Isaac Kauffman Farm

In my earlier blog I spoke of the land of Isaac Kauffman, granted under a warrant shown on the map. This farm exists today and is owned by Jere Dickerson. I met Jerry as part of my quest as I visited Lancaster in 2012. The story was quite fascinating. I had gone to Ephrata, some 30 miles north of Lancaster to visit the historical society and subsequently the home of Ludwig Mohler. If you recall the story of Elizabeth Mohlerin eloping with John Coover back in early 1800s, something unheard of for Mennonites, this is her home.

Having successfully located this farm, I set off shortly after noon for a brief trip down to a park which is described in that story. Well, I saw the remnants of an old barn and beyond I saw an old farm house. Being bold, I went to the door and knocked. This old gentleman came to the door and opened it, looking skeptically at me. I said my name and that i was traveling thru the area and was looking for the Kauffman Farm. He said, “well, you found it, come on in.” The story and tour were amazing. He had purchased the farm some 20 years prior and restored it. He took me throughout, showing me the construction, the expansion, the Indian Door that had slits so you could fire out without exposing yourself to harms way. In the basement he had gravestones with Kauffman’s listed. He explained that when the developers cut up the old farm they wanted to plow under these stones. He rescued them and kept them in the basement. This home was built by Andrew Kauffman in 1756, one of the son’s of Isaac Kauffman. Adjacent was his workshop and what we believe was the original Isaac Kauffman house. Remember that Isaac came here in 1717. And there is a spring house, where the original spring still exists. I drank of this water, an exciting and emotional event when you think that that is the same water that our ancestors drank of almost 300 years ago.

I will add a blog with the text of the story from Jere explaining his acquisition of this wonderful place. Jere is happy to share and you should come visit this place.