Genealogy of John and Christian Fretz

Old Fretz Homestead, Bedminster

A brief history of John and Christian Fretz and a complete genealogical family register, is a record of people who crossed an ocean for their beliefs, carved homes out of wilderness, and built churches where they could worship in peace. It’s brings to light the kind of history that’s often overlooked: the slow, steady work of building a life and heritage. In putting this record together, Rev. Fretz gave thousands of descendants a way to connect with their past, and a reason to be proud of it.

History of Sheldon Illinois, 1859-1959

Sheldon Centennial

The “History of Sheldon Illinois, 1859-1959,” compiled by the Sheldon Centennial History Committee, offers an immersive journey into the development of Sheldon, Illinois, over its first century. It seeks to celebrate and memorialize the efforts of those early settlers whose dreams and toil laid the foundation for the Sheldon we know today.

History of Bentleysville, Pennsylvania

Bentleysville title page

This book is a collection of stories, letters, and historical records detailing the brief history of Bentleysville, a rural community in southwestern Pennsylvania. Established around a mill operated by Sheshbazzar Bentley Sr. and Jr. on Pigeon Creek in 1816, the town grew to a population of 300 by 1868. The author traces the origins of Bentleysville back to the 1770s to document the earliest settlers, while also providing context through significant national events like the Whiskey Rebellion and the Civil War. Although Bentleysville’s history as a village ended before 1900, this work preserves its legacy for future generations.