Dierdorff, Anthony

[Deardurff.GED]

Anthony Dierdorff Jr. came to America in 1717 with his parents, who lived in the vicinity of Germantown, near Philadelphia, PA for several years. Early researchers apparently concluded that the Dierdorffs settled at Germantown because they found friends and members of the Dunkard Society, from their home area in Germany. During the time he was living in New Jersey, Anthony made an exploratory trip into the wilderness of PA beyond the Susquehanna River, looking for a good farming section where his parents could settle permanently. He was only 17 years of age at the time, but was apparently a skilled wilderness man who could find his way through the dense forests, and sustain himself during his wanderings. The area through which he travelled was very sparsely settled, and he reported that he had found only two white families living in the area; one family at what is now York, PA, and the other in the
Hanover, PA area. He returned home, reported what he had found, then spent several years farming with his father.
Anthony stayed in the Amwell, NJ area, married there, and farmed for himself. He decided to move back to PA about 1762, and settled in Washington Twp., York Co., where he cleared his lands, raised stock and grain, and reared his family. He gradually acquired large holdings of choice property, and when he died, he was considered to be one of the largest landowners in Washington Twp.
Anthony and his wife were members of the Dunkard Society wherever they lived. He served the local congregations faithfully throughout his lifetime. He and his wife were listed among the members of the Big Conewago Congregation by H.R. Holsinger in his History of the Tunkers, p.150. Anthony adhered to the religious convictions of his parents, subscribing to the belief that the New Testament
was their rule and guide, that the Biblical admonitions to repent and be baptised and to live peaceably with neighbors was strictly to be obeyed. Anthony made friends with the Indians in his locality, and even though severely criticized for his nonviolent convictions, steadfastly refused to take up arms against the Indians.
Anthony's will, written 12 Jan 1800, and recorded at the Court House at York, PA (Will Book K-189), divided his assets equitably among all his children.