Thomas Stephen Testerman, Sr
or
Johann Thomas Testerman, Sr
was born August 28, 1753 in Germany? England?
died Bet. 1820 - 1830 in Big Helton Creek, Ashe County, North Carolina.
He married Mary Jane Anderson on 1785
According to a list in the Genealogy Department, City County Library, at Neosho, Missouri, Thomas Testerman, Sr. was born October 23, 1758.
(This list also gives the names of his ancestors, to Robert Testerman, b. 1660.
These English ancestors have been proven to be false.]
Credit is given to Doris I. (Martin) Heidt, who in 1986 wrote "Under These Branches; A Family History."
This was the result of years of careful research into the origins and descendants of the Testerman family in America.
Others contributed to her information, but it is impossible to name these here.
Most of the information about the ancestors of Francis Marion Testerman is taken from this book.
Old biographies show Hull, England as the embarkation point of Thomas Testerman, Sr. for America.
Hull was a jumping off place for all leaving Europe for the "Promised Land" at this time.
Many believe that Thomas Sr. came to Hull from Germany, via Holland and Wales, although this has not been proven.
Teri Testerman Martin found this message posted on an internet bulletin board.
It is interesting, but may not be factual:
There is an interesting story that was handed down by the Testerman family about where and how the original Testerman came to America.
The story says that the Testerman was in England and became drunk.
At that time he was a young man and the English Navy had a nasty habit of kidnapping healthy young men and putting them aboard a ship and leaving before they could get off. Another version says that he was made to serve in the King's Army once he arrived in America, but as soon as he could he defected to the American Army.
Mary Ann Testerman Meyer, of Cocoa Beach, Florida, wrote in 1995 reporting on her research.
She believed then that all the Testermans (Testaments, Testements, Testirmans, Testamen) relate back to Johann Thomas Testermann, born 1758 in Brandenberg, Germany. [However, in 2001 she says that these German ancestors are a fraud.
A cousin of her husband is searching in Germany, and has found no such records.
He has yet to search in the part of Poland that was once part of Germany.
A man in East Germany was given money to find a genealogy, and created this one.
Doris Heidt also said that the German origin has not been confirmed.
Mary Ann Testerman Meyer reports that in the 1880 census, Lampassas County, Texas, Jesse A., the last surviving son of Thomas, told the census taker that his mother was from Virginia and his father from England.
("Testerman, Testament, Testement," 2003, p. 2., "Testerman.")
It is thought that Thomas Testerman came to the U.S. by the way of Hull, England about 1773 and fought in the Revolutionary War in Virginia.
His name is on a monument in Independence, Virginia, with members of the Virginia militia who fought the British.
He received a land grant in 1799 and settled in the Grayson County, Virginia/Ashe County, North Carolina area.
He married Mary Jane Anderson and raised thirteen children.
CHILD
James Testerman,
the first son (and second child) of Thomas Testerman, Sr.,
was born October 17, 1787 in Grayson County, Virginia. The Revolutionary War had just drawn to an end, and the young nation was preparing to inaugurate another Virginian, George Washington, as its first president.
By the time James was about ten years old, his parents, Thomas and Mary Testerman, are recorded as residents of Ashe County, North Carolina.
Apparently they had moved across the Virginia/North Carolina border, and subsequently purchased a sizeable piece of property in the newly opening area.
James and his younger brothers and sisters [among them our ancestor, Jacob] spent their childhood and youth, growing up in that wild region, never far from the family home on Helton's Creek.
Here, surrounded by the rugged beauty of the ancient mountains, the young Testerman clan grew into adulthood, independent of will, and as sturdy as the native white oak trees.
[Heidt, pp. 148-149]
An 1800 North Carolina Census shows that Thomas "Testament" lived in Ashe County at that time.
There were two males below the age of 10 (this would be James Steven and Peter Testerman), one adult male (Thomas, Sr.); three females below the age of ten, one between 10-16, and 1 adult female.
This would be Mary Jane Anderson, his wife; Elizabeth was born in 1786 (age 14 (or 1785), Susanah, in 1790 (age 10; one source says 1789, but the census seems to confirm that she was not yet 11.)
The next daughter was Nancy, according to one record was not born until 1805.
However, the date 1796, given in another source, would seem to be correct.
This still leaves the question of who the other female below the age of 10 could have been.
[See "Newton County Families, Testament-Shields," below.]
Doris Heidt write (p. 81):
"Thomas was a useful and respected member of the community, as shown by the first recorded session of the Ashe county court, held on May 12, 1806.
At that session Thomas Testerman was one of the six men chosen to be Justices of the Peace.
