Genealogical Gems

A pile of random papers from an unidentified newspaper offered the obituary of a child, a mere 19 year old child, and a poem in his memory. The obituary is that of “our lamented and sainted Bro. Willie Loose, son of Rev. E. Loose.” The poem is by Rev. C. G. Koch. LOOSE, Willie L., son of Rev. E. and S. Loose, lost his life in the River Raisin, by accident, March 5, 1883, in his nineteenth birthday. His body has not yet been found. He was converted in his eighth year, united with our Church, and remained faithful til death. He was contemplating the ministry when he so suddenly lost his life. He was a most excellent young man. On the evening of March 4 th , he conducted our young people’s meeting for the last time. After services he said to me: “I can trust God as never before.” Funeral services May 17 th , by the writer, from Isa. 57:1-2, assisted by S. Coply, H. Spitler, A. J. Gramly and C. G. Koch. He leaves parents, 5 brothers and 2 sisters to mourn.   … S. Heininger So...

I am reading John Loose's The Heritage of Lancaster. The late Mr. Loose was well known in genealogical/local history circles.  Since I've traced the hubby's family back to the original permanent settlers in the County, I figured it would be a good read. Hence this entry (and probably next Thursday as well) will be more of a scattered note taking than an actual article. The County was formed on 10 May 1729. That makes us 284 years old. To put that in perspective, Pennsylvania itself was form on 5 May 1681. That means the Commonwealth was less than a half century old when Lancaster was carved out of Chester County. The Herr/Mylin/Kendig families have long been credited as being the County's first permanent settlers. They settled in the Lampeter and Willow Street area, where the Hans Herr House is now a registered historical landmark. Loose points out that two other families have recently tried to claim that as well however his mention of them is little more than a...

Lancaster historian John Loose passed away. Anyone who has ever remotely tought of history or genealogy in Lancaster County has heard of Mr. Loose. What an incredible man. May His Memory Be Eternal.