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| Modified March 2, 2007 |
| Strickler Families of the World |
| John Strickler 1732-1807 |
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| Johannes �John� Strickler, 1st
Son of Abraham and Anna Maria (Ruffner) Strickler, 1st Born: ca Dec 1732-Jan 1733, West Hempfield Twp., Lancaster Co., PA Died: ca Feb-May 1807, Grove Hill, Newport, Pitt Spring Bend, Rockingham Co., VA Buried: John Strickler Cemetery at Grove Hill Married: c1766 probably at the Kauffman farm near Hawksbill, now in Page Co., VA Magdalena Kauffman Daughter of Martin & Barbara (Stover) Kauffman, Sr. Born: ca 1738, near Hawksbill, Orange Co., VA (now Page Co., VA) Died: ca 1805, Grove Hill, Newport, Pitt Spring Bend, Rockingham Co., VA Buried: John Strickler Cemetery at Grove Hill John Strickler, youngest son of Abraham Strickler, 1st, lived the life of a simple man. He was a farmer who had a prosperous farm and a large family. John spent time in the Virginia Militia. Over the years many records for John Strickler have been given in error, most stemming from misinformation provided on him by H.M. Strickler in Forerunners. Hopefully this biography will help to clear up much of this misinformation. Who were John Strickler�s parents? Recently published books by Richard W Davis in Provo, Utah attempt to bring question as to whether John was a son of Abraham Strickler or not. Mr. Davis notes that no record of John appeared in the estate appraisal and dispersal of Abraham Strickler, 1st. Mr. Davis is incorrect. Two land surveys recorded at the Orange County Courthouse proves that Abraham Strickler, 1st had six sons: A warrant in Orange County in 12 June 1747 appears to name Abraham Sr.�s sons by age. It reads, Abraham Strickler execution for division of 647 acres in two tracts, land of Abraham Strickler, dec�d. Said land divided by Abraham Strickler, (Jr.) amongst himself and his brothers. It lists them Abraham, Isaac, Benjamin, Jacob and Joseph. A similar deed is found in 1749 except John has been added to the end, apparently then being of age. When and where was John Strickler born? As with so many of the early Stricklers, birth dates for them vary considerably. With John I have seen dates from 1735-1745, the 1740 date coming from H.M. Strickler in Forerunners. However, known records suggest that John was born earlier than 1735 and further examination of records narrow John�s birth date down to within a span of two months. John�s birth year can be established using the following known facts. � John purchased land in August 1754. This indicates that by 1754 he was at least 21 years of age, or born before August 1733. � There is the estate settlement of Abraham Strickler, Sr. In a settlement and division first drawn up on 12 June 1747, John Strickler is not listed. In February 1749, the land was resurveyed and John Strickler was provided land. This indicates that John became of legal age to be included in survey (age 16) 1748. (Born ca 1732) From these three sets of documents it can be surmised that John Strickler was born in late 1732 or early 1733. John turning 16 between 12 June 1747 and February 1749. Assuming John turned 16 closest to the February re-survey then he was probably born in December 1732 or January 1733. Knowing about when John was born, we know where he was probably born. Abraham Strickler did not move his family to Virginia from Pennsylvania until 1734. So it is most likely that John was born on the Strickler farm in West Hempfield, Lancaster Co., PA between December 1732 and January 1733. Who did John Strickler Marry? John Strickler married to Magdalena Kauffman, d/o Martin Kauffman. This is proved by several deeds by which Magdalena was conveyed land on behalf of her deceased father Martin. One such deed reads: On 27 May 1767, John Strickler and wife Magdalene are conveyed 208 acres by Michael Kauffman. This is land due to Magdalene from the settlement of the estate of Martin Kauffman, her father. When did John and Magdalena Marry? By the above deed we know that John and Magdalena were married before May 27, 1767. Records of the Berry family state that Barbara Strickler, oldest known child of John and Magdalena was born 11 Jan 1767. This then puts John�s marriage back to at least around May 1766. Although it may never be known exactly when a marriage took place, it had to be around May 1766 and possibly even years earlier. John may have not married so early in life rather serving as a soldier in the Virginia Militia for years. When did John Strickler die? Again, Forerunners by H.M. Strickler reported that John Strickler died in 1801. Ever since that death date has never been challenged, despite being incorrect. There are a number of records showing John Strickler alive after 1801. Here are some of the more important ones (the others you can pick out of the list of events for John Strickler). On 9 March 1801, John Strickler, Sr. and wife Magdalene of Rockingham County sell to Joseph Strickler, son of Jacob Strickler, for a sum of $660, 207 acres, land on the south side of the Shenandoah River, part of 288 acres formerly land of Michael Kauffman who on the 3 Feb 1755 had deeded it on behalf of the orphans of Martin Kauffman. This land was then transferred 27 May 1767 to John Strickler and wife Magdalene by deed of L.& R. (signed by Magdalene Strickler) On 23 December 1801, many Rockingham County residents came together on a petition for improvements of roads. Among the signers of this petition were John Strickler, Sr. and John Strickler, Jr. On 25 January 1806, John Strickler, Sr. deeded to David Keyser for $533.04 land on the south side of the Shenandoah River containing 80 of 288 acres, land granted by Lord Fairfax 3 February 1755 to Michael Kauffman on behalf of the children of Martin Kauffman dec�d. Said line lies in both Rockingham and Shenandoah Counties and containing 80 acres of land. On 13 July 1812 Jacob Gochenour, Sr. and wife Elizabeth sold to John Keyser the same 80-acre tract sold to David Keyser by John Strickler. Said David Keyser having sold land to with wife Eve to Elizabeth Blosser widow now wife of John Gochenour. August 1806, John Strickler, Sr. does not appear in the tax record of Rockingham County. He may have been too old for tithe (aged 73), had died since January, or became ill and his son Joseph was now in charge of the household. In August 1806, Joseph Strickler appears as the head of the household of John Strickler, Sr. Records seem to suggest rather than being dead, John was ill. ca Feb 1807, a deed for the conveyance of land between J----- Strickler, Sr. and J----- Strickler, Jr. appears among the index of burnt records for Rockingham Co., VA. Since there are no other records of John Strickler or wife Magdalene selling their property or giving it to their children, and the knowledge that no other Stricklers lived in Rockingham Co. in 1807 (that were a J---, Sr. & Jr.), it can be reasonably safe to assume that this record is for John Strickler, Sr. to his son John Strickler, Jr. The book is badly burned and the deed is not found, however from the location of the record in the index it is apparent it took place early in the year. Several deed entries preceding the Strickler deed are dated in February 1807 and ones afterwards are mostly dated March and after. ca May 1807, in another badly burnt book, containing records for the years from 1805-1808, including 1807, an index entry is made for the appraisement of the estate of John Strickler, dec�d. No date is found with the entry but it appears with records from May and June 1807, appearing earlier in the list rather than later. The book is so badly burnt that the dates along the margins were obliterated. Conclusion: So it is clear that John did not die in 1801. He appears to have died in 1807. No record of John appears after 1807. It appears that John became ill in late 1806, conveyed land to his son John, Jr. in 1807 and then died that year when his estate was appraised in Rockingham County. Magdalena�s Death: It is believed Magdalena Kauffman Strickler died about 1805. However this cannot be proved. Last record of Magdalena was in March 1801 when she appears in a deed with her husband dealing with the sell of land she and John inherited from her father. In January 1806, John Strickler deeded another portion of this same land, but Magdalena is not mentioned, indicating she probably died between March 1801 and January 1806. Chronological Record of John Strickler June 1749, John Strickler receives land from the estate of Abraham Strickler deceased. His portion consisted of 208 acres. 