date: 10 May
2000
prepared by Luther Olson
First
Generation
1. Conrad Silbaugh
was born about 1740 in Germany. He died before 19 Dec 1824 in Addison Twp, Somerset
Co, PA and was buried in Addison Twp, Somerset Co, PA.
BIRTH: b 1740, Prussia (I believe the place to be an error on the part of a census taker and that he is probably from the western Rhine region)
NAME: During Conrad's lifetime we see a number of spellings of his name. It was common to Anglicize foreign names, and the German ...BACH, meaning brook, usually became ...BAUGH. Early records show this transition from “SYLBACH”, to “SYLBAUCH, and eventually “SYLBAUGH”, which we find on the warrant map of his final land transaction in 1786.
From the book on German emigration to colonial America we learn that during this period the letters “i” and “y” were interchangeable‑‑SYL... and SIL... were considered the same. (We also find names beginning with SEL..., but the “e” was a substitue only for the two umlauts “a” and “o”, probably ruling out this spelling as a possibility.) It would appear that SYLBACH is perhaps the orginal name.
By the time Conrad died, however, the records all spelled the name "SILBAUGH", as did both sons, William and Philip. Later descendants have used a number of variations (either intentionally or, at times I suspect, by mistake), but the great majority retained that spelling to this day.
MARRIAGE: perh. Maryland
BIOGRAPHY: Emigrated to U.S., Allegheny Co, MD, perh. Abt 1750. In 1786 Conrad purchased land near William Tissue in Turkeyfoot Twp., south of the Casselman River near the town of Harnedsville. Conrad's farm was mostly on the north side of Turkeyfoot Road, situated on a high saddle, flanked by even higher elevations on both sides. In addition to the farm, a school was eventually built for all the children. The buildings were originally right on Turkeyfoot Road, though none of the original structures remain. Later, son William was instrumental in building a Methodist Church on the property. The land next to the church, where the original farm was located, can still be seen. It is a beautiful location with a commanding view to the north and east
The book, HISTORY OF SOMERSET COUNTY, PA, (date unk.) p 572, contains the following entry.
‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑
"Conrad Silbaugh, a native of Germany, was one of the early
settlers of this township and improved the land on which his
grandsons William and Robert, now live. His son William,
born in 1779, farmed on the homestead until his death in 1832."
‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑
Methodist Church Records, according to a book written 18 March 1874, Somerfield, PA, gives "a short account of some of the families comprising the Methodist Episcopal Church in the territory now embraced in Addison and Confluence Circit Pittsburgh Conference"
"During 1765‑1770 the Silbaugh family moved to the farm now owned by Robert and William Silbaugh."
Following tradition, the first son remained on the farm, while the younger sons were forced to strike out on their own. Son Philip therefore headed for Ohio, probably about three years after his father's death.
DEATH: At this point there is some confusion, for there is documentation that Conrad returned to Maryland where he lived out the last days, or years, of his life. One could assume that he was returning to live with a daughter who was able to take care of him in his old age. After viewing records, however, it is unlikely that any of his daughters had returned to Maryland.
More importantly, a copy of a receipt shows that an Adam Sembower received from George Wass, Conrad's executor, "seven dollars for making a coffin for Conrad Silbaugh (decesc), also 75 cents for ‘praising’ his property”. The date is December 19, 1824, over a month earlier than our records show Conrad’s death. Now we must question both the place and date of death. We can assume that a seven dollar coffin was not made to be shipped over the mountains to Allegany Co, MD‑‑for somebody who was already dead. Unless, of course, the coffin was made in advance, know he was near death.
‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑
Adam's official appraisal of Conrad's estate show that he had few material possessions. His belongings included such things as:
1 copy of almanac, 1 pair of shoes, 2 pillers, 1 quilt,
1 fether tick and fethers, 1 blanket, 1 sheet, 4 piller slips,
1 big coat, 1 chest, 1 pair of mittans, 1 razor and box,
3 books, 1 chamber pot, and 1 red fannel shirt.
The total value of all his belongings came to $71.15.
‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑
Added significance of this document is that it would appear unlikely that it would have been carried out in Addison Twp. if Conrad were living with a daughter in Maryland. Certainly he would have taken his personal belongings with him.
Conrad married Mary
about 1760. Mary was born before 1755. She died about 1820 in PA.
They had the following children:
+ 2 F i. Margaret
Silbaugh was born 1763 and died.
+ 3 F ii. Catherine
Silbaugh was born 1765 and died.
4 F iii. Mary
Silbaugh was born about 1765 in Maryland. She died.
NAME: Mary Ringer in Conrad's will.
Mary married Michael Ringer.
Michael died.
+ 5 F iv. Elizabeth Silbaugh was born
about 1774 and died 1 Oct 1819.
+ 6 M v. William Silbaugh was born
about 1779 and died Jan 1832.
+ 7 M vi. Philip Silbaugh was born 1788
and died 9 Nov 1864.
Second
Generation
2. Margaret Silbaugh
(Conrad) was born 1763 in Maryland. She died in MD?.
NAME: Margaret Show in Conrad's will
Margaret married John Show. John was born 1789. He died
1855.
They had the following children:
8 M i. Conrad Show died.
BIOGRAPHY: Tavern owner, taxpayer in
Addison Twp., Somerset Co, PA in 1805
9 M ii. Henry G. Show died.
10 M iii. Uzziah Show died.
11 F iv. Polly Show died.
12 M v. William S Show died.
13 F vi. Elizabeth Show died.
3. Catherine Silbaugh
(Conrad) was born 1765 in Maryland. She died in Pennsylvania.
Catherine married David McNair, son of John McNair, on 17
Feb 1989 in PA. David died.
NAME: son‑in‑law in Conrad's will.
They had the following children:
+ 14 M i. John McNair was born about
1798 and died.
15 M ii. Alexander McNair died.
16 F iii. Sarah McNair died.
Sarah married Severes.
17 M iv. Philip McNair died.
18 M v. James McNair died.
19 F vi. Margaret McNair died.
Margaret married Carrick.
20 F vii. Mary Ann McNair died.
Mary married Lichliter.
5. Elizabeth Silbaugh
(Conrad) was born about 1774 in Maryland. She died 1 Oct 1819 in Addison,
Somerset, PA and was buried in Addison, Somerset, PA.
RESIDENCE: on Turkeyfoot Rd., adjoining her parent's farm
DEATH: perhaps in childbirth
BURIAL: Newbury Cem
Elizabeth married George Wass about 1801 in Addison Twp,
Somerset Co, PA. George was born 5 Oct 1780 in Philadelphia, PA. He died 4 Feb
1833 in Somerset Co, Pennsylvania and was buried in Addison Twp, Somerset Co,
PA.
BIRTH: or 1775
CHILDREN: Also had issue with second wife, also named Elizabeth
PARENTS: There is a problem with finding the parents of George since there are two theories as to their origin. One is held by Arthur Mergy‑‑that he was a son of John Adam Wass. Arthur has spent many hours on this and I must say has some very compelling facts to support it.
The earliest mention of John Adam Wass, or as it is spelled in the records "Was", is his marriage to Elizabeth Laub on July 28, 1774 at St. Michaels and Zion Church in old German town which was at this time a agricultural community on the outskirts of Philadelphia. The other theory (less likely) is that George's parents came over from England.
Other early mentions of a George Wass is (1) a Philadelphia roster of returning soldiers from the revolutionary army of volunteer minute men in 1780 and (2) the name appears as head of household in the first federal census. Unfortunately, we don't know if either is the father of our George. (by William Disbro)
BIOGRAPHY: According to the book History of Bedford, Somerset, and Fulton Counties, Pennslyvania, George Wass was a very early resident of Addison Township who married Elizabeth Silbaugh. Although there is no known copy of the marriage certificate, George is mentioned in the will of Conrad Silbaugh, the father of Elizabeth, as the husband of his daughter. There must have been a good relationship between these two men as Conrad made George the executor of his will in 1823. They also were neighbors and had property with common boundary lines.
BURIAL: Newbury Cemetery
They had the following children:
+ 21 F i. Anna Wass was born 1803 and
died.
+ 22 M ii. John Wass was born 2 Aug 1805
and died 12 Jul 1863.
23 F iii. Margeret Wass was born about
1806 in PA. She died.
Margeret married McCartney.
McCartney died.
+ 24 M iv. William Wass was born about 1807
and died 27 Nov 1888.
25 F v. Nancy Wass died.
+ 26 F vi. Mary Wass was born 1814 and
died.
+ 27 F vii. Lucinda Wass was born 1816 and
died.
+ 28 F viii. Elizabeth Mary Wass was born 1819
and died.
6. William Silbaugh
(Conrad) was born about 1779 in MD. He died Jan 1832 in Addison, Somerset, PA.
BIRTH: or in Somerset Co, PA
BIOGRAPHY: Farmed on the Silbaugh homestead until his death in 1832, during which time he held various township offices.
ESTATE: William Silbaugh died in testate. Court appointed sons, James & Robert as administrators on Feb. 9, 1832. Ordered to present an inventory & appraisement of property to Register's office at Somerset on March 9,1832. And a true account, calculation and reckoning of administration before February 9, 1833.
William married Jane McNair, daughter of John McNair and Sarah,
on 17 Feb 1989 in Pennsylvania. Jane was born 1790 in MD. She died.
BIRTH: or 1780, or VA
They had the following children:
29 M i. James Silbaugh died.
BIOGRAPHY: executor of father's will
James married Pauley McClintock on
17 Feb 1989. Pauley died.
AKA: Polly
30 F ii. Jane Silbaugh died.
Jane married John Heinbaugh about
1834 in Of Fayette Co., Pennsylvania. John died.
NAME: Heinbach / Heinbaugh
31 M iii. Noah Silbaugh died before 1832.
Noah married Rachael McNair.
Rachael died.
+ 32 F iv. Mary
Jane Silbaugh was born 24 Sep 1805 and died 7 Nov 1877.
+ 33 M v. Robert
Silbaugh was born 25 Dec 1808 and died 14 Mar 1886.
+ 34 F vi. Catherine
Silbaugh was born 1 Jan 1810 and died 18 Oct 1891.
+ 35 M vii. William
Silbaugh was born 22 Dec 1811 and died 17 Dec 1896.
+ 36 M viii. Moses
Silbaugh was born 1812 and died 2 Sep 1898.
+ 37 F ix. Elizabeth
Silbaugh was born about 1814 and died 22 Feb 1878.
+ 38 M x. Henry
Silbaugh was born about 1815 and died 22 Feb 1878.
+ 39 F xi. Sarah
Silbaugh was born 1817 and died 24 Nov 1889.
+ 40 M xii. Harrison
Silbaugh was born Dec 1823 and died 18 Oct 1906.
+ 41 M xiii. Ami
B (Ammix) Silbaugh was born 25 Dec 1827 and died 18 Jan 1863.
7. Philip Silbaugh
(Conrad) was born 1788 in Turkeyfoot Twp, Somerset Co, PA. He died 9 Nov 1864
in Vernon Co, WI and was buried in Vernon Co, WI.
BIOGRAPHY: It would appear that Philip and Jane moved west from Somerset Co. to Fayette Co. PA, sometime before 1810, where they resided for over twenty years before deciding to make a major move into south central Ohio.
A common mode of transportation for many of the Pennsylvanians who were bound for southeastern Ohio was a river raft sometimes called “broad horns" or just an “ark”, a large craft with a great steering oar at the rear, intended only for drifting downstream.
The journey usually began at Pittsburg and when the destination was reached the vessel was dismantled and the logs reused for other purposes. From there, the new arrivals scattered throughout nearby Perry, Athens, Morgan, Hocking and Washington counties, where they built their log cabins, began farming, and proceeded to raise their families. It has been said that at the height of the migration, thousands of these rafts floated by Marietta each day
(It has been stated by Josie Churchill that the Silbaugh family crossed the Ohio River by ferry at the city of Marietta, but I suspect that this was not a literal crossing.)
Philip and Jane made that trek, probably in 1835, with their 8 young children. The 1850 census survey shows that they settled in Straightsville, Perry County, between the Muskingum and the Hocking Rivers, a rugged country of large hills, dense forests and vast deposits of coal. The town was laid out in 1835, the very year they arrived.
Why they chose this town we’ll never know, but we do know that Straightsville was also settled by other of her Rush relatives from Somerset County. Most likely Jane was now still with cousins that she had known since childhood.
Today this area is within the Wayne National Forest, but from the earliest days this area was the center of the region's coal mining industry, becoming the birthplace of the United Mine workers of America. Straightsville's second claim to fame was it's moonshine, still celebrated by an annual Moonshine Festival. In fact, the “old house” that numerous Rush families called home for generations, was where moonshine was made during prohibition.
