The Ancestors of Robert Monroe Bucher
and
Elizabeth Ann Matlack
obituary, Tuscaloosa (AL) News 3 Jun 1998: Robert Bucher was raised in Ridley Park PA. He received an M.D. from Temple University Medical School ... and served in the army. He specialized in thoracic surgery, became Professor of Surgery and then Dean of Temple Medical School. Following a brief tenure with the National Institutes of Health, Dr. Bucher then helped to establish the University of South Alabama Medical School in Mobile as the First Dean. He officially retired as Professor Emeritus, and developed a small private practice on Dauphin Island where he pioneered that community's Paramedic service. Dr. Bucher relocated to Tuscaloosa in 1998. He was an avid musician and played banjo and guitars with Paper Moon, The Dixie Downbeats and various other jazz bands. He was active in volunteering his services to the Phoenix House, and also taught Advanced Trauma Life Support classes to physicians around the state of Alabama. Who's Who in America, 1972-1973, 1990-91, 1998-2000 (vol.XIII):
1950-59 asst. vis. surgeon Phila. Gen. Hosp.
vol. physician advisor, Dauphin Island Fire and Rescue Dept., Ala.
obituary, Tuscaloosa (AL) News 6 Sep 1993: She was active in volunteer services including adult literacy program of Tuscaloosa.
Dr. Jonas W. Bucher, 92, of 611 North Orange Street, a retired educator, died Sunday in the Evangelical Community Hospital, Lewisburg, where he had been a patient for several days. Dr. Bucher received his doctorate of philosophy degree in education from the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia in 1939. He was a high school teacher and principal. He taught at Temple University, Philadelphia, and later was dean at Delaware Valley College. After formally retiring, Dr. Bucher continued teaching at Pennsylvania Military College and at Delaware County Prison. He was founder and first president of the Delaware County Torch Club. Born August 13, 1885 in Lancaster County, he was the son of the late John B. and Maggie Risser Bucher. In 1918 he was married to the former Ellen Dreger, who survives. Dr. Bucher was a member of St. Paul's United Church of Christ, Selinsgrove. In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, Dr. Robert M. Bucher of Mobile, Ala., and William R. Bucher of Detroit, Mich.; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandsons. A son, Dr. John H. Bucher of Selinsgrove died in 1975. The funeral was conducted Tuesday in St. Paul's United Church of Christ, Selinsgrove. The Rev. R. Terrence Foor officiated. Burial was in the Salem Lutheran Cemetery, R.D. 1, Selinsgrove. Contributions in his memory may be made to St. Paul's United Church of Christ, Selinsgrove. Extracts from University of Pennsylvania Placement Service form, completed by Jonas on 17 Apr 1942 (courtesy University of Pennsylvania Archives):
Schools attended:
Subject of Doctor's Dissertation: Social and Economic Background of Prospective Teachers; Extra-curricular activities in college: Glee Club, Debating Teams; Community Activities: Past President, Ridley Park University Club, Director and Secretary, Ridley Park School Board; Membership in professional societies: Kappa Phi Kappa, Phi Delta Kappa What languages do you read: French and German; speak: German Percent of college expenses earned: all Certification: Pennsylvania Normal School diploma, Pennsylvania Permanent Certificate - all traditional high school subjects Employment Data:
University of Pennsylvania Placement Service - References, 1942 (courtesy University of Pennsylvania Archives):
2) Mr. Jonas W. Bucher received the degree of Bachelor of Science in Education from the School of Education and later the degree of Doctor of Philosophy with a major in Education from the Graduate School of the University of Pennsylvania. He has made a good record as a student and proved to be a successful schoolman. He has had experience as a teacher in the public schools, as supervising principal, and has been teacher of English in college. In these positions he has been successful. He is well qualified to teach English or Education in a college. He is also well adapted to administering a school system. He has a broad educational viewpoint, he is diplomatic in working with others. 