Person:Christian Bechdel (2)

Revolutionary War - Frederick, Christian, Abraham, John, Peter, Jacob, Henry, David, George and Isaac Bechtel

War of 1812- Jacob, George, John, Martin, William, Samuel and Henry Bechtel

Union Army during Civil War - Aaron, David, Allen, William, Thomas, Emmanuel, Mark, Lewis, George, Jacob, Frederick, John, Charles, Joseph, Robert, James, Benjamin, Daniel, Lewis, Francis, Benjamin, Andrew, Harrison, Albert, Abraham, Moses, Isaac, Elias, Matthew, Charles, BECHTEL

PA Volunteers in the Spanish American War- William, George, Joseph, Benjamin

Great World War Joseph, Robert, Edwin, Albert, Clarence, Ammon, Raymond, George, Robert, Richard, Elmer, Harry. Wellington, Lawrence, John, Lloyd, Francis, Stanley, Myrim, Samuel, Abram, BECHTEL

World War II George Cookman Wilson - Who was shot down in the Pacific Theater during World War II and was never found. He was a radioman with the U.S. Navy. Harry C. Troutman who served as an Aviation Radioman - Third Class, United States Navy John M. Smith - U.S. Army 11th Division Paratrooper - Serving in the Philippines and in the army of occupation in Japan under General MacArthur.

Korean War: Master Sergeant Walter William Gilson - United States Army Present Day: Jacob Hortter Bechtel V - US Army, 149th Seaport Operations Company, 10th Transportation Battalion, 7th Sustainment Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, and based out of Fort Eustis, Virginia, and presently home on leave from Iraq.

With all that said: I will close this month, by wishing a “Happy Mothers Day” to all Mother’s in our family lines who will celebrate on the 11th. Enjoy your day and have a Wonderful Month everyone!

Christian Bechtel BEGHTEL, b. 25 January 1738/9 in Germany, m. Mary Maria (Schneidam) SCHNEIDER, 14 January 1761 in Manheim Twp, York Co, PA, d. 24 July 1800 in Liberty Twp, Centre Co, PA, migrated 1790 in Centre Co, PA, buried 1801 in Bechdel Cem, Blanchard, Liberty twp, Centre Co, PA ... ID: I19156 Name: Christian BECHDEL I 1 2 3 Sex: M Birth: 29 JAN 1739 in Lancaster (now York) Co., PA 4 5 Death: 24 JUL 1800 in Blanchard, Liberty Twp., Centre Co., PA 6 7 Burial: Bechdel Cemetery, Blanchard, Liberty Twp., Centre Co., PA 3 Note: Note: From the History of Centre and Clinton County, Pennsylvania: Christian Bechdel, a native of York County, made his way from there in1790, and reaching the Bald Eagle valley, located upon a tract of land, and settled down to farming. On the 15thof April, 1793, he purchased of John Philip and Eleanor DeHaas a tract of land embracing an area of five hundred and seventyacres, which had abeen originally surveyed to Capt. Boucher, afterwards conveyed to DeHaas. The consideration whichBechdel gave for the above was seven hundred and eighty-three pounds and fifteen shillings. Feb 3, 1815 [after his death?????] he added by purchase thirty-four acres. He subsequently disposed of a partof possessions, and retained three hundredacres, which, since his death, havebeen equally divided, one-half being occupied at present by Christian Bechdel (3d) and the other by a grandson of David Bechdel. Change Date: 7 SEP 2003

Marriage 1 Maria SCHNEIDER b: ABT 1740 Children Mary BECHDEL b: ABT 1770 Christian BECHDEL II b: 8 FEB 1782 in Blanchard, Liberty Twp., Centre Co., PA David BECHDEL b: 10 OCT 1776 in York Co., PA Jacob Sells BECHDEL b: 18 JUL 1784 Barbara BECHDEL Susan BECHDEL

Sources: Type: Web Site Title: WorldFamily Tree URL: Genealogy.com Type: Web Site Author: Chris Alexander; [email protected] Title: Find the Errors URL: Ancestry.com World Tree Type:E-Mail Message Author: Clare Potter Location: [email protected] Type:Web Site Title: World Family Tree URL: Genealogy.com Text: 1731 Type: E-Mail Message Author: Clare Potter Location: [email protected] Text: 29 Jan 1739 Type: Web Site Title: World Family Tree URL: Genealogy.com Text: 1785 Type: E-Mail Message Author: Clare Potter Location: [email protected] Text: 24 Jul 1800

Hello My Bechtel Cousins -

Although I have talked to each of you on line, I realize that although the bottom of your family tree's may be straight, all question the top, and whom the true Immigrant is, as do I. Although you will hear in a newsletter this month about this, I have started a new site with Leanne Bechdel Keefer of Centre Co,. PA. She along with her pod come down the line of the Christian in the following notes.

