2017 New Berlin Heritage Association Bulletin Edited by David W. and Sally K

Pen and ink sketch of the 1814 Union County Court House by Donna S. Spangler-Boop.

2017 New Berlin Heritage Association Bulletin edited by David W. and Sally K. Farmer. 2

Charter Members New Berlin Heritage Association

Dorothy L. Eaton* Edna Smalley* Louis A. Eaton* Jerome Smith* Richard Jones* Marie Smith* Phyllis Keister* Marjorie Smith* Dorothy Kinney* Winifred Smith* Murray Kline* Catherine S. Snyder* Rose Kline* Edith Solomon* Betty Kratzer Estella Solomon* Gloria Maize* – Copresident Margaret Solomon* Joan Maurer – Copresident Russell Solomon* Harriet McLain* Velma Solomon Mabel Michael D. Paul Souders* Rev. Mark Michael* Donald Spangler* Isabelle Miller* J. Marlyn Spangler* Louise Miller* Josephine Spangler* Ether Moyer* Ruth Spangler* Samuel Moyer* Ray Stumpff James R. Ritter* Martha Wetzel Mary Sassaman* Laura Witmer* Ferne Sauers* Rev. Robert Wittlinger George L. Sauers* Lorraine Wolfe* Polly Sauers* Marie Wolfe* – Treasurer James Sellers *deceased 3

Johann Georg Benfer: Pennsylvania Frontier Ranger by Miles C. Miller

Johann Georg Benfer (1745-1818) was born in Girken- hausen, Westfalia (now Germany). He arrived in Philadel- phia on British Ship “Betsey” in 1766 at age 21. He married Mary Catherine Scharff (1755-1790) in 1776 and had seven children including my direct ancestor, Daniel E. Benfer (1777- 1854). Mary Catherine died in 1790 (gravesite unknown) and Johann married Maria Magdalene Miller in 1793 with whom he had four children. He and his second wife are buried in the New Berlin Cemetery (near the flagpole).

Miles C. Miller at Johann Georg Benfer’s grave in the New Berlin Cemetery 4 45

During the American Revolutionary War, Johann served Susan Walker Meachum Donna S. Spangler–Boop as a private in Lieutenant James McEvey’s Northumberland County Militia as well as in Captain Boevard’s Company of George E. Mensch Mary Jo Spangler Frontier Rangers. Johann’s family lived in the area of Penn’s Creek near what became Longstown and later, New Berlin. Mifflinburg Bank & Trust Co. Ruth-Alice Seebold Spangler Both units operated out of Fort Augusta (located in what is Garth R. Miller Frances Stover now Sunbury). There were several different military organizations em- Steven C. Miller, DDS Lynn M. Tanner ployed during the Revolutionary War. In the main areas of the conflict, the Continental Army which was composed of Joseph Prah Joan E. Thomas professional soldiers, fought using standard European forma- QCast Aluminum Tammy Tobin tions and tactics. State Militias were made up of volunteers whose primary duty was to perform defensive operations (mil- QE Manufacturing Co, Inc. Kaylene Trick itary operations intended to hold territory). Rangers were professional soldiers who were experts in Indian fighting tech- Marian Reem Marvin Wagner niques and performed raiding, scouting, and early warning defensive operations (military operations not intended to hold Barbara A. Ritchey Thomas R. Walker territory). Margaret E. Ritter Clyde Walter In the frontier regions like central Pennsylvania, County Militias performed defensive duties in their local areas while Jill Shambach Diane Walter Pennsylvania Frontier Rangers conducted scouting and early warning operations. Frontier Rangers were organized into John Showers Nancy K. Wheaton 100-man companies. Typically, a section of six men would be on duty while the remaining 94 men worked at their everyday Nancy Showers Dennis D. Williams occupations, but ready to rapidly respond if required. Donna M. Slear Christine Wilson Fighting in central Pennsylvania during the American Revolution did not involve British troops, but had the colonists Carole Spangler Joanne Zimmerman battling marauding Indians urged on by the British. Typi- cal of these types of raids was the Lee Massacre at Winfield Dennis Spangler on August 16, 1782 where Indians killed 12 and captured 13. Most of the raids were committed by Iroquois Indians who had long been allies of the British before and during the recent French and Indian War (1754-1763). 44 5

Life Members New Berlin Heritage Association

Julie N. (Adams) Breon Paul J. Heimbach

Audrey Bingaman Tom D. Heimbach

Jean E. Bingaman Dianne Hepler

Ronald C. Blatchley Bonnie E. Hestor

Kathy Bromfield Martha G. Hockenberry

Ted Chappen Elaine Hopkins

Joan K. Dervin Robert Johanns

Sidney G. Dreese Lee E. Knepp

Loren Eberhart Betty J. Kratzer

Mary Ellen Egli Diana Lasansky Timeline of actions in Central Pennsylvania David W. Farmer Tammy Longacre with regard to other Revolutionary War events

