Insert 1 Land draft, for land sold by Jacob Eshleman to Levi Pownall. [Should include site of William Parker's house.] 23 March 1803.
Insert 2 Deed. Jacob Eshleman of Strasburg Township to Levi Pownall of Sadsbury Township. 204 acres and the allowance for roads. 2 April 1803. (Original housed in oversized box.)
Admin/Biographical History
The Christiana Resistance, commonly referred to as the "Christiana Riot" occurred in September of 1851 in Christiana, Pennsylvania, a borough in Lancaster County. The events known as the Christiana Resistance include an attack from slaveholders in Maryland on the inhabitants and home of William Parker a free black man living in Christiana, Pennsylvania. The slaveholders crossed the state border, and attempted claim and return the freedom seekers as their property, under the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850.
The violent confrontation resulted in the death of Edward Gorsuch, a slaveholder, and the escape of William Parker to freedom in Canada. Edward's son, Dickinson Gorsuch, was wounded and taken to the farm of Levi Pownall, where the Pownall family nursed him back to health. Historically, this event challenged the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 and is considered a precursor to the Civil War.
System of Arrangement
Series 1 Manuscript and Printed Material, 1803-1955
The digital images of the manuscript and printed material are 300 dpi JPGs; the photographs are 600 dpi JPGs.
Object Name
Deed
Draft
Container
Moores Memorial Library Series 1 Folder 1, Insert 1 Land Draft Land draft, for land sold by Jacob Eshleman to Levi Pownall. [Should include site of William Parker's house.] 23 March 1803 Moores Memorial Library Series 1 Folder 1, Insert 2 Deed Deed. Jacob Eshleman of Strasburg Township to Levi Pownall of Sadsbury Township. 204 acres and the allowance for roads. (Original housed in oversized box.) 2 April 1803
Language
English
Object ID
Christiana S01 F01
Location of Originals
Moores Memorial Library
9 West Slokom Avenue
Christiana, PA 17509
chrlib@christianalibrary.org
610-593-6683 or 610-593-6687
Related Item Notes
Christiana Resistance Collection (CHRISTIANA RESISTANCE) https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/1287a022-e430-4f3f-bc97-330571018105
Access Conditions / Restrictions
The attached images have been provided for research. The original items are restricted for preservation purposes.
Copyright
The attached images may be used for research purposes only.
Please contact Moores Memorial Library for a high resolution image and permission to publish:
Moores Memorial Library
9 West Slokom Avenue
Christiana, PA 17509
chrlib@christianalibrary.org
610-593-6683 or 610-593-6687
Credit
Christiana Resistance Collection, Series 1, Folder 1, Moores Memorial Library
Classification
CHRISTIANA RESISTANCE
Christiana S01 F01
Description Level
Folder
Custodial History
Moores Memorial Library (Christiana, Pa.) owns some of the most significant manuscript material relating to the Christiana Resistance. The staff of Moores Memorial Library, part of the Library System of Lancaster County, and the Lancaster County Historical Society worked together to arrange and preserve the collection and create a finding aid to make the materials accessible to the public.
The collection contains correspondence to and from the Pownall family regarding the incident, notes regarding kidnappings in the area from 1850-1851, photocopied pages of Dickinson Gorsuch's diary, and published accounts. An 1896 photograph shows Peter Woods and Samuel Hopkins, survivors of the riot. There are also photographs of the Christiana Riot House, the Pownall farm, and key figures in the riot and at the Treason Trials of 1851.
The staff of Moores Memorial Library, part of the Library System of Lancaster County, and the Lancaster County Historical Society worked together to arrange and preserve the collection and create a finding aid to make the materials accessible to the public. Funds for this project were provided by the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) in 2001.
Secretary, or desk and bookcase, Federal style, with extensive inlay, including "1804", flanked by the initials "I M" (or J M) on fall board of desk. Initials likely represent one of John H. A. Bomberger's ancestors/relatives. Made in 3 parts: a cornice and frieze, a slant-front desk with cubby holes and extensive inlay inside and out, and a bookcase with glazed doors using diamond design tracery, centered oval fan inlay and 1/4 fans at all 8 corners of doors. Desk has half fan inlay on skirt, running diamond banding just above and bellflower inlay at face of desk corners.
Henry T. Spangler, a member of the first graduating class from Ursinus, married college president John H. A. Bomberger's daughter Marion. Spangler later became the president of Ursinus, himself. Bomberger was born in Lancaster, graduated from Marshall College in Lancaster (later Franklin & Marshall). The secretary was a Bomberger family piece inherited by daughter Marion who willed it to her daughter "Aunt Doll" who resided at Ursinus until her death. Her brother George (Joel Spangler's grandfather ) inherited the piece and later willed it to Joel.
Provenance
Believed to have descended through John H. A. Bomberger's family of Lancaster County, through his parents or their parents. Documented only from J. H. A Bomberger on. From Bombergers, it descended through the Spangler family.
Finish darkened overall. Large pieces of veneer missing and lifting on skirt. Large veneered oval on fall board has cracks throughout. Two vertical cracks extend up from each side of desk base. Thin molding splitting on bookcase base at back left side. Section of wood with inlay missing at top of bookcase at back of right side.
Dressing table w/ mirror has Sheraton and Empire features, is made of solid mahogany and veneers with secondary woods of poplar and pine. This is a rare form.
Top has veneered half-column mirror frame supported by turned stiles which are set into top with a double tenon set at a backward cant. Mirror corners are blocks with turned bulls-eyes. Inner cove-molded fillet has vestiges of gilding.
Oblong table top comprised of solid 3/8" thick mahogany laminated onto 1/2" thick poplar, and secured to carcase with screws. A rounded molding is applied to front and ends.
