If you’ve read the previous post on Visitbigvalley.com, you know that some things have changed. One of the two people supplying information on these blog posts has family history in the valley. The following is a part of her family history you might enjoy.
My love for Big Valley started when I was a little girl visiting my great-grandparents on Front Mountain Road in Allensville. Harvey and Lydia (Allie) Kanagy had a small sawmill on their property, and Harvey previously worked for the Kishocoquillas railroad.
As an adult, I have spent significant time researching the Kanagy Family Tree. I recently discovered that my 8th great-grandfather was Jacob Hertzler, who was the first Amish Bishop in America. He was born in Switzerland in 1703 and later in life moved to a province in France for a few years. Like many others, their family decided to head to America to escape religious prosecution. They sailed over on the ship “St. Andrew” and after six weeks on the water, arrived in Philadelphia on September 9th, 1749. (Strassburger and Hinke, “Pennsylvania German Pioneers” pg 396)
His family settled in Berks County, PA where he obtained a warrant for a piece of land he called “Contentment.” It was on this land that he served his time as the first Amish Bishop in America. He also had an Amish Schoolhouse built that was the first of it’s kind in America.
Bishop Jacob’s son, John, was also born in Switzerland and traveled to America at a young age. John’s 3rd child was named Jacob (for his grandfather?) and he moved to Big Valley prior to 1800. He and his wife were one of the first Mennonites to move to Mifflin County. They purchased a farm on Church Lane, near where the present day Allensville Mennonite Church stands. This farm was owner by the Hertzler/Hartzler family descendants for over 200 years.
If this sort of research interests you, there is a wealth of knowledge among the historical societies, museums/heritage center, business owners and locals! Many of our Big Valley Businesses have a deep history in the valley too. We would love to hear YOUR stories! Please reach out to share with us!
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