copyright 1999 by
Anne Frysinger Shifflet, Ph.D.
her E-mail address
contact her in regard to family history questions
My Father's Grandparents
On his Father's side
Jacob R. Frysinger [8], 1846–1899
Jacob R. Frysinger, 1846 - 1899
Susanna May Frysinger, 1846 - 1919
Susan May Frysinger's Mother
Jacob Rauhauser Frysinger [8], a middle child of Jacob Frysinger [16] and Magdalena Rahauser [17], was born on 27 Feb 1846. On 27 Jul 1846, he was baptized at Quickel's Union Church. The same day, a baby girl named Susanna May was baptized. 1 One can imagine the children growing up as friends and later realizing their love for each other. Jacob [8] married Susanna May [9], the daughter of Jesse May [18] and Eliza Seip [19]. 2
The 1870 census shows Jacob, age 24, living at home with his father in Conewago Township and working as a day laborer. 3 Ten years later he was a farmer with a wife and two children. 4 The households of the brothers John, Jacob, and Andrew were listed consecutively. Sometime during the 1880s, Jacob moved to Dover Township to farm, presumably as a tenant farmer or renter because he owned livestock but no real estate. 5
In 1890, both Jacob’s father and his father-in-law, Jesse May [18], died. Late that year or early in 1891, Jacob [8] packed up his family and goods and made a major move across the Susquehanna River into Lancaster County. He became tenant on a farm owned by John Zigler. 6 It was located just west of Shock's Mill (now Rowenna, near Marietta) bordering the Pennsylvania Canal, the railroad from Harrisburg to Columbia, and the Susquehanna River. Jacob's young son George [4] remembered being amazed by the passing trains and canal boats as he worked in the fields.
On 11 Mar 1897, Jacob purchased a 32-acre farm in Conoy Township along the road from Bainbridge to Elizabethtown for $2,000. 7 Jacob and Susanna’s oldest son Jesse lived there. Jacob [8] and his family continued to live and work on the Zigler farm. 8
Just two years later, Jacob was working in the fields under the hot sun and suffered a heat stroke. He died on 13 Jul 1899 at the age of 53 years. His body was taken back across the river to be buried at Quickel's. 9
Jacob’s widow and the younger children found a home with her son Jesse and his wife Emma. The 1900 census indicates that Susan [9] and 12-year-old Annie (Emma) were working as servants. George [4], age 15, was a farm laborer. 10 On 26 Jun 1901, an account of the estate of Jacob [8] (who had died without a will) showed a balance of $168.62. One third of that was paid to the widow, the other two-thirds was divided into four parts for the four children. Jesse received his share, and Frank Groff was named guardian for the younger children. 11 The heirs continued to live on the farm near Bainbridge.
Over the next few years, Jesse and his wife Emma moved to Swatara Township. George [4] married and moved to Swatara Township. Ellen married and moved to York County. Emma married, and on 22 Dec 1908, the farm was sold to Emma’s husband David Shank. 12
In her later years, Susanna May Frysinger [9] lived with her children, staying for a time with one, then another. She died on 22 Jul 1919. Her death was recorded in the records of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Maytown, Lancaster County. 13 She was buried beside her husband, back home at Quickel's Cemetery, Conewago Township, York County. 14
the grave stone
detail of his inscription
his parent's grave stones
Jacob R. Frysinger family
Children of Jacob R. Frysinger [8] and Susanna May [9]
Jesse Frysinger with milk wagon
Jesse Frysinger and Emma Rhoads Frysinger holding Jacob
1. Jesse 8 Apr 1875 – 23 May 1923 m. Emma Rhoads
b Union Lutheran and Reformed Congregations at Quickel's Church, p. 133.
d Family records, compiler unknown.
m Family records. Children: Jacob, Calvin.
2. Catharine 15 Oct 1878 – 15 Feb 1879
b
d Quickel's Cemetery (Starner, Cemeteries of York County, IX, p.14). Catharine Frysinger, d/o Jacob R. & Susan, died 15 Feb 1879, 0-4-0.
m
3. Ellen (Ella) 27 Oct 1880 – 15 Dec 1943 m. Samuel Frysinger
b Union Lutheran and Reformed Congregations at Quickel's Church, p. 138.
d Buried in the Maytown Lutheran Cemetery, East Donegal Township, Lancaster County. Also, Samuel Frysinger, 16 Jun 1874–26 Jun 1956.
m Lancaster County, Pa., Deed Book G-19-588, dated 22 Dec 1908. Samuel was the son of Andrew R. Frysinger, and thus a cousin of Ellen.
4. George [4] 8 Mar 1885 – 6 Apr 1949 m. Clara Schaffner
b Union Lutheran and Reformed Congregations at Quickel's Church, p. 142, incorrectly lists the birth date as 18 Mar 1885. The original birth certificate, in my possession, lists the date as March 8. He was baptized on 7 Jun 1885.
d Gravestone in the Church of the Brethren Cemetery, Hanoverdale, Pa. Also Clara Frysinger, 22 Mar 1888–12 Jan 1975.
m George Frysinger married Clara Belle Schaffner, daughter of Hiram Schaffner [10] and Fannie Fackler [11], on 24 Sep 1907. Marriage certificate in possession of Muriel Saylor.
