Samuel William Beecher Sr. ^{1 2 3 4}

   Another name for Samuel was Samuel Bücher.^{2 5 8}

   FamilySearch ID: 9KP6-NQR.

  Christening Notes:

Baptism appears in the Personal Register of Reverend Traugott F. Illing. The translation as provided by author F. Edward Wright in his Church Records of the 18th Century volume: "Samuel, of John Bucher and wife Mary, b. 17 Dec 1785; bapt. 17 May 1786. Sponsor: John Geigel."

  Burial Notes:

Section 1549.

  Noted events in his life were:

1. He has conflicting birth information of 17 Nov 1785 and , Lancaster, PA. ³

2. Census in 1800 in Churchtown, Lancaster, PA. ⁹ John Bicher is listed in Churchtown in the 1800 Census in Lancaster County in Caernarvon Township, although he likely still lived on the same land he bought in 1793 which was right at the border of Earl and Caenarvon Townships and northeast of Churchtown. The household included:
Males (born)
Under 10 (1791-1800) = 3 sons (George, Jacob, William)
10-15 (1785-1790) = 2 sons (Samuel, John)
26-44 (1756-1774) = 1 father (John)
Females (born)
Under 10 (1791-1800) = 2 daughters (Catharine, Maria)
10-15 (1785-1790) = 2 daughters (Magaret, Magdalena "Polly")
26-44 (1756-1774) = 1 wife (Mary Ann)

.

3. Samuel Biecher sold land to John Bittner recorded in Deed Book 34 page 620 on 28 Mar 1816 in Bern Twp., Berks, PA. ¹⁰ On 28 Mar 1816, Samuel Biecher of Bern Township in the County of Berks and Eleanor his wife sold for 400 pounds to John Bittner of the same place house carpenter two tracts of land: 3 acres 148 perches in Bern Township bordered by Michael Neuschwender, Henry Willow, George Ruth, David Gicher, and 4 acres 10 perches in Bern Township bordered by Frederick Wagner and a public road, including all the houses out houses barns stables gardens orchards meadows fields fences ways woods waters water courses rights liberties privileges Hereditaments and appurtenances whatsoever, they being the same two tracts of land which Jacob Refschneider and Sarah his wife on 9 May 1814 sold to Samuel Biecher.
<<Fact: Neighbor Michael Neuschwender married Samuel's sister Barbara Beecher>>.

4. Newspaper: Lancaster Intelligencer, 20 Jan 1817, Lancaster, Lancaster, PA. ¹¹ List of Letters
Remaining at the Post Office at New Holland, January 1, 1817, viz.
Samuel Beecher...<snip>
Samuel Holl, Postmaster.

5. Residence: on 20 Jan 1817 in Earl Twp., Lancaster, PA. ¹¹ See 1817 newspaper article on List of Letters at New Holland post office.

6. Residence: Lancaster Intelligencer: List of Letters at New Holland Post Office: Samuel Beecher on 21 Jan 1825 in Earl Twp., Lancaster, PA. ¹²

7. Census in 1830 in Earl Twp., Lancaster, PA. ¹³ The household of Samuel Beeker [indexed as Beeker but could be Becker?] was listed with:

Males (born)
Under 5 (1826-1830) = 1 son (William C.)
5-9 (1821-1825) = 1 son (Samuel Jr.)
15-19 (1811-1815) = 1 son
40-49 (1781-1790) = 1 father (Samuel Sr.)
Females (born)
Under 5 (1826-1830) = 1 daughter (Harriet)
5-9 (1821-1825) = 1 daughter
10-14 (1816-1820) = 2 daughters (Belinda, Mary)
40-49 (1781-1790) = 1 wife (Eleanor).

8. Property on 13 Mar 1840 in East Earl Twp., Lancaster, PA. ¹⁴ In Lancaster County Deed Book P-6 on page 355 is a deed recorded on 30 Mar 1840 indexed to Samuel Bucher but the record clearly shows Beecher (two script e's appear like u). A summary of the deed:
On 13 Mar 1840 Samuel Beecher of Earl Township Lancaster County, Tanner, and Ellen his wife
Sold for $1700 to George Sensenich, Tanner, son of Frank of Earl Township, two adjoining tracts of land: 1) in Earl Township one acre and a half and twenty-eight perches bordering lands of John Sensenich, Adam Stock and the turnpike road, this land being part of the four acres which John Zell and Edward Davies, executors of the will of William Evans deceased on 6 Jun 1814 did convey to Adam Stock as recorded in Book 9 page 263; and 2) in Caernarvon Township and partly in Earl Township 17 perches, bordering land late of Peter Lichty thence and the turnpike road and part of tract 1), being the same land that Peter Lichty on 12 Oct 1829 granted to Samuel Beecher and being part of the land that Christian Sensenig on 8 Aug 1812 conveyed to Peter Lichty.
The sale included all the houses, barns, shed, barn horses, vats, pools, tannery buildings and improvements, ways, waters, and water courses.
Thoughts: since Samuel Beecher was a tanner who was a skilled artisan who processed animal hides into leather, and his father John Beecher was a cordwainer who created shoes, clothing, etc. from leather, it is very likely this land might be the same land John Beecher bought in 1793 along a creek at the border of Earl and Caernarvon townships, perhaps given to John's oldest son Samuel. This can be proven with further research on neighbor's deeds mentioning the Beechers as neighbors.
A few weeks after Samuel sold this land, he purchased land in Manheim Township where he moved and later died.

9. Samuel Beecher of East Earl Township purchased land in Manheim Township from Andrew and Barbara Clements of Lampeter Township. Lancaster Deed Book Q Vol. 6 Page 160. On 2 Apr 1840 in Manheim Twp., Lancaster, PA. ¹⁵

10. Estate: Deed Book W-6 page 196, 28 Dec 1840, Lancaster, Lancaster, PA. ¹⁶ Joseph Elliott deceased to Lindley Coates
To all people to whom these presents shall come whereas Usher Wason, Ann Wason and Samuel Beecher and Eleanor his wife of the county of Lancaster and John Mews and Hannah his wife of the county of Chester, all of the state of Pennsylvania, Send Greeting.
Whereas by the last will and testament of a certain Joseph Elliott late of the township of Sadsbury in the county of Lancaster and state aforesaid bearing date the 4th day of fifth month A.D. 1794 and Codicil thereunto annexed bearing date the 12th day of the 12th month of the same year there was amongst other things contained in said will given and Bequeathed unto a certain Ruth the wife of Robert Wason the sum of 100 pounds, the interest only arising from the same to be paid her yearly during her natural life and then the said principle sum after her decease to be equally divided amongst all living children. And whereas a certain Ludley Coates of the said Township of Sadsbury in the County of Lancaster and state aforesaid by a sufficient conveyance and issuance in the law duly had and executed bearing date the fourth day of May 8 A.D. 1818 became fully vested in fee simple of and in a certain tract of land containing one hundred and forty five Acres and seventy-eight perches and the allowances of nine acres in the whole for roads, bounded by lands of John Murray, Samuel Sellers, John Gest, Isabel Walker and others, which said tract was part of the land the said Joseph Elliot decd. Seized and possessed of and which said Tract was made subject to the payment of one hundred and thirty three dollars and thirty three cents, equal to the sum of Fifty pounds being the one half of the sum on one hundred pounds which was bequeathed by the aforesaid last will and testament of the said Joseph Elliot Decd. and Codicil thereto annexed, to his daughter Ruth as above more particularly recited the yearly interest thereof amounting to eight dollars to be paid to the said Ruth Wason yearly and every year during the term of her natural life, and then the said principal sum of One hundred and thirty three Dollars and thirty three cents after her decease to be equally divided by the said Lindley Coates his heirs and assigns between holding the premises and distributed amongst her living children agreeable to the true intent and meaning of the last Will and Testament and Codicil thereto annexed of Joseph Elliot Deceased, as aforesaid. And Whereas the said Ruth Wason has since deceased leaving children to wit, Usher Wason, Ann Wason, Hannah Mews, late Wason who intermarried with John Mews and Eleanor Beecher, late Wason who Intermarried with Samuel Beecher (together with other children) to whom the same by the true intent and meaning of the said Will and Codicil thereto of Joseph Elliot Decd.,and the conditions of the reservation and exception in the conveyance to the said Lindley Coats aforesaid is now due. Now Know Ye that the said Usher Wason, Ann Wason, John Mews and Hannah his wife, Samuel Beecher and Eleanor his wife for and in consideration of the sum of Sixty Six Dollars Sixty six cents equally divided amongst them share and share alike, to them in hand paid by the said Ludley Coates at and before the ensealing and delivery hereof, the receipt whereof they do hereby acknowledge and thereof acquit and forever discharge the said Lindley Coates his heirs executors and administrators by these presents have and each of them hath remitted released and forever quit claim unto the said Lindley Coates and to his heirs and assigns All the estate and estates shares grants and dividends right title interest property claim and demand whatsoever of them the said Usher Wason, Ann Wason, John Mews and Hannah his wife and Samuel Beecher and Eleanor his wife in law or equity or otherwise howsoever of in to and out of the said messuage or plantation and tract of land situate and bounded as aforesaid, and in the actual possession and seized of the said Ludley Coates and entertaining as aforesaid One hundred and forty five Acres and Seventy Eight perches and the allowances of nine actres in the whole for Roads. So that neither the said User Wason, Ann Wason John Mews and Hannah his wife, Samuel Beecher and Eleanor his wife nor their heirs nor any other person or persons whomsoever lawfully claiming or to claim by from or under them or any of them shall or may at any time or times hereafter have claim challenge or demand any estate right title or interest of in to or out of the said plantation and tract of land hereditaments and premises hereby remitted and released or mentioned or intended so to be with the appurtenances or any part or parcel thereof but thereof and therefrom shall and will be utterly excluded and forever debarred by these presents. In Witness whereof the said Usher Wason, Ann Wason, John Mews and Hannah his wife and Samuel Beecher and Eleanor his wife have to these presents hereunto set their hands and seals this twenty eighth day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty 1840.
Signed
Usher Wason
Ann Wason
Samuel Beecher
John Mews
Eleanor Beecher
Hannah Mews
.

