Ray Brehm's Seltzer Genealogy, with all collateral lines

Information on generations 1 to 4 below are based primarily on "The Seltzer Family," facts compiled by Ray A. Brehm in 1937. I have two drafts of his work, both dated 1937. The main difference between these two drafts is that one identifies the original immigrant as Mathias and the other as Jacob. The Mathias mss. gives the date of birth of Michael (2) Seltzer as "about 1735", and the Jacob mss. gives that date as "about 1745". 1745 seems the more likely date, making him 33 (as opposed to 43) when he served as a soldier in 1778. The Jacob version is basically in agreement with the information from Ancestry.com (calling him Johann Jacob), except the date of arrival in America.

Copies of letters attached to the Mathias mss.

Palmyra, Pa.
Dec. 13, 1938

Warren --

I finally got busy and had these family records type written. Sorry I made you wait so long.

Nothing new up here that I know will interest you.  Everybody well and happy and I hope your folks are too.

Don't fail to call on us when you arrive in Palmyra again. Glad to see you any time.  Regards to all of your family.

We remodeled our church this summer to the tune of $16,000.  The enclosed program will give you the details.

Respectfully yours,

Ray A. Brehm
109 W. Main St.
 

Lebanon, Pa.
August 18, 1909

Mr. C.A. Seltzer
Middletown, Pa.

Dear Cousin:

In answer to your inquiry relative to the History of the Seltzer Family, beg to say that I went to a great deal of trouble many years ago to get the ancestry.  Matthias Seltzer came to this country in 1730 and settled on the Swatara.  Twelves years later his brother, Michael came in.

I am descended from the eldest of the sons who came form the Duchy of Naussau in Germany where the Seltzer Springs are situated, and from which we derive our name.

The eldest son is entitled in a direct line to the crest.  I am the eldest son of the eldest son in a direct line, and under patent law the only one entitled to weare the crest.

The records on the family Bible, which was bought in Philadelphia in 1748 give a true account of the births and birthpalces of our branch of the family.

Trusting that this may be satisfactory, I beg to remain

Yours very turly,

A. Frank Seltzer

The name Seltzer is derived from Seltzer Springs in the Ducy of Nassau, in Germany, from which place Mathias Seltzer, founder of this particular Seltzer family emigrated, arriving in Philadelphia on September 5, 1730 on the ship "Alander and Ann." William Clymer was master of the ship. There were 136 persons on board, 46 were heads of families. On the day of their arrival, the head of each family was required to subscribe to the following oath: "We do swear or solumnly declar that we eny all obedience to the Pope of Rome; and further swear or solemly declare that no Prince or Person whatsoever hath any right or title to the Crown of Great Britain but his Majesty George II and his lawful issue."

Mathias Seltzer located at the Union Water Works north of Annville, Pennsylvania.  There is no other record of him except that he had two children, namely Christian and Michael.

Jacob (1) Seltzer (cooper and farmer) md. Barbara ___ Children: 1 Michael 2 Christian

Among the list of Palatinate (section along the Upper Rhine, Germany) immigrants who arrived in Philadelphia, August 17, 1727, on the ship "Mortonhouse" (James Coulatas, Commander) was Jacob Seltzer.

There is no record of where he resided from the day of his arrival to the year 1763. The history of Schaefferstown in Lebanon County, PPA, states that he and his wife Barbara were members of the Lutheran Church there in 1763. The Lutheran Church was located near the present public school building, and was built of logs. In 1765, when the present churc h building was erected,  Jacob Seltzer was a member of the building committee. (This is the oldest church in Lebanon County).

Jacob and his wife, Barbara, were sponsors at hte baptism of their first grandchild here on March 13, 1771. The child's name was Anna Maria, the daughter of Michael and Barbara (Gasser) Seltzer.

Shortly after this incident, Jacob Seltzer moved to Jonestown in Lebanon County. The tax list for 1772 lists him as a cooper (barrel-maker) and yoeman (farmer) in this village in 1772-1773, paying a tax of two pounds and two shillings on one horse and one cow. He is not listed as a tax payer after 1772. He may have died in 1773 or 1774 and is probably buried at the Lost Swatara Church.

Inasmuch as Jacob Seltzer and his wife were Lutherans, they were without doubt members of what is referred to today as the "Lost Swatara Church". It was situated about two and a half miles directly east of Jonestown near the hamlet of Shirksville, and was the only church within a radius of ten miles of Jonestown. A small cemetery was also hosted there, but today all traces of the church and cemetery are gone, save for two or three stones imbeded in the earth, which marks the site where once in the long ago, a small but thrifty congregation worshiped.

1 Michael (2) Seltzer b. about 1745 (or about 1735 see the beginning of this document), d. 1815, buried in the cemetery at Zoar's Lutheran Church, Mt. Zion, Lebanon County, PA (tombstone made of native sandstone worn by the elements and illegible in 1937; per handwritten notes by Richard Seltzer, Sr., this tombstone no longer existed in 1975); md. Barbara Gasser (daughter of Jacob Gasser of Helidelberg Township near Schaefferstown, Lebanon County, where he owned and cultivated 38 acres which he purchased form the Penn agents in 1735) reportedly buried in Jonestown, Lebanon County. Children: i Anna Maria ii Philip iii Jacob iv Michael Jr. v John vi Barbara

Michael and Barbara Seltzer probably established their first home in or near Schaeferstown, where their first child was born and baptized in St. Luke's Lutheran Church, of which they were members in 1771.

Michael signed the Oath of Allegiance to the American Colonies in 1778 and served as a soldier of the third class in Company 7 of the 9th Batallion of Lancaster County in 1781, under Captain Bradley and Lieutenant Adam Mark. [per handwritten notes by Richard Seltzer, Sr., spelled "Michel Selcer" on the muster roll.]

He paid a tax of eight pounds (English money) on 150 acres of land which he owned in Bethel township in 1782. Bethel township and Heidelberg township were both then in Lancaster County. When Dauphin County was created from Lancaster in 1785, Michael Seltzer and his brother Christian, both residents of Bethel township were among those who protested about Middletown becoming the county seat of Dauphin County.

On May 5, 1789, Michael and his wife Barbara purchased 166 acres of land from Archibald Sloan for 560 pounds. This was part of a larger tract granted to Samuel Sloan by the Proprietaries of Pennsylvania, on November 26, 1748. (Samuel was Chibald's uncle). This tract lies directly north of the bridge that spans the Swatara Creek at what is know as the Water Works, north of Annville, PA. On this tract, Michael Seltzer erected a house and barn. A stone in the upper part of the house has this inscription "M.S. 1802". Cross the bridge across Swatara Creek at Water Works, the farm lies on the left side of the road. Go down the lane to the creek. Here is the house, shaded by trees.

This tract is recorded in Book G., Volume 1, Page 307 in the Recorders Office, Dauphin County Court House, Harrisburg, PA, as follows: "Beginning at a F____ thence by land of Robert Young, North 50 degrees, East 174 perches, thence by land of Peter Gingrich, South 113 perches, thence by same East 18 and two tenth perches, thence by same South one and one-half degrees and 169 perches, thence down Swatara Creek 2786 perches to place of beginning."

i Anna Maria (3) Seltzer b. 13 March 1771, baptized in Lutheran Chruch, Schaefferstown, PA.

ii Philip (3) Seltzer (stone mason, also cultivated a small farm which he owned) b. 6 December 1772, d. 19 April 1847 of tuberculosis, buried in the Reformed centetery at Annville, PA; md. 25 March 1800 Maria Uhland b. 10 August 1784, d. 25 February 1860 of cancer, buried Lutheran cemetery at Bellegrove, PA. Children: 1 Jacob Philip 2 Mary 3 Fanny 4 George Uhland 5 Samuel Uhland 6 Catharine 7 Henry Uhland 8 Lydia.

Philip and Maria Seltzer were members of the Lutheran Church.

1 Jacob Philip (4) Seltzer b. 12 October 1801, d. 11 May 1892, buried in Lutheran Cemtery, Bellegrove, PA; md. 1 Sarah Kitzmiller b. 21 May 1805, d. 13 August 1847, buried in Reformed Cemetery, Annville, PA. Children: i Jacob ii John ii Daniel iv Moses v Leonard vi David vii Philip Henry. md. 2 Elizabeth Feehrer, buried at Zion's east of Grantville. Children: i Elias ii Elizabeth ii Emma. md. 3 Christina Kreiser b. 11 July 1846, d. 2 April 1889, buried in Lutheran Cemetery in Bellegrove, PA. Children: i Lydia ii Emma iii Fannie

Children of Jacob Philip (4) Seltzer and Sarah Kitzmiller Seltzer
i Jacob (5) Seltzer buried on Cassel Farm near Paxtang, Dauphin County, PA.
ii John
iii Daniel (5) Seltzer md. Kate Carmany, resided in Illinois
iv Moses (5) Seltzer lived and ided i Holden, KS.
v Leonard (5) Seltzer b. 9 September 1827, d. 18 February 1879; md. Margaret Porter
vi David (5) Seltzer (Civil War veteran) lived and died in Pen Yen, NY
vii Philip Henry (5) Seltzer b. 13 July 1839, d. 3 February 1921; md. Susanna Feehrer b. 15 July 1834, d. 25 Decemer 1915, both buried in Lutheran Cemetery, Bellegrove, PA. Children: Philip Harvey

1 Philip Harvey (6) Seltzer b. 11 March 1864, d. 25 October 1909, buried Ebenezer Cemetery; md. 1 Anna Elizabeth Fairburn b. 27 September 1869, d. 26 April 1894, buried Lutheran Cemetery, Bellegrove, PA. Children: i infant son b. 30 May 1893, d. 6 July 1893, buried Lutheran Cemetery, Bellegrove, PA. md. 2 Sarah Light. Children: i Robert ii Margaret iii Susan iv Philip iv Anna Elizabeth v George E. vi Alice vii Sarah Jeannette

2 Mary (6) Seltzer b. 11 April 1873

Children of Jacob Philip (4) Seltzer and Elizabeth Feehrer Seltzer
i Elias (5) Seltzer b. 1852, d. 1924, md. Susan Hershberger b. 1848, d. 1920, family buried at Ono, PA. Children: 1 William 2 Eleanora 3 Matilda 4 Jacob S. 5 Raymond 6 John 7 Mary 8 daughter

