Melchoir Seigrist

WikiTree Information

Biography

1776 Project

Private Melchior (Sigrist) Secrist served with Lancaster County Militia, Pennsylvania Militia during the American Revolution.

Melchior was born in 1754. He was the son of Henrich Sigrist and Franciska Unknown.[1] He passed away about 1836.

Residence

1776 - about 1780: Lancaster County, Pennsylvania

Sometime after the Revolutionary War relocated to Frederick County, Virginia.

1810 Census: Keezletown, Rockingham, Virginia, United States[2]

Listed in household of Melcher Leackrist:

Free White Persons - Males - Under 10: 1

Free White Persons - Males - 10 thru 15: 2

Free White Persons - Males - 16 thru 25: 2

Free White Persons - Males - 45 and over: 1

Free White Persons - Females - Under 10: 2

Free White Persons - Females - 10 thru 15: 1

Free White Persons - Females - 16 thru 25: 1

Free White Persons - Females - 45 and over: 1

1820 Census: Rockingham County, Virginia[3]

Listed in household of Mechie Secrist:

Free White Persons - Males - 10 thru 15: 1

Free White Persons - Males - 16 thru 25: 2

Free White Persons - Males - 45 and over: 1

Free White Persons - Females - 10 thru 15: 1

Free White Persons - Females - 16 thru 25: 2

Free White Persons - Females - 45 and over : 1

1830 Census: Rockingham County, Virginia[4]

Listed in household of Mlechi Secrist:

Free White Persons - Males - 15 thru 19: 1

Free White Persons - Males - 20 thru 29: 2

Free White Persons - Males - 60 thru 69: 1

Free White Persons - Females - 15 thru 19: 1

Free White Persons - Females - 20 thru 29: 2

Free White Persons - Females - 60 thru 69: 1

Military

Melchoir was drafted as a Private in 1776 for two months to the Pennsylvania Militia under Captain George Koontz, Col. Cunningham. Served at Amboy in the Jerseys.

He then served again in Flying Camp fas a Private under Capt. Joseph Works. He served at Amboy, Bergen Town, Powels Hook (Paulus Hook?), Fort See/Sec (Fort Lee?), White Plains and Trenton. Discharged in Philadelphia after serving six months.

He was again drafted in 1778 for 2 months as a Private under Martin Earhart. He served as a guard over the Magazines of Public Stores in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, Discharged after his 2 months.[5][6]

Research Notes

His given name is listed with a variety of spellings. I believe that Melchior is the standard spelling. His Find A Grave memorial has Melchoir, but his military pension application has Melchior.[7] The christening record has Maelchor. Census records assorted spellings. BJS

Additional info added by DWL

Christening record dated 22 October 1754 for "Maelchor Sigrist" in Penn Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, British Colonial America. Source "Pennsylvania Births and Christenings, 1709-1950'.[1] This is most probably our Melchoir Secrist as the surname appeared later in his life as Sigrist. The Christening record gives his parents Henrich and Francisca Segrist. The only other history for him comes from his Revolutionary War Pension Application that he was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania in the fall of 1754 1754- Maelchor Sigrist - in Penn Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, British Colonial America. Source "Pennsylvania Births and Christenings, 1709-1950'.

Name Maelchor Sigrist

Sex Male

Christening Date 1754

Christening Place Penn Township, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, British Colonial America

Christening Place (Original) Penn Township, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, United States

Birth Date 22 Oct 1754

Father's Name Henrich Sigrist

Father's Sex Male

Mother's Name Franciska

Mother's Sex Female

Melchior's first name was sometimes found as Melker and his surname was Segrist on the pension roles, Seakrist on the 1810 Census, and Secrist on all later records. Most of the Secrist family in the Augusta, Rockingham, and Page County areas of Virginia can trace their family lines back to Melchior and Mary Magdalene Earhart Secrist.

American Genealogical-Biographical Index (AGBI) about Melker Secrist

Name: Melker Secrist

Birth Date: 1750 (In his Rev. War pension records, he said he was born in the "fall of 1754")

Birthplace: Pennsylvania

Volume: 155

Page Number: 465

Reference: Ten "Series" of "Pennsylvania Archives" have been so far published from 5 to 31v. Ea. Philadelphia and Harrisburg. 1852- (We have indexed Series 2, v.2 and v.8 (early Pa. marriage records.) And all the v. of Series V; Volume: 155, Page Number: 465. Which contain nearly complete Pa. Rev. War records.) Ser.5:7:205

It is known that Melchior Secrist (or Segrist as it was spelled in some records) was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania in the "fall of 1754" as stated in his pension record. He is on the list of those who declared allegiance to the United States of America in Pennsylvania.

In 1776, when Melchior was about twenty-one years old, he served as a drafted militia man under Capt. George Koontz and Col. James Cunningham at Amboyken the Jerseys. After serving two months, he enlisted in the Flying Camp under Capt. Joseph Works, Col. James Cunningham, and Maj. Edwards. He served at Arinbay, Bergentown, Rivals Hook, Fort Secy, White Plains, and Trenton. He was given a written discharge in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on January 1, 1777. He served again as a sergeant in 1778 under Capt. Martin Arlhart's (or Earhart) Company, Third Battalion, Lancaster County Militia. At the time of his final discharge, he was serving as a guard over magazines and public stores in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, and was discharged in Lebanon. In 1832, he was placed on the Revolutionary War pension rolls in Rockingham County, Virginia for the above service.

