WW m m hi ^;Mtv „. \'A. ■^-0^ ,^-^^- 1 ^ -^ -v ^ \ X o. ■< ° " A ^- ■'^^ ' -o V^ ^ ' . ». * 0^ o .-i.'^^ /r^^"- o-l '=-*■ %^^^- ,0^.^ 1, ,^' ^* 0^ =■ c'^^ '^^ =.'^ ■%.<^' -^^^' ^'^^^M^ "•>^^:^ "j. '-■ .^.^- • .-I -.. ^^ n. ,/ * 'i N A>>' .^■^ "■■^i.'tJ^" % % "> Z %.^'^' ^ V' «'^ * ■i^SW^Ii » -i- .V, » fix «;•- li ^ 4^% \. xO 0^ N°-%, o^' .^ = ,^-^°'<- ,/^ = .^-^ DR. HENRY W. SAUL President Kutztown Centennial Association THE CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN PENNSYLVANIA CELEBRATING THE CENTENNIAL OF THE INCORPORATION OF THE BOROUGH- 1815-1915 COMPILED BY THE HISTORICAL COMMITTEE OF THE KUTZTOWN CENTENNIAL ASSOCIATION W. W- DEATRICK, A. M., Sc. D., Chairman 1915 PRESS OF THE KUTZTOWN PUBLISHING COMPANY KUTZTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA COPYRIGHT 1915 BY THE KUTZTOWN PUBLISHING COMPANY ©CI,A4ai736 JUL 2 1915 FOREWORD ^l/TUTZTOWN BOROUGH was one llli hundred years old in March of the fiS^ present year. The town is about half a century older. Soon after the laying out, in 1755, of "The Great Road," — the Easton Road it has long been called — a straggling hamlet, a hotel or two and some other buildings, sprang up at the crossing of the Saucony. In 1779 the town was formally laid out. From that time to this there has been growth, rapid at times, slow, almost at a standstill, at other times, but ever continuous. This century, or century and a half, of existence of the town has been marked by events, quite as numerous and quite as noteworthy as those that have happened in most towns of the size in such a period. That these happenings might not be for- gotten ; that some already well-nigh forgot- ten incidents might be preserved to the generation coming after us; that the Cen- tennial of Kutztown might be marked by more than the passing shows of the week of celebration that begins July i, this yeai of grace ; that all who read may know what of interest, great or little, has happened in our town; that the world may learn how Kutztown has grown and what a little city it is today, this Centennial History oe Kutztown has been prepared. The Historical Committee, charged by the Kutztown Centennial Association with the preparation of this volume, have found, in the course of their researches, that the history of the town is much fuller and much more stirring and interesting than even those who knew most about the matter had any notion. Readers of this volume will find some stories not told in print before. They will find here, committed to the art preservative, tales which they heard in childhood days and which they have nearly or quite forgotten. Such ones will be thankful, we are sure, that this work has) been undertaken. Historians may find here, as in local histories often, some contribu- tion to the larger history of county, state, or nation. The book is not all history. A consider- able portion of the volume is devoted to a telling to the world at large of what may be seen if folks come to Kutztown ; to a not exaggerated setting forth of the industries, businesses, and social institutions of the place ; as well as to some account of people now or once resident in the town. This feature will, doubtless, be of interest. More than this, however, — these records of the present time will, certainly, by and by, prove as interesting and valuable to the future writer of a fuller, better history as the pamphlet of Professor Ermentrout, issued in 1876, was to the compilers of this book. Readers will, certainly, discover errors in this publication. But for these indulgence is craved. No one is more conscious than the editor, chairman of the committee, of the shortcomings of the volume. That omissions, mis-statements, duplications, and even contradictions will be found is quite likely. Some misprints will occur. Critics may notice lack of uniformity in style. Kind indulgence is, nevertheless, request- ed. It is proper, however, to say that not all that may be taken for error is really such. In the reprints of old documents the strange spelling and unusual phraseology are not the fault of the copyist or printer — at least not in many cases. An honest ef- fort has been made to follow the rule at present accepted by historians — to reprint such documents with all their peculiarities. For what is not explicable in this way the editor feels that this much of explanation is due to his colleagues and himself. Lack of uniformity, especially, in style, is the result of the book being the work of many hands. There was lack of time for desirable con- sultation between the co-workers, and edi- torial supervision has been far from what was desirable. As the material came in it became a physical impossibility to examine all of it even cursorily. The editor was hampered greatly in the work by the death of the Rev. J. J. Cress- man, on whom reliance was placed for re- searches and write-ups on certain portions of the work. Another reason for what some may con- sider worthy of criticism is that much to which time for consideration should have been given was brought to light only within the last few weeks, in which time there was great increase of interest in the forthcom- ing history. The amount of time and labor involved in ferreting out the truth of a rnat- ter when tradition conflicted with tradition, or when tradition was found to be at va- nance with discovered records, is known only to those who have had experience in such studies. Histories, if they are to be relatively free from errors such as have been mentioned. IV CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN cannot be written to order or completed by a time set in advance. At first there was difference of opinion as to the time when this history should appear. The chairman and some other members of the committee were of opinion that its publication should take place after the Centennial. The judg- ment of the majority was that it should be finished before the celebration. That judg-- ment has been accepted and the wonder is that so much has been accomplished and with so little of error, as is believed. The Centennial could not be postponed — the work had to be gotten ready before the opening of the celebration. The committee, especially the chairman, regrets exceedingly that there are imper- fections due to hurried preparation and lack of opportunity for full revision. It is as a body thankful that so much has been done so well, especially by those who have come to the assistance of the editor and committee. To his colleagues on the committee and to all who have helped in any way, the editor herewith returns his thanks. Of readers and critics he begs kind indulgence. Concluding, he invites criticism. Notifica- tion of errors which may be discovered will be thankfully received. In this way the publication at some future time of a fuller, more accurate history than the pres- ent one may be made possible. W. W. De.'VTrick, Editor Chairman of Historical Committee Kutztown, Pa. June 23, 1915 CONTENTS PAGE Foreword iii Contents v The Kutztown Centennial Association, Its Inception and History vii Officers of the Association viii Dr. and Mrs. Albert J. Kutz ix Dr. N. C. Schaefifer xi H. R. Nicks X Chief Burgess, Dr. N. Z. Dunkelberger xii The Town Council xiii The School Directors xiv Dr. H. W. Saul, President of the Centennial Association xv Maxatawny 1-26, 37-39 East Penn Valley i Saucony 1-8 Geology and Soils 2-4 Elevations 3 Indians S-26 Wentz Patent 14-1S Pleasant View Stock Farm 20 Prominent Families 21—35 Siegfried Family 2i Hottenstein Family 24 Levan Family 26 Schlatter and Zinzendorf 26-27 Mills 26 Organ 29 Wink Family 30 Schaeffer Family 31 Bieber Family 31 Sharadin Family 31 Geehr Family 33 Fister Family 33 Kemp Family : . . . . 34 Deysher Family 34 _ Zimmerman Family 34 Dietrich Family 34 Kutz Family 35 Grim Family 35 Development of the Township 37^39 Settlement ZJ Erection 38 Taxables (1759) 3b Early Roads 39 The Great or Easton Road 39-Si Indian Trail and Early Road 39 Laying out of Easton Road 40 Schultz's Map 40 Kemp's Hotel 41 Early Travelers 42-47 Capt. Nagle's Troops 43 Swan Inn 44-4S Continental Congress, Flight of 45 Centennial Oak 2, 45-46 PAGE Lady Washington 47 Modes of Travel 47-51 "Pitt-Fuehren" 48 Stage Coaches 48 Railroads 50 Hotels .' 52-56 Full Moon 52-54 Emaus— Bunker Hill— General Jackson .. 52-53 Pennsylvania House 53 Washington House 55 Black Horse Hotel 55 American House 56 Keystone House 56 Charles Levan's 5(3 Noted Visitors 57 Penn County, with Kutztown as County Seat. 58 Laying out of Kutztown 60 Kutztown in the War of 1812 62 Kutztown a Borough 64 The First House 65 Borough Incorporated 66 List of Burgesses 66 The First Minutes of Council 67 Regulations by Council 67 First Assessment Roll 68 191S Assessment 69 Church History 76-91 Maxatawny Reformed congregation ^d Maxatawny Lutheran congregation 80 Union Church 80-87 Church Regulations 80 School Regulations 83 New Building 85 Sunday Schools 85 Trinity Lutheran Church 87 St. Paul's Reformed Church 89 Grace United Evangelical Church 90 Educational History 91-101 Early Interest in Education 91 Earliest Teachers 91 The Redemptioner School Master 92 St. John's Parochial School 93 The Public Schools 94 Private Schools 96-101 Mason's "Pay School" 96 Franklin Academy 98 Fairview Seminary 99 Kutztown Academy 99 Maxatawny Seminary 100 Keystone State Normal School 102-116 The Cemeteries 117 Post Office 118 Newspapers 120-129 Industries 130-137 VI CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN PAGE Improvements 139-140 Park, Auditorium, Water Company, Trolley Lines 139 Streets 140 Civic Organizations 140-142 Board of Trade 140 Board of Health 141 Musical Organizations 142 Fire Companies 143 Medical Practitioners 145-147 The Legal Profession 148 Fairs and Battalions 149 Some Military Notes 152 Fraternal Organizations 154-156 Dramatic Clubs 157-161 The Centennial Celebration 161-163 The Slogan 163 Roll of Honor 163 PAGE Odds and Ends of History 164-166 Some Early History 164 Fell Dead at a Battalion 164 Early Stone Masons 164 Story of a Bake Shop 164 Sports in Olden Days 165 Kutztown as a Show Town 165 Early Counterfeiters i6.s An Old Well 166 Fire-Making in Olden Times 166 A Maxatawny Slave 166 Governor E. T. Miller 166 An Incident of the Revolution 166 Spanish-American War Volunteers 166 Centennial Committees 167—171 Biographical and Industrial Department. .171-239 Annals of Kutztown 240-24? THE KUTZTOWN CENTENNIAL ASSOCIATION— ITS INCEPTION AND HISTORY On March 4, 1909, the Kutztown Town Council held its annual reorganization, at which time Dr. H. W. Saul delivered his inaugural address as burgess. He referred to 191 5 as being the time when Kutztown would be one hundred years old as an in- corporated borough and suggested that preparations should be commenced to raise money fittingly to celebrate the occasion. After thanking Council for confidence re- posed in him and making some other re- marks, the newely elected Burgess said: "At the present time I have nothing to offer other than to give out one suggestion, or rather a train of thoughts that came to me like an inspiration, while making one of my drives in the country. It is this : In 191 5 this borough will be one hundred years old. It behooves us, as American citizens, yea, as citizens of the Borough of Kutztown, befittingly to commemorate and celebrate this all important centennial event. To do this in a proper way requires time, energy, and money. Money is the least, for it is the easiest to command. How will you do it? Draw up a list, call it the 'Roll of Honor,' and get on this roll the names of all the sons and all the daughters who were ever born within the border limits of the Bor- ough of Kutztown, and who are still among the living, even though they are spread 'over the broad expanse of the entire United States, or reside in other climes or dwell in the remotest corners of the universe. Get at least 500 on this roll and have each of them pay but one dollar a year. In one year you will have $500 and in six years you will have $3000. But this is not enough. How will you get more? Ever}' industry, every business man, and every ho- tel-keeper in the borough is willing to sub- scribe at least $25. The Keystone State Normal School on the top of the hill will be only too glad to help the cause along with at least $200. Let the public school children enter into the patriotism and once a year contribute their pennies, nickels or dimes, and in this way raise another hun- dred dollars during the course of the six years. Let the Borough Council donate several hundred dollars. In all this time the money, as it comes in, will be deposited in our local bank and earn three per cent interest per annum. Then the sum will be approximately $6000 or $7000, with which you can begin to celebrate this great event. ■i~o make the event all the more complete, we want all the sons and all the daugnters wno may have been absent five, ten, hlteen, twenty, thirty, or more years to come nome to their own native town and have a grand, gala time in the old home during rnat summer week of 1915. Gentlemen, we are so situated and we nave the facilities to make this a complete success if we only start in time. Let us make it our aim to excel, eclipse, and place in the shade, if such a thing is possible, that grand and spec- tacular celebration which was held some years ago in the city of Reading. Then, if we fall short in attaining such a high stand- ard, our efforts will at least be laudable." A special meeting of Council was held on March 12, 1909, to consider the suggestion. A number of citizens were present. Presi- dent of Council, L. A. Stein, stated the ob- ject of the meeting to be the advisability of a permanent organization for the purpose of celebrating the centennial year, 191 5. A financial committee was created for the pur- pose of raising money to defray the neces- sary expenses of a Centennial Celebration. This committee consisted of the Burgess, the members of the Town Council, and its secretary, the five active ministers of the Gospel of the churches of the Borough, the publishers and editors of "The Patriot," and enough other citizens to swell the com- mittee to twenty-five. At a subsequent meeting the committee was increased to fifty members. These persons pledged themselves to pay each no less than seven dollars for the purpose named. A Roll of Honor was created, with an appropriate heading, to be signed by the contributors. Dr. H. W. Saul, Burgess, was then unani- mously elected president, A. S. Heffner secretary, Arthur Bonner treasurer, Rev. iR. B. Lynch, V. H. Hauser, and A. S. Christ trustees. William B. Schaeffer, E. P. De- Turk, and Walter S. Dietrich were elected auditors. Later, because of increasing in- terest and consequent augmentation of necessary correspondence, Herman A. Fis- ter, cashier of the Farmers Bank, was elect- ed corresponding secretary, all to serve one year. All the officers were re-elected from year to year up to the time of the celebra- tion. On April 26. 