19 December 1752, Abraham Strickler, Joseph Strickler, Isaac Strickler and John Strickler are said to be at the home of Johannes Spitler when a falling log being lifted for his new home killed him. Among others there included Hans Jacob Rothgeb and Rudolph Mauck, Jr. On 9 April 1754, John Strickler bought 230 acres in the area of Pitt Spring Bend . This made him the first settler in that area of the county. Pitt Spring is near the villages of Grove Hill and Newport and is a bend of the mighty Shenandoah River. Traveling north through Grove Hill, John's original homestead was built on the right side of the river. As you cross the bridge in Grove Hill there will be a steep bluff rising from the waters edge. Near the bridge this bluff is rough and covered with trees. Going down stream from here the bluff becomes less steep and is free of trees. At a point that is nearly opposite Ingrahm Station and East Liberty there is a wide depression in the bluff where the land slopes gently to the river. It is in this place that the original John Strickler homestead stood. This original homestead burned while his grandson Captain David Strickler occupied it. There was then a brick home built near the site of the original homestead. It is worthy to note that this land was first located in Augusta County then in both Rockingham and Shenandoah Counties. When Page County was formed in 1833, the land was afterwards located all in Page County. On 4 January 1755, John Strickler was deeded his 208 acre share of his father�s estate, but had given this land to his brother Jacob. I have not located a deed of sale or conveyance for this property. On 2 September 1755, John Strickler was fined 10 shillings for being absent from one muster of Capt. Lewis Stephen�s Company. 24 July 1758, John Strickler casts his vote for General George Washington in the election for new members to the Virginia House of Burgesses. His brothers Joseph, Benjamin and John each also voted. It is interesting that John used his vote as a representative of Frederick County and not as a representative of Augusta County. This suggests John was still living on his portion of land at Egypt Bend in what is now Page County, VA. On 27 October 1758, John Strickler was fined 10 shillings for being absent from the muster of Capt. Lewis Stephen�s Company during the past twelve months. 1765, John Strickler�s line is mentioned in a patent for William Ohler who was taking up 1900 acres at Pitt Spring. On 26 May 1767, John Strickler and wife Magdalena are sold 287 +/- acres of land from Martin Kauffman and wife Mary. At that time John still called himself a resident of Frederick County, VA. On 27 May 1767, John Strickler and wife Magdalene are conveyed 207 +/- acres by Michael Kauffman. This is land due to Magdalene from the settlement of the estate of Martin Kauffman, her father. It is interesting to note that at this time John Strickler still called himself a resident of Frederick County, VA, indicating he still resided on his portion of the Ft. Egypt Plantation. This also leaves room to speculate why John remained on the farm in Frederick County. One might reason that it was to remain with his elderly mother whose date of death is unknown. 2 Jun 1767, the land mentioned above is released for 5 pounds. 15 June 1770, William Oyler sells 200 acres of land to Adam Bowyer along the Shenandoah River part of 1,900 acres granted to William Oyler in 1766 at a pond near John Strickler�s land. 19 November 1771, William Oyler sells to William Monger for 4 pounds 25 acres of land cornered to John Strickler�s land. 1773, John Strickler is on Daniel Smith�s Supernumeraries for Augusta County, Virginia. In 1782, John Strickler was in the Rockingham Co. census with 10 white persons in his household and 1 dwelling. He has 230 acres. In 1783, John Strickler was in the Rockingham Co. census with 10 white persons in his household and 1 dwelling. He has 230 acres. In 1784, John Strickler was in the Rockingham Co. census with 10 white persons in his household and 1 dwelling. He has 230 acres. 2 Nov 1784, John Strickler signs articles of faith in Rockingham County requesting he be free from military service and from fines for not serving in the militia. In 1785, John Strickler is taxed in Rockingham Co. on 230 acres of land. 10 Dec 1785, John Strickler of Rockingham signs another article of faith again asking to be free from military service and from fines for not serving in the militia. Sep 1786, John Strickler and Jacob Spitler are named sureties for the estate of Abraham Strickler (b.1743) dec�d. Isaac Strickler and Abraham Strickler qualify as administrators. It is most likely that this is a record of John Strickler, son of Jacob Strickler and not of John Strickler of Pitt Spring Bend. On April 7, 1787, John Strickler