Revised 8/16/2017. 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.
John Michael KOONTZ (1706-1777) m (1) Anna Elizabeth Catharine STOEVER (1710-1750); (2) Elizabeth HEDDERICH (1724-1775)
s/o Joseph Jost CUNTZE (1673-1730) and Anna Catherine Gertrud REINSCHMIDT (1674-1714)
1-d/o John Casper STOEVER (1684-1738) and Gertrud FRIEDDE (1685-1728)
2-d/o Johann Adam HEDDERICH (1702-1775) and Anna Catharina ERMOLD ( - 1727)
p/o Michael KOONTZ (1743-1803)
Children:
1. Conrad (1729- )
2. Nicholas (1729-1797) m. Anna Mary Ottey, 1774
3. Lewis (1730- )
4. William Henry (1732-1814) m. Catherine Fellow
5. Anna Catharina (1733-1798)
6. Jacob (1733-1823) m. Mary Elizabeth Hieronymous
7. Peter Dietrich (1735-1813) m. Christina Boyer
8. Francina (1738-1801) m. George Martin Reisor, 1760
9. Elder John (1739-1803) m. Elizabeth Baker, 1760
10. George (1740-1810) m. (1) Mary Threlkeld, bef 1766; (2) Salome _____
11. Michael (1743-1803) m. Rebecca Orr (Geor), 1760
18 Apr 1706 John Michael KOONTZ born at Siegen, Siegen-Wittgenstein, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany [Lowell l. Koontz, History of the Descendants of John Koontz, new edition (West Virginia 26287: McClain Printing Company, 1979), p1. [Niederndorf, Oberfishbach, about halfway between Frankfurt and Dortmund, GERMANY approx. forty miles east of Cologne] [Holtzolaw (Ref. 202, p. 93) lists John born 18 Apr. 1706 in Niederndorf, Germany as the son of Jost Kuntze (Joseph Koontz) and first wife, Anna Gertrud Reinschmidt, the daughter of Martin Reinschmidt of Lower Wilden] [Immigrant Joseph Cuntz is listed with his second wife, Katherina, and his son John Annalis (sic) and Kathrina his daughter (Ref. 209, p. 370) and also a daughter Elizabeth (Ref. 202, p. 93) This establishes the fact Joseph had a son, John, he brought to America. The (sic) indicates that Annalis was not a part of his name at all but was part of his sister's name, Anna Elizabeth, and that the original record was in German and this mistake has been made in translation. (Ref. 17, p. 282)] [FHL#598237 shows Johannes and his parents Gertrud and Jost]
1710 Anna Elizabeth Catharine STOEVER born at Siegen, Siegen-Wittgenstein, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany (one source says Luedorf, Amt. Soligan, Rhineland). John Casper Stoever, Sr. the pastor Of the Hebron Church founded by the 1717 Germanna Colony. John Casper Stoever, Sr. came from Germany via England and Pennsylvania to Virginia, where he had been licensed by Governor Spotswood to become pastor of the Lutheran Church now in Madison Co., Va. but then in Spotsylvania Co. (Ref. 205, p. 62) The Orange Co. W.B. 1, pp. 237-238 lists Elizabeth Catherine Cuntze as a daughter and one of the heirs of Reverend John Casper Stoever, Sr.
