John Adam Anspach Biography
| John Adam Anspach was born August 21, 1754 in
Tulpenhocken, Marion Township, Berks, County, Pennsylvania. His
parents were Johan Adam Anspach, Sr. and Anna Elizabeth Fisher. His
grandfather was Johannes Balthaser Anspach, who emigrated to the New
York Colony in 1710. He and his wife, Anna Maria Reith, were
immigrants from the Palatinate of Germany, who came to the New World
at the invitation of Queen Anne of England. These immigrants were
disappointed with the events following their arrival. The Queen had
promised each of them 10 acres of land. They soon realized that this
amount would not support their families. Obtaining ownership was
complicated. After years of disappointment, a group of them went to
Schoharrie, Pennsylvania at the invitation of Governor Hunt. Here they
were able to buy land, but again ownership was questioned, this time
by the Indians. This group of people especially valued freedom and had
sacrificed a lot for their personal and religious freedom. With this
heritage, Johan Adam would have appreciated the need to defend it.
Johan died in Perry County, Ohio February 25, 1838 and was buried in
the New Reading Cemetery near Somerset, Ohio. He married Barbara
Barrow on the 28th of December, 1779 in Christ Lutheran Church,
Stouchsburg, Pennsylvania. They had at least eight children, possibly
as many as thirteen. One of the children was Barbara Rebecca, who
after being widowed, became the wife of Jacob Spohn. Adam Johan went
to Perry County, Ohio about 1804. He is listed as one of the Entrymen
on Lands in Perry County, Ohio in Volume 1. The record indicates he
had a full section of 652.90 acres, dated 17 Oct., 1803.
Johan Adam Anspach was a sergeant in the Revolutionary War under Michael Furrer. He was in Captain Michael Furrer's Company, Berks County Militia, Pennsylvania at South Amboy, New Jersey. He is on the list, dated 5 Sept 1776. Also First Sergeant Adam Anspach is on the list of Captain Michael Furrer's Company, Berks County, Pennsylvania Militia, dated 15 Jul 1781. He did not receive a pension for his service. |