MELCHER MEISHTER (MELCHIOR MESCHTER) [E 66] and his DESCENDANTS

[66] MELCHER MEISHTER (MELCHIOR MESCHTER) [E 66], b 1695, was a brother of Gre-gorius Meishter [E 43]. As a widower he m June 26, 1732, in Berthelsdorf, Saxony, REGINA ANDERS [E 174], youngest dau of George Anders of Berthelsdorf, formerly of 0. Hdrf. Regina Anders was baptized Nov. 23, 1705; sponsors were George Schonwalder, Maria Scholtzin, Anna Meschterin.

In the Berthelsdorf Church Book is found the following: "Nov. 16, 1731, starb friih um 3, Frau Anna, geb. Krause, Melchior Moschter's Hausler's all hier Ehefrau; aet. 28 Jahre; ward den 18 begraben

mit einer collecte."                                                                                             •

["At about three o'clock in the morning of Nov. 16, 1731, Anna Meschter, née Krause, wife of Mel-

chior Meschter, died; her age was 28 years. She was buried on the 18th with a Collect."]

Another entry shows that on Oct. 17, 1729, Melchior Moschter, a "Hausler" in Berthelsdorf, m

Anna Krause, sister of Maria, wife of Gregorius Meschter [E 43], and the eldest dau of Melchior Krause,

a "Hausler" in Langneundorf, Silesia. [Berthelsdorf Ch. Bk. 1729; nuptii no. 13] This evidently refers to the above Melchior and indicates that the two brothers, Melchior and Gregorius, married sisters.

Melchior and his wife came to Pa. in 1734, and buried one child at sea, the others having been born after their arrival. They lived on a farm near West Point, Pa., owned in 1920 by Enoch Heebner.

Children (5):

Rosina [E 215], b May 18, 1733, in Berthelsdorf; baptized May 19, 1733; sponsors: David Moschter, Jr., Rosina, w of Melchior Wiegner, Anna Scholtze. Rosina d Aug. 14, 1734, en route to America and was buried at sea.

George, b after 1734; d Aug. 1, 1801.

[48-1b]         3. Susanna, b Apr. 16, 1739; d May 20, 1834; m Christopher Neuman.

[44-2]           4. Maria, b Apr. 26, 1742; d Feb. 10, 1826; m Christopher Reinwald.

[66-1]           5. Christopher, b Dec. 17, 1746; d May 4, 1797; m Rosina Kriebel.

Melchior Meschter settled in Towamencin Twp. In 1745 he bought a tract of land of Christopher Wiegner, who had previously bought it from John Stephen Benezet. In 1774 Melchior sold his son, George, one tract of 30 acres and one of 4 acres for 130 pounds. The larger tract was curious in shape, being no less than 180 perches long and only 27 perches wide. [Plate F XVI.] [Matthews.]

In the list of refugees who came to Berthelsdorf from Harpersdorf in 1726, given by Kadelbach, is the name of "Melchior Meschter, shoemaker, with wife and three children."

[66-1] CHRISTOPHER MESCHTER, b Dec. 17, 1746; d May 4, 1797; s Melchior and Regina (Rosina) (Anders) Meschter [66]; m Oct. 21, 1773, by Rev. Christopher Schultz to ROSINA KRIEBEL,

b Oct. 2, 1751; d Sept. 19, 1823; dau Rev. Christopher and Maria (Dresher) Kriebel [19-2]. The

children were all living when the mother died in 1823.

Children (7):

[48-613J      1. Maria, b July 6, 1775; d Oct. 7, 1833; m Christopher Snyder.

[66-2]           2. Jeremiah, b Aug. 28, 1777; d Oct. 5, 1849; m Christina Kriebel.

[66-3]           3. Christopher, b July 21, 1779; d Mar. 7, 1853; m Catharine Anders.

[161-7]         4. Regina, b May 10, 1781; d July 31, 1864; m John Anders.

Catharine, b May 3, 1783; d Jan. 4, 1837.

David, b Oct. 18, 1786; buried in Cemetery at Mainland, Pa.

[66-4]           7. Hannah, b July 13, 1789; m John Wasser.

[66-2] JEREMIAH MESCHTER, b Aug. 28, 1777; d Oct. 5, 1849; s Christopher and Rosina

(Kriebel) Meschter [66-1]; m May 9, 1811, CHRISTINA KRIEBEL, b Feb. 24, 1789; d Jan. 29, 1831; dau

Jacob and Lydia (Yeakle) Kriebel [25-8]. They lived in Upper Hanover Twp., Montgomery Co., Pa.

Children (7):

1. Child, b Feb. 15, 1812; d at birth.

[161-21a] 2. Lydia, b Apr. 6, 1813; d July 21, 1842; m Samuel Anders.

[149-20]       3. Sophia, b Nov. 13, 1814; d June 27, 1891; m Anthony Schultz.

Samuel, b Sept. 16, 1816; d Aug. 3, 1824.

[66-5a]

{

Jacob, b Oct. 3, 1818; d Dec. 15, 1891; m 1. Agnes Yeakel.

[66-5b]                                                                                            2. Hannah S. Gerhard.

 

GENEALOGICAL RECORD OF THE SCHWENKFELDER FAMILIES                    929

[161-21b] 6. Christina, b Aug. 11, 1821; d Apr. 22, 1887; m Samuel Anders.

[66-6]          7. Jeremiah, b Nov. 27, 1823; d 1902; m Elizabeth Kriebel.

[66-3] CHRISTOPHER MESCHTER, b July 7, 1779; d Mar. 7, 1853; s Christopher and Rosina (Kriebel) Meschter [66-1]; m May 20, 1807, CATHARINE ANDERS, b Aug. 18, 1785; d May 23, 1842; dau Abraham and Esther (Yeakel) Anders [161-4]. He is said to have built a threshing machine (rid. Sketches Hist. Soc. Montg. Co., Pa. Vol. III.).

