1 Rosier LEVERING

 

Birth: abt 1615, Leydon Holland

Death: Gamen Germany

Reli: Mennonite

 

ROSIER LEVERING; was born in the early years of the seventeenth century. He is the known progenitor of the Levering family in America, hence I designate him as the zero, or bench-mark, from which to grade succeeding generations descending from him. It is believed that he was born in Holland, of ancient English or Anglo-Saxon parentage; exiled, because of persecution for their religious principles. He married Elizabeth Van de Walle, of Wesel, in Westphalia, in Germany, near to the frontier of Holland. They settled in the same district, at Gemen, where several children were born to them, between the years 1648 and 1662. Tradition,

preserved by the remnant of the family at Gemen, says they occupied the old Levering homestead in that town, and that they died there.

 

 Spouse: Elizabeth VAN DE WALLE

Birth: 21 May 1626, Wesel Westfalia Germany

Death: Gamen Germany

Father: Jacobus VAN DE WALLE

Marr: abt 1647, wesel Westfalia Germany

 

Children: Wigard (~1649-1745)

                  Gerhard (Garret) (1660->1731)

                  Eberhard (Enert) (~1652-1711)

                  William (~1658-1709)

                  Alche (~1656-)

                  Elizabeth (~1654-)

                  ??? (1662-)

 

1.1 Wigard LEVERING

Birth: abt 1649, Gamen Germany

Death: 2 Feb 1745, Philadelphia Pa.

Burial: Leverington Cemetary, Roxborough Pa

Occ: Weaver Yeoman Joyner

Reli: Mennonite

 

JOHN WIGARD: born in 1648 or '49, in the town of Gemen,

in Germany. In April, 1674, he married "the chaste virgin,"

Magdalena Bokers, of Essen. She was a native of

Leyden, in Holland. They lived in Gemen until some

time after the birth and decease of their first child, and

then removed to Mulheim, where they remained until

they emigrated to America, after the 20th of March, 1685,

bringing their surviving four children.

He settled first in Germantown, Philadelphia, and removed from there a short distance west, into Roxborough Township, in 1691, where he bought a tract of five hundred acres of land, lying between and bordering upon both the River Schuylkill and Wissahickon Creek. Upon this estate he lived his remaining years with his family, and died there.

His wife Magdalena died in the summer of 1717, aged about 67 years. He died February 2, 1745, at the probable age of 97 years, and was buried upon his farm in a spot overlooking the romantic Wissahickon, which has become a part of the famous Fairmount Park of Philadelphia. This spot subsequently became the churchyard and burial ground of the Baptist Church, organized in 1789, which was greatly enlarged, and is now known as Leverington Cemetery, under a special charter from the State of Pennsylvania. This ground doubtless contains the remains of Magdalena. A gravestone marking the interment, in June, 1744, of their grandchild, Clement Levering, still stands, and points the place where repose the old pioneers, though no sculptured tablet was ever erected there to their memory.

His wife Magdalena died in the summer of 1717, aged about 67 years. He died February 2, 1745, at the probable age of 97 years, and was buried upon his farm in a spot overlooking the romantic Wissahickon, which has become a part of the famous Fairmount Park of Philadelphia. This spot subsequently became the churchyard and burial ground of the Baptist Church, organized in 1789, which was greatly enlarged, and is now known as Leverington Cemetery, under a special charter from the State of Pennsylvania. This ground doubtless contains the remains of Magdalena. A gravestone marking the interment, in June, 1744, of their grandchild, Clement Levering, still stands, and points the place where repose the old pioneers, though no sculptured tablet was ever erected there to their memory.

 

Wigard came to Philadelphia on the ship Penn's Woodland from Holland in 1685 having arrived before the month of August, 1685.

The Frankfort Company was engaged in the transportation of persons desiring to remove to their colony. The written contract entered into by Wigard Levering with the local agents at Wesel, Dr. Thomas Van Wylick and Johannes Le Brun, for transportation of himself and family to Philadelphia, dated 20th of March, 1685

"We, the subscribers, do acknowledge and confess by these Presents, that we have contracted and agreed together, that Doctor Thomas Van Wylick and Johannes Le Brun, in behalf of the Pennsylvania Company, in which they, and other friends of Frankfort and other parts, are engaged, to except or receive me, Wigard Levering, old 36 or 37 years, and Magdalena Boeckers, old 36 years, and four children, Anna Catharine, William, Amelia, and Sibella, respectively 1/2, 2 1/2, 5 and 9 years, to and for the service of the aforementioned Company, to transport by shipping out of Holland or Ingland, to Pennsylvania, upon their cost," etc. On arrival in Pennsylvania, they agreed to report themselves to Francis Daniel Pastorius, who was general agent for the company. Written upon the margin of the instrument an agreement to include "the Contractor's brother, Gerhard Levering."

Documentary evidence of the brothers is contained in a recorded deed, executed in August, 1685. "On the tenth of that month and year, Francis Daniel Pastorius, as the attorney of Jacob Van de Walle and others, forming the Frankford Company, conveyed to Wigard Levering a lot in Germantown containing fifty acres of land. The deed is in the German language, and closes as follows: `So done in Germantown, on the 10th day of the 6th month (August), in the year of Christ 1685, in the sixteenth year of the reign of King James the Second of England, and in the fifth year of the reign of William Penn.'"(*)

Wigard and Gerhard Levering -they, with several others, had been naturalized "on the 7th of the 3d month, [May] 1691, by Thomas Lloyd, being Deputy Governor." The record shows: "They having solemnly promised faith and allegiance to William and Mary, and fidelity and lawful obedience to William Penn, as Proprietary, it is declared and granted to them to be henceforth, Freemen in Law," etc.

Both Wigard Levering and Gerhard, were now entitled to be freeholders, as well as free men, and in this they exercised their rights, as Wigard acquired five hundred acres of land by purchase, and Gerhard bought one hundred acres, adjoining. These tracts reached from the Wissahickon Creek to the Schuylkill River, and embraced a considerable portion of Roxborough.

The inventory of Wigard's estate, as made by Matthew Houlgate and Isaac Cook, on the 9th day of February, 1744-45, lists household effects sufficient for one room only--except "one bible valued o1.10 and one singing book--shows that he had retired from active life and was "only waiting till the shadows a little longer grew"; the while, clinging to His Word as the beacon which would guide him safely "over the river."

 

 

 Will: Wigard Levering left a will, dated August 23, 1742, which reads as follows:

 

 

WILL OF WIGARD LEVERING.

I, Wichert Levering, of the Township of Roxborrow, in the County of Philadelphia, in the Province of Pennsylvania, Joyner, being in good health of body and of a sound and perfect mind and Memory, and calling to mind the frailty of this transitory life and that it's appointed for all flesh once to dye, Do make and ordain this my Last Will and Testament in manner and form following, revoking, Disannulling and making utterly void and of none effect all other and former Wills by me at any time heretofore made.

 

Imps. I will that all my Just Debts and ffuneral expenses be paid and discharged by my Executor hereinafter named with all convenient speed after my Decease.

 

Item. I give and Bequeath unto my Daughter Katherine ye sum of tenn pounds lawful money of Pennsylvania to be paid to her by my Executor hereinafter named within twelve months after my Decease.

 

Item. I give and Bequeath unto my Daughter Amelia the sum of tenn pounds lawful money afd to be paid to her by my said Executor hereinafter mentioned, within two years after my Decease.

 

Item. I give and Bequeath unto my Daughter Sebilla the sum of tenn pounds lawful money afd to be paid to her by my sd Executor within three years after my Decease.

 

Item. I give and Bequeath unto my son in law Peter Indehaven ye sum of tenn pounds lawful money afd to be paid to him by my sd Executor within ffour years after my Decease.

