My Genealogy Home Page:Information about Frederich Jacob Reichelderfer
Frederich Jacob Reichelderfer (b. 21 Sep 1714, d. 20 Sep 1759)
Notes for Frederich Jacob Reichelderfer:Indian Attack 1756
Added by Marame3234 on 22 Oct 2006
Letter from Valetine Probst to Jacob Levan of Maxatawny [Berks County, PA], dated February 15, 1756, as printed in “Frontier Forts of Pennsylvania,” pp. 152-153:
“I cannot omit writing about the dreadful circumstances of our township, Albany [Berks County, PA]. The Indians came yesterday morning, about eight o’clock, to Frederick Reichelderfer’s house, as he was feeding his horses, and two of the Indians ran upon him, and followed him into a field ten or twelve perches off; but he escaped and ran towards Jacob Gerhart’s house, with a design to fetch some arms. When he came near Gerhart’s, he heard a lamentable cry, Lord Jesus, Lord Jesus! – which made him run back towards his own house; but before he got quite home, he saw his house and stable in flames; and heard all the cattle bellowing, and thereupon ran away again.
Two of his children were shot, one of them was found dead in his field, the other was found alive, and brought to Hakenbrook’s [Hagenbuch’s] house, but died three hours after. All his grain and cattle are burnt up. At Jacob Gerhart’s they have killed one man, two women, and six children. Two children slipped under the bed; one of which was burned; the other escaped, and ran a mile to get to the people. We desire help, or we must leave our homes.
Yours,
VALENTINE PROBST”