, but " owed no man anything," and had many of the conveniences of life around him. Here he lived and died, never moving until he moved into the spirit world, which occurred in 1864, in the sixty-ninth year of his age. He was a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church from his youth until his death, and a good part of the time held official relations in the church. His wife also was a member of the same church. He was a good. Christian man, highly esteemed for truth and veracity. His word was as good as his note. To them were born nine children — three sons and six daughters. Josiah, Mar}^ Ann and Emma, the three old- est, died in childhood. HISTORY OF THE EBEEHAETS. 95 If.. Susanna, the fourth child, ^vas born in 1821, in Mercer county, Pa., and when about twenty years of age was married to T. K. Black, of the same place, a well-to-do farmer. They lived a number of years in Pennsylvania, and then moved to Jackson county, Iowa, where they lived, cultivating a large farm until within a few months past, when she died, aged sixty-five years. She was a noble, hard-working. Christian woman. To them were born nine children. Naomi, Caroline and Elizabeth are dead. Melvina, fourth, married Presly Hanna, a farmer. Up to date, they have six children living. Sarah J., their fifth child, was married to Emer Jones ; not living and no children. Paul, sixth child of Susanna Black, a farmer, is mar- ried, and they have three children. Ida, seventh child, is married to a Mr. Conditt, and they have one child. Margaret, eighth cliild, married to Arthur Fairbanks, a farmer. Novella, ninth child, is still at home, single. 5. Caroline, fifth child of Paul and Sarah Eberhart, was married to Jonathan Lineberger, a merchant, now dead. To them were born twelve children. Seven of them have already passed into the spirit world. Ann Deliah is married to Benjamin King. He is in the livery business. Lester keeps a restaurant. Clemence is married and has three children. He is a farmer. Charlie and Willie still make their home with their mother, but travel around considerable and engage in different kinds of work. 6. Hiram Berlin, sixth child of Paul Eberhart, was ■96 HISTORY OF THE EBEEHAETS. born in Mercer county, Pa., and married to Miss Caroline Kirk, a school teacher. He lived several years in Pennsylvania, and then moved toHopkinton, Iowa, where he still resides. He spent a number of years in selling lightning rods, but the greater part of his life was spent as a farmer and dealer in live stock. A few years ago, he retired from business, and is now living on the income of his property, of which he has a liberal share. Like his forefathers, he, early in life, became a member of the Lutheran Church, but on moving to Iowa, where he did not have the privileges of this Church, he joined the Methodist Episcopal Church. He has always sustained a noble Christian character, and has been a kind husband and father. To them were born twelve children, four of whom have gone before them to the other world. Those still living are as follows : 1. Mary Ann, married to James Squires. He is in the hardware business. They have two children. 2. Sarah, married to F. S. Barns, who is a farmer and dealer in cattle. They have two children. 3. Ellen, married to Arlington Long. He is a farmer. They have one child. Ji,. Melvina, married to Marion Davis, a farmer. They have three children, one of whom has departed this life. 6. Roger, married to Nettie Keith. He is a farmer. Both their children are dead. 6. Charles, a farmer, married to Hattie Hunt. 7. A daughter (no name given), married to Kobert Wilson. He is a farmer. They have one son. 8. Louisa. She is still at home, single. This con- stitutes Hiram B. Eberhart's family. The most of them have lately moved to the vicinity of Cherokee, Iowa, and are doing well. HISTORY OF THE BBEEHAETS. 97 7. Sarah, seventh child of Paul Eberhart, was married to Levi Berlin, a farmer, and for a time owner of a fine mill. They have had ten children — three not living — viz. : 1. Sarah Ann, married Samuel Stambach. They have one child. ^. Emma, married to Henry Hogg, a farmer. They have three children. 3. Paul, a farmer, married to Tillie Keithly. They have one child. Jf.. Calvin, a farmer, married to Miss Ella Orcott. They have two children. 5. Clara, still at home. 6. Baden, at home. 7. Kate, still at home. 8. Mahala, eighth child of Paul Eberhart, married to Albert Pool, a farmer. Still residing in Mercer county, Pa. They have had eight children — two are no more. 1. Williajn, married and has one child. 2. Caroline, married to Michael Zahnhizer. He is a farmer and they have one child. 3. Scott, married, and lives in Denver, Col. He is a dealer in ready-made clothing. J).. Ida, still at home. 5. Reuben, still at home. 6. Bertie, at home. 9. Reuben, ninth child of Paul Eberhart, married Miss Susan Phillips. He was born and raised in Mercer county, Pa., but for many years past has resided near Hopkinton, Iowa. For some time he was a tiller of the soil, but for a good many years past has been engaged in the milling business. He is a very tall, noble looking man, and as a kind husband and father is up to the standard among the Eberharts. They have twelve chil- dren — three in the other world. 98 HISTOEY OF THE EBEEHAETS. 1. Wilson, a farmer, married. ^. Wiley, a farmer. 3. Delia, single, a teacher. ^. Ida, married to Burt Hubbard, a farmer. 5. Samuel, at home. 6. Warren, at home. 7. Frank, at home. 8. Albert, at home. 9. Sarah Maude was born September 22, 1868, and died a triumphant Christian death, April 5, 1890. HISTORY OF THE EBEEHAET8. 99 CHAPTEE XXVIII. ABRAHAM EBERHART. Second son of Christian and Anna Maria Eberhart, was born December 28, 1797, in Webtmoreland county. Pa., and worked on his father's farm, in the " Manor " settle- ment, until he was about sixteen years of age. He then learned the trade of a first-class weaver. He could weave all kinds of carpet and bed-spreads, linen and woolen goods. On August 22, 1820, when in the twenty -third year of his age, he was joined in marriage to Miss Esther Amand, of New Salem, Westmoreland county. Pa., who was born October 2, 1801, and then about nineteen years of age. In two years they moved to Mercer county. Pa., into a heavy timbered country, where, in the course of time, he opened a fine farm, and built a saw-mill on the waters of the Little JSTeshannock. This was a new and very sparsely settled country, and they moved into a log cabin, which he had previously erected, right in the " back- woods," and consequently they had to undergo the priva- tions, and hardships, which all the first settlers of a new country are subject to. Their nearest stores, mills, blacksmiths, etc., were in the village of Mercer, distant nine miles. They several times, for weeks, had to subsist on vegetables and " veni- son." When they could not get grinding done, they boiled the wheat and ate it as a substitute for bread. They commenced life in rather limited circumstances, but by industry, economy and the blessings of a kind Prov- idence, they were soon in the enjoyment of many of the 100 HI8T0ET OF THE EBEEHABTS. comforts of life. They were thrown upon their own resources; and, as " necessity is the mother of invention," they were from the beginning necessitated to learn bow to grow and manufacture that which was necessary for their own support. Hence they soon raised sheep, the wool of which thoy spun, wove and manufactured into clothing for the winter season. They also raised fiax, which they dressed, spun and wove into linen cloth for summer wear. Out of the linen they also made sheets, towels, pillow-cases, etc. The women wore it just as much as the men — both on week-day and Sunday. Calico dresses were not near as common then as silk dresses are now. They also raised their own beef, pork, mutton and veal, and usually procured all the game they wished by " hunting in the wild woods." They early planted all kinds of fruit trees, so that in a short time they had all the apples, peaches, cherries, plums and other fruits they needed. As they had a " Sugar Camp," they made their own sugar and maple syrup. And they raised all the garden vegetables and made all the butter they needed. They also kept allkinds of fowls necessary to furnish them with eggs, and occasionally a nice roast, when visited by their friends. Now you can readily see that, with such surroundings and domestic productions, they had but little need of grocery or dry goods stores. " Father Abraham," was also a very ingenious man, so that he soon had a shop erected, in which he manu- factured his own farming implements, such as ploughs, sleds, drays, etc. ; in a word, everything that was needed on the farm, and many things that were not needed, or at least that did not pay for the time and money spent in> making them — for he was forever inventing " something new." It is true, that some of these inventions, if they had been patented and put into the market, would not HISTORY OF THE EBERHAETS. 101 only have been a benefit to mankind, but would have made him a fortune. Among the little things he invented, the writer remembers a self -setting rat trap, in which were caught seventeen large rats the very first night after it was finished. But the reader must not conclude from what has been said that the intellectual eind spiritual departments were neglected or undervalued in this family — not by any means. As parents, they always kept on hand a supply of good books, papers and magazines, and, to encourage the children, read much themselves. And they sent the children to school as much as time and circumstances would admit of; first to a "subscription school," then to the free school, and afterwards to college ; so that they all got a good, common English education, and a number of them graduated with honors from the best colleges in the land. And every one of the ten children, as soon as they grew to the years of manhood and womanhood, became " school teachers;" and some of them attained high honors and distinction in their profession. As parents, they also enforced both by precept and example the principles and claims of Christianity. From early childhood the children were not only instructed in the Word of God, but also dedicated to the Lord and his service by Christian baptism and prayers, and then " trained up in the way they should go." They were taken, not sent, to church and Sunday-school, and were prayed for and with, in the "family circle." A "family altar"- was erected, and morning and evening the Word of God was read from the " old family Bible that lay on the stand," and holy sacrifices of praise and prayer offered to the God of the universe. Both of them were taken into the Evangelical Luth- eran Church in early youth, but on moving to Venango county, Pa., into a neighborhood where there was no 102 HISTORY OF THE EBEEHAETS. Lutheran Church, they united with the Evangelical Asso- ciation, and later with the Methodist Episcopal Church. They were always upright and externally consistent professors, but not until 1838 did they receive the "full assurance of their acceptance with Grod," and were enabled to cry " Abba Father." From this time on they had great "joy and peace" in the service of God; and, though not of the kind we read of, who " thank God that they are not as other men," yet they were always ready on suitable occasions to " bear testimony to the Truth," and make " a good profession before men." Thus they lived and prayed until they had the pleasure of seeing all their children brought to a " saving knowledge of the Truth as it is in Christ Jesus," and five of their sons in the work of the ministry. They lived in Mercer county. Pa., nearly sixteen years; then, after having opened out a fine farm and built a saw-mill, they moved to Scrubgrass, Venango county. Pa., right on the Allegany river, on to a fine farm, well sup- plied with all kinds of fruit and a flowing spring of excellent water in every field. Here they stayed eight- een years, and then in the spring of 1855 moved to Dixon, ILL, where they engaged in agricultural pursuits nearly three years, and then, Oct., 1857, moved to Eldo- rado, Benton county, Iowa. Here they engaged in " tilling the soil" until 1864, when they moved to Vinton, the county seat of Benton county, Iowa, having decided they were too old to carry on the farming business any longer alone, as their sons had all moved away. In Vinton they lived a quiet, happy life, enjoying the privileges of the church and social life. In 1875 they moved to the city of Chicago and for two years lived with their son John F. and family, during which time they visited their old home and friends in the East, and also many of their children. On the HISTORY OF THE EBEKHAETS. 103 second day of October, 18TT, they took up their abode at Chicago Lawn, and were the first family that moved to this new suburb. Here he died, August 7, 1880, in the eighty- third year of his age, and was buried in Rose Hill Ceme- tery. Abraham Eberhart was not a great scholar nor a man of a great sparkling intellect, but in him centered a great many rare qualities, which constituted him more than a man of mediocrity. He was a common sense man, with some unoom.nion sense thrown in. He read passing events with great accuracy, and fre- quently prognosticated the future with almost a ^ro^Ae^'s ken. He was nearly always found on the right side of political, church, or social questions. He was strictly temperate in his habits. He used neither stong drink nor tobacco, and drank very little tea or coffee. He was a man of strong faitJi, unswerving honesty, and genuine patience. He read much, both in the English and German languages, so that he kept himself well posted on the cur- rent topics of the day, both theological and political ; and also kept himself abreast of the inventions, mechanical and scientific, of the wonderfully progressive and inven- tive age in which he was permitted to live. He especially loved to read the Jjible. He read both his English and German bibles through in regular succession a number of times, besides his promiscuous reading, and when eighty years of age, he read the Bible from Genesis to Eevelation in three successive months. He was also a man of prayer and a man of song. In addition to praying in the family, morning and evening, he also daily prayed in private, morning and evening, and often during the day as well as at night have I found him in some secluded spot in prayer. I have known him to shut himself up in his room, and wrestle with God for hours at a time, when pray- 104 HISTOEY OF THK EBERHAKTS. ing for some special Uessing. And almost as regular as the clay, I used to hear him sing the " songs of Zion," commencing at four or five o'clock in the morning. He was an " early riser," and the first thing he did was to say his prayers and commit himself to God, and then sing the praises of God. He was truly a good man. Esther Elethart, wife of Abraham Eberhart, was the daughter of Frederick J. and Eebecca Amand. They were of German descent, though born and raised in this country. Mr. Amand was a f aimer in good circumstances and a shrewd business man, and an honest, obliging neighbor. Her mother's maiden name was Rebecca Holder. She was born and raised in York county, Pa., and was brought up in the Mennonite Church, but after her marriage to Mr. Amand, with him joined the Lutheran Church. She was an excellent, well-balanced, Christian lady, and kind mother. They had seven children, and both lived to a good old age, he being 74 and she 70 when they departed this life. Esther was the eldest daughter, and was a lovely, modest young lady; she was of medium size, had auburn hair, rather dark eyes, and yet had a fair, ruddy complex- ion. As she grew to years of maturity, and even down to old age, she exhibited a great many noble traits of char- acter. She was always a very industrious, economical housekeeper, and an affectionate mother and loving wife. She was very intense in her nature, and direct and pointed, and sometimes rather severe in reproving sin, so that if it had not been for the true, sincere, and self-sacrificing way in which she did it, she would often have made ene- mies instead of doing good. She, as well as her husband, was a woman of much prayer. She prayed much in private. After the most of the children had grown up, and some of them had left home, she felt so much con- HISTORY OF THE EBERHAETS. 105 cerned for their welfare that she used to retire to the attic, or third story of the house at sunset every day to pray especially for her children. She also taught her children to pray. I can remember just as well as though it had been yesterday how promptly and methodically she used to get five or six of her children ready for church on Sabbath morning and take them a mile to the house of God and be among the first there. Thus she carefully and tenderly watched over her children, admonishing them to " shun evil ways," and" remember their Creator in the days of their youth," until she had the pleasure of knowing that all who grew up to adult age were respectable Chris- tian men and women. She died of paralysis February 27, 1890, in her 89th year, and was buried in Rose Hill Cemetery by the side of her husband. 106 HISTOEY OF THE EBBEHAETS. CHAPTER XXIX. REV. URIAH EBERHART. Uriah Eberhart* eldest child of Abraham and Esther Eberhart, was born July 4, 1821, and married to Miss Catharine Margaret Giesey, of Ligonier, West Moreland county, Pa., June 11, 1845, with whom he had the follow- ing children : 1. Alvin G. Eberhart, eldest child of Uriah and Catharine M. Eberhart, was born June 6, 1847, in Lees- burg, Cumberland county. Pa. Being the son of an ■ itinerant minister, he necessarily accompanied his parents to the different places they were sent, and attended such schools as were accessible. Sometimes it was the free school, and sometimes it was a select school or seminary, so that in due time he obtained a liberal English educa- tion. Eut being a healthy, vigorous child, and a heroic, enterprising young man, be early developed a talent for business, and abandoned school for a position in the post- office in Chicago. Later he took up his abode in Omaha, Neb., and engaged in trade and merchandising, which he has followed ever since with success. At present he is managing two stores in Cincinnati, Ohio. He excels especially as a salesman, and as being very prompt and systematic in business. He is married to his third wife, who was Virginia Maria Friedland, of Norfolk, Va., but has no offspring. Esther Naomi, second child of Uriah and Catharine M. Eberhart, was born January 9, 1849, at Shrewsbury, York county, Pa. As she early exhibited unusual mental * For a full account of Uriah Eberhart, the reader Is referred to his auto- biography in this book. HISTORY OF THE EBEEHAETS. lOY vigor and ability, she was placed in school before she was four years of age, and in some studies she was then in advance of children much older. This prominent and leading position in school she always maintained, as thor- oughness, and a persistent determination to excel were ever marked features in her life. Her conscientious sense and high standard of duty, her fine accomplishments, genial address and beautiful character made her in every place an attractive and directing force in society. After gaining a common and high-school education, special lines of study were pursued at Cornell College, Mt. Vernon, Iowa; but choosing music as a profession she gave several years to its study, finishing her course under the most competent professors in Chicago, and afterward achieved an enviable success as a teacher of both vocal and instrumental music. She was married, October 27, 1870, to Duff Porter, who was born in Illinois October 21, 1839. Mr. Porter received a common education, and then entered Lombard University, Galesburg, 111., but on account of failing health was unable to complete the regular course. His family history, it is claimed, can be traced back to William the Conqueror. His work has been chiefly literary, having been connected with a number of papers as editor and contributor, especially the " Mining Review," which he founded, edited and managed. Two children have been given to them, one dying in infancy; the other, John Albert Porter, born in Chicago, 111., October 13, 1872, who is a promising youth, now attending a business college in Chicago. They are mem- bers of the Methodist Church. 3. John Ahraham,third child of Uriah and Catharine M. Eberhart, was born January 20, 1850, at Somerset, Pa., and departed this life November 13, 1851, at Wellers- burg. Pa. He was the most prematurely developed, and 108 HISTOEY OF THE EBEEHA.ETS. both physically and mentally, the most perfect child I ever saw. He walked when eight and one-half months old. He talked plainly and distinctly when twelve months old, and could sing almost any tune or hymn he heard when twenty months of age. He was too angelic and pure for this wicked world, hence God took him to " His blessed abode " before he was twenty-two months old. He is buried in the cemetery at Ligonier, Pa., where a marble slab marks his last resting-place. If.. Henry Newton, fourth child of Uriah and Catha- rine Eberhart, was born February 15, 1858, at Lena, 111., and passed into the spirit world March 3, 1858. 5. Florence May, fifth child of U. Eberhart, and first child of Lovicy Ann Eberhart, his second wife, was born May 24-, 1860, at Council Hill, Jo Daviess county, HI. When nearly four years of age she was taken to Yicks- burg. Miss., and later to New Orleans, La., where, during the late war, she was with her parents in the United States Marine Hospital, making herself acceptable and useful, by distributing tracts, and fanning flies from the sick soldiers, at the same time entertaining them in their loneliness by her childish prattle, smiling face and cheer- ful disposition. She was also greatly interested in the colored people, attending the schools taught by her mother; she soon became an assistant, teaching the colored soldiers their A B C's. She was not sent to school- until eight years of age, but as she had a sprightly mind she progressed rapidly, so that by attending the best graded schools of Iowa, and later Albion Seminary, she soon obtained a liberal educa- tion. But as she early developed a taste and rare talent for music, she was sent to Chicago, where she took a course of lessons in harmony, voice culture and instru- mental music, under the direction of the best teachers of HISTORY OF THE EBEEHAETS. 109 the city. Later she studied the " kindergarten " system of teaching at the Cook County Normal School, and then taught a large school in the city. She also taught vocal and instrumental music with good success. The volume and quality of her voice is such as to win for her a laudable place in society and church, as a "solo singer." She was married December 20, 1881, to Herbert Ham- mond, of Tipton, Iowa. He was born September 20, 1854 and after passing through the graded schools of Tipton he attended the Iowa State University at Iowa City, and in this way obtained a good business education. He has ever since been engaged in the banking business with con- siderable success. He is now in the real estate. Since her marriage, in addition to household duties, she has pur- sued a regular course of study, so that in connection with other branches she recently graduated at Chautauqua in a four years' course in the C. L. S. C. They have one child, Harold Eberhart, bora December 4, 1882, an inge- nious, sprightly boy. They are members of the Methodist Church, residing at 230 E. Forty-fifth street, Chicago. 110 HISTOEY OF THE EBBEJIAETS. CHAPTEE XXX. REV. LEVI EBBBHART, Levi Eherhart, second child of Abraham and Esther Eberhart, was born December 4, 1822, in Mercer county, Pa., and lived with his parents, engaged in agricultural pursuits until nineteen years of age, when he entered the ministry. During this time he attended both public and select schools, and also taught several terms under the Free School System of Pennsylvania, just introduced into the State. As he was brought up in a religious family, where he was taught in early childhood, both by precept and exam- ple, and daily heard the voice of prayer and praise ascend- ing from the family altar, he early in life had religious impressions, and at the age of fifteen was happily con- verted and united with the Evangelical Association. In the spring of 1841 he entered the itinerant ministry of said church when it numbered only a few thousand, and has continued therein to the present time, though not all the time in the pastorate, having the pleasure of seeing it increase to twenty-five conferences and over 150,000 members. He spent seventeen years in the regular work of the itinerant ministry, preaching both in the German and English languages, and laboring part of the time in new and hard fields, preaching almost daily, and traveling as many as 5,000 miles a year on horseback; but he also filled some very important stations, such as Pittsburg and Bal- timore cities. He was very successful in organizing new societies and building churches. He was finally elected HISTORY OF THE EBEEHARTS. Ill presiding elder and placed on a mission district, including portions of Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska States. In later years, his health failing so that he did not feel himself adequate to the requirements of the itinerancy, he located and studied dental surgery, devoting a part of his time to it in connection with other enterprises. At this writing he resides in the city of Chicago, engaged in real estate. On February 22, 1846, he was joined in marriage to Miss Rebecca Xander, of Lehigh county, Pa. She was born June 20, 1828, and raised in Lehigh county, where her mother still resides. She has proved herself to be a true and faithful wife, and has nobly borne her part of the toils of life and responsibilities of the ministry. This union was blessed with four children, viz.: 1. Franklin S., born July 16, 1847, and was married September 3, 1878, to Mary E., daughter of Col. Roe, of Springfield, 111. He is a druggist by profession, but is at present engaged in real estate in Chicago, and is a man of considerable ability. They have a daughter called Lucy Belle, born December 23, 1879, and a son called Edward, born April 21, 1882. 2. Emma ^., second child of Levi and Rebecca Eber- hart, was born August 30, 1849, and married December 20, 1869, to E. M. Greene, son of Judge Greene, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, who has proved himself quite successful in accumulating a liberal share of this world's goods. She is a pleasant, sprightly woman, performing well her part of the responsibilities of domestic life. They have no children. They reside in Chicago. 3. David J., third child, was born January 29, 1853, and married April 9, 1878, to Miss Ella Vaughan, daughter of "Wm. Yaughan, of Newton, Iowa, Avhere they reside and where he is actively engaged in business, more espe- cially in buying and selling all liinds of grain. They have 112 HISTOEY OF THE EBERHAETS. been blessed with three children — William, born February 8, 1879; Franklin, born January 15, 1881, and Ella Clara, born May 19, 1890. Jf.. Josephine A. E., youngest child of Levi and Eebecca Eberhart, was born February 9, 1856, and mar- ried December 21, 1887, to Oscar V. Emmert, of Dixon, 111., where they now reside, engaged in agricultural pur- suits. She is a very amiable and modest Christian lady. They have one child, Emma Josephine, born September 26, 1889. HISTOEY OF THE EBEEHARTS. 113 CHAPTEE XXXI. REBECCA E. CROUCH. Rebecca, third child of Abraham and Esther Eber- hart, was born December 1, 1824, in Mercer county, .Pa. She had feeble health from early childhood, but was never- theless an active, sprightly girl, so that with the advan- tages of the common schools she was found competent to teach under the Free School System of Pennsylvania at the age of sixteen. She taught one summer, and then, November 8, 1840, was married to Charles Weaver, of Marion county, Pa. Mr. "Weaver was a fine, active man, and followed tailoring for a livelihood. To them were born the following children : 1. Levi E. Weaver, eldest child, was born October 23, 1842, in Marion county, Pa. He moved West with his mother when a boy, and when of age enlisted in the army, and assisted in putting down the Eebellion. He belonged to the Twenty-eighth regiment Iowa volunteer infantry, and was wounded at the battle of Champion Hills, near Vicksburg, Miss. He was a good soldier and was soon promoted to the rank and office of sergeant. After recovering from his wound he was detailed in the Contra- band Department, and aided in organizing camps on: the Louisiana side of the river opposite Vicksburg. He remained in this department until the close of the war, when he was honorably discharged. Shortly after returning home he was married to Miss Matilda Coutz, of Benton county, Iowa, and for a number of years engaged in agricultural pursuits, and then moved 1 14 HISTOKY OF THE EBEEHAETS. to Nebraska, where he still resides, employed in the United States mail service. To them were born 1. Maud Esther Weaver, who is married to Thomas Maxwell ; 2. Asa Jacob Weaver ; 3. Charles Marion Weaver ; 4. Earnest Levi Weaver. 2. David C. Weaver, second child of Charles and Rebecca Weaver, was born March 20, 1845, and before he was eighteen years of age enlisted in the Thirteenth regiment Iowa infantry, and started for the war, but took sick and died December 25, 1861, while at Benton Bar- racks, Mo., and was buried in the Military Cemetery at St. Louis. 3. Esther M., third child of Charles and Rebecca Weaver, was born February 4, 1847, in Marion county. Pa., and after moving with her mother to Iowa, and faithfully assisting her in domestic duties until of age, was married to James R. Chambers, and now resides in Vinton, Iowa. They have the following children : 1. Laura; 2. Charles Abraham; 3. Frank Royal; 4. James Robert ; 5. John Henry ; 6. Abbie Birdie ; 7, Lorenzo David. 4. Philip trank, fourth child of Charles and Rebecca Weaver, was born October 13, 1848, in Marion county. Pa., but raised principally with his mother in Iowa. He was married January 28, 1869, to Miss Barbara Lichty, formerly of Somerset county, Pa. They are now living in Antelope county, Neb., engaged in tilling the soil. He is an earnest member of the United Brethren In Christ Church, and has held the office of Class-leader for fifteen years. To them were born the following children : 1. Erwin Royal; he was eighteen years of age Septem- ber 17, 1886 ; 2. Mary Esther; she was sixteen September 26, 1886, and married to John L. Brown, September 19, HrSTOKY OF THE BBEEHAETS. 115 1885; they have one child, Minnie Hellene; 3. Daniel Treat, born July 9, 18Y2 ; 4. Rebecca Jane, born October 13, 1874; 5. Nettie Eva, born October 4, 1876; 6. Sarah Hattie, born September 22, 1878 ; 7. Tillie Belle, born September 25, 1880, and died December 7th ; 8. Mina Leah, born September 20, 1881 ; 9. Maria May, born April 23, 1884 ; 10. Walter Elijah, born June 3, 1886. 5. Jemima Melvina Weaver, fifth child of Charles and Kebecca Weaver, was born September 20, 1850, in Marion county, Pa., but when quite a child was adopted by her uncle, D. C. Eberhart, and raised in Shrewsbury, York county, Pa. She came West when of age, and lived in different parts of Iowa, supporting herself by her own industry, choosing to " paddle her own canoe." She is still a single maiden, residing in the city of Chicago. 6. Charles F. Weaver was born October 5, 1852, in Venango county. Pa., and married Miss Leah Lichty, formerly of Pennsylvania. He has engaged in different kinds of labor and business. He now resides in Norway, Iowa. They have four children, as follows: 1. Arthur Harmon Weaver ; 2. William Jacob Weaver ; 3. George Amos Weaver ; 4. John Alfred Jabez Weaver. Charles Weaver, first husband of Kebecca, died Feb- ruary 26, 1852, in Pennsylvania, and in course of eight or ten years she was married again to Alfred Crouch, a well- to-do farmer and an excellent man. They still reside on their old homestead in Benton county, Iowa. The children are as follows, viz. : 1. Erwin and Edwin D. (twins), born July 10, 1860, in Benton county, Iowa. Erwin died March 26, 1864. 2. Phares C. and Willes A. (twins), born December 14, 1862. Phares was married to Miss Emma May Klip- pel, in 1888, a)nd they reside in Benton county, Iowa. 116 HI8T0EY OF THE EBEEHAETS. 3. Adella Z>., daughter of Esther M. Weaver, but adopted by Alfred and Eebecca Crouch, was born Febru- ary 12, 1870. HISTORY OF THE EBERHAKTS. HY CHAPTER XXXII. HOjST. DAVID CHRISTIAN EBERHART, D. S., Fourth child of Abraham and Esther Eberhart, was born, November 19, 1826, in Hickory township, Mercer county. Pa. He was a vigorous child, and developed early into a healthy manhood, weighing, when seventeen years of age, 170 lbs., and measuring nearly six feet in height. He had the advantages of a Christian home training and such educational facilities as were afforded in the public schools, qualifying him, at the age of eighteen, to take charge of a public school in the valley of Ligonier, "West Moreland county. Pa., where he after- wards attended the Ligonier Academy, obtaining the rudiments of a classical education ; also teaching there several terms. He then turned his energies to the study of dentistry, availing himself of such facilities as could be secured through private preceptors, after which he practiced his profession in his home and adjoining country, at the same time reading a regular course in medicine, being connected with a medical -society in Warren, Ohio. In the- fall of 1851 he moved to the city of Baltimore, Md., where he continued the practice of dentistrj'^ until 1853, during which time he attended the Wesleyan Biblical Institute, and, on examination before the North Baltimore Quarterly Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, was granted a license to preach, and sent to Shrewsbury circuit as junior preacher. But, after a trial of eighteen months, on realizing that his health was failing, he aban- 118 HISTCEY OF THE EBERHAETS. doned the purpose of entering the regular ministry, and settled in Shrewsbury, York county, Pa., where he still resides, sustaining to the church the relation of local elder. He was married, December 12, 1 854, to Miss Mary Elizabeth Gerry, daughter of Dr. James Gerry, of Shrews- bury, Pa., who practiced his profession over forty years in that place, and was twice elected to the United States Congress from that district. As the result of this union there were born unto them five children, two sons and one daughter dying in infancy, and one son and daughter still living. "When the War of the Eebellion broke out, he entered the service as chaplain of the Eighty-seventh regiment Pennsylvania volunteer infantry ; being ordained deacon by Bishop Scott in February, 1863, he at once joined the regiment at Winchester, Va. It was at this place he was taken prisoner, June 15th of the same year, when the place was surrendered by Gen. Milroy. He was taken to Richmond, Va., and placed in the rebel prison, " Castle Thunder," and afterward removed to "Libby Prison," where he remained a prisoner of war until October 7, when he, with eight other chaplains, was exchanged and released. This imprisonment seriously affected his health, bringing him near death ; but in due time he rallied again suffi- ciently to return to his regiment and share the toils and hardships of a vigorous campaign with the Army of the Potomac during the summer of 1864, making many nar- row escapes from death. On October 13th of this year his regiment was mustered out of service, and he returned to his family to engage in his professional duties. On the second day of April, 1867, his beloved wife died suddenly of heart disease, aged 32 years. Her paternal HISTORY OF THE EBEEHAETS. 119 grandfather came from Scotland, and in his first attempt, having fitted out a vessel of his own, was captured by the notorious pirate, " Paul Jones," and his vessel and goods confiscated, and he landed on the shores of France. He made his way back to Scotla,nd, and after peace was declared made another attempt and came to America, settling in Cecil county, Maryland. Her maternal grand- father was Peter Hoffman, of Hoflfmansville, Baltimore county, Maryland, and was of German descent. He was married again Januar}'- 11, 18Y2, to Miss Wanetta Irene Benton, of Baltimore City, daughter of Wm. D. and Ruth Rebecca Benton. They were of English decent, tracing their lineage through the Benton family to Lord Talbert, Earl of Shrewsbury. She was born April 1, 1850, in Frederick county, Maryland. He still resides in Shrewsbury, York county, Pennsyl- vania, where, in addition to his extensive practice in den- tistry, he has held various offices in church, town and state. He is a man of noble spirit, and although rather independent in his ways is, nevertheless, generous and kind-hearted to all, and greatly enjoys both social and religious life. At this writing he has taken his seat as a member of the Pennsylvania Legislature. CHILDREN OF D. 0. EBEEHABT. 1. Rev. James Oerry Eherhart, A. M., son of D. C. and Mary E. Eberhart, was born July 27, 1856, in Shrews- bury, York county, Pennsylvania, and baptized January 1, 1857, by Rev. J. S. Lee, of the M. E. Church, and was converted and joined the church when 9 years of age. He had early educational advantages. He attended the Shrewsbury Academy five terms of five months each. At 13 years of age he attended Lebanon Yalley College one year. "When 15 years of age he attended Cornell 120 HISTOBY OF THE EBEEHAKTS. College, at Mt. Yernon, Iowa, one year, and in one year returned and stayed five years, graduating in 1878 with the degree of A. B. During the senior year he was vic- torious in three oratorical eontests. First, the " Home Contest," where six students were chosen from the college and graded on thought, composition and delivery. This gave him the honor of representing Cornell College at the State Oratorical Contest, which met November, 1877, at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. About a dozen colleges were represented, and, on a scale of thirty as being perfect, h« was marked twenty-nine on all points, and pronounced the best. This gave him the honor of representing the State of Iowa in the Inter-Collegiate Oratorical Contest, held at St. Louis in 1878. The six State victors from the States of Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, Indiana and Ohio met here and he was awarded a gold medal, the next to the highest prize. The judges were Hon. Alphonso Taft, Cincinnati, Ohio; Bishop Thomas Bowman, D. D., St. Louis, Missouri, and Hon. Benjamin Harrison, of Indianapolis, Indiana, now President of the United States. After graduating he was principal of the Shrewsbury High School for a time, and then took a two years' course in Drew Theological Seminary at Madison, IST. J. He then traveled two years under the Presiding Elder in the Central Pennsylvania Conference. During this time he was united in marriage to Miss Florence E. Little, of Con- cord, Franklin county. Pa., and shortly after moved to northern Illinois, and in two years was ordained a deacon and admitted into the Kock Elver Conference of the M. E. Church, where he labored several years, and then went as a missionary to the Territory of Arizona, where he is still laboring with good success. While stationed at Prescott, he was chosen Chaplain of the Legislative Assembly. In course, he received the degree of A. M., HISTOKY OF THE KBEKHARTS. 121 from Cornell College, and delivered the Master's Oration at the "commencement" of 1881. He is a young minis- ter of talent and promise. He has two children — James Gerry and David C. ^. Zelia Clotilda Eherhart, daughter of David C. and Mary E. Eberhart, was born January 4, 1860, in Shrews- bury, York county, Pa., and baptized Januar}'^ 4, 1861, by Kev. G. "W. Dunlap, of the M. E. Church. Havmg lost her best friend in the death of her mother, she was under the care of her cousin J. Mina Weaver several years, and then with her grandmother Eberhart, of Yinton, Iowa, after which she returned to the home of her father in Shrewsbury, Pa., proving herself a loving and dutiful child. At different schools she acquired a fair academical education — making instrumental music a specialty. After some years she returned to Illinois again, residing with her brother, and on July 14, 1886, was married to George A. Cole, of Durand, 111., who was born March 8, 1861, and is now clerking in a store at Chicago Lawn, 111., where they reside. They have two children — Mary Wanetta, born August 9, 1888, and Kellie, born January 3, 1889. 3. Winona Selmen, eldest child of D. C. Eberhart with his second wife, was born October 28, 1872 She is an accomplished young lady, still at home attending school 4- I>av%d aeon, youngest child of D. C Eberhart with his second wife, was born December 1, 1874 and is a vigorous youth, at home going to school 122 HISTOKT OF THE EBEEHAETS. CHAPTER XXXIII. PKOF. JOHN FREDERIC EBERHART, A. M. John Frederic Eherhart, fifth child of Abraham and Esther Eberhart, was born January 21, 1829, in Hickory township, Mercer count}^ Pa., and spent his boyhood on his father's farm, in what was then a new settlement. He was a slender, active child, with very fair complexion and very light flaxen hair. He, however, soon developed into a dignified physical man, so that to-day he stands six feet high and weighs 162 pounds. At the age of eight years he moved with his parents to Big Bend on the Allegheny river, in Venango county, Pa., where he lived and worked on his father's farm, attending school during the winters, until sixteen j'^ears of age. At that age he taught his first school at the mouth of Oil Creek, near Franklin, Pa., for $8.50 per month, and "boarded round." The following summer he took special lessons in writ- ing, drawing, and pen and ink flourishing, and during the fall and winter taught the satae in the surrounding villages. After attending school several terms at Cottage Hill Academy, Ellsworth, Ohio, and teaching one winter at " Anderson's Mill," and one winter in " Craig's Dis- trict," in the home neighborhood, he entered Allegheny College in the spring of 1849, and graduated July 2, 1853. He paid his way through college by teaching penmanship and other branches during the spring and fall vacations, and mowing and cradling in the harvest field during the summer vacations. He boarded himself four terms, assisted by his parents, and to complete his course the HISTORY OF THE EBEKHAETS. 123 writer of this book advanced him the money which was soon refunded with more than compound interest. While at college he was very studious and ambitious, so that during his entire college course he was never marked below the highest grade, except one term in two studies in the classics ; viz., Sallust and Heroditus, and that term he had two studies more than were usually taken. During the time he was so earnestly developing his mental powers he did not neglect his physical system, so that he soon got to be quite an athlete and gymnast, and was one of the two of the 325 students who lifted a brass cannon in the arsenal at Meadville, Pa., weighing 900 pounds. This was the cannon presented to the State of Pennsylvania by Gen. LaFaj'ette. He could also out- jump any of the students, and out-run all but one. Two days after graduating he made the Fourth of July oration at Rockland, Pa., near his home, to about 7,000 people, who were wild with delight at his "school- boy oratorical flights." As the writer now remembers, few large assemblies were ever so pleased and swayed as was this one. On the first of September nexu after graduating he entered upon his duties as principal of Albright Seminary, at Berlin, Somerset county, Pa. (afterwards changed to a college). It was the first institution of learning founded by the Evangelical Association, and during bis administra- tion flourished beyond expectation — having among its pupils such men as Rev. H. "W. Thomas, now of the Peo- ple's Church in Chicago; Rev. "Wm. B. Gregg of the Dela- ware Conference of the M. E. Church; Rev. L. Hornberger, of the East Pennsylvania Conference, and Rev. Dall, of the Pittsburg Conference of the Evangelical Association, with many others who have risen to prominence and useful- ness in life. 124 HISTORY OF THE EBEEHAETS. He had entered upon this work with great zeal and enthusiasm, intending to make teaching a life worh, but before the close of the second year he was forced to resign, on account of failing health, as three leading phy- sicians had given it as their opinion that he could not live over six months. "This," he says, " was the greatest sac- rifice of my life, to give up my cherished plans." But he ceased from all lubor, and came " West," arriving at Chicago April 15, 1855. After a short stay in the " muddy city," he went to Dixon, 111., where he spent the summer in outdoor exercises, such as fishing and hunt- ing, as soon as he was strong enough to do so. This and the change of climate had aAvonderful effect on his health. He was passionately fond of shooting " on the wing," so with his gun and faithful dog ^'- Fred" he whiled away many a pleasant hour among the prairie chickens, which were still very plentiful in that vicinity. And this he is " sure " did him more good than all the medicine he took. He says : " It renewed my life." So strong was his faith in this kind of treatment, that he continues to prac- tice it. • Only the other day he said : " I have since then made it a practice to spend at least a few weeks each year in fishing and hunting and energetic outdoor life." " In this way I have maintained my health and strength, so to-day, at sixty -two, I feel as active as a boy and am as fond of my gun and outdoor sport as ever." He soon got to be an expert in " shooting on the wing," so that but few excelled him, and woe to the duck, goose, or even antelope at which he pointed his gun. During the time he was at Dixon, he edited and pubhshed the Dixon Transcript, but as it was a local political paper it did not suit his taste, so he sold it. He spent the following winter in delivering a course of ten popular and scientific lectures on Chemistry, Nat- HI8TOBY OF THE EBEKHABT8. 125 ural Philosophy, Meteorology and Astronomy. He usually delivered these lectures before institutions of learning, illustrating with apparatus, etc., which made them very instructive and popular. He next traveled about a year in the interest of the New York publishers, Ivison & Phinney, and A. S. Barnes & Co., but as he had a desire for a more distinctively educational life he purchased, and published and edited The Northwestern Home and School Journal of Chicago, for three years. During. these three years he spent much time in lecturing before "teachers' institutes," and frequently conducting them. He lectured mostly in the State of Illinois and Iowa, but was also employed by the Hon. Henry Bar- nard, Chancellor of the Wisconsin State University, to hold institutes in that State. This kind of work he enjoyed and valued greatly, because it not only gave him a general knowledge of the educational work of the country, but brought him in contact with the great and indefatigable workers in the cause — even such men as Elihu Burritt and Horace Mann. In the fall of 1859 he was elected superintendent of the schools of Cook county — in which Chicago is situated — and continued in that office for ten consecutive years. They were ten years of hai'd work, and much of it at that time but poorly understood and appreciated. The free schools had never been under proper supervision, and were in a neglected condition. To remedy this evil he visited every school once a year at least, and conferred with teachers and directors, and also organized " teachers' institutes," and in every possible way tried to inspire interest and strengthen the cause. But finding it impos- sible to secure teachers fully qualified, he commenced agitating and advocating the erection of a county normal 126 HISTORY OF THE EBEEHARTS. school. At first he met with but little encouragement from any source; but at the end of several years the supervisors of the county were induced to appropriate the necessary funds, and the school was opened in September, 1867, at Blue Island, with thirty-two pupils and D. S. Wentworth as principal. It was afterward moved to Normal, where it continues to grow and prosper, so that it now numbers 573 pupils, under the care of Col. F. *L. Parker as principal. It is widely known, and has pupils from adjoin- ing counties and states. From boyhood up, Professor Eberhart has been devoted to the cause of education, and nothing but failing health could ever have driven him from the school-room proper, and even then he took refuge in a more diversified and general Avork, such as editing educational journals, conducting teachers' institutes, lecturing on educational subjects, and finally becoming Superintendent of Schools. He always affiliated with associated efforts. He was among the first organizers of the Illinois State Teach- ers' Association, and attended seventeen of its con- secutive annual sessions. He also assisted in the estab- lishment of the State Normal University, and the con- struction and passage by the State Legislature of many amendments to the school laws of the State, including the act authorizing counties to establish Normal Schools. He was the principal mover in forming the State Asso- ciation of County Superintendents, and their first president. He was also a member of the American Institute of Instruction, and was one of the first Life members of the National Teachers' Association. He was also associated with many other educational and charitable societies hav- ing for their object the care and education of those who have not the wisdom and means to care for themselves. As president of the County Board of Education, he was HISTORY OF THE EBEEHARTS. 127 the means of introducing the kindergarten into the Cook county Normal School, and greatly aided in establishing the " Free Kindergarten " schools in the city. At different times he had offered to him very promi- nent educational positions, such as a professorship or president's chair in some of our best institutions of learning, but declined because he believed his health would not endure that kind of a life. In his earlier years he had but little desire or expectation to make more money than to afford a comfortable living with a little left to buy books, etc. He always had a great desire to travel and hoped in some way to accumulate enough to gratify this desire in later years, but as the salary of the educator does not furnish means for very extensive travel and exploration, he decided after twenty- five years of educational effort to try his luck at making money and turned his energies to real estate. And in this direction he was quite successful, so that when the panic of 1873 first touched the country, he considered him- self worth over $1,000,000. It is true that it consisted mostly in non productive property, and the shrinkage, taxes and failure of many to pay his claims reduced it fearfully during the five years the panic brooded over the land. But not discouraged he stai'ted in again, profiting by the lessons of the past, and was again ver}"^ successful, so that he now has a great abundance for himself and family, and to give to charitable purposes; the latter he is already doing. He was married on Christmas evening, 1864, to Miss Matilda Charity Miller, daughter of Joseph C. and Mercie H. Miller, of Chicago, and, as he puts it, " the best woman in the world." She was born April 15, 1837, in Toronto, Canada, but emigrated to this country when she was one year old. She received her education in Aurora and Chicago, finishing in the Chicago High School 128 HISTORY OF THE EBEEHABT8. She afterward taught in the city schools. She is an accomplished, generous woman, who is always cheerfully planning for the comfort and education of her children, as ■well as for the elevation and education of poor "waifs" and orphan children, by securing homes and free kinder- garten and other schools for them. As he was born and raised in a strictly religious family, he early in life accepted the doctrines and principles of Christianity, conforming his life to the same, and contin- ued therein to the present time, with the exception of a few changes in ceremonies and matters of minor importance. But I will give his creed, as given by himself a few days ago: " I trust in an All-wise Creator and disposer of events, and I believe in the religion of Jesus Christ as epitomized in his memorable sermon on the mount :" " Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them ; for this is the law and the prophets." And again: "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto these the least of my brethren, ye have done it unto me." He says further : "I look upon life as a reality, and that it should be made a beautiful activity. Unless one lives to better the life of some one else, his life has been a failure." " Life is real, life is earnest, And the grave is not its goal; Dust thou art — to dust returnest. Was not spoken of the soul." CHILDREN OF JOHN F. AND MATILDA C. EBEEHAET. 1. Maude Winifred Eherhart was born November 1, 1866, at 101 Park avenue, Chicago, and departed this life February 11, 1873. Her death was caused by malignant sore throat, terminating in membranous croup. She was a lovely child, beautiful and charming in her short life on HISTOET OF THE EBEBHARTS. 129 earth, but as a " tender plant " was early removed from the nursery on earth to the Garden of Eden above. She is buried at Rose Hill Cemetery. S. John Joseph Eberhart was born September 8, 18Y0, at Geneva Lake, Wis. He is a vigorous youth both phys- ically and intellectually, and bids fair to make a good business man. He is at present in his father's office, at 161 La Salle street, Chicago. 3. Frank Nathaniel Eherhart was born December 17, 1872, at 101 Park avenue, Chicago. He is a very genial, social young man, and notwithstanding that he has spent the most of his years in school and fully kept pace with his classmates, he is nevertheless already an expert in "shooting on the wing," and bids fair to make a second " Nimrod." ^. Mary Evangeline Eberhart was born April 3, 1875, at E^orwood Park, Hlinois. She is a noble, womanly young lady, well advanced in her education, promising well for the future. She is especially noted for her talent and proficiency in music. 5. Grace Josephine Eberhart was born June 4, 1877, at Norwood Park, Illinois. She is a very active and robust " child of nature," full of life and fun, and yet an original thinker, with a comprehensive mind, that bids fair to out-strip her older brothers and sister at no distant day. 6. Wilfred Eberhart was born June 12, 1881, at Chi- cago Lawn, and died December 26, 1882, after three days' illness of malignant scarlet fever. He is buried at Rose Hill Cemetery. 130 HISTORY OF THE EBEEHAETS. CHAPTER XXXIY. MANOAH HEISTRY EBEEHART, Sixth child of Abraham and Esther Eberhart, was born January 17, 1831, in Mercer county, Pa. He remained with his parents assisting on the farm during the summer and teaching school in the winter, until he was twenty years of age. By this time he had sufficiently mastered the common English branches to secure him a " certificate to teach in the free schools." His first effort was made in StuU's district, Marion county, Pa. Here in a school-house 18x24 he had enrolled seventy-three pupils, mostly large boys and girls. With such a crowd on slab-benches for seats, and boards fastened to the wall for writing-desks, and about as many text-books as pupils, it required rare tact and genius to be "master of the situation." Moral sua- sion was not always strong enough to make a realizing impression — it required a " birchen pointer." The following summer he attended AUeghem'- College, and then taught again in the winter ; and thus he pro- ceeded for five years, teaching and attending school, and performing manual labor part of the time. During the fall term of 1853, he attended Albright Seminary, in Ber- lin, Somerset county, Pa., and the following winter taught in Stoystown in the same county. It was during this win- ter that he full}' realized that he could not perform his whole duty to his pupils, his fellow-men, and much less his God, without surrendering to Him the obedience of his heart and life; hence he made the surrender and public confession, and united with the Evangelical Association in church fellowship, but a year later joined the M. E. ■HISTORY OF THE EBERHAETS. 131 Church, and has been a member ever since. In the spring of 1854, he resumed his studies at Albright Seminary, also teaching part of the time. He remained a year, and then during the summer of 1855 taught a "select school" at Lexington in the same count}'. In the fall of said year he moved to Brookville, Ogle county, 111., and resumed teach- ing. November 6, 1856, at La Porte, Ind., he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Elizabeth Briscoe, "who was born December 6, 1835, in Somerset, Pa., whose acquaint- ance he had formed at Albright Seminary. Her father was of French, and her mother of Irish, descent. Her father, Prisby W. Briscoe, was then a teacher of thirty years' standing, and " Mary " had been with him from child- hood, either as a pupil or teacher. She taught five years, in the public schools of Berlin, Pa., filling all the grades from the lowest to the highest, and was the first lady teacher in Somerset county who drew money out of the pub- lic school fund. She was baptized into the Christian Church when fifteen years of age, and is still strong in the faith. She is a woman of great moral worth, leading an exemplary life, and exerting an elevating influence in whatever cir- cle she moves. After their marriage, they both taught one year in Elizabeth, Jo Daviess county. 111. During the winter of 1857-8 she was at home with her parents in the State of Indiana, and he taught in New Durham, near by. In the spring of 1858 they emigrated to Benton county, Iowa, where he had previously bought land and opened out a farm. Here they stayed until the spring of 1863, tilling the soil during the summer and teaching in the winter. In the spring of 1863 he sold his farm and quit teaching, after having taught twenty terms, and moved to Cedar Eapids, Iowa, and for two years engaged in photography. He then sold his gallery and bought one in Mount Yer- 132 HISTORY OF THE EBEKHAETS. non, Iowa, in which place he has lived and run a gallery for twenty years past. He is a man of even temper, has- a well-balanced mind'and good social qualities. CHILDEEN OF M. H. EBEEHAET. 1. JBrisby Brisaoe Eherhart was born October 9, 185T After going through the common schools he entered Cornell College and staid until well along in the Sopho- more class, "when he took a trip Southwest, thinking he might strike a job of railroad surveying. Near Newton,. Kans., he visited Frank Knott, an old school-mate, and went into the harvest-field and was prostrated by the great heat and died very suddenly, July 26, 1878. A bronze monument keeps silent vigils over his last resting- place in the cemetery of that place. He was a promising young man. 2. Ira Abrahami Eberhart, M. D., second child of M. H. Eberhart, was born April 20, 1859. After passing through the public schools, he attended Cornell College several years and was one of the charter members of the Star Literary Society of that school. He then studied photography and became quite an adept in the art. Later, he turned his attention to the study of medicine. He read with Dr. Carson, of Mount Vernon, Iowa; attended one course of lectures at the State University in Iowa City, one course at Rush Medical College in Chicago, and graduated from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, Pa., in the spring of 1889. He now bids fair for a good practice in his profession. He has located at Chicago Lawn, 111. 3. Harry Clay Eherhart, third child of M. H. Eber- hart, was born October 23, 1860. After having obtained a common English education it was found difficult to keep him in school on account of his active and vivacious nature, so he turned his attention to photography, in HISTORY OF THE EBEEHARTS. 133 which business he is still engaged, residing at Shell Rock, Butler county, Iowa. He was married to Miss Alice Ary on May 8,1881. She is a very amiable, intelligent and kind- hearted lady. They have four ciiildren, viz. : 1. Howard, born July 5, 1882 ; 2. Murriel, born April 23, 1884 ; 3. Illma, born February 20, 1886 ; 4. Barnard, born March 14, 1888. ^. Cora Eberhart, fourth child of M. H. Eberhart, was born June 11, 1862. After going through the public schools, she attended Cornell College several years, and later graduated from the Kindergarten Department of the Normal School of Chicago, 111. She then spent sev- eral years teaching kindergarten schools very success- fully. She was married December 20, 1883, to John S. McGlashan, and they moved to Minaret, Gunnison county, Colo., where they still reside, engaged in the cat- tle trade. 5. Essa Eberhart, fifth child of M. H. Eberhart, was born November 24, 1868. After receiving her common- school education, she attended Cornell College several terms, and then her friends, on observing her fine voice, advised her to turn her whole attention to music and voice culture. Accordingly, she took a three years' course under the tutorship of Prof. Godfrey, and grad- uated from the Conservatory of Music of Cornell College in June, 1887. Since then she has pursued her musical studies faithfully and has added stenography and type- writing. She is at home with her parents. 6. Ben. F. Eberhart, youngest child of M. H. Eber- hart, was born December 9, 1876. He is at home, attend- ing school, and says he intends to be a doctor. 134 HISTOBT OF THE EBEEHAETS. CHAPTER XXX 7. EET. ISA AMAKD EBERHART, M. D., Ph. D., Seventh child of Abraham and Esther Eberharl, was born May 8, 1834, in Mercer county, Pa. At the age of three years his parents moved to Venango county, Pa., where his boyhood was spent on a farm. His earliest ambition was to become a teacher. Hence at the age of sixteen he commenced teaching school at Stony Point, Clarion county. Pa., and thus by teaching in the winter and attending school in the summer he worked his way through college. He taught select schools, public schools, and at one time was the principal of the normal school in Carbon county, Pa., teaching altogether thirty-six terms. This was to him a "charmed" life, but on account of laryngitis, with which he had been troubled for several years, becoming much aggravated, he was forced to resign and abandon teaching. In 1856 he went West, making headquarters at Chi- cago, engaging in various pursuits. He traveled several years as solicitor and collector for a wholesale house, took photographs for a time, but whilst he was fairly successful in these labors he was never content. During these years he also developed some talent as a poet, and altogether has written some 500 pages of poetry. Some of his poems received commendatory mention from such men as James Russell Lowell and Geo. D. Prentice. A biographical sketch and specimens of his poetry were published in a volume entitled, "Poets and Poetry of the "West," in 1860. HISTOET 01- THE EBEEHAETS. 135 Perhaps an average specimen of his poetry may be found in the following stanzas: TO MY MOTHER. Oh ! rough has been my sail through life, And many clouds have filled my sky; But still amid the darkening gloom One star has never left my eye, And o'er the earth where'er I roam, I feel thy love is hovering nigh. I've felt the freezing breath of Scorn _ BlovF o'er my spirit's budding wold, And oft has Sorrow's heavy robe Fell o'er my heart with gloomy fold — But when I shrank beneath its touch, Thy love hath edged it round with gold. And mother, though I've wandered far. And see not now thy warm smiles play Yet still along the backward track. Along the dim and dusty way, My heart forever trembles back. And clings to thine where first it lay. He was married April 20, 186i to Miss Malissa Jacobs, of Cedar Eapids, Iowa, who was born September 1, 1840, at Savannah, 111. Her father's name was Benjamin B. Jacobs and her mother's maiden name was Mary Jemima Douglas, who was a cousin to Hon. Stephen A. Douglas ; and she traces her lineage back to the Douglasses and Stewarts of Scotland. She was educated by a governess employed in her father's family, and, since her marriage, by her willing and efficient co-operation with her husband, has contrib- uted much to their mutual success. Being born and raised in a religious family, he early in life espoused the cause, and giving special attention to the study of biblical theology, though differing from the rest of the family, he became a believer in what he 136 HISTORY OF THE EBERHAETS. termed " The final triumph of good over evil." In the spring of 1867 he moved to Riverside, near Benton Har- bor, Michigan. In this new home he found no church of his faith ; but on looking around he found three persons of similar views, so he and his wife and these three per- sons organized themselves into a little society, afterwards recognized by the Universalist Church. But as they were too weak to employ a minister, he organized a Sunday- school, and commenced speaking to them on religious topics every alternate Sabbath. These efforts were attended with success, so that the little parish grew to forty-seven members the first year. This work being congenial and his labors in demand in other places, he took a course of study in theology and was ordained a minister in the Universalist Church at Lansing, Michigan, November 24, 1869. After this, he was settled as pastor at Tecum seh and Adrian City, Mich.; Neenah, Wis.; and Storm Lake, Belle Piaine and Marshalltown, Iowa. At each of these places he labored with good success. He was then elected State Superintendent of the Universalist Churches for Iowa, and served four years in this capacity, during which time the number of Universalist ministers actively employed in State work were doubled. After this, he served three and one-half years in the same capacity in the State of Wisconsin with similar success. But this work of preach- ing and lecturing so frequently, reviving dormant par- ishes and organizing new ones, superintending the set- tling of ministers, with all the responsibilities of the office, was too much of a strain on his nervous system, so that it temporarily paralyzed him, and by the advice of phy- sicians he resigned to take a year of rest and recu- peration. In the fall of 1885, after nine months' rest, he moved to Chicago Lawn, a suburb of Chicago, and HISTOEY OF THE EBEEHABTS. 137 opened a real estate office in the city. This business effort was attended with good .success, so that he soon accumulated a comfortable sufficiency of this world's goods for the plain, unostentatious life he preferred. At the age of sixteen he adopted as the motive of his life the following sentence : " I will make an honest living and do as much good as I can for humanity." During his ministry he of course did not accumulate much wealth, but now having secured a sufficiency he closed his office October, 1887, and in order that he might be better quali- fied to be beneficial to humanity physically as well as otherwise, he entered the Bennett Medical College, to take a course of study in medicine, where he is still pur- suing his studies at this writing, February, 1889. He since graduated M. D. and is practicing this profession. Noble Murray Eberhart, son of Isa. A. and Malissa Eberhart, was born at Benton Harbor, Mich., April 21, 1870. He developed early a great love for natural science, and an easy, concise style of expression. Physically, he has developed rapidly. He is not yet nineteen years old, and stands five feet, ten and one-fourth inches high, and weighs one hundred and sixty-five pounds, with a full beard and the general appearance of one twenty-two years of age. Mentally, he is cool and deliberate with good powers of endurance. He graduated in June, 1888, at Eacine College. In addition to his regular collegiate studies he has made a special study in several lines of nat- ural science, and seems to be developing into a writer in that line of thought. He was for several years editor of the Insect World. He was married, June 20, 1889, to Miss Jessie Corliss Young, of Ft. Atkinson, "Wis., who was born March 21, 1869, and is a graduate of the State High School. 138 HISTOKY OF THE EBEEHAETS. CHAPTEE XXXVI. RET. JEREMIAH S. EBERHART, A. M., Eighth child of Abraham and Esther Eberhart, was bom September 22, 1836, in Mercer county, Pa., and until eighteen years of age attended school and assisted his parents on the farm, who for the greater part of this time resided in Venango county. Pa., right on the banks of the Allegheny river. He then attended Albright Seminary at Berlin, Pa., one year. When nineteen years of age he taught school near Kittanning, Pa., then moved "West with his parents to Dixon, 111., where he worked on the farm in the summer and taught school in the winter for several years. He then attended Eock Eiver Seminary at Mt. Morris, 111., four terms, after which he attended Cornell College at Mount Vernon, Iowa, where he gradu- ated in 1863. In the fall of 1863 he entered the Upper Iowa Con- ference of the M. E. Church, held at Davenport, Iowa, as a minister on probation. And two years later was ordained a Deacon by Bishop Simpson, and received into the conference as a member; and at the end of two years more was ordained an Elder by Bishop Janes. On November 10, 1864, he was joined in marriage to Miss Emma M. May, of Benton county, Iowa. Miss May was born March 5, 1839, in Jo Daviess county, 111., and was educated mostly at Cornell College, Iowa. Prior to her marriage she taught school, in which profession she succeeded admirably, as she was intelligent, sprightly and amiable, and devoted all her energies to the work. HISTORY OF THE EBEEHAETS. 