Hans Herr

While often cited as a descendant of the knight Hugo Herr, scholarship done in the 20th century has put this claim in doubt.

This was satisfactory until the Palatinate fell into the hands of other rulers, subjecting the Mennonites to severe religious persecution once again.

When this occurred, a number of them visited William Penn in London, in 1707, and arranged terms with him to colonize a portion of what is now Lancaster County, near what was then the western frontier of Pennsylvania.

[2] The tradition, which has never been disproven, is that these immigrants held a conference as to what steps should be taken to inform their relatives and friends in Europe of their opinions and expectations of their new lands, and it was determined that Hans Herr, their revered minister, should return, explain the situation and the great advantages of emigration, and bring with him those he could induce to come.

[citation needed] The house is located at 1849 Hans Herr Drive in Willow Street, Pennsylvania.