Dreisbach-Dresbach Family Association

 Vol 1, No. 3 - April 2014 - Dreisbach Family Journal

An Age of Autographs - The Rev. Samuel A. Bridges Stopp
A Valuable Contribution to Colonial Church History - The Rev. John Baer Stoudt

Letter of Simon Dreisbach, Jr: A Valuable Contribution to Church History
The Dreisbach Family Journal, Vol 1, No. 3, April 1914, pp. 3-10
by the Rev. John Baer Stoudt

The following interesting letter, written by Simon Dreisbach Jr., elder at the Stone Church, to Rev. John Helfrich, January, 1773, which recently came into my possession, gives us a pen picture of the religious conditions of the western end of Northampton county, during the Colonial period.  It enables one, together with the minutes of the Coetus (Synod of the Reformed Church), to trace the development of the Zion's Reformed congregation (Stone Church) which together with the First Reformed Church, Easton, are the oldest Reformed congregations in Northampton county.

The first official mention of this congregation is found in Michael Schlatter's diary (the organizer of the Reformed church in Pennsylvania) in which he states that he visited (Jan. 25-26, 1747) the congregations in Egypt and on the Lehigh (Congregation at Yost Dreisbach's mill) and then proceeded ten miles further to Nazareth.

Rev. Schlatter recommended to the Synod in Holland that Saccony (Saucon) Forks of the Delaware (Easton) Springfield (Bucks County) and Lehigh (at Yost Dreisbach's) be formed into a charge and that an able minister be sent here, 'since Bethlehem, the seat of the Moravians, is near.'

The Indian uprisings of the following decade threw the whole region into a state of confusion, arrested its development and retarded the progress of religion and education.

On the 25th of February, 1771, a large number of citizens from Allen, Moore and Lehigh townships, met and decided to erect a union church, 36x46 feet, at Indian Creek (Stone Church).  Adam Dreisbach, Caspar Erb and Simon Dreisbach (Reformed) and Balentin Waldman, George Edelman and George Michael (Lutheran) were appointed a building committee.  The church was built and the dedication took place, Nov. 15, 1772, at which time, Rev. John Henry Helfrich (Reformed) and Rev. Friedrich (Lutheran) officiated.  Rev. Helfrich, one month later (Dec. 15, 1772) administered the holy communion (the first in the newly erected church) to the Reformed congregation.

The sermon of Rev. Helfrich caused an awakening among the Reformed members, which led Elder Dreisbach to address this letter to him.

The Letter and References - translation originally by Rev. William. J. Hincke, Ph.D., D.D.

Letter of Simon Dreisbach, member of the Indian Creek Church, Allen Township, Northampton County, to the Rev. John Henry Helffrich, January, 1773.

Rev. Mr. Helffrich--

First of all, my friendly greeting to you.  I hope that your health is still good.

After wishing you every good, I cannot forebear troubling you with these few lines and at the same time reminding you not to become remiss in the good beginning that was made to win souls.  I am very desirous to know how soon you will come to us again and what other good results you have accomplished in our behalf, namely how we are to be supplied until the next meeting of Coetus, whether any of the other ministers will visit us, and whether you have written to Mr. Fawer (Faber), Mr. Blumer and Mr. Steiner and whether they have come to an agreement among themselves, which we hope has taken place.   We shall be much delighted to hear that they will alternately supply us, until we shall secure a minister.  For the Gospel has now taken root in this region through the sermon you preached, if you will only not wait too long before you come again, that the fire may not die out again or that we may not be forgotten entirely as it has happened before.  For if we should be neglected, our enemy, a hireling, would rejoice exceedingly over it.  He is always active to create confusion and to prevent any other minister from coming into this region, especially none of you (from the Coetus.)  Wherefore I shall give you a somewhat circumstantial report, yet as brief as I can do it.

As I have been for a long time an onlooker on church affairs in this region, I cannot forebear mentioning some of the things in hope that you will patiently hear me.

About 17 years ago (1756), when I first came to live here, the church attendance, or Divine services were very irregular, for hardly half the time did the minister come when the services had been announced and the people had assembled, hence most of the time the people had to go home without a sermon, at which the people were much annoyed.  At that time the people of this region knew nothing of the Coetus Ministers.  Then it was decided to appeal to the Coetus for a minister, that, if one could be secured, and this evil (of the irregular services) could be done away with, the efforts would not be in vain.  This was done about 14 years ago (1759), when my father and John Ditter, the elders, went with much trouble to Easton and Plainfield and Greenwich (Grunitsch), in order to induce said congregations to unite with us in asking for a minister.  This was done and they went unitedly before the Coetus.

A congregation at Easton, a newly settled village, about sixty miles from Philadelphia in Pennsylvania, has sent in a request for a suitable pastor and preacher.  We have promised to make a call, with fifty pounds for his yearly support.  Hence we herewith earnestly once more request the continuance of the paternal care of the Rev. Synods and Classis, so as to provide these shepherdless sheep as soon as possible with a godly minister.
--Minutes of Coetus, Germantown, Oct. 21-22, 1760.

Simon Dreisbach, a delegate elder from the congregation (charge) in Easton, submitted a petition of said congregation, concerning a minister.  (The petition is annexed to the Minutes, under No. 1,) 'Note this document is no longer in existence.'  The Coetus was pleased to return a written answer to him, in which the congregation was notified that this matter had not only been laid before the proper authorities, but that also the Rev. Deputies of the Synods of South and North Holland had considered the matter and had called Do. Weyberg for them.  Until the arrival of the latter, they should be served occasionally by the brethren of the Coetus.
The Reverend Coetus, called the Pennsylvanensis, met in New Hanover, Pennsylvania, June 30 and following days, 1762.

A minister was promised to us, as soon as one should come in, (from Holland.)  Meanwhile Rev. Mr. Leydich and Rev. Michael were to supply us until a minister should come in.  Each of these congregations gave 12 pounds to the said ministers to come to us on a week-day, every three weeks for one year, which was done and our congregation got its share, until several ministers came in (Stapel in 1761 and Weyberg in 1762).  Meanwhile a congregation was gathered on the Dryland and when Mr. Weibery (Weyberg) preached at Easton, Greenwich and Plainfield, he came several times to us.

A delegated elder of a congregation on the Lechaw (Lehigh) requested that Coetus would persuade Do. Weyberg also to supply their church.  Whereupon Do. Weyberg declared that he had already three churches, and hence it would be very difficult to serve them also with the preaching of the Gospel.  But he would gladly do what was reasonable and occasionally preach for them.
--Minutes of Coetus, Germantown, May 5-6, 1763.

Afterwards they received the Dryland congregation (into the charge) but they abandoned us.  Here we were excluded and forgotten until Rev. Gross came (December 1764).  He supplied us the first two years (1765-1766) after he came to this country, on a week-day, but when he had enough, he abandoned us utterly.  That is the forgetting, of which I said that it took place before.

Thereupon followed Do. Henop, who had a call to Easton.  The question put to him and his elder was answered to complete satisfaction; that he was very well pleased there and would take the congregation under his ministry, whereupon the elder from Easton explained further that Easton, Greenwich, Dryland and Plainfield were united, and these congregations would provide 75 pounds, free residence and necessary fire wood, per annum.  An elder from a congregation in Lecha (Lehigh) township appeared, which congregation desired to be supplied by Dos. Henop and Gros, because it was situated between their charges; whereupon it was resolved that the gentlemen mentioned should help as much as they possibly could.
From the Minutes of the Special Coetus, held in Philadelphia, Oct. 16 and 17, 1765

At Whitehall Do. Gros found 94 members in the one congregation (Egypt); from the middle of December to May baptized 7 children, received 13 members.  In the other congregation, (Schlosser's), there are 78 members; children baptized 8, received as members, 7.  in the congregation across the Jordan there are 73 members; 7 children baptized; 5 members received.  In the fourth congregation, Allentown, there are 83 members; children baptized 6; received as members, 4.  In five other shepherdless congregations, Lecha (Lehigh), Plainfield, at Droogeland (Dryland), Greenwich, Lindau, he baptized 43 chilren, and found over 300 members.
--Minutes of Coetus, May 8-9, 1765.

Do. Gross has four regular and two irregular congregations.  At Allentown 34 families; 9 members received; 18 baptized; Egypt 31 families; 12 members received; 7 baptized; at Schlosser's 23 families; 9 members received; 9 baptized; and across the Jordan 17 families; 12 members received; 12 baptized.  The Tresbacher (Dreisbach) and Lynn congregations embrace about 30 families, whom he serves on week-days.
--Minutes of Coetus, Sept. 3-4, 1766

What was the cause we know not, for certain, but it is possible that at that time we were too weak, and it was too far for them, it is now much easier to reach us and we are certainly much stronger, for we constitute now fully a quarter and even more, yet we gave our fourth part just like Easton and the rest.  This angered the people very much and they turned again to their former minister, Hecker.  But we always aimed how to strengthen ourselves.  Thus it has continued until now, nor could it be otherwise, because there are three churches here in a district of five miles and since they were so close together, that they have always been weak until now when more Germans have settled in Allen township.  Now we have united with them.  We are in the centre of the above mentioned three congregations.  Two of the other congregations have united with us and those of Allen township.  This fills us with good hope, for it is the strongest congregation of these three and nothing is lacking but a good minister, who knows how to unite his people and who himself is a leader of his flock, so that the Gospel may take root and increase as I have stated above.