3) Mr. Bucher is a high-grade man whom the current reduction in student numbers is forcing out of the Department of English. He is dignified in personal appearance, kind and considerate in manner, and uniformly literate in address. He is capable of an average amount of leadership et al, but frankly, I would not feel free to recommend him where great originality and initiative were desiderata. He is the type of character who sits tight and does well the job which has been given to him to do. He is absolutely cooperative and dependable. I can call to mind no one who would surpass in these qualities. His judgment and maturity are equally admirable. At his years, he has seen much of life and has learned how to evaluate it from a rich background. His scholastic achievement and his intellectual capacity are both solid and substantial. He is never subject to educational fads and frills of the moment. Extracts from University of Pennsylvania Alumni Opinion Questionnaire - 1973 (courtesy University of Pennsylvania Archives):
Corr. from Bill Matlack (Ann's brother): A little more informal stuff about Dr. Jonas B. When Ann and Bob were showing him around a city (it may have been Mobile) Dad Bucher asked to see the Poor House and where the have-nots lived. He was a compassionate man and always cared about the poor. He was also an eccentric. Like many professors (I am one) he was not the most fastidious dresser. It always irritated him that after tying a necktie the small end would often hang down too low. Rather than re-tie the tie, he would sometimes take a pair of scissors and CUT the long end! Ann said she found a whole closet-full of cut ties in his closet. Philadelphia City Directories:
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Corr. from Bill Matlack (Ann's brother): Dad was raised a Methodist, but when he married Mother the family became Episcopalian. David Johnson Matlack, my Dad, was a Civil Engineer. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Engineering School in 1913(I have seen the yearbook). He got his BS in Civil Engineering and helped plan the subway system in Philadelphia. Benjamin Fawley married Sarah Wilde. Their children were Clarence, William, Linwood, and Agnes. Clarence and William never married. Benjamin was a grocer, I believe. He died of typhoid, and Aunt Sarah carried on the business. She lived to be about 89, and I remember her. Joseph Lincoln Fawley,(1865-1949) Benjamin's brother, married Elizabeth Wilde, (1866-1957),Sarah's younger sister. Their children were Joseph Russell(1892-1968) and Elizabeth Emily (1895-1977), my mother. So Russell and Emily were "doubled first cousins" of Clarence, Will, Lin, and Agnes. Uncle Russell followed his uncles, John and Thomas Wilde, as a partner in John Wilde and Brother, spinners of woolen carpet yarns. Russell became sole owner in 1918 or 19, and later took in his brother-in-law, David J. Matlack (1891-1980), my father, as a partner. The firm was prosperous, and provided a good livelihood for our family. The firm, now John Wild and Brother, Inc., is still in business, headed by my first cousin, Joseph Russell Fawley, Jr. I believe it is the only independent carpet yarn spinning company in the US. Philadelphia City Directories:
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Philadelphia City Directories:
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My Grandpa, Joseph Lincoln Fawley (born 1865) worked in the mills as a skilled worker (loom fixer) most of his life. He was employed in Dobson's Mills in East Falls, Philadelphia, where one of his co-workers was Jack Kelly (John B. Kelly, famous oarsman and later father of a princess). Grandpa injured his hand in an industrial accident, which lost him his job and also his ability to play piano (he also gave piano lessons). There was no workmen's compensation in those days. Only in his later working years did he work as an insurance agent. Grandpa and I were close pals. Philadelphia City Directories:
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Mennonite obits: Sept 29 1904 Herald of Truth: Bucher.- On Sept. 19, 1904. at Lititz, Lancaster Co., Pa., of paralysis, Bro. Jonas W. Bucher, aged 76 Y. He was a skilled mechanic and inventor, having invented a hayrake which is extensively used. He was a member of the Mennonite church for many years and the father of Pre. John Bucher of Clay, Pa. Bro. Bucher is survived by his wife, four sons, six daughters, fifty grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held at the Hammer Creek M. H. on Sept. 22d.
He was a faithful member of the Mennonite Church for a number of years, and those who mourn the loss of a devoted father, brother and friend, do well to adhere to his timely counsel, pattern after his consecrated Christian service, and reflect over his exemplary life. The principal disease was dropsy, although there was a general failing due to his age. While many times a bodily sufferer, he ever prayed, "Thy will O Lord, not mine be done;" well knowing, that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Funeral services were held Mar. 2, at the Lititz M. H., at 9:30 and at the Hammercreek M. H., at 1:30, where interment was made. Services were conducted by J. H. Hershey and John Lefever. Texts, Matt. 13:43 and Heb. 4:9-11.
Mrs. Risser was an active worker and member of the Mennonite Church for more than sixty years. She is survived by the following sons and daughters: C. B. Risser, Lititz; Mrs. Jonas Hernley, Scottdale; Mrs. John Bucher, Ephrata; Mrs. N, B. Leaman, Lititz; Elam Risser, Lititz, and Elizabeth, at home. She is also survived by 39 grandchildren and 54 great grandchildren. Funeral services were held on Oct. 29, at 1:30 o'clock in the Lititz Mennonite Church with interment in the Hammer Creek Mennonite cemetery. Services were conducted by Bros. Jacob Hershey and Noah Landis. Text, Rev. 14:13. Dear mother how we miss thee/Thy toils and cares are o'er/We hope again to meet thee/On yonder Heavenly shore./A Daughter. Brenneman History p.288: They farmed near Brunnerville PA.
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Mennonite obits: Oct 1864 Herald of Truth: September 5th, near Litiz, Lancaster Co., Pa., Bro. Jonas Bucher, aged 81 years 6 mo. and 8 days. Funeral sermon was preched(sic) by the brethren John Brubaker, Christian Bonberger and John Landis from Revelation 22: 13, 14.
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He seems to have been much attached to Good's Mennonite Meeting house in Donegal, as one of the last documents he signed in his lifetime deeds over 90 acres of land in Conoy Twp. to his son Martin on condition that the latter pay $5.15 yearly to the meetinghouse "as long as there is a regular pastor there."
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Abstracts of Rev. War Pension Files on Matlack web site: Jacob or Jacob Matlock, S2756, BLW #26518-160-55, NJ Line, sol was b 19 Dec 1762 in Waterford Twnshp in Gloucester Co NJ & he lived there at enl, he appl 15 Oct 1832 Philadelphia Co PA, he appl for BLW in 1855 at Philadelphia PA, sol d 2 Feb 1857. Pennsylvania Pensioners 1835 (Ancestry.com): County: Philadelphia Co.; Name: Jacob Matlock; Rank: Private; Annual Allowance: 56 66; Sums Received: 169 98; Description of service: New Jersey State line; When placed on the pension roll: June 30, 1833; Commencement of pension: March 4, 1831; Age: -; Remarks: Paid in New Jersey. New Jersey Pensioners 1835 (Ancestry.com): County: Gloucester Co.; Name: Jacob Matlock; Rank: Private; Annual Allowance: 56 66; Sums Received: 169 98; Description of service: New Jersey militia; When placed on the pension roll: January 3, 1833; Commencement of pension: March 4, 1831; Age: 72; Remarks: Removed to Philadelphia. Thomas Chalkley Matlack p.15: They lived in Philadelphia [PA] and Longacoming NJ.
At the time of his death, Francis was living with a female other than his wife. Elizabeth was living separately.
