Revised 7/12/2017. Copyright @2017; The following Documentary Timeline has been compiled and created by Paul Rhetts. It may be copied for research purposes; but it may not be reproduced for inclusion in any printed or electronic distribution of any kind without the express written permission of the author. Any requests to use this information should be sent to Paul Rhetts, LPDPress@q.com.



Johann Christian RUTH (1728-1793) m. Maria Barbara EPLER (1732-1809)
s/o Johann Peter RUTH (1700-1771) and Anna Sophia LAUER (1703- )
d/o Johannes EPLER (1694-1775) and Anna Barbara WUSTER (1702-1762)
p/o Susannah Himmelberger RUTH (1761-1821)


7 Nov 1728 Johann Christian RUTH born in Walhausen, Germany [one source says 12 Mar 1700] [PA Veterans Burial Cards says 16 Dec 1729 (doc)] [
Evangelisch-Reformierte Kirche Wolfersweiler (Nohfelden); Nohfelden u Wolfersweiler; Evangelisches Kirchenbuchamt Hannover pp. 112-113 (doc)lists parents as Peter and Anna Sophia RUTH; baptism at Nohfelden, Oldenburg, Deutschland [FindaGrave says 16 Dec 1729]

16 Aug 1732 Maria Barbara EPLER born in Gaiberg, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany; her family were among the first settlers in Berks Co, PA [baptism at Bammental Reformed KB sponsor: Maria Barbara, widow of the late Georg Bauer of Meckesheim 

1733 RUTH family immigrated to Cumru, Berks, PA on the PA Merchant. Peter and most of his family settled in Cacoosing Creek while Christian settled in Macungie Township, PA area [problem with this is that Christian would have been all of 5 years old] Johann Peter Ruth and Anna Sophia Lauer immigrated on 18 September 1733 to
Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, US; Immigrated from Walhausen, sailed on Penn Merchant from Rotterdam, via Plymouth England. Christian Lauer also on board. Settled on the Cacoosing Creek in Cumru twp, Berks Co. PA. Possessed over 900 acres of land at time of death in 1771. Survived by wife Catharine, children: Michael, Jacob, Christian, Peter, George, John, Henry, Francis, Catharine, Mary, Barbara, Eva, Magdalena, Margaret. Mane Addams of Hull House fame was a granddaughter of Barbara Ruth. The family attended nearby Hain's Reformed Church. Mrs. Tillie R. Reber, West Reading, is family historian. [Akerboom, Descendents of Peter and Anna Sophia (Lauer) Ruth , Reference no. 929.R974 (n.pub.),pg 3; The Historical Society of York County, 250 East Market Street, York, York, PA, US. Ralph B. Strassburger and William J. Hinke, Pennsylvania German Pioneers (Norristown, PA: Pennsylvania German Society, 1934),pg 305; 1733; Family History Center, 4100 St. John's Lane, Ellicott City, Howard, MD, US.] [BURGERT, ANNETTE KUNSELMAN. Pennsylvania Pioneers from Wolfersweiler Parish, Saarland, Germany. Worthington, OH: AKB Publications, 1983; p.24; Source 1033.11; lists John Peter Ruth, wife Sophia Lauere, Son Joh Michael; son John Jacob, son Joh Christian, and son Joh Peter] [EGLE, WILLIAM HENRY, editor Names of Foreigners Who Took the Oath of Allegiance to the Province and State of Pennsylvania, 1727-1775, with the Foreign Arrivals, 1786-1808. (Pennsylvania Archives, ser. 2, vol. 17.) Harrisburg [PA]: E.K. Meyers, 1890. 787p. Reprinted by Genealogical Publishing Co., Baltimore, 1967. p. 132; Source 1804] [ZIMMER, KLAUS. "Amerikaauswanderer aus der Reformierten Pfarrei Wolfersweiler vor 1750." In Mitteilungen zur Wanderungsgeschichte der Pfaelzer, Jahrgang 31, vol 10:1 (1982), pp 42; Source 9981]

1737 EPLER family immigrated to Berks Co, PA – grandfather Hans Georg EPLER; mother Anna Barbara Wuster; bro Hans Gorg; father Johann Valentin; bro Johann Jacob; bro Johann Adam; Maria Barbara; sister Anna Barbara; emigrated from Steinberg, Saarland, Germany in 1737 on the ship Samuel (also on the same ship was a Herman Hartman, age 24) [one source says family emigrated in 1733 to PA]

1737 Christian RUTH listed in Philadelphia Co, Philadelphia Early Census

1748 RUTH family owned 900 acres along Cacoosing Creek in Berks Co. Johann Peter Ruth resided in 1748 at
Cacoosing Creek, Cumru, Berks, PA, US; Owned 900+ acres; town of Sinking Spring was once the sole property of the Ruth family.

1750 Maria Barbara EPLER married John HIESTER (1707-1757) in Bern, Berks Co, PA

1 Dec 1752 He was given a deed at
Heidelberg (Hain's) Church, Heidelberg, Berks, PA, US; Church built on 4 acres deeded to Peter Ruth, Casper Hain, Paul Lengle, & John Eaker.

1757 John HIESTER died in Bern, Berks, PA leaving widow Maria Barbara EPLER and 5 children together

4 Apr 1758 Christian Ruth, as he is often referred to, married Maria Barbara Epler Heister.

10 Oct 1759 son John Adam RUTH born in Lower Heidelberg, Berks, Pennsylvania; married Eva Ann HAIN on 13 Feb 1781; died 24 Dec 1824 in Lower Heidelberg, Berks, Pennsylvania

10 Apr 1761 Christian RUTH naturalized in Bern, Berks, Philadelphia, PA [
Naturalizations of Foreign Protestants in the American and West Indian Colonies. (Supreme Court at Philadelphia), 10 April, 1760] [another record shows naturalization on 23 Mar 1755 in Northampton and another at Berks 1 Apr 1761]

29 Oct 1761 dau Susannah Himmelberger RUTH born in Lower Heidelberg, Berks, Pennsylvania; married Johann Heinrich FISCHER on 3 Jan 1785 in Heidelberg, Berks County, Pennsylvania; died 12 May 1821 in Oley, Berks, Pennsylvania

aft 26 Oct 1762 Maria Barbara EPLER’s mother Anna Barbara WUSTER died at Bern Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania

3 Jan 1763 dau Mary Magdalena RUTH born in Lower Heidelberg, Berks, Pennsylvania; married George HAIN; died14 May 1845 in Lansdale, Montgomery, Pennsylvania

1767 PA Tax List Christian RUTH [Longswamp Twp: 60 0 0 0 0 3]; [Bern Twp: farmer 200 4 4 0 10 (doc)]
[WRONG CHRISTIAN RUTH?; these properties are abt 35 miles apart; seems unlikely that my Christian RUTH would have properties that far flung]

28 Dec 1768 dau Anna Maria RUTH born in Lower Heidelberg, Berks, Pennsylvania; married Adam HAIN in 1787; died 4 Mar 1836 in Lower Heidelberg, Berks, Pennsylvania

1768 Christian RUTH listed in Longswamp, Berks, PA Tax and Exoneration Records Archive Roll #316 60 ac tax 6 (doc)]
[WRONG CHRISTIAN RUTH?; these properties are abt 35 miles apart; seems unlikely that my Christian RUTH would have properties that far flung]

1768 Christian RUTH listed in Bern, Berks, PA Tax and Exoneration Records Archive Roll #316 — 200ac wood land; 40ac cleared; 15 ac planted; 4 horses; 4 cattle; 6 sheep tax 20 (doc)]

14 Sep 1771 Christian RUTH’s father Johann Peter RUTH died at Cacoosing Creek, Cumru, Berks, PA

25 Oct 1771 son Daniel RUTH born in Lower Heidelberg, Berks, Pennsylvania; married Elizabeth MILLER; died 13 Sep 1827 in Sinking Springs, Berks Co, PA

Nov 1773 Christian RUTH listed in PA Oyer and Terminer Court Papers for Berks, PA [List of Petit Jury #3 (doc)]

bef 25 Jan 1775 Maria Barbara EPLER’s father Johannes EPLER died at Bern Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania

13 May 1776 Christian RUTH listed in PA Oyer and Terminer Court Papers for Berks, PA [List of Travise Jury #13 (doc)]

26 Aug 1776 Christian served from 26 Aug 1776 to 18 Oct 1781 in the Revolutionary War as a Private in Captain Sebastian Miller's 1 Company, 6 Bn, Berks County Militia, commanded by his stepson, Col. Joseph Hiester. The website of the Sons of the American Revolution – Pennsylvania Society - Gov. Joseph Hiester Chapter has information on 12 members of the Ruth family who served in the Revolutionary War and are buried in Berks Co., Pennsylvania. They are as follows:
Adam Ruth (1753-1821) Buried at St. John's (Hain's) Reformed Church Cemetery
Christian Ruth, Jr. (1758-1823) Buried at St. John's (Hain's) Reformed Church Cemetery
Christian Ruth (1729-1793) Buried St. John's Reformed Church Cemetery (different from Hain's)
George Ruth (1740-1812) Buried at St. John's Reformed Church Cemetery (different from Hain's)
Henry Ruth, Sr. (1748-1822) Buried at St. John's Reformed Church Cemetery (not Hain's)
Jacob Ruth (1726-1797) Buried at St. John's (Hain's) Reformed Church Cemetery
John Ruth (dates unknown) Buried at St. John's Reformed Church Cemetery (not Hain's)
John Adam Ruth (1759-1824) Buried at Zion Lutheran & Reformed Church Cemetery
Michael Ruth (1725-1803) Buried at St. John's (Hain's) Reformed Church Cemetery
Michael Ruth (died 1812) Buried at Trinity Lutheran Church Cemetery
Peter Ruth (1764-1796) Buried St. John's Reformed Church Cemetery (not Hain's)
Samuel Ruth (dates unknown) Buried at St. Gabriel Episcopal Church Cemetery
Rev War Veteran Burial Card, buried St John's Reformed Church, 21st Row, churchyard Service Desc: Capt Miller's Co, 1st Co, 6th Battalion; Capt Reim's & DeTurk's Co, 7th Co 6th Battalion, 3rd Co 4th Battalion [Enlistment card, Veteran Burial Card] He served as a private in Captain Sebastian Miller's 1st Company, 6th Battalion, Berks County Militia, commanded by his step son, Colonel Joseph Heister. This unit fought with George Washington at Long Island, where many casualties were suffered (Heister himself was taken prisoner). [ DAR Plaque at Sinking Spring, Berks, PA lists Christian RUTH as a patriot (doc)]

1779 Christian RUTH listed in Cumru, Berks, PA Tax and Exoneration Records Archive Roll #316 300 ac land-3500, 6 horses-240, 8 cattle-72 total value 3812 120 (doc)]

1780 Christian RUTH listed in Cumru, Berks, PA Tax and Exoneration Records Archive Roll #316 [323 ac land-4000, 6 horses-120, 7 cattle-45; total 4165; tax $86.15 (doc)]

1781 Christian RUTH listed in Longswamp, Berks, PA Tax and Exoneration Records Archive Roll #316 60 ac tax 120 (doc)]
[WRONG CHRISTIAN RUTH?; these properties are abt 35 miles apart; seems unlikely that my Christian RUTH would have properties that far flung]

1781 Christian RUTH listed in Cumru, Berks, PA Tax and Exoneration Records Archive Roll #317 [323 ac land-2500, 5 horses-72, 10 cattle-18; total 2590; tax $18.18 (doc)]

1785 Christian RUTH listed in Douglas, Berks, PA Tax and Exoneration Records Archive Roll #318-19; Single Men: Tax $10 (doc)]
[WRONG CHRISTIAN RUTH?; these properties are abt 35 miles apart; seems unlikely that my Christian RUTH would have properties that far flung]

1786 Christian RUTH listed in Longswamp, Berks, PA Tax and Exoneration Records Archive Roll #318-19 80 ac; vale $115; tax $15 (doc)] [WRONG CHRISTIAN RUTH?; these properties are abt 35 miles apart; seems unlikely that my Christian RUTH would have properties that far flung]

1786 Christian RUTH listed in Cumru, Berks, PA Census #12704 (doc)]

1788 Christian RUTH listed in Heidelberg, Berks, PA Tax and Exoneration Records Archive Roll #318-319- 160 ac-960; 4 horses-40; 3 cattle-9; total value-1009; tax $2.14.6(doc)]

1788 Christian RUTH listed in Cumru, Berks, PA Tax and Exoneration Records Archive Roll #318-19 [286 ac land/50 ac cleared-1968, 4 horses-40, 7 cattle-21; total 2029; tax $5.13.9 (doc)]

1788 Christian RUTH listed in Bethel, Berks, PA Tax and Exoneration Records Archive Roll #318-19 tax $5.13.9 (doc)]
[WRONG CHRISTIAN RUTH?; these properties are abt 35 miles apart; seems unlikely that my Christian RUTH would have properties that far flung]

1788 Christian RUTH listed in Longswamp, Berks, PA Tax and Exoneration Records Archive Roll #318-19 80 ac; Nonresidenters: $10 (doc)] [WRONG CHRISTIAN RUTH?; these properties are abt 35 miles apart; seems unlikely that my Christian RUTH would have properties that far flung]