 

Item. I give and Bequeath unto my son in law William Tunes ye sum of tenn pounds lawful money afd to be paid to him by my sd Executor within ffive years after my Decease. Lastly. I give and Bequeath unto my son William Levering whom I hereby constitute ordain and appoint sole Executor of this my Last Will and Testament all other my Estate and Effects of what kind soever.

 

In witness whereof I have hereunto put my hand and seal this twenty third Day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and fforty two.

 

his

WICHERT W L LEVERING.

mark.

 

 

Signed, sealed, published pronounced and declared by the said Wichert(*) Levering as his last Will & Testament in ye presence of us.

 

Witnesses

WILLIAM LEVERING,

HANNAH LEVERING,

THOS, YORKE."

 

 

This will was probated after the death of the testator; on the 7th day of February, 1745, in Court at Philadelphia.

 

 

 

Spouse: Magdalena BOKERS

Birth: abt 1650, Leydon Holland

Death: 1717, Philadelphia Pa.

Father: William BOKER

Mother: Sidonia Williams BRAVIERS

Marr: 22 Mar 1674, Germany

 

Children: Anna Sophia ( Johanna Sophia) (Died as Infant) (1675-1675)

Anna Catharine (1676-1754)

Maria Elizabeth (Died as Infant) (1677-1695)

William (1679-)

Amelia Anna Sophia (1682-1771)

Anna Sibella (1684-1764)

Herman (1686-1691)

Elizabeth (1689-1703)

Sidonia (1691-)

Jacob (1693-1753)

Magdalena (1695-1695)

Magdalena (1696-1736)

 

1.1.1 Anna Sophia ( Johanna Sophia) LEVERING

Birth: 16 Jan 1675, Gemen, Wetphalia Germany

Death: Feb 1675

 

Anno., 1675, on the 16th of January, the parents Wigman-Rosier, and Magdalena Bokers, have caused their young female child to be brought to holy baptism.Witnesses, godfathers and godmothers were Anne de Walle,

daughter of the Bramfrow,(*) Anne Sophia Bokers and Erndt-Rosier. The child was given the name ANNA SOPHIA.

**The first born, JOANNA SOPHIA, born in Gemen, in the year of our Lord 1672, in March, and died in the third week.

 

 

(*)A dealer In merchandise, or wares.

 

 

 

1.1.2 Anna Catharine LEVERING

Birth: 15 Mar 1676, Mulheim on the Rhur Westphalia, Germany

Death: 1754, Zeiglerville Pa,

 

ANNA CATHARINE3: b. March, 1676, in Mulheim, on the Rhur. She was brought to America in 1685 by her parents when aged "9 years," as stated in the contract of transportation. She married Henry Frey at Germantown, April 26, 1692 (O. S.),:

"Heinrich Frey and Joseph Blatenbach were the first two

German emigrants who came to Pennsylvania. They

emigrated in 1680 and settled in Philadelphia." Their

marriage was among the first weddings which were contracted

and solemnized in the province. The evidence of

it still exists in the certificate and previous notice which

was posted on the door of the meeting-house, as follows:

WHEREAS, Henry Fry, of Altheim, in the province of Alsace, in High German, now inhabitant of Germantown, in the county of Philadelphia, bachelor, and Annie Catharine Levering, of the county of Bruck, likewise in High Germany, a young woman, after due consultation with their respective parents, have produced a sufficient certification of their clearness of all other engagements, under the hand of several credible persons, unto one of the Justices of the Peace, in the bailiwick of Germantown, and have published and affixed their intention of marriage in the meeting-house of the said town on the 24th of the first month past.

As no objections were filed the ceremony was performed, and THIS Certificate witnesseth that the said Henry Fry and Anna Catharine Levering have this day solemnized such their marriage by taking one another as husband and wife, according to the law of this country, and before and in the presence of us, whose names are hereunder written at Germantown, the 26th day of the second month (April), 1692.

 

FRANCIS DANIEL PASTORIUS,

Justice of the Peace.

 

Witnesses: Wigart Levering, Gerhard Levering, Magdalena Levering, Hans Peter Umstat, Arnold Cassel, Henrich Shellenberg, Jon Ponder, Andrew Supplee, Manigha May, Catein Tompkins, William Rittinghuysen, Henrich Zollern, Jacob Pfoutz, Henrich Bucholtz, Elias Tossen, Honnas Miller, Elizabeth Cassel, Herman Trapman, Sara Hendricks, Anecki Supplee, Maria Bonus and others.

 

 Spouse: Henry (Heinrich) FREY

Birth: 17 Jun 1663, Altheim, Province of Alsace-Loraine, Germany

Death: 1734, zeiglerville Pa,

Father: Jacob FREY (~1600-)

Mother: Anna HIRTZELLER (~1600-)

Marr: 26 Apr 1692, Germantown, Philadelphia Co., PA.

 

Children: Jacob (1694-)

                  Henry

                  John (-1766)

                  George

                  Elizabeth

                  Rebecca

                  Amelia (1719-)

 

1.1.3 Maria Elizabeth LEVERING

Birth: Jul 1677, Mulheim on the Rhur

Death: 1695, Mulheim on the Rhur Westphalia, Germany

 

MARIA ELIZABETH3: b. July, 1677 at Mulheim, and

"died in the eighteenth week of her age."

 

 1.1.4 William LEVERING

Birth: 4 May 1679, Mulheim on the Rhur

 

On November 1, 1717, Wigard conveyed all the residue of his five hundred acres to his older son William, estimating the area at 155 acres. In this deed no wife joins, which suggests the death of Magdalena prior to the date noted. husband and wife, according to the law of this country, and before and in the presence of us, whose names are hereunder written at Germantown, the 26th day of the second month (April), 1692.

 

FRANCIS DANIEL PASTORIUS,

Justice of the Peace.

Witnesses: Wigart Levering, Gerhard Levering, Magdalena Levering, Hans Peter Umstat, Arnold Cassel, Henrich Shellenberg, Jon Ponder, Andrew Supplee, Manigha May, Catein Tompkins, William Rittinghuysen, Henrich Zollern, Jacob Pfoutz, Henrich Bucholtz, Elias Tossen, Honnas Miller, Elizabeth Cassel, Herman Trapman, Sara Hendricks, Anecki Supplee, Maria Bonus and others.(*) MARIA ELIZABETH: b. July, 1677 (?),(+) at Mulheim, and "died in the eighteenth week of her age." WILLIAM: b. May 4, 1679, at Mulheim; was brought to America by his parents in the year 1685, and shared the family experiences until of age. Mr. Jones stated of William: "He no doubt resided with his father at the old mansion in the valley, northwest of the present (1858) Baptist Church, and a short distance from the Ridge Road. In Nov., 1717, his father conveyed to him a large tract of land, being the residue of his Plantation that remained unsold. He carried on the farm thus bestowed upon him, and no doubt had some other occupation. His will shows that his aged father resided with him at the time of his decease. He was a man of substance in those early days, and was the friend of JOHN SEHLEE, alias, SEELIG, a Hermit, who, tradition says, lived on a part of his farm, in the valley back of the present Leverington Cemetery, and a short distance beyond the dwelling of William Levering7. This Hermit had been a pupil and follower of John Kelpius, a learned and pious scholar, who came from Germany in 1694, and settled on the banks of the beautiful and romantic Wissahickon. What was the precise relation existing between the Hermit Sehlee and Mr. Levering is not known, but it was a very intimate friendship. The death of the Hermit is thus noted in the Levering Family Bible: "JOHN SEALY, hermit, died April 26, 1745, aged 77 years." His will bears date 17th Sept., 1735, and in it he is described as "John Sehlee of Roxborough, in the county of Phila., gentleman." His name is written in English. He bequeathed the whole of his estate to "my ffriend William Levering, Senr., of Roxborough," and appointed him his Executor. The Inventory of his estate embraced wearing apparel, tools, 1 scale, with gold and silver weights, 5 bibles, 14 books, 10 of Jacob Boehm's books, and 120 Latin, Dutch and Greek books." His manifest education and the scales with so delicate weights, suggest that Mr. Sehlee was a remnant of the assumed science of alchemy, which obtained for several centuries, but which faded out in the 17th century.

