Johann(es) Michael Klinefelter

1736 – 1807

Johann(es) Michael Klinefelter, the son of Johann Hans Peter Klinefelter and Eva Elizabeth Kunkel.   Johann(es) Michael  married first Appolonia Gerberich, a native of Germany.  Together they had nine children: Anna Barabara [m Johannes Kunkel], Margaretha, Jacob, Eva Elisabetha [m. Johannes Seitz], Elizabeth Cristina [m. Johannes Heinrich Kumkel], Catherina [m. George Jacob Stabler], Johannes Michael [m. Barbara Hollinger, Maria Magdalena Garman], Margaret, and Jean.

After Appolonia died, Johann(es) Michael married Maria Elizabeth (last name unknown).  Their children were: Joseph W. [m. Margaret Albright], Benhamin, Peter, George, Henry, Adam, Daniel, and Susanna.

Jacob Klinefelter

1764 – 1815

Jacob Klinefelter was, son of Johannes Michael Klinefelter and Appolonia Gerberich, was the first of our Klinefelter ancestors to be born on this side of the ocean.  He lived his entire life in Pennsylvania.  He married  Susan Miller, daughter of John Miller and Elizabeth Welty. They  became the parents of 7 children: Joseph, Jacob [m. Margaret Anderson], Michael [m. married Kesiah], Eve Ann [m. John Anderson], John Simpson [m. Mary Spears], Jesse, and Thomas [m. Louisa Overbeck]. Five of their six sons became steamboat captains.

Jesse Klinefelter

1815 – 1849

Jesse Klinefelter was the son of Jacob Klinefelter and Susan Miller. In 1840 he married Ann Rue Brooks, daughter of Joshua Brooks and Elizabeth Mason Stackhouse.  They had five children: Suzette, Mary Elizabeth, Judge Sharpless [m. Emma Glenn], George Jesse [m Orpthalma Soles] and Joseph Gazzan before Jesse died age 34 of cholera as the ship Hibernia was docking at Pittsburgh.  Ann was left with three sons under the age of 10 to raise as both her daughters had died.

Joseph Gazzan Klinefelter

1842 – 1911

Joseph Gazzan Klinefelter, the oldest son of Jessie Klinefelter and Ann Rue

Brooks, was born in 1842, making him the perfect age to serve in the Civil War, which he did along with both of his brothers.  During the Civil War, Joseph married Caroline Stetler and they had one son Judge Sharpless, which they named after Joseph’s brother.

Judge Sharpless Klinefelter

1864 – 1964

Judge Sharpless Klinefelter, the only son of Joseph Gazzan Klinefelter and Caroline Stetler, was a carpenter learning the trade from his father.  Judge Sharpless first married  Emma Ackermann, daughter of Michael and Elizabeth (Wittmer) Ackermann.  They had a daughter Blanche Mabel in 1887.  The following year, Emma died giving birth to their son Daniel, who also died.

Several years later Judge Sharpless married Lois Bethia Campbell.  They had two daughters Carolyn Emma [m. Elbert Shelton] and Hortense Lucile [m. Henry Dalson].  They later divorced.

In 1920, Judge Sharpless married Martha Edwards in Florida.  They had no children.  After Martha died, Judge never remarried although he lived another 28 years living to 100 years of age.

Blanche Mabel Klinefelter

1887 – 1964

Blanche Mabel Klinefelter, daughter of Judge Sharpless and Emma (Ackermann) Klinefelter, met Herbert James Thomson when they both traveled to Colorado.  They later married in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where she was born and raised.

When Blanche’s mother, Emma (Ackermann) Klinefelter died in childbirth when Blanche was only a little over a year old, she went to live with her grandparents Joseph G. and Caroline (Stetler) Klinefelter.  Although her father, Judge S. Klinefelter, later remarried and he had additional daughters, Blanche remained in the care of his parents.  Nonetheless, when he was elderly, it was Blanche that saw that he had everything he needed.

Ackermann

Michael Ackermann

1832 – 1900

Michael Ackermann was born in Germany in 1832.  When almost 30 years of age, he united in marriage with Elizabeth “Eliza” Wittmer, daughter of Franz Xavier Wittmer, at Smithfield Lutheran Church, which was a German Church in Pittsburgh.

Both Michael and Eliza were born in Germany and married at Smithfield Lutheran Church, a German church, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1862.  The only thing that is known of Michael’s lineage is that his father’s name was Adam.  It is not known if Adam came to America or remained in the homeland.

Emma Ackermann

1863 – 1888

Emma was the daughter of Michael and Eliza (Wittmer) Ackerman.  Emma, who married Judge S. Klinefelter, was the mother of Blanche Mabel Klinefelter.  Emma died as the result of giving birth to a baby boy (possibly named Daniel).  Allegedly, the baby boy who did not survive was buried with her.

Brooks

Joshua Brooks

1797 – 1869

Joshua Brooks is the earliest confirmed ancestor in the Brooks family line.  He is thought to have been born in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, however, no records confirming his birth location have been found.  It is speculated that Joshua may be the son of William Brooks and Elizabeth Hibbs, who had ties to Bucks County; however, this relationship is also unproven.

One of the earliest records of Joshua is from 1822 when he married Elizabeth Mason Stackhouse, daughter of Stephen and Amy (Van Dycke) Stackhouse.  Joshua and Elizabeth became the parents of Ann Rue, Emma Vandyke [m. Wiliam White, Gustavus Holmes, James McDonald], Stephen S. [moved to Georgia and married Nancy Henley], Henry G, Sarah C. [m. Ralph Cuthberson], and Samuel S. [m. Elizabeth Petty] with the oldest children being born in Bucks County, Pennsylvania and the younger ones being born in Pittsburgh after the family moved west.  The move seems to be in conjunction with Mark Stackhouse, Elizabeth’s uncle who had moved to Pittsburgh several years earlier and had an engine building company.

Ann Rue Brooks

1822- 1901

Ann Rue Brooks,  the oldest of Joshua and Elizabeth Mason Stackhouse’s six children, married Jesse Klinefelter.

Deck

Anton Deck

1???- 1???

Wife is unknown. Daugher is Anna Barbara Dech. Unknown if there were other children.

Anna Barbara Dech

1728- 1772

Anna Barbara Dech, daughter or Anton Deck and unknown mother, married Henry Shivler.

Garrison

David Garrison

1746- 1790

David Garrison lived in New Jersey and is believed to have married a woman named Johanna/ Hanna.  They were the parents to at least four children.

Miles Garrison

1780- 1852

Miles Garrison, son of David and Johanna/Hanna Garrison was born at Raccoon Island in Gloucester County, New Jersey.  He married Mary “Polly” Shivler at the Trinity Episcopal Church in Swedesboro, New Jersey.  They were the parents of at least three children: Caroline, Joseph S. [m/ Eliza], and Elizabeth Vanleer [m. William Denney].

Caroline Garrison

1809- 1874

Caroline Garrison, daughter of Miles and Mary “Polly” (Shivler) Garrison  was born in 1809 and married Abner Stetler in 1832 in Philiadelphia.

Hurrie/Hurry

William Hurrie/Hurry

1821 – 1781

William was born in August 1721 to unknown parents.  He immigrated to America from Scotland before 1750 settling in Philadelphia.  He and his wife Mary (surname unknown) lived in Southwark just south of Independence Hall.  William is believed by historians to have been the person who rang the Liberty Bell in 1776 signifying the signing of the Declaration of Independence.  At the time, he was not the doorkeeper for Congress; however, it is believed that the person in that official capacity was not present on the given day and that William Hurry rang the Liberty Bell.  William later was the official keeper of the building.

William and Mary are believed to have had at least three children Margaret, Arthur, and Martha.  No other children are known or suspected.

Margaret’s relationship to William Hurry is described in the book A Poor Orphan Boy by J.M. Stetler, the grandson of Margaret and John McGinley.   Marriage records support this story as they list Margaret Hurry as marrying John McGinley.  No primary sources prove her relationship to William Hurrie, however, the story told in the books is supported by  the proximity and interaction of the families.  Martha’s husband Joseph Fry is often found in the same military company as John McGinley.  Margaret and John’s daughter Christiana’s husband’s estate papers include the signatures of Joseph and William Fry.  Additionally,   in the last months of her life (1819), Margaret’s daughter Ann was admitted to Old Pine Street Church, which also shows a tie to the church William Hurrie  attended.

Arthur Hurrie is believed to be the son of William.  The evidence is somewhat circumstantial.  An Arthur Hurrie was indentured to a taylor in 1773.  In that record it states that his father was William.  Additionally, an Arthur Hurrie is listed as making payment to the estate of William Hurrie.  DNA ties the family to descendants of Arthur, which is a positive indicator of some relationship although it is less than certain that the Hurrie line is the connection given the distance of the relationship.

William and Mary’s marriage soured. In 1773, they separated in what was known at the time as a self-divorce.   To do so, he publicly stated in the newspaper that he had left the household and would not be responsible for any of her debts.  At that time, self-divorce was more common than a formal divorce.

Prior to this time, William had been living in Southwark, which is now a part of Philadelphia.  The area is just south and east of Independence Hall.  In 1769 William had no acreage, cattle, horses or servants.  Thus, he paid no tax.  The same is true in 1774.

After ringing the Liberty Bell in 1776  when independence was declared,  William Hurrie was appointed doorkeeper to the House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 1777.  From that day until his death he performed a variety of duties for that entity as well as the Continental Congress.

Interestingly, in 1779, Mary Hurrie, whom William had separated from in 1773 was paid by the Continental Congress for sweeping and making fires for the Speaker.  No other records of payments to Mary have been found.

William died in 1781 and was buried in the church yard at the Old Pine Street Presbyterian Church.

Margaret Hurry

1750 – 1835

Margaret Hurry, daughter of William and Mary Hurry, was born in Philadelphia and was married at the Old Pine Street Presbyterian Church, which was only blocks from Independence Hall.

McGinley

John McGinley

1748 – 1804

John McGinley’s parentage is unknown.  It is, however, known that he was well established as a marine blacksmith prior to the Revolutionary War.  He closed his shop on Dockstreet and raised a company of soldiers to fight for freedom.  All of this coming within a few years of his marriage to Margaret Hurry at the Presbyterian Church on Pine Street, which was the chosen church of many prominent men in the Revolution. John and Margaret were the parents to Sarah (Ann), William, and Christina.  John died shortly after the turn of the century.

Sarah (Ann) McGinley

1784 – 1820

Sarah (Ann) McGinley, daughter of John and Margaret (Hurry) McGinley, was born in Philadelphia during the formative years of this country.  She married Christian Stetler, who 12 years her senior.  They made their home only a short distance from Philadelphia.  Sarah died at  young age.

Pearson

Thomas Pearson

1647 – 1699

Believed to have been born in England.  Thomas married Grace Veepon, likely in England.  They are the parents of Elizabeth and possible two other children: Grace and Sarah.  The family journeyed from England to Philadelphia, PA in 1699 on the ship Britannia (a.k.a. The Sick Ship).  Thomas died on the voyage and is believed to have been buried at sea.

Elizabeth Pearson

1682 – 1743

Believed to have been born in England to Thomas Pearson and Grace Veepon.  She may have had two sisters: Grace and Sarah.  The family journeyed from England to Philadelphia, PA in 1699 on the ship Britannia (a.k.a. The Sick Ship).  Elizabeth and her sisters survived the journey; however, her father died during the voyage and her mother shortly after.

Shivler

Henry Shivler

1710 – 1772

Henry Shivler was born in Switzerland about 1710.  It is believed that he married Anna Barbara Dech about 1755.  They are believed to have had at least 7 children with the last being born only two years before Henry died.

Henry Shivler Jr.

1755 – 1821

Henry Shivler Jr., son of Henry and Anna Barbara (Dech/Deck) Shivler was born in Switzerland.  He united in marriage with Maraba/Mirabe Hoffman.  Nothing is yet know of her heritage.  They were the parents of at least 9 children: Joseph [m. Rebecca], William, Ann [m. David Brown], Mary “Polly”, Sarah [m. James Madara], Charles [m. Ruth Lock], Samuel [m. Charlotte Archer], Henry [m. Bathsheba Aborn], and Elizabeth [m. Enyard].

Mary “Polly” Shivler

1788 – 1861

Mary “Polly” Shivler, daughter of Henry and Maraba/Mirabe (Hoffman) Shivler united in marriage with Miles Garrision in 1806.

Stackhouse

John Stackhouse

1670 – 1757

John Stackhouse immigrated to America with an “uncle” or at least the uncle referred to John and Thomas, who were believed to be brothers, as his nephews.  At times, Thomas was referred to as Thomas Jr., but that may have simply been to make a distinctions between the older and younger Thomas Stackhouse rather than to imply a father/son relationship.

Thomas Stackhouse

1706 – 1781

Thomas Stackhouse, son of John Stackhouse and Elizabeth Veepon Pearson, was born in Bucks County, Pennsylvania in 1706.  He married Rachel Brown of unknown heritage and they had eleven children: Joseph, William, John, George, James, Rachel, Margaret, Elizabeth, Esther, Ruth, and Mary.  Thomas and Rachel lived out their lives in Bucks County.

John Stackhouse

1738 – 1804

John Stackhouse, the son of Thomas and Rachel (Brown) Stackhouse, was born raised, and lived his life out in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.  John married Elizabeth Buckingham.  John and Elizabeth were the parents of at least five children: Stephen, Amy, Ebenezer, Thomas, and Mark.

