In 1769, Philip and brother John Peter Klingensmith established Fort Klingensmith, a defense against marauding Indians at what is now Jeannette, Penna., not far from the site of British Col. Bouquet's battle at Bushy Run in 1763, near present day Greensburg. Philip descended from a family that came to America in 1700 fleeing religious persecution from what is now Germany. He was one of the first white settlers to Westmoreland County, where he farmed and hunted to provide for his family.
Both Philip and brother John Peter Klingensmith served as scouts/guide to a young George Washington during the French and Indian War (1754–1763).
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[source of comment below:N. K. Demeke FAG #48523775]
Peter Klingensmith was born in probably Adams County after his family along with the Staldelmans, had moved to that problem area. It was being fought over by PA and Maryland after Peter's father, George had settled there. Read the history about this conflict. Germans settlers were attacked by marauders from MD, trying to establish the Susquehanna River area as part of Maryland.
Unfortunately the rule of law stopped in Lancaster Co., so people were on their own. Many returned to the east. The King and PA and MD powers that were, decided on a date of resettlement, since there were errors in settlement offices, Many were evicted but could resettled if they paid again and in the right land office. So, if you were among these, even if you had built your house,etc. didn't matter, out you went. Later Peter,1729 and Phillip,1732 were chosen by their county to be commissioned as officers, LT. and Ensign, in PA Militia.
After 1765 the brothers visited Daniel Klingenschmidt's son Daniel, Jr.in Frederick, MD and maybe grandma Stadelman's family in Va waiting for Westmoreland Co. to open. In 1769 they settled with their boys in Hempfield Twp, Westmoreland Co.,PA.
Peter lived there until after 1800, but we don't have a record of where he died. We know his land record in Hempfield Twp. had a problem that his son, Legislator Phillip corrected in a deed in 1800.
John Peter Klingensmith's other siblings, all probably born in Adams Co., were Hanna born 1724, a six month baby?? Wedding July 16 same year; Andrew 1734, nothing known about him after that; and last was Anna Maria Margaretha (called Margaret)1737 She married Christian Mauer/Mowry who was a full time soldier and they lived in Fort Pitt. See SAR records. Margaret was born about the time of her mother's death; not sure of cause. That was also the time George took his family back to Philadelphia Co. from Adams after the PA MD Border war. Just in time to meet his 1/2 uncle Daniel Klingenschmidt in 1738; arrived Ronbert and Alice on July 11.
Family Members
Parents
George Klingensmith
1701 – unknown
Anna Steltzmeirer Klingensmith
1703 – unknown
Spouse
Mary Elizabeth Kauffer Klingensmith
1729–1783
Children
John Peter Klingensmith
1755–1818
John Philip Klingensmith
1757–1826
