Person:John Messerschmidt (2)

Records in Virginia

1781 Tithable List of John Taylor in Montgomery Co. as John MercerSmith (Early Adventurers on the Western Waters p 221 by Mary B. Kegley)

1782 John Messersmith on Tax List of Montgomery Co., Va with 1 Tithe, 6 horses & 16 cattle and land. Barnabas, his brother is also on this list. (pg 975.5 R4s)

20 Sep 1782 - John Mercersmith he received a Commissioner's Certificate for 400 A of land on North Fork of the Holston River which he had settled 1776 (Land Records of Fincastle & Montgomery Co. p 141 & Early Adventurers On the Western Waters pp 66, 113, 152 by Mary B. Kegley) This is the same land referred to in a survey which was made for John MesserSmith on 22 Sep 1782 for 314 Acres of land in Montgomery Co., Va:.

Surveyed for John MesserSmith 314 acres of land by Virtue of an entry made the 22nd Day of Sep 1782 on a Certificate from the Commissioners for the District of Washington & Montgomery Counties for 400 Acres & dated the 21st of Sep 1782 lying in Montgomery County on the North fork of Holsten river bounded as follows Viz. Beginning at 4 white oak Saplins in the bend of a creek & runneth N 16 W 130 poles to 2 w oaks & maple near the line branch S 54 W 80 to a double & 2 single Wt oaks by a Dry hollow S 4 W 114 to 4 white oaks on the end of a ridge nigh the corner of the field on the S Side S 67 W 108 to 3 buckeyes by a branch 6 22 W 66 to 4 white oaks on the side of a ridge S 64 W 238 to a sugar tree black oak & ash near Wilson's line S 16 E 122 to a double maple & linn saplin by a Creek......March 29th 1787. s/o J Preston Jermiah Bell. In the margin is written Rec'd 15 Feb 7 1792 Grant issued 17 Jul 1793. (Virginia Land Office Surveys upon which Grants Issued FHL # 29568 pg 563)

30 Mar 1787 John Messersmith (by right of settlement) had 314 Acres of land surveyed on North Fork of Holston adjacent to Willson in Montgomery Co. (Survey Bk D p 551 FHL 975.5785 R42 pg 65) In the Virginia Land Surveys p 563 it was stated this 314 Acres was part of 400A by Certificate dated 22 Sep 1782 from Commissioners for the District of Washington & Montgomery Co. In the margin was a notation that John Messersmith Rec'd 15 Feb 1792 Grant issued 17 Jul 1793)

12 Sep 1789. Paul Pepsinger had 154 acres surveyed which was located on North Fork Holston adjacent to John Messersmith and James Willson in Montgomery Co., Va (pg 548 Survey Bk D Montgomery Co., Va FHL 975.5785 R42s p 65) This is probably John's son-in-law who married Susanna).

30 Nov 1790 John Stroup was examined on suspicion of killing Paul Pessinger (husband of Susanna). Witnesses were examined and John Stroup was acquitted because the killing was judged in self defense. (Wythe Co., Va Court Orders pg 39 Film 34243) Wonder if Susanna md Phillip Harkerader after Paul was killed. Phillip was administrator of Paul's estate and both Phillip Harkerader and Susanna Harkerader bought items from Paul's estate. Phillip Harkerader lived neighbors to Barnabas Messersmith in Rich Valley.

17 Jul 1793 John Messersmith received 314 Acres by Letter Patent on the No. Fk of Holston river beginning in the bend of a Creek in Montgomery Co., Va. (Commonwealth Patents & Warrants Montgomery Co., Va pg 707 Film 29314) This 314 A was surveyed for John MesserSmith "by virtue of an entry made the 22 day of Sep 1782 On a Certificate from the commissioners for the District of Washington & Montgomery Counties for 400 acres dated 21 Sep 1782. Lying in Montgomery Co. on the North fork of Holston river. The land was near Wilson's line. In the margin of the Survey record it is written "John MesserSmith 314 Acres land Montgomery County Rec'd 15 Feb 1792 Grant issued 17 Jul 1793." (pg 563 Virginia Land Office Surveys upon which Grants issued Film #29568) This land was sold to Godfrey, Peter & Andrew Messersmith 23 Apr 1795 (DB 1 p 254 Wythe Co., Va. This land was located in Rich Valley. Rich Valley was located about 24 miles from Evansham, Va.

Tax Lists for Wythe Co. during the years 1793-1800. John Messersmith is listed 1793 2B; 1795 1G; 1796 1H; 1797 1J; 1798 1L; 1800 1Q. Other Messersmiths listed are Godfrey M. Smith Messersmith, Henry Messersmith 1793 1B (The original Tax list shows Barny instead of Henry); Andrew M. Smith Messersmith; Barney Messersmith, Barney Messersmith; Peter M. Smith Messorsmith. (FHL 975.5773 R4m)

27 Nov 1794 George Pickett lives near John Messersmith: George Pickett. 75,000 acres. 7,000 acres of prior claim. Surveyed Nov. 27, 1794, recorded in Wythe Co. Survey Bk 1 p 136. (k) near line of John Buckhannan, in a line of division between Wythe and Washington Counties. (l) James Wilson's land (m) near John Messersmith's. (n) Joseph Hick's land, (o) top of ridge between Burkes Garden and Elkin's mill on Wolf Creek. (pg 137 Archives of the Pioneers of Tazewell Co.,, Va. by Netti-Schreiner FHL #975.576 N2s (Wythe Co. Survey Bk 1 p 136)

23 Apr 1795 John Messersmith sold 314 A of land to Godfrey Messersmith, Peter Messersmith & Andrew Messersmith. "This Indenture made the twenty three day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Ninty five between John Messersmith of the County of Wythe and State of Virginia of the one part and Godfrey Messersmith, Peter Messersmith and Andrew Messersmith of the County and State aforesaid of the other part. Witnesseth that for in Consideration of the sum of one hundred pounds had in hand paid by the Said Godfrey, Peter and Andrew Messersmith to the said John Messersmith hath granted bargained and sold by these presents do give grant bargain sell and confirm unto said Godfrey Messersmith, Peter Messersmith and Andrew Messersmith are for certain tract or parcel of land lying and being in the County of Wythe formerly Montgomery on the North fork of Holston containing three hundred and fourteen acres and bounded as follows viz beginning at four white oak sapling on the bend of a creek and running North sixteen degrees west one hundred and thirty poles to two white oaks and a maple near the pine branch south fifty four degrees west eighty poles to a double and single white oak by a dry hollow south four degrees west one hundred and eighty poles to three buckeyes by a branch south seventy eight degrees west sixty six poles to four White oaks on the side of a ridge South Sixty four degrees West Two hundred and thirty Eight poles to a Sugar tree a black oak and an ash near Wilson's line South sixteen degrees East one hundred and seventy two poles to a double maple and sapling by a Creek south Seventy Eight degrees East twenty four poles crossing the Creek to two white oaks and two sugar trees on the line of a Ridge North forty Eight degrees East five hundred and thirty poles to the Beginning together with all appurtenances to have and to hold the said Tract or parcel of Land to the only proper use benefit of them the said Godfrey Messersmith, Peter Messersmith and Andrew Messersmith and their heirs forever free and clear of and from all other gifts grants bargains sales dower right and titles of dower claim or demand whatsoever and the said John Messersmith for himself and his heirs the said tract or parcel of land with the appurtenances unto the said Godfrey Messersmith, Peter Messersmith and Andrew Messersmith and their heirs forever shall and will warrant and forever defend by these presents in Witness Whereof the said John Messersmith hath hereunto set his hand and affixed his seal the day and year first above written. s/ John Messersmith X his mark Sealed and acknowledged in presents Jacob Spangle (?), John Alder, Morgonett Spangle & William Ward." (DB 1 pp 254-5 Wythe Co., Va)

Peter Messersmith had 100 A of land surveyed 3 Jun 1795 "by virtue of an entry dated Nov 1792 in the name of John Messersmith by him assigned to said Peter as part of a Land Office Treasury warrant for 1498 and N 14718 dated the 4th of November 1782 lying in Wythe County on the Waters of the North Fork of Holston River, joining John Messersmith's old survey.....corner of sd John Messersmith's land" (Record of Surveys Bk 2 pg 296 FHL #34241)

1795 John Messersmith signs a petition to form Tazewell Co., Va. along with Godfrey Messersmith, Peter Messersmith, Barnabas Messersmith. (pg 290 Archives of the Pioneers of Tazewell Co., Va. by Netti-Schreiner FHL #975.576 N2s) In 1797 & 1798 their names again appear on a Petition to Form Tazewell Co. They were inhabitants of Part of Wythe Co. which lies north of Clinch Mountains. Barnabas Messersmith's name is not on the list of 1797-1798 (Record of Surveys Bk 2 pg 296 FHL # 34241)

John Messersmith md. 2nd) Nancy (O’Gullion) Flin on 10 Jun 1796 Wythe Co., VA. The marriage was of John Messersmith to Nancy Flin. The minister was Andrew Baker. (Wythe Co. Marriages compiled by John Vogt & T. William Kethley, Jr pg 79) Her maiden is Gullion or O'Gullion according to a lawsuit, Gullion vs Fulton dated 1799 in Wythe Co., VA. John Messersmith was 64 years old when he and Nancy were married. Nancy (Agnes) O'Gullion was probably born abt 1750. She was probably 15 years younger than John the father of Godfrey, Peter, Andrew & Barnabas, Jr. It is not unreasonable for a woman to marry a man 15 years her senior.

9 May 1803 John Messersmith & wife Agnes his wife, Patrick Johnson & Esther, his wife, Barnabas Gullion & Katherine his wife, Duncan Gullion & Peggy his wife of the County of Wythe in the State of Virginia heirs at law of John Gullion who died intestate of the one part & Henry Newman of the other part. For $130.34 land containing 39 & 3/4 A on North side of Reed Creek part of which was granted to John Gullion by patent bearing date 18 Jan 1802 & part of a larger tract of land whereof the said Gullion died possessed formerly the property of Samuel Doak lying on waters of Reed Creek. (Deed Bk 4 p 127 Wythe Co., VA Film 34231)

Familysearch.org

1.   FamilySearch: Unidentified database - please replace source when identified.

   Johannes Messerschmidt (John) was baptized in the Lutheran Church at Ofterdingen Parish, Schwarzwald, Wurttemberg, Germany on 19 Jan 1735 (Christening Records; 1734-1801; Ofterdingen Evangelical Church, Wurttemberg, Germany ;pg 5; FHL film 1457481). His parents are Andreas & Anna Maria (Heyes) Messerschmidt. His Godparents were: Johannes Haug, ropemaker; Anna Maria, Baltus Lutz' wife.
   He came to Pennsylvania when he was 16 years old with his parents and other family members on the ship, "Nancy" on 16 Sep 1751. Capt. Thomas Coatam from Rotterdam was the Capt. There were 200 passengers but only 76 passengers' names were on the list. His brother, Barnabas was listed among the passengers but he was not probably because he was under age 18. His brother Barnabas was age 19. Women and children's names were not recorded. (Pg 462 Pennsylvania German Pioneers FHL #974.8 F2st 1966 v1.) On pg 436 of the Passenger & Immigration Lists Index it showed: "Andreas Messerschmidt & Hans Bernhart Messerschmidt, n. a.: Philadelphia Pa, 1750 7820 p 256 & 9041 p 463." Both indexes referred to the Passenger list of the ship "Nancy." (PALATINE IMMIGRANT, VOL ix, NO. 2 )
   The family was in Pennsylvania in 1757 when his sister, Christina md Johann Casper Hannshell (Hounshell) at Augusta Lutheran Evangelical Church, Providence, Philadelphia, Pa., now Trappe, Montgomery, Pa. Christina or Johann Casper or both were from Westtown Twp., Chester, Pa. (FHL #384544)
   A Joh. Andreas Messerschmidt of Wurttemberg md Cath. Reiger of Tubingen on 7 Oct 1755 St. Michael's & Zion Church (Record of Penn Marr. Vol II 974.8 v2r). This Johannes Andreas Messerschmidt is a cousin and came from Tailfingen, Wurttemberg, Germany. He was born 16 Jun 1731 to Hans Conrad & Rosina (Hoss) Messerschmid. (pg 78 Town Family Records of Tailfingen FHL Bk # 943 B4do Ser A v 94) In the town record, it was written that he immigrated to USA but no date. John Andrew Messersmith was on the 1769 Proprietary Tax for the City of Philadelphia, Mulberry Ward. Mulberry Ward included from Vine Street South to Mulberry (Arch) Street. (pg 31 FHL #974.811 R4b) On 8 Sep 1788 Matthias Kelley bought at an auction as the highest bidder for 126 pounds a building and lot on the West side of 4th Street from Delaware in the City of Philadelphia. Also a one story building & lot situate and adjoining the above described building and lot. The property and lot belonged to John Andrew Messersmith deceased. John Andrew Messersmith was adm. of the estate along with Catherine Messersmith. John Andrew was most likely the son of Johannes Andreas & Catherine Reiger. (Pg 43 Philadelphia Co., Deeds Film #965345)
   Johannes Messerschmidt (John) md 1st) Catarina Becker 17 May 1763 Lancaster Co., PA. by Rev. John Casper Stoever of the Lutheran Church. Johannes or Catarina or both were of Derry (Records of Rev. John Casper Stoever Item 8 Pg 69. Early Lutheran Baptisms And Marriages In Southeastern Pennsylvania, index by Elizabeth P. Bentley; 1730-1779; Baltimore, Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc, 1984; pg 69; FHL Book 974.8 K2se; NOTE: Johannes Messerschmidt md Catarina Becker both of Derry twp. Derry twp may be in Hummelstown. It was formed from part of Lancaster Co.). If this is our Johannes, he would have been age 28. We note that Johannes' second daughter was named Katherine. The ages of Johannes' children could fit a marriage of 1763. (Bob Messersmith [email protected] 1 Aug 2013 - My Comment: Rev Stoever married Johannes Messerschmidt and Catharina Becker from Derry Twp, 17 May 1763, so Johannas was probably with the Hounshell's at that time. St.Paul's was near Hummelstown/Hershey, Derry Twp, Dauphin Co. Sand Hill Rd runs north out of Hershey,Pa. As you both know I live just outside of Hummelstown.)
   
   John left Pennsylvania before 1769 with his brother, Barnabas, his sister, Christina & brother-in-John Hounshell. John Hounshell's name is on a petition in Augusta County Court Records in about 1767. The two men's names next to his could be Barnet Smith & John Smith or Messersmith. The petition reads: "To the Worshipful Court of Augusta County the Petition of the Inhabitants of Reedy Creek Humbly Sheweth: That whereas we, your petitioners, for some time past have been debarred settling and improving and cultivating our patent lands on the Western Waters, the reason whereof is best known to our legislators, but by virtue of the late treaty held to the northward, we hope we may, without offense, petition your worships to give orders that there may be alterations and amendments made on the old road leading from Capt. Ingle's Ferry to James Davis's, on the head of the Holston River, and appoint such surveyors as you in your wisdom shall think fit, and your petitions, as in duty bound, will pray. (Signed) Joseph Black, James Holice, John Montgomery, Robt. Montgomery, James Montgomery, George Breckenridge, Alexander Breckenridge, Robert Breckenridge, Robert Campbell, Robert Doack, William Doack, William Sayers, Arthur Campbell, William Davis, James Hays, Samuel Hopes, William Leftwich, Gasper Gender, George Gender, Jacob Kinder, William Phips, John Houncal, Barnet Small, John Smith, John Bets, Robert Buchanan, Robert Davis, Samuel McAdam, James Davis, Nicholas Buchanan, Alex. Buchanan. (p 498 Chronicles of the Scotch-Irish Settlement in Virginia by Lyman Chalkley Vol 1) The paper was found between leaves of Order Bk XI, pg 90. The original record was searched for in the Court records of Augusta Co. in order to look at the names more closely but it was not found. Perhaps after Mr. Chalkley found it, the paper was filed elsewhere.
   He moved to Virginia before 1771 as that is when he is listed on List 14 of the Tithable List taken in by Walter Crockett from William Sayers to the Head of Holston River in Botetourt Co., Va. His brother-in law John Hownshell is also on the list. It is believed that Barnabas Messersmith, John Messersmith & John Hounshell left Pennsylvania together to come to Virginia.
   
   https://www.familysearch.org/service/records/storage/das-mem/patron/v2/TH-904-54317-443-61/dist.txt?ctx=ArtCtxPublic