[52b-16b] CHARLES HENRY HEYDRICK, same as above, m 2d time, Jan. 22, 1842, ANN ADAMS, } Feb. 15, 1815; d Mar. 10, 1904; dau Jesse Adams of Mifflin Co., Pa.
Children (4):
“Charles H. Heydrick, son of Dr. Christopher Heydrick, was born at Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, Mar. 5, 1799. He was educated at the University of Pennsylvania and studied medicine with his father, but never practiced. He came to Mercer, Pa., with his parents in 1819. Seven years later he removed to his farm on French Creek, where he resided until his death on the 16th of Dec., 1883. In 1826, Mr. Heydrick married Mary, daughter of James Adams, who owned a large tract of land at the mouth of Mill Creek, a part of which is now the borough of Utica. Six children were the fruits of that union: James A., Christopher, Jesse, Peter, Charles W., and Harriet. Mrs. Mary (Adams) Heydrick died in 1838. The sons are all living. His second marriage with Ann Adams, daughter of Jesse Adams of Mifflin County, Pa., gave him four children: Mary, Joseph H., Caroline and Thomas B. The latter two are dead.
“In 1842, he was elected county auditor. Jan. 22, 1845, he was appointed by the surveyor general of Pa. deputy surveyor for Venango County, and reappointed May 29, 1845, holding the office until it became elective. He was elected in 1852 and again in 1856, and his official records during all of that time are models of neatness and accuracy. Although eminently qualified to perform the duties of any public position, Mr. Heydrick had no particular taste for official life. For him rural life had its charms. The splendid domain which came into the possession of his ancestors more than a hundred years ago, and descended to him was his pride. There, surrounded by his flocks and herds and fertile fields he loved to greet his friends and dispense warm hospitality to all who came. There he was seen at his best, and there the visitor could feel the truth of the old phrase—‘God made the country, and man made the town.’
“This old farm, beautified by more than half a century’s intelligent culture, is also historic ground. On it Custaloga, the tricky Indian, who gave Washington so much trouble, built his town. There beneath the old trees, still standing, the Redmen held their councils, and there lie the remains of Guyasutha, a renowned and powerful Chieftain. In caring for Guyasutha’s grave and preventing all desecration of the old chief’s last resting place, Mr. Heydrick evinced the kindly side of his own nature. God permitted him to live to a ripe old age, measurably free from its usual attendant cares and infirmities. As the years came upon him he lost none of his early interest in human affairs. The happiness of those around him was happiness for himself. When alone his cultured mind found company in books and recreation in thought. His strong hold upon the regard of his neighbors and friends acquired by years of kindly intercourse, was his to the last. Growing old gracefully he reaped the recompense of that rare but happy condition in the continuous care and affection of his children, and escaped the neglect which accompanies, more or less, the querulous and complaining old age. Wenango has had no better citizen than Charles H. Heydrick.” [A. P. W. in Hist. of Venango Co., Pa.]
Although Charles H. Heydrick was far removed from the vicinity of the Schwenkfelders’ settlement, he always remained true to this faith and never joined any other church. Atthefamily fireside, in the evening, he related to his family the history and traditions of the Schwenkfelders, and showed them his Schwenkfelder books and manuscripts which he treasured highly. It was in this manner that he inspired his son, Christopher, later a Judge of the Supreme Court of Pa., with such a deep interest in the history and progress of the Schwenkfelders, although he never lived near enough to the Church to attend services, except on occasional visits to Eastern Pennsylvania.