In his pension request, Melchoir also stated that in about 1780, he married Mary Magdalene Earhart, a young woman who resided in the same neighborhood in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. However, no marriage record has been found.

Soon after their marriage, Melchoir and Mary Magdalene Secrist moved south and settled in Frederick County, Virginia briefly. Tax, court, land, and census records list several Segrist or Secrist families in Frederick County at that time but no record of Melchoir has as yet been found there which indicates they may have stayed for a brief time with relatives there. Melchoir may be the "Michael Seakrist" recorded on page 28 with Mr. Williams in the 1782 tax list recorded in Frederick County Order Book 18. This list charged him for one horse and placed him south of Cedar Creek, which is on the border of Frederick and Shenandoah Counties. If he is the "Michael Seakrist" listed in the 1787 Frederick County, VA personal property tax list "B", he was listed as not having any slaves, one equine stock, and two bovine stock. Tax list "B" was for the southern half of Frederick County. The records of the German Reformed Church of Winchester, Frederick County, Virginia have Melchior and Mary Magdalena there as late as 17 June 1797.

Although Melchioir's name does not appear on land records in Frederick County, we know they settled there for a brief time and their first child, a son they named Henry, was born in Kernstown on 2 July 1782. From the church records, we can ascertain that the family was in Frederick County, Virginia from about 1780 to at least 1797. A descendant, William D. Mason found evidence that in addition to Henry, George, Mary, John, and Samuel were also born in Frederick County, but their son, David, was born in Rockingham County, Virginia in 1797. Five more children were born after they moved to Rockingham County, VA. Between 1797 and 1810, they moved south with friends to Taylor Springs (later became known as Massanetta Springs) about two miles east of Harrisonburg in Rockingham County, Virginia.

Research has found that Melchioir Secrist was an active member of the German Reformed/Lutheran Church in Frederick County and Rockingham County, Virginia. His wife, Mary, is also named on the church records, as are their children and some grandchildren in Rockingham County records.

By 1810, Melchior and Mary were the parents of ten children, six boys and four girls. The 1810 Census for Rockingham County, Virginia list Melchior, Mary, and nine children in their household. Their eldest son, Henry, had married and was living in a separate household nearby according to the Census taken that year. Henry and his wife, Dorothy Coons Secrist, had presented them with their first grandson the year before as a male child of one year appears in Henry and Dorothy's household.

Also, about this time, Melchior and his family appear on the surviving church records of the Frieden Lutheran and Reformed Church. Melchior and Henry appear on the records as early as June 17, 1810. The family names appear frequently as communicants and on September 19, 1824, the four youngest living children; Susan, Sarah, Elizabeth, and Jacob are named in the list of those confirmed on that date. Several of their grandchildren are named for baptism and early marriage records indicate that John Brown (Johan Braun), pastor of Frieden Church, performed the ceremony of marriage for the children of Melchior and Mary Secrist.

Land records in Rockingham County, Virginia indicate Melchior Secrist purchased five acres of land adjoining Wine (Daniel) and Taylor's (John) land on June 5, 1815. This land was near Taylor Springs. With their children settling near them and grandchildren being born, life seemed to be going well for the family. In the 1820 census, Melchior Secrist had six children at home, three sons (George, David, and Jacob) and three daughters (Sarah, Susan, and Elizabeth). Two of their sons, John and Samuel, are no longer on the census and family historians relate that they may have died very young. By this time, their eldest son, Henry, and his family had moved to Ohio. Within the next five years, George, David, and Sarah will be married. In 1830, Jacob, the youngest son married and soon after moved about 30 miles northeast to an area of Rockingham County that became Page County, Virginia in 1831. The 1830 census records indicate that two daughters, Susan and Jacob's twin, Elizabeth, were still at home with Melchior and Mary Secrist.

Melchior purchased another one hundred, fifty-five and a half acres from the heirs of John Taylor on May 28, 1829, for one thousand, five hundred dollars. Melchior executed his note for two hundred, eighty-one dollars and sixty-four cents. The balance was due May 28, 1830. Melchior later made a deal with John F. Effinger for the land to settle notes owed to his son, George, and son-in-law, Joseph May.

Children of Melchior Secrist and Mary Earhart are:

i. Henry Secrist, born 02 Jul 1782 in Kernstown, Frederick County, Virginia; died 20 Jan 1868 in Bellefontaine, Logan County, Ohio. He married Dorothy Ann Coons in 1808 in Rockingham County, Virginia; born 29 Dec 1785 in Botetourt Co., Virginia; died 17 Jul 1862 in Logan County, Ohio.

Henry and his family lived in Rockingham County, Virginia until moving to Ohio in about 1816. Beers' 1878 HISTORICAL MAPS OF INDIANA states that Henry lived with his father on the Virginia farm until 1807 when he married. This reference also reports that Henry started farming in Rockingham County, Virginia.

Note: Marriage bond records and residence of Dolly Coon seem to indicate the couple most likely married in her home county of Botetourt, not Rockingham County as stated in this "mini biography". No marriage records have been located by me in Rockingham County, Virginia, only Botetourt.[8][9][10] BJS

ii. George Secrist, born in 1786 in Frederick County, Virginia; died in Rockingham County, Virginia. He married Mary Weaver on 22 Oct 1824 in Rockingham County, Virginia; born Abt. 1799 in Rockingham County, Virginia; died 09 Mar 1892 in Rockingham County, Virginia. Notes for George Secrist: George and Mary Secrist lived near Taylor Springs (Massanetta Springs) in Rockingham County, Virginia. George was named executor of Melchoir's will on 15 August 1836 (Rockingham County Marriages, Guardian and Executor Bonds. Page 37).

iii. Mary Secrist, born in 1788 in Frederick County, Virginia; died in Rockingham County, Virginia. She married John Kennedy on 16 Dec 1811 in Rockingham County, Virginia.

iv. John Secrist, born in 1790 in Frederick County, Virginia; died in Rockingham County, Virginia.

v. Samuel Secrist, born Abt. 1794 in Frederick County, Virginia; died Abt. 1812 in Rockingham County, Virginia.

vi. David Secrist, born 24 Aug 1797 in Rockingham County, Virginia; died 25 Apr 1857 in Rockingham County, Virginia.[11] He married Ann Adams on 10 Jan 1825 in Rockingham County, Virginia; born in 1801. They are buried at Beaver Creek Church of the Brethren Cemetery in Bridgewater, Rockingham County, Virginia, USA

vii. Susan Secrist, born 1798 in Rockingham County, Virginia; died in Logan Co., Ohio. She married ________Heines.

viii. Sarah Secrist, born 03 Apr 1802 in Rockingham County, Virginia; died Jul 1850 in Nelson, Dinwiddie County, Virginia. She married Joseph May on 27 Dec 1826 in Rockingham County, Virginia[12]; born in 1808; died in Nelson County, Virginia.

ix. Elizabeth Secrist, born 03 Aug 1805 in Rockingham County, Virginia; died 1885 in Hinton, Rockingham Co., Virginia. She married William Black 19 Oct 1841 in Rockingham County, Virginia.

x. Jacob Secrist, born 03 Aug 1805 in Rockingham County, Virginia; died 10 Mar 1868 in Page County, Virginia[13]. He married Anne Derrow on 21 Sep 1830 in Rockingham County, Virginia[14]; she was born on 06 Jan 1803 in Augusta County, Virginia; died on 06 Jul 1860 in Stony Run, Page County, Virginia. After marriage in 1830, Jacob and Anne Secrist moved about 25 miles northeast to an area of Rockingham County that became Page County, Virginia in 1831. Oak Grove United Methodist Church now stands on the land that Jacob and Anne purchased.

According to a biographical sketch of Malachia's(sic) grandson John Secrist (son of Henry) in the 1878 HISTORICAL MAPS OF INDIANA, published by J. H. Beers, Chicago, Malchia's parents were persecuted by Huguenots and left their home in Prussia near the French border to come to America. This reference states he was about eighteen when he first entered military service as a substitute in the American Revolution and later enlisted on his own, serving throughout the war.

In another biographical sketch of the same John Secrist, grandson of Malachi (sic), found in the 1901 BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF GRANT COUNTY, Malachi came from Germany and had an illustrative service in the Revolutionary War. This narrative claim, "He belonged to the 'flying squadron' under Washington at Valley Forge and was bodyguard to the noted General." Regardless of the accuracy of the service, this sketch further claims that after the war he became a shoemaker, a vocation he pursued until old age forced him to quit. The sketch also claims that he lived to ninety-three years of age.

RECORD OF THE FRIEDEN LUTHERAN AND REFORMED CONGREGATION OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY VIRGINIA BEGAN IN 1786. Copied and translated by Rev. A. S. Leiby, Easton, PA., 1936.: Melchior Sechrist, his wife, Mary Magdalene, some of their children and grandchildren are listed numerous times in the records of communicants, confirmands, and baptisms of Frieden's Lutheran and Reformed Church in Rockingham County, Virginia on pages 60 to 143.

When Melchior was seventy-seven years old, he applied for a pension for service in the Revolutionary War. In Rockingham County Courthouse on July 16, 1832, he received a pension (#S6074) for that service. He was no longer well and in 1836 at eighty-two years of age, he died in Rockingham County, Virginia. His wife of more than fifty years, Mary Magdalene Earhart Secrist, died about the same time.

Melchior Secrist most probably died near Taylor Springs and was buried there in Rockingham County, VA during the summer of 1836. On 5 August 1836, his son George was appointed administrator of Melchior's estate and the bondsmen were William Oyler and Peter Browner according to page 37 of ABSTRACTS OF EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS AND GUARDIAN BONDS OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, VIRGINIA 1799-1864. His grave and Mary's grave have not been found.

