Delighted to join this site on the recommendation of other Stauffer researchers that I have "met!" I welcome any discussion on the question this will eventually get to.
I am a descendent of this Jacob and Magdalena Stauffer (m. 1735), who resided in Warwick, Mt. Joy and Donegal Townships, Lancster Cty. In a brief but intensive research over the last few months I have found a variety of options regarding the upstream line from this Jacob, starting with his own parents in Germany. Whatever the line, I do believe it eventually connects to the Rev. Christian Stauffer (b. abt. 1579).
Here is what I have found. Jacob's of the same approximate age were on ship lists qualified in Phildelphia in 1732 for both the "Samuel" on Aug 11, and the "Pink Plaisance" on Sept 21 (with a brother, Daniel). He may also have been a "Henry Jacob, " going by just Jacob at the time. My family book, Genealogical Memoranda: Stouffer 1579-1943 written by Kate S. Snively in 1903, and updated by Christian S. Stouffer in 1943, indicates, without any certainty, that Jacob's father was Daniel (b. 1660), who's wife may have been Veronica (who came to American shores later with 4 other sons). Other resources, including at least one of Richard Warren Davis' books (can't recall offhand), suggested Hans (b. 1687) and Elizabeth (Risser or Reesor) Stauffer. Others indicate a Daniel (b. 1685) with ________ (fill in the blank) as his spouse. Professional genealogist Meredith Colket, Jr., in his excellent paper "The Stauffer-Stouffer (Stover) Family of Pennsylvania" written in 1947 and who reviewed the Snively/Stouffer book, also acknowledged the confusion the "Jacob's" of the 1732 ships might cause, and suggested Jacob was "possibly the son of Christian." Admittedly I have not subscribed to mennosearch.com, as hoping the resources might be available.
Unfortunately I'm stuck. Since the Stauffer name was adjusted to Stouffer through Jacob and Magdalena's son about 60-years after the bachelor's trans-Atlantic cruise (but on which cruise line?), my relationship to the many Stauffer cousins of the US remains in question.
A Stouffer's "Lean Cuisine" frozen dinner of choice to the best answer - Any thoughts or reliable resources as to this Jacob's line to the Rev. Christian Stauffer?
In another thread here, we were looking at Christian Stauffer (c1715-1759) and trying to find source documents to corroborate.
From what I see and is consistent with the Online Book on Richard Davis' MennoSearch.com website, Christian's (b. c1711) father was probably Daniel of Alsheim. This presumption is based on Richard's research of a 1753 Mennonite Census in Switzerland.
My line per Richard Davis documented at Mennosearch.com is: 5. Daniel Stauffer, b. 1 Mar 1657, Eggiwil. d. 1721, Mückenhäuserhof near Ibersheim, Hesse,Germany. He was married to Anna [?Dester] by 1682. 51. Hans Stauffer, b. c1683. d. c1727, Mückenhäuserhof? The name of his first wife is unknown. He married secondly, Elisabeth Risser on 10 Jun 1713 at Ellerstadt, Bayern, Germany. 514. Jacob Stauffer, b. 1712. d. 1775, Donegal Township, Lancaster County. He marrieD Magdalena Hess (28 Mar 1717-1784), daughter of Hans and Magdalena Hess. Richard Davis documents the Jacob as the one who arrived on the Pink Plaisance.
My line per Richard Davis documented at Mennosearch.com is:
5. Daniel Stauffer, b. 1 Mar 1657, Eggiwil. d. 1721, Mückenhäuserhof near Ibersheim, Hesse,Germany. He was married to Anna [?Dester] by 1682.
51. Hans Stauffer, b. c1683. d. c1727, Mückenhäuserhof? The name of his first wife is unknown. He married secondly, Elisabeth Risser on 10 Jun 1713 at Ellerstadt, Bayern, Germany.
514. Jacob Stauffer, b. 1712. d. 1775, Donegal Township, Lancaster County. He marrieD Magdalena Hess (28 Mar 1717-1784), daughter of Hans and Magdalena Hess. Richard Davis documents the Jacob as the one who arrived on the Pink Plaisance.
52. Daniel Stauffer, b. c1685. d. 1751, Alsheim, Hesse, Germany. 521. Christian Stauffer, b. c1711. d. 1759, Donegal Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. He married first Maria Fellmann (1719-12 Mar 1741, age 21), daughter of Johannes Fellmann in about 1737. I like the Stouffer's Burgundy Beef tips :)
521. Christian Stauffer, b. c1711. d. 1759, Donegal Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. He married first Maria Fellmann (1719-12 Mar 1741, age 21), daughter of Johannes Fellmann in about 1737. I like the Stouffer's Burgundy Beef tips :)
521. Christian Stauffer, b. c1711. d. 1759, Donegal Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. He married first Maria Fellmann (1719-12 Mar 1741, age 21), daughter of Johannes Fellmann in about 1737.
