Generation 1 (starting person)

1 Laverta Mercedes Nelson: Laverta Mercedes Nelson was born in Pendleton, Oregon on September 24, 1912. Although born in Oregon, she spent most of her childhood "on the farm" in Scotland County, Missouri. She moved to Southern California (Pomona) from Missouri with her parents in 1928. She has been living in the Pomona Valley area of California since that time. Prior to her retirement, she had a nursing career at the Park Avenue Hospital in Pomona. She presently (1995) resides in the City of Montclair (California). On January 17, 1932 in Pomona, Los Angeles County, California she married Art (Arthur Raymond) Knox. On November 22, 1935 in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California she married Ray (Raymond Carne Frank) Reeves.

Generation 2 (parents)

2 Chase Clark Nelson:

Chase Clark Nelson was born near Bison in Rush County, Kansas on February 16, 1883. Chase came to the family farm in Scotland County Missouri at an early age with his parents. Following his marriage to Nellie he farmed in Scotland County for several years, then with infant son (Harley) moved to Oregon. The 1910 US census shows him with wife Nellie and son Harley in Pendleton, Unatilla County, Oregon where he was working as a laborer in a lumber yard. They lived in Oregon and in Washington State for some time. Chase is known to have worked as a farm hand and as a barber during this period. A daughter (Laverta) was born during their stay in Pendleton, Oregon. About 1913 the family moved back to Memphis in Scotland County Missouri, staying for a short time with Nell's parents Henry & Caroline. They next moved to the nearby town of Gorin where Chase resumed work as a barber. Sometime later they moved back onto a farm in Scotland County near "Azen". They continued to work several farms in Scotland County until moving to California in 1928. Chase then did agricultural work in the orange groves of Southern California as well as gardening. He later became a Carpenter by trade. They owned and lived in a home on East End Avenue in the City of Pomona for many years. During the WW II years, they managed a profitable rabbit farm on the property in addition to Chase's trade as a carpenter. On February 12, 1905 in Union Township, Scotland County, Missouri he married Nellie (Bertha Nell) Rugh at her father's home. The ceremony was performed by the Reverend J.W. Calloway. Chase died on May 8, 1958 in Pomona, Los Angeles County, California. He was buried at the Pomona Cemetery in Pomona, Los Angeles County, California.

3 Nellie (Bertha Nell) Rugh:

Nellie (Bertha Nell) Rugh was born near Azen, Scotland County, Missouri on November 7, 1884. She was raised on her father's farm in Scotland County. Following marriage she and husband (Chase Nelson) farmed nearby in the same county for several years, then with infant son (Harley) moved to Oregon to join her brothers (Cecil and Harry). They lived in Oregon and in Washington state for about four years. Husband, Chase, worked both as a farm hand and as a barber. A daughter (Laverta) was born during this period in Pendleton Oregon. In 1913 the family moved back to Memphis in Scotland County (Missouri), staying for a short time with Nell's parents (Henry & Caroline). They next moved to the nearby town of Gorin where Chase worked again as a barber. Sometime later they moved back onto a farm near the little setllement of Azen. They continued to work several farms in that area until moving to California in 1928. Chase then did agricultural work in the orange groves of Southern California as well as gardening. He later became a Carpenter by trade. They owned and live in a home on East End Avenue in the City of Pomona for many years. As well as being a housewife, Nellie always grew her own vegetables, which she would can every year. During the WW II years, they managed a profitable rabbit farm on the property. Nellie survived Chase for twenty years and was still residing at their home in Pomona when she passed away in 1978. She was being cared for in her elderly years by her daughter, Laverta.
On February 12, 1905 in Union Township, Scotland County, Missouri she married Chase Clark Nelson at her father's home. The ceremony was performed by the Reverend J.W. Calloway.
She died on June 14, 1978 in Pomona, Los Angeles County, California. She was buried at the Pomona Cemetery in Pomona, Los Angeles County, California.

Generation 3 (grandparents)

4 Peter Nelson:

Peter Nelson was born in Helsingborg, Skane, Sweden on March 5, 1848. He came to America from Sweden about 1866 or 1867 at about 18 years of age. He went to work as a farm hand and lived in Sweetwater, a small town in Menard County, Illinois not far from the City of Springfield. Peter was listed in the 1870 Census as a member of a household in Sweetwater. Also listed within this household was Ellen Paulson, 35, from Sweden (a relative?). Most members within this household had differing surnames indicating it was probably a boarding house. Peter, an alien from Sweden, petitioned the court to become a naturalized citizen of the United States on August 19, 1876 at the Menard County Courthouse in Petersburg, Menard County, Illinois and his petition was granted on that date. He must have left for Kansas soon thereafter and returned temporarily to Illinois to Marry Mary Alice. His 1878 marriage certificate indicates he was a resident of Rush County Kansas. On June 4, 1880 Peter and Mary Alice were listed in a census (U.S. Population Schedule) as the head of his household indicating residence in Pioneer Township, Rush County, Kansas. They were homesteading and living in a "sod house" on the western prairie. The same 1880 census indicated that brother Nels Nelson and wife Anna were homesteading the property next door. In 1885 they were listed in a Kansas (State) Census indicating residence in Schenennan (still in Pioneer Township), Rush County, Kansas). Peter received his final land "patent" on the land in Kansas in 1887. In an old record book in the Rush County, Kansas Courthouse is an entry reading as follows: Timber-Culture Certificate No.1 - Application 611 The United States of America, To all to whom these presents shall come, Greeting: Whereas there has been deposited in the General land Office of The United States a Certificate of the Register of the Land Office at Wa Keeney Kansas whereby it appears that , pursuant to the Acts of Congress Approved March 3, 1873, March 13, 1874, and June 14, 1878 "To encourage the growth of timber on the Western Prairies" the claim of Peter Nelson has been established and duly consummated, in conformity to law, for the North East quarter of Section three in Township eighteen South of Range seventeen West of the sixth Principal meridian in Kansas containing one hundred and sixty one acres and seventy six hundredths of an acre according to the Official Plat of the survey of the said land returned to the General Land Office by the Surveyor General: Now know ye, that there is therefor granted by the United States unto the said Peter Nelson the tract of land above described: To have and to hold the said tract of land, with the appurtenances thereof, unto the said Peter Nelson and to his heirs and assigns forever. In testimony whereof, I, Grover Cleveland, President of the United States of America, have caused these letters to be made patent and the seal of the General Land Office to be herewith affixed. Given under my hand the year of our lord one thousand eight hundred and eighty seven. and of the Independence of the United States the one hundred and twelfth. (signed): President, Grover Cleveland. Peter's five boys were born on the homestead farm in Kansas. Apparently the years of low rainfall on the prairie land were discouraging. Peter advertised that he would like to exchange his farm for one somewhat nearer his wife's family. He received a letter from Judge Ephraim Sparks of Scotland County, Missouri, who was interested in moving further West. The trade was made in 1889. The land transfer in Kansas is recorded in Rush County Courthouse record book K306. The entire agreement included exchange of all house furnishings and farm tools. Peter and family reportedly simply got on the train with nothing but their personal belongings and came to their new farm north of Arbela in Scotland County Missouri "sight unseen". Years later, grandaughter Esta Mae Nelson with her father and Mother travelled to Kansas and her father, Fred, located the farm - East of Bison. They knocked at the farmstead and told the lady who answered why they were there. She turned out to be the daughter of Judge Sparks and said her father had at first thought he got the worse of the farm transfer deal. Peter's only daughter (and youngest child), May Nelson, was born at the new home in Missouri. When son, Fred Nelson, was twelve (1893), he and his father became ill with Typhoid Fever and Peter died. The children of Peter and Mary were soon orphaned when Mary Alice followed Peter in death in 1897. The youngest, May, was "taken in" and raised by a neighbor, but all of the boys remained on the farm and cared for themselves till each married and went his own way. On October 15, 1878 in Sweetwater, Menard County, Illinois he married Mary Alice Alkire. He died on March 7, 1893 of typhoid fever in Scotland County, Missouri. He was buried at Mt. Moriah Church Cemetery in Scotland County, Missouri.

5 Mary Alice Alkire: Mary Alice Alkire was born in Sweetwater, Menard County, Illinois on January 31, 1857. On October 15, 1878 in Sweetwater, Menard County, Illinois she married Peter Nelson. She died on December 2, 1897 at age 40 yrs, 10 mos, 1 day of consumption (tuberculosis?) in Scotland County, Missouri. She was buried at the Mt. Moriah Church Cemetery in Scotland County, Missouri.

6 Henry Keck Rugh:

Henry Keck Rugh was born in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania on January 22, 1843. He was a farmer as was his father before him. He spent the later part of his childhood in Scotland County, Missouri. He fought for the Union at the Battle of Shiloh during the civil war, was captured, and spent about a year as a confederate prisoner. He was later exchanged and after re-enlistment, finished out the war serving elsewhere within his regiment, the 21st Missouri Volunteer Infantry. After the war Henry returned to Scotland County, Missouri. The 1870 US census shows him living with siblings in a house next door to his father's house in Union Township, Scotland County. He is known to have bought his own farm property near that of his father about this time. This very likely may have been part of his father's holdings and the log house on the property may well have been the original Michael Rugh home in Scotland County. Henry and new bride, Caroline, soon moved into the log house. Sometime later anew house was built on Henry's property which still stands today (1989). Henry's house and farm is now (1989) known as the "Keith Balderston" farm and is located North-East of Memphis Missouri near a small settlement once known as "Azen". Years later, upon retirement from farming, Henry and Caroline moved into a recently purchased home in the nearby town of Memphis. The present day Memphis Hospital now stands on part of what was once the Henry Rugh property there. On April 16, 1871 in Scotland County, Missouri he married Carrie (Caroline Victoria) Terrell. He died on February 22, 1927 at his home in Memphis, Scotland County, Missouri. He was buried at Prairie View Methodist Cemetery in Scotland County, Missouri.

7 Carrie (Caroline Victoria) Terrell:

Carrie (Caroline Victoria) Terrell was born in Marion, Grant County, Indiana on February 10, 1853. On April 16, 1871 in Scotland County, Missouri she married Henry Keck Rugh. She died on February 9, 1930 in Memphis, Scotland County, Missouri. She was buried at Prairie View Cemetery in Scotland County, Missouri.

Generation 4 (great-grandparents)

8 Nelson (Nels?) Magnusson: Nelson (Nels?) Magnusson was born in Sweden about 1816. About 1835 in Sweden he married Inger Pierceson (Peresdotter or Petersdotter?).

9 Inger Pierceson (Peresdotter or Petersdotter?): Inger Pierceson (Peresdotter or Petersdotter?) was born in Sweden about 1817. About 1835 in Sweden she married Nelson (Nels?) Magnusson.

10 John Henderson Alkire: John Henderson Alkire was born near Springfield in Menard County, Illinois on January 30, 1831. He became a farmer, living with wife Elizabeth and children for 13 years, on a farm north of Sweetwater in Menard County. They moved to a newly constructed home in Sweetwater on March 1, 1864 and spent the remainder of their lives there. On December 25, 1851 in Petersburg, Menard County, Illinois he married Elizabeth J. Hayden. They were married at Short's Hotel, later known as "The Menard House" at three oclock in the afternoon. He died on December 17, 1923 in Sweetwater, Menard County, Illinois.

11 Elizabeth J. Hayden: Elizabeth J. Hayden was born in Kentucky on July 4, 1836. On December 25, 1851 in Petersburg, Menard County, Illinois she married John Henderson Alkire. They were married at Short's Hotel, later known as "The Menard House" at three oclock in the afternoon. She died on June 6, 1923 at age 86 years, 11 months, 2 days in Sweetwater, Menard County, Illinois.

12 Michael (John Michael) Rugh:

Michael (John Michael) Rugh was born in Hempfield Township, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania on December 28, 1817. He was baptized on April 26, 1818 in Greensburg at the First Lutheran Church. Baptismal sponsors were his parents. In adulthood, he married and had several of his children while still living in Hempfield Township (Near Greensburg) before moving by "flatboat" to near Pierceville in Van Buren County Iowa in 1847. In the spring of 1857 he moved to 60 acres of farmland he had purchased in nearby Scotland County Missouri in late 1856. It is considered likely that the log house later occupied by son Henry and family was the original Michael Rugh home in Scotland County. Michael was the original Rugh in Northeastern Missouri. The 1860 US census shows him as a farmer at age 40 in Green Township, Scotland County. His farm and homeplace in what became East Union Township was near the little settlement once known as "Azen". On March 17, 1842 in Hempfield Township, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania he married Ruey (Zeruah) Williams. He died on December 1, 1893 in Scotland County, Missouri. He was buried at Prairie View Church Cemetery in Scotland County, Missouri. His was the first funeral and burial held at this little Church & Cemetery.

13 Ruey (Zeruah) Williams: Ruey (Zeruah) Williams was born in Greensburg, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania in 1817. On March 17, 1842 in Hempfield Township, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania she married Michael (John Michael) Rugh. She died on May 28, 1912 at age 94 in Union Township, Scotland County, Missouri. She was buried at Prairie View Methodist Cemetery in Scotland County, Missouri.

14 William Terrell:

William Terrell was born in Lynchburg, Clinton County, Ohio on October 10, 1820. He became a teacher and a farmer. In 1850 he was recorded by the US census as a farmer with 400 acres in Van Buren Township, Grant County, Indiana. About 1849 he moved with his family from Ohio to Grant County, Indiana and then on to Scotland County, Missouri about 1858. The 1860 US census shows him with his family in Johnson Township, Scotland County, Missouri. Sometime later the family moved to Putnam County, Missouri. The 1880 US census shows William at age 59 with wife and family in Elm Township of Putnam County. William served during the Civil War as a Sergeant in Company M, 12th Missouri Volunteer Cavalry. On February 15, 1845 in Lynchburg, Highland County, Ohio he married Emily Troth during a ceremony performed by Rev.Joseph Good. He died on November 10, 1897 of cancer at age 77 yrs, 1 mo. in Elm Township, Putnum County, Missouri. He was buried at Pleasant Home Cemetery in Worthington, Elm Township, Putnam County, Missouri.

15 Emily Troth: Emily Troth was born in Highland County, Ohio on March 11, 1826. On February 15, 1845 in Lynchburg, Highland County, Ohio she married William Terrell during a ceremony performed by Rev.Joseph Good. She died on November 23, 1905 at age 72 yrs, 8 mo, 12 days in Putnam County, Missouri. She was buried at Pleasant Home Cemetery in Putnam County, Missouri.

Generation 5 (great-great-grandparents)

16 Magnus Nelson: He died in Sweden. Magnus Nelson was born in Sweden about 1800. About 1824 in Sweden he married an unknown person.

20 John Nave Alkire: John Nave Alkire was born in Kentucky on April 19, 1796. On July 2, 1821 in Pickaway County, Ohio he married Jane Ellen Henderson. About 1855 he married Ellen. He was buried at Sugar Grove Cemetery in Sweetwater, Menard County, Illinois. He died on August 19, 1877 at 81 years of age in Menard County, Illinois.

21 Jane Ellen Henderson: Jane Ellen Henderson was born on April 12, 1801. On July 2, 1821 in Pickaway County, Ohio she married John Nave Alkire. She died on March 9, 1848 in Menard County, Illinois. She was buried at Sugar Grove Cemetery in Sweetwater, Menard County, Illinois.

22 Robert McKillen Hayden: Robert McKillen Hayden was born in Fleming, Kentucky on August 28, 1804. Land records show that on March 1, 1830, in partnership with brother, Elijah, he acquired a tract of land on Fox Creek in Fleming County. On February 1, 1831 with first wife, Elizabeth, he acquired additional land there on the Licking River. He was still in Kentucky in 1841 (his child, Elizabeth was born there). But by the time of the 1850 federal census he had moved west and was living with his second wife and his children in Menard County Illinois. He was a Farmer by Occupation. On January 25, 1826 in Fleming County, Kentucky he married Elizabeth Moore. On June 13, 1839 in Fleming County, Kentucky he married Elizabeth Atchison. He died on November 7, 1856 in Illinois. He was buried at in Springfield, Sangamon County, Illinois.

23 Elizabeth Moore: Elizabeth Moore was born about 1806. On January 25, 1826 in Fleming County, Kentucky she married Robert McKillen Hayden. She died about 1836-37 in Kentucky.

24 Jacob (Jon Jacob) Rugh Jr.: Jacob (Jon Jacob) Rugh Jr. was born in Hempfield Township, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania on August 12, 1784. He was baptized on November 20, 1784 in Hempfield Township, Westmoreland County by Rev. Johann Wilhelm Weber. Sponsors were his grandparents, Deobald and Sibilla Mechlin. On October 20, 1799 at age 15 he was confirmed at the Greensburg Evangelical Lutheran church. He was raised on the farm of his father, Jacob Sr. in Westmoreland County. This farmland was part of the original Michael Rugh homestead located just to the south of present day Greensburg. In adulthood, he remained to operate this family farm. In 1825 he was on a property tax list in Hempfield Township. The 1850 US census shows him at age 64 living with his wife and family in Hempfield Township having land worth five thousand dollars. The 1860 census shows him at age 75 and a farmer with real estate worth $11500 still in Hempfield Township. He was a long time member of The First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Greensburg. About 1810 in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania he married Betsy (Elizabeth Louise) Keppel (Kepple). He died on July 29, 1869 at age 85 in Hempfield Township, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. He was buried at the Old German Cemetery in Greensburg, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. He was later moved to Hillview Cemetery in South Greensburg.

25 Betsy (Elizabeth Louise) Keppel (Kepple): Betsy (Elizabeth Louise) Keppel (Kepple) was born in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania on April 26, 1789. Records show that on April 21, 1805 (at age 16) she was confirmed at Greensburg Lutheran Church in Greensburg. About 1810 in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania she married Jacob (Jon Jacob) Rugh Jr.. She died on May 28, 1880 at age 91 in Hempfield Township, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. She was buried at the Old German Cemetery in Greensburg, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania.

26 Daniel Williams Jr.: Daniel Williams Jr. was born in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania on August 11, 1778. He was baptized on October 11, 1778 at the old Sewickley Settlement by Schoolmaster Balthasar Meyer. Baptismal sponsors were Michael Keppel and Catharina Eberhard (single). Daniel appears in adulthood on a Westmoreland County tax list indicating residence in Hempfield Township in 1825. The 1850 census shows him at age 73 still as a resident of Hempfield. Daniel is know to have been a farmer. About 1801 he married Katherine (Catherine) Fiske (Fiscus). After 1831 he married Jane. He died on March 15, 1870 in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. He was buried at the Old German Cemetery in Greensburg, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania.

