Euphrosina Wilhelmina Wageli

In the intricate tapestry of my family tree, the story of Euphrosina Wilhelmina Wageli, born on March 14, 1716, in Lampertheim, Bergstrasse, Hessen, Germany, emerges as a particularly fascinating chapter.

The youngest child of Han Philipp Wegerle and Barbara Kessler (Barbara Keßler), Euphrosina, my 7th great-aunt, captures my imagination not just by her direct relation but also by the uniqueness of her name.

The quest to unravel Euphrosina’s life led me down a path filled with linguistic nuances and historical discrepancies. The variations of her last name in German records, including Waegerle, Wegerle, Wageli, and Wägeli, amongst others, depict the fluidity of language and naming conventions over time.

  • Wegerlin
  • Wegelin
  • Wägerlin
  • Wegerlein
  • Wägele
  • Wägeli
  • Waegerlen
  • Waegerlin
  • Weckherlin
  • Weekerlin
  • Wegerle
  • Weggerly
  • Weikhelin
  • Wiegerlin
  • Wigerli
  • Wigerlin
  • Waeckherlin
  • Wuekherlin

A notable aspect of this journey was understanding the pronunciation of ‘Wägeli’. A consultation with a German translator revealed the intricacies of phonetic translation, approximating ‘wu-ghe-ly’ as the closest pronunciation for an English speaker, albeit not entirely accurate.

My research, documented through various records like ‘Germany, Select Births and Baptisms, 1558-1898’, initially led me to believe Euphrosina married Ludwig Gottlieb Siber and had two daughters, Rosina Barbara and Wilhelmina Barbara Sieber. However, this narrative took a turn upon discovering Ludwig’s emigration to Russia in 1862, raising questions about Euphrosina’s life there.

Further examination of baptism records showed variations in spelling her name, a common challenge in historical document translations. This need for cross-referencing sources became evident when I stumbled upon another individual, Euphrosyne Wilhelmine Wagerle, born in 1819, with a strikingly similar name and marital connection to a Ludwig Gottlieb Siber.

This 103-year age gap led to a crucial realization: the Euphrosina born in 1716 could not be the mother of the children born in the mid-19th century. The puzzle deepened. How then does Euphrosina fit into the Han Philipp Wegerle and Barbara Kessler lineage?

The marriage of Hans Philip Wegerle and Barbara Keßler in 1691 in Lampertheim provides a documented connection to the Wegerle family. But the mystery around Euphrosina’s life and lineage persists, underscoring the complexities and surprises inherent in genealogical research.

PLEASE NOTE: I am taking you on a journey of research to show you how things you are sure are true, later turn out not to be. Please make sure you read all the way through this document before confirming any facts in your own family tree. As you get to the bottom, you find out right about here I made a mistake in my research. I keep it in here to share with you how I confirmed and discredited documented “facts” from others.

There is a record called the ‘Germany, Select Births and Baptisms, 1558-1898 (Deutschland, ausgewählte Geburten und Taufen, 1558-1898)‘ and that tells us her full name is Euphrosina Wilhelmina Waegerle and that she married Ludwig Gottlieb Siber and they had a daughter named Rosina Barbara Sieber. Rosina was born on October 26, 1859.

Euphrosina WegerleWe have another similar document showing us that they had a second daughter named Wilhelmina Barbara Sieber. She was born on May 20, 1858.

Ludwig Gottlieb F Sieber, her husband appears to have emigrated to Russia in March of 1862. It says he was born in Grossingersheim, Germany. His children were still very young, so we can assume that his wife Euphrosina went with him and that is where she died.

On other of Wilhelmine Barbara Sieber’s baptism records, her name is spelled “Euphemia Wilhelmine Sieber”. However, that’s very easily a translation error as you can see from the original below it’s not easy to read.

On Rosina Barbara Sieber’s other baptism records, they also misspell Euphrosina’s name. Again a common thing when it comes to translation of texts. This is why you always need multiple records to confirm the same fact – as no one source is every truly definitive.

Now we come to a stump in the road. There is another out there who goes by the name Euphrosyne Wilhelmine Wagerle [Euphrosyne Wilhelmine Waegerle].  She was born on August 6, 1819, and when she was 37 she married a Ludwig Gottlieb Siber.

However, there is a 103-year difference between our Euphrosina and this Euphrosyne. This later Euphrosyne’s parents are …

Father: Johann Christian Waegerle
Mother: Rosine Catharine Enderle

So now let’s go back to our Euphrosina who was born in 1716. That’s when I realized her two daughters couldn’t possibly be her two daughters because that would mean she would have been like 142 years old when she gave birth.

How do we know she belongs on the Han Phillip Wegerle and Barbara Kessler tree?

We know that Hans Philip Wegerle (Hanß Philip Wegerle) married Barbara Keßler (Barbara Kessler) on June 19, 1691. They were married in Lampertheim, Bergstrasse, Hessen, Germany. This is a documented fact. This also is where all the other Wegley’s from my tree have been from so it all matches up so far.

 

 

John David Richardson

John David Richardson was born in 1720 in Randolph, North Carolina. He received a delayed birth certificate and that is how we know his full name. (Roll # NCVR_B_C081_68002, volume 16, page 369)

He is the son of Stephen Richardson and Mary Trueblood.

I don’t have a lot of information on him. I think he might have died in 1777 in North Carolina.

He married Nancy Mary and together they had maybe 5 children.

  • William Drury (1735)
  • William (1750)
  • Stephen (1753)
  • Elizabeth (1755)
  • David (1760)

The problem is, when you have someone with such a common name like David or John David, you find it difficult to distinguish them from other men of the same name who also live in the same area.

While trying to find information about John David and his wife, I had to start by working on the files of his son, David Richardson. His son had more information available because he was in the military, having fought in the American Revolution.


1845, Oct 27 — Revolutionary War Application
Sarah Richardson (age 85), widow of David Richardson applied
lists David Richardson as dying on May 17, 1842 in Moore County, NC
listed marriage as 1785 in Cumberland County, NC
lists children as John Richardson, Polly Cockman, Jenney Smith, Nancy Richardson, Vicey Richardson, Betsey Morgan, Angy Brown, Peggy Richardson & Malony Smith.

1852, Oct 25 — Revolutionary War Application
John Richardson, son and administrator of David Richardson, deceased applied for pension
lists David Richardson as dying on May 17, 1842 in Moore County, NC
lists Sarah Richardson as dying on Oct 30, 1847
lists children as Polly Cockman, Jenny Smith, Nancy Richardson, Vicy Richardson, Betsey Morgan, Angy Brown, Peggy Richardson & Malony Smith.

David Richardson

David Richardson was born in 1760 in Cumberland County, North Carolina.

David Richardson is the son of John David Richardson and the father of John David Richardson. Confusing? Yeah don’t worry, it was for me too.

David Richardson lived in Moore County, along Buffalo Creek, a tributary of Deep River.

We know that Jonathan David Richardson was born in 1760 because of his marriage record.

I was trying to find out if he was the same David Richardson that was born in 1760 in Cumberland County.  Turns out I couldn’t find out the record of his birth because in 1769 all Cumberland County records were destroyed in the burning of the Bladen County courthouse.

So what I needed to find is what could be the link between Cumberland County and Moore County.  And I finally found it!  Moore County was formed from Cumberland County in 1784.

A year later in 1785, he married Sarah in Moore County.

Name: John David Richardson
Gender: Male
Birth Place: NC
Birth Year: 1760
Spouse Name: Sarah
Spouse Birth Year: 1765
Marriage
Year:
1785
Marriage State: NC
Number Pages: 11

4 years after that he got a grant of land (50 acres)

And there we have it …. that is how I made the link, to confirm he is the same person.   I know it’s not scientific proof but it’s the best I can come up with. 🙂

Maybe one day I can get some kind of church records or whatnot to prove his birth is one in the same but for now, this will have to do.

David Richardson fought in the American Revolution. At the age of 85, his wife Sarah applied for a war pension as his widow. This is how we know he died on May 17, 1842.

She lists his children as John Richardson, Polly Cockman, Jenney Smith, Nancy Richardson, Vicey Richardson, Betsey Morgan, Angy Moore, Peggy Richardson & Malony Smith.

Through various records and notes, we found that David served as a Private and Lieutenant under Captain Cox-Captain Buie and Captain Henry Carter. He was taken prisoner at Charleston, SC and conveyed to Wilmington, NC where he was kept in confinement four months and then exchanged.

It appears that David Richardson fought on the side of the Confederate during the American Revolution. He served with the North Carolina Infantry as a Private. The American Revolution took place between 1765 and 1783. He was in the 45th Regiment, North Carolina Infantry, Company D. Film # M230 roll 33.

David Richardson was born in 1760. He married Sarah in 1785 (when he was 25 years old and Sarah was 20). That same year their daughter Polly was born.

In all, they had at least 9 children during their marriage.

  • Polly
  • Vicey
  • Jenney
  • Jonathan David
  • Peggy
  • Maloney
  • Nancy
  • Angy
  • Betsey

1789, Sep 3 — Land Grant #310, Moore County, NC

David Richardson died on May 17, 1842.

So to note this means he is not the same David who served in the Civil War because that was from 1861-1865. He was long dead. We know his exact date of death because of his widow’s request for a war pension.


