Tag: Hacker-Hocker Genealogy

This archive includes all the posts tagged as related to my Hacker-Hocker family research.

Why Did They Settle There?

I think I answered a question that’s been bothering me for a while yesterday. But I didn’t do it by researching my ancestors.

My ancestor Johan “Hans” Adam Hacker emigrated from Germany to Pennsylvania aboard the ship Ann, landing in Philadelphia on 28 Sep 1749. He was the first to immigrate. His brother Johan Georg followed in 1751, then his parents—Christoph and Anna Margaretha (Jock) Hacker—and his sisters Christina (Hacker) Lang and Margaretha (Hacker) Haushalter with their husbands in 1752.

When my distant cousin John Garrett Hocker was in Germany in the 1990s (I believe) he found that the Hackers applied for permission to become citizens of Gräben. They were denied. So, they applied for permission to emigrate to “norde-amerika.” John wrote about his trip to Rußheim and my great uncle William Wingeard included John’s essay in his book A German-American Hacker-Hocker Genealogy. No date was given for this application, but it had to be prior to their emigration in 1752 and possibly before Adam’s emigration in 1749.

So, that tells me why they left Germany. But why did they settle near Brickerville, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania? It’s known that the Germans tended to move in groups and settle amongst people they’d known in a prior location. But I found no other family already in the area.

map Rußheim and nearby towns

Rußheim and its neighbors

The answer has less to do with immediate family and more to do with the larger community. In Feb 1749 three widows from Rußheim applied for permission to move to Pennsylvania. They apparently wanted to remarry, but their prospective spouses were denied citizenship in Rußheim—possibly because they were only tenant farmers/farmhands. They were granted permission to leave.

One of these women was Margaretha (Heger) Elser.1 She was engaged to a man named Mock from Gräben. His given name was not provided, but a Henrich Mock and Peter Elser appear on the passenger list of the ship Ann which arrived in Philadelphia in Sep 1749. Both of these names appear in the records of the Warwick congregation (now Emanuel Lutheran Church) at Brickerville.

Adam’s name appears just below theirs on the ship list. So, it’s probable that he was traveling with people that he knew from his village.2

But why did they settle near Brickerville? Looking at the other names in the Warwick congregation records, you’ll see Stober, Weidman, Ness, and Oberlin. All of these names appear as residents of either Rußheim, Liedolsheim, Gräben or Linkenheim in 1709 lists.3 The Hackers intermarried with some of these families—Adam and his brother Georg both married Wiedman sisters. Additionally, the names Haushalter and Lang/Long also appear in the church records. It’s quite possible they were relations to Adam’s brothers-in-law Lorentz Haushalter and Johan Michael Lang.

So while there were no Hackers waiting to receive him when he arrived in 1749, Adam settled amongst people he may have known—or their relatives—from the villages surrounding Rußheim.

Jacob Hacker

Jacob Hacker was born 28 Sep 1803, probably in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. He died 26 Jul 1873, probably in Lancaster county, and was buried in Emanuel Lutheran Church cemetery in Brickerville, Warwick township, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. This is the church that my ancestor Johan Adam Hacker attended.

About 1841 Jacob Hacker married Maria Krieg, daughter of John Elias Krieg and Anna Maria Gibbens. Mary was born 5 Aug 1819 and died 22 Mar 1898, both in Pennsylvania, probably in Lancaster county. She, too, is buried in the Emanuel Lutheran Church cemetery.

As far as I know, Jacob and Mary had the following children:

  1. William Hacker was born about 1841 and died before sometime between 1850 and 1873, as he is not mentioned in his father’s will.
  2. Elias K. Hacker was born in Jun 1845 and died on 6 Nov 1920. He was buried in Machpuelah Lutheran Cemetery in Lititz, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Elias served in Company K, Regiment 195 in the Pennsylvania Infantry during the Civil War. He married Isabella Weidman, daughter of Daniel and Frances (Zartman) Wiedman, about 1869. The couple had 7 chidren:
    1. Ida Nora Hacker married Nathan Kurtz
    2. John F./W. Hacker married Laura E. Wagner
    3. Cora Hacker, born 8 Nov 1873 and died 21 Dec 1873
    4. Milton Ellis Hacker married Adaline E. Eckert
    5. Henry Daniel Hacker married Margaret Heagy
    6. Frank Weidman Hacker married Grace Swartz
    7. Susie May Hacker married Henry Sussman
  3. Allen K. Hacker was born either 31 Mar or 1 Apr 1847 and died 24 Mar 1928 in Lititz, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. He was buried in the Moravian Church Cemetery in Lititz. About 1868, Allen married Lydia Eitnier. The couple had, I believe, nine children, seven surviving, as follows:
    1. Horace Hacker
    2. Samuel Hacker married Elizabeth “Lizzie” Y. Matthews
    3. Henry “Harry” E. Hacker married first Emma Doutrich, daughter of Byram and Catherine (Hess) Doutrich, and second Elizabeth Lesher
    4. Adaline E. Hacker married Clayton Z. Meiskey
    5. Wilson Eitnier Hacker married Serena Spickler
    6. Minerva “Minnie” E. Hacker married Charles S. Frey
    7. Emma G. Hacker married Clayton B. Snavely
  4. Martin K. Hacker was born 25 Jan 1850 and died 16 Nov 1906. He was buried in the Emanuel Lutheran Church cemetery in Brickerville, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. He married first Annie Kissinger and second Sadie Bates.
  5. Henry K. Hacker was born 16 Sep 1852 and died 3 Oct 1925. He was buried in Lititz Cemetery, Lititz, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. He married Kate (___) about 1877. The couple had five children:
    1. Laura E. Hacker married Zacharias T. Wike.
    2. Mary Hacker was born Nov 1879.
    3. Vera G. Hacker married Harry B. Weand
    4. Daisy Hacker married a Lenhart
    5. LeRoy B. Hacker was born 20 Jun 1893
  6. Benjamin K. Hacker was born in Apr 1856 and died 1938. He was buried in the Emanuel Lutheran Church cemetery in Brickerville, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. He married Annie H. (___) about 1881. The couple had two children:
    1. Lillian H. Hacker married John D. Todd
    2. William H. Hacker married first Alice C. Meiley, and second Mayme F. Keisinger.