1714 John Michael KOONTZ (age 8) immigrated to Philadelphia with parents, [Joseph] "Jost" CUNTZE and Anna Catherine Gertrud REINSCHMIDT] [father Joseph Jost CUNTZE was born on 22 March 1673/4 in Germany. He died in 1731 in Stafford, Virginia. He signed a will in 1731 in Stafford County, Virginia. Joseph Cuntze died in 1731. The will of Joseph "Cownts," blacksmith, was dated October 18, 1730, and probated in Stafford County February 10, 1731. His eldest son, John Cuntze, seems to have died before his father. His eldest daughter, Ann Elizabeth, was married by 1730 to Tillman Weaver, the immigrant. Other children, mentioned in the will were sons, Henry and Tillman, and daughters, Mary, Anna Catherine, and Catherine. The son, Henry, was specifically stated to be under 16. The will mentions his "four youngest children" (probably Henry, Tillman, Mary and Anna Catherine). His wife seems to have predeceased him, for no mention is made of her in the will. Tillman Weaver was appointed executor, and the witnesses were Jacob Holtzclaw, John Kemper, Joseph Martin and Peter Hitt. This family was part of the First (1714) Germanna Colony in Virginia. The spelling of the Cuntze family name in both Germany and America has been varied. The earliest records indicate a spelling as Cuntze which became Kuntze. In Virginia, the use of both the "C" and the "K" was common. Spellings of the name here gravitated toward Coons, while some branches of the family spelled the name as Koontz or Kuntz. Uncertainties remain as to how closely the different branches are related. When the First Colony was settled in Fort Germanna, their first task was to clear land and ready it for farming. They had to support themselves by their own efforts. They probably received assistance in limited ways. Virginia Lt. Governor Spotswood had a practice of loaning cattle to people who raised them and bred more. At the conclusion of the contract, the equivalent of the original cattle plus one-half of the increase were returned to Spotswood. The second way assistance was provided was by the ban on hunting in their neighborhood by everyone except the Germans. Some flour was probably granted them in the initial setup. Though the Germans wanted to dig in the ground to assay the silver potential, Spotswood said no to this. (He never resolved the precious metal question as far as the Crown was concerned.) Until this was settled, development of the silver mine was verboten. So, for about two and one-half years, the Germans were engaged in farming but no mining. This must have been frustrating for them; they had a very bad year in getting to America. Once here, they were denied the opportunity to perform the functions for which they had been hired. So far we have looked at who emigrated from a series of small villages, not very far apart, just to the west of the modern town of Siegen. The three villages were Trupbach, Seelbach, and Oberfischbach. Just a short walk to the southwest from Oberfischbach, perhaps a stroll before breakfast, is Niederndorf. This was the home of the Kuntze family. Jost Kuntze, the 1714 emigrant, was christened at Oberfischbach. His godfather was the mother's brother from Niederndorf. Jost married Anna Gertrud Reinschmidt of Wilden, which is about six miles southeast of Siegen. Two of their children had godparents from Niederndorf and Wilden. A number of Germans had grants in their own name. John Button had 100 acres in 1747. Joseph Coants (Kuntz) had a 127-acre grant in 1747. John Crim (Grimm) had a 127-acre grant also (on the day following Kuntz). The Moravian missionaries visited the Little Fork area on their trips through Virginia. Brother Gottschalk, on his trip in 1748 said: "[Little Fork] is situated about twenty-two miles from the Great Fork toward the Potomac. Twelve families of the Siegen district, being of the Reformed religion, live there close together. They are fine, neighborly and friendly people, who love each other in their manner, and live together very peacefully. The brother of our Matthew Hoffman, John Henry Hoffman, also lives there and I lodged with him. "They built a small, neat and suitable church, and engaged one of their number, John Jung [Young] to be the 'Reader' in the church. He conducts services for them every Sunday. They cannot get a minister because they are so few in number. Hence they cannot raise enough money sufficient to pay a minister's salary. I preached for them, which they accepted with thanks. They expect more visits. They asked me to visit them again. John Jung and Hoffman's brother seemed to understand me when I spoke to them of the savior." Children were: John KOONTZ, Ann Elizabeth COONS, Catherine COONS. [BREITBARD, GAIL. Some Early Virginia Immigrants. In The Lost Palatine, no. 5 (1982), pp. 4-5.]
