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.
Laurentius SCHWEISSGUT (1723-1799) m. (1) Catherine Elizabetha WEYER (1727-1760); (2) Elizabeth SALTZGEBER (1726-1800)
s/o Johannes Georg SCHWEISSGUT (1685-1766) and Anna Katharina GIRSIUS
1-d/o John Barnhardt WEYER (1694-1750) and Maria Catherina KAYSER (1693-1735)
2-d/o Dietrick “Teter” Saltzgeber and Margaret _____
p/o Maria Margaretha Elizabetha SCHWEISSGUT (1748-1806)
10 Feb 1723 Laurentius (Lorentz) SCHWEISSGUT born in Weisbaden, Hessen, Germany [The church used the Latin spelling Schweisgut. The State and Magistrate writes Schweissguth, which is the German spelling] [Charles Swisegood, Adair, Illinois, states that Lorentz Schweissguth, born in Wiesbaden, Ober-Hessen, now Germany, on February 10, 1724] [Ohio, Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center Obituary Index Title: Biographical File; Location: HPC - Files On Various People And Families; Description: May include correspondence, clippings, etc.; Details: SWAISGOOD FAMILY, Library Link 146312]
24 Feb 1724 Laurentius (Lorentz) SCHWEISSGUT baptized in Weisbaden, Hessen, Germany
23 Jan 1727 Catherine Elizabetha WEYER born at Bierstadt, Wiesbaden, Hessen, Germany; Catharina’s father John Barnhardt WEYER was a cooper. [one source says she was born 23 Jan 1720
16 Aug 1746 Laurentius SCHWEISSGUT and Catherine Elizabetha WEYER married at Wiesbaden, Hessen, Germany [today Bierstadt and Wiesbaden are the same city; originally they were two miles apart] [Source: Schweissguth Historical Society News, June 1999, Vol 6, No. 1, p. 19: "This marriage (between Lorentz and Elisabetha Catherine) occurred while the War of the Austrian Succession was raging close by to the South and Southeast. I (editor of SHS Newsletter) submit the reason that Lorentz and others from this area came to the English colonies was to escape the incessant wars of Central Europe. There has been speculation that Lorentz married a Catholic and that interfaith marriages were frowned upon at the time was why they came to America. I have never seen Elisabetha Weyer listed as anything but Evangelical. They were married in an Evangelical church. The second wife of Lorentz, Elizabetha Saltzgeber Heidler, was a widow of Catholic Jacob Heidler. ... " "Their journey to America would not have been physically difficult. Mostly it entailed a boat ride and an ocean voyage. In 1751 the major problems would be paying tolls and taxes for passage along the Rhine River to Rotterdam. At Rotterdam they boarded the English ship Edinburgh and sailed for Cowes on the Isle of Wight. From there they voyaged across the Atlantic Ocean to the port of Philadelphia, PA. The hard part would be clearing land and building a house in York County, PA. At the time York and Lancaster Counties were the western frontier. We now know that Lorentz and family didn't make the trip alone. Andreas Weyer, Lorentz's brother-in-law, also sailed on the Edinburgh. "In 1756 Frederick the Great was at it again. The Seven Years War lasted until 1763 and saw Prussia and France on opposite sides again. After 1763 the Prussian army basked in old glory. They were to be rudely awakened, as was the rest of Europe, by the French Revolution and Napoleon Bonaparte."] [From 'Early Generations in America', Lorantz Schweissguth, after arriving in the port of Philadelphia, moved on to Lancaster, PA, where he settled and proceeded to raise his family. We know that he was literate from his signature in the ship's sailing list. He was a Schumacher (shoemaker) and Farmer. He was Evangelical Lutheran. He had a will, which was probated on 26 Mar 1799 in York County, PA. Executors were Michael Spangler, his son-in-law, and John George Oderman, a good friend. On 16 April 1799, his plantation and land were sold at auction to the highest bidder. Michael Strapback bought it for 805 pounds. It consisted of 172 1/2 acres.]
27 Dec 1746 records at Wiesbaden indicate that Lorenz Swicegood was admitted as a "Burger"(citizen); was literate; an Evangelical Lutheran; and a shoemaker (and later a stone mason and farmer).
19 May 1747 dau Sophia Elisabetha SCHWEISSGUT born at Bierstadt, Wiesbaden, Hessen, Germany; baptized 21 May 1747 at Wiesbaden, Hessen, Germany; married Johann Heinrich CLEMENTZ 1766 in Paradise, York, Pennsylvania; died 1799 in Tyro, Davidson, NC (Sophia and Henry, Margaret and Godfred RATZ, and Adam and Phillip moved to Rowan Co, NC abt 1780 and all settled near Tyro Wagon Shops)
3 Mar 1748 dau Maria Margaretha Elizabetha SCHWEISSGUT born at Nassau, Deggendorf, Bayern, Germany; married Godfred RATZ in 1780 in York, PA; died 30 Mar 1806 in Tyro, Davidson, NC (Sophia and Henry, Margaret and Godfred RATZ, and Adam and Phillip moved to Rowan, NC abt 1780 and all settled near Tyro Wagon Shops)
16 Sep 1751 Laurentius SCHWEISSGUT and Catherine Elizabetha WEYER with two children (Sophia and Maria) immigrated to Philadelphia on ship Edinburgh (Heinrich RATZ was also on same ship) [James Russel, Master, see Book I Straasburg, Page 461 of the book "30,000 Immigrants". All the Clements of Salisbury, NC are descendants. All the Swicegoods are related or descended from Lorentz] They emigrated from Rotterdam via Cowes, England. Lorentz was given the Oath of Abjuration (renouncing former citizenships) on 16 Sep., 1751 [Edinburgh Passenger List: p461 (doc)] [The Heritage of Davidson County, NC-1982, pp 568-569: "Records in Philadelphia show that Lowrantz (Lawrence) Schweisgut sailed with his wife Catherine and daughters Sophia and Maria from Rotterdam on HMS Edinburgh, landing in Philadelphia 16 Sept. 1751. Two sons of Lawrantz, John Adam Swicegood and Phillip Swicegood, moved to the Tyro area of Davidson Co., while the rest of the family remained in PA."]
Nd The family attended Jacob Lischy's church in York, PA. Lorentz settled in Paradise, York, PA on the west side of the county. Here he owned 100 acres. Lorentz constructed a stone cottage.
1751 Lorentz SCHWEISSGUTH listed in Philadelphia Co, PA Census
11 Aug 1752 son Johann Adam Adom SCHWEISSGUT born at Paradise, York, Pennsylvania; married Mary Catherine BECK in 1779 in York, PA; died 11 Oct 1833 in Tyro, Davidson, NC (Sophia and Henry, Margaret and Godfred RATZ, and Adam and Phillip moved to Rowan, NC abt 1780 and all settled near Tyro Wagon Shops) [Adam served in Rev War]
1753 son Lawrence SCHWEISSGUT born at Paradise, York, Pennsylvania; died 15 Jul 1796 in York, York, PA
abt 1754 son Phillip SCHWEISSGUT born at Paradise, York, Pennsylvania; married Eva Sophia HELMSTETLER; died 7 May 1798 in Tyro, Davidson, NC [Lorentz left his stone mason tools to his son, Phillip Swissgood.] (Sophia and Henry, Margaret and Godfred RATZ, and Adam and Phillip moved to Rowan, NC abt 1780 and all settled near Tyro Wagon Shops) [Phillip served in the York, PA, Militia under Captain Zolinger circa 1788 to 1790. Phillip acquired 400 acres in two plots. 200 acres were located in present day Davidson County, NC and 200 acres were in present day Iredell County, NC. At the time both were in Rowan County, NC. On land grant #1404 Phillip paid 50 shillings for 200 acres. He signed his name Phillip Swisegood. The original of this grant is in the possession of Laura Ruth Swicegood, one of Phillip and Eva's descendants, who now lives near the land mentioned in the grant.]
9 Feb 1755 son Andreas Lawrence SCHWEISSGUT born at Paradise, York, Pennsylvania; married Susannah BLOCHER; died 15 Nov 1796 in York, PA [Andreas and Sussanna Schweissguth attended the Holy Trinity Church in Lancaster, PA the Zion Lutheran Church in Manheim, PA and the Christ Lutheran Church in Elizabethtown, Lancaster County, PA. Andrew and Susanna owned 40 acres in Donegal township, Lancaster, PA (tax records). He was a farmer. In the 1788 to 1790 period he served in Captain James Cook's Company, Second Battalion, Lancaster Militia, PA.] [Baptism: Jacob Lischy’s Private Pastoral Record, York, PA]
1760 Catherine Elizabetha WEYER died at Paradise, York, Pennsylvania
1760 (1761) Laurentius SCHWEISSGUT and Elizabeth SALTZGEBER (widow of Jakob HEIDLER who died in 1761) married in PA. [Historical Society of York County, Pennsylvania: "12/7/1769: Jacob Heidler 3/5/1761. Eliz. Wid. Paradise Twp ex: John Heidler and Gottlieb Briegner....Protest to Court regarding to the care of daughter's child being brought up by guardian in Cathol Church and left almost neglected. Martin Hiller is made Guardian 5/1/1761 Gotlieb Briegner and John Heidler ex. of Jacob Heidler-to Widow Elizabeth now wife of Lawrence Sweisgood gets ? 6 for her Thrirs (sic) interest. OC/B 243 12/7/1769 Margaret Heidler aged 14."]
16 Nov 1761 dau Margaret Catherine SCHWEISSGUT born at Paradise, York, Pennsylvania; died 28 Jun 1813 in York, PA [Elizabeth SALTZGEBER is mother not Catherine Elizabetha WEYER; Her body was interred in Paradise, York, PA. She married Michael Spangler 28 Jun 1781 in Paradise, York, PA. Michael was born 13 Oct 1758 in York, York County, PA. Michael was the son of Philip Caspar Spangler and Margaret Salome Dinkel. Michael died May 1834 at 75 years of age. His body was interred in Paradise, York County, PA.]
1762 Laurentius SCHWEISSGUT listed as Swissgood, Laurence in tax records for York, PA
11 Jun 1766 dau Elizabeth SCHWEISSGUT born at Paradise, York, Pennsylvania; died 5 Jan 1843 in West Manchester, York, PA Her body was interred in Paradise, York County, PA. Altland's Meeting House Cemetery She married Peter Altland, Sr. Peter was born 15 Mar 1767. Peter died 12 Mar 1852 at 84 years of age. His body was interred in Paradise, York County, PA. She was baptized 27 Jul 1766.] [Baptism: Reformed Congregation of St Paul’s Wolf Church Record, York, PA] [Elizabeth SALTZGEBER is mother]
21 Oct 1767 Laurentius SCHWEISSGUT granted land warrant for 100 ac in Paradise, York, PA (doc) (PA Tax and Exoneration List for 150 ac, 2 horses, 2 horned cattle, value $69.5; tax $1.4.5 (doc)
nd PA Tax and Exoneration List for 150 ac, 3 horses, 3 horned cattle, 4 sheep, value $93; tax $1.1.4 (doc)
abt 1768 dau Anna Marie SCHWEISSGUT born at Paradise, York, Pennsylvania; died 1799 in Tyro, Davidson, NC; married John WAGONER/WAGNER [Elizabeth SALTZGEBER is mother]
1769 Laurentius SCHWEISSGUT listed with 100 ac in York, PA
22 Dec 1776 Laurentius SCHWEISSGUT admitted as a citizen of US
1782 Lorentz SCHWEISSGUTH listed on PA Tax and Exoneration Records for Paradise, York, PA Roll 343 (doc) [150 ac; 3 horses; 3 cows; 4 sheep; value $119; tax 4.11.7]
1782 Laurentius SCHWEISSGUT Military service: Pennsylvania Patriotic Service; York Co Pa Arch, 3rd Ser, Vol 21, P 528 Service Description: 1) Paid Supply Tax, 1782; DAR: Nat'l #878083; Ancestor #A133459
1783 Laurentius SCHWEISSGUT listed in York, PA as - Schweisgut, Lorentz, with 150 acres.
1785 Lorentz SCHWEISSGUTH listed on PA Tax and Exoneration Records for Paradise, York, PA Roll 343 (doc) [150 ac; 2 horses; 2 cows; value $93.0; tax $1.1.4
1788 Laurence SCHWEISSGUTH listed on PA Tax and Exoneration Records for Paradise, York, PA Roll 343 (doc) [150 ac; 2 horses; 2 cows; value $69.5; tax $1.4.5
1795 Laurentius SCHWEISSGUT listed in York, PA as Schweisgood, Lawrence, with 100 acres.
1798 PA Direct Tax List for 888 ac, tax assessment 19.1.68.7 (doc); Owner #142: 46 x 16 dwelling, wood and stones; 1 story; 5 windows; 12 lights; on 1 dwelling on 2 ac land; value $300 (doc)
12 Mar 1799 Laurentius SCHWEISSGUT died in Paradise, York, PA; buried on family farm
1799 Laurentius SCHWEISSGUT filed York Co, PA Will [Executors: Michael Spangler andJohn G. Oderman. Paradise Township. Wife: Elizabeth Schweisgute. Children: Adam, Philip, Sophia wife of Henry Clementz, Margaret wife of Godfried Ratz, Catharine wife of Michael Spangler, Elizabeth wife of Peter Actland, Anna wife of Jacob Wagner and John. 1799 12 Mar — Will of Laurence Schweisgute (Godfried Ratz listed as son in law). Mar 12, 1799. Executors: Michael Spangler and John G. Oderman. Paradise Township. Wife: Elizabeth Schweisgute. Children: Adam, Philip, Sophia wife of Henry Clementz, Margaret wife of Godfried Ratz, Catharine wife of Michael Spangler, Elizabeth wife of Peter Actland, Anna wife of Jacob Wagner and John. Proven 26 Mar 1799. (York County Wills. Originals housed at the York County Archives. Abstracts of wills from York County, Pennsylvania for the years 1749 to 1819)]