1909, a letter from Dr. Al- bert J. Kutz, of Northampton, England, of- fering a donation of $100.00 to the centen- Vlll CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOVVN nial fund was received. This offer was made good on May 4, 191 5, by a draft from a London Bank for $100.29. At the meet- ing of the association on Alay 27 a rising vote of thanks was extended to Doctor Kutz. , Ahhough Kutztown was incorporated March ist, 1815, it was not deemed wise to celebrate the centennial in March last on ac- count of the conditions of the weather at that season, and so the Kutztown Centen- nial Association on November 18, 1913. de- A. S. Heffnfr Secretary of the Association termined that the celebration should be held from July I to 7, inclusive. The Kutztown Centennial Association has been kept alive by quarterly meetings that were held from the time of its origin to Sep- tember, 1914, when the meetings were monthly until March 18, 191 5. Then semi- monthly and finally, through May and June, weekly and daily meetings have been held. The success of the Centennial Celebra- tion is not dependent on financial condi- tions only, but on the untiring efforts of the various committees, who have spent much time and labor in making out interesting programs for each day. As this volume goes to press, final preparations, of an elaborate sort and on a scale satisfying the most enthusiastic ad- vocates of tht Centennial, are being made for the greatest celebration ever held in Kutztown. It is regretted that it is im- possible here to give the progress of the Centennial Week Observance in detail day by day. In general these are as follows :'^ Thursday, July i. Educational Day Friday, July 2, Agricultural and Industrial Day Saturday, July 3, Firemen's Day Sunday, July 4, Church Day Monday, July 5, Fraternity Day Tuesday, July 6, Reading and Allentown Day Wednesday, July 7 Historical Day For the committees in charge of these exercises see pp. 168-171. On Fducational Day and on Historical Day pageants will be presented in the Kutz- town Park. For the arranging and directing of these pageants the community is deeply indebted to Miss Lillian Bull, a member of the faculty of the Keystone State Normal School. The Celebration of Centennial Week will be begun by appropriate exercises held on Thursday forenoon, July i, in the Chapel of the Keystone State Normal School, the present Burgess of Kutztown, Dr. N. Z. Dunkelberger, presiding. .»- y :,■>„/.// VlcxLuy^A f. /^///4,//, ^^^^^^ 'X /-'/(?'. } ■ /Vsosi o I y/^r ///,)/ ////.) r/f^y^/r ■ >v/< <-/--/ /f^ /// "/ /■>,/// Z ^foo^ PkrPro LOHDOH CimNIJ^HWtSTMIKSTER BANK LIMITED Facsimile of a Check which Spe.\ks for Itself as • Qw _o ST* t3 O O o O 3'"' r»S kS vO (& p PIS p O m • -jag 2pO-g£.jjp- 'S »??§■£»="■ a"? lis s;-i !=■»£. . pH ^ CD ^ !=> £/> "■° S3 S-- v; p 2 O OOtD ^^^^!^ CO -I p >^rtW3 g t- a- - — '^ ^ HbdJ p tn O L2« O S ^5-&S5«gp^ S!p =- ^ C3 p 3 & 3P S 2 O Ep =-'■ ■"^ B S^!-<2 P p gEt C;t3 -1 o H pa O n ffl O P Q a P ?i™ O '^ rt ^^ S. Co. togs' 5- gB-s3 ^cg^s'- P&s^b|°'§'° "'CO b- P O P C B > rco. o r? n to Q B j:jo (0 ii CO ST "-» CL „»_SP > m d --BViB-aHp p CO Jq p M „ CO 3P-s-»sBP^». ,B ^ S erg ^5 P Hc;*^ ■ r»P p S ' -J §'^8 1 i92P'„=:b'B m o pr^ S? CO B CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN H. R. NICKS Founder of the Keystone State Normal School MICHAEL SCHLATTER DR. N. C. SCHAEFFER State Superintendent of Public Instruction was born Feb. 3. 1S49, in Maxatawny township. Berks county, educated in Maxatawny Seminary (now Kev- stone State Normal School). Franklin and Marshall College. Lancaster : Theological Seminary. Mercers- burs:, and in the Universities of Berlin. Tubingen and Ijeipsic. He taught in Mercersburg Tollege and Frank- lin and Marshall College ; was for sixteen years princi- pal of the Keystone State Normal School ; was elected president of the National Educational Association at Asbury Park, N. .T.. in 1905 : served as president of the Pennsylvania State Teachers' Association, secre- tary of the National Council of Education, president of the Department of Superintendence of the National Association, president of the Pennsylvania German Society ; Chancellor of the Pennsylvania Chautauqua at Mt. Gretna from 1901 to 1905 ; as a member of the Penns.vlvania Commission on Industrial Educa tion. as editor of the Pennsylvania School Journal since 1893, and is editor of a volume of Bible Read- ings for schools ; author of "Thinking and Learnln,i; to Think" (Vol. 1. of Lippincott's Educational Series, edited by Dr. M. G. Brumbaugh), and of a history of Education in Pennsylvania, contained in the three volume History of the State, published by the Mason Publishing Companv. Syracuse. N. Y. ; was commis- sioned Superintendent of Public Instruction. June 1, 1893. and re-commissioned in 1897. 1901, 1905. 1909 and 1913. Served as lecturer on Pedagogy in the Graduate Department of the University of Pennsyl- vania during the absence of Dr. Brumbaush as Com- miissioner of Education in Porto Rico (1900-1901.) Xll CENTENMAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWX BOROUGH COUNCIL, 1915 B. D. DRUCKBNMIHER V. H. HAUSER GEORGE W. RAMER HORACE SCHMEHL ^^SK^^T^ fS[ 1 i* 1 N ^ m^ 1 f \ hi B. M. DEIBERT FRED. A. MOVER OSCAR O. SELL G. W. BIEBER, SEC. KUTZTOWN SCHOOL BOARD, 1915 GEO. GLASSER, PRES. GEO. C. BORDNER, SEC. GEO. A. SCHI5'*;T%^%2^^^«willsF ^^mf^^^M^Jomi^^^Lf'f''^" ^^'^"^"^^^^ W^^^^m^m^. left^iB^yu^i^^^^^g^^ ^^^^g^jSS^I^^ff^Si^- ■"^'■i^^'^y^^^^^^^i a^l^^^tsfeJy^'^^fe*. -'^i'/,/:'^^^\?%' '' ^--^^**^tfll BlieflwSiBE^MS^^^^v""''^^'^' ''•jv^^^ '*r^^t^*v' * "^^^^rr^^B |^H^7^nP9EIJK^^\^,^^£^^jyg^ ^ 'i'''^^^>^^^''5-^^^i^\ ■-4'li>^^. ^^^B ^^^^r' -^^ktt^^^^^^T^v^^^BS^L^ \ . "^^B^-^^P^ ^M^^mS^^§^^S^^&&^' ^ »gjSt.-S«! Q^f^^HS^Mw J , r. .^$^''^SS3^ '^^^XS&^l^"* '""'^■^'^^^^^^gS^C , ^^f^-\^ ^^Jfi^g^^ ""•■■ n mi^i^m The Centennial Oak In his "Travels in the Confederation" (published at Erlangen in 1788) descriptive of his journey through this valley in 1783, Dr. Johann David Schoepf, in narrating the incidents of his trip and recounting experi- ences and observations, tells a tale essential- ly the same. On pages 193-196 (English translation) one may read: "The road from here [Allentown to Reading] leads over the ridges of connect- ed hills which are counted a part of the afore-mentioned Dry Land. . . . America is indeed the land of the oak. All the for- ests are largely oak. but the trees are no- where either large or strong. What we have seen yesterday and to-day would be counted young wood, but this is hardly probable, because we observed no old stumps. Besides, the thin trunks do not 1857. Dr. John P. Hiester published a "Geological ^lap of Berks County" in 1854. This was copied from the Rogers' survey. (A reproduction of this map appears op- posite p. 26 of Morton L. Montgomery's "History of Berks County," published in 1886.) ' In 191 1 the United States Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Soils, cooperating with the Pennsylvania State College School of Agriculture and Experiment Station, is- sued a "Soil Survey of Berks County, Penn- sylvania," the result of field operations conducted by the Bureau of Soils in 1909. This survey was accompanied by a map showing the elevations, water courses, soils, roads, and the location of towns and rural dwellings. According to this publication, Maxatawnv and Kutztown lie "within that CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN physiographic division of the United States known as the Piedmont [foot of the moun- tains] plateau. . . . The soils . . . are all residual, having been derived direct- ly, through weathering and decomposition from the original rocks." The part of "the Great Valley," varying in width from 12 to 18 miles "consists of two distinct divis= ions — one of limestone, the other of shale. The belt of limestone land extends across the township from southwest to northeast and averages three and one-half miles in breadth. In this limestone belt, within the limits of the township are two varieties of soil, known as "Hagerstown loam" and "Hagerstown stony loam." The former covers the larger part of the township; of the latter there is a small area in the south- ern corner of the township about Bowers and on the rising land beyond Lyons. The limestone ledges cropping out here and there are sources of wealth to their owners. All through this belt are quarries, some very extensive and worked for many years. These supply crushed stone for the furnaces and the roads, wagon, steam, and trolley. At most of the quarries are lime- kilns in which the stone is burned to lime for building purposes and for putting on the farmers' fields. In this belt, too, are many deposits of brown hematite iron ore, worked formerly more extensively than they are at present, as "most of the ore that occurred in workable quantities has been taken out." Across the northern oart of the town- ship runs the Hudson River shale, the ex- posed and undecomposed rocks of which exhibit, even within a distance of a few yards, varied colors : yellow, brown, blue, purple, drab, and Indian red, differences due, as has been suggested, to differences in hydration of the rock. Of the Hudson River shale there are two varieties : the Berks shale loam, occupying by far the larger part of the belt, and the Berks silt loam, found in the extreme western end of the township, a quite limited area, at the foot of the hills, a mile to a mile and a half directly west of Kutztown. In the extreme southern end of the town- ship, on the hills above Lyons, on each side of the road to Dryville, is a patch of Pots- dam sandstone, which, by weathering has formed a soil to which has been given the name of DeKalb stony loam. The surface of the township is gently rolling, particularly in the southern portion, considerably broken with steep and round- ed hills in the northern part. The eleva- tion above sea level varies from 390 feet at the point where the Saucony crosses the Greenwich township line to 840 feet on a hill north of Siegfried's Dale near the ex- treme northern corner of the township. The Saucony at the Main street bridge is 400 feet above the sea level. In the brick work of a pilaster in the front wall of the Girls' Dormitory of the Keystone State Normal School, was set in 1908 a disk of metal, three feet five inches from the surface of the ground, bearing a bench mark with the subjoined inscription surrounding a point within a small triangle : U. S. GfiOIvOGICAI, SURVEY IN CO-OPiiRATlON WITH THE STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA EI^EVATION ABOVE /\ SEA 5I4~FEET DATUM 1908 This would make the surface of the Eas- ton Road in front of the residence of the late Col. T. D. Fister, approximately 515 feet. The township, it may be added, is drained by the Saucony Creek and its tributaries, the principal of which is Mill Creek, which having its sources in Lehigh County and in the eastern corner of Greenwich Town- ship, enters Maxatawny Township at its northern corner and flows with a curve to the south and west through Mill Creek Valley, past Eagle Point, into Greenwich Township, where mingling its waters at Liscum, with those of a brook from the north, it turns south and joins the Saucony below the "second dam." In the extreme eastern corner of the township is a water shed from which gather the head waters of Kline's Run, a creek, to flow across the border into Lehigh County. Within the last few years the State of Pennsylvania