ANDREW SELDOMRIDGE
Sometime before May 16, 1717
(Lancaster County was formed out of Chester in 1729) On this date a survey of
land in Conestoga was completed by a London land company. The title of the survey reads: "J. Estaugh and Company's Land Situate on
Conestogoo and the Mill Creek in the County of Chester part surveyed 25 day of
October 1716 and fully completed the 16 of May 1717.” 3 Andreas Seldonrich [Zeldonrich] is listed as owning
212 acres of land and by the 1720 the tax valuation of his property was set at
twenty pounds in the Conestoga Township Assessment. 4 He took out a
warrant to survey the land March 5, 1718 and this warrant is in the Taylor
Papers volume 4 page 570 in the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. He held this tract of land until February
26, 1747 when he and his wife, Anna Maria, sold it to Dorcus Boughwalter.5
Some of the other early settlers
in this section were: Jacob Landis, Benjamin Witner, John Groff, Hans Groff,
Isaac Henrick, Jacob Henrick, Felix Landis, Derrick Jansler, Dr. John Musgrove,
and Colonel John Evans. The majority of
these settlers were either Palatine Germans or Scotch-Irish. AU of the settlers were attracted by the
good land of this section, and here Andrew remained until he moved into the
Mill Creek Settlement which was begun in the year 1715.
Why Andrew became dissatisfied with the land on the
"old provincial road" and sought out the Mill Creek Settlement is not
known. This settlement was considerably
weakened in 1728 when some of the 'Muelbacher's" followed religious leader,
Conrad Beissel, to the banks of the Cocalico Creek. The Ephrate Cloister on the bank of the Cocalico at Ephrata,
Pennsylvania is a wen known historical monument built by these early
religionists. Andrew moved with his
family into Leacock Township, Lancaster County. (Leacock township was one of
the origianl townships of Lancaster County, 1729). Here he took up two
hundred acres of land along Mill Creek at the west end of the Welsh
Mountains. A small portion of the land
at this end extended into Earl Township.
The warrantee may be found in the Land Records Office, Dept. of Internal
Affairs, Harrisburg, Pa. The warrant
was taken out March 8, 1734 by Andreas Seldenridge of County of Lancaster for
200 acres in Leacock township adjoining to John Avy and John Riley. He agreed to pay 15 pounds ten shillings for
each 100 acres and a yearly Quit rent of 1/2 penny sterling for each acre. Thomas Penn signed the warrant. The land was surveyed but a patent was not
taken out by Andrew. After his death,
George had the-land resurveyed May 22, 1760 and the survey is in the Land
Records Office. Andrew evidently never
paid the Quit rent for in the Penn-Physick Papers Volume 5 p.74 of the Hist. Soc. of Pa. the following appears: “3
October 1760 George Seldenridge two hundred and fourteen acres, one quarter,
and thirty-six perches of Land Situation Leacock township Lancaster Co.
surveyed to his Father Andreas Seldenridge by Warrant of the 8 March 1734 whose
right is now in the said George.
Interest and Quitrent to Commence six months after the date of
Warrant. By order of the Secretary to
Settle and pay."
001
Today the plantation is broken
up into smaller farms, but it may easily be located because its eastern end is
the Zeltenreich Reformed Church which is midway between New Holland and
Intercourse, Pennsylvania along the Peterts Road (named for the early French
Indian trader Peter Bezaillion who used this route to reach the Susquehanna
River) at the western end of the Welsh Mountains. The land gently slopes west along both sides of Mill Creek in
Upper Leacock and Leacock townships (the creek divides the townships). On the north side of the land, there still
stands an old log building that was used as a dwelling until 1938. It is now a shed. The room that once served as the main downstairs room has
woodwork that corresponds with work done in this section of the country between
the years 1750 and 1800. (Compare with woodwork in a Pennsylvania German room
at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City dated 1760 from Morgantown,
Pennsylvania.) Surely this house dates back to the time of the Mill Creek
Settlement and gives us a glimpse of the early homes of the pioneers. Nearby stands a comfortable two and one-half
story stone home built by Dr., Adam Miller and his wife Elizabeth in 1798. This shows us how life became quite a
pleasure along the Mill Creek as the settlers began to prosper in their new
surroundings. A great-great-grand
daughter of Andrew’s, Maria, about 1828 married Abner Miner who was born and
reared in this spacious stone mansion.
The land on which the Miller house stands was deeded to Adam Miller's
children. Dr. Adam Miller and brothers
and sisters, on June 12, 1761 by George and Mary Gayunta Seldomridge, son and
daughter-in-law of Andrew. Thus the
families soon settled down in neighborly fashion to become a part of the new
America.
Theodorus Eby was the first
settler in the Mill Creek area. He was
a son of Bishop Jacob Eby of the Mennonite Church in Zurich, Switzerland. Because of religious persecution, Theodorus
left Zurich and traveled to the Palatinate region and finally arrived in Mill
Creek 1715. At the present time, an
ancient tree guards the sole remaining tombstone of the Eby family
cemetery. The stone tells this story:
Isaac Eby died March 8, 1850 aged 92 gears.
David Y. Smoker, a member of the Old Order Amish Sect, owns the farm and
has attended to the grave but declares that when the tree dies he will destroy
the grave. A grandson of Theodorus Eby,
John, married a granddaughter of Andrew Seldomridge, Anna Maria.
Here along Mill Creek Andrew
lived with his wife, Anna Maria, and reared a family. He died in 1760. During
his lifetime he had never taken out a patent nor paid any quitrent so at his
death his son George paid the back rent and caused a patent to be recorded at
Philadelphia. The patent called for 214
acres 36 1/2 perches plus 6 acres per cent for roads. This particular deed is referred to in Deed Book 22 p. 15 at the
CourtHouse in Lancaster. The deed was
given by James Hamilton, Esq., Lt. Governor for the Honorable Thomas Penn and
Richard Penn Esq. on 7 October 1760.
The patent may be seen in Harrisburg, Land Records Office Patent Book A
A 2 Page 73.
On the Eastern section of the
Seldomridge plantation a church building was erected and a burial ground
opened. We know that by February 14,
1757 there was a building, probably timber with rock and mud or log, because on
that date Jacob Bichler of Leacock township willed “ ... to the Elders of the
Reformed Dutch Church one pound after my Disease (for use of the church) which
now stands on Andrew Seldomridge his Plantation for the Use and Behoof of the
said Church only." The land for the church and burial ground was not
legally given to the authorities until the death of Andrew and the deed was
never recorded until February 12, 1821 when Andrew's son, George, died. The church, which stands on the spot today,
is known as Zeltenreich's Reformed Church.
002
Andrew died intestate. His land passed into the hands of his son
George who later divided it among his sons.
The German family Bible thought to have been Andrew's is now in the
hands of the Zeltenreich Congregation.
The inventory of his personal property follows:
Andreas Saltenreich 1760.
Inventory of Andreas
Saltenreich.
1760 April 14th & 15th. We the subscribers, appraisers of the Estate
of Andreas Seltenreich late of Leacock township Lanc. Co. deceased do make an Inventory of, and appraise Estate
personal as follows:
Pounds Shilling Pence
in cash 232 12 6
143 bushels wheat @ 5/2 37 0 10
13 bushels Rye 2 7 3
A Black horse, saddle
&
Bridle 4 10 0
A Sorrel Mare 10 0 0
A Young Black Mare 8 10 0
An Old Mare 2 0 0
A Brown Cow 2 10 0
A Black Cow & Bell 1 5 0
A Black and White Cow 2 5 0
A small black Cow 1 0 0
A white faced cow 1 5 0
A Black Heifer 1 0 0
A Red & White Cow 1 10 0
2 Calves 1 10 0
A Red Bull Calf 0 15 0
8 Sheep &- some lambs 3 10 0
5 Pigs 1 5 0
A Wagon 8 5 0
A Wind-MW 1 0
0
A Blough, Irons, Clevishes 1 0 0
A Dung Fork, Dung rake &
Pitch fork 0 2 6
2 Mattocks, 2 axes, a small
hoe, Maul
0 10 0
2 Wedges, A sythe, & a
spade
2 set Horse-Gears
0 7 6
A still, and its full of
Barley 0 9 0
A sythe, shovels, a sundry
other old irons
0 10 0
Sundry vessels of wood and
of straw wont to hold
grain 0 10 0
a Cabbage box
0 2 0
Harness leather and Ropes
0 2 0
Michael Bitzer owes b Book
Acclt for cow
2 5 0
339 18 0
003
A Bushel & 1/2 Buckwheat 02 3
A
Bushel flax-seed 04 0
2
Hackles 03 0
A
watering spurt0 20
A
Big and Little Wheel 06 0
A
Little Wheel05 6
A
wall-nut Table0 56
8
Bags 02 0
A
Saw & 2 Augurs 02 6
A
Kettle 0 15 0
A
Pot 05 0
3
Iron Pans 06 0
3
Ladles & a flesh fork 02 6
A
Gun 15 0
A
Lock-chain 04 6
Wooden
pails 03 0
A
Chist [chest]0 12 0
Another
Chist [chest] 05 0
A
Bible & Other Books 08 0
25
Bushel Oats @ 2/ 2 10 0
A
Large Bible 18 0
Due said Estate on bond and
balances on Notes, including interest now due on them
29 11 3
39 17 0
339 18 7
379 15 7
Given
under our hands Dated as above
Michael (x) Teevidarfor
Wolfgang (x) Newdomer
(Lancaster County Court House)
The final resting place of this
pioneer settler is not known although it is supposed that he is buried in the
cemetery on his plantation at Zeltenreich Church.
Notes
3. Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa., MSS
Room, Taylor
Papers vol. 12 #2486 and 2488. also Lancaster County Historical Society
Papers vol xxviii pp. 8 and 9.
4. Lancaster County Historical Society Papers vol. xx p. 168.
5. Lancaster County Court House, Lancaster, Pa., Deed Book B,
p. 483.
6. Hist. Soc. Pa.
MSS Room, Penn-Phvsick Papers vol 5 p. 74.
7. Ibid.
Children:
1. George d 1788; m (l) Elizabeth Meyer, (2) Maria Cayunta
2. Eve m Earhart Gluse
1. GEORGE SELDOMRIDGE d 1788; m (1) Elizabeth Meyer (2) Anne
Mary Cayunta, lived on the Plantation received from his father and in 1771 was
taxed 16 shillings for 126 acres of land, 3 horses, 5 head of cattle and no
servants. During the American
Revolution in 1782 the tax was
004
13 pounds, 18 shillings, and 8
pence for 120 acres of land, 3 horses 4 head of cattle and no servants. This was a trying period in the history of
our country. How the families ever kept
their land over the war and still won a war is a mystery. On February 1, 1781 the Executive Council of
Pennsylvania declared that Continental money should be received for taxes, but
on June 1, 1781 an act of Assembly went into effect that only specie, or bills of credit equivalent thereto, should
be received. It is a miracle that only
six acres was lost during the war, and it is highly possible that this was sold
simply to accommodate neighbors who wished to buy land. Between the years 1760 and 1771 eighty-eight
acres were sold off the original tract.
On July 19, 1786 George
Seltenreich, Sr. appears on a German subscription list to the tune of 7
shillings and 6 pence as subscription to a school building which was to be
erected at New Holland through the efforts of the German Lutheran Church and
its Pastor, the Rev. Frederick V.
Melsheimer. The school was built with
the understanding that children and heirs of the subscriber would be permitted
to attend regardless of denominational affiliation. On April 24, 1897 the income from the money contributed back in
1786 was $138.36 and $130.00 of it was given to the New Holland School Board
that they might provide an extra month of schooling forthe town children. In the year 1924 when the borough
erected a new school building, the school board had no authority to re-instate
the old town clock that had been in the old school
house. The town’s people wanted the
town clock to beinstalled and the money from the subscription list of 1786 was
used. A monument to the Rev. Frederick V. Melsheimer was erected by the Lancaster
County Historical Society in 1937 in front of the present school building. It reads: In memory of Frederick Valentine
Melsheimer 1740-1814, known to science as Father of American Entomology; to
religion as Lutheran Pastor here and elsewhere; to.. education as Second
President of Franklin College and Founder of a Common School one block East of
this site in 1787. This was the first
common school built in Pennsylvania.
George made his will May 23,
1786 and it was recorded October 4, 1788.
He requested that his personal estate be sold and shared by his six
children. His wife was to have "a
seat" in the house they now lived in and her choice of beds, one cow,
necessary kitchen furniture one table; one half dozen pewter plates and table
spoons, two table cloths- ' two hand towels, and the big chest. The one hundred and twenty-six acre
plantation was to be divided into three parts.
Sixteen acres went to the oldest son, John Adam. This was land lying eastward joining the
Meyer farm. Fifty-five acres plus the
'dwelling and buildings now" used went to George. Baltzer received fifty-five acres westward
across Mill Creek with the new house.
The girls received 100 pounds each and Magdalene was to be given a home
until she married or moved of her own free will. Other provisions for his wife were stipulated. It is supposed that he is buried in
Zeltenreich's Cemetery.
Children:
3. John Adam bapt. April
8,1748
4. Martha Margaret b October 10, 1754; m
March 27, 1775 John Nicholas Weber (Weaver), 5 children
*5. George b May 4, 1757, d
February 9, 1821; m Elizabeth Hersh
6. Anna Maria bapt. April 8, 1759; m John Ewe (Eby)
7. Mary Magdalene bapt.
May 23, 1762
005
8. Baltzer d 1815; m Catherine
5. GEORGE SELDOMRIDGE b May 4, 1757, d February 9, 1821; m Elizabeth Hersh (b May
29, 1762, d May 29, 1826). This
grandson of Andrew lived on the land that was willed to him by his father. Here, on the south side of Mill Creek, he
reared a family and farmed the land marketing his produce in
Lancaster. On April 1, 1785 he
petitioned the city of Lancaster to allow wagons to use High Street as a
market. His name appears on the
subscription list, July 19, 1786, subscribing to the school building to be
built in New Holland. At the close of
the American Revolution his name appears on the 'Return of Captain Henry's
Company" (Penna. Archives Sixth
Series vol ill p 632). Writing his will
on January U, 1821 he died on February 9, and his will was recorded in Lancaster
February 21, 1821. He directed his
heirs to sell the remaining parcel of the Seld6mridge land at public sale. Isaac was permitted to farm the land until
the heirs felt it could be sold at a profit.
He is buried at Zeltenreich Church.
Children:
*9). John
b March 8,1782, d March 2,1849; m Christianna Smoker
10. Elizabeth b February 8, 1788
11. John George b November 30,1789
*12. Samuel
S. b June 30, 1793, d February U, 1857; m Christianna Glowser (Clouser)
*13. Isaac
b March 24,1801, d June 17,1884; m Rachel Glauser
14. Jacob b September 30, 1802, d April 1, 1861; m Harriet Amelia Scott
*15. Benjamin b. April
1, 1808, d. April 1, 1861; m Harriet Amelia Scott
16. Mary b January 10 - (bapt.
November 26,1782) m Samuel Baker
17. Sarah m Christian Harsh
18. Catherine m Abraham Miller
8. BALTZER SELDOMRIDGE bapt. May 15, 1766 by Rev. Frederick J.Berger
d 1815; m Catherine (d 1828). On the
death of his father, George, he inherited fifty-five acres of land on the west
side of Mill Creek. He sold his land
and moved to the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Following the revolution there was a general migration of
families into the Shenandoah Valley.
The Lowdermilk family, a neighbors Mill Creek family, went to
Virginia and settled near Baltzer. In
1787 Michael Coiner left New Holland and went to Augusta County, Virginia where
he purchased 303 acres of land on the South River where a Union
(Lutheran and Reformed) Church bearing the name Coiner was founded. This church is now Lutheran and is known as
Trinity Church, and is located near Waynesboro, Virginia.
It is not known what year
Baltzer migrated to Virginia. In 1786
his 'name appeared on "A Return of Captain Henry's Company" in
Pennsylvania. In the 1790 Census
Records for the United States, Baltzer is not listed in Pennsylvania or
Virginia. But on April 8, 1790 in
Augusta County, Virginia, Baltzer's name appears on the tax lists. In 1797 he purchased from Gordon and Ann White,
two tracts of land each comprising 120 acres making a total of 240 acres. This plantation, lying on the south side of
South River, was part of a tract of 243 acres granted to Isaac White by patent
dated September 20,-1748.
In 1801 he is taxed for 170
acres of land and in 1810 for 128. The
plantation is described as being 10 miles southwest of Staunton, Virginia and
adjoining the land of Isaac Moore. (Staunton was a thriving settlement visited
by Rochefoucalt in 1797, who claimed it had 9 inns,
006
15-18 stores, 800 people, 2
market days every week with fresh meat selling at 8 cents per pound. People passed through Stauntan on their way
to the medicinal springs or to sell goods or to take up land in Greenbriar
County or the Carolinas. Goods in
stores came from Philadelphia and Baltimore.
Thomas Jefferson in 1796 tried to establish an agency to sell nails here
but failed.) His wife Catherine is listed as owning 128 acres in 1816. By the year 1818 the plantation had decreased
to III acres and is called Providence.
Sometimes the place is called Hermitage.
In 1810 the value of the
property was $3960.00. That was for 128 acres.