One child:

[66-7]          George, b Mar. 28, 1808; d June 29, 1887; m Sophia Kriebel.

"About the year 1841 or 1842 I saw a threshing machine made by Christopher Master of this place to thresh with flails, in which you had to hold the sheaves over a frame and by some power the flails were made to revolve and strike the grain. I never saw the machine in operation. Master's father-in-law, Abraham Anders, riveted harness and leather together as early as 1800." [John C. Boorse; Montg. Co. Hist. Soc., 1905, Vol., VIII, p. 271.]

[66-4] HANNAH MESCHTER, b July 13, 1789; dau Christopher and Rosina (Kriebel) Meschter [66-1]; m JOHN WASSER. Said to have lived in Morrison, Ill. Descendants changed name to "Waters."

In 1869 Lewis Waters wrote from Morrison, Ill. to his cousin, George Meschter, Kulpsville, Pa. [66-7].

On Apr. 14, 1834, Jeremiah Meschter, Catharine Meschter, David Meschter, and John Waters and wife, Hannah, gave a release to Christopher Meschter and John Anders, administrators of the estate of Nellie Snyder, widow, of Hatfield.

[No further data obtainable.]

[66-5a] REV. JACOB S. MESCHTER, b Oct. 3, 1818; d Dec. 15, 1891; s Jeremiah and Christina (Kriebel) Meschter [66-2]; m Nov. 28, 1843, AGNES YEAKEL, b Jan. 23, 1821; d Dec. 25, 1872; dau Daniel and Susanna (Geho) Yeakel [38-41].

Children (5):

[66-8]          1. Charles Y., b Sept. 20, 1844; d Jan. 18, 1889; m Matilda B. Clemmer.

[25-95]        2. Susanna Y., b Sept. 14, 1846; m Hiram A. Krieble.

[66-9]          3. Daniel Y., b Oct. 14, 1848; d May 28, 1917; m Medora Funk.

[66-10]        4. Levi Y., b June 10, 1850; d Jan. 25, 1920; m Elizabeth Shelly. 5. William Y., b June 19, 1852; d Mar. 15, 1909; single.

William Yeakel Meschter was born on his father's farm at Palm, Pa. In addition to attending the public schools in the vicinity he attended a private academy for a few terms, after which he spent several years in the school room as a teacher. Mr. Meschter began his business career as a clerk in the Perkio-men Valley Bank, which he left to become a clerk in a Philadelphia business house.

In 1883 he entered the J. 0. Schimmel Preserving Company as bookkeeper, and a short time after­wards became a director and treasurer of the company. In 1890 the company was incorporated under the heading of the American Preservers' Company with Mr. Meschter as treasurer and overseer of the office force. Seven years later, Mr. L. J. Link and W. Y. Meschter bought out the American Preservers' Company and incorporated it under the title of the American Preserve Company, with Mr. Meschter continuing as treasurer and director until his death. The business is now owned and operated by his nephew, Wayne C. Meschter.

William Y. Meschter always retained an interest in the place of his birth as well as in religious work. He was one of the main factors in founding the Mission Church of the Schwenkfelders in Philadelphia. As a matter of fact, the existence of the Philadelphia Church today is due to the loyalty of the late William Y. Meschter and Dr. James M. Anders, the present Moderator of the Church. Both of these men were prominent members of the Oxford Presbyterian Church, but when this mission was established they left their church and gave of their time and money in order to foster this institution.

Throughout his entire business career Mr. Meschter retained a deep interest in various charitable, benevolent, educational and religious enterprises. His will shows a remarkable variety and scope of charitable interests. It is stated that Mr. Meschter's will was the most liberal and magnanimous of any among the Schwenkfelders since the days of Dr. Abraham Wagner, who died in 1763, and who be­queathed a large part of his estate to charity. His bequests to the various church organizations made it possible to carry on enterprises that otherwise could not have been started or continued. That he did

 

930                      GENEALOGICAL RECORD OF THE SCHWENKFELDER FAMILIES

not restrict his bequests to purely Schwenkfelder interests portrays the broadminded liberality of the man. The bequest of a thousand dollars to the Mission Board of the Schwenkfelder Church was the first that the board had ever received, and with this money the "William Y. Meschter Memorial Home for Teachers" in Shansi, China, was built. Perhaps the most remarkable feature of the many bequests is that they were made without any solicitation on the part of those concerned.

WILL OF WILLIAM Y. MESCHTER

I, William Y. Meschter, of the City of Philadelphia, being of sound and disposing mind, memory and understand­ing, do make, publish and declare this to be my last will and testament, hereby revoking all wills by me at any time heretofore made.

First, I direct my hereinafter named executors to pay all my just debts and funeral expenses as soon after my de­cease as the same may be conveniently done, and it is my desire that my body be interred in the Schwenkfeldian Bury­ing Ground, at Kraussdale, Pennsylvania, according to the rites and ceremonies of the Schwenkfeldian Church.

And I hereby further direct, that the selection of a tombstone suitable for my grave shall be at the discretion of my said executors; that the cost thereof shall not exceed Six Hundred Dollars ($600.) ; and, any unexpended balance re­maining between the cost of my tombstone and the sum of Eight Hundred Dollars ($800.), I give and bequeath to my said executors, in trust nevertheless, to appropriate the interest or income arising from said balance to the care and preservation of my grave and tombstone, and those of my dear parents and of such other members of the family who may he interred in said burying ground.

As to the residue of such estate as it has pleased God to entrust me with, I dispose of the same as follows:—

ITEM. I give and bequeath to my honored stepmother, Hannah Meschter, the sum of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.) in cash, said sum to be free and clear of any collateral inheritance tax; and, in case my said stepmother shaC not survive me, then the said bequest shall go to and form part of my residuary estate.

ITEM. I give and bequeath to my dear aunt, Emma Kemmerer, Emaus, Pennsylvania, the sum of Three Hundred Dollars ($300.), said sum to be free and clear of any collateral inheritance tax.

