Monday, January 28, 2013
Christian Smith 1832-
Christian Smith
son of
Born April 1832
Died
Married Nov 20 1853
Mary Gregson
daughter of
Born 1833
Died
Children:
Mary E. Smith 1861 –
Ann E. Smith 1864 –
Amanda G Smith 1866 Married Philip Linderborn
Martha G. Smith 1870 –
Joseph G. Smith 1873 –
1832 Apr - Birth
Pennsylvania
1853 20 Nov - Marriage to Mary Gregson
Age: 21
First Independent Christian Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Christian Smith Of Kensington and Mary Gregson of Frankforde PA
Pennsylvania, Church and Town Records, 1708-1985 about Christian Smith
Name: Christian Smith
Event Type: Marriage
Marriage Date: 20 Nov 1853
Marriage Place: Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Spouse Name: Mary Gregson
Organization Name: First Independent Christian Church
1880 - Residence
Age: 48
Bristol, Bucks, Pennsylvania, United States
Age: 48; Marital Status: Married; Relation to Head of House: Self
1880 United States Federal Census about Christian Smith
Name: Christian Smith
Age: 48
Birth Year: abt 1832
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Home in 1880: Bristol, Bucks, Pennsylvania
Race: White
Gender: Male
Relation to Head of House: Self (Head)
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name: Mary Smith
Father's Birthplace: Germany
Mother's Birthplace: Germany
Neighbors: View others on page
Occupation: Laborer
Household Members:
Name Age
Christian Smith 48
Mary Smith 45
Saml. S. Smith 22
Mary E. Smith 19
Ann E. Smith 16
Amanda G. Smith 14
Martha G. Smith 10
Joseph G. Smith 7
John G. Smith 5
1900 - Residence
Age: 68
Camden Ward 1, Camden, New Jersey
Age: 68; Marital Status: Married; Relation to Head of House: Head
1900 United States Federal Census about B Smith
Name: B Smith
[Christine Smith]
Age: 68
Birth Date: Apr 1832
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Home in 1900: Camden Ward 1, Camden, New Jersey
[Camden]
Race: White
Gender: Male
Relation to Head of House: Head
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name: Mary Smith
Marriage Year: 1853
Years Married: 47
Father's Birthplace: Germany
Mother's Birthplace: Germany
Occupation: View on Image
Neighbors: View others on page
Household Members:
Name Age
B Smith 68
Mary Smith 66
Samuel W Noel 36
Annie E Noel 36
Rosetta Noel 16
Ethel May Noel 14
Emma Mary Noel 4
John G S Noel 8/12
1910 - Residence
Age: 78
Camden Ward 10, Camden, New Jersey
Age in 1910: 78; Marital Status: Widowed; Relation to Head of House: Father Lives with his son, Joseph
1910 United States Federal Census about Christian Smith
Name: Christian Smith
Age in 1910: 78
Birth Year: 1832
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Home in 1910: Camden Ward 10, Camden, New Jersey
Race: White
Gender: Male
Relation to Head of House: Father
Marital Status: Widowed
Father's Birthplace: Germany
Mother's Birthplace: Germany
Neighbors: View others on page
Household Members:
Name Age
Joseph S Smith 37
Elizabeth T Smith 37
Christian Smith 78
Sunday, January 27, 2013
James Brown 1716-1793
James Brown
son of
Born November 2, 1716
Died August 9, 1784
married
Sarah Allison
Born
Died
Children:
James Brown 1750 –
Martha Brown 1753 – 1831
Sarah Brown 1757 –
Daniel Brown 1763 –
Charity Brown 1765 –
JAMES Brown the founder of our family in America was born in England, November 2, 1716. Our knowledge of his progenitors comes from Gustave Anjou the Secretary of the British Record Society. The name is found as early as the eleventh century. It is carried down to the emigration period. From the middle of the fifteenth century the line is clearly shown and fully proved. A blazon of the armorial bearings is given from official sources. When James Brown came to America he settled on Long Island. In his Bible he wrote this fact," England is my nation, Long Island is my home". This Bible is still in the possession of the family of the late John L. Brown, of Delaware, New Jersey. The inscription was written in 1752, when he was thirty-six years of age. Subsequently he purchased from Joseph Pancoast three hundred acres of land in northern New Jersey. It was lo cated in what is now Warren County in the valley of the Tockhockonetcong river. This stream is now called the Paulins Kill. The land is between the Delaware River and near the village of Hainesburg. At a later period he pur- chased three hundred acres more, adjoining the original tract. Traveling along the main road leading from Columbia to Hainesburg a point is reached where the road passes through a concrete subway under the crossing of the Dela- ware Lackawanna Railroad. To the right of this a few rods, near the banks of the stream, is a two story stone house. This is the place where James Brown built his New Jersey home. Two railroads pass through these lands. The well known "cut off" of the Delaware Lackawanna and Western, and the New York, Susquehanna and Western. A few miles in the distance towards the west, and distinctly visible is the celebrated Delaware Water Gap. There are no available records giving the date of Mr. Brown's emigration to this locality. On the 25th day of July 1745, James Brown married Miss Sarah Allison. He was 29 years of age, she 24. The children of James and Sarah Allison Brown were: John, born June 25, 1746, died September 24, 1819. James, born May 5, 1750. Martha, born November 15, 1753 died April 23, 1831. Sarah, born April 10, 1757. Daniel, born May 3, 1762. Charity, born April 15, 1765. Two hundred years ago educational advantages were meagre. The penmanship in his Bible indicates that James Brown's education was not neglected. The greater part of his life was spent in the land of his adoption. This was in the pre-revolutionary period. His closing days witnessed the triumph of the Colonies and the establishment of American independence. The date of his death is unknown. On October 16, 1793 his will was recorded. It is printed in full in the latter pages of this book. It was written April 8, 1775. His wife Sarah, died August 9, 1784. The bodies of James and Sarah Brown, rest on the brow of the hill in the cemetery at Hainesburg, New Jersey. Adjoining these graves is that of the wife of their son John, Mary Brugler Brown, who died October 3, 1793. The graves of James and Sarah Allison Brown were marked by native slate tombstones. These were disintegrated by the frosts of scores of years. Now there is nothing remaining to mark their location.
Will of James Brown, written April 8, 1775.
In the Name of God Amen I James Brown of Knowlton in the County of Sussex and Western Division of the Province of New Jersey being in good State of Health and of sound Memory blessed be God and being mindful of the Uncertainty of this Transitory Life Do the Eighth day of April Anno One Thousand seven hundred and seventy five make and publish this my last Will and Testament in Man ner following that is to say And Touching such worldly Estate as it hath pleased Almighty God to bestow upon me I dispose of in the follow Manner Imprimis 1 will an ordain that all my just Debts and Funeral Charges be fully paid and Satisfied by my Executors hereinafter named Imprimis
I Give and Devise unto my Eldest Son John Brown and Ids heirs and Assigns forever All that lot of Land Surveyed unto him whereon he now lives Situate in Knowlton afore- said Being part of the Plantation Purchased of Joseph Pan- coast Distinguished in the Map Lot X 1 Beginning at Coxes Corner near the great road thence along the great road to Henry Brughlars stone Corner along his lines to An Hickory Tree Standing at Tocconetcong River thence extending to the Midle of the said river thence up the Midle thereof to the Coxes Line thence along the same to the place of beginning Containing fifty three acres and an half
Also I give and devise unto my son James Brown to his heirs and assigns forever All that Lot X. 2 Beginning in Tocconet- cong at the Line of William Xices Mill Lot thence along the several courses of the old Servey supposed to bound upon Cadwalladers Tract to a Corner the same being Corner of Lot No. 4 thence along the Partion Line of Lot X. 4 to the River thence up the Midle thereof to the place of be ginning Containing fifty three acres and a half Also I give and devise unto my Daughter Martha wife of Henry Bruglars and to her heirs and assigns forever All Lot X T . 3 Beginning at John Brown hiccory corner thence extending to the Midle of the River thence down the same to opnoset a Button wood 'Free mark for a Corner thence along the Lines of Lot X. 5 to a Corner in the old field thence X 27 degrees ; West to Coxes Line thence along Coxes line to John Browns Stone Corner then along his other line to the aforesaid hiccory Corner, Also a Lot of Meadow opposite the same upon the south side of the River marked in the Ma]> X- 3 And fronting along the River, the two Lotts Con- taining Fifty three acres and a half including the Two Acres of Meadow
Also 1 give and devise unto my Daughter Sarah the Wife of Ralph Brughlar and to her heirs & Assigns forever All Lot Number 4 Beginning at my son James Browns Corner in Cadwalladers Line thence along The old Lines the several Courses to Scotts Line thence along the same to Tocconetcong to the Middle thereof thence up the same to a Button wood tree standing near the lower Corner of Meadow the same being Corner of Lot X. 6 Thence along the rear of Lot X 6: and X 5, X X 3 meadow lots to the River thence extending to the Midle therof and up the several corses thereof to James Browns lower Corner thence along his line to the Beginning Containing Fifty three Acres and a half Also I give and Devise unto my Daughter Charity all the Lots N 5, Beginning at Coxes Corner in Kikindahls Line thence along Coxes Line to Henry Brughlars Corner thence along the Lines of Lot N 3. the Several Courses in the Ala]) to the Buttonwood Cor- ner standing upon the west side of the River thence extend- ing into the middle of the stream to Opposet an hiccory Saplin thence along the Line of Lott Number 6 to a Cor- ner in the Field thence, South about 42 degrees: West to Kikindals Line Thence to continue along the same to the place of beginning Containing Fifty one Acres and also a Meadow Lot of Two Acres upon other side of the River and by Lot N6 N3 Meadow Lots & X 4 Containing fifty three Acres half in both lotts.
Also I give and Devise unto my son Daniel all the Homested Lot X 6 Bounded or Beginning at the Corner in Kikindahls line thence along the Line of X 5, to the hiccory Corner thence to the Midle of the River And the several courses thereof to a Corner nearly opposit the Corner Buttonwood thence near east to an hic- cory Saplin thence along the Lines of Lot X 3 nearly as the fence stands but to continue as the courses are in the Map to a Buttonwood Tree standing near the point of Meadow at the River and extending therefrom to the Middle there- of and down the stream to Kikindahls Line Thence along the s ne to the place of Beginning Containing fifty three acres and a half which said Lot I will and Devise unto my said son Daniel and to his heirs and Assigns, forever,
my dearly beloved wife to enjoy the same during her Lifetime, All the above Lots are to be confirmed according to the above mentioned Map by my Executors And if it should happen that any part of the above Lots should be herafter Claimed by any prior survey or otherwise that all the Legatees above mentioned shall bear their proportions of securing the same & other division made in equal & share.
Also I give and devise the Lott purchased of Thomas Farns worth unto John Brown, James Brown Martha Bruglar Sarah Bruglar Daniel Brown and Charity Brown, to them their heirs and assigns in the following proportions To John Brown Twenty Five Acres to be laid out off the upper part or Fast end and the Remaining fifty nine Acres to be Equaly divided among my other Five Children Separately Also the hot lately purchased of John Bray I Give and Devise the one half part of that Lot Containing two hun- dred acres to be divided between Henry Brughlar & my son James Brown which two shares shall be laid forth upon the Westwardly part Beginning at a Maple Saplin near a Small Run of water from thence North eighty five degrees West to the Back Line, And ye other half to be equally be equally divided between my son & Daughter Daniel Brown & Charity Brown Daniel Brown and Charity Brown, by Executors, as soon as convenient after my decease, and for the better Explanation of this my last will and Testa- ment my Express will is that if any of my said children die leaving no Issue that then such Case such Child or Childrens share or part shall be divided among the Sur- vivors share and share alike And lastly Give unto my be- loved wife Sarah during her life the full use and benefit of Lot Number 4, X 5 and Number 6, and to live in my new dwelling house upon Lot Number 6 during her widowhood And I ordain my son Daniel & Charity live along with their mother until they arrive to full age, unless my Ex- ecutors may think proper to put Daniel to a Trade Also 1 give unto my wife all my household Goods Catle and Horses & Sheep & other things of whatsoever Denomin- ation (the Lands excepted to her only proper Use during her widowhood and no longer And in case my Widow marry a Second Time the Children Yizt Sarah Bruglar and Daniel and Charity Brown are from thenceforth to have the profits and fully enjoy the incomes of their Re- spective Lots herein devised anything herein Contained to the Contrary thereof any ways Notwithstanding And my widow shall have The amount of Sixty pounds Given to her in a Convenient time after her second marriage and the remainder of my Estate whether Goods Chatels Catle Horses or Sheep or ready money Out standing Debts shall be equally divided amongst my children then living by my Executors Whom I do hereby Authorize to Give all re- quiset Conveyance & Acquitances that may may be need- full, to execute for the purposes herein intended Also I give unto my son John Brown over and above his share and Proportion the sum of twenty shillings as being my Primo Genitur or first begotten Son And I hereby disanul all former and other wills at any Time heretofore by me made, And I make Constitute and Ordain my said Loving wife Sarah Executrix and my trusty friend and Kinsman Robert Ellison Executors of this my last will & Testament According to the true Intent and meaning hereof In Wit- ness whereof I the James Brown have to this my last Will and Testament Set my hand and seal the day and year above written James Brown (Seal) Signed Sealed & delivered by the said James Brown as and for his last will and Testament in the presence of us who were present at the signing & sealing thereof. John King William Stringer Wm. Rea Probated at Newton 16th Oct. 1793 before me Thos. Anderson Surrogate
Recorded in Liber 33 of Wills page 333
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Jonathan Traxell 1795-
Jonathan Traxell
son of
Born 1795
Died
Married
Elizabeth
daughter of
Born
Died
son of
Born 1795
Died
Married
Elizabeth
daughter of
Born
Died
Children
Milton Troxell M 17 Jun 1820 in N Whitehall, Lehigh, Pennsylvania, USA
Edward Troxell M 23 Aug 1818 in N Whitehall, Lehigh, Pennsylvania, USA
Amandus Troxell M 25 Aug 1821 in N Whitehall, Lehigh, Pennsylvania, USA
Sophia Troxel F 9 Oct 1823 in Lehigh, Pennsylvania, USA
Edmund Troxell M 22 May 1829 in N Whitehall, Lehigh, Pennsylvania, USA
Abraham Troxell M 31 Dec 1832 in Lehigh, Pennsylvania, USA
Jonathan Paulus Troxell M 22 Mar 1838 in Lehigh, Pennsylvania, USA
1850 Census
Name: Jonathan Troxel
Age: 55
Birth Year: abt 1795
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Home in 1850: Anthony, Montour, Pennsylvania
Gender: Male
Family Number: 128
Household Members:
Name Age
Jonathan Troxel 55
Elizabeth Troxel 54
Edmund Troxel 21
Jonathan Troxel 13
Benjamin Troxel 11
1860 United States Federal Census about Jonathan Troxel
Name: Jonathan Troxel
Age in 1860: 63
Birth Year: abt 1797
Home in 1860: Anthony, Montour, Pennsylvania
Gender: Male
Post Office: Exchange
Value of real estate: View image
Household Members:
Name Age
John Dye 26
Caroline Dye 23
Calvin Dye 2
Jonathan Troxel 63
Elizabeth Troxel 61
Peter Troxell 1723-1811
Peter Troxell
Born: Dec 28, 1723
Died: Feb 28, 1811
married May 19, 1747
Anna Maria Hunsecker
Born: 1727
Died: 1795
Children:
Peter
Daniel Troxell 1751 – 1816
John Troxell 1755 –
Jacob Troxell 1758 – 1810
Margaret Troxell 1759 – 1829
Barbara Troxell 1762 – 1834
Maria Susanna Troxell 1765 –
Lorentz Troxell 1767 – 1826
Eva Catharine Troxell 1769 – 1851
Christian Troxell 1771 –
Magdalena Troxell 1774 – 1774
TimeLine:
1723 28 Dec - Birth
Canton of Bern, Switzerland
1747 19 May -Marriage to Anna Maria Hunsecker
Age: 23
Egypt, Lehigh, Pennsylvania, United States
U.S. and International Marriage Records, 1560-1900 about Peter Troxell
Name: Peter Troxell
Gender: Male
Birth Place: Gr
Birth Year: 1723
Spouse Name: Ann Maria ???
Spouse Birth Year: 1727
Marriage
Year: 1747
Number Pages: 10
1780 23 Jul - Military
Age: 56
Served in Capt Henry Reitz 1st Battalion, 8th Company
1780 3 Sep -Military
Age: 56
Discharge from the Military
1811 28 Feb - Death
Age: 87
Whitehall, Northampton, Pennsylvania, United States
Peter Troxell eldest son of Peter the emigrant was born in Switzerland Dec 28 1723 and was nine years old on his arrival in America He was naturalized on the same day as his father and became the owner of the greater of his father's land and added to it so that owned over 600 acres He saw service in War of the Revolution and was a member of Jordan Reformed church where he is buried has no tombstone He died Feb 28 1811 in 80th year He married May 19 1747 Anna Maria name unknown who was born 6 1727 and died July 10 1795 They had seven sons and seven daughters of whom two sons and one daughter died before the mother whose tombstone is still decipherable at Reformed church.
Peter Troxell married second time May 11 1799 Hanna Zirckel. At the time of his death in 1811 he left 76 grandchildren and 64 great grandchildren.
His children were Peter Daniel John Jacob Margaret Barbara Maria Susanna born March 9 1765 Lorentz Eva Catharine Christian Dec 6 1771 and Magdalena born April 30 1774.
Of the daughters Margaret married Gottfried Roth
Barbara born Dec 13 1762 June 4 1834 married Peter Gross
and Catharine born Aug 12 1769 died Jan 26 1851 married Peter Guth
Peter Troxell left to his sons various tracts of land.
To Peter 194 acres 54 perches on July 22 1783
to Daniel 189 acres 140 perches on May 22 1783 and 62 acres 72 perches on Dec 8 1790
Jacob 128 acres on May 14 1783
and Lorenz 104 acr es 29 perches on Dec 18 1790
History of Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, and a Genealogical and ..., Volume 3
By Lehigh County Historical Societ y
Page 1324
Peter Trachsel 1691-1766
Peter Trachsel
Birth: Nov. 6, 1691, Switzerland
Death: Apr. 6, 1766 Frederick County Maryland, USA
married 1721 in Wolfersheim, Biles, Germany
Juliana Catharina Trauthager
Born 1703 France
Died
Timeline
1691- Birth
Lenk, Bern, Switzerland
1691 6 Nov -Baptism
PeterTroxell was the son of Jakob Trachsel and Margaretha (Brengel) Trachsel. Born at Lenk in Semmental, Switzerland in the Canton of Bern, where he was baptized on November 6, 1691.
1719 - Residence
Age: 28
Pfalz Palatine area of Germany
Peter was taken by his parents to the Pfalz Palatine area of Germany (in the Homburg-Saar area in Germany near the French border) in early 1719. Here they settled near the hamlet of Wolfersheim.
1721 Marriage to Juliana Catharina Trauthager
Age: 30
1733 - Arrival
Age: 42
Pennsylvania
1733 - Residence
Age: 42
Whitehall Township, Northampton County, Pennsylvania
Upon landing at Philadelphia, PA, on August 17, 1733 (four years earlier than his brother John), Peter and his family proceeded to Egypt in upper Lehigh Co., in the township of Whitehall. Little is known of Peter and his family during their stay here.
1734 23 Sep - Religion
Age: 43
Egypt Reformed Church, 4122 S Church st, Egypt, Lehigh County, PA
Son David was baptized in the Egypt Reformed Church
1737 15 Oct - Property
Age: 46
Peter was apparently a man of some means, owning during his lifetime in Egypt and Lehigh Co. between 800 to 1600 acres of land there. During his stay in Egypt he secured, on October 15, 1737, his first warrant for 300 acres of land.
1741 9 Mar - Religion
Age: 50
Egypt Reformed Church, 4122 S Church st, Egypt, Lehigh County, PA
He and his son, Peter Jr., took the sacrament before naturalization there on March 9, 1741
1742 24 Apr - Naturalization
Age: 51
April 10, 1742 took the Naturalization Oath in the Supreme Court at Philadelphia. On April 24, 1742 they were certified as citizens (of Great Britain).
1743 16 Apr - Property
Age: 52
On April 16 1743, Peter made application for a Warrant at the land office at Philadelphia to acquire a tract of land located in the Lower Jordan Valley, on the Jordan River
Photos (1)Stories (1)
1754 12 Jan - Residence
Age: 63
The last known date of Peter Sr. living in the house was January 12th 1754, the day that he mortgaged the house and property to Lynford Lardner for L294. Records indicated that soon after this date Peter moved to Fredricks County, MD
1755 - Religion
Age: 64
After removing from Egypt he became a member of the Jordan Reformed congregation
1766 16 Apr - Death
Age: 75
Frederick, Maryland, United States
RESEARCH:
PeterTroxell was the son of Jakob Trachsel and Margaretha (Brengel) Trachsel. Born at Lenk in Semmental, Switzerland in the Canton of Bern, where he was baptized on November 6, 1691.
Peter was taken by his parents to the Pfalz Palatine area of Germany (in the Homburg-Saar area in Germany near the French border) in early 1719. Here they settled near the hamlet of Wolfersheim.
According to the first church record book of Rieschweiler, Germany, "Peter Trachsel, son of Jacob Trachsel from Lenk , Canton of Bern Switzerland, received Confirmatory Blessings on April 8, 1708".
Johannes Peter married Juliana Catharina (Trauthager) Fraudhueger. They were married abt 1721 in Wolfersheim, Biles, Germany. She was born in 1703 Katzenthal, Alsace, France, and died Apr. 16, 1795 Lehigh County Pennsylvania, USA.
Notes from Jim Troxell:
In looking over the various notes from various sources about the crossing to the New World by Peter Trachsel and his wife, Juliana Catharina Trauthager, I have concluded the following:
Prior to their cross the Atlantic on the Ship “Samuel” in 1733, Juliana had given birth to five children. One, a daughter, died in childbirth. Two other’s death date is listed as 1733, which makes me wonder if they died en route to America. At any rate, only two of then born sons arrived with their parents to Philadelphia. They were Johann Jacob and John Peter, Jr. We (James P. Troxel, b 1946, and brother, nephews, nieces and son) are descendants of the next child that was born and the first to be born in America: David Troxel, born 1734. In all, Peter and Juliana gave birth to five more children upon their arrival to Pennsylvania. That means they had 10 children altogether.
Copied from the Lehigh County, PA History by Roberts, Compiled by Jack D. Salmon of Royal Oak, Michigan:
Emigrated to America on ship "Samuel" of London in 1733 under the command of Hugh Persy, Master from Rotterdam, late of Deal. They were included in the passenger list of "Palatines, 89 males above 16, 86 females, 54 males under 16, 62 females under 16 --- in all, 291". Among those on the ship's manifest appeared the names "Peter Drachsel, above 16, Peter and Daniel Drachsel, under 16".
Peter Traxel (Troxell), emigrated from Switzerlandand emigrated to Philadelphia in the ship "Samuel" with his wife Juliana Catharina and two sons, Peter, aged 9, and Daniel, aged 7, August 17, 1733
Upon landing at Philadelphia, PA, on August 17, 1733 (four years earlier than his brother John), Peter and his family proceeded to Egypt in upper Lehigh Co., in the township of Whitehall. Little is known of Peter and his family during their stay here.
He settled at Egypt, Whitehall Township where his son David was baptized on September 23, 1734. The Egypt Reformed Church, was founded in 1734,
In 1736 when his son John was baptized, he isreferred to as church censor of the congregation. In 1737, he was deacon and his name appears in the Egypt Reformed Church records until 1744
Peter and Juliana had a number of children of which eight are recorded. Except for Peter Jr. and Daniel, who emigrated with their parents, all the children were born and baptized in Egypt, PA. Peter Sr.'s name appears in the church records at Egypt until 1744.
Peter was apparently a man of some means, owning during his lifetime in Egypt and Lehigh Co. between 800 to 1600 acres of land there. During his stay in Egypt he secured, on October 15, 1737, his first warrant for 300 acres of land.
He and his son, Peter Jr., took the sacrament before naturalization there on March 9, 1741 and April 10, 1742 took the Naturalization Oath in the Supreme Court at Philadelphia.
On April 24, 1742 they were certified as citizens (of Great Britain).
On April 16 1743, Peter made application for a Warrant at the land office at Philadelphia to acquire a tract of land located in the Lower Jordan Valley, on the Jordan River, a fertile land similar to that which he had known as a boy in his native Switzerland where agriculture was the primary vocation. This parcel, 305 acres, 35 perches, was purchased November 10 1743 from Casper Wistar, the bill of sale being made in 1742. A considerable length of time transpired from the date of the Warrant in 1743 until the Patent was granted on 4/3/1782, but in those days this was not uncommon. The date and land office index number are recorded on file in the land office now located in Harrisburg, PA. The following is the description, courses and measurements of this tract as recorded under Warrant # D-13-199, Patent #P-1-179: "Begin at a post thence N 10 E 181 perches; N 80 W 286 perches; S 10 W 181 perches; S 80 E 286 perches; to the place of beginning. Called Troxelburg." Lower Jordon Valley, Pennsylvania German Settlement, published by the Lehigh County Historical Society, Volume 18, 1950, pg. 32.
The story goes that the Indians would burn the lands south of the Jordon Creek, chasing the wild game across and through the gap in the mountains, where the Indians would wait in ambush to make their kill for their meat supply. When the settlers came to this valley they gave the creek the name of Jordon as it flowed through a country, the south of which was like the desert of Petrea and the north was the fruitful country of Palestine.
The home site of Peter and his family was approximately 5 miles from their old home at Egypt. On a location one-quarter mile downstream from the stone bridge at "Troxell's Crossing" and to the south of and within a few hundred feet of the Jordon River, on gently sloping ground and near the edge of the Jordan flood basin, stands a remarkable memorial to Peter Troxell. Here in 1744, he and his sons built a substantial dwelling, 35x25 feet, 2 1/2 stories high, with an adjoining kitchen 20x23-1/2 feet in size. The walls were constructed 20 inches thick. The house was built primarily for the use of Peter's family, but proved in time to be a haven for many purposes. During the French and Indian Wars the settlers more than once took refuge therein to escape the marauding Indians. Meetings of the Reformed congregation was held there, and at one time it served as a tavern by Peter Jr. in 1761. It is related that while the construction of the house was going on, Indians sat on the hillside opposite the river and watched the proceedings, Peter and his sons never knowing whether they would attack.Upon visiting the location described above, one can still see this fine old house, still standing in its original form. It is believed to be the oldest house in Lehigh County.
From another source: On November 10, 1743, he purchased from Caspar Wistar two tracts of one hundred acres each along the Jordan River, for which a bill of sale had been made in 1742. Here he built a stone house,30 by 21 feet, in the year 1744 which is still standing, and is the oldest house in Lehigh County. When the large hearth was removed several years ago, the mantelpiece was found to contain the figures 1744. In this old building now owned by the Minnich family, travelers were entertained in the early days. The house stands near the Jordan Creek, east of Troxell's crossing, on the electric road from Allentown to Slatington. Peter Troxell mortgaged these tracts on January 12, 1754 to Lynford Lardner for 294 Lira. The house is mentioned in the mortgage and the land is described as "situated on a branch of the Lehi creek, called Indian creek".
The Troxell's lived in the home until April 8th 1784 at which time it was secured by the Minnich family. They resided there as owners until about 1950, at which time the house and property it is situated upon, plus adjoining tracts, were purchased by the Trojan Powder Company of Allentown. The Minniches made repairs to the house as they were needed during their reign as owners and the Trojan Powder Co., along with interested individuals, continued the maintenance until today it stands in as good condition as it was the day it was built. Present plans are for the house to be maintained as a historical site and monument to our fore-bearer The validity of the date of construction is borne out by the fact that when the large hearth was removed in the kitchen for repairs in 1910, the mantel piece was found to be inscribed with the figures "1744".
The last known date of Peter Sr. living in the house was January 12th 1754, the day that he mortgaged the house and property to Lynford Lardner for L294. Records indicated that soon after this date Peter moved to Fredricks County, MD where he died in April, 1766 at the age of 75 years. His oldest son, Peter (2) assumed the mortgage on the old home and lived there for a number of years.Located between the two houses is Troxell Crossing. The large brick elementary school bears the name of Troxell.
After removing from Egypt he became a member of the Jordan Reformed congregation.
Naturalization on April 10, 1742
He secured additional land, in all over 500 acres. Peter Troxell deeded to his sons five tracts of land. These five tracts adjoin each other and upon them are still standing five stone houses built by members of the Troxell family
Little is known at this time of the disposition of the real estate that Peter held in and around Egypt, however evidence is present that some of his heirs held title to portions of these lands, and in one case it is believed that his brother, Hans John, who emigrated to America in 1737, secured some of this property
,
Julianna & Peter are buried in Jordan United Church of Christ Cemetery, Allentown, Lehigh County Pennsylvania, USA
About the Voyage:
ENSMINGERS OF ALSACE (1520–1733)
[I have omitted several paragraphs concerning theories about early Ensmingers as irrelevant to the Samuel crew.]
In the late spring or early summer of 1733, a group of families from the Mattstall region prepared for a trip overland (about 30 km) to the Rhine. Their journey took them downstream to Rotterdam and the Atlantic, and to a ship bound for Pennsylvania. John Wolfersberger, brother-in-law of Peter Ensminger, had traveled to America in 1730. Church records at Mattstall record the baptism of friend Henry Haller’s daughter, with sponsors Peter Frey, Catharine Ensminger (wife of Peter), and Ursula Knobel. None of these family members appear in church records after April 15, 1733. These same four families—Ensminger, Frey, Haller, and Knobel—were on the ship “Samuel” when it landed at Philadelphia on August 17, 1733. Peter Ensminger’s mother-in-law Catharine Trautmann was also with them.
The mass migration of German-speaking folk to Pennsylvania began in the early 1700s and continued until the time of the American Revolution (1775). They were mostly Lutheran and Reformed. Most came from the Palantinate, however the Ensmingers came from Alsace, just south of the Palantinate. These persons settled in southeastern Pennsylvania and maintained themselves as a distinctive people. As farmers, they excelled. They were conservative, industrious, religious, and frugal. The German language prevailed for many years—today Pennsylvania Dutch—a written and spoken language. From 1727 to 1775, 324 ships arrived, with an average of 200 persons per ship or 64,800. In 1775 the population of Pennsylvania was about 300,000, one-third of German origin. Peter’s ship, the Samuel #29, landed on August 17, 1733.
An account of the voyage follows: “The eleven families (62 individuals) from the Mattstall area, including Peter Ensminger and family, had about twenty miles to go to reach the Rhine river. Here they got on a boat going to Rotterdam, Holland—about 350 miles. They left Mattstall about the end of April. Rotterdam would be reached by the middle of May.
“Stops at German customs houses slowed them down. Strange sights and new scenes caused comment. Koblenz and Koln seemed large. Stops were made to buy food and other supplies. Then windmills and canals appeared. They were in Holland. Signs and speech were in Dutch. They got off the boat and looked at the quaint, gabled houses, the market, and the churches.
“The first task was to locate the ship SAMUEL and its master. Hugh Percy. They checked in and stored their luggage in the hold. They bought butter, cheese, and smoked fish. The 291 passengers set sail for Deal, England, near Dover. Here they took on more provisions and crewmembers.
“The ship was about 140 x 30 x 15. Sleeping quarters were below deck—for families, for single men, for single women. Each person had a space about 6 x 2 feet, with 5 feet for headroom. There was little privacy. The crewmembers had their own quarters. There was a cabin for the captain. He had promised to supply water, flour, some dried meat and peas, as well as cheese. It took a lot of food to feed 291 people plus crew for three months. On the voyage there would be births, deaths, and illnesses. Likely Christina Ensminger and Ursula Haller were among the children who died.
“The trip was hardest on the very young. There was no milk or fruit or green vegetables. It was hard for the old folks, too. Catherine Trautmann was 62, Appolonia Frey 28, Elizabeth Carle 50. The captain reminded them that England was on the old calendar, eleven days behind Germany. There were all kinds of people on board.
“Daily prayers were held, with church services on Sundays. The men walked on deck. The women cooked and cleaned and tried to keep the little ones from falling overboard. The older children were a great help. The old told stories to the young. Soon they were out on the broad Atlantic. The captain said the 4000-mile trip to Philadelphia would take about three months, if the winds were favorable. The ship would go south about 1000 miles to the Canaries, then pick up trade winds to carry it across the Atlantic.
“Wind and rainstorms made the going rough. The families took turns cooking on the iron grates. At night the cries of the young, the moans of the ill, the groans of the old could be heard. When the wind roared, the boat creaked, the waves splashed. Then one day land was sighted – America – green fields and houses.
“Friday morning, August 17th, the ship anchored at Philadelphia. This was the first of seven ships to arrive in 1733. The captain turned in his list of 90 names—men over 16. The men had to go to the courthouse and take the oath of allegiance and the oath of abjuration—denying the right of a Pretender.”
[several more paragraphs about the Ensmingers in Lancaster County, PA.]
*Marsha L. Ensminger
Misc:
A grandson, JACOB TROXEL, born in 1758, enlisted in WASHINGTON’s Colonial Army at the age of 16, and after four years of military service, he hit the pioneer trail westward as a trader to the Indians in the Cumberland wilderness, reaching this area during the winter of 1779. He was known as “Big JAKE” by the Indians and traders. At the age of 21 he made love to the beautiful and vivacious Princess Cornblossom, daughter of Chief CHU’QUALITAGUE. They had a son known as Little JAKE, the notorious half-breed, who became chief of all the Cumberland River and Plateau Indians at the age of 21. According to TOM’s story, he raised hell all over the plateau regions until about 1807, when he and his tribesmen accepted amnesty and Little JAKE handed over to the law his scalping blade with nine notches on the handle.
Found on http://www.tngenweb.org/scott/fnb_v6n4_thomas_h_troxel.htm
Hans Trachsel 1631-1675
Hans Trachsel
son of Jakob & Anna (Berchten) Trachsel
Born 1631
Died 1675
Married
Elsbeth Gunset
Born
Died
Jakob Trachsel 1652 – 1721
Elsbeth Trachsel 1653 –
Anna Trachsel 1655 –
Hans Trachsel Jr 1658 –
Heinrich Trachsel 1660 – 1738
Gweer Trachsel 1662 –
Peter Trachsel 1666 –
Christen Trachsel 1667 –
Casper Trachsel 1670 – 1726
Benedikt Trachsel 1672 –
Ulrich Trachsel 1675 – 1750
1631 Oct - Birth
Switzerland
1631 23 Oct - Baptism
Lenk, Berne Canton, Switzerland
He was the 5th son of Jakob & Anna (Berchten) Trachsel
1651 7 Apr -Marriage to Elizabeth Gunset
Age: 19
Canton of Berne, Switzerland
1675 - Death
Age: 44
Lenk, Semmental, Bern Canton, Switzerland
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)