139 Since her marriage she has been A'^ery efficient in the arduous labors of the itinerancy, thus greatly aiding her husband in his work. To them were born two sons. 1. Alpha La Rue, August 5, 186Y. He is a fine, active young man; has a liberal education, and is quite an adept in instrumental music. He has chosen merchandis- ing as a business. He was in a wholesale house in the city a few years, but recently started a store of his own in Englewood, 111. 2. Ennis Kingsly, second son of J. S. and Emma M. Eberhart, was born January 18, 1873, and is at home with his parents, and is a bright, promising boy. He is at present attending Cornell College. Rev. J. S. Eberhart has been quite successful in the work of the ministry. He is a good preacher, but excels in Sunday-school work, social influence and building of churches and parsonages. He has been stationed at Monticello, Iowa City circuit, Albion, Toledo, Jessup, De Witt, Lyons, Monticello a second time, Nashua and Traer, Iowa. From Traer he moved to Chicago Lawn, 111., taking a supernumerary relation in the conference, where for six years past he has been engaged in real estate and trade, at the same time doing active mission work in the city, being successful in organizing two societies and build- ing for each of them a church. He now resides at Fifty- fourth court, Chicago. 14:0 HISTORY OF THE EBERHAETS. CHAPTER XXXVII. MARY ANN, SAKAH, AMOS, ABRAHAM AND CATH- ARINE EBERHART. Mary Ann, ninth child of x^Lbraham and Esther Eber- hart, was born April 22, 1839, in Sorubgrass, Venango county, Pa., and departed this life March 11, 1840. She died of scarlet fever, and was buried at the Presbyterian " Stone Church." Sarah, tenth child of Abraham and Esther Eberhart, was born March 28, 1841, in Venango county. Pa., and lived there on a farm with her parents among the romantic hills of the Allegheny river until fourteen years of age, then with her parents went "West to Dixon, 111., where she spent several years, mostly in household duties and taking care of the sick, as most of the family were sick with fever and ague a good part of the time. She also attended Lee Center Academy, and then taught a part of a term in the home district, to fill the place of a teacher who had failed. She then attended Eock Piver Seminary during the winter term, and the following sum- mer took lessons in instrumental music at Pock Island, 111., and then joined the rest of the family in Eldorado, Iowa, where they had preceded her a year. The next ten years were spent mostly in teaching, with an occa- sional term at Cornell College, where she had hoped to graduate, but was prevented by failing health, caused by too great a strain on her mental powers in the laudable effort to educate herself. Since that time she has devoted herself to the care of her aged parents, residing part of the time at Vinton, Iowa, and part of the time at Chicago Lawn, 111. At the last named place she still resides, HISTORY OF THE EBEEHAETS. 141 taking care of her aged mother. She is a noble, dignified, and well-balanced lady, deserving much credit for the patient and unwearied attention and labor given to her father and mother by way of making their declining years pleasant and happy. Since the above was written, she was married November 28, 1889, to Willis J. Roberts, born November 4, 1856, in Arcadia, Wayne county, N. Y. They are at Chicago Lawn, 111. He is in the grocery trade. She has been post-mistress for a number of years. Amos Abraham, eleventh child of Abraham and Esther Eberhart, was born August 26, 1844, in Scrubgrass, Venango county, Pa., and died November 10, 1848. His ■death was caused by choking on a piece of meat while sitting at the table,, not being able to speak a Avord. He is buried at the " Stone Church " in that vicinity. Catharine Edher, twelfth child of Abraham and Esther Eberhart, was born June 27, 1846, in Scrubgrass, Yenango county. Pa., and married to Ro3'^al C. Treat, of Chicago, December 24, 1868. She was a very amiable, cheerful and happy young lady, with many noble traits of character. She obtained a liberal English education and taught school in Iowa and in the city of Chicago. Mr. Treat was born at Hartford, Conn., in 1840, and at an early day came to Chicago, engaging in different kinds of business, where he still resides, engaged in the book trade. He is an excellent man and made a kind, provi- dent husband. At the time of their marriage he had ready a fine, comfortable, well-furnished home to take his bride into on their return from New York, whither they went on a bridal tour. But, alas! their married life was of short duration, for, on September 27, 1869, she exchanged this lovely home for a "mansion in her Father's House " on high, leaving a babe behind called " Bennie," who followed her in a few months. Both are buried in Rose Hill Cemetery. 142 HISTORY OF THE EBEKHAETS. CHAPTER XXXVIII. JOSEPH BBEEHART, Third son of Christian Eberhart, was born in "Westmore- land county, Pa., March 19, 1800, and when twenty-one years of age married Miss Catharine Kistler, of the same place. He was a tailor by trade and worked at his trade until 1825, when they moved to Mercer county, Pa., on to a farm. After this he worked but little at his trade. In 1837 they moved to Butler county, Pa., on to a farm near Millerstown. In 1845 they moved to Armstrong county, Pa., and in 1854 to Kansas Territory, where he lived until 1882, when he died, aged eighty-two. Joseph was not quite so large and robust as his brethren. For many years he was afflicted with dyspepsia, and during that time he engaged in selling goods and " Yankee notions," etc., but all the time had a good farm to depend upon for his living. He was all his life a zealous, consist- ent member of the Lutheran Church, and so was his wife and all the children. He sustained official relations to the church the greater portion of his married life, such as elder, trustee and superintendent of the Sabbath-school ; and on moving to Kansas, before regular ministers were sent there and the Church established, he was licensed to preach, and for years he did good work as a pioneer mis- sionary, by way of educating the people and gatherino' them into societies. He also labored as Bible agent and colporteur of tracts and other religious books. He was noted for being a cool-headed, well-balanced, but decid- edly persistent, man. His wife, "Katie," was born Janu- HISTOEY OF THE EBEEHAETS. 143 ary 4, 1805, and died on the old homestead in Kansas December 21, 1885, aged eighty years. She was a faith- ful, industrious, patient, kind-hearted wife and mother; a woman of few words, but left an example that " speak- eth louder than words." THEIE CHILDEEN. 1. Mary AnnEberhart, eldest child of Joseph Eber- hart, was born October 25, 1822, in "Westmoreland county. Pa., and was married to Henry Hemphill, of But- ler county, Pa. To them were born six children, but they have all departed this life save Lydia Ann, who was born January 25, 1853. She married James A. Duff, who was born February 1, 1841. He is a farmer. They had five children, viz.: Mary Leona, born September 27, 1870, (deceased) ; Pachel Elisabeth, born July 21, 1874 ; James Erwin, born March 24, 1880 ; Henry Augustus, born March 16, 1877 (deceased); and Ethel Alice, born Decem- ber 3, 1886. Mr. Hemphill, Mary Ann's husband, died, and she is married again to William Byerly. They live near Vin- land, Douglas county, Kansas. 2. Obediah Eberha7% second child of Joseph Eber- hart, was born February 27, 1824, in Westmoreland county. Pa., and married Miss Susanna Soxman, of Arm- strong county. Pa. They afterwards moved to Douglas county, Kansas, where they now reside, engaged in agricult- ural pursuits. He is a very zealous and active member of the Lutheran Church, and a consistent Christian. They have seven children, viz.: 1. John S., born April 19, 1849, and married Mary Reynolds, of Pennsylvania. They have six children. 2. Joseph H., born June 5, 1857, and died October 2, 1859, being crushed and smothered in a coal bank. 3. Sarah Jane was born November 10, 1852, and married Charles Reynolds. They have three 144 HISTOEY OF THE EBEEHAKTS. children. 4. Mary C. was born August 11, 1854, and married Isaac Hines. They had two children, now dead. 5. Obediah Christian was born March 18, 1856, and married Miss Martha Furguson. They have three children. 6. Jacob Nathaniel was born February 25, 1858, and married Miss Julia Ellis. They have two chil- dren. 7. Susanna Elizabeth was born August 7, 1859, and died in 1860. Obediah's first wife died, and seven years ago he was married again to Mrs. Sarah Flory. All his sons and sons-in-law are farmers, and I think all mem- bers of the Lutheran Church. 3. Priscilla, third child of Joseph and Catharine Eberhart, was born April 20, 1825, in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, and married July 18, 1844, to Andrew Barnhart, of Butler, Pennsylvania. Mr. Barnbart was the son of Kudolph and Christena Barnhart, and was born December 12, 1821. They lived in Millerstown, Butler county, Pennsylvania, where Mr. Barnhart engaged in different kinds of trade, mostly merchandising, for thirty years. He was very successful, so that he was considered the most substantial business man in the place. But his health failing him, he retired from business, and soon after (December 26, 1873), departed this life. He left his family an abundance of this world's goods for their support and comfort. He was a zealous and active mem- ber of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. Priscilla is also a consistent and substantial member of the same church. She has recently moved to Douglas county, Kansas. She is a noble christian lady and kind, thoughtful mother. To them were born nine children, viz.: 1. Elias Barnhart, who died -when 18 years of age. 2. Paul L Barnhart was married to Jemima Hemphill, and they still reside in But- ler county, Pennsylvania. 3. Aaron E. was married to Catharine Fleager. He is a hardware merchant in HISTORY OF THE EBEEHAETS. 145 Millerstown, Butler county, Pennsylvania. They have one child, Oscar Z. 4. Sadie C. Barnhart was born November 4, 1854, in Butler county, Pennsylvania. She was a teacher of music, residing with her mother until a few years ago, when she married James Gill, of Kansas, and they now reside near Ottaway, Franklin county, Kan- sas, and are engaged in agricultural pursuits. She is a fine, accomplished christian lady, belonging to the Luth- eran Church. 5. Obediah F. Barnhart, who died June 26, 1885, of lung trouble, was an accomplished and well- educated young man. He was a physician by profession, and bid fair to become a great and useful man, had not death snatched him away in the prime of youth. Their other four children, Mary L., Samuel J., Andrew S. and Elizabeth D., all died in infancy. 4- John Eherhart, fourth child of Joseph Eberhart, was born August 16, 1827, in Mercer county, Pennsyl- vania, and married Catharine Barnhart, of Butler county, Pennsylvania, April 29, 1849, who was born November 14, 1829. He was for many years an invalid, and died August 11, 1885. He was a "tiller of the soil,'' and so far as I could learn an excellent man. They were members of the Lutheran Church. To them were born nine children, as follows: 1. Simon Joseph, died when ten years of age. 2. Andrew Obediah, married to Mary Barnhart; they had four chil- dren, who are all dead but one. 3. Susanna lived to be ten years of age. 4. Henry Cyrus Frederick died when eight years old. 5. Lewis David Abner married Miss Anne Margaret Doubenspeck. They have one son. 6. Jonathan Andrew is twenty-two years old, and is still single and at home. 7. Sarah Priscilla died when three months old. 8. Emma Elisabeth died when fifteen years of age. 9. Permelia Kebecca lived nine days, and when born weighed only two pounds. 146 HISTORY OF THE EBEEHAETS. 5. Joseph, fifth child, was killed in an ore bank when eighteen years old. 6. Hefwy S., sixth child of Joseph and Catharine Eberhart, was born in Mercer county, Pa., Maj^ 20, 1831, and mostly raised in Butler county, and moved with his parents to Kansas in 1854, where he now resides. Dur- ing the late war he was drafted and placed in Company C of the Tenth Regiment Kansas volunteer infantry; but on account "of sickness he was soon discharged. He was married to Miss Elisabeth Hawk December 29, 1853, and to them were born eight children, viz.: 1. Sarah Catharine Eberhart was born October 9, 1856, and was married April 10, 1873, to Thomas Pugh. He is a farmer. They have the following children: Arthur Henry, born in April, 1874, and died in June. Margaret Elisabeth was born in August, 1875 ; Thomas Samuel was born in April 1879; Mary Emiline was born in 1882; David Frederick was born in September, 1885; Nellie was born June 2, 1887; Charlie was born January 2, 1890. 2. Samuel Lewis Eberhart was born August 2, 1858, and was married September 7, 1887, to Miss Nettie Painter. 3. Maria Emiline Eberhart was born August 30, 1860, and married March 6, 1885, to John Gimlet. They have two children: Noah Abner, born January 18, 1886, and Effie May, born July 5, 1888. 4. Susannah Elizabeth Eberhart was born September 9, 1863, and married Calvin Milliard August 3, 1882. They have three children, viz.: Ivy May born December 25, 1883 ; Eva Belle was born October 30, 1 885, and Yerna Ethel, born July 1, 1888. 5. Margaret Rebecca Eberhart was born November 30, 1869, and was married to Charles Urich October 19, 1887. They have one child, Nellie Fern, born in October, 1889. HISTOEY OF THE EBEEHAETS. 147 6. David Henry Eberhart was born March 19, 1869. 7. Noah Abner Eberhart was born August 13, 1871. 8. Naomi May Eberhart was born October 19, 1873. 7. Lewis Jacob Eberhart, seventh child of Joseph Eberhart, was born September 8, 1833, in Mercer county, Pa., and married April 30, 1865, to Lizzie Jane Brady. He is a farmer living near Vinland, Kans. They are mem- bers of the Lutheran Church. They have the following children, viz.: 1. William Henry, born January 6, 1866. 2. Sarah Ann Ida was born September 17, 1867. She is a teacher of music and an accomplished Christian lady. 3. Michael Obediah was born August 1, 1869. 4. Edwin Lewis was born December 12, 1873. 5. Lula Cora was born March 2, 1877. 8. Andrew Eberhart, eighth child of Joseph Eberhart, was born, July 21, 1835, in Mercer county, Pa., but was mostly raised in Butler and Armstrong counties. Pa., and moved to Kansas in 1854, where he now resides. During the late rebellion he enlisted in the United States service, April 1, 1862, and was taken prisoner at the battle of Independence, Mo. On September 8, 1862, being dis- charged, he returned to Kansas, and was married, May 10, 1877, to Georgia May Smith, who was born June 28, 1850. She died April 9, 1879, leaving one son, Isaiah Frederick by name. In 1880 he was again married to Anna Maria Albright, who was born November 8, 1847, in Pennsylvania. They have two daughters, Mary Ellen, born November 28, 1881, and Martha Kebecca, born July 1, 1884, and one son, Reuben Joseph, born October 5, 1886; They are farmers, and members of the Lutheran Church. They have the following children, viz.: 1. Isaiah Frederick, born July 5, 1878. 2. Mary Ellen, born November 28, 1881. 3. Martha Rebecca, born July 1, 1881. 4. Reuben Joseph, born October 5, 1886. 5. Clara Anna, born July 14, 1888. 14:8 HISTOEY OF THE EBEEHAETS. 9. Paul Christian, ninth child of Joseph Eberhart, was born April 3, 1838, in Butler county, Pa., and was married September 13, 1868, to Miss Emma Jane McQueen, daughter of Josiah and Sarah McQueen. He is a carpenter by trade, but at present engaged in tilling the soil. They are members of the Lutheran Church. Sarah Catharine, their only child, was born June 9, 1869. She is an accomplished Christian lady, still residing at home, but at present in Chicago taking lessons in music. 10. Catharine Elisabeth Eher'hart, tenth child of Joseph Eberhart, was born September 1, 1840. She has departed this life, and I know not the date of her death. 11. Sarah A. JEherhart, eleventh child of Joseph Eber- hart, was born October 22, 1842, and married, January 21, 1864, to Michael Herning. He was born March 16, 1836, in Germany, but was raised in this country. He died March 20, 1873. To them were born five children, viz.: Joseph Edwin, born November 16, 1866; John Albert, born April 2, 1868 ; Grace Elisabeth, born April 25,1870; Eebecca Lucinda, born November 22, 1871; Catharine Mary, born October 22, 1873. Mrs. Sarah A., widow of Michael Herning, was again married in 1876 to John Lagerquist, a native of Sweden. He was a mason and stone-cutter by trade. They have one son, Frank Abraham, born August 7, 1877. 1'2. Susanna Lydia Eberhart, twelfth child of Joseph Eberhart, was born March 3, 1845, and was married to George W. Hastee, who came from Scotland in child- hood. He died September 9, 1877. They have six chil- dren, as follows: 1. William H., born March 8, 1865; 2. Catharine Elisabeth, boim February 1, 1867; 3. Marga- ret Rebecca, born February 11, 1869 ; 4. Mary Gertrude, HISTOEY OF THE EBERHA.ETS. 149 bora Febraary 14, 187L; 5. Siisaiina Prisoilla, born August 25, 18T3 ; 6. Frank Andrew, bora May 27, 1876. Mrs. Susanna, widow of George W. Hastee, was again married ia 1880 to R. D, Gentr}', of Kentucky. They had onlj' one child, Richard Alvin, born August 14, 1881; and in March, 1882, she was called to the spirit world. Both her husbands were fanners. 13. Rebecca Lucinda Eberhtort, youngest child of Joseph Eberhart, was married February 11, 1872, to Isaac Hemphill, of Butler county. Pa. He is a carpenter, and also owns a farm. They reside in Vinland, Douglas county, Kans. To them were born the following children : 1. Mabel Florence, born December 1, 1872 ; 2. Harrison Howard, born ISTovember 13, 1874 ; 3. Edward Isaiah, born January 3, 1877, and died January 30, 1880 ; 4. Mary Yiola was born January 21, 1879 ; 5. Samuel Gary was born July 20. 1881 ; 6. Frederick "William was born December 23, 1884; 7. James Albert was born March 15, 1886 ; 8. Ida Lanora was born June 14, 1888. These are the descend- ants of Joseph and Catharine Eberhart, about 125, the most of them living in the State of Kansas, tilling the soil ; and, so far as I know, all Lutherans. 150 HISTORY OF THE EBEEHABT8. CHAPTER XXXIX. JOHN EBEKHAKT, Fourth son of Christian and Anna Maria Eberhart, u-as born in Westmoreland county, Pa., June 18, 1802, and lived with his parents on the farm until November 1, 1827, when he was married to Susanna Berlin, of the same place. Miss Berlin was born December 21, 1809. Several years after, they moved to Mercer county, Pa., and opened a fine farm which proved to be very valuable, as the soil was rich and fertile, and underneath it was found a solid bed of coal, from the "royalty" of which they had a comfortable living. John Eberhart, like his brothers, was a tall man, though not quite so erect as some of them. He was industrious and economical in his habits, and socially a very pleasant and congenial man. He was from his youth a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, and honored his pro- fession by a consistent. Christian life. His wife still resides on the old homestead in the eighty-first year of her age. She is a woman of considerable business and executive ability, and a worthy member of the Lutheran Church. To them were born eight children as follows : 1. Maria Lucinda, born August 9, 1828. She was a lovely child, but had to yield to the claims of death July 11, 1844. 'B. Sophia Eherhart, second child of John and Susanna Eberhart, was born February 6, 18-30, and married Josiah Dustman, a carpenter by trade. They have three children, viz.: 1. Samantha, married to Lewis Persch a HISTORY OF THE EBEKHARTS. 151 farmer. To them were born : 1. Samuel, April 21, 1870 ; 2. Charles Frederick, November 10, 1871 ; 3. John Amos, March 22, 1873; 4. Jacob Valentine, February 27, 1875; 5. Frank Josiah, October 14, 1876 ; 6. Susie Berlin, Sep- tember 10, 1878 ; 7. Lewis August, March 1, 1880 ; 8. George Troutman, October 3, 1881 ; 9. Mai'gareta Millie, October 18, 1883. 2. Emma Alice, second child of Josiah Dustman, deceased. 3. Clara Belle, third child of Josiah Dustman, married Jacob Boltzell, residing in Steubenville, Ohio. 3. Aaron Daniel EherKart, third child of John and Susanna Eberhart, was born August 23, 1832, and mar- ried Mary Ann Allen. They reside in Jackson township, Mercer county. Pa., and are farmers. They have the fol- lowing children : Jolm J., Charles A., George "W., James H. and Clarissa Ann (deceased). li.. Sarah Ann Eierhart, fourth child of John and Susanna Eberhart, was born March 31, 1835, and married "Valentine Troutman, a farmer. The}' reside near Sharps- ville, Mercer county, Pa. They have three children, viz.: 1. John Leander, born November 5, 1856, deceased. 2. Emma J., born December 16, 1858. She is a sprightly, active woman, and resided at home until the spring of 1890, when she was married to Charles Weiman, an ocu- list of Chicago, where they now reside. 3. George B., born November 14, 1864, and married February 18, 1886, to Minnie L. G. Robinson, of Sharon, Pa. They have two children, Lura Winifred and Sarah Ann. 5. Emma Eherhart, fifth child of John and Susanna Eberhart, was born July 22, 1836, and married May 13, 1858, to John Phillips, who is by occupation a shipper of coal and manufacturer of iron. They reside at Sharon, Mercer county. Pa., and are in good circumstances. Mr. Phillips has proven himself to be quite a good business man. He is a member of the Methodist Church. 152 HISTOEY OF THE EBEEHAETS. They have the following children, viz.: 1. Florence E., born March 22, 1859, and married William Henderson, a salesman. They have a son called John Phillips, born November 2, 1887. 2. Sadie M., born September 17, 1860. She is an amiable and .accomplished lady, and although she has traveled considerably in her time she is now at home caring for her father in his declining years. 3. Charles F., born February 7, 1864, and married Miss Mary McClure. They reside in Sharon, Pa. They have two children, Emma Eberhart, born February 8, 1886, and Samuel McClure, born December 3, 1887. 6. John McGormic Eberhart, sixth child of John and Susanna Ebei'hart, was born August 4, 1838, and married to Maggie Titus. He last resided at Monticello, Iowa, where he engaged in farming, but on account of being afflicted for many years with some kind of apoplectic spasms he was unable to do much. He was finally relieved of his sufPerings by death October 12, 1889. They had the following children : Nettie P., Charles, and Ella L., who is married to William Magee, a tele- graph operator. 7. Gyrus Alpheus Eherhart, seventh child of John and Susanna Eberhart, was born April 9, 1848, and died April 3, 1851. 8. Millie S. Eherhart, youngest child of John and Susanna Eberhart, was born November 27, 1853, and was married October 28, 1879, to Charles A. Groosman, chief clerk in a railroad office. After three years of married life she was divorced from him on account of intemperance and infidelity to marriage vows — she resuming her maiden name. He has since died. She now resides with her mother in Neshannock, Mercer county, Pa., and is a very active business woman. HISTORY OF THE EBEKHARTS. 153 CHAPTER XL. HENRY EBERHART. The fifth child of Christian and Anna Maria Eber- hart, was born August 13, 1809, in "Westmoreland county, Pa., and when twenty-four years of age married Miss Su- sanna Keck, of the same county. After farming on the old homestead for a number of years he moved to Armstrong county, Pa., where he purchased a farm, on which he lived until December, 1888, when* he was called to his eternal home, being nearly eighty years old. "Uncle Henry," as the writer now remembers him, was a very good looking young man, and very pleasant and genial in social circles. He was full of innocent mirth, and was always ready to pass a joke or " tell a story," to the evident enjoyment of all. I have not seen him for many years, but am informed that more mature manhood, and^ even old age, did not deprive him of these social qualities. But notwithstanding these peculiarities he was a man of unquestionable moral char- acter, and from early youth a worthy member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, and always took great delight in attending the House of the Lord. His wife, Susanna, was also a very amiable and jovial Christian woman and a very good housewife and a kind mother. She departed this life some ten years ago. To them were born six children, as follows : 1. Cyrus A. Eberhart, the eldest, was born July 4, 1833, in West- moreland county, Pa., and was married to Miss Sarah Heilman, of Armstrong county, Pa., where they reside. They have seven children. 1. Angeline Eberhart is mar- 154 HISTORY OF THE EBEEHA-ETS. ried to Uriah George, a school teacher and carpenter, and have four children. 2. Wilhara Henry Eberhart, died when twenty-three years of age. 3. Keuben Frederick Eberhart, married Mary E. Heilman, and resides on the old homestead. They have three children, Florence Pearl, Walter Osmond and William Tressler. 4. James Park Eberhart, born June 3, 1864, now hving at home and going to school. 5. David Lee Eberhart, born August 16, 1866, is at home. 6. Mar^'^ Ellen Eberhart, born April 10, 1870, and married December 19, 1888, to Frank A. Logan, who was killed in a tornado. 7. Child not named — died in infancy. 2. Sarah Ann, second child of Henry and Susanna Eberhart, was born October 15, 1834, in Westmoreland county. Pa., and married John Cravener August 14, 1855, who was born March 1, 1834, in Armstrong county, Pa., and was a blacksmith by trade. He enlisted in the United States service September 15, 1864, and served in Company H of the One Hundred and Ninety-ninth regiment Pennsylvania volunteer infantry, and was wounded April 9, 1865, near Appomattox Court House about one hour before the surrender of General Lee, and died April 16, 1865, at Farmville Hospital, Ya. She also died December 7, 1872, at Blanket Hill, Armstrong county, Pa., leaving four children, as follows : 1. Henry A. Cravener was born May 9, 1856, in Pennsylvania. When thirteen years of age he was sent to the Soldiers' Orphan School, at Dayton, Pa. — ^^remaining three years. He then Avent to Edinboro, Erie county, Pa., and attended the State Normal School, remaining until the summer of 1877, with the exception of teaching school three winter terms. With the intention of trying to make his fortune in the "great West," he came to Chicago September 13, HISTOEY OF THE EBBEHAETS. 155 18T7, and after studying law nearly three years was admitted to practice in the State of Illinois in 1880 — where he still remains in the practice of his profession, though residing at Chicago Lawn. He was married, December 30, 1880, to Miss Leonora F. Blodgett, daughter of Orlin and Lucinda Blodgett, of Jefferson county, N. Y. The marriage was cele- brated at the residence of L. W. Beck, Esq., of Englewood, 111. To them were born two children, Lutie Mae, November i, 1881 ; she is a very bright and attrac- tive child ; also, a son September 4, 1885,* not named, died in infancy. They are members of the M. E. Church. '2. Amos William Cravener, second son of John and Sarah Ann Cravener, was born January 15, 1859, in Arm- strong county, Pa. When ten years old he was placed in the Soldiers' Orphan School at Dayton, Pa., remaining there six years. In February, 1877, he arrived in Chicago, 111., and for several years attended school during the winter months, and followed gardening and the nursery business during the summer. He united with the Evan- gelical Lutheran Church in 1880, and joined the M. E. Church in 1888, and is a consistent and worthy member. He is a young man of good morals and steady habits. He was united in marriage November 7, 1888, to Miss Sarah R. Robb, of Durand, 111., an accomplished young lady. They now reside at Chicago Lawn, 111., and are in the grocery business. They have one son, Donald Henry, born October 26, 1889. 3. Clara Emma Cravener, only daughter of John and Sarah Ann Cravener, was born, January 1, 1862, in Arm- strong county. Pa. She attended school at Dayton, Pa., until fifteen years of age, and then, in 1877, came to Chi- cago, 111., and on May 9, 1883, was married to Sidney E. He was a farmer. They belonged to the Lutheran Church.- They had six children : 1. Elisabeth, who was married to a man by the name of Sarver. They had two or three children. 2. Catharine was married to C. Kepple. She is not living now. They had several children. The other four died in childhood. Susanna JEherhart, the seventh child of Christian and Anna Maria Eberhart, was married to Michael Berlin, a weaver by trade. They lived and died in Westmoreland county, Pa. To them were born six children : 1. Levi, married twice, and had twenty-two children. But that is all I know about them. 2. Emma, married to a Mr. Murra}'. I think the rest of Susanna's children are dead. The three younger daughters of Christian and Anna Maria Eberhart died in early childhood. Names and dates not known. HISTORY OF THE EBEEHAETS. 159 CHAPTER XLII. FREDERICK EBBRHART. Frederick Eherhart was the fourth son of Paul Eber- hart, who was bora on the ocean. He was born about A. D. 1775, in Westmoreland county, Pa., and was mar- ried, I think, to a woman by the name of Keck. Soon after marriage he moved to near Greenville, Mercer county. Pa., where he engaged in agricultural pursuits for a number of years. He then owned a stone quarry, and was unfortunate enough to have one of his arms ground to small pieces between two large sliding stones, so that it was necessary to amputate the arm at the shoulder. After this he engaged in selling goods and " Yankee notions," and also taught German school. I well remem- ber attending one of his schools. It was the first German school I ever attended. He was a member of the Lutheran Church, and for many years led the singing in the congregation. He had an excellent voice and was very fond of singing ; yea, he was proud of his musical talents. When quite a boy I recollect of hearing him tell how he used to take his " bitters," a common thing in those days, before going to church, " to clea.r out his throat," and that then his voice would sound clear and soft as the tones of a little organ. He was a social, jolly, good-natured kind of a man, always full of fun and innocent mirth, and yet not so as to compromise his moral character ; hence, always had many friends. He lived to a good old age, and is buried at Green- ville, Pa., where he lived during his married life. 160 mSTOEY OF THE EBEKHAETS. He had three sons, viz.: Paul, George and Abraham ; but I could get but little knowledge of the whereabouts of any but Abraham. Paul moved to the " far West " at an early da}', probably to California. George lived in Mercer county, Pa., until he died in 1888, then about ninety years of age. I think, like his father, he was a farmer and a member of the Lutheran Church. I think he had a large family, and know he had a son George, who is still in that vicinity. Abraham F. Eherhart, third son of Frederick Eber- hart, was born October 22, 1810, in Mercer county, Pa., and was married in 1841 to Miss Susan Haywood, of Shenango Yalley, Mercer county, Pa. They resided in West Middlesex, Pa., until his death, November 2, 1881, aged seventy-one years. He engaged in merchan- dising early in life and continued in it and other kinds of trade during all his active life, and was quite success- ful in business. They were members of the Presbyterian Church. They have the following children : 1. Sarah E. Eherhart was born January 24, 1842, and was married May 15, 1866, to Dr. Joseph W. Hillier. They reside in West Middlesex, Pa. and he has an exten- sive practice. 2. Mary M. Eherhart was born October 22, 1843, and married October 22, 1860, to Horatio N. Warren, a mer- chant and dealer in slate mantels. They reside in Buffalo, N. Y. They have two sons : 1. Henry D. Warren, born September 30, 1874. 2. Albert E. Warren, born Novem- ber 15, 1869. 3. Caroline Eherhart was born January 21, 1846, and married F. B. Finsthwait, a merchant and speculator in oil. They reside at Shady Side, E. E. Pittsburgh. They have four children. HISTOEY OF THE EBEEHAETS. 161 ^. M. H. Eberhart was born March 26, 1848, and married Rhoda Long. They have one son. 6. Henry Clay Eherhart was born August 2, 1850, and departed this life March 3, 1854. 6. Susan Eherhart was born March 2, 1855, and mar- rieji F. M. Finsthwait, and they reside in Chicago, 111. 162 HISTORY OF THE BBEEHAETS. CHAPTER XLIII. FREDERICK EBERHART, Frederick Eherhart came from Germany on the ship Samuel, Hugh Perry, master, and landed at Philadelphia March 30, 1Y37. It is believed he came directly from Wirtemberg, where he belonged to the nobility. He at least Avas often heard to say that in German}"- " he was next to the prince." He settled in Chester county, Pa., and probably lived there until the day of his death. He had a son by the name of Christian and this is all I know of his family. Christian Eberhart had a son by the name of James Everhart,* who was born in Chester county. Pa., in the year A. D. 1760, and died in 18.52, aged ninety- two years. He had three sons, viz.: 1. John Everhart, who resided in Perry county, Pa., and was engaged in the iron trade for many years — with good success. 2. James Everhart, who lived in Berks county, Pa., was also in the iron business for a part of his life, and a few y.ears a member of the Pennsylvania State Legislature and an active business man in a general way. 3. William Everhart was born and raised in Chester county, Pa., and was an extensive merchant. He was a member of the United States Congress during 1854-5. He was ship- wrecked in the noted ship Albion and was the only cabin passenger who escaped, and died a natural death in 1865. well advanced in years. He left three sons and two daughters, viz.: 1. Benjamin M. Everhart, formerly a merchant, but at this time engaged in scientific studies, *He dropped the b for v, and his descendants did the same. HISTORY OF THE EBEEHAETS. 163 chiefly mycology. 