27 Katherine (Catherine) Fiske (Fiscus): Katherine (Catherine) Fiske (Fiscus) was born in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania about 1785. NOTE! Although there are many circumstantial indications that Catharine Fiske was a daugher of Carl & Zeruia Fiske, I have not found absolute proof! She may well turn out to be the daughter of yet another "Fiske - Fiscus" in Westmoreland County, Pa. About 1801 she married Daniel Williams Jr.. She died on February 12, 1831 at age 40 (age per her tombstone in Hempfield Township, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. She was buried at the Old German Cemetery in Greensburg, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania.

28 Newcomb Terrell (Terril): Newcomb Terrell (Terril) was born near Bridgetown in Cumberland County, New Jersey on November 7, 1778. Records show he was on a jury In Highland County Ohio in 1807. In 1810 he apopears in a tax list for nearby Adams County, Ohio showing land ownership in Highland County. Land records show a sale of land in Highland County by Newcomb and wife Catherine. Newcomb and Catherine acted as securities on a court bond (for John Hill) in August 1813. Newcomb and second wife, Jane, apparently lived in Hillsboro, Highland County as records show that they bought and sold several plots of land there. They probably moved to Lynchburg on the line between Highland and Clinton Counties just prior to 1820. Census records show they actually lived on the Clinton County side of the line. Records show them buying and selling farm land in Clinton County. Newcomb appears in tax lists for Clinton County and they appear, with their children, in the 1850 US census taken in Clinton County. An old historymentions that "The Terrells" were among the congregation that started the First Methodist Church of Lynchburg, Ohio about 1820. On August 24, 1811 in Adams County, Ohio he married Catherine Pennington (ceremony by Samuel Young, J.P.). On May 26, 1814 in Highland County, Ohio he married Jane Johnson. He died about 1843 in Clinton County, Ohio.

29 Jane Johnson: Jane Johnson was born in North Carolina in June 1798. She appears in the 1850 US census as being age 54, born in North Carolina. On May 26, 1814 in Highland County, Ohio she married Newcomb Terrell (Terril). She died on January 14, 1877 at age 80 in Clark Twp., Clinton Co., OH..

30 William Troth: William Troth was born in Monmouth County, New Jersey on March 11, 1791. About 1812 he married Elizabeth Grady. On July 28, 1834 he married Nancy Murrel. He died in March 1863 in Ohio.

31 Elizabeth Grady: Elizabeth Grady was born in North Carolina about 1790-1795. About 1812 she married William Troth.

Generation 6 (3rd-great-grandparents)

40 John Alkire (Rev.): John Alkire (Rev.) was born in Moorefield, Hampshire Co., VA. in 1759. He was a minister. About 1782 in Hampshire County, Virginia he married Susan (Susannah) Nave. He died on October 1, 1836 in Menard County, Illinois. He was buried at Blane Cemetery in Menard County, Illinois.

41 Susan (Susannah) Nave: Susan (Susannah) Nave was born about 1760. About 1782 in Hampshire County, Virginia she married John Alkire (Rev.).

44 Barnabus Hayden: Barnabus Hayden was born in New Jersey in June 1765. By 1811 he was living in Fleming County, Kentucky. Records show that on June 3, 1811 he acquired 100 acres of land on Fox Creek there. On October 9, 1825 he acquired another 100 acres at "Story's Branch", in 1832 another 100 acres on the nearby Licking River, and in 1833 yet another 50 acres (all within Fleming County). He sold his 100 acres on the Licking to an unknown party in 1839, sold 31 acres at Fox Creek in 1841 and then purchased another tract of land on Fox Creek in 1842. About 1794 he married Sarah (or Sophia) McClellen. He died on April 27, 1855 in Kentucky.

45 Sarah (or Sophia) McClellen: Sarah (or Sophia) McClellen was born in Pennsylvania on March 28, 1774. About 1794 she married Barnabus Hayden.

48 Jacob (Jon Jacob) Rugh Sr.: Jacob (Jon Jacob) Rugh Sr. was born in Northampton (now Lehigh) County, Pennsylvania on February 15, 1761. He was probably born in Whitehall Township (once part of Bucks, then Northampton County) north of the present City of Allentown. Alongside his father and brothers, he was a pioneer farmer and early settler of the County of Westmoreland in Pennsylvania. He came west, across the mountains, with father, mother, and siblings in 1772, to a wilderness area that was just to the south of the present City of Greensburg. He was then only 11 years of age. Upon maturity Jacob acquired (via land warrant) 196 acres within Hempfield Township which probably had been part of his father's original homestead. In 1789 he appears on a county tax listing taken in Hempfield Township. He served during the Revolution as a Private in Christopher Truby's Company of Westmoreland County Rangers. He later represented his area of the county in the Pennsylvania State Legislature for several terms. He appeared in the nations first census (1790) in his own household within Hempfield Township. He was a Whig by politic. He became a very well known and highly respected man, was very literate, and owned an extensive personal library. In 1779 or 1780 in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania he married Sibilla Mechling (Machlin). He died on February 6, 1845 at age 84, less 9 days in Hempfield Township, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. He was buried at The Old German Cemetery in Greensburg, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. The grave and tombstone were later moved to Hillview Cemetery in south Greensburg.

49 Sibilla Mechling (Machlin): Sibilla Mechling (Machlin) was born in Northampton (now Lehigh) County, Pennsylvania on February 26, 1762. Records show that she was baptized on March 28, 1762 at age 4 weeks and 2 days. Baptismal sponsors were Peter Mechlin and Barbara. In 1779 or 1780 in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania she married Jacob (Jon Jacob) Rugh Sr.. She died on November 27, 1844 at age 82 years, 9 months in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania.

50 Michael (John Michael) Keppel (Kepple): Michael (John Michael) Keppel (Kepple) was born in Northampton (now Lehigh) County, Pennsylvania on January 14, 1759. About 1777 he came with his parents to Westmoreland County. He was required to pay property taxes of "10.0" in Westmoreland County in 1786. The 1790 U.S. census lists him as head of household and a resident of Hempfield Township there. DAR membership application #298266 indicates that he served in a soldierly capacity during the Revolutionary war. On November 4, 1822 warrant application was made on his homesteaded land of 211 acres in Westmoreland County. A stronghouse built of logs on his property was known as "Kepple's Blockhouse" and was used for protection by Michael and his neighbors against Indian attack.
About 1785 in Pennsylvania he married Dorothy (Anna Dorothea) Yerian. He died on May 8, 1824 at age 65 yrs, 3 mos, 25 das in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. He was buried at the Old German Cemetery (moved to Old Union Cemetery) in Greensburg, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania.

51 Dorothy (Anna Dorothea) Yerian: Dorothy (Anna Dorothea) Yerian was born probably in Lynn Township, in Northampton (now Lehigh) County, Pennsylvania on October 20, 1766. Records show she was baptized in Allemangel (at or near Lynn Township, now in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania) by Rev Daniel Schumacher on November 2, 1766 at age 10 weeks and 3 days. (This age at time of baptism as transcribed from the old church record is being questioned because it disagrees with her tombstone inscription. It is considered likely that the correct age would have been 1 week 3 days which agrees with her tombstone.) Baptismal sponsors were Ehrhard Zeisseloff and Dorothea. About 1785 in Pennsylvania she married Michael (John Michael) Keppel (Kepple). She died on April 20, 1846 at age 79 years, 6 months in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. She was buried at the Old German Cemetery (moved to Old Union Cemetery) in Greensburg, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania.

52 Daniel Willems (Williams) Sr.: Daniel Willems (Williams) Sr. was born in Northampton (now Lehigh) County, Pennsylvania on December 28, 1748. On June 19, 1749 (in Northampton County) he was baptized Lutheran as "Daniel Willems" at the Jordan Lutheran Church in Whitehall Township. His German surname had originally been spelled "Willems" and slowly evolved into "Williams". He later became one of the original farmer-pioneers in an area of the Western Pennsylvania wilderness which became (in 1773) Hempfield Township, Westmoreland County. He was apparently quite the adventurer. One story tells that he had claimed his land "by tomahawk" before the year 1769. According to a land warrant record of 1783, he had homesteaded 250 acres of land just west of the new town of Greensburg. He appears in a tax listing for Hempfield Township taken in 1789 and shows up there again during the nations first census of 1790. It is known that Daniel once referred to his land as "Daniel's Fancy". It later became known as "Keaggy Farms". A 1796 record indicates that he applied for and apparently obtained a "Tavern License" at the Westmoreland County Courthouse that year. In his mature years, he must have become an innkeeper. About 1774 he married Christina. He died on April 27, 1803 at age 56 years in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. He was buried at the Old German Cemetery in Greensburg, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania.

53 Christina: Christina was born about 1752. About 1774 she married Daniel Willems (Williams) Sr..

54 Carl Fiske (Fiscus): Carl Fiske (Fiscus) was born about 1760. About 1780-1783 he married Zeruia (also sp. Seruin or Saruja).

55 Zeruia (also sp. Seruin or Saruja): About 1780-1783 she married Carl Fiske (Fiscus).

56 Adam Terrell (Terril): Adam Terrell (Terril) was born in Rhode Island on September 19, 1742. His name was commonly spelled "Terril". He lived as an adult in Deerfield Township, Cumberland County, and in nearby Pittsgrove Township in Salem County, New Jersey. Tax records show he owned a "Tan Yard" in Deerfield and an Inn located in Bridgeton. During the Revolutionary War he served in the Cumberland Co (NJ) militia from 1775 to about 1777 as first a Private, then an Ensign, and later as a 2nd Lieutenant. On December 29, 1765 he married Mary Thompson. About 1788 in Deerfield, Cumberland County, New Jersey he married Phoebe Garrison. He died on April 27, 1790 in Pittsgrove, Salem County, New Jersey.

