Moravian Brethren from the Czechlands

RENEWAL OF UNITAS FRATRUM AS MORAVIAN CHURCH

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THE RENEWAL OF UNITAS FRATRUM AS MORAVIAN CHURCH AND ITS FORMATIVE YEARS IN THE US

Miloslav Rechcigl Jr.


The Origins

The glorious days of the ancient Unitas Fratrum (1), the religious followers the teachings of the Protestant Bohemian martyr Jan This, came to a sudden end when the Czech armies and their allies were defeated in the Battle of White Mountain on November 8, 1620. The victorious Habsburgs were determined to put forever an end to the "Czech heretics" through public executions, imprisonment, torture, confiscation of property and forced exile. The freedom of territorial rights was infringed by enforced centralization, Czech nationality was extirpated by Germanization, and the last remains of Czech Reformation were rooted out by the governing Catholic absolutism. The population had been reduced to half, one third of the farmland was left untilled and the whole country became impoverished. The Habsburg rulers would rather have their lands desolate than inhabited by "heretics."

The venerable Jan Amos Komensky-Comenius (1592-1670), the "last" Bishop of Bohemian Brethren, made a heroic but futile effort during his many years in exile to revive the ancient Unitas Fratrum. Nevertheless, before his death he bequeathed the world the treasured principles and ideals of the Church, which he deemed of universal value, in the ecclesiastical traditions of the Brethren (2). Despite the dismal outlook, the "hidden seed" remained, and when the opportune time came, it sprouted and blossomed into the renewed Unitas Fratrum (3).

The Exile

The beginnings of the epic of the Moravian Church can be traced to Christian David (1692-175 1), a carpenter of Zenklava, Moravia, not too far from Comenius's parish of Fulnek, a convert from Catholicism, who became first a Lutheran and then an ardent supporter of the faith of the ancient Unity of Bohemian Brethren. Upon his return to his native Moravia from abroad, where he learned the truth of the Gospel and became its confessor, he traveled extensively through Moravia and Bohemia in an effort to seek out the followers of the persecuted Unity as well as converts among the "hidden seed," and was determined to find a refuge for the spiritually awakened families.

The opportunity presented itself in 1722, when he was introduced to a young Saxon nobleman, Count Nicolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf (1700- 1760). Moved by the plight and the religious zeal of Christian David's countrymen, Zinzendorf promised to help. He offered to provide them shelter but not much else since, being an exile himself, he did not have funds to spare (4). Soon after Zinzendorf made his promise, two brothers, Augustine (1681-1750) and Jacob Neisser (1693-1757), with their families, and Michael Jaeschke (d. 1772), all from the Moravian village of Zilina, ten individuals in all, arrived under David's guidance on Zinzendorf's estate in Upper Lusatia (5). In Zinzendorf's absence (he was in Dresden at the time) the refugees were accepted with some reluctance by his estate manager, George Heitz. He did not allow them to stay in the village, as they desired, but instead set aside for them a space in the middle of a forest on the road leading to Zittau (6). A few days later Christian David commenced to fell the first tree for a house on a site selected by the Count's manager. This was the beginning of the village of Herrnhut - later to be so intimately linked with the history of the Moravian Church - of which Christian David is rightly called the founder of. In 1723 the small settlement was joined by three additional Neisser brothers (George, Johann and Wenzel) of Zilina, who, with their families, counted eighteen persons.

The next chapter of the Moravian Brethren began on May 12, 1724, with the arrival in Herrnhut of live young men from Moravia, three members of the large Nitschmann family, all bearing the Christian name David, together with Melchior Zeisberger (1701-1781) and John Toeltschig (1703-1764)(7).Because of their old family traditions, anchored in the ancient Unitas Fratrum, the five young Moravians fled to Herrnhut with a definite goal of reestablishing the Unitas there. This earned them later the designation "The Five Pillars of the Church" or "The Five Moravian Churchmen," in recognition of their vision and the special role they played in the formative years of the history of the Moravian Church (8).

The exiles' families, left behind in Moravia, were severely punished, and some were imprisoned in the damp cellar of the Kunin castle. David Nitschmann's father, George, escaped by means of a fishing net and fled across the border to Herrnhut. Melchior Nitschmann was bound to a stake with wet ropes and left knee-deep in water and later, half dead, he was brought before the authorities for questioning. It is estimated that 280 persons from Suchdol and 167 persons from Kunin alone were questioned and condemned.(9). The size of the exodus from the Kravarsko district of Moravia to Herrnhut was estimated as follows: 270 individuals from Suchdol, 100 from Kunin, 9 from Butovice, 21 from Mankovice, 58 from Senov, 47 from 2Alina, 24 from 2ivotice, 17 from 2enklava, 9 from Stramberk, and 5 from Morkov, 550 exiles in tow, not counting the refugees from other regions of Moravia or Bohemia (10).

The Renewal

Zinzendorf was not at all in favor, at least initially, of reestablishing the Unitas Fratrum (11). Being a Lutheran, he wanted the Moravian and Bohemian exiles to abandon their faith and to join the Lutheran Church, using every opportunity through private discussions to bring the Brethren to his point of view (12). All his efforts were in vain. The Moravians remained firm in their resolve and declared that if the introduction of their ancient system and the establishment of a distinct Church of the Brethren was not possible in Herrnhut, they would turn elsewhere to seek another location. Their zeal and fearlessness as evangelists increased Zinzendorf's regard for them and when he read Ratio disciplinae, revised and republished by Comenius in 1660, with the history of his much-loved Church, Historia Fratrun Bohemorum, Zinzendorf apparently had a change of heart (13). This is reflected in one of his letters where he says: "I could not long read the pitiful lamentation of the aged Comenius, who thought that the Church of the Brethren had come to an end and was locking its door; I could not look the second time at his sorrowful prayer, ‘Turn thou us unto thee, 0 Lord, and we shall be turned, renew our days as of old,' before the resolution was formed. I shall help to do this so far as lies in my power, even if my estate, my honor and my life are sacrificed, and thus as long as I live, and, so after as I can provide for it, after my death, this little congregation of the Lord shall be preserved for Him until He comes" (14). Whether his change of heart was out of respect for the Brethren or simply from realization that he could not prevail and therefore decided to join them, or as a result of a premonition that he could use the Brethren's unique missionary zeal to fulfill his life-long dream "to spread the Gospel among the heathens," we shall never know; possibly it was a combination of all these factors (15).

Be that as it may, the fact is that, after consultation with the Moravians, Zinzendorf issued on May 12, 1727, under the title Herrtschaftliche Gebote und Verbote, a "set of ordinances in harmony with the first Apostolic Church pattern and with the constitution of the old Church of the Brethren" (16). On August 13, 1727, a date celebrated in the Moravian Church as the Day of Renewal (Erneurungstag) and the Day of the Descending of the Holy Spirit, Count Zinzendorf gathered together the inhabitants of Herrnhut, and in an address lasting three hours, enthusiastically announced that his Gebote agreed almost word by word with the then discovered Ratio disciplinae of Comenius (17).

Powerful emotion was felt throughout the gathering and all agreed it was the Holy Spirit which, as on the Day of Pentecost, carried them into the Renewed Moravian Church. Count Zinzendorf presented the assembly with a new set of Ordinances, called the Bruderlicher Verein und Wilkur in Herrnhut, popularly known as the .Statuten, which all present were urged to sign. Of the sixty-three individuals present at the memorial service in the parish church of Berthelsdorf, where the above event took place, forty-tour were Moravians, seven Bohemians and three Silesians (the ethnic origin of the remaining nine cannot be determined) (18). The revival of the Brethren's Church was finally legitimized on March 13, 1735 by the consecration of David Nitschmann (1696-1772) as its first Bishop from the hands of Bishop David B. Jab1onsky (1660-1741), Comenius's grandson, thus assuring the continuity of the ancient Unitas Fratrum (19).

Moravian Missions

Zinzendorf's enthusiasm for missionary work stemmed from a solemn covenant he formed with a school friend, Count Frederick de Watteville (20). As he later recounted the episode, the two boys resolved "to do all in their power for the conversion' of the heathen, especially for those for whom no one else cared, and by means of men whom God would provide" (21). The Moravians who so unexpectedly appeared on the doorsteps of his estate in Berthelsdorf must have been regarded by him as God's answer to his prayers. As early as in 1727 Zinzendorf wrote to the Danish Court and offered to send Moravia, missionaries to Greenland. On 10 February, 1728, on the first Prayer Day, he proposed his plan for preaching the Gospel in the West Indies, Greenland, Turkey, and Lapland. On the next day, led by Leonard Dober, presumably of Bohemian ancestry, twenty-six young men "made a League and Covenant to respond to the first clear sound of the bugle call". As is documented in Tobias Leupold's letter of July 25, 1731 addressed to Count Zinzendorf, the first volunteers for service in Moravian Missions were Tobias Leupold (d. 1734) and Leonard Dober (1706- 1766), two Brethren of Bohemian descent who were inspired by an address by a Negro slave from the West Indies at their congregation in Herrnhut (22). The decision whether they would go or not was decided by lot: Leonard Dober's selection was confirmed but in place of Tobias Leupold, David Nitschmann was chosen.

On August 21, 1732, Leonard Dober and David Nitschmann set out from Herrnhut for St. Thomas to begin the first Moravian Mission to the "heathens." The second mission was undertaken on January 19, 1733, when Matthew (1711-1787) and Christian Stach (d. 1739), originally from Mankovice, Moravia, together with the Evangelist Christian David started for Greenland. On November 12 of the same year, fourteen men and four women, mostly of Moravian or Bohemian origin, sailed for the Island of St.. Croix to found a missionary colony(23). On February 24, 1734 John Nitschmann (1703-1772) of the famed Moravian family left with two companions for Lapland and at the same time Frederick Boehnisch (1710-1763) of Kunin and John Beck (1706- 1777) of Upper Silesia, set out for Greenland. During that year plans were also made to begin missionary work among the Negro slaves in the Dutch possessions in South America and the next year George Piesch (d. 1253) and George Berwick, both from Kunin, went to Surinam to explore the situation and prospects for missionary work. In 1735 eleven more Brethren were dispatched for the Island of St. Croix, again mostly from the ranks of the Moravians or the Bohemians (24). From later years we must mention David Zeisberger (1723- 1808) and John Heckewelder (1743-1823), both of Moravian ancestry, who made theft names as missionaries among the Indians in North America, and George Schmidt (1708-1792), from Kunin, Moravia, who was destined to become the first missionary to South Africa.

Moraviaii Immigration to America (25).

The first Moravian to step on the shores of the United States was George Boehnisch (1695-1772) from Kunin who arrived in Philadelphia on September 22, 1734 (26) accompanying a second group of Schwenkfelders (27) on their resettlement voyage to America. Count Zinzendorf
initially secured a tract of land in Georgia where the Schwenkfelders were supposed to settle. When the Schwenkfelder immigrants decided to go to Pennsylvania instead, the Trustees of Georgia proposed that a Moravian colony be sent to the new province in their place. The suggestion was adopted because it opened a prospect for undertaking missionary work among the American Indians (28). Twenty men volunteered to go and on November 27, 1734 nine of them set out for England: they were Anton Seiffert, John Toeltschig, Gotthard Demuth, Michael and George Haberland, Frederick Riedel, Peter Rosa, George Waschke and Gottfried Haberecht - all but the last having been bona fide Moravians or Bohemians; Gottfried Haberecht came from Silesia. The little colony, joined by Augustus Spangenberg, sailed from Gravesend on February 6, 1735 on the ship The Two Brothers, and landed at Savannah, Georgia, on March 22 (29). In the summer of the same year a reinforcement followed under the leadership of Bishop David Nitschmann. The second group comprised twenty-five persons, most of them again from Moravia or Bohemia(30). Among the passengers on the ship which brought the Moravian Brethren to Georgia was John Wesley (1703-1791), the founder of the Methodist Church, who became acquainted with the Brethren, attended their services, worshiped with them and lived in their home during his initial stay in Georgia.