I like the Stouffer's Burgundy Beef tips :)
I highly recommend subscribing to Mennosearch.com. The Stauffer research there is very compelling.
Thank you Ron. A box of beef tips are yours already on the basis of administrating a terrific website! However I'm going to hold the Lean Cuisine prize for the Jacob Stauffer edition of "Who's Your Daddy?" until other options have been reviewed and discussed that I know are out there.
While I've seen the line you've communicated in a number of trees listing Davis as the source, Jacob was apparently born before the marriage date of Hans and Elizabeth. If he was the child of Hans' first marriage, then there is also a "Who's Your Mommy?" for Jacob. It would be interesting to know if there is some evidence that indicates Hans actually had a first wife, or if that is a plug based on the assumption that Jacob was Hans' son and a pre-nup birth was neither possible or acceptable. Adding to my speculation with Davis' line is that when the Pink Plaisance qualified (Sept 21, 1732), listed on board was a 24-year old Daniel Stauffer. His age might add to the assumption behind mystery wife #1 of Hans, or be a cousin of some nature to Jacob. I welcome thoughts on these questions.
On a related note, Hess Genealogists have Jacob's wife Magdalena's ancestral line well documented. Her parents (Hans and Magdalena) are said to have arrived to American shores in 1717, the same year as young Magdalena's birth. As result I've seen her birth locations listed as both Germany and Conestoga Twp., Lancaster Cty., PA. I'm trying to find if she was born in Germany, PA, or (with a late March birthday), maybe enroute and even on the mystery ship that carried them. Regardless kudos to her folks for making the trip and the care they provided with three small children and the infant Magdalena. She is my first known ancestor to these shores regardless of how she arrived.
Thank you again Ron.
On more than one ocassion I've had credit card in hand ready to pull the trigger to subscribe. I haven't because my search at this stage is limited to the line between the Rev. Christian Stauffer (b. 1579) until 1735, the year the previously mentioned Jacob Stauffer married Magdalena Hess. My hesitancy is largely due to what I perceive as Davis putting together people without evidence to confirm, and the assumptions just raise more questions. The example with Hans' (b. 1683) and his connection to Jacob is a good example. Hans marriage to Elizabeth (Rissor/Reesor) is documented but because the dates don't jive for Jacob and a possible older brother for Elizabeth to be the mother, an unknown first wife is inserted. In the meantime other researchers uncover what seems to be equally and even more credible reasoning for a different line.
I certainly haven't closed the door. Cost isn't the issue - the Stouffer frozen dinners will have to be sent door to door, special delivery within 24-hours!
Your Jacob's date of birth makes you doubt that his parents were Hans Stauffer and Elizabeth Risser. I know you've said elsewhere that your Jacob had a brother named Christian. Looks like you need to prove whether your Jacob's brother was Hans and Elizabeth's son Christian, or Daniel's son Christian, or a different Christian altogether.
Paul, how sure are you that your Jacob Stauffer immigrated on the Pink Plaisance, rather than on the Samuel in 1732? Davis wrote in his 1993 article "Sixty Years of Mennonite Stauffer Immigrants to North America, 1710-1770" that the Jacob who married Magdalena Hess immigrated on the Samuel, and his father was Hans. He has another Jacob (1712-1768, died in Londonderry Twp., Lebanon Co.) immigrating on the Pink Plaisance in company with his older brother Daniel, and their father was Daniel.
Ron, we know Davis has changed his mind about a lot of things since 1993. I gather MennoSearch now says the Jacob who married Magdalena Hess immigrated on the Pink Plaisance--does Davis still think this Jacob had a brother Daniel? And what does MennoSearch say now about the Jacob who died in Lebanon Co.? Paul, did your Jacob have an older brother Daniel?
When Ron checked MennoSearch back in 2007, he found that the Christian Stauffer who immigrated on the Virtuous Grace and was the son of Hans died in 1747 in Warwick Twp., Lancaster Co., and administrative papers for his estate were issued to his widow Barbara and his probable brothers Jacob Stouffer, Sr. and John Stouffer. Paul, do you know if this Jacob Stouffer, Sr. is your Jacob?
Good questions Kathleen. The challenges you encountered with your search with regard to Christian are the same I am having with Jacob. Regarding the ship he arrived on, no one can say with any certainty whether it was the Samuel or Pink Plaisance (with a brother Daniel), however the year of his arrival (1732) and his marriage to Magdalena Hess (1735), as well as the 11 children they had seem pretty safe. I also could not say with any certainty as to who this Jacob's siblings are, though if it was the Pink Plaisance the assumption seems to be that he accomapnied an older brother Daniel. I've started keeping an unofficial score with assorted websites and it seems pretty even.
In the 1943 reprint of the previously mentioned 1903 book Genealogical Memoranda: Stouffer, the authors (and descendents of Jacob themselves) recorded as follows:
"THIRD GENERATION
II. 4 Daniel Stauffer
iii. 1 Matthias Stauffer
Probably came to Penna. with his uncle Hans in
1710
iii. 2 Daniel, Stauffer
iii. 3 JACOB STAUFFER, 1712 - 1775
1735 m. Magdalena Hess
iii. 4 Christian Stauffer
iii. 5 John Stauffer, 1715 -
1738 m. Katrina Schenck
iii. 6 Henry Stauffer
iii. 7 Samuel Stauffer
Daniel and Jacob came to Pennsylvania in 1732, landing at Philadelphia September 21. Christian and John and probably Henry and Samuel came with their widowed mother Veronica. They settled in Lancaster County."
As this was researched in the late 19th century there is probably more credibility to it than I have given it, especially in light of the numerous other options/assumptions given. The last statement about the mother and other 4 sons I think is consistent with the Virtuous Grace passenger list. The older 3 sons came to America first and once settled were followed by the other brothers and mother after the father Daniel died in Germany. It would also be consistent with Christian's estate papers and the names you mention. This is also why I reached out to Karen when I saw her website mentioning Christian's brother as this Jacob, thus the question regarding Daniel as their father. Genealogical Memoranda: Stouffer lists the father Daniel's life span as b. 1660, d. 1735 which would also lead me to speculate a first wife.
A comment on the list of Jacob's brothers from Genealogical Memoranda: Stouffer--if Matthias is Jacob's brother, then his uncle would not have been the Hans who emigrated in 1710. His uncle would have been the Hans who was married to Elizabeth Risser.
Back in 2007, when Jeanne Trump still had her Stauffer tree up on her website, she included the following notes in her entries for the Jacob Stauffer who married Magdalena Hess and his brothers:
Jacob owned and operated the Stauffer Mill which was a grist and saw mill located on the Hammer Creek, north of Lititz, PA. His son Christian operated the mill for 45 years. Today that mill is known as Zartman's Mill.
She cites the 1884 Brubacher Genealogy, pp.156-157: "Christian Stauffer, his two sons. three brothers. and his mother emigrated to America, though in what year cannot be ascertained. These four sons hauled their mother, by hand, on a little wagon, from their home in Germany to the ship. After they landed in Philadelphia, they procured a wagon again, and hauled their mother from Phila. through the wilderness to Hammer Creek, about 4 miles north of Lititz, Lancaster Co., where they settled and founded a 'mill seat' known for many years as 'Stauffer's mill'. On their journey from Phila. one of the sons was lost." She has this Christian as the one who emigrated together with his brother Johannes in 1744 on the Muscliffe Galley, and as brother of your Jacob (Pink Plaisance), all sons of Hans. Davis, on the other hand, has your Jacob's brothers as the Christian and Johannes who emigrated together on the Virtuous Grace in 1737, all sons of Hans.
In 1735, Jacob married Magdalena Hess of the same county and from this union 11 children were born. Of these we have secured the record of only one son, Abraham, whose descendants form the subject of this Memoranda. There is no existing record for his family except that the issue was 3 sons and 3 daughters. In the spring of 1792, he removed to the vicinity of Chambersburg, Franklin Co., PA where many of his descendants reside. in the same year, he, with his two sons-in-law, Metz and Shetter, purchased a tract of land a mile west of Chambersburg from Patrick Vance; also a property adjoining from James Jack, of Chambersburg, in order to secure the water-right for a mill which Stauffer contemplated building. They paid 4 pounds and 10 shillings per acre ($21.78) which was at that time thought to be a most extravagant price. Out of the 2 tracts of land they made 3 farms; one for Metz,and one for Shetter; Stauffer keeping the middle tract for the flouring mills which he built about 1793, and which were operated by his direct descendants for 90 years; and from whom the present village of Stoufferstown received its name. (Paul, is this a quote from Genealogical Memoranda: Stouffer?)
