All bio information provided by Keith Cook at [email protected].
He was from Germany, was in the USA Revolutionary War and was a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives 1799-1805. He came to USA from Rotterdam on ship "Beulah", captained by a Mr. Rickey. He became USA citizen 10 Sep1753. He served in the Army of Revolution, 2nd Battalian, PA Line, US Infantry.
His first wife was Elisabeth Willrichen, whom he married May 26, 1761 at Evangelical Lutheran Church in Philadelphia, PA.
He and second wife Margaret Graafe Landis married January 8, 1769 at the First Reformed Church in Lancaster, PA. Jacob outlived Margaret. They had 10 children: Veronica, John, Jacob (called Major), David, Esther, Samuel, Susannah Whistler, Henry, Abraham, and Margaret.
He married a third time on March 23, 1805 to a woman named Mary.
His term in Pennsylvania House of Representatives was 1799-1805. He and Margaret lived in Lancaster County, PA until 1779 when they moved to Cumberland County. In Cumberland County he established Alter's Mill, on Conodeguinet Creek, and acquired large tracts of land in West Pennsboro and Frankford townships. A tract patented by him, and called Plainfield, a town which still exists in 1991, a few miles west of Carlisle, PA. Many family members are buried in Plainfield. Alter's Mill was very near Plainfield. Alter land was conveyed by will to son Jacob Alter, Jr, and by him to William Alter, whose widow, in 1900 was still living on the land. Between Plainfield and Carlisle, PA there was a station called "Alterton", named for Major Jacob Alter, as he was called.
Sometime between 1804 and 1808 the Jacob Alters (Sr) moved from Cumberland County to Washington County, PA. On April 22, 1808 Jacob purchased 426 acres of land in Buffalo township, Washington County, from a James Laramore and wife. On April 4, 1811 he purchased an addition 50 adjoining acres from a William Noble. On Nov 20, 1809 Jacob conveyed part of this farm to his son-in-law Joseph Ritner.
At the same time he conveyed another part to his sons Henry and Abraham. Jacob's wife appears to be dead by this time. Jacob was enrolled in the Army of the Revolution in 2nd battallion, Pennsylvania Line, U. S. Infantry (Penn'a Archieves, Second Series, vol X p 414). He was a Colonel in the Revolutionary War. In the Third Series of the PA Archives vol III p 608 in the list of "Soldiers Entitled to Donation Lands" for military service Private Jacob Alter was awarded 200 acres of land, but it appears that he never claimed them, apparently preferring no compensation for his military service.
The names, dates of birth, and the names of the spouses of the children of Jacob and Margaret were taken from the Alter family Bible.
Johan and Margaret were reportedly married in the Lancaster Reformed Church in Lancaster, PA.
The following narratives are from descendant Doug Cannon. Alter Origins -- Family history always assumed that the Alters came from Germany on the Upper Rhine. That was the origin of many of the immigrants during this period. However, many of those German-speaking people in that area had come from Switzerland. Most local historians (Lancaster, Cumberland, and Westmoreland Counties) claim that Jacob was from Switzerland; although there are major errors in other parts of these biographies, this point is still credible. One historian says that his father was Swiss but his mother was a native of France.
That also would be consistent with a Swiss refugee moving into the Upper Rhine valley, perhaps into Alsace as many did, marrying a French woman from Alsace and then emigrating. Alsace was under French rule after the Westphalia Treaty of 1648. Such a scenario will have to wait for further investigation. If he was from Switzerland it was no doubt from either the canton of Solothurn (Soleure) or Valaise. These are the only two cantons having communities with the name Alter prior to 1800. Both of these cantons border France and would be consistent with a Swiss father and a French mother. Solothurn is more probable because it is German speaking and Valaise is French speaking. Otherwise, from the time of his marriage in 1769, the Alter family history has been fairly consistent with local histories and biographies published a century ago. Although many questions remain of the early immigrant years, the later years are well documented and there is no doubt more to learn through additional research. We do know that he settled in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania then moved west to Cumberland County.
At that point we have much information on him and his family. But the first years in this country are not easy to document and when we investigate we find some unanswered questions. Immigration -- The early histories and family tradition claim that our Jacob Alter was one of the three Alter immigrants listed on the passenger list of the ship Beulah in 1753. Unfortunately, that is not true. See the appendix for proof of this. But then when did our immigrant arrive? The truth is we don't know for certain. At least one19th century historian says that our Jacob Alter was of Swiss ancestry and immigrated in 1765, but offers no support for this assertion. Another only says that he came to America before the Revolutionary War.
One clue is in the records of the First Reformed Church of Lancaster where our Jacob and Margaret Landis were married. In that same church three children of a John and Anna Alter were baptized; Maria b. 8Mar1765; Jacob b. 18Aug1768; Ann b. 16Dec1772. Also, of the many lists signed by those taking an oath on November 3, 1778, John and Jacob Alter are on the same list in Ephrata Township; not that they lived there, but that's where the oath was administered. This leads us to believe that John was a brother of Jacob. We know something about John's wife's family and further research there may tell us more about John.
Jacob's grandson John of Indiana wrote later that both of his "grandfathers were Swiss". But then he says his grandfather Jacob was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Family tradition and historians have always ignored this latter assertion. Although it does present another possibility to ponder, it is highly likely that Jacob was an immigrant. Another lead is from a history of the Governors of Pennsylvania. Jacob's son-in-law, Governor Joseph Ritner is said to have "set up as a farmer for his wife's uncle, David Alter, a scholarly man with a fine library which Ritner used to educate himself." This was sometime after 1801 in Washington County, PA. However, the only record of a David Alter in the family at the time is one of Jacob's sons.
David was only five years older than his sister, Ritner's wife, and it is almost certain that he did not have a farm in Washington County. The earliest source of this is a history of Governor Ritner written in 1874, which definitely states that the uncle had a farm in Washington County on which Joseph And Susanna Alter settled. It will be worth searching for a possible brother of Jacob's, named David; one avenue is the land deed record in Washington County. But these are only clues to follow up on. They provide no clear information about Jacob's early years.
Alter in Lancaster County -- The first indication we have of Jacob is in Lancaster County with his marriage to Margaret Landis on January 8, 1769 in the First Reformed Church in Lancaster, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. We think his first 6 children were born there: Veronica-1769, John-1771, Jacob Jr.-1773, David-1775, Esther-1777, and Samuel-1779. Jacob is in the tax records for Warwick Township for 1769/70. His residence is generally said to be Lititz, which is north of Lancaster in Warwick Township, the same township where his bride lived. The oath he took late in 1778 was just east of there in Ephrata. The tax records of Lancaster County, Warwick Township, in 1771 and in 1772 show that he owned 7 acres, had no livestock and paid 3s 0d taxes. By 1779 in the same township, he had 17 acres, 1 horse and 3 cattle. Taxes were not listed. John Alter, who may have been his brother, is in Manor Township on the 1773 and 1782 tax lists with no land, listed as an "inmate" rather than a "freeman", indicating that he was married but not a property owner. During the war Jacob was enrolled as a private in the 2nd Battalion, Pennsylvania Line, 7th U.S. Infantry. He made shoes for the patriot army and we doubt if he saw any action. One historian says he was a shoemaker by trade but that may only be based on his war service.
A certain John Hubley was "authorized to employ all shoemakers among the Hessians brought to Lancaster in order that they make shoes for the state troops and to pay them a small sum for such services." These Hessians were prisoners of war who had fought for the British. There were many of them around Lancaster and York at the time. Jacob obviously spoke German and it's likely he was involved in supervision of this effort. Although the Pennsylvania Militia did not see action after the early part of the war and were assigned to guarding these Hessian prisoners, the Pennsylvania Line was part of The Continental Army. It was that part of the Army that mutinied in 1780, left Washington's forces in New Jersey, and marched towards Congress in Philadelphia.
Chances are that Jacob was not a part of this action since we see that he had moved to Cumberland County by 1779. For his service he received a Bounty Land Warrant #8897-100-25. He never acquired this land but there is a record of assignment to another individual so he may have sold his rights. The Alter name is not widespread in Lancaster County. In addition to the John Alter who took the oath with Jacob in 1778, there was an Andrew Alter in Mannheim in the 1790 census. John went to the same church in which Jacob was married and we know three of his children were baptized there between 1765 and 1773. If they are brothers it will be useful to trace John.
Knowing that John's wife's name was Anna Hauendopler may help in a search. John is in Hempfield Township in Lancaster County in the 1790 census, but the name is misspelled "Atter." Hempfield is directly between Warwick and Mannheim on the east and Manor on the southwest. One curious coincidence is that in the same census for Cumberland Co., Jacob Alter is also erroneously listed as "Atter". This is the only instance of that spelling we can find and it is probably an error in transposing the names. Otherwise, little more is known about the Alters in Lancaster County. Remember that John had a son Jacob born in 1768. A Jacob Alter turns up in Schuylkill County with 300 acres in an 1827 survey, but we cannot make the connection.
Cumberland County -- It is in Cumberland County where our Jacob Alter made a name for himself. Accounts vary but the evidence is strong that he sold out in Lititz and bought land here late in 1779. One account says he sold in Lancaster on December 4, 1769 and bought in West Pennsboro on December 29, 1769. That historian's work is full of errors, but perhaps he has given us the day and month to help find the deeds, even if the year is off by 10. A date of December 1779 is most likely because Jacob was on Lancaster County tax records in 1779, but in 1780 he shows up in Cumberland County on West Pennsboro Township tax records with 284 acres, 3 horses, and 5 cattle. By 1785, in the same township, he has 372 acres, 3 horses, and 6 cattle. In that year, part of this land was surveyed on February 26 and 200 acres are listed in the Warranties of Land in reference to that survey.
Comparing his property in Lancaster to that in Cumberland leads us to conclude that he started as a craftsman. If John of Lancaster County is his brother, the fact that he also was not a landowner may indicate they came from a family of craftsmen, not farmers; but this is only speculation. He certainly accumulated enough wealth in his craft to acquire substantial land in Cumberland County. Being further west, this was no doubt cheaper land and perhaps the only way he could afford a sizeable farm was to move west. He would be 37-39 at the time of the move and his venture into farming. His objective may have been to establish a farm for his children.
The great migration of Germans to this area was after 1790 and he is listed as one of the early ones. From these records we can see that he preceded the migration by 10 years. We believe the children born in Cumberland County include: Susannah-1780, Henry-1784, Abraham-1787, and Margaret-1790. The land he acquired was in West Pennsborough Township just a few miles west of Carlisle. It was on the Conodoquinet Creek, which now winds its way parallel to and north of the PA Turnpike. The area is now called Plainfield. Actually the present turnpike runs right through the land, but it is still beautiful farm country. The rest stop on the south side of the turnpike backs up onto the church cemetery where his wife Margaret, son Jacob Jr. and others are buried. The Plainfield Post Office is next to the church. The patent for this land was granted in 1793. The patent must have been officially granted long after the purchase. We also think he acquired land north of the creek which is now Frankfort Township.
Plainfield was called Smoketown at the time, which was not an uncommon name as industry began in the small towns. The most credible reason offered is that the blacksmiths made their own charcoal there, causing heavy smoke. Jacob was a state representative from Cumberland County for 7 consecutive sessions, the 10th through the 16th, from November 1799 to December 1805. In 1799 there are records of the assemblymen staying at various hotels in Lancaster.
Jacob along with another assemblyman from Cumberland County stayed at Sam Clendening's on North Queen Street. This was the first year that Lancaster served as the state capital; before that it was in Philadelphia. It remained the capital until transferred to Harrisburg in 1812. Lancaster was an important city in those days. Once, on September 27, 1777 it served as the national capital when the Continental Congress had to flee from Philadelphia during the war. We have a record on one of Jacob's votes in 1802 when the assembly was considering the move to Harrisburg. He voted against a negative report concerning the move but his side lost in that round. His first child Veronica married Lawrence LaFever, son of George LaFever about 1792. Father and son came from York County in 1785. George was probably associated with the Ferree family whose tract in Lancaster County adjoined Hans Graff.
That family was headed by Marie Führe (Feree), an important French family from the Landau area (she was called the High Bailiwick of Germersheim). A young man by the name LaFebre joined her family when immigrating. There is much written about them. The lineage from Lawrence's father, George, goes back to Philip and then to Dr. LeFever who came from France in 1708, settled in Boston and is thought to be the progenitor of the LeFevers in America. Jacob's oldest son John, who is our ancestor, worked his father's farm until 22 years old "when he became enamored with the beauty of a dark eyed little Swiss maiden by the name of Helenor Sheetz" whose family we have already discussed. Family historian Lewis S. Alter says this marriage was in Cumberland County but possibly not. Helenor was born in York County in 1776 and their first daughter (second child) Esther was born in York County in 1798. So the marriage may have taken place in York.
The fact that John was living in Cumberland County may have made later generations to conclude they married there. Their first child, Joseph was born March 19, 1795 and, although Lewis reports he was born in Cumberland County, other sources say York County. The question of how John and Helenor met, being from different counties, is among the many of those unanswered questions about the Sheetz family. However, there seems to be a connection between the Alters of Cumberland County and Western Maryland where the Sheetz family also had connections. Jacob's son, Jacob Jr., married Elizabeth Foutz in 1896.
In 1807 a Jacob Alter along with Susanna and Jacob Foutz advertise for an estate sale of the late Frederick Foutz. It's likely that the deceased is Elizabeth's father and the two Foutz's are her siblings. So for some reason the Alters had a connection to Hagerstown. By coincidence, one branch of the Beulah Alters was in Hagerstown at the time. This further advances the theory that they were related in some way. Even though we know our Alters were not descended from them, they may have had a common relative in Europe. Another citizen of Hagerstown at the time was John Geiger, the same name as the brother-in-law of Helenor Sheetz.
The 1798 Tax List -- The last time we see all the family in Cumberland County is in the 1798 tax list. Jacob and his three oldest sons each have a home site. Jacob Jr. and David live next door to each other in West Pennsborough Township, which is just south of the creek. Jacob Jr., now 25, owns a 22 x 18 ft. house on two acres and, on another four acres, has a 16 x 16 ft. stable, a stone gristmill, and a sawmill. So he is obviously right on the creek in the "loop" where we find his descendents many years later. His total property is valued at $2100. David, only 23, lives next door but he does not own the property, perhaps because he is planning to move west as we shall see. The owner is Joseph Whitmore. In addition to a 31 x 25 ft. house, there is a 12 x 12 ft. workshop and a 61 x 26 ft. barn on 123 acres.
In the same township is their sister Veronica because her husband Lawrence Lefever is listed on the tax rolls, living on property owned by his father. Jacob Sr. and oldest son John are on the north side of the creek in Frankfort Township. Jacobs house is 30 x 28 ft., has 2 stories, 9 windows, and 100 lights, and sits on 2 acres. A 60 x 26 ft barn and 26 x 26 ft. stable are on another 270 acres. Total value of the property is $3020. John owns his property also. It includes a 24 x 24 ft. house, a 14 x 12 ft. kitchen, and a 48 x 24 ft. barn on a total of 68 acres, with a value of $1100. Within a few years, things change significantly.
Moving West -- The incentive for moving further west was probably cheaper land for the next generation. The reason for first going to Westmoreland County was presumably because John and his wife Helenor inherited land there from her father. Jacob's daughter Susan married Joseph Ritner May 26, 1801. He had come from an eastern county and worked as a farm laborer. Sometime after they married they moved to Allegheny County before 1808 and then to Washington County before 1810, cleared a large farm there, and entered public life. Perhaps they followed John and David and then moved further west. Joseph later became governor of Pennsylvania in 1835. After retiring they returned to Cumberland and are buried at Mount Rock.
Two of Jacob's sons, John and David moved west to the Allegheny River above Pittsburgh about 1800. John and his wife Helenor Sheetz must have come first because he is not in the Cumberland County census in 1800 but is in the 1800 census in Westmoreland or Armstrong County. David and his father and brother Jacob Jr. were still listed as heads of household in Cumberland County. David shows up later in Plumb Township, Allegheny County in the 1810 census. It's not easy to reach firm conclusions about census data in the early 1800's. Only heads of households are listed by name and are indexed. The other occupants are only identified by their sex and what age range they fit into. If non-family members lived with the family, such as farm hands, there would be no definite way of knowing.
For example in the 1800 census, Jacob Sr.'s household has an extra male over 45. Could this be a brother of his or his wife? There is an extra male in Jacob Jr.'s household, age 16 to 26; more than likely a farm hand, but maybe a visiting relative, or in-law. David's household has an extra adult female and three extra males over 16. This seems more like in-laws, but we can't know for sure. The foregoing is all in Cumberland Co. and all Jacob's children fit into the data except John and his family. That's another reason for accepting the fact that our John Alter is the one in Westmoreland County.
John and Eleanor in 1800 -- There are two census entries in 1800 that are good candidates for our John and Eleanor. There are some unexplainable entries in both census records. The most likely candidate for our John Alter family is the one in Westmoreland County. Remember the 1798 tax list? In Westmoreland County there is an entry for John "Alder," owning 150 acres. There is no occupant and there are no dwellings. So this John Alder is an absentee landowner; he lives elsewhere. This land could be the land which John and Eleanor later occupied. It is next to "barren hills" and next to property that borders the Allegheny River. This description certainly is consistent with the property allocated to Eleanor from her father's estate and it is identical to the land tracts listed for Eleanor's brother Joseph and her brother-in-law Phillip Myers.
Then in the 1800 census in about the same location there is a John "Alder" family. Someone has moved to the land. And the profile fits our Alters: male and female under 10 (Joseph and Esther), male over 26 and female under 26 (John and Eleanor). But there is another couple: a male 16-26 and a female 16-26. These could be a sibling and spouse of either John or Eleanor. There is not an "Alder" in the 1790 or 1810 census for any location in the area so we are led to believe that it was a local spelling error in 1798 and 1800. So far we would conclude that this is our John Alter.
A Second Marriage -- By 1810 much had happened. Jacob's wife Margaret died. We have no official death record, but Alter family records say January 7, 1803. Jacob moved to Washington County about 1808 with his son Henry, youngest son Abraham, youngest daughter Margaret, and possibly other children. A deed for 426 acres of land in Buffalo Township from John Laramore and wife to Jacob Alter, late of Cumberland County, is on record dated April 22, 1808. Another 50 acres adjoining the above were purchased from William Noble on April 4, 1811.
An agreement dated November 20, 1809 conveys part of his farm in Buffalo Township to his son-in-law Joseph Ritner. At the same time another part of the land was conveyed to his son Henry and son Abraham is named as an adjoining owner. We assume Jacob moved west because much of his family had already done so. By 1810, Jacob Jr. is the only one still listed in Cumberland County census after buying much of the land from his father. Henry is in Buffalo Township and Jacob Sr. is in adjoining Canton Township in Washington County in the 1810 census. Lewis says he married a second time in Washington County but only gives her name as Mary. Other records from the Indiana Alters show that she was the widow of Ulrey Burkholder and the marriage was before April 5, 1805. Further research confirms the date and name and indicates that the marriage was not in Washington County and took place before he moved west. This information comes from marriage records of the First Reformed Church of Lebanon, Lebanon County, PA. On March 23, 1805 a Jacob Alter married Maria Borkholder, both widowed, she the widow of Uhlrich Borkholder. This would be two years after his wife died and three years before he bought land in Washington Co. Lebanon is not far north of Lancaster and Lititz so he probably was acquainted with his new wife either through his participation as a legislature or from his early life in Lititz.
It's curious that his new wife's name is not included on any of the deeds in Washington County. However, after Jacob's death, she surrendered any interest in any of Jacob's lands in favor of his children. So it is consistent that she did not want to be on the deeds. An interesting piece of coincidence is that on May 18, 1807 Henrich Alter married Elizabeth Rhinehart in the same church. According to Alter family records son Henry married a Maria Elizabeth Reinhard but her tombstone only calls her Marie Reinhard. Maybe Henry met his wife at his father's second wedding?
Washington County, PA -- While in Washington County, there is little documented about Jacob (but that county historical society is yet to be visited). An entry in the local Washington reporter on Monday, December 23, 1811 reads: "Two strays. Came to the farm of the subscriber, in Canton Township, Washington County, sometime in October last, a small black cow. Also a sheep. The owner or owners are requested to come, prove property, pay charges and take them away. /s/ Jacob Alter." Other entries during that time include four listings of court actions for a "Sam McConnoughy vs. Jacob Alter." No record of what the complaint is. And finally, in 1813 his name is listed as one of those who have a letter remaining in the Post Office in Washington, PA, on March 31 and December 31. This apparently was a common occurrence for the country folk. His daughter Susannah Ritner had a similar notice on March 31 and son-in-law Joseph Ritner in 1809 and 1810. Jacob died April 18, 1815. Lewis visited there in 1927 and saw the marble slab at his grave. At the same farm is a stone barn built by his son Peter in 1812, but still in excellent condition in 1927. He reports that, since then, the old cemetery has been repaired and suitable monuments erected. Four of the family are buried there: Jacob, his son Abraham, Henry's wife, Maria Reinhard, and Lt. Joseph Ritner, son of Joseph and Susan.
At the Plumb Creek Church, New Texas, Pennsylvania, northeast of Pittsburgh, is a stone erected in 1927 in memory of Jacob and Margaret Alter and their son David, listing all of their children.
Our Ancestor, Jacob's Son John -- Our ancestor John Alter, as mentioned above, had moved to Westmoreland County by 1800 with his wife Eleanor and two children. We speculated earlier whether some of their extended family lived with them at the time The birth location of children beginning in 1804 is listed as Westmoreland County. Also the deed of property in Westmoreland County from the estate of Peter Sheetz to his son-in-law John Alter is in 1803, so they seemed to have been in that location from an early date. The 1810 census for Allegheny Township (then still recorded as a part of Washington Township) does not show them and it is not until 1820 when we find them officially in Allegheny Township, Westmoreland County. Lewis says that John served in the war of 1812, as did his brother David who was a captain, but there is no record of this. The key event for us was the birth of a son, David, on December 3, 1807 to John Alter and Eleanor Sheetz. He would go on to become perhaps the most renowned of the Alters, but that may be argued by some, with the evidence of so many successful Alters over the years in various fields.
Postscript -- After our ancestor's left Cumberland, Jacob Jr. went on with a productive life. Following in his father's footsteps he was a state representative for 21 consecutive years after being first elected in 1814. One report says he was a Quaker. He married Elizabeth Foutz. He died in June 1839. His tombstone still stands in the same cemetery where his mother Margaret is buried. The cemetery is behind the church next to the Plainfield Post Office and almost abuts with the turnpike rest stop on the eastbound side just before reaching the Carlisle exit. They had 6 sons and 3 daughters. The fifth son William (1802-1873) bought the old homestead and married Sarah Stark (1812-1901). They are buried next to his father.
There is an odd loop made by the Conodoquinet Creek as it winds abruptly north and just as abruptly south at a point just west of Plainfield. A map published in 1858 shows W. Alter's residence in the northwest quadrant of this long "peninsula." Back in 1786 this land was bought by Abraham Landis and Samuel Bowman. At the time there was a flourmill on that property and some speculation has it being the oldest in the county. William built a new mill in 1832 that also served as a trading post for coffee, sugar, salt etc. for the accommodation of the people in the area. He also had a sawmill, clover mill, and a distillery on the same property. By 1879 only the flourmill remained. In 1839 two other sons of Jacob Jr., John and David, occupied the station on the Cumberland Valley R.R. southwest of Plainfield. This was the first station west of Carlisle at a place now called Kerrsville, but at the time called Alterton. (Note that one history says this David was a physician, but it could be confused with one of Jacob Jr.'s nephews: our ancestor Dr. David Alter of Freeport or his cousin's son with the same name and occupation.)
And this, below is a 2005 appendix by Doug Cannon: Appendix - Alter Immigration -- In spite of early histories and family tradition stating that our Jacob Alter was the Johan Jacob Alter on the ship, Beulah, this has been proven wrong beyond any doubt. The following discussion will relate the key elements of the investigation of that family. The ship Beulah with Captain Richey arrived in Philadelphia in September 10, 1753. The three lists of signatures obtained that day included the following: Captain's list oath of allegiance oath of abjuration written by the captain signed by immigrants signed by immigrants Jurg Henrich Alter George Heinrich Alter Georig Heinrich Alter Jacob Alter Johann Jacob Alter Johann Jacob Alter Jurg Fredk Alter Georg Friederich Alter Georig Friderich Alter
They all signed their own names on both of the latter two lists. Facsimiles of the signatures show no "marks" as they do for illiterates. The writer has personally seen these facsimiles and, in spite of the hard-to-read script, must agree that the published accounts as summarized above are correct. No ages or relationships are given but it is evident that George Heinrich is the father and the other two are his sons. At first review, this list looks like an exception to most of the captains' lists of the period in that the male sons are listed below their father's name; implying that perhaps all male children were listed. All captain's lists were supposed to include all passengers, including women and children, but unfortunately, most only listed males 16 and over. For this passenger list we have nine other families who are listed in this format. On at least two we see that the father's name is definitely listed first because the following name is a "Jr." So the last two Alters are most probably sons. However these sons could possibly be only those over 16. If this is like the majority of other lists, only "adult" males are listed. Also, it seems very doubtful that boys under 16 would be asked to sign an oath. In fact the law specifically required only that the oath be signed by adult males. The greater probability is that both Johan Jacob and George Frederick are 16 or older.
Unfortunately, that conflicts with other information about Jacob's age but the handwritten signatures on the two oaths are the best hard evidence we have about these two youths. Other than the captain's list, they were probably signed at the courthouse; the latter one actually indicates at the courthouse, Monday, September 10, 1753. Note that the captain called the first child "Jacob" although he signed his name "Johann Jacob". This is consistent with the use of the middle name as the "calling" name and it shouldn't trouble us to hear of this immigrant referred to only as Jacob Alter. The passenger list said 8 were Catholic, the rest Lutheran. Whether ship captains called all German speaking Protestants "Lutheran" is a question to resolve.
For now we will assume these Alters were Lutheran. One conflict we have is that our family tradition says that Jacob was born in 1740, but D.A.R. records say 1742. That could be a minor error. The marble slab on his grave says he was 75 when he died in 1815, so let's assume the D.A.R. made an error. However, in either case, it would mean that an eleven or thirteen year old took the oath of allegiance if he is the same Jacob on the Beulah; not to mention his younger brother. Before we go on to the settlement in Lancaster County let's deal with another troubling peace of data with this story. In the records of The Evangelical Lutheran Congregation in Philadelphia are two interesting entries: Johann Jacob Alter married Elisabeth Willrichen on May 26, 1761. Georg Friedrich Alter married Maria Dorothea Richtern on December 26, 1762. The witnesses are listed for both entries. There seems little doubt that these are the same two youths who arrived 8-9 years before on the Beulah. Otherwise, the coincidences seem too great: names, ages, religion, and location. So if this is our Jacob, did his first wife, Elisabeth, die? That would seem the only explanation for we know that our Jacob married Margaret Landis in Lancaster, Lancaster County on January 8, 1769 in the First Reformed Church.
Age would not be a problem with the theory of a first marriage in Philadelphia; he would have been 19 or 21. A young groom. Jacob's first child by Margaret Landis was Veronica (named after Margaret's mother), born October 9, 1769. Beginning a family at the age of 27 or 29 in those days is not inconsistent with a widower starting over again. However, there is some other disturbing information which makes all this academic: these Alters from the ship, Beulah, are found later in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania and still later in Washington County, Maryland. In an attempt to resolve this, the Alters in Indiana (home of family historian, Lewis S. Alter) were contacted. They had no new information, but they have kept records of Lewis's work.
They also identified another contact in Indianapolis who, it turns out, had further proof that Jacob was not among the "Beulah" Alters. Apparently that family has been well studied and their descendants have documented the pedigree well. Further investigation reveals that the Johan Jacob Alter who married Elizabeth Willrichen was in the Revolutionary War, was born in 1735 and died in 1778. His wife survived him. The writer has a copy of the results of the research on the Beulah Alters. In fact, after extensive searching, we can say that we know more about them and their early years in America than we do about our own. So we are certain that the Beulah Jacob is not ours, although they may be related.
Jacob's Brothers -- It is highly likely that John of Lancaster was a brother or close relative of Jacob. We know that John's wife's maiden name was Anna Hauendopler (Hauendubler, Haugendobler, etc.). We know from a baptismal record of a child that Anna's mother's name was Maria. The other occurrence of the name made aware to us is the immigrant Nicolaus Haugendobler's arrival on the ship Osgood on September 29, 1750. He and his wife Maria show up in records of the same church as John and Jacob's marriages as early as 1756, so he is no doubt Anna's father. But knowing more about that family may not help us. It seems likely that John met Anna in America. Otherwise we may speculate that they traveled to America together. The other possible brother is David per the story of Joseph Ritner and David's library. In all the research conducted, including much done by others, there is no other indication that he ever existed. This seems a long shot.
John Alter in 1800 -- There are uncertainties about the John Alter in Strong Township of Armstrong County in 1800. The fact that there are discrepancies in the age of the household members is not a problem in itself. However, the main issue is that the family is already in the expected location in Westmoreland County during the same census. The 1800 census lists a John "Alder" in Washington Township, Westmoreland County. There are a male and a female under 10 that would account for children Ester (2) and Joseph (5). There is a male 26 to 45 which could be John (28) and a female 16 to 26 which could be Eleanor (24). However there is also a second female 16 to 26 and a male 16 to 26. The Alter family seems to be accounted for and we have no indication that Eleanor's siblings were with them, but that's possible, especially since we find John Geiger living beside them in 1810. John Geiger was the husband of Eleanor's sister Ester. In support of this John "Alder" is that he was listed as an occupant and owner of the land in the 1798 tax list. At that time we know that our John was still back in Cumberland County because of the detailed tax list pertaining to him. So this may seem to rule this individual out. But the tax entry doesn't list any dwellings, only 300 acres worth $300. It's probable that this was land that John Alter owned in 1798, he hadn't yet moved from Cumberland, and he was listed as an occupant because it wasn't rented to someone else. It's interesting that this John "Alder" was not listed in the 1790 or 1810 census, but John Alter is listed in about the same location in 1810. From the description it seems this land is that which he inherited from his father-in-law. The agreement wasn't documented until 1803 but he may have had a claim on it in 1798.
Allegheny Township, Westmoreland County -- Westmoreland County history books claim that Allegheny Township was formed in 1795. However, this is misleading. A section of old Westmoreland County, north of the Kiskiminetas River, was formed in 1795. Then that was included in the newly formed Armstrong County in March 1800. It was later subdivided and renamed so that the original Allegheny Township doesn't exist today. Later, in 1820, another Allegheny Township was formed from the western part of Washington Township that borders the Allegheny River. This is the basis for the Allegheny Township that remains today and is part of Westmoreland County, after the southern part of it was further divided to form Burrel Township. The historical error remains today and people in the present Allegheny Township erroneously celebrated their bi-centennial in 1996. It has made research in census and tax records difficult until the error is realized.
Other spellings -- So far three different spellings have created some confusion: Atter (probably a typo in census index), Alder (possibly another way an individual spelled his name but probably only an error by a tax agent who heard the name but did not get the spelling from the actual party) and Alters (often used in Indiana, especially for David's brother Simon.) Another possibility is Halter. Checking this out reveals several in 18th century immigration lists index but it seems to be a variant spelling for the name Holder. There are none in 1800 census and only a George Halter in 1810 in Bucks County, PA. We don't know who wrote this old item, and this is the only page we have.
