[68-2] REV. MELCHIOR SCHULTZ, b Mar. 25, 1756; d June 11, 1826; s George and Maria (Yeakel) Schultz [68]; m Nov. 29, 1781, by Rev. Christopher Schultz, to SALOME WAGNER, b Aug. 28, 1761; d Jan. 27, 1835; dau Christopher and Susanna (Heebner) Wagner [196-1].
Melchior Schultz was elected a minister of the Society of Schwenkfelders and served very acceptably in that capacity for many years. By occupation he was a farmer, living in Worcester Twp., Monig. Co., Pa., on the farm known as Washington’s Headquarters (see below), which is occupied today (1922) by the Joseph Schultz family [68-21]. In the possession of the latter family is Melchior Schultz’s account book—a most interesting relic—which shows his personal accounts on the farm, together with his accounts as trustee; it clearly proves also what care he exercised in listing all items of income and expenditure. Through the courtesy of the Joseph Schultz family, we reproduce below some extracts from the book.
Children (8):
Rev. MELCHIOR SCHULTz’S HOMESTEAD OR ‘““WASHINGTON’S HEADQUARTERS.”
This house is situated in Worcester Twp. on the road leading from Center Point to West Point, Pa., and was built by Peter Wentz in 1758. The date-stone bearing the initials of Peter Wentz and his wife, Rosannah, is plainly visible on the front of the house. In addition to the initials of the builders the following inscription is found on the stone: “Jesu kom in mein Haus, Weig nimmer mer haraus; Kom mit deiner Gnaden guet Und stelle meine sel zu fried.” (Free Translation) “Jesus, come into my house, Leave it nevermore; Come with Thy blessed favor, And bring peace to my soul.”’
Rev. Melchior Schultz came into possession of this property in 1794 and it has been in the family of his descendants ever since, being occupied at present by his great-grandson, Isaac Schultz. The house consists of two stories, an attic and also a rear wing, and is built of stone. In outward appearance it resembles the better class of Colonial farm house, a few examples of which are still to be found.
Another curiosity on this property is a large stone water trough, long in use by the Schultz family. It was hewn out of solid rock with immense labor in some unknown former period. The trough has always belonged to the premises and promises to be as serviceable a century hence as it is today.
History tells us that when the Continental army was in camp in this vicinity, both before and after the battle of Germantown which was fought on the fourth of October, 1777, Washington established his headquarters in this house on the sixteenth of October. While staying here, General Washington wrote a letter to Congress in reference to the Battle of Saratoga, which proved to be a victory for the Americans and resulted in the surrender of Burgoyne. In this letter he speaks of camping in the same spot before the Battle of Germantown was fought, but how long he stayed there is unknown. The letter also contains the following paragraph:
“Tt is with the highest satisfaction that I congratulate Congress on the success of our arms, at the northward in the action of the 7th, an event of the most interesting importance at this critical juncture. From the happy train in
which things then were, I hope we shall soon hear of the more decisive advantages. We moved this morning from the encampment at which we had been for six or seven days past, and have just arrived at the grounds we occupied here before the action of the 4th.”
After the Battle of Germantown, the British troops are said to have pursued the soldiers as far north as the interior of Worcester Twp., committing depredations on the property of the Wentz family, which were so serious that Peter Wentz afterward received 125 pounds from the State as compensation.
During Washington’s stay in the old stone house, some of the American soldiers were encamped in the woodland northeast of the dwelling. This woodland included what was later the “Jesse Yerger’’ farm, which also belonged to the Wentz property. In the rear of the barn two soldiers are said to have been buried. Many musket and cannon balls, rusty camp spades and other relics, testifying to the presence of the army, have been found in that vicinity from time to time.
