Category: Family

Update: George Hoover of Fayette County

Kris Hocker on 22 Mar 2010

I’ve recently discovered that George Hoover, son of Andrew and Catharine (___) Hoover, of Fayette County lived in Union Township his whole life. Therefore, he can not be the George Hoover who owned property in Westmoreland County from 1779 through 1799 and died in Armstrong County in 1813.

How Did We Get Here?

Before I get to what I’ve learned about Andrew Hoover’s son, George, let’s review. How did we previously determine that George Hoover of Armstrong County was the son of Andrew and Catharine (___) Hoover? What evidence led to that conclusion?

A biography of George’s grandson, Samuel Hoover of Indiana County, stated that:

“George Hoover, the grandfather of our subject, was among the early settlers of Westmoreland county. He was of German descent and came to that county when only fourteen years of age, with two brothers.”1

Looking at Westmoreland County records reveals the baptisms of two children—Maria Magdalina and Solomon—to George and Eva Elisabeth (__) Hoover at Good Hope Lutheran and Reformed Church that match two heirs named in George Hoover’s estate papers.2,3,4 Children of George’s son Christian and daughters Catharina and Julianna were also baptized at Good Hope Lutheran and Reformed Church.5 The couple were also sponsors at their grandson Samuel’s baptism.

George Hoover purchased land in Donegal Township, Westmoreland County on 10 Apr 1779.6 Available county tax records put George there from 1783 through 1799 when he and Christian were marked as “gone from the county.”7,8,9 From these Armstrong and Westmoreland county records we know that the George Hoover in Westmoreland was, in fact, the same man as George Hoover of Armstrong County.

This George Hoover was in the Fayette/Westmoreland county area by 1779; but he could have been there earlier. From the 1800 U.S. census, we can estimate George’s birth date as circa 1755 or before.10  Going by Samuel’s biography, his grandfather, therefore, came to the Westmoreland area about 1769. Andrew Hoover’s son Jacob was in the Fayette County area by 1770 when he was living on land that today is part of Greene County, Pennsylvania.11 Andrew’s son Andrew Jr. was also in Fayette County early. He and his brother-in-law were of “Manallin Township and county aforesaid [Westmoreland]” when they purchased land from John Waller in 1775.12 We also know that Andrew Hoover had a son named George because he named him and left property to him in his last will & testament in 1784.13 George and wife Rosannah sold some of the land George inherited to John Hoover, presumably his brother.14

So, it seems perfectly reasonable that George Hoover of Armstrong County was the son of Andrew Hoover of Fayette County. Right? Is this conclusion supported by the other facts we know or do they sow doubt?

In my page on Andrew Hoover Sr., I wrote:

“I find some of the birth dates of Andrew’s grandchildren to be problematic—their parents having to have become parents as teenagers.”

Several of George’s children are good examples. Based on census records, an estimated birth date for George’s first daughter Catharine (Hoover) Kern puts her birth ca 1760—1770.15 Her eldest son Solomon was born 30 Nov 1781, which is consistent with a birth in the early 1760s for Catharine.16  Census records for George’s second daughter Rosanna (Hoover) Waltenbaugh place her birth date bef 1765.17 Judging by these two children alone, a 1755 birth date for George is not feasible. While census records are known to be inconsistent and sometimes incorrect regarding age and “guesstimates” complicate the analysis, the likelihood of both of George’s daughters being at least 10 years off AND their children’s ages being off… You see where this is going. While it’s possible, there are significant problems to address.18

Consider also that there are baptism records for both a Catharine and a Rosannah Hoover which place their births on 10 Apr 1761 and 27 Mar 1763.19 These dates fit perfectly with the estimated birth dates from the census records of George’s daughters. These church records name the girls’ parents as George and Eva Elisabeth Hoover.

But George’s wife was Rosannah. Right?

The only mention of Rosannah as George’s wife is in the deed where she and George sell land to John Hoover.20 How do we know this deed refers to the son of Andrew Hoover Sr.? Although this deed is difficult to read, you can make out the following:

“…And whereas the said Andrew Hoover Senior in and by his last will and testament dated the twenty-fifth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty four In the third section thereof did [?] [?] give unto his three sons Jacob Hoover [John] Hoover and George Hoover his whole estate… And whereas the said divisions have been [?] made and the [?] [?] [?] content? Now this indenture witnesseth the said George Hoover and Rosannah his wife do grant in consideration of the sum of sixty eight [pounds?] to them paid by John Hoover the receipt thereof to him by [?] [?] [?] granted bargained and sold  – And by these presents do grant bargain & sell unto the said John Hoover his heirs [?] assigns the following described part of these [?] [?] of the lands of Andrew Hoover Senr divided unto the said George by the above in part [?] last will and testament of the said deceased…”

Louella Schaumberg Hoover believed that George and Rosannah sold the land (and executed the deed) prior to leaving for Armstrong County, but that the deed was only recorded when John sold the land in 1811.21 The next deed in the county deed book is for John Hoover’s sale of the land to James Fletcher. So, her assertion is a possibility.

Where did George and Rosannah live at the time of the deed? The deed provides no location information for George and Rosannah. If they were of Saltlick or Donegal townships, one would expect that information to be included in the deed. Because it is not, the evidence connecting this deed to the George Hoover of Westmoreland is slim.22 The logical presumption in this case is that George and Rosannah were of the same township and county as the land that they were selling—Union Township, Fayette County. Further proof of this assertion comes at the end of the deed where there is the following:

“Fayette County Pa—The [seventh?] day of November Anno Domini 1811 Before me [?] [?] one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the said County Personally came George Hoover and Rosannah his wife…”

This means that this George and  Rosannah (___) Hoover were both alive and presumably living in Fayette County in 1811, most likely in Union Township. However, from the baptismal record of Maria Magdaline, daughter of George Hoover of Armstrong County, we know that George was married to Eva Elisabeth before 1787. We also know from deed, tax and census records that this couple had left the Westmoreland/Fayette County area by 1800.

