The Will of Adam Brandt

Those of my generation, the grandchildren of Zella Irvin, would call Adam Brandt great-great-great-great-grandfather. Adam died on August 13, 1838. His will was recorded on page 45 of Will Book L at the office of the Register of Wills of Cumberland County.

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The last will and testament of Adam Brandt dec'd} The last will and testament of Adam Brandt of Monroe Township, Cumberland County, State of Pennsylvania. I, Adam Brandt, considering the uncertainty of this mortal life, and being of sound mind and memory, blessed be God for the same, do make and publish this my last will and testament, in manner following. 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 done after my decease. Second It is my will and I do order and direct that my son David shall have the mortgage I now hold against him for eight hundred dollars released to him for its value without interest, which with charges against him in my book shall be deducted from his share of my real and personal estate. Thirdly It is my will that my son Jacob Brandt shall have and his heirs and assigns forever, one hundred and forty seven acres and thirty three perches of land in Greenfield Township, Fairfield County, State of Ohio, which I value at four dollars per acre (for which I paid) and charged him with in my book, together with other charges in said Book, which he the said Jacob is to account for and which is to be deducted out of his share of my real and personal estate. Fourthly It is my will that my son Adam Brandt shall have the land he now holds by deed of conveyance from me, in Fairfield County Ohio, which amount is charged in my book, which charge with other charges in said book is to be deducted out of his share of my real and personal estate as well as the mortgage I hold against him to be taken at its amount without interest. Fifthly I do give and bequeath to my son Martin an equal share of all my real and personal estate deducting from his share the whole amount that remains charged against him in my book. Sixthly I do give and bequeath unto my son John and his heirs and assigns all that tract of land whereon he now resides in the County of Cumberland Pennsylvania (it being the mansion tract) containing one hundred and thirty four [acres] and one hundred and three perches (more or less) which I order to be valued at forty five dollars per acre, and he to pay the sum of one hundred and fifty dollars yearly according to an article of agreement dated the second day of February A.D. one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven between me and my son John and now in the hands of John Brandt miller reserving to himself in said tract of land, his full share of all my real and personal estate, which is to be equal with my other sons, deducting therefore the amount he stands charged with in my book. Seventhly I do give and bequeath to my daughter Barbara now intermarried with Jacob Pentz the land they now hold in the State of Ohio, Fairfield County, the deeds of conveyance from me, the amount of which they stand with me in my book, which charge with other charges in said book is to be deducted from the share of my daughter Barbara as herein after mentioned. Eightly I do give and bequeath to my daughter Eve now intermarried with George Bielman an equal share of my real and personal estate as herein after mentioned deducting therefrom the amount charged her in my book to be paid in cash out of the first proceeds of my property. Ninethly It is my will that the amount of each of my daughters legacy shall be two thousand six hundred and sixty one dollars, and that the legacy of each of my sons shall be three thousand and sixty dollars, and if my estate as aforesaid shall amount to more than enough to pay the same then the surplus to be divided equally among all my children, but if it should not amount to enough to pay the sums before specified as legacies, then it is to be divided in the same way allowing my sons each four hundred dollars more than either of my daughters. Tenthly, In addition to the above bequests, I do will to my daughter Eve my large Bible, and to my grand-daughter Francis Brownawell my eight day clock, without charge in either case. Eleventhly It is also my will that all my personally shall be sold immediately after my decease. Twelfthly It is also my will that there shall be no interest charged from any of my children on any book account, note or otherwise. And lastly I do nominate and appoint my son-in-law George Beilman to be my whole and sole executor of this my last will and testament,  hereby revoking all other wills or bequests by me heretofore made and declaiming this and no other to be my last will and testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the twenty fifth day of March A.D. eighteen hundred and thirty seven AD 1837.

                                                                                                  Adam Brandt (seal)

From the Pension Papers File: John Andrew Irvin

Reproduced here are several letters and signed statements regarding the health of John Andrew Irvin. These statements were provided by John's neighbors, employers, and friends. These statements are on file in the Military Records collection at the National Archives.

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(affidavit signed April 14, 1890)

In the matter of John Irvin, late private Co. D. 209th Reg. Penna. Vol. Infantry:

     I have been a near neighbor and have known applicant for about fifteen years intimately, and know he has had Rheumatism every year, and almost constantly, in all this period. I often worked for him; he for me; and together at other farms for our neighbors, and he has always shown evidences of his alleged rheumatism in the lameness, soreness, and want of power of endurance. For about five years, the signs have been very manifest, and in my opinion he is fully one-half disabled. 

     I am 43 yrs old, a farmer, and have no interest in this claim. My Post Office address is Fannettsburg, Franklin Co. Pa.

Witness                                                        affiants signature

T. A. Morrow                                               William A. Stinger

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(affidavit signed November 28, 1890)

     I am a farmer and my books show charges with claimant since 1879, but I have recollection that he worked for me as a days laborer some during prior years. In 1882 I had him hired for the year and he frequently lost time by reason of Rheumatism. I found that he was not able to perform the work, as a farm laborer, that I expected him to do. Since 1882 most of the work he has done has been for me by the day or job. This Rheumatism has been continuous and growing worse ever since his first engagements with me, in fact a great deal of the work I have given him has been from the stand point of charity, since he has been unable to do near what we expect an able bodied hand to perform. I cannot rate at more than half labor, the service he gives, all round, when compared with full hands.

     J. S. Simmon

(Signature of Affiants.)

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(affidavit signed December 6, 1890)

     I came into this immediate neighborhood, where claimant resides, when I was 12 to 13 years old, and excepting only one year, I worked on one and the same farm for 10 years, this from 1867 to 1877-8. Claimant is a farm laborer, and while I am unable to exactly fix the dates of his labor and his earliest disabilities I know that he worked at intervals on the same farm from the earliest years of my engagement until the end of my ten years. I recollect for the whole period that he could not be depended on to endure a hard or quick job or day's work, on account of his back and legs giving out and he very often gave up his work to go home, complaining of Rheumatism.
     Since my marriage and housekeeping in June, 1879 excepting only three years when I lived about a mile from him I have been claimant's near or nearest neighbor, residing for more than eight years one-third of a mile from him. I see him 10 to 15 times a month when we are not working together, and I am satisfied that he has had rheumatism ever since I first knew him. He is not now and for several years has not been able to walk erect and is very sore and stiff and ought not to suffer exposure or do any heavy or quick work. Allowed all the leisure he needs he may do half a day's work but considered from the standpoint of an able bodied man he is fully two-thirds or three-fourths disabled.
Peter (his X mark) Runk
   (Signature of Affiants.)

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(affidavit signed December 6, 1890)

   I returned from the army in July 1865, and have lived only about a mile from claimant ever since, and know that he has had rheumatism from that time until the present, getting worse from year to year, until he is so stooped and sore and stiff that he labors, when he can, only under great difficulty. We harvested together during the harvest of 1866, and worked together some every year thereafter for 10 or 11 years, and he always had rheumatism. In 1870 he had an acute attack totally disabling him, and he required constant handling and care during a protracted illness of Rheumatism, and he has had many acute attacks since, totally disabling him, for long or short periods. I am very rheumatic which causes me to note and remember other rheumatic people. His motion is slow and unsteady, his power of endurance very limited his ability to engage in heavier or quicker labors of his engagements is rendered impossible and he can only do a half days manual labor when working alone in his own way; and considering generally he is almost totally disabled.
     Jacob Guyer
(Signature of Affiants.)

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(affidavit signed December 18, 1890)

     I was nearest neighbor of claimant from his return from the army until 1870. I would not at this time attempt to fix dates specifically, but remember well that he was crippled up with rheumatism all the time we were neighbors.
Mrs. Mary (her X mark) Johnston
(Signature of Affiants.)

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(affidavit signed December 2, 1890)

     I am a farmer and claimant worked for me prior to enlistment, loading manure for me only a day or two before going to the Army.
     I am satisfied he had no rheumatism then.
I saw him within a month after his return, and he had rheumatism. I continued to see him at short intervals ever since, and for the last twelve years have lived from two to three miles from him, giving me frequent opportunities to see and hear from him.
   He is not able to do much hard work any more in consequence of his rheumatism, and he has the reputation in this whole community of being very rheumatic.
     John Cowan
(Signature of Affiants.)

The Death of John Andrew Irvin

John Andrew Irvin died on December 2, 1893. Below, you will find the text of three records documenting John's death. Although there is no headstone marking his grave, John is buried in the Fannettsburg Presbyterian Church Cemetery.

Obituary

The Valley Spirit, December 13, 1893, page 7

IRVIN. -John A. Irvin died at his home near Fannettsburg, on December 2, aged 70 years and 3 days. Mr. Irvin was a soldier in the late war and gave good service to his country. He had been in declining health for some years and his death was due to a gradual breaking down of his physical system. Mr. Irvin leaves a widow and several children: George A., a teacher at Steelton; William M., a teacher in Metal district; James, who also lives near Fannettsburg and a married daughter.