has been conducting investi- gations into the "chestnut blight," a dis- ease destructive of chestnut trees. In course of the studies made in connection with these investigations the question arose as to the relation between soils and the sus- ceutibility of the trees to the blight or the immunity from it variously manifested in different localities. This led to other stud- ies, of soils and rocks, the results of which have considerably modified the conclusions p.rrived at by the earlier geolo2;ists. Dr. F. P. Gulliver, formerly connected with the Chestnut Blight Commission, has been carrying on these studies wit-h accuracy and persistence. As these studies embody the very latest discoveries, it is with pleasure that the compilers of this history insert at this place the following interesting and valuable contribution from his pen : CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN GEOLOGY Kutztown and vicinity is one of the Garden Spots of the World. There are few places where it is as easy to live so comfortably and well or where the mass of the population is so happy and so content= ed with the lot to which God has called them. Recentl}' it has been shown that there is limestone of three Geologic ages in the Kutztown valley : The Cambro- Ordovicion limestone on the southeast side of the valley, seen at Topton, Fleetwood, etc. ; the Lower Silurian limestone, found in the central portions of the valley ; and the Upper Silurian limestone, underlying Kutz- town. The northern rim of the Kutztown val- ley is formed by the Hudson River shales Cambrian quartzite. In some places there still remain the old shoreline beach deposits which may be shoveled up and carted away for use as sand. Such deposits are now found at Fleetwood, Temple, and on A-It. Peon. In other places the beaches are changed into sandstone. In the majority of places however the sand has been changed into quartzite by the action of water, heat, and pressure. A special form of this quartzite is found at the old Indian quarry just above Bowers station. Here alkaline waters coming up from below have changed the quartzite in- to Jasper with many other varieties of quartz. (See account of H. K. Deisher, page 8.) It is an interesting fact that about The Kramer Farm, in Greenwich Township which overlies the three limestones. These shales with some sandy layers do not weath- er as fast as the limestone and therefore rise to several hundred feet above the level of the valley floor. Everywhere beneath the shales will be found the limestones. In some places as at the Crystal Cave and Umbrella Hill the limestone has been arch- ed up and is found well up the steep slopes of the shale hills. In all the bottoms of the streams the limestone is only a short distance below the surface if it does not show in the bed of the stream itself. South of the belt of three limestones which forms Kutztown \^alley one finds an old shoreline, whose sand beaches are now mainly converted into quartzite, called the a mile from the center of this old quarry the chestnut trees are healthy and seem to resist the action of the blight fungus. On the Cambrian quartzite in general all the chestnut trees are either dead or rapidly dying from the blight. To the southeast of this Cambrian quartz- ite there is an area of very old rocks, part- ly formed from sediments laid down in water and in part formed from rocks due to volcanic action. The soils from these rocks dififer widely and it is a great mis- take to group them together as has been done in the soil survey of Berks county where differing soils are grouped together as Dekalb loam and stoney loam. F. P. Gulliver CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN INDIAN HISTORY THE ABORIGINAL INHABITANTS They waste us ; a}', like the April snow In the warm noon we shrink awajs And fast they follow as we go Torward the setting day; Till they shall fill the land, as we Are driven into the western sea. — Bryant Very little is known about the Indians of this immediate vicinity. The mute stone implements of family life, agriculture, chase, and war are, however, evidence that this section at some time was thickly in- habited by aboriginal Indians. As the Indians moved beyond the Blue Mountains prior to the settlement of white people in this fair valley, though there may have been squatters here and there, yet they left no record. A condensed gen- eral history of the tribe once the inhabit- ants of this place may, nevertheless, be of interest to the reader. The Indians living here at the time of discovery and until their removal to the West were the Leni Lenape, meaning, "real men" or "true men," commonly called Dela- ware Indians. According to the "Hand- book of American Indians," they were a confederacy of three clans and were fore- most of the Algonquin tribes, occupying Eastern Pennsylvania, Southeastern New York, and all of New Jersey and Dela- ware. In remote times they were recognized as "Grand Father," by neighboring tribes, until 1720 when the Iroquois or Six Na- tions, through trickery assumed dominion over them ; made "women" of thern as they called it, forbidding them to make war or sell land. According to Morgan they were com- posed of three principal tribes, called Un- amis or turtle, Unalachtigo or turkey, and Munsee, or Minsi, the wolf. According to Rrinton they were named by their totemic emblems and geographic division, Took- seat (round paw wolf), which had twelve sub=tribes ; Poke Hooungo, ( crawling tur- tle,) with ten sub-tribes; and PuUaook, (non-chewing turkey,) with twelve sub- tribes. Rutenber states that the Gachwech- nagechgo or lyehigh Indians were probably of the Unami tribe and it may be inferred that they lived along the Delaware river from the "forks," (Lehigh and Delaware rivers, at Easton,) south beyond Philadel- phia. The Wolf tribe is attributed to the head waters of the Delaware and south as far as the Lehigh river, but this author does not state how far west. It is fair, however, to assume that the Wolf tribe inhabited this vicinity and west beyond the Schuylkill river. According to Morgan the names of the sub-tribes of the Wolf clan were as fol- lows : Maansreet, big feet ; Weesowhetko, yellow tree ; Pasakunamon, pulling corn ; Weyarnihkato, cave enterer ; Tooshwarka- ma, across the river ; Olumane, vermillion ; Punarvon, dog standing by fireside ; Kwine- ekch^, long body ; Moonhartarne, digging ; Xcnharmin, pulling up stream ; Long'hus- hirkartto, brush dog; and Mawsootoh, bringinp- along. The reader may guess which of these occupied our town site along the Saucony Creek. CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN Saucony means outlet, as the outlet of a stream and ma\' have been named at Virgin- ville, where the Saucony flows into the On- telaunee. Maxatawny, according to Heckewelder, signifies bear's path stream, and this name was probably aop'ied to what is now called ]\Iill Creek. From this our township, ob- tained the name of Maxatawn}'. JMoselem, another stream near town, sig- nifies trout stream and is well named as it continues one of the best trout fishing re- sorts to this dav. Loskiel and Heckewelder, the Moravian pitalitv even to strangers is regarded as a sacred duty. However their conduct tow= ard an enemy is cruel and when enraged, nothing short of murder and bloodshed is the result, and their fury knows no bounds." Much could be written about their dwelling, clothing, food, agriculture, hunting, war, trade, traveling, amusements, marriage, funerals, treaties, etc., but space does not permit. Tamanend, commonly called Tamany, ac- cording to Heckewelder, was one of their ancient chiefs who never had an equal, and who may have lived as late as 1680. Chief L,apawinsoe missionaries, writing at length about Indian manners and customs, may here be quoted briefly. "Their skin is reddish brown, the hair black and coarse. Their smell, sight, and hearing is very acute and their mem- ory strong. In common life and conversa- tion the Indians observe great decency. They usually deal with one another and strangers with kindness and civility, and without empty compliments. Swearing and drunkenness was unknown prior to the ad- vent of the white man, and their vices were few. The aged are much respected; hos- Allumapes, also called Sassoonan, was chief from 1718 to 1728. Other chiefs of this tribe were Lingahonoa, Lapawinsoe, Tiscohan, Manangy, and Teedyuscung, the latter being made chief in 1756. Manangy is said to have been chief of the Schuyl- kill (roaring stream) Indians and may have sojourned here. John D. Cremer writes that the Chiho- hockis, a sub-tribe of the Delawares, dwelt along the Schuylkill and west bank of the Delaware. The famous Penn treaty was made in CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN 1682, but after Penn's time the troubles of the Indians began. In 1737 the famous walking purchase took place at which time they were cheated out of much land. La- oawinsoe and Tiscohan were signers of this walking purchase treaty. Probably no other tribe of Indians ex- perienced so many vicissitudes, being driv- en from "post to pillar" and scattered with no permanent abode. Encroachment of white settlers compelled their removal to Wyoming Valley in 1724, to Allengheny in 1742, to Ohio in 1751, to Indiana in 1770, to Missouri in 1789, later to Arkansas, to Texas in 1820, to Kansas in 1835, and, last- ly, to the Indian lerritory in 1867, when united with the Cherokee Indians. Those who remained with the main body, num- bering 754 persons, appeared to be over their trouble and were assured of a perm- anent abode in their well earned "land of Canaan." They can look back contentedly upon the hardshins of their exodus, as with their allotment of land and money held by the Government they are worth several thousand dollars per capita, — more than the average citizen of any civilized nation. However those who left the main body are scattered in Canada, Wisconsin and other states, and did not share in the allot- ment of land. At some remote time they must have numbered many thousands, but during the last century this scattered tribe has at any one time comprised not more than 2400 to 3000 persons. On September 7, 1732, Sassoonan and six other chiefs sold "all those lands lying and being on the said Schuylkill and the tributaries thereof, between the mountains called Lichai, (Lehigh or South Moun- tains,) to the south and the hills or moun- tains called, Keekochtatenni, (Kittatinny or Blue Mountains,) on the north between the branches of the Delaware river on the east and the water falling into the Susquehanna river on the west." This included our town site now celebrating its Centennial. 1 he purchase price was as follows, namely : 20 brass kettles, 100 Stroudwater match coats of two yards each, 100 duffles, of two yards each; 100 blankets, 100 yards half tick, 60 linen shirts, 20 hats, 6 made coats, 12 pair shoes, 30 pair stockings, 300 pounds gun powder, 600 pounds lead, 20 fine guns, 12 gun locks, 50 tomahawks, 50 planting hoes, 120 knives, 60 pair scissors, 100 to- bacco tongs, 24 looking glasses, 40 tobacco boxes, 1000 flints, 5 pounds paint, 24 dozen garters, 6 dozen ribbons, 12 dozen rings, 200 awl blades, 400 tobacco pipes, 20 gal- lons rum, and 50 pounds money. These land purchases suggest that when the Indians came into possession of iron hoes, knives, awls, etc., they eagerly ac- cepted these substitutes and discarded stone implements, which, no doubt, accounts for the many stone implements found on their camp sites. When the French and Indian war broke out in 1755, many murders were committed bv Indians on the white settlers along the Blue Mountains. During this trying period a letter was written by Valentine Probst in Albany township, to Jacob Levan in Maxa- tawny, dated February 11^, 1756, asking aid to defend themselves against these maraud- ers. Mr. Levan was, no doubt, a large land holder and operator of Levan's Mill, near Eagle Point, built prior to 1740, now operated by a descendant of the same name. It is a matter of record that, "A road was laid out from Levan's Mill in Maxatawny to the King's Highway in Oley bv John Yoder's fence." This road we may imagine followed an old Indian trail, and the writ- er remembers a number of remnants of this road from a point beyond the rail= 8 CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN road cut to Bowers Station, existing forty years ago. It crossed a number of camp sites and beyond Bowers passed the famous Jasper quarries, (where the Aborigines pro- cured the yellow, red and brown flint to make their best implements,) thence thru Forge Dale to Oley, which was also thick- ly settled by Indians. Our townsman, A. N. Levan, relates an incident, the story of which was handed down in their family, that an Indian came stealthily to the mill and was shot by his ancestor and hurriedly buried under the Dorch steps of the old house which stood in what is now a little garden in front of the mill. Later two Indians came hunting for their partner but not finding him, re- treated. It has also been handed down from gen- ed by the writer, since 1876, (then starting as a collector at the age of six years, ) may as well go on record. Starting at Fox Hill on the Sell