c 1725 Two Anabaptist brothers, Johann and Christian Bichsel, came to Pennsylvania circa 1725 from Eggiwil, Emmental, Bern canton, Switzerland. [1]
1734 Christian Bigsaler, perhaps this one, received a warrant for 200 acres of land on June 4, in Warwick Twp, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania on a branch of Conestoga Creek, returned 28 April, 1763 to Martin Haigey [2] [3] [4] [5] The tract of Christian Bixler is shown on a 1737 survey of land adjacent to Jacob Grub. [6] Named as Christian Pitzler on a 1769 survey for Balthazer Sise. [7]
1736 Christian Pixler was granted 250 acres in York County on October 30, by Blunston license, with survey of 200 acres. [8]
1738 A return of 193 acres, on March 14, and a return of 31 acres, on May 7, 1839, was made for Christian Beeksler/Beksler in York County, adjacent to Jacob Huggins, Peter Taylor, and Albanus Mayer in Manchester Twp. [9]
1749-51 On May 23, 1749 and May 22, 1751, Christian Pixler received a warrant for 269 acres of land in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania that he patented 29 May 1751. [10]
1750 Christian Becksler warranted 187 acres, on September 10, in Manchester Twp, York County, Pennsylvania. Adjacent landowners were Henry Schroll and Jacob Knab (formerly Bixler's other land), Widow Shitz (formerly Michael Musser), Peter Erb, Henry Hoover, John Miller, John Sechrist, and Daniel King. [11] [12] [13]
1751 A survey was returned, on May 22, for Christian Bixler, perhaps this one, for land on Cocalico Creek [14] [15]. The land was originally waranted by Jacob Haigy [16]. Christian Bixler owned adjacent tracts [17] [18]. Other adjacent landowners included Abraham Reem, Everhard Reem, Michael Bear, Jacob Knup, and Nicholas Shour/Sower.
1758-62 Christian Büchsler [Bixler] married once and then married Catherina Sharer (born c1714) between 1758 and 1762. She was the widow of Hans Scharer (1705-1757) of Donegal Township, Lancaster County. Children born before 1758 are children of the first wife.
1762 Christian Bixler was taxed in 1762.
1762 Christian Bixler was of Manchester Twp, York County, when he purchased 7 acres in Newberry Township from Martin Mansbarger on December 1, 1762.
1763 Christian Pixler surveyed 200 acres in Manchester Twp, York County, on February 23, adjacent to land of his own, Jacob Neaves, and John Levestain. The patent, dated July 4, 1763, named Caspar Schnobles in Manchester Twp with adjacent land. [19] [20] [21] The adjacent lot was 200 acres bounded by the Codorus River and a patent of his in Maryland. [22] [23] [24]
1764 Jacob Neaff and wife Anna sold land to Christian Bixler, all of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, on April 25. The land was adjacent to lands of Christian and John Bixler and had been patented by Jacob Neaff (Patent AA5-114). Signed by Jacob Näff and marked by Anna Neafe. [25]
1767 A survey verified that Christian owned 776 contiguous acres. [26]
1770 Christian Bicksler, miller, sold land to John Bicksler, farmer, on September 11. Christian had patented the land on September 10, 1750. [27]
1770 Christian Bixler, the elder, and wife Catherine sold land to Christian Bixler, the younger, on September 18. The land was in Manchester Twp, York County, adjacent to Codorus Creek and lands of George Haney and Christian Bixler the elder. Christian Jr was not to sell the land before the death of Christian Sr. [28]
1771 Christian Bickler and Christian Jr Bickler and John Bicler were taxed in Manchester Twp, York County, Pennsylvania. [29]
c 1776 Christian, Joseph, John, Christian, and Jacob Bixler and Peter Ellenberger; perhaps 4 sons, a grandson, and a son-in-law of Christian; were privates under Captain Herbach, First Lieutenant Peer Shultz, Second Lieutenant Baltzer Rudisill in one of the five battalions from York County. [30]
1777 The will of Christian Bixler is reported at the York County, Pennsylvania courthouse, dated March 3, 1777 with probate date March 10, 1777. His property was divided upon his death and distributed to his sons. His son Christian (d.1795) stayed on his land and passed it on to his son Michael, who was buried on the land. It was then passed on to Matthias, who had more debts than he could pay when he died in 1783, so the farm was put up for auction. [31] [32] [33] Transcription:
In the name of God Amen, I Christian Bixler of Manchester township, York County, and Province of Pennsylvania, Yeoman, being very sick and weak in body, but of present mind and memory, thanks be given unto God, calling to mind the mortality of my body, do make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner following - I recommend my soul unto the hand of Almighty God that gave it and my body I recommend to the earth to be buried in decent Christian burial at the discretion of my executors, and as touching such worldly estate wherewith it both pleased God to bless me in this life I give, devise and dispose of the same in the following manner and form. First, I give to my beloved son John, the oldest, five pounds of lawful money of Pennsylvania to be raised and levied out of my estate more than any of the others of my heirs. Further I give to my son Joseph the house I now live in with the mill and barn with the land, will be mentioned hereafter. First the land joining the line of young Christian Bixler to the creek and meadow joining the creek until three rods this side the trees on the other end of the barn and so following that row apple trees about two rods from the barn with a straight line of Casper Knobs except the meadow joining young Christian Bixler. I say I give this to my son Joseph for one thousand five hundred pounds thereof he is to pay in two years after my death one hundred pounds yearly, until he has paid what comes to him. Further, I give to my two youngest sons Jacob and Michael all the rest of my land with meadows joining Christian Bixler at the twelve acres each of the two six and an open way and the water that comes from Knobs for to water this twelve acres. I say I recommend this to them, their heirs and assigns forever. Further I recommend that my daughter Barbara shall have the entire of her share yearly what comes to her of my estate as long as she lives without Valentine Joackey and after the said Barbara's death the whole shall come to her heirs and assigns forever, if they live well and honestly. If not it shall come to my heirs and assigns forever. Further I recommend that my son-in-law Valentine Joackey is to have one shilling sterling and no more. I likewise constitute, make and ordain the sole executors of this my last will and testament and do hereby disallow and revoke all former testaments, wills, legacies and executors, ratifying and confirming this and no other to be my last will and testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this third day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy seven. Further I recommend my sons Jacob and Michael's land to be valued for eight hundred pounds, each of them for their share four hundred pounds. Further I recommend to be my executors, Jacob Strickler, Christian Bixler, Jr. Signed, sealed, published, pronounced and declared by the said as his last will and testament in the presence of us. Johannes Kaufman; Peter Shultz Christian Bixler, seal; Philip Jacob King (signature in German)
1777 An inventory and appraisal of Christian's estate was dated March 21:
An Inventory of all and singular the goods and Chattels, Rights and Credits of Christian Bixler, late of York Co, Yeoman, deceased, set forth by the hands of Jacob Strickler and Christian Bixler, nominal executors of the last will and testament of the said deceased. Appraised the 21st of March 1777. (Viz lbs. s d). To cash -239.9.5; To ouststanding debts due and becoming due to the deceased. 1301.8; To the deceased's wearing apparel 14.9.6;To a table cloth and old linen 1.5; To one clothes press and sundries therin 5; To 20 small books 3; To A large Bible 5; To 1 Scales and 1 gold scales and weights 2.7.6; To 3 Tables 1.15; To 3 Chairs 7.6; To 1 Clock and 3 Benches 5; To 2 coffee Mills, bowls and glasses 3; To 1 square rule 1 saw and sundries 10; To 2 guns and hachet and a broad ax 3; To 1 black horse 15; To 1 black mare 30; To 1 horse 25; To 1 roan mare 30; To 1 two-year old mare colt 15; To 2 colts 16; To 2 cows 10; To 2 cows 9; To 2 cows 8; To 3 cows 9; To 2 heifers and 1 steer 7.10; To 2 calves 2.6; To 3 goats and 2 young goats 2 To 28 sheep and 14 lambs 18; To 13 head of swine 8; To 1 sow with 10 pigs 2 10; To 1 large wagon 15.
1780 Jacob Strickler and Christian Bixler produced the account for Christian Bixler with balance £2,767.6.7. This was distributed to John Bixler (oldest son), Christian Bixler, Joseph Bixler, Jacob Bixler, Michael Bixler, Jacob Strickler and wife Anna, Conrad Strickler and Christina, Valentine Shockey and Barbara, Ulrich Elliberger and Veronica, Peter Elleberger and Eve, Jacob Road and Mary, Ulrich Engel and Magdalena, and Catharine Bixler. Dated on March 28, at the York County Orphans' Court. [34]
1780 Son Christian Bixler was taxed for 550 acres in Manchester County, York County, Pennsylvania. [35]
1781 Christian Bixler (150 acres), Joseph Bixler (100 acres), and John Bixler (250 acres) were taxed in Manchester Twp, York County, Pennsylvania. [36]
1781 Christian Bixler the younger, as the executor of father Christian's will, stated that Christian Bixler the elder, was the party mentioned in the mortgage with Martin Mansbarger. [see 1762 land purchase]
1782 Michael Bixler, age 16, minor orphan child of Christian Bixler, petitioned that Nicholas Diehl be assigned as his guardian. Dated March 28, at the York County Orphans' Court. [37]
1782 John Bixler (eldest son of Christian) and wife Susanna, of Manchester Twp, York County, purchased land from the estate of his father Christian, deceased, from the other heirs, on April 7. The other heirs were named as daughters Christina married to Conrad Strickler, Barbara married to Valentine Shokey, Veronica married to Ulrich Ellenberger, Eva married to Peter Ellenberger, Maria married to Jacob Roth, Magdalena married to Ulrich Engle, and Christina; and sons Joseph, Jacob, and Michael. [38]
1782 Joseph Bixler, miller, and wife Susanna, of Manchester Twp, York County, sold land, on October 23, that he inherited from the estate of his father Christian Bixler, to Michael Gingrich. One tract was named 'Great Meadow' on Codorus Creek, then in Baltimore County, Maryland (Maryland patent EIN4-369? to Andrew Magill) and now in Manchester Twp, York County, Pennsylvania. Andrew Magill sold the land to John and Christian Bixler on October 1, 1739. Thomas and Richard Penn granted a patent to Christian Bixler for two tracts in 1763. Another tract was patented by Jacob Neaffe, which Jacob and wife Anna Neaffe sold to Christian Bixler. The several tracts totaled 776 acres and were bequeathed to Joseph Bixler. [39]
1795 Heirs released the executors of the will and estate of Christian Bixler from further obligations. [40] [41]
Research Notes:
Some researchers suggest that Ulrich Bichsel [42] and Verena Stucki were the parents of this Christian Bixler.
The identity of Christian Bixler's father is uncertain. [43] The names of children, as shown here, were given in a chart, based on the research of others. [44] "Probably the first families to migrate to America were John and Christian Bixler who settled near York and Hanover, Pennsylvania about 1725". [45]
York County Bixler deed index: [48] [49]
1727 Christian Bikler came to America on October 2 on the ship "Adventure", under the command of John Davis, to the Philadelphia port, Pennsylvania [List 4B]. [50] [51] [52] Others have assumed this to be a different Christian Bixler, who died in 1762, based on the oral tradition of a descendant. [53] We seek further evidence to clarify this hypothesis.
Several researchers suggest that Christian Bixler's second wife was Catherina Huber, daughter of Hans Ulrich Huber and Barbara Koch, and that Catherina married first, Hans Sharer, and second, Christian Bixler. [54]
[1] Leo Schlebert and Sandra Luebking, "Swiss Mennonite Family Names, an Annotated Checklist," Pennsylvania Folklife 26 (1977), 2-24, at 6, item 18, [Ursinis_College].
[2] Pennsylvania Land Warrant, Lancaster County, B-39, [PALandWarrantLinks].
[3] Pennsylvania Land Patent, AA5-514, [PAPatentBookLinks].
[4] Pennsylvania Archives Land Office Survey, C76-77, [PASurveyBookLinks].
[5] Pennsylvania Archives Land Office Survey, C76-129, see 1751 survey, [PASurveyBookLinks].
[6] Pennsylvania Archives Land Office Survey, A5-196, [PASurveyBookLinks].
[7] Pennsylvania Archives Land Office Survey, C215-297, [PASurveyBookLinks].
[8] Mrs. Harry Royes, "Blunston's Licenses," Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine 12 (1933), 62-70, at 70.
[9] Pennsylvania Land Warrant, York County, B-14, dated 10 September, 1750, [PALandWarrantLinks].
[10] Pennsylvania Land Patent, A14-636, [PAPatentBookLinks].
[11] Pennsylvania Land Warrant, York County, B14, see return dated 1838, [PALandWarrantLinks].
[12] Pennsylvania Land Patent, H39-183, [PAPatentBookLinks].
[13] Pennsylvania Archives Land Office Survey, B16-24, [PASurveyBookLinks].
[14] Pennsylvania Archives Land Office Survey, C155-175, [PASurveyBookLinks].
[15] Pennsylvania Land Patent, A14-636, [PAPatentBookLinks].
[16] Pennsylvania Land Warrant, Lancaster County, H-79, see 1734 survey, [PALandWarrantLinks].
[17] Pennsylvania Archives Land Office Survey, C155-168, [PASurveyBookLinks].
[18] Pennsylvania Archives Land Office Survey, C155-169, [PASurveyBookLinks].
[19] Pennsylvania Land Warrant, York County, B109, [PALandWarrantLinks].
