1. Benedict BROENNIMANN was born about 1524 in Zimerwald-Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
General Notes: THE NAME
About the origin of the name, there are various theories.
(1) One of the likely theories is the word "Brenneman" means "the man from the BRENNER," a pass on the Tyrolean Alps, between Austria and Italy.
(2) Some say it signifies a distiller.
(3) Some say it originated from the burning of a man at the stake during the Reformation.
(4) Possibly the most likely origin was given by Dr. H. Turler, at one time archivist at Bern, Switzerland, to the late Senator Horace L. Holdeman of Marietta, Pa., who was a descendant of Melchior Breniman, the pioneer.
Dr. Turler stated that it took its name from the hamlet of BRENDI, near Bern, Switzerland, where as early as 1479 there were numerous families found by the name of BRENDIMANN (later changed to BRONNIMANN) to designate the inhabitants of the place. The place BRENDI is now called BRONNI.
From the records at Bern, we learn that our forefather, Melchior BRONNIMANN, the exile born in 1631, subscribed his name as here shown. His sons Melchior, Jr., and Christian, after coming to America, chose to use an abbreviated form of the different forms of spelling the name in their native land (Brendimann and Bronnimann).
In 1737, as shown by the record of wills in the courts of Lancaster County, Pa., we find that Melchior, Jr., the Pioneer, endorsed his will as here shown, "Breniman." In the records of the saine court we find that his brother Christian signed his will in 1757 "Branaman."
On Mar. 21, 1786, Melchior Breniman, Jr., youngest son of Melchior the Pioneer subscribed to his will thus "Melchior Brenneman." By referring to the public records of Rockingham and Augusta counties in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, we find that the name was almost unanimously signed "Branaman" between the years 1770 and 1815.
After this time the sentiment was to choose other ways of spelling the name, but all are variations of the original name. John J. Wenger of Harrisonburg, Va., a great-grandson of Abraham Breneman, the progenitor of the descendants shown in this history, found by examining the records of deeds for Rockingham County for the years 1806 and 1808 that his name was written "Abram Branaman" (while the inscription on his stone which was replaced by a new one in 1914 by his grandson David C. Brenneman shows the "E" instead of the "A").
From authentic documents we learn that the first set of children all signed their names "Branaman" while of the second set of children, Henry, Christian, John, Jacob, and David later in life signed their names "Brenneman." Melchior, the oldest son from the first set of children, on May 15, 1813, signed a legal document, as shown above, "Branaman" a copy of which is still in the possession of the writer of this history, he being a great-grandson of Melchior.
Hence since the last 100 years, community influences have brought about various ways of signing the name and the writer of this history, desiring to conform to the peculiar wishes of each family, is following the -choice of the head of each tribe in this volume.
*******************
6.3.2009 Recently found posted online at http://boards.rootsweb.com/surnames.brenneman/7.52.72/mb.ashx:
Belp has not become Zimmerwald and the terms "Brönni" does not refer to a place "cleared by fire". The fact of the matter is that "Brönni" is a hamlet of the village of Obermuhlern, which in turn is part of the village of Zimmerwald and it refers to an an ancient occupation of making charcoal (= Brönner) roof tiles and chalk.
The first record of the place dates to year 1270. The people that would have pursued this particular trade were called BRÖNNIMANN.
The Brönnimann surname is closely tied to this hamlet. My own family intermarried with them in the late 1600's and we had a farm on that spot called Oberbrönni (upper Brönni). It was in my family's possession until 1968. The original building still stands and was constructed in 1724.
********************
Benedict married Adelheid Hüsler on 7 Oct 1549 in Zimerwald-Belp, Bern, Switzerland. Adelheid was born in 1527 in Belp, Canton Bern, Switzerland.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 2 M i. Peter BROENNIMANN was born on 5 Jan 1551 in Zimerwald-Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
+ 3 M ii. Benedict BROENNIMANN was born on 3 Feb 1553 in Zimerwald-Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
Benedict married Eva Fischer on 10 Dec 1583 in Zimerwald-Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
+ 4 M iii. Peter H. BROENNIMANN was born on 9 Aug 1554 in Zimerwald-Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
Peter H. married Anna Entzen on 9 Jun 1577 in Zimerwald-Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
+ 5 M iv. Christian BROENNIMANN was born in 1556.
Christian married Magdalena Fundeli on 22 May 1592.
+ 6 F v. Dorothea BROENNIMANN was born on 12 Jan 1556 in Zimerwald-Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
Second Generation 2. Peter BROENNIMANN (Benedict1) was born on 5 Jan 1551 in Zimerwald-Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
3. Benedict BROENNIMANN (Benedict1) was born on 3 Feb 1553 in Zimerwald-Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
Benedict married Eva Fischer on 10 Dec 1583 in Zimerwald-Belp, Bern, Switzerland. Eva was born about 1562 in Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 7 M i. Hans BROENNIMANN was born on 11 Oct 1584 in Zimerwald-Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
Hans married Maria Schneiter on 13 Nov 1606.
+ 8 F ii. Anna BROENNIMANN was born on 12 Jul 1586 in Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
+ 9 M iii. Peter BROENNIMANN was born on 15 Mar 1588 in Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
+ 10 F iv. Barbel BROENNIMANN was born on 1 Apr 1589 in Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
4. Peter H. BROENNIMANN (Benedict1) was born on 9 Aug 1554 in Zimerwald-Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
Peter H. married Anna Entzen on 9 Jun 1577 in Zimerwald-Belp, Bern, Switzerland. Anna was born in 1551 in Zimerwald-Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 11 M i. Hans BROENNIMANN was born on 16 Nov 1578 in Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
Hans married Anna Forster on 11 Dec 1601.
+ 12 F ii. Elsbeth BROENNIMANN was born on 10 Apr 1580 in Zimerwald-Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
+ 13 M iii. Hieronymuss BROENNIMANN was born in 1582.
Hieronymuss married Anna Freiburghaus on 7 Jun 1605 in Zimmerwald, Canton Bern, Switzerland.
+ 14 M iv. Peter E. BROENNIMANN was born on 12 Apr 1584 in Zimerwald-Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
+ 15 M v. Christian BROENNIMANN was born on 2 Jan 1586 in Zimerwald-Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
+ 16 M vi. Benedikt BROENNIMANN was born on 4 Apr 1586 in Zimerwald-Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
+ 17 F vii. Barbli BROENNIMANN was born on 28 Jan 1588 in Zimerwald-Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
+ 18 M viii. Peter BROENNIMANN was born on 1 Jul 1589.
+ 19 F ix. Elsie BROENNIMANN was born on 17 Aug 1589 in Zimerwald-Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
+ 20 F x. Magdalena BROENNIMANN was born on 8 Aug 1591 in Zimerwald-Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
+ 21 F xi. Anna BROENNIMANN was born on 28 Apr 1594 in Zimerwald-Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
5. Christian BROENNIMANN (Benedict1) was born in 1556.
Christian married Magdalena Fundeli on 22 May 1592. Magdalena was born about 1571.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 22 M i. Jost BROENNIMANN was born 09 SEP 1592 in Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
+ 23 M ii. Hans BROENNIMANN was born on 30 JUN 1594 in Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
+ 24 M iii. Hans BROENNIMANN was born on 18 Jan 1596 in Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
+ 25 M iv. Benedikt BROENNIMANN was born on 22 Sep 1605 in Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
+ 26 M v. Niklaus BROENNIMANN was born on 29 Nov 1612.
Niklaus married Anna Schoental.
6. Dorothea BROENNIMANN (Benedict1) was born on 12 Jan 1556 in Zimerwald-Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
Third Generation 7. Hans BROENNIMANN (Benedict3, Benedict1) was born on 11 Oct 1584 in Zimerwald-Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
Hans married Maria Schneiter on 13 Nov 1606. Maria was born about 1585 in Zimerwald-Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 27 M i. Kasper BROENNIMANN was born about 1607 in Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
+ 28 F ii. Anna BROENNIMANN was born on 21 Feb 1613 in Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
+ 29 M iii. Hans BROENNIMANN was born on 1 Oct 1615 in Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
Hans married Barbara Haenni about 1638 in Bangarten, Bern, Switzerland.
Hans next married Maria Mueller on 8 Jul 1642 in Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
+ 30 F iv. Elsbeth BROENNIMANN was born on 26 Oct 1617 in Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
+ 31 F v. Magdalena BROENNIMANN was born on 12 Sep 1619 in Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
+ 32 M vi. Daniel BROENNIMANN was born on 18 May 1623 in Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
+ 33 M vii. Daniel BROENNIMANN was born on 21 Aug 1625 in Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
+ 34 M viii. Hans Jakob BROENNIMANN was born on 16 Dec 1627 in Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
+ 35 M ix. Daniel BROENNIMANN was born on 5 Aug 1632 in Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
8. Anna BROENNIMANN (Benedict3, Benedict1) was born on 12 Jul 1586 in Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
9. Peter BROENNIMANN (Benedict3, Benedict1) was born on 15 Mar 1588 in Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
10. Barbel BROENNIMANN (Benedict3, Benedict1) was born on 1 Apr 1589 in Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
11. Hans BROENNIMANN (Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 16 Nov 1578 in Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
Hans married Anna Forster on 11 Dec 1601. Anna was born about 1580 in Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
The child from this marriage was:
+ 36 M i. Hans BROENNIMANN was born on 12 Feb 1604 in Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
Hans married Margaret Krebs on 15 Jun 1629 in Zimerwald-Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
12. Elsbeth BROENNIMANN (Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 10 Apr 1580 in Zimerwald-Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
13. Hieronymuss BROENNIMANN (Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in 1582.
Hieronymuss married Anna Freiburghaus on 7 Jun 1605 in Zimmerwald, Canton Bern, Switzerland. Anna was born in 1584 in Zimerwald-Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 37 M i. Hieronymuss Bronnimann was born in 1606 in Zimerwald-Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
Hieronymuss married Barbara Baeler on 19 Oct 1629 in Zimerwald-Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
+ 38 M ii. Hans Bronnimann was born on 23 Nov 1614.
+ 39 F iii. Margareth Bronnimann was born on 2 Feb 1617.
14. Peter E. BROENNIMANN (Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 12 Apr 1584 in Zimerwald-Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
Peter E. married someone.
+ 40 M i. Niclaus (Melchior) Brannimann was born on 23 Jun 1605 in Zimmerwald, Canton Bern, Switzerland and died in 1634 in Canton, Bern, Switzerland. at age 29.
Niclaus (Melchior) married someone.
+ 41 M ii. Benedict BROENNIMANN was born about 1610.
15. Christian BROENNIMANN (Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 2 Jan 1586 in Zimerwald-Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
16. Benedikt BROENNIMANN (Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 4 Apr 1586 in Zimerwald-Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
17. Barbli BROENNIMANN (Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 28 Jan 1588 in Zimerwald-Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
18. Peter BROENNIMANN (Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 1 Jul 1589.
19. Elsie BROENNIMANN (Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 17 Aug 1589 in Zimerwald-Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
20. Magdalena BROENNIMANN (Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 8 Aug 1591 in Zimerwald-Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
21. Anna BROENNIMANN (Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 28 Apr 1594 in Zimerwald-Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
22. Jost BROENNIMANN (Christian5, Benedict1) was born 09 SEP 1592 in Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
23. Hans BROENNIMANN (Christian5, Benedict1) was born on 30 JUN 1594 in Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
24. Hans BROENNIMANN (Christian5, Benedict1) was born on 18 Jan 1596 in Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
25. Benedikt BROENNIMANN (Christian5, Benedict1) was born on 22 Sep 1605 in Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
26. Niklaus BROENNIMANN (Christian5, Benedict1) was born on 29 Nov 1612.
Niklaus married Anna Schoental. Anna was born in 1615.
The child from this marriage was:
+ 42 M i. Niklaus BROENNIMANN was born on 25 Apr 1647.
Niklaus married Helena Haenni (d. 31 Jan 1734).
Fourth Generation 27. Kasper BROENNIMANN (Hans7, Benedict3, Benedict1) was born about 1607 in Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
28. Anna BROENNIMANN (Hans7, Benedict3, Benedict1) was born on 21 Feb 1613 in Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
29. Hans BROENNIMANN (Hans7, Benedict3, Benedict1) was born on 1 Oct 1615 in Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
Hans married Barbara Haenni about 1638 in Bangarten, Bern, Switzerland. Barbara was born about 1617 in Bangarten, Bern, Switzerland.
The child from this marriage was:
+ 43 F i. Anna BROENNIMANN was born on 2 Dec 1638 in Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
Hans next married Maria Mueller on 8 Jul 1642 in Belp, Bern, Switzerland. Maria was born about 1621 in Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
The child from this marriage was:
+ 44 M i. Daniel BROENNIMANN was born on 4 Aug 1644 in Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
30. Elsbeth BROENNIMANN (Hans7, Benedict3, Benedict1) was born on 26 Oct 1617 in Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
31. Magdalena BROENNIMANN (Hans7, Benedict3, Benedict1) was born on 12 Sep 1619 in Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
32. Daniel BROENNIMANN (Hans7, Benedict3, Benedict1) was born on 18 May 1623 in Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
33. Daniel BROENNIMANN (Hans7, Benedict3, Benedict1) was born on 21 Aug 1625 in Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
34. Hans Jakob BROENNIMANN (Hans7, Benedict3, Benedict1) was born on 16 Dec 1627 in Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
35. Daniel BROENNIMANN (Hans7, Benedict3, Benedict1) was born on 5 Aug 1632 in Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
36. Hans BROENNIMANN (Hans11, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 12 Feb 1604 in Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
Hans married Margaret Krebs on 15 Jun 1629 in Zimerwald-Belp, Bern, Switzerland. Margaret was born about 1605 in Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
The child from this marriage was:
+ 45 M i. Peter BROENNIMANN was born on 4 Apr 1641 in Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
Peter married Verena Hofmann on 22 Jan 1669 in Zimerwald-Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
37. Hieronymuss Bronnimann (Hieronymuss13, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in 1606 in Zimerwald-Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
Hieronymuss married Barbara Baeler on 19 Oct 1629 in Zimerwald-Belp, Bern, Switzerland. Barbara was born in 1608 in Zimerwald-Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 46 M i. Hans Bronnimann was born on 23 Jan 1630.
+ 47 F ii. Anna Bronnimann was born on 10 Feb 1632.
+ 48 F iii. Elsbeth Bronnimann was born on 27 Dec 1635.
+ 49 M iv. Hieronymuss Bronnimann was born on 18 Aug 1638 in Zimerwald-Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
Hieronymuss married Barbara Spring on 10 Dec 1658.
+ 50 M v. Christian Bronnimann was born on 27 Feb 1641.
38. Hans Bronnimann (Hieronymuss13, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 23 Nov 1614.
39. Margareth Bronnimann (Hieronymuss13, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 2 Feb 1617.
40. Niclaus (Melchior) Brannimann (Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 23 Jun 1605 in Zimmerwald, Canton Bern, Switzerland and died in 1634 in Canton, Bern, Switzerland. at age 29.
General Notes: At 31 years of age Niclaus became the father of Melchior "The Exile" Brenneman Seftigen, Canton Bern, Switzerland, ca. 1631. At 33 years of age Niclaus became the father of Jacob Brenneman 1633.
Niclaus (Melchior) married someone.
+ 51 M i. Melchior (The Exile) Breneman 1,2 was born in 1631 in Seftigen, Canton Bern, Switzerland and died after 1672 in Cheriessum, Rhein-Hessen, Germany.
Melchior (The Exile) married Christina Reusser (d. 1675) in 1655 in Buchhalterburg, Germany.
+ 52 M ii. Jacob Brannimann was born in 1633 in Eggiwil, Canton Bern, Switzerland and died 1648 ? at age 15.
41. Benedict BROENNIMANN (Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born about 1610.
42. Niklaus BROENNIMANN (Niklaus26, Christian5, Benedict1) was born on 25 Apr 1647.
Niklaus married Helena Haenni. Helena was born on 6 Aug 1654 and died on 31 Jan 1734 at age 79.
The child from this marriage was:
+ 53 M i. Hans BROENNIMANN was born on 2 Oct 1687.
Fifth Generation 43. Anna BROENNIMANN (Hans29, Hans7, Benedict3, Benedict1) was born on 2 Dec 1638 in Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
44. Daniel BROENNIMANN (Hans29, Hans7, Benedict3, Benedict1) was born on 4 Aug 1644 in Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
45. Peter BROENNIMANN (Hans36, Hans11, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 4 Apr 1641 in Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
Peter married Verena Hofmann on 22 Jan 1669 in Zimerwald-Belp, Bern, Switzerland. Verena was born about 1638 in Zimerwald-Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
The child from this marriage was:
+ 54 M i. Christian BROENNIMANN was born on 5 Apr 1693 in Zimerwald-Belp, Bern, Switzerland and died on 13 Mar 1748 at age 54.
Christian married Maria Schmuz (d. 26 Mar 1766) on 19 Jan 1719 in Zimerwald-Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
46. Hans Bronnimann (Hieronymuss37, Hieronymuss13, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 23 Jan 1630.
47. Anna Bronnimann (Hieronymuss37, Hieronymuss13, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 10 Feb 1632.
48. Elsbeth Bronnimann (Hieronymuss37, Hieronymuss13, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 27 Dec 1635.
49. Hieronymuss Bronnimann (Hieronymuss37, Hieronymuss13, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 18 Aug 1638 in Zimerwald-Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
Hieronymuss married Barbara Spring on 10 Dec 1658. Barbara was born in 1637 in Zimerwald-Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 55 M i. Hans Bronnimann was born on 11 Mar 1659.
+ 56 F ii. Marie Bronnimann was born on 15 May 1663.
+ 57 F iii. Anna Bronnimann was born on 6 Mar 1665.
+ 58 F iv. Magdalena Bronnimann was born on 18 Apr 1669.
+ 59 M v. Hieronymuss Bronnimann was born on 10 Sep 1671.
+ 60 F vi. Elsbeth Bronnimann was born on 22 Mar 1674.
+ 61 M vii. Hans George Bronnimann was born on 9 Dec 1677.
+ 62 M viii. Christian Bronnimann was born on 23 Jan 1683 in Zimerwald-Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
Christian married Stini Guggisberg on 15 Dec 1713 in Zimerwald-Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
50. Christian Bronnimann (Hieronymuss37, Hieronymuss13, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 27 Feb 1641.
51. Melchior (The Exile) Breneman 1,2 (Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in 1631 in Seftigen, Canton Bern, Switzerland and died after 1672 in Cheriessum, Rhein-Hessen, Germany.
General Notes: Melchior's occupation: Farmer and Weaver. He resided Seftigen, Canton Bern, Switzerland. While in Switzerland he lived at Ober-Deissach was punished for refusing to abjure his Mennonite belief by being imprisoned in the castle of Thun in 1659. Next he fled to [the Palatinate] Greisheim, 20 miles northwest of the city of Worms in Germany in 1671. He never went back to his nativeland. His sons, MELCHIOR and CHRISTIAN came to America from his adopted home. He resided Cheriessum, Rhein-Hessen, Germany. At 34 years of age Melchior became the father of *Melchior "The Pioneer" Brenneman Canton Bern, Switzerland, ca. 1665.
More About MELCHIOR "THE EXILE" BRONIMANN:
Occupation: Weaver
Residence: Canton Bern, Switzerland to Griesheim, Germany
Comment 1: Family is said to have been established in Bern since 1479
Comment 2: About 1671, Moved to Griesheim, Germany
Comment 3: All his belongings were given to the State Church
Comment 4: An Anabaptist
Comment 5: In 1659 he was held captive in the Castle of Thun, Switzerland
Comment 6: Banished and had his property confiscated
Comment 7: In 1672 living in the Swiss Mennonite refuge village of Griesheim, Germany
More on Melchior "The Exile"
His birth date is established from the archives at Bern, Switzerland and he lived at Ober-Deissbach, on the north slope of the Buchhalterberg.
****
The source of much Brenneman history is The Brenneman Family of America, by Professor Albert Harwell Gerberich. Printed by Mennonite Publishing House, Scottsdale, Pennsylvania, 1938. It follows all lines as far down as 1925 or 30 -- has Natalie, Bayard and Harlow Kiliani. Does not give sources after about 1750, but before that lists wills, ship records, etc. It states what is tradition -- i.e., appears to be quite reliable, says L. Shastid.
L. Shastid's notes are typed Brenneman throughout (double n) - but the family tree she wrote has only one n: Breneman. **(See note below)**
Had 7 children, who were aged 1.5-15 in 1672. Four sons' names are given; were the other 3 girls?
His home is supposed to have been at Ober-Deissbach on the north slope of Buchhalterberg, somewhere near Zurich or Bern.
A letter written 1 Jan 1672 refers to him living in a village of Swiss Mennonite refugees in Griesheim, Germany, in Rhein-Hessen 40 miles NW of Worms. He owned one horse, one trundle bed and bedding, and 43 rix-dollars. There were 53 families in the village, all poor.
While in Switzerland, he refused to abjure the Mennonite belief, was warned and finally imprisoned in the Castle of Thun in 1659. He fled from Switzerland to Griesheim, twenty miles northwest of the city of Worms, in Germany in 1671, probably because of the strict Swiss government mandate of 1670.
William Penn visited Griesheim in September of 1677, told of his plan to form a haven, etc. Melchior the Exile did not go, but his son Melchior the *Emigrant* did. They probably never returned to Switzerland.
The above information comes from an FTM entry.
****
**The book, "Descendants of Abraham Breneman" by Charles D. Breneman, published in 1939, which lists Melchior The Exile's descendants into the 1930s, shows the progression of spelling changes used in this record. Also Charles Breneman's book refers to The Exile's son as "The Pioneer" and not as "The Emigrant. "
The Bronniman family was established in Canton Bern, Switzerland, as far back as 1479, particularly in the neighborhood of Belp and in the Aare Valley. - MLJ
******
Eyman Brenneman Shank Connections - Paths to Rockingham and Ohio
The Brenneman and Eyman association is ancient, stemming from the Middle Ages since both were from Oberdeissbach, a small mountain village overlooking the Thun castle and sea near Steffisburg and Berne. Melchior, a weaver by trade was born there in 1633. Though his parents had him baptized in the official "Reformed" church, Melchior became sympathetic with Anabaptist beliefs. Because of these beliefs he was taken to court and imprisoned in the Thun castle dungeon in 1659. He was set free after perhaps several years, but there are indications that against court orders he not only attended Reformed preaching services but met secretly with Anabaptists.
Berne Anabaptists
In 1670 the government of Canton Berne passed a severe mandate decreeing that all Anabaptists should be deported from all church parishes. This and other severe mandates were unpopular and not fully enforced. Anabaptists also brought pressure on themselves in refusing to take oaths of military service when commanded to do so.
Such pressures found Melchior leaving all his lands and property to flee with his family in 1671. The destination, as for so many exiles was the Palatine in Germany where following the devastations of a 30-year war, noblemen tolerated Anabaptist farmers and settlers who could improve estates. By January of 1672 there was a colony of Swiss Mennonite refuges living in the town of Griesheim, twenty miles northwest of the city of Worms. This rather destitute colony has some financial support from a Mennonite congregation of Amsterdam. Among the small colony were several to recur in Eyman family history. The Brennemans, the Shenck/Shanks, and of course the Eymans. The relationships between these families seems to have stayed fast into the new world. Melchior "the exile" Brenneman and his family were among the exiles visited by William Penn in 1677, offering them a haven in his Pennsylvania. Melchior Jr. was 9 years old at the time. The Brennimans, and then the Shanks, seem to have made it to America quite early, with Eymans making passage a bit later.
From: Iman Family Notes http://www.imanfamily.net/friends/brenShank.htm
from another source:
"From the very beginning of the Reformation there were religious leaders among the Protestants who did not believe in infant baptism, convinced that the Scripture taught that the ceremony should be postponed till riper years, when the candidate could recognize the spiritual significance of the act, the washing away of sin. In Holland and Switzerland there arose important congregations of the so-called Anabaptists. In the latter country the co-operation of Anabaptists with the great reformer Zwingli assisted greatly in the establishment of Protestantism. They later separated from him when he made it manifest that he intended to set up a state church. Throughout the 16th and 17th centuries the Anabaptists (frequently called Mennonites from Menno Simons, their leader in Holland and Germany) suffered continuous persecution in Switzerland. In addition to the insistence upon adult baptism and the opposition to a state church, their refusal to take oaths or bear arms had made them objects of condemnation. Many were executed by drowning, burning and beheading, down to the martyr Bishop Hans Landis in 1614. Others were sold to neighboring countries as galley-slaves. The mildest sentence was exile and confiscation of property, forbidding a return to Switzerland on pain of death."
In the appendix it will be noted that Melchoir Brenneman refused to adjure his Mennonite belief, was warned, and finally punished by imprisonment in the castle of Thun in the year 1659. We next hear of his flight to Griesheim in the year 1671, unquestionably due to the severe government mandate of 1670, which caused exiles to leave Switzerland for Germany in large numbers."
"One of the sons of Melchoir Brenneman the refugee was likewise named Melchoir ("The Pioneer"). Family tradition gives the year of his birth as 1665 and the place of his birth as Canton Bern, Switzerland. Like his father, he learned the weaver's trade. He was a young man of great energy and intense religious conviction, and became a preacher in the Mennonite Church, serving various communities of refugees in Rhein-Hessen and the Pfalz. He and his brother Christian were the first of the family to emigrate to America. The cause of his decision to come to the New World was the renewed persecution of his people by the Elector Palatine, after Louis XIV had overrun and conquered the land of his adoption in Southern Germany. The idea had, however, been long smouldering in his mind. He was a little lad when William Penn visited the Mennonite settlement where his father lived and urged weary Swiss to settle in his new colony of Pennsyvania, where they would find peace and plenty of tolerance of their beliefs."
"Tradition gives the year of Melchoir, the Pioneer's arrival in Pennsylvania as 1709."
-------- Excerpts from "The Brenneman History" by Albert H. Gerberich, Mennonite Publishing House, Scottsdale, PA 1938 , as posted by Elizabeth Strickler on GenForum, Nov. 17, 1999.
"The Mennonite Melchoir Broennimann (born 1631 in Oberdreissbach, Canton Bern, Switzerland) and his wife Christina Reusser (born December 18, 1636) fled Switzerland in about 1672. They were being persecuted because of their religion. They had 7 children at the time in the ages of 18 mos. to 15 years. They first came to Kriegsheim near Monsheim in the Palatinate. Their total possessions included one horse, bedding and 43 Reichstaler. Two more children were born in Germany.
By 1700, Melchoir was one of 4 inheritance leaseholders of the Enkenbacher Klostegut together with David d'Arm, Jean Migeot and Hans Krayenbühl. Sons Johann and Adam settled in Enkenbach. Adam married Katharina Wurz. Sons Melchoir and Christian emigrated to Pennsylvania. Son Stephen was in Otterberg (near Sembach). Daughter Anna married Hans Steiner and also emigrated to Pennsylvania. Son Abraham married Magdalena Engel.
Adam was the father of Nicholas. This Nicholas was the father of Nicholas (born 1736) who settled in Braunshardt near Darmstadt. This Braunshardt branch was Amish. Peter, youngest son of Nicholas of Braunshardt and his 2nd wife, Magdalena Unzicker, emigrated to Canada.
The spelling of the name became Brenneman by around 1700. There are many descendants of Melchoir living in the Palatinate today. Brenneman is a well-known Mennonite name.
Melchoir and Christian did not emigrate to Pennsylvania because they were persecuted in Germany. They left to seek their fortunes in a new land. The persecution was in Switzerland. Swiss Mennonites were invited by Ludwig of Heidelberg to settle his lands in the Palatinate that had been decastated by the Thirty Years War. Although not enjoying full privileges in their new land, the Mennonites were allowed to worship freely."
--------- Peggy McKenzie (GenForum entry dated 2/28/2001)
Notes From Brenneman History By Vena Pletcher
The BRENNENAM family was established in Canton Bern, Switzerland in the Middle Ages, particularly near Belp & in the Aare Valley. They later scattered to other areas. There are references recorded at Canton Bern as far back as 1479. There were various spellings such as Bronnimann. We'll focus our attention on Melchior BRENNEMAN, who seems to have been born at Ober-Biessbach on the north slope of the Buchhalterberg. From the beginning of the Reformation, some Protestants did not believe in infant baptism, convinced that the ceremony was spiritual & signifying the washing away of sin. Many followed Menno Simon, the leader of the Anabaptists or Mennonites. They were severely persecuted. Melchior Brenneman was one of these & was imprisoned for his faith in the castle of Thun in the year 1659. We next hear of him in 1671 when he left Switzerland, bound for Germany. He was 40 years old & his wife 35. There were 7 children between the ages of 18 months & 15 years. His worldly possessions consisted of one horse, one trundle bed & bedding, & 43 rix-dollars. He had been fortunate to escape with his life. He ended up at Grieshem, which was located 20 miles northwest of the city of Worms. He was doubtless living there in September 1677 when William Penn visited & told of the state of Pennsylvania where people could worship without persecution.
Melchior & his wife made great sacrifices for the ideal of religious liberty. This should be an inspiration to the descendants. Because they feared God & chose to risk their lives rather than put aside the things they cherished, we, their descendants, enjoy freedom in a new world today. We should be proud that they helped in the founding of this nation. One of the sons of Melchior also had that name. Family tradition states the year of his birth as 1655 at Bern, Switzerland. Like his father, he learned the weavers trade, & he also became a preacher in the Mennonite church. He was known as Melchior the pioneer. Both he & his brother, Christian, came to this country in 1715 or 1717, possibly in the migration led from Rotterdam by Benedict Brechbuhl. They purchased land in Lancaster Co, PA. The village of New Danville is built on part of Melchior's holdings. His wife's name was Elizabeth (maiden name is unknown). Six children were born to them, Melchior Jr. being the youngest. Melchior died 1-20-1737 & was likely buried on his farm or at the New Danville Mennonite Church Cemetery.
Melchior Jr. was born on the homestead farm in August 1718 & died at the same place on 19 April 1794. He married Ann Good who was born in 1722 & died in 1800. Both are buried at the New Danville Mennonite Church Cemetery. He became a prosperous land holder & left his family well established. There were 13 children.
Noted events in his life were:
• Melchior's movements: The Branaman family history begins in the village of Brönni, Switzerland (originally spelled "Brendi.") Both names mean "a place cleared of forest by fire." "Brendimanns" are documented to have lived in numerous villages on the west side of the Aare River
Several farm houses are still located in the tiny village of Brönni as seen here. Brönni, on the west side of the Aare, is located at the edge of the valley where the terrain starts climbing steeply into the foothills that precede the Alps.
Melchoir Bronnimann is documented to have lived in several locations southeast of Bern. He originally lived in the mountainous region called the Churzenberg He is also known to have lived on the north slope of the Buchholterberg and in the village located in the valley inbetween these two mountains--Oberdiessbach. These locations are all within the Steffisburg District.
• Melchior moves to Churzenberg: Melchoir Bronnimann is documented to have lived in several locations southeast of Bern. He originally lived in the mountainous region called the Churzenberg, shown here.
• Imprisoned in the castle at Thun: 28 Oct 1659, Thun, Switzerland.
• Reformation:
linedrawing.JPG "A line drawing of Melchior's family (641 KB)
(Click on Picture to View Full Size)")
• photo:
Melchior (The Exile) married Christina Reusser, daughter of Steffan Reusser and Elsbeth Eicher, in 1655 in Buchhalterburg, Germany. Christina was born on 18 Dec 1636 in Stiffsiburg, Switzerland and died in 1675 in Cheriessum, Rhein-Hessen, Germany at age 39.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 63 M i. Christian Breneman was born on 7 Dec 1656 in Steffisburg, Switzerland and died after 1717 in Towamencin Township, Montgomery, Pennsylvania.
+ 64 M ii. Johann (Hans) Breneman was born on 10 Oct 1658 in Enkenbach, Bern, Switzerland.
+ 65 F iii. Elsbeth Breneman was born on 16 Jun 1662 in Ober Diessbach, Buchalter, Canton, Bern, Switzerland.
+ 66 M iv. Adam Breneman was born in 1663 in Enkenbach, Bern, Switzerland.
+ 67 M v. Stephen or Steffan Breneman was born on 23 Aug 1663 in Ober Diessbach, Buchalter, Canton, Bern, Switzerland and died in 1753 at age 90.
+ 68 M vi. Melchior (The Pioneer) Breneman was born in 1665 in Canton Berne, Switzerland and died on 20 Jan 1737 in New Danville, PA at age 72.
Melchior (The Pioneer) married Unknown wife of (Melchior the Pioneer Breneman) before 1693.
Melchior (The Pioneer) next married Elizabeth Jane Stehman about 1686 in USA.
+ 69 F vii. Anna Breneman was born on 29 Oct 1665 in Ober Diessbach, Buchalter, Canton, Bern, Switzerland.
+ 70 M viii. Abraham Breneman was born in 1670 in Steffisburg, Switzerland.
+ 71 F ix. Barbara Breneman was born on 8 May 1670 in Ober Diessbach, Buchalter, Canton, Bern, Switzerland.
52. Jacob Brannimann (Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in 1633 in Eggiwil, Canton Bern, Switzerland and died 1648 ? at age 15.
Jacob married Anna Steiner. Anna was born in 1637 in Diemtigtal, Bern, Switzerland.
The child from this marriage was:
+ 72 M i. Hans Brannimann was born in 1650 in Eggiwil, Canton Bern, , Switzerland.
53. Hans BROENNIMANN (Niklaus42, Niklaus26, Christian5, Benedict1) was born on 2 Oct 1687.
Sixth Generation 54. Christian BROENNIMANN (Peter45, Hans36, Hans11, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 5 Apr 1693 in Zimerwald-Belp, Bern, Switzerland and died on 13 Mar 1748 at age 54.
Christian married Maria Schmuz on 19 Jan 1719 in Zimerwald-Belp, Bern, Switzerland. Maria was born in 1694 in Kehrsatz, Bern, Switzerland and died on 26 Mar 1766 at age 72.
The child from this marriage was:
+ 73 M i. Hans BROENNIMANN was born on 24 Aug 1721 in Zimerwald-Belp, Bern, Switzerland and died on 13 Aug 1791 at age 69.
Hans married Anna Mader (d. 13 Mar 1804) on 13 Nov 1749 in Zimerwald-Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
55. Hans Bronnimann (Hieronymuss49, Hieronymuss37, Hieronymuss13, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 11 Mar 1659.
56. Marie Bronnimann (Hieronymuss49, Hieronymuss37, Hieronymuss13, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 15 May 1663.
57. Anna Bronnimann (Hieronymuss49, Hieronymuss37, Hieronymuss13, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 6 Mar 1665.
58. Magdalena Bronnimann (Hieronymuss49, Hieronymuss37, Hieronymuss13, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 18 Apr 1669.
59. Hieronymuss Bronnimann (Hieronymuss49, Hieronymuss37, Hieronymuss13, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 10 Sep 1671.
60. Elsbeth Bronnimann (Hieronymuss49, Hieronymuss37, Hieronymuss13, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 22 Mar 1674.
61. Hans George Bronnimann (Hieronymuss49, Hieronymuss37, Hieronymuss13, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 9 Dec 1677.
62. Christian Bronnimann (Hieronymuss49, Hieronymuss37, Hieronymuss13, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 23 Jan 1683 in Zimerwald-Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
Christian married Stini Guggisberg on 15 Dec 1713 in Zimerwald-Belp, Bern, Switzerland. Stini was born in 1692 in Zimerwald-Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 74 M i. Benedict Bronnimann was born on 28 Oct 1714.
+ 75 F ii. Elsbeth Bronnimann was born on 20 Dec 1716.
+ 76 M iii. Christian Bronnimann was born on 11 May 1719 in Zimerwald-Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
+ 77 M iv. Daniel Bronnimann was born on 16 Mar 1720.
+ 78 F v. Anna Bronnimann was born on 22 Aug 1723.
+ 79 M vi. Hans Bronnimann was born on 29 Jun 1727.
63. Christian Breneman (Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 7 Dec 1656 in Steffisburg, Switzerland and died after 1717 in Towamencin Township, Montgomery, Pennsylvania.
64. Johann (Hans) Breneman (Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 10 Oct 1658 in Enkenbach, Bern, Switzerland.
65. Elsbeth Breneman (Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 16 Jun 1662 in Ober Diessbach, Buchalter, Canton, Bern, Switzerland.
66. Adam Breneman (Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in 1663 in Enkenbach, Bern, Switzerland.
67. Stephen or Steffan Breneman (Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 23 Aug 1663 in Ober Diessbach, Buchalter, Canton, Bern, Switzerland and died in 1753 at age 90.
68. Melchior (The Pioneer) Breneman (Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in 1665 in Canton Berne, Switzerland and died on 20 Jan 1737 in New Danville, PA at age 72.
General Notes: Melchior (The Pioneer) Breneman was born Canton Bern, Switzerland ca. 1665. *Melchior died 1/20/1737 at 71 years of age. His body was interred New Danville, PA.
He married twice. He married ( ? ) Brenneman ca. 1693 and she became the mother of Christopher Stephen Brenneman 1693, Christian Brenneman ca. 1695, John Brenneman ca. 1698, Catherine Brenneman ca. 1705, and Adam Brenneman 1700. He married Elizabeth Jane Stehman ca. 1714. Elizabeth was born ca. 1670. At 48 years of age Elizabeth became the mother of Melchior Jr. Brenneman New Danville, PA, 8/1718.
He resided Canton Bern, Switzerland. Melchior immigrated, ca. 1713- 1714. Destination: destination unknown. Immigrated 8/24/1717 via port of Philadelphia, PA.
Rev. Melchior BRENNEMAN, (the pioneer), son of Melchior BRENNEMAN. Born 1665, Canton Bern, Switzerland. Melchior died 20 Jan 1737, Conestoga Twp., Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania. Emigrated to PA 1717 or before. Occ. Weaver, Mennonite preacher, and farmer. He married 1st probably in Griesheim, Rhein-Hessen, Germany, to Unknown spouse, where his family had become Mennonite refugees. He married maybe 2nd bef 1718 to Elizabeth Jane Stehman.
After his death, Elizabeth married Frederick WALDER. 6 known children: 5 believed by his 1st wife, 3 sons and 3 daughters; a son by second wife, Elizabeth.
Melchior was a Preacher in the Mennonite church, serving various communities of refugees in Rhein-Hessen and the Pfalz and a weaver in the colony of Swiss Mennonite refugees twenty miles northwest of the city of Worms Griesheim (Chriessum-Kreigsheim, Alzey district), Rhein-Hessen, Germany. Melchior and his brother Christian Brenneman are thought to have settled near Germantown, near Philadelphia around 1709, due to the renewed persecution of the Mennonites [they were being forced to sign up for service in the army] in South Germany.
A 455+ year-old Bible is on display at the Allen County Museum, at 620 W Market, Lima, Ohio. It was printed in Zurich, Switzerland, in 1553 in German for Andrew Gessner. The leather bound book has an oak back, brass corners and two closing straps. It is in good condition, although one page is missing. According to the inscription on the title page, he brought it with him to America. A translation of the German Script on the left side:
This book belongs to Henrich Hanss. I bought it for 7R. in the year 1705. This book belongs to Melichior Brenneman and I bought it for 7 Gulden in the year 1715. My son, Melchior Brenneman was born in 1719, as man counts 3 weeks after Christmas, in the sign of the Ram. (If these dates don't seem correct, remember that the calendar and astrological signs have changed through the centuries!)
A line is then drawn, apparently by his son Melchior, Jr. and the record continues with his children.
Melchior after a few years removed to Stumptown [now New Danville]. On 30 Nov. 1717 he bought property from the PENNS, which was surveyed 10 Oct. 1717 and received a warrant for 500 acres in Strasburg Township [now Conestoga Twp.], Chester Co. [now Lancaster Co.], Pennsylvania. Granted him under the Quit rent of one English shilling, to be paid annually at Chester on the first day of March yearly from the first survey. On this land he built his new home. His neighbors were John Ffarrer (Forrer), Hans Moyer, John Kaigey, Martin Kendig, Benedictus Venerick (Wenrich) and Hans Burkholder. He held water rights to Conestoga and Mill Creeks. On part of this tract stands the New Danville Mennonite meetinghouse.
Melchior is believed to have married 2nd to Elizabeth Jane Stehman. Melchior was a Preacher, he probably assisted the Rev. Hans Buyrkholder in the congregation near New Danville, formerly Stumpstown. He was also a Weaver and Farmer while residing in Strasburg Township [now Conestoga Township] Chester County [now Lancaster County], Pennsylvania. Melchior registered to pay taxes of 4 shillings and six pence in 1718 in Strasburg Township [now Conestoga Township] Chester County [now Lancaster County], Pennsylvania. In 1722 his name appears among the list of settlers in Donegal Township. In 3 Dec. 1728 Melchior purchased 700 acres on the Susquehanna, Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania from the Indian trader Pierre Bizaillon. This was in the hands of his son Christian before 1730. His lands were situated just northwest of the land granted to the original Pequea colony in 1709-10. The village of New Danville lies on part of his land, which extended from Conestoga and Mill Creeks (4 miles south of the city of Lancaster) to the Stone Church, or New Danville Mennonite meetinghouse (land given by his son Christian 1755), on the other side of New Danville, and some distance in the direction of Conestoga Center along the highroad. The New Danville Church deed reads Prinnaman (Brenneman) & Burkholder to the Elders & Trustees of the Mennonist Congeration; 1 Jul 1755, Stephen Prinnaman (Brenneman) & Margaret & John Burgholder, both of Conestoga, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Part being land granted to Melchor Prinaman (Brennaman) by Commissioners of Property 13 Nov 1717, on 6 Mar 1730 Melchor & Elizabeth Prinnaman (Brenneman) conveyed to Stephen Prinnamen (Christopher Brenneman).
Often the little Brennemans, children of the Mennonite emigrant, were seen playing in the most sportive and innocent manner with the little red faces [Conestoga tribe, who were barbarously murdered in 1763 by a gang of fiends called The Paxtang Boys].
In 6 Mar 1730 Melchior and Elizabeth deeded 100 acres in Strausburg Township [now Conestoga Township] Chester County [now Lancaster County], Pennsylvania. To each of his three sons, Christopher, John and Adam, in return for ten pounds sterling from each. On 26 Mar 1730 he deeded to his daughter and son-in-law, Catharine and John Steiner, 100 acres in return for sixteen pounds sterling.
Melchior died 20 Jan 1737, Conestoga Twp., Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania. His will undated and written in German is on file at the Lancaster courthouse. He made a will before 20 Jan 1737 in Strasburg Township [now Conestoga Township] Chester County [now Lancaster County], Pennsylvania.
Melchior Brenneman, decd. the 20th of Jany., 1737. The last will and testament of Mich. Breniman being of sound mind and understanding. Ist. it is my will that my plantation be valued at 160 acres. Item. it is my will that my wife have the third part of all my personal estate and the use and profit of my plantation until my youngest son Michael Breneman shall marry and after the marriage of my said son Michael my said wife shall have out of the profits of my plantation four pounds a year during the rest of her natural life. item if my son Melchior shall happen to dye without lawful issue then it is my will that my sons Adam and Christian shall be heirs to my plantation and land. Item. it is my will that before any division be made of my personal estate my son Melichor shall first take out of the same the weaver's loom and tackle, my Bible and my new chest. Witnesses: Michael Shank, Hans Coyle. (Caigo), Peter Gutt, Ernst Nine, Adam and Christian Brenneman.
His place of burial is unknown, he probably was interred on his own farm, it is possible that the cemetery at New Danville church goes back to an original burying ground of the Brennemans. Elizabeth, his widow, survived him. She may have married 2nd Oct 1746, PA to Frederick WALDER.
20 Nov 1982, a newspaper article in Lancaster titled, "Diversity is the password in Brenneman Country". The original 1,000 acre tract of this 265 year old farm has dwindled to 200 acres which the brothers, Chris & Paul Brenneman operate as a dairy (Guernsey's) & produce (especially apple orchards & Rhode Island Reds) farm.
still more!
Much of the information about the Breneman family is from the book: A History of the Descendants of Abraham Breneman by Charles D. Breneman, published by the author in Elida, Ohio in 1939.
Melchior Breniman, "The Pioneer" (his father is called "The Exile") spelled his name this way in his will according to the court records of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
He arrived in the U.S. sometime between 1709 and 1713, according to tradition; the first firm evidence is his purchase of land in Conestoga Township, Lancaster County, on February 8, 1717. At that time it was Strasburg Township in Chester County and was taken from it in 1729.
His second wife was named Elizabeth; according to Charles D. Breneman, she was probably the mother of Melchior Jr. and no one else.
He bought 500 acres from the Penns. Within a few years he owned that plus other farms of 200 acres, 90 acres, 125 acres, 700 acres. The last one he bought from the Indian trader Pierre Bezillon on 3 December 1728. These farms according to research by Horace Haldeman.
The village of New Danville is built on part of these holdings.
He died 20 Jan 1737 and his will was probated 2 April 1737.
*****
Migration
In about 1710, Melchior's sons, Christian and Melchior, immigrated with their families to America. Arriving in Philadelphia, they probably stayed with friends in Germantown for a period until land was secured and cleared. By 1715, Melchior "the pioneer" had secured warrants for 500 acres of land from Willam Penn at what amounted to 32 cents per acre. This unsettled wilderness was in an area soon to become known as Conestoga Township of Lancaster County. New settlers were arriving; German farmers for the most part, with their horses, cattle, and hogs needing to be fenced off from the corn fields of the local Indians. This was an era of peace and harmony where little red faces and little white faces played with one another in the neighboring wigwams. Melchior continued adding acreage to his properties; first lots of 200 acres, then 90, 125, and then 700 acres along the Susquehanna River from a famous French Indian trader. Lands were set aside for a Mennonite Church, the New Danville Mennonite Church. His will, witnessed by Michael Shank, divided his far flung lands among five sons, leaving his son Melchior (III) with the homestead lands in Conestoga Township near the town of New Danville.
From: Iman Family Notes http://www.imanfamily.net/friends/brenShank.htm
Noted events in his life were:
• Melchior imigrates to the US from Bern, Switzerland: Cir 1713-1714.
• Melchior acquires property in the new world:
_immigration.jpg "Immigration documentation of Melchior (12362 KB)
(Click on Picture to View Full Size)")
• Immigration:
Melchior (The Pioneer) married Unknown wife of (Melchior the Pioneer Breneman) before 1693.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 80 M i. Christopher Stephen Breneman was born in 1693 in Greisheim, Rhein-Hessen, Germany and died in 1758 at age 65.
Christopher Stephen married Elizabeth.
+ 81 M ii. Christian Breneman was born in 1695 and died in Jul 1757 at age 62.
Christian married Susanna (d. 1757).
+ 82 M iii. John Breneman was born about 1698 in Greisheim, Rhein-Hessen, Germany and died before 1747.
John married someone. (d. 1757)
+ 83 M iv. Adam Breneman was born in 1700 in Greisheim, Rhein-Hessen, Germany and died on 17 Oct 1760 at age 60.
Adam married Mary.
+ 84 F v. Catherine Breneman was born in 1705 in Griesheim, Starkeburg, Hessen, Germany.
Catherine married Johann Stoner (d. 28 May 1769) about 1725 in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
Melchior (The Pioneer) next married Elizabeth Jane Stehman about 1686 in USA. Elizabeth Jane was born in 1670.
General Notes: Marriage.
The child from this marriage was:
+ 85 M i. Melchior Stehman Breneman Jr. was born in Aug 1718 in New Danville, PA, died on 19 Apr 1794 in New Danville, PA at age 75, and was buried in New Danville Mennonite Church.
Melchior Stehman married Anna Good (d. 31 Dec 1800) about 1738.
69. Anna Breneman (Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 29 Oct 1665 in Ober Diessbach, Buchalter, Canton, Bern, Switzerland.
70. Abraham Breneman (Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in 1670 in Steffisburg, Switzerland.
71. Barbara Breneman (Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 8 May 1670 in Ober Diessbach, Buchalter, Canton, Bern, Switzerland.
72. Hans Brannimann (Jacob52, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in 1650 in Eggiwil, Canton Bern, , Switzerland.
Hans married someone in 1685. (d. 31 Dec 1800)
+ 86 M i. Abraham Brannimann was born in 1665 in Eggilwil, Bern, Switzerland.
Abraham married Magdalena Engel in 1685.
Seventh Generation 73. Hans BROENNIMANN (Christian54, Peter45, Hans36, Hans11, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 24 Aug 1721 in Zimerwald-Belp, Bern, Switzerland and died on 13 Aug 1791 at age 69.
Hans married Anna Mader on 13 Nov 1749 in Zimerwald-Belp, Bern, Switzerland. Anna was christened on 23 Jun 1730 in Oberbalm, Bern Switzerland and died on 13 Mar 1804 at age 73.
The child from this marriage was:
+ 87 M i. Hans BROENNIMANN was born on 14 Apr 1768 in Zimerwald-Belp, Bern, Switzerland and died on 12 Apr 1837 at age 68.
Hans married Anna Riesen on 12 Jun 1790.
74. Benedict Bronnimann (Christian62, Hieronymuss49, Hieronymuss37, Hieronymuss13, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 28 Oct 1714.
75. Elsbeth Bronnimann (Christian62, Hieronymuss49, Hieronymuss37, Hieronymuss13, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 20 Dec 1716.
76. Christian Bronnimann (Christian62, Hieronymuss49, Hieronymuss37, Hieronymuss13, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 11 May 1719 in Zimerwald-Belp, Bern, Switzerland.
77. Daniel Bronnimann (Christian62, Hieronymuss49, Hieronymuss37, Hieronymuss13, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 16 Mar 1720.
78. Anna Bronnimann (Christian62, Hieronymuss49, Hieronymuss37, Hieronymuss13, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 22 Aug 1723.
79. Hans Bronnimann (Christian62, Hieronymuss49, Hieronymuss37, Hieronymuss13, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 29 Jun 1727.
80. Christopher Stephen Breneman (Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in 1693 in Greisheim, Rhein-Hessen, Germany and died in 1758 at age 65.
General Notes: CHRISTOPHER BRENNEMAN(I) is believed to have been the oldest son of Melchior Brenneman, and was probably born in 1693 in Griesheim, Rhein-Hessen, Germany. He is mentioned with his father in the 1718 Conestoga assessment lists, being assessed one shilling, six pence. In 1722 his name occurs as "Stuffalt" Brenneman, and he lived "west of the Pequea" and east of the "Conestoga." In 1724 and 1725 his name is listed as "Stephen" Brenneman, and from this time onward he is called either Stephen or Christopher in the records. The reason for this confusion of names is due to the similarity of their German nicknames, "Steffel" and "Stoffel."
Although Christopher owned land in his own right he received from his father and mother on March 26, 1730, for the nominal consideration of ten pounds sterling, 100 acres from Melchior's original 1717 tract. The deed thus describes the farm, on which he was already living: "beginning at a post in the line of Adam Brenneman's land, thence E. N. E. 58 perches to a corner marked black oak, thence N. by W. 284 perches by Christian Mire's land to a black oak, thence W. by S. 53 perches to a post, thence S. 100 degrees 224 perches to place of beginning." Part of this land, "Stephen" and his wife conveyed on July 1, 1755, to the Mennonite congregation in Conestoga for a church and burying-ground. Here now stands the New Danville Mennonite meetinghouse, a neat, unpretentious brick building, and near by it, to the north, Christopher and his wife must lie in unmarked graves.
Melchior and wife deeded an additional 282 acres to Christopher, apparently adjoining his other land. Mrs. Abraham Hess, a direct descendant of Melchior Brenneman, lives on this farm today (1936). His holdings in all probably totaled 500 acres. He was chosen overseer of the poor in his township in 1744. He became an American citizen by naturalization under the act of October 14, 1729, an opportunity of which many of his fellow Mennonites failed to take advantage.
Christopher and his wife Margaret had only two children: Elizabeth and Abraham. The former married John Leaman; her husband and her . brother Abraham were the administrators appointed to settle Christopher's estate when he died in the latter part of the year 1758. A few months later John Leaman himself died intestate, leaving Elizabeth a widow with five small children.
Christopher's estate was at length settled by Abraham and Daniel Keeports, the latter appointed in Leaman's stead. On March 25, 1760, by a decision of the Lancaster County Orphans' Court, Christopher's land was confirmed to his only son Abraham. From the latter it passed shortly to his cousin Melchior Brenneman, Jr.
Christopher Stephen married Elizabeth.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 88 F i. Elizabeth Breneman was born about 1727 and died in 1766 about age 39.
Elizabeth married John Leaman (d. 1759).
+ 89 M ii. Abraham Breneman was born before 1730.
Abraham married Barbara.
Abraham next married Mary Shank.
81. Christian Breneman (Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in 1695 and died in Jul 1757 at age 62.
General Notes: CHRISTIAN BRENNEMAN, who was probably the second son of the immigrant Melchior Brenneman, is first mentioned as a landowner in the Conestoga country in 1722. A hazy tradition gives the year of his birth as 1695. He owned land near New Danville in his own right, purchased in 1717 or earlier, in addition to acreage given him by his father thereabouts. He bought from William Sherrel a plantation of 100 acres on the north bank of the Pequea at its junction with the Beaver Creek, at the point where the Quarryville Pike crosses the former stream.
After passing through various hands in the course of two centuries this farm is now once more in the possession of a Brenneman, who is Jacob W. Breneman, a descendant of Christian's brother Adam. From his father Christian received likewise, in 1736, a large tract of 700 acres on the southern boundary of the Letort-Logan holdings in Donegal.
Melchior had purchased this land on Dec. 3, 1728, from Martha Bizaillon, wife of the famous Indian trader, Pierre Bizaillon. It lay along the eastern shore of the Susquehanna River between Bainbridge and Shock's Mills, and at the time of its purchase was mostly covered with virgin timber. On this land Christian settled two of his sons and two sons-in-law, and to it he added materially by purchases during his lifetime, more than doubling this immense tract.
The following list illustrates his landholdings in the Donegal region:
8-2-1736 ... Received 700 A. from his father along the Susquehanna River "in Paxton," bordering James Letort and Moses Combe.
3-15-1739 ... Purchased 450 A. along the river below Conoy Creek from Martha Bizaillon, who had received it from her brother John Combe. Combe had received it in 1719 under a patent from the Penns. Purchased 300 A. back from the river from William Bryan. ... Purchased the Heisey Mill property near Ridgeville, one mile north of Conoy Creek. Acquired between 350 and 400 A. by other purchases during the 1740's, bringing his total acreage up to nearly 2000 A. in all. Some of this land was bought on speculation and shortly resold. In 1748 or 1749 Christian and Susanna his wife conveyed 150 A. in Donegal to Abraham Hess. part of the 450 A. mentioned above.
On 6-27-1751 they sold 50 A. additional to Abraham Hess, "of Lampeter." Tradition has it that Abraham Hess was a son-in-law. If so, no facts are available regarding his descendants, nor has the historian succeeded in finding any document establishing this relationship.
At Christian's death his real estate was divided as follows. The Bryan tract and the Heisey Mill property went to his son, Rev. Melchior Breneman, 2d. The 1736 and 1739 tracts had been joined together as one and divided during his lifetime between his sons Adam and Melchior, his son-in-law John Stehman and Abraham Hess. Hess received 400 acres in all; the others received about 187 A. each. Christian's holdings in Conestoga all went to his son Christian Jr. An extra allowance of 187 A. in Donegal was granted to his daughter Anna in accordance with the terms of Christian's will. This she doubtless sold or traded to the other heirs, for they lived all their lives in Conestoga township.
There is no evidence that Christian resided permanently on his land in Donegal, although the 1739 assessments seem to indicate that he was living there in that year. He resided at least the greater portion of his life till his death in July, 1757, on his original estate in Conestoga. On 3-12-1725 he was administrator of the will of Nicholas Stehman, probably a relative.
It is not known where he is buried. His wife, Susanna, however, is buried at Marticville M.E. Cemetery; she was born in 1699 and died in 1777. They had these children: Mary~ (the eldest daughter), married John Stehman; 'Rev. Melchior, 2d; Anna:, who married Abram Keagy; Adam; Christian; and Veronica, the youngest, not yet of age at the time of her father's death. She later married Rudolph Herr.
Christian married Susanna. Susanna was born in 1699 and died in 1757 at age 58.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 90 F i. Maria Breneman was born before 1725.
+ 91 M ii. Rev. Melchior Breneman 2nd was born on 18 May 1726 in Conestoga Twp., Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania and died on 6 Dec 1809 in Donegal Twp., Lancaster Co., Pa. at age 83.
Melchior married Ann Snavely (d. After 1809).
+ 92 M iii. Adam Breneman was born in 1733 and died in 1783 at age 50.
+ 93 M iv. Christian Breneman was born in 1735 and died in 1771 at age 36.
+ 94 F v. Veronica Breneman was born in 1738 and died in 1784 at age 46.
Veronica married Rudolph Herr.
82. John Breneman (Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born about 1698 in Greisheim, Rhein-Hessen, Germany and died before 1747.
General Notes: JOHN BRENNEMAN, although not mentioned in the will of Melchior Brenneman, is known to have been a son of his. He had probably received his patrimony in advance of the other sons, as had Christopher.
He lived in Lancaster County, and probably on part of the original acres of Melchior Brenneman, apportioned to him by his father without legal instrument, for he was a property owner at the time of his death, which occurred sometime before Mar. 1, 1757.
His brother Adam was appointed by the courts the administrator of his estate, and was somewhat dilatory in presenting his accounts, clue no doubt to the aversion of the Mennonites for all forms of law. From the administration accounts we learn that John left two daughters, but we have been unable to find any mention of his widow, leading to the assumption that his wife predeceased him.
He is very likely buried at New Danville Mennonite Church. Charles Christopher of Lampeter and John Burgholder of Conestoga were the inventors of his personal estate. The inventory filed at Lancaster has the amusing endorsement on the back: "Sir: please excuse Martin Mylin for misspelling."
John married someone.
+ 95 F i. Catherine Breneman was born about 1734 in Conestoga Twp. Lanc.Pa..
Catherine married Jacob Burkholder in PA.
+ 96 F ii. Anna Breneman was born in 1738 and died in 1784 at age 46.
Anna married Johannes Burkholder (d. 1800).
83. Adam Breneman (Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in 1700 in Greisheim, Rhein-Hessen, Germany and died on 17 Oct 1760 at age 60.
General Notes: ADAM BRENNEMAN was born probably in the year 1700 in the Rhine country, perhaps at Griesheim, and died in Conestoga Twp., Lancaster Co., Pa., before Oct. 17, 1760. The probable year of his death is 1759, unless there is an error in the recording of his will. He is first assessed in 1722, and is entered on the books in 1720 as a "freeman under age," so that 1700 must be approximately correct as the year of his birth.
In 1729 he was naturalized, together with his brother Christopher, and became a colonial British subject. The historian does not believe that any of the other children of Melchior Brenneman were naturalized, but Melchior, Jr., was doubtless considered a native-born subject of Great Britain. He alone lived to the days of the Revolution and gave his support to the new republic.
On Mar. 30,1730, Adam received 100 acres of land from his father and mother, part of Melchior's original grant west of the Mill Creek. On Nov. 19, 1742, he took out a warrant for an additional 150 acres. On this land he seems to have lived during his latter years; it was located about a half mile west of Willow Street Station. Abram Herr owned the land about fifty years ago; it descended from Adam to his son Adam, and went out of the family at the death of the latter. Part of it was sold by Dr. Abraham N. Breneman, son of Adam, Jr., to David Harnish, and returned to the family when Jacob Brenneman, son of Melchior, Jr., purchased it from Harnish.
On Oct. 25, 1750, Adam bought of his relatives, Abraham Keagy and wife Anna Brenneman, 53 acres of land in Conestoga. This was added to his original farm and was willed to his son Isaac. Isaac lived there all his days, and left it at his death to his son Martin Brenneman, who was obliged to sell it in sections from 1810 to 1822. The western part of the tract was later bought back by Jacob Brenneman, above, and his heirs have held it to this day. John S. Brenneman, Lancaster R. D. 6, is the present owner.
Adam's name is found on various papers during the 1750's. He was director of the poor among the Mennonites of Conestoga. He was assessed at the rate of 10 shillings, sixpence, in 1757, and he seems to have been satisfied with the tax, for his name does not appear in a supplemental list of that year in which his brothers' names are all found, followed by the words: "The above are greatly aggrieved and do make great complaint." In 1753 he made his own will and in 1755 was executor of that of his neighbor, George Kendig.
His wife's name was Mary. After his death she married George Horsh (also written in various documents Hess, Heiss and Horsht).
She was still living in 1775, as is evidenced by a deed of that year, and another deed of 1786 leads one to infer that she was still alive then. She and her husband had 10 ch.: Isaac, Magdalena, Henry, Eve, Adam, Anna, John, Barbara, Maria and Elizabeth. The last three were still in their minorities in 1760.
Adam married Mary.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 97 M i. Issac Breneman was born in 1730 and died in 1804 at age 74.
Issac married Veronica Forrer.
+ 98 F ii. Magdalena Breneman was born about 1732.
Magdalena married Henry Reedt.
+ 99 F iii. Eve Breneman was born before 1735.
+ 100 M iv. Adam Breneman was born before 1737 and died in 1778.
Adam married Esther Neff on 30 Dec 1766 in PA.
+ 101 M v. Henry Breneman was born before 1740 and died in 1815.
Henry married Margaret Bowman.
+ 102 F vi. Anna Breneman was born before 1742.
+ 103 M vii. John Breneman was born before 1744 and died in 1818.
+ 104 F viii. Barbara Breneman was born before 1747.
Barbara married Rev. John Jacob Burkholder.
+ 105 F ix. Maria Breneman was born before 1750.
+ 106 F x. Eliabeth Breneman .
Adam next married Mary.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 107 M i. Issac Breneman was born in 1730 and died in 1804 at age 74.
Issac married Veronica Forrer.
(Duplicate Line. See Person 97)
+ 108 F ii. Magdalena Breneman was born about 1732.
Magdalena married Henry Reedt.
(Duplicate Line. See Person 98)
+ 109 F iii. Eve Breneman was born before 1735.
+ 110 M iv. Adam Breneman was born before 1737 and died in 1778.
Adam married Esther Neff on 30 Dec 1766 in PA.
(Duplicate Line. See Person 100)
+ 111 M v. Henry Breneman was born before 1740 and died in 1815.
Henry married Margaret Bowman.
+ 112 F vi. Anna Breneman was born before 1742.
Anna married John Baumann.
(Duplicate Line. See Person 102)
+ 113 M vii. John Breneman was born before 1744 and died in 1818.
+ 114 F viii. Barbara Breneman was born before 1747.
Barbara married Rev. John Jacob Burkholder.
(Duplicate Line. See Person 104)
+ 115 F ix. Maria Breneman was born before 1750.
Maria married Martin Kendig.
(Duplicate Line. See Person 105)
+ 116 F x. Elizabeth Breneman .
84. Catherine Breneman (Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in 1705 in Griesheim, Starkeburg, Hessen, Germany. Another name for Catherine was Catren.
General Notes: CATHARINE BRENNEMAN (5), b. probably between 1700 and 1708, d. after 1756, m. John Steiner, b. in Switzerland, d. in Conestoga Twp. in 1750. He is believed to have been a native of the same part of Switzerland as the Brennemans, and possibly a second cousin of his wife. When Melchior Brenneman the pioneer divided his estate among his children, on 3-26-1730, he gave 150 acres to John and Catharine.
The farm is thus described in the deed: "From a marked black oak in line of Adam Brenneman's land, thence N. by W. 101 perches to a marked black oak, then ENE 48 perches to a post, then N. by W. 270 p. by the said Melchior Brenneman's land to a post, then WSW 103 p. to a post, then S. by E. 308 p. to a post, then ENE 551/2 p. to the place of beginning."
Those familiar with Conestoga township will probably recognize from this description that Steiner's land was part of Melchior's acres between New Danville and the Stone Church, lying south of the Long Lane and between the homestead farm and the part given to Christopher.
As previously stated, Catharine is said to have had red hair and, for this reason the Indians on the Manor stood somewhat in awe of her, unless tradition be in error. She and her husband had three sons, and six daughters. No attempt has been made to trace all their descendants, who would fill a book as large as this themselves.
Catherine married Johann Stoner, son of Johannes Hans Steiner and Anna Brenneman, about 1725 in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Johann was born about 1705, died on 28 May 1769 in Antietam, Franklin County, Pennsylvania about age 64, and was buried in Stoner Cemetery., Waynesboro, Franklin County, Pennsylvania.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 117 F i. Elizabeth Stoner was born in 1723.
+ 118 F ii. Magdalena Stoner was born in 1725 in Conestoga, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
Magdalena married Michael Baughman Jr.
+ 119 M iii. Abraham Stoner was born about 1730 in Chester County, Pennsylvania.
Abraham married Anna Kauffman aby 1750.
+ 120 M iv. John Stoner was born about 1730 in Chester County, Pennsylvania, died on 8 Jul 1774 in Fredericks County, Maryland about age 44, and was buried in Wolfe Cemetery, Union Bridge, Carroll County, Maryland.
+ 121 F v. Mary Ann Stoner was born on 5 Apr 1731 in Merion, Franklin County, Pennsylvania and died between 1797 and 1800 in Antietam, Franklin County, Pennsylvania.
Mary Ann married John Price about 1746.
+ 122 M vi. Jacob Stoner was born on 10 Mar 1732 in Germany.
Jacob married Magdalena in 1754 in Frederick County Maryland.
Jacob next married Autrain Ferguson about 1774 in Fairfield Co, Ohio.
+ 123 F vii. Barbara Stoner was born in Dec 1732.
+ 124 M viii. David Stoner was born in 1733 in Chester County, Pennsylvania.
+ 125 F ix. Eve Stoner was born on 25 Dec 1734.
+ 126 M x. Christian Stoner was born in 1735 in Lancaster Co. PA.
+ 127 F xi. Catherine Stoner was born in 1736 in Pennsylvania.
Catherine married Benjamin Wissler.
+ 128 F xii. Agnes Stoner was born in 1736 in Coventry Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania.
Agnes married Daniel Arnold in 1749 in Fayette County, Pennsylvania.
85. Melchior Stehman Breneman Jr. (Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in Aug 1718 in New Danville, PA, died on 19 Apr 1794 in New Danville, PA at age 75, and was buried in New Danville Mennonite Church.
General Notes: Melchior's occupation: Farmer and Weaver. He resided New Danville, PA. At 26 years of age Melchior became the father of Abraham Breneman Lancaster Co., PA, 12/3/1744. At 33 years of age Melchior became the father of Elizabeth Brenneman 1751 or 1758. At 36 years of age Melchior became the father of David Brenneman ca. 1754.
more:
Was a farmer, weaver and preacher. He was born on the old homestead of his father's farm in 1718 and died at the same place on April 19, 1794. His will was written in 1786 and for some reason his son Abraham is not mentioned. He may have given Abraham his portion before his death.
Melchior and Ann's graves are marked by slate slabs, initialed and dated. *****
Melchior III had been born 1718 and was only 18 when his father died. When married, he was to receive the original 160 acre plantation and would be a prominent citizen of Conestoga all of his life. Melchior was a prosperous farmer who lived his entire life on his father's land. He was a man of deep religious fervor and untiring love for manual labor and thrift.
more from Gerberich:
MELCHIOR BRENNEMAN, JR. was born on the old homestead farm of his father near New Danville, Lancaster Co., Pa., in August, 1718, and died at the same place, Apr. 19, 1794. He long survived his elder brothers, all of whom died thirty years or more before him. He married Ann Good, b. in 1722, d. in 1800, aged 78 years 3 mos. and 10 days. She was a daughter of Jacob Good of Conestoga, who was a son of Peter Good, an immigrant to Lancaster County in 1715.
Melchior, Jr., and wife had 13 children, of whom eleven survived them: Peter, Melchior, Abraham, Isaac, Margaret, Rudolph, David, Elizabeth, Jacob, Eve, Ann, John and Henry. The parents are buried at New Danville Mennonite Church, their graves marked by slate slabs, initialed and dated.
Melchior, Jr., was a prosperous landholder and left his children at his decease well established in life. The old Brenneman homestead, as will be seen from the annexed will, went to his youngest son Henry. A portion of the original grant, together with some contiguous land, "Melchior had previously deeded to his son Jacob. There is on file at Lancaster, Pa., a deed bearing date Jan. 25, 1793, in which Melchior, Jr., certified to the correctness of his father's signature to a document of the year 1717, saying that he had often seen him write his name and knew the writing to be his father's.
This certification was of great value to the historian in working out the relationship of this branch of the family, as Melchior survived his brothers so long that it had been believed that he belonged to a later generation.
WILL OF MIELCHIOR BRENNEMAN, JR. 1786 In the Name of God Amen. This twenty- first day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty -six Melchior Brenneman the elder of Conestoga Township Lancaster County and 'state of Pennsylvania, yeoman, being at present sick and weak in body nevertheless of sound and disposing mind, memory and understanding - thanks be to God - calling unto mind the mortality of my body, and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die, do make and ordain this my last will and testament, that is to say, Principally and first of all I recommend my soul into the hands of God, who gave it me, and my body I recommend to the earth to be buried in a Christian-like and decent manner; and as touching such worldly estate wherewith it has pleased God to bless me in this life, I give, devise and dispose of the same as follows, in the following manner and form.
Imprimis, it is my will and I do order in the first place that all my just debts and funeral expenses be paid off and satisfied as soon as conveniently may be after my decease.
Item, I give and bequeath unto my son Henry Brenneman, his heirs and assigns, all my plantation and tract of land situated in Conestoga Township, Lancaster County, aforesaid, adjoining to the lands of Jacob Brenneman, Adam Brenneman, deceased, Jacob Stoner and John Borgholder, containing about 125 acres and the allowance of roads, be the same more or less. To be holden by him the said Henry Brenneman his heirs and assigns forever.
Item, it is my will and I do hereby order and direct that my saict son Henry Brenneman shall pay for the aforesaid plantation and tract of land the sum of 925 pounds gold or silver money that is to say in the first place, that the said Henry shall retain in his hands out of the afore--said sum of money the sum of 200 pounds and the remainder he shall pay in yearly payments as follows to wit: One year after my decease the sum of 40 pounds and then yearly and every year the sum of 40' pounds till the said sum is paid.
Item, I give unto each of my children the sum of 200 pounds. For that reason I allow my said son Henry 200 pounds out of the aforesaid land.
Item, I give and bequeath unto my dearly beloved wife Ann my bed and bedding, spinning wheel, chest, table, and all my household goods and furniture and also my putter (sic) and iron pots and kettles, bags, barrels and dresser together with all my linen cloth and books. I give and bequeath unto my said wife Ann the choice of all my cows, a horse or mare. I do hereby order and direct that my said wife Ann. shall have one third part of all my house and buildings and garden and water, bake oven and cellar during her life. It is my will that my son. Henry shall deliver unto my said wife Ann, over and above that what he is to pay for the said land yearly and every year during her life as many apples as she stands in need, two barrels of good cider, five gallons of good liquor and keep her a horse or mare and a cow sufficient summer and winter and deliver unto my said wife yearly three wagon loads of good hay and second crop and in the barn for to feed said creatures and shall also feed them at all times when she shall order and direct.
Item, it is my further will that my son Henry shall deliver unto my said wife yearly and every year during her life, twelve bushels of good and merchantable wheat, five bushels of rye and two bushels of Indian corn and deliver the same to the mill and the meal and bran back to her again and to give her firewood sufficient when she shall think proper and cut the same for her as she shall order or direct and deliver unto her fifteen pounds of heckled flax and ten pounds yearly as aforesaid.
Item, it is my will and I do hereby order and direct that my said son Henry shall deliver unto my said wife yearly during her life one hundred and fifty pounds of good hog meat and one hundred pounds of good beef.
Item, I do further give and bequeath unto my said wife Ann the sum of 100 pounds gold or silver money of Pennsylvania to be paid within one year after my decease and a stove in my house. Item, I give and bequeath unto all my children all the money arising out of my lands and personal estate what is not heretofore given and bequeathed unto my said wife and son Henry. That is to say, Melchior Brenneman, Isaac, David, Jacob, John, Henry Brenneman, Margaret the wife of Peter Stouffer, Ann the wife of John Horst, Elizabeth the wife of Henry Road, Eve the wife of John Bowman, and my grandchildren, the children of my eldest son Peter Brenneman, deceased, that is to say Melchior, John and Barbara to be equally divided between them share and share alike.
Item, it is my will that my said grandchildren the heirs of my said son Peter Brenneman deceased, that is to say Melchior, John and Barbara shall have no more of my estate than together one equal share with one of the rest of my children.
Item, I give and bequeath unto my eldest son Peter Brenneman's children, that is to say, Melchior, John and Barbara, the sum of five shillings over and above their equal share together with one of the rest of my children, for their father's or their first birth right.
Item, it is my further will that provided that either of my children have received money or goods more than the other, said child or children shall refund the same to my estate.
Item, it is my further will that the money arising out of all my lands shall be paid to all my children as they succeed each other in age. And lastly I do hereby nominate, appoint and constitute my son Jacob Brenneman and my son in law Peter Stouffer executors of this my last will and testament, hereby revoking, disannulling and making void all former and other will or wills and executors by me heretofore made, ratifying and confirming this and no other to be my last will and testament.
In witness whereof I the said Melchior Brenneman the elder have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year first above written. MELCHIOR BRENNEMAN
Witnesses: John Borgholder Jacob Stoner
Probated September 13, 1794.