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Franklin County Death Record

No. 330

Name                                                John Andrew Irvin

Male or Female,                                           Male

Color,                                                          White

Age,                                                             70 Yrs 2 days

Married or Single,                                         Married

Place of Birth,                                               Keefers Store

Occupation,                                                  Laborer

Date of Death,                                              December 2nd 1893

Place of Death,                                             Willow Hill

Street and No. where

Death occured,

Cause of Death,                                           Consumption

Duration of Last Illness,                                7 days

Place of Interment,                                       Fannettsburg

Date of Interment,                                        December 5 1893

Name of Father - if Minor,

Name of Mother - if Minor,

When Recorded,                                         April 21 1894

Remarks:

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Orphan's Court Record

September Term 1894

Irvin John                        Dec'd    No. 40    1894                            Petition to Sell

                            In the Orphans Court of Franklin County 

To the Honorable the Judge of the within named Court

                           The petition of Wm. G. Irvin, Administrator of 

John Irvin, late of Metal Township in said county deceased 

respectfully showeth,

                          That the said John Irvin died on or about the second 

day of December One thousand eight hundred and ninety three (1893.) 

Intestate leaving to survive him no widow but the following named 

children, William G. Irvin, Willow Hill Franklin County Pa. 

Alvin G Irvin. Steelton Dauphin County Pennsylvania, 

James H Irvin Fannettsburg Franklin County Penna.

Laura Bell Deihl Willow Hill Franklin County Penna

Rosy May and Mary B Metzgar heirs of Elizabeth Irvin Metzgar of

                                                 Willow Hill Franklin County Pa.

Minnie Miller heir of Elizabeth Irvin Miller , Burnt Cabins Fulton Co Pa.

     Your petitioner further represents - that the said decedent died 

seized of and in certain real estate situate in said county a description

of which is hereunto annexed; that the personal estate of said decedent

is not sufficient for the payment of his debts; and the expenses of

settling his estate, as appears by an inventory and appraisement 

of all the personal estate of said decedent exhibited in the office of

Registers of said county and by his Certificate set forth herein,

your petitioner - therefore prays the Court to order a sale of such 

part or so much thereof of the said real estate as shall appear

necessary for the purpose of paying the said debts and expenses,

                                            and he will ever pray. tc.

September 12 ˜ 1894                             Wm. S. Irvin

                                                                          Administrator

                                                                          of Jno Irvin

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The Martin Brandt Family Bible

Martin Brandt is the father of Adam Brandt, the grandfather of Eve (Brandt) Beelman, the great-grandfather of Sarah (Beelman) Miller, the great-great grandfather of Elmer Miller, and the great-great-great-grandfather of Zella (Miller) Irvin.
Martin Brandt owned and maintained a family bible until his death in 1809. At that time, it seems, the bible was passed to his son, Abraham, who added his own family and continued its maintenance until his own death in 1838. The bible was then passed to Abraham's son, David. Here, I will reproduce only the portions relevant to the life of Martin Brandt.
The text below was translated from German. A transcript of the translated text is on file at the Cumberland County Historical Society. Photocopies of the bible pages are reportedly on file at the National Society of the Daughter's of the American Revolution Library in Washington, DC and at the Ohio State Library in Columbus.

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In 1745 I got this Bible, and in 1794 I had it bound for mother.

1744 I entered the state of matrimony with Margaretta Kroner born 1718 7th March

and in the year 1745- 29th June a son name of Phillipus Brandt

in the year 1747- 1 March a son name of Ludwig Brandt

in the year 1748- 24 May a daughter name of Anna Katherina

in the year 1750- 7 January a son name of Martin Brandt

in the year 1751- 29 November a son name of Adam Brandt

in the year 1753- 12 October a son name of Johannes Brandt

in the year 1755  21st. August a daughter name of Anna Margaretta

in the year 1757  14 October a daughter name of Elissabet

in the year 1761  21 May a son name of David Brandt

in the year 1763  14 March a son name of Abraham Brandt

in the year 1782  13 April my wife Anna Ma___(ink worn off)__ died.

In the year 1782  17 December I entered the state of Matrimony with Ester Hollinger in - born in the year 1737 23 June

and in the year 1809 5th October is my father died.

In the year 1822 2nd March the mother died.

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Notes:

• The final two entries may have been recorded by Abraham. He continued with a record of his own family on the next page of the bible.
• Ester's first husband was Johann Daniel Hollinger. They had six children including a son named Jacob. Jacob is the great-grandfather of our Abram K Hollinger.
• Found loose within the pages of the bible was Ester's will. 
• According to the notes of another researcher, two of Martin's sons married two of Ester's daughters.
• Martin owned a large tract of land in Derry Township as well as various tracts throughout Upper Allen and Monroe Townships.
• Martin, Margaretta, and Ester are buried in Hummelstown, PA.

The Family of Adam Brandt and Eve Metzger Brandt

The following text was translated and copied from the family bible of Adam Brandt. According to the record on file at the Cumberland County Historical Society, the original document is in the possession of a Brandt descendant residing in Ohio. The youngest child, Eve, was the wife of George Beelman and the mother of Sarah Beelman.

