Johann Adam Esch (Immigrant 1772)1

M, #96, b. 1 March 1744, d. 1 May 1819
Father*Johan Heinrick Mathias Esch b. 13 Feb 1703, d. 15 Nov 1782
Mother*Anna Maria Graw b. 29 Oct 1707, d. 24 Sep 1751
ChartsPedigree - grandfather Tillman E Ash
Ash (maternal side) - Johann Adam Esch (Immigrant 1772), (aka Adam Ash)
Ash (maternal side) - William Esch (farthest back ancestor coming forward 5 generations)
Reference4G Grf
Address  Johann Adam Esch (Immigrant 1772) List of researchers of the "three brothers" who came to America
Name Variation  Johann Adam Esch (Immigrant 1772) was also known as Adam Ash. 
Source* Source(s): Click here to see an extract of the 1st report by Paul Schmidt that gave us a start on all these new ancestors.
For a copy of his 2nd report (27 Feb 2000), click here. Note that this one is in PDF format and since it's 13 pages will take a little time to load. 
Source Source(s): Some of the notes incoporated with this family are from the web site and correspondence with Mary Ash. That information led to the story of how we got the proof.2 
Birth*1 March 1744 He was born on 1 March 1744 at Blessenbach, Hessen, Germany, (more about Blessenbach), 50.411389,8.301667G, His marriage record in Runkel states he is from Blessenbach. The Blessenbach register for the years 1742-1764 is missing, and it is assumed that his birth/Christening would be in it. His marriage record gives his father as Johan Henrich and there is only one man of that name in Blessenbach in that time period, and that man has children in a previous register from 1727-1740 so it is reasonable that Adam's birth would be recorded in the missing register - possibly with other siblings born after 1740. 
Source* Source(s): For a signature comparison, see Harrison Co. WV marriage book 2, page 113, bond of Eve Ash to Jacob Gain and book 2, page 342, Mary Ash to John Gains Junior and compare with the passenger list signature. Though his handwriting deteriorated, the way he signed Adam Esch is the same on all three. 
Marriage*21 March 1770 He married Catharine Yost (Immigrant 1772), daughter of Johann Pieter Jost and (__________) (__________), on 21 March 1770 at Runkel, Hessen, Germany, (more about Runkel), 50.406111,8.155556G, Have copy of marriage record - SLC 1195130 item 2 pg 21
1770
Johann Adam Esch of Blessenbach, shoemaker master, the son of Johann Heinrick Esch from there,
legitimate son, and Maria Catharina, daughter of John Pieter Jost from here, legitimate daughter
Proc (Banns) 25 Febr. Cop (married) 21 Mar in this year.
Immigration*24 December 1772 Johann Adam Esch (Immigrant 1772) immigrated on 24 December 1772 Brig Morton Star, George Demster, Master, from Rotterdam, last from Cowes. On list is Johann Adam Esch. There is an actual signature in PA German Pioneers] (by Straussberger, SLC 974.811 W3s), 3rd volume which is the facsimile signatures volume
(scanned image)
(scanned image of signature comparisons)
Religion* He: Salem Reformed Church, Conocheque Township, Washington Co., Maryland, In Salem Reformed Church, records indicate that Henry and Adam attended that church. 
Military*1776 He was in the military in 1776 at Chester Co., Pennsylvania, The book West Virginians in The Revolution, page 19 says:
     "Ash, Adam - Born in Germany in 1744, or in Holland: died May 1, 1819. Enlisted in 1776 in Captain Parker's company of Chester County, PA, militia, and again in 1781, in Captain George Enslo's company (sic, s/b Enslow), Bedford County, PA militia. Probably married in Germany to Catherine Yost. Resided in Harrison County, VA after the Revolution. The children were Adam, Jr, Glovers Gap; John, Tyler County; Peter, Harrison County."
     Two issues - 1) I don't know why the other children were not listed. Need to check date of book and the death dates of the other children. Maybe these were the only children living at the time. 2) While the 1781 information is correct, the book is in error about the 1776 Chester Co PA man being our Adam. There is a different Ash/Esch family in Chester County, and ours was never there. 