Jacob Hacker’s will reads as follows:

“Jacob Hocker, Dc’d

I, Jacob Hocker of the Township of Elizabeth County of Lancaster, and State of Pennsylvania, being of sound mind, memory and understanding, do make and publish this my last will and testament, hereby revoking and making void all former wills by me at any time heretofore made,

1st I order and direct my body to be decently buried, suitable gravestone to be procured and placed at my grave, and the costs of theses as well as all my other just debts and funeral expenses, to be paid as soon conveniently can be done after my decease,

2nd I give and bequeath to my wife Mary Hocker, such articles of my furniture, as she may select to retain for her use said articles so selected by me wife shall be appraised and the amount deducted from the three hundred dollars to which she is otherwise entitled out of my estate,

3rd I order and direct that the rest and residue of my furniture and all personal property in my possession, to be appraised and sold at public sale,

4th I order and direct, that my real estate shall also be sold, and converted into money as soon as conveniently can be done authorizing my executors, to make good and sufficient title deeds unto the purchase n purchasers thereof

5th I order, will and direct that after all my property both real and personal be converted into money by my hereinafter mentioned executors that all my debts by fully paid and satisfied, and the balance, I give and bequeath to my said wife Mary Hocker, during her lifetime and after her decease, the balance if any remains, to be divided in equal shares to and among my five children namely, Eli, Allen, Martin, Henry and Benjamin Hocker

6th I order, will and direct however, that if my son Eli, should fail to pay the judgment on which I am security—And said judgment must be paid out of the proceeds of my estate he shall not be entitled to any thing after my said wifes decease if anything remains as before stated

7th I appoint my two sons Allen Hocker and Martin Hocker, to be my executors of this my last will and testament, in Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty fifth 25th day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and seventy-three (1873)

Jacob his mark X Hocker

signed, sealed, published and declared by the above named Jacob Hocker, to be his last will and testament in the presence of us, who at his request and in his presence have subscribed our names as witnesses therewith

Joel Hippert
Isreal G. Erb
Lancaster County, S.S.

On the 13th day of August A.D. 1873 before me the subscribers personally appeared Joel Hippert, and Israel G. Erb Esq., the subscribing witnesses to the preceding will and on their solemn affirmation did declare and say that they were present and saw and heard Jacob Hocker, the testator therein named, sign, seal, publish, pronounce and declare the same to be his last will and testament, and that at the time of the doing thereof he was of sound and well disposing mind, memory and understanding to the best of their knowledge, observation, and belief. J.S. Albright, Depy Regr.

August 13th A.D. 1873, Setters Testamentory granted to Allen Hocker, and Martin Hocker the executors named in the annexed will they being duly affirmed and well and truly to administer the goods and chattels, rights and credits which were of the testate according to the law, and also that they will diligently and faithfully regard and well and truly comply with the provisions of the law relating to collateral inheritance. J.S. Albright Depy Regr”

Update:

I am still trying to determine how this HACKER family fits into our extended HACKER/HOCKER family. The names of his sons are of particular interest. Our Jacob4 HACKER (Frederick3, Johan Adam2, Christoph1) named two of his sons Allen and Henry. He also had grandsons named Elias, Martin, William, and Henry.

Given the birth date of Jacob HACKER he could fit into the family of Johan George3 HACKER, fifth son of Johan Adam2 HACKER, who married Christina MUELLER/MILLER, daughter of Christopher and Maria Barbara (STOBER) MUELLER. This couple stayed in the northern Lancaster County/southern Lebanon County area and is buried in Emanuel Lutheran Church cemetery in Brickerville.

Jacob HACKER could also be a son of John4 HACKER, son of Frederick3 HACKER. John4 married Sarah/Salome MOSER, daughter of Johan Adam and Christina (Prunner) Moser. They had at least three children—John, George, and Lydia—before her death by 1823. John4 then married her sister Susanna MOSER. I have no knowledge of children for this couple. This family is less likely because John’s three children are named in his father-in-law’s will in 1823 as minor heirs.

If you have information on this family or clues to a possible link to the other HACKERs of Lancaster County, please let me know. Many thanks to Nancy Manley for her assistance with this HACKER/GREEK (Krieg) family.

Adam Hocker

Adam2 Hocker (Unknown1) was born 19 October 1812 in Hummelstown, Derry Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. He died 26 September 1870, at age of 57 years, 11 months, 7 days in Swatara Township, Dauphin County and is buried in the Churchville cemetery, Oberlin, Swatara Township.[1]

Adam was married in Salem Lutheran Church, possibly in Lebanon County, on 22 February 1838 to Eve Hamaker.[2] She was born 24 June 1817 in Pennsylvania, died 14 November 1892 when age 75 years, 4 months, and 21 days.[3] She was buried with her husband. Eve was the daughter of Adam Hamaker Jr., a farmer of Derry township, Dauphin county, and Mollie Snavely.

Adam was a farmer and they were of the Lutheran faith. The family resided in Derry Township through 1850. In 1852, Adam purchased land in Swatara Township from Henry and Mary Miller, and Michael and Elizabeth Frantz.[4]

After Adam’s death in 1870, guardians were appointed for his children as follows: “Upon the petition of Eve Hocker, widow of Adam Hocker… asks the Court to appoint John Hocker, of Swatara township in said county guardian of” Ann Hocker.[5] The Court appointed Nathaniel Shope as the guardian of Melinda Hocker and Martin Hocker, children over 14 years of age.[6]

Adam Hocker, Jr. petitioned the court to partition his father’s estate in 1870. In the petition her stated that the “decedent left a widow and 9 children, Jacob, John, Adam, Elizabeth Cumbler, wife of George Cumbler, Sarah, David, Melinda, Martin and Anne, all of age except the last 4 named who are minors and have John Hocker and N. Shope for their guardians. All except Jacob, who lives near Fort Union in New Mexico, live in said County Tract situate in Swatara Township adjacent lands of John C. Kunkel, esq., David Hurst, Henry Zimmerman, David Over and others.”[7]

When Eve Hocker died in 1892, her obituary appeared in the Middletown Journal, as follows:

Mrs. Adam Hocker, of Oberlin, died yesterday morning at one o’clock, from paralysis. She was seventy-two years of age and was well known, having lived there for many years. Deceased was a good Christian woman and beloved by all who knew her. Eight grown-up children survive her. The funeral will take place on Friday morning at ten o’clock, and the remains will be buried in the Oberlin cemetery.[8]

Adam and Eve (Hamaker) Hocker had the following children:

  1. Jacob H.3 Hocker was born 10 January 1839 in Derry Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania and died 1 March 1911 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Jacob married twice, first to Catharine Eshnour in 1859, and second to Barbara Leonhart 31 December 1874 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
  2. John Hocker was born 17 January 1841 in Derry Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania and died 18 February 1905 in Oberlin, Swatara Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. He was buried in Churchville Cemetery He married Rebecca Brenner 7 November 1861 in Zion Lutheran Church.
  3. Adam H. Hocker was born 15 January 1843 in Derry Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania and died 11 June 1902 in Harrisburg. He was buried 14 June 1902 in Churchville Cemetery. He married Martha Shope, daughter of Nathaniel Shope and Martha Garman, circa 1886.
  4. Mary Elizabeth Hocker was born circa 1844/45 in Derry Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. She married George W. Cumbler 7 February 1866 in Zion Lutheran Church.
  5. Sarah Hocker was born 19 September 1848 in Derry Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania and died 13 April 1930. She was buried in Chambers Hill Cemetery, Swatara Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. She married Peter Page 14 September 1871 in Zion Lutheran Church.
  6. David R. Hocker was born 1 December 1850 and died 21 November 1887, in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. He was buried in Shoop’s Cemetery, Lower Paxton Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. David was a physician. He married Esther “Hettie” Rudy, daughter of Joseph Frederick Rudy and Hettie Landis, 4 February 1876 in Shoop’s Reformed Church, Lower Paxton Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. Hettie was born 3 January 1854. She died 11 May 1894 and was buried 14 May 1894 in Shoop’s Cemetery with her husband.[9]
  7. Malinda Hocker was born 1852/53 in either Derry or Swatara Townships, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. She probably died in Michigan. Malinda married Wilson Smioth, who probably died in Berrien Center, Berrien County, Michigan. No more is currently known about them. [Dauphin County records list a daughter Eve born to Adam and Eve (Hamaker) Hocker 19 Jan 1853 in Upper Swatara Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. Perhaps the name was an error based on the mother’s name?]
  8. Martin M. Hocker was born 15 May 1855, probably in Swatara Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. He died on the 25th of April (year unknown, but after 1920) and was buried in Churchville Cemtery, Oberlin, Swatara Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. Circa 1872, he married Mary Elizabeth Marburger.
  9. Anna C. Hocker was born circa 1859/60, probably in Swatara Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. She She married twice, first, on 17 Feb 1887 at Steelton, by Rev. Martin Peter Hocker, to Charles Leonhart, son of Jacob Leonhart. When they were married, Anna was age 27 and of Oberlin, Swatara Township, and Charles was age 30, and of Steelton. They divorced in April 1889 in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. Shortly thereafter, she was married on 15 September 1889 to William Longenecker. When they married, Anne was age 29, divorced and residing in Swatara Township; William was age 28, single, a steelworker, residing in Steelton.

This Adam Hocker was incorrectly attributed to the family of John4 Hocker (Johan Adam3, Johan Adam2, Christoph1) and Catherine Stierling in William Wingeard’s A German-American Hacker-Hocker Genealogy. John4 did, in fact, have a son named Adam. However, my research shows that his son Adam removed to Ohio with the rest of the family. Additionally, this Adam Hocker was born approximately 14 years before John4‘s son, Adam.

Footnotes:

  1. Adam Hocker gravestone, Churchville Cemetery, Oberlin, Swatara Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, photographed by Kris Hocker 2 September 2000.
  2. Lutheran Theological Seminary, Lebanon County church records (Gettyburg, Pennsylvania: Lutheran Theological Seminary, 1969), Volume 9: Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church, Lebanon: marriages 1794-1876, Page 148; Pennsylvania State Library, Forum Building, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
  3. Eve Hocker gravestone, Churchville Cemetery, Oberlin, Swatara Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, Photographed by Kris Hocker, Saturday, 2 September 2000.
  4. Dauphin County Deed Book C, Volume 4: page 722 and 724, 11 Dec 1852; Dauphin County Courthouse, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
  5. Dauphin County Orphans Court Book R: page 336, 18 Oct 1870, Dauphin County Courthouse, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
  6. Dauphin County Orphan Court Book R: page 337, 18 Oct 1870; Dauphin County Courthouse, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
  7. Dauphin County Orphans Court Book R: page 344, 18 Oct 1870; Dauphin County Courthouse, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
  8. Eve (Hamaker) Hocker obituary, The Middletown Journal, Middletown, Pennsylvania, Wednesday, 16 Nov 1892, Page 1.
  9. D. R. and Hettie Rudy Hocker gravestone, Rudy Plot, Shoop’s Cemetery, Lower Paxton Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, Photographed by Kris Hocker, 5 April 2002.

