Descendants of Peter Pontius
Generation No. 1
1. Peter6 Pontius (Johannes "John"5, Johan Peter4, Hans Nickel3, Velten2, Nicholas1)1,2,3 was born 22
Oct 1747 in Berks County, PA, and died 17 Mar 1835 in Centre Twp., Snyder County, PA. He married
Anna Catherine Berger4 Bef. 1773 in Berks Co. PA, daughter of Henrich Berger and Anna Fohrer. She
was born 29 Apr 1753 in Bethel Twp. Berks Co. Pa., and died Unknown in Centre Twp., Snyder County,
PA.
Notes for Peter Pontius:
Peter was born and raised in Tulpehocken Valley of Berks County. He was confirmed at the Host Church
in Berks Co., on Christmas Day, 1765, with his brothers Andreas and Johan Nicholaus, sons of Johannes
Pontius. The father Johannes and his sons were all living in Berks County until around 1770, when
Johannes and his sons Henry, Andrew, Frederick, Nicholas and George located on land along Penns Creek
which was in Union and Snyder Co, Pa. Then at a later date the brothers, Peter and John Jr. also came to
Snyder Co.
Peter served as a private in Captain John Lesher's Co. of Col. Patton's Battalion, Berks Co. Militia. This
company was organized out of men from Bethel and Tulpehocken township in the western section of the
county of Berks. He was called to duty in August 1776 and tradition has it they participated in that
disastrous Battle of Long Island where the war nearly ended with General Washington's army caught on the
end of Long Island. On August 24, much of the Continental Army travels through Philadelphia on the way
to counter British General Howe's invasion. The battle for Long Island NY begins around Bushwick and
Brooklyn on August 27. American troops charged six times but failed to take control. The American, with
a loss of 1,012 against 392 for the British fell back to the entrenched positions on Brooklyn Heights.
Washington recognized the futility of further resistance on Long Island. On a stormy night of August 29,
in the dense fog the Americans entire forces are removed from Long Island by Glover's boatmen with a loss
of only three stragglers.
Peter and his brother John, Jr. moved from Berks County to Northumberland Co., which later becomes
Union than Snyder County. Peter purchased 200 aces of land on 10 November 1781 from John Fike in
Penn Township for 50 lbs. On July 11, 1800, he purchased another parcel of land, which he paid 129 lbs
for. This also was in Penn Township. "Peter Pontius lived in Penn Township in 1785, and is believed to
have been a native of Berks County, Pennsylvania. In 1787, he was assessed with 100 acres and personal
property. In 1779, a Peter Pontius, single freeman, lived in Bethel Township, Berks County, and in the
same year, a Peter Pontius, tailor, was assessed in Robeson Township, same county. One of these men
served in Captain John Lesher's Company, Colonel Patton's Battalion of the Berks County Militia. The
Peter of this sketch died in what was then Center Township of Union (now Snyder) County, Pennsylvania,
on March 17, 1835." (Dr. Charles A. Fisher, The Snyder County Pioneers; Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania,
1938; reprinted for Clearfield Company, Inc. Baltimore, Maryland; page 70)
"Peter Pontius lived in Penn Township in 1785. Private in Captain Lesher's Company, Berks County
Militia. Pennsylvania Archives 5th series, Volume 5, page 150. Died in Centre Township, March 17, 1835.
Snyder County Annals, Volume 1, page 26." (Soldiers of 1776, Data of Revolutionary Soldiers of Snyder
County Area by Dr. George S. Moyer and Charles F. Snyder, Snyder County Historical Society, Volume I,
page 294)
Courthouse Lewisburg, PA, Clerks Office; Will Book A, Page 478,
Will of Peter Pontius of Centre Twp., Union Co. PA , in which he names his wife Catherine, his children
are named as : Henry, Elizabeth Catharine, Margaret, Peter, Joseph, Rosanna, Anna Maria, Barbara, &
George, who is deceased. The will was written in April 8, 1820, and proved March 17, 1835.
