A report on -- ANDREAS KESSINGER
A Report on ANDREASKESSINGER
Progenitor of the Kessinger/Kasinger Family
(This report was written for, and distributed at, the 101st. Kessinger Annual Family Reunion in Hillsboro, Ill in Sept. 1998)
(This report was written for, and distributed at, the 101st. Kessinger Annual Family Reunion in Hillsboro, Ill in Sept. 1998)
Introductory note:
Introductory note:
The Kessinger name, in one form or another, has been reputed to be traced back to the time of the Roman invasion of Germany in the first century AD.During this period of history, families settled near their “kin” for the usual social and defensive reasons.As the story goes, the family derived their name from the fact that they had settled near an area called “Kissen Springs”,which is said to have been near the current site of Essen, Germany
The Kessinger name, in one form or another, has been reputed to be traced back to the time of the Roman invasion of Germany in the first century AD.During this period of history, families settled near their “kin” for the usual social and defensive reasons.As the story goes, the family derived their name from the fact that they had settled near an area called “Kissen Springs”,which is said to have been near the current site of Essen, GermanyThrough the centuries, the name has been recorded with more than 33 different spellings, including: Kessinger, Kesinger, Kiesinger, Kissinger,Kisinger, Kassinger, Kaysinger, Caysinger, Casinger, and Kasinger.In several different instances the name was spelled differently by the father and his son on the same document.(More about these variations later.)
Through the centuries, the name has been recorded with more than 33 different spellings, including: Kessinger, Kesinger, Kiesinger, Kissinger,Kisinger, Kassinger, Kaysinger, Caysinger, Casinger, and Kasinger.In several different instances the name was spelled differently by the father and his son on the same document.(More about these variations later.) Along with the problem of the multiple spellings of the family name; it was very common for a man to name his sons after himself, his father, and his older or favorite brothers.Because of this, a family may have three Johns in a row; or four Josephs in five generations.
To compound this problem;several sons may name their sons -- after their father; so that you have several Solomons or Andrews in the same generation.This leads to great confusion when one tries to trace their ancestral lines back in time and space.
To compound this problem;several sons may name their sons -- after their father; so that you have several Solomons or Andrews in the same generation.This leads to great confusion when one tries to trace their ancestral lines back in time and space.
These are the problem that one is confronted with when one tries to find the earliest ancestors of the family.Unless actual documents are available to prove the relationship of one person to another, all that can be done is to be as careful in one’s research as possible.
Birth, death and marriage certificates; or family Bibles;land records and deeds; census records, and tombstones -- are accepted as primary sources for proving relationships and family links.
Birth, death and marriage certificates; or family Bibles;land records and deeds; census records, and tombstones -- are accepted as primary sources for proving relationships and family links.
The “remembrances” of individuals may help to point the direction to look; but after a few generations, the stories get changed; and often the same story is attributed to different ancestors.In some cases, stories are appropriated as part of the "family history",that actually may have happened to the ancestor of a far distant cousin or maybe to the ancestor of a totally different family with the same, or nearly the same, name.
The “remembrances” of individuals may help to point the direction to look; but after a few generations, the stories get changed; and often the same story is attributed to different ancestors.In some cases, stories are appropriated as part of the "family history",that actually may have happened to the ancestor of a far distant cousin or maybe to the ancestor of a totally different family with the same, or nearly the same, name.With all of this in mind, several Kasinger family researchers have attempted to piece together the following history of the Kessinger family.Where documented proof is available, the source is noted.
With all of this in mind, several Kasinger family researchers have attempted to piece together the following history of the Kessinger family.Where documented proof is available, the source is noted.Tracing ones family is akin to solving a mystery; one gets a hint of a direction to follow and progresses in that direction until one hits a stonewall, or a new direction presents its self – or, hopefully, until the mystery is solved.We can only do our best.
Tracing ones family is akin to solving a mystery; one gets a hint of a direction to follow and progresses in that direction until one hits a stonewall, or a new direction presents its self – or, hopefully, until the mystery is solved.We can only do our best.Several “stories” about the Kessinger / Kasinger Origins
Several “stories” about the Kessinger / Kasinger OriginsFor more than 75 years, the “Kessinger Clan” letters have circulated among several generations of the Kessinger family.No one really knows from whom the information originated, or where it began.There are, at least, five different letters of this type.
One of these letters is titled:
“History of the Klan of Kessingers, as given Herman E. Kessinger
by his Grandfather, Silas Zachariah Taylor Kessinger on Nov. 15, 1923.”
“History of the Klan of Kessingers, as given Herman E. Kessinger
by his Grandfather, Silas Zachariah Taylor Kessinger on Nov. 15, 1923.”
A slightly different version is attributed to Bertha (Kessinger) Towles;granddaughter of Silas,
“as it was related to her, by Zachary Taylor Kessinger, in 1923”.
“as it was related to her, by Zachary Taylor Kessinger, in 1923”.
One of these letters is attributed to Archie Roy Kessinger of Bend, Oregon (a son of Solomon Colfax Kessinger).
Still another letter was written by Richard Kessinger of Hart County, Kentucky;“in response to an inquiry from a lady in Texas”.
Still another letter was written by Richard Kessinger of Hart County, Kentucky;“in response to an inquiry from a lady in Texas”.
The longest version in circulation,was written by L.R. Grimm, who identified himself as the “Principal of the Butler, Illinois, school in Montgomery County in 1916-18”.
The longest version in circulation,was written by L.R. Grimm, who identified himself as the “Principal of the Butler, Illinois, school in Montgomery County in 1916-18”.
They all contain basically the same story;and many of the same errors.
They all contain basically the same story;and many of the same errors.
Allen Belden, in his book“KESSINGER and Related Families” (1975) wrote:
Allen Belden, in his book“KESSINGER and Related Families” (1975) wrote:“Taken together the three versions of the Kessinger legend contain very few exact
dates or references to places, and they are completely lacking in documentation.”(p.16)
dates or references to places, and they are completely lacking in documentation.”(p.16)
The much respected Kessinger family researcher, Harry H. Lincoln and his wife Mary E. (Kessinger) Lincoln, in their“THE KESSINGER STORY” (1974) commented:
The much respected Kessinger family researcher, Harry H. Lincoln and his wife Mary E. (Kessinger) Lincoln, in their“THE KESSINGER STORY” (1974) commented:“Other versions of the Kessinger tradition, with similar variations and
contradictory information is related by other family members.All known
versions are completely void of documentation and provide no definite,
or circumstantial evidence by which the accurate version, if any, may be
identified.
There can be no doubt that the Kessinger tradition contains much truth, but,
as it is now related,it poses many questions.”(p.8)
contradictory information is related by other family members.All known
versions are completely void of documentation and provide no definite,
or circumstantial evidence by which the accurate version, if any, may be
identified.
There can be no doubt that the Kessinger tradition contains much truth, but,
as it is now related,it poses many questions.”(p.8)
One way in which the stories differ, is in “who” the first Kessinger to come to Colonial America was;and “where” he landed. This is the same problem that was written about by all previous family researchers.
One way in which the stories differ, is in “who” the first Kessinger to come to Colonial America was;and “where” he landed. This is the same problem that was written about by all previous family researchers.
Story#1:
Story#1:
Three Kessinger brothers had emigrated from Europe (probably Germany) to the American colony of New York, around 1730 or 1740.One of the brother’s names was Solomon.
It is said that they had purchased 17 acres of land between St. Paul’s Cathedral and Wall Street, in what is now, the center ofNew York City.
They moved to Pennsylvania.After a period, they separated, with one of them settling in Illinois; while the other two moved to Kentucky.Later, one of them, it is believed the one that went to Illinois, moved to Norfork, Arkansas.It is further believed that some of the descendents of the two other brothers moved from Kentucky to Illinois,Missouri and Arkansas.
It is said that they had purchased 17 acres of land between St. Paul’s Cathedral and Wall Street, in what is now, the center ofNew York City.
They moved to Pennsylvania.After a period, they separated, with one of them settling in Illinois; while the other two moved to Kentucky.Later, one of them, it is believed the one that went to Illinois, moved to Norfork, Arkansas.It is further believed that some of the descendents of the two other brothers moved from Kentucky to Illinois,Missouri and Arkansas.
Known facts:
Known facts:The results of cursory research in the Missouri Genealogical Society’s files; the St. Louis County Library; and several internet on-line genealogical sites; would lead one to doubt this version of the story.
The results of cursory research in the Missouri Genealogical Society’s files; the St. Louis County Library; and several internet on-line genealogical sites; would lead one to doubt this version of the story.In viewing the contents of more than 15 source books of early immigrants to the American colonies, such books as:Passenger and Immigration Lists Indexand Ship Passengers to New York and New Jersey—1600-1825; there is not a single Kessinger (or sound alike) name arriving in N.Y. in any of these sources.
In viewing the contents of more than 15 source books of early immigrants to the American colonies, such books as:Passenger and Immigration Lists Indexand Ship Passengers to New York and New Jersey—1600-1825; there is not a single Kessinger (or sound alike) name arriving in N.Y. in any of these sources.In a section entitled “Aliens Authorization to Purchase Real Estate”, there was no authorization given to buy, sell or convey land in, or around, the New York colony, by anyone named Kessinger.
In a section entitled “Aliens Authorization to Purchase Real Estate”, there was no authorization given to buy, sell or convey land in, or around, the New York colony, by anyone named Kessinger.As a matter of fact, from 1600 to as late as 1870, we only find a record of two (2) Kessingers and two (2) Casingersand one (1) Kiessinger arriving in the American colonies.(More about this later.)
As a matter of fact, from 1600 to as late as 1870, we only find a record of two (2) Kessingers and two (2) Casingersand one (1) Kiessinger arriving in the American colonies.(More about this later.)(Note:It is possible that we missed “the brothers” listings; or that they arrived in the American colonies by way of Canada.And it is possible that they had some “authorized” person to purchase land for them.But it seems highly unlikely that that occurred.
(Note:It is possible that we missed “the brothers” listings; or that they arrived in the American colonies by way of Canada.And it is possible that they had some “authorized” person to purchase land for them.But it seems highly unlikely that that occurred.(Note: Jackie LeDuc, on this forum, has made us aware of information that she recently found concerning a Michael Kissinger who is purported to have arrived in Lancaster, Penn. in 1717. (?) We believe that he may have been one of Jacob Kiessinger's sons.)
(Note: Jackie LeDuc, on this forum, has made us aware of information that she recently found concerning a Michael Kissinger who is purported to have arrived in Lancaster, Penn. in 1717. (?) We believe that he may have been one of Jacob Kiessinger's sons.)
Story#2:
Story#2:
A second prevalent story was given us in a 2-page paper, which was entitled:
A second prevalent story was given us in a 2-page paper, which was entitled:
Subject:History of the Klan of Kessingers, as given
Herman E. Kessinger by his Grandfather,
Silas Zachariah Taylor Kessinger on Nov. 15, 1923.
Date of transcription: 1/29/1941”
Subject:History of the Klan of Kessingers, as given
Herman E. Kessinger by his Grandfather,
Silas Zachariah Taylor Kessinger on Nov. 15, 1923.
Date of transcription: 1/29/1941”
The document states:“As far as I know, our line runs back to one Ludwick Kessinger, - born in the sixteenth century.I do not know the name of his wife, but they had two children1 Solomon and William. William was unmarried and his line ran out when he died at Essen, where also his parents and he are buried. Solomon was educated for, and became a Catholic priest either connected with, or the pastor of the cathedral at Essen, but was excommunicated when he eloped with one Elizabeth Greenwald, a novitiate in a convent there.They were married and emigrated to America 'in 1756, landing at Baltimore, Maryland. To this union were born ten children1 eight boys and two girls.The boys were: John, William, Joseph, Jacob, Andrew, Mathias, Peter, and Solomon, Jr.; the name of one of the girls was Rebeccah, but the name of the other, I don’t know.”
The document states:“As far as I know, our line runs back to one Ludwick Kessinger, - born in the sixteenth century.I do not know the name of his wife, but they had two children1 Solomon and William. William was unmarried and his line ran out when he died at Essen, where also his parents and he are buried. Solomon was educated for, and became a Catholic priest either connected with, or the pastor of the cathedral at Essen, but was excommunicated when he eloped with one Elizabeth Greenwald, a novitiate in a convent there.They were married and emigrated to America 'in 1756, landing at Baltimore, Maryland. To this union were born ten children1 eight boys and two girls.The boys were: John, William, Joseph, Jacob, Andrew, Mathias, Peter, and Solomon, Jr.; the name of one of the girls was Rebeccah, but the name of the other, I don’t know.”