He was from Germany, was in the USA Revolutionary War and was a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives 1799-1805. He came to USA from Rotterdam on ship "Beulah", captained by a Mr. Rickey. He became USA citizen 10 Sep1753. He served in the Army of Revolution, 2nd Battalian, PA Line, US Infantry.
His first wife was Elisabeth Willrichen, whom he married May 26, 1761 at Evangelical Lutheran Church in Philadelphia, PA.
He and second wife Margaret Graafe Landis married January 8, 1769 at the First Reformed Church in Lancaster, PA. Jacob outlived Margaret. They had 10 children: Veronica, John, Jacob (called Major), David, Esther, Samuel, Susannah Whistler, Henry, Abraham, and Margaret.
He married a third time on March 23, 1805 to a woman named Mary.
His term in Pennsylvania House of Representatives was 1799-1805. He and Margaret lived in Lancaster County, PA until 1779 when they moved to Cumberland County. In Cumberland County he established Alter's Mill, on Conodeguinet Creek, and acquired large tracts of land in West Pennsboro and Frankford townships. A tract patented by him, and called Plainfield, a town which still exists in 1991, a few miles west of Carlisle, PA. Many family members are buried in Plainfield. Alter's Mill was very near Plainfield. Alter land was conveyed by will to son Jacob Alter, Jr, and by him to William Alter, whose widow, in 1900 was still living on the land. Between Plainfield and Carlisle, PA there was a station called "Alterton", named for Major Jacob Alter, as he was called.
Sometime between 1804 and 1808 the Jacob Alters (Sr) moved from Cumberland County to Washington County, PA. On April 22, 1808 Jacob purchased 426 acres of land in Buffalo township, Washington County, from a James Laramore and wife. On April 4, 1811 he purchased an addition 50 adjoining acres from a William Noble. On Nov 20, 1809 Jacob conveyed part of this farm to his son-in-law Joseph Ritner.
At the same time he conveyed another part to his sons Henry and Abraham. Jacob's wife appears to be dead by this time. Jacob was enrolled in the Army of the Revolution in 2nd battallion, Pennsylvania Line, U. S. Infantry (Penn'a Archieves, Second Series, vol X p 414). He was a Colonel in the Revolutionary War. In the Third Series of the PA Archives vol III p 608 in the list of "Soldiers Entitled to Donation Lands" for military service Private Jacob Alter was awarded 200 acres of land, but it appears that he never claimed them, apparently preferring no compensation for his military service.
The names, dates of birth, and the names of the spouses of the children of Jacob and Margaret were taken from the Alter family Bible.
Johan and Margaret were reportedly married in the Lancaster Reformed Church in Lancaster, PA.
The following narratives are from descendant Doug Cannon. Alter Origins -- Family history always assumed that the Alters came from Germany on the Upper Rhine. That was the origin of many of the immigrants during this period. However, many of those German-speaking people in that area had come from Switzerland. Most local historians (Lancaster, Cumberland, and Westmoreland Counties) claim that Jacob was from Switzerland; although there are major errors in other parts of these biographies, this point is still credible. One historian says that his father was Swiss but his mother was a native of France.
That also would be consistent with a Swiss refugee moving into the Upper Rhine valley, perhaps into Alsace as many did, marrying a French woman from Alsace and then emigrating. Alsace was under French rule after the Westphalia Treaty of 1648. Such a scenario will have to wait for further investigation. If he was from Switzerland it was no doubt from either the canton of Solothurn (Soleure) or Valaise. These are the only two cantons having communities with the name Alter prior to 1800. Both of these cantons border France and would be consistent with a Swiss father and a French mother. Solothurn is more probable because it is German speaking and Valaise is French speaking. Otherwise, from the time of his marriage in 1769, the Alter family history has been fairly consistent with local histories and biographies published a century ago. Although many questions remain of the early immigrant years, the later years are well documented and there is no doubt more to learn through additional research. We do know that he settled in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania then moved west to Cumberland County.
At that point we have much information on him and his family. But the first years in this country are not easy to document and when we investigate we find some unanswered questions. Immigration -- The early histories and family tradition claim that our Jacob Alter was one of the three Alter immigrants listed on the passenger list of the ship Beulah in 1753. Unfortunately, that is not true. See the appendix for proof of this. But then when did our immigrant arrive? The truth is we don't know for certain. At least one19th century historian says that our Jacob Alter was of Swiss ancestry and immigrated in 1765, but offers no support for this assertion. Another only says that he came to America before the Revolutionary War.
One clue is in the records of the First Reformed Church of Lancaster where our Jacob and Margaret Landis were married. In that same church three children of a John and Anna Alter were baptized; Maria b. 8Mar1765; Jacob b. 18Aug1768; Ann b. 16Dec1772. Also, of the many lists signed by those taking an oath on November 3, 1778, John and Jacob Alter are on the same list in Ephrata Township; not that they lived there, but that's where the oath was administered. This leads us to believe that John was a brother of Jacob. We know something about John's wife's family and further research there may tell us more about John.
Jacob's grandson John of Indiana wrote later that both of his "grandfathers were Swiss". But then he says his grandfather Jacob was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Family tradition and historians have always ignored this latter assertion. Although it does present another possibility to ponder, it is highly likely that Jacob was an immigrant. Another lead is from a history of the Governors of Pennsylvania. Jacob's son-in-law, Governor Joseph Ritner is said to have "set up as a farmer for his wife's uncle, David Alter, a scholarly man with a fine library which Ritner used to educate himself." This was sometime after 1801 in Washington County, PA. However, the only record of a David Alter in the family at the time is one of Jacob's sons.
David was only five years older than his sister, Ritner's wife, and it is almost certain that he did not have a farm in Washington County. The earliest source of this is a history of Governor Ritner written in 1874, which definitely states that the uncle had a farm in Washington County on which Joseph And Susanna Alter settled. It will be worth searching for a possible brother of Jacob's, named David; one avenue is the land deed record in Washington County. But these are only clues to follow up on. They provide no clear information about Jacob's early years.
Alter in Lancaster County -- The first indication we have of Jacob is in Lancaster County with his marriage to Margaret Landis on January 8, 1769 in the First Reformed Church in Lancaster, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. We think his first 6 children were born there: Veronica-1769, John-1771, Jacob Jr.-1773, David-1775, Esther-1777, and Samuel-1779. Jacob is in the tax records for Warwick Township for 1769/70. His residence is generally said to be Lititz, which is north of Lancaster in Warwick Township, the same township where his bride lived. The oath he took late in 1778 was just east of there in Ephrata. The tax records of Lancaster County, Warwick Township, in 1771 and in 1772 show that he owned 7 acres, had no livestock and paid 3s 0d taxes. By 1779 in the same township, he had 17 acres, 1 horse and 3 cattle. Taxes were not listed. John Alter, who may have been his brother, is in Manor Township on the 1773 and 1782 tax lists with no land, listed as an "inmate" rather than a "freeman", indicating that he was married but not a property owner. During the war Jacob was enrolled as a private in the 2nd Battalion, Pennsylvania Line, 7th U.S. Infantry. He made shoes for the patriot army and we doubt if he saw any action. One historian says he was a shoemaker by trade but that may only be based on his war service.
A certain John Hubley was "authorized to employ all shoemakers among the Hessians brought to Lancaster in order that they make shoes for the state troops and to pay them a small sum for such services." These Hessians were prisoners of war who had fought for the British. There were many of them around Lancaster and York at the time. Jacob obviously spoke German and it's likely he was involved in supervision of this effort. Although the Pennsylvania Militia did not see action after the early part of the war and were assigned to guarding these Hessian prisoners, the Pennsylvania Line was part of The Continental Army. It was that part of the Army that mutinied in 1780, left Washington's forces in New Jersey, and marched towards Congress in Philadelphia.
Chances are that Jacob was not a part of this action since we see that he had moved to Cumberland County by 1779. For his service he received a Bounty Land Warrant #8897-100-25. He never acquired this land but there is a record of assignment to another individual so he may have sold his rights. The Alter name is not widespread in Lancaster County. In addition to the John Alter who took the oath with Jacob in 1778, there was an Andrew Alter in Mannheim in the 1790 census. John went to the same church in which Jacob was married and we know three of his children were baptized there between 1765 and 1773. If they are brothers it will be useful to trace John.
Knowing that John's wife's name was Anna Hauendopler may help in a search. John is in Hempfield Township in Lancaster County in the 1790 census, but the name is misspelled "Atter." Hempfield is directly between Warwick and Mannheim on the east and Manor on the southwest. One curious coincidence is that in the same census for Cumberland Co., Jacob Alter is also erroneously listed as "Atter". This is the only instance of that spelling we can find and it is probably an error in transposing the names. Otherwise, little more is known about the Alters in Lancaster County. Remember that John had a son Jacob born in 1768. A Jacob Alter turns up in Schuylkill County with 300 acres in an 1827 survey, but we cannot make the connection.
Cumberland County -- It is in Cumberland County where our Jacob Alter made a name for himself. Accounts vary but the evidence is strong that he sold out in Lititz and bought land here late in 1779. One account says he sold in Lancaster on December 4, 1769 and bought in West Pennsboro on December 29, 1769. That historian's work is full of errors, but perhaps he has given us the day and month to help find the deeds, even if the year is off by 10. A date of December 1779 is most likely because Jacob was on Lancaster County tax records in 1779, but in 1780 he shows up in Cumberland County on West Pennsboro Township tax records with 284 acres, 3 horses, and 5 cattle. By 1785, in the same township, he has 372 acres, 3 horses, and 6 cattle. In that year, part of this land was surveyed on February 26 and 200 acres are listed in the Warranties of Land in reference to that survey.
Comparing his property in Lancaster to that in Cumberland leads us to conclude that he started as a craftsman. If John of Lancaster County is his brother, the fact that he also was not a landowner may indicate they came from a family of craftsmen, not farmers; but this is only speculation. He certainly accumulated enough wealth in his craft to acquire substantial land in Cumberland County. Being further west, this was no doubt cheaper land and perhaps the only way he could afford a sizeable farm was to move west. He would be 37-39 at the time of the move and his venture into farming. His objective may have been to establish a farm for his children.
The great migration of Germans to this area was after 1790 and he is listed as one of the early ones. From these records we can see that he preceded the migration by 10 years. We believe the children born in Cumberland County include: Susannah-1780, Henry-1784, Abraham-1787, and Margaret-1790. The land he acquired was in West Pennsborough Township just a few miles west of Carlisle. It was on the Conodoquinet Creek, which now winds its way parallel to and north of the PA Turnpike. The area is now called Plainfield. Actually the present turnpike runs right through the land, but it is still beautiful farm country. The rest stop on the south side of the turnpike backs up onto the church cemetery where his wife Margaret, son Jacob Jr. and others are buried. The Plainfield Post Office is next to the church. The patent for this land was granted in 1793. The patent must have been officially granted long after the purchase. We also think he acquired land north of the creek which is now Frankfort Township.
Plainfield was called Smoketown at the time, which was not an uncommon name as industry began in the small towns. The most credible reason offered is that the blacksmiths made their own charcoal there, causing heavy smoke. Jacob was a state representative from Cumberland County for 7 consecutive sessions, the 10th through the 16th, from November 1799 to December 1805. In 1799 there are records of the assemblymen staying at various hotels in Lancaster.
Jacob along with another assemblyman from Cumberland County stayed at Sam Clendening's on North Queen Street. This was the first year that Lancaster served as the state capital; before that it was in Philadelphia. It remained the capital until transferred to Harrisburg in 1812. Lancaster was an important city in those days. Once, on September 27, 1777 it served as the national capital when the Continental Congress had to flee from Philadelphia during the war. We have a record on one of Jacob's votes in 1802 when the assembly was considering the move to Harrisburg. He voted against a negative report concerning the move but his side lost in that round. His first child Veronica married Lawrence LaFever, son of George LaFever about 1792. Father and son came from York County in 1785. George was probably associated with the Ferree family whose tract in Lancaster County adjoined Hans Graff.
That family was headed by Marie Führe (Feree), an important French family from the Landau area (she was called the High Bailiwick of Germersheim). A young man by the name LaFebre joined her family when immigrating. There is much written about them. The lineage from Lawrence's father, George, goes back to Philip and then to Dr. LeFever who came from France in 1708, settled in Boston and is thought to be the progenitor of the LeFevers in America. Jacob's oldest son John, who is our ancestor, worked his father's farm until 22 years old "when he became enamored with the beauty of a dark eyed little Swiss maiden by the name of Helenor Sheetz" whose family we have already discussed. Family historian Lewis S. Alter says this marriage was in Cumberland County but possibly not. Helenor was born in York County in 1776 and their first daughter (second child) Esther was born in York County in 1798. So the marriage may have taken place in York.
The fact that John was living in Cumberland County may have made later generations to conclude they married there. Their first child, Joseph was born March 19, 1795 and, although Lewis reports he was born in Cumberland County, other sources say York County. The question of how John and Helenor met, being from different counties, is among the many of those unanswered questions about the Sheetz family. However, there seems to be a connection between the Alters of Cumberland County and Western Maryland where the Sheetz family also had connections. Jacob's son, Jacob Jr., married Elizabeth Foutz in 1896.
In 1807 a Jacob Alter along with Susanna and Jacob Foutz advertise for an estate sale of the late Frederick Foutz. It's likely that the deceased is Elizabeth's father and the two Foutz's are her siblings. So for some reason the Alters had a connection to Hagerstown. By coincidence, one branch of the Beulah Alters was in Hagerstown at the time. This further advances the theory that they were related in some way. Even though we know our Alters were not descended from them, they may have had a common relative in Europe. Another citizen of Hagerstown at the time was John Geiger, the same name as the brother-in-law of Helenor Sheetz.
The 1798 Tax List -- The last time we see all the family in Cumberland County is in the 1798 tax list. Jacob and his three oldest sons each have a home site. Jacob Jr. and David live next door to each other in West Pennsborough Township, which is just south of the creek. Jacob Jr., now 25, owns a 22 x 18 ft. house on two acres and, on another four acres, has a 16 x 16 ft. stable, a stone gristmill, and a sawmill. So he is obviously right on the creek in the "loop" where we find his descendents many years later. His total property is valued at $2100. David, only 23, lives next door but he does not own the property, perhaps because he is planning to move west as we shall see. The owner is Joseph Whitmore. In addition to a 31 x 25 ft. house, there is a 12 x 12 ft. workshop and a 61 x 26 ft. barn on 123 acres.
In the same township is their sister Veronica because her husband Lawrence Lefever is listed on the tax rolls, living on property owned by his father. Jacob Sr. and oldest son John are on the north side of the creek in Frankfort Township. Jacobs house is 30 x 28 ft., has 2 stories, 9 windows, and 100 lights, and sits on 2 acres. A 60 x 26 ft barn and 26 x 26 ft. stable are on another 270 acres. Total value of the property is $3020. John owns his property also. It includes a 24 x 24 ft. house, a 14 x 12 ft. kitchen, and a 48 x 24 ft. barn on a total of 68 acres, with a value of $1100. Within a few years, things change significantly.
Moving West -- The incentive for moving further west was probably cheaper land for the next generation. The reason for first going to Westmoreland County was presumably because John and his wife Helenor inherited land there from her father. Jacob's daughter Susan married Joseph Ritner May 26, 1801. He had come from an eastern county and worked as a farm laborer. Sometime after they married they moved to Allegheny County before 1808 and then to Washington County before 1810, cleared a large farm there, and entered public life. Perhaps they followed John and David and then moved further west. Joseph later became governor of Pennsylvania in 1835. After retiring they returned to Cumberland and are buried at Mount Rock.
