Descendants of Jeremias Hess of Lower Palatinate, Germany

Palatinate of the Rhine (14th - 18th C.)

Generation #3

Johann Wilhelm (2Johan Conrad, 1Jeremias) Hess of Northampton Co PA

Research Note: The information on the descendants of Johan Wilhelm is correct. However, the Evans family, who settled Evansville PA, is not my ancestral line.

Johann Wilhelm was born 1744 in Bucks (now Northampton) PA. As a young man, Johann Willhelm is cited having worked for his father at the local inn named Lofty Oaks which was located on 157 acres in Williams TWP just south of Easton. And in about 1765 in Northampton Co PA Johann Wilhelm married Anna Catharina Gothard b. c. 1745 in Pennsylvania. Johan Wilhelm and Anna Catharina settled down to farm in Dryland, Forks TWP near Easton PA. And, they raised fifteen children.

10/16/1784. Johan Paul Hess christened by Rev. John William Ingold;
Sponsors Johannes and Sophia Gotthard.

Research Note: Johann Wilhelm aka Johan William aka John William aka William is the same man.
Just as Anna Catharina aka Ann Catherine aka Catherine is the same woman.
And Anna Catharina's father, Johannes aka Johan aka John with the surname Gotthard aka Gothard aka Godhard aka Getterd is the same man.
This just illustrates the Anglicization of Germanic names in Colonial and Revolutionary America.

Evidently, Anna Catharina's father, Johannes Gothard, lived either with or very near Johan William. In about 1792, Johan William and the extended family migrated north and west on Owens Road to what would become Coles Creek, Northumberland (now Columbia) Co PA where William patented extensive acreage.

The following year (1792 in all probability) the actual immigration occurred. The route pursued was the Susquehanna and Lehigh road from Easton to Nescopeck falls [PA 93], laid out by Evan Owen in 1787. . .William Hess owned a tract of land four miles in length, extending from Coles mills to North mountain.  He built a log cabin near a small spring, the site of which is on land in possession of Andrew Laubach.  His sons, George, John, Andrew, Tobias, Conrad, Frederick, Henry and Jacob took up their residences in the valley of the creek above their father in the order of their names.  [Sons-in-Law] John Kile and Ezekiel Cole located in the immediate vicinity of William Hess. . .Leonard Rupert, the near neighbor of Christian Laubach in Montour township, had returned from assisting to move his effects to the North mountain country, he is reputed as saying that that region was certainly at the end of the world. . .The population of Sugarloaf in 1800 consisted of the Hesses, Kiles, Laubachs, Robbins and Cole's. . . .

    "History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania (1887), pp. 225-226," Columbia Co PA GenWeb Site <http://www.pagenweb.org/~columbia/sugarid.htm> 22 November 2014.

Special consideration needs to be paid to the arduous journey; as the extended family was migrating to the western frontier. In fact, the road from the Delaware at Easton to the Susquehanna had only been opened since 1787. The old western frontier had been the Susquehanna River; as the Lebanon Colony was the earliest settlement, established in 1711. But with the onset of Dunmore's War (1774) and the Revolution (1776), the western barrier of the Susquehanna was breached.

From: The Mill at Greystone
The Ezekiel Cole Mill on Coles Creek, the first mill in northern Columbia County.

William Hess came from Northampton County with his father-in-law, John Godhard, in 1792 and purchased a tract of land four miles long from the mouth of Coles Creek to North Mountain. He built a log cabin near a spring near the old Laubach store. His sons George, John, Andrew, Tobias, Conrad, Frederick, Henry, and Jacob took up residences in the valley of the creek above their father. His son-in-law, Ezekiel Cole, located on a tract south of the homestead, at the home many would recognize as the later-day home of Hervey Long, and in 1795 he [Cole] built the first grist mill in northern Columbia County at "Cole Town at the mouth of Coles Creek." He continued to operate the mill until 1820. Many interesting stories are told of the hospitality of Ezekiel Cole.

The Coles Grist Mill was owned and operated by Ezekiel Cole, Jr., from 1820 to 1848, the year he died. Albert Cole, eldest son of Ezekiel's son Alinas Cole, eventually operated the mill until his death in 1917. In 1918 the property was sold at public sale to Byron Keller, and the old mill was removed in 1920. . .John Herbert Laubach recalls that there are some references to Ezekiel Cole in the "Day Book" of John Christian Laubach. Christian (the early Germans tended to "throw away" the first name) Laubach moved into the northern end of Columbia Country about 1794 or 1795. John Herbert writes,

On December 24, 1794, John Christian recorded that "Sik Kohl" had borrowed a substantial sum (22 Pounds) from Johannes Gotthart," known elsewhere as "John Godhard." Godhard was the grandfather of John Christian's wife [Anna Maria Frutchey]. He came to live with John Christian [Laubach] late in his life. Several local persons borrowed money from him.

There were additional references to "Sik Kohl" in August, 1795, when John Christian [Laubach] worked for Zeke Cole in connection with corn, perhaps the milling of corn. The "Day Book" of John Christian Laubach. . .written in German. . .tracked much of the day labor of John Christian [Laubach] from the time of his youth near Bethlehem, Pa. The time period was from 1782 until 1795. John Christian [Laubach] settled near the crest of what is now Kearcuff Road, near Camp Lavigne.

    "Johan Christian Laubach," Find-A-Grave <http://www.findagrave.com> 22 November 2014.

Crossing the Susquehanna at Berwick PA, John William moved up the Fishing Creek Valley past Orange to what is now Tri Mills on Cole's Creek PA. And in about 1792, Johan William and the extended family settled, building their log cabins. Johan Later, John William's sons moved up the valley and settled on their portions of John William's original warrant. Other members of the extended family, including son-in-law Ezekiel Cole, settled to the south. And sometime before 6/1797, Johannes Gothard moved in with his granddaughter, Anna Maria Frutchey Laubach in whose home he died.

Interestingly, Johan William's younger brother, Jeremiah, migrated in 4/1805 to Nescopeck TWP, Luzerne County, just across the Susquehanna River, east of Johan William.

By 1797 our Johan William's name was Anglicized to John William. And, our John William and family went from being pioneers living in log cabins to prosperous yeoman farmers. And in 1812, Johan William and the extended Hess family were part of the establishment of a local, communal house of worship.

While the industrial, social and educational character of the people was being formed, religious bodies were assuming a permanent and influential condition.

The Sugarloaf log church was the only structure of its kind in the two townships during the first fifty years after their settlement. It was begun in 1810 and finished two years later, though not dedicated until July 15, 1828, when Right Reverend Henry M. Onderdonk performed the ceremony of consecration agreeably to the ritual of the Protestant Episcopal church.

The names appear in An Account of the Subscribers to the building of Saint Gabriel's church on a settlement had on the 26th day of December, 1812: Ezekiel Cole. . .Philip Fritz. . . Conrad Hess, Henry Fritz. . . John Kile. . . George Hess, William Hess, Sr. . . Jacob Hess. . . Tobias Hess. . . Andrew Hess. . . Frederick Hess. . . John Hess. . . Abraham Kline, Sr. . . Conrad Laubach. . . William Hess, Jr. . . Paul Hess. . . Henry Hess. . . William Yorks. . . .

The structure was built of hewn pine logs, with galleries around three sides of the interior. After being occupied sixty-four years as a place of worship it was burned to the ground on Palm Sunday, April 9, 1876. It was jointly owned by Presbyterians, Episcopalians and Lutherans. The Episcopal church organization was effected July 1, 1812, when Christian Laubach and James Peterman were chosen wardens. . . . 

John William or simply William lived the remainder of his life in Northumberland/ Columbia Co PA. By 1819 he moved in with son Jacob in Catawissa TWP. And, son William began selling some of the family homestead to his brothers.

Johan William died on 2/17/1827 in Catawissa TWP at the home of son Jacob.

First Reformed Church, Easton PA: 4/25/1767
Parents Child Sponsors
Mr & Mrs Henry Hess     William     Mr & Mrs William Hess    
Northampton County PA Deed Bk F-1, p. 454:
GETTERD, John; From Grantor HESS, William & wf.;
DOD 14 Feb 1789; DOR 14 Feb 1789; Forks Twp.
Northumberland Co PA Will Book 1, pp. 183-184:

Will of John Godhard w. 12/6/1794 p. 6/7/1797.
Know all men by these Presents that I John Godhard, Yeoman at present residing in Mahoning Township, County of Northumberland [now Montour] and State of Pennsylvania, But late of William's Township, Northampton County, in the State aforesaid. . .
-I give and bequeath unto my Daughter Catherine [sic] Hess, the wife of William Hess, the Sum of Five pounds. . .
Johan William Hess purchased his homestead in Sugarloaf Twp. from his father.
Philadelphia County Will Book G, No. 73:
July 5, 1773. I, Johann Conrad Hess, of New Britain Twp. Buck Co. and Province of Pennsylvania. . .
My plantation lying in Williams Twp., Northampton Co., Pa., with all my money and household goods, I give to my beloved wife, Maria. . ..
I hereby name my children according to their ages: Anna, my daughter; John William my son; Maria, my daughter; Christian, my son; Johannes, my son; Jeremiah, my son; Elizabeth, my daughter; and Frederick my youngest son. . .
I name my wife Maria and son William as Executors to execute my last will and testament. . .year of our Lord and Master 1773.
Johann Conrad Hess [Seal]; Witnesses: Jacob Ratzel, George Schell
Columbia Co PA Records:
4/13/1818. John Keil purchased 75 a. from Johan William Hess in Sugarloaf TWP.

Research Note: The Johan William Hess family migrated c. 1792 to Fishing/Coles Creek, Northumberland (now Columbia) Co PA. The Jeremiah Hess family migrated c. 1805 to Luzerne Co PA. It is apparent that Jeremiah's family attended the Old Stone Church across the county line in Columbia county; as Jeremiah's descendants are buried in Briar Creek Cemetery, Berwick, Columbia Co PA.

Johan William's family are cited attending the Sugarloaf Log Church. These two burying grounds help us differentiate the two brother's families.

        Children

Research Note: According to The History of Columbia Co PA dtd 1887, p. 225, Johan William had 12 sons and 6 daughters. The following list only accounts for 11 sons and 5 daughters. Thus, we are missing one son and one daughter.

The Hess children married two Coles and three Yorks. Their pattern of family migration has become a matter of interest:
[Cole Family Migration]    [York Family Migration]

    1. Maria Catharine Hess

Note: This relationship is confirmed by the History of Columbia Co PA where John Kile is named as one of the four spouses of the granddaughters of John Godhard.

Columbia Co PA Records:
4/13/1818. John Keil purchased 75 a. from Johan William Hess in Sugarloaf TWP.

    2. Maria Elizabeth Hess

This relationship is confirmed by the History of Columbia Co PA where Ezekiel Cole is named as one of the four spouses of granddaughters of John Godhard. Ezekiel is important to research as he was buddies with William Hess. And, he married 2nd William's daughter Elizabeth.

    3. Sophia Hess

Northumberland Co PA Will Book 1, pp. 183-184:

Will of John Godhard w. 12/6/1794 p. 6/7/1797.
Know all men by these Presents that I John Godhard, Yeoman at present residing in Mahoning Township, County of Northumberland [now Montour] and State of Pennsylvania, But late of William's Township, Northampton County, in the State aforesaid. . .
-I give & bequeath unto my Granddaughter Sophia Tronsou, Wife of Abraham Tronsou, of Williams Township, Northampton County & State aforesaid the Sum of twenty five Pounds. . .

