The first of the four original "Eyerly" immigrants to America was Hans Eier. Hans was born in Dürrmenz, Germany, just north and west of Stuttgartâ and located on the Enz river, a tributary to the Rhine. The Waldensian colony in Dürrmenz (Kingdom of Württemberg) was formed in 1699. The Waldensians, Christian religious reformers, were historically persecuted in Europe. Hans most likely was among the thousands of protestant Germans who emigrated to America in the 1700s. Supportive is the reference in the December 25, 1744 Philadelphia Gazette which reported that the Muscliffe Galley "arrived from Holland . . . with Palatines." (See the story, "The Great German Migration" attached under the Memories tab).
At age twenty-nine Hans set his sights on the American colony of Pennsylvania. First traveling over 400 miles from Dürrmenz to Rotterdam, most likely on the Rhine River, the initial seafaring leg of his journey was two weeks sailing across the North Sea to the English port of Poole. After a week layover in England Hans set sail aboard the ship Muscliffe Galley for the thirteen-week crossing of the Atlantic.
Transatlantic crossings aboard the relatively small sailing vessels of the 1700s were time consuming and perilous. Gottleb Mittelberger, a German schoolmaster, traveled from Europe to Philadelphia in the mid 1700s. His diary left a vivid eyewitness account of the journey: “. . . during the voyage there is on board these ships terrible misery, stench, fumes, horror, vomiting, many kinds of seasickness, fever, dysentery, headache, heat, constipation, boils, scurvy, cancer, mouth rot, and the like, all of which come from the old and sharply-salted food and meat, also from very bad and foul water, so that many die miserably. Add to this want of provisions, hunger, thirst, frost, heat, dampness, anxiety, want, afflictions, and lamentations, together with other trouble, such as the lice which abound so frightfully, especially on sick people, that they can be scraped off the body. The misery reaches a climax when a gale rages for two or three nights and days, so that every one believes that the ship will go to the bottom with all human beings on board. In such a visitation the people cry and pray most piteously." In addition to the deprivations described above, there were other dangers. The December 25, 1744 Philadelphia Gazette reported that the Muscliffe Galley "was chased by a French Privateer," a privately-owned armored ship.
It was the practice of the English clerks recording ship's records to write German names as they sounded in English. Consequently, when Hans disembarked at the Port of Philadelphia on December 22, 1744, his name is on the ship registry was listed as "Hans Eyer." The first duty of new immigrants upon arrival was for each to take the oath of allegiance to the Queen of England.
Not long after setting foot on American soil, Hans traveled to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania where he settled in the township of Warwick. Records indicate he married Barbara in 1745. While living in Warwick, Hans and Barbara had four children: Jacob, Mary, Abraham, and Barbara.
In 1750, the family relocated to Lebanon Township where they remained for eighteen years. During this period, one more child was born, a son they named Christian. At some point during their sojourn in Lebanon Township Barbara must have died.
In June of 1768, Hans moved his family back to Warwick Township and bought a 680 acre farm from George Pfiel and his wife Veronica. Records indicate that upon his return to Warwick Township Hans married Catharina Stouffer, a widow, with two daughters, Magdalena and Susana. After their union, Hans and Catharina had three additional children: Catharine, Elizabeth, and John.
Prior to his death in 1782, Hans Eier commissioned the writing of his last will and testament. As you read the document, originally dated 27 October 1776, you will note that Hans is initially referred to as "John Eyer." (See the story "Transcription of Hans Eier's Last Will and Testament" attached under the Memories tab). Immigrants who could not read or write English were legally referred to as "John". Consequently, Hans's name legally became "John" and his surname "Eier" was Americanized to "Eyer". However, in subsequent codicils (updates) to his will, he is referred to as "Hans Eier".
In his last will and testament Hans provides monetary income, material goods, and living space for his "loving wife Catharina." He also makes provisions for his two stepdaughters, Susana and Magdalena Stouffer. Further provisions are made for his eight biological children beginning with his "eldest son, Jacob" and continuing, presumably in birth order, with "Mary, Abraham, Barbara, Christian, Catharina, Elizabeth, and John." A codicil to Hans's will, dated February 18, 1777, provides additional income for the maintenance of his "three small children," Catharine, Elizabeth, and John.
Hans Eier, yeoman (a man holding and cultivating a small landed estate), died on March 30, 1782, at his home in Warwick. Shortly after his death the family homestead was sold to Andrew Betz.
The word "eier" in German is plural for the English word "egg". The suffix "-ly" has the German meaning "son of". Based on customs of the time, the "-ly" was used to denote the children of the original immigrant. Accordingly, with the birth of Jacob Eier (Eyer) in 1746 the family name began to change to "Eyerly".
Will of John Eyer, Warwick Twp. Lancaster County, PA
w/m 10.27.1776 will proved (w/) 3.30.1782
Will Book "D" Vol. #1 pg. 61)
wife: Catherine Stouffer
step-children: Susanne Stouffer, Magdalena Stouffer;
My eldest son: Jacob
other children: Mary; Abraham; Barbara; Christian; Catherine; Elizabeth; and John
Ex: Abraham Huber and Samuel Huber
When Will is is probated he is called: HANS EIER
Children:
1. Jacob Eyer b. 1747, Warwick, Pennsylvania, d. April 18, 1823, Lebanon, Pennsylvania.
2. Mary Eyer
3. Rev. Abraham Eyer b. May 16, 1748
buried in (Union County) Winfield, PA
4. Barbara Eyer
5. Christian Eyer
6. Catherine Eyer
7. Elizabeth Eyer
8. John (Johanna) Eyer b. Oct. 15, 1752
buried in (Union County) Winfield, PA
Hans Eier (b. 1714, d. March 30, 1782)
Hans Eier (son of Herr Eier and Frau Eier) was born 1714 in Durrmenz, Wurtemburg Germany, and died March 30, 1782 in Warwick, Pennsylvania. He married Catharina Stouffer on 1746 in Warwick, Pennsylvania.
Notes for Hans Eier:
One of the Original "Eier" immagrants to America. He arrived at the Port of Philadelphia on December 22, 1744 aboard "Muscliffe Galley" whose captain was George Durrell. The ship was last of Poole , England and Rotterdam. In 1744 a total of nine ships brought immigrants to America From Germany.
The Hans Eier Family
Shortly after his arrival at the Port of Philadelphia on December 22, 1744, hans traveled to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania where he settled in the town of Warwick. At the time of their marriage, Catharina was widowed and had two Girls by the names of Susan and Magalena
While living in Warwick, Hans and Chistina had four children between 1747 and 1750, Jacob,Mary, Abraham, Barbara.
In 1750, the family moved to Lebanon, Pa where they were to remain until 1768. During this period, four more children were born; Christian, Catharina, Elizabeth and John. In june of 1768, the family moved back to Warwick and bought a 680 acre farm from George Pfiel and his wife, Veronica.
The oldest son, Jacob, remained in Lebanon, he met Anna, whom he married in 1770. In 1777, Jacob and Anna moved to Franklin County, PA where they raised six boys: John, Jacob, David, Henry, Samuel and George.
John, Jacob and David were born between 1782 and 1793, while Henry, Samuel and George were born between 1801 and 1808 near Funkstown, Maryland.
On March 30, 1782, Hans Eier died at his home in Warwick. Shortly after his death, Christian Eier (Eyerly) went to Lebanon, after selling the family homestead in Warwick to Andrew Betz. In 1790 Christian moved to Dauphin County, PA where he married and raised a family.
In 1776, Abraham Eier (Eyerly) married Catherine in Union County. PA and moved to Northumberland County, PA in 1784. In 1790, their first son , Abraham Eyerly, Jr was Born
In 1784 John Eier (Eyerly) his brother, also moved to Northumberland County PA
On April 18, 1823 Jacob Eier (Eyerly) died in Lebanon, PA
1740-1790 tax records for Lebanon, Franklin, Lancaster, Northumberland Counties show Jacob, Abraham, Christian and John as Both "Eier" and "Eyerly". These records also show the family migration through Pennsylvania.
At age twenty-nine Hans set his sights on the American colony of Pennsylvania. First traveling over 400 miles from Dürrmenz to Rotterdam, most likely on the Rhine River, the initial seafaring leg of his journey was two weeks sailing across the North Sea to the English port of Poole. After a week layover in England Hans set sail aboard the ship Muscliffe Galley for the thirteen-week crossing of the Atlantic.
Transatlantic crossings aboard the relatively small sailing vessels of the 1700s were time consuming and perilous. Gottleb Mittelberger, a German schoolmaster, traveled from Europe to Philadelphia in the mid 1700s. His diary left a vivid eyewitness account of the journey: “. . . during the voyage there is on board these ships terrible misery, stench, fumes, horror, vomiting, many kinds of seasickness, fever, dysentery, headache, heat, constipation, boils, scurvy, cancer, mouth rot, and the like, all of which come from the old and sharply-salted food and meat, also from very bad and foul water, so that many die miserably. Add to this want of provisions, hunger, thirst, frost, heat, dampness, anxiety, want, afflictions, and lamentations, together with other trouble, such as the lice which abound so frightfully, especially on sick people, that they can be scraped off the body. The misery reaches a climax when a gale rages for two or three nights and days, so that every one believes that the ship will go to the bottom with all human beings on board. In such a visitation the people cry and pray most piteously." In addition to the deprivations described above, there were other dangers. The December 25, 1744 Philadelphia Gazette reported that the Muscliffe Galley "was chased by a French Privateer," a privately-owned armored ship.
It was the practice of the English clerks recording ship's records to write German names as they sounded in English. Consequently, when Hans disembarked at the Port of Philadelphia on December 22, 1744, his name is on the ship registry was listed as "Hans Eyer." The first duty of new immigrants upon arrival was for each to take the oath of allegiance to the Queen of England.
Not long after setting foot on American soil, Hans traveled to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania where he settled in the township of Warwick. Records indicate he married Barbara in 1745. While living in Warwick, Hans and Barbara had four children: Jacob, Mary, Abraham, and Barbara.
In 1750, the family relocated to Lebanon Township where they remained for eighteen years. During this period, one more child was born, a son they named Christian. At some point during their sojourn in Lebanon Township Barbara must have died.
In June of 1768, Hans moved his family back to Warwick Township and bought a 680 acre farm from George Pfiel and his wife Veronica. Records indicate that upon his return to Warwick Township Hans married Catharina Stouffer, a widow, with two daughters, Magdalena and Susana. After their union, Hans and Catharina had three additional children: Catharine, Elizabeth, and John.
Prior to his death in 1782, Hans Eier commissioned the writing of his last will and testament. As you read the document, originally dated 27 October 1776, you will note that Hans is initially referred to as "John Eyer." (See the story "Transcription of Hans Eier's Last Will and Testament" attached under the Memories tab). Immigrants who could not read or write English were legally referred to as "John". Consequently, Hans's name legally became "John" and his surname "Eier" was Americanized to "Eyer". However, in subsequent codicils (updates) to his will, he is referred to as "Hans Eier".
In his last will and testament Hans provides monetary income, material goods, and living space for his "loving wife Catharina." He also makes provisions for his two stepdaughters, Susana and Magdalena Stouffer. Further provisions are made for his eight biological children beginning with his "eldest son, Jacob" and continuing, presumably in birth order, with "Mary, Abraham, Barbara, Christian, Catharina, Elizabeth, and John." A codicil to Hans's will, dated February 18, 1777, provides additional income for the maintenance of his "three small children," Catharine, Elizabeth, and John.
