Chris & Julie Petersen's Genealogy

Johann Christian Wampfler

Male Abt 1685 - Aft 1763  (~ 79 years)


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  • Name Johann Christian Wampfler 
    Born Abt 1685  of Sparsbach, Bas-Rhin, Alsace, France Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Gender Male 
    Died Aft 1763  of, York, Pennsylvania, United States Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Person ID I1161  Petersen-de Lanskoy
    Last Modified 27 May 2021 

    Father Christian or Christen Wampfler,   c. 3 Dec 1654, Diemtigen, Bern, Switzerland Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. Bef 29/29 Jan 1714/5, Sparsbach, Bas-Rhin, Alsace, France Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age ~ 60 years) 
    Mother Mrs. Christian Wampfler,   d. Bef 1715, of Sparsbach, Bas-Rhin, Alsace, France Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Married Abt 1684  of Sparsbach, Bas-Rhin, Alsace, France Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Family ID F780  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

    Family Anna Tritten,   b. 26/26 Jan 1685/6, Berrothau, Alsace, France Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 30 Mar 1758, , York, Pennsylvania, United States Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 72 years) 
    Married 14 May 1715  Diedendorf, Bas-Rhin, Alsace, France Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Last Modified 28 May 2021 
    Family ID F783  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  • Notes 
    • RESEARCH_NOTES:
      1. Christian & family left for America in 1747 per Fred Wampler's book cited below. Passenger lists for arrivals in America (Reference source: R.B. Strassburger, "Pennsylvania German Pioneers; a Publication of the Original Lists of Arrivals in the Port of Philadelphia from 1727 to 1808," 3 volumes, 1934, Pennsylvania German Society, Proceedings, Vol. 42-45, show at least the following Wampflers (father and three sons) reaching America in Aug 1747:
      Johann Christian Wampfler
      Jörg (Georg) Wampfler
      Christian Wampfler
      Johann Ludwig Wampfler
      The author on p. 96 notes that the immigrants who came to America, Hans Peter Wampfler in 1741 and Johann Christian Wampfler in 1747, were brothers and that the spelling of the surname is always "Wampler" for descendants of thise two immigrants. Anyone in America with the spelling "Wampler" thereafter is always a descendant of these two brothers no matter how distantly related. The author notes that there were two additional immigrants to America later - Michael Wampfler in 1847 from Switzerland and J.P. Wampfler in 1837 from Herbitzheim, Alsace - and descendants of these two individuals always spell their name "Wampfler." The reason is that in the mid-1700's, immigrants were anxious to fit into the a culture dominated by English and the officials were not so concerned with the proper spelling of a surname - hence Wampler. In the 1800's, the United States was an official country with immigration policies and better record keeping - hence better spelling of Wampfler. It is also noted that the Germans were the first minority group in America and subject initially to many derrogatory comments which helped shape public opinion against accepting these "foreigners."

      2. Per Worldconnect citation below for Johannes Christian Wampler: "Pennsylvania German Pioneers," by Ralph Beaver Strassburger, LL.D. Publication of Arrivals in the Port of Philadelphia from 1727-1808. Vol.1; Arrived on Ship Bilander Vernon, Aug 1747, and took the Oath. Pg 364. !Book, "Eighteenth Century Emigrants from the Northern Alsace to America," by Annette Kunselman Burgert. Pg 522.
      3 . The book, "History of Western Civilization," by Hayes, Baldwin, & Cole. Pub. in 1962 by Macmillan Co. Pg 428. By the Treaty of Ryswich in 1697, which ended the War of the League of Augsburg, France secured full recognition of its ownership of the whole province of Alsace.