Sally K. Farmer Ian McCormick The raids became so frequent and devastating that dur- Robert Garrett Keith McNeil ing 1777, about 80% of the population of central Pennsylva- nia fled their homes for safety in southwestern Pennsylvania. At the time, this was called “The Big Runaway.” Most re- Robert J. Hammond Joan E. Maurer turned a year later only to suffer additional attacks and leave a second time termed “The Little Runaway.” At this point, Donna K. Heimbach Robert E. Maurer General Washington became so concerned that he dispatched a force of 4,000 Continental Army soldiers (about 15% of the 6 43 entire American army) under General John Sullivan to end Don & Gem Maurer Jim & Dianne Smith the Indian threat. Designated as “The Sullivan Expedition,” Elmer & Joan Maurer In memory of it destroyed more than 40 Iroquois villages and food stores Wendell M. Smith in Pennsylvania and New York. Most likely, Johann Benfer’s Harry & Linda Maurer Ranger unit was involved in this campaign. Joan Solomon Marvin Maurer Carole & Tim Spangler In memory of George & Cass Maurer Mr & Mrs Dennis Spangler

In Memory of Mervin L. Maurer Ruth-Alice Spangler Reagan Maurer Frances M. Stover

Robert E. & Doloras Maurer Kelvin & Janet Swanger

Dave & Suzanne Walker Meachum Lloyd & Phyllis Swanger

George & Joyce Mensch Logan & Pai Ann Swanger

Mifflinburg Bank & Trust Company Ron & Kay Trick

Tom & Miriam Milbrand Ralph & Jo Unroe

Garth & Carol Miller Craig VanHorn

Barb Ritchey Robert & Erma VanHorn

Charles & Bonnie Ritter Steve & Ann VanHorn

Rolanda Ritzman William & Connie VanHorn

Logan Roush The Luther Wagner Family

Bob & Jean Sauers Grace & Spencer Walker

Donna & Donnie Sauers Clyde & Diane Walter Lynn & Jill Shambach John & Patricia Yerger

Nancy & John Showers Mary & Harry Yost

Indian Attacks leading to the “Big” and the “Little” Runaways 42 7

New Berlin Heritage Association The mission of the Pennsylvania Frontier Ranger was 2017 Sponsors to “Range out and return, watching for Indians and giving notice to the frontier settlers on their approach.” The special capabilities of the men who served as Pennsylvania Frontier Rangers is illustrated by a contemporary observation of the Benfer-Miller Post 957 Gary & Betty Hacjenberg The American Legion Pennsylvania Militia in general - “Not one fourth part of them Mary A. Hackenberg (the Militia) are fit to go against the Indians or can be of the Audrey Bingaman least use as Rangers, neither being acquainted with the woods Lyndon & Dianne Hepler Ronald & Frances Blatchley or the proper use of the gun.” During the Revolutionary War, Bill & Martha Hockenberry 3,500 men served as Pennsylvania Frontier Rangers. During Bill & Julie Breon & Family the Revolutionary War, what is now the area of New Berlin Wayne & Kathy Bromfield John & Betty Hollenbach was part of Northumberland County covering a much larger area than it does today. Doris & Frank Brouse Robert & Nancy Hummel

Coukart & Associates, Inc. Mrs Oliver Hummel Steve & Sherry Cusick Carole J. Jacka

DJ’s Service Eugene & Miriam Keister

Joan Dervin John S. Klingler

Sidney Dreese Lee E. Knepp

Jay & Mary Ellen Egli Dick & Betty Kratzer

The Emporium of the William Leitzel & Family Samuel Aurand House James Lengle Laura Erdley & Family Catharine Walker Livingston Sally & David Farmer Nelson & Tammy Longacre Franklin & Julia Fetter Joan W. McClure Mark & Linda Fetter Northumberland County during the Revolutionary War Keith S. McNeil Fraktur by Donna Selfridge Spangler In memory of Unlike professional military Rangers, Pennsylvania Fron- Kathy Mapes tier Rangers served on a part-time basis. Accordingly, while employing the same weapons and equipment as professional 8 41