On March 10, 1736, Bishop Nitschmann organized the colony as a regular Moravian Congregation and ordained Anton Seiffert (1712-1785), a Bohemian, to ministry, placing him in charge of the congregation. The service performed by the Moravian bishop is thought to be the earliest record of a regular ordination performed by a bishop of the Christian Church in the English colonies of North America (31). The Moravians immediately went to work and within a short time were not only able to take care of their needs and maintenance but even repaid the money advanced to them in London. Moreover, they offered their helping hand to newly arrived immigrants. At the same time, they erected a schoolhouse for the Indian children and proceeded with their plans to preach the Gospel to the Indians (32). In 1737 the colony was joined by two young Moravian boys, David Zeisberger Jr. and John Michael Schober (d. 1737) of Nova Ves, Moravia, who unexpectedly arrived from Europe on their own, in the spirit of adventur (33). (This is the same Zeisberger who later in life achieved considerable fame as a missionary among the Indians). In the following year arrived in Georgia George Schulius (d. 1733) of Suchdol, Moravia with Peter Bohler, both of whom were commissioned to missionate among the Negroes of she plantations between Savannah and Charleston)(34).

The tranquility of the Moravian colony was soon interrupted when the neighboring Spaniards endeavored to expel the English from Georgia. The Brethren were also called upon to join in taking up arms against the invaders; stating that "they neither could nor would bear arms on any consideration," they refused (35). When the Trustees of Georgia, to whom they appealed for exemption, ruled that the Brethren must furnish men for military service even though they would not have to bear arms, the Moravians decided to move to Pennsylvania which offered more ideal conditions for their work.

After the unforseen debacle in Georgia, all future migrations of Moravian Brethren from Europe were directed to Pennsylvania, the port of entry usually being Philadelphia or the New York Harbor. The massive emigration fell between 1742 and 1767, although individuals continued coming to America. Shortly after the purchase of land by the Church in the present Northampton County, Pennsylvania in the year 1741, two colonies were organized in Europe, known as the First and Second Sea Congregations, followed by four others, bearing the name John Nitschmann, Gottlieb Pezold, Henry Jorde, and Gottlob Koenigsdorfer. The colonies were brought in by one of the four vessels owned by the Church, namely the Catherine, Little Strength, Irene, and Hope, which were afloat at different times within the referenced twenty-five year period. Some Brethren, including Bishop David Nitschmann who traveled back and forth between America and Europe, sometimes booked passage on commercial ships.

There is a common perception that the native Moravians or Bohemians formed but a minute percentage of Moravian Brethren who immigrated to America and settled in Pennsylvania. Inasmuch as we have fairly complete passenger lists of the Moravian-owned ships which brought the Brethren to America (36). have made an effort to identify those Brethren who came from the Lands of the Bohemian Crown, mainly using George Neisser's manuscript (37). In the process I have frequently consulted the official Gazetteers of Bohemia, Moravia and Silesia, as well as historical gazetteers of Czechoslovakia, which are an absolute necessity for authentication of specific locations where the Brethren were born.

The First Sea Congregation was brought to America on the ship Catherine which arrived on June 7, 1742 (38). It was led by a native Moravian, George Piesch, and included three Brethren from Bohemia, six from Moravia, five from Silesia and two from Lusatia, out of the total of fifty-five passengers. The Second Sea Congregation arrived on Little Strength in New York on November 26, l743 (39). It brought thirty-one Brethren from the Czech Lands, including ten from Moravia, eighteen from Silesia and three from Lusatia. The largest contingent of Moravian Brethren ever to come to America arrived on Irene in New York on May 12, 1749, with the John Nitschmann Colony (40) accompanied by Evangelist Christian David (already referred to in connection with the founding of Herrnhut), and Matthew and Rosina Stach, Moravian missionaries to Greenland. The leader of the Colony, Bishop John Nitschmann, a native of Senov, Moravia, was a relative of Bishop David Nitschmann. Out of hundred twelve passengers, there were forty-five persons from the Czech Lands, twenty-six from Moravia, and fourteen from Silesia; three Brethren were natives of Lusatia.

The ship Irene also brought the Henry Jorde Colony, landing in New York Harbor on June 22, 1750 (41). Among its eighty-four passengers were three Moravians and seven Silesians. On September 9, 1753, the Irene docked in New York, bringing in a colony of twenty-three single Brethren in charge of Gottlob Koenigsdorfer; among the passengers were five Brethren from Moravia and five Brethren from Silesia. The Irene also brought to New York on November 16, 1754 Gottlieb Pezold's Colony of single men, including two Bohemians, eight Moravians, one Silesian and one Lusatian.

Apart from the above colonies, we have a record of the following arrivals of Moravian Brethren from the Lands of the Bohemian Crown: on December 15, 1740, Bishop David Nitschmann reached Philadelphia with his uncle David Nitschmann Senior (1676-1758) and his niece Anna p Nitschmann (1715-1760), who later became Count Zinzendorf's second wife; on December 2, 1741, three Moravians and one Bohemian landed in New York and on the 10th in Philadelphia; in September, 1742, five Moravian Brethren of Moravian origin arrived in Philadelphia; on December 28, 1746, Judith (Münster) Hikel of Suchdol, Moravia arrived; in June 1748 arrived in New York, destined for Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, four Moravians and two Silesians; on September 26, 1751 two Bohemians and one Moravian landed in New York; on May 27, 1752, three native Moravians reached New York; on November 20, 1752, one Moravian and two Silesians arrived in New York; in December 1752, arrived in New York one Moravian Brother from Lusatia and one from Silesia; on June 2, 1756, one Silesian landed in New York Harbor; on October 19, 1761 arrived in New York two Bohemians, seven Moravians, seven Silesians and one Lusatian; in 1765 came David Nitschmann, the "Syndicus" (1705-1779) of Suchdol, his wife Rosina (Fischer) Nitschmann, from Kunin, Joseph Neisser of Zilina, Moravia and his wife of Lusatia; and on May 18, 1770, two Moravians and two Silesians landed in New York Harbor.
Altogether close to 250 arrivals were~ authenticated as coming from the Lands of the Bohemian Crown. Additional 100 individuals of Bohemian, Moravian or Silesian descent, whose names do not appear on the aforementioned passenger lists, were identified from the records of the graveyards of Bethlehem, Nazareth and Lititz in Pennsylvania.42 We can say with certainty that some 400 Moravian Brethren who immigrated to America came from the Czech Lands.

Cultural Contributions

It is beyond the scope of this paper to delve into the numerous contributions made by the Moravian Brethren who emigrated from the Lands of Bohemian Crown and settled in America. The best we can do is only to highlight some of them. We have already established the fact that
majority of Moravian Brethren who constituted the first Moravian colony in North America at Savannah, Georgia, were of Bohemian or Moravian origin. On September 28, 1741, when the first foundation stone was laid at the first permanent Moravian settlement at Bethlehem, a document, engraved on parchment by George Neisser, contained the names of fifteen individuals present at the ceremony, all of whom but four were Bohemians or Moravians. Bishop David Nitschmann, who is considered the founder of Bethlehem, officiated at the above ceremony (43).
When Nitschmann's work in Pennsylvania was completed, he went back to Europe, but later extended his labors to New York and North Carolina (44). During his lifetime he visited the many countries in Europe and the West Indies, making close to fifty sea voyages.

His namesake, David Nitschmann Senior, a joiner by trade and master-builder for some years, took lead in opening the Bethlehem settlement and was one of the most influential men in town (45), He was the first of the Brethren who became a naturalized citizen of Pennsylyania and, as the first nominal "proprietor" of the estates of the Church held the title to the land; all subsequent land purchases were made in his name.

Rev. George Neisser (1715-1784) of Zilina, Moravia, was the first archivist and diarist of Bethlehem, its first schoolmaster and postmaster (46). Thanks to his historical sense, we have a detailed account of the early events in Bethlehem as well as the history of the formative years of the Moravian Church, from the time of the exile of Bohemian Brethren in Herrnhut to their immigration to America.

Bishop Nathaniel Seidel (1718-1782), who was for twenty years the President of the American Provincial Board of Elders was a descendant of Bohemian emigrants in Silesia (47).

David Zeisberger Sr., whose parents forsook their considerable estate and fled for conscience's sake to Herrnhut, after coming to America in 1738 embarked on an intensive study of Indian languages, which provided a foundation for his illustrious career among the American Indians, lasting more than sixty years (48). Zeisberger's able assistant, John Heckewelder, of Moravian ancestry, also attained prominence as a missionary among the Indians (49). Besides his missionary labors, he was a postmaster, a justice of peace and the court of common pleas. Toward the end of his life he engaged in literary pursuits which led to his election to membership of the prestigious American Philosophical Society of Philadelphia.

Another noteworthy man among the Moravian Brethren was David Tanneberger (1728-1804), an organ builder, born on Count Zinzendorf's estate at Berthelsdorf (50). He was a skillful joiner, was a notably good tenor, and played the violin. He learned the organ building craft and soon
became very well-known for his unique technical skills. Organs of his manufacture were in high repute and were shipped all over eastern Pennsylvania from his Lititz shop, even to such distant places as Albany, New York.

The members of the Demuth family who came originally from Karlov, Moravia, were talented artists. One of their descendants, Charles Demuth (1883-1935), achieved world fame as a water-color illustrator and still-life painter.

The contributions of Moravian Brethren from the Czechlands were distinctly notable in the field of music (51). The trumpets and horns used by the Moravians in Georgia are the first evidence of Moravian instrumental music in America; Johann Boehner (1710-1785) of Zelena hora, Moravia, is the first recorded Moravian instrumentalist.

The program of music in Bethlehem was greatly stimulated by the arrival in 1761 of two talented musicians, Jeremiah Dencke (1725-1795), a Silesian, and Immanuel Nitschmann (1736-1790), a Moravian. Dencke is considered to be the composer of the earliest concerted church music known to have been written in America.

The two Peter brothers, Johann Frederick and Simon, of Silesian or Moravian ancestry, had a particularly profound impact on the music life of Bethlehem. Johann Frederick Peter (1746-1813) was considered the first Moravian composer in America, having composed over 80 hymns; his string quintets are the earliest j. examples of chamber music in America.

The American-born Johann Christian Till (1762-1844) of Bohemian/Moravian origin, who succeeded Johann Frederick Peter as organist of the Bethlehem church, was also a composer of note.

Finally, a mention should be made of the de Schweinitz and Reichel families who had a great impact on the religious and cultural life of the Moravian communities in America. The two families came originally from Silesia which, as was pointed out earlier, was an integral part of the Lands of the Bohemian Crown.

Conclusion

Partly out of ignorance and partly because of Zinzendorf's personality cult, the role of the Brethren from the Czech Lands in the history of the Moravian Church, particularly in its formative years, has generally been undervalued (52). It should be clear that were it not for the apostolic zeal of Christian David, the open and hidden followers of the teachings of Ian Hus and Comenius would not have sought refuge in Saxony. Similarly, without the determination and persistent efforts of the Brethren from Bohemia and Moravia, the ancient Unitas would have never been resurrected. The pioneering spirit of these Brethren as well as their labors as missionaries around the globe in self-imposed diaspora have no analogy in history. It is also noteworthy that the number of native Moravians, Bohemians, and Silesians who immigrated to America is considerably 14 larger than has been generally thought. It can be said that their unique cultural contributions and their broad-based imprint on the Moravian Church and the American civilization in general have been truly remarkable and everlasting.

Notes

1. For the background on the Unitas fratrunt see: Edmund de Schweimtz, The History of the Church Known as the Unitas Fratrum or the Unity of the Brethren (Bethlehem, Pa.: Moravian Publications Office, 1885); Ferdinand Hrejsa, Ceska konfesse, jeji vznik, podstata a dejiny (Pnha: Ceska akademie cisafe Frantiska Josefa pro vèdy, sloovesnost a umërii, 1912); Rudolf Rican, Dejiny Jednoty bratrské (Prague: Kalich, 1957); Unites Fratrum: Herrnhuter Stndien - Moravian Studies, Mari P. van Buijtenen, Cornelis Dekker, Hulb Leeuwenberg, eds. (Utrecht: Rijksarchief, 1975).

2. Ksaft umirajici matky Jednoty bratrske..

3. Adolf Skalsky, Z dejin ceske emigrace osmnacteho stoleti (Cbotebor: Ev. Matice, 1911); ; Adolf Vacovsky, "History of the Hidden Seed (1620-1720)," Unites Fratrum, 35-53; Gistav Rican, "Seme Komenskeho v Suchdole nad Odrou," .Jednosa bratrskd 47 (1970):149-51, and 48(1971): 5-6.

4. J. Muller, "0 souvislosti obnovene cirkve bratrske se starou Jednotou bratri ceskych", Casopis Muzea kralovstvl ceského 59 (1885): 202-04.

5. Gustav Rican, "0 starem Ochranové," Krestanskd revue 39 (1972). 136-41; Karel Reichel, "Ochrauov - Stredisko svetove Jednoty bratrskd," Antomin Frinta, Hugo Rokyta,eds., Zitavsko v ceskych deinach (Prasue: Orbis, 1947) 176-81.

6. Rican 208; See also Joseph Mortimner Levering, A History of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
1741-1892 with some Account of its Founders and their Early Activity in America (Bethlehem, Pa.: Times Publishing Cc., 1903) 22.

7. They were the future Bishop David Nitschmann (1696-1772), David Nitschimann the "Syndicus" (1705-1779), and David Nitschsmann the "Martyr" (1696-1729), who died in prison on his visit to Moravia.

8. Muller 14; see also D. Nitschmann, "Originelle Nachricht von der Erwekung, Ausgang and Ankunft der funf mahrischen Kirchen-Manner nit Grund!egung des sogenannten grossen Hauses in Herrnhut (des Gemeinhauses) am 12. Mai 1724," Der Bruderbote 15 (1877): 4045, 73.

9. Rican (1970) 150-51.

10. Rican (197Z) 138.

11. Jindrich Schiller, Vypravujeme si a obnovene Jednote (Zelezny Bred: Bratrska skola, 1945).

12. Muller 29-30; see also Vladimir Hellfert, "Moravsti bratii u durynske Goty," Casopis Matice maravske 53 (1929): 320-.434.

13.Jan Amos Comenius, Ratio disciplinae ordinisque ecclesiastici in unitate Fratrum Bohemorum (Halle: J. Fr. Buddeus, 1702).

14. Levering 25-26.

15. For a good discussion of the renewal of lJnitas fratrum and of the relationship between Zinzerdorf and the Brethren see Muller 193-210, 441-55; and Helfert 344-98.

16. Josef Th, Muller, Zinzendorf als Erneuerer der alten Bruderkirche (Leipzig: Friedrich Santa, 1900) 16 ff.

17. Several scholars who recently analyzed and compared Comenius' and Zinzendorf's Writings accused Zinzendorf of perpetrating a "pious fraud," by forging translation of the Ratio disciplinae in such a way that it was to a remarkable degree identical with his own Gebote and Verbote. For further discussion of the subject, see C. S. Molnar, "The Pious Fraud of Count Zinzendorf", Illiff Review 11.2 (Spring 1954): 29-3 8.

18. "A Register of Members of the Moravian Church and Persons Attached to Said Church in this Country ad Abroad, between 1727 and 1754. Transcribed from MS in the Handwriting of the Rev, Abraham Reincke to be found in the Archives of the Moravian Church, Bethlehem, Pa. and Illustrated with Historical Annotations by W.C. Reichel (Nazareth, Pa., 1873)," Transactions of the Moravian Historical Society 1 (1876): 289-391.

19. Miroslav Hlousek, "O bratrskEm biskupstvi," Jednota brotrska 59 (1982): 83-91.

20. L B. Hutton, A History of Moravian missions Missions (London: Moravia Publication Office, 1923).

21.Hutton 7.

22. Hutton 17-19.

23. From Moravia these persons were: Martin Schenk and his wife Anna, Wenceslaus Weber and his wife Elizabeth Fiedler, David Weber and his wife Dorothea Quitt, Timotheus Fiedler and his wife Judith Hans, "Father" David Nitschniann, Matthaus Schindler, Matthaus Miksch, Caspar Oelsner, Martin Frank, George Weber, Johann Bohm, and Christian Neisser; from Bohemia, Tobias Leupold; from Silesia, Matthaus lCremser.

24. This group consisted of the surgeon Gottlieb Kretschmer, the wives of Nitschmann and Leupold (their husbands had gone to St. Croix with the first group), Johann Gold and his wife Anna Catharine, the widow Anna (Moss) Berger, and Martin Barthel (all from Moravia); Caspar Guttner (from Silesia); and Matthaus Freundlich, and the wives of Oelsner and Frank (from Bohemia).

25. A History of the Beginnings of Moravian Work in America (Bethlehem, Pa.: The Archives of the Moravian Church, 1955) is a translation of Georg Neisser's manuscripts "Kurzgefasster Aufsatz von der Mahrischen u. Bohmischen Bruder auflaqngliclier Ausbreitung in den Nord-Amerikanischen Colonien u. Missionen vom Jahr 1732 bis 1741"; "Augemerkte Vorkommenheiten bei den Brudern in den Forks of Delaware um die Zeit des Aubaues von Bethlehem, in dem Jahr 1741"; "Kurzgefasste Berichte von den Vorgangen der Ersten Halfte des Jahres 1742." Begun by the late Rev. William N. Schwarze, archivist, and completed by Rt. Rev. Samuel H. Gapp, archivist, with extensive biographical and historical notes by the Rev. Gapp.

26. George Neisser, "Annals of Early Moravian Settlement in Georgia and Pennsylvania," William C. Reichel, ed., Memorials of the Moravian Church, vol. 1 (Philadelphia: J. B. Lippincot and Co., 1870) 157-87; Adelaide L. Fries, The Moravians in Georgia (Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co., 1967).

27. The Schwenkfelders were a religious sect who followed Caspar Schwenkfelder (1490-1561), a nobleman of Silesia, then a part of the Lands of the Kingdom of Bohemia. Just like the members of the ancient Unitas Fratrum, the Schwenkfelders were persecuted and forced to flee from Silesia and eventually found an asylum on the estate of Count Zinzendorf at Hermhut. By a royal edict of 1733 they were forced to leave Saxony which led to their emigration to America.

28. Levering 34.

29. A History of the Beginnings 4.

30. A History of the Beginnings 5-6.

31. Levering 36.

32. A History of the Beginnings 162.

33. Neisser 162.
.
34. Neisser 162.
.
35. Rev. Levin Theodore Reichel, The Early History of the Church of the United Brethren (Unitas fratrum) Commonly Called Moravians in North America, AD. 1734-1748 (Nazareth, Pa.: Moravian Historical Society, 1888) 67-68.

36. John W. Jordan, "Moravian Immigration to Pennsylvania, 1734-1765," Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography 33 (1909): 228-48; John W. Jordan, "Moravian Immigration to Pennsylvania, 1734-1767, with some Account of Transport Vessels," Transactions 5 (1889): 49-90.

37. George Neisser, "A List of the Bohemian and Moravian Emigrants to Saxony, Transactions 9 (1913): 37-100.

38. John C. Brickenstein, "The First Sea Congregation A.D. 1742," Transactions
1 (1876): 33-50.

39. John C. Brickenstein, "The Second Sea Congregation 1743," Transactions 1 (1876): 107-24.

40. Jordan 228; Levering 233-35.

41.Jordan 228-48.

42. Augustus Schultze, "The Old Moravian Cemetery of Bethlehem, Pa., 1742-1897", Transactions 5 (1897): 97-294; Edw. T. Kluge, "The Moravian Graveyards at
Nazareth, Pa., 1744-1905,"Transactions 7 (1904): 83-207; Abraham Reinke Beck, "The
Moravian Graveyards of Lititz, Pa., 1844-1905," Transactions 7 (1905): 215-336.

43. Edmund de Schweinitz, "Some of the Fathers of the American Moravian Church: David Nitschmann," Transactions 2 (1886): 168-74.

44. Levering 69.

45. Edmund de Schweinitz, "David Nitschmann Senior," Transactions 2 (1886): 168-74.

46. Albert H. Frank, "George Neisser: An Early Moravian Historian," Transactions
23, 2 (1979): 1-11.

47. Edmund de Schweinitz, "Nathaniel Seidel," Transactions 2 (1886): 219-27.

48. Edmund de Schweinitz, Life and Time of David Zeisberger, the Western Pioneer and Apostle of the Indians (Philadelphia: FR, Lippincott, 1871).

49. Edward Rondthaler, Life of John Heckewelder (Philadelphia: T. Ward, 1847).

50. William H. Armstrong, Organs for America: The Life and Work of David Tanneberger (Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 1967).

51. Karl Kroeger, "Moravian Music in America: A Survey," Unitas Fratrum 387-400.

52. Helfert 344-45.

ARRIVAL AND SETTLEMENT OF MORAVIAN BRETHREN IN THE US

MORAVIAN BRETHREN FROM BOHEMIA, MORAVIAN AND SILESIA:
THEIR ARRIVAL AND SETTLEMENT IN AMERICA

By Miloslav Rechcigl, Jr.


The Moravian Brethren were the followers of the teachings of the Czech religious reformer and martyr John Hus and the their heirs of the Bohemian Brethren who found temporary refuge in Moravia and later in Herrnhut, Lusatia, Saxony under the patronage of Count Nicholas Ludwig von Zinzendorf (1700-1760). Because of the worsening political and religious situation, the Brethren had to subsequently seek more permanent home and new territory where they could exercise their religious rights and expand their missionary activities. The North American continent with the abundant fertile land and with its large Indian population was ideally suited for their aims.

After the initial visits to St. Thomas in 1732 and Greenland in 1733, ten selected Brethren sailed in November 1734 to the English Province of Georgia for the purpose of colonization. In the summer of the same year, a reinforcement followed, under the leadership of Bishop David Nitschmann (1696-1772).

Despite their efforts, the Moravians did not find Georgia ideal for their religious pursuits and the majority decided in 1740 to leave for Pennsylvania which offered better conditions. All subsequent migrations of the Moravian Brethren from Europe were directed to Pennsylvania, the board of entry usually being Philadelphia or the New York Harbor. The immigration peak fell in the interval between 1742 and 1767.

Following closely after the purchases of land of the Church in the present Northampton County, Pennsylvania, in the year 1741, two colonies were organized in Europe, known as the "First" and "Second Sea Congregation," followed by four others, bearing the name of "John Nitschmann," "Gottlieb Pezold," "Henry Jorde," and "Gottlob Konigsdorfer."

The colonies were brought by one of the four vessels, owned by the Church, namely the "Catherine," "Little Strength," "Irene," or "Hope," which were afloat at different dates within the referenced twenty-five year period.

There is a common perception that the native Moravians or Bohemians constituted but a minute percentage of the Brethren who immigrated to America and settled in Pennsylvania. The evidence presented in this paper contradicts this point of view.

The present paper reports on the identity of some two hundred Moravian Brethren who immigrated to America from the historic Czech Lands, which is not an insignificant number by any means. At the time of Moravian migration, the Kingdom of Bohemia comprised Bohemia, Moravia, and the entire Silesia and up to the midst of the seventeenth century the Lands of the Bohemian Crown also included Lusatia. During the period of the intense persecution of Bohemian Brethren, after the tragic Battle 0f the White Mountain in 1620, thousands of Brethren found refuge in Silesia, as well as Lusatia. For these reasons we have included Silesia and Lusatia in our survey.

The identity of the Brethren has been authenticated by comparing the existing passenger lists with the lists of exiles from the Czech Lands as well as with Various records of the Moravian Church.