was taxed in the 14th Militia District of Rockingham County. He was the only male listed above 16 years of age. He owned 7 horses, donkeys or mules and had 10 cattle. On 25 June 1787, John Strickler is named Overseer of the road leading from the county line of Shenandoah to the County Court House on the east side of Peaked Mountain. The 1787 census records John Strickler�s household with 9 people, reflecting the recent marriage of his oldest daughter to Malachi Berry. On 25 March 1788, John Strickler�s suit against Mr. Lau? was discontinued. I�ve not found record of what the suit was about. In Aug 1788, John Strickler was tithed as part of Capt. Michael Rorick�s 17th District. He owned 5 horses. His son John was over age 16. In 1789, John Strickler was appraised as having 230 acres of land at Pitt Spring. 30 Dec 1790, Know all men by these presents that we Jacob Heastant, John Strickler, and Isaac Harshberger are held and firmly bound unto John Anderson, Jeremiah McKay, George Fravel and Michael Speagle gentlemen Justices of the County Court of Shenandoah now sitting in the sum of ten thousands pounds current money to be paid to the said Justices or their successors to the payment whereof we bind ourselves, our heirs, Executors and Administrators jointly and severely firmly by these presents seal with our seals this 30th day of December 1790. (For will of Jacob Burner) On 28 March 1791, John participated in a grand jury of Rockingham County with these people: William Fowler (foreman), Dennis Lanchan, John Appler, George Keisle, Samiel Hair, Leonard Herring, Smith Loftland, Josiah Harrison, Robert Cravens, Jacob Spotts, Robert Dickey, Godfrey Schwing, Lewis Runkle, Michael Brown and Adam Argengright. In total seventeen cases were decided. 27 Apr 1791, John Strickler, witnesses a deed between Jacob Spitler and wife Susanna of Rockingham County and Joseph Foltz for land in Shenandoah County, VA. In June 1792, John Strickler was tithed in Rockingham County with 5 tithes in Jacob Kiser�s 14th district. His son Joseph lived with him. His son John was tithed separately but lived on the same farm. Unfortunately this tithe did not separate children from livestock. The 5 tithes could include a sum of livestock or slaves. Or it may indicate 4 sons. From 24 May 1791 until 28 August 1792, John was in an ongoing court case in Rockingham County. He won his case because the plaintiff, Mr. O�Roark, failed to produce any evidence. Witnesses called on behalf of John were; Martin Koontz, John Wine, Chris. Lawler, Henry Countryman, Samuel Comer, Daniel Price, Isaac Keyser, Frederich Price, Rich. Ragan, Hugh Divier, Solm. Mathews and Charles Taylor. It notes that most witnesses had to travel over 30 miles to court. Other witnesses included Malachai Berry, Margaret (Strickler) Grimsley and Aceriah Berry, who had served as council for John. In August 1793, John is tithed again. John Strickler, Jr. is listed directly under him. In 1797, John Strickler was appraised with 230 acres of land at Pitt Spring Bend. 1798, the heirs of Henry Hiestand convey land to John Strickler, Sr. In August 1800, John Strickler was taxed with one son above 16, one slave over 12 and 5 horses. On 9 March 1801, John Strickler, Sr. and wife Magdalene of Rockingham County sell to Joseph Strickler, son of Jacob Strickler, for a sum of $660, 207 acres, land on the south side of the Shenandoah River, part of 288 acres formerly land of Michael Kauffman who on the 3 Feb 1755 had deeded it on behalf of the orphans of Martin Kauffman. This land was then transferred 27 May 1767 to John Strickler and wife Magdalene by deed of L.& R. (signed by Magdalene Strickler) In August 1801, John Strickler was taxed with 2 sons above 16 years. John and Martin Strickler were also taxed each over 21 years of age. This shows all of his sons were born before 1785. On 23 December 1801, many Rockingham County residents came together on a petition for improvements of roads. Among the signers of this petition were John Strickler, Sr. & John Strickler, Jr. In August 1805, Joseph Strickler appears in the place of John Strickler with 230 acres. He may have assumed the head of his father�s household. From 1782 thru 1804, John was always taxed with this 230 acres of land. On 25 January 1806, John Strickler, Sr. deeded to David Keyser for $533.04 land on the south side of the Shenandoah River containing 80 of 288 acres, land granted by Lord Fairfax 3 February 1755 to Michael Kauffman on behalf