Mastersonville, Pennsylvania facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mastersonville, Pennsylvania
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 Mastersonville, Pennsylvania
Location in Pennsylvania
Mastersonville, Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Pennsylvania |
| County | Lancaster |
| Township | Rapho |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
Mastersonville is a small, unincorporated community in Rapho Township. It is located in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. An unincorporated community is a group of homes and businesses that does not have its own local government. Thomas Masterson founded this community in the early 1820s.
Contents
History of Mastersonville
How Mastersonville Began
Thomas Masterson moved from County Cavan, Ireland, around 1823. He built a stone house just north of the village. Later, he became the local postmaster. A postmaster is the person in charge of a post office. His son, Thomas Jr., became a manager at the Hopewell Forges. This was a place where metal was shaped, part of the Coleman Ironworks.
Growth of the Village
At one time, Mastersonville was a very busy and successful village in the township. Joseph Masterson, another son of Thomas Sr., built more brick houses. Joseph and Benjamin Masterson opened a store together in a large brick building. Joseph's son, John S. Masterson, later took over the family business. He also served as postmaster and a Justice of the Peace. A Justice of the Peace is a local official who can handle minor legal matters and perform marriages.
Important People and Places
The Exchange Hotel was built by Samuel R. Zug. He was an important person in the community. Zug helped start the Chiques Church of the Brethren. He also played a big part in creating Elizabethtown College. During the American Civil War, Zug was a conscientious objector. This means he refused to fight in the war because of his beliefs. Many farmers in the area also held this view. Later, he became a Justice of the Peace, just like John S. Masterson. Samuel Zug and Joseph Masterson were partners in buying and selling land for a while.
Around 1876, a doctor named William B. Thome started his medical practice in Mastersonville. He had just graduated from the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Thome stayed in Mastersonville for ten years. After that, he moved his practice to Milton Grove.
Mastersonville Fire Department
The Mastersonville Volunteer Fire Department is made up of people who volunteer their time. They protect an area of about fifty square miles. This area mostly includes farmland and homes where single families live.
