Northkill Amish Settlement

The first Amish began migrating to the United States in the 18th century, largely to avoid religious persecution and compulsory military service.

Jacob escaped after about 8 months, but the boys were held for several years, and released in 1764 after a peace treaty between the natives and the British colonial authorities was agreed upon.

[6] Altogether, more than one hundred and fifty Berks County residents were killed and about 150 were kidnapped by Native Americans during the French and Indian War.

The Northkill settlers included the progenitors of many widespread Amish families, such as the Yoders, Burkeys, Troyers,[11] Hostetlers,[12] and Hershbergers.

In addition to listing the hundreds upon hundreds of Americans who share Jacob as a common ancestor, this book provides a detailed history of the Amish religious persecution in Europe, American immigration at the time, the massacre of Hochstetler's family members, and the kidnapping and subsequent escape of Jacob and his sons.

The Hochstetler Massacre is also covered briefly in Paul Stutzman's account of his Appalachian Trail hike, which runs near the site.