ITEM. I give and bequeath to the Perkiomen Seminary at Pennsburg, Pennsylvania, the sum of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000), to be used by the Trustees thereof for such purpose or purposes as they may deem for the best in­terests of said institution, said sum to be free and clear of any collateral inheritance tax.

ITEM. I give and bequeath to the Mennonite Home for Aged People, at Frederick, Pennsylvania, the sum of Three Hundred Dollars ($300.), said sum to be free and clear of any collateral inheritance tax.

ITEM. I give and bequeath to the Sunday Breakfast Association, located at No. 222 North Twelfth Street. Philadelphia, the sum of Two Hundred Dollars ($200.), said sum to be free and clear of any collateral inheritance tax.

ITEM. I give and bequeath to the Franklin Reformatory Home for Inebriates, No. 915 Locust Street, Philadel­phia, the sum of Two Hundred Dollars ($200.), said sum to be free and clear of any collateral inheritance tax.

ITEM. I give and bequeath to the Pennsylvania Society to Protect Children from Cruelty, No. 415 South Fifteenth Street, Philadelphia, the sum of Two Hundred Dollars ($200.), said sum to he free and clear of any collateral inheritance tax.

ITEM. I give and bequeath to the Pennsylvania SoCiety for the Prevention of Tuberculosis, Philadelphia, the sum of Three Hundred Dollars ($300.) free and clear of any collateral inheritance tax.

ITEM. I give and bequeath to the Medico-Chirurgical Hospital, 1725 Cherry Street, in the City of Philadelphia, for the purpose of endowing a Free Bed therein, in memory of my dear father and mother, Rev. Jacob Meschter and Agnes Meschter, the sum of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000), free and clear of any collateral inheritance tax.

ITEM. I give and bequeath to the Methodist Episcopal Hospital, Cor. Broad and Wolf Streets, in the City of Philadelphia, the sum of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.), free and clear of any collateral inheritance tax.

ITEM. I give and bequeath to the German Hospital, Cor. Girard Avenue and Corinthian Avenue, in the City of Philadelphia, the sum of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.), free and clear of any collateral inheritance tax.

ITEM. I give and bequeath to the Board of Publication of the Schwenkfeldian Church the sum of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000), free and clear of any collateral inheritance tax.

ITEM. I give and bequeath to the Board of Missions of the Schwenkfeldian Church the sum of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000), free and clear of any collateral inheritance tax.

ITEM. I give and bequeath to the First Schwenkfeldian Church of the City of Philadelphia, the sum of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.), free and clear of any collateral inheritance tax.

ITEM. All the rest, residue and remainder of my estate, real, personal, and mixed, whatsoever and wheresoever, I order and direct to be converted into money as soon as the same can conveniently be done after my decease; and for that purpose, I do hereby authorize and empower my hereinafter named executors to sell and dispose of all my said real estate either by public or private sale or sales, for the best price or prices that can be gotten for the same, and by proper deed or deeds, conveyances or assurances in the law, to be duly executed, acknowledged or perfected, to grant, convey and assure the same to the purchaser or purchasers thereof, his, her, or their heirs and assigns, free from all liability for or on account of the application of the purchase money. And when the whole of my said residuary estate shall be converted into money, as aforesaid, then I will and direct the same to be divided into four (4) equal parts or shares, and disposed of as follows, to-wit:

One full equal one-fourth part or share thereof, I give, devise and bequeath to my dear brother Daniel Meschter, his heirs and assigns forever.

One other of the said full equal fourth parts or shares of the proceeds of my said residuary estate, I give, devise and bequeath to my dear brother Levi Meschter, his heirs and assigns forever.

One other of said full equal fourth parts or shares of the proceeds of my said residuary estate, I give, devise and bequeath to my dear sister, Susanna, wife of Hiram A. Krieble, her heirs and assigns forever.

And the remaining one full equal fourth part or share of the proceeds of my said residuary estate, I give, devise and bequeath to my brother, the said Daniel Meschter, in trust nevertheless, to invest in good and lawful securities, and to pay the income thereof to my dear sister-in-law, Matilda .Meschter, widow of my late brother, Charles Meschter, deceased, for and during her widowhood. And from and immediately after the marriage or death of my said sister-in-

 

GENEALOGICAL RECORD OF THE SCHWENKFELDER FAMILIES                    931

law,. I give, devise and bequeath the principal of the said one-fourth part or share of my said residuary estate to be

equally divided, share and share alike, between the children of my said sister-in-law, which were, by my late brother,

the said Charles, of her body begotten.

Lastly, I nominate, constitute and appoint my brother, the aforesaid Daniel Meschter, of East Greenville, Mont-

gomery County, Pennsylvania, and Lewis J. Link, of the City of Philadelphia, to be the executors of this my last will

and testament.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this Twenty-eighth day of May, A.D., One

thousand nine hundred and eight. (1908.)

William Y. Meschter (Seal.)

Signed, sealed, published and declared by the above named William Y. Meschter, as and for his last will and

testament, in the presence of us who have hereunto subscribed our names, at his request, as witnesses thereto, in the

presence of the said testator and of each other.

John R. Cassel

354 Drexel Bldg. Phila.

Elsie P. Snyder

354 Drexel Bldg., Phila.

[66-5b] REV. JACOB K. MESCHTER, same as above, m 2nd time, Feb. 22, 1876, HANNAH S. GERHARD, b Mar. 2, 1838; dau Charles and Sarah (Schultz) Gerhard [59-21]. No issue. Mrs. Meschter is living at Palm, Pa. (1920.)

Jacob Meschter was elected a minister of the Schwenkfelder Society on May 13, 1854, and served his people faithfully until his death, a period of thirty-seven years. Being a farmer, it was said of him that he "prepared his sermons behind the plow." He was a fluent speaker and preached eloquent ser­mons. He lived on the farm now occupied by his grandson, Harvey C. Meschter, at Palm, Pa. (1920.)

[66-6] JEREMIAH K. MESCHTER, b Nov. 27, 1823; d 1902; s Jeremiah and Christina (Kriebel) Meschter [66-2]; m Feb. 7, 1857, ELIZABETH KRIEBEL, b Jan. 18, 1832; d Apr. 16, 1861; dau David and Elizabeth (Alderfer) Kriebel [19-lib].

Children (2):

1. Henry, b Nov. 25, 1857; d Dec. 30, 1857.

[66-11]         2. Allen K., b June 25, 1859: d Sept. 30, 1912; m Amanda E. Smith.

[66-7] REV. GEORGE MESCHTER, b Mar. 28, 1808; d June 29, 1887; s Christopher and Cathar­ine (Anders) Meschter [66-3]; m May 13, 1830, SOPHIA KRIEBEL, b June 27, 1809; d Apr. 24, 1852; dau Andrew and Maria (Heebner) Kriebel [25-9].

Children (8):

[149-45]       1. Catharine, b May 7, 1831; d May 15, 1903; m William Schultz.

[66-12]        2. Abraham K., b Aug. 31. 1833; dec; m Hannah Cassel.
3. Maria. b Apr. 6, 1836; d Sept. 29, 1836.

[66-13]         4. Jacob K., .b July 4, 1837; d Oct. 13, 1916; m Hannah Cassel.

[66-14]         5. George K., b May 2, 1840; d June 4, 1910; m Mary Ann Krieble.

[21-65]         6. Lydia, b June 5, 1843; d Sept. 3, 1891; m Mahlon H. Cassel.

[66-15]        7. John K., b June 15, 1847; m Mary Hendricks.
8. Aaron, b Apr. 17. 1852; d May 6, 1852.

George Meschter was born March 28, 1808, on his father's large farm in the extreme northern part of Towamencin Twp., Montg. Co., Pa., near the Salford Meeting House. Because rural schools were virtually not in existence in his youth, he was largely a self-educated man. He became noted in his locality for his excellency in mathematics. When the first superintendent of public schools in Montg. Co., Dr. Ephraim Acker, had a mathematical problem which he could not solve, and having heard of the ability of George Meschter in mathematics, the superintendent submitted it to him and was sur­prised to find that he could solve it. Mr. Meschter became the owner of his father's large farm and lived on it until late in life when he moved to an adjoining smaller one, where he lived until his death. About 1845 Mr. Meschter was elected by the Schwenkfelders as one of their ministers, and he continued to preach for them until they released him one year before his death. He consequent­ly occupied the pulpit half his life. In the controversy of the Schwenkfelder Church regarding the introduction of Baptism and the Lord's Supper into its services, Rev. Meschter advocated their adoption. In his life-work he was a conscientious, firm, and worthy man. He died on June 27,

1887, and is buried in Salford Schwenkfelder Grave-yard.                                                                                          [C. K. M.]

[66-8] CHARLES Y. MESCHTER, b Sept. 20, 1844; d Jan. 18, 1889; s Rev. Jacob K. and Agnes (Yeakel) Meschter [66-5a]; m Dec. 27, 1873, MATILDA B. CLEMMER, b Sept. 15, 1851;

 

932                      GENEALOGICAL RECORD OF THE SCHWENKFELDER FAMILIES

d Aug. 25, 1919; dau David and Mary (Bechtel) Clemmer. Charles Meschter was a farmer and lived at Palm, Pa.

Children (7):

[19-86]         1. Nora C., b Apr. 24, 1875; m Calvin G. Kriebel.

Harvey C., b July 4, 1876; single; Palm, Pa.

[66-16]         3. Oswin C., b Apr. 9, 1878; m Laura D. Eck.

[66-17]         4. Ida C., b Aug. 3, 1881; m Rev. Jeremiah A. Swingle.

[66-18]         5. Wayne C., b Dec. 18, 1883; m Leila Eleanora Kriebel.
6. Jacob C., b May 5, 1887; d May 17, 1887.

[66-19]         7. Charles D., b Sept. 18, 1888; m Florence Sturm.

[66-9] DANIEL Y. MESCHTER, b Oct. 14, 1848; d May 28, 1917; s Rev. Jacob and Agnes (Yea-kel) Meschter [66-5a]; m Sept. 23, 1875, MEDORA E. FUNK, b Oct. 4, 1853; dau- John H. Funk.

Children (7):

[66-20]         I. Eugene F., b Oct. 12, 1877; in Emma Linda Reiter.

[66-21]         2. Albert F., b Feb. 24, 1880; m Ernestine Emery.

[66-22]         3. Florence, b Aug. 12, 1882; d Sept. 9, 1908; m Lester Huxtable.

[66-23]         4. Daniel Webster, b Apr. 15, 1885; m Annie V. Hall.

[66-24]         5. Elwood F., b Aug. 26, 1888; m Ruth Ann Taylor.

[66-25]         6. Jacob F., b Feb. 10, 1891; m Esther V. B. Smith.

[66-26]         7. Homer, b Jan. 3, 1896; in Mae L. Bitting.

Daniel Y. Meschter was a traveling salesman for The American Preserve Company of Phila., and lived in East Greenville, Pa. Place of burial, Palm Schwenkfelder Cemetery.

During his early years Mr. Meschter built the store building at Palm, Pa., serving as the first postmaster at that place. He was also the first telegraph operator in that part of the country.

In 1881 Mr. Meschter was elected Superintendent of the Sunday Schools of the Schwenkfelder Church of the Upper District, and with the exception of one year he served continuously in that capa­city until his death, a period of thirty-five years. This is a record seldom exceeded in length of service as well as for faithful attendance. He was mainly responsible for the change in sessions from the

broken year—suspension during the winter months_ to the continuous, all-year, session.

Mr. Meschter served on the first committee that met at his house in 1891, to consider the purchase or re-establishment of Perkiomen Seminary, now Perkiomen School, and was one of the agents who bought the property and organized the school. Later, he was elected a member of the Board of Trus­tees, and occupied that position until his death. His interest in the school was active and whole­hearted, especially during the campaign for raising funds to establish the Historical Library Building. He served on the Building Committee when the campaign was finally successful and the erection of the Library was begun. All of his children attended Perkiomen School as students.