1 William (6) Seltzer d. 19 July 1877 age 1 year 3 months 14 days
2 Eleanora (6) Seltzer d. 20 May 1880 age 4 months 29 days
3 Matilda (6) Seltzer b.14 July 1882, d. 22 August 1882
4 Jacob S. (6) Seltzer lived in Lebanon, PA
5 Raymond (6) Seltzer md. Lizzie Beamidufer
6 John (6) Seltzer died in Canada
7 Mary (6) Seltzer md. Morris Walbom, Prgoress, PA
8 daughter md. Elmer Weaver

Elizabeth (5) Seltzer md. Arville Light

Children of Jacob Philip (4) Seltzer and Christian Kreiser Seltzer
i Lydia (5) Seltzer b. 27 July 1856, md. Henry Templin, buried in Lutehran Cemetery, Bellegrove, PA. Children: 1 Dora md. Phares Heim 2 Bessie md. Isaac Esherman 3 Lillian md. Monroe Bricker 4 Jacob 5 Lucy died in infancy
ii Emma (5) Seltzer md. Robert Hoover, buried in Grantville, PA.
iii Fannie (5) Seltzer died in infancy, buried at Moonshine's north of Lickdale, PA.

Children of Philip (3) Seltzer and Maria Uhland Seltzer continued
2 Mary (4) Seltzer b. 25 October 1806, d. 1 December 1884; md. 1 Mr. Zander, md. 2 John Beltz b. 10 November 1791, d. 7 November 1874, all buried Lutheran Cemtery Bellgrove. Children: i John Henry

3 Fanny (4) Seltzer b. 21 October 1812, d. 27 May 1892; md. John Lessley b. April 8 1804, d. 6 January 1892; no children, both buried in Lutheran Cemetery, Bellegrove, PA

4 George Uhland (4) Seltzer b. 14 August 1813, d. 27 October 1873; md. Eliza Blouch, b. 22 March 1815, d. 22 January 1877, both buried in Lutheran Cemetery, Bellegrove, PA. Children: i Elizabeth ii Abraham iii Advillas iv John

i Elizabeth (5) Seltzer b. 1841, d. 1925. Child born out of wedlock: 1 George Adam Fessler. md. Henry G. Mark b. 1839, d. 1910, both buried at United Brethren Cemetery, Bellegrove, PA. Children:  2 Melancthon

1 George Adam (6) Fessler b. 1862, d. 1927; md. Mary A. Nye b. 1862, d. 1935.

ii Abraham (5) Seltzer b. 2 December 1843, d. 22 December 1875; md. Amanda ___, buried in Lutheran Cemetery, Bellegrove, PA. Children: 1 Clayton 2 Harry

iii Advillas (5) Seltzer b. 22 June 1854, d. 6 March 1931; md. Susan E. Spring b. 26 April 1851, d. 27 April 1915; no children, both buried in Lutheran Cemetery, Bellegrove, PA
iv John (5) Seltzer b. 24 October 1856, d. 10 January 1877, buried in Lutheran Cemetery, Bellegrove, PA.

5 Samuel Uhland (4) Seltzer b. 20 May 1816, d. 20 October 1883, buried with his wives at Altalaha Lutheran Church Rehrersburg, PA; md. 1 Ellen Schlafeman or Schlessman. Children: i Calvin ii Fannie iii Emma md. 2 Mrs. Ellen A. Reber b. 1 February 1829, d. 29 June 1919. Children: 1 Kate 2 Frank

Children of Samuel Uhland (4) Seltzer and Ellen Schlafeman or Schlessman Seltzer
i Calvin (5) Seltzer md. Miss Bickel, lived in Reading, PA

ii Fannie (5) Seltzer md. Elias Cocklin, both buried at Tulpehocken Reformed Church east of Myerstown PA. Children: 1 Violet 2 Bertha 3 Tacie 4 Elsie 5 Gladys

1 Violet md. Rev. H.E. Schaeffer
2 Bertha md. Calvin Reich
3 Tacie married
4 Elsie md. J. rank Spangler d. 6 December 1939, buried Gravel Hill, Palmyra, PA
5 Gladys unmarried

iii Emma (5) Seltzer md. Mr. Sauley or Salem; lived east end of Myerstown, PA. Children: 1 Gibson 2 Claude 3 Wallace 4 Ella

Children of Samuel Uhland (4) Seltzer and Ellen Reber Seltzer
i Kate (5) Seltzer md. 1 ___ Gerhart, md. 2 ____ Gerhart (brother of first husband). Children: Glase
ii Frank

Children of Philip (3) Seltzer and Maria Uhland Seltzer continued
6 Catherine (4) Seltzer b. 19 October 1819, d. 27 June 1883; md. John Bouch (widower) b. 17 January 1811, d. 5 October 1891, both buried in Palmyra, PA Cemetery. Children: i Kathryn ii Adam iii Amanda iv Lavina

i Kathryn (4) Bouch (born out of wedlock) b. 11 January 1841, d. 14 October 1917; md. 1 Jacob Lantz from Mount Lebanon. Children: 1 Clara 2 Charles. md. 2 Joseph Brightbill. Children: 1 Cecil 2 Dora

Children of Kathryn (4) Seltzer and Jacob Lantz
1 Clara (5) Lantz md. ____ Bleistein
2 Charles (5) Lantz died at age 32. Child: John Irving Lantz

Children of Kathryn (4) Seltzer and Joseph Brightbill
1 Cecil (5) Brightbill lived in Philadelphia, PA.
2 Dora (5) Brightbill md. ____ Inglefritz, lived in Hershey, PA.

Children of Catherine (4) Seltzer and John Bouch continued
ii Adam (5) Bouch b. 1849, d. 23 1938; md. Sarah Ann Weidman b. 1859, d. 1921; no children, both buried in Mount Lebanon Cemetery.

iii Amanda (5) Bouch b. 3 January 1854, d. 9 August 1937; md. 1 Jacob Bechtel b. 1857, d. 1897, no children. md. 2 William Shay (widower, veteran of Civil War) b. 1828, d. 1911, no children, all buried in Mount Lebanon Cemetery.

iv Lavina (5) Bouch b. 1857, d. 1900; md. Frank Kratzer b. 1852, d. 1899, buried in Palmyra Cemetery, Palmyra, PA. Children: 1 Eugene md. ___ Rosenberger, lived in CA.

Children of Philip (3) Seltzer and Maria Uhland Seltzer continued
 7 Henry Uhland (4) Seltzer b. 15 June 1824, d. 25 November 1887; md. Anna Hocker photo taken in July 1905 of house in Hockersville where she was born (daughter of Martin Hocker photo of homestead he built in 1806 in Hockersville, PA b. 21 Oct. 1768, d. 1862 age 94 photo and Barbara Smith Hocker, second wife, b. 6 October 1787, d. 16 March 1878 photo) b. 10 May 1827, d. 10 Jan. 1914. Both buried in Paymyra PA cemetery. Children: i John P. ii Martin Hocker iii James Monroe iv Henry Hocker
 

i John P. (5) Seltzer, b. 2 November 1851, d. 24 December 1922, md. Ellen Duab b. 11 November 1859, d. 22 July 1932, both buried in Palmyra Cemetery, Palmyra, PA. Children: 1 Harry 2 Abner 3 John

1 Harry (6) Seltzer d. 1 June 1885 (age 2 years, 7 months, 26 days)
2 Abner (6) Seltzer md. Ella Heliman (lived in Cortland, NY)
3 John (6) Seltzer md. Violet Eby

ii Martin Hocker (5) Seltzer b. 27 October 1852, d. 9 Feb. 1934; md. Sallie E. Albright b. 11 March 1853, d. 1 March 1920, both buried in Reformed Cemetery, Campbelltown, PA. Children: 1 Ella 2 Mary 3 George

1 Ella (6) Seltzer md. John Batdorf
2 Mary (6) Seltzer
3 George (6) Seltzer d. 12 December 1918 (influenza epidemic) (aged 30 years, 9 months, 17 days), md. Mabel Boods
4 Anna (6) Seltzer md. Morris Foreman

iii James Monroe (5) Seltzer b. 23 August 1854, d. 6 August 1855. buried in Bellegrove Lutheran Cemetery.

iv Henry Hocker (5) Seltzer (M.D.) photo below, photo 1922, photo of schoolhouse where he taught b. 28 August 1856, d. 7 August 1925; md. 1 Susan Arnold d. Dec. 1916, md. 2 Sally Behm. Henry and Susan both buried in Washington, DC. Children (of Henry and Susan): 1 Charles 2 Edgar 3 Warren

 
Henry Hocker Seltzer, March 14, 1910. Photo taken at Donaldson Studio, 927 F. St. NW, Washington, DC

1 Charles William (6) Seltzer (architect and teacher of architecture) photo 1920, photo 1915, photo 3, photo 1940, photo 5, photo Drexel Hill PA February 1967, md. Edith Early, photo of Charles and Edith in Ford 1928, photo 1, photo 2, photo taken about 1923 of Eva Early Wells (sister of Edith)-Henry Hocker Seltzer-his second wife Boehm-Edith-Edith's father-Thelma Wells (daughter of Eva)

2 Edgar Arnold (6) Seltzer, photo, md. Ruth Latham. Child: Olive

3 Warren Ray (6) Seltzer (architect) photos below; md. Lillian Leona Daly photos below, photo of Lillila and sons Philip and Richard at home at 1234 Pinecrest Circle in Woodside Park, MD 19 January 1930,  photo of Lillian, James, Richard, and Phil on the road to Myersville MD 1932 b. 6 October 1890, d. 13 April 1978. Children: 1 Philip ii Richard iii James iv Paul

Newspaper notice of his death:
Warren Seltzer, Retired Architect for Government
    Warren Ray Seltzer, 87, a retired government architect, died Wednesday at the National Lutheran Home in Washington after a stroke.
    He worked for the Navy's bureau of Docks and Yards, and after World War II, the Veterans Administration for 40 years before retiring in 1966.
    Mr. Seltzer was a native of Washington and graduate of McKinley Tech High School. He earned a degree in architecture at Catholic University.
    A resident of Silver Spring for 50 years, he had been active in the senior fellowship, Sunday school and choir at ST. Luke Lutheran Church in Silver Spring since 1942.
    His wife, the former Lillian Daly, died in 1973.
    He is survived by four sons, the Rev. C. Philip of Marshallville, Ohio, Dr. Richard W. of Columbia, Pa., James H. of Snow Hill, Md., and the REv. Dr. J. Paul of Syracuse, NY; 12 grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
 

 
Lillian Leona Daly Seltzer at 6 years old, 1896, at home at 9th and Maryland Ave. NE, Washington, DC.