For the same amount of land left to Catherine by her husband in 1816 the
same value is given, but suddenly in 1820 after only 17 acres had been sold off
the value dropped to $1443.00. Waddell in his "Annals of Augusta
County" informs us that shortly after the War of 1812 there was ready sale
for land in Augusta County, Virginia.
Land prices were extremely low in Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and
Missouri and whole families moved west as their fathers had come south. In 1846 a citizen of Augusta County visited
relations in Illinois. While there two
others arrived on horseback and claimed that after they crossed the Ohio river thev
slept in the house of a farmer Augusta County man every night.
Catherine held most of the land
while she lived. At her death it began
to disappear. 1834 held the last 1 1/4
acres by George and this is soon released.
The entire family migrated to a new section of the country. Today it is a bit hard to us to see how
individuals could pick up and leave their homes and friends ' but most of them
were only one generation from Europe where unrest was the order of the
day. Even Andrew moved his home and
family at least once that we known about after he arrived in America. He moved from the place on the old
provincial road near Strassburg, Pa., to the Mill Creek Settlement near New
Holland, Pa.
Because people were willing to
move, America was built by its own pioneers. Moreau de St. Mery, a Creole from
the Fre7nch West Induies who was mixed up in the French Revolution and sought
refuge in the United States at Philadelphia, kept a diary between the years
1793 and 1798.. By permission of the
translators, Kenneth Roberts and Anna M. Roberts I quote a paragraph from his
diary. “Americans, indifferent in love
and friendship, cling to nothing, attach themselves to nothing. There is plenty of evidence of this among
country dwellers. Four times running
they will break land for a new home, abandoning without a thought the house in
which they were born, the church where they learned about God, the tombs of
their fathers, the friends of their childhood, the companions of their youth,
and all the pleasures of their first society.
They emigrate, especially from north to south, or toward the outermost
western boundary of the United States on the Ohio. Everywhere, even in Philadelphia, which is Americals outstanding
city, everything is for sale, provided the owner is offered a temptino-
price. He will part with his house, his
carriage, his horse, his dog-anything at all." (Page 279 Moreau De St.
Mery's American Journey 1793-1798 translated and edited by Kenneth and Anna M.
Roberts. Doubleday and Co., Inc. 1947).
007
Baltzer's Revolutionary Record
is found in the same place as his brother
George, Pennsylvania Archives
Sixth Series vol. III page 631.
At his death the following
inventory was taken:
I
red cow calf 15.00 1 Cutting Box 4.00
1
Black Cow Calf 12.00 1 Stock rye
I
Black Cow Calf 15.00 supposed to be 18
bushels @ 3 9.00
1
Brindle Cow 12.00 36 Bundles of Flax 4.50
1
Bull10.00 1
Plow double trees 10.00
3
2 yr. old Calves 21.00 1 Plow " 1 4.00
2
yearling calves 7.00 2 Shovel Plows4.50
1
Stud Horse 10.00 20 bushels Corn @3 10.00
I
Gray Mare 25.00 1 Harrow 3.00
1
Bay Mare 70.00 1 Grind Stone 4.00
1
Sorrell Mare 40.003 Bee Hives 5.25
1
Colt15.00 1
Brass Nettle 7.00
1
Sow of 8 pigs 7.00I large
Pot 2.50
1 Sow of 8
pigs 6.00 1 lot of pots & dutch
ovens 5.00
14 shoates 16.00 2 pot racks 3.00
6 Head of
Sheep 9.00 1 Frying Pan .75
1 Waggon 70.00 3 Buckets & Pates 3.00
3 pair horse
harness 12.00 1 lot of Pewter 2.00
1 pair of
fetters .50 1 loom & tackerings 7.00
1 Churn .33 1/3 9 bushels of potatoes 4.50
1 Lot Iron
tools 7.00 2 Sickles & Hand Saw 1.00
1 Lot old Iron 1.50 6 chairs 3.00
I Cotten Wheel 3.00 1
Desk 1.50
1 Cradle .25 1 Two Plate Stove 20.00
2 Whees for
Flax 6.00 9 Old flarrels 3.00
1 Reel 1.00 1 Chest 1.50
2 Tables 3.00 1 Dung Forke .25
1 Cupboard 3.00
1 Bed and
Bedsteads 12.00
3 Beds and
Bedsteads 36.00
2 Cow Chains 1.50
1 pa ir Dog
Irons .50
Archd Stuart Jr.,
Alex Hall, James Best. April 25,
1815. At about continued and held for
Augusta County April 25, 1815 this inventory and appraisement of the Estate of
Baltzer Seldomridge dec’d being presented to the court in order to be
reocrded. Test. P. Stribling (seal).
(Apparels of property made March
27, 1815. Augusta County Court
House. Staunton, Virginia Will Book R
page 468-469)
Children:
* 19. John b February 26, 1786; m Hannah Black
*20. George b 1800; m Hannah
21. William m Frances McCulre
22. James m Elizabeth
23. Michael m Elizabeth
24. Margaret m December 26,18H William Dice
008
25. Jane
26. Sarah m James Patterson
27. Elizabeth m March 10, 1814 Jacob Groh
9. JOHN SELDOMRIDGE b March 8, 1782, d January 24, 1849 or (3/2/1849); m June 4, 1807
Christianna Smoker (b February 27, 1787, d January 28, 1859). He ran the Cross-Keys Tavern at Intercourse
for several years and was a member of a plain sect. He is buried at Zeltenreich's Church.
Children:
28.Maria b March 6,1808, d July 25, 1853; m Abner Miller (b September
18, 1808, d May 24, 1884) son of Dr. Adam and Elizabeth (Sheaffer ) Miller, 5
children.
*29. John b January 5, 1817, d September 23, 1898; m Sarah Weidman
*30. George b June 21,1819, d November 21,1898; m Sarah Ann
Fenninger
31.Catherine b October 8, 1821, d February 21,1849
32.Jemima b May 30,1824, d December 16, 1830
33.Elizabeth Cassandra m John Jacobs, 4 children. Moved to Wayne County, Indiana.
34.Elizabeth b 1827; m John Knox of Leacock township.
12. SAMUF.L S. SELDOMRIDGE b March 30, 1793, d February 11,
1857; m (1) November 10, 1820 Christianna Glowser (b July 20, 1801, d September
28, 1823) (2) 1829 Elizabeth Miller (b February 27, 1795, d April
21,1869). Samuel S. Seldomridge was a
prosperous farmer near Stumptown in Upper Leacock Township and was a member in
1849 of the first effectual school board of the township. His family Bible is now in the possession of
Mr. Ralph Seldomridge, Ephrata, Pa., and he is buried at Zeltenreich's Church.
Children:
35.Sarah b August 8,1821, d in childhood.
36.Jacob b February 28, 1825, d March 21, 1869
37.George b April 28, 1827, d February 26, 1855
38.Joanna b August 23, 1830, d December 2, 1910, m December 22, 1857 by
Daniel Hartz, George Bear (b June 30,1830, d December 26, 1896)
*39. Samuel M. b
December 13,1832, d April 21,1918; m Sarah Swope.
40.Isaac b. January 8, 1835, d. January 26, 1857
41.John b February 12, 1837, d October 21, 1927; m Susan M. Fry
42.Amos b May 9,1840 d in childhood.
43.Elizabeth b March 1, 1843; m William Gross a shoemaker of
Farmersville.
*44. Levi b August
20, 1846, d February 6, 1941, m Leah B. Good
45. Christian b
November 14, 1848 moved to Dayton, Ohio.
13. ISAAC SELDOMRIDGE b March 24, 1801, d June 17, 1884;
m Rachel Glauser (b October 24, 1802, d August 31, 1878) daughter of Jacob and
Elizabeth (Eckert) Glauser. At the
death of his father in 1821, Isaac was permitted to farm the Mill Creek farm
until it was sold and the money distributed to the heirs. From Upper Leacock he moved into Earl
township where he settled down for the remainder of his life. His home in Earl township was a substantial
farm now owned by Isaac Diehm, R.D. #2.
New Holland, PA. Here he lived
with his wife where they kept their family around them as much as
possible. Rachells parents were born in
009
American but her grandparents,
Jacob and Catherine Herterin in Glauser, came to New Holland from Germany early
in the 18th century. Her grandmother,
Catherine Herterin was born in Thieringen.
After Isaac retired from
farming, his sons George and Amos farmed the land for a time. There were two large orchards on the farm
which bore fruit and a lane was lined with Chestnut trees. As along as he was able he attended the
Lutheran Church in New Holland. There
are usually three families living on the farm.
His own house was double and the tenant house was a large one. As he grew old he was no longer able to walk
around but was carried about in an armchair by his sons. This armchair passed to his son, Amos, who
later willed it to a greater grandson, Amos.
