Eva Catharina Hillebartin, daughter of Adam Hillebart
of New Hanover Township, Montgomery County Pennsylvania
Since there has been a great deal of speculation as to the relationship of the Hillpot family to Adam Ernst, I feel it necessary to enumerate as much information as possible so we can all come to a reasonable conclusion. This is not my family line and will furnish as much information as possible to support all claims, even ones that do not agree with mine.
At this time I am aware of the claim that Eve Imler was born in York County in 1734 and various dates for the birth of Adam Ernst. (Please note I am aware of the various spellings of both names)
Much of the following information was supplied to me by Frances W. Waite on
October 17, 2000. Some of it was duplication of information I previously had,
and am hoping to acquire additional information.
1. Pennsylvania German Church Records II:62
26, Apr. 1772- Williams Twp. Congregation, Johannes Heinrich Ernst born 14, Mar.
1772, son of Adam & wife Eva Catharina Ernst, was baptised 26, Apr. 1772,
sponsored by Johannes & Barbara Strohschneider
2. Pennsylvania German Church Records II:165
New Hanover Lutheran-Pennsylvania German Church Records 1 May 1757- Eva
Catharine Hillebart and Christian Kurtz sponsor: Eva Catharina Busch, born 24,
Feb. 1757, daughter of Peter & Maria Catharine Busch
3. Confirmation 20, May 1753 Eva Catharina Hillebart Adam
Hillebart's daughter aged 15 years.
4. Augustus Luthera 28, Nov. 1757 married at New Hanover
both live with John Potts, Esq. In Douglass Twp.. (which is Montgomery County)
Adam Ernst from Bedman Township & Eva Catharina Hillebart(in) daughter of
Adam.
5. Adam Ernst sponsored the following children in Tinicum Lutheran Church
Catharine baptised 1, Mar. 1761 child of Johann Nuss (married Hillebart)
Catharina, baptised 8, Mar. 1761 daughter of John Nuss (entered twice)
Maria, baptised 13, Apr. 1761 daughter of Jacob Fuchs
George Adam Ernst, baptised 3, Apr. 1762, a son of Adam Ernst, sponsored by George Adam Hellepart
8, Mar. 1772 - Adam Ernst sponsored the baptism of a son of Geo. Adam
Hellepart, Jr., John Heinrich Hellepart/Hillpot (16, Feb. 1772 - 7, Feb. 1845)
6. Patent Book 9/10 Dec 1767 - 127 acres in Springfield Twp.
Whereas... a warrant...9 Dec (instant) 1767... accept the old survey...Patent
to Adam Arnst in whom the rights of said Cunningham...had...called Arnst Garden
7. St. Luke's Lutheran Nockamixon.
13, Dec. 1767 Adam and his wife Eva Catharine Ernst were communicants
9, Oct. 1768 Adam and his wife Eva Catharine Ernst were communicants
29, Apr. 1770 Adam and his wife Eva Catharine Ernst were communicants
8. Bucks County Deed 33:100 1, May 1773 - Adam Arnts, weaver
and wife Eva Catherine of Springfield Twp., to John Fulmer. The property, named
"Arnts Garden," was patented on 10, Dec. 1767. It contained 127 acres
plus 6% for roads and was bounded by lands of Joseph Ray, Thomas, Thomas Ware,
and John Anderson... The deed was signed by Adam Arnts and Eva Catharine made
her mark. The witnesses were Joseph Fulmer and Jno. Thornbury. It was recorded
2, Aug. 1808, at the same time the 24 May 1803 deed from John Folmer of lower
Mount Bethel, Northampton County sold it to John Folmer of Springfield Twp...
912 pounds.
9. McNealy & Waite. Bucks County Tax Records 1693 - 1778
Note: In 1775, John Fulmer was taxed for this property of 127 acres and 2
horses, 4 cattle and 14 sheep. He was "considered in
dept," because of his mortgage on the property.
10. Harry Adams, 1798 U. S. Direct Tax The 1798 U. S. Direct
Tax shows that John Fulmer had a one story stone house measuring 33 by 18 feet.
The log barn measured 30 by 20 feet. The acreage was given as 120 acres, located
next to properties of Isaac Burson and Michael Favion/Fabian.
