Library

Mennonite Pathways to Freedom By the start of the Protestant Reformation in 1520, Mennonites had lived in Switzerland for centuries. Some have suggested that Mennonites originated in Silesia on the banks of the Odder River, and were among the “barbarian” tribes that toppled the Roman Empire and conquered Western Europe. Mennonites were so named because … Read more

Military Oaths of Allegiance Submitted by: Diana. If someone took the Oath of Fidelity to the Patriot Cause, it was recorded in many ways to document their service to the American effort. Here is the Military Oath for Enlisted and Officers: During the Revolutionary War, the Continental Congress established different oaths for the enlisted men … Read more

National Representatives from Berks County From Morton Montgomery’s History of Berks County, Pennsylvania, 1909 edition, pp. 73-75. Representatives in Congress The following persons represented Berks County in Congress: Name Term Daniel HIESTER 1789-97 Joseph HIESTER: Joseph Hiester was elected Governor of Pennsylvania in October, 1820, and resigned his seat in Congress. 1797-18071815-20 Daniel UDREE was … Read more

Newspapers in Berks County From Morton Montgomery’s History of Berks County, Pennsylvania, 1909 edition, pp. 59-61. There was no newspaper published in the county before 1789. News was communicated by persons to one another mostly at inns and stores, of which the number was large in proportion to the population, more especially at Reading. The … Read more

Nationalities in Early Berks County From Morton Montgomery’s History of Berks County, Pennsylvania, 1909 edition, pp. 16-20. Swedes The first permanent settlement along the Delaware in Pennsylvania was effected by a small colony of Swedes in 1638. Ten years before this, the subject of encouraging Swedes to settle in Pennsylvania, for purposes of trade, had … Read more

Occupations in Reading circa 1909 Source: Morton Montgomery’s History of Berks County, Pennsylvania, 1909 edition, pp. 192-193. Note this table was presented on two pages, so to preserve the original alphabetical order, two tables are presented here. The following list is presented to show the number and character of the several occupations at Reading in … Read more

Old Names for Diseases Term Description Ablepsy Blindness Abscess A localized collection of pus buried in tissues, organs, or confined spaces of the body, often accompanied by swelling and inflammation and frequently caused by bacteria. See boil. Addison’s disease A disease characterized by severe weakness, low blood pressure, and a bronzed coloration of the skin, … Read more

Old Names for Occupations Occupation Description Accomptant Accountant Almoner Giver of charity to the needy Amanuenis Secretary or stenographer Artificer A soldier mechanic who does repairs Bailie Bailiff Baxter Baker Bluestocking Female writer Boniface Keeper of an inn Brazier One who works with brass Brewster Beer manufacturer Brightsmith Metal Worker Burgonmaster Mayor Caulker One who … Read more

Revs. Stoever and Muhlenberg: Thoughts on Record-Keeping The following notes were contributed by: Linda McDaniel. There is much interesting reading regarding Pastors Stoever and Muhlenberg. We are indeed indebted to Pastor Stoever for his record keeping and also, perhaps, for being available to legitimize so many of our ancestors relationships in a time when records … Read more

Roads and Turnpikes Contributed by Bonnie Blau. Source: Morton Montgomery’s History of Berks County, Pennsylvania, 1909 edition; pp. 31-33. Surnames: RICE, KINSER, REHRER, DERR, LIGHTFOOT, PARVIN, BOONE, LINCOLN, HULINGS, THOMPSON, ROBESON, BOON, POTTS, BISHOP, LEADER, SHULTZ Indian Paths There were paths through this section of country long before Reading was laid out. The Schuylkill Ford … Read more