Margaretha Charles notes-

An unconfirmed story exists, and has appeared on genealogy websites, regarding the ancestral history of Margaretha Charles. This version portrays Margaretha (b. 1775), and John Charles (b. 1778), as brother and sister whose parents were Garrett Fitzgerald and Maria Diebel. The story then becomes confusing in relating that (1) Garrett was beheaded in 1778 in Ireland during political uprisings, or (2) Garrett came to America to avoid political persecution prior to 1775, where Margaretha and John were born, and (3) birthplace of John is variously listed as Ireland or Pennsylvania. Apparently in America John, Margaretha and Maria Diebel changed their name to “Charles“.

The verifiable facts are:

- Margaretha and her husband, John Billheimer, sponsored the baptism of John Charles’ son, Simon, 15 November, 1812, recorded in Salem Lutheran and Reformed church records, Moorestown, PA. This fact lends credibility to John and Margaretha being siblings.

- 1850 Federal census, Luzerne County, PA. Lists John Charles (who moved there from Northampton County in the early 1800’s) “Place of Birth, Pennsylvania”.

- 1870 Federal census, Northampton County, Moore Twp., entries for John, Christian, and Samuel Billheimer, all sons of Margaretha and John Billheimer, indicate “Mother not foreign born”.

- Burial records for Salem Lutheran and Reformed church, Moorestown, lists Maria Diebel Charles, 1754-1849.

Summary - the above facts indicate:

(1) John and Margaretha were probably brother and sister, and were born in Pennsylvania.

(2) Maria Diebel Charles was quite possibly their mother, but this needs verification.

(3) “Facts” have yet to be clarified and verified pertaining to the relationship of Garrett

Fitzgerald.