11. Pennsylvania Archives
1776 - Bedford Township, Bedford County, Pennsylvania Tax List No Ernst/Arnst on regular alphabetical list, but Adam Arnst is an "inmate taxed 2.0
1779 - Bedford Twp., Bedford County, Pennsylvania Tax Adam Earnest 100 acres 2 horses 2 cattle 2 sheep
1783 - Bedford Township Supply Tax
Adam Samuel 50 acres 2 horses 3 cattle 3 sheep
Coonrod Samuel 159 acres 2 horses 3 cattle 4 sheep
George Ernst 250 acres 2 horses 1 cattle --------- 1.2.9 tax
Michael Imler 50 acres 2 horses 3 cattle 2 sheep --------1.17.6 tax
John Hite 2 sheep ---- 2.6 tax
12. Bucks County Reg. Of Wills file #1752-1777 and Orphans Court
May 1777- Adam Ernst owed the estate of Geo. Adam Hellepart, Jr., two bonds
total of 35 pounds 10 shillings, plus interest. A note worth 20 pounds 10
shillings
13. Bedford County PA Archives (6 Volumes)
15 Apr 1817 - Letters of Administration to John Earnst & Eliah Adams for George Earnst of Bedford Twp., deceased...Bondsman were Charles McDowell & John Keefe.
14 Feb 1782 - Adam Earnst, deceased... Administrator George Earnst; Bond signed by George Funk, Thomas Blackburn and Michael Sills
13 May 1782 - Orphans Court of Bedford County
John Earnst, minor son of Adam Earnst, dec's about age 14, chose as his guardian, Jacob Divert, yeoman. Jacob Earnst, a minor son, chose Jacob Saylor, gunsmith, guardian. Upon the application of George Earnst and George Funk, adm. Of Adam Earnst, Dec'd. Freidrich Reicher of Bedford Twp. was appointed guardian over the estate of Henry & Michael Earnst, minor children of Adam Earnst. Jacob Earnst, by his own consent to be apprenticed to Matthias Aman, millwright, York County for 3 years, to be taught trade, said Matthias to furnish food, drink, apparel, washing, lodging, and 1 new suit of clothes at expiration.
Volume 3:82-84 1785 - Bedford Twp. Tax lists
George Earnst 200 acres
Coonrod Samuel 150 acres
John Hite no land and George Imler 160 acres, valued at 250 pounds
John Dibert 200a; Michael Dibert 200a; Frederick Dibert 140a
Single: Charlie Dibert
20 Jul 1815 married last Sunday by Rev. Kramer. Adam Earnest, son of John
Earnest to Hetty Holderbaum, dau. Of Michael, deceased "True Am"
14. Pennsylvania Archives Series 1
Lt A. Locherty to President Wharton, 1777 4 Nov 1777-- "The distressed situation...disolution and destruction, the whole county on the north side of the Road from the Allegheny Mountains to the River is all kept Close in forts, and get no subsistance from their plantations. Letter from Westmoreland County.
27 Nov 1777 Thomas Smith & George Woods to President Wharton Gentleman: "The present situation of this County is so truly deplorable that we should be inexcusable if we delayed a moment in acquainting you with it, an Indian War is now raging around us in its utmost fury...over against the heads of Dunning's Creek, killed or taken three at the three springs, wounded one and kill'd some children by Frankstown...
20 Jan 1778 - Col. John Piper to President Wharton, Bedford County: "Sir...Distressing Situation of our frontiers from Being Entirely Evacuated, when we wire obliged to Adoptthe following measures, viz: to Give orders to Raise 30 men for the Senter divission,, Encluding Bedford...
15. Colonial Records vol. xiii: 149 23 Oct 1779 - Petition
of Diverse...Dunnings Creek
16 and 17 are applicable to the children of and will be used at a
later date
18. Pennsylvania Gazette Issues after sep. 10, 1777 were not
published until later 1778/9 The British occupied Zphiladelphia at that time!
19 Journals of George Washington Fall of 1777 were filled with concerns for the Delaware, and crossing it.
It is ordered that a writ of Partition or valuation agreeable to the Acts of Assembly in such case made and provided.
Inquest awarded... 8 equal parts
To children of George Adam Hilbert, eldest son...
