John Beecher Sr. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
- Born: 13 Apr 1760, , Lancaster, PA 1 10 12
- Marriage (1): Mary Ann Albrecht on 13 Apr 1778 1
- Died: 2 Mar 1819, Reading, Berks, PA at age 58 1 10 11 13 14
- Buried: Bern Twp.: Epler's Church Cemetery, Berks, PA 1 10
Other names for John were John Beiher,15 Johan Bicher,16 Johann Bicher,16 John Bicher,4 17 Johannes Bücher 4 and John Bücher.
FamilySearch ID: LQR4-77H.
Noted events in his life were:
1. Relatives To Research: Y-DNA testing proves he is related to other ancestors in 1700's Pennsylvania. For current info please read http://www.SearchTrees.com/beecher and contact searchtrees@gmail.com (Jonathan Scott Beacher).
2. Alt. Name: His will begins "I John Beecher" but he signs it Johannes Bücher.,,.
3. Issue: He had 16 children. 1
4. Occupation: tanyard.
5. Fact: On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress unanimously adopted the Declaration of Independence, announcing the separation of the Thirteen Colonies from Great Britain., 4 Jul 1776, Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA.
6. John served in the military in 1778. 18 The Artillery Artificers Regiment. This corps, as it was called first, was raised by the direction of General Washington, in the summer of 1777. Benjamine Flower, formerly Commissary of Military Stores, of the Flying Camp, in 1776, was made Colonel and Commissary of Military Stores. Very few of its records remain. Capt. Jesse Roe's Company was one of the original companies. Companies were stationed at Carlisle and Philadelphia, and their duties were to cast cannon, bore guns and prepare ammunition for the Army.--Constitutional Line, Artillery Artificers. 1777-1779.
7. Military from 1778 to 1779 in , , PA: DAR Ancestor #: A008496. 19 BEECHER, JOHN
Ancestor #: A008496
Service: PENNSYLVANIA Rank: PRIVATE
Birth: 1762 PENNSYLVANIA
Death: 3-22-1819 READING NR. BERKS CO PENNSYLVANIA
Pension Number: *S39982
Service Source: *S39982
Service Description: 1) CAPT MENG, COL BENJAMIN FLOWER
2) ARTILLERY ARTICIFER REGT, CL
Spouse: Mary Ann Albert.
8. Military from 1778 to 1779 in , , PA: during the Revolutionary War. 18 Following is a copy of a letter from U. S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Pensions, received by Mrs. Harry Kennett McAdams, 309 N. Broadway, Lexington, KY. [Ms. McAdams is a descendent.]
"I advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War Pension Claim,S. 39982, it appears that John Beecher, or Becher, enlisted in Lebanon, in what was later Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, April, 1778, served as a Private in Captain Meng's Company, Colonel Benjamin Flowers Artillery Artificers Regiment and was discharged April 3, 1779.
"He was allowed a Pension on his application executed November 28, 1818, while a resident of Berne Township, Berks County, Pa., aged over fifty-six years. He died March 22, 1819.
"Soldier's wife, Mary Ann Beecher, died November 11, 1837. Her maiden name and date of marriage not stated.
"In 1854, Jacob Nyswender and Henry Carpenter stated in Columbus, Ohio, that the following were the children and only heirs of said John and Mary Ann Beecher:
"John Beecher, of Berks County, Pa.
"William Beecher and Barbara Nyswender, both of Franklin County, Ohio.
"Margaret Mulliner, of Philadelphia, Pa.
"Benjamin Beecher, Jacob Beecher, and Catherine Paxon, all of Chester Co., Pa.
"Samuel Beecher, of Lancaster Co., Pa.
"Lydia Cook, of Clark Co., Va.
"There is no record in this bureau of land having been granted by the United States, on account of the service of the above named Revolutionary War Soldier, John Beecher, or Becher.
"Respectfully,
Winfield Scott, Commissioner, Rev. and 1812 Wars Section."
9. Occupation: John's occupation is listed as shoemaker on his military discharge record written by Col. Benjamin Flower on 3 Apr 1779 in , Lancaster, PA. 20
10. Tax List: 1780, Conestoga Twp., Lancaster, PA. 6 A John Beecher appears on the 1780 Tax List for Conestoga Township, Lancaster County with 77 acres, 2 horses, 3 cows, total value £2000.
Also listed is Leonard Albright (weaver), 140 acres, 2 horses, 3 cows, total value at £600. Since John's wife was Mary Ann Albright (Albrecht) Leonard may be her relation.
11. Military on 20 Dec 1780 in , Lancaster, PA: Revolutionary War. It appears John served in 1780 in the same company as his brother Jacob...
Muster Roll of the Revolutionary War Company of Captain Andrew Ream
"Return of my Second Company and Third Battalion now belonging to the Eighth Company. And Sixth Battalion Lancaster County Militia."
Captain: Andrew Ream, Lieutenant: Henry Ream
Within this company here are surnames of interest:
In the 6th Class: Jacob Beaker
In the 7th Class: John Beaker
The Reams as those associated with the founding of Reamstown, only 2 miles from the Muddy Creek church attended by the Bichers/Büchers.
12. Fact: The British surrender at Yorktown marked the end of major military operations in the Revolutionary War. Most Continental soldiers went home about 1783., 19 Oct 1781, Yorktown, York, VA.
13. In 1782 in Brecknock: Alleghany Church, Berks, PA. 2 5 The baptism of John and Mary Bücher's children appear beginning in 1782 in the Register of Marriages and Baptisms kept by Rev. Traugott Frederick Illing. He traveled to serve many Reformed congregations but it is likely these baptisms were at Allegheny Lutheran Church in Brecknock Township in Berks County which adjoins Brecknock Township in Lancaster County. Illing also served Forest (Plow) Church in nearby Robeson Township in Berks.
14. In 1790 in New Holland: Trinity Lutheran Church, Lancaster, PA. 16 Johannes and Maria Bücher have their children baptized at Trinity Lutheran in New Holland.
15. Residence: in 1790 in , Lancaster, PA. 21 We cannot locate John in the 1790 Census. We have gone page-by-page through these townships: Berks Co: Bern. Lancaster Co: Brecknock, Caernarvon, Cocalico, Earl, Salisbury. HIs father-in-law George Albrecht is found in Bern Township, Berks County, where in 1819 John Beecher died.
16. Tax List: 1793 Earl Township Enumberation Return: Beecher John, 1793, Earl Twp., Lancaster, PA. 22
17. Occupation: John's 1793 deed states he was a cordwainer (a shoemaker like his father Engel) on 4 Apr 1793 in Earl Twp., Lancaster, PA. 23
18. John Bicher bought 75 acres in Earl Township from Adam Stoch on 4 Apr 1793 in Earl Twp., Lancaster, PA. 23 Lancaster County Deed Book RR Page 335 (indexed as John Bicker)
Adam Stoch to John Bicher
This Indenture made the fourth day of April, Anno Domini One thousand seven hundred & ninety three Between Adam Stock of Earl Township in the County of Lancaster and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Yeoman and Elizabeth his wife of the one part and John Bicher of the said Township County and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania aforesaid Cordwainer of the other part. Witnesseth that the said Adam Stock and Elizabeth his wife for and in consideration of the sum of five hundred and thirty pounds lawful money of Pennsylvania to the said Adam Stock well and truly in hand paid by the said John Bicher at and before the ensealing and delivery of these presents the receipt and payment he the said Adam Stock doth hereby acknowledge and thereof and of every hart and parcel there of doth acquit and forever Discharge the said John Bicher his heirs & assigns by these presents Have granted bargained sold aliened enfeoffed released and confirmed and by the presents Do grant bargain sell alien release enfeoff and confirm unto the said John Bicher his Heirs and Assigns all that certain piece and parcel of land situate lying and being in said Earl Township and in the county of Lancaster aforesaid Bounded and Described by the lines as follows: Wit Beginning at a Spanish Oak thence by lands of Joseph Shirk south seven degrees east thirty eight perches and a quarter to a stone thence by land of Morgan Evans north seven degrees west and one perches and a quarter to a stone thence by the said Joseph Shanks land north seventeen degrees west forty eight perches & half to a stone thence by lands of Jacob Snyder Sen. south seventy nine degrees west eighty six perches to a stone thence by the same south thirteen degrees east seventy seven perches to a stone thence by the same south seventy seven degrees west forty three perches to a stone thence by the same south seventeen degrees and a quarter east fifty two perches & half to a Hickory thence by land of Carpenter's south eighty degrees east one hundred and five perches & a half to the place of Beginning containing Seventy-five acres one quarter & Seventy five perches of land & allowance | It being part and parcel of a larger tract of one hundred and twenty acres two quarters and sixteen perches and allowance of which a certain James Cunningham late of Earl Township Lancaster County aforesaid Yeoman Deceased in his lifetime and at the time of his Death was lawfully Possessed and the said James Cunningham being thereof rightfully seized Died Intestate and Hugh Cunningham being the eldest son of the said Deceased this the said tract of land came according to Law and the said Hugh Cunningham in fee by his discharging and paying off the other Heirs of the said Deceased as the Releases of the same may more fully and at large appear. And the said Hugh Cunningham by his indenture bearing Date the 8th Day of August A. D. 1785 for the Consideration therein mentioned granted and sold the same including the above Described tract of Seventy five acres on quarter & Seventy five perches and allowance unto Joshua Evans Who with Margaret his wife by their Indenture bearing Date the 24th Day of December A.D. 1785 for the consideration therein mentioned granted Sold the same unto the said Adam Stock (party hereto) his Heirs & Assigns forever Recorded in the Registers Office in Lancaster for recording of Deeds in for said County of Lancaster in patent Book EE Page 501 on the 29th day of July A. D. 1786 as in and by said last recited Indenture may appear. And also a free uninterrupted right Liberty and Privilege of all the Waters herein after mentioned: Morgan Evan's land adjoining to said above described land on the west side vis the water course extending from turkey hill through said Morgan Evan's lands extending across the road situate between said Morgan Evan's land & said above described tract to and for the said Adam Stock his Heirs and Assigns his or their only use benefit and behoof forever. And also a free and uninterrupted right and liberty of the said road between said Morgan Evan's land and the said above described tract to and for the use and benefit of him the said Adam Stock his heirs and assigns forever that is to say that he the said Adam Stock his heirs and assigns forever shall have a free right privilege and liberty to enter on said Morgan Evan's Lands and to pass thereon when he or they shall seem meet in order to clean the ditch or ditches of said waters or water courses and to keep in order as heretofore usual and for the use and benefit as aforesaid and to pass & repass on in and along said road to & for the use of aforesaid without an interruption or hindrance relation thereunto being he may more fully and at large appear. Together with all and singular houses out houses edifices and buildings thereon erected and built and all ways woods underwoods waters water courses meadows or chards gardens profits commodities advantages emoluments hereditaments and appurtenances whatsoever to the same belonging or in anyway appertaining and the reversions and remainders rents and profits thereof And also all the Estate Right Title Interest Use Trust Possession Claim and Demand whatsoever of him the said Adam Stock and to the same or every or any part thereof and also all Deed Evidence and writings touching or concerning the same or any part thereof now in the Custody of possession of him the said Adam Stock on which he came or may come by without suit at Law or equity. To have and to hold the said small piece of tract of land hereditaments and premises hereby granted with the appurtenances unto the said John Bicher his Heirs and Assigns. To the only proper Use Benefit and Behoof of the said John Bicher his heirs & Assigns forever Under & Subject to the yearly quit rents now due and hereafter to become due and payable for the same to the Chief Sordon Sords of the fee thereof forever and also a Dower of two hundred twenty pounds lawful money of Pennsylvania to be paid at or upon the Day of the Death of Rebecca Kirkpatrick late widow of James Cunningham Deceased unto the lawful heirs of said widow and lawful interest for the same And the said Adam Stock for himself his Heirs Executors and Administrators. Doth Covernant promise and grant to & with the said John Bicher his Heirs & Assigns that the said Adam Stock his heirs and all and every other person and persons his or their heirs any thing, having or claiming in the said premises above granted or meant mentioned or intended so to be or any part thereof by from or under him them or any of them shall and will from time to time and at all times hereafter upon the reasonable Request and at the proper Costs and Charges of him the said John bicher his Heirs and Assigns make do and execute or cause and Procure to be made done and executed all and every such further and other lawful and reasonable Act and Acts thing & things conveyances and assurances in the law whatsoever for the furth better more sure and perfect granting, conveying and assuring of all and singular the said premises with the appurtenances unto the said John Bicher his heirs and assigns forever as by the said John Bicher his Heirs and Assigns his or their Council learned in the Law shall be reasonably Advised Devised or required And the said Adam Stock & Elizabeth his wife and their heirs the said Seventy five acres one quarter & seventy five perches above Described and premises unto the said John Bicher his heirs and Assigns against him the said Adam Stock and his heirs and against all and every other person or persons whatsoever lawfully claiming, said premises or any part thereof by from or under him them or any of them shall and will warrant and forever Defend by these presents. In Witness whereof the said parties to these presents have interchangeably set their Hands and Seals thereunto Dated the day and Year first above written.
Signed
Adam Stock (SEAL)
Elizabeth Stock (SEAL)
Sealed and delivered in the presence of Jonathan Hudson, Wm. Smith
Received on the day of the Date of the above indenture of and from the above named John Bicher the sum of five hundred and thirty pounds in full for the consideration money above said by me Adam Stock.
Witnesses present at signing Jon Hudson Wm. Smith Lancaster County
On the fourth Day of April Anno Domini one thousand seven hundred and ninety three before me the Subscriber One of the Justices of the Peach for said County personally came the above said Adam Stock and Elizabeth his wife & acknowledged the above indenture to be their Act of Deed. Desired the same may be recorded as such the said Elizabeth his wife being of lawful age and privately by me examined acknowledged that she consented thereto without any compulsion. Witness my hand and Seal the Day and Year first above written Wm Smith. (SEAL)
Recorded the 30 Day of September Anno Domini 1793.
19. Residence: John's 1793 deed notes John's land included a creek near Turkey HIll, which is located 2 miles east of Terre Hill, PA and north of Turkey Hill Road at GPS coordinates 40.1617625, -76.0024092 on 4 Apr 1793 in Earl Twp., Berks, PA. 23
20. Census in 1800 in Churchtown, Lancaster, PA. 17 A John Bicher is listed in Churchtown in the 1800 Census in Lancaster County in Caernarvon Township. The household included:
Males (born)
Under 10 (1791-1800) = 3 sons (George, Jacob, Isaac)
10-15 (1785-1790) = 2 sons (Samuel, John)
26-44 (1756-1774) = 1 father John
Females (born)
Under 10 (1791-1800) = 2 daughters
10-15 (1785-1790) = 2 daughters
26-44 (1756-1774) = 1 wife
This is the only John found in the Census anywhere near New Holland where we know John Bucher/Bicher was attending church in 1803.
21. Tax List: 1800, Caernarvon Twp., Lancaster, PA. 24
22. On 9 Nov 1800 in New Holland: Trinity Lutheran Church, Lancaster, PA. 16 The communion record shows a Johann and Maria Bicher with a bracket joining them. In 1803, we again see a Johann and Maria with a bracket in another list, this time with daughter Elizabeth as the next person. She had been confirmed earlier in 1799 as well. After 1803, we do not see any records for John and Mary Bicher's family in this church, a suggestion that they moved away from this area.
23. Census in 1810 in Bern Twp., Berks, PA. 15 The household of John Beiher is listed in 1810 in Bern Township with:
Males (born)
Under 10 (1801-1810) = 2 sons (William & Benjamin)
26-44 (1766-1784) = 1 father John
Females (born)
Under 10 (1801-1810) = 1 daughter (Lydia)
16-25 (1785-1794) = 1 wife
Neighbors are surnames Witman/Wetman; Klein; Machemer. This Beiher is the only Beecher-like surname found in all of Bern Township after a page-by-page review.
24. He was listed on a John paid for 836 pounds to purchase 76 acres from Henry M. Richard deed on 12 Aug 1812 in Bern Twp., Berks, PA. 25 In Berks County Deed Book 26 page 139 is found a deed dated 12 Aug 1812 wherein Henry M. Richard of the Borough of Reading, Berks County, Pennsylvania, surveyor, and Elizabeth, his wife, sold to John Beecher for 836 pounds a tract of land in Bern Township containing seventy-six acres with all improvements, bordering lands of Michael Seidle, Frederick Wagner, Jacob Moyer, John Althouse, Jacob Epler, Adam Bohn.
25. John was listed on a John Beecher purchased 9 acres in Bern Township from George Rood deed on 1 Apr 1815 in Bern Twp., Berks, PA. 26 In Berks County Deed Book 28 page 125 is recorded a deed dated 1 Apr 1815 wherein George Rood of Cumru Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania, farmer, and Catherine, his wife, sold to John Beecher for $400 a tract of land in Bern Township containing nine acres with all improvements, bordering lands of Ephraim Meyer, John Gicker, Jacob Meyer and others.
26. He appeared as a sponsor at a baptism on 25 Sep 1817 at Reading: First Reformed Church, Berks, PA. 27
27. He signed a will Abstract of will on www.SearchTrees.com on 10 Aug 1818 in Bern Twp., Berks, PA. 4 An abstract of John Beecher's will:
BEECHER, JOHN, Bern. August 10, 1818 - March 8, 1819. Provides for wife. Executors to sell plantation and tanyard in Bern, 56 acres. To dau. Lydia £25 when of age. Remainder after wife's decease to 6 sons, viz: Samuel, John, George, Jacob, William and Benjamin, and to daus. Elizabeth wife of George Segner, Catharine wife of Jonathan Paxson, Margaretha wife of Mulloner, Magdalena wife of Thomas Russell and Barbara wife of Michael Neuschwender 5 shillings each. Exrs: Son George and friend John V. Epler. Letters to Epler, the son renouncing. Witnesses: Adam Koch and Michael Seidel.
28. He signed a will Transcription on www.SearchTrees.com on 10 Aug 1818 in Bern Twp., Berks, PA. 4
In the Name of God Amen. I John Beecher of Bern Township, Berks County, Yeoman, being sick but of sound mind, memory and understanding, considering the mortality of my body, and knowing it is appointed for all men once to die, do therefore make this my last Will & Testament in manner following, that is to say
First It is my Will and I do order. That my beloved wife Mary shall have and keep in her possession, during her natural life, my chest, the best bed & bedstead amongst my beds, a ten plate stove with pipe, one table, four of the best chairs, one spinning wheel and wool, the best cow of my stock All the yarn linen & woolen flax and tow linens, and all the woolen cloth which I may have at home or in the hands of the weavers, at and after my decease; one hundred weight of meat (if so much shall be left) if not all that remains in my possessions at my decease as also all the meal rye & wheat that shall be left together with four bags, and all my German prayer and Hymboocks and Beibles. And as much Kitchen furniture as she shall want for her life. All the remainder of my Personal Estate (except for one other cow and one hog hereinafter devised & bequeathed) shall be sold by my Executors hereinafter named at Publick Sale.
Item. It is my will and I do order. That my Executors herein after named Shall within six month after my decease sell at publick sale all my Messuage & Tenement of Land together with A Tanyard thereon errected. Situate in Bern Township aforesaid bounded by Lands of John Bitnor, Adam Koch, John Althause, George Schild & Magdalena Alwine & others Containing fifty six Acres be the same more or less, to wit what is in the lines and limits thereof, hereby empowering my Executors hereinafter named to sign seal and acknowledge a Deed to the purchaser or purchasers thereof to his or their Heirs and Assigns for Ever as to best such an Estate in him or them as I know have & hold for the same.
Item. It is my Will and I do order. That after first paying out of the monies arising from the sale of my Real and Personal Estate All my Just debts & funeral expenses and reserving twenty five pounds hereinafter bequeathed to my daughter Lidia, the remainder if any, Shall be paid unto my beloved wife Mary who shall have and keep the same in her possession for her own use & support during her natural life.
Item. It is my Will and I do order. That the money which shall remain in the Hands of my wife Mary after her decease as well as the proceeds from the sale of the personal property hereinbefore bequeathed to her, after first paying & deducting all her just debts & funeral expenses out of the same, the remainder shall be divided equally share and share alike between my six Sons to wit: Samuel, John, George, Jacob, William & Benjamin.
Item. I give and bequeath unto my daughter Lidia one cow and one hog (herein before reserved) the same which she now owns, and twenty five pounds (heretofore reserved) in Cassh to be her full share portion and dividend of all my Real & personal Estate which said twenty five pounds shall remain in the hands of my Executors untill she shall become of Age who shall put and from time to time keep the same out at Interest and good security the Interest whereof my said daughter Lidia shall receive yearly and every year as long as she shall be in her minority and as soon as she shall arrive at the age of Twenty one years then my Executors shall pay the aforesaid Sum of Twenty five pounds unto her.
Item. I give and bequeath unto my five daughters viz Elisabeth intermarried with George Segner, Catharine intermarried with Jonathan Paxson, Margaretha intermarried with Mulloner, Magdalena intermarried with Thomas Russel and Barbarra intermarried with Michael Neuschwender, the Sum of five Shillings each to be their of them in full of their Inheritance out of my Estate, both Real and Personal as I have considerably advanced them in my lifetime.
And lastly I do hereby nominate and Appoint my said Son George Beecher, and trusty friend John V. Epler, Executors of this my last Will and Testament hereby making Null and void all former and other last wills and testaments, by me made heretofore; ratifying and allowing this and no other to be my last Will and Testament.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal the Tenth day of August in the Year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighteen.
(signed in German script) Johannes Bücher
Signed, Sealed, published and declared by the Said Testator as and for his Last will and Testament in the presence of us, who at his request, and in his presence of us, who at his request, and in his presence, and in the presence of each other subscribed our names hereto as witness.
Michael Seidel (SIGNATURE)
Adam Koch (SIGNATURE)
Registers Office, Reading Berks County March 8th 1819
There appeared Adam Koch and on the 15th of the same month appeared Michael Seidel, Witnesses to the afore written will who were duly qualified according to Law, did Declare & Say: That they were present and did see and hear John Bicher the Testator, Sign, publish pronounce & declare the Same Writing as and for his last Will and Testament: And at the time of the doing thereof, he the Said Testator was of sound mind memory & understanding to the best of their knowledge and as the Verily believe. And further, That the names Adam Koch and Michael Seidle are of the Deponants own Hand Writing thereto subscribed as Witnesses in the Presents of each other and in the presents and at the request of the Testator.
Sam Feather, Reg.
Researcher's Notes: "Messuage" is an archaic legal word meaning "house with its land and outbuildings." John's signature is written in old Germany script.
29. Pension John's Revolutionary War pension record states he began receiving payments 23 Nov 1818 on 23 Nov 1818 in Bern Twp., Berks, PA. 14 28
30. Pension on 28 Nov 1818 in Bern Twp., Berks, PA. 29 John Becher - Beecher
S. 39982
Continental Pennsylvania
November 28, 1818 - personally appeared John Becher resident of Bern Township, Berks Co., that he enlisted in the Town of Lebanon, now Lebanon County in the month of April 1778 for one year in a company of Artillery commanded by Captain King that he continued in the service during the term of his enlistment, that he received an Honorable Discharge from Col. Benjamin Flower.
(hereto annexed) that he has been sick now upwards of eight years and still remains so, that he has not received any pension and is in indigent circumstances.
(signed in German script) Johannes Bücher
November 28, 1818 - John Y. Eppler, swears knowing John Becher.
(signed) John Y. Eppler.
31. Cemetery: in Bern Twp., Berks, PA on 2 Mar 1819. The 1929 Book, "Kentucky Pioneer and Court Records" by Mrs. McAdams, states that John Beecher was buried at Epler's Church cemetery in Bern Township.
Researcher Jonathan Scott Beacher has tried extensively to find records of his burial at Epler's cemetery such as in:
1) Family History Library Microfilm 387834 Item 1 - Epler church records and gravestone inscriptions : with the registers of Rev. J. Sassaman Herman, Charles G. Herman and Alfred J. Herman, 1727-1934. [This film was copied from the records at The Historical Society of Pennsylvania at Philadelphia. The letter at the start of the film states this reading of cemetery tombstones was completed by J. E. Sturgis Nagle by July, 1934.]
2) Family History Library Microfilm 1888285 item 6 - Church records of Bern Church and Epler's Church, Berks Co.
John isn't listed, suggesting his tombstone was missing when those cemetery readings were done.
The Reformed Church archives in Lancaster has the records for Epler's Church but no records for the church survived for 1819, the year John Beecher died.
Email received by Jonathan Scott Beacher from Epler's Church, Phil Whitmoyer, eplers@epix.net, 15 Aug 2017, inquiring about the grave and burial record of John Beecher...
"Our church has absolutely none of the original records of the graveyard or the church itself. All records were in an old safe which was stolen in the 1960's. The safe was later found broken open next to a river. We assume the records found their way to the Atlantic. The thieves expected to find money in the safe and found nothing of value '96 to them. What information we have of the old graveyard came from the 1930's when someone transcribed what was on each headstone. Many that were readable in 1930 cannot be read today. What we find is that the pre-revolution era burials tended to have either a wooden marker which disappeared over time or they had simple fieldstones (some of which remain) that had no inscription. So, he is probably there in the more "open" area close to the church."
At the "Historical Society of Pennsylvania" in a Beecher file I found a 1928 letter sent there by Mrs. McAdams, and she states she received info from John B. Ammarell, the cemetery caretaker at Epler's church, stating that John Beecher was buried there, as were his son John and grandson John. We know John B. Ammarell to be John Beecher Ammarell whose mother, Catherine Beecher, was the great-granddaughter of John Beecher.
32. Pension John's Revolutionary War Pension records state he died 2 Mar 1819. The last payment on the account was 3rd quarter 1819. On 2 Mar 1819 in Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA. 13 14
33. John Beecher's will was probated March 8th and his probate records are online at https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1942-28949-8995-79?cc=1999196&wc=9P9M-VZQ:268499201,275331701 Image 1426 on 8 Mar 1819 in Bern Twp., Berks, PA. 30
34. Obituary: Readinger Postbothe und Berks, Schuylkill und Montgomery Caunties Advertiser: death of John Bicher on 13 Mar 1819 in Reading, Berks, PA. 31 --- am letzten Dienstag, vor acht Tagen John Bicher, in Bern Taunship dieser County, im 58ten Jahre seines Alters
Translation: On the last Tuesday, eight days ago John Bicher, in Bern Township this county, in the 58th year of his age.
35. On 2 Oct 1819, per his will, John Beecher’s land was sold at auction. The sale wasn’t recorded until 29 Apr 1820 Deed Book 31 page 319. On 2 Oct 1819 in Bern Twp., Berks, PA. 32 The deed recorded that John V. Epler of Bern Township, Berks County, Executor in the Will of John Beecher late of Bern Township, who had owned 71 acres bounded by Frederich Waggoner, Jacob Mayer, John Althouse, Peter Althouse, George Shield and Michael Seidel, and had sold some of this tract during his lifetime, in his will dated 10 Aug 1818 ordered that upon his death his land be sold by his executors, son George Beecher and trusty friend John V. Epler, and as George Beecher hath refused to act as Executor, John V. Epler advertised the sale of land and on 2 Oct 1819 Leonard Zerby of Tulpehocken Township, Berks County, bought it for $1026, it being the highest bid.
36. Orphan's Court Proceedings Vol. 7 Page 345 on 11 Aug 1820 in Reading, Berks, PA. 33 At an Orphan's Court held at Reading in & for Berks County the eleventh day of August A.D. 1820. The Account of Jno. O. Epler Excr. of the last will & testament of Jno. Biecher late of Bern Township deceased being presented for confirmation, and the same was confirmed wise by the Court, and on the Petition of the Excr. setting forth that the said Testator has not left assets sufficient to pay in their order the judgement obtained against him in his lifetime he therefore prayed the Court to appoint Auditors, to settle & adjust the rates & proportions due & payable to certain creditors of the deceased -- Whereof the Court here appoints Mathias S. Richard, Jno. K. Nefsersmith and Jospeph Hock Auditors for the purpose in the said Petition mentioned -- The auditors to make report of their proceedings to the Court on the tenth day of November next.
37. Newspaper: Berks and Schuylkill Journal: probate notice ad for John Biecher, 16 Sep 1820, Reading, Berks, PA. 34 Public Notice.
THE creditors of John Biecher late of the township of Bern, in the county of Berks, deceased, are hereby notified that, the subscribers have been appointed by the Orphan's Court of Berks county, auditors, to adjust and distribute, according to law, among the creditors aforesaid, the funds now in the hands of the executer, and that the auditors will meet at the office of Matthias S. Richards, in the borough of Reading, on Wednesday the 4th of October next. All persons having legal demands against said estate, will forward their accounts, properly authenticated, on or before said day.
Joseph Hoch,
John K. Messersmith,
Matthias S. Richards,
September 2.
38. Pension Letter in John Beecher's pension file on 12 Jun 1850 in Washington, District of Columbia, DC. 29 Washington D. C.
Jan. 9, 1850
Sir:
I herewith enclose claim of the heirs of the late John beecher Dec'd solider of the War of the Revolution, etc. etc.
Jno S. Slocum.
39. Pension Letter in John Beecher's pension file on 12 Jun 1854 in Columbus, Franklin, OH. 29 Hon. J. E. Heath
Com. of Pensions
Washington, D. C.
The State of Ohio, Franklin County.
June 12, 1854 -- at a Court of Common Pleas held at Columbus, satisfactory evidence by the Oaths of Jacob Nyswender and Henry Carpenter, both of lawful age, that
John Beecher, Berks County, Pa.
William Beecher, Franklin County, Ohio
Barbara Nyswender, Franklin County, Ohio
Margaret Mullner, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Benjamin Beecher, Chester County, Pennsylvania
Jacob Beecher, Chester County, Pennsylvania
Samuel Beecher, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
Catharine Paxon, Chester County, Pennsylvania
Lydia Cook, Clark County, Virginia
are the only surviving heirs at law, etc. of John Beecher who was a Revolutionary War Pennsioner and who died March 22, 1819, and of Mary Ann Beecher his widow who also deceased November 11, 1837,that the oldest child was born previous to the year 1794.
James L. Bates, Judge
Franklin Common Pleas.
40. Book: Kentucky Pioneer and Court Records, 1929. 1
Background: In 1929 Mrs. Harry Kennett McAdams published a book, "Kentucky Pioneer and Court Records," and included in it some family histories, in particular two on her own ancestors, John Beecher (1759-1819) and his wife's Albrecht family, which are reproduced in total below. But first some research notes...
In her book she notes her info regarding Beecher history was "Compiled by descendants: Dr. A. C. Beecher in Philadelphia and A. L. Wilson and sister, Mrs. H. K. McAdams in Kentucky."
Dr. Abraham Clifford Wolf Beecher (1845-1893) was not alive when Mrs. McAdams published the 1929 book. He was the grandson of Jacob Franklin Beecher Sr. (1796-1882) and son of Jacob Franklin Beecher Jr. (1823-1906). He is detailed at http://www.SearchTrees.com/tree/4487.htm
McAdams listed in her book John Beecher's birth as 1759 and cites the research of John's great-grandson Dr. A. C. W. Beecher (1845-1893), but Dr. Beecher left his research in files GA-333 and GA-414 at the Berks History Center Library and studying that reveals Dr. Beecher lists 13 Apr 1757 as John's birth date, not 1759.
Mrs. McAdams is nee Martha Ednah Wilson and her grandmother was Lydia Beecher, the youngest daughter of John Beecher Sr. (1757-1819). Lydia married Stephen Beecher Cook and their daughter Annie Eliza Cook married William Henry Jenks Wilson and sired Mrs. McAdams.
In her book on page 312, Mrs. McAdams explains that the family stories in the book were handed down by her older sister Annie Laurie Wilson, who heard them from her grandmother Lydia (Beecher) Cook, who heard them from Lydia's mother Mary Ann (Albrecht) Beecher (1762-1834). This story telling has given some Beecher researchers concern, such as the stories about the Albrecht family in Germany being "next to the King in wealth and possessions" and John and Mary Ann Beecher being "married, either on the porch or in the house of John Adams," later President of the U. S.
Mrs. McAdams also made an effort to contact other family Beecher family members to gather information, as researcher Jonathan Scott Beacher discovered in 2017 when he obtained from the Historical Society of Pennsylvania two files. File Call Number FC Bi, "Letter concerning John Bicher (Beecher) family of Berks County, Pennsylvania," is a letter dated 23 Oct 1928 from Mrs. H. K. McAdams reporting grave readings she obtained from Epler's Church caretaker John B. Ammarell.
We know John Beecher Ammarell (1862-1934) lived at Epler's Church as the sexton, organist and cemetery caretaker. He is the son of Catherine Beecher (1838-1912), grandson of John Beecher III (1819-1896), and great grandson of John Beecher Jr. (1789-1885) all of whom are buried at Epler's Church.
John Beecher Ammarell likely would know if John Beecher Sr. (1757-1819) was buried at Epler's, and this may be why Mrs. McAdams states this in her 1929 book. However, this is the only evidence that researcher Jonathan Scott Beacher has been able to find regarding his burial. He died in 1819 and at that time Epler's Church had only a Reformed congregation (Lutheran services as a Union Church didn't begin until 1825). At the Reformed Church archives in Lancaster, there are no church records for the years surrounding John's death, nor at the church, Berks History Center library, and on all microfilms of Epler's records at the Family HIstory Library in Salt Lake City. Cemetery readings of tombstones were recorded in 1934 but no tombstone for John Beecher d.1819 is listed, only those for his later generations.
The book names Emanuel Beecher as the father of John Beecher (1757-1818) but offers no proof, so this conclusion was likely drawn from family memories alone many years thereafter. Later researchers have been unable to find any evidence that an older Emanuel Beecher, Bicher, or Bucher existed near Lancaster or Berks Counties in Pennsylvania. There was a younger Emanuel Becher born in 1776, but Y-DNA testing on two of his male descendants, who do use surname Beecher today, proves that this Becher family is not related to John Beecher's family.
Y-DNA testing of several living male descendants of John Beecher (1757-1818) as well as many other males with surnames Beecher, Beicher, Biecher, Beacher, etc. reveals that John Beecher (1757-1818) is the son of Engel Bücher who died in 1778. Engel named son John in his will, and church records for Engel's family are found in the same churches of those of John Beecher. The description of sons given in the McAdam's book for John Beecher's siblings match the records found for the descendants of Engel Bücher. Both John Beecher and Engel sign their wills with surname Bücher.
Given the Y-DNA and other evidence one can confidently conclude that the name "Emanuel" recalled years later by descendants in the 1929 McAdams book is indeed "Engel" Bücher, which explains why no researcher has ever found any tax or church or census records or will or immigration record or any proof of an Emanuel Beecher or Bücher.
The above are the thoughts of researcher Jonathan Scott Beacher. Following is the account of the family of Emanuel Beecher exactly as printed in Mrs. McAdam's book:
EMANUEL BEECHER HISTORY (Pennsylvania, Kentucky and Ohio) Compiled by descendants: Dr. A. C. Beecher in Philadelphia, and A. L. Wilson and sister, Mrs. B. K. McAdams, in Kentucky
Emanuel Beecher was born and married in Germany. The names of his two wives are not known. They were buried in Lancaster County, Pa. Dates of birth, marriage, emigration and death are unknown.
(Rupp's list of 30,000 names of Immigrants, gives one, "Immanuel Bager, Aug. 81, 1750-Ship Nancy, from Rotterdam, last from Cowes, landing at Philadelphia. This may be the German spelling of the name, as the two dots over the A makes an "E" sound, but we have no proof of this.)
Emanuel and first wife had one son, Henry, and two daughters. By his second wife two daughters (one of whom married a Mr. Loush), and four sons: Jacob Beecher who died at the age of 70, had two children; Peter Beecher, who died at the age of 92, in 1857, had four children; John Beecher (our ancestor)-Born Apr. 13, 1759; died Mch. 22, 1819; had 16 children; Benjamin Beecher died in 1841 at the age of 60; had four children.
John Beecher, son of Emanuel - Born Apr. 13, 1759; died March 22, 1819, and was buried at Eplers Church, near Reading, Burks County, Pa. [for remainder of this article see John Bucher/Beecher (1759-1819) where the article is printed in full.]
Background: In 1929 Mrs. Harry Kennett McAdams published a book, "Kentucky Pioneer and Court Records," and included in it some family histories, in particular two on her own ancestors, John Beecher (1759-1819) and his wife's Albrecht family.
Family history was passed to Mrs. McAdams in the form of stories from Lydia Beecher (born 1805 to John Beecher and Mary Ann Albrecht) to her granddaughter Annie Laurie Wilson, along with recollections of direct descendent and Mrs. McAdam's cousin, Dr. Abraham C. W. Beecher (1844-1900), who is found at http://www.SearchTrees.com/tree/4487.htm . Some of the info presented may be family tales that are or are not true.
The book names Emanuel Beecher as the father of John Beecher (1759-1818) but offers no proof, so this conclusion was likely drawn from family memories alone many years thereafter. Later researchers have been unable to find any evidence that an older Emanuel Beecher, Bicher, or Bucher existed near Lancaster or Berks Counties in Pennsylvania. There was a younger Emanuel Becher born in 1776, but Y-DNA testing on two of his male descendants, who do use surname Beecher today, proves that this Becher family is not related to John Beecher's family.
Y-DNA testing of several living male descendants of John Beecher (1759-1818) as well as many other males with surnames Beecher, Beicher, Biecher, Beacher, etc. reveals that John Beecher (1759-1818) is the son of Engel Bücher who died in 1778. Engel named son John in his will, and church records for Engel's family are found in the same churches of those of John Beecher. The description of sons given in the McAdam's book for John Beecher's siblings match the records found for the descendants of Engel Bücher. Both John Beecher and Engel sign their wills with surname Bücher.
Given the Y-DNA and other evidence one can confidently conclude that the name "Emanuel" recalled years later by descendants in the 1929 McAdams book is indeed "Engel" Bücher, which explains why no researcher has ever found any tax or church or census records or will or immigration record or any proof of an Emanuel Beecher or Bücher.
The above are the thoughts of researcher Jonathan Scott Beacher. Following is the account of the family of Emanuel Beecher exactly as printed in Mrs. McAdam's book:
EMANUEL BEECHER HISTORY (Pennsylvania, Kentucky and Ohio) Compiled by descendants: Dr. A. C. Beecher in Philadelphia, and A. L. Wilson and sister, Mrs. B. K. McAdams, in Kentucky
Emanuel Beecher was born and married in Germany. The names of his two wives are not known. They were buried in Lancaster County, Pa. Dates of birth, marriage, emigration and death are unknown.
(Rupp's list of 30,000 names of Immigrants, gives one, "Immanuel Bager, Aug. 81, 1750-Ship Nancy, from Rotterdam, last from Cowes, landing at Philadelphia. This may be the German spelling of the name, as the two dots over the A makes an "E" sound, but we have no proof of this.)
Emanuel and first wife had one son, Henry, and two daughters. By his second wife two daughters (one of whom married a Mr. Loush), and four sons: Jacob Beecher who died at the age of 70, had two children; Peter Beecher, who died at the age of 92, in 1857, had four children: John Beecher (our ancestor)-Born Apr. 13, 1759; died Mch. 22, 1819; had 16 children; Benjamin Beecher died in 1841 at the age of 60; had four children.
John Beecher, son of Emanuel - Born Apr. 13, 1759; died March 22, 1819, and was buried at Eplers Church, near Reading, Burks County, Pa. He married on Apr. 18, 1778, Mary Ann Albert (or Albrecht), daughter of George and Mary Albert. John Beecher was a private in Col. Flowers Regiment, and was in a company of soldiers being formed In front of the house of John Adams (later President of the U. S.); Mary Ann Albert was on the porch of this house during this time. She and John Beecher were married, either on the porch or in the house of John Adams. The soldiers from the street formed a lane with their swords for the couple to walk under. Immediately after the ceremony John marched with the company to Vaile Forge; he was 19 years old that day. (See Albert history.) Mary stayed for some time with Mrs. Adams, and went with her to Valley Forge to care for the soldiers.
Mary Ann Albert was born near Adamstown, Lancaster Co., Pa., on Dec. 3, 1755; died Nov. 11, 1837, and was buried at Piquea, Lancaster County, Pa. All of this family were Lutherans.
Copy of letter from U. S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Pensions, received by Mrs. H. K. McAdams, 309 N. Broadway, Lexington, Ky.
"I advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War Pension Claim, S. 89982, it appears that John Beecher, or Becher, enlisted In Lebanon, in what was later Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, April, 1778, served as a Private in Captain Meng's Company, Colonel Benjamin Flowers Artillery Artificers Regiment and was discharged April 3, 1779.
"He was allowed a Pension on his application executed November 28, 1818, while a resident of Berne Township, Berks County, Pa., aged over fifty-six years. He died March 22, 1819.
"Soldier's wife, Mary Ann Beecher, died November 11, 1837. Her maiden name and date of marriage not stated.
"In 1854, Jacob Nyswender and Henry Carpenter stated in Columbus, Ohio, that the following were the children and only heirs of said John and Mary Ann Beecher:
"John Beecher, of Berks County, Pa.
"William Beecher and Barbara Nyswender, both of Franklin County, Ohio.
"Margaret Mulliner, of Philadelphia, Pa.
"Benjamin Beecher, Jacob Beecher and Catherine Paxon, all of Chester Co., Pa.
"Samuel Beecher, of Lancaster Co., Pa.
"Lydia Cook, of Clark Co., Va.
"There is no record In this bureau of land having been granted by the United States, on account of the service of the above named Revolutionary War Soldier, John Beecher, or Becher.
"Respectfully, "Winfield Scott, Commissioner, "Rev. and 1812 Wars Section."
Fifth Ser. Vol. 111, Page 1085 Pa. Archives, says: The Artillery Artificers Regiment. This Corps, as it was called first, was raised by the direction of General Washington, in the summer of 1777. Benamine Flower, formerly Commissary of Mffitary Stores, of the Flying Camp, in 1776, was made Colonel and Commissary of Military Stores. Very few of its records remain. Capt. Jesse Roe's Company was one of the original Companies. Companies were stationed at Carlisle and Philadelphia, and their duties were to cast cannon, bore guns and prepare ammunition for the Army.-Constitutional Line, Artillery Artificers. 1777-1779.
Children of John and Mary Ann (Albert) Beecher:
1, 2 and 3 died infants.
4. Betsy Beecher married Mr. Sagner, of near Columbus, Ohio. She died, aged 45, and had 13 of her own children at her funeral.
5. Catherine married Mr. Paxon, Chester Co., Pa.; died, aged 71; had 14 children.
6. Samuel married; lived at Lancaster, Pa.; had 7 or 8 children; died, aged 85 years.
7. Polly married Thomas Russell; died, aged 71; had 14 children.
8. John married; lived Berks Co., Pa.; died, aged 71; had three children.
9. George married; died, aged 40; had 5 children.
10. Peggy married Mr. Mulliner; died, aged 71; had one daughter. Lived at Philadelphia, Pa.
11. Barbara-Born Mch. 10, 1794; died Oct. 1, 1879; married June 11, 1811, at Reading, Pa. Married Michael Nyswender (also spelled Neiswender). He was born June 19, 1791; died Dec. 12, 1858. Lived Franklin Co., Ohio. They had 12 children. Buried on Fred Neiswender farm, later moved to Lutheran Church yard.
12. Jacob married Catherine Brown, his cousin. He died 1883. Had 9 children. They lived Chester Co., Pa.
13. Isaac-Died infant.
14. William married Julia Carpenter (of Pa.); lived near Columbus, Ohio. Had 6 children.
15. Benjamin married; lived Chester Co., Pa. Born 1797; had 6 children.
16. Lydia (our ancestor) married Stephen Cook; born 1805; died, aged 80, in 1885. Had 12 children. She was not 17 years old when married, and was born in her mother's 50th year, and Benjamin was 8 years old. Married in New Holland, Lancaster Co., Pa., by Rev. Peter Philbert. Both buried in Cynthiana, Ky.
John married Mary Ann Albrecht, daughter of George Albrecht Sr. and Anna Maria, on 13 Apr 1778.1 (Mary Ann Albrecht was born on 3 Dec 1762 in , Lancaster, PA, died on 5 Jan 1834 in Salisbury Twp., Lancaster, PA 35 and was buried in Salisbury Twp.: Pequea Church, Lancaster, PA 1.)
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