John Beecher ^{1 2 3 4 5}

   Other names for John were Johannes Bucher,^{6 7} John Bucher ⁸ and Johannes Bücher.

   FamilySearch ID: LD9G-BDG.

  Christening Notes:

Baptism by Rev. John Christopher Gobrecht. Sponsors: Christian Reck & Regina. [Note: This is Christian Reck Sr., not the Christian Reck Jr. who married Sophia Bucher, daughter of Samuel.]

The transcription of church records into the International Genealogical Index was 23 Sep but it is 3 Sep in the published book of Adams County church records published by F. Edward Wright. Inspection of the original handwritten church records is probably needed to resolve the conflict.

  Noted events in his life were:

1. Baptism on 3 Sep 1780 in Littlestown: Christ Reformed Church, Adams, PA. ⁸

2. He has conflicting christening information of 3 Sep 1780 and Littlestown: Christ Reformed Church, Adams, PA. ^{6 8}

3. Census in 1790 in Germany Twp., York, PA. ¹² The 1790 U.S. Census in Germany Township, at the time in York County, recorded John Beher with this household:
Males Under 16 (born 1775-1790) = 1 (son John)
Males 16 and older (born <=1774) = 1 (father John)
Females = 3 (wife Elizabeth, daughters Elizabeth & Anna Mary)
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Henry Sr. and his sons John and Samuel are each indexed in the 1790 census as follows on images on FamilySearch.org: image 252 Henry Becher; on image 248 his son John Beher; on image 249 his son Samuel Beeher. Sons William and Peter are not found so they were living with Henry Sr. These 1790 census record pages don't identify the township, but we know it is Germany Township because on the same pages are the Klein/Kline/Little family that founded Littlestown as well as families related to the Beechers: Winterode/Winrode, Sell, etc.

4. He was listed on a Deed Book C Page 298 deed on 12 May 1806 in Gettysburg, Adams, PA. ¹³ Records state that an executor, John Range, made the final payments (or legacies) to two of Theobalt Shollas's grandchildren, officially settling the estate.
The Deceased: Theobalt Shollas wrote his will on September 5, 1788.
The Executor: John Range of Mount Pleasant Township was responsible for carrying out the will.
The Heirs (Grandchildren):
Theobald Shollas Patterson
Ann Range Beecher (and her husband, John Beecher)
Almost two decades after the will was written, the payments were finalized in 1806:
Ann Range Beecher and John Beecher received their share, $114.80, on May 12, 1806. They signed a release (a legal receipt) to confirm they were paid and would make no future claims against the executor.
Theobald Shollas Patterson received his legacy of $129.83 sometime before June 7, 1806 (that's the date his release was acknowledged). This specific payment was linked to a property sale on April 4, 1806, where Theobald Patterson sold property in Mount Pleasant Township to the executor, John Range. The sale settled his final claim against the estate.

5. Newspaper: The Sprig of Liberty: List of Letters: Remaining in the Post Office on the 30th of September, 1806 <snip> John Beecher, John Beecher, jun., 28 Nov 1806, Gettysburg, Adams, PA. ¹⁴

6. Census in 1810 in Straban Twp., Adams, PA. ¹⁵ The 1810 U.S. Census in Straban Township, Adams County, recorded John Beaker with this household:
Males (born)
10-15 (1795-1800) = 1 (son George)
16-25 (1785-1794) = 1 (son David or Peter)
26-44 (1766-1784) = 1 (son John)
45 & over (<=1765) = 1 (father John)
Females (born)
Under 10 (1801-1810) = 1 (daughter Sarah Rebecca)
45 & over (<=1765) = 1 (wife Elizabeth).

7. Census in 1830 in Manheim Twp., York, PA. ¹⁶ The 1830 census recorded John Beecker (sic) in Manheim Township, York County, with this household:
1830 U.S. Census household
Males (born)
15-19 (1811-1815) = 1 son (Levi)
50-59 (1771-1780) = 1 father (John)
Females (born)
Under 5 (1826-1830) = 1 daughter (Rachel)
5-9 (1821-1825) = 1 daughter (Lydia)
10-14 (1816-1820) = 1 daughter (Sarah)
20-29 (1801-1810) = 1 daughter (Susan)
40-49 (1781-1790) = 1 mother (Anna).

8. Census in 1840 in Manheim Twp., York, PA. ¹⁷ John Beecher is found in Manheim Township in the 1840 Census as the head of this household:

Males (born)
60-69 (1771-1780) = 1 father John
Females (born)
15-19 (1821-1825) = 2 daughters
20-29 (1811-1820) = 1 daughter
50-59 (1781-1790) = 1 wife

Living next door is his son Levi Beecher with his wife:
Males (born)
20-29 (1811-1820) = 1 father Levi
Females (born)
20-29 (1811-1820) = wife.

9. Property in Oct 1843 in , York, PA. Oct 1843 Indenture Btwn. John Beecher of York Co. & Anna his wife to Michael F. Lind @ 4 acres $120. adj. John Albright's later mentioned as Manheim Twp. part. Heidelberg Twp. (YCHT File #17024.010)
.

10. John purchased 56 acres in a Sheriff's sale on 5 Nov 1844 in Manheim Twp., York, PA. ¹⁸ November 5, 1844. Be is remembered that on this day came into Court Jacob Hantz, Esquire, Sheriff, and acknowledged his deed poll, dated 5 November 1844, to John Beecher, for a certain tract of land in Manheim Township, containing fifty six acres, more or less, adjoining lands of Adam Trone, John Beecher and John Albright, with a one story log house, log barn and other buildings thereon erected, seized and taken in execution of the estate of Jacob Weldeson and afterwards sold and struck off unto the said John Beecher, for the sum of six hundred and eleven dollars, he being the highest and best bidder for the same, By virtue of Writ of Venditioni Exponas to the said Sheriff, for the purpose described.

11. Census in 1850 in Manheim Twp., York, PA. ³ The 1850 Census in Manheim Township recorded John Beecher, farmer, 70; his wife, Ann, 66; and their daughter Susan, 31, as well as a Mary Fisher, age 15. John's real estate is valued at $4,000.

Next door is John's son, Levi Beecher, 37, farmer, with his wife Eve, 37; Elias, 9; Noah, 4. Also in the home is David Geiger, 15. Levi has no real estate because he is living on land owned by his father.

12. Census in 1860 in Manheim Twp., York, PA. ² John Beecher, age 80, farmer, is listed in the 1860 Census in Manheim Township in York County with real estate valued at $3,400 and possessions worth $2,000. Living with him is his wife, Anna, 72; Susan Beecher, 40, house help; and Henry Sharer, 32, farmer. Everyone was born in Pennsylvania. The post office is listed as Hetricks.

13. United Brethren in Christ, Paradise MIssion members: John Beecher, Anna Beecher, Levi Beecher, Eve Beecher, Susan Beecher in 1860 in Jefferson: Paradise United Brethren in Christ, York, PA. ¹⁹

14. Tax List: Curiously John Beecher's occupation was listed as surgeon. The U.S. IRS Excise Tax Assessment listed John Beecher of Manheim Township, surgeon, taxed $10.00, 1864, Manheim Twp., York, PA. ²⁰

15. Military from 17 Feb 1864 to 9 Nov 1865: Company G, 152nd Regiment Pa. Volunteers. ²¹

16. York County Orphan's Court on 24 Dec 1869 in York, York, PA. ¹⁰ Here is the transcription and summary of the York County Orphans' Court records for the estate of John Beecher, found in the York County, Pennsylvania books dated December 24, 1869.
These records detail two separate "specific performance" cases. In these cases, John Beecher had agreed to sell land to neighbors before he died but passed away before he could sign the official deeds. The Administrator of his estate is petitioning the court to finalize these sales.

Record 1: Sale of Land to William H. Snyder
Source: Pages 416-418
Summary of Record
Deceased: John Beecher of Manheim Township, York County.
Date of Death: March 4, 1869.
Administrator: Henry Shearer.
Family/Heirs Listed:
Susan Beecher (Widow)
Lydia Bear (Daughter)
Rachel Fishel (Daughter)
Children of Levi Beecher (Deceased son): Selina Beecher, Noah Beecher, Eliz. Snyder, William Beecher.
Purchaser: William H. Snyder.
Property Description: A tract in Manheim Township containing 6 acres and 152 perches.
Neighbors: William H. Snyder (the purchaser) and other land of John Beecher.
Price: $35.00.
Details: Beecher made a verbal ("parol") agreement with Snyder on November 1, 1868. Beecher died before the written contract could be executed. The court approved the sale.
Transcription
[Page 416, Bottom Half]
Beecher The petition of Henry Shearer of Manheim Township in said County, Administrator of the estate of John Beecher late of said Township deceased and of Susan Beecher Widow, Lydia Bear, Rachel Fishel, Children of Levi Beecher deceased, Selina Beecher, Noah Beecher, Eliz. Snyder, William Beecher, Children and heirs of said decedent Respectfully represents. That the said John Beecher in his life time and at the time of his death was seized and possessed of a certain messuage and tract of land situated in said township with the appurtenances thereunto belonging containing Six Acres and One hundred and fifty two perches adjoining lands of the said William H. Snyder and the said Beecher's other land. That the said John Beecher being so seized made a parol agreement with William H. Snyder of the said township for the sale of said land to him for the sum of Thirty five dollars, the said contract being made on or about the 1st day of November A.D. 1868 and was to be put in writing on the first day of April A.D. 1869.
That before the said contract was put in writing to wit, on the fourth day of March A.D. 1869 the said John Beecher died and the intention to make said writing was not accomplished. That the sale was an advantage one to the vendor and the purchaser for peculiar reasons to himself is ready and desirous of having the property at the price at which he agreed [etc.] That your petitioners do not deem it expedient to
[Page 417] December 24 A.D. 1869
be plead the statute requiring such contracts to be put in writing but on the contrary are desirous to do what may be necessary to enable the said purchaser to have and recover the real estate agreed to be sold as aforesaid for that it is for the interest and advantage of your petitioners being all the persons interested in said estate that the same should be sold for the reasons herein before mentioned at the price agreed upon as aforesaid and such sale can be made without the violation of any law conferring an immunity or exemption from sale or alienation. Your petitioners therefore pray your Honorable Court, the President Judge presiding to inquire into the premises if need be upon notice to said purchaser and to decree a Sale of said real estate under the provisions of the acts of Assembly in such case made and provided and your petitioners also further say that if Your Honors deem it expedient it would be advisable under the circumstances of this case to order and decree a private sale of the said property and your petitioners will ever pray &c.
Henry Shearer, Administrator Betsy Bear Noah T. Beecher Sarah T. Beecher [Note: Signatures slightly vary from header list] Anna Elizabeth Snyder Rachel [her mark] Fishel William H. Snyder
Sworn to and Subscribed this 13 day of November A.D. 1869 by Henry Shearer, Administrator and Rachel Fishel two of the above named petitioners. Before me E. G. Cramer, Justice of the Peace
[Signatures] Rachel [her mark] Fishel
William H. Snyder of Manheim township in said County respectfully represents, That in the month of November A.D. 1868 on the first day of said month he made a contract with John Beecher of said township and County then living and since deceased for the purchase from said John Beecher of a messuage and tract of land situated in said township containing Six Acres and One hundred and fifty two perches adjoining lands of the said William H. Snyder and other land of the said John Beecher for the sum of thirty five dollars to be paid as follows: To be paid on the delivery of the deed on the first day of April 1869. That he agreed at the same time with said John Beecher that they would put their contract in writing on the first day of April A.D. 1869 but owing to the death of the said John Beecher that purpose was not accomplished. That your petitioner nevertheless for peculiar personal reasons is anxious to have the said property at the price agreed upon that the heirs and representatives of the said John Beecher deceased are also desirous that he should have the said property as agreed on as aforesaid
[Page 418, Left Column] December 24 A.D. 1869
and are about making application to your Honorable Court with such view. That he therefore hereby appears and asks to be made party to such application and he desires that such decree or order of sale may be made to enable him to have a good and secure title to said real estate according to the act of Assembly in such case made and provided.
Wm. H. Snyder
Sworn to and Subscribed by the said Wm. H. Snyder on the 13th day of December 1869. Before me Benj. Lucas, Justice of the Peace.
Noah Beecher] being duly sworn according to law doth depose and say that he was present when the within mentioned contract was made to the best of his knowledge and belief. Noah Beecher
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 13th day of December A.D. 1869. Benj. Lucas J.P.
Whereupon the petition of the Administrator and heirs of John Beecher late of Manheim township York County deceased as was presented to the Court, setting forth certain facts and praying an Order of Sale as follows (See petition) at the same time the appearance and answer of William H. Snyder with affidavit of Noah Beecher was filed and also the bond of Henry Shearer the said Administrator with surety in $70.00.
Whereupon the Court on due consideration Order and decree a Sale of said premises in the said petition mentioned and that the same be made a private sale according to the prayer of the petitioner and direct the order of Sale to be executed by the said Administrator Henry Shearer as aforesaid and approve the Bond filed by him as aforesaid the order to be returnable at the next Orphans Court. Bond $70.00 Bail W. S. Cramer By the Court

Record 2: Sale of Land to Henry Miller
Source: John Beecher (Pages 419-421)
Summary of Record
Deceased: John Beecher.
Heirs: Same as previous record (Susan Beecher, Rachel Fishel, heirs of Levi Beecher: Selina, Noah, Elizabeth, William). Note: Lydia Bear is absent from this specific list header but implied as "heirs".
Purchaser: Henry Miller.
Property Description: A messuage and tract in Manheim Township containing 16 acres and 62 perches.
Neighbors: Mary Kagle, Edward Bentsbaugh (or Bentzbaugh), and other land of John Beecher.
Price: $573.56.
Details: Beecher made a verbal contract with Miller on September 15, 1868. Half the money was due April 1, 1869, and the other half in two equal payments in 1870 and 1871. Beecher died March 4, 1869, before the deed was written.
Transcription
[Page 419, Right Column]
Beecher The petition of Henry Shearer of Manheim Township in said County Administrator of the Estate of John Beecher late of said township deceased and of Susan Beecher Widow, Rachel Fishel, Children of Levi Beecher decd, Selina Beecher, Noah Beecher, Elizabeth Snyder, William Beecher, Grand Children and heirs of said deceased Respectfully Represents. That the said John Beecher in his life time and at the time of his death was seized and possessed of a certain messuage and tract of land situated in said township with the appurtenances thereunto belonging containing Sixteen Acres and sixty two perches adjoining lands of Mary Kagle, Edward Bentsbaugh and the land of the present owner. That the said John Beecher being so seized made a parol contract with Henry Miller of the said township for the sale of said land to him for the sum of Five Hundred and Seventy three dollars and fifty six cents payable as follows, One half cash and the other in two equal payments on April 1st 1870 and April 1st 1871. The said contract being made on or about the fifteenth day of September A.D. 1868 and was to be put in writing on the first day of April A.D. 1869. That before the said contract was put in writing on the fourth day of March A.D. 1869 the said John Beecher died and the intention to make said writing was not accomplished. That the sale was an advantageous one to the vendor and the purchaser for peculiar reasons personal to himself is very ready and desirous of having the property at the price at which he bought it if he could have it under his contract. That your petitioners do not deem it expedient to plead the statute requiring such contracts to be put in writing but on the contrary are desirous to do what may be necessary to enable the said purchaser to have and recover the real estate agreed to be sold as aforesaid for that it is for the interest and advantage of your petitioners being all the persons interested in said real estate that the same should be sold for the reasons herein before mentioned at the price agreed upon as aforesaid and such sale can be made without the violation of any law conferring an immunity or exemption from sale or alienation your petitioners therefore pray your Honorable Court the President Judge presiding to inquire into the premises if need be upon notice to said purchaser and to decree a sale of said real estate under the provisions of the acts of Assembly in such case made and provided and your petitioners also further say if your Honors deem it expedient it would be advisable under the circumstances of this case to order and decree a private sale of the said property and your petitioners will ever pray &c.