Furthermore I must tell you that now everything depends upon how we shall be cared for.  Because you have to use diligence and make some efforts in order that the congregation may not be spoiled again or be neglected.  Now I shall relate to you the beginning of this church and congregation, but as briefly as I can, in order that you may know the conditions here.

First of all, I must name the three congregations.  There is the Ischen Land (Indian Land) congregation, which is located at the Blue Mountains, on the Lehigh.  Then there is our congregation, on the Inschen Creek (Indian Creek), at Jost Dreisbach's, in the centre, and the strongest Reformed congregation and then there is the congregation in Moore township, where now Rev. Hecker still lives and preaches.  The Indianland congregation has not more than eight or nine men (on the Reformed side) and these are almost half Lutheran.  even if they do their best, they cannot make up much (salary.)  Those of Moore township have more people, but they cannot make up even as much as those of Indianland.  Then there is our old congregation, which has also been unable to make up a large salary.  From this it can be seen that these three congregations were too weak to keep up three churches and that they hardly make one good congregation.  This we have known for a long time and both parties (denominations) always implored those of Moore township and those of Indianland to unite with us in our church, but it was never done until about two years ago, when the question was fully considered, especially because considerable number of Germans had settled in Allen township.

Then they took counsel with some of the leading church members in the three named congregations and for the first time our wish was fulfilled, that all should unite with those of Allen township to build a union church.

The Reverend Coetus was asked for a minister by three congregations on the Lehigh.  These three congregations thus far had irregular teachers, and were in no connection with the Reverend Coetus; and because there is hope now that some good may be done among them by a regular minister, the Reverend Coetus deemed it well to help them.  It granted their request by allowing them to extend a regular call to a minister of the Reverend Coetus.  Until that time, they must be satisfied with the services of the neighboring ministers.
--Minutes of Coetus, Oct. 27-28, 1773.

I must mention some of these men.  In the Indianland congregation there was Conrad Schneider, who lives now in Heidelberg, a schoolmaster.  He was one of the first of the Indianland congregation (to agree to it) and he promised at once five pounds.  But later when we had the whole congregation together to sign for it, he alienated the whole congregation again, after they had helped to buy the land for the Stone church, and after he had allowed himself to be elected as architect, he caused the first confusion.  Then there is Johannes Ditter, our old, above mentioned elder (Vorsteher), who gave his consent until we began to build, then he turned against us and that is still his position.  Then some of the Moore township, by the persuasion of Hecker, got the notion to build up their church again, but it is still uncertain.

Thus the beginning was made according to our desire, but then the enemy sowed more and more weeds among the wheat and now seeks to choke out the wheat, but thanks be to God that the congregation grows still and the church of God or the congregation is again rising and prospering under all this tempest of affliction, so that we are now able, if God be gracious to us, to give us a regular minister, to give him a good salary; the people of Indianland see now that they have done wrong and those of Moore township do not know what they will do, because daily more are leaving them.  For after you were here, several have left them because they were touched by your sermon, although Hecker goes about daily trying to persuade people.  He intends to hinder us at the stone church as much as he can, telling people that we would not get a minister from Coetus, for he and another man would thwart us from getting a congregation together.  He may succeed in the latter in one respect, for Pitthan (John William Pythan) keeps us away from the Dryland congregation, as long as they will keep him, for that is the strongest congregation in the Forks, without it we have none on this side of the river which would be suitable for us, that is a congregation which could makeup as much as ours and is also so located that it could unite with us.

Two congregations, Plainfield and Greenwich, and also the larger part of the congregation in Easton, which were served by Mr. Pithaan, but are now entirely separated from him on account of his scandalous and offensive life and conduct.

Many members of the congregation in Easton being well satisfied with his ministry, and not caring what kind of a life Mr. Pithan led, separated from the other party, accepted him as their minister, and thus supported him in his scandalous life.  In addition to serving the party in Easton, he serves another congregation, Dryland.  But the two congregations mentioned above, and also the larger part of the congregation at Easton, will not have anything at all to do with Mr. Pithan.  The congregation at Dryland, which belongs to the three congregations, was informed by letter that if in future they had any dealings with Mr. Pithan, the Reverend Coetus would no longer regard them as a congregation of the Coetus.
--Minutes of Coetus, Oct. 9-10, 1771.

