Of the vicarage of Bath, Pa.

Rudolph Dechwas born in 1802 on the homestead in Upper Nazareth, where, like his father and grandfather, he passed his life. From boyhood to old age he was engaged in the care and cultivation of his paternal acres, first as assistant to his father, and afterward as owner of the estate. His days passed peacefully, filled with the healthful labors and tranquil enjoyments of a successful farmer. His interest in local affairs was always keen, and his participation such as he could conscientiously make it in view of the pressing nature of his duties as a farmer. Politically, he was during more than half his life an old line Whig, but later became a Republican. He and his wife were members of the Lutheran church, in which he held the office of elder.