History of Lebanon County - Annvilles
The following is reproduced from the 1875 Atlas of Lebanon County, Pennsylvania
North and South Annville were originally both included in one township named Annville, until 1845, when they were formed by its division.
Annvi le was formed at the time of the organization of the county in 1813, from portions of Londonderry and Lebanon. The Scotch-Irish were the first settlers in the eastern part of the township, which belonged to Lebanon. The village of Annville lies between the two townships, and is one of the finest villages in the Lebanon Valley. It was laid out by Messrs. Miller, Raguel and Ulrich, of the time of this, the writer has no authentic information; but it was probably early in the eighteenth century, as many old buildings are still to be found in Annville. The old house above the depot, in which Mr. Steinmetz resides, was used in the perilous times of 1755-6-7 as a fort, to which the settlers retired to protect themselves from attacks of the Indians, and tradition says that several severe skirmishes took place in the vicinity. The Reformed Church in the village, was built as a Union Church by the Reformed Congregation. The Lutherans now have a fine church on the main street of the town. This Church was recently built, and is one of the neatest and most attractive churches in the county. It is built of stone, and is a credit to the enterprise and public spirits of its builders.
The Lebanon Valley College is located here, and is a credit to the United Brethern, under whose auspices it was build. It is well manages and is in prosperous and flourishing condition, and will no doubt, in the course of time, take a high rank among the leading educational institutions of the United States. The land is mostly lime-stone, although there is some gravel. The soil is fertile and in a high state of cultivation. The prevailing language in the township is German, and it is probably spoken more than any other, in Annville village as well. The county is rich for agricultural purposes, and the fine barns, as well as farm houses, excite the admiration and wonder of the stranger.
There is no doubt but that Annville village is destined to be a place of considerable importance ere long, as it has excellent manufacturing facilities and plenty of room to grow. There are several fine Flouring Mills; among them are those of Messrs, David Kreider, Joseph Kreider, Killinger, &c. Mr. John Saylor has a fine and flourishing Carriage Manufactory, and is doing a very large business. Loser & Lessly have also a good trade in the same line.
All considered, Annville promises a brilliant future. Belleview is a pretty village of inconsiderable size, in North Annville. The population of North Annville in 1870 was 1,910, and in South Annville 1,856.