I am so tangled up in Stauffers that I can't think straight, but obviously the sons of the Hans Stauffer whose second wife was Elizabeth Risser could not have been the brothers who carried their mother Veronica to Hammer Creek, since their mother (Hans's first wife) would have been dead by then.
I found a note from Ron that Mennosearch in 2007 said the Virtuous Grace Christian b. 1709 married Barbara Kintzin. My Christian married Barbara (either Fellman or Oberholtzer). According to Along the Banks of Jacobs Creek by Winifred Paul, there is no evidence that she was an Oberholtzer. Winifred Paul also says my ancestor Rev. Abraham Stauffer's father Christian died in 1759 in Donegal Twp. In 1768, at age 14, Abraham chose Jacob Ebersole of Donegal Twp. and John Hartzler of Hempfield Twp. as his guardians. Richard Davis said in his 1993 article that the other Jacob Stauffer who immigrated in 1732 and died 1768 in Londonderry, had a daughter Barbara b. ca. 1736 in Warwick Twp. who married a Jacob Ebersole. Could we infer that Barbara Stauffer Ebersole was Abraham's cousin, and that her father had been Abraham's guardian up until his death in 1768?
Is any of this helping, or only muddying the waters further. I'm leaning toward the conclusion that, whoever their fathers were, your Jacob and my Christian were not brothers.
You’ve raised some interesting points in your last two posts Kathleen. Rather than “muddying” I think every bit helps in discussion format. I’ll try to respond to what you’ve addressed, and what info I have: 1) Matthias Stauffer – Because Matthias might not have even been 10 when the trip with Hans and Kinget (Heistand) Stauffer took place, I’ve discounted this assumption as I was not aware Hans' party traveled with any other besides their own children and son-in-law (Paul Friedt). What is your reasoning that Matthias uncle then would be Hans and Elizabeth (Risser) Stauffer? 2) Jeanne Trump and I corresponded recently on this same subject and she has listed Jacob’s father as Daniel (b. 1685), spouse unknown, and the ship as the Samuel, yet another twist in the various combinations of who Jacob’s father is. She also listed him as the 2nd of 8 children (3 unknown) including a brother Christian (b. 1711). She said she got this information from Stauffer researchers, though without specifics. It was a new version to me, but yet another I've added as a possibility until found otherwise. 3) I’m also familiar with the Brubacher Genealogy piece with the mother and 4 sons and it is consistent with Genealogical Memoranda: Stouffer, which cites “Veronica” as the mother. I’ve seen other research listing her as Veronica Schenk. If Daniel (b. 1660) was in fact her husband I am assuming this was at least his second wife. She made the move with her sons after his death. Regardless I find that quite a story of fortitude and dedication! 4) What is the source of the above information on Jacob and Magdalena (Hess) Stauffer? I have some record pertaining to each of their 11 children, all of who grew to adulthood and married. Their son and 7th child, Abraham is my direct ancestor and his move to Franklin County as well as his descendents are well documented in Genealogical Memoranda: Stouffer. 5) A popular reference with your Christian and my Jacob as brothers and children of HANS STAUFFER and ELISABETH RISSER, which Ron also used above, is Emigrants, Refugees and Prisoners; Richard Warren Davis, (Vol. I, p. 365) which I will admit have neither seen or read. i. HANS STAUFFER, b. Abt. 1709; d. 1748, Warwick Township, Lancaster County, PA ii. CHRISTIAN STAUFFER, b. Abt. 1711; d. 1759, Donegal Township, Lancaster County, PA Christian’s 2nd wife (and mother of your Rev. Abraham) is listed only as “Barbara” – no last name. iii. HENRY JACOB STAUFFER, b. 1713, Ibersheim, Rhein Pfalz, Germany; d. Jun 1775, Donegal Township, Lancaster County, PA iv. ANNA STAUFFER, b. Abt. 1715, Manor Ridge, Lancaster County, PA v. MARTIN STAUFFER, b. 1717; d. 1776. vi. MADLENA STAUFFER, b. 1720, Lancaster County, PA
You’ve raised some interesting points in your last two posts Kathleen. Rather than “muddying” I think every bit helps in discussion format. I’ll try to respond to what you’ve addressed, and what info I have:
1) Matthias Stauffer – Because Matthias might not have even been 10 when the trip with Hans and Kinget (Heistand) Stauffer took place, I’ve discounted this assumption as I was not aware Hans' party traveled with any other besides their own children and son-in-law (Paul Friedt). What is your reasoning that Matthias uncle then would be Hans and Elizabeth (Risser) Stauffer?
