Peter Bicher ^{4 5}

   Other names for Peter were Peter Biecher ¹⁰ and Peter Bucher.³

   FamilySearch ID: 9C6N-GLP.

  Noted events in his life were:

1. Census in 1790 in Cocalico Twp., Lancaster, PA. ^{11 12} 1 male over 16 = Peter
1 female over 16 = Peter's mother
Listed next to Peter is Martin Eicholtz. Henry Eicholtz was the executor of the will of Peter's father, Engel Buecher. They are near Richard Adams, son of the founder of Adamstown, so likely within the town. This suggests Peter is living on his deceased father Engel's property in Adamstown.
Peter wasn't married in 1790, so the female he is living with could be his mother, or perhaps a sister?.

2. Census in 1800 in Cocalico Twp., Lancaster, PA. The 1800 census recorded Peter Bicher with:
Males (born)
Under 10 (1791-1800) = 3 sons
26-44 (1756-1774) = 1 father Peter
Females (born)
Under 10 (1791-1800) = 1 daughter
26-44 (1756-1774) = 1 mother Susanna.

3. Peter was listed on an Isaac Addams granted water rights to Peter Biecher per Deed Book D28 page 415 deed on 3 Dec 1801 in Cocalico Twp., Lancaster, PA. ¹³ WATER RIGHTS. THIS INDENTURE Made the third day of December Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and one BETWEEN Isaac Addams of Heidelberg Township in the County of Berks and State of Pennsylvania yeoman of the one part. And Peter Biecher of Cocalico Township in the County of Lancaster and State aforesaid Tanner of the other part. WHEREAS THE SAID Peter Biecher and Isaac Addams at the time of the sealing and delivery of these presents are respectively seized in fee of and in two contiguous tracts pieces or parcels of land with the appurtenances in the Township of Cocalico aforesaid; And whereas there is a spring within the land of the said Isaac Addams and a race or water course leading from said spring to a tanyard within the land of the said Peter Biecher.
NOW THIS INDENTURE WITNESSETH that the said Isaac Adams for good causes and considerations and more especially for and in consideration of the sums of five shillings to his in hand paid by the said Peter Biecher at and before the ensealing and delivery hereof the receipt hereof he doth hereby acknowledge hath granted bargained sold released and confirmed and by these presents doth grant bargain sell release and confirm unto the said Peter Biecher and to all heirs and assigns the half of all the water of said spring to be led and conveyed along the said race or water course or in pipes laid in and along the same to the said tan yard within the said land of the said Peter Biecher together with free ingress egress and regress to and for the said Peter Biecher his heirs and assigns and his and their work with horses carts and carriages at all conventent times and seasons thro the land of the said Issac Addams his heirs and assigns in and along the banks of the said race or water course for the opening cleansing and repairing the same with liberty and privilege to dig and open the same deep enough for laying and replacing pipes therein when and as often as need be or occasion require. To have and to hold all and singular the premises hereby granted or sentioned or intended so to be with the appurtenances unto the said Peter Biecher his heirs and assigns to the only proper use and behoof of the said Peter Blecher his heirs and assigns for the purpose of supplying said Tan yard with water for carrying on the business of tanning and dressing leather therein and for no other purpose and as long as he or they shall or may use and occupy said tan-yard for the purpose of tanning and dressing leather therein he or they leading and conveying the said water from the said tan-yard into the nearest place of the land of the said Issac Addams again without using or wasting the same by watering of overflowing meadow ground or any other use or purpose other than tanning and dressing leather as aforesaid and without obstructing scattering or wasting the same or suffering the same to be obstructed, scattered or wasted in its passage or running again into the land of the said Issac Addams. In witness whereof the said parties have hereunto interchangeably set their hands and seals dated the day and year above written.
Sealed and delivered in the presence of us.
Issac Addmans (SEAL).