Hence I said above that you would have to show diligence and care for our new congregation in order that the weak be raised up, the indolent be encouraged, the stubborn be softened, those of little faith be comforted and the cold hearted be warmed up, so that the word which has begun to take root, may also gain in strength and finally bear fruit.  This we confidently expect and live in hope, that you will put forth your best endeavors to supply us, by preaching for us alternately, namely you yourself and Mr. Fawer (Faber) and Mr. Blumer and Mr. Steiner.  If you will take the trouble to write to the other three to consult together about this, we think that they should preach for us at least once every four weeks, until the meeting of the Coetus.  We shall pay them amply for their services.  If they will alternate it will hit none very frequently.  If they are willing to supply us, it is better for them to agree among themselves, than for us to write to all the congregations which they serve.  They can thereby save us much trouble.

Mr. Blumer will come to preach here on the 17th of this month of January, now if you will write to Mr. Steiner to come the next time, four weeks later, and so forth, we shall know it and be governed by it as regards the Lutheran preachers.

But enough for this time.  I hope you will take nothing amiss in my letter.  I have written a little more circumstantially, so that you may understand more fully our condition and see how necessary it is to send good ministers to the Forks.  May the Lord grant this to us in Jesus Christ, Amen.  I am your servant, ready to serve you and wishing your welfare.

The congregations on the Lehigh had given a call to Do. Steiner, but, after mature consideration of the affairs, and from a knowledge of these congregations, it was thought better to have them still served by neighboring pastors.
--Minutes of Coetus, May 2-3, 1774

"Since the congregations on the Lehigh again presented a call to Do. Steiner, permission was given him to accept the call, in accordance with his desire, which, however, will not occur before fall.  The vacant congregation shall be visited by ministers of the vicinity."
--Minutes of Coetus, May 10-11, 1775

The congregations of Allen township, Moore township and Lehigh with sorrow reported to the Reverend Coetus the death of Mr. Steiner, who had been their beloved minister.  They applied for another capable minister.  After a careful investigation of the circumstances, the Reverend Coetus answered the delegates that the three said congregations, on account of the congregation of Dryland, which immediately after Mr. Steiner's death had left them and united with Easton, should unite with some other congregation, which may be found either in Dryland or in Plainfield (township), so that if they call a minister, they may also raise the necessary salary.
--Minutes of Coetus, May 1, 1782.

The congregations in Allen township and Lehigh Township, (where Do. Steiner formerly preached) have made out a call and presented it, for Do. Gobrecht, who is at liberty to accept this call.  But in case Do. Gobrecht should not accept it, these congregations will be provided for as soon as new ministers arrive.
--Minutes of Coetus May 12, 1784.

As the congregations in Allen, Lehigh and Moor townships asked the Reverend Coetus for a minister, Do. Pernisius was proposed to them, and at once went to these congregations.
--Minutes of Coetus, April 27-28, 1785.

Biographical Sketches:

Simon Dreisbach, Sr.
Simon Dreisbach, Sr., born at Obernsdorf, Wettgenstein, Germany, August 7, 1698, qualified at Philadelphia, Sept. 20, 1743.  He settled in Lehigh township, near Kreidersville, Northampton County.  He is said to have had seven children.  Three of his sons, Simon Jr, Jost and Adam, became quite prominent.  A daughter Catherine (1754-1823) was married to Henry Bowman.  Their son, John Dieter Bowman, was the grandfather of Bishop Thomas Bowman.  He died, March 31, 1785.  His remains and those of many of his descendants lie buried at Stone Church. [Note: This Catherine is actually believed to be Simon's granddaughter through Adam. --CEB]

Simon DREISBACH, Sr.
b: Bef. Aug 07, 1698 Oberndorf, Wittgenstein
d: Mar 31, 1785 in Northampton Co, PA
.  +Maria Katharina KELLER
b: May 17, 1696 Holzhausen
m: Nov 07, 1720 in Feudingen, Germany
d: May 22, 1768 in Northampton Co. PA
Father: Hans Wilhelm KELLER Mother: Anna Catharine GOBEL

.... 2   Jost DREISBACH b: Bef. Sep 18, 1721 Oberndorf, Wittgenstein  d: Oct 17, 1794 in Allen twp, Northampton Co, PA
........  +?  m: Abt. 1750
....  *2nd Wife of Jost DREISBACH:
........  +Elizabeth RAUSCHENBERGER b: Nov 20, 1747 Macungie, Northampton Co, PA m: Abt. 1766 d: Aft. 1799   Father: Friederich RAUSCHENBERGER Mother: Maria Barbara GOETSCHI

.... 2   Adam DREISBACH b: Bef. Nov 07, 1722 Oberndorf, Wittgenstein  d: Jan 10, 1803 in Easton, Northampton Co, PA
........  +Susanna COERBER b: Apr 07, 1724 m: Jul 16, 1749 in Trinity Lutheran Church, Lancaster, PA d: Apr 07, 1805 in Easton, Northampton Co., PA   Father: Andreas KOERBER

