The Descendants of Johann Valentin Grosch

The Descendants of Johann Valentin Grosch Daniel S. Groscht A MONG THE MANY Germans fleeing the Palatinate to enter into William Penn's "Holy Experiment" was Johann Valentin Grosch, a native of Eichloch, his wife Barbara, and the five children "remaining to them." The family traveled to Rotterdam, where they took ship in the Loyal Judith, James Cowey, Master, bound for Philadelphia. After a stop-over in Cowes, England, the ship arrived safely and the passengers were qualified on 2 September 1743. Two of the children were indentured as "Redemptioners" to aid in paying for the family's passage. Johann Valentin was the fourth son born 6 January 1706 to Wilhelm Grosch and Margaretha Schmall. This couple's marriage is recorded on 7 January 1698 in the oldest church book extant for the old Palatinate village of Eichloch. The sponsors at the baby's baptism were Johann Schmall and Valentin Weiskopf which may explain the origin of the names given him. In 1728 Valentin married Barbara Sandmann (b. 1708) in nearby Schornsheim, her native village; and here was born their first child, a daughter named Maria Appalonia in 1729. There followed a daughter that one tradition suggests was named Anna Felicitas, sons Philip and John, daughters Felicitas (Phillitz) and Maria Margaret and two deceased children Anna Katharine, and Johann Michael Grosch. They took title to 100 acres of land in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania on credit from the government. Housing was built of hickory logs. In 1749, Johann Valentin Grosch joined the Warwick Moravian congregation as a charter member. He served as its first chief sacristan and for years as its steward. When the Warwick and Lititz congregations united in 1759 he continued as chief sacristan for what came to t Daniel S. Grosch is Professor, Genetics Department of North Carolina State University and interested in Moravian history. His files on the family are based primarily upon the unpublished loose leaf notebook compiled by Horace Eugene Grosch (1859-1944) of Lititz., Pa. and now on deposit in the Moravian Archives, Bethlehem, Pa. Wills, census and church records supplement results of his own investigations. His paper covers primarily people born before 1850. 297 298 The Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine be known as the Lititz congregation. In 1764, when he moved into Lititz he was appointed to an additional post, curator of the Sister's Choir. On 15 April 1771, Johann Valentin Grosch was stricken with paralysis and died on April 17, without regaining consciousness. His wife Barbara died 15 March 1793. According to the Moravian Church records they had twelve children, but the father names only eight in his will. Lititz church records say the couple "came to Pennsylvania with the five children remaining to them." Of those born before 1743, two of the deceased children were Anna Katharine 1739-1740, and Johann Michael Grosch, died in infancy in 1743. One tradition names ,an earlier Anna Felicitas who died. Three dead babies would explain the gaps in the reproductive pattern up to 1743. Loss of another child after 1743 is consistent with family tradition, but there is no consensus on its name. In the absence of documentary evidence, the Elizabeth Grosch who married John Nixdorf or Nixdorf in 1771 is not included in Valentin's family. There were other Colonial Grosch families to which she could belong. Although J. Valentin Grosch and three of his sons were prolific, it cannot be assumed that all Grosch/Grosh lines trace back to him. A younger brother, Johann Conrad Grosch (Born 1712) and wife Maria Sophia Gutenberger arrived in Philadelphia in 1748 and settled in Frederick, Maryland to start a southern branch of the family. A Peter Grosch, arriving in Philadelphia in 1764, may have been a son of J. Conrad born in 1741 in Eichloch. Further complications arise from the Christopher de Grush family arriving in Lititz, Pennsylvania from Holland in 1735. This Christopher and wife Kristina Elbe had four sons named Philip, John, David and Christopher, Jr., common names that occur also among the descendants of J. Valentin Grosch. in addition, several immigrants during the last century have brought anew the Grosch name into the United States.t t The name Grosch, plural Groschen comes from the Latin grossus, meaning thick as in denarius grossus. The historical record goes back to coins first issued in Tours by Si. Louis (Ludwig IX) in 1266. Wencetaus II of Bohemia copied them at Prague about 1300. Dr. J. David Bishop, Professor Emeritus of Wheaton College Mass. suggests that it was Slavic phonetics that converted the latin grossus to the gemianic Grosch. The short German "o" dictated by the three subsequent consonants is pronounced like a "u" in the English word rush. Indeed in Turkey the spelling was Grusch, and J. A. Michener in his The Source (1965 Random House Inc.) used Brush for a coin circulated in most European and Near Eastern countries in the 15th century. Further, in the Swiss Grisons there is a town named Grasch. The Descendants ofJohann Valentin Grosch Children of I Valentin and Barbara (Sandnaann) Grosch: la Mary Appolonia, b. 1729, d. 17 Aug. 1810 and married on 25 August 1755 Christian Eggart, gardner and weaver who had returned from missionary work in Berbice, South America. lie was 41 and no children are recorded in the Moravian records. They resided in Bathabara, N.C. on 21 December 1767, when her father made his will. Christian died in Bethlehem on 15 April 1780. 2. Child, prob. named Anna Felicitas, d.y. Philip, b. 1732. 4.+ John, b. 1734. 5. Felicitas (Phillit2), b. 1736, d. 24 November 1777, marred first Erhard Heckedon, and secondly Gottfried Aust, potter at Bethabara and Salem, N.C. She served as a diener in the Bethabara congregation and from 1772 until her death she was the "general sick nurse" for the Salem Moravians, No adult children have been identified. Although he married twice after Fdicitas died it appears that the Aust name was perpetuated by a family that arrive from Europe via Charleston, and. thence to Salem. I. Johann Gottfried Aust (1766-1787), a frail only son died without issue. 6. Maria Margaret, b. 4 April 1-737, d. 27 October 1791, married at Lititz 16 November 1773 John Becker (his family name was Knecht), a baker who kept the Lititz congregation store for many years. He was b. 1722 and died 7 December 1804. They had two sons: i. John Leonhard, in Northampton County in 1804 when his father wrote his will, and later moved to Plymouth in Luzerne County, Pa. ii. a boy, who died before his mother. 7. Anna Katharine, b. Eichloch, Germany 1739 and died there 1740. Johann Michael Grosch, died in infancy 1743, Eichloch, Germany. 9. Andreas, b. 1745; Pa.; m. 22 August 1769 Anna Elizabeth Ratvon (Ratbon) by brother Langgaard in Bethlehem, Pa. They moved to Bethabara, N.C. No further record. 10. Eva Barbara, b. Hempfield Twp., Lancaster Co., Pa. 21 September 1746, d. 3 June 1790 Warwick Twp. Lancaster Co. She married at Lititz 14 December 1772 Daniel Christ, son of Christian and Maria Catharine (Berchtol) Christ, b. near Manheim, in the Palatinate 1744, and died 23 November 1815, Warwick. He was a linen weaver. They had five children: i. Christian, b. 7 November 1773 Lititz; m. 13 May 1810 Anna julianna Christ, dau. of Peter Christ, tawer, who moved to Nazareth. He d. 19 June 1828 and was survived by three children: (a) Carolina Elizabeth, (b) Peter Augustus, and (c) Francis William. He served the Lititz congregation many years in the Warden's College and as chief "saal-diener." ii. John. Maria Catharine, b. ca. 1781, d. ca. 1827, married Jacob Blum, merchant of Salem, N.C. iv. -child, name unknown. v. Susanna Magdalena, b. 19 January 1783 and d. 19 November 1845, m. Jacob Rock, Lititz tailor. They are listed in the 1810 Census with 2 sons and 2 daughters. 299 300 The Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine Daniel Christ m. 2nd ca. 1790 Anna Maria Kleinmann. who bore him five children: Julianna, b. 1791, m. Jacob Grider, shoemaker; Anna Sophia, Matthew who lived in -Lititz, played the French Horn and alto trombone in the church music, and two children not named in church records. 11.+ Christopher, b. 12 January 1749. 12. unknown child. SECOND GENERATION 3. Philip Grosch, son of Johann Valentin, was born 1732 in Eichloch and brought to America by his parents in 1743. On August 10, 1762, he married Anna Margaret Rank, (b. 1740, d. 24 Feb. 1818), daughter of John Michael and Barbara Rank. The Ranc family, prominent in the French protestant church, came from Alsace. Philip, a shoemaker and farmer in Hampfield Township, Lancsaster County, Pa., died 24 Feb. 1812. Children of Philip and Anna Margaret (Ranc) Grosch: 13.+ Matthias, b. 27 Aug. 1764, d. 1831. 14.+ John, b. 1766, d. 1849. 15.-1- Samuel, b. 1768, d. 1850. 16. Maria Margaret, b. 1770, d. 1776 of smallpox, ae 6 yrs. 17.+ Christian, b. 27 Jan. 1772, d. 1847. 18.+ Peter, b. 6 Aug. 1774, d. 9 Jan. 1839. 19. Rosina, b. 1776, m. John Shreiner. 20. Michael, b. 1778, d. Geofge, b. 1780, d. 1841? 4. John Grosch was born in Eichloch, 2 Feb. 1734 and died 1 July 1808 Lititz, Pa. His first marriage was to Barbara Bort (17414781) by whom he had six children. His second marriage to Margaret (Fried) Schenck (1734-1795) took place on 29 Sept. 1782. She was the widow of George Schenck by whom she had thirteen children. John's third marriage on 12 July 1796 was to Maria (Fischer) Jansen (1737-1816). He resided on land inherited from his father to which he added additional land, all in Hempfield Twp., Lancaster Co. Although a farmer, he is listed as a charter member of the Julianna Library in Lancaster 22 Oct. 1763. His first wife died of consumption and is buried with their two young children in St. James Cemetery, Warwick Twp. Children of John and Barbara (Bort) Grosch: 22. 23. Mary Magdalena, b. 1765, d. 16 Feb. 1814; mist at Lititz 29 Nov. 1785 to Michael Gottfried Kreiter, son of Peter and Anna Maria Kreiter; by whom she had five children: John, Jacob, George Michael, Gottfried and a posthumous child, Michael. Her second husband was Rev. John Martin Beck, a widower, born 29 Sept. 1746 in Schafbausen, Switzerland, oldest son of Alexander Beck and wife Barbara Schnetzler. John Christian, b. 1767, d. 1770. The Descendants of Johann Valentin Grosch 301 Elizabeth, b. ca. 1769; m. 20 Aug. 1800 John Christ, tinker, of Nazareth, Pa. 25. Gottfried, b. 1771, d. 1771 in infancy. 26.+ (John) Daniel, b. 1774. 27.4- (John) Jacob, b. 1776. 24. 11. Christopher Grosch, son of Johann Valentin, was born 12 Jan. 1749 in Hempfield Twp., and died 16 April 1829. He was buried in a family farm cemetery, but in 1907 the bodies there were moved to Ranks Church Cemetery in East Earl Twp., Lancaster Co. On 15 March 1769 he married "Mary" Anna Maria Rank, b. 4 Dec. 1751 and died 4 Jan. 1837, sister of Anna Margaret Rank, his brother Philip's wife. The father of these sisters was John Michael Rank (17011778) of the French protestant church family Ranck or Ranc. He arrived in America in 1728 and settled in New Holland, Lancaster Co., Pa. Christopher was an original trustee of the school built at New Holland on the Hinkletown Road in 1786, and spoke at its dedication. Also he was instrumental in founding the United Brethren in Christ Church, which at first met in a large room on the second floor of his home. For many years this was the only place in the locality for public worship. Christopher served as the first pastor of a congregation which continued to meet in the house even after his death. The farm became known as the Weidman Farm after a son-in-law Daniel Weidman. Finally in 1844 the first meeting house was built at Ranck's. Christopher participated in the legislative conference of the United Brethren, and served as chairman of the 1813 meeting in the home of Christian Hershey. In 1813 he prepared the copies of discipline presented to the annual conference at Hagerstown, Md.f Children of Christopher and Mary (Ranc) Grosch: 28.-I- Philip, b. ca. 1771, d. 1849. 29. Barbara, b. 1773, d. before 1746; rn. Charles Hauk (also Haag and Hawk) and had children Jonathan and Christian. 30. David, b. 19 Feb. 1776; d. 11 Feb. 1849, Earl Twp., intestate, unm. 31. Mary, b. 9 Dec. 1777, d. 26' Feb. 1858, unm. 32. Catharine, b. 21 Oct. 1779, d. 15 Aug. 1851, unm. 33. Margaret, b. ca. 1782, d. before 1E146, m. Christian Dundore (Dundo); had five children: Jonathan, Emanuel, Eli (Elias), Joel and Eliza Hassler. 34.-I- John, b. ca. 1784, d. $Mar. t817. 35. Susanna, b. 28 July 1787, d. 30 April )870; m. Daniel Weidman (1790-1876); had seven children; Mary (m. David Ranck), Catharine (m. Isaac Saunders), David, Gideon, Elizabeth (rn. John Ranck}, Susanna (m. James Davis), and Lucetta (rn. Hammond). t M. G. Weaver, A Histog of New Holland, Pa., publ. New Holland'Clarion. 302 The Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine 36. 37. Elizabeth, b. ca. 1789, d. 11 Nov. 1845, unm. Christian, b. 25 Dec. 1789, d. Mar. 1810. THIRD GENERATION 13. Mathias or Matthew Grosch was born 27 Aug. 1764; and died 19 Dec. 1831. At the time of his death he was a cordwainer living in Mechanicsville, East Hempfield Twp., Lancaster Co. He is listed as a Private 8th Class in the Pa. Militia 1785 according to the State Archives. He m. 14 June 1791 at Lititz to Veronica Lehn (Lane) born 12 Jan. 1770 and died 14 March 1836. Both are buried in the Grosch Cemetery. Children of Mathias and Veronica (Lehn) Grosch: 38.-1- Peter Lehn, b. 1798, d. 1859. 39. William G., b. 1802, m. Elizabeth Capp; he was a tailor in Lititz; no children, but adopted one girl. Daniel, b. 1806, d. 1872. 14. John Grosch, son of Philip, was b. 1766 in Hempfield Twp., and died 6 Feb. 1849. He married Catharine Schreiner, daughter of George and Barbara Schreiner, who was born 1756 and died in 1844. He was a farmer in East Hempfield Twp. Children of John and Catharine (Schreiner) Grosch: 41.+ Samuel S., b. 1795. 42. Margaret, b. ca. 1797, m. Philip Lauich. 43. Sarah, b. ca. 1799, m. Samuel Cohick. 44. Susanna, b. 25 Dec. 1801, d. 17 Jan. 1877, m. Francis Delia (18061878). and 45. John E., b. 16 June 1804, d. 26 June 1850, m. Mary moved West. 15. Samuel Grosch or Grosh,f son of Philip, was born 14 May 1768 and died 12 July 1850. He kept the community store in Lititz for many years and filled various offices in the Moravian Church. A prominent, progressive citizen, he served the 1883 term in the State Legislature. So confident of re-election, he refused the gift of a goose; but he was not elected again. His riding suit had padded legs. Sometimes the padding slipped which gave him a peculiar appearance. The portraits of Samuel and his wife, painted by his nephew, Peter Lehn Grosh, hang in the Lititz museum. On 2 Oct. 1798, Samuel married Anna Regina Schoenlein, daughter of Leonard and Margaret (Fertig) Schoenlein, b. 20 July 1775 and died without issue 5 Mar. 1848. They adopted Catharine G. Sheed, daughter of George William and Christiana Sheed, of Philadelphia. t Samuel was one of the first members in the family to adopt the shorter spelling "Grosh". The pronounciation remains "as if spelled Grush". The Descendants of Johann Valentin Grosch 303 She served as a teacher in Linden Hail Seminary, m. 3 Jan. 1826 George David Thomas, and died 27 Dec. 1874. Samuel's will specified money to be applied toward a larger bell for the Moravian Church belfry. This 600-pound bell fell 107 years later during the disastrous 1957 fire. The cracked bell was recast into 1000 hand bells. 17. Christian Grosh, son of Philip, was born 27 Jan. 1772 and died 8 Jan. 1847. He married Susanna Rusing, daughter of Bernard Rusing, of Chestnut Hill in Hernpfield Twp. She was born 30 May 1777 and died 1860. They resided in Manor Township, Lancaster Co. where he was a farmer. Children of Christian and Susanna (Rusing) Grosh: 46. John, b. 20 Dec. 1799, d. Manor Twp. 11 May 1894, unm. Jacob, b. 17 Mar. 1801. 48.1- Michael, b. 16 Mar. 1803. 49. Henry, b. 21 Nov. 1805, d. 1878; was a fanner in Manor Twp. He is said to have married and resided awhile in Marrietta. His wife died early, leaving no children„ after which he resided with his mother Susan and later , with his brother "Barnet" (Bernhard). 50. Samuel, b. 12 May 1808, m. Catharine but had no children. He was a blacksmith and together with his brother Henry, and William Nies, manufactured wagons, carriages, etc. in Lititz. 51. Bernhard, b. 16 June 1811, d. 30 Dec. 1889, farmer in Manor Twp., unm. 52. George T., b. 13 Sept. 1813, d. ca. 1897; m. Mrs. Frances Carson, widow, who d. 13 Oct. 1891, no children. They resided in Florin, East Donegal Twp. 53. Elizabeth C., b. 22 Sept. 1816, d. 25 July 1897, unm. She resided in Manor Twp. and at death remembers the Minister and Lutheran Church of Millersville, Pa. in her will. 54. Susanna M., b. 11 June 1820, was living in 1894 when brother John wrote his will; was unm. 18. Peter Grosch or Grosh, son of Philip, was born 6 Aug. 1774 and died 9 Jan. 1839, a yeoman of Warwick Twp., obtained 85 acres of his father's land for a price when Philip's will was executed 30 Aug. 1813. He subsequently sold tracts to his brothers Christian, John, Mathias and William. On 20 April 1800 he married Maria Katherine Conrad, born 15 April 1782 and died 13 June 1875, of Berks County. Children of Peter and Maria Katherine (Conrad) Grosh: 55. Elizabeth, b. 9 Mar. 1801, d. 4 Sept. 1861, m. John Miller, s. of Johannes and Maria Magdalena (Friederick) Miller. 56.-f Charles Augustus, b. 17 Aug. 1802. 57.4 Joseph Conrad, b. 27 Feb. 1804. 58.1- Andrew Philip, b. 29 Nov. 1805. 59A- Timothy, b. 21 Aug. 1808. 60. Sophia, b. 20 Jan. 1810, d. 16 Feb. 1882, m. Jacob Henry Reickert (1809-1880) and had two sons. 61. Mary Magdalen, b. 22 July 1813, d. 1 April 1829. 304 The Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine 62. 63. 64. John, b. 5 May 1816, d. 14 Sept. 1849, unrn. Abraham, b. 19 Dec. 1819, d. 28 Oct. 1875; m. Lindura Borhek; two children d. in infancy and buried in Lititz. William Adolph, b. 11 Oct. 1821, d. 11 Oct. 1823. 21. George Grosh, son of Philip, was b. 1780 and died ca. 1841. He married Catharine and resided 1820 in Mannheim where two sons appear in the records. They moved away, possibly to Maryland. Identified children of George and Catharine Grosh: 65.+ George P., EL 1807. 66.-1- Gabriel, b. 1809. 26. (John) Daniel Grosch or Grosh, son of John, was b. 31 July 1774 and died 1846. He first married Margaret "Gretel" Magdalene Meis or Mease, b. 28 Sept. 1776, d. March 1838, by whom he had twelve children. A second marriage was to Ester Zubin (Zulatin?) (17891849). He resided in Mechanicsville, Mt, Joy Township, where he died intestate. Children of Daniel and Margaret Magdalene (Meis) Grosh: 67. Christian, b. 1796, d. 1845, m. Susan Spotts. 68. Maria Barbara, h. 1797, d. 1821, m. Frederick Baker. 69. Lucy, b. 1799, d. 1876, m. Philip Diffenderfer. 70.-1- Henry, b. 1801. 71.+ Thomas B., b. 1803. 72. Jonathan, b. 1804, d. 1812. 73. Emmanuel Bernhard, b. 1806, d. 1811. 74.-I- Benjamin, b. 1808. 75. Caroline Elizabeth, b. 1810, m. a Mr. Hostetter and moved to Illinois. 76. Jacob Johannes, b, 1812, a day laborer in Rapho Twp. 1860, unm. no further record. 77. Margaret, b. 1814, d. 1877, m. John Bishop. 78. Edwin Lawrence, b. 1817, d. 1876, blacksmith in Keene, Adams Co., m. America Roberts, b. Ky. 1826. 27. John Jacob Grosh, son of John, was born 25 Jan. 1776, died 4 Nov. 1860. His first marriage at 20, in 1796 was short lived. His wife died 24 Dec. 1796. His second marriage on 13 June 1799 to Margaret .Guteriel (Anglicised to Gooderl) was fruitful but she died in December 1823. A year later on 2 Nov. 1824 he married an unnamed sister from the Lititz Moravian Sister's House, b. 1784, d. 1842. His fourth marriage in 1843 was to Leah Bushong of Reamstown, who died 15 Oct. 1847, and his fifth marriage on 24 May 1849 was to a widow Sarah Albright, who survived him. Jacob's formal schooling was brief and in German. His second wife taught him to read and write English. At 12 he was "put" to man's work at the farm. At 20 he married a girl of his own choice, rather than that of church or family. His father disowned him but there was a The Descendants ofJohann Valentin Grosch 305 tearful reconciliation after the young wife's