From Charles D. Breneman's book on the Brenneman's:
TRADITION versus FACTS
Tradition is ever an unsafe guide. Captain John R Brenneman of Philadelphia, b. Mar. 5, 1842, relates the following to his nephew, the Rev. George Elmer Brenneman, D. D., of Pittsburgh, Pa.
The information given us is that Melchior Brenneman, who was of the landed estate class of Bavaria, Germany, and who was possessed of an estate of 36,000 acres was on the losing side of one of the movements in the Thirty Years War. He fled to Switzerland where he died and was buried near Lake Constance.
The Thirty Years War was from 1618-1648. It was his three grandsons who came to America, by the kindly offer and solicitation of William Penn, and were possessed Of landed estates in Lancaster County, Pa.; Melchior and Christian coming in 1709 and Christopher in 1719. Captain Brenneman moreover related that the Brenneman family employed and sent the Attorney General, who served under President Johnson, to go to Germany and lay claim to the ancestral estate. This was easily done, but the inheritance was cut off by the fact that the estate was confiscated by the government. This statement cannot be confirmed but if it is true then Melchior the Exile that was born near Bern, Switzerland, in 1631 or 1632, and became the refugee wag.-the son of the Melchior of Bavaria.
Another tradition that many still well remember was this, and came from what seemed to be an unquestionable source, that we were the descendants of Christian Brenemann, who had come to America between 1709 and 1713, and had settled near Germantown, Pa. This statement had been handed down from the grandsons of the first pioneers that landed in America.
But after a more complete investigation we found that his brother, Melchior Brenemann, who came over at the same time left a will that was probated April 2, 1737, in the Courts of Lancaster Co., Pa., that recorded the names of his children, those of which he had not already transferred lands to in his lifetime, were given their allotments.
In this instrument he wills his old homestead of 160 acres to his youngest son Melchior, Jr., (1718-1794). There is also a document on record, signed by Melchior, Jr., bearing date of 1793 (one year before the latter's death) as a voucher for the genuineness of the signature of his father, saying that he had often seen his father write his name when he was a boy. Hence since this Melchior, Jr., was the father of Abraham Breneman our progenitor, we accept the established fact that we are the descendants of Melchior Brenimann the Pioneer that had settled in Conestoga, Lancaster Co., Pa., soon after arriving in America.
Melchior Stehman married Anna Good, daughter of Jacob Good and Elizabeth Stoner, about 1738. Anna was born on 21 Sep 1722 in Martic Twp, Lanc Co, PA and died on 31 Dec 1800 in Lancaster Co. PA at age 78.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 129 M i. Peter Breneman was born about 1739 in Conestoga Twp., Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania.
Peter married Ann Kauffman (d. 1791) in 1768.
+ 130 M ii. Melchior Breneman was born about 1740 in Conestoga Twp., Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania and died in 1818 about age 78.
Melchior married Susanna Bucher about 1762 in PA.
+ 131 M iii. Abraham Breneman was born on 3 Dec 1744 in New Danville, Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania, died on 8 Mar 1815 in Linville Creek, Rockingham County, Virginia at age 70, and was buried in Lindale Cemetery.
Abraham married Marie Reiff (d. 29 Mar 1788) in 1769 in Lancaster, PA.
Abraham next married Magdalena Shank (d. 31 May 1851).
+ 132 M iv. Isaac Brenneman was born about 1746 in Conestoga Twp., Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania.
Isaac married Anna Herr in 1772 in Alexandria, Huntington, Pennsylvania.
+ 133 F v. Margaret Breneman was born about 1747 in Conestoga Twp., Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania and died in 1808 about age 61.
Margaret married Peter Stauffer (d. 1795).
+ 134 M vi. Henry Breneman was born in 1765 in Conestoga Twp., Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania and died in 1827 in Rockingham County, Virginia at age 62.
Henry married Veronica Hackman (d. 18 Dec 1838) on 6 May 1788.
+ 135 M vii. Rudolph Breneman was born about 1749 in Conestoga Twp., Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania.
+ 136 M viii. Jacob Breneman was born on 16 Mar 1753 in Conestoga Twp., Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania and died on 8 Jun 1838 at age 85.
Jacob married Anna Mayer (d. 14 Aug 1782).
Jacob next married Barbara Resh (d. 14 Sep 1825).
+ 137 M ix. David Breneman was born in 1754 in Conestoga Twp. Lancaster, Pa. and died in 1820 in East Huntingdon, Westmoreland, PA. at age 66.
David married Frainie Rhodes about 1787 in Ausgusta, VA.
David next married Unknown.
+ 138 F x. Ann Breneman was born on 9 Apr 1755 in Conestoga Twp., Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania and died on 24 Feb 1832 at age 76.
+ 139 F xi. Eve Breneman was born in 1757 in Conestoga Twp., Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania and died in Dec 1824 at age 67.
Eve married John Bowman (d. 11 Nov 1813) in 1780.
+ 140 F xii. Elizabeth Breneman was born in 1758, died in 1835 in Rockingham County, Virginia at age 77, and was buried in Rhodes Cemetary, Broadway, VA.
Elizabeth married Henry Rhoades.
+ 141 M xiii. John Breneman was born on 10 Mar 1763 in Conestoga Twp., Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania and died on 14 Oct 1827 at age 64.
John married Catharine Bergthold (d. 6 Sep 1827) on 5 Dec 1785.
86. Abraham Brannimann (Hans72, Jacob52, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in 1665 in Eggilwil, Bern, Switzerland.
Abraham married Magdalena Engel in 1685. Magdalena was born in 1670 in Eggilwil, Bern, Switzerland.
The child from this marriage was:
+ 142 F i. Anna Brenneman was born in 1690 in Weuzbrunnen, Reothenbach, Canton Bern, Switzerland.
Anna married Hans Steiner in 1697 in Bern, Switzerland.
Eighth Generation 87. Hans BROENNIMANN (Hans73, Christian54, Peter45, Hans36, Hans11, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 14 Apr 1768 in Zimerwald-Belp, Bern, Switzerland and died on 12 Apr 1837 at age 68.
Hans married Anna Riesen on 12 Jun 1790. Anna was christened on 15 Feb 1767 in Oberbalm, Bern Switzerland.
The child from this marriage was:
+ 143 M i. Emanuel BROENNIMANN was born on 15 Apr 1806 in Zimerwald-Belp, Bern, Switzerland and died on 8 Nov 1880 at age 74.
Emanuel married Anna Kung (d. 29 Sep 1879) in 1835.
88. Elizabeth Breneman (Christopher Stephen80, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born about 1727 and died in 1766 about age 39.
Elizabeth married John Leaman. John died in 1759 in Lampeter Township, Lancaster Co, PA.
89. Abraham Breneman (Christopher Stephen80, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born before 1730.
Abraham married Barbara.
Abraham next married Mary Shank.
90. Maria Breneman (Christian81, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born before 1725.
91. Rev. Melchior Breneman 2nd (Christian81, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 18 May 1726 in Conestoga Twp., Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania and died on 6 Dec 1809 in Donegal Twp., Lancaster Co., Pa. at age 83.
General Notes: Very early in life he was ordained a Mennonite minister. He organized the congregation and preached the first sermons in Good's Meeting House, the oldest house of worship of his sect in Donegal. He was a religious writer who composed numerous books and pamphlets some of which are still preserved. He also became quite a large landlord. To the original acreage he'd inherited, which included not only the homestead but 300 acres back from the river in Donegal, Reverent Melchior added 310 acres along the Susquehanna and a number of smaller plots in Donegal leading to over 950 acres. He ran a grist mill at Ridgeville, operated a distillery at Locust Grove, had an interest in a ferry which transported people across to the York County side. During the Revolutionary War he assisted in transporting supplies to Washington's army and his wagons carried military stores to the victors at Monmouth Court House.
A Mennonite for War? This was a Mennonite of quite a different stripe. Deeply religious, his support of war was very unusual. All of Melchior's sons served in the militia, which is a striking contrast to the rigid Mennonite attitude of non-participation in warfare. They were probably estranged from their church on this account, for most of them were married by Lutheran or Reformed ministers, and their children generally associated with other Protestant sects. One of the most loyal of Mennonites produced descendants, 90% of whom were no longer associated with his church.
The Reverend Melchior resided in a large stone house on property which he had bought from an Englishman. On the property were a log house, a small, and one large stone house which were still standing in 1895, with the stone houses being occupied.
He'd have been about 45 when he met Ulrich Eyman and his wife Maria, newly arriving immigrants from the Rheinland. Little is known for certain of the relationship between Eyman and Brenneman, though it was one of trust. Ulrich Eyman died within a year or so of arriving, and in the absence of a will, Melchior played an important role with the widow in settling the estate matters of what seems to be a merchant.
Melchior transferred a number of his main properties to a son-in-law in 1784. Retiring from active life he divided over 800 acres of farms among his sons and sons-in-law, and moved from the large to the small stone house where he resided until his last days. He lived a life of humility with few worldly goods as he watched his children and grandchildren prosper with the lands he had made ready for them. He wrote his will at the age of 83, together with his 77 year old wife in 1806. The unique will was witnessed by Abraham Brenneman, the husband of Magdalena Eyman Shank.
From: Iman Family Notes http://www.imanfamily.net/friends/brenShank.htm
Melchior married Ann Snavely, daughter of Jacob Snavely and Veronica. Ann was born in 1730 in Lampeter Township, Lancaster Co, PA and died after 1809.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 144 F i. Veronica Breneman .
+ 145 M ii. John Breneman .
+ 146 F iii. Catharine Breneman .
+ 147 M iv. Christian Breneman .
+ 148 M v. Henry Breneman .
+ 149 F vi. Mary Breneman .
+ 150 M vii. Jacob Breneman .
+ 151 F viii. Ann Breneman .
+ 152 F ix. Elizabeth Breneman .
+ 153 F x. Barbara Breneman .
+ 154 F xi. Susanna Breneman .
92. Adam Breneman (Christian81, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in 1733 and died in 1783 at age 50.
93. Christian Breneman (Christian81, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in 1735 and died in 1771 at age 36.
94. Veronica Breneman (Christian81, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in 1738 and died in 1784 at age 46.
Veronica married Rudolph Herr.
95. Catherine Breneman (John82, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born about 1734 in Conestoga Twp. Lanc.Pa..
General Notes: CATHARINE BRENNEMAN was, at the time of her father's death, "widow of the late Jacob Burkholder." The historian has checked up on the Burkholders in that section of the county, and is safisfied that the only Jacob Burkholder of marriageable age living in the Conestoga region previous to 1750 was one of the sons of the Rev. Hans Burkholder, who organized the New Danville Mennonite congregation. We have been unable to find any record of children of Jacob and Catharine Burkholder. J. C. Burkholder of Harrisburg, Pa., the historian of the Burkholder clan, was also unable to trace any descendants from them. We may conclude, therefore, that Jacob died childless, probably shortly after his marriage to Catharine Brenneman. Her subsequent history is unknown.
Catherine married Jacob Burkholder, son of Hans Burkholder and Unknown, in PA.
96. Anna Breneman (John82, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in 1738 and died in 1784 at age 46.
General Notes: ANN BRENNEMAN, b. in 1738, d. in 1784, m. Johannes Burkholder, the other son of the immigrant, Rev. Hans Burkholder (Berghalder). Her husband was b. in 1735, d. in 1800. Both are buried at New Danville. They lived on the original Burkholder acres near there and had 8 ch.: John, Jacob, Ann, Esther, Barbara, Elizabeth, Susanna and Magdalena.
Anna married Johannes Burkholder, son of Hans Burkholder and Unknown. Johannes was born in 1735, died in 1800 at age 65, and was buried in New Danville, Pennsylvania.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 155 F i. Ann Burkholder .
+ 156 F ii. Esther Burkholder .
+ 157 F iii. Susanna Burkholder .
+ 158 M iv. John Burkholder was born on 31 Dec 1765.
+ 159 F v. Barbara Brenneman Burkholder was born on 16 Jan 1767.
+ 160 F vi. Elizabeth Nancy Brenneman Burkholder was born in 1768.
+ 161 M vii. Jacob Burkholder was born in 1769.
+ 162 F viii. Magdalena Burkholder was born on 31 Mar 1777.
97. Issac Breneman (Adam83, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in 1730 and died in 1804 at age 74.
Issac married Veronica Forrer.
98. Magdalena Breneman (Adam83, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born about 1732.
Magdalena married Henry Reedt.
99. Eve Breneman (Adam83, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born before 1735.
100. Adam Breneman (Adam83, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born before 1737 and died in 1778.
Adam married Esther Neff on 30 Dec 1766 in PA.
101. Henry Breneman (Adam83, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born before 1740 and died in 1815.
Henry married Margaret Bowman.
102. Anna Breneman (Adam83, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born before 1742.
103. John Breneman (Adam83, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born before 1744 and died in 1818.
104. Barbara Breneman (Adam83, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born before 1747.
Barbara married Rev. John Jacob Burkholder.
105. Maria Breneman (Adam83, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born before 1750.
106. Eliabeth Breneman (Adam83, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1).
107. Issac Breneman (Adam83, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in 1730 and died in 1804 at age 74.
Issac married Veronica Forrer.
(Duplicate Line. See Person 97)
108. Magdalena Breneman (Adam83, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born about 1732.
Magdalena married Henry Reedt.
(Duplicate Line. See Person 98)
109. Eve Breneman (Adam83, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born before 1735.
110. Adam Breneman (Adam83, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born before 1737 and died in 1778.
Adam married Esther Neff on 30 Dec 1766 in PA.
(Duplicate Line. See Person 100)
111. Henry Breneman (Adam83, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born before 1740 and died in 1815.
Henry married Margaret Bowman.
112. Anna Breneman (Adam83, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born before 1742.
Anna married John Baumann.
(Duplicate Line. See Person 102)
113. John Breneman (Adam83, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born before 1744 and died in 1818.
114. Barbara Breneman (Adam83, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born before 1747.
Barbara married Rev. John Jacob Burkholder.
(Duplicate Line. See Person 104)
115. Maria Breneman (Adam83, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born before 1750.
Maria married Martin Kendig.
(Duplicate Line. See Person 105)
116. Elizabeth Breneman (Adam83, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1).
117. Elizabeth Stoner (Catherine Breneman84, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in 1723.
118. Magdalena Stoner (Catherine Breneman84, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in 1725 in Conestoga, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
Magdalena married Michael Baughman Jr. Michael was born in 1723 in Manheim, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 163 M i. John Baughman was born in 1745.
+ 164 M ii. Jacob Baughman was born in 1747.
+ 165 F iii. Magdalena Baughman was born in 1749.
+ 166 M iv. Christian Baughman was born in 1751.
119. Abraham Stoner (Catherine Breneman84, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born about 1730 in Chester County, Pennsylvania.
Abraham married Anna Kauffman aby 1750. Anna was born in Franklin Co. PA.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 167 M i. David Stoner was born on 13 Nov 1767 in Franklin Co. PA.
+ 168 F ii. Catherine Stoner was born on 9 Nov 1768 in Franklin Co. PA.
+ 169 F iii. Elizabeth Stoner was born on 24 May 1772 in Franklin Co. PA.
+ 170 M iv. Michael Stoner was born on 10 Aug 1774 in Franklin Co. PA.
+ 171 M v. John Stoner was born about 1777 in Franklin Co. PA.
+ 172 F vi. Rebecca Stoner was born about 1784 in Franklin Co. PA.
+ 173 F vii. Susannah Stoner was born about 1787 in Franklin Co. PA.
120. John Stoner (Catherine Breneman84, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born about 1730 in Chester County, Pennsylvania, died on 8 Jul 1774 in Fredericks County, Maryland about age 44, and was buried in Wolfe Cemetery, Union Bridge, Carroll County, Maryland.
John married Annah Light. Annah was born in 1734 in Conestoga Valley, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 174 F i. Catherine Stoner was born in 1753.
+ 175 F ii. Anna Stoner was born in 1756.
Anna married Samuel Danner on 10 Jun 1777.
+ 176 M iii. John Stoner was born on 12 Jan 1759.
+ 177 F iv. David Stoner was born on 13 Sep 1760.
+ 178 M v. Jacob Stoner was born in 1762.
+ 179 F vi. Susannah H. Stoner was born on 7 Dec 1764 in Coventry Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania.
+ 180 M vii. Daniel Stoner was born on 19 May 1770 in Frederick MA.
+ 181 M viii. Daniel Stoner was born on 23 May 1773.
121. Mary Ann Stoner (Catherine Breneman84, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 5 Apr 1731 in Merion, Franklin County, Pennsylvania and died between 1797 and 1800 in Antietam, Franklin County, Pennsylvania.
Mary Ann married John Price about 1746. John was born between 1724 and 1725 in Indiana Creek, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 182 F i. Hannah Price was born bet 1745 adn 1750.
+ 183 M ii. Daniel Price was born in 1748.
+ 184 F iii. Catherine Price was born in 1752.
+ 185 F iv. Elizabeth Price was born in 1752.
+ 186 F v. Susanna Price was born in 1761.
+ 187 M vi. Abram Price was born in 1764.
+ 188 M vii. Jacob Price was born in 1765.
+ 189 M viii. John Price was born in Jan 1765.
122. Jacob Stoner (Catherine Breneman84, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 10 Mar 1732 in Germany.
Jacob married Magdalena in 1754 in Frederick County Maryland. Magdalena was born about 1732.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 190 M i. John Stoner .
+ 191 M ii. David Stoner .
+ 192 F iii. Marian Stoner .
+ 193 F iv. Catherina Stoner .
+ 194 F v. Rebecca Stoner .
+ 195 F vi. Sarah Stoner .
+ 196 M vii. Samuel Stoner .
+ 197 M viii. Isaac Stoner .
+ 198 M ix. Abraham Stoner .
Jacob next married Autrain Ferguson about 1774 in Fairfield Co, Ohio. Autrain was born on 21 Sep 1735 in Germany.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 199 F i. Agnes Stoner .
+ 200 F ii. Susanna Stoner .
+ 201 F iii. Elizabeth Stoner .
+ 202 F iv. Anna Stoner .
+ 203 F v. Anna Nancy Stoner .
+ 204 F vi. Hannah Stoner .
123. Barbara Stoner (Catherine Breneman84, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in Dec 1732.
124. David Stoner (Catherine Breneman84, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in 1733 in Chester County, Pennsylvania.
125. Eve Stoner (Catherine Breneman84, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 25 Dec 1734.
126. Christian Stoner (Catherine Breneman84, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in 1735 in Lancaster Co. PA.
127. Catherine Stoner (Catherine Breneman84, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in 1736 in Pennsylvania.
Catherine married Benjamin Wissler.
128. Agnes Stoner (Catherine Breneman84, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in 1736 in Coventry Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania.
Agnes married Daniel Arnold in 1749 in Fayette County, Pennsylvania. Daniel was born in 1726 in Ephenbach, Wurttemberg, Germany.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 205 F i. Mary Arnold was born in 1750.
+ 206 M ii. John Arnold was born in 1752.
+ 207 M iii. George Arnold was born in 1754.
+ 208 M iv. Abraham Arnold was born in 1760.
+ 209 M v. Daniel Arnold was born in 1763.
+ 210 M vi. David Arnold was born in 1765.
+ 211 F vii. Elizabeth Arnold was born about 1769.
+ 212 M viii. Jacob Arnold was born in 1770.
129. Peter Breneman (Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born about 1739 in Conestoga Twp., Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania.
General Notes: PETER BRENNEMAN was the oldest son of Melchior Brenneman, Jr., and was born in Conestoga Twp., Lancaster Co., Pa., about 1739. He went to Virginia with his cousin Abraham Brenneman (son of Christopher) and on 8-18-1768 purchased 300 acres in Augusta Co., Va., of McClenchan and Stuart. About this time he married Anna Kauffman, b. 9-12-1743, daughter and oldest child of Rev. Michael Kauffman who died in 1788 at Edom, Va., and his wife Barbara Holdeman.
He did not live long on his land in Virginia, for in 1772 he was back in Pennsylvania, farming near his brothers Abraham and Melchior in Donegal Twp., Lancaster Co. In the fall of fhat year he moved over to Manchester Twp., York Co., Pa., where his brothers Isaac and David were then living. He later bought a farm in Derry Twp., Dauphin Co., Pa., in which county he was the first of the family to settle. On this farm he lived till his death in the year 1783.
Like several of his relatives, Peter seems to have invested in land in both Pennsylvania and Virginia. In the same year in which he died he purchased another 126 acres in Rockingham Co., Va. This land passed in 1792 to Anthony Brenneman, apparently a son of his cousin Abraham, with whom he had first gone to Virginia. In the same year in which he died Peter had served in the militia under Co1. Jacob Cook. Previous to this, in 1780, while still residing in York County, he had served as a private in the Revolution under Capt. Reinhart Bott (Pa. Archives VI, 2, P. 498).
History at his death Peter left a widow and the three children who are mentioned in his father's will: :Melchior, John and Barbara. The widow returned with them to Conestoga Township, where they grew to maturity. She was later married to Valentine Bassler, b. 8-23-1738, d. 8-29-1806. She had apparently predeceased him. They are buried together in an old cemetery near vVabank, Pa. The inscription on her stone is hard to decipher, but seems to indicate that she died in her 48th year, consequently about 1791.
Peter married Ann Kauffman in 1768. Ann was born on 12 Sep 1743 and died in 1791 at age 48.
130. Melchior Breneman (Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born about 1740 in Conestoga Twp., Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania and died in 1818 about age 78.
General Notes: MELCHIOR BRENNEMAN, 3RD was born in Conestoga Township, Lancaster Co., Pa., about 1741 (the tradition that gives the date as 1739 has been practically disproved). He married Susanna Bucher, dtr. of Christian Bucher, Sr., of Donegal Twp.. Lancaster Co.; her brother Christian Bucher, Jr., married Veronica, dtr. of Rev. Melchior Brenneman. 2d, and thus the children of these two marriages were doubly cousins.
Melchior and Susanna had ten children: Melchior, Joseph, Annie, John, Elizabeth, Maria, Abraham, Henry, Martin and Christian. They seem to have lived on a farm in Conestoga Township till 1785 or 1786, when they moved to a new farm of 120 acres that Melchior had bought in Donegal Township. Here he was a neighbor of his first cousin, Rev. Melchior Brenneman, 2d, and closely associated with him in various ways.
We are able to fix the location of his homestead in Donegal with accuracy, for on Aug. 5, 1815, he and his wife deeded a part of his plantation "to Jacob Eversole and Joseph Shenk, managers and trustees appointed by the Menonist Society for building a house of worship for that society." Good's Mennonite Meeting House stands today on that plot of ground, which the deed describes as "lying along the road from Rankins Ferry on the Susquehanna to Elizabethtown, bordering Melchior's other land." We also learn from this deed that Melchior bought the land on Aug. 18, 1783, from John Weiland and Wife Magdalena.
He died in the year 1818, intestate, leaving an estate valued at $7832.78. He is not buried at the cemetery at Good's Church. According to the present owner of his homestead, Mr. Amos Ebersole, he was buried in a small private cemetery along the Bainbridge Pike a short distance to the east of the church, which cemetery was later obliterated when the road was widened, and the old stones sunk well down below the roadbed. There were other Brennemans buried in the old graveyard, which deserved better preservation. It was located on the farm now owned by Joseph Nissley (1937).
Most of the children of Melchior, 3rd, secured better land in Dauphin and York Counties and moved to those sections. His only descendants in Donegal at the present day are the progeny of his daughter Annie Wissler. The ancestor of most of the Brenneman clan living in this region today was his cousin, Rev. Melchior, 2d.
Melchior married Susanna Bucher about 1762 in PA. Susanna was born about 1745.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 213 M i. Melchior Breneman was born about 1769 in Conestoga Twp., Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania and died in 1812 about age 43.
+ 214 M ii. Joseph Breneman was born on 01 OCT 1772 in Conestoga Twp., Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania and died on 27 Nov 1845 at age 73.
+ 215 F iii. Annie Breneman was born on 25 Dec 1773 in Conestoga Twp., Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania and died on 30 Dec 1861 at age 88.
+ 216 M iv. John Breneman was born on 5 May 1775 in Conestoga Twp., Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania and died on 26 Mar 1862 at age 86.
+ 217 F v. Elizabeth Breneman was born on 4 Oct 1776 in Conestoga Twp., Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania and died on 25 May 1851 at age 74.
Elizabeth married John Wissler on 8 Mar 1796.
+ 218 F vi. Maria Breneman was born on 11 Sep 1779 in Conestoga Twp., Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania and died on 11 Apr 1866 at age 86.
+ 219 M vii. Henry Breneman 3 was born on 28 Jan 1782 in Conestoga Twp., Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania and died on 2 May 1831 in Dauphin Co, PA. at age 49.
Henry married Christina Ebersole (d. 1 May 1862) on 19 Mar 1816.
+ 220 M viii. Martin Bucher Breneman was born on 28 Aug 1784 in Conestoga Twp., Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania and died on 24 Dec 1837 at age 53.
Martin Bucher married Martha Kauffman on 21 Apr 1814.
+ 221 M ix. Abraham Breneman was born about 1785 in Donegal Twp., Chester Co. (now Lancaster), PA and died in 1818 about age 33.
+ 222 M x. Christian Breneman was born on 23 Mar 1787 in Donegal Twp., Chester Co. (now Lancaster), PA and died on 14 Aug 1861 at age 74.
131. Abraham Breneman (Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 3 Dec 1744 in New Danville, Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania, died on 8 Mar 1815 in Linville Creek, Rockingham County, Virginia at age 70, and was buried in Lindale Cemetery. The cause of his death was Camp Fever.
General Notes: Abraham Brenneman, third son of Melchior and Anna Good Brenneman, was born in Lancaster Co., PA.
Abraham moved with his first wife near Edom, Rockingham Co. Virginia, and settled on Linville Creek about 1770 where he lived until his death March 8, 1815 at the age of 70 years, 3 months and 5 days. He was the father of 16 children and 111 grandchildren.
He owned in a single tract, about 800 acres of land on Linville Creek. The copy of his deeds and will were destroyed during the Civil War when the armies of Sheridan made their raid through the Shenandoah Valley and the courthouse at Harrisonburg was destroyed by fire. The records were so badly burnt that they could not be read.
He donated the ground for the Brenneman's cemetery a short distance north of Edom, which became the most used for burial purposes of the early settlers of the community for many years. In 1898 a church was built on the ground and was name the Lindale Church, and the cemetery is now known by that name. In 1826, a church was built on another part of the estate that had belonged to him in his lifetime, and was named the Breneman's Church, and a cemetery was laid out there and goes by the name of the Breneman's Cemetery.
Abraham Breneman, the progenitor of this large family that will be recorded in this history, has been described by his youngest son David Breneman of Cairo, Ohio, as being a tall, slender man, smooth shaved, and of a robust constitution, highly respected by the church of his choice and by his neighbors as well. It is said that he was often seen leading a funeral procession with the corpse of a child resting on the saddle before him. He died of camp fever which he contracted by coming in contact with the soldiers who had just returned from the War of 1812. He and his first wife are buried in Lindale Cemetery. He and both of his wives were Mennonites.
additional notes found on the internet:
Melchior's son Abraham Brenneman may have met the Eyman family in these early years. If so, he'd have met Magdalena Eyman, about ten years older than himself and the mother of his second wife. In 1763 Abaham wasn't quite 20 years old. He had yet to make his way in the world. By 1770 he had moved to the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.
Abraham had been born on the family homestead that his father had inherited from his grandfather. He was the third of thirteen children, and therefore among those expected to find property elsewhere. In this family, as in so many of German stock it seems that it was often the youngest son who inherited the homestead. Abraham and his older brothers Peter and Melchior visited Donegal and Derry Townships in the northwest where ancestral lands were in the hands of cousins. The brothers seem to have settled there in 1768 though Abraham, perhaps wanting more land, went to Virginia. They seem to have lived a short time in Page and Augusta counties before settling on a farm four miles below New Market, near Pennypacker's Mill on Smith Creek. Ultimately, Brenneman wound up with an 800 acre tract of land near Linville Creek. About 1769 it's thought that Abraham had married the mother of his first eight children.
Their home at Edom in Rockingham County was in an area with farmland of the highest quality and deepest loam. As committed Mennonites, the Brennemans provided lands for the Lindale Mennonite church and cemetery.
There seems to be some disagreements among Brenneman genealogists about the first wife of Abraham. The quite comprehensive 1938 genealogy by Albert Gerberich suggested that Abraham's first wife was Barbara and that she died about 1777. More recent work by Helen Harness suggests that the first wife was Maria Reiff, who lived until 1788. By 1790, Abraham had married Magdalena Shank, the daughter of Adam Shank and Magdalena Eyman, who had also moved to Rockingham from the Lancaster area. Abraham produced an unusual number of Brennemans, with 8 children by each of two wives. All tolled, he seems to have had 111 grandchildren. On census and tax records between 1758 and 1792 Abraham is shown as owning a dwelling and 3 other houses as well as 6 horses. In 1775 he served in the Shenandoah Valley militia in Captain Jacob Holeman's company. (It's thought that most of his brothers served in the militia, in striking contrast to the rigid Mennonite attitude of non-participation in warfare. In about 1800, Abraham built a stone burr gristmill, Turner's Mill, which was still in operation in 1976. The solid brick walls measure 22 inches and are 5 bricks thick. Near the mill today stands a gorgeous old old brick residence. It was likely built by Melchior, a son of Abraham, in about 1847
During early days in Rockingham, Mennonite church services were often held in the Brenneman home. Abraham developed a family cemetery just north of Edom which was used by many early settlers and which became known as the Lindale Mennonite Cemetery. On another part of his estate, two miles southwest of Edom, a church was built in 1826 named the Brenneman church and also houses a Brenneman cemetery.
Abraham was a hard-working and prominent farmer of the community. A quote from his youngest son says that "he was a tall, slender man, smooth-shaved, and of a robust constitution… He was highly respected by the church and by his neighbors… He was at times seen leading a funeral procession on horseback with the corpse of a child resting in the saddletree before him". Abraham died at his homestead at the age of 70 years in 1815. It's believed that he died of typhus caused by coming into contact with soldiers returning from the war of 1812.
From: Iman Family Notes http://www.imanfamily.net/friends/brenShank.htm
Noted events in his life were:
• photo:
• photo:
Abraham married Marie Reiff, daughter of John Reiff and Anna Garber, in 1769 in Lancaster, PA. Marriage status: married. Marie was born on 29 Jul 1746 in Lancaster Co. PA and died on 29 Mar 1788 in Rockingham County, Virginia at age 41.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 223 F i. Magdalena Breneman was born on 6 Dec 1770 and died on 20 Aug 1851 at age 80.
Magdalena married Frederick Rodes (d. 21 Jun 1847).
+ 224 F ii. Elizabeth Breneman was born on 22 Feb 1773 and died in May 1815 at age 42.
Elizabeth married Michael Miller.
+ 225 M iii. Melchior Breneman was born on 11 May 1775 and died on 22 Apr 1828 at age 52.
Melchior married Elizabeth Burkholder (d. 28 Sep 1831).
+ 226 F iv. Frances "Fanny" Breneman was born on 18 Oct 1777 in Edom, Virginia and died on 21 Apr 1837 at age 59.
Frances "Fanny" married John Landes (d. 4 Feb 1846).
+ 227 F v. Anna Barbara Breneman was born on 13 Jan 1780 and died on 25 Mar 1845 at age 65.
Anna Barbara married Jacob Hildebrand (d. 14 Feb 1862).
+ 228 M vi. Daniel Breneman was born on 24 Mar 1782 and died in 1870 at age 88.
Daniel married Anna Burkholder (d. 1865).
+ 229 M vii. Abraham Breneman Jr. was born on 10 Apr 1785 in Edom, Virginia and died in 1843 in Augusta Co., VA at age 58.
Abraham married Elizabeth Hartman (d. Apr 1872).
+ 230 F viii. Eve Margaret Breneman was born on 22 Mar 1788 and died infancy.
Abraham next married Magdalena Shank, daughter of Adam Shank and Magdalena Eyeman. Magdalena was born on 22 Dec 1768 and died on 31 May 1851 in Fairfield Co. Ohio at age 82.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 231 M i. Henry Brenneman was born on 1 Nov 1791 in Edom, Virginia, died on 24 Aug 1866 in Fairfield Co. Ohio at age 74, and was buried in Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Bremen, Ohio.
Henry married Barbara Beery (d. 28 Mar 1838) on 8 Aug 1815 in Edom Rockingham Co., VA.
Henry next married Esther Good (d. 27 Oct 1841) on 6 Oct 1840 in Bremen, Ohio.
Henry next married Anna Rhodehefer (d. 17 Aug 1859) on 27 Jul 1843.
+ 232 M ii. Christian Breneman was born on 17 Jul 1793 in Edom, Rockingham Co, VA, died on 9 Dec 1859 in Rockingham Co, VA at age 66, and was buried in Lindale cemetery, Rockingham Co, VA.
Christian married Anna Shank (d. 17 Jan 1867).
+ 233 M iii. John Breneman was born on 11 Apr 1795 and died on 10 Apr 1867 in Allen Co, Ohio at age 71.
John married Elizabeth Stemen.
John next married Elizabeth Beery.
John next married Nancy Grove (d. 11 Aug 1876).
+ 234 M iv. Jacob Breneman was born on 6 Oct 1796 in Edom Rockingham Co., VA, died on 1 Jan 1865 in Elida, Ohio at age 68, and was buried on 4 Jan 1865 in Salem Cemetery near Elida, Ohio.
Jacob married Mary Beery (d. Oct 1832).
Jacob next married Caroline Ogden (d. 4 Oct 1900) in 1836 in Elida, Allen Co, Ohio.
+ 235 F v. Mary Breneman was born in 1798 and was buried in Pleasant Hill Ce, Bremen, Fairfield CO, Ohio.
Mary married Joseph Beery (d. 15 Apr 1841) on 24 Apr 1820 in Rockingham Co, VA.
+ 236 F vi. Susan Breneman was born on 18 Nov 1799 and died on 18 Aug 1807 at age 7.
+ 237 F vii. Catherine Breneman was born feb2 1802 and died on 7 Mar 1865 at age 63.
+ 238 M viii. David Breneman was born on 14 May 1805 and died on 4 Sep 1892 at age 87.
David married Catherine Moyer (d. 19 Sep 1878).
132. Isaac Brenneman (Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born about 1746 in Conestoga Twp., Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania.
General Notes: Isaac married Anna Herr Brenneman. widow of his first cousin, Christian Brenneman, Jr., of Conestoga. At the time he married her she was the mother of one son and three daughters by her first husband, and she bore Isaac four sons and one daughter. Isaac raised both families of children.
He farmed first in Conestoga, but sometime before 1779 he moved to a farm of 300 acres in Manchester Twp., York Co., Pa., which he secured from his cousin. Rev. Melchior Brenneman, 2nd of Donegal. This farm Rev. Melchior had purchased, 8-5-1761, from Adam Redd of Kennett Square, Pa.; Adam Redd's father, George Redel, had received it as a patent from the 600 Penns, 6-16-1750. There is no evidence of a 'sale of 'this farm from Rev. Melchior to Isaac, nor has the historian found any deed whatever between them; it is likely that Rev. Melchior transferred it to Isaac as part of the value of his brother Christian's estate, and Isaac held it in trust for his step-son, Christian's son John.
At any rate, Isaac lived on this farm from 1779 or earlier until 1795, and acquired other land in Newberry, Manchester and Fawn townships. He seems to have resided for a short period on a farm of 216 A which he and his wife bought in Fawn Twp. from Samuel Buchanan on 2-11-1795.
In the meanwhile he had transferred the homestead farm to John Brenneman. There are no deeds for this transaction, either, but it seems to have been arranged satisfactorily to all parties, in conformance with the Mennonites' reluctance to take such matters before the courts.
About 1799 Isaac purchased a large estate of virgin land in Huntingdon Co., Pa., south of the Juniata River in Walker and Porter townships. He was living on this property in 1800. Before moving to Huntingdon County he had to wind up considerable business interests in eastern Pennsylvania. He had an interest in a fishery in the Susquehanna River with Conrad Beck, Michael Ettinger, Jacob Heidelbach and Jacob Forrey.
He had secured on behalf of his five children an estate bequeathed them by their grandfather Rudolph Herr, late of Manor Twp., Lancaster Co. He had loaned considerable money to James Love, husband of his stepdaughter Anna Brenneman, which was probably never 'repaid. James Love and wife later moved to Huntingdon Co. to Isaac, and he assisted them in securing property in Williamsburg, a town then being laid out. This was probably in 1803 or 1804, and is the last definite information we have of Isaac. He probably died not long after and is buried in the Zentmeyer Cemetery near Alexandria. Pa. His children were: Melchior, Jacob, Abraham, Rudolph and Maria.
Isaac married Anna Herr in 1772 in Alexandria, Huntington, Pennsylvania. Anna was born about 1750 in Conestoga Twp., Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 239 M i. Melchior Brenneman was born in 1773 in Conestoga Twp., Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania and died in 1853 at age 80.
Melchior married someone Thompson.
+ 240 M ii. Jacob Brenneman was born about 1775 in Brecknock Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania and died in 1822 about age 47.
+ 241 M iii. Abraham Brenneman was born about 1776 in Conestoga Twp., Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania, died on 10 Sep 1815 in Brecknock Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania about age 39, and was buried in Bergstrasse Lu C, Ephrata, Pa.
+ 242 F iv. Maria Polly Brenneman was born on 9 Aug 1785 in Conestoga Twp., Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania, died in 1874 at age 89, and was buried in Alexandria, Huntington, Pennsylvania.
+ 243 M v. Rudolph Brenneman was born from 1800 to 1804 in Conestoga Twp., Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania and died on 7 Aug 1897 at age 96.
Rudolph married Mary Reidenour (d. 17 Jul 1879) about 1824.
133. Margaret Breneman (Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born about 1747 in Conestoga Twp., Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania and died in 1808 about age 61.
Margaret married Peter Stauffer. Peter died in 1795.
134. Henry Breneman (Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in 1765 in Conestoga Twp., Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania and died in 1827 in Rockingham County, Virginia at age 62.
Henry married Veronica Hackman on 6 May 1788. Veronica was born on 10 Feb 1767 and died on 18 Dec 1838 at age 71.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 244 M i. Adam Brenneman was born on 21 Jun 1789 in Lancaster Co. PA.
Adam married Nancy Eyeman on 18 Jun 1791 in Lancaster Co. PA.
+ 245 M ii. Melchior Breneman was born on 23 Dec 1790 in Lancaster Co. PA.
+ 246 M iii. Henry Breneman was born in 1793 in Lancaster Co. PA.
+ 247 F iv. Veronica Breneman was born on 11 Dec 1796 in Lancaster Co. PA.
+ 248 F v. Elizabeth Breneman was born about 1798 in Lancaster Co. PA.
+ 249 M vi. Benjamin Breneman was born on 4 Nov 1801 in Lancaster Co. PA.
+ 250 F vii. Eve Breneman was born on 21 Jul 1805 in Lancaster Co. PA.
135. Rudolph Breneman (Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born about 1749 in Conestoga Twp., Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania.
136. Jacob Breneman (Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 16 Mar 1753 in Conestoga Twp., Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania and died on 8 Jun 1838 at age 85.
Jacob married Anna Mayer. Anna was born on 14 Feb 1753 and died on 14 Aug 1782 at age 29.
Jacob next married Barbara Resh. Barbara was born on 25 Jan 1757 and died on 14 Sep 1825 at age 68.
137. David Breneman (Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in 1754 in Conestoga Twp. Lancaster, Pa. and died in 1820 in East Huntingdon, Westmoreland, PA. at age 66.
David married Frainie Rhodes about 1787 in Ausgusta, VA. Frainie was born about 1750 in PA and died in Rockingham Co, VA.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 251 F i. Ann Breneman died in 1848.
+ 252 F ii. Barbara Breneman .
+ 253 F iii. Elizabeth Breneman .
+ 254 F iv. Esther Breneman .
+ 255 F v. Mary Breneman .
+ 256 F vi. Sarha Breneman .
+ 257 F vii. Susannah Breneman .
+ 258 F viii. Mary Magdalena Breneman was born in 1780 and died in 1840 at age 60.
+ 259 M ix. David Breneman was born in 1788 and died in 1846 at age 58.
+ 260 M x. Abraham Breneman was born in 1791 and died in 1874 at age 83.
+ 261 F xi. Fanny Breneman was born in 1794 and died in 1867 at age 73.
+ 262 M xii. Peter Breneman was born in 1799 in PA., died in 1829 in Mahoning, OH. at age 30, and was buried in Leetonia Cemetery, Leetonia, Columbiana, OH..
Peter married Barbara Baer (d. 1857).
+ 263 M xiii. John Breneman was born in 1802 and died in 1897 at age 95.
John married Elizabeth Sterner on 25 Dec 1817.
David next married Unknown.
138. Ann Breneman (Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 9 Apr 1755 in Conestoga Twp., Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania and died on 24 Feb 1832 at age 76.
139. Eve Breneman (Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in 1757 in Conestoga Twp., Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania and died in Dec 1824 at age 67.
Eve married John Bowman in 1780. John was born in 1755 and died on 11 Nov 1813 at age 58.
140. Elizabeth Breneman (Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in 1758, died in 1835 in Rockingham County, Virginia at age 77, and was buried in Rhodes Cemetary, Broadway, VA.
Elizabeth married Henry Rhoades.
141. John Breneman (Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 10 Mar 1763 in Conestoga Twp., Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania and died on 14 Oct 1827 at age 64. The cause of his death was stroke.
John married Catharine Bergthold on 5 Dec 1785. Catharine was born on 4 Nov 1763 and died on 6 Sep 1827 at age 63.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 264 M i. Jacob Breneman .
+ 265 M ii. Melchior Breneman .
+ 266 M iii. John Breneman .
+ 267 M iv. Adam Breneman .
+ 268 M v. Daniel Breneman .
+ 269 M vi. Christian Breneman .
+ 270 F vii. Magdalena Breneman .
+ 271 M viii. Abraham Brenneman was born on 13 Aug 1796 in Conestoga Twp. Lancaster, Pa. and died on 19 Feb 1876 in Whitley City, In. at age 79.
Abraham married Ellizabeth Rush in 1822.
+ 272 F ix. Anne Breneman .
142. Anna Brenneman (Abraham86, Hans72, Jacob52, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in 1690 in Weuzbrunnen, Reothenbach, Canton Bern, Switzerland.
Anna married Hans Steiner in 1697 in Bern, Switzerland. Hans was born on 26 Nov 1673 in Oberdiessbach, Canton Bern, , Switzerland.
The child from this marriage was:
+ 273 M i. Christian Stoner was born in 1712 in West Lampeter, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA.
Ninth Generation 143. Emanuel BROENNIMANN (Hans87, Hans73, Christian54, Peter45, Hans36, Hans11, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 15 Apr 1806 in Zimerwald-Belp, Bern, Switzerland and died on 8 Nov 1880 at age 74.
Emanuel married Anna Kung in 1835. Anna was born on 13 Nov 1807 in Zimerwald-Belp, Bern, Switzerland, was christened on 13 Nov 1807, and died on 29 Sep 1879 at age 71.
144. Veronica Breneman (Melchior 2nd (Rev.)91, Christian81, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1).
145. John Breneman (Melchior 2nd (Rev.)91, Christian81, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1).
146. Catharine Breneman (Melchior 2nd (Rev.)91, Christian81, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1).
147. Christian Breneman (Melchior 2nd (Rev.)91, Christian81, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1).
148. Henry Breneman (Melchior 2nd (Rev.)91, Christian81, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1).
149. Mary Breneman (Melchior 2nd (Rev.)91, Christian81, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1).
150. Jacob Breneman (Melchior 2nd (Rev.)91, Christian81, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1).
151. Ann Breneman (Melchior 2nd (Rev.)91, Christian81, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1).
152. Elizabeth Breneman (Melchior 2nd (Rev.)91, Christian81, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1).
153. Barbara Breneman (Melchior 2nd (Rev.)91, Christian81, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1).
154. Susanna Breneman (Melchior 2nd (Rev.)91, Christian81, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1).
155. Ann Burkholder (Anna Breneman96, John82, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1).
156. Esther Burkholder (Anna Breneman96, John82, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1).
157. Susanna Burkholder (Anna Breneman96, John82, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1).
158. John Burkholder (Anna Breneman96, John82, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 31 Dec 1765.
159. Barbara Brenneman Burkholder (Anna Breneman96, John82, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 16 Jan 1767.
160. Elizabeth Nancy Brenneman Burkholder (Anna Breneman96, John82, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in 1768.
161. Jacob Burkholder (Anna Breneman96, John82, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in 1769.
162. Magdalena Burkholder (Anna Breneman96, John82, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 31 Mar 1777.
163. John Baughman (Magdalena Stoner118, Catherine Breneman84, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in 1745.
164. Jacob Baughman (Magdalena Stoner118, Catherine Breneman84, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in 1747.
165. Magdalena Baughman (Magdalena Stoner118, Catherine Breneman84, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in 1749.
166. Christian Baughman (Magdalena Stoner118, Catherine Breneman84, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in 1751.
167. David Stoner (Abraham Stoner119, Catherine Breneman84, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 13 Nov 1767 in Franklin Co. PA.
168. Catherine Stoner (Abraham Stoner119, Catherine Breneman84, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 9 Nov 1768 in Franklin Co. PA.
169. Elizabeth Stoner (Abraham Stoner119, Catherine Breneman84, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 24 May 1772 in Franklin Co. PA.
170. Michael Stoner (Abraham Stoner119, Catherine Breneman84, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 10 Aug 1774 in Franklin Co. PA.
171. John Stoner (Abraham Stoner119, Catherine Breneman84, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born about 1777 in Franklin Co. PA.
172. Rebecca Stoner (Abraham Stoner119, Catherine Breneman84, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born about 1784 in Franklin Co. PA.
173. Susannah Stoner (Abraham Stoner119, Catherine Breneman84, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born about 1787 in Franklin Co. PA.
174. Catherine Stoner (John Stoner120, Catherine Breneman84, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in 1753.
175. Anna Stoner (John Stoner120, Catherine Breneman84, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in 1756.
General Notes: ANNA STONER, DAUGHTER OF ANNA
Anna Stoner was born in 1756 in Coventry Township, Chester County, PA. She would have been about 10 years old when the family moved to Maryland.
Anna married Samuel Danner on June 10, 1777. They suffered a great deal during the Revolution due to their Dunker pacifism, even to the extent of having their Maryland land confiscated. After moving back and forth between North Carolina and Maryland they removed to Muhlenberg County, KY in 1792 where Samuel became an itinerant preacher. Anna died near Braytown, IN, date unknown.
For more information concerning this family see Richard R. Weber's book (EX C).
The children of Anna Stoner Danner:
Susannah Danner born April 2, 1778 and married John Galada (Colida).
Elizabeth Danner born September 30, 1779 and married John Ritenour.
Jacob Danner born May 1, 1781.
Hanna Danner born November 6, 1782 and married Joshua Cain.
Rev. Samuel Danner, Jr born April 1, 1784 in Maryland, married Catherine Noffsinger on May 18, 1811 in Muhlenberg Co., KY (she was his cousin), and died July 7, 1857 in Muhlenberg Co., KY.
David Danner born March 22, 1786, married Catherine Fesler on
March 22, 1806, and died in 1843.
Anna Danner born March 29, 1788 and married J. Ritenour.
John Danner born May 13, 1789 and married Nellie Wood. Joseph Danner born November 19, 1791 and married Barbara Keel. Isaac Danner born April 12, 1794 and married a woman named Dow and
later another named Moyer.
Solomon Danner born August 26, 1796 and married a woman named Shaver
and later another named Smith.
Katherine Danner born June 10, 1799 and married George Walters.
Anna married Samuel Danner on 10 Jun 1777.
176. John Stoner (John Stoner120, Catherine Breneman84, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 12 Jan 1759.
177. David Stoner (John Stoner120, Catherine Breneman84, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 13 Sep 1760.
178. Jacob Stoner (John Stoner120, Catherine Breneman84, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in 1762.
179. Susannah H. Stoner (John Stoner120, Catherine Breneman84, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 7 Dec 1764 in Coventry Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania.
180. Daniel Stoner (John Stoner120, Catherine Breneman84, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 19 May 1770 in Frederick MA.
181. Daniel Stoner (John Stoner120, Catherine Breneman84, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 23 May 1773.
182. Hannah Price (Mary Ann Stoner121, Catherine Breneman84, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born bet 1745 adn 1750.
183. Daniel Price (Mary Ann Stoner121, Catherine Breneman84, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in 1748.
184. Catherine Price (Mary Ann Stoner121, Catherine Breneman84, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in 1752.
185. Elizabeth Price (Mary Ann Stoner121, Catherine Breneman84, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in 1752.
186. Susanna Price (Mary Ann Stoner121, Catherine Breneman84, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in 1761.
187. Abram Price (Mary Ann Stoner121, Catherine Breneman84, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in 1764.
188. Jacob Price (Mary Ann Stoner121, Catherine Breneman84, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in 1765.
189. John Price (Mary Ann Stoner121, Catherine Breneman84, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in Jan 1765.
190. John Stoner (Jacob Stoner122, Catherine Breneman84, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1).
191. David Stoner (Jacob Stoner122, Catherine Breneman84, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1).
192. Marian Stoner (Jacob Stoner122, Catherine Breneman84, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1).
193. Catherina Stoner (Jacob Stoner122, Catherine Breneman84, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1).
194. Rebecca Stoner (Jacob Stoner122, Catherine Breneman84, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1).
195. Sarah Stoner (Jacob Stoner122, Catherine Breneman84, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1).
196. Samuel Stoner (Jacob Stoner122, Catherine Breneman84, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1).
197. Isaac Stoner (Jacob Stoner122, Catherine Breneman84, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1).
198. Abraham Stoner (Jacob Stoner122, Catherine Breneman84, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1).
199. Agnes Stoner (Jacob Stoner122, Catherine Breneman84, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1).
200. Susanna Stoner (Jacob Stoner122, Catherine Breneman84, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1).
201. Elizabeth Stoner (Jacob Stoner122, Catherine Breneman84, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1).
202. Anna Stoner (Jacob Stoner122, Catherine Breneman84, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1).
203. Anna Nancy Stoner (Jacob Stoner122, Catherine Breneman84, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1).
204. Hannah Stoner (Jacob Stoner122, Catherine Breneman84, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1).
205. Mary Arnold (Agnes Stoner128, Catherine Breneman84, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in 1750.
206. John Arnold (Agnes Stoner128, Catherine Breneman84, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in 1752.
207. George Arnold (Agnes Stoner128, Catherine Breneman84, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in 1754.
208. Abraham Arnold (Agnes Stoner128, Catherine Breneman84, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in 1760.
209. Daniel Arnold (Agnes Stoner128, Catherine Breneman84, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in 1763.
210. David Arnold (Agnes Stoner128, Catherine Breneman84, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in 1765.
211. Elizabeth Arnold (Agnes Stoner128, Catherine Breneman84, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born about 1769.
212. Jacob Arnold (Agnes Stoner128, Catherine Breneman84, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in 1770.
213. Melchior Breneman (Melchior130, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born about 1769 in Conestoga Twp., Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania and died in 1812 about age 43.
214. Joseph Breneman (Melchior130, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 01 OCT 1772 in Conestoga Twp., Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania and died on 27 Nov 1845 at age 73.
215. Annie Breneman (Melchior130, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 25 Dec 1773 in Conestoga Twp., Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania and died on 30 Dec 1861 at age 88.
216. John Breneman (Melchior130, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 5 May 1775 in Conestoga Twp., Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania and died on 26 Mar 1862 at age 86.
217. Elizabeth Breneman (Melchior130, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 4 Oct 1776 in Conestoga Twp., Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania and died on 25 May 1851 at age 74.
Elizabeth married John Wissler on 8 Mar 1796.
218. Maria Breneman (Melchior130, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 11 Sep 1779 in Conestoga Twp., Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania and died on 11 Apr 1866 at age 86.
219. Henry Breneman 3 (Melchior130, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 28 Jan 1782 in Conestoga Twp., Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania and died on 2 May 1831 in Dauphin Co, PA. at age 49.
Henry married Christina Ebersole on 19 Mar 1816. Christina was born on 9 May 1784 and died on 1 May 1862 in East Hanover township, Dauphin county, Pa. at age 77.
220. Martin Bucher Breneman (Melchior130, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 28 Aug 1784 in Conestoga Twp., Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania and died on 24 Dec 1837 at age 53.
Martin Bucher married Martha Kauffman on 21 Apr 1814.
221. Abraham Breneman (Melchior130, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born about 1785 in Donegal Twp., Chester Co. (now Lancaster), PA and died in 1818 about age 33.
222. Christian Breneman (Melchior130, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 23 Mar 1787 in Donegal Twp., Chester Co. (now Lancaster), PA and died on 14 Aug 1861 at age 74.
223. Magdalena Breneman (Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 6 Dec 1770 and died on 20 Aug 1851 at age 80.
Magdalena married Frederick Rodes. Frederick was born on 13 Jun 1769 and died on 21 Jun 1847 at age 78.
General Notes: Farmer & minister
six children
The child from this marriage was:
+ 274 M i. John Rodes .
224. Elizabeth Breneman (Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 22 Feb 1773 and died in May 1815 at age 42.
Elizabeth married Michael Miller. Michael was born in 1765.
General Notes: Farmer
seven children
225. Melchior Breneman (Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 11 May 1775 and died on 22 Apr 1828 at age 52.
General Notes: Helped build a church, and established a school in the church. Also a farmer. Five children.
Melchior Breneman, b. May 11, 1775, near Edom, Rockingham Co., Va., d. April 22, 1828. He married Elizabeth Burkholder, b. Sept. 29, 1777, d. Sept. 28, 1831. She was the daughter of Peter and Margaret (Huber) Burkholder of near Dale Enterprise, Rockingham Co., Va. This Peter Burkholder was born in 1748 in Switzerland, the son of Christian Burkholder who had made plans to immigrate to America in 1755 but died in March of that year before he got started. His widow, however, carried out his plans and came to this country with her six children, landing in Lancaster Co., Pa., in July of the same year. Melchior and Elizabeth were farmers. They belonged to the Mennonite Church, in which church Melchior was a deacon. Melchior purchased 560 acres of his father's old homestead near Edom, Va., where they reared their family of two sons and two daughters, who controlled the sole ownership after his death. He was interested in the education of his descendants as will be seen by the fact that he with his sons Abraham and Peter, by the assistance of his half-brother, Christian Breneman, were the most influential promoters in the building of the Breneman's Church house on the part of the farm that later became the possession of his son Peter. This church was built in 1826 for the double purpose of holding church services and also day school during the weekdays as this was before the present free school system was in effect. This church building was in continuous use until in 1919, when it was removed, because the worshipers had settled nearer to the location of the Lindale Church, that had been built in 1898 on the grounds of the original cemetery. Melchior and his companion are both buried in the Lindale cemetery.
Melchior married Elizabeth Burkholder. Elizabeth was born on 29 Sep 1777 and died on 28 Sep 1831 at age 53.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 275 M i. Abraham Breneman .
+ 276 M ii. Peter Breneman was born on 26 Jul 1803 in Edom Rockingham Co., VA and died on 17 Apr 1864 at age 60.
Peter married Frances Good (d. 9 Mar 1849) in 1830.
+ 277 M iii. Daniel Breneman was born on 7 Dec 1805.
+ 278 F iv. Elizabeth Breneman was born in 1818.
+ 279 F v. Anna Breneman .
226. Frances "Fanny" Breneman (Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 18 Oct 1777 in Edom, Virginia and died on 21 Apr 1837 at age 59.
Frances "Fanny" married John Landes. John was born on 1 Aug 1778 and died on 4 Feb 1846 at age 67.
General Notes: Nine Children
227. Anna Barbara Breneman (Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 13 Jan 1780 and died on 25 Mar 1845 at age 65.
Anna Barbara married Jacob Hildebrand. Jacob was born on 17 Feb 1782 and died on 14 Feb 1862 at age 79.
General Notes: four children
228. Daniel Breneman (Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 24 Mar 1782 and died in 1870 at age 88.
General Notes: He was a farmer. They had nine children, some of his descendants were very musically inclined.
Daniel married Anna Burkholder. Anna was born in 1780 and died in 1865 at age 85.
229. Abraham Breneman Jr. (Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 10 Apr 1785 in Edom, Virginia and died in 1843 in Augusta Co., VA at age 58. The cause of his death was a gangrenous infection of a limb that he refused to have amputated.
General Notes: Farmer.
six children
Abraham married Elizabeth Hartman. Elizabeth was born in 1797 in Va., died in Apr 1872 at age 75, and was buried in MT Solon Cemetery, Augusta Co., VA.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 280 F i. Sallie Brenaman .
+ 281 F ii. Mary Brenaman was born on 13 Nov 1824 in MT Solon, Augusta Co., VA, died on 19 Mar 1901 at age 76, and was buried in MT Solon Cemetery, Augusta Co., VA.
+ 282 M iii. Samuel H Brenaman was born on 15 Jun 1829 in Augusta Co., VA, died on 11 Oct 1883 at age 54, and was buried in MT Zion Cemetery. (Twin)
+ 283 F iv. Catherine Brenaman was born on 15 Jun 1829 in Augusta Co., VA, died on 13 May 1901 at age 71, and was buried in Saratoga, IN. (Twin)
+ 284 F v. Malinda Brenaman was born on 3 Jul 1832 in Augusta Co., VA and died on 2 Dec 1915 in Van Wert, Van Wert Co., OH at age 83.
+ 285 F vi. Elizbeth Brenaman was born on 19 May 1836 in MT Solon, Augusta Co., VA and died on 22 Sep 1920 in Cuba, Illinois at age 84.
230. Eve Margaret Breneman (Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 22 Mar 1788 and died infancy.
.jpg "Henry Brenneman (14001 KB)
(Click on Picture to View Full Size)")
231. Henry Brenneman (Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 1 Nov 1791 in Edom, Virginia, died on 24 Aug 1866 in Fairfield Co. Ohio at age 74, and was buried in Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Bremen, Ohio.
General Notes: Henry was baptized and received into the Mennonite Church when 22 years of age. In the spring of 1816, he immigrated with his bride of a few months to Rush Creek Twp., Fairfield, Co, Ohio, where he was one of the pioneers. He prospered there prospered his success influenced others of his relatives to come out from Virginia and join him. He acquired and kept in cultivation two farms in addition to conducting a grist mill and a saw mill. So great was the demand for his "superfine" that he had to run his grist mill day and night, his sons John and George, taking their turns as millers.
In 1838, small pox visited the Rush Creek settlement, and among the victims were a ten year old son of Henry, and 2 days later, his wife. They were buried in a cemetery at Sugar Hill near Bremen, Ohio. Henry himself lies buried in the Pleasant Hill cemetery near Bremen.
His grandson, Timothy H. Brenneman, of Goshen, Indiana says of his grandfather that he was a fine old gentleman. This was the unanimous verdict of his neighbors. He was a good reader, and often read to his family out of a mammoth volume of "Martyr's Mirror," a German classic. Henry was also a good footman, having twice made the round trip over the mountains between Fairfield Co., Ohio and Rockingham Co., Virginia, his boyhood home. He was a loyal Mennonite, and his children continued in that faith.
The Pleasant Hill Mennonite church (Where Henry is buried) was built in section 26 about 1835, across the road from where it now stands. It was without a deed for a lot until 1862, when they obtained a deed for one-half acre of land for church and cemetery purposes. The first organization was before 1817 and met in dwellings and barns until they built the present church.
Peter Steman was the first elder. Joseph Good, Henry Funk, Henry Breneman, Nicholas Steman and others were the first members. Henry Steman and John Good were the first ministers.
--History of Fairfield County, p 252
**************
On the 24th of August, near Bremen, Fairfield County, Ohio, of a protracted illness, Bro. Henry Brenneman, aged 74 years, 9 mo., and 23 days. He was buried on the 26th at Brenneman's Meeting-house, where an appropriate discourse was delivered by Wm. Marlow in the English language, from 2 Tim. 4: 7, 8, and by Jacob Good in the German language, from 2 Cor. 5: 1.
The deceased was born in Rockingham County, Virginia, on the 1st of November 1791. His father's name was Abraham Brenneman and his grand-father's, Melchiah Brenneman**. In April, 1816, Henry removed from Virginia to Fairfield County, Ohio, about 12 miles S. E. of New Lancaster, where he resided until his death. He had three wives all of whom he survived. He was the father of ten children, eight of whom-four sons and four daughters-are still living. Of the sons three are ministers of the Gospel and one a deacon.
He has been a brother in the church for upwards of fifty-two years, and led a consistent Christian life. He was a kind father, charitable and kind to the poor, bore his sickness with patience and Christian fortitude, and never murmured but frequently expressed a desire to depart out of this world of trouble and pain. He expressed a sure hope in the merits of his Savior, and a few hours before he expired, was heard praying to him to receive his soul.
Dearest father, thou hast left us,
Here thy loss we deeply feel
But 'tis God that hath bereft us,
He can all our sorrows heal.
Yet again we hope to meet thee
When the day of life is fled,
Then in Heaven with joy to greet thee
Where no farewell tears are shed.
**Note: see correction November '66 issue. (dk)
Transcribed by Ron Garber, Kansas
In the death-notice of Henry Brenneman, given in the September No., we are requested to make the following correction. His grand-father's name was Melcher, not Melchiah, as stated. Henry Brenneman was the father of 9 children by his first wife, of whom 7 are still living, and one child by his second wife. He had in all ten children, 56 grand-children, and 5 great-grand-children, of whom 8 children, 43 grand-children, and 5 great-grand-children are still living.
Transcribed by Ron Garber, Kansas
********
Small Pox:
In March 1838, John M Brenneman, oldest son of Henry and his companion Jacob Hildebrand of Augusta Co. Virginia, returned from a visit to their uncle Daniel in Knox Co. Indiana. On the day of their return, both complained of a severe headache and fever which in the case of the latter continued to grow worse until his whole body was covered with sores and it was discovered that he had small pox. John M. had been vacinated and did not take the disease beyond as above stated. The result was that the entire family of Henry Brenneman was exposed and all those who had not been vacinated took the dread disease. The mother, Abraham and an infant daughter born during the ravages of this disease all died as a result.
Noted events in his life were:
• Land: Deed from President Monroe, 8 Mar 1821, Chillicothe, Ohio. On March 8, 1821, Henry and his brother Christian were deeded property by President Monroe. This deed and other artifacts are located at Goshen College in the Mennonite Church Archives library. It, and many artifacts relating to Henry and his family are housed there and were donated by the Mumaw family. Website is http://www.mcusa-archives.org/
• bookkeeping: 1863. Henry kept many bookkeeping receipts, account books etc, many of which are at Goshen College in the Mennonite Church Archives library. It, and many artifacts relating to Henry and his family are housed there and were donated by the Mumaw family. Website is http://www.mcusa-archives.org/
• Military Exemption: 1863-1864, Lancaster, Fairfield Co, Ohio. In order to maintain his conscientious objector status, each year, Henry and others like him paid a penalty fee or tax in order to not fight in the Civil War. These and others like them are located at Goshen College in the Mennonite Church Archives library. It, and many artifacts relating to Henry and his family are housed there and were donated by the Mumaw family. Website is http://www.mcusa-archives.org/
• Weather Keeping: Henry's almanac, 1865. Henry kept an almanac in 1865. He wrote an entry for nearly every day, noting the weather and various events.
This diary is at Goshen College in the Mennonite Church Archives library. It, and many artifacts relating to Henry and his family are housed there. The almanac was donated by Joann (Yoder) Smith when discovered in a desk they purchased from Ruth and Naomi Brenneman. Website is http://www.mcusa-archives.org/
• Weather Keeping 2: Henry made notes about various events and the weather nearly every day in his almanac.
The almanac was donated to the Mennonite Archives in Gosehn, by Joann (Yoder) Smith when discovered in a desk they purchased from Ruth and Naomi Brenneman.
• auction: 2 Oct 1866. This is the first page of the sale bill of Henry's personal effects which were sold after his death. It and the rest of the sale bill are located at Goshen College in the Mennonite Church Archives library. It, and many artifacts relating to Henry and his family are housed there and were donated by the Mumaw family. Website is http://www.mcusa-archives.org/
• Peddler's License: 1 May 1867, Lancaster, Ohio. Henry sold books, and in order to do this, he had to obtain a peddler's license each year. This license and others are located at Goshen College in the Mennonite Church Archives library. It, and many artifacts relating to Henry and his family are housed there and were donated by the Mumaw family. Website is http://www.mcusa-archives.org/
• Medical Remedy: Remedy for Fits. Henry wrote out a remedy for Fits. (This is referring to epilepsy or seizures.) Located at Goshen College in the Mennonite Church Archives library. It, and many artifacts relating to Henry and his family are housed there and were donated by the Mumaw family. Website is http://www.mcusa-archives.org/
• Composer: Henry wrote original music. In the Brenneman archives located at Goshen College in the Mennonite Church Archives library, were several scraps of paper with his original compostions sketched on them. It, and many artifacts relating to Henry and his family are housed there and were donated by the Mumaw family. Website is http://www.mcusa-archives.org/
• Hymnal: Song Book, Hymns and Tunes, 1890, owned by Amos Mumaw, found in the box of Henry Brenneman's artifacts. Located at Goshen College in the Mennonite Church Archives library, it, and many artifacts relating to Henry and his family are housed there and were donated by the Mumaw family. Website is http://www.mcusa-archives.org/
• artifacts: Artifacts, including Wooden Box, Books, Wallet, Pen and Inkpot, ca. 1857-1890 Henry married Barbara Beery, daughter of Geroge Beery and Susan Funk, on 8 Aug 1815 in Edom Rockingham Co., VA. Barbara was born on 3 Aug 1797 in Rockingham County, Virginia, died on 28 Mar 1838 in Fairfield Co. Ohio at age 40, and was buried in Sugar Hill, Bremen Ohio. The cause of her death was small pox.
General Notes: Died of small pox. Children from this marriage were:
+ 286 M i. John M. Brenneman was born on 28 May 1816 in Bremen, Ohio, died on 3 Oct 1895 in Elida, Ohio at age 79, and was buried in Salem Cemetery near Elida, Ohio.
John M. married Sophia Good (d. 27 Feb 1883) in Jun 1837.
+ 287 F ii. Susanna Brenneman was born on 19 Oct 1818 in Bremen, Fairfield Co. Ohio and died on 4 Oct 1908 in Knoxville, TN. at age 89.
Susanna married Henry Shenk (d. 19 Apr 1876).
+ 288 M iii. George Brenneman was born on 11 May 1821 in Fairfield Co. Ohio and died on 13 May 1889 in Putnam Co., Ohio at age 68.
George married Anna Burkholder (d. 26 Mar 1896) in 1840.
+ 289 F iv. Anna Brenneman was born on 18 May 1824 and died on 28 Nov 1910 at age 86.
Anna married John Huber (d. 16 May 1875) on 3 Oct 1843.
+ 290 F v. Catherine Brenneman was born on 4 Sep 1826 in Breman, Rushcreek Twp., Fairfield Co., OH and died on 6 Sep 1874 in Winesburg, Holmes Co., Ohio, USA at age 48.
Catherine married George Mumaw (d. 24 Apr 1886) on 9 Nov 1845 in Westmoreland, Pennsylvania, USA.
+ 291 M vi. Abraham Brenneman was born on 8 Jun 1829 and died on 26 Mar 1838 at age 8.
+ 292 M vii. Henry B. Brenneman was born on 12 Aug 1831 and died on 28 Sep 1887 in Elkhart Co., Indiana at age 56.
Henry B. married Matilda Blosser (d. 15 Sep 1895) on 26 Oct 1854.2
+ 293 M viii. Daniel Brenneman was born on 8 Jun 1834 and died on 10 Sep 1919 in Goshen, in Elkhart Co., Indiana at age 85.
Daniel married Susannah Keagy (d. 25 Mar 1908) on 22 Mar 1857.
Daniel next married Della Troyer on 10 Apr 1910.
+ 294 F ix. Brenneman was born in Mar 1838 in Rush Creek Twp. Fairfield Co., OH., died on 27 Mar 1838 in Rush Creek Twp. Fairfield Co., OH., and was buried in Sugar Hill Cemetery.
Henry next married Esther Good, daughter of Abraham Good and Sarah Anna Wenger, on 6 Oct 1840 in Bremen, Ohio. Esther was born in 1808 and died on 27 Oct 1841 at age 33.
The child from this marriage was:
+ 295 F i. Magdalena Brenneman was born on 25 Sep 1841 in Fairfield Co. Ohio and died on 10 Jul 1910 in Oneida, Kansas at age 68.
Magdalena married John N. Funk (d. 29 Oct 1922) on 30 Sep 1860 in Fairfield Co. Ohio.
Henry next married Anna Rhodehefer on 27 Jul 1843. Anna was born about 1795 in Virginia and died on 17 Aug 1859 about age 64.
232. Christian Breneman (Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 17 Jul 1793 in Edom, Rockingham Co, VA, died on 9 Dec 1859 in Rockingham Co, VA at age 66, and was buried in Lindale cemetery, Rockingham Co, VA.
General Notes: Christian Brenneman was a strong supporter of building the Brenneman's Church on a part of the ancestral estate. He owned and lived on 248 acres of his father's homestead. He was a farmer all his life. A portion of his will is still preserved in the court house at Harrisonburg, Va., the document being partly burned in the destruction of the old building by the Union troops in the Civil War. He reared a large family of children, who became the heads of large families. Christian married Anna Shank. Anna was born on 10 May 1795 in Rockingham Co, VA and died on 17 Jan 1867 at age 71.
General Notes: On the 18th of January, in Rockingham. Co., Virginia, of Pneumonia, ANNA, widow of Christian BRENNEMAN, dec,d, and daughter of Pre. Henry Shank, who was one of the first ministers of the Mennonite Church in the county, aged 71 years, 8 months, and 8 days. She was buried on the 20th. Funeral services were conducted by John Geil, Samuel Coffmann, and Jacob Miller, from Rev. 14:13. The deceased was a consistent member of the Mennonite Church about fifty years. She was sick only a few days. The last thirty six hours of her life she lay as though she was asleep. She breathed out her last breath in calmness. We mourn her departure but we mourn not as those who have no hope; for we have reason to believe, that she was at peace with her Maker, and is now enjoying the reward of the blessed. O! what a consolation it is in the hour of death, if we have the comforting assurance that, when we go hence, we shall enter into the rest prepared for the children of God! We, too, are traveling to our eternal home, and we know not in what hour the messenger may call for us; for God is no respecter of persons, and persons are often taken away in the twinkling of an eye; therefore, we should try to be ready; for "in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh." Christian Brunk. Children from this marriage were:
+ 296 M i. Michael Breneman died died young.
+ 297 M ii. Christian Breneman Jr died died young.
+ 298 F iii. Frances Breneman was born in 1818.
+ 299 M iv. Henry Breneman was born on 14 Jan 1820.
+ 300 F v. Esther Breneman was born on 11 May 1822.
+ 301 F vi. Magdelena Breneman was born on 2 Apr 1824.
+ 302 M vii. Martin Breneman was born on 9 Feb 1826.
+ 303 F viii. Lydia Breneman was born on 10 Nov 1827.
+ 304 M ix. Joel Breneman was born on 18 Mar 1830.
+ 305 F x. Hannah Breneman was born on 9 Apr 1834 in Edom Rockingham Co., VA and died on 17 May 1919 in Denbigh, Warwick, VA. at age 85.
Hannah married Jacob Wenger 2 (d. 22 Jul 1879) on 13 Mar 1853 in Edom Rockingham Co., VA.
+ 306 M xi. David Christian Breneman was born on 10 May 1836.
+ 307 F xii. Rebecca Breneman was born in 1838.
233. John Breneman (Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 11 Apr 1795 and died on 10 Apr 1867 in Allen Co, Ohio at age 71.
General Notes: One daughter with E. Stemen. John married Elizabeth Stemen, daughter of Peter Stemen and Mary Magdalene "Polly" Blosser. Elizabeth was born on 10 Jun 1800.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 308 F i. Magdalena Breneman was born on 30 Sep 1818.
+ 309 M ii. Jacob D. Breneman was born on 5 May 1852 in Allen Co, Ohio.
Jacob D. married Sarah on 3 Feb 1876.
John next married Elizabeth Beery. Elizabeth was born on 10 Feb 1797.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 310 M i. Isaac Brenneman was born on 12 May 1825 near Edom Rockingham Co., VA, died on 27 Aug 1885 at age 60, and was buried in Salem Cemetery near Elida, Ohio.
Isaac married Elizabeth Huber (d. 5 Jan 1873) on 15 May 1853.
+ 311 M ii. David Brenneman was born on 13 Sep 1826 in Perry Co, Ohio, died on 16 Feb 1895 near Delphos, Ohio at age 68, and was buried in Salem Cemetery near Elida, Ohio.
David married Leah Stemen (d. 24 Aug 1907) on 5 Apr 1849 in Perry Co, Ohio.
John next married Nancy Grove. Nancy was born on 11 Sep 1800 and died on 11 Aug 1876 at age 75. The cause of her death was palsy.
General Notes: Aug 11 th, in Allen Co., Ohio, of palsy, Sister Nancy, wife of John Brenneman, aged 75 years and 11 months. She was confined to her bed nearly three years, yet bore her suffering with patience. She leaves 8 children and 39 grand-children to mourn their loss. Buried the 12 th, followed by a large concourse of relatives and friends. Services by C. Culp and C. B. Brenneman. Children from this marriage were:
+ 312 F i. Lydia Breneman was born on 29 Dec 1829 and died on 2 Jan 1908 near Pickerington, Fairfield, Ohio at age 78.
Lydia married Nicholas Stemen on 24 Feb 1853.
+ 313 M ii. Noah Breneman was born on 31 Oct 1831 and died on 14 Mar 1914 at age 82.
Noah married Diana Humes (d. 31 May 1851) about 1850.
Noah next married Catharine Stemen (d. Dec 1886) on 28 Nov 1857.
Noah next married Lydia Hoover (d. 22 Mar 1891) on 3 Dec 1886.
Noah next married Elizabeth Boyer Rife on 22 Mar 1891.
+ 314 M iii. Martin G. Breneman was born on 3 Aug 1833.
+ 315 F iv. Elizabeth Breneman was born on 9 Feb 1835.
+ 316 M v. John G. Breneman was born on 21 Apr 1837.
+ 317 M vi. Henry Christian Brenneman was born on 6 Aug 1839 in Elida, Allen Co, Ohio and died on 5 Dec 1921 in Norborner, Carroll, MO. at age 82.
Henry Christian married Elizabeth Witcher (d. 1 Mar 1929) on 15 Dec 1870 in Ray, MO.
+ 318 F vii. Nancy Breneman was born on 3 Sep 1841 in Elida, Allen Co, Ohio and died on 15 Mar 1932 in Elida, Allen Co, Ohio at age 90.
+ 319 M viii. George Breneman was born on 30 Mar 1848.
234. Jacob Breneman (Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 6 Oct 1796 in Edom Rockingham Co., VA, died on 1 Jan 1865 in Elida, Ohio at age 68, and was buried on 4 Jan 1865 in Salem Cemetery near Elida, Ohio. The cause of his death was dropsy.
General Notes: eight children with Mary Beery. Jacob married Mary Beery. Mary was born on 20 Nov 1802 and died in Oct 1832 at age 29.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 320 M i. John L Breneman was born on 24 Oct 1821 in Edom Rockingham Co., VA and died on 4 Sep 1911 in Allen Co. Ohio at age 89.
John L married Elizabeth Keller (d. 27 Feb 1886) on 16 Oct 1845 in Va.
John L next married Elizabeth Jane Shank (d. 4 Jul 1913) on 5 Jan 1893.
+ 321 M ii. Abraham Breneman was born on 21 Jun 1823 in Edom Rockingham Co., VA and died on 26 Jul 1912 in Lancaster, Fairfield Co. OH at age 89.
+ 322 F iii. Barbara Breneman was born on 17 Jun 1824 in Edom Rockingham Co., VA and died on 28 Feb 1904 in Bronson, Branch Co, Michigan at age 79.
+ 323 M iv. Isaac Breneman was born on 25 Sep 1825 in Edom Rockingham Co., VA.
+ 324 F v. Elizabeth Breneman was born on 29 Aug 1828 in Fairfield Co. Ohio.
+ 325 M vi. Joseph Breneman was born on 5 Sep 1830 in Fairfield Co. Ohio.
+ 326 F vii. Anna Breneman was born on 25 Sep 1831 in Fairfield Co. Ohio.
+ 327 F viii. Mary Breneman was born on 18 Oct 1832 in Fairfield Co. Ohio.
Jacob next married Caroline Ogden, daughter of David Ogden Jr and Rebecca Frye, in 1836 in Elida, Allen Co, Ohio. Caroline was born on 12 Jul 1818 in Hardy Co, Virginia and died on 4 Oct 1900 in Salem Cemetery, Elida, Ohio at age 82.
General Notes: 1870 US Census Children from this marriage were:
+ 328 F i. Catherine Brenneman was born on 8 Mar 1838 in Fairfield Co. Ohio and died on 10 Jul 1907 at age 69.
+ 329 M ii. David Brenneman was born on 28 Nov 1840 in Fairfield Co. Ohio and died on 2 Apr 1919 at age 78.
+ 330 M iii. Jacob R. Brenneman was born on 18 May 1843 in Fairfield Co. Ohio and died in Elida, Allen Co, Ohio.
Jacob R. married Elizabeth Stemen.
+ 331 F iv. Rebecca Brenneman was born on 2 Jan 1847 in Fairfield Co. Ohio and died on 15 Jan 1923 in Bronson, MI at age 76.
Rebecca married Daniel F. Beery (d. 19 Mar 1911) on 22 Dec 1864 in Ohio.
+ 332 F v. Sarah Ann Brenneman was born on 10 Nov 1849 in Lancaster, Fairfield Co, Ohio and died on 24 May 1937 in Van Wert, Van Wert Co., OH at age 87.
+ 333 F vi. Ann Breneman was born about 1852 in Ohio.
+ 334 M vii. William Franklin Brenneman was born on 30 Apr 1852 in Fairfield Co. Ohio and died on 11 Sep 1885 in Allen Co. Ohio at age 33.
+ 335 M viii. Henry Breneman was born about 1855 in Ohio.
+ 336 M ix. Noah Eversole Brenneman was born on 8 Nov 1855 in Allen Co. Ohio and died on 21 Feb 1937 in Allen Co. Ohio at age 81.
Noah Eversole married Elizabeth E Humphry on 20 Sep 1877.
+ 337 M x. Aaron Breneman was born about 1856 in Ohio.
+ 338 M xi. Charles Benjamin Brenneman was born on 12 Jul 1862 in Elida, Allen Co, Ohio and died on 20 Mar 1931 in Toledo, Lucas Co, OH at age 68.
235. Mary Breneman (Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in 1798 and was buried in Pleasant Hill Ce, Bremen, Fairfield CO, Ohio.
Mary married Joseph Beery on 24 Apr 1820 in Rockingham Co, VA. Joseph was born on 8 Aug 1798 and died on 15 Apr 1841 at age 42.
General Notes: five children Children from this marriage were:
+ 339 F i. Catherine Beery was born on 5 Jul 1821 in Bremen, Fairfield Co. Ohio.
+ 340 M ii. Abraham Beery was born on 2 Oct 1824 in Bremen, Fairfield Co. Ohio.
+ 341 M iii. Joseph Beery was born on 18 Nov 1827 in Bremen, Fairfield Co. Ohio.
+ 342 F iv. Magdalena Beery was born on 4 Dec 1832 in Bremen, Fairfield Co. Ohio.
+ 343 M v. John Beery was born on 8 Nov 1837 in Bremen, Fairfield Co. Ohio.
236. Susan Breneman (Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 18 Nov 1799 and died on 18 Aug 1807 at age 7.
237. Catherine Breneman (Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born feb2 1802 and died on 7 Mar 1865 at age 63.
Catherine married Frank. They had no children.
238. David Breneman (Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 14 May 1805 and died on 4 Sep 1892 at age 87.
General Notes: Farmer living in Cairo, Ohio area. David married Catherine Moyer. Catherine was born on 15 Jan 1809 and died on 19 Sep 1878 at age 69.
The child from this marriage was:
+ 344 M i. Samuel C. Breneman was born on 4 Apr 1835 in Edom Rockingham Co., VA and died on 9 Mar 1915 in MO. at age 79.
Samuel C. married Catherine Ward (d. 16 Oct 1895) on 3 Dec 1857 in Monroe, Allen, Ohio.
239. Melchior Brenneman (Isaac132, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in 1773 in Conestoga Twp., Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania and died in 1853 at age 80.
General Notes: Melchior moved with his father to Huntingdon Co., Pa., m. a Miss Thompson, and settled about 1800 on a farm of his own on the north bank of the Raystown branch of the Juniata River in Walker Twp. In 1828 his farm is entered on the tax books as containing 200 acres. On this farm he died in the year 1853, leaving 9 ch.: Rudolph, Isaac, Harry, Jacob, Susan, Michael, Abram, William and Sarah. Melchior married someone Thompson.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 345 M i. Rudolph Brenneman .
+ 346 M ii. Isaac Brenneman .
+ 347 M iii. Harry Brenneman .
+ 348 M iv. Jacob Brenneman .
+ 349 F v. Susan Brenneman .
+ 350 M vi. Michael Brenneman .
+ 351 M vii. Abram Brenneman .
+ 352 M viii. William Brenneman .
+ 353 F ix. Sarah Brenneman .
240. Jacob Brenneman (Isaac132, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born about 1775 in Brecknock Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania and died in 1822 about age 47.
241. Abraham Brenneman (Isaac132, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born about 1776 in Conestoga Twp., Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania, died on 10 Sep 1815 in Brecknock Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania about age 39, and was buried in Bergstrasse Lu C, Ephrata, Pa.
242. Maria Polly Brenneman (Isaac132, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 9 Aug 1785 in Conestoga Twp., Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania, died in 1874 at age 89, and was buried in Alexandria, Huntington, Pennsylvania.
243. Rudolph Brenneman (Isaac132, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born from 1800 to 1804 in Conestoga Twp., Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania and died on 7 Aug 1897 at age 96.
General Notes: b. about 1800*, "d. at 6 P. M., 8-7- 1897, at the great age of 98 years," m. 1st, Mary Reidenour, b. 12-18- 1804, d. 7-17-1879, dtr. of John Reidenour; 2d, Elizabeth Quary, who survived him. Rudolph married Mary Reidenour, daughter of John Reidenour and Elizabeth Quary, about 1824. Mary was born on 18 Dec 1804 and died on 17 Jul 1879 at age 74.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 354 M i. John Brenneman was born in 1825 in Porter Twp., Huntingdon, PA. and died in Ft. Garland, Colorado.
John married Sarah Surick about 1860 in Huntingdon, PA.
+ 355 F ii. Elizabeth Brenneman was born about 1827 and was buried in Arch Spring in Blair Co., Pa..
Elizabeth married John Fisher.
+ 356 F iii. Jane Brenneman was born about 1830.
+ 357 F iv. Sarah Brenneman .
Sarah married Abner Fisher.
Sarah next married John Guthrie.
+ 358 F v. Rachael Brenneman was born on 30 Dec 1832 and died on 5 Dec 1898 at age 65.
Rachael married Silas E. Yocum (d. 1903).
+ 359 M vi. Jeremiah Brenneman was born on 28 Mar 1834 and died on 30 Mar 1912 at age 78.
Jeremiah married Mary Anna Kyles (d. 23 Oct 1925).
+ 360 M vii. William Brenneman was born in 1838.
William married Martha Corbin (d. 1919) in 1867.
+ 361 F viii. Rose Anna Brenneman was born on 30 Jan 1836 and died on 28 Feb 1886 at age 50.
Rose Anna married John Geisinger.
+ 362 M ix. Michael Brenneman was born in 1842.
+ 363 M x. Charles Brenneman was born in 1844 and died in 1850 at age 6.
+ 364 M xi. Rudolph Brenneman was born in Aug 1846 in Pennsylvania and died on 15 Oct 1913 in Porter Twp., Huntingdon, PA. at age 67.
Rudolph married Joanna Oswald in 1872.
+ 365 F xii. Mary Brenneman was born about 1845.
Mary married Joseph Fitzgerald.
+ 366 M xiii. Omer P. Brenneman was born on 7 Feb 1847 and died on 8 Aug 1927 at age 80.
244. Adam Brenneman (Henry134, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 21 Jun 1789 in Lancaster Co. PA.
Adam married Nancy Eyeman on 18 Jun 1791 in Lancaster Co. PA. Nancy was born on 18 Jun 1791 in Lancaster Co. PA.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 367 F i. Fanny Breneman was born on 15 Aug 1811 in Lancaster Co. PA.
+ 368 M ii. Christian Breneman was born on 19 Sep 1812 in Lancaster Co. PA.
+ 369 M iii. Henry Breneman was born on 24 Jul 1814 in Lancaster Co. PA.
+ 370 M iv. John Breneman was born on 20 Oct 1816 in Lancaster Co. PA.
+ 371 M v. Benjamin Brenneman was born on 5 Jun 1818 in Lancaster Co. PA, died on 21 Oct 1927 in Sugar Creek twp., Allen Co., Ohio at age 109, and was buried on 23 Oct 1927 in Salem Cemetery near Elida, Ohio.
Benjamin married Mary Hursh on 15 Jun 1839.
+ 372 F vi. Susan Brenneman was born on 1 Apr 1820 in Lancaster Co. PA.
+ 373 M vii. Jacob Brenneman was born on 29 Mar 1822 in Lancaster Co. PA.
+ 374 M viii. Abraham Brenneman was born on 28 Jun 1824 in Lancaster Co. PA.
+ 375 M ix. Samuel Addison Brenneman was born on 27 Dec 1826 in Lancaster Co. PA.
+ 376 F x. Nancy Brenneman was born on 6 Jul 1829 in Lancaster Co. PA.
+ 377 M xi. Adam Brenneman was born on 9 Sep 1831 in Lancaster Co. PA.
+ 378 F xii. Martha Brenneman was born on 25 Mar 1836 in Wayne Co., OH.
245. Melchior Breneman (Henry134, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 23 Dec 1790 in Lancaster Co. PA.
246. Henry Breneman (Henry134, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in 1793 in Lancaster Co. PA.
247. Veronica Breneman (Henry134, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 11 Dec 1796 in Lancaster Co. PA.
248. Elizabeth Breneman (Henry134, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born about 1798 in Lancaster Co. PA.
249. Benjamin Breneman (Henry134, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 4 Nov 1801 in Lancaster Co. PA.
250. Eve Breneman (Henry134, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 21 Jul 1805 in Lancaster Co. PA.
251. Ann Breneman (David137, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) died in 1848.
252. Barbara Breneman (David137, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1).
253. Elizabeth Breneman (David137, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1).
254. Esther Breneman (David137, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1).
255. Mary Breneman (David137, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1).
256. Sarha Breneman (David137, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1).
257. Susannah Breneman (David137, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1).
258. Mary Magdalena Breneman (David137, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in 1780 and died in 1840 at age 60.
259. David Breneman (David137, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in 1788 and died in 1846 at age 58.
260. Abraham Breneman (David137, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in 1791 and died in 1874 at age 83.
261. Fanny Breneman (David137, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in 1794 and died in 1867 at age 73.
262. Peter Breneman (David137, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in 1799 in PA., died in 1829 in Mahoning, OH. at age 30, and was buried in Leetonia Cemetery, Leetonia, Columbiana, OH..
Peter married Barbara Baer. Barbara was born in 1799 and died in 1857 at age 58.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 379 M i. Jacob Brenneman was born in 1825 and died in 1909 at age 84.
+ 380 M ii. John Brenneman was born on 18 Apr 1827 in Mahoning, OH., died on 5 Feb 1895 in Wakarusa, Elkhart, Indiana at age 67, and was buried in Olive Cemetery, Olive, Elkhart, Indiana.
John married Veronica Miller (d. 1868) on 3 Jul 1849 in Walnut Creek, Holmes, Ohio.
John next married Sarah Hunsberger (d. 1918) on 26 Dec 1870.
263. John Breneman (David137, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in 1802 and died in 1897 at age 95.
John married Elizabeth Sterner on 25 Dec 1817. Elizabeth was born in 1804.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 381 F i. Catharine Branaman .
+ 382 M ii. William Branaman .
+ 383 M iii. John I. Branaman was born in 1823.
+ 384 M iv. James Branaman was born in 1825 and died in 1879 at age 54.
+ 385 F v. Caroline Margaret Branaman was born in 1825 and died in 1828 at age 3.
+ 386 F vi. Sarah Frances Breneman was born in 1828 and died in 1925 at age 97.
264. Jacob Breneman (John141, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1).
265. Melchior Breneman (John141, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1).
266. John Breneman (John141, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1).
267. Adam Breneman (John141, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1).
268. Daniel Breneman (John141, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1).
269. Christian Breneman (John141, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1).
270. Magdalena Breneman (John141, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1).
271. Abraham Brenneman (John141, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 13 Aug 1796 in Conestoga Twp. Lancaster, Pa. and died on 19 Feb 1876 in Whitley City, In. at age 79.
Abraham married Ellizabeth Rush in 1822.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 387 M i. John Brenneman .
+ 388 F ii. Barbara Brenneman .
+ 389 F iii. Catharine Brenneman .
+ 390 M iv. David Rush Brenneman .
+ 391 M v. Abraham Brenneman .
+ 392 F vi. Elizabeth Brenneman .
+ 393 F vii. Fannie Brenneman .
+ 394 M viii. Henry Brenneman .
+ 395 M ix. Levi Brenneman was born on 15 May 1842 in Urbana, Ohio and died on 27 Dec 1936 in Colunbia City, Whitley, In. at age 94.
Levi married Millie Martin Major (d. 10 Dec 1929) in 1873.
+ 396 M x. Isaac Brenneman .
+ 397 M xi. Benjamin Franklin Brenneman .
272. Anne Breneman (John141, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1).
273. Christian Stoner (Anna Brenneman142, Abraham86, Hans72, Jacob52, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in 1712 in West Lampeter, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA.
274. John Rodes (Magdalena Breneman223, Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1).
John married someone. (d. 10 Dec 1929)
+ 398 M i. David Edward Rodes .
275. Abraham Breneman (Melchior225, Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1).
276. Peter Breneman (Melchior225, Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 26 Jul 1803 in Edom Rockingham Co., VA and died on 17 Apr 1864 at age 60.
General Notes: Peter Breneman, b. July 26, 1803, near Edom, Rockingham Co., Va., d. April 17, 1864, m. Frances Good, b. March 20, 1811, d. March 9, 1849. She was a daughter of Rev. Daniel and Magdalena Witmer Good. He later married Mary Funk, b. June 11, 1813, d. Oct. 24, 1882, daughter of 'Christian and Susan (Geil) Funk. All were Mennonites, and were buried in the Lindale cemetery near Edom, Va. Peter acquired and lived on 200 acres of the ancestral farm that had belonged to his father and formerly to his grandfather, Abraham Breneman. The Breneman's Church, that had been built in 1826, and removed in 1919, stood on this farm. The old Breneman's cemetery is still in use and is being kept in order. Mr. Breneman was an up-to-date farmer and business man. He was very influential in the community in which he lived, and by the time of the Civil War he had become rather wealthy. As he was conscientious on the question of war, he spent most of his wealth by paying fines to keep his sons out of the service. Peter married Frances Good, daughter of Daniel Good and Magdalene Whitmore, in 1830. Frances was born on 20 Mar 1811 and died on 9 Mar 1849 at age 37.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 399 M i. John Breneman was born on 20 Oct 1830.
+ 400 F ii. Magdalena Breneman was born on 22 Mar 1833.
+ 401 F iii. Lydia Breneman was born on 26 Nov 1835.
+ 402 M iv. Daniel Breneman was born on 14 Oct 1837.
+ 403 M v. Melchiah Breneman was born on 13 Oct 1839 in Edom Rockingham Co., VA and died on 27 Mar 1882 at age 42.
Melchiah married Elizabeth Jane Shank (d. 4 Jul 1913) on 24 Dec 1863.
+ 404 M vi. Peter Breneman Jr was born on 6 May 1843.
+ 405 F vii. Elizabeth Breneman was born on 8 Dec 1847.
277. Daniel Breneman (Melchior225, Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 7 Dec 1805.
General Notes: died young 278. Elizabeth Breneman (Melchior225, Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in 1818.
279. Anna Breneman (Melchior225, Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1).
280. Sallie Brenaman (Abraham Jr.229, Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1).
281. Mary Brenaman (Abraham Jr.229, Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 13 Nov 1824 in MT Solon, Augusta Co., VA, died on 19 Mar 1901 at age 76, and was buried in MT Solon Cemetery, Augusta Co., VA.
282. Samuel H Brenaman (Abraham Jr.229, Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 15 Jun 1829 in Augusta Co., VA, died on 11 Oct 1883 at age 54, and was buried in MT Zion Cemetery.
283. Catherine Brenaman (Abraham Jr.229, Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 15 Jun 1829 in Augusta Co., VA, died on 13 May 1901 at age 71, and was buried in Saratoga, IN.
284. Malinda Brenaman (Abraham Jr.229, Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 3 Jul 1832 in Augusta Co., VA and died on 2 Dec 1915 in Van Wert, Van Wert Co., OH at age 83.
285. Elizbeth Brenaman (Abraham Jr.229, Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 19 May 1836 in MT Solon, Augusta Co., VA and died on 22 Sep 1920 in Cuba, Illinois at age 84.
286. John M. Brenneman (Henry231, Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 28 May 1816 in Bremen, Ohio, died on 3 Oct 1895 in Elida, Ohio at age 79, and was buried in Salem Cemetery near Elida, Ohio.
General Notes: John M. Brenneman was born near Bremen, Ohio on May 28, 1816 and died near Elida, Ohio October 3, 1895. In June 1837, he married Sophia Good, daughter of Joseph and Magdalena (Campbell) Good. John M. married Sophia Good, daughter of Joseph Good and Magdalena Campbell, in Jun 1837. Sophia was born on 23 Mar 1815 in Virginia, died on 27 Feb 1883 in Elida, Ohio at age 67, and was buried in Salem Cemetery near Elida, Ohio.
General Notes: Herald of Truth - Volume XX, Number 6 - March 15, 1883 - pp 92,93 Obituary Noted events in her life were:
• Photo of Lydia & Isaac:
Children from this marriage were:
+ 406 M i. Joseph Brenneman was born on 13 Apr 1838 and died on 12 Oct 1917 at age 79.
Joseph married Nancy Hilyard (d. 7 Dec 1877) on 16 Feb 1860.
Joseph next married Catherine Musser (d. 17 Nov 1900) on 15 Feb 1880.
Joseph next married Sarah F. Landes Berry (d. 13 Mar 1913) on 31 Jan 1907.
+ 407 F ii. Susanna Brenneman was born on 5 Nov 1839 in Fairfield Co. Ohio, died on 15 Aug 1924 at age 84, and was buried in Salem Cemetery near Elida, Ohio.
Susanna married Rev. Christian B. Brenneman (d. 21 Oct 1927) on 2 Jun 1863.
+ 408 F iii. Lydia Brenneman was born on 21 Apr 1841 and died in 1921 at age 80.
Lydia married Isaac Stemen (d. 20 Apr 1931) on 7 Nov 1867 in Allen Co. Ohio.
+ 409 F iv. Anna Brenneman was born on 1 Apr 1842 and died in 1930 at age 88.
+ 410 M v. Henry A. Brenneman was born on 7 Sep 1844 and died in 1872 at age 28.
Henry A. married Mary V Rhodes.
+ 411 M vi. Moses Brenneman was born on 4 May 1846 in Franklin Co. Ohio, died on 22 Jan 1923 in Elida, Ohio at age 76, and was buried in Salem Cemetery near Elida, Ohio.
Moses married Mary A. Stemen (d. 5 Aug 1925) on 1 Oct 1870.
+ 412 M vii. Manassa Brenneman was born on 12 Dec 1847 and died in 1848 at age 1.
+ 413 F viii. Catherine Brenneman 2 was born on 10 Dec 1849 in Fairfield Co, Ohio2 and died on 19 Nov 1926 in Gulfport, Mississippi2 at age 76.
Catherine married Daniel S. Brunk on 26 Dec 1876.
+ 414 M ix. Levi Brenneman was born on 29 Jul 1851 in Franklin Co. Ohio and died on 13 Nov 1905 in Allen Co, Ohio at age 54.
Levi married Emeline Amy Coyle (d. 4 Apr 1917) on 15 Feb 1880.
+ 415 M x. George Brenneman was born on 1 Mar 1853 and died in 1853.
+ 416 F xi. Elizabeth Brenneman was born on 5 May 1854 and died in 1857 at age 3.
+ 417 F xii. Magdalena Brenneman was born on 30 Jun 1857.
Magdalena married John Blosser (d. 1921) on 26 Dec 1876.
287. Susanna Brenneman (Henry231, Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 19 Oct 1818 in Bremen, Fairfield Co. Ohio and died on 4 Oct 1908 in Knoxville, TN. at age 89.
Susanna married Henry Shenk. Henry was born on 14 Jun 1817 and died on 19 Apr 1876 in Salem Cemetery near Elida, Ohio at age 58.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 418 M i. Jacob Shenk was born on 25 Jun 1841 in Fairfield Co, Ohio and died on 1 Oct 1842 at age 1.
+ 419 F ii. Anna Shenk was born on 4 Aug 1843 in Fairfield Co, Ohio and died on 5 Oct 1851 in Fairfield Co, Ohio at age 8.
+ 420 M iii. Henry Shenk was born on 15 Nov 1845 in Hocking Co, OH and died on 21 Jun 1847 in Hocking Co, OH at age 1.
+ 421 M iv. John M. Shenk was born on 19 Jan 1848 in Fairfield Co, Ohio, died on 19 Dec 1935 in Elida, Allen Co, Ohio at age 87, and was buried in Pike Cemetery.
John M. married Frances Annie Good (d. 10 Oct 1917) on 24 Dec 1868.
+ 422 M v. Andrew Shenk was born on 20 Aug 1850 in Hocking Co, OH and died in 1937 at age 87.
Andrew married Susan Good on 24 Mar 1872.
+ 423 M vi. Daniel Shenk was born on 27 Sep 1853 in Fairfield Co, Ohio and died in Va..
+ 424 F vii. Catherine Shenk was born on 30 Oct 1856 in Elida, Allen Co, Ohio.
Catherine married Martin Burkholder Shank (d. 6 Mar 1931) on 3 Dec 1876.
+ 425 F viii. Lydia Shenk was born on 7 Apr 1859 in Elida, Allen Co, Ohio.
+ 426 M ix. Abraham Shenk was born on 15 Feb 1862 in Elida, Allen Co, Ohio.
288. George Brenneman (Henry231, Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 11 May 1821 in Fairfield Co. Ohio and died on 13 May 1889 in Putnam Co., Ohio at age 68.
General Notes: Miller and farmer. He was ordained to the ministry in Fairfield Co., 0., in the fall of 1852. He attended day school after he was ordained; He-moved to Putnam Co., from Allen Co., just across the county line, in the spring of 1853. He was ordained to the office of bishop for the Pike and Salem congregations near Elida, Allen Co., 0., which office he filled with credit until his death. Like his brother, John M. Brenneman, his services were frequently called for in the different congregations in Ohio and Indiana, serving on several important committees, as well as going as far east as Pennsylvania for baptismal services, and ordinations. Bishop John 'N. Durr, of Martinsburg, Pa.,. says of him, that he was received into the church, ordained to the ministry, and later ordained as bishop in less than two years time. Unlike his brother, John M., he was inclined to look on the cheerful side of things, always lively and talkative, rather slow to accept charges against his brethren, yet when duty demanded he could rebuke it in a kindly way that usually reached his members and brought about a reconciliation. . It was during the latter part of his life that these congregations began to grow in numbers so that it became necessary to build new church houses at both the Salem and Pike places of worship. George married Anna Burkholder in 1840. Anna was born on 20 Mar 1819 and died on 26 Mar 1896 at age 77.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 427 F i. Elizabeth Brenneman was born on 4 Dec 1841 and died on 4 Feb 1842.
+ 428 F ii. Catherine Brenneman was born on 20 Mar 1843.
+ 429 F iii. Lydia Brenneman was born on 17 Feb 1845.
+ 430 F iv. Nancy Brenneman was born on 6 Mar 1847 in Breman, Rushcreek Twp., Fairfield Co., OH and died on 19 May 1936 in Nappanee, Elkhart, In. at age 89.
Nancy married Adam R. Hartman (d. 8 Apr 1912) on 1 Dec 1870 in Putnam Co. OH.
+ 431 M v. Henry Brenneman was born on 7 Apr 1851 and died on 18 Sep 1913 in Lima, Ohio at age 62.
+ 432 F vi. Sarah Brenneman was born on 25 Sep 1853.
Sarah married Jacob D. Breneman (d. 12 Mar 1924) on 3 Feb 1876.
+ 433 M vii. Samuel Brenneman was born on 26 Jul 1857 and died on 4 Jun 1930 at age 72.
Samuel married Catherine Steiner on 6 Oct 1881.
+ 434 M viii. George G. Brenneman Jr. was born on 14 Sep 1862 and died on 17 Jan 1946 at age 83.
George G. married Lena Kehr in 1883.
289. Anna Brenneman (Henry231, Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 18 May 1824 and died on 28 Nov 1910 at age 86.
Anna married John Huber on 3 Oct 1843. John was born on 1 May 1822 and died on 16 May 1875 at age 53.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 435 M i. Jacob B. Huber was born on 1 Dec 1844 and died on 2 Jun 1923 at age 78.
Jacob B. married Elizabeth C. Good (d. 29 Mar 1931) on 29 Dec 1865.
+ 436 F ii. Elizabeth Huber was born in Oct 1846 and died on 25 Feb 1870 at age 23.
+ 437 M iii. Henry Huber was born on 10 Mar 1849.
+ 438 F iv. Barbara Huber was born on 24 Jun 1851.
Barbara married John S. Bixler.
+ 439 M v. George Huber was born on 24 Sep 1853.
George married Sarah A. Swickard on 9 Jan 1876 in Sandusky Co., OH.
+ 440 F vi. Matilda Huber was born on 16 Jun 1858.
Matilda married Eliphas B. Reedy.
+ 441 M vii. Daniel Huber was born on 21 Feb 1861 and died on 27 Jan 1865 at age 3.
+ 442 F viii. Susanna Huber was born on 29 Jul 1864 and died on 14 Apr 1880 at age 15.
+ 443 M ix. Amos Huber was born on 20 Feb 1867 and died on 17 Nov 1869 at age 2. (Twin)
+ 444 F x. Emma Huber was born on 20 Feb 1867. (Twin)
290. Catherine Brenneman (Henry231, Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 4 Sep 1826 in Breman, Rushcreek Twp., Fairfield Co., OH and died on 6 Sep 1874 in Winesburg, Holmes Co., Ohio, USA at age 48.
Catherine married George Mumaw on 9 Nov 1845 in Westmoreland, Pennsylvania, USA. George was born on 10 Apr 1818 in Westmoreland, Pennsylvania, USA and died on 24 Apr 1886 at age 68.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 445 F i. Susan Mumaw was born on 15 Mar 1847.
+ 446 M ii. Henry A. Mumaw was born on 27 Jan 1850.
+ 447 M iii. Amos Mumaw was born on 27 Jun 1852 and died on 15 May 1906 at age 53.
+ 448 F iv. Rachel Mumaw was born on 21 May 1856.
+ 449 F v. Fannie Mumaw was born on 19 Feb 1859.
+ 450 M vi. John Mumaw was born on 31 Jan 1862.
+ 451 F vii. Mary Adeline Mumaw was born on 22 Jan 1865.
291. Abraham Brenneman (Henry231, Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 8 Jun 1829 and died on 26 Mar 1838 at age 8. The cause of his death was small pox.
292. Henry B. Brenneman (Henry231, Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 12 Aug 1831 and died on 28 Sep 1887 in Elkhart Co., Indiana at age 56.
Henry B. married Matilda Blosser on 26 Oct 1854.2 Matilda was born on 15 Aug 1836 in Hocking Co, OH and died on 15 Sep 1895 at age 59.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 452 F i. Jeanette Brenneman was born on 2 Sep 1871.
+ 453 F ii. Ida Brenneman was born on 5 Nov 1872 in Ohio.
+ 454 M iii. Adam Brenneman was born on 27 Jun 1877 in Rushmore, OH..
+ 455 F iv. Margaret Vionia Brenneman was born on 31 Jan 1880 in Ohio.
+ 456 M v. Harry Brenneman was born on 4 Nov 1881 in Allen Co, Ohio, died on 18 May 1960 at age 78, and was buried in Salem Cemetery near Elida, Ohio.
+ 457 F vi. Delia Brenneman was born in Dec 1884.
+ 458 M vii. Aden Roy Brenneman was born on 9 Jul 1896.
293. Daniel Brenneman (Henry231, Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 8 Jun 1834 and died on 10 Sep 1919 in Goshen, in Elkhart Co., Indiana at age 85.
General Notes: From Daniel's book Thoughts in Rhyme: Daniel married Susannah Keagy on 22 Mar 1857. Susannah was born on 18 May 1839, died on 25 Mar 1908 at age 68, and was buried on 27 Mar 1908 in Oak Ridge Cemetery. The cause of her death was pneumonia.
General Notes: From her husband Daniel's book, Thoughts in Rhyme: Children from this marriage were:
+ 459 F i. Mary Magdalene Brenneman was born on 24 Apr 1859.
+ 460 M ii. Timothy Henry Brenneman was born on 20 Sep 1860.
Timothy Henry married Laura E. Dalrymple (d. 17 Feb 1956) on 23 Sep 1883.
+ 461 M iii. John Samuel Brenneman was born on 4 May 1862.
+ 462 M iv. Josiah Brenneman was born on 28 Jun 1864.
+ 463 F v. Rhoda K. Brenneman was born on 17 Jul 1868.
+ 464 F vi. Martha Ann Brenneman was born on 29 Jul 1868.
+ 465 F vii. Naomi Jane Brenneman was born on 1 Sep 1870.
+ 466 M viii. Daniel Jacob Brenneman was born on 19 May 1873.
+ 467 F ix. Phoebe Pauline Brenneman was born on 31 Aug 1875 in Goshen, Elkhart, Indiana and died on 12 Sep 1969 in Glendale, Los Angeles, California at age 94.
Phoebe Pauline married Calvin F. Snyder Rev. (d. 18 Feb 1963) in Mar 1908 in Shanghai, China.
+ 468 M x. Mahlon Moody Brenneman was born on 12 Nov 1877.
Daniel next married Della Troyer on 10 Apr 1910. Della was born on 13 Jul 1878.
294. Brenneman (Henry231, Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in Mar 1838 in Rush Creek Twp. Fairfield Co., OH., died on 27 Mar 1838 in Rush Creek Twp. Fairfield Co., OH., and was buried in Sugar Hill Cemetery. The cause of her death was small pox.
295. Magdalena Brenneman (Henry231, Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 25 Sep 1841 in Fairfield Co. Ohio and died on 10 Jul 1910 in Oneida, Kansas at age 68.
Magdalena married John N. Funk on 30 Sep 1860 in Fairfield Co. Ohio. John N. was born on 6 Nov 1840 in Fairfield Co. Ohio, died on 29 Oct 1922 in Kansas at age 81, and was buried in Oneida, Kansas.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 469 M i. Henry B. Funk was born on 21 Oct 1861.
+ 470 M ii. Abraham L. Funk was born on 22 Oct 1863.
+ 471 F iii. Elizabeth Ann Funk was born on 23 Jul 1865.
+ 472 F iv. Lydia H. Funk was born on 7 Mar 1868.
+ 473 F v. Sarah C. Funk was born on 22 Jan 1870.
+ 474 M vi. James E. Funk was born on 30 Apr 1872.
+ 475 F vii. Eva Odel Funk was born on 28 Feb 1874.
+ 476 M viii. Fred E. Funk was born on 22 Aug 1878.
+ 477 M ix. Roy Funk was born in 1880.
296. Michael Breneman (Christian232, Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) died died young.
297. Christian Breneman Jr (Christian232, Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) died died young.
298. Frances Breneman (Christian232, Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in 1818.
299. Henry Breneman (Christian232, Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 14 Jan 1820.
300. Esther Breneman (Christian232, Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 11 May 1822.
301. Magdelena Breneman (Christian232, Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 2 Apr 1824.
302. Martin Breneman (Christian232, Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 9 Feb 1826.
303. Lydia Breneman (Christian232, Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 10 Nov 1827.
304. Joel Breneman (Christian232, Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 18 Mar 1830.
305. Hannah Breneman (Christian232, Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 9 Apr 1834 in Edom Rockingham Co., VA and died on 17 May 1919 in Denbigh, Warwick, VA. at age 85.
Hannah married Jacob Wenger 2 on 13 Mar 1853 in Edom Rockingham Co., VA. Jacob was born on 4 Jun 1829, died on 22 Jul 1879 in Greenmount, Virginia at age 50, and was buried in Lindale cemetery, Edom, Rockingham Co, Virginia.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 478 M i. Christian Wenger was born on 6 Mar 1854 and died on 13 Nov 1863 at age 9.
+ 479 F ii. Barbara Wenger was born on 17 May 1855 in Greenmount, Rockingham Co, Virginia, died on 28 Oct 1946 at age 91, and was buried in Antioch United Church of Christ Cemetery, Rockingham Co., VA.
