Jacob Bicher Sr. ^{4 5 6}

   Other names for Jacob were Jacob Beacher,⁹ Jacob Beecher,¹⁰ Jacob Beicher,¹¹ Jacob Bicker,⁷ Jacob Biecher,¹² Jacob Bucher,^{2 13 14 15} Jacob Bücher,¹ Johan Jacob Bücher and Jacob Buecher.¹⁶

   FamilySearch ID: KCM8-5QH.

  Noted events in his life were:

1. Tax List: 1770, , Lancaster, PA. The list shows:
Biecher, Engle, 1770, Cocalico, Inmate
Biecher, Jacob, 1770, Cocalico, Inmate
"Inmate" indicates they were taxpayers who rented rather than land owners. Jacob, Engle's son, would be 12 at this time, so this is likely another Jacob?
The author of this modern book that includes old Lancaster tax lists notes that Engle Biecher appeared in the 1769 list as Engle Bicker, shoemaker. In the 1771 list, Jacob appeared as Jacob Becher.

2. Tax List: Beaker, Jacob. 150 acres, 4 horses, 4 cattle. Tax 8.0, 1771, Lebanon Twp., Lancaster, PA. ¹⁷

3. Tax List: Becher, Jacob, Wid'r, 150 acres, 2 horses, 3 cattle, 7 servants, .6 tax., 1773, Lebanon Twp., Lancaster, PA. ¹⁸

4. Fact: On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress unanimously adopted the Declaration of Independence, announcing the separation of the Thirteen Colonies from Great Britain., 4 Jul 1776, Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA.

5. Military on 22 Jun 1778 in , Lancaster, PA: enrolled as Private in the Revolutionary War. ¹

6. Oath: Allegiance to Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, 22 Jun 1778, Heidelberg Twp., Lancaster, PA. ^{1 19} Sworn to Justice Henry Sheaffer. Appearing on the same list are Jacob Bicker, Wilhelm Bicker, Johannes Becker, Jacob Becker.

7. Tax List: 1779, , Lancaster, PA. ²⁰ He is likely recorded as Jacob Beegher of Lebanon Township. The lists for 1779-1781 show the following:
Bucher, Benedict, Cocalico, 1779
Bucher, Chrisly, Donegal 1779
Bucher, Hans, Warwick, 1781
Bucher, John Cocalico, 1779
Bucher, John Jr., Cocalico, 1779
Bucher, Joseph, Warwick, 1781
Bucher, Peter, Stumpstown, 1780, tailor
Beegher, Jacob, Lebanon, 1779.

8. Tax List: Listed on the 1779 list in Lebanon Township: Peter Beaker and Jacob Beacher, 1779, Lebanon Twp., Lancaster, PA. ^{21 22}

9. Jacob served in the military on 24 Jan 1780 in Blue Ball, Lancaster, PA. ²³ Register of Furloughs granted to non Commisioned Officers & Privates of Major Hamilton's Second Regiment Penna - from the Fifteenth day of January 1780

Jacob Beaker
Furlough Granted: from Morristown to Earl Town by Col. Stewart
Time: 6 days (bad weather)
Date of Furlough: January 24

[Research note: Earl Town is in Earl Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and after the war Jacob's brothers John and Benjamin lived in Earl Township. Jacob's furlough was apparentely cut short due to bad weather, likely snow (other soldiers on the furlough list had 30 days leave, not 6.) Jacob was eager to get home because his new wife was about to give birth to their first child. Sadly, he didn't see his daughter born 13 Feb 1780.]

Jacob.

10. He served in the military on 20 Dec 1780 in , Lancaster, PA. Muster Roll of the Revolutionary War Company of Captain Andrew Ream

"Return of my Second Company and Third Battalion now belonging to the Eighth Company. And Sixth Battalion Lancaster County Militia."

Captain: Andrew Ream, Lieutenant: Henry Ream

Within this company here are surnames of interest:
In the 2nd Class: Jacob Bucher
In the 6th Class: Jacob Beaker
In the 7th Class: John Bucher, John Beaker

Since Jacob's obituary mentions he was a solider of the Revolution, we are sure one of these is his listing, because the Reams as those associated with the founding of Reamstown, only 2 miles from the Muddy Creek church attended by the Bichers/Büchers.

Also nearby are the descendants of immigrant Hans Bucher (1681-1762) who founded Denver, PA, and the Beecher/Bucher Y-DNA project has proven they are not related to the Bicher/Bücher family which became Beechers, Biechers, Beichers, Beachers.

11. Tax List: Jacob Bicher, inmate (no land). 1 horse, 1 cow, no tax., 1781, Lebanon Twp., Lancaster, PA. ²⁴

12. Fact: The British surrender at Yorktown marked the end of major military operations in the Revolutionary War. Most Continental soldiers went home about 1783., 19 Oct 1781, Yorktown, York, VA.

13. Tax List: 1782, Lebanon Twp., Lancaster, PA. ^{25 26} On the 1782 tax list in Lancaster County for Lebanon Township, Jacob Bicher is listed with no acres, no horses, 1 cattle, no servants, and a tax due of 10 pounds.

14. Fact: He signed the petition to create Dauphin County from Lancaster County. In 1813 Dauphin was split to create Lebanon county., 1784. ²⁷

15. Book: History of Dauphin County, Mar 1784. ²⁸
The history book for many pages describes the efforts of citizens to stop the government from establishing Harris' Ferry, which became Harrisburg, from becoming the county seat of the new county being split from Lancaster, namely, Dauphin. On a petition to object to the county seat location, we find a list of the citizens of Lebanon Township, which includes:

Jacob Bicher
Jacob Embich [listed next to Jacob, interesting in that later Bichers intermarry with the Embich family, and a relationship probably began with these two Jacobs.].

16. Fact: The county Lebanon was in changed over time., 1785 to 1813, Lebanon, Lebanon, PA. When reviewing civil or census records for Jacob Bicher from 1780 to 1820, it appears he moved from Lancaster County to Dauphin County to Lebanon County. In fact, from at least 1771 until his death, he always lived in or near the town of Lebanon, but the county it was in changed over time!
Lebanon before 1785 was in Lancaster County. In 1785, the western portion of Lancaster County was split off to become Dauphin County, which included Lebanon and today's state capitol Harrisburg. In 1813, the eastern part of Dauphin including Lebanon became Lebanon County. Search for records within the county appropriate for that time.
.

17. Occupation: Jacob Bicher was a redware potter as reported on page 20 in the 1979 book "Central Pennsylvania Redware Pottery" by Jeannette Lasansky. The book mispells his name as Jacob Bacher. from 1785 to 1800 in Lebanon, Dauphin, PA.

18. In 1785 in Lebanon: Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church, Lebanon, PA. ¹⁶ From the book, Old Salem in Lebanon : a history of the congregation and town:
In the beginning of 1784 Rev. Kurtz baptized a child of Peter Schindel, in summer a child of Adam Reis and Jacob, son of John Schnee, and at the close of the year he baptized a child of Philip Greenwalt, and nearly two years later a child of Mr. Greenwalt's son. In 1785-87 he baptized children of Jacob Buecher, Adam Weiss, George Reinoel, and Adam Reis.

19. Tax List: Jacob Bicher, 1785, Lebanon Twp., Dauphin Co, , PA. ²⁹

20. Petition: Jacob Bicher signed a petition submitted to the Pennsylvania General Assembly., on 1 Apr 1785, in , , Pennsylvania, USA. ³⁰ Farmers in Lancaster County were protesting against the expansion of the Market House on High Street in Philadelphia, fearing that they needed High Street to remain wide so their wagons could bring produce from Lancaster to Philadelphia for sale.
Here is the peitition:
------------------------
To the General Assembly of Representatives of the Freemen of Pennsylvania
The Memorial and Petition of divers Freeman of the County of Lancaster Respectfully sheweth,
That your memorialists stand informed, that repeated applications have been made to the honourable House, for a law to extend the Market House on High Street, still farther westward.
That it is of great importance to the Farmer to have a ready access with his wagon into the heart of the city; The price of his produce, and the readiness of sale, greatly depend upon it; There he can most easily purchase such goods as he may have occasion for, and best inform himself of the lowest price at which they are sold. While, on the contrary, if he be obliged to remain at the outskirts of the city, there are fewer purchasers for his produce, he is at greater difficulty to obtain what he wants to purchase, and more liable to be imposed on by the few traders who may reside there.
That High Street, from its great width, is well calculated for accommodating wagons, while they remain in the city; but the other streets are too narrow as to be extremely inconvenient That even that street, wide as it is, has lately often been much crowded, and that increase of wagons is so great, as must soon render a want of room for them a distressing circumstance That the farmer who brings his produce from a great distance, in wagons, may as reasonably expect accommodations, while he remains in the city, as those who bring their produce a smaller distance on horseback That while there is no other suitable place than High Street, yet provided for the reception of great number of wagons, there are many other convenient places for those who bring their produce on horseback, and which may be extended to any degree of conveniency.
Your petitioners therefore pray, that until some large open square, near the centre of the trading part of the city, can be obtained for the reception of wagons, the entrance into the heart of the city by High Street, may not be any further interrupted, or prevented, by any means whatever.
And your petitioners as in duty bound, will etc.

<we show only a partial list of signatures adjacent to Jacob Bicher's. See the source for the full list.>

Michael Miller
Hannes Schee
Harris Schnebli
Jacob Vicks
Andon Carmeni
Leonhart Imel
Peter Miller
Jacob Bicher
Hannes Daner
Sebastan Wolf
Jno Philip Peck
Johanes Imel.

21. Tax List: Jacob Bicher, 1788, Lebanon Twp., Dauphin Co, , PA. ²⁹

22. Census in 1790 in Lebanon, Dauphin, PA. ³¹ In the 1790 census Jacob Beacherd is listed in Lebanon township, Lancaster County, with this household:
Males under 16 (born 1775-1790) = 2 (sons Jacob and William)
Males 16 and over (born <=1774) = 1 (father Jacob)
Females = 2 (daughter Magdalena and mother Catherine).

23. Jacob Beecher sold land to Michael Teiss on 13 Jul 1790 in Lebanon, Lebanon, PA. This deed can be viewed at the Lebanon County Historical Society in the Lebanon County Ground Rent Deeds collection Item 33 Box 20, Lebanon Borough #152.

24. He appeared as a sponsor at a baptism on 12 May 1794 at Lebanon: Tabor First Reformed Church, Lebanon, PA. Jacob Bicher and wife Catharina are sponsors for the baptism of Johannes, son of Fridrich Schweitzer and Magdalena. ³²

25. He appeared as a sponsor at a baptism on 19 Apr 1795 at Lebanon: Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church, Lebanon, PA. He and his wife Maria Catarina sponsor the baptism of: Weis, Anna Margreta born 18 Jan 1795, parents Jacob Weis and wife Margreta. ⁴

26. He appeared as a sponsor at a baptism on 3 Jan 1796 at Lebanon: Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church, Lebanon, PA. Jacob and wife Catarina were sponsors for Brucker, John Christian b. 27 Nov 1795, father Christian Brucker wife Margreta. ⁴

27. Occupation: Reware potter in 1798 in Lebanon, Dauphin, PA. On the 1798 Federal Direct Tax Jacob Buecher was listed as having a potter shop because that was his ocucpation The 1979 Book, "Central Pennsylvania Redware Pottery" by Jeannette Lasandky, on page 24, discusses Jacob's redware pottery but misspelled his surname as Bacher.
Redware pottery from Lebanon, Pennsylvania is a unique and vibrant style of handmade ceramic art with a rich history rooted in the Pennsylvania Dutch tradition. As the name suggests, redware is primarily known for its rich, earthy red color. This comes from the iron-rich clay used in the pottery, along with a specific firing process that brings out the iron's color. Redware pottery was made for everyday use, featuring items like mugs, bowls, plates, jugs, and crocks. These pieces were valued for their durability and ability to store food and liquids. Some were simple but others surprisingly decorative with geometric patterns, floral designs, and sgraffito (scratching through a slip layer to reveal the clay beneath). Some pieces feature whimsical animal figures or human forms.

28. Tax List: 1798, Lebanon Twp., Dauphin Co, , PA. ³³ In 1798 in Lebanon Township, Dauphin County, Jacob Buecher's property was recorded for the Federal Direct Tax that was levied for the purpose of raising a war chest for possible war with France. On July 9, 1798, an act was passed by Congress providing "for the valuation of lands and dwelling houses and the enumeration of slaves within the United States." Assessors were to compile a list of houses, land, and slaves and then evaluate and assess them accordingly.
The following buildings and land appear in the tax assessment list belonging to Jacob Buecher (Jacob Beecher). Deed references: A42, D54, E42 I- II:
House, 35x24, wood, 2 stories, acres: 48 perches, assessment $500, valuation $625.
Potter shop, 20x15, wood, 1 story, valuation $200
(adjoining Allwein, Conrad)
House, 20x20, wood, 1 story, 2 acres, assessment $200, valuation $250.
House, 35x24, well finished.
House, 20x20, in middling good order.
Barn (old), 30x18, stone, 75 acres, assessment $1350, valuation $1587.50.
Still house, stone/wood
(adjoining Beck, John Ph.)
Land, 144 perches, assessment $45, valuation $56.25
Since Jacob's property list includes a "potter shop" that likely was his occupation.
Also on the 1798 Tax List in Lebanon, Dauphin, PA:
Occupant: Brechbill.
Owner: Beecher Jacob. Lebanon.
1 dwelling house
1 out house
48 perches land, valuation $500. Valuation revised by commissioners: $625.
1 dwelling house, 2 acres land, valuation $200, valuation revised by commissioners $250.
Also on the 1798 Tax List in Lebanon, Dauphin, PA:
Occupant: Jacob Beecher
1 old barn built of wood, 30 by 18
three land lots
1 still house built of wood and stone
75 acres 144 perches, bordering land of Conrad Olwine and John Peck
assessment $1350 & $45.