The original town is Straightsville. A larger, newer community just down the road is presently New Straightsville, but to the locals it's still just "Straightsville." The present access to old Straightsville is a small, narrow road resembling more someone's driveway than a highway between towns. It climbs until arriving at the crest of a large hill with a commanding view. Even at its largest, there was only a post office, a store or two, a tavern and a few homes, with a population of never more than a hundred inhabitants. Only a few old buildings and mobile homes reside on that hilltop today.
After a period of little more than fifteen years, time for the youngsters to grow to adulthood and find spouses, the entire family moved again to Vernon Co, Wisconsin, around the year 1850.
Asbury Ridge was chosen for the site for their new home, and it was on this ridge that numerous Silbaugh children and grandchildren grew to adulthood. So many descendants are buried in the Asbury Ridge Cemetery that it has been labeled the "Silbaugh home cemetery."
(The original church is long gone, and nobody has been buried there for decades. The township, however, still keeps the cemetery in excellent condition. Many of the stones have been vandalized, but the township has reset them all in concrete. Philip and Jane’s stone appears to be among the oldest. The quality of stone is poor and the inscription is badly eroded, but their names can still be seen. The cemetery is on North Asbury Road, east of State Rt. 14 and south of the Seas Branch (Avalanche) Road, between Westby and Viroqua.)
BURIAL: Asbury Ridge Cem
Philip married Jane Tissue, daughter of William Tissue
[Captain] and Huldah Rush, on 1809 in Somerset Co, PA. Jane was born 1791 in
Turkeyfoot Twp, Somerset Co, PA and was christened 1817. She died about 8 Jun
1857 in Vernon Co, WI and was buried in Vernon Co, WI.
BIRTH: later Somerset Co.
NAME: or Tishue
DEATH: or 4 Nov 1856 on Asbury Ridge
BURIAL: Asbury Ridge Cem
They had the following children:
+ 42 F i. Rhoda
Ann Silbaugh was born 15 Jan 1811 and died 10 Sep 1879.
+ 43 M ii. William
Silbaugh was born 1813 and died 4 Sep 1881.
+ 44 M iii. Isaac
Frank Silbaugh was born about 29 Oct 1816 and died 18 Dec 1865.
45 F iv. Elizabeth Silbaugh was born
about 1819 in Somerset Co, Pennsylvania. She died.
BIOGRAPHY: moved to Ohio with parents about 1835. Moved to Vernon Co, WI, about 1853
MARRIAGE: location has been recorded as Coshocton Co, OH, but I suspect that is incorrect
BIRTH: Somerset Co, perhaps an error‑‑Fayette
Co more likely
Elizabeth married John Mooney on 27
Sep 1840 in , , Coshocton Co., Ohio. John died.
+ 46 M v. Edward
Silbaugh was born 2 Jun 1822 and died 14 Apr 1903.
+ 47 M vi. Sebastian
Silbaugh was born about 1826 and died 17 Sep 1875.
+ 48 M vii. Jacob
J Silbaugh was born 15 May 1830 and died 15 Sep 1893.
+ 49 F viii. Huldah
Silbaugh was born May 1833 and died.
Third
Generation
14. John McNair
(Catherine Silbaugh, Conrad) was born about 1798 in Fayette Co, PA. He died.
RESIDENCE: 1820 Census of Fayette Co, PA, shows him with 1 Male 16 to 26, 1 female 16 to 26, and 1 female under 5. He was living between Reuben and James Tharp. The 1820 Tax Record shows him with 1 horse and 1 cow. In 1821 he is marked "gone away".
He had moved with his brother, Alexander, to Preston Co, WV
DEATH: believed he died in Preston Co, WV
John married (1) Lydia Tharp, daughter of David Tharp and
Nancy Shipley. Lydia was born 1801 in Fayette Co, PA. She died about 1821.
They had the following children:
+ 50 F i. Margaret
McNair was born 1820 and died.
John also married (2) Unknown.
NAME: Unknown
They had the following children:
51 M ii. Alpheus McNair died.
52 M iii. Daniel McNair died.
53 M iv. Elizabeth McNair died.
54 F v. Catherine McNair died.
55 vi. Mary Ann McNair died.
21. Anna Wass
(Elizabeth Silbaugh, Conrad) was born 1803 in Somerset Co, PA. She died.
Anna married Peter Hileman. Peter died.
They had the following children:
56 i. Hileman died.
22. John Wass
(Elizabeth Silbaugh, Conrad) was born 2 Aug 1805 in Addison Twp, Sommerset Co,
PA. He died 12 Jul 1863 in Ritchie Co, WV.
BIOGRAPHY: John was brought up to be a farmer. He was also a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and, according to the book "History Of Ritchie County" an anti‑slavery proponent. He married a women of German descent, Barber Boyer. Her father, William, came from Germany by way of Holland and Katherine his wife, came from Holland.
"John settled down on the farm that is known today as the Harrison Wass homestead, above Goff, now the home of Peter Wass , where Cornilius Wyers had made some small improvements." They moved to Allegany County for a short period before moving to Ritchie County in 1840 with his wife to settle down and raise his family.
DEATH: "Mr. Wass met his death at the hands of an assassin while on the way home from Harrisville. He was taken back to that place where he died from the effects of the bullet wound a few hours later but not until he made a statement concerning the tragedy."
It seems that he and Barbara where running a underground railroad station out under the barn. Although we have no primary documents, I believe he was shot by a William Prunty. A researcher at the Ritchie County Historical Society also names William as the murderer. The court house has burnt down and now no official records on this exist. The Pruntys were next door neighbors to the Wass' and were Southern sympathizers. This started a long feud between the two families and ended when Lewis Wass shot and killed John Prunty, son of William.
(William Disbro)
BURIAL: Pleasant Hills Cemetery
John married Barbary Boyer on 15 Jan 1829 in Somerset Co,
PA. Barbary died.
BIRTH: of German ancestry
They had the following children:
+ 57 F i. Elizabeth
Amanda Wass was born 1830 and died 14 Apr 1923.
+ 58 F ii. Sarah
Ann Wass was born 9 Mar 1832 and died 22 Mar 1822.
+ 59 M iii. Harrison
E Wass was born 6 Feb 1834 and died 1923.
+ 60 F iv. Amanda
Wass was born 12 Sep 1836 and died 12 Jul 1924.
+ 61 F v. Larue
Wass was born 1 May 1839 and died 8 Oct 1934.
+ 62 F vi. Lucinda
Wass was born 28 May 1841 and died 17 Oct 1893.
+ 63 F vii. Mahala
Jane Wass was born 6 Jan 1844 and died 2 Jul 1906.
+ 64 F viii. Mary
Luvina Wass was born 21 Jan 1849 and died 1938.
65 M ix. Edward Wass died.
66 M x. William Wass died.
24. William Wass
(Elizabeth Silbaugh, Conrad) was born about 1807 in Somerset Co, PA. He died 27
Nov 1888 in Selbysport, Garret Co, MD and was buried in Selbysport, Garret Co,
MD.
William married Susanna. Susanna died.
NAME: surname perhaps Wable.
There was a Conrad Wable that was a neighbor of George that was also
living very near the Maryland border.
They had the following children:
67 F i. Harriet Wass was born 1832.
She died.
Harriet married Humberson.
68 M ii. John Wass was born 1834. He
died.
69 F iii. Jane Wass was born 1836. She
died.
Jane married Fornay.
70 M iv. Jonas Wass was born 1838. He
died 1909.
Jonas married Margaret Totten.
71 F v. Isabell Wass was born 1840.
She died.
72 M vi. Milton Wass was born 1842. He
died.
Milton married Catherine Winkle on
10 Aug 1887 in Garrett Co, WV.
26. Mary Wass
(Elizabeth Silbaugh, Conrad) was born 1814. She died.
DOC: She married a neighbor, Peter Augustine. George may have sold land to them
Mary married Peter Augustine. Peter was born 5 May 1780. He
died 7 Sep 1855.
They had the following children:
73 M i. John H Augustine was born
1836. He died 1994.
74 F ii. Elizabeth Augustine was born
1839. She died.
75 F iii. Lucinda Augustine was born 1841.
She died 1925.
76 F iv. Mary A Augustine was born 1843.
She died 1924.
77 M v. Peter T Augustine was born
1845. He died.
78 F vi. Alpha Augustine was born 1847.
She died about 1864.
27. Lucinda Wass
(Elizabeth Silbaugh, Conrad) was born 1816. She died.
AKA: Lucy
Lucinda married Benjamin Ayers. Benjamin died.
They had the following children:
79 M i. David T Ayers was born about
1844. He died.
80 M ii. Henry G Ayers was born 1845. He
died.
81