 
Lillian Leona Daly Seltzer and Warren Ray Seltzer, married June 19, 1918.

 
Warren Ray Seltzer and Lillian Leona Daly Seltzer on their wedding trip to Philadelphia, June 1919.

iii Richard Warren (7) Seltzer, Sr. autobiography, doctoral dissertation,photo of the house he was born in -- 640 E St. NE, Washington, DC taken July 26, 1902, with Uncles Charles and his bicycle in front b 5 June 1923 in Washington, DC, md. 5 June 1944 in Philadelphia, PA, Helen Estes b. 31 January  1920 in Philadelphia, PA. Children: 1 Richard Jr., 2 Sallie

 
Richard Warren Seltzer, Sr., with mother Lillian Leona Seltzer in background, June 5, 1927 (4 years old).

1 Richard Warren (8) Seltzer, Jr.  b. 23 February 1946 in Clarksville, TN; md. 28 July 1973 in Boston, MA, Barbara Ann Hartley b. 20 February  1950. Children: i Robert, ii Heather, iii Michael, iv Timothy

 
Richard Warren Seltzer, Jr. with mother Helen Estes Seltzer, July 1946, 5 months old.

 
Richard Warren Seltzer, Jr., at Sunnyside Avenue in Philadelphia, 1950 (four years old).

1 Robert Richard Hartley (9) Seltzer, b. 29 July 1975, Boston, Mass.; grad. Milton Academy, 1993; grad. Yale Univ., 1997. md.10 August  2002 in Boston, MA  Stacey Denenberg
2 Heather Katherine Hartley (9) Seltzer, b. 13 Aug. 1977, Boston, Mass.; grad. Newton Country Day, 1995; grad Sarah Lawrence, 1999
3 Michael Richard Hartley (9) Seltzer, b. 14 June 1980, Boston, Mass.; currently a student at Northeastern Univ.
4 Timothy Richard Hartley (9) Seltzer b. 5 Oct. 1989, Boston, Mass.; currently a student at St. Theresa School in West Roxbury, Mass.

2 Sallie (8) Seltzer b. 8 January  1964 in Bristol, PA

1 Minnie (6) Longenecker d. January 1959, md. Allen Evans
2 Harry (6) Longenecker photo 1899 d. June 1960, md. Naomi Ulrich
3 Anna (6) Longenecker d. April 1956; md. Ray A. Brehm (who compiled "The Seltzer Family" in 1937)
4 Mary (6) Longenecker d. 4 September 1967; md. Clayton Rupp
5 Paul (6) Longenecker photo June 1900 md. Emily Hale

vii Charles Augustus (5) Seltzer ("Uncle Gus", harness maker and craftsman) photo, photo with George Fessler-his son Adam Fessler-and Benjamin Franklin Seltzer, Adam Fessler-Gus-Benjamin Seltzer on walking trip to springs  b. 19 August 1864, d. 1965 (age 101); md. Rebecca Boyer, wedding photo with Charles,  photo alone, Harry Boyer photo 1, Harry Boyer photo 2, Harvey Boyer, Maggie Boyer, Dave Boyer and his third wife Mary, b. 27 September 1865, d. 27 January 1933. buried Palmyra Cemetery, Palmyra, PA. Children: 1 Annie M. 2 Elizabeth 3 Charles N. 4 Violet

1 Annie M. (6) Seltzer b. 30 May 1890, d. 13 November 1902
2 Elizabeth [Bethy] (6) Seltzer photo with sister Violet, photo as child md. Robert Lord
3 Charles N. (6) Seltzer b. 8 April 1899, d. 2 February 1901
4 Violet (6) Seltzer photo with sister Bethy, photo 23 September 1903 unmarried

Children of Jacob (1) Seltzer and Barbara _____ continued

2 Christian (2) Seltzer (cabinet-maker, painter) b. 16 February 1749, d. 3 February 1831; md. 1 Anna Maria Deering, md. 2 Elizabeth ________ b. March 1765, do. May 27 1824. Children: i Johan ii Chistian iii Michael iv George v Elizabeth 6 Magdalena 7 Susanna 8 Henry 9 Thomas 10 Priscilla

Christian was a famous cabinet-maker and painter. The February, April, and June 1927 issues of the magasine Antiques carry numerous illustrations of his art and painting and building of dower-chests.  In the April 27, 1935 issue of the Saturday Evening Post, Edwin LeBebre, author of the article entitled "The Meaning of Pennsylvania Dutch Antigues" had this to say: "Some of these dower chests are of superb workmanship and design. You find them in the Pennsylvania Dutch counties, dated and usally bear the name or initials of the owner. Several makers of dower-chests who achieved considerable fame as finished craftsmen lived in or around Jonestown, PA. The greatest of them all, according Esther S. Frazier, whose researches have brought to light many interesting details, was Christian Seltzer. He painted many variations of his designs, experimented with various sizes of chests, and tried different spacing of the panels. It is said he never painted more than two flowers alike in the same chest. Of the furntiure buildings and painters of Pennsylvania whose names have come down to us, he was, perhaps, the most artistic and original. His handiwork, once seen, is not difficult to distinguish form that of less able craftsmen. His son Joh, after him, also made and painted chests which he signed. As a rule, their signatures were scratched on the wet paint, usually on the vase that held the flowers. John Rank wo learned his trade with Christian Seltzer, also left some fine pieces."

i Johan (3) Seltzer b. 19 August 1774, d. 1 February 1845; md. Sarah Rank b. 27 Setptember 1770 d. 13 January 1839. Johan and Sarah buried in Luterhan Cemetery at Jonestown, PA. Child: 1 Benjamin

1 Benjamin (4) Seltzer b. 15 February 1802 d. 10 December 1820, buried in Lutheran Cemetery at Jonestown, PA.

ii Christian (3) Seltzer, Jr. b. 25 December 1775, d. 28 March 1811; md. Elizabeth ______, b. March 1765, d. 27 May, 1824, buried in Lutheran Cemetery at Jonestown. Children: 1 Amos 2 Eli 3 Levi 4 Jos 5 Eliza 6 Saabina 7 Catherine 8 Margaret md. Henry Brunner

iii Michael (3) Seltzer b. 22 February 1781, d. 11 March 1837; md. Sarah Schaeffer b. 29 May 1786, d. 4 July 1827, buried in Lutheran  Cemetery at Jonestown, PA. Children: 1 Christian (M.D.) 2 Augustus 3 Louise 4 Magdalena 5 Caroline 6 Susanna 7 Eliza 8 Mary

8 Mary (4) Seltzer md. David Rank. Children: i Emily ii Michael iii David

iv George (3) Seltzer (merchant in Jonestown, PA) b. 16 October 1782, d. 19 February 1840; md. Elizabeth Zimmerman b. 27 May 1782, d. 19 December 1840. Children: 1 Samuel 2 Sarah 3 Mary 4 elizabeth 5 George 6 Priscilla 7 John C. 8 Mathilda R. 9 Sabina 10 Thomas

1 Samuel (4) Seltzer (physician in Columbus, OH) b. 31 August 1801, d. 1852
2 Sarah (4) Seltzer b. 16 April 1804, d. 17 November 1863; md. John Capp
3 Mary (4) Seltzer b. 30 May 1806, d. 26 January 1881, unmarried
4 Elizabeth (4) Seltzer b. 3 December 1803, d. 8 September 1849; md. JOhn Diller
5 George (4) Seltzer b. 10 December 1810, d. 13 June 1830
6 Priscilla (4) Seltzer b. 13 February 1813, d. 20 July 1831
7 John C. (4) Seltzer (member of Pennsylvania legislature) b. 12 October 1815, d. 28 May 1899
8 Matilda R. (4) Seltzer b. 12 April 1818, d. 28 May 1899; md. Rev. Dr. Henry Stein
9 Sabina (4) Seltzer b. 17 December 1820, d. 2 May 1882; md. Rev. Heffmier
10 Thomas (4) Seltzer b. 26 April 1824, d. 3 January 1882

v Elizabeth (3) Seltzer b. 25 February 1791, d. 30 May 1859; md. Bejamin Lesher of Berks County, who settled in Jonestown, PA, burried Lutheran Cemetery, Jonestown, PA

vi Magdalena (3) Seltzer md. Michael Schucker

vii Susanna (3) Seltzer

viii Henry (3) Seltzer b. 14 March 1786, d. 6 August 1859; md. Gertrude Fleman, b. 1 January 1793, d. 10 April 1849, buried Lutheran Cemetery, Jonestown, PA

ix Thomas (3) Seltzer b. 16 December 1801, d. 26 June 1825

x Priscilla (3) Seltzer b. 15 February 1813, d. 6 July 1831

iii Jacob (3) Seltzer b. 10 July 1776, d. 12 August 1846, buried in Lutheran Cemetery at Jonestown, PA; md. 21 February 1804 Eleanor Clark b. 30 December 1783, d. 6 September 1850, buried in graveyard at Brick Church, Ono, PA. Children: 1 Margaretta 2 John 3 Jacob Clark

1 Margaretta (4) Seltzer b. 9 November 1806, d. 3 March 1892; md. Samuel Farnsler b. 3 October 1810, d. Septmeber 13, 1868, family buried at Lutheran Cemetery, Bellegrove, PA. Children: i Penrose ii Amanda

i Penrose (5) Farnsler b. 1 July 1846, d. 11 April 1874
ii Amanda (5) Farnsler b. 1 May 1844, d. 14 April 1860

2 John (4) Seltzer (first postmaster at Ono, PA) b. 1 June 1808, d. 19 February 1884; md. Elizabeth Faber b. 2 February 1802, d. 15 January 1888, both buried in Ono Cemetery, Ono, PA. Children: i Maria ii Arthur Francis

i Maria (5) Seltzer b. 11 May 1835, d. 4 May 1906; md. Jacob Maily (Civil War veteran) b. 22 April 1828, d. 4 October 1884. Children: 1  Franklin 2 Charles

