Hans Herr facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hans Herr |
|
|---|---|
| Bishop of the Mennonites | |
| Personal details | |
| Birth name | Hans Prefiot |
| Born | September 17, 1639 Zürich, Switzerland |
| Died | October 11, 1725 West Lampeter Township, Province of Pennsylvania |
| Nationality | Swiss |
| Denomination | Swiss Brethren/Mennonite |
| Parents | Hans Christian Herr and Catherine Haas |
| Spouse | Elizabeth M Kendig |
| Children | Abraham Herr, Margaretha Herr, Samuel Mylon Herr, Henry Herr,Isaac Mylon Herr, Maria Herr, Verona Meister Herr, Christian Herr, Anna Herr,Emanuel Herr |
Hans Herr was an important leader of the Mennonite church. He was born in Switzerland on September 17, 1639. He became a bishop, which is a high-ranking church leader. Hans Herr was the first Mennonite bishop to move to America. He helped many people find a new home where they could practice their religion freely.
Who Was Hans Herr?
Hans Herr was born in Zürich, Switzerland. He joined a religious group called the Swiss Brethren. This group later became known as the Mennonites. Hans Herr became a bishop, a very important leader in their church. He was the first Mennonite bishop to travel to America.
Finding a New Home
Mennonites in Switzerland faced difficult times because of their beliefs. Many people in Hans Herr's church decided to move. They went to a place in Germany called the Electorate of the Palatinate. The ruler there promised them safety and religious freedom.
However, new rulers took over the Palatinate. This meant the Mennonites faced problems again. So, some of them visited William Penn in London in 1707. They made plans to buy land in what is now Lancaster County. This area was then the western edge of Pennsylvania.
In 1710, Hans Herr and several others bought a large piece of land. It was 10,000 acres (about 40 square kilometers). This land was on the south side of Pequea Creek. They received official papers for the land on October 10, 1710. The land was measured and marked on October 23, 1710.
A Journey for Others
The new immigrants wanted to tell their family and friends in Europe about their new home. They held a meeting to decide what to do. They chose Hans Herr, their respected minister, to go back to Europe.
Even though he was 70 years old, Hans Herr sailed back across the ocean. He explained how good life was in America. He encouraged many more people to come. He then returned to America with these new immigrants. Hans Herr had six sons and one daughter with his wife, Elizabeth Kendig. He passed away in West Lampeter Township on October 11, 1725.
The Hans Herr House
The Hans Herr House was built by his son, Christian Herr, in 1719. Today, this house is open to the public as a museum. It is the oldest settlement built by Pennsylvania German people that is still standing. You can find the house at 1849 Hans Herr Drive in Willow Street, Pennsylvania.