The Justices held an important position in country government, as from their number they selected the presiding Justice of the county Court.
They also selected the sheriff, collected taxes and bonds, and notarized legal documents.
Although just having fought a war to declare their independence from England, these men and women still spoke the 'older English, their language being that which had been in use during Elizabethan times.
They also used English currency, paying bonds and taxes in pounds, shillings, and pence.
This practice continued for many years after the Revolutionary War.
"In the years between 1785 and the early 1800's, the family of Thomas and Mary Jane Testerman grew up in these beautiful [North Carolina] mountains, learning the ways of nature and survival in a frontier land.
It had become a large family unit, consisting of nine boys and four girls.
Thomas had continued to add to his land holdings during these years.
Upon reaching maturity, some of the children settled on farms of their own in the vicinity, while others married and moved on to the lands which were opening up on the West."
"Thomas Testerman, Sr., died between 1820 and 1830, and was probably buried at home on his farm in Ashe County, North Carolina.
He was survived by his wife, Mary, and by numerous children and grand-children.
As the progenitor of the unique Testerman surname in the United States, he left an enduring legacy."
From "Newton County Families, Testerman-Shields," pp. 127-128, written by Dorothy L. Beauchamp, at the Neosho, Missouri Genealogy Library (supplied by Martha Testerman):
The senior Thomas Testerman came from England to America a short time before the beginning of the Revolutionary War and located on New River in Ashe County, North Carolina.
He enlisted on the American side for liberty and was wounded in the Battle of Monmouth, which was fought near Monmouth, New Jersey.
A short time after the close of the war, he married Molly (Mary) Anderson of Middle Fox Creek in Grayson County, Virginia.
They settled on Big Helton Creek in Ashe County, North Carolina, and reared a large family of thirteen children. Their children are as follows: Elizabeth; James; Susannah; Peter; Thomas Jr.; William; Jesse; John and Jacob (twins); Nancy; Elisha; Abraham; and Polly.
Elizabeth Chadwick, 150 Clinton Rd, Jackson, CA 95642, also lists a daughter named Polly, born in 1815.
The 1820 Ashe County Census lists a female child, age 0-9, in the family.
But this would make Mary Jane 60 years old when she was born, if she was born in 1755.
Elizabeth Chadwick gives 1766 as the birth date, which would make it more possible.
However, the 1800 Census for Ashe County lists one female age 45 years or above.
This would make Mary Jane's birth date 1755 or before. Doris Heidt does not list Polly.
A Polly Testerman was the daughter of James Stephen, son of Thomas Testerman, Sr., and she was born in 1815. Chadwick says she married a Rezin Jones; Heidt, Reason Jones.
Apparently this child was living with her grandparents when the 1820 Census was taken.
From a letter by Francis Marion Testerman, son of Wilson Thomas Testerman, written on November 30, 1932 to his granddaughter Margaret Spangler:
"All my ancestors were originally from Germany, and were great people to magnify their sacredness of home life, and the importance of the children being quite obedient to the Parents, and especially speak well and reverently of their Parents and Grandparents.
They Emphasized the simple life, that is that they believed in labor and in keeping themselves Clean and everything neat and clean in their Humble homes.
"They were all believers in the training of the Children to read and obey the Bible.
They were especially strict in seeing that no ugly or course talk was indulged in the home, but that Singing and any good Music should be encouraged, also nice games. and cheerful exercise should be engaged in.
they were taught to be loyal to their country and to worship god.
To help the sick and needy and prove them selves to be good citizens and good Neighbors."
More About Thomas Stephen Testerman, Sr:
Burial: Unknown, Probably on his farm in Ashe County, NC.2728
Census 1: 1800, Is on 1800 Census in Ashe Co., NC.2729
Census 2: 1787, On Tax List in Montgomery Co., VA..2729
Census 3: Bet. 1789 - 1799, Moved to Ashe Co., NC.2729
Census 4: Bet. 1793 - 1795, On Tax List in Grayson Co., VA. in 1793 & 1795.2729
Property: 1789, Purchased land in Wilkes (now Ashe) NC.2729
More About Thomas Stephen Testerman, Sr and Mary Jane Anderson:
Marriage: 1785, Middle Fox Branch, Grayson County, Virginia.2730
Parents
Johann Martin Testerman Born: 22 Jul 1721 in Prussia
Died: 26 Sep 1817
Married: May 1748 in Prussia
Parents: Friedrich Joachim Testerman Margaretha Reichmann
Spouse Maria Juliana Tackman
Thomas Testerman, Sr. was born October 23, 1758. mom Mary Jane Anderson was born about 1766 at Middle Fork Branch, Grayson Co., Virginia
or
Johann Thomas Testerman, Sr
was born August 28, 1753 in Germany? England?
died Bet. 1820 - 1830 in Big Helton Creek, Ashe County, North Carolina.
He married Mary Jane Anderson on 1785
According to a list in the Genealogy Department, City County Library, at Neosho, Missouri, Thomas Testerman, Sr. was born October 23, 1758.
(This list also gives the names of his ancestors, to Robert Testerman, b. 1660.
These English ancestors have been proven to be false.]
Credit is given to Doris I. (Martin) Heidt, who in 1986 wrote "Under These Branches; A Family History."
This was the result of years of careful research into the origins and descendants of the Testerman family in America.
Others contributed to her information, but it is impossible to name these here.
Most of the information about the ancestors of Francis Marion Testerman is taken from this book.
Old biographies show Hull, England as the embarkation point of Thomas Testerman, Sr. for America.
Hull was a jumping off place for all leaving Europe for the "Promised Land" at this time.
Many believe that Thomas Sr. came to Hull from Germany, via Holland and Wales, although this has not been proven.
Teri Testerman Martin found this message posted on an internet bulletin board.
It is interesting, but may not be factual:
There is an interesting story that was handed down by the Testerman family about where and how the original Testerman came to America.
The story says that the Testerman was in England and became drunk.
At that time he was a young man and the English Navy had a nasty habit of kidnapping healthy young men and putting them aboard a ship and leaving before they could get off. Another version says that he was made to serve in the King's Army once he arrived in America, but as soon as he could he defected to the American Army.
Mary Ann Testerman Meyer, of Cocoa Beach, Florida, wrote in 1995 reporting on her research.
She believed then that all the Testermans (Testaments, Testements, Testirmans, Testamen) relate back to Johann Thomas Testermann, born 1758 in Brandenberg, Germany. [However, in 2001 she says that these German ancestors are a fraud.
A cousin of her husband is searching in Germany, and has found no such records.
He has yet to search in the part of Poland that was once part of Germany.
A man in East Germany was given money to find a genealogy, and created this one.
Doris Heidt also said that the German origin has not been confirmed.
Mary Ann Testerman Meyer reports that in the 1880 census, Lampassas County, Texas, Jesse A., the last surviving son of Thomas, told the census taker that his mother was from Virginia and his father from England.
("Testerman, Testament, Testement," 2003, p. 2., "Testerman.")
It is thought that Thomas Testerman came to the U.S. by the way of Hull, England about 1773 and fought in the Revolutionary War in Virginia.
His name is on a monument in Independence, Virginia, with members of the Virginia militia who fought the British.
He received a land grant in 1799 and settled in the Grayson County, Virginia/Ashe County, North Carolina area.
He married Mary Jane Anderson and raised thirteen children.
CHILD
James Testerman,
the first son (and second child) of Thomas Testerman, Sr.,
was born October 17, 1787 in Grayson County, Virginia. The Revolutionary War had just drawn to an end, and the young nation was preparing to inaugurate another Virginian, George Washington, as its first president.
By the time James was about ten years old, his parents, Thomas and Mary Testerman, are recorded as residents of Ashe County, North Carolina.
Apparently they had moved across the Virginia/North Carolina border, and subsequently purchased a sizeable piece of property in the newly opening area.
James and his younger brothers and sisters [among them our ancestor, Jacob] spent their childhood and youth, growing up in that wild region, never far from the family home on Helton's Creek.
Here, surrounded by the rugged beauty of the ancient mountains, the young Testerman clan grew into adulthood, independent of will, and as sturdy as the native white oak trees.
[Heidt, pp. 148-149]
An 1800 North Carolina Census shows that Thomas "Testament" lived in Ashe County at that time.
There were two males below the age of 10 (this would be James Steven and Peter Testerman), one adult male (Thomas, Sr.); three females below the age of ten, one between 10-16, and 1 adult female.
This would be Mary Jane Anderson, his wife; Elizabeth was born in 1786 (age 14 (or 1785), Susanah, in 1790 (age 10; one source says 1789, but the census seems to confirm that she was not yet 11.)
The next daughter was Nancy, according to one record was not born until 1805.
However, the date 1796, given in another source, would seem to be correct.
This still leaves the question of who the other female below the age of 10 could have been.
[See "Newton County Families, Testament-Shields," below.]
Doris Heidt write (p. 81):
"Thomas was a useful and respected member of the community, as shown by the first recorded session of the Ashe county court, held on May 12, 1806.
At that session Thomas Testerman was one of the six men chosen to be Justices of the Peace.
The Justices held an important position in country government, as from their number they selected the presiding Justice of the county Court.
They also selected the sheriff, collected taxes and bonds, and notarized legal documents.
Although just having fought a war to declare their independence from England, these men and women still spoke the 'older English, their language being that which had been in use during Elizabethan times.
They also used English currency, paying bonds and taxes in pounds, shillings, and pence.
This practice continued for many years after the Revolutionary War.
"In the years between 1785 and the early 1800's, the family of Thomas and Mary Jane Testerman grew up in these beautiful [North Carolina] mountains, learning the ways of nature and survival in a frontier land.
It had become a large family unit, consisting of nine boys and four girls.
Thomas had continued to add to his land holdings during these years.
Upon reaching maturity, some of the children settled on farms of their own in the vicinity, while others married and moved on to the lands which were opening up on the West."
"Thomas Testerman, Sr., died between 1820 and 1830, and was probably buried at home on his farm in Ashe County, North Carolina.
He was survived by his wife, Mary, and by numerous children and grand-children.
As the progenitor of the unique Testerman surname in the United States, he left an enduring legacy."
From "Newton County Families, Testerman-Shields," pp. 127-128, written by Dorothy L. Beauchamp, at the Neosho, Missouri Genealogy Library (supplied by Martha Testerman):
The senior Thomas Testerman came from England to America a short time before the beginning of the Revolutionary War and located on New River in Ashe County, North Carolina.
He enlisted on the American side for liberty and was wounded in the Battle of Monmouth, which was fought near Monmouth, New Jersey.
A short time after the close of the war, he married Molly (Mary) Anderson of Middle Fox Creek in Grayson County, Virginia.
They settled on Big Helton Creek in Ashe County, North Carolina, and reared a large family of thirteen children. Their children are as follows: Elizabeth; James; Susannah; Peter; Thomas Jr.; William; Jesse; John and Jacob (twins); Nancy; Elisha; Abraham; and Polly.
Elizabeth Chadwick, 150 Clinton Rd, Jackson, CA 95642, also lists a daughter named Polly, born in 1815.
The 1820 Ashe County Census lists a female child, age 0-9, in the family.
But this would make Mary Jane 60 years old when she was born, if she was born in 1755.
Elizabeth Chadwick gives 1766 as the birth date, which would make it more possible.
However, the 1800 Census for Ashe County lists one female age 45 years or above.
This would make Mary Jane's birth date 1755 or before. Doris Heidt does not list Polly.
A Polly Testerman was the daughter of James Stephen, son of Thomas Testerman, Sr., and she was born in 1815. Chadwick says she married a Rezin Jones; Heidt, Reason Jones.
Apparently this child was living with her grandparents when the 1820 Census was taken.
From a letter by Francis Marion Testerman, son of Wilson Thomas Testerman, written on November 30, 1932 to his granddaughter Margaret Spangler:
"All my ancestors were originally from Germany, and were great people to magnify their sacredness of home life, and the importance of the children being quite obedient to the Parents, and especially speak well and reverently of their Parents and Grandparents.
They Emphasized the simple life, that is that they believed in labor and in keeping themselves Clean and everything neat and clean in their Humble homes.
"They were all believers in the training of the Children to read and obey the Bible.
They were especially strict in seeing that no ugly or course talk was indulged in the home, but that Singing and any good Music should be encouraged, also nice games. and cheerful exercise should be engaged in.
they were taught to be loyal to their country and to worship god.
To help the sick and needy and prove them selves to be good citizens and good Neighbors."
More About Thomas Stephen Testerman, Sr:
Burial: Unknown, Probably on his farm in Ashe County, NC.2728
Census 1: 1800, Is on 1800 Census in Ashe Co., NC.2729
Census 2: 1787, On Tax List in Montgomery Co., VA..2729
Census 3: Bet. 1789 - 1799, Moved to Ashe Co., NC.2729
Census 4: Bet. 1793 - 1795, On Tax List in Grayson Co., VA. in 1793 & 1795.2729
Property: 1789, Purchased land in Wilkes (now Ashe) NC.2729
More About Thomas Stephen Testerman, Sr and Mary Jane Anderson:
Marriage: 1785, Middle Fox Branch, Grayson County, Virginia.2730
Parents
Johann Martin Testerman Born: 22 Jul 1721 in Prussia
Died: 26 Sep 1817
Married: May 1748 in Prussia
Parents: Friedrich Joachim Testerman Margaretha Reichmann
Spouse Maria Juliana Tackman
Thomas Testerman, Sr. was born October 23, 1758. mom Mary Jane Anderson was born about 1766 at Middle Fork Branch, Grayson Co., Virginia
Thomas Stephen Testerman, Sr
or
Johann Thomas Testerman, Sr
was born August 28, 1753 in Germany? England?
died Bet. 1820 - 1830 in Big Helton Creek, Ashe County, North Carolina.
