Biographical Sketch (1985):1513, p. 6. "Caspar Lerch’s youngest son, Jost, spent most of his life as a tavern keeper, at least for a time, in Middlestown (Womelsdorf). He is best remembered, however, for the tavern he built in the west side (Penn Avenue of Wernersville) which has been beautifully restored by the Heidelberg Heritage Society. At least three generations of Josts’s descendants later operated the tavern."

Biographical Sketch (1985):1513, p. 51. "Jost Lerch may have been the most colorful of Caspar Lerch’s children as well as his youngest. He went off to war as a drummer boy and rose to the rank of sergeant in Capt. Kershner’s Company. The only occupation he was known to have had was as a tavern keeper. He was a tavern keeper in Middletown (Womelsdorf) in 1785 according to the list of taxables. [Compiler’s note: Jost Lerch not listed in Middletown in 1785 tax list. See below.] He purchased land which was patented 2 July 1787 (Deed book P8, p. 482). On this land the Lerch Inn was built in 1787. He and his wife, according to their tombstones, were parents of twelve children of which eleven have been identified. Only eight children are named in Jost’s will. Jost and Rosina are buried at Hain’s Church.

The Heidelberg Heritage Society is now the proud owner of the former Lerch Inn. Jost died intestate in 1805 leaving the future of the Inn in jeopardy. In 1819 (Deed book v. 31, p. 110) it is noted that the property was sheriffed because the family was unable to pay its debts. Somehow Jost’s only surviving son, Daniel H. Lerch, was able to regain control of the property. Daniel passed the Inn to his son, Benneville Lerch, who added the impressive mansard roof to the structure. Benneville’s son, Daniel I. Lerch, was the owner at least as late as 1916."

1766 Father’s Bequest:1513, p. 23. Father Caspar Lerch bequeathed to "my son, Jost Lark, the sum of 25 pounds money as aforesaid to be paid within 6 years as aforesaid."

1780 Tax List, Heidelberg Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania:1564, (Yost Lerch, p. 365) Yost Lerch listed as cordwinder, owning 66 acres, 1 horse, and 2 cows, who was levied a tax of 12.10.0.

1781 Tax List, Heidelberg Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania:1565, (John Lerich, p. 493) John Lerich listed as innkeeper, owning 66 acres, 2 horses, 4 cattle, and who was levied a tax of 2.12.6.

1781 Excise Tax, Berks County, Pennsylvania:3008, p. 6. Jost Lerch listed in the excise accounts for £3 collected in Berks County in 1781

1782 Baptism:1603, pt. 1, p. 3. Sara Lerch, daughter of Jost Lerch, was born 5 January 1782 and baptised 3 March 1782 by Rev. J. W. Boos.

1784 Tax List, Heidelberg Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania:1566, (Yost Lerch, p. 626) Yost Lerch listed as owning 65 acres, 2 horses, 2 cattle, and 2 sheep.

1785 Tax List, Heidelberg Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania:1567, (Yost Lerch, p. 751) Yost Lerch listed as owing a tax of 1.5.0.

1806 Estate Administration:2184 Estate administration was given to his widow, Rosina, on 21 January 1806.