In honor of the arrival in America, at Philadelphia,
on October 17 (new date 28), 1732,
of the colonial pioneers
GEORGE MICHAEL and SUSANNA WEISEL
and their children.
It is an interesting coincidence that in this year of the George Washington Bicentenary we descendants of the colonial Weisel family of Bucks County should also commemorate the 200th anniversary of the arrival in America of the pioneers of the only family of this name that reached these shores prior to our War of Independence.
George Michael and Susanna Weisel and their six children, Frederick, Apollonia, Anna Barbara, Michael, Jacob, and George, arrived at Philadelphia on the ship John and William and took the Oath of Allegiance to William Penn's province on October 17 (new date 28), 1732, just 200 years ago. They acquired two tracts of land, aggregating 281 acres, in the northwestern part of Bedminster township, Bucks County, fronting on the Swamp road, which is the line between Bedminster and Hilltown townships, near the Tohickon church. At least three of the sons served in the American forces in the Revolution. From this homestead branches of this old family have gone to many parts of our country, where they have done credit to the name.
George Michael Weisel was born in the Rhine valley about 1690, although he descended from medieval noble stock seated at Hochweisel and Niederweisel, Upper Hesse, Germany. The Hessians are descendants of the ancient Teutonic tribe of Catti, described by Tacitus. The surname Weisel means queen-bee. The family's coat-of-arms appears on the front page.
It is primarily to honor these courageous and worthy ancestors, who severed their European connections and braved the long and hazardous Atlantic voyage to establish a homestead in the virgin forests on the frontiers of Pennsylvania, that we shall assemble at the appointed time and place. We shall honor the independent spirit that actuated their migration here, that they might not only improve their economic condition but, more important, also be enabled to worship God according to the dictates of their conscience and without interference.
But an additional reason for our assemblage is that we may organize an active family association, as numerous other Pennsylvania families have done. By this means the collective interests of the clan may be served, new friendships made, and old friendships renewed. The most hearty good fellowship should prevail. In addition to meeting numerous other relations, we may pair off at times and discuss anything of mutual interest, be it philosophy, politics, prohibition, or peanuts.
These reunions will be occasions that no Weisel descendant or his family should miss. Failure to attend will be a distinct social loss, for few experiences are more delightful than that of being one among a congenial group of people. Many of us have for a number of years enjoyed the annual reunions of the descendants of the late Samuel and Catherine (Kober) Weisel, of Warrington township, and this broader reunion for all branches of the colonial Weisel family is an outgrowth of the last such meeting on July 30, under the direction of a committee consisting of Major Calvin I. Kephart, chairman, Mrs. Norman C. (Mabel Weisel) Kratz, and Mrs. Herbert W. (Sarah Weisel) McKinstry.
Everyone concerned is urged to reserve this date October 29 (1932) and to be present. Because of the double purpose of the meeting, let us all join in celebrating this Weisel bicentenary. It will be an unusual event, and each of us should show his family loyalty by being a part of it. Invite Weisel descendants who have other surnames.
It has been truly said that one who has no interest in the history of his ancestors will have but little interest in that of his descendants.
PROGRAM
10:30 a. M.-MEETING CALLED TO ORDER IN HALL
-------- By Major Kephart, Committee Chairman
SONG, America (on back page) --------------- Audience
INVOCATION ------------------ Rev. Willard C. Kratz
ADDRESS OF WELCOME -------------------------
---------- Provisional President Oscar W. Weisel
BUSINESS SESSION:
Organization of Weisel Family Association
Adoption of constitution
Election of officers
Volunteer offering for treasury
VIOLIN SOLO ------------------- Arthur Swartley, Jr.
MEETING SUSPENDED FOR INTRODUCTIONS AND LUNCHEON
1:45 P. M., SESSION RECALLED TO ORDER--By the President
VOCAL DUET ---------- Mrs. Ada (Weisel) Krout
Mrs. Grace (Weisel) Swartley
HISTORICAL REPORT ----------------- Major Kephart
VIOLIN SOLO ------------------- Arthur Swartley, Jr.
DISSERTATION (20 minutes) ---------- Elmer P. Weisel
PIANO DUET ------- Misses Margaret and Frances Kratz
VOLUNTEER TALKS* (Not over 10 minutes each) --------
MONOLOGS -------------------- Miss Olive M. Weisel
CAMP SONGS ---- Eleanor, Herbert, and Robert McKinstry
SONG, A Perfect Day (on back page) ---------- Audience
BENEDICTION ----------------- Rev. Willard C. Kratz
*Remarks from members, particularly for the good of the association, such as
suggestions for the future, family history, reminiscences, etc. If you have anything worthwhile to say, do not hesitate to do so. items of early family
history are especially desired by the historian, either at the meeting or by mail.
SPECIAL NOTICE
Rain or shine, the reunion will be held'since there is ample space in
the park buildings, and beat will be provided if necessary.
Each family or group may bring its own lunch, but light lunch, coffee,
ice crcam, and soft drinks will be purchasable at the park stands.
After the session, stay as long as you desire and become, acquainted
with as many others as the time will permit. Do not wait to be intro-
duced. Introduce yourself.
PROVISIONAL OFFICERS
To be submitted by the committee for vote of the association for the ensuing term.
Other nominations may be made from the floor
President: OSCAR W. WEISEL, 1436 N. 15th Street, Philadelphia, Penna.
Vice-Presidents: R. LLOYD WEISEL, Sellersville, Penna.
JOHN A. WEISEL, Quakertown, Penna.
H. PHARES WEISEL, Chalfont, Penna.
Secretary: MRS. NORMAN C. (Mabel Weisel) KRATZ, Chalfont, Penna.
Treasurer: WINFIELD 0. WEISEL, Doylestown, Penna.
Historian: MAJOR CALVIN I. KEPHART, 101 Custis Place, Clarendon, Va.
Chaplain: REV. WILLARD C. KRATZ, Catasauqua, Penna.
Executive Committee: The eight officers and the following:
ELMER P. WEISEL, 1436 N. 15th Street, Philadelphia, Penna.
WILLIAM F. WEISEL, Bedford, Penna.
WILLIS C. WEISEL, Hatboro, Penna.
Menlo Park, near Perkasie, Bucks County, PA,
Saturday, September 2, 1933 at
10:30 a.m.
The first and bicentennial reunion:
The Weisel family has now taken its place among the other Bucks County
colonial pioneer families in the congenial custom of assembling once annually
to cast aside the problems of the day, renew acquaintances, and enjoy the
fellowship of kindred minds and a program of talks and music as well as to
learn more about our colonial and European ancestry.
A most successful beginning was made in the Bicentennial Reunion of last year, held late in October in commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the arrival in America of the colonial pioneers, George Michael and Susanna (Kieffer?) Weisel, and their seven children, viz., Frederick, Apolonia (married Anthony Heinz), Maria Barbara (Married Frederick Salade, later Solliday), Michael (Married Magdalena Drach), Jacob (married Anna Margaret_________), Christina (married George Wildanger), and George (Married Anna Maria Weierbach).
The Weisel Family Association was organized and more than 200 were present, including many from other states(Virginia, New Jersey and New York) as well as from central Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, and nearer points. A very enjoyable time was had and those who failed to attend do not realize what they missed. Letters from the middle and far west expressed regret at the inability of the writers to come. An even larger gathering is anticipated this year, since it will be held at a warmer time of the year.
HISTORICAL PROGRESS
Our historian, in cooperation with our vice-president, Joseph R. Weisel, of Philadelphia, has gained additional and interesting genealogical data. A Photograph of the actual will of pioneer George Michael will be shown, the original being in the Philadelphia city hall. It appears that the pioneers emigrated from northern Alsace, France, perhaps from the vicinity of Goersdorf; so that the search backward in the line will follow a course through the Palatinate and northeastward across the Rhine to the original homeland in Upper Hesse. Preliminary information indicates that at or near Deux Ponts or Zweibrucken Michael met and married Susanna Kieffer, descendant of a noted French Huguenot family of Lorraine (or Paris) originally named Tonnelier. Upon further proof, this descent will provide a basis for membership in the various Huguenot societies. Additional data regarding the colonial generations are being received from time to time. A full report will be made by the historian.
COAT-OF-ARMS
Aside from his daily vocation, our vice-president, Joseph R. Weisel, is a skillful musician and a painter. It will be noted that he is on the program. Notwithstanding that paintings of coat-of-arms usually cost from $10.00 to $25.00, he has volunteered to paint copies of ours for our members at $2.00 each, and a number of us already have obtained them. They are of the right size for framing and hanging on the wall at home. Each family, especially those bearing the Weisel name, should have one. Orders may be placed with Mr. Weisel at the reunion. Through his kindness, the association on that day, will present one such painting free to the eldest Weisel in attendance. (Everyone concerned is urged to reserve this date - September 2- and to be present, thereby showing his or her family loyalty. Success rests on the attendance and active interest of the individual members, based on a proper pride in our association and the pleasures and benefits of the meetings. Invite Weisel descendants who have other surnames. ( Mrs. Jane (Weisel) Keiser, of the Bedford branch, who with others of that branch will sing for us, won the prize in music at Hood college (Frederick, Maryland in 1932. She has since participated over the radio at Pittsburgh.)
PROGRAM
11: a.m.
Meeting Called to Order in Hall by President Oscar W. Weisel
Song, America (On back page) Audience
Invocation Rev. Willard A. Kratz
Address of Welcome By the President
Business Session:
Announcement of Committees
Report of the Treasurer
Reports of Committees
Any other matters
Accordion Selections Joseph R. Weisel
Meeting Suspended for Introductions and Luncheon
1:30 p.m. Meeting recalled to Order by the President
Violin Solo Arthur Swartley, Jr.
Historical Report …..Major C. I. Kephart
Vocal Selection William F. Weisel, Jr.
Theodore H. Weisel, Lloyd S. Weisel, Jane (Weisel) Keiser .
Volunteer Offering for the Treasury
Weisels of Upper Hesse…Otto Kraft Weisel
Volunteer Talks* (not over 10 minutes each)
Popular Selections on Accordion Joseph R. Weisel
Monologues Miss Olive M. Weisel
Piano Duet . . Miss Margaret and Frances Kratz
Song, Blest Be the Tie (on back Page) Audience
Benediction Rev. Willard A. Kratz
· Remarks from members, particularly for the good of the association, such as
suggestions, family history, reminiscences, etc. If you have anything
worthwhile to say, do not hesitate, to do so. Items of early family history
are especially desired by the historian, either at the meeting or by mail.
SPECIAL NOTICE
Rain or shine, the reunion will be held, since there is ample space in the
park buildings. Each family or group may bring its own lunch, but all will
eat together at the tables for sociability. Light lunch, coffee, ice cream,
and soft drinks will be purchasable at the park stands.
After the session, stay as long as you desire and become acquainted with
as many others as the time will permit. Do not wait to be introduced;
introduce yourself.
BACK PAGE
OFFICERS
PRESIDENT; OSCAR W. WIESEL 1436 N. 15TH STREET, PHILADELPHIA, PA
VICE-PRESIDENT; JOSEPH R. WEISEL, 300 N. LYNN BLVD., UPPER DARBY, PA.
JOHN A. WEISEL, QUAKERTOWN, PA. H. PHARES WEISEL, CHALFONT, PA.
SECRETARY: MRS. NORMAN C. (MABEL WEISEL) DRATZ., CHALFONT, PA.
TREASURER: REDDEN B. WEISEL., PERKASIE, PA
HISSTORIAN MAJOR CALVIN I. KEPHART, 101 CUSTIS PLACE, CLARENDON, VA.
CHAPLAIN:Rev. Willard A. Kratz, Catasauqua, PA
Executive Committee: The eight officers and the following:
Miss Martha A. Weisel, 2007 20th St. Altoona, Pa.
Elmer P. Weisel, 1436 N. 15th St. Philadelphia, Pa.
William F. Weisel, Bedford, PA
But especially of the
descendants of
THE COLONIAL PIONEERS
GEORGE MICHAEL and SUSANNA WEISEL
and their children
(1732)
AT
MENLO PARK, near Perkasie,
Bucks County, Penna.,
on
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1934
at 10:30 o'clock a. m.
Our Second Annual Reunion last year was as well attended as the First and Bicentennial Reunion of 1932, and we see no reason why an attendance of 200 or 250 should not continue from year to year. In fact, as we all become better acquainted and the more distant branches (such as the Solliday) learn of their descent from the immigrants, the attendance should readily exceed 300.
The success of gatherings of this kind, where we all are kindred, rests on the attendance and participation of all who can be present. The fact that "blood is thicker than water" is an especial reason why we should broaden our acquaintance among the members each year. Let us all decide heartily to make each reunion a greater success than the previous one! Two things are necessary: First, to attend; second, to take an active part. This is one activity in which all of us can take pride and where congeniality is foremost.
The pioneer Weisel family was among the group of resolute and pious people who organized the Tohickon Reformed congregation in 1745 and they continued as members. Many of their descendants are members today. This family, with others, contributed for 90 years to the support of a community school for the education of their children, until Pennsylvania's public school svstem took its place. They realized that without general primary education it is practically impossible to maintain a democracy -- a nation of free men. It was on the initiative of your historian that all of the records of the Tohickon Reformed and Lutheran churches down to 1854 were published in 1925 under the editorship of Rev. Dr. Wm.J. Hinke, professor at the Auburn (N. Y.) Theological Seminary, and under the auspices of the Pennsylvania German Society. Approximately $400 of the cost was paid by members of the Weisel family, as stated in the preface to the book, $400 was contributed by Dr. B. F. Fackenthal, Jr. of Riegelsville, Penna., and the remainder was borne by the Pennsylvania German Society. This book, which perpetuates those vital records, has a complete index and has received the commendation of family historians and genealogists. Perhaps, as soon as the boundaries of the original grant of land in Bucks County to pioneer George Michael Weisel (known simply as Michael) have been determined, such drawings or plats of the entire 281 acre plantation can be made that we all may obtain copies for our information. Remember that the pioneers' sons Michael, Jr., Jacob, and George Weisel served in the Bucks County militia in our war for independence, so that all of their descendants are entitled to membership in the society of the Sons (or Daughters) of the American Revolution. The cost is not great. Your historian shall be glad to aid any who may desire to file application.
As already stated, our vice-president, Joseph R. Weisel, is artistically inclined and has volunteered to paint the coat-of-arms for the small amount of $2 each. Professionals ordinarily charge $10 or more for such a painting. Every descendant bearing the Weisel name should have one painted for framing and hanging on his wall at home. It is his family emblem, dating from medieval times, "when knighthood was in flower."
Reserve this date -- September 8 - and be present.
Invite Weisel descendants that you know who bear other surnames.
11:00 a. M.-MEETING CALLED TO ORDER IN HALL
------------------- By President Oscar W. Weisel
SONG, America (on back page) ---------------Audience
INVOCATION ------------------Rev. Willard A. Kratz
ADDRESS OF WELCOME---------------By the President
BUSINESS SESSION:
Reading of Minutes
Reports of Committees
Report of the Treasurer
Election of Officers
ACCORDION SELECTION --------------Joseph R. Weisel
MEETING SUSPENDED FOR INTRODUCTIONS AND LUNCHEON
1:30 p.m.-MEETING RECALLED TO ORDER-------
-----------------------By the President-elect
PIANO SOLO ---------------------Miss Amanda Weisel
HISTORICAL REPORTS------------Major C. I. Kephart
MONOLOGS----------------------Miss Matilda Cooper
VOCAL SOLO----------------------Miss Pauline Kern
TAP DANCE--------------- Miss Doris Weisel
VOLUNTEER OFFERING FOR THE TREASURY
ADDRESS--------------------------- Willard F. Weisel
VOLUNTEER TALKS* (not over 10 minutes each)
ACCORDION SELECTIONS--------------Joseph R. Weisel
MONOLOGS----------------------Miss Olive Weisel
VIOLIN SOLO---------------------Arthur Swartley, Jr.
SONG, Blest Be the Tie (on back page) -- Audience
BENEDICTION---------------Rev. Willard A. Kratz
*Remarks from members, particularly for the good of the association, such as
suggestions, family history. reminiscences, etc. If you have anything worthwhile
to say, do not hestitate to do so. Items of early family history are especially
deired by the historian, either at the meeting or by mail.
SPECIAL NOTICE
Rain or shine, the reunion will be held, since there is ample space in
the park buildings.
Each family or group may bring its own lunch, but all will eat together
at the tables for sociability. Light lunch, coffee, ice cream, and
soft drinks will be purchasable at the park stands.
After the session, stay as long as you desire and become acquainted with
as many others as the time will permit. Do not wait to be introduced;
introduce yourself.
OFFICERS
President: OSCAR W. WEISEL, 1436 N. 15th Street, Philadelphia, Pa.
Vice Presidents: JOSEPH R. WEISEL, 300 N. Lynn Blvd., Upper Darby, Pa.
Lloyd Weisel, Sellersville, Pa.
JOHN A. WEISEL, Quakertown, Pa.
Secretary: MRS. NORMAN C. (Mabel Weisel) KRATZ, Chalfont, Pa.
Treasurer: REDDEN B. WEISEL, Perkasie, Pa.
Historian: MAJOR CALVIN I. KEPHART, 101 Custis Place, Clarendon, Va.
Chaplain: REV. WILLARD A. KRATZ, Catasauqua, Pa.
Executive Committee: The eight officers and the following:
MISS MARTHA A. WEISEL, 2007 20th St., Altoona, Pa.
ELMER P. WEISEL, 1436 N. 15th Street, Philadelphia, Pa.
WILLIAM F. WEISEL, Bedford, Pa.
at Menlo Park, near Perkasie
Bucks County, Penna.
on Saturday, September 7, 1935
A heavy rainfall diminished to approximately 100 the attendance at the Third Annual Reunion last year, but a good time, good music, and profitable talks were nevertheless enjoyed by the faithful who braved the storm. Let us all come out for the Fourth Reunion on Saturday, September 7, and make it another occasion for congeniality of kinship and the renewal of family ties.
We should know more about those branches of the Bucks County Weisel stock that settled in other parts of the country, such as those who went to Bedford County, Pa., and to western Maryland shortly after 1800. Both had members who were prominent in their community and a credit to their ancestry. The data below relate to the Bedford County lines.
Among the nine children of George Weisel, a soldier of the Revolution, and Anna Mary (Weierbach) Weisel, representing the third generation in America, were (1) Jacob, born February 22, 1754, died April 12, 1839; (2) John (George), born April 5, 1758, died in December, 1844; (3) (John) Peter, born August 10, 1766, died November 6, 1851 ; and (4) John, born September 9, 1768, died December 25, 1864. All migrated to St. Clair twp., Bedford County, not far from Osterburg.
Jacob married Anna Maria (Silvius?), born August 4, 1783, died March 12, 1868, and had four daughters, (1) Mary, born January 9 1809, died August 28, 1875, wife of John Bradley (June 28, 1805-February 24, 1877), children Daniel, Edward, Catherine, and Mary; (2) Susanna, born October 28, 1810, died February 22, 1875, wife of Thomas Allison (February 22, 1807-July 3, 1886), child Robert W.; (3) Catherine (1814-1891) and (4) Sarah (1822-1890), unmarried.
John (George) married (1) Sarah (Pfeil?) and (2) Anna Barbara - and had by Sarah the following children (not necessarily in this order), (1) John (married - Hoover?), (2) David (to Somerset County, Pa.), (3) Abraham (married Elizabeth Mann), (4) James (married Mary Reimund), (5) Philip (married Mary Nycum), (6) Isaac (married Jane Dorsey), (7) Michael (unmarried), (8) Samuel (to Fort Wayne, Indiana), (9) Mary (married Jacob Mechtley), (10) Elizabeth (married Adam Bowers), and (11) Sarah (married a Mechtley).
(John) Peter was unmarried.
John married Margaret Schneider in Bucks County on September 29, 1796, as shown in the Tohickon church records, and their children were (1) Samuel, born 1797 (married Polly Fetters), (2) Jacob, born 1798, died 1839 (married Anna Maria ___), (3) Daniel, born 1801 (married Elizabeth Poff in Wayne County, Ohio, settled in Portland, Indiana), (4) John, born 1803 (married Rebecca Ronce), (5) Susan, born 1805 (married --- Prosser), (6 and 7) Mary and Hannah (died young), (8) Sarah born 1810 (married Daniel Fetters), (9) Rachel born 1812 (married Jacob Walters), ( 10) Rebecca, born 1815 (married John Fickes), (11) Josiah, born 1817 (married Amelia Heller), our secretary's line, and (12) Hester, born 1820 (married Fred Shimer).
John (George's) son John had a son Levi, who went to Ohio. His daughter Eliza married Joseph L. Dougherty.
His son Honorable Abraham Weisel, born December 31, 1801, was an early manager of Bedford Springs and was a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 1841-42. He was an elder in Friend's Cove Reformed Church. Children: Samuel, William, Margaret, Simon Peter, John, Hannah, George, Mary Jane, Henrietta, Abraham, Jr., and Joseph F. Abraham Jr., born February 14, 1844, married Malinda Hartman, and their children include William F., merchant at Bedford, and the late James Harold, a noted musician and composer at Pittsburgh.
Another son, Philip, and his wife Mary (Nycum) had children: Mary Matilda (married (1) Elias Diehl, children Jennie and William, and (2) Samuel Nicodemus, daughter Etta), Sarah Ellen (married John P. Reed, descendant of Montgomery County colonial Riedt family), William (unmarried), Emma (married Biven Middleton), and Henrietta (unmarried).
Another son, Isaac, and his wife Jane (Dorsey) lived near North Baltimore, Ohio. Descendants now reside at Los Angeles, Calif.
Reserve this date-September 7-and be present.
Invite Weisel descendants that you know who bear other surnames.
PROGRAM
11:00 a. m.-MEETING CALLED TO ORDER IN HALL
---------------- By President Joseph R. Weisel
SONG, America (on last page) --------------- Audience
INVOCATION -------------------- Rev. Willard A. Kratz
WORDS OF WELCOME ------------------- By the President
BUSINESS SESSION --------------- Reports of Committee
MUSICAL SELECTIONS ---------------- Kephart Quartette
INTERMISSION FOR INFORMAL LUNCHEON
1:30 P. m. - MEETING RECALLED TO ORDER -----
------------------------------------ By the President
VOCAL SOLO ---------------------- Miss Kathryn Weisel
DRAMATIC PRESENTATION ------------- Otto Kraft Weisel
HISTORICAL REPORT --------------- Major C. I. Kephart
VOLUNTEER OFFERING FOR THE TREASURY
ADDRESS ---------------------------- Willard F. Weisel
Supervising Principal of Schools, Hampton, N. J.
VOLUNTEER TALKS* (Not exceeding 10 minutes each)
MUSICAL SELECTIONS ----------------- Kephart Quartette
MONOLOG ---------------------------- Miss Olive Weisel
SONG, Blest Be the Tie (on last page) ------- Audience
BENEDICTION -------------------- Rev. Willard A. Kratz
*Remarks from members, particularly for the good of the association, such as suggestions, family history, reminiscences, etc. If you have anything worthwhile to say, do not hesitate to do so. Items of early family history are especially desired by the historian, either at the meeting or by mail.
Each family or group may bring its own lunch, but all will eat together at the tables for sociability. Light lunch, coffee, ice cream, and soft drinks will be purchasable at the park stands.
After the session, stay as long as you desire and become acquainted with as many others as the time will permit. Do not wait to be introduced; introduce yourself.
OFFICERS
President: JOSEPH R. WEISEL, 300 N. Lynn Blvd., Upper Darby, Pa.
Vice Presidents: LLOYD WEISEL, Sellersville, Pa.
JOHN A. WEISEL, Quakertown, Pa.
Mrs. Norman C. Kratz, Chalfont, Pa.
Secretary: MISS MARTHA WEISEL, 2007 20th Street, Altoona, Pa.
Treasurer: REDDEN B. WEISEL, Perkasie, Pa.
Historian: MAJOR CALVIN 1. KEPHART, 5th & Highland
Streets North, Clarendon, Va.
Chaplain: REV. WILLARD A. KRATZ, Catasauqua, Pa.
Executive Committee: The officers and the following:
ELMER P. WEISEL, 1436 N. 15th St.) Philadelphia, Pa.
William F. WEISEL, Bedford, Pa.
WILLARD F. WEISEL, Hampton, N. J.
All Related Branches
but Especially of the Descendants of
the Colonial Pioneers
George Michael and Susanna Weisel
who Reached American Shores in 1732
The Committee on Arrangements is looking forward to this year's meeting as the largest and most enjoyable so far. Forest Park, a beautiful picnic grove, has been chosen because of the many advantages not heretofore available. A modern sanitary swimming pool and a few amusements will make the youngsters glad they came, and the location of this park makes it convenient for the Bucks County Weisels as well as the others. Support the plans of the committee by bringing the whole family. Pack a picnic lunch and we will all have a good old Weisel outing.
HISTORY OF THE MARYLAND WEISELS
Brief mention has been made at earlier reunions of the Maryland branch of the Weisel family of Bucks County. It is now fitting that some of the facts of the illustrious group should be made more generally known.
Jacob Weisel, Sr., son of the colonial pioneers, born about 1726, married Ann Margaret (surname not known) early in 1750 and they had the following children.
(1) Frederick, born January 1, 1751, died unmarried at Williamsport, PA, on November 1, 1838; (2) Jacob, Jr., born August 5, 1753; more later; (3) Anna Catherine, born March 18, 1756; died August 18, 1758; (4) John, born July 6, 1758, no further data; (5) George, born January 29, 1761, died June 12, 1835: married Elizabeth Hoenig (Haney) January 18, 1788, born March 18, 1760, died March 8, 1858, descendants around Williamsport, PA; (6) Henry (?): uncertainty as to this name; (7) Daniel, born April 10, 1766; more later; (8) Maria Elizabeth, born July 9, 1769, died September 14, 1840, unmarried, at Williamsport, Penna.In our struggle for independence, Jacob, Sr., served as an Ensign and First Lieutenant, and Frederick as a private in the Bucks County militia, and Jacob, Jr. served as a gunner in Captain Joseph Watkins' 1st Company, Artillery Battalion of Philadelphia. In 1786 the brothers Jacob, Jr., and Daniel migrated to the later-named Williamsport, Maryland, southwest of Hagerstown. Jacob, Jr., died unmarried on October 31, 1812, and was buried there. Daniel associated himself with a Mr. Humrichhouse in the merchandise business there and about 1790 married Margaret Startzman, born September 16, 1773, died July 28, 1817, daughter of Henry and Eve Startzman. Their house was one of the first erected on the banks of the Potomac River in that region. Their children were:
(1) Jacob, born May 2, 1791; (2) Elizabeth, born November 17, 1792: married Daniel Cyester, no issue; (3) George, born January 29, 1796; (4) Sarah, born 1797, married Skipwith Wilson: issue; (5) Mary, born December 6, 1799, unmarried: died April 4, 1846; (6) Daniel, Jr., born January 26, 1803: more below; (7) Margaret, born October 11, 1807: md. Jacob Roth (Rhode) Jr.: issue; (8) Samuel, born May 16, 1810: more below; (9) Susanna, born October 11, 1813: md. Adam Shoop: issue.Daniel Weisel, Jr., was graduated from Princeton College in 1824 and immediately entered the office of Attorney Hoffman at Baltimore. While there he was graduated from the Baltimore Law School. In 1826 he was admitted to the Maryland Bar and the same year married Matilda, daughter of Amos and Sarah Theresa (Williams) Davis, the latter a niece of General Otho Holland Williams. In 1830, with a Mr. Tice, he established the Republican Banner, a Whig newspaper, at Williamsport. His editorials were so able and forcible as to attract widespread attention, including the publishers of the "National Intelligencer". In 1838 they moved to Hagerstown, where he gained a lucrative law practice. From 1847 to 1852 he was Associate Justice of the Judicial District comprising Frederick, Washington, and Allegheny Counties, when by a constitutional change the court was supplanted by the single judge system. In 1861 he was elected Judge of the 4th Judicial Circuit, comprising Washington and Allegheny Counties, and in 1864 became a Judge of the Court of Appeals of the state, going out of office with another constitutional change in the judicial system in 1867. He thereupon resumed private practice.
In 1868 he was Republican candidate for Congress in the 6th District, reducing the normal opposition majority from 2800 to 480. That year he was awarded the honorary degree of LL.D. by his alma mater, Princeton College. In 1872 he was Delegate-at-large from Maryland to the National Republican Convention that nominated Grant and Wilson.
HISTORY of the MARYLAND WEISELS
Judge Weisel was a founder of the Williamsport Bank and its president for many years. His benefactions were numerous and he was an ardent advocate of education. He participated in the promotion and foundation of the Hagerstown Lyceum and the Hagerstown Female Seminary, and also was a member of the Board of Visitors of the Deaf and Dumb Asylum at Frederick.
Judge Weisel died at Hagerstown on September 25, 1880, and was buried in the cemetery of the Trinity Lutheran Church there. Promptly upon his decease the Washington County Bar adopted a resolution eulogizing his distinguished career and his personal character, as set out on page 1126 of J. T. Scharf's History of Western Maryland. He was a man of sturdy independence of character, sincere convictions, and great earnestness of purpose . . . . the personification of gentlemanly bearing and professional courtesy. His portrait will soon be hung among those of the other judges of the Maryland Court of Appeals at Hagerstown. He left no children.
His brother, Dr. Samuel Weisel, was likewise an eminent man. He was graduated in medicine from the University of Maryland at Baltimore in 1832 and was an outstanding surgeon in western Maryland. On November 14, 1837, he married Susan M. Turner. He died on January 26, 1872, and his wife died on December 26, 1898, aged 89 years. A son, Dr. Daniel Weisel, was also an able surgeon, having served in the Medical Corps of the U.S. Army and attained the grade of Captain and Assistant Surgeon. Me was born on August 29, 1838, and died on October 30, 1888. His wife, who was Isabel Waters, died on November 19, 1929. A daughter, Harriet, lives in Washington DC, and a son, Major Edmund T. Weisel, born September 21, 1878, served in the Field Artillery of the U.S. Army. During the World War (I) he was promoted to the temporary grade of Lieutenant-Colonel on General Staff duty. On October 15, 1922, he was retired on physical disability and died (unmarried) on October 31, 1927.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
During the morning session new officers will be elected. Our success is dependent upon their efforts and interest, and their selection is of importance to all of us. Come early and take an active part in the association's business. Invite all Weisel descendants, no matter what their present surname. The new officers, elected during the morning session, will assume office at the beginning of the afternoon session, being introduced by the ex-president.
OFFICERS of Assoc. (1936) President: JOSEPH R. WEISEL, 300 N. Lynn Blvd., Upper Darby, PA Vice presidents: LLOYD WEISEL, Sellersville, PA JOHN A. WEISEL, Quakertown, PA MRS. NORMAN C. KRATZ, Chalfont, PA Secretary: Miss MARTHA WEISEL, 2007 20th Street, Altoona, PA Treasurer: REDDEN B. WEISEL, Perkasie, PA Historian: Major CALVIN I. KEPHART, 3016 Fifth Street N., Arlington, VA Chaplain: Rev. WILLARD A. KRATZ, Catasauqua, PA Executive Committee: The officers and the following: ELMER P. WElSEL, 1436 N. 15th St., Philadelphia, PA WILLIAM F. WEISEL, Bedford, PA (dec'd) WILLARD F. WEISEL, Hampton, NJ PROGRAM MEETING CALLED TO ORDER IN HALL by President Joseph R Weisel SONG: America, by Audience INVOCATION: Rev. Willard A. Kratz WORDS OF WELCOME: by the President BUSINESS SESSION: Reading of the Minutes, Report of Committee, Election of= Officers VOCAL DUET: Mrs. Ada Weisel Kraut, Mrs. Grace Weisel Swartley INTERMISSION FOR GET-TOGETHER LUNCHEON MEETING RECALLED TO ORDER: Chairman Introduction of the President-elect VIOLIN SELECTIONS: Miss Betty Blumenthal TAP DANCE: Miss Doris Weisel REMARKS BY THE HISTORIAN: Maj. C. I. Kephart VOCAL SELECTION: Miss Pauline Kern ADDRESS: F. Courtney Tarr, Professor, Princeton, NJ BANJO SELECTION: Charles Weisel REPORT OF THE TREASURER; TREASURY OFFERING: Redden B. Weisel VOLUNTEER TALKS (not exceeding 10 minutes each) SONG: Blest Be the Tie, Audience BENEDICTION: Rev. Willard A. Kratz