  • 1780 — Tax List, Cumberland County, NC
    David Richerson listed in Captain John Cox’s District
    listed 400 acres valued at $450
    3 Horses, 7 Cattle and $7 cash
    Total tax value $7171783 — Tax List, Cumberland County, NC
    David Richardson listed as paying $10 in Captain John Cox’s District1789, May 18 — 1784-1795 County Court Minutes, Moore County, NC Page 228
    A deed from John Shuffield to Stephen Smith was proven by David Richardson

    1789, Jun 4 — Land Entry #189, Moore County, NC
    David Richardson entered 50 acres located on Mill Creek

    1789, Sep 3 — Land Grant #310, Moore County, NC
    David Richardson received a 50 acre Land Grant located on Mill Creek

    1789, Sep 3 — Land Grant #334, Moore County, NC
    David Richardson served as a Chain Carrier on John Morgan’s 50 acre Land Grant located East of Cabin Creek

    1790 — Census, Moore County, NC Page 156
    David Richeson
    (16+) 1M
    4F

    1790, Aug 17 — County Court Minutes, Moore County, NC
    David Richardson proved a Deed from John Morgan to William Morgan

    1790, Aug 17 — County Court Minutes, Moore County, NC
    Davey Richardson served Jury Duty

    1794, Aug 20 — County Court Minutes, Moore County, NC
    David Richardson served Jury Duty

    1795, Mar 27 — Land Grant #1054, Moore County, NC
    David Richardson served as a Chain Carrier on John Morgan’s 100 acre Land Grant located on Cabin Creek

    1795, May 20 — County Court Minutes, Moore County, NC
    David Richardson served Jury Duty

    1795, Nov 16 — County Court Minutes, Moore County, NC
    David Richardson served Jury Duty

    1798, Feb 14 — Land Grant #1740 & 1741, Moore County, NC
    David Richardson served as a Chain Carrier on William Smith’s (2) 100 acre Land Grants located on Wet Creek and Cabin Creek

    1798, Nov 30 — Land Grant #1474, Moore County, NC
    John Morgan receives a 100 acre Land Grant located South of Cabin Creek that included David Richardson’s improvement

    1800 — Census, Moore County, NC Page 69
    David Richardson
    (45+) 1M
    (26-45) 1F
    (16-26) 1F
    (10-16) 2F
    (0-10) 1M 2F

    1800, Jul 26 — Land Grant #1686, Moore County, NC
    David Richardson served as a Chain Carrier on Murdock McLeod’s 100 acre Land Grant located between Dry Creek and Horse Creek

    1803, Nov 15 — Land Grant #1837, Moore County, NC
    David Richardson listed as a Neighbor on John Dunn’s 100 acre Land Grant located South of Mill Creek

    1804, Apr 7 — Land Grant #1954, Moore County, NC
    David Richardson served as a Chain Carrier on Levy Deaton’s 50 acre Land Grant located East of Wet Creek

    1810 — Census, Moore County, NC Page 624
    David Richardson
    (45+) 1M 1F
    (16-26) 2F
    (10-16) 1F
    (0-10) 1M 4F

    1814, Nov 11 — Land Grant #2228, Moore County, NC
    Daniel McNeill received a 52 acre Land Grant located West of Wet Creek adjoining Grove, Neil McLeod, Thomas Harvel and Key. Phillip McNeill and David Richardson were chain carriers.

    1814, Nov 11 — Land Grant #2230, Moore County, NC
    Hector McNeill received a 15.5 acre Land Grant located East of Wet Creek adjoining own line, Neil McLeod and Grove. Phillip McNeill and David Richardson were chain carriers.

    1815 — Tax List, Moore County, NC
    David Richardson lists 75 acres valued at $75

    1818-1823 — Tax List, Moore County, NC
    David Richardson lists 75 acres valued at $100

    1820 — Census, Moore County, NC Page 310
    David Richardson
    (45+) 1M 1F
    (16-26) 2F
    (10-16) 1F
    (0-10) 1M

    1830 — Census, Moore County, NC Page 477
    David Richardson
    (60-70) 1M
    (50-60) 1F
    (40-50) 1F
    (20-30) 1F
    (15-20) 1M
    (10-15) 1M

    1836, Jan 9 — Land Grant #2970, Moore County, NC
    Hiram Deaton received a 100 acre Land Grant located between Mill Creek and Cabin Creek and adjoins the land that he purchased from David Richardson

    1845, Oct 27 — Revolutionary War Application
    Sarah Richardson (age 85), widow of David Richardson applied
    lists David Richardson as dying on May 17, 1842 in Moore County, NC
    listed marriage as 1785 in Cumberland County, NC
    lists children as John Richardson, Polly Cockman, Jenney Smith, Nancy Richardson, Vicey Richardson, Betsey Morgan, Angy Brown, Peggy Richardson & Malony Smith.