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Adam Brandt was born on the 29th day of November in the year of our Lord 1751
and was married to Eve Metzgar on the 28th of February 1775 and she was born 14 November 1752

To us was born a son on 22 day of December in the year of our Lord 1776.
He was named David Brandt.

To us was born a daughter on the 12 day of September in the year of our Lord 1778.
She was named Barbara Brandt.

To us was born a son on 3 day of May in the year of our Lord 1781. He was named Martin Brandt, which son died on 27 day of October in the year of our Lord 1781.

To us was born a son on 5 day of November in the year of our Lord 1782.
He was named Jacob Brandt.

To us was born a son on 18 day of January in the year of our Lord 1786.
He was named Adam Brandt.

To us was born a son on 20 day of July in the year of our Lord 1789.
He was named Martin Brandt.

To us was born a son on 4 day of May in the year of our Lord 1792.
He was named John Brandt.

To us was born a daughter on 1 day of December in the year of our Lord 1794.
She was named Eve Brandt.

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The Hollinger Family Tree

The Four Generation Family Tree of Abram K Hollinger

The Last Will and Testament of George Beelman Sr.

George Beelman (1786-1869)
Cumberland County; Will Book O, Page 237

     In the name of God amen I George Beelman (senior) of Upper Allen Township in the county of Cumberland and State of Pennsylvania (carpenter) being in perfect health and of sound mind memory and understanding but considering the uncertainty of this transitory life do make and publish my last will and testament in manner and form following to wit: First It is my will and I do order that all my just debts and funeral expenses be duly paid and satisfied as soon as conveniently can be after my decease. Item: I give and bequeath unto my dear wife Eve the dwelling house and buildings where we now live together with the land hereto belonging being about fifty-five acres now in my present possession so as not to include the lots under rent nor the Frilton Lot. She to have as much of my household and kitchen furniture as she may choose to elect out of what maybe in my dwelling house at the time of my decease and all of my tubs and kettles in and about my shining house during her natural lifetime: - also it is my will that my beloved wife Eve to have the income of four thousand one hundred dollars of Government Bonds during her natural lifetime - further it is my will that my wife Eve to have absolutely my Black mare and all of my flock of cattle and hogs which may be on hands at the time of my decease: all of which bequist to my said wife I do hereby declare to be in lieu and instead of her dower at commonlaw. Item - I give and bequeath unto my son George the lot house and stable where he now occupies to him and his heirs and assigns forever: He the said George to be charged six hundred dollars for the said lot in a settlement of my estate, also I give unto my son George Lot No. 9 of land lying in the township of Ritchmond Huron County and State of Ohio known lot no. 9 in section second to him and his heirs and assigns forever. He the said George to be charged eighteen hundred dollars for the land one half thereof to be due one year after my death the other half in two equal annual payments next after without interest. But if my said son George should think the land two dear then in that case he is authorized to choose three disinterested men who are to value and appraise the said land he my son George to have the said lot at its appraised value. But if my son George then should think the lot two high appraised in price then my executor to make sale of the said land the proceeds thereof to be divided equally amongst my heirs. -Item I give and bequeath unto my three sons George John and Adam all my carpenter tools my said three sons to divide the said tools between themselves. Share and share alike. Item - I give and bequeath unto my son Joseph the South and North lots of my land lying in the second section in the township of Ritchmond Huron County and State of Ohio known as lots number ten and fifteen in said section to him and his heirs and assigns forever. He the said Joseph to be charged four thousand five hundred dollars for the said two lots of land one half thereof to be due one year after my death the other half in two equal annual payments next after without interest. The said four thousand five hundred dollars to be a lien on the said land until final settlement of my estate. Item: I give and bequeath unto my daughter Fanny the lot house and stable with the appurtenances where she now lives during her natural lifetime and at her death the said lot house and stable to descend to her children their heirs and assigns forever. The said lot house and stable is to be charged to my daughter Fanny at eight hundred dollars at settlement of my estate. Item: I give and bequeath unto my daughter Sarah Miller the lot of ground which I bought of the estate of John Frilton dec'd during her natural lifetime, my said daughter Sarah to have possession of the said lot at the death of my said widow and at the death of my daughter Sarah the said lot of ground to go to her children their heirs and assigns forever: My daughter Sarah to be charged at settlement of my estate with five hundred and fifty dollars for the said lot of ground. And as touching all the remainder and residue of my real and personal estate not herein before provided for shall be sold within one or two years after my decease at the discretion of my executor either at public or private sale for the best price that can be got for it, my executor to have full power to sell and convey my real estate in fee simple. My whole estate real and personal not herein before bequeathed shall be reduced to cash - my executor retaining the sufficient amount of Bonds out of my estate deducting expenses to be divided into six equal shares and distributed in the following manner. viz. Item I give and bequeath unto my son George the one sixth part of my whole estate including the six hundred dollars for the aforesaid lot and the charges made in payments against him together with the price of the tract of land in the township of Ritchmond Huron County and State of Ohio known as lot no. 9 in Section 2nd if he shall do elect to take the said tract of land. - Item: I give and bequeath unto my son John the one sixth part of my whole estate including the charges made in my book against him. Item: I give and bequeath unto my son Adam the one sixth part of my whole estate including the charges made in my book against him. Item I give and bequeath unto my son Joseph the one sixth part of my whole estate including the charges made in my book against him. Item: I give and bequeath unto my daughter Fanny the one sixth part of my whole estate including the charges made in my book against her and eight hundred dollars for the aforesaid lot I bequeathed to her and her children as aforesaid. Item: I give and bequeath unto my daughter Sarah Miller the one sixth part of my whole estate including the charges made in my book against her and five hundred fifty dollars for the lot of ground I bequeathed to her and her children the said charge on my book and the five hundred and fifty dollars for the said lot of ground are first to be taken out of my daughter Sarah's share then the balance of the said full share to be left a lien in the two lots of land which I bequeathed to my son Joseph the interest whereof to be paid by my son Joseph yearly and every year to my daughter Sarah  so long as she remains to be the wife of George Miller. But in case her said husband should die before her, then in that case she is receive the said balance of her full share secured in the two lots of land in the State of Ohio into her own hands but in case that my daughter Sarah should decease before her said husband then her share to descend to her children and if one of her children should die in its minority after her death then its share to fall to its brothers and sisters and if all of her children should die after her in their minority then in that case her whole share shall fall back to her brothers and sisters share and share alike. It is further my will that whatever portion of my estate which may be left at the death of my said widow shall be sold and the net proceeds thereof together with all money not appropriated shall be equally divided amongst my heirs in the same manners aforesaid. And lastly I nominate constitute and appoint my son George to be executor of this will 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 George Beelman the testator have to this my will written on two sheets of paper, set my hand and seal this nineteenth day of February in the year of our lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty seven.
                                                                                                George Beelman (seal)

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Notes:
- The date given (February, 19th, 1867) is not consistent with the date as it was read on the gravestone (January 6, 1866). The gravestone is very difficult to read. The date may have been read incorrectly.
- The will was proven and affirmed by the witnesses, Christian Heartzler and Daniel Bailey, on January 12, 1869. George most likely died on January 6, 1869.
- Because Fanny's husband, Daniel Maust, was not mentioned, it is possible that the will was penned after Daniel's death in July, 1866. This supports the later date.
- Joseph is buried in Huron County, Ohio.
- A search of deeds should reveal more about the Ohio properties and the "Frilton Lot".

The Family of George Beelman Sr.

George Beelman Sr was born on May 2, 1786. His wife, Eve Brandt, was born on December 1, 1794.[1]

The date of their marriage has not yet been recovered. They were likely married circa 1810.

The known children of George and Eve:
George Beelman Jr (born abt 1811; death unknown) married Elizabeth. [2] Possibly buried in Huron Co. Ohio
John Beelman (1815-1882) [1]
Adam Beelman (1819-1887) married Martha [1]
Joseph Beelman (1820-1883) [3] married Eliza Ann Moore; held several elected offices including Huron County Commissioner; buried in Huron County, Ohio [4]
Fanny Beelman (1824-1888) married Daniel Maust [1]
Sarah Beelman (1830-1890) married George H. Miller [1]

According to his headstone, George died on January 6th, 186?. The date shown in the Will book suggests the year 1869. [5] A third source is needed to confirm the date.
After George's death, Eve lived with her son, John, and her daughter, Fanny. [6] John may have never married. Fanny was widowed by her husband, Daniel Maust, on July 20, 1866. Fanny's son, Fillmore Maust, was elected to the office of District Attorney and later to the State Legislature. [7]
Eve died on December 1, 1884. [1]
George Sr., Eve, John, Adam, Fanny, and Sarah are buried in Cocklin's Cemetery.

Sources:
1. Headstones, Cocklin's Cemetery, Upper Allen, PA
2. US Federal Censuses 1850-1870
3. Headstone, Bethel Cemetery, Willard, OH
4. History of Huron County, Ohio by Abraham J. Baughman, page 236
5. Cumberland County PA Register of Wills, Will Book O, page 237
6. US Federal Census 1870
7. Biographical Annals of Cumberland County, page 594

The Beelman Family Tree

This is the family tree of Sarah Beelman, mother of Elmer Miller.

Eliza Jane Rossman Bock

Eliza Jane Rossman Bock

The Bock household as it appears in the 1880 Federal Census.

Eliza Jane Rossman was born on November 7, 1835. Her Parents were Bartholomew and Margaret Rossman. Eliza had at least four sisters: Eve, Rachel, Catherine, and Marietta. At this point, we know very little about Eliza, her sisters, and her parents. At the time of the 1850 census, the Rossmans lived in Dublin Township in newly formed Fulton County. In 1860, the family lived in Quincy Township, Franklin County. 

The next twenty years of Eliza's life are even foggier. We know that her daughter, Ida Catherine Rossman, was born in 1865. But Eliza has not yet been found in the 1870 census. Ida, however, has been found living with her grandparents in Metal Township, Franklin County. It should be noted that David Taylor Bock, Eliza's husband also does not appear in the Metal Township count. The entire John Andrew Irvin family of Willow Hill, however, is also missing from the count and we know that their permanent homestead was purchased in 1864 and not sold until 1895. Perhaps these absences could be attributed to a careless census taker. Casting ever more doubt, Ida's last name is given as Rossman, her mother's maiden name. Where were Eliza and David at this time? Is David Ida's father? If not, who is Ida's father? Why wasn't Ida living with her mother? Unfortunately, the 1870 census generates more questions than answers.

The 1880 census is only a bit much more helpful. The household, shown above, included David Taylor Bock, his wife Eliza, his son John, his step-daughter Ida Irvin, his son-in-law James Irvin, and his mother-in-law Margaret. Interestingly, Ida was identified as a step-daughter. This would seem to corroborate with the 1870 census listing of Ida's last name as Rossman rather than Bock. I'm not sure that this would explain why David did not include Ida in his will.

David died in 1898. Widowed, Eliza lived with her son, John Bock at the time of the 1900 census.. 

Eliza died on September 23, 1906. The location of her grave is not known to us at this time. David and John are both buried in the cemetery at Fannettsburg Reformed Church.

The Passing of George H Miller

George H Miller (1819-1895) was Zella Miller's grandfather. Here is the text of three documents concerning the end of George's life.

Will of George H Miller - Cumberland County Register of Wills, Will Book U, page 331
Last Will and Testament of George H. Miller decd.
I George H Miller of Mechanicsburg County of Cumberland and State of Pennsylvania do make and publish this my last will and testament in manner and form following.
First It is my will that all my just debts and funeral expenses and suitable tombstones to mark my grave be got and paid out of my Estate as soon after my decease as possible by my executor hereinafter named.
Item I give and bequeath all my property real personal and mixed to my daughter Susanetta Gross wife of Henry M. Gross of Mechanicsburg.
Lastly, I nominate, constitute, and appoint my daughter Susanetta Gross my executor of this my last will and testament hereby revoking all former wills by me heretofore made: but declaring this to be my last.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 16th day of November AD 1894
                                                 George H. Miller

Obituary, Mechanicsburg Free Press, Saturday, January 26, 1895, page 3
Death of George R Miller
George R Miller, aged 75 years, 6 months, and 2 days, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. H.M. Gross, North Arch Street, on Thursday at 6 am. The deceased was a native of Upper Allen Township and has resided in town for several years. He was a member of Eureka Lodge, F. and A.M. and will be buried with Masonic honors at Cocklin's graveyard. Funeral at 1 o'clock today; services by Rev. J.M. Runkle.

Death Record, Cumberland County Death Records
922
Name,                       George H. Miller
Male of Female,         Male
Color,                        White
Age,                           75 years
Married or Single,       Married
Place of Birth,            Upper Allen Twp. Cumb. Co.
Occupation,               Gentleman
Date of Death,           January 23 1895
Place of Death,          Mechanicsburg
Street and No. where Death
Occurred,                  North Arch St.
Cause of Death,        Paraletic Stroke
Duration of last illness,  3 months
Place of Interment,      Cocklin Graveyard
Date of Interment,      January 25 1895
When Recorded,       May 25 1895

From the Miller Family Bible

This is an image from the bible of George H Miller (1819-1895). The drawing memorializes his first wife, Susanna Urich (1822-1849).

The writing within the drawing reads:
Susanna Miller
Wife of G H Miller
Departed this life
Oct 26th 1849
Aged 27 Years 6 M 5 D

Cocklin's Cemetery

The Final Resting Place of the Millers and Beelmans of Shepherdstown

Cocklin's Cemetery is easy to miss. The small graveyard on Lisburn Road is tucked in between a cornfield and Ashcombe Farms, a community of townhouses and single-family homes. One could drive by it hundreds of times and never see it.

This sign marks the entrance to the cemetery.

This tiny cemetery has among its inhabitants eight of our ancestors from the Miller family tree. Seven of these graves are still clearly marked.

Adam Miller (1795-1879) was Zella Miller's great-grandfather.

Sophia Hahn (1798-1876), Adam's wife was Zella's great-grandmother.

George H Miller (1819-1895), Zella's grandfather, rests in Cocklin's Cemetery, but he does not have a headstone. It is possible that he is buried here, next to his first wife, Susanna, and the monument he had erected for her. J Zeamer did not list George among the headstone inscriptions that he transcribed in 1904. This must mean that George never had his own headstone. 

Sarah Beelman (1830-1890) was George's second wife and Zella's grandmother. She was buried among the Beelman plots.

George Beelman (1786-1866), was Sarah Ann's father and Zella's great-grandfather.

 Eve Brandt (1794-1884) was George Beelman's wife, Sarah Ann's mother, and Zella's great-grandmother.

Christian Beelman (1751-1804) was George Beelman's father and Zella's great-great-grandfather. 

Christina Brenneison (1760-1820), Christian's wife, was Zella's great-great-grandmother.

John Andrew Irvin (1822-1893)

There are many stories concerning the early arrival of Irvins to south central Pennsylvania. Certainly, there were Irvins among the earliest settlers to cross the Susquehanna and to colonize the Cumberland Valley. There were some who rose to prominence, accumulating wealth and prestige prior to the American Revolution. 

It is unclear how, if at all, our John Andrew Irvin might have been related to these successful pioneers. Very little is known of his early life and, at this time, we still do not know the names of his parents and his siblings. We know only that he was born in Keefer’s Store, a PO formerly located in Letterkenny Township, Franklin County.[1]

As a young man, John Irvin lived for a time in the McConnelsburg area. He found work as a day laborer and he lived as a tenant on the property Christopher Marks, a landowner and farmer.[2] On November 25th, 1847, Thanksgiving Day, he married a German immigrant named Margaret Karn in the McConnelsburg Luthern Church.[3]

John and Margaret soon left McConnelsburg. John returned with his young wife to the Cumberland Vally, taking up residence in Hamilton Township, very near to the place of his birth. There he acquired, most likely as an inheritance, a farm valued at $1,800. He went about farming his land and raising his young family.[4]

Hard times may have fallen on the family during the 1850’s. They left the farm and the Cumberland Valley, settled now near Fannettsburg, across Blue Mountain in the secluded Path Valley. Though the family had grown to seven, the personal wealth of the family had dwindled considerably. No longer a land owner, John possessed just $100 of personal estate and found work as a day laborer on nearby farms. [5]

In 1861, war erupted among the states. The following year, John, aged 40, volunteered. He joined the PA 158th Infantry and entered service on Nov 4th. Ten days later, he was discharged by surgeon’s note. This did not deter John. In 1864, he again volunteered and with other men from Franklin County, he was assigned to PA 209th Infantry Company D for nine months of service.[6] On September 6th, just days after entering service, John purchased a six acre tract in Willow Hill, north of Fannettsburg,  for $480.[7]

John joined his company and traveled to Camp Curtain in Harrisburg where the 209th was organized. The regiment was promptly deployed. By the end of November, the 209th joined the encampment at Meade Station and assisted in the months-long Seige of Petersburg. Here, the opposing armies defended their positions in a network of trenches, neither side making meaningful gains for weeks on end. On March 25th of 1865, the 209th rushed from the encampment at Meade Station to the defense of nearby Fort Steadmen. The men of the 209th engaged in an uphill charge under heavy fire to successfully retake the fort. On April 2, the regiment participated in the capture of Petersburg, finally ending the siege. The 209th marched in the Grand Review in Washington DC one week before disbanding.[8] On the 31st of May, John mustered out with the company and returned to his family in Willow Hill.

Soon after the war, John developed crippling rheumatism. He believed that the rheumatism was contracted early in the second month of his service. He also attributed a hernia on his left side to his wartime activity. The heart disease that he later developed, he reasoned, was caused by the rheumatism. For nearly 30 years, John struggled with his disability. A day-laborer unable to work a full day, John relied on the patience of kind-hearted employers. In 1890, congress passed the Dependent Pension Act under which veterans who became disabled after being honorably discharged now qualified to receive a pension. John promptly applied, citing the rheumatism, the hernia, and the heart disease as disabilities that limited his ability to work. Several neighbors and former employers submitted affidavits describing the nature and extent of John’s disability. The pension was granted at a rate of $12 per month.[9]

On December 2, 1893, John succumbed to consumption. He was buried in the Fannettsburg Presbyterian Church Cemetery.[10] Margaret survived him by nearly three months. She died of “heart trouble and grippe” on February 24, 1894, just one day after her application for a widow’s pension was approved.[11] She was buried next to her husband. Their graves are no longer marked. Of John’s eight known children, only four survived him. His youngest son, William, settled his estate and handled the sale of the property.[12]

Above: The signature of John Andrew Irvin on his Declaration for an Invalid Pension dated 1889.

