George Hoover

George² Hoover (Andrew¹) was born circa 1755, most likely in Old Frederic County, Maryland. Neither a birth nor a baptismal record has been found for George. However, his grandson’s biography in Caldwell’s History of Indiana County, Pennsylvania states that George was of German descent and came to Fayette County with two brothers when he was only 14 years old.^[1] The southwestern part of Pennsylvania was opened to settlement in 1769 and George’s brother Jacob is known to have had land in the area by 1770.(see Jacob Hoover) So, if the three brothers came to the Fayette County area around 1769, then George was likely born about 1755, and since the family was residing in near Leitersburg, Maryland at the time then that is most likely where he was born.

George died sometime between the 15th and 18th of March 1813 in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania. His son Christian was the executor of his estate. In the estate papers Christian lists expenses “in entertaining the friends and relatives of dec’d at the time of his sickness & burial from March 15 to March 18th, 1813.” ^[2,3] Christian was a dutiful record keeper listing the following activities and expenses on behalf of his father’s estate:

March 24, 1813: To going to Greensburg to collect money owed the estate [George Hoover vs. James Carnahan] and to get the will [interpreted?] on three days 3.50

March 30, 1813: To going to Kittanning town to take out Adm’r letters 1.00

March 31, 1813: To one day spent at the appraisement of dec’d goods 1.00

April 1 & 2: To two day attending vendue of said goods & chattels 4.00

The list continues through August 25th when he went to town to settle the estate. No will was found filed for George Hoover in Armstrong, Fayette, Greene, Washington, or Westmoreland counties, even though there apparently was one as Christian went to have it interpreted—perhaps from German on March 24th. Perhaps the will was not deemed valid as Christian had to take out letters of administration on March 30th. This would indicate that George died intestate.^[4] There was no final settlement of the estate included in the estate packet. However, the names of heirs were listed in several places within the papers.

George Hoover left Maryland with two of his brothers—Jacob and likely Andrew Jr.—probably in 1769. Jacob took up land in the southwestern Fayette/eastern Greene county area known as Monogalia County.^[5] Andrew was listed as being of Yohogania County when he purchased land in Union Township.^[6] I believe George wouldn’t have been able to own property on his own until he was 18—circa 1774 or 21—circa 1776. Since George was only 14 years-old when the brothers went to the area, he likely helped one of his brothers improve their claim. Or perhaps, he—as the youngest son—assisted his father on his property in Union Township sometime around 1779 until his death in 1784.

George Huber's Salt Lick Township property

George purchased 250 acres of land on Little Champlain Creek in Donegal Township, Westmoreland County from Michael McHenry on 10 Apr 1779.^[7] He also owned 132 acres of land on Salt Lick Creek in Bullskin Township, Fayette County and Donegal Township, Westmoreland County. This land was warranted 18 Mar 1793 and surveyed 17 Jan 1799.^[8] However, he is listed in Bullskin Township tax records in 1785 (as a freeman), 1786, 1788, and 1789, Salt Lick Township (formed from Bullskin) tax records in 1798 and 1799.^[9] He is also listed in Donegal Township tax records in 1783, 1786, 1792, and 1799. This property is northeast of the area where the rest of the family settled. The tax lists of Salt Lick Township for 1800 list both George and his son Christian and indicate that they had moved out of the county.^[10]

Census records place George in Donegal Township, Westmoreland in 1790.^[11] The household includes only 1 male over 16, 4 males under 16 and six females. There is also a George Hoover in Bullskin Township with a household of only 1 male over 16, quite possibly George Jr.^[12] In 1800 the family is listed as “George Hover” in Buffalo Township, Armstrong County. The household included 1 male over 45 (George), 1 male 10-15, and 1 male under 10, as well as one female over 45 (his wife).^[13] His son Christian’s household is listed next. By 1810, George and family are listed in Kittanning Township, Armstrong County, Pennsylvania.^[14] In the household are 1 male over 45 (George) and 1 female over 45 (his wife).