The six matching side chairs (Windsor) also are in the hands of
Rev. Amos Seldomridge. His family Bible is now in the hands of Miss
Mabel Knobb of Intercourse, Pa. He is buried at Zeltenriech's Church. The obituary in the New Holland Clarion
reads: June 21, 1884. On Tuesday
morning last (June 17) Mr. Isaac Seldomridge an aged and much respected citizen
of Earltown residing about two miles from this town, departed his life in the
eighty-fourth year of his age. The
deceased was for many years an upright and industrious farmer, but in later
years led a retired life. Quite a
number of children survive him, all of whom are well to do. The removal of Mr.
Seldomridge from this stage of action. takes one of the oldest and most respect
tillers of the soil in this section.
Children:
46. George b August 14, 1825, d
November 16, 1890, m Anna Royer
47. Jeremiah b January 4, 1827,
d November 20, 1911, m Suzannah Catherine Eckert
48.
Elizabeth
Jane b January 22, 1829, m Amos Skiles, 6 children
49.
Isaac
b December 22, 1830, d August 16, 1889; m Lucetta Thomas
50. Catherine, b March 14, 1833, d December
26, 1905; m Peter Daque to September
9, 1836, d March 17, f'914, son of Samuel and
Elizabeth Daque
*5l. Jacob Glauser
b March 14, 1835, d April 12, 1912, m Ellen Frankhouser
52. Rachel, b June 7, 1837
53. Benjamin
Theodore b October 15, 1839, d 1923, m Sarah Summy Bursk
54. Mary Ann b February 23, 1842, d November
17, 1914, m Jonathan Hildebrand- (B November 29, 1839, d June 15, 1915), two
children
55. Andrew b November 14, 1844, d January 24,
1861
56. Amos b July 7,
1847, d March 24, 1926, m Sara Jane Davis
15. BENJAMIN SELDONRIDGE b April 1, 1808, d April 1,
1861; Harriet Amelia Scott (b April 16, 1801, d May 17, 1873) daughter of Dr.
Robert Hamilton and Hannah Gildersleeve Scott of New York. He was a drover and is buried at
Zeltenreich's church.
Children:
57. Lucinda Jane, b Nov. 27, 1832, d April 24, 1871, m Elias DiUen
(b Oct. 11, 1827, d August 25, 1915) 1 child
*58. Justus Fordyce, b Dec. 2, 1835, d Dec. 9, 1895, m Julia Hunter
59 Milton B. b 1839
Albert Scott b 1849, d Jan. 25,
1889, Mary May Mackenzie
61.Julia Savilla d March 28, 1890 (about 38 yr. old, m Walter Russell
Atkinson d May 15, 1896) 1 child
010
62. Harriet Marie b October 5, 1843, d 1916, m William N. Knox, 1
child
63. Ann Elizabeth b April 15, 1846, d January 6, 1908; m William Tweed
(B
January
19, 1842, d August 20, 1904) 1 child
19. JOHN SELDOMRIDGE b February
26, 1786, bapt. July 23, 1786; m March
24, 1814, Hannah Black. Lived in
Augusta County, Virginia.
Children:
64. William I. b December 1824, d March 1893; m Elizabeth Jane Henning
65. John b 1817
66. Luke b 1820
67. Mary b 1853 in Illinois
68. George m Nancy A.
69. David m Elizabeth
70. Peter
71. Sally
72. Lee
73. Luther
74. Orch
75. Oat
20. GEORGE SELDOMRIDGE b 1800, m Hannah (b 1805)
Augusta County, VA.
Children:
76. William b 1827
77. Archibald Davis b 1829
78. Margaret b 1832
*79. John Michael b
1834 d 1931
80. Samuel b 1836
81. Sarah C. b 1841
29. JOHN SELDOMRIDGE b January 5,
1817, d September 23, 1898, m Sarah Weidman (b March 31, 1829, d February 8,
1890) daughter of John and Sarah Weidman.
John taught the first public school at Intercourse, PA in 1844. He operated a store in GordonviUe R.D. was
Justice of the Peace of Leacock Township 1862-1864 and was Prothonotary of
Lancaster County during the Civil War.
He was director of the Lancaster County Mutural Fire Insurance Company
in 1883. On January 11, 1882 he -wrote
his "Reminiscences of the Seldomridge Family" This writing is in the
hands of Mr. Paul Seldomridge, Lancaster, PA.
He is buried at Zeltenreich's Church
Children:
82.John Albert b
August 15, 1865, d May 7, 1942; m September 27, 1887 Mary E. Fenninger (b 1864)
married by Rev. H. E. Liaht, German Baptist
Church.
83.Sallie C. b February 18,1864, November 4, 1887 Howard J. Bair (b.
1863 d Nov. 3,1940).
30. GEORGE SELDOMRIDGE b June 21,
1819 d November 21, 1898 m December 29, 1853 Sarah Ann Fenninger (b Dec. 20,
1831, d. January 23, 1909) daughter of John F. and Sarah (Swigart) Fenninger.
(John Fenninger came from Switzerland).
George was a drover until he married and became a farmer in Leacock
township. In 1873 he moved to Salisburg
township where he ran Brackbill's -Miu for fifteen years. After that he farmed. He was a school director of Leacock Township
and auditor
011
of Salisbury. He was an Episcopalian and is buried at
Christ Church, Leacock.
Children:
*84.
John Franklin b September 2, 1855, d
December 27,1914; m Anna Mary Worst
85.Sarah C. b August 31,1859, d July 27, 19U; m Samuel Warner (b
November 23, 1858, d December 12, 1936)
*86. Frederick G. b June 10, 1865, d November 7,1944; m Alta Bair
87. Hannah Elizabeth m Brinton Oberholtzer
88. Aldus Martin b February 22, 1875; m Amanda Catherine Miller
89.Edwin F. b 1857, d October 13, 1942; m Anna Margaret Worst (b 1863)
He was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Lancaster
and is buried at Pequea.
*90. George
M. b April 14, 1862; m Mary E. Reeser
39. SAMUEL M. SELDOMRIDGE b
December 17,1832, d April 21, 1918; m March 5, 1856 Sarah Swope (b July 19,
1838, d July 25, 1910) daughter of Daniel and Leah (Hiller) Swope. One of the most prominent men of Lancaster
County in his day, Samuel M. was born near Bird-in-Hand and in 1846 started to
clerk at J. L. and L.S. Robinsons store at Intercourse for forty dollars a
year. In 1848 the store was sold to
B.F. Hall and he stayed on as clerk until 1856. In Earlville he bought a store from Isaac Roland and ran
it for two -years, January 1857 to January 1859 when he went to Farmersville
where he bought a store from Christian Groff.
Later he built a building 32 x 80 feet and did a $36,000.00 business
annually. Before the War Between the
States he bought commodities cheap and sold them at high prices during the war.
In 1858 he was clerk of Earl
township; in 1859 under President Jarmes Buchanan he became Postmaster at
Farmersville; in 1877 he became a director of the Farmer's National Bank
of Lancaster; and in 1881 its vice-president.
At one time he owned three farms and three houses in addition to this
store property. According to the 1870
Census, when he was 38 years old his real estate was worth $11,550.00 and his personal
property $22,000-00. At the time he had
two clerks at the store, Jacob Shiffer and Levi Good. This self-made man was a delegate to the Republican National
Convention January 19, 1888. He is
buried at Zeltenreich's Church.
Children:
*9l. Harry Clayton b
May 8,1856; m A. Clara Graybill
*92. Charles
Edgar b January 15, 18 5 8, m (1) Anna 0. Myers, (2) Salindan
F. Bowman Good
93. Daniel W. b January 9, 1860, d October 15, 1862
*94. Refus Morgan b April
14,1862, d November 4, 1923, m October 7, 1886 Susan W. Buch
95.Nettie Alice b November 11, 1865, d December 21,1865; m Henry
Oberholtzer
96. Lillian May b March 28,1872; m Henry W. Oberholtzer A.A.
41. JOHN SELDOMRIDGE b February 12, 1837, d October 21, 1927; m
August 2, 1860 Susan M. Fry (b June 14, 1842, d December 18, 1922) daughter of
John and Elizabeth Fry. John owned and
operated a store in Ephrata for many years
012
and
was one of the first directors of the Ephrata National Bank when it was
organized February 4, 1881 at the Mount Vernon Hotel; President and director of
Northern Mutual Insurance Company. He
is buried Bergstrass Church.
Children:
97.John b 1869, d 1870 (1 year and 8 months)
*98. Jersey
Theodore b February 20, 1863, d January 19, 1903; m Olivia Emma Baker
99.
Jacob
Fry b January 5,1861, d April 1, 1932; m Minnie A. Sprecher
100.