4. Fact: Peter's father-in-law John Pennebacker died in March 1805 or earlier because "John Pannebecker" is "deceased" in a deed selling his estate to his sons-in-law with payment to his other heirs., 1 Apr 1805, Brecknock Twp., Berks, PA. ¹⁴ When Susanna's father John Pannebecker died without a will, he had five heirs: John Pannebecker, Elizabeth married to John Shaup, Hannah married to John Hill, Daniel Pannebecker, and Susanna married to Peter Bicher.
We know John died before 1 Apr 1805 when a deed with that date sold John Pannebecker's grist mill and residences ("messuages or tenements") and two hundred and sixty acres and twenty-two perches in Brecknock township to his sons-in-law John Shaup and John Hill for "one-thousand two-hundred and seventy pounds in gold and silver money" paid to John Pannebacker's other heirs, "Daniel Pannebecker of the township of Brecknock in the county of Berks in the state of Pennsylvania Youman, John Pannebecker of the township of Brecknock in the said County Youman, and Peter Bicher of Cocalico Township in the county of Lancaster in the said state, Youman and Susanna his wife (which said Daniel Pannebecker, John Pannebecker and Susannah, are children of John Pannebecker late of the Township of Brecknock in the said County of Berks Yeoman deceased)." This property bordered lands of George Kohl, Henry Fidler, Charles Hornberger deceased, Nicholas Herr, Peter Mohn, and Michael Kergerise.
In the next session of the Berks County Orphan's Court on 20 Jul 1805 the court appointed John's widow Magdalena (nee Porter) and sons-in-law John Shaup and John Hill as administrators to report an inventory of the estate so the deceased's property and possessions could be sold with proceeds distributed to heirs as required by Pennsylvania law when someone dies intestate (without a will).
On 3 Aug 1805 Magdalene Pannabecker and John Shaup and John Hill both of Caernarvon Township (all Berks County) filed the estate inventory for John Pannabecker. Included in the settlement was a list of those to be paid with estate proceeds and listed therein is son-in-law Peter Bücher (German umlaut above the u) to receive £ 4 pounds 10 shillings 4 pence.

5. Tax List: From 1806 to 1809 Peter Bicher appears as a non-resident on the tax lists of Brecknock Township in Berks, not Lancaster, county., 1806, Brecknock Twp., Berks, PA. ¹⁵

6. Census in 1810 in Cocalico Twp., Lancaster, PA. ¹⁶ Peter is indexed as "Riether" due to poor handwriting and appears near other residents of Adamstown with this family:
Males (born)
10-15 (1795-1800) = 2 (sons Benjamin & John)
26-44 (1766-1784) = 1 (Peter)
Females (born)
16-25 (1785-1794) = 1 (Susanna).

7. Occupation: Peter Bicher established his tannery in Adamstown, according to "History of Lancaster County" in 1818 in Adamstown, Lancaster, PA. ¹⁷

8. Census in 1820 in Cocalico Twp., Lancaster, PA. ¹⁸ The 1820 Census shows Peter Bicher or Bicker's (handwriter unclear) with:
Males (born)
Under 10 (1811-1820)
16-25 (1795-1804) = 2 sons Benjamin & John
45 & over (<=1775) = 1 father Peter
Females (born)
16-25 (1795-1804) = 1 daughter (Magdalena)
26-44 (1776-1794) = 1 wife (Susanna)
Peter's neighbors are Steofel Kern, Henry Regart, Peter Groff, John Rohrer, Jacob Hemberger, Mary Getz.

9. Census in 1830 in Cocalico Twp., Lancaster, PA. ¹⁹ Benjamin Bicher is listed in the 1830 Census with this household:
Males (born)
Under 5 (1826-1830) = 1 son
30-39 (1791-1800) = 1 father Benjamin
60-69 (1761-1770) = Benjamin's father Peter
Females (born)
5-9 (1821-1825) = 1 daughter
10-14 (1816-1820) = 1 daughter
20-29 (1801-1810) = 1 mother
Benjamin's mother Susanna isn't listed which indicates she died in the 1820's.