George Hoover's Armstrong County property

No deeds were located in Armstrong County for George. However, when his son Christian’s property was surveyed on 20 Apr 1803, it referenced land of George Hoover, bordering the property to the west.^[15] This land was patented to Christian’s son Philip in 1820.^[16] Both George and presumably one of his sons—Henry—were listed in tax records for Allegheny Township, Armstrong County in 1805. Additionally, George, Christian and Henry were listed in tax records for Armstrong County in 1807—Henry in Allegheny Township, and George and Christian in Kittanning Township.^[17]

George married at least twice. His first wife was named Rosannah or Rosine. No surname is known for her. They were married most likely before 1784 but definitely by 1811. In 1784, George inherited a third of his father’s land in Union Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania.^[18] He and wife Rosannah sold this land to his brother John—most likely before 1785 when they were living in Bullskin Township—although the deed was not recorded until 2 Nov 1811 when John sold it.^[19] By that time George had already moved his family from Salt Lick Township, Fayette County to Armstrong County and his wife Rosannah was deceased. Rosannah likely died sometime between 1784 and 1787 in Bullskin Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania.

George’s second marriage is somewhat problematic for me. He likely married for the second time Eva Elisabetha (___) sometime before 8 Oct 1787—one would hope at least nine months prior—as a daughter Maria Magdalena was born on that day to George and Eva Elisabetha Huber and baptized by Rev. Johann Wilhelm Weber.^[20] The baptism took place at Good Hope Church at Back Creek; the same place the baptisms of a number of George’s grandchildren took place. Salomon Huber, son of George and Elisabeth Huber, was also baptized at Good Hope on 12 Oct 1790, born 27 Apr 1790.^[21] George and Eva Elisabetha also were sponsors to Susannah, daughter Johan Adam and Rosannah (Hoover) Waltenbaugh, in 1792 and Samuel, son of Christian and Maria Barbara (Harmon) Hoover in 1796.^[22] On 27 Apr 1799, George and Elisabeth, his wife, sold the property on Salt Lick Creek to Jacob Hess for 135 pounds.^[23]

We can reasonably assume that Maria Magdalena and Salomon were children of our George, because his widow was referred to as Eve E. Hoover, Eve Hoover and Elizabeth Hoover in his estate papers. Also, Magdalina and her husband Philip Weitzel are named as heirs in George’s estate papers.^[24] Additionally, George and his wife Eva were sponsors of a baptism at St. Michael’s Evangelical Church at Brick Church in Mar 1807. They were also listed on the communion list at this church on 10 Jun 1810.^[25]

Although no marriage record has been found for this couple, we know an Eve Hoover was married previously to a Saundle/Sondle, possibly Valentine Sandle. Her estate record lists the following heirs:^[26]

1. daughter Catharine, wife of Andrew Harmon
2. George [??] and wife Betsy
3. Jacob Saundle
4. son John Saundle
5. son Valentine
6. son Christopher Saundle
7. son-in-law Jacob Wolf and wife Eve
8. son-in-law John Wolf and wife Anne

Andrew Harmon apparently had quite a life after he was captured by Indians, bought by an English Officer, then finally reunited with his family in Westmoreland County years later. He then married Catharine Sondle about 1790 and moved to the Armstrong/Indiana county area. Andrew Harmon was one of the bondsmen on the letters of administration granted to Eve Sandles and Gaspar Tarr on 6 Oct 1803 on the estate of Valentine Sandles.^[27]

I also found on the web mention of Elizabeth, wife of Valentine Sandle, daughter of Joseph Devoss. Devoss apparently died in 1794 and Elizabeth was one of his youngest daughters.^[28] Elizabeth and Valentine Sandle quitclaimed the inherited property to Gaspar Tarr 9 Nov 1808.^[29] This must refer to a second Valentine Sandle—perhaps the son—as he was still alive in 1808. The recurring names, however, do indicate some kind of connection.

Unfortunately, just when you think it all looks reasonable… you find more information. Anne Margaret (Sandel) Wolfe, wife of John Wolfe of Armstrong County was born 4 Mar 1796 and baptized at Mount Pleasant Lutheran Church in Westmoreland County.^[30] Eve Elisabeth (Sandel) Wolfe, wife of Jacob Wolfe, was born in 1792 and also baptized at Mount Pleasant Lutheran Church.^[31] Both of these girls were born after George Hoover’s second marriage. Also, I’m disturbed by the 1803 date for the letters of administration. Unless they were granted more than 16 years after Valentine’s death, I fail to see how his widow Eve Sandles can be the Eva Elisabeth that George married before Oct 1787.