11. Moved: 1843, Manheim Twp., Lancaster, PA. This was mentioned in son William C.'s obituary printed in 1895.

12. Census in 1850 in Manheim Twp., Lancaster, PA. ¹⁷ Samuel Beecher, age 62, laborer, has real estate valued at $1,500 in the 1850 Census for Manheim Township, Lancaster County. Living with him is Ellen, 60; Balinda, 28; Samuel Peifer, 8; and William Peifer, 6. Everyone was born in Pennsylvania.
On the previous page is William C. Beecher and Henry Albright, 33, and his wife Matilda, assumed to be a relation to Samuel's mother, Mary Albright.

13. Pension in 1854. ¹⁸ Following in a copy of a letter from U. S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Pensions, received by Mrs. Harry Kennett McAdams, 309 N. Broadway, Lexington, KY. [Ms. McAdams is a descendent.]

"I advise you that form the papers in the Revolutionary War Pension Claim, S.39982, it appears that John Beecher, or Becher, enlisted in Lebanon, in what was later Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, April, 1788, served as a Private in Captain Meng's Company, Colonel Benjamin Flowers Artillery Artificers Regiment and was discharged April 3, 1779.

"He was allowed a Pension on his application executed November 28, 1818, while a resident of Berne Township, Berks County, Pa., aged over fifty-six years. He died March 22, 1819.

"Soldier's wife, Mary Ann Beecher, died November 11, 1837. Her maiden name and date of marriage not stated.

"In 1854, Jacob Nyswender and Henry Carpenter stated in Columbus, Ohio, that the following were the children and only heirs of said John and Mary Ann Beecher:

"John Beecher, of Berks County, Pa.

"William Beecher and Barbara Nyswender, both of Franklin County, Ohio.

"Margaret Mulliner, of Philadelphia, Pa.

"Benjamin Beecher, Jacob Beecher, and Catherine Paxon, all of Chester Co., Pa.

"Samuel Beecher, of Lancaster Co., Pa.

"Lydia Cook, of Clark Co., Va.

"There is no record in this bureau of land having been granted by the United States, on account of the service of the above named Revolutionary War Soldier, John Beecher, or Becher.

"Respectfully,
Winfield Scott, Commissioner, Rev. and 1812 Wars Section."

14. Newspaper: Daily Evening Express: Arrivals At The Hotels: Shenk's Naional House, North Queen St. - Samuel Beecher, Eden., 13 Dec 1856, Lancaster, Lancaster, PA. ¹⁹

15. Newspaper: Lancaster Examiner: Ad by Samuel W. Beecher to sell Swan Tavern in Sadsbury Township, Chester County, 9 Feb 1859, Lancaster, Lancaster, PA. ²⁰ PUBLIC SALE. ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 59, will be sold at public sale, at the Swan Tavern, in Sadsbury township, Chester county, all the right, title and interest of Samuel W. Beecher, in all that certain property, known as tbe SWAN TAVERN, and the improvements thereon erected, with the tract of land thereto belonging adjoining lands of Jonas Chamberlin, Susanna W. Large, J. F. Paxson, James Williams and Christian O. Woodland, CONTAINING 73 3/4 ACRES, strict measure. Sale to commence at 1 oclock P. M., when attendance will be given and terms made known by the under signed. HENRY H. KURTZ, JAC ESBENSHADE, Assignees of SAM. W. BEECHER.

16. Census in 1860 in Manheim Twp., Lancaster, PA. ⁵ Samuel Beecher, age 74, farmer, is living in the 1860 Census in Manheim Township, Lancaster County, with his real estate valued at $2000 and possessions at $500. With him is wife Eleanor, 72. Also in the home is Balinda Catherine Peifer, widow, 36 with her sons, Samuel Peifer, 18 and William Peifer, 16. Everyone was born in Pennsylvania. The post office listed is Oregon.

Also living nearby are the households of William C. Beecher and Mary Beecher, who are likely Samuel's children.

17. Newspaper: The Daily Evening Express, 25 Jan 1860, Lancaster, Lancaster, PA. ²¹ NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC. -- The undersigned, Proprietor of the National House, hereby notifies his friends and the public in general, that he will serve up lunch during the season, every day between the hours of 10 and 12, when and where every attention will be paid to his customers, by Saml. W. Beecher, who has charge of the Bar. GEORGE HORTING, Proprietor.

18. Newspaper: Lancaster Intelligencer, 3 Mar 1863, Lancaster, Lancaster, PA. ²² AUDITOR'S NOTICE -- Assigned Estate of Sam'l W. Beecher and Wife. -- The undersigned auditor appointed to distribute the balance remaining in the hands of Henry H. Kurtis and Jacob Esbenshade, assignees, to and among those legally entitled to the same, will sit for that purpose on FRIDAY, the 10th day of APRIL next, at 2 o'clock, P. M. in the Library Room of the Court House, in the City of Lancaster, where all persons interested in said distribution may attend. WM. CARPENTER, Auditor.

19. Residence: 1866 Lancaster City Directory: Samuel W. Beecher, machinist, home Shippen near R R bridge in 1866 in Lancaster, Lancaster, PA. ²³

20. Newspaper: Intelligencer Journal, 21 May 1866, Lancaster, Lancaster, PA. ²⁴ -----
LANCASTER COUNTY AGAINST THE WORLD. -- Messrs. Sam'l W. Beecher and Wm. Kirkpatrick, both superb mechanics, have on exhibition to-day in the Southeast angle of Centre Square one of Marsh, Grier & Co's. celebrated Mowers and Reapers, which for beauty of finish and mechancial skill, will be hard to excel. They claim it to be the best machine in the country. Farmers and all others interested, should call and examine it. It will be on exhibition at the same place during the season.

21. Samuel W. Beecher purchased from Henry Hilton and wife land in Manheim Township. On 3 Apr 1869 in Manheim Twp., Lancaster, PA. ²⁵

22. Census in 1870 in Manheim Twp., Lancaster, PA. ² Samuel Beecher, age 84, farmer, is living in the 1870 Census in Manheim Township, Lancaster County with his wife Ellen, 82, and daughter Belinda Peifer, 48. His real estate is valued at $5,000 and his possessions worth $400. Everyone was born in Pennsylvania. The post office was Landis Valley.

23. Obituary: Daily Evening Express on 31 Dec 1870 in Lancaster, Lancaster, PA. ⁷ DIED. BEECHER. On Friday, December 30th, 1870, Samuel Beecher, Sr , in his 86th year. Funeral will take place from his late residence, near Eden, on Monday, January 2d, at 10 o'clock. Interment at Lancaster Cemetery. The relatives and friends are respectfully invited.

24. Obituary: Intelligencer Journal on 31 Dec 1870 in Lancaster, Lancaster, PA. ²⁶ DEATHS. BEECHER. - On the 30th inst., Samuel Beecher, Sr., in his 86th year. His relatives and friends are respecttfully invited to attend the funeral from his late residence, near Eden, on Monday morning, Jan. 2d, 18781, at 10 o'clock. Interment att Lancaster Cemetery.