.... 2   Maria Catherine DREISBACH b: Bef. Oct 15, 1724 Oberndorf, Wittgenstein Christened 15 Oct 1724  d: Bef. Nov 18, 1725 in Germany

.... 2   Alexander DREISBACH b: Bef. Nov 09, 1725 Oberndorf, Wittgenstein Christened 9 Nov 1725  d: Bef. Mar 26, 1731 in Oberndorf, Wittgenstein

.... 2   Anna Elisabeth DREISBACH b: Bef. Feb 15, 1727/28 Oberndorf, Wittgenstein Christened 15 Feb 1728  d: Bef. May 12, 1731 in Oberndorf, Wittgenstein

.... 2   Simon DREISBACH, Jr. b: Bef. Jan 29, 1729/30 Oberndorf, Wittgenstein  d: Dec 17, 1806 in Howertown, Allen Twp, Northampton Co., PA
........  +Maria Dorothea DIES b: Apr 26, 1734 m: Apr 07, 1752 in St. Michaels and Zion's Luth Church, Philadelphia, PA d: Jul 08, 1773 in Northampton Co, PA   Father: Peter TEISS Mother: Elizabeth STAHLNECKER
....  *2nd Wife of Simon DREISBACH, Jr.:
........  +Anna Maria FUCHS b: Oct 28, 1736 m: Abt. 1773    Father: Conrad FUCHS

.... 2   George William DREISBACH b: Bef. Jun 14, 1733 Oberndorf, Wittgenstein
........  +Sophia SCHEMELIEN  m: Abt. 1758

.... 2   John DREISBACH b: Bef. Feb 06, 1734/35 Oberndorf, Wittgenstein  d: Sep 27, 1796 in Northampton Co, PA
........  +Elizabeth WALDMAN b: Jul 25, 1742 m: Nov 14, 1758 in Tohickon Union Ch. Bedminister, Bucks Cty PA d: Dec 14, 1821 in Northampton Co, PA

.... 2   Anna Catherina DREISBACH b: Bef. May 04, 1738 Oberndorf, Wittgenstein
........  +Henry ULRICH b: Abt. 1730 m: Oct 29, 1755 in Tohickon Union Ch. Bedminister, Bucks Cty PA

.... 2   Magdalena DREISBACH b: Abt. 1743  d: Bef. Nov 19, 1813
........  +George William DIETER   d: Bef. Oct 1774   Father: John DIETER Mother: Elisabeth ?

Simon Dreisbach, Jr.
Northampton County to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia (July 15, 1776), which ratified the Declaration of Independence.  For four successive years (1776-1780), he represented the county in the State Assembly and also several years as commissioner to collect blankets and provisions for the Continental soldiers, and from May 2, 1777, to Oct. 20, 1783, was a member of the Council of Censors.  After the close of the war he again represented the country in several sessions of the State Assembly.  He was married to Dorothea, a daughter of Peter Taes, in 1752.  This union was blessed with twelve children, of whom three sons, John, Jacob and George, served in the Revolutionary Army.  His first wife died in 1773 and he was married a second time to Maria Kuder, a widow lady, the daughter of Conrad Fox.  He died near Kreidersville, Dec. 17, 1806.
 

Simon DREISBACH, Jr.
b: Bef. Jan 29, 1729/30 Oberndorf, Wittgenstein
d: Dec 17, 1806 in Howertown, Allen Twp, Northampton Co., PA
.  +Maria Dorothea DIES
b: Apr 26, 1734
m: Apr 07, 1752 in St. Michaels and Zion's Luth Church, Philadelphia, PA
d: Jul 08, 1773 in Northampton Co, PA
Father: Peter TEISS Mother: Elizabeth STAHLNECKER

.... 2   John DREISBACH b: Aug 21, 1752  d: Sep 20, 1825 in Northampton Co, PA
........  +Catherine Elizabeth KLEPPINGER b: Dec 21, 1752 m: Mar 17, 1774 d: Sep 20, 1819 in Northampton Co, PA

.... 2   Simon DREISBACH b: May 19, 1754 Reading, PA  d: May 09, 1769 in Howersville, Lehigh Twp, Northampton Cty, PA

.... 2   John George DREISBACH b: Jan 31, 1756 Northampton Co., PA  d: Aug 01, 1826 in Allen twp, Northampton Co, PA
........  +Sophia Catherine YOUNG b: Abt. Feb 01, 1755 m: Jun 10, 1774 d: Mar 31, 1834

.... 2   John Peter DREISBACH b: Nov 03, 1757 near Bethlehem, Northampton Co, PA  d: Aug 16, 1810 in Nazareth twp, Northampton Co, PA
........  +Susanna BEISSEL b: 1758 Northampton Co, PA m: 1778 d: Mar 29, 1812 in Greenwich twp, Sussex Co, NJ   Father: Peter BEISSEL Mother: Catherine ?

.... 2   Jacob DREISBACH b: Jul 27, 1759 Northampton Cty, PA.  d: Jan 14, 1817 in Northampton Co., PA
........  +Anna Margaret BIEBER b: Mar 27, 1763 m: 1783 d: Apr 06, 1857 in Northampton Co., PA   Father: Michael BIEBER Mother: Anna Maria Barbara FENSTERMACHER

.... 2   Adam DREISBACH b: May 08, 1761 Howersville, Northampton Co., PA  d: Apr 22, 1842 in prob Northampton or Bucks Co, PA
........  +Catherine LEIDIG  m: Sep 28, 1793 in First Reformed Church, Easton, Northampton Co., PA

.... 2   Elizabeth DREISBACH b: Aug 29, 1762 Northampton Co., PA  d: Oct 24, 1833 in Northampton Co, PA
........  +Johann Nicholas HOWER b: Feb 06, 1750/51 m: 1780 d: Feb 14, 1829 in Northampton Co, PA   Father: Frederick HAUER Mother: Mary Elizabeth ?

.... 2   Daniel DREISBACH b: May 29, 1764 Northampton Co., PA

.... 2   Sophia DREISBACH b: Feb 01, 1766 Northampton Co., PA  d: Mar 31, 1834
........  +Frederick BETHOLD

.... 2   Mary Catherine DREISBACH b: Jan 08, 1769 Howersville, Lehigh Twp, Northampton Co., PA  d: Sep 18, 1849 in Northampton Co, PA
........  +Johan George BUTZ b: Feb 03, 1762 m: Jul 09, 1787 in First Reformed Church, Easton, Northampton Co., PA d: Sep 18, 1849   Father: Michael BUTZ Mother: Maria Elizabeth WEBER

.... 2   Susanna DREISBACH b: Jan 25, 1771 Northampton Co., PA  d: Sep 20, 1851
........  +George DESHLER  m: 1790
....  *2nd Husband of Susanna DREISBACH:
........  +Peter LYNN b: Feb 12, 1769 Lehigh Co, PA m: Aft. 1793 d: Sep 30, 1844 in Northampton Co., PA

.... 2   Maria Magdalena DREISBACH b: Sep 09, 1766 Northampton Co., PA  d: Abt. Jan 13, 1825 in Columbia County, PA
........  +John HAGENBUCH b: Oct 04, 1763 Albany Twp. Berks Co. PA m: Abt. 1787 d: Mar 20, 1846 in Columbia Co. PA   Father: Andrew HAGENBUCH Mother: Maria Magdalena SCHMUTZ

  *2nd Wife of Simon DREISBACH, Jr.:
.  +Anna Maria FUCHS b: Oct 28, 1736 m: Abt. 1773    Father: Conrad FUCHS

Jost Dreisbach
Jost Dreisbach, the eldest son of Simon Dreisbach, Sr., was born in Obendorf, in 1723.  He was a miller by trade and during the Revolution owned and operated two mills in Lehigh township.  He was one of the first commissioners of Northampton county, and in 1756, the period of the Indian uprising, gave his excuse for non-attendance at court, "I must grind wheat for the forts."  In 1774, he was a member of the "Committee of Observation" for Northampton county; in 1775, captain of the Lehigh Company of Associators, and in October of the same year was appointed Colonel.  On March 10, 1776, he was appointed 2nd Lieutenant in Mile's Rifle Regiment and was captured, August 27, 1776, but on February 22, 1777, he enlisted again in Baron Von Otterndorf's Light Infantry.  He continued to serve the cause of Freedom until 1780.  He died in 1794.

Follow this link for Jost's Will and details on his family.

Rev. John Philip Leydich
Rev. John Philip Leydich was born at Gerkhauser in Westphalia, April 28, 1715; landed at Philadelphia, Sept. 15, 1748, being sent by the Synod of South Holland.  He was installed as pastor of the congregation of Folkner Swamp and Providence and continued to serve them until the time of his death, Jan. 4, 1784.  He made frequent and extended journeys among the shepherdless congregations.  He revived the congregations at Skippach, supplied the congregations of Upper Milford and Saltzburgin Lehigh county, crossed the Schuylkill river and preached to the Germans at Vincent and Coventry in Chester county.