Residence*1784  In 1784 Johann Adam Esch (Immigrant 1772) resided at Bedford Co., Pennsylvania. In "Bedford County, Pennsylvania 1779 Tax List and 1784 Census":
"Henry Ash, Bethel Township (1784 Census) - 75 acres, 1 dwelling, 11 whites" This is probably the elder Henry. He would be about 44, and the younger Henry would be 24, too young for 10 or 11 children. There is no other evidence that the elder Henry lived in Bedford County, although many of the Revolutionary war veterans settled in Bedford County after the war. Adam Ash, listed in the same township, with one dwelling, 8 whites, 150 acres, 3 horses and 5 cattle. Adam Ash from Bedford County served in the war in the Maryland Militia. Adam and Henry purchased 200 acres together in Bedford County November 4, 1789. Part of the confusion may have involved the Mason-Dixon line. Though the land between Pennsylvania and Maryland was settled by Mason and Dixon earlier, the boundaries were not completely implemented until after the Revolutionary War. 
Residence3 February 1789  In 3 February 1789 Johann Adam Esch (Immigrant 1772) resided at Bethel Township, Bedford Co., Pennsylvania. (Evd 285) Militia rolls - In the PA Archives 6th series vol 3, starting on page 33 is "A list of the inhabitants of Bethel Township made subject by law to the performance of milita duty, taken by Peter Smith the 3rd, Feby 1789. Adam and Henry Ash are on this list. [Their neighbor George Hoopingarner of the land record are also on the list]. 
Deed*4 November 1789  On 4 November 1789 at Bethel Township, Bedford Co., Pennsylvania: In Bedford Archives Volume 4, page 4: Original Warrants, Patents and Drafts filed at the Fulton County Courthouse, McConnellsburg, Bethel Township, Ash, Adam and Henry. The contents are as follows (warrant #87):
"Whereas Henry Ash and Adam Ash of the County of [not filled in] hath requested to take up two hundred acres of land, including an improvement adjoining George Hoopingarner* on the south, Wm. Layton on the east, Adam Smith on the North and John Whipkies Estate on the west in Bethel Township in the County of Bedford (provided the land is not within the sast purchase made of the Indians) for which he agrees to pay, immediately, into the office of the Receiver General, for the use of this State, at the rate of Ten Pounds per hundred acres, in gold, silver, paper money of this State, or certificates; agreeable to an act of Assembly, passed the first day of April, 1784: Interest to commence from the first day of October 1779. These are, therefore, to authorize and require you to survey, or cause to be surveyed, unto the said Henry Ash and Adam Ash at the place aforesaid, according to the method of Townships appointed, the said quantity of acres, if not already surveyed, or appropriated, and to make return thereof into the Secretary's Office, in order for confirmation; for which this shall be your Warrant. In witness whereof his Excellency Thomas Mifflin, Esq., President of the Supreme Executive Council, hath hereunto set his hand, and caused the left Seal of the Said Commonwealth to be affixed, the fourth Day of November in the Year 1789."
     [Kathryn's Evd 161] - On reverse of document it says "Ret 9 Mar 1848". I also made notes from backup documents regarding this land [Evd 661]. "Color" only, doesn't provide any further information. Need to check out these neighbors. *There is a George Hopengartner who arrived 2 Nov 1752 on Phoenix from Rotterdam last from Portsmouth. 
Census1790*1790 He was the head of the household in the 1790 census, Bedford Co., Pennsylvania, with (Evd 136) shows Adam Ash with one male over 16, five males under 16, and six females. Next door is Hendrey Ash with 1 male over 16, four males under 16, and one female. This would most likely be his nephew, son of brother Henry.. 
Residence*1798  In 1798 Johann Adam Esch (Immigrant 1772) resided at Harrison Co., West Virginia. Tax lists [Evd 135] - Three lists for Benjamin Bartlett's district in Harrison County (West) Virginia. 1798 shows Adam Ash-3, Christian Ash with no number. 1799 shows the same information. And 1800 shows, with no numbers, Adam Ash, Henry Ash, Adam Ash [another one], and Christian Ash. 