29. Tax List: 1798, Lebanon, Dauphin, PA. ³⁴ 54. Occupant: Brechbill. Owner: Beecher Jacob. Lebanon. 1 dwelling house, 1 out house, 48 perches land, valuation $500. valuation revised by commissioners $625. 1 dwelling house, 2 acres land, valuation $200, valuation revised by commissioners $250.

30. He appeared as a sponsor at a baptism on 1 Feb 1798 at Lebanon: Tabor First Reformed Church, Lebanon, PA. The baptism record of Rebecca, daughter of Philip Berry and Catharina, lists the sponsors as "Jacob Bicher and Maria Catharina." ³⁵

31. Census in 1800 in Lebanon, Dauphin, PA. ³⁶ Jacob Becher is listed in the 1800 census in Lebanon boro, Dauphin County (today's Lebanon County) with this household:
Males (born)
26-44 (1756-1774) = 1 (son Jacob or William)
45 & over (<=1755) = 1 (father Jacob)
Females (born)
26-44 (1756-1774) = 1 (?)
45 & over (<=1755) = 1 (mother Catherine)
.

32. Tax List: Jacob Beecher appears on 1800 enumeration list for Lebanon in Dauphin (now Lebanon) County., 1800, Lebanon, Dauphin, PA. ¹⁰

33. He appeared as a sponsor at a baptism on 3 May 1801 at Lebanon: Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church, Lebanon, PA. Jacob and his wife sponsored the baptism of Gerlast, Eva b. 19 Nov 1800, parents Gottlieb Gottfried Gerlast and wife.
. ⁴

34. On 26 Dec 1803 in Lebanon: Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church, Lebanon, PA. ¹¹ A constitution regarding the operation of Salem Lutheran Church was read to the congregation on Christmas Day, 1803. The constitution is signed December 26th, 1803, by John George Lochman, preacher of the congregation; Jacob Stieb, Anthony Dobler, Conrad Hofman, trustees; Peter Fischer, Jacob Beicher, Conrad Reinohl, Bernhard Embich, George Beckley, George Reinohl, Jr., deacons; Henry Gilbert, treasurer; Christian Ulrich, George Kurtz, Johannes Fernsler, Jacob Embich, Frederick Steiner, Jacob Ritscher, Frederick Beckly.

35. Witness: 24 Jun 1804, Lebanon: Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church, Lebanon, PA. ⁴ Jacob Bucher was witness with Maria Lochman to the wedding of Ehrhard Heckedorn to Maria Brenner on 24 Jun 1804. Note: Ehrhard is likely related to Jacob's wife Catherine, since Johannes Heckedorn was her first husband.

36. Witness: 14 Sep 1804, Lebanon: Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church, Lebanon, PA. ⁴ Jacob Bucher and wife were sponsors for the burial of Jacob Emrich, 14 years, 5 months 8 days. Born 5 Apr 1790. Son of Barhard Embrich and wife. Died of a nervous fever, sick 8 days.

37. He appeared as a sponsor at a baptism on Apr 1805 at Lebanon: Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church, Lebanon, PA. Jacob and his wife were sponsors for the baptism of Burkhart, Thomas born 18 Aug 1804, parents George Burkhart and wife. ⁴

38. He appeared as a sponsor at a baptism on Nov 1805 at Lebanon: Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church, Lebanon, PA. Jacob and his wife sponsored the baptism of Burkhart, Jacob. born 14 Nov 1805, George Burkhart and wife. ⁴

39. Newspaper: Lancaster Intelligencer, 21 Jun 1808, Lancaster, Lancaster, PA. ³⁷ ADDRESS,
To The Republicans of Dauphin County.
FRIENDS AND FELLOW CITIZENS,
THE approaching Election presents a Crisis all important in the Annals of Pennsylvania; a Crisis, the Event of which will secure to you the Blessings of a free Government, or entail upon you and your Prosperity the Evils of an arbitrary and oppressive one. The Means of continuing the one, and avoid the other, rest with yourselves. In your own hands is entrusted your political Destiny.
You have a formidable Enemy to encounter; to defeat whome will require the Spirit of 1776, and the Energy and Unamity of '99. Your present situation may be dully compared to theat of an Army, on the eve of a great Battle; where every thing dear and sacred to Freemen is put to hazard. Should you unfortunately be defeated, all the Evils of an overbearing and arbitrary Faction will inevitably follow. Should you conquer, you secure to yourselves those Blessing, for which your Forefathers following the immortal Washington to the Field; for which they gloriously fought, bled, and died.
...<snip>
RESOLVED, That the following Citizens be a Committee of Vigilance, for the County of Dauphin, viz.
Borough of Lebanon. David Crouse, Esq., Frederick Embich, Conrad Mark, Jacob Biecher, Sen. Henry Gilbert.
...<snip>.

40. Witness: 31 Jan 1809, Lebanon: Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church, Lebanon, PA. ^{4 38} Jacob Bicher and wife were witnesses at the burial of Margreta Weiss in February 1809. Church notes about her death record she was "14 years 13 days, daughter of Jacob Weiss and wife Margreta born 18 Jan 1795. Sickness, asthma."
The Bichers were obviously close friends of the Weiss family for many years because they were sponsors for Margreta's baptism in 1795.

41. Census in 1810 in Lebanon Twp., Dauphin Co, , PA. ³⁹ Jacob Beker is listed in Lebanon Township in Dauphin County with this household:
Males (born)
16-25 (1785-1794) = 1 (either son Jacob or William)
45 & over (<=1765) = 1 (father Jacob)
Females (born)
Under 10 (1801-1810) =
10-15 (1795-1800) = 1 (daughter Magdalena)
45 & over (<=1765) = 1 (mother Catherine).

42. He appeared as a sponsor at a baptism on 24 Dec 1815 at Lebanon: Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church, Lebanon, PA. Jacob and wife Catharina were sponsors at the baptism of Wirth, Jacob, born 8 Dec 1815, parents Johannes Wirth and wife Anna Maria. ⁴

43. Fact: Jacob Bicher named in PA State Charter as a purchaser of shares to build a road from Reading to Hummelstown (today known as U.S. 422), 16 Feb 1816, Harrisburg, Dauphin, PA. ⁴⁰

44. Census in 1820 in Lebanon, Lebanon, PA. ⁴¹ In the 1820 census Jacob is indexed as Jacob Beesher (FamilySearch.org) or Jacob Busher (Ancestry.com) in Lebanon in Lebanon County. In 1820 Jacob Bicher Sr. (b.1758) would be 62 and his wife Catherine 73. His son, John Jacob Jr. b.1782 would be 38 except he died in 1812, so Jacob Sr. raised his son's children, who by 1820 would have these ages: Lydia 11, William 9, and Jacob 8. All of these fit perfectly into the Census record found which shows:

Males (born)
Under 10 (1811-1820) = 2 (grandsons Jacob 8 and William 9)
26-44 (1776-1794) = 1 (Jacob's son J. William b. 1785?)
45 & over (<=1775) = 2 (father Jacob and ?)
It is not known who the other male aged 45+ was, perhaps a butler, worker or brother-in-law?
Females (born)
Under 10 (1811-1820) = 1 (J. William's daughter?)
10-15 (1805-1810) = 1 (granddaughter Lydia 11)
45 & over (<=1775) = 1 (wife Catherine).

45. He appeared as a sponsor at a baptism on 25 Jun 1820 at Lebanon: Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church, Lebanon, PA. Jacob Bicher and wife Maria Catharina were sponsors at the baptism of Roland, George Jacob, born 17 May 1820, parents Johannes Roland and wife Elisabeth. ⁴

46. Book: History of Lebanon County, 1822. ⁴²
In William Henry Egle's History of Lebanon County on page 135 is a list of the taxable inhabitants of Lebanon Borough in 1822, the year following its incorporation. Included in the list is Jacob Beacher. This is the first known time when Jacob's surname appears as modern day families spell it.

47. Right-of-way for Road from David Light’s Tavern to Shaefferstown Road on 23 Sep 1826 in Lebanon, Lebanon, PA. ⁴³ Road from David Light's Tavern to Shaefferstown Road

August Sessions 1826

On the petition of Inhabitants of the Township and Borough of Lebanon, and county of Lebanon praying the Court to appoint proper persons to view and lay out a Road from the west side of David Light's Tavern, on the Berks & Dauphin Turnpike, in the Township of Lebanon; nearly or quite in a South direction to the Sheafferstown road.

The Court appoints John Uhler, Bernard Embich, David Fisher, Joseph Bomberger, George Reinohl Jr. and Joseph Light (Henry's son) to view & who reported as follows to wit;

To the Honourable the Judges within named.

We the persons appointed by the writ to view and lay out the road therein mentioned, do report, that after being sworn and affirmed according to law, in pursuance of said order, we have viewed and laid out and do return for public use the following road, to wit; Beginning at the Berks and Dauphin Turnpike road, halfway between Jacob Biecher's lot & David Light's tavern; thence south five degrees West, fifty-eight perches to the Sheafferstown Road, in the Township of Lebanon: a Road of thirty-three or more in breadth being already opened by Abraham Light on his land from the place of beginning, twenty-nine perches on the same course to the lot of Mrs. McNair; the new road then passing through lands of Mrs. McNair, Jacob Shindel and Jacob Biecher on the East, an alley opened by the said Abraham Light in the middle, and on the West on the land of Michael Faber to the said Sheafferstown road: a plot or draft whereof is hereunto annexed. Witness our hands this 23rd day of September 1826.
(signed)
John Uhler Joseph Bomberger
David Fisher George Reinoehl Jr.
Bernhart Embich Joseph Light

(drawing of the road showing distances and landowners).