of the children of Martin Kauffman dec�d and deeded Strickler in 1767. Said line lies in both Rockingham and Shenandoah Counties and containing 80 acres of land. On 13 July 1812 Jacob Gochenour, Sr. and wife Elizabeth sold to John Keyser the same 80 acre tract sold to David Keyser by John Strickler. Said David Keyser having sold land to with wife Eve to Elizabeth Blosser widow now wife of John Gochenour. August 1806, John Strickler, Sr. does not appear in the tax record of Rockingham County. He may have been too old for tithe (aged 73), had died since January, or became ill and his son Joseph was now in charge of the household. In August 1806, Joseph Strickler appears as the head of the household of John Strickler, Sr. Records seem to suggest rather than being dead, John was ill. Ca Feb 1807, a deed for the conveyance of land between J----- Strickler, Sr. and J----- Strickler, Jr. appears among the index of burnt records for Rockingham Co., VA. Since there are no other records of John Strickler or wife Magdalene selling their property or giving it to their children, and the knowledge that no other Stricklers lived in Rockingham Co. in 1807 (that were a J---, Sr. & Jr.), it can be reasonably safe to assume that this record is for John Strickler, Sr. to his son John Strickler, Jr. The book is badly burned and the deed is not found, however from the location of the record in the index it is apparent it took place early in the year. Several deed entries preceding the Strickler deed are dated in February 1807 and ones afterwards are mostly dated March and after. Ca May 1807, in another badly burnt book, containing records for the years from 1805-1808, including 1807, an index entry is made for the appraisement of the estate of John Strickler, dec�d. No date is found with the entry but it appears with records from May and June 1807, appearing earlier in the list rather than later. The book is so badly burnt that the dates along the margins were obliterated. Who Were John�s Children? John and Magdalena has also been a victim of H M Strickler with regards to their children. H.M. Strickler suggested that there were additional children for John Strickler not listed in his book Forerunners. He also suggested that a Daniel Strickler who lived in the area of Rockingham County was a son of John Strickler. A number of other Stricklers have been named children of John. However the children of John numbered only 8. Daniel Strickler was NOT a child of John Strickler. Daniel was a 1st cousin to John Strickler, a son of Heinrich Strickler who immigrated to PA and lived on the Strickler farm at W Hempfield with Abraham Strickler. We know from census records that John Strickler had only 8 children. It is worthy to note that it is unknown when John officially moved from the Strickler plantation at Egypt Bend. Thus it is possible that all of his children were born at Egypt Bend and not at Pitt Spring where John was not taxed until 1782 (note no record of taxation has been found from 1778-1781). They were: 1) Barbara Strickler b. 11 Jan 1767, Egypt Bend, Page Co., VA d. aft 1808 md 19 Aug 1785 in Rockingham Co., to Malachi Berry, Jr. 2) Anna Margaretha Strickler b. 22 Dec 1769, Pitt Spring, Augusta Co., VA d. aft 1831 md 10 April 1792, Shendandoah Co., VA to William Grimsley 3) John Strickler, Jr. b. 28 Nov 1770, Pitt Spring, Augusta Co., VA d. aft 1820 md 2 Oct 1793, Rockingham Co., VA to Elizabeth Hord 4) Mary Magdalena Strickler b. 21 Mar 1775, Pitt Spring, Augusta Co., VA d. 1850�s md 20 Aug 1798, Rockingham Co., VA to Martin Grimsley 5) Susannah Elizabeth Strickler b. 10 Dec 1777, Pitt Spring, Augusta Co., VA d. aft 1835 md 18 Oct 1803, Rockingham Co., VA to David Lauderback 6) Martin Strickler b. 21 Oct 1779, Pitt Spring, Rockingham Co., VA d. 24 Sep 1851, Grove Hill, Rockingham Co., VA md 9 Mar 1800, Page Co., VA to Ann Comer 7) Joseph Strickler, Sr. b. 8 Jan 1781, Pitt Spring, Rockingham Co., VA d. 11 Nov 1846, Reading Twp., Perry Co., OH md 7 Dec 1804, Rockingham Co., VA to Hannah Barbara Lyons 8) Abraham B Strickler b. 26 Aug 1782, Pitt Spring, Rockingham Co., VA d. 29 Sep 1834, Grove Hill, Rockingham Co., VA md 26 Dec 1824, Shenandoah Co., VA to Susannah Hollingsworth. |
| Still incomplete this page has been uploaded for the descendants of this line that have contacted me. This page is 80% complete. It is hoped that even in it's incompleteness it may help another researcher or bring to light further records of this family. |