1755 Johannes Conrath Nicodemus, son of Friedrich and Elisabeth Nicodemus, was born on October 15. He was baptized on October 26, 1755 with God Parents Peter Schaaf and wife Anna Elizabetha, Johann Conrath Nicodemus, Johann Heinrich Kuntz and Catharina Elisabetha Steindorff. [1]
1758 Anna Magdalena, daughter of Friedrich & wife Catharina, was born on April 12, 1758. She was baptized on April 23, 1759 with sponsors Friedrich Steindorff & wife Anna Margretha. [2]
1765 Frederich Nicodemus was taxed in Air Twp, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. [3]
1768 "Henry Fore's purchase of 233 acres [from Jacob Leiter] was embraced in Collier's Amendment, a tract of 448 acres granted by patent to Frederick Nicodemus, October 8, 1768. In 1779 Nicodemus also purchased Reinall's part of the Leiter lands." [4]
1776 "Capt Daniel Clapsaddle, 1st. Lt. Frederick Nicodemus, 2nd Lt. David Harvy, Ensign Matthias Hickman, were commissioned by the Council of Safety Sept. 26th, 1776, officers of a company enrolled for the Flying Cmp in Washington County." [5]
1776 Andrew, Catharina, Conrad, and Frederick were listed in a Maryland Colonial Census. [6]
1780 Frederick Nicodemus, farmer, of Washington County, Maryland, purchased land from Benjamin Musselman, weaver, of Washington Twp, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. The tract was at Antietem. The deed was dated October 23. [7]
1780 Susanna Nicodemus, daughter of Friederich and Margareth Nicodemus, was born on December 30. She was christened on May 1, 1782 at Salem Reformed Church. [8]
1781 Frederick Nicodemus was taxed in Washington Twp, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. [9]
1782 Frederick Nicodemus was taxed in Washington Twp, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. [10]
1784 Franklin County was formed from part of Cumberland County.
1784 Johannes Nicodemus, son of Friederich and Margareth Nicodemus, was born on November 15. He was christened on January 15, 1784 at Salem Reformed Church. [11]
1786 Frederick Nicodemus purchased land from Adam Flougher, all of Washington Twp, Franklin County. The land was adjacent to lands of Christian Grub, James Wishart, John Price, and James Moorhead. The deed was dated April 7. [12]
1786 Frederick and Conrad Nicodemus were listed in the septennial census for Washington Twp, Franklin County, Pennsylvania. [13]
1787 Catharina Nicodemus, daughter of Frederich Nicodemus and Margaretha Rippel was born on February 8. She was baptized on March 4. Witnessed by Christopher Adam, Deacon, Ann Catharina born Bosher. [14] [15]
1789 Elizabeth Nicodemus, daughter of Friederich and Margareth Nicodemus, was born on April 4. She was christened on May 1, 1789 at Salem Reformed Church. [16]
1790 Fred'k Nicodemus lived in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, in a household with 1 males under age 16, 3 males age 16 and over, and 5 females. [17]
c 1795 Fredereick Nicodemus made a subscription to Jacobs Lutheran Church or Friedens Church in Leitersburg, Washington County, Maryland. [18]
1798 Frederick Nicodemus was listed with two properties in Washington Twp, Franklin County. [19]
1800 Fred'k Nicodemus lived in Antrim Twp, Franklin County, Pennsylvania in a household with males: 1 (16 thru 25) and 1 (45 and over); and females: 2 (10 thru 15), 1 (16 thru 25), and 1 (45 and over). [20]
1800 Frederick and Conrad Nicodemus were listed in the septennial census for Woodbury Twp, Bedford County, Pennsylvania. [21] [22]
1807 Henry, Frederick, and John Nicodemus were listed in the septennial census for Washington Twp, Franklin County, Pennsylvania. [23]
1808 A patent was awarded to Frederick Nicodemus for 207 acres of land in Franklin County. The tract was named "Mount-holly". Dated September 14. [24] The land had been warranted in Lancaster County by Edward Blair in 1744. [25] A survey was made which shows Moorhead with an adjacent tract. [26]
1810 Frederick and Margaret Nicodemus, of Washington Twp, Franklin County, Pennsylvania sold land to John Nicodemus, of the same place. Deed dated December 8. The tract was in the place mentioned before adjacent to land of Christopher Grub, Frederick Nicodemus, Daniel Price, and Alexander Mack. Frederick had the land by Pennsylvania patent 63-325. Witnessed by John Conghram, John Stoner, and Wm Futon. [27]
1812 Frederick and Margaret Nicodemus, of Washington Twp, Franklin County, Pennsylvania sold land to John Nicodemus, of the same place. Deed dated February 9. [28]
1812 Frederick Nicodemus, of Washington Twp, Franklin County, Pennsylvania, dated his will on February 27. The will named wife Margaret, sons John and Conrad, and daughters Susanna, Catherine, and Elizabeth. Daughter Magdalena, perhaps deceased, was married to Peter Adam. David Basehore and Henry Miller were named as executors. The will was in probate court on November 25, 1816. [29]
… I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Margaret Nicodemus all my household and kitchen furniture and possession of the house and garden where I now live or the house and Garden where John Rule now lives whichever she may choose … and as I have sold the plantation whereon my Son John Nicodemus now lives unto the said John Nicodemus for the sum of Six thousand pounds Pennsylvania currency, the first payment or one thousand Pounds thereof I have already Given to the said John Nicodemus and have received his bonds for the remainder of the purchase money which amounts to the sum of five thousand pounds out of which the said John Nicodemus is to receive no more untill all my children hereinafter mentioned have received the sum of one thousand pounds out of my estate and whereas my son Conrad Nicodemus hath some time ago received the sum of two hundred and fifty pounds (for which he is not to be charged interest by my executors) I give and bequeath unto my three daughters Susanna, Catherine, and Elizabeth the sum of two hundred and fifty pounds each which they are to receive out of the money arising from the sale of the mill and plantation sold to my son John - which bonds when due my executors shall divide share and share alike between Susanna Catharine and Elizabeth until they have received the sum of two hundred and fifty pounds each equal to that of my son Conrad - Item I give and bequeath unto the children of my daughter Magdalena (who was married to Peter Adam) the sum of six hundred pounds … but my will is that my son Conrad and my three daughters Susanna Catharine & Elizabeth shall receive out of the balance of the money arising from the sale of my mill & plantation share & share alike until they have received the sum of one thousand pounds equal to that of my son John Nicodemus and after the decease of my wife Margaret Nicodemus & the sale of the plantation whereon I now live then shall the balance of my estate be equally divided between my two sons & three daughters viz Conrad John Susanna Catharine & Elizabeth share and share alike. … I hereby nominate … David Basehor & Henry Miller Jun. to be executors … I have hereunto set my hand & affixed my seal this 27th day of February [1812]
On the twenty fifth day of November in the year [1816 the will was affirmed by witnesses]
1814 Henry, Frederick, and John Nicodemus, farmers, were listed in the septennial census for Washington Twp, Franklin County, Pennsylvania. [30]
1817 David Beshore and Henry Miller, executors for the will of Frederick Nicodemus, sold land from the estate to Jacob Adams. The deed was dated September 6. The land was on the waters of Little Antietam? in Washington Twp. Frederick Nicodemus and wife Margaret had granted land to their son John Nicodemus with a Merchant Mill and water rights. [31] Little Antietam has two branches, which join near the southern border of Washington Twp. [32]
Research Notes:
Frederick's wife was named Elisabeth in 1755, Catharina in 1758, and was named Margaret in 1810. Other researchers name Elizabeth Rippel as his wife. Some researchers name Catherine Elizabeth Steindorff as his first wife. We seek documentation to clarify the identity of his spouse or spouses.
Sponsorships at baptisms suggest plausible marriages for several of the children of this family:
1808 Elisabetha Nicodemus was a sponsor at the baptism of Elisabeth Ruhl, daughter of Johannes and Susanna Ruhl at the Salem Reformed Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. [33] Perhaps daughter Susanna married Johannes Ruhl and daughter Elisabeth was a sponsor at this baptism.
1812 Johann and Margretha Nicodemus were sponsors at the baptism of Margretha, daughter of Johannes and Susanna Ruhl at the Salem Reformed Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. [34] Perhaps daughter Susanna married Johannes Ruhl.
1809 Elizabeth, daughter of Johann and Margretha Nicodemus was born on September 13. She was baptized on November 5 with sponsor Elisabetha Nicodemus at the Salem Reformed Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. [35] Perhaps daughter Elizabeth was a sponsor at the baptism of her niece.
1811 Maria, daughter of Johan and Margretha Nicodemus was born on October 16. She was baptized on November 9 with sponsor Magdalena Adam at the Salem Reformed Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. [36] Perhaps daughter Magdalena was married to Peter Adam, son of John and Elizabeth Adam.
1828 Christian King and wife Catharina, of Antrim Twp [west of Washington Twp], Franklin County, sold land to Frederick Nicodemus. [37]
A biosketch of a descendant reports [38]:
David Otis Nicodemus a merchant farmer and part proprietor of the Nicodemus Creamery at Waynecastle (Zullinger PO) Washington township, was born on the old Hagerman farm, owned by his father, four miles west from Waynesboro, July 30 1851, son of Samuel Nicodemus. [39]
(I) Frederick Nicodemus great grandfather of David Otis was a prominent farmer in Washington township. He was one of the founders of the Salem Reformed Church, which was organized July 9 1786, and to this church his descendants have been loyal. In his family was a son John (II).
(II) John Nicodemus, grandfather of David O., was a native of Pennsylvania, born of German parents, and was one of the early settlers of Washington township, where he followed farming and also had one of the early distilleries. He died in 1828. His wife Margaret Potter was also born in Pennsylvania of German parents. There were eight children born to John and Margaret Nicodemus as follows:
1 Frederick
2 Jeremiah
3 Elizabeth wife of Daniel Snyder
4 Maria wife of David Hollinger
5 Daniel
6 Margaret who married Jacob Seacrist
7 Courtney
8 Samuel (III)
A report in American Revoutionary soldiers of Franklin County, Pennsylvania, page 166 reported
Frederick Nichodemus
Was appointed by Council of Safety of Maryland, Sept. 26, 1776, 1st. Lieut. of Capt. Daniel Clapsaddles's Co., of Militia in Washington Co., Md. Frederick Nicodemus died Oct. 26, 1816, aged 83 yrs. 8 mos. His wife Margaret died March 15, 1815, aged 67 yrs. 2 mos. They are buried in Salem Church graveyard near Waynesboro, Penna. Frederick Nicodemus mar. Margaret Ripple, early German settlers at Hoover's Mill, Washington Twp., Penna., a founder of Salem Reformed Church. Frederick Nicodemus and Henry Miller, Elders, Christopher Adam and Conrad Nicodemus, Deacons. They are buried at Salem. Sons Conrad and John; daus. Susanna, Catherine, Elizabeth; dau. Magdalene, who mar. Peter Adam; Conrad mar. Margaret Hartel; Susanna b. 1781; John b. 1783, mar. Margaret Potter; Catherine b. 1787 mar. John Oellig; Elizabeth b. 1789.
Maryland Archives Vol. 12, p 301.
A descendant reported the service of Frederick Nicodemus in the American Revolution. [40] Perhaps this refers to the same person, despite some apparent discrepancies.
Miss Carrie Nicodemus.
Born in Baltimore, Maryland.
Descendant of Lieut. Frederick Nicodemus, of Maryland
Daughter of Josiah Courtney Nicodemus and Mary J. Montandon his wife.
Granddaughter of John Nicodemus and Margaret Potter, his wife.
Gr.-granddaughter of Frederick Nicodemus and Margaret Ripple, his wife.
Frederick Nicodemus, (1733-1816), served as lieutenant in Capt. Daniel Clapsaddle's company of Washington county, Md.
He is buried in the old Salem Church Yard near Hagerstown.
We have copied information about Catherine Elizabeth Steindorff, the first wife of Frederick, birthdates of some children, and son Andrew from other researchers without verification. We seek documentation about these possible relationships.
[1] Thomas Lynch Montgomery, Pennsylvania Archives, Sixth Series, Volume 6 (Egypt) (1907), 185, citing records of Rev. John Waldschmidt, [HathiTrust], [InternetArchive].
[2] Thomas Lynch Montgomery, Pennsylvania Archives, Sixth Series, Volume 6 (Egypt) (1907), 185, citing records of Rev. John Waldschmidt, [HathiTrust], [InternetArchive].
[3] Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, Tax, [FamilySearchImage], [FHLCatalog].
[4] Herbert C. Bell, History of Leitersburg district, Washington County, Md (1898), 32, [HathiTrust].
[5] Muster Rolls and Other Records of Service of Maryland Troops in the American Revolution, 1775-1783, 73, [AncestryImage], [AncestryRecord].
[6] Nicodemus, County: Frederick, [URL].
[7] Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, Deed E-534, [FamilySearchImage], [FHLCatalog].
[8] FamilySearch.org, [FamilySearchRecord].
[9] William Henry Egle, Pennsylvania Archives, Third Series, Volume 20 (Cumberland Taxables) (1897), 497, [GoogleBooks], [InternetArchive].
[10] William Henry Egle, Pennsylvania Archives, Third Series, Volume 20 (Cumberland Taxables) (1897), 668, [GoogleBooks], [InternetArchive].
[11] FamilySearch.org, [FamilySearchRecord].
[12] Franklin County, Pennsylvania Deed 2-313, [FamilySearchImage], [FHLCatalog].
[13] Pennsylvania, Septennial Census, 1779-1863, [AncestryRecord], [AncestryImage].
[14] Richard T. Williams and Mildred C. Williams, The Pennsylvania Traveler, Vol. 1 (1964), 21, citing records of Salem Reformed Church, Washington Township, Franklin County, Pennsylvania, [GoogleBooks].
[15] FamilySearch.org, [FamilySearchRecord].
[16] FamilySearch.org, [FamilySearchRecord].
[17] United States Federal Census, 1790, [AncestryImage], [AncestryRecord].
[18] Herbert C. Bell, History of Leitersburg district, Washington County, Md (1898), 119, [HathiTrust].
[19] Pennsylvania, U.S. Direct Tax Lists, 1798, [AncestryRecord], [AncestryImage].
[20] United States Federal Census, 1800, [AncestryImage], [AncestryRecord].
[21] Pennsylvania, Septennial Census, 1779-1863, [AncestryRecord], [AncestryImage].
[22] Pennsylvania, Septennial Census, 1779-1863, [AncestryRecord], [AncestryImage].
[23] Pennsylvania, Septennial Census, 1779-1863, [AncestryRecord], [AncestryImage].
[24] Pennsylvania Land Patent Indices, P63-325, [Patent Index].
[25] Pennsylvania Land Warrant, Lancaster County, B-320, [PHMC Warrant].
[26] Pennsylvania Archives Land Office Survey, C164-58, [PA Survey Map], [PASurveyBooksIndex].
[27] Franklin County, Pennsylvania Deed 9-609, [FamilySearchImage], [FHLCatalog].
[28] Franklin County, Pennsylvania Deed 9-611, [FamilySearchImage], [FHLCatalog].
[29] Franklin County, Pennsylvania Will, [FamilySearchImage].
[30] Pennsylvania, Septennial Census, 1779-1863, [AncestryRecord], [AncestryImage].
[31] Franklin County, Pennsylvania Deed 12-45, [FamilySearchImage], [FHLCatalog].
[32] D.H. Davison, Map of Franklin County, Pennsylvania: from actual survey (1858), [LibraryOfCongress Map], [LibraryOfCongress Catalog].
[33] Salem Reformed Church Records, Franklin County, Pennsylvania. FHL Film 20703 (Viewable only at FamilySearch libraries), item 9, image 0565, bottom, left, [FamilySearchImage], [FHLCatalog].
[34] Salem Reformed Church Records, Franklin County, Pennsylvania. FHL Film 20703 (Viewable only at FamilySearch libraries), item 9, image 0567, [FamilySearchImage], [FHLCatalog].
[35] Salem Reformed Church Records, Franklin County, Pennsylvania. FHL Film 20703 (Viewable only at FamilySearch libraries), item 9, image 0565, [FamilySearchImage], [FHLCatalog].
[36] Salem Reformed Church Records, Franklin County, Pennsylvania. FHL Film 20703 (Viewable only at FamilySearch libraries), item 9, image 0566, [FamilySearchImage], [FHLCatalog].
[37] Franklin County, Pennsylvania Deed 14-336, [FamilySearchImage], [FHLCatalog].
[38] George Oberkirsh Seilhamer, Biographical Annals of Franklin County, Pennsylvania (1905), 463, [GoogleBooks].
[39] D.H. Davison, Map of Franklin County, Pennsylvania: from actual survey (1858), 1858 map showing property of S. Nicodemus 4 miles west of Waynesboro, Washington Twp, [LibraryOfCongress Map], [LibraryOfCongress Catalog].
[40] Lineage Book of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Vol. 42, 118, [DAR Registry].