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Ancestors of Kay Frances Law

Generation No. 10

608. Michael Towsley, born Abt. 1635; died 3 November 1712 in Suffield, Hartford, CT, USA (Source: Suffield (CT) Record - Births, Marriages and Deaths, Vol. A, FHL film # 1317067, p.14.). He married 609. Mary Hussey 4 June 1678 in Exeter, Rockingham, NH, USA.

609. Mary Hussey, born Abt. 1640 in Hampton, NH, USA; died 10 February 1728/29 in West Dorchester, MA, USA.

Notes for Michael Towsley:
TOWSLEY or TOUSLEY is a geographic surname given to one who was from Tasley, Shropshire, England. Tasley = 'grove where teasels grow.' Teasel: any of a number of related thistlelike plants with bristly, yellowish or purplish flowers. Dried teasel flowers were brushed on cloth to raise the nap. Our term 'to tease' or comb comes from this. For some unknown reason, our ancestor, Moses Towsley I, changed the spelling of his surname to Townsley after the Revolutionary War.
The TOWSLEY surname is also found spelled 'Tousley' and after the Revolutionary War Moses I changed the spelling of his surname to 'Townsley.'
Suffield, Connecticut was originally called Stony River, then Southfield and finally renamed Suffield (an abbreviation of Southfield) in June 1674. It was part of Hampshire County, Massachusetts until state boundaries changed in 1749 and it became part of Hartford County, Connecticut.
In 1660 the Massachusetts General Court granted lands to six persons for a plantation at 'Stoney River.' If an attempt to settle the town was made at this time, it was unsuccessful and the grant became void.
In May 1670 a petition was again made asking for a grant to form a town at Stony River. The petition was granted in October 1670 and a tract 6 miles square was ordered to be laid out and settled upon.
So many settlers showed an interest in moving to the new town that a committee was formed in January 1675 to grant land to 100 families as 'speedily as may be.' The quantity of land to be granted to each of the 100 families was to be by rank. 'Rank was determined by Quality, Estate, Usefulness and other Considerations as the Committee direct.' However, King Philip's War broke out a few months later and the town was abandoned.
Settlement of the town was restarted early in 1677 and by that spring nearly all grant holders had returned to the settlement. Evidently there were still some vacant lots as the committee met for one last time in January 1682 to complete the job of 'filling up the place' with 100 families.
Michael Towsley is listed as one of the first 100 grantees. It is not known exactly when the Towsley family settled in Suffield but the birth of their second child was recorded by the Town Clerk in January 1681.
The following entry was found on p. 14 of the Town Clerk Records of Suffield, Connecticut - FHL microfilm #1317067: 'Anne Towsley ye daughter of Michael Towsley which Mary his wife bore to him born July ye. 12: 1683: Michael his son born Jannuary ye 14th 1684: Margaret his daughter born July ye 11th 1687: Matthew his son born Nov: the 18th 1690: his daughter Margarret deceased August ye 15th 1689: his daughter Mary deceased Nov: ye 20th 1694: Nath his son deceased Feb ye 8th 1696: Jno (John) his son born September the 17th 1694: Nathanael his son born Feb: ye 3rd 1696-7: Joseph his son born July ye 4th 1698. Michael Towsley himself deceased November the 3rd 1712.'