      4. Mentioned as an heir to Christian Wampfler's probate in the book, "Wampler Family History 1500s - 1700s," by Fred B. Wampler, Ph.D., p. 61 has the following record extract from the Staatsarchiv in Bern, Switzerland from "Wimmis Amtsrechnung, March 1716 - March 1717" giving the 4 heirs (children) of Christian Wampfler who had reached the age of majority (14) and who were receiving part of their deceased father's assets that had not previously been converted to capital and moved out of Switzerland: "The 5th of February 1716 District Treasurer Mani paid in the name of Hans Peter Wampfler, surviving son of a citizen and district subject, living in Sparbach, and for his brother Christian, married and living at Herzheim in the Nassauw Saarbrüggishen territory; additionally, for a single brother Hans, plus their sister Madlen living in Castel, married to Samuel Methauwer in the above county. Together 12 Kronen." According to the book, the following spelling corrections need to be made from that record:
      Sparbach = Sparsbach.
      Hertzheim = Herbitzheim.
      Castel = Keskastel.
      Madlen is equivalent to Magdalena.
      Mathauwer = Mettauer.
      Hans, Johannes, and Johann were often used interchangeably. Also this name was traditionally in this culture used as a prename to the real first name of a male child as was Anna likewise used for daughters.

      5. Book, "Wampler Family History 1500s - 1700s," by Fred B. Wampler, Ph.D., pp. 64-75, summarizes his findings of vital information regarding this individual as follows: Johann Christian, b. abt. 1685 in Alsace, probably at Sparsbach, d. in Pennsylvania, md. Anna Tritten (May 14, 1715). Anna was from Herbitzheim, although it is most probable that her father was from St. Stephan, Switzerland. Tritten is one of the most common names in St. Stephan, which is also part of Bern Canton. In fact it is part of the Simmen Valley, from which Christian's father came. All of the sons of Christian Senior were linen weavers by trade. The book contains photos of Sparsbach, Keskastel, Herbitzheim, and Hinsingen (home of Hans Peter Wampfler) as they appeared in the 1980's. Much of these villages have remained unchanged over the last several centuries. Although Johann Christian spent his childhood in Sparsbach, he lived most of his life in Alsace in Herbitzheim. He is of special interest to us because he and his family left Alsace in 1747 and came to America. Christian's brother, Hans Peter, immigrated to America in 1741. The following old records from Bern's Staatsarchiv is quoted from the book as follows:
      a. Extract from Zweisimmen Amtsrechung Easter 1727-1728: "According to your gracious letter of 15 Dec 1727 is to Christian Wampfler of Diemtigen, who at this time is a citizen of Herbistheim in the county Nassau Saarbrüggen, his personal property of 80 Kronen in St. Steffen to be moved out of the country, therefore for the departure tax I was paid in pence: 26 Pfund, 13 Schilling, 4 Pfennige." Notes: Diemtigen refers to the legal district in which Zwischenflüh is located. Herbistheim is correctly written Herbitzheim. The property in St. Steffen (St. Stephan) was that of Christian's wife, Anna Tritten.
      b. Another extract to the movement of capital out of Switzerland is found in the "Ratsmanual der Stadt Bern Nr. 116, Dez. 1727-Feb. 1728": "Monday the 15th of December 1727 Zweisimmen. As Christian Wampfler of Diemtigen, as proven by an authentic certificate, (stating) that he still professes the Evangelical-Reformed religion and already has the status of a citizen at Herbistheim in the county Nassauw SarBrüggen; as Your Graces having expressed no misgivings about permitting him to take his property consisting of 80 crowns together with the attached allegiance and