10. Peter Biecher, sadler, widowed, sold land to John Kind. Lancaster Deed Book Q Vol 6 Page 84 on 29 Oct 1839 in East Cocalico Twp., Lancaster, PA. ²⁰ This indenture made the 29th day of October in the year of Our Lord one thousand eight-hundred and thirty-nine between Peter Biecher of East Cocalico Township, Lancaster County, and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, sadler, and widower of the one part, and John Kind of said East Cocalico Township, County and Commonwealth before said, farmer, of the other part. Witnesseth that the said Peter Biecher, for and in consideration of the sum of $70 lawful money of the United States, to him in hand paid by the said John Kind, at and before the unsealing and delivery hereof, the receipt whereof he doth acknowledge, and thereof acquit and forever discharge the said John Kind, his heirs, executors, and administrators by these presents have granted, bargained, sold, released and confirmed, and by these presents do grant, bargain, sell, and release and confirm unto the said John Kind and to his heirs and assigns all that certain messuage and tract of land, situate in East Cocalico township in the County of Lancaster aforesaid, bounded and describe the lines as follows (to wit) Beginning at a stone heap, corner of Doctor Isaac Breniser's land, thence by the same, south seventy-six degrees West, forty perches to a stone heap, thence by land of Henry Rueger, north thirty-five degrees and one half of a degree west, twenty two preaches and three tenths of a perch to a stone heap, thence by land of Henry Redcay, north seventy-six degrees East, thirty nine perches and one fourth of a perch to a stone heap, thence by land of Michael Hagerreiz, South thirty eight degrees East, twenty two perches and three tenths of a perch to the place of Beginning. Containing five acres of land strict measure. It being part of a larger tract of thirty one acres and three fourths of an acre of land, which the heirs of Isaac Adams deceased, vizt. William, Isaac, Samuel, John, Peter and Abraham Adams, by their Indenture under their hands and seals, bearing date the 20th day of March Anno Domini for the consideration therein mentioned did grant and confirm unto the said Peter Biecher first party hereto, his heirs and assigns forever as in and by the said recited Indenture. Relation being thereunto had, more fully and at large appears, together with all and singular other the houses, out houses, buildings, barns stables, ways, woods, waters, watercourses, rights, liberties, privileges, hereditaments and appurtenances whatsoever, thereunto belonging or in any wise appertaining and the reversions and remainders, rents, and profits thereof. And also all the estate, right, title, interest, property claim, and demand whatsoever, of him, the said Peter Biecher in fact or equity, or otherwise howsoever, of in, to, or out of the same. To have and to hold the said messuage or tenement and tract of five acres of land hereditaments and premises, hereby mentioned or intended, so to be with the appurtenances unto the said John Kind, his heirs and assigns forever. And the said Peter Biecher, for himself, his heirs, Executors, and Administrators, covenant, promise, grant and agree, to and with the said John Kind, his heirs and assigns by these presents, that he , the said Peter Biecher, and his heirs, the said above mentioned and described messuage or tenement and tract of land hereditaments and premises hereby granted, or mentioned, or intended so to be with the appurtenances unto the said John Kind his heirs and assigns against him, the said Peter Biecher and his heirs, and against all and every other person and persons whomsoever, Carefully claiming, or to blame by from, or under him, them, or any of them, shall and will warrant and forever defend by the presents. In witness whereof the said parties to these presents have hereunto interchangeably set their hands and seals, dated the day and year first above written.
Peter Bicher (signature in old German script)

Sealed & delivered in the presence of us
Witnesses present at signing
Catharine Senn
Andrew Fleischer

Be it known that on the 29th day of October Anno Domini 1839 Before me Andrew Fleischer Esqr. one of the Justices of Peace in and for said County, came the above named Peter Biecher, and acknowledged the above written Indenture to be his Act and Deed, and desired that the same might be recorded as such according to law. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal, the day and year above written.
Andrew Fleisher
Recorded February 5th Anno Domini 1840.

11. Census in 1840 in East Cocalico Twp., Lancaster, PA. ²¹ Peter isn't listed in the 1840 U.S. Census as a household head, although his son Benjamin is but Peter is not with Benjamin, so Peter being elderly likely was living with his daughter and son-in-law Doctor Isaac Brenniser (where Peter is in 1850 census) since Isaac's household has an older gentleman:
Males (born)
Under 5 (1836-1840) = 1 (son John)
20-29 (1811-1820) = 1 (son William)
30-39 (1801-1810) = 1 (father Isaac Brenniser)
60-69 (1771-1780) = 1 ?
70-79 (1761-1770) = 1 (Peter Bicher)
Females (born)
5-9 (1831-1835) = 1 (daughter Catherine)
40-49 (1791-1800) = 1 (Magdalena Bicher Brenniser)
.

12. Census in 1850 in East Cocalico Twp., Lancaster, PA. ⁸ A Peter Bicher, age 84, appears in the 1850 Census in East Cocalico Township in Lancaster County, living with Magdalena age 28. They are living in the household of Dr. Isaac Brenison, age 43 or 49 (handwriting unclear) married to Magdalena, 46 and living with Catherine, 15 and John B. 11. The younger Magdalena is likely Peter's granddaughter so prominently named in his will as Magdalena Barns, born of Peter's daughter Elizabeth who was deceased when his will was written in Feb 1852.