Two of Jacob's sons, John and David moved west to the Allegheny River above Pittsburgh about 1800. John and his wife Helenor Sheetz must have come first because he is not in the Cumberland County census in 1800 but is in the 1800 census in Westmoreland or Armstrong County. David and his father and brother Jacob Jr. were still listed as heads of household in Cumberland County. David shows up later in Plumb Township, Allegheny County in the 1810 census. It's not easy to reach firm conclusions about census data in the early 1800's. Only heads of households are listed by name and are indexed. The other occupants are only identified by their sex and what age range they fit into. If non-family members lived with the family, such as farm hands, there would be no definite way of knowing.
For example in the 1800 census, Jacob Sr.'s household has an extra male over 45. Could this be a brother of his or his wife? There is an extra male in Jacob Jr.'s household, age 16 to 26; more than likely a farm hand, but maybe a visiting relative, or in-law. David's household has an extra adult female and three extra males over 16. This seems more like in-laws, but we can't know for sure. The foregoing is all in Cumberland Co. and all Jacob's children fit into the data except John and his family. That's another reason for accepting the fact that our John Alter is the one in Westmoreland County.
John and Eleanor in 1800 -- There are two census entries in 1800 that are good candidates for our John and Eleanor. There are some unexplainable entries in both census records. The most likely candidate for our John Alter family is the one in Westmoreland County. Remember the 1798 tax list? In Westmoreland County there is an entry for John "Alder," owning 150 acres. There is no occupant and there are no dwellings. So this John Alder is an absentee landowner; he lives elsewhere. This land could be the land which John and Eleanor later occupied. It is next to "barren hills" and next to property that borders the Allegheny River. This description certainly is consistent with the property allocated to Eleanor from her father's estate and it is identical to the land tracts listed for Eleanor's brother Joseph and her brother-in-law Phillip Myers.
Then in the 1800 census in about the same location there is a John "Alder" family. Someone has moved to the land. And the profile fits our Alters: male and female under 10 (Joseph and Esther), male over 26 and female under 26 (John and Eleanor). But there is another couple: a male 16-26 and a female 16-26. These could be a sibling and spouse of either John or Eleanor. There is not an "Alder" in the 1790 or 1810 census for any location in the area so we are led to believe that it was a local spelling error in 1798 and 1800. So far we would conclude that this is our John Alter.
A Second Marriage -- By 1810 much had happened. Jacob's wife Margaret died. We have no official death record, but Alter family records say January 7, 1803. Jacob moved to Washington County about 1808 with his son Henry, youngest son Abraham, youngest daughter Margaret, and possibly other children. A deed for 426 acres of land in Buffalo Township from John Laramore and wife to Jacob Alter, late of Cumberland County, is on record dated April 22, 1808. Another 50 acres adjoining the above were purchased from William Noble on April 4, 1811.
An agreement dated November 20, 1809 conveys part of his farm in Buffalo Township to his son-in-law Joseph Ritner. At the same time another part of the land was conveyed to his son Henry and son Abraham is named as an adjoining owner. We assume Jacob moved west because much of his family had already done so. By 1810, Jacob Jr. is the only one still listed in Cumberland County census after buying much of the land from his father. Henry is in Buffalo Township and Jacob Sr. is in adjoining Canton Township in Washington County in the 1810 census. Lewis says he married a second time in Washington County but only gives her name as Mary. Other records from the Indiana Alters show that she was the widow of Ulrey Burkholder and the marriage was before April 5, 1805. Further research confirms the date and name and indicates that the marriage was not in Washington County and took place before he moved west. This information comes from marriage records of the First Reformed Church of Lebanon, Lebanon County, PA. On March 23, 1805 a Jacob Alter married Maria Borkholder, both widowed, she the widow of Uhlrich Borkholder. This would be two years after his wife died and three years before he bought land in Washington Co. Lebanon is not far north of Lancaster and Lititz so he probably was acquainted with his new wife either through his participation as a legislature or from his early life in Lititz.
It's curious that his new wife's name is not included on any of the deeds in Washington County. However, after Jacob's death, she surrendered any interest in any of Jacob's lands in favor of his children. So it is consistent that she did not want to be on the deeds. An interesting piece of coincidence is that on May 18, 1807 Henrich Alter married Elizabeth Rhinehart in the same church. According to Alter family records son Henry married a Maria Elizabeth Reinhard but her tombstone only calls her Marie Reinhard. Maybe Henry met his wife at his father's second wedding?
Washington County, PA -- While in Washington County, there is little documented about Jacob (but that county historical society is yet to be visited). An entry in the local Washington reporter on Monday, December 23, 1811 reads: "Two strays. Came to the farm of the subscriber, in Canton Township, Washington County, sometime in October last, a small black cow. Also a sheep. The owner or owners are requested to come, prove property, pay charges and take them away. /s/ Jacob Alter." Other entries during that time include four listings of court actions for a "Sam McConnoughy vs. Jacob Alter." No record of what the complaint is. And finally, in 1813 his name is listed as one of those who have a letter remaining in the Post Office in Washington, PA, on March 31 and December 31. This apparently was a common occurrence for the country folk. His daughter Susannah Ritner had a similar notice on March 31 and son-in-law Joseph Ritner in 1809 and 1810. Jacob died April 18, 1815. Lewis visited there in 1927 and saw the marble slab at his grave. At the same farm is a stone barn built by his son Peter in 1812, but still in excellent condition in 1927. He reports that, since then, the old cemetery has been repaired and suitable monuments erected. Four of the family are buried there: Jacob, his son Abraham, Henry's wife, Maria Reinhard, and Lt. Joseph Ritner, son of Joseph and Susan.
At the Plumb Creek Church, New Texas, Pennsylvania, northeast of Pittsburgh, is a stone erected in 1927 in memory of Jacob and Margaret Alter and their son David, listing all of their children.
Our Ancestor, Jacob's Son John -- Our ancestor John Alter, as mentioned above, had moved to Westmoreland County by 1800 with his wife Eleanor and two children. We speculated earlier whether some of their extended family lived with them at the time The birth location of children beginning in 1804 is listed as Westmoreland County. Also the deed of property in Westmoreland County from the estate of Peter Sheetz to his son-in-law John Alter is in 1803, so they seemed to have been in that location from an early date. The 1810 census for Allegheny Township (then still recorded as a part of Washington Township) does not show them and it is not until 1820 when we find them officially in Allegheny Township, Westmoreland County. Lewis says that John served in the war of 1812, as did his brother David who was a captain, but there is no record of this. The key event for us was the birth of a son, David, on December 3, 1807 to John Alter and Eleanor Sheetz. He would go on to become perhaps the most renowned of the Alters, but that may be argued by some, with the evidence of so many successful Alters over the years in various fields.
Postscript -- After our ancestor's left Cumberland, Jacob Jr. went on with a productive life. Following in his father's footsteps he was a state representative for 21 consecutive years after being first elected in 1814. One report says he was a Quaker. He married Elizabeth Foutz. He died in June 1839. His tombstone still stands in the same cemetery where his mother Margaret is buried. The cemetery is behind the church next to the Plainfield Post Office and almost abuts with the turnpike rest stop on the eastbound side just before reaching the Carlisle exit. They had 6 sons and 3 daughters. The fifth son William (1802-1873) bought the old homestead and married Sarah Stark (1812-1901). They are buried next to his father.
There is an odd loop made by the Conodoquinet Creek as it winds abruptly north and just as abruptly south at a point just west of Plainfield. A map published in 1858 shows W. Alter's residence in the northwest quadrant of this long "peninsula." Back in 1786 this land was bought by Abraham Landis and Samuel Bowman. At the time there was a flourmill on that property and some speculation has it being the oldest in the county. William built a new mill in 1832 that also served as a trading post for coffee, sugar, salt etc. for the accommodation of the people in the area. He also had a sawmill, clover mill, and a distillery on the same property. By 1879 only the flourmill remained. In 1839 two other sons of Jacob Jr., John and David, occupied the station on the Cumberland Valley R.R. southwest of Plainfield. This was the first station west of Carlisle at a place now called Kerrsville, but at the time called Alterton. (Note that one history says this David was a physician, but it could be confused with one of Jacob Jr.'s nephews: our ancestor Dr. David Alter of Freeport or his cousin's son with the same name and occupation.)
And this, below is a 2005 appendix by Doug Cannon: Appendix - Alter Immigration -- In spite of early histories and family tradition stating that our Jacob Alter was the Johan Jacob Alter on the ship, Beulah, this has been proven wrong beyond any doubt. The following discussion will relate the key elements of the investigation of that family. The ship Beulah with Captain Richey arrived in Philadelphia in September 10, 1753. The three lists of signatures obtained that day included the following: Captain's list oath of allegiance oath of abjuration written by the captain signed by immigrants signed by immigrants Jurg Henrich Alter George Heinrich Alter Georig Heinrich Alter Jacob Alter Johann Jacob Alter Johann Jacob Alter Jurg Fredk Alter Georg Friederich Alter Georig Friderich Alter
They all signed their own names on both of the latter two lists. Facsimiles of the signatures show no "marks" as they do for illiterates. The writer has personally seen these facsimiles and, in spite of the hard-to-read script, must agree that the published accounts as summarized above are correct. No ages or relationships are given but it is evident that George Heinrich is the father and the other two are his sons. At first review, this list looks like an exception to most of the captains' lists of the period in that the male sons are listed below their father's name; implying that perhaps all male children were listed. All captain's lists were supposed to include all passengers, including women and children, but unfortunately, most only listed males 16 and over. For this passenger list we have nine other families who are listed in this format. On at least two we see that the father's name is definitely listed first because the following name is a "Jr." So the last two Alters are most probably sons. However these sons could possibly be only those over 16. If this is like the majority of other lists, only "adult" males are listed. Also, it seems very doubtful that boys under 16 would be asked to sign an oath. In fact the law specifically required only that the oath be signed by adult males. The greater probability is that both Johan Jacob and George Frederick are 16 or older.
Unfortunately, that conflicts with other information about Jacob's age but the handwritten signatures on the two oaths are the best hard evidence we have about these two youths. Other than the captain's list, they were probably signed at the courthouse; the latter one actually indicates at the courthouse, Monday, September 10, 1753. Note that the captain called the first child "Jacob" although he signed his name "Johann Jacob". This is consistent with the use of the middle name as the "calling" name and it shouldn't trouble us to hear of this immigrant referred to only as Jacob Alter. The passenger list said 8 were Catholic, the rest Lutheran. Whether ship captains called all German speaking Protestants "Lutheran" is a question to resolve.
For now we will assume these Alters were Lutheran. One conflict we have is that our family tradition says that Jacob was born in 1740, but D.A.R. records say 1742. That could be a minor error. The marble slab on his grave says he was 75 when he died in 1815, so let's assume the D.A.R. made an error. However, in either case, it would mean that an eleven or thirteen year old took the oath of allegiance if he is the same Jacob on the Beulah; not to mention his younger brother. Before we go on to the settlement in Lancaster County let's deal with another troubling peace of data with this story. In the records of The Evangelical Lutheran Congregation in Philadelphia are two interesting entries: Johann Jacob Alter married Elisabeth Willrichen on May 26, 1761. Georg Friedrich Alter married Maria Dorothea Richtern on December 26, 1762. The witnesses are listed for both entries. There seems little doubt that these are the same two youths who arrived 8-9 years before on the Beulah. Otherwise, the coincidences seem too great: names, ages, religion, and location. So if this is our Jacob, did his first wife, Elisabeth, die? That would seem the only explanation for we know that our Jacob married Margaret Landis in Lancaster, Lancaster County on January 8, 1769 in the First Reformed Church.
Age would not be a problem with the theory of a first marriage in Philadelphia; he would have been 19 or 21. A young groom. Jacob's first child by Margaret Landis was Veronica (named after Margaret's mother), born October 9, 1769. Beginning a family at the age of 27 or 29 in those days is not inconsistent with a widower starting over again. However, there is some other disturbing information which makes all this academic: these Alters from the ship, Beulah, are found later in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania and still later in Washington County, Maryland. In an attempt to resolve this, the Alters in Indiana (home of family historian, Lewis S. Alter) were contacted. They had no new information, but they have kept records of Lewis's work.
They also identified another contact in Indianapolis who, it turns out, had further proof that Jacob was not among the "Beulah" Alters. Apparently that family has been well studied and their descendants have documented the pedigree well. Further investigation reveals that the Johan Jacob Alter who married Elizabeth Willrichen was in the Revolutionary War, was born in 1735 and died in 1778. His wife survived him. The writer has a copy of the results of the research on the Beulah Alters. In fact, after extensive searching, we can say that we know more about them and their early years in America than we do about our own. So we are certain that the Beulah Jacob is not ours, although they may be related.
Jacob's Brothers -- It is highly likely that John of Lancaster was a brother or close relative of Jacob. We know that John's wife's maiden name was Anna Hauendopler (Hauendubler, Haugendobler, etc.). We know from a baptismal record of a child that Anna's mother's name was Maria. The other occurrence of the name made aware to us is the immigrant Nicolaus Haugendobler's arrival on the ship Osgood on September 29, 1750. He and his wife Maria show up in records of the same church as John and Jacob's marriages as early as 1756, so he is no doubt Anna's father. But knowing more about that family may not help us. It seems likely that John met Anna in America. Otherwise we may speculate that they traveled to America together. The other possible brother is David per the story of Joseph Ritner and David's library. In all the research conducted, including much done by others, there is no other indication that he ever existed. This seems a long shot.
John Alter in 1800 -- There are uncertainties about the John Alter in Strong Township of Armstrong County in 1800. The fact that there are discrepancies in the age of the household members is not a problem in itself. However, the main issue is that the family is already in the expected location in Westmoreland County during the same census. The 1800 census lists a John "Alder" in Washington Township, Westmoreland County. There are a male and a female under 10 that would account for children Ester (2) and Joseph (5). There is a male 26 to 45 which could be John (28) and a female 16 to 26 which could be Eleanor (24). However there is also a second female 16 to 26 and a male 16 to 26. The Alter family seems to be accounted for and we have no indication that Eleanor's siblings were with them, but that's possible, especially since we find John Geiger living beside them in 1810. John Geiger was the husband of Eleanor's sister Ester. In support of this John "Alder" is that he was listed as an occupant and owner of the land in the 1798 tax list. At that time we know that our John was still back in Cumberland County because of the detailed tax list pertaining to him. So this may seem to rule this individual out. But the tax entry doesn't list any dwellings, only 300 acres worth $300. It's probable that this was land that John Alter owned in 1798, he hadn't yet moved from Cumberland, and he was listed as an occupant because it wasn't rented to someone else. It's interesting that this John "Alder" was not listed in the 1790 or 1810 census, but John Alter is listed in about the same location in 1810. From the description it seems this land is that which he inherited from his father-in-law. The agreement wasn't documented until 1803 but he may have had a claim on it in 1798.
Allegheny Township, Westmoreland County -- Westmoreland County history books claim that Allegheny Township was formed in 1795. However, this is misleading. A section of old Westmoreland County, north of the Kiskiminetas River, was formed in 1795. Then that was included in the newly formed Armstrong County in March 1800. It was later subdivided and renamed so that the original Allegheny Township doesn't exist today. Later, in 1820, another Allegheny Township was formed from the western part of Washington Township that borders the Allegheny River. This is the basis for the Allegheny Township that remains today and is part of Westmoreland County, after the southern part of it was further divided to form Burrel Township. The historical error remains today and people in the present Allegheny Township erroneously celebrated their bi-centennial in 1996. It has made research in census and tax records difficult until the error is realized.
Other spellings -- So far three different spellings have created some confusion: Atter (probably a typo in census index), Alder (possibly another way an individual spelled his name but probably only an error by a tax agent who heard the name but did not get the spelling from the actual party) and Alters (often used in Indiana, especially for David's brother Simon.) Another possibility is Halter. Checking this out reveals several in 18th century immigration lists index but it seems to be a variant spelling for the name Holder. There are none in 1800 census and only a George Halter in 1810 in Bucks County, PA. We don't know who wrote this old item, and this is the only page we have.