Deed31 January 1801  On 31 January 1801 at Bethel Township, Bedford Co., Pennsylvania: [Land bought] - This indenture, made this thirty first day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and one, and twenty fifth of American Independance between Christopher Layton of Bethel township Bedford County and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Ann his wife on the one part, and Adam Ash of the county of Harrison and commonwealth of Virginia of the other part. Witnesseth that the said Christopher Layton for and in consideration fo the sum of fifty pounds current money of the Commonwealth aforesaid to William Layton in hand paid by the said Adam Ash, the receipt whereof the said Christopher Layton, doth hereby confess and acknowledge ... [... I'm leaving words out] certain tract or parcel of lands situate on the waters of Tonoloway creek in Bethel Township... being a part of a larger tract called "White Oak Bottom" containing 299 acres and 60 perches and allowance of 6 percent. next is a symbol that looks like a capital V followed by a superscript lower case c said tract was surveyed in pursuance of a warrant dated 5th March 1788 granted to Thomas McKinney who by deed conved the same to William Layton and the said William Layton b[y deed dated 25th July 1795 conveyed the same to the above named Christopher Layton and enrolled in the Rolls Office in Patent Book 43 page 272 the 6th day of September 1800 a reffernece [sic] therto being had may free and at large appear. [For now, I'm leaving out lengthy description of land, may add it in later].3 
Deed11 February 1801  On 11 February 1801 at Bethel Township, Bedford Co., Pennsylvania: [Land sold] - This indenture made this eleventh day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundren and one and twenty fifthe of Americas Independance between Adam Ash of Harrison County and Commonwealth of Virginia on the one part and Jacob Coffman of the County of Washington and state of Maryland of the other part. Witnesseth the said Adam Ash for and in consideration of the sum of two hundred pounds currant money of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to him in hand paid by the said Jacob Coffman, the receipt... [leaving out some of it] certain tract of land situated on the waters of Tonolway Creek in Wips Cove in Bethel Township Bedford County of Commonweath of Pennsylvania being a part of a larger tract called White Oaks Bottom containing 299 acres and 60 percent and allowance of 6 percents... [then repeats much of the info in deed when bought]. Witnesses by Andrew Mann Jr and Joseph Mann and Adam's wife is not mentioned.4 
(Bondsman) Marr Bond6 August 1805 He made a bond for the marriage of Eve Ash and Jacob Gain on 6 August 1805.
Deed21 July 1806  On 21 July 1806 at Harrison Co., West Virginia: There are several land entries in the grantor & grantee indexes [Evd 1011] in Harrison County, but the most important to me is in Deed book 6 page 166 dated 21 Jul 1806 [Evd 1012]. At some point in time, the originals of the early deed books were transcribed into typescript and then destroyed, which is a shame because it might have given us an original signature to compare with a passenger list signature. But there is an important clue where the "signature" is. Underneath the name Adam Ash is the phrase "Wrote in Duch." Duch would be the mis-spelling of Deutch which means German. 
Death*1 May 1819 Johann Adam Esch (Immigrant 1772) died on 1 May 1819 at Gregory's Run, Harrison Co., West Virginia, at age 75. 
Burial* He was buried at http://bassettnet.smugmug.com/Cemeteries/WV-HarrisonCo-GregorysRun, Private Property, Gregory's Run, Harrison Co., West Virginia, Tombstone says: Adam Ash Died May 1, 1819 Aged 75 Yrs 2 Ms. In Oct 1999 the owners of property were Robert & Ruth Flanigan. The mailing address of property is RR4 Box 278-A, Clarksburg WV 26301 phone 304-783-5128. Harold Davisson, who lives in brick house just south of where Adam is buried, is the relative who put up a modern tombstone (I don't have a picture of that, but it erroneously says Adam is Scotch-Irish). The modern tombstone says:
1744 Adam Ash 1819
Rev. soldier, cam from Penn. with family in 1793. 1st settler on Gregory's Run. Owned all land from head to near Ten Mile Creek, 1000+ acres. Scotch-Irish decent. Embarked to America from Amsterdam, Holland, 1770. 1st son Christopher was born during the voyage. Submitted by descendant Harold Jr. Davisson 1986.
Map1 RR4 is Gregory's Run, and on this map is shown also as Bean Run. The map is sideways so you can print it and get the whole thing.
Map2 I don't remember just how far north on Gregory's Run it is, but the next pictures should help.
House across street from the entrance.
The mailboxes showing the Box number across street.
The entrance itself actually goes up to the residence of the owners. Traditionally, the owners have not minded people visiting the gravesite. It is actually on that hill that is above the car, but it's a steep climb that way, and you are better off going up the driveway and coming from the other direction.
Photo from a book circa 1987, when it was in better condition.