5. Emma 29 Oct 1887 – m. David Shank
b Union Lutheran and Reformed Congregations at Quickel's Church, p. 146.
d
m Lancaster County, Pa., Deed Book G-19-588, recorded 22 Dec 1908. Children from family records: Leroy, Warren, and Carl
.
The story of George May Frysinger [4] who married Clara Belle Schaffner [5] is continued here.
Endnotes
1. Union Lutheran and Reformed Congregations at Quickel's Church, p. 104, their names were recorded consecutively. return to text
2. York County, Pa., Will Book QQ-412, will of Eliza Sipe May, dated 12 Jul 1892, probated 8 Sep 1903. return to text
3. 1870 U.S. census, York County, Pa., Conewago Township, page 33, dwelling 263, family 273, National Archives micropublication M593, roll 1468. return to text
4. 1880 U.S. census, York County, Pa., Conewago Township, page 3, dwelling 23, family 26, National Archives micropublication T9, roll 1206. return to text
5. Dover Township Tax Assessments 1889-1890, at the York County Historical Society. return to text
6. Tax Assessment of East Donegal Township, Lancaster County, Pa.. return to text
7. Lancaster County, Pa., Deed Book G-19-585, recorded 26 Dec 1908. The farm is located along present Route 241 close to Miller Road. Using the 1899 Atlas of Lancaster County as a guide, Muriel Saylor and I located it. Later, Muriel spoke with the present occupant who reported that her family had covered the old frame house with brick. return to text
8. East Donegal Township Assessments, Lancaster County Historical Society. return to text
9. Quickel's Cemetery (Starner, Cemeteries of York County, IX, p. 6). return to text
10. 1900 U.S. census, Lancaster County, Pa., Conoy Township, page 238, dwelling 42, family 47, National Archives micropublication T625, roll 108. return to text
11. Lancaster County, Pa., Deed Book P-16-149, recorded 11 Jul 1901. return to text
12. Lancaster County, Pa., Deed Book G-19-588, recorded 26 Dec 1908. return to text
13. St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Maytown, Pa., Book III, p. 32. return to text
14. Quickel's Cemetery (Starner, Cemeteries of York County, IX, p. 6). return to text
On his Mother's side
Hiram Schaffner [10] and Fanny Fackler [11]
Hiram Schaffner [10] , 1850–1905
Hiram Schaffner [10], oldest of the four sons of Emanuel Schaffner [20] and Sarah Seltzer Schaffner [21], was born on 7 Nov 1850 in East Hanover Township, Lebanon County, Pennsylvania. A Fraktur was purchased to celebrate the birth and the names of the parents and the birth date were inscribed. However, the wording concerning baptism was crossed off. 15
Sometime in Hiram's childhood, the family moved to South Annville Township and lived near the Horse Shoe Pike (Rt. 322). 16 An advanced grammar textbook passed along in the family indicates that Hiram attended the Palmyra Academy in 1867. 17 A 1909 address to the Lebanon County Historical Society described the school. The Palmyra Academy was a private school owned and operated by Peter B. Witmer who was educated at Mount St. Mary's College in Emmitsburg, Md. A brick building was erected in 1854–55, several hundred yards south of the turnpike at the angle of the alleys. School opened in 1856–57 and continued for nearly forty years. The building was as "severely plain and prim as the proprietor and principal himself . . . When the school was at the height of its prosperity, there were generally one hundred or more pupils at the spring term and sixty or more during the fall or winter terms. A normal class ranging from twenty to thirty pupils was also connected with the school . . . The course of study was quite extensive. Besides the usual branches of a common school education, it embraced Algebra, Bookkeeping, Geometry, Rhetoric, Latin and Greek . . . Prof. Witmer belonged to those known as strict disciplinarians . . . used a rod 4-5 feet long for the boys and spanking for the girls." 18
Hiram moved with his family to West Hanover Township in the spring of 1869. He was not quite 19 years old when his mother died on 4 Sep 1869. He was 20 when his stepmother died on 11 Jun 1871 and when his father was incarcerated. His younger brothers were 18, 12, and 5 years of age. It is not known who provided for the immediate needs of the children. 19
Hiram was 21 years old when he testified at his father's murder trial and the family home and farm were sold. To add to the stress at this time, his seventeen-year-old girlfriend became pregnant. She was Fannie B. Fackler [11], daughter of Wendel Fackler [22] and Susanna Catharine Beck [23], members of the Big Swatara Congregation of the German Baptist Brethren. Perhaps because of the double scandal surrounding the situation, it was not until 18 Jun 1872, just two months before their son was born, that Hiram and Fannie were married by William Hertzler, a minister who had recently moved into the area. 20
The young couple lived somewhere in West Hanover Township in 1872 and 1873 when their first two children were born. 21 In 1874 and 1875, Hiram was taxed as a tenant in West Hanover Township. On the 1876 list, his name was crossed off.
A daughter was born in 1877 in South Hanover Township. 22 Then, from 1878 until his death in 1905, Hiram was taxed as a tenant farmer in Lower Paxton Township. In 1882, he had three horses valued at $135 and six cows worth $150. The family lived on what was known as the Abram Fackler farm. 23
Hiram was head of a large family and was remembered as a loving father. He was superintendent of the Sunday school at the Paxton German Baptist Brethren Church. Having received secondary education himself, he was concerned about his children's schooling. His daughters Clara [3] and Becky recalled that "every evening, after supper, the children would sit in a line and Daddy would practice us." Sometimes, when snow was on the ground and it was difficult to walk, he would take the children on his horse to the Oakdale school two miles away.
Their life was that of a subsistence farm family. They raised livestock for food and to work the fields. They also raised large amounts of vegetables which Fannie [11] and the girls took to a market in Harrisburg, rising early in the morning to drive the horse-drawn wagon the seven-mile trip to the city.
The 1900 census reported that Hiram Schaffner, 49, could read, write, and speak English, and rented his farm. He and Fannie, 45, had been married 28 years. She had given birth 17 times and 12 children were living. Ten of the children were still living at home. The household also included Hiram’s youngest brother Martin, 34, who worked as a farm laborer. 24
Tragedy struck the family when a typhoid epidemic swept the area during the summer of 1905. As many as a dozen members of the extended family became critically ill. Three children in the immediate family died from August through October. On 1 Dec 1905, after a two-week illness, Hiram Schaffner [10] succumbed to the dread disease. John Whitmer, Adam Shope, and Thomas Patrick preached the funeral service. 25
Letters of Administration of the estate were granted to David E. Schaffner and Mabel Stites on 6 Jan 1906. 26 An inventory of his possessions was made on January 11. The appraisers were John H. Witmer, Christian Cassel, and William P. Horst, Justice of the Peace. 27
| Inventory | |
|
Lot of Sundries |
1.00 |
| Bedding |
1.00 |
| 1 pole |
2.00 |
| 3 grain cradles |
1.00 |
| ropes |
.50 |
| Sundries wagon shed |
1.00 |
| 4 horses |
125.00 |
| sundries |
1.00 |
| Stove |
.50 |
| Crocks & tubs |
1.00 |
| sink |
.25 |
| Creamery |
.25 |
| 5 shotes |
15.00 |
| 1 sow |
5.00 |
| Spring wagon |
15.00 |
| Dayton wagon |
10.00 |
| Ladder Sheller & c. |
1.25 |
| 3 Sleds |
5.00 |
| 1 Wagon & Box |
20.00 |
| Wagon & Ladders |
5.00 |
| 2 horse Wagon |
5.00 |
| Threshing machine & power |
5.00 |
| Binder |
5.00 |
| Fanning mill |
1.00 |
| Drill |
3.00 |
| Lot Oats |
20.00 |
| Lot Wheat |
50.00 |
| Lot Rye |
8.00 |
| Lot Corn |
70.00 |
| Wagons |
1.00 |
| Plows |
8.00 |
| Harness |
10.00 |
| Shovels & c |
.50 |
| Chains & scythes |
1.00 |
| Forks & Rakes |
1.00 |
| Wheelbarrow |
1.00 |
| 7 Cows |
175.00 |
| 6 head of Young Cattle |
60.00 |
| Mowers & Reapers |
10.00 |
| Hayrake |
2.00 |
| Hay Ladders |
1.00 |
| 4 Harrows |
5.00 |
| Scorer & Cultivator |
2.00 |
| Single Double & tripletree |
3.00 |
| Jockey irons |
.25 |
| Saws |
.50 |
| lot Vinegar |
5.00 |
| lot Benches |
.50 |
| Washing Machine |
.50 |
| Crocks Jugs & c |
1.00 |
| 2 Chests |
.50 |
| Lot of Chinaware |
.50 |
| Lot Seeds |
1.00 |
| 1 gun wood Box & table |
1.25 |
| Cupboard |
.25 |
| 4 Beds & Bedding |
4.00 |
| Sleigh bells |
.25 |
| 4 Chairs |
.90 |
| Books |
.25 |
|
Cash in Farmers Bank Hummelstown |
275.00 |
| Interest on outgoing crops |
25.00 |
|
********* |
|
|
975.05 |
Fannie [11] was left with responsibility for the family. She moved with the children to a home on Locust Lane, an area closer to Harrisburg where domestic work by the day was available. For a time, she worked for Mr. Felty in Linglestown. At one point, she and her two young sons, Hiram and Samuel, took a trip to visit her brother-in-law Reuben Schaffner who lived on the Ohio-Indiana border. Fannie returned, but the boys remained to live in Ohio. 28 In her last years, Fannie lived with her daughter Becky Shope in Hoernerstown, and she died there on 7 Nov 1919.
Her will was dated 1 Aug 1919. She wrote: "I bequeath the sum of fifty ($50.00) dollars to each of the following of my children namely. Sallie E. Schaffner, Clara B. Frysinger, Rebecca M. Shope, William W. Schaffner, Fannie N. Etter, and Samuel G. Schaffner, and the balance of my estate shall be divided share and share alike among my children as follows David E. Schaffner's Children one share, Louisa Groff's Daughter Naomi one share, Sallie E. Schaffner, Clara B. Frysinger, Rebecca M. Shope, William E. Schaffner, Fannie N. Etter, and Samuel G. Schaffner one share each. I hereby nominate, constitute and appoint William W. Schaffner and William P. Horst Executors of this my last will and testament who shall receive ten dollars ($10.00) each for their services." Harvey H. Hoerner and Emma G. Horst were witnesses to the signing. 29
In her will, she requested that an inventory be made of her possessions. Other than $4.00 in cash and $190.00 in the bank, her assets were primarily in the form of notes due her totaling over $1,600.00. During World War I she had purchased Liberty Bonds and Victory Bonds worth about $300. 30
Hiram F. Schaffner [10] and his wife Fannie B. Fackler [11] were buried in the Hanoverdale Church of the Brethren Cemetery, Hanoverdale, Pennsylvania.
The Hiram Schaffner Family, circa 1900
Back row: Wendel, Louise, Rebecca, Clara, Fannie
Middle row: David, Hiram[10], Fannie[11] holding Samuel, Annie, Sallie
Front row: Ruben, William, Hiram
(The parents and three adult children are wearing the "plain" grab of the
German Baptist Brethern.
The younger children have not yet reached the customary age for baptism into the
church.
Within a few years after this photograph, six members of this family
succumbed to
the dreaded typhoid fever.)
Fannie Fackler Schaffner
as a young girl
Children of Hiram Schaffner [10] and Fannie Fackler [11]
1
. David Edwin 24 Aug 1872 – 14 Jul 1907 m. Sallie M. Stoutb Hiram Schaffner family Bible, in possession of Roy D. Frysinger.
d Buried in the Hanoverdale Church of the Brethren Cemetery, Hanoverdale, West Hanover Township, Dauphin County, Pa. Also, Dauphin County, Pa., Estate Register: pr. 21 Aug 1907. David died in another typhoid epidemic less than two years after his father’s death.
m Information provided by Naomi Kuntz. Buried beside David is Sallie M. Schaffner, 1872–1955. Adjoining graves of their children include John, Louisa, Mary A. and Lizzie Minerva. Other children were Alvin, Edwin, David, Sarah, and Ruth.
Sallie in Florida
2. Sarah (Sallie) Elizabeth 13 Dec 1873 – 29 Oct 1972 unmarried
b Hiram Schaffner family Bible.
d Buried in the Hanoverdale Church of the Brethren Cemetery, Hanoverdale, West Hanover Township, Dauphin County, Pa.
m
3. stillborn 28 Oct 1874 – 28 Oct 1874
b Hiram Schaffner family Bible.
d
m
4. Catharine Ann 21 Jan 1876 – 9 Feb 1879
b Hiram Schaffner family Bible.
d Buried in the Hanoverdale Church of the Brethren Cemetery, Hanoverdale, West Hanover Township, Dauphin County, Pa.
m
5. Mary Jane 17 Oct 1877 – 31 Mar 1879
b Hiram Schaffner family Bible.
d Buried in the Hanoverdale Church of the Brethren Cemetery, Hanoverdale, West Hanover Township, Dauphin County, Pa.
m
6. Emma Agnes 6 Dec 1879 – 26 Dec 1885
b Hiram Schaffner family Bible.
d Buried in the Hanoverdale Church of the Brethren Cemetery, Hanoverdale, West Hanover Township, Dauphin County, Pa.
m
7. Louisa May 10 Dec 1881 – 9 May 1907 m. Christian Groff
b Hiram Schaffner family Bible.
d Louisa also died of typhoid.
m Hanoverdale Cemetery: Louisa Groff nee Shaffner, 10 Dec 1881–9 May 1907. Also, Christian C. Groff, 14 Nov 1880–27 Jun 1946.
Miles and Becky Swope, wedding picture
middle-aged
8. Rebecca Mabel 23 Mar 1884 – 19 Dec 1985 m. Miles Shope
b Hiram Schaffner family Bible.
d Buried in the Hanoverdale Church of the Brethren Cemetery, Hanoverdale, West Hanover Township, Dauphin County, Pa.
m Wedding certificate in my possession. They married on 29 Mar 1902, and had no children.