Therefore, we must be dealing with two George Hoovers—one George of Fayette County, who was married to a woman named Rosannah and another George Hoover of Westmoreland and Armstrong counties, who was married to a woman named Eva Elisabeth. Furthermore, the deed records pertaining to the sale of land that Andrew Hoover left to his son George make it clear that the George Hoover of Fayette County, who married Rosannah, was the son of Andrew and Catharine (___) Hoover.

Look for more information on each of these men when I post their family group pages. In the meantime, if you have any questions, just drop me a line. And, as always, if you have more information, please shoot it my way…

Jacob H/K HACKER

Kris Hocker on 30 Aug 2009

Jacob H./K. Hacker was born 26 Aug 1838 in Pennsylvania, most likely Lancaster County, and died 16 Feb 1906. He was buried in Bowman’s Cemetery in Ephrata, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania1 Jacob was a farmer.

About 1870, Jacob married Sarah M./A. (___). She was born 6 Feb 1849 and died 26 Jul 1921. She too was buried in Bowman’s Cemetery.2

The couple had seven children, six of whom were still living in 1900:

  1. Franklin K. Hacker was born in Dec 1870 and died in 1952. He was buried in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Ephrata, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.3 Frank married Maggie Rishel. The couple had five children: Amos R., Florence M./R., Ernest G., Franklin, and Jacob.
  2. Amanda K. Hacker was born about 1872. She married John S. Turner. The couple had at least one child, a daughter named Anne.
  3. Jacob Hacker was born in Feb 1879. He was a meter reader for a trolley company in 1910.4
  4. Emma Hacker was born Dec 1883. She may have married Frank Crall.
  5. Annie K. Hacker was born May 1886. She married William I. Mull on 3 Dec 1904 in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
  6. Elizabeth “Lizzie” Hacker was born Nov 1888. She worked in a cigar factory in 1910.4
  7. Lottie Hacker was born 27 Aug 1892 and died 11 Nov 1895. She was buried in Bowman’s Cemetery with her parents.

I am looking for information on this family so that I can determine whether or not they fit into my HACKER/HOCKER family .

Footnotes

  1. “Jacob R. HACKER gravestone,” Bowman’s Cemetery, Ephrata Borough, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Photographed by Kris Hocker, 8 April 2002.
  2. “Sarah M. HACKER gravestone,” Bowman’s Cemetery, Ephrata Borough, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Photographed by Kris Hocker, 8 April 2002.
  3. “HACKER gravestone,” Cedar Hill Cemetery, Ephrata Borough, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Photographed by Kris Hocker, 8 April 2002.
  4. Sarah HACKER household, 1910 United States census, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania (Ephrata Borough), Enumeration District (ED) 45, Sheet 2A, Dwelling 28; National Archives micropublication T624, roll 1353.

Peter Purvis BONNINGTON

Kris Hocker on 9 Jul 2009

PETER3 PURVIS BONNINGTON (William2, Robert1) was born ca 1844 in Galashiels, Selkirk, Scotland, son of William and Margaret (PURVES/FAIRBORN) BONNINGTON.[1] Peter died in Mayburn, Loanhead, Lasswade Parish, Edinburgh, Scotland, on 16 Sep 1891; he was 47.[2] He was enumerated with his family on the 1851 census for Galashiels, Selkirk, Scotland, at age 8; the 1861 census for Junipergreen, Colinton, Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland, at age 18; the 1871 census for Bathgate, Linlithgow, Scotland, at age 28; the census for Bathgate, Linlithgow, Scotland in 1881; the census for Lasswade, Midlothian, Scotland, in 1891. Peter’s occupation was listed variously as carpenter or joiner (journeyman).

On 17 Jun 1864 when Peter Purvis was 20, he married ELIZABETH BUCHANAN, daughter of James BUCHANAN (ca 1812/22—17 Apr 1888) and Sarah CRAIG (ca 1809—bet 1851-1861), in Bloomyhall, Junipergreen, Colinton, Midlothian, Scotland.[3,4,] Elizabeth was born ca 1845/1847. Lanarkshire, Scotland is the most often given location for her birth place, but other places include Ireland, Shotts Parish in Lanarkshire, Neilston in Renfrewshire, Chapelhall in Lanarkshire, and Monkland in Lanarkshire. Elizabeth died of a cerebral hemorrhage in Crown Terrace, Prestonpans, East Lothian, Scotland on 13 May 1928; she was 83.[5]

Elizabeth was enumerated with her family in the 1851 census for Cambusnethan, Lanark, Scotland, at age 6; as a single woman working as a dairymaid in the 1861 census for High Church, Edinburgh, Scotland, age 16; with her husband in the 1871 census for Bathgate, Linlithgow, Scotland, age 26; with her husband in the 1881 census for Bathgate, Linlithgow, Scotland; with her husband the 1891 census for Lasswade, Midlothian, Scotland; with her family the 1901 census for Midlothian, Scotland, at age 56.

Peter and Elizabeth had the following children:

  1. ELIZA4 CRAIG BONNINGTON (1866-1946) married WILLIAM SMITH, son of James Smith and Isabella Aitken, on 12 Dec 1882 in The Manse, Uphall Parish, Linlithgowshire, Scotland, and married second Robert O. COCHRANE ca 1909 in Harrisburg, Dauphin county, Pennsylvania.[6]
  2. MARGARET BONNINGTON (1868-1943) married DAVID SIMPSON, son of William Simpson and Margaret Russell, on 31 Jan 1890 in Lasswade, Midlothian, Scotland.[7] They had at least one child: William Bonnington Simpson.
  3. WILLIAM JAMES BONNINGTON (1871-1945) married ROBINA WAIT, daughter of John Scott Waite and Agnes Dickie, on 12 Aug 1898 in Sproutston, Greenhead, Edinburgh, Scotland.[8] They had at least three children: Agnes, Douglas, and Robert.
  4. PETER BONNINGTON (1873->1939) married CHRISTINA LAW, daughter of David Law and Isabella Garvies, on 2 Dec 1914 in Morningside, Edinburgh, Scotland. They had at least one child: R.G. Bonnington.
  5. ALEXANDER BONNINGTON (1875-1964) married twice, first to CHRISTINA PEACE on 27 Jan 1899 in Loanhead, Lasswade, Edinburgh, Scotland, and second to MARTHA (___) about 1924 in West Virginia.[9]
  6. ROBERT BONNINGTON (1878-1879)
  7. ROBERT BONNINGTON (1881-1939) married JESSIE HUNTER CRAWFORD ALEXANDER, daughter of James Alexander and Jessie Blackwood, on 8 Jun 1910 at the Carlton Hotel, Edinburgh, Scotland.
  8. CRAIG BONNINGTON (1885-ca 1959) married ISABELLA MASON KINGHORN, daughter of John Kinghorn and Annie Sharp?, on 11 Mar 1909 in Portobello, Midlothian, Scotland.

Footnotes:

  1. Peter Bonnington, death certificate no. 158 (1891), General Records Office, New Register House, Edinburgh, Scotland; extracted 12 Aug 2002, extract no. 75198; William Bonnington, death certificate (1885); There is some debate about the surname of William’s first wife. Peter reported it as Fairborn on his father’s death certificate. However, it is listed as Purvis on Peter’s marriage record in 1864.
  2. Peter Bonnington, death certificate.
  3. Eliza Craig Bonnington, birth certificate no. 81 (1866), General Records Office, New Register House, Edinburgh, Scotland; extracted 28 Aug 2001, extract no. 236828. 17 Jun 1864 in Colinton.
  4. Peter Bonnington and Elizabeth Buchanan, marriage record no. 14 (1864), General Records Office, New Register House, Edinburgh, Scotland; extraction no. 59479, extracted 6 Sep 2001.
  5. Eliza Craig Bonnington, birth certificate no. 81 (1866), General Records Office, New Register House, Edinburgh, Scotland; extracted 28 Aug 2001, extract no. 236828.
  6. Eliza Craig Bonnington, birth certificate no. 81 (1866), General Records Office, New Register House, Edinburgh, Scotland; extracted 28 Aug 2001, extract no. 236828. born 2 Oct 1866 at 2:45 a.m. in Colinton.
  7. David Simpson and Margaret Bonnington, marriage record (1890), General Records Office, New Register House, Edinburgh, Scotland, extract number 70399, extracted 12 Aug 2002.
  8. William James Bonnington and Robina Wait, marriage record (1898), General Records Office, New Register House, Edinburgh, Scotland, extract number 70401, extracted 12 Aug 2002).
  9. Alexander Bonnington and Christina Peace, marriage record (1899), General Records Office, New Register House, Edinburgh, Scotland, extract number 70400, extracted 12 Aug 2002; Alexander Bonnington household, 1920 US census, South Charlestown, Kanawha county, West Virginia, Enumeration district [ED] 123, Page 190, Sheet 17B, Line 94; National Archives micropublication T625, roll 1958.

Christian Hoover

Kris Hocker on 9 Jul 2009

Christian L. Hoover was born sometime between 1820 and 1826 in Pennsylvania.1 His son, Simon’s death certificate is more specific.2 It states the Christian was born in Armstrong county, Pennsylvania.3 It is possible that Christian was the son of Philip and Hannah (Thomas) Hoover of Plumcreek township, Armstrong county, Pennsylvania. Christian died in Covington township, Clearfield county, Pennsylvania on 1 Oct 1887; he was 67. 4 According to family sources he was probably buried in probably Oak Hill or Old Oak Hill (also known as Bridgen’s) cemetery, Karthaus township, Clearfield county, Pennsylvania.

Sometime around 1852-1854 Christian first married Caroline Kinnard, daughter of Thomas Kinnard (ca 1798 — bef 4 May 1857) and Maria Fisher (ca 1808 — bef 14 Sep 1865), probably in Armstrong county, Pennsylvania. Caroline was born in 1830-1831 in Armstrong county, Pennsylvania.5 She died in Clearfield county, Pennsylvania on 11 Jul 1883; she was 53. 6 Family information provides multiple burial locations for Caroline. According to one source, she was buried on the Hoover farm, Covington township, Clearfield county, Pennsylvania because the weather was so bad at the time of her death that the family could not get her to the cemetery. Another family source states the Caroline was buried with Christian in either the Oak Hill or Old Oak Hill cemetery.

Christian and Caroline had the following children:

  1. Reuben Hart Hoover (1853-1900)
  2. Samuel Thomas Hoover (1857-1930)
  3. Simon Edward Hoover (1864-1933)
  4. George I./J. Hoover (1865-1930)

I have had some difficulty in documenting this couple. Census information on this couple is limited. According to the census for Jefferson county, Pennsylvania in 1860, Caroline, Reuben and Samuel were living with a “Catherine” Hoover in Henderson county.7 To date, this is the only census information I’ve been able to find on either Christian or Caroline after their marriage.

It is, however, consistent with other research that places the family in Jefferson county in the late 1850s and 1860s. Both Simon (born 1864)8 and George (born 18659, the younger sons of Christian and Caroline, indicate in official records that they were born in Jefferson county. Legal documents from the Kinnard family also place the family in Jefferson county. According to a “Petition of Benjamin F. Kinnard for Partition of the Estate of Thomas Kinnard deceased,” Thomas and Mary had seven children who were still living at the time of his death in 1858, including “Caroline, married to Christopher Hoover (in Jefferson county).” This document connects our Caroline (Kinnard) Hoover to the daughter of Thomas and Maria (Fisher) Kinnard of Armstrong county.

Additional information seems to place the couple in Jefferson even earlier. A Christian Hoover was drafted in Dec 1864 from Gaskill township in Jefferson county.10 Gaskill township is the next township over from Henderson township. Additionally a Christian Hoover was elected as a school director in Henderson township in 1857.11 And according to tax records a Christ Hoover was included in the 1858 taxables list also for Henderson township.12 If this proves to be our Christian Hoover, then it is likely that Samuel and possibly Reuben were also born in Jefferson county.

So, when and why did the family leave Jefferson county? What made them come to Clearfield county? When did they come to Jefferson county?

After Caroline’s death in 1883, Christian married for a second time in Clearfield county, Pennsylvania. His second wife was Mary A. Conaway. She was born in Mar 1863 in Pennsylvania.13 Mary died sometime after the 1940 census.

Christian and Mary had one child:

  1. Eva Edith Hoover (1887-1967)

After Christian’s death in 1887, Mary sold her rights to the family farm to her step-son, Samuel Hoover. She apparently moved to Jefferson county and remarried as she was listed on the census for Falls Creek Borough, Washington township, Jefferson county, Pennsylvania in 1900 with her new family. According to the 1900 census, Mary had 8 children with Daniel Fry, her new husband, by 1900—though only three of those children—Johny, Lottie, and Lizzie—were still living by that year. 14 By 1920, Mary’s second husband, Daniel, was dead. Mary had a business on Main street—a general store—which she shared with her partner, Albert B. Tudor.15

Jacob Hacker

Kris Hocker on 9 Jul 2009

Jacob Hacker was born 28 Sep 1803, probably in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. He died 26 Jul 1873, probably in Lancaster county, and was buried in Emanuel Lutheran Church cemetery in Brickerville, Warwick township, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. This is the church that my ancestor Johan Adam Hacker attended.

About 1841 Jacob Hacker married Maria Krieg, daughter of John Elias Krieg and Anna Maria Gibbens. Mary was born 5 Aug 1819 and died 22 Mar 1898, both in Pennsylvania, probably in Lancaster county. She, too, is buried in the Emanuel Lutheran Church cemetery.

As far as I know, Jacob and Mary had the following children:

  1. William Hacker was born about 1841 and died before sometime between 1850 and 1873, as he is not mentioned in his father’s will.
  2. Elias K. Hacker was born in Jun 1845 and died on 6 Nov 1920. He was buried in Machpuelah Lutheran Cemetery in Lititz, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Elias served in Company K, Regiment 195 in the Pennsylvania Infantry during the Civil War. He married Isabella Weidman, daughter of Daniel and Frances (Zartman) Wiedman, about 1869. The couple had 7 chidren:
    1. Ida Nora Hacker married Nathan Kurtz
    2. John F./W. Hacker married Laura E. Wagner
    3. Cora Hacker, born 8 Nov 1873 and died 21 Dec 1873
    4. Milton Ellis Hacker married Adaline E. Eckert
    5. Henry Daniel Hacker married Margaret Heagy
    6. Frank Weidman Hacker married Grace Swartz
    7. Susie May Hacker married Henry Sussman
  3. Allen K. Hacker was born either 31 Mar or 1 Apr 1847 and died 24 Mar 1928 in Lititz, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. He was buried in the Moravian Church Cemetery in Lititz. About 1868, Allen married Lydia Eitnier. The couple had, I believe, nine children, seven surviving, as follows:
    1. Horace Hacker
    2. Samuel Hacker married Elizabeth “Lizzie” Y. Matthews
    3. Henry “Harry” E. Hacker married first Emma Doutrich, daughter of Byram and Catherine (Hess) Doutrich, and second Elizabeth Lesher
    4. Adaline E. Hacker married Clayton Z. Meiskey
    5. Wilson Eitnier Hacker married Serena Spickler
    6. Minerva “Minnie” E. Hacker married Charles S. Frey
    7. Emma G. Hacker married Clayton B. Snavely
  4. Martin K. Hacker was born 25 Jan 1850 and died 16 Nov 1906. He was buried in the Emanuel Lutheran Church cemetery in Brickerville, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. He married first Annie Kissinger and second Sadie Bates.
  5. Henry K. Hacker was born 16 Sep 1852 and died 3 Oct 1925. He was buried in Lititz Cemetery, Lititz, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. He married Kate (___) about 1877. The couple had five children:
    1. Laura E. Hacker married Zacharias T. Wike.
    2. Mary Hacker was born Nov 1879.
    3. Vera G. Hacker married Harry B. Weand
    4. Daisy Hacker married a Lenhart
    5. LeRoy B. Hacker was born 20 Jun 1893
  6. Benjamin K. Hacker was born in Apr 1856 and died 1938. He was buried in the Emanuel Lutheran Church cemetery in Brickerville, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. He married Annie H. (___) about 1881. The couple had two children:
    1. Lillian H. Hacker married John D. Todd
    2. William H. Hacker married first Alice C. Meiley, and second Mayme F. Keisinger.