“Solomon (Sr.) and his eldest son John, fought seven years under Washington, and after the war he and his family with twenty-six other families, built two large rafts, and, loading their possessions on them, floated down the Ohio River in search of suitable home-sites.Among these families were other families of Kessingers, and the only other family groups in the aggregation were Logsdons and Haycrafts.”(See complete document at end of this paper.)
“Solomon (Sr.) and his eldest son John, fought seven years under Washington, and after the war he and his family with twenty-six other families, built two large rafts, and, loading their possessions on them, floated down the Ohio River in search of suitable home-sites.Among these families were other families of Kessingers, and the only other family groups in the aggregation were Logsdons and Haycrafts.”(See complete document at end of this paper.)
Grimm has this to say on the same subject:
Grimm has this to say on the same subject:
“When the American Revolution came in 1776 Solomon answered the call to arms and set out for Washington’s army.When about to enter the camp he looked behind and there was son John with a gun also.They fought together throughout the period of the revolution.”
“When the American Revolution came in 1776 Solomon answered the call to arms and set out for Washington’s army.When about to enter the camp he looked behind and there was son John with a gun also.They fought together throughout the period of the revolution.”Known facts:
Known facts:Allen Belden comments that“Contrary to Roy’s and Grimm’s statements,there was no cathedral in Essen prior to 1958,when it became the seat of a Roman Catholic bishop.”(p.19)
Allen Belden comments that“Contrary to Roy’s and Grimm’s statements,there was no cathedral in Essen prior to 1958,when it became the seat of a Roman Catholic bishop.”(p.19)Mr. Belden goes on to state that:
“The writer has perused these materials (The National Archives, the Library of
Congress, the library of the National Society of the Daughters of the American
Revolution, state archives and county courthouses) in depth with special attention
to Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia in an effort to account for Solomon I’s
whereabouts before and during the Revolutionary War and to confirm the military
service of Solomon and his son John or Andrew, but no record of Revolutionary War
service by a Solomon Kessinger prior to the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown in
October 1781 has been found.”(p.25)
“The writer has perused these materials (The National Archives, the Library of
Congress, the library of the National Society of the Daughters of the American
Revolution, state archives and county courthouses) in depth with special attention
to Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia in an effort to account for Solomon I’s
whereabouts before and during the Revolutionary War and to confirm the military
service of Solomon and his son John or Andrew, but no record of Revolutionary War
service by a Solomon Kessinger prior to the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown in
October 1781 has been found.”(p.25)
Story#3:
Story#3:In still another version of the Kessinger Clan story, as related in the Ratjen and Smith book Solomon and Elizabeth Kessinger and Their Descendents.
In still another version of the Kessinger Clan story, as related in the Ratjen and Smith book Solomon and Elizabeth Kessinger and Their Descendents.“The Kessingers became wealthy In Germany and lived in a castle on the Rhine River. . . . They supposedly left a large estate when they came to this country. . . . Some believe the immigrantwas Solomon Kessinger who married Elizabeth Greenwalt, and thathis father was Ludwig Kessinger who married Elizabeth Appleby. The huge estate is believed to have belonged to the Applebys and not the Kessingers.
“The Kessingers became wealthy In Germany and lived in a castle on the Rhine River. . . . They supposedly left a large estate when they came to this country. . . . Some believe the immigrantwas Solomon Kessinger who married Elizabeth Greenwalt, and thathis father was Ludwig Kessinger who married Elizabeth Appleby. The huge estate is believed to have belonged to the Applebys and not the Kessingers.Story#4:
Story#4:
The following version of the Kessinger story was printed in:
The Baxter County, Arkansas Historical Society’s publication“The History”October, November & December 1995;Volume 21, Number 4.
(Note: The information appearing below is from the article cited above, I have rearranged some of its content to make it more understandable.)
The following version of the Kessinger story was printed in:
The Baxter County, Arkansas Historical Society’s publication“The History”October, November & December 1995;Volume 21, Number 4.
(Note: The information appearing below is from the article cited above, I have rearranged some of its content to make it more understandable.)
“Another Baxter County Family
“Another Baxter County FamilyTHE KASINGER FAMILY
THE KASINGER FAMILYThe Kasinger [Kessinger, Kassinger] family in Baxter County, Arkansas has its roots in the German family of Kessinger. The following is a listing of descendants who became part of the History of Baxter County early settlers.
The Kasinger [Kessinger, Kassinger] family in Baxter County, Arkansas has its roots in the German family of Kessinger. The following is a listing of descendants who became part of the History of Baxter County early settlers.Solomon KESSINGER [1] was born about 1670 or 1700 on the Rhine River, Near Mannheim, W. Germany; and in Germany. married wife “unknown”;.. . their son (there may be other children, no information about them.) was:
1.Mathias KASINGER was born1728in Germany, and in 1756, he marriedJudity.
1.Mathias KASINGER was born1728in Germany, and in 1756, he marriedJudity.
Solomon KESSINGER [1] also married Susannah ____ about 1741.Solomon died Jun 1760 in Lancaster Co., PA.
Their children were:
1. John Jacob KASINGER was born 16 Aug 1742 in PA, and on 14 Jul 1790, married
SarahMiddleton.
2. Solomon KASINGER [2] was born on 3 Feb 1745 in PA.
3. Joseph KASINGER was born 27 Mar 1747 in PA.
4.Susannah Elizabeth KASINGER was born 11 Jun 1748 in PA.
Their children were:
1. John Jacob KASINGER was born 16 Aug 1742 in PA, and on 14 Jul 1790, married
SarahMiddleton.
2. Solomon KASINGER [2] was born on 3 Feb 1745 in PA.
3. Joseph KASINGER was born 27 Mar 1747 in PA.
4.Susannah Elizabeth KASINGER was born 11 Jun 1748 in PA.
Solomon KASINGER[2], (son of Solomon KESSINGER[1] and Susannah,) was born 3 Feb 1745 in PA. About 1766, he married Elizabeth GREENWALD. (or GREENWALT).Solomon and Elizabeth were buried in Millerstown, KY.