57 Mary Thompson: Mary Thompson was born on September 14, 1740. On December 29, 1765 she married Adam Terrell (Terril). She died on October 28, 1787 in Pittsgrove, Salem County, New Jersey.

58 Elisha Johnson: Elisha Johnson was born in Highland County, Ohio about 1765. About 1790 in North Carolina he married Jane Johnson. About 1800 in North Carolina he married Rachel Moorman.

59 Jane Johnson: Jane Johnson was born in North Carolina about 1770. About 1790 in North Carolina she married Elisha Johnson. She died in June 1798 in North Carolina. She apparently died as a result of giving birth to her daughter, Jane.

60 William Troth: William Troth was born near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on September 26, 1762. He brought his family west to Ohio from New Jersey in 1807. The obituary of daughter Elizabeth tells their story: "Her parents were among the earliest settlers of this region, coming from Monmouth County, New Jersey in 1807. Her father, William Troth, purchased a woodland farm on the Indian Trail crossing the Rocky Fork near Musset Hole. Here he built his habitation of logs, and undaunted by the herculean task before him, began clearing his field for cultivation. Then the country was sparsely settled, and had but recently been abandoned by the Indians, whose populous village has stood upon the opposite bank of the stream. Mr. Troth had built his dwelling in that beautiful region now known as Ohio's Wonderland. Nature and her parents, whose lessons of life's most sacred duties were inculcated around the hearthstones, were her only teachers." On February 6, 1787 in Evesham Township, Burlington County, New Jersey he married Elizabeth Phillips. He died on December 9, 1838 in his 76th year in Highland County, Ohio. He was buried at the Hulitt Cemetery in Paint Township, Highland County, Ohio.

61 Elizabeth Phillips: Elizabeth Phillips was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on July 21, 1769. On February 6, 1787 in Evesham Township, Burlington County, New Jersey she married William Troth. She died on February 19, 1850 in her 81st year in Highland County, Ohio. She was buried at the Hulitt Cemetery in Paint Township, Highland County, Ohio.

62 John Grady: John Grady was born about 1765. He was a farmer. About 1785 he married Anne. He died in 1836 or 1837 in Hightland Co., OH..

63 Anne: Anne was born about 1765. About 1785 she married John Grady.

Generation 7 (4th-great-grandparents)

80 Harmonas Alkire II: Harmonas Alkire II was born in Moorefield, Hampshire Co., VA. in 1730. He served as a Lieutenant during Lord Dunsmere's War in 1774. In 1751 in Hampshire County, Virginia he married Lydia Patton. He died on or about May 29, 1800 in Paris, Bourbon Co., KY..

81 Lydia Patton: Lydia Patton was born about 1735. In 1751 in Hampshire County, Virginia she married Harmonas Alkire II.

88 Nathaniel Hayden: Nathaniel Hayden was born in Braintree, Norfolk County, Massachusetts on February 21, 1725. On August 28, 1752 in Morristown, New Jersey he married Serviah Sutton. He died on September 5, 1812 in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. He was buried at Salem Baptist Church Cemetery in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania.

89 Serviah Sutton: Serviah Sutton was born in Morristown, New Jersey on June 7, 1736. On August 28, 1752 in Morristown, New Jersey she married Nathaniel Hayden. She died on April 29, 1814 in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. She was buried at Salem Baptist Church Cemetery in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania.

96 Michael Ruch (Rugh) Sr.: Michael Ruch (Rugh) Sr. was born in Gumbrechtshoffen, Alsace, (now in Bas-Rhin France) probably on January 5 (or) July 26, 1723. Most researchers date his birth as "January 5, 1723/24", but a church record found in the Archives Nationales in Strasbourg by researcher John Ruch of Canada shows "Johann Michael" born to "Hans Georg Ruch and Catharina of Gumbrechtshoffen" on "July 26th 1728". This date obviously differs from the above and the year (1728) also conflicts with his age as recorded on the following ship's record. One can't help but wonder if the old faded church birth record wasn't misread and it actually had a date of "1723" (the "8" actually being a "3"?). The ship record (as reported by Egle) shows that he came from Rotterdam Holland via Deal England with his parents and siblings on the ship "Samuel", landing (at age 10) in Philadelphia on August 17, 1733. This Ruch family is known to have settled in Whitehall Township, which was first part of Bucks then Northampton and now present-day Lehigh County (Pennsylvania). On February 2, 1745 Michael Ruch swore an oath to the English King and thus was naturalizedas a British subject at the Philadelphia Courthouse. This courthouse is known today as "Constitution Hall", the place where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution was written some 30-40 years later. In 1743 Michael applied for a warrant and in 1747 was awarded land by the Penns that was located on "Truckers Creek" (now known as Jordan Creek) in old Bucks County (now in Lehigh county) Pennsylvania north of what is today Allentown. Records indicate he was one of a group of members that in 1744 contributed to the construction of the original "Heidelberg Lutheran/Reformed (Union) Church" log building. The church still exists today in a newer form at 5187 Irvin Road, Slatington, Pennsylvania and is about 2 miles due east of Jordan Creek and where Michael's land was probably situated. The 1747 land survey map shows a branch in the creek on Michael's property which appears very much like an existing branch one can see on a modern map of the area. Records show that in 1769 he and his wife were sponsors for the baptism of John Michael Kassner at the Heidelberg Church. Later, in 1771, he left Eastern Pennsylvania, taking his family west into the wilderness beyond the Allegheny Mountains. With the able help of his adult sons and their families they homesteaded a very large tract of land in Southwestern Pennsylvania. They constructed cabins and a sturdy stockade used by both family and neighbors for protection from Indian attack. This "fort" became well known in that part of early Pennsylvania as "Rugh's Blockhouse". It was located on a site just a mile or two south of the present City of Greensburg and was on the old Hannastown-Beesontown road. He built a large two-story log house which had musket portholes and where a large company of people could stay and defend themselves during times of indian attack. In the year 1773, along with a small handful of other individuals, he played a large part in the formation of the new County of Westmoreland. He was appointed by the Pennsylvania governor of the day as one of the 14 original Westmoreland County "Justices". He was also one of a very small group of men named to set up the new county seat at the home of Robert Hanna. The town thus erected soon became known as "Hannastown". A few years later, in 1782, Hannastown was totally destroyed during an Indian attack inspired by the British. Michael was one of five individuals then chosen by the Governor of Pennsylvania to "purchase and take assurance" land for the creation of yet another county town. That new town, first known as "New Town" eventually became known as Greensburg, and is the county seat of Westmoreland County to this day. Much of the original land of Michael (the Sr.) has now become known as "South Greensburg". Michael served for several terms as County Coroner, beginning in 1780. He and friend Anthony Altman were the trustees of 106 acres of land provided for the church and school of the Zion Lutheran Church at Harold's (so designated in 1789). During the Revolution, he was the Westmoreland County Militia "Commissioner of Purchases". The Rugh Blockhouse was apparently considered then what today would be known by the military as a "supply depot". He appears on a county tax listing for Hempfield Township in 1789 and is in the nations first census (1790) as the head of his household within Hempfield. The old house of Michael (the Sr.) located today in South Greensburg still exists in a remodeled state (1991), and is occupied by an Attorney at Law at 1213 Broad Street. The original existing stone walls are said to be 2 feet thick. The location of this house is but a few blocks from a roadpresently called "Rugh Street". On April 16, 1745 in Moselem Springs, Richmond Township, (now in Berks County), Pennsylvania he married Franzina (Anna Franzina) Mercklin (Merkel)(Markle at the Moselem Lutheran Church. On June 15, 1784 in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania he married Lucy Waltz (Walts). Michael died about 1800 in Hempfield Township, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania.

97 Franzina (Anna Franzina) Mercklin (Merkel)(Markle: Franzina (Anna Franzina) Mercklin (Merkel)(Markle was born in Lambsheim, the Palatinate (now part of the Pfalz in Germany) about 1716-1717. Old records show that on February 2, 1717 she was baptized at the church in Heuchelheim, the Palatinate (now in Frankenthal, the Pfalz, Germany)
On April 16, 1745 in Moselem Springs, Richmond Township, (now in Berks County), Pennsylvania she married Michael Ruch (Rugh) Sr. at the Moselem Lutheran Church. Franzina died in (or about) 1782 in Hempfield Township, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. It is considered very likely (but not completely proven) that Franzina died during the Indian attack at "Millers" on July 13, 1782. This is the incident where her son, Michael Jr., and his wife and children were taken captive. The Indians were part of the same band that also attacked and destroyed Hannastown.