He married Mary Jane Anderson on 1785
According to a list in the Genealogy Department, City County Library, at Neosho, Missouri, Thomas Testerman, Sr. was born October 23, 1758.
(This list also gives the names of his ancestors, to Robert Testerman, b. 1660.
These English ancestors have been proven to be false.]
Credit is given to Doris I. (Martin) Heidt, who in 1986 wrote "Under These Branches; A Family History."
This was the result of years of careful research into the origins and descendants of the Testerman family in America.
Others contributed to her information, but it is impossible to name these here.
Most of the information about the ancestors of Francis Marion Testerman is taken from this book.
Old biographies show Hull, England as the embarkation point of Thomas Testerman, Sr. for America.
Hull was a jumping off place for all leaving Europe for the "Promised Land" at this time.
Many believe that Thomas Sr. came to Hull from Germany, via Holland and Wales, although this has not been proven.
Teri Testerman Martin found this message posted on an internet bulletin board.
It is interesting, but may not be factual:
There is an interesting story that was handed down by the Testerman family about where and how the original Testerman came to America.
The story says that the Testerman was in England and became drunk.
At that time he was a young man and the English Navy had a nasty habit of kidnapping healthy young men and putting them aboard a ship and leaving before they could get off. Another version says that he was made to serve in the King's Army once he arrived in America, but as soon as he could he defected to the American Army.
Mary Ann Testerman Meyer, of Cocoa Beach, Florida, wrote in 1995 reporting on her research.
She believed then that all the Testermans (Testaments, Testements, Testirmans, Testamen) relate back to Johann Thomas Testermann, born 1758 in Brandenberg, Germany. [However, in 2001 she says that these German ancestors are a fraud.
A cousin of her husband is searching in Germany, and has found no such records.
He has yet to search in the part of Poland that was once part of Germany.
A man in East Germany was given money to find a genealogy, and created this one.
Doris Heidt also said that the German origin has not been confirmed.
Mary Ann Testerman Meyer reports that in the 1880 census, Lampassas County, Texas, Jesse A., the last surviving son of Thomas, told the census taker that his mother was from Virginia and his father from England.
("Testerman, Testament, Testement," 2003, p. 2., "Testerman.")
It is thought that Thomas Testerman came to the U.S. by the way of Hull, England about 1773 and fought in the Revolutionary War in Virginia.
His name is on a monument in Independence, Virginia, with members of the Virginia militia who fought the British.
He received a land grant in 1799 and settled in the Grayson County, Virginia/Ashe County, North Carolina area.
He married Mary Jane Anderson and raised thirteen children.
CHILD
James Testerman,
the first son (and second child) of Thomas Testerman, Sr.,
was born October 17, 1787 in Grayson County, Virginia. The Revolutionary War had just drawn to an end, and the young nation was preparing to inaugurate another Virginian, George Washington, as its first president.
By the time James was about ten years old, his parents, Thomas and Mary Testerman, are recorded as residents of Ashe County, North Carolina.
Apparently they had moved across the Virginia/North Carolina border, and subsequently purchased a sizeable piece of property in the newly opening area.
James and his younger brothers and sisters [among them our ancestor, Jacob] spent their childhood and youth, growing up in that wild region, never far from the family home on Helton's Creek.
Here, surrounded by the rugged beauty of the ancient mountains, the young Testerman clan grew into adulthood, independent of will, and as sturdy as the native white oak trees.
[Heidt, pp. 148-149]
An 1800 North Carolina Census shows that Thomas "Testament" lived in Ashe County at that time.
There were two males below the age of 10 (this would be James Steven and Peter Testerman), one adult male (Thomas, Sr.); three females below the age of ten, one between 10-16, and 1 adult female.
This would be Mary Jane Anderson, his wife; Elizabeth was born in 1786 (age 14 (or 1785), Susanah, in 1790 (age 10; one source says 1789, but the census seems to confirm that she was not yet 11.)
The next daughter was Nancy, according to one record was not born until 1805.
However, the date 1796, given in another source, would seem to be correct.
This still leaves the question of who the other female below the age of 10 could have been.
[See "Newton County Families, Testament-Shields," below.]
Doris Heidt write (p. 81):
"Thomas was a useful and respected member of the community, as shown by the first recorded session of the Ashe county court, held on May 12, 1806.
At that session Thomas Testerman was one of the six men chosen to be Justices of the Peace.
The Justices held an important position in country government, as from their number they selected the presiding Justice of the county Court.
They also selected the sheriff, collected taxes and bonds, and notarized legal documents.
Although just having fought a war to declare their independence from England, these men and women still spoke the 'older English, their language being that which had been in use during Elizabethan times.
They also used English currency, paying bonds and taxes in pounds, shillings, and pence.
This practice continued for many years after the Revolutionary War.
"In the years between 1785 and the early 1800's, the family of Thomas and Mary Jane Testerman grew up in these beautiful [North Carolina] mountains, learning the ways of nature and survival in a frontier land.
It had become a large family unit, consisting of nine boys and four girls.
Thomas had continued to add to his land holdings during these years.
Upon reaching maturity, some of the children settled on farms of their own in the vicinity, while others married and moved on to the lands which were opening up on the West."
"Thomas Testerman, Sr., died between 1820 and 1830, and was probably buried at home on his farm in Ashe County, North Carolina.
He was survived by his wife, Mary, and by numerous children and grand-children.
As the progenitor of the unique Testerman surname in the United States, he left an enduring legacy."
From "Newton County Families, Testerman-Shields," pp. 127-128, written by Dorothy L. Beauchamp, at the Neosho, Missouri Genealogy Library (supplied by Martha Testerman):
The senior Thomas Testerman came from England to America a short time before the beginning of the Revolutionary War and located on New River in Ashe County, North Carolina.
He enlisted on the American side for liberty and was wounded in the Battle of Monmouth, which was fought near Monmouth, New Jersey.
A short time after the close of the war, he married Molly (Mary) Anderson of Middle Fox Creek in Grayson County, Virginia.
They settled on Big Helton Creek in Ashe County, North Carolina, and reared a large family of thirteen children. Their children are as follows: Elizabeth; James; Susannah; Peter; Thomas Jr.; William; Jesse; John and Jacob (twins); Nancy; Elisha; Abraham; and Polly.
Elizabeth Chadwick, 150 Clinton Rd, Jackson, CA 95642, also lists a daughter named Polly, born in 1815.
The 1820 Ashe County Census lists a female child, age 0-9, in the family.
But this would make Mary Jane 60 years old when she was born, if she was born in 1755.
Elizabeth Chadwick gives 1766 as the birth date, which would make it more possible.
However, the 1800 Census for Ashe County lists one female age 45 years or above.
This would make Mary Jane's birth date 1755 or before. Doris Heidt does not list Polly.
A Polly Testerman was the daughter of James Stephen, son of Thomas Testerman, Sr., and she was born in 1815. Chadwick says she married a Rezin Jones; Heidt, Reason Jones.
Apparently this child was living with her grandparents when the 1820 Census was taken.
From a letter by Francis Marion Testerman, son of Wilson Thomas Testerman, written on November 30, 1932 to his granddaughter Margaret Spangler:
"All my ancestors were originally from Germany, and were great people to magnify their sacredness of home life, and the importance of the children being quite obedient to the Parents, and especially speak well and reverently of their Parents and Grandparents.
They Emphasized the simple life, that is that they believed in labor and in keeping themselves Clean and everything neat and clean in their Humble homes.
"They were all believers in the training of the Children to read and obey the Bible.
They were especially strict in seeing that no ugly or course talk was indulged in the home, but that Singing and any good Music should be encouraged, also nice games. and cheerful exercise should be engaged in.
they were taught to be loyal to their country and to worship god.
To help the sick and needy and prove them selves to be good citizens and good Neighbors."
More About Thomas Stephen Testerman, Sr:
Burial: Unknown, Probably on his farm in Ashe County, NC.2728
Census 1: 1800, Is on 1800 Census in Ashe Co., NC.2729
Census 2: 1787, On Tax List in Montgomery Co., VA..2729
Census 3: Bet. 1789 - 1799, Moved to Ashe Co., NC.2729
Census 4: Bet. 1793 - 1795, On Tax List in Grayson Co., VA. in 1793 & 1795.2729
Property: 1789, Purchased land in Wilkes (now Ashe) NC.2729
More About Thomas Stephen Testerman, Sr and Mary Jane Anderson:
Marriage: 1785, Middle Fox Branch, Grayson County, Virginia.2730
Parents
Johann Martin Testerman Born: 22 Jul 1721 in Prussia
Died: 26 Sep 1817
Married: May 1748 in Prussia
Parents: Friedrich Joachim Testerman Margaretha Reichmann
Spouse Maria Juliana Tackman
Thomas Testerman, Sr. was born October 23, 1758. mom Mary Jane Anderson was born about 1766 at Middle Fork Branch, Grayson Co., Virginia
or
Johann Thomas Testerman, Sr
was born August 28, 1753 in Germany? England?
died Bet. 1820 - 1830 in Big Helton Creek, Ashe County, North Carolina.