Solomon KASINGER[2], (son of Solomon KESSINGER[1] and Susannah,) was born 3 Feb 1745 in PA. About 1766, he married Elizabeth GREENWALD. (or GREENWALT).Solomon and Elizabeth were buried in Millerstown, KY.A Family story indicates that Solomonwas educated as a Catholic Priest but was excommunicated when he eloped with his future wife, Elizabeth Greenwald, who was a novitiate in a convent there. They were married and migrated to America in 1756, landing at Baltimore, Maryland. Solomon built the first house on the first cleared farm in Kentucky at Millerstown. Their children
1. John KESSINGER. John is reported to have fought seven years with Washington in
theRevolutionary War.
2.William KESSINGER. William is credited as being one of the founders of the
Republican Party at Ironton, Ohio.
3 Joseph KASINGER was born about 1770.
4Jacob KESSINGER
5 Andrew KESSINGER
6.Mathias KESSINGER
7.Peter KESSINGER
8.Solomon KESSINGER,[3] Jr.
9. Rebeccah KESSINGER "Becky” and her sister were scalped by Indians near what is now
Louisville, KY.Her sister died but Becky lived to rear a large family
10. [Female] KESSINGER This daughter was scalped and killed by Indians.
1. John KESSINGER. John is reported to have fought seven years with Washington in
theRevolutionary War.
2.William KESSINGER. William is credited as being one of the founders of the
Republican Party at Ironton, Ohio.
3 Joseph KASINGER was born about 1770.
4Jacob KESSINGER
5 Andrew KESSINGER
6.Mathias KESSINGER
7.Peter KESSINGER
8.Solomon KESSINGER,[3] Jr.
9. Rebeccah KESSINGER "Becky” and her sister were scalped by Indians near what is now
Louisville, KY.Her sister died but Becky lived to rear a large family
10. [Female] KESSINGER This daughter was scalped and killed by Indians.
Known facts:
Known facts:
No Kessinger family researcher has ever been able to find any reference to a Ludwick or a Solomon Kessinger sailing to any of the American colonies.
We do find reference to Mathias Kessinger in the book Colonial Maryland Naturalizations(by Jeffrey & Florence Wyland 1986.)In this we find that Mathias Kessinger of Frederick County, (German), had been accepted as a naturalized citizen of Maryland onAugust 28, 1765 / September 11, 1765.
(Elsewhere in this book it mentioned that it “normally” required a person to remain in the Colony of Maryland for a period of seven years to earn Naturalization.If this were the case with Mathias, then he would have arrived in the Colony of Maryland in about 1758.He moved to Greenbrier County, Virginia in 1766.)
(We also find Mathias mentioned in the"Release from Servitude" document which is discussed later.)
We do find reference to Mathias Kessinger in the book Colonial Maryland Naturalizations(by Jeffrey & Florence Wyland 1986.)In this we find that Mathias Kessinger of Frederick County, (German), had been accepted as a naturalized citizen of Maryland onAugust 28, 1765 / September 11, 1765.
(Elsewhere in this book it mentioned that it “normally” required a person to remain in the Colony of Maryland for a period of seven years to earn Naturalization.If this were the case with Mathias, then he would have arrived in the Colony of Maryland in about 1758.He moved to Greenbrier County, Virginia in 1766.)
(We also find Mathias mentioned in the"Release from Servitude" document which is discussed later.)
ANDREASKESSINGER
ANDREASKESSINGERIt is not our purpose in this short paper to go through all of the “Kessinger Clan letters”to determine what parts have merit and which are based on hearsay and legends.This has been accomplished in a far better manner byMr. Belden and Mr. Lincoln, than we could ever hope to do.
It is not our purpose in this short paper to go through all of the “Kessinger Clan letters”to determine what parts have merit and which are based on hearsay and legends.This has been accomplished in a far better manner byMr. Belden and Mr. Lincoln, than we could ever hope to do.Our intention for the remainder of this paper is to build the basis for the contention that Andreas Kessinger is the progenitor of the Kessinger family in America; and to prove that Solomon I is the son of Andreas and was born in Pennsylvania.
Our intention for the remainder of this paper is to build the basis for the contention that Andreas Kessinger is the progenitor of the Kessinger family in America; and to prove that Solomon I is the son of Andreas and was born in Pennsylvania.Story#5:
Story#5:This version is taken from a letter written to Lucy (Kasinger) Ohm, from Mary Jo (Kasinger) Smith on Feb. 26, 1979.
(Phyllis Ratjen and Mary Jo Smith are the co-authors ofthe book: “Solomon and Elizabeth Kessinger and their descendents” 1988)
(Phyllis Ratjen and Mary Jo Smith are the co-authors ofthe book: “Solomon and Elizabeth Kessinger and their descendents” 1988)
“We believe that Andreas Kessinger emigrated from the Palentine area of Germany to the American colony of Pennsylvania in 1737.It is believed that he married Susanna Fisherin.
They had four children, they were:John Jacob (born 1742);Solomon (born 1745);Joseph (born 1747); and Susanna Elizabeth (born 1748).”
They had four children, they were:John Jacob (born 1742);Solomon (born 1745);Joseph (born 1747); and Susanna Elizabeth (born 1748).”
“We refer to Solomon as “Solomon I”;he is our ancestor that so much confusion has occurred about.He was the one who married Elizabeth Greenwalt, they had eleven children; and it was Solomon I’s family that floated down the Ohio and settled in Kentucky.”
“We refer to Solomon as “Solomon I”;he is our ancestor that so much confusion has occurred about.He was the one who married Elizabeth Greenwalt, they had eleven children; and it was Solomon I’s family that floated down the Ohio and settled in Kentucky.”Harry Lincoln wrote that:“Jacob Kiessinger and Andreas and Johannes George Kessinger are the only known, adult male, members, of the Kiessinger-Kissinger-Kessinger family to migrate, from Germany, to the Province of Pennsylvania.It is very probable that some of their children, may have been born in Germany, and came to America with their parents.”(p.23)
Harry Lincoln wrote that:“Jacob Kiessinger and Andreas and Johannes George Kessinger are the only known, adult male, members, of the Kiessinger-Kissinger-Kessinger family to migrate, from Germany, to the Province of Pennsylvania.It is very probable that some of their children, may have been born in Germany, and came to America with their parents.”(p.23)
Known facts:
In the resource books entitled Passenger and Immigration Lists Index(First Edition, Volume 2, H-N, edited by W. Filby & Mary Meyer);and in30,000 Names of Immigrants in Pennsylvania1727-1776 (by D. Rupp 1985)we find Andreas Kessinger (Casinger) as a “Palatine” passenger on board the ship“WILLIAM”.
Known facts:
In the resource books entitled Passenger and Immigration Lists Index(First Edition, Volume 2, H-N, edited by W. Filby & Mary Meyer);and in30,000 Names of Immigrants in Pennsylvania1727-1776 (by D. Rupp 1985)we find Andreas Kessinger (Casinger) as a “Palatine” passenger on board the ship“WILLIAM”.
[List 50A]“A Least of the men Palentens that is on Board the Ship WILLIAM, Jo Carter Comand from Amsterdam,Philad. Oct.31, 1737. A true list. Tho. Petterlo, Mate
(N.B. The Master is confined to Bed by an Indisposition)
(N.B. The Master is confined to Bed by an Indisposition)
Andrew Casinger&Hance George Casinger”
Andrew Casinger&Hance George Casinger”
[List 50C]“At the Courthouse of Philadia, October 31, 1737.
Present Thomas Laurence, Thomas Griffitts, Ralph Assheton, William Allen,
These Palatines whose Names are underwritten, imported in the Ship WILLIAM, John Carter, Master, from Amsterdam, but last from Dover, did this day take and subscribe the Oaths to the Government.
Andreas KessingerandJohann Georg Kessinger”
[List 50C]“At the Courthouse of Philadia, October 31, 1737.
Present Thomas Laurence, Thomas Griffitts, Ralph Assheton, William Allen,
These Palatines whose Names are underwritten, imported in the Ship WILLIAM, John Carter, Master, from Amsterdam, but last from Dover, did this day take and subscribe the Oaths to the Government.
Andreas KessingerandJohann Georg Kessinger”
As we had stated earlier, from 1600 to as late as 1870,we could only find a record ofone (1) Kiessinger, two (2) Kessingers and two (2) Casingers arriving in the American colonies.
(And the 2 Casingers were actually misspellings of Andreas Kessinger and Johann Georg Kessinger’s names by the Mate on board the ship WILLIAM.)
(And Michael Kissinger which Jackie LeDuc recently brought to our attention.)
As we had stated earlier, from 1600 to as late as 1870,we could only find a record ofone (1) Kiessinger, two (2) Kessingers and two (2) Casingers arriving in the American colonies.
(And the 2 Casingers were actually misspellings of Andreas Kessinger and Johann Georg Kessinger’s names by the Mate on board the ship WILLIAM.)
(And Michael Kissinger which Jackie LeDuc recently brought to our attention.)
There were 70 men(over the age of 16) that were listed on the WILLIAM.There were 180 passengers in total.As there is no list of women and children, there is no way to know for certain if Andreas had a wife or children with him.
There were 70 men(over the age of 16) that were listed on the WILLIAM.There were 180 passengers in total.As there is no list of women and children, there is no way to know for certain if Andreas had a wife or children with him.
However, we do find a record of his settling in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania as early as 1743.
However, we do find a record of his settling in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania as early as 1743.
In the Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Warrick Congregation, BaptismsBook,page 12.
(From the Warrick Congregation,Warrick Township,Lancaster County,Pennsylvania.
Now it is known as theEmanuel EvangelicalLutheranChurch,Brickerville, Elizabeth Township,Lancaster Co., Penn.)
(From the Warrick Congregation,Warrick Township,Lancaster County,Pennsylvania.
Now it is known as theEmanuel EvangelicalLutheranChurch,Brickerville, Elizabeth Township,Lancaster Co., Penn.)
Father:Andreas Kessinger
Father:Andreas KessingerSon:John Jacob Kessinger, born 16 August,1742.Baptized 22 Aug. 1743.
Sponsors: John Hauzam & wife; Jacob Klein & wife.
Sponsors: John Hauzam & wife; Jacob Klein & wife.
Son:Solomon Kessinger, born 3 March 1745.Baptized. 24 March, 1745.
Sponsors: Conrad Brarun & wife, also Ursula Fischerin(this may be the sister of
Andreas’ wife – Susanna Fischerin.)
Sponsors: Conrad Brarun & wife, also Ursula Fischerin(this may be the sister of
Andreas’ wife – Susanna Fischerin.)
Son:Joseph Kessinger, born 27 March, 1747,Baptized 28 Jan. 1748
Sponsors:Conradt Braun.
Sponsors:Conradt Braun.
DaughterSusanna Elizabeth Kessinger, born 11 June, 1748.Baptized 17 July, l748.
Sponsors:Christian Lentz & Susanna Elizabeth Hanaga; both single.
Sponsors:Christian Lentz & Susanna Elizabeth Hanaga; both single.
In 1974, Harry Lincoln writes:
“According to tradition, Solomon Kessinger had a brother, named Mathias.
If Mathias was a brother of Solomon, he was, also, a son of Andreas.No information is available, whereby, the relation, of Mathias Kessinger (Kissinger) to Andreas and Solomon Kessinger, may be definitely established.That Mathias Kessinger (Kissinger) was closely associated with, and probably a close relative ofAndreas (Andrew) Kessinger is revealed . . . when he was named Administrator of the Estate of Andrew Kessinger on July 2, 1760.At this time, (1760) Solomon Kessinger was only 15 years of age, when his father died.”(p.23)
In 1974, Harry Lincoln writes:
“According to tradition, Solomon Kessinger had a brother, named Mathias.
If Mathias was a brother of Solomon, he was, also, a son of Andreas.No information is available, whereby, the relation, of Mathias Kessinger (Kissinger) to Andreas and Solomon Kessinger, may be definitely established.That Mathias Kessinger (Kissinger) was closely associated with, and probably a close relative ofAndreas (Andrew) Kessinger is revealed . . . when he was named Administrator of the Estate of Andrew Kessinger on July 2, 1760.At this time, (1760) Solomon Kessinger was only 15 years of age, when his father died.”(p.23)
At that time, the debate was still ragingDid Andreas have a wife in Germany?What was her name?Were there any children born there?Did he marry a second wife, named Susanna, in Pennsylvania?Was Mathias a brother, or a son, or just a distant relative?
At that time, the debate was still ragingDid Andreas have a wife in Germany?What was her name?Were there any children born there?Did he marry a second wife, named Susanna, in Pennsylvania?Was Mathias a brother, or a son, or just a distant relative?Then in 1988,Phyllis Ratjen and Mary Jo Smith in their book: “Solomon and Elizabeth Kessinger and their Descendents”made the first reference, which we know of, concerningthe Kessinger “Missing Link”;when they wrote:
Then in 1988,Phyllis Ratjen and Mary Jo Smith in their book: “Solomon and Elizabeth Kessinger and their Descendents”made the first reference, which we know of, concerningthe Kessinger “Missing Link”;when they wrote:“We do have some documentation for an Andreas Kessinger who in April 1737 was given permission along with his wife, Susanna Fischerin (Fisher) and four children to leave Germany.The children were:George Michael Kessinger, age 9 years;Mathias Kessinger, age 6 years;Andreas Kessinger, age 4 years;and Catherine Barbara Kessinger, age 1 ½ years.”(p.3-4)
“We do have some documentation for an Andreas Kessinger who in April 1737 was given permission along with his wife, Susanna Fischerin (Fisher) and four children to leave Germany.The children were:George Michael Kessinger, age 9 years;Mathias Kessinger, age 6 years;Andreas Kessinger, age 4 years;and Catherine Barbara Kessinger, age 1 ½ years.”(p.3-4)A copy of the “RELEASEFROMSERVITUDE”and a "rough" translation appears below.
A copy of the “RELEASEFROMSERVITUDE”and a "rough" translation appears below.
THIS DOCUMENT IS A RELEASE FROM SERVITUDE
THIS DOCUMENT IS A RELEASE FROM SERVITUDE
"The Baron and Landholder, by the grace of God, to Baden and Hachberg, Landholder of Sausenberg, Lord of Spanheim and Ebersheim, Lord of Roteln, Badenweiler, Lahn and Mahlberg.
"The Baron and Landholder, by the grace of God, to Baden and Hachberg, Landholder of Sausenberg, Lord of Spanheim and Ebersheim, Lord of Roteln, Badenweiler, Lahn and Mahlberg."We announce herewith, after the humble request by the applicant ANDREAS KESSINGER of Welschneureuth, government employee, wed honorable born, his wife Suzanna, given to him in marriage and their four (4) children (all named) and all being of sound mind, will be released of servitude to us, through the grace of our Lordship.But in the case of return to any of our holdings, they automatically return to their original servitude.
"We announce herewith, after the humble request by the applicant ANDREAS KESSINGER of Welschneureuth, government employee, wed honorable born, his wife Suzanna, given to him in marriage and their four (4) children (all named) and all being of sound mind, will be released of servitude to us, through the grace of our Lordship.But in the case of return to any of our holdings, they automatically return to their original servitude."With this document we announce that A. Kessinger as of now is released from servitude to us, this has been signed at the Residence of the Duke in the front of Karis Kuhden, on April 9, 1737."
"With this document we announce that A. Kessinger as of now is released from servitude to us, this has been signed at the Residence of the Duke in the front of Karis Kuhden, on April 9, 1737."SUMMARY:
SUMMARY:For the preceeding reasons we believe that Andreas Kessinger is the progenitor of our Kessinger family in the New World.
For the preceeding reasons we believe that Andreas Kessinger is the progenitor of our Kessinger family in the New World.With this document, several decade old questions were answered.
With this document, several decade old questions were answered.YES – Andreas was married to Susanna Fischerin (Fisher) in Germany.
YES – They did have four (4) children born in Germany.
YES – Mathias Kessinger was the son of Andreas.
There is no substantial reason to doubt that the family accompanied Andreas on the WILLIAM to Pennsylvania.
It supplies additional evidence that Johann Georg Kessinger was Andreas’s brother.
And confirms a part of the traditional belief that there were 2 brothers that came to America.
It also gives us the information that Andreas was a “government employee”.
In addition to the “RELEASEFROMSERVITUDE” document,there was another document which listed the “SPECIFICATION”, or monetary worth, of Andreas’s property and belongings.
YES – They did have four (4) children born in Germany.
YES – Mathias Kessinger was the son of Andreas.
There is no substantial reason to doubt that the family accompanied Andreas on the WILLIAM to Pennsylvania.
It supplies additional evidence that Johann Georg Kessinger was Andreas’s brother.
And confirms a part of the traditional belief that there were 2 brothers that came to America.
It also gives us the information that Andreas was a “government employee”.
In addition to the “RELEASEFROMSERVITUDE” document,there was another document which listed the “SPECIFICATION”, or monetary worth, of Andreas’s property and belongings.
They included a house, an orchard and vegetable garden, hunting grounds, 4 pastures, a spring, 1 cow, 600 pounds of hay and 6 bundles of straw; plus a half wagon and plow.
They included a house, an orchard and vegetable garden, hunting grounds, 4 pastures, a spring, 1 cow, 600 pounds of hay and 6 bundles of straw; plus a half wagon and plow.Although this was probably a comfortable holding at that time; it could hardly be considered“vast wealth”or a “castle on the Rhine”.Dispelling all of the stories, at least for Andreas and his generation, of the great Kessinger or Appleby fortune.
Although this was probably a comfortable holding at that time; it could hardly be considered“vast wealth”or a “castle on the Rhine”.Dispelling all of the stories, at least for Andreas and his generation, of the great Kessinger or Appleby fortune.
We hope that this will clear up some of the misconceptions that have hampered research in the past.
We hope that this will clear up some of the misconceptions that have hampered research in the past.
Also, we want to warn our readers that this is how we see our ancestry; there are others that, for valid reasons, still believe that Solomon was the progenitor of the family and that he came from Germany to finally settle in Kentucky.
Also, we want to warn our readers that this is how we see our ancestry; there are others that, for valid reasons, still believe that Solomon was the progenitor of the family and that he came from Germany to finally settle in Kentucky.Anyone that would like to contact us with a dissenting view or to add more information; we are always happy to hear from a cousin.
Anyone that would like to contact us with a dissenting view or to add more information; we are always happy to hear from a cousin.F. Daniel and Ila Deloris (Kasinger) Chestnut
September 3, [email protected]
September 3, [email protected]
ADDENDUM
ADDENDUM(For those of you who have never seen one of the versions of the "Kessinger Clan" letter, I enclose one below.)