2. John E. Everhart, who is a physi- cian and was a surgeon in the late war. 3. James B. Everhart, who had no family but made his home in West Chester, Pa. He was a politician and statesman of marked ability. He was in the State- Senate six years and in the United States Congress four years ; and was again a candidate for Congress in 1889, with good pros- pects of success, when he overtaxed his physical powers in making political speeches, took sick and suddenly died. He was also an author. Among other books, he wrote a strong treatise on the " Political Condition of our Gov- ernment." I am sorry that I am not able to say more about this man and the tribe of the Eberhart family to which he belonged. I had commenced corresponding with him, but it was abruptly closed by his death, and 1 was not able to find any one else to give the necessary information. 164 HISTORY OF THE EBEEHAETS. CHAPTEE XLIY. JOHN EBEEHAET. John Eberhart was married to Sarah Shubert, and lived in and around Philadelphia, at an early day, but I know not his parentage to a certainty. I believe, how- ever, that he was a descendant of either Peter or Michael Eberhart, who came from Germany in 1727. They had the following children, as given by his descendants : 1. William Eberhart, married to Susan Stowe. 2. Eliza, Eberhart, married to Andrew Turkes. T!hej had the following children, viz. : 1. Harmon Yurkes (deceased) ; 2. Sarah Yurkes, mar- ried to Eev. A. J. Hay ; 3. John Yurkes (deceased) ; 4. Alwood Yurkes, has a daughter Ella; 5. Andrew Yurkes ; 6. Margaret Yurkes, married to Dr. Hoffman ; 7. Hutchinson Yurkes. 3. John Shubert Mberhart was married to Caroline Louisa Shoemaker, who was born in Philadelphia Sep- tember 30, 1808, and died at St. Louis, of cholera. She was the daughter of Samuel Shoemaker, who was a native of London, England, and was the first mayor of Philadelphia, and at one time OAvned the ground now known as Laurel Hill Cemetery. CHILDREN OF JOHN SHUBERT EBERHART. 1. John Erancis Everhart * was born in 1829, in Phil- adelphia, and was married March 15, 1858, at "Waveland, *He dropped the b for v. HISTORY OF THE EBEEHABT8. 165 Ind., to Miss Angelina Angelica Geiger, daugliter of Wm. Geiger, who was ninety-six and his wife eighty-one when they died. They had the following children : 1. Francis John Everhart, born May 30, 1859, at St. Louis, Mo. 2. Charles Geiger Everhart, born January 4, 1861, at West Port, Mo.; both deceased. 3. "William Grant Everhart, third child of John Francis Everhart, was born July 28, 1863, at Leavenworth, Kans., and now resides at Kansas City, Mo., and is a civil gineer. 4. Eloise Everhart, born August 11, 1866, at Leaven- worth, Kans., and now resides in Grand Rapids, Mich. She is a teacher in the public schools of the city, and is a very amiable and accomplished lady . 5. Alice Everhart, born July 28, 1868, at Leavenworth, Kans., and is a teacher in the public schools at Grand Eapids, Mich. 6. IS'ellie Everhart — changed to Nellie Manlove — was born June 30, 1870, and now resides at Pasadena, Cal., with her adopted parents. 7. Caroline Everhart, born September 29, 1872, in Chanute, Kans. Not living 8. George A. Everhart, born October 16, 1875, at Chanute, Kans. Not living. 4.- George EverKarty io\xx\h child of John and Sarah Everhart, was married to Martha Young, who was born July, 1857, in Philadelphia, Pa., and died in 1870. Their children are : 1. Theodore James Everhart, who married Mary Ann Halpin. They reside at Grand Rapids, Mich., where he is engaged in making saws, and is known as an honest, hardworking, genei'ous man. 166 HISTOEY OF THE EBEEHAETS. 2. Tom Everhart, married a Miss Stout ; is now dead. The children of Tom Everhart are : Charles H. Everhart, born in 1861, is a book-keeper in Bloomington, 111., and an upright Christian man. A.nnie Everhart, a teacher in Minneapolis, Minn. Ella M. Everhart is married to Henry Sizer. 3. Bart Everhart, son of George Everhart, is dead. HISTOBT OF THE EBEEHAETS. 167 CHAPTEE XLY. JOHN ADAM EBERHAKT, DUKE OF ELSASS (ALSACE), GERMANY. The duke had four sons, viz. : Andrew, George, Mar- tin L. and Adolphus, who all emigrated to America, so that when he died there was not found a legal and direct heir to the dukeship, and it fell back to his brother Philip's son, of Wirtemberg, where the Eberharts still belonged to the nobility, and had been the reigning dukes and counts from " Eberhard the Noble " in 1265, to " Leopoit Eberhard " in 1723— four hundred and fifty eight years. And here let me say that all the Eberharts represented in this book originally hailed from Wirtem- berg. It is true that some of them had first settled in other countries, such as Switzerland, Baden, Bavaria, Elsass and Pfaltz, and came from those places to this country. And prior to the establishing of the Province of Wirtemberg I found they had been scattered all over the German empire. They were undoubtedly the descendants of the ancient Saxons who dwelt in the north of Germany during the first centuries of the Christian era, and who invaded and conquered Britain during the first part of the Sixth century. 108 HISTORY OF THE KBERHAETS. CHAPTEE XLTI. AKDREW EBERHAET AXD GEORGE EBERHART. Andreto Eber-hart, one of the four sons of John Adam Eberhart, Duke of Elsass (Alsace), G-ermany, came to this country in 1758. He came over in the ship Banister, in command of Capt. Doyle. He landed at N"ew York City, but afterwards settled in Sherman's A'alley, Cumberland county, Pa., and about 1794 moved to Washington county, Pa., where he died the next year, aged sixty-four years. He is buried on the old home farm, four miles from the' city. He was married twice. His first wife was a sister of Gren. Mercer, of Revolutionary fame, with whom he had six children, two sons and four daughters, but I have little knowledge of any but the eldest son, whose name was : 1. John Eherhart, Sr. He was born May 9, 1766, in Cumberland county, Pa., and settled in Beaver county, Pa., in 1804, where he lived until his death, November 9, 1831, aged sixt^^-five. He was a wagon-maker by trade, and, no doubt, was an honest man and good citizen. He had nine children, but I know little of any but the eldest and his descendants. 1. John Eherhart, J7'., eldest son of John Eberhart, Sr., was born, June 28, 1793, in Cumberland county, Pa., and married Sarah Power, of Beaver county, Pa., in 1818, who died in 1831, aged thirty-two. He died at ^Yashington, Washington county, Pa., in 1858, aged sixty- five 3"ears. He was a cabinet-maker by trade, and a true man. He had children as follows, viz. : HISTORY OF THE EBEKHAETS. 169 1. Rev. WiJford Avery Power, eldest son of John Eberhart, Jr., was born, April 12, 1819, in Beaver county, Pa. When young he learned the tailor's trade, but soon quit the business and attended school, where he made surveying and civil engineering a specialty. This pro- fession he followed twent^'-three years. In 1856 he was admitted as a member of the Erie Conference of the M. E. Church, and served in the min- istry until September 1, 1861, when he was chosen Chap- lain of the First Pennsylvania light artillery. In 1862 he was obliged to resign on account of disease contracted in the service, from the effects of which he has not yet fully recovered. He was married April 11, 1843, to Mary Brownlee, of Steubenville, Ohio, who died June 10, 1857. He was married the second time January 3, 1860, to Har- riet Mason, of Crawford county, Pennsylvania, who departed this life November 10, 1881. He moved from Pennsylvania to Iowa in 18Y1, and now resides at Union, Hardin county, Iowa, where he has been county surveyor for eight years past. At the same time he has been doing excellent worJc in the church and ministry. He has supplied in the regular pastorate of the Upper Iowa Conference of the M. E. Church, Liscomb, Cedar Falls circuit and Union charges. He is an excel- lent Christian man, and a good, practical preacher. With his second wife he has the following children : 1. Albert Gallatin Eberhart, born December 10, 1860, at Pierpont, Ashtabula county, Ohio, and resides at Woon- socket. South Dakota. 2. William Malvern Eberhart, born October 25, 1863, in South Shenango, Crawford county, Pennsylvania, and resides at Aurora, Illinois. 3. Frederick Waddle Eberhart was born July 10, 1864, at South Shenango, Crawford county, Pennsylvania, and resides with his father at home. 4. Justin Avery Eber- 170 HISTORY OF THE EBEKHAETS. hart was bora April 28, 1867, in Springboro, Crawford county, Pennsylvania. He is married to JSTellie White- sell, of Iowa City, where he resides. They have one son called Wilford J. Eberhart. 6. Harry Pearl Eberhart was born May 9, 1869, in Conneautville, Crawford county, Pennsylvania, and resides at Woonsocket, South Dakota. 2. Albert Gallatin Eherhart, second son of John Eberhart, Jr., was born January 25, 1821, in Beaver, Pennsylvania, and died at Conneautville, Pennsylvania, in March, 1879. He left three sons and three daughters. James Eberhart resides at Conneautville, Pennsylvania. A. G. Eberhart, Jr., and Edward Eberhart reside at Sioux Rapids, South Dakota. 3. Eriiilme Elizabeth Eberhart, daughter of John Eberhart, Jr., was born September 25, 1823, in Beaver, Pennsylvania. She married James Morton, and now resides in Youngstown, Ohio. Jf. Elenor Matilda Eherhart, daughter of John Eber- hart, Jr., was born July 7, 1826, in Beaver, Pennsylvania. She wa,s married to James House, and is at this date the "landlady" of the Monongahela House, at Brownsville, Pennsylvania. 5. Gilbert Leander Eherhart, son of John Eberhart, Jr., was born January 15, 1830, in Beaver, Pennsylvania. Among his other studies he took a course in law, prepar- ing himself for the legal profession, but when the War of the Rebellion broke out he entered the United States service in response to the " three-months' call," and after- ward served as lieutenant in the Eighth Regiment of the Pennsylvania Reserves, until the close of the war. After the war was over, he opened a law ofBce in New Brighton, Beaver county. Pa., where he is still engaged in the practice of his profession, at the same time editing the Becmer Falls Tribmie. He is married to Maria HISTORY OF THE EBEEHAETS. 171 Smith, daughter of Dr. Peter Smith, of San Francisco, Cal. They have one daughter married to Dr. McConnell of New Brighton, Pa. ^. Adam Eberhart, second son of Andrew Eberhart, was born March 9, 1Y65, and hved at or near Portsmouth, Ohio. He is said to have raised a iarge family of children, but I could get no account of them. 3. Elisabeth Eberhart, daughter of Andrew Eberhart, was born Oct. 4, 1768, and was married to Frederick Jra. li,. Samuel Eberhart, third son of Andrew Eberhart, was born Dec. 5, 1770. 5. Mary Eberhart, fifth child of Andrew Eberhart, was born July 1, 1775, and married Matthias Pearson. 6. Margaret Eberhart, sixth child of Andrew Eber. hart, was born April 2, 1781, and was married to "William Ehodes. 7. Hester Eberhart, youngest child of Andrew Eber- hart, was born Feb. 1, 1784, and married a Mr. Hickey. ^. Emily Eberhart, second child of John Eberhart, Sr., was married to Jonathan Hayes. 3. Marga/ret Eberha/rt, third child of John Eberhart, Sr., was married to Robert Mattison. Ji-. Eliza Eberhart, fourth child of John Eberhart, Sr., was married to John Gibson. 5. Julia Ann Eberhart, fifth child of John Eberhart, Sr., was married to Hillery Hoskins. 6. Abigail Eberhart, sixth child of John Eberhart, Sr., was married to a Mr. Hamilton. 7. Elenor Eberhart, seventh child of John Eberhart, Sr., was married to a Mr. Jeffereys. 8. Andrew Eberha/rt, eighth child of John Eberhart, Sr., was married to Catharine Kelley. 172 HISTOEr OF THE EBBRHAETS. George Eberhcirt, youngest son of John Adam Eberhart, Duke of Elsass (Alsace), Germany, came to this country, landing at Philadelphia when eighteen years of age. He left Germany without a "pass-port" probably because his father was opposed to his coming. Having some money he bought a lot of goods and started in search of his brothers, selling his goods by the way. He aimed for Ft. Harris, now Harrisburg, but landed forty miles above at Ft. Hal- ifax, where the commander of the Fort had him arrested, accusing him of having run away from his master, suppos- ing he had been bound to some one to pay his passage over, as he had no " pass-port " to show. For some time he could not understand why he w^as held a prisoner, but when it was explained to him by a man that understood German, he very vehemently cried out, "Achnein, Ich bin frei ! Ich bin frei." They thought he meant his name was Frey, and there Avas nothing against him, so they let him go, but he was called George Frey, from that day, and he finally accepted the name. He was manied, but had no children. By the time he got to be an old man he had amassed a large fortune, which he left by will to the Lutheran Church to endow a school for poor children at Middletown, Pa., where he died. The school is still flourishing. He was a member of the Lutheran Church, and no doubt a noble, good, Christian man. HISTORY OF THE EBEEHAETS. 173 CHAPTER XLVII. MARTIN 1. EBERHART. Martin L. Eherhart, son of John Adam Eberhart, Duke of Elsass (Alsace), Germany, came to this country when a young man, and landed at Baltimore, Md., some time before the Revolutionary war. He married a Miss Fulse. He was a " glass-blower " by trade, and engaged in that business first at Baltimore, and then moved to Fredericks- town in company with his brother, Adolphus, and other relatives, where they carried on the glass business until his death. He had five sons. Two died in childhood. The other three, with their mother, moved to E"ew Geneva, Pa. Their names were : 1. Martin Eherhart, son of Martin L. Eberhart, was married in Maryland, and then settled in ISTew Geneva, Pa., and engaged in the glass business. They have three children living, viz. : 1. Mrs. Lee, now a widow, living in West Yirginia. She is seventy years of age, and has no children. 2. Martin Eberhart, who married a Miss Losey, and now resides in Woodford county, 111. They have three children living and one deceased. 3. Frederick Eberhart was born January 3, 1812, and was married February 4, 1836, to Miss Sarah Monroe, of Greene county. Pa., and at this date resides in Scottdale, Westmoreland county, Pa. He has been a carpenter and cabinet-maker, but is now seventy-eight years of age and has retired from business. They have the following chil- dren : lY-i HISTOKT OF THE EBEEHAETS. 1. Martin G. Eberhart was born March 21, 1837, and married Miss Caroline Black, and they now reside in Kansas. He is a carpenter by trade. They have four children: I.Arthur, deceased; 2. Alice, aged twenty- two ; 3. William, twenty ; 4. Lawrence, eighteen. 2. William Eberhart was born September 30, 1839, and is still single. 3. Oliver Eberhart was born May 28,1842, and mar- ried Elizabeth Eoss, and lives in New Geneva. They have the following children : Cora, aged twenty-six ; Kebecca, twenty -four ; Anna, twenty-two ; Mary, seven- teen ; Fannie, twelve ; Charles, six. 4. John Eberhart was born March 3, 1844, and was married to Alice "Watters. They have the following chil- dren, viz. : Minnie, eighteen ; Hattie, sixteen ; Frederick, twelve ; Edgar, seven ; John died in infancy. 5. Kramer Eberhart was born August 25, 1846, and married October 8, 1873, to Lizzie Hickey. They have three children : Cora, aged fifteen ; Sadie, eleven ; and Bessie, one year. 6. Adolphus Eberhart was born May 5, 1849, and died when eleven years of age. 7. Sarah Eberhart was born November 8, 1851-, and was married September 12, 1887, to Thomas Moxley. They reside in Scottdale, Pa. 8. Frederick Eberhart was born January 6, 1854, and died in infancy. 9. Elizabeth Eberhart was born March 25, 1825, and married Henry Garrett. They have three sons : Fred- erick, William and Ralph. 10. Lawrence Eberhart was born July 30, 1857, and is still at home ; not married. £. Frederick JEherhart, second son of Martin L. Eber- hart, was never married. He had some interest in the glass works at Geneva, and I think died there. HISTORY OF THE EBBRHABTS. 175 3. Adolphus Eberhart was married to Miss Pliillips, and for a time was connected with the glass works at New Geneva, but afterward opened up a large farm, one mile from the village, where he lived and died, being eighty years of age. On this farm was held the first court for Monongalia county, Ya. It was before the boundary line was fully settled between Pennsylvania and Virginia, and they supposed they were in Virginia. And it was on this farm "Washington first met the Hon. Albert Gallatin. Adolphus Eberhart had seven children, all of whom are dead. William Eberhart, was an adopted son. Sarah Eberhart was married to a Mr. Tate, deceased. Alfred B. Eberhart had five children, all dead but Isaac, who is living at Geneva. Isaac Eberhart has three sons, Martin, Adolph and John, all engaged in the glass business. Mar- tin had two sons and three daughters. Adolphus, the youngest son, was married to a Miss Beatty and had eleven children. 176 HISTOET OF THE EBEEHAETS. CHAPTEE XLYIII. ADOIiPHUS EBBRHAET. Adoljphus Elerhart was the son of John Adam Eber- hart, Duke of Elsass (Alsace), Germany, and came to this country from Carlsruhe, Baden, when a young man. Tradition says that his father, John Adam, the Duke, was very wealthy, being the owner of extensive glass works and large tracts of land, and having appointed his brother Phillip of Wirtemberg administrator of his estate, Phillip did not only manage to get his own son to inherit the Dukeship, but also the most of the property — thus defrauding the heirs out of their just inheritance. Adolphus was born January 4, 1760, and consequently about eighteen years of age when became to this country, for he immediately enlisted in the army, and was all through the Ke volution ary war. He was a brave soldier. He fought under Gen. Lafayette, and assisted in carrying him from the battle-field when he was severely wounded. He did not again see him until in January, 1825, when he met him at Albert Gallatin's home near New Geneva, and on recognition they embraced each other and wept for joy. After the Avar he returned to his trade of glass-blow- ing, and after making some experiments in Baltimore with a man by the name of Johnson, he and his brother Mar- tin and other friends went to Frederick City, Md., and for a time carried on the glass business. Here he was married to Miss Sophia, daughter of David and Elizabeth Brandenburg Speelman, who was born February 7, 1770, and was an excellent woman. HISTORY OF THE TIBEBHAETS. 1Y7 Some time after the close of the war, Adolphus and his friends moved from Frederick City to a place called New Geneva, Fayette county, Pa., bought land of the Hon. Albert Gallatin, and established the first extensive glass works west of the Alleghany mountains. He was a good German scholar, and although he had a German brogue when speaking English he was, never- theless, an intelligent, active business man, and for years carried on an extensive glass manufacturing establish- ment. They were both members of the Lutheran Church, and were good singers. He died in 1828, aged sixty- eight years. They had the following children : 1. Ifartln Adolph Eherhart died in childhood. 2. Charles Eberhart was born February 18, 1789, and married Miss Minnie Kirkwood, of Mapletown, Pa. I know nothing about his children, but his grandson, John E. Eberhart, was born October, 1838, and married, December 6, 1866, to Emma E. Bruner, who was born August 11, 1846. He is a carpenter by trade, and they reside at Reynolds, 111. Children of John R. Eberhart : 1. Charles W. Eberhart was born October 15, 1867, at Andalusia, 111., and is a farmer. 2. Elmer Clyde Eberhart was born, June 26, 1870, at Andalusia, 111., and is a carpenter. 3. Franklin K. Eberhart was born, September 2, 1873, at Edgington, 111., and is a salesman. ' 4. Emma Pearl Eberhart was born, August 26, 1876, at Andalusia, 111. 5. Yena Maud Eberhart was born, January 8, 1879, at Re vn olds, 111. 6. Harriet Ann Eberhart was born, June 11, 1881, at Reynolds, 111. 1Y8 HISTOEY OF THE EBBRHARTS. 7. Bessie Dell Eberhart was born at Eeynolds, 111., January 15, 1887. 3. Sophia Annette Ji^herhart, third child of Adolphus Eberhart, was born May 31, 1791, and married, February 14, 1811, to Joseph Dunlap, a cabinet-maker, who was born April 9, 1784, and departed this life August 8, 1867, aged eighty-three years. She died March 15, 1870, aged . seventy-eight years. They had ten children, viz. : 1. Mary H. Dunlap was born February 23, 1812, and was married, February 10, 1832, to Daniel Edging- ton. 2. Elizabeth Dunlap was born March r8, 1814, and died June 12, 1814. 3. Adolphus Dunlap was born June 7, 1815, and was married August 27, 1840, to Miss Elizabeth Carr. He was a gunsmith by trade. He died July 21, 1889, aged seventy-four years. She resides at Rock Island, 111. 4. Joseph Dunlap was born April 13, 1818, and died August 8, 1867. 5. Sophia M. Dunlap was born August 23, 1820, and died January 21, 1824. 6. Christian Dunlap was born November 17, 1822, and married, May 19, 1842, to Miss Abbie M. Hazlett, and died June 9, 1843. 7. Annie Dunlap (twin to Christian) was born Nov- ember 17, 1822, and married, March 25, 1841, to Moses Titterington. 8. Charles Dunlap was born March 9, 1825, and died December 20, 1883. 9. Margaret Dunlap was born November 13, 1827, and was married, December 25, 1845, to John AVood. 10. Eebecca H. Dunlap was born June 13, 1832, and was married, January 8, 1855, to M. L. T. Sturgeon. Nearly all were farmers. HISTOKY OF THE EBEEHAETS. 1Y9 Jj,. Margaret Elizabeth Eherhart, fourth child of Adolphus Eberhart, was born March 6, 1793, and married James Vance. They reside in Troy, Ohio. Their children: 1. Birt Vance resides in Troy, Ohio ; 2. Elizabeth Vance was married to a Mr. Cottingham, and they reside in Alle- gheny City ; 3. Lewis Vance was married, but "was burned on a steamboat ; 4. Charles Vance was married to Kate Evans ; 5: James Vance was married to Mary Bonn ; 6. Alexander Vance was married, but to whom not known ; T. Amos Vance, to Matilda Davis ; 8. Sophia Vance to Fred Leaf. 5. Christine Eherhart was born January 11, 1795. She was never married, but lived with her mother, and died at a ripe old age. 6. Oeorge Frederick Eherhart, son of Adolphus Eber- hart, was born March 30,> 1797, and was married to Betsy Weltner. 7. Anna Eherhart, seventh child of Adolphus Eber- hart, was born April 28, 1800, and married Robert Jones, of Geneva, Pa., father of Dr. Jones, of Cincinnati, Ohio, who was assassinated in 1889 by one of his servants. Bob Burdette is a grandson of Jones. They had the fol- lowing children : Christine, Sophia, Adolph, Frederick and John. 8. Henry Eherhart,e\g\ii\i child of Adolphus Eberhart, was born May 30, 1803, and married to Abagail Squiers, who was born December 18, 1807, and died August 5, 1843. He was a farmer by occupation. He died Febru- ary 25, 1878, aged 77 years. To them were born the fol- lowing children, viz.: 1. Jerusha Ann Eberhart, born August 15, 1827. 2. Almira L. Eberhart, born February 23, 1829. 3. Alzima E. Eberhart, born September 27, 1831. 4. Alanson C. Eberhart, born May 27, 1833. 180 HISTORY OF THE BBERHAETS. 5. Eliza J. Eberhart, born February 1, 1835. 6. Joseph C. Eberhart was born May 11, 1837, and married June 25, 1857, to Elizabeth B. Cathcart, who was born April 11, 1841. They had the following chil- dren : 1. Geo. W. Eberhart, born July 4, 1868, and married Eva L. Caster, who was born January 25, 1865 ; they had a son, Eugene Earl, bom February 17, 1887. 2, Alanson C. Eberhart, born August 10, 1860. 3. Clarence Eberhart, born January 30, 1862, and died August 10, 1863. 4. Henrietta Eberhart, born November 22, 1864, and died October 10, 1868. 7. Sophia M. Eberhart, seventh child of Henry Eber- hart, was born May 18, 1839. 8. Mary Eberhart was born February 15, 1841. 9. Abigail Eberhart, deceased, was born September 25, 1848. Henry Eberhart was married the second time to Mary M. Butterfleld, who was born June 26, 1818. With her he had the following children : 10. James V. Eberhart, born December 3, 1853, and died March 18, 1854. 11. Henry H. Eberhart "was born December 3, 1853, and died February 25, 1878. 12. Martha F. Eberhart, born August 19, 1856, and died December 15, 1856. 13. Harriet M. Eberhart was born September 15, 1857, and died September 16, 1857. 14. Francis E. Eberhart was born February 19, 1859. 9. John Lenhart Eberhart, son of Adolphus Eber- hart, was born December 9, 1806, and was married to ITancy Plunkett, and a second time to JSTancy Cassady. Names of his children were Margaret, Eward, Sophia, Eliza, Victoria, Bert, Alleina, Jane and Rebecca. Eliza resides at Brown's Station, Pittsburg. Yictoria and Alleina hve in Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania. HISTORY OF THE BBEEHABT8. 181 10. Lewis Adolphus Mierhart, son of Adolphus and Sophia Eberhart, was born April 14, 1808, in New Geneva, Pennsylvania, and was married June 21, 1828, to Miss Lucinda Banks, of Keene county, Kew Hampsliire, who departed this life August, 1890. He was a "glass- blower " by trade, and died in Pittsburg March 13, 1885, aged 75 years. They had the following children : 1. Louisa Eberhart v^as born May 8, 1831, and mar- ried January 13, 1847, to Isaac Martin, of Perryopolis, Fayette county, Pennsylvania, where they still reside. They had six children: 1. John F. Martin, born December 1, 1848. 2. Lucy Martin, born April 14, 1850, and married Samuel Sisly, of Perryopolis, a farmer, at which place they now reside, and have the following children : Oliver, Alvin, Harry, Albert, Koss, Percy, Clara, Wilber, Yiva, and an infant son. 3. Isabel Martin, born July 18, 1852, and was mar- ried to Patrick Ourran, a clay miner of Perryopolis. They have the following children : Eva May, Charles L., Lula M., Walter W. and Viola. Isabel Martin died December 16, 1884. 4. Charles L. Martin was born February 28, 1854, and was married to Miss Mary Jackson, of Perryopolis, Pennsylvania. He was a carpenter by trade. They have the following children : Adam Martin, Albert Martin, Arthur Martin, Milton Martin, Frank Martin, Chester Martin. 5. Isaac Martin was born February 4, 1856, and was married to Miss Jennie Jackson, of Perryopolis, Pennsyl- vania. He was a carpenter and they have the following children : Laura, Harry, Lena and Stewart. 6. Albert Martin was born March 17, 1861, and died September, 1861. 182 HISTOEY OF THE EBBEHAETS. 2. Frances Eberhart, second child of Lewis Adolpb Eberhart, departed this hfe August 13, 1881. 3. Sophia Eberhart, third child of Lewis Adolph Eberhart, was married to James Stewart, a ship carpenter, of Elizabeth, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, October 18, 1856. They now reside in Allegheny City, Pennsyl- vania. They have the following children : 1. Lewis A. Stewart, who married Kate Shook, and they have the following children : Mabel, Florence, Alice and Lewis, and Nellie, deceased. 2. Charles Stewart married to Nora Wescott, and they have the following children : Laura, Charles, and Lilly. 3. George W. Stewart was married (to whom not known), and his children are: Willie Stewart, Georgie Stewart and one not named. 4. James M. Stewart married Kate Watson, who died, leaving three children, viz.: Walter, Ellen, and Katie. 5. Alexander Stewart was married but had no children. 6. Frank and Harry Stewart are still single; 4. William Eberhart, fourth child of Lewis Adolphus Eberhart, was married to Miss Affinity Page, of Pitts, burgh. He is a glass-cutter by trade, and they reside in South Pittsburgh. They have two children: 1. Charles 'L. Eberhart, born December 25, 1867. 2. Cecelia Eber- hart, born September 1, 1871. 5. James Eberhart, fifth child of Lewis Adolphus Eberhart, a farmer, was married to Miss Emma Roberts, of Pittsburgh. They reside at Los Angeles, Cal. They have children as follows : Harry Eberhart, Ella and India died in 1873 ; Clarence Eberhart and Eose Eberhart. 6. Laura Eberhart, sixth child of Lewis Adolphus Eberhart, married Christian Baird, of Pittsburgh, a car- penter by occupation. They have no children. HISTOEY OF THE EBERHAETS. 183 7. Cecelia Eberhart, seventh child of Lewis Adolphus Eberhart, is an accomplished Christian lady, not married, residing for years in Allegheny City, taking care of her aged mother. 11. Rev. Albert Gallatin Eherhart, youngest child of Adolphus and Sophia Eberhart, was born October 8, 1810, in New Geneva, Fayette county. Pa., and married Janu- ary 14, 1833, to Miss Eliza Evans, who was born May 1, 1815. When young he worked with his father in the glass factory, but after receiving his education he entered the ministry of the Baptist Church, and followed his pro- fession until his death. May 22, 1881, aged seventy-one years, and is buried in Walerloo, Iowa. He was an earnest, practical preacher, much esteemed by his people. The writer heard him preach in Donagal, Pa., over forty years ago, and afterward in Iowa, and considered him a preacher of more than ordinary talent. He was in the pastorate at various places in Iowa such as Muscatine, Cedar Falls, Waterloo, and organized the First Baptist Church in Cedar Eapids. During the war he was chap- lain of the Twelfth Iowa Regiment volunteer infantry, six months, but could not endure the service, hence resigned. They had the following children : 1. Gustavus Adolphus Eberhart, who was born No- vember 27, 1836, and was married June 3, 1861, to Miss Del Lucia Wright. He is a civil engineer and resides at Des Moines, Iowa. During the late rebellion he was in the U. S. service. He was second lieutenant in the Third Eegiraent Iowa volunteer infantry. After two years service he resigned on account of poor health, but as soon as he recovered sufficiently he again enlisted and was appointed major of the Thirty-second Iowa infantry, and 184 HISTORY OF THB EBERHAETS. finally promoted to be a colonel. After the war he resided at Waterloo, Iowa, and was elected clerk of the court of Black Hawk county. They are members of the Baptist Church and have the following children: 1. Albert Wright Eberhart was born May 22, 1863, and is assistant ticket agent of the C. & N". W. railroad, at Cedar Kapids Iowa. He is not married. 2. George Orthello Eberhart, born June 27, 1866, and is night ticket agent at Cedar Rapids, Iowa. 3. GertrudeW. Eberhart was born June 13, 1868. 4. Frederick S. Eberhart was born February 9, 1870. 5. Adolph Eberhart was born May 13, 1872. . 6. Eobert Burdette Eberhart was born January 8, 1877. 2. George Evans Eberhart was born January 19, 1839, and was married December 25, 1868, to Miss Ida Markley. He enlisted at the commencement of the late war, and was in the Third Regiment Iowa infantry three years ; then re-enlisted, and was taken prisoner at the battle of Atlanta, and was two months in Andersonville prison. After his exchange he remained in the army until the close of the war. He was a brave soldier. They now reside at Cedar Falls, Iowa, and have the following chil- dren: 1. Lewis V. Eberhart, born January 7, 1871. 2. Philip Lloyd Eberhart, born August 2, 1873. 3. ISTora Aileen Eber- hart, born March 30, 1876. 4. Clyde Markley Eberhart, born August 19, 1879. They are members of the Baptist Church. 3. John Speelman Eberhart was born February 8, 1841, and was married December 25, 1872, to Miss Ella Payne. He enlisted in the army when quite young, and was drum major in theTwentieth Regiment Iowa volunteer infantry, and I think served to the close of the war. He was a good musician and an excellent man. He is now a hardware merchant, residing in LaPorte City, Iowa. 4. Benjamin Evans Eberhart was born June 10, 1844, HISTORY OF THE EBEKHARTS. 185 and was married December 22, 1874, to Miss Clara E. Stebbins. He enlisted at the " first call " in the First Iowa infantry, and after three months' service lie re-enlisted in the Twelfth Regiment Iowa infantry. At the battle of Shiloh he lost his right eye and was discharged, but soon enlisted again in the Sixth Eegiraent Iowa cavalry, and continued to the close of the war. He was assistant regimental bugler and leader of the regimental band. He was a brave and persistent soldier. -They now reside at Marsballtown, Iowa, and he is quarter master in the Soldiers' Home at that place. They have three children : 1. Florence B. Eberhart, born June 17, 1878. 2. Fay P. Eberhart, born February 23, 1883. 3. Henry G. Eber- hart, born June 9, 1881. 5. Lloyd Eberhart was born February 20, 1847, and married in December, 1880, to Miss Mary C. H. McClelland. He entered the Thirty-second Iowa infantry as a drum- mer, and was afterward appointed drum major, and con- tinued to the close of the war. They reside at Joliet, Illinois. lie is an inventor and manufacturer. They have one daughter, Kate McClelland, born October 13, 1881. 6. Alwilda S. Eberhart was born January 26, 1852. She is not married, and resides with her mother at Cedar Hapids, Iowa. By profession she is a teacher of music, and is an accomplished lady. 186 HISTORY OF THE EBERHAKTS. CHAPTEE XLIX. CHRISTIAJSr EBERHART.* Christian Eberhart was born February 13, A. D. 1720, in a place in Germany called Pfaltz. He was married, October 16, 1753, to a very fine young woman by the name of Maria Sabilla Geier, with whom he had several children before coming to this country. As to the time of his coming to this country I can not positively state, but believe it was in A. D. 1764. According to "Rupp's Collection of Thirty Thousand Immigrants to Pennsyl- vania," he arrived at Philadelphia September 26, 1764, in the ship Britannia. He finally settled in Loudoun county, Va., where he engaged in farming. He had fourteen children. This I learn from the record of an old family Bible. This Bible is worthy of special mention. It is about two hundred .years old and must have cost that many dollars. It is a curiosity of costly and splendid binding. The lids are three-fourths of an inch in thick- ness and have massive clasps. There are none made like it now. In this Bible is an accurate record of his chil- dren, ■which I will give : 1. Johannes Lorentz Everhart (he was called Laurence) was born May 6, 1755. It is presumed he came to this country with his parents and for some time lived with them in the State of Virginia, but later he resided in Middletown, Md. He was married to Miss Mary Beck- enbaugh, of Frederick county^ Md., where he engaged in agricultural pursuits for some time before moving to * His descendants dropped the b, making it Everhart. HISTORY OF THE EBEEHAETS. 