Johannes Peter Graff
b._______1730, Switzerland
d._______1800, Pine Hill, Pa, Somerset Co.
m. August 22, 1748, Evangelische Kirche SIEGEN, Westfalen, Preussin
Anna Maria Catharina Schneider
b. Feb. 20, 1727, in Germany
d.__________1809, Pine Hill, Pa. Somerset Co.
CHILDREN: 1-8 verified baptisms Evangelische Kirche SIEGEN, Westfalen, Preussin 9. b. America
"This is the most important writing (story) of my life Year 1727, I, was born February 20th.
"Year 1748 on 22nd August, I was married to John Peter Graff.***
1. Johann Jost (John Joseph)
"a son was born, godfather John Jost, my brother
b. 6, June, 1749."
2. Johann Jacob
"a son was born, godfather my brother-in-law, John Jacob."
b. 20, June, 1750
3. Anna Gertrant (Gertrude)
"God blesed us with a daughter, godmother Anna Gertraud."
b. 21, April, 1752
m. Frantz Hay
4. Eliessa Gertrant
"a daughter born, godmother, Elizabeth Faust, needlewoman."
b. 25, October, 1753
5.Anna Elizabeth
"a daughter born, godmother my sister Elizabeth"
b. 21, January, 1757
d. m. Clement Engle.....see Engle History
6. Anna Catherine
"a daughter born, godmother Anna Katherina."
b. 8, July, 1759
7. Gerhard Jost (Joseph)
"a son born, witness George Tilman"
b. 29, November, 1760
8. Matheus
"a son born, godparent Matthew Zorn and wife Christina"
b. 14, September, 1763
9. Anna Maria Barbara
"a daughter born in America, godmother Christina, wife of my brother George Adam."
b. 11, November, 1767
m. Conrad Brant
"My brother, John Jost was born 1732, Feb. 27 in morning at 2 o'clock."
"My sister, Anna Catherine was born to this world 1737, August 17."
***Names and dates are in the Graffin (Graff) Bible.
***Morris Brant, Berlin, Pa. has the large German Bible, with straps and buckles to fasten it shut, containing records of the Somerset County Graff Family.
***Graffin denotes feminine gender in German, hence it was the Bible of Anna Maria Catharina (Jost) Graff, published in 1720 at Basil, Switzerland, by Emmanuel and John Rudolph Thurneyson Brothers.
***This Bible was appraised at 3 pounds sterling in the estate record of John Peter Graff, in 1800, in comparison of the appraised value of one mare colt for 6 pounds.
***Translations. ***Copy of in German script in Mel McBeth file.
***Translated by Prof. D. H. Bauman and John Zipfel.
John Peter Graff served in the Revolutionary War in Capt. Joseph Hubley's Company, Third Pennsylvania Regiment, as a private, September 1776 to February 1777. Also, in Philadelphia Militia August 7 1777, (Pennsylvania Archives)
His name is also on the roll of Captain Fisher's company in German Battalion, commanded by Nicholas Hussecker and Lieutenant Balzel.(Maryland Archives page 261).
From "Queries" pg. 231, Vol. 52, Jan to Dec 1918 DAR magazine by C.B. probably a daughter of D. G. and Matilda (Engle) Bauman located in D.A.R. library, 1776 D. Street., Washington, D.C. as seen by Mel McBeth, May 9th, 1973.
War service proven, D.A.R. #462418 for Evelyn (Cockley) Schussler (daughter of Eber Cockley)
#291034, Mrs. Grace (Hadley) Fuller--Douglas Boyd's granddughter.
#429590 Ms. Dorothy Zeh; #483736, Mrs. Betty Grace Zeh--Douglas Boyd line.
#497566 Mrs. Edna Hay Kemmel; #311511 Mrs. Mary Beggs McCullock;
#319036, Mrs. Mary H. Hopkins.
September 7, 1784, Peter Groeff was issued a land warrant for 200 acres in Brothersvalley twp., Bradford Co., Pa.
The same date a warrant for 400 acres was issued to his son-in-law Francis Hay in the same area. The survey made in December of the same year locates Peter's land on the North side of Buffalo Creek, with joiners Francis Hay and Nicholas Coleman; among others. Survey record in courthouse at Somerset, Pa. The land between Beachdale and Pine Hill. In 1790, the Lutheran congregation bought one acre from Nicholas Coleman for a church and burial ground in Pine Hill.
Will of Peter Groeff, Nov. 14, 1791 lists his family as heirs. Will #6, April 6, 1800 filed for probate at Courthouse Somerset, Pa.
WILL and TESTAMENT of JOHN PETER GRAEFF In the name of God the Father the Son and Holy Ghost, Amen. Whereas it is uncertain to me John Peter Graeff, when the Lord may be pleased to call me from this world, am therefore resolved, while yet possessed of my understanding to make my last Will or Testament. And so declare the following my last Will and testament; First, I give and assign after my decease unto my loving Wife Anna Maria, all my estate real and personal, for her Support during her natural life.
Second, And after the decease of my loving Wife, the residence and remainder of, both real and personal, to be divided amongst my heirs as follows, towit, to my eldest Daughter Anna Gertrute, now Hay, to my Second Daughter Elizabeth, late Engle, her Issue, as the Lord hath been pleased to call her from this World, before me, and to my third Daughter, Anna Barbara, now Brand, these my heirs aforesaid named, shall have, hold, and enjoy all the residence and remainder of mt estate real and personal, after my Wife's decease, And do Order and direct, that the same, as well real and personal, be sold and divided into three equal shares, towit, Anna Gertrute Hay, Elizabeth, late Engle, deceased, her Issue, and my third daughter Anna Barbara Brand, and the said is my Will, and testament, and desire the same to be carried into effect.
Brothers Valley township Bedford County. In the presence of us as Witnesses the 14th of November 1791; John Peter Graeff
Jacob Gibler,) Dilman Fritz,)
Abraham Brand,) Ludwig Fritz) April 8th: 1800
Translated from the Original German By J. Weyley
The above will was given to me by William S. Jewell a Grove/Graeff descendant. Bill passed away and I want to include the obit as publishedd in the Contra Costa Times. He truly was a great man and I enjoyed corresponding with him.
Here is a picture of Bill and his wife Liz
William Sylvester Jewell William Sylvester Jewell
William 'Bill' Sylvester Jewell of Orinda, California died Monday, January 27, 2003, age 70, at John Muir Medical Center after a long period of illness. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Elizabeth; sister, Kathe Dempster of South Haven, Michigan; four children and five grandchildren. Born in Detroit, Michigan, he attended Cornell and MIT. He took a position as a professor of industrial engineering at the University of California, Berkeley, and remained on the faculty until his retirement in 1999. An internationally recognized expert in the mathematical analysis of risk he traveled extensively presenting papers and attending conferences. He was an active member of several organizations, such as Rotary Club, Swiss Actuarial Society, and the Dutch Actuarieel Genootshap.
Bill touched many lives with his caring, friendly manner. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, keeping up with technologies and listening to classical music. He was a member and supporter of his church's choir for many years. His love of travel took him to many foreign lands, learning about different peoples, their languages and customs. Following his retirement, he spent many pleasurable hours uncovering his family's genealogy. A lively and intellectual wit endeared him to many, as well as his thoughtful wise counsel and sympathetic ear. He will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.
A memorial service will be held February 1 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church of Orinda, CA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Orinda Rotary Club, or to a charity of the donor's choice.
Published in the Contra Costa Times on 1/29/2003