Jacob Hacker’s will reads as follows:

“Jacob Hocker, Dc’d

I, Jacob Hocker of the Township of Elizabeth County of Lancaster, and State of Pennsylvania, being of sound mind, memory and understanding, do make and publish this my last will and testament, hereby revoking and making void all former wills by me at any time heretofore made,

1st I order and direct my body to be decently buried, suitable gravestone to be procured and placed at my grave, and the costs of theses as well as all my other just debts and funeral expenses, to be paid as soon conveniently can be done after my decease,

2nd I give and bequeath to my wife Mary Hocker, such articles of my furniture, as she may select to retain for her use said articles so selected by me wife shall be appraised and the amount deducted from the three hundred dollars to which she is otherwise entitled out of my estate,

3rd I order and direct that the rest and residue of my furniture and all personal property in my possession, to be appraised and sold at public sale,

4th I order and direct, that my real estate shall also be sold, and converted into money as soon as conveniently can be done authorizing my executors, to make good and sufficient title deeds unto the purchase n purchasers thereof

5th I order, will and direct that after all my property both real and personal be converted into money by my hereinafter mentioned executors that all my debts by fully paid and satisfied, and the balance, I give and bequeath to my said wife Mary Hocker, during her lifetime and after her decease, the balance if any remains, to be divided in equal shares to and among my five children namely, Eli, Allen, Martin, Henry and Benjamin Hocker

6th I order, will and direct however, that if my son Eli, should fail to pay the judgment on which I am security—And said judgment must be paid out of the proceeds of my estate he shall not be entitled to any thing after my said wifes decease if anything remains as before stated

7th I appoint my two sons Allen Hocker and Martin Hocker, to be my executors of this my last will and testament, in Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty fifth 25th day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and seventy-three (1873)

Jacob his mark X Hocker

signed, sealed, published and declared by the above named Jacob Hocker, to be his last will and testament in the presence of us, who at his request and in his presence have subscribed our names as witnesses therewith

Joel Hippert
Isreal G. Erb
Lancaster County, S.S.

On the 13th day of August A.D. 1873 before me the subscribers personally appeared Joel Hippert, and Israel G. Erb Esq., the subscribing witnesses to the preceding will and on their solemn affirmation did declare and say that they were present and saw and heard Jacob Hocker, the testator therein named, sign, seal, publish, pronounce and declare the same to be his last will and testament, and that at the time of the doing thereof he was of sound and well disposing mind, memory and understanding to the best of their knowledge, observation, and belief. J.S. Albright, Depy Regr.

August 13th A.D. 1873, Setters Testamentory granted to Allen Hocker, and Martin Hocker the executors named in the annexed will they being duly affirmed and well and truly to administer the goods and chattels, rights and credits which were of the testate according to the law, and also that they will diligently and faithfully regard and well and truly comply with the provisions of the law relating to collateral inheritance. J.S. Albright Depy Regr”

Update:

I am still trying to determine how this HACKER family fits into our extended HACKER/HOCKER family. The names of his sons are of particular interest. Our Jacob4 HACKER (Frederick3, Johan Adam2, Christoph1) named two of his sons Allen and Henry. He also had grandsons named Elias, Martin, William, and Henry.

Given the birth date of Jacob HACKER he could fit into the family of Johan George3 HACKER, fifth son of Johan Adam2 HACKER, who married Christina MUELLER/MILLER, daughter of Christopher and Maria Barbara (STOBER) MUELLER. This couple stayed in the northern Lancaster County/southern Lebanon County area and is buried in Emanuel Lutheran Church cemetery in Brickerville.

Jacob HACKER could also be a son of John4 HACKER, son of Frederick3 HACKER. John4 married Sarah/Salome MOSER, daughter of Johan Adam and Christina (Prunner) Moser. They had at least three children—John, George, and Lydia—before her death by 1823. John4 then married her sister Susanna MOSER. I have no knowledge of children for this couple. This family is less likely because John’s three children are named in his father-in-law’s will in 1823 as minor heirs.

If you have information on this family or clues to a possible link to the other HACKERs of Lancaster County, please let me know. Many thanks to Nancy Manley for her assistance with this HACKER/GREEK (Krieg) family.

John Hocker (1815-1882)

Kris Hocker on 9 Jul 2009

John2 Hocker (Unknown1) was born 6 July 1815 in Hummelstown, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, and died 21 January 1882 in Churchville, now Oberlin, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. He was buried in Churchville Cemetery, Oberlin, Swatara Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania.1 John’s occupation, according to census records, varied from brick-maker to farmer to shoemaker.

He married on 3 December 18352, probably in Hummelstown, Sarah Beinhower, daughter of Peter Beinhower (30 November 1787-25 November 1853) and Mary Ann Smith (8 April 1790-4 April 1877). She was born 12 January 1814 in Swatara Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania and died of pneumonia on 12 November 1901 in Middletown, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania where she had gone to visit relatives.3 Sarah was buried 15 November 1901 in the Churchville Cemetery, Oberlin, Swatara Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania with her husband.4

John Hocker’s will states:

“I, John Hocker, of Churchville, Swatara Township, Dauphin county, Pennsylvania. Item; I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Sarah, all my estate real, personal and mixed for her use during her natural life, to use the same or any part thereof for her support and whatever is left at her died is to go to the children of my deceased daughter, Mary Ann, share and share alike.”5

Sarah Hocker’s illness was news in the local papers in Middletown.

“Mrs. Hocker Very Sick— Mrs. Hocker, widow of the late John Hocker, of Oberlin, came to visit her grandaughter, Mrs. C.P. Longenecker at East Middletown bridge, a week ago last Sunday. While there she took sick and her trouble soon developed into pneumonia. At this writing there are no hopes for her recovery. Mrs. Hocker is 87 years old and for many years resided near Good’s fulling mill in Lower Swatara.”6

“Mrs. Hocker, an aged and highly respected lady of this place, and widow of the late John Hocker, died on Tuesday afternoon at 4 o’clock in the 89th year of her age. Mrs. Hocker has gone to visit relatives near Middletown, and while there contracted an attack of pnuemonia which resulted in her death.

The funeral which took place from her late residence in this place on Friday morning at 9:30 was attended by many. Services were held in the United Brethren church, of which she was a consistent member for many years. Interment was made in the cemetery of this place.”7

John and Sarah (Beinhower) Hocker had one child:

  1. Maria Anna/Anna Maria3 Hocker was born 2 January 1840, baptized 2 April 1840 in the Zion Evangelical Church, and died 11 September 1873 or 1883.8 She married Christian A. Gingerich circa 1864.

This John Hocker was incorrectly attributed to the family of John4 Hocker (Johan Adam3, Johan Adam2, Christoph1) and Catherine Sterling in William Wingeard’s “A German-American HACKER-HOCKER Genealogy.” John4 did, in fact, have a son named John. However, my research shows that his son John removed to Ohio with the rest of his family. Additionally, this John Hocker was born approximately 19 years before John4‘s son, John K. Hocker.

If you have any information on this family, please share.

Adam Hocker

Kris Hocker on 9 Jul 2009

Adam2 Hocker (Unknown1) was born 19 October 1812 in Hummelstown, Derry Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. He died 26 September 1870, at age of 57 years, 11 months, 7 days in Swatara Township, Dauphin County and is buried in the Churchville cemetery, Oberlin, Swatara Township.[1]

Adam was married in Salem Lutheran Church, possibly in Lebanon County, on 22 February 1838 to Eve Hamaker.[2] She was born 24 June 1817 in Pennsylvania, died 14 November 1892 when age 75 years, 4 months, and 21 days.[3] She was buried with her husband. Eve was the daughter of Adam Hamaker Jr., a farmer of Derry township, Dauphin county, and Mollie Snavely.

Adam was a farmer and they were of the Lutheran faith. The family resided in Derry Township through 1850. In 1852, Adam purchased land in Swatara Township from Henry and Mary Miller, and Michael and Elizabeth Frantz.[4]

After Adam’s death in 1870, guardians were appointed for his children as follows: “Upon the petition of Eve Hocker, widow of Adam Hocker… asks the Court to appoint John Hocker, of Swatara township in said county guardian of” Ann Hocker.[5] The Court appointed Nathaniel Shope as the guardian of Melinda Hocker and Martin Hocker, children over 14 years of age.[6]

Adam Hocker, Jr. petitioned the court to partition his father’s estate in 1870. In the petition her stated that the “decedent left a widow and 9 children, Jacob, John, Adam, Elizabeth Cumbler, wife of George Cumbler, Sarah, David, Melinda, Martin and Anne, all of age except the last 4 named who are minors and have John Hocker and N. Shope for their guardians. All except Jacob, who lives near Fort Union in New Mexico, live in said County Tract situate in Swatara Township adjacent lands of John C. Kunkel, esq., David Hurst, Henry Zimmerman, David Over and others.”[7]

When Eve Hocker died in 1892, her obituary appeared in the Middletown Journal, as follows:

Mrs. Adam Hocker, of Oberlin, died yesterday morning at one o’clock, from paralysis. She was seventy-two years of age and was well known, having lived there for many years. Deceased was a good Christian woman and beloved by all who knew her. Eight grown-up children survive her. The funeral will take place on Friday morning at ten o’clock, and the remains will be buried in the Oberlin cemetery.[8]

Adam and Eve (Hamaker) Hocker had the following children:

  1. Jacob H.3 Hocker was born 10 January 1839 in Derry Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania and died 1 March 1911 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Jacob married twice, first to Catharine Eshnour in 1859, and second to Barbara Leonhart 31 December 1874 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
  2. John Hocker was born 17 January 1841 in Derry Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania and died 18 February 1905 in Oberlin, Swatara Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. He was buried in Churchville Cemetery He married Rebecca Brenner 7 November 1861 in Zion Lutheran Church.
  3. Adam H. Hocker was born 15 January 1843 in Derry Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania and died 11 June 1902 in Harrisburg. He was buried 14 June 1902 in Churchville Cemetery. He married Martha Shope, daughter of Nathaniel Shope and Martha Garman, circa 1886.
  4. Mary Elizabeth Hocker was born circa 1844/45 in Derry Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. She married George W. Cumbler 7 February 1866 in Zion Lutheran Church.
  5. Sarah Hocker was born 19 September 1848 in Derry Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania and died 13 April 1930. She was buried in Chambers Hill Cemetery, Swatara Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. She married Peter Page 14 September 1871 in Zion Lutheran Church.
  6. David R. Hocker was born 1 December 1850 and died 21 November 1887, in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. He was buried in Shoop’s Cemetery, Lower Paxton Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. David was a physician. He married Esther “Hettie” Rudy, daughter of Joseph Frederick Rudy and Hettie Landis, 4 February 1876 in Shoop’s Reformed Church, Lower Paxton Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. Hettie was born 3 January 1854. She died 11 May 1894 and was buried 14 May 1894 in Shoop’s Cemetery with her husband.[9]
  7. Malinda Hocker was born 1852/53 in either Derry or Swatara Townships, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. She probably died in Michigan. Malinda married Wilson Smioth, who probably died in Berrien Center, Berrien County, Michigan. No more is currently known about them. [Dauphin County records list a daughter Eve born to Adam and Eve (Hamaker) Hocker 19 Jan 1853 in Upper Swatara Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. Perhaps the name was an error based on the mother’s name?]
  8. Martin M. Hocker was born 15 May 1855, probably in Swatara Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. He died on the 25th of April (year unknown, but after 1920) and was buried in Churchville Cemtery, Oberlin, Swatara Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. Circa 1872, he married Mary Elizabeth Marburger.
  9. Anna C. Hocker was born circa 1859/60, probably in Swatara Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. She She married twice, first, on 17 Feb 1887 at Steelton, by Rev. Martin Peter Hocker, to Charles Leonhart, son of Jacob Leonhart. When they were married, Anna was age 27 and of Oberlin, Swatara Township, and Charles was age 30, and of Steelton. They divorced in April 1889 in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. Shortly thereafter, she was married on 15 September 1889 to William Longenecker. When they married, Anne was age 29, divorced and residing in Swatara Township; William was age 28, single, a steelworker, residing in Steelton.