farm a mile southeast of town, camp sites were almost continuous along Saucony Creek over the farms of Mrs. Ame- lia Strasser, the Hoch farm, now owned bv Chas. K. Deisher ; Dr. Edward Hottenstein, J. J. Hottenstein, Sarah L. Nicks Estate, William Bieber, Mrs. Treichler, Pleasant View Stock Farm, Jerome Christman and Dr. John DeTurk, west of town on the old Biehl farm now owned by Chas. Deisher; Sam. H. Heffner, also the Peter Deisher and John, later William, Deisher farms ; the two latter now owned by Isaac Fegley and Mrs. Maria E. Bieber. These farms have many good springs of water around which the Indians had located. Following the stream formed by these sorings and passing through a gorge in the hills we come to the Daniel, Jacob and Henry Kohler farms on which camps have been located which must have been occu- eration to generation in the Kemp family and imparted to the writer by his friend, Nathan S. Kemp, that two Indians lingered in this section after their friends had left. One of them contracted small pox and was either accidentally or wilfully drowned in Benjamin Levan's miil race. The one re- maining whose name was Kneebuckle, left for parts unknown about 1760. During earlier years Indians often came to the De- walt Kemp home and slept by the log fire on the hearth, always departing before the family arose in the morning. Two prom- inent camp sites are located on this farm, a mile beyond Kemp's tavern. The writer on his first visit to this place about 1884, bor- rowed a basket to carry home his find of implements. Other camp sites in this vicinity as locat- pied for a long time. These farms are now owned by lohn M. Kohler and Wm. P. Kutz. On Whit-Monday 1847, o"'' well known townsman, George O'Neill, deceased, Gust Flickinger, Joseph Wink, Peter Fritz, and William Becker, opened Indian graves in CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN the woods on the Biehl farm, west of town. Glass beads and other objects were found, which were exhibited at the Heidenreich and Kutz (now Sharadin and Sharadin) store and at the printing office of "Geist Der Zeit." The following day an "army" as Mr. O'Neill termed it, went out to dig, but Mr. Biehl forbade it. What became of all the objects found is not known; how- ever, a few beads are in the possession of Eugene Sharadin and a brass kettle and gun lock are in the collection of the late Dr. Cyrus Wanner. On May 23, 1901, after the place had been under cultivation more than 50 years, the burial site was re-located by permission of my uncle, Charles Deisher, supervised by the writer and assisted by Frank Rahn, Chas. A. Mertz, Chas. K. Deisher, William Wessner, F. B. Druckenmiller, George P. Keehn, Charles A. Swoyer and John Stump, Mr. O'Neill in describing the location had been misled by the change of a drive- way or woodland road from the west side of the log house to the east side. But the writer's father, John D. Deisher, remem- bered that "in the fall of 1847 his father The Deisher Indian Pot lO CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN II had directed him to put a stick in the bung hole of a barrel and go to Jacob Biehl to make water cider." Coming up what was then an old woodland road, he noticed to the left where the five boys had dug the previous spring of the year. We dug for three hours and being about ready to aban- don the project, I concluded to make obser- vations, by circling the place, set my eyes on a spot, walking up to it and making a scratch, calling Frank Rahn to start a ditch. Several shovel fulls of earth removed, re- vealed that I had scratched on the exact SDot of a grave. A necklace of white and blue beads, several long stemmed white clay pipes, and a small iron cup were found just under the cultivated soil. Four more graves were found, some of which had been open- ed 54 years before. A necklace composed of colored glass beads and brass thimbles Harry Weylie, Frank Powley, Geo. Smith, Lewis DeTurk, and others. Having pur- chased part of this tract and rented another portion, orders were given to plow deep and mark variations in soil. These efforts were rewarded by the location of nine fire places where huts had existed. Later while grading a street across this camp, three "Cache" or storage pits were located, one of them a beautiful bowl shaped hole in the clay 30 inches deep and 28 inches in diameter. This street has been named Len- ni Street, in honor of the tribe. Later while digging a post hole directly inside the pave- ment on the corner of Normal Avenue and Lenni Street another storage pit was found by the writer and this yielded the priceless fragments of an Indian pot which has been restored at considerable labor and expense. The pot is of the typical Delaware type lyOG House Near Indian Borial Site — Deisher and His Explorers in pairs were threaded on buckskin thongs. The bones indicated that they were of full grown persons and the fact that the graves were only three feet long, eighteen inches wide by about thirty inches deep, indicates that these were what are termed "bundle burial," that is, these persons had been bur= ied on the top of the ground under cover until the bodies were decayed and later in- terred the bones, which was their custom in pre-historic times. Last but not least are the Indian camp sites within otir Borough limits, on the Sarah L. Nicks Estate, known as the David Levan farm, extending across the William Bieber abandoned brick yard and along the creek as far as Main street. This short stretch has probably yielded 2000 specimens to the writer's collection, being my own ef- forts since 1878 and those of Lewis Bloch, with pointed base and flaring rim, the sides being covered with cord marks formed by a paddle which had been wrapped with cord. It is decorated on the upper part with short horizontal lines formed by a roulette wheel ; this wheel was a simple circular piece of wood with notched edge which was attached to a handle and rocked back and forth to form the design. The lip of the vessel and the inner part of the rim are decorated with similar lines. The vessel having been broken in pre- historic times was mended bv drilling holes in either side of the break. There are three series of these holes, two of which contain three drillings and the other two. The ones having three drill-holes are at Doints where the break caused a right angle and the grouping of these holes forms a triangle. 12 CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN IvOCating the Indian Burial Site— 1901 When drillings of this type were resort- ed to, the vessel was mended and strength- ened b}' thongs or cord which were passed through the holes and tied. It is possible that these breaks were then covered with gum or possibly clay. The height of the vessel is II inches and its greatest diameter 0% inches. A picture of this pot is shown herewith, also a number of typical speci- mens of stone. Contributors to this collection from other oarts of the county were Samuel S. Gruber, William H. Kraus, Albert Reimert, Samuel Arnoldt, Mathias Fritz, John Wyandt, Al- bert Kline, Daniel Kohler, Alvin Kohler, Adam Kohler and John L. D. Kohler, and J. B. Faust. Dr. E. J. Sellers, the druggist, has many fine specimens from local camp- sites. It may be noted here that an Indian, a descendant of the Lenni Lenape tribe, was a passenger on the first trolley car passing through Kutztown, as a guest of the writer. "Where is my home — my forest home? The proud land of my sires? Where stands the wigwam of my pride? Where gleam the council fires? Where are my fathers" hallowed graves? My friends so light and gay? Cone, gone — forever from my view ! Great Spirit! Can it be? Hbnry K. DeishEr CENTENNIAL HISTORY OP KUTZTOWN 13 THE SETTLEMENT OF MAXATAWNY Maxatawny was settled early in the eigh- teenth century. The exact date of the en- trance of the first settlers, pioneers, who came from Philadelphia, directly or, most of them, indirectly by way of Falkner Swamp and Oley, cannot be determined. The land lying in this valley was purchased from the Indians September 7, 1732. The deed of sale was executed by "Sassoonan, alias Al- lummapis, sachem of the Schuylkill Indians, in the province of Pennsylvania, Elalapis, Ohopamen, Pesqueetomen, Mayeemoe, Part- ridge, and Tepakoaset, alias Joe, on behalf of themselves and all the other Indians of the said nation, unto John Penn, Thomas Penn, and Richard Penn. The territory in IJie grant is described as follows : "All those tracts of land or lands lying on or near the river Schuylkill, in said prov- ince, or any of the branches, streams, foun- tains or springs thereof, eastward or west- ward and all lands lying in or near any swamps, marshes, fens or meadows, the wa- ters or streams of which flow into or toward the said river Schuylkill situate, lying and being between those hills called Lechay Hills and those called Keekachtanemin Hills, which cross the said river Schuylkill about thirty miles above the said Lechay hills, and all land whatsoever lying within the said bounds ; and between the branches of Delaware river, on the eastern side of the said land, and the branches or streams running into the river Susquehanna, on the western side of the said lands, together with all mines, minerals, quarries, waters, rivers, creeks, woods, timber, and trees, with all and every the appurtenances, etc." The consideration mentioned in the deed consisted of the following articles : "20 brass kettles, 100 stroudwater match- coats of two yards each, 100 duffels do., 100 blankets, 100 yards of half tick, 60 linen shirts, 20 hats, 6 made coats, 12 pairs of shoes and buckles, 30 pair of stockings, 300 lbs. of gunpowder, 600 lbs. of lead, 20 fine guns, 12 gun locks, 50 tomahawks or hatch- ets, 50 planting hoes, 120 knives, 60 pair of scissors, 100 tobacco tongs, 24 looking- glasses, 40 tobacco boxes, 1000 flints, 50 pounds of paint, 24 dozen of gartering, 6 dozen of ribbons, 12 dozen of rings, 200 awl blades, 100 pounds of tobacco, 400 to- bacco pipes, 20 gallons of rum and fifty pounds in money." Lingahonoa, one of the Schuylkill In- dians, executed the deed on the 12th of July, 1742, upon receiving his full share and pro- portion of the several goods mentioned, he "happening not to be present when his brethren signed and executed the same." His execution was attested by Benjamin Franklin, William Peters, Conrad Weiser and Lynford Lardner. In his "Historical sketch of Kutztown and Maxatawny" (published in 1876) Pro- fessor John S. Ermentrout says: "This township was settled very soon after the year 1732." The accuracy of this state- ment is rendered somewhat doubtful by a previous delivery on the same page (p. 5), where we read : "Prior to 1734, in Maxatawny, lived the following persons who owned land and paid quit-rents : — Jacob Hottenstein Peter Andreas Jacob Levan Jacob Kemp Wilhelm Gross Casper Wink Christian Mahnenschmidt Jacob Hill Isaac Leonard Peter Trealer Hans Hage Bastian Terr."' Nicholas Kutz Abraham Zimmerman Jost. Hen. Sassaman Andreas Fischer Heinrich Hartman Michael Mueller Hans Kleimer Heinrich Schade Jeremiah Trealer Bastian Terr."* Montgomery adds: "The township was settled immediately after the land was re- leased by the Indians." This statement, like that of Ermentrout is, on the face of it improbable, and for these considerations : 1. The sale was made by the Indians in September 1732. From that date to "prior to 1734" would be only a little over one .vear, quite too brief a period for the territory to acquire so many taxables (22) as are given in the list. 2. It is of record that on November 18, 1729, Nicholas Kutz, named in the fore- going list of taxables, bought from Casper Wistar, "brass button manufacturer," of Philadelphia, for the sum of 52 pounds, 10 shillings, one hundred and fifty acres of land in Maxatawny, Philadelphia County. This tract was located near Eagle Point and is now in possession of Israel Kutz. iThis name is spelled Ferr in Ermentrout's pamphlet and is so reprinted in Montgomer}''s "History of Berks County" (1S66), p. 1041. "Ferr" is asserted to be a misprint for "Terr," an early form of the family name now written Derr. 14 CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN 3. It is also of record that on the preced- ing day, November 17, 1729, Jacob Hotten- stein, bought from Casper Wistar, one hundred and sixteen acres of land in Maxa- tawny. RELEASE AND DEED This Indenture made the Eighteenth Day of November In the Year of our Lord One thou- sand seven hundred & twenty nine Bctivecn Casper Wistar of the City of Philadelphia Brass- button maker and Catharine his Wife Of the One Part and Jacob Huddlestone of Maxhe- tawny in the County of Philadelphia Of the other part Witnesse'ih That the said Caspar Wistar and Catharine his Wife For the Con- sideration of Forty Pounds twelve Shilling law- ful money of Pennsylvania to them paid by the said Jacob Huddlestone have granted bargained sold released and confirmed And by these Pres- ents for them and their Heirs do grant bargain sell release and confirm Unto the said Jacob Huddlestone (In his actual Seizin now being by Virtue of a Bargain and Sale unto him made by the said Caspar Wistar & Catharine his Wife For the Terra of one Year by Indenture bearing Date the Day next before the Day of the Date hereof made between the same Parties as these Presents and to his Heirs and Assigns) A Cer- tain Piece or Tract of Land situate in Maxhe- tawny aforesaid Beginning at a Post at a Corner of Caspar Wistar's other Land Thence extending by that and vacant Land South ten Degrees East Two hundred Perches to a black Oak Sapling Thence by vacant Land South eighty Degrees West ninety three Perches to a Post Thence by Land of Peter Andrews North ten Degrees West Two Hundred Perches to a Post Thence by Lands of Nicholas Couts North eighty Degrees East ninety-three Perches to the Place of Be- ginning Containing One hundred and Sixteen Acres ( It being Part of the fourth described of several Tracts, which by Patent of the first Day of September last past Under the Hands of the Proprietarv Commissioners and Great Seal of the said Province were granted unto the said Caspar Wistar In Fee Entered of Record at Philadel- phia Book A Vol. 6 Page 106) Together also with all and singular the Ways Woods Waters Water Courses Rights Liberties Privileges Im- provements Hereditaments and Appurtenances whatsoever unto the hereby granted Premises be- longing And the Reversions and remainders there- by To have & to hold the said One Hundred and 16 Acres of Land Hereditaments and Premises hereby granted or mentioned to be granted with the Appurtenances Unto the said Jacob Huddle- stone and his Heirs To the Use and Behoof of him the said Jacob Huddlestone his Heirs and Assigns forever Under the proportionable part of the Proprietary Quit rert in the said recited Pat- ent mentioned as hereafter yearly accruing And the said Caspar Wistar doth Covenant for him and his Heirs the said Land and Premises hereby granted with the Apnurtenances Unto the said Tacoh Huddlestone his Heirs & Assigns against him the said Caspar Wistar and his Heirs and all Persons claiming under him or them shall and will ^Varrant and forever defend by these Presents And the said Caspar Wistar for himself his Heirs Executors and Administrators doth Covenant nromise and grant to and with the said Jacob Huddlestone his Heirs & Assigns by these Pres- ents That the said Caspar Wistar and his Heirs and all and every other Person or Persons lawfully claiming or to claim any Estate Right Title or interest of in or to the Premises or any Part or Parcel thereof by from or under him or them or any of them shall & will, at any Time within the Space of Fourteen Years next en- suing the Date hereof, at the reasonable Request and Charges in Law of the said Jacob Huddle- stone his Heirs or Assigns make execute and acknowledge or cause so to be all and every such further or other Act and Acts Deed or Deeds Device or Devices in law for the further and better Assurance and Confirmation of the ore hundred and sixteen Acres of Land Heredi- taments and Premises hereby granted or men- tioned to be granted with the Appurtenances un- to the said Jacob Huddlestone his Heirs and Assigns as by him or them Or by his or their Councel learned in the Law shall be reasonably devised advised or required So as such Assur- ance contain no further or other Warrant or Covenant than these Presents. In Witness where- of the said Parties to these Presents have inter- changeably set their Hands and Seals hereunto Dated the Day & Year first above written. CASPAR WISTAR, [l. s.] CATHARINE WISTAR [r.. s.] Sealed and Delivered In the Presence of us CONRAT REIF, WILLIAM PARSONS. Entered in the Office for Recording of Deeds for the City and County of Philadelphia, in Book F Vol. 6 Page 335 &c. The fourteenth Day of August. Ao. Di. One thousand seven hundred and thirty four Witness my Hand and Seal to my Office aforesaid. C. BrockdeNj Recorder. 4. Most conclusive of all is the fact that on December i, 1724, one Peter Wentz, patented one thousand acres of land ; the price paid was one hundred and sixty pounds. The patent, which was recorded December 5, 1728, was issued by "Richard Hill, Isaac Norris, James Logan and Thom- as Grififits, commissioners," acting for the authorities of the Province. In this patent the land is described as situate on the Sau- conv in "the Province of Pennsylvania and County of Newcastle-Sussex on the Dela- ware." This is especially interesting as showing that at that early date this section was supposed to be in Newcastle county, one of the lower counties of the Province, into the "wilderness," a short time after- wards separated from Pennsylvania, but then extending indefinitely into the "wild- erness" in a north-westernly direction with limits exceedingly vague in all directions except in their southern portion. Soon af- ter this date, however, patents and deeds locate this section in Philadelphia county, showing that this uncertainty of location had disappeared. PATENT Richard Hill, Isaac Norris, James Logan and Thomas Griffitts. Commissioners, to Peter Wents. Province of Pennsylvania and County of New- CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN 15 castle, Sussex on the Delaware. Attorneys of Joshua, Sec, of city of London, Silkman, Thomas Oad, of the city of Bristol, England, and John Woods, of London, Merchant, surviving mort- gagees and trustees of said province and count}': To all unto whom these presents shall come. Hon. William Penn, Esq., Proprietary author- izes the Surveyor General on the ist day of De- cember, 1724, to grant unto the said Peter Wents a patent of 1000 acres situated on the Saucony, a branch of the Schuylkill river, — the same de- scribed and bounded as follows : — Beginning at a post for a corner, thence N. 20 deg. W., along a line of well-marked trees, a distance of 362 perches to a post : thence N. 70 deg. E., along a line of well-marked trees, a distance of 375 perches to a post; thence S. 20 deg. E., along a line of well-marked trees, a distance of 150 perches to a post ; thence N. 70 deg. E., along a line of well-marked trees, a distance of 160 perches to a post; thence S. 20 deg. E., along a line of well-marked trees, a distance of 212 oerches to a post ; thence S. 70 deg. W., along a line of well-marked trees, a distance of 536 perches to the place of beginning; containing 1000 acres, and an allowance of 6 acres on every 100 for roads and highways. Granted for the consideration of 160 pounds, and recorded De- cember 5th, 172S. In the recorded cop)' of the patent, to be seen at Harrisburg, the metes and bounds are stated elaborateh^ but the exact loca- tion of the tract is a matter of some doubt as the location of the starting- point is not fixed by any now recognized landmark. That it included the site of the present bor- ough of Kutztown, at least in part, may be inferred from the wording of a deed in possession of Mr. Wilson B. Kutz, liv- ing representative of a long line of succes- sive owners of a portion of the tract. From this deed it is learned that 514 acres of this tract in Maxatawnv was purchased from Peter Wentz by James (alias) Jacobus De- laplank, a resident of Oley township, who, in his will, "bearing date the 2gth of May -\nno Domini 1758," devised the same to his son, Frederick Delaplank. The same was sold at sheriff's sale, May nth, 1767, "bv Jasper Scull, Esquire, High Sheriff" of Berks County, to Peter Rothermel. On December 19, 1772, the new owners (Peter Rothermel and Sybilla, his wife) trans- ferred 120 acres of this tract to Jacob Sweyer. From this last about go acres passed June 17, 1789, into possession of Leonard Rishel, who, on July 29, 1820, sold from it a piece of 34 acres and 17 perches to Philip ]\'Iver, which in course of time came into the possession of the late William S. Kutz, resident at the west- ern end of town, beyond the borough limits. The following papers are reproduced in this connection as possibly helpful to better understanding of the somewhat complicated question of original ownership of the .=iteof Kutztown : EXEMPLIFICATIONS OF PROCEEDINGS REAL ESTATE OF JACOB KUTZ, DEC'D Berks County, ss : GEORGE, the THIRD by the Grace of God, of Great Britain, France and Ireland, King, De- fender of the Faith, &c. To all to whom these presents shall come Greeting. Know Ye that among the Records and proceedings of the Or- phans' Court of the Countv of Berks aforesaid. At an Orphans' Court held at Reading in and for the said County of Berks the tenth Day of August in the ninth Year of Our Reign and in the Year of Our Lord one thousand seven hun- dred and sixty nine Before Jonas Seely Esquire and his Associates, Justices of the said Court, &c., and at divers other Days and Times there- after It is thus contained Upon the Petition of Jacob Kutz, Eldest Son and Heir at Law of Jacob Kutz late of the Town- ship of Maxatawny in Berks County Yeoman deceased, setting forth ; — "That the petitioner's said Father died Intes- tate about eighteen Months since, leaving a Widow, to wit, Elisabeth, and issue Eight Chil- dren, to wit, the petitioner, John Adam, Peter, Elisabeth the Wife of Jacob Schweyer, Catha- rina the wife of George Ott, Susanna and Bar- bara, and that the said Intestate, at the Time of his Death was seised in his Demesne as of Fee of and in a certain Messuage or Tenement Plantation and Tract of Land situate in the said Township of Maxatawny, bounded by Lands of Jacob Teyscher, Michael Henninger, George Kutz and Peter Rothermel, Containing by Esti- mation One hundred and ninety Acres, be the same more or less, with the Appurtenances. And therefore praying the Court to award and Inquest to make partition of the Premises to and among the parties aforesaid if the same could be done without Prejudice to or spoiling the Whole thereof ; But if such partition could not he made without nrejudice to or spoiling the Whole of the Real Estate aforesaid — then pray- ing the Court to order that the Inquest to be awarded should value and appraise the said Mes- suage or Tenement Plantation and' Tract of One hundred and ninety Acres of Land, be the same more or less, with the Appurtenances in order that the petitioner might be enabled to hold and enjoy the same upon his paying or securing to be paid to the other Children and Representatives of the said Intestate their Several and respec- itve Shares and Dividends of and in such Valua- tion according to the Laws of this Provinc" of Pennsylvania in such Case made and provided." The Court did award an Inquest to make par- tition of the Real Estate in the said petition soecified, late of the said Intestate to and amons- his Children and Representatives the aforesaid in such Manner and in such proportions as by the Laws of this province is directed and ap- pointed if such partition could be made without nrejudice to or spoiling the Whole thereof ; But if such partition could not be made without prejudice to or spoiling the Whole, then to value and appraise the said Real Estate with the Ap- purtenances and make Report of their Doings therein to the Court agreeable to the Acts of the General Assembly of this Province of Penn- sylvania in such Case made and provided. And a Writ for the purposes aforesaid issued to Our Sheriff of the county of Berks afsd. directed. i6 CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN bearing Teste the same Tenth Da3' of August in the Ninth Year of Our Reign and returnaDle the Fourth Day of September then next ensuing, at which Fourth Day of September in the Year aforesaid Before the Justices of the Orphans Court then held at Reading in and for the Lounty of Berks Our Sheriff of the said County, to wit, Jacob Shoemaker, Esq., made Return of the said Writ in the Following Words (thereon indorsed) to wit: 'To the justices aforenamed I do hereby Certify that by Virtue of the afore- written Writ to me directed I have taken with me twelve honest and lawful Men of my Baili- wick and gone to the Messuage or Tenement and Tract of Land in the said Writ mentioned, Containing One hundred and thirty Acres, or thereabouts, and all and singular premises where- of Jacob Kutz the Intestate in the said Writ named dyed seised in Maxatawny Township, and on the Oath and Affirmation of the Inquest afsd. respectively finding the same could not be^ part- ed and divided to and among the parties in the said Writ named without Prejudice to or spoil- ing the Whole thereof, have valued and appraised the same as by the said Writ I am commanded, as appears by the Schedule hereunto annexed. So answers Jacob Shoemaker, Sheriff Schedule an- nexed). Inquisition indented, made and taken at the Township of Maxatawny in the County of Berks, the second Day of September in the Year of Our Lord one thousand seven hundred and sixtv nine Before Jacob Shoemaker, Esq., High Sheriff of the County aforesaid by Virtue of His Maiesty's Writ to him directed and to this Inquisition annexed, by the Oath of George Kelchner and Peter Scherer and the Solemn Af- firmation of George Merckle, Daniel Levan, Frederick Hill, Jacob Teuscher, Friedrick Haus- man. Joseph Siegfrid, John Bast, Jacob Levan, Michael Heninger and Attorney Fischer, twelve free, honest and lawful Men, of the said County, Who upon their Oath and Affirmation aforesaid respectively do say that they went to the Mes- suasre or Tenement Plantation and Tract of Land in the said Writ mentioned, Containing One hun- dred and thirty Acres or thereabouts, be the same more or less, whereof Jacob Kutz the Intestate in the said Writ named dyed seised, and then and there found the same could not be parted and divided to and among the parties in the said Writ named without prejudice to or spoiling the Whole thereof, and therefore on their Oath and Affirmation aforesaid they the said Inquest have valued and appraised the said Messuage Tenement Plantation or Tract of Land with the Appurtenances of the Sum of twelve Hundred and Fifty Pounds lawful money of Pennsylvania Subject to all Moneys and Quitrents now due and hereafter to become due and payable for the same to the Chief Lord or Lords for the Fee thereof. In testimony thereof as well the said Sheriff as the Inquest aforesaid have here- unto interchangeablv set their Hands and Seals the Day and Year above said. Jacob Shoemaker, Sheriff (Seal) Frederick Hauzman (Seal) Jo- seph Sigfridt (Sea!) John Bast (Seal) Jacob Levan (Seal) Michel Henninger (Seal) Anton Fischer (Seal) Georg Kolchner (Seal) Peter Storer (Seal) Georg Morckel (Sesl) Daniel Le- van (Seal) Frederick Hill (Seal) Jacob Drescher (Seal)." And the said Return and Inquisition being read were confirmed And thereuoon it was considered and adjudged by the Court that the said Jacob Kutz Eldest Son and Heir at Law of the said Jacob Kutz deceased should hold and enjoy the Messuage or Tenement Plantation and Tract of Land in the Return afsd. specified with the Appurtenances whereof his said Father dyed seised Intestate, valued as aforesaid, to him his Heirs and Assigns for Ever as fully and freely as the said Intestate had and held the same in his lifetime. He first paying or giving Security for the payment of the Shares and Dividends of the younger Children of the said Intestate according to Law, which Sureties were to be approved of by the Court And Afterwards, to wit, the twelfth Day of June in the tenth Year of Our Reign and in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy at an Or- phans Court then held at Reading in and for the County of Berks aforesaid Before the Jus- tices of the said Court The Petition of the sa-'d Jacob Kutz Eldest Son and Heir at Law of the aforesaid Jacob Kutz deceased setting forth "That the Messuage or Tenement Plantation or Tract of land late of the said Intestate situate in the Township of Maxatawny aforesaid. Contain- ing One hundred and thirty Acres or thereabouts, with Appurtenances, was, by Virtue of a Writ of Partition or Valuation issued out of the Orphans Court of the County aforesaid bearing Teste the Tenth Day of August last past valued and an- praised at the Sum of Twelve Hundred and Fifty Pounds lawful Money of Pennsvlvania. That the personal Estate of the said Intestate falls nine hundred and thirteen pounds, six shillings and eight pence short of paying his Debts as aooears by the Administration Accompt thereof this Day rendered into the Register General's Office, at Reading, which the petitioner is willing to undertake to settle and pay if the same may be allowed to him out of the Valuation Money aforesaid." And therefore praying the Court "To confirm the said Messuage or Tenement Plantation and Tract of Land to him his He'rs and Assigns for Ever subject to the aforesaid nine hundred and thirteen pounds, six shillings and eight pence. Debts due from the said Estate, on his Giving Nicholas Kutz and John Adam Kutz, both of Maxatawny Townshio aforesaid Yeomen, Security for the pavment of three hun- dred and thirty six pounds thirteen shillinss and four pence (The residue of the Valuation Money aforesaid after the Debts aforesaid due from the said Estate being first deducted) to the other Children and Representatives of the said Inte- state according to Law," was read and granted And the Court do here approve of the said Nicho- las Kutz and John Adam Kutz as Securities to enter into Bonds with the said Tacob Kutz for the payment of the Shares and Dividends of the other Children and Representatives of the said Intestate of and in the said three hundred and thirty six pounds thirteen shillings and four pence Residue of the Valuation Money afore- said (The Debts aforesaid being deducted) on the Fourth Dav of Seotember next ensuina' (^re- serving to Elizabeth the Widow of the said In- testate her Dower therein) Upon Sealing and Delivery of which Bonds it is considered and adjudsed bv the Court that the said Jacob Kutz. the Son. shall hold and enjoy the Lands and Premises aforesaid with the Appurtenances, in Maxatawny Township aforesaid, as Heir at Law of his said Father Tacob Kutz, deceased, to him his Heirs and Assigns for Ever according to Law Subject to the payment of the aforesaid nine hundred and thirteen pounds six shillings and eight pence Debts due from the Estate of the said Intestate. And the Bonds aforesaid were entered into accordingly. All and singular which Premises by the Tenor CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN 17 of these presents We have commanded to be ex- emplified In Testimony whereof We have caused the Seal of the said County of Berks to be af- fixed to these presents Witness Jonas Seely, Es- qire, at Reading, the said twelfth Dav of June, in the Tenth Year of Our Reign Annoque Dom- ini 1770. DEED FREDERICK HITTLE AND WIFE TO DEWALD KUTZ For 7 Acres 112 Perches In Maxetany Berks County This Indenture, Made the first day of April In the Year of Our Lord one thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety five Between Frederick Hit- tie of Maxetany Township in the County of Berks and State of Pennsylvania Yeoman and Maria his Wife of the one part and Dewald Kutz of Kutztown in the Township and County afore- said, Cordwainer of the other part Whitnesseth, that the said Frederick Hittle and Maria his Wife for and in Consideration of the Sum of Two Hundred Pounds LawfuU mony in gold and Silver of the State aforesaid, to them in hand well and Truly paid by the said Dewald Kutz at and before the Sealing and Delivery hereof, the Receipt whereof they the said Fred- erick Hittle and Maria his Wife doth hereby Acknowledge and thereby do Acquit and forever Dischargee the said Dewald Kutz and his Heirs and Assigns By these Presents Have Granted Bargained Sold Released and Confirmed And by these Presents Do Grant Bargain Sell Release and Confirm unto the said Dewald Kutz and to his Heirs and Assigns, a Certain Tract Piece and Lot of Ground Situate Lying and being in the said Township of Maxetany, and Beginning at a Post, in a line of the of the late Propriataries, mannor, and now in the Possession of Jacob Teysher North Sixty degrees East nineteen Perch- es to a post fence along a line of Jacob Kutz Land, North thirtv five degrees West Seventy Perches ard three Tenth of a Perch to a Post at the High Road leading to Reading thence along said Road and South thirty five degrees West Twentv Perches to a Post, thence South thirty five dearees East Sixty Perches and one half of a Perch to the nlace of beginning. Containing Seven Acres and One hundred and Twelf perches. Neat measure. Being cart of Five Hundred and fourteen acres of Land wich Jasper Scull Esquire 'ate Hi?h Sheriff in and for the said Countv of Berks, In Pursuance of a '^^'rit of Fi°ri Facias tn him directed, and bv Virtue of a Certain other Writ of Venditioni Exoonas Sold the above discribed Tract of five hundred and fourteen ^--res of Land with the aopurtenances. unto Peter Rothermel in Fee, as by the said Sheriffs Deed ooll bearing date the Eleventh day of May, 1767, and bv him Acknowledged in ooen Court of Tommon Pleas at Reading in and for the County of Berks aforesaid recourse being thereunto hath more fullv Appears, and whereas the said Peter Rothermel and Sybilla his Wife by their Inden- ture of Release from under their Hands and Seals duly Executed bearing date the Nineteenth day of December 1772, for the Consideration therein mentioned Granted and Confirmed unto Jacob Sweyer and to his Heirs and Assigns for Ever, a Tenement and Piece of One Hundred and Twenty Acres and Eighty five perches with the appurtenances, and being part of the said five hundred and fourteen acres (as in and by said in part recited Indenture Recorded in the Oiifice for Recording of Deeds at Reading, in and for the County of Berks aforesaid in Book B, Vol. i, page 513, &c. Recourse thereunto had more fully and at Large Appears and whereas, the said Jacob Sweyer and Elizabeth his Wife by their Indenture of Release from under their hands and Seals duly Executed bearing date the fourth day of May, 1789, for the Consideration therein mentioned Granted and Confirmed, Thirty acres and Forty perches of Land Strict measure (being part of the above mentioned Tract of One hund- red and Twenty acres of Land, and Premises) unto the above said Frederick Hittle (and Partie hereto) and to his Heirs and Assigns for Ever, Together allso with all and Singular the Build- ings and Improvements, Orchards field fences, ways woods waters water courses Rights Liber- ties Preveleges Hereditaments and appurtenances whatsoever therunto belonging or in any Wise appertaining and the Reversions and remainders Rents Issues and Profits thereof and also all the Estate Right Title Interest use trust benefit Pos- session property Claim and Demand whatsoever both at Law and in Equity or otherwise how- soever of him the said Frederick Hittle and Maria his Wife and their Heirs of into and out of the Premises hereby granted and Every part thereof To have and to hold the said above discribed Piece and Lot of Ground Containing Seven acres and one hundred and Twelf perches and being part of the above Thirty acres and forty perches, (Hereditaments and Premises here- by Granted and Every thereof, to mentioned to be granted with the appurtenances unto the said Dewald Kutz his Heirs and Assigns To the only "roper use benefit and behoof of him the Said Dewald Kutz his Heirs and Assigns for Ever Always Excepting and reserving for me my heirs and Assigns as also Excepting and reserving for Leonerd Rishel his Heirs and Assigns, the free and undistributed Priveledge and Use of the Draw well Standing on the South Side of the aforementioned Great or High Road, and on the said Seven Acres and One hundred and Twelf Perches of land, and onnosite of the Dwellins- house of the said Frederick Hittle) And the said Frederick Hittle for himself and his Heirs doth Covenant Promis and Grant to and with the said Dewald Kutz his Heirs and Assigns, by these presents, that he the said Frederick and his Heirs the said discribed Masuage and lot of Seven Acres and one hundred and Twelf perches of land Neat measure. Hereditaments and Premises hereby Granted meant mentioned or Intended so to be with the Anourtenances (Exceot as before Excepted) unto the said Dewald Kutz his Heirs and Assigns, against him the said Frederick Hit- tle and his Heirs, and against all and Every other Person or Persons Whomsoever Lawfully Claim- ing or to Claim the same bv from or m^df-r him them or any of them Shall and will Warrant and for Ever defend by these Presents. In Wit- ness whereof of the said parties hath Inter- chans-eable Set their hand and Seals hereunto, the Day and Year first above Written. Received the day of the above date of the above written Indenture of the above Named Dewald Kutz the Sum of Two hundred Pounds Lawfull mony of the State aforesaid, it being i8 CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN the consideration mony for the above sold and bargained Premises in full Received from me. FREDERICK HITTLE (Seal) her MARIA X HITTLE (Seal) Mark Sealed and Delivered In the Presents of Us Jacob Kutz Philip Gcchr Know all Man by these Presents that Dewald Kiitz, of Kutz. in the Comity of Berks and State of Pennsylvania Cordwainer and Elizabeth his wife the Grandies in the within written In- denture mentioned for and in Consideration of the Sum of Two hundred & Ten Pounds LawfiiU mony in Gold or Silver of the State aforesaid to them well and Truly in hand paid by George Kistler of Greenwich Township in the County and State aforesaid Millir, the Receip whereof they the said Dewald Kutz and Elizabeth, his wife doth hereby Acknowdedge Have Granted Bargained Sold and Released and by these Pres- ents do hereby Grant Bargain Sell Release & Con- firm unto the said George Kistler his Heirs and Assigns all that within mentioned Tract piece and parcel of Land Containing Seven Acres and one hundred and Twelf perches of land Neat measure as bounded and discribed in this within Indenture Together with all and Singular the Premises Hereditaments and Appurtenances there- unto belonging or in any wise appertaining and the Reversions and Remainders, Rents Issues and Profits thereof, and also all the Estate Right Title Interest Use Possession property Claim and Demand, whatsoever of them the said Dewald Kutz and Elizabeth his wife in Law or Equity or other wise Howsoever of, in, to or, out, of the same hereby Granted Tract of Land and Premises and Every part thereof To Have and To hold, the said within mentioned and Discribed Tract and Piece of Land Containing Seven Acres and one hundred and Twelf perches Strict meas- ure of Land Hereditaments and Premises hereby Granted Bargained and Sold, or mentioned or Intended so to be with the appurtenances unto