Gottleib Mittelberger and Pennsylvania of 1750

Stumbled on this pdf file of Gottleib Mittelberger's description of his journey to PA in 1750 and the conditions there (he eventually returned to Germany).  Provides some context for the Rippeys and Orsons.

Jonas Lighty, His Background, and the "Flying Camp"

Jonas Lighty, who left Mary Orson his estate, was, I believe, headed for the "flying camp" which wikipedia has an article on.  (It's a step towards a Continental army.)

And I quote from a message on the Lighty family message board.

John Lighty is my great-great-great-great grandfather. He was the son of Christian and Catharine Leyty (correct spelling) who emigrated from Switzerland in 1737 and purchased a patent from Penn for 200 acres in Lancaster County, later to be York County, in Washington Township (There still remains in the Lighty name, 50 acres of that original patent purchase). They settled in the East Berlin (York and Adams County) area with three other families (Asper, Leas & Malaun) in 1741. John had a younger brother, Jonas, who died as a Revolutionary War soldier in 1776. The York County Historical Society has copies of the Wills of Christian and Jonas. The York County Register of Wills had at one time, copies of the Wills of Christian and John. John's estate record listed his death date as November 30, 1803, having died in Washington Township, York County, PA. I'm sorry that I do not have a burial location. My line follows Abraham. I am familiar with other lines. If you are still interested, please supply an updated email address, as the one on file for this site is not current.

Rev. Michael and the Reformed Presbyterians

The Reformed Presbyterian Synod met in Pittsburgh on May 25, 1868 with Rev. Michael Harshaw in attendance and speaking.  The Pittsburgh paper reports their deliberations, which seem stormy.  Though the exact issue isn't clear it's possible that it was united with the larger Presbyterian church. (Much discussion about reunion after the Civil War.) 

 Rev. Michael leaves the Reformed and joins the United in 1870.