Veneered carcase contains five dovetailed drawers faced with mahogany veneers: one long flanked by two short, over two long. The top drawers have a rounded profile while the two bottom drawers are cockbeaded. All drawers have replacement pulls of hollow, rounded brass knobs with a pierced floliate design. The two bottom drawers are fitted with locks; keyholes have brass insets but dark ghosting indicates missing escutcheons.
Baluster-turned legs extend from table top to floor. They support a low shelf 11 1/2" from floor. Shelf is shaped with recessed cutouts at front and ends.
Inscription: Interior of top central drawer has "J.F. MARKLEY/ CABINET MAKER/ Locust St./ COLUMBIA." stamped within an oval laurel wreath.
Also in collections is a J. F. Markley Empire chest of drawers (P77.02).
Provenance
Provenance: This dressing table was previously owned by an acquaintance of John J. Snyder, Michael Stinchcomb of ???, who recently changed his mind about using this piece in his bathroom when he realized the veneers would suffer. He consequently consigned it to sale at Pook and Pook.
Cracking in veneer on mirror. Numerous spots of corrosion on mirror. Moderate cracking in veneer on front and sides. Minor chips and scratches overall. Top has two cracks, one is 2" long at left and one is 6 1/2" long at right side. Bottom shelf has 6 1/2" crack at right side. Nails have been added to secure top to carcase; back of top is not secure due to stripped screws. Top left drawer has significant wood removed with rasp at front of sides.
Multicolored Vorschrift done by schoolmaster/fraktur artist Christian Strenge on rectangular laid paper. Bordered in a yellow band with red corners. German script text has an elaborately embellished large upper case letter "K" at upper left and multicolored floral design filling entire right side, surmounted by a distinctive yellow crested bird. Colors are red, yellow, blue and green. Modern frame.
Hand-printed in black ink above the letter "K" is the name of recipient, David Neff. Signed at the bottom by Strenge in German script: "Written in Hempfield Township in the year 1801 by Christian Strenge." Inscribed on reverse in script is "David Neff" in black ink.
The text begins with Psalm 95:1-4, "Kommt lasset(?) uns dem...," followed by two alphabets, the first in upper case and the second in lower case, and finally the numerals 1 - 14. (See translation on copy of nearly identical fraktur in file).
Provenance
Provenance: This Vorschrift was recently found in a book in the library of Sarah Stauffer on Lime Spring farm along the Marietta Pike. Consigned to sale at Conestoga Auction Co. and purchased 29 June 1998 with funds from V. Ronald Smith ($9,725) and the Donegal Chapter of the D.A.R. ($125).
John J. Snyder, Jr. researched Stauffer genealogy to discover a relationship to David Neff. See letters & charts in this file which explain the likelihood that the fraktur may have passed from Neff (probably when he went to Ohio, perhaps unknowingly hidden in a book, even as it was found recently) to his cousins, such as Anna Bear Lehman who is in the direct line of Stauffer descent. David Neff (1791-1866) was the son of Henry & Anna Oberholzer Neff. He would have been about 10 yrs. old when fraktur was made.
Generally good condition, although two folds show some breaking with tangential tears. Other minor tears and one small hole at right center. Some soiling, foxing and minor stains overall. Edges lifting in frame.
Conserved 1998 by Marilyn Kemp Weidner of Phila. Surfaced cleaned and losses repaired. Hinge-mounted on acid free mat and sealed in a package for framing. Mounted in modern black frame by Lancaster Galleries circa 2004.
Object ID
P.98.25.1
Notes
Christian Strenge was a Hessian soldier turned school teacher.
Place of Origin
East Petersburg, East Hempfield Twp.
Role
Artist
Credit
Gift of V. Ronald Smith and the Donegal Chapter of the D.A.R., Heritage Center Collection
Fraktur, religious text in German by Adam Siegel (died 1809, active c. 1790-1804), done on wove paper in pen & ink for Martin Bar, framed in old dark brown varnished poplar frame (not original to fraktur).
The name "Martin Bar" fills the upper half in large fraktur-style lettering, illuminated with scrolling filigree. Included in the scrolling are two cartoonish heart-shaped faces with stubbled hair and shaded beards. Underneath name are six lines of religious text in German script, ending with the last line: "Geschrieben von mir ADS d(en) 28ten Mertz 1802."
Double-line border at top and left side only. Last word of fourth line of text appears to have been trimmed. Fraktur thus appears to have been trimmed at right and bottom. Reverse has pencil scribbles and one in ink.
Appears to have been trimmed at right side and bottom. Scattered dark stains, pinholes along fold lines, slightly larger holes at "i" in "Martin" and within the "B" of "Bar." Liquid stain of 1/2" size at center and one at right side at text. A tear 3/4"-long at right edge above center.
Replaced heavy paper backing used by vendors with acid-free matboard, 11/05.
Object ID
P.05.04.6
Notes
Papers for Birth Dayes notes that Siegel immigrated to America in 1774 and was a schoolmaster in Lancaster Co, perhaps in the Strasburg area. Although he made fraktur for Mennonites, he was not Mennonite. His work is usually not watercolored.
Paper included with purchase has the text rewritten in German script with an English translation below (see file). This person translates the recipient's name as Martin Biehr, although it is normally seen elsewhere as "Bare" or "Bear". Ellis & Evans gives numerous references to the name Martin Bare, usually found in the townships of Conestoga, East Lampeter and Upper Leacock.
Possible Bar/Bare family connections: See also a birth record for Andreas Bar (Andrew Bear) P.80.136 by an unknown scrivener. This Andreas/Andrew was the youngest son of Andrew Bear and wife Christina Heighley. A desk-and-bookcase P.77.34 has inscription of Adam Bare on its drawer. His father John Bear an older brother of Andreas. Relation of these Bears/Bares to Martin is unknown. Jane Evans Best (see her letter re: Bear family in file P80.136) would be a good source of help.
Place of Origin
Lancaster County
Credit
Gift of Irene N. Walsh, Heritage Center Collection
Mennonite apron of bleached, plain-weave cotton and black two-ply silk embroidery. Apron is gathered at the top and sewn onto a waist band with a commercial tape string at each end.
At top center is a dark brown cross-stitched design of a central star flower on triangle base, surrounded by seven stars or crosses. The separated initials "M S" flank this design and large crosses flank initials. Three different embroidered borders of black silk combine with drawnwork at bottom above a one-inch self-fringe secured with black stitches.
Provenance
Purchased by donor from the Rev. Fred Weiser in 1997. Weiser notes there are about 15 aprons known; see article in Der Regebogge written "some years ago."
Staining around embroidered design and initials from bleeding embroidery, near top. Age discoloration with small stains overall. Stains along sides. Several thread "pulls". Areas of missing embroidery on three crosses at bottom. Small hole at lower right of design.
Conserved Nov. 1997 by Dorothy McCoach of Bethlehem, PA
Object ID
G.97.39.9
Place of Origin
Lancaster County
Credit
Gift of Hampton Randolph, Sr., Heritage Center Collection
Pocket of bleached plain weave linen, embroidered with pink and blue cotton thread, brown two-ply silk thread and red, pink, yellow, white, and brown handspun wool.
Front is two panels joined across the midline with needlelace; the back is two panels seamed in the selvage (9" x 18" and 14.5" x 23.5"). The pocket is open at the left side to a depth of 11.5". The pocket, once bound with cream silk twill ribbon, has little ribbon remaining except at the right side of the waist; a tuft of silk ribbon stitched to the right side may be the remains of the tie.
The design centers larger motifs and uses others in a mirror image fashion. The upper portion is ornamented with a stylized heart containing initials flanked by pairs of flower blossoms, flowering plants in pots, and a filled diamond at the top center. The signature and date lie below the mid-line row of needlelace surmounting a very stylized flowering tree flanked by flower arrangements in baskets. The entire piece has a straight line border with inwardly turned sprigs.
Cross-stitched in upper section: "M P"; and in bottom half: "Maria Peterin, 1801."
Tandy & Charles Hersh note this is one of the largest pockets found.
Made by Maria Peter(s), Oley Valley, Berks County.
Provenance
Purchased by donor from Fred Weiser in 1997.
See "Samplers of the Pa Germans" by Tandy & Charles Hersh, p. 216.
Conserved Nov. 1997 by Dorothy McCoach of Bethlehem, PA.
Age discoloration overall. Pink and blue cotton embroidery appears to be intact, but the wool and silk threads are strongly deteriorated, with many losses. Cream colored silk twill ribbon is lost except for a small portion at the right side of the waist.
Blue thread border around entire piece has severe losses.
Hole at upper right corner.
Object ID
G.97.39.10
Place of Origin
Berks County, Pennsylvania
Credit
Gift of Hampton Randolph, Sr., Heritage Center Collection
Framed hand towel. One large embroidered panel with pelicans. Two-inch panel of loose weave linen added to bottom,decorated with wide band of red cotton with sawtooth edges . Main panel is bleached plain weave linen. Embroidered decoration is done in red cotton, now faded to dark pink.
Panel is 13" high x 16.5" wide, with a symmetrical design except for the initials and date. Embroidered stylized heart at top center with two interior stars and smaller interior heart. At upper corners of panel are large flowers above a decorated branch, under which are large, facing pelicans, each feeding 2 young birds with blood from their pierced breast. At bottom is a small heart motif flanked by facing birds. To the right of this motif is "1808" and to the left is "A C" and "W I".
Conserved Nov. 1997 by Dorothy McCoach of Bethlehem, PA.
Yellowish stains around edges. Discoloration above initials. Pencil marks in upper right corner. Darned diamond pattern in bottom panel has a few minor "pulls". Bottom extension detaching at two points.
Mounted in frame by Lancaster Galleries.
Object ID
G.97.39.2
Credit
Gift of Hampton Randolph, Sr., Heritage Center Collection
Birth & baptismal certificate, with printed 3-heart form with text in all three hearts. Blank spaces infilled by hand in thin red ink by Speyer. Fraktur done for Peter Scholl, son of Peter Andreas and his wife Elizabeth Margretha, nee Illick. Son Peter was born September 7, 1772, in Heidelberg Township, Lancaster Co. (Now Berks Co., likely in Stouchsburg area of Marion Twp.)
Infill & decoration Berks Co. (formerly Lancaster Co.) by Georg Friederich Speyer (active c. 1774-1801) and printers Barton & Jungman, Reading.
Densely paint-decorated by Speyer with cross-legged angels in the top corners and bottom center, mermen and winged heads of angels in lower corners, parrots along the sides, a crown at top center, and birds holding flowers in their beaks at the top of the main text block. Dominant colors are red, green, yellow, and blue.
Certificate printed on laid paper with an "FS" watermark, indicating papermaker Frederick Schutz(Scheetz) of Lower Merion Twp. in Montgomery Co. (See American Watermarks). Mounted with window mat in a brown frame
Provenance
Fraktur was given to the Lancaster County Historical Society by donors with the understanding that it would become part of the Heritage Center collection when that institution was established.
Significant horizontal crease across the middle, and three vertical creases. Smaller creases and crinkles appear overall. The paper has browned, and there are stains in the lower half.
A treatment proposal was offered by the Conservation Center for Art and Historic Artifacts in 1986, followed by treatment in 1988-89 -- consolidated pigment, dry and wet cleaned, mended and reinforced, filled losses, flattened, and matted. More details available in the object file.
Object ID
G.77.50.12
Notes
Earnests note that "neatness was of little concern to Speyer, but he did seem concerned about filling white space." He normally infilled with words done in a thin red ink which does not stand up well over time. He worked mostly in northern Lancaster Co.and in southern Berks and Dauphin Counties. Speyer used the 3-heart print more frequently from about 1790 on.
On-line Nissen family genealogy (internet, 2010) states Peter Scholl married Eva Elizabeth Rieth on Apr. 28, 1800 in Reeds Church, Stouchsburg, Berks, Co. He died Feb. 25, 1839. His parents were also married in Stouchsburg.
References:
Klaus Stopp, Printed B&BC of the Pa Germans, Vol. IV, pp.. 81 & 89.
Earnests, "Papers for Birth Dayes", pp 722 ff.
Gravell, Miller & Walsh, American Watermarks, 1690-1835, 2002, pp. 79 & 305.
Slide # 27-1-4 in Archives West
Role
Artist
Credit
Gift of Mr. & Mrs. Richard Flanders Smith, Heritage Center Collection
Fraktur is a broadside of a spiritual labyrinth or maze, hand drawn and lettered on laid paper with brown ink, in German. Within a double-line border is a title at top, with a paragraph underneath. Entitled "Geistlicher Irrgarten, / mit vier kandenbrunen", translated Spiritual Labyrinth (or error garden) / with four wells of grace." The remaining 3/4 of the page is a maze with text within the pathway. At the center of each quadrant of the labyrinth is positioned a rectangle (or well) listing several Bible references. Framed in wood frame painted with diamonds.
Drawing is riddled with pin-prick holes. These are apparently a result of the maker's method of plotting out the labyrinth, using an instrument that left a hole at each right-angle turn.
A watermark is positioned sideways in the upper half of the paper. It is a circle surmounted by a crown, a bell below the circle and a rampant lion within the circle. No exact match with any watermark found in American Watermarks 1690-1835, though some are similar, e.g. # 887 & 889. Framed in
Place of origin is unknown.
Provenance
Note: Borneman states the spiritual labyrinth appears in German as early as 1630. In Pennsylvania, broadsides of this title were popular. The reader must keep turning the paper to follow the text, necessitating over 100 turnings. The text eventually leads the reader back to the beginning. Borneman explains the 4 wells of grace (p. 25, Pa. German Illustrated Manuscripts).
Damage at all fold lines; either broken completely or partially. Center fold line mended with tape on reverse. Moderate to heavy stains scattered over surface, especially at middle of right edge and along center horizontal line. Dark heavy stains/accretions (mold?) along horizontal center line. Corners dog-eared with minor losses. Pin-prick holes throughout. Conserved in 2003 by Maria Pukownik; see photos & documentation.
Object ID
G.02.35.1
Credit
Gift of Greg K. Kramer & Co., Heritage Center Collection
Birth and baptismal certificate in German, printed on laid paper by John Bauman of the Ephrata Press; no imprint (name of printer). Infilled w/ German script in red ink and decorated by unknown scrivener for Stephan Weibel, born in Adams County, November 14, 1798.
The text is enclosed in a large heart with a yellow, black and red border. Seven Christian crosses below text, within the heart. Two smaller hearts with text appear in the lower left and right corners. Each of these smaller hearts is flanked by two small birds. Two parrots appear in the upper corners and various flowers and vines fill the rest of the space. All decorated with red, yellow, and blue.
Stephan was the oldest of 6 children born to parents Stephan (1775-1815) and Anna Maria (Troxel) Weibel. He was baptized by Pastor Schroder; witnesses were Andereas Weibel (father's older brother) and his wife. Informant Joe Wible says parents were farmers in Straban Twp. as was son Stephen Wible in later life. Son Stephen married Julian Bender. They had no natural children but adopted a boy, Martin Shealer, whom they raised as a son. Most of the entire Weible clan relocated to western PA.
John Bauman printed from 1800-1809, the year of his death. He began only at age 35 after having worked with his father Christian Bauman in the Ephrata paper mill. Klaus Stopp notes this design with parrots & birds was used 1803-1807, but this imprint with 7 hearts, only c. 1807. (See NOTES)
Printer is John Bauman (1765-1809); Scrivener/decorator unknown. Printed in Ephrata; infilled and decorated possibly in Adams County.
Provenance
Provenance: This piece was given by donors to the Lancaster County Historical Society with the understanding that it would become part of the Heritage Center collection upon the establishment of that institution.
Paper is creased, wrinkled and puckered overall. Paint has flaked off in many places. Treatment proposal presented 1986 by the Conservation Center for Art and Historic Artifacts in Phila. Treatment done 1988-89: Areas of flaking paint were consolidated with adhesive; the support was surface cleaned; paper was washed; tears mended; humidified and flattened; matted and reframed. (See file.)
Object ID
G.77.50.10
Notes
See Klaus Stopp, The Printed B & B Certificates of the German Americans, Vol II, pp. 98, 189 and 202 for info on John Bauman.
Credit
Gift of Mr. & Mrs. Richard Flanders Smith, Heritage Center Collection
Tall case clock, Chippendale case with eight-day movement. Dial is painted white with rose spandrels, moon wheel, and is signed very faintly, "Peter Spycker/ Williamsburg." John Peter Spyck(h)er's clocks are rare.
Walnut case with poplar backboards is highly carved. Three flame finials rest on reeded plinths atop scroll pediment with dentils and 12-point rosettes. Tympanum is relief-carved with a central flower flanked by vining. Waist and base have vine-carved quarter columns with smooth lamb's tongues. Arched waist door accented by a deeply incised shell carving near top. Base has raised base panel with corner volutes and central shell. Ogee replacement feet.
Made by Peter Spycker (1756?-1830). Case attributed to Peter or John Rank or Daniel Arndt.
Jonestown (formerly Williamsburg), PA (almost certainly)
See Notes
Provenance
1783-1883 White Horse Tavern near Jonestown; 1883-1914 Bross family of Brosstown (near Rt 72 & 22); 1914-1963 Harry Lesher of Jonestown; 1963-1979 Donald L. Mohn, Jonestown; 1979-1981 William DuPont, Wilmington, DE; 1981 to donor. (Info from Donald L. Mohn)
Jonestown's White Horse Tavern was kept by John Rank (Peter Rank's brother) in the early years of the 19th c. (Clock is based on design sketch from Peter Rank's account book.)
Reported by Carter Harris: a #1 is scratched on front plate of movement and front of seatboard.
Inscription Type
Inscription
Object Name
Clock, Tall Case
Material
Wood, Glass, Brass
Height (cm)
256.54
Height (ft)
8.4166666667
Height (in)
101
Width (cm)
61.595
Width (ft)
2.0208333333
Width (in)
24.25
Depth (cm)
29.5275
Depth (ft)
0.96875
Depth (in)
11.625
Condition Notes
Flame finials replaced recently (copied from similar Heinselman clock at York Bank in York); ogee feet replace bracket feet which replaced earlier feet; door escutcheon replaced; severe crack in base with loss of wood; dentil molding on front replaced. Movement overhauled by Carter Harris, 1982.
Object ID
G.81.20
Notes
JJ Snyder research (in file) identifies maker as Peter Spycker, Jr., the clockmaker recorded on Tax Lists for Tulpehocken Twp, Berks Co., in 1789 as "Peter Spycker Junr. - Clock Maker". In June 1803, Spycker purchased property in Jonestown(Williamsburg) & he may have rented before this date. An 1829 deed mentions "Peter Spyker of Swatara Twp. in the Co. of Lebanon...Clock Maker..." Williamsburg (Jonestown), when founded about 1761 by William Jones, was part of Lancaster Co., then Dauphin Co. in 1785 and part of Lebanon Co. in 1816.
Snyder states "all major elements of the design of this case are virtually identical to a design sketch for a clock case in the account book of a Jonestown joiner, Peter Rank (1770-1851). This account book is in the Joseph Downs Manuscript and Microfilm Collection of the Winterthur Museum." Snyder also notes that the handwriting of this sketch's label is not Rank's. It is possible that these sketches may have been done by joiner Daniel Arndt, whose name also appears in the manuscript."
See "Jonestown School" in Cooper & Minardi, Paint, Pattern & People, pp. 89-91.
Snyder notes it is likely that this clock case illustrates the closest relationship to a design sketch known for any American Chippendale furniture.
The white dial precludes a date earlier than the 1780s.
Place of Origin
Jonestown, Lebanon County, Pennsylvania
Related Item Notes
Very similar carving to a Heinselman tall case clock in York Bank & Trust Co., York, PA.
Usage
White Horse Tavern, Jonestown
Credit
Gift of Herbert B. Weaver in memory of father Isaac Hoover Weaver (1864-1920), Heritage Center Collection
8-day musical clockworks by Mennonite Christian Eby (c.1768-1803) of Manheim. Housed in a large, inlaid cherry case attributed to Emanuel Dyer. Case is transitional from Chippendale to Federal, although strongly Federal due to inlay of eagle and floral motifs on tympanum, quarter fan inlays and another floral inlay on waist section, and a patera centered on the base within a cartouche of line inlay.
Notes: Weight, key, and various parts located in box on Unit 52, Bottom Shelf.
Hood has side lights, fluted colonettes at sides, swan's neck scrolls terminating in inlaid paterae, three ball and spire finials (spire missing on center finial). Waist and base have fluted quarter columns. French bracket feet.
White-painted iron dial w/ Roman numerals on chapter ring. Seconds use Arabic numerals. Floral spandrels, lunar dial and inscription "C EBY Manheim under XII. Above lunar dial are ten names of tunes played by the musical works. Dial attributed to Reading area due to a dark moon wheel and the 2 hemispheres for the moon phase are identical (per Gary Sullivan). He also notes that brass-clad weights are very unusual, and usually an English practice.
Provenance
Ex Renner (per Gary Sullivan, clock dealer). Later from estate sale of Pauline Heilman of York, PA by Sotheby's July 17, 1982. The buyer, a private client of Citibank, put clock in storage in Florida, then consigned it Christie's where HCLC purchased Jan. 1992.
John and Carol Pyfer paid $800 for Quentin Johnson to repair the clockworks and get it running in 2004. Clock hands have losses (pieces in a box stored in clock bottom), repaired by Johnson. Case refinished (see early photos in file). Scratch on side to left of pendulum door; nicks & scratches at left side vertical member of opening to pendulum. Marred overall. Split at left side of front section of molding under hood. Pieces of string inlay replaced. Proper left back foot loose; proper left front column loose. See Gary Sullivan condition report (loan to Willard House)
Object ID
P.92.02
Notes
Made by Christian Eby (c.1768-1803), working 1792-1803. Case attributed to Emanuel Deyer.
J.J. Snyder notes, "The clock is significant because it is the only known Lancaster Co. eagle-inlaid clock with a musical movement. Musical movements predating 1840 are quite rare, and fewer than eight Lancaster Co. musical clocks prior to 1840 are known to survive. The inlay is unique in the placement of the eagle in the center of the pediment rather than in an oval medallion above the pendulum door and in the use of floral inlay in addition to the eagle. In summary, the Christian Eby clock is a masterpiece of not only regional but also national importance."
Snyder also states "Unquestionably, this is one of the most elegant and sophisticated pieces of Lancaster County Federal furniture now known." He adds "Of all the known Lancaster County eagle-inlaid clock cases, this one alone has floral inlays. In view of the fact that this case must predate Christian Eby's death in 1803, it stands as the earliest known use of the eagle as a patriotic device in Lancaster County furniture."
Snyder also suggests Manheim cabinetmaker Emanuel Dyer (1760-1836) as the probable casemaker. Working for about a half century starting in the early 1780s, Dyer was the leading Manheim cabinetmaker.
Place of Origin
Manheim
Credit
Gift of members and friends of the Heritage Center, Heritage Center Collection
Lathe-turned wooden tar bucket with fitted lid and remnants of leather straps. Cylindrical vessel has slight taper inward toward middle. Decorated with two double score marks below center. Above center are shoulders jutting outward with vertical holes through which straps of leather handle pass. Handle also passes through lid of conforming shape, although one strap broken off at shoulder while the other is broken off 3 inches above shoulder.Center hole in lid apparently accepted a now-missing stick used to apply tar to wheels. Broken-off 5-inch length of leather strap rests inside. Tar residue in bucket.
Lancaster County or region.
Provenance
Donor believes bucket descended from family members to his parents who displayed it on their mantle. Donor inherited it from parents.
Bunch of grapes, carved wood, gessoed and painted dark purple/blue with green leaves. Iron hanging ring attached at top; cluster hangs from a reproduction decorative hanger (see notes).
This bunch of grapes was said to have hung at the Grape Tavern (Sign of the Grapes) at 32-34 North Queen Street, Lancaster, most likely on the interior. This fragile object would not have stood up to outside weather. (Ellis & Evans, writing in 1883, state, "The wrought iron bunch of grapes now hanging in front of the hotel was made for, and used by, Adam Reigart.")
The Grape tavern was built in 1741 by John Harris, then sold at sherrif's sale to Adam Reigart, Sr. in 1769. He ran it from 1769 to March 3, 1794, when John Michael took over ownership. During his ownership, the tavern began its most opulent elegance as well as being called by various names including The Grape, Conestoga Waggon (sic) and Michael's Hotel. He ran it until May 5, 1821, when it was purchased by his son John Michael, Jr. who kept it until 1839, restoring the original name. According to Ellis & Evans, John Michael, Jr. moved the tavern, with the "old familiar sign" to the adjoining lot in 1839. It was then known by the original name as well as Michael House.
Provenance
Once owned by W.U. Hensel (1851-1911) who lived at the historic "Bleak House" near Kinzer, where it hung on the porch. He had a collection of early Lancaster signs.
Pictured on frontispiece of booklet of Hensel's address in 1912 on "Jacob Eichholtz, Painter." The grape sign was sold at the estate sale (March 1947?) of Hensel's daughter Elizabeth Hensel Nauman and purchased for $320 by William Lebzelter of Lancaster City, whose family owned the American House which was successor to the Grape Tavern (Groff and Wolf Dept. Store at time of sale).
No record in file later than this other than the name of seller, Marian L. Schaffner. She was the wife of physician Meade D. Schaffner, on Columbia Ave.
Paint chipping in some spots; some wood loss at tips of some individual grapes. Iron hanging ring has minor rust spots. Minor losses of gesso repaired, gesso loss between grapes at bottom. Nail repairs. Repainted at some date prior to 1984; painted at least once before. Wood at top shows deterioration.
Object ID
P.77.72
Notes
Ellis & Evans, pp. 363, 394 1/2 and 395.
Multiple references in this file including newspaper articles.
Booklet entitled "Jacob Eichholtz, Painter", an address given by W.U. Hensel Nov. 22, 1912 (eve of portrait exhibit at Woolworth's)
Hanger is a reproduction scrolling wrought iron bar with eight small swirls along the top, and is attached to a heart-shaped iron mounting plate. Made by Thomas C. Moore of Glen Rock in January 1978, based on a drawing and painting by David McNeely Stauffer (P77.31.57 and P77.31.22).
Maker is unknown.
Place of Origin
Lancaster County
Usage
Grape Tavern
Credit
Gift of James Hale Steinman Foundation, Heritage Center Collecti
Framed fraktur birth & baptismal certificate (taufschein/B&BC) for Elisabetha Elser, drawn, lettered and colored by hand on laid paper. Symmetrical, horizontal design is attributed to the "Ehre Vater" artist. Fraktur is mounted on thick paperboard with beveled edges, and is float-mounted on a buff-colored matboard within a modern black frame.
At center is a large circle painted red and green. Inside the circle, set onto yellow ground, is a heart with blue border and pinkish interior. Interior text states Elisabetha Elser was born in Warwick Twp, Lancaster Co. on 19th Nov 1803. Her parents were Peter Elser and wife Elisabetha, born a Wachter. Baptism was held by Pastor Schulz and the sponsors were Georg Wachter and his wife Margaretha (believed to be a sister of Peter Elser). Below circle are two lines of religious verse, translated by Weiser as "A heart that loves Jesus knows no worries -- much cross, need and pain are his days of joy."
At lower right and lower left are two large compass-drawn spheres colored with green, yellow, red, blue and pink. Out of each sphere is a flowering plant on which large parrot-like birds perch, similarly colored.
Attributed to the "Ehre Vater Artist" (active c. 1782-1828).
Some surface soil. Good color retention. Needs to be removed from backing board and conserved.
Object ID
2017.999.1
Notes
Appraised by Rev. Fred Weiser, 2 Sept 1988. He attributes fraktur to the Ehre Vater artist, a prolific artist who travelled far and wide producing fraktur for many years. This fraktur likely related to Johannes Schnierer B&BC, 2004.718, due to Johannes Schnierer (b. 1786) later marrying an Elser (Catharine).
Papers for Birth Dayes notes on page 227 that this fraktur was exhibited as #38 in the , Allentown Art Museum show in Allentown, PA, "Pennsylvania Folk Art," October 20-Dec. 1, 1974.
The Elser, Weidman/Weydmann, and Wachter families were intermarried.
Birth and baptismal certificate imprinted 1788 at Ephrata Cloister printshop; infill and fanciful hand-decorated borders by Arnold Hoevelmann. Watercolor decoration includes various fantastical flowers on arching vines emanating from huge pumpkin-like flower at the top, with vines arching down to each side ending in large tulips. Additional flowers below. Hunter is in colonial dress with large black hat, firing his rifle at a stag on the far left side. Strongly colored with mostly red, blue, purple, and yellow. Hoevelmann consistently used a flower motif decorated with what some believe to be a capital letter "H" (his monogram). This fraktur is a rare example of human figures being depicted.
Ephrata Cloister 1788 imprint; artwork by Arnold Hoevelmann (1749-1804)
Certificate done for Jacob Stuart, born December 29, 1784. son of Jacob Stuart and wife Maria Catharina (no maiden name). It appears he was born in "Mauntschey" (Mt. Joy) Twp. Pastor Wilhelm Hendel baptized the child but no date is included. Hoevelmann wrote "Witnesses" at the end, but no names. Later ink inscription added at lower right appears to be subject's age (69) at time of death, 2nd Jan. 1854." Pencil calculation of age at top, to left of large orange flower.
Provenance
Ex-Unger collection, Pottsville.
In 1974, Richard F. and Joane Smith entrusted this BBC to the Lancaster County Historical Society with the understanding that it would become part of the Heritage Center collection when established.
Fragile, with overall buckling and pronounced wringling across surface. Areas of foxing.
Conserved by the Conservation Center for Art and Historic Artifacts 1988-89: cleaned, removed paper backing, mended and matted for original frame (report in file). Remounted and framed by Carlisle conservator Brian Howard in 1996.
Object ID
G.77.50.9
Notes
Family tradition says Hoevelmann was born in Prussia in 1749, came to America along with LaFayette and served as a surgeon during the American Revolution. It is likely he and his wife Eva Susanna lived in Lancaster Co. since two sons were baptized at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church (1780 and 1793). He worked in many PA counties, including Washington Co. in MD, and is believed to be buried at Frieden's Church near Shiremanstown, Cumberland Co. Based on the many known B&BC's by Hoevelmann, it appears he used printed forms early in his career and completely hand-done certificates later in life.
Allthough born in Lancaster Co., Jacob Stuart appears to have lived in Lebanon County during much of his adult life. He and his family attended Trinity Tulpehocken Reformed Church, Jackson Twp., Lebanon Co. was where he was married, 31 Dec 1805 and appears to have had at least 7 children according to church records of 1800-1856. Jacob "Stewart", his wife Elizabeth and two daughters (Henrietta & Clementine) are buried in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Myerstown, Lebanon Co. The 1850 Census shows Jacob "Stewert", Elizabeth and Clementine living in Marion Twp, Berks Co. (Marion Twp. borders Jackson Twp., Lebanon Co.)
See:
1. Shelley, Donald A., The Fraktur-Writings or Illuminated Manuscripts of the Pa Germans, Pa. German Folklore Society, 1961, plate #84.
2. Earnest Associates, Papers for Birth Dayes, pp. 399-401.
3. Kline and Weiser, "A Fraktur Fest" in Der Regebogge, Sept-Dec., 1970, Vol. 4, pp. 3-5.
4. Stopp, Klaus, The Printed Birth & Baptismal Certificates of the German Americans, Vol. II, pp. 150-151. (This example is numbered 246.3 by Stopp)
5. Photo on p. 120 of Corinne & Russell Earnests' Fraktur: Folk Art & Family, 1999.
Heritage Center slide collection #27-2-5 (now in Photo Collection)
Place of Origin
Ephrata
Role
Artist
Credit
Gift of Mr. & Mrs. Richard Flanders Smith, Heritage Center Collection
Fraktur is a birth & baptismal certificate (taufschein) for Johann Kupper, drawn, lettered and colored by hand on laid paper. Text block written with iron gall ink is centered in bottom half of the horizontal sheet of paper. Border on top and sides composed of fantastical flowers in yellow, red, black and green. Identical flowering plants fill each side of text, rising from a basket-like containers. Top has tulips and other flowers rising from wide and shallow baskets(?).
Text begins with "Johannes Kupper" in large fraktur-type letters followed by nine lines of German script regarding his birth in ?? Township, Dauphin County, 30 June 1797. Father was Johann Adam(?) Kupper and mother was Christina ?? Baptised 1 October 1797. The baptismal witnesses were Johannes Matter and his wife Elisabetha.
Mounted in a modern brown natural wood frame with white window mat. Kraft paper dust paper on back. Several puncture tears at left. In pencil at bottom right corner is "#9".
Size of certificate is approximate according to what is visible through the window mat. Size of frame is H: 11.25" W: 16.75"
Condition
Fair
Condition Date
2017-06-12
Condition Notes
Colors are still vibrant. Foxing and other brown stains, especially along center vertical fold line (tape residue?). This fold line is almost entirely broken. Approximately 16 large holes are found on flowers where iron gall ink was concentrated. Some edges of holes are folded over. Additional breaks along some fold lines and elsewhere. A long tear extends downward about 1.25" from top edge near right corner.
In need of conservation.
Object ID
2003.076
Notes
Appraisal conducted by Pastor Fred. Weiser, 2 Sept 1988.
Johann Kupper (John Cooper) was born 1797 and died November 1883. He married Mary Miller (1798-1882) and both are buried in Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery in Rife, Dauphin County.
Johann was the son of John Adam Kupper (Cooper) and Christina Margaretta Schott Kupper. He was a farmer, living in Washington Twp. in northern Dauphin County, vicinity of Lykens and Elizabethville.
Confirmation of John Cooper is found in the Price Rominger Family Tree, Ancestry.com.
This is related to other Kupper family fraktur in this collection:
Nearly square printed fraktur mounted in a window mat and a modern flat black frame. This three-heart design made by Friedrich Krebs has his name "F. Krebs" printed at the bottom of the large central heart. Likely custom-printed in Reading at Adler's. Text within large heart is "Geburts- und TaufSchein." Standard main text has blanks infilled by Krebs. A daughter Elisabetha Miller was born 21 Feb 1809 in Cocalico Twp. to parents Peter Miller and wife Anna, born a M-caale(?). Daughter Elisabetha was baptised 14 May 1809 by Rev. Nuszky(?) and the sponsors were Peter Ellser and his wife Elisabetha. Smaller hearts below have religious verse.
Folksy decorations include coloring the heart border lines and adding many pasted-on cutouts, six of which are imprints of well dressed medieval people, two are pattern embossed paper urns/vases at bottom and two are small birds at top (right one missing). Extensive use of ink and watercolor to portray flowers, 4 suns/moons with faces and an unusual butterfly/moth drawing at top center. Borders of hearts are embellished with watercolors.
Printed in Reading, likely by Adler's Print Shop. Infilled and decorated in Cocalico Twp by Friederick Krebs (c. 1749 - c. 1815).
Fred Weiser, "The Mad, Lovable World of Friedrich Krebs," Der Reggeboge, 1988.Vol. 22, No. 2, pp. 49-88.
Alfred Shoemaker, "Notes on Frederich Krebs, The Noted Fractur Artist," The Pennsylvania Dutchman, Nov. 1, 1951, Vol. 3, No. 11.
Klaus Stopp, The Printed B&BC of the German Americans, Vol. 1, 1997, pp. 77-78 and pp. 140-144.
Height (cm)
31.75
Height (ft)
1.0416666667
Height (in)
12.5
Width (cm)
39.37
Width (ft)
1.2916666667
Width (in)
15.5
Dimension Details
Measurements are estimated based on what is visible in window mat.
Dimensions of frame are H: 15.375" W: 20.25"
Condition
Fair to Poor
Condition Date
2017-06-20
Condition Notes
Overall age yellowing with slight foxing. Multiple fold lines and other wrinkles. Large areas in right and left corners have heavy losses (holes), folded over edges and mending with cellophane tape adhered to back and staining the paper. Many pasted-on paper cutouts are detaching with folded-over edges. At least one cutout of bird is missing at top and perhaps additional missing cutouts where holes exist at upper corners. Abrasions on lower left cutout as well as some painted motifs.
Object ID
2017.999.8
Notes
Appraised by Rev. Fred Weiser in Sept. 1888. It was numbered # . See another B&BC by Krebs, 2017.999.28.
Johann Jacob Friederich Krebs was probably born April 3, 1749 and probably died in July 1815, according to Russ & Corinne Earnest's Papers for Birthdayes, pp. 460-467, He was active circa 1784-1812 in most counties of southeast PA and even New Jersey. He is considered the most prolific of all fraktur artists. He lived between Hummelstown and Harrisburg, Dauphin Co. and was a Schoolmaster in Swatara Twp.
He went through phases of decoration such as pasted-on cutout paper, stamped-on birds, his own freehand sketches, etc. He purchased large sheets of colored Augsburg brocade paper having Baroque decoration with pictures of Saints, animals and flowers. He cut out these figures to paste on fraktur as well as cut out his own shapes.
He used Adler's printshop in Reading for most of his printed B&BCs, often supplying the paper himself. He preferred 3-heart prints having no decoration, since he provided his own decoration.
A Peter Miller was a West Cocalico Twp. Supervisor in 1850 (Ellis & Evans, p. 722). The 1860 Atlas shows two "Pr. Miller" properties in East Cocalico Twp. just south of Knops Ridge. The 1869 Co. Directory lists 14 Millers in E. Cocalico, including a Peter Sr., a Peter Jr. and a Peter K. Miller, all in Reamstown or Swartzville.
Liebesbriefe (love letter) papercut or scherenschnitte on laid paper, mounted on green paperboard within a black wooden frame. Intricately cut circular design has narrow sawtooth border and cutout hearts, urns and flowers (tulips and carnations) in a repeated design. Center has a large flower-like, scalloped edged shape outlined in blue and lines of text written in red ink around periphery. It reads: "Lieben und nicht haben ist harter dann stein graben, und nicht bey sammen seyn(?) / ist fur wahr die groste pein." Appears to read: To love and not have (have love requited) is harder than stone (graben?) and not by ? ? ? is in truth the greatest pain.
16 inverted hearts dominate outer area, arranged in a staggered fashion around periphery. Each heart is alternately edged in blue or red and each is numbered and infilled with an expression of love written in red ink. Eight 2-handled urns radiate outward from center filled with tulip plants that connect with the hearts. Vasiform paper shapes alternate with urns and are decorated with drawings of tulips and blue flowers. Watercolor decoration is typical color palette of red, yellow, blue and what originally was green foliage. On back of acidic paperboard is written "This is probably Christian Strange (sic) Cut-Out." Old paper label taped to back is printed "An Old Pennsylvania / German Valentine."
See David R. Johnson, Christian Strenge's Fraktur, East Petersburg Historical Society, 1995, for two other examples.
Diameter (cm)
33.3375
Diameter (ft)
1.09375
Diameter (in)
13.125
Dimension Details
Diameter of frame is 19.5"
Condition
Fair
Condition Date
2017-06-26
Condition Notes
Delicate cutout has heavy losses, especially sawtooth border, parts of flowers & leaves as well as 3 missing vasiform (resembling a tube/duct) shapes with the floral drawings. Fold lines are broken and breaking. Paper generally age-darkened with some scattered light brown stains. Multiple repairs detached elements and pieces of paper pasted onto back for support. Black painted frame has abrasions. Glass has some light molding on inside surface.
Object ID
2017.999.9
Notes
Appraisal conducted by Pastor Fred Weiser, Sept. 2, 1988. He notes that the condition restrains the value. There is a large B & W transparency in the file.
See other examples in David R. Johnson's "Christian Strenge's Fraktur", 1995. (Copies in file, including translation of German).