48. He appeared as a sponsor at a baptism on 3 Dec 1827 at Lebanon: Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church, Lebanon, PA. Jacob and his wife Maria Catharina Bicher were sponsors at the baptism of their granddaughter, Meily, Sarah Ann born 3 Dec 1827, parents William Meily and wife Lydia.
. ⁴

49. Census in 1830 in Lebanon, Lebanon, PA. ⁴⁴ Jacob Beicher is listed in Lebanon Borough on page 35 in the 1830 Census with this household:
Males (born)
Under 5 (1826-1830) = 2 (?)
15-19 (1811-1815) = 1 (grandson William or Jacob)
70-79 (1751-1760) = 1 (father Jacob)
Females (born)
40-49 (1781-1790) = 1 (Mary Michael or a maid?)
80-89 (1741-1750) = 1 (wife Catherine)
The female 40-49 could be Mary Bicher (nee Michael), wife of John Jacob (born 1782), since her husband died in 1812, or perhaps a maid. This lady is likely the mother of the 2 very young children?

This appears to be the household of Jacob Bucher born 1758. His age would be 72 in 1830, and his wife Catherine 83, explaining the two elderly household heads perfectly.

Since his son, John Jacob (born 1782 who would be 48 in 1830) had died of an accident with a sickle, the 15-19 year old male could be either grandson Jacob (born 1812) or William (born 1811). Likely the older William age 19 was already off living on his own, as was Lydia age 21, and this is Jacob.

The female 40-49 could be Mary Bicher (nee Michael), wife of John Jacob (born 1782), since her husband died in 1812, or a live-in maid taking care of the elderly Jacob and Catherine.

50. Jacob Beecher sold to John George a half lot on Walnut Alley for $112.50 on 2 Apr 1831 in Lebanon, Lebanon, PA. ⁴⁵ Land deed made 2 Apr 1831 between Jacob Beecher of Borough of Lebanon and John George of same place. Beecher sold to George for $112.50 a half lot in the Borough of Lebanon bounded on the north by Walnut Alley, on the east by another lot of Jacob Beecher, on the south by lot of Elizabeth Shindel and on the west by Smoke Alley containing along Walnut Alley 66 feet and in depth 99 feet. It being the same three lots which Michael Teiss and Elizabeth his wife, John Ulrich Snavely and Eve his wife and Frederick Stoever and Margaret his wife on 13 Jul 1790 conveyed to Jacob Beecher, together with the houses, out-houses, barns, stables, gardens, orchards, meadows, fields, fences, ways, woods, water-courses, rights, liberties, privileges, hereditaments and appurtenances.

51. Jacob Biecher sold to Samuel Shindel a half lot on Chestnut St. for $90. on 27 Nov 1832 in Lebanon, Lebanon, PA. ⁴⁶ On 27 Nov 1832 Jacob Biecher of Borough of Lebanon sold to Samuel Shindel of same place, Innkeeper, for $90 a half lot in the Borough of Lebanon beginning at a post on Smoke Alley a corner of George M. Krause's half lot of which this being a part thence by lot intended to be granted to George M. Krause thirteen perches to a post at Chestnut Street thence by said street thirty three feet to a post of Jacob Bicher's lot and thence by said lot thirteen perches to a post at Smoke Alley, thence by said alley thirty three feet to the place of beginning containing one-half of ground and numbered 12 in the plan of said Town. It being part of a lot Number 12 which Michael Teiss and Elizabeth his wife, John Ulrich Snavely and Eve his wife and Frederick Stoever and Margaret his wife then proprietors of the rent charges of the Town of Lebanon on 13 Jul 1790 sold to Jacob Biecher.

52. Jacob Biecher sold to Henry Fisher a lot on Chestnut Street for $150 on 22 Dec 1832 in Lebanon, Lebanon, PA. ⁴⁶ On 22 Dec 1832 Jacob Biecher of Borough of Lebanon sold to Henry Fisher of same place for $150 a lot in the Borough of Lebanon beginning at a post on Chestnut Street then along said street thirty feet to a street running from the Berks and Dauphin Turnpike to Shaefferstown Road thence along said street twelve perches to an alley called Smoke Alley thence along said alley to another lot of said Jacob Biecher no. 5 thence along said lot twelve perches to the place of the beginning, containing two thirds of a lot of ground and numbered No. 224, it being part of a larger lot which Nicholas Emsinger and Elizabeth his wife sold on 28 Feb 1771 to Edward Madden, and the said Edward Madden and his Catherine his wife sold on 17 Mar 1772 to John Heckendorn and which in sundry mesne conveyance became vested in fee simple unto Jacob Biecher.