Stephen Stackhouse

1761 – 1834

Stephen Stackhouse, son of John and Elizabeth Hedricks (Buckingham) Stackhouse was born in 1761 in Falls Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania.  He married Amy Van Dycke (various possible spellings).  Although there were Van Dycke families in Bucks County, Amy’s parents have not been identified.  Stephen and Amy were the parents of nine children: Sarah [m. James Goheen], John Vanzant [m. Cassandra “Anna” Cooper], Mary, James R. [m. Martha Watson],  Stephen [m. Mary Bunting], Samuel P. [m. Nancy Ann Hamilton], Ann [m. Lewis Rue], Amy [m. Joel Wright], and Elizabeth Mason [m. Joshua Brooks].

Elizabeth Mason Stackhouse

1802 – 1901

Elizabeth Mason Stackhouse, daughter of Stephen and Amy (Van Dycke) Stackhouse, was born in 1802 in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.  In 1822, she married Joshua Brooks.

Stetler

Heinrich A. “Henry” Stetler

1706 – 1763

Heinrich A. “Henry” Stetler was born in 1806 in Switzerland.  About 1727, he immigrated to America. His wife is believed to be Ann Mary Mayer or Moyer.  They had a large family.

Christian Stetler

1741 – 1813

Christian Stetler, son of Heinrich A. “Henry” and Ann Mary (Mayer/Moyer) Stetler, was born in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania where his parents settled after their arrival in America. He married Catharina Elizabetha Kurtz, whose ancestry is undoubtedly tied to Germanic.  They had seven known children: Hannah, Heinrich “Henry” [m. Elizabeth Bickel], Phillip, Christian, Abraham [m. Elizabeth Fegley], Salome [m. George Schwenk], and Adam [m. Esther Schwenk, Elizabeth Hester].

Christian Stetler

1776 – 1823

Christian Stetler, son of Christian and Catharina (Kurtz) Stetler, was born a hop, skip, and a jump from Philadelphia only a few months before the signing of the Declaration of Independence.  The year following his birth, his father served in the Revolutionary War.  In 1800, he married Sarah Ann McGinley, daughter of John and Margaret (Hurry) McGinley.  They were the parents of seven children: Sarah Ann [m. John Norris], Margaret M. [m. James Devine], Abner, William, Michael M. [m. Eliza Regnauel], John McGinley [m. Maria Sulger], and Maria Meeker.  Sarah died at only age 35 and Christian followed only three years later while several of  their children were still quite young.

Abner Stetler

1809 – 1899

Abner Stetler, son of Christian and Sarah Ann (McGinley) Stetler was a coppersmith and a boilermaker.  He married Caroline Garrison, daughter of Miles and Mary “Polly” (Shivler) Garrison.  In 1835, with two small children in tow, Abner and Caroline made their way west to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where Abner practiced his trade for many years.  Abner and Caroline were the parents of 10 children: Joseph Garrison [m. Katherine Schaffer], William S, Miles G, Caroline, Margarett “Maggie”, Charlotte “Lottie” [m. William Mawhinney], Abner [m. Johanna, Catherine McElduffy], Norris, Henrietta [m. William Inglis] and another daughter. Abner lived to be nearly 90 years old before dying of pneumonia.

Caroline Stetler

1843 – 1924

Caroline Stetler, daughter of Abner and Caroline (Garrison) Stetler, was born after the family moved to Pittsburgh.  She married Joseph Gazzan Klinefelter.

Wittmer

Franz Xavier Wittmer

1795 – 1886

The Wittmers belong to a very old clan. They have a long history. However, research is needed to verify the many generations in the family.  Therefore, this description starts with the first Wittmer ancestor to come to America.

Franz Xavier Wittmer, believed to be the son of Sebastian and Magdalena Wittmer, was born in Germany in 1795.  He married a woman named Anna Hilbert.  He is believed to have had as many as eight children with five of them surviving to adulthood.  In 1857, he requested to immigrate to America.  At the time, three of his five children were already in America.  He settled in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania bringing his youngest two children with him.

Elizabeth “Eliza” Wittmer

1837 – 1910

Elizabeth “Eliza” Wittmer, daughter of Franz (Xavier) and Anna (Hilbert) Wittmer, married Michael Ackermann at the Smithfield Evangelical Lutheran Church in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1862.

Veepon

Grace Veepon

1660 – 1699

Believed to have been born in England.  Grace married Thomas Pearson, likely in England.  They are the parents of Elizabeth and possible two other children: Grace and Sarah.  The family journeyed from England to Philadelphia, PA in 1699 on the ship Britannia (a.k.a. The Sick Ship).  Grace died shortly after the voyage and is believed to have been buried at in Philadelphia, PA.

Jon Veepon

1??? – 1???

Jon Veepon … Married Eliza.