    1852, Oct 25 — Revolutionary War Application
    John Richardson, son and administrator of David Richardson, deceased applied for pension
    lists David Richardson as dying on May 17, 1842 in Moore County, NC
    lists Sarah Richardson as dying on Oct 30, 1847
    lists children as Polly Cockman, Jenny Smith, Nancy Richardson, Vicy Richardson, Betsey Morgan, Angy Brown, Peggy Richardson & Malony Smith.

Jonathan David Richardson

John David Richardson (Jonathan David) was my 5th great grandfather. He appears to have been born and died in Moore, North Carolina. He is also known as Jonathan David Richardson on some official documents.

Sometimes I swear it would probably be easier to find your family members if you just had a list of every person who lived in the town at that time and be like, yeah that’s my guy.

I mean really how many people could possibly have been living in Moore, North Carolina in 1800? Turns out the answer to that question is 4,767 people lived in Moore, NC in 1800.

If you step back to the 1790 Census specifically for Moore County, North Carolina, we find that there are a few Richardson’s. Keep in mind there were a few typos so these names might not be exact.

  • Fagan Richardson
  • William Richardson
  • Drury Richardson
  • David Richardson

Unforutenly for us, it only tells us that this David listed is the head of household and is living with 5 (free white) females.  Since our John David would be 5 at the time, this makes me think that’s not a David Richardson from my family tree. But then again, we don’t know so I’m going to write this one off as a dead end and move to the next clue.

Now let’s go with what we do know to be true. John David was a loyal military man.

We know he was in the Moore County Regiment, Fourth Company during the war of 1812 and appears on the NC 1812-1814 Muster Rolls.

This is a verifiable fact using database NC 1812-1814 Muster Rolls. This database contains indexes to the North Carolina (U.S.A.) portions of the 1790-1870 U.S. Federal Censuses as well as indexes to 1812-1814 Muster Rolls, the 1840 Pensioners Lists, the 1890 Veterans Schedules, and other early censuses. Information contained in these indexes can include name, state, county, township, year of record, and name of record set.

John Richardson fought in the Civil War. He was a farmer and enlisted on March 13, 1862, in Moore County, North Carolina. He fought on the side of the Confederacy.

This is another verifiable fact which comes from at least 16 sources, but mostly from Historical Data Systems, comp.. American Civil War Soldiers [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA.

He served our country from April 9, 1862, to April 9, 1865, under the 48th Infantry Regiment North Carolina. He fought in many battles including …

Fought on 25 Jun 1862 at King’s School House, VA.
Fought on 27 Jun 1862 at Gaines’ Mill, VA.
Fought on 31 Aug 1862 at Sharpsburg, MD.
Fought on 12 Sep 1862 at Frederick, MD.
Fought on 13 Sep 1862 at South Mountain, MD.
Fought on 14 Sep 1862 at South Mountain, MD.
Fought on 15 Sep 1862 at Maryland.
Fought on 15 Sep 1862 at Sharpsburg, MD.
Fought on 15 Sep 1862 at Harper’s Ferry, WV.
Fought on 17 Sep 1862 at Frederick, MD.
Fought on 17 Sep 1862 at Sharpsburg, MD.
Fought on 18 Sep 1862 at Sharpsburg, MD.
Fought on 19 Sep 1862 at Sharpsburg, MD.
Fought on 20 Sep 1862 at Sharpsburg, MD.
Fought on 2 Dec 1862 at Winchester, VA.
Fought on 13 Dec 1862 at Fredericksburg, VA.
Fought on 1 Jul 1863 at Gettysburg, PA.
Fought on 3 Jul 1863 at Gettysburg, PA.
Fought on 6 Aug 1863.
Fought on 14 Oct 1863 at Bristoe Station, VA.
Fought on 9 Nov 1863 at Culpepper, VA.
Fought on 10 Nov 1863 at Culpepper, VA.
Fought on 27 Nov 1863 at Payne’s Farm, VA.
Fought on 15 Feb 1864 at Petersburg, VA.
Fought on 30 Mar 1864 at Fort Harrison, VA.
Fought on 4 May 1864 at Malvern Hill, VA.
Fought on 5 May 1864 at Wilderness, VA.
Fought on 6 May 1864 at Wilderness, VA.
Fought on 7 May 1864 at Charlottesville, VA.
Fought on 9 May 1864 at Spotsylvania Court House, VA.
Fought on 10 May 1864 at Spotsylvania Court House, VA.
Fought on 12 May 1864 at Spotsylvania Court House, VA.
Fought on 15 May 1864 at VA.
Fought on 15 May 1864 at Wilderness, VA.
Fought on 15 May 1864 at Spotsylvania Court House, VA.
Fought on 20 May 1864 at Little River, VA.
Fought on 22 May 1864 at Hanover Junction, VA.
Fought on 23 May 1864 at North Anna River, VA.
Fought on 24 May 1864 at Mechanicsville, VA.
Fought on 24 May 1864 at North Anna River, VA.
Fought on 24 May 1864 at Hanover Junction, VA.
Fought on 24 May 1864 at Hanover Court House, VA.
Fought on 31 May 1864 at Turkey Bend, VA.
Fought on 1 Jun 1864 at Cold Harbor, VA.
Fought on 2 Jun 1864 at Cold Harbor, VA.
Fought on 3 Jun 1864 at Cold Harbor, VA.
Fought on 4 Jun 1864 at Cold Harbor, VA.
Fought on 11 Jun 1864 at Gaines’ Mill, VA.
Fought on 11 Jun 1864 at Cold Harbor, VA.
Fought on 15 Jun 1864 at Richmond, VA.
Fought on 15 Jun 1864 at Riddle Shop, VA.
Fought on 15 Jun 1864 at White Oak Swamp, VA.
Fought on 15 Jun 1864.
Fought on 15 Jun 1864 at Petersburg, VA.
Fought on 22 Jun 1864 at Malvern Hill, VA.
Fought on 16 Aug 1864 at Petersburg, VA.
Fought on 17 Aug 1864 at Petersburg, VA.
Fought on 20 Aug 1864 at Weldon Railroad, VA.
Fought on 21 Aug 1864 at Petersburg, VA.
Fought on 21 Aug 1864 at Globe Tavern, VA.
Fought on 24 Aug 1864 at Reams’ Station, VA.
Fought on 25 Aug 1864 at Reams’ Station, VA.
Fought on 26 Aug 1864 at Reams’ Station, VA.
Fought on 9 Sep 1864 at Petersburg, VA.
Fought on 30 Sep 1864 at Fort Harrison, VA.
Fought on 1 Oct 1864 at Petersburg, VA.
Fought on 2 Oct 1864 at Petersburg, VA.
Fought on 7 Oct 1864 at Petersburg, VA.
Fought on 27 Oct 1864 at Petersburg, VA.
Fought on 27 Oct 1864 at Burgess’ Mill, VA.
Fought on 4 Nov 1864 at Petersburg, VA.
Fought on 15 Dec 1864 at Belfield, VA.
Fought on 5 Feb 1865 at Hatcher’s Run, VA.
Fought on 6 Feb 1865 at Petersburg, VA.
Fought on 7 Feb 1865 at Petersburg, VA.
Fought on 15 Feb 1865 at Petersburg, VA.
Fought on 15 Feb 1865.
Fought on 25 Mar 1865 at Hatcher’s Run, VA.
Fought on 25 Mar 1865 at Petersburg, VA.
Fought on 25 Mar 1865 at Fort Stedman, VA.
Fought on 31 Mar 1865 at Hatcher’s Run, VA.
Fought on 1 Apr 1865 at Point Of Rocks, VA.
Fought on 1 Apr 1865 at Hatcher’s Run, VA.
Fought on 2 Apr 1865 at Hatcher’s Run, VA.
Fought on 2 Apr 1865 at Petersburg, VA.
Fought on 2 Apr 1865 at Burgess’ Mill, VA.
Fought on 3 Apr 1865 at Hospl., Richmond, VA.
Fought on 3 Apr 1865 at Richmond, VA.
Fought on 3 Apr 1865 at Sutherland’s Station, VA.
Fought on 3 Apr 1865 at Amelia Court House, VA.
Fought on 3 Apr 1865 at Appomattox River, VA.
Fought on 4 Apr 1865 at Appomattox Court House, VA.
Fought on 5 Apr 1865 at Nottoway, VA.
Fought on 5 Apr 1865 at Paynesville, VA.
Fought on 5 Apr 1865 at Amelia Court House, VA.
Fought on 6 Apr 1865 at Farmville, VA.
Fought on 6 Apr 1865 at Sayler’s Creek, VA.
Fought on 6 Apr 1865 at Amelia Court House, VA.
Fought on 7 Apr 1865.
Fought on 12 Apr 1865 at Salisbury, NC.
Fought on 13 Apr 1865 at Raleigh, NC.


He married a lady by the name of Nancy Perry. Together they had at least 9 children. They might have married in 1819 (still looking for documents to confirm this).

  • Sarah Sallie (1821-1891)
  • Rosana (1822-1880)
  • Angelica (1824-1880)
  • Thomas (1826-1898)
  • Enoch Spinks (1828-1910)
  • Catharine (1830-?)
  • Eliza A (1833-1880)
  • Deborah Debby (1840-1900)
  • Lydia  (1842-1870)
  • Margaret Roseanne (1843-1885)

Thanks to the 1850 US Federal Census we know that he was 57 at the time, so is birth year was about 1793. He was family # 998 and lived in Moore, North Carolina at the time of that census. Nancy, his wife was 50 at the time.

These were the people who lived in his household at the time of the 1850 US census.