So, what do we know? George Hoover was married to Rosannah (___). She died sometime after George inherited property from his father in 1784 and before 1787 when his daughter Magdalena was born to Eve Elisabeth. At the time of his death, he was married to a Eva Elisabeth (___) Hoover. If the last will and testament of Eve Hoover of Sugarcreek township was his wife, then she was Eve (___) Sandle, widow of Valentine Sandle. They could have married anytime between Valentine Sandle’s death in 1803 and 1813 when George died. The Armstrong County church records of 1807 and 1810 make a case that they were married by 1807.

When Eve died in 1821, she mentions in her will her children with Valentine Sandle, but makes no mention of any children with George Hoover. Although it is possible that Salomon died sometime between 1815 and 1821, Maria Magdalena (Hoover) Weitzel was still alive at the time of the 1870 U.S. census.^[32] This leads me to believe that this Eve was possibly not their mother.

So, it is a possibility that George was married three times. Marriages to two women both named Eva/Eve Elisabeth seem somewhat questionable to me. Yet, given the evidence, I can not, at this time, reach any other conclusion. Unfortunately, this can’t be proven without additional information.

George and his first wife Rosannah probably had children, as follows (birth order and dates not proven):^[33]

1. Rosannah³ Hoover was born circa 1768 [not likely] in Westmoreland County, died in 1832, and was buried in Rupp Lutheran Church Cemetery, Kittanning Township, Armstrong County, Pennsylvania. She married Johan Adam Waltenbaugh, born 1751 and died 1 Aug 1833 in Kittanning Township, Armstrong County, Pennsylvania. The couple had children:
   1. Jacob Waltenbaugh, born circa 1786/7
   2. Anna Maria Waltenbaugh, born 14 Sep 1790, married Isaac Wolf
   3. Susannah Waltenbaugh, born 1792, married Jacob Heilman, son of Peter and Elizabeth (Harter) Heilman
   4. John George Waltenbagh, born 1794
2. Catharina Hoover was born circa 1769 [not likely] in Westmoreland County and died sometime between 1830 and 1840. She married William Matthias Kern Jr., son of William Matthias and Anna Christina (___) Kern. He was born 8 Feb 1756 in Easton, Northampton County, Pennsylvania and died about 1837 in Springfield Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania.^[34] This couple had children:
   1. Solomon Kern, born 30 Nov 1781
   2. Abraham Kern, born 17 Oct 1785
   3. Mathias Kern, born 1 Sep 1787
   4. William Kern, born 1790
   5. Simon Kern, born 26 Apr 1793
   6. Jacob Kern, born 15 Jun 1795
   7. Anna Rosina Kern, born 18 Mar 1797
   8. Jonathan Kern, born 30 Mar 1799
   9. Joshua Kern, born 3 May 1801
   10. Maria Elizabeth Kern, born 18 Aug 1803
3. Eve Hoover was born circa 1765-1774 in Westmoreland County and died sometime after 1820. She married Peter Kern, son of William Matthias and Anna Christina (___) Kern. Peter was born circa 1759 and died sometime after 1820.
4. Anna Elizabeth Hoover was born circa 1766-1774, likely in Fayette or Westmoreland County and died sometime before 1813.^[35] She married circa 1791/4 Peter Tedrow. He was born circa 1766-1774. The couple had at least one child:
   1. Eva Catharine Tedrow, born 3 May 1794, baptized 18 May 1794 in the Mt. Zion Lutheran Church, Donegal Township, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania
5. Julianna Hoover was born circa 1770 in Westmoreland County and died 10 Sep 1808 in Donegal Township, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. She married Martin Kehrbach/Carbaugh. Martin was born circa 1760-1765 and died in 1841 in Donegal Township, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. This couple had children:
   1. Anna Maria Magdalena Kerbach, born 20 May 1798, baptized 3 Jun 1798 at the Good Hope Church. She married David Clemons
