Notes for Johannes KISTLER
Early Histories of the Kistler family: (1) Samuel J. Kistler, Article in THE HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY; 1884. (2) Charles E. Kistler, "Kistler Valley Kistlers," THE PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN, Vol VII, 1906, p. 104; (3) Charles E. Kistler, "Kistler's Valley and It's Settlers," address before the Berks County Historical Society, September 10, 1922; (4) Charles E. Kistler, "Hanjeorg Kistler and His Descendants," THE PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN; (5) Charles E. Kistler, "To and From Kistler's Valley," Copy in Perry Historians collection.
Note: These early histories assumed that Johannes was the son of John George (Hanjorg) Kistler. Although this assumption persists in some more recent accounts, modern genealogists working on the Kistler family discount this relationship. Due to their close association throughout life, the two may have been cousins or even brothers. See: (1) Raymond Hollenbach, KISTLER FAMILY OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA (unpublished), 1972; Updated and corrected by Willard Werkheiser, 1995; Copy in Lehigh County Historical Society, Allentown, PA. (2) Elaine D. Schwar, "The Kistler Confusion," JOURNAL OF THE BERKS COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY, Summer, 1990. (3) Bruce Kistler, "Sorting Out the Kistlers: A Research Update," THE PALATINE IMMIGRANT, Vol XX, No. 2, March, 1995, pp. 102-110.
Immigration: Translation of original manumission application and permit dated April 23, 1737: "Johannes Kistler of Auerbach, who wants to emigrate with his three minor sons, requests release from bondage. The (Registry) office and the administration report herewith that the applicant is apparently a capable laborer, and would retain as residual net worth, assets of hardly 100 b(?). Conclusion: Under these conditions the applicant should not be assessed more than 7 b(?) 30 g(?). Final manumission certificate (issued?) Also concurred with. In consequence, at this time, (action) concluded." Professor Werner Hacker concludes that this is the same Johannes Kistler who sailed on the "Townshend." Sources: (1) 61 Kennf Cammer Protocolla vom 23 Apr 1737 biss 10 Aug 1737 Beides inclusive #1 #1258 #1258 #1004; Baden Stadtarchiv, Karlsruhe, Germany. (2) Werner Hacker, AUSWANDERUNG AUS BADEN UND BREISGAU, Index #5351, p. 442 (3) P. Wm. Filby and Mary K. Meyer, IMMIGRATION AND PASSENGER LISTS INDEX.
Immigration: A Johannes Kistler arrived in Philadelphia October 5, 1737 aboard the ship "Townshend" from Amsterdam/Cowes. He made his mark on the ship's list. He took the Oath to the Government on the same day. Sources: (1) Ralph B. Strassberger (Ed. Wm. John Hinke), PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN PIONEERS; Vol. 2; List 48B, p.189. (2) Wm. Henry Egle, NAMES OF FOREIGNERS WHO TOOK THE OATH OF ALLEGANCE TO THE PROVINCE AND STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA; p. 140. (3) Daniel Israel Rupp, A COLLECTION OF THIRTY THOUSAND NAMES OF GERMAN, SWISS, DUTCH, FRENCH AND OTHER IMMIGRANTS IN PENNSYLVANIA FROM 1727 to 1776; p. 110
Road Petition: Johannes Kistler and George Kistler signed a petition to the September, 1745 session of the Court of Quarter Sessions in Philadelphia requesting that a road be constructed "from Abram Levan's mill in or near Maxatawny (thro' or over certain hills about 8 or 10 miles distant from upper Hanover Township) by Peter Sills near ye first road leading from Philadelphia"; Source: A photocopy of the petition is included with Hollenbach/Werkheiser material at the Lehigh County Historical Society, Allentown, PA.
Naturalization: Johannes Kistler "took the sacrament" and became a naturalized citizen September 24, 1761 along with "Mich'l Propst, Simon Freest, Jacob Hoggugh, and Jacob Dreess" Source: PERSONS NATURALIZED IN PENNSYLVANIA. On April 4, 1762, George Kistler took the oaths of naturalization.
Land Applications: On October 30, 1765, Johannes Kistler applied for 40 acres of land in Albany Twp., Berks Co., PA (Application #1160). George Kistler applied for a total of 110 acres on the same day; On May 21, 1766, Johannes Kistler applied for an additional 50 acres in Lynn Twp. Northhampton (now Lehigh) Co. (#1507); Source: PENNSYLVANIA LAND RECORDS, EAST SIDE APPLICATIONS; LDS film 0986894
Johannes Kistler appears on Albany Twp. tax lists in 1756, 1759, 1767, 1768; Source: Hollenbach.
On May 8, 1763, "Joh. Kistler and Barbara" were sponsors at the baptism of Johann Philip Stambach, age 9 weeks, at Allemangel, son of Philipp and Christine Stambach; Source: MINISTERIAL ACTS OF DANIEL SCHUMACHER; LDS film 1414861
Death: Letters Testamentary issued to Anna Barbara, widow of Hannes Kistler, Will dated November 24, 1772, Probated March 24, 1773; Source: BERKS CO. WILLS, Vol. 2, p. 125; LDS film 0020723
No grave marker has been found. Johannes is presumed to be buried in the graveyard of Freidens Union Church (White Church), Stony Run, Albany Twp., Berks Co., PA as the family followed Daniel Schumacher in founding this church after splitting with the Jerusalem Union congregation.
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