1 Franklin (6) Maily b. 7 May 1858, d. 8 September 1884
2 Charles *6) Maily d. 6 December 1863 age 3 years 21 days

ii Arthur Francis (5) Seltzer (Captain, Company G, 115 Regiment, PA Volunteers) b. 1837, d. 1917, buried in Mount Lebanon Cemetery; md. Sarah Lineweaver, no children

3 Jacob Clark (4) Seltzer b. 21 November 1812, d. 3 January 1892, md. Elizabeth Ann  Gring b. 29 March 1827, d. 21 July 1910, both buried in Mount Lebanon, PA. Children: i Sarah S. ii John Alfred

i Sarah S. (5) Seltzer b. 13 November 1848, d. 1 January 1892

ii John Alfred (5) Seltzer b. 1853, d. 1923; md. Sallie McAdam b. 1851, d. 1910, both buried in Mt. Pebanon, PA. Children: 1 Walter Gring, 2 Edna, 3 Clark McAdam

1 Walter Gring (6) Seltzer md. 1 Anna Bitner, 2 Ida Zimmerman
2 Edna (6) Seltzer unmarried
3 Clark McAdam (6) Seltzer md. Eloise Stewart

A cabinet-maker by occupation, Michael also cultivated a small farm of 18 and a half acres which he purchased from his parents on April 24, 1811, for the sum of 277 pounds and 10 shillings. Shortly after purchasing this tract, Micahel erected a shouse and resided there until his death. (First house north of the bridge at the WAter Works). He was a member of Captain Shuey's company of the 117th Regiment during the War of 1812.

1 Daniel (4) Seltzer b. 10 January 1809, d. 17 Jan. 1891; md. Elizabeth Kochenderfer b. 4 January 1812, d. 22 January 1859, both buried at Kochenderfer's Church North of Lebanon, PA. Children: i Lizzie ii Mary iii Joseph iv John

i Lizzie (5) Seltzer b. 8 Ausut 1838, d. 3 January 1927, burred at Kochendefer's; md. Martin Meyer.
ii Mary (5) Seltzer b. 2y July 1841, d. 6 May 1878, buried at Ebenezer Cemetery, northwest of Leganon, PA; md. H. Hetrick b. 7 August 1846, d. 21 November 1929.
iii Joseph (5) Seltzer lived and died in Shelby, OH
iv John (5) Seltzer lived and died in Kansas

2 Peter (4) Seltzer b. 15 November 1815, d. 8 August 1909; md. Dianna Fishburn b. 20 March 1827, d. 5 February 1892, both buried in Mount Lebanon Cemetery. Children: i Benjamin Fishburn ii Hiram iii John Henry iv Adam v Uriah vi Alvin vii Cyrus viii Abraham ix Mary x Elizabeth xi Frank died in infancy xii died in infancy

i Benjamin Fishburn (5) Seltzer b. 1848, d. 1929; md. Sarah Snavely b. 1856, d. 1924. Children: 1 Helen 2 Laura 3 Mary 3 George Snavely b. 1884, d. 1932. All buried at Mount Lebanon, PA.
ii Hiram (5) Seltzer b. 1 June 1851, d. 2 September 1852, buried at Water Works Cemetery
iii John Henry (5) Seltzer b. 25 August 1852, d. 30 October 1929; md. Deborah Ruth Light b. 1852, d. 1900. Children: i infant ii Elizabeth E. iii Caroline
    i infant d. 28 Aril 1865 age 5 days
    ii Elizabeth E. (6) Seltzer b. 1878, d. 1922
    iii Caroline (6) Seltzer md. Charles Coldren
iv Adam (5) Seltzer b. 29 January 1850, d. 5 October 1945; md. Emma Miller, buried in Mount Lebanon Cemetery. Children: John Christine.
v Uriah (5) Seltzer b. 1 August 1856, d. 4 January 1907; md. Elizabeth Light. Both buried at Mount Lebanon. Children: 1 Lillian, 2 Joseph Peter
vi Alvin (5) Seltzer d. 20 April 1940 age 76; md. Elizabeth Funk. Lived in Evanston, IL, buried in Moutn Lebanon.
vii Cyrus (5) Seltzer (M.D.) b. 1864, d. 1914, buried in Mount Lebanon.
viii Abraham (5) Seltzer lived in Hialeah, FL

3 Mary Ann (4) Seltzer b. 27 1818, d. 9 February 1902; md. David Mark b. 23 February 1818, d. 16 October 1900. Children: i Cyrus S. ii Aaron iii Hiram S. iv Albert S. v Amos S. vi Tacy Ann, family buried at Water Works, United Brethren Church.

i Cyrus S. (5) Mark (Civil War veteran) b. 14 November 1842, d. 23 July 1867
ii Aaron (5) Mark d. 1 September 1844 age 7 months 26 days
iii Hiram S. (5) Mark b. 13 April 1847, d. 20 August 1850
iv Albert S. (5) Mark d. 25 August 1851 age 9 months
v Amos S. (5) Mark d. 12 October 1851 age 6 weeks 4 days
vi Tacy Ann (5) Mark b. 2 October 1852, d. 1 May 1867

4 Moses (4) Seltzer b. 27 April 1821, d. 6 July 1891; md. Mary Meily b. 18 November 1824, d. 19 May 1903, both bured in Grantville, PA. Children: i Joseph ii Rebecca iii Mary iv Henry Michael v Sarah Ellen

i Joseph (5) Seltzer b. 6 June 1846, d. 13 August 1851, buried at Water Works Church

ii Rebecca (5) Seltzer b. 10 October 1846, d. 29 December 1925; md. Jacob B. Bomgardner b. 8 December 1845, d. 13 December 1919, buried at Sherk's United Brethren Church. Children: 1 Ida 2 Vera Perl 3 Katie Bessie 4 Alva Beckie

1 Ida (6) Bomgardner md. Aaron Bomgardner, buried in Gravel Hill Cemetery. Children: i Bessie ii Alva

i Bessie (7) Bomgardner b. 11 January 1888, d. 28 August 1890, buried at Sherk's.
ii Alva (7) Bomgardner

2 Vera Perl (6) Bomgardner b. 5 December 1874, d. 28 November 1890.
3 Katie Bessie (6) Bomgardner b. 15 February 1883, d. 20 November 1890.
4 Alva Beckie (6) Bomgardner b. 10 June 1884, d. 26 November 1890.

iii Mary (5) Seltzer b. 1 July 1851, d. 24 January 1919; md. John Heilman b. 24 April 1840, d. 3 Decebmer 1889, both buried in Granville, PA. Children" 1 Lillian 2 Mamie 3 Harry

1 Lillian (6) Heilman md. Emanuel Baum. Children: i Herbert

i Herbert (7) Baum md. Helen Manifold. Children: i John

2 Mamie (6) Heilman b. 18 December 1884, md. Harm Leaman b. 4 February 1884, d. 8 January 1941. Children: i Lloyd Heilman

i Lloyd Heilman (7) Leaman b. 6 February 1922, d. 11 January 1931, buried in Gravel Hill.

3 Harry (6) Heilman d. age 6, buried in Grantville.

iv Henry Michael (5 ) Seltzer b. 10 April 1853, d. 19 May 1916; md. Lydia LIght b. 3 December 1851, d. 31 May 1928, both bured in Gravel Hill. Children: 1 Harvey L. 2 Serenus 3 Harry Raymond 4 Moses H.

1 Harvey L. (6) Seltzer b. 29 May 1878, d. 21 January 1946; md. 1 Lydia Bomberger b. 6 September 1875, d. 13 August 1913, buried in Gravel Hill. Children: i Carrie ii Alice; md. 2 Jennie Behmer b. 9 November 1890, d. 2 August 1933, buried in Gravel Hill, no children; md. 3 Mabel Givier, no children.

i Carrie (7) Seltzer md. Ray Royer, several children
ii Alice (7) Seltzer md.

2 Serenus (6) Seltzer b. 23 February 1880, d. 4 September 1913, buried in Gravel Hill; md. Lizzie Batdorf. Children: i Daniel ii Kathryn

i Daniel (7) Seltzer md. Emma Becker. Child: 1 Harry
ii Kathryn (7) Seltzer b. 4 June 1909, d. 6 June 1909, buried in Gravel Hill.

3 Harry Raymond (6) Seltzer b. 24 February 1887; md. Annie Wolfersberger b. 24 July 1885, no children

4 Moses H. (6) Seltzer b. 17 May 1890, d. 21 September 1890 age 4 months 4 days, buried at the Water Works United Brethren Church.

v Sarah Ellen (5) Seltzer b. 7 September 1856; md. Adam Light b. 12 September 1854, d. 20 July 1934, buried in Mount Annville. Children: 1 Harry Moses 2 Stella 3 Mary

1 Harry Moses (6) Seltzer b. 14 October 1879, d. 1 February 1889, buried Water Works
2 Stella (6) Seltzer md. 1 Amos Miller. Child: 1 Roger; md. 2 Isaac Plasterer, no children
3 Mary (6) Seltzer md. James March b. 29 May 1880, d. 10 July 1928, buried in Annville. Child: Dorothy

5 Sarah (4) Seltzer b. 12 November 1826, d. 4 September 1869 (murdered by her husband), buried in Union Deposit Cemetery; md. Emanuel Shaffner. Children: i Albert ii Hiram iii Reuben iv Martin

i Albert (5) Seltzer b. 22 September 1853, d. 15 April 1940, buried in Hanoverdale Cemetery; md. Elizabeth Keens b. 26 November 1850, d. 21 October 1920, buried in Hanoverdale (Brethren) Cemetery, several children
ii Hiram (5) Seltzer md. Fanny Fackler, both buried in Hanoverdale Cemetery
iii Reuben (5) Seltzer, buried in Hanoverdale
iv Martin (5) Seltzer b. 25 October 1865, guest at Neffsville Home.

vi Barbara (3) Seltzer b. 1787, d. 17 March 1875; md. in 1806 John Uhland b. 1788, d. 23 March 1864, both buried in Reformed Cemetery at Jonestown, PA. Children: 1 Samuel 2 John H. 3 Thomas

1 Samuel (4) Seltzer b. 30 December 1818, d. 1 January 1861
2 John H. (4) Seltzer d. 11 May 1854
3 Thomas (4) Seltzer

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