2) Jeanne Trump and I corresponded recently on this same subject and she has listed Jacob’s father as Daniel (b. 1685), spouse unknown, and the ship as the Samuel, yet another twist in the various combinations of who Jacob’s father is. She also listed him as the 2nd of 8 children (3 unknown) including a brother Christian (b. 1711). She said she got this information from Stauffer researchers, though without specifics. It was a new version to me, but yet another I've added as a possibility until found otherwise.
3) I’m also familiar with the Brubacher Genealogy piece with the mother and 4 sons and it is consistent with Genealogical Memoranda: Stouffer, which cites “Veronica” as the mother. I’ve seen other research listing her as Veronica Schenk. If Daniel (b. 1660) was in fact her husband I am assuming this was at least his second wife. She made the move with her sons after his death. Regardless I find that quite a story of fortitude and dedication!
4) What is the source of the above information on Jacob and Magdalena (Hess) Stauffer? I have some record pertaining to each of their 11 children, all of who grew to adulthood and married. Their son and 7th child, Abraham is my direct ancestor and his move to Franklin County as well as his descendents are well documented in Genealogical Memoranda: Stouffer.
5) A popular reference with your Christian and my Jacob as brothers and children of HANS STAUFFER and ELISABETH RISSER, which Ron also used above, is Emigrants, Refugees and Prisoners; Richard Warren Davis, (Vol. I, p. 365) which I will admit have neither seen or read.
i. HANS STAUFFER, b. Abt. 1709; d. 1748, Warwick Township, Lancaster County, PA
ii. CHRISTIAN STAUFFER, b. Abt. 1711; d. 1759, Donegal Township, Lancaster County, PA Christian’s 2nd wife (and mother of your Rev. Abraham) is listed only as “Barbara” – no last name.
iii. HENRY JACOB STAUFFER, b. 1713, Ibersheim, Rhein Pfalz, Germany; d. Jun 1775, Donegal Township, Lancaster County, PA
iv. ANNA STAUFFER, b. Abt. 1715, Manor Ridge, Lancaster County, PA
v. MARTIN STAUFFER, b. 1717; d. 1776.
vi. MADLENA STAUFFER, b. 1720, Lancaster County, PA
1. When Ron checked MennoSearch back in 2007, Davis's position was that the Daniel who was the father of my Christian Stauffer and the Hans who married Elizabeth Risser were brothers.
4. The note about Jacob and Magdalena Hess Stauffer was from Jeanne Trump's website back in 2007 . Since it talks about "this Memoranda" I wondered if it might have been a quote from Genealogical Memoranda: Stouffer?
5. My understanding from Ron's checking of Mennosearch back in 2007, is that Davis has repudiated this info from his published book, and his corrected online info is as Ron stated in his post above: my Muscliffe Galley Christian is son of Daniel and ?; your Pink Plaisance Jacob is son of Hans who married Elizabeth Risser. Daniel and Hans were both sons of Daniel Stauffer (1657-1721) and Anna [?Dester].
Looks like I'm back to square one. Here's a summary of what I have for the parents of Jacob Stauffer (b. 1713):
Option 1: Hans & Elizabeth (Risser) Stauffer: Endorsed by Richard Warren Davis, and this website, as well as the Pennsylvania FamilyHart Researchers, who also refer to him as "Henry Jacob Stauffer."
Option 2: Daniel (b. 1660) & Veronica (Schenk?) Stauffer: Endorsed and Published by the Genealogical researchers for the Hess (through Jacob's wife Magdalena) and Oberholtzer (Jacob's granddaughter-in-law) Family Association's. Also received the endorsement of the Lancaster Mennonite Historical Association and is as published in Genealogical Memoranda: Stouffer 1579-1943, by Kate S. Snively (1903), updated by C.S. Stouffer (1943).
Option 3: Daniel (b. 1685) Stauffer. Wife Unknown, 3 of eight siblings names unknown. Endorsed by various Stauffer Researchers.
The ship on which Jacob emmigrated associated with Options 1 & 2 is frequently associated with the Pink Plaisance, landing in Philadelphia Sept 21. Option 2 nearly always cites an older brother Daniel. Option 3 is almost exclusively cited as the Samuel, landing August 11 at Philadelphia.
The search continues. Ron & Kathleen thank you very, very much for your input and discussion. If you confirm your preference of your Stouffer frozen food delicacy and your physical address to my email this distant cousin would be delighted to forward it to you! And if you ever come across information associated with this topic, please don't hesitate to contact me.