To children of Bernhard Hilbert
To children of Mary (sic) late wife of Melchior Derr
-22 Sep 1787 The Inquest decided that the house and 150 acres in New Hanover could not be divided... without spoiling the whole... and value it at 350 pounds... 12 honest men: Michael Dott[er], Johannes Jost, Thomas Smitt, Daniel Nargang, Peter Sch[weire], Moss. Binder, Jn. Richards, John Schnell, Barnabas Dodder, David Berkert, Philip Hahn, Michael Krebs.
Orphans Court papers to CLEAR TITLE:
16 Jun 1930 Exibit "A" Bond of 6 Apr 1788
each of 8 heirs to receive 38 pounds 7 shillings 9 pence payable on 24 Mar 1789 with the eldest to receive 77.15.6 pounds z9a double share)
-30 Jun 1930 Petition of Gottlieb & Eva Dittman...88 acres once owned by George Adam Hilbert...[ see description below]
- 1 Aug 1930 Preliminary Decree
- 5 Aug 1930 (filed 3 Sep 1930) Citation and Proof of Service
- 3 Sep 1930 sheriff G. M. Fratt states that a diligent search did not produce the children and heirs of George Adam Hilbart
- 4 Feb 1931 Decree and Citation to for heirs to appear in Court on 9 Feb 1931 [filed 11 Mar 1931 ]
-14 Feb 1931 Notice published in Montgomery County Law Reporter
- 20 & 27 Feb and 6 Mar 1931 Notice published in Town and Country
- 11 Mar 1931 Demand that the children and grandchildren of George Adam Hilbart appear 9 Mar 1931... to show cause why the house and land in New Hanover Twp...formerly owned by George Adam Hilbart, containing 88 acres should not be free from the lien and charges of encumbrances of certain Orphans Court bonds 38 pounds 17 shillings and 9 pence...[7 Apr 1788]
land late of Daniel Hauck... Montgomery County Deed 840:68+
Gottlieb & Eva Dittman own a house and land...Beginning by Daniel Hauck, by late Jacob Yost, nor or formerly of Peter Hauk...Christopher Yonson...heirs of Conrad Dotterer...Ludwig Shitler...Henry Hollowbush...Containing 88 acres Same... Henry F. Erb estate 29 Mar 1921 Book 840:68+
PART of 140 acres 122 perches which Michael Hillebard, Jr. by deed 29 Jun 1784, recorded 28 Jun 1921 in Deed 838:351...sold to George Adam Hillebard, father of the grantor, and said George Adam Hillebart/Hillbart died owning - intestate 1788, left 8 children...
APPRAISMENT accepted by Michael Hilbart and confirmed to him 24 May 1788 O. C. Bonds 6/7/ Apr 1788 for payment by 24 March 1789...8 heirs BONDS are not entered in the Bond Book, or Recognizance Book kept...
NO DEMAND has been made...
-16 Mar 1931 Final Decree after a citation, and a second citation and publication of notice were made...the 88 acres...shall be released and discharged from the lien and encumbrance of charges of said bonds...
Now, at the Inftance and Requeft of the said Adam Arnst that we would be
pleaded to grant him a Confirmation of fame, KNOW YE, That in Consideration of
the Sum of Nineteen pounds thirteen shillings & six pence lawful money of
Pennsylvania, to our Ufe paid by the faid his Heirs and Affigns... Adam Arnst...
One hundred & twenty seven acres.
Bucks County Deed 33:100
This indenture made the first day of May in the year of our lord One Thousand seven hundred and seventy three ... This is very small print and difficult to read, I will get another print and will copy in its entirety ( this is the sale of the Arnst Garden my belief probably just prior to moving west to Bedford County)
The first record of the Earnst family in
America is that Hance Martin Ernst, aged 26, came from Wurtemburg on the Ship
Mary, landing at Phila. Sept. 26, 1732, and settled in Virginia. He was followed
by his brother, Hans Michael Ernst, on the ship Snow Betsy on Aug. 27, 1739.
Their children migrated to Penna. Counties, Adam Ernst settling in Bedford
County nine miles north of Bedford in what is now the Fishertown community and
along Dunnings Creek. He and his wife Eve (Note: no maiden name shown) brought
their 5 sons and a daughter, the eldest 13 and the youngest but a babe, early in
1775. The family remained at Ft. Bedford while the father cleared the land,
having purchased 200 acres from George Funk ( This agrees with being an
Inmate above in area 11) , an innkeeper of Bedford,
for 100 pounds. There he built a cabin and furnished it with the few goods
brought from Va. and other pieces of furniture crudely made by him and his older
sons. In Sept. 1777 Adam Earnst and two neighbors were killed by Indians as they
were preparing to spend the day splitting logs for fences, the door of the cabin
being broken open and the men scalped before the eyes of the horrified woman.
Baby Michael and 4-year-old Henry were in the kitchen and the other children,
--- George Adam, Mary, Jacob and Johannes,---in bed in the loft. These four
escaped by sliding down the shed roof and hiding in the cornfield. The Indians
set fire to the house, took the mother and two boys departed. After a year the
three prisoners were sold to the British at Ft. Detroit, where the mother
labored eight years to buy their freedom, then returned to the home land over
what is now, practically, the Lincoln Highway, the children riding a pony and
the mother walking the entire distance. They located in Bedford Township, near
Cessna and Eve later married Conrad Samuel. On her return, she found that her
eldest son had married Elizabeth Samuel and lived on the home place. They had 14
children, the eldest of whom, Johannas II, was born the year his grandmother and
uncles returned. He married Catherine Fetter. One of their sons, Michael,
married Hetty Ling and was one of the gold seekers in California in 1849. A
daughter, Mary, married Franklin P. Gilchrist, parents of Annie M. Gilchrist.
This is the same line for H. C. Deibert, whose grandmother Beeble was also a
daughter of Michael Ernest. (My personal note: nothing here shows she is
not Hillpot)
Bedford County Pennsylvania Archives continued
John Dibert, born 1685 in Europe, a French Hugenot, apparently the oldest son of Frederick and Magdalena, came to America 1707, probably with Baron DeGrafenberg. He and his wife, Mary Seaworth, settled in that part of Pennsylvania later to become Bedford County, in the neighborhood of the present Messiah Lutheran Church in 1710. John and his wife were unquestionably the first white settlers west of the Susquehanna. John's wife was supposed to have been the daughter of Martin Chartier, who came to America with LaSalle about 1685 and who, having become estranged, cast his lot with the Shawnee Indians and intermarried with them.
In 1732 the Dibert family was attacked by Indians and the father and mother were massacred, --- notably, the year of Washington's birth. Christopher was one of the children to escape, and was at that time about 13 years old. When about 21 years of age he married Eve M. Daubert, apparently a cousin who lived to the advanced age of 95 years. To this marriage were four children, --- Michael, Margaret, John and Frederick. Christopher, the father, was killed about 1757 by Indians, the exact circumstance not known.
Michael married Margaret Miller, sister of John Miller, and they had three
children, two sons and a daughter. Humphrey C. Deibert is a
descendant of Michael's son Charles. Margaret married John Miller, brother of
Michael's wife, and they had eight daughters and one son. Their daughter Rosanna
married John Lutz, ancestor of the Lut's of Bedford County. John Dibert married
Eve Ickes and Molly Ernst and they had 10 children. Miss Florence Dibert of
Johnstown, Pa., is a descendant of David, son of the first wife. Frederick
Dibert married Madalene Steel and they had 8 children.
Bedford County Pennsylvania Archives continued
Conrod Sammel, born in Germany 1717, came to America in 1753. In 1760 he made an applicationn for land on the north side of Dunnings Creek, near Bedford, which later became his homestead. He was twice married. Elizabeth, Mary Magdalene and Adam were of the first marriage. His second marriage was to Eve Ernst (Indian Eve). Elizabeth had married George Adam Ernst while his mother was in captivity.
Adam Sammel and his wife Christine had seven children, Ludwick, Michael,
Adam, Christina, Susann, Elizabeth and Evah. Adam Jr., and his wife, Catherine
Zimmers, had five children, --- Anthony, born 1858; died 1933; David, George,
Calvin and Gordellia. Anthony married Henrietta Moore and four sons and one
daughter,---of these Fred S. is the eldest.