Specific individuals are listed in order of their arrival in America, under the name of the ship (if known), which brought them to the American shores. Whenever available, vital data have been provided for individual immigrants, together with their occupation and with information on where they settled and where they were buried. The numbers in parentheses refer to the numbered entries in Neisser's List of Emigrants and/or to a page in the relevant burial books


Moravian Brethren from the Historic Czech Lands
in Order of their Arrival tn America

September 22, 1734, "St. Andrew," arrived at Philadelphia, PA:

George Boehnisch (1695-1772), Elder of the Brethren, from Kunin, Moravian; brother of Matthew Boehnisch; led the second group of Schwenkfelders to America who settled in Towamensing Twp., Montgomery C., near Philadelphia; he returned to Europe in 1737 (NI12).


March 22, 1735, "Two Brothers" (Capt. Thompson), landed at Savannah, CA:

Gotthard Demuth (?-1744), a cabinet- and watchmaker, from Karlov, Moravian; settled in Germantown, PA in 1737 (N4I3, BC114).

Gottfried Haberecht (1700-1767), a tailor, from Schoenheide, Silesia; settled in Germantown, PA (1737); in 1743 moved to Bethlehem; served as a missionary, in 1754 went to Jamaica, W. I.; is buried at Nazareth, PA (NC1O1).

George Haberland (?-1737), a missionary, from Senov, Moravian; a son of Michael Haberland; deceased at Savannah, GA (N266).

Michael Haberland (1698-1782), from Senov, Moravia, a son of Michael Haberland; returned to Europe in 1740; came back to America in 1749 and died at Bethlehem, PA (N232, BC1O4).

Frederick Riedel (?-1735), from Zilina, Moravian; deceased at Savannah, GA (N17).

Peter Rosa (?-1740), a missionary, from Bohemia; settled in Germantown, PA (1739). where he died (N490. BC134).

Anton Seyffert (1712-1785), a carpenter, from Lipka, Bohemia; was ordained minister in Georgia - the first Brethren's settlement in America - by Bishop David Nitschinann on February 28, 1736; in 1740 went to Pennsylvania; later returned to Europe to serve the Church in England and Holland; he is buried in Zeist (N400).

John Toeltschig (1703/7-1777), a gardener, from Suchdol, Moravian, son of hereditary judge; returned to Europe (1738); was ordained Deacon and Elder (1742); until 1748 was pastor in London, Yorkshire, Bristol, Ireland, and Fulneck; died in Dublin (N26).

George Waschke (?-?), a carpenter, from Kunin, Moravian; son of Anna Waschke; settled in Germantown, PA in 1737 (N183).


February 16, 1736, the “Simmonds”, (Captain Frank Cornish), landed at Savannah,
GA

Johann Boehner (1710-1785), a cabinetmaker, from Zelena Hora, Moravian; son of Adam and Hana Boehner; moved to Pennsylvania (1740), left fort the mission on St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John; for a time resided in Bethlehem (N421).

Matthias Boehnisch (?-1736), a missionary, from Kunin, Moravian; a brother of George Boehnisch; died at Savannah, GA in October 1736 (N268, N398).

Gottlieb Demuth (1715-1776), from Karlov, Moravian; a nephew of Gotthard Demuth; settled at Matetsch, PA (1737), later moved to Bethlehem (1742) and eventually to Schoeneck (N420, BC117).

Regina (Leupold) Demuth (1702-1774), from Mladkov, Bohemia; a daughter of George and Elizabeth Leupold; wife of Gotthard Demuth; later she married David Tanneberger; settled in Germantowu, PA in 1737 (N413, BC166).

Jakob Frank (?-1736), from Mankovice, Moravian; died at Savannah, GA in the middle of March 1736.

Andreas Dober (1708-17%), from Moenchroth, Franconia; of Bohemian descent; returned to Europe in 1737.

Rosina (Schneider) Haberecht (?-1736), from-Moravian; wife of Gottfried Haberecht; died at Savannah, GA.

Christian Adolph von Hennsdorf (1709-1767), from Upper Lusatia; returned to Europe in 1737.

Juliana Jaeschke (1724-1766), from Zilina, Moravian; a daughter of Christian Jaeschke; future wife of George Waschke; settled in Germantown, PA (N22).

David Jag (1724-1766), from Suchdol, Moravian; settled in Goshehoppen, PA in 1737 (N244).

John Michael Meyer (?-?), from Silesia; settled at Making. PA in 1737.

Augustin Neisser (I717-1780), a cutler and clock maker, from Zilina, Moravian; a son of George and Susanna Neisser; settled in Germantown, PA in 1737 (N300).

George Neisser (1713-1784), from Zilina, Moravian; a son of George and Susanna Neisser; moved to Pennsylvania (1737); settled in Bethlehem and occupied the first house built; became the first diarist of Bethlehem and the town's first school master; later active as pastor (N229, BC110).

David Nitschmann (1696-1772), a carpenter, from Suchdol, Moravian; the first Bishop of the Renewed Church of the Brethren (1735); he was dispatched to America to establish a Brethren's settlement In Northern America which led to his founding of Bethlehem, PA; much of his life was spent in travel; toward the end of his life he resided in Bethlehem (N19, BCI20).

Henry Rascher (?-1736), from Upper Lusatia; died at Savannah, GA.

Catherine Riedel (1713-1791), from Zivotice, MORAVIAN; a daughter of Matthaeus Pudmensky; a wife of Friedrick Riedel; titer his death she married Peter Rosa and later she became wife of Johann Michael Huber (N18, BC176).

David Tanneberger (1696-1760), a shoemaker, from Suchdol, Moravian; settled in Germantown, PA in 1737 and later moved to Bethlehem (1742) (N81, BCI24).

John Tanneberger (1725-1778), a shoemaker, from Suchdol, Moravian; a son of David and Judith Tanneberger; settled in Germantown, PA in 1737; later moved to Bethlehem (1742) and then to Philadelphia (N311).

Judith (Haberland) Toeltschig (1707-1777), from Senov, Moravian; a daughter of Michael and Juliana Haberland; wife of John Toeltschig; returned to Europe (1740); died in Herrnhut(N27).

Anna Waschke (?-?), of Kunin, Moravian; mother of George Waschke; settled in Germantown, PA(1738); died at the "Bethel' near Germantown at an advanced age (N185).

David Zeisberger (1696-1744), a shoemaker, from Suchdol, Moravian; father of the famous missionary David Zeisberger, Jr.; settled in Bethlehem, PA, where he died (N63, BCI21).

Rosina (Schneider) Zeisberger (?-1746), from Moravian; wife of David Zeisberger; settled in Bethlehem, PA, where she died (N64, BC148).


August 2737, arrived at Savannah, GA:

John Michael Schober (?-1737), from Nova Ves, Moravian; son of Johann Schober; deceased at Savannah, GA (N461).

David Zeisberger, Jr. (1721-1808), the future famous missionary among the Indians; from Suchdol, Moravian; a son of David and Rosina Zeisberger; he is buried at Goshen, OH (N297).


October15, 2738, arrived at Savannah, GA:

George Schulius (?-1739). a missionary, from Suchdol, Moravian; deceased at Purysburg, Beaufort Co., SC, August 4, 1759 (N257).


December 15, 1740, arrived at Philadelphia:

David Nitschmann (1696-1772), Bishop of the Brethren, from Suchdol, Moravian (P419, BC 12 1).

David Nitschmann, Sr. (1676-1758), a wagon maker, from Suchdol, Moravian; in 1750 he was naturalized at the Supreme Court in Philadelphia and was thus qualified to hold the Brethren's estates in this country; all the purchases of lands and all contracts were subsequently made by him for the Brethren (N39, BCI2O).

Anna Caritas N'itschmann (1715-1760), from Kunin, Mornvia; a daughter of David and Anna Nitschmann; in 1760 she married Count N. L. Zinzendorf (N306).


October 26, 1741, arrived at New York:

Gottlieb Buettner (1717-1745), a missionary among the Indians, from Silesia; died at Shekomeko, NY on March 6, 1745 (BCI16).


December 2, 1741, landed in New York and on the lath in Philadelphia:

Abraham Meiming (?-1249), of an old Moravian family; went to St. Thomas as a missionary in 1746, where he died.

Judith (Holaschke) Kuntz Meinung (1710-1749), front 2ilina, MORAVIAN; a daughter of Michael Holaschke; wife of Abraham Meinung; her first husband Melchior Kuntz died in 1740; she went with her first husband to St. Thomas as missionaries (1746); returned to Pennsylvania in 1751 and to Europe in 1753; died at Herrnhut (N207).

Rosina (Schindler) Nitschmann (?-1753), from Suchdol, MORAVIAN; a daughter of Thomas Schindler; wife of Bishop David Nitschmann; died at Herrnhaag (N20).

Benigna von Zinsendorf (1725-1789), a daughter of Count N.L. and Edmutha Dorothea (Reuss) Zinzendorf; after her mother she was of Bohemian descent; future wife of Bishop Johann Michael v. Watteville.


June 7, 1742, the "Catherine" (Captain Thomas Gladman), arrived at Philadelphia, bringing the "First Sea Congregation," under the leadership of George Piesch:

Anna Catherine (Peach) Bischoff (1720-1778), steward on shipboard; from Mocker, Upper Silesia; wife of Rev. David Bischoff; moved to Rowan Co., NC in 1756; died at Bethlehem (BC 167).

John George Endter (?-1741), a missionary, from Upper Silesia; missionary to Rio de Berbice, Dutch Guinea, among the Arawaks; married in 1745 the widow Rosina Tanneberger; died at Bethlehem (N167).

George Kaske (1712-1795), from Gotschdorf, Upper Silesia; ordained Deacon in 1747; went to Rio de Berbice, then returned to Nazareth, PA, where he is buried (NC117).

(Anna) Johanna Rosina (Kuhn) Miksch (1717-1786), from Goerlitz, Upper Lusatia; died at Nazareth, PA.

Michael Miksch (1713-1792), a farmer, from Kunin, MORAVIAN; settled in Pennsylvania; died at Gnadenthal, near Nazareth (N216, NCII6).

Miksch (1742-1742), an infant son of Michael Miksch; born on board the "Catherine"; died and was buried near New London, CT, May 24, 1742.

Joseph Moeller (1713-1778), a gardener, from Upper Lusatia, of Bohemian origin; settled in Bethlehem, PA, where he is buried (N549, BC102).

Gottlieb Pezold (1720-1762), a purse maker, from Bischofswerda, Lusatia; ordained Deacon (1748); founded Emmaus Congregation; was leader of the Brethren's Choir; Elder in Bethlehem; ordained presbyter (1759); died in Lititz, PA.

George Piesct (?-1753), a shoemaker, from Room, MORAVIAN; one of the first missionaries in Surinam (1735) and one of the first workers in Yorkshire, England; accompanied as Elder of the "Sea Congregation" the pioneers of Bethlehem; returned to Yorkshire (N460).

George Schneider (1716-1773), a carpenter, from Suchdol, MORAVIAN; settled in Bethlehem (1742), where he is buried (N220, BCIOI).

Nathaniel Seidel (1718-1782), a cloth—weaver, from Laubau, Silesia, of Bohemian origin; a missionary among the Indians; the founder of Bethabara, NC; missionary to Surinam; consecrated Bishop (1758); became President of the Provincial Board of the Elders; died at Bethlehem (BC99).

Anna Catharine (Ludwig) Senseman (1717-1754), from Lichtenwarn, Upper Silesia; wife of Joachim Senseman; missionary among Mohican Indians, Shecomeco, NY, later at Pachgatgoch, CT; died martyr's death at Gnadeohuetten on the Mahoning, PA, November24th, 1755 in the hands of the Indians.

Michael Tanneberger (1704-1744), a shoemaker, from Suchdol, Moravia; a brother of David Tanneberger; settled in Pennsylvania; is buried at Bethlehem (N273, BCI21).

George Wiesner (?-?), from Bohemia; resided in Bethlehem; returned to Europe (1743) (N409).

