Notes for Hans Ulrich Bagenstos: According to information on page 17 of the Backenstoss--Baggenstoss Family History, 1993, edited by Elwood Bruce Backensto, Hans was naturalized on April 1, 1761 (See Series II, Vol. 2 of PA Archives), and took the Oath of Allegiance on May 30, 1778 before Peter Spycker, Esq. (Oath of All., Book D, Vol. I, p29, Library of Hist. Soc. of Berks Co., Reading, PA). In 1753, Hans applied for land warrants in Berks County, Pennsylvania adjoining land of Valentine Himmelberger. Each of them eventually applied for two tracts of land. In 1793, Hans' son Johannes married Catharina Himmelberger, and Hans died six months later willing the "Plantation of 176 acres" to Johannes. This appears to be the two Himmelberger tracts plus the original Backenstoss tract.
The life of Ulrich Bagenstose is chronicaled in the biographical sketch of his great grandson Jacob Bagenstose on pages 854-855 of the Historical and Biographical Annals of Berks County Pennsylvania compiled by Morton L. Montgomery and published by J. H. Beers & Co. of Chicago in 1909. The text describing Ulrich is provided below:
"Ulrich Bagenstose, ancestor of the Bagenstose family of Berks, county, was probably a passenger on one of the ships that brought Swiss emigrants to Philadelphia in 1743. These emigrants followed the waters of the Schuylkill river until they came to what is now Centre township, Berks county. This district was formerly a part of old Bern township, and among the list of taxables in 1752, we find the name of this pioneer settler. His long will is on record in Will Book B, p. 347, in which he disposes of a very large estate. It is written in English, the signature alone being in German 'Ulrich Backenstoss.' The document was mad Nov. 20, 1793, and was entered for probate Jan. 20, 1794, therefore it is evident that his death occurred between those two dates. In item No. 1 in the will he makes abundant provision for his wife Catherine, among the things mentioned being: 'Plenty of grapes from the one-acre vineyard; flax; one gallon apple-jack; one gallon rum; plenty of potatoes; plenty of cider and vinegar; plenty of winter apples and wood; plenty of everything she needs.' This she was to receive annually, in addition to money and a home. Other items were: son John to receive the plantation; son Henry to receive the plantation in Bethel township, Dauphin (now Lebanon) county; and Jacob to receive the other plantation of 100 acres situated in Bethel township. The will, which also mentioned children Elizabeth, Susanna, Catherine Eckel, and Christina Moyer, was witnessed by Jacob Runkel and Jacob Himmelberger, and the executors were John Bagenstose and George Sharff."
More About Hans Ulrich Bagenstos: Burial 1: Unknown, Salem Belleman Church, Centre Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania.191, 192 Burial 2: Belleman's Church Cemetary.193
More About Hans Ulrich Bagenstos and Maria Catharina Mogel: Marriage 1: December 1752194 Marriage 2: WFT Est. 1759-1786195
Children of Hans Ulrich Bagenstos and Maria Catharina Mogel are:
Hans Ulrich Bagenstos (b. December 29, 1726, d. December 24, 1793)
Notes for Hans Ulrich Bagenstos: