John Christopher Smull

John Christopher Smull

Male 1823 - 1898  (74 years)

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Generation: 1

  1. 1.  John Christopher SmullJohn Christopher Smull was born on 21 Apr 1823 in Centre County, PA (son of Henry Smull and Elizabeth Royer); died on 05 Mar 1898 in Beavertown, Snyder County, PA; was buried in Saint Peters Lutheran and Reformed Cemetery, Rebersburg, Centre County, PA.

    Notes:

    Buried:
    https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/65552699/john-christopher-smull

    Section 1, Row 11, #27. Next to wife Amelia (Engle) Smull.

    Family/Spouse: Amelia Engle. Amelia was born on 01 Dec 1827 in Centre County, PA; died on 09 May 1877 in Centre County, PA; was buried in Saint Peters Lutheran and Reformed Cemetery, Rebersburg, Centre County, PA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


Generation: 2

  1. 2.  Henry SmullHenry Smull was born on 08 May 1799; died on 02 Feb 1879; was buried in Saint Peters Lutheran and Reformed Cemetery, Rebersburg, Centre County, PA.

    Notes:

    COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 524
    George Smull was a grandson of Henry Smull, and a son of Reuben Smull (son of Henry and his second wife, Catherine Kreamer.

    GEORGE H. SMULL. In endeavoring to give in this volume due recognition to all the prominent families of the section, we have found the most intelligent and progressive spirits the most helpful to the enterprise, and it is through the courteous co-operation of the subject of this sketch that we are enabled to present the following interesting account of the Smull family, which has been well-known in Brush Valley from pioneer times.
    The first of the line in America was Smull, the great-grandfather of our subject. He was a native of Ireland, whence he came to this country in the latter part of the eighteenth century to locate in the eastern part of Pennsylvania.
    Six of his children lived to adult age — two daughters and four sons, the names of the latter being Henry, Jacob, Peter and Jesse. The Smull family in Brush Valley is descended from the first three sons, who were skilled masons, and all went at the same time to Rebersburg to build the wall for the Lutheran Reformed Church. They remained in the Valley, and, living in German settlements, they and their children adopted the language and customs of their neighbors. Of the brothers, Jacob, in later years, did an extensive business in cutting tombstones for the Rebersburg cemetery from native rock, and several of these monuments are still standing. Jacob died at his home below Aaronsburg, and was buried at Rebersburg. Peter removed in later life to Stephenson county, Ill., and died there.
    Henry Smull, our subject's grandfather, was born in eastern Pennsylvania, February 3, 1799, and, coming to Brush Valley in early manhood with no capital except his own abilities and strong physique, was obliged to work for many years as a day laborer. He saved his money, however, and in time managed to buy a farm between Kreamerville and Centre Mill. The care of the place devolved mainly upon his family as he continued to work at his trade. Politically he was a Democrat, but aside from voting regularly he took no active part in public affairs. He belonged to the Lutheran Church, and was a constant attendant and active worker, holding various offices. His last years were spent in Rockville, Penn., in well-earned leisure, his toil having gained him a comfortable competence, and his death occurred February 2, 1879, his burial taking place at Rebersburg. He was highly respected among his associates for his integrity, being known far and near as a "man of his word."
    After his removal to Brush Valley Henry Smull married Miss Elizabeth Royer, by whom he had the following children: Polly (Mrs. William Walker); John, now postmaster at Rebersburg; Harrison, a stonemason by trade, who died at Rebersburg; Abigail, the widow of Francis Brownlee, of Freeport, Ill. ;Lovina, wife of William Bierly, of Rebersburg; Sarah, who married Samuel Gramley, and died at Rebersburg; and Jefferson, residing in Mackeyville, Penn.
    The mother of this family died in 1834, and her remains were laid to rest in the family lot in Rebersburg cemetery. Henry Smull for his second wife married Catherine Kreamer, who was born near Kreamerville, October 22, 1806, a daughter of Jacob Kreamer, and died November 24, 1887, her funeral being held at Rebersburg.
    There were five children by this union: Aaron, a resident of Rockville, Penn.; Reuben, our subject's father; Simon, a blacksmith by trade, who died in Madisonburg; Hannah, now Mrs. Levi Fullmer, of Rebersburg; and Henry, of Kreamerville.
    Reuben Smull, the father of our subject, was born October 30, 1838, at the old home near Kreamerville. He first attended school at Rebersburg, with John Burkett as his teacher, and he afterward pursued his studies as he could in the intervals of farm work. Short as the winter terms were, he could not attend full time, his help being required at home. At the age of fifteen he began to learn the mason's trade with his father, and two years later, having become proficient in all branches of the work, he formed a partnership with his brother Harrison, and followed the business for several years.
    In January, 1862, Reuben Smull was married in Brush Valley, at the home of the bride's parents, to Miss-Louisa Gramley, who was born near Rebersburg, June 12, 1841, the daughter of Joseph and Esther (Schmeltzer) Gramley. The following year they spent in Rebersburg, and in 1863 they removed to a farm adjoining Kreamerville on the north, and then belonging to Joseph Kreamer. Mr. Smull rented this, and remained there until 1864, when he went to a farm near Rockville, and while engaged in agriculture did some work at his trade. In the spring of 1888 he purchased the Joseph Kreamer estate, and returning to it has since resided there, giving his attention to farming exclusively. The place makes an attractive homestead, and under the able management of its owner is a profitable investment.
    Reuben Smull is a man of no pretensions, minding his own business, and this, by the way, is a characteristic trait of his family, which has produced a number of substantial, successful, yet unassuming citizens. He upholds the principles of the Democratic party on national issues, but where local questions only are involved, he declines to surrender his judgment blindly, and votes as he thinks the interests of the people demand. Official honors have no particular charms for him, but he has served as tax collector in Miles township. In religion he is a Lutheran, and he and his wife are both members of the Church.
    The subject of this sketch, who is the only son of his parents, was born at Rockville, June 23, 1869. Inheriting the sterling qualities of his ancestry, he has the added advantage of good schooling, and the modern spirit of enterprise makes his talents practically available in lines in which former generations took no part. After completing the course of study in the local schools, he pursued other branches at Spring Mills and Selins Grove, Penn., and at Dakota, Ill. He was an apt student, learning rapidly, not only from books but also from observation, and several years spent in the 'West in his early "twenties" served to broaden his views of men and things in a practical way.
    On returning to Pennsylvania, Mr. Smull was associated for some years with the circulation department of the Kcyst07ie Gazette of Bellefonte, his duties taking him to all parts of central Pennsylvania. In February, 1896, he became identified with the New York Life Insurance Co., as a subordinate agent, and his abilities quickly won the approval of the highest officials.
    His promotion followed not through any "influence," but because the shrewd men at the head of the company needed just such tact, energy and sound judgment as they saw revealed in his work. He is now the general agent for Centre, Clinton, Union and other counties, and exacting as are the requirements of the post, they are met promptly and satisfactorily.
    On July 4, 1891, Mr. Smull was united in wedlock with Miss Daisy Blanche Stover, a native of Rebersburg, born May 15, 1873. She is a member of one of the oldest and most respected families of Brush Valley, and is the eldest of three children of Cornelius and ChestienStover. She is an attractive, accomplished lady, and held in high esteen by all her many friends. Mr. Smull built a pleasant residence in Rebersburg, which he now rents, he and his wife preferring to remain at their country home. Mr. and Mrs. Smull are members of the Lutheran Church, and are living supporters of its work.
    In fact Mr. Smull has already shown his public spirit in many ways, being always ready to encourage any movement that might tend to progress. At one time he was a Democrat in politics, but of late he has endorsed the doctrines of the Republican party, and he is one of its advisers and counsellors in his locality. He is a direct descendant from John A. Smull, the author of Smull 's "Legislator's Hand Book and Manual of Pennsylvania."


    Buried:
    Plot: Section 1, Row 11, #26. Near wife and son John Christopher Smull.

    https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/76075473/henry-smull

    Henry married Elizabeth Royer. Elizabeth (daughter of Christopher Royer and Magdaline Gross) was born on 23 Apr 1797; died on 26 May 1834; was buried in Saint Peters Lutheran and Reformed Cemetery, Rebersburg, Centre County, PA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  2. 3.  Elizabeth RoyerElizabeth Royer was born on 23 Apr 1797 (daughter of Christopher Royer and Magdaline Gross); died on 26 May 1834; was buried in Saint Peters Lutheran and Reformed Cemetery, Rebersburg, Centre County, PA.

    Notes:

    Buried:
    https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/76075893/elizabeth-smull

    Children:
    1. Mary Polly Smull was born on 22 Dec 1821 in Pennsylvania; died on 11 May 1897; was buried in Saint Peters Lutheran and Reformed Cemetery, Rebersburg, Centre County, PA.
    2. 1. John Christopher Smull was born on 21 Apr 1823 in Centre County, PA; died on 05 Mar 1898 in Beavertown, Snyder County, PA; was buried in Saint Peters Lutheran and Reformed Cemetery, Rebersburg, Centre County, PA.
    3. Harrison Smull was born on 19 Sep 1826; died on 05 Sep 1871; was buried in Saint Peters Lutheran and Reformed Cemetery, Rebersburg, Centre County, PA.
    4. Elvina Smull was born on 23 May 1828; died on 25 Apr 1907 in Mill Hall, Clinton County, PA; was buried in Saint Peters Lutheran and Reformed Cemetery, Rebersburg, Centre County, PA.
    5. Thomas J. Smull was born on 24 May 1834 in Rebersburg, Centre County, PA; died in 1926 in Clinton County, PA; was buried in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Mackeyville, Clinton County, PA.
    6. Abigail Smull


Generation: 3

  1. 6.  Christopher RoyerChristopher Royer was born on 19 Jun 1768 in Berks County, PA (son of Georg Christopher Royer and Catharine Royer); died on 16 Oct 1849; was buried in Saint Peters Lutheran and Reformed Cemetery, Rebersburg, Centre County, PA.

    Other Events:

    • Residence: Brush Valley, Centre County, PA

    Notes:

    Commemorative Biography of Central Penn:
    Christopher settled in Brush Valley in 1807. The mill north of Rockville was built by him and he owned a large tract of land in that area. In addition he owned a distillery. His children were: Daniel, Henry, Amos, Jefferson, Joel, Catherine, Elizabeth, Sarah & Barbara.

    Buried:
    Buried Section 1, Row 12, #25 next to wife Magdalena (Gross)

    https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/76076522/christopher-royer

    Christopher married Magdaline Gross. Magdaline was born on 09 Mar 1769; died on 17 Mar 1836; was buried in Saint Peters Lutheran and Reformed Cemetery, Rebersburg, Centre County, PA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  2. 7.  Magdaline GrossMagdaline Gross was born on 09 Mar 1769; died on 17 Mar 1836; was buried in Saint Peters Lutheran and Reformed Cemetery, Rebersburg, Centre County, PA.

    Notes:

    Buried:
    https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/76076603/magdalena-royer

    Section 1, Row 12, #26, next to husband Christopher.

    Children:
    1. Daniel Royer was born on 25 Apr 1793 in Pennsylvania; died on 21 Jan 1876; was buried in Mount Bethel United Church of Christ Cemetery, Lamar, Clinton County, PA.
    2. Catharine Royer was born on 25 Jun 1795; died on 10 Oct 1878; was buried in Saint Peters Lutheran and Reformed Cemetery, Rebersburg, Centre County, PA.
    3. 3. Elizabeth Royer was born on 23 Apr 1797; died on 26 May 1834; was buried in Saint Peters Lutheran and Reformed Cemetery, Rebersburg, Centre County, PA.
    4. Sarah Royer was born on 11 Apr 1799; died on 25 Nov 1868 in Rebersburg, Centre County, PA; was buried in Saint Peters Lutheran and Reformed Cemetery, Rebersburg, Centre County, PA.
    5. Henry Royer was born on 11 Jun 1802 in Northumberland (Snyder) County, PA; died on 17 Jul 1849 in Sugar Valley, Clinton County, PA; was buried in Saint Peters Lutheran and Reformed Cemetery, Rebersburg, Centre County, PA.
    6. Barbara Royer was born on 21 Nov 1804 in Pennsylvania; died on 17 Aug 1873 in Rebersburg, Centre County, PA; was buried in Saint Peters Lutheran and Reformed Cemetery, Rebersburg, Centre County, PA.
    7. Amos Royer was born on 12 Sep 1806 in Northumberland (Snyder) County, PA; died on 24 Jun 1894; was buried in Pine Hall Cemetery, State College, Centre County, PA.
    8. Thomas Jefferson Royer was born on 29 Aug 1808 in Rebersburg, Centre County, PA; died on 26 Nov 1895; was buried in Evangelical Cemetery, Rebersburg, Centre County, PA.
    9. Joel Royer was born on 17 Jul 1810 in Rebersburg, Centre County, PA; died on 21 Nov 1893 in Rebersburg, Centre County, PA; was buried in Saint Peters Lutheran and Reformed Cemetery, Rebersburg, Centre County, PA.


Generation: 4

  1. 12.  Georg Christopher RoyerGeorg Christopher Royer was born on 13 Feb 1718 in Rhineland-Pfalz, Germany; died on 14 Mar 1796 in Lebanon County, PA; was buried in Klopps Church Cemetery, Hamlin, Lebanon County, PA.

    Other Events:

    • Immigration: 1748, Germany

    Notes:

    The original Christopher Royer, whose genealogical history follows, was born at Rhine Pfaltz, South Germany, where he was also married. Their issue was one daughter. In 1748, the parents, with their only child, embarked for America. During the first part of their voyage, his wife became greatly distressed and troubled. She said, "In America all is wild, and there are no churches nor preachers," but the captain of the ship assured her that there was no need of troubling herself, that there were churches everywhere in America, which afterwards proved to be true, for the first sermon her husband heard was under a shady white oak tree, where the city of Lancaster now stands, which was then a small village. After receiving this assurance, she became more calm, apparently, but there must have been deep-seated anxiety in her mind, for some time later she become sick and died. She was buried in a watery grave, "the ocean," leaving her infant daughter in the care of her bereaved husband. This made the remainder of the journey very sad and lonesome. In due time, they landed at Philadelphia, Pa. He came to the locality, where the city of Lancaster now stands. His little daughter grew to womanhood among friends and at Pine Grove, Schuylkill Co. ,Pa., she married Jacob Gungle. While living at Lancaster, he married his second wife. Miss Catharine Royer, of American birth and of the same name, but so far as known there was no relationship between them. Here his oldest son, Johan George, was born.

    Buried:
    https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/60792966/georg-christoph-royer
    Spelling of surname at time of burial was RYER.
    Georg Christoph “Stophle” Royer.
    Husband of Anna Barbara Degen (1st wife); Catharine Ryer (Royer) (2nd wife);
    Father of Anna Margaretha by first wife and John George, Christian, Christopher Jr., Sebastian and Amos.

    Georg married Catharine Royer. Catharine (daughter of Sebastian Royer and Agnes Elizabeth Flockwirth) was born in Sep 1728 in Lancaster County, PA; died on 28 Apr 1809 in Lebanon County, PA; was buried in Klopps Church Cemetery, Hamlin, Lebanon County, PA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  2. 13.  Catharine RoyerCatharine Royer was born in Sep 1728 in Lancaster County, PA (daughter of Sebastian Royer and Agnes Elizabeth Flockwirth); died on 28 Apr 1809 in Lebanon County, PA; was buried in Klopps Church Cemetery, Hamlin, Lebanon County, PA.

    Notes:

    Buried:
    https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/60801666/catharine-royer

    Spelling at time of burial was RYER.
    Daughter and youngest child of Sebastian Mathias Ryer (Royer) and Agnes Flockert;
    2nd wife of Georg Christoph (Stophle) Ryer (Royer); Mother of John George, Christian; Christopher Jr., Sebastian and Amos.

    Row 6 #12

    Children:
    1. John George Royer was born on 12 Dec 1750 in Lancaster, Lancaster County, PA; died on 30 Jul 1823 in Rebersburg, Centre County, PA; was buried in Saint Peters Lutheran and Reformed Cemetery, Rebersburg, Centre County, PA.
    2. Sebastian Royer was born on 21 Jun 1765 in Berwick Township, Lancaster County, PA; died on 28 Jan 1829 in Middleburg, Snyder County, PA; was buried in Hassinger's Old Cemetery, Middleburg, Franklin Township, Snyder County, PA.
    3. Christian Royer was born in Mar 1767 in Berks County, PA; died on 11 Jun 1842 in Richland County, OH; was buried in Shambaugh Cemetery, Lucas, Richland County, OH.
    4. 6. Christopher Royer was born on 19 Jun 1768 in Berks County, PA; died on 16 Oct 1849; was buried in Saint Peters Lutheran and Reformed Cemetery, Rebersburg, Centre County, PA.
    5. Amos Royer was born in 1770.