Rangers, they wore their regular civilian clothes and hunting opposition to study German in elementary and secondary shirts and carried their own personal gear. schools, in the change from sauerkraut to ‘liberty cabbage.’ ” Times All were armed with a smoothbore musket, a knife, and The reported that the city of Portland, Ore., had a tomahawk. Ancillary equipment was carried in a leather changed the Teutonic names of several of its streets and that shoulder bag called a “possible bag.” While powder horns loyal Americans with German names are striking them out. were used for hunting, in combat, pre-loaded paper cartridges Evidence could not be found that Rep. Smith’s proposal were employed since these allowed faster loading of the mus- was subject to a committee hearing or a House floor vote. ket. The main hand-to-hand fighting weapon in Europe was Here is the text of the bill: the sword and bayonet, whereas in North America, it was the tomahawk and knife. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- resentatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled. That the names of all cities, villages, counties, townships, boroughs, and of all streets, highways, and avenues in the United States, its Territories or possessions, named Berlin or Germany, be changed from the name Berlin or Germany to the name of Liberty, Victory, or other patriotic designation. Sec. 2. That the municipality where any of the above names occur shall forthwith upon passage of this act take proper proceedings to make the changes above specified. Sec. 3. That from and after the passage of this act all letters or mail matter addressed to any per- son residing in any municipality called Berlin or Germany shall be prohibited from transportation or delivery in the United states, its Territories or possessions. Typical frontier ranger equipment and garb

The main weapon used by both the militia and the rangers This may not be relevant to the story, but Rep. Smith was the smoothbore, flintlock musket. It fired a 0.75 caliber (1853-1923) was an Irish immigrant, coming to the U.S. in (3/4 inch diameter) lead ball weighing 1 ounce at a muzzle 1855 as a two-year-old. velocity of 1,000 feet per second. Because the musket was 40 9

Berlin, it stayed, and Berlin it remains. not rifled, the ball did not spin in flight. This resulted in News accounts from October 1944 report that the resi- a random path that was very inaccurate beyond 50 paces. dents of Berlins in Ohio and New Hampshire were similarly However, in combat, the speed of loading and firing the mus- disinclined to change their town’s name. An Associated Press ket was more important than its accuracy. article stated that the people of Berlin, N.H., pronounce their Both smoothbore and rifled flintlock muskets involved town name with the accent on the first syllable, same as the a 14-step loading procedure. A musket could be loaded and folks in New Berlin, Pa. fired at a rate of 3 to 4 shots per minute. A rifled musket took The phenomenon of striking German-influenced town names a much longer time to load due to the difficulty in ramming was strong during World War 1. Berlins in California, Iowa, the lead ball down the rifled barrel. Accordingly, its rate of and Michigan became Genevra, Lincoln, and Marne, respec- fire was about 1 shot per minute. Even though rifles of the tively. New Berlin, Ohio, became North Canton. Several time were accurate out to 100 paces, muskets were preferred Germantowns were also renamed, becoming Schroder, Texas; because of their faster rate of fire. Firing was done in volleys Garland, Nebraska; and Pershing, Indiana. In Canada, Berlin, at groups of men rather than at a single man target. The Ontario, became Kitchener. order to shoot was “Ready, Point, Fire” rather than “Ready, Aim, Fire” since aiming was neither necessary nor effective. More than 90 communities in Australia shed their Ger- The typical engagement range of the musket in combat was man names for ones that were more English or Australian 30 paces (yards) or less. This was usually the maximum sounding. The discarded place-names included Bismarck, distance you could see due to the terrain, foliage, and smoke Hamburg, Heidelberg, and Rhine, along with Berlin and names of the battlefield. combining German with words such as Town, Gardens, and Mountain. The most aggressive attempt to obliterate German place names was reported in the New York Times on June 2, 1918. With this headline, “To Strike Germany from Map of U.S.,” the Times introduced its readers to a heavy-handed attempt to force name changes through legislation. Accord- ing to the Times, Congressman J.M.C. Smith, Michigan, in- troduced a bill in the House of Representatives to change the names of municipalities, counties, townships, streets, and highways from Berlin or Germany to Liberty, Victory or some other patriotic designation. From the article: “The movement to give expression to Smoothbore, flintlock musket public sentiment and oppose Germany is taking shape in the 10 39