187 Micldletown, Md. As he was a man of marked charac- ter and noted for his good and admirable qualities both in public and private life, and also greatly distinguished himself as a warrior and minister, I will give the reader a short sketch of his life. He was a very large man. He measured six feet four inches in height and was well proportioned, erect and dignified in appearance and was very strong and active. He was very enthusiastic, yet self-possessed, cool and deliberate. He was also a very patriotic man, hence as soon as the War of the Revolution broke out he was among the first of Virginia's youth to take the field to fight for liberty. As his parents had severed family and national ties to be free from persecution and gain liberty of conscience, so he was willing to cut loose from home and friends and earthly comforts to deliver his land from despotism. As a soldier he was noted for bravery to an extraordinary degree. It was heroism fanned by patri- otism until it blazed into fearless courage and daring. He did not rise above the position of sergeant in Col. Wm. Washington's command. He was often urged to accept higher offices in the army, but repeatedly and pos- itively declined. The reason for this strange conduct was not known except by a few of his most intimate friends. He served during the entire war, and took a part in most of the hottest engagements, such as the battles of Brandywine and Cowpens, and yet escaped with his life, having, how- ever, a few honorable scars to remind him of these fierce conflicts, and prove to his descendants the genuineness of his valor and patriotism. It was at the last named battle that he distinguished himself by saving the life of his much beloved officer, Col. William Washington. The colonial troops had become somewhat demoralized. Wash- ington's horse had been shot from under him while he and 188 HISTORY OF THE EBKKHAETS. his command were trying to retreat from a very severe charge made by the British. Everhart, who was ridmg a famous charger, named "Dunmore," after the governor of Virginia, offered him to his commander, as Colonel Tarleton was in hot pursuit of Washington. "Here, Colonel," exclaimed Everhart, "take Dunmore and ride for your life!" Washington hesitated, saying, kindly and "tenderly : " No, Laurence, you will be killed." In the meantime Tarleton was gaining on him rapidly. By this time Everhart, becoming impatient, cried out : "Never mind ; your life is worth a hundred like mine ! Mount ! " Washington lost no more time, but leaped on Dunmore and galloped away, and, coming to a deep and wide ditch, was soon over it and out of danger. Tarleton, believing his horse not quite equal to the task, halted at the ditch, feeling much chagrined at losing so great a prize. As he was riding back to his army he passed Everhart, who was now without a horse, and had decided that Tarleton's would answer his purpose; hence, he picked up from the battlefield a broken musket and, leveling it at Tarleton, commanded him to dismount or he , would shoot him. Tarleton said: " You don't know who I am, sir. I am Colonel Tarleton, of His Majesty's troops." To which Everhart replied: "Oh, yes, I know you, but you don't know me. I am Sergeant Everhart, of the Colonial troops. Get off that horse ! " Tarleton obeyed, and Everhart mounted him and soon was back with his command again, assisting to rally the army for victory. This is one of the " war stories " Everhart used to relate to his children and gi-andchildren, neighbors and friends in his declining years, so that there are many yet living who heard him tell it. Everhart was greatly esteemed by his superiors in com- mand, as well as by those beneath him in rank. General HISTOEY OF THE EBERHAETS. 189 LaFa^'ette especialh' loved him. Upon a certain occasion, after the war had ended, they met at the City Hotel m Frederick City, Md., when they fell on each other's necks and wept like little children. He was also intimate with and much respected by Gen. George Washington. A stock-buckle, made of silver, was presented by Gen. Washington to Everhart — Washington himself marking on the face this inscription, G. W. to L. E. This buckle, together with his spurs, sword and staff, are still in pos- session of Mrs. Daniel S. Kepler, Everhart's grand- daughter, residing at Middletown, Md. After the war was over, Everhart enlisted under the blood-stained banner of Prince Emanuel, and fought the battles of the Lord just as vigorously as he had the bat- tles of his country. And as his conviction and conver- sion were rather peculiar, I will give it to the reader. During the war, while out on a recruiting expedition, he boarded for a few dsijs at the house of a pious woman, whom he entertained with glowing accounts of his numer- ous exploits, boasting much of his bravery, and especi- ally of his horsemanship, for which he was noted, and of which he was very proud. The woman listened to him very patiently, but one day, doubtless perceiving the supreme passion and pride of his heart, very courageously and prayerfully exclaimed : " You are as proud as the devil would have you be." This remark startled him, showing him the sinfulness of his proud heart as he had never seen it before, so that during the war he was all the time under conviction, feeling more or less the need of saving grace. When the war was over and freedom established, Ever- hart again returned to his home in Frederick county, Md. to enjoy rural life. One day our hero was ploughing in a field near the house to be planted in tobacco. The Holy 190 HISTORY OF THE BBERHAETS. Spirit found him and troubled his heart, so that he felt miserable and wretched on -account of his sins. He finally became so deeply conscious of his lost and ruined condi- tion, that he hitched his plowing team to a tree, went to the tobacco house and prostrated himself on the floor, crying mightily to God for pardon. In a short time, the Saviour of sinners spoke pardon and peace to his troubled soul, and he was heard shouting aloud the praise of God. He immediately went to the house to tell the glad story to his wife, who, by the way, was a rigid Calvinist. She said: "What is the matter, are you sick?" But he replied : " I am not sick, 1 am now well in soul and body " — and continued praising God! She then said: "You are crsizy" But he said : " I am not crazy, but have now come to my right mind," and still continued praising God. He immediatel}^ began to exhort his beloved companion to give her heart to the Lord also. This she did soon after at a camp-meeting held at Jefferson — which it is thought was the first camp-meeting ever held in the State of Maryland. Laurence Everhart was a man who could not be idle, and he labored earnestly in whatever cause he espoused; hence, as soon as he became a Christian he joined the Methodist Church and was appointed a class-leader, and afterwards an exhorter, and in a few years was ordained a local deacon, and then elder, by Bishop Asbury. He soon got to be a " mighty preacher," a regular " Boaner- ges." He would frequently say, with an impressive Ger- man brogue : " I used to fight for my country, but now I am fighting for King Jesus." The writer, while laboring in the State of Maryland, met a man who was an eye- witness to the following novel circumstance. I give it just as I got it. At a certain " iron-\yorks " the regular ministers were frequently insulted and mobbed, so that HISTORY OF THE EBBEHAETS. 191 they became discouraged and were about to discontinue the appointment. On informing Everhart, he said : " First make an appointment for me." " Tell them a very strange man will preach there in the grove." The news soon spread around, so that on the appointed day a very large crowd assembled. Just at 11 o'clock, when all were wondering where the " strange preacher " was, he came in view, riding on his old " war horse," as fast as the horse could run, as though he were making a " charge" on an enemy. He rode up to a beech tree and with the bridle rein hitched his horse to one of the branches thereof before dismounting. After leaving his horse, without speaking a word, he walked up to a very large chestnut tree, which had recently been cut down, took off his hat, setting it on the tree. Then, in rapid succession, he also took off his overcoat, dress coat, vest and neck-tie and laid them on the tree. Next he took out of his pocket a silk handkerchief and tied it around his waist; then, unbuttoning his shirt sleeves, rolled them up above his elbows and, mounting the stump of the tree, looked over the vast congregation, saying : " Hasn't God Almighty given me a pair of good fists ? " (striking them together with great vehemence.) "I used to fight for my country under Washington, but now I am fighting for King Jesus, and if there are any here wishing to fight, I am^ ready! " again bringing his big fists together with a vengeance. This strange conduct took the congregation by sur- prise. They looked astonished and quietly listened to the " strange man," and before they knew ' what he was about, he was preaching to them a powerful sermon. They heard him through without the least disturbance, and it was believed that many dated their religious con- viction from that sermon. After he was done, he 192 HISTORY OF THE EBEBHAETS. announced preaching again, put on his clothing, mounted his horse and rode off in the same way he came. Suffice it to say, that soon a great revival of religion spread over that vicinit}' and a large church vs^as organized. Everhart was well acquainted with Lorenzo Dow, and labored with him. He also was very intimate with Bishop George, of the Methodist Church, and Bishop Newcomer, of the United Brethren Church. The former often stopped at his house. In fact his home near Middletown, Md., on the " National Road,'' was a regular minister's hotel. Notwithstanding his great interest in the affairs of the church, he did not neglect the affairs of his country. He was active in politics. He frequently attended large mass meetings, and marched in large processions, generally rid- ing on his old " war horse." And later, after his horse was dead, was frequently drawn by a six-horse team beautifully caparisoned, "the honored of all." He passed from earth to heaven August 6, 1840. He had started from home early in the morning to meet Gen. Harrison, in Hagerstown, but only reached Boonsboro, eight miles from home, when he was stricken with paralj'- sis. He was taken home, and died in a few hours, aged eighty-five years and three months. A beautiful monument of white marble has been erected at his grave in Middletown with the following inscription. HISTOET OF THE EBBEHAETS. 193 LAURENCE EYEEHART. Ordained a Minister of tlie Gospel of the M. E. Church, By Bishop Asbdey. SERGEANT LAURENCE EVERHART. Bo}-n May 6th, iyS3- Died August 6th, 1840, In his 86th year. A Veteran of the Revolution, the Rescuer of Washington at the battle of Cowpens. He assisted at the most remarkable battles of the war, and in the battle of Brandy wine, when Lafayette was wounded, he and Sergeant Wallace rescued him from his perilous situa- tion, and carried him about two miles to the house of a friend. He served from the beginning to the end of the Revolution. He was generous and just in all his relations of life. '2. Susanna, second child of Christian Eberhart, was born April 2, 1757. 3. Anna Maria, third child of Christian Eberhart was born July 25, 1759, and married to a Mr. Lamb. Ji,. Johannes Konrad-, born Feb. 16, 1762, and died July 24, 1762. 5. Christoph was born Feb. 16, 1764, and died March 27, 1764. 6. Jacob, sixth child of Christian Eberhart, was born Nov. 27, 1765. 7. Kasper, born Jan. 21, 1767. 8. Philip, born April 19, 1770. 9. Johannes Michael, born Feb. 29, 1772. 10. Christina, born Feb. 25, 1774. 11. Barbara, born July 4, 1776, married to Duey. 12. Christian Ernest, born Jan. 18, 1778. 13. Elisabeth, born July 5, 1780; married a Mr. Snook. H. William, youngest child of Christian Eberhart, was born Oct. 15, 1783. 194 HISTORY OF THE EBERHAETS. These all settled, so far as known, in Virginia, Mary- land and Pennsylvania. "Williani" settled in Loudoun county, Va. He was twice married. The first wife was an Axline, by whom he had five children. His second wife was a Miss Koib, with whom he had ten children^ only five living when he died ; aged 52 years. His children settled in different parts of Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, and a goodly number are still living, but I could get comparatively little knowledge of them. One of them, Elijah D. Everhart, was a physi- cian of note. He graduated from two medical colleges, one the Belle View Medical College of New York City- He was married and practiced his profession in Grant county, Wis., at which place he died in 1864, aged thirtv -six years, leaving behind him an unblemished record of professional ability and moral integrity. Rev. George M. Everhart., D. D., another one of his sons, was married to a Miss Banner, of North Carolina. She was a lovely and highly educated woman, a relative of the Bynums and Hamptons of North and South Caro- lina. He graduated from Emor}'- and Henry Colleges, Virginia, in 1852, as A. B-, and in 1855 as A. M., and was the president of a college in Huntsville, Ala., when but twenty-seven years of age, and subsequently held high positions as an educator. He is a clergyman of the Prot- estant Episcopal Church, and received the degree of Doctor of Divinity from old Columbia College, New York City, in 1870. He is a very talented and excellent man, and now in the sixty-second year of his age, prom- ising much for the declining part of life. He resides at his home near Atlanta, Georgia. The children of George M. Everhart are: 1. Edgar Everhart, Ph. D., Professor of Chemistry in the University of Texas. He finished his education in HISTORY OF THE EBEEHA.RTS. 195 Europe, graduating Ph. D. with honor from the University of Freiberg, Baden. 2. Miss Mary Sue Everhart also finished lier educa- tion in Europe, and is now principal of a diocesan college for young ladies at Montgomery, Ala. 3. Henry Banner Everhart graduated from Steam's Institute of Technology, at Hoboken, N. J., in 1886, and is now employed as mechanical engineer by the L. & N. R. E. Compan}^. 4. Miss Adalaide Everhart, after spending three years at the art school in Cincinnati, Ohio, is now devot- ing herself to her studio in Montgomerj', Ala. 5. Lay Hampton Everhart is a naval cadet at Annap- olis, Md., and promises Avell for the future. 6. Laurence Everhart, the youngest, is ten years of age, and is at home with his parents. 196 HISTOEY OF THE EBEKHAETS. CHAPTER L. PAULTTS EBBRHART Came to this country in 1744. He came from Pfaltz, a province in Germany, now called Palatinate, and settled in Carroll county, Md. His descendants spread over a good portion of Maryland and Virginia, and in 1883 numbered about one tiiousand. They were mostly large farmers, thrifty mechanics or active business men ; and not a few held honorable offices in both church and state. This branch of the " Eberhart " family mostly belonged to the German Reformed Church, at least for several generations. For a full account and record of the descendants of Paulus Eberhart, I refer the reader to a little book writ- ten by O. T. Everhart, A. M., M. D., of Hanover, York county, Pa. I will simply give a few of the leading families. Paulus, or Paul, as he was afterwards called, had one son called George, and four daughters, Gertrude, Mary, Barbara, and another, whose name is not known. George was born August 11, 1745, and married, February 12, 1749, to Eve Elizabeth Zacharias, and they moved on to the old farm and took charge of his father's large pos- sessions. There were born to them two sons, George and David, and three daughters, Mary Magdalene, Elizabeth and Rachel. He died April 13, 1835, nearly ninety years of age. George Everhart* Jr., grandson of Paul Eberhart, * They dropped the 6 for u, hence I so write it. HISTOEY OF THE EBEEHARTS. 19Y was born November 10, 1771, and was married, in tlie year 1796, to Elizabetli Weaver. They lived together sixty-one years, when she died, being over ninety years of age. He died July 4, 1857, aged eighty-five years. To this couple were born four sons, Ja'cob, George John and David, and five daughters, Rachel, Mary, Eve Elizabeth, Savilla and Elenora. All of these lived to be over sixty years of age. Longevity is a characteristic of the Eberhart family. Thus far ten of the descendants of Paul bearing the name Everhart are known to have lived beyond seventy- five years. Jacob Eaerhart, eldest son of George and Elizabeth Everhart, was born June 6, 1797. He was married May, 1821, to Elizabeth Born. His first wife died November 10, 1840, and he was married the second time in the fall of 1841 to Mrs. Elizabeth Christ. He died September 16, 1872, aged seventj'-five years His second wife died in July, 1874. They had three sons, Greenbury, Samuel P. and Geo. W., and five daughters, Ellen Martha, Miranda? Marion, Catharine and Julia A. Samuel P., second son of Jacob and Elizabeth Ever- hart, was born in the year 1832. He was married to Miss Carrie Yingling. They had four children, Charles, George T., John and William. George W. Everhart^ third son of Jacob and Elizabeth, was born March 23, 1835. He was married September 4, 1859 to Eachel Frank forter. They had five sons, Frank W., Charles J., Henry P., George A. and Clarence E. Miranda Everhart, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth, born February 15, 1824, and married, February 24, 1847, to Richard Manning. She died May 28, 1865. Marion, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Everhart, was born April 11, 1828, and married, October 11, 1855, to Charles H. Henneman. 198 HISTORY OF THE EBEEHAETS. Catharine E., youngest daughter of Jacob and Eliza- beth Everhart, was born July 20, 1830, and was married to Airhart Winters, January 15, 1847. George Everhart, son of George Everhart, Jr., and great-grandson of Paul Everhart, was born January 31, 1800, and was married April 19, 1829 to Catharine Shower. He resided at Manchester, Carroll county, Md., and was engaged in merchandising for an unbroken period of fifty-two years. In 1861 he was triumphantly elected to the Legislature on the Republican ticket, and during the late Civil war was a stanch Union man. Edmund Shower Everhart, eldest child -of George and Catharine Everhart, was born May 10, 1830. He was married, M.iky 10, 1855, to Hannah E. Frizzle. Oliver T., second son of George and Catharine Ever- hart, was born May 18, 1832. He was married on the 26th of April, 1859, to Sarah, daughter of Rev. Jacob G. Kister. After passing through the preparatory studies at other schools, he graduated at the University of Mary- land in Baltimore, in October, 1854, receiving the degree of Doctor of Medicine. He was afterwards a surgeon in the army, but now resides at Hanover, York county. Pa., engaged in the practice of medicine. Any one wishing the entire history of the descendants of Paulus Eberhart is referred to him. HISTORY OF THE EBEEHAETS. 199 CHAPTER LI. A SHORT SKETCH OF MT LIFE, FOE THE SATISFACTION AND BENEFIT OF THOSE OF MT FAMILY AND FEIENDS WHO MAY SUEVIVE ME. I was born on the fourth day of July, A. D. 1821, in Salem township, Westmoreland county. Pa. I am the eldest child of Abraham and Esther Eberhart. (See their history as given in this book.) "When I was ten months old they moved from Westmoreland to Mercer county, Pa., where they lived until I was sixteen years of age. This was a very sparsely settled country. The nearest stores, mills, blacksmiths, etc., being the town of Mercer, which was the county seat, and nine miles distant. They moved right into a forest of heavy timber, where my father had previously erected a log-cabin, and consequently they had to undergo the privations and hardships which all the first settlers of a new country are subjected to. They several times had to subsist on garden vegetables and venison for weeks. Sometimes when they could not get grinding done, they boiled the wheat in the grain, and in this way sup- ported life. They commenced housekeeping in rather limited circumstances, but through their industr}-^, econ- omy, and the blessings of a kind Providence, they soon had a large farm opened out, and then lived in compara- tively easy circumstances. As my father was a farmer in a heavy timbered country, and every year cleared and prepared from five to ten acres of ground for cultivation, I early in life became 200 HISTORY OF THE EBEEHAET8. accustomed to hard work, which developed my physical system and gave me a strong and robust constitution, thus preparing me, like Moses of old in the wilderness, for the hardships of the itinerant's life, which was await- ing me. 1 loved to Avork, and took a laudable pride iu doing a little more, and doing it a little better than any one else of my age. To this ambition of excelling others, I attribute mach of my success in afterlife. I was raised in a pious family, and had good religious training, and a good Christian example from early child- hood. My parents belonged to the Evangelical Lutheran Church, and were strictly moral and pious, but at that time did not enjoy experimental religion — i. e., they had the form, but lacked the power or heart work. They, however, prayed much, both in secret and in the family, and early taught their children to pray. I recollect distinctly when I was only five or six years of age, that my mother caused me to kneel by her side and say my prayers ; and some times she would kneel with me and pray for me, thus early dedicating me to the Lord. This made an mdelible impression on my tender mind, so that I verily believe it became one of the most efficient means of grace in my conversion. In my wildest career, when far away from home and sorely tempted with all sorts of infidelity and skepticism, my mother's prayers would often come like a dagger to ray soul and refrain me from evil, and protect me against error. I here record my heartfelt thanks to Almighty God for a praying mother, and for a consistent. God-fearing, pious father. It is also proper for me to state here, that in the sixteenth year of my age both my father arid mother, while attending a camp meeting, were brought to see and feel their need of a deeper spiritual work, and were soon led into the full enjoyment and assurance of their acceptance with God HISTORY OF THE EBEEHAETS. 201 and retained this " witness of the spirit " unto the end of their earthly pilgrimage. At this time thej' joined the Evangelical Association, and later, on moving West, the Methodist Episcopal Church, continuing therein until death. I was eight years old when the first school was started in our neighborhood. It was in an old deserted log cabin, and we had seats made out of logs split in two with legs in them. In three months I learned to read in the primer. The next summer I Avent to German school, in a new school-house, and then continued going to school during the winter season and working on the farm during the summer until I was about sixteen, when I attended a select school of a higher grade for a year and three months- And this is about all the schooling I ever got in the regu- lar way. But by this time I had attained a fair knowl- edge of both the English and German languages, so that when I was eighteen I was examined under the then new free school S3'stem, and commissioned to teach. I taught four terms, but did not really enjoj' teaching. I received the most of my education, or rather knowledge, by read- ing good books. Even Avhen a small boy, I loved to read, and often read when others were asleep, or at play, and thus I in a measure atoned for the lack of a better educa- tion. But would advise the young to avail themselves of every possible means to become thoroughly educated in the regular course of the schools. As I was brought up in a pious family, and had good religious training and good Christian examples to imitate, I grew up to be a very moral young man. Very few can be found so free from bad habits. I loved pleasure and all kinds of innocent mirth, but had little inclination to indulge in the prevailing vices of the age. I did not use tea or coffee, or tobacco in any form. I 202 HISTORY OF THE EBERHAETS. never spent more than six cents for any kind of intoxicat- ing drinks, and tl:at was by waj'^of treating a friend, that I could not well avoid. I was not addicted to profanity, Sabbath desecration or dishonesty. My greatest trouble was a proud heart and quick temper. These, however, I gradually overcame, even before I made a profession of religion, by an effort of the will. From early childhood I had serious thoughts and impressions and always said ray prayers. Sometimes I had strong convictions that I ought to be a Christian. Then I would resist the Spirit and drive away my convictions by seeking the pleasures and enjoy- ments of the world. Then again, I would try to persuade myself that Christianity was all a farce and I would not trouble myself about it. I was esjiecially pleased with the doctrine of Universalism, and at one time resolved that I would risk m}' future all on this doctrine, and would probably have done so had my conscience been at rest. But when in danger or attending warm religious meetings, iny former convictions would return again so that I had no permanent peace. So at last I fully decided to seek the Lord and test the merits of Christianity. I made this decision at a camp meeting held in the " Weaver settlement," in Armstrong county. Pa., where my brother Levi and sister Rebecca were converted, and my parents brought into the full light and assurance of their acceptance with Grod. I was so powerfully wrought upon that I was perfectly miserable, but was too proud to yield to my con. victions, and in that public way, at the so-called "mourner's bench," seek the pardon of my sins. I at last, at the hour of midnight, found my way to an adjoining corn-field, and there fell on my knees and promisee! the Lord that after I got home I would go to the " Big Rook " and seek sal- vation. This was a lonely, secluded spot on my father's farm, where scarcely any one ever passed, as it was in a HISrOKY OF THE KBEKHARTS. 203 thicket of pines on the Little Scrubgrass near the Alle- ghany river. So, according to my promise — for I always kept ray promises — on the next Sabbath I made my way to this lonely place where I thought no human being would see me, and where I could quietly become a Chris- tian, and no one know of it, for I desired a nice, still relig- ion all to myself. So I first looked all around to be cer- tain no one was there. I then kneeled and commenced praying, but alas! my heart was cold and my tongue dumb, and thick darkness seemed to settle around me, and my words fell to the ground like dead weights ; when suddenly I was startled by a noise, which to me sounded like the discharge of a gun. I quickly sprang to my feet and soon saw that it was only the breaking of a limb on a dry tree caused by a squirrel jumping on to it. There I stood ashamed of myself. But on a little sober reflection I saw my true condition, as I had never seen it before. I found I had a proud, stubborn heart, and was unwilling to " confess my Savour before men." So I resolved that at the next suitable opportunity I would come out in public. Some time after this my convictions were deep- ened and my resolutions strengthened by a terrible storm I witnessed. It came up very suddenly just as it was growing dark. In a few moments the atmosphere was filled with lightning which to me looked like streams of fire, and the thunder roared like the discharge of a thousand cannon. The trees and small buildings were blown away like chaff, and I expected every moment that the house I was in would be dashed to pieces. At first I believed it was the last judgment, and felt that I was lost. 0, what a sting of remorse came over me. I did not dare pray for mercy. I could only upbraid myself by saying, "it is now too late ! You are lost, and your damnation is just. You had 204 HISTOEY OF THE EBEKHAETS. plenty of time and knew better." I blamed no one but myself. But oh!— no mortal tongue can describe the sense of horror— to feel you are lost, and might have been saved ! May a merciful God save me from ever having such Si.pa7hg of soul again ! As soon as I decided it was not the judgment day, I ran into an adjoining room and fell on my knees, and solem7ily promised God, if he would save my life, I would serve him all my days. From that time I felt that I belonged to the Lord by a " perpetual covenant," but had no evidence of my acceptance. I also realized more than ever before that 1 was in great spiritual darkness, and my heart full of pride and corruption. Some weeks after this it was announced that there would be a " protracted meeting" in ray father's barn. It was very unexpected news to me, and at first I almost felt like opposing it, but it seemed to me as though a still voice said : " Now there is your opportunity to pay the Lord your vows." The meeting opened on Saturday p. M., September 26, A. D. 1840. I attended every ser- vice and had some good desires and serious impressions, but the deep " fallow ground " of my heart was not yet broken up. On Sabbath evening an invitation was given for " seekers " to come forward. I was sitting in the back part of the congregation trying to get the consent of my will to go, when L. D. Brown, an intimate friend and comrade, came to me and said : " Come Uriah, let us go." With all my promises before me, I dare not refuse, so I went with him, but all the time had an awful hatred against the so-called mourner's bench, feeling that I would about as soon be lost as to go to one, and that, too, right at home among my school-mates and neighbors, who were nearly all opposed to anything of this kind, as the most of them HISTORY OF THE EBEKHA.BTS. 205 belonged to the Presbyterians and Seceders. So in going forward I intentionally kneeled down at the bench next to the "anxious seat," vainly making myself believe I could obtain the desired blessing there just as well, and then it could not be said that I was at the " mourner's bench." But alas ! the " heavens w^ere brass," and m}'' prayers seemed like mockery, and did not rise higher than my head; and I imagined all eyes were upon me, and the most of them making fun of me. That is, I was thinking of those around me, and of my self -importance, and failed to look to God in true penitence, and of course I failed. And though I did not succeed, I learned a few very important lessons, viz. — " that the heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked." And that " God is not mocked," or to be trifled with. The next day it was my lot to plow in a field along -side of a heavy grove. It was the 28th day of September, 1840, and was the saddest and darkest day of m}'^ life. I plowed but little. Some times I was in the grove on my knees, and some times sitting on the plow, or fence, crying for mercy. I now saw myself a lost sinner. All the morality of my life on which I had hitherto been resting seemed like " filthy rags." The darkness of despair seemed to gather around me. Everything seemed to be dressed in mourning. The trees wore a somber hue, the sun shone dimly as though eclipsed or under the shadow of a dark cloud, and the songs of the birds seemed more like a funeral dirge than anything else. And oh ! the strange thoughts and temp- tations that flitted across my mind. Now the wily tempter whispered in my ears : " It is too late ! You have committed the 'unpardonable sin.' You knew better. Look at the many instructions and prayers, and the godly example of your parents and friends. You have been more highly favored than others. You have sinned 206 HISTORY OF THE EBEEHAETS. against better light and knowledge, and now your oom is sealed. You might just as well give it up." ISText he came with flattery and falsehood. " You need not expect such a change as you look for. It is well enough for great sinners, such as murderers, thieves, pro- fane swearers. Sabbath-breakers, drunkards, etc., to "repent in sackcloth and ashes," and experience such a wonderful change. But you have been an exceptionally moral young man. You are not guilty of any great sins. You have always said your prayers, and dealt justly with all men. Why you have always been religious, and now all you need do is to profess it before men. Cease your nonsense." And then by and by the scene was entirely changed, and I stood there like a stoical philos- opher, entertaining thoughts like these : " Why, you are crazy. These Methodists have deluded you. This is all physical excitement and imagination. Great and wise men don't believe in anything of the kind. Throw it all aside and he a 7nan. Make the most of this life you can, and don't trouble your brains about the next." Altogether it was the most eventful day of my life — a day never to be forgotten. At sunset I went to the house, not knowing or caring much what would become of me. I wanted no supper, and did not wish any one to speak to me, or see me. I wished myself out of the world. With Paul, I could say, " O wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me from the body of this death ? " I was about deciding to retire to my room and spend the night there, when I was informed that the " meeting " had been changed to my father's kitchen. So there I was, and could not consist- ently leave. That evening the Rev. D. N. Long preached a good sermon, but my heart was hard and it did not seem to effect me in the least. At the close of the ser- HISTORY OF THE EBERHAETS. 20Y rfton, he turned to my brother Levi, who was but a boy, but had recently been converted, and said : " Will you exhort and invite the seekers?" With a trembling voice he commenced, but the " Spirit of the Lord was upon him," and soon nearly all eyes were in tears. He referred to some incidents in our past life, which came like sharp goads to my soul. And it was not long until the great deep of my heart was broken up, as never before, and I cried " What must I do to be saved ? " 1 was now willing to go an3'where and do anything, so I but found relief. So when the invitation was given, nine of us went for- ward with a rush. I needed no urging. 1 cared for no one. My neighbors were present, but it did not in the least deter me. I, however, had a terrible struggle. I cried mightily to God for mercy. I at last found myself rolling on the floor, feeling that I could not get down low- enough, as I had been such a great sinner. But as soon as I truly repented of all my sins, " renouncing the devil and all his works," and faithfully promising God to be his obedient child until death, doing whatsoever He com- manded me, the burden was removed, and light and joy filled my souL Truly " old things had passed away, and everything was made new." " My mouth was filled with laughter," and my soul with love to God and man. I felt like taking all my comrades and neighbors with me to the Lord. My language was " Praise ye the Lord." I was now greatly astonished at the simplicity of this work, which, but a few days ago, had appeared so mys- terious and incomprehensible in all its huge proportions. I asked myself, "Well, now as you have experienced it, what is it ? " And every time, no difference which phase of the, question I looked at, the simple answer came, " It is love to God and man." "Why, then, did you not sooner accept of it ? " 208 HISTOEY OF THE BBEEHAETS. O, that I had started years ago ! How I was deluded. I had said, " Religion does well enough for the sick and dying, and the aged who can not live much longer, but young people ought to enjoy themselves." But alas ! how I was deceived. This was the happiest hour of my life. I seemed to be in a new Avorld and felt certain that a new world had gotten into me. Never can I forget the 28th day of September, 1840, in my father's kitchen. I can truly say : " There is a spot to me more dear than native vale or mountain, 'Tis not where kindred souls abound, though that on earth is heaven. But where I first my Saviour found and felt my sins forgiven . " The next morning my soul was peaceful and serene. I went out to plow in the same field where but yester- day I had such a fearful struggle with the adversary. But oh, the contrast ! I could not avoid saying, " Is this the same field ? Are these the same horses and are j^ou the same person ? " It really appeared to me the sun shone brighter and the birds sang sweeter and the atmos- phere was more bracing. How easy to work under such circumstances. " Lvbor is rest and pxiu is sweet when thou, my God, art near." Here, for the benefit of others, I will relate my first temptation after conversion. The "meeting" that even- ing was to be at the house of a neighbor, and all day I was anticipating the good time we would have. But just as it was growing dusk dark clouds passed over my spir- itual sky. I began to soliloquize thus : "Are you not deceived ? It may have been all imagination or mental excitement. If you had shouted and ' got the power,' as some did, there would be no room to doubt. But, as it is, your case at best is doubtful. You had better stay at home." I at once retired to pray, and said, " O God, let me not be deceived. Show me the right way and I will walk HISTORY OF THE EBERHABTS. 209 therein." The answer came, " Go not by your feelings, l^ut serve God from principle. You know what is required of you — live like a Christian, *'. e., discharge eVery known duty, and light shall round thee shine." With this resolution I went to the meeting, and when an opportunity was given, related my experience, and in so doing was greatly blessed, and from that day never doubted my conversion. Do not understand me to say that I was never tempted afterwards. On other subjects, and in other ways, I was often severely tried, and that soon after. With this resolution I went to prayer-meeting the next Sabbath, fully resolved to pray if called upon. And, as I had occasionally spoken in public, I had a self- assurance that I could pray if I tried, and that I could pray a little better than others of the class, whom I had often criticised for making so man}^ mistakes; for egotism was one of my besetting sins. So, when the opportunity was given, I began promptly, with a full voice, and the assurance of a Pharisee — but alas, it soon came to an abrupt end. After a few previously selected words had been repeated I seemed to be blind, deaf and dumb. T felt deeply mortified and ashamed, so as soon as the meeting closed I started home all alone, resolving I would profit by this hard lesson ; but my mother, who took in the situation, and wished to make it as impressive as possible, hastened along and sarcastically said : " That was a wonderful prayer you made. I thought you could pray so much better than others." But when she saw it had the desired effect, she lovingly threw her arms around me and gave me some good advice, never to be forgotten. The next Sabbath I tried again, but in a different spirit, and the Lord greatly blessed and strengthened me. And thus I have continued to do, in my weakness, ever since. In about four weeks after my conversion, according to 210 HISTOEY OF THE EBBEHAETS. previous arrangement, I went to Sugar Creek settlement to teach school. It was about ten miles west of Franklin, Pa. This was the most pleasant school I ever taught. I liad about seventy well-behaved pupils ; so much so, that I had no occasion to punish any of them. Here I found a society of warm-hearted, zealous Christians, belonging to the Evangelical Association, with whom I worshiped, and among whom I commenced to exhort a little. They had a peculiarity I will men- tion. They had an outward manifestation, or " bodily exercise," when warm in the spirit, known as the " jerks." It would sometimes lift them from the seat, and not infrequently throw them on the floor and "jerk" them around fearfully. This at first seemed extremely ludicrous to me, but after becoming accustomed to it, and finding them to be a fine, consistent. Christian people, I soon, strange to tell, felt symptoms of the same " opera- tions of the spirit." But, with the apostle, believing that this kind of " bodily exercise profiteth little," and is more a custom than anything else, I resisted it, and it did not return. During the summer of 1841 I was at home most of the time, assisting my father on the farm. That fall I took a school in Rockland township, Armstrong county. Pa. This was a very large school of mostly uncultured, large scholars. I did not like it, so 1 quit at the close of the second month. Am, however, glad to record that four or five of my best pupils were converted and are now useful ministers of the Gospel. In one week I com- menced teaching again, two miles northwest of Franklin, the county seat of Venango county. Pa., not far from the noted " Oil Creek." This was an excellent school, and I greatly enjoyed it. The following summer I was again at home working HISTORY OF THE EBEEHARTS. 211 on the farm. I bought forty-three acres of land from my father, and spent some of my time improving it. I culti- vated nine acres, and had good crops. I also spent con- siderable time at my books, by way of preparation for the ministry, for my convictions were growing stronger every day that I was called to preach the Gospel. I had this impression as soon as I was converted, but from the first resisted it. For, in those days, this kind of a minis- try was not only very unpopular, but also very hard and unremunerative. And more than this, I felt to say, " who is sufficient for these things." I did not have a classical education, and by many it was looked upon as sacrilegious for one to enter the ministry without first having taken a regular course at college. So after some fearful conflicts of mind, I one day came to what I sup- posed was a final settling of this whole business. I said to myself : "You have a good beginning forone of your age. The riches and honors of the world are before you. Seek them, and do not trouble your brains about preaching any more. Let preach who will, I will now drop this matter forever." Ail that day I had a feeling of relief, vainly promising myself that I was now released from this duty. So I began to arrange for building a house that fall. I also thought of a certain young lady with whom I had been acquainted, who I intended to solicit to share with me the riches and honors which I fancied just a little in the future, and needed only to be claimed to be possessed. But alas ! ' ' How vain are all things here below. How false and yet how fair." On retiring to rest I found some difficulty in saying my prayers, for I could not say from the heart, as I was in the habit of doing, " Thy will be done." For hours there was neither " sleep nor slumber to mine eyes." At aboiit 212 HISTORY OF THE EBEEHAETS. midnight I saw a terrible vision — whether in a dream or a direct revelation I know not. I thought the last judg- ment had come, and as I was brought before the judge, it was said: " Ye knew your master's will and did it not; Thou shalt be beaten with many stripes." And as I was about to be handed over to the tormentors, the most indescribable feeling of guilt and remorse came upon me so that in anguish I cried out, " My God, have mercy on me." That moment all disappeared, and I was greatly relieved to know that it was only a vision. I cried so loud that it awoke my father, who was sleeping down-stairs in another part of the house, who hastened up to learn what was wrong. I then fell on my knees and most penitently, yet most positively, promised God I would cast aside all my air castles on which I had been building my imaginary wealth and honor, and faithfully perform the work He had assigned me. " Yea," I said, " Here am I Lord, send me." My soul was then filled with peace and glory that can not be told by mortal tongue. Toward morning I fell asleep again, and the same vision appeared again, but the scene was quite different. 1 saw a vast concourse of people, and was told to go and preach to them. It seemed like a great undertaking, but as I had promised to be obedient I was willing to try. I thought I stood before the congregation and opened a large Bible which was handed me and told them where they could find my text. I did not read it, and did not know what it was until the next day on opening the Bible where I had told them they could find it, and it was this : " Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the Spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life." 2 Cor. 3: 6. I then thought I opened ray mouth, which was filled with words of power, that so affected the people that HISTORY OF THK KBEEHAETS. 213 hundreds and thousands fell on their faces and cried for mercy. I then ran among them and waved the Bible over them, which turned into a " two-edged sword " in my hand, and then the "slain of the Lord " were many. As I felt that the " King's business requireth haste," I already, the next day, commenced disposing of my prop- erty, preparatory to entering the work. My land I gave back to my father, and the crop, which was only partly gathered, I told him to take care of, and pay me what it was worth. I felt as though I never wanted to own " a foot of land, or cottage in this wilderness." In about two weeks I went to Red Bank, in Clearfield county. Pa., to teach school during the winter, for the purpose of raising funds with which to purchase a horse and saddle, that I might be ready in the coming spring to attend conference and commence my cosmopolitan life. I had a pleasant school, and enjoyed myself very much religiously, as they were a fine, zealous people, and I had all the freedom I desired to exercise my talents in the way of holding meetings. At the close of my school, I soon had myself equipped with horse, saddle and saddle pockets, and the necessary wearing apparel for one year so that on the 24th day of March, 1843, 1 bade farewell to my father's family, mounted my horse, and started for conference, to be held near Carlisle, Pa., ^ome 300 miles distant. It was cold, wintry weather. The snow drifts were from four to six feet deep, and it was with difficulty I could make twenty miles a day. On the 27th I met Rev. Jacob Heis, at Isaac Matters, with whom I was to go to conference, and that p. m. preached my first regular ser- mon to a class of colored people, on the Red Bank. I suc- ceeded much better than I had expected. Text, Heb. 4 : 9. The next day we started together on our journey, but stopped over two days with a family by the name of 214 HISTOEY OF THE EBERHAETS. Baurermeister, where I again preached from 1 Thess. 5 : 24. We then went on to the foot of the Alleghany mountains and stopped with a Mr. Dunmire overnight, intending the next daj', Saturday, to cross the mountain. The snow was twenty inches deep, and much drifted, with a crust on it. For nine miles across the mountain no house of any kind was found, and no living thing seen or heard, save deer, wildcats and panthers. We made headway slowly, having to walk and break the crust for our horses. We soon got very tired, and our horses began to fail, when we awoke to the stern fact that it was mid-day and we were not yet half-way across. It was now certain we could not cross over and very doubt- ful whether we could get back again, as we had nothing to eat and nothing for our horses. What to do we could not divine. We held a council of war and passed many resolutions, but all of no avail. We finally got on our knees in the deep snow and prayed mightily to God for help, and my companion wept bitterly, saying: "I am the 'Jonah' — cast me overboard." I comforted him as best I could. We at last decided to make a vigorous effort to get back to the place we left in the morning, which we accomplished some time in the night, but both ourselves and horses were nearly exhausted. This was the first trial of my itinerant life and a day never to be for- gotten. I was tempted to return to my former occupa- tion, but soon got the victory, and then saw that God had only been testing my faith and perseverence to see if I was fit for this great work. This circumstance detained us three days, and then we had to go round another way to cross the mountains, so that we did not get to the conference until nearly its close. But on April 6, 1843, I was licensed to preach in the Evangelical Association, taken into the West Penn- HISTORY OF THE EBERHAETS. 215 sylvania Conference on trial, and stationed on Somerset Circuit, in western Pennsjdvania. I had Rev. Simon McClean for 'preacher in charge.' He was a good, pious man, but very limited in his education as well as his men- tal abilities. This was rather discouraging, as I had made great calculations on being taught by him how to preach. This circuit was three hundred miles in circumfer- ence, covering the western part of Pennsylvania and parts of western Virginia and Maryland, and required the crossing of the Alleghany and Laurel Hill mountains twice each time round. We had twenty-eight appoint- ments, so each of us got round every four weeks, which gave the people preaching every two weeks. I preached about half the time in English and the other half in Ger- man. Some times I preached the same sermon in both languages to the same congregation ; as some could not understand me, no difference which language I spoke in. During the year I tried to preach 348 times and traveled nearly four thousand miles. I found it a self-denying, laborious work, as we held about a dozen protracted and camp-meetings, and were "incessant in labors" day and night. I weighed 173 pounds when I commenced, and in three months lost thirty pounds, which I never regained until in 1862 while in the " field service " of the army. And yet, I greatly enjoyed it, as I had many warm friends and good homes, and our labors were abundantly blessed. "We had a revival the whole year round, and hundreds were con- verted. In a pecuniary sense, I did not gain much, as I received only $44 for my share as an unmarried man. With this I paid a debt of §35 on the outfit I had when I started, and with the balance, and the gifts I received, I managed to live very comfortably. At one time, I had " neither 216 HISTORY OF THE EBEKHAETS. purse nor scrip," for three months, but suffered no incon- venience, as I needed none. I believed in the apostle's injunction, " Owe no man an^'thing," hence I squared up my accounts at conference every year. This year the conference met at Milheim, Center county. Pa. The Somerset circuit was divided, and' that part lying west of the Laurel Hill mountain was called Westmoreland circuit. To this new charge I was appointed. It was a very pleasant field, and I.had a pros- perous year. The work soon became too large for one man, so in the fall a young man from Pittsburg by the name of Wm. Plannett was appointed to assist me. He was talented and brilliant but hard to manage. We extended our borders to West Newton, on the the Youghiogheny river, westward ; and New Salera, northward. Near this place resided my father's mother, and my mother's father, Frederick Amand. They greatlj^ enjoyed my visits. This year I became acquainted with Miss Catharine Giesey, to whom I was married the fol- lowing year. I traveled over 3,000 miles, preached 202 sermons, and received $52 for my salary. It is true, I collected much more, but in those days we had to make a pro rata division with all the ministers, according to the size of their fami- lies, and $52 was the share for a single preacher this year. Of course all necessary traveling expenses were paid. The conference convened in York, Pa., March 11, 1845. Here I was ordained deacon by Bishop Long and taken into full connection, and returned to Westmoreland Cir- cuit. Rev. James Fulton, a local preacher, assisted me considerably. We held one camp and a number of revival meetings, and altogether had a good year, though not as many converts as the first year. On June 11, 1845, 1 was united in the bonds of matrimony with Catharine Mar- HISTORY OF THE EBEKHAETS. 21Y garet Giesey, of Ligonier, Westmoreland county, Pa. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. Daniel Kerri my presiding elder. She was converted during the pre- vious year, at a meeting we held near her father's home, and was a devoted christian; and well adapted to the peculiarities of the worlf I was engaged in. Her father, John Giesey, was the son of the Kev. Henry Giesey, who was a German Reformed minister, and pastor of the same congregation in Berlin, Pa., over fifty years. We did not keep house this year, but lived with my wife's parents. Near the close of the year we went per buggy, via Carlisle, Harrisburg and Reading, to AUentown, Pa., where my brother Levi was married to Miss Rebecca Xander. Then together we visited Philadelphia, Orwigsburg, and other places of note, on our way to New Berlin where our conference convened. On this trip I had two narrow escapes from drowning while crossing the Susquehanna and Antlana rivers. I preached this year two hundred and two sermons and traveled three thousand and six hundred miles. At this conference we were appointed to Cumberland circuit, in Cumberland valley, extending from Harris- burg to Chambersburg. This is a beautiful rich old country, and the charge was considered one of the wealthiest and best in the conference. But I did not enjoy it as well as in the " back-woods," or western part of the State. It is true we received a good support, and a ffoodlv number were taken into the church, but there Avas wanting that cordial hospitality, true friendship, and christian forbearance that I met with on former fields. We moved to this charge in a two-seated open buggy, and had all our tvealth in two trunks and a pair of saddle-pockets. We rented two rooms on the second floor of an old log house, near Carlisle, and 218 HISTOET OF THE EBEEHAETS. commenced " house-keeping." The members furnished us with the necessary furniture, viz.: one bed-stead, one table, six chairs and an old stove — altogether worth fifty dollars. But we did not "despise the day of small things," and were happy and contented, as we were not seeking wealth and ease. Eev. J. M. Young was my colleague this year, and was a faithful, good man. This year the conference was held on our charge, in the Leath Hart Spring Church. We found it a pleasant but rather difficult task to entertain all the guests. As the work had very much increased, it was thought best to divide it. We were sent to the western part, called Franklin circuit, which extended over Franklin county clear up to Hancock, in Maryland. Rev. Wm. B. Gregg, a young man from Harrisburg, was- taken into the conference this 3'ear and put on with me as "junior preacher." He was an excellent young man, and after- wards was married to my wife's sister. Miss Hattie Giesey. He is still in the ministry in some of the East- ern States. We moved into Leesburg, four miles east of Shippensbui'gh, and lived in a rented house. We had from sixteen to eighteen appointments, and, altogether, it was a prosperous year. We held a great many extra meetings, and had several fine revivals. Here I will relate a strange phenomenon, one that may be difficult to understand and hard to believe in these days of refine- ment. We had been holding extra meetings in the brick church at Leesburg for about four weeks with but little success, as there had been serious trouble in the society. I felt terribly over the matter, but had no thoughts of beating a retreat, for in those days my faith was so strong that I believed, God assisting me, there was no such thing as failure; so I prepared a sermon for the HISTORY OF THE EBBRHAKTS. 219 emergency. I spent the day in fasting and prayer, and in the evening preached to a crowded house. During the sermon I felt that God was strengthening me, and we should have victory; so, at the close of the sermon I stepped out of the pulpit and stood on the front of the altar, pleading with sinners to come and be saved, when suddenly there came a great power, "as of a rushing, mighty wind," over the congregation, and I fell to the floor as quick as though I had been shot. For a few moments I was unconscious, bat, as soon as I came to myself, I raised to my feet, and lo and behold ! the " slain of the Lord were many." More than one-half of the whole congregation were lying prostrate, and saint and sinner crying mightily to God for mercy. Many of the un- godly were trying to " flee from the presence of the Lord," and crowding each other to get out of the house — some of them falling after they got out. One hard old case, liv- ing about a mile from town, ran for home as hard as he could, but when he got to the lane leadmg to his house he, too, "fell "and laid there until the next morning, when some of his family found him. In the church the meeting continued all night and the most of next day. It was one vast " altar of prayer." Scores were weeping and crying for pardon, and many were shouting and sing- ing the praises of God. Altogether, it was one of the best meetings I ever held. On this charge we had many warm friends who did not only pay their "quarterage," but also gave us many presents, such as clothing, eatables and horse feed, so that we enjoyed ourselves very much among them. Here too, unto us " a child was born," whose name we called Alvin Giesey. He was a welcome visitor. The conference met at Milheim, Center county, Pa., March 15, 1848. I went to the conference, fully expect- ing to be returned to Franklin, but to my great astonish- 220 HISTORY OF THE EBBEHAETS. ment I was sent to Shrewsbury, a very poor and much neglected work in York county, Pa. I informed my pre- siding elder he could look out for another man, that I could not go, and went home. I felt that my ability had been underestimated and that I was badly treated. My wife was very much troubled on hearing it, and said we had better re-consider it, and not act hastily. She further said, after having such a good charge this year, we can surely endure a poor one for a year. So we talked over it, and prayed over it, and the next day decided we would go. This was the only time in a ministry of forty years that I had serious thoughts of not going to my appointed work, and this perfectly cured me, as the sequel will make plain. So I informed my elder I would go, and we got ready and took up our abode in Shrewsbury, York county, Pa. This year I laboi'ed alone. It was a heavy work, but I had grand success. "We had good revivals at nearly every appointment ; and commenced the building of two churches. The people were very kind to us, and vied with each other in conferring favors upon us until our wardrobe, cellar and larder Avere overflowing ; and this did not, in the least, diminish the regular salar\^ We also had more than the usual number of wedding fees. I gave to my wife all these fees, paid in gold, and at the close of the year she had over two hundred dollars, with which we bought a carriage. Thus you see that all our fears of not being supported, which we had entertained as a reason for not wanting to go to this chai^ge, were entirely groundless and false, for we had no debts and more money when we left this charge than ever before or for years after. Here our second child, Esther Naomi, was born. "We went to conference at Loganville, York county, Pa., desiring, and fully expecting, to return to this now HISTORY OF THE EBEEHAETS. 221 good circuit ; but, to my great surprise, when the ballots cast to elect presiding elders were counted, it was announced that U. Eberhart had a majority and was duly elected. This news fairly shocked me, as I had not so much as thought of such an occurrence, inasmuch as I was only twenty-nine years of age and liad only been six years in the ministry and the conference had never before elected one so young. So, according to this arrangement, it now became our duty to hastily sever the ties of love and friendship which bound us to this people and take up our journey of 200 miles across the mountains to our new field of labor on Somerset District. We took up our residence in Somerset, Somerset county, Pa., as this was a central part of the work, in a healthy climate, amid beautiful scenery on top of the Alleghany mountains. My district extended over the western part of Pennsylvania, the western arm of Mary- land and western Virginia, as far east as the Shenandoah valley. It was a very laborious field, as it is a very hilly and mountainous country, and I had to travel in my own conveyance, there being no railroads in those days. I had four or five mountains and as many large rivers to cross every time around the district ; and, as there were scarcely any bridges or even ferry-boats, I usually had to ford or swim the streams. As a whole, this was the hardest field it was ever my lot to cultivate. I frequently had to be away from home from two to four weeks at a time ; and sometimes I had to sleep under a blanket or two, with very little between me and the slats or ropes, so that in the morning I would feel sore and chilly. Then, perhaps, the next night they would put me between a couple of huge feather-beds with a hot fire close by and nearly roast me alive. To say the least, I would dream I was in the tropical regions. 222 HI8T0EY OF THE BBEEHAETS. The first conference after I came to the district was held March -12, 1850, at N"e\v Columbia, on the Susque- hanna river; the second one at Berlin, Somerset county, Pa., March 11, 1851, where I was elected a delegate to the General Conference held at Flat Rock, Columbiana county, Ohio, during the month of September, 1851. At this conference it was decided to publish an English paper, known as the Evangelical Messenger. In a few weeks after I sent in a list of seventy-eight subscribers, the largest number sent in at one time. It is now in the thirty-seventh year of its existence, and has been a power for good in the land. It was also decided to organize an English conference, to be called the Pittsburgh Confer- ence. As I had taken an active part in the formation of this conference I, of course, belonged to it, and must say that a nobler company of heroic workers I never met ; and never in all my ministry was I so fully united in love and sympathy with any set of •' laborers in the vineyard of the Lord " as with these faithful brethren. And, if ever there was a time in my ministry when it could be said that I was a " popular preacher," it was while I was on this dis- trict. Especially was this the case in western Yirginia, where we held a great many quarterly and camp-meetings in the grove, as there were but few churches, and the houses too small to hold the hundreds, and frequently thousands, that would assemble. Men, women and chil- dren would come from ten to fifteen miles " ahorse-back" to hear the " pale-faced boy " presiding elder. And I am satisfied that I had more admiring, warm-hearted friends in Virginia than anywhere else. It was a common occur- rence at the close of a meeting to have a dozen or more "Colonels," "Majors," "Captains," or "Squires," come to me and vie with each other in trying to persuade me to go home with them. And, after we got there, which HISTORY OF THE EBEEHARTS. 223 frequently was a journey of miles over hills and valleys, there was usually not a little excitement and flurry around the premises to make their guest as comfortable as possi- ble. All the colored servants, from the kitchen to the barn, had to be on tip-toe, and hop round and get ready a " roast turkey," or " roast pig," or " boiled ham," with the necessary accompaniments, and then we had a royal feast. A more hospitable and kind-hearted people I never found, to such as were considered worthy subjects. We lived two years in Somerset and then moved to Ligonier, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, where we lived in my father-in-law's house during the balance of my four years' stay on the district. This made it very pleasant, as my family was fully cared for during my absence. While yet living at Somerset, there came to us another son, whom we called John Abraham. This, according to my judgment, was the most perfect and prematurely developed child I ever saw. Also while residing at Somerset, I had the misfortune to fracture both my arms and dislocate the wrist joint of my right arm, by a fall of nine feet from a cherry tree. This was quite a trial, as it disabled me so that for a month I could not dress or undress myself, neither could I eat or drink anything except what was put into my mouth. During this time I learned to exercise some of Job's patience, and to appreciate a good wife. In four weeks I went 100 miles to a camp-meeting in Virginia, in my own conveyance, with both my arms boxed to the elbows. I was in the care of Rev. William B. Gregg, my brother-in- law, who did all he could for my comfort. Once, going up a long mountain, our horse got tired and a little " balky," and commenced backing the carriage toward the lower side of the road, where was a precipice of more than 100 feet, So I sprang out just as the hind wheels 224 HISTORY OF THE BBEEHAETS. were about going over. This so scared the horse that he too sprang forward, and we were all saved. During this meeting I preached about once a day with my arms in a "sling." This aroused the sympathies of the people, so that my preaching was more effectual than usual, both in a spiritual and temporal sense. Many were saved and the collections were large. During the four years I was on the district I labored very hard, and was much exposed to all kinds of weather, so that I now feel that I sacrificed the prime of my manhood, both mentally and physically, to this work. I preached nearly every day, and traveled over 12,000 miles, and during all this time made but one trip per cars, as railroads were scarce and far between in those days. All this so impaired my health, that I found it necessary to take a superannuated relation. I suffered from bronchial sore throat, which also affected m}'^ lungs so that I was pronounced consumptive by some of the best physicians of the land. Under the direction of Dr. Sitzer, a noted German physician, I moved to the top of the Alleghany Mountains, and took treatment of him three months, without any visible benefit. I then took the prescriptions of the great Dr. Fitch, of New York, six months — using his ''inhaling tube," and wearing shoulder braces, — but all without a cure. I continued in this condition, with some variations, and in the same relation to the conference for two years, during which time I resided in Berlin, Somerset county. Pa., and only preached thirteen times the first year and eighteen times the second. But during this time I acted as president of the board of trustees, and also as agent of Albright Seminary, an institution of learning, which a few of us had just started, and given to the Pittsburg Conference of the Evangelical Association. My brother, J.F. Eberhart, HISTORY OF THE EBBRHAItTS. 225 was its first principal, of whom I took private Jessons in Latin and Greek and Mental Philosophy. Rev. H. W. Thomas, Rev. W. B. Gregg and others were in the same class with me, and the last winter I also taught a few classes in the Seminary. But all this time found no per- manent relief, so in accordance with the advice of a good common sense physician and my own better judgment I decided to move "West, and try what benefit I could derive from inhaling the bracing winds of the prairies. Accordingly, I got ready, selling m\' horse and carriage to raise money to defray our moving expenses, and started March 31, 1855, per railroad, and landed at Dixon, 111., April 4th, a stranger in a strange land. After paying my moving expenses and buying a cook stove, table and six chairs, I had seventy dollars left. This was all I had in any shape or form, with a wife and three children to pro- vide for. This I paid as the down money for an old balky mare, which I bought for $110, giving my note for $40. I then rented a house from a Mr. Courtright, and some farming land from a Mr. Moyer, about 2^ miles east of Dixon, 111., and commenced " tilling the soil." I sowed three acres in wheat, three in oats, and planted twenty acres in corn. My crops were very good. The corn averaged fifty bushels of shelled corn to the acre. I enjoyed it. I laid aside my sacerdotal robes, put on a straw hat and worked in the ground barefooted ; and soon found it was the true panacea for superannuated min- isters. "When I moved "West I had but faint hopes of ever being able to do active work in the ministry again, but now at the close of this summer's outdoor work I found myself so renewed and invigorated that I at once decided not to abandon my cherished life work. So I disposed of my crops, and moved to Brookville, Ogle county. 111., and spent the winter in assisting the pastors 226 HISTOEY OF THE EBEEHAETS. in revival work. We had good success, and I enjoyed it. And the people were very kind to us, and abundantly supplied all our temporal wants. I now began to seriously consider the question of entering the regular ministry again, and upon investigation found that the Evangelical Association had no English appointments in the Illinois Conference, and not only so, but were actually opposed to having anything to do with the English work, assigning as a reason that Albright organized the church for the special benefit of the Germans of this country. This was very embarrassing to me, as I did not wish to leave the church of my first choice. But inasmuch as the English language is the language of our nation, in which the laws of the land are administered, and in which the most of the books, magazines and papers are printed, I did not believe it to be right or wise for me to limit myself to the German language. So after consultation with my friends and much prayer, I finally decided to join the Methodist Episcopal Church. This might be considered as a small matter by many, inasmuch as the doctrines of the two churches are alike, and the government and temporal economy almost the same, but to me it was a very im- portant change. A man changing his church relations necessarily loses his former prestige and standing, and must start anew where he goes, and is likely to bring upon himself the criticism of both churches. Both look upon him with more or less distrust. But notwithstanding all this, I am well satisfied, in reviewing the past, that under the circumstances I made the change. It brought me into a larger field and higher sphere of usefulness. So I made application to C. C. Best, presiding elder of the Galena District, and was appointed to Hanover charge for the balance of the year. And on April 10, 1856, arrived at Hanover with my family, and moved into HISTORY OF THE EBEEHAETS. 