25. Newspaper: Daily Evening Express, 24 Feb 1874, Lancaster, Lancaster, PA. ²⁷ ADMINISTRATOI'S NOTICE. Estate of Samuel Beecher, late of Manheimn township, deceased. Letters of administration on said estate having been granted to the undersigned all persons indebted thereto are requested to make Immediate payment, and those having claims or demands against the same will present them without delay for settlement to the undersigned, residing in the same township. WILLIAM C. BEECHER, Administrator.

26. Newspaper: Lancaster Intelligencer, 25 Feb 1874, Lancaster, Lancaster, PA. ²⁸ PUBLIC SALE OF REAL ESTATE.
In pursuance of an Order of the Orphans' Court of Lancaster county, there will be sold at public sale, on SATURDAY, the 21st day of MARCH, 1874, on the premises, in Manheim township, the following real estate, late of Samuel Beecher, dec'd, to wit: A Tract of Land, situated in Manheim twp., adjoining lands of Jacob Heistand, Martin Rohrer, Daniel 8. Landis, and others containing about ELEVEN ACRES, with a one-story and Attic, part Frame and part Brick Dwelling House, Frame Barn, Pig Sty, Log Shop, and other valuable improvements thereon. There is also a fine Spring of Water in the cellar of the main dwelling house. There is also another Small DWELLING HOUSE, with a Well of Water near the door thereof on said property, Sale to commence at 1 o'clock in the afternoon of said day.
Terms - One-third on April 1st, 1874; and the balance on April 1st, 1875, with interest.
WILLIAM C. BEECHER.
Admin'r of the Estate of S. Beecher, dec'd.

27. Book: 1875 Historical Atlas of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, 1875. ²⁹
Eden is a pleasant village and settlement, situated on the Lancaster and New Holland Turnpike, about four miles from Lancaster. It was started by Israel Groff about the year 1840. The hotel was erected by Samuel W. Beecher in 1850. The place contains two general stores, a hotel, a foundry, a grist mill, machine shops, wagon manufactory, cigar making establishment, and a blacksmith shop. Post-office at Binkley's Bridge. Landis Valley, Oregon, and Manheim are post-offices and small settlements.

28. Estate: Sale of Samuel W. Beecher Sr.'s Estate, 1 Apr 1875, Manheim Twp., Lancaster, PA. ³⁰ Lancaster County Deed Book P10 page 561:
Summary:
As the administrator of his father Samuel Beecher's estate, son William C. Beecher reported to the Orphan's Court that Samuel's estate had insufficient funds to pay his debts, and the court ordered William to sell Samuel's real estate. On 3 Oct 1874 agreed to sell Samuel's 11 acres of land with the improvements thereon to Arnold Duing for three thousand three hundred dollars, payable on 1 Apr 1875 and entered into a contract with said purchaser and Benjamin R. Witmer as his surety.
This property was described as follows:
All that messuage or tenement, and four tracts land in Manheim Township, bounded as follows.
Six acres bounded by Christian Hershey, John Johnson, the late Susanna Schmuck, and George Shreiner.
An adjacent tract of two acres 153 perches bounded by George Shreiner, Christian Hershey, which had been sold on 2 Apr 1840 to Samuel "Becher" by Andrew Clemens and wife in Deed Book A6 on page 106.
An adjacent tract of one-eighth of an acre bounded by Daniel Landis, which Jacob Esbenshade, administrator of the estate of Susanna Schmuch deceased, by deed on 1 Apr 1863 granted to Samuel Beecher.
A tract bounded by J. Killian, Samuel's other tract, and H. Hilton, containing 1 acre and 43 perches, which H. Hilton by deed of on 3 April 1869 granted to Samuel Beecher in Book X9 page 142.
The deed was recorded in Deed Book P10 on page 561 on 1 Apr 1875.
.

29. Book: Kentucky Pioneer and Court Records, 1929. ¹⁸
Samuel married; lived at Lancaster, Pa.; had 7 or 8 children; died, aged 85 years.

Samuel married Eleanor Elliot, daughter of Joseph Elliot and Unknown. (Eleanor Elliot was born on 28 May 1788 in , , Pennylvania, USA,^{2 3 5 31 32} died on 29 Jan 1874 in Eden, Lancaster, PA ^{3 31 32 33} and was buried on 31 Jan 1874 in Lancaster: City Cemetery, Lancaster, PA ^{3 31 32 33}.)