John Roberts
1853

John Roberts, who would build organs in Frankford, Philadelphia, PA, was not living in York, PA, in 1860. He was living with his wife Susan and children Clara and Edward in Cambridge, MA. See U.S census, 1860 (on Ancestry). Source citation: The National Archives in Washington D.C.; Record Group: Records of the Bureau of the Census; Record Group Number: 29; Series Number: M653; Residence Date: 1860; Home in 1860: Cambridge Ward 4, Middlesex, Massachusetts; Roll: M653_508; Page: 490; Family History Library Film: 803508

Full article from the 1987 OHS Handbook:
This frame structure was built in 1836 by the Smithtown Methodist Church of Seabrook. Trinity United Church was founded in 1968, a merger of the First Baptist Church, the First Evangelical Congregational Church of Seabrook and Hampton Falls, and the Smithtown Methodist Church. The organ seems not to have been an original installation here, but documentary evidence of its having been elsewhere, or of its arrival in Seabrook, has so far escaped discovery.

On the inside of the wind trunk, Robert J. Reich found the inscription "John Roberts, hoc fecit, 1853." Other inscriptions include "J. W. Neel, maker" on TC of the Fifteenth 2'; "John W. Neel", on MC of the Principal 4', and "John Wright, 1853", on c37 of the Open Diapason 8'.

The present second-hand 27-note pedalboard, installed some years ago, replaced the original fifteen-note "toothpick" pedal clavier, which was permanently connected to the Stop'd Diapason Baſs 8'. These pipes were blown much louder by the pedals. The pine case is grained, and the case pipes are wooden dummies. The drawknobs are arranged with the bass stops on the left-hand side of the keydesk and the treble knobs on the righL They are notched, and can be locked into their closed position.

The Stop'd Diapason 8' is of stopped wood with the bass register pipes offset behind and below the windchest; the Claribella 8' is an open wood rank, as is the Flute 4' (except for 1-8, which are stopped).

Updated through online information from steve bartley.

Additional research would be warranted to learn if this organ was built under the name plate of John Roberts (Philadelphia) or Henry Berger of Baltimore. The style of instrument is the same as built by Berger, but is also common to builders of the time.

However, In two Sun paper articles, Mar 13, 1852; pg2, Feb 21, 1852; pg2. Roberts writes lengthy retorts, in letters to the editors, defending Berger's reputation as a qualified organ builder, [Ed.: The lengthy retorts are not written by Roberts, but by "J. Horner"--Roberts is mentioned and quoted about pipe counts in a Berger organ installed in Philadelphia. See DOCUMENTS tab.] which Henry Erben had written a long letter to the editor condemning Berger's abilities. Additionally, the 1860s Census of York PA, finds John Roberts living in the household of Henry Berger [Ed.: incorrect, see newer note below], along with several other organ workmen. Having a number of his workmen living in his house was also listed for Berger in the 1850 Baltimore census.

Also in the 1863 book, "Philadelphia & its Manufacturers" Roberts posts a large ad listing his credentials and former employers, which includes Berger. And finally, in the 1987 OHS handbook this organ was visited by the convention, and a short history was given, including the fact that Roberts signature, date, and indication he had made the organ or part of it were found in a wind trunk, could indicate that Roberts had a hand in its construction, as an employee of Berger. Roberts is a builder who merits greater research.

Updated through on-line information from Barbara Owen. -- Organ restored in 1994 by Darron Wissinger, and new blower provided.

Status Note: There 1993

Building originally Smithtown Methodist. 27 note pedalboard replaced original 15 note one. Minor damage when car struck bldg 1993.