Come join us on Saturday, June 3, 2017, from 2:00 – 2:30 PM as we celebrate the 251st Anniversary of the landing at Hall’s Creek by Moncton’s First Permanent Settlers: Copple, Jones (Schantz), Lutes, Ricker, Somers, Steeves, Trites & Wortman at Settlers Landing (located just before the Moncton/Dieppe walking bridge next to Chateau Moncton). There will be the annual memorial service and flower-laying for all members of the descendant families.
This will be followed by a presentation and reception from 3:00 – 4:00 PM at the Lutz Mountain Heritage Museum, 3143 Mountain Road, Moncton.
Much is known, and has been written, about the history of Moncton in the 1800’s and 1900’s. However, last year’s 250th Anniversary of the arrival of the “Lovey” and the German families that settled the Township of Monckton, has highlighted the need and opportunities to learn much more of our earlier German heritage dating back to the 1700’s. The seven remaining founding German families are trying to maintain that same level of interest in our German heritage as was evidenced at last summer’s event.
Mary Ann Schaefer, of Boulder, Colorado, has, through diligent research as a genealogist, discovered the birthplace in Germany of the first signatory to the Articles of Agreement, Mathias Somer. As one of the five signatories to this historic Agreement (Somers, Lutes, Trites, Steeves and Jones), Mathias Somer’s birthplace was yet to be identified in Germany.
Mary Ann’s research has uncovered Mathias’ history–not only in Germany but has also discovered many interesting aspects of his extended families’ history in Philadelphia–three brothers that followed Mathias to Philadelphia; Mathias’ father’s life as an Inn Keeper in Germany; previous marriages and children. This is quite an incredible story, fully supported by copies of baptismal, marriage and other documents. Mary Ann will be in attendance at this year’s 251st Anniversary celebrations to share her findings.
Attendees and invited guests will be welcomed at the Lutz Mountain Historical Museum for the 3:00 – 4:00 PM presentation and reception. The events at the Lutz Mountain Museum will also feature noted authors Les Bowser and Dr. Philip Steeves, in addition to Mary Ann Schaefer. Various historical items and a financial gift will also be presented to the Museum by the Somers family. Mark your calendar now to attend.
Additionally, the Somers family will be sponsoring a booth at the Moncton City Market on June 3rd to celebrate our German Heritage in recognition of the 251st Anniversary of the arrival of German Families at Settlers Landing.