Mr. Watson, the Annalist, says, there was a tradition concerning Sehlee to the effect that he had a divining rod, which he directed should be cast into water at his death. This was done, and the rod exploded with a loud noise

 

 New Note: 12. IV. WILLIAM3: b. May 4, 1679, at Mulheim; was brought to

America by his parents in the year 1685, and shared the

family experiences until of age.

Mr. Jones stated of William: "He no doubt resided with his father at the old mansion in the valley, northwest of the present (1858) Baptist Church, and a short distance from the Ridge Road. In Nov., 1717, his father conveyed to him a large tract of land, being the residue of his Plantation that remained unsold. He carried on the farm thus bestowed upon him, and no doubt had some other occupation. His will shows that his aged father resided with him at the time of his decease.

 

 

 Will: WILL OF WILLIAM LEVERING.

"Be it remembered that I, William Levering, of Roxborough, in the County of Philadelphia, Yeoman, being in good Health of Body and of sound and well disposing Mind and Memory, Blessed be the Lord for the same and all other his Mercies and Favours bestowed on me, and being mindful of my mortality and willing to settle my Worldly Affairs in the best manner I can, DO make and declare my Last Will and Testament, hereby revoking all others in manner following.

 

That is to say, First it is my mind and will that my just Debts and Funeral expenses be duly paid and satisfied. And I do give and bequeath unto my eldest son William, All that piece of land (Part of my Plantation in Roxborough aforesaid) containing Thirty acres or thereabouts be it more or less, extending from the corner of his Orchard North West to the Upper corner of the same Orchard and thence continuing that Breadth East to Wessahickon, Together with the Appurtenances thereunto belonging. To hold to him my said son William Levering his Heirs and Assigns forever. Paying unto my grand daughter Catharine Engle the sum of Ten pounds within one year next after my Decease.

 

And as for and concerning all the Rest and Residue of my Lands, Tenements, and Hereditaments whatsoever or wheresoever I give and devise the same unto my younger son Benjamin, Together with the Appurtenances, To hold to Him the said Benjamin Levering his Heirs and assigns forever, Under the conditions and Charges hereinafter expressed. That is to say on condition that he or his Heirs pay unto my eldest daughter Amelia the sum of fifteen pounds within one year next after my Decease and unto my Daughter Elizabeth the like sum of Fifteen Pounds within two years next after my Decease and unto my Daughter Magdalen the sum of Twenty Pounds within three years next after my Decease, And I do charge my said son Benjamin and the Lands and premises hereinbefore devised unto him with the maintenance and support of my Dear Father Wichert Levering, providing him my said Father with all necessaries of Life, Comfort and Attendance befitting his age and Condition in a tender Christian like manner. And with the maintenance and support of my Dear and Loving wife Catharine, Providing her my said wife with all necessaries of Life, Comfort and attendance befitting her Condition in a tender Christian like manner. And I do release unto each of my children sons and daughters all moneys and things heretofore given or lent them respectively.

 

And I do give and bequeath unto my said dear wife Catharine all the residue of my moneys, goods, chattels and credits whatsoever or wheresoever. And I do nominate and appoint my said dear wife Catharine, together with my cousin Jacob Levering, who is my uncle Garret Levering's son, to be the executrix and executor of this my last will and testament.

 

In witness whereof, I, the said William Levering, have hereunto set my Hand and Seal the twentieth Day of December, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and forty-four, and I do give unto my daughters Amelia and Elizabeth the further sums of Five pounds apiece to be added to what is before given them, And unto my son Benjamin my clock, with my cart and team of five horses thereto belonging, with their harness.

 

WILLEM LEVERING. [SEAL]

Witnesses:

C. BROCKDEN,

ARTHUR FORSTER, JR.,

PAUL ISAAC VOTO, JR.

 

 

This will was probated Sept. 10, 1746. The inventory filed amounted to o70.13.6, and included "one servant lad named John Fox," who was appraised at o10.

 

It will be noticed his "Dear Father Wickert Levering," for whom he made provision in this will, died within sixty days after its execution, and the testator lived for a year and a half after. Further, that his "Executor," Jacob Levering, was a resident of Whitpain Township--since 1731--a dozen or more miles away, but still within the county.

 

Spouse: Catharine SHOEMAKER

Birth: abt 1679

 

Children: William (1705-1774)

                  Amelia (1708-1762)

                  Elizabeth (~1712-)

                  Magdelena (~1715-)

                  Benjamin (~1723-1763)

 

1.1.5 Amelia Anna Sophia LEVERING

Birth: Jul 1682

Death: 5 Feb 1771

 

AMELIA ANNA SOPHIA3: b. July, 1682, at Mulheim; was brought to America by her parents in 1685, as shown in the contract of transportation cited.She married at Roxborough to Benjamin Morgan, a blacksmith, who died in August, 1706. Letters of administration on his estate were granted to the widow on August 19, 1706.

The inventory of the estate aggregated o75.09.3, as appraised by Andrew Robeson and William Palmer.

Mr. Jones stated: "I have seen a release dated March 8, 1745-46 from Amelia Morgan to William Levering, Exr. of Wigard Levering, deceased, for a legacy of o10. I think it probable that the shop was near to Robeson's Mills, at the Wissahiccon. Mrs. Morgan d. Feb. 5, 1771, aged 88 years. I have never met with any of her posterity, but am informed that they reside in Whitpain and Gwynedd Townships, in Montgomery Co., Pa."

 

Spouse: Benjamin MORGAN

Death: Aug 1706

 

1.1.6 Anna Sibella LEVERING

Birth: Sep 1684

Death: 17 Aug 1764

 

VI. ANNA SIBELLA3: b. Sept., 1684, at Mulheim; was brought

to America by her parents in the summer of 1685. She

m. George Miller, who resided at Chestnut Hill, above

Germantown. Mr. Miller died in Nov., 1719. He left a

will dated "Sommerhausen, 21st of September, 1719."

At the office of Register of Wills in Philadelphia, is recorded

"A translation of George Miller's will, the original

being writ in Dutch.' In the instrument he provides

for his "wife Anna Sibella Miller, daughter of

Wigard Levering." Mention is also made of "sons and

daughters," but none are named. Mrs. Miller was buried

at the Concord Burial Ground, near to Chew's House,(*)

Germantown, where on a small headstone is the following

inscription: "In Memory of SIBELLA MILLAR, who

died August 17th, 1764, aged 80 years. (48)

 

 

 

Spouse: George MILLER

Death: Nov 1719

 

Children: Wigard (1714-1795)

 

1.1.7 Herman LEVERING

----------------------------------------

Birth: 18 Nov 1686, Germantown Philadelphia Pa.

Death: May 1691, Germantown Philadelphia Pa.

 

HERMAN: b. at Germantown, Pa., Nov. 18, 1686, and d. May, 1691.

 

 

 

 

1.1.8 Elizabeth LEVERING

----------------------------------------

Birth: 7 Jan 1689, Roxborough

Death: Sep 1703, Roxborough

Burial: Leverington Cemetary, Roxborough Pa

 

ELIZABETH3: b. at Germantown Jan. 7, 1689; d. Sept., 1703, at 14 years. It is probable that she was the first Levering buried at Roxborough, in what is now the "Leverington Cemetery."

 

 

 

 

1.1.9 Sidonia LEVERING

----------------------------------------

Birth: 23 Apr 1691

 

SIDONIA3: b. April 23, 1691; bore the euphonious name of her grandam. She m. Peter Indehaven, or De Haven, as subsequently called--originally Inden Hoff.

 

 

 

 

Spouse: Peter INDEHAVEN (INDERHOFF)

Birth: 1686, Mulheim on the Rhur Westphalia, Germany

Death: 23 May 1768, Whitpain Twp. Montgomery co. Pa.

Father: Everts INDEHAVEN (INDERHOFF)

 

Children: Edward

William

MODLIN

JOHN

Peter

ELIZABETH (~1720-)

Samuel (1725-1815)

GERHARD

MARY

John

Jacob

ABRAHAM

 

1.1.10a Jacob LEVERING*

----------------------------------------

Birth: 21 Jan 1693, Roxborough Pa

Death: Oct 1753, Whitpaine Pa

Occ: Joyner

Reli: Mennonite

 

Jacob, on his marriage in 1717, was made the owner of eighty-five acres, bordering on the river Schuylkill, of the home farm, by deed from his parents, dated February 20 of that year. The signature of his mother, Magdalena, to this deed is the last record evidence we have of her.

This deed provided an easement for "free egress and regress to or from the hereby bargained tract through the said Wechart and William's other land as far as the Plymouth Road (now Ridge Avenue), nevertheless it shall be lawful for the said Jacob, afore written, to fence in all the said tract leaving a gate of Barrs or Shut rails." This right of way became what is known as the steep hill street between Manayunk and Roxborough, called Green Lane.

X. JACOB3: b. Jan. 21, 1693, at Roxborough, which has become

a part of the 21st ward of the city of Philadelphia.

He was probably the first of the family name born in the

place. He married Alice, or Alce, Tunes. (61)

On February 20, 1717, his father conveyed to him 85 acres of land upon which he settled. The tract bordered upon the river Schuylkill, and embraced a large part of what since became the borough of Manayunk, and subsequently a ward of the city. The area comprised all between Washington and Levering Streets as now subdivided. Jacob lived in, probably, a log house in the meadow on the easterly side of Green Lane until 1736, when he built a stone house on the westerly side of this street. The date stone--which was an ostentatious embellishment in the architecture of those days--bears his initials, and is still preserved. His great grandson, Peregrine Wharton Levering, during his lifetime and occupancy of the premises, enlarged the structure. Since his death, which occurred in 1888, his unmarried daughter, Eliza, demolished the old mansion and (in 1890) erected a modern dwelling upon the site. Ever since Feb. 29, 1691, when Wigard purchased the land of Thomas Hill, it has been owned by some Levering, and since 1736, has the occupant of the dwelling site, ancient and modern, born the family name.

 

Jacob owned, also, a considerable estate on the opposite side of the Schuylkill, now in Lower Merion Township, in Montg. Co. This remained in family succession to and including his great-grandson John Levering6, who died in 1878.

 

 

 

 

 

Will: His wife Alice died, as evidenced by documents, between the dates of Jan. 15, 1750, and March 24, 1753, and he followed in October, 1753. He left a considerable estate. The inventory of personalty alone amounted to o594.01.

 

His will is dated December 22, 1752. In this he describes himself as Jacob Levering, of Roxborrow Township, in the county of Philada., Joyner. After providing for the payment of any debts and funeral expenses, he bequeaths:

 

To his "Daughter Magdalen, who is married to Samuel Showler, and to her heirs or assigns my Negro girl called Peg.

 

To his "Three eldest sons, Abraham, Wigard and William Levering, and to each of them, the sum of five pounds, money of Pensilvania, apiece."

 

To his "son Jacob Levering twenty-four acres of land in Roxborrow Township aforesaid between the Plymouth

 

Road (now Ridge Avenue) and Schullkill," as described, "and the sum of Ninety Pounds Lawful Money," etc.

 

To his "son Anthony Levering all my Land in Merion Township, in the county aforesaid (then Philad.) by computation fifteen acres, together with the Saw Mill, Buildings, and timber Wheels, thereunto belonging," etc.

 

To his "son Benjamin Levering, twenty-four acres of land along the side of the beforementioned piece given to my son Jacob"--described--"and the sum of one hundred and thirty pounds money aforesaid."

 

To his "youngest son Septimus Levering, All that tract of land whereon I live, Together with all the Improvements and buildings thereon erected"; also, sundry articles of personal property, as listed, to which he adds, "and my Negro boy called Kit," and--

 

Lastly. I do nominate and appoint my sons Abraham Levering and Septimus Levering to be my whole and sole Executors, giving them full power and authority to sell and dispose of all my other Land or Lands, Ground Rents, whatsomever, etc., and to Sign, Seal and Deliver any Deed or writing of confirmation for the same as absolute and fully as if I myself were Personally Present."

 

And with the usual afterthought, he adds, "It is my will that my Executors Pay the sum of Ten Pounds above mentioned (?) to my above-named Daughter Magdalen, and that my son William shall have my large Iron Kettle which I have long since also promised to him, before my estate be divided as above."

 

This will was proved October 22, 1753. Among the articles listed in the inventory of the estate were "A large Bible in the Germain tongue," appraised at o1.10, and "A large Dutch Bible," appraised at o0.15, and other books.

 

Mr. Jones states: "None of these books can now be found." As the first bible was in German, and appraised at the precise valuation affixed in the inventory of his father's estate but a few years before, I believe this to have been Wigard Levering's old volume, which was handed down in the line of Jacob to Mrs. Kirk, before named.

 

 

 

 

Spouse: Alice (Aeltie) TUNES

Birth: 1-1691/2

Death: bef Dec 1732

Father: Abraham TUNES (~1660-~1710)

Mother: Beatrix (Boetzen) LUKEN

Marr: 2 Feb 1717

 

Children: Magdalena (~1716-)

                 Abraham (1717-1804)

                 Wigard (Wechard) (1719-1782)

                 William (1721-1785)

                  Jacob (~1723-<1807)

                 Anthony (~1725-1788)

                 Benjamin (1728-1804)

                 Septimus (~1731-<1794)

 

1.1.10a.1 Magdalena LEVERING

Birth: abt 1716, Roxborough Philadelphia Pa

Spouse: Samuel SHOWLER

Death: bef 1809, Lancaster County, Pa

Marr: 27 Sep 1740

 

Children: GABRIEL (1741-)

                  JABOB (1743-)

                  BENJAMIN (1745-)

                  JOHN (1748-)

                  SAMUEL (1750-)

 

1.1.10a.2 Abraham LEVERING

Birth: May 1717, Green ln. Roxborough Pa.

Death: 31 Oct 1804

Reli: Baptist

 

Both he and his wife were notably pious persons. The records of the First Baptist Church of Philadelphia, which is now (1894) situated on the northwest corner of Arch and Fourteenth (Broad) Streets, show that both Abraham and Anna Levering were baptised in the river Schuylkill, on September 11, 1756. Subsequently they became constituent members of the Roxborough Baptist Church, which was organized August 23, 1789, and he was made the first Deacon, having been chosen to that office on March 27, 1791. Until that time, since the organization, the pastor or supply officiated in the service of communion

The church, as first constituted, consisted of 32 members, of whom 11 were Leverings and 2 were married women who had borne the name. The old "meeting house," as first erected in 1793, stood in the midst of the present Leverington Cemetery. The approach from Ridge Avenue was between two long lines of Lombardy Poplar trees, while the building was surrounded by large Elms. These were consumed by fire, which destroyed the building. It was rebuilt in 1830, and like destruction compelled a third building in 1870, which also followed in flames in April, 1876. This third loss determined the congregation to remove to a new site, which was selected close against Ridge Avenue, a few rods east of the entrance gate to the long-used location.

Abraham4: In early life he lived on the Ridge Road, below the 6-mile stone (measured from Second and Market Street), where, about the year 1746, he built a large stone house upon land adjoining that of his brother Wigard, and opposite to that of his brother Jacob.

During his later years he lived on Green Lane, at the old homestead of his father. Before a meeting house was built in Roxborough his dwelling was often used as a preaching place. He was a constant attendant at church, and usually carried a large cane. He had a peculiar dislike for dogs in the meeting house, hence, whenever he found one there he caned it out.

Mrs. Levering died Aug. 1, 1799. He survived her several years. At the time of his death, which occurred on Oct. 31, 1804, he was a venerable looking man with white, flowing locks.

 

His estate embraced a large tract of land, upon which a part of Manayunk is now built. His will, dated Aug. 20, 1798, was proved in Philadelphia on Dec. 15, 1804. Both were interred in Leverington Cemetery.

 

Spouse: Anna THOMAS

Birth: 1726

Death: 1 Aug 1799

Father: Griffith THOMAS

Mother: Margaret

Marr: 14 Oct 1745

 

Children: Jacob (1746->1798)

                 Margaret (1748-)

                 John (1750-1832)

                 Anthony (1752-1818)

                 Mary (1755-1843)

                 Magdalena (Died as Infant) (1757-)

                 Anna (1761-)

                 Samuel (1765-1823)

 

1.1.10a.2.1 Jacob LEVERING

Birth: 18 Sep 1746, Roxborough Philadelphia Pa

Death: aft 1798

 

JACOB: b. Sept. 18, 1746, at Roxb.; was m. April 17, 1769, by Rev. Morgan Edwards, to Mary Brownfield. He was a member of the First Baptist Church, of Philad. After the War of the Revolution, in which he took an active part, he removed to North Carolina, where he died, but the date is not known. His father, Abraham, in his will, dated Aug. 20, 1798, gave to him a legacy in money, which indicates that he was living at that date.

 

Spouse: Mary BROWNFIELD

Marr: 17 Apr 1769, Rev. Morgan Edwards

 

1.1.10a.2.2 Margaret LEVERING

Birth: 20 Jun 1748, Roxborough Philadelphia Pa

Death: Redding Pa.

Spouse: Paul CONNER

 

1.1.10a.2.3 John LEVERING

Birth: 25 Apr 1750, Roxborough Philadelphia Pa

Death: 28 Jul 1832

 

JOHN (Major): b. April 25, 1750; m. Jan. 8, 1778, by the celebrated Rev. F. A. Muhlenberg, D. D., to Hannah Howell, who was b. Dec. 30, 1752, and was of Welsh parentage. Her grandfather, David Howell, m. Mary Reading, who was a cousin to the great hymnologist, Rev. Dr. Isaac Watts. Their son, John Howell, b. Aug. 8, 1721, was the father of Hannah. She died Oct. 28, 1820. Major Levering d. July 28, 1832. Both were buried in Lev. Cem. Major L. was an active partisan and soldier in the Revolutionary War, and was a commissioned officer in that campaign.

 

He was active and prominent in the Baptist Church at Roxb., of which he was a constituent member and deacon, and was named first in the Board of Trustees, in the charter granted by the Supreme Court of Penna., in the year 1791. He was baptized June 9, 1772, by the Rev. William Rogers, into the First Baptist Church of Philad.

 

Spouse: Hannah HOWELL

Father: HOWELL

Marr: 8 Jan 1778, Rev F. A. Muhlenberg, D. D

 

1.1.10a.2.4 Anthony LEVERING

Birth: 5 Jul 1752, Roxborough Philadelphia Pa

Death: 8 Aug 1818

Burial: Leverington Cemetary, Roxborough Pa

Reli: Baptist

 

ANTHONY: b. July 5, 1752, at Roxb.; m. Mary, dau. of Captain Joseph Sterne, of Roxb. Both were constituent members of the Roxb. Baptist Church, on dismission from the First Baptist Church of Philad. and he was a deacon of the former from Dec. 22, 1804, until his decease. He lived on Green Lane, in (now) Manayunk, in the large stone house where his father and grandfather had lived. He owned a large tract of land where Manayunk now stands, extending on both sides of Green Lane. He also was active in the War of the Revolution, sharing with his brothers Jacob and John in many scouting expeditions and in hairbreadth escapes, as their home was in the heat of the conflict and under British possession for a part of the time. Being so located they were detailed on special service, and divided risks and responsibilities as scouts with each other.

He d. Aug. 8, 1818. Mrs. L. survived her husband many years, and was awarded a pension by the Government for the valuable military services rendered by her husband. She was well versed in family history and tradition. She d. Feb. 17, 1851, aged 86 years.

 

Both were buried in Leverington Cemetery.

 

Spouse: Mary STERNE (STARNE)

Birth: 13 Jan 1766

Father: Captain Joseph STERNE (STARNE)

Mother: Mary MAULSBY (1726-1811)

 

1.1.10a.2.5 Mary LEVERING

Birth: 13 Jan 1755, Roxborough Pa

Death: 20 Aug 1843, Roxborough Pa

 

Mrs. H. was a woman of strong intellect and culture. Her writings were regarded with great favor by her friends. Her granddaughter, Mrs. Abby J. H. Hanford, still preserves the original script of a poem entitled "Death and Eternity," which was written by Mary at the age of 70 years.

 

.*MARY;5 b. at R., 13 Jany., 1753; m. Cornelius Holgate, of

R., who was a Justice of the Peace, and left numerous issue.

 

*From H.G. Jones' Book

 

Spouse: Cornelious HOLGATE

Birth: 27 Jan 1758

Death: 14 Apr 1829, Wilkesbarre Pa

Father: John HOLGATE Sr. (~1724-~1778)

Mother: Jane

Marr: 29 Mar 1781, at her father's house in Roxborough

 

Children: John (1782-1854)

                 William (1783-1805)

                 Abraham (1785-1786)

                 Anna (1788-1857)

                 Jane (1789-1854)

                Abraham Levering (1791-1847)

                Griffith (1792-1881)

                 Sarah (1794-1840)

                Thomas (1796-1797)

               Maria (1797-1874)

               Susanna (1800-1877)

 

1.1.10a.2.5.1 John HOLGATE

Birth: 12 Mar 1782, Roxborough Pa

Death: 28 Apr 1854

Occ: Deacon Roxborough Baptist Church

Reli: Baptist

Spouse: Myra GILBERT

Birth: 1 Apr 1768

Death: 7 Feb 1857

 

Children: Elizabeth

 

1.1.10a.2.5.2 William HOLGATE

Birth: 12 Jun 1783, Roxborough Pa

Death: 14 Sep 1805

 

1.1.10a.2.5.3 Abraham HOLGATE

Birth: 19 Sep 1785, Roxborough Pa

Death: 30 Nov 1786

 

1.1.10a.2.5.4 Anna HOLGATE

Birth: 5 Jan 1788, Roxborough Pa

Death: 18 Jan 1857

 Spouse: Thomas BARTOLETTE

Death: 10 Aug 1857, Illonois

 

1.1.10a.2.5.5 Jane HOLGATE

Birth: 27 Feb 1789, Roxborough Pa

Death: 4 Nov 1854

 

Spouse: Isreal GILBERT

Birth: 14 Jul 1789

Death: 4 Mar 1852

Marr: 7 Jan 1813

 

1.1.10a.2.5.6 Abraham Levering HOLGATE

Birth: 1 Mar 1791, Roxborough Pa

Death: 8 Nov 1847

 

Abraham Levering, was born March 1, 1791, at Roxborough,

and m. Elizabeth Jones, daughter of Nathan and Abigail

Clark Jones, of Pittsburg, Pa. Abby J. Holgate, daughter

of Abraham L. and Elizabeth Holgate, b. Oct. 13, 1824, in

Lebanon, O., m. Dec. 4, 1845, in Van Buren county, Iowa,

Edward Hanford. They have sons, Cornelius H. and Frank

Hanford.

