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. |