Sources of information:

Much of the Melchior Secrist Family information (including the children and grandchildren) was found in old papers written about 1920 by Weona Secrist, daughter of Peter Nathaniel Hawthorn Secrist, g-daughter of Margaret Moyer Secrist, gg-daughter of Jacob Secrist and ggg-daughter of Melchior Secrist. Her information has been confirmed by the research in the following sources:

ROCKINGHAM COUNTY MARRIAGES 1778-1875. ROCKINGHAM COUNTY DEED BOOK 9: Pages 33 and 34, 47 and 48. ABSTRACTS OF EXECUTORS, ADMINISTERS AND GUARDIAN BONDS FOR ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, VIRGINIA 1799-1864: page 37 Rockingham County Courthouse, Harrisonburg, Virginia.

LAND GRANTS. STATE LIBRARY, Richmond, Virginia. Rockingham County Grants 65, page 198.

VIRGINIA HISTORIC MARRIAGES REGISTER. (Athens, Ga.: Kethley, 1984), Rockingham County, Va. Marriages 1778-1850. Pp 194, 388, 389, and 398.

REVOLUTIONARY WAR SOLDIERS IN ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, VIRGINIA. 1976 Compiled by the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Historical Society.

U.S. CENSUS RECORDS FOR ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, VIRGINIA 1810, 1820, 1830, 1840, 1850.

U.S. CENSUS RECORDS FOR PAGE COUNTY, VIRGINIA 1840, 1850, AND 1860.

HARRISONBURG-ROCKINGHAM COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY, Harrisonburg, Virginia. THE ROCKINGHAM RECORDER dated July 16, 1832: Reported that "James Rogers, Joseph Rodgers, and Melchior Secrest made a declaration of Revolutionary War services."

DAR PATRIOT INDEX: SEGRIST, MELKER: Born 1754 Pa., died 1835 Va., married Mary M. Earlhart. Pvt. PA PNSR

Rockingham County, Virginia Courthouse: ROCKINGHAM COUNTY MINUTE BOOK, page 356; Melchoir Segrist Pension # S6074 declared 16 July 1832.

RECORD OF THE FRIEDEN LUTHERAN AND REFORMED CONGREGATION OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY VIRGINIA BEGAN IN 1786. Copied and translated by Rev. A. S. Leiby, Easton, PA., 1936.: Melchior Sechrist, his wife, Mary Magdalene, some of their children and grandchildren are listed numerous times in the records of communicants, confirmands, and baptisms of Frieden's Lutheran and Reformed Church in Rockingham County, Virginia on pages 60 to 143.

Additional information about the Secrist families in Rockingham County and Augusta County, Virginia was gathered and shared by:

Paul Secrist

PROGENY FAMILY HISTORY SERVICES C. Robert Secrist, Editor

Dr. Frederick Zimmer, Researcher

Melchoir was mentioned on a memorial with a death date of July 1836.[15]

Sources

↑ 1.0 1.1 "Pennsylvania Births and Christenings, 1709-1950", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:HFLP-N5N2 : 27 January 2020), Maelchor Sigrist, 1754.

↑ "United States Census, 1810," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XH2Q-82N : accessed 8 April 2022), Melcher Leackrist, Keezletown, Rockingham, Virginia, United States; citing p. 136, NARA microfilm publication M252 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), roll 67; FHL microfilm 181,427.

↑ "United States Census, 1820," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XHLZ-YTY : accessed 8 April 2022), Mechie Secrist, Rockingham, Virginia, United States; citing p. , NARA microfilm publication , (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), roll ; FHL microfilm .

↑ "United States Census, 1830," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XH5N-5KT : 20 February 2021), Mlechi Secrist, Rockingham, Virginia, United States; citing 266, NARA microfilm publication M19, (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), roll 199; FHL microfilm 29,678.

↑ Military: "U.S., Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty-Land Warrant Application Files, 1800-1900"

Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty-Land Warrant Application Files (NARA microfilm publication M804, 2,670 rolls). Records of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Record Group 15. National Archives, Washington, D.C

Ancestry Sharing Link - Ancestry Record 1995 #53952 (accessed 29 March 2023)

Note: Click on the "X" to the right of the pop-up entitled "Join Ancestry today and start your family tree for free". Then you will be able to see the record. Only the first image of the record will be visible if you do not have an Ancestry subscription.

Name: Melchior Segrist; Pension Year: 1832; Application State: Virginia; Applicant Designation: Survivor's Pension Application File; Archive Publication Number: M804; Archive Roll Number: 2149; Total Pages in Packet: 27.

↑ Wikipedia.org. American Flying Camp in the Revolutionary War

↑ Pension: "U.S., The Pension Roll of 1835"

Ancestry Sharing Link - Ancestry Record 60514 #55499 (accessed 17 January 2025)

Name: Melchior Segrist; Rank: Private; Age: 79; Birth Year: abt 1752; Pension Enrollment Date: 4 Mar 1831; Residence Place: Rockingham, Virginia, USA; Service Description: Penn. militia.

↑ Botetourt County, Virginia Marriages, 1770-1853, Volume 1 (Men),

John Vogt & T. William Kethley, Jr. Iberian Publishing Co., Athens, Georgia. c. 1987. ISBN 0-935931-33-3, p. 262

Secrist, Henry & Dolly Coon 20 Dec 1808, d Michel. William Coon addresses Matthew Harvey, justice of the peace, that Dolly is 'upwards' of 21

↑ Marriage: "Virginia, County Marriage Records, 1771-1989"

citing Marriage, Botetourt, Virginia, United States, Circuit court clerk offices, Virginia.

