Philip Mourer - Mourer - Mowery
                               Born abt. 1752   Died unknown


    Philip Maurer  is thought to have been the 3rd son of Jurg & Anna Maria Maurer.
His name may also be found as Philip Mourer, Philip Mowrer and Philip Mowery. To
date very little has been uncovered on his life. This author has pursued all areas of
research on documenting his life without success. Below is what data has been found
to date.
    His father, Jurg Maurer wrote a will in 1775 and Philip is listed in the will to
receive a share of his estate. See copy of will in front of this book.
    Philip bought a brute mare, a cow and a saddle at his father’s personal estate sale
in 1776. See copy of personal estate sale records in front.
    Philip’s share of estate sale proceeds amount is listed in final settlement records. 
Note: the record states, Philip’s share as: “this part left in exr. hand”. John Hass was
the executor of the estate of Philip’s father, Jurg Maurer.
    Philip enlisted in the 8th Virginia Continental Lines, at the start of Rev. War. This
was a German speaking regiment from Shenandoah Co.,Va. It was led by, Col. Peter
Muhlenberg. His military pay records list his name as Philip Mour.  He was listed as
“deserted” during the march to Charleston, SC. and his military stops there. 
    The following is abstracted from a Bill In Chancery, in Shenandoah Co., VA. Court
records dated 1788. John Hass was the executor of George Mower’s (Jurg Maurer)
estate and he is the orator in this case. He states the following:
    Michael & brother Philip Mower, sons of George Mower deceased, enlisted in the
Army and served their country. While in the Army, they mutually agreed that if either
of them did not return from the Army, the person who did survive & return, should
enjoy the other’s share of their father’s estate. After some time Philip didn’t return
and Michael thought he was dead. Michael had been back sometime and convinced
the executor, John Hass, of their agreement. John Hass then gave Philip’s share to his
brother Michael Mower.  After some time Michael heard his brother Philip was alive
in one of the Carolinas. Michael sometime later went looking for Philip and returned
home without success.  He then went to John Hass the executor and informed him of
his journey and told him he had certain intelligence he was still alive. John Hass
stated Michael was now convinced he had no right to Philip’s share of their father’s
estate. Michael then began making arrangements for securing funds to pay back
Philip’s share. Midway through the process, Michael fell from a horse and died later
from the injuries before any documents were made in Jan. 1786.  Martin Lewis was
made executor of Michael Mowrer’s estate. 
   This case is about John Hass trying to recover Philips share from Michael’s estate.
John Hass states he met with and discussed the matter with Michael’s executor,
Martin Lewis, without success. John Hass was now asking the court to compel Martin
Lewis to release the funds from Michael’s estate for payment to Philip Mower. 
   Michael Mowrer’s final estate settlement records were filed in court 27 Oct. 1791. 
In the records it is listed the amount of 13 lbs. 6 shil. 4 1/2 p. was  paid to John Hass,
“by decree of Shenandoah court”. It appears Philip Maurer-Mourer received from
John Hass his share of his father’s estate sometime after this court case in 1788.
   This is where the trail of Philip Maurer-Mourer has gone cold. Nothing more has
been found.  
   If Philip truly deserted the Army then he would have most likely kept a very low
profile or changed his name.  If this be the case then we may never know anymore
about Philip Maurer-Mourer. 
   The search will go on.  Please contact this author if anyone has leads or data.