Subject: Adam ASH (Immigrant 1772) (96, 4G Grf); Johann Adam Esch

Source: __ ___ ____ Some of the notes incoporated with this family are from the web site and correspondence with Mary Ash; Descendants of Henry Ash Sr (web site), Mary Lowe Ash mhash@comteck.com, : RR2 Box 63 Peru IN 46970 - (765) 473-5913 (1999 info) http://www.familytreemaker.com/users/a/s/h/Mary-H-Ash/GENE10-0001.html.

Birth: 01 Mar 1744 Blessenbach, Hessen-Nassau, Preussen, Germany; His marriage record in Runkel states he is from Blessenbach. The Blessenbach register for the years 1742-1764 is missing, and it is assumed that his birth/Christening would be in it. His marriage record gives his father as Johan Henrich and there is only one man of that name in Blessenbach in that time period, and that man has children in a previous register from 1727-1740 so it is reasonable that Adam's birth would be recorded in the missing register - possibly with other siblings born after 1740.

Source: __ ___ ____ For a signature comparison, see Harrison Co. WV marriage book 2, page 113, bond of Eve Ash to Jacob Gain and book 2, page 342, Mary Ash to John Gains Junior and compare with the passenger list signature. Though his handwriting deteriorated, the way he signed Adam Esch is the same on all three.

Religion: __ ___ ____ Salem Reformed Church, Conocheque Township, Washington Co., Maryland; In Salem Reformed Church, records indicate that Henry and Adam attended that church.

Immigratn: 24 Dec 1772 Brig Morton Star, George Demster, Master, from Rotterdam, last from Cowes. On list is Johann Adam Esch. There is an actual signature in PA German Pioneers (by Straussberger, SLC 974.811 W3s), 3rd volume which is the facsimile signatures volume.

Military: __ ___ 1776 Chester Co., Pennsylvania; Book - West Virginians in The Revolution, page 19 [Evd 211].

Ash, Adam - Born in Germany in 1744, or in Holland: died May 1, 1819. Enlisted in 1776 in Captain Parker's company of Chester County, PA, militia, and again in 1781, in Captain George Ensol's company, Bedford County, PA militia. Probably married in Germany to Catherine Yost. Resided in Harrison County, VA after the Revolution. The children were Adam, Jr, Glovers Gap; John, Tyler County; Peter, Harrison County. [Unknown why the others were not listed. Need to check date of book and the death dates of the other children. Maybe these were the only children living at the time]. However, the Chester Co PA info is suspect as well as there was a different Esch family there.

Residence: __ ___ 1784 Bedford Co., Pennsylvania; In "Bedford County, Pennsylvania 1779 Tax List and 1784 Census":

"Henry Ash, Bethel Township (1784 Census) - 75 acres, 1 dwelling, 11 whites" This is probably the elder Henry. He would be about 44, and the younger Henry would be 24, too young for 10 or 11 children. There is no other evidence that the elder Henry lived in Bedford County, although many of the Revolutionary war veterans settled in Bedford County after the war. Adam Ash, listed in the same township, with one dwelling, 8 whites, 150 acres, 3 horses and 5 cattle. Adam Ash from Bedford County served in the war in the Maryland Militia. Adam and Henry purchased 200 acres together in Bedford County November 4, 1789. Part of the confusion may have involved the Mason-Dixon line. Though the land between Pennsylvania and Maryland was settled by Mason and Dixon earlier, the boundaries were not completely implemented until after the Revolutionary War.

Residence: 03 Feb 1789 Bethel Township, Bedford Co., Pennsylvania; (Evd 285) Militia rolls - In the PA Archives 6th series vol 3, starting on page 33 is "A list of the inhabitants of Bethel Township made subject by law to the performance of milita duty, taken by Peter Smith the 3rd, Feby 1789. Adam and Henry Ash are on this list. [Their neighbor George Hoopingarner of the land record are also on the list]. I also have from another book [not sure of title] the pages showing Adam in Captain Parker's company in 1776, but nothing with a 1781 date stated in other sources. And those other sources don't say anything about 1789, so the 1781 date is probably in error.

Deed: 04 Nov 1789 Bethel Township, Bedford Co., Pennsylvania; In Bedford Archives Volume 4, page 4: Original Warrants, Patents and Drafts filed at the Fulton County Courthouse, McConnellsburg, Bethel Township, Ash, Adam and Henry. The contents are as follows (warrant #87):

"Whereas Henry Ash and Adam Ash of the County of [not filled in] hath requested to take up two hundred acres of land, including an improvement adjoining George Hoopingarner* on the south, Wm. Layton on the east, Adam Smith on the North and John Whipkies Estate on the west in Bethel Township in the County of Bedford (provided the land is not within the sast purchase made of the Indians) for which he agrees to pay, immediately, into the office of the Receiver General, for the use of this State, at the rate of Ten Pounds per hundred acres, in gold, silver, paper money of this State, or certificates; agreeable to an act of Assembly, passed the first day of April, 1784: Interest to commence from the first day of October 1779. These are, therefore, to authorize and require you to survey, or cause to be surveyed, unto the said Henry Ash and Adam Ash at the place aforesaid, according to the method of Townships appointed, the said quantity of acres, if not already surveyed, or appropriated, and to make return thereof into the Secretary's Office, in order for confirmation; for which this shall be your Warrant. In witness whereof his Excellency Thomas Mifflin, Esq., President of the Supreme Executive Council, hath hereunto set his hand, and caused the left Seal of the Said Commonwealth to be affixed, the fourth Day of November in the Year 1789."

[Kathryn's Evd 161] - On reverse of document it says "Ret 9 Mar 1848". I also made notes from backup documents regarding this land [Evd 661]. "Color" only, doesn't provide any further information. Need to check out these neighbors. *There is a George Hopengartner who arrived 2 Nov 1752 on Phoenix from Rotterdam last from Portsmouth.

Census1790: __ ___ 1790 Bedford Co., Pennsylvania; (Evd 136) shows Adam Ash with one male over 16, five males under 16, and six females. Next door is Hendrey Ash with 1 male over 16, four males under 16, and one female. This would most likely be his nephew, son of brother Henry.

Residence: __ ___ 1798 Christian ASH (48, 3G Grf) (1772-1842); Harrison Co., West Virginia; Tax lists [Evd 135] - Three lists for Benjamin Bartlett's district in Harrison County (West) Virginia. 1798 shows Adam Ash-3, Christian Ash with no number. 1799 shows the same information. And 1800 shows, with no numbers, Adam Ash, Henry Ash, Adam Ash [another one], and Christian Ash.

Deed: 31 Jan 1801 Bethel Township, Bedford Co., Pennsylvania; said tract was surveyed in pursuance of a warrant dated 5th March 1788 granted to Thomas McKinney who by deed conved the same to William Layton and the said William Layton by deed dated 25th July 1795 conveyed the same to the above named Christopher Layton and enrolled in the Rolls Office in Patent Book 43 page 272 the 6th day of September 1800 a reffernece [sic] therto being had may free and at large appear. [For now, I'm leaving out lengthy description of land, may add it in later]; Bedford Co PA Deed Book R pg 16 SLC 331381, My Evd # 1448.

Deed: 11 Feb 1801 Bethel Township, Bedford Co., Pennsylvania; [Land sold] - This indenture made this eleventh day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundren and one and twenty fifthe of Americas Independance between Adam Ash of Harrison County and Commonwealth of Virginia on the one part and Jacob Coffman of the County of Washington and state of Maryland of the other part. Witnesseth the said Adam Ash for and in consideration of the sum of two hundred pounds currant money of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to him in hand paid by the said Jacob Coffman, the receipt... [leaving out some of it] certain tract of land situated on the waters of Tonolway Creek in Wips Cove in Bethel Township Bedford County of Commonweath of Pennsylvania being a part of a larger tract called White Oaks Bottom containing 299 acres and 60 percent and allowance of 6 percents... [then repeats much of the info in deed when bought]. Witnesses by Andrew Mann Jr and Joseph Mann and Adam's wife is not mentioned.

Deed: 21 Jul 1806 Harrison Co., West Virginia; There are several land entries in the grantor & grantee indexes [Evd 1011] in Harrison County, but the most important to me is in Deed book 6 page 166 dated 21 Jul 1806 [Evd 1012]. At some point in time, the originals of the early deed books were transcribed into typescript and then destroyed, which is a shame because it might have given us an original signature to compare with a passenger list signature. But there is an important clue where the "signature" is. Underneath the name Adam Ash is the phrase "Wrote in Duch." Duch would be the mis-spelling of Deutch which means German.

Death: 01 May 1819 Gregory's Run, Harrison Co., West Virginia.

Burial: __ ___ ____ Private Property, Gregory's Run, Harrison Co., West Virginia.
Tombstone says: Adam Ash Died May 1, 1819 Aged 75 Yrs 2 Ms.
Oct 1999 owners of property are Robert & Ruth Flanigan. The mailing address of property is RR4 Box 278-A, Clarksburg WV 26301 phone 304-783-5128. Harold Davisson, who lives in brick house just south of where Adam is buried, is the relative who put up a modern tombstone.

Probate: 09 Feb 1822 Harrison Co., West Virginia; From Harrison Co WV Will book 4 [Evd 1419] - Adam Ash Deceased settlement [with my comments in square brackets]. I have the whole appraisement as well [Evd 160], but this part proves the heirs, (including that Christopher was also known as Christian), so I separated it out as a separate source.
    Pursuant to an order of the county court of Harrison County Daniel Morris and Dempsey P Carrol, two of the commissioners appointed by said court after having all documents & testimony produced before us, by the administrators & heirs of Adam Ash decd, make the following report.
    Upon a full settlement of the estate of Adam Ash decd, it proved to the commissioners that after the payment of all debts due by said Adam that the widows dower amounts to $254.44 that there is due Christian Ash as heir to Adam Ash, including the other heirs after deducting what he already recd of said estate - $52.77.
To William Tucker as above [dau Margaret's husband] $69.52.
To Jacob Coon [dau Elizabeth's husband] [no amount].
To Adam Ash [son] [no amount].
To John Wilson do [do=ditto] [dau Catherine's husband] $60.52.
To John Gain do [dau Mary's husband] $62.52.
To Jacob Gain do [dau Eve's husband] $61.52.
To John Ash do $31.00.
To Peter Ash do $64.52.
To Conrad Ash do $44.52.
To Jacob Ash do $52.02.
Dempsey P Carrol & Daniel Morris ea $5.00 $10.00.
The above we submit as a full settlement as the debits and credits appear to us Febry the 9th 1822 - D Morris, D P Carroll.
We certify that this is a copy of the original settlement made in the year
1822. - D Morris, D P Carroll.

Source: __ ___ ____ Book - The George Morris Family of Ten Mile, With Genealogical Charts For Other Affiliated Families, A Story of The Pioneer Families of The Ten Mile Valley In Harrison County West Virginia by Ollie B Morris and Eva Ruth Morris copyright 1967. [my Evd 180] On page 294 there is a "diagram of the Adam Ash line of descent", and on page 111 are excellent pictures of Adam & Catherine's tombstones. On page 314 there are photos of Adam's son Peter (and his wife Catherine Wigner), and of Isaac P.R. Ash who was the son of Peter. Isaac's picture caption says that he is the "grandfather of Belva Swiger Ritter, the great grandfather of Elizabeth Swiger Meredith and of Meredith Price Wiswell, Huntington attorney. This is the branch of the Ash family which has the Lutheran Hymnal brought to America by Adam Ash and Catherine Yost Ash from Germany or Holland."

In the late 1980's, I talked with Meredith Wiswell [RN 7118, Code 96.8(10)311] about the Lutheran Hymnal [or prayer book] that had been passed down in his branch of the family. He said that the printing date on the hymnal was in the 1500's and that it is in German (no family info, just the book). He was unwilling to open it up and take a photograph of it, or get the exact date. [He said he has it all wrapped up in plastic; which, of course, is archivally detrimental, but there is nothing I can do about it.] But, the point is, that it is in German.

Father: Johann Heinrick ESCH (192, 5G Grf)

Marriage: 21 Mar 1770 Runkel, Hessen-Nassau, Preussen, Germany; See proof!

________________________________________________________________________

Spouse: Catharine YOST (Immigrant 1772) (97, 4G Grm); Marie Catharina Jost

Birth: __ ___ 1749 Hessen-Nassau, Preussen, Germany.

Death: 02 Feb 1830 Gregory's Run, Harrison Co., West Virginia.

Burial: __ ___ ____ Private Property, Gregory's Run, Harrison Co., West Virginia.
Tombstone says: Catherine Ash Died Feb 2. 1830 Aged 81 Yrs.

Father: Johann Pieter JOST (194, 5G Grf)

1/M Christian ASH (48, 3G Grf); aka Christopher

(see his family group)

________________________________________________________________________

2/F Elizabeth ASH (5460, 96.2)

Sources: __ ___ ____ Marriage date is actually bond date.

Birth: __ ___ ____

Marriage: 04 Feb 1797 Jacob COON (5470)

Death: __ ___ ____

Burial: __ ___ ____

________________________________________________________________________

3/F Mary ASH (5461, 96.3)

Sources: __ ___ ____ Marriage date is actually bond date.

Birth: __ ___ 1784

Marriage: 07 Feb 1810 John GAIN Jr (5471)

Death: __ ___ ____

Burial: __ ___ ____

________________________________________________________________________

4/F Catherine ASH (5462, 96.4)

Sources: __ ___ ____ Marriage date is actually bond date.

Birth: __ ___ ____

Marriage: 04 Dec 1804 John WILSON (5472)

Death: __ ___ ____

Burial: __ ___ ____

________________________________________________________________________

5/F Eve ASH (5463, 96.5)

Sources: __ ___ ____ Marriage date is actually bond date.

Sources: __ ___ ____ Page 192 of Evd 180.

Birth: __ ___ 1787 Maryland.

Marriage: 06 Aug 1805 Jacob GAIN (5473)

Death: 14 Dec 1865

Burial: __ ___ ____

________________________________________________________________________

6/M Conrad (Orig. Coonrod) ASH (5464, 96.6)

Birth: __ ___ 1789

Marriage: 30 May 1822 Elizabeth MARSH (5474)

Death: __ Mar 1874

Burial: __ ___ ____

    Coonrod's cabin is still standing on Gregory's Run. Coonrod's son was Conrad Helem, his son was Clarence Warden, and his son was Rev.) Clyde Warren. Helen, wife of Rev Clyde Warren Ash was still living there when I visited with her for a couple hours (wish I'd thought of a tape recorder). I first visited in 1981 (Clyde died in 1979), my second trip to WV. We exchanged Christmas cards for a few years, but I'm not sure just when she died.
    How I found out about the cabin and Helen, was because my mother and I were trying to find the cemetery, and were stopping at a couple houses along the way to ask. I can't remember the sequence of who steered us to the cemetery etc, but the visit eventually led us across the street from the cemetery, to a conversation with a very old man. The old man is the one who told us about Helen and Coonrod's cabin. After I told him who I was and what I was doing, he also amazed me by saying "I remember when I was a boy and they tore down the cabin that was built by Adam Ash. It had 4x4 rafters, and I made a bunch of canes from those rafters. Want one?" Containing my extreme joy, I said yes, I'd very much like one, and so I can say "I have a cane made from the rafters of my GGGG Grandfather's house". I believe it was after that, that he told me about Helen.
    Cousin Danny Jenkins (on researchers list) visited the cabin in 2000, and took some pictures. Click on the link to see them.
Inside 1,     Inside 2,     Outside 1,     Outside 2.

________________________________________________________________________

7/M Jacob ASH (5465,96.7)

Sources: __ ___ ____ Tombstone says age 57y 9m 25d.

Birth: 30 Aug 1791 Harrison Co., West Virginia.

Marriage: 16 Mar 1815 Isabelle MARSH (5475) (1798-1885)

Death: 25 Jun 1849 Morristown, Shelby Co., Indiana.

Burial: __ ___ ____ Blue River Chapel, Near Morristown, Shelby Co., Indiana.

________________________________________________________________________

8/M Peter ASH (5466, 96.8)

Birth: 10 Mar 1792

Marriage: 27 Jun 1812 Catherine WIGNER (5476) (1789-1875)

Death: 31 Mar 1885

Burial: __ ___ ____

________________________________________________________________________

9/F Margaret ASH (5467, 96.9)

Sources: __ ___ ____ Marriage date is actually bond date.

Birth: __ ___ ____

Marriage: 17 Feb 1808 William TUCKER (5477)

Death: __ ___ ____

Burial: __ ___ ____

________________________________________________________________________

?/M Henry ASH (13975, 96.x)

Birth: 22 Jan 1774 Washington Co., Maryland.

Baptism: 13 Aug 1774 Salem Reformed Church, Conocheque Township, Washington Co., Maryland; In a baptism report from Salem Reformed Church the following is found:

"Henrich, b. January 22, 1774, baptized August 13. Parents Adam Esch, Mother Catherine, both married; Henrich Esch and his housewife Catharina, sponsor. This is from research of Ruth A. Kysor, 1984.

Witness: __ ___ 1798 Residence: Adam ASH (Immigrant 1772) (96, 4G Grf) and Christian ASH (48, 3G Grf); Harrison Co., West Virginia; Tax lists [Evd 135] - Three lists for Benjamin Bartlett's district in Harrison County (West) Virginia. 1798 shows Adam Ash-3, Christian Ash with no number. 1799 shows the same information. And 1800 shows, with no numbers, Adam Ash, Henry Ash, Adam Ash [another one], and Christian Ash.

Marriage? __ ___ ____

Death: __ ___ ____

Burial: __ ___ ____

________________________________________________________________________

10/M John ASH (5468, 95.(10))

Birth: __ ___ 1786

Marriage: __ ___ 1812 Anna GEORGE (5478) (1797- )

Note: __ ___ 1835 Sancho Run, Tyler Co., West Virginia; Some source had this as John's death. That source may have been Arvil Ash research or any other of my old original stuff, or even Tetrick papers. But since he's on the 1850 census, it's obviously wrong. Wonder how someone got this idea?

Census1850: __ ___ 1850 Tyler Co., West Virginia; dwelling # 510 John Ash, age 64 PA, Ann 53, Margaret 37, Mary Ann 18, Louisa 16, Narcissa 12, James 11, & Haven (m) 3

dwelling # 492 Anthony Ash 22

source of this info is descendant David Hunter.

Death: __ ___ ____

Burial: __ ___ ____

________________________________________________________________________

11/M Adam ASH Jr (5469, 96.(11)

Birth: __ ___ ____

Witness: __ ___ 1798 Residence: Adam ASH (Immigrant 1772) (96, 4G Grf) and Christian ASH (48, 3G Grf); Harrison Co., West Virginia; Tax lists [Evd 135] - Three lists for Benjamin Bartlett's district in Harrison County (West) Virginia. 1798 shows Adam Ash-3, Christian Ash with no number. 1799 shows the same information. And 1800 shows, with no numbers, Adam Ash, Henry Ash, Adam Ash [another one], and Christian Ash.

Marriage? __ ___ ____

Death: __ ___ ____

Burial: __ ___ ____