227 a rented house. This was a two-weeks circuit, and a very pleasant field. I had good success. The conference this year was held at Aurora, 111., and was the first M. E. conference I ever attended; T very much admired the systematic and orderly way in which the business was dispatched. Here I became personally acquainted with the sainted Bishop Simpson, who, according to my judg- ment, considering every trait of character, was the best and the greatest of all the ministers I ever became acquainted with. He was a man after my own heart. Through him I was received into the conference and itin- erancy of the Methodist Episcopal Church September 6, 1856, and again appointed to Hanover. We had a prosper- ous year. Many were converted and the members revived. This year the conference was at Rockford and I was appointed to Lena, 111. We had a nice parsonage, and everything opened up nicely, but alas ! this was a sad and eventful year to me. Here I buried my dear wife and child. She had a premonition that "the time of her departure was at hand," so she made every necessary preparation, giving directions with reference to her burial, the disposition of her personal effects and the care and training of the children. The babe, tlie great concern of her soul, who up to that morning appeared to be as healthy as any child I ever saw, was taken home just ninety minutes before she left, being seventeen days old. This was in accord with her most fervent prayers. She had become very feeble, so that she could not lift a hand or speak a word — appar- ently just lingering on the shores of time "a little longer" to take her babe with her. For as soon as it had breathed its last, and was laid by her side, she commenced dying. She was laid in a beautiful coffin, the child in her arms, and buried in the cemetery at Lena, HI., according to her own request. A marble slab, with a 228 HISTORY OF THE EBEEHAKTS. little lamb and broken rose-bud out on it, marks their last resting-place. She was a woman of marked characteris- tics, and well adapted to the work of the itinerant's wife. She was a good mother and devoted wife, always cheerful? and yet decidedly religious. She was especially noted for having strong faith in God. Death had no terrors for her. She looked upon death and often spoke of it as simply a pleasant passage from earth to heaven. A few days before she died she twice fell into a trance, and for a few hours appeared to be unconscious, but when she came to herself she sang in unearthly strains (composing her own song), and in overwhelming ecstasies over heavenly visions, shouting aloud the praises of God — stating that she had been in the celestial world, where she saw many of her departed friends, naming her sister Belinda and others. To me she gave special directions with reference to the children, saying : " Don't break up housekeeping." " Keep the children together, and see that they are properly trained and educated; and preach the gospel as long as you are able to do so." Accordingly I got my sister Rebecca to keep house for me, and we did very well for the time being. Our next conference was held at Waukegan, 111., August 25, 1858. I was appointed to Winnebago, west of Eockford, III. A very good charge. They had a fine parsonage, and were strong numerically and financially. They paid me well, and we had a grand revival. I labored altogether three months in revival meetings this year. On December 29th of this 3'ear I was again joined in marriage to Miss Lovicy Ann May, of Hanover, 111. I found " it was not good for man to be alone " — especially for a minister with a family of small chil- dren. I would say, to all in similar circumstances, with Dr. Clarke, " By all means get married." HISTORY OF THE EBERHAETS. 229 Miss May was a maiden lady of twenty -six, with whom I was well acquainted, as I had been twice her pastor. She also was a favorite of my wife, who on her death- bed referred her to my consideration. She was'a devoted, zealous christian and an efficient worker in the church, and made a very affectionate and provident mother for my children. Many noble and talented women were pre- sented to my special consideration during my widower- hood, but now, after walking with her the path of life for over thirty 3'ears, I am more than ever convinced that she was just the one for me. And here I put my veto on the old tradition " that a second love is not as strong as the first." This year the conference was at Galena, 111. My wife went with me, and we had an enjoyable time. We were sent to Council Hill Station, seven miles east of Galena. This was the first and only time I was moved at the end of the first year without a reasonable cause ; but this time to accommodate others, the " big iron wheel " was brought to bear upon me. But it was all right so far as I was concerned, as I had before learned that any field is good enough if we only go in the right spirit. This, however, was in some respects a very peculiar work. It was in the lead mines, among the English. I had seventeen local and superannuated preachers on tlie "official board," and every one of them bound to be on the " preacher's plan " and take his turn in preaching. The members were mostly poor miners, but always managed to pay their " class money " — not in garden sauce or any kind of trade, but in gold or silver. They lived generally in little huts and cabins, but nearly always had a good library and were well read in Methodist theology, so that I am compelled to say they were the most critical hearers it was ever my lot to preach to. They were very zealous, 230 HISTORY OF THE BBEEHAKTS. and yet rather progressive. Here, for the first time in my ministry, the}^ had an orchestra in the church, consist- ing of a bass viol, two common violins and other musical instruments ; and they sang the four parts, played and shouted with all their might, so that it made " the welkin ring." We had good success this year in every way, so that we bought a parsonage, built a church, and had a grand revival. At this meeting both my children, Alvin and Naomi, were converted and taken into the church. And among other desirable events was the birth of a daughter, May 24, whom we named Florence May. My parents and my wife's parents, and many other friends and relatives, having moved to the State of Iowa', we also decided to go to the "Eldorada" of the West. Accordingly I was transferred from the Eock Eiver to the Upper Iowa Conference, and stationed at Anamosa, the county seat of Jones county. We arrived there Octo- ber 6, 1860. This was hard work as I had to preach three times on the Sabbath. But the people were very good, and much more social than at many places we had been. During the winter we had good revivals. This fall the conference was held at Marshalltown, Iowa, but I did not get there, as I took fever and ague on the way and had to lie over. This was the first and only time I ever had the regular " chill fever," and I never want it again. And this was the first and only time I was ever prevented from attending conference, sa;Ve when in the army. I was reappointed to Anamosa, as I expected. Last year I had the Rev. J. G. Wilkinson as colleague a part of the year. This year I had the Kev. Bishop Isbell to assist me. We got along very pleasantly, and our labors were blessed in the conversion of sinners, and upbuilding of the church. Meanwhile Fort Sumter fell, and the War of the HISTORY OF THE KBEEHAETS. 231 Rebellion was fairly inaugurated, assuming huge propor- tions, so that the people were aroused and excited as never before; and enlistments for the army were going on all around us. Two companies were organized in our town and neighborhood. But it never occurred to me that it would be proper for me to leave my work and go into the war, until one day some of the officers asked me if I would accept the chaplainc}' if they could get me appointed. After consultation with my family, and mak- ing it a subject of prayer, I decided in the affirmative, so they made application to the Sixteenth Kegiment Iowa infantry, but through the partiality and intrigue of some of the regimental officers I did not get it, though a majority of all the officers of the regiment voted for me. Let me here state that there was an alarming- amount of " bargain and sale " in connection with obtaining offices in the army. Shortly after this my presiding elder, the Rev. II. W. Heed, was appointed "Indian Agent," so he removed me to the Marion charge, intending that the minister there, the Rev. J. B. Taylor, should be appointed to the district. But "the powers that be" did not confirm this arrange-, ment, so we were both at Marion for a few months. But as there were several preaching places in the country, we both found work enough to do. Meanwhile, the president issued the call for 300,000 more soldiers. This made enlisting lively, as now nearly all classes felt bound to respond. Very soon five com- panies were raised in Linn county, and these with five more from Scott county were organized into the Twentieth Regiment Iowa infantry. To tiiis regiment my friends made application for the chaplaincy, and on August 22, 1862, I was almost unanimously elected, notwithstanding that there were about twenty candidates. And on August 232 HISTORY OF THE EBEEHAETS. 2oth, I was duly sworn into this official relation to the gov- ernment. Our regiment was organized at Clinton, Iowa, and then for a few days rendezvoused at Davenport, Iowa. So I quickly got ready for ray departure. I arranged to have my two older children, Alvin and Naomi, go to school at Mt. Vernon, and my wife, with Florence, was to go home to her parents. Father May's. Thus having made the best provision I could for them under the circumstances, I took leave of them on August 30, 1862, and joined my regi- ment at Clinton. This was a sad parting, as it then looked as though we might not meet again in this life. But I felt it an imperative duty to respond to my country's call in her time of need, no diiference what would become of me. We left Davenport September 5th, per boat, having received orders to go to Kolia, Mo. At JSTauvoo we had to take barges, in order to get over the rapids. Then per boat the " Northerner" to St. Louis, where we stopped a week in "Benton Barracks," that we might be more fully initiated into the preparatory drill, and be better equipped and supplied with all the paraphernalia of war. On the boat going down the river I tried to preach to about 1,000 soldiers, having for my pulpit the bow of the boat ; but it did not go very well, as the noise of the fireman and spray of the water made too much confusion. It was "sowing to the Avind" and not "casting your bread on the waters." At St. Louis on Sabbath, Septem- ber 14, just as I was getting ready to preach in the great amphitheater containing 20,000 people, we got marching orders, and so imperative are military orders that we could not even wait to hold our service. That night at 8 o'clock we landed at Eolla, and as we had our bedding packed in the cars I slept on the " soft side" of a plank on the railroad platform. We were now in an enemy's land, where we must throw aside the romance of war and HISTORY OF THE BBBKHARTS. 233 test its reality on the battle-field and that, too, with our brethren of the same nation. These things strangely exercised my mind so that it seemed almost as though I could not muster courage enough to face the deathly weapon on the field of conflict. But I soon learned that there is such a thing as a spirit of war, and that on the battle-field both man and beast soon become intoxicated with it and then rush furiously and madly into the very jaws of death. Our first engagemeat was at JSTewtonia, near the Boston mountains. The enemy was entrenched in a stone barn, with a stone wall eight feet high around it, and about 7,000 strong. "We had then about 10,000 which were divided into three divisions. We made a forced march of 100 miles to get there, and surprised them by attacking at sunrise, on three sides, viz.: East, West and North. After a few hours of canonading, they " skedad- dled " by an opening on the south side. Our men who had only been six weeks in the service were very much excited, but behaved well, and were brave for young soldiers. It is true, about a half-dozen got " sick " just when the bat- tle opened, and one, after firing once, broke ranks and ran, without claiming to be sick. He was the only man I met with during the war that really was a coward and could not fight, after repeated trials. He was repri- manded and " bucked " as a punishment, but all in vain. He was afterward detailed as a cook and did well. After the battle we encamped in a grove near by and for the first time suffered for food and clothing. The most of the men had cast off their heaviest clothing, some all but shirt and pants, before going into the battle, supposing they could return and get it again. But in this they were disappointed, as it was confiscated by the "con- trabands " and citizens, and, as we had no tents and it got 234 HISTOBY OF THE EBERHARTS. much colder, we suffered considerably. And in the excitement the haversacks were also thrown away by the most of them, so there was nothing' on hand to eat and nothing could be found in that country but a few old cows as poor as " Pharaoh's kine," for the rebels had foraged all over the land. But it was not long until these cows were brought up and shot, and then every one rushed up and cut off the piece he could grab and at once put it on a fire and broiled it as best he could, eating it without salt or bread of any kind. This made many sick. I had a few " hard tack " left, but the poor beef and poor water made me sick for the first time since in the army. The field service agreed with me so well that in a short time I weighed 175 pounds, whereas I only weighed 155 when I enlisted. I soon learned that we had a goodly number in the regiment who belonged to some of the different relig- ious denominations and that their moral character and religious enjoyment would be likely to suffer during their a.rmy life, hence I proposed the organization of a regi- mental church. This met with a hearty approval by a majority. Accordingly, we organized at once, calling it the Christian Society of the Twentieth Iowa Kegiment. We had a regular constitution and by-laws. We had a president, vice-president, secretary and treas- urer, and a committee of five chosen by the society, who together constituted a Board of Adjudication, for the settlement of all disputes and the punishment or expul- sion of disorderly members. We held preaching, prayer and conference meetings regularly each Sabbath and several times during the week when not prevented by unavoidable circumstances or military orders. We also had a Sunday-school, or rather a Bible class, in each com- pany. Our society numbered nearly 200, and we had fre- HISTORY OF THE EBEEHARTS. 235 quent additioas to our church, both by conversioDs and otherwise. We held one " revival meeting," and once administered the sacrament of the Lord's Supper right out in the grove. Nearly all attended service, when convenient. We had two officers, and a few others, who professed to be infi- dels and tried to oppose us, but could accomplish but little, as our colonel, Mc. E. Dye, was most decidedly in our favor. He was raised and trained in the Episcopal Churchj and was a nobleman, an excellent scholar both in science and literature, graduating at West Point, and made one of the best officers I met with during the war. During the winter of 1862-3 we traveled over the greater part of the State of Missouri and northwestern Arkansas and were never long at one place, as we were in search of rebels, who kept a proper distance in our advance, and never stood long enough for anything but a little " skirmishing," until December 7th, at Prairie Grove. This was a regular " pitched battle " between Gen. Hindman, of the Confederate army, with 25,000 of the best drilled soldiers they had, and Generals Herron and Blunt on our side, each with about 12,000 fresh vol- unteers. The enemy was well entrenched in a fgrove behind a hill, and we had to form our line of battle on an open prairie. But we had the best and most artillery. The battle did not fairly open until about 2 p. m., as they were reluctant to come out from behind their fortifi- cations. But finally some of our men, getting'^impatient for the fight, rushed right up to their works. On seeing this, they turned their whole army loose on our left wing, and drove us back pell-mell, so that it soon got to be a little "Bull Eun" stampede. I shall never forget the sight, much less the feelings I had when I saw our men fleeing in such disorder and 236 HISTOEY OF THE BBEEHA.ETS. the rebels in hot haste after them. I, of course, thought all was up and we were prisoners of war. But standing a minute, wondering and praying what to do, a strange, patriotic spirit took hold of me, inspiring me with hope that something might yet be done to avert our utter destruction; and, not being able to find any of the higher officers with whom to counsel, I mounted my pony and rode in advance of the fleeing, panic-stricken soldiers, cry- ing "halt! halt!" But they did not heed me at first. I then commenced pleading with them, and urging them, for the sake of their country and their families and their Christianity to stop, turn around and try it over again. At last, when they got to a little grove, I got them to hold on a little, but were not willing to go back into the battle. About this time I heard heavy artillery firing on the other side, so I rode up to General Herron's head- quarters, who had been considerably dumbfounded, and learned that General Blunt had just arrived and opened on the enemy's rear. This did not only stop them from pursuing us, but suddenly caused them to " round-about- face " to fight him. So I went back to my forlorn band, and had but little trouble to persuade them to " face about " and fall into rank, and go in on the rear of those who, only a few minutes before, had been pursuing them ; and then for an hour it was woe to the rebels ! This was a very decided battle. It was claimed that, considering the numbers employed and the time engaged, it "was the most effective battle of the war. That nioht I shall never forget. I was up all night taking care of the wounded and dying. We had about one hundred in and around an old log house, confiscated for this purpose. After midnight the surgeon and all the nurses gave out from fatigue and loss of sleep. I alone was left to take care of so many ; so I had to be as nearly ubiquitous as HISTORY OF THE EBEEHAETS. 237 it was possible for a mortal to be. Almost simultaneously I would hear the call, " Chaplain, please give me a drink ;" " Can't you get some more cover for me? I am shivering ; " " O, come and adjust my limb ! " " Chaplain, do you think I am mortally wounded?" "Will you pray for me?" " "Will you write to my friends all about this ? " For my efforts in rallying the men and faithful services this day I received special commendation in the official report of the battle sent to "Washington. The next day we buried our dead in a circle around a large oak tree, with military honors and Christian sim- plicity ; and on the fifth day we assisted our enemies to bury their dead, which were still lying round by scores, rapidly decomposing and being devoured by swine which were permitted to roam over the country. "We also fed and cared for twenty-five hundred wounded rebels left on the battle-field. We got our wounded to the hospital at Fayetteville, Ark., as soon as possible, and I staid with them several weeks taking care of them. On December 26th our army got orders to move southward, but as many were sick and wounded a detachment was left behind, and I was detailed as adjutant-general of the camp, which oflice I filled as well as I could in connection with the office of brigade post-master and the duties of the chap- laincy. After the army returned, we moved on to Fayette- ville, Ark., and had a grand review of the entire army . It was said b}' many that I rode the gayest and most sprightly pony on the ground. It was an Indian pony of the Choctaw tribe, for which I paid fifty dollars when but four years old. I think it was the most perfect of the horse kind I ever saw. I rode on it when we entered "Vicksburg, and then sent it home and gave it as an anni- versary present to my wife, and we kept it until it was twenty-five years old, when it died and was buried. 238 HISTOET OF THE EBEEHAETS. From Fayetteville we traveled northward, via Huntsville and Cassville and Pea Eidge, to Camp Schofield, where we rested a few weeks. We had rain and snow and sleet and terribly bad roads all the way, so that it was no uncommon thing for our teams to stick in the mud a dozen times a day ; so at last we stuck all night and called it "Camp Stuck-in-the-mud." Here, in a grove of large trees, I spread my rubber blanket on the snow, five inches deep, with several inches of mud underneath it, and slept soundly, deciding the next morning that it was the soft- est bed I ever slept on . , February 9th we came to Camp Bliss, and the next day to Bloomington, where Ave stayed several weeks, then went on to Elk Creek, where we staid three weeks. Then to "Little Piney," into " Camp Totten." Here, on April 6, 1863, my wife came to visit me and staid with me seven weeks, living in the camp, and marching with us when we moved. I bought her a side-saddle, and bor- rowed a horse from " Uncle Sam " and we did some huge horse-back riding. My wife here tried an experiment in teaching the " contrabands " who came into camp. She sent for books, and in the afternoons, when we were not marching, taught them, and soon decided that they were not only capable but also very eager to learn. From Camp Totten we went to Rolla, Mo., then to Pilot Knob. Here my wife and I visited Iron Mountain, one mile high, com- posed of solid iron ore, which is said to yield ninet}' per cent. iron. Here my wife left me, returning home, and we moved on to the Mississippi river, and June 7, 1863, at Ge- neva, took boats for Yicksburg. We had a fleet of seven- teen boats, under command of Gen. Vandever. I had ■excellent quarters in a state-room on the J. D. Perry, with the rest of the officers. ISTo privates were admitted, so on Sabbath I preached to about one hundred officers in the HISTORY OF THE EBEEHAETS. 239 cabin of the boat. 1 gave them a plain sermon, remind- ing them of the responsibilities they assumed when they accepted Uncle Sam's shoulder-straps, and reprimanded them for profanity, drunkenness, and unnecessary Sabbath desecration. Some of them did not like it and got angry; but the great majority said : " You did just right." Dur- ing our trip to Yicksburg I distributed hundreds of testa- ments and five or six thousand tracts, which were gladly received by the soldiers, and I have good reason to believe I accomplished much good in this way. I often saw sol- diers, even when on duty, earnestly reading the Word of God, and in death frequently found either a bible or testa- ment after nearly all other luggage had been abandoned during the weary march. We got to Yicksburg Jung'll, 1887, and the next day crossed the Mississippi river below Yicksburg, landing at Warrenton. That night I saw the most terribly grand sight I ever witnessed. It was the " shelling " of the city by about two hundred mortar boats. They threw into it red-hot balls, the streaks of which could be seen like streaks of lightning ; but I could not see that they accom- plished much except the setting on fire of a few old build- ings. After we crossed the river and took our position on the south side of the city near the river, in the regular line with those who were already besieging the city, we were considerably annoyed by 200-pound shells, which fre- quently fell among us — sometimes exploding in the air and raining down upon us in a hundred pieces. They were fired from large siege guns, which the boys called " Whist- ling Jach^'' and " Whistling Dich^ They could send them three or four miles with considerable accuracy. At one time when some thirty officers of us went forward a half- mile with General Grant, to look for a suitable place to plant one of our large guns, they saw us with their 240 HISTOEY OF THE EBEEHAETS. glasses, and sent one of these shells among us to prevent the enterprise. It struck the higher ground above us, passed over our heads, and burst into a hundred pieces below us. We all ran, knowing that another one would follow soon, all but General Grant, who also hastened his usually slow pace somewhat, remarking : " I'll allow you to run when they send these big ones." During the time I was at the siege of Vicksburg, these large shells fre- quently dropped close by where I was standing, some- times without exploding, and sometimes exploding in the air above me into a hundred pieces, but I was never touched by one of them. God mercifully preserved my life, and I did not even feel afraid, for I could adopt the language of the psalmist, when he said : " He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty;" and " A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand but it shall not come nigh thee." I staid around Vicks- burg until the taking of the city, and during this time had a large experience. Here I first saw the so-called " Spanish-moss," or Mistletoe. It hasneither roots, leaves nor any external signs of life, and yet it is one of the hard- est things to kill known in the vegetable kingdom. It is used for upholstering, and if not first thoroughly cured by keeping it entirely under water for three or six months, it grows in the sofas and chairs afterward. Here I also first saw the far-famed " magnolia groves." These trees are as large as the oak trees in Northern for- ests, full of beautiful white flowers, from six to eight inches in diameter, filling the atmosphere with fragrant odors miles around. Here I also plucked the first ripe figs from the trees, growing in the forests and in the fields along the road-side, similar to plum-trees in the North. I found them very delicious when fully ripe. One pecu- HISTORY OF THE EBEEHAETS. 24:1 liarity of this kind of fruit is, that they do not all ripen at the same time. You may find buds, flowers, half-grown and ripe fruit on the tree at the same time. But the general appearance and climate of this country I did not lilie. It is too rough and hilly, and the atmosphere is not bracing enough. This accounts for the proverbial saying, that the negroes and Southern people in general are a slothful people. It affects a Northern man in the same way. He soon succumbs to climate, losing his elasticity and sprightliness. There are no winter's frosts to rejuve- nate the earth and purify the atmosphere, so as to make itinvigor'iting. Here, too, the insects and reptiles are not destroyed, or put to sleep, as they are in the North, but live and multiply the whole year round. Hence you find serpents, lizards, ticks, fleas, mosquitoes, gnats, flies and chiggars all the time to annoy and pester you. It is true this is the " Sunny South," but it is not free from clouds and storms, diseases and suffering. I continued around Vicksburg, taking care of the sick and wounded and burying the dead, until July i, 1863, when Gen. Pember- ton surrendered the city and we marched into it triumph- antly, taking charge of the 30,000 prisoners he delivered to us. This was one of the grandest and proudest days of my life. I had the privilege of riding in with the officers who had the honor of first planting the stars and stripes within the fortifications. It was my birthday, being forty two years of age, and also the birthday of my country's independence, and, above all, the breaking of the back- bone of the rebellion. It was glory enough for one day. I also had the honor of preaching the first sermon to the colored people after the surrender of the city. Their own church had been destro\'ed, and they had been forbidden to hold meetings of any kind for nearly two years pre- vious, as this would have given them an opportunity to 342 HISTOEY OF THE EBEEHARTS. hear and spread the current news among each other. They had not yet heard of President Lincoln's " Procla- mation of Emancipation," and were informed that the South had been victorious in all the principal battles up to this time, and would be unto the end. So I got per- mission of Gen. Grant to take them into the large Metho- dist Church, seating 1,200, and explain this matter to them. It was the happiest and most attentive congrega- tion I ever preached to. Every eye was intently fixed upon me, and every time I moved, the faces of the entire audience moved with me, and every word was eagerly devoured. In fifteen minutes they were all shouting happy, and I had to quiet them a little so as to be able to proceed. This I had to do several times during the dis- course, and then I let them have their own way — and such shaking hands, singing and praising God I never witnessed. After the surrender of Yicksburg the so-called " Con- trabands" came in from the surrounding country by thousands, hoping tp get something to eat, and something to do to make a living. This, with the thousands already in the city when we took it, soon swelled the number to thirty or forty thousand. And as the weather was very warm, and they had little or nothing to eat, and had collected together in empty houses and cellars to shield themselves from the burning rays of the sun, all manner of diseases soon made their appearance among them and scores were dying every day. So General Grant issued an order that they must immediately be removed, dead or alive, to the Louisiana side of the river, and put in camp. At this juncture he requested me to take charge of this work. I did so, but with considerable reluctance, as it was necessarily attended with much exposure and danger, as many were sick with small-pox, yellow fever and other HISTOKT OF THE EBEEHAETS. 243 contagious diseases, and a good many were already dead, and some of tliem had been dead for days, and all had to be removed. With the thermometer at from 90 to 100 degs. in the shade, you may form some idea of the terri- ble condition of things. In all my army life 1 witnessed nothing lilce it. It beg- gars description. I will only give one of many cases. A woman had been dead several days, and her child was still nursing the dead mother. We did this work in the following manner : We took large commissary wagons, drawn by six mules, and put those of them that were unable to walk therein, and took them to the river and loaded them on to a boat, took them across the river and unloaded them on the shore, where there was noth- ing to shelter or protect them save a few large live-oak trees. For weeks they had neither hut nor tent to shelter them. But this was not the worst feature in their condition. They had nothing to eat save a little " hard- tack," given to some of them by the soldiers, and what they picked up by the way. On the day I entered on this work. Gen. Grant told me he would send over a boat- load of provisions the next day. So I made out a " requisi- tion" and took it to the Quarter-master, who, to my great disappointment, would not honor it, saying: "We have no army regulations to feed niggers, especially when our soldiers and prisoners are on short rations." So said all the officers and commanders, whose duty it was to sign and countersign the papers. So the only resource left me was to go back to Gen. Grant, who, after hearing the case, at once issued a " special order," which, of course, every one of them honored at sight. The next thing to do was to secure a boat in which to carry them over to the camp. Accordingly I made out a "requisition " for one, and went to the Navy department, but when I came to 24:4 HISTORY OF THE BBEEHAETS. the commodore ia command he said, " I can not furnish boats enough for the use of the army, and of course I can not give any to carry contrabands around the country." I at once went to Gen. Grant and obtained a speciaJ order, which brought the boat in a hurry. But it was so managed that it took them all day to get it ready and load the provisions, and then, to my utter consterna- tion, either intentionally or carelessly, it was sent some twenty miles up the river to another camp. After a long search I found where it was, and at once sent a mes- senger up to bring it down. But worse then ever, such was the inexorable law of the army and " red tape," that those in command would not move a peg until they had orders from headquarters. So I had again to resort to Gen. Grant, my never-failing source of help, for another special order, which brought the boat. But all this time the poor contrabands were starving to death. It is true they did all they possibly could. They caught a few fishes frogs, clams, etc., and ate all the herbs and roots within their reach. They even ate wild parsley, which killed some of them. I took over a box of hard-tack and two hams for my own use, which I divided among them by breaking a hard-tack into four pieces, and cutting the meat into very small pieces, and gave a piece of each to the worst cases. But, notwithstanding all this care and attention, they actually starved to death, at the rate of twenty or thirty a day, right before our eyes. This was suffering and sorrow indeed ! Such as I had fondly hoped I would never witness. In this wretched, starving condition, these poor creatures became very despondent, desperate, and even rebellious, so that I began to fear that my life was in danger, for they could not understand how it was that HISTOEY OF THE EBERHARTS. 