Notes for Mary Hussey:
The HUSSEY surname is English. There are three possible sources for this surname. 1) Norman (French): one who lived in Houssaye in Seine-Maritime, Normandy. It is from the Old French word 'hous' = holly. Houssaye = 'holly grove.' 2) England: a nickname for a woman who was mistress of her own household. Being from the Middle English word 'husewif' = housewife. 3) Norman: nickname for one noted for his boots. Being from the Old French word 'h(e)use' = booted. It was given to one who wore boots of an unusual design or as an indication of his wealth in a time when peasants were happy to have leggings or sandals.
The following from 'The Biography of a Town, Suffield, Connecticut 1670-1970', pp. 25-26, by Robert Hayden Alcorn - FHL book call #974.62 H2a:
'There were problems.
'Mary Tousely was one. Mary Tousely was brought before the General Court for trial. As the record shows, she was convicted of "Many visionary miscarriages: driveing a trade of wicked living, slandering, cursing, wicked scolding, murderous, threatening and dangerous languages for any neighborhood to hear and for pound breach. . . . This Court held these unavoidable fruites of original sin not restrained by the Grace of God. . . . She to be horse whipt once at Springfield on the naked back with fifteen lashes and a second time at Suffield with ten lashes on the naked back, two weekes after the first time."
'She learned little from the ordeal. Soon after this conviction the whole Tousely family, husband, wife and the daughter were convicted of "lying and stealing and killing creatures or some creature of their neighbors and of threatening their nabors." Michael Tousely was made to pay twenty shillings to the King, twenty shillings each to two neighbors and he was "well whipt" with fifteen lashed on the naked back. His wife was given ten lashes on the naked back. The daughter was given eight lashes and "put to service to Ebenezer Parsons for a month's trial."
'Out of all this, for the Touselys were constant disturbers of the peace, there grew the suspicion that Mary Tousely was a witch. It was the right time. There was a fever of witch lore in the Massachusetts Bay Colony and the spill-over could have trickled into any town. There is no record of Mary Tousely having been openly charged with witchcraft. But the number of court appearances and the severity of her punishments would indicate that she was at least suspect. If so, Mary Tousely shall go down in history as the only witch Suffield produced. That does not necessarily mean that the years since then have not produced some recognizable variations on the theme, even to the present.'

Children of Michael Towsley and Mary Hussey are:

		i.		Mary Towsley, born 17 March 1678/79 in Sallsbury, Essex, MS, USA; died 20 November 1694 in Suffield, Hartford, CT, USA (Source: Suffield (CT) Record - Births, Marriages and Deaths, Vol. A, FHL film # 1317067, p.14.).
		ii.		Mercy Towsley, born 12 January 1680/81 in Suffield, Hartford, CT, USA; died Bet. 1711 - 1781; married Benjamin Allen 4 October 1699 in Springfield, Suffield, Hartford, CT, USA (Source: Suffield (CT) Record - Births, Marriages and Deaths, Vol. A, FHL film # 1317067, p.20, (descendant Greg Estep says town is Springfield).); born September 1673 (Source: Information provided by, Greg Estep via e-mail January 2000.); died Aft. 1724 in Springfield, Suffield, Connecticut, USA (Source: Information provided by, Greg Estep via e-mail January 2000.).
		iii.		Anne Towsley, born 12 July 1683 in Suffield, Hartford, CT, USA (Source: Suffield (CT) Record - Births, Marriages and Deaths, Vol. A, FHL film # 1317067, p.14.); died Bet. 1712 - 1783; married Joseph Trumbull 2 January 1706/07 in Suffield, Hartford, CT, USA (Source: Suffield (CT) Record - Births, Marriages and Deaths, Vol. A, FHL film # 1317067, p.28.); born 3 January 1676/77 in Suffield, Hartford, CT, USA; died 23 April 1713 in Suffield, Hartford, CT, USA (Source: Suffield (CT) Record - Births, Marriages and Deaths, Vol. A, FHL film # 1317067, p.28.).
		iv.		Michael Towsley, born 14 January 1684/85 in Suffield, Hartford, CT, USA (Source: Suffield (CT) Record - Births, Marriages and Deaths, Vol. A, FHL film # 1317067, p.14.); died Bet. 1712 - 1785; married Hannah Stebbins 11 March 1712/13 in Springfield, Hampshire, MA, USA; born 9 November 1692; died Aft. 1712.
		v.		Margaret Towsley, born 11 July 1687 in Suffield, Hartford, CT, USA (Source: Suffield (CT) Record - Births, Marriages and Deaths, Vol. A, FHL film # 1317067, p.14.); died 15 August 1689 in Suffield, Hartford, CT, USA (Source: Suffield (CT) Record - Births, Marriages and Deaths, Vol. A, FHL film # 1317067, p.14.).
		vi.		Matthew Towsley, born 18 November 1690 in Suffield, Hartford, CT, USA (Source: Suffield (CT) Record - Births, Marriages and Deaths, Vol. A, FHL film # 1317067, p.14.); died 24 April 1739 in Suffield, Hartford, CT, USA (Source: Suffield (CT) Record - Births, Marriages and Deaths, Vol. A, FHL film # 1317067, p.34.); married Mary Smith 20 March 1710/11 in Suffield, Hartford, CT, USA (Source: Suffield (CT) Record - Births, Marriages and Deaths, Vol. A, FHL film # 1317067, p.33.); born 11 February 1689/90 in Suffield, Hampshire, MA, USA; died 23 August 1773 in Suffield, Hartford, CT, USA (Source: Suffield (CT) Record - Births, Marriages and Deaths, Vol. A, FHL film # 1317067, p.34.).

Notes for Matthew Towsley:
Mathew Tousley was Taken under the watch of the Chh at his own Houfe (house) by Reafon (reason) of ficknefs (sickness) ye Chh being Prefent (present) feb: 2nd 1735/6. Mathew Tousley was baptised at his own House by Reason of sickness 2nd February 1735/6 (Suffield Congregational Church Records.)

304	vii.	John Towsley I, born 17 September 1694 in Suffield, Hartford, CT, USA; died 24 December 1764 in Suffield, Hartford, CT, USA; married (1) Thankful Brownson 3 July 1719 in Suffield, Hartford, CT, USA; married (2) Rebecca Temple 12 May 1736 in Suffield, Hartford, CT, USA.
	viii.	Nathaniel Towsley, born 3 February 1696/97 in Suffield, Hartford, CT, USA (Source: Suffield (CT) Record - Births, Marriages and Deaths, Vol. A, FHL film # 1317067, p.14.); died 8 February 1696/97 in Suffield, Hartford, CT, USA (Source: Suffield (CT) Record - Births, Marriages and Deaths, Vol. A, FHL film # 1317067, p.14.).
	ix.	Joseph Towsley, born 4 July 1698 in Suffield, Hartford, CT, USA (Source: Suffield (CT) Record - Births, Marriages and Deaths, Vol. A, FHL film # 1317067, p.14.); died Bet. 1698 - 1798.

      612. Josiah Leavitt, born 4 May 1653 in Hingham, Plymouth, MA, USA - bap 15 October 1679 (Source: Emily Leavitt Noyes, Leavitt, Volume V, (Tilton, NH 1956), p35.); died 14 September 1708 in Hingham, Plymouth, MA, USA - aged 55 years (Source: Hingham, Massachusetts Birth, Marriages, Death 1635-1780, FHL film #423520, p. 143.). He was the son of 1224. John 'Deacon' Leavitt and 1225. Sarah Gilman. He married 613. Margaret Johnson 20 October 1676 in Hingham, Plymouth, MA, USA (Source: Hingham, Massachusetts Birth, Marriages, Death 1635-1780, FHL film #423520, p. 38.).

      613. Margaret Johnson, born 22 December 1659 in (Exeter, Rockingham, NH, USA or Hingham or Scituate, MA?)) (Source: Emily Leavitt Noyes, Leavitt, Volume III, (Tilton, NH 1949), p9.); died 5 June 1739 in Hingham, Plymouth, MA, USA - aged 80 years (Source: Emily Leavitt Noyes, Leavitt, Volume III, (Tilton, NH 1949), p9.). She was the daughter of 1226. Humphrey Johnson and 1227. Eleanor 'Ellen' Cheney.

Notes for Josiah Leavitt:
Josiah was a cooper and a farmer who resided on Leavitt Street, Hingham, Massachusetts. cooper: maker of barrels, buckets, butter churns, wash tubs and other vessels.
His will dated 2 August 1708 gives his wife, Margaret, one third of his estate, the balance to be equally divided among his 7 sons and 2 daughters. The inventory included house, barn, and shop; land at Clumpbars, at Pope's Hole, and elsewhere; the old and the new orchards; 2 horses; 2 oxen, 6 cows, young cattle, sheep, swine, an Indian girl, pillowbars, trenches, ect. The estate was appraised at 843L. 18s. 11d. Josiah was a cooper by trade and a farmer. He resided on Leavitt Street at the old homestead. He was made a freeman 15 October 1679, a constable 1684, selectman 1689 and 1698, and representative to the General Court in 1705. (Leavitt, Vol. III by Emily Leavitt Noyes, 1949, p. 9)