He married Mary Jane Anderson on 1785
According to a list in the Genealogy Department, City County Library, at Neosho, Missouri, Thomas Testerman, Sr. was born October 23, 1758.
(This list also gives the names of his ancestors, to Robert Testerman, b. 1660.
These English ancestors have been proven to be false.]
Credit is given to Doris I. (Martin) Heidt, who in 1986 wrote "Under These Branches; A Family History."
This was the result of years of careful research into the origins and descendants of the Testerman family in America.
Others contributed to her information, but it is impossible to name these here.
Most of the information about the ancestors of Francis Marion Testerman is taken from this book.
Old biographies show Hull, England as the embarkation point of Thomas Testerman, Sr. for America.
Hull was a jumping off place for all leaving Europe for the "Promised Land" at this time.
Many believe that Thomas Sr. came to Hull from Germany, via Holland and Wales, although this has not been proven.
Teri Testerman Martin found this message posted on an internet bulletin board.
It is interesting, but may not be factual:
There is an interesting story that was handed down by the Testerman family about where and how the original Testerman came to America.
The story says that the Testerman was in England and became drunk.
At that time he was a young man and the English Navy had a nasty habit of kidnapping healthy young men and putting them aboard a ship and leaving before they could get off. Another version says that he was made to serve in the King's Army once he arrived in America, but as soon as he could he defected to the American Army.
Mary Ann Testerman Meyer, of Cocoa Beach, Florida, wrote in 1995 reporting on her research.
She believed then that all the Testermans (Testaments, Testements, Testirmans, Testamen) relate back to Johann Thomas Testermann, born 1758 in Brandenberg, Germany. [However, in 2001 she says that these German ancestors are a fraud.
A cousin of her husband is searching in Germany, and has found no such records.
He has yet to search in the part of Poland that was once part of Germany.
A man in East Germany was given money to find a genealogy, and created this one.
Doris Heidt also said that the German origin has not been confirmed.
Mary Ann Testerman Meyer reports that in the 1880 census, Lampassas County, Texas, Jesse A., the last surviving son of Thomas, told the census taker that his mother was from Virginia and his father from England.
("Testerman, Testament, Testement," 2003, p. 2., "Testerman.")
It is thought that Thomas Testerman came to the U.S. by the way of Hull, England about 1773 and fought in the Revolutionary War in Virginia.
His name is on a monument in Independence, Virginia, with members of the Virginia militia who fought the British.
He received a land grant in 1799 and settled in the Grayson County, Virginia/Ashe County, North Carolina area.
He married Mary Jane Anderson and raised thirteen children.
CHILD
James Testerman,
the first son (and second child) of Thomas Testerman, Sr.,
was born October 17, 1787 in Grayson County, Virginia. The Revolutionary War had just drawn to an end, and the young nation was preparing to inaugurate another Virginian, George Washington, as its first president.
By the time James was about ten years old, his parents, Thomas and Mary Testerman, are recorded as residents of Ashe County, North Carolina.
Apparently they had moved across the Virginia/North Carolina border, and subsequently purchased a sizeable piece of property in the newly opening area.
James and his younger brothers and sisters [among them our ancestor, Jacob] spent their childhood and youth, growing up in that wild region, never far from the family home on Helton's Creek.
Here, surrounded by the rugged beauty of the ancient mountains, the young Testerman clan grew into adulthood, independent of will, and as sturdy as the native white oak trees.
[Heidt, pp. 148-149]
An 1800 North Carolina Census shows that Thomas "Testament" lived in Ashe County at that time.
There were two males below the age of 10 (this would be James Steven and Peter Testerman), one adult male (Thomas, Sr.); three females below the age of ten, one between 10-16, and 1 adult female.
This would be Mary Jane Anderson, his wife; Elizabeth was born in 1786 (age 14 (or 1785), Susanah, in 1790 (age 10; one source says 1789, but the census seems to confirm that she was not yet 11.)
The next daughter was Nancy, according to one record was not born until 1805.
However, the date 1796, given in another source, would seem to be correct.
This still leaves the question of who the other female below the age of 10 could have been.
[See "Newton County Families, Testament-Shields," below.]
Doris Heidt write (p. 81):
"Thomas was a useful and respected member of the community, as shown by the first recorded session of the Ashe county court, held on May 12, 1806.
At that session Thomas Testerman was one of the six men chosen to be Justices of the Peace.
The Justices held an important position in country government, as from their number they selected the presiding Justice of the county Court.
They also selected the sheriff, collected taxes and bonds, and notarized legal documents.
Although just having fought a war to declare their independence from England, these men and women still spoke the 'older English, their language being that which had been in use during Elizabethan times.
They also used English currency, paying bonds and taxes in pounds, shillings, and pence.
This practice continued for many years after the Revolutionary War.
"In the years between 1785 and the early 1800's, the family of Thomas and Mary Jane Testerman grew up in these beautiful [North Carolina] mountains, learning the ways of nature and survival in a frontier land.
It had become a large family unit, consisting of nine boys and four girls.
Thomas had continued to add to his land holdings during these years.
Upon reaching maturity, some of the children settled on farms of their own in the vicinity, while others married and moved on to the lands which were opening up on the West."
"Thomas Testerman, Sr., died between 1820 and 1830, and was probably buried at home on his farm in Ashe County, North Carolina.
He was survived by his wife, Mary, and by numerous children and grand-children.
As the progenitor of the unique Testerman surname in the United States, he left an enduring legacy."
From "Newton County Families, Testerman-Shields," pp. 127-128, written by Dorothy L. Beauchamp, at the Neosho, Missouri Genealogy Library (supplied by Martha Testerman):
The senior Thomas Testerman came from England to America a short time before the beginning of the Revolutionary War and located on New River in Ashe County, North Carolina.
He enlisted on the American side for liberty and was wounded in the Battle of Monmouth, which was fought near Monmouth, New Jersey.
A short time after the close of the war, he married Molly (Mary) Anderson of Middle Fox Creek in Grayson County, Virginia.
They settled on Big Helton Creek in Ashe County, North Carolina, and reared a large family of thirteen children. Their children are as follows: Elizabeth; James; Susannah; Peter; Thomas Jr.; William; Jesse; John and Jacob (twins); Nancy; Elisha; Abraham; and Polly.
Elizabeth Chadwick, 150 Clinton Rd, Jackson, CA 95642, also lists a daughter named Polly, born in 1815.
The 1820 Ashe County Census lists a female child, age 0-9, in the family.
But this would make Mary Jane 60 years old when she was born, if she was born in 1755.
Elizabeth Chadwick gives 1766 as the birth date, which would make it more possible.
However, the 1800 Census for Ashe County lists one female age 45 years or above.
This would make Mary Jane's birth date 1755 or before. Doris Heidt does not list Polly.
A Polly Testerman was the daughter of James Stephen, son of Thomas Testerman, Sr., and she was born in 1815. Chadwick says she married a Rezin Jones; Heidt, Reason Jones.
Apparently this child was living with her grandparents when the 1820 Census was taken.
From a letter by Francis Marion Testerman, son of Wilson Thomas Testerman, written on November 30, 1932 to his granddaughter Margaret Spangler:
"All my ancestors were originally from Germany, and were great people to magnify their sacredness of home life, and the importance of the children being quite obedient to the Parents, and especially speak well and reverently of their Parents and Grandparents.
They Emphasized the simple life, that is that they believed in labor and in keeping themselves Clean and everything neat and clean in their Humble homes.
"They were all believers in the training of the Children to read and obey the Bible.
They were especially strict in seeing that no ugly or course talk was indulged in the home, but that Singing and any good Music should be encouraged, also nice games. and cheerful exercise should be engaged in.
they were taught to be loyal to their country and to worship god.
To help the sick and needy and prove them selves to be good citizens and good Neighbors."
More About Thomas Stephen Testerman, Sr:
Burial: Unknown, Probably on his farm in Ashe County, NC.2728
Census 1: 1800, Is on 1800 Census in Ashe Co., NC.2729
Census 2: 1787, On Tax List in Montgomery Co., VA..2729
Census 3: Bet. 1789 - 1799, Moved to Ashe Co., NC.2729
Census 4: Bet. 1793 - 1795, On Tax List in Grayson Co., VA. in 1793 & 1795.2729
Property: 1789, Purchased land in Wilkes (now Ashe) NC.2729
More About Thomas Stephen Testerman, Sr and Mary Jane Anderson:
Marriage: 1785, Middle Fox Branch, Grayson County, Virginia.2730
Parents
Johann Martin Testerman Born: 22 Jul 1721 in Prussia
Died: 26 Sep 1817
Married: May 1748 in Prussia
Parents: Friedrich Joachim Testerman Margaretha Reichmann
Spouse Maria Juliana Tackman
Thomas Testerman, Sr. was born October 23, 1758. mom Mary Jane Anderson was born about 1766 at Middle Fork Branch, Grayson Co., Virginia
Family Members
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