98 Dewalt (Theobald) Mechling (Machlin) (II): Dewalt (Theobald) Mechling (Machlin) (II) was born in Germantown, Pennsylvania (now part of the City of Philadelphia) on November 11, 1731. Dewalt grew up in the Log cabin of his father located in what is now known as Lower Milford Township in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. He moved from the general area of his father's home in Eastern Pennsylvania when the Western Pennsylvania wilderness lands were opened for settlement shortly before the time of the formation of Westmoreland County in 1773. He filed his land claim (homestead) for 343 acres in Westmoreland County in the year 1769. It was at a place that he named "Mecklenburg" and it later became part of Hempfield Township. During the American Revolution Dewalt served honorably as an Ensign in Colonel Aeneas Mackay's Battalion, 8th Continental Line (Regiment) of Pennsylvania volunteers. In 1783 he appeared on the county tax records taken in Hempfield Township as "Devalt Mecklin Sen'r" with 200 acres, 4 horses, 5 cattle, and 6 sheep. Heappears on the County tax list there again in 1789 and in the first official U.S. census taken in Hempfield Township in 1790. About 1756 in Northampton (now Lehigh) County, Pennsylvania he married Sibilla Koehler (Kohler). He died on March 29, 1816 in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. He was buried at Feightner's Cemetery near Longwood, Hempfield Township, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania.

99 Sibilla Koehler (Kohler): Sibilla Koehler (Kohler) was born about 1735 or 1736. She was probably born in old Northampton County Pennsylvania for on April 24, 1736 she was baptized Lutheran or German Reformed at the Great Swamp Church located there. About 1756 in Northampton (now Lehigh) County, Pennsylvania she married Dewalt (Theobald) Mechling (Machlin) (II).

100 Nicholas (Joh George Nicolaus) Keppel (Kepple): Nicholas (Joh George Nicolaus) Keppel (Kepple) was born in Herbitzheim (Nassau Region), Alsace (now Sarre-Union, France) on February 26, 1724. On February 28, 1724 he was baptized Lutheran at the Herbitzheim Lutheran Church. Baptismal sponsors were: "Nickel Hemmerth (Smith at Dehlingen), Joh. Adam Erdter, and Catharina Hausswald (single)". There is a 1739 record showing Lutheran confirmation at the same Herbitzheim Church. He came to America on the Ship Phoenix from Rotterdam Holland via Cowes England, arriving in Philadelphia on September 15, 1749. He first settled in old Bucks County Pennsylvania. On August 16, 1765 (in old Bucks County) he and wife Anna Maria were baptismal sponsors for Maria Margaret ECKER at St. Paul's or Egypt Church. Maria was the daughter of Jurg Ecker. By 1777 he had taken his family west over the Alleghenies to Westmoreland County and had settled at a place along the old Forbes Road west of three Redoubts (at a point later called Stony Springs - not far fromGreensburg). In 1783 (in Westmoreland County) he was required to pay property taxes on 100 acres, 2 horses, and 5 cattle. He was listed in the nations first census (1790) as the head of his household and a resident of Hempfield Township, Westmoreland County. He is also said to have served in some capacity as a patriot soldier during the American Revolution, but this has not been verified. On September 28, 1756 in Bedminster Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania he married Molly (Anna Maria) Willems (Williams) in a German Reformed ceremony at Tohickon Creek Church. He died in 1804 in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. He was buried at The Old Trout Farm in Mount Pleasant Township, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania.

101 Molly (Anna Maria) Willems (Williams): Molly (Anna Maria) Willems (Williams) was born in Pennsylvania about 1740. On September 28, 1756 in Bedminster Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania she married Nicholas (Joh George Nicolaus) Keppel (Kepple) in a German Reformed ceremony at Tohickon Creek Church. She was buried at The Old Trout Farm in Mount Pleasant Township, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania.

102 George Yerian: George Yerian was born in Oley, old Philadelphia County Pennsylvania, now located in Oley Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania on October 18, 1733. He was baptized on December 10, 1733 by Rev. John Casper Stoever. The baptismal sponsors were John George Ohr and wife Elizabetha Gertrandt. The will of his father Mathias, probated in 1763, left his "plantation" in Linn Township, Northampton County to George. George in company with his 1st wife Barbara served as a sponsor of baptisms in old Northampton County in 1757, 1764, 1765, 1770. George was a sponsor without a wife being mentioned at a baptism in November of 1772. About the year 1773 he moved to Mt. Pleasant Township in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. He was recorded as a baptismal sponsor in company with his 2nd wife Margaret in Westmoreland County in 1775, 1778, 1783, 1785, 1788, 1792, and September 1775, On February 2, 1785 a warrant of 298 acres "situated on a branch of Jacob's Creek in Mt. Pleasant Township, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania" was issued to "George Yerun". His wife Margaret was listed as a widow and a baptismal sponsor without George in September of 1808. Probate papers dated 1805 following his death indicate that at the time of his death he owned 298 acres in Mt. Pleasant Township and 146 additional acres at the "north side of the Kiskiminitas River opposite the old town" in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania. About 1756 he married Anna Barbara Fusselman (Fosselman). About 1770 in Pennsylvania he married Margaret Willems (Williams). He died in 1804 in either Westmoreland or Armstrong County in Pennsylvania. He was buried at the Kepple Burial Ground near Vandergrift in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania.

103 Anna Barbara Fusselman (Fosselman): Anna Barbara Fusselman (Fosselman) was born about 1735. About 1756 she married George Yerian. She died about 1770.

104 Thomas Willems Sr.: Thomas Willems Sr. was born in the Northern Alsace (now Bas-Rhin, France) about 1723. He came to America from the European Rhineland area of Alsace with his father via the ship Harle from Amsterdam, landing in Philadelphia in 1736. He settled in an area of old Northampton County in Pennsylvania. His residence may have been in or near Whitehall Township (part of present-day Lehigh County) for his son Daniel was baptized in 1749 at the Jordan Lutheran Church located there.
About 1739 in Eastern Pennsylvania he married Naema.

105 Naema: Naema was born about 1719. About 1739 in Eastern Pennsylvania she married Thomas Willems Sr..

112 Daniel Terrell (Terril): Daniel Terrell (Terril) was born in England about 1715. NOTE: There are indications that Daniel may have been the father of Adam Terrell, but this has not been proven. He died in 1759 in Deerfield, Cumberland County, New Jersey.

114 Benjamin Thompson (II): Benjamin Thompson (II) was born in Rhode Island in May 1705. In 1732 in New Jersey he married Anna Newcomb. Probably after 1749 he married Abigail. He died on March 29, 1763 in New Jersey.

115 Anna Newcomb: Anna Newcomb was born about 1714. In 1732 in New Jersey she married Benjamin Thompson (II).

120 Isaac Troth: Isaac Troth was born in Burlington County, New Jersey on December 15, 1737. He was a farmer. About 1760 he married Hannah probably in New Jersey. On February 7, 1776 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania he married Mary Assherton at Saint Michael's Zion Lutheran Church. On April 16, 1782 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania he married Elizabeth Lippincott at Christ Church. He died in 1783.

121 Hannah: Hannah was born about 1740. About 1760 she married Isaac Troth probably in New Jersey. She died in 1775 probably in New Jersey.

Generation 8 (5th-great-grandparents)

160 Harmonas Alkire: Harmonas Alkire was born somewhere in Germanic Europe in 1700. In 1720 he married Mary Craymor. He died in 1796 in Mercer County, Kentucky.

161 Mary Craymor: In 1720 she married Harmonas Alkire.

162 John Patton: John Patton was born about 1700.

163 Miss Rogers: Miss Rogers was born about 1700.

176 Samuel Hayden: Samuel Hayden was born in Braintree, Norfolk County, Massachusetts on October 4, 1691. In 1713 he married Priscilla Webb.

177 Priscilla Webb: Priscilla Webb was born in Braintree, Norfolk County, Massachusetts on October 1, 1697. In 1713 she married Samuel Hayden. She died on April 3, 1731. She died on April 3, 1731.

178 John Sutton: John Sutton was born about 1710. About 1733 he married Mary Martin.

179 Mary Martin: Mary Martin was born about 1712. About 1733 she married John Sutton.

192 George (Hans George) Ruch (Rouk) (The Sr.): George (Hans George) Ruch (Rouk) (The Sr.) was born in Zutzendorf, Alsace, (now in Bas-Rhin France) on December 29, 1682. The old church record at Zutzendorf found recently on LDS microfilm indicates this birthdate of 29 Dec 1682. This record also shows that on January 2, 1683 he was baptized at the Zutzendorf Lutheran Church. The old records inicate that he was a shepherd living in 1712 in Pfaffenhoffen and in 1715 in Eckendorf. Years later George brought his wife and family to America by way of Rotterdam Holland and the British merchant ship "Samuel", arriving in Philadelphia at a recorded age of 48 on 17 Aug 1733. (This age record tends to indicate he was born about 1685). On arrival in the colonies all "foreigners" (they were Germans in an English colony) were required to report immediately to the local courthouse at the port of entry to take an oath of allegiance to the British Crown. This courthouse, (in the case of our Ruch family) is thought to have been the very Philadelphia courthouse where the liberty bell once hung and where the declaration of independence and the constitution were drafted. It is now known as "Independence Hall". Hans George and his family settled in America in Whitehall Township, an area that is now just north of the town of Allentown in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. His second wife, Catharina, died not long after her arrival in America and George took a third wife, Susanna, from whom he had more children. He (and members of his family) attended the Jordan Lutheran Church which today still stands within a newer structure upon its original site in Walberts, Pennsylvania. On November 13, 1704 in Uhrwiller, Alsace, (now in Bas-Rhin France) he married Catharina Burkhard. On August 9, 1707 in Niedermodern, Alsace, (now in Bas-Rhin France) he married Catharina (Anna Catharina) Reiss. In 1735 in Northampton (now Lehigh) County, Pennsylvania he married Susanna Zigler. He died in 1769 in South Whitehall Township, Northampton (now Lehigh) County, Pennsylvania. He was buried at Jordan Lutheran Church Cemetery in Walberts, South Whitehall Township, within the present Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. His tombstone still existed as late as 1939. A photograph of it is in the published history of the church. During a 1992 visit, a thorough search was made for the stone (it had a very distinctive shape), but it could not be located. It has apparently finally succumbed to the passage of time. There has been a controversy surrounding this tombstone inscription as depicted in the church history book. It gives his death date as shown here, but mentions that he died at 104 years of age. Ship passenger records which give his age at the time of his arrival in Philadelphia as well as other indications have convinced this compiler that the tombstone (for some peculiar reason) was inscribed in error and that George would have actually been 84 years old in 1769.