   2. George Kerbach, born 12 Oct 1800
   3. Eva Elisabetha Kerbach, born 17 Feb 1803 and baptized 1 Apr 1803 at the Good Hope Church. She married George Clemons
   4. Martin Kerbach/Carbaugh, born 11 Feb 1805 and baptized 18 May 1805 at the Good Hope Church
   5. Samuel Kerbach, born circa 1806 and died 5 Mar 1873 in Ackley, Hardin County, Iowa
6. Philip Hoover was born circa 1771 in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. He was listed in the 1789 tax records of Bullskin Township, placing his birth in 1771 or before. He died unmarried in 1792 and his father was named the administrator of his estate in letters of administration granted 15 May 1792.
   • 17 Jun 1793: “Before Alexander Addison, Esq, President, and his Associate Justices of the same Court, at Union Town. George Hoover, administrator of the estate of Philip Hoover, late of Fayette County, yeoman, deceased, presents his account of the administration, whereby there appears to be a balance in his hands of £20 8s 2d, which the Court allows and confirms, and orders that the said balance be distributed according to law.”
   • 17 Jun 1793: “Report of George Hoover, administrator of the estate of Philip Hoover, yeoman, deceased, stating that in pursuance to an order of this Court made 18 March last, he had on 09 May last exposed to sale at public outcry a certain tract of land in Bullskin twp, containing 181 acres of thereabouts, after due and timely notice had been given of such sale, agreeably to the directions of the said order, and that this tract of land (with appurtenances) had been sold to George Anshultz for the sum of £30, and two notes of £5 each payable in yearly installments of £5, he being the highest and best bidder for the same. Sale approved by the Court.”
7. George Hoover was born before 1774 in Westmoreland County. A George Hoover is listed in the 1790 census of Bullskin Township, the household having one male over 16. If this is George Jr., then he was born sometime before 1774. George died after 1813, but possibly before 1815. He is named as an heir in 1813 in his brother Christian’s account administration of their father’s estate, but is not listed as a witness in a suit filed by Eve Hoover in 1815.^[36] He may have married circa 1791 Catharina (___). In Jul and Aug of 1791 a George Huber and Catharina were sponsors for Eva Catharina, daughter of Philip Harbach and Maria Christina, and Anna Maria Poh, daughter of George Poh and Anna Elisabeth.^[37]
8. Christian Hoover was born 10 Feb 1776 in either Fayette or Westmoreland County and died 20 Feb 1850 in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania. He was buried in St. John’s Lutheran Church cemetery in Sagamore, Armstrong County, Pennsylvania. He married circa 1796 Maria Barbara Harmon, daughter of Christian and Christina Magdalena (Lenhart) Harmon. Barbara was born 9 Sep 1773 in Westmoreland County and died 3 Mar 1870 in West Mahoning Township, Indiana County, Pennsylvania. The couple was a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church at Crooked Creek in 1810. The couple had children:
   1. Samuel Hoover, born 8 Sep 1796
   2. George Hoover, born 24 May 1799
   3. Catharine Hoover, born circa 1800
   4. Philip Hoover, born circa 1802
   5. Christian Hoover, born 6 Oct 1809
9. Henry Hoover was born circa 1774-1780 in Westmoreland County and died sometime after 1815. He was listed in the 1805 and 1807 tax lists for Allegheny Township, Armstrong County, Pennsylvania. No more is known about him.
10. Andrew Hoover was born sometime between 1774 and 1790, probably in Fayette or Westmoreland County.^[38] He died possibly sometime between 1813 when he is listed as an heir in his father’s estate records and 1815 when he is not included as a witness in the suit filed by his step-mother Eve Hoover. No more is known about him.

George Hoover and his wife Eva Elisabetha (___), possibly his second wife, had the following children:

1. Maria Magdalena Hoover was born 8 Oct 1787 in either Fayette or Westmoreland County and baptized on 14 Sep 1788 in Good Hope Church. She died sometime after 26 Jul 1870 in Jefferson County, Pennsylvania.^{[39, 40]} She married Philip Weitzel about 1804-1806. They had children, and possibly others:
   1. Margaret “Peggy” Weitzel, born 28 Apr 1807, baptized 5 Jun 1808 at St. Michael’s Evangelical Lutheran Church at Brick Church.
   2. Jonas Weitzel, born 17 May 1810, baptized 9 Jun 1810 at St. Michael’s Evangelical Lutheran Church at Brick Church.
   3. Philip Weitzel, born circa 1818-1824 in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania and likely died in Jefferson County, Pennsylvania.
   4. Catarina Weitzel, born 4 May 1819 in Armstrong County, baptized 10 Oct 1819 at St. Michael’s Evangelical Lutheran Church at Brick Church.
   5. Mary Weitzel, born circa 1822 and died 19 Oct 1894. She married Isaac Palmer.
   6. Martha Weitzel, born 27 Nov 1826, baptized 14 Oct 1827 at Thomas House, Plumcreek Township, Armstrong County, Pennsylvania.
   7. Robert Weitzel, born circa 1832/33 in Indiana or Jefferson County and died sometime after 10 Jun 1880 when he was listed in the 1880 census for Perry Township, Jefferson County, Pennsylvania. He married Catharine (___) about 1853.
2. Salomon/Solomon Hoover was born 7 Apr 1790 in either Fayette or Westmoreland County and was baptized 12 Oct 1790 at Good Hope Church. He was confirmed at age 21 on 3 Jun 1811 at the First Lutheran Church of Westmoreland County.^[41] He died sometime after 1815 when he was listed as a witness in the suit filed by his step-mother Eve against his father’s estate. No more is known about him.

Footnotes

1. Caldwell, John Alexander, History of Indiana County, Pennsylvania (Newark, Ohio: J.A. Caldwell, 1880), page 482
2. George Hoover Estate packet (1813), Armstrong County Register’s Docket (Allegheny Township), Vol 1: 21, File number 43
3. Hoover, Luella Schaumburg, “Some Descendants of Andrew Hoover” (typescript; State Library, Pennsylvania), page 59
4. George Hoover Estate packet, Armstrong County Register’s Docket (Allegheny Township), Vol 1: 21, File number 43
5. Reports on Claims to Unpatented Land, Monongalia, Yohogania, Ohio Counties, Virginia-West Virginia, page 159; also Wiley, Samuel B., History of Monongalia County, West Virginia, From Its First Settlements to the Present Time; With Numerous Biographical and Family Sketches (Kingwood, West Virginia: Preston Printing Company, 1883)
6. Fayette County Deeds, Book E: 131
7. Westmoreland County Deeds, Book A: 161
8. Fayette County Copied Survey Book C68: 554
9. Pennsylvania Archives, Series III, Vol XXII: 574; Pennsylvania Archives, Series III, Vol XXII: 603; T.L.C. Genealogy, Fayette County, Pennsylvania Taxpayers 1785-1799 (Miami Beach, Florida: T.L.C. Genealogy, 1991), page 77; Salt Lick Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania Tax Records, 1798; Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission Publication
10. Salt Lick Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania Tax Records, 1800; Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission Publication, microfilm 170.15
11. George Hoover household, 1790 United States Census, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania (Donegal Township); National Archives micropublication M637, roll 9
12. George Hoover household, 1790 United States Census, Fayette County, Pennsylvania (Bullskin Township); National Archives micropublication M637, roll 8
13. George Hoover household, 1800 United States Census, Armstrong County, Pennsylvania (Buffalo Township), page 202; National Archives micropublication M32, roll 35
14. George Hoover household, 1810 United States Census, Armstrong County, Pennsylvania (Kittanning Township), page 376; National Archives micropublication M252, roll 44
15. Armstrong County Copied Survey Book C97: 85
16. Armstrong County Copied Survey Book C90: 298
17. Hoover, Luella Schaumburg, “Some Descendants of Andrew Hoover” (typescript; State Library, Pennsylvania), page 58
18. Fayette County Will Book, Vol. 1:24
19. Fayette County Deeds, Book K: 10-11
20. Ruff, Paul Miller, German Church Records of Western Pennsylvania (Greensburg, Pennsylvania: Baltzer Meyer Historical Society, 1994), Volume 1, page 122; Maria Magdalena’s sponsors were Christoph Lawengayer and Elisabetha (his wife?)
21. Ruff, Paul Miller, Good Hope Lutheran Church, Salt Lick Township, Fayette County, Parish Records, 1788-1945 (Greensburg, Pennsylvania: Baltzer Meyer Historical Society, 1994), page 5; Salomon was sponsored by Philip Hoff
22. Ruff, Paul Miller, Good Hope Lutheran Church, Salt Lick Township, Fayette County, Parish Records, 1788-1945 (Greensburg, Pennsylvania: Baltzer Meyer Historical Society, 1994), page 8
23. Westmoreland County Deeds, Book 5: 123-124
24. George Hoover Estate packet (1813), Armstrong County Register’s Docket (Allegheny Township), Vol 1: 21, File number 43
25. Hoover, Luella Schaumburg, “Some Descendants of Andrew Hoover” (typescript; State Library, Pennsylvania), page 58
26. Eve Hoover Estate packet (1821), Armstrong County Register’s Docket (Sugar Creek Township), Vol 1: 40, File number 120; Those heirs designated as “son,” “daughter,” or “son-in-law” are referred to as such in Eve’s will
27. Hoover, Luella Schaumburg, “Some Descendants of Andrew Hoover” (typescript; State Library, Pennsylvania), page 58
28. Joseph Devoss, d. by 1794, PA; http://genforum.genealogy.com/tevis/messages/383.html; It is possible that this Elizabeth (DeVoss) Sandle was born 17 Oct 1787 and baptised 24 Oct 1787 at Sewickley Lutheran
29. Re: Elizabeth & Ann(a) DEVOSS, daus/o John; http://genforum.genealogy.com/cgi-bin/print.cgi?tevis::382.html
30. Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, Her People, Past and Present, Embracing A History of the County (Chicago, IL: J.H. Beers & Co, 1914), Volume II, page 820; Ruff, Paul Miller, Index of Baptisms, The German Church Records of Western Pennsylvania, Westmoreland County, 1772-1820 (Greensburg, Pennsylvania: Baltzer Meyer Historical Society, 1994), page 296
31. Ruff, Paul Miller, Index of Baptisms, The German Church Records of Western Pennsylvania, Westmoreland County, 1772-1820 (Greensburg, Pennsylvania: Baltzer Meyer Historical Society, 1994), page 296
32. Robert Whitsell household, 1870 United States Census, Jefferson County, Pennsylvania (McCalmont Township), Page 92, Dwelling 64, Family 65, Line 10; National Archives micropublication M593, roll 1352
33. I’m not convinced that the birth dates or order for these children are correct. If George was 14 years-old in 1869, I don’t believe he started a family in 1868.
34. Ellis, Franklin, History of Fayette County (Philadelphia, PA: L. H. Everts and Company, 1882), page 753
35. Fayette County Deeds, Book E: 106; Peter Tedrow and wife Anna Elizabeth sold land in Salt Lick Township on 13 Dec 1802 to John Murray
36. George Hoover Estate packet (1813), Armstrong County Register’s Docket (Allegheny Township), Vol 1: 21, File number 43
37. Ruff, Paul Miller, Good Hope Lutheran Church, Salt Lick Township, Fayette County, Parish Records, 1788-1945 (Greensburg, Pennsylvania: Baltzer Meyer Historical Society, 1994), page 5
38. If Andrew was born after 1787, then he is the son of George and Eva Elisabetha, not George and Rosannah; however, no baptismal record was found for him in the Good Hope Church records
39. Ruff, Paul Miller, German Church Records of Western Pennsylvania (Greensburg, Pennsylvania: Baltzer Meyer Historical Society, 1994), Volume 1, page 122
40. Robert Whitsell household, 1870 United States Census, Jefferson County, Pennsylvania (McCalmont Township), Page 92, Dwelling 64, Family 65, Line 10; National Archives micropublication M593, roll 1352; Maria was still alive at the time of this census enumeration, but was most likely not alive on 10 Jun 1880 when her son Robert’s family was enumerated in the 1880 census, without her.
41. William Albert Carbaugh, Some Descendants of Martin and Juliana Hoover Kerhbach/Carbaugh, 1798-2000 (Ocala, FL: self-published, 2000), page 162