citizenship, less the usual departure tax, out of the country; of which he (the district governor) is notified, with the order to deduct the usual departure tax from this property and credit it to My Gracious Lords, at the same time seeing that the withdrawal of citizenship and allegiance is recorded and annotated there above, which he already knows how to do." A note accompanies to the Lord Accountant ordering him to enter this departure tax on the account of the Herr Governor at Zweisimmen. Note that the Ratsmanual records the daily decisions of the central government, the city council of Bern. The cantons of Switzerland were not subjected to a federal government until 1798. Before that time each was a separate state.
      The two above extracts tell us that Johann Christian still carried legal connection with Diemtigen because his father had been a citizen there which was in accord with Swiss law of this era.
      The book indicates the following children to Johann Christian Wampfler and Anna Tritten with the first three being christened in Keskastel the others being christened in either Keskastel or Herbitzheim:
      a. Hans Georg, ch. 9 Aug 1716. Father, Hanns Christian Wampfler, in christening record is noted as a linen and picture weaver and among godparents is Hans Peter Wampfler. Later note with christening record notes "Removed August 15, 1747" which indicates emigration to America but with an inaccurate date which the author says the pastor of that time was often doing.
      b. Christian, ch. 6 Feb 1718, md. Justina Magdalena Christillus, dau. of Phillip Christillus of Herbiitzheim, who died 13 Dec 1765. This couple had at least one child born in Herbiztheim prior to their departure to America in 1847. Father, Christian Wampfler, in christening record is noted as a linen and picture weaver and among witnesses is Barbara, daughter of Jacob Tritten [Barbara was probably an aunt to the Child]. Later note with christening record notes "Removed Nov. 20, 1745" which indicates emigration to America. [Roy Wampler in his book cited below notes on p. 8: An inventory of the estate of Louisa Pistorius Christillus dated 13 Dec 1765 states that "the daughter Justina has moved to America with her husband Christian Wampfler." He has further biographies of their children in America.]
      c. Maria Catherina, ch. 21 Oct 1719. Father, Christian Wampfler, in christening record is noted as a picture weaver. Later note with christening record notes "Removed April 15, 1747. (Note that this date for removal probably corresponds to the actual date of departure. The difference between this departure date and the arrival date - August - for the 1747 immigrants is the same as the total travel time for the 1741 immigrants - i.e. a May departure and a September arrival for 4 months.) [Roy Wampler in his cited book below, notes no records of this individual has been found in America even though it is evident that she emigrated.]
      d. Anna Magdalena, ch. 7 Mar 1721, d. 10 Jan 1742.
      e. Margaretha, ch. 12 Oct 1722. [Roy Wampler in his cited book below notes she served as a baptismal sponsor in 1740, d. ca 1800 in York Co., PA, md. 1753 to George Hoffeins, b. 10 Nov 1726 in Blankenloch, Baden-Durlach, d. 26 Mar 1758 in York, PA, son of John and Catharine (Hensch) Hoffeins. He has additional biographical info on them and their children.]
      f. Maria Barbara, ch. 26 Aug 1724. [Roy Wampler in his cited book below notes no records for her have been found in America.]
      g. Hans Adam, ch. 15 Jun 1726, d. 31 Jul 1733.
      h. Johann Ludwig, ch. 13 Oct 1730. [Roy Wampler in his cited book below provides further biographies on this individual and his descendants. He also notes d. 1772 at York, PA, md. Catherina ___, d. aft. 1798.]

      6. Cited Wampler book, p. 79, also notes in conjunction with the christening of Johann Christian's niece and daughter of his brother Johannes: Anna Margareth, ch. in Keskastel 28 Jun 1738, d. 28 Dec 1740. "Anna Magdalena, single dau. of master Christian Wampfler, citizen and weaver here," is listed as a witness and would be this child's cousin. Master Christian would be this Johann Christian.

      7. The book, FHL 929.273 w181wf, "A Wampler Family History," by Roy H. Wampler, Chevy Chase, MD, 1999, pp. 11-26, detail the biographies of Johann Christian Wamfler and his descendants in America:
      A. "...By 1749, two years after their immigration in 1747, the Wamplers were taking steps to make their home in York, PA. but there is evidence that during the previous two years at least some members of the family were living in the vicinity of Lancaster, PA. Bergert reports that the records of Trinity Lutheran Church, Lancaster, show that Justina Magdalena Wampfler was listed among the communicants there in 1747 and 1748, with a notation, 'husband Reformed.' Her husband was Christian Wampler, one of the sons of Joh. Christian Wampler. The town of York was established in 1741 by John, Thomas and Richard Penn, Proprietaries and Governors in Chief of Pennsylvania. In 1741 about 103 acres were laid out; in 1752 and 1768 the town was resurveyed as 446.5 acres. One of the early lots was acquired by the Wamplers. 'Lot 160. Christian Wampler obtained ticket, June 15, 1749...' Lot 160 was located on East Philadelphia Street at the northeast corner of its intersection with North George Street, acccording to the map prepared in 1754 by George Stevenson. The histories of York County, Pennsylvania, by Gibson and Prowell state that a Reformed congregation was organized in York, and in 1743 a block house was erected on a lot granted by the Penns. Both these histories give 'a list of some of the more prominent persons who were members before 1754.' Included among the 66 names are Christian Wampler and Christian Wampler, Sr. Burgert also includes a reference to this list, stating: 'Two Christian Wampflers signed the church doctrine in 1754.' An index to the early records of the York County court of Quarter Sessions lists the name of John Christian Wambler (sic) in Docket Book R which covers the period 1754 to 1755. The published index does not indicate the nature of the case before the court to which John Christian Wampler was a party, and the original docket books merely provided short abstracts of the cases. it is unknown whether complete transcripts of cases from the early years are now extant. This court record provides evidence that Joh. Christian Wampler was alive ca. 1754-55, but no record of his death has been found. Records of Christ Lutheran Church, York, contain an entry on the death of his wife in 1758. Included are data on her origins, her marriage and her family: 'Anna Wampler born Jan. 26, 1686, died at 3 a.m., March 30, 1758, and buried in the Reformed Churchyard in York. Her father was Jacob Tritten, her mother Anne (nee Feusser), from Berrothau in Alsace. Came to America in 1747 with her husband, Christian Wampler, who she married in 1715. They had eight children, of whom five survive.' Carter and Glossbrenner's 'History of York County,' publ. in 1834 gives a discussion of the German Reformed Church in York (p. 40): 'The old church of wood was, in this state of the congregation, too small for convenience: it was accordingly removed, and on the 24th of May 1763, the corner stone was laid for a new edifice. This church of stone was complete in the following year, Christian Wamppler (sic) being the architect.' Burgert also gives a short comment on the church of 1763: 'Christian Wampfler was the Baumeister for the new church in 1763.' It is not certain whether the Christian Wampler in question is Johann Christian Wampler or his son, Christian Wampler. Since other records indicate that the younger Christian Wampler was living in Manheim Township in the southern part of York County by about 1756, I am inclined to think that the reference is to the elder Joh. Christina Wampler. No record of his death has been found, and he may well have been alive and active in 1763. Assuming that the estimate of his birth, ca. 1685, is fairly accurate, he would have been about 78 years of age at that time."
      B. Extensive biographies follow for their children in the book.
      C. Referenced sources:
      a. Fred Wampler books as already cited herein.
      b. Annette Kunselman Burgert, "Eighteenth Century Emigrnts from the Northern Alsace to America," Picton Press, Camden, ME, 1992.
      c. Historical Society of York Co., PA. Vital Records: Records of Christ Lutheran Church, York, PA.
      d. R.B. Strassburger, "Pennsylvania German Pioneers; a Publication of the Original Lists of Arrivals in the Port of Philadelphia from 1727 to 1808," 3 volumes, reprinted, Baltimore, 1966.
      e. "Notes and Documents Concerning the Manorial History of the Town of York, York Co., PA," comp. by Henry James Young, with additions by P.A. Gross and L.A. Heilman. Special Publication No. 47, South Central Pennsylvania Gen. Society, York, PA; Jan 1992.
      f. John Gibson, "History of York County, PA," F. A. Battey Pub. CO., Chicago, 1886.
      g. George R. Prowell, "History of York Co., PA," 2 vols. J.H. Beers & Co., Chicago, 1907.
      h. "Names Found in York County Court of Quarter Sessions Docket Boooks for 1749-1754," Special Publication No. 12, South Central Pennsylvania Gen. Society, York, PA;1980.
      i. "York Co., PA, Church Records of the 18th Century," 3 vols., comp. and ed. by Marlene S. Bates & F. Edward Wright, Family Line Pub., Westminster,MD, 1991.
      j. W.C. Carter and A.J. Glossbrenner, "History of York County from ites Erection to the Present Time (1729-1834)," Originally published 1834. New edition ed. by A.M. Aurand Jr., The Aurand Press, Harrisburg, PA, 1930.