Children of Josiah Leavitt and Margaret Johnson are:

		i.		Son Leavitt, born 1 May 1678 in Hingham, Plymouth, MA, USA (Source: Emily Leavitt Noyes, Leavitt, Volume III, (Tilton, NH 1949), p9.); died 1 May 1678 in Hingham, Plymouth, MA, USA (Source: Emily Leavitt Noyes, Leavitt, Volume III, (Tilton, NH 1949), p9.).
		ii.		Josiah Leavitt, born 20 July 1679 in Hingham, Plymouth, MA, USA (Source: Emily Leavitt Noyes, Leavitt, Volume III, (Tilton, NH 1949), p9.); died 19 September 1717 in (or 17?) Hingham, Plymouth, MA, USA - age 38 (Source: Emily Leavitt Noyes, Leavitt, Volume III, (Tilton, NH 1949), p9.); married Abigail Gill 1 April 1708 in Hingham, Plymouth, MA, USA; born 18 July 1687 in Hingham, Plymouth, MA, USA; died 12 December 1744 in Hingham, Plymouth, MA, USA.

Notes for Josiah Leavitt:
Josiah was a cooper and resided on Leavitt Street, Hingham, Massachusetts. He served as constable in 1715. His will is dated 1 December 1715.

iii.

Joseph Leavitt, born 23 July 1681 in Hingham, Plymouth, MA, USA (Source: Emily Leavitt Noyes, Leavitt, Volume III, (Tilton, NH 1949), p9.); died 1716 in Rochester, Rochester, MA, USA (Source: Emily Leavitt Noyes, Leavitt, Volume III, (Tilton, NH 1949), p9.); married Judith Hobart 10 January 1710/11 in Hingham, Plymouth, MA, USA; born 21 June 1681; died Aft. 1719.

Notes for Joseph Leavitt:
Joseph was a cooper. His will dated 19 March 1716/17, was proved on 30 April 1719 with his wife, Judith, as executor.

		iv.		Margaret Leavitt, born 20 October 1683 in Hingham, Plymouth, MA, USA (Source: Emily Leavitt Noyes, Leavitt, Volume III, (Tilton, NH 1949), p9.); died 22 August 1749 in Hingham, Plymouth, MA, USA; married (1) Caleb Lincoln 17 November 1709 in Hingham, Plymouth, MA, USA (Source: Emily Leavitt Noyes, Leavitt, Volume III, (Tilton, NH 1949), p9.); born Unknown in of Rochester, MA, USA; died Aft. 1709; married (2) Peter Webb 6 November 1722 (Source: Emily Leavitt Noyes, Leavitt, Volume III, (Tilton, NH 1949), p9.); born Bet. 1660 - 1683; died Bet. 1722 - 1783.
		v.		Jeremiah Leavitt, born 21 August 1685 in Hingham, Plymouth, MA, USA (Source: Hingham, Massachusetts Birth, Marriages, Death 1635-1780, FHL film #423520, p. 66.); died Bet. 1720 - 1785; married Jael Hobart 10 September 1712 in Hingham, Plymouth, MA, USA (Source: Hingham, Massachusetts Birth, Marriages, Death 1635-1780, FHL film #423520, p. 156.); born 20 June 1688 in Hingham, Plymouth, MA, USA; died 9 June 1740 in Hingham, Plymouth, MA - age 52 (Source: Hingham, Massachusetts Birth, Marriages, Death 1635-1780, FHL film #423520, p. 242.).

Notes for Jeremiah Leavitt:
Jeremiah resided in Connecticut.

vi.

Joshua Leavitt, born 1 August 1687 in Hingham, Plymouth, MA, USA (Source: Emily Leavitt Noyes, Leavitt, Volume III, (Tilton, NH 1949), p9.); died 22 October 1732 in Suffield, Hartford, CT, USA - of pleurisy (Source: Emily Leavitt Noyes, Leavitt, Volume III, (Tilton, NH 1949), p9.); married (1) Hannah Devotion 22 January 1712/13; born 1696 in of Suffield, Hartford, CT, USA; died 24 November 1726 in Suffield, Hartford, CT, USA (Source: Suffield (CT) Record - Births, Marriages and Deaths, Vol. A, FHL film # 1317067, p. 39.); married (2) Mary Winchell Abt. 29 January 1727/28 in 1727-29 (record says 172_ ) 2nd wife (Source: Suffield (CT) Record - Births, Marriages and Deaths, Vol. A, FHL film # 1317067, p.39.); born Bet. 1687 - 1711; died Abt. 1747 in Suffield, Hartford, CT, USA.

