Married Mary Ann Welsh in Sep 1784 and they had eleven children.
Farmer and school teacher Salisbury, Somerset Co., Pennsylvania
The story of Christian Shockey as a soldier of the Revolution is best told in a short history by his grandson, Elijah Fuller, who lived with him. Elijah writes: "Christian Shockey, my grandfather, was born in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, moved to Somerset County, Pennsylvania, some time in or about the year 1800, for in 1806 his name is found on the assessment in Elk Lick Township., Pa., as having one hundred and fifty acres of land. (This part of Elk Lick Township is now Greenville Township.) Where this was located we are not able to state. Later he lived in Salisbury, and built what is known as the John Smith house. He served through the Revolutionary War, having first served in the new 11th Pennsylvania Regiment of the Continental Line which was first commanded by Colonel Thomas Hartley and later by Colonel Adam Hubley. He was also a member of the 6th Company. First under command of Samuel Kearsly who was succeeded by Captain Abraham Claypool; his rank was that of a corporal. His age at the time of enlistment, was 20 years; he was five feet and seven inches high; occupation farmer, and enlisted April 7, 1777. The 11th Regiment was a part of the expedition, under General Sullivan, which was sent through the Wyoming Valley, in 1778, into the state of New York for the purpose of chastising the Indians who had, with the aid of the Tories, devastated this beautiful valley during the preceding year. This expedition was successful and the savages and their Tory allies were severely punished. "The Eleventh Regiment took part in some pretty severe fighting and sustained considerable loss, both in killed and wounded, and in all of this Christian Shockey acted well his part. "He was also in the battle of Cowpens and was wounded by a British soldier who attempted to sever his head from his body with his sword, but was himself killed by Shockey's bayonet. Shockey, however, received a severe wound in his arm, it receiving the blow intended for his head. "In January 1781 he was transferred to the Third Pennsylvania Regiment of the line which was then commanded by Colonel Thomas Brelig. It is probable that the entire company, that is what remained of it, was consolidated with their regiment, for Captain Claypool also served in this regiment from this date. "While with the Third Regiment, Christian Shockey took part in the siege of Yorktown where he again was wounded. "His name is also found on the roll of the First Pennsylvania Regiment of the line, but no dates can be given as to the precise time. This regiment formed a part of General Wagner's division which was sent to South Carolina after the surrender of Cornwallis. The time of his discharge from service is not known, but probably it was not until the year 1783. By the Act of the 24th of March 1808, he became a pensioner of the State of Pennsylvania. "He also took part in the battle of Trenton where they captured the nine hundred Hessions for I often heard it said, we had in Salisbury but one log church, and the first minister your writer remembers was a man by the name of Hause; he preached and taught school. I attended his school; he died and they were quite a long time getting another. "It was a new minister coming, and grandfather and grandmother were very attentive to their church service. So the minister was late making his appearance that day, as he had to ocme from Berlin, fifteen miles distant and they waited patiently, and finally he made his appearance, came in and walked up and into the pulpit, removed his German cloak and gave out a hymn. Grandfather eying him very closely, shortly arose and walked out. Persons coming from church after the services, noticed grandfather sitting on his porch, inquired of him if he had become sick seeing that he had not remained for the completion of the services. He replied no, but they insisted knowing why of his unusual act, and becoming tired of their questioning him, finally said that the preacher was one of the nine hundred Hessions they captured at the battle of Trenton, and he could not sit quiet under his voice as his blood became very hot. He hated them and, therefore could not listen to him preaching. A committee was appointed to wait on him, and questioning him at first denied it, and grandfather said bring him before me and I will make him acknowledge it. He did acknowledge it, rather than appear before him, and grandfather never went to hear him, no having any more confidence in him as a preacher than he did as a Hession soldier. His name was Henry Giese; he died and is buried in Berlin, Somerset Co., Pa. "Christian Shockey also laid out and platted what may be called the third addition to the town of Salisbury, commencing with the lot on which stands Samuel J. Lichty's brick house and extends to the borough line. "In 1822 he announced himself as a candidate for sheriff of Somerset Co., PA: "Fellow citizens of Somerset Co. Having spent the bloom of my youth in six campaigns, suffering cold and hardships to assist in wresting liberty from a tyrant and still being willing to serve you, and being solicited by numerous friends, I offer myself as a candidate for the office of Sherrif at the ensuing general election. I trust a soldier of the Revolution will not appeal to Americans in vain. "And should I be honored with a majority of your votes, I pledge myself to discharge the duties of the office with generosity and impartiality. "Christian Shockey, Elk Lick Township, May 15, 1822." "In this canvas he was defeated beaten by Isaac Ankeny. "There was a book printed in Germany in 1790, at the pension office in the city of Washington for many years, and finally the Pension Bureau wrote to Somerset to a certain if any of the heirs of Christian Shockey were living. Huldah Knee living there who is the daughter of Levi Shockey and grand-daughter of said Christian Shockey, and a cousin of the writer, wrote and received it, it being a German prayer book, printed in 1790. The following was found within the lids of the prayer book: "Pennsylvania, Somerset County - V.S. Personally came before me the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, Levi Shockey, of the Township of Elk Lick in the County aforesaid, a creditable witness of full age and on his oath doth say that the annexed book contains the original family record of Christian Shockey, late of said township and