From Pittsburgh they removed to Cincinnati, and thence to Van Buren Co., Iowa.

 

Spouse: Elizabeth JONES

Birth: 20 Apr 1796, Milford Conn.

Death: 22 Jan 1880

Father: Nathan JONES

Mother: Abigail CLARK

Marr: 26 Mar 1818, Pittsburg

 

Children: Abby J. (1824-)

 

1.1.10a.2.5.7 Griffith HOLGATE

Birth: 2 Nov 1792, Roxborough Pa

Death: 5 Jan 1881

Burial: Mt. Moriah Cem

Occ: merchant

Reli: Baptist

 

 GRIFFITH6: b. Nov. 2, 1792; m. Feb. 28, 1822, Elizabeth

Rose, b. Feb. 13, 1796. He was a soldier in the war of

1812. Was a merchant in Haddington, a suburb of

Philad., from 1821 to 1834, when he moved to a farm

in Darby Tp., Delaware Co., Pa., where he remained

until the death of his wife, April 29, 1866, when he accepted

domicile with his daughter, Elvina Levering Cartwright,

at Oswego, N. Y., where he died on Jan. 5, 1881.

He was a lifelong member of the Baptist Church, a type

of Christian consistency and of business integrity. Both

were buried at Mt. Moriah Cem., near Philadelphia.

 

Spouse: Elizabeth ROSE

Birth: 13 Feb 1796

Death: 29 Apr 1866

 

1.1.10a.2.5.8 Sarah HOLGATE

Birth: 20 Nov 1794, Roxborough Pa

Death: 2 Jan 1840, Waverly, N. Y.;

 

SARAH6: b. Nov. 20, 1794; m. Dec. 13, 1818, Alexander Brooks. He was born Nov. 21, 1796, in Danbury, Conn.; went from there when 20 years of age to Berwick, Pa., where he became acquainted with Sarah. After their marriage 1826 they removed to Factoryville, New York, where he bought a woolen factory and manufactured cloths. He was a deacon in a Bapt. Church there for many years, and was the main financial support of the church. Prof. Alex. Atwood7 Brooks wrote of his mother, Sarah: "My natural ability and my success in life I owe to my mother. She was a woman of superior qualities of both head and heart, and of exalted character in all the walks of life." Both d. at Waverly, N. Y.; she on Jan. 2, 1840, and he on Aug. 12, 1876. On July 24, 1841, he mar. Margaret Ten Brook, of Waverly, who d. March 1, 1893.

 

Spouse: Alexander BROOKS

Birth: 21 Nov 1796, Danburry Conn.

Death: 12 Aug 1876, Waverly, N. Y.;

Marr: 1826

 

Children: Alex. Atwood

 

1.1.10a.2.5.9 Thomas HOLGATE

Birth: 9 Mar 1796, Roxborough Pa

Death: 12 Aug 1797

 

1.1.10a.2.5.10 Maria HOLGATE

Birth: 5 Dec 1797, Roxborough Pa

Death: 1 Sep 1874, Near Philadelphia Pa.

 

List of Names of Persons in the United Stated, Canada, Australia Entitled to Property (Great Briton)HOLGATE, MARIA, born about 1798. Representatives wanted.

 

Spouse: Randall FENTON

Birth: 9 Mar 1792, Pa.

Death: 10 Dec 1865, Pa.

Father: Ephraim Fenton (-1826)

Mother: Mary THOMAS

Marr: 10 Jan 1819

 

Children: Mary Jane (1819-1886)

                  Martha (1821-1891)

                  Eliza F. (1823-)

                  Susan M. (1824-)

                  Ursula (1826-)

                  Sara Ann (1828-)

                  Randall (1830-)

                 Charles Levering (1832-1899)

                 John L. (~1834-)

                 Emma Maria (~1839-)

                 Adelaid (1836-)

 

1.1.10a.2.5.10.1 Mary Jane FENTON

Birth: 24 Oct 1819

Death: 7 May 1886

Spouse: Samuel McBRIDE

Birth: 10 Mar 1816

Death: 21 Feb 1890

Marr: 10 Oct 1849

 

1.1.10a.2.5.10.2 Martha FENTON

Birth: 11 Feb 1821

Death: 10 Oct 1891

 

Spouse: Joseph KEYSER WOLF

Birth: 27 May 1818

Marr: Sep 1848

 

1.1.10a.2.5.10.3 Eliza F. FENTON

Birth: 7 Feb 1823

 Jarrettown Montgomery co. Pa.

Spouse: Abraham LIGHTKEP

Birth: 29 Sep 1815

Death: 4 Feb 1885,  Pa,

Marr: 1 Feb 1844

 

Children: Mary Jane (1844-1914)

                 Maria H. (1847-)

                 Amanda E. (1848-1905)

                 Randal F. (1850-)

                 Adelaide W. (1855-)

                 Annie Z. (1855-)

                 John H. (1857-)

                 William R. (1884-)

 

1.1.10a.2.5.10.4 Susan M. FENTON

Birth: 21 Nov 1824

 Jarrettown Montgomery county Pa.

Unmarried

 

1.1.10a.2.5.10.5 Ursula FENTON

Birth: 24 Feb 1826

Spouse: Henry SHEETZ

Birth: 24 Nov 1829

Marr: 8 Oct 1854

 

1.1.10a.2.5.10.6 Sara Ann FENTON

Birth: 1 Jun 1828

Spouse: William M. EISENBREY

Birth: 9 Dec 1828

Marr: 12 Oct 1851

 

1.1.10a.2.5.10.7 Randall FENTON

Birth: 20 Jul 1830

Occ: Carpenter

Res: Pittsville Pa.

Spouse: Margaret J. HARPER

Birth: 29 Apr 1833

Marr: 25 Oct 1854

 

1.1.10a.2.5.10.8 Charles Levering FENTON

Birth: 28 May 1832, Montomery Co., Pa

Death: 23 Jan 1899, Bogard, Crrll Co., Mo

Occ: Carpenter and Milkman

Res:1859 Limelilm Pk. & later near Bogard, Carroll Co., Mo

Spouse: Elizabeth Ann FISHER

Birth: 2 Apr 1833, Montgomery Co., Pa

Death: 8 Feb 1894, Bogard, Crrll Co., Mo

Father: Christian FISHER (1807-)

Mother: Margaret CARR (1811-)

Marr: 9 Jan 1859

 

Children: Charles Walton (1860-1932)

                  Laura Margarette (1871-1938)

 

1.1.10a.2.5.10.9 John L. FENTON

Birth: abt 1834

Died young

 

1.1.10a.2.5.10.10 Emma Maria FENTON

Birth: abt 1839

Resided at Tyler, Smith Co., Texas.

