George Jacob Sherman (1724 - 1812)

Born 21 Sep 1724 in Niederhochstadt, Pfalz, Bayern, Germany

Husband of Maria Elisabetha (Unknown) Sherman — married about 1747 in Niederhochstadt, Pfalz, Bayern, Germany

Husband of Eva Kundigunda Crieschbaum — married about 1750 in Berks Co. PA

Descendants

Died 14 Feb 1812 at age 87 in Littlestown, Adams County, PA

Biography

Burial: Christ's Reformed Church, Littlestown, Adams County PA

Sources

Alice Luckhardt

George first lived in the Tulpedhocken area of Pennsylvania and then acquired in June 19, 1754 two 25-acre warrants of land in the present-day area of Brunswick Township in Schuylkill County. By September 24, 1762 he was naturalized as a British citizen of the American colonies in Berks County. By 1763, George, Eva and their family were in Manheim Township in York County, Pennsylvania. Their family now included Conrad Sherman, born December 11, 1752, Johann Jacob Sherman, born March 2, 1755, and Elisabetha Julianna Sherman, born September 11, 1759, all three in Berks County. Lastly was George Sherman, born March 1768 in York County.

The major political uprising of the American colonies with the British crown was not unnoticed by the Sherman family. They had been in Pennsylvania all during the 1750’s and 1760’s and had seen first hand the British treatment of the colonies. They had done well financially over the years and wanted to be a part of a new nation and its development. Not only did George Jacob Sherman join the militia but also so did his son, Conrad Sherman. George served as a private with the 4th Company of the York County militia while in his mid-50’s.

In York County, (George) Jacob Sherman was licensed to run a public house (a tavern) in the Manheim Township and started purchasing acreage around the area of St. David’s Church. Between 1765 and 1809 over 800 acres of land were owned either in (George) Jacob's or his son, Conrad’s name. Due to their extensive land holdings in the region and their support of St. David’s Church, the name Sherman’s Church came into popular use. The Church stills functions into the 21st Century and located in York County, on Highway 94, just over the Pennsylvania State line, near the village of Pleasant Hills.

Additional land holdings in other areas after the American Revolution increased for the Sherman family. (George) Jacob Sherman purchased at auction 200 acres in Manheim Township on October 10, 1783 for 122 pounds and 10 shillings (about $196 - $200 in the year 2000 currency value). By August 10, 1797 he was living in Germany Township in York County and purchased a tenement house, lot of ground in the town of Petersburg, a twenty-foot alley and an additional 35 acres for 980 pounds in gold/silver (about $13,190 in the year 2000 value). In May 26, 1800 was the purchase of 220 acres containing a gristmill and many buildings for the sum of 450 pounds, 17 shillings and 10 pence (about $6,137 in the year 2000 value). By December 8, 1800 a tract of land called “Diggs Choice” (over 8 acres) in Heidelberg Township sold to (George) Jacob for 15 pounds (about $200 in the year 2000 value) an acre. Then in June 27, 1801 over four acres were sold for 102 pounds and 3 shillings (about $1,373 in the year 2000 value) to (George) Jacob Sherman.

On the Tulpehorken Tax Rolls for 1752-1754-1756.

May 15, 1769 - George and wife, Eva, were sponsors at birth of George Jacob Krieschbaum at St. David's Church (Sherman's Church) in West Manheim, York, Pa. May 4, 1780 - Witnesses at baptism of Catherine Parr (daughter of John and Elizabeth Parr).

Grief befell the Sherman family with Conrad’s mother, Eva, death in 1784 in Littlestown, PA. Conrad’s father, George Jacob, married sometime later to Magdalena Fuhrman. She was born about 1735 in York County. When she and George Jacob Sherman married is unknown and when she died is also unknown. There is also the name of Judith Spangler as a wife of George Jacob and she may have been his fourth wife. When they married and how long she lived is also unknown.

(George) Jacob Sherman, died on February 14, 1812 in Littlestown, Adams County, PA. The senior Sherman was 87 years old and had accomplished many things since his birth in Germany. He also instilled the same spirit of achievement in his children. George Jacob Sherman, the immigrant and the American was buried at the Christ Reformed Church in Littlestown next to his wife, Eva Sherman. When his third wife, Magdalena or fourth wife, Judith Spangler, passed away is unknown.