Courthouse, Lewisburg, Pa., Register and Recorder's Office; Deed Book I, page 63, and 64:
Barbara Aumiller, wife of George Aumiller, formerly Barbara Pontius, of Crawford County, Ohio, names
her husband as lawful attorney to recover matters in the estate of her Father, Peter Pontius, and also states
George Aumiller was the executor of the last will of her Father, Peter Pontius, late of Union County, PA.
Date of Deed, March 7, 1837
Deeds in Lewisburg Court House Union County, has Henry Pontius, Executor, with Charles Stock,
George Aumiller, Elizabeth Schnure, Henry Brouse and Frederick Baus (Bous) signing off the Deeds in
1841, 1843 & 1844. It is presumed these are the son-in-laws of Peter Pontius.
Peter Pontius and his father Johannes are proven Revolutionary Ancestors in the "Daughters of American
Revolution" for Eileen Davis Dawson also for her Mother, Helen Roe Davis. Peter's father (Johannes
1718-1792) is a proven Civil Service patriot serving as a civil officer in Buffalo Twp of Northumberland
Co. He was appointed an overseer of the poor, with John Clark, in 1776, also was a supervisor in 1778,
serving to establish American Independence.
More about Peter Pontius:
Baptism: 25 Oct 1747, Berks County, PA
Burial: Globe Mill Cemetery, Centre Township, Snyder County, PA
Military service: Aug 1776, Called to duty and participated in Battle of Long Island.
Occupation: 10 Nov 1781, Farmer--Penn twp, Snyder Co., Pa.
Residence: Berks Co. PA
Notes for Anna Catherine Berger:
Anna Catharine Berger was baptized at the Blue Mountain Church, also known as the Northkill Church at
Straustown in upper Berks Co., Pa., on April 27, 1753, married a Pontius, as stated in the Church record.
She was born April 29, 1753. Leonard Emerick and wife (Catharine Forer) were the sponsors.
More about Anna Catherine Berger:
Baptism: Apr 1753, Blue Mountain Ch. also known as Northkill Church at Straustown
Children of Peter Pontius and Anna Berger are:
+
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2
3
4
5
6
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
Henry7 Pontius, born 13 Nov 1773; died 1853 in Snyder Co. PA. He married Female Brause.
Elizabeth Pontius, born 19 Feb 1776; died 17 Sep 1852.
Catharine Pontius, born 1778; died 1835. She married Charles Stock.
Margaret Pontius, born 15 Dec 1780; died 1860.
Peter Pontius, born 1785; died 1850. He married Margaret Raber.
More about Peter Pontius:
Migrated: Stark Co. OH
+
+
7
8
9
10
11
vi.
vii.
viii.
ix.
x.
Joseph Henry Pontius, born 03 Aug 1787 in Berks Co. PA; died 08 Sep 1845 in Perry Co. PA.
Rosanna Pontius.
Anna Marie Pontius.
Barbara Pontius, born 1794 in Centre Twp. Snyder Co PA; died Abt. 1864 in Elkhart Co. IN.
George Pontius, born 1788; died 1820.
Generation No. 2
3. Elizabeth7 Pontius (Peter6, Johannes "John"5, Johan Peter4, Hans Nickel3, Velten2, Nicholas1) was
born 19 Feb 1776, and died 17 Sep 1852. She married John Christian Schnure. He was born 02 Jul 1763
in Dudenhofen, Hesse Cassel, Germany, and died 27 Jul 1827.
Notes for John Christian Schnure:
This family had nine children.
More about John Christian Schnure:
Migrated: To St. Joseph Co. IN
Children of Elizabeth Pontius and John Schnure are:
12
13
i. Michael8 Schnure.
ii. Henry Christian Snure. He married Barbara Hunsicker; died 1840 in OH.
Notes for Henry Christian Snure:
This family dropped the ch in their name and spelled it Snure. They lived in St. Joseph Co. IN
14
iii. Catharine Schnure, born Jul 1798 in Union Co. PA; died 1887 in Venango Co. PA. She married
Tobias F. Miller; born Mar 1796 in Union Co. PA; died 24 Mar 1853 in Venango Co. PA.
5. Margaret7 Pontius (Peter6, Johannes "John"5, Johan Peter4, Hans Nickel3, Velten2, Nicholas1) was
born 15 Dec 1780, and died 1860. She married Henry Brouse.
Children of Margaret Pontius and Henry Brouse are:
15
16
17
i. Henry8 Brouse, born 16 Dec 1805.
ii. Andrew Brouse, born 30 Nov 1807.
iii. Peter Brouse, born 19 Sep 1809.
More About Peter Brouse:
Baptism-Sponsors: 19 Sep 1809, Christian & Elizabeth Schnure at Row's or Salem Lutheran Ch.
in Penn Twp, Snyder Co. PA
18
iv.
George Brouse, born 05 Jun 18155.
7. Joseph Henry7 Pontius (Peter6, Johannes "John"5, Johan Peter4, Hans Nickel3, Velten2, Nicholas1)
was born 03 Aug 1787 in Berks Co. PA, and died 08 Sep 1845 in Perry Co. PA. He married Elizabeth
Bause, daughter of Nicholas Bause. She was born 17 Nov 1789, and died 27 Aug 1848 in Juniata Co. PA.
More about Joseph Henry Pontius:
Burial: Emmanuel Lutheran Cemetery, Juniata Co. PA
More about Elizabeth Bause:
Burial: Emmanuel Lutheran Cemetery, Juniata Co. PA
Children of Joseph Pontius and Elizabeth Bause are:
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20
21
22
23
24
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
vi.
25
vii.
26
27
viii.
ix.
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x.
29
xi.
30
xii.
Elizabeth8 Pontius. She married /// Rouse.
Joseph Pontius.
Mary Pontius. She married /// Snaringer.
Sarah Pontius. She married /// Shipp.
Margaret Pontius, born 25 Oct 1810; died 20 Feb 1856 in PA.
Catharine Pontius, born 31 Jan 1812; died 11 Oct 1880 in Juniata Co. Pa. She married David
Cargill Bef. 1840; born 27 Dec 1813; died 30 Aug 1883 in Pa.
William Pontius, born 02 Feb 1815; died 08 Mar 1850 in PA. He married Elizabeth Haas; born 08
Jan 1823; died 27 Mar 1897 in PA.
Elias Pontius, born 14 Mar 1818; died 24 Sep 1842 in Millertown, Perry Co. PA.
Henry Pontius, born 11 Oct 1821 in Perry Co. PA; died 18 Jan 1898 in Perry Co. PA. He married
Catharine Ann Heim 09 Mar 1857; born 04 Nov 1827 in Ickesburg Pa.; died 17 Mar 1884 in Perry
Co. PA.
Amelia Pontius, born 16 Dec 1823 in Juniata Co PA; died 06 Jan 1888 in MO. She married Henry
Simpson Ebersole 12 Sep 1844 in Juniata Co. PA; born 13 Aug 1820 in Juniata Co PA; died 09
Oct 1894 in Mo.
Susannah Pontius, born 17 Aug 1825 in Millertown, Perry Co. PA; died 17 Jun 1887 in Perry Co.
PA. She married Lewis Acker.
Hannah Pontius, born 10 Sep 1831 in Millertown, Perry Co. PA; died Bet. 1875 - 1878 in Juniata
Co PA.
10. Barbara7 Pontius (Peter6, Johannes "John"5, Johan Peter4, Hans Nickel3, Velten2, Nicholas1)6,7
was born 1794 in Centre Twp. Snyder Co PA, and died Abt. 1864 in Elkhart Co. IN. She married George
Aumiller8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16 Abt. 1821 in Prob. Snyder Co. PA. He was born 1795 in Snyder Co. Pa, and
died Bef. 10 Feb 1872 in Concord Twp., Elkhart Co. IN.
More About Barbara Pontius:
Burial: Row Cemetery
Migrated: 1828, To Crawford Co. OH
Notes for George Aumiller:
George, his wife Barbara and three children came to Ohio with his Mother and brother, Daniel, in 1828.
Soon after his arrival he purchased 85 acres of land then another 10 acres. Here the Aumiller built a large
home on what is the Lincoln Highway two miles west of Bucyrus. Brick mason was the occupation given
by George in 1837, and he was a large farmer. This family was very religious and was dedicated to the
Evangelical Church. Their home in Ohio, was the first preaching place in the county. A welcome retreat
for the ministers and a meeting place for many years with the preachers traveling in this area always
staying over night with the Aumillers. George became a local preacher and was a faithful member for over
forty years until his death in Elkhart, IN. In 1848, he was selling his land holding, preparing for his move
to Elkhart Co. Indiana. He purchased his Indiana homestead and was listed as a farmer. Here he owned
many orchards of Apples. In later years, George helped to raise two grandsons, George L Miller and
Charles Aumiller also left them as equal share in his will.. George and Barbara are buried at Rowe
Cemetery, one and half miles east of Elkhart.
More About George Aumiller:
Burial: Row Cemetery, Elkhart Co., IN
Children of Barbara Pontius and George Aumiller are:
31
i.
John8 Aumiller, born 16 Jul 1823 in Snyder Co. PA; died 30 Apr 1841 in Crawford Co. OH.
Notes for John Aumiller:
Died at the age of 17 years , 9 months, and 14 days, while the family was living in Bucyrus, OH
More About John Aumiller:
Burial: Union Cemetery, Bucyrus, OH
32
ii. Peter Aumiller17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27, born 19 Oct 1824 in Snyder Co. PA; died 10 Oct 1908 in
Wabash Twp., Adams Co. IN. He married Sarah Catharine Tindall 12 Mar 1854 in Van Wert Co.,
OH; born 03 Nov 1831 in Crawford Co., OH; died 12 Oct 1919 in Wabash Twp., Adams Co. IN.
Notes for Peter Aumiller:
Peter Aumiller, an aged Veteran of the Civil War, died at 12 o'clock Saturday night at his home in
Wabash Township after suffering for a number of years. He brought his age to 83 years, 11
months and 21 days.
Peter Aumiller, son of George Aumiller, was born in Union County, Pa., October 19, 1824. He
moved with his parents to Crawford County, Ohio, when he was four years old and where he lived
with his parents until about 1849, when they moved again. This move brought them into Elkhart
County, IN. Then in 1850, he came to Adams County, IN, having purchased the farm on which he
lived up to his demise.
Peter Aumiller was united in matrimony to Sarah Catherine Tindall, of Van Wert County, OH, on
the fourth day of March, 1854. To this union were born nine children, four of them, three boys
and one girl were called by the Father in Heaven to leave this world. Three of them died in
infancy and one son David, passed out of this life after reaching his mature years. There remains
to mourn their loss, his wife, five children and 18 living grandchildren and many relatives and
friends.
Peter Aumiller heard his Country’s call in 1864 as a volunteer in Company I, 49th. Indiana
Infantry and served faithfully till the close of the Civil war when he received an honorable
discharge. The Deceased was converted when 17 years old and then about the year 1878, he with
his wife and many others united with the Protestant Methodist Church in a meeting held by Joseph
H. Wilkinson.
For about eight years, he ad been a patient sufferer, scarcely ever murmuring and often expressed a
readiness to go home and when asked if he wanted some one to pray for him, he said, "I pray for
myself". He leaves his people with bright prospects for his future happiness. May his body rest in
peace.
The Funeral services are being held today from the Union Church in Wabash Township. Services
will be at 1 o'clock at the house and at 2 o'clock at the church. Rev. F.P. Engle will officiate.
Interment will be made at the Crawford Cemetery.
More about Peter Aumiller:
Burial: Crawford Cemetery, Adams Co. IN
Notes for Sarah Catharine Tindall:
OBITUARY
The Berne Witness
Wednesday, October 15, 1919
Obituary of Mrs. Sarah Aumiller, Who Died Sunday
Mr. Sarah (Tindall) Aumiller was born in Penna. on November 23, 1831 and died at the home of
her daughter, Mrs. Andrew Blowers of Wabash Township, on Sunday, October 12, 1919, at the
age of 87 years, 10 months and 19 days.
The immediate cause of her death was pneumonia, although she had been ailing for the last three
years, her age having greatly reduced her vitality.
When still quite young, Mrs. Aumiller moved to Indiana, where she was married to Peter Aumiller
on March 4, 1854. They settled on a farm in Wabash Township and were of the very first settlers
in this part of the county. Her entire life since has been spent in Wabash township, her husband
having died on October 10, 1909.
Mrs. Aumiller was the mother of nine children, four of whom are still living. They are Mrs. Dan
Buckey, Mrs. James Galloway, Mrs. Andrew Blowers and Samuel Aumiller, all of Wabash
Township. Besides these she is survived by 22 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Five
children have preceded her in death, one son, George having died this last February 14.
Funeral services were held at 10 o'clock this morning at Maple Grove Church, after which burial
took place at the Crawford Cemetery.
Card of Thanks
We wish to thank all who so kindle assisted us during the death of our beloved mother, Mrs. Sarah
Aumiller.
The Children.
More about Sarah Catharine Tindall:
Burial: Crawford Cemetery, Adams Co. IN
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34
35
36
37
iii. Judith Aumiller, born 1826 in Snyder Co. Pa. She married Charles Schroeder 16 Jul 1846 in
Crawford Co. OH; born 1819.
iv. Elizabeth Aumiller, born 1828. She married John Miller 04 Jul 1848 in Crawford Co., OH.
v. David Aumiller, born 1832 in Crawford Co. OH; died Aft. 1880. He married Mouring Matthews
05 Aug 1852 in Elkhart Co., IN.
vi. George Aumiller, born 1835 in Crawford Co. OH; died Jun 1870 in Elkhart Co. IN. He married
Rebecca; born 1836.
vii. Mary Barbara Aumiller, born 1837 in Crawford Co. OH. She married Joseph E. Weaver 16 Sep
1856 in Elkhart Co. IN; died Bef. 10 Feb 1872 in Elkhart Co. IN.
Endnotes
1. From Research Files of Jason Pontius, Pontius Genealogy, (Feb 2002), "Electronic."
2. Church records, Blue Mountain Reformed Church record-Strausstown, Berks Co. PA, Marriage records on
Microfilm.
3. Daughters of the American Revolution, DAR Patriot Index, (1966).
4. From Research Files of Jason Pontius, Pontius Genealogy, (Feb 2002), "Electronic."
5. By Charles A. Fisher, Early Pa. Births, Page 98. By Charles A. Fisher.
6. Courthouse Records, Union Co. Pa Deed record. Copied by Eileen Davis Dawson
7. National Archives, Record Group 93 M246, Revolutionary War Service Records, (Ancestry, Inc., 1999).
8. Research Files, E. Dawson, Wills- Elkhart Co.
9. Research Files of Eileen Davis Dawson, Land records Elkhart Co. & Adams Co. IN.
10. Photo copies in possession Eileen Dawson, Land record Crawford Co. OH.
11. Copied by E.Dawson, U.S.Census Returns for Crawford Co. OH.
12. Copied by E.Dawson, U.S.Census Returns For Elkhart & Adams Co. IN.
13. Census Records.
14. Daughters of the American Revolution, DAR Patriot Index, (1966).
15. Eileen Davis Dawson, Land Records of Northumberland Co. PA.
16. Lewisburg, Union Co. Pa Deed record.
17. Marriage Records Adams Co. IN, Clerks Office.
18. National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, Daughters of the American Revolution Lineage, (various
by volume (1-152) to 1938, NSDAR, 1776 D. Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006-5392).
19. Photo copies in possession Eileen Dawson, Land record Crawford Co. OH.
20. Indiana Works Progress Administration, Index to Marriage Records, Indiana, (1938-1940).
21. Research Files of Eileen Davis Dawson, Land records Elkhart Co. & Adams Co. IN.
22. Various, "Newspaper or Periodical Article," Various.
23. Decatur Daily Democrat, "Obituaries."
24. Copied by E.Dawson, U.S.Census Returns For Elkhart & Adams Co. IN.
25. Research Files, E. Dawson, Wills- Elkhart Co.
26. Copied by E.Dawson, U.S.Census Returns for Crawford Co. OH.
27. Marriage Records Adams Co. IN, Clerks Office, Marriage returns & Applications for Marriage showing parents.