9. Wendel Henry 11 Apr 1886 – 20 Oct 1905 unmarried
b Hiram Schaffner family Bible.
d Buried in the Hanoverdale Church of the Brethren Cemetery, Hanoverdale, West Hanover Township, Dauphin County, Pa. Also, Dauphin County, Pa., Register of Deaths, Book I, #2: Wendell Shaffner, Single, 19 yrs, 6 mos, 4 days. d. 20 Oct 1905. Cause of death, Typhoid. Duration of last illness, 4 weeks.
m
Sallie, Rebecca, Clara, and Fannie Schaffner
Fannie Schaffner
More Photos of Fannie Schaffner
10. Clara Belle [5] 22 Mar 1888 – 12 Jan 1975 m. George Frysinger
b Hiram Schaffner family Bible.
d Buried in the Hanoverdale Church of the Brethren Cemetery, Hanoverdale, West Hanover Township, Dauphin County, Pa.
m Marriage Certificate in possession of Muriel Saylor. They were married 24 Sep 1907 by Thomas Patrick, at his home.
William, Billy, and Mary Schaffner
11. William Wilson 21 Oct 1889 – 17 Dec 1960 m. Mary Garbrick
b Hiram Schaffner family Bible.
d Paxton Presbyterian Graveyard, Harrisburg, Pa.
m Information from their one son, William Wilson, Jr., Harrisburg, Pa.
12. Lizzie Viola 7 Mar 1891 – 24 Aug 1891
b Hiram Schaffner family Bible.
d Buried in the Hanoverdale Church of the Brethren Cemetery, Hanoverdale, West Hanover Township, Dauphin County, Pa.
m
13. Fannie Naomi 7 Apr 1892 – 22 Sep 1972 m. Harry Etter
b Hiram Schaffner family Bible.
d Buried Graybills’ Cemetery, near Elm, Pa.
m Dauphin County, Pa., Will Book X-1-138, will of Fannie Fackler.
14. Hiram Albert 10 Mar 1894 – 18 Oct 1918 m. Abigail ___
b Hiram Schaffner family Bible.
d He moved to Union City, Ind., the same area where his uncle Reuben Schaffner had gone to live, and died there.
m Old family photograph on which Clara Schaffner [5] had written the name Abigail.
15. Annie Melinda 30 Apr 1895 – 29 Oct 1905
b Hiram Schaffner family Bible.
d Hanoverdale Cemetery. Also, Dauphin County, Pa., Register of Deaths, Book I, #3. Annie M. Shaffner. 10 yrs, 5 mos, 29 days. Died 29 Oct 1905. Cause of death, Typhoid. Duration of last illness, 19 days.
16. Reuben Lee 18 Jun 1896 – 31 Aug 1905
b Hiram Schaffner family Bible.
d Hanoverdale Cemetery. Also, Dauphin County, Pa., Register of Deaths, Book I, #4. Reuben Shaffner. 9 yrs. 7 Mos, 10 days. Died 28 Aug 1905. Cause of death, Typhoid. Duration of last illness, 21 days.
17. Samuel George 1 Oct 1898 – Jul 1984 m. 1st Rhea ___
m. 2nd Mamie ___
b Hiram Schaffner family Bible.
d Samuel lived most of his life in Canton, Ohio. According to the Social Security Death Index, he died in Myrtle Beach, S.C.
m Family information. His children were Naomi, Miriam and Wendel.
Samuel, Will and Hiram Schaffner
The story of Clara Belle Schaffner [5] who married George M. Frysinger [4] is continued here.
Endnotes
15. The Fraktur verifies the parents and the birth date listed in the Hiram Schaffner Family Bible. A copy of the Fraktur is in my possession.. The Schaffner family Bible is in possession of Roy D. Frysinger, Harrisburg, Pa. return to text
16. Harrisburg Daily Telegraph, 6 Mar 1872. return to text
17. The textbook, Brown's Grammar, copyright 1863, is in my possession. return to text
18. J. W. Early, "The Palmyra Academy," Papers and Addresses of the Lebanon County Historical Society, V, (August 20, 1909), pp. 1-20. return to text
19. Albert, already trained as a carpenter, remained in the community and became a successful builder. It's possible that he received help from David, Daniel and Martin Schaffner, cousins of Emanuel, who were carpenters living in Hummelstown, Pa. (South Hanover Township Assessments, and Kelker, History of Dauphin County, p. 246). At an early age, Reuben Schaffner moved to Indiana and farmed near Union City. The youngest son, Martin, was just four to six years of age at the time of the family trauma. He was considered somewhat slow in learning, and was raised by Hiram [10] and his wife. return to text
20. Hiram Schaffner family Bible. This William Hertzler was a brother of Emma Hertzler Royer [13]. return to text
21. Hiram Schaffner family Bible. Hiram Schaffner's name was not found on the 1873 tax list, suggesting they were living with another family. return to text
22. Hiram Schaffner family Bible. return to text
23. The farm was located along present day Red Top Road on land purchased in 1771 by Fannie's great-grandfather, Joh. Wendel Fackler [88]. In 1992, the old barn was still standing. The house, left in disrepair for many years, had been demolished and a new house was built in its place. return to text
24. 1900 U.S. census, Dauphin County, Pa., Lower Paxton Township, page 125A, dwelling 190, family 192; National Archives micropublication T623, roll 1403. return to text
25. Hiram Schaffner family Bible. Also, Dauphin County, Pa., Register of Deaths, Book I, #1. Hiram Shaffner, Male, White, 55yrs., 24 days. Married, farmer, Lower Paxton Township. Cause of death, Typhoid. Duration of last illness, 14 days. Interrment, Hanoverdale, 4 Dec 1905. return to text
26. Dauphin County, Pa., Register Index S-110. return to text
27. Dauphin County, Pa., Inventory and Appraisement Docket E-1-518. return to text
28. Information remembered by her granddaughter, Naomi Groff Kuntz. return to text
29. Dauphin County, Pa., Will Book X-1-138, probated 12 Nov 1919. return to text
30. Dauphin County, Pa., Inventory Appraisement Docket K-1-509. 8 Dec 1919. return to text
My Father's Great Grandparents
(Fannie Fackler's parents)
Wendel Fackler [22], 1821–1909
Wendel Fackler [22], born 29 Jul 1821, was the ninth and last child of Sarah Stouffer [45]. His mother died nine months after he was born. Wendel was raised by his aunt, Catharine Stouffer, who became the second wife of Wendel [44]. After Wendel surpassed the age of fourteen, (at which point a child could select their own legal guardian), he chose Peter Balsbaugh of Hanover Township to be the guardian of his inheritance from his grandfather John Stouffer [90]. 31
Wendel married his first cousin, Susanna Katarina Beck, on 20 Jan 1845. 32 She was the daughter of Fronica Stouffer [47] and Jacob Beck [46]. The Becks were living along the Beaver Creek, on the "Primrosedale" tract, about one-half mile south of the Facklers. 33
Twenty acres of land in West Hanover Township adjoining Wendel Fackler [44] were purchased for $1,050 from William Quigg on 1 Apr 1846. 34 It is not clear whether it was Wendel [44] and his wife Catharine or Wendel [22] and his wife Catharine [23] who bought the small tract. It appears to have been the first home for the young married couple.
In 1850, Wendle and Susan Catharine were living in West Hanover Township with their two children, Ann Elizabeth, 3, and William, age 1. 35 Wendel Fackler, Jr. was taxed on 60 acres, a frame house, and a bank barn in 1852 and 1855. 36 On the 1857 tax list there were three relevant entries. First, Wendel Fackler’s name was crossed off the list of landholders. An entry for David Fackler included the notation "late Wendel Fackler." A third entry listed Wendel Fackler as a tenant residing with David Fackler. The next year a similar entry was crossed off.
Wendel and Susanna Catharine had moved to Lower Paxton Township and become tenant farmers for her father, Jacob Beck [46]. Fronica Beck [47] was failing and she died on 24 Jun 1858. The 1860 census of Lower Paxton Township recorded the family as Wendel, 38; Catharine, 34; Elizabeth, 13; William, 11; Sarah, 9; Catharine, 7; and Fanny, 4. 37 They were listed next to Susanna Catharine's widowed father. Jacob Beck died in 1868. Wendel continued to farm his father-in-law’s 127 acres until 1869 when the real estate was sold to settle the estate. 38
At that point, Wendel and Susanna Catharine decided to move back to West Hanover Township. On 2 Apr 1870, Wendle Fackler of Lower Paxton Township purchased 62 acres of land from John C. Denny for $5,344.27. This farm adjoined lands of Michael Albright, Samuel Balsbach, David Glassbrenner, and Michael Baum. 39 The census taker in 1870 recorded that the real estate was appraised at $5,350 and Fackler’s personal property at $1,550. He was assessed on 61 acres, a frame house, and bank barn from 1871 through 1899. By 1880, all of the children had gone from home and Wendel, 60, and Catharine, 56, had a 20-year-old servant woman named Louise Meckley living with them. 40
A diary kept by Wendel from 1 Jan 1888–22 Sep 1889 reveals details of their daily life. 41 A one or two-line entry for each day was written in clearly legible English. Only the frequent substitution of the letters d for t and b for p (as in "abblebudder") reflect that Pennsylvania Dutch was the everyday spoken language in the home.
The daily entries commented on topics of importance to a farmer—the weather, ploughing, planting, selling corn and produce, cleaning stables, hauling manure, going to the blacksmith, attending sales, making cider, going to the bank to deposit or withdraw money, and buying supplies at Hummelstown, Harrisburg, Sand Hill, Shellsville, Linglestown, and other villages. Sometimes Wendel traveled alone, sometimes with hired help, and at other times "Mother" tended to business alone. There was a steady stream of visiting back and forth with friends and neighbors.
Wendel and Catharine were members of the Big Swatara congregation of the German Baptist Brethren. 42 Most Sundays, morning or evening, they went "to meeting" at the West Hanover, Hoernerstown, or Paxton meeting house. Wendel recorded not only who preached, but also who came along home after the meeting for dinner and a visit. Preparations for the congregation’s love feast in May of 1888 began for Wendel and Catharine on Thursday when they went to Joseph Koons to butcher meat for the event. Saturday they attended the love feast at the West Hanover meeting house and brought two guests along home to spend the night. Sunday they attended both morning and evening services, and then they went back on Monday to clean the meetinghouse.