1981 Sitting next to Catherine's stone, I'm looking at Adam's stone where it has fallen.
1981 Closer up shot.
1981 Top
1981 Middle
Probate9 February 1822 His estate was probated on 9 February 1822 at Harrison Co., West Virginia; From Harrison Co WV Will book 4 [Evd 1419 attached] - Adam Ash Deceased settlement [with my comments in square brackets]. I have the whole appraisement as well [Evd 160], but this part proves the heirs, (including that Christopher was also known as Christian), so I separated it out as a separate source.
     Pursuant to an order of the county court of Harrison County Daniel Morris and Dempsey P Carrol, two of the commissioners appointed by said court after having all documents & testimony produced before us, by the administrators & heirs of Adam Ash decd, make the following report.
     Upon a full settlement of the estate of Adam Ash decd, it proved to the commissioners that after the payment of all debts due by said Adam that the widows dower amounts to $254.44 that there is due Christian Ash as heir to Adam Ash, including the other heirs after deducting what he already recd of said estate - $53.77.
To William Tucker as above [dau Margaret's husband] $69.52.
To Jacob Coon [dau Elizabeth's husband] [no amount].
To Adam Ash [son] [no amount].
To John Wilson do [do=ditto] [dau Catherine's husband] $60.52.
To John Gain do [dau Mary's husband] $62.52.
To Jacob Gain do [dau Eve's husband] $61.52.
To John Ash do $31.00.
To Peter Ash do $64.52.
To Conrad Ash do $44.52.
To Jacob Ash do $52.02.
Dempsey P Carrol & Daniel Morris ea $5.00 $10.00.
The above we submit as a full settlement as the debits and credits appear to us Febry the 9th 1822 - D Morris, D P Carroll.
We certify that this is a copy of the original settlement made in the year
1822. - D Morris, D P Carroll.
Source* Source(s): Book - The George Morris Family of Ten Mile, With Genealogical Charts For Other Affiliated Families, A Story of The Pioneer Families of The Ten Mile Valley In Harrison County West Virginia by Ollie B Morris and Eva Ruth Morris copyright 1967. [my Evd 180] On page 294 there is a "diagram of the Adam Ash line of descent", and on page 111 are excellent pictures of Adam & Catherine's tombstones. On page 314 there are photos of Adam's son Peter (and his wife Catherine Wigner), and of Isaac P.R. Ash who was the son of Peter. Isaac's picture caption says that he is the "grandfather of Belva Swiger Ritter, the great grandfather of Elizabeth Swiger Meredith and of Meredith Price Wiswell, Huntington attorney. This is the branch of the Ash family which has the Lutheran Hymnal brought to America by Adam Ash and Catherine Yost Ash from Germany or Holland."
     In the late 1980's, I talked with Meredith Wiswell [RN 7118, Code 96.8(10)311] about the Lutheran Hymnal [or prayer book] that had been passed down in his branch of the family. He said that the printing date on the hymnal was in the 1500's and that it is in German (no family info, just the book). He was unwilling to open it up and take a photograph of it, or get the exact date. [He said he has it all wrapped up in plastic; which, of course, is archivally detrimental, but there is nothing I can do about it.] But, the point is, that it is in German. 
Address*  Johann Adam Esch (Immigrant 1772). 
Relationships4th great-grandfather of Kathryn Ann Rhinehart
2nd great-grandfather of Tillman E Ash

Family

Catharine Yost (Immigrant 1772) b. 1749, d. 2 Feb 1830
Marriage*21 March 1770 He married Catharine Yost (Immigrant 1772), daughter of Johann Pieter Jost and (__________) (__________), on 21 March 1770 at Runkel, Hessen, Germany, (more about Runkel), 50.406111,8.155556G, Have copy of marriage record - SLC 1195130 item 2 pg 21
1770
Johann Adam Esch of Blessenbach, shoemaker master, the son of Johann Heinrick Esch from there,
legitimate son, and Maria Catharina, daughter of John Pieter Jost from here, legitimate daughter
Proc (Banns) 25 Febr. Cop (married) 21 Mar in this year.
Children
Last Edited6 May 2020

Citations

  1. Adam Ash.
  2. [S1447] Descendants of Henry Ash Sr (web site takes time to load) https://web.archive.org/web/20100608033810/http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/a/s/h/Mary-H-Ash/GENE31-0004.html#CHILD4, Mary Lowe Ash e-mail address or e-mail address.
  3. [S1448] Bedford Co PA Deed Book R pg 16 Evd #1448.
  4. [S1568] Bedford Co PA Deed Book E pg 518 Evd #1568.