Matthew Wittke (?-1761), a mason, from Zenklava, Moravia; settled in Pennsylvania (1742); resided at Nazareth, where he died (N201, NC99).

David Wahnert (1706-1765), a ship cook, from Silesia; a faithful diaconus of colonists from Europe to America; died at Herrnhut.


September 1742, arrived in Philadelphia:

Martin Liebisch (1698-1766), from Suchdol, Moravia, died at Nazareth, PA (N114, NC 101).

Anna Liebisch (?-1744), From Suchdol, Moravia; a daughter of Martin and Anna Liebisch; future wife of R v. Anton Seyffert; returned to Europe (N401).

Anna (Schneider) Liebisch (1703-1770), from Suchdol, Moravia; wife of Martin Liebisch; died at Bethlehem, PA (N115, BC164).

Rosina "Hannah" (Hauer) Neubert (1705-1770/85), from Kunin, MORAVIAN; a daughter of Tobias Hauer; wife of Daniel Neubert; settled in Bethlehem, PA in 1742 (N308, BC158).

Daniel Neubert (1704-1788), a tanner, presumably of Moravian origin; settled in Bethlehem, PA; started the first tannery and was also the first miller in Bethlehem (BCI10).


November 26, 1743, the "Little Strength" (Captain N. Garrison), arrived in New York; bringing the "Second Sea Congregation":

Gottlieb Anders (1717-1755), a gardener, from Neumarkt, Silesia; perished at Gnadenhuetten on the Mahoning, PA, having been killed by the Indians on November 24, 1755.

John Henry Biefel (?-1759), a carpenter, from Silesia; moved to Bethabara, NC in 1756, where he died.

Andreas Broksch (1703-1779), from Buergerwald, Upper Silesia, of Moravian descent; moved to Bethlehem, where he served as the town night watchman; died at Bethlehem (N603, BCIO3).

George Christ (1701-1769), a husbandman, from Nova Ves, MORAVIAN; settled in Bethlehem in 1743, where he died (N456, BC100).

Anna Maria (Schroller) Christ (1703-1763), from Moravia; wife of George Christ; settled in Bethlehem, PA; died at Nazareth (N457, NCI00).

Anna Maria (Schmidt) Demuth (1697-1761), from Milkendorf, Silesia; wife of Christopher Demuth; died at Nazareth, PA (NC99).

Christopher Demuth (1689-1754), a box maker, from Karlov, MORAVIAN; is buried at Nazareth, PA (N412, NC95).

John Godfrey Grabs (?-1793), a shepherd, from Silesia; settled in Bethabara, NC (1756); died at Bethany.

Matthew Hanke (1707-1785), from Upper Silesia; moved to Bethlehem (1743) and then to Nazareth (1744), where he is berried (NCI10).

Christopher Hencke (?-1752), from Zittau, Lusatia (BC122).

John Tobias Hirte (1707?-1770), a carpenter, from Euba, Upper Lusatia; master carpenter of Nazareth Hall; died at Bethlehem (BC100).

Marie (Klose) Hirte (1710-1767), from Roesnitz, Silesia; wife of John Tobias Hirte; died at Bethlehem (BC148).

John Jorde (1706-1760), a carpenter, from Hirschgund, Silesia; came to Bethlehem (1743), where he is buried (BC124).

Matthew Krause (?-1767), a husbandman, from Roesnitz, Silesia; died at Bethabara, NC.

Andreas Kremser (1711-1767), a farmer, from Roesnitz, Silesia; resided and died at Friedensthai, Nazareth, PA (NC101).

George Kremser (?-1744), from Silesia; died at Nazareth (NC93).

Rosina (Schneider) Michler (1715-1755), from Suchdol, Moravia; a daughter of David and Catherine Schneider; wife of John Wolfgang Michler (N320, BC149).

Maria Rosina (Dietrich) Moeller (1722-1808), from Torpisch (Dorpitz), Silesia; wife of John Henry Moeller (BC1/89).

John Michael Muecke (1708-1786), a cooper, from Hillersdorf, Upper Silesia; Acolyte; died at Gnadenthal, PA in May 1786 (NC112).

Johannes Muenster (1700-1754), a linen weaver, from Suchdol, MORAVIAN; died at Nazareth, PA (N71, NC95).

Rosina (Nitschmann) Muenster (1706-1791), from Suchdol, MORAVIAN; a daughter of George Nitschmann; wife of Johannes Muenster (N72, BC160).

John George Nixdorf (1700-1785), from Silesia; kept school at Lancaster, PA; was ordained Deacon (1758); is buried at Bethlehem (BC109).

Susan (Kern) Nixdorf (1708-1800), from Frankenstein, Silesia; wife of John George Nixdorf; resided at Bethlehem; died at Bethlehem (BC176).

Lenpold Opitz (1713-1775), from Freudenthal, Upper Silesia; settled in Pennsylvania; is buried at Schoeneck, PA.

John George Partsch (1719-1765), a linen weaver, from Langendorf, Upper Silesia; served the "Economy" at Bethlehem and St. Thomas; is buried at Bethlehem (BC101).

David Reichard (?-1768), a hushandman, from Silesia; died at Gnadenthal, PA (NCIO2). Andreas Schober (1710-1792), a stone mason, from Nova Ves, Moravia, died at Bethlehem, PA (N458, BC112).

David Wahnert (1706-1765), a ship cook, from Silesia.

John Christian Weiner (1712-1795), a carpenter, from Marklisse, Upper Lusatia; died at Nazareth, PA (BC114, NC117).

Anna Dorothea (Boem) Zeisberger (?-1758), from Kunin, Moravia, second wife of George Zeisberger; died at Nazareth, PA (NC98).

George Zeisberger (1688-1781), from Suchdol, Moravia, father of David Zeisherger; died at Gnadenthal, November 26, 1781 (N152. NCI07).


October 25, 1744, the "Jacob "arrived at New York:

George Neisser (1715-1784), from Zenklava, MORAVIAN; tesided and is buried in Bethlehem (N229, BC110).


December 28, 2746, the "John Galley" (Captain Crosswaite), arrived off Lewes, DL

Judith (Muenster) Hikel (?-?), from Suchdol, Moravia; a daughter of David and Anna Muenster; a widow of Andreas Hikel; died at Barbados (N173).


June 1748, the "Irene" (Captain N. Garrison), arrayed at flew York, destined for Bethlehem, PA:

Andreas Broksch (1702-1790), from Buergenwald, Silesia; one of the twenty-two single men from Bethlehem who were settled in Gnadenthal; died at Nazareth (N553, NC114).

Matthew Kunz (1722-1774), a farmer, from Suchdol, Moravia; was ordained Deacon in 1760; died at Brueder Garten, Tranquibar, E.I., October 6, 1774 (N227).

Godfrey Roemelt (1 712-1798), a nail-smith, from Breslau, Silesia; is buried at Bethlehem (BC 131).

Paul Schneider (1724-1757), from Suchdol, Moravia, Acolyte (1755); Deacon (1762); died at St. Thomas (N281).

John Seyffert (1722-1802), from Suchdol, Moravia; settled in Bethlehem, PA; is buried at Bethlehem (N282, BC128).

Samuel Wittke (?-?), probably related to Matthew Wittke (?-1761) of Zenklava, Moravia.


In September 1748, arrived at New York:

Johannes v. Watteville (1718-1788), a Baron, from Walschtchen in Thuringia; chief assistant to Count Zinzendorf (1744); consecrated Bishop (1747); first episcopal duties were io America; returned to Europe in 1749; died at Gnadenfrei, Silesia.

Henrietta Benigna v. Watteville (1725-1789), of Berthelsdorf, Lusatia; a daughter of Count N.L. and Edmutha Dorothea (Reuss) Zinzendorf; after her mother was of Bohemian descent; wife of Bishop Johannes v. Watteville.


May 12, 1749, the "Irene" (Captain Nicholas Garrison), arrived at New York, bringing the "Third Sea Congregation," known as "John Nitschmann Colony":

Gottlieb Berndt (1718-1772), a clothier, from Hennersdorf, Upper Silesia; died at Nazareth, PA (NCIO3).

Wenzel Bernhard (1716-1792), from Cermna, Bohemia; a baker for the Congregation; buried a Nazareth, PA (N459, NC1I6).

Anna Rosina Beyer (1691-1751), from Schoenbruenn, near Brie8, Silesia; later married Daniel Kliest; died at Bethlehem, PA (BC149).

Christian David (1691-1751), from Zenk1ava, Moravia, the founder of Herrnhut; had much to do with the founding of the diaspora work; went to Greenland; died in Herrnhut (N1).

Maria Dominick (1725-1806), from Lower Silesia; married Gottfried Schultz in Bethlehem In 1749; after his death she married Joho Daniel Kunz (1782); died at Nazareth, PA(NC121).

Elias Flex (1713-1780), a farmer, from Upper Silesia; is buried at Gnadenthal, PA (NC107).

Henry Fritsche (1715-1782), a tailor, from Silesia; died at Nazareth, PA (NCIO9).

Paul Fritsche (1720-1765), a carpenter, from Suchdol, Moravia; died at Nazareth, PA (N226, NC101).

Rosina Gall(e) (1709-1785), from Silesia; moved to Bethlehem; married Wenzel Bernhard; died at Nazareth, PA(NC1II).

George Gold (1722-1792), a mason, from Suchdol, Moravia died at Nazareth, PA (N224, NC116).

Anna Helena (Jaehne) Haberland (1710-1787), from Berthelsdorf; wife of Michael Haberland; died at Bethlehem, PA(BC159).

Juliana Haberland (1715-1790), from Senov, Moravia; a daughter of George and Anna Haberland; the future wife of John F. Roemelt; died at Bethlehem, PA (N315, BCI60).

Michael Haberland (1698-1782), a carpenter, from Senov, Moravia; since 1749 lived in Bethlehem and Nazareth; died at Bethlehem (N232, BCIO4).

Rosina Hans (1724-1774), from Suchdol, Moravia; a daughter of Michael and Rosina Hans; married Paul Fritsch and later Matthew Kremser; she died at New Herrnhut, St. Thomas
(N226).

Rosina Kern (1763-1792), from Ebersdorf, Upper Lusatia; married the organ builder David Tanneberger; resided and died at Lititz, PA (LC245).

Rosina (Schindler) Krause (1719-?), from Suchdol, Moravia; wife of Samuel Krause; settled at Nazareth, PA (N307).

David Kunz (1725-1792), a farmer, from Suchdol, Moravia; resided in Bethlehem since 1750, following the occupation of an "oilmiller"; died in Bethlehem, PA (N228, BC112).

Michael Muenster (1723-1758), a carpenter, from Suchdol. Moravia; moved to Nazareth, PA, where he died; unmarried (N285, NC98).

Anna Maria Nitsche (1723-1801> from Trautenau, Silesia; future wife of 3. Godfrey Engle (he died 1756) and later wife of Per. Frederick Peter; died at Bethlehem, PA (BC193).

David Nitschmann (1696-1772), from Suchdol, Moravia; Bishop of the Brethren; buried in Bethlehem (Nl97, BC121).

Johann Nitschmann (1703-1772), from Senov. Moravia, leader of the Colony; ordained Bishop in 1741; returned to Europe in 1751 (N47).

Juliana (Haberland) Nitschmann (1712-1751). from Senov, Moravia, a daughter of Michael
and Juliana Haberland; wife of Bishop Johann Nitschmann; died at Bethlehem, PA (N48, BC 147).

Martin Nitschmann (1712/14-1755). a cutter, from Suchdol, Moravia, (N219).

Rosina "Phoebe" (Schindler) Nitschmann (1704-1753), from Stschdol, Moravia, wife of Bishop David Nitschmann; a daughter of Thomas Schindler (N20).

Elizabeth Oertel (7-?), from Potewalde, Moravia, future wife of John Schneider (N197).

Carl Opitz (?-?), a shoemaker, from Silesia.

Maria Elizabeth Opitz (1719-1790), from Milkendorf, Upper Silesia; future wife of George Nitschmann; died at Bethlehem, PA (BC16O).

Georg Pitschmann (?-?), a weaver, from Upper Silesia (BCII0).

Anna Maria Roth (1725-1810), from Losswitz, near Bunzlau. Silesia; married George Gold; died at Nazareth, PA (NC124).

John Schmidt (1708-1786), a furrier, from Upper Silesia; resided at Nazareth, PA, where he died (NC111).

Melchior Schmidt (1721-1791). a carpenter, from Suchdol, Moravia, died at Nazareth, PA (N231, NC119).

Melchior Schmidt (?-?), a weaver, from Moravia.
,
John Schneider (?-?), from Suchdol, Moravia; missionary to Greenland and Labrador; ordained Deacon at Bethlehem; ordained Presbyter at Nain, Labrador in 1773 (N195).

Martin Schneider (1721-1749), a mason, from Moravia, died at Bethlehem, PA (BC118).

Rosina Schulius (1730-1767), a Deaconess, from Suchdol, Moravia, a daughter of Martin and Anna Schulius; future wife of Matthew Kremser (N644).

Gottfried Schnltze (1717-1779), a farmer, from Lower Siiesia; died at Nazareth, PA (NC105).

Magdalena Schwartz (1717-1777), from Neukirct, Upper Lusatia; future wife 0f Peter Mordick; died at Gnadenthal, PA.

Andreas Seiffert (1723-1758), a carpenter, from Lipka, Bohemia; died in Bethlehem, PA (N550, BC119).

Matthew Stach (1711-1787), a wool spinner, from Mankovice. Moravia, (N192).

Rosina (Stach) Stach (?-1800), from Moravia, wife of Matthew Stach (N192).

Thomas Stach (7—?), a bookbinder, from Mankovice, Moravia, resided in Bethlehem; catechet in Greenland (N221).

Anna Rosina (Rohleder) Stoll (1727-?), from Suchdol, Moravia; wife of John Stoll; (BC169,
N309).

David Tanneberger (l728-1804), missioinery from Suchdol, Moravia; buried atYork, PA (N3 10).

Dorothy Uhlmann (1726-1755), from Suchdol, Moravia; future wife of Jnhn U Gattermeyer (N336, BC150).

David Wahnert (1706-1765), a ship cook, from Silesia.


June 22, 1750, the ‘Irene" (Captain Nicholas Garrison) arrived at New York, bringing the "Henry Jorde Colony":

Godfrey Fockel (?-?), from S[lesia.

John Gottlieb Fockel (?-?), from Silesia.

Martin (Andrew) Freyhube (1720-1813), a shoemaker, from Gels, Silesia; For 43 years wotkedin Christiansbtunn Economy; in 1784 came to Bethlehem, where he is buried (BC129).

Henry Gerstberger (1713-1797), From Langendorf, Silesia; settled in Bethlehem (1751); unmarried (BC139).

Christian Giersch (1724-1797), a miller, from Senov, Moravia; died at Nazareth, PA (NC118).

Andrew Gross (?-?), from Silesia.

John Paul Hennig (1715-1783), a shoemaker, From Fribus, Moravia; of Roman Catholic parents; was employed at Christianspring as cook, and as ateacherof the boys; went to Lititzas master shoemaker in the Brethren's House; died at Lititz, PA (N551, LC240).

Andreas Janke (?-?), from Silesia.

Heinrich Jorde (1714-1776), from Upper Silesia; missionary in Jamaica (1773); died in Jamaica (N6 19).

Melchior Muenster (1729-1762), from Suchdol, Moravia; died in Wachau (N286).


September 26, 1751, the "Irene" (Captain N. Garrison), arrived at New York:

Christian Seidel (?-?), possibly related to Bishop Nathaniel Seidel.

Nathaniel Seidel (1718-1782), from Silesia; of Bohemian origin; Bishop of the Brethren (BC99).

David Zeisberger (1721-1808), the famous missonary among the Indians, returning from a vtstt to Germany (N297).


May 17, 1752, the "Irene" (Captain N. Garrison), arrived at New York:

Andreas Anton Lawatsch (?-1771), a missionary; died in Surinam (N418, N542).

Anna Maria (Demuth) Lawatsch (1712-1760), from Karlov, Moravia; a daughter of Tobias and Rosina Demuth; wife of Andreas Anton Lawatsch (N418, BC147).

Rosina (Hikel) Pfahl (?-1765), from Kunin, Moravia; a daughter of George and RosinaHikel; widow of Pfahl; resided at Bethlehem, where she married David Wahnert (1753); she died at Herrnhnt, Lusatiain 1765 (N547).

David Wahnert (1706-1763), a ship cook, from Silesia.


November 20, 1752, the "Irene," arrived in New York:

Regina Neumann (1720-1791), from Silesia; a daughter of John Neumann; future wife of Matthias Weiss; died at Bethlehem (BCI61).

John Toeltschig (1703-1764), a gardener, from Suchdol, Moravia; pastor in England and Ireland (1739-48); in 1752 was a leader of a party of colonials destined for Bethlehem (N26).

David Wahnert (1706-1765), a ship cook, from Silesia.


December 1752, arrived at New York:

Anna Maria (.Jaehne) Hehl (1716-1777), from Berthelsdorf, Upper Lusatia; of Moravian descent; wife of Bishop Matthew Hehl; died a Lititz (LC236).

Matthew Kremser (1723-1779), from Koesnitz, Silesia; came to Bethlehem (1750); to St.Thomas (1753); ordained Deacon (1755); died at St.Thomas on September 3, 1774 (N214).


September 9, 1753, the “Irene" (Captain N. Garrison), arrived at New York.

Frederick Beyer (?-?), a carpenter, from Silesia.

George Wenzeslaus Golkowfsky (1725-1813), a cabinetmaker and surveyor, from Brobeck, Tesin, Upper Silesia; died at Nazareth, PA (N552, NC124).

Joseph Haberland (1726-1782), a mason from 2enklava, Moravia; in 1753 resided at Bethlehem; in 1774 went to Tranquibar, E.I, where he died (N491).

Henry Krause (1717-1792), a butcher, from Toerpitz, Silesia; is buried at Bethlehem (BC112).

Jacob Till (1713-1783). a miller, from Runin, Moravia; ordained Deacon (1754); settled in Bethlehem (N204).

Susan Till (?-?), a daughter of Jacob Till.

Rehecca Till (?-?), a daughter of Jacob Till.

David Wahnert (1706-1765), a ship cook, from Silesia.

Rosina (Hikel) Pfahl Wahnert (?-1763), from Kunin, Moravia; second wife of David Wahnert.
Peter Weichr (?-?), a farmer, from Silesia..


April 15, 1754, the "Irene" (Captain N. Garrison), arrived at New York:

Anna Benigna Benzien (1751-?)., a daughter of Anna Maria (Neisser) and Christian Thomas Benzien; resided in Bethlehem (N395).

Anna Maria (Neisser) Benzien (1724-1783), a daughter of Jacob and Anna Neisser; wife of Rev, Christian Thomas Benzien and later wife of Rev. Amadeus Paulinus Thrane; died at Bethlehem (N395, BC175).

Christian Ludwig Benzien (1753-?), a son of Anna Maria (Neisser) and Rev. Christian Thomas Benzien (N395).

Anna Maria Heckewelder (1745-1770), born in Bedford, England; a daughter of Rev. David and Christina Heckeweider; settled in Bethlehem (N212, BC162).

Christian Heckewelder (1750-1803), a son of Rev, David and Christina Heckewelder (N635).

David Heckewelder (1711-1760), from Suchdol, Moravia; served the Church at Bedford and York, England (1742-54); missionary at 5t, Thomas and St.John, W.I., where he died; father of the famed missionary among the Indians: John G. Heckewelder (N212).

David Heckewelder (1748-1772), a son of Rev. David and Christina Heekewelder; died at Bethlehem (N212, BC117).

John Gottlieb Heckewelder (1743-1823), the future distinguished missionary among the Indians; son of Rev. David and Christina Heckewelder; died at Bethlehem (N587, BC140).

David Nitschmann Sr. (1676-1758), from Suchdol, Moravia; the uncle of Bishop David Nitschmann; in 1734 he and his wife were sent as missionaries to St. Thomas and St. Croix; often called the ‘builder" of Bethlehem (N587, BC14O).

David Wahnert (1706-1765), a ship cook, from Silesia.

Rosina (Hikel) Pfahl Wahnert (?-1765), from Kunin, Moravia; second wife of David Wahnert.


November16, 1754, the "Irene" (Capitain N. Garrison), arrived in New York:

Joseph Bulitschek (?-?), a carpenter, from Bohemia (N482).

Melchior Conrad (1728-1762), a carpenter, from Suchdol, Moravia; resided at Bethlehem; missionary to St. Thomas (1761); died at St. Croix on February' 2, 1762 (N213).

Gottfried Dust (?-?), a potter, from Silesia.

Joseph Giersch (1726-1797), a miller, from Senov, Moravia; settled at Bethlehem, PA (N291, BC128)

Joseph Huepsch (1709-1789), a shepherd, from Tzitanitz, Bohemia; settled at Bethlehem (N481, BCI1I).

John Jag (1730-1811), from Suchdol, Moravia; settled in Pennsylvania; is buried at Nazareth (N264, NC124).

David Kunz (1724-1797), a carpenter. from Suchdol, Moravia; resided in Bethlehem since 1750; died at Nazareth, PA (N228, NC1I8).

John Matthew Miksch (1731-1810), a gardener and bookbinder, of Moravian descent.

Gottlieb Pezold (1720-1762), a purse maker, from Bischofswerde, Lusatia; ordained Deacon (1748) and presbyter (1759); leader of the single Brethren's Choir; died at Lititz.

Martin Rohleder (1724-1797), a farmer, from Suchdol, Moravia; settled in Bethlehem (N292, BC128).

John Martin Schenk (1733-1797), a stone mason, from Moravia; ordained Deacon at Lititz, PA; in 1778 moved to Hope, NJ, died at Nazareth, PA (N513, NC118).

George Schindler(1727-1808), a linen weaver and carpenter, from Suchdol, Moravia; settled in Bethlehem (N535, BC127).


june 2, 1756, the "Irene," arrived in New York:

John Michael Biffel (?-1759), a carpenter from Silesia; moved to Bethabara, NC in 1756.


October 19, 1761, the "Hope," arrived at New York:

Elizabeth Broksch (1734-1764), an Acolyte, from Meffersdorf, Upper Lusatia; adaughtetof Andreas and Anna Elizabeth Broksch; is buried at Bethlehem (BC152).

Jeremiah Denke (1725-1795), a chaplain and organist, from Langenbilau, Silesia; ordained Deacon; became a pastor at Lititz, Nazareth, and Bethlehem (BC14I).

Juliana Benedicta (Mauersberg) v. Gammern (1717-1807), from Panten, Silesia; widow of Rev. Abraham v. Gammern of Neusalz, resided at Bethabara, NC; then came to Bethlehem, PA, where she died (BC194).

Christian Hornig (1733-1812), a shoemaker, from Weingemonden, Silesia; died at Bethlehem (BC127).

Anna (Kremser) Muenster (1718-1779), from Roesnitz, Upper Silesia; a Deaconess; wife of Rev. Paul Muenster (N218, BC168).

Paul Muenster (1716-1792), from Suchdol, Moravia; ordained Deacon; served in Holland and England until 1761 when he was called toBethlehem; became the pastor of the Congregation
(N218, BC112).

Emanuel Nitschmann (1736-1791), a son of Bishop John Nitschmann; settled at Bethlehem; was an organist and excellent violin player (BC1I1).

Anna Dorothea Nitschman (1743-1803), a daughter of Bishop John Nitschmann; died at Bethlehem (BC193).

August Schloesser (1727-1792), a saddler, from Moravia; settled at Bethlehem and then at Nazareth, PA (N293, NC116).