All bio information provided by Keith Cook at [email protected].
He was from Germany, was in the USA Revolutionary War and was a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives 1799-1805. He came to USA from Rotterdam on ship "Beulah", captained by a Mr. Rickey. He became USA citizen 10 Sep1753. He served in the Army of Revolution, 2nd Battalian, PA Line, US Infantry.
His first wife was Elisabeth Willrichen, whom he married May 26, 1761 at Evangelical Lutheran Church in Philadelphia, PA.
He and second wife Margaret Graafe Landis married January 8, 1769 at the First Reformed Church in Lancaster, PA. Jacob outlived Margaret. They had 10 children: Veronica, John, Jacob (called Major), David, Esther, Samuel, Susannah Whistler, Henry, Abraham, and Margaret.
He married a third time on March 23, 1805 to a woman named Mary.
His term in Pennsylvania House of Representatives was 1799-1805. He and Margaret lived in Lancaster County, PA until 1779 when they moved to Cumberland County. In Cumberland County he established Alter's Mill, on Conodeguinet Creek, and acquired large tracts of land in West Pennsboro and Frankford townships. A tract patented by him, and called Plainfield, a town which still exists in 1991, a few miles west of Carlisle, PA. Many family members are buried in Plainfield. Alter's Mill was very near Plainfield. Alter land was conveyed by will to son Jacob Alter, Jr, and by him to William Alter, whose widow, in 1900 was still living on the land. Between Plainfield and Carlisle, PA there was a station called "Alterton", named for Major Jacob Alter, as he was called.
Sometime between 1804 and 1808 the Jacob Alters (Sr) moved from Cumberland County to Washington County, PA. On April 22, 1808 Jacob purchased 426 acres of land in Buffalo township, Washington County, from a James Laramore and wife. On April 4, 1811 he purchased an addition 50 adjoining acres from a William Noble. On Nov 20, 1809 Jacob conveyed part of this farm to his son-in-law Joseph Ritner.
At the same time he conveyed another part to his sons Henry and Abraham. Jacob's wife appears to be dead by this time. Jacob was enrolled in the Army of the Revolution in 2nd battallion, Pennsylvania Line, U. S. Infantry (Penn'a Archieves, Second Series, vol X p 414). He was a Colonel in the Revolutionary War. In the Third Series of the PA Archives vol III p 608 in the list of "Soldiers Entitled to Donation Lands" for military service Private Jacob Alter was awarded 200 acres of land, but it appears that he never claimed them, apparently preferring no compensation for his military service.
The names, dates of birth, and the names of the spouses of the children of Jacob and Margaret were taken from the Alter family Bible.
Johan and Margaret were reportedly married in the Lancaster Reformed Church in Lancaster, PA.
The following narratives are from descendant Doug Cannon. Alter Origins -- Family history always assumed that the Alters came from Germany on the Upper Rhine. That was the origin of many of the immigrants during this period. However, many of those German-speaking people in that area had come from Switzerland. Most local historians (Lancaster, Cumberland, and Westmoreland Counties) claim that Jacob was from Switzerland; although there are major errors in other parts of these biographies, this point is still credible. One historian says that his father was Swiss but his mother was a native of France.
That also would be consistent with a Swiss refugee moving into the Upper Rhine valley, perhaps into Alsace as many did, marrying a French woman from Alsace and then emigrating. Alsace was under French rule after the Westphalia Treaty of 1648. Such a scenario will have to wait for further investigation. If he was from Switzerland it was no doubt from either the canton of Solothurn (Soleure) or Valaise. These are the only two cantons having communities with the name Alter prior to 1800. Both of these cantons border France and would be consistent with a Swiss father and a French mother. Solothurn is more probable because it is German speaking and Valaise is French speaking. Otherwise, from the time of his marriage in 1769, the Alter family history has been fairly consistent with local histories and biographies published a century ago. Although many questions remain of the early immigrant years, the later years are well documented and there is no doubt more to learn through additional research. We do know that he settled in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania then moved west to Cumberland County.
At that point we have much information on him and his family. But the first years in this country are not easy to document and when we investigate we find some unanswered questions. Immigration -- The early histories and family tradition claim that our Jacob Alter was one of the three Alter immigrants listed on the passenger list of the ship Beulah in 1753. Unfortunately, that is not true. See the appendix for proof of this. But then when did our immigrant arrive? The truth is we don't know for certain. At least one19th century historian says that our Jacob Alter was of Swiss ancestry and immigrated in 1765, but offers no support for this assertion. Another only says that he came to America before the Revolutionary War.
One clue is in the records of the First Reformed Church of Lancaster where our Jacob and Margaret Landis were married. In that same church three children of a John and Anna Alter were baptized; Maria b. 8Mar1765; Jacob b. 18Aug1768; Ann b. 16Dec1772. Also, of the many lists signed by those taking an oath on November 3, 1778, John and Jacob Alter are on the same list in Ephrata Township; not that they lived there, but that's where the oath was administered. This leads us to believe that John was a brother of Jacob. We know something about John's wife's family and further research there may tell us more about John.
Jacob's grandson John of Indiana wrote later that both of his "grandfathers were Swiss". But then he says his grandfather Jacob was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Family tradition and historians have always ignored this latter assertion. Although it does present another possibility to ponder, it is highly likely that Jacob was an immigrant. Another lead is from a history of the Governors of Pennsylvania. Jacob's son-in-law, Governor Joseph Ritner is said to have "set up as a farmer for his wife's uncle, David Alter, a scholarly man with a fine library which Ritner used to educate himself." This was sometime after 1801 in Washington County, PA. However, the only record of a David Alter in the family at the time is one of Jacob's sons.
David was only five years older than his sister, Ritner's wife, and it is almost certain that he did not have a farm in Washington County. The earliest source of this is a history of Governor Ritner written in 1874, which definitely states that the uncle had a farm in Washington County on which Joseph And Susanna Alter settled. It will be worth searching for a possible brother of Jacob's, named David; one avenue is the land deed record in Washington County. But these are only clues to follow up on. They provide no clear information about Jacob's early years.
Alter in Lancaster County -- The first indication we have of Jacob is in Lancaster County with his marriage to Margaret Landis on January 8, 1769 in the First Reformed Church in Lancaster, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. We think his first 6 children were born there: Veronica-1769, John-1771, Jacob Jr.-1773, David-1775, Esther-1777, and Samuel-1779. Jacob is in the tax records for Warwick Township for 1769/70. His residence is generally said to be Lititz, which is north of Lancaster in Warwick Township, the same township where his bride lived. The oath he took late in 1778 was just east of there in Ephrata. The tax records of Lancaster County, Warwick Township, in 1771 and in 1772 show that he owned 7 acres, had no livestock and paid 3s 0d taxes. By 1779 in the same township, he had 17 acres, 1 horse and 3 cattle. Taxes were not listed. John Alter, who may have been his brother, is in Manor Township on the 1773 and 1782 tax lists with no land, listed as an "inmate" rather than a "freeman", indicating that he was married but not a property owner. During the war Jacob was enrolled as a private in the 2nd Battalion, Pennsylvania Line, 7th U.S. Infantry. He made shoes for the patriot army and we doubt if he saw any action. One historian says he was a shoemaker by trade but that may only be based on his war service.
A certain John Hubley was "authorized to employ all shoemakers among the Hessians brought to Lancaster in order that they make shoes for the state troops and to pay them a small sum for such services." These Hessians were prisoners of war who had fought for the British. There were many of them around Lancaster and York at the time. Jacob obviously spoke German and it's likely he was involved in supervision of this effort. Although the Pennsylvania Militia did not see action after the early part of the war and were assigned to guarding these Hessian prisoners, the Pennsylvania Line was part of The Continental Army. It was that part of the Army that mutinied in 1780, left Washington's forces in New Jersey, and marched towards Congress in Philadelphia.
Chances are that Jacob was not a part of this action since we see that he had moved to Cumberland County by 1779. For his service he received a Bounty Land Warrant #8897-100-25. He never acquired this land but there is a record of assignment to another individual so he may have sold his rights. The Alter name is not widespread in Lancaster County. In addition to the John Alter who took the oath with Jacob in 1778, there was an Andrew Alter in Mannheim in the 1790 census. John went to the same church in which Jacob was married and we know three of his children were baptized there between 1765 and 1773. If they are brothers it will be useful to trace John.
Knowing that John's wife's name was Anna Hauendopler may help in a search. John is in Hempfield Township in Lancaster County in the 1790 census, but the name is misspelled "Atter." Hempfield is directly between Warwick and Mannheim on the east and Manor on the southwest. One curious coincidence is that in the same census for Cumberland Co., Jacob Alter is also erroneously listed as "Atter". This is the only instance of that spelling we can find and it is probably an error in transposing the names. Otherwise, little more is known about the Alters in Lancaster County. Remember that John had a son Jacob born in 1768. A Jacob Alter turns up in Schuylkill County with 300 acres in an 1827 survey, but we cannot make the connection.
Cumberland County -- It is in Cumberland County where our Jacob Alter made a name for himself. Accounts vary but the evidence is strong that he sold out in Lititz and bought land here late in 1779. One account says he sold in Lancaster on December 4, 1769 and bought in West Pennsboro on December 29, 1769. That historian's work is full of errors, but perhaps he has given us the day and month to help find the deeds, even if the year is off by 10. A date of December 1779 is most likely because Jacob was on Lancaster County tax records in 1779, but in 1780 he shows up in Cumberland County on West Pennsboro Township tax records with 284 acres, 3 horses, and 5 cattle. By 1785, in the same township, he has 372 acres, 3 horses, and 6 cattle. In that year, part of this land was surveyed on February 26 and 200 acres are listed in the Warranties of Land in reference to that survey.
Comparing his property in Lancaster to that in Cumberland leads us to conclude that he started as a craftsman. If John of Lancaster County is his brother, the fact that he also was not a landowner may indicate they came from a family of craftsmen, not farmers; but this is only speculation. He certainly accumulated enough wealth in his craft to acquire substantial land in Cumberland County. Being further west, this was no doubt cheaper land and perhaps the only way he could afford a sizeable farm was to move west. He would be 37-39 at the time of the move and his venture into farming. His objective may have been to establish a farm for his children.
The great migration of Germans to this area was after 1790 and he is listed as one of the early ones. From these records we can see that he preceded the migration by 10 years. We believe the children born in Cumberland County include: Susannah-1780, Henry-1784, Abraham-1787, and Margaret-1790. The land he acquired was in West Pennsborough Township just a few miles west of Carlisle. It was on the Conodoquinet Creek, which now winds its way parallel to and north of the PA Turnpike. The area is now called Plainfield. Actually the present turnpike runs right through the land, but it is still beautiful farm country. The rest stop on the south side of the turnpike backs up onto the church cemetery where his wife Margaret, son Jacob Jr. and others are buried. The Plainfield Post Office is next to the church. The patent for this land was granted in 1793. The patent must have been officially granted long after the purchase. We also think he acquired land north of the creek which is now Frankfort Township.
Plainfield was called Smoketown at the time, which was not an uncommon name as industry began in the small towns. The most credible reason offered is that the blacksmiths made their own charcoal there, causing heavy smoke. Jacob was a state representative from Cumberland County for 7 consecutive sessions, the 10th through the 16th, from November 1799 to December 1805. In 1799 there are records of the assemblymen staying at various hotels in Lancaster.
Jacob along with another assemblyman from Cumberland County stayed at Sam Clendening's on North Queen Street. This was the first year that Lancaster served as the state capital; before that it was in Philadelphia. It remained the capital until transferred to Harrisburg in 1812. Lancaster was an important city in those days. Once, on September 27, 1777 it served as the national capital when the Continental Congress had to flee from Philadelphia during the war. We have a record on one of Jacob's votes in 1802 when the assembly was considering the move to Harrisburg. He voted against a negative report concerning the move but his side lost in that round. His first child Veronica married Lawrence LaFever, son of George LaFever about 1792. Father and son came from York County in 1785. George was probably associated with the Ferree family whose tract in Lancaster County adjoined Hans Graff.
That family was headed by Marie Führe (Feree), an important French family from the Landau area (she was called the High Bailiwick of Germersheim). A young man by the name LaFebre joined her family when immigrating. There is much written about them. The lineage from Lawrence's father, George, goes back to Philip and then to Dr. LeFever who came from France in 1708, settled in Boston and is thought to be the progenitor of the LeFevers in America. Jacob's oldest son John, who is our ancestor, worked his father's farm until 22 years old "when he became enamored with the beauty of a dark eyed little Swiss maiden by the name of Helenor Sheetz" whose family we have already discussed. Family historian Lewis S. Alter says this marriage was in Cumberland County but possibly not. Helenor was born in York County in 1776 and their first daughter (second child) Esther was born in York County in 1798. So the marriage may have taken place in York.
The fact that John was living in Cumberland County may have made later generations to conclude they married there. Their first child, Joseph was born March 19, 1795 and, although Lewis reports he was born in Cumberland County, other sources say York County. The question of how John and Helenor met, being from different counties, is among the many of those unanswered questions about the Sheetz family. However, there seems to be a connection between the Alters of Cumberland County and Western Maryland where the Sheetz family also had connections. Jacob's son, Jacob Jr., married Elizabeth Foutz in 1896.
In 1807 a Jacob Alter along with Susanna and Jacob Foutz advertise for an estate sale of the late Frederick Foutz. It's likely that the deceased is Elizabeth's father and the two Foutz's are her siblings. So for some reason the Alters had a connection to Hagerstown. By coincidence, one branch of the Beulah Alters was in Hagerstown at the time. This further advances the theory that they were related in some way. Even though we know our Alters were not descended from them, they may have had a common relative in Europe. Another citizen of Hagerstown at the time was John Geiger, the same name as the brother-in-law of Helenor Sheetz.
The 1798 Tax List -- The last time we see all the family in Cumberland County is in the 1798 tax list. Jacob and his three oldest sons each have a home site. Jacob Jr. and David live next door to each other in West Pennsborough Township, which is just south of the creek. Jacob Jr., now 25, owns a 22 x 18 ft. house on two acres and, on another four acres, has a 16 x 16 ft. stable, a stone gristmill, and a sawmill. So he is obviously right on the creek in the "loop" where we find his descendents many years later. His total property is valued at $2100. David, only 23, lives next door but he does not own the property, perhaps because he is planning to move west as we shall see. The owner is Joseph Whitmore. In addition to a 31 x 25 ft. house, there is a 12 x 12 ft. workshop and a 61 x 26 ft. barn on 123 acres.
In the same township is their sister Veronica because her husband Lawrence Lefever is listed on the tax rolls, living on property owned by his father. Jacob Sr. and oldest son John are on the north side of the creek in Frankfort Township. Jacobs house is 30 x 28 ft., has 2 stories, 9 windows, and 100 lights, and sits on 2 acres. A 60 x 26 ft barn and 26 x 26 ft. stable are on another 270 acres. Total value of the property is $3020. John owns his property also. It includes a 24 x 24 ft. house, a 14 x 12 ft. kitchen, and a 48 x 24 ft. barn on a total of 68 acres, with a value of $1100. Within a few years, things change significantly.
Moving West -- The incentive for moving further west was probably cheaper land for the next generation. The reason for first going to Westmoreland County was presumably because John and his wife Helenor inherited land there from her father. Jacob's daughter Susan married Joseph Ritner May 26, 1801. He had come from an eastern county and worked as a farm laborer. Sometime after they married they moved to Allegheny County before 1808 and then to Washington County before 1810, cleared a large farm there, and entered public life. Perhaps they followed John and David and then moved further west. Joseph later became governor of Pennsylvania in 1835. After retiring they returned to Cumberland and are buried at Mount Rock.
Two of Jacob's sons, John and David moved west to the Allegheny River above Pittsburgh about 1800. John and his wife Helenor Sheetz must have come first because he is not in the Cumberland County census in 1800 but is in the 1800 census in Westmoreland or Armstrong County. David and his father and brother Jacob Jr. were still listed as heads of household in Cumberland County. David shows up later in Plumb Township, Allegheny County in the 1810 census. It's not easy to reach firm conclusions about census data in the early 1800's. Only heads of households are listed by name and are indexed. The other occupants are only identified by their sex and what age range they fit into. If non-family members lived with the family, such as farm hands, there would be no definite way of knowing.
For example in the 1800 census, Jacob Sr.'s household has an extra male over 45. Could this be a brother of his or his wife? There is an extra male in Jacob Jr.'s household, age 16 to 26; more than likely a farm hand, but maybe a visiting relative, or in-law. David's household has an extra adult female and three extra males over 16. This seems more like in-laws, but we can't know for sure. The foregoing is all in Cumberland Co. and all Jacob's children fit into the data except John and his family. That's another reason for accepting the fact that our John Alter is the one in Westmoreland County.
John and Eleanor in 1800 -- There are two census entries in 1800 that are good candidates for our John and Eleanor. There are some unexplainable entries in both census records. The most likely candidate for our John Alter family is the one in Westmoreland County. Remember the 1798 tax list? In Westmoreland County there is an entry for John "Alder," owning 150 acres. There is no occupant and there are no dwellings. So this John Alder is an absentee landowner; he lives elsewhere. This land could be the land which John and Eleanor later occupied. It is next to "barren hills" and next to property that borders the Allegheny River. This description certainly is consistent with the property allocated to Eleanor from her father's estate and it is identical to the land tracts listed for Eleanor's brother Joseph and her brother-in-law Phillip Myers.
Then in the 1800 census in about the same location there is a John "Alder" family. Someone has moved to the land. And the profile fits our Alters: male and female under 10 (Joseph and Esther), male over 26 and female under 26 (John and Eleanor). But there is another couple: a male 16-26 and a female 16-26. These could be a sibling and spouse of either John or Eleanor. There is not an "Alder" in the 1790 or 1810 census for any location in the area so we are led to believe that it was a local spelling error in 1798 and 1800. So far we would conclude that this is our John Alter.
A Second Marriage -- By 1810 much had happened. Jacob's wife Margaret died. We have no official death record, but Alter family records say January 7, 1803. Jacob moved to Washington County about 1808 with his son Henry, youngest son Abraham, youngest daughter Margaret, and possibly other children. A deed for 426 acres of land in Buffalo Township from John Laramore and wife to Jacob Alter, late of Cumberland County, is on record dated April 22, 1808. Another 50 acres adjoining the above were purchased from William Noble on April 4, 1811.
An agreement dated November 20, 1809 conveys part of his farm in Buffalo Township to his son-in-law Joseph Ritner. At the same time another part of the land was conveyed to his son Henry and son Abraham is named as an adjoining owner. We assume Jacob moved west because much of his family had already done so. By 1810, Jacob Jr. is the only one still listed in Cumberland County census after buying much of the land from his father. Henry is in Buffalo Township and Jacob Sr. is in adjoining Canton Township in Washington County in the 1810 census. Lewis says he married a second time in Washington County but only gives her name as Mary. Other records from the Indiana Alters show that she was the widow of Ulrey Burkholder and the marriage was before April 5, 1805. Further research confirms the date and name and indicates that the marriage was not in Washington County and took place before he moved west. This information comes from marriage records of the First Reformed Church of Lebanon, Lebanon County, PA. On March 23, 1805 a Jacob Alter married Maria Borkholder, both widowed, she the widow of Uhlrich Borkholder. This would be two years after his wife died and three years before he bought land in Washington Co. Lebanon is not far north of Lancaster and Lititz so he probably was acquainted with his new wife either through his participation as a legislature or from his early life in Lititz.
It's curious that his new wife's name is not included on any of the deeds in Washington County. However, after Jacob's death, she surrendered any interest in any of Jacob's lands in favor of his children. So it is consistent that she did not want to be on the deeds. An interesting piece of coincidence is that on May 18, 1807 Henrich Alter married Elizabeth Rhinehart in the same church. According to Alter family records son Henry married a Maria Elizabeth Reinhard but her tombstone only calls her Marie Reinhard. Maybe Henry met his wife at his father's second wedding?
Washington County, PA -- While in Washington County, there is little documented about Jacob (but that county historical society is yet to be visited). An entry in the local Washington reporter on Monday, December 23, 1811 reads: "Two strays. Came to the farm of the subscriber, in Canton Township, Washington County, sometime in October last, a small black cow. Also a sheep. The owner or owners are requested to come, prove property, pay charges and take them away. /s/ Jacob Alter." Other entries during that time include four listings of court actions for a "Sam McConnoughy vs. Jacob Alter." No record of what the complaint is. And finally, in 1813 his name is listed as one of those who have a letter remaining in the Post Office in Washington, PA, on March 31 and December 31. This apparently was a common occurrence for the country folk. His daughter Susannah Ritner had a similar notice on March 31 and son-in-law Joseph Ritner in 1809 and 1810. Jacob died April 18, 1815. Lewis visited there in 1927 and saw the marble slab at his grave. At the same farm is a stone barn built by his son Peter in 1812, but still in excellent condition in 1927. He reports that, since then, the old cemetery has been repaired and suitable monuments erected. Four of the family are buried there: Jacob, his son Abraham, Henry's wife, Maria Reinhard, and Lt. Joseph Ritner, son of Joseph and Susan.
At the Plumb Creek Church, New Texas, Pennsylvania, northeast of Pittsburgh, is a stone erected in 1927 in memory of Jacob and Margaret Alter and their son David, listing all of their children.
Our Ancestor, Jacob's Son John -- Our ancestor John Alter, as mentioned above, had moved to Westmoreland County by 1800 with his wife Eleanor and two children. We speculated earlier whether some of their extended family lived with them at the time The birth location of children beginning in 1804 is listed as Westmoreland County. Also the deed of property in Westmoreland County from the estate of Peter Sheetz to his son-in-law John Alter is in 1803, so they seemed to have been in that location from an early date. The 1810 census for Allegheny Township (then still recorded as a part of Washington Township) does not show them and it is not until 1820 when we find them officially in Allegheny Township, Westmoreland County. Lewis says that John served in the war of 1812, as did his brother David who was a captain, but there is no record of this. The key event for us was the birth of a son, David, on December 3, 1807 to John Alter and Eleanor Sheetz. He would go on to become perhaps the most renowned of the Alters, but that may be argued by some, with the evidence of so many successful Alters over the years in various fields.
Postscript -- After our ancestor's left Cumberland, Jacob Jr. went on with a productive life. Following in his father's footsteps he was a state representative for 21 consecutive years after being first elected in 1814. One report says he was a Quaker. He married Elizabeth Foutz. He died in June 1839. His tombstone still stands in the same cemetery where his mother Margaret is buried. The cemetery is behind the church next to the Plainfield Post Office and almost abuts with the turnpike rest stop on the eastbound side just before reaching the Carlisle exit. They had 6 sons and 3 daughters. The fifth son William (1802-1873) bought the old homestead and married Sarah Stark (1812-1901). They are buried next to his father.
There is an odd loop made by the Conodoquinet Creek as it winds abruptly north and just as abruptly south at a point just west of Plainfield. A map published in 1858 shows W. Alter's residence in the northwest quadrant of this long "peninsula." Back in 1786 this land was bought by Abraham Landis and Samuel Bowman. At the time there was a flourmill on that property and some speculation has it being the oldest in the county. William built a new mill in 1832 that also served as a trading post for coffee, sugar, salt etc. for the accommodation of the people in the area. He also had a sawmill, clover mill, and a distillery on the same property. By 1879 only the flourmill remained. In 1839 two other sons of Jacob Jr., John and David, occupied the station on the Cumberland Valley R.R. southwest of Plainfield. This was the first station west of Carlisle at a place now called Kerrsville, but at the time called Alterton. (Note that one history says this David was a physician, but it could be confused with one of Jacob Jr.'s nephews: our ancestor Dr. David Alter of Freeport or his cousin's son with the same name and occupation.)
And this, below is a 2005 appendix by Doug Cannon: Appendix - Alter Immigration -- In spite of early histories and family tradition stating that our Jacob Alter was the Johan Jacob Alter on the ship, Beulah, this has been proven wrong beyond any doubt. The following discussion will relate the key elements of the investigation of that family. The ship Beulah with Captain Richey arrived in Philadelphia in September 10, 1753. The three lists of signatures obtained that day included the following: Captain's list oath of allegiance oath of abjuration written by the captain signed by immigrants signed by immigrants Jurg Henrich Alter George Heinrich Alter Georig Heinrich Alter Jacob Alter Johann Jacob Alter Johann Jacob Alter Jurg Fredk Alter Georg Friederich Alter Georig Friderich Alter
They all signed their own names on both of the latter two lists. Facsimiles of the signatures show no "marks" as they do for illiterates. The writer has personally seen these facsimiles and, in spite of the hard-to-read script, must agree that the published accounts as summarized above are correct. No ages or relationships are given but it is evident that George Heinrich is the father and the other two are his sons. At first review, this list looks like an exception to most of the captains' lists of the period in that the male sons are listed below their father's name; implying that perhaps all male children were listed. All captain's lists were supposed to include all passengers, including women and children, but unfortunately, most only listed males 16 and over. For this passenger list we have nine other families who are listed in this format. On at least two we see that the father's name is definitely listed first because the following name is a "Jr." So the last two Alters are most probably sons. However these sons could possibly be only those over 16. If this is like the majority of other lists, only "adult" males are listed. Also, it seems very doubtful that boys under 16 would be asked to sign an oath. In fact the law specifically required only that the oath be signed by adult males. The greater probability is that both Johan Jacob and George Frederick are 16 or older.
Unfortunately, that conflicts with other information about Jacob's age but the handwritten signatures on the two oaths are the best hard evidence we have about these two youths. Other than the captain's list, they were probably signed at the courthouse; the latter one actually indicates at the courthouse, Monday, September 10, 1753. Note that the captain called the first child "Jacob" although he signed his name "Johann Jacob". This is consistent with the use of the middle name as the "calling" name and it shouldn't trouble us to hear of this immigrant referred to only as Jacob Alter. The passenger list said 8 were Catholic, the rest Lutheran. Whether ship captains called all German speaking Protestants "Lutheran" is a question to resolve.
For now we will assume these Alters were Lutheran. One conflict we have is that our family tradition says that Jacob was born in 1740, but D.A.R. records say 1742. That could be a minor error. The marble slab on his grave says he was 75 when he died in 1815, so let's assume the D.A.R. made an error. However, in either case, it would mean that an eleven or thirteen year old took the oath of allegiance if he is the same Jacob on the Beulah; not to mention his younger brother. Before we go on to the settlement in Lancaster County let's deal with another troubling peace of data with this story. In the records of The Evangelical Lutheran Congregation in Philadelphia are two interesting entries: Johann Jacob Alter married Elisabeth Willrichen on May 26, 1761. Georg Friedrich Alter married Maria Dorothea Richtern on December 26, 1762. The witnesses are listed for both entries. There seems little doubt that these are the same two youths who arrived 8-9 years before on the Beulah. Otherwise, the coincidences seem too great: names, ages, religion, and location. So if this is our Jacob, did his first wife, Elisabeth, die? That would seem the only explanation for we know that our Jacob married Margaret Landis in Lancaster, Lancaster County on January 8, 1769 in the First Reformed Church.
Age would not be a problem with the theory of a first marriage in Philadelphia; he would have been 19 or 21. A young groom. Jacob's first child by Margaret Landis was Veronica (named after Margaret's mother), born October 9, 1769. Beginning a family at the age of 27 or 29 in those days is not inconsistent with a widower starting over again. However, there is some other disturbing information which makes all this academic: these Alters from the ship, Beulah, are found later in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania and still later in Washington County, Maryland. In an attempt to resolve this, the Alters in Indiana (home of family historian, Lewis S. Alter) were contacted. They had no new information, but they have kept records of Lewis's work.
They also identified another contact in Indianapolis who, it turns out, had further proof that Jacob was not among the "Beulah" Alters. Apparently that family has been well studied and their descendants have documented the pedigree well. Further investigation reveals that the Johan Jacob Alter who married Elizabeth Willrichen was in the Revolutionary War, was born in 1735 and died in 1778. His wife survived him. The writer has a copy of the results of the research on the Beulah Alters. In fact, after extensive searching, we can say that we know more about them and their early years in America than we do about our own. So we are certain that the Beulah Jacob is not ours, although they may be related.
Jacob's Brothers -- It is highly likely that John of Lancaster was a brother or close relative of Jacob. We know that John's wife's maiden name was Anna Hauendopler (Hauendubler, Haugendobler, etc.). We know from a baptismal record of a child that Anna's mother's name was Maria. The other occurrence of the name made aware to us is the immigrant Nicolaus Haugendobler's arrival on the ship Osgood on September 29, 1750. He and his wife Maria show up in records of the same church as John and Jacob's marriages as early as 1756, so he is no doubt Anna's father. But knowing more about that family may not help us. It seems likely that John met Anna in America. Otherwise we may speculate that they traveled to America together. The other possible brother is David per the story of Joseph Ritner and David's library. In all the research conducted, including much done by others, there is no other indication that he ever existed. This seems a long shot.
John Alter in 1800 -- There are uncertainties about the John Alter in Strong Township of Armstrong County in 1800. The fact that there are discrepancies in the age of the household members is not a problem in itself. However, the main issue is that the family is already in the expected location in Westmoreland County during the same census. The 1800 census lists a John "Alder" in Washington Township, Westmoreland County. There are a male and a female under 10 that would account for children Ester (2) and Joseph (5). There is a male 26 to 45 which could be John (28) and a female 16 to 26 which could be Eleanor (24). However there is also a second female 16 to 26 and a male 16 to 26. The Alter family seems to be accounted for and we have no indication that Eleanor's siblings were with them, but that's possible, especially since we find John Geiger living beside them in 1810. John Geiger was the husband of Eleanor's sister Ester. In support of this John "Alder" is that he was listed as an occupant and owner of the land in the 1798 tax list. At that time we know that our John was still back in Cumberland County because of the detailed tax list pertaining to him. So this may seem to rule this individual out. But the tax entry doesn't list any dwellings, only 300 acres worth $300. It's probable that this was land that John Alter owned in 1798, he hadn't yet moved from Cumberland, and he was listed as an occupant because it wasn't rented to someone else. It's interesting that this John "Alder" was not listed in the 1790 or 1810 census, but John Alter is listed in about the same location in 1810. From the description it seems this land is that which he inherited from his father-in-law. The agreement wasn't documented until 1803 but he may have had a claim on it in 1798.
Allegheny Township, Westmoreland County -- Westmoreland County history books claim that Allegheny Township was formed in 1795. However, this is misleading. A section of old Westmoreland County, north of the Kiskiminetas River, was formed in 1795. Then that was included in the newly formed Armstrong County in March 1800. It was later subdivided and renamed so that the original Allegheny Township doesn't exist today. Later, in 1820, another Allegheny Township was formed from the western part of Washington Township that borders the Allegheny River. This is the basis for the Allegheny Township that remains today and is part of Westmoreland County, after the southern part of it was further divided to form Burrel Township. The historical error remains today and people in the present Allegheny Township erroneously celebrated their bi-centennial in 1996. It has made research in census and tax records difficult until the error is realized.
Other spellings -- So far three different spellings have created some confusion: Atter (probably a typo in census index), Alder (possibly another way an individual spelled his name but probably only an error by a tax agent who heard the name but did not get the spelling from the actual party) and Alters (often used in Indiana, especially for David's brother Simon.) Another possibility is Halter. Checking this out reveals several in 18th century immigration lists index but it seems to be a variant spelling for the name Holder. There are none in 1800 census and only a George Halter in 1810 in Bucks County, PA. We don't know who wrote this old item, and this is the only page we have.
He was from Germany, was in the USA Revolutionary War and was a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives 1799-1805. He came to USA from Rotterdam on ship "Beulah", captained by a Mr. Rickey. He became USA citizen 10 Sep1753. He served in the Army of Revolution, 2nd Battalian, PA Line, US Infantry.
His first wife was Elisabeth Willrichen, whom he married May 26, 1761 at Evangelical Lutheran Church in Philadelphia, PA.
He and second wife Margaret Graafe Landis married January 8, 1769 at the First Reformed Church in Lancaster, PA. Jacob outlived Margaret. They had 10 children: Veronica, John, Jacob (called Major), David, Esther, Samuel, Susannah Whistler, Henry, Abraham, and Margaret.
He married a third time on March 23, 1805 to a woman named Mary.
His term in Pennsylvania House of Representatives was 1799-1805. He and Margaret lived in Lancaster County, PA until 1779 when they moved to Cumberland County. In Cumberland County he established Alter's Mill, on Conodeguinet Creek, and acquired large tracts of land in West Pennsboro and Frankford townships. A tract patented by him, and called Plainfield, a town which still exists in 1991, a few miles west of Carlisle, PA. Many family members are buried in Plainfield. Alter's Mill was very near Plainfield. Alter land was conveyed by will to son Jacob Alter, Jr, and by him to William Alter, whose widow, in 1900 was still living on the land. Between Plainfield and Carlisle, PA there was a station called "Alterton", named for Major Jacob Alter, as he was called.
Sometime between 1804 and 1808 the Jacob Alters (Sr) moved from Cumberland County to Washington County, PA. On April 22, 1808 Jacob purchased 426 acres of land in Buffalo township, Washington County, from a James Laramore and wife. On April 4, 1811 he purchased an addition 50 adjoining acres from a William Noble. On Nov 20, 1809 Jacob conveyed part of this farm to his son-in-law Joseph Ritner.
At the same time he conveyed another part to his sons Henry and Abraham. Jacob's wife appears to be dead by this time. Jacob was enrolled in the Army of the Revolution in 2nd battallion, Pennsylvania Line, U. S. Infantry (Penn'a Archieves, Second Series, vol X p 414). He was a Colonel in the Revolutionary War. In the Third Series of the PA Archives vol III p 608 in the list of "Soldiers Entitled to Donation Lands" for military service Private Jacob Alter was awarded 200 acres of land, but it appears that he never claimed them, apparently preferring no compensation for his military service.
The names, dates of birth, and the names of the spouses of the children of Jacob and Margaret were taken from the Alter family Bible.
Johan and Margaret were reportedly married in the Lancaster Reformed Church in Lancaster, PA.
The following narratives are from descendant Doug Cannon. Alter Origins -- Family history always assumed that the Alters came from Germany on the Upper Rhine. That was the origin of many of the immigrants during this period. However, many of those German-speaking people in that area had come from Switzerland. Most local historians (Lancaster, Cumberland, and Westmoreland Counties) claim that Jacob was from Switzerland; although there are major errors in other parts of these biographies, this point is still credible. One historian says that his father was Swiss but his mother was a native of France.
That also would be consistent with a Swiss refugee moving into the Upper Rhine valley, perhaps into Alsace as many did, marrying a French woman from Alsace and then emigrating. Alsace was under French rule after the Westphalia Treaty of 1648. Such a scenario will have to wait for further investigation. If he was from Switzerland it was no doubt from either the canton of Solothurn (Soleure) or Valaise. These are the only two cantons having communities with the name Alter prior to 1800. Both of these cantons border France and would be consistent with a Swiss father and a French mother. Solothurn is more probable because it is German speaking and Valaise is French speaking. Otherwise, from the time of his marriage in 1769, the Alter family history has been fairly consistent with local histories and biographies published a century ago. Although many questions remain of the early immigrant years, the later years are well documented and there is no doubt more to learn through additional research. We do know that he settled in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania then moved west to Cumberland County.
At that point we have much information on him and his family. But the first years in this country are not easy to document and when we investigate we find some unanswered questions. Immigration -- The early histories and family tradition claim that our Jacob Alter was one of the three Alter immigrants listed on the passenger list of the ship Beulah in 1753. Unfortunately, that is not true. See the appendix for proof of this. But then when did our immigrant arrive? The truth is we don't know for certain. At least one19th century historian says that our Jacob Alter was of Swiss ancestry and immigrated in 1765, but offers no support for this assertion. Another only says that he came to America before the Revolutionary War.
One clue is in the records of the First Reformed Church of Lancaster where our Jacob and Margaret Landis were married. In that same church three children of a John and Anna Alter were baptized; Maria b. 8Mar1765; Jacob b. 18Aug1768; Ann b. 16Dec1772. Also, of the many lists signed by those taking an oath on November 3, 1778, John and Jacob Alter are on the same list in Ephrata Township; not that they lived there, but that's where the oath was administered. This leads us to believe that John was a brother of Jacob. We know something about John's wife's family and further research there may tell us more about John.
Jacob's grandson John of Indiana wrote later that both of his "grandfathers were Swiss". But then he says his grandfather Jacob was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Family tradition and historians have always ignored this latter assertion. Although it does present another possibility to ponder, it is highly likely that Jacob was an immigrant. Another lead is from a history of the Governors of Pennsylvania. Jacob's son-in-law, Governor Joseph Ritner is said to have "set up as a farmer for his wife's uncle, David Alter, a scholarly man with a fine library which Ritner used to educate himself." This was sometime after 1801 in Washington County, PA. However, the only record of a David Alter in the family at the time is one of Jacob's sons.
David was only five years older than his sister, Ritner's wife, and it is almost certain that he did not have a farm in Washington County. The earliest source of this is a history of Governor Ritner written in 1874, which definitely states that the uncle had a farm in Washington County on which Joseph And Susanna Alter settled. It will be worth searching for a possible brother of Jacob's, named David; one avenue is the land deed record in Washington County. But these are only clues to follow up on. They provide no clear information about Jacob's early years.
Alter in Lancaster County -- The first indication we have of Jacob is in Lancaster County with his marriage to Margaret Landis on January 8, 1769 in the First Reformed Church in Lancaster, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. We think his first 6 children were born there: Veronica-1769, John-1771, Jacob Jr.-1773, David-1775, Esther-1777, and Samuel-1779. Jacob is in the tax records for Warwick Township for 1769/70. His residence is generally said to be Lititz, which is north of Lancaster in Warwick Township, the same township where his bride lived. The oath he took late in 1778 was just east of there in Ephrata. The tax records of Lancaster County, Warwick Township, in 1771 and in 1772 show that he owned 7 acres, had no livestock and paid 3s 0d taxes. By 1779 in the same township, he had 17 acres, 1 horse and 3 cattle. Taxes were not listed. John Alter, who may have been his brother, is in Manor Township on the 1773 and 1782 tax lists with no land, listed as an "inmate" rather than a "freeman", indicating that he was married but not a property owner. During the war Jacob was enrolled as a private in the 2nd Battalion, Pennsylvania Line, 7th U.S. Infantry. He made shoes for the patriot army and we doubt if he saw any action. One historian says he was a shoemaker by trade but that may only be based on his war service.
A certain John Hubley was "authorized to employ all shoemakers among the Hessians brought to Lancaster in order that they make shoes for the state troops and to pay them a small sum for such services." These Hessians were prisoners of war who had fought for the British. There were many of them around Lancaster and York at the time. Jacob obviously spoke German and it's likely he was involved in supervision of this effort. Although the Pennsylvania Militia did not see action after the early part of the war and were assigned to guarding these Hessian prisoners, the Pennsylvania Line was part of The Continental Army. It was that part of the Army that mutinied in 1780, left Washington's forces in New Jersey, and marched towards Congress in Philadelphia.
Chances are that Jacob was not a part of this action since we see that he had moved to Cumberland County by 1779. For his service he received a Bounty Land Warrant #8897-100-25. He never acquired this land but there is a record of assignment to another individual so he may have sold his rights. The Alter name is not widespread in Lancaster County. In addition to the John Alter who took the oath with Jacob in 1778, there was an Andrew Alter in Mannheim in the 1790 census. John went to the same church in which Jacob was married and we know three of his children were baptized there between 1765 and 1773. If they are brothers it will be useful to trace John.
Knowing that John's wife's name was Anna Hauendopler may help in a search. John is in Hempfield Township in Lancaster County in the 1790 census, but the name is misspelled "Atter." Hempfield is directly between Warwick and Mannheim on the east and Manor on the southwest. One curious coincidence is that in the same census for Cumberland Co., Jacob Alter is also erroneously listed as "Atter". This is the only instance of that spelling we can find and it is probably an error in transposing the names. Otherwise, little more is known about the Alters in Lancaster County. Remember that John had a son Jacob born in 1768. A Jacob Alter turns up in Schuylkill County with 300 acres in an 1827 survey, but we cannot make the connection.
Cumberland County -- It is in Cumberland County where our Jacob Alter made a name for himself. Accounts vary but the evidence is strong that he sold out in Lititz and bought land here late in 1779. One account says he sold in Lancaster on December 4, 1769 and bought in West Pennsboro on December 29, 1769. That historian's work is full of errors, but perhaps he has given us the day and month to help find the deeds, even if the year is off by 10. A date of December 1779 is most likely because Jacob was on Lancaster County tax records in 1779, but in 1780 he shows up in Cumberland County on West Pennsboro Township tax records with 284 acres, 3 horses, and 5 cattle. By 1785, in the same township, he has 372 acres, 3 horses, and 6 cattle. In that year, part of this land was surveyed on February 26 and 200 acres are listed in the Warranties of Land in reference to that survey.
Comparing his property in Lancaster to that in Cumberland leads us to conclude that he started as a craftsman. If John of Lancaster County is his brother, the fact that he also was not a landowner may indicate they came from a family of craftsmen, not farmers; but this is only speculation. He certainly accumulated enough wealth in his craft to acquire substantial land in Cumberland County. Being further west, this was no doubt cheaper land and perhaps the only way he could afford a sizeable farm was to move west. He would be 37-39 at the time of the move and his venture into farming. His objective may have been to establish a farm for his children.
The great migration of Germans to this area was after 1790 and he is listed as one of the early ones. From these records we can see that he preceded the migration by 10 years. We believe the children born in Cumberland County include: Susannah-1780, Henry-1784, Abraham-1787, and Margaret-1790. The land he acquired was in West Pennsborough Township just a few miles west of Carlisle. It was on the Conodoquinet Creek, which now winds its way parallel to and north of the PA Turnpike. The area is now called Plainfield. Actually the present turnpike runs right through the land, but it is still beautiful farm country. The rest stop on the south side of the turnpike backs up onto the church cemetery where his wife Margaret, son Jacob Jr. and others are buried. The Plainfield Post Office is next to the church. The patent for this land was granted in 1793. The patent must have been officially granted long after the purchase. We also think he acquired land north of the creek which is now Frankfort Township.
Plainfield was called Smoketown at the time, which was not an uncommon name as industry began in the small towns. The most credible reason offered is that the blacksmiths made their own charcoal there, causing heavy smoke. Jacob was a state representative from Cumberland County for 7 consecutive sessions, the 10th through the 16th, from November 1799 to December 1805. In 1799 there are records of the assemblymen staying at various hotels in Lancaster.
Jacob along with another assemblyman from Cumberland County stayed at Sam Clendening's on North Queen Street. This was the first year that Lancaster served as the state capital; before that it was in Philadelphia. It remained the capital until transferred to Harrisburg in 1812. Lancaster was an important city in those days. Once, on September 27, 1777 it served as the national capital when the Continental Congress had to flee from Philadelphia during the war. We have a record on one of Jacob's votes in 1802 when the assembly was considering the move to Harrisburg. He voted against a negative report concerning the move but his side lost in that round. His first child Veronica married Lawrence LaFever, son of George LaFever about 1792. Father and son came from York County in 1785. George was probably associated with the Ferree family whose tract in Lancaster County adjoined Hans Graff.
That family was headed by Marie Führe (Feree), an important French family from the Landau area (she was called the High Bailiwick of Germersheim). A young man by the name LaFebre joined her family when immigrating. There is much written about them. The lineage from Lawrence's father, George, goes back to Philip and then to Dr. LeFever who came from France in 1708, settled in Boston and is thought to be the progenitor of the LeFevers in America. Jacob's oldest son John, who is our ancestor, worked his father's farm until 22 years old "when he became enamored with the beauty of a dark eyed little Swiss maiden by the name of Helenor Sheetz" whose family we have already discussed. Family historian Lewis S. Alter says this marriage was in Cumberland County but possibly not. Helenor was born in York County in 1776 and their first daughter (second child) Esther was born in York County in 1798. So the marriage may have taken place in York.
The fact that John was living in Cumberland County may have made later generations to conclude they married there. Their first child, Joseph was born March 19, 1795 and, although Lewis reports he was born in Cumberland County, other sources say York County. The question of how John and Helenor met, being from different counties, is among the many of those unanswered questions about the Sheetz family. However, there seems to be a connection between the Alters of Cumberland County and Western Maryland where the Sheetz family also had connections. Jacob's son, Jacob Jr., married Elizabeth Foutz in 1896.
In 1807 a Jacob Alter along with Susanna and Jacob Foutz advertise for an estate sale of the late Frederick Foutz. It's likely that the deceased is Elizabeth's father and the two Foutz's are her siblings. So for some reason the Alters had a connection to Hagerstown. By coincidence, one branch of the Beulah Alters was in Hagerstown at the time. This further advances the theory that they were related in some way. Even though we know our Alters were not descended from them, they may have had a common relative in Europe. Another citizen of Hagerstown at the time was John Geiger, the same name as the brother-in-law of Helenor Sheetz.
The 1798 Tax List -- The last time we see all the family in Cumberland County is in the 1798 tax list. Jacob and his three oldest sons each have a home site. Jacob Jr. and David live next door to each other in West Pennsborough Township, which is just south of the creek. Jacob Jr., now 25, owns a 22 x 18 ft. house on two acres and, on another four acres, has a 16 x 16 ft. stable, a stone gristmill, and a sawmill. So he is obviously right on the creek in the "loop" where we find his descendents many years later. His total property is valued at $2100. David, only 23, lives next door but he does not own the property, perhaps because he is planning to move west as we shall see. The owner is Joseph Whitmore. In addition to a 31 x 25 ft. house, there is a 12 x 12 ft. workshop and a 61 x 26 ft. barn on 123 acres.
In the same township is their sister Veronica because her husband Lawrence Lefever is listed on the tax rolls, living on property owned by his father. Jacob Sr. and oldest son John are on the north side of the creek in Frankfort Township. Jacobs house is 30 x 28 ft., has 2 stories, 9 windows, and 100 lights, and sits on 2 acres. A 60 x 26 ft barn and 26 x 26 ft. stable are on another 270 acres. Total value of the property is $3020. John owns his property also. It includes a 24 x 24 ft. house, a 14 x 12 ft. kitchen, and a 48 x 24 ft. barn on a total of 68 acres, with a value of $1100. Within a few years, things change significantly.
Moving West -- The incentive for moving further west was probably cheaper land for the next generation. The reason for first going to Westmoreland County was presumably because John and his wife Helenor inherited land there from her father. Jacob's daughter Susan married Joseph Ritner May 26, 1801. He had come from an eastern county and worked as a farm laborer. Sometime after they married they moved to Allegheny County before 1808 and then to Washington County before 1810, cleared a large farm there, and entered public life. Perhaps they followed John and David and then moved further west. Joseph later became governor of Pennsylvania in 1835. After retiring they returned to Cumberland and are buried at Mount Rock.