1789 Christian RUTH listed in Heidelberg, Berks, PA Tax and Exoneration Records Archive Roll #320 50 ac value $1.10.6(doc)]

1789 Christian RUTH listed in Cumru, Berks, PA Tax and Exoneration Records Archive Roll #320 tax $5.7.9(doc)]

1789 Christian RUTH listed in Bern, Berks, PA Tax and Exoneration Records Archive Roll #316 [Farmer: 200 ac land-60ac cleared; 8 ac corn tax $4.4 (doc)]

1789 Christian RUTH listed in Longswamp, Berks, PA Tax and Exoneration Records Archive Roll #316 60 ac tax $3 (doc)]
[WRONG CHRISTIAN RUTH?; these properties are abt 35 miles apart; seems unlikely that my Christian RUTH would have properties that far flung]

7 Aug 1791 Christian RUTH listed as father at baptism at Heidelberg, Cacusi, St John’s Hains Church, Berks, PA; also lists Barbara Boelmann, Johannes Boelmann, Barbara Ruth, Christian Ruth, Susanna Ruth, and Susanna Ruth

4 Dec 1791 Christian RUTH listed as a sponsor at a baptism for Samuel Fischer, son of Heinrich Fischer at Oley (Salem) Reformed Church, Berks, PA

1792 It was during 1792 that 14 men already members of the Reformed Church, united themselves into an organization for the establishing of a church where they and their descendants might worship the God of their fathers. CHRISTIAN RUTH heads this list. Christian Ruth bequethed one and one half acres of land for a new Reformed Church and church yard (St. John's) in Sinking Spring, PA.

24 Aug 1793 Christian Ruth died in Sinking Spring, Cumru, Berks, Pennsylvania; Rev War Veteran Burial Card, buried St John's Reformed Church, 21st Row, churchyard; grave 11. Service Desc: Capt Miller's Co, 1st Co, 6th Battalion; Capt Reim's & De Turk's Co, 7th Co 6th Battalion, 3rd Co 4th Battalion. The ground for the first burial place at Sinking Springs was donated by will by the now Sainted CHRISTIAN RUTH, on October 30, 1793. Among the first buried thereon was the donor himself, CHRISTIAN RUTH, who had made the following will: "I give and devise one acre and a half of land, as will be most suitable for the use of a new Reformed Church and burial ground, as is already commenced, to the Congregation and to their heirs and successors forever." CHRISTIAN RUTH's grave and that of his wife can be found side by side to the west of the church building. As was customary among Christians, and is still adhered to, these graves are marked by tombstones bearing an epitaph. The inscription upon the grave stone of Father Ruth reads as follows:

Zum Denekmahl
Dem
CHRISTIAN RUTH
Er war gaboren
Den 16 December 1729
und starb
Den 24 August 1793
War alt 63 yahr, 5 monet, 5 tage
[PA Veterans Burial Card says 24 Aug 1793; buried at St Johns Reformed Church, Sinking Spring, Spring, Berks, PA (doc)] {PA Veterans Burial Index (doc)]

26 Aug 1793 Christian RUTH buried at First Reformed Church in Reading, Berks, PA (died at Sinking Spring) age 63 years, 8 mos, -- days [FindaGrave says 24 Dec 1793, Sinking Spring Cemetery, Berks, PA; 2nd FindaGrave says 24 Aug 1792] [NOTE: There is a 2nd Christian RUTH born 1720 and died 1776, Bucks, PA; spouse was Barbara; buried Line Lexington Mennonite Church Cemetery, Bucks, PA]

15 Nov 1793 Christian RUTH will probated Berks, PA [
Wills, Vol 1-3, 1752-1800; Probate Estate Files, Resher, Gabriel - Seitzinger, Nich, 1752-1799; Index to Wills, A-Z, 1752-1915 (3doc)] [need to transcribe p 212]

3 May 1794 Having formed an organization, these devout men proceeded to the erection of a church edifice. The corner-stone was laid on Ascension Day, May 3, 1794. Among the numerous articles placed in this cornerstone was the Constitution of the Church---the latter part of Article VII reads, "This solemn transaction was made on the third day of May, in the year of our Lord, 1794, to be enclosed in a cornerstone as the foundation of our Evangelical Reformed Church." The church was dedicated in the name of the Triune God as the St. John's Evangelical Presbyterian Reformed Church.

9 Aug 1809 Maria Barbara EPLER died at Berks Co., Pennsylvania [one source says 5 Oct 1809 in Cumru, Berks, PA]