Results tagged “Jonathan Stayer” from York Town Square

James O. Lehman and Steven M. Nolt published "Mennonites, Amish, and the American Civil War." The 2007 book explored the Mennonites and Amish response to the Civil War. Background posts: Stack of books on York County's Civil War past getting higher and 'One of the shells found its mark' and Unsung farmhouse loud symbol of a shaping moment for York.

York County resident Jonathan R. Stayer, who is also head of the reference section of the Pennsylvania State Archives, has called on local Civil War researchers to remember those who sought exemption from military service on grounds of conscience.

York County's conscientious objectors numbered 156 in 1862, he e-mailed, sixth highest among Pennsylvania's counties.

"Even tiny Adams County was home to at least 129 conscientious objectors," he wrote. "The reason? Both counties were (and are) home to significant communities of Mennonites and Dunkards (Brethren), and to a lesser extent, Quakers."

He called attention to James O. Lehman and Steven M. Nolt's "Mennonites, Amish, and the American Civil War," which local Civil War blogger Scott Mingus has since reviewed.

Here are excerpts from Stayer's e-mail:

Laura Carroll Beveridge is Central's all-time greatest athlete, according to the York Daily Record/Sunday News. She's also credited with breaking the racial barrier at Central. Background posts: Civil rights heroes stand out at Bradley exhibit, 1967 William Penn senior class scored firsts and Scores in York mourn death of former Cat chief.

Jonathan R. Stayer graduated from Central York High School in 1978, the same year as Laura Carroll Beveridge.

The York Daily Record/Sunday News recently selected Beveridge as that school's all-time top athlete.

But Stayer, now head of the reference section at the Pennsylvania State Archives, remembers Beveridge as a trailblazer on the racial front.

Here's his assessment in his own words from a recent e-mail:

The South Central Pennsylvania Genealogical Society regularly schedules interesting programs. Here, J. Ross McGinnis, author of 'Trials of Hex,' talked with members of the society in November as they stand over the spot where three men murdered powwow doctor Nelson Rehmeyer. Jonathan Stayer, at right, holds a copy of a photo of the crime scene. It's now Stayer's turn to present at the April 6 meeting of the Society. Background posts: The Hessians of York County, Pa., more than mercenaries and Genealogists find mother lode in York County, Pa.

Jonathan Stayer, head of the reference section at the Pennsylvania State Archives, has developed a program about state land records with a colorful title: "Finding 'Lydia's Bottom' "

This comes in the aftermath of another Stayer presentation about the wealth of resources offered by the State Archives: "Peeking into Pa.'s attic" ... .