Two of Jacob's sons, John and David moved west to the Allegheny River above Pittsburgh about 1800. John and his wife Helenor Sheetz must have come first because he is not in the Cumberland County census in 1800 but is in the 1800 census in Westmoreland or Armstrong County. David and his father and brother Jacob Jr. were still listed as heads of household in Cumberland County. David shows up later in Plumb Township, Allegheny County in the 1810 census. It's not easy to reach firm conclusions about census data in the early 1800's. Only heads of households are listed by name and are indexed. The other occupants are only identified by their sex and what age range they fit into. If non-family members lived with the family, such as farm hands, there would be no definite way of knowing.
For example in the 1800 census, Jacob Sr.'s household has an extra male over 45. Could this be a brother of his or his wife? There is an extra male in Jacob Jr.'s household, age 16 to 26; more than likely a farm hand, but maybe a visiting relative, or in-law. David's household has an extra adult female and three extra males over 16. This seems more like in-laws, but we can't know for sure. The foregoing is all in Cumberland Co. and all Jacob's children fit into the data except John and his family. That's another reason for accepting the fact that our John Alter is the one in Westmoreland County.
John and Eleanor in 1800 -- There are two census entries in 1800 that are good candidates for our John and Eleanor. There are some unexplainable entries in both census records. The most likely candidate for our John Alter family is the one in Westmoreland County. Remember the 1798 tax list? In Westmoreland County there is an entry for John "Alder," owning 150 acres. There is no occupant and there are no dwellings. So this John Alder is an absentee landowner; he lives elsewhere. This land could be the land which John and Eleanor later occupied. It is next to "barren hills" and next to property that borders the Allegheny River. This description certainly is consistent with the property allocated to Eleanor from her father's estate and it is identical to the land tracts listed for Eleanor's brother Joseph and her brother-in-law Phillip Myers.
Then in the 1800 census in about the same location there is a John "Alder" family. Someone has moved to the land. And the profile fits our Alters: male and female under 10 (Joseph and Esther), male over 26 and female under 26 (John and Eleanor). But there is another couple: a male 16-26 and a female 16-26. These could be a sibling and spouse of either John or Eleanor. There is not an "Alder" in the 1790 or 1810 census for any location in the area so we are led to believe that it was a local spelling error in 1798 and 1800. So far we would conclude that this is our John Alter.
A Second Marriage -- By 1810 much had happened. Jacob's wife Margaret died. We have no official death record, but Alter family records say January 7, 1803. Jacob moved to Washington County about 1808 with his son Henry, youngest son Abraham, youngest daughter Margaret, and possibly other children. A deed for 426 acres of land in Buffalo Township from John Laramore and wife to Jacob Alter, late of Cumberland County, is on record dated April 22, 1808. Another 50 acres adjoining the above were purchased from William Noble on April 4, 1811.
An agreement dated November 20, 1809 conveys part of his farm in Buffalo Township to his son-in-law Joseph Ritner. At the same time another part of the land was conveyed to his son Henry and son Abraham is named as an adjoining owner. We assume Jacob moved west because much of his family had already done so. By 1810, Jacob Jr. is the only one still listed in Cumberland County census after buying much of the land from his father. Henry is in Buffalo Township and Jacob Sr. is in adjoining Canton Township in Washington County in the 1810 census. Lewis says he married a second time in Washington County but only gives her name as Mary. Other records from the Indiana Alters show that she was the widow of Ulrey Burkholder and the marriage was before April 5, 1805. Further research confirms the date and name and indicates that the marriage was not in Washington County and took place before he moved west. This information comes from marriage records of the First Reformed Church of Lebanon, Lebanon County, PA. On March 23, 1805 a Jacob Alter married Maria Borkholder, both widowed, she the widow of Uhlrich Borkholder. This would be two years after his wife died and three years before he bought land in Washington Co. Lebanon is not far north of Lancaster and Lititz so he probably was acquainted with his new wife either through his participation as a legislature or from his early life in Lititz.
It's curious that his new wife's name is not included on any of the deeds in Washington County. However, after Jacob's death, she surrendered any interest in any of Jacob's lands in favor of his children. So it is consistent that she did not want to be on the deeds. An interesting piece of coincidence is that on May 18, 1807 Henrich Alter married Elizabeth Rhinehart in the same church. According to Alter family records son Henry married a Maria Elizabeth Reinhard but her tombstone only calls her Marie Reinhard. Maybe Henry met his wife at his father's second wedding?
Washington County, PA -- While in Washington County, there is little documented about Jacob (but that county historical society is yet to be visited). An entry in the local Washington reporter on Monday, December 23, 1811 reads: "Two strays. Came to the farm of the subscriber, in Canton Township, Washington County, sometime in October last, a small black cow. Also a sheep. The owner or owners are requested to come, prove property, pay charges and take them away. /s/ Jacob Alter." Other entries during that time include four listings of court actions for a "Sam McConnoughy vs. Jacob Alter." No record of what the complaint is. And finally, in 1813 his name is listed as one of those who have a letter remaining in the Post Office in Washington, PA, on March 31 and December 31. This apparently was a common occurrence for the country folk. His daughter Susannah Ritner had a similar notice on March 31 and son-in-law Joseph Ritner in 1809 and 1810. Jacob died April 18, 1815. Lewis visited there in 1927 and saw the marble slab at his grave. At the same farm is a stone barn built by his son Peter in 1812, but still in excellent condition in 1927. He reports that, since then, the old cemetery has been repaired and suitable monuments erected. Four of the family are buried there: Jacob, his son Abraham, Henry's wife, Maria Reinhard, and Lt. Joseph Ritner, son of Joseph and Susan.
At the Plumb Creek Church, New Texas, Pennsylvania, northeast of Pittsburgh, is a stone erected in 1927 in memory of Jacob and Margaret Alter and their son David, listing all of their children.
Our Ancestor, Jacob's Son John -- Our ancestor John Alter, as mentioned above, had moved to Westmoreland County by 1800 with his wife Eleanor and two children. We speculated earlier whether some of their extended family lived with them at the time The birth location of children beginning in 1804 is listed as Westmoreland County. Also the deed of property in Westmoreland County from the estate of Peter Sheetz to his son-in-law John Alter is in 1803, so they seemed to have been in that location from an early date. The 1810 census for Allegheny Township (then still recorded as a part of Washington Township) does not show them and it is not until 1820 when we find them officially in Allegheny Township, Westmoreland County. Lewis says that John served in the war of 1812, as did his brother David who was a captain, but there is no record of this. The key event for us was the birth of a son, David, on December 3, 1807 to John Alter and Eleanor Sheetz. He would go on to become perhaps the most renowned of the Alters, but that may be argued by some, with the evidence of so many successful Alters over the years in various fields.
Postscript -- After our ancestor's left Cumberland, Jacob Jr. went on with a productive life. Following in his father's footsteps he was a state representative for 21 consecutive years after being first elected in 1814. One report says he was a Quaker. He married Elizabeth Foutz. He died in June 1839. His tombstone still stands in the same cemetery where his mother Margaret is buried. The cemetery is behind the church next to the Plainfield Post Office and almost abuts with the turnpike rest stop on the eastbound side just before reaching the Carlisle exit. They had 6 sons and 3 daughters. The fifth son William (1802-1873) bought the old homestead and married Sarah Stark (1812-1901). They are buried next to his father.
There is an odd loop made by the Conodoquinet Creek as it winds abruptly north and just as abruptly south at a point just west of Plainfield. A map published in 1858 shows W. Alter's residence in the northwest quadrant of this long "peninsula." Back in 1786 this land was bought by Abraham Landis and Samuel Bowman. At the time there was a flourmill on that property and some speculation has it being the oldest in the county. William built a new mill in 1832 that also served as a trading post for coffee, sugar, salt etc. for the accommodation of the people in the area. He also had a sawmill, clover mill, and a distillery on the same property. By 1879 only the flourmill remained. In 1839 two other sons of Jacob Jr., John and David, occupied the station on the Cumberland Valley R.R. southwest of Plainfield. This was the first station west of Carlisle at a place now called Kerrsville, but at the time called Alterton. (Note that one history says this David was a physician, but it could be confused with one of Jacob Jr.'s nephews: our ancestor Dr. David Alter of Freeport or his cousin's son with the same name and occupation.)
And this, below is a 2005 appendix by Doug Cannon: Appendix - Alter Immigration -- In spite of early histories and family tradition stating that our Jacob Alter was the Johan Jacob Alter on the ship, Beulah, this has been proven wrong beyond any doubt. The following discussion will relate the key elements of the investigation of that family. The ship Beulah with Captain Richey arrived in Philadelphia in September 10, 1753. The three lists of signatures obtained that day included the following: Captain's list oath of allegiance oath of abjuration written by the captain signed by immigrants signed by immigrants Jurg Henrich Alter George Heinrich Alter Georig Heinrich Alter Jacob Alter Johann Jacob Alter Johann Jacob Alter Jurg Fredk Alter Georg Friederich Alter Georig Friderich Alter
They all signed their own names on both of the latter two lists. Facsimiles of the signatures show no "marks" as they do for illiterates. The writer has personally seen these facsimiles and, in spite of the hard-to-read script, must agree that the published accounts as summarized above are correct. No ages or relationships are given but it is evident that George Heinrich is the father and the other two are his sons. At first review, this list looks like an exception to most of the captains' lists of the period in that the male sons are listed below their father's name; implying that perhaps all male children were listed. All captain's lists were supposed to include all passengers, including women and children, but unfortunately, most only listed males 16 and over. For this passenger list we have nine other families who are listed in this format. On at least two we see that the father's name is definitely listed first because the following name is a "Jr." So the last two Alters are most probably sons. However these sons could possibly be only those over 16. If this is like the majority of other lists, only "adult" males are listed. Also, it seems very doubtful that boys under 16 would be asked to sign an oath. In fact the law specifically required only that the oath be signed by adult males. The greater probability is that both Johan Jacob and George Frederick are 16 or older.
Unfortunately, that conflicts with other information about Jacob's age but the handwritten signatures on the two oaths are the best hard evidence we have about these two youths. Other than the captain's list, they were probably signed at the courthouse; the latter one actually indicates at the courthouse, Monday, September 10, 1753. Note that the captain called the first child "Jacob" although he signed his name "Johann Jacob". This is consistent with the use of the middle name as the "calling" name and it shouldn't trouble us to hear of this immigrant referred to only as Jacob Alter. The passenger list said 8 were Catholic, the rest Lutheran. Whether ship captains called all German speaking Protestants "Lutheran" is a question to resolve.
For now we will assume these Alters were Lutheran. One conflict we have is that our family tradition says that Jacob was born in 1740, but D.A.R. records say 1742. That could be a minor error. The marble slab on his grave says he was 75 when he died in 1815, so let's assume the D.A.R. made an error. However, in either case, it would mean that an eleven or thirteen year old took the oath of allegiance if he is the same Jacob on the Beulah; not to mention his younger brother. Before we go on to the settlement in Lancaster County let's deal with another troubling peace of data with this story. In the records of The Evangelical Lutheran Congregation in Philadelphia are two interesting entries: Johann Jacob Alter married Elisabeth Willrichen on May 26, 1761. Georg Friedrich Alter married Maria Dorothea Richtern on December 26, 1762. The witnesses are listed for both entries. There seems little doubt that these are the same two youths who arrived 8-9 years before on the Beulah. Otherwise, the coincidences seem too great: names, ages, religion, and location. So if this is our Jacob, did his first wife, Elisabeth, die? That would seem the only explanation for we know that our Jacob married Margaret Landis in Lancaster, Lancaster County on January 8, 1769 in the First Reformed Church.
Age would not be a problem with the theory of a first marriage in Philadelphia; he would have been 19 or 21. A young groom. Jacob's first child by Margaret Landis was Veronica (named after Margaret's mother), born October 9, 1769. Beginning a family at the age of 27 or 29 in those days is not inconsistent with a widower starting over again. However, there is some other disturbing information which makes all this academic: these Alters from the ship, Beulah, are found later in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania and still later in Washington County, Maryland. In an attempt to resolve this, the Alters in Indiana (home of family historian, Lewis S. Alter) were contacted. They had no new information, but they have kept records of Lewis's work.
They also identified another contact in Indianapolis who, it turns out, had further proof that Jacob was not among the "Beulah" Alters. Apparently that family has been well studied and their descendants have documented the pedigree well. Further investigation reveals that the Johan Jacob Alter who married Elizabeth Willrichen was in the Revolutionary War, was born in 1735 and died in 1778. His wife survived him. The writer has a copy of the results of the research on the Beulah Alters. In fact, after extensive searching, we can say that we know more about them and their early years in America than we do about our own. So we are certain that the Beulah Jacob is not ours, although they may be related.
Jacob's Brothers -- It is highly likely that John of Lancaster was a brother or close relative of Jacob. We know that John's wife's maiden name was Anna Hauendopler (Hauendubler, Haugendobler, etc.). We know from a baptismal record of a child that Anna's mother's name was Maria. The other occurrence of the name made aware to us is the immigrant Nicolaus Haugendobler's arrival on the ship Osgood on September 29, 1750. He and his wife Maria show up in records of the same church as John and Jacob's marriages as early as 1756, so he is no doubt Anna's father. But knowing more about that family may not help us. It seems likely that John met Anna in America. Otherwise we may speculate that they traveled to America together. The other possible brother is David per the story of Joseph Ritner and David's library. In all the research conducted, including much done by others, there is no other indication that he ever existed. This seems a long shot.
John Alter in 1800 -- There are uncertainties about the John Alter in Strong Township of Armstrong County in 1800. The fact that there are discrepancies in the age of the household members is not a problem in itself. However, the main issue is that the family is already in the expected location in Westmoreland County during the same census. The 1800 census lists a John "Alder" in Washington Township, Westmoreland County. There are a male and a female under 10 that would account for children Ester (2) and Joseph (5). There is a male 26 to 45 which could be John (28) and a female 16 to 26 which could be Eleanor (24). However there is also a second female 16 to 26 and a male 16 to 26. The Alter family seems to be accounted for and we have no indication that Eleanor's siblings were with them, but that's possible, especially since we find John Geiger living beside them in 1810. John Geiger was the husband of Eleanor's sister Ester. In support of this John "Alder" is that he was listed as an occupant and owner of the land in the 1798 tax list. At that time we know that our John was still back in Cumberland County because of the detailed tax list pertaining to him. So this may seem to rule this individual out. But the tax entry doesn't list any dwellings, only 300 acres worth $300. It's probable that this was land that John Alter owned in 1798, he hadn't yet moved from Cumberland, and he was listed as an occupant because it wasn't rented to someone else. It's interesting that this John "Alder" was not listed in the 1790 or 1810 census, but John Alter is listed in about the same location in 1810. From the description it seems this land is that which he inherited from his father-in-law. The agreement wasn't documented until 1803 but he may have had a claim on it in 1798.
Allegheny Township, Westmoreland County -- Westmoreland County history books claim that Allegheny Township was formed in 1795. However, this is misleading. A section of old Westmoreland County, north of the Kiskiminetas River, was formed in 1795. Then that was included in the newly formed Armstrong County in March 1800. It was later subdivided and renamed so that the original Allegheny Township doesn't exist today. Later, in 1820, another Allegheny Township was formed from the western part of Washington Township that borders the Allegheny River. This is the basis for the Allegheny Township that remains today and is part of Westmoreland County, after the southern part of it was further divided to form Burrel Township. The historical error remains today and people in the present Allegheny Township erroneously celebrated their bi-centennial in 1996. It has made research in census and tax records difficult until the error is realized.
Other spellings -- So far three different spellings have created some confusion: Atter (probably a typo in census index), Alder (possibly another way an individual spelled his name but probably only an error by a tax agent who heard the name but did not get the spelling from the actual party) and Alters (often used in Indiana, especially for David's brother Simon.) Another possibility is Halter. Checking this out reveals several in 18th century immigration lists index but it seems to be a variant spelling for the name Holder. There are none in 1800 census and only a George Halter in 1810 in Bucks County, PA. We don't know who wrote this old item, and this is the only page we have.
