The following information was assembled from numerous sources and cannot be used directly as proof of Qualifying Service or Lineage.
It is considered a research aid and is intended to assist in locating sources that can be used as proof.
State of Service: PA
Qualifying Service: Patriotic Service
Birth: 1717 / / Germany Death: 10 Oct 1789 Whitehall Twp / Northampton / PA
Qualifying Service Description:
MEMBER OF COMMITTEE OF OBSERVATION, NORTHAMPTON COUNTY
Additional References:
Pennsylvania Archives, Series 5, Volume 8, pg 4
Spouse: Anna Maria Brunner Children: Anna Maria; Elizabeth; Abraham;
Members Who Share This Ancestor
None*
*This means that the NSSAR has no applications for this Patriot on file.
Instead the information provided is best effort, and from volunteers who have either researched grave sites, service records, or something similar. There is no documentation available at NSSAR HQ to order.
John Griesemer, a son of Valentine, was born in 1717. He was one of the first settlers along Cedar Creek, where he secured from Jacob Earthman, May 23, 1738, a tract of 190 acres. He added to this land and at the time of his death owned nearly 600 acres. He was a member and one of the organizers of the Zion Reformed congregation at Allentown, of which he was deacon in 1765. He was naturalized September 24, 1767.
On December 21, 1774, John Griesemer was elected by the freeholders of the county a member of the Committee of Observation for the county and re-elected September 27, 1775. This committee, in which he represented Whitehall Township, was composed of leading men from each township, who took the first steps leading to independence in the county and who were the leading spirits during the Revolution. His three sons also served in the war. John Griesemer died October 10, 1789, aged 72 years, at Lower Milford Township, while on a visit to his relatives. He was buried at the old Allentown cemetery, October 12.
John Griesemer married Anna Maria Brunner, a daughter of Felix and Anna Barbara Brunner. They had eight children:
1. John Griesemer, who, with his wife, Catharine, and children: Solomon, born 1772; Anna Maria, born 1774; John, born 1776; and Eva Catharine, born 1778; removed from the township.
2. Felix Griesemer was born in July, 1749, died January 17, 1827. He married Juliana Margaret Knauss, a daughter of Gottfried Knauss and Anna Eva, but had no children.
3. Anna Maria Griesemer was born July 11, 1752, died September 24, 1823, married Gottfried Knauss.
4. Catharine Griesemer was born April 12, 1754, died September 10, 1790; married Paul Knauss. They removed to Allen Township.
5. Gertrude Griesemer was born April 29, 1757, died June 12, 1836; married Peter Beisel.
6. Elizabeth Griesemer married George Blank.
7. Abraham.
8. Isaac.
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