June 19, 1776

This advertisement in the Pennsylvania Gazette came from Franconia Township in far northwestern Philadelphia County, about 35 miles from the city. Christian Funk had lost his three-year-old horse, which was black with a small star on his forehead. Whether the horse had strayed from his field or been stolen, Funk did not know, and he offered a $4 reward for the horse’s return.

Funk was a Mennonite bishop who was caught up in the American Revolution. While many Mennonites were pacifists and refused to associate with the Pennsylvania militia or swear oaths of allegiance, Funk argued that Mennonites should pay taxes to support the war effort. The Funkite schism followed, where some Mennonites followed him and broke away from the principal congregation. The Funkites existed through the mid-nineteenth century.

The Pennsylvania Gazette
Printed by Hall and Sellers

STRAYED away, last night, or stolen, from the subscriber, living in Francony township, Philadelphia county, out of the field, a large black three years old HORSE, about 15 hands high; no mark only a small star on his forehead, paces and trots, shod before. Whoever takes up said horse, and brings him to the subscriber, shall have FOUR DOLLARS reward, and reasonable charges, paid by
Christian Funk.

June 11, 1776.