FamilySearch Record: 6D1C-QM7V (accessed 29 March 2023)

FamilySearch Image: 3Q9M-C91W-T9BY-7 Image number 00422

Henry Secrist marriage to Dolly Coon, daughter of Michel, on 20 Dec 1808 in Botetourt, Virginia, United States.

↑ Marriage: "Virginia, Vital Records, 1715-1901"

citing Record number: 5;

FamilySearch Record: 6N7S-HLC2 (accessed 29 March 2023)

FamilySearch Image: 3QS7-89XF-7HDN Image number 00182

Henry Seacrist marriage to Dolly Coon, daughter of Michel on 20 Dec 1808 in Botetourt, Virginia, United States.

↑ Death: "Virginia, Library of Virginia State Archive, Births, Marriages, and Deaths 1853-1900"

citing Record number: 4;

FamilySearch Record: 6ZLW-CX3T (accessed 29 March 2023)

FamilySearch Image: 3QHN-G3YR-3Q8X Image number 00187

Jacob Lochird death 10 Mar 1868 (age 62) in Page, Virginia, United States.

↑ Marriage: "Virginia, County Marriage Records, 1771-1989"

citing Marriage, Rockingham, Virginia, United States, Circuit court clerk offices, Virginia.

FamilySearch Record: 6Z4Z-7BZK (accessed 29 March 2023)

FamilySearch Image: 3Q9M-C9B2-S3NL-3 Image number 00438

Sarah Sechrist marriage to Joseph May on 12 Dec 1826 in Rockingham, Virginia, United States.

↑ Death: "Virginia Deaths and Burials, 1853-1912"

citing FHL microfilm: 2048581; Record number: 94;

FamilySearch Record: XRSG-5VY (accessed 29 March 2023)

Jacob Sachrist death 10 Mar 1868 (age 62) in Naked Creek, Page County, Virginia, United States. Birthplace: Rockingham, Virginia.

↑ Marriage: "Virginia, County Marriage Records, 1771-1989"

citing Marriage, Rockingham, Virginia, United States, Circuit court clerk offices, Virginia.

FamilySearch Record: 6Z99-9XKQ (accessed 29 March 2023)

FamilySearch Image: 3Q9M-C9BK-TQS9-C Image number 00452

Jacob Secrist marriage to Ann Derrow on 21 Sep 1830 in Rockingham, Virginia, United States.

↑ Memorial: Find a Grave (no image)

Find A Grave: Memorial #167839061 (accessed 17 December 2024)

Memorial page for Melchoir Secrist (Oct 1754-Jul 1836); Maintained by Dolores Lackovitch (contributor 47578133).

INFORMATION FROM FIND A GRAVE

(note some duplication)

Melchoir Secrist

1754 - 1836 • Burial Details Unknown

Revolutionary War Service of my 4th great-grandfather has been established through Pension Records at the NARA and through court records in Rockingham County, Virginia.

American Genealogical-Biographical Index (AGBI) about Melker Secrist

Name: Melker Secrist

Birth Date: 1750 (In his Rev. War pension records, he said he was born in the "fall of 1754")

Birthplace: Pennsylvania

Volume: 155

Page Number: 465

Reference: Ten "Series" of "Pennsylvania Archives" have been published so far from 5 to 31v. Ea. Philadelphia and Harrisburg. 1852- ( We have indexed Series 2, v.2 and v.8 ( early Pa. marriage recds.) And all the v. of Series V; Volume: 155, Page Number: 465. Which contain nearly complete Pa. Rev. War recds.)Ser.5:7:205

It is known that Melchoir Secrist (or Segrist as it was spelled in some records) was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania in the "fall of 1754" as stated in his pension record. He is on the list of those who declared allegiants to the United States of America in Pennsylvania.

In 1776, when Melchoir was about twenty-one years old, he served as a drafted militia man under Capt. George Koontz and Col. James Cunningham at Amboyken the Jerseys. After serving two months, he enlisted in the Flying Camp under Capt. Joseph Works, Col. James Cunningham and Maj. Edwards. He served at Arinbay, Bergentown, Rivals Hook, Fort Secy, White Plains and Trenton. He was given a written discharge in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on January 1, 1777. He served again as a sergeant in 1778 under Capt. Martin Arlhart's (or Earhart) Company, Third Battalion, Lancaster County Militia. At the time of his final discharge, he was serving as a guard over magazines and public stores in Lebanon, Pennsylvania and was discharged in Lebanon. In 1832, he was placed on the Revolutionary War pension rolls in Rockingham County, Virginia for the above service.

In his pension request, Melchoir also stated that about 1780, he married Maria Magdalena Earhart, a young woman who resided in the same neighborhood in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. However, no marriage record has been found.

Soon after their marriage, Melchoir and Maria Magdalena Earhart Secrist moved south and settled briefly in Frederick County, Virginia. Tax, court, land and census records list several Segrist or Secrist families in Frederick County at that time but no record of Melchoir has as yet been found there which indicates they may have stayed for a brief time with relatives there. Melchoir may be the "Michael Seakrist" recorded on page 28 with a Mr. Williams in the 1782 tax list recorded in Frederick County Order Book 18. This list charged him for one horse and placed him south of Cedar Creek, which is on the border of Frederick and Shenandoah Counties. If he is the "Michael Seakrist" listed in the 1787 Frederick County, VA personal property tax list "B", he was listed as not having any slaves, one equine stock and two bovine stock. Tax list "B" was for the southern half of Frederick County. The records of the German Reformed Church of Winchester, Frederick County, Virginia has Melchoir and Maria Magdalena there as late as 17 June 1797.

Although Melchoir's name does not appear on land records in Frederick County, we know they settled there for a brief time and their first child, a son they named Henry, was born in Kernstown on 2 July 1782. From the church records, we can ascertain that the family was in Frederick County, Virginia from about 1780 to at least 1797. A descendant, William D. Mason found evidence that in addition to Henry, George, Mary, John and Samuel were also born in Frederick County, but their son, David, was born in Rockingham County, Virginia in 1797. Five more children were born after they moved to Rockingham County, VA. Between 1797 and 1810, they moved south with friends to Taylor Springs (later became known as Massanetta Springs) about two miles east of Harrisonburg in Rockingham County, Virginia.

Research has found that Melchoir Secrist was an active member of the German Reformed/Lutheran Church in Frederick County and Rockingham County, Virginia. His wife, Maria, is also named on the church records, as are their children and some grandchildren in Rockingham County records.

By 1810, Melchoir and Maria were the parents of ten children, six boys and four girls. The 1810 Census for Rockingham County, Virginia list Melchoir, Maria and nine children in their household. Their eldest son, Henry, had married and was living in a separate household nearby according to the Census taken that year. Henry and his wife, Dorothy Coons Secrist, had presented them with their first grandson the year before as a male child of one year appears in Henry and Dorothy's household.

Also about this time, Melchoir and his family appear on the surviving church records of Frieden Lutheran and Reformed Church. Melchoir and Henry appear on the records as early as June 17, 1810. The family names appear frequently as communicants and on September 19, 1824, the four youngest living children; Susan, Sarah, Elizabeth and Jacob are named in the list of those confirmed on that date. Several of their grandchildren are named for baptism and early marriage records indicate that John Brown (Johan Braun), pastor of Frieden Church, performed the ceremony of marriage for the children of Melchoir and Maria Secrist.

Land records in Rockingham County, Virginia indicate the Melchoir Secrist purchased five acres of land adjoining Wine (Daniel) and Taylor's (John) land on June 5, 1815. This land was near Taylor Springs. With their children settling near them and grandchildren being born, life seemed to be going well for the family. In the 1820 census, Melchoir Secrist had six children at home, three sons (George, David and Jacob) and three daughters (Sarah, Susan and Elizabeth). Two of their sons, John and Samuel, are no longer on the census and family historians relate that they may have died very young. By this time, their eldest son, Henry, and his family had moved to Ohio. Within the next five years, George, David and Sarah will be married. In 1830, Jacob, the youngest son married and soon after moved about 30 miles northeast to an area of Rockingham County that became Page County, Virginia in 1831. The 1830 census records indicate that two daughters, Susan and Jacob's twin, Elizabeth, were still at home with Melchoir and Maria Secrist.

Melchoir purchased another one hundred, fifty-five and a half acres from the heirs of John Taylor on May 28, 1829 for one thousand, five hundred dollars. Melchoir executed his note for two hundred, eighty-one dollars and sixty-four cents. The balance was due May 28, 1830. Melchoir later made a deal with John F. Effinger for the land to settle notes owed to his son, George, and son-in-law, Joseph May.

According to a biographical sketch of Malachia's(sic) grandson John Secrist (son of Henry) in the 1878 HISTORICAL MAPS OF INDIANA, published by J. H. Beers, Chicago, Malchia's parents were persecuted as Huguenots and left their home in Prussia near the French border to come to America. This reference states he was about eighteen when he first entered military service as a substitute in the American Revolution, and later enlisted on his own, serving throughout the war.

In another biographical sketch of the same John Secrist, grandson of Malachi (sic), found in the 1901 BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF GRANT COUNTY, Malachi came from Germany and had an illustrative service in the Revolutionary War. This narrative claims, "He belonged to the 'flying squadron' under Washington at Valley Forge and was body guard to the noted General." Regardless of the accuracy of the service, this sketch further claims that after the war he became a shoemaker, a vocation he pursued until old age forced him to quit. The sketch also claims that he lived to ninety-three years of age.

When Melchoir was seventy-seven years old, he applied for a pension for service in the Revolutionary War. In Rockingham County Courthouse on July 16, 1832, he received a pension (#S6074) for that service. He was no longer well and in 1836 at eighty-two years of age, he died in Rockingham County, Virginia. His wife of more than fifty years, Mary Magdalene Earhart Secrist, died about the same time.

Melchoir Secrist most probably died near Taylor Springs and was buried there in Rockingham County, VA during the summer of 1836. On 5 August 1836, his son George was appointed administrator of Melchoir's estate and bondsmen were William Oyler and Peter Browner according to page 37 of ABSTRACTS OF EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS AND GUARDIAN BONDS OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, VIRGINIA 1799-1864. His grave and Mary's grave have not been found.

Sources of information:

Much of the Melchoir Secrist Family information (including the children and grandchildren) was found in old papers written about 1920 by Weona Secrist, daughter of Peter Nathaniel Hawthorn Secrist, g-daughter of Margaret Moyer Secrist, gg-daughter of Jacob Secrist and ggg-daughter of Melchoir Secrist. Her information has been confirmed in the research by the following sources:

ROCKINGHAM COUNTY MARRIAGES 1778-1875.

ROCKINGHAM COUNTY DEED BOOK 9: Pages 33 and 34, 47 and 48.

ABSTRACTS OF EXECUTORS, ADMINISTERS AND GUARDIAN BONDS FOR ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, VIRGINIA 1799-1864: page 37

Rockingham County Courthouse, Harrisonburg, Virginia.

LAND GRANTS. STATE LIBRARY, Richmond, Virginia. Rockingham County Grants 65, page 198.

VIRGINIA HISTORIC MARRIAGES REGISTER. (Athens, Ga.: Kethley, 1984), Rockingham County, Va. Marriages 1778-1850. Pp 194, 388, 389 and 398.

REVOLUTIONARY WAR SOLDIERS IN ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, VIRGINIA. 1976

Compiled by the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Historical Society.

U.S. CENSUS RECORDS FOR ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, VIRGINIA 1810, 1820, 1830, 1840, 1850.

U.S. CENSUS RECORDS FOR PAGE COUNTY, VIRGINIA 1840, 1850, 1860.

HARRISONBURG-ROCKINGHAM COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY, Harrisonburg, Virginia. THE ROCKINGHAM RECORDER dated July 16, 1832: Reported that "James Rogers, Joseph Rodgers and Melchoir Secrest made a declaration of Revolutionary War services."

DAR PATRIOT INDEX:

SEGRIST,MELKER: Born 1754 Pa., died 1835 Va., married Mary M. Earlhart. Pvt. PA PNSR

Rockingham County, Virginia Courthouse: ROCKINGHAM COUNTY MINUTE BOOK, page 356; Melchoir Segrist Pension # S6074 declared 16 July, 1832.

RECORD OF THE FRIEDEN LUTHERAN AND REFORMED CONGREGATION OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY VIRGINIA BEGUN 1786. Copied and translated by Rev. A. S. Leiby, Easton ,PA., 1936.: Melchoir Sechrist, his wife, Maria Magdalena, some of their children and grandchildren are listed numerous times in the records of communicants, confirmands and baptisms of Frieden's Lutheran and Reformed Church in Rockingham County, Virginia on pages 60 to 145.

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Maria Magdalena Earhart Secrist

Birth

24 Jan 1759

Bucks County, Pennsylvania, USA

Death

1835 (aged 75-76)

Rockingham County, Virginia, USA

Burial

Burial Details Unknown. Specifically: Buried near Taylor Springs in Rockingham County, Virginia

Memorial ID

167840822 · View Source

Memorial

Photos 0

Flowers 0

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Bucks County, Pennsylvania, 1744-1801:

Baptism Record Tohickon Union Reformed Church Results for Maria Magdalena Erhard:

Anna Maria Erhard - Mother

Diderich Erhard - Father

Maria Magdalena Erhard - Born 24 Jan.1759

Maria Magdalena Erhard - Baptized 8 Apr.1759

Michael Groman - Baptism Sponsor

Margaret Mayer - Baptism Sponsor

Mary Magdalena Earhart is recorded most often as "Maria" or "Mary" in church records but in many family records, she was recorded as "Magdalena." Her family surname has variant spellings; from Erhard in her baptism record to Earhart in her husband's military papers.

Although the exact location and date of the marriage for Maria Magdalena Erhard and Melchoir Secrist hasn't been ascertained, records of his request for Revolutionary War service pension indicate "she resided in the same neighborhood with him during the time he rendered service in the war." Melchoir also stated that she was living at the time of his Revolutionary War pension request and she was still living when his pension application was approved on 16 July 1832.The last record of her was from Freiden's Lutheran and Reform Church communion record in 1834 when she was 75 years old.

Children of Melchoir Secrist and Maria Earhart Secrist are:

1. Henry Secrist, born 02 Jul 1782 in Kernstown, Frederick County, Virginia; died 20 Jan 1868 in Bellefontaine, Logan County, Ohio. He married Dorothy Ann Coons 1808 in Rockingham County, Virginia; born 29 Dec 1785 in Botetourt Co., Virginia; died 17 Jul 1862 in Logan County, Ohio.

Henry and his family lived in Rockingham County, Virginia until moving to Ohio about 1816. Beers' 1878 HISTORICAL MAPS OF INDIANA states that Henry lived with his father on the Virginia farm until 1807 when he married. This reference also reports that Henry started farming in Rockingham County, Virginia.

2. George Secrist, born 1786 in Frederick County, Virginia; died in Rockingham County, Virginia. He married Mary Weaver 22 Oct 1824 in Rockingham County, Virginia; born Abt. 1799 in Rockingham County, Virginia; died 09 Mar 1892 in Rockingham County, Virginia. Notes for George Secrist: George and Mary Weaver Secrist lived near Taylor Springs (Massanetta Springs) in Rockingham County, Virginia. George was named executor of Melchoir's will on 15 August 1836 (Rockingham County Marriages, Guardian and Executor Bonds. Page 37).

3. Mary Secrist, born 1788 in Frederick County, Virginia; died in Rockingham County, Virginia. She married John Kennedy 16 Dec 1811 in Rockingham County, Virginia.

4. John Secrist, born 1790 in Frederick County, Virginia; died in Rockingham County, Virginia. Believed to have died young.

5. Samuel Secrist, born Abt. 1794 in Frederick County, Virginia; died Abt. 1812 in Rockingham County, Virginia.

6. David Secrist, born 24 Aug 1797 in Rockingham County, Virginia; died 25 Apr 1857 in Rockingham County, Virginia. He married Ann Adams 10 Jan 1825 in Rockingham County, Virginia; born 1801. They are buried at Beaver Creek Church of the Brethren Cemetery in Bridgewater, Rockingham County, Virginia, USA

7. Susan Secrist, born 1798 in Rockingham County, Virginia; died in Logan Co., Ohio. She married ________Heines.

8. Sarah Secrist, born 03 Apr 1802 in Rockingham County, Virginia; died August 23, 1854 in Nelson, Dinwiddie County, Virginia. She married Joseph May 27 Dec 1826 in Rockingham County, Virginia; born 1808; died in Nelson County, Virginia.

9. Elizabeth Secrist, born 03 Aug 1805 in Rockingham County, Virginia; died 1885 in Hinton, Rockingham Co., Virginia. She married William Black 19 Oct 1841 in Rockingham County, Virginia.

10. Jacob Secrist, born 03 Aug 1805 in Rockingham County, Virginia; died 10 Mar 1868 in Page County, Virginia. He married Anne Derrow 21 Sep 1830 in Rockingham County, Virginia; she was born 06 Jan 1803 in Augusta County, Virginia; died 06 Jul 1860 in Stony Run, Page County, Virginia. After marriage in 1830, Jacob and Anne Secrist, moved about 25 miles northeast to an area of Rockingham County that became Page County, Virginia in 1831. Oak Grove United Methodist Church now stands on the land that Jacob and Anne purchase.

Family Members

Spouse

Melchoir Secrist

1754-1836

Children

Henry Secrist

1782-1868

Magdalene Secrist Kennedy

1787-1847

George Secrist

1792-1855

David Secrist

1797-1857

David Secrist

Birth

24 Aug 1797

Death

25 Apr 1857 (aged 59)

Virginia, USA

Burial

Beaver Creek Church of the Brethren Cemetery

Bridgewater, Rockingham County, Virginia, USA

Memorial ID

78254618 · View Source

Memorial

Photos 2

Flowers 15

Added by Don Spencer

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Family Members

Parents

Melchoir Secrist

1754-1836

Maria Magdalena Earhart Secrist

1759-1835

Siblings

Henry Secrist

1782-1868

Magdalene Secrist Kennedy

1787-1847

George Secrist

1792-1855

Sarah "Sallie" Secrist May

1802-1854

Jacob Secrist

1805-1868

Children

Elizabeth J. Secrist Thomas

1830-1888

Samuel H Secrist

1832-1913

David Secrist

1835-1916

John Alexander Secrist

1840-1923

John Alexander Secrist

Birth

24 Dec 1840

Rockingham County, Virginia, USA

Death

12 Feb 1923 (aged 82)

Woodward County, Oklahoma, USA

Burial

Elmwood Cemetery

Woodward, Woodward County, Oklahoma, USA

Plot

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George Elmer Secrist

Birth

5 Oct 1875

Lagro, Wabash County, Indiana, USA

Death

12 Dec 1971 (aged 96)

Woodward County, Oklahoma, USA

Burial

Elmwood Cemetery

Woodward, Woodward County, Oklahoma, USA

Plot

01-31-265-6

Memorial ID

66094157 · View Source

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Family Members

Parents

John Alexander Secrist

1840-1923

Leah Jane Tillberry Secrist

1850-1926

Spouse

Ada Melvina Huscher Secrist

1880-1931 (m. 1902)

Siblings

David Henry Secrist

1871-1927

Sallie A Secrist DeGraff

1874-1948

Charles Franklin Secrist

1881-1959

John Herbert Secrist

1890-1982

Family Members

Parents

David Secrist

1797-1857

Spouse

Leah Jane Tillberry Secrist

1850-1926 (m. 1870)

Siblings

Elizabeth J. Secrist Thomas

1830-1888

Samuel H Secrist

1832-1913

David Secrist

1835-1916

Children

David Henry Secrist

1871-1927

Sallie A Secrist DeGraff

1874-1948

George Elmer Secrist

1875-1971

Charles Franklin Secrist

1881-1959

John Herbert Secrist

1890-1982

Great-Great-Great-Grandfather...

Left by Dale on 6 Jul 2021

Left by Neil B (John 3:16) on 27 Jul 2018

Sarah "Sallie" Secrist May

1802-1854

Jacob Secrist

1805-1868