First Reformed Church, Easton PA: 4/25/1813
Parents Child Sponsors
Isaac Transue
Margaret		 Daniel Transue Abraham Transue
Sophia

    4. Anna Hess b. 5/22/1769 Northampton Co PA

    5. Johan Wilhelm or William Hess

Johann William Hess (abt. 1773 - 1823), settled in Sugarloaf Township, and like Conrad gave to the building of St. Gabriel's Church. In 1814 he was a candidate for the office of Fence Viewer in Sugarloaf Township. He died 1 October, 1823, almost four years before his father. He had owned the homestead for some years, having purchased it from his father. Out of this he had sold some lands to his brothers, Frederick and Andrew.
His will, dated October 4, 1823, was probated November 5 of the same year. He left his "old plantation" and his other lands to his three sons in equal shares. His sons were Jacob, Tobias and Abraham Hess. When the youngest, Abraham, came of age, they were to pay their sister Anna, apparently his own daughter, six hundred dollars in three, two-yearly installments of two hundred dollars each. He also gave to one Samuel Spencer thirty acres of land for his lifetime, to go to his daughter Sarah Spencer at his death.
This document was witnessed by Jonathan Colley and Andrew Hess. The executors were to be his son, Jacob Hess, and his brother, Frederick Hess.
Johan William Hess purchased his homestead in Sugarloaf Twp. from his father.
Columbia Co PA Records:
c. 1819. Frederick Hess purchased acreage from William Hess in Sugarloaf TWP.
Columbia Co PA Records:
c. 1819. Andreas Hess purchased acreage from William Hess in Sugarloaf TWP.
Columbia Co PA Records:
6/23/1819. Conrad Hess purchased acreage from William Hess in Sugarloaf TWP.

    6. Johan Conrad Hess

Columbia Co PA Records:
6/23/1819. Conrad Hess purchased acreage from Johan William Hess in Sugarloaf TWP.

    7. Eliza Hess

    8. Johannes Hess

Elizabeth's brother John married Ezekiel's daughter, Charity, from his 1st marriage to Rebecca Coleman.

    9. Frederick Hess

Columbia Co PA Records:
c. 1819. Frederick Hess purchased acreage from William Hess in Sugarloaf TWP.

    10. Johan George Hess

4/4/1779. Jacob Hess christened by Rev. John William Ingold;
Sponsors Johannes Frutschi and Elizabeth Hess

 

    11. Andreas Hess

First Reformed Church, Easton PA: 5/7/1780
Parents Child Sponsors
Mr & Mrs William Hess Andreas Andreas Uler
wife Anna
Columbia Co PA Records:
c. 1819. Andreas Hess purchased acreage from William Hess in Sugarloaf TWP.

    12. Abraham Hess

Note: Abraham did not migrate with his family to Northumberland County. In 1802 being the father of two with one on the way, Abraham departed to see relatives in New York and was never heard from again.

22 Jan 1782. Abraham Hess christened by Rev. John William Ingold;
Sponsors: Jeremias Hess and his wife Elizabeth.

    13. Wilhelm Heinrich Hess

6/8/1783. Wilhelm Heinrich Hess christened by Rev. John William Ingold;
Sponsors: Joshua Wilhelm Frutchey and Margaretha Wottring.

    14. Johan Paul Hess

10/16/1784. Johan Paul Hess christened by Rev. John William Ingold;
Sponsors Johannes and Sophia Gotthard (grandparents).

    15. Jacob Hess

3/25/1786. Jacob Hess christened by Rev. John William Ingold;
Sponsors Jacob Kuhn and Elizabeth Yetz.
Males Born After

#

Hess

 Females Born After #

Hess
45+   1 Johann Wilhelm 45+      
25-44 1775  1 Jacob 25-44 1775  1 Mary
18-25 1795  0   16-25 1795  0  
16-18 1802  0  
10-15 1805  1   10-15 1805  0  
to 10 1810  1   to 10 1810  2  

    16. Tobias Hess

1789. Tobias Hess christened by Rev. Hermann:
Sponsor Tobias Scholl.

Generation #4

Caveat
This site is provided for reference only. Except where specifically cited, information contained is conjecture and should not be considered as fact.
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