John Richardson 57
Nancy Richardson 50
Rosanna Richardson 31
Angelica Richardson 29
Catharine Richardson 21
Eliza Richardson 16
Deborah Richardson 14
Lydia Richardson 8
Sallie Moore 25

Interesting to note, despite the fact that he fought on the side of the Confederacy, which fought to preserve slavery, he himself didn’t seem to own any slaves prior to the war, even though farmers often did.

In the 1830 census, he had a total of 6 free white persons living in his household, and no slaves or free colored.

In 1840 you find the same thing, he lives with his wife and children – no slaves.

Total Free White Persons 6
Total All Persons – Free White, Free Colored, Slaves 6

Something else that caught my attention – he, his wife, and his eldest three children couldn’t read or write. However, Eliza, Deborah and Lydia could – his 3 youngest children.

I wanted to know more about John David’s wife Nancy. We know her first name from the US census records. But I thought if we could find the death certificate of one of the children, we might be able to identify their mother’s maiden name.

The problem is, death certificates in the 1800s were rare.  So I’m also search for birth and christening records. I’ll keep you updated with what I am able to find.

  • Sarah Sallie (1821-1891)
  • Rosana (1822-1880)
  • Angelica (1824-1880)
  • Thomas (1826-1898)
  • Enoch Spinks (1828-1910)
  • Catharine (1830-?)
  • Eliza A (1833-1880)
  • Deborah Debby (1840-1900)
  • Lydia  (1842-1870)
  • Margaret Roseanne (1843-1885)

Johan Frederik Weigley

Johan Frederick Weigley was best known as Fred Weigley or Johan Fridrich Wegerlein. He was born on May 22, 1773, in Brothersvalley, Somerset, Pennsylvania and he died in 1836 also in Brothers Valley, Somerset county, Pennsylvania, when he was around 63 years old.

fred weigley

Fred’s parents were Philip Wagerline and Anna Dorothea Krafft, aka Fronica. His mother was born in Germany and first came to America in 1744.

We know that his parents were Philip Wegerlein and Fronica based on the “Source Citation for Maryland, Births and Christenings Index, 1662-1911 – FHL Film Number 14145“. This tells us not only when he was born, but also when he was Christened (October 20, 1773). Oh, by the way, he was christened at the Reformed Congregation, in Hagerstown, Maryland.

Fred was baptized on October 20, 1773 at the Reformed Congregation, Hagerstown, Washington, Maryland. We know this from the “,Maryland, Births and Christenings Index, 1662-1911″.

He appeared in the United States census in 1800, 1820 and 1830. He also appeared in the Pennsylvania, Septennial Census, 1779-1863.

Johan Frederik was named after his grandfather on his mother’s side – whose name was Johann Frederick Krafft.

He married a lady by the name of Catharine but we aren’t sure when the marriage took place. All we can say for sure was that it was some time before 1801, which was when their first child was born.

  • Anna Marie (1801)
  • Joseph William (1802)
  • Henrietta (1804)
  • Lydia (1807)
  • Theresa (1809)

 

Philip Weigley

Philip Weigley (aka Philip Wagerline aka Philip Wegerline aka Philipp Waegerlein) is my 5th great grandfather.

He is not to be confused with Georg Philipp Waegerlein from Germany who is married to Anna Katharina who had a daughter named Anna Katharine Waegerlein – Hoeppel (born in 1818).  Georg Philipp Waegerlein is a different person.

What makes tracing the material family tree so complicated is the very fact that the Wegley name has so many variations. It also doesn’t help that when you go so far back in time, you don’t have as many records. But what complicates matters, even more, are when two people who have similar names happen to live in the same area.

Most sources list his birthday as September 15, 1731, and his death on September 15, 1831. That would mean that he died on his 100th birthday. The problem with that is that other documents don’t support this data.

What we can say for sure about Philip Weigley is that his gravestone which is in the Berlin Reformed cemetery aka the Weigley cemetery says he died on September 18, 1831, in the 92 years of his life. It also says “In memory of Philip Weigley, who departed this life. ”

Other records of the time state he was the “First permanent settler in Berlin Region and was formerly spelled Wegerline.”

So now we can say for sure one fact about Philip, we died on September 18, 1831, and he was 92 when he died. That means that he was probably born in 1739 and not as other records show, September 15, 1731.  

Philip Wagerline -Weigley

Next we have an interesting document from the website pa-roots.com.  It tells us that he was one of the earliest settlers in the Brothersvalley area of Pennsylvania. The story goes on to say that he had a small farm which he grew Rye on.

Brothersvalley Settled 1769 (30 at this time)
brothersvalley Incorporated 1771

On October 5, 1784 he was issued a land grand in Bedford, Pennsylvania. There are at least two different government documents that back this up. This would have made him about 45 at the time. Google maps shows us that Bedford and Brothersvalley Township are about 40 miles apart.

1831 – wrote will

http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~pasomers/hbs/chapter5.htm

Old Mr. Philip Weigley must have been among the earliest settlers, perhaps the next after Rhoads. He came to Brothersvalley, built a house, cleared five or six acres of land and sowed it in Rye. The next winter the snow was five to seven feet deep and lay without a thaw for nearly four months. Without a thaw for nearly four months be intolerable and that he would take for his land what he could get, so that he might get off as soon as possible in the spring. He had paid $50.00 for it, and he thought if he could get that much he would be a fortunate man. Soon after spring opened, three persons came along exploring the country for a place to locate themselves, and seeing his field of rye, which was a remarkable promising crop, they asked him what he would take for his place. He was afraid to put his price of $50.00 upon it lest it might frighten them, and he therefore told them to make him an offer. They offered him $150.00 and it astonished him so much that he broke the negotiation short off and told them he would not sell.

Now it is true, he could have moved from Bedford to Brothersvalley, since it’s not really that far away. But we know for a fact he lived in Bedford until 1790, which we can verify through the 1790 US Federal Census. His first listing in Brothersvalley was in 1800, which means he would have been almost 70 years old at that time.
He went his entire life until he was 70 years old using the name Philip Wagerline. Why would he suddenly change it to Philip Weigley? That part I don’t understand. And another thing …. why did he move when he was 70 years old to start up a new farm?
However to note, Brothersvalley is in Bedford county. So is it possible he didn’t in fact live in Bedford the town in the 1790 census but instead Bedford county in the yet to be named area that one would day be Brothersvalley?

 

WILLS: Philip WAGERLINE, 1830, Brothersvalley Twp., Somerset County, PA
File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Margiee Wegley margiee@jwwa.com April 13, 2007, 11:02 pmCopyright 2008.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/somerset/
________________________________________________
Philip FrederickJohn son in law Peter Glessneralso paying unto my daughter Susana Markly two hundred dollars four years aftermy son-in- law Joseph Markly,Source: Transcribed From Sampubco Copy By Margiee Wegley, Somerset County, PaWritten: October 23, 1830
Recorded: October 1, 1831Transcribed from SAMPUBCO copy by Margiee Wegley, Somerset County, PA
Brothers Valley, Will Book Vol. 3-1  Surnames: Wagerline, Moyer, Glessner, Hay,
Markley, Davidson, Good, MusserWill of Philip Wagerline, DeceasedIn the name of God Amen.  I Philip Wagerline the Eldest of Brothers Valley Township, in the County of Somerset, and State of Pennsylvania Yeoman being in health of body and of sound disposing mind memory and understanding blessed be God for the same.  Do make and publish this my last Will and Testament in manor and form following to wit:First it is my Will and I do order and direct that all my just debts and funeral expenses be duly paid and satisfied as soon as conveniently can be after my decease.  Items I give and devise unto my son Philip Wagerline his heirs and assigns forever.  All that certain plantation and tract of land whereon he now lives according to the boundaries as laid off by actual surve y including the piece of meadow originally laid off to my son Frederick Wagerline as the same is fenced off for which said piece of meadow the said Philip Wagerline is to lay off to the tract of land sold by the said Frederick Wagerline unto my son John Wagerline the same quantity of land at the upper end of the place next to the town of Berlin so as to be of the least injury to the said Philip Wagerline’s plantation the said tract containing about two hundred and twenty acres be the same more or less situate in Brothers Valley Township aforesaid and bounded by lands of Michael Moyer, John Wagerline and others together with the appurtenances.  He or the paying there out unto my son John Wagerline and heirs or representatives six hundred dollars thirty days after my decease: and also paying to my son in law Peter Glessner or his heirs seven hundred dollars, three hundred dollars one year after my decease and two hundred dollars per annum until the said seven hundred dollars are paid.  And also paying unto my daughter Susana Markly two hundred dollars four years after my decease.Items I give and devise unto my son John Wagerline all that certain plantation and tract of land whereon he now lives as laid off containing about one hundred and sixteen acres together with the appurtenances adjoining lands of Michael Moyer, Peter Hay, Philip Wagerline and others to have and to hold the same to him his heirs and assigns forever and also my eight day clock.  Items I give and devise unto my son Frederick Wagerline and to his heirs and assigns the proceeds in full which arose from the sale of a tract of land that he sold unto my aforesaid son John Wagerline and which proceeds he hath heretofore received.  Items I give unto the heirs of my son-in-law Joseph Markly, deceased, the proceeds in full which arose from the sale of a tract of land warranted in the name of Samuel Davidson containing four hundred and eighty nine acres and which proceeds the said deceased hath heretofore received.  And Item it is my will and I do order and direct that my son John Wagerline shall within thirty days after my decease deliver up to my Executor hereinafter named all my personal estate that may be within his possession or knowledge of nature or kind so ever it may be or that I am in anywise entitled to and it is my will that the said herein after named Executor make sale as soon as convenient  of such property as may be delivered unto him by my said son John Wagerline and that the proceeds thereof be divided equally between my son-in-law Peter Glessner and my daughter Susan Markly and lastly I nominate constitute and appoint my trusty friend Jacob Good of Brothers Valley Township Executor of this my Last Will and Testament hereby revoking all other wills, legacies and bequests by me heretofore made and declaring this and no other to be my last will and testament.  In witness whereof I have hereto set my hand and seal this twenty third day of October in the year of Our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty. 1830.Philip (his mark) Wagerline {seal}Signed sealed and delivered published pronounced and declaring by the Testator to be his Last Will and Testament in the presence of us who at his request and in his presence have hereunto subscribed our manes as witnesses.Tobias Musser
Peter MusserRegistered 1st October 1831, C. Forward, Register

Somerset County SS:

This first day of October 1831 before me Chauncey Forward, Register for the probate of Wills and Granting Letters of Administration in and for said County personally came Tobias Musser and Peter Musser the subscribers witnesses to the foregoing will and being affirmed according to law did depose and say that they were present and saw and heard Philip Wagerline the Testator sign seal publish pronounce and declare the foregoing instrument of writing as and for his testament and last will and that at the time  of so doing he was of perfect and sound mind memory and understanding to the best of their knowledge observation and belief.

Affirmed and subscribed before
me           }                                          Tobias Musser
Sam Glessner for C. Forward,
Register      }                                          Peter Musser

Letters Testamentary Estate of Philip Wagerline

Somerset County, ss:

By the tenor of these presents, I Chauncey Forward, Register for the probate of wills and granting letters of administration in and for the County of Somerset in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, do make known unto all men, that on the day of the date thereof at Somerset before me, was proved, approved and insinuated the last will and testament of Philip Wagerline late of said County deceased: (a true copy whereof is to these presents annexed) having whilst he lived and at the time of his death, divers goods, chattels, rights and credits within the said Commonwealth.  By reason whereof the approbation and insinuation of the said Last Will and Testament, and the committing the Administration of all and singular the goods and chattels, rights and credits, which were of the said deceased, and also the auditing the accounts, calculations and reckonings of the said Administration and a final dismission from the same, to me are manifestly known to belong; and that the Administration of all and singular the goods and chattels, rights and credits, which were of said the deceased any way concerning his last will and Testament was Committed to Jacob Good, Executor in the said last will and testament named Jacob Good having been first affirmed according to law well and truly to Administer the goods and chattels of the said deceased; and make a true and perfect inventory thereof and exhibit the same into the Registers Office at Somerset, on or before the 1st day of November next, and to render a just and true account, calculation and reckoning of the said Administration on or before the first day of October next ensuing.  In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of the said County of Somerset, this first day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty one.

C. Forward, Register

Registered 1st day of October 1831

 

PHILIP WAGERLINE — 155 ½ acres called “Pyramid” located on Buffelow (Buffalo) Lick Creek in Brothers’ Valley Twp., Bedford County, adjoining lands of Philip WAGERLINE, Jr., Tilman SHITZ, Peter GRAFF, Jacob FISHER, Francis HAY, and William MILLER. Surveyed 04 Dec 1784, pursuant to a warrant dated 05 Oct 1784, for 147 acres.

(Source: Land Warrants of Somerset County, Survey Book I, Somerset Co., Pa. [being part of Bedford County until 1795], page 163.)

 

Philip married Anna Dorothea Fronica Krafft (1746-1792) on April 20, 1767. Together they had at least six children.

        • Susanna Eva (1769-1841) Died when she was 72
        • Frederick (1773-1836) Died when he was 63
        • Catharine (1774-1834) Died when she was 60
        • Philip (1775-October 26, 1836) Died when he was 61
        • Joseph (1779- 1836) Died when he was 56
        • John (1781-March 11, 1836) Died when he was 54

1836 was a rough year for the Wegley family, notice that Philip lost 4 of his 6 children that year. Of course he died 5 years prior to that so he wouldn’t have actually known his children died, but that’s not really the point. 😛

What I wonder is, how did they all die that year? What possibly could have been going on at that time in history to have caused so many deaths? The only war I could find was the Second Seminole War but that took place in Florida.

His parents were most likely Paul Wegerline and Ottilia. In all he had six siblings (not 100% verified – but current research shows these might be accurate).

Katharine Wegerlin (1727-1800)

Ottilia Wegerline (1729-?)

Anna Clara Wegerline (1731-1784)

Johan Jacob Wegerlin (1731-?)

Johan Simon Wegerle (1736-?)

Adam Weigley (1744-1798)

      • I should note that it was this generation that still sometimes used the last name Wageli (or Wägeli), specifically Johan Simon.