This Adam Hocker was incorrectly attributed to the family of John4 Hocker (Johan Adam3, Johan Adam2, Christoph1) and Catherine Stierling in William Wingeard’s A German-American Hacker-Hocker Genealogy. John4 did, in fact, have a son named Adam. However, my research shows that his son Adam removed to Ohio with the rest of the family. Additionally, this Adam Hocker was born approximately 14 years before John4‘s son, Adam.

Footnotes:

  1. Adam Hocker gravestone, Churchville Cemetery, Oberlin, Swatara Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, photographed by Kris Hocker 2 September 2000.
  2. Lutheran Theological Seminary, Lebanon County church records (Gettyburg, Pennsylvania: Lutheran Theological Seminary, 1969), Volume 9: Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church, Lebanon: marriages 1794-1876, Page 148; Pennsylvania State Library, Forum Building, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
  3. Eve Hocker gravestone, Churchville Cemetery, Oberlin, Swatara Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, Photographed by Kris Hocker, Saturday, 2 September 2000.
  4. Dauphin County Deed Book C, Volume 4: page 722 and 724, 11 Dec 1852; Dauphin County Courthouse, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
  5. Dauphin County Orphans Court Book R: page 336, 18 Oct 1870, Dauphin County Courthouse, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
  6. Dauphin County Orphan Court Book R: page 337, 18 Oct 1870; Dauphin County Courthouse, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
  7. Dauphin County Orphans Court Book R: page 344, 18 Oct 1870; Dauphin County Courthouse, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
  8. Eve (Hamaker) Hocker obituary, The Middletown Journal, Middletown, Pennsylvania, Wednesday, 16 Nov 1892, Page 1.
  9. D. R. and Hettie Rudy Hocker gravestone, Rudy Plot, Shoop’s Cemetery, Lower Paxton Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, Photographed by Kris Hocker, 5 April 2002.

Joseph HACKER

Kris Hocker on 9 Jul 2009

JOSEPH HACKER was born ca 1812/17 and died sometime after 1880. He appears in the 1850 US census for Elizabeth township, Lancaster county; the 1860 US census for Ephrata; the 1870 US census for Stouchsburg, Berks county; and the 1880 US census for Lebanon (Ward 1), Berks county.

Circa 1845, Joseph married SUSANNA (___). She was born about 1825/27 and died after 1880, possibly on 9 Feb 1898 in Lebanon county. She may have been buried in Stouchsburg, Lebanon county, Pennsylvania.

According to census records, Joseph and Susanna had the following children:[1]

  1. HENRY HACKER (1846—?) married AMANDA (___)
  2. EMMA HACKER (ca 1848—?)
  3. SUSAN HACKER (ca 1851—?)
  4. ALBERT HACKER (ca 1853—?)
  5. JOHN B. HACKER (1854—aft 1930) married MARY FESSLER
  6. ELIZABETH HACKER (ca 1856—?)
  7. IDA HACKER (ca 1859—?)
  8. ALICE HACKER (ca 1862/3—?)
  9. BECKIE HACKER (ca 1871—?)

I believe Joseph may have been the son of Johan George3 HACKER (Johan Adam2, Christoph1) and Christina MUELLER, who was christened 21 Jul 1816 in Saint Luke’s Evangelical Lutheran or formerly Heidelberg Congregation, Schaefferstown, Lebanon, Pennsylvania. Additionally, the Catharine HACKER living in his household in the 1850 United States census could very well have been a sister.

Footnotes:

  1. Joseph Hacker household, 1850 U.S. Census, Elizbeth township, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, family 423; National Archives micropublication M432, Roll 789; Joseph Hacker household 1860 U.S. Census, Ephrata township, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania; National Archives micropublication M653, Roll 1124; Joseph Hacker household, 1870 U.S. Census, Stouchsburg, Berks county, Pennsylvania, page 471; National Archives micropublication M593, Roll 1306; Joseph Hacker household, 1880 U.S. Census, Lebanon, Lebanon county, Pennsylvania, page 263D; National Archives micropublication T9, Roll 1145.

Johan George Hacker

Kris Hocker on 9 Jul 2009

George3 Hacker (Johan Adam2, Christoph1) was the fifth son of Johan Adam and Maria Elisabetha (Weidman) Hacker. He was born 9 Oct 1766 and christened 12 Oct 1766 in the Warwick congregation (now Emanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church) in Brickerville, sponsored by Lorenz Haushalter and wife (his uncle and aunt).1 He died 12 Sep 1846 and was buried in the Emanuel Lutheran Church cemetery.2

George married Christina Miller, daughter of Christopher Miller and Maria Barbara Stober of Cocalico township, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, before 1814.3 Christina was born 1 Jan 17784 and died 29 Oct 1858.5 She is buried in the Emanuel Lutheran Church cemetery with her husband.

I have only been able to locate data on one possible child of George and Christina, as follows:

  1. Joseph4 Hacker was born 3 Jul 1816 and baptized 21 Jul 1816 at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, Shaefferstown, Lebanon county, Pennsylvania, sponsored by his aunt and uncle Christoper and Anna (___) Miller.6 He may have married a woman named Susanna. There is a Joseph Hacker in the 1850 census for Elizabeth township, Lancaster county, the 1860 census for Ephrata township, Lancaster county, the 1870 census for Stouchsberg, Berks county, and the 1880 census for the 1st Ward of Lebanon, Lebanon county.7

Census records don’t show George as head of household until 1810 when he is listed in Cocalico township.8 He is in Lebanon township in 1820, living alongside Christopher Miller, most likely his brother-in-law.9 I have been unable to find him either 1830 or 1840 U.S. Federal census records. Christopher Miller, however, is back in Lancaster county, in Elizabeth township in 1830 through 1850.

Lancaster county tax records show a George Hacker in 1791, his status “freeman.”10 I’m assuming that this is Johan Adam’s son George as Adam’s brother Johan George had moved his family to Erdenheim (outside Philadelphia) in 1763 and Frederick’s son George (Johan George’s nephew) was an infant. He is listed in 1796—1799 tax records together with Frederick, his brother. In 1800, he’s listed separately, but in 1801—1803 they are listed together again. In 1805, George is listed as having 10 acres valued at $600, having 1 saw or grist mill. George, the miller, is also listed in 1806, 1807, and 1808. There my tax records end.

In 1817 George purchased land in Lebanon county with his brother-in-law Christopher Miller.11 On 21 Jul 1816, George and Christina had a child, Joseph, baptized in Shaefferstown at St. Luke’s church, and they sponsored baptisms at Shaefferstown in 1815 and 1817.12 In Nov 1817, George sponsored a child’s baptism at Salem Lutheran church in Lebanon.13

However, that’s where the trail goes cold. I have nothing on him, including the births of other children, tax records, or land transactions, until his burial at Emanuel Lutheran Church.

Christina (HACKER) LANG

Kris Hocker on 9 Jul 2009

CHRISTINA2 HACKER (Christoph1, StephenA) was born on 25 December 1723 in Rußheim, Württemberg, Germany. On 8 November 1746 when Christina was 22, she married JOHAN MICHAEL LANG, also in Rußheim. Michael was born in Germany, though we do not know where. His parents and date of birth are also unknown to me.

Michael and Christina (Hacker) Lang entered Philadelphia on the ship Rawley on 23 October 1752, accompanied by Christina’s parents, and her sister and brother-in-law, Lorentz and Margaretha (Hacker) Haushalter/Householder.[1] Michael took allegiance to the King of England that same day. Christina was not quite 29 years of age when they came and we do not know whether they brought any children with them. Only the adult males were registered when boarding the ship.

The couple settled in Cocalico Township in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, probably near Christina’s parents and brothers. Christina and Michael likely died some time between 1780 and 1790. A Michael Lange and wife appear in a list of communicants for Emanuel Lutheran Church in Brickerville, Elizabeth Township, Lancaster County for the “First Sunday after Trinity” 1780.[2] Since their son Michael Jr. did not marry his wife Christina until 1781, it is likely that this entry refers to this couple.

Additionally, a Michael Lang/Long also appears as a landowner in the tax records of Lancaster County from 1756 and 1759, then again in 1779 and 1780.[3] A Michael Lang/Long also appears in the tax records from 1783 through 1802. However, since both father and son were married and living (presumably) in Cocalico Township, the fact that only one of them appears in the tax record leads me to believe that the father had died. No burial location for Christina and Michael is known.

To my knowledge, Michael and Christina (Hacker) Lang had two children, a son and a daughter, as follows:

  1. ANNA CHRISTINA3 LONG was born 18 February 1754 in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania and baptized 15 April 1754, sponsored by Anna Barbara Brent wife of Andreas Brent, Anna Christina Moser, daughter of Paul Moser, and Christoph Reitenauser, single son of Hannes Reitenauer, confirmed.[4] She died in Centre County, Pennsylvania on 19 June 1827 and was buried in Wolf’s Chapel Cemetery. She married JOHAN WILHELM STOBER, probably in Lancaster County, sometime before 1777.
  2. JOHANN MICHAEL LONG was born 15 October 1757 in Cocalico Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, was baptized on 13 November 1757 in Emanuel Lutheran Church in Brickerville, Elizabeth Township, Lancaster County.[5] Michael died in June of 1802. In 1781, he married CHRISTINA STOBER, daughter of Johan George and Eva Elisabeth (Elser) Stober.

In subsequent generations, the spelling of the family’s surname LANG (pronounced Long) was anglicized and changed to Long.

Footnotes:

  1. Strassburger, Ralph Beaver and William John Hinke, editor, Pennsylvania German Pioneers, A Publication of the Original Lists of Arrivals in the Port of Philadelphia from 1727 to 1808, (Baltimore, Maryland: Genealogical Publishing, Co., Inc., 1980), page 499-500.
  2. Weiser, Frederick S., translator, Sources and Documents of the Pennsylvania Germans: Volume XIII, Records of the Pastoral Acts at Emanuel Lutheran Church, known in the Eighteenth Century as the Warwick Congregation, near Brickerville, Elizabeth Township, Lancaster County, PA, 1743-1799, (Pennsylvania: The Pennsylvania German Society, 1983), page 203. For a transcription of the relevant records, please refer to Appendix XX.
  3. Hawbaker, Gary T., and Clyde L. Groff. A New Index, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Before the Federal Census, Volume 1, Index to the 1780 Tax Records. (Hershey, Pennsylvania: no publisher, 1981); Tax Lists, 1750-1814, Cocalico township (1751—1808) and Cocalico township (1809—1838), Lancaster county, Pensnylvania; microcopy roll #6040, 6041; Pennsylvania State Archives, Harrisburg.
  4. FamilyTree Maker’s Family Archives, Church Records: Selected Areas of Pennsylvania, 1600s-1800s, citing Family Archive CD-ROM #166, (Fremont, California: Banner Blue Software, 1997).
  5. Weiser, Sources and Documents of the Pennsylvania Germans: Volume XIII… 1743-1799, page 60.