53. Jacob Biecher sold to Henry Fisher a half lot on Chestnut Street for $100 on 18 Oct 1833 in Lebanon, Lebanon, PA. ⁴⁶ On 18 Oct 1833 Jacob Biecher of Borough of Lebanon sold to Henry Fisher of same place for $100 a half lot in the Borough of Lebanon containing in front on Chestnut Street thirty-three feet and in depth one hundred and ninety-eight feet adjoining lots of Jacob Biecher on the west and Henry Fisher on the east, Smoke Alley on the north, and said Chestnut Street on the south. It being part of a lot Number 5 which Michael Teiss and Elizabeth his wife, John Ulrich Snavely and Eve his wife and Frederick Stoever and Margaret his wife sold on 13 Jul 1790 to Jacob Biecher.
.

54. Census in 1840 in Lebanon, Lebanon, PA. ⁹ Jacob Beacher appears in the 1840 Census in Lebanon living alone. His age is in category 80-89 (so he was born 1751-1760).

The next listing on this page is his grandson, William Beacher.
Males (born)
Under 5 (1836-1840) = 1
5-9 (1831-1835) = 1
15-19 (1821-1825) = 1
30-39 (1801-1810) = 3
Females (born)
Under 5 (1836-1840) = 1
20-29 (1811-1820) = 1
50-59 (1781-1790) = 1
60-69 (1771-1780) = 1.

55. Probate in 1842 in Lebanon, Lebanon, PA. ¹ Lebanon estate records show his last effects, totaling $728 in value (over half being notes due on loans to family and friends) and the presence of his grandsons, "W. Beecher" and "Jacob Biecher" at the auction. His horse and sleigh brought $8.75, combined!.

56. Obituary: Reading Adler: "am 23sten Februar, in der Stadt Libanon, Jacob Bicher, im Alter von 84 Jahren, ein Revolutions Soldat" on 1 Mar 1842 in Reading, Berks, Pennsylvania, USA. ⁸ English Translation: on the 23rd of February in the city of Lebanon, Jacob Bicher, aged 84 years, a soldier Revolution.

57. Obituary: Lebanon Courier on 2 Mar 1842 in Lebanon, Lebanon, PA. ^{47 48} Died...on the 23rd February, in this place, Mr. Jacob Biecher, in the 81th year of his age. The deceased was a soldier of the Revolution.

58. The estate of Jacob Bicher (b.1758) is recorded on 8 Mar 1842 in Lebanon, Lebanon, PA. ⁴⁹ Jacob died intestate (without will).
Jacob's estate was administered by grandson William Biecher.
Admn Acct B 880
Book B page 530 8 Mar 1842: Letter of Administration
Bond Book 3 page 299 8 Mar 1842
Final account filed 16 Feb 1844
.

59. The grandson of Jacob Beecher (b.1758), Jacob Beecher (b.1812), received $500 to assign his right to his grandfather Jacob's estate to his brother, William. on 4 Apr 1842 in Lebanon, Lebanon, PA. ⁵⁰ Whereas Jacob Beecher, the elder late of the Borough of Lebanon County of State of Pennsylvania, died in testate leaving certain real estate in the Borough of Lebanon aforesaid, consisting of a house and lot of ground fronting on Cumberland Street in said Borough, bounded on the west, by an alley; on the South by an alley & on the East by a Street. And whereas the said in testate, died leaving no issue besides three Grand Children to inherit same, to wit, William Beecher, Jacob Beecher & Lidia Beecher intermarried with William Meily. Now Know all men by these presents that Jacob Beecher of Centre County & State aforesaid and Angeline his wife, for and in consideration of the sum of Five Hundred dollars, lawful money of the United States to them in hand well and truly paid by William Beecher, of the Borough of Lebanon aforesaid, have remised, released and forever quit claimed and by these presents do for themselves and their heirs remise, release and forever quit claim unto the said William Beecher and to his heirs and assigns forever all the estate, right, title, interest, claim and demand whatsoever of him the said Jacob Beecher and Angeline his wife, of, in or to all that Lot of ground above mentioned with the appurtenances, To have & to hold the said Lot of ground with the appurtenances unto the said William Beecher, his heirs and assigns, to the only proper use and behoof of him the said William Beecher his heirs and assigns forever. So that neither he the said Jacob Beecher and Angeline his wife, nor their heirs nor any other person or persons, for him or them or in his or their names, or right shall or may by any ways or means, at any time here_after claim, challenge or demand any estate, right, title or interest, of, in or the said lot of ground with the appurtenances or any part thereof, but from all and every action and actions estate, right, title, interest & demand, of, in, or to the premises or any part or parcel thereof, they and every of them shall be forever barred by these presents. In witness whereof the said parties have hereunto set their hands and seals the fourth day of April A.D. 1842.
Signed, sealed and delivered
Jacob Beecher (signature)
Angeline Beecher (her mark)
In the presence of
Joseph E. Orth when Jacob Beecher signed
John Shindel at do
H. B. Mussina when Angeline signed
Abraham Gingrich.

60. The granddaughter of Jacob Beecher (b.1758), Lydia (b.1809), received $500 to assign her right to her grandfather Jacob's estate to her brother, William. on 20 Jan 1844 in Lebanon, Lebanon, PA. ⁵⁰ Whereas Jacob Bicher, the elder late of the Borough of Lebanon County of State of Pennsylvania, died in testate leaving certain real estate in the Borough of Lebanon aforesaid, consisting of a house and lot of ground fronting on Cumberland Street in said Borough, bounded on the west, by an alley; on the South by an alley & on the East by a Street. And whereas the said in testate, died leaving no issue besides three Grand Children to inherit same, to wit, William Bicher, Jacob Bicher & Lydia Bicher intermarried with William Meily. Now Know all men by these presents that William Meily and Lydia his wife, for and in consideration of the sum of Five Hundred dollars, lawful money of the United States to them in hand well and truly paid by William Beecher, of the Borough of Lebanon aforesaid, have remised, released and forever quit claimed and by these presents do for themselves and their heirs remise, release and forever quit claim unto the said William Bicher and to his heirs and assigns forever all the estate, right, title, interest, claim and demand whatsoever of him the said William Meily and Lydia his wife, of, in or to all that Lot of ground above mentioned with the appurtenances, To have & to hold the said Lot of ground with the appurtenances unto the said William Beecher, his heirs and assigns, to the only proper use and behoof of him the said William Beecher his heirs and assigns forever. So that neither he the said William Meily and Lydia his wife, nor their heirs nor any other person or persons, for him or them or in his or their names, or right shall or may by any ways or means, at any time hereafter claim, challenge or demand any estate, right, title or interest, of, in or the said lot of ground with the appurtenances or any part thereof, but from all and every action and actions estate, right, title, interest & demand, of, in, or to the premises or any part or parcel thereof, they and every of them shall be forever barred by these presents. In witness whereof the said parties have hereunto set their hands and seals this twentieth day of January Anno Domini, one thousand eight hundred and forty-four.
Sealed and delivered
William Meily (signature)
Lilian Meily (signature)
In the presence of
Joseph E. Orth
John Shindel.

61. He has conflicting burial information of Graves moved to Mount Lebanon Cemetery, Nov 1898 and Lebanon, Lebanon, PA. Jacob Bicher Sr., his wife Maria Catharina, and their son Jacob Jr. were all buried in the old Salem Lutheran Church yard cemetery that was behind the Salem Lutheran Church on the corner of 8th and Willow Streets and set apart for burial purposes in 1765.

Unfortunately, when the cemetery land was needed by the church for a new Memorial Chapel and parking lot, the old cemetery graves were reinterred in September-November 1898 to Mount Lebanon Cemetery in a single vault with no identification. The church notes for the graves show some of the tombstone inscriptions were unreadable. Luckily, the tombstone inscription was described years earlier in Egle's History of Lebanon County published in 1883. The tombstones read according to Egle:

Jacob Bicker b. Dec 1, 1758 d. Feb 23, 1842
Johan Jacob Bicker b. Dec 18, 1782 d. 1812
Maria Catharina Bicker Sep 25, 1747 Dec 8, 1830

In addition the church records show this tombstone existed:
Maria Magdalena Bicher Jan 27, 1780 Aug 8, 1812.

Note that Egle listed the names as Bicker whereas the church records record them as Bicher, which is consistent with the church christening records. Obviously the worn "h" on old tombstones looked like "k" to Egle.

Another list of burials is in Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church; Lebanon, Lebanon County, Pennsylvania; burial records, 1773-1876 by Frederick Weiser, published in 1969.

Jacob married Anna Maria Catherine Hamman, daughter of Balthasar Hamman and Anna Margaretha Zimmerman, on 11 Apr 1779 in Stouchsburg: Christ Lutheran Church, Berks, PA.^{1 2 3} (Anna Maria Catherine Hamman was born on 25 Sep 1747 in North Whitehall Twp., Lehigh, PA,^{3 7 51} died on 8 Dec 1830 in Lebanon, Lebanon, PA ^{3 7 51} and was buried in Dec 1830 in Lebanon: Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church, Lebanon, PA ^{3 4 7}.)