[66-10] LEVI Y. MESCHTER, b June 10, 1850; d Jan. 25, 1920; s Rev. Jacob K. and Agnes (Yeakel) Meschter [66-5a]; m Nov. 13, 1875, ELIZABETH S. SHELLY, b Aug. 19, 1855; dau Frank and Hannah (Stauffer) Shelly. Mr. Meschter was a merchant and for many years conducted a general merchandise store in East Greenville, Pa.

Children (3):

[149-147]                                                     1. Albert Fluck.

_[149-164b1} 1                                                                                     19 1877; m . Agnes, b Apr. ,

2. Oswin

[66-27]         2. Edna S., b Aug. 7, 1887; m Newton S. Gottshall.

Eva, b Aug. 31, 1891; single; East Greenville, Pa.

Levi Y. Meschter was born at Palm, Pa. As a young man he spent a number of years in Phila. working as a clerk in a grocery store. After his marriage in 1875 he conducted general merchandise stores at Geryville and East Greenville, Pa. He maintained a store at the latter place for twenty-six years, but failing health caused his retirement. He held various positions of trust and confidence in East Greenville industries.

[66-11] ALLEN K. MESCHTER, b June 25, 1859; d Sept. 30, 1912; s Jeremiah K. and Elizabeth (Kriebel) Meschter [66-6]; m Oct. 26, 1889, AMANDA E. SMITH, b Aug. 21, 1869; dau Hilary Smith. Mr. Meschter was a grocer and lived at 1731 W. Huntingdon St., Phila. He is buried in St. John's Lutheran Cemetery, Sumneytown, Pa. (1918.)

 

GENEALOGICAL RECORD OF THE SCHWENKFELDER FAMILIES                    933

Children (2):

[66-28]           1. Alice S.. b May 19, 1890; in J. A. Carter Rudy.
2. William Earl, b Aug. 4. 1900.

[66-12] ABRAHAM K. MESCHTER, b Aug. 31. 1833; dec; s Rev. George and Sophia (Kriebel) Meschter [66-7]; m Mar. 31, 1877, HANNAH CASSEL, b Mar. 26, 1846; d Aug. 2, 1878; dau Joseph and Catharine (Metz) Cassel. Joseph Cassel was a farmer and minister of the Mennonite Church at Hatfield, Pa. Abraham and Hannah Meschter had one child who died young.

[66-13] JACOB K. MESCHTER, b July 4. 1837; d Oct. 13. 1916; s Rev. George and Sophia (Krie­bel) Meschter [66-7]; m July 4, 1868, HANNAH CASSEL, b July 29, 1843; dau Joseph B. and Rebecca (Heebner) Cassel [21-14]. Jacob Meschter lived in Phila., and was engaged in the business of installing hot water heating systems. Widow resides at 2929 W. Lehigh Ave., Phila. (1920.)

One child:

[66-29]        Nell- C., b June 25, 1874: in Benjamin F. Brown.

[66-14] REV. GEORGE K. MESCHTER, M. D.. b May 2, 1840; d June 4, 1910; s Rev. George and Sophia (Kriebel) Meschter [66-7]; 171 Nov. 21. 1867. MARY ANN KRIEBLE, b Feb. 6, 1845; d June 28. 1904; dau Charles Y. and Sarah (Anders) Krieble [25-36].

Children (6):

[66-30]        1. Cyrus K., b Mar. 14, 1869; M. Ella B. Cassel.

[66-31]        2. Charles K.. b Sept. 19. 1871; in Laura Eisenbrey.

[19-84]           3. Nora K.. b Aug. 14, 1874; m Elmer G. Kriebel.

Irene K.. b Apr. 24, 1876; d Dec. 27, 1879.

Newton K.. b Oct. 27. 1879: d Aug. 26, 1881.

Son, stillborn. June 15. 1883.

George K. Meschter was born on May 2. 1840, on his father's farm in the extreme northern part of Towamencin Twp.. Montg. Co.. Pa.. near the Salford Schwenkfelder Meeting House. Much of

George K. Nleschter's early education was acquired by study at home.                                               When he was about twelve
years old he attended for the first time a pay-school kept in the Salford Schwealdelder Meeting House, an old stone structure standing on the grounds. a few yards to the north of the present building. He next attended Tennis' Public School about one mile from his home. When approaching manhood he determined to secure as good an education as he could, as a consequence of which he later studied at the Kulpsville Academy for several terms and for a short time at the Quakertown Normal School. For two years he taught in his native township. first at Pleasant Valley. and then at Fry's School. After this period of teaching he spent one year at Treemount Seminary. Norristown. Pa., in order to fit himself for the study of medicine. The following year. 1864. he studied under the preceptorship of Dr. Joel H. Krauss. of Worcester, Montg. Co.. Pa. In the fall of 1865, Mr. Meschter entered the Medical School of the University of Pennsylvania, and was graduated from that institution in 1867, the regular medical course then requiring but two years. However, wishing to he as well prepared as possible for his profession, he pursued graduate work the following year in the Hospital of the uni­versity of Pennsylvania, Blockley and Pennsylvania Hospitals.

Having purchased the practice of his preceptor. Dr. Krauss. Dr. Meschter began his professional career in Worcester, Pa.. on March 1, 1868. At this one place for twenty-five years he faithfully and enthusiastically pursued his profession. acquiring one of the most extensive practices in the county and being one of the busiest physicians. Doctors B. T. Kohler, E. K. Blank, James M. Anders. David D. Custer, and Josiah K. Gerhard studied under him as preceptor. the last becoming his professional partner. Dr. Gerhard died in 1886. whereupon Dr. James R. Care became associated with Dr. Mesch-ter. In spite of his busy practice Dr. Meschter occasionally took time to lecture on medical topics at public schools, teachers' local institutes, and at the North Wales Academy. Soon after entering upon his professional career, he became a member of the Montg. Co. Medical Society, and remained identi­fied with it throughout his life. at one time serving as its president. Partly because of failing health Dr. Meschter gave up the active practice of medicine in 1893.

Dr. Meschter  assumed the duties of a second calling while still a practicing physician. He was elected minister of the Schwenkfelder congregation of the Middle District on March 23, 1883, to suc­ceed the Rev. John B. Kriebel. deceased. He pondered until fall on whether he should accept this election, after which he took up his added duties. After the death of Rev. William S. Anders in 1907,

 

934                          GENEALOGICAL RECORD OF THE SCHWENKFELDER FAMILIES

Dr. Meschter became senior minister of the Middle District. He was also active in the Schwenkfelder Mission in Norristown, Pa., and was consequently invited to assume full charge of this mission in 1905. He continued as its minister until 1908 when he asked for permanent release. His reason for doing so is to be found in his letter of resignation, which follows:

"Worcester, Pa., Jan. 7, 1908.

To the Members of the Home and Foreign Board of Missions of the Schwenkfelder Church:

Brethren, I herewith tender my resignation as pastor of the Norristown Schwenkfelder Church. I take this step, as you probably know, by advice of my physicians, who advise me to give up my work. It is my desire that this resignation shall go into effect, and all my services in connection with said church cease with the close of the regular services of worship on the coming Sabbath.

Yours fraternally,

George K. Meschter."

Dr. Meschter preached his farewell sermon on Jan. 12, 1908. With the same faithfulness and en­thusiasm as in the medical profession he pursued his work as minister, and was anxious in every possible way to advance the interests of the church. He was identified with every movement of the Schwenk-felder Church of denominational import. In 1882 he was a member of the Building Committee of the Worcester Schwenkfelder Church. He was secretary of the Board of Home and Foreign Missions of the Schwenkfelder Church from 1904 until 1910, having resigned only shortly before his death. He was a member of the Board of Publication of the Schwenkfelder Church since its inception in 1884. He was also a member of the Board of Trustees of Perkiomen Seminary for a number of years and was vice-president of this body.

Dr. Meschter spent the last three winters of his life in St. Petersburg, Florida, the warm sunny climate of which benefited his health; but these annual visits could at best only prolong his life. On the morning of June 4,1910, he arose early—as frequently—chatted happily with his son's, Cyrus', family and began trimming small trees on his lawn. Not feeling' well he went into his library at 6.15 A.M. to lie on the sofa. The family soon found that his condition had become alarming; he had an attack of cerebral hemorrhage. Of this he died at 6.45 A.M. He obeyed the orders of his Great Physician, and followed the voice of his Good Shepherd. In the appropriate quotation of the Rev. Harvey K. Heeb­ner in his funeral address:

"Dead he lay among his books!

The peace of God was in his looks."

On June 8, 1910, he was laid to rest in the pretty cemetery of Worcester Schwenkfelder Church.

[C. K. M.]

[66-15] JOHN K. MESCHTER, b June 15, 1847; s Rev. George and Sophia (Kriebel) Meschter [66-7]; m Mar. 20, 1880, MARY (MAGGIE) HENDRICKS, b May 18, 1858; dau Charles J. Hendricks. Retired farmer; Mainland, Pa. No issue. (1917.)

[66-16] OSWIN CLEMMER MESCHTER, b Apr. 9, 1878; s Charles Y. and Matilda B. (Clem-mer) Meschter [66-8]; m May 6, 1905, LAURA D. ECK, b Oct. 4, 1881; dau Samuel G. and Malinda W. (Deischer) Eck. Farm laborer; Chapel, Berks Co., Pa. (1920.)

Children (6):

Irma, b Sept. 18, 1905.

Florence, b May 31, 1907.

Nelson, b Feb. 16, 1909.

Lester, b Nov. 24, 1910.

Son, b Oct. 4, 1912; d same day.

Elva, b Feb. 22, 1916.

[66-17] IDA CLEMMER MESCHTER, b Aug. 3, 1881; dau Charles Y. and Matilda B. (Clemmer) Meschter [66-12]; m June 26, 1907, REV. JEREMIAH ALLEN SWINGLE, b Sept. 24, 1880; s Jere­miah and Hannah (Corey) Swingle.

Rev. Swingle was born at South Canaan, Wayne Co., Pa. In 1906 he was graduated from the Biblical Department of the New York Missionary Training Institute with high honors. He served as secretary and physical director in the Army Y. M. C. A., at Fortress Monroe during 1906. Rev. Swingle was pastor at Windham, Pa. in 1908, and two years later served as missionary pastor at Clemons, N. Y. On Jan. 25, 1910, he was ordained -by the Baptist Council, and served as pastor of the Norris­town Schwenkfelder Church from 1912 to 1914. At the present time Rev. Swingle is pastor of a church at Northville, N. Y. (1920.)

 

GENEALOGICAL RECORD OF THE SCHWENKFELDER FAMILIES                    935

Children (6):

Jerry Allen, b Dec. 26, 1908; d Jan. 7, 1909.

Kenneth, b May 15, 1910.

Oral James, b June 8, 1912.

Ruth, b Mar. 28, 1914.

Roy Clemmer, b Mar. 30, 1917.

Esther_. Mae, b Apr. 5, 1920.

[66-18] WAYNE CLEMMER MESCHTER, b Dec. 18, 1883; s Charles Y. and Matilda B. (Clem-mer) Mesehter [66-8]; m Oct. 16, 1912, LEILA ELEANORA KRIEBEL, b Aug. 19, 1882; dau Michael Z. and Mary (Cassel) Kriebel [19-49]. Res., 126 Roberts Ave., Glenside, Pa. (1922.)

Children (8):

Wayne Kyrel, b June 14, 1914.

Leila Loretta, b Oct. 30, 1915.

Eldon Everett, b Aug. 8, 1918.

Wayne Clemmer Meschter was born at Palm, Montg. Co., Pa. He attended the public schools of his native township, and also attended Perkiomen Seminary during the two winter terms of 1900-1901. He then went-to Phila. and entered the employ of the American Preserve Co. in the shipping depart­ment, starting on Sept. 1, 1902. Desiring to improve his scholastic attainments, Mr. Meschter entered the evening school of Temple University, registering in the Commercial Course whichhe successfully completed in 1905. After his graduation Mr. Meschter continued his studies in higher accounting and banking, in addition to pursuing courses in languages and chemistry.

In the meantime, on account of his diligence and attention to the business of the firm, he was promoted to office boy, serving in this capacity until 1908 when he was advanced to the position of Assistant-Secretary of the American Preserve Co. After the death of his uncle, William Y. Meschter, in 1909, Mr. Mesehter succeeded him as Secretary and Treasurer of the Company, holding that office until 1916, when he acquired the controlling interest in the business, and is now sole proprietor of the Company.

The location of the plant at that time was 946-50 North Beach Street, Phila. The city of Philadel­phia, desiring to widen Front Street, acquired the major portion of the Company's property in 1919 by condemnation proceedings. and the concern was ordered to move. Mr. Meschter thereupon purchased the ground at Lehigh Avenue and Third Street and erected the handsome modern factory now located there, which is one of the finest and best equipped of its kind in the country. Operations in the new building were begun in January, 1921.

It is rather significant that one of Mr. Meschter's products which he makes in large quantities is that of "apple butter," a dish which is always served by the Schwenkfelders at their annual Memorial Day services, held on Sept. 24 of each year.

As a citizen Mr. Meschter is always a factor in progressive movements. He served three terms (1910-12) as President of the Alumni Association of the Commercial Department of Temple University, and has been a member of the Board of Managers of the Alumni Association of the same department for a number of years.

Ever since coming to Phila., Mr. Meschter has been an active worker in the First Sehwenkfelder Church of Philadelphia, having served in practically every capacity in both Church and Sunday School, and has for ten years or more been the very efficient and enthusiastic Superintendent of the Sunday School. Since 1912, when the present Schwenkfelder Church organization was perfected, Mr. Meschter

has been Secretary of the Board of Managers of the Charity Fund of the Schwenkfelder Church.                                                                        •

It is due the readers of this book to know that Mr. Meschter was one of the first guarantors of the fund to publish this book, and as treasurer of the Publishing Committee, when the guaranty fund was exhausted, advanced the necessary funds to bring this book to its present dimensions and its successful completion. During the troublesome war times, when the outlook was dark and when the editor was discouraged and when almost insurmountable obstacles seemed to present themselves, it was the en­thusiastic optimism and encouragement of the Treasurer that prompted the editor to continue the work and carry it forward to completion.

The Editor desires his readers to know that had it not been for the generosity and enthusiasm of Wayne C. Mesehter the Schwenkfelder Genealogical Record in its present form would not have been possible.

 

936                        GENEALOGICAL RECORD OF THE SCHWENKFELDER FAMILIES

[66-19] CHARLES DAVID MESCHTER, b Sept. 18, 1888; s Charles Y. and Matilda B. (Clemmer) Meschter [66-8]; m Apr. 20, 1917, FLORENCE STURM, b July 9, 1895; dau George Sturm. Res., 1743 N. Park Ave., Phila. (1919.)

Children (2):

Marguerite Florence, b Jan. 27, 1919.

Charles David, Jr., b Aug. 16, 1922.

[66-20] EUGENE FUNK MESCHTER, M. D., b Oct. 12, 1877; s Daniel Y. and Medora E. (Funk) Meschter [66-9]; m June 24, 1903, EMMA LINDA REITER, b July 15, 1878; dau Franklin P. Reiter. Mr. Meschter is a physician; he is a graduate of Perkiomen Seminary, and the Medico-Chirurgical College, Phila. (1898). He is located in Pittsburgh, Pa., where he is medical examiner for the Pennsyl­vania R. R. (1920.) No issue.

[66-21] ALBERT FUNK MESCHTER, b Feb. 24, 1880; s Daniel Y. and Medora E. (Funk) Mesch-ter [66-9]; m Oct. 2, 1908, ERNESTINE EMERY, b Sept. 24, 1877; dau Stephen A. Emery. Mr. Meschter is a chemist with the E. I. DuPont Co. He is a graduate of Perkiomen Seminary (1897), and Bucknell University (1901). Res., Woodbury, N. J. (1920.)

Children (2):

Emery, b Apr. 26, 1910.

Helen, b Sept. 15, 1912.

[66-22] FLORENCE MESCHTER, b Aug. 12, 1882; d Sept. 9, 1908; dau Daniel Y. and Medora E. (Funk) Meschter [66-9]; m Aug. 9, 1906, LESTER HUXTABLE. Res., Canada. No issue.

[66-23] DANIEL WEBSTER MESCHTER, b Apr. 15, 1885; s Daniel Y. and Medora E. (Funk) Meschter [66-9]; m Oct. 3, 1912, ANNIE VIRGINIA HALL, b Jan. 24, 1879; dau Jacob B. Meyer. Clerk; St. Louis, Mo. (1920.) No issue.

[66-24] ELWOOD FUNS MESCHTER, b Aug. 26, 1888; s Daniel Y. and Medora E. (Funk) Meschter [66-9]; m Jan. 18, 1916, RUTH ANN TAYLOR, b Nov. 3, 1891; dau Alfred Taylor. Mechan­ical engineer; 349 Union St., Hudson, N. Y. (1921.)

Children (2):

Elwood Funk, b July 13, 1917.

Alfred Taylor, b Dec. 6, 1921.

[66-25] JACOB FUNS MESCHTER, b Feb. 10, 1891; s Daniel Y. and Medora E. (Funk) Mesch-ter [66-9]; m Apr. 13, 1912, ESTHER V. B. SMITH, b June 17, 1894; dau Joshua E. Smith. Postal clerk; Swarthmore, Pa. (1920.)

One child: Kathryn, b Oct. 7, 1913.

[66-26] HOMER MESCHTER, b Jan. 3, 1896; s Daniel Y. and Medora E. (Funk) Meschter [66-9]; m June 25, 1919, MAE L. BITTING, b Sept. 30, 1893; dau William and Elizabeth (Hersh) Bitting. Chemist; Woodstown, N. J. (1919.)

One child: Elizabeth Anne, b Apr. 29, 1920.

[66-27] EDNA S. MESCHTER, b Aug. 7, 1887; dau Levi Y. and Elizabeth S. (Shelly) Meschter [66-10]; m June 5, 1920, NEWTON S. GOTTSHALL, b Aug. 21, 1891; s Moses C. and Anna K. (Stauffer) Gottshall. Mr. Gottshall is a farmer and is Fieldman for the Interstate Milk Producers' Association.

Edna S. Gottshall is an active worker in the Palm Sunday School and Christian Endeavor Union, and is also an officer and energetic worker in the Perkiomen Valley C. E. Association. Res., Norris­town, Pa. (1921.)

[66-28] ALICE S. MESCHTER, b May 19, 1890; dau Allen K. and Amanda E. (Smith) Meschter [66-11]; m Oct. 20, 1915, J. A. CARTER RUDY, b Aug. 24, 1888; s William B. and Mary C. Rudy. Res., 1731 W. Huntingdon St., Phila. (1917.) No issue.

[66-29] NELLY C. MESCHTER, b June 25, 1874, dau Jacob K. and Hannah (Cassel) Meschter [66-13]; m Aug. 12, 1896, BENJAMIN F. BROWN, b Aug. 6, 1875; s Benjamin D. Brown. Mr.

 

GENEALOGICAL RECORD OF THE SCHWENKFELDER FAMILIES         937

Brown is a salesman and lives at 2929        Lehigh Ave. (1920), Phila., Pa. For a number of years Mr.

Brown has served as chorister of the Philadelphia Sehwenkfelder Church and Sunday School. Mrs. Brown is his faithful accompanist, and is also Superintendent of the Primary Department of the Sunday School.

One child: Burton Meschter, b Dec. 25, 1899; 2929 W. Lehigh Ave., Phila.

[66-30] CYRUS KRIEBLE MESCHTER, b Mar. 14, 1869; s Rev. Geo. K. and Mary Ann (Krieble) Meschter [66-14]; m 1891, ELLA B. CASSEL, b Jan. 3, 1871; dau Abraham M. and Catharine (Bleam) Cassel. Mr. Meschter is a farmer and lives on the old homestead of his father near Center Point, Pa. He is also an authority on private cemeteries, especially those in which Schwenkfelder descendants are buried. It is primarily through his agitation that the private cemeteries located on various former Schwenkfelder homesteads are now under the care of the church and are kept in good condition.

Mr. Meschter has copied many tombstone inscriptions and put them at the disposal of the editor of this work, thus assisting very materially in the compilation of this record. He has also written a number of articles on Sehwenkfelder homesteads which were published in "The Schwenkfeldian."

Children (2):

[66-32]       1. Ada, b June 9, 1892; in William E. Markley.

2. George C., b June 24, 1896; unm; Worcester, Pa.

[66-31] CHARLES KRIEBLE MESCHTER, b Sept. 19, 1871; s Rev. George K. and Mary Ann (Krieble) Meschter [66-14]; m Sept. 12, 1897, LAURA EISENBREY, b Sept. 26, 1876; dau Joseph Hunt Eisenbrey. Prof. Meschter is Assistant Professor of English at Lehigh University; res., 637 N. New St., Bethlehem, Pa.

Charles Krieble Meschter, M. A., Ph. D., was born at Worcester, Pa., and is a direct descendant through both parents of Melchior Meisther [E 66]. After completing the course of study in the local school in 1889, Mr. Meschter attended the State Normal School at West Chester, Pa., graduating from that institution in 1892. He then entered the Arts Course of the University of Pennsylvania, receiving the B.S. degree in 1896. The year of 1899-1900 was spent at Harvard College where he received the degree of B.A.

In 1896, Mr. Meschter started teaching English and German at Perkiomen Seminary, Pennsburg, Pa., and during this time continued his studies in the Graduate School of the University of Pa. He received the degrees of M.A. in 1907, and Ph. D., in 1913.

Dr. Meschter held the following teaching positions: Head of the Dept. of English Language and Literature and of the Dept. of German at Perkiomen Seminary, 1896-1905; Instructor in English Lang­uage and Literature, Lehigh University, 1905-1909; Assistant Professor of English Language and Liter­ature, Lehigh University, 1909 to date; Head of the Dept. of English Language and Literature, Mora­vian College for Women, 1910 to date.

In 1914, Dr. Meschter published an edition of "Love's Victory," a seventeenth century English drama by William Chamberlaine.

Dr. Meschter has also written considerable verse. He published a juvenile booklet entitled "Leisure Hour Poems" in 1894. The predominant subject of his poems is the Delaware Water Gap, Pa. There appeared a small book of poems written by him entitled "Delaware Water Gap Lyrics" in 1913. In addition to the above Dr. Meschter has written three narrative poems of considerable length on the Water Gap, "Mount Minsi Fairies" (appearing in book form in 1915), "Winona," 1917, and "Pohoqualin Tales," 1920.

[66-32] ADA MESCHTER, b June 9, 1892; dau Cyrus K. and Ella B. (Cassel) Meschter [66-30]; m 1914, WILLIAM EARL MARKLEY, b Dec. 20, 1892; s Horace H. and Louisa (Hallman) Markley. Salesman; Worcester, Pa. (1920.)

Children (2):

Evelyn, b Mar. 14, 1915.

Ada Arlene, b Feb. 9, 1919.