county, a soldier of the Revolution and a pensioner of the United States, Dec'd, who died on the 18th day of April 1829, leaving a widow, Mary, who is yet in full life, that the entries in said book of the time of the birth of the ten children of the said Christian Shockey and the said Mary, his wife, are all in the proper hand writing of the said Christian Shockey, now deceased, and that the said original record book had been kept by his department since the death of said Christian Shockey. Levi Shockey, Sworn and subscribed this 21st November 1840, before me - John Neff. The following is written in his book: Valentine Shockey born May 5, 1785; William Shockey born Nov. 11, 1786; Christian Shockey born Sep. 10, 1788; Mary Shockey born Nov. 14, 1790; Abraham Shockey born Feb. 21, 1793; Barbara Shockey born Feb. 9, 1795; Levi Shockey born May 16, 1797; Peggy Shockey born Dec. 6, 1799; Nancy Shockey born May 19, 1802; Drusilla Shockey born May 7, 1805; (last two are grandchildren) Mary Ann Welsh born June 22, 1819; Mahala Welsh born June 18, 1809." "Grandfather was an accomplished scholar of his day, taught school in his old days, being a fine penman. He received a pension up to his death, and grandmother up to the time of her demise. "Some instances ::::::::: HISTORY OF BEDFORD, SOMERSET and FULTON COUNTIES, PENNSYLVANIA, printed in Chicago in 1884 (DPL-974.871 B39 hisu) Page 550 "Christian Shockey, a native of Germany, emigrated to America prior to the revoluntionary war. He served through the war and was wounded at the battle of the Cowpens. A British soldier attempted to sever his head from his body with his sword, but was himself killed by Shockey's bayonet. Shockey, however, received a severe wound in his arm, it receiving the blow intended for his head. He settled at Salisbury among the early pioneers, and for many years followed school-teaching. He died about 1830. Barbara, his daughter, married Jonathan Kemp, an 1812 Soldier, who was born at Salisbury in 1793, and was the mother of Harrison H., Levi and Albert, living; and Margaret A (King) and Drucilla (Grimes), dead." (I believe the authors of this history had Christian mixed up with his father when they said he came from Germany, cause this Christian was born in Pennsylvania.) [Donna Porter]
Christian Shockey's will signed on 14 April 1826, just four days before his death, gives further insight to his life and times: "In the name of God, Amen. I Christian Shockey of the town of Salisbury, in the County of Somerset and state of Pennsylvania, being sick and weak in body, but of sound mind, memory and understanding (praised be God for it) and considering certainty of death and the uncertainty of the time thereof, and to the end that I may be better prepared to leave this world whenever it shall please God to call me hence, do there fore make and declare this my last will and testament in manner following. That is to say, Firstly I give and bequeath unto my dearly beloved wife, Mary, the following articles viz. the stove now in the room with the pipe thereof, one falling-leaf table, three chairs, one feather bed, with such bed clothes as she may make choice of, one cow, one half dozen of plates, two dishes, three tin cups, one coffee pot and boiler, one set of tea cups and saucers, one tea pot one do. canister, one set of knives and forks, four spoons, two tin buckets, two iron pots, one skillet, one dripping pan, one chest, one small chest, one looking glass, one spinning wheel, one reel, two shoats, one woman's saddle, one hoe, all the provisions now provided, two washing tubs, one umbrella, one axe, all the linen we now have, one smoothing iron, two small stands, one large pair of shears, all the crocks there are and whereas I have sold my horse and gear to my son Abraham on the following conditions, viz. he is to have my said horse for sixty dollars to be paid in three equal yearly payments, the first payment on the fifth of November, next, and the others, the second in one year and the third and last in two years, thereafter to be paid in wheat, buckwheat and corn to be delivered in the town of Salisbury at market price, for the payment thereof or like to take the horse, he shall be bound by no means. The notes are to be made payable to my said wife, and further it is my will that all the goods and chattel now in my possession shall be sold by my executor (that is those not willed to my said wife) to pay my just debts and if the amount thereof shall not be sufficient, they are empowered to sell the lots and lands next and if that will not be sufficient the lot and house will have to be sold of course. And if there should be any over plus after my sale my said wife is to have the use thereof during her natural life. And if it be found by my executors that there is sufficient property out of which money enough may or can be raised to pay all my debts then my said wife is to have the use of my dwelling house and lot and stable during her life. And further I do hereby constitute and appoint Samuel Finley and Henry Fuller to be my Executors to transact all matters herein mentioned or not mentioned according to law. In witness whereof (that the foregoing is my last will and testament) I have hereunto set my hand and seal the 14th day of April, A. D., one thousand eight hundred and twenty nine. "Signed in the presence of Caleb Fuller and William Pence. "Christian Shockey (seal)"
Christian had received a Revolutionary War bounty land warrant on 17 February 1800 but did not take possession until 1805. The warrant was for one hundred acres and is described as being "in Greenville Township on waters of Little Pine Run beginning at a white oak, to land of Henry Storm, to a pine, to land of David Miller, to an ironwood, to land of Henry Thal, to a post, to land of Peter Deal, to a pile of stones." ::::::::: Christian Shockey, Peter Keefer and Douglas Baker, in 1813, donated land "for the purpose of a school and burial ground" in Greenville Township. The present Greenville Reformed Church now stands on this land. The "first and only" sawmill in Greenville Township in 1813 was owned by Christian. This sawmill was a crude machine run by water power. The saw was placed in a sash and operated with up and down strokes of the sash. Only the best trees were cut for lumber. Most of the trees cut by early settlers in clearing land were burned in log fires that were only for that purpose. Before sawmills, only the broad axe was used for hewing logs for homes and furniture.
Farmer and school teacher Salisbury, Somerset Co., Pennsylvania
The story of Christian Shockey as a soldier of the Revolution is best told in a short history by his grandson, Elijah Fuller, who lived with him. Elijah writes: "Christian Shockey, my grandfather, was born in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, moved to Somerset County, Pennsylvania, some time in or about the year 1800, for in 1806 his name is found on the assessment in Elk Lick Township., Pa., as having one hundred and fifty acres of land. (This part of Elk Lick Township is now Greenville Township.) Where this was located we are not able to state. Later he lived in Salisbury, and built what is known as the John Smith house. He served through the Revolutionary War, having first served in the new 11th Pennsylvania Regiment of the Continental Line which was first commanded by Colonel Thomas Hartley and later by Colonel Adam Hubley. He was also a member of the 6th Company. First under command of Samuel Kearsly who was succeeded by Captain Abraham Claypool; his rank was that of a corporal. His age at the time of enlistment, was 20 years; he was five feet and seven inches high; occupation farmer, and enlisted April 7, 1777. The 11th Regiment was a part of the expedition, under General Sullivan, which was sent through the Wyoming Valley, in 1778, into the state of New York for the purpose of chastising the Indians who had, with the aid of the Tories, devastated this beautiful valley during the preceding year. This expedition was successful and the savages and their Tory allies were severely punished. "The Eleventh Regiment took part in some pretty severe fighting and sustained considerable loss, both in killed and wounded, and in all of this Christian Shockey acted well his part. "He was also in the battle of Cowpens and was wounded by a British soldier who attempted to sever his head from his body with his sword, but was himself killed by Shockey's bayonet. Shockey, however, received a severe wound in his arm, it receiving the blow intended for his head. "In January 1781 he was transferred to the Third Pennsylvania Regiment of the line which was then commanded by Colonel Thomas Brelig. It is probable that the entire company, that is what remained of it, was consolidated with their regiment, for Captain Claypool also served in this regiment from this date. "While with the Third Regiment, Christian Shockey took part in the siege of Yorktown where he again was wounded. "His name is also found on the roll of the First Pennsylvania Regiment of the line, but no dates can be given as to the precise time. This regiment formed a part of General Wagner's division which was sent to South Carolina after the surrender of Cornwallis. The time of his discharge from service is not known, but probably it was not until the year 1783. By the Act of the 24th of March 1808, he became a pensioner of the State of Pennsylvania. "He also took part in the battle of Trenton where they captured the nine hundred Hessions for I often heard it said, we had in Salisbury but one log church, and the first minister your writer remembers was a man by the name of Hause; he preached and taught school. I attended his school; he died and they were quite a long time getting another. "It was a new minister coming, and grandfather and grandmother were very attentive to their church service. So the minister was late making his appearance that day, as he had to ocme from Berlin, fifteen miles distant and they waited patiently, and finally he made his appearance, came in and walked up and into the pulpit, removed his German cloak and gave out a hymn. Grandfather eying him very closely, shortly arose and walked out. Persons coming from church after the services, noticed grandfather sitting on his porch, inquired of him if he had become sick seeing that he had not remained for the completion of the services. He replied no, but they insisted knowing why of his unusual act, and becoming tired of their questioning him, finally said that the preacher was one of the nine hundred Hessions they captured at the battle of Trenton, and he could not sit quiet under his voice as his blood became very hot. He hated them and, therefore could not listen to him preaching. A committee was appointed to wait on him, and questioning him at first denied it, and grandfather said bring him before me and I will make him acknowledge it. He did acknowledge it, rather than appear before him, and grandfather never went to hear him, no having any more confidence in him as a preacher than he did as a Hession soldier. His name was Henry Giese; he died and is buried in Berlin, Somerset Co., Pa. "Christian Shockey also laid out and platted what may be called the third addition to the town of Salisbury, commencing with the lot on which stands Samuel J. Lichty's brick house and extends to the borough line. "In 1822 he announced himself as a candidate for sheriff of Somerset Co., PA: "Fellow citizens of Somerset Co. Having spent the bloom of my youth in six campaigns, suffering cold and hardships to assist in wresting liberty from a tyrant and still being willing to serve you, and being solicited by numerous friends, I offer myself as a candidate for the office of Sherrif at the ensuing general election. I trust a soldier of the Revolution will not appeal to Americans in vain. "And should I be honored with a majority of your votes, I pledge myself to discharge the duties of the office with generosity and impartiality. "Christian Shockey, Elk Lick Township, May 15, 1822." "In this canvas he was defeated beaten by Isaac Ankeny. "There was a book printed in Germany in 1790, at the pension office in the city of Washington for many years, and finally the Pension Bureau wrote to Somerset to a certain if any of the heirs of Christian Shockey were living. Huldah Knee living there who is the daughter of Levi Shockey and grand-daughter of said Christian Shockey, and a cousin of the writer, wrote and received it, it being a German prayer book, printed in 1790. The following was found within the lids of the prayer book: "Pennsylvania, Somerset County - V.S. Personally came before me the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, Levi Shockey, of the Township of Elk Lick in the County aforesaid, a creditable witness of full age and on his oath doth say that the annexed book contains the original family record of Christian Shockey, late of said township and county, a soldier of the Revolution and a pensioner of the United States, Dec'd, who died on the 18th day of April 1829, leaving a widow, Mary, who is yet in full life, that the entries in said book of the time of the birth of the ten children of the said Christian Shockey and the said Mary, his wife, are all in the proper hand writing of the said Christian Shockey, now deceased, and that the said original record book had been kept by his department since the death of said Christian Shockey. Levi Shockey, Sworn and subscribed this 21st November 1840, before me - John Neff. The following is written in his book: Valentine Shockey born May 5, 1785; William Shockey born Nov. 11, 1786; Christian Shockey born Sep. 10, 1788; Mary Shockey born Nov. 14, 1790; Abraham Shockey born Feb. 21, 1793; Barbara Shockey born Feb. 9, 1795; Levi Shockey born May 16, 1797; Peggy Shockey born Dec. 6, 1799; Nancy Shockey born May 19, 1802; Drusilla Shockey born May 7, 1805; (last two are grandchildren) Mary Ann Welsh born June 22, 1819; Mahala Welsh born June 18, 1809." "Grandfather was an accomplished scholar of his day, taught school in his old days, being a fine penman. He received a pension up to his death, and grandmother up to the time of her demise. "Some instances ::::::::: HISTORY OF BEDFORD, SOMERSET and FULTON COUNTIES, PENNSYLVANIA, printed in Chicago in 1884 (DPL-974.871 B39 hisu) Page 550 "Christian Shockey, a native of Germany, emigrated to America prior to the revoluntionary war. He served through the war and was wounded at the battle of the Cowpens. A British soldier attempted to sever his head from his body with his sword, but was himself killed by Shockey's bayonet. Shockey, however, received a severe wound in his arm, it receiving the blow intended for his head. He settled at Salisbury among the early pioneers, and for many years followed school-teaching. He died about 1830. Barbara, his daughter, married Jonathan Kemp, an 1812 Soldier, who was born at Salisbury in 1793, and was the mother of Harrison H., Levi and Albert, living; and Margaret A (King) and Drucilla (Grimes), dead." (I believe the authors of this history had Christian mixed up with his father when they said he came from Germany, cause this Christian was born in Pennsylvania.) [Donna Porter]
Christian Shockey's will signed on 14 April 1826, just four days before his death, gives further insight to his life and times: "In the name of God, Amen. I Christian Shockey of the town of Salisbury, in the County of Somerset and state of Pennsylvania, being sick and weak in body, but of sound mind, memory and understanding (praised be God for it) and considering certainty of death and the uncertainty of the time thereof, and to the end that I may be better prepared to leave this world whenever it shall please God to call me hence, do there fore make and declare this my last will and testament in manner following. That is to say, Firstly I give and bequeath unto my dearly beloved wife, Mary, the following articles viz. the stove now in the room with the pipe thereof, one falling-leaf table, three chairs, one feather bed, with such bed clothes as she may make choice of, one cow, one half dozen of plates, two dishes, three tin cups, one coffee pot and boiler, one set of tea cups and saucers, one tea pot one do. canister, one set of knives and forks, four spoons, two tin buckets, two iron pots, one skillet, one dripping pan, one chest, one small chest, one looking glass, one spinning wheel, one reel, two shoats, one woman's saddle, one hoe, all the provisions now provided, two washing tubs, one umbrella, one axe, all the linen we now have, one smoothing iron, two small stands, one large pair of shears, all the crocks there are and whereas I have sold my horse and gear to my son Abraham on the following conditions, viz. he is to have my said horse for sixty dollars to be paid in three equal yearly payments, the first payment on the fifth of November, next, and the others, the second in one year and the third and last in two years, thereafter to be paid in wheat, buckwheat and corn to be delivered in the town of Salisbury at market price, for the payment thereof or like to take the horse, he shall be bound by no means. The notes are to be made payable to my said wife, and further it is my will that all the goods and chattel now in my possession shall be sold by my executor (that is those not willed to my said wife) to pay my just debts and if the amount thereof shall not be sufficient, they are empowered to sell the lots and lands next and if that will not be sufficient the lot and house will have to be sold of course. And if there should be any over plus after my sale my said wife is to have the use thereof during her natural life. And if it be found by my executors that there is sufficient property out of which money enough may or can be raised to pay all my debts then my said wife is to have the use of my dwelling house and lot and stable during her life. And further I do hereby constitute and appoint Samuel Finley and Henry Fuller to be my Executors to transact all matters herein mentioned or not mentioned according to law. In witness whereof (that the foregoing is my last will and testament) I have hereunto set my hand and seal the 14th day of April, A. D., one thousand eight hundred and twenty nine. "Signed in the presence of Caleb Fuller and William Pence. "Christian Shockey (seal)"
Christian had received a Revolutionary War bounty land warrant on 17 February 1800 but did not take possession until 1805. The warrant was for one hundred acres and is described as being "in Greenville Township on waters of Little Pine Run beginning at a white oak, to land of Henry Storm, to a pine, to land of David Miller, to an ironwood, to land of Henry Thal, to a post, to land of Peter Deal, to a pile of stones." ::::::::: Christian Shockey, Peter Keefer and Douglas Baker, in 1813, donated land "for the purpose of a school and burial ground" in Greenville Township. The present Greenville Reformed Church now stands on this land. The "first and only" sawmill in Greenville Township in 1813 was owned by Christian. This sawmill was a crude machine run by water power. The saw was placed in a sash and operated with up and down strokes of the sash. Only the best trees were cut for lumber. Most of the trees cut by early settlers in clearing land were burned in log fires that were only for that purpose. Before sawmills, only the broad axe was used for hewing logs for homes and furniture.
Married Mary Ann Welsh in Sep 1784 and they had eleven children.
Farmer and school teacher Salisbury, Somerset Co., Pennsylvania
The story of Christian Shockey as a soldier of the Revolution is best told in a short history by his grandson, Elijah Fuller, who lived with him. Elijah writes: "Christian Shockey, my grandfather, was born in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, moved to Somerset County, Pennsylvania, some time in or about the year 1800, for in 1806 his name is found on the assessment in Elk Lick Township., Pa., as having one hundred and fifty acres of land. (This part of Elk Lick Township is now Greenville Township.) Where this was located we are not able to state. Later he lived in Salisbury, and built what is known as the John Smith house. He served through the Revolutionary War, having first served in the new 11th Pennsylvania Regiment of the Continental Line which was first commanded by Colonel Thomas Hartley and later by Colonel Adam Hubley. He was also a member of the 6th Company. First under command of Samuel Kearsly who was succeeded by Captain Abraham Claypool; his rank was that of a corporal. His age at the time of enlistment, was 20 years; he was five feet and seven inches high; occupation farmer, and enlisted April 7, 1777. The 11th Regiment was a part of the expedition, under General Sullivan, which was sent through the Wyoming Valley, in 1778, into the state of New York for the purpose of chastising the Indians who had, with the aid of the Tories, devastated this beautiful valley during the preceding year. This expedition was successful and the savages and their Tory allies were severely punished. "The Eleventh Regiment took part in some pretty severe fighting and sustained considerable loss, both in killed and wounded, and in all of this Christian Shockey acted well his part. "He was also in the battle of Cowpens and was wounded by a British soldier who attempted to sever his head from his body with his sword, but was himself killed by Shockey's bayonet. Shockey, however, received a severe wound in his arm, it receiving the blow intended for his head. "In January 1781 he was transferred to the Third Pennsylvania Regiment of the line which was then commanded by Colonel Thomas Brelig. It is probable that the entire company, that is what remained of it, was consolidated with their regiment, for Captain Claypool also served in this regiment from this date. "While with the Third Regiment, Christian Shockey took part in the siege of Yorktown where he again was wounded. "His name is also found on the roll of the First Pennsylvania Regiment of the line, but no dates can be given as to the precise time. This regiment formed a part of General Wagner's division which was sent to South Carolina after the surrender of Cornwallis. The time of his discharge from service is not known, but probably it was not until the year 1783. By the Act of the 24th of March 1808, he became a pensioner of the State of Pennsylvania. "He also took part in the battle of Trenton where they captured the nine hundred Hessions for I often heard it said, we had in Salisbury but one log church, and the first minister your writer remembers was a man by the name of Hause; he preached and taught school. I attended his school; he died and they were quite a long time getting another. "It was a new minister coming, and grandfather and grandmother were very attentive to their church service. So the minister was late making his appearance that day, as he had to ocme from Berlin, fifteen miles distant and they waited patiently, and finally he made his appearance, came in and walked up and into the pulpit, removed his German cloak and gave out a hymn. Grandfather eying him very closely, shortly arose and walked out. Persons coming from church after the services, noticed grandfather sitting on his porch, inquired of him if he had become sick seeing that he had not remained for the completion of the services. He replied no, but they insisted knowing why of his unusual act, and becoming tired of their questioning him, finally said that the preacher was one of the nine hundred Hessions they captured at the battle of Trenton, and he could not sit quiet under his voice as his blood became very hot. He hated them and, therefore could not listen to him preaching. A committee was appointed to wait on him, and questioning him at first denied it, and grandfather said bring him before me and I will make him acknowledge it. He did acknowledge it, rather than appear before him, and grandfather never went to hear him, no having any more confidence in him as a preacher than he did as a Hession soldier. His name was Henry Giese; he died and is buried in Berlin, Somerset Co., Pa. "Christian Shockey also laid out and platted what may be called the third addition to the town of Salisbury, commencing with the lot on which stands Samuel J. Lichty's brick house and extends to the borough line. "In 1822 he announced himself as a candidate for sheriff of Somerset Co., PA: "Fellow citizens of Somerset Co. Having spent the bloom of my youth in six campaigns, suffering cold and hardships to assist in wresting liberty from a tyrant and still being willing to serve you, and being solicited by numerous friends, I offer myself as a candidate for the office of Sherrif at the ensuing general election. I trust a soldier of the Revolution will not appeal to Americans in vain. "And should I be honored with a majority of your votes, I pledge myself to discharge the duties of the office with generosity and impartiality. "Christian Shockey, Elk Lick Township, May 15, 1822." "In this canvas he was defeated beaten by Isaac Ankeny. "There was a book printed in Germany in 1790, at the pension office in the city of Washington for many years, and finally the Pension Bureau wrote to Somerset to a certain if any of the heirs of Christian Shockey were living. Huldah Knee living there who is the daughter of Levi Shockey and grand-daughter of said Christian Shockey, and a cousin of the writer, wrote and received it, it being a German prayer book, printed in 1790. The following was found within the lids of the prayer book: "Pennsylvania, Somerset County - V.S. Personally came before me the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, Levi Shockey, of the Township of Elk Lick in the County aforesaid, a creditable witness of full age and on his oath doth say that the annexed book contains the original family record of Christian Shockey, late of said township and county, a soldier of the Revolution and a pensioner of the United States, Dec'd, who died on the 18th day of April 1829, leaving a widow, Mary, who is yet in full life, that the entries in said book of the time of the birth of the ten children of the said Christian Shockey and the said Mary, his wife, are all in the proper hand writing of the said Christian Shockey, now deceased, and that the said original record book had been kept by his department since the death of said Christian Shockey. Levi Shockey, Sworn and subscribed this 21st November 1840, before me - John Neff. The following is written in his book: Valentine Shockey born May 5, 1785; William Shockey born Nov. 11, 1786; Christian Shockey born Sep. 10, 1788; Mary Shockey born Nov. 14, 1790; Abraham Shockey born Feb. 21, 1793; Barbara Shockey born Feb. 9, 1795; Levi Shockey born May 16, 1797; Peggy Shockey born Dec. 6, 1799; Nancy Shockey born May 19, 1802; Drusilla Shockey born May 7, 1805; (last two are grandchildren) Mary Ann Welsh born June 22, 1819; Mahala Welsh born June 18, 1809." "Grandfather was an accomplished scholar of his day, taught school in his old days, being a fine penman. He received a pension up to his death, and grandmother up to the time of her demise. "Some instances ::::::::: HISTORY OF BEDFORD, SOMERSET and FULTON COUNTIES, PENNSYLVANIA, printed in Chicago in 1884 (DPL-974.871 B39 hisu) Page 550 "Christian Shockey, a native of Germany, emigrated to America prior to the revoluntionary war. He served through the war and was wounded at the battle of the Cowpens. A British soldier attempted to sever his head from his body with his sword, but was himself killed by Shockey's bayonet. Shockey, however, received a severe wound in his arm, it receiving the blow intended for his head. He settled at Salisbury among the early pioneers, and for many years followed school-teaching. He died about 1830. Barbara, his daughter, married Jonathan Kemp, an 1812 Soldier, who was born at Salisbury in 1793, and was the mother of Harrison H., Levi and Albert, living; and Margaret A (King) and Drucilla (Grimes), dead." (I believe the authors of this history had Christian mixed up with his father when they said he came from Germany, cause this Christian was born in Pennsylvania.) [Donna Porter]
Christian Shockey's will signed on 14 April 1826, just four days before his death, gives further insight to his life and times: "In the name of God, Amen. I Christian Shockey of the town of Salisbury, in the County of Somerset and state of Pennsylvania, being sick and weak in body, but of sound mind, memory and understanding (praised be God for it) and considering certainty of death and the uncertainty of the time thereof, and to the end that I may be better prepared to leave this world whenever it shall please God to call me hence, do there fore make and declare this my last will and testament in manner following. That is to say, Firstly I give and bequeath unto my dearly beloved wife, Mary, the following articles viz. the stove now in the room with the pipe thereof, one falling-leaf table, three chairs, one feather bed, with such bed clothes as she may make choice of, one cow, one half dozen of plates, two dishes, three tin cups, one coffee pot and boiler, one set of tea cups and saucers, one tea pot one do. canister, one set of knives and forks, four spoons, two tin buckets, two iron pots, one skillet, one dripping pan, one chest, one small chest, one looking glass, one spinning wheel, one reel, two shoats, one woman's saddle, one hoe, all the provisions now provided, two washing tubs, one umbrella, one axe, all the linen we now have, one smoothing iron, two small stands, one large pair of shears, all the crocks there are and whereas I have sold my horse and gear to my son Abraham on the following conditions, viz. he is to have my said horse for sixty dollars to be paid in three equal yearly payments, the first payment on the fifth of November, next, and the others, the second in one year and the third and last in two years, thereafter to be paid in wheat, buckwheat and corn to be delivered in the town of Salisbury at market price, for the payment thereof or like to take the horse, he shall be bound by no means. The notes are to be made payable to my said wife, and further it is my will that all the goods and chattel now in my possession shall be sold by my executor (that is those not willed to my said wife) to pay my just debts and if the amount thereof shall not be sufficient, they are empowered to sell the lots and lands next and if that will not be sufficient the lot and house will have to be sold of course. And if there should be any over plus after my sale my said wife is to have the use thereof during her natural life. And if it be found by my executors that there is sufficient property out of which money enough may or can be raised to pay all my debts then my said wife is to have the use of my dwelling house and lot and stable during her life. And further I do hereby constitute and appoint Samuel Finley and Henry Fuller to be my Executors to transact all matters herein mentioned or not mentioned according to law. In witness whereof (that the foregoing is my last will and testament) I have hereunto set my hand and seal the 14th day of April, A. D., one thousand eight hundred and twenty nine. "Signed in the presence of Caleb Fuller and William Pence. "Christian Shockey (seal)"
Christian had received a Revolutionary War bounty land warrant on 17 February 1800 but did not take possession until 1805. The warrant was for one hundred acres and is described as being "in Greenville Township on waters of Little Pine Run beginning at a white oak, to land of Henry Storm, to a pine, to land of David Miller, to an ironwood, to land of Henry Thal, to a post, to land of Peter Deal, to a pile of stones." ::::::::: Christian Shockey, Peter Keefer and Douglas Baker, in 1813, donated land "for the purpose of a school and burial ground" in Greenville Township. The present Greenville Reformed Church now stands on this land. The "first and only" sawmill in Greenville Township in 1813 was owned by Christian. This sawmill was a crude machine run by water power. The saw was placed in a sash and operated with up and down strokes of the sash. Only the best trees were cut for lumber. Most of the trees cut by early settlers in clearing land were burned in log fires that were only for that purpose. Before sawmills, only the broad axe was used for hewing logs for homes and furniture.
Farmer and school teacher Salisbury, Somerset Co., Pennsylvania
The story of Christian Shockey as a soldier of the Revolution is best told in a short history by his grandson, Elijah Fuller, who lived with him. Elijah writes: "Christian Shockey, my grandfather, was born in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, moved to Somerset County, Pennsylvania, some time in or about the year 1800, for in 1806 his name is found on the assessment in Elk Lick Township., Pa., as having one hundred and fifty acres of land. (This part of Elk Lick Township is now Greenville Township.) Where this was located we are not able to state. Later he lived in Salisbury, and built what is known as the John Smith house. He served through the Revolutionary War, having first served in the new 11th Pennsylvania Regiment of the Continental Line which was first commanded by Colonel Thomas Hartley and later by Colonel Adam Hubley. He was also a member of the 6th Company. First under command of Samuel Kearsly who was succeeded by Captain Abraham Claypool; his rank was that of a corporal. His age at the time of enlistment, was 20 years; he was five feet and seven inches high; occupation farmer, and enlisted April 7, 1777. The 11th Regiment was a part of the expedition, under General Sullivan, which was sent through the Wyoming Valley, in 1778, into the state of New York for the purpose of chastising the Indians who had, with the aid of the Tories, devastated this beautiful valley during the preceding year. This expedition was successful and the savages and their Tory allies were severely punished. "The Eleventh Regiment took part in some pretty severe fighting and sustained considerable loss, both in killed and wounded, and in all of this Christian Shockey acted well his part. "He was also in the battle of Cowpens and was wounded by a British soldier who attempted to sever his head from his body with his sword, but was himself killed by Shockey's bayonet. Shockey, however, received a severe wound in his arm, it receiving the blow intended for his head. "In January 1781 he was transferred to the Third Pennsylvania Regiment of the line which was then commanded by Colonel Thomas Brelig. It is probable that the entire company, that is what remained of it, was consolidated with their regiment, for Captain Claypool also served in this regiment from this date. "While with the Third Regiment, Christian Shockey took part in the siege of Yorktown where he again was wounded. "His name is also found on the roll of the First Pennsylvania Regiment of the line, but no dates can be given as to the precise time. This regiment formed a part of General Wagner's division which was sent to South Carolina after the surrender of Cornwallis. The time of his discharge from service is not known, but probably it was not until the year 1783. By the Act of the 24th of March 1808, he became a pensioner of the State of Pennsylvania. "He also took part in the battle of Trenton where they captured the nine hundred Hessions for I often heard it said, we had in Salisbury but one log church, and the first minister your writer remembers was a man by the name of Hause; he preached and taught school. I attended his school; he died and they were quite a long time getting another. "It was a new minister coming, and grandfather and grandmother were very attentive to their church service. So the minister was late making his appearance that day, as he had to ocme from Berlin, fifteen miles distant and they waited patiently, and finally he made his appearance, came in and walked up and into the pulpit, removed his German cloak and gave out a hymn. Grandfather eying him very closely, shortly arose and walked out. Persons coming from church after the services, noticed grandfather sitting on his porch, inquired of him if he had become sick seeing that he had not remained for the completion of the services. He replied no, but they insisted knowing why of his unusual act, and becoming tired of their questioning him, finally said that the preacher was one of the nine hundred Hessions they captured at the battle of Trenton, and he could not sit quiet under his voice as his blood became very hot. He hated them and, therefore could not listen to him preaching. A committee was appointed to wait on him, and questioning him at first denied it, and grandfather said bring him before me and I will make him acknowledge it. He did acknowledge it, rather than appear before him, and grandfather never went to hear him, no having any more confidence in him as a preacher than he did as a Hession soldier. His name was Henry Giese; he died and is buried in Berlin, Somerset Co., Pa. "Christian Shockey also laid out and platted what may be called the third addition to the town of Salisbury, commencing with the lot on which stands Samuel J. Lichty's brick house and extends to the borough line. "In 1822 he announced himself as a candidate for sheriff of Somerset Co., PA: "Fellow citizens of Somerset Co. Having spent the bloom of my youth in six campaigns, suffering cold and hardships to assist in wresting liberty from a tyrant and still being willing to serve you, and being solicited by numerous friends, I offer myself as a candidate for the office of Sherrif at the ensuing general election. I trust a soldier of the Revolution will not appeal to Americans in vain. "And should I be honored with a majority of your votes, I pledge myself to discharge the duties of the office with generosity and impartiality. "Christian Shockey, Elk Lick Township, May 15, 1822." "In this canvas he was defeated beaten by Isaac Ankeny. "There was a book printed in Germany in 1790, at the pension office in the city of Washington for many years, and finally the Pension Bureau wrote to Somerset to a certain if any of the heirs of Christian Shockey were living. Huldah Knee living there who is the daughter of Levi Shockey and grand-daughter of said Christian Shockey, and a cousin of the writer, wrote and received it, it being a German prayer book, printed in 1790. The following was found within the lids of the prayer book: "Pennsylvania, Somerset County - V.S. Personally came before me the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, Levi Shockey, of the Township of Elk Lick in the County aforesaid, a creditable witness of full age and on his oath doth say that the annexed book contains the original family record of Christian Shockey, late of said township and county, a soldier of the Revolution and a pensioner of the United States, Dec'd, who died on the 18th day of April 1829, leaving a widow, Mary, who is yet in full life, that the entries in said book of the time of the birth of the ten children of the said Christian Shockey and the said Mary, his wife, are all in the proper hand writing of the said Christian Shockey, now deceased, and that the said original record book had been kept by his department since the death of said Christian Shockey. Levi Shockey, Sworn and subscribed this 21st November 1840, before me - John Neff. The following is written in his book: Valentine Shockey born May 5, 1785; William Shockey born Nov. 11, 1786; Christian Shockey born Sep. 10, 1788; Mary Shockey born Nov. 14, 1790; Abraham Shockey born Feb. 21, 1793; Barbara Shockey born Feb. 9, 1795; Levi Shockey born May 16, 1797; Peggy Shockey born Dec. 6, 1799; Nancy Shockey born May 19, 1802; Drusilla Shockey born May 7, 1805; (last two are grandchildren) Mary Ann Welsh born June 22, 1819; Mahala Welsh born June 18, 1809." "Grandfather was an accomplished scholar of his day, taught school in his old days, being a fine penman. He received a pension up to his death, and grandmother up to the time of her demise. "Some instances ::::::::: HISTORY OF BEDFORD, SOMERSET and FULTON COUNTIES, PENNSYLVANIA, printed in Chicago in 1884 (DPL-974.871 B39 hisu) Page 550 "Christian Shockey, a native of Germany, emigrated to America prior to the revoluntionary war. He served through the war and was wounded at the battle of the Cowpens. A British soldier attempted to sever his head from his body with his sword, but was himself killed by Shockey's bayonet. Shockey, however, received a severe wound in his arm, it receiving the blow intended for his head. He settled at Salisbury among the early pioneers, and for many years followed school-teaching. He died about 1830. Barbara, his daughter, married Jonathan Kemp, an 1812 Soldier, who was born at Salisbury in 1793, and was the mother of Harrison H., Levi and Albert, living; and Margaret A (King) and Drucilla (Grimes), dead." (I believe the authors of this history had Christian mixed up with his father when they said he came from Germany, cause this Christian was born in Pennsylvania.) [Donna Porter]
Christian Shockey's will signed on 14 April 1826, just four days before his death, gives further insight to his life and times: "In the name of God, Amen. I Christian Shockey of the town of Salisbury, in the County of Somerset and state of Pennsylvania, being sick and weak in body, but of sound mind, memory and understanding (praised be God for it) and considering certainty of death and the uncertainty of the time thereof, and to the end that I may be better prepared to leave this world whenever it shall please God to call me hence, do there fore make and declare this my last will and testament in manner following. That is to say, Firstly I give and bequeath unto my dearly beloved wife, Mary, the following articles viz. the stove now in the room with the pipe thereof, one falling-leaf table, three chairs, one feather bed, with such bed clothes as she may make choice of, one cow, one half dozen of plates, two dishes, three tin cups, one coffee pot and boiler, one set of tea cups and saucers, one tea pot one do. canister, one set of knives and forks, four spoons, two tin buckets, two iron pots, one skillet, one dripping pan, one chest, one small chest, one looking glass, one spinning wheel, one reel, two shoats, one woman's saddle, one hoe, all the provisions now provided, two washing tubs, one umbrella, one axe, all the linen we now have, one smoothing iron, two small stands, one large pair of shears, all the crocks there are and whereas I have sold my horse and gear to my son Abraham on the following conditions, viz. he is to have my said horse for sixty dollars to be paid in three equal yearly payments, the first payment on the fifth of November, next, and the others, the second in one year and the third and last in two years, thereafter to be paid in wheat, buckwheat and corn to be delivered in the town of Salisbury at market price, for the payment thereof or like to take the horse, he shall be bound by no means. The notes are to be made payable to my said wife, and further it is my will that all the goods and chattel now in my possession shall be sold by my executor (that is those not willed to my said wife) to pay my just debts and if the amount thereof shall not be sufficient, they are empowered to sell the lots and lands next and if that will not be sufficient the lot and house will have to be sold of course. And if there should be any over plus after my sale my said wife is to have the use thereof during her natural life. And if it be found by my executors that there is sufficient property out of which money enough may or can be raised to pay all my debts then my said wife is to have the use of my dwelling house and lot and stable during her life. And further I do hereby constitute and appoint Samuel Finley and Henry Fuller to be my Executors to transact all matters herein mentioned or not mentioned according to law. In witness whereof (that the foregoing is my last will and testament) I have hereunto set my hand and seal the 14th day of April, A. D., one thousand eight hundred and twenty nine. "Signed in the presence of Caleb Fuller and William Pence. "Christian Shockey (seal)"
Christian had received a Revolutionary War bounty land warrant on 17 February 1800 but did not take possession until 1805. The warrant was for one hundred acres and is described as being "in Greenville Township on waters of Little Pine Run beginning at a white oak, to land of Henry Storm, to a pine, to land of David Miller, to an ironwood, to land of Henry Thal, to a post, to land of Peter Deal, to a pile of stones." ::::::::: Christian Shockey, Peter Keefer and Douglas Baker, in 1813, donated land "for the purpose of a school and burial ground" in Greenville Township. The present Greenville Reformed Church now stands on this land. The "first and only" sawmill in Greenville Township in 1813 was owned by Christian. This sawmill was a crude machine run by water power. The saw was placed in a sash and operated with up and down strokes of the sash. Only the best trees were cut for lumber. Most of the trees cut by early settlers in clearing land were burned in log fires that were only for that purpose. Before sawmills, only the broad axe was used for hewing logs for homes and furniture.
Inscription
In Memory of Christian Shockey
Aged 73 years
Family Members
Siblings
Advertisement
Explore more
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