Rev. Casper Diedrich Weyberg
Casper Diedrich Weyberg was born at Westofen, in the county of Mark, in Westphalia, Germany.  He attended the Latin school at Freemonia-Dortmand and the university at Duisburg.  He was examined and commissioned to go to Pennsylvania, Sept. 8-9, 1761.  After some delay he sailed and reached Easton, March 3, 1763.  He is described as "a tall, slim man, with a powerful voice."  On Oct. 8, 1863, he accepted a call to Philadelphia.  In a letter to the congregation at Easton, dated Dec. 14, 1763, he says:

As regards my congregations, they were well satisfied with me, nor was the divine blessing lacking in my work among you, since many were set right who had gone astray, as I am also convinced that many are walking on the way of the converted to God.  Nevertheless my body could not stand riding about and I was therefore compelled to make the resolution to accept one congregation which alone would be able to support me.  This desire has been fulfilled by the Philadelphia congregation.

Weyberg is said to have served as chaplain in the Revolution, and while the British were occupying Philadelphia, the Hessian soldiers thronged to hear him preach.  He seized the opportunity and boldly asserted in the American Cause, that many of them deserted.  Weyberg was arrested by the English authorities and imprisoned.  The Rev. Berg in his "Christian Landmarks" pages 16-17 writes: "I have been assured by aged members of the church, that it used to be confidently affirmed that the Hessians would, in all probability, to a man have left the British service, if the old Father had not been silenced."  He died, Aug. 21 1790, and was buried in the Reformed cemetery, now Franklin Square, Philadelphia.

Rev. John Theobold Faber
Rev. John Theobold Faber was born in Palatinate, south of Bingen, Feb. 13, 1739.  He studied at Heidelberg, where he was ordained in 1763.  He was sent by the Classis of Amsterdam to Pennsylvania in 1766 and immediately became the pastor of Goshenhoppen charge.  With the exception of a short pastorate in Lancaster and Indian Field, he spent all his years in this charge and here he died, Nov. 2, 1788.  Rev. Abraham Blumer preached his funeral sermon.

Rev. Conrad Steiner, Jr.
Rev. Conrad Steiner, Jr., came with his father, Rev. Conrad Steiner, Sr., to Pennsylvania in 1749, wither he was sent as a missionary by the Deputies of Holland.  Prior to 1771, Conrad the younger, had been serving as school master and catechist.  In 1771, he was suggested by Rev. Leydich as his successor in the congregation of Upper Milford and Salisbury.  He was ordained in 1772 and died in 1782.

Rev. John Daniel Gross
Rev. John Daniel Gross was born at Webenheim in Zweibruecken and was educated at Marbury and Heidelburg.  He was sent to Pennsylvania, landing in Philadelphia, Dec. 4, 1764.  He was ordained by Coetus in 1765 and installed in the Egypt charge.  In 1769 he began to serve the congregation of Saucon and Springfiled [sic].  In 1773 he accepted a call to Kingston, N.Y., and the following year to the Reformed congregation.  In connection with his duties, he served as professor in Columbia University.  He died May 27, 1812.

Rev. Abraham Blumer
Rev. Abraham Blumer, son of Rev. John Jacob Blumer, minister at Belswander and Grabs, was born at Grabs, Switzerland, Dec. 14, 1736 O.S.  He matriculated at the University of Basel, Aug 1, 1754, and was ordained to the holy ministry in 1756 and the following year was appointed chaplain of a Swiss regiment in the service of the king of Sardinia, in which capacity he continued for a period of nine years.  He was sent to Pennsylvania by the authorities in Holland and landed at New York in the latter part of January, 1771.  On Feb. 17 of the same year, he took charge of the congregations at Egypt, Unionvile, Jordan and Allentown.  In addition to these the frequently supplied neighboring congregations.  He was chaplain of the 1st Battalion of Northampton County, commanded by Col. Stephen Balliet in 1781.  He resigned his charge in 1801 on account of old age and died, April 23, 1822.  His remains were buried in the Jordan Reformed Cemetery.

Rev. Philip Jacob Michael
Rev. Philip Jacob Michael was born 1716 in the Fatherland.  He was a weaver by trade and began preaching without ordination in 1750.  It is recorded by him "that the people hear me gladly" and that in 1764 he supplied "with the greatest zeal twelve congregations" in and about Maxatawny township.  On May 17, 1777, he was appointed chaplain of the 1st Battalion of the Militia of Berks county.  In 1780 he again resumed the duties of a pastor in the Longswamp congregation.  He died in the spring of 1786.

Rev. John Henry Helfrich
Rev. John Henry Helfrich was born at Morbach in the Palatinate, Oct. 22, 1739.  He studied at Heidelberg and was ordained in 1761.  He and his half brother, Albert Helpenstein, were sent by the authorities in Holland to Pennsylvania in 1771.  In 1772, he was stationed in Maxatawny, where he continued until the time of his death, Dec. 5 1810.  He served as many as seven congregations at one time.  It is recorded of him that "He was a fine scholar and an able preacher."

Rev. Johannes Egidius Hecker
Johann Egidius Hecker and his twin brother, Johann George, were born January 26, 1726, at Dillenberg, Nassau, Germany.  Their parents were Johann Wigand Hecker and his wife Anna Juliana.  He is said to have studied at the University of Herborn.  He came to the colony in 1751 and the following year applied to the Coetus for licensure and ordination, but was refused on the ground that the Coetus had no authority to ordain ministers.  He however assumed the office of a minister and was stationed at Tohickon, from where he at various times supplied outlying congregations, among which are Springfield, Saucon, Upper Milford, The Forcks, Dryland, Heidelberg.  It is supposed that in 1762 he removed from Tohickon to Allen township, and became the pastor of the three congregations of Moore township, at Jost Dreisbach's and Indian Land.  He died in 1775 and was buried by loving hands under the altar of the church in Moore township.  In 1873 the congregation erected a monument to his memory.  He was the father of six children, Adam, Jost, Jonas, Mrs. Peter Troxell, Mrs. Bartholomew and Mrs. Koch.  He seems to have lacked tact and have been unfortunate in his ministry, as the letter and the following reference in the minutes of the Coetus seem to indicate.

We add another instance.  There is a congregation (Tohickon) much ruined by an adventurer.  The good element had to withdraw, and the other part learned at least to realize its mistake.  These people come and desire aid from Coetus and a regular minister.  They cannot raise more than thirty pounds, and to unite the congregation with others, is impracticable, because it is located quite out of the way and the nearest congregation is still under the influence of the adventurer.

[Note: This biography does not mention the name of his wife.  He was married to a Catherine, possibly nee Dreisbach, born c1734 in Germany.   Her connection to the Dreisbach family is unconfirmed.  Also, there is some controversy over Maria Catherine (c1763-1837) nee App or Hecker who married Henry Driesbach (c1762-1841) s/o John s/o Simon Sr.; some claim that she was Hecker's daughter.  This biography seems to indicate otherwise --CEB]

Conrad Schneider
"Conrad Schneider was schoolmaster and led the singing, but as he was no organist, he was requested to resign in 1786 and Jacob Strein became organist and schoolmaster."  --History of Egypt, page 24.

Johannes Deter
The will of Johannes Deter, Sr., of Morestown, Moore township, is dated, May 12, 1772.  In it provision is made for his wife and nine children.  His son John is named executor, and the witnesses are his wife, Elizabeth, John Egidius Hecker, Adam Marsch and Christian Laffer.

Magdalena DREISBACH b: Abt. 1743  d: Bef. Nov 19, 1813
.  +George William DIETER   d: Bef. Oct 1774   Father: John DIETER Mother: Elisabeth ?
.... 2   George DIETER
.... 2   John William DIETER
.... 2   Michael DIETER
.... 2   Rachael DIETER
........  +Marlin KESTER
.... 2   Elizabeth DIETER
........  +Samuel OPLINGER
.... 2   Catherine DIETER
........  +Peter BERNHARD
.... 2   Margaret DIETER
........  +John WEISS
.... 2   John DIETER
.... 2   Jacob DIETER   d: 1764

Proverbs and Sayings of the Pennsylvania Germans (concluded)

Sprüch-Werder - Proverbs

"Wie mers mocht so hut mers."
As we make it, so we have it.

"Wer net haert muss fiehla."
He who will not hear must feel.

"De kinner un die norra sawga de wohert."
Children and fools tell the truth.

"Wos mer net im kup hut, hut mer in da fes."
What we don't have in our head we have in our feet.

"Fors denka kon em nemond henka."
No one can be hanged for his thoughts.

"Gros gekrisch un wennig woll."
A big noise and little wool.

"Won mer der esel nennt kumt er gerennt."
When the "jack" is named he comes trotting along.

"Unne druwwel hut mer nix."
Nothing without trouble.

"Zub on deiner egna naws."
Pull your own nose.

Riddles - from the files of The Pennsylvania German

Ratsla - Riddles
Wos geht uf em kup de shdag nuf?  En shoonogel.
What goes upstairs on its head?  A shoe nail.

Wos is shwartser os en krop?  De fedra.
What is blacker than a crow?  Its feathers.

Wos is elder os sie mud'r?  Der esich.
What is older than its mother?  Vinegar.

Was geht de shdak nug un ragt se net aw?  Der shmok.
What goes upstairs and does not touch them?  Smoke.

Wos hut's harts im kup?  En grout-kup.
What has its heart in its head?  Cabbage.

The Annual Reunion