Henry Shearer, Administrator Rachel [her mark] Fishel Susan [her mark] Beecher (widow) Anna Elizabeth Snyder William H. Snyder
Sworn to and Subscribed by Henry Shearer and Rachel Fishel November 13" 1869 before me Benj. Lucas Justice of the Peace
[Page 420] December 24 A.D. 1869
Henry Miller of Manheim Township in said County Respectfully Represents That in the month of September A.D. 1868 on the 15" day of said month he made a contract with John Beecher of said Township and County then living and since deceased for the purchase from said John Beecher of a messuage and tract of land situate in said Township containing Sixteen Acres and Sixty two perches adjoining lands of Mary Kagle, Edmond Bentsbaugh and others. For the sum of Five hundred and Seventy three dollars and fifty six cents to be paid as follows, One half to be paid on the first day of April A.D. 1869 and the other in two equal payments on April 1st 1870 and April 1st 1871. That he agreed at the same time with said John Beecher that they would put their contract in writing on the First day of April A.D. 1869, but owing to the death of said John Beecher that purpose was not accomplished. That your petitioner nevertheless for peculiar personal reasons is anxious to have the said property at the price agreed upon: That the heirs and representatives of the said John Beecher deceased are also desirous that he should have the said property as agreed on as aforesaid and are about making application to your Hon. Court with such view: That he therefore hereby appears and asks to be made party to such application and he desires that such decree or order of sale may be made to enable him to have a good and secure title to said property according to the law in such case made and provided as he shall ever pray &c. Henry B. Miller
Sworn to and Subscribed by Henry B. Miller on the 13th day of November A.D. 1869 Before me H. L. Cramer J.P.
The above and foregoing facts Sworn to and Subscribed by William H. Snyder on the 13 day of January 1869. H. L. Cramer J.P. William H. Snyder
Whereupon the Petition of the Administrator of John Beecher decd and of the heirs of said John Beecher late of Manheim Township York County deceased was presented to the Court setting forth certain facts and praying an Order of Sale as follows (See Petition) at the same time the appearance and answer of Henry Miller with affidavit of William H. Snyder were filed and also the Bond of Henry Shearer the said Administrator with Surety in ($1200.00) Whereupon the Court on due consideration order and decree a Sale of the said premises in the said petition mentioned and that the same be made a private sale according to the prayer of the Petitioner and direct the order of sale to be executed by the said Administrator Henry Shearer as aforesaid and approve the Bond filed by him as aforesaid the order to be returnable at the next Orphans Court. Bond $1200.00 Bail H. L. Cramer By the Court
.

John married Anna Range, daughter of Lieut. John Heinrich Range Sr. and Magdalena. (Anna Range was born on 30 Oct 1787 in Manheim Twp., York, PA,^{2 3 9} died on 27 Apr 1861 in Manheim Twp., York, PA ⁹ and was buried in Jefferson: St. Emanuel's Cemetery, York, PA ⁹.)

John next married Susan. (Susan died in , York, PA.)