Samuel m
101. Winfield Scott b May
15,1867, d 1932 m
102. Clara b October
20,1878; m October 18, 1904 David Lyman Hamaker, Esq. ( b March 22, 1879) son of David
Lymar. and Frances Lefold Hamaker 2 children
44. LEVI SELDOMRIDGE b August 20,
1846, d February 5, 1941; m Leah B. Good (b June 20, 1846, d January 1,
1918). Levi was buried from Zeltenreich
Church with service conducted by Dr. C.G. Bachman assisted by Rev. Amos L. Seldomridge. His niece by marriage, Mrs. Susan
Seldomridge, widow of Rufus Morgan Seldomridge of Farmersvlle, who was 79 years
old at the time was his nearest relative in attendance. He is buried at Zeltenreich's Church.
Children:
103. Clara May b September 23, 1884, d October 15, 1897
104. Cora Levina b September 3, 1889, d February 6, 1901
46. GEORGE SELDOMRIDGE b August
14, 1825, d November 16,1890; m JanuVy 17, 1850 Anna Royer (b June 10, 1827, d
June 3, 19U) for many years he lived on tITe farm belonging to his father,
Isaac. He lived at the end of the lane
in the tenant house and farmed the place when his father-retired. His family Bible is owned by Samuel R.
Seldomridge of Blue Ball, Pa. He is
buried at Zeltenreich's Church.
Children:
*105. Isaac
Royer b October 29,1850, d April 20,1899; m Lydia S. Ranck
106. Mary Elizabeth b December 22,1851; d 1931; m Ezra G. Ranck (b
1849-1923)
107. Rachel Amanda b August 29,1856; m Samuel Schnupp
108. George L. b March 17,1865, d January 2, 1932.
47. JEREMAH SELDOMRIDGE b January
4, 1827, d November 20, 1911; m September 2, 1852 Suzannah Catherine Eckert (b
February 14, 1828, d November 16, 1906) daughter of Jacob Karns and Hannah
(Varnes) Eckert. Jeremiah began farming
in Upper Leacock township and later moved in 1864 to Leacock township. He was an Elder at Zeltenreich's Church for
47 years and when the new church was built he put large colored windows in with
money that the Eckert family had left in his care toward the new church
building. He was a Republican and for nine
years served as school director., After the death of Jeremiah his wife lived on
the farm two miles east of Intercourse and was a highly respected citizen
013
of the
community. She was a member of
Zeltenreich Church for sixty-one years.
They were married by Dr. Henry Harbaugh and are buried at Zeltenreich's.
Children:
109. Jamima Catharine b November 7, 1853, d February 4, 1886; m John
Martin Fenninger (b February 18, 1853 d May 7, 1937) son of Frederick and
Hannah (Ressler) Fenninger, 5 children
110. Eckert G. b September U, 1855, d November 4,1895
111. Mary Ann b November 2,1857, d January 23,1926; m December 24,
1891 George L. Knobb (b May
8,1858, d June 11, 1946) son of George and Harriet (Garber) Knobb, 2 children.
49. ISAAC SELDOMRIDGE b December
22, 1830, d August 16, 1889; m Lucetta Thomas (b September 20, 1832, d
September 10, 1919) He is buried at Ranck's Church.
Children:
*122. Amos b 1856, d 1884, m Emma Miller
*113. Harry M. b July 3, 1857, d September 30, 19U, m Susanna Houck
114. John b 1858
115. Isaac T. b 1861
116. Grant b September 9, 1862, d July 26,
1941
117. Annie M. b March 17, 18 6 3, d May 11, 18 9 3
118. Benjamin b 1865
119. Rachel Mae b 1868
120. Clara
121. Albert
51. JACOB GLAUSER SELDOMRIDGE b
March 14,1835, d April 12,1912; m Ellen Frankhouser (b October 12, 1836, d
September 29, 1908) He owned the home place after his father died and later
moved to a farm near New Holland. His
brother, Amos, lived on a farm opposite.
These farms were Kinzer farms.
He is buried at Zeltenreich's Church.
Children:
122. Cora Elizabeth b 1866, d 1926; m George F. Diller (b 1851,
d 1924) 1 child.
123. Jacob Harvey b February 25,1868, d June 26, 1891; m Amanda E.
Mentzer
124. Mary Ann Viola b February 18,1870, d June 21,1925; m Elam Myer
125. Rachel Lucetta m December 22,1885 Samuel S. Snyder (b 1858)
b 1864
53. BENJAMIN THEODORE SELDOMRIDGE
b October 15,1839, d 1923; m Sarah Summy Bursk (b 1844, d 1930) daughter of
Robert Bursk whose great grandfather alone escaped from Indians that had
captured him and his two brothers.
Benjamin was a saddle maker living at Monterey, Upper Leacock township. He was school director of the township 1876
and 1879 and was one of the trustees of the United Brethren in Christ Church
there. Also a superintendent of the
Sunday School. He is buried at Heller's
Church.
Children:
*I26. Robert Clayton b
December 31, 1862, d January 1938, m Harriet
E. Sample.
014
127. Catherine B. b January 31, 1864; M. Oarius Simmons
128. Ella May b November 16, 1865, d March 1947; m December 14, 1897
Frank K. Good (b 1865)
*129. Isaac Newton b September 30,1868; m Adele Kendig
*130. Howard Garfield b
December 14, 1881; m Martha McKinley
56. AMOS SELDOMRIDGE b July 7,
1847, d March 24, 1926; m Sara Jane Davis (b June 16, 1843, d February 19,
1924) daughter of Benjamin and Rachel (Becker) Davis. He farmed his father's farm for some time and later moved across
from his brother Jacob near New Holland on one of the Kinzer farms. Sara was noted for her excellent cooking and
guests were plentiful from around New Holland as well as from Philadelphia
where her sister lived. In later years
she was confined to a wheel chair but this did not stop her from cooking. If she could not reach the cupboard she
would wheel herself to the front of the house and call in the first passerby to
help her. On her eightieth birthday she
announced that ' she was fifty years old.
Her family Bible is owned by Frank Showalter of New Holland. They are buried at the New Holland United
Brethren Church.
Children:
131. Rachel b January 20, 1870, d January 13, 1948; m October 17, 1890
(Rev. J.H. Meridith) Harry Grube. 2
children.
*132. Andrew Clayton b October 25,1873; m Mary Margaret Hammond
133. Catherine b May 25,1880, d May 21,1938; m Frank Chowalter
58. JUSTUS FORDYCE SELDOMRIDGE b
December 2,1835; d December 9,1895; m Julia Hunter (b November 2, 1839, d
December 12, 1897) daughter of John Carson and Ann (Bradley) Hunter. Justus was born in Leacock Township and met
his wife and married her in 1859. From
1855 until about 1860 he ran a store in Intercourse which he sold to Amos and
J.H. Rutter. He began his merchantile
business in Philadelphia sometime in the 60s.
His Philadelphia home was in Rosemont where he helped to establish the
Presbyterian Church and served as one of its first Elders. While in Philadelphia he met and became a
close friend of John Wannamaker.
Wannamaker entertained the Seldomridge family in his Jenkintown home as
well as in Washington D.C. while he was Postmaster General.
On March 31, 1865 Justus F. and
Julia sold land at Intercourse to Dr. William L. Diffenderfer of New
Holland. In 1874 he bought from Albert
Seldomridge certain land in Intercourse.
His health broke and he was advised to move West to regain his
strength. The family removed to
Colorado Springs where he went into sheep raising and owned a large ranch and
conducted a grain business. The grain
business was later taken over by his sons.
At times he would ship 100,000 head of sheep into Kansas City. These sheep were bought in the southwest and
fattened for market. Before his death
he became interested in a productive silver mine known as the Old Man mine.
Children:
134. Harry Hunter b October 1, 1864, d November 21, 1927; m Irene
Stillman Barnes
135. Charles Benjamin b January 12, 1866, d April 9, 1937
136. Harriet Julia b November 15, 1874; m Henry Williamson Hoagland,
M.D., 3 children
015
60. ALBERT SCOTT SELDOMRIDGE b J.848, d January 25,
1889; m Mary May Mackenzie
Children:
137. Justus S. b August 8, 1873, d March 23, 1874
138. Albert S. b. or d ?January
25, 1888
64. WMLIAM L. SELDOMRIDGE b December 1824, d March
1893; November 4, 1852 Elizabeth Jane Henning (b January 1834, d May 9,1922)
Virginia.
Children:
139. Alpha d 1873
*140. Newton D. b October 31,1875
*141. Floyd
142. Ollie
143. John
144. Hannah (twin)
145. Martha (twin)
146. Samuel
147. Margaret
148. Walter
149. Josie
79. JOHN MICHAEL SELDOMRIDGE b 1834, d 1931, m McAllister,
Virginia.
Children:
*150. Otis
Hampton
151. LoueRa m Blaker, Lewisburg, West Virginia
152. Alicia m McCoy, Frankford, WestVirginia
153. Nint m McDowell, Frankford, West Virginia
154. James Hinton, West Virginia
82. JOHN ALBERT SELDOMRIDGE b
August 15, 1865, d May 7, 1942; m September 21, 1887 Mary E. Fenninger (b
October 1, 1844) daughter of Frederick and Hannah (Ressler) Fen ' ninger, He
succeeded his father in the store business at Gordonville R.D. and later operated
a store in Elizabethtown, Pa. He is
buried at Zeltenreich's Church.
Children:
155. John Fenninger b September 4, 1889, d April 18, 19U
155a. Sara Myrtle b 1894; m October 22, 1921 Ira Claude Schlauch (b 1892)
son of Amos R. and Huldah C. Srobst Schlauch of Schuylkill County.
*156. Paul b
February 15, 1899; m Estella Keckler
*157. Fred b
February 28,1905; m Miriam Bucher
84. JOHN FRANKLIN SELDOMRIDGE b
September 2,1855, d December 27,1914; m Anna Mary Worst (b March 31, 1856, d
March 2, 1934) daughter of Samuel and Nancy (Kurtz) Worst. He ran the White Horse Hotel. (The White
Horse was built before the Revolution and kept by John Hopkins. When Congress sat at Lancaster, George and
Martha Washington stopped over night at this tavern on their way to
Lancaster). He is buried at the Pecuea
Presbyterian Church.
016
Children:
* 158. Edwin Smith b January 6, 1877; m Cora Mae Shertz
159. Bessie Irene b June 8, 1882; m Elmer Wanner, I child
160. Amanda Agnes b December 1, 1883; m Chester Di.Uer, Esq.
*161. John Franklin b June
11, 1887; m Jeneva Bell Bunn
*162. Roscoe Colkin b
October 4,1889; m Mary Blanche McClure
163. Ruth
Anna b November 24,1891; m John Hess
*164. George Worst b May
20,1895; m Anna Mae Harvey Finnegan
86. FREDERICK G. SELDOMRIDGE b June 10, 1865, d
November 7, 1944; m December 27, 1900 Alta Bair (b May 2, 1876, d March 2,
1945) daughter of Eckert and Fianna (Hoover) Bair. (m by Rev. Albert Steinhaeuser of N.H.).
Children:
*165. Frederick b August 12, 1903; m F. Elizabeth Givler
166. Raymond E. b March 26, 1907, d August 20,1910
167. Park LeRoy b February 26,1905; m April 15,1945 Mary Weaver
dgtr. Amos and Margaret Weaver
168. Rugh b May 1, 1910; m May 7,1932 Walter Grow son of Harry and
Jennie Grow, 2 children
169. John b February 17, 1913
88. ALDUS MARTIN SELDOMRIDGE b
February 22, 1875; m October U, 1899 Amanda Catherine Miller (b March 23, 1872)
dgtr of John Isaac and Anna Martha (Smoke) Miller. John Isaac Miller was in the war between the States. Aldus Martin Seldomridge is a retired farmer
living in Honey Brook Chester County.
For many years Aldus was Sheriff of Chester County and is daughter
Nellie was deputy sheriff.. He is an
Episcopalian and attends St. Marks. (They were married by Rev. I.G. Smoker at
Cambridge).
Children:
170. Anna Mae b March 19, 19 0 0; m June 3 0, 19 2 0 Walter White son of
Arthur and Eva (Shirk) White, 2 children.
171. Elsie Marie b October 4,19 01; m March 3 0, 19 2 0 Gideon C.
Burton son ofRev. Gideon C. and Francis
(Merrick) Burton, 2 children
172. Leon Miller b November 13,1903; d. June 1970 m October 8,1930 Ellen
Bolig
dgtr. of Edwin and Kate Bolig
173. Edwin Roy b July 26, 1905, d February 6, 1922
174. Nellie Amanda b June 6,1907; m April 10, 1928 John 0. Donovan son
of Mrs. Ellen Donovan
175. George Samuel b January 20,1910, m July 3,1938 Helen McCarden
176. Bessie Martha b August 4, 1914; m June 1, 1940 Carl Baulo, 3
children
177. Lula Elizabeth b February 14, 1914; m August 26, 1934 Donald G.
Davis son of Harry and Ruth Davis
*178. John
Aldus b June 1, 1916, m Theda Kathleen Snader
017
90. GEORGE M. SELDOMRIDGE b April
14, 1862, d July 18, 1948; m February 10, 1898 Mary E. Reeser (b December 23,
1866) dgtr John and Catherine (Wanner) Reeser.
George was a farmer of Salisbury township, a member of historic St.
John's Episcopal Church at Compass.
Children:
179. Aldus Reeser b December 19, 1899 Farmer of Salisbury township and
president of School Board.
180. Anna M. b October U, 1902.
91.HARRY CLAYTON SELDOMRIDGE b May 8,1856, d October 22,1940; m
1. December 1879, A. Clara GraybiR (b December 6, 1856, d November 8,
1919)
2. Barbara B. (b October 23, 1879).
He was a merchant at Mothsville and ran a lumber and coal business.
Children:
181. Mabel G. b March 9,1884, d April 3,1910; m Brown 1 child
182. Florence G. b July 14,1881, d April 19, 1945
182a. Esther G. d June 28, 1889.
92. CHARLES EDGAR SELDOMRIDGE b
January 15, 1858, bapt. 1859; m 1. December 1880 Anna 0. Myers (d July 20,
1921) m 2. August 19, 1922 Salindan F. (Bowman) (Good) (b 1874) dgtr John L.
and Catherine Strohl Bowman.
Children:
183. Harry Myers d 1919
*184. S. Melvin b October
15,1884; m Margaret
94. RUFUS MORGAN SELDOMRIDGE b,
April 14,1862 d November 4, 1923, m October 7, 1886 (Trinity Lutheran, Lanc.)
Susan W. Buch (b September 21, 1862, d March 5, 1943) dgtr of Isaac R. and
Rebecca Weidler Buch. Rufus was born at
Farmersville and was a merchant there for twenty-eight years. For the same length of time he was
postmaster. He is buried at
Zeltenreich's.
Children:
185a. Blanche G. b October 2, 1887, d November 9, 1887
185. Ralph McKinley b October 9, 1898; m June 25, 1923 Hattie Mae
Sweigart (b May 12, 1897, d February 8, 1935) dgtr of Harvey M. and Ada
(Fassnacht) Sweigart. 2. Amelie N. Novotny (b August 14,1905) dgtr dgtr George
and Anna (Moss) Novotny.
186. Esther Grace b June 28, 1889; m Jeremiah Longenecker son of Linn
and Mary (Sellers) Longenecker, 4 children.
98. JERSEY THEODORE SELDOMRIDGE b
February 2O,l863, d January l9, 1903; m Olivia Emma Baker (b March 16, 1870, d
August 12, 1933) June 22, 1889 dgtr Andrew M. and Mary Ann (Longenecker) Baker.
Children:
187. Laura B. b October 29, 1890; m Richard P. Head (b August 7, 1893;
d
December 21, 1941) February 24, 1920, 2 children.
188. Helen B. b November 17, 1894, d October 17, 1918; m September 19,
1918
G. L. Werner
018
99. JACOB FRY SELDOMRIDGE b January 5, 1861, d April
1, 1932; m December
31, 1891, Minnie A. Sprecher
dgtr 1 child
100. SAMUEL SELDOMRIDGE
Children:
19 0. John
191. Winfield Scott
192. Donald
105. ISAAC ROYER SELDOMRIDGE b October 29,1850, d April
20,1899; m Lydia
S. Ranck (b October 8,1851, d November 26,1935). He is buried at Ranck's.
Children:
*193. Samuel R. m
Sabina Overly
194. Walter Ranck b August 24,1872, d November 7,1901; m Maggie (b August
23, 1869, d october 21, 1930) December 16, 1897.
195. Sarah M. Woodward
*196. Marcus Garfield
b January 21,1879; m Emma Cauller
197. Anna F. m June 3, 1913 Clement Devvonshire
198. Isaac Charles b October 24,1882, d November 8,19U
199. Mary Ruth b July 21,1893, d October 12, 1894
112. AMOS SELDOMRIDGE b 1856, d 1884, m Emma Miller (b
1858, d 1947)
Children:
200. Ella b May 1880
201. Adda b 1882 m October 15, 1903 John Zorn (b 1881)
113. HARRY M. SELDOMRIDGE b July
3,1857, d September 30,19U; m Suzannah Houck (b October 5, 1862, d April 22,
1934)
Children:
202. Anna May b 1884; m April 22,1901 Alfred G. Kline son of
Maggie Wier
123. JACOB HARVEY SELDOMRIDGE b
February 25, 1869, d June 26, 1891, m Amanda E. Mentzer (b 1871 m April 25,1895
John Fred Stauffer)
Children:
203. Elsie May b February 28, 1892, d March 2, 1892
204. Parke H. b 1889, d May 31, 1941; m Mary Geist (b 1886).
126. ROBERT CLAYTON SELDOMRIDGE b
December 31,1852, d January 1938; m June 16, 1886 Harriet E. Sample (b 1865, d
1924) dgtr Dr. and Mrs. S.R. Sample of Intercourse. In 1879 he began to clerk in the Lancaster store of D.S. Bursk
where he worked for twelve years. He
managed a branch store for a Philadelphia concern for three years. He bought this 30 x 90 foot store at 18 and
20 North Queen Street, Lancaster and sold imported French peas, mushrooms, olives,
and olive oil among other things. His
canned goods bore his own labels. later he opened a store at 6 and 8 North
Queen Street. He was a member of St.
John's Luthern Church and is buried at Leacock Presbyterian Meeting House along
the Old Road.
019
Children:
205. Herbert Sample b November 9, 1885, d February 13, 1887
206. Edgar Harold b October 16, 1894, d October 22, 1894
207. Charles Raymond b March 6,1905, d March 8,1905
208. Dorothy
209. Robert B.
210. Edna R.
211.
Floren,ce A.
212. Helen E.
*2l3. S. Warren b
1898; m Dorothy E. McLane
129. ISAAC NEWTON SELDOMRIDGE b September 30, 1868; m
July 26, 1889 Adele Kendig dgtr Hiram and Mary Kendig
Children:
214. Miriam b September 9,1891, d November 8,1899
215. Katherine Gertrude b May 13, 1894
*216. Howard Edmund
b September 10, 1904; m Pearl V. Wells
130. HOWARD GARFIELD SELDOMRIDGE b
December 14,1881; m Martha (Barat) McKinley (b September 17, 1885, d April 3,
1923) dgtr Charles and Cora McKinley.
Howard attended Curray College of Oratory in Boston, Mass, and after
three years graduated may 6,1903. On
May 8 he gave a recital at the Martin Auditorium of the YMCA in
Lancaster, PA. He taught at Oklahoma
University.
Children:
217. Charles M. d October 24,1944. He was killed in action in the second World War. He was a Second Lieutenant in the
Infantry. He was aboard a Japanese
prisoner of war ship which sailed from Manila, Philippine Islands, on October
U, 1944. On October 24, 1944 the vessel
was sank by submarine action in the South China Sea over 200 miles from the
Chinese coast which was the nearest land.
Nine of 1775 prisoners aboard were saved.
218. Thomas m Eula Mae Tate
132. ANDREW CLAYTON SELDOMRIDGE b October 25,1873 m
March 10 1893 (by
Rev. Fred R. Rucley) Mary Margaret HammoRd (b March 15,
1872 October 14,1946)dgtr Martin Lybrand and Emma Caroline (Kurtz)
Harmond. In addition to theregular
school course offered by the public school system in NewHolland,
Clayton took several summer courses. He
kept atoU gate east of New Holland on the Horse HorseRoad; ran astore
on Jackson Street, and Farmed near Ranck's Church. Lester R. Kackel wrote apoem about Seldomridge's store on
Lemon HUI
SELDOMRIDGE'S STORE
1.
The
dearest spot on earth to me is Seldomridge's store;
With
pictures hanging on the wall and Snipes upon the floor.
2.
And
when the bunch is seated; on the boxes and the chairs;
Somebody breaks a windowpane and Clate
begins to swear.
3.
Then
Seldomridge gets madder and he soon begins to rave;
And
that's the time the whole bunch thought they'd better dig their grave.
020
4.
But
Seldomridge gets cool again; and puts a new pane in;
Clate said he wished that window panes were
all made cut of tin.
5.
As
to the bunch thats seated there; they all have occupations;
Among
the faces what are seen is Kell's and his relations.
6. And shortly Lutz's face is seen; six feet above the floor;
And
just about that time young Clate comes walking in the door.
7. Among the guys from up the street, Fat Smith is numbered there,
And Isaac Davis, Ashur Ames, Booze Wolfe and Dewey Bair.
8.
And
others there of fair renoun; Are Unk and Squirrel and Peep;
And Robert Bair has left us now because he
needs more sleep.
9.
Bill
Snade too has left us, but his face we can't forget,
And
the hours that he's missing, I am sure we'll all regret
10.
Tinker
Snyder too is present, on his face he has a smile;
And there is John Brubaker who has come about a mile.
11.
Another
in that brilliant place, is Shorty's brother, Fred;
Instead of being where he is, He ought to be in bed.
12.
George
Stauffer has his name plate; on the mighty roll of fame;
Another guy is Arthur Brill who walks a little lame.
13.
Gumshoe
Hoffman sits with Clatie, and his brother, Marty, too;
Another rube is J.E. Weaver, who is often nicknamed "Jew".
14.
Some
other nuts are Rufus Myers, Runt Kendig and his brother;
From down the line is Biddy Ranck, Pate Brimmer is another.
15.
And
last of all but not the least. is seated on the chair-
A worthy gent of high esteem, Mister Welder Bair.
16.
Somebody
pull a "hot" one off and everybody roars;
But still it is not hot enough, to open all the doors.
17.
Then
someone leaves that joyous threat and homeward wends his way;
To rest his head in gentle sleep and ends that perfect day.
18.
But
in the ' crowd that lingers there, an argument is started;
Before it ends, Clate closes up, and most of us are parted.
19. When everything is silent, we all receive a thrill;
For somehow yet, we can't forget, that stone on 'Lemon
Hill'.
Clayton is retired and lives on
his farm near Ranck's Church. He is a
member of the church.
021
Children:
* 219. Willis Hammond b October 14,1893, d June 15,1935; m Helen Mary
Ranck.
220. Emma Kathryn b April U, 1898; m Edwin Coldren, 3 children
221. Clayton W. b August 26, 1907; m Ethel Morgan (b July 10, 1909)
dgtr. Bud and Ella (Russell) Morgan
222. Evelyn b April 13, 1913; m Kenneth Houck (b August 8, 1918) son of
Harry and Elsie (Swarthaffer) Houck. 2 children
134. HARRY HUNTER SELDOMRIDGE b
October 1, 1864, d November 2,1927; m Irene Stillman Barnes. He was born in Philadelphia, Pa., where he
attended the public schools; moved to Colorado Springs February 1878 and
graduated from Colorado College 1885; city editor of the Colorado Springs
Gazette 1886-1888; became engaged in the grain and hay business being treasurer
of the Seldomridge Grain Company which operated extensively in Colorado and
adjoining States. He was adelegate
to nearly every Democratic State Convention in Colorado beginning 1885;
delegate to the Democratic National Convention 1896; member of the Colorado
State Senate two terms, 1897-1905; member and president of the State Charter
Convention, Colorado Springs which adopted the Commission form of Government
1909; elected as a Democrat to the Sixty-third Congress, March 4, 1913March 3,
1915; unsuccessful candidate for re-election in 1914 to the Sixty-fourth
Congress; resumed former business pursuits; receiver of the Mercantile National
Bank of Pueblo 1915-1923; appointed public trustee of El Paso County, Colorado
by Governor Sweet. He was a
Presbyterian and is buried in the Evergreen Cemetery. He was buried on Lot 60 Block 17 but in October 1929 his remains
were cremated and his ashes placed in the foundation of the monument on Lot 1
Block 39 of the Seldomridge-Barnes Plot.
Children:
223.
Gerald B. b March U, 1891, d
March 30,1919
224. Harry Hunter b July 21, 1908, d July 26, 1908
140. NEWTON D. SELDOMRIDGE b October 31,1875 m
Children:
*225. Lawrence Newton
b April 8,1903 m May Lucile Dunlap
226. Lillian Marle b August 2,1901 d.Mar. 1974.
227. Hazel Alva b December 27, 1910
141. FLOYD SELDOMRIDGE
Children:
228. Arthur
229. Emery
150. OTLS HAMPTON SELDOMRIDGE
Children:
230. Pauline m
Walter D. Deffinbaugh
*231. Charles L. m
Madeline V. Page
232. Archibald Davis
233. Cecil H.
234. Robert E. United
States Army Master Sergeant of Fort B. Harrison, Indianapolis, Indiana.
235. Rose m Glenn
236. John
022
237. Infant
238. Infant
156. PAUL SELDOMRIDGE b February
15, 1899; m April 2, 1920 Estella Keckler (b October 31,1897) dgtr Jacob 0. and
Daisy Mae (King) Keekler.
Paul has served on
the Consistor@ of Zeltenreich's Church for the past twenty-five years. He was a member of the Borough Council and
Chief Burgess of New Holland 1937-1941; a member of the Borough Authority and
served as its treasurer 1940; director of a number of civic organizations while
living in N.H. He moved to Lancaster during the War of 1942 and,is a travelling
salesman.
Children:
239. Kenneth b April 1, 1922; m June 2,1946 Dorothy S. Landis (b April
22,1921) dgtr Ralph S. and Mabel (Shaub) Landis.
240. J. Albert b March 16, 1929
157. FRED SELDOMRIDGE b February
28, 1905; m November 3, 1929 Miriam Bucher (b 1905) dgtr Adam 1. and Laura
(Walters) Bucher.
Children:
241. Nancy
158. EDWIN SMITH SELDOMRIDGE
b January 6, 1877, m June 20,1907 Cora Mae Shertz (April 3, 1876, d August 31,
1946) dgtr Cyrus M. and Mary Mentzer Shertz.
He is a member of Bellvue Presbyterian.
Church- at Gap- and is retired at Cochranville.
Children:
242. Sally b July 26,1908, m Richard B. Reynolds 1 child.
161. JOHN FRANKLIN SELDOMRIDGE by
June U, 1887; m June 15, 1921 Jeneva Bell Bunn (b January 15, 1894) dgtr
Charles W. and M. Elena (Mast) Bunn. He
is a member of Pequea Presbyterian Church and lives in SaUisbury township.
Children:
243. Infant b. Nov 7,1922, d November 7,1922
244. John Franklin b July 3,1924
245.m September 8,1949 Lois Anna Spotts dgtr Eugene and Spotts.
245. Mary Jane b July 27,1926 -
246. Andrew Bonn b July 28,1937
162. ROSCO COLKLIN SELDOMRIDGE b
October 4,1889; m January 4,1912 Mary Blanche McClure (b July 4, 1888) dgtr
John Kelso and Kesiah (Eckert) McClure.
They live at Atglen.
Children:
247. Vera b March 18, 1913; m August 24, 1937 Arthur D. Bair son of Mr.
and Mrs. Ezra Bair. Live Ridley Park.
248. Mary Janet b August 30,1916; d 1936
023
249. Jay Kay b August 27,1924, d April 17, 1944 Member of Latta Memori
Presbyterian Church, Christianna.
164. GEORGE WORST SELDOMRIDGE b
May 20, 1895; m July 12,1933 Anna Mae Harvey Finnegan dgtr Curtis and Mabel
Harvey. He is a member Pequea
Pres. Church and lives in Salisbury
township.
Children:
250. Anna Mary b October 1, 1933.
165. FREDERICK SELDOMRIDGE b August
12, 1903; m July 3, 1930 F. Elizabeth Givler (b November 15, 1910) dgtr William
and Sophia Givler. He is a farmer
Salisbury township living in a stone mansion built by Solomon and Marth Wanner
1862.
Children:
251. Edith T. b December 17,1932
252. Fred G. b January 30, 1935
253. Alta E. b July 4, 19 4 3
178. JOHN ALDUS SELDOMRIDGE b June
1, 1916; m August 28, 1938 Theda Kathleen Snader dgtr Jacob K. and Martha
Snader. Kenilworth, Pa.
Children:
254. Alexander b July 26,1940
255. Jane b September 24, 1943
184. S. MELVIN SELDOMRIDGE m Margaret
Children:
256. Dorothea
257. Marion
193. SAMUEL R. SELDOMRIDGE m Sabina Overly
Children:
*258. Lloyd m September 26, 1931 Ella Goldren
196. MARCUS GARFEBLD SELDOMRIDGE ; January 21,1879; m December
3,1902
EmmaCauUer b September U, 1883, d December 24, 1945) David S. and Rachel
(Boley) CauUer.
Children:
*259. Maurice Cauliler
b April 26,'1904; m Laura Pyott
260. Grace Cauller b
September 20,1907; m May 5,1926 Philip RufneU 1 child
*261. Clair Cauller b
June 18,19U; m Eleanor Gregg
262. Gladys CauRer b
December 19,1916; m July 17,1939; Bayard Barnes I child
204. PARKE H. SELDOMRIDGE b 1889,
d May 31, -1941; m Mary Geist (b 1886) Parke was a farmer of West Sadsbury
township, Chester Co. for twenty-five years.
He was road supervisor for many years and is a member of Atglen
Presbyterian Church.
024
Children:
263. Raymond b 1915, d
July 31, 1920
213. S. WARREN SELDOMRIDGE b 1989;
m Dorothy Elizabeth McLane (b 1892) dgtr Albert K and Mary Jane Martin McLane.
Children:
*264. Robert M. b 1918,
d July 29, 1947; m Evelyn Leaman
216. HOWARD EDMUND SELDOMRIDGE b September 10, 1904; m
Pearl V. Wells (b November 13, 1912) dgtr William and Estella Wells. Philadelphia.
Children:
265. Howard Newton b June 10, 1935
219. WILLIS HARMOND SELDOMRIDGE b October 14, 1893, d-
June 15, 1935; m June 6, 1917 Helen Mary Ranck (b February 7, 1897 m September
12, 1937 Roy F. Marks) dgtr James Bertram and Hettie Elizabeth (Ludwig)
Ranck. Willis was a private in
the First World War inducted August 26, 1918 and served with the American
Expeditionary Forces Company E. 164 Inf. 41 Div. in France from October 26,
1918 to February 1919. After the War he
settled near New Holland and worked in the local Silk MiU. In the year 1925 he was Commander of the American
Legion Connestoga Post #662. On June
15, 1935 he was killed in,an automobile accident enroute to the funeral of a
Legion comrade in Philadelphia and on June 18 he was buried with military
honors in the Ranck's Church Cemetary.
Children:
266. Amos Leon b January 13,1920 Chaplain USNR
225. LAWRENCE NEWTON SELDOMRIDGE b April 8, 1903 d. Jan
1971; m October 8, 1930May Lucile Dunlap (b March 2, 1906) dgtr Robert Finley
and Emma May (Wysor) Dunlap. (Emma May Wysor is the daughter of the Honorable
J. C. Wysor of Pulaski, Virginia.) Virginia.
Children:
267.
Robert
Lawrence b August 8, 1931
268. Finley Dunlap b July 9,1935
231.
CHARLES
L. SELDOMRIDGE m
Madeline V. Page - Virginia
Children:
269. Elizabeth b 1922
270. Harry Cecil b 19
271. June b
1925
258.-LLOYD SELDOMRIDGE m September 26,1931; Ella Goldren
Children:
272. Joan
273.
025
259. MAURICE CAULLER SELDOMRIDGE b April
26,1904; m July 18,1925 Laura
Pyott. Kennett Square, Pa.
Children:
274. Richard Alton b August 4, 1925 He enlisted in the Navy April 1945
and trained at SampsonN.Y. He was S2/c February 8, 1946 when he had his first
sea duty on shake down cruise of the F.D. Roosevelt in Cuban Waters.
275. Lois Claire b August 24, 1930
276. Everrett Alan b June 20, 1935
277. Janice Fay b July 2, 1937
278. Brinton Maurice b October 24, 1944
261. CLAIIL CAULLER SELDOMRIDGE b
June 18, 19U; m April 18, 1934 Eleanor Gregg.
Roselle, Delaware.
Children:
279. Janet Claire b October 17, 1944
264. ROBERT M. SIF.LDOMRIDGE b 1918t
d July 29, 1947; m Evelyn Leaman dgtr Mrs. Samuel Resh. Robert was a Captain of the United States
Army entering the army in 1941 and winning his wings at Marga, Texas. he went
overseas in Europe May 1944 and returned August 1945. He held the DFC, the Air Medal with three clusters, and the
Distinguished Unit Citation. After
completing this war tour as a B-17 heavy bomber pilot in the Europeon
Theatre he worked with robot planes. He
was a member of the "First Experimental Guided Missiles Group". He was commended by Brig. Gen.
Roger M. Ramey, commanding officer of the AAF unit at Operation
Crossroads, for his work in assisting in the preparation of four robot Flying
Fortresses which photographed the atomic bomb explosions at Bikini in June
1946.
Capt. Seldomridge pioloted one of the "mother" planes which
guided the Flying Fortresses through the radio-active cloud after the bomb
exploded, to photograph the results. At
Hilo, Hawaii he served on the ground crew which started two unmanned B-17
"drone" on their history making flight 2,400 miles to Murce,
California in August 1946. His first
experience with robot plane had come after his combat tour when he helped
develope the "weary williell a guided bomber sent against heavily defended
areas of Europe. The present robot
planes used by the Army are refinements of these children.
Chfldren:
280. Robert D. b June 7,1947
026
Contributed for use by the Lancaster County Genealogy Project
(http://www.pa-roots.com/~lancaster/)
Lancaster County Genealogy Project Notice:
These electronic pages cannot be reproduced in any format, for any presentation,
without prior written permission.