death on Christmas Eve of the same year. After his marriage to Margaret, his father gave him the tenancy of 100 acres of wild land, and stood security for the necessary stock and equipment. With his wife's help Jacob cleared 10 acres and built a two-story log house and a double barn. Hard work, exposure, and anxiety over debts taxed their health. The forced sale of land and equipment cleared their debts and enabled the building of a brick house in Marietta in 1806. In what was the seventh house in the village they opened a tavern. The site on the Susquehanna and Margaret's skill and tact made it successful. However, John found it distasteful and closed it after a few months, He then entered the lumber business that he conducted for 53 years. In 1811 he was elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Re-election for three additional sessions followed, and in 1818 he was elected to a four-year term in the State's Senate. Although conscientously opposed to the War of 1812, Jacob organized the Marietta Grays in response to Governor Snyder's personal appeal after Washington was torched. Jacob was elected Captain of the unit which was mustered in as 9th Co., 2nd Regt., Pa. Vols. L. Inf., Col. Lewis Bache commanding. His absence in the Army spared him from the worst of the paper money and land speculation. However, as an appointed trustee of the insolvent Marietta Bank, he was involved in civil suits. His oldest son Aaron B. had become a Universalist. After much study and deliberation Jacob joined too and held church meetings in his house. In 1840 this hindered ratification of an appointment as Associate Judge. In 1841 when renominated he was confirmed unanimously. In 1846 he was reappointed to a second term. Judge Grosh served on the bench at a time when difficult cases of fugitives from slavery were comrnon.t Children of Jacob and Margaret (Gutedel) Grosh: 79. Hannah, b. 1800, da 1804 ac 4 years. 80.+ Aaron Bort, b. 1803. 81. Rufus King, b. 1806. 82.-1- Charles C. Pinkney, b. 1811. 83.+ J. A. Bayard, b. 1815. 84. Malvina, b_ 1816, d. 1847, m. Moses Montgomery by whom she had children: Emma and Jefferso. 85. Magdalena, b. 1817?, prob. d. y. 86.-1- Benjamin Franklin, b. 1818. tAlex. Harris, A Biographical Histog of Lancaster Couny, Elias Barr & Co., Lancaster, Pa. 1872. The Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine 306 28. Philip Grosh, son of Christopher, was born about 1771 and died in 1849. He was a farmer in Earl Township, Lancaster Co. where he resided with his wife Catharine and their four children. His 80-acre tract was the property of his sister Catharine Grosh which she allowed him during his lifetime. Then it was sold and applied to her es tate. Children of Philip and Catharine Grosh: 87. Elizabeth, m. Mr. Eby and lived in Illinois. 88.-F William, b. 1800. 89.+ Isaac, b. 1802, 90. Christian Washington, b. 1812, listed as a trader in East Earl Twp., unm. in 1860 census. 34. John Grosh, son of Christopher, was born ca. 1784 and died 8 Mar. 1817. He married Elizabeth Sheaffer, daughter of Martin and Mary Sheaffer, who was born 2 May 1778 and died 6 Feb. 1865. They had six children, most of whom moved to Ohio as adults. Mrs. Grosh married secondly John Stover (1773-1852). To protect her children's rights she and John Stover drew up a marriage contract 28 Nov. 1828 before their marriage. Children of John and Elizabeth (Shaeffer) Grosh: Isaac, b. 15 Oct. 1808, in 1850 living with mother and her 2nd husband in Jackson Twp., Richland Co., 0. 92. Mary, M. Henry Gilbert and living in Lockland, 0. 93. John, he went to Leo, Richland Co., 0, and married Rebecca who bore children: Elizabeth, Mary, julianna, Isaac, Samuel and David. Doyle 94. Lucetta (Lucy), b. 1810, m. 1st Samuel Kettinger; 2nd of Lockland, O. They resided in Dayton. 95.-1- Philip, b. 1816, res. Springfield Twp., Hamilton Co., O. and died 1869 or 1899? 96. Martin, b. ca 1817 and d. before 1838. 91. FOURTH GENERATION 38. Peter Lehn Grosh, son of Matthias, was born near Mechanicsville, Lancaster Co. in 1798 and resided in the same village most of his life. Here he served as a general utility artist and painter as well as a grower of fruit and flowers. He was mostly self taught, and his children remember him practicing by sketching hands and other parts of the body. His native ability in striking a likeness led to his painting a number of portraits between 1020 and 1835. These include Mr. and Mrs. John Beck, Peter and Samuel Grosh, and Mrs. Samuel Grosh. He also produced romantic pictures like "King and Jester." His ability was appreciated beyond Lancaster County because he was brought to Bethlehem, Pa, to paint the Eagle Hotel sign in 1823. He died in The Descendants of Johann Valentin Grosch 307 Petersburg in 1859.1 Peter married 4 Dec. 1838 Sarah Lorenz, daughter John and Maria (Metzgar) Lorenz, who was born in 1820, and died in 1890. Children of Peter and Sarah (Lorenz) Grosh: Sarah, b. 1840, d. before mother, unm. John W., b. 1841, coach painter in East Hempfield, d. 1864/5 in Andersonville Prison, Gap, unin. 99. Frances (Fanny), b. 1843, d. 1907, m. Mr. Bender of Lancaster, Pa. 100. Jacob L., b. 1851, d. 1934, m. Ida V. Hantsch, b. 1856, residing Lancaster, Pa. 1900; had a son David H. (prob. other ch.). 97. 98. 40' Daniel Grosh, son of Mathias, was b. 1806, and died 1872. He married Frances Vogan Martin (1807-1862). He was a teamster and lived in Lancaster County and Philadelphia, Pa. They had eleven children. Children °Manic! and Frances (Martin) Grosh: 101. Malvina, b. 1829, d. in infancy. 102. Hiram M., b. 1830, d. 1882, Philadelphia; m. Margaret Connor; 2nd Edith Godfrey. 103. Mary M., b. 1832, d. 1883, m. Joseph Fink. 104. Eliza, b. 1835, d, in infancy. 105. Thomas Jefferson, b. 1836, d. 1900 in Texas, m. Eliza L. Connor. He was a pioneer railroader. 106. Mahala Serena, b. 1837, m. Henry Clay Crise. 107. Jeremiah Martin, b. 1838, d. 1913, m. Josephine Hoover. 108. Lucy Jane, b. 1840, d. 1842. 109. William Henry, b. 1842, d. in infancy. 110. Peter Albert, b. 1843, m. Sarah S. Kaufman. 111. William Edward b. 1846, d. 1874, m. Emma Hopkins. 41. Samuel S. Grosh son of John, (1795-1871), surveyed Mt Joy and was a well-educated jack-of-all trades. A teacher in early life, and later a fanner and carpenter; he also fixed clocks and watches, and built organs. He m. Leah Park, b. 1805, daughter of James and Mary (Murray) Park. Children of Sameul S. and Leah (Park) Grosh: 112. Aurelia, b. 1828, d. 1900, mist John Hussman; no issue; 2nd Alexander G. Reese, of Mt. Joy and Lancaster, Pa. Issue: Miriam (Minni 1852 1 0 rn. Bertram G. Galbraith of Bainbridge; 2 children died infancy; Alexander, d. ae 15 yrs; and Helen (1860-1948) m. Charles MacNay. 113. Mary, b. 1834, m. Roth or Roads. 114. Elmira, b. 1838, m. George Brenneman, of Maytown, 47. Jacob Grosh, son of Christian, was born 17 March 1801, d. before 1870, was a smith and trader and resided in Columbia Borough t Mantle Fielding, Dictionag of American Painters., Sculptors and Engravers, Phila. 1927; 1974 Ed., Modern Books & Crafts, Green Farms, Conn. 308 The Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine with wife, Mary, according to 1860 Census, and had two children then. Children of Jacob and Mary Grosh: 115. Emma, ae 15 (1860). 116. George W., ae 13 (1860). 48. Michael Grosh, son of Christian, was born 16 Mar. 1803, d. 1882, and married Mary Witmer. Michael was a blacksmith and resided in Rapho Township, Lancaster Co. They had six children. Children of Michael and Mary (Witmer) Grosh: 117. Stisan (1837-1924) m. Ephraim Strickler, 5 children. 118. Christian (1838-1903) m. Anna Kaufman (1845-1926), 4 children. 119. Barbara (184{-1914) m. Joseph Gramm, 120. Elias (1841-1904) m. Anna E. Musser (1843-1914), fi childten. 121. Henry (1844-1929) m. Mary A. Hellman (1840-1920), 8 children. 122. Mary (1830-1855). 56. Charles Augustus Grosh, son of Peter, was born 17 Aug. 1802 in East Hempfield Twp., Lancaster Co. and died 21 July 1882. He mar-. ried Susanna Shober in 1826. She was born 21 April 1807 at Pine Hill near Lititz, and died 31 Oct. 1886 and is buried with her husband in the Lititz Church cemetery. At age 21, Charles took over the blacksmith shop in Lititz. He served 39 years as Sacristan of the Moravian Church and was a pallbearer for General John A. Sutter among many others. They had 14 chiluren. Children of Charles Augustus and Susanna (Shober) Grosh: 123. Maria, b. 9 July 1827, d. 11 Mar. 1900, m. Elias Buch. 124_ Susanna Rosina, b. 16 Dec. 1829, d. 26 Mar. 1834. 125. Sarah Sophia, b. 23 April 1831, d. 26 April 1860, m. James Harvey Wolle. 126. Carolina Eliza, b. 4 May 1833, d. 10 June 1914, mist Levi Hutchins, m2nd Frances LaWail. 127. Samuel Emanuel, L 10 Oct. 1834, d. 20 Dec. 1902, m. Amanda Cordelia Cramer (Kraemer). 128. Henry Harrison, b. 4 Feb. 1837, d. 15 Oct. 1892, m. Caroline Oehme. 129. Herman Shober, b. 2 Feb. 1839, d. 22 Aug. 1907, m. Amanda Haupt. 130. Emma Catharine, b. 11 June 1841, d. 2 Jan. 1842. 131. Augustus Peter, b. 4 Aug. 1842, d. 22 Nov. 1888, m. Salinda Kepperling. 132. Louisa Teresa, b. 1844, d. 1844 in infancy. 133_ Agnes Amelia, b. 28 July 1846_, d. 21 July 1895, unm. 134. Ellen Louisa, b. 1 Oct. 1847, d. 18 Nov. 1849. 133. Alfred Taylor, b. 1850, d. in infancy. 136. Charles Albert, b. 1852, d. in infancy. 57. Joseph Conrad Grosh, son of Peter, was born 27 Feb. 1804 and died 18 Dec, 1886. He married Magdalina Greiner and moved his Tire Descendants qf Johann Valentin Grosch 309 Family by wagon to Ohio in 1838. The 1880 Census shows him residing in Ashland Co. together with his daughter Martha. Children of Joseph Conrad and Magdalina (Greiner) Grosh: 137. Matilda Catharine, b. 24 Sept. 1831, d. 27 July 1908, m. Daniel Hoffman. 138. Margaret, b. 4 April 1833, d. 19 March 1902, m. Benjamin Bruckharti 139. Mary Anna, b. 28 Aug. 1834, d. 3 April 1889, m. Jacob Stoner. 140. Sarah Carolina, b. 21 Mar. 1836, d. 24 Oct. 1920, m. Peter Bally. 141. Martin Peter, b. 25 July 1837, d. 16 Feb. 1881, m. Mary Alice Roose. 142. Henrietta, b. 1838, d. 1839. 143. Martha, b. 2 May 1840, d. 16 Nov. 1917, unm. 144. John, b. 2 April 1842, d. 22 Dec. 1864 in Nashville in Army. 14-5. Susan, b. 11 Aug. 1846, d. 15 Jan. 1920, m. Isaac Hollenbaugh. 58. Andrew Philip Grosh, s. of Peter, was born 29 Nov. 1805 and died 16 Aug. 1863 as a result of the Civil War. He served in the 179th Pa. Regiment and was buried in the Moravian Cemetery in Lititz. He married Sophia Augusta Rauch (Baugh} (1823-1848) who died following the birth of her fourth child. Children of Andrew Philip and Sophia Augusta (Rauch) Grosh: 146. Laura Catharine, b. 22 Oct. 1843, d. 31 Jan. 1936, m. Joseph Bowman. 17. Edwin Theodore, b. 1845, d. 1846. 48. Mary Frances, b. 1846, d. 1847. .49. Sophia Augusta, b. 1848, d. 1848. 59. Timothy Grosh, son of Peter, was b. 21 Aug. 1808 near Petersburg, Lancaster Co. and d. Mar. 1882 and was buried in the Moravian Cemetery in Lititz. His first wife was Catharine Matter, b. 10 Nov. 1808 and d. 19 Dec. 1831. His second wife was Catharine Hermes (1812-1883). Timothy was a laborer, resided in Lititz, and was an original member of the Assistance Fire Company. Children of Timothy Grosh by his two wives: 150_ William Augustus, b. 28 Sept. 1831, d. 31 April 1860, m. Sarah B. Sealer, and had children after 1850. He was only child by first wife. 151. Reuben Peter, b. 17 Feb. 1841, d. 2 Nov. 1903, m. Tharnar Diehrn. 152. Israel Hermes, b. 11 Jan. 1843, d. 15 Aug. 1861 in army camp. 143. Emma Catharine, b. 4 Dec. 1847, d. 10 July 1907, m. Charles Miller. 154. John Franklin, b. 22 June 1852, d. March 1924, mist Anna Elizabeth Erb, 5 daughters, m2nd Emma Saluda_ 65. George P. Grosh, son of George, was b. 1807 and died 1865. He married Martha and settled in East Donegal Twp., Lancaster Co. where he is listed as a cigar maker. The census lists their six children. The Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine 310 Children of George P. and Martha Grosh: 155. Christian, b. ca. 1825. 156. Catharine. 157. Christina. 158. Andrew. 159. George. 160. Eli, b. Apr. 1859, m. Myna, b. Dec. 1861. 66. Gabriel Grosh, son of George, was born 1809 in Mannheim, Lancaster Co., and d. 1888. He married Elizabeth Peffer (1812-1882) and settled in Marietta where he is listed as a day laborer. They had four children. Children of Gabriel and Elizabeth (Peffer) Grosh: 161. Emma, b. 1834, d. 1912, m. Abram Shellemberger. 162. William Henry, b. 1836, cl_ 1837. 163. Rufus King, b. 1837, d. 1923, ms Rosina Yost (1846-1917), 3 adult sons. 164. Maria, b. 1840, d. in infancy. 70. Henry Grosh, son of Daniel, was born 1801 and died in 1846. He was a farmer in Mannheim. He married Catharine Rudisell, who is listed as a widow and seamstress in Mannheim in 1870. Children of Henry and Catharine (Rudisell) Grosh: 165. Alfred. 166. Amanda. 167. Margaret. 168. Louisa. 169. Jacob. 71. Thomas B. Grosh, son of Daniel, was born 1803 and died 1878. He farmed in East Hempfield and later in Mannheim Twp., later retiring to Neffsville, Lancaster Co. He married Sophia Schreiner, born in 1808, who bore 8 children. Children of Thomas B. and Sophia (Schreiner) Grosh: 170. Martin. 171. Samuel. 172. Susan. 173. Marie. 174. Reuben. 175. Jefferson. 176. Anna. 177. Jacob. 74. Benjamin Grosh, son of Daniel was born in 1808 and died in 1881. He was a merchant in Mt. Joy Twp., Lancaster Co. His wife Elizabeth _ bore 9 children. Children of Benjamin and Elizabeth Grosh: 178. Jacob. The Descendants of Johann Valentin Grosch 311 179. Hosea. 180. Matilda. 181. Benjamin G. listed also as B. Franklin and Frank. 182. Sarah A. 183. Eli Fader, b. 1851. 184. Emma I. C., b. 1853. 183. Louisa, b. 1856. 186. Clara, b. 1860. 80. Aaron Bort Grosh, son ofJohn Jacob, was born 1803 and died in 1884. He was a school teacher, editor, and Universalist preacher, residing in various towns in Pennsylvania and New York. He served as Assistant Editor and later Chief Editor of the Evangelical Magazine and Gospel Advocate. He worked on the Odd Fellows Manual and became one of the seven founders of the "Patrons of Husbandry" better known as the Grange. Skilled in ritualism, he furnished all the prayers for the lower degrees. Also his Moravian heritage made him mindful of the value of song in meetings. He gathered the first group of Grange melodies. Grangers feel indebted to him for the moral tone without religious bias evident throughout the ritual. l. Aaron married Hannah Reinhart who bore him six children. Children of Aaron Bort and Hannah (Reinhart) Grosh: 187. 188. Ethan Alien, b. 7 Nov. 1824, d. 19 Dec. 1837. Hosea Ballou, b. 23 Aug. 1826, d. 2 Sept. 1857. These two adventurous sons and Quartz miners died tragically on the threshold of .prospecting success. In 1852 Edgar Allen and Hosea B. Grosch arrived in Nevada after successful prospecting in California. Within a year they had evidence of the presence of silver, gold, lead and antimony. This was five to six years ahead of the more publicized strikes. Mrs. Dettenreider affirmed that they obtained silver bearing quartz from a site along what later was called the Corns took Lode; and Dan DeQuille saw their furnaces excavated in 1960 and a large piece of argentiferous galena unearthed beside one of them. The two brothers were secretive and did not associate with other miners, but were in the process of forming a development company together with Dr. W. E. Strong, their associate, when they discovered the deep white channel system of the Mountain Gate Mines in California. However, in Nevada Hosea punctured his foot with a pick and within days died of blood poisoning. Two months later, in Nov. 1857, Allen was caught in a blizzard trying to cross into California to consult W. B. Strong about developing the Nevada mine. His frozen feet had to he amputated but the operation did not save his life, Allen is buried at Last Chance, California, and Hosea rests in Silver City, Nevada. A German stone cutter restored the ancestral "c" in Grosch on Hosea's tombstone. The Grosh brothers were well educated and had a sizable technical library and notebooks which disappeared. Many of the local men tW. L. Robinson, The Grange (1867-1967) First Centlig of Service, uhl. The National Grange, Washington, D.C. See also D. Sven Nordin, Rich Harvest, University Press, Jackson, Miss. The Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine 312 189. 190. 191. 192. thought these were cached somewhere and sought them in vain. More likely seems the theory that Henry T. B. Comstock took what he wanted and destroyed the rest when he was in charge of the stone cabin during Alien's ill-fated trip. Comstock moved in on all the Grosh claims insisting that Allen had given them to him. In 1865 Schuyler Colfax, then Speaker of the House, presided at the dedication of Hosea's gravestone. Later in 1868 Colfax was elected Vice President under Grant.t Emma Margaret (1829-1913), m. John E. Jones. Mary Letitia (1830-1861) , m. Cyrus Clark Williams. Maivina French (1832-1859) . Warren Reinhart (1834-1906), m. Pauline H. Libhart, 9 children. 82. Charles C. Pinkney Grosh, son of John Jacob, was born 1811 in Marietta, and continued there as a lumber merchant in business with his father. His wife, Elizabeth A., was born in New York about 1825. They had several children including: 193+ Henrietta, b. 1841, N.Y. 194. Charles R., b. 1842, N.Y. 195. Emma Montgomery, ? b. 1848, N.Y. 196. Hiland P., b. 1850, N.Y. 83. J. A. Bayard Grosh, son of John Jacob, was born 1816 in Marietta, Lancaster Co. where he was in the lumber business with his father. He was proprietor of the Marietta Pioneer with his brothers at one time. His wife Maria L. was born about 1820 and bore several children including: 197. 198. 199. Malvina. Sarah, Walter Bayard. 86. Benjamin Franklin Grosh, son of John Jacob, was b. 4 jan. 1818 and was a successful physician in Andersonburg, Juniata Co., Pa. He died there 9 Nov. 1857. He married 5 June 1845 Mary Ellen, daughter of judge William and Isabella (Blain) Anderson, of Andersonburg. Children of Benjamin F. and Mary Ellen (Anderson) Grosh: 200. 201. 202. 203. 204. Alexander B. Mary Isabella. William A., d. y. Benjamin F., died aged 26 yrs. Charles L., d. in his youth. 88. William Grosh, son of Philip, was born in Earl Twp., Lancaster Co. in 1800. He removed to Salem, Polk Twp., Crawford Co. Ohio where the 1850 Census lists him as a farmer, with wife, Margaret, b. ca. 1814 in Pa. tDan DeQuille, The Big onano, Alfred A. Knopf Inc. 1947, see also Irving Stone, Men To Match illy Mountains, Doubleday 1956, and The Pony Express (newspaper) July 1956 Sonora, California. The Descendants of Johann Valentin Grosch 313 Children of William and Margaret Grosh: 205. Mary. 206. Catharine. 207. Martha. 208, David. 209. Eleanor. 210. Almira. 89. Isaac Grosh, son of Philip, was born in Earl Twp., Lancaster Co. in 1802. He married Catharine , b. ca. 1806. He is listed in Pine Creek, Ogle County th, in the 1850 Census with the following children: 211. John. 212. William, 213. James. 214. Mary F. 215. Elizabeth. 216. Emily. 217. Catharine. 218. Harriet. 95. Philip Grosh, son of John, was b. 12 Mar. 1816 in Lancaster Co., and m. Jane Anna Bachelor, b. 6 Mar. 1824 in Manayunk, Pa. After his father's death, Philip was raised by a bachelor uncle and maiden aunt of the Sheaffer family. In 1833 at 17 he went to Ohio where he joined the Methodist Church. His wife Jane Anna was brought to Ohio by her parents in 1837. They were married 13 May 1841 and settled in Lakeland, Ohio where he had an ice business. He also owned an appreciable amount of land on which he produced most of the family food. A pious person, he was know in the community for his fine character and good works. He died 5 Oct 1899 and his wife died 7 Dec. 1903. Both are buried at Reading, Ohio. Children of Philip and Jane Anna Grosh: 219. 220. 221. 222. 223. 224. 225. 226. Charles Wesley, b. 9 Aug. 1842, d. 19 Oct. 1844. Caroline K., b. 3 Nov. 1844, d. 19 Sept. 1880, m. George Hussey. Samuel E., b. 2U Jan. 1849, d. 20 Mar. 1861. Mary Jane, b. 29 Oct. 1851, d. 9 Feb. 1912, m. James Ervin. m. David DeCamp Abia Louisa, b. 20 Jan. 1853, d. 30 Sept. Thompson. Lydia Rebecca, b. 26 Dec. 1857, d. 20 Nov. 1861. Hat-rie Benson, b. 1 Oct. 1860, d. June 1909, m. Anna Belle Scott. Anna Bachelor, b. 12 Feb. 1864, d. 14 July 1891, m. Charles Willison.