+ 480 M iii. Solomon B. Wenger was born on 7 Jan 1857 in Greenmount, Rockingham Co, Virginia.
+ 481 F iv. Anna Wenger was born on 7 Oct 1858 and died on 5 Jan 1934 at age 75.
Anna married Benjamin Brenneman (d. 8 Feb 1918) on 29 Jan 1885.2
+ 482 F v. Lydia Wenger was born on 10 May 1860 in Greenmount, Rockingham Co, Virginia.
+ 483 M vi. Adam Wenger was born on 9 Feb 1862 in Greenmount, Rockingham Co, Virginia and died on 25 Jan 1945 at age 82.
+ 484 M vii. Timothy Wenger was born on 18 Feb 1864 in Greenmount, Rockingham Co, Virginia and died on 11 Feb 1956 in Fentress, Norfolk Co, Virginia at age 91.
+ 485 M viii. Amos Daniel Wenger was born on 25 Nov 1867 in Greenmount, Rockingham Co, Virginia and died on 5 Oct 1935 in Fentress, Norfolk Co, Virginia at age 67.
+ 486 M ix. Samuel M. Wenger was born on 5 Sep 1870 and died on 23 Feb 1893 at age 22.
+ 487 F x. Magdalena Wenger was born on 24 Oct 1872 in Greenmount, Rockingham Co, Virginia.
+ 488 F xi. Catherine E. Wenger was born on 25 Mar 1875 in Greenmount, Rockingham Co, Virginia.
306. David Christian Breneman (Christian232, Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 10 May 1836.
307. Rebecca Breneman (Christian232, Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in 1838.
308. Magdalena Breneman (John233, Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 30 Sep 1818.
309. Jacob D. Breneman (John233, Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 5 May 1852 in Allen Co, Ohio.
Jacob D. married Sarah on 3 Feb 1876. Sarah was born on 25 Sep 1853.
The child from this marriage was:
+ 489 M i. Jacob A. Breneman was born on 22 Sep 1885.
Jacob A. married Anna Virginia Swartz (d. 12 Jul 1959) on 11 Jun 1927.
310. Isaac Brenneman (John233, Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 12 May 1825 near Edom Rockingham Co., VA, died on 27 Aug 1885 at age 60, and was buried in Salem Cemetery near Elida, Ohio.
General Notes: BRENNEMAN.--On the 27th of August, in Allen Co., Ohio, of inflammation of the bowels, Isaac Brenneman, aged 60 years, 3 months and 15 days. He said he was ready to go, and bidding his family farewell, he admonished them to be faithful, and told them not to grieve for him. He was buried on the 29th, at Salem Church, where a large congregation assembled to pay the last tribute of respect to the dear brother. Isaac married Elizabeth Huber on 15 May 1853. Elizabeth was born on 28 Apr 1825 in Fairfield Co, Ohio, died on 5 Jan 1873 in Ohio at age 47, and was buried in Salem Cemetery near Elida, Ohio.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 490 F i. Brenneman was born on 12 Aug 1854 and died on 12 Aug 1854.
+ 491 M ii. Benjamin Brenneman was born on 27 Sep 1855 and died on 8 Feb 1918 at age 62.
Benjamin married Anna Wenger (d. 5 Jan 1934) on 29 Jan 1885.2
(Duplicate Line. See Person 481)
+ 492 F iii. Nancy E. Brenneman was born on 16 Mar 1858.
+ 493 M iv. John I. Brenneman was born on 12 Feb 1860.
John I. married Rebecca Frances Brenneman on 19 Feb 1907.
+ 494 F v. Susanna H. Brenneman was born on 12 Jul 1867.
311. David Brenneman (John233, Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 13 Sep 1826 in Perry Co, Ohio, died on 16 Feb 1895 near Delphos, Ohio at age 68, and was buried in Salem Cemetery near Elida, Ohio.
General Notes: From Allen County Museum files in Lima: David married Leah Stemen, daughter of Henry Stemen and Mary Beery, on 5 Apr 1849 in Perry Co, Ohio. Leah was born on 29 Jun 1831 in Fairfield Co., Ohio and died on 24 Aug 1907 in Ohio at age 76.
General Notes: Brenneman.-Sister Leah Brenneman, widow of David Brenneman, was born June 29, 1831, in Perry Co., Ohio; died Aug. 24, 1907, at her home in Marion Twp., Allen Co., Ohio; aged 76 years. She was well known in the vicinity where she lived. She was the daughter of Nicholas and Catharine Stemen. She united with the Mennonite church fifty-five years ago, and remained a faithful member until death. With her kind and loving disposition she had gained many friends. She was charitable and her influence for good will be missed by many. She was married to David Brenneman, April 5, 1849. To this union were born five children, one of whom died in infancy. The living are Lydia Chandler of Ft. Jennnings(sic), Catharine Brenneman; Elizabeth Heidelbarge and Samuel S. Brenneman of Marion township. Bro. Brenneman died fourteen years ago. She leaves also seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and three brothers, viz., Henry Stemen, Crossingville, aged 85 years; Samuel Stemen, Ft. Jennings, aged 83 years, and Benoni Stemen of Pickerington, Ohio, aged 74 years. Funeral services were conducted by Bro. John Blosser of Rawson and Moses Brenneman of Elida, at the Salem M. H., where a large number of relatives and friends met to pay the last tribute of love to the departed sister. Text, Isa. 66:13. Children from this marriage were:
+ 495 F i. Lydia Brenneman was born on 14 Apr 1850.
+ 496 F ii. Catherine Brenneman was born on 2 Jul 1852 in Allen Co, Ohio and died on 16 Apr 1920 in Allen Co, Ohio at age 67.
+ 497 F iii. Elizabeth Brenneman was born on 3 Dec 1854.
Elizabeth married P. F. Heidlebaugh.
+ 498 M iv. Samuel S. Brenneman was born on 5 Jul 1859 in Marion Twp., Allen Co., OH.
Samuel S. married Elizabeth Stemen (d. 7 Nov 1947) on 8 Feb 1883.
+ 499 M v. Ezra Brenneman was born on 10 Nov 1862 and died on 25 Jan 1863.
312. Lydia Breneman (John233, Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 29 Dec 1829 and died on 2 Jan 1908 near Pickerington, Fairfield, Ohio at age 78.
General Notes: Stemen. - Lydia Stemen, daughter of John and Nancy Brenneman, was born on Dec. 29, 1829, and departed this life Jan. 2, 1908; aged 78 Y., 4 D. She was married to Nicholas Stemen on Feb. 24, 1853. To this union were born three sons and two daughters, all of whom reside in and near Pickerington. She, with her husband, united with the Mennonite church soon after their marriage and she remained a faithful member until God said, "Come up higher." On account of affliction she was not permitted to attend public services for the last two years, but served her master loyally in her home and through all the bitter months of suffering, she developed that Christian character and bore her suffering with great patience and without murmur. Her life was an open book to all. She was a devoted mother. A loving friend has left us and other hands are beckoning us to that haven of rest. She realized that she could not recover and longed to hear her Master's voice calling her home. Finally the gates of everlasting bliss were opened were opened wide and she was received into that land where there is no sorrow or pain, where we, too, may some time understand why God's ways are best. She leaves to mourn her departure three sons and two daughters, eleven grandchildren and one great-grandchild, five brothers and one sister. On Feb. 17, 1896, her husband preceded her to that better land; also two brothers, two sisters and three grandchildren were waiting to receive her on the other shore. The family and the entire community have lost a devoted mother and a true friend; there is a vacancy in the home that can never be filled and we can truly say, a good mother has gone home. Funeral services at the Stemen M. H. in Fairfield Co., Ohio by John Blosser. Text Job 16:22. Lydia married Nicholas Stemen, son of Nicholas Stemen and Catharine Beery, on 24 Feb 1853. Nicholas was born on 11 Jan 1829 in Fairfield County, Ohio.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 500 M i. John B. Stemen was born on 28 Feb 1854 near Pickerington, Fairfield, Ohio.
+ 501 F ii. Nancy Stemen was born on 6 Jun 1855 near Pickerington, Fairfield, Ohio.
+ 502 M iii. Lewis Stemen was born on 21 Mar 1862 near Pickerington, Fairfield, Ohio.
+ 503 M iv. William Stemen was born on 4 Oct 1864 near Pickerington, Fairfield, Ohio.
+ 504 F v. Emma Stemen was born on 26 Jan 1868 near Pickerington, Fairfield, Ohio.
313. Noah Breneman (John233, Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 31 Oct 1831 and died on 14 Mar 1914 at age 82.
General Notes: BRENNEMAN. - Bro. Noah Brenneman was born at Bremen, Ohio, Oct. 31, 1831; died March 14, 1914; aged 82y. 4m. 13d. He was married to Dianna Humes of Allen County about 1852. To this union was born 1 child, who lived only about 4 months. Soon after the death of the child God called the mother also. Bro. Brenneman then married Catharine Stemen, Nov. 28, 1857, at Crossensville, Ohio. To this union were born 3 sons - Henry, who resides on a farm near Canal Winchester; William, who died in the Philippines; James, who lives on the home farm - and 1 daughter, Malinda Guysinger, who lives near Pickerington, Ohio. They were the grandparents of 8 grandchildren, all living but one. Bro. Brenneman was again bereft of his companion in 1883. In December, 1886, he was united in marriage to Lydia Hoover of Fairfield Co., Ohio, who died March 10, 1889. On March 22, 1891, he was united in marriage to Lizzie Rife of Adams Co., Pa., who survives him. He also leaves 4 brothers - Martin and John of Allen Co., Henry of Norborne, Mo., and 1 sister, Nancy Culp of Allen Co., and a host of relatives and friends to mourn their loss, but his eternal gain. Bro. Brenneman was a faithful member of the Mennonite Church, being ordained to the ministry soon after his second marriage. Five years ago last May be became afflicted with paralysis, which caused a lingering illness until he passed to his eternal home. A few days before his departure he was permitted to see beckoning hands inviting him to his eternal home, leaving a bright evidence that he has gone to the beautiful land, the home of the soul. Funeral services conducted by John Blosser of Rawson, Ohio, Mar. 15, 1914, at the Mennonite Church near Pickerington, Ohio. Text, Jno. 11:28. Noah married Diana Humes about 1850. Diana Humes died on 31 May 1851.
Noah next married Catharine Stemen, daughter of Nicholas Stemen and Catharine Beery, on 28 Nov 1857. Catharine was born on 3 May 1838 in Perry Co, Ohio and died in Dec 1886 in Franklin Co. Ohio at age 48.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 505 M i. Henry S. Breneman was born on 7 Mar 1859.
+ 506 F ii. Malinda Breneman was born on 28 Jun 1862.
+ 507 M iii. James D. Breneman was born on 4 Jun 1867.
+ 508 M iv. William B. Breneman was born on 13 Jun 1874.
Noah next married Lydia Hoover on 3 Dec 1886. Lydia died on 22 Mar 1891.
Noah next married Elizabeth Boyer Rife on 22 Mar 1891. Elizabeth Boyer was born in Jun 1841 in Pennsylvania.
314. Martin G. Breneman (John233, Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 3 Aug 1833.
315. Elizabeth Breneman (John233, Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 9 Feb 1835.
316. John G. Breneman (John233, Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 21 Apr 1837.
317. Henry Christian Brenneman (John233, Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 6 Aug 1839 in Elida, Allen Co, Ohio and died on 5 Dec 1921 in Norborner, Carroll, MO. at age 82.
General Notes: Henry Christian Brenneman was a Mennonite and Mennonites did not believe in bearing arms againt their bretheren so he rode his horse to Canada and stayed there until the end of the Civil War. He then rode his horse back to Missouri where he married. Noted events in his life were:
• Family Gathering:
• photo:
• photo:
Henry Christian married Elizabeth Witcher on 15 Dec 1870 in Ray, MO. Elizabeth was born on 24 Dec 1849 in Hardin, Ray, MO. and died on 1 Mar 1929 in Norborner, Carroll, MO. at age 79.
Noted events in her life were:
• photo:
• photo:
The child from this marriage was:
+ 509 M i. John Ernest Brenneman was born on 31 May 1876 near Norborne, MO. and died on 18 Jan 1959 in Carrollton, MO. at age 82.
John Ernest married Annie Lee Peter on 1 Jan 1903.
318. Nancy Breneman (John233, Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 3 Sep 1841 in Elida, Allen Co, Ohio and died on 15 Mar 1932 in Elida, Allen Co, Ohio at age 90.
Noted events in her life were:
319. George Breneman (John233, Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 30 Mar 1848.
320. John L Breneman (Jacob234, Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 24 Oct 1821 in Edom Rockingham Co., VA and died on 4 Sep 1911 in Allen Co. Ohio at age 89.
John L married Elizabeth Keller on 16 Oct 1845 in Va. Elizabeth was born on 6 Jun 1828 in Va. and died on 27 Feb 1886 in Elida, Allen Co, Ohio at age 57.
General Notes: BRENNEMAN - On the 27th of February, in Allen Co., Ohio, of Diabetes, of which she was afflicted seven years, Elizabeth, wife of John L. Brenneman, aged 57 years, 8 months and 21 days. She was married upwards of forty years, was the mother of eleven children, ten of whom are living and nineteen grandchildren. She was buried at the Salem Church where a large number of relatives and friends assembled. Funeral services by Moses Brenneman and John Shenk, from 1 Thess 4:13, 14. A short time before she died she was asked by one of the family if she desired to get well. She replied: "Yes, if it could be so, but if not, I am ready to go." The sorrowing husband and children feel deeply the loss of a faithful wife and kind mother. May this be a means of leading them all to a true and loving obedience of that Savior, through whose wondrous love and grace they need not sorrow now as those having no hope. Children from this marriage were:
+ 510 F i. Elizabeth M. Breneman was born on 6 Jan 1865 in Elida, Allen Co, Ohio.
+ 511 F ii. Barbara Breneman was born on 24 Feb 1861 in Elida, Allen Co, Ohio, died on 20 Jan 1931 in Elida, Allen Co, Ohio at age 69, and was buried in Salem Cemetery near Elida, Ohio.
+ 512 M iii. George J. Breneman was born on 7 Apr 1854 in Elida, Allen Co, Ohio.
+ 513 F iv. Caroline E. Breneman was born on 1 May 1858 in Elida, Allen Co, Ohio.
+ 514 M v. Jacob D. Breneman was born on 5 May 1852 in Elida, Allen Co, Ohio and died on 12 Mar 1924 in Elida, Allen Co, Ohio at age 71.
Jacob D. married Sarah Brenneman on 3 Feb 1876.
(Duplicate Line. See Person 432)
+ 515 F vi. Nancy C. Breneman was born on 7 May 1867 in Elida, Allen Co, Ohio.
+ 516 F vii. Sarah E. Breneman was born on 21 May 1850 in Elida, Allen Co, Ohio.
+ 517 M viii. Lewis B. Breneman was born on 10 Jul 1856 in Elida, Allen Co, Ohio, died on 6 Dec 1922 in Elida, Allen Co, Ohio at age 66, and was buried in Salem Cemetery near Elida, Ohio.
Lewis B. married Martha Huber (d. 5 Mar 1918) on 25 Mar 1880 in Elida, Allen Co, Ohio.
+ 518 F ix. Lydia F. Breneman was born on 16 Aug 1863 in Elida, Allen Co, Ohio.
+ 519 F x. Mary Breneman was born on 13 Dec 1847 in Elida, Allen Co, Ohio and died on 22 Feb 1852 in Elida, Allen Co, Ohio at age 4.
John L next married Elizabeth Jane Shank, daughter of David Ritchie Heatwole Shank and Rebecca Funk, on 5 Jan 1893. Elizabeth Jane was born on 24 Apr 1841 in Harrisonburg, Rockingham, Virginia/Harrisonburg, VA and died on 4 Jul 1913 at age 72.
General Notes: Brenneman.--Elizabeth Jane Brenneman was the fourth one of a family of 9 children born to David and Rebecca (Funk) Shank of Rockingham Co., Va. Of this family Mary Long of Lima, Ohio, and Rebecca Lehman of Guthrie, Okla., survive the deceased. On Dec. 24, 1863, she was married to Melchoir Brenneman of Virginia, to which union were born Charles D. of Lima, Ohio; Rebecca Frances of Elida, Ohio; George G of Yuba City, Calif.; John P. of La Junta, Colo., and Mary M. of Elida, Ohio, who died in 1901. There are 8 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren who survive her. On March 27, 1882, her husband died, after which she by her own labor cared for and raised her family of 5 children. She was a very affectionate mother and was made glad to see all of her children accept Christ as their Savior in early life. One of her greatest pleasures was the reading of her Bible and the literature of the Church of her choice, the mission cause being especially near to her heart. Jan. 5, 1893, she was again united in marriage to John L. Brenneman of Elida, Ohio, to whom she was a devoted companion until his death on Sept. 4, 1911. Since that time she spent most of her time with her only surviving daughter, Rebecca Frances Brenneman. Early in life she united with the Mennonite Church and remained faithful until death on July 4, 1913, at the home of her sister, Mary Long of Lima, Ohio; aged 72 y. 2 m. 10 d. Burial on July 6 in the Salem Cemetery in the presence of a large assembly of relatives and friends. Services by the home ministers. Text, Job 14:15, "Thou shalt call, and I will answer thee; thou wilt have a desire to the work of thine hands." 321. Abraham Breneman (Jacob234, Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 21 Jun 1823 in Edom Rockingham Co., VA and died on 26 Jul 1912 in Lancaster, Fairfield Co. OH at age 89.
322. Barbara Breneman (Jacob234, Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 17 Jun 1824 in Edom Rockingham Co., VA and died on 28 Feb 1904 in Bronson, Branch Co, Michigan at age 79.
323. Isaac Breneman (Jacob234, Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 25 Sep 1825 in Edom Rockingham Co., VA.
General Notes: BRENNEMAN.--On the 27th of August, in Allen Co., Ohio, of inflammation of the bowels, Isaac Brenneman, aged 60 years, 3 months and 15 days. He said he was ready to go, and bidding his family farewell, he admonished them to be faithful, and told them not to grieve for him. He was buried on the 29th, at Salem Church, where a large congregation assembled to pay the last tribute of respect to the dear brother. 324. Elizabeth Breneman (Jacob234, Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 29 Aug 1828 in Fairfield Co. Ohio.
325. Joseph Breneman (Jacob234, Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 5 Sep 1830 in Fairfield Co. Ohio.
326. Anna Breneman (Jacob234, Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 25 Sep 1831 in Fairfield Co. Ohio.
327. Mary Breneman (Jacob234, Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 18 Oct 1832 in Fairfield Co. Ohio.
328. Catherine Brenneman (Jacob234, Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 8 Mar 1838 in Fairfield Co. Ohio and died on 10 Jul 1907 at age 69.
329. David Brenneman (Jacob234, Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 28 Nov 1840 in Fairfield Co. Ohio and died on 2 Apr 1919 at age 78.
David married Clara Greider, daughter of Tobias Erb Greider and Barbara Musser. Clara was born on 10 Feb 1894.
330. Jacob R. Brenneman (Jacob234, Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 18 May 1843 in Fairfield Co. Ohio and died in Elida, Allen Co, Ohio.
Jacob R. married Elizabeth Stemen, daughter of Peter Stemen and Mary Magdalene "Polly" Blosser. Elizabeth was born on 10 Jun 1800.
331. Rebecca Brenneman (Jacob234, Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 2 Jan 1847 in Fairfield Co. Ohio and died on 15 Jan 1923 in Bronson, MI at age 76.
General Notes: Beery. - Rebecca (Brenneman) Beery was born near Bremen, Ohio, Jan. 2, 1847; died at her home near Bronson, Mich., Jan. 15, 1923; aged 76 y. 13 d.; aged 76 y. 13 d. On Dec. 22, 1864, she was united in marriage to Daniel F. Beery of Allen Co., Ohio, he having preceded her in death Mar. 19, 1911. In August, 1865, they moved to Branch Co., Mich., where she lived until death. About the year 1867 they united with the Mennonite Church and were faithful members until death. To this union were born 12 children: Caroline Roat, of Branch Co., Mich.; Sarah Ann Beery, deceased; Abraham Beery, of Branch Co., Mich.; Catharine Beery, deceased; W. Frank Beery, of Noble twp.; Barbara Beery, deceased; Jacob Beery of Noble; Harvey F. Beery, deceased; Mathilda Swift of Bethel twp.; Elizabeth Fair of Madison twp.; Arthur Beery of Fawn River twp.; Irvin Beery, deceased. Of 20 grandchildren 17 are living; of 9 great-grandchildren 8 are living. Sister Beery was the last of the pioneer members of the old society of Mennonites. She was a devoted mother to her family. She leaves to mourn her loss 1 sister, 2 brothers, 7 children, 17 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and a host of relatives and friends. She was laid to rest in the Pleasant Hill cemetery beside her husband. Funeral services conducted by W. H. Moore. Rebecca married Daniel F. Beery on 22 Dec 1864 in Ohio. Daniel F. was born on 27 May 1842 and died on 19 Mar 1911 at age 68.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 520 F i. Caroline Beery was born on 12 Mar 1866 in Bronson, Branch, MI.
+ 521 F ii. Sarah A. Beery was born on 6 Nov 1867 in Bronson, Branch, MI.
+ 522 M iii. Abraham Beery was born on 19 Apr 1869 in Bronson, Branch, MI.
+ 523 F iv. Catharine Beery was born on 28 Aug 1870 in Bronson, Branch, MI and died on 8 Mar 1871 in Bronson, Branch Co., MI.
+ 524 M v. William F. Beery was born on 5 Jan 1872 in Bronson, Branch, MI.
+ 525 F vi. Barbara Beery was born on 31 Jul 1873 in Bronson, Branch, MI and died on 9 Mar 1879 at age 5.
+ 526 M vii. Jacob Beery was born on 6 Nov 1875 in Bronson, Branch, MI.
+ 527 M viii. Harvey F. Beery was born on 5 Mar 1878 in Bronson, Branch, MI.
+ 528 F ix. Matilda Beery was born on 13 Apr 1880 in Bronson, Branch, MI.
+ 529 F x. Elisabeth Beery was born on 9 May 1882 in Bronson, Branch, MI.
+ 530 M xi. Arthur Beery was born on 4 Apr 1885 in Bronson, Branch, MI.
+ 531 M xii. Irvin Beery was born on 6 Feb 1889 in Bronson, Branch, MI.
332. Sarah Ann Brenneman (Jacob234, Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 10 Nov 1849 in Lancaster, Fairfield Co, Ohio and died on 24 May 1937 in Van Wert, Van Wert Co., OH at age 87.
333. Ann Breneman (Jacob234, Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born about 1852 in Ohio.
334. William Franklin Brenneman (Jacob234, Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 30 Apr 1852 in Fairfield Co. Ohio and died on 11 Sep 1885 in Allen Co. Ohio at age 33.
335. Henry Breneman (Jacob234, Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born about 1855 in Ohio.
336. Noah Eversole Brenneman (Jacob234, Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 8 Nov 1855 in Allen Co. Ohio and died on 21 Feb 1937 in Allen Co. Ohio at age 81.
Noah Eversole married Elizabeth E Humphry on 20 Sep 1877. Elizabeth E was born on 1 Jan 1856 and died in Allen Co. Ohio.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 532 M i. William J Brenneman was born on 10 Apr 1878 in Elida, Allen Co, Ohio, died on 4 May 1954 in Elida, Allen Co, Ohio at age 76, and was buried in Greenlawn Cem., Elida, OH.
+ 533 M ii. Merlin Brenneman was born on 14 Nov 1879 in Elida, Allen Co, Ohio and died on 19 Apr 1938 in Columbus, Franklin Co, OH at age 58.
+ 534 M iii. Abner Brenneman was born on 12 Jun 1882 in Elida, Allen Co, Ohio.
Abner married Mabel Crites on 14 Jun 1906.
+ 535 M iv. Cloyd Brenneman was born on 12 Apr 1885 and died on 20 Aug 1890 at age 5.
337. Aaron Breneman (Jacob234, Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born about 1856 in Ohio.
338. Charles Benjamin Brenneman (Jacob234, Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 12 Jul 1862 in Elida, Allen Co, Ohio and died on 20 Mar 1931 in Toledo, Lucas Co, OH at age 68.
339. Catherine Beery (Mary Breneman235, Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 5 Jul 1821 in Bremen, Fairfield Co. Ohio.
340. Abraham Beery (Mary Breneman235, Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 2 Oct 1824 in Bremen, Fairfield Co. Ohio.
341. Joseph Beery (Mary Breneman235, Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 18 Nov 1827 in Bremen, Fairfield Co. Ohio.
342. Magdalena Beery (Mary Breneman235, Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 4 Dec 1832 in Bremen, Fairfield Co. Ohio.
343. John Beery (Mary Breneman235, Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 8 Nov 1837 in Bremen, Fairfield Co. Ohio.
344. Samuel C. Breneman (David238, Abraham131, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 4 Apr 1835 in Edom Rockingham Co., VA and died on 9 Mar 1915 in MO. at age 79.
Samuel C. married Catherine Ward on 3 Dec 1857 in Monroe, Allen, Ohio. Catherine was born on 20 Oct 1839 in Allen Co, Ohio and died on 16 Oct 1895 in Ohio at age 55.
345. Rudolph Brenneman (Melchior239, Isaac132, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1).
346. Isaac Brenneman (Melchior239, Isaac132, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1).
347. Harry Brenneman (Melchior239, Isaac132, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1).
348. Jacob Brenneman (Melchior239, Isaac132, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1).
349. Susan Brenneman (Melchior239, Isaac132, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1).
350. Michael Brenneman (Melchior239, Isaac132, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1).
351. Abram Brenneman (Melchior239, Isaac132, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1).
352. William Brenneman (Melchior239, Isaac132, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1).
353. Sarah Brenneman (Melchior239, Isaac132, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1).
354. John Brenneman (Rudolph243, Isaac132, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in 1825 in Porter Twp., Huntingdon, PA. and died in Ft. Garland, Colorado.
General Notes: He fought in the Civil War. John married Sarah Surick about 1860 in Huntingdon, PA. Sarah was born in 1829 in Huntingdon, PA..
Children from this marriage were:
+ 536 M i. John Weston Brenneman was born in 1861 in Huntingdon, PA. and died between 1910 and 1920 in Fort Garland, Costilla, CO, USA.
+ 537 M ii. Steward Brenneman was born in 1863 in Huntingdon, PA..
+ 538 M iii. Rudolph Brenneman was born in 1865 in Huntingdon, PA..
+ 539 F iv. Belle Brenneman was born in 1867 in Huntingdon, PA..
+ 540 M v. Clark Brenneman was born in 1869 in Huntingdon, PA..
+ 541 F vi. Mary Vienna Brenneman was born on 25 Jun 1871 in Huntingdon, PA., died on 27 Jun 1948 in Fort Garland, Costilla, Colorado at age 77, and was buried in Fort Garland, Costilla, Colorado, USA.
Mary Vienna married William Charles Robinson Jr. (d. 22 Dec 1935) on 28 Nov 1889 in Fort Garland, Costilla, Colorado.
+ 542 M vii. Edward Brenneman was born in 1873 in Huntingdon, PA..
+ 543 F viii. Rose Brenneman was born in 1875 in Huntingdon, PA..
+ 544 F ix. Clara Brenneman was born in 1877 in Huntingdon, PA..
355. Elizabeth Brenneman (Rudolph243, Isaac132, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born about 1827 and was buried in Arch Spring in Blair Co., Pa..
General Notes: lived in Iowa. Elizabeth married John Fisher.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 545 F i. Laura Fisher .
+ 546 M ii. Horace Fisher .
+ 547 M iii. George Fisher .
+ 548 F iv. Laura Ann Fisher .
356. Jane Brenneman (Rudolph243, Isaac132, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born about 1830.
General Notes: They farmed near Huntingdon, PA. Jane married William Speck.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 549 M i. Horatio Speck .
+ 550 F ii. Adda Speck .
+ 551 M iii. Daniel Speck .
+ 552 M iv. Charles Speck .
+ 553 F v. Anna Speck .
+ 554 F vi. Laura Speck .
+ 555 M vii. George Speck .
George married someone. They had no children.
357. Sarah Brenneman (Rudolph243, Isaac132, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1).
Sarah married Abner Fisher.
General Notes: brother of Sarah's sister Elizabeth's husband John. Children from this marriage were:
+ 556 F i. Alice Fisher .
+ 557 M ii. Jeremiah Fisher .
+ 558 M iii. Howard Fisher .
Sarah next married John Guthrie.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 559 M i. Silas Guthrie .
+ 560 M ii. Nathan Guthrie .
+ 561 M iii. Lewis Guthrie .
+ 562 F iv. Belle Guthrie .
+ 563 M v. Robert Guthrie .
358. Rachael Brenneman (Rudolph243, Isaac132, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 30 Dec 1832 and died on 5 Dec 1898 at age 65.
General Notes: They farmed at Warrior Ridge, between Alexandria and Huntingdon, Pa., were Baptists, and are buried in Hartzog Valley Cemetery. 14 ch. Rachael married Silas E. Yocum. Silas E. was born in 1832 and died in 1903 at age 71.
359. Jeremiah Brenneman (Rudolph243, Isaac132, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 28 Mar 1834 and died on 30 Mar 1912 at age 78.
General Notes: Farmed on the Ridge near Alexandria, Pa. 8 ch. Co. C., 125th Pa. Volunteers. Jeremiah married Mary Anna Kyles. Mary Anna was born in 1850 and died on 23 Oct 1925 at age 75.
360. William Brenneman (Rudolph243, Isaac132, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in 1838.
General Notes: llived in Huntingdon, PA. William married Martha Corbin in 1867. Martha was born in Jan 1844 in Pennsylvania and died in 1919 at age 75.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 564 F i. Emma Brenneman was born from 1868 to 1869 in Pennsylvania.
+ 565 M ii. Harry Brenneman was born from 1871 to 1872 in Pennsylvania.
+ 566 F iii. Nettie Brenneman was born from 1875 to 1876 in Pennsylvania.
+ 567 M iv. Frank Cloyd Brenneman was born on 21 Oct 1877 in Pennsylvania.
361. Rose Anna Brenneman (Rudolph243, Isaac132, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 30 Jan 1836 and died on 28 Feb 1886 at age 50.
General Notes: They had three children. Rose Anna married John Geisinger. John was born in 1837 in Pennsylvania.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 568 F i. Cora Geisinger was born from 1837 to 1838 in Pennsylvania.
+ 569 M ii. William Geisinger was born in 1865 in Pennsylvania.
+ 570 M iii. Michael Marion Geisinger was born in 1868 in Pennsylvania.
362. Michael Brenneman (Rudolph243, Isaac132, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in 1842.
General Notes: They moved to Springfield. Mo. 3 dtrs. Michael married Ida O'Kane. Ida was born in Oct 1850 in Pennsylvania.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 571 F i. Teressa Brenneman was born in 1873 in Pennsylvania.
+ 572 F ii. Alace Brenneman was born in 1876 in Pennsylvania.
+ 573 F iii. Anna Grace Brenneman was born in 1878 in Pennsylvania.
363. Charles Brenneman (Rudolph243, Isaac132, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in 1844 and died in 1850 at age 6. The cause of his death was drowning.
364. Rudolph Brenneman (Rudolph243, Isaac132, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in Aug 1846 in Pennsylvania and died on 15 Oct 1913 in Porter Twp., Huntingdon, PA. at age 67.
General Notes: He farmed in "The Loop" near Alexandria, Pa., and is buried at Alexandria Cemetery. 5 ch. Rudolph married Joanna Oswald in 1872. Joanna was born in 1852 in Pennsylvania.
General Notes: # Event: 1880 Census Age 0027 Children from this marriage were:
+ 574 F i. Adda Brenneman was born in 1874 in Pennsylvania and died on 31 Jan 1915 at age 41.
+ 575 M ii. Arthur W. Brenneman was born in 1881 in Pennsylvania.
+ 576 F iii. Joanna Brenneman was born in Mar 1885 in Pennsylvania.
+ 577 F iv. Martha Brenneman was born in Aug 1888 in Pennsylvania.
+ 578 M v. William Victor Brenneman was born on 17 Aug 1892 in Pennsylvania.
365. Mary Brenneman (Rudolph243, Isaac132, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born about 1845.
General Notes: Lived at Irvona, Clearfield Co., Pa., and had several ch. Mary married Joseph Fitzgerald.
366. Omer P. Brenneman (Rudolph243, Isaac132, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 7 Feb 1847 and died on 8 Aug 1927 at age 80. Another name for Omer P. was Homer.
General Notes: m. 1st, Melinda A. Shell, b. 4-6-1847, d. 4-29-1872; 2d, Mary Hoffman; 3rd, Mary Elizabeth McManigal of Alexandria, Pa., b. 5-18-1846, d. 8-17- 1932. One son by the first marriage; 3 ch. by the third. 367. Fanny Breneman (Adam244, Henry134, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 15 Aug 1811 in Lancaster Co. PA.
368. Christian Breneman (Adam244, Henry134, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 19 Sep 1812 in Lancaster Co. PA.
369. Henry Breneman (Adam244, Henry134, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 24 Jul 1814 in Lancaster Co. PA.
General Notes: BRENNEMAN. - On the 29th of July, 1891, near Orrville, Wayne Co., Ohio, of paralysis, Bro. Henry Brenneman, aged 77 years and 4 days. He was a faithful member of the Mennonite church for many years, and was the father of eight children, four sons and four daughters, the result of the union with his first wife, who died eighteen years ago. Three of his sons preceded him to the Spirit world. He leaves a sorrowing wife and five children to mourn the loss of husband and father. He was afflicted with the above disease of over five years, and for the last two years or more was entirely helpless, but he bore it all patiently until God released him from his sufferings, and we have reason to believe that he has gone home to rest from all his labors. Funeral on the 31st at the Mennoninte meeting-house near his home, where many friends and neighbors had assembled to pay their last respects to one whom they had learned to love. Services by David Hostetler and Michael Horst from Rev. 21: 1, 7. 370. John Breneman (Adam244, Henry134, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 20 Oct 1816 in Lancaster Co. PA.
371. Benjamin Brenneman (Adam244, Henry134, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 5 Jun 1818 in Lancaster Co. PA, died on 21 Oct 1927 in Sugar Creek twp., Allen Co., Ohio at age 109, and was buried on 23 Oct 1927 in Salem Cemetery near Elida, Ohio.
Benjamin married Mary Hursh on 15 Jun 1839. Mary was born on 14 Mar 1818 in Ohio.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 579 F i. Fanny Brenneman was born on 17 May 1840.
+ 580 M ii. Rev. Christian B. Brenneman was born on 17 Apr 1842 in Wayne Co, died on 21 Oct 1927 in Sugar Creek twp., Allen Co., Ohio at age 85, and was buried on 23 Oct 1927 in Salem Cemetery near Elida, Ohio.
Christian B. married Susanna Brenneman (d. 15 Aug 1924) on 2 Jun 1863.
(Duplicate Line. See Person 407)
+ 581 M iii. Adam Brenneman was born on 28 Aug 1843.
+ 582 M iv. Abraham Brenneman was born on 14 Jul 1849.
+ 583 F v. Nancy Brenneman was born on 24 Aug 1853.
+ 584 F vi. Mary Brenneman was born on 15 Nov 1855.
372. Susan Brenneman (Adam244, Henry134, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 1 Apr 1820 in Lancaster Co. PA.
373. Jacob Brenneman (Adam244, Henry134, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 29 Mar 1822 in Lancaster Co. PA.
374. Abraham Brenneman (Adam244, Henry134, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 28 Jun 1824 in Lancaster Co. PA.
Abraham married Rebecca Rife. Rebecca was born on 15 Feb 1832 in Pennsylvania.
General Notes: Brenneman. - Sister Rebecca (Rife) Brenneman was born Feb. 15, 1832. She was 83 y. 11 m. 27 d. of age. She came with her parents from Pennsylvania to Orrville, O., in 1835. In 1850 she married Abraham Brenneman. They lived on a farm just south of Orrville until 1870, when they moved to Orrville and occupied the brick house on South Main St. which was her home until 2 years ago. Bro. Brenneman died in 1888. For the past 28 years she had spent her winters with Mrs. Ella Sharpe, and for 2 years had made her home in Indianapolis with Mrs. Sharpe, who was her adopted daughter. She died at the Indianapolis home Feb. 12. Sister Brenneman was a person of great activity, and up to two weeks ago enjoyed unusually rugged health. Her last sickness was of two weeks' duration, and death resulted from myocarditis. Bro. And Sister Brenneman had no children, but they took under their care 3 little children, a boy and 2 girls, and gave them every advantage of a Christian home. The familiar name, "Aunty Brenneman," by which the deceased was well known in Orrville, followed her to her new home, where she made many pleasant acquaintances, especially among the young people. Her last hours were without pain, and were spent in listening to the reading of the Word from the Great Book and recalling pleasant memories of the past. She then gently fell asleep in the Jesus whom she loved. Funeral services at the Orrville Mennonite Church and burial at the Martin's Cemetery. Scriptures used, Psa. 16:11 and Jno 14:6. I. W. Royer, minister. 375. Samuel Addison Brenneman (Adam244, Henry134, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 27 Dec 1826 in Lancaster Co. PA.
