Notes for William KISTLER
Family Histories: (1) An outline of the Abraham Kistler family appears in: Rev. John Kistler, "Hanjeorg Kistler and His Descendants"; THE PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN, Vol. IX, No. 4, April, 1908. (Note: Modern genealogists discount the then prevailing belief that Abraham's father Johannes was the son of John George (Hanjoerg) Kistler). (2) THE HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PA; Vol. II, 1914, pp. 669-671. (3) Descendants chart by Harry Lenig, Copy in Perry Historians collection, New Bloomfield, Perry Co., PA. (4) Laura Willhide Johnston, DESCENDANTS OF MY GREAT-GRANDPARENTS (Peter Sheibly), 1924, p. 76 & 77; Copy in Perry Historians collection, New Bloomfield, Perry Co., PA.
Birth: Source: Notarized copy of family record from family Bible contained in the military pension records of John A. Kistler, National Archives.
Marriage: Source: Handwritten copy of affidavit by Mary Gates (portion only, appears to be part of pension record); Copy in personal collection of Bruce Kistler, Winter Haven, FL;
Marriage: "Married on Thursday evening, the 24th inst., by the Rev. Burdine Blake, Mr. William Kistler to Miss Emeline Gates, daughter of Jacob Gates, both of Martha Furnace, Juniata Township, Blair Co." Source: FROM YOUR FAMILY TREE, Vol. XXIII, 1977, Copies of notices appearing in the HOLLIDAYSBURG REGISTER AND BLAIR COUNTY INQUIRER
Marriage location: Martha Furnace was located in Freedom Twp., Blair Co., PA in the gap between Short Mountain and Dunning Mountain east of the town of McKee. The furnace operated from 1843 to 1890. A small settlement grew up around the furnace. Source: Freedom Township Historical Society, MARTHA: FREEDOM TOWNSHIP'S IRON WORKS, 1990; Copy in Martinsburg (PA) Public Library
1911 article in Johnstown, PA newspaper regarding Emeline Kistler's 80th birthday. "... William Kistler served in the Seventh regiment of Pennsylvania reserve corps, as fife major. His oldest son, William B. Kistler, also enlisted at the age of 15. He served two enlistments in the calvary during the civil war further evidencing the family's martial tendency. There were 12 children in the family ... Five are living." Copy in personal collection of Bruce Kistler, Winter Haven, FL
Military: Served in Co. A, 7th Regiment, Pennsylvania Reserve Corps during Civil War. Enlisted July 9, 1861 at Carlisle, PA for 3 year term. Age 35. Muster-in roll at Washington, D.C. July 27, 1861. Appointed Principal Musician/Fife Major. Absent sick in Gen'l Hosp. since Aug. 12, 1862. Several muster roll entries indicate that he was in Portsmouth Grove Hospital, RI, however, company muster-out roll, Philadelphia, June 16, 1864 states "In Gen'l Hosp David's Island, NY from Aug 16, 1862 to Mar. 18, 1864." (Poem in William's hand is dated from David's Island, copy in personal collection of Bruce Kistler, Winter Haven, FL) Source: Military records of William B. Kistler, National Archives
Military Pension Records, 1883-1885: Adjutant General's Report contained in William's military pension records recaps the above but also states "My report May 2nd, 64 shows him returned from Gen'l Hospt. Nature of sickness not stated. No additional information. Regtl. Hosptl records not on file." Affidavit of Emeline Kistler concerning William's illness: "...The diagnosis of each of these physicians was the same, both pronouncing his ailment to be a serious organic disease of the lungs..." Affidavit of Charles Hugg: "I believe he was suffering with some serious lung affliction, he coughed very much and always appeared weak and emaciated, complaining often of shortness of breath and occasionally of hemorages from the lungs." One affidavit is signed by Mary Gates, age 80, of 2024 Ritter St., Phila. and George W. Gates, age 54, of Glenmore, Chester Co., PA. Affidavit of Elisabeth Slade of Ellis Co., KS says she was present at marriage of William and Emeline. Affidavit of Elizabeth Garland of Kistler, Perry Co., PA witnessed by D. Kistler, Justice of the Peace, she was raised in the same vicinity as William. Affidavit of Martin Gates of Ellis Co., KS.
Military: Discharged June 19, 1864 at Philadelphia. "Said William Kistler was born in Perry County, Pa. is 35 years of age, 5'5" high, dark complexion, gray eyes, black hair, and by occupation, when enrolled a Tailor." Signed Capt. E. Beatty. Source: Photocopy of miliary discharge, in personal collection of Bruce Kistler, Winter Haven, FL
1870 Census, 61st District, Philadelphia, PA lists William Kistler, 45, clerk (store); Emeline, 39, housekeeping; Laura, 18, seamstress; Sidney, 16, laborer; Edwin, 11; Elmer, 9; James, 5. All born in PA
Death: "On the 9th inst. William Kistler in the 52nd year of his age. The relatives and friends of the family, also Purity Lodge No. 175 of K of P Commercial Lodge No. 256 I.O.O.F and Rose Leppard H.C. No. 1 of Penna are respectfully invited to attend the funeral from his late residence No. 2110 Cedar St. on Tuesday, November 13th at 2 o'clock P.M. To proceed to Siloam M.E. Church, thence to Palmer St. Vault." Source: Handwritten copy of funeral notice published in the newspaper PUBLIC LEDGER, Philadelphia, November 10, 1877, Copy in personal collection of Bruce Kistler, Winter Haven, FL
Age at death 51 years, 6 mo., 20 days. From handwritten list of Essie Westgate Kistler apparently from family Bible.
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