13. He signed a will Will of Peter Bicher written 5 Feb 1852, filed 11 Feb 1858 on 5 Feb 1852 in Adamstown, Lancaster, PA. ²² In the name of God, Amen. I Peter Bicher of the Borough of Adamstown in the County of Lancaster and the State of Pennsylvania, being in perfect health of body and of sound mind, memory and understanding, blessed be God for the same, but considering the uncertainty of this transitory life, do make and publish this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following, to wit. Principally and first of all I commend my immortal soul into the hand of God who gave it, and my body to the earth, to be buried in a decent and Christian like manner at the discretion of my Executors hereafter named. And as to such worldly estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me in this life, I give and dispose of the same in the following manner, to wit: First it is my Will, and I do order, that all my just debts and funeral expenses be duly paid and satisfied as soon as conveniently can be after my decease.

Item. I give and bequeath unto Magdalena Barns, a child of my daughter Elizabeth, the sum of two hundred & forty Dollars for her maintenance during her natural life, which sum of money shall be lent out at five per cent, with sufficient security, during her natural life, and the interest therefrom for her support or maintenance, and after her decease, the same person who keeps her until her death, shall be the heir and sole heir of the above named sum of money for his trouble he had with her during her natural life. And further, if any sum or sums of money coming out of my estate to the Daughter Elizabeth more than she already has, the same my hereinafter named Executors shall settle up my estate and if anything more is coming to her, the same my executors shall pay to the Person who keeps her, and also be the heir of the same, as the above named sum. This money is to be put out on Interest as the other if any. And as touching all the rest, residue and remainder of my Estate, real and personal, of what kind or nature soever the same may be, I give and devise the same unto my four children, viz. Benjamin, John, Elizabeth the deceased, and Magdalena, and to their heirs, to be equally divided among or between them, share and share alike.

And lastly I nominate constitute and appoint my son Benjamin Bicher and my son-in-law Doctor Isaac Breneiser, to be the Executors of this my last Will and Testament. And for that purpose I do hereby authorize and empower my said Executors, or the survivor of them, to sign seal execute and acknowledge all such deed or deeds of conveyances, as may be requisite and necessary for the granting and assuring the same to the purchaser or purchasers thereof in fee simple. Hereby revoking all other wills, legacies and bequests, by me retro fore made, and declaring this and no other to be my last Will and Testament.

In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand the fifth day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty two.

Peter Bicher (SEAL)

Signed, sealed and declared by the testator as his last Will and Testament in the presence of us,
Abram Kegerrize
Joshua Spatz.

14. He has conflicting death information of 23 Jan 1858 and Adamstown, Lancaster, PA. ⁶ His obituary in Der Libanon Demokrat reported his death date as January 23 but his tombstone has January 22.

15. Obituary: Reading Adler: Jan 23. Peter Biecher 92/1/18 Adamstown Lanc. Co. On 26 Jan 1858 in Reading, Berks, PA. ¹⁰

16. Obituary: The Lebanon Advertiser: Died: On the 23 ult. In Adamstown, Lancaster Co., Pa., Peter Bicher, aged 92 years, 1 month and 19 days. On 3 Feb 1858 in Lebanon, Lebanon, PA. ²³

17. Obituary: Der Libanon Demokrat on 5 Feb 1858 in Lebanon, Lebanon, PA. ⁶ His obituary read: "On the 23rd of January in Adamstown, Lancaster County, Peter Bicher, aged 92 years, 1 months and 19 days."

18. Book: History of Lancaster County, 1883. ¹⁷
In the chapter about Adamstown: "A second tannery was established sixty-five years ago [1818 ] by Peter Bicher, on a lot north of Kegerries' store. He carried on the business till about the year 18__ when he sold the establishment to Sebastian Miller S., by whom it was continued in connection with his other establishment for a number of years, when he discontinued the Bicher tannery."

Peter married Susanna Pennebacker, daughter of John Pennebacker and Magdalena Porter, on 16 Jan 1794 in Reading, Berks, PA.^{1 2 3} (Susanna Pennebacker was born from 1775 to 1784 in Brecknock Twp., Berks, PA and died before Oct 1839 in East Cocalico Twp., Lancaster, PA ²⁰.)