John Martin Schmidt (1716-1793), a linen weaver; died at Lititz, PA; unmarried (LC246).

Anna Johanna (Piesch) Seidel (1726-1788), of Moravian origin; an Acolyte; a daughter of George and Rosina Piesch; wife of Bishop Nathaniel Seidel; resided at Bethlehem, PA; died at Nazareth (N390, NC113).

Anna Seidel (1722-1767), from Laubau, Silesia, of Bohemian descent; a sister of Nathaniel Seidel; an Acolyte; buried at Bethlehem, PA (BC151).

Nathaniel Seidel (1718-1782), from Laubau, Silesia, of Bohemian descent; Bishop of the Brethren; for twenty years the President of the American Provincial Board (N390, BC99),

John Frederick Peter (1707-1791), from Brieborn, Silesia; assistantpastor atBethlehem, PA; died at Bethlehem (BC1II).

David Wahnert (1706-1765), aship cook, from Silesia.

David Zeisberger (?-?),of Moravian origin; the late chaplain of boys at Niesky


October 21, 1763, the "Hope," arrived at New York:

Eleanora Elizabeth v. Seidlitz (1724-1789), from Rackau, near Breslau, Silesia; a daughter of Joachi,n Frederick v. Seid)itz; was appointed Superintendent of the unmarried women in Bethlehem, which position sheheld from 1763 to 1781; is buried at Bethlehem (BC163).


November 9, 1765, the "Hope," arrived in Philadelphia:

David Nitschmaxtn, the "Syndic' (1705-1779), a weaver, from Suchdol, Moravia; for several years served as Count Zinzendorf's valet and assistant; later ordained Bishop; missionary in Ceylon; in 1764/5 visited Bethlehem and other Congregations; active in Church archives in Zeist, Holland; died in Zeist (N24).

Rosina (Fischer) Nitschmann (?-1772). from Kunin, Moravia; wife of David Nitschmann, the "Syndic” (N25).

Joseph Neisser (l722-1793), a cutler, from Zilina, Moravia; ordained Deacon(1733); went to Greenland (1765); then to Europe (1767); in 1784 went back to Bethlehem; is buried in Bethlehem (N484, BC125).

Anna Rosina (Hauff) Neisser (1723-1797), from Burkau, Upper Lusatia; wife of Rev, Joseph Neisser (BC176).


In 1769 arrived:

H.W. Gottlieb v. Vippaeh (1713-1773), a nobleman, from Gnadenfrei, Silesia; is buried at Bethlehem, PA (BCIO1).


On May 18, 1770, arrived in New York:

Christian Gottlieb Hoepner (?-?, a shoemaker, from Silesia.

John Frederick Peter (1746-1813), a minister, from Barby; a son of Frederick Peter; resided at Bethlehem, PA; Salem, NC; was an organist at Bethlehem (BC133).

David Piesch, (?-?), from Barby.

Thomas Stephen (?-?), a weaver, from Stramberg, Moravia, settled in Bethlehem (N255).


November 10, 1770 arrived:

Hans Christian v. Schweinitz (1723-1801), from Silesia; of noble descent.


On September 20 1773, arrived in Philadelphia:

Simon Christopher Meyer (1719-1786), a button maker, from Silesia; ordained Deacon; resided at Nazareth (BC119)


On April 17, 1779, arrived at New York:

John Jacob Schwihel (1737-1806), from Upper Lusatia; of Bohemian descent; resided at Nazareth; missionary in the West Indies; is buried at Nazareth (N613, NC122).

Siegmund Leschinsky (?-?), from Herrnhut, Lusatia.


On February 27, 1780, arrived at New York:

John Michael Kern (1750-1804), from Ebersdorf, Upper Lusatia; is buried at Nazareth (NCI2O)
.

In 1784 arrived:

Charles Gotthold Reichel (1751-1825), a clergyman; from Hermsdorf, Silesia; was put in charge of the boys' military boarding school at Nazareth; consecrated Bishop in 180!, presiding over the southern district and residing at Salem, NC; later was assigned to northern district in Bethlehem, PA; died at Niesky, Prussia.


On October 2, 1790, arrived:

Gideon Helwig (1770-1822), a cook and oil-miller; from Nischwitz, Silesia; died at Bethlehem, PA (BC14O).


EXPLANATORY NOTES:

N = Neisser's List of the Bohemian and Moravian Emigrants in Saxony (number refers to the entry in Neisser's List)

BC = Bethlehem Cemetery (number refers to a page in Augustus Schultze’s burial book)

LC = Lititz Cemetery (number refers to a page number in A. R. Beck's burial book)

NC = Nazareth Cemetery (number refers to F. T.. Kluge's burial book)


THE SOURCES USED:

Jordan, John W., Moravian Immigration to Pennsylvania 1734-1765. In: Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography 33 (1909), pp. 2228-48.

Jordan, John W., Moravian Immigration to Pennsylvania 1734-1767 with Some Account of the Transport Vessels. In: Transactions of the Moravian Historical Society 5 (1889), pp. 49-90.

Neisser, George, A List of the Bohemian and Moravian Emigrants to Saxony. Translated and edited by Albert G. Rats. Bethlehem: Times Publishing Co., 1913.In: Transactions of the Moravian Historical Society 9(1913), pp. 37-100.

Schultze, Augustus, The Old Moravian Cemetery of Bethlehem, Pa., 1742-1897. In:
Transactions of the Moravian,, Historical Society 5 (1879), pp. 92-294.

Kluge, Edw. T., The Moravian Graveyards at Nazareth, Pa., 1742-1905. In: Transactions of the Moravian Historical Society 7(1904) pp. 3-207.

Beck, Abraham Reinke, The Moravian,, Graveyards of Lititz, Pa., 1744-1905. In: Transactions of the Moravian Historical Society 7(1905), pp. 215-336.

THE ZINZENDORF CONNECTION

THE CZECH ROOTS OP ERDMUTHE DOROTHEA

COUNTESS OF ZINZENDORF (l70O~1756)(1)

Miloslav Rechcigl, Jr.


It is an undisputed fact that an ethnic origin and cultural background may influence individuals' attitudes und behavior, as well as their future activities and their work.

When Nikolaus Ludwig Count of Zinzendorf (l70O-1760) (2) offered refuge to Bohemian Brethren on his estate (3) at Berthelsdorf in Lusatia (4), it has been generally thought that his kindness was motivated, in part, by his religious beliefs and the religious upbringing by his pious grandmother Henriette Katharine Countess of Gersdorff (l648-1726) (5), and, in part, by the receptivity and wholehearted support of his first wife Erdmutbe Dorothea Countess Reins of Plauen from Ebersdorf (1700-1756) (6)

The friendly Erdmuthe's disposition towards Bohemian Brethren who had to flee from their native Bohemia, Moravia und Silesia for religious persecution, may not have been entirely accidental. Just like her husband, Count of Zinzendorf, she was brought up by a deeply religious mother Erdnmuthe Benigna of Solms-Laubach (1670-1732) and even more devoted and strong-willed grandmother Benigna Countess of Promnitz (1648-1702). Beyond that., however, she might have been also affected by the knowledge that she had descended from the family of the great Bohemian "Hussite King" (7), George of Podebrady (1420-1471), who ruled the Kingdom of Bohemia from 1458 though 1471 and was a steadfast supporter of the Brethren' ideals and aims, he himself being of Utraquist faith (8).

That Erdmuthe had to be aware of her ethnic Czech origin is evidenced by the fact that Count of Zinzendorf considered it important enough to make a point of it in the speech (9) eulogizing his wife after her demise in 1756 (10).

Although the ancient Moravian Brethren' literature makes occasional references to possible family connections between Erdmuthe Dorothea Reuss of Plauen and the family of the Bohemian King George of Podebrady, no concrete evidence has ever been presented in support of such claim.

Through the kind help of Professor Jan Milic Lochman (12), this author obtained from Moravian Brethren Archives (13) an old ancestry chart showing Erdmuthe Dorothea Reuss of Ebersdorf's descent from George of Podebrady. The chart is an interesting document, in its own right, since it is purported to be the work of and handwritten by David Nitschmann "Syndicus" (1705-1779) himself(14).

Unfortunately, the alleged genealogical lineage, as depicted on the Chart, could not be verified. According to the proposed scheme, King George's daughter Zdena (1449-1510), from his first marriage to Kunhuta of Sternberg, married Albrecht "Animosus" (1443-1500), Duke of Saxony and Landgrave of Thuringia. Their son George, "der Bãrtige" (1471-1539) with his wife Barbara of Poland (1478-1534), had a daughter Christine (1506-1549) who became the consort of
Phillip I of Hessen (1504-1567). They had numerous children, including George I of Hessen (1547-1596) who married as his first wife Magdalene of Lippe (1552-1587). Their daughter Christine (1578- 1596) became the wife of Friedrich Magnus of Erbach (1575-1618). Up to this point all the information checks out.

The allegation, that the couple (Christine and Friedrich) had a daughter named Anna Maria, the future wife of Johann Georg Count of Solms-Baruth (1591-1632) is incorrect, however, since Erbach's wife Christine died without issue (15). Anna Maria. Countess of Erbach-Fürstenau (1603-1663), who was born seven years after Chnstrne's death, was actually Friedrich Magnus of Erbach's daughter from his second marriage with Johanna Countess of Oettingen (1578-1619).

Undaunted by the apparent lack of success, the present author subsequently undertook a systematic examination of other lines stemming from George of Podebrady's issue. The task was enormous, considering the large size of his family'6 and the fact that no comprehensive genealogy of his descendants existed.

In pursuing our goal there was no alternative but to - in essence - reconstruct the King George's family tree in the span of some 300 years, until the time of Erdmuthe Dorothea's birth. The tedious search was eventually crowned with success and direct line of descendancy was established from the Bohemian King to Count Zinzendorf's wife Erdtnuthe Dorothea Reuss of Plauen.

The detail lineage with relevant documentation is presented below, As the individual family charts indicate, Erdmuthe was the ninth generation descendant in the direct accession from George of Podebrady.

Starting with King George and his second consort Johanka of Rozmital (d. 1475),
their daughter Ludmila (1456-1503) married Bedrich 1(1446-1488), Duke of Lehnice and Breh (Liegnitz und Brieg) from Silesia (18).

The second of their three Sons, named Bedrich II(1480-1547), with his second wife Sophie of Brandenburg (1485-1537) conceived three children, i.e. Bedrich III, Jiri II, and Zpfie.

Bedrich III (1520-1570) took as his first wife Katharina of Mecklenburg (1518- 1581), with whom he had six children, namely Jindrich XI, Zofie, Katerina, Bedrich, (who died young), Helena, and Bedrich IV. Their daughter Helena (1545-1583) was married to Sigmund of Kurcpach (19) from Milic and Trachenburk (1547-1579).

The Kurcpach's only offspring, a daughter Zofie (b. 1572), married Heinrich Anselm Baron of Promnitz from Zarov (Sorau) (1564-1622) (20), the Landvogt of Lower Lusatia. This union was blessed with a progeny of eight children, including Sigmund Seyfried Count of Promnitz (1595-1654), who was married three times. With his second spouse Katharine Elisabeth of Schoenburg (1625-1650) (21) he had three children, namely Benigna, Babiana and Heinrich.

Their first daughter Benigna Countess of Promnitz (1648-1702) was married to Johann Friedrich Count of Solms- Wildenfels (1625—1696) (22), with whom she had seven children: Magdalena, Johann, Erdmuthe, Louise, Friedrich, Carl, and Heinrich. Their second daughter, Erdmuthe Benigna (1670-1732) with her husband Heinrich X Count Reuss (23) of Plauen from Ebersdorf (1662-1701) were the parents of eleven children, including the Countess Erdmuthe Dorothea
(1700-1750), the future wife of Nikolaus Ludwig Count of Zinzendorf.

