Christopher Carper

Male 1817 - 1898  (81 years)


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Generation: 1

  1. 1.  Christopher Carper was born on 23 Apr 1817 in Lebanon County, PA (son of Samuel Carper and Christina Meyer); died on 07 May 1898; was buried in Keagy Cemetery, Woodbury, Bedford County, PA.

    Notes:

    Buried:
    https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/41481320/christopher-stuffle-carper

    Family/Spouse: Nancy Smith. Nancy was born in 1821 in Pennsylvania; died on 14 Jan 1899; was buried in Keagy Cemetery, Woodbury, Bedford County, PA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


Generation: 2

  1. 2.  Samuel Carper was born on 07 May 1779 in Lebanon County, PA; died on 03 Aug 1861; was buried in Keagy Cemetery, Woodbury, Bedford County, PA.

    Notes:

    Lived at Morrisdale, PA.

    On the 3d inst., near Woodbury, Bedford County, Pa., Mr. Samuel Carper, formerly of Lebanon County, aged 83 years, 2 months and 27 days. Brother Carper was born in Lebanon County, May 7th, 1778. At an early age he was taken into full communion with the German Reformed church in Lebanon, by Father Lupp, who was pastor of the church at that place. Soon after his confirmation he was married to Miss Christiana Moyer, and in 1830 he moved from Lebanon County to Morrison's Cove, where he lived until his death. Brother Carper was one of the oldest and most influential members of the German Reformed Church, having been more than sixty years a regular member. He was blessed with much of this world's goods and whenever any object of benevolence claimed attention he was always willing and ready to do his part for the furtherance of the kingdom of Christ. He felt for a week or more before his decease that his earthly pilgrimage was rapidly drawing to a close; death therefore did not come in an hour unexpected to him. Ever since we knew him, which has been for many years, he always led a strictly Christian life and we have reason to believe that he is now reaping the fruits of his labors in eternal rest above. He lived long in the land which the Almighty gave him, and died in a good old age, on the 3d inst. His remains were followed to the grave by a large number of relations and friends, who thus paid to him their last tribute of respect. [Lebanon Advertiser Lebanon, Lebanon County, Pa., Wednesday August 28, 1861]

    Buried:
    https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/41480176/samuel-carper

    Samuel married Christina Meyer. Christina (daughter of Christopher Meyer and Anna Maria Schaeffer) was born on 02 Feb 1784 in Campbelltown, Lebanon County, PA; died on 25 Dec 1864; was buried in Keagy Cemetery, Woodbury, Bedford County, PA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  2. 3.  Christina Meyer was born on 02 Feb 1784 in Campbelltown, Lebanon County, PA (daughter of Christopher Meyer and Anna Maria Schaeffer); died on 25 Dec 1864; was buried in Keagy Cemetery, Woodbury, Bedford County, PA.

    Notes:

    info from The Meyer Family Tree compiled by John D. Meyer, Tyrone, PA, October 1937
    Lived at Linden Hall, PA

    Children:
    1. Henry Carper
    2. Christina Carper
    3. Frederick Carper
    4. John Carper was born on 11 Jun 1807 in Lancaster County, PA; died on 16 Apr 1875; was buried in Bunker Hill Cemetery, Buda, Bureau County, IL.
    5. Jacob Adam Carper was born on 10 Sep 1810 in Pennsylvania; died on 22 Dec 1890; was buried in Replogle Cemetery, Woodbury, Bedford County, PA.
    6. 1. Christopher Carper was born on 23 Apr 1817 in Lebanon County, PA; died on 07 May 1898; was buried in Keagy Cemetery, Woodbury, Bedford County, PA.


Generation: 3

  1. 6.  Christopher MeyerChristopher Meyer was born on 20 Oct 1734 in Millbach, Lebanon County, PA (son of Heinrich "Henry" or "Henrich" Meyer); died on 02 Aug 1801 in Campbelltown, Lebanon County, PA; was buried in Salem United Church of Christ Cemetery, Campbelltown, Lebanon County, PA.

    Notes:

    According to the Pennsylvania Archives series 6 volume 1 page 295, Christopher Meyer served in the Revolution, Fourth Battalion Penna Militia, and served his tour.



    From The Meyer Family Tree compiled by John D. Meyer, Tyrone, PA, October 1937.
    The youngest son of Henry the original Meyer from Germany was born at Mulbach (sic) in 1734. About 1764 he bought a tract of 700 acres of land between the present site of Campbellstown and Hershey, Pa. A number of the farms comprising this tract are still owned and occupied by members of the Meyer family. He married Anna Maria Schaeffer, daughter of Alexander Schaeffer, who came from Germany in 1740 and settled at Mulbach and was a neighbor of the Meyer family.



    From Genealogy of the Meyer Family by Henry Meyer, 1890. Pages 89-92.
    CHRISTOPHER MEYER (son of the Meyer from Germany) was born at Mühlbach (Heidleberg township, Lancaster County, then) and was the youngest son of the family, but I am not certain that he was the youngest child as there was one daughter (if not two) and she may have been younger. Of the early life of Christopher and his brothers but little is known. Their childhood days were passed amid the stirring scenes and dangers of frontier life. The Mühlbach and the Tulpchocken witnessed not a few deadly encounters between the early settlers of that region and the hostile Indians. Conrad Weiser, a prominent character in the early history of Pennsylvania, was their friend and near neighbor. Through his influence over the Indians and his wise diplomacy many threatened dangers from that source were averted. There is a tradition that the Meyer who came from Germany was a member of Col. Weiser's colony. Christopher and his brother Michael left Mühlbach and purchased a tract of 700 acres near the present site of Campbellstown, Lebanon Co., Pa. It is said their father did not approve of the venture, supposing that the soil was not of much account. And it appears Michael shared his opinion as he sold out to his brother Christopher and returned to Mühlbach. This must have occurred about the year 1769 as shown by bonds of this date which Christopher and his father-in-law Alexander Schaeffer had given Michael for his interest in the tract.(1)

    1. Note. Christopher and Michael Meyer and Alexander Schaeffer executed bond for part of said tract to Robt. McLeary, dated April 10, 1769. In the same year, May 1st. Christopher Meyer and Alexander Schaeffer gave bond to Michael Meyer for £200. It seems Michael sold that time and returned to Mühlbach. It is said he then purchased the old Mühlbach homestead. On one of these bonds is Michael's receipt for £100, dated Aug. 12, 1771, which shows that he was then still living. Michael was never married. See page 129.

    The land, however, was of the best in the State, and the old gentleman's opinion on the subject had been at fault. If I mistake not the tract was subsequently divided into five or six farms and apportioned among Christopher's sons. That part on which is located the old homestead is now owned by one of Christopher's grandsons. Christopher put up good substantial stone buildings on his farm modeled after the style of architecture then in vogue throughout the rural districts. I visited the place in 1883 and found the buildings still in good repair. Here Christopher remained until his decease, but all his children, except several of his grandchildren, moved to other parts. His descendants are found principally in Lebanon, Snyder and Centre Counties, Penna., and a number have moved West. It is remarkable how families migrate. Of his brother Jacob's descendants (male) not one remains, as far as I know, neither in Lebanon nor Snyder County. Christopher was married to Anna Maria, daughter of Alexander Schaeffer. She was a sister of Catharine, wife of John Meyer of Mulbach, who was Christopher's nephew. "We designated," says Michael Meyer of Mulbach, "our cousins of Cambelltown the big Meyers.'" A term not inappropriate as some of them were giants in stature and physical strength. For example, Michael who removed to Spring Bank, Centre Co., Pa., was a man of prodigious proportions. He weighed 386 lbs. and when passing through an ordinary door his shoulders would almost touch the sides of it. John, also, was a man of large stature, towering head and shoulders above his fellows. The descendants of Christopher, subject of this sketch, were nearly all fine singers; many of them have been, from generation to generation, instructors in music both vocal and instrumental, and have been leaders of choirs in the churches of the neighborhoods in which they resided.
    Honorable Jacob G. Meyer furnishes the following scrap of history illustrating this fact, which may appropriately be inserted here: -George Meyer, youngest son of Christopher and father of Hon. Jacob G., led singing in the Reformed Church, Cambelltown, Pa., from the time he was sixteen years of age (born March 25, 1782) until 1827 when he removed to Pine Creek, south of Aaronsburg, Pa. His nephew Henry Meyer, son of Michael, then conducted singing at Cambelltown until his death in 1873, and his sons now lead the choir in the same church. After George came into Pennsvalley in 1827 he conducted singing in the Reformed Church at Aaronsburg, until about the year 1832, when George, his son, took his place until 1840; then Hor. Jacob G., another son, took charge of the choir until about the year 1878, when he was succeeded by his son William T. Henry Meyer, Christopher's oldest son, moved into Pennsvalley, near Boalsburg, Pa., in 1823, and became the leader of the choir in the Reformed Church there, assisted by his sons Henry, Philip, Jacob and Joseph, continuing in that capacity until his decease in 1844. At present "big" Henry's sons Philip, Henry, Calvin and Jacob lead singing in the same church. Christopher Meyer, son of the subject of this sketch, settled at Freeburg, Pa., in 1800; he led singing in the church there for twenty years and his sons and grandsons ever since. His son Frederick C. is the founder and Director of the Musical College, Freeburg, an institution which has achieved merited popularity in central Pennsylvania. The Meyers of Freeburg are widely celebrated as musicians and through their zeal and efficiency in this noble profession their town has acquired a reputation as a musical centre.
    Some of the Meyers were excessively fond of the chase. Grandfather Henry, several of his brothers, and Christopher's sons Michael, Jacob and George frequently visited each other at their respective homes in Penns, and Brushvalleys, and joined in the pursuit of game which was then abundant. There was no lack of dogs, and when several packs had been brought together and let loose there was sufficient music to inspire the hunters. The Mulbach Meyers, descendants of John, were also fond of the chase.
    Christopher Meyer died Aug. 2, 1801; aged 67 years. His wife Anna Maria was born Feb. 19, 1744; died Jan. 1, 1823. Both are buried in the German Reformed Cemetery, Cambelltown, Pa.

    Buried:
    https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/19476147/christopher-meyer

    Aged 67 years
    1st Co., 2nd Batt. Lancaster County Militia
    (Revolutionary War)

    Christopher married Anna Maria Schaeffer. Anna (daughter of Alexander Schaeffer and Eva Anna Angelica Engle) was born on 19 Feb 1744 in Schaefferstown, Lebanon County, PA; died on 01 Jan 1823 in Campbelltown, Lebanon County, PA; was buried in Salem United Church of Christ Cemetery, Campbelltown, Lebanon County, PA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  2. 7.  Anna Maria SchaefferAnna Maria Schaeffer was born on 19 Feb 1744 in Schaefferstown, Lebanon County, PA (daughter of Alexander Schaeffer and Eva Anna Angelica Engle); died on 01 Jan 1823 in Campbelltown, Lebanon County, PA; was buried in Salem United Church of Christ Cemetery, Campbelltown, Lebanon County, PA.

    Notes:

    Buried:
    https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/30921852/anna-maria-meyer

    wife of Christopher Meyer
    daughter of Alexander & Anna Engel Schaeffer

    Children:
    1. Henry Meyer was born on 17 May 1767 in Campbelltown, Lebanon County, PA; died on 19 Apr 1844 in Centre County, PA; was buried in Boalsburg Cemetery, Boalsburg, Centre County, PA.
    2. John Moyer was born on 26 Oct 1768 in Campbelltown, Lebanon County, PA; died on 17 Jul 1843; was buried in Saint Peters Cemetery, Freeburg, Snyder County, PA.
    3. Michael Meyer was born on 02 Aug 1771 in Campbelltown, Lebanon County, PA; died on 01 Apr 1842; was buried in Saint Peters Lutheran and Reformed Cemetery, Rebersburg, Centre County, PA.
    4. Jacob Meyer was born on 25 Mar 1774 in Campbelltown, Lebanon County, PA; died on 25 Sep 1853; was buried in Heckman Cemetery, Spring Mills, Centre County, PA.
    5. Christopher Moyer was born on 22 Jan 1776 in Campbelltown, Lebanon County, PA; died on 11 Jun 1840 in Freeburg, Snyder County, PA; was buried in Saint Peters Cemetery, Freeburg, Snyder County, PA.
    6. George Meyer was born on 25 Mar 1782 in Campbelltown, Lebanon County, PA; died on 01 Jan 1854 in Aaronsburg, Centre County, PA; was buried in Aaronsburg Reformed Cemetery, Aaronsburg, Centre County, PA.
    7. Catharine Meyer was born in 1784 in Campbelltown, Lebanon County, PA.
    8. 3. Christina Meyer was born on 02 Feb 1784 in Campbelltown, Lebanon County, PA; died on 25 Dec 1864; was buried in Keagy Cemetery, Woodbury, Bedford County, PA.
    9. Mary Meyer was born in 1788 in Campbelltown, Lebanon County, PA.


Generation: 4

  1. 12.  Heinrich "Henry" or "Henrich" MeyerHeinrich "Henry" or "Henrich" Meyer died in 1758 in Millbach, Lebanon County, PA; was buried in Millbach Cemetery, Millbach, Lebanon County, PA.

    Other Events:

    • Residence: Heinrich Meyer farm
    • Immigration: 1710; Different accounts give the year as 1710 or 1723 for the immigration of the Heinrich Meyer family.

    Notes:

    Links about Palatinates and their immigration:

    Early eighteenth century Palatine emigration; a British government redemptioner project to manufacture naval stores, by Walter Allen Knittle
    https://archive.org/details/earlyeighteenthc00knit

    Immigrant Ships, Transcribers Guild, Simmendinger Register M-Z
    https://immigrantships.net/v4/1700v4/simmendinger17100100M_Z.html

    The story of the Palatines. An episode in colonial history
    by Cobb, Sanford H.
    https://archive.org/details/storyofpalatines01cobb

    The Skippack Palatines
    David Jay Webber
    https://www.angelfire.com/ny4/djw/WebberSkippackPalatines.pdf

    History of the Palatine Immigration to Pennsylvania
    as written by Daniel Rupp, 1876
    http://www.searchforancestors.com/passengerlists/history.html

    Becoming German: the 1709 Palatine migration to New York
    by Otterness, Philip
    https://archive.org/details/becominggerman170000otte

    Buried:
    https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/213898622/henry-meyer

    Children:
    1. Johannes Mayer was born in 1719 in Germany; died on 11 Dec 1786 in Millbach, Lebanon County, PA; was buried in Millbach Cemetery, Millbach, Lebanon County, PA.
    2. Jacob Meyer was born in 1732 in Muhlbach; died about 1808; was buried in Zion-Morr Lutheran Church Cemetery, Freeburg, Snyder County, PA.
    3. Michael Meyer was born in in Millbach, Lebanon County, PA.
    4. 6. Christopher Meyer was born on 20 Oct 1734 in Millbach, Lebanon County, PA; died on 02 Aug 1801 in Campbelltown, Lebanon County, PA; was buried in Salem United Church of Christ Cemetery, Campbelltown, Lebanon County, PA.
    5. daughter Meyer was born in in Germany.
    6. daughter Meyer

  2. 14.  Alexander SchaefferAlexander Schaeffer was born on 08 Jan 1712 in Germany; died on 12 Apr 1786; was buried in Schaefferstown Cemetery, Schaefferstown, Lebanon County, PA.

    Other Events:

    • Occupation: The King George - now the Franklin House; Hotel that Alexander Schaeffer built
    • Immigration: 1738, Baden-Baden, Germany
    • Residence: 1758, Schaeffer farm

    Notes:

    Schaefferstown boasts oldest gravitational conveyance pipe system in the United States

    https://lebtown.com/2021/01/25/schaefferstown-boasts-oldest-gravitational-conveyance-pipe-system-in-the-united-states/



    Alexander and Eva are buried in the Schaefferstown cemetery, Lebanon County, PA. His monument reads, “Alexander Schaeffer, Founder of Schaefferstown, PA, born in Germany January 8, 1712, migrated to America in 1738, died April 10, 1786. In 1758 Schaeffer and his wife Anna, purchased the land surrounding Schaefferstown (formerly Heidelberg) laid out the town and sold lots to the squatters who already had homes. On July 16, 1763, he sold the land and spring (now Fountain Park) along with the pipes and troughs of the gravity water system to representatives of the People of Market Street. This act created the water company which later became the first chartered water works in the United States.”

    The Schaeffer farm is a historical site with an annual festival. http://hsimuseum.org/.
    The well is now Fountain Park. The Inn is now a restaurant.

    from The Meyer Family Tree compiled by John D. Meyer, Tyrone, PA, October 1937
    Alexander Schaeffer came from Germany in 1740 and settled at Mulbach and was a neighbor of the Meyer family.

    From Wikipedia: Schaefferstown is one of the oldest towns in Lebanon County, being at least a century older than the county itself. It is the main town in Heidelberg Township. Although the exact date of the first settlers is unknown, it is certain that they settled here before 1725. Those first settlers were German Jews. Many of them were skilled craftmen and traders. They disappeared, however, when non-Jewish German settlers started moving into the area. The old burial ground was situated about a fourth mile south of Tower Hill and almost a hundred yards east of South Market Street in Schaefferstown. The Jewish settlement was known as the Lebanon Trading Post.

    Schaefferstown held a Bicentenntial in 1963.
    According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 2.7 square miles (7.0 km²), all of it land.

    It is home to Fountain Park, which is the oldest Chartered Waterworks still in operation in the United States.
    Fountain Park
    The water company in Schaefferstown has the oldest gravitational conveyance system by underground pipes in the United States. The water system was constructed sometime between 1744 and 1750 by the founder of the town, Alexander Schaeffer. The water system, which is located in the area now known as Fountain Park, is still used by the townspeople for potable household water. When the original system was laid out, it ran to two wooden troughs on the Square, which is now the intersection of Main St. and Market St. One trough was since replaced by Matilda Zimmerman in memory of Mary Rex Zimmerman, her mother and great granddaughter of Alexander Schaeffer. This trough is now located on the south face of the historic bank located within the Square.

    Schaefferstown Water Company http://www.hmdb.org/marker.asp?marker=29306
    One of North America's oldest documented public water systems. Alexander Schaeffer built a hotel on the square in 1744, and construction of the water system began here shortly after. On July 16, 1763, he and his wife Anna Engle deeded this land - today Fountain Park - for the use of the inhabitants of Market Street. the present company was chartered in 1845 as successor to The Fountain Company of Heidelberg.

    https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/25853796/alexander-schaeffer
    Alexander, son of Hans Henry and Anna Margaretha (Mayer) Schaeffer, immigrated to Philadelphia from Baden, Germany, in 1738. By the time of his death in 1786 he had laid out the town he named Heidelberg (now Schaefferstown), in Lancaster Co., PA, built the King George Hotel (the present day Franklin House), and created the first gravitational water conveyance system by underground pipes in all the British colonies. In about 1738 he married Anna Engel and together they had 7 children. He was of the German Reformed faith and was a guiding force in establishing that church in Heidelberg.

    https://mygenealogyadventure.com/alexander-schaeffer-and-the-founding-of-a-town/
    APRIL 14, 2019 BY STACEY
    Alexander Schaeffer and the Founding of a Town

    Laurentz Schäfer. He was born in 1586 in Hessen/Hesse, Germany. His son, Hans Schäfer was born there in 1611. It appears that due to the 30 Years War in Europe, Hans moved to Alsace-Lorraine, France where his son, Hans Schaeffer was born. The family eventually moved back to Germany where, in 1673, Hans Heinrich Schaffer was born in Schriesheim, Baden-Wurtenburg, Germany. Heinrich married Anna Margaretha Mayer and, in 1712, gave birth to Alexander Mayer Schaeffer.
    At some point before 1738, it appears that Alexander married Anna “Angelica” Engel (not sure if Engel is her middle name or maiden name). They had 2 or 3 children while in Germany, and it seems that the family set sail for America in 1738. They arrived on the ship “Robert and Alice” on Sept. 11, 1738 in Philadelphia, PA. They were part of an influx of German immigrants in the 18th century. The Germans who came at that time were, and still are, referred to as the Palatine Germans based on the belief that most were coming from the Palatinate region, when in fact, only a small minority were from that region.
    Alexander and his wife tried their hand at farming but at first was very unsuccessful. He then bought a new farm where they flourished. Over the years he acquired more and more land. In 1758, Alexander divided his land into lots and roads and sold the lots of land to the squatters.


    https://familysearch.org/photos/artifacts/1968911

    NOTES: ALEXANDER SCHAEFFER - 1712 to 1786 by Louise Wheeler Horman

    Alexander SCHAEFFER was born in Schriesheim Germany January 8, 1712 died April 12, 1786. He married to Anna E. Engel in Germany and had two or three children before coming to America 1738 on the Robert and Alice.

    Alexander's Father was Hans Henrich SCHEAFFER the son of Hans Scheaffer of Martin in Alsace and his mother was Anna Margaret, Her father was Hans Michael Mayer of Hohensschsen.

    His first home was on South Mountain where the land was not very productive. Later they moved a few miles south to a more productive area. He founded a town which he named; - Heidlebergtown, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. He built the "The King George" Hotel (now named "The Franklin House"), and built the town's Water Works from a strong spring; that is still in operation. He had four land warrants with a total of 700 acres.

    Heidleburgtown was renamed to Schaefferstown in 1820. He had donated land for a church and a burial ground where he is now buried. He did well for a man that could not write. He died a very wealthy man. About 1860 he invested in 700 acres of more land near Campbelltown with his future son-in-law Christopher Moyer.

    After Alexander's first wife died in 1772 he married the widow UNGER; Catherine MOYER born 1721 in Germany, she was Christopher's oldest sister. He had no children by his second marriage.

    Alexander is buried in the German Reform Church at Schaeffer, PA. The local Lion's Club has erected a new grave marker in his honor.

    Alexander had six children by his first wife:
    (1) Margaret maried John Bright the son of Johnanes Michael Bright of Schriessheim.
    (2) John married Barbara Miller.
    (3) Sabina Scheaffer that married Michael Haak.
    (4) Anna Marie married Christopher Moyer.
    (5) Catharine that married John Henry Moyer.
    (6) Henry married (1)Anna Eve Switzer and (2) Margaret Lockner. Henry was a Captian in the American Revolutionary War 1775. He was appointed justice of the peace and later a associate Judge in Dalphin county.
    _______________________________________

    Alexander, son of Hans Henry and Anna Margaretha (Mayer) Schaeffer, immigrated to Philadelphia from Baden, Germany, in 1738. By the time of his death in 1786 he had laid out the town he named Heidelberg (now Schaefferstown), in Lancaster Co., PA, built the King George Hotel (the present day Franklin House), and created the first gravitational water conveyance system by underground pipes in all the British colonies. In about 1738 he married Anna Engel and together they had six children. He was of the German Reformed faith and was a guiding force in establishing that church in Heidelberg.

    Family links:
    Spouse:
    Anna E. Engel Schaeffer (1708 - 1772)*

    Children:
    Sabina Schaeffer Haak (1742 - 1811)*
    Anna Maria Schaeffer Meyer (1744 - 1823)*
    Johannes Henrich (Henry) Schaeffer (1749 - 1803)*

    Burial:
    Schaefferstown Cemetery, Schaefferstown, Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, United States
    ____________________________

    Schaeffer and his wife, Anna, purchased the land surrounding Schaefferstown (formerly Heidelberg), laid out the town and sold lots to the squatters who already had homes. On July 16, 1763, he sold the land and spring (now Fountain Park) along with the pipes and troughs of the gravity water system to representatives of the people of Market Street. This act created the water company which later became the first chartered water works in the United States. (This information was taken from a plaque on a Marker in the cemetery at Schaefferstown, PA.)
    ___________________________

    Project Focus: The Alexander Schaeffer House: Schaefferstown, PA (1996-1999) Historic Structures Report, National Historic Landmark Nomination

    The Alexander Schaeffer House is a nationally significant property for its association with Alexander and Henry Schaeffer, the builders and founders of an important inland eighteenth century trading center and one of the only surviving Baroque-planned Germanic towns in America, and as a rare example of the culturally-distinct German building typology. With a period of significance spanning from 1758 when Alexander Schaeffer built the first section of the house to 1842 when Henry Schaeffer’s sons sold the property, the Schaeffer House is significant in the areas of Architecture and Community Planning and Development.

    Alexander Schaeffer founded Schaefferstown in 1758 while living at the Schaeffer House. Developed using academic European planning principles, Schaefferstown became an important crossroads community in Colonial America, and still survives with exceptional degree of architectural and historic integrity. Additionally, this house is an excellently-preserved example of early Germanic architecture in Colonial America, and still embodies the personality and culture of late medieval Germany.

    As a building type, the Schaeffer House can be classified as a bank house with the traditional characteristics that include: a gable end built into the bank so one end of the house has one story above ground, while the other end has two, and cooking relegated to the lower floors. However, it is slightly different than most bank houses in that it follows the more traditional form of the Germanic prototypes, with the main floor organized around a central, rather than gable end, fireplace. This building stands as a rare example of the role of European cultural traditions in settling the colonies and contributes substantially to the understanding of the early American architectural tradition.

    Working in conjunction with Historic Schaefferstown, Inc., Noble Preservation has completed a National Historic Landmark Nomination that is currently under review by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. Work completed to date includes a full set of measured drawings, HABS-quality photographic documentation and historical research which will help guide restoration and preservation efforts at the property.
    _____________________________

    This is a compilation of the early generations of the Alexander Schaeffer Family. Alexander Schaeffer immigrated in 1738 from Schriesheim and settled in Heidelberg Township (then in Lancaster County). He later relocated slightly and founded the town of Heidelberg, named after the well-known German city his hometown was nearby. After his death, the town assumed the name Schaefferstown. It is currently in Lebanon County, PA.

    Except where otherwise noted, this genealogy taken from bre2, beginning on page 216:
    One comment - Abraham Brendle, the author of bre2, admitted to modernizing names in his book - I would expect that all of the people listed here would have gone by pure German names in their time.

    GENEALOGICAL NOTES - ANCESTORS OF ALEXANDER SCHAEFFER
    At least his parents and grandparents are known and published on - see wei2, page v and hsr1 for an outline.

    Alexander Schaeffer had 8 known siblings, and 2 of them were also immigrants to America.

    One, Anna Maria Schaeffer, b 1707 Feb 9, married Hieronymus Troutman and also settled in Heidelberg Township, Lancaster County. Another of Alexaner's sisers, Anna Barbara, is also documented as emigrating to America, but whom she married was unknown (wei2 page v).

    FIRST GENERATION
    Alexander Schaeffer
    b 1712 Jan 8 (fm tombstone)
    d 1786 Apr 10 (fm tombstone)
    bd Schaefferstown Reformed Cemetery
    imm: 1738 from Schriesheim, Germay
    There is a sketch of him in bre2 around page 75.
    m Anna Engel ?
    b 1708 (fm tombstone)
    d 1772 Nov 22 (fm tombstone)
    bd Schaefferstown Reformed Cemetery
    There seems some confusion as to whether the Engel was a middle name or her maiden name.

    Weiser, in wei2, page v, comments that her maiden name is unknown. This is substantiated in that in 1761 the Schaeffers sponsored a child, Anna Engel, to Christian Bernhard & wife.

    known children:
    1 John
    2 Sabina - m Michael Haak
    3 Anna Maria - m Christopher Moyer
    4 Catharine - m John Moyer of Millbach
    5 Margaret - m John Brecht
    6 Henry - b 1749 Jun 5

    m(2) Catharine Unger
    no known issue

    Sponsorings for others:
    Heidelberg Lutheran KB:
    1776 for child of Peter & Salome Ream (Sch. Luth.) (bre2 p94)
    Heidelberg Reformed KB:
    1760 for Henry of John Brecht & wife (bre2 p147)
    1761 for Alexander to John Schaub & wife (bre2 p147)
    1761 for Anna Engel to Christian Bernhard & wife (bre2 p147)
    1764 for child of John Schaeffer & wife (bre2 p147)
    1766 for Alexander to Casper Schweitzer & wife (bre2 p148)
    1766 for Maria Catharine to Christopher Meyer & wife (bre2 p148)
    1774 for Catharine to Henry & Anna Eva Schaeffer (bre2 p149)
    1782 for John to Henry & Anna Eva Schaffer (bre2 p149)

    SECOND GENERATION
    John Schaeffer
    b 1729 - notes: moved to Maryland in 1772
    Sponsorings alone:
    1759 w/Anna Maria Nef for John to John Schaub & wife (wri2 p48)

    m Barbara Miller
    known children:
    1 John - b 1764 May 9; m(1) Elizabeth Hess; m(2) Angelica Troutman; m(3) Catharine Miller
    2 John Henry - b 1766 Jan 12; m Rosina Hess
    3 Maria Elizabeth - m Ludwig Young
    4 Eva Catharine - b 1779 Oct 21 at <4 (hum6); m John Rentch
    5 John Leonard - m Mary Schroeder
    6 John George - m Catharine Locher
    7 Anna Mary

    Sponsorings for others:
    1763 for Anna Barbara to Casper Schweitzer & wife (writ2 p48)
    <4 = ? (hum6)

    Sabina Schaeffer
    m Michael Haak
    known children:
    1 Michael - b 1764 Apr 29
    2 Maria Catharine - b 1766 Mar 13 (wri2 p47)
    2 John Jacob - b 1769 Nov at <3 (hum6)
    3 Anna Maria - b 1771 Jun 9 at <3 (hum6)
    4 Henry - b 1772 Nov 21 at <3 (hum6)

    Sponsorings:
    1764 by Jacob Witmer & wife (bre2)
    1766 by Maria Catharine Schaeffer (wri2 p47)
    1771 by Alexander Schaeffer & Angelina (wri2 p91)
    1772 by Henry Schaeffer (wri2 p91)

    Sponsorings for others:
    1762 for John & wife (sister Margaret Schaeffer) Brecht
    1770 for Michael to John & Barbara Ruth at <3 (wri2 p90)
    1773 for Catharine to Rudolph & Catharine Kunsle at <3 (wri2 p92)
    1785 for John Michael to Arnold Hebelmann & Eva Susanna (wri2 p97)
    1798 for John Michael to Philip & Anna Maria Fishback (wri2 p109)
    Trinity Tulpehocken Ref in Jackson Township (hum6)

    Anna Maria Schaeffer
    m Christopher Meyer
    known children:
    1 Maria Catharine - b 1766 Feb 2

    Sponsorings:
    1766 by Alexander Schaeffer & wife (wri2 p47)

    Catharine Schaeffer
    m 1764 Nov 11
    John Meyer
    known children:
    1 Henry
    2 John -
    3 Michael
    4 Catharine
    5 Barbara

    Sponsorings for others:
    1764 John Meyer & Catharine Schaeffer (as yet unmarried) for John to John & Margaret Brecht
    1788 for Anna Eva to Henry Schafer & Anna Eva (wri2 p54)
    Note: John George - b 1783 Sep 7 to John Mayer & Catharine, sp by John Mayer, Sr.
    and Anna Barbara at Heidelberg (wri2) - is this them?
    John Mayer, Jr. & Catharine - sp 1773 John to John Mohr, Jr. & Elizabeth
    at Millbach Ref (wri2 p174)

    Margaret Schaeffer
    m John Brecht
    known children:
    1 Henry - b 1760 Nov 24
    2 Michael - b 1762 Sep 10
    3 John - b 1764 Nov 11

    Sponsorings:
    1762 by Michael & wf (sister Sabina Schaeffer) Haak
    1764 by John Meyer & Catharine Schaeffer (sister)

    Captain Henry Schaeffer
    b 1749 Jun 5 (fm tombstone)
    d 1803 Oct 12 (fm tombstone)
    bd Schaefferstown Reformed Cemetery
    Brendle has a sketch of him in bre2 at page 75.
    occ: Justice of the Peace built & ran a tile factory in Schaefferstown
    mil: Captain, served in the Revolutionary War.

    m(1) Anna Eva Schweitzer
    b 1753 Apr 27 (fm tombstone)
    d 1790 Jan 2 (fm tombstone)
    bd Schaefferstown Reformed
    She is the daughter of Heinrich Schweitzer of Leacock Township, Lancaster
    County. Some researchers have placed her as the granddaughter of Casper
    Schweitzer, M.D., but comparing dates indicates this would be very unlikely (JHB).
    For her family, see Heinrich Schweitzer of Leacock township known children:
    1 Catharine - b 1774 Nov 27; m John Bomberger
    2 Elizabeth - b 1776 Oct 29; m Abraham Rex
    3 Anna Maria - b 1779 Jul 9;m Frederick Oberlin
    4 Johannes - b 1782 Jun 15; m Esther Weiss
    5 Susanna - b 1785 Oct 2; m Dietrich Goshert
    6 Anna Eva - b 1787 Oct 5; d 1790 Apr 21

    Sponsorings:
    1784 for John Henry to Henry & Angelica Mayer
    1787 by John & Catharine Meyer (sister of Henry)

    m(2) Margaret Hoffman
    b 1764 Dec 11 (fm tombstone)
    d 1851 Apr 30 (fm tombstone)
    bd Schaefferstown Reformed Cemetery
    1 known child:
    7 Henry - b m Elizabeth Moyer

    BIBLIOGRAPY
    Brendle; A Brief History Of Schaefferstown; 1901
    author; "Family History Of Alexander Schaeffer"; from Historic Schaefferstown
    Record, 1973, p17-21
    Humphrey; Pennsylvania Births, Lebanon County, 1714-1800
    Weiser; Purchases At The King George Hotel, Schaefferstown, Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, 1762-1773;

    Buried:
    https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/25853796/alexander-schaeffer

    Alexander, son of Hans Henry and Anna Margaretha (Mayer) Schaeffer, immigrated to Philadelphia from Baden, Germany, in 1738. By the time of his death in 1786 he had laid out the town he named Heidelberg (now Schaefferstown), in Lancaster Co., PA, built the King George Hotel (the present day Franklin House), and created the first gravitational water conveyance system by underground pipes in all the British colonies. In about 1738 he married Anna Engel and together they had 7 children. He was of the German Reformed faith and was a guiding force in establishing that church in Heidelberg.

    Alexander married Eva Anna Angelica Engle about 1738. Eva was born in 1708; died on 22 Nov 1772; was buried in Schaefferstown Cemetery, Schaefferstown, Lebanon County, PA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  3. 15.  Eva Anna Angelica Engle was born in 1708; died on 22 Nov 1772; was buried in Schaefferstown Cemetery, Schaefferstown, Lebanon County, PA.

    Notes:

    https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/25854032/anna-angelica-schaeffer
    Find a Grave gives her names as Anna Angelica (Engle) Schaeffer.
    Anna Engel Schaeffer, wife of Alexander Schaeffer who established the town of Heidelberg (now Schaefferstown), was the mother of seven children, John, Sabina, Margaret, Anna Maria, Catharine, Henry and Anna Eva Schaeffer.
    Inscription "Hier in dieser Gruftte Rues ruhet unter diesem Stein durch Christi Blut von Suenden rein Anna Engel Scheferin gestorben und ruhet hierin den 22ten November 1772; ihres Alters 64; geboren 1708" (Found in "The Early History of Schaefferstown, PA" dated 1898 by Brendle.)
    Translation from two different sites on the internet: "Here in these Gruftte Rues rest under this stone by Christi blood of sins purely Anna angel Scheferin died and rest herein the 22ten November 1772; their age 64; born 1708."

    Children:
    1. Margaret Schaeffer
    2. John Schaeffer was born on 12 Aug 1739 in Lancaster County, PA; died on 07 Sep 1783 in Funkstown, Washington County, MD; was buried in Funkstown Cemetery, Washington County, MD.
    3. Sabina Schaeffer was born in 1742; died on 26 Mar 1811; was buried in Tulpehocken Trinity UCC Cemetery, Millardsville, Lebanon County, PA.
    4. 7. Anna Maria Schaeffer was born on 19 Feb 1744 in Schaefferstown, Lebanon County, PA; died on 01 Jan 1823 in Campbelltown, Lebanon County, PA; was buried in Salem United Church of Christ Cemetery, Campbelltown, Lebanon County, PA.
    5. Catharine Schaeffer was born on 17 Oct 1747 in Schaefferstown, Lebanon County, PA; died on 11 Oct 1825 in Millbach, Lebanon County, PA; was buried in Millbach Cemetery, Millbach, Lebanon County, PA.
    6. Johann Heinrich Henry Schaeffer was born on 05 Jul 1749 in Schaefferstown, Lebanon County, PA; died on 12 Oct 1803 in Schaefferstown, Lebanon County, PA; was buried in Schaefferstown Cemetery, Schaefferstown, Lebanon County, PA.