“Some New Berlin residents point out that there are many fine people of German stock living in this country and that the quarrel is not with Germany itself or its forbearers, but with the Nazi regime. “Another reminded us that we have had two wars with England but we didn’t’ change English names, even those states which honored English kings and queens. “Still another far-sighted person stated that by the time we get all of the Berlins changed over here, we’ll be addressing mail to the Yanks in Berlin!” I found the Sun’s article at the James V. Brown Library in Williamsport, where the newspaper exists on microfilm. Musket bullet The article includes photos of the town and the people who were interviewed. The poor quality of the microfilm renders the photos as not much more than black smudges, but their presence shows the prominence the newspaper placed on the story. Although Anderson’s campaign failed, he nearly succeeded in getting the town of Berlin, Ore. renamed. Oddly, the town was not named after Berlin, Germany. Rather its name de- rived from Burrell’s Inn, the town’s former name. Residents apparently ran the words together as a verbal shortcut. A member of the local Chamber of Commerce accepted An- derson’s proposal because he thought the resulting public- ity would boost the area’s economy. The townspeople were having nothing of it. According to newspaper accounts, resi- dents, including a descendant of one of the Burrells, of Bur- rell’s Inn fame, petitioned the local court to prevent the name change. As one resident stated, “Maybe we’ll change it and maybe we won’t. But by golly, if we do, we’ll do it ourselves, and not some New York playwright!” Musket firing 38 11

Here is a sampling of what New Berliners had to say: Johann Benfer was my 7th great-grandfather. I am de- scended to him through my great-grandmother, Eva Mae “If there are any changes to be made, let the Benfer (1875-1962). She was married to Ammon Miller (1871- name of Berlin in Germany be changed!” prof- 1944) and lived in the farm just west of New Berlin (border- fered Postmaster Joseph S. Seebold. “Does any- ing the west side of New Berlin Cemetery). Only recently, I one realize the disruption that such a move would learned of my relationship to Johann and none of my family make in the mails alone? And how, may I ask, was ever aware of his connection to us. would it further the war effort?” Dr Lewis E. Wolfe, the community’s only physi- cian, had this to say: “What a narrow-minded, bigoted idea!” Miss Susan Matilda Fries, a seamstress, says softly, “It would not seem like home.” David E. Peterson, storekeeper, asks, “What’s the point?” Joseph Van Horn, garage proprietor, exclaims, “No, sir-e-e-e!” Mrs J. Marlin Spangler, housewife and energetic war bond salesman, says. “There’s no sane reason to change.” E.A. Snook, school principal, contends, “Very con- fusing.” Carl Soloman, a 12-year-old who comes from a long line of New Berlin Solomans, looked up at the reporter sheepishly as if to say, “You’re kidding.” There is no record of what young Carl said.

The article also reports that the name-change idea had “bobbed up” in two world wars: “The suggestion didn’t make it to first base during World War 1 and residents think it will meet the same fate in this World War. Descendants of Johann Georg Benfer (1745-1818) 12 37

During WWII, my father, Miles Gross Miller (1918-2002), who was born and raised in New Berlin, served in the 76th Infantry Division of Patton’s 3rd Army. His unit reached the furthest east of any Allied army. During his unit’s advance through Germany, he passed within 40 miles of the birthplace of his ancestor, Johann Benfer, without realizing it.

The New Berlin name-change story was featured prominently in the Williamsport Sun, October 14, 1944

It is not known if the mayor of New Berlin received An- derson’s telegram. Judging by the comments reported in the Sun, however, the suggestion would not have been imple- Miles G. Miller’s Army unit’s path in Germany during WWII mented. 36 13 records of council meetings before 1955 were destroyed in One final note: Johann Benfer’s first wife, Mary Cathe- a flood. rina Scharff (my 5X-great-grandmother) had two sisters: Es- While all the activity described above was going on, I ther Regina and Catherine Margaretta. Esther Regina mar- set out to find the article. Dad was in India in January of ried Henry Bickel; Catherine Margaretta married David Emerich. 1945 and he received the Sunbury Daily Item in the mail. If All three sisters and their families lived in the area of what the article had been in the Item, he would have seen it; his is now New Berlin, which was still wilderness at that time. parents would not have sent it to him. One day in April 1781, Henry had gone to the Emerichs’ I asked my cousin, Bob Stoudt, if he could find anything farm to help David roll logs. Indians attacked the farm, in the archives of the Union County Historical Society where killing both David and Henry. David’s wife Catherine and he is a volunteer. In a February 12 email, Bob reported he her daughters were kidnapped and taken by the Indians to had sent me a copy of an article I would find interesting. Niagara, NY, where they later married their captors. George Benfer and Mary Catherine (my ancestors) were not involved The article was in the Williamsport Sun, October 14, in this attack. This is fortunate for me because my direct an- 1944. The headline tells the story: cestor Daniel E. Benfer (1782-1883) had not been born yet and I might not be here had Johann gone to help his brothers- Union County Town Sticks to its Historic Name in-law! Retention of New Berlin New Berlin Has Had Its Name for 100 Years Citizens See No Reason to Change it Now