1714 Mother Anna Catherine Gertrud REINSCHMIDT died either on the journey or shortly after arriving at Germanna, VA.
8 Nov 1724 Elizabeth HEDDERICH born at Langenselbold, Main-Kinzig-Kreis, Hessen, Germany
25 Jun 1728 John Michael KOONTZ and Anna Elizabeth Catharine STOEVER married at Earltown, Berks, PA [History of the Descendants of John Koontz. by Lowell Koontz: “by Reverend John Casper Stoever, Jr. (Ref. 203, p. 56) (Ref. 202, p. 93) [John married the daughter of John Casper Stoever, Sr. the pastor Of the Hebron Church founded by the 1717 Germanna Colony. John Casper Stoever, Sr. came from Germany via England and Pennsylvania to Virginia, where he had been licensed by Governor Spotswood to become pastor of the Lutheran Church now in Madison Co., Va. but then in Spotsylvania Co. (Ref. 205, p. 62) The Orange Co. W.B. 1, pp. 237-238 lists Elizabeth Catherine Cuntze as a daughter and one of the heirs of Reverend John Casper Stoever, Sr. When Rev. John Caspar Stoever started his work in the Robinson River Valley, Spotswood had been gone from Williamsburg for more than ten years so could hardly have licensed Stoever. In addition, none of the ministers were licensed by the colony. [Pennsylvania, Church Records - Adams, Berks, and Lancaster Counties, 1729-1881, Records of Rev. Stoever for Earl Town, Lancaster Co., PA indicate marriage was 25 Jun 1738 which appears to be wrong on serveral counts: record shows Johannes Kuntz, and Anna Elizabeth Catherine Stoever present as well as her father Casper Stoever (he was dead by 1738; plus, records show that Anna Elizabeth Catherine Stoever had given birth to 8 children by this date; May be a transcription error of 1738 instead of 1728]
1729 son Conrad KOONTZ born; died young
1729 John Michael KOONTZ may have returned to GERMANY about 1729 and returned again to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA on 30 NOV 1730 on ship "Joyce", Master was Captain Atilliam FORD of Boston. He may have lived awhile in southern Pennsylvania, about thirty miles from half brothers, Henry CUNTZE, in northern Virginia and Tillman CUNTZE in western Maryland. It is also possible that he is the same John COUNTS granted 350 acres of land in South Carolina in 1751. [COUSINS, ELIZABETH. Immigrants Into Pennsylvania, September 1727-September 1732. np: Pathfinders, nd. P.13]
30 Nov 1730 John Michael KOONTZ: Johanes Coones or Johannes Cuntz (two different spellings on ship list) age 24 arrived in the port of Philadelphia 30 Nov. 1730 on the ship "Joyce. " Presented to the Court of Philadelphia were the names of 24 Palatines, who with their families made about 52 persons that were imported on the ship "Joyce" from Europe by Captain Atilliam Ford of Boston. (Ref. 201, pp. 37 & 38) This may explain why Joseph Cuntz did not list his son, John, in his will as his son may have returned to Germany before returning to America in Nov 1730.
12 Jan 1729 son Nicholas [X.] KOONTZ born at Frederick, Virginia (now Page County); died Sep 1797 at Grainger, Tennessee; married (1) Elizabeth “Lisbet” SHARP in 1750 in Frederick, VA; Children were: Henry Nicholas COUNTS, John "Coon" COUNTS; (2) Anna Mary OTTEY in 1774 in Tryon, Polk, NC; Children were: John Adam COUNTS, Henry COUNTS, Mary Anna COUNTS, Isaac COUNTS; (3) Susannah TAYLOR in 1795 he owned land in 1794 in Hawthorn County, Tennessee. Nicholas signed a will on 6 July 1799 in Grainger County, Tennessee. Nicholes Cuntze (Counts) served under George Washington and Andrew Jackson during the Revolution. Twin Grandsons named after these Presidents (Son's of John Adam Counts.)
18 Oct 1730 Father Joseph Jost CUNTZE will: Joseph Cuntze’s will was dated 18 Oct. 1730 and probated 10 Feb. 1731 Stafford Co. W.B. 1729-48, p. 22 (Ref. 202, p. 93) as Joseph died early in 1731 and was possibly in failing health in 1730. This adds reason to the return of John to America on the ship Joyce; It has not been possible to establish that John did return to Europe but in light of the above evidence it is believed that John is, in fact, the son of Joseph Cuntz the 1714 immigrant. (one source says he died Jan 1731 in Germantown, Fauquier, VA)
1730 son Lewis KOONTZ born
1732 son William Henry KOONTZ born at Page, VA; died 1814 at Pomaria, Newberry, (Craven Co) South Carolina; married Catherine FELLOW (FELLERS) in 1753 in Crimms Creek, Newberry County, South Carolina. Children were: Margaret COUNTS, Henry COUNTS, H. John "Carpenter John" COUNTS, Jacob COUNTS, Mary COUNTS, Elizabeth COUNTS, Catherine COUNTS, Frederick COUNTS, John COUNTS.
3 Feb 1733 son Jacob KOONTZ born at Shenandoah, Page, Virginia; died 7 Feb 1823 at Shenandoah, Page, VA; married Mary Elizabeth HIERONYMUS (RONEMUS) in 1766 in Jefferson County, Virginia. Children were: Abraham COONTZ, Barbara COONTZ, Mary Elizabeth COONTZ, Susannah COONTZ, Jacob COONTZ, John COONTZ, Elizabeth COONTZ, Anna Margaret COONTZ
1735 son Peter Dietrich KOONTZ born at Frederick, Virginia; died 1813 at Stow, Middlesex, Massachusetts; married Christina BOYER about 1765. Children were: Daniel COUNTS.