ALL SEEMS ACCURATE TO ME............ AND I HAVE HIGHLIGHTED SPECIAL AREA'S TO REALLY READ, MAKING US ALSO BELIEVE SAMUEL HIS FATHER WAS A BROTHER TO HANS JACOB OF THE SIX WE FOLLOW.

And not Simon, as some also have in their tree;s.This is only being sent to all that are in these lines, and a few lost still that I have tracked. I hope this helps with the questions of whom is correct, which is actually no one yet. But pretty close with 1two statements referring to Samuel being related to Hans Jacob in some manner, brother or cousin is now the question.

And then the next question is who is Samuel's father..... LOL Cousin, Judy

What Leeanne wrote:

To prevent further confusion I wanted to post this here. ALL of the Centre County Bechdels and some from "the West" are from this couple. At the present time we are uncertain of his parentage! This is EXACTLY why our DNA project is so essential, there are just too many early lines with the same names to place many of the lines correctly. The internet has made it easier to find each other, but harder to stop incorrect or unverified connections being repeated and or duplicated. Bruce Bechdel's notes clearly indicated that the family came from Manheim Township in York County Pa. and spoke Pa. Dutch. I'll dig deeper into his early notes when I can find some time. In the meantimes: Don Billets and my notes on Christian Bechdel for all to read and explore: The Will of Christian Bechtel, written in German and dated 3 June 1800, was witnessed by Jacob Leathers and Jacob Shirk. The will was probated on 31 January 1801. He willed his dwelling and its land to his son Christian. Hewilled land on the other side of Marsh Creek to his son David. (THIS WOULD BE DAVID SR AND SUSANNAH HELMAN) His estate file is located at Centre County Courthouse and the inventory of 22 August 1800 shows he was of considerable wealth with goods and chattelstotaling over 1,929 ?. Items of interest in the inventory included: a pair of velvet breeches; four coats; a fur hat, horses, cows, steers, bulls, calves, hogs, sheep,and heifers; smith tools; bee hives; two stills; pine keg and nine gallons of whiskey; carpenter tools; wool wheel; and loans to others. Shown as "in the hands of Samuel Beightel 97 ? 16 sh". Similiarly recorded loans were John Leather 58 ? 14 sh 8 p; Fred Boxer 150 ? 3 sh 10 p; Jacob Huffer 38 ? 9 sh 10 p ; and Frederick Schenk 27 ? 19 sh 3 p. John Leather was believed to be his son in law (husband of daughter Mary). The inventory was taken by Michael Shank and Jacob Leather. The 1779 Tax List of Manheim Twp. shows Christian Bechtel owned 300 acres and that he paid taxes of 160 pounds. The 1782 Manheim Tax List shows he owned 357 acres.

The 1782 Shrewsbury Twp. Tax List also shows a Christian Bechtel with 295 acres. Christian taxed in Manheim Twp. in 1783 so the person in Shrewsbury may be someone else.************ Deed F-215 shows Christian Bächtel of Manheim Twp. sold 68+ acres to John Schenk for 50 ?. The land was part of a larger tract warranted to him by the Proprietaries of the Province of Pennsylvania on 27 Oct 1767 and surveyed to him on 10 Feb 1768. A Christian Bechtel of Manheim Twp. purchased 184 acres for 300 ? on 1 May 1773 from Abraham Gickler. Christan Bechtel bought an additional tract of 7 ac on 7 April 1774 from John Schenck of Manheim Twp. Mary is believed to have been his first child because she appears to be the the only known child fitting the first entry in Christian's bible marked Aug 7 according to a translation in Centre County Estate File # 196. A daughter named Mary is listed in the "History of Centre and Clinton Counties of Pennsylvania" by John Blair Linn, 1883 on page 337. Christian Bechtel's German bible translation has three other entries that also lack names. The child's birth may have been entered before they named the child and later they may have neglected to record the name in the bible. In 1783 The Tax List and Census of Manheim Twp. shows a Christian Bechtel with 357 acres, 5 horses, 8 horned cattle, 15 sheep, and 9 inhabitants with property valuation of 642 ?. In April 1781 Christian Pechtel (sic) of Manheim Twp. was found guilty by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania of refusing to receive the sum of twenty pounds Lawful Money of the Commonwealth (paper money) for each of three oxen, having agreed to sell same to William Scott, Esquire, Purchasing Commissary for the Troops of the Pennsylvania Line (he wanted gold and silver only). He pleaded non cul to the misdemeanor. Source is York county General Quarter Sessions Docket XII p.242. On 8 January 1787 Christian Bechtel of Hungtington Twp. purchased 273 acres for 1800 ? from Stephen Foulk and Sarah (Deed 2D540). On the same date he purchased an additional 200 acres for 500 ? (Deed 2D543). An Agreement signed in 1793 by Christian Bechdel to purchase land in Centre County from the DeHaas family of Philadelphia was witnessed by Frederick Leathers. Apparently the Leathers, Shirk and Bechdel families all migrated to Centre County except for John Leathers (Lethra) who remained in Dover Twp. of York County. He purchased land from Eleanor DeHaas, widow of General John Philip DeHaas of Philadelphia on 16 April 1793 lying northward of Bald Eagle Creek on the western side of Marsh Creek for 200 pounds (Will Book "B", pg. (Many don't know that the DeHaas and Shirk families were also intermarried with Bechdels) 416). In that same year he sold his last remaining land in York County. Christian Bechtel and his wife Mary sold 570 acres in Huntington Twp. on 10 May 1793 to Baltzer Smith for 1850 ?. The mortgage was satisfied by Frederick Schenck, one of the Executors of the Will of Christian Bechtel. The deed lists Christian as a miller. Christian Bechtel and his wife are probably buried at the "Bechdel Family Cemetery" near the W. Francis Smith home but their markers likely of native flagstone or wood did not survive the ravages of time. The foregoing statement is quoted from The "History of Liberty Twp.,Centre County,PA by Henry R. and Vera Lingle, 1976. On 7 December 1992 Doretta S. Leathers advised that she had just recently corresponded with "Harry" Lingle, an elderly gentlemen, who confirmed his recollection that the maiden name of the wife of Frederick Leathers II was Strickler. Christian Bechtel's signature appears on a bond dated 16 April 1793 wherein he owed 133 pounds with interest to Eleanor DeHaas and John Philip DeHaas of Philadelphia. Christian's executors David Bechtel and Frederick Shenck satisfied the note on 30 June 1801 by payment 143 pounds 6 shillings and 9 pence. This may have been monies due on the purchase of his land . He was one of the earliest settlers on Bald Eagle Creek in 1790. Linn's History states his tract of 570 acres at the mouth of Marsh Creek was originally surveyed for a Captain Boucher and was later conveyed to Dehaas and then to Christian. He paid 783 pounds and 15 sh. On 3 Feb 1815 he added 34 acres by purchase. When he arrived there no wagon roads existed. Travel generally was by canoe. It is now in the southern portion of Liberty Township. The earliest inhabitants of Centre County area were the Shawanese Indians, although the Proprietaries of Pennsylvania always recognized the Iroquois, better known as the " Six Nations" as the owners of the land and made their purchase treaties with them. The greater part of Centre County was purchased in July 1754. In Oct 1755 a force of about 1500 French and Indians appeared near the mouth of Bald Eagle Creek from Fort Dusquesne ( Pittsburgh today), intent on making the Susquehanna River the line of the French possessions. A masssacre by the Indians of all settlers on Penn's Creek occurred in Oct 1755 due to a dispute about the land boundaries purchased. New Berlin Pa. near Mifflinburg. As early as Jun 1755 some white settlers were in the southern limits of Centre County. West Branch of the Susquehanna country as far down as Sunbury was under the control of the French and Indians. Officers of the British Provincial Army were engaged in the defense of the frontier. A Captain Conrad Bucher had a tract surveyed on northside of Bald Eagle Creek that also included the mouth of Beech Creek that contained 570 acres. Purchased by Maj. DeHaas ( patent 31 May 1774). DeHaas heirs sold the land to Christian Bechtol on 15 April 1793. The list of resident taxpayers of Upper Bald Eagle Twp. for 1794 included Christian Bechtol. The residents of Centre Twp. divided from Bald Eagle Twp. in 1798 included David Beightol. No Bechtol's are on the 1801 Tax Lists of Upper Bald Eagle Twp. ( renamed Spring Twp.). Bald Eagle Twp.,Mifflin Co. was known as Upper Bald Eagle Twp. of Northampton Co. before 1789. (this should be Northumberland County, I think)

• Info on family and the names of the children are contained in

"History of *Liberty Twp., Centre Co., PA" by Henry R. and Vera Lingle, 1976. *NGS Newsletter, Vol. 15, No. 3 (1989) article by Mr. Hively states Mary *Bechtel had a sister married to a John Sherrack, but no Bechtel m. to a Shirk *found in " Shirk" book by P.K. of Harrisonburg, VA. *His bible at Centre Co. Library & Hist. Museum, Bellefonte, PA 16823 LIBERTY TOWNSHIP Liberty township is bounded on the East by Beech creek; Marsh creek runs through its centre and Bald Eagle creek through the Southern portion. Its village is Eagleville, or Blanchard, the latter being the post-office and station name. Surveys within its territory were made as early as July, 1769. Among its earliest settlers were John Marsden, Christian Bechdel, the Kunes', Gardners, etc. The township was erected at August Sessions, 1845. In 1832 Elder Nathan J. Mitchell organized the first Society of Disciples in the territory and a meeting house was erected near Eagleville shortly afterward; and the same year Eagleville was laid out in town lots by Solomon Strong and Dr. Roberts and the first house erected thereon by Michael Brickley. (SOURCE: Eleventh Census of the Population of the United States Published by Boroughs and Townships, in Connection with a Business Directory of the Same, Bellefonte, Pa., 1890.) national historic registry; Bechdel II, Christian, House (added 1982 - Building - #82003775) S of Blanchard on Liberty Rd., Liberty Township, Blanchard

Historic Significance: Architecture/Engineering, Person Architect, builder, or engineer: Unknown Architectural Style: Georgian Historic Person: Bechdel II,Christian Significant Year: 1831 Area of Significance: Agriculture, Architecture, Exploration/Settlement Period of Significance: 1825-1849 Owner: Private Historic Function: Domestic Historic Sub-function: Secondary Structure, Single Dwelling Current Function: Domestic Current Sub-function: Secondary Structure, Single Dwelling

Notes on his likely parents SAMUEL Bechtel and Magdelana of York County Pa. Also appearing on the list of passengers on the same ship was a Hans Georg Begtel. His relationship is not known. Sources are Will Book A-173, will of 20 Mar 1758 probated 22 May 1758. Also Deed Book C-414 and Christian Bechtel bible in Bellefonte Library, Centre County, PA. Will A-173 Synopsis in Bechtel Report at HSYC refers to wife "Mathlaney" to have her thirds ( refers to her dower interest). Christian Beghtel was to have 150 acres and Martin Beghtel also got 150 acres. The original will is in the 4th floor archives of the York County Courthouse. Only pieces survive. But fortunately one piece bears his signature which matches that of the ship list of the "Robert and Alice which arrived in Philadelphia on 30 Sep 1743 (S&H Vol. 2, p.363). The piece of the will with the signature was provided by the courtesy of Betty Brown, a descendant through the daughter Magdalena . Deed C414 of 31 Mar 1767 names children of Samuel Baechtel of York County, yeoman deceased, viz: Jacob and wife Catharina; Samuel and wife Anna; Elizabeth, wife of Jacob Danner; Esther, wife of George Weiss; Martin and wife, Veronica; Magdalena, wife of Adam Eichelberger; Anna Bachtel; and Christian Baechtel. Deed states the above had interest in Samuel's property of 150 acres in Manheim Twp. History of the 300 acres (two tracts) is as follows per Deed C-422 (Abstract in Bechtel Report of HSYC): Charles (Calvert), late Absolute Lord and Proprietor of the province of Maryland and Avalon, Lord Baron of Baltimore granted a tract of 44 acres called "Batchelor's Choice", then thought in Maryland, but now in York County to John Stinchcomb on 27 Oct 1730. (Julian Calendar). J.S. sold 150 ac to Michael Miller who later sold this 150 acres on 7 Mar 1752 to Samuel Baechtel. John Stinchcomb sold another 150 acres directly to Samuel Baechtel on 7 Feb 1744. Samuel Bachtill paid 200 ? to Michael Miller for the above 150 acres (C-445). A plat of " Batchelor's Choice" plus land of George Weiss, Frederick Galwix, Frederick Eikelberger and Michael Eichelberger and others is shown in Gleim's book cited below. Land purchase recorded 25 Mar 1745 in Baltimore Co., MD. refers to the above 7 Feb 1744 purchase.

Parents Hans Simon and Catharine named in "The History and Families of the Black Rock Church of the Brethre by Elmer Q. Gleim, 1988 on pg. 27. However an extract from the Herndon Collection, Genealogical Society of PA by Barbara M. Dalby indicates parents as Hans Jacob and Eliza. This same extract lists the correct children of Samuel. Although the children are accurately listed, the parents of this Samuel were not Jacob and Elizabeth of Philadelphia County, Pa. The Phila.Co. Jacob died in 1739. Samuel Bechtel was the immigrant on the Robert and Alice as proven by the matching signatures on the ship list and his will at the York County Court House. Possibly his parents were a different Jacob and Eliza. See the 1904 letter of F. W. Bechtel expressing conviction that Samuel Bechtel had a brother named John Jacob. His will mentions son Christian, who was to inherit the property of 150 acres and the son, Martin who inherited the remainder of 150 acres. Witnesses to signing of the will were Fred. Gelwick and Michael Danner.

A Christian Bechtel appears in the Palatinate Mennonite Census List of Bohl. His relationship, if any, is unknown. He is listed with a stepson Christian Lichti, 13 years of age.(pg. 237). A separate listing for Bohl at pg. 176 shows Christian Bechtel (title "Brussel"). A Christian Lichti appears in the records of Imsweiler (this I would like to see as the document in question should be in Sutterlin German and the translation may note be exact.) Betty Brown in letter of March 1, 1995 to Paul Kauffman states she has not found any documentation that his father was Simon as stated in Elmer Q. Gleim book, Black Rock Church of the Brethren. She talked to Mr. Gleim and he couldn't recall where he found that data. Since Samuel Bechtel was an immigrant it is doubtful that Simon was in America. No Simon Bechtel is listed in the ship passenger lists, nor has a will or land record been found for a Simon Bechtel in York, Lancaster, Berks or Philadelphia County. The Miller Book by Floyd Mason of Bridgewater, VA has some Bechtel or Bechtol persons in it, including Samuel, settler of York County. Paul Kauffman cites Samuel's birth as c 1700 which is more in line with the dates of birth of his children, than the 1685 or 1691 dates cited by others. Paul Kauffman does not give a source citation and may be an estimate. A letter dtd 15 Aug 1904 from F. W. Bechtel, Attorney, Pottsville, PA to Samuel T. Bechtel cites his belief that Samuel had a brother, John Jacob Bechtel of Pottsville, Montgomery Co., PA. ( where Pottstown now located).

Okay, now I HAVE to get some other things done today, but thought I'd let you all chew on this a bit and then we can explore the possibilities together. Naturally, the easiest and most valid approach is to bear un mind it is speculation and try to get males with any variation of the Bechdel/Bechtel surname to join the DNA project. To those with cost concern issues, you may get sponsorship for the DNA testing fee. To those with genealogy interests and some spare funds, please also contact Kate Kuzmich. Together we can better compare notes here and be able to keep the information updated and archived. I will be going to Bellefonte Pa to get copy of ACTUAL documents in the next month or so. - Leeanne

WELL I HOPE THIS AGAIN'S ANSWERS SOME OF THE QUESTIONS....... AND ALSO PLEASE JOIN US AT OUR NEW SITE AT http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Bechdels

Although you will have to sign in and be approved, know that there are already 150 pictures downloaded from people, places, and reunion's.

Take Care, Would love to hear how everyone is doing.

Cousin, Judy

To prevent further confusion I wanted to post this here. ALL of the Centre County Bechdels and some from "the West" are from this couple. At the present time we are uncertain of his parentage! This is EXACTLY why our DNA project is so essential, there are just too many early lines with the same names to place many of the lines correctly. The internet has made it easier to find each other, but harder to stop incorrect or unverified connections being repeated and or duplicated. Bruce Bechdel's notes clearly indicated that the family came from Manheim Township in York County Pa. and spoke Pa. Dutch. I'll dig deeper into his early notes when I can find some time. In the meantimes: Don Billets and my notes on Christian Bechdel for all to read and explore: The Will of Christian Bechtel, written in German and dated 3 June 1800, was witnessed by Jacob Leathers and Jacob Shirk. The will was probated on 31 January 1801. He willed his dwelling and its land to his son Christian. Hewilled land on the other side of Marsh Creek to his son David. (THIS WOULD BE DAVID SR AND SUSANNAH HELMAN) His estate file is located at Centre County Courthouse and the inventory of 22 August 1800 shows he was of considerable wealth with goods and chattelstotaling over 1,929 œ. Items of interest in the inventory included: a pair of velvet breeches; four coats; a fur hat, horses, cows, steers, bulls, calves, hogs, sheep,and heifers; smith tools; bee hives; two stills; pine keg and nine gallons of whiskey; carpenter tools; wool wheel; and loans to others. Shown as "in the hands of Samuel Beightel 97 œ 16 sh". Similiarly recorded loans were John Leather 58 œ 14 sh 8 p; Fred Boxer 150 œ 3 sh 10 p; Jacob Huffer 38 œ 9 sh 10 p ; and Frederick Schenk 27 œ 19 sh 3 p. John Leather was believed to be his son in law (husband of daughter Mary). The inventory was taken by Michael Shank and Jacob Leather. The 1779 Tax List of Manheim Twp. shows Christian Bechtel owned 300 acres and that he paid taxes of 160 pounds. The 1782 Manheim Tax List shows he owned 357 acres.

The 1782 Shrewsbury Twp. Tax List also shows a Christian Bechtel with 295 acres. Christian taxed in Manheim Twp. in 1783 so the person in Shrewsbury may be someone else.************ Deed F-215 shows Christian Bächtel of Manheim Twp. sold 68+ acres to John Schenk for 50 œ. The land was part of a larger tract warranted to him by the Proprietaries of the Province of Pennsylvania on 27 Oct 1767 and surveyed to him on 10 Feb 1768. A Christian Bechtel of Manheim Twp. purchased 184 acres for 300 œ on 1 May 1773 from Abraham Gickler. Christan Bechtel bought an additional tract of 7 ac on 7 April 1774 from John Schenck of Manheim Twp. Mary is believed to have been his first child because she appears to be the the only known child fitting the first entry in Christian's bible marked Aug 7 according to a translation in Centre County Estate File # 196. A daughter named Mary is listed in the "History of Centre and Clinton Counties of Pennsylvania" by John Blair Linn, 1883 on page 337. Christian Bechtel's German bible translation has three other entries that also lack names. The child's birth may have been entered before they named the child and later they may have neglected to record the name in the bible. In 1783 The Tax List and Census of Manheim Twp. shows a Christian Bechtel with 357 acres, 5 horses, 8 horned cattle, 15 sheep, and 9 inhabitants with property valuation of 642 œ. In April 1781 Christian Pechtel (sic) of Manheim Twp. was found guilty by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania of refusing to receive the sum of twenty pounds Lawful Money of the Commonwealth (paper money) for each of three oxen, having agreed to sell same to William Scott, Esquire, Purchasing Commissary for the Troops of the Pennsylvania Line (he wanted gold and silver only). He pleaded non cul to the misdemeanor. Source is York county General Quarter Sessions Docket XII p.242. On 8 January 1787 Christian Bechtel of Hungtington Twp. purchased 273 acres for 1800 œ from Stephen Foulk and Sarah (Deed 2D540). On the same date he purchased an additional 200 acres for 500 œ (Deed 2D543). An Agreement signed in 1793 by Christian Bechdel to purchase land in Centre County from the DeHaas family of Philadelphia was witnessed by Frederick Leathers. Apparently the Leathers, Shirk and Bechdel families all migrated to Centre County except for John Leathers (Lethra) who remained in Dover Twp. of York County. He purchased land from Eleanor DeHaas, widow of General John Philip DeHaas of Philadelphia on 16 April 1793 lying northward of Bald Eagle Creek on the western side of Marsh Creek for 200 pounds (Will Book "B", pg. (Many don't know that the DeHaas and Shirk families were also intermarried with Bechdels) 416). In that same year he sold his last remaining land in York County. Christian Bechtel and his wife Mary sold 570 acres in Huntington Twp. on 10 May 1793 to Baltzer Smith for 1850 œ. The mortgage was satisfied by Frederick Schenck, one of the Executors of the Will of Christian Bechtel. The deed lists Christian as a miller. Christian Bechtel and his wife are probably buried at the "Bechdel Family Cemetery" near the W. Francis Smith home but their markers likely of native flagstone or wood did not survive the ravages of time. The foregoing statement is quoted from The "History of Liberty Twp.,Centre County,PA by Henry R. and Vera Lingle, 1976. On 7 December 1992 Doretta S. Leathers advised that she had just recently corresponded with "Harry" Lingle, an elderly gentlemen, who confirmed his recollection that the maiden name of the wife of Frederick Leathers II was Strickler. Christian Bechtel's signature appears on a bond dated 16 April 1793 wherein he owed 133 pounds with interest to Eleanor DeHaas and John Philip DeHaas of Philadelphia. Christian's executors David Bechtel and Frederick Shenck satisfied the note on 30 June 1801 by payment 143 pounds 6 shillings and 9 pence. This may have been monies due on the purchase of his land . He was one of the earliest settlers on Bald Eagle Creek in 1790. Linn's History states his tract of 570 acres at the mouth of Marsh Creek was originally surveyed for a Captain Boucher and was later conveyed to Dehaas and then to Christian. He paid 783 pounds and 15 sh. On 3 Feb 1815 he added 34 acres by purchase. When he arrived there no wagon roads existed. Travel generally was by canoe. It is now in the southern portion of Liberty Township. The earliest inhabitants of Centre County area were the Shawanese Indians, although the Proprietaries of Pennsylvania always recognized the Iroquois, better known as the " Six Nations" as the owners of the land and made their purchase treaties with them. The greater part of Centre County was purchased in July 1754. In Oct 1755 a force of about 1500 French and Indians appeared near the mouth of Bald Eagle Creek from Fort Dusquesne ( Pittsburgh today), intent on making the Susquehanna River the line of the French possessions. A masssacre by the Indians of all settlers on Penn's Creek occurred in Oct 1755 due to a dispute about the land boundaries purchased. New Berlin Pa. near Mifflinburg. As early as Jun 1755 some white settlers were in the southern limits of Centre County. West Branch of the Susquehanna country as far down as Sunbury was under the control of the French and Indians. Officers of the British Provincial Army were engaged in the defense of the frontier. A Captain Conrad Bucher had a tract surveyed on northside of Bald Eagle Creek that also included the mouth of Beech Creek that contained 570 acres. Purchased by Maj. DeHaas ( patent 31 May 1774). DeHaas heirs sold the land to Christian Bechtol on 15 April 1793. The list of resident taxpayers of Upper Bald Eagle Twp. for 1794 included Christian Bechtol. The residents of Centre Twp. divided from Bald Eagle Twp. in 1798 included David Beightol. No Bechtol's are on the 1801 Tax Lists of Upper Bald Eagle Twp. ( renamed Spring Twp.). Bald Eagle Twp.,Mifflin Co. was known as Upper Bald Eagle Twp. of Northampton Co. before 1789. (this should be Northumberland County, I think)