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Christian was a large, well proportioned and athletic man, retaining unusual health and vigor of both body and mind up to the time of his death. He was an elder in the Mennonite Church and wore a long beard, which in later years turned white. Regular stated Mennonite meetings were held at his house, until a building for that purpose was erected in the neighbourhood. During the Revolutionary War foraging parties took off with some of his horses and cattle, carrying with them large quantities of flour and grain from his mill. On one occasion his wife's pewter dishes and spoons and an oven full of newly baked bread and pies shared the same fate. During the winter in which the American Army was encamped at Valley Forge a number of disabled soldiers were quartered in the old Lutheran Church near Brickerville, and were supplied weekly with milk and other necessaries of life from his and neighbouring farms. He lies buried in the family grave yard on top of the hill opposite the buildings of the said place. His wife, Catherine, who is said to have been an amiable and greatly esteemed person, survived him several years. Martin G. Weaver, Mennonites of Lancaster Conference, p.170: Christian Eby was the first deacon in the newly organized congregation [Hammer Creek]. The date of his ordination is not known, but reference to his duties point to some time prior to the Revolution. There is little known as to his personal work, except that the congregation was so well organized and cared for by him and his ministerial brother, Christian Bomberger, that their work is a lasting monument to their memory. There were no separate meetinghouses in the colony during his lifetime, but he and his wife, Catharine Bricker, opened their dwelling, which was one of the largest in the community, as a place for services for many years. Benjamin Eby 9/2:18 The family home, a massive stone house, was located along the Hammer Creek in Elizabeth Twp, Lancaster Co. PA, about three miles north of Lititz (now at the intersection of Snavely Mill and Reifsnyder roads in Elizabeth Twp).
Immigrated to America Sept 11, 1732 on ship Pennsylvania (Col. Rec's III p 452-3). Owned and operated a grist mill in Weaverland. Residence, homestead, east, across lakes-sea-highway. (Wenger book pg 1106-9.) 1732: came from Germany, settled in Manor Twp [Ref: LancasterCoPA Biog p416];
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Biographical Annals of Lancaster County, p. 465: John Erb, son of Jacob, was for three years in the service of his country during the Revolution, acting as teamster. He was but sixteen at the time he entered the service, and after the close of the war he resided at Clay, where he operated both the mills belonging to his father, and also looked after the cultivation of the home farm. He was prominent in all public affairs, was the founder of the school at Clay at the then Durlach Post office, and took an active interest in religious affairs. John Erb married Judith Hull, and their children were: Jacob; John; David; Isaac; Samuel; Joseph; Molly, who married Abraham Erb and moved to Canada; Elizabeth, who married Michael Shepler; Nancy, who married Abraham Bear; and Catherine, who married Joseph Weidman. Ellis and Evans: John enlisted when he was 16 and served in the Revolutionary Army as a teamster for three years. Apparently, both John and his father Joseph joined George Washington's army at about the same time. His father's decision to go against the Mennonites' traditional refusal to fight in any war would have made it easier for his son to make the same break with the church. Question: Born in 1756, John would have been 16 in 1772. Did George Washington have an army them? If not, John was not 16 when he entered military service. Lancaster Co. Will abstracts: Erb, John Cocalico Twp. [will dated] December 1, 1810, [proved] December 17, 1810. Wife: Judith Erb. Children: Jacob, John, Samuel, Isaac, Magdalena wife of Abraham Erb, Elizabeth wife of Michael Shapler, Ann wife of Abraham Bear, David, Catharine and Joseph. Executors: Jacob and John Erb.
Conflicting information - Biographical Annanls of Lebanon County show Johannes as father of Peter born august 29, 1779. Ancestry.com file shows Peter (b.1779) being the son of Johannes' brother Peter (b.1713). Peter's farm was located where Lancaster, Dauphin, and Lebanon counties meet;
his bedroom was in one county, and the kitchen, in another. (Will B-581,
Lebanon County Courthouse, Lebanon, Pennsylvania.)
He was a soldier in Capt. Hubley's 8th Battalion, Lancaster Co. Militia, from 1781 to 1783. In 1794, at the time of the national emergency created by the Whiskey Rebellion he was again drafted for service ... John refused to go; and was fined for non-appearance.
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© 2003 Shirley York Anderson