Notes for Joshua Leavitt:
Removed to Suffield, Hartford, Connecticut in 1714.
Suffield Record of Births, Marriages and Deaths, Vol. A, p. 39, FHL film #1317067
Mr. Joshua Leavitt: Hannah Leavitt the Dautr. of Mr. Joshua Leavitt which Hannah his Wife bore to him born April the 1st 1715, their son Joshua born March the 1st 1716-17, their son Freegrace born August the 12th 1719, their Dautr Jemima born the 10th day of Novemr. 1722, their son named John born on Thursday the 16th of July 1724, their son named Ichabod born Novemr. the 17th 1726. Hannah (Devotion written in the margin) his wife decd. Novemr. the 24th 1726. Ichabod his son decd. Novembr. the 30th 1726. Joshua Leavitt and Mary Winchell were joined in marriage January the 29th 172 . Jonathan the son of Joshua and Mary Leavitt born Jany. the 11th 1730-31. Joshua Leavitt himself decd. the 22nd of Octor. 1732 Hannah the Dautr. of Joshua Leavitt decd. Octor. the 23rd 1732. Joshua the son of Joshua Leavitt dect. Octr. the 31st 1732. Trimus his Negro Man decd. Novembr the 5th______(unreadable)__________Daughter of J_____________Leavitt born after ___________April the 16th 1733. (in the margin by a different hand: Mr. Joshua Leavitt Born Aug. 1, 1687)

	306	vii.		David Leavitt, born 16 August 1691 in Hingham, Plymouth, MA, USA; died 19 October 1754 in (Branford, CT?); married Mary ? Abt. 1708 in Meriden, CT, USA.
		viii.		Asaph 'Captain' Leavitt, born 31 July 1695 in Hingham, Plymouth, MA, USA (Source: Emily Leavitt Noyes, Leavitt, Volume III, (Tilton, NH 1949), p9.); died 14 April 1774 in Suffield, Hartford, CT, USA (Source: Suffield (CT) Record - Births, Marriages and Deaths, Vol. A, FHL film # 1317067, p. 43.); married (1) Ruth Devotion 28 March 1717 (Source: Suffield (CT) Record - Births, Marriages and Deaths, Vol. A, FHL film # 1317067, p. 43.); born Unknown in of Suffield, Hartford, CT, USA; died 23 April 1718 in Suffield, Hartford, CT, USA (Source: Suffield (CT) Record - Births, Marriages and Deaths, Vol. A, FHL film # 1317067, p. 43.); married (2) Margaret Bissell 30 August 1722 in Suffield, Hartford, CT, USA (Source: Suffield (CT) Record - Births, Marriages and Deaths, Vol. A, FHL film # 1317067, p. 43.); born 19 March 1697/98 in Of Windsor; died 7 September 1761 in Windsor, CT, USA; married (3) Bathsheba Dewey 6 May 1767; born 12 August 1718 in Westfield, MA, USA; died 6 February 1795.

Notes for Asaph 'Captain' Leavitt:
Captain Asaph Leavitt was living in Suffield, CT by 1714 and later lived in Sheldon, CT. He was a Lieutenant, Ensign and was made Captain in 1751. Asaph and John Leavitt received land grants in the town of Willimington, NH on 29 April 1751.

ix.