193 Catharina (Anna Catharina) Reiss: Catharina (Anna Catharina) Reiss was born in Engwiller, Alsace, (now in Bas-Rhin France) on November 30, 1683. On August 9, 1707 in Niedermodern, Alsace, (now in Bas-Rhin France) she married George (Hans George) Ruch (Rouk) (The Sr.). She died in 1735 in South Whitehall Township, Northampton (now Lehigh) County, Pennsylvania.

194 Christian (John Christian) Mercklin (Merkel) Sr: Christian (John Christian) Mercklin (Merkel) Sr was born possibly somewhere in the Palatinate in the Rhineland area of old Germanic Europe about 1680. He was German Reformed by religion and by 1704 was a Cartwright by trade in Lambsheim, Pfalz. That year his property located there was evaluated at "100 Florins". On April 19, 1719 he sold his house in Lambsheim and (in company with father-in-law Johannes Bender and brother-in-law, Leonhard Christler) left with the intent to immigrate to America. Once in America, Christian settled in the Maxatawny Valley near Moselem Springs (then called Mosillia Creek) in what became Richmond Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania. On May 7, 1734, he took up 150 acres and 6 years later (Apr 23 1740) took another patent of an additional 150 acres, and then again on Jul 9, 1741 another 50 acres. All of this farmland was located in an area of Richmond Township known as "The Flat". He eventually acquired a total of 1500 acres there. He had a wagon-makers shop, a blacksmith shop, and a gristmill on his property. He became naturalized as a British subject on 23 Mar 1741 at the Philadelphia Courthouse. On Nov 16, 1751, he gave 175 acres of land to his son, George, "For natural love and affection and for other considerations, and five pounds in current money of Pennsylvania to him in hand given". He and his entire family were members of the Moselem Lutheran Church and the tombstones of many "Merkel" still exist (1989) in the cemetery next to the present day church building. Christian made his will April 25, 1749, probated May 22, 1766. It lists his sons Peter, George, Christian, and Casper. Also listed are daughters Catherine Stover, Frankiena (Franzina) Rugh, Mary Hill, Anna Maria Cramer, and Anna Lena Merckel. Note that there has been considerable controversy surrounding the ancestry and the wives of Christian Merkel. Norton Merkel wrote much about Christian and his ancestry in his work, "The Merkel, Merkel, Markle, Markel Freundeschaft".But it has been found that Gustav Anjou, a fraudulent researcher, was found to have provided much of the early information for this work. Old German Reformed church records of the Palatinate area found more recently by Tim Conrad and others clearly show Christian and wife, Catharine (nee Bender or Benner) marrying and having children in or near Lambsheim before leaving to immigrate to America in 1719. These children include Jacob, Margaret, Conrad, Catherine, Franzina, and Mary Appolonia. So I feel little doubt that Catharine (Benner or Bender) is the mother of these particular children. Please do note however that there exists evidence, perhaps of a weaker nature, indicating a Jemima Weurtz as the mother of daughter Francina. Found within the genealogical journal of James C. Rugh apparently was the statement as follows: "In 1881, I visited Westmoreland County for the purpose of obtaining information on the ancestral subject & met Mrs Hannah Rugh Rowe, a cousin of my grandfather Rugh. She was then 88 yrs old, very intelligent & in full possession of her mental faculties. (She lived to the age of 93 years). She told me that her great grandfather came from Holland to Lehigh County Pennsylvania, that her grandfather Michael Rugh married Anna Frances Markle a daughter of General Christopher Markle & his wife Anna Jemima Wertz (also from Holland). They located in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania on a tract of land a part of which is now occupied by a portion of the present site of Greensburg, the county seat of said county". Note also that there is documentation of an attempt (see J.V. Thompson Journals) in the early 1900's to claim the large fortune of a French Admiral who had died previously in Holland. These individuals were claiming to be descendants of Jemima Weurtz who they were claiming to be the Admiral's sister. There are indications that these persons had been in contact with Mr. J. C. Rugh and were using his stated interview with Mrs. Rowe to establish a relationship to the Admiral. We cannot dismiss the possibility that this relationship was contrived and thus Christian was never actually married to Jemima Weurtz. (???) To my knowledge there has never been any other evidence found that Christian was married to a Jemima Weurtz. So I tend to think the best evidence to date indicates there was probably only one wife (Catharine Benner or Bender) and that she was the mother of all of Christian's children. But until this is proven with absolute certainty the reader should certainly keep an open mind to other possibilities. On January 6, 1707 in Lambsheim, the Palatinate (now part of the Pfalz in Germany) he married Catharine (Anna Catharina) Benner (Bender). Christian died in 1766 in Moselem Springs, Richmond Township, (now in Berks County), Pennsylvania.

195 Catharine (Anna Catharina) Benner (Bender): Catharine (Anna Catharina) Benner (Bender) was born (probably at or near Lambsheim, Pfalz) in the Rhineland area of old Germanic Europe about 1690. On January 6, 1707 in Lambsheim, the Palatinate (now part of the Pfalz in Germany) she married Christian (John Christian) Mercklin (Merkel) Sr.

196 Theobald (Dewalt) Mechling (Machlin) (I): Theobald (Dewalt) Mechling (Machlin) (I) was born perhaps in Hoerdt, Alsace, (now France) about 1694. It is thought by some and there are indications that he may have been born in Hoerdt but this has not been conclusively proven. It is known that he, in company with brother Jacob (they being two Germans of the Lutheran faith), left Rotterdam Holland on board the ship James Goodwill (David Crockatt, Master) bound for Deal, England. And that on the 15th of June 1728, still aboard the James Goodwill at Deal, they finally set sail for America. It took almost three months to make the Atlantic voyage. Upon arrival, they signed the Declaration of Allegiance to King George II of England. Theobald signed his name with just the letter, "D" (for Diebold or Dewalt). Soon both brothers had settled in Germantown (an area which is now part of Philadelphia). They are known to have operated a Tannery there. Theobald married Anna Elizabeth Lauer in Germantown and his first son, Theobald (Dewalt), was born there. On the 29th of June 1734, Theobald (the Sr.) was granted a 125 acre land warrant in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. The area of the warrant being within what is today Lower Milford Township in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. It is generally assumed that he also moved to this new area about this time. This is where the rest of his children were born and raised. By 1757, it is known that he had acquired at least 220 acres in the area. His old log house still partially exists today near the little town of Hosensack. About 1730 in Germantown, Pennsylvania (now part of the City of Philadelphia) he married Anna Elizabetha Louer (Lauer). He died on April 16, 1765 in Lower Milford Township, Northampton (now Lehigh) County, Pennsylvania.

197 Anna Elizabetha Louer (Lauer): Anna Elizabetha Louer (Lauer) was born about 1700. About 1730 in Germantown, Pennsylvania (now part of the City of Philadelphia) she married Theobald (Dewalt) Mechling (Machlin) (I).

198 Michael Kaler (Koehler): Michael Kaler (Koehler) was born about 1705. About 1730 he married Sibilla.

199 Sibilla: Sibilla was born about 1708. About 1730 she married Michael Kaler (Koehler).

200 Michael (Johann Michael) Koeppel (Keppel): Michael (Johann Michael) Koeppel (Keppel) was born probably in or near Dehlingen in Alsace, (now Eastern France) about 1697. He was baptized on October 27, 1697 at the Lutheran Church at Dehlingen. He lived in an area at or near Herbitzheim in what later came to be located within the Northern Alsace (Bas-Rhin, France). He attended the Herbitzheim Lutheran Church there. He and his family traveled down the Rhine River to Holland and came to America in the company of two sons (Nicholas & Jacob) on the ship Phoenix (John Mason, Master) from Rotterdam via Cowes England arriving in Philadelphia on September 15, 1749. He (as Michael Keppel) was probably one of the signers of a petition for protection from Indians "on the forks of the Delaware" on October 5, 1757. He was a church Deacon in the Lower Saucon Valley of Pennsylvania. He was captured by Shawnee Indians at the battle of Bushy Run, later released and died in 1764, the same year. His two sons were sponsors at St. Paul's (Indianland) Lutheran Church (in what later became Lehigh County) in 1765. This was most likely very near where Michael had lived.
On April 6, 1723 in Herbitzheim (Nassau Region), Alsace (now Sarre-Union, France) he married Anna Bentz at Herbitzheim Lutheran Church. He died in 1764 in Eastern Pennsylvania.

201 Anna Bentz: Anna Bentz was born in the Rhineland area of old Germanic Europe about 1700. Prior to her marriage she lived in the home of her father (the Schoolteacher) in Herbitzheim (Alsace). She was most likely born there (or nearby). On April 6, 1723 in Herbitzheim (Nassau Region), Alsace (now Sarre-Union, France) she married Michael (Johann Michael) Koeppel (Keppel) at Herbitzheim Lutheran Church.

