Johann Henrich Buecher ^{1 2 3}

   Other names for Johann were Henry Becher,⁵ Henrich Bucher,⁶ Johan Henrich Bucher,⁷ Henry Bücher,⁸ Henry Buecher, Henry Buecher Sr.,^{4 9} Johann Heinrich Buecher,¹ Henry Buecker Sr.,¹⁰ Henry Buger and Heinrich Büger.^{11 12}

   FamilySearch ID: M26C-16C.

  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. He immigrated on the Ship Neptune, James Wier, captain, from Rotterdam, last by Cowes, Isle of Wright, England on 23 Sep 1751 to Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA. ^{1 13 14} Among the passengers on the Neptune in 1751 was a Joh. Engel Bucher as well as Johan Henrich Bucher, as recorded in Rupp's Thirty Thousand Immigrants. In the version of the list published by Strassberger in Pennsylvania German Pioneers the spellings are Johann Engel Bücher and Johann Henrich Bücher.

There were so many passengers aboard, they were sworn in over two days: List 171 on 23 Sep and List 172 on 24 Sep.

On the ship are two families of interest. Ludwig Klein is part of the Klein family (American surname later as Little) who are known to move with Henry Bücher/Beecher from Maryland to found the town Littlestown, Adams County, PA where Henry died in 1795. Jacob Frey in 1759 has a daughter baptized at Muddy Creek church in Cocalico, Lancaster County, and Engel Bücher was the child's sponsor, so perhaps the Frey and Bücher families intermarried.

The passengers who came to America with Engel are listed here from Pennsylvania German Pioneers:

[P466]

[List 171 C] Present at the Court House at Philadelphia, Monday, the 23d
September 1751. Joshua Maddox, Esquire.

The Foreigners whose Names are underwritten, imported in the Ship Neptune, Captn James Wier, from Cowes and Rotterdam, did this day take the usual Qualifications. No. 85. 154 whole Freights. Jno. Pemberton.

Johannes Wilhelm Seyn
Johann Phillippus Böhmer
Johan Adam Böhmer
Johann Wilhelm Glässner
Jacob Hetzel
Anthoni Weimmer
Johannes Gies
Michael (X) Wennert
Adam Weiser
Mattheus Lippoth
Johann Heinrich Vetter
Johann Friedrich Gewinner
Johann Bernhardt Blatt
J. Conrad (X) Koch
Johann Georg Seckel
Johann Allexander Schütz
Johannes Manderbach
Herrmanes Müller
Johann Ludwig Klein
Johann Conrad Wülleweber
Johann Christ Zimmerman
Johann Henrich Röhling

|P467|

J. Jacob (X) Pool
Johan Henrich Kreis
Johan Bernd Greis
Johan Phillippus Anhorn
J. Henry (X) Tillman
Johann Peter Schaaf
Henrich Gerhart
Johan Engel Weber
Johannes Petter Reusch
Johannes Engelberth Jung
J. Jost (X) Walter
J. Friederich (X) Shreiber
J. Henry (X) Shmit
Johan Philips Krum
Philip Henry (X) Shlotz
Johannes Schlutz
Johan Jakob Gonderman
Nicolas (X) Reybolt
Johannes Busch
Johannes Meyer
Hans Jacob Miller
Michell Lauffer
J. Michael (X) Lauffer
Johannes Vetter
Johannes Öxli
Johannes Beer
Paulus Groninger
Johan Michel Raisch
Johannes Hombert
Johanes (X) Baker
Johann Christbaum
Johan Christ Benner
Johann Christ Lintorff
Henry (O) Zimmermann
Johan Philippus Berger
Herman Adolff Schoppenmeyer
Jost (+) Henry, sick
Chrisdian Schmit
Johan Christ Schmitt
Johann Henrich Schmitt
Johann Philipus
Daniel Pfeiffer
Georg Andereas (X) Carle
Balthas Kressmann
Mattheis Lutz
Johan Engl Cuonrad
Johannes Geistweit
Johann Jöerg Christ
Johann Egidius Hecker|R*|r
Johann Engel Bücher
Johann Henrich Bücher
Johanes (X) Thomas
Johan Ebert Steyner
Andereas (A) Steyger
Eberhart (\\\\) Thomas
Johan Henry (X) Reinhart
Johannes Henrich Peiffer
Johann Christ Zimmerman
Christhian Hapffer
Johanes Petter Flick
Johan Fillbus Flick
Gerlach Paul Flick
Johann Merden Flick

[List 172 C] At the Court House at Philadelphia, Tuesday, the 24th September
1751. Present: William Peters, Esqr.

The Foreigners whose Names are underwritten, imported in the Ship Neptune, John Mason, Commander, from Rotterdam & last from Cowes, did this day take the usual Qualifications & subscribe them. By List 144. Whole Freights 300. Messrs Shoemaker.

|P468|

Johannes Laurenzius Schmidt, Med. et Chirg. Doct.
Joh. Pietersz
Christian Armbruster
Matheis Armbruster
Conrad (X) Newmeyer
Henderick Boors
Jacob (X) Sheyer
Fieliepp Klinger
Jean Pierre Arnoul
Abraham Ports
Leonhart Mentzinger
Hans Georg Anstein
Johanes Höring J
ohannes (+) Hering J
ohann Ludwig Höring
Henrich (+) Lautenschlager
Johan Leonhart Götz
Johannes Adam Winckaus
Johannes Saum
Johanes (+) Redig
Johann Adam Wirdeberger
J. Adam (X) Ewig
Melchior (X) Trautman
Johann Geörg Erhardt
Bernhart (+) Jagel
Adam (X) Pfeiffer
Christoph (X) Cotz
Jurg ( ) Kilnbach, sick
Michael (X) Link
George (X) Crope
Johan Philipp Meyer
Johannes Hinsch [?]
Frans Horn
David (X) Maisheller
Johanes Gessner
Elias (X) Emminger
Conradt Schmidt
J. Michael (+) Kurtz
Jacob Walter (X) Wagner
Jacob Tritsch
Jacob ( ) Cnuber, sick on board
Conrad Schepfnit
Johan Wilhelm Grell
Johan Georg Schiller
Conrad ( ) Rawher, sick on board
Balsatzar (X) Hess
Georg Kimmel
Johann Peter Schindel
Johanes ( ) Hock, sick
Johann Adam Gels
Johannes Geiss
Martin (MH) Hekenturm
Daniel ( ) Erhart, sick on board
Peter Klinger
Johann Georg Eisenbeis
Wilhelm Göttman
Andres Drüschel
Andereas Miller
Hans Georg (X) Heysy
Hans Jerg Spohn
Caspar ( ) Spann, sick
Johann Adam Heist
Johann Georg Heist
Tobias Daumiller
Jacob Bogus
Johann Petter Trautmann
Christoph (X) Hollebach
Henry ( ) Deutch, sick on board
Clementz Frey
Jacob (+) Summer
Ludwig Knoll
Nickelaus Schey
J. Adam (O) Issener
Andereas (O) Reybold
Friederik (X) Zimmerman
Jacob (Z) Zettelmeyer
Georg ( ) Zettelmeyer, on board

|P469|

Georg Adam (XX) Weys
Andare (++) Weys
Caspar (X) Kesseler
Johannes Welte
Jacob Nagel
Johannes Schnüringer
Lorentz Schniringer
Johann Georg Vollert
Henrich Eysenmenger
Christoph Schropp
Johann Michael Hag
Johann Georg Heist
Johannes Vetter
Johan Ludwig Bilger
Steffan Herth
Henrich Hall
Johann Jacob Gottwalt
Antonins Lamprecht
Johann Jacob Arzt
Joh. Daniel Scharmann
Johan Jacob Schneider
Casper Hoffman
Caspar (H) Hoffman, Junior
Christian ( ) Hoffman, sick on board Jacob Bucs
Jacob Buchs
Jacob Horn
Conrat Selhoff
Christoph (X) Vanterbourg
J. Conrad (+) Essy
Johanis Werner
Georg Schöll
Martin Schänkel
Andereas (X) Berlib
Conrad (X) Bower
Josebh Lehmann
Ewald (X) Trummaner
Jacob Höllerman
Jacob (++) Frey
Albrecht (XX) Shleppy
Baltes Laub
Johs Jerg Must
Joseph Zugmeyr
Philip (X) Mallycoat
Jean Couttiez
George (++) Creesh
Johann Lenhard Schäffer
Conrad ( ) Shäffer, on board
Johan Leonhart (++) Trautman
Johan Wilhelm Müller
Johann Peder Klump
Sigmund Copia
Johann Ulrich Dürr
Johan George (+) Hummer
Benedict (+) Ewig
Henry (X) Shräder
Michael Sattler
Uhllerich (+) Shwenckel
Ludewig Klemmer
Frederik (X) Sullinger
David Kulling
Jacob (X) Peterman
Peter (X) Klases
Hans Jeorg Stehle
Michael Hahn
Martin Kogel
Jacob Appenzeller.

3. Church: 7 Oct 1759, West Cocalico Twp.: Swamp Reformed Church, Lancaster, PA. On 7 Oct 1759, a baptism was recorded at the Swamp Reformed Church in West Cocalico Township in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. In Rev. Waldschmidt's notes: Joh. Heinrich Bucher, son of Heinrich, born [?], bapt. Oct. 7, 1759, sponsors Jacob Amweg and Anna Maria Schweitzer."

4. 60 acres adjoining lands of late Henry Weller, Samuel Harnifs, Peter Carpenter. On 29 Dec 1766 in Cocalico Twp., Lancaster, PA. ¹⁵

5. Tax List: Cocalico Tax Return, 1769, Cocalico Twp., Lancaster, PA. ¹⁶ Bicher Engle shoemaker - 0 0 0 J 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Bicher Henry - 50 30 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0

Others on this list of interest:
Adam Willem - founder of Adamsbury which became Adamstown
.

6. Tax List: 1770, Cocalico Twp., Lancaster, PA. ¹⁷ Henry Bicher is listed in Cocalico Township on the 1770 Lancaster County tax records. Also listed in Cocalico are Engel Biecher and Jacob Biecher.

7. Tax List: 1772, Cocalico Twp., Lancaster, PA. ¹⁸ Three relatives are listed in the 1772 tax list for Cocalico Township:
Beaker, Peter 70 acres clear & 80 acres of woodland, 2 horses and 2 cows, tax 8 pounds
Bicher, Henry 10 acres clear & 40 acres of woodland, 1 horse and a cow. Tax 4 pounds
Inmates: Engle Beiger, tax 2 pounds

[Note: an "inmate" is someone who owns no property, living in a relative's home or renting.].

8. Tax List: Biecher, Henry. 40 Acres woodland, 10 acreas cleared land, 1 horse, 2 cows, 2 sheep, tax 3 shillings 6 pence, 1773, Cocalico Twp., Lancaster, PA. ¹⁹

9. 30 acres and 54 acres on 19 Apr 1773 in Cocalico Twp., Lancaster, PA. ^{20 21} Henry Buecher owned 30 acres 37 perches of land in South Heidelberg Township, Berks County.
Warrant Date: 19 Apr 1773
Survey Book: D32-38
Tract #59 on the South Heidelberg plat map in Berks County, but the property survey describes this as being in Cocalico Township, Lancaster County. Therefore, a researcher seeking the deed on this proprerty should search in either Lancaster or Berks County.
http://www.phmc.state.pa.us/BAH/DAM/rg/di/r17-114CopiedSurveyBooks/Books%20D1-D90/Book%20D32/Book%20D-32%20pg%2075.pdf

This same tract was subdivided creating a Tract A, 16 acres 20 perches surveyed on 15 Mar 1837 and patented 10 Jul 1837 to George D.B Keim et. al. Tract A in Patent Book H37-551 and Survey Book C155-21.
http://www.phmc.state.pa.us/BAH/DAM/rg/di/r17-114CopiedSurveyBooks/Books%20C1-C234/Book%20C155/Book%20C-155%20pg%2041.pdf

Henry also owned 54 acres 40 perches
C-90-196
Warranted 19 Apr 1773
Surveyed 15 Mar 1837
Patented 10 Jul 1837 to Geo. D. B. Keim H-37-549.

10. York Deed Book F Page 340-345 on 6 Jun 1775 in Codorus Twp., York, PA. ²² York Deed Book F Page 340

On 6 Jun 1775 Henry Henshey of Cocalico Township in County of Lancaster blacksmith sold to Henry Beecher of Codorus Township in County of York farmer for 250 pounds 150 acres and 57 perches in Codorus township adjoining properties of
John Reaver
Jacob Bollinger
Michael Danner
Vincent Cooper
it being the same tract of land surveyed by virtue of Warrant dated 23 Jul 1743 for Christian Peidler (Pudler) who sold tract to John Moyer by the name of Hannes Myer and Barbara his wife who then sold to Henry Henshey on 27 Feb 1775.

York Deed Book F Page 341

On 6 Jun 1775 Henry Henshey of Cocalico Township in County of Lancaster blacksmith sold to Henry Beecher of Codorus Township in County of York farmer for 600 pounds 133 acres in Codorus Township adjoining properties of
John Reaver
the said Henry Henshey
Michael Danner
Jacob Rudesell
it being the same tract of land patented on 25 Jul 1767 to John Moyer recorded in Philadelphia in Patent Book A. A. Vol 10 page 42 which John Moyer and Barbara his wife sold to Henry Henshey on 27 Feb last.

York Deed Book F Page 343

On 27 Feb 1775 John Moyer of Codorus Township in County of York yeoman and Barbara his wife sold to Henry Henshey of Cocalico Township in County of Lancaster blacksmith for 600 pounds 133 acres in Codorus Township adjoining properties of
John Reaver
John Moyer
Michael Danner
Jacob Rudesell
it being the same tract of land patented on 25 Jul 1767 to John Moyer in Philadelphia in Patent Book A. A. Vol 10 page 42.

York Deed Book F Page 345

On 5 Nov 1774 John Reber of Codorus Township in County of York yeoman sold for one pound and ten shillings to John Moyer Senior of the same place farmer and his heirs and assigns the water rights to create a ditch, two feet wide by one foot deep by seventeen perches long, through Reber's property to convey water from the creek in Reber's meadow to Moyer's land.

On 6 Feb 1775 John Moyer of Codorus Township County of York sold for two pounds to Henry Henshey of Cocalico Township in County of Lancaster blacksmith and his heirs and assigns forever all the water priveledges described in John Reber's agreement.

On 6 Jun 1775 Henry Henshey "in the above instrument of writing" sold for two pounds to Henry Beicher of Codorus Township in County of York forever the all the water privledges "in the same manner as John Reber granted to the said John Moyer and by him to me."

11. Will Book F page 362. Henry Beicher sold 133 acres in Manheim Township, York, to Henry Henshey of Cocalico Township, Lancaster Co. On 14 Jun 1775 in Manheim Twp., York, PA. ²³ Will Book F page 362. 14 Jun 1775. Deed of Mortgage. Henry Beicher of Manheim Township, York Co. farmer for better securing the payment of 450 pounds and also 5 shilling sold to Henry Henshey of Cocolico Township, Lancaster Co. tanner a 133 acre tract of land in Manheim Township adjacent John Reaver, other land of said Henry Beicher, Michael Danner & Jacob Rudesell, which the Proprietaries by their patent dated at Philadelphia 25 Jul 1767 did grant unto John Moyer (Patent Book AA vol 10 pg 42)... whereas the said Henry Beicher standeth bound unto the said Henry Henshey for 900 pounds conditioned for the payment of 450 pounds in pyaments before 1 May 1786... provided that if the said Henry Beicher shall well and truly pay unto the said Henry Henshey 450 pounds then this indenture to be void. Witness: John Heckendorn, William Leas. Acknowledged 30 Jun 1775 before William Leas esquire justice. 29 Apr 1785 Henry Henshey discharged mortgage.

12. 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.

13. Oath: 6 May 1778, , Lancaster, PA. ²⁴ A Henery Bucher took the Oath of Allegiance to the State of Pennsylvania before Tim Green.

14. Tax List: Beacher, Henry, 265 acres, 2 horses, 3 cows, cash 21 pounds 12 shillings, tax 92 pounds, 1779, Germany Twp., York, PA. ²⁵ The tax list reveals by land and tax paid Henry was among the wealthiest citizens in Germany Township.

15. Henry on 2 Mar 1779 in Codorus Twp., York, PA. ²⁶ York County Deed Book 2-B Page 47:
Henry Bucher of Codorus Township in the County of York sold for 2000 pounds lawful money of Pennsylvania to Adam Hoffman of Heidelberg Township in the County of Lancaster all that Piece or Parcel of land in Manheim Township called "Paradise" containing 156 acres and 57 perches adjoining lands of John Reaver, John Bollinger, Michael Danner, Vincent Cooper, the said Henry Beiker, it being the tract with patent bearing date 23 Jul 1743 granted to Christian Peidler and recorded in Philadelphia in Patent Book AA Vol. 10 page 42 which Hannes (John) Moyer and Barbara his wife sold on 27 Feb 1775 to Henry Henshy who with Barbara his wife sold on 6 Jun 1775 sold to Henry Bucher by the name of Henry Beicher being one and the same person.

16. Henry on 2 Mar 1779 in Codorus Twp., York, PA. ²⁷ York County Deed Book 2-B Page 49:
Henry Bucher of Codorus Township in the County of York sold for 1000 pounds lawful money of Pennsylvania to Adam Hoffman of Heidelberg Township in the County of Lancaster all that Piece or Parcel of land in Manheim Township called "Peacable burgh" containing 133 acres adjoining lands of John Reaver, John Moyer, Michael Danner, Jacob Rudesell, it being the tract with patent bearing date 25 Jul 1767 granted to John Moyer and recorded in Philadelphia in Patent Book AA Vol. 10 page 42 which John Moyer and Barbara his wife sold on 27 Feb 1775 to Henry Henshy who with Barbara his wife sold on 6 Jun 1775 sold to Henry Bucher by the name of Henry Beicher being one and the same person.

17. Recorded in Deed Book 2B page 243 on 6 May 1779 in Germany Twp., York, PA. ^{8 28} Henry is referred to as a cordwainer [shoemaker] of Codorus Twp., purchased 276 acres of land from John Groff and wife Elisabeth of Germany Twp. [Note: in 1800, Germany Township became part of the newly formed Adams County. Records prior to 1800 are found in York County archives.

Henry Beecher bought on 6 May 1779 for 2750 pounds 276 acres in Germany Township from John Groff.
Neighbors:
Thomas Carpenter deceased
Lodowich Miller
John Redick
Jacob Shrier
Michael Koontz
Thomas Carpenter's heirs
This land was original PA Patent 19 Jun 1754 Commonwealth sold to Nicholas Shrier recorded in Philadelphia in Patent Book A. A. Vol. 5 Page 644
Then Nicholas Shrier and Catharine his wife sold to John Groff of Plymouth township, Philadelphia county on 11 May 1778.

18. Johann served in the military in Aug 1779 in , , PA. ²⁹ No proof this is a match for Henry Beecher but it is quite possible, since Armand's Dragoons were comprised of Pennsylvania Germans and the unit disbanded in York, Pennsylvania.

A Muster Roll of Captain Carl Marckle Independent Troop of Light Dragoons in the Service of the United States, Commandet by Colonel Armand for the Month August 1779.

Appointed: Quart. Mstr. Sergeant: Henry Beeker

See "Armand's Legion at York" at https://archive.org/stream/continentalcongr00prow#page/220/mode/2up.

19. Tax List: Beacher, Henry, 265 acres, 2 horses, 3 cows, cash 21 pounds 12 shillings, tax 92 pounds, 1780, Germany Twp., York, PA. ³⁰

20. 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.

21. Tax List: Beecher, Henry: 276 acres land; 3 horses; 3 cows; tax 16 pounds 5 shillings 1 pence., 1782, Germany Twp., York, PA. ^{8 31}

22. Recorded in Deed Book 2B:291 on 1 Sep 1783 in Germany Twp., York, PA. ³² He sold .27 acres to George Klemmer, leaving Henry with about 250 acres.

23. Tax List: Beecher, Henry: 229 acres lands; 2 horses; 3 cattle; valuation 371 pounds 10 shillings; tax 3 pounds 1 shilling 11 pence., 1785, Germany Twp., York, PA. ³³

24. Property on 15 Dec 1785 in Germany Twp., York, PA. ³⁴ Jacob Biechard is mentioned as a neighbor in this land transaction.

15 Dec 1785. Deed of Mortgage, York Co. Henry Wershler of Germany Township, York Co. yeoman for better securing the payment of and also 5 shillings sold to John Morris of York Town, York Co. guardian of five of the minor children of Christian Lutz decd a 200 a. tract of land in Germany Township adj. Conrad Dotter, John Huber, Jacob Winteroth, Jacob Biechard, Ulrich Hostetter, George Koontz and Adam Winteroth, whereon the said Henry Wershler now dwells…whereas the said Henry Wershler by six bonds standethbound unto the said John Morris for ½ penny conditioned for the payment of [in payments] before 8 Mar 1791…provided that if the said Henry Wershler shall well and truly pay unto the said John Morris then this indenture to be void. Wit: Ambr Updegraff, George Hassler. Ackn 15 Dec 1785 before Wm. Scott justice. 11 Apr 1794 John Morris discharged mortgage. Wit: J Barnitz recorder. Book H, page 45.

25. Tax List: Beecher, Henry: 229 acres lands; 1 house; 1 lots; 2 horses; 3 cows; valuation 500 pounds; tax 2 pounds, 16 shillings., 1786, Germany Twp., York, PA. ^{9 35}

26. Tax List: Henry Beeher, 12 shillings 6 pence, 1787, Germany Twp., York, PA. ³⁶

27. Recorded in Deed Book 2E: 147 on 17 May 1787 in Germany Twp., York, PA. ^{8 37} Henry and wife, Catherine, Sold 250 acres to John Beeher of Hidleberg Twp. Reserved 12 acres for Himself and wife and house where Christian Reek [Reck], Jr. now lives.

28. Henry bought 2 lots in Petersburg in York County, today known as Littlestown in Adams County. On 14 Mar 1788 in Littlestown, Adams, PA. ³⁸ On 14 Mar 1788 Henry Beher of Germany Township town of Petersburg County of York bought from Conrad Sherman Esq. and Helena his wife of Manheim Township County of York for 86 pounds two lots in Petersburg described as follows. Whereas Peter Little with Urzula his wife 15 Jul 1765 in consideration of ground rents therein did sell unto Stephen Krise a lot in Town of Petersburg on North Side of the Main Street called Kings Street and numbered in the plan of the town number thirty-nine bounded on the south by the street aforesaid, on the west by a sixteen feet alley, on the north by land of Peter Little, and on east by a lot No. 40 containing in front on the street aforesaid sixty-six feet, and in depth two hundred and sixty-four feet, as recorded in County of York Book D page 501. And whereas Peter Little and Urzula his wife by another indenture and under the ground rents therein mentioned bearing date 6 Sep 1770 did sell to Stephen Krise one other lot adjoining the former, known in the plan of the town as Number thirty eight, containing in front and depth as the former, and westerly bounded by a lot of ground No. thirty-seven as recorded in Book D page 498. And whereas Stephen Krise and Barbara his wife 14 Jun 1785 sold the lots to Peter Degen as recorded in Book C. C. page 487. And whereas Peter Degen and Mary Elizabeth his wife on 22 Feb 1786 sold same to Conrad Sherman Esquire, now this indenture witnesseth that Conrad Sherman and Helena his wife sold for 86 pounds to Henry Beeher the two lots described in the Town of Petersburg, number thirty-eight and thirty-nine.

29. Tax List: 1789, Germany Twp., York, PA. ³⁹ Beecher, Henry, 75 acres, 1 horse, 1 cow, 1 house, 2 lots. valuation 64,0,0, tax 0 9 0
Beecher Frederick, no land, 1 cow, valuation 4, 0, 0, tax 0 2 0
Beecher, John 200 acres, 2 horses, 3 cows, 1 house, 1 lot, valuation 376, 10, 0, tax 2 5 0.

30. Census in 1790 in Germany Twp., Adams, PA. ⁴⁰ Henry Becher was recorded with this family:
Free White Persons - Males - 16 and over: 3
Free White Persons - Males - Under 16: 2
Free White Persons - Females: 2
---------------------------------------
Henry Sr. and his sons John and Samuel are each indexed in the 1790 census as follows on images on FamilySearch.org: image 252 Henry Becher; on image 248 his son John Beher; on image 249 his son Samuel Beeher. Sons Frederick, William and Peter are not found so they were living with Henry Sr.
These 1790 census record pages don't identify the township, but we know it is Germany Township because on the same pages are the Klein/Kline/Little family that founded Littlestown as well as families related to the Beechers: Winterode/Winrode, Sell, etc.

31. Fact: 1790, Germany Twp., Adams, PA. Henry Beecher's family was closely associated with Jacob Winterode (1735-1797) (aka Wenderoth). The Winterode and Buecher families were neighbors in Germany Township. Jacob Winterode's daughters Catherine and Barbara married Henry's sons, and Henry's daughter Elizabeth married Jacob Winterode's son.

32. Newspaper: The Pennsylvania Herald, and York General Advertiser, 9 Mar 1791, York, York, PA. ⁴¹ Sheriff's Sale.
By virtue of sundry Writs of Venitioni Exponas, and Writs of Fieri facias, to me directed, will be exposed to Public Sale, the following described property, at the places anddays as follows, to wit:
On Monday the 28th instant, at one o'clock in the afternoon, at Peter Little's town, as the property of Henry Beecher, late Collector of Germany Township, a Cow, and sundry articles of household and kitchen Furniture, too tedious to mention.
All seized and taken in execution as the estates aforesaid, and to be sold by
CONRAD LAUB, Sheriff.
York, County, March 5, 1791.

[In this newspaper notice, "late Collector of Germany twp." was a 1700's phrase that meant he was "formerly of Germany township", not deceased. Apparently Henry had moved and his possessions had to be sold.].

33. Tax List: Henry, Samuel, and William Beecher appear on 1793 enumeration list for Germany Townshp, York (now Adams) county, 1793, Germany Twp., Adams, PA. ⁴²

34. Alt. Name: Original surname Bücher with umlaut above u pronounced like Beecher, the surname used by his descendants, in 1795, in , Adams, PA. Our rule is to record an ancestor with the surname spelling he used at time of death. Without a found tombstone or church death record, we are uncertain which spelling he used. His tax records record Beecher. The transcription made of his original will has Beucker as the transcribed signature, and the will is filed at the court as Beeher, as are most of his land records. Finding his actual signature on a deed would help.

35. Residence: Henry's will mentions his house and lot in Petersburg, which was the original name of Littlestown. On 23 Feb 1795 in Littlestown, Adams, PA.

36. He signed a will Online at https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1961-28696-50743-97?cc=1999196&wc=9PMZ-VZ9:268495201,277622701 on 23 Feb 1795 in Littlestown, Adams, PA. ^{5 43} IN THE NAME OF GOD, AMEN. I, Henry Beeher, of the town of Petersburg, Germany Twp., in the County of York and the state of Pennsylvania, being frail in body, but of sound mind and memory, do this twenty-third day of February in the year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and ninety five, make and publish this my last will and testament as follows, to wit: principally of all I commit my immortal soul to God and my Creator and Redeemer, and my body to the Earth to be buried in a decent manner at the discretion of my Executors and as concerning my worldly estate which I am possessed of, I give and devise in the manner and form following, that is to say, first of all I order, will and allow all my debts to be well and truly paid. ...................

Secondly, I devise and bequeath to my wife, Catherine Beeher, so much of my household furniture as she may judge necessary and sufficient for housekeeping, to keep herself and my son Peter Beeher, to be holden of her absolutely together with one cow, if I have any such at my decease, and whatever may be herein to her bequest afterwards.

Thirdly, I further order, will and allow my executor herein after named to sell at public vendue immediately after my decease all and singular the residue of my personal goods and house and lots of ground in the town of Petersburg, for the best price which can be had therefore and the house and lots of ground when sold to convey to the purchaser in the same right and estate that now hold therein, which title so made and executed by the Executors on any one of them in case the other be dead or removed to any considerable distance, shall be valid in law to all intents and purposes as if I myself had executed the same at this present time and the money arising there from to be for the use of keeping and maintaining my wife, and my son Peter Beeher, and to be paid to my said wife for that purpose and she to keep and take care of my said son Peter during her natural life but in case the interest will not come in time for that purpose, or not be sufficient, that then so much of the principal shall be taken as shall be sufficient for that purpose so she may have a decent and sufficient living for herself and my son Peter during her natural life out of my estate and further I order will and allow that all the notes and bonds which will be due to me, shall as soon as recovered and received by my Executors be put to interest and the interest thereof appropriated to the purpose aforesaid [expect the bond which I have assigned to my grandson, John Winteroth, which shall be for his use and behest forever, when he arrives at age in law, but in case he should die before he arrives at age, then the money of the said bond shall be judged as part of my estate and appropriated accordingly].

Fourthly, I order will and direct that after my wife's decease and in case my son Peter be still living, that there be one hundred pounds of the remainder of my estate shall first of all be taken and appropriated for the use of keeping and maintaining my son Peter Beeher, during his natural life and the residue to be equally divided to and amongst my surviving children or their legal representatives; if dead, the representatives of those dead only taking their parents share.

Lastly, I do constitute ordain and appoint my sons John Beeher and William Beeher, executors of this my last will and testament in trust to execute the same agreeable to the true intent and meaning thereof and to take care that no waste be committed in the expenditure of the interest allotted for the use of my wife and son, Peter, for their maintenance. Yet always allowing them a good and sufficient living so as they may live comfortable and decent. Enjoining my said executors, always to take security sufficient for the money belonging to my estate that no part thereof be lost, and in case of any default therein, by neglect the said executors be answerable. In testimony, etc.

[signed] Henry Beucker

Witnessed: R. McIlhinny
Adam Wintrode, Jr.
Samuel Bringman [? written in old German script]

man named in German did not appear when the will was probated 28 Jan. 1807.

Before James Duncan Esq. register for the probate of wills and granting letters of administration in and for the county of Adams in the state of Pennsylvania personally came Robert McIlhinny and Adam Wintrode Junior two of the subscribing witnesses to the foregoing instrument of writing and on their solemn oaths do severally say that they were personally present and saw and heard the within named Henry Beeker sign his name unto and seal and publish the foregoing instrument of writing as and for his last will and testament and at the time of doing thereof the said Henry Beeker was of a sound and disposing mind memory and understanding to the best of their knowledge and belief, and that they subscribe their names thereto as witnesses in the presence of the said testator and at his request, and also in the presence of each other at the same time.

Sworn & Subscribed before me at Gettysburg the 28th day of January
Anno Domini 1807
James Duncan.

37. Fact: Henry died before 1799 because he is not listed in the Federal Direct Tax enacted in July 1798, 1798, Germany Twp., Adams, PA.

38. Occupation: shoemaker on 28 Jan 1807 in Germany Twp., Adams, PA. ⁴⁴ His probate inventory list #252 now at the Adams County Historical Society lists shoemaker's tools.

39. An inventory settling Henry Beher's estate was filed at the same time his will was filed. On 28 Jan 1807 in , Adams, PA. ⁴⁵ Debts owed to Henry:
Bond note on John Beecher due 1 May 1798 for $66.67
Bond note on John Beecher due 1 May 1799 for $66.67
Bond note on John Beecher due 1 May 1800 for $66.67
Bond note on John Beecher due 1 May 1801 for $66.67
Bond note on John Beecher due 1 May 1802 for $66.67
Bond note on John Beecher due 1 May 1803 for $66.67
Bond note on John Beecher due 1 May 1804 for $66.67
Bond note on John Beecher due 1 May 1805 for $66.67
1 note on Henry Beecher Jun. for $60.00
1 note on Frederick Beeher & Int. $63.00
Debt due from Jacob Bringman $8.00.

40. Henry's will was not filed until 28 Jan 1807, some time after his death. According to Arthur Weaner of the Adams Co. Historical Society, "sometimes a will was not filed until the widow died." on 28 Jan 1807 in , Adams, PA. ⁴⁵

41. Newspaper: Lebanon Daily News: Research on Becher-Beecher-Bucher-Buecher-etc., 2 Dec 1979, Lebanon, Lebanon, PA. ⁴⁶ Column No. 687
Research has been done on the Becher-Beecher-Bucher-Beecher-Buecher-etc. Family by Mrs. James S. Mariner, 20 Old Coach Road, Sudbury, Ma. 01776 and she has found them to be in Adams County, Pa. The earliest record of Henry Bucher and his wife Elizabeth are land transactions, both buying and selling, in the years 1770 and 177S in Codorus Township, York County, Pa. In 1779 Henry Bucher of Codorus and Elizabeth, sold their land in Codorus and bought a parcel of the original Nicholas Shryer patent in Germany Township, York County, now Adams Co., Pa. Henry Bucher died in 1806 in Germany Township. His will mentions his wife Catharine and names his son John executor ; son John and son William, who may have been physically unable to care for himself; and a grandson, John Winterode, a minor. John Beecher, the son, married Elizabeth Kepplinger and settled in Straban Twp. He was born about 1748 in Pa., according to his tombstone. William was listed in a church record of a baptism as being single in 1807. The family belonged to the Christ Church at Littlestown in Germany Township. We believe John Winterode was the son of John Jacob Winterode and bom in 1795 with a twin sister Elizabeth. We would like any information on the grandson and Henry and his first wife Elizabeth and where they lived before they came to Codorus before 1770.

42. Fact: GODPARENTS: Henrich Anthonius Schwänger; Johannes Gerhard Eberhard; Anna Catharina. ⁴⁷

Johann married Catharine. (Catharine was born before 1752 and died after 1820.)