Hezekiah Leavitt, born 17 September 1697 in Hingham, Plymouth, MA, USA (Source: Emily Leavitt Noyes, Leavitt, Volume III, (Tilton, NH 1949), p10.); died 20 April 1768 in Hingham, Plymouth, MA, USA - age 71 (Source: Emily Leavitt Noyes, Leavitt, Volume III, (Tilton, NH 1949), p10.); married (1) Mary Beal 31 January 1722/23 in Hingham, Plymouth, MA, USA; born 18 December 1700 in Hingham, Plymouth, MA, USA; died 12 April 1742 in Hingham, Plymouth, MA, USA - age 41; married (2) Grace Hatch 12 December 1742 in Hingham, Plymouth, MA, USA; born Abt. 1725; died 25 June 1773 in Hingham, Plymouth, MA, USA - age 48.

Notes for Hezekiah Leavitt:
Hezekiah was a farmer and trader. He also was a shareholder in the fishing company, was a lumberman, and was involved in shipping. In his will dated 13 April 1768, proved 27 May 1768, he is called 'Gentleman.' He resided on Leavitt Street, 'over the Delaware.'

Mary Leavitt, born 7 October 1699 in Hingham, Plymouth, MA, USA (Source: Emily Leavitt Noyes, Leavitt, Volume III, (Tilton, NH 1949), p10.); died 13 April 1742 (Source: Emily Leavitt Noyes, Leavitt, Volume III, (Tilton, NH 1949), p10.); married (1) Matthew Cushing 28 September 1717 (Source: Emily Leavitt Noyes, Leavitt, Volume III, (Tilton, NH 1949), p10.); born 22 May 1698 in Hingham, Plymouth, MA, USA; died Bef. 1737; married (2) John Pyncheon II 14 July 1737 (Source: Emily Leavitt Noyes, Leavitt, Volume III, (Tilton, NH 1949), p10.); born Unknown; died Aft. 1737.

Notes for Matthew Cushing:
Marriage published Sept. 28, 1717 (History of the Town of Hingham, Massachusetts, 1893, FHL book call #974.482/H1 H2h v.2) .

640. Jodicus 'Jos' Bachman, born 3 August 1657 in Richterswil, Zurich Canton, Switzerland (Source: Mennonite Family History, January 1992, Volume XI, #1.); died 19 August 1736 in Richterswil, Zurich Canton, Switzerland (Source: Mennonite Family History, January 1992, Volume XI, #1.). He was the son of 1280. Hans Jacob Bachman and 1281. Regula Strickler. He married 641. Regula Treichler 12 February 1676/77 in Richterswil, Zurich Canton, Switzerland (Source: Mennonite Family History, January 1992, Volume XI, #1.).

641. Regula Treichler, born Unknown; died Unknown.

Notes for Regula Treichler:
TREICHLER is a variation of the surname of DREISCHLER. It is an occupational surname connected with farming and means 'thresher.' Variation include Traichel and Treuchel.

Child of Jodicus Bachman and Regula Treichler is:

320

Johann Georg Bachman, born 2 May 1686 in Richterswil, Zurich Canton, Switzerland; died 22 November 1753 in Coopersburg, Northampton, PA, USA - bur Saucon Mennonite Cem; married Anna Maria Schnebelli Abt. 1715 in Prob. Ibersheim, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany.

      642. Hans Schnebelli, born Unknown; died Unknown. He married 643. Elizabeth Schnebly Bef. 1698.

      643. Elizabeth Schnebly, born Unknown; died Unknown.

Notes for Hans Schnebelli:
The SCHNEBELLI surname comes from a nickname given to a person with a 'little snout.' Variations include Schnebeli, Schnebele, Schnaebele and in America, Snavely.

Child of Hans Schnebelli and Elizabeth Schnebly is:

321

Anna Maria Schnebelli, born 12 April 1698 in Germany / Switzerland?; died 4 November 1776 in Northampton Co, PA - bur Saucon Menninite Cem, Coopersburg; married Johann Georg Bachman Abt. 1715 in Prob. Ibersheim, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany.

      652. Marcus Oberholtzer, born 1664 in Europe (Germany?); died 1726 in Coventry Twp, Chester County, Pennsylvania, USA. He married 653. Elizabeth [Ely] ? Bef. 1699 in (Germany?).

      653. Elizabeth [Ely] ?, born Bet. 1664 - 1680; died Aft. 1727 in Coventry Twp, Chester County, Pennsylvania, USA.

Notes for Marcus Oberholtzer:
The OBERHOLTZER surname is a topographical surname meaning 'beyond the forest.' It was first adopted by a person who lived on a mountain above the tree line but not on the top of the mountain.
The Oberholtzer family were Mennonites from Switzerland. They fled to the Palatinate, Germany to escape persecution for their religious beliefs. The Palatinate was an area south of Worms located on the Rhine River.
Many Antibaptist (Mennonites, Brethren, Amish, ect.) farmers moved to Germany in the mid 1600s after the 30 Years War. They were welcomed by the German Princes who had lost many of their farmers during the war. Hopes for a better life in Germany faded in the late 1600s and early 1700s when life for them was made so difficult that many of them literally fled for their lives. This is the reason that many of our early Antibaptist ancestors came to America.
Marcus Oberholtzer was probably born in Germany in 1664. When life became difficult in Germany, Marcus, with his wife and children, fled down the Rhine River to Holland. They were housed there in temporary camps. He and his family were in the first group of 852 refugees to leave Holland for England. They embarked on one of Queen Anne's returning troop transports in late April and arrived at Saint Catherine's, London, England on May 3, 1709. We know this because a census was taken on their arrival in London. His is the only Oberholtzer family on that census. According to this record Marcus was 45 years of age, was married, had sons aged 10, 8 and 3, daughters aged 6 and 1, was a husbandman (farmer) and a Mennonite. The refugees were housed in warehouses and money for their support came from Queen Anne although many of them tried to earn their own way by getting some sort of work.
Marcus and his family crossed the Atlantic on the ship 'Mary Hope' which left London on Friday, June 27, 1710. The success of the voyage of the 'Mary Hope' was unusual in that all passengers arrived safely - the usual death rate on such voyages averaged 19 percent. They arrived at New Castle, Delaware on 23 September 1710 where they were met by fellow immigrants who furnished them with food and drink. It is said that Marcus and his family then walked to Philadelphia.
Marcus Oberholts, Jno. Rudolph Bundelj, Martin Kundig, Jacob Miler, Hans Graeff, Hans Heer and Martin Oberholtz received a land grant of 10,000 acres for the sum of 100 pounds. The survey for the grant was recorded on October 23, 1710. Marcus' tract was located in West Lampeter Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
In 1719 Marcus and his wife Elizabeth received a warrant for 300 acres in Coventry Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania. His name appears on the first tax list for Coventry Twp, 1720, and every year thereafter, except for the 1723 tax list, until his death, intestate, in 1726. His widow paid the taxes on this property in 1727 and then the title was transfered to their youngest son Henry.


Children of Marcus Oberholtzer and Elizabeth ? are:

326	i.	Jacob Oberholtzer, born 1699 in Germany; died 1760 in Bucks Co, Pennsylvania, USA; married Barbara [Fretz] ? Abt. 1722 in Pennsylvania, USA.
	ii.	Samuel Oberholtzer, born 1701 in Germany; died Aft. 1759 in Of Coventry Twp, Chester Co, Pennsylvania, USA; married Elisabeth ? Bef. 1745; born Bet. 1701 - 1721; died Bet. 1721 - 1821.
	iii.	Nanny Oberholt, born 1703 in Germany; died Aft. 1787; married Jacob Wismer 1720; born 1689; died 1787.
	iv.	Marcus Oberholtzer, born 1706 in Germany; died Abt. 1772 in Of Coventry Twp, Chester Co, Pennsylvania, USA.
	v.	Elizabeth Oberholtzer, born 1708 in German or Holland; died Bet. 1725 - 1808; married Mr Kolb Unknown; born Unknown; died Unknown.
	vi.	Martin Oberholtzer, born 1709 in London, England; died 5 April 1744 in Bucks Co, PA, USA; married Agnes Kolb 2 November 1736 in PA, USA; born 18 April 1713 in Philadelphia Co, PA, USA; died 15 February 1786 in Bucks Co, PA, USA.
	vii.	Henry Oberholt, born Abt. 1713 in Lancaster or Chester Co, Pennsylvania, USA; died Aft. April 1763; married Elizabeth ? Unknown; born Bet. 1713 - 1733; died Bet. 1729 - 1833.

Notes for Henry Oberholt:
Wife possibly Elizabeth Killian. .

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