As the headline states, the name change idea came from a playwright, Maxwell Anderson, who suggested that towns across the United States with the name Berlin – New Berlin, Berlinville, whatever – “...bear the taint of Berlin...” and that such names are “distasteful.” Anderson sent telegrams to the mayors and councils of 16 communities across the country. His recommendation was driven by a desire to perpetuate the memory of Distomo, a Greek village destroyed by the Nazis on June 10, 1944. German SS troops murdered 214 men, women, and children in retribution for partisan raids in the area. Attempts by relatives of the victims to collect reparations for the massacre have been rebuffed by courts in Greece, Germany, and Italy, most recently in 2011. 14 35

I sent an email enquiry to New Berlin resident Diane Lengle, a volunteer with the New Berlin Heritage Associa- tion. Diane replied as follows: Per the Union County, Pa. A Celebration of History, (Penn State Press, 2000) p. 297: “In New Berlin a movement was afoot to discard its name, since it was identified with Hohenzollern rule, and substitute ’Verdun’ (one of heroic defenses by Allied troops) or ’St. Mihiel’ (a spectacular counterattack by American forces). The matter was scheduled for a town meeting; but no name could be agreed upon, and the town remained New Berlin.” I’m not sure what Hohenzollern (the royal family of Ger- many, last in power in 1918) rule had to do with the name of a small town in Pennsylvania. Perhaps the residents didn’t want an association with the city that was the seat of Ger- man rule as far back as 1417. Maybe it was a hatred of the Nazis. Or maybe none of the above. New Berlin’s Isaac Slenker (1800–1873) Diane said her husband, Jim, who is president of the Auditor General of Pennsylvania Heritage Association, learned from some townspeople that the name remained the same but the pronunciation changed by John R. Showers a little. “Berlin” became “Burlin” and accent was placed on the Bur-, as in New BUR-lin. I have been hearing about New The 2017 historical building block commissioned by the Berlin for six decades and the name has always enjoyed the New Berlin Heritage Association is the Isaac Slenker House BUR-lin pronunciation. located at the southeast corner of Hazel and Market Streets. With the selection of this house, the Heritage Association Unfortunately, there are no references to support the begins a series of homes of early prominent New Berlin cit- claims published in the Union County history book. No year izens who achieved acclaim beyond the community of their was given, so this event could have taken place during World day. Slenker married Margaret Geddes and built the pre- War I when anti-German sentiment was pervasive. But there mier Market Street residence in which a direct descendent is a clue: the reference to a town meeting. lived until the death of Slenker’s great-grandson Jesse War- Could a record exist? Was the discussion recorded in ren in 1966. Warren’s wife Blanche Mengel English Warren, meeting minutes? I called Rebecca Witmer, secretary and and later her son Alan English and wife Arlene continued the treasurer of the New Berlin Borough Council. Alas, the family legacy at 600 Market until the 1980s. Isaac Slenker is 34 15

Wir Sind Neue Berliners buried on the east side of the New Berlin Cemetery, at the very edge of the graveyard, overlooking town. by Tom Walker

This article appeared in the spring 2017 issue of Accounts, the journal of the Union county Historical Society. –Eds.

During World War II, the townsfolk of New Berlin con- sidered a plan to change the Borough’s name to something less German — or did they? I remember my father telling this story more than once. But does proof exist that such a move was considered? Turns out, it does. I had forgotten this tale until I read the letters my dad wrote to his parents in 1944 and 1945 when he was in the The Isaac Slenker House at 600 Market Street Army Air Corps. My father, Spencer W. Walker, was born in New Berlin in 1925 and buried there in 2013. His parents, Spencer M. and Fannie M., lived on Market Street until 1944 when they moved to Mifflinburg R.D. #2. Even though Dad did not live in New Berlin after he returned from the service, he always thought of himself as a New Berliner. At the very least, he continued to play for the New Berlin town basketball team in the West Branch League. He and my mother, the former Grace Wagner of Mifflinburg, were regular visitors to Heritage Days. Dad wrote this in his letter of January 15, 1945: “I received a package from you the other day with that The 2017 Heritage Association commemorative block piece from the newspaper. I mean the piece concerning the changing of New Berlin’s name. What a bunch of hooey that New Berlin’s name immediately conjures up in the minds was. Good reading though and I got a lot of laughs out of of residents and local historians the rich German roots so re- it.” flective of the centuries-enduring German families of our com- So it wasn’t a tale. munity and of Jacob Albright (Albrecht) who established the 16 33

Evangelical Church of America here on the banks of Penns just west of what is today New Berlin. Overmeir, portrayed Creek. However, the contributions of the Scott-Irish fam- by Jim Lengle, explained why the powder horn was a man’s ilies are not to be overlooked and, in particular, the role most precious possession next to his wife and children. He they played during New Berlin’s days as a county seat with told how his log cabin was used for protection when Native the town’s prominent attorneys and political leaders hail- Americans were seen in the area and why a fort was later ing from the Presbyterian Church that today serves as New built on his land as the white population grew. During the Berlin’s Community Center. Among New Berlin’s early at- American Revolution, the militia was re-organized and Over- torneys were Isaac Slenker, Joseph Casey, Absalom Swine- meir was placed in charge of the 3rd Ranger Company in ford, and James Merrill who were all Scotch-Irish1 or married the 1st Battalion, serving under Captain John Kelly. Stu- Scotch-Irish, devout Presbyterians, highly regarded lawyers, dents learned how a rifle was loaded and fired using the PPB and actively engaged in civic life. Merrill would become one formula: Powder, Patch, Ball. of the chief architects of the 1836 Pennsylvania Constitu- tion; Swineford would leave New Berlin following the division of the county, continuing the cause of temperance; Casey, too, would leave following the division and eventually be ap- pointed by President Lincoln as Chief Justice of the United States Court of Federal Claims; and Slenker would be the one to remain in New Berlin and serve ably as a State Senator and Pennsylvania Auditor General. Isaac Slenker was born on August 21, 1800 in Gregg Township in the northern part of Union County, a son of farmers Jacob and Juliana Slenker. Educated in a country school, Slenker taught school for several years before he could begin to afford to read and study law as one of the first stu- dents of famed Lewisburg Attorney James F. Linn. Slenker was admitted to the bar in 1828 and settled in New Berlin, remaining there until his death on April 17, 1873. Jim Lengle as John George Overmeir, an early settler in the area Franklin Ellis wrote in 1886 in the History of that part of the Susquehanna and Juniata Valleys embraced in the Coun- All the students were enthralled with the program and ties of Mifflin, Juniata, Perry, Union and Snyder in the Com- asked many thoughtful questions. And for those from New 1 Scotch-Irish or Scots-Irish: the Ulster Scots people, an ethnic group Berlin, they learned some fun facts about their historic little in Ulster, Ireland, who trace their roots to settlers from Scotland. town. Thanks to the volunteers who brought life to the stories Scotch-Irish Americans, descendants of Ulster Scots who first migrated of the time machine. to America in large numbers in the 18th and 19th centuries. 32 17 who was a well-respected clockmaker, the postmaster, and monwealth of Pennsylvania: “He was admitted to the bar a Union County Commissioner. She shared the story of her May 13, 1828. Judge Chapman remarked that he had passed daughter Susannah’s death at the age of 15, when she was the best examination had before him in five years. He settled struck dead from lightening in the Spring of 1838, enacted by in New Berlin, getting into a full tide of practice, and coming Bethany Runkle. into conflict with such men as James Merrill, John Lashells and Ebenezer Greenough. He imposed upon himself that se- vere course of legal training which he himself said, laid the foundation of the disease of which he died. His mind acted slowly and, as he expressed it, ’What those men had at their finger-ends he had to work half the night to obtain.’ ”

Isaac Slenker’s great-grandson Jesse Warren, who lived in the Slenker house until his death in 1966

As an attorney his hardworking reputation remained with Donna Devanney and Bethany Runkle him his entire life. A historical review of Union County’s at- as Salome and Susannah Franck, torneys by H.C. Cooper, Jr in the 1903 volume 2 of The wife and daughter of Phillip Franck Twentieth Century Bench and Bar of Pennsylvania includes that, “Mr Slenker was an eminent lawyer and had an exten- Finally, a powder horn transported the group back to sive practice. He had the confidence of his clientage and the the 1770s when John George Overmeir and his family settled community at large.” 18 31

Jim Lengle welcoming the students Mrs. Margaret Geddes Isaac Slenker and her daughter Margaret Geddes Slenker Warren in front of the Isaac Slenker house An old gavel magically took the students back to the courthouse days, where they met Phillip Miller, portrayed Isaac Slenker’s role in political life began early in his pro- by Jim Lengle. Mr. Miller was the court crier from 1818 to fessional life when in 1830 he was appointed deputy attorney 1853. Students were shown the witness chair along with the general, an office held until 1835. In 1834 he was elected to crier’s chair, where Miller spent most of his time when court serve in the Pennsylvania General Assembly as State Senator was in session. The importance of New Berlin as a county for Union and Northumberland Counties and would serve out seat was highlighted. the term ending in 1838. Upon his Senate departure, he “re- Ice tongs were the next artifact, taking the tour further sumed his (law) practice with energy and success,” according back to meet S.E. Benner, “the Ice Man”, who was portrayed to Franklin Ellis in History of the Susquehanna and Juniata by Logan Roush. Roush regaled the students with stories of Valleys. how ice was harvested, why kids loved to see him coming, Slenker always appeared interested in civic affairs. As and how important ice was in our history until the 1940s. It a son of a farmer, he was always involved in farming circles was not until after 1945 that most New Berliners replaced as an active member of the Union County Agricultural Soci- their old “ice boxes” with modern refrigerators. The sixth ety. Education appeared to be of great interest and he and stop of the time machine was the most dramatic, illustrated his many neighbors’ opposition to the Pennsylvania Public by a pair of blackened green slippers. The date was 1838 and Education Act appeared to propel him into his 1834 Senate the residents were Salome and Susannah Franck, portrayed victory. In 1840, he served as the Board President to a private by Donna Devanney and Bethany Runkle in period dress. struggling New Berlin Female Seminary. The Lewisburg-led “Salome” talked about her famous husband, Phillip Franck, 30 19

The next stop of the time machine was the 1930s and effort to eventually divide Union and Snyder Counties would WWII era. Katherine Smith’s diaries provided the informa- also find his passionate voice arguing against the split and tion for Suzanne Stackhouse, dressed as “Kat,” to talk about the antics of Lewisburg politicos. Charles M. Snyder reports how her family survived the Great Depression and how life in in the Union County, A Celebration of History that in 1855, New Berlin changed during the war years. Students learned “Isaac Slenker, Charles Merrill, and Samuel Weirick mean- how the American Legion Post 957 was named. This touched while charged Lewisburg with an attempt to buy votes of the the children and some wanted to share how their relatives people in the lower part of the county, and warned the public served and some died or were wounded during WWII. that the offer to pay division costs was absolutely worthless.” The year 1861 would prove to be a pivotal year for Isaac Slenker as he would re-enter elective politics as a candidate for President Judge of Union, Snyder, and Mifflin Counties, seeking to unseat Republican President Judge S.S. Woods. While Slenker would lose by a small margin with what Franklin Ellis describes as “taking the soldier’s vote to defeat him,” the near Slenker win captured the attention of the state Demo- cratic Party which in turn nominated him in 1862 for a suc- cessful run for Pennsylvania Auditor General. The Harris- burg Patriot newspaper concurred in this political analysis stating in Slenker’s obituary that his “astonishing canvass” as a Democrat – in his election loss – for Judge as drawing the Pennsylvania Democratic Party’s nomination of him for Auditor General to which he was “triumphantly elected.” Star of the North, a Democratic newspaper out of Blooms- burg, reported on July 16, 1862 that Isaac Slenker of Union Suzanne Stackhouse as Katherine Smith County was nominated on the 6th ballot for Auditor Gen- eral and his nomination was then unanimously ratified by A baton from the 1910 Cornet Band was the artifact the voice of the Convention. The article stated, (Slenker) “is representing the turn of the century. Homer Smith, the band a lawyer by profession, and enjoys a large practice in his own director, was portrayed by Keith McNeill in a New Berlin neighboring counties. He has a most enviable reputation for Band uniform. The visitors learned that bands were impor- business capacity and strict integrity. He is a man of mature tant in the life of the community and the fun of playing for years and would make a most capable, careful and efficient “Cake Walks.” The students got to listen to John Phillip Auditor General. His life has been mainly devoted to the Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes Forever” from a CD of the U.S. pursuit of his profession, having mingled little in public life.” Marine Corps Band. 20 29

Mifflinburg 4th graders visit the museum by Jim Lengle

In May, the fourth grade students of Mifflinburg School District made their annual history tour stop at the New Berlin Heritage Association’s museum housed on the second floor of the old courthouse. This year, the presenters decided to use the museum as a “time machine,” taking the students on a 200-year trip back in the history of New Berlin. Seven artifacts were chosen from the collection, each to magically transport them to a different time period. First was a score book and a pair of baseball cleats to re- mind them of the 1930s and 40s when baseball was an impor- tant part of town life. The students met one of New Berlin’s hardest hitters, Lou Sauers, as portrayed by Keith McNeil wearing a New Berlin baseball uniform from that period. “Sauers” told of his exploits on the field and in the West Branch League championship years of 1946 and 1948. This was before the inception of Little League–when men played and kids watched.

Bloomsburg’s Democratic newspaper Star of the North feature on Auditor General candidate Slenker Keith McNeil as the basball star “Sauers” and the Democratic slate in 1862 28 21

Blanche and Jesse Warren together with Aunt Catherine in the yard of the Slenker house

The Harrisburg Patriot obituary further outlines his ap- proach to public duties as Auditor General. “That he suc- ceeded is too well known throughout the commonwealth to merit repetition now. But his health succumbed to the ar- duous duties he imposed upon himself, and he retired at the expiration of his term broken down in health. A surcease of toil brought with it a measure of restored health for several years, but his disease recurred with aggravated violence some six months ago, and he is now at rest.” Franklin Ellis described Slenker as, “large, finely-formed man, of apparent great physical strength, of quiet, refined, unobtrusive manners, pleasant and genial, and before he went Isaac Slenker away his soul was tried in the furnace of domestic affliction. He survived the loss of his whole family, except his wife and little granddaughter. His son James, a bright and intelligent young man, had only gained his manhood and started in his father’s profession, when he died of consumption. Mr Slenker was an elder in the Presbyterian congregation from its early 22 27 commencement in 1843. He had so retentive a memory that the Psalms and the hymns of the Hymnal he could readily repeat. He gave largely and liberally to all worthy objects, was very kind to the poor, and in his day and generation did the work his hand found diligently. His memory is fresh and green among his contempoi’aries, while his works go on down with the enlarging cycles.”

The entry way of the Slenker house

An editorial in the Harrisburg Patriot printed widely in state newspapers of the day 26 23

Jill recalls that her great Aunt, Doll Eaton Musser, loved The Harrisburg Patriot obituary concludes, “The crown to tell stories about New Berlin’s past days and the Shambach of Mr Slenker’s life was that he was a consistent Christian. acquisition of the Slenker House opened up a whole exciting Yesterday at 11 a.m. all that was mortal of the Honorable chapter about days when New Berliners had among other Isaac Slenker was committed to its kindred dust, in the village things “housekeepers.” Doll told Jill that the small bedroom cemetery of New Berlin, Union County, Pennsylvania. Mr upstairs, “the one without the closet,” was called the sick Slenker was a great suffer during the last six months of his room. One at a time members of the Slenker family were life, and death was a welcome messenger to him.” sequestered there with consumption until recovery or death. Isaac Slenker and his adult son, three child daughters, and several grandchildren all died of consumption (tuberculosis). The Shambachs also report finding a gentlemen’s cane somewhat hidden in an upstairs closet. The cane had a gold top and was inscribed: “PRESENTED to Hon. Isaac Slenker Attorney General of Pennsylvania BY THE Clerks in his Of- fice April 30, 1866.” Over the years Jill and Lynn were for- tunate enough to acquire at a New Berlin auction an original oil portrait of a young bearded Isaac Slenker.

Slenker family row with Isaac’s stone in the foreground in the New Berlin Cemetery

Isaac Slenker is buried on the very edge of the east side of New Berlin’s cemetery with all the members of his family who preceded him in death of the same dreaded scourge of consumption2: son James Geddes (1842 to 1873), and daugh- ters Mary Jane (1831–1842), Juliette (1835–1842), and Laura

2 Consumption: an old and once common term for wasting away of the body, particularly from pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). Other old TB terms include the King’s evil or scrofula (TB of the lymph nodes in the neck) and Pott’s disease (TB of the spine). The World Health Organi- The cane that was hidden in an upstairs closet zation (WHO) in “L’histoire de la tuberculose” notes that: In 460 BC Hippocrates identified phtisis (the Greek word meaning ‘consumption’) 24 25

M. (1844–1845). Isaac Slenker’s only survivors would be his Not forgetting the past wife Margaret Geddes Slenker and granddaughter Margaret by Jill Shambach Slenker Warren who was born to son James in 1866. Wife Margaret, who died in 1900, and several other young children of son James Geddes Slenker are buried there as well. Jill Shambach, together with husband Lynn, are the cur- rent owners of the Isaac Slenker House, and are the first non- descendants to own and live in this Market Street treasure trove of history. Jill fondly recalls childhood memories of her knocking on the 600 Market Street door at Halloween and being greeted then by Mrs. Blanche Warren with candy. Jill says as a Halloween-er she never thought she would call this place home. The Shambachs purchased the house from Alan and Ar- lene English, the last descendents of Isaac Slenker to live in the family estate. Alan English, as a young adult, became a step-son of Jesse Warren when his mother Blanche married Jessie. The Englishes shared several early family photographs that are included in this article.

Isaac Slenker, 1800–1873 as the most widespread disease of his day and observed that it was al- most always fatal. Someone who had tuberculosis seemed literally to be consumed by the disease.’ The dining room of the Slenker house