a major factor in the re- organization of the community. The first phase of Ephrata's prosperity depended primarily on the per- sonalities who gave the Cloisters the purpose for existence. Johann Conrad Beissel, of course, was the leader. His education was crude for carrying out the duties he

made a feeble attempt to operate part of the works.10 By this time the Pennsylvania Railroad had a $20,000 mortgage on the plant; the railroad then purchased the works for $40,000 and sold it for $45,000 to the Chestnut Hill Iron Ore Co. 11 Messrs. John Q. Denney, Michael Schall and John Keller

their proceeds for a revolving fund for publishing additional books. APPROPRIATIONS Some years ago an Act of the Pennsylvania Legislature enabled county com- missioners and city governments to appropriate limited sums of money annually to the chief county historical society. Since this was a "may" act

Lancaster County in 1819. Although Mathiot was a Republican, he was supported by the Federalists of the county. His entire career was in public affairs ; he was a scrivener, and for many years was clerk of the select council of Lancaster, and was in 1831 elected mayor. He was re-elected to that office

. Harrison Township was described in the court records only by a series of 130 courses and distances. The new township got down to the business of acquiring township officers and creating a school district at once. In 1846 Mount Joy's elec- tion returns were made under the heading "Harrison Township." To