245 if there was something to eat at Vicksburg, just across the river, why they could not get it, and came to the conclusion that the " Yankees," instead of being their friends, intended to starve them to death — as some of their masters had told them. This was a terrible crisis, and what to do I did not know, but finally concluded that myself and Levi Weaver, the only white assistant I had, would steal away at the hour of night and go to Yicksburg and make our last effort to obtain help. But lo ! and behold ! at sunset of the 5th day a boat well filled with provisions landed at our camp. This quickly and wonderfully changed the aspect of things. If God had rained " manna " from heaven among them, it could not have had a greater transforming power over them. All was now rejoicing even in the midst of distress and the greatest suffering. They praised God by looks, words, and all manner of actions, and even in their weakness tried to clap their hands and spring into the air, thank- ing God that he had sent "Masser Linkum" and "de Yankees wid deliverins." But now while one trouble seemed to be passing away another trouble came. They had expected to rush up to the boat and eat to their stomach's content, not knowing that this would have proved more fatal than all the famine of the past. So when I ordered only one hard-tack for each of them, it brought a cloud over their sky. If it had been a "hoe- cake" it would have answered the purpose a little better, but they sorroAvfuUy said: "Wat am de had-tak?" — "It am too dry an' tuff." But I soon brought order out of chaos, by ordering them to form themselves into squads of six, twelve or twenty-four, as suited them best, and then detail two or more of their number to come to the boat and draw their " rations." I also detailed some of them to assist me in cutting up the meat and handing 2i6 HISTOKY OF THE EBPiEHABTS. over a small piece and some flour for each one of them, according to the number of the " mess." But how in the name of humanity do you suppose they managed this matter, as they -had nothing in the shape of pails, pans or dishes of anj- kind to hold their provisions, much less to cook or bake them in ? But " necessity is the mother of invention." They went to the noted " cut-off " above the city, where so many of our noble soldiers dug graves for themselves, and yet accomplished nothing against the rebellion, and picked up pieces of boards, large chips, and the bark of large trees cut down at that time, and on these received their scanty allowance. Then they has- tened to the Mississippi river and with their hands dipped the murky water on to the flour, stirring it with a stick into a dough, or rather a batter ; then, rushing to where some of their number had built a fire, baked it in the hot embers as best they could, and ate it, giving thanks to God. During my connection with this work I had a rich experience in stud3'ing the character of this long- oppressed people. I found them a very industrious peo- ple. The government furnished them material and tools with which they soon constructed rude shanties for tem- porary homes. And when there was an opportunity to enter the army the able-bodied men at once enlisted and made good soldiers. They were, comparatively speaking, a moral people. Profanity, Sabbath desecration and drunkenness were scarcely found among them. It is true some of them learned to swear and drink very fast after the soldiers came among them and set them a bad example. Their greatest " besetting sin" was petty theft. They would steal on a small scale. I had to hold a little court almost every day to settle some little trouble in this line. I said to one of the most intelligent of them : " How is it that you colored people will steal ? " He said : " I can HISTORY OF THE BBEEHAKTS. 247 tell you. We learned it from childhood up. When we raise de corn and put it in de master's crib, and he would not gib us enough, we didn't think it very wrong to go and take it. And when de corn in de master's crib was all done gone, den we had tp go to de neighbor's crib, or starve." This was to him the end of all controversy, and it did look rather plausible. They were an obedient and very manageable people. This lesson they had to learn from early childhood, in their state of bondage. And they were a religious people. Nearly all of them belonged either to the Methodist or Baptist churches, and we soon had good meetings right out in the open air. I sometimes preached to them standing on a large stump and they standing around me as close together as they could, when they numbered from 10,000 to 15,000. They always listened very attentively, and responded very heartily when anything was put in the interrogative form. They were a very hopeful and cheerful people in the midst of all their afflictions. When General Sherman made his raid through Missis- sippi, he gathered some 3,000 of them and brought them with him, and as soon as I heard that they were to be brought into my camp I rode out several miles to meet them and interview them. They were a motley crowd, consisting of all ages, sexes and conditions in life, and traveling in all imaginable ways, modes and styles — yet cheerful, happy and gay. To test their feelings and pros- pects, I said: " Well, my friends, where are you going? " The first one said : " Wees goin' to de land ob libertee." The next one said : "Wees goin' upNorf." Another one said: " Weens is goin' whar youins is." At last a stalwart old patriarch said : " Wees goin we dosent no whar." I said to myself, how true. For they did not realize that they were then in their ti'ansition state from bondage to freedom. 248 HISTORY OF THE EBERHAETS. and that it would take at least, as in the case of the ancient Israelites, forty years to get into the full enjoy- ment of the promised " land of rest," and that some of the privations in the "wilderness" would even surpass those in the land of slavery. They had rather vague and loose ideas of the laws of marriage. The most of them had never been legally married — for in a state of slavery this could not be, or they could not have been sold apart. Their master, or some one appointed by him, usually had a mock ceremony performed, which the most of them soon learned was not binding when the master wished to sell them to some Southern planter. In view of this fact, the government issued orders to have them re-married — requiring all the officers to see that it was carried out. Accordingly we had many weddings, as many as forty in one day. To give the reader an idea of the vagueness of their notions of marriage, I will relate an incident coming under ray own observation. I went to a shanty to get some washing done, where I found a fine, young couple living as husband and wife, who I had rea- son to believe, from what I saw and heard, were not married. So, to test the matter, I said : " How long since you were married ? " When the man responded • " O, wees not married at all." I then said: " Do you not know that it is wrong for you to live this way ? " When he replied: " Wees dosent no if it is wrong or not, but we can't get married, fur she has got a nudder man she lubs better den me, and our bargain is, dat I am to be her husband until he cums back, and den I must stan' aside ; and if he nebber comes back den I am always to be her husband." I think they also lacked in maternal affection for their offspring, which was doubtless owing to the fact that they were raised in slavery, and in that condition mothers HISTORY OF THE EBEBHAKT8. 249 could not be allowed to give much attention to their chil- dren. Of over 200 children born during the organization of our camp, and a few months after, all died but a dozen or so. "When in November afterwards my wife came down from the North with boxes of clothing for children, and inquired of our cook, where are all the babies, she said : "Las a me, dem all done gone 'died up long ago." The "camp," where so many were brought together from all the surrounding country, was a great place for those who had been sold away from each other to meet and recognize each other again. I will here give a thrilling incident which came under my observation. A stout young man, owned by Mr. Cline, one of the wealthiest citizens of Yicksburg, was sold to some one in the Yazoo country, leaving a small boy behind, whose name was Moses. For nearly forty years they never heard of each other. Moses grew up to be a fine, intelligent negro man, and, therefore, I appointed him to take charge of the burial of the dead. When General Sherman made a raid up the Yazoo river he brought back with him some 1,200 contrabands for my camp, and among them the father of Moses, a venerable, robust, old man. So Moses put him to work digging graves, not knowing who he was. One day it so happened that they were both digging at the same grave, when the father said : " Who was your master? " Moses said : " Mr. Cline." " Is dat so ? " replied the father. "He was also my master, and when I was sold, I left a boy behind called Moses, and you must be the one." Moses said : "It must be so." At this juncture the father very excitedly said : " Take up your pants, and I'll see whether you have a soar on your leg where you were burned when a child." Suffice it to say, the identical scar was there, and the father cried out : " I am your father, and you are my Mose ; " and then they embraced each 250 HISTORY OF THE EBERHAETS, other and hugged and kissed each other until they both fell down into the grave together, the son crying at the height of his voice : " I never expected to see my father in this world any more ! " I continued in camp, though in feeble health, doing the best I could for the poor contrabands, until the middle of Au2:ust, when I was taken very sick with malarial fever and diarrhoea, so that they had to take me over to Vicksburg, where I was put into the rooms of the "Chris- tian Commission" and treated by a Dr. Dewe3^ After convalescing a little, and finding that getting well would be a very slow process in that climate, I obtained " leave of absence " and went home. The bracing atmosphere of Iowa and careful nursing at home soon restored me to comparatively good health, so that I was enabled to spend several weeks in soliciting aid for my camp in the shape of clothing and eatables. About the last of October, 1863, I started south again with a good supply of clothing, etc., for my camp, taking my wife and youngest daughter with me, and putting my other two children into school at Mount Vernon. My wife was commissioned by the American Missionary Society to teach the contrabands, and also was authorized by some eastern societies to distribute clothing among the destitute. After we got there and had distributed our goods, we found that different arrangements had been made by the government relative to the management of the camps. They had been put under military supervision and there- fore needed not my help, so I was detailed in the Marine Hospital and resumed the duties of the chaplaincy again. Shortly after, I was transferred to Hospital No. 3. Here I spent the time very pleasantly, having nice I'ooms assigned us, in which we kept house on a small scale. My wife was engaged in teaching the contrabands in connec- HISTORY OF THE EBEEHARTS. 251 tion with others, I assisting and superintending the sohools as best I could, along with my other duties. The schools were mostl^'^ held under shade trees until later in the season, when cast-off tents were patched and prepared for this purpose. They ordinarily learned very fast, because they were so eager to learn and become great and smart " like de white folks." Some also of the more aged and religious wanted to learn to read so they could read the Bible. One day a man, some sixty years of age, a soldier and a blacksmith in his regiment, came to my wife and said : " Missus, I can't go to de school in de day-time, but I wants to larn to read dis blessed book," taking a testament out of his pocket. " Wouldn't you be so kind as to larn me ob evenings when I dosent have to work ? " My wife, who was already doing more than she was able to do, could not refuse such a request. Accord- ingly an arrangement was made to have him come in the next evening. I was astonished, as well as pleased, to see how eager the old man was to learn. All the light we had was an old-fashioned tallow candle on a little table in the middle of our room, on the one side of which I was seated and on the other side my wife and the old man were at work at his lessons. He had already mastered his A B C's, but had little or no idea of pronouncing. I forgot all my work when attracted by the picture before me. The old man, with a pair of old "specks" on, was bending all his energies, in every possible attitude and adjustment, so as to get the most possible light on his book in trying to pronounce " dem hard words." At last he came to the word horse. He clearly and distinctly said all the letters — h-o-r-s-e. " Well, what does that spell?" said the teacher; to which he responded, " Me dosent kno." " Well that spells horse." " De animals we 252 HISTORY OF THE EBEEHAETS. rides on ? " said the old man, quick as lightning — " Las a mes " — feeling as though a world of knowledge had dawned upon him. He learned fast, but in a few weeks the regiment was removed and he had to leave. But before leaving he called to settle his bill, and on being informed that there was nothing to pay, he went back to his shop and made an old style fire-shovel and tongs, and came back and said: "Now, missus, I wants you to keep dis shovel and tongs, till your little gurl, Florrie, gits married, and den gib dem to her." Suffice it to say, we did so. I spent my time here very pleasantly, visiting the sick and wounded in the hospital, burying the dead, and taking care of the contrabands. I also organized the first M. E. Church in Vicksburg, and was temporarily placed in charge as pastor, by Bishop Ames. All this was very agreeable, as I could have my wife with me) and had the assurance that we were doing a good work. But during the first part of March an order came for all on detached service belonging to the Sixteenth Army Corps to join their regiments. This was unwelcome news, for my regiment was away off on one of the islands in the Gulf of Mexico, doing guard duty, and of course I could not take my wife with me, and could not expect to accom- plish as much good as where I was. But military orders, as a rule, are like the laws of " the Medes and Persians " — they change not. Accordingly I got ready and went as far as New Orleans, where T was detained a few days, as I had been in charge of twenty -six soldiers, with orders to leave them there. And during the time I was detained, I met my colonel, who was then acting brigadier-general, with whom I advised relative to the best course for me to pursue, who thought, in view of the state of my health and the great need of chaplains in the hospitals, I had better ask to be placed in one of them. Accordino-lv I HISTOET OF THE EBEEHAETS. 253 made application and was " detailed " to the Marine Hos- pital at New Orleans. I soon had my family with mei and we were very nicely situated — having excellent " quar- ters " and accommodations, and very fine intelligent offi- cers to associate with. Here, for the first time in my army experience, I found surgeons, who did not only aid me in my work by notifying me of those needing my labors, but also assisted me in this work. It is true the work was hard. The hospital accommodated one thou- sand and two hundred patients, and it was full the most of the time. And I made it my duty to visit all the wards once a daj', and read the scriptures to, and have prayers with, the worst cases. We had from three to six deaths every day, and had to go out into the country some eight miles to bury them. I also wrote many letters to the friends of the sick and relatives of the dead, every day. We had a chapel in the hospital, in which T preached to the convalescent every Sabbath p. m. and then conducted a Sunday-school. My labors were greatly blessed, and I have reason to believe I never accomplished more good in the same length of time before. My wife also did good work by teaching the contrabands, both in the graded school held in the Medical College building, and those in connection with the Hospital as cooks and nurses. But all this work, pleasant as it was, soon made inroads on my health. I found that I could not endure the climate at that season of the year. I was first taken with malarial intermittent fever. Then chronic diarrhea set in, with severe bronchial affection, so that in June I was unable to work any longer, and very reluctantly sent in my resigna- tion. I did not do this until after the eleven surgeons in the hospital, and Gen. Banks' Medical Purveyor, all decided that I must die if I did not immediately go North. My papers were sent in June 13, 1864, but by this 254 HISTOKy OF THE EBEEHAETS. time I was unable to walk. So my wife had to attend to securing my transportation and maliing the necessary preparations for my removal JSTorth. This, at this time with the thermometer standing at one hundred jdegrees in the shade, and in the midst of " red tape," and the inexorable laws of war, was almost a Herculean task — but was, never- theless, attended to with a heroism rarely excelled during the war. I always looked upon it as the unmistakable evidence of a noble, brave and kind-hearted woman and true, affectionate wife. We finally got ready, and on June 15, 1864, I was put on the boat " MoUie Able," and we started north. All the surgeons and their wives and many others came to bid us farewell. ^ We left many warm friends behind us, and it was with great reluctance that I left the United States ser- vice. I was offered a "leave of absence" for ninety days if I would try to get well and then return again ; but I saw no reasonable hope of this, as my whole phys- ical system seemed to be a wreck. And 1 was too con- scientious to hold office and take pay from the govern- ment without rendering adequate services, as, I am sorry to know, many did. They proposed to get me a United States or perpetual chaplaincy, but I was afraid of being sent so far south that I could not endure the climate, so I declined, and resolved that if I ever was restored to health again I would reenter the pastorate and spend my remaining days and strength in this best and grandest work. We had a tedious journey. I never felt more miser- able. I was as yellow as a mulatto or creole, and could not eat anything but the weakest gruel. I subsisted mostly on tonics and stimulants. We were six days on the wa}', and had to run the guerrilla blockades a number of times, but every time but once had gunboats to pro- tect us, so we escaped unharmed. HISTORY OF THE EBEEHARTS. 255 We landed in Chicago June 21, and took up our abode with my brother, J. F. Eberhart, who boarded with Mrs. Miller. Here we tarried several weeks, until I had gained a little strength for the rest of the journey. I found that the bracing prairie winds soon had a wonderful recuperating effect on me. We then went to Eldorado, Iowa, and spent the summer with my parents and my wife's parents and other friends, who did all they could to make us comfortable and aid in regaining my health. In October, 1864, by way of substituting the last jear of my three years' enlistment in the army, I accepted the State agency of the North-Western Freedmen's Aid Commission, to collect funds for the support of the 4,000,000 slaves who had just emerged from bondage to freedom, but most of whom were now in greater want and privation than when they were yet in slavery. My health was still rather feeble, but as this was a very needy and urgent work, I did the best I could, and enjoyed it very much. As money was plenty and my cause a very popular and pressing one, I was quite success- ful in collecting. I averaged about $1,200 a month ready cash. In the fall of 1865, feeling that I had served my coun- try long enough in this way, and that I ought now to direct my energies to the work of the church, I entered again the ranks of the itinerancy in the Upper Iowa con- ference and was stationed at Vinton, Iowa. This was very agreeable as it was near the little farm I had bought in Eldorado and meanwhile my parents had also moved to this place. This was a very pleasant charge and we had a good revival during the first year. Some seventy or eighty were added to the church, mostly promising young people. I felt very much at home at this place, and was well supported. At the end of two years I was 256 HISTOET OF THE EBEEHAETS. stationed at Waterloo, la. This is a beautiful city on the Cedar river, and we had a commodious parsonage and good church building, but the society was not pro- portionately strong, yet they paid us $1,000 a year, with the use of the parsonage furnished. We had good success, and each year something of a revival. During the second year my wife's health was very poor so that the physi- cians gave her but little encouragement. Therefore, as a last resort, she went to Dansville, N. Y., to a Hygienic Water Cure,where in less than six months she was restored to comparatively good health again. It was astonishing what a change was wrought in her case in so short a time; not by taking a lot of strong medicine, but by observing the "laws of health," viz.: by taking proper rest and exercise, and having proper food, air, and wearing suit- able clothing, etc. It so revived her despondent spirits, and renewed her emaciated physical system, that her " youth was renewed like the eagles." Our next field of labor was Tipton, Cedar county, Iowa. This was an old town, with an old society of substantial old members, having a rickety old parsonage, and a small old church. So we built a two-story church, 50 x 80 feet ; and had quite a good revival, and, as a whole, it was a pleasant, prosperous year. At the close of this year, feeling that my health was much impaired and that I needed a little mental rest and physical exercise in the open air, I requested the confer- ence to place me on the " supernumerary " list. So, for the purpose of getting the necessary outdoor exercise, and, at the same time, trying to earn my bread and but- ter, I engaged, with two of my brothers, in prospecting for coal. We moved to ISTewton, Jasper county, Iowa, leased land, and went to work, and in three months found a vein of good coal, three feet and four inches in thick- HISTOEY OF THE BBEEHAKTS. 257 ness. We then opened a shaft and commenced selling coal with good prospects of making a little fortune, but, alas! " How vain are all things here below. How false, and yet how fair; " for, in the very height of our expectations, the miners came in one daj' and said, " We have struck a ' fault.' " I said : " What is that ? " They said : " Well, the coal has run out." This was a very strange, and almost unheard of, phenomenon — for a well established vein to break off abruptly in the side of a hill. But, it undoubtedly was all for my good, as it kept me from " entangling" my- self with the unsatisfying business affairs of this world, and to take heed to the apostles' warning: "They that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare." I lost a clean $1,000 in this little enterprise. To say the least, it had a tendency to dampen the money -making zeal a little, which had more or less annoyed me ever since I left the army. At no time had I any intention of abandoning the ministry, but thought if, in some honest way, in con- nection with my ministerial labors, I could make a little fortune against the time of old age, it was my privilege to do so. This year, October, 1871, our conference was held at Clinton, Iowa. We had a very pleasant session, and, contrary to all calculations, I was sent to Albion and Lis- comb circuit, in Marshall county, with Rev. Henry Bar- gelt as junior preacher. Albion was an ancient village, settled mostly by staid eastern people, but, as is some- times the case, they had been having serious troubles the previous year with their minister, so that they had locked the church against him. So, all things considered, I went to this appointment rather reluctantly, feeling first that it was beneath my grade, and second, that the work 258 HISTOBY OF THE EBEKHAETS. was too hard for my state of health — for it was an old- fashioned circuit of eight preaching places. But I finally decided to go and do my best, and leave the result with God ; and I am glad to say, that in this case, as every time previous, when I acted with an " eye single to the glory of God," my labors were abundantly blessed and I had a pleasant field. We had good revivals all over the work, and many hard cases were brought into the'church, and cold disafl:ected members were restored to their former enjoyment. In three months we divided the work, I taking Albion and vicinity, and Rev. Bargelt, Liscomb and vicinity- Bro. Bargelt was a very fine, promising young man and did well. This year I collected money and bought the Luth- eran College at this place and gave it to the Upper Iowa Conference, free of all indebtedness. It was a fine brick building, with a nice, commodious campus, costing origi- nally about $16,000, and we named it Albion Seminary. We at once opened a good school, with Prof. T. B. Taylor as principal, who taught two terms, and then Prof. S. G. Smith took charge of it and soon had it running at high water mark,. as he was a young man of brilliant intellect, good executive ability, and admirably adapted to this position. After the resignation of Prof. Smith, other good and noble men had charge of it, and with the excep- tion of the difiiculties naturally attending the sustaininiy of all schools of this class, it has continued to prosper; and to-day its future prospects are promising. I was returned the second year to this charge, and in connec- tion with my pastoral work had a constant care over the Seminary. I adopted it as my child and as such watched over it with a jealous zeal — planning and working, dav and night, for its prosperity. I was a trustee, and most of the time the president of the board of trustees for over HISTORY OF THE EBBRHAETS. 259 ten years. I also acted one year as Financial Agent, and during this time raised an Endowment Fund of $10,000 by selling lots in Chicago Lawn and appropriating the one-half of the money viz., $100 a lot for this purpose. I also raised over $10,000 endowment by subscription and donations, and at different times collected hundreds of dollars for repairs and improvements. I found the peo- ple of this place very liberal, though not very wealthy, nor very well educated, but fully realizing the necessity of educating their children. I felt very much at home among them, and greatly enjoyed this work, and now look upon it as one of the most successful efforts of my life. At the close of two years I was stationed at Iowa Falls, Hardin county, Iowa. This was a beautiful town situated on the Iowa river, and surrounded with the most romantic scen- ery, and inhabited by an intelligent, social people, who made us very welcome and comfortable, during our two years' stay among them. They had a good society, and a large church building, the very high tower of which was blown down by a tornado during our pastorate, which we re-built. We had a good Sunday-school, good prayer and class meetings, and a good religious interest all the time, and a goodly number were taken into the church. From here I was called back to Albion again, to take the agenc}' of the Seminary a year, for the purpose of improving the financial condition of the school. I also had the care of the church at this place, which was too much for my state of health — for all these years I was suffering from bron- chial affection. But the labors of this year have already been referred to, hence I will say no more. Oct. 6, 1876, we took up our abode at Ackley, Hardin county, Iowa, where we had been appointed by the conference, and as they had sold their parsonage we boarded around with the members a few weeks, and lodged in the church; and 2l]0 HISTORY OF THE EBERHAETS. at once put all our energies to work at a new parsonage which was finished, and we living in it within six weeks. It was a very neat and commodious little house, and well adapted to our little family, which consisted at this time of myself, wife, and our daughter, Florence. This was considered a hard field at the time Ave were sent to it, as our society was small and poor and the members considerably divided among themselves ; but not in the least discouraged, we went to work in good earnest, and the Lord abundantly blessed our labors. From January 1 to April 1 we held meetings almost day and night and had a most glorious revival. Over 200 professed pardon and peace through our Lord Jesus Christ, and I took into the church as many as 65 in one day. A part of the time this was a partnership meeting with the Presbyterians, and Dean, the Evangelist, con- ducted it. This, I now think, was a mistake, as we did not work together very harmoniously, and before the con- verts were all taken into the churches there was more hard feeling and discord between the churches than ever existed before. I, therefore, give it as my candid opinion that, as a rule, it is best for each society to work with their own harness on, in their own way. We remained at Ackley three years, and, as a whole, had a pleasant and profitable time of it. Our conference this year was held at Davenport, and it was a very pleasant session. We were appointed to Jessup, Buchanan county, Iowa, and took possession of the parsonage October 8, 1879. It was rather an ancient institution, but answered the purpose well enough. The church needed repairs badly, which was attended to in due time, and then was quite neat and commodious, accommodating about 400. The society was strong numerically, and included many good, substantial mem- HISTORY OF THE EBERHARTS. 261 bers, but, as a whole, was not very progressive. We had our usual revival and a goodly number were added to the church, and the first year passed off very pleasantly, but at the close of the second year things did not look quite so favorable, and we felt it a great privilege to be quietly relieved, according to our church regulations, without any unpleasant feelings, and go to another field. Accordingly, at the conference held this year at Osage, w^e were sent to Blairstown, Benton county, Iowa. This seemed like going home, as in this vicinity both my parents and my wife's parents and many of our brothers and sisters had resided, but at this time had all removed but Mrs. Josie Hayden, my wife's youngest sis- ter. But as we had resided here several years ourselves, we still found many friends and acquaintances which made it very pleasant. During the first year we had a good revival and took quite a number into the church, and also relieved the church property of an almost hope- less debt — my wife paying .§100 of it herself. In the spring of the second year, my health being pre- carious, admonishing me that the infirmities of old age were approaching, and perceiving that amidst the super- abundance of college-bred young ministers coming on, the old pioneer preachers were not so much in demand as for- merly and did not have as much of a show for "easy appointments," and also remembering that the forty years of my ministry had expired, which was the length of time I had at first decided would be about the limit of my itinerant career ; but above all, seeing a providential opening to secure a little home of my own where I could spend my declining years in peace and quietude, I decided to ask the conference for a superannuated relation, which was granted at the next conference in 1883. But in order that I might successfully enter this " providential 262 HISTORY OF THE EBEEHAETS. opening" and stop at the end of forty years, I arranged with the presiding elder to supply my place until con- ference, and we moved to Chicago Lawn, a beautiful suburb of Chicago, where two of my brothers and my mother and sister already resided. "We arrived there and my mother gave me a " reception dinner " on March 24, 1883, after being in the itinerant ministry just forty years to the day. During this time I traveled 117,000 miles and preached 4,762 times, and received into the church about 3,000 persons. I kept a diary, so can tell every text I preached, the name of every place and person I lodged with every night, and the distance I traveled each day as well as the principal events that came under my observa- tion. I did this for my own satisfaction and benefit, for it greatly strengthened my habits of order and promptness, and enabled me to recall persons, places and events that otherwise would have passed into oblivion. I would advise everyone to keep a diary, even though it be on a small scale. I would not take one thousand dol- lars for mine. I never wrote out in full but one sermon; hence, preaching extemporaneously, I never preached precisely the same sermon twice, save this one. Writing sermons has its advantages and disadvantages, and, after an experience of forty years, I now feel that if I had to do it over again I would write a great many more of my sermons, but would not read any of them vej'batirn in the public congregation. And now, as my active ministerial life has come to a close and I review the past, I am constrained to say that witli all its toils and trials it has been a very satisfactory life to me. I greatly prize the itinerant ministry, and believe it is the best and most effective system in the world for the promulgation of the gospel of Christ in all HISTOET OF THE EBEEHAETS. 263 the earth, and if I had my life to live over again I would be an itinerant preacher in preference to any profession or calling I have any knowledge of. I sincerely wish I had been more successful. And, with ray present experience, seeing things as 1 now see them, I feel certain I could do better if I had to do it over again. But I have this to console me, that I was sincere and did the best I could under the circumstances. And, taking all things into the account, I am really astonished that I succeeded as well as I did. M3' " suffi- ciency" came from God, and to him be all the glory. Since here at Chicago Lawn, now seven years, I have greatly enjoj'^ed myself, being permitted to live among many of my father's family, and all but one of my own family. I have a comfortable home and many friends, and am blessed with all the necessaries and many of the conveniences of this life. I very much appreciate a settled home after wandering about forty years in the itinerancy. But the reader must not infer that I am idling away my time in my declining years, for, though I am nearly seventy, I am busy all the time, still rising at five o'clock in the morning and performing both mental and physical work nearly all the time. I witnessed the increase of Chicago Lawn from nine houses to a population of nearly 2,000 — now added to the city of Chicago. I made the first Fourth of July speech ; preached the first ser- mon, and conducted the first prayer-meeting in Chicago Lawn. I also organized the first church and the first Sunday-school, and now I am superintending the building of the first house of worship in Chicago Lawn, and in this way I expect to continue doing good to the end of my earthly pilgrimage. Ueiah Ebeehaet. CHicAeo Lawn, III., 1890. THE END.