the said George Kistler his Heirs and Assigns, To the only proper use and behoof of him the said George Kistler his Heirs and Assigns for Ever. In Witness whereof the said parties to these Presents have Interchangeable Set their Hands and Seals the first day of January in the Year of Our Lord one thousand Seven hundred and Ninety Six. Sealed and Delivered In the Presents of Us Samuel Geehr Jacob Kilts DEWALD KUTZ (Seal) her ELIZABETH XX KUTZ (Seal) Mark Received the day of the date of the above written Indorsement of the above named George Kistler the sum of Two hundred & Ten Pounds LawfuU mony in gold and silver of Pennsyl- vania It being the consideration mony for the above mentioned and bargained Premises in full received for me. DEWALD KUTZ. Witness present at signing. Samuel Gcchr Jacob Kutz Berks County, ss : On the 31st day of December 1795. Came be- fore me the Subscriber one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the County of Berks the within named Frederick Hittle and Maria his Wife as grantees, and Acknowledged the within Mention- ed Indenture to be their Act and Deed and desire the same to be recorded as such according to Law She the said Maria being of full age by me Separately and apart of her husband Examined the Contents of the within Indenture first fully made. Known unto her She Voluntary Consent- ed thereto. In Witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and Seal the Day and Year first above written. PHILIP GEEHR (Seal) Berks County, ss : On the 2gth day of January Anno Domini 1796 before me the Subscriber one of the Jus- tices of the Peace in and for said County of Berks came the above named Dewald Kutz and Elizabeth his Wife and Acknowledged the above mentioned Assignment or Indorsement to be their Act and Deed and desire the same to be Recorded as Such According to Law She the said Elizabeth being of full Age by me appart her husband Examined the Contents thereof made known to her She Voluntary Consented thereto. Witness my hand & Seal the day and year above said. PHILIP GEEHR (Seal) DEED LEONARD RISHEL TO PHILIP MEYER FOR 34 ACRES 17 PERCHES IN MAXATANY, BERKS CO., JULY 29 1820. This Indenture made the fifth day of June in the Year of Our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety four Between Leonard Rishel of the Township Maxetany in the County of Berks and State of Pennsylvania Yeoman, of the one part and Philip iNleyer of Kutztown in Maxetany aforesaid Weaver of the other Part, Whereas James (alias) Jacobus Delaplank Late of the Township of Oley in the ,said County of Berks, Yeoman in his life time was Lawfully Seized in his Demesne as of Fee, of and in a Certain Tract of Land Lying on a Branch of Schulkil! Called Saucony Situate and lying in the Township of Maxetany aforesaid. Adjoining Lands of Late Peter Wentz and other Contain- ing Five Hundred and Fourteen Acres, and be- ing so thereof Lawfully Seized Departed his life having first made his last Will and Testament in writing under his Hand and Seal bearing date the 2gth Day of May Anno Domini 1758 wherein and whereby he did give and devise the same in fee, unto his son Frederick Delablank in the CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN 19 Words following to wit, I give unto my son Frederick Delaplank the 514 acres of Land situate in Maxetany Township which I bought of Peter Wentz To him and his Heirs for Ever as in and by said receited last will and Testament duly Proved and Remaining in the Register Office at Reading in and for the County of Berks afore- said Recourse being thereunto had more fully appears And whereas the said Frederick Dela- plank being so thereof Lawfully Seized in his Demesne as of fee of and in said Tract of Land and Premises with the Appurtenances, wich was Seized and Taken in Execution by Jasper Scull Esquire High Sheriff of the said County of Berks in Pursuance of a Writ of Fieri Facias to him directed and by Virtue of a Writ of Vantitiony Exponas sold the said above mentioned Tract of 514 acres of Land with the Appurtenances to Peter Rothermel his Heirs and Assigns in fee, as in and by said Sheriff Deed poll from under his hands and Seal Duly Executed and bearing date the Eleventh Day of May Anno Domini 1767 and by him acknowledged in open Court of Com- mon Pleas at Reading in and for the County of Berks Recourse being thereunto had more fully and at Large appears. And whereas the said l-'cfer Rothermel and Sybilla his Wife by their Indenture from under their Hands and Seals duly Executed bearing date the Nineteenth Day of December, Anno Domini 1772, for the Considera- :ion wherein Mentioned Granted and Confirmed a Certain Mesuage or Tenement Plantation and Tract of Land situate and lying in the Township of Maxetany aforesaid bounded by lands of Jacob Teysher, Peter Beel, late Benedict Nudhnger and Jacob Kutz Containing One Hundred and Twenty Acres (being part of the above Mentioned 514 Acres of Land) unto Jacob Sweyer his Heirs and Assigns in fee. as in and by said reccite'l Indenture Recorded in the Office for Recording of Deeds in Reading, in and for the County of Berks in Book B, Volume 1st, page 513 & 6, Re- course being thereunto had more fully appears, and whereas the said Jacob Sweyer and Elizabeth his Wife by their Indenture were Released from under their hands and Seals duly Executed bear- ing date the seventeenth Day of June Anno Dom- ini 1789 for the Consideration therein Mentioned did Grand and Confirm imto the said Leonard Rishel above mentioned (Partie hereto) his Heirs and Assigns in fee a Certain Piece or Tract of Land situate in the Township of Maxetany aforesaid bounded by lands of Jacob Teysher and others containing about ninety acres (being part of the said above Mentioned Tract of One hund- red and twenty Acres) as in and by said receited Indenture Remaining yet to be recorded Recourse being thereunto more fully and at Large appears. And now this Indenture Witnesseth that the said Leonerd Rishel for and in the Consideration of the Sum of Four Hundred Pounds Lawfull mony of the State aforesaid to him in hand well and Truly paid by the said Philip Meyer, at and be- fore the Ensealing and Delivery hereof the Re- ceipt whereof is hereby Acknowledged and where- of have Acquited and for Ever discharge the said Philip Meyer his Executors, Administrators and Assigns bv these Presents Have Granted Bar- gained Sold Released and Confirmed by these Presents do Grant Bargain Sell Release and Con- firm unto the said Philip Meyer his Heirs and Assigns in fee, all that certain Messuage or Tene- ment Piece or Tract of Land situate and lying in the Township of Maxetany aforesaid. Bound- ed and limetted as follows, to wit. Beginning at a post a corner in a line of Jacob Kutzes land thence extending by a land of Jacob Teysher south Seventy degrees west Eighty Six perches and one half a perch, to a post south Twenty degrees east eleven perches and a half a perch to a post a corner of Peter Reels land, thence by the same south Forty degrees east Forty two perches to a post a corner of said Leonerd Rishels land thence by the same North Seventy degrees east Thirty one perches and a half a perch to a post a corner in a line of said Jacob Kutzes land thence by the same North twenty Nine degrees West seventy Seven Perches to the place of the begmmg Containing thirty four Acres and Seven- teen perches (being part of the said last above mentioned Tract of about Ninety Acres ) Togeth- er will all and Singular the Buildings and Im- provements ways woods waters water courses Rights Lieberties Preveleges Hereditaments and Appurtenances whatsoever thereunto belonging or in any Wise appertaining and the reversions and remamters Rents Issues Profits thereof and also all the Estate Rights Title Interest Use Trust Benefit Possession Property Claim and Demand whatsoever both at Law and Equity or otherwise howsoever of him the said Leonerd Rishel and his Heirs of in and out of the Premises hereby granted and every part thereof, to have and to hold. Said above described Masuage and Tene- ment Pice or Tract of Land Hereditaments and Premises hereby Granted or mentioned to be Granted with the Appurtenances unto the said Phihp Meyer his Heirs and Assigns to the only Proper use benefit and behoof of him the said Philip Meyers his Heirs and Assigns for Ever, And the said Leonerd Rishel for himself his Heirs Executors and Administrators both Coven- ant Promise and Grant to and with the said Philip Meyers his Heirs and Assigns and every of them by these Presents that he the said Leon- erd Rishel and his Heirs the above described Masuage or Tenement or Piece or Tract of thirty four Acres and Seventeen perches of Land Here- ditaments and Premises hereby granted Meant Mentioned or Intended so to be with the Annur- tenances unto the said Philip Meyer his Heirs and Assigns Against him said Leonerd Rishe! and his Heirs and Against all and every other Person or Persons whomsoever Lawfully Claim- ing or to Claim the same by from or under him them or any of them Shall and will Warrant and for ever Defend, In Witness whereof the said parties to these Presents have hereunto in- terchangeably set their Hands and Seals dated the Day and Year first above written. LEONERD RISHEL (Seal) Sealed and Delivered In the Presents of Us Jonathan Kuts John Kuts, Jr. Received the day of the date of the above Written Indenture of the above named Philip Meyer the Just and full Sume of Four Hundred Pounds Lawfull mony in real Specie of the State of Pennsylvania it being the full Consideration for the above mentioned Premises Received for me LEONERD RISHEL Witnesses present at signing Jonathan Kuts John Kutz, Jr. Berks County SS : On the 14th day of June Anno Domini 1794 Personaly Came before me the Subcriber One of. the Justices of the Peace in and for the said County of Berks the above Named Leonerd Rishel 20 CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN and Acknowledged the above Written Indenture to be his Act and Deed and desired that the same might be recorded as Such According to Law. Witness my hand and Seal the day and year above said. PHILIP GEEHR (Seal) Recorded in the Office for Recording of Deeds &c. at Reading Berks County in Book A Vol. 31 page 354 &c. Witness my hand and Seal of said Office July 29th A. Dom. 1820. (Seal) of Recording Office. It may be added that another portion, 130 acres, of these original 1000 acres patented by Peter Wentz, was conve\'ed by him in 1755— the year of the laying out of the Easton Road to George Kutz (Coots), who in 1779 laid out the town, naming it after himself, Cootstown. Were time available research among the records of this early time, preserved in the public offices in Philadelphia, (in which county Maxatawny then was) in the State Capitol, in the office of the Recorder at Reading, and among the deeds in the pos- session of other present holders of the lands, would reveal much of interest concerning the earliest settlers of this section, the dates of their arrival, and the location of their holdings. Some such information concern- ing a few of the more prominent of the first comers and their descendants is em- bodied in the following accounts of families still resident in this section. Pi:,EASANT View Stock Farm and Reservoir of the Kotztown Water Company (SITE OF HOME OF THE PIONEER, JACOB KUTZ) CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN 21 PROMINENT FAMILIES OF MAXATAWNY THE SIEGFRIED FAMILY Johannes Siegfried was one of the first, if not the first white settler in the vicinity of Kutztown. He and his good wife Elisabeth had taken up residence in Oley, where their daughter Cath- arine was born November 14, 1719. Some time prior to 1732 Johannes Siegfried and his family crossed the Oley Hills and settled on a large tract of land at what is now known E^s Siegfried's Dale. Here was born their daughter Mary Elisa- beth, who is said to have been the first white child born in the Maxatawny region. She was married to Johannes Rothermel and removed to Windsor Township. Prof. A. C. Rothermel, the principal of the Keystone State Normal School, is a direct descendant of Johannes Rothermel and Mary Elisabeth Siegfried. Some time before his death, which occurred in the spring of 1776, Johannes Siegfried divided the plantation between his two sons Joseph and John. Besides these two sons he had six daughters : Catharine, wife of Frederick Romig ; Susan, wife of Daniel Le- van ; Mary Elisabeth, wife of John Rothermel ; Magdalena, wife of Anthony Fischer : Anna, wife of Jacob Fischer, and Margareth, wife of Jacob Moss. Their home was the stopping place for Moravian Missionaries, who itinerated through Pennsylvania and adjoining colonies during the middle decades of the Eighteenth Century. The family were of the Mennonite faith. Catherine Siegfried, who was born in Oley in 1 719 was married to her brother-in-law, Frederick Romig. They settled in Lynn Township and later removed to Macungie and there united with the Moravians. This union was blessed with twelve children. At the time of her death, Octo- ber 7, 1793, Mrs. Romig was survived by one hundred and five grand-children and ten great- grand-children. The wife of the writer is a lineal descendant of hers. Joseph, son of Johannes Siegfried, was married to Anna Maria Romig, a daughter of John Adam Romig. He spent all his days on the homestead, which he received from his father. His home, like that of his father, was a stopping place for the Moravian missionaries and officials on their journeys through Maxatawny to Tulpehocken, Lebanon, Litiz, Lancaster, York, etc. Shortly before his death, which occurred September 3, 1795. he was received into the fellowshin of the Moravian Brethren. The following obituary ap- pears on the Moravian Congregation record at Emaus : "Joseph Siegfried of Maxatawny was born February 2, 1727. His parents were Johannes and Elizabeth Siegfried, and were of Mennonite persuasion. On July 3rd, 1745, he entered into Holy wedlock with Anna Maria Romig. which state God blessed with 13 children, ("eight sons and five daughters, of whom six sons and two daughters survive), and with forty-eight grand- children, of whom seven are dead, and with three great-grand-children living. "His sainted parents already loved the Saviour and the Brethren (Moravians) who in former years lodged in their home. And he too was a good friend to the Brethren ; and loved our doc- trine of Salvation in Jesus Christ. He truly saw that, as a sinner, his greatest need was to be cleansed of his sins by the Blood of Christ in Holy Baptism. He often felt a summons in his heart, and desired to be a sharer in this Grace, but never brought it to a firm resolution. He postponed it from time to time. During his last illness, having had a stroke in the previous year, from which he never fully recovered, this hung more heavily upon his heart ; and he was at his earnest request and desire, cleansed of his sins by the washing of the holy baptism, by his bosom friend, Brother John Ettwein, who visited him and by Brother George Jungman of Bethlehem, in the presence of about thirty neople from the neighborhood. At which time he shed many tears, and all who were present, were inwardly moved by the holy feeling of the presence of God. "At the beginning of this month he was seized with convulsions and on the 3rd of September, 1795, shortly before 10 o'clock in the forenoon, he expired. He reached the age of 74 years, 6 months and a little over. On the Sth of Septem- ber 1795, at the noon hour, he was buried on the family burial ground in the presence of a large concourse of people. At which time George Miller preached the sermon on God's acre from the text, Psalm 25:10: "All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep His cove- nant and His testimonies." Anna Maria Siegfried, nee Romig, the wife of Joseph Siegfried was born in Ittlingen near Heibron in the Palatinate June 12, 1724, and came with her parents to Pennsylvania, September 30, 1732. Her parents were John Adam Romig and Agnes Marguerite Bernhardt. They were mar- ried in the year 1712 and resided at Ittlingen. John Adam Romig was the son of George Wendel Romich and his wife Marguerite Herner, and was born at Ruedenstein, in the Palatinate, Feb- ruary 3, 1689. To Joseph and Anna Maria Sieg- fried were born ten children, among whom were Catharine, Magdalena, Colonel John, Joseph, Hen- ry, Isaac, Abraham, Daniel. Joseph and Abraham removed to near Bath, Northampton county. To John Siegfried, Jr., the brother of Joseph, Sr., and his good wife Catharine were born six children : John, Jacob, Peter, Elisabeth, Margaret and Susanna. He died in 1776 and was buried on the family burial ground. Col. John Siegfried, the friend of Washington, was born in Siegfried's Dale, Maxatawnv Town- ship, November 27, 1745. He was married to Mary Levan, a daughter of Daniel Levan, on a license dated August 25, 1769. In the spring of 1770 they removed to the east bank of the Lehigh River in Allen Township, Northampton County. Here he conducted a tavern and a ferry. On the tavern sign was inscribed this legend. "Enter- 22 CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN tainment for Man and Beast." This favorable location brought him into contact with many people and paved the way for his later popular- ity and fame. On July 4, 1776. he attended the meeting of the delegates of the Associated Bat- talions of the Pennsvlvania Militia, held at Lan- caster, as a major from the Third Battalion of Northampton County. He v.-as later appointed Colonel of the Third Battalion. When Washing- ton in 1776 was fleeing across New Jersey, after the disasterous campaign in and around New York, he sent the followirg letter to Col. Sieg- fried : "Headquarters, Bucks Co., Pa., Dec. 22, 1776. To Colonel John ciiegfried : Sir: The Council of Safety of this State, by their resolves of the 17th inst. empowered me to call out the militia of Northampton County to the assistance of the Continental army' under my command, that, by our joint endeavors, we may put a stop to the orogress of the enemy, who are making preparations to advance to Philadel- nhia, as soon as they cross the Delaware, either by boats, or on the ice. As I am unacquainted with names of the colonels of vour militia, T have taken the libertv to inclose you six letters, in which you will please to insert the names of the proper ofiFicers, and send them immediately to them, by persons in whom you can confide for their delivery. If there are not as mani' colonels as letters you may destroy the balance not want- ed. I most earnestly entreat those, who are so far lost to a love of their country : as to refuse to lend a hand to its support at this critical time, ihey may depend noon being treated as their baseness and want of public spirit will most justly deserve. I am sir, your most obedient servant, George Washington." Within two days after the issuing of the above call, a part of the Third Battalion was already in Philadelphia and were assigned to the com- mand of General Putnam. They took part in the Battle of Trenton which resulted in the capture of one thousand Hessians. In the Battle of Assunpink, often referred to as the second Battle of Trenton, lanuarv 2, 1777, Rev. John Rosbrough, the chaplain of Col. Siegfried's Bat- lalion, was killed. It was after being renulsed that the British General Howe said ; "I will bag the fox in the morning." The sequel is one of the best known incidents in American history. It was a cart of Siegfried's Battalion under Capt. Tohn Hays, that kept up the fires and threw up earthen works, while Washington and the rest of the army slipped away and defeated the Briti.sh THIS TABLET IS ERECTED BY THE PEOPLE OF NORTHAMPTON TO PERPETUATE THE MEMORY AND GLORIOUS SERVICES OF COLONEL JOHN SIEGFRIED ' AND THE MEN WHO SERVED UNDER HIM IN THE NORTHAMPTON COUNTY MILITIA DURING THE WAR OF THE REVOLUTION PARTICIPATING IN THE BATTLES OF ■lAS SUN PINK GERMAN TOWN 'PRINCETON WHITE MARSH tBRANDYWINE MONMOUTH ^' RED BANK AND AS FRONTIER: RANGERS AND TO COMMEMORATE THE NOTABLE MEETING HELD AT GOL, SIEGFRIED'S I^O.ME JULY 29,1779 TO PREVENT THE "rECIATION of CONTINENTAL MONEY ALSO ..RECOGNITION OF TH E PAT R.I O T I S M ■THE PEOPLE OF OLD NORTHAMPTON 6 MADE AND FORWARDED FROM THIS --. „.^CE MANY VOOLEN ■ BLANKETS AND STOCKINGS FOR USE OF THE ^SOLDIERS ^ OF THE REVOLUTION CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN 23 Old Seigfried Homestead - Siegfried's Dai,e Siegfried's Dale— Famii^y Burial Ground 24 CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN forces at Princeton. Col. Siegfried subsequenty played an important role in the struggle for inde- 3um ) 71'^ \£'&'Sj£0 soldi ^ .c^rrgrftbr^rn'Sni'l? ffrP I 01o3jfm6rt-1793 In MemoK/^F : \OHPi SieCFRIED ' -wKo departed thisLJfeA'oi'frW f!,c27'M753 Aged ; 4 S VeafS ancf I Mon-th . Tombstone of Colonel Siegfried pendence. On May 30, 1914. the people of North- ampton erected a monument to his memory in the Mennonite Cemetery, where his ashes re- pose, which monument bears a bronze tablet re- cording some of his services in the cause of freedom. In the spring of 1781 General Washington sent an officer to Easton to confer with Col. Siegfried, then sheriff of the county of Northampton, in reference to sending a quota of men to take part in the campaign against Yorktown. This extrava- gant continental officer spent 667 dollars in Eas- ton on this trip, according to the following bill: Easton, March 17th, 1781. To a nip of Toddy 10 dollars To Cash 8 dollars To Cash 12 dollars To I Grog 8 dollars To Washington 49 dollars To I Bowie of Punch 30 dollars To I Grog 8 dollars To I Bowie of Punch 30 dollars To 21 Ouarts of Oats 62 dollars To Hay 90 dollars To 12 Meal Victuals 260 dollars To Lodging 40 dollars 667 dollars Received the contents of the above Jacob Off Innkeeper. Col. Siegfried shortly before his death, which occurred November 2y, 1793, together with Mich- ael Beaver and Abraham Levan, gave ground for school purposes. He was survived by his wife Mary and seven children, Daniel, Mary, married to John James ; Susan, married to Christian Hagenbuch; Catharine, Elisabeth, Jacob and Isaac. THE HOTTENSTEIN FAMILY Jacob Hottenstein, the scion of a Prankish family, came to Pennsylvania prior to 1727 and settled in Oley. On the 17th of November, 1729, he purchased from Casper Wistar, the brass but- ton maker of Philadelphia, one hundred and sixteen acres of land in "Maxhetawny" in the county of Philadelphia, for the sum of forty pounds and twelve shillings. This land, also the original deed, is still in possession of the fam- ily. The land then adjoined the lands of Nicholas Kutz and Peter Andrews. At the time Jacob Hottenstein and his good wife crossed the Oley Hills and settled in the beautiful Maxatawny Val- ley, they followed an Indian trail across the hills. Mr. Hottenstein added to the original tract until the whole plantation included 443 acres. (See "Release and Deed," p. 14.) Jacob Hottenstein was married to Dorothea Reber. This union was blessed with seven chil- dren : Jacob, William, David, Henry, Dorothy, Maria and . Tradition has it that the venerable missionary, the Rev. Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, frequently on his long journeys stopped with Jacob Hottenstein, and that he also on these visits instructed the children in the cate- chism. Jacob Hottenstein, his wife, and many of his descendants, were buried on the family burial ground, which may be seen from the road to the south from the barn on a slight elevation. His resting place is marked by a brown sandstone, which bears the following inscription, almost obliterated lay the elements : "Jacob Hottenstein wurde geboren auf den 18. Februar 1697. Gestorben den 23. Mertz 1753. btammvater den ganzen Hottenstein Familie. Alt worden s6 lahre, i Monate und 5 Tage." David Hottenstein, son of Jacob, Sr., ob- tained the old homestead. He was the father of five children : Jacob, David, Daniel, Dorothea and Catharine. His son, David, Jr., who succeeded him on the old homestead, studied medicine with Dr. Joseph Hirsch and at the medical institute at Philadelphia. His practice extended far and wide and covered a period of more than half a century. He was married to Elizabeth Kline, a daughter of Richard Kline, of Montgomery coun- ty. He died in the year 1848, aged 82 years, 4 months and 25 days. His issue consisted of six sons and two daughters, viz : David, Jacob, Daniel, William, Isaac, Henry, Catharine and Sarah. CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF KUTZTOWN 25 HIS GRANDCHILDREN His son, David, died young ; also Henry. Jacob, his second son, had six sons, viz : David, Jacob, Isaac, James, Levi and Henry. Daniel's issue consisted of one son, Lewis K. William had eight children, viz : David H., Charles A., Robert, Henry, Edward, Caroline, Sallie A., and Matilda. Isaac's issue consisted of four sons and two daughters, viz : Percival, Cyrus, Frederic, Isaac, Matilda and Margaret. Sarah was married to Jonas Trexler, of Long- swamp, Berks county, and is the mother of eleven children, viz: Eden, Willoughby, Jonas, Abiel, Peter, David, Angeline, Sarah, Catharine, Eliza and Amelia. Dorothea died young. HIS GREAT-GRANDCHILDREN — GRANDCHILDREN OF JACOB David's issue : Catharine, married to A. B. Man- derbach, of Kutztown. Now dead. Jacob — No issue. Isaac's issue — Mary, married to Dr. Yorgey, of Pottstown ; Frank, James and Charles. Robert and Henry died young. Dr. Edward's grandchildren are: Mrs. Ray- mond Evans, Akron, Ohio ; William Hottenstein, Akron, Ohio; Howard V. Hottenstein, Akron, Ohio; Myrl F. Hottenstein, Kutztown; Edward S., Philadelphia, Pa. ; David F., Philadelphia, Pa. ; Anna Marguerite, Philadelphia, Pa. ; Kathryn B., Philadelphia, Pa. ; Mrs. Ira Fenstermacher, Leb- anon, Pa. ; Mrs. Milton Phillips, Chapman, Pa. ; Dr. Francis DeLong, Annondale, Butler County, Pa. ; Beulah DeLong, Bowers, Pa. ; Mrs. William Baver, Philadelphia, Pa. ; Mrs. Ed. Fidler, Wom- elsdorf, Paul DeLong, Bowers ; Raymond De- Long, Bowers. Caroline, married to Daniel Reber, has the fol- lowing children : Edward and J. William. Sallie A., married to John V. R. High, of In- diana. Issue : Isaac, Charles, John, Eddie, Caro- line, Sarah, Rosa (married to Z. T. Miller), Tillie and Bessie. Matilda, unmarried. It was at the Hottenstein dwelling that the neighboring settlers gathered at evening for safety and mutual protection during the period '- , «.«io*«i'«jtj^\3 , .-m.^ i ^fe ^fe flili 1 t