Spouse: William Thomas WILSON

Birth: 15 Sep 1838

 

1.1.10a.2.5.10.11 Adelaid FENTON

Birth: 1836

Died young

 

1.1.10a.2.5.11 Susanna HOLGATE

Birth: 21 Dec 1800, Roxborough Pa

Death: 6 May 1877

Spouse: Johnathan SCOUT

Birth: 14 May 1807

Death: 12 Jul 1881

 

1.1.10a.2.6 Magdalena LEVERING

Birth: 18 Oct 1757, Roxborough Philadelphia Pa

Died Young

 

1.1.10a.2.7 Anna LEVERING

Birth: 2 May 1761

 

ANNA: b. May 2, 1761, at Roxb. Mr. Jones furnishes a tradition concerning her as follows: "During the occupation of Philadelphia by the British, a party of Lee's Virginia Troopers, who were hovering around the British pickets, stopped over night at the house of Andrew Wood, on the Ridge, about one mile and a half above the Wissahickon. They occupied the barn, and while asleep, were surprised by a party of Tories, who killed a large number and set fire to the barn. Some who escaped and were badly wounded, took refuge at Abraham Levering's. His daughter ANNA bound up their wounds, and then took them down to the river Schuylkill and rowed them across in a canoe on their way to Valley Forge."

The Andrew Wood barn was rebuilt with the same walls. I remember it as a "pointed" stone structure, with loop-holes for ventilation. Anna died in a few years after the occurrence related.

 

1.1.10a.2.8 Samuel LEVERING

Birth: 19 Dec 1765, Roxborough Philadelphia Pa

Death: 5 Nov 1823

Burial: Leverington Cemetary, Roxborough Pa

Reli: Roxborough Baptist Church

 

SAMUEL5: b. Dec. 19, 1765, at Roxb.; m. Rebecca Roberts, of Plymouth; b. Aug. 15, 1768. He was baptised in the Schuylkill Mch. 3, 1785. His wife followed in the religious ordinance before their marriage. They were of the constituent members of the Roxborough Baptist Church when organized.They lived at the lower end of Manayunk, on what is now known as Shur's Lane. He subsequently bought the premises of Andrew Wood, where the barn was burned by the Tories.

 

Mr. Jones relates of him: "When he buried his first born child, he had a headstone placed at the grave, with the following inscription engraved upon it:

THE FIRST BORN

AMONGST MANY

BRETHREN."

 

Spouse: Rebecca ROBERTS

Birth: 15 Aug 1768, Plymoth montgomery co. Pa.

Death: 25 Mar 1854, Leverington Cemetary, Roxborough Pa

 

1.1.10a.3a Wigard (Wechard) LEVERING*

Birth: 1719, Roxborough Philadelphia Pa

Death: 6 Jul 1782, Roxborough Philadelphia Pa

Burial: Leverington Cemetary, Roxborough Pa

 

"He owned several tracts of land in Roxborough. One contained 88 acres, which he bought in 1753, and which he sold in parcels to various persons. To recover this land one of his grandsons brought an action of ejectment in the year 1854 and another in 1857. He also owned a farm on the northerly side of the Ridge Road, at the corner of Hermit's Lane, and on it erected a large stone house similar to that of his brother Abraham. The date stone marked WL., 1742, is now in possession of Enoch Levering, who uses it as a back to his fireplace in order to keep it safe. Having sold all his lands in Roxborough. Wechard removed to Plymouth Township (then in Philad., now in) Montgomery Co., where he bought a large tract of land," etc. The farm at the "corner of Hermit's Lane" Wechard sold and transferred to his nephew, John Levering, who lived in the house described, and died there July 28, 1832. His son Enoch succeeded to the ownership, and lived in the premises nntil he died, in June, 1775, aged 79 1/2 years. All the children of John, from the year 1778 to 1795, including Enoch, were born in this house. It is now numbered 3905 Ridge Avenue, Philad., being north of 3900th Street, formerly Hermit Street. It is still (1894) occupied by Sophia, widow of Enoch, and their uamarried daughter Sarah S., who will succeed to the title, by provision of the will of her father, on the death of her mother, who is now 86(1894) years old. Wechard died July 6, 1782, and was buried in Lev. Cem. His will, on record in Philadelphia, is dated May 24, 1782, and was proved July 22, 1782. His signature to this will is written WECHARD Levering, a corruption of Wigard, and spelled as his pronunciation sounded.

 

Spouse: Elizabeth STURGES

 

Children: JOSEPH (1748-)

                  JACOB (~1750-)

                  ELIZABETH (~1753-)

                  BENJAMIN (1754-~1816)

                  WIGARD (1756-1785)

 

Other Spouses Elizabeth ?????

 

1.1.10a.3b Wigard (Wechard) LEVERING* (See above)

Spouse: Elizabeth ?????

Birth: 1732

Death: Oct 1813

 

Children: MARY (1762-)

                  PETER (1764-1807)

                  MARGARET (1765-)

                  WILLIAM (1767-1828)

                  MAGDALENA (1768-)

                  ALICE (1771-)

                  HANNAH (1775-)

 

Other Spouses Elizabeth STURGES

 

1.1.10a.4 William LEVERING

Birth: 1721, Roxborough Philadelphia Pa

Death: 7 Nov 1785

Burial: Leverington Cemetary, Roxborough Pa

 

WILLIAM4: b. at Roxb, in 1721; m. May 16, 1751, by Rev. Peter Peterson Vanhorn, a Baptist minister, to Margaret Lohrmann, who was born May 23, 1729, in Schweigen. Publication of the marriage was made at the Lower Dublin Baptist Church, at Philadelphia, as shown by the original certificate of marriage, which was preserved by Abraham Levering. It bears the signatures of the following Leverings: Elizabeth Levering, Jacob Levering, Hannah Levering, Anthony Levering, Benjamin Levering, Septimus Levering, Jacob Levering, Alice Levering, Abraham Levering, Anna Levering, Wechard Levering and Elizabeth Levering. Mr. Levering d. Nov. 7, 1785, and Mrs. L. d. Nov. 18, 1805, aged 79 years. Both are interred in Lev. Cem.

 

Will: They had no children. He left a will dated Aug. 8, 1785, which was proved at Norristown, Montgomery Co., Pa., on Nov. 16, 1785. He gave a Legacy of "Thirty pounds to poor and distressed persons of the Methodist Society," and bequeathed the residue of his estate among his brothers and sisters and their children. His widow, Margaret, left a will dated in 1802, which was proven in Court at Norristown on Dec. 11, 1805.

 

It is known that they resided at Plymouth. Their removal to that part of the County was made subsequent to their marriage, as indicated by their certificate of marriage having occurred in Philad.

 

Spouse: Margaet LOHRMANN

Birth: 23 May 1729, Schweigen.

Death: 18 Nov 1805

Marr: 16 May 1751

 

1.1.10a.5 Jacob LEVERING

Birth: abt 1723, Roxborough Philadelphia Pa

Death: bef 1807

 

JACOB: b. about 1723, in Roxb.; m. Elizabeth (???). He d. prior to 1807. Mr. Jones says of him: "He built, in 1753, a house on the tract of land devised to him by his father, situated on the south side of the Ridge Road; it is now (1858) owned and occupied by Charles Righter. Among the witnesses to his brother William's marriage were Elizabeth and Jacob Levering, and I hence infer that they were this Jacob and his wife. I think he afterwards resided in Philadelphia."

 

Spouse: Elizabeth ???

 

Children: JEREMIAH (~1766-)

                 ZECHARIAH (-<1819)

                 ISRAEL (-<1807)

 

1.1.10a.6 Anthony LEVERING

Birth: abt 1725

Death: 1788

Burial: Merion Friends Meeting grounds

 

ANTHONY: b. at Roxb. about 1725; m. Dec. 12, 1751, Agnes Tunis. The original marriage certificate, which was preserved by his grandson, John Levering, states that the marriage ceremony was performed by Joseph Bonsall, a Justice of the Peace, for the County of Chester.The witnesses, whose signatures appear upon the certificate, embrace Jacob Levering, Benjamin Levering, Septimus Levering, Elizabeth Levering and Hannah Levering. He inherited from his father a tract of land and a saw-mill in Lower Merion, opposite Manayunk. He died in 1788. He left a will dated Feb. 25, 1787, which was proven in Court at Norristown, Mch. 26, 1788. He and his wife were buried at Merion Friends Meeting grounds.