One of the traditions extant is to the effect that when the cheering news of victory at Saratoga was received, the soldiers in their joy fired a salute so close to the house where General Washington was quartered, that the greater portion of the glass in the windows was shattered. It seems that when Washington took possession of this house for his headquarters, Peter Wentz did not vacate the premises, but remained and gave the General a portion of the house for his use. General Washington occupied two chambers in the west corner of the house, one on the first story where he took his meals, and the other, a large square room on the second floor, which served as his bedroom. A door—no longer in existence—then connected the dining room downstairs with a small kitchen, where his meals were prepared by his own cook, probably a colored woman. This kitchen was kept securely locked in the absence of the faithful cook, lest some Tory might obtain entrance and throw poison into the food.
Another tradition current among the families of the vicinity, is that during Washington's stay there, one of the neighbors, Philip Stong, and his wife, Barbara, were bold enough to call upon the General. Washington was so well pleased that he invited them to supper, which they enjoyed together in the cozy west dining room. In after years old Barbara Stong, who lived near the present mill on Skippack Road, delighted in relating her reminiscences of Washington and of this episode in particular.
Among the provisions of the last will of Rev. Melchior Schultz, made in 1826, was the clause that his widow, Salome, should have for her use during the remainder of her life ‘“‘the kitchen and stove room adjoining the north end of my house as well as the room in the second story called Washington’s room.” [Edward Matthews.] “Melchior Shultz Account Book, 1787”
“Book of Account for George and Anna Heebner’s Estate per me Melchior Shultz 1786” “1783 According to last will and testament of George Heebner of Worcester Township his Personal Estate being appraised soon after his decease by Henry Conrad and Abraham Kreeble which came to the amount of £705. 0. 3
To his wife Anna being left Household and Farming utensils to the amount of 269.17. 6
Some Household and farming utensils being sold by way of Publick Vendue and came to 29.15.11
Money, Bonds and Notes were given to ye care of Melchior Shultz one of the Executors amounting to 405. 1. 5 £704.14.10
The above Vendue came less than the articles were appraised . 5. 5 705. 0. 3
“1784, August, Anna Heebner died whereupon Melchior Kreeble and Melchior Shultz the Executors of her late husband George Heebner, took upon them the administration of her Personal Estate the same being appraised by Henry Conrad and Abraham Kreeble which came to the amount of £376 .9.10.
The books were Locked up into a Chest to be Divided among the Children and are valued to £ 14. 4. 0.
Money, Notes were given to the care of Melchior Shultz in order to pay her Debts, amounting to 57. 7. 3.
Her other Moveables, Household and Farming Implements being Sold by way of Publick Vendue to the highest Bidder and came to 380. 3. 6. ”
Some interesting items of receipts :—
“Mel Shultz Received “1784, Nov. 24: Of Abrm. Anders for Rye and hay £0.17. 0
Dec. 2: Of Christopher Wagener for Rye and Aples 1.15. 7 1785, Mar, 21: Of Br Yeakle Interest for Aples 17. 7 1786, Nov. 28: Of Christoph Yeakle for Baltzers Service . 3.11. 9
Dec. 3: Of Baltzer Yeakle for Marys Service . 2.7. 6 1788, Apr. 28: Of Baltzer Yeakle for 1 years Service of Mary Heebner 3. 4. 8 1789, Apr. 9: Of Baltzer Yeakle for Marys service 1.13. 6 1790, Apr. 25: Of Abrm Yeakle for Interest and for Marys Service 5. 2. 3 1791, May 9: Of George Heydrick for one years Service for Mary Heebner after deducting her necessary cloathing 2, 2. 9”
Interesting payments showing prices that obtained at that time: “Paid:” “1783, Sept. 30: To Michael Rutt for the Coffin £1. 5. 0
Oct. 3: To the Clerk of the Regisr Gen. Ofice for the Probate of the Will 1.17. 6
Dec. 2: To Lawyer Potts for a Writ against Jn. Reed 0. 6. 7
Nov. 5: To George Sherry for making Shinkels 1.13. 9 To Geo Snyder for a Months Service 2.10. O
Dec. 11: To Mary Homiller for serving as Housemaid 1.1.0 1784, Apr. 2: To Harman Custard Supervisor road Tax 0. 3.1
June: Two pieces of Gold was appraised by mistake for Guineas but appeared afterwards to be Quarter Joes by that we lost 0.10. 0
June 22: To Frederick Conrad for serving as clerk at ye Vendue 4.6
23: To Jacob Weber for Crying at the Vendue 9. 0 1784, Nov. 12: To Abraham Shultz for 1150 Oak Shinkels for a Roof on George Heebners House 3.9. 0
Dec. 2: To Christ Wagoner for hauling sd Shinkels 1. 8. 0 To Mel Shultz for administration of Heebners Estate being allowed by the Register Genral 8.13. 0 1785, Apr. 20: To Michael Rutt for the coffin ° 1. 5.0
May 10: To Christopher Yeakle boarding and tuition of Baltzer 7.0. 8 When the Coppers fell to 15 for a Shilling I had 200 of them in hand and lost by that 3.9
June 3: To Jacob Bayer for laying a roof on the house 8. 6 1786, To Rosina Seibt for 1 years boarding washing and tending of Catharine Heebner 13. 0. 0
May 25: To Jacob Smith for Meal on Catharinas Burying 15. O
June 6: To Barbara Tyson for Rum etc on Burying 1.2.8
6: To Melchior Rinewald for digging the Graves for Catharine and Barbara Heebner 5. 0
6: To Br. Rinewald for the two coffins iz. 0
25: To George Anders for Meal on Burying 7. 6
Aug. 30: To Rosina Seibt for boarding etc for Catharine 5.10. 6
Nov. 15: To Christ Yeakle for boarding and Schooling of Baltzer 7. 4.8
Nov. 15: To Abrm Kreeble for boarding washing etc of Henry and Barbara Heebner 6.5.7 Melchior Shultz a pair of Shoes for Mary ditto for 1 yard linsey for a jacket for Baltzer 4.6 1789, To Abrm. Kreeble for Books for the children 1.10. 0 1790, July 31: for Weichenhans Postile 0.19, 8144 for a Spelling Book for Henry Heebner 1.10 1792, Apr. 10: To Andrew Kreeble for Schooling Henry Heebner 0.12. 6 To Christoph Hofman for binding Books 1.12. 0
Apr. 13: To Balthaser Heebner what he has earned of David Kreeble and Christopher Yeakle jun 7. 6.9
June 23: To Abraham Kreeble for Writing Paper for Henry 1.6 1793, May 1: To Andrew Kreeble, Junr. for Schooling for Henry 7. 6 : July 25: To Mary Heebner what she earned of Balser Yeakle and George Heydrick 13. 8. 5
Oct. 2: To Mary Heebner in part of her share 6. 0. 0 Likewise 20 lb. of Feathers at 216 per Ib. 2.10. 0
Oct. 28: To Mary Heebner in part of her share 11. 0. 0
Dec. 21: A Slate, 5 Quiers of Paper, Ink Potle and Powder for Henry Heebner 13. 3 1794, Paid to Baltzer Heebner out of his Grand-Mother’s Estate 15.814
Apr. 3: To Christopher Yeakle, jr. for Sixteen Weeks’ Boarding and Schooling for Henry Heebner 7. 3.6
Apr. 27: To Mary Heebner on Division of her Fathers Books 1. 2.6
Apr. 28: To Mary Heebner the remainder of her share 219.18.10 and Received a discharge signed by her husband, Andrew Kreeble and herself dated the 30th April, 1794 1798, Paid Regina Heebner her due share of her Fathers and Mothers Estate and received a discharge signed by her Husband, John Schultz and herself dated the 30th March, 1798 1803, Paid Henry Heebner the last Heir, his due Share of his Fathers and Mothers Reali and personal Estate and received a discharge dated the 6th day of January, 1803. Whereupon I say, Amen, Witness my Hand Melchior Schultz’ “1818 Expenses for Building a House”
(Presumably the house where Alvin K. Rothenberger now lives in Worcester Twp., near Center Point, Pa. (1922.) This account shows the price of labor and building material at that time. From Rev. Melchior Schultz’s Account Book.) “2500 feet white pine Boards $1.50 per C. $ 37.50 500 feet 34 Boards @ 1.75 8.75 3000 Ceder Shingles (@ 22.00 66.00 for dressing shingles and cutting Timber 9.30 1819; Sash and 3 pannel Doors 13.05 1000 feet white pine Boards $2.50 per C. 25.00 Scantling for Window frames 13.10 7814 lb. Nails 10 cents a lb. 7.80
155 Bushels of Lime 18c per Bu. 31.00
40 Ib. Shingle & floor Nails at 9 cent a Ib. 3.60 929 feet yellow pine boards @ $2.20 26.43
one and a quarter Box window glass 15.00
1 keg white lead 3.50
10 lb. butty 1.60
4 oz. Sugar lead & 1 b. Litharge .38
1 gallon & 7 pints oil 2.20
20 loads sand 5.00
15 Bushels of hair at 20 cents per bu. 3.00
1 do Sea Sand 37 500 plastering Laths 1.00
14 keg white lead 144 Brown & Lamp Black 3.50
To I & Jac Heebner for Quarrying & digging Cellar 26.87
To Jac. Hollabush for plastering 12.00
John Bisson for ditto 8.00
Evan Bisson & Son 28 days walling and dashing 30.80
William Bisson 1134 days walling at $1.10 cent 12.92
John Bisson 1114 Walling 12.65
F. Smith 9 days ditto 10.17
J. Bayer 714 days Walling 8.25 74.79
David Kriebel, Joiner 55 days 50.62
Sam] Kriebel; 32.00
Jonathan Guy 19 days (@ 7 S. 17.67
Joseph Gerhard 68. 15.20
Jac Heckler 52 32.95 148.44
Melchior Kriebel Quarrying Stone, Tending Masons, etc 30.66
Abraham Reinwald tending Masons 11.83
Smith work 22.72
Total expense for Building House 690.34
In 1820 the total cost of building a barn with items mentioned
as in the case of the house 489, 7244
Cost of both 1180, 0614” “1817 An account of receipts and expenses for the year
Receipts for farm products, mostly Butter, veal, wheat, etc.’’ Some interesting items :—
“Serving on a damage jury 1.00
A Bull 50.00
214 Bu. Clover Seed (@ $11 27.50 May: 41 Bu. & 86 Lb. Wheat @ $3 125.80 June: Oats 30 BI@5S5S 20.00
2 Barrels Syder Royal $7; : 14.00 July: 8114 Bushels of Wheat (@ $2.50 217.77 Sept: 3 Bushels of Apies 1.00 October: 1} Barrel of Syder 1.25 Total receipts for year 1149.68” Interesting items paid :—
“2 Spinning wheels 9.00 Direct Tax; 9.33 Road Tax 7.02 6 lb. Sugar 16 cents ‘ .96 for schooling 4.40 For a new plough 6.00 Direct, County and Road Tax in Chester County 2.95 A Quartel Veal 1.20 ’ County Tax 12.24 Militia fine 4.00 October: a Shirt 2.40
for binding some Books 2.40
a Wine Bottle .50 Novr: 3 Gallons of Brandy 7.50
Lining for a jacket and Buttons . 1.00
Excise for stilling whisky 1.12
Dr. Fryee 37
Dec: S. Kreeble for mowing 7.12 M. Kreeble for Mowing and Weaving 38.49 Total expenses for year 284.35 Clear profit in one year 865.63”
Parents’ family: [68] George Scholtze
Children’s own families: