Johannes Christian Heim

     Johannes Christian Heim was born on 26 October 1799 at Möhringen, Oberamt Stuttgart, Neckarkreis, Württemberg.¹ He was the son of Christian Heim and Catherine Elizabeth Guinther. Johannes Christian Heim was christened in 1813.² He married Rosina Wagner, daughter of Johannes Wagner and Christina Barbara Hertnek, in 1825. Johannes Christian Heim died on 30 March 1879 at Blooming Grove, Hepburn Township, Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, at age 79 years, 5 months and 4 days.¹ He was buried in the Blooming Grove Cemetery, located in Hepburn Township, Lycoming County, Pennsylvania.
     He This family is listed as 'Family K' on the Blooming Grove, Stammbaum Wäldchen (Family Tree Little Woods) that was originally printed about 1860 - 1862. The one used for this record is currently in the possession of Frederick and Zella Stablerrrr. The Blooming Grove Historical Socitey also has one on display at their musuem. The beginning reads, 'With approximately 20 family trees of families who largely live in Lycoming County, Pennsylvania and who still have living parents at the turn of the century, mostly from Mühringen and Eßlingen in Würtemberg, and who have moved here.'.'.'.'

'Christly' Heim was born October 26, 1799, and died March 30, 1879. He was one of the most conspicuous characters in the history of Blooming Grove. He was of an intensely religious temperament, and had a great dread of innovations.

During his ministry he baptized many persons. About 1855 he became so concerned about the religious life of the young people that he visited from house to house and conducted cottage prayer meetings, pleading with the people to repent and be baptized. This effort resulted in the baptism of eighteen young men and twenty-two young women at one time, besides others at a later date. Doctor Adams was among the number. He was the oracle of the settlement and his opinions were generally respected, though sometimes very radical. He opposed store hats for women, and preached a sermon against them, preferring that they use caps and sunbonnets. On one occasion he met a young lady relative from Anthony, on the street in Williamsport; she was carrying a parasol; he accosted her thus: 'Why do you carry that? Are you too proud to have the sun that God made shine on you?'

At one time he thought some of the young men were becoming too fond of hard cider, when he wrote them appealing letters for reform.

Such occasional incidents did not weaken his hold upon the people, and to this day his precepts are held sacred by those who knew him. Being ready of speech and familiar with Scriptures he took part in the services, and when other leaders became old, he was urged forward to leadership, without any further formality.

There have been no baptisms since his death. He married but one couple, when he shrank from the responsibility and often declined. After Doctor Haller died Rev. Gustav. Shultz usually performed the marriage ceremony, though some preferred 'Squire Johnathan Wilson.

Written by Ephraim Shafer, a grandson.

How my grandfather, Christian Heim, got the name 'Christly,' I do not know, but that was what he was called by everyone except us. We called him 'Grandpap.' He was born in 1799 and came with his parents, brother and sisters to America in 1817. He was eighteen years of age at that time. He Commonly called 'Christly' Heim.