Although the Zinzendorfs did not have the family lineage, as shown in the Nitschmann's chart, quite right, the fact remains that they believed that Countess of Zinzendorf was a descendant of King of Bohemia George of Podebrady. Having now substantiated with documentary evidence a lineage between Erdmuthe Dorothea and King George, it would be of interest to ascertain to what extent this relationship, and the knowledge of this linkage, actually influenced Erdmuthe's attitude and her deeds, particularly with reference to the affairs of the Moravian Church.


GENEALOGICAL LINEAGE OF ERDMUTHE DOROTHEA
COUNTESS OF ZINZENDORF FROM KING OF BOHEMIA

GEORGE OF PODEBRADY

First Generation

0—1 George of Podebrady (24) (in Czech Jiri z Podèbrad) (1420-1471), Lord of Kunstat (Kunstadt) and Podebrady, Count of Kladsko (Glatz), Duke of Minstrberk (Miinsterberg), King of Bohemia, Margrave of Moravia and Lower and Upper Lusatia (Nieder- u. Oberlausitz), and Duke of Silesia
m. 1. 1441 Cunhuta of Sternberk (Kunigunde v. Sternberg) (1422-1477), a daughter of Smil of Sternberk and Konopiste and Barbora of Pardubice

Children:

1—1 Bocek Lord of Litice (Lititz)(25) (1442-1496), unmarried

1—2 Viktorin (1443-1500), Lord of Kunstat and Podebrady from Kolin, Margrave of Moravia, Duke and later Prince of Minstrberk, Duke of Opava (Troppau), Count of Kladsko
m. 1. bf. 1469 Zofie Ptackovna of Pirkstejn (bf. 1445-1472), a daughterof Hynco Ptacek and Anna of Hradec (Neuhaus)
no. 2. 1472/4 Zofie of Tesin (Teschen) (1449/52-1479), a daughter of Duke of Boleslav II and Anna of Russia
m. 3. 1480 Alena Margherita of Monteferrat (1459/64-1496), a daughter of Margrave Johann (Giovanni) and Margareta of Savoy

1—3 Barbora (1444/7-1469)(26)
m. Jindrich (Heinrich) of Lipe (1415-1469), Chief Marshal of the Kingdom of Bohemia

1—4 Jindrich "the Elder" (Heinrich) (1448-1498), Duke and later Prince of Minstrberk, Count of Kladsko, Prince of Frankenstein
m. 1467 Ursula Princess of Brandenburg (1450-1528), a daughter of Albrecht Elector and Margrave of Brandenburg and Margaretha of Baden

1—5 Katerina (alias Kunigunde) (1449-1464)
mn. 1461 Matthias Hunyadi Corvinus (d. 1490), King of Hungary

1—6 Zdena (Sidonia) (1449-1510)
m. 1459 Albrecht "Animosus" (1443-1500), Duke of Saxony, Landgrave of Thuringia and Margrave of Meissen.


0—1 George of Podebrady (1420-1471)
m. 2. 1450 Johanka of Rozmital (bf. 1432-1475), a daughter of Jan Rozmital (Rosenthal) and Blatna and Ludmila Bavor of Strakonice

Children:

1—7 Hynek (Hynco) (1452-492), Duke and later Prince of Minstrberk, Lord of Podebrady and Kolin, Count of Kladsko
m. 1471 Katharina Princess of Saxony (1453-1534), a daughter of Wilhelm III and Anna of Austria

1—8 Bedrich (Friedrich) (1453-1458)

1—9 Jiri (Georg) (1454/5-1459/62)

1—10 Ludmila (1456-1503)
see Second Generation

1—11 Jan (aft. 1456-1459)


Second Generation

1—10 Ludmila of Minstrberk (1456-1503)
m. 1474 Bedrich (Friedrich) I (1446-1488), Duke of Lehnice and Breh (Liegnitz u.Brieg) (27)

Children:

2—1 Jan (Johannes) 11(1477-1495)

2—2 Bedrich (Friedrich) II(1480-1547) see Third Generation

2—3 Jiri (Georg) 1(1481/2- 1521), Duke of Breh (Brieg)
m. 1516 Anna (1492-1550), a daughter of Bogislaw X of Pomerania (Pommern) and Anna of Poland


Third Generation

2—2 Bedrich (Friedrich) II (1480-1547), Duke of Lehnicc and Breh (Liegnitz u. Brieg) (25)
m 1. 1515 Elizabeth of Poland (1482-1517), a daughter of King Kasirnir IV and Elizabeth of Austria

Children:

3—1 Hedvika (Hedwig) (1517-1517)
m. 1. Bedrich (Friedrich) II (1480-1547)

m. 2. 1519 Sophie of Brandenburg-Ansbach (1485-1537), a daughter of Margrave Friedrich V and Sophie of Poland.

Children:

3—2 Bedrich (Friedricb) III (1520-1570) see Fourth Generation

3—3 Jri (Georg) II (1523-1586), Duke of Breh (Brieg)
m. 1545 Barbara of Brandenburg (1527-1595), a daughter of Elector Joachim II and Magdalena of Saxony

3—4 Zofie (Sophie) (1525/26-1546)
m. 1545 Johann Georg (1525-1598), Elector of Brandenburg


Fourth Generation


3—2 Bedrich (Friedrich) III (1520-1570), Duke of Lehnice (Liegnitz) (29)
m. 1538 Katharina of Mecklenbnrg (1518-1581), a daugbter of Duke Heinrich and Helene of the Pfalz

Children:

4—1 Jindrich (Heinrich) XI (1539-1588), Duke of Lehnice (Liegnitz)
m. 1560 Sophie of Brandenburg-Ansbach (1535-1587), a daughter of Margrave Georg and Emilie of Saxony

4—2 Zofie (Sophie) (1541/2-1542)

4—3 Katerina (Katherina) (1542-1569)
m. 1563 Friedrich Kasimir (d. 1571), Duke of Tesin (Teschen)

4—4 Bedrich (Friedrich) (1543-1551)

4-~5 Helena (1545/7-1583)
see Fifth Generation

4—6 Bedrich (Friedricb) IV (1552-1596), Duke of Lehnice (Liegnitz)
m. 1. 1587 Zdena (Sidonia) of Tesin (Teschen) (1572-1587), a daughter of Vaclav III and Katharina Sidonie of Saxony-Lauenburg
m. 2. 1589 Dorothea of Holstein-Sonderburg (1569-1593), a daughter of Duke Johann and Elise of Braunschweig-Grubenhagen
m. 3. 1594 Anna Duchess of Wurttemberg (1561-1616), a daughter of Duke Christoph and Anna Marie of Bayreuth


Fifth Generation

4—5 Helena of Lehnice (Liegnitz) (1545-1583)
m 1568 Sigmund II of Kurcpach (30) from Milic and Trachenburk (Sigismund v. Kurzbach zu Militsch u. Trachenberg) (1547-1579)

Children:

5—1 Zofie (Sophie) 1572-?)
see Sixth Generation


Sixth Generation


5—1 Zofie (Sophie) of Kurcpach (Kurzbach) from Milic and Trachenburk (Militsch u.
Trachenberg) (1572-?)
m. 1590 Heinrich Ansemin (1564-1622), Baron of Promnitz (31) from Zarov (Sorau)
and Pstina (Pless) and Landvogt of Lower Lusatia (Niederlausitz)

Children:

6—1 Ursula Benigna

6—2 Anna Sophie (d, 1624)
m. Adam Johann of Myensky

6—3 Sigmund Seyfred (1595-1654) see Seventh Generation
6—4 Clara Buselia (d. 1627)

6—5 Polyxena Elisabeth (1599-1650)
m. 1635 Hans Pueckler of Hradec (Groditz) (1576-1638)

6—6 Heinrich Christian

6—7 Bibiana (1605-1632)

6—8 Maximilian (d. 1624)


Seventh Generation

6—3 Sigmund Seyfried (1595-1654), Count of Promnitz (32), Lord of Sarov (Sorau) and Pstina (Pless) and Landvogt of Lower Lusatia (Niederlausitz)
m. 1. 1623 Anna Margarethe Putbus (1604-1645), a daughter of Erdmann and Sabine Hedwig Countess of Eberstein

Children:

7—1 Sabina Sophie (b 1624)

7—2 Maximilian Rudolf (b. 1626)

7—3 Anselm (1627-1629)

7—4 Eleonore (1629-1688)
m. Julius Count Sunnegk (d. 1670) of Jesennitz from Budetin

7—5 Erdmuthe (1630-1650)
m. 1645 Joachim Heinrich Baron of Schulenburg (1610-1665)

7—6 Erdmann Leopold (1631-1679), Count of Promnitz
m. 1654 Eleonore of Racknitz (1636-1679), a daughter of Moritz and Katherina of Dietrichstein

7—7 Julius (b. 1632)


7—8 Otto (1634-1663)

7—9 Ulrich Hipparch (1636-1695)
m. 1. 1663 Magdalena Sidonia Baroness of Putbus (1645-1684), a daughter of Erdsnann Ernst and Ursula Baroness of Einsiedel
m. 2. 1678 Regina Isabella Countess Rueber of Pixendorf (1641-1720), a daughter of Count Ferdinand and Anna Joerger Baroness of Tollet

Sigmund Seyfried of Promnitz (1595-1654)
m. 2 1647 Katharina Elisabeth of Sumburk (Schoenburg) (1625-1650), a daughter of
Georg Ernst of Sumburk (Schoeburg) from Liechtenstein and Benigna of Svamberk
(Schwanberg)

Children:

7—10 Benigna (1648-1702)
see Eighth Generation

7—11 Bibiana (1649-1685)
m. 1. 1674 Zdenek Berka of Dube and Lipe (d. 1680)
m. 2. 1680 Rudolf Friedrich, Duke of Holstein-Norburg (1683-1767)

7—12 Heinrich (1650-1693)
m. 1.. Anna Katharina of Uechtritz (1643-1673), a daughter of Julius Ludwig and Juliana of Planitz
m. 2. 1676 Juliana Louise Countess of Roedern, a daughter of Heinrich and Johanna Elisabeth Countess of Colonna

Sigmund Seyfried of Promnitz (1595-1654)
m. 3. 1651 Agnes of Racknitz (1634-1693), a daughter of Moritz and Katharina of Dietriehstein, Lady of Hollenburg

Children: none


Eighth Generation

7—10 Benigna Countess of Promnitz (1648-1702) from Sarov (Sorau)
m. 1667 Johann Friedrich (1625-1696), Count of Solms-Wildenfels and (s. 1676) Count of Solms-Laubach (33)

Children:

8—1 Magdalena Wilhelmina (1668-1719)
m. 1705 Samuel Ploennies

8—2 Johann Siegmund (1668-1672)

8—3 Erdmuthe Benigna (1672-1732) see Ninth Generation

8—4 Friedrich Ernst (1671-1723), Count of Solms-Laubach
m. 1709 Friederike Charlotte Stolberg-Gedern (1685-1739), a daughter of Count Ludwig and Christina Baroness of Mecklenburg-Guestrow

8—5 Louise Bibiana (1672-1 694)

8—6 Carl Otto (1673-1743), Count of Solms-Laubach
m. 1703 Louise Albertine, Countess of Schoenburg-Waldenburg (1686-1740), a daughter of Count Ludwig and Sophie Magdalena, Countess of Leiningen-Westerburg

8—7 Heinrich Wilhelm (1675-1741), Count of Solms-Wildenfels
m. 1. 1703 Helene Dorothea, Countess Truchsess of Walburg (1680-1712), a daughter of Joachim Heinrich and Maria Eleonore of Heydeck
m. 2. 1713 Sophia Albertina of Dohna-Wartenberg (1674-1748), a daughter of Governor of Orange Friedrich and Esperance du Poy


Ninth Generation

8—3 Erdmuthe Benigna Countess of Solms-Laubach (1670-1732)
m. 1694 Heinrich X (1662-1711), Count Reuss of Plavno (Plauen) (34), Lord of Greitz, Cranichfeld, Gera, Schleitz and Lobenstein from Ebersdