Notes for William Elder: When he married his second wife, Jacoba Clementina Livers, the daughter of his neighbor, Arnold Livers, William Elder had five small children by his previous marriage. Jacoba mothered the children, aged five to thirteen years. (William Elder, Ancestors and Descendants by Sister Mary Louise Donnelly)
On 24 Aug 1743 William Elder purchased from his father-in-law, Arnold Livers, a section of "Ogle's Good Will". William and Jacoba built their home on this land. The house was built of logs and the parlor-chapel was equal in size to the rest of the house. Here the Catholics of the area gathered for Mass as often as the presence of a priest permitted. An article in the Frederick Post in 1972 by C.E. Shildkecht stated, "....this Catholic Chapel was the first building devoted to Christian worship in the present county (Frederick Co, MD)." The "Elder Station", as the chapel was termed, served the Catholics of the area as a church until 1808 when the first Church on the Mountain was erected. The Elder house and chapel stood until 1862. (William Elder, Ancestors and Descendants by Sister Mary Louise Donnelly)
Mount St. Mary's College and Seminary, the second oldest Catholic college and seminary in the United States founded 24 Sep 1808, stands on William Elder's property. The deed was recorded at the request of Rev. John Carroll, the first Catholic Bishop of the United States on 24 Sep 1793. A provision was made to leave an area as a burying ground. In 1878 Archbishop William Henry Elder of Cincinnati, great grandson of William Elder, had tombstones for William Elder and his two wives erected. He also had a simple stone surmounted by a cross placed where the house and altar stood. The stone reads: "Nearby was erected by William Elder, Sr. the first altar to the living God in what is now known as St. Mary's Emmitsburg and Mechanicstown Congregation, about the year 1745." A boatman's shell is on display at Mount St. Mary's College library, donated by Archbishop Elder, which bears the inscription: "Used in calling the fithful to Mass at the home of William Elder about 1743." During the colonial period of American history, Catholics were not allowed to build churches or chapels. The few Jesuit priests that ministered to their scattered flock throughout Maryland and parts of Pennsylvania did so on horseback. When the priest arrived monthly the Cathlics gathered for Mass, instruction, and the receiving of Sacraments. William Elder's home served for over fifty years as the "priest station", with uncle Rev. Arnold LIvers, S.J. as early visitor. (William Elder, Ancestors and Descendants by Sister Mary Louise Donnelly)
More About William Elder: Burial: Unknown, Elder Chapel Cemetery, Emmitsburg, Frederick, MD.
More About William Elder and Jacoba Clementina Livers: Marriage: 01 Feb 1742/43, Maryland.173
Children of William Elder and Jacoba Clementina Livers are:
+Elizabeth Elder, b. 07 Feb 1742/43, Emmitsburg, Frederick, MD173, d. 29 Nov 1820173.
William Elder (b. 1707, d. 22 Apr 1775)
Notes for William Elder: