John Beecher ^{1 2 3}

   Other names for John were John Becher, John Beiher, Johann Bicher, John Bicher, Johannes Bucher, John Bucher and Jonnes Büsser.

  General Notes:

John's father is not proven to be an Emanuel Beecher; that name was suggested in a 1929 family history that offered no proof and researchers have been unable to find any evidence Emanuel existed. Further research is needed.

Using Y-DNA testing, we have proven the person you are reading about is related to a number of other Bucher, Bicher, Beecher ancestor lines in the 1700's in Pennsylvania. Some are presented below in the section, "Relatives To Research," but an updated list is found online at http://www.SearchTrees.com/dna listed in the I-001 Family.

If you are a male with surname Beecher, Becher, Bicher, Beacher, Bucher, or variant spelling, you can learn who your earliest ancestor is by participating in our Genealogy Y- DNA Research with a simple two-minute mail-in test. See http://www.searchtrees.com/dna

  Noted events in his life were:

• Alt. Name. His will begins "I John Beecher" but he signs it Johannes Bücher.

• Issue: He had 16 children. ¹

• Military Service, 1778. ⁷ The Artillery Artificers Regiment. This corps, as it was called first, was raised by eh direction of General Washington, in the summer of 1777. Benjamine Flower, formerly Commissary of Military Stores, of the Flying Camp, in 1776, was made Colonel and Commissary of Military Stores. Very few of its records remain. Capt. Jesse Roe's Company was one of the original companies. Companies were stationed at Carlisle and Philadelphia, and their duties were to cast cannon, bore guns and prepare ammunition for the Army.--Constitutional Line, Artillery Artificers. 1777-1779.

• Military Service: during the Revolutionary War, 1778-1779. ⁷ Following in a copy of a letter from U. S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Pensions, received by Mrs. Harry Kennett McAdams, 309 N. Broadway, Lexington, KY. [Ms. McAdams is a descendent.]

"I advise you that form the papers in the Revolutionary War Pension Claim,S. 39982, it appears that John Beecher, or Becher, enlisted in Lebanon, in what was later Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, April, 1788, served as a Private in Captain Meng's Company, Colonel Benjamin Flowers Artillery Artificers Regiment and was discharged April 3, 1779.

"He was allowed a Pension on his application executed November 28, 1818, while a resident of Berne Township, Berks County, Pa., aged over fifty-six years. He died March 22, 1819.

"Soldier's wife, Mary Ann Beecher, died November 11, 1837. Her maiden name and date of marriage not stated.

"In 1854, Jacob Nyswender and Henry Carpenter stated in Columbus, Ohio, that the following were the children and only heirs of said John and Mary Ann Beecher:

"John Beecher, of Berks County, Pa.

"William Beecher and Barbara Nyswender, both of Franklin County, Ohio.

"Margaret Mulliner, of Philadelphia, Pa.

"Benjamin Beecher, Jacob Beecher, and Catherine Paxon, all of Chester Co., Pa.

"Samuel Beecher, of Lancaster Co., Pa.

"Lydia Cook, of Clark Co., Va.

"There is no record in this bureau of land having been granted by the United States, on account of the service of the above named Revolutionary War Soldier, John Beecher, or Becher.

"Respectfully,
Winfield Scott, Commissioner, Rev. and 1812 Wars Section."

• Tax List, 1780, Conestoga Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, USA. ³ A John Beecher appears on the 1780 Tax List for Conestoga Township, Lancaster County with 77 acres, 2 horses, 3 cows, total value £2000.
Also listed is Leonard Albright (weaver), 140 acres, 2 horses, 3 cows, total value at £600. Since John's wife was Mary Ann Albright (Albrecht) Leonard may be her relation.

• Census, 1790, Salisbury Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, USA. ⁸ We cannot located John in the 1790 Census. We have gone page-by-page through these townships: Berks Co: Bern. Lancaster Co: Brecknock, Caernarvon, Cocalico, Earl, Salisbury. The only match within these areas is
the household of Frederick Beacer who is listed with:
Males (born)
16 and older (<=1774) = 3
Under 16 (1775-1790) = 2
Females = 1

• Census, 1800, Churchtown, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, USA. ⁶ A John Bicher is listed in Churchtown in the 1800 Census in Lancaster County in Caernarvon Township. The household included:
Males (born)
Under 10 (1791-1800) = 3 sons
10-15 (1785-1790) = 2 sons
26-44 (1756-1774) = 1 father John
Females (born)
Under 10 (1791-1800) = 2 daughters
10-15 (1785-1790) = 2 daughters
26-44 (1756-1774) = 1 wife

This is the only John found in the Census anywhere near New Holland where we know John Bucher/Bicher was attending church in 1803.

• Church, 9 Nov 1800, New Holland: Trinity Lutheran Church, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, USA. ⁵ The communion record shows a Johann and Maria Bicher with a bracket joining them. In 1803, we again see a Johann and Maria with a bracket in another list, this time with daughter Elizabeth as the next person. She had been confirmed earlier in 1799 as well. After 1803, we do not see any records for John and Mary Bicher's family in this church, a suggestion that they moved away from this area.

• Census, 1810, Bern Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania, USA. ⁴ The household of John Beiher is listed in 1810 in Bern Township with:
Males (born)
Under 10 (1801-1810) = 2 sons (William & Benjamin)
26-44 (1766-1784) = 1 father John
Females (born)
Under 10 (1801-1810) = 1 daughter (Lydia)
16-25 (1785-1794) = 1 wife

Neighbors are surnames Witman/Wetman; Klein; Machemer. This Beiher is the only Beecher-like surname found in all of Bern Township after a page-by-page review.

• Will, 10 Aug 1818, Bern Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania, USA. ² An abstract of John Beecher's will:

BEECHER, JOHN, Bern. August 10, 1818 - March 8, 1819. Provides for wife. Executors to sell plantation and tanyard in Bern, 56 acres. To dau. Lydia £25 when of age. Remainder after wife's decease to 6 sons, viz: Samuel, John, George, Jacob, William and Benjamin, and to daus. Elizabeth wife of George Segner, Catharine wife of Jonathan Paxson, Margaretha wife of Mulloner, Magdalena wife of Thomas Russell and Barbara wife of Michael Neuschwender 5 shillings each. Exrs: Son George and friend John V. Epler. Letters to Epler, the son renouncing. Witnesses: Adam Koch and Michael Seidel.

• Will, 10 Aug 1818, Bern Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania, USA. ²
In the Name of God Amen. I John Beecher of Bern Township, Berks County, Yeoman, being sick but of sound mind, memory and understanding, considering the mortality of my body, and knowing it is appointed for all men once to die, do therefore make this my last Will & Testament in manner following, that is to say

First It is my Will and I do order. That my beloved wife Mary shall have and keep in her possession, during her natural life, my chest, the best bed & bedstead amongst my beds, a ten plate stove with pipe, one table, four of the best chairs, one spinning wheel and wool, the best cow of my stock All the yarn linen & woolen flax and tow linens, and all the woolen cloth which I may have at home or in the hands of the weavers, at and after my decease; one hundred weight of meat (if so much shall be left) if not all that remains in my possessions at my decease as also all the meal rye & wheat that shall be left together with four bags, and all my German prayer and Hymboocks and Beibles. And as much Kitchen furniture as she shall want for her life. All the remainder of my Personal Estate (except for one other cow and one hog hereinafter devised & bequeathed) shall be sold by my Executors hereinafter named at Publick Sale.

Item. It is my will and I do order. That my Executors herein after named Shall within six month after my decease sell at publick sale all my Messuage & Tenement of Land together with A Tanyard thereon errected. Situate in Bern Township aforesaid bounded by Lands of John Bitnor, Adam Koch, John Althause, George Schild & Magdalena Alwine & others Containing fifty six Acres be the same more or less, to wit what is in the lines and limits thereof, hereby empowering my Executors hereinafter named to sign seal and acknowledge a Deed to the purchaser or purchasers thereof to his or their Heirs and Assigns for Ever as to best such an Estate in him or them as I know have & hold for the same.

Item. It is my Will and I do order. That after first paying out of the monies arising from the sale of my Real and Personal Estate All my Just debts & funeral expenses and reserving twenty five pounds hereinafter bequeathed to my daughter Lidia, the remainder if any, Shall be paid unto my beloved wife Mary who shall have and keep the same in her possession for her own use & support during her natural life.

Item. It is my Will and I do order. That the money which shall remain in the Hands of my wife Mary after her decease as well as the proceeds from the sale of the personal property hereinbefore bequeathed to her, after first paying & deducting all her just debts & funeral expenses out of the same, the remainder shall be divided equally share and share alike between my six Sons to wit: Samuel, John, George, Jacob, William & Benjamin.

Item. I give and bequeath unto my daughter Lidia one cow and one hog (herein before reserved) the same which she now owns, and twenty five pounds (heretofore reserved) in Cassh to be her full share portion and dividend of all my Real & personal Estate which said twenty five pounds shall remain in the hands of my Executors untill she shall become of Age who shall put and from time to time keep the same out at Interest and good security the Interest whereof my said daughter Lidia shall receive yearly and every year as long as she shall be in her minority and as soon as she shall arrive at the age of Twenty one years then my Executors shall pay the aforesaid Sum of Twnety five pounds unto her.

Item. I give and bequeath unto my five daughters viz Elisabeth intermarried with George Segner, Catharine intermarried with Jonathan Paxson, Margaretha intermarried with Mulloner, Magdalena intermarried with Thomsas Russel and Barbarra intermarried with Michael Neuschwender, the Sum of five Shillings each to be their of them in full of their Inheritance out of my Estate, both Real and Personal as I have considerably advanced them in my lifetime.

And lastly I do hereby nominate and Appoint my said Son George Beecher, and trusty friend John V. Epler, Executors of this my last Will and Testament hereby making Null and void all former and other last wills and testaments, by me made heretofore; ratifying and allowing this and no other to be my last Will and Testament.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal the Tenth day of August in the Year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighteen.

Jonnes Büsser

Signed, Sealed, published and declared by the Said Testator as and for his Last will and Testament in the presence of us, who at his request, and in his presence of us, who at his request, and in his presence, and in the presence of each other subscribed our names hereto as witness.

Michael Seidel (SIGNATURE)
Adam Koch (SIGNATURE)

Registers Office, Reading Berks County March 8^th 1819
There appeared Adam Koch and on the 15^th of the same month appeared Michael Seidel, Witnesses to the afore written will who were duly qualified according to Law, did Declare & Say: That they were present and did see and hear John Bicher the Testator, Sign, publish pronounce & declare the Same Writing as and for his last Will and Testament: And at the time of the doing thereof, he the Said Testator was of sound mind memory & understanding to the best of their knowledge and as the Verily believe. And further, That the names Adam Koch and Michael Seidle are of the Deponants own Hand Writing thereto subscribed as Witnesses in the Presents of each other and in the presents and at the request of the Teststor.
Sam Feather, Reg.

Notes: "Messuage" is an archaic legal word meaning "house with its land and outbuildings." John's signature is written freely and subject to much interpretation, but there are no ascending letters that appear as an "h" in either his given or surname. We have represented it as it appears to the eye: Jonnes Büsser.

• Alt. Death, Bef 8 Mar 1819, Bern Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania, USA. The date on his will may indicate he died prior to 8 Mar 1819. Further research is needed.

• Book: Kentucky Pioneer and Court Records, 1929. ¹ Background: In 1929 Mrs. Harry Kennett McAdams published a book, "Kentucky Pioneer and Court Records," and included in it some family histories, in particular two on her own ancestors, John Beecher, and his wife's Albrecht family.

Family history was passed in the form of stories from Lydia Beecher (born 1805 to John Beecher and Mary Ann Albrecht) to her granddaughter Annie Laurie Wilson, along with recollections of direct descendent and Mrs. McAdam's cousin, Dr. Abraham C. W. Beecher (1844-1900), who is found at http://www.SearchTrees.com/tree/4487.htm . Some of the info presented may be family tales that are or are not true.

The book names Emanuel Beecher as the father of John Beecher (1759-1818) but offers no proof, so this conclusion was likely drawn from family memories alone. Later researchers have been unable to find any evidence that an older Emanuel Beecher, Becher, Bicher, or Bucher existed near Lancaster or Berks Counties in Pennsylvania. There was a younger Emanuel Becher who could be the son of an older Emanuel, and some of his descendants do use surname Beecher. See the section "Relatives To Research" for his details.

The above are thoughts of researcher Jonathan Beacher. Following is the account of the family of Emanuel Beecher exactly as printed in Mrs. McAdam's book:

EMANUEL BEECHER HISTORY (Pennsylvania, Kentucky and Ohio) Compiled by descendants: Dr. A. C. Beecher in Philadelphia, and A. L. Wilson and sister, Mrs. B. K. McAdams, in Kentucky

Emanuel Beecher was born and married in Germany. The names of his two wives are not known. They were buried in Lancaster County, Pa. Dates of birth, marriage, emigration and death are unknown.

(Rupp's list of 30,000 names of Immigrants, gives one, "Immanuel Bager, Aug. 81, 1750-Ship Nancy, from Rotterdam, last from Cowes, landing at Philadelphia. This may be the German spelling of the name, as the two dots over the A makes an "E" sound, but we have no proof of this.)

Emanuel and first wife had one son, Henry, and two daughters. By his second wife two daughters (one of whom married a Mr. Loush), and four sons: Jacob Beecher who died at the age of 70, had two children; Peter Beecher, who died at the age of 92, in 1857, had four children: John Beecher (our ancestor)-Born Apr. 13, 1759; died Mch. 22, 1819; had 16 children; Benjamin Beecher died in 1841 at the age of 60; had four children.

John Beecher, son of Emanuel-Born Apr. 13, 1759; died March 22, 1819, and was buried at Eplers Church, near Reading, Burks County, Pa. He married on Apr. 18, 1778, Mary Ann Albert (or Albrecht), daughter of George and Mary Albert. John Beecher was a private in Col. Flowers Regiment, and was in a company of soldiers being formed In front of the house of John Adams (later President of the U. S.); Mary Ann Albert was on the porch of this house during this time. She and John Beecher were married, either on the porch or in the house of John Adams. The soldiers from the street formed a lane with their swords for the couple to walk under. Immediately after the ceremony John marched with the company to Vaile Forge; he was 19 years old that day. (See Albert history.) Mary stayed for some time with Mrs. Adams, and went with her to Valley Forge to care for the soldiers.

Mary Ann Albert was born near Adamstown, Lancaster Co., Pa., on Dec. 3, 1755; died Nov. 11, 1837, and was buried at Piquea, Lancaster County, Pa. All of this family were Lutherans.

Copy of letter from U. S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Pensions, received by Mrs. H. K. McAdams, 309 N. Broadway, Lexington, Ky.

"I advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War Pension Claim, S. 89982, it appears that John Beecher, or Becher, enlisted In Lebanon, in what was later Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, April, 1778, served as a Private in Captain Meng's Company, Colonel Benjamin Flowers Artillery Artificers Regiment and was discharged April 3, 1779.

"He was allowed a Pension on his application executed November 28, 1818, while a resident of Berne Township, Berks County, Pa., aged over fifty-six years. He died March 22, 1819.

"Soldier's wife, Mary Ann Beecher, died November 11, 1837. Her maiden name and date of marriage not stated.