Several diary entries indicate that both Wendel and Catharine were considered to have the gift of healing through the ability to "pow-wow."
On 7 Aug 1888 Wendel was fetched "to powow for Carie Bell she
had the wildfire."
On October 1 and 6 he was called to neighbors where he
"powowed for pain."
On 6 Dec 1888, "Mother was at Samuel Rouchs powowed for
the liddle girl she was sick."
the 22nd to the shop and god 2 new shoes on Charley and across the blue mountain for a maid did not ged one Aaron Ramler was here all night
the 23rd hanged the mead in the smoke house and ground corn Mother was in Union Deposit ad Henry Koonses over dinner and ad A. Ramlers hired Fanny and brought her along home.
Susanna Catharine [23] died on 1 Jan 1892, and was buried at Hanoverdale. The inscription on her tombstone reads:
Susanna Katarina
Engallen von
Wendell Fackler
B Mar 25, 1825
D Jan 1, 1892
66 Y 9 M 6 D
1915 Fackler Gathering
Wendel continued his involvement with the Big Swatara congregation. Minutes of the church council on 18 Oct 1892 report that Wendel Fackler was asked to go with Ben Basehore to Hummelstown to visit a brother "to find out about the matter" of concern. 43 Old photographs show Wendel wearing the long flowing beard typical of the Brethren at that time.
It is not clear when Wendel stopped farming. However, in 1900 he was living with his daughter Elizabeth and son-in-law Joseph Koons. 44 He wrote a will on 18 Dec 1905 that is quoted here in entirety:
In the name of God Amen. I Wendle Fackler of West Hanover Township Dauphin County and State of Pennsylvania, being of sound mind memory and understanding, do make and publish this my last will and testament, revoking and making void all former wills by me at anytime heretofore made. I first direct that my Executors hereinafter named pay all my just debts and funeral expenses out of my Estate and as soon as conveniant after my decease sell all my personal property and real estate that I may be possessed of at the time of my decease, and give title for the same as well as I could, where I living; and after all my property, real and personal is sold by my Executors hereinafter named, I order and direct that they pay to my four daughters Elizabeth intermarried with Joseph Koons, Sarah intermarried with Samuel Bashore, Katie intermarried with David Horst, and Fannie intermarried with Hiram Schaffner Each the full sum of three hundred dollars, should any of my daughters die before my decease, then their share shall be equally divided between their children, and the remainder of the proseeds of my Estate I order and direct that my Executors hereinafter named divide equally share and share alike between my five children the four daughters aforenamed and my son William Fackler.
And I do hereby constitute and appoint my son in laws Joseph Koons and Samuel Basehore sole Executors of this my last will and testament. In witness whereof I Wendel Fackler the testator, have to this my last will and testament set my hand and seal this 18th day of December A.D. one thousand nine hundred and five. Wendel (X) Fackler 45
Wendel's farm, the 62 acres 140 perches he had purchased in 1870, was sold to John D. Miller on 1 Apr 1908 for $2,500. 46
Wendel Fackler [22] died on 30 Jul 1909 at the age of 88, and was buried in the Hanoverdale cemetery. 47 Wendel's few remaining possessions were appraised and an inventory was taken:
| 1 Bureau |
1.50 |
| 1 Chest |
.75 |
| 1 Stand |
.25 |
| 1/2 Doz. Chairs |
2.50 |
| [Hactestick?] |
.25 |
| lot Book boxes & c |
.25 |
| hand bell |
.25 |
| Patent quilt |
.50 |
| Home made quilt |
.75 |
| Woolen blanket |
.25 |
| Chamber |
.15 |
| Spade |
.25 |
| Tool box & contents |
.25 |
| Box [Carper?] |
1.00 |
| Rocker |
.50 |
| Cash in Farmers Bank |
114.39 |
|
Certificates of Deposit in Farmers Bank |
|
|
******** |
|
| Total |
$1,873.79 |
Appraisers: Albert M. Schaffner and John F. Koons
Justice of the Peace: William P. Horst 48.
Unlike his grandfather, Joh. Wendel Fackler [88], and his father Wendel [44], Wendel [22] did not amass considerable assets in real estate. This lot fell to several of his brothers, notably Solomon. Wendel farmed on a small scale, cared for his family, and participated in the fellowship of his church.
Children of Wendel Fackler [22] and Susanna Catharine Beck [23]
1. Ann Elizabeth, 23 May 1847 - 28 Sep 1924, m. Joseph Koons
b
d Hanoverdale Church of the Brethren Cemetery, Hanoverdale, Pa. Also, Joseph Koons, 12 Jun 1843-5 Nov 1914.
m Dauphin County, Pa., Will Book S-1-58, will of Wendel Fackler, dated 18 Dec 1905.
2. William, 3 Mar 1849 - 18 Nov 1916, m. Sarah Schaffner
b
d Hummelstown Cemetery, Hummelstown, Pa. Also, Sarah E. Schaffner, w/o William,
20 Oct 1853-7 Mar 1937.
m Dauphin County, Pa., Deed Book C-18-63. Sarah was the only daughter of Martin Schaffner, a cousin of Emanuel Schaffner [20].
3. Sarah, 24 Nov 1851 - 19 Mar 1931, m. Samuel S. Basehore
b
d Hanoverdale Church of the Brethren Cemetery, Hanoverdale, Pa. Sarah B. Fackler Basehore, 24 Nov 1851-19 Mar 1931. Also, Samuel S. Bashore, 12 Sep 1848-4 Oct 1934.
m Dauphin County, Pa., Will Book S-1-58, will of Wendel Fackler, dated 18 Dec 1905.
4. Catharine, 8 Nov 1853 - 3 Apr 1930, m. 1st David Horst, m. 2nd John Witmer
b
d Hanoverdale Church of the Brethren Cemetery, Hanoverdale, Pa. Catharine Horst nee Fackler. Also, David Horst, 21 Mar 1850-2 Jun 1902.
m Dauphin County, Pa., Will Book S-1-58, will of Wendel Fackler, dated 18 Dec 1905. The Horst children were Billy, Harry, and Maggie m. ___Page. After David Horst's death, Kate married John Witmer, elder in the Big Swatara congregation.
5. Fannie [11], 7 May 1855 - 7 Nov 1919, m. Hiram Schaffner
b Schaffner family Bible in possession of Roy D. Frysinger, Harrisburg, Pa.
d Buried in Hanoverdale Church of the Brethren Cemetery, Hanoverdale, Pa. Also, Hiram F. Schaffner, 7 Nov 1850-1 Dec 1905.
m Their marriage on 18 Jun 1872 is recorded in the Schaffner family Bible.
The story of Fannie Fackler [11] who married Hiram Schaffner [10] is continued .
Endnotes
31. Dauphin County, Pa., Orphans Court Docket I-1-189, dated 19 Apr 1837. return to text
32. The Marriage Book of David Brossler (Photocopy at the Dauphin County Historical Society of the original in the Archives at Franklin and Marshall, Lancaster, Pa.), no page numbers. Wendel Fackler married Susan C. Beck on 20 Jan 1845. return to text
33. Dauphin County, Pa., Deed Book O-2-340. return to text
34. Dauphin County, Pa., Deed Book R-2-249, recorded 1 Apr 1846. return to text
35. 1850 U.S. census, Dauphin County, Pa., West Hanover Township, page 341, dwelling 54, family 56; National Archives micropublication 432, roll 775. return to text
36. 1852 and 1855 West Hanover Township Triennial Assessments. I have not yet found documents explaining how this land was acquired and later transferred to David Fackler. Two surviving pages of an account book owned by David Fackler, dated 8 Oct 1858, list several "improvements mate on this farm by me David Fackler must be corrected acording to our Agreement of David Fackler and Wendel Fackler." return to text
37. 1860 U.S. census, Dauphin County, Pa., Lower Paxton Township, page 6, dwelling 42, family 46; National Archives micropublication 653, roll 1103. return to text
38. Dauphin County, Pa., Tax Assessments 1853-1870. Also, Deed Book I-4-369, dated 1 Apr 1870. return to text
39. Dauphin County Deed Book O-7-446, recorded 3 May 1889. The farm consisted of two tracts. Forty-five and 7/8 acres had been land of Peter Balsbach, sold to Denny in 1868. The other 17 acres, which had belonged to John Quigy, was sold to Denny at a Sheriff's sale in 1867. Located on the 1875 Atlas of Dauphin County, this farm was off the present Green Hill Road, where the Grubb family lived in the mid-twentieth century. The house has recently been destroyed. return to text
40. 1880 U.S. census, Dauphin County, Pa., West Hanover Township, page 3, dwelling 22, family 26; National Archives micropublication T9, roll 1124. return to text
41. The entries were written in a notebook about 6 by 8 inches with a cardboard cover. The original diary is in possession of Clarence Moore. return to text
42. The name of the denomination was changed to Church of the Brethren in 1908. return to text
43. Minutes of the Big Swatara Church, Dauphin County, Penna., Volume 1, 1883-1913, p. 33. return to text
44. 1900 U.S. census, Dauphin County, Pa., West Hanover Township, page 6663, dwelling 121, family 124; National Archives micropublication T6, roll 1404. return to text
45. Dauphin County, Pa., Will Book S-1-58, probated 9 Aug 1909. return to text
46. Dauphin County, Pa., Deed Book N-13-584, recorded 5 Nov 1908. return to text
47. The Dauphin County, Pa., Register Index F-171 states that he died on 29 Jul 1909. return to text
48. Dauphin County, Pa., Inventory and Appraisement Docket F-1-567. 19 Aug 1909. Wendall Fackler dec'd, West Hanover Township. return to text