[20] Pennsylvania Land Patent, AA4-400, [PAPatentBookLinks].
[21] Pennsylvania Archives Land Office Survey, A88-148, [PASurveyBookLinks].
[22] Pennsylvania Archives Land Office Survey, C146-163, [PASurveyBookLinks].
[23] Pennsylvania Land Patent, AA15-134, [PAPatentBookLinks].
[24] Pennsylvania Land Warrant, York County, P62, [PALandWarrantLinks].
[25] York County, Pennsylvania, Deed 2D-270, [FamilySearchImage], [FHLCatalog].
[26] Agnes Bixler Kurtz, Bixler John (1700-1765) Pioneer, Immigrant, Farmer 2nd edition (Hanover, New Hampshire: ABK Publications, 2000), 7, [FHLBook].
[27] York County, Pennsylvania, Deed 2M-344, [FamilySearchImage], [FHLCatalog].
[28] York County, Pennsylvania, Deed 2F-366, [FamilySearchImage], [FHLCatalog].
[29] York County, Pennsylvania, Township assessment lists, 1762-1849, [FamilySearchImage], [FHLCatalog].
[30] George R. Prowell, Continental Congress at York, Pennsylvania and York County in the Revolution (1914), 263, of 263-64, [GoogleBooks].
[31] Pennsylvania Probate Records, 1683-1994, York, Will Index, [FamilySearchImage].
[32] Pennsylvania, Will and Probate Records, Will abstract, York County, Pennsylvania, [AncestryImage].
[33] I have not yet found this will in the York County Will books.
[34] Pennsylvania Probate Records, 1683-1994, York, Orphans Court Docket D-208, [FamilySearchImage].
[35] William Henry Egle, Pennsylvania Archives, Third Series, Volume 21 (York Taxables) (1897), 182, [HathiTrust], [InternetArchive].
[36] York County, Pennsylvania, Township assessment lists, 1762-1849, [FamilySearchImage], [FHLCatalog].
[37] Pennsylvania Probate Records, 1683-1994, York, Orphans Court Docket E-39, [FamilySearchImage].
[38] York County, Pennsylvania, Deed 2D-271, [FamilySearchImage], [FHLCatalog].
[39] York County, Pennsylvania, Deed 2B-469, [FamilySearchImage], [FHLCatalog].
[40] York County, Pennsylvania, Deed 2K-375, release, [FamilySearchImage], [FHLCatalog].
[41] York County, Pennsylvania, Deed 2K-376, release, [FamilySearchImage], [FHLCatalog].
[42] Janet and Robert Wolfe, Genealogy Page for Ulrich Bichsel, [JRWolfeGenealogy].
[43] Agnes Bixler Kurtz, Bixler John (1700-1765) Pioneer, Immigrant, Farmer 2nd edition (Hanover, New Hampshire: ABK Publications, 2000), 4-5, [FHLBook].
[44] Agnes Bixler Kurtz, Bixler John (1700-1765) Pioneer, Immigrant, Farmer 2nd edition (Hanover, New Hampshire: ABK Publications, 2000), 6, [FHLBook].
[45] Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online Bixel_family, content subject to change, [GlobalAnabaptistEncyclopedia].
[46] Richard Warren Davis, Mennosearch.com Family Notes, [Website].
[47] Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society, Genealogical Card File (Lancaster, Pennsylvania), [AncestryRecord], [AncestryImage].
[48] York County, Pennsylvania, Deed Index, Grantor, [FamilySearchImage], [FHLCatalog].
[49] York County, Pennsylvania, Deed Index, Grantee, [FamilySearchImage], [FHLCatalog].
[50] I. Daniel Rupp, A Collection of Upwards of Thirty Thousand Names of German, Swiss, Dutch, French and other Immigrants in Pennsylvania from 1727 to 1776, 2nd ed. (1875), 53, lower right, Bickler, [GoogleBooks], [HathiTrust].
[51] Ralph B. Strassburger, William J. Hinke, ed., Pennsylvania German Pioneers, Vol. 1 (1934, Pennsylvania German Society), 15, [HathiTrust], [InternetArchive].
[52] The Olive Tree Genealogy Palatine Passenger listings, Adventure Galley passenger list, [OliveTreePalatineShips].
[53] Agnes Bixler Kurtz, Bixler John (1700-1765) Pioneer, Immigrant, Farmer 2nd edition (Hanover, New Hampshire: ABK Publications, 2000), 11, [FHLBook].
[54] Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society, Genealogical Card File (Lancaster, Pennsylvania), [AncestryRecord].