Hans Eier, yeoman (a man holding and cultivating a small landed estate), died on March 30, 1782, at his home in Warwick. Shortly after his death the family homestead was sold to Andrew Betz.
The word "eier" in German is plural for the English word "egg". The suffix "-ly" has the German meaning "son of". Based on customs of the time, the "-ly" was used to denote the children of the original immigrant. Accordingly, with the birth of Jacob Eier (Eyer) in 1746 the family name began to change to "Eyerly".
Will of John Eyer, Warwick Twp. Lancaster County, PA
w/m 10.27.1776 will proved (w/) 3.30.1782
Will Book "D" Vol. #1 pg. 61)
wife: Catherine Stouffer
step-children: Susanne Stouffer, Magdalena Stouffer;
My eldest son: Jacob
other children: Mary; Abraham; Barbara; Christian; Catherine; Elizabeth; and John
Ex: Abraham Huber and Samuel Huber
When Will is is probated he is called: HANS EIER
Children:
1. Jacob Eyer b. 1747, Warwick, Pennsylvania, d. April 18, 1823, Lebanon, Pennsylvania.
2. Mary Eyer
3. Rev. Abraham Eyer b. May 16, 1748
buried in (Union County) Winfield, PA
4. Barbara Eyer
5. Christian Eyer
6. Catherine Eyer
7. Elizabeth Eyer
8. John (Johanna) Eyer b. Oct. 15, 1752
buried in (Union County) Winfield, PA
Hans Eier (b. 1714, d. March 30, 1782)
Hans Eier (son of Herr Eier and Frau Eier) was born 1714 in Durrmenz, Wurtemburg Germany, and died March 30, 1782 in Warwick, Pennsylvania. He married Catharina Stouffer on 1746 in Warwick, Pennsylvania.
Notes for Hans Eier:
One of the Original "Eier" immagrants to America. He arrived at the Port of Philadelphia on December 22, 1744 aboard "Muscliffe Galley" whose captain was George Durrell. The ship was last of Poole , England and Rotterdam. In 1744 a total of nine ships brought immigrants to America From Germany.
The Hans Eier Family
Shortly after his arrival at the Port of Philadelphia on December 22, 1744, hans traveled to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania where he settled in the town of Warwick. At the time of their marriage, Catharina was widowed and had two Girls by the names of Susan and Magalena
While living in Warwick, Hans and Chistina had four children between 1747 and 1750, Jacob,Mary, Abraham, Barbara.
In 1750, the family moved to Lebanon, Pa where they were to remain until 1768. During this period, four more children were born; Christian, Catharina, Elizabeth and John. In june of 1768, the family moved back to Warwick and bought a 680 acre farm from George Pfiel and his wife, Veronica.
The oldest son, Jacob, remained in Lebanon, he met Anna, whom he married in 1770. In 1777, Jacob and Anna moved to Franklin County, PA where they raised six boys: John, Jacob, David, Henry, Samuel and George.
John, Jacob and David were born between 1782 and 1793, while Henry, Samuel and George were born between 1801 and 1808 near Funkstown, Maryland.
On March 30, 1782, Hans Eier died at his home in Warwick. Shortly after his death, Christian Eier (Eyerly) went to Lebanon, after selling the family homestead in Warwick to Andrew Betz. In 1790 Christian moved to Dauphin County, PA where he married and raised a family.
In 1776, Abraham Eier (Eyerly) married Catherine in Union County. PA and moved to Northumberland County, PA in 1784. In 1790, their first son , Abraham Eyerly, Jr was Born
In 1784 John Eier (Eyerly) his brother, also moved to Northumberland County PA
On April 18, 1823 Jacob Eier (Eyerly) died in Lebanon, PA
1740-1790 tax records for Lebanon, Franklin, Lancaster, Northumberland Counties show Jacob, Abraham, Christian and John as Both "Eier" and "Eyerly". These records also show the family migration through Pennsylvania.
The first of the four original "Eyerly" immigrants to America was Hans Eier. Hans was born in Dürrmenz, Germany, just north and west of Stuttgartâ and located on the Enz river, a tributary to the Rhine. The Waldensian colony in Dürrmenz (Kingdom of Württemberg) was formed in 1699. The Waldensians, Christian religious reformers, were historically persecuted in Europe. Hans most likely was among the thousands of protestant Germans who emigrated to America in the 1700s. Supportive is the reference in the December 25, 1744 Philadelphia Gazette which reported that the Muscliffe Galley "arrived from Holland . . . with Palatines." (See the story, "The Great German Migration" attached under the Memories tab).
At age twenty-nine Hans set his sights on the American colony of Pennsylvania. First traveling over 400 miles from Dürrmenz to Rotterdam, most likely on the Rhine River, the initial seafaring leg of his journey was two weeks sailing across the North Sea to the English port of Poole. After a week layover in England Hans set sail aboard the ship Muscliffe Galley for the thirteen-week crossing of the Atlantic.
Transatlantic crossings aboard the relatively small sailing vessels of the 1700s were time consuming and perilous. Gottleb Mittelberger, a German schoolmaster, traveled from Europe to Philadelphia in the mid 1700s. His diary left a vivid eyewitness account of the journey: “. . . during the voyage there is on board these ships terrible misery, stench, fumes, horror, vomiting, many kinds of seasickness, fever, dysentery, headache, heat, constipation, boils, scurvy, cancer, mouth rot, and the like, all of which come from the old and sharply-salted food and meat, also from very bad and foul water, so that many die miserably. Add to this want of provisions, hunger, thirst, frost, heat, dampness, anxiety, want, afflictions, and lamentations, together with other trouble, such as the lice which abound so frightfully, especially on sick people, that they can be scraped off the body. The misery reaches a climax when a gale rages for two or three nights and days, so that every one believes that the ship will go to the bottom with all human beings on board. In such a visitation the people cry and pray most piteously." In addition to the deprivations described above, there were other dangers. The December 25, 1744 Philadelphia Gazette reported that the Muscliffe Galley "was chased by a French Privateer," a privately-owned armored ship.
It was the practice of the English clerks recording ship's records to write German names as they sounded in English. Consequently, when Hans disembarked at the Port of Philadelphia on December 22, 1744, his name is on the ship registry was listed as "Hans Eyer." The first duty of new immigrants upon arrival was for each to take the oath of allegiance to the Queen of England.
Not long after setting foot on American soil, Hans traveled to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania where he settled in the township of Warwick. Records indicate he married Barbara in 1745. While living in Warwick, Hans and Barbara had four children: Jacob, Mary, Abraham, and Barbara.
In 1750, the family relocated to Lebanon Township where they remained for eighteen years. During this period, one more child was born, a son they named Christian. At some point during their sojourn in Lebanon Township Barbara must have died.
In June of 1768, Hans moved his family back to Warwick Township and bought a 680 acre farm from George Pfiel and his wife Veronica. Records indicate that upon his return to Warwick Township Hans married Catharina Stouffer, a widow, with two daughters, Magdalena and Susana. After their union, Hans and Catharina had three additional children: Catharine, Elizabeth, and John.
Prior to his death in 1782, Hans Eier commissioned the writing of his last will and testament. As you read the document, originally dated 27 October 1776, you will note that Hans is initially referred to as "John Eyer." (See the story "Transcription of Hans Eier's Last Will and Testament" attached under the Memories tab). Immigrants who could not read or write English were legally referred to as "John". Consequently, Hans's name legally became "John" and his surname "Eier" was Americanized to "Eyer". However, in subsequent codicils (updates) to his will, he is referred to as "Hans Eier".
In his last will and testament Hans provides monetary income, material goods, and living space for his "loving wife Catharina." He also makes provisions for his two stepdaughters, Susana and Magdalena Stouffer. Further provisions are made for his eight biological children beginning with his "eldest son, Jacob" and continuing, presumably in birth order, with "Mary, Abraham, Barbara, Christian, Catharina, Elizabeth, and John." A codicil to Hans's will, dated February 18, 1777, provides additional income for the maintenance of his "three small children," Catharine, Elizabeth, and John.
Hans Eier, yeoman (a man holding and cultivating a small landed estate), died on March 30, 1782, at his home in Warwick. Shortly after his death the family homestead was sold to Andrew Betz.
The word "eier" in German is plural for the English word "egg". The suffix "-ly" has the German meaning "son of". Based on customs of the time, the "-ly" was used to denote the children of the original immigrant. Accordingly, with the birth of Jacob Eier (Eyer) in 1746 the family name began to change to "Eyerly".
Will of John Eyer, Warwick Twp. Lancaster County, PA
w/m 10.27.1776 will proved (w/) 3.30.1782
Will Book "D" Vol. #1 pg. 61)
wife: Catherine Stouffer
step-children: Susanne Stouffer, Magdalena Stouffer;
My eldest son: Jacob
other children: Mary; Abraham; Barbara; Christian; Catherine; Elizabeth; and John
Ex: Abraham Huber and Samuel Huber
When Will is is probated he is called: HANS EIER
Children:
1. Jacob Eyer b. 1747, Warwick, Pennsylvania, d. April 18, 1823, Lebanon, Pennsylvania.
2. Mary Eyer
3. Rev. Abraham Eyer b. May 16, 1748
buried in (Union County) Winfield, PA
4. Barbara Eyer
5. Christian Eyer
6. Catherine Eyer
7. Elizabeth Eyer
8. John (Johanna) Eyer b. Oct. 15, 1752
buried in (Union County) Winfield, PA
Hans Eier (b. 1714, d. March 30, 1782)
Hans Eier (son of Herr Eier and Frau Eier) was born 1714 in Durrmenz, Wurtemburg Germany, and died March 30, 1782 in Warwick, Pennsylvania. He married Catharina Stouffer on 1746 in Warwick, Pennsylvania.
Notes for Hans Eier:
One of the Original "Eier" immagrants to America. He arrived at the Port of Philadelphia on December 22, 1744 aboard "Muscliffe Galley" whose captain was George Durrell. The ship was last of Poole , England and Rotterdam. In 1744 a total of nine ships brought immigrants to America From Germany.
The Hans Eier Family
Shortly after his arrival at the Port of Philadelphia on December 22, 1744, hans traveled to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania where he settled in the town of Warwick. At the time of their marriage, Catharina was widowed and had two Girls by the names of Susan and Magalena
While living in Warwick, Hans and Chistina had four children between 1747 and 1750, Jacob,Mary, Abraham, Barbara.
In 1750, the family moved to Lebanon, Pa where they were to remain until 1768. During this period, four more children were born; Christian, Catharina, Elizabeth and John. In june of 1768, the family moved back to Warwick and bought a 680 acre farm from George Pfiel and his wife, Veronica.
The oldest son, Jacob, remained in Lebanon, he met Anna, whom he married in 1770. In 1777, Jacob and Anna moved to Franklin County, PA where they raised six boys: John, Jacob, David, Henry, Samuel and George.
John, Jacob and David were born between 1782 and 1793, while Henry, Samuel and George were born between 1801 and 1808 near Funkstown, Maryland.
On March 30, 1782, Hans Eier died at his home in Warwick. Shortly after his death, Christian Eier (Eyerly) went to Lebanon, after selling the family homestead in Warwick to Andrew Betz. In 1790 Christian moved to Dauphin County, PA where he married and raised a family.
In 1776, Abraham Eier (Eyerly) married Catherine in Union County. PA and moved to Northumberland County, PA in 1784. In 1790, their first son , Abraham Eyerly, Jr was Born
In 1784 John Eier (Eyerly) his brother, also moved to Northumberland County PA
On April 18, 1823 Jacob Eier (Eyerly) died in Lebanon, PA
1740-1790 tax records for Lebanon, Franklin, Lancaster, Northumberland Counties show Jacob, Abraham, Christian and John as Both "Eier" and "Eyerly". These records also show the family migration through Pennsylvania.
At age twenty-nine Hans set his sights on the American colony of Pennsylvania. First traveling over 400 miles from Dürrmenz to Rotterdam, most likely on the Rhine River, the initial seafaring leg of his journey was two weeks sailing across the North Sea to the English port of Poole. After a week layover in England Hans set sail aboard the ship Muscliffe Galley for the thirteen-week crossing of the Atlantic.
Transatlantic crossings aboard the relatively small sailing vessels of the 1700s were time consuming and perilous. Gottleb Mittelberger, a German schoolmaster, traveled from Europe to Philadelphia in the mid 1700s. His diary left a vivid eyewitness account of the journey: “. . . during the voyage there is on board these ships terrible misery, stench, fumes, horror, vomiting, many kinds of seasickness, fever, dysentery, headache, heat, constipation, boils, scurvy, cancer, mouth rot, and the like, all of which come from the old and sharply-salted food and meat, also from very bad and foul water, so that many die miserably. Add to this want of provisions, hunger, thirst, frost, heat, dampness, anxiety, want, afflictions, and lamentations, together with other trouble, such as the lice which abound so frightfully, especially on sick people, that they can be scraped off the body. The misery reaches a climax when a gale rages for two or three nights and days, so that every one believes that the ship will go to the bottom with all human beings on board. In such a visitation the people cry and pray most piteously." In addition to the deprivations described above, there were other dangers. The December 25, 1744 Philadelphia Gazette reported that the Muscliffe Galley "was chased by a French Privateer," a privately-owned armored ship.
It was the practice of the English clerks recording ship's records to write German names as they sounded in English. Consequently, when Hans disembarked at the Port of Philadelphia on December 22, 1744, his name is on the ship registry was listed as "Hans Eyer." The first duty of new immigrants upon arrival was for each to take the oath of allegiance to the Queen of England.
Not long after setting foot on American soil, Hans traveled to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania where he settled in the township of Warwick. Records indicate he married Barbara in 1745. While living in Warwick, Hans and Barbara had four children: Jacob, Mary, Abraham, and Barbara.
In 1750, the family relocated to Lebanon Township where they remained for eighteen years. During this period, one more child was born, a son they named Christian. At some point during their sojourn in Lebanon Township Barbara must have died.
In June of 1768, Hans moved his family back to Warwick Township and bought a 680 acre farm from George Pfiel and his wife Veronica. Records indicate that upon his return to Warwick Township Hans married Catharina Stouffer, a widow, with two daughters, Magdalena and Susana. After their union, Hans and Catharina had three additional children: Catharine, Elizabeth, and John.
Prior to his death in 1782, Hans Eier commissioned the writing of his last will and testament. As you read the document, originally dated 27 October 1776, you will note that Hans is initially referred to as "John Eyer." (See the story "Transcription of Hans Eier's Last Will and Testament" attached under the Memories tab). Immigrants who could not read or write English were legally referred to as "John". Consequently, Hans's name legally became "John" and his surname "Eier" was Americanized to "Eyer". However, in subsequent codicils (updates) to his will, he is referred to as "Hans Eier".
In his last will and testament Hans provides monetary income, material goods, and living space for his "loving wife Catharina." He also makes provisions for his two stepdaughters, Susana and Magdalena Stouffer. Further provisions are made for his eight biological children beginning with his "eldest son, Jacob" and continuing, presumably in birth order, with "Mary, Abraham, Barbara, Christian, Catharina, Elizabeth, and John." A codicil to Hans's will, dated February 18, 1777, provides additional income for the maintenance of his "three small children," Catharine, Elizabeth, and John.
Hans Eier, yeoman (a man holding and cultivating a small landed estate), died on March 30, 1782, at his home in Warwick. Shortly after his death the family homestead was sold to Andrew Betz.
The word "eier" in German is plural for the English word "egg". The suffix "-ly" has the German meaning "son of". Based on customs of the time, the "-ly" was used to denote the children of the original immigrant. Accordingly, with the birth of Jacob Eier (Eyer) in 1746 the family name began to change to "Eyerly".
Will of John Eyer, Warwick Twp. Lancaster County, PA
w/m 10.27.1776 will proved (w/) 3.30.1782
Will Book "D" Vol. #1 pg. 61)
wife: Catherine Stouffer
step-children: Susanne Stouffer, Magdalena Stouffer;
My eldest son: Jacob
other children: Mary; Abraham; Barbara; Christian; Catherine; Elizabeth; and John
Ex: Abraham Huber and Samuel Huber
When Will is is probated he is called: HANS EIER
Children:
1. Jacob Eyer b. 1747, Warwick, Pennsylvania, d. April 18, 1823, Lebanon, Pennsylvania.
2. Mary Eyer
3. Rev. Abraham Eyer b. May 16, 1748
buried in (Union County) Winfield, PA
4. Barbara Eyer
5. Christian Eyer
6. Catherine Eyer
7. Elizabeth Eyer
8. John (Johanna) Eyer b. Oct. 15, 1752
buried in (Union County) Winfield, PA
Hans Eier (b. 1714, d. March 30, 1782)
Hans Eier (son of Herr Eier and Frau Eier) was born 1714 in Durrmenz, Wurtemburg Germany, and died March 30, 1782 in Warwick, Pennsylvania. He married Catharina Stouffer on 1746 in Warwick, Pennsylvania.
Notes for Hans Eier:
One of the Original "Eier" immagrants to America. He arrived at the Port of Philadelphia on December 22, 1744 aboard "Muscliffe Galley" whose captain was George Durrell. The ship was last of Poole , England and Rotterdam. In 1744 a total of nine ships brought immigrants to America From Germany.
The Hans Eier Family
Shortly after his arrival at the Port of Philadelphia on December 22, 1744, hans traveled to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania where he settled in the town of Warwick. At the time of their marriage, Catharina was widowed and had two Girls by the names of Susan and Magalena
While living in Warwick, Hans and Chistina had four children between 1747 and 1750, Jacob,Mary, Abraham, Barbara.
In 1750, the family moved to Lebanon, Pa where they were to remain until 1768. During this period, four more children were born; Christian, Catharina, Elizabeth and John. In june of 1768, the family moved back to Warwick and bought a 680 acre farm from George Pfiel and his wife, Veronica.
The oldest son, Jacob, remained in Lebanon, he met Anna, whom he married in 1770. In 1777, Jacob and Anna moved to Franklin County, PA where they raised six boys: John, Jacob, David, Henry, Samuel and George.
John, Jacob and David were born between 1782 and 1793, while Henry, Samuel and George were born between 1801 and 1808 near Funkstown, Maryland.
On March 30, 1782, Hans Eier died at his home in Warwick. Shortly after his death, Christian Eier (Eyerly) went to Lebanon, after selling the family homestead in Warwick to Andrew Betz. In 1790 Christian moved to Dauphin County, PA where he married and raised a family.
In 1776, Abraham Eier (Eyerly) married Catherine in Union County. PA and moved to Northumberland County, PA in 1784. In 1790, their first son , Abraham Eyerly, Jr was Born
In 1784 John Eier (Eyerly) his brother, also moved to Northumberland County PA
On April 18, 1823 Jacob Eier (Eyerly) died in Lebanon, PA
1740-1790 tax records for Lebanon, Franklin, Lancaster, Northumberland Counties show Jacob, Abraham, Christian and John as Both "Eier" and "Eyerly". These records also show the family migration through Pennsylvania.
Family Members
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