      8. FHL book 974.8 B4pgp "Eighteenth Century Emigrants from the Northern Alsace to America," by Annette Kunselman Burgert (Camden, ME; Picton Press), pp. 2-3, 520-24:
      A brief description of the area from which the Wamplers came from in the Northern Alsace:
      "In the eighteenth century, the northwestern section belonged to the Counts of Nassau and was known as the Grafschaft of Nassau-Saarwerden. Several of the families mentioned in the Reformed parish records at Diedendorf actually lived in the neighboring territories of Lixheim and Vinstingen, which are today located in the neighboring Departement of Moselle. Members of these families emigrated to Pennsylvania in the eighteenth century and are included in this study, although the villages are not located in Bas-Rhin today. This area is approximately forty miles northwest of the city of Strasbourg.
      As early as 1559, the Count of Nassau granted refuge in Nassau-Saarwerden to Huguenots who were expelled from French territory for religious reasons.
      The Grafschaft of Nassau-Saarwerden was occupied by France and Lorraine from 1649-1670 and during this period the Lutheran religion was forbidden and the Catholic church was the official church. After a brief interval, Louis XIV invaded in 1676. In 1698 the county was returned to the jurisdiction of the Counts of Nassau, and the Lutheran religion was once more the official religion...
      WAMPFFLER, JOH. CHRISTIAN (Herbitzheim=67260 Sarre-Union)
      WAMPFFLER, CHRISTIAN
      WAMPFFLER, JOH. LUDWIG
      WAMPFFLER, JORG
      [Immigration on the ship] "Bilander Vernon," 1747. [Source:] S-H, I: 364 [Ralph Beaver Strassburger and William John Hinke, Pennsylvania German Pioneers. 3 vols. (Norristown, 1934)].
      European Records
      Diedendorf Reformed KB [Kirchebook (Church book)]:
      Joh. Christian Wampffler, linenweaver at (?Spach)-bach, [?Spechbach = 68720 Illprerth] son of the late Christian Wampffler, m. 14 May 1715 Anna, daughter of Jacob Tritt(er) of Herbisheim.
      Keskastel Lutheran KB:
      Hans Christian Wampffler, linenweaver and bildweber, and wife Anna had:
      1. Hans Georg bp. 9 Aug. 1716 at Herbisheim; Sp.: Hans Georg Isenmann; Hans Peter Wampifier; Anna, daughter of the schoolmaster Johannes Bentz.
      2. Christian bp. 6 Feb. 1718; Sp.: Lazarus Bitsch; Christian ?Pont; Barbara, daughter of Jacob Dritt [Tritt].
      3. Maria Catharina bp. 21 Oct. 1719
      Herbitzheim Lutheran KB:
      Joh. Christian Wamffler, weaver in Herbitzheim and wife Anna had:
      4. Anna Magdalena bp. 7 Mar. 1721, d. 10 Jan. 1742, age 20 years, 10 months, 1 day. Sp.: Johannes Wamffler; Anna Elisabetha Bentz, single; Magdalena Heller, single.
      5. Margaretha bp. 12 Oct. 1722; sp. in 1740
      6. Maria Barbara b. 26 Aug. 1724, bp. 27 Aug. 1724 Sp. Justus Erb, Maria Barbara Gelbach; Elisabetha Bentz.
      7. Hans Adam b. 15 June 1726, bp. 18 June 1726; d. 31 July 1733
      8. Joh. Ludwig b. 13 Oct. 1730, bp. 17 Oct. 1730
      Christian Wampffler, the younger, inhabitant at Herbitzheim and wife Justina Magdalena had:
      1. Anna Margaretha b. 17 Mar. 1746, bp. 20 Mar. 1746; Sp.: Johannes Wampffler, citizen and linenweaver here; Joh. Nickel, son of Christian Hochstädter, the Herrschaffl. Hoffbestander here [q.v.]; Anna Maria, wife of Ulrich Hochstädter, "des Meicker aufdem Witterwald"; Anna
      Margaretha, daughter of Joh. Nickel Schneider, citizen and church censor at Herbitzheim.
      Verification of this emigrant provided by Dr. Bernd Golzer from the compiled records of Dr. Gerhard Hem: Records of Saarwerden county office for Herbitzheim:
      Justina Margretha, wife of Christian Wampfler, Jr., was a daughter of Philipp Christillus, smith at Herbitzheim, and his wife Louisa Pistorius.
      Dated 13 Dec. 1765, inventory of Louisa Pistorius Christillus: the daughter Justina has moved to America with her husband Christian Wampfler.
      American Records
      Christ Lutheran KB, York Co.:
      Died 30 Mar. 1758 - Anna Wampler, b. 26 Jan. 1686, buried in the Reformed churchyard in York. Her father was Jacob Tritten, her mother Ann nee Feusser, from Berrothau [?Baerenthal] in Alsace. Came to America in 1747 with her husband, Christian Wampler, whom she had married in 1715. They had eight children, five survive.
      Died Easter, 1758 - Georg Hoffeins, b. 10 Nov. 1726 in Blanckenloch, Baden Durlach [Blankenloch = W-7513 Stutensee], son of John Hoffeins and Catharina nee Hensch. Came to America in 1751; m. 1753 Margaret nee Wampfler. They had three children, two survive. Buried in the Lutheran churchyard 28 Mar. 1758.
      Trinity Lutheran KB, Lancaster:
      Communicants list, 1747- Justina Magdalena Wamblerin, husband Reformed.
      Communicants list, 1748- Justina Magdalena Wampfler.
      Rev. Jacob Lischy's records, York co. (Unpublished private records of Rev. Jacob Lischy, a Reformed minister who served congregations in York County, PA):
      Christian Wampffler and wife Justina had: Anna Rosina bp. 26 June 1757; Sp.: Christoph Michel and Anna Rosina
      Joh. Görg Wamffler and wife Eva had: Joh. Görg bp. 23 Apr. 1758; Sp.: Görg Ernst Meyer and Eva
      First Reformed KB, York:
      Two Christian Wampflers signed the church doctrine in 1754.
      Christian Wampfler was the Baumeister for the new church in 1763.
      George Wampfler and wife Eva nee Hannspach had:
      1. Maria Catharina b. 17 Aug. 1760, bp. 24 Aug. 1760; Sp Geo and Cath Amspacher (Christ Luth York)
      2. Elisabeth b. 19 June 1762, bp. 27 June 1762; Sp Nicklaus Schaeffer and wife
      3. Margaretha bp. 10 Apr. 1744. Sp.: Ludwig Fridlein
      4. A child b 27 July 1777, bp 24 Aug 1777; Sp.: Gottfried Gruber and wife
      York co. unrecorded Wills:
      Christian Wampffler, probated 12 Oct. 1764. Exrs: Abraham Weldie, Johannes Hunsicker (original in German; neither the original will or a contemporary translation which is noted in the related memorandum are known to exist)."

      9. FHL book 974.811 W3s "Pennsylvania German Pioneers, a Publication of the Original Lists of Arrivals in the Port of Philadelphia from 1727 to 1808," by Ralph Beaver Strassburger, 3 vols. (Picton Press, 1992), pp. 363-64 [The list appears to be only males.]
      "(List 112 C) At the Courthouse at Philadelphia, Augt. 1747.
      Present: The Honourable Anthony Palmer, Esqr., President, Thomas Hopkinson, Esquire.
      The Foreigners whose names are underwritten, imported in the Bilander Vernon, from Rotterdam & last from Leith in Scotland, Thomas Ricks, Master, did this day take the foregoing Oaths to the Government.
      -Johann Christian Wampfler
      -Jörg Wampffler
      -Christian Wampffler
      -Johann Lutwich Wampffler"

      MARRIAGE:
      1. Book, "Wampler Family History 1500s - 1700s," by Fred B. Wampler, Ph.D., p. 63, marriage records for Diedendorf in Alsace: "1715, On May 14 were joined together (in holy matrimony) Johann Christian Wampfler, linen weaver of Sparsbach leg. son of the deceased Christian Wampfler former citizen of the same place (and) the maiden Anna: legitimate daughter of Jacob Trittten seigneurial servant at Herbitzheim."

      SOURCES_MISC:
      1. Book, "Wampler Family History 1500s - 1700s," by Fred B. Wampler, Ph.D.

      2. Rootsweb.com Worldconnect database ":480580" 22 Feb 2003.

      3. The book, FHL 929.273 w181wf, "A Wampler Family History," by Roy H. Wampler, Chevy Chase, MD, 1999.