376. Nancy Brenneman (Adam244, Henry134, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 6 Jul 1829 in Lancaster Co. PA.
377. Adam Brenneman (Adam244, Henry134, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 9 Sep 1831 in Lancaster Co. PA.
378. Martha Brenneman (Adam244, Henry134, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 25 Mar 1836 in Wayne Co., OH.
379. Jacob Brenneman (Peter262, David137, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in 1825 and died in 1909 at age 84.
380. John Brenneman (Peter262, David137, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 18 Apr 1827 in Mahoning, OH., died on 5 Feb 1895 in Wakarusa, Elkhart, Indiana at age 67, and was buried in Olive Cemetery, Olive, Elkhart, Indiana.
John married Veronica Miller on 3 Jul 1849 in Walnut Creek, Holmes, Ohio. Veronica was born in 1832 and died in 1868 at age 36.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 585 F i. Barbara Ellen Brenneman was born in 1850 and died in 1921 at age 71.
+ 586 F ii. Fannie Brenneman was born in 1851 and died in 1875 at age 24.
+ 587 M iii. Jacob William Brenneman was born in 1853 and died in 1931 at age 78.
Jacob William married Martha Elizabeth McNett (d. 1942).
+ 588 M iv. Noah Brenneman was born in 1855 and died in 1896 at age 41.
+ 589 F v. Nancy Brenneman was born on 23 May 1857 in St. Joseph, In. and died on 13 May 1941 in Indiana at age 83.
Nancy married David Pletcher on 13 Feb 1881 in St. Joseph, In.
+ 590 F vi. Sarah Brenneman was born in 1859 and died in 1901 at age 42.
+ 591 F vii. Margaret Brenneman was born in 1861 and died in 1873 at age 12.
+ 592 F viii. Henry Brenneman was born in 1863 and died in 1943 at age 80.
+ 593 F ix. Catharine Ann Brenneman was born in 1865 and died in 1945 at age 80.
+ 594 M x. Joseph Brenneman was born in 1866 and died in 1867 at age 1.
John next married Sarah Hunsberger on 26 Dec 1870. Sarah was born in 1837 and died in 1918 at age 81.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 595 M i. Christian Brenneman was born in 1871 and died in 1872 at age 1.
+ 596 M ii. Peter Brenneman was born in 1874 and died in 1958 at age 84.
+ 597 F iii. Ester Brenneman was born on 22 Sep 1876 in Indiana and died on 5 Jan 1957 at age 80.
+ 598 M iv. Isaac Brenneman was born in 1879 and died in 1880 at age 1.
381. Catharine Branaman (John263, David137, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1).
382. William Branaman (John263, David137, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1).
383. John I. Branaman (John263, David137, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in 1823.
384. James Branaman (John263, David137, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in 1825 and died in 1879 at age 54.
385. Caroline Margaret Branaman (John263, David137, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in 1825 and died in 1828 at age 3.
386. Sarah Frances Breneman (John263, David137, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born in 1828 and died in 1925 at age 97.
387. John Brenneman (Abraham271, John141, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1).
388. Barbara Brenneman (Abraham271, John141, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1).
389. Catharine Brenneman (Abraham271, John141, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1).
390. David Rush Brenneman (Abraham271, John141, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1).
391. Abraham Brenneman (Abraham271, John141, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1).
392. Elizabeth Brenneman (Abraham271, John141, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1).
393. Fannie Brenneman (Abraham271, John141, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1).
394. Henry Brenneman (Abraham271, John141, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1).
395. Levi Brenneman (Abraham271, John141, Melchior Stehman Jr.85, Melchior (The Pioneer)68, Melchior (The Exile)51, Niclaus (Melchior)40, Peter E.14, Peter H.4, Benedict1) was born on 15 May 1842 in Urbana, Ohio and died on 27 Dec 1936 in Colunbia City, Whitley, In. at age 94.
Levi married Millie Martin Major in 1873. Millie Martin was born on 20 Dec 1848 in Indiana and died on 10 Dec 1929 at age 80.
This wooden box, with key, is the original "Brenneman box" that housed the papers and books of this collection.
Contents include:
2/1
2/2
2/3
2/4
2/5
2/6
2/7
Located at Goshen College in the Mennonite Church Archives library, it, and many artifacts relating to Henry and his family are housed there and were donated by the Mumaw family. Website is http://www.mcusa-archives.org/
Two sons with E. Beery.
Eight children with Nancy Grove
Owned a farm near Elida, Ohio.
On the 10th of April, in Allen Co., Ohio., after a protracted illness, of gravel and dropsy, JOHN BRENNEMAN Sen., aged one day less than 72 years. He was buried, on the 12th, at the Mennonite buring-grounds, (sic) on which occasion Bro. C. Culp delivered an impressive discourse from Is. 57:2, in German, and from the latter part of the 10th verse of the 23rd chapt. of Numbers in English.
Bro. Benneman (sic) was born in Rockingham Co., Virginia, whence he came to Fairfield County, Ohio, when a young man. In 1854 he removed with his family from Fairfield to Allen Co. He bore his bodily afflictions with great patience and resignation, and repeatedly remarked that he was not afraid to die, and that he felt prepared and willing to depart. After he was confined to his room, he frequently requested exhortations and prayer. It seemed to be his great delight to speak of heavenly and spiritual things. He told me that it appeared to him, that Christianity is of much greater importance than many persons imagine that he was afraid, there are a great many persons who know not what Christianity is. Although his departure seems to be a great loss to his friends, we have reason to believe that their loss is his eternal gain. He leaves a wife and eleven children.
J. M. Brenneman.
Eight children with second wife, Caroline Ogden.
Farmer in the Elida, Ohio area.
In the fall of 1828, Jacob and Mary moved to Fairfield County, Ohio, where they were living when she died in 1832. He married Caroline Ogden Swisher who bore him eight children. He moved to Allen County, Ohio, about a mile from Elida in 1853.
Herald of Truth
Volume II, No. 1 - January 1865
On Jan. 1st, 1865; in Allen Co., 0., of dropsy, Bro. Jacob Brenneman, aged 68 years, 2 mo. and 25 days. He was buried on the 4th. A very large number of friends and relations followed him to the grave. Funeral discourses were delivered by the brethren C. Culp and D. Brundage, from Rev. 14: 13. The deceased had been married twice-he had 8 children with his first wife, of whom four,-three sons and one daughter,-are (as far as is known) yet living. He likewise had 8 children with his second wife, five sons and three daughters, who are yet, (as far as if(sic?) known) all living. Two of the last named sons are in the army.
The deceased brother formerly came from Rockingham Co., Virginia, to Fairfield Co., Ohio, where he lived a considerable time, five miles east of New Lancaster. From there he removed to Allen Co., where he has now been living some 12 or 13 years.
He was ailing for more than a year with a kind of stomach disease, and not long before his end he was yet taken with dropsy which soon brought his life to a close.
He appeared to be truly willing and prepared to make the important change out of time into eternity. He was a meek, sympathizing, liberal and helpful brother, wherever it was necessary, and generally beloved. We have reason to hope that he has fallen asleep, blest in the Lord.
How blest is our brother, bereft
Of all that can burden his mind!
How easy the soul that has left
This wearisome body behind!
This dust is affected no more
With sickness, or shaken with pain!
The war in the members is o'er,
And never shall vex him again.
JOHN M. BRENNEMAN
Caroline Brenneman
Age: 51
Est Year of Birth: 1818
Birthplace: Virginia
Home: Marion, Allen, Ohio
Gender: Female
Post Office: Spencerville
Roll: M693_1168
Page: 3184
Elisabeth Brenneman: Age 29; Est Year of Birth: 1840
Jacob Brenneman: Age 27; Est Year of Birth: 1842
Sarah A. Brenneman: Age 20; Est Year of Birth: 1849
William F. Brenneman; Age: 18; Est Year of Birth: 1851
Noah Brenneman: Age 14; Est Year of Birth: 1855
Charles Brenneman; Age: 8; Est Year of Birth: 1861
1880 US Census
Caroline Brenneman
[Caroline Swisher]
Home in 1880: Marion, Allen, Ohio
Age: 60
Estimated birth year: abt 1820
Birthplace: Virginia
Relation to head-of-household: Self (Head)
Father's birthplace: Virginia
Mother's name: Rebecca
Mother's birthplace: Virginia
Occupation: Keeping House
Marital Status: Widowed
Race: White
Gender: Female
Household Members:
Name Age
Caroline Brenneman 60
Charles Brenneman 18
Rebecca Swisher 78
farmer
12 children.
He lived on part of his father's farm in Walker and Porter townships, about five miles from Huntingdon, Pa. Was a member of the Baptist Church, and is buried in the Hartzog Valley Cemetery.
By his first marriage he had 13 ch.: John, Elizabeth, Jane, Sarah, Rachael, Jeremiah, William, Rose Anna, Michael, Charles, Rudolph, Mary and Omer P.
* His gravestone says that he was born in March, 1804.
***************
Everyone knows Rudolph Breneman-Rudolph is a character-sharp as a steel trap. He is said to be worth at least a cool 50,000. The man who beats Rudolph gets up early-Sometime ago Rudolph sold one of our merchants a hide, and during the panic the merchant closed up. Rudolph, hearing the fact, came to town and sore and frightful were his lamentations over the failure of his friend. A wag, who understood the matter, ventured the assertion that the merchant could say "what no other man in Central Pennsylvania, or at least in Huntingdon county could say,and that was "that he had taken the hide off of Rudolph without paying for it."
Source: Huntingdon Journal, January 14, 1876, pg 4
*******************
FIRE-A tenant house, on the farm of Rudolph Brenneman, in Hartslog Valeey, a few miles from this place, occupied by a man named Albert Shoenberger, was totally destroyed by fire about six o'clock on Friday evening last. The fire was communicated to the building by a stove-pipe running through the roof, and so rapid was the spread of the flames that the entire contents of the house were consumed. Nothing was saved for the unfortunate family except the clothes they were wearing. Mr. Shoenberger is a poor man, and any aid that our citizens feel like extending to him will be thankfully received. Furniture, bed clothing, wearing apparel, etc., will assist him to again start housekeeping, and any of these articles will be very acceptable to him at this time. Help the unfortunate man.
Source: Huntingdon Journal, April 19, 1878, pg 3
Tenth Generation
They owned and lived on their farm of 174 acres located in Sugar Creek Twp., Allen Co., Ohio where they died. They both united with the Mennonite Church in Fairfield Co., Ohio. Soon after their marriage in April 1844, he was chosen to the ministry of the gospel in the Mennonite Church in Fairfield Co. Since his education was very limited, he took about two years of schooling in the public school, together with his older children. In the fall of 1848, they moved to Franklin Co., Ohio where he resided in a little over six years.
While living in Franklin Co., he was ordained to the office of bishop in 1849. In the spring of 1855, he moved with his family to Allen Co., Ohio where he resided until his death. The great purpose and concern of his life was the welfare of the church, which he loved, and the salvation of souls. He was much concerned especially for the spiritual welfare of his children and grandchildren. He devoted very little of his time to looking after temporal affairs, but left these mostly in the care of his eldest son, Joseph.
His disposition was to look on the dark, rather than on the bright side of things, to the serious rather than to the enjoyable or glad aspect of things.
From the time of his ordination, he entered upon his work with great vigor and soon rose to prominence, his services being called for in many different congregations. Being of an aggressive type, he was one of disposition early advocates of Sunday Schools, English preaching, evening meetings, etc. He himself could speak fluently in both the German and English languages. It was through his influence that the "Herald of Truth" the official church paper of the Mennonite Church, was promoted by John F. Funk of Chicago, Illinois in 1864. In 1867 the permanent home of the Publishing House was moved to Elkhart, Indiana. From the beginning of the publication, John M. Brenneman was a regular contributor and writer for the church organ. He wrote several books of which "Plain Teachings" was considered the choice of his writings.
In his official capacity in his home congregation he was very stern, and inclined to be rather radical on some questions hi his early life. This attitude resulted in a serious loss in many of the descendants of the older brethren of his congregation, but in his later life, he was one of the most congenial advisers the writer ever worked with.
About twenty years before his death, he became afflicted with a form of paralytic affection, which gradually grew worse on him until he could no longer serve in his capacity as leader in the church's work. For several years he rarely attended services. On the morning before his death, he requested to have sung the hymn, "Abide with Me, Fast Falls the Eventide." His funeral was held at Salem Church with text Deut. 5:29.
************
more from the internet:
John and Sophie had 12 children born from about 1839 to about 1861.
History of Allen County-US Genweb
Brenneman proved to be an able minister and bishop but he was overshadowed by his oldest brother John M. Brenneman who came shortly thereafter. George Brenneman is described as a strict disciplinarian, an earnest Christian, a man of deep conviction and indomitable will, who may not always have exercised the greatest of tact. He and his wife loved company and had many warm friends. Their fireside often rang with hearty laughter. For reasons no longer clear Bishop Stemen was not at ease in committing the future of the young congregation to Bishop Brenneman, so it is thought that he also induced John M. Brenneman to move to Allen County in 1855.
Soon after John's arrival and purchase of 176 acres of land one and a half miles east of the little Dutch Hollow Church, Stemen delivered his bishopric to John M. Brenneman. On the occasion the venerable old biship, nearly blind and feeble with age, delivered a powerful and eloquent sermon on Revelation 12:1. Thus, with proper solemnity and seriousness, John M was installed as official head of the congregation. Only a few months later on August 19, 1855, Bishop Henry Stemen died from malaria fever. By that time the little log church had an impressive "bench" of ordained men. Bishop Henry's older brother Peter survived him less than a year, passing away May 5, 1856. The following year the other aged deacon John Sherrick died (1857).
from Gerberich Brenneman history:
Bishop JOHN M. BRENNEMAN, b. near Bremen, 0h., 5-28-1816 (not long after his parents had moved to their new wilderness home), d. near Elida, 0., 10-3-1895, m. in June, 1837, Sophia Good, who d. in 1882. He and his wife united with the Mennonite Church in Fairfield Co. soon after their marriage.
In 1844 he was chosen to the ministry and in 1849 to the office of bishop. In 1848 they moved to Franklin Co., 0hio, and in 1855 to the vicinity of Elida, O. (Allen Co.), where a large Mennonite settlement was in the course of formation. He speedily became its religious leader, and was rated as one of the most prominent ministers and speakers of his day.
He had meager opportunities for gaining an education in his boyhood days, and when he was ordained to the ministry this lack was so keenly realized that he attended the public school in company with his own children. He was a great student, especially of the Bible, and could quote Scripture "by the yard."
As a preacher he possessed more than ordinary ability, which is proven by the fact that he could preach for over two hours without tiring his audience. He wrote many edifying articles in the "Herald of Truth," as well as books of a religious nature. He and his wife had twelve children: Joseph, Susanna, Lydia, Anna, Henry A., Moses, Manasseh, Catharine, Levi, George, Elizabeth and Magdalena. Buried at Elida, Ohio.
John Melchior Brenneman (1816-1895)
OBITUARY. JOHN M. BRENNEMAN was born on the 28th of May 1816 and died at the residence of his son-in-law, Bro. Isaac Stemen on the 3rd of October 1895, aged 79 years, 4 months and 5 days. He was joined in marriage to Sophia Good in June 1837. He with his wife united with the Mennonite church in Fairfield Co., Ohio shortly after their marriage.
In the month of April 1844 he was chosen and ordained to the ministry of the Gospel. In the fall of 1848 he moved to Franklin County, where he resided a little over six years, and then in the spring of 1855 he moved to Allen Co., where he resided to the time of his death. In 1849 he was ordained to the office of bishop in Franklin County. He was the father of 12 children, 6 sons and 6 daughters, of whom 8, 3 sons and 5 daughters survive him. There were also 45 grandchildren of whom 37 survive; also 27 great-grandchildren of whom 25 survive.
He was an earnest, zealous laborer in the vineyard of the Lord, and the great purpose and concern of his life was the welfare and prosperity of the church which he loved, and the salvation of souls. He always was especially concerned for the salvation of his own children and grandchildren. So marked was his desire in this direction that even during the prime of his life he gave very little attention to his temporal affairs, but spent most of his time in the work to which the Master had called him and in the study of the Scriptures. During his last illness, he very frequently desired devotional exercises, and asked those who came to visit to pray with him, and on one occasion he desired that the prayer might be especially for the salvation of his children and grandchildren, and when his grandchildren came to see him, he took them by the hand and admonished them to be good, or asked them if they would not be good, and often held them by the hand until they promised they would.
His disposition was to look rather on the dark than on the bright side of things-rather to serious and solemn than to the enjoyable or glad aspect of things; and from this fact he often suffered intense grief and sadness of heart. Afflictions seemed to take so deep a hold on his mind, that sometimes it seemed as though they were too heavy for him to bear. When he saw members of the church becoming unfaithful, it caused him intense grief, and he would with tears plead with them, and try to win them back. When troubles and discussions came up in the church, he was often greatly troubled and those of us who shared with him the fiery trials of the last 30 years in our church well know of the tears he shed and the sorrows which he endured on account of the church and the part which those he so dearly loved took in them.
One of the great afflictions of his life was the sudden death of his son Henry, who was instantly killed by lightning, during a thunder storm, on Aug. 28th, 1872. His wife Sophia died 13 years ago. This also caused him great sorrow, but putting his trust in the Lord, he looked forward in an abiding hope-yes as he said on two occasions during his last illness in a "living hope, Eine Lebendige Hoffnung.
About 20 years ago, he became subject to an affection of a paralytic nature and which gradually grew on him until it disabled him altogether for the work in which he was so deeply interested. During his last years he was very feeble in body, so that he could seldom even go to meeting, but his mind was strong and vigorous to the end. His last sickness was first malarial fever of which he suffered about 4 weeks. During the last week of his life the disease turned to irritation of the bowels. He suffered patiently, and without a murmur until death came to his relief.
On the morning before his death he requested to have sung the hymn, "Abide with me, fast falls the eventide," etc. A week before he died he was impressed with the thought that his end was near and requested that his daughter Annie should be sent for, made arrangements for his burial, and who should conduct the services, and named some of the hymns to be used, and especially requested that he should be buried in a quiet way without pomp or display, and without eulogy, so as not to give any one the idea that they could be saved by good works, but alone through grace as the free gift of God.
His funeral occurred at the Salem M. H. on the 5th of Oct. His funeral was largely attended. Services were conducted by Bish. J. F. Funk, of Elkhart, Ind., from the text Deut. 5: 29, which he himself had selected for the occasion some years ago. He was not only an earnest preacher, but also a diligent writer. He wrote a great many able and edifying articles in the HERALD OF TRUTH as our older readers well remember. His first work was the little book "Christianity and War," published in 1863 which has passed through several editions.
At the communion season last spring he was unable to attend the public services, but desired that the communion be given him at his home. This was done and was such a source of comfort to him that he shed tears of joy on the occasion.
"Plain Teachings," an excellent collection of his best articles, including several hymns, was published in 1876.
Thus, both by preaching and writing, did he seek to do his Master's work and labor for the promotion of the cause. For a time he felt that he wanted to stay, that he might still be a comforter and an advisor to his children and their descendants. But before he died he could leave it all to God and said he was now fully resigned and willing to go.
HERALD OF TRUTH , Vol. XXXII, No. 20, October 15, 1895, p. 317, 318, 319
***********************
Nineteenth-century Humility: a Vital Message for Today?
by Theron Schlabach
As you can see, my title refers to the nineteenth century, but I hope to say something for the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. While I do not believe in using history for polemics, I do believe that history should be a kind of dialogue between past and present. If it is to be a dialogue, then we must let it speak to us. But I will let you decide whether it speaks to the present or not.
I could have given this talk a different title: "What Might Have Been: Twentieth-century Mennonites and Humility." I believe we might have kept the humility motif more intact and central to our understandings of the faith and what makes for faithfulness than what we did. I guess it is no secret that I think that the Mennonite Church reformers of the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries (the people of the period I have labeled the "Quickening" because there was such an increase in activity as Mennonites began to build colleges, publishing houses, orphans' homes, and hold young people's programs) would have done better if they had constructed their new, more activist, more outreaching Mennonite Church more by reworking the humility theology of the nineteenth century and less by abandoning the motif. The "what might have been," in my vision is a deeper understanding of the prophetic, evangelistic possibilities of nineteenth-century Amish and Mennonite humility theology.
Humility theology dominated among (Old) Mennonites in North America in the first three-fourths of the nineteenth century. The original and clearest voice for humility theology was Christian Burkholder (1746-1809), a bishop in the Groffdale district in Lancaster Conference. In 1792, Burkholder wrote a manuscript in the form of a dialogue. On one side, he had an earnest youth asking questions of his pastor. In turn, the pastor kindly answered the youth's questions, explaining the faith in very clear, simple, yet profound language. Burkholder called it Nützliche und Erbauliche Anrede an die Jugend (Useful and Edifying Address to the Young).
The Address was not printed right away, but by 1804 the ministry in the Lancaster area decided it ought to be published. The book sold fast, and before the year was out, they published another version of it. The Address caught on so well that it was reprinted eight more times in German in the nineteenth century. In 1857 it was translated into English and published four times during the century. That says something about the importance of Burkholder's book.
We can see the Address's importance also in the way nineteenth-century Mennonites picked up and used the language of humility and its understandings. Humility became the dominant way of thinking about the nature of Christ and the Christian life and of our relationship to the world. The emphasis on humility continued until roughly 1875 or 1880 when the "Quickening" generation brought in different ideas, which to some degree replaced it, although not completely.
Burkholder's purpose was outreaching. The Address was not a book to help Mennonites to withdraw into themselves. Burkholder conceived of humility as a Christian message for all Christian churches in America - not just a Mennonite emphasis, or a Mennonite peculiarity, or a Mennonite genius. He also understood humility to be a message of deliverance from the evils emerging from the denominational pattern in America. This was a new America where the church was disestablished. It was a free market, and anybody could start a church. The chaos and bickering of the new pattern disturbed many Christians, and many others became argumentative.
Burkholder saw the need for more humility in Christians' relationships with each other. The opening sentence of his introduction to the Address declared: The chief motive [for producing] this work is the present declining state of the Christian Church in which there is such a great difference in the performance of external worship: as also in the external demeanor of its members towards each other; as one has still some fault to find with his neighbor - thus following his own will and inclination....
Many persons, Burkholder wrote a bit later, saw "the present state of Christendom as a Babel." All of this he said was contrary to what the Apostle Peter had written: "All of ye be subject to one another, and be clothed with humility; for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the Humble."2 (1 Peter 5:5) Burkholder was addressing a problem in the American context. Thus, it was a message for the larger society, not just a message for Mennonites. He offered humility as a means for church renewal, not just for purifying his own group.
Burkholder went on to build an all-embracing theology of humility. He was not a systematic theologian; he was a pastor. However, the Address does come together to create a holistic understanding of what Christ was about and how we are to follow Christ.
In his first chapter, Burkholder called his reader to repentance. Repentance meant changing the heart to an attitude of humility. He wrote: "The fruit of true repentance grows in a change of heart, for the heart of man by nature is proud and conceited; but the heart of a penitent is humble and contrite." The repentant heart, Burkholder emphasized, "imitates the virtues of our Savior while on earth," who described himself as "meek and lowly in heart." The one who truly listens to the Word of God, Burkholder went on to say, becomes "converted; namely, from pride to humility, from incontinence to chastity, from hatred to love, ...from...lying and cheating to truth and honesty."3 When Burkholder looked at Christ, he saw the meek and humble and submissive Christ, not Christ as a mighty warrior. Burkholder explained to his young hearers:
In the days of His incarnation, Christ set the pattern of a lamb, and thus by endurance, suffering, and patient submission, yea, by suffering the most painful and ignominious death on account of us sinners, He gained a triumphant victory over the world, sin, death, and the devil. There was triumph, but it was triumph through being lamb-like.
Burkholder also wrote extensively on the nature of the new birth. He called people not so much to Christ's sacrifice on the cross as to the example of Jesus in his manger. Christ has given us in His birth a pattern of true humility. Thither, namely to His manger, we are to direct our course. Indeed He has given us in His birth, doctrine, and life, an example of childlike humility.
From that basic understanding of Christ and Christ's incarnation, Burkholder went on to make many applications for the Christian life. He made the humility attitude a part and parcel of nonresistance. In fact, nonresistance and humility become inseparable Siamese twins. Burkholder applied humility to politics. He maintained that the humble did not wish to be politically powerful and exert their will over others the way the rulers of this world do. As for more personal applications, he insisted that an inner attitude of humility would bring an outward appearance of humility in attire and demeanor. In regard to worship, Burkholder viewed with skepticism the revivalist emphasis on giving a personal testimony concerning one's own religious experience. To him such testimonies so often seemed egotistical and prideful.
Thus without being a systematic theologian, Burkholder offered a quite coherent and holistic set of theoretical and practical understandings of the meaning of Christ's incarnation, example, and death, and of what Christian faithfulness was all about. He set it forth in basic, clear, understandable language, as a good pastor uses when counseling an earnest, inquiring youth.
As I have tried to emphasize, Burkholder saw his book as a message of renewal - and renewal not just for Mennonites, but for all of American Christianity. Burkholder's outlook became so dominant that it really became the major Mennonite formulation of the faith for the next sixty or seventy years. Thus in 1980 a young scholar, Joseph C. Liechty, could publish a landmark article in The Mennonite Quarterly Review with the title, "Humility: The Foundation of Mennonite Religious Outlook in the 1860s."
In his studies, Liechty focused on another nineteenth-century Mennonite leader, John M. Brenneman of Elida, Ohio. Brenneman was much more than a local leader. If there was any person at mid-century who was a continental Mennonite leader, it was Brenneman. His family had come from Virginia, and he had many contacts there. But far more importantly, the railroads were coming and people were moving to the frontier. There were scattered little groups of Mennonites and Amish struggling on the frontier and needing pastoral care. Brenneman traveled extensively to provide pastoral help to these scattered folk. He went from place to place to help with various types of church problems. He had friends everywhere. One friend he wrote to frequently was preacher Peter Nissley of Mount Joy, in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
Brenneman wrote his own small book of humility theology, Pride and Humility, published in 1868. Its basic theology was very much like that of Christian Burkholder. Again, Brenneman made many practical applications for life in nonresistance, political attitude, dress and demeanor, even behavior at the table. Like Burkholder, John M. Brenneman was interested in church renewal and outreach. He supported the young John F. Funk in his advocacy of Sunday school.
I have heard Joseph Liechty refer to John M. Brenneman as a "spiritual genius." Both Liechty and I think that we found in the humility era a deep and vital faith, a deep and vital spirituality, a profound and vital understanding of Jesus Christ. But when we say that, we run against the grain of most historical interpretations of early nineteenth-century Mennonitism. Historians and other commentators who have written about that period have often used phrases such as "dead and formal," "unenlightened," "moribund," or, to use the words of historian Samuel F. Pannabecker, the "dark ages."
Well, what about the "dark ages" thesis? I looked at that when I wrote Peace, Faith, and Nation. What I found was that whereas various writers have used the "dark ages" idea, they have not agreed on what made those ages dark. Robert Friedmann in his Mennonite Piety Through the Centuries wrote as if the problem was a matter of straying from pristine Anabaptism. Pannabecker pointed mainly to decline in literacy and a lack of progressive outlook. He suggested that Mennonite leaders were really more literate when they came over from Europe than they were a hundred years later, and the nineteenth century was a low point. Reformers touched by revivalism, like Daniel Kauffman and J.S. Hartzler in their book Mennonite Church History, spoke of dead "formalism," a lack of fervor, and failure to be active for mission. Others such as the Reformed Mennonites and Jacob Stauffer, who were inclined to be Old Order, had been sure that the deterioration came about due to lack of discipline. Old Order reformers believed that the church would achieve deeper spirituality through discipline. Today we often hear these set against each other. If you have a strong church discipline, that is legalism and that is not spiritual. But the Old Orders believed discipline was the path to spirituality.
My point is that quite a few different voices have agreed that the first three-fourths of the nineteenth century were the "dark ages" of Mennonite history. Yet, when we look a little more closely, they do not agree about what made them dark. So the dark ages charge is not one charge but many. In short, the various "dark ages" interpretations rest on the different authors' beginning assumptions and on the biases they have brought to the subject as much as on the evidence. Now we all bring our biases or orientations to the writing of history, and so I do not mean to be harsh with these writers with whom I disagree. Still, I think they did bring quite a bit of preconception to their writing. I would also add that one other reason the period has been treated poorly in history is that there is a bias in a written culture against a people who express themselves primarily in an oral way. This was a period in which most people expressed themselves in an oral way or through their folk culture. Most did not write clearly. For those of us who come later and look at the documents, this establishes a bias against them. We look at them as not very educated if they could not articulate or write down what they believed.
However, I offer a third comment, in which I am more critical of the humility era thinkers. I believe that one major charge against the humility period of Mennonite history is true. That is, it did not take seriously enough the idea of proclamation. The advocates of humility did not take seriously enough the Great Commission or the understanding that Jesus came to proclaim the coming Kingdom of God, and that Christ left us, his followers, with the task of carrying through in that proclamation. They did not take seriously enough the mandate to be prophetic.
These people did have a message that American society needed. The United States was an aggressive and bragging society. It got into the War of 1812, the Mexican War, the Civil War, and it pushed back the Indians. It needed the message of humility and the idea that Christ offered another way. So my assumption is that the humility message had great possibilities for being prophetic. A prophetic message of humility was needed in the society where the advocates of humility lived.
But there is a built-in dilemma in proclaiming a humility theology. How can we actively preach a humility theology? For the humble, the temptation is to be self-effacing and to draw inward. I fear the humility generation did not solve that dilemma. They grabbed one horn of the dilemma by being personally humble and even making a great virtue of it. Personally, I agree that this is important. Still, they almost entirely let go the other horn of proclaiming.
Even John M. Brenneman never brought the two together. He was interested in missions and in humility theology, but he did not integrate the two into a complementary whole. Neither did the next generation of Mennonite Church reformers of the nineteenth century. An example of this failure is John S. Coffman, the great revivalist of the "Quickening" generation. I think that in his own personal life he brought them together very well. I have great admiration for what I see when I read John S. Coffman's letters and diaries or when I read what other people wrote to him, especially how he gave advice to young people. He had a great deal of humility and integrity. Yet, he did not get it built into his message or his theology. He did not know how to bring a vigorous evangelistic message and have the humility emphasis built into it. Instead, he and his generation to a great extent borrowed from Protestant concepts of what the gospel and salvation were. They grafted them onto Mennonitism in certain ways but did not really build on the foundation of the humility theology that they had inherited.
This dilemma was the great challenge. This is what I meant when I said I could have given this lecture the title of "What Might Have Been." What if the reformers of the "Quickening" generation had met the challenge and had worked out the dilemma? Humility theology had a message that American culture needed - one very relevant for proclaiming the values of the gospel and the Kingdom of God in the American context. It intertwined with and reinforced very well Mennonite nonresistance and Mennonite insistence on practical applications of faith to life. I am not saying the "Quickening" generation lost the emphasis entirely. Yet, they did not get their gospel message and how to live put into one way of thinking. Suppose they had built a more activist, outreaching, proclaiming version of the faith, but on a foundation that still remembered the humility theology. I do believe that they would have put the Mennonite Church on a better footing for the twentieth century. That was the dilemma.
What of our present generation at the turn of the twenty-first century? Is humility theology even worth talking about? It seems quite foreign to our day and age. But then it was foreign also to the spirit of the America that took up the War of 1812, that ruthlessly pushed back the American Indians, and that embraced Jacksonian democracy.
Moreover, today we have one further obstacle to overcome: the personality theories of current pop psychology books found even in many Christian bookstores. From pop psychology's point of view humility theology is very bad. A strong idea of pop psychology is to not suppress the individual spirit. The assumption is that we violate the personality if we ask persons to be humble or submissive. Pop psychology says we should encourage people to assert themselves. Well, I do believe that an emphasis on humility can be very damaging. This is especially true if it is imposed unjustly from the outside by some people who have power on other people who do not. It can easily be misused. In those cases it can be devastating to the human spirit and to the kind of shalom that God wills for each of us. This misuse is what gives pop psychology its appeal.
So if our generation wants to take humility theology seriously, we face some real roadblocks. First, we live in a culture which has another model of what persons ought to be. We still have the old dilemma the Mennonite reformers of exactly a hundred years ago faced. How do we express humility and at the same time be active and assertive in proclaiming the gospel? It is a challenge, but one I suggest is well worth taking up. I would be most happy if in 2004 (200 years after the publication of Burkholder's book) a new Christian Burkholder would arise, or maybe if some Italian-American or Hispanic-American Mennonite, or even better yet a third-world Mennonite would write a new humility address and get a new humility discussion going. §
Schlabach is retired from teaching American history at Goshen College. Burrowed in at the archives, he is currently writing a biography of Guy Hershberger.
This article is an edited transcript of Schlabach's address given at the annual meeting of the Mennonite Historical Association of the Cumberland Valley, November 19, 1996. It was originally published in the Conococheague Mennonist, the association's newsletter (Vol. V, No. 1, January 1997).
************************
A Petition to the President in a Time of War
America is at war-once again. This time President Bush has declared war on terrorism, an enemy more elusive than clearly bordered nations. Unlike the divisive Vietnam War, most Americans approve of the current military action, Mennonites among them. How can Christians, who want to maintain a legacy of nonviolence, respond to the new wave of patriotism?
A look at history can be instructive. We've been here before. In 1862, during the war America declared on itself, Mennonite bishop John M. Brenneman (1816-1895), Allen County Ohio, wrote a petition to President Abraham Lincoln. It is not clear that this classic statement on nonresistance ever reached Washington, but the petition was preserved, and later discovered by Wilmer D. Swope, Columbiana, Ohio.
Brenneman sent the petition with an accompanying letter to Jacob Nold (1765-1834, Columbiana County, Ohio). In the letter Brenneman wonders if too much confidence is being placed in the president. After all, he writes, even the president is "But a poor dying mortal like ourselves, and if we lean entirely upon him for help, I fear we would lean on a broken reed."-jes
(Allen County, Ohio)
August the 19th, 1862
A Petition to Mr. Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States:
We, the undersigned, heartily wish unto our most noble President grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father, and of the Lord Jesus Christ. May the good Lord abundantly bless the President with wisdom and knowledge from on high and enable him to rule this our great nation with prudence.
We would humbly pray the President not to consider us too burdensome by presenting to him this, our weak and humble petition, thereby humbly praying and beseeching him to take into consideration our sore distress.
We would herewith inform the President that there is a people, scattered and living mostly in the northern parts of the United States - Pennsylvania, Virginia, Ohio, Indiana-and some few in Illinois and Iowa - called Mennonites, who are greatly distressed at the present time on account of the war. As it is against their Confession of Faith and also against their conscience to take up arms therewith to destroy human life, the President must not mistake us to be secessionists or rebels against the government, as we are entirely free from that guilt.
The Mennonites are generally, as far as we know, in favor of, and wellwishers to, the Union. We greatly abhor the present rebellion against the Government, and the Mennonites would certainly be among the last to rebel against so good a government as that of the United States. We would say, that if any of our brethren should be found guilty of this rebellion or [of] aiding any of those who are engaged therein, then let them be dealt with as rebels. We would be far from holding such as brethren in our church. Would to God that we were all as clear from all guilt as we are of the present rebellion, or of being secessionists.
We consider it a great duty earnestly and heartily to pray for the President and for all who are in authority under him, that the Lord God might bless them in their administration and help and aid them in restoring peace and harmony again in our once-favored land, and in upholding the government - as we believe and acknowledge that government is an ordinance and institution of God, a power ordained by Him, to promote and establish good policy, rules, and laws among nations, in lands and in cities, and to be a terror to the evil and a praise to the good, and that thereby civility, morality, peace and concord be supported in the world, and without which the world that lieth in wickedness could not subsist.
It is therefore the unbounded duty of all faithful Christians to be subject to higher powers, not only for fear of punishment, but rather for conscience's sake, and to submit to those who have the rule over them, with due respect and reverence as good subjects to obey them in all the ordinances and laws of men that do not militate against the Word of God, and render to all their dues - tax, custom, and toll - with a ready mind and without murmuring and repining; also with humility of heart to make supplication, prayer, and intercession for all that are in authority, and thus implore God for the prosperity, welfare, and happiness of the land, the community, and the place of their residence.
And should it be that such Christians were, for [the sake of] the Word of God, persecuted by the Government, so as to forfeit their property or to suffer death, they would not be allowed (in the Mennonite Church) to calumniate, slander or defame, or with weapons of war to oppose or resist; but by faith to look up to God, to whom vengeance belongeth, and seek comfort of Him, and eternal blessings beyond the grave.
And in case the government will, from [i.e., in line with] Christian principles, allow freedom of conscience in all points to believers, so that they may worship God in their religious ordinances according to their truth and the voice of conscience; then they should be the more gratefully submissive and obedient - which we feel in duty bound to do, in all points that go not against the voice of conscience and the doctrines of Christ.
We therefore beseech our good President to favor us in this respect and not allow us to be forced or compelled to take up arms against our consciences, as we would thereby have to renounce our faith and break our promise to God, who alone has power over our consciences.
We sincerely hope and trust that the President and the Government will bear us with patience; as we would by no means wish to censure, judge, or condemn other denominations or Christian professors who differ from us in their faith and practice, leaving that between them and God to decide, as everyone must give an account of himself to God. We wish simply and sincerely with all our heart to do the will of God, our heavenly Father, as well as we can and know how, and as much as lieth in us to live peaceably with all mankind, but by no means to aid or uphold any in rebellion or wickedness.
We feel truly grateful and thankful to God and the Government, for the Christian privileges which have hitherto been granted to us in the United States, and we humbly pray God and the Government that the same might still be granted to us in the future, that we might still be allowed to exercise ourselves unmolested in the liberty of conscience, to worship our God agreeably to our feelings. Of this liberty we would most thankfully accept.
But we do by no means expect or ask to be entirely screened from the burden of the war. But we pray and beg for God's sake that the liberty may be granted us to pay a fine when drafted, instead of taking up arms. This privilege has been granted to the Mennonites heretofore, in the United States in time of war. Our brethren in Canada have also been exempt from military duties by paying an extra tax. So likewise in Europe they are generally allowed the same privilege. Our Mennonite brethren in Eastern Virginia have been taken by force by the rebels, some of them tied and loaded on wagons, and hauled off to the Rebel Army. But as they would not fight for them upon any conditions they were kept awhile as prisoners, and finally sent home by laying a heavy fine upon them, besides [an additional] two percent [tax] on all their property, as we have been informed. Now we have the confidence in our President and his officers that they are fully as kind and merciful (and we trust much more so) as they of the South.
We would not prescribe to the President how to deal with us. But we humbly pray and beseech him that upon some terms or other we may be allowed our religious liberty. Should it be deemed proper to lay an extra tax upon all of us and our sons as are considered fit subjects for military duties or so much percentage on all their property, we will not murmur or complain at all. We feel that we are dependent creatures: depending upon the mercy of God and also upon the mercy of the President and the governors.
We would also herewith promise to be liberal and charitable to those poor women and children whose husbands and fathers are gone to the army, if they are in needy circumstances; as we deem it especially incumbent upon all Christian professors to be kind-hearted to all the needy and helpless.
We hope and pray that the President will be so kind as to issue immediate orders to the several governors of those states wherein the Mennonites reside, instructing the governors to be favorably inclined to us poor creatures of the dust - especially to the governor of Ohio, as the Mennonites in Ohio seem to be in the most danger. By so doing the President would do us a great favor, never to be forgotten, and we hope and pray that God the judge of all the earth will richly reward him for the same, with an unfading crown of glory.
We are your humble servants, most respectfully.
May God bless the President with all needful blessings is our sincere prayer. Amen.
This petition is from the Jacob Nold Collection, Mennonite Church USA Archives-Goshen, Ind., and was first published in the Mennonite Historical Bulletin, October 1973, pp. 2-3.
********************************
John M. Brenneman (1816-95)
One of these leaders was John M. Brenneman of the Allen County community. Brenneman was born in Fairfield County, the son of Henry Brenneman who had migrated from Virginia in the early nineteenth century. Young Brenneman married Sophia Good in June of 1837, and shortly after this they united with the church. In 1844 he was ordained to the ministry and in 1849 he was ordained bishop. In 1855 he moved to Allen County, after living for seven years in Franklin County.
The remaining forty years of John M. Brenneman's life were years of remarkable activity for the welfare and prosperity of the church. Brenneman wrote, traveled, and evangelized. Every phase of the church's activities had his strong support. In 1863 while the Civil War was going on he wrote his first pamphlet on Christianity and War. It was due in good part to his vision that John F. Funk ventured to launch the Herald of Truth as a monthly periodical in 1864. He was a frequent contributor to the Herald, and his writings showed a burden for the doctrines of the church and a deep concern for gospel piety. His other pamphlets were in both German and English and were: Pride and Humility (1867), Plain Teachings (1876), Aufmunterung der Bussfertigen Sünder (1877), and Hope, Sanctification and Noble Determination (1893).'
Brenneman was an untiring traveler. His journeys were done at great personal sacrifice to his family of six sons and six daughters and at much sacrifice to his temporal affairs. It was John M. Brenneman who visited the small and struggling congregations throughout the Midwest, baptizing, preaching, counseling, and ordaining. On one occasion he took a train to Iowa to the end of the railroad, then rode eighty miles on a two-horse wagon and returned by another railroad. In 1869 he visited Pennsylvania with his brother George. En route he stopped in Holmes and Wayne counties. While in Pennsylvania he spent time in Conemaugh Township and Cambric County and was rewarded by good attendance at meetings. Important to note was the presence of Amish at some of his meetings. Concerning this he wrote:
I always rejoice to meet these brethren and sisters; they are generally yet so plain in their manner of dress and I must believe that if they preserve the same non-conformity to the world, or separation from it, in all other respects as they do in their manner of dress it will be well with them in the world to come. Oh! I wish that the beautiful and noble virtue of true humility might be more generally observed among us Mennonites.''
As noted above, Brenneman encouraged English preaching soon after coming to Allen County where he himself began to preach in English. As an itinerant preacher he was a forerunner to John S. Coffman and other evangelists whose movement swept over the church. Brenneman was an innovator of evening meetings and used his considerable influence to promote Sunday schools.
Brenneman was of a mild and serious disposition. Unfaithful members were a cause of "intense grief" to him and he pleaded with them "in tears." That such a man would have to face opposition may seem strange, but such was the case. Sometimes churches were locked against him and others like him. In such cases the preachers usually resorted to schoolhouses. Overflow crowds and marked attention finally won out and though the contest raged for a number of years Brenneman gained his point and came to old age with a remarkable record behind him. His last years found him with shaking palsy and he was ministerially inactive. When he died in 1895 John F. Funk officiated at his funeral and this "pillar, wise counsellor, unflinching advocate of gospel piety, a true, faithful, eloquent and consecrated servant of Cod" was laid to rest in the cemetery of the Salem Mennonite Church near Elida.'
On the 27th of February in Allen Co., O., very suddenly died in her chair, of paralysis of the heart, Sophia, wife of Bishop J.M. Brenneman, aged 67 years, 11 month and 4 days. Buried on the 28th, followed to the grave by many friends and relatives. Services were held by J.S. Coffman, of Elkhart, Ind., assisted by Th. Good. Sister Brenneman's maiden name was Good. She was married to J.M. Brenneman June 1837, with whom she lived over 45 years. They had 12 children, six sons and six daughters, of whom three sons and five daughters are yet living. Their grandchildren number 34 of whom 26 are living. She was a faithful member of the Mennonite Church upwards of 40 years.
The day before her death she was cheerful and lively and was one of the number to surround the table at the evening meal and ate her supper as usual. Before going to bed she was asked by one of the family how she felt, to which she replied very well. About one o'clock in the night she felt some uneasiness and called to her son Levi to make fire. She then got up and seated herself in her chair, but felt her strength rapidly sinking. The remainder of the family residing with her, were quickly aroused from their sleep to see mother die. Her daughter Anna hasted to assist her but saw she was breathing her last, calling on the name of Jesus. The daughter clasped her in her arms calling to mother, but heard only a few short breaths and she was gone. In about 30 minutes from the time of her first uneasiness she had passed away.
She was troubled with rheumatic pain more or less for 10 years. She suffered much both in body and mind and was much concerned about the future welfare of her children and grand children. Frequently while lying on her bed in the dark silent hours of night, she breathed sighs and prayers in their behalf, while they lay in sweet repose. Such was the love for them all. It seems that she was able to realize to some extent that her prayers were not all in vain, for both father and mother by their united efforts and prayers had the pleasure to behold all their children engaged in the service of the Lord. May God help that both children and grandchildren may imitate this pious devoted grandmother. She was always ready to give wise counsel and friendly admonitions to all around her. But now, what a change when we go to the parental home for a mother's counsel! We behold grandfather sad and lonely and bending over the grave. The place and chair in the room formerly occupied by mother is vacant; those smiles and expressions of welcome are seen there no more; those blessed eyes that were always ready to look upon our wants are closed forever; those hands that were always ready to administer to our wants, and to wipe the tears from the eyes of the little ones, are now motionless; that tongue that was wont to give us the wisest counsel is now silent, an we are made to feel sad. But let us be thankful to God that we need not mourn as those who have no hope. Grandmother has left us with all the necessary evidences that she is gone to rest, gone to be freed from all her sorrows and troubles, gone where she can praise our heavenly Father more perfectly, gone to be glad with those for whom we saw her weep as they were lowered in the grave, gone to be with Jesus forever. Let us then be comforted and tell all our sorrows to Jesus, and ask him in fervent prayer to help us so to live that when it is our time to die we too may go in peace and strike glad hands with those who have gone before. Let us think of the joyful time when we shall meet grandmother in heaven.
"Grandmother sleeps her last sleep in the cold silent grave,
Relieved from her suffering and pain;
Her spirit returned to its God from whence it came,
Where pleasures eternal remain.
She is missed by her family, in her vacant chair,
A grandmother so kind and so true;
She is missed by connections and friends everywhere,
The penitent ones left behind."
C.B. BRENNEMAN.
**********************
From Allen Co. OH GenWeb page: In March 1853 George Brenneman (1821 -1889) decided to leave the hills and poor farming land of Fairfield County for the level stretches of the Black Swamp. Settling in Putnam County, about a mile west of the later village of Rimer and several miles northwest of Sugar Creek Township (Allen County), he purchased two heavily wooded tracts. Before he could farm he needed to burn large quantities of walnut logs and other hardwoods.
George was born in Rush Creek Township in Fairfield County and married Anna Burkholder of Knox County, Ohio and earlier of Rockingham County, Virginia. He was chosen by lot and ordained minister by Henry Stemen in 1849 at Rush Creek. Bishop Stemen may have invited both Brenneman to Allen County because he was looking for a successor. Stemen was already 78. Brenneman was scarcely settled when he was nominated to go through the lot for bishop. George was selected and ordained near his 33rd birthday in the spring of 1854.
Brenneman proved to be an able minister and bishop but he was overshadowed by his oldest brother John M. Brenneman who came shortly thereafter. George Brenneman is described as a strict disciplinarian, an earnest Christian, a man of deep conviction and indomitable will, who may not always have exercised the greatest of tact. He and his wife loved company and had many warm friends. Their fireside often rang with hearty laughter.
Clearing forests was rugged physical work. Lack of fences allowed livestock to roam. On one occasion George Brenneman tied a bell on a cow before turning the herd loose. For several weeks they failed to return. Finally, in response to a newspaper advertisement, a letter arrived from Bellefontaine, Ohio, nearly halfway back to Fairfield County, stating that they were in the vicinity. Apparently, they had become homesick for their old home at Fairfield!
**********************
BRENNEMAN - George Brenneman who was born in Rush Creek township, Fairfield county, O., on the 11th day of May, 1821. On the 3d of December, 1840, he united in marriage with Anna Burkholder, of Knox county, who survives him. He was the father of ten children, five of whom are still living. Some time after his marriage Bro. Brenneman and his wife both united with the Mennonite church, in Fairfield county, where they were at that time residing. In 1849 he was chosen and ordained to the ministry. In the spring of 1854 he removed, with his family, to Putman county, on the place where he resided to his death. In the same spring (1854) he was chosen and ordained to the office of bishop, which office he filled to the time of his death. He died on the 13th of May, aged 68 years and 3 days, manifesting unto the end and strong and confiding faith in Christ. When asked regarding his hopes of eternal life, he replied that he was perfectly resigned to the will of God, and that whenever it was the will of God to call him he was willing to go. At one time when in the night after he was engaged in prayer to God in deep contrition of heart, he saw before him a white path and Jesus standing at the farther end smiling toward him. When his older brother, also very feeble, came to see him on the Sunday before his death, he asked him regarding his hopes of the future he said, "They are as bright as ever." He was buried on the 15th, on which occasion funeral services were conducted by John F. Funk, of Elkhart, Ind., from 2 Tim. 4:6-8. A large concourse of friends were present. The loss sustained by his death is deeply felt by the sorrowing companion and children, as well as by the church for which he ministered so long; but their loss is his eternal gain. May a kind heavenly Father grant us grace to hold out faithful unto the end, and at last to enter into the rest remaining for the people of God, and there to meet those "Not lost, but gone before."
A Brief Synopsis of the Author's Biography
The author of this booklet was born near Bremen, Fairfield County, Ohio, June 8th in the year of Our Lord, 1834. he was converted to God by a blessed experience and concious realization of his acceptance with God and that there is now therefore no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, in his 22nd year, joined the Mennonite Church, was married to Susanna Keagy in Augusta County, Virginia, was ordained to the ministry of the gospel--all within less than one year's time. After living in Ohio some six years, he removed with wife and three children to Elkhart County, Indiana, during the Civil War in which county he has resided ever since, and at the time being (1911) has his residence in Goshen, Indiana.
**************************
Brenneman.--Daniel Brenneman was born in Fairfield Co., Ohio, June 8, 1834; died of apoplexy at his residence in Goshen, Ind., Sept. 10, 1919; aged 85 y. 2 m. 2 d. He was the son of Henry (1791-1866), who was the son of Abraham (1743-1815), who was the son of Melchior, a native of Switzerland and one of the first settlers of Lancaster County, Pa., where he found an asylum from religious persecution. Daniel Brenneman was reared in a God-fearing home and in his early years accepted Christ and united with the church of his fathers, that of the Mennonite faith. In the year 1857 he was ordained to the ministry, and for sixty-two years it has been his chief delight to declare the unsearchable riches of Christ. In 1874 he became one of the founders of what is now denominated the Mennonite Brethren in Christ Church. On March 22, 1857, he was united in marriage to Susannah Keagy, of Augusta County, Virginia to which union were born five sons and five daughters, all of whom are still living. In 1864 he removed from Fairfield Co., Ohio to Elkhart Co., Ind., where he has resided ever since, making him the oldest Mennonite minister in the county. His companion died eleven years ago, after fifty-one years of wedded life. A few years later he was married to Della Troyer, who survives him. The funeral on Friday P. M. was one of the largest ever held in Goshen, in consequence of which it was held in the Brethren Church. The services were conducted by Eld. S. Lambert and J. F. Funk, assisted by Elds. C. K. Curtis and A. B. Yoder, after which the remains were laid to rest by the side of his companion in Oak Ridge cemetery.
T. H. Brenneman
Transcribed by Barbara Fink, Florida
****************************
REV. DANIEL BRENNEMAN
For many years this worthy gentleman has ministered to the spiritual wants of his fellow-man, and his career has ever been honorable and upright. He first saw the light of day in Fairfield county, Ohio, June 8, 1834, and is a son of Henry and Barbara (Beery) Brenneman. Henry Brenneman was born in, Virginia, November 1, 1791, and his parents, Abraham and Magdalene (Shenk) Brenneman, were natives of Pennsylvania and of German extraction. Abraham Brenneman was born about the year 1743, and was a son of Melchior Brenneman, who was a native of Switzerland and who came to America about the year 1709. He was among the first settlers of Lancaster county, Penn., and was there married to Miss Anna Good. He entered land from the Government, followed farming all his life, and was a member of the Mennonite Church. Abraham Brenneman was married to Miss Reif, and was an early settler of Rockingham county, Va. He settled on a farm and there reared a family of fourteen children, two others having died in infancy, having had eight by each wife, being married the second time to Miss Magdalene Shenk, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1769. Abraham died in Virginia in 1815, of camp fever. His wife survived him until May, 1851, her death occurring in Fairfield county, Ohio. They were also members of the Mennonite Church, and in pioneer days services were frequently held in their house. The youngest son of Abraham, named David, died in 1892 in Allen county, Ohio, at the advanced age of eighty-seven years. Henry Brenneman, the father of the subject of this sketch, was the eldest son of Abraham Brenneman by the second wife, and his early life was spent on a farm in his native State, Virginia. There he was married, August 8, 1815, to Miss Barbara Beery, who was born August 3, 1797, in Rockingham county, Va., and the daughter of George and Susanna (Funk) Beery, who afterward settled in Fairfield county, Ohio, where they passed the closing scenes of their lives. In 1816 Henry Brenneman removed to the Buckeye State, settled in Fairfield county, and was one of the earliest settlers of the county. He entered 160 acres of land and on this the family lived for many years. His death occurred on this farm. He followed milling on an extensive scale for a number of years, operating a grist and saw-mill, and was quite successful in this occupation. In March, 1838, the smallpox entered his home and his wife and two of his children fell victims to this dreadful disease. To his marriage were born these children: John, Susanna, George (died at the age of sixty-eight years), Anna, Catherine (deceased), Abraham (deceased), Henry (deceased), and Daniel, the subject of this sketch. After the death of Mrs. Brenneman Mr. Brenneman was married to Miss Esther Good, a native of Virginia, and one child was the result of this union : Magdalene. About one year after marriage Mrs. Brenneman died, and Mr. Brenneman married Miss Anna Rodehefer, a native of Virginia. Her death occurred August 17, 1859. Three sons of Henry Brenneman, John, George and Daniel, were ministers of the Mennonite Church, the two former being bishops. Daniel Brenneman was reared on a farm in his native county, and received a limited education in the common schools, attending school taught in the primitive log school-house of pioneer days. Mr. Brenneman was married in Augusta county, Va., March 22, 1857, to Miss Susanna Kagey, who was born May 18, 1839, in Augusta county, Va., and the daughter of John and Barbara (Miller) Kagey, the parents natives of Virginia, where they passed their entire lives. After marriage Mr. Brenneman settled in his native county and there made his home until 1864, when he moved with his family to Elkhart County, Ind. In this county he has since resided, a portion of the time in Bango township, and the remainder of the time mostly in Jefferson township. He settled on the farm where he now resides in February, 1883, and is the owner of 148 acres. He and Mrs. Brenneman are members of the Mennonite Church, and Mr. Brenneman has been a minister of that denomination since 1857. He was married, converted, baptized and ordained to the ministry in less than a year. At the present time he is on the Goshen circuit. He was the originator of the church organ, the Gospel Banner, established in July, 1878, and it was published at Goshen until 1885, when it was removed to Berlin, Ont. At present there is an English and German edition of the paper. In 1874 Mr. Brenneman was expelled from the Old Mennonite Church for holding class meetings and protracted meetings, this not conforming with the old church customs. He was constrained to follow his convictions on these points, and, as a result, a new organization was formed in conjunction with a few other ministers who had been expelled for the same cause. This new organization is known as the Mennonite Brethren in Christ, and is becoming quite numerous, not only in this country, but in Canada. To Mr. and Mrs. Brenneman have been born ten children, as follows : Mary M., music and school teacher; Timothy H., printer by trade; John S., printer by trade, now working in Red Wing, Minn.; Josiah M., painter at Elkhart; Rhoda K., a school teacher since 1883; Martha A.; Naoma S., music teacher; Daniel J.; Phoebe P. and Mahlon M. In politics Mr. Brenneman is a Prohibitionist.
Timothy H. Brenneman, eldest son of Daniel, was born September 20, 1860, and remained on the farm assisting his father until eighteen years of age, when he entered the office of the Goshen Times, and there learned the printer's trade, at which he worked about nine years. He edited the Gospel Banner at Goshen from 1882 to 1885, being elected to that position by the General Conference of the newly organized church above referred to. At the expiration of that time the paper was removed to Berlin, Ont., and he resigned the position. He has since spent two years in the office at Berlin. Mr. Brenneman was married September 23, 1883, to Miss Laura Dalrymple, a native of Elkhart county, born January 15, 1860, and the daughter of Joseph and Eliza (Albin) Dalrymple, who were among the pioneers of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Brenneman are members of the Mennonite Church. In politics he is a Prohibitionist and cast his first presidential vote for John P. St. John, he being among the ninety-six Prohibitionists who voted at that election in Elkhart county. Mr. Brenneman has a comfortable home in Jefferson township and fourteen acres of land. He raises fruit and vegetables for market. To his marriage have been born three children : Jesse L., Ruth V. and Naomi.
SOURCE: Pictorial and Biographical Memoirs of Elkhart and St. Joseph Counties, Indiana : Together with Biographies of Many Prominent Men of Northern Indiana and of the Whole State, Both Living and Dead.
***********************************
Daniel Brenneman, son of Henry Brenneman, and great-grandson of Melchior Brenneman, a Mennonite exile from Switzerland who was one of the first settlers of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania (1717), was born 8 June 1834, near Bremen, Fairfield County, Ohio. In 1838 his mother, a brother, and a sister died of smallpox, and he himself narrowly escaped. He was raised on the farm and attended the local school. He was converted in 1856 and soon after joined the Mennonite Church (MC). On 22 March 1857 he was married to Susannah Keagy of Augusta County, Virginia. To this union 10 children, 5 sons and 5 daughters, were born. The youngest daughter, Phoebe (Mrs. C. F. Snyder), was a missionary to China, 1904-1941. The oldest son, Timothy, was editor of the Gospel Banner (Mennonite Brethren in Christ), 1882-1885. In 1864 he moved to Elkhart County, Indiana, where he lived until his death in 1919. In March 1908 he lost his wife after 51 years of married life. In April 1910 he was married to Delia Troyer, who survived him.
From his youth Daniel Brenneman expected to be a minister. His father was a godly man who exerted a great and good influence over him. In 1857 Daniel was chosen by lot and ordained to the ministry in the Mennonite Church in Fairfield County, Ohio. As time went on, he became a vigorous speaker and was considered one of the ablest among Mennonite preachers. He traveled extensively and was eagerly listened to wherever he went. He was noted for his progressive views and early in his ministry began to preach in English. In 1872 he with J. F. Funk conducted the first continued or revival meetings ever held in the Mennonite Church in the United States, at Masontown, Pennsylvania.
Gradually Brenneman became involved in the controversy between the progressive and conservative elements of the church, and in 1874, about 10 years after he located in Elkhart County, he found himself unable to remain with his denomination, having been excommunicated for disagreement with the church over methods of work. Together with Solomon Eby of Ontario he organized the Reformed Mennonites, a group that later became part of the Mennonite Brethren in Christ church (later the United Missionary Church).
In 1876 Brenneman compiled and published a hymnbook, The Balm of Gilead. In July 1878 he began publishing the Gospel Banner, which became the official organ of the church. He served as editor and publisher until October 1882. For two years (1883-1884) he edited and published the Youth's Monitor, a religious monthly paper for young people and children.
For 63 years he was a faithful herald of the Gospel. During his lifetime the Indiana and Ohio Conference, which he organized, grew to include some 1,700 members. He served for many years as a pastor, and for 12 years as Presiding Elder, in the latter capacity doing the work that later required two men. He was a member of the first seven General Conferences of the Mennonite Brethren in Christ Church, and during his entire career he never missed an annual conference.
Brenneman retained his mental alertness to the end. His travels extended from Virginia to California and through Canada, and his ministry was abundant both in sowing and the reaping. He reached the ripe old age of 85, dying on 10 September 1919. His body was interred in the Oak Ridge (City) cemetery, Goshen, Indiana. The Brenneman Memorial Church (Missionary Church) in Goshen is named after him.
SOURCE: Storms, Everek R. "Brenneman, Daniel (1834-1919)." Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. 1953. Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. Retrieved 19 August 2009 <http://www.gameo.org/encyclopedia/contents/B74215.html>
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Gospel Banner (24 September 1919): 13.
Huffman, J. A. History of the Mennonite Brethren in Christ Church. New Carlisle, OH, 1920: Ch. V.
Journal of the Indiana-Ohio Conference (Mennonite Brethren in Christ) (1920): 23-24.
Kauffman, Daniel. Mennonite cyclopedic dictionary: a compendium of the doctrines, history, activities, literature, and environments of the Mennonite Church, especially in America. Scottdale, PA: Mennonite Publishing House, 1937: 39.
Wenger, John C. Mennonite Historical Bulletin (July 1948): 1.
***********************
BRENNEMAN MEMORIAL MISSIONARY CHURCH (GOSHEN, INDIANA, USA)
Brenneman Memorial Missionary Church, Goshen, Indiana, was organized in January 1879, under the leadership of Daniel Brenneman, the founder of the Mennonite Brethren in Christ Church, and in whose memory the Goshen church was named. The church moved to the corner of Eighth and Jefferson streets in 1925, where a new meetinghouse had been constructed the previous year. The building was enlarged in 1944 to make possible the seating of 400. Its 1952 membership was 339. The church is now located at 61115 State Road 15, Goshen.
Ray P. Pannabecker was serving as its pastor in 1952. From 1943 to 1947 the congregation sent out five of its young people as foreign missionaries, all of whom were being supported by the Brenneman Memorial Church.
SOURCE: Geiger, Kenneth. "Brenneman Memorial Missionary Church (Goshen, Indiana, USA)." Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. 1953. Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. Retrieved 19 August 2009 <http://www.gameo.org/encyclopedia/contents/B7424.html>
As we the cherished relatives of Mother Brenneman (as she was want to be called) look upon her unassuming and unpretentious countance of her once eager face, many pleasant remembrances of her past life of sympathy and kindly dealings toward all with whom she had to do, are vivdly brought to bear upon our minds, and as we have calmly laid her away to await the final reunion of the Saints of God at the coming of our Lord, it is to us a consoling thought to know that "Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord, from henceforth, yea saith the Spirit that they may rest from their labors and their works do follow them."
Susannah Keagy Brenneman was born in Augusta County, Virginia, May 18., 1839 and died in Goshen, Indiana, March 25, 1908.
***************************
Brenneman. - At Goshen, Ind., Mar. 25, 1908, of pneumonia, after an illness of seven days, Susanna Keagy, wife of Eld. D Brenneman, departed this life; aged 68y. 10m. 7d. She embraced Christ in her youth, whom she faithfully served to the end of lifeís pilgrimage, and died in the triumphs of an unwavering faith in Jesus, enduring her brief suffering in great patience, without a murmuring word, and never a doubt as to the evidence of her acceptance with God, appeared to overshadow her mind for a moment. Near her end she offered several very earnest and fervent prayers. The unmistakable evidence of her entrance into the glorious mansion above is a legacy far superior to anything, or all else, that might have been given to her relatives and friends who survive her. She was the mother of ten children, five sons and five daughters, who with her husband all survive her, she being the first one to be called to break the family circle. Her mortal remains were borne to their silent resting place in Oak Ridge cemetery, March 27, after an impressive service at the Mennonite Church, in Goshen, held by the brethren Huffman, Moore, Royer and Curtis, with appropriate songs. the last chapter of Proverbs was read. Text, II Cor. 5:1. "Asleep in Jesus, oh, how sweet, To be for such a slumber meet."
David Brenneman bought ½ section, 240 acres Aug. 18, 1848 at $1.25 per acre. It was all heavily wooded.
He married Leah Stemen April 5, 1859. Their home was located on Peltier Road, just north of State Road. When the house was torn down there was the original log house enclosed on the back southeast side. It was approximately 10' x 15' with a little cellar dug at one end. It hasn't been gone too many years.
Submitted by Joan (Brenneman) Thoman:
Pioneer Dead
David Brenneman passed away at his home near Scott's Crossing.
Feb 14, 1895. Again death has claimed another of our pioneers. This time the messenger calls to that haven of rest Mr. David Brenneman, Sr., of Marion Township. Mr. Brenneman was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, September 18, 1826. He united in marriage with Miss Leah Stemen, April 5, 1849. His death was caused by dropsy.
In the death of Mr. Brenneman, we lose a good neighbor and Marion township one of the most worthy and honorable citizens. He came to this country in the early days, and by his energy, hard labor and economy succeeded in gaining possession of what is now one of the most productive and beautiful farms in our township. The deceased united with the Mennonite church in 1853, to which he remained faithful until his death. He expressed a desire to be at rest, and partake of the blessings which none but the righteous can inherit. Mr. Brenneman possessed a full measure of charity, always with ready hand helping the poor and needy. He was a well to do farmer, and many of our farmers who survive him owe their prosperity to him, through his willingness to relieve them of their financial embarrassments. The funeral was held at the Salem Mennonite Church, and conducted by Rev. Brunk yesterday, and the body interred in the cemetery at that place. It was largely attended by friends and neighbors. Our sympathy is extended to the bereaved wife and friends, who mourn the loss of a wise counselor.
From the Gospel Herald
BRENNEMAN. - David Brenneman was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, September the 13th, 1826, and died February the 11th, 1895, aged 68 years, 4 months and 28 days. He was united in matrimony to Leah Stemen on the 5th of April, 1849. To this union were born five children, of which one son and three daughters survive him, one son having died in infancy. He had eight grandchildren, all living but one, which died in infancy. He was a loving husband, a kind and affectionate father. He united with the Mennonite church about the year 1853, and has since lived a faithful and consistent Christian. He was one of the pioneers of Allen Co., Ohio, having lived in the county for about 41 years. He was highly respected by all who knew him, and we fell that our loss is his eternal gain. His remains were laid to rest in the Salem burying-ground. Funeral services by D. S. Brunk and C. B. Brenneman, to a well-filled house from 1 Cor. 15: 55.
"Oh, the bliss of loved ones resting
By the crystal river bright;
'Neath the shades of trees immortal,
Where no shadows dim the light;
Resting, resting, sweetly resting,
Where no shadows dim the light."
written by Lauren Nordeen:
H.C. Brenneman was a Mennonite. Mennonites are against war so he left his Ohio home and went to Canada for the duration of the Civil War. After the war, he went home for a while, then to Iowa where there were relatives. It was too cold there so he headed south to Missouri, Sedalia area, to look at land. Land was "too rough and the people rougher", this was a quote from a diary he kept. Diary was lost by Elma Redd who had borrowed it from J.E. Brenneman.
By 1868 he was in Ray Co. at Martin Brenneman's a cousin. He went with Martin B. to Carrollton Mo. in 1868 to meet the George W. Hogan family. Train only went that far. He bought the land he owned for all his life in Carroll Co. Egypt township. All of that land is still owned by three of his grandson's families. Was married to Elizabeth Witcher Dec. 1870. he wrote in the diary of going to see Elizabeth at her home. Had been a store Bldg at the town of New Winchester which was just north of the old house. They had 6 children but 1 died at 18 mos. Elizabeth grieved for him until the day she died.
He was a good farmer and stockman. Made money raising calves and hogs. They always had a great garden. Much fruit. Some old pear trees were still in the lower part of the garden. Many trees that he set out are still there. Coffee bean trees, 1 hard maple that he brought from Ohio, his home place. He and my grandmother loved to travel. Made many trips to Ohio to see his relatives. Then several to Pullman Wash. where their daughter Ona and family lived. After he died, my grandmother went on train to Ohio alone. How she managed changing trains I don't know. He had always done those things. When they went they took 2 big trunks and several valises.
Mr. Brenneman was a successful farmer and stock raiser in Carroll Co., Mo. Of him it was said that he was honest and kind, and, of his gentlemanly qualities, all who came in contact with him readily testified. He was a devout Christian who showed his faith by his works. He was a member of the Church of Christ. Henry Christian and Elizabeth Brenneman are buried in the Liberty Church Cemetery near Norborne, Mo._by_her_mother__Children_are_Lindsays_from_Washington_State_.jpg "H & E Brenneman, (1850 KB)
seated: Mr. and Mrs. Henry Brenneman; standing in back their daughter Maud, son-in-law Jim Lindsay daughter Ona (Leona) by her mother. Children are Lindsays from Washington State.
(Click on Picture to View Full Size)")
"Farewell, my earthly husband dear,
I'm loth to go and leave you here;
Yet, since our God doeth all things well,
We'll be resigned to his good will.
"Our children dear who still are here,
Admonish oft in love sincere;
Teach them to love that Savior kind,
Who came to be the sinner's Friend."
************************
LINES
Written on the death of Elizabeth Brenneman, who died Feb. 27, 1886, by J.S.
_______
We miss you dear mother and silently weep
To think that you are gone, that you're fallen asleep;
We feel, O, so lonely since you are not here,
And have learned since you're gone home how we loved you so dear.
We wonder that while you were with us in life,
We knew not your value as mother and wife,
That we were not more careful to show you our love,
And help you to work for that fair home above.
We trust through God's grace who has called us so loud,
We'll not soon forget the grave and the shroud,
But will set our affections on things upon high,
And ever remember that we too must die.
Dear Savior, we pray thee to hear our complaints,
And make us all worthy to dwell with the saints;
Oh grant that we gladly thy voice may obey,
Though trials and crosses may lie in our way.
Help us to rejoice in the hope which we have,
That we by thy grace at last may be saved.
That with dear mother in heaven may share,
The joys thou hast gone for thy "friends" to prepare.
"Oh, the hope, the blissful hope
Which Jesus' grace has given
The hope when days and years are past
We all may meet in heaven."
"Dearest sister thou hast left us,
Here thy loss we deeply feel,
But tis God that has bereft us
He can all our sorrows heal."
4 children
# Event: 1860 Census Age 0022
# Event: 1880 Census Age 0041
# Event: 1900 Census Age 0061
# Event: 1910 Census Age 0072
# Occupation: Farm Laborer 1860 Juniata, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, USA Page 8 Stamped Page 352 Family 51
# Event: Father's Birthplace Pennsylvania, USA
# Occupation: Farmer 1880 McConnellstown, Juniata, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, USA ED 194 Page 29 Family 51
# Event: Mother's Birthplace Pennsylvania, USA
# Occupation: Teamster 1900 Huntingdon, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, USA ED 91 Sheet 14A Family 316
# Occupation: Own income 1910 Huntingdon, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, USA ED 67 Sheet 14B Family 353
# Event: 1860 Census Age 0024
# Event: 1870 Census Age 0034
# Census: 1860 Juniata, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, USA Page 8 Stamped Page 352 Family 51
# Census: 1870 Porter, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, USA Page 2 Family 8
# Event: 1860 Census Age 0020
# Event: 1880 Census Age 0039
# Event: 1900 Census Age 0059
# Occupation: Farmer 1860 Juniata, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, USA Page 8 Stamped Page 352 Family 51
# Occupation: Farmer 1880 Porter, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, USA ED 188 Page 2d Family 16
# Event: Father's Birthplace Pennsylvania, USA
# Occupation: Farmer 1900 Wilson, Greene, Missouri, USA ED 59 Sheet 10B Family 198
# Event: Mother's Birthplace Pennsylvania, USA
# Event: 1860 Census Age 0014
# Event: 1880 Census Age 0034
# Event: Father's Birthplace Pennsylvania, USA
# Event: 1900 Census Age 0053
# Event: 1910 Census Age 0064
# Event: Mother's Birthplace Pennsylvania, USA
# Census: 1860 Juniata, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, USA Page 8 Stamped Page 352 Family 51
# Occupation: Farmer 1880 Porter, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, USA ED 188 Page 2d Family 15
# Occupation: Farmer 1900 Porter, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, USA ED 77 Page 9B Family 188
# Occupation: Farmer 1910 Porter, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, USA ED 81 Page 13B Family 144
# Event: 1900 Census Age 0047
# Event: 1910 Census Age 0057
# Census: 1880 Porter, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, USA ED 188 Page 2d Family 15
# Census: 1900 Porter, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, USA ED 77 Page 9B Family 188
# Event: 1900 and 1910: 6, 5 living Children No. Born / Living
# Event: Father's Birthplace Pennsylvania, USA
# Census: 1910 Porter, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, USA ED 81 Page 13B Family 144
# Event: Mother's Birthplace Pennsylvania, USA
# Event: 1860 Census Age 0016
# Event: 1870 Census Age 0026
# Census: 1860 Juniata, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, USA Page 8 Stamped Page 352 Family 51
# Census: 1870 Porter, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, USA Page 2 Family 7
# Event: 1860 Census Age 0012
# Event: 1870 Census Age 0022
# Census: 1860 Juniata, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, USA Page 8 Stamped Page 352 Family 51
# Occupation: Farm Laborer 1870 Porter, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, USA Page 2 Family 7
Transcribed by Rose Burkholder, Ohio