The Children Of John and Margaret

1. George Alvin (b. 1849 d. 1924) - George was a school teacher. His wife was named Elizabeth and they had four children, Annie, Franklin, Nora, and Bruce.
2. Mary Elizabeth (b. 1850 d. before 1894) - Married Andrew Metzgar and had two children, Rosy May and Mary.
3. Sarah Fredericke (b. 1852 d. 1866)
4. John (b. 1855 d. before 1894)
5. C. F. (b. 1858 d. before 1894)
6. James Henry Luther (b. 1863 d. 1941) Married Ida Bock and had many children, among them Wilmer. James was John Richard’s grandfather.
7. Laura Bell (b. 1866 d. 1928) married John Diehl. They had four known children: Carrie, Irvin, Charles, & Mary. Charles died in France in the First World War.
8. William Gordon (b. 1869 d. 1939) Married Annie Shearer. Annie died in only their third year of marriage.

Sources:

1. Franklin County Death Records 1893-1906

2. Bedford County Tax Records 1772-1850

3. Widow’s Petition for Soldier’s Pension (NARA)

4. 1850 Federal Census

5. 1860 Federal Census

6. Bates, Samuel P. History of the Pennsylvania Volunteers 1861-1865.

7. Franklin County Deeds 1784-1883

8. Sauers, Richard A. Advance the Colors: Pennsylvania Civil War Battle Flags.

9. NARA Veteran’s Pension File
10. Fannettsburg Presbyterian Church Records

11. Franklin County Death Records 1893-1906

12. Franklin County Orphan’s Court Record

A Brief Overview of the Miller Lineage

We know of four generations of Millers. Adam Miller married Sophia Hann in 1817. We know of eight children from this marriage of nearly 60 years. They had only two sons. George H. Miller was one.
George H. Miller married twice. His first wife, Susannah Urich, had three children: two sons and one daughter. Susannah died at the young age of 27. It was George’s marriage to Sarah Ann Beelman that produced Elmer E Miller.
Elmer married Susan Ann Ellinger. They had eight children. Their youngest child was a daughter named Zella.
All four generations lived in Upper Allen Township. Adam, George, and Elmer all remained throughout their lives in the Shephardstown vicinity. Adam and Sophia are buried in Cocklin’s Cemetary on Lisburn Road. This cemetary also contains George, both of George’s wives and Sarah Ann Beelman’s parents (George and Eve) and grandparents (Christrian and Christina). Elmer and Susan Ann are buried in Chestnut Hill Cemetary north of Shepardstown.
We will take a more detailed look at these individuals in future posts.

The Miller Family Tree

A Five Generational Family Tree for Zella Clarine Miller

(Click on image to enlarge.)

Introduction

We were taught in grade-school that America is a melting pot of cultures and ethnicities. Perhaps the time has come to teach also that we all, every one of us, are also genetic melting pots. Most of our ancestors have slipped entirely into historic anonymity. Their names and their lives are forgotten. Their influence fades as we, their progeny, adapt to the ever-changing world. We can now only know little of their existence. We may spend countless hours fruitlessly seeking them out in the haystacks of historic record. We may drive hours to find their graves unmarked or their homesteads demolished. And we might conclude that their legacy has been lost. Such a conclusion would be disastrously wrong. We are their legacy. Record of their existence is embedded in each of us, written in our genes, defining the nature of our own human experience.

It is my hope that by sharing what very limited history I have had time to rediscover, others will be moved to help tell the story. To whatever degree possible, I want us to recover our ancestors from anonymity. I want us to imagine, as best we can, their experiences, their hardships, their joys, their sufferings, and their successes. We will seek to know as much as the tides of time will allow. Perhaps, by knowing them, we can better know ourselves. And perhaps, by knowing ourselves, we can better know them… be one with them, with our past, with our country, with our genes, and with our future.

As I acquire enough information on a person or family, I’ll publish it here. Feel free to comment on and/or contest any point of fact you find questionable. At times, evidence will likely be circumstantial at best. If I make any leaps that appear to you unlikely, call me on it.

I cannot guarantee frequent or even regular posts. This is likely a life-long project for anyone who attempts it. It is, in fact, already a multi-generational endeavor. My own jumping-off points were provided in the research my parents conducted off-and-on over the last three decades.

I invite all of you to contribute. While much of our family history may be lost, I suspect that a great deal yet waits for us in the libraries of historical societies, in archived historic newspapers, and in the rolls of microfilmed county records. And there may yet be, in the possession of a distant and unknown cousin, heirlooms such as photos or family bibles or personal letters. It is hard to know how much we might find. A great deal of our own family history is beyond recovery. Fortunately for future generations, the modern age of information will leave a much richer record. Our progeny will certainly know us better than we will ever know our ancestors. By publishing here, we contribute to the record. We provide something of ourselves for future generations to look back upon. We are the link between our ancestors and our progeny.