 

Spouse: Agnes TUNES

Birth: 14 Sep 1725

Father: Anthony TUNES (1693-1762)

Mother: Mary WILLIAMS (1697-1769)

Marr: 12 Dec 1751

 

Children: Abigail (1767-1824)

                 ABRAHAM (1753-1780)

                 MARY (1755-)

                 HANNAH (1757-)

                 ANTHONY (1759-1826)

                 Lydia (1761-)

                 ELIZABETH (1763-1842)

                 MARGARET (1765-)

                 SARAH (1770-)

 

1.1.10a.7 Benjamin LEVERING

Birth: 15 Sep 1728, Roxborough Philadelphia Pa

Death: 25 Feb 1804

Burial: Leverington Cemetary, Roxborough Pa

 

BENJAMIN4: b. at Roxb. Sept. 15, 1728; m. Apl. 2, 1854, at Swede's Church, Philad., to Catharine Righter. Mr. Jones states: "He resided on the Ridge Road, opposite Samuel Gorgas. The farm where he lived was once owned by John Bald. There was a two-story log house, which was pulled down years ago. A stone house was also on the place, and that was pulled down in 1857. He d. Feb. 25, 1804. Mrs. L. d. Nov. 14, 1808, aged 76 years. Both are interred at Lev. Cem.

 

Spouse: Catharine RIGHTER

Birth: 17 Jun 1732

Death: 14 Nov 1808

Father: Micheal RIGHTER (1708-)

Mother: Anna Katherine GEIGER

Marr: 2 Apr 1754, Swede's Church, Philad

 

Children: CATHARINE (1756-1821)

                  SUSANNAH (1758-1845)

                  MICHAEL (1765-1846)

                  ALICE (1766-1856)

                  JOSEPH (1767-1839)

                 MARY (~1769-)

                 MARGARET (~1771->1840)

 

1.1.10a.8 Septimus LEVERING Sr.

Birth: abt 1731

Death: bef 1794

 

SEPTIMUS: b. at Roxb. about 1731. His Christian name was given him because he was the seventh son. He m. Mary Thomas. He inherited the old homestead on Green Lane, Roxborough, which was subsequently owned by Peregrine W. Levering, and now (1894) by Eliza, daughter of the latter. Both were baptised June 25, 1757, as members of the Great Valley Baptist Church, in Chester Co., and were dismissed to the Philad. Church July 1, 1761, indicating removal into the city at that time. He became a Deacon of the church Sept. 7, 1761, but resigned Oct. 5, 1765. The Minutes of the Church for Feb. 6, 1775, state: "Our Bro. Septimus Levering, intending to go to Virginia, has requested a Letter of Recommendation, which the Church agree he shall have." He removed to Loudon Co., Va. It is not known when or where he died. Mrs. Levering d. June 16, 1794, aged 64 years, and was buried at Lev. Cem. As her monumental stone describes her as "widow of Septimus Levering," he d. earlier.Pierre de Simitiere's Mss. in Penna. Library, states: "Septimus Levering was one of the few persons who kept a carriage in Philadelphia in the latter part of the eighteenth century."

 

Spouse: Mary THOMAS

Birth: 1730

Death: 16 Jun 1794

Father: Griffith THOMAS

Mother: Margaret

 

Children: Griffith (1753-1788)

Alice (1756-1821)

SEPTIMUS (1758->1808)

THOMAS (1761-1805)

Mary (1772-1862)

 

1.1.10b Jacob LEVERING* (See above)

Children: Abraham (1717-1804) 

Other Spouses Alice (Aeltie) TUNES

 

1.1.10b.1 Abraham LEVERING

Birth: May 1717, Green ln. Roxborough Pa.

Death: 31 Oct 1804

Reli: Baptist

 

Both he and his wife were notably pious persons. The records of the First Baptist Church of Philadelphia, which is now (1894) situated on the northwest corner of Arch and Fourteenth (Broad) Streets, show that both Abraham and Anna Levering were baptised in the river Schuylkill, on September 11, 1756. Subsequently they became constituent members of the Roxborough Baptist Church, which was organized August 23, 1789, and he was made the first Deacon, having been chosen to that office on March 27, 1791. Until that time, since the organization, the pastor or supply officiated in the service of communion

The church, as first constituted, consisted of 32 members, of whom 11 were Leverings and 2 were married women who had borne the name. The old "meeting house," as first erected in 1793, stood in the midst of the present Leverington Cemetery. The approach from Ridge Avenue was between two long lines of Lombardy Poplar trees, while the building was surrounded by large Elms. These were consumed by fire, which destroyed the building. It was rebuilt in 1830, and like destruction compelled a third building in 1870, which also followed in flames in April, 1876. This third loss determined the congregation to remove to a new site, which was selected close against Ridge Avenue, a few rods east of the entrance gate to the long-used location.

Abraham4: In early life he lived on the Ridge Road, below the 6-mile stone (measured from Second and Market Street), where, about the year 1746, he built a large stone house upon land adjoining that of his brother Wigard, and opposite to that of his brother Jacob.

During his later years he lived on Green Lane, at the old homestead of his father. Before a meeting house was built in Roxborough his dwelling was often used as a preaching place. He was a constant attendant at church, and usually carried a large cane. He had a peculiar dislike for dogs in the meeting house, hence, whenever he found one there he caned it out.

Mrs. Levering died Aug. 1, 1799. He survived her several years. At the time of his death, which occurred on Oct. 31, 1804, he was a venerable looking man with white, flowing locks.

 

His estate embraced a large tract of land, upon which a part of Manayunk is now built. His will, dated Aug. 20, 1798, was proved in Philadelphia on Dec. 15, 1804. Both were interred in Leverington Cemetery.

 

Spouse: Anna THOMAS

Birth: 1726

Death: 1 Aug 1799

Father: Griffith THOMAS

Mother: Margaret

Marr: 14 Oct 1745

 

Children: Jacob (1746->1798)

                 Margaret (1748-)

                 John (1750-1832)

                Anthony (1752-1818)

                Mary (1755-1843)

                Magdalena (Died as Infant) (1757-)

                Anna (1761-)

                Samuel (1765-1823)

 

1.1.11 Magdalena LEVERING

Birth: 13 Jan 1695

Death: Feb 1695

 

MAGDALENA3: b. Jan. 13, 1695, at Roxborough, and d. when three weeks old.

 

1.1.12 Magdalena LEVERING

Birth: 4 Jun 1696, Roxborough Philadelphia Pa

Death: 10 May 1736

 

MAGDALENA3: b. June 4, 1696, at Roxborough. She married William Tunes, alias Tennis. She died prior to May 10, 1736, as she is mentioned in the first will of her father, Wigard, as deceased. Mr. Jones states: "A Release, dated Feb. 13, 1751, recites that `Samuel Tennis and John Tennis, grandsons of Wichert Levering," had received the Legacy of Ten Pounds bequeathed by Wichert Levering to his son-in-law, William Tennis. They are described as `of Towamencin Township, in the County of Philadelphia. Nothing further has been discovered of her posterity.'" It will be observed in this volume that I have discovered and gathered numerous descendents to Samuel and other children to Magdalena.

 

Spouse: William TUNES (TENNIS)

Birth: 2 Nov 1688

Death: 1748

Father: Abraham TUNES (~1660-~1710)

Mother: Bathsheba

 

Children: John

                  Samuel (-1803)

                  ANTHONY

                  ABRAHAM (-<1751)

 

 

Levering Family History by Col John Levering.

 

Email Bill Cannon

 

 



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