Bedford County Archives Volume 5 Jacob Earnest [ 1805 - 1884] Jacob Earnest was a grandson of -Indian Eve- Ernst of Bedford County, Pennsylvania. Her story merits repetition here. A few years before the Revolution Eve's husband was murdered by a roving band of Indians. She was taken into captivity and was kept until 1780, having been a captive about 12 years. While a captive she had a son Henry by one of the Indians. She was kept near Ft. Detroit and sold eventually to the British. After the Revolution she was exchanged, walking back to Pennsylvania to try to pick up the pieces of her shattered life. Henry was adapted to the Indian way of life and would have preferred to remain with them. One son, George, had escaped the massacre and was married to Elizabeth Samuels. Eve remarried, to her son's father-in-law. Henry moved to Westmoreland County, married and, on 2 January 1805, his son Jacob was born. {Emma Replogle Indian Eve and Her Descendants. Bedford: privately printed, c. 1905} Henry married Margaret Miller of Bedford County. {Jordan's History of Westmoreland County, 1906, III,483}
It has been reported that Jacob Earnest's sister, Elizabeth, born in 1799, married gunsmith George Kettering. The latter had been an apprentice to George Biddle in Bull Skin Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania and ran away. On 20 March 1821 Biddle placed an advertisement in the Uniontown Genius of Liberty stating that Biddle would pay a $5 reward for the return of Kettering, his runaway apprentice. Kettering was not far away, living in Hempfield Township, Westmoreland County.
It is probable that Earnest learned the gunsmithing trade from Kettering. The association may have introduced Kettering to his wife, or Jacob Earnest to George Kettering. The geographical location was correct and the family connection emphasizes the probably of association. Their work is similar.
Jacob Earnest married Magdalena Shaffer, probably in 1826, since their first child was born on 23 April 1827. In 1830 or 1831, according to tax records, Jacob moved to Salem Cross Roads [or New Salem], Salem Township, Westmoreland County. He owned a lot, a house and a shop.
Jordan (I,92) reported that Earnest was a wagon maker, undertaker and Gunsmith. Jacob had a brother Peter, who had a son Simon Peter Earnest. The nephew was a gunsmith, probably serving an apprenticeship with the uncle.
Jacob Earnest had issue: John; Mary, wife of Andrew Baker; Sarah, wife of Henry Ridenour; Lydia, wife of William Walters; Margaret, married John Wallace; Jacob, Jr; Hettie, wife of Obediah Blose; Albert; and William; and two children which died in infancy. A son, Albert A. Earnest, lived with Jacob toward the end of Jacob's life and was a mortician. Jordan's history suggested that it was Jacob's influence that may have led Albert toward his career choice.
Jacob Earnest was one of the pioneer settlers in Salem Township, as clearly seen in the small size of early tax lists.
Jacob Earnest's grand-nephew, Simon Peter Earnest II became a physician and dentist and was the subject of a long sketch in Jordan's history, as was common for physicians in these 19th Century histories. Dr. Earnest married Jacob's grand-daughter Louise Earnest.
Simon Peter Earnest Sr., the gunsmith was twice married. His first wife was Mary Klingerschmidt, who died c. 1869. His second union was with Mary's sister Hannah. Dr. Earnest was born of the first union. {The Old and New Westmoreland, 1918, III, 237}
The Census of Industry of 1860 showed that Jacob Earnest employed one man at $30 per month in his gun-making business. He had invested $500 in his enterprise and in the preceding twelve months had made or repaired guns and had grossed $600. His raw materials included wood and iron and steel.
Jacob Earnest served two terms as a member of the town council, elected in 1839 and in 1842. He was elected to council again in 1870. In 1878 Simon Peter Earnest served on council. {G.D. Albert. History of Westmoreland County, p.626}
Three death notices for Jacob Earnest appeared in the Greensburg Evening Press.
Mr. Jacob Earnest Sr. of Salem died Thursday last. Mr. Earnest was an aged and respected citizen.{10 March 1884}
Delmont Doings: The death of Mr. Jacob Earnest has taken from us an old and venerable citizen. Mr. Earnest leaves many warm friends to mourn his demise {11 March 1884}
Mr. Jacob Earnest, one of our oldest citizens, died Thursday evening. Mr. Earnest was in his usual good health until within a day or two. The funeral will be held on Saturday at 10 o'clock. Mr. Albert Earnest, son of Jacob Earnest, deceased, is lying very low with that fell destroyer of the human family - consumption. {7 March 1884}
Jacob's will was dated 4 March 1881. He gave half of his brick house to his wife Magdalena and the other half to his son, Albert. He was buried at a cost of $55. There were miscellaneous tools in the estate, but no gunsmithing tools. These may have been given to Simon Earnest while Jacob still lived.