202 Thomas Willems Sr. (redundant, see 104)

203 Naema (redundant, see 105)

204 Matthias Irion (Yerian): Matthias Irion (Yerian) was born in Talheim, Tuttlingen District, now in Baden-Württemberg, Germany about 1702. A photocopy of an old church parish register from Talheim, Tuttlingen District, now in Baden-Württemberg, Germany shows Mattheus son of Heinrich Irion and Magdalena, baptized March 1703. Ship Passenger lists indicate that Matthias was one on a list of Palatines which arrived in Philadelphia Pennsylvania on October 11, 1732 on the ship Pleasant from Rotterdam via Deal England. He signed the passenger list with his mark "MI". His name was recorded next to his mark (by the ship's scribe or captain) as "Matthias Iurian" He was listed as being age 30. There is also record of an Indenture document dated November 1, 1732 whereas "Matthias Irion late of Durlach in Germany" had agreed, in return for his passage from Holland to Philadelphia being paid, to be in servitude to David Kaufman of Oley, Philadelphia County Pennsylvania for a term of 3 years and 9 months. Durlach is a small village near the present city of Karlsruhe near the Rhine River in Bundesland Baden-Württemberg, Germany. So we know this is where he must have been living just before coming to America. On January 29, 1731 in Graben, now in Baden-Württemberg, Germany he married Magdalena Pfister.

205 Magdalena Pfister: Magdalena Pfister was born somewhere in Germanic Europe. On January 29, 1731 in Graben, now in Baden-Württemberg, Germany she married Matthias Irion (Yerian).

206 Erhard Fusselman: Erhard Fusselman was born probably in Minfeld in the Southern Palatinate somewhere in Germanic Europe about 1701. Erhard was baptized at Minfeld on September 25, 1791. Records indicate Hans Erhard Vosselman arrived in America (Philadelphia) on the ship Pink John & William and qualified at the Philadelphia courthouse on October 17, 1732. On October 4, 1738 Erhard received 151 acres of land by warrant number 28 from the proprietaries of Pennsylvania located in Lynn Township, Northampton County, Pennsylvania. The 1751 will of Peter Hiby mentions that Erhard Fosselman lived in Pennsylvania at "Allemengal". Allemangel has been described as an area once at or near what is present day Lynn Township, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. In 1765 Erhard acquired another 30 acres adjoining the first property in Lynn Township. On August 23, 1729 in Minfeld, now Baden-Württemberg, Germany he married Elizabetha Margaretha Probst.

207 Elizabetha Margaretha Probst: Elizabetha Margaretha Probst was born somewhere in Germanic Europe about 1709. On August 23, 1729 in Minfeld, now Baden-Württemberg, Germany she married Erhard Fusselman.

208 Johannes Willems: Johannes Willems was born in the Northern Alsace (now Bas-Rhin, France) in 1689. On September 1, 1736, at 47 years of age (with his 46 year old wife, Margaretha) he arrived at the port of Philadelphia aboard the ship Harle from Rotterdam Holland via Cowes England. Also on board was his son, Thomas, at age 14. Published on October 1, 1752 in the Philadelphia German Language newspaper "Pennsylvanische Geschichts-Schreiber" is an item which reads as follows: "Johannes Willems, Oley". So Oley in what became present day Oley Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania must have been where he settled, at least for a time. About 1720 in the Rhineland area of old Germanic Europe he married Anna Margaretha.

209 Anna Margaretha: Anna Margaretha was born in 1690. About 1720 in the Rhineland area of old Germanic Europe she married Johannes Willems.

228 Benjamin Thompson (I): Benjamin Thompson (I) was born in Dorchester (now part of Boston), Massachusetts 1640. In 1662 he married Elizabeth. He died 1714.

229 Elizabeth: Elizabeth was born about 1642. In 1662 she married Benjamin Thompson (I).

230 Joseph Newcomb (Captain): Captain Joseph Newcomb was born about 1680. About 1710 he married Joyce Butler.

231 Joyce Butler: Joyce Butler was born about 1680. About 1710 she married Captain Joseph Newcomb.

240 Paul Troth: Paul Troth was born in Burlington County, New Jersey about 1706. About 1731 he married Deborah. He died in 1738.

241 Deborah: Deborah was born about 1703. About 1731 she married Paul Troth. On September 25, 1741 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania she married William Goldy at The First Presbyterian Church. She died in 1749.


Generation 9 (6th-great-grandparents)

352 Nehemiah Hayden (the Sr.): Nehemiah Hayden (the Sr.) was born in Braintree, Norfolk County, Massachusetts on February 14, 1647. He spent his lifetime in Braintree, Massachyusetts. He was a Selectman and a Highway supervisor. He served during "King Phillips" War. On March 10, 1678 in Braintree, Norfolk County, Massachusetts he married Hannah Neale. He died on January 12, 1717 in Braintree, Norfolk County, Massachusetts.

353 Hannah Neale: Hannah Neale was born in Providence, Rhode Island in 1658. On March 10, 1678 in Braintree, Norfolk County, Massachusetts she married Nehemiah Hayden (the Sr.). She died in February 1720 in Braintree, Norfolk County, Massachusetts.

354 Peter Webb: He married Ruth Bass. Peter Webb was born about 1670.

355 Ruth Bass: She married Peter Webb. Ruth Bass was born about 1672.

384 Melchoir Ruch: Melchoir Ruch was born on December 25, 1644. This birthdate was found on LDS film of Altechendorf church & civil records, but Melchoir's actual birth place has not been determined. He is known to have lived in the Germanic area of the Northern Alsace now known as Bas-Rhin in Northeastern France. Melchoir's forefathers, the earlier Ruchs, may have originated in Emmental (now part of Switzerland), having moved to the northern Rhineland sometime during the 17th century (although this has not been proven). Many Germanic people were leaving the area at that time because of hardships resulting from "The Thirty Years War" of 1618-1648. One of the earliest records of Melchoir Ruch of Alsace as found within Alsation Church Archives was recorded in German in the year 1676 in the church register at Oberbronn where Melchoir was mentioned as a Shepherd from the Village of Schillersdorf. He is mentioned in a church register in 1679 as a Citizen and a Shepherd at Ingweiler. That same year (August 21,1679), at Ringendorf, he married his third wife, Maria (Anna Maria) Jaenck. Prior to her marriage to Melchoir she was the widow of Hans Rauscher. Melchoir and Maria were in Alteckendorf in 1680 for the birth of son, Lorentz. Melchoir appears in another record in 1682 as a "shepherd at Zutzendorf". This was indicated in the record of the birth of his son (our probable direct ancestor), Hans George. This son (Hans George) moved to America in 1733 and in so doing left many descendants in the Colony of Pennsylvania and the United States of America. Many of these descendants (particularly those through grandson, Michael) eventually came to be known by the surname "Rugh". In December of 1688 Melchoir's child, Johannes Adamus (Hans Adam), was born. Many of Hans Adam's descendents retained the surname "Ruch" and eventually came to reside in Canadian America. By 1689, Melchoir and Maria were in Schalkendorf, and by about 1704 were living in the vicinity of the village of Uhrwiller. (All are small villages in the Northern Alsace). About 1660 he married Eva Maria. On August 2, 1677 in Ingwiller, Alsace, (now in Bas-Rhin France) he married Susanna Margaretha. On August 21, 1679 in Ringendorf, Alsace, (now in Bas-Rhin France) he married Maria (Anna Maria) Jaenck. Another source shows that this marriage was in Buswiller. Melchoir died on April 25, 1720 in Alteckendorf, Alsace, (now in Bas-Rhin France).

385 Maria (Anna Maria) Jaenck: Maria (Anna Maria) Jaenck was born about 1641. Prior to her marriage to Melchoir she was the widow of Hans RAUSCH (or RAUSCHER).
On August 21, 1679 in Ringendorf, Alsace, (now in Bas-Rhin France) she married Melchoir Ruch. Another source shows that this marriage was in Buswiller. She died on September 9, 1715 in Uhrwiller, Alsace, (now in Bas-Rhin France).

386 Balthasar (Hans Balthasar) Reiss: He married Elizabeth Loewenguth.

387 Elizabeth Loewenguth: She married Balthasar (Hans Balthasar) Reiss.

388 George (Hans George) Mercklin: George (Hans George) Mercklin was born somewhere in Germanic Europe about 1650. Old lutheran church records indicate that by 1672 he was living in Schillersdorf in the Lower Alsace where he was a master cartwright (wagon maker). On June 16, 1672 in Schillersdorf, Lower Alsace he married Esther Haus at the Schillersdorf Lutheran Church.

389 Esther Haus: On June 16, 1672 in Schillersdorf, Lower Alsace she married George (Hans George) Mercklin at the Schillersdorf Lutheran Church.

390 Johannes Benner (Bender): Johannes Benner (Bender) was born (perhaps at or near Lambsheim) in the Rhineland area of old Germanic Europe about 1655. He was a blacksmith in the village of Lambsheim as well as an Abbot of the Evangelical Lutheran Congregation there. In 1719 Johannes sold his property in Lambsheim and, in company with sons-in-law Christian Merkel and Leonhard Christler, left with the intent of emigrating to Pennsylvania. About 1680 somewhere in Germanic Europe he married Anna Helena.

391 Anna Helena: Anna Helena was born somewhere in Germanic Europe about 1660. About 1680 somewhere in Germanic Europe she married Johannes Benner (Bender). She died before 1719 somewhere in Germanic Europe.

392 __ Mechlin (Machlin): __ Mechlin (Machlin) was born somewhere in Germanic Europe about 1665. His surname (back even farther in time) may have once been spelled "Gemeglich".

400 Peter (Johann Peter) Koeppel (the younger): Peter (Johann Peter) Koeppel (the younger) was born in Dehlingen, Saarwerden, Alsace (now Bas-Rhin, France) about 1675. He was also listed in the records as "Hans Peter Junior II". He is known to have resided at Voellerdingen and Dehlingen in the Northern Alsace, now Bas Rhin, France). On Jan 31, 1697 in Dehlingen, Saarwerden, Alsace (now Bas-Rhin, France) he married Julianna Margaretha Schmied (Schmidt?). He died on October 3, 1719 in Dehlingen, Saarwerden, Alsace (now Bas-Rhin, France).

401 Julianna Margaretha Schmied (Schmidt?): Julianna Margaretha Schmied (Schmidt?) was born in 1674. On Jan 31, 1697 in Dehlingen, Saarwerden, Alsace (now Bas-Rhin, France) she married Peter (Johann Peter) Koeppel (the younger). She died on April 16, 1744 in Dehlingen, Saarwerden, Alsace (now Bas-Rhin, France).

402 Joh. Bentz: Joh. Bentz was born in the Rhineland area of old Germanic Europe about 1675. By 1723, at the time of his daughter Anna's marriage, he was at Herbitzheim in what later became Northern Alsace. He was an "Evangelical" Schoolteacher there.

408 Heinrich Irion: Heinrich Irion was born in Talheim, Tuttlingen District, now in Baden-Württemberg, Germany about 1674. Records indicate he was a cooper (barrell maker) in Talheim. About 1701 in Talheim, Tuttlingen District, now in Baden-Württemberg, Germany he married Magdalena Conradi.

409 Magdalena Conradi: About 1701 in Talheim, Tuttlingen District, now in Baden-Württemberg, Germany she married Heinrich Irion.

410 Conrad Pfister: He was a carpenter at Graben, Baden-Württemberg, now in Germany.

412 Ludwig (Johan Ludwig) Fosselman (the Jr.): Ludwig (Johan Ludwig) Fosselman (the Jr.) was born in Minfeld, now Baden-Württemberg, Germany on October 14, 1677. On November 9, 1700 in Minfeld, now Baden-Württemberg, Germany he married Maria Margaretha Schäffer. He died in 1725 in Minfeld, now Baden-Württemberg, Germany.

413 Maria Margaretha Schäffer: Maria Margaretha Schäffer was born in Minfeld, now Baden-Württemberg, Germany on April 13, 1679. On November 9, 1700 in Minfeld, now Baden-Württemberg, Germany she married Ludwig (Johan Ludwig) Fosselman (the Jr.). She died on November 6, 1761 in Minfeld, now Baden-Württemberg, Germany.

414 Christophel Probst: Christophel Probst was born somewhere in Germanic Europe in 1661. He married Eva Christina Hoffman.

415 Eva Christina Hoffman: She married Christophel Probst.

480 William Troth: William Troth was born in England in 1676. He came from England settling at what is now Evesham Township, Burlington County, New Jersey at or near what later became Elmwood Station on the Medford & Haddonfield Railroad. This is a location considered very near "Haines Corners", the intersection of Kresson Road & East Evesham Road. About 1700 he married Elizabeth Field in England or New Jersey. He died in 1740 in Burlington County, New Jersey.

481 Elizabeth Field: Elizabeth Field was born in England in 1680. She was living in Evesham, Burlington County, New Jersey when she wrote her will of October 21 1760. About 1700 she married William Troth in England or New Jersey. She died in 1761 probably in New Jersey (?).

Generation 10 (7th-great-grandparents)

704 John Hayden (the Sr.): John Hayden (the Sr.) was born in Devon County, England in 1611. He came from England with future wife Susanna on the ship John & Mary, landing at Dorchester Massachusetts in 1630. He first settled in Dorchester which is now part of Boston. Records show John became a "Freeman" on May 14, 1634. He moved to Randolph and then in 1640 to Braintree Massachusetts. Both of these settlements were located to the south of present day Quincy Massachusetts. In 1634 in Braintree, Norfolk County, Massachusetts he married Susanna Dullen. He died on July 26, 1682 in Braintree, Norfolk County, Massachusetts.

705 Susanna Dullen: Susanna Dullen was born in England in 1614. In 1634 in Braintree, Norfolk County, Massachusetts she married John Hayden (the Sr.). She died on February 9, 1684 in Braintree, Norfolk County, Massachusetts.

706 Henry Neale: He married Hannah Pray. Henry Neale was born about 1630.

707 Hannah Pray: She married Henry Neale. Hannah Pray was born about 1630.

800 Hans (Johannes) Koeppel: Hans (Johannes) Koeppel was born in Bockenheim, Saarwerden, The Northern Alsace (now Bas-Rhin), (now France) Probably in 1618. He was baptized on June 16, 1618 in Dehlingen. He became the operator of a "Gasthaus" (He was an Innkeeper) in Dehlingen, Alsace (now in Bas-Rhin France) and was a member of the Dehlingen town council as well as the "justice council". He was Lutheran by religion.
About 1643 in Alsace, (now Eastern France) he married Walpurg. About 1674 in Dehlingen, Saarwerden, Alsace (now Bas-Rhin, France) he married Anna Maria Grasel. He died on March 4, 1703 at age 85 in Dehlingen, Saarwerden, Alsace (now Bas-Rhin, France).

801 Anna Maria Grasel: Anna Maria Grasel was born in the Rhineland area of old Germanic Europe about 1646. On January 14, 1668 she married Hans Adam Kuhn. About 1674 in Dehlingen, Saarwerden, Alsace (now Bas-Rhin, France) she married Hans (Johannes) Koeppel. She died on March 17, 1709 at 63 years of age in the Rhineland area of old Germanic Europe.

802 Christian Schmidt: Christian Schmidt was born about 1645.

824 Hans Ludwig Fosselmann (the Sr.): Hans Ludwig Fosselmann (the Sr.) was born in Minfeld, now Baden-Württemberg, Germany on December 3, 1640. In Minfeld, now Baden-Württemberg, Germany he married Anna Maria. He died in 1713 in Minfeld in Minfeld, now Baden-Württemberg, Germany.

825 Anna Maria: Anna Maria was born about 1636. In Minfeld, now Baden-Württemberg, Germany she married Hans Ludwig Fosselmann (the Sr.). She died in 1722 in Minfeld somewhere in Germanic Europe.

826 Johan Ludwig Schaffer: He married Anna Margaretha Vigelius.

827 Anna Margaretha Vigelius: She married Johan Ludwig Schaffer.

828 Barthel Probst: Barthel Probst was born in Ettisweiller, now in Baden-Württemberg, Germany in 1626. In Kandel, now in Germersheim District, Rheinland Pfalz, Germany he married Susanna Fischer.

829 Susanna Fischer: In Kandel, now in Germersheim District, Rheinland Pfalz, Germany she married Barthel Probst.

Generation 11 (8th-great-grandparents)

1,408 Gideon Hayden: Gideon Hayden was born in England about 1585. About 1605 in England he married Margaret Davy.

1,409 Margaret Davy: Margaret Davy was born in England about 1587. About 1605 in England she married Gideon Hayden.

1,410 Edward Dullen: Edward Dullen was born in England about 1585.

1,600 Martin Koeppel: Martin Koeppel was born in Bockenheim, Saarwerden, The Northern Alsace (now Bas-Rhin), (now France) about 1590. On November 1, 1614 in Bockenheim, Saarwerden, The Northern Alsace (now Bas-Rhin), (now France) he married Salome Rüpport.

1,601 Salome Rüpport: Salome Rüpport was born in Bockenheim, Saarwerden, The Northern Alsace (now Bas-Rhin), (now France) about 1595. On November 1, 1614 in Bockenheim, Saarwerden, The Northern Alsace (now Bas-Rhin), (now France) she married Martin Koeppel.

1,602 Georg Grasel: Georg Grasel was born about 1624. (Probably in Ratzweiler, Alsace). About 1645 he married Angelica. He died on January 16, 1690 at 76 years of age in Diemeringen, Alsace (now Bas-Rhin, France).

1,603 Angelica: Angelica was born about 1625. About 1645 she married Georg Grasel. She died on January 14, 1678.

1,648 Balthasar Fosselmann: He married Appolonia. He died on June 6, 1645 in Bergzabern, Now in Germany.

1,649 Appolonia: She married Balthasar Fosselmann.

1,656 Rudolph Probst: Rudolph Probst was born in Switzerland about 1595. He died in Walgen somewhere in Germanic Europe.


Generation 12 (9th-great-grandparents)

3,200 Hans Koeppel: Hans Koeppel was born in Bonlanden-Herzogtum, Wurttenburg, (now in Germany) about 1560. He became the Burgher of Bolanden in the Duchy of Wurtemburg. He is known to have also lived in Bockenheim and Dehlingen (which came to be in Alsace, now Bas-Rhin France).

3,202 Hans Rupport: Hans Rupport was born in the Rhineland area of old Germanic Europe about 1560. He was once the Burgher of Bockenheim, Saarwerden (Northern Alsace, now Bas-Rhin, France).