• Info on family and the names of the children are contained in

"History of *Liberty Twp., Centre Co., PA" by Henry R. and Vera Lingle, 1976. *NGS Newsletter, Vol. 15, No. 3 (1989) article by Mr. Hively states Mary *Bechtel had a sister married to a John Sherrack, but no Bechtel m. to a Shirk *found in " Shirk" book by P.K. of Harrisonburg, VA. *His bible at Centre Co. Library & Hist. Museum, Bellefonte, PA 16823 LIBERTY TOWNSHIP Liberty township is bounded on the East by Beech creek; Marsh creek runs through its centre and Bald Eagle creek through the Southern portion. Its village is Eagleville, or Blanchard, the latter being the post-office and station name. Surveys within its territory were made as early as July, 1769. Among its earliest settlers were John Marsden, Christian Bechdel, the Kunes', Gardners, etc. The township was erected at August Sessions, 1845. In 1832 Elder Nathan J. Mitchell organized the first Society of Disciples in the territory and a meeting house was erected near Eagleville shortly afterward; and the same year Eagleville was laid out in town lots by Solomon Strong and Dr. Roberts and the first house erected thereon by Michael Brickley. (SOURCE: Eleventh Census of the Population of the United States Published by Boroughs and Townships, in Connection with a Business Directory of the Same, Bellefonte, Pa., 1890.) national historic registry; Bechdel II, Christian, House (added 1982 - Building - #82003775) S of Blanchard on Liberty Rd., Liberty Township, Blanchard

Historic Significance: Architecture/Engineering, Person Architect, builder, or engineer: Unknown Architectural Style: Georgian Historic Person: Bechdel II,Christian Significant Year: 1831 Area of Significance: Agriculture, Architecture, Exploration/Settlement Period of Significance: 1825-1849 Owner: Private Historic Function: Domestic Historic Sub-function: Secondary Structure, Single Dwelling Current Function: Domestic Current Sub-function: Secondary Structure, Single Dwelling

Notes on his likely parents SAMUEL Bechtel and Magdelana of York County Pa. Also appearing on the list of passengers on the same ship was a Hans Georg Begtel. His relationship is not known. Sources are Will Book A-173, will of 20 Mar 1758 probated 22 May 1758. Also Deed Book C-414 and Christian Bechtel bible in Bellefonte Library, Centre County, PA. Will A-173 Synopsis in Bechtel Report at HSYC refers to wife "Mathlaney" to have her thirds ( refers to her dower interest). Christian Beghtel was to have 150 acres and Martin Beghtel also got 150 acres. The original will is in the 4th floor archives of the York County Courthouse. Only pieces survive. But fortunately one piece bears his signature which matches that of the ship list of the "Robert and Alice which arrived in Philadelphia on 30 Sep 1743 (S&H Vol. 2, p.363). The piece of the will with the signature was provided by the courtesy of Betty Brown, a descendant through the daughter Magdalena . Deed C414 of 31 Mar 1767 names children of Samuel Baechtel of York County, yeoman deceased, viz: Jacob and wife Catharina; Samuel and wife Anna; Elizabeth, wife of Jacob Danner; Esther, wife of George Weiss; Martin and wife, Veronica; Magdalena, wife of Adam Eichelberger; Anna Bachtel; and Christian Baechtel. Deed states the above had interest in Samuel's property of 150 acres in Manheim Twp. History of the 300 acres (two tracts) is as follows per Deed C-422 (Abstract in Bechtel Report of HSYC): Charles (Calvert), late Absolute Lord and Proprietor of the province of Maryland and Avalon, Lord Baron of Baltimore granted a tract of 44 acres called "Batchelor's Choice", then thought in Maryland, but now in York County to John Stinchcomb on 27 Oct 1730. (Julian Calendar). J.S. sold 150 ac to Michael Miller who later sold this 150 acres on 7 Mar 1752 to Samuel Baechtel. John Stinchcomb sold another 150 acres directly to Samuel Baechtel on 7 Feb 1744. Samuel Bachtill paid 200 œ to Michael Miller for the above 150 acres (C-445). A plat of " Batchelor's Choice" plus land of George Weiss, Frederick Galwix, Frederick Eikelberger and Michael Eichelberger and others is shown in Gleim's book cited below. Land purchase recorded 25 Mar 1745 in Baltimore Co., MD. refers to the above 7 Feb 1744 purchase.

Parents Hans Simon and Catharine named in "The History and Families of the Black Rock Church of the Brethre by Elmer Q. Gleim, 1988 on pg. 27. However an extract from the Herndon Collection, Genealogical Society of PA by Barbara M. Dalby indicates parents as Hans Jacob and Eliza. This same extract lists the correct children of Samuel. Although the children are accurately listed, the parents of this Samuel were not Jacob and Elizabeth of Philadelphia County, Pa. The Phila.Co. Jacob died in 1739. Samuel Bechtel was the immigrant on the Robert and Alice as proven by the matching signatures on the ship list and his will at the York County Court House. Possibly his parents were a different Jacob and Eliza. See the 1904 letter of F. W. Bechtel expressing conviction that Samuel Bechtel had a brother named John Jacob. His will mentions son Christian, who was to inherit the property of 150 acres and the son, Martin who inherited the remainder of 150 acres. Witnesses to signing of the will were Fred. Gelwick and Michael Danner.

A Christian Bechtel appears in the Palatinate Mennonite Census List of Bohl. His relationship, if any, is unknown. He is listed with a stepson Christian Lichti, 13 years of age.(pg. 237). A separate listing for Bohl at pg. 176 shows Christian Bechtel (title "Brussel"). A Christian Lichti appears in the records of Imsweiler (this I would like to see as the document in question should be in Sutterlin German and the translation may note be exact.) Betty Brown in letter of March 1, 1995 to Paul Kauffman states she has not found any documentation that his father was Simon as stated in Elmer Q. Gleim book, Black Rock Church of the Brethren. She talked to Mr. Gleim and he couldn't recall where he found that data. Since Samuel Bechtel was an immigrant it is doubtful that Simon was in America. No Simon Bechtel is listed in the ship passenger lists, nor has a will or land record been found for a Simon Bechtel in York, Lancaster, Berks or Philadelphia County. The Miller Book by Floyd Mason of Bridgewater, VA has some Bechtel or Bechtol persons in it, including Samuel, settler of York County. Paul Kauffman cites Samuel's birth as c 1700 which is more in line with the dates of birth of his children, than the 1685 or 1691 dates cited by others. Paul Kauffman does not give a source citation and may be an estimate. A letter dtd 15 Aug 1904 from F. W. Bechtel, Attorney, Pottsville, PA to Samuel T. Bechtel cites his belief that Samuel had a brother, John Jacob Bechtel of Pottsville, Montgomery Co., PA. ( where Pottstown now located).