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: Private / Patriotic Service
Birth: 18 Dec 1739 / / Germany Death: 12 Mar 1816 / Berks / PA
Author: Charles Harris Seibert
Johannes Gaul was born in Hermanien, in the Pfalz of Hebelbeim, Germany on 18 December 1739, and was the son of Heinrich Gaul. He came to America, arriving in Philadelphia, 29 October 1770, on board the Ship ‘Sally”, John Osmond, Master, from Rotterdam, last from Cowes.
He married Barbara Arbegast on 4 September 1767, and have 10 children, their names being, George, Gertrude, Peter, Catherine (my line, who marries Peter Gerhart), Anna Marie, Johannes, Abraham, William, Christian and Jacob. All these children were baptized at Hain’s Reformed Church, Heidelberg Township, Berks County, Pa.
On June 2nd, 1777, he takes the Oath of Allegiance at Heidelberg Township, Berks County, Pa.
Between 1777 and 1783 he is listed in the 4th Berks County Battalion, 6th Company of Captain Eckert’s Heidelberg Militia. His rank is private and he is in the 2nd class to be called to duty.
In 1779 he pays the Federal Supply Tax on 100 acres of land, with 2 horses and 3 cattle in Heidelberg Township. He is also listed as a Blacksmith.
By 1785, he purchased 220 acres of land in Cumru Township, Berks County to live on and raise his family. He now has 3 horse and 4 cattle and 3 sheep, and is still listed as a Blacksmith.
On 2 February 1816, John Gaul of Cumru Township, Berks County, writes and signs his last will. In it he provides for his wife Barbara, and his children. To John 300 pounds, to George 500 pounds, to Henry the plantation in Bern Township purchasd from George Iaeger, to Peter the plantation in Bern Township purchased from Berwd Adams,
to Catharine wife of Peter Gerhard 800 pounds, to William the new brick house with 20 to 30 acres of land in Cumru Township, Anne Marie wife of Michael Muller 800 pounds, to Christian the plantation and woodland in Cumru Township purchased for 2070 pounds, and to Jacob the farm in Cumru Township purchased from George Merkel for 1900 pounds.
On 21 February 1816, John Gaul dies and is buried at St. John Reformed Church Cemetery in Spring Township, Berks County. His wife Barbara dies on 22 September 1818 and is buried along side him. The inscription on their gravestone said that he was from, Hermanien, in the Pfalz of Hebelbeim and they had 10 children, seven sons and three daughters.
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