Research Notes:
There are different, and inconsistent, reports about the birth of Jacob Bortner. We have assumed that Jacob was baptized in 1722.
1722 Johan Jacob Bortner, son of Baltazar Bortner and wife Elisabetha, was born. His baptism was sponsored by Jacob Sauter and Appolonia Meyer. He later resided in Tulpehocken Twp, Berks County, Pennsylvania. [1] [2] [not yet found at Archion:Bayern: Landeskirchliches Archiv der Evang.-Luth. Kirche > Dekanat Neustadt a.d.Aisch > Oberhöchstädt > Taufen; Trauungen; Bestattungen 1667-1766, images 53-56]
1731 Johann Jacob Bortner, son of Baltazar Bortner and wife Elisabetha, was born on August 10. He was baptized on August 12 with sponsors Jacob Soriter? and Appolonia Margaretha unmarried at Oberhochstadt (BA. Landau), Bayern, Germany. [3] [4]
1732 Jacob Portterner (age 10), son of Polley Porterner (age 34)/Balser Bortner and Merelles (Maria Elisabetha?) Porteren (age 37), arrived in Philadelphia on the ship Adventure. Hanna Mela Porterren (age 8) was aslo listed. [5] [6] [7]
Jacob Bortner married Sarah Balt. [8] [9]
1747 Jacob Bortner was an executor of the estate of his father, Balthaser Bortner. [10]
1752 Jacob Boodner/Bordner received a warrant for 25 acres in Tulpehocken Twp, Berks County, Pennsylvania. Dated September 28. [11] George Moyer patented 16 acres in 1828. [12] [13]
1753 Jacob Bartner was taxed in Tulpehocken Twp, Berks County, Pennsylvania. [14]
1754-58 Records of the Host Tulpehocken Church at Marion Twp, Berks County, Pennsylvania name the following children: Johan Jacob (1754, born 23 October and baptized 27 October), Anna Maria (1756), William (1757), and unnamed son (13 November, 1758, other research indicates this son to be named Daniel). [15]
1754 Johan Jacob Bortner, son of Jacob Bortner, was born on October 23. He was baptized on October 27, 1754 at the Host Reformed Church, Tulpehocken Twp, Berks County, Pennsylvania. [16]
1754 Jacob Portner and wife witness the birth of Sara to Joh. Bast. Weber at Host Tulpehocken Church.
1756 Anna Maria Bordner, daughter of Jacob and Sarah Bortner, was born on November 25. She was baptized on December 9 at Host church, Berks County, Pennsylvania with sponsors Johannes Meyer and Anna Maria Meyer. [17]
1757 Jacob Bartner was taxed for 50 acres of land in Tulpehocken Twp, Berks County, Pennsylvania. [18]
1758 Jacob Borner was a signer of a letter sent back to sponsors in Holland asking for help because many had died from Indian attacks. [19]
1758 Unnamed Bordner, son of Jacob Bordner and Sara, was born on November 13. He was baptized on November 29, 1758, at the Host Reformed Church in Tulpehocken Twp, Berks County, Pennsylvania, British Colonial America. [20]
1761 Jacob Bordner, of Berks County, was naturalized on April 10, at Philadelphia, after taking sacrament on April 7. [21] [22] [23] [24]
1761 Jacob Bortner, of Tulpehoccon, purchased a tract of land on Swahatawro Creek on June 20, from the Penn proprieters. The tract had been previously leased (Patent A15-503) by Jacob Hoffman, innholder, and his wife Eve, who was unable to pay his rental. [25] [26]
1768 Jacob Bortner was taxed witḣ 100 acres in Bethel Twp, Berks County, Pennsylvania. [27]
1778 Jacob Bordner took the oath of allegiance in Berks County and paid a supply tax. He provided service in support of the American Revolution. [28]
1779 Jacob Bordner was taxed in Bethel Twp, Berks County, Pennsylvania for 180 acres, 3 horses, and 4 cows. [29] Jacob Bordner, single freeman, was also taxed. [30]
1779 Jacob Bordner was listed on the septennial census in 1779 in Bethel Twp, Berks County, Pennsylvania. [31]
1780 Jacob Bordner was taxed in Bethel Twp, Berks County, Pennsylvania for 180 acres, 3 horses, and 4 cows. [32]
1781 Jacob Bordner was taxed in Bethel Twp, Berks County, Pennsylvania for 180 acres, 3 horses, and 4 cows. [33]
1782 Jacob Bordner was taxed in 1782 in Bethel Twp, Berks County, Pennsylvania for 180 acres, 3 horses, 4 cows, and 6 sheep. [34]
1784 Jacob and Sarah Bortner were sponsors at the birth of John Jacob Krag, son of El. and Anna Maria Krag. [35]
1790 Jacob Bordner Senior lived in Bethel Twp, Berks County, Pennsylvania with a female. [36]
1792 A survey was made for Jacob Bortner of 60 acres in Bethel Twp, Berks County on April 3. [37] [38] Jacob Bordner received a patent for the land in 1828. [39] [40]
1789 Jacob Bortner of Bethel Twp, Berks County, Pennsylvania dated his will, written in German, on December 10. [41] An English translation is with the estate papers and named sons Jacob, William, John, Daniel, Peter; daughter Sarah married to Nicholas Schneider; and deceased daughter Barbara. [42]
1790 Jacob Bordner Senior lived in Bethel Twp, Berks County, Pennsylvania, in a household with 1 male age 16 and over, and 1 female. [43]
1790 Jacob Bordner, the elder, in Bethel Township, wrote more specifications for his estate, on April 2, naming sons John and William and wife Sarah. Witnessed by Jacob and John Bortner. [44]
1792 The inventory was made for the estate of Jacob Bortner on March 2. Items included a bible, hymnal, and prayer books and weaver tacklins. [45]
1793 The administration account was made. March 29 - April 3. [46]
Last Will and Testament of Jacob Bortner [47]:
Proved 22 February 1792
In the name of God amen. This tenth day of December anno domini one thousand seven hundred and eighty nine. I Jacob Bortner of Bethel Township in the County of Berks and State of Pennsylvania, yoeman, being at present sick and weak in body, nevertheless of sound mind, memory and understanding thanks be to God. Calling unto mind the mortality of my body and honoring that, it is appointed for all men, one to dye, do make and ordain this my Last Will and Testament, that is to say prinsipally and first of all recommend my soul into the hand of God who gave it and my body, recommend to the earth to be buried in a Christian like and decent manner at the direction of my Executor herein after named and as touching such worthy estate where with it hath pleased God to help me in this life. I give, divide and dispose of the same in the following manner and from Imprimis, it is my will, and I do order in the first place, that all my just debts and funeral expenses be paid of and satisfied as soon as convieniently may be after my decease. I give and bequeath unto my elder son Jacob Bortner and to his heirs and asigns all my certain plantation and tract of land whereon I now live. Situate in Bethel Township aforesaid, adjoining land of Jacob Schneider, Daniel Schneider & Leonard Miller and others. Containing one hundred and eighty six acres. Be the same more or less to be holden by him my said son Jacob Bortner his heirs and asigns forever, for which plantation or tract of land he shall pay the sum of six hundred and sixty pounds, in gold or silver money in yearly payments. In one year after my decease, he shall pay the sum of thirty pounds and so yearly until the aforesaid sum of six hundred and sixty pounds be fully paid and satisfied. The first payment shall be paid unto my son John, the second to my son William, the third payment again to John, and the fourth to William. The fifth payment to Daniel, the sixth to Peter, the Seventh to my daughter Mary, intermarried to Nicholas Schneider and then to begin again at John and then William, then Daniel, then Peter, then Mary and so on by rank as said above mentioned, until each of them hath received the sum of one hundred and twenty pounds, and the said two payments shall be paid unto the heirs of my daughter Barbara, deceased, and it is further my will and do hereby order that all my personal estate my executor herein after named, shall sell at suitable vender, and the money shall be distibuted in following manner. The one half thereof shall be in the hands of my beloved wife Sarah during her life, and the other half shall be equally divided to and among all my children and to the heirs of my daughter Barbara, deceased. Share and Share alike, excepting to my son Jacob, I give and bequeath the sum of five shillings, over and above his equall share for his birthright and it is further my will and do hereby order that the money I have heretofore advanced to some of my children, shall be deducted out of their part so that they may be made equal in share with each other. And it is further my will and I do hereby order that my son Jacob, shall give and deliver yearly and every year unto my beloved wife Sarah, the following enumerated articles, ten bushels of good wheat, five bushels of good rye taken to mill and the grist & bran home again, one fat hog to wey one hundred pound, thirty pound of good beaf, three pound of good wool, ten pound of hatcheted flax of the same quantity of toe, six pound tallach, one pair of shoes, firewood as much as she stands. To live in the house with my son and to have liberty in the kitchen & seller. And my son Jacob shall keep for her one good summer and winter as his own. One barrell of good syder and apels as much as she stands in need of. Fourth part of the garden potatos and cabige for her use and the fourth part of the hens. It is my will and do order that in case one oe either of my children dye without such part or share of the one dying, shall be equally divided to and among all my children aforesaid. I do hereby order that the one half of the money owing from the sale of my personal estate which I have bequeathed unto my beloved wife aforesaid, shall not come into her hands, but it shall be and remain in the hands of my executor. And he shall pay of that money unto her as she shall stand in need of or shall want. And after her decease, that money, if any yet left, shall be divided in equal shares among all of my children and the heirs of my daughter Barbaram deceased. It is my will that the above legacy given and bequeathed unto my beloved wife Sarah, shall be in full for her. I do hereby nominate and appoint my beloved son Jacob Bortner to be my executor of this my Last Will and Teastament, hereby revoking and making void all former and other will and wills and executors by me tofore made ratifying and confirming this and no other to be my Last Will and Testament.
Jacob (JB) Bortner
(his mark)
Research Notes:
See Berks county deed index for Jacob Bortner. [48]
A biosketch by Harold Bordner [49] [50] reports:
Jacob, the oldest son of Balser, and his descendants
Before 1740 Jacob received a Warrant from the Proprietors to buy 160 acres of land in Earle Township, Lancaster County, for about 25 pounds. He probably occupied this land as a tenant on a rental basis while he undertook to pay for it, as was the usual custom. In 1743 a Patent (Deed) for this property was given to somebody else, probably because Jacob had not made the required payments to obtain title for himself. These facts are found in the Bureau of Land Records of The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in Harrisburg. In one of these records Jacob's name was misspelled "Burtner", but in another place the correct spelling was shown.
Not long thereafter on July 14, 1746, Jacob voluntarily enlisted in a force of 400 men raised in the Pennsylvania Colony to be employed, with troops from other colonies and British Regulars, to invade Canada. This was during King George's War, one of several French and Indian Wars that finally resulted in conquering Canada for the British in 1760. We learn from history that this Pennsylvania force was raised by the Colonial Governor over the objection of his pacifist-minded, Quaker-dominated legislature. The Pennsylvania troops went into Winter quarters in Albany in 1746. They were discharged in October, 1747, the expedition having been laid aside, although the War continued another year.
One of the muster-roles for this force in the Pennsylvania Archives, listed "Jacob Bordner", age 26, in 1746. Whether or not for the reason of that misepelling, or possibly because of an accumulation of such misspellings by English-speaking officials, Jacob changed the spelling of his family name to "Bordner", and that spelling has been used by all of his descendants who carry the family name. Later some of his nephews and grand-nephews also adopted that spelling. Incidentally we also find from the muster-role that Jacob was about two years older than stated in the "Adventure's" passenger-list - not unusual when it meant a savings in fare for his ocean passage.
Jacob was released from military service just about the time that his father died. Probably he assumed responsibility for his brothers until they became old enough to support themselves. His oldest sister, Anna Maria Barbara, married a man from York County in 1748 and went there to live. It is believed that she took her two sisters with her, as stated later in the narrative relating to their brother, George, who also went to York County in the late 1750's.
Jacob married Sarah Balt, according to records of certain of his Berk County descendants. This was doubtless in the early 1750's, because their child, a son, Jacob, was born October 23, 1754.
On April 10, 1761 Jacob was naturalized as a British citizen by the Colonial Supreme Court in Philadelphia. Their records showed his name to be "Jacob Bordner", and his residence in County.
Shortly thereafter, on June 20, 1761, Jacob acquired land in Bethel Township, Berks County, by Patent (Deed) from the Proprietors, Richard and Thomas Penn, - on default by the person 'who held the Warrant. That property is just North and East of the present Village of Bethel; it lies on both aides of the Harrisonburg-Allentown Road (U.S. Route 22). It is said to be good "limestone" land, which was prized by the Pennsylvania Dutch. It is fairly level land, although the Blue Mountain lies within sight about five miles North.
In the 1760's Jacob's Bethel farm was on the Pennsylvania frontier. Occasionally settlers in that area were killed by the Indians. During the "French and Indian Wars (for which a final peace treaty was not signed until 1763), the French incited the Indians to attack the English Colonial frontier settlements. There was a line of forts along the Blue Mountain for protection of the settlers. One such fort was within sight of Jacob's house.
Jacob was too old for service in the Pennsylvania militia during the Revolutionary War, but three of his sons, Jacob Jr., John, and William, were in the militia. Although the record shows that Jacob Jr. was fined for skipping militia drills during the latter part of the war, it appears that he must have had some active service, because he was voted a pension of $40 per month in 1836 by the Pennsylvania Legislature for his war service (only about one year before he died). His name is recorded on one of the placques to the memory of Revolutionary War soldiers in the DAR Chapel at Valley Forge. After the war, Jacob Jr. held the rank of Lieutenant in the Pennsylvania militia.
When Jacob Sr. died in 1792, he Willed his 186 acre farm to Jacob Jr., but he made a settlement with his other children by requiring Jacob Jr. to make payments to them over a period of years. That was a normal pattern of handling estates in those days. Jacob Sr. was survived by five sons and one daughter, Anna Maria Schneider. Another daughter, Barbara, had died young.
Jacob' s fourth son, Daniel, remained in Bethel Township, but his three other sons, John, William, and Peter, went to Lykens Valley in the Upper end of Dauphin County to the West. All of them were farmers.
Jacob's farm in Bethel Township was passed on from father to son, generation after generation. At one point it was divided betwen two sons. One part remained in the possession of descendants for four generations until 1944, when the last Bordner owner died, leaving no children.
In the 1820's one of Daniel Bordner's grandsons, also named Daniel, moved with his family to Hanover Township (the part now in Union Township) in Lebanon County, about ten miles West of Bethel. There he established an inn on the road between Allentown and Harrisburg. Later one of his sons, Daniel T., established a general store there, and the place became known as "Bordnersville". That name still appears on some more-detailed maps: just East of the Indiantown Gap Military Reservation (Pa. Route 934). The inn 'was abandoned many years ago, and the general store was closed about 1955. Today there are only- a few homes there at a four-corners; it is not on the main road; and no sign is displayed bearing the name "Bordnersville"; no Bordners live there now.
Several other descendants of Daniel Bordner also settled in Lebanon County over the years. Today there are many of his descendants in that county, and there are none of his descendants who bear the Bordner name remaining in Berks County. However, Lebanon County, as 'well as County, is also the home of some of the living descendants of Jacob Bordner Jr. In Dauphin County, just to the West of Lebanon County, there are many living descendants of John and William Bordner, who settled in the Lykens Valley. Many of them came from Powell's Valley (Jefferson Township), where one of William's eons, Jacob, settled sometime in the 1840's. In addition, Dauphin County ie the home of a few of the descendants of Daniel Bordner of County. There are no Bordners living in Dauphin County who are descended from Peter Bordner who also settled in the Lykens Valley, since all of his sons went to Ohio.
A biosketch of descendant George C Bordner reports [51]:
Jacob Bordner, son of Balthaser, and great-great-grandfather of Prof. Bordner, was born in 1722. He was executor of his father's estate, and on April 10, 1761, was naturalized as a citizen of Tulpehocken Twp, Berks County at the Supreme Court of Philadelphia. On June 20, 1761, he purchased from Thomas and Richard Penn the present Bordner homestead, which had been leased to Jacob Hoffman, who was unable to pay his rental. Since that day the homestead was been owned by a son of each successive generation. Jacob Bordner married Sarah Balt and they reared a family of seven children: Jacob, John, William, Daniel, Peter, Anna Maria, and Barbara. The father died in 1792 and by his will the homestead passed to his eldest son Jacob.
Another source [52] gives the following summary: "Jacob Bordner came to Pennsylvania in 1732 with his parents. On April 10, 1761, he was naturalized as a British citizen by the Colonial Supreme Court in Philadelphia. He was in colonial military service during King George's War, 1746/47. A farmer in the Tulpehocken Settlement, Lancaster (now Berks) County, he was in Berks after 1752. He acquired a farm by deed in Bethel Twp, Berks County, Pennsylvania in 1761 from Richard and Thomas Penn, sons of William Penn. The land was just north and east of the present village of Bethel and lies on both sides of the Harrisburg-Allentown Road (route 22). He was the first to change his name to Bordner (originally Bortner). Census 1740 recorded he bought 160 acres in Earle Township for 25 pounds. When Jacob Sr died in 1792, he willed his 186 acre farm to Jacob Jr but Jacob Jr had to make payments over the years to the other children. This was normal for the times."
See also, [53]
1737-48 Jacob Burtner received a warrant for 200 acres on Swatara creek in Tulpehocken Twp, Lancaster County on January 26, 1737. On April 10, 1738, a survey was made in Earl Twp. [54] On January 20, 1743, the land was vacated for want of compliance and was to be returned for the use of Jacob Byerly. [55] Jacob Byerly received a patent for the land in 1748. [56] [57] Jacob was age 15 in 1737. The land was in Tulpehocken Twp, Lancaster County, later Berks County. Perhaps this was a different Jacob Burtner.
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