1738 dau Francina KOONTZ born at Newberry, Newberry, South Carolina; died Oct 1801 at Barnwell, Barnwell, SC; married 1760 George Martin REISOR at Newberry, Newberry, SC
23 Jun 1739 John Cuntz and his wife moved from Pa. to Frederick Co., Va after their marriage. John Koontz of Orange Co. was deeded 195 acres by John Branson of Orange Co. on 23 June 1739. (Orange Co. D B 3, p. 191) This land now is located in Frederick Co., Va. after the change in the boundary (1738-43). While they were living at Opequon, Va. located 4 to 5 miles S.S.W. of Winchester, Va. their son John was born 26 Mar. 1739. (Ref. 203, p. 13) That this John born 26 Mar. 1739 was the later Elder John Counts of the current Page Co. area has been well established by born C. Holtzelaw.
26 Mar 1739 son John KOONTZ born at Opequon, Frederick, Virginia; died 27 Apr 1803 at Page, VA; (Ref. 203, p. 13) (one source says died 25 April 1832 in Alma, Page County, Virginia); married Elizabeth BAKER in 1760 at Shenandoah, VA ["Elder John Koontz is the son of John (Cuntz) Koontz and Anna Elizabetha Catherine Stoever married Elizabeth Baker who was a sister to the second wife of Daniel Mauck who owned the farm where died W. Brubaker once resided, and died in 1802. Elizabeth Baker's father came to this country from London, England. (Ref. 10) John married Elizabeth in the early 1760's as his eldest son Jacob was born 1764. (Ref. tombstone cemetery 82-A) History of the Descendents of John Koontz. by Lowell Koontz] (sometimes listed as John Coons); he was an "Elder." The so-called Culpeper Classes is a list of the militia in January of 1781. Each of the 106 classes is composed of thirteen or fourteen names. Thus, these lists furnish about fourteen hundred names of males, aged 16 to 50. Toward the end of 1780, the Revolutionary War was heating up in the Southern colonies, and Virginia was in danger, and, a resource of manpower. To provide men, a draft was instituted in Virginia. The quota was divided among the counties, and Culpeper Co. was assigned to supply 106 men. Culpeper did this by dividing the militia into 106 classes and then one man was selected (drafted) from each class. Provisions were made for the drafted person to be replaced by another person. One could hire a substitute. Some classes avoided the draft altogether by collectively hiring a man to serve as the draft from the class. In some cases, it appears that a relative served in place of the drafted person, most likely because the drafted person was married or essential at home. There has been some argument as to the significance of a name appearing in one of these Culpeper classes. For a while, some patriotic organizations took the appearance of a name in these lists as meaning the man did service for the cause of the Revolution. At other times or places, the opinion has been the lists are an "inventory" of middle-aged males in Culpeper County. One had no control over whether his name was entered there or not. In theory, one could have been a Tory and opposed to the Revolution while still appearing in the lists. Class number 34 is rich in Germanna names: Joseph Coones, Jr., John Fishback (son of Jacob), Jacob Fishback, Jr., James Blackwell, John Spillman, John Matthais, James Burdett, Frederick Coones, John Young, Jr., Frederick Fishback (son of Fred), John Coons, Peter Kamper, William Button, and Harmon Button. In the selection process, Frederick Coones was the draft, but Thomas Blackwell substituted for Fred Coones. In this case, I do not know if there was any relationship between the Coones and Blackwell. These names come from around Jeffersonton in the Little Neck district of Culpeper Co. He died 25 Apr. 1832 in Page Co. near Alma, Va. and buried in cemetery 73. The tombstone was removed from the Koontz Shuler Cemetery by Carroll R. Shuler of Stanley and placed in a cement and rock memorial to the Reverend John Koontz which stands in the Seekford Cemetery in Alma, Va. In talking with Carroll R. Shuler he stated that the body had not been disinterred and that he had taken the tombstone from near the center of the Koontz Shuler Cemetery where the body still remains. The date on the limestone slab is hand carved and is still quite legible. The foregoing date is correct for it is not only listed on the tombstone that way but Elder John had a will probated 28 AGay 1832. Two things have confused the issue: one, Elder John had a son who died in 1831 and his son's will was probated Dec., 1831 and secondly the Mill Creek Church records state death in the church since the beginning of the year 1832 probably recording this at the end of that calendar year. The church record states "Edward Holmes, Eld. John Koontz; since 1832, " meaning since 1832 began not before 1832. It is not known when Elizabeth was born as her grave was not marked by an engraved tombstone in the Koontz Shuler Cemetery but she died between 1825-1826 as the church records (Ref. 18) show her death in the list of deceased members just before members known to have died in 1827. (Ref. 202, p. 100) She is not listed in the 1830 census of Page Co. with her husband. John, living near Winchester, Va. was impressed by the message of Baptist preachers and hence traveled to Fauquier Co. and was baptized there December, 1768. With his return to the Winchester area he began preaching, and in November, 1770 he visited his brother George who lived in the area of Mill Creek and soon began preaching there. John continued to live near Winchester and visited lilill Creek. (Ref. 212, pp. 184-189, Ref. 18, Ref. 213, Ref 214) He converted Martin Kaufman It from the Mennonite religion to the Baptist faith. Martin Kaufman's father, SIartin Eaufman I, was a Mennonite minister who came to the valley from Lancaster Co., Penn and on 23 Feb. 1736 bought the land along the Shenandoah River where Route 211 crosses it. (Ref. 94) John Koontz and Martin Kaufman II both could speak German and English and were very successful preachers and by 1772 had organized a Baptist congregation. John was ordained a minister and gained his title of Elder John Koontz between 17721775. (Ref. 212, pp. 184-189) In October, 1776 John Countz was deeded 86 acres of land in Shenandoah Co., that section that later became Page Co. (Ref. 215 "B", p. 426) It is thought John Counts came to live in the Mill Creek section about this same time. [Monument to Elder John Koontz - This inscription is inscribed on the memorial: "In Memory of Elder John Koontz died Apr. 25, 1832 between 80 and 90 sic, (93) years of age, No primitive Baptist preacher suffered more at the hands of opposers, No primitive Baptist preacher surpassed him in his devotion to his Lord and his people. Like Abraham of old Elder Koontz was "Strong in the faith, giving glory to God; and being fully persuaded that what he had promised he was able also to perform, Rom. 4:20. "] Elder John Koontz was pastor of the Mill Creek Baptist Church for about 50 years. German Mennonites from Pennsylvania sent several preachers to the Valley to work against Elder John and the Baptist movement. Some of the local people opposed Elder John Koontz more physically. Once while he was on his way to preach he was seized on the road by a mob and was severely beaten. He was later seized and threatened with imprisonment for preaching without authorization. (Ref. 202, pp. 242-247) John Countz and Martin Kaufman were so successful in converting Mennonites to Baptist that there are very few Mennonites found in Page Co., VA. today. On 25 Aug. 1785 John Counts obtained certification to perform marriages born Shenandoah Co., Va. and signed his name clearly Counts. In the year 1805 there was a disagreement in the practice of slavery which resulted in Martin Kaufman, Lewis Seits, and Samuel Comer separating from the Mill Creek Church with a group of followers that moved to Fairfield Co., OH. The church there was called Pleasant Run and in 1806 the OH Association of which Pleasant Run was a member stated the following "We do not wish to correspond with any association or church that does in principle or practice hold involuntary slavery. " Not far from Granville in OH is a small place called Luray after Luray, Va. There is also a Luray in Fayette Co., OH. (Ref. 17, pp. 272-275) Elder John Koontz and his wife Elizabeth are found in the following Deeds of Shenandoah Co., Va. (1) Oct. 1776 David Coffman of Dunmore Co. to John Countz of Dunmore Co. 86 acres as listed before. (Ref. 215 Book "B", p. 4263 (Note: Part of Shenandoah Co. was known as Dumnore Co. till 1778. ) (2) March 24, 1784 Christian Bumgardner to John Countz 2 acres on Hawksbill Creek. (Ref. 215 Book "E", p. 49) (3) March 29, 1786 John Koontz to Daniel Mauck 86 acres sold him by Coffman and deed signed by John's wife Elizabeth. Ref. 215 Book "F", p. 16) (4) Aug. 31, 1786 Lewis Bibber sic (Biedler) and Barbara his wife to John Koontz 127 acres. (Ref. 215 Book "F", pv 239) (5) June 14, 1806 John Koontz, Sr. and Elizabeth his wife to Isaac Koontz 134 acres bought from Bibber dc. (Biedler) and Coffnan. (Ref. 215 Book "P", p. 201) The will of Elder John Koontz was dated 14 Mar. 1807 but not probated until 28 May 1832. (Ref. 211 Book "A", pp. 26-27) The following is the will of Elder John Koontz. In the Name of God, Amen - I John Koontz of Shenandoah Co. and State of Virginia, being in common bodily health and perfect mind and recollection, thanks be unto God for the same - do make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner following, (to- wit). Firstly: It is my will that all my just debts should be paid first; Secondly: I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Elizabeth, all the property which I have and possess to her own proper use and enjoyment as she may choose to apply it or find necessary during her natural life time, and after her death I give and bequeath unto my three sons, Jacob, John and Isaac Koontz each one and equal part in that which may remain As to my daughter, Elizabeth, which is dead I have had given her in her lifetime all which I intended to give her or her heirs; Thirdly: I do hereby appoint my three sons, Jacob, John, and Isaac Koontz my sole executors of my last will and testament; Fourthly: I do hereby disannul and make void all former wills by me made, ratifying, confirming and declaring this and no other to be my last will and testament in witness whereof. I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 14th day of March, Eighteen hundred and seven [John Koontz (seal) Signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of us. Roads, Joseph Mauch, Jonas Rufiner, David Varner, Christian Aleshire, Benjamin Wood. Acknowledge before me on the 9th day of Dec., 1828. Jos. Strickler At a court held for the Co. of Page on Monday the 28th day of May 1832. The written will of John Koontz was produced to the Court by Isaac Koontz and proved by the oath of Jonas Ruffner and Joseph Strickler, witnesses thereto, and ordered to be recorded. Teste: William A. Harris, Clerk] The preceding will is taken from (Ref. 211 Book "A", pp. 26-27 (Ref. 17, p. 282) lists W.B. "A" p. 153 which is incorrect. Just across the Shenandoah River from Alma, Va. on the north side of 340 is located the home of Elder John Koontz. Elder John Koontz bought this house and property of 112 A. on 27 Aug. 1814 from David and Margaret Huffman. (Ref. 215 B30k "V", p. 303) John willed this to his ch. (Ref. 211 Book "A", pp. 26-27) The house was later deeded to Isaac Koontz then to Andrew Jackson Shuler as verified by the following refs. (Ref. 204 Book "E", p. 477, Book "G", pp. 116-118, Book "IsI", p. 274) Earlier Elder John Koontz lived on the Hawksbill Creek. Jacob bought land from John Pence on 29 Sept. 1791. (Ref. 215 Book "H", p. 204) The 1830 census shows Elder John Koontz and Isaac lived in the 2 1/2 story log structure with irnmense rock chimneys at both ends and tiny paned windows. It had a full cellar beneath. (Ref. 216, pp. 47 & 53) The house was just below the old Koontz Shuler Cemetery 73. The compiler first visited the house in 1973. It had been torn down since Ann Kerkhoff had written about it. It had been used as a chicken house for some time before it was torn down as one could see from old chicken feeders still under some of the floor boards and debris. What a poor fate for Rlleh an historic home. During the Civil War in the winter of 1862 a small group of Yankees used the house as their winter quarters. (Ref. 216, pp. 56, 57, 60) At this time Andrew Jackson Shuler was living there as he had married Juliana Ann Koontz the great granddaughter of Elder John Koontz. The property had passed from Isaac Newton Koontz, Sr., son of Elder John Koontz, born 1777 to Isaac Newton Koontz, Jr born 1810 to Andrew Jackson Shuler born in 1831." The Will of John Counts From Some Descendants of John Counts of Glade Hollow by Elihu Jasper Sutherland: In the name of God Amen, I John Counts, Senior, of Russell County and Commonwealth of Virginia being old and frail in body, but perfect in mind and memory, blessed be God, but Calling to mind the Mortality of my body and knowing it is appointed once for all men to die, I do make and Constitute this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following. And first I give my body to the Earth from whence it was taken desiring it may be buried in a Christian manner without ppom &c., and my soul I give to God who save it hoping it may find peace in the Arms of his Mercy, and as touching what worldly Goods and estate which I possess I give, devise and bequeath in manner following to wit: Eve Maticks my eldest daughter I give one Shilling. Mary Rarsnake I give on Shilling. John Counts Junior also I give one Shilling, Lissey Willard I give one shilling. Item, I give to Harry Willard's eldest son Martin Willard Catherine my daughter one shilling Christian my daughter one shilling, my son Philip one shilling. Item, I give and bequeath to my son George with whom I live the plantation on which I live with all apputenances thereunto belonging out of which I am to be maintained in a good comfortable manner while I live with victuals and cloathing and at my death everything possessed by me shall belong to George Counts and to his heirs forever and I do hereby revoke and disannul all former wills by me made and ratifying and confirming this to be my Last Will and Testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this third day of April one thousand eight hundred and two. Singed Sealed and delivered published and Declared to be my last will in the presence of these Witnesses. X his (John Counts) mark Teste John Hargis x her (Lydia Hargis) Duritee Counts Children were: Isaac Newton COONS, George COUNTS, Christina COUNTS. [At John's birth in what is now Frederick Co., Va. the sponsors were Casper Stoever (the Uncle), Jacob Neuschanger, and lsfaria Baumann. "Jacob Neuschwanger, sponsor of the child John Cuntz in 1739 (Later Elder John Koontz), was the son-in-law of Melchior Brumback, the 1714 Germanna colonist. " (Ref. 202, p . 105)
29 Apr 1740 John and Anna Elizabeth Catherine, his wife, were sponsors at Opequon 29 Apr. 1740 for John, son of Johann Broband. (Ref. 203, p. 13)
1740 son George KOONTZ born at Opequon, Frederick, Virginia; died 1810 at Augusta, VA (one source says 1847); married Salome O ___ Children were: Margaret KOONTZ, Phillip KOONTZ, Barbara KOONTZ, John A. KOONTZ, George KOONTZ, Susannah COUNTS, Elizabeth KOONTZ, Catherine KOONTZ, Mary KOONTZ.
22 May 1743 Elizabeth HEDDERICH married Johannes ERMENTROUT at Conewago, Adams, PA by Rev John Casper Stoever Jr (doc)
1743 son Michael KOONTZ born at Frederick, Virginia; died 27 Apr 1803 at Jefferson City, Jefferson, TN; married Rebbeca ORR in 1760 at Shenandoah, VA. Michael was in Blacksmith. Michael Counts "purchased from The Honorable Thomas Lord Fairfax 236a in Shannandoah (sic) County dated the 11th day of March 1779. "Michael Counts's Deed for 236 acres in Shannandoah County 1779. Names in deed: Morgan, Man__ham Marshall, Richard Biggs or Riggs, Miller. Michael Counts sold this same tract in 1783, with his wife Rebecca Counts signing (to release dower). Michael was in Green, NC by 1784 he owned 640 acres of land; this would become Jefferson County, TN. Michael died abt. 1804. Michael and Rebecca Counts/Coons/Koontz had the following children: Jacob Coons m. Judah Tackett ?, they moved to Tuscaloosa Co., AL Dec 21 1825; John Coons, Sr. and Catherine his wife moved to Overton Co TN 1825 (Catherine may have been Carlock); Rebecca Coons and Peter Tackett moved to Franklin Co., AL 1825; Margaret Coons and Phillips Roberts lived in Sevier Co., TN; Elizabeth Coons and Daniel Morrow to Bath Co VA 1826; Michael Coons of Jefferson Co., TN (not sure who he married); John Cate Jr. and Mary Ann Coons raised their family and are buried in Dumplin Cemetery, Jefferson Co., TN; George Coons "of Highland County, Ohio, March 26, 1827;" Deed Bk. 4 p. 204-205. All of the above are from deeds recorded in Jefferson Co., when each of Michael's children quit claimed their share of land to their brother Phillips Coons. It seems there was a Joseph Coons also. The First Baptist Church of Dandridge - it was organized first as the Lower French Broad Baptist Church on March 25, 1786, three miles northeast of Dandridge in Coons' School House by two pioneer Baptist ministers, Jonathan Mulkey and Isaac Barton. The twelve charter members were: Michael Coons, James Randolph, Henry Haggard, John Cryder, Wesley White, Charles Gentry, Rebecca Coons, Margarette Smith, Sara Cryder, Dolly Haggard, Tabitha Gentry and Elizabeth Gentry. Michael was "Virginia Deutsch" (German). We know they were in Virginia for several years as sons, John and Michael, Jr. and daughter Elizabeth, were born there. Son George was born in Maryland per 1880 census for Highland Co., Ohio. Mary Coons Cate and Joseph Coons were born in N.C. (Tennessee was then called N.C.). They were charter members of the Church of Christ on French Broad River 25 Mar 1786. This church is now the First Baptist Church of Dandridge of the Southern Baptist Convention. The old church records refer to their meetings being "held at Coones Creek" or "Coons Meeting House". The 1783 census for Virginia shows Michael Coonse, 13 whites, George Coons, 2 whites. Michael Coon's land grant No. 841, State of North Carolina for 640 acres, dated 2 Nov 1790 was sold to Michael 20 Oct 1788 for 10 pounds for every 100 acres (or for $64.00). This was also under warrant No. 1545. This land was in Greene Co., Tenn from 1783-1792, when Jefferson Co, was formed. This land is now known as the Sullivan property and there is an old cemetery there. Michael made his will 17 Mar 1803, Jefferson Co., Tenn., but there were several land transactions made up to 1813. Michael probably died soon after this date. The book "Pioneer Preachers of Indiana" by Madison Evans, A.M. published 1862, on page 139 states "The Coonses were mostly Baptists noted for their piety and zeal for God. Among them were many preachers, one of whom, John Coons, was imprisoned in the days of the Revolution, by the English or Episcopal Church". Michael Coons would have been 32 years old when Elder John Coons died. In the book, Tennessee Cousins by Worth S. Ray: The French Broad Baptist Church was the second church organized around Dandridge and it was established about two and a half miles east of Dandridge in 1786 by Jonathan Mulkey and Isaac Barton. The following is what is said to be an authentic roll of its original members: Michael Coons, James Randolph, Henry Haggard, John Fryer, Tabitha and Elizabeth Gentry, Charles Gentry (the first clerk), Wesley Whiate, Rebecca Coons, Dolly Haggard, Margaret Smith, Sarah Fryer, Elizabeth Morrow, Alexander Morrow, Unius and Sarah Carlock, Elizabeth Johnson (Sr. and Jr.), Margaret Johnson, Joseph and Sarah Witt, Elizabeth Whitman, Catron McGirk, Duke Kimarough and Robert Gentry. In 1801 and prior thereto at Bean's Station some miles North and East of Rutledge, the Thomas Whiteside hotel flourished and became famous, being patronized by travelers on the road to and from Kentucky and Virginia. After the town of Rutledge was established the first house of entertainment (hotel) was that of Michael Coons, who was also a blacksmith. Michael Coons died in 1803, only two years after he opened his hotel and blacksmith shop in Grainger County. Children were: Phillips COONS, George Washington COONS, Elizabeth COONS, Michael, Jr COONS, Jacob Riley COONS Rev, John COONS Sr., Mary Ann COONS, Margaret COONS, Joseph COONS, Abigail COONS, Rebecca COONS.
5 Aug 1745 John Michael KOONTZ of Frederick Co. sold 195 acres of land to Lewis Stephens and Elizabeth surrendered her dower on 6 Aug. (Ref. Frederick Co. D.B. 1, pp. 227 & 229)
1750 Anna Elizabeth Catharine STOEVER died at Lancaster, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
1752 John Michael KOONTZ and Elizabeth HEDDERICH (1724-1775) married in Augusta, VA (no children)
1756 PA Early Census Index shows Johann Michael Kuhn in Philadelphia County, PA
1761 NC Early Census Index shows Michael Coon in Rowan Co, NC
1772 VA Early Census Index Rent Rolls for Berkeley County list John Counts
1773 VA Early Census Index Rent Roll Pattentees List shows John Counts in Fauquier Co, VA
1775 Elizabeth HEDDERICH died at Augusta, VA [Will: "Chronicles of the Scotch-Irish Settlement in Virginia, 1745-1800. Extracted from the Original Court Records of Augusta County" by Lyman Chalkley. Recorded. Elizabeth Armentrout's appraisement by David Harned, George Carpenter, Jacob Grub: 22 Nov 1775]
1777 John Michael KOONTZ died at Augusta, VA
1778 John Michael KOONTZ’s estate settled in Augusta County, VA
1783 VA Early Census Index Tax List for Shenandoah C, VA list John Counts