(For those of you who have never seen one of the versions of the "Kessinger Clan" letter, I enclose one below.)
Subject:History of the Klan of' Kessinger as given Herman E. Kessinger by his grandfather,
Silas Zachariah Kessinger on Nov.15, 1925.Date of Transcription 1/29/41,
Subject:History of the Klan of' Kessinger as given Herman E. Kessinger by his grandfather,
Silas Zachariah Kessinger on Nov.15, 1925.Date of Transcription 1/29/41,
“The Kessinger have been traced back to the time of the Roman invasion of Germany in the year of _____ when bands of' relatives camped or settled to themselves, There was a large band of our people at that time camped at Kissen Springs, near the present site or Essen.The name or the clan was "Kissener".They had a part in the defeat of' the Roman invaders.Their descendents are now known as Kessingers or Kissingers, - some spelling their names one way, and others the other.
“The Kessinger have been traced back to the time of the Roman invasion of Germany in the year of _____ when bands of' relatives camped or settled to themselves, There was a large band of our people at that time camped at Kissen Springs, near the present site or Essen.The name or the clan was "Kissener".They had a part in the defeat of' the Roman invaders.Their descendents are now known as Kessingers or Kissingers, - some spelling their names one way, and others the other.As far as I know, our line runs back to one Ludwick Kessinger, - born in the sixteenth century.I do not know the name of his wife, but they had two children1 Solomon and William. William was unmarried and his line ran out when he died at Essen, where also his parent. and he are buried,Solomon was educated for, and became a catholic priest either connected with or the pastor of the cathedral at Essen, but was excommunicated when he eloped with one Elizabeth Greenwald, a novitiate in a convent there,They were married and emigrated to America 'in 1756, landing at Baltimore, Maryland To this union were born ten children1 eight boys and two girls.The boys were: John, William, Joseph, Jacob, Andrew, Mathias, Peter, and Solomon, Jr.; the name of one of the girls was Rebeccah, but the name of the other, I don’t know.
As far as I know, our line runs back to one Ludwick Kessinger, - born in the sixteenth century.I do not know the name of his wife, but they had two children1 Solomon and William. William was unmarried and his line ran out when he died at Essen, where also his parent. and he are buried,Solomon was educated for, and became a catholic priest either connected with or the pastor of the cathedral at Essen, but was excommunicated when he eloped with one Elizabeth Greenwald, a novitiate in a convent there,They were married and emigrated to America 'in 1756, landing at Baltimore, Maryland To this union were born ten children1 eight boys and two girls.The boys were: John, William, Joseph, Jacob, Andrew, Mathias, Peter, and Solomon, Jr.; the name of one of the girls was Rebeccah, but the name of the other, I don’t know.Solomon and his eldest son, John fought seven years under Washington, and after the war he and his family with twenty-six other families, built two large rafts, and, loading their possessions on them, floated down the Ohio River in search of suitable home-sites.Among these families were other families of Kessingers, and the only other family groups in the aggregation were Logsdons and Haycrafts.
Solomon and his eldest son, John fought seven years under Washington, and after the war he and his family with twenty-six other families, built two large rafts, and, loading their possessions on them, floated down the Ohio River in search of suitable home-sites.Among these families were other families of Kessingers, and the only other family groups in the aggregation were Logsdons and Haycrafts.The scouts that were traveling on the bank of the river to search for a suitable site to make settlement and to keep a lookout for Indian raiders, came back and stopped the rafts one evening, stating that they had sighted treacherous rapids ahead which could not safely be navigated. That new rafts would have to be built below the rapids to take on the cargo of supplies which would have to be portaged.These falls are those at the present city of Louisville, Kentucky.During the evening, the scouts undertook reconnaissance of the surrounding territory, where they came upon a partly built fort. Apparently the fortifications had been abandoned before completion, due to the hostility of nearby Indians who probably drove out from their domain the soldiers who had undertaken the construction of the fort.But since few Indians were evident even around their camps, the whites concluded that that was a hunting season when the braves were away to distant hunting grounds.So, our people lost no time taking over the completion of the fort, which would afford them some safety until they could establish a settlement in the surrounding vicinity.Land had to be cleared, and that meant that women and children would be left relatively unprotected while their men-folk were busy at this job.
The scouts that were traveling on the bank of the river to search for a suitable site to make settlement and to keep a lookout for Indian raiders, came back and stopped the rafts one evening, stating that they had sighted treacherous rapids ahead which could not safely be navigated. That new rafts would have to be built below the rapids to take on the cargo of supplies which would have to be portaged.These falls are those at the present city of Louisville, Kentucky.During the evening, the scouts undertook reconnaissance of the surrounding territory, where they came upon a partly built fort. Apparently the fortifications had been abandoned before completion, due to the hostility of nearby Indians who probably drove out from their domain the soldiers who had undertaken the construction of the fort.But since few Indians were evident even around their camps, the whites concluded that that was a hunting season when the braves were away to distant hunting grounds.So, our people lost no time taking over the completion of the fort, which would afford them some safety until they could establish a settlement in the surrounding vicinity.Land had to be cleared, and that meant that women and children would be left relatively unprotected while their men-folk were busy at this job.It was outside this fort’s stockade that Solomon's two girls were attacked by Indians while milking cows.They were scalped and one of the girls died, but Becky survived to later rear a large family.
It was outside this fort’s stockade that Solomon's two girls were attacked by Indians while milking cows.They were scalped and one of the girls died, but Becky survived to later rear a large family.Joseph Kessinger married one Ruth Logsdon.This was Joseph, the brother of John, the Revolutionary War soldier, who, with John, and perhaps the other children of Solomon, came with the Haycrafts and the Logsdons to settle in Kentucky.To the union of Joseph and Ruth (Logsdon) Kessinger were born nine children: William, Solomon, Josiah, Silas, and Deanna Elizabeth, Visa Betsy, and another girl whose name I don’t know.
Joseph Kessinger married one Ruth Logsdon.This was Joseph, the brother of John, the Revolutionary War soldier, who, with John, and perhaps the other children of Solomon, came with the Haycrafts and the Logsdons to settle in Kentucky.To the union of Joseph and Ruth (Logsdon) Kessinger were born nine children: William, Solomon, Josiah, Silas, and Deanna Elizabeth, Visa Betsy, and another girl whose name I don’t know.A third son of Solomon and "Betsy” Greenwald, the brother of the above John and Joseph, was probably the one of which the records at Ironton, Ohio, and the history thereof, speak as one of the founders and charter members of the Republican party there.His name was William.Then there is another colony of this original clan at Portsmouth, Ohio. Whether the progenitor there was John or Jacob, or Andy, Mathias, Peter, or Solomon, Jr.; is not determined.
(This paragraph is by 0. C. Kessinger)
(This paragraph is by 0. C. Kessinger)
Now William, the son of Joseph, the son of' Solomon, the son of' Ludwick, this William married Mary Ann Haycraft, and to this union were born twelve children: Joseph, George, W., Frank, Alexander Harrison, Silas Zachariah Taylor, and Chance Hardin; and Ruth (married Mark Whitten), Lucinda (married Marvel Green and then _____ Felkel; Elizabeth, who was not married and died at the age of twenty, and Frances, (Henry Fleming was her husband
Now William, the son of Joseph, the son of' Solomon, the son of' Ludwick, this William married Mary Ann Haycraft, and to this union were born twelve children: Joseph, George, W., Frank, Alexander Harrison, Silas Zachariah Taylor, and Chance Hardin; and Ruth (married Mark Whitten), Lucinda (married Marvel Green and then _____ Felkel; Elizabeth, who was not married and died at the age of twenty, and Frances, (Henry Fleming was her husbandReverting back to the early days in Kentucky; after living at Fort Beargrass (which was the name given to the fort where the where the settlers first stayed in Kentucky) for some years, the increase in population necessitated further emigration to other areas, so some of' the families went to Kettle Creek, Kentucky, where they built a fort and settlement, years later, still further emigration took place with certain families from the second offshoot going on to a place called Acres Valley, where the same procedure was gone through; except that no patents were filed for the lands here, and some sort of feud was carried on between the members of two families (unnamed) over the resulting defense of settlers against claim jumpers.The feud lasted until some time in the nineteenth century.
Reverting back to the early days in Kentucky; after living at Fort Beargrass (which was the name given to the fort where the where the settlers first stayed in Kentucky) for some years, the increase in population necessitated further emigration to other areas, so some of' the families went to Kettle Creek, Kentucky, where they built a fort and settlement, years later, still further emigration took place with certain families from the second offshoot going on to a place called Acres Valley, where the same procedure was gone through; except that no patents were filed for the lands here, and some sort of feud was carried on between the members of two families (unnamed) over the resulting defense of settlers against claim jumpers.The feud lasted until some time in the nineteenth century.Bulger Joe Logsdon was heralded as an Indian fighter and scout.He lived mostly on trail of the Indians, with is greatest ambition being to hunt them down and warn the settlers of any imminent danger of' their going on the warpath.Once, he was ambushed by two by two savages, but they missed him with their fire due to an error of' judgment, He was a small man and had stuffed his shirtfront with wild grapes1 so that he appeared much fuller chested than actually was the case, and it was grapes that the fighters’ bullets penetrated instead of Bulger Joe’s chest - they having fired from one side of' Joe.However, in a knife fight which followed this attempt to ambush him, Joe killed the other two, but was somewhat slashed up himself, He lay badly wounded for several days, until found by an Indian of' a friendly tribe, who took him to his wigwam and treated his wounds until Joe recovered sufficiently to return to the settlement. The Whites hadn't heard from him in so long a time, that they had concluded that he had been killed by the Indians.
Bulger Joe Logsdon was heralded as an Indian fighter and scout.He lived mostly on trail of the Indians, with is greatest ambition being to hunt them down and warn the settlers of any imminent danger of' their going on the warpath.Once, he was ambushed by two by two savages, but they missed him with their fire due to an error of' judgment, He was a small man and had stuffed his shirtfront with wild grapes1 so that he appeared much fuller chested than actually was the case, and it was grapes that the fighters’ bullets penetrated instead of Bulger Joe’s chest - they having fired from one side of' Joe.However, in a knife fight which followed this attempt to ambush him, Joe killed the other two, but was somewhat slashed up himself, He lay badly wounded for several days, until found by an Indian of' a friendly tribe, who took him to his wigwam and treated his wounds until Joe recovered sufficiently to return to the settlement. The Whites hadn't heard from him in so long a time, that they had concluded that he had been killed by the Indians.Nolin River in Kentucky was named thus: an Indian scout who was a contemporary of Bulger Joe Logsdon's, and, was named Linn.He was either lost or killed by Indians, and the other whites made a search for him.The locality where he was last thought to have been was along a certain river.Every evening the posse would communicate their failure to find traces of' him, by shaking their head, and sayings “NO Linn”So, because of' “No Linn” the river was called thereafter, “Nolin".
Nolin River in Kentucky was named thus: an Indian scout who was a contemporary of Bulger Joe Logsdon's, and, was named Linn.He was either lost or killed by Indians, and the other whites made a search for him.The locality where he was last thought to have been was along a certain river.Every evening the posse would communicate their failure to find traces of' him, by shaking their head, and sayings “NO Linn”So, because of' “No Linn” the river was called thereafter, “Nolin".Solomon Kessinger, the son of Ludwick of Essen, built the first house (log and pin) on the first cleared farm in Kentucky, at Millerstown (as now called).The cabin stood on the bank of Nolin River, but it was later moved back on a hill, 'because one at the sons of Solomon and Betsy was thrown from a horse at the former site, being killed.It was because of' Betsy’s anguished memory of the incident that the locality of the homestead was changed,The cabin is now used as a tobacco-drying shed.Solomon and Betsy are buried at Millerstown, Kentucky.”
Solomon Kessinger, the son of Ludwick of Essen, built the first house (log and pin) on the first cleared farm in Kentucky, at Millerstown (as now called).The cabin stood on the bank of Nolin River, but it was later moved back on a hill, 'because one at the sons of Solomon and Betsy was thrown from a horse at the former site, being killed.It was because of' Betsy’s anguished memory of the incident that the locality of the homestead was changed,The cabin is now used as a tobacco-drying shed.Solomon and Betsy are buried at Millerstown, Kentucky.”