"In 1854, Jacob Nyswender and Henry Carpenter stated in Columbus, Ohio, that the following were the children and only heirs of said John and Mary Ann Beecher:
"John Beecher, of Berks County, Pa.
"William Beecher and Barbara Nyswender, both of Franklin County, Ohio.
"Margaret Mulliner, of Philadelphia, Pa.
"Benjamin Beecher, Jacob Beecher and Catherine Paxon, all of Chester Co., Pa.
"Samuel Beecher, of Lancaster Co., Pa.
"Lydia Cook, of Clark Co., Va.

"There is no record In this bureau of land having been granted by the United States, on account of the service of the above named Revolutionary War Soldier, John Beecher, or Becher.

"Respectfully, "Winfield Scott, Commissioner, "Rev. and 1812 Wars Section."

Fifth Ser. Vol. 111, Page 1085 Pa. Archives, says: The Artillery Artificers Regiment. This Corps, as it was called first, was raised by the direction of General Washington, in the summer of 1777. Benamine Flower, formerly Commissary of Mffitary Stores, of the Flying Camp, in 1776, was made Colonel and Commissary of Military Stores. Very few of its records remain. Capt. Jesse Roe's Company was one of the original Companies. Companies were stationed at Carlisle and Philadelphia, and their duties were to cast cannon, bore guns and prepare ammunition for the Army.-Constitutional Line, Artillery Artificers. 1777-1779.

Children of John and Mary Ann (Albert) Beecher:
1, 2 and 3 died infants.
4. Betsy Beecher married Mr. Sagner, of near Columbus, Ohio. She died, aged 45, and had 13 of her own children at her funeral.
5. Catherine married Mr. Paxon, Chester Co., Pa.; died, aged 71; had 14 children.
6. Samuel married; lived at Lancaster, Pa.; had 7 or 8 children; died, aged 85 years.
7. Polly married Thomas Russell; died, aged 71; had 14 children.
8. John married; lived Berks Co., Pa.; died, aged 71; had three children.
9. George married; died, aged 40; had 5 children.
10. Peggy married Mr. Mulliner; died, aged 71; had one daughter. Lived at Philadelphia, Pa.
11. Barbara-Born Mch. 10, 1794; died Oct. 1, 1879; married June 11, 1811, at Reading, Pa. Married Michael Nyswender (also spelled Neiswender). He was born June 19, 1791; died Dec. 12, 1858. Lived Franklin Co., Ohio. They had 12 children. Buried on Fred Neiswender farm, later moved to Lutheran Church yard.
12. Jacob married Catherine Brown, his cousin. He died 1883. Had 9 children. They lived Chester Co., Pa.
13. Isaac-Died infant.
14. William married Julia Carpenter (of Pa.); lived near Columbus, Ohio. Had 6 children.
15. Benjamin married; lived Chester Co., Pa. Born 1797; had 6 children.
16. Lydia (our ancestor) married Stephen Cook; born 1805; died, aged 80, in 1885. Had 12 children. She was not 17 years old when married, and was born in her mother's 50th year, and Benjamin was 8 years old. Married in New Holland, Lancaster Co., Pa., by Rev. Peter Philbert. Both buried in Cynthiana, Ky.

• Relatives To Research. Our Y-DNA testing is proving that many 1700's ancestors in south central Pennsylvania are related even though they had these different surnames: Becher, Bicher, Beecher, Beacher, and Bucher.

Following are related ancestors that we cannot connect into one tree yet.

Engel Bucher died in 1778 in Cocalico Township, Lancaster Co. Circa 1800 his descendants use surname Bicher (and some still do today) but by the mid 1800's most switch to Beecher or Beacher. http://www.searchtrees.com/tree/425.htm

Henry Buecher (Bucher) died in 1795 and is likely born about the same time as Engel. He could be the Johan Heinrich Bucher listed next to Johan Engel Bucher on the ship Neptune in 1751. All of his later descendents use surname Beecher. His tree: http://www.searchtrees.com/tree/8597.htm

John Beecher (1757-1842) lived in Adams County and Y-DNA tests prove he is related in some way to Engel, but cannot be his son (who is another John in Lancaster Co.) Found in early records as Bucher and by 1800 as Beecher, this John is believed to be a son on Henry above. http://www.searchtrees.com/tree/3276.htm

John Beecher (1759-1818) is Beecher on his tombstone but signed his will Johannes Bucher and lived nearby in Lancaster County. Y-DNA testing has proven he is related in some way to Engel. All of his later descendants use surname Beecher, although early records show Becher. http://www.searchtrees.com/tree/4327.htm

John Bicher (1791-1847) is buried in Muddy Creek Lutheran Church where Engel's records are also found. Y-DNA testing proves he is related to Engel, and is likely his grandson. His descendents still use surname Bicher and live today in Lebanon, Lancaster and Berks counties. http://www.searchtrees.com/tree/2254.htm

Emanuel Becher (1776-1868) Found in the records at Trinity Lutheran Church in New Holland, Lancaster Co. PA at the same time as the records for children of John Beecher b.1759 and Engel Bucher d.1788. Many of Emanuel's descendants use surname Beecher, some use Becher today. A 1929 history written about John Beecher b.1759 mentions his father is an older Emanuel Beecher, and this could be that Emanuel's son. http://www.searchtrees.com/tree/4462.htm

Peter Biesser (1730-1791) is in the Muddy Creek Lutheran Church records where Engel is also found. He is old enough to be Engel's brother. http://www.searchtrees.com/tree/12017.htm

Peter Bicher (1765-1858) lived in Adamstown, Lancaster County near other known relatives. We do not know who his father is. http://www.searchtrees.com/tree/3202.htm

William Beaker is listed in the 1790 Census in Lancaster County, without children so he could be very old and a brother of Engel, or young and a grandson or son who hadn't started his family. http://www.searchtrees.com/tree/8944.htm

Benjamin Beecher (c.1766 - 1841) is likely the brother of John Beecher b.1759 who married Albrecht. Benjamin is found one census page before John in 1800 in Caernarvon Township living adjacent to the Neiswender and Segner families who marry John's son/daughter. Benajmin also is baptizing children at the same time as John at both Trinity Lutheran in New Holland and in Rev. Illing's register. http://www.searchtrees.com/tree/2280.htm

Benjamin Bicher (1797-1876) This Benjamin lived in South Lebanon Twp. near the Lancaster border. We know about three sons: John, Benjamin, George. Probably a grandson of Engel Bucher, since his son Jacob also went to Lebanon? Descendants in this line use surnames Bicher, Biecher, and Beecher. http://www.searchtrees.com/tree/2402.htm

William Beecher. At First Reformed Church, Lancaster County this William Beecher and wife Maria baptize Jacob b. Feb 1800 and Anna Maria b. 28 Dec 1804. Both children die young. William was likely born circa 1760-70 and could be a son of Engel or John Beecher b.1759. http://www.searchtrees.com/tree/7983.htm

Y-DNA testing has proven the above family line is not related to other Lancaster County lines including:
Hans Bucher of Cocalico Township, Lancaster Co. http://www.searchtrees.com/tree/2196.htm
Hans Martin Bucher of Donegal Township, Lancaster Co. http://www.searchtrees.com/tree/2228.htm
Peter/Martin/John Bucher of Hanover Township, today's Lebanon Co. http://www.searchtrees.com/tree/2222.htm
Nicholas Bucher of York and Adams Co. http://www.searchtrees.com/tree/2934.htm

John married Mary Ann Albrecht, daughter of George Albrecht and Mary, on 13 Apr 1778.¹ (Mary Ann Albrecht was born about 1762 in , Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, USA,⁹ died on 5 Jan 1834 in Salisbury Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, USA ⁹ and was buried in Salisbury Township: Pequea Church, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, USA ¹.)