Johan George Hacker

George3 Hacker (Johan Adam2, Christoph1) was the fifth son of Johan Adam and Maria Elisabetha (Weidman) Hacker. He was born 9 Oct 1766 and christened 12 Oct 1766 in the Warwick congregation (now Emanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church) in Brickerville, sponsored by Lorenz Haushalter and wife (his uncle and aunt).1 He died 12 Sep 1846 and was buried in the Emanuel Lutheran Church cemetery.2

George married Christina Miller, daughter of Christopher Miller and Maria Barbara Stober of Cocalico township, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, before 1814.3 Christina was born 1 Jan 17784 and died 29 Oct 1858.5 She is buried in the Emanuel Lutheran Church cemetery with her husband.

I have only been able to locate data on one possible child of George and Christina, as follows:

  1. Joseph4 Hacker was born 3 Jul 1816 and baptized 21 Jul 1816 at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, Shaefferstown, Lebanon county, Pennsylvania, sponsored by his aunt and uncle Christoper and Anna (___) Miller.6 He may have married a woman named Susanna. There is a Joseph Hacker in the 1850 census for Elizabeth township, Lancaster county, the 1860 census for Ephrata township, Lancaster county, the 1870 census for Stouchsberg, Berks county, and the 1880 census for the 1st Ward of Lebanon, Lebanon county.7

Census records don’t show George as head of household until 1810 when he is listed in Cocalico township.8 He is in Lebanon township in 1820, living alongside Christopher Miller, most likely his brother-in-law.9 I have been unable to find him either 1830 or 1840 U.S. Federal census records. Christopher Miller, however, is back in Lancaster county, in Elizabeth township in 1830 through 1850.

Lancaster county tax records show a George Hacker in 1791, his status “freeman.”10 I’m assuming that this is Johan Adam’s son George as Adam’s brother Johan George had moved his family to Erdenheim (outside Philadelphia) in 1763 and Frederick’s son George (Johan George’s nephew) was an infant. He is listed in 1796—1799 tax records together with Frederick, his brother. In 1800, he’s listed separately, but in 1801—1803 they are listed together again. In 1805, George is listed as having 10 acres valued at $600, having 1 saw or grist mill. George, the miller, is also listed in 1806, 1807, and 1808. There my tax records end.

In 1817 George purchased land in Lebanon county with his brother-in-law Christopher Miller.11 On 21 Jul 1816, George and Christina had a child, Joseph, baptized in Shaefferstown at St. Luke’s church, and they sponsored baptisms at Shaefferstown in 1815 and 1817.12 In Nov 1817, George sponsored a child’s baptism at Salem Lutheran church in Lebanon.13

However, that’s where the trail goes cold. I have nothing on him, including the births of other children, tax records, or land transactions, until his burial at Emanuel Lutheran Church.

Johan “Hans” Adam Hacker

Johan “Hans” Adam Hacker (Christoph1, StephenA) was the third child and first son of Christoph and Anna Margaretha (Jock) Hacker. He was baptized on 28 October 1727 in Rußheim, Württemberg, Germany. Adam immigrated to the Pennsylvania colony in 1749 aboard the Ship Ann. Like all émigrés, he denounced his loyalty to the German Sovereigns and “subscribed the usual Qualifications” at the courthouse in Philadelphia, 28 September 1749, just one month before his 22nd birthday.[1] He was the first of his family to emigrate. Adam died in 1782 and was most likely buried on the family farm in Cocalico Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

In 1752 when Adam was 24, he married Maria Elisabetha Weidman, daughter of Matthias Martin Weidman (circa 1712—before 6 June 1766) and Margaretha (___), in Cocalico Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Elisabeth’s grandfather, Matthias Martin Weidman, Sr., was an immigrant to Warwick Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania from Durlach, Baden, Germany.[2]

According to Warwick Congregation records, Elisabeth was born on 3 November 1733 in Elizabeth Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.[3] She was christened on 14 November 1733 in Muddy Creek Lutheran Church in Elizabeth Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Her sponsors were her grandparents Matthias and Maria Catharine Weidman.[4] Elisabeth died after 1790, and like her husband, was most likely buried on the family farm.

For some reason, upon his arrival in the Pennsylvania colony, Adam settled in Cocalico Township, Lancaster County. It may have been that friends or relatives preceded him, urging the family to come. The Hauszhalters, who had been members of the Warwick Congregation long before Adam’s arrival, were possibly the link that brought him to the Colony.

Ray A. Brehm, who compiled “The Hacker (Hocker) Family, 1936,” wrote about Adam’s arrival:

“There were 242 passengers on board all of whom were natives of Basil, Wirtemburg, Zyeybrecht, and Dormstad in Germany. John Adam Hacker took the oath of allegiance to the new country on the day of his arrival and he signed his name to the oath, Hans Adam Hacker. A photographic copy of his signature can be seen in ‘Strassburger’s list of immigrants to Philadelphia’ and ‘RUPP’ lists him on board this ship in his record of ‘Thirty Thousand Immigrants.’ Nine years after his arrival in America, John Adam Hacker resided in or near Brickerville in northern Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The records of Emanuel Lutheran Church of Brickerville on file in the rooms of the Pennsylvania Historical Society at Philadelphia state that he was a member of that church and held the office of Trustee from 1769 to 1779. The baptismal records of this church state that all of his eleven children, save the oldest, were baptized here in 1756 and the last one in 1775. It is a certainty that he resided in this vicinity for at least nineteen or twenty years.

“Elizabeth furnace situated one mile north of Brickerville was a highly prosperous institution at this time and was owned and operated by Baron Heinrick Wilhelm Steigel who manufactured stoves here and later manufactured glass at five tenement houses (a few still standing) were erected in close proximity to the furnace site. This furnace began operating in 1757 and ceased operating in 1857.

“John Adam Hacker, if not engaged in agricultural pursuits during the years that he resided in this community was probably employed at this furnace and have been a tenant in one of the above mentioned houses. There is no record as to who was his wife.”

Adam and Elisabetha settled in Cocalico Township and, at some point, purchased property there. According his estate records, Adam owned two tracts of land, one of 212 acres and one of 7 acres. Adam Hacker was issued a patent on a tract of land of 24 acres and 69 perches in Cocalico township on 6 Apr 1758.[5] This land adjoined his brother George’s tract, as well as land of “Martin Whitman” [Weidman, his father-in-law], Philip Greenwalt, Adam Hacker [his other plot for which I did not find a patent], and John Weaver.

Adam died in the year 1782 and I found no record of his, or Elisabeth’s burial location.[6] They and his parents may have been buried in a family plot on their farm. Adam died without making a will (intestate) and his eldest two sons-Frederick and John-were granted letters of administration by the Lancaster County Orphans Court. A petition to the court by his administrators stated that:

Upon the petition of Adam Hacker [eldest son] and John Hacker [second son] of Adam Hacker, late of Cocalico Township in the County of Lancaster, yeoman, deceased setting forth that the said Adam Hacker died intestate, seized in fee of and in a certain plantation and tract of patented land in Cocalico Township containing about 212 acres and also a tract of land containing 7 acres, and left a widow and nine children, 5 of whom are still minors: petitioners are willing to hold and enjoy said land and pay the respective shares of the children according to an appraisement and valuation thereof, etc…[7]

Six of Adam and Elisabetha’s children were minors at the time of Adam’s death in 1782, however, only five were appointed guardians: Jacob and Elisabeth, whose guardian was their uncle Lorentz Haushalter; George, who’s guardian was George Ellick; Adam, whose guardian was George Waechter; and Martin, whose guardian was his uncle Jacob Weidman.[8] Adam’s daughter Catharine would have also been a minor in 1782. The fact that no record of a guardian can be found seems to indicate that she died prior to her father.

Elisabetha died in Pennsylvania some time after the 1790 census where she was listed as a widow.[9] Like her husband, she was probably buried on the family farm in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

Records show that Adam and Elisabeth had eleven children. According to the “Hocker Bible Record (PA, Ohio, Etc.),” Adam and Elizabeth had the following children:

“Christian Hocker, born 19 Jan 1754; Frederick Hocker, born 17 Jan 1756; John Hocker, born 27 Jan 1758; Christopher Hocker, born 21 Feb 1760; Christiana Hocker, born 19 Apr 1762; John Adam Hocker, born 20 Feb 1764; George Hocker, born 19 Oct 1766; Martin Hocker, born 21 Oct 1768; Catharine Hocker, born 21 Jan 1771; Elizabeth Hocker, born 23 Feb 1773; Jacob Hocker, born 17 Apr 1775.”[10]

While it does not say that the Bible was that of Johann “Hans” Adam Hacker, comparison of it against the foregoing records will leave little doubt that it was his. Brumbaugh gives no indication of where, or from whom, he obtained this Bible, or record of it.

There is some debate as to the eldest child’s name. The Hocker Bible record lists a Christian, born 19 January 1754.[11] Ray A. Brehm lists a Christina, while others say Christiana. I found no official record and so we cannot be sure. The others listed in the Bible Record, except for Jacob, who Brehm lists in his Family Record, I found in other sources. Jacob’s baptism does not appear in the church book that I purchased, but Brehm said he was baptized there according to his findings. Additionally, George was born 19 October 1766 in the Bible Record but 9 October 1766 in the Church record. Since the church record lists his date of baptism as 12 October, 7 days prior to the Bible Record date, I believe the Church Record to be correct.[12]

Adam and Elisabeth (Weidman) Hacker had the following children, all born in Cocalico Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania:

  1. Christiana/Christian3 Hacker was born on 19 January 1754 and died in Cocalico Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania some time prior to the birth of the second Christianna in 1762.
  2. Frederick Hacker was born 17 January 1756 and died on 26 January 1812.[13,14] He was buried in the Emanuel Lutheran Church cemetery in Brickerville, Elizabeth Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. On 26 October 1799 he married Catharina Fuchs in Reiher’s Reformed Church, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.[15]
  3. Johannes “John” Hacker was born 27 January 1758 and christened the same day in Emanuel Lutheran Church, Warwick (now Elizabeth) Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.[16] Johannes probably died in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania circa 1801/1802. He was married 11 July 1784, when age 24, at Christ Lutheran Church, Tulpehocken, Stouchsburg, Berks County, Pennsylvania, to Eva Catharine Scholl.[17]
  4. Christopher Hacker was born 21 February 1760 and was baptized, shortly thereafter, in the Emanuel Lutheran Church, Warwick (now Elizabeth) Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.[18] Christopher may have died some time after 1830, possibly in Union County, Pennsylvania. Christopher Hocker married Catharina Mueller, born 1766/1774, probably in Harrisburg, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania.
  5. Christianna Hacker was born on 19 April 1762 in Cocalico Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.[19] She was christened in Emanuel Lutheran Church (Warwick Congregation), Warwick (now Elizabeth) Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania and buried in the church grave yard. She was married on 26 June 1781 in Christ Lutheran Church, Stouchsburg, Berks County, Pennsylvania, to Henry Vetter/Fetter/Feather.
  6. Johan Adam Hacker Jr. was born on 20 February 1764.[20] He was christened in Emanuel Lutheran Church, Brickerville, Warwick (now Elizabeth) Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Adam probably died in Derry Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania circa 1821. He is buried in Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church Cemetery in Hummelstown, Derry Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. Adam married Sophia Maria Hershey circa 1788.
  7. Johan George Hacker was born on 9 October 1766. He was christened on 12 October 1766. George died on 12 September 1846 at the age of 79 years, 11 months, 3 days.[21,22] He was buried on 12 September 1846 in Emanuel Lutheran Church, Brickerville, Elizabeth Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. George may have married Christina Mueller, daughter of Christopher Mueller and Maria Barbara Stober. Christopher Mueller’s will of 1815 mentions his son-in-law, George Hacker.[23]
  8. Martin Hacker was born or either 2 April or 21 October 1768. [24,25,26] He was christened on 29 November 1768 in Emanuel Lutheran Church (Warwick Congregation), Warwick (now Elizabeth) Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania by Rev. J. Nicholas Kurtz. Martin died in Derry Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania on 25 April 1862.[27] He was buried in Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church Cemetery, Hummelstown, Derry Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. Martin was married twice, first to Christianna Beinhauer, and second to Barbara Smith.
  9. Catharine Hacker was born on 21 January 1771.[28] She was christened on 27 January 1771. Catharine died in Cocalico Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania some time before the settling of her father’s estate in 1783. No more is known about her.
  10. Elizabeth Hacker was born on 23 February 1773. At the time of the settling of her father’s estate, Elizabeth a minor. Her uncle Lorentz Haushalter was appointed her guardian. No more is known about her.
  11. Jacob Hacker was born 17 May 1775.[29] He died in Ohio on 8 April 1836.[30] Some time before 1810, he married Elizabeth (___).

Footnotes:

  1. Strassburger, Ralph Beaver and William John Hinke, editor, Pennsylvania German Pioneers, A Publication of the Original Lists of Arrivals in the Port of Philadelphia from 1727 to 1808, (Baltimore, Maryland: Genealogical Publishing, Co., Inc., 1980), Pages 416.
  2. Dull, Keith A., Early Families of Lancaster, Lebanon & Dauphin Counties, Pennsylvania, (Maryland: Willow Bend Books, 2000), Page 143.
  3. Humphrey, John T., Pennsylvania Births, Lancaster County – 1723-1777, (Washington, D.C.: Humphrey Publications, 1997), Page 371.
  4. Dull, Early Families of Lancaster, Lebanon & Dauphin Counties, Pennsylvania, Page 143.
  5. Adam Hacker estate document, Lancaster County Orphans Court Miscellaneous Book 1782-1784, Page 173, Pennsylvania State Archives, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
  6. Patent to Adam Hacker, Lancaster County Patent Book AA3: 46, Lancaster County Courthouse, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
  7. Adam Hacker estate document, Lancaster County Orphans Court Miscellaneous Book 1782-1784, Page 117.
  8. Adam Hacker estate document, Lancaster County Orphans Court Miscellaneous Book 1782-1784, Page 129-130.
  9. Widow Hacker household, 1790 United States census, Warwick Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Page 129; National Archives and Records Administration micro publication M637, roll 8.
  10. Brumbaugh, Rev. Gaius M., “The Hocker Bible Record,” National Genealogical Society Quarterly, Volume XIX, (Washington, D.C.: National Genealogical Society, Sep 1931), Page 67.
  11. Brumbaugh, “The Hocker Bible Record,” Page 67.
  12. Weiser, Sources and Documents of the Pennsylvania Germans: Volume XIII… 1743-1799, page 79-80.
  13. Hawbaker, Gary T., An Index to Some Tombstones in the Brickerville Cemetery, (Hershey, Pennsylvania: no publisher, 1982), Page 6.
  14. Xakellis, Martha J., Grave Undertakings – Elizabeth Township, Volume 1:30 (Apollo, Pennsylvania: Closson Press, 1989), Transcription of tombstone inscription.
  15. FamilyTree Maker’s Family Archives, Church Records: Selected Areas of Pennsylvania, 1600s-1800s.
  16. John Hocker entry, International Genealogical Index [IGI], (Salt Lake City, Utah: Family History Library, 1980), citing microfilm 1760764.
  17. Burgert, Annette K., Early Marriage Evidence from the Court Records of Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, 1785-1810, (Myerstown, Pennsylvania: AKB Publications, 1993), Page 28. Catharine Sholl is referred to as the wife of John Haher in her father’s will.
  18. Christopher Hacker entry, International Genealogical Index [IGI], (Salt Lake City, Utah: Family History Library, 1980), citing microfilm 1760764.
  19. Christopher Hacker entry, International Genealogical Index [IGI], (Salt Lake City, Utah: Family History Library, 1980), citing microfilm 1760764.
  20. Christopher Hacker entry, International Genealogical Index [IGI], (Salt Lake City, Utah: Family History Library, 1980), citing microfilm 1760764.
  21. Hawbaker, An Index to Some Tombstones in the Brickerville Cemetery, Page 6.
  22. Xakellis, Grave Undertakings – Elizabeth Township, Volume 1: 30, Transcription of tombstone inscription.
  23. Christopher Miller will (1815), Lancaster County Will Book L, 1810-1817: Pages 50-51, Register of Wills, Lancaster, Pennsylvania: microfilm roll XXXX, Pennsylvania State Archives, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
  24. Martin Hocker entry, International Genealogical Index [IGI] (Salt Lake City, Utah: Family History Library, 1980), citing microfilm 1760764.
  25. Martin Hocker gravestone, Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church cemetery, Hummelstown, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, photographed by Kristen Hocker, 21 November 2001. Gravestone inscription says Martin was born on 21 October 1768.
  26. FamilyTreeMaker’s Archives, “Third Series, Volume I, Notes and Queries – IV,” Engle’s Notes and Queries of Pennsylvania, 1700s-1800s, (Fremont, California: Banner Blue Software, 1998), citing Archives CD-ROM #19.
  27. Martin Hocker gravestone, Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church cemetery, Hummelstown, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. Gravestone inscription says Martin died 25 April 1862 at age 93 years, 6 months, and 4 days.
  28. Catharine Hocker entry, International Genealogical Index [IGI], (Salt Lake City, Utah: Family History Library, 1980), citing microfilm 1760764.
  29. Catharine Hocker entry, International Genealogical Index [IGI], (Salt Lake City, Utah: Family History Library, 1980), citing microfilm 1760764.
  30. Dudley, A.S., William Henry Egle, Harry I. Huber, and R.H. Schively, Commemorative Biographical Encyclopedia, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, containing sketches of prominent and representative citizens and many of the early Scotch-Irish and German settlers, (Chambersburg, Pennsylvania: J.M. Runk & Co., 1896), Page 816.

Herbert Hershey Hocker Obituary

Here’s a transcription of the obituary of Herbert Hershey Hocker (1865—1946), son of Levi and Anna (Frantz) Hocker. Hershey married Sarah J. Bower, daughter of John and Amanda (___) Bower, 1 Apr 1906 in Yoe, Pennsylvania. 1

“H. Hershey Hocker

Funeral services for H. Hershey Hocker, 554 Race Street, who died Tuesday night after a lingering illness at his home, will be held tomorrow at 2 p.m. at the funeral home at 1334 North Second street. The Rev. A.M. Billman, pastor of Fourth Reformed Church, will officiate. Burial will be in the Oberlin Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home this evening from 7 to 9 o’clock.

A grocer in the South Harrisburg area for several years, Mr. Hocker was 79 years old and formerly lived in Oberlin.

In addition to his wife, Mrs. Sarah J. Hocker, he is survived by a sister, Mrs. Margaret Hughes, York, and several nieces and nephews.” 2

 

Photo: David Elmer Hocker Butter Pretzel Baking Co. Truck

David Elmer Hocker and Pretzel truck

David Elmer Hocker and Pretzel truck

David Elmer Hocker was listed as a baker in the 1910 US census and as a baker for the Butter Pretzel Baking Co. in 1930. According to the above photo, David Hocker was the proprietor of the Butter Pretzel Baking Co. in Harrisburg. His sons were also employees of the company in 1930.

John Hocker

John Hocker was born on 12 Nov 1781 in Elizabeth Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, presumably the eldest son of Frederick and Catharina (Fuchs) Hacker.1,2 He was christened on 18 Nov 1781 in Emanuel Lutheran Church, Brickerville, Warwick township, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, sponsored by Johannes Zieger and wife Barbara.3 John died in Reamstown, Cocalico township, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in 1847; he was 65.

John Hacker appears on the census for Cocalico township, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in 1810, 1820, and 1830. 4,5,6  On 20 Mar 1812, John-with his brother-in-law, Michael Klein-petitioned the court to award an inquest on his father’s estate.7  John subsequently refused his rights his father’s farm, in favor of his younger brother George.8

John first married about 1804 Salome/Sarah Moser, daughter of Johan Adam Moser (8 Nov 1746-26 Jan 1823) and Christina Prunner (5 Nov 1752-5 Nov 1823), in Pennsylvania. 9 Salome was born on 9 Aug 1783 in Pennsylvania and christened in Muddy Creek Lutheran Church, East Cocalico township, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania.10 Salome/Sarah died in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, sometime before 1823, possibly as early as 1807. She is referred to as deceased in both her father and mother’s estate documents of 1823.11 She was buried in the Lutheran and Reformed Cemetery, Reamstown, Cocalico township, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania.

They had the following children:

  1. John Hocker Jr. was born about 1804, probably in Cocalico township, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania and may have died sometime after Aug 1896 in West Cocalico township, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. He was likely a farmer in West Cocalico township, Lancaster Pennsylvania. And he may have been the John Hocker who married on 25 Oct 1832 Rebecca Bucher, daughter of Jacob Bucher.
    1. Susanna B. Hacker (ca 1833-?)
    2. John B. Hacker (Jan 1839-1929)
    3. Isaac B. Hacker (5 Mar 1855-24 Jul 1921)
  2. George Hocker was born about 1805, probably in Cocalico township, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. He was still alive in 1828, but nothing more is known about him.
  3. Lydia Hocker was born about 1807, probably in Cocalico township, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. She was still alive in 1828, but nothing more is known about her.

Sometime before 1823, John married second Susanna Moser, daughter of Johan Adam and Christina (Prunner) Moser, in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. Susanna was born 3 Aug 1781.12,13 Susanna died in Durlach, Clay township, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, on 29 Nov 1863; she was 82.14

John and Susanna may have been married as early as 1811, and quite possibly had a son and two daughters, all born between 1811 and 1820. These children are not mentioned in the will of their grandfather Adam Musser as John’s three children with his first wife are named, because their mother Susanna was still living and therefore she was their grandfather’s direct heir.15

Susanna (Moser) Hacker was listed on the census for Elizabeth township, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in 1850, living with Samuel Weich’s family.16 She was listed on the census for Clay township, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania in 1860, living with Samuel Wike’s family.17 Samuel’s wife Sarah was likely the “Sara Hacker,” daughter of John and Susanna, born 22 Mar 1822 and baptized at Salem Lutheran church in Reamstown on 1 Jan 1826.18

Photo: Martin Hocker

Martin Hocker

Martin Hocker

Martin Hocker, son of Johan Adam and Maria Elisabetha (Weidman) Hacker, was born 21 Oct 1768 in Cocalico township, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania and died 25 Apr 1862 in Derry township, Dauphin county, Pennsylvania. Martin came to the Harrisburg area from Lancaster county about 1787. Hockersville in Derry township was named in his honor.

“In addition to his agricultural labors, he was, for more than 40 years, in the hotel business. He was a democrat in politics, occasionally serving local offices and in 1830 served as County Commissioner. He was also one of three men appointed  to make surveys for the line that separates Dauphin County from Lebanon County.”

Photo courtesy of Jessica Bell

On the Trail of John and Jacob Hocker Part One: Dauphin County, Pennsylvania

Adam3 Hocker (Adam2, Christoph1) came to Dauphin County in the late 1780s. He is listed as a tavern owner in the Harrisburg tax list of 1787. About 1787, he married Sophia Maria [Hershey?], probably in Harrisburg. This couple had eight children, as follows:

  1. John4 Hocker, born 30 Aug 1788, Harrisburg, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania
  2. Anna Barbara Hocker, born 26 Apr 1791, Harrisburg, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania
  3. George Hocker, born 21 Jan 1794, Harrisburg, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania
  4. Jacob Hocker, born 22 Sep 1796, Harrisburg, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania and possibly baptized 12 Feb 1797, Zion Evangelical Church, Hummelstown1
  5. Benjamin Hocker, born 1 Mar 1799 and died 14 Mar 1799, Derry Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania
  6. Johan Adam Hocker, born 19 Jun 1802, Derry Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania and baptized 19 Jan 1803, Zion Evangelical Church, Hummelstown2
  7. Benjamin Hocker, born 1 Dec 1805, Derry Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania
  8. Elizabeth Hocker, born 5 Jan 1811 and died 25 Aug 1811, Derry Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania

Adam died in testate about Nov 1821 in Derry Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. His heirs petitioned the Orphans Court to partition Adam’s estate in May 1822.3 John and Jacob Hocker purchased two tracts of land in Derry Township from their father’s estate in 1823.4 George and Adam Hocker purchased their father’s Swatara Township property from the estate.

John and Jacob Hocker appear in the 1830 U.S. census for Derry Township, Dauphin County, living adjacent to each other.5 The households were enumerated as follows:

John Hocker

  • Male under 5 (born 1826-1830)
  • Male 40-50 (born 1780-1790)
  • Female 5-10 (born 1820-1825)
  • Female 20-30 (born 1800-1810)

The eldest male in this household was John Hocker, the eldest female, most likely his wife, Catharina. The baptisms of two daughters of John and Catharina were recorded in the Zion Evangelical Lutheran church in Hummelstown prior to 1830. Either Margareth Hocker, baptized on 27 Jul 18236, or Anna Hocker, born 15 Oct 1824 and baptized 12 Jun 18257, died prior to this census enumeration. Because later records include Anna, it can be inferred that it was Margareth that died. Otherwise, the members of this household match the known information about John Hocker, son of Adam Hocker.

Jacob Hocker

  • Male born under 5 (born 1826-1830)
  • Male born 30-40 (born 1790-1800)
  • Female under 5 (born 1826-1830)
  • Female 20-30 (born 1800-1810)

The eldest male in this household was Jacob Hocker, the eldest female, his wife Barbara. The younger male and female were likely children of this marriage.

Although, no marriage record has been located for the marriage of Jacob and Barbara, we know they married based on two documents. The first was the inquest for the estate of John Noll. In it the petitioner Jacob Hocker is named as being “intermarried with Barbara Noll, eldest daughter and heir at law of the late John Noll, late of Derry Township…”8 The second, mentioned below, was the sale of property John and Jacob bought from their father’s estate.

John and Jacob Hocker do not appear in the records of Derry Township after 1838. They appear in township tax records between 1823, when they appear as the heirs of Adam Hocker, and 1838 when their names are crossed out and “to Benjamin Hocker” is written in.9 The brothers sold their Derry Township property to Benjamin Hocker on 2 April 1839.10 John Hocker and Catharine, his wife, and Jacob Hocker and Barbara, his wife, all signed the deed. Their brothers George and Adam Hocker were their sureties.

What happened to John and Jacob after 1838? We know from the tax records that they did not remain in the area, but these records provide no hint as to their destination. A possible lead appeared in an article in the National Genealogical Society Quarterly. Gaius M. Brumbaugh wrote an article in Volume 19, Number 3 (1931) that states that John Hocker, son of Martin Hocker, married Catharina Sterling and settled in Hummelstown, Pa. where he was a minister in the River Brethren Church.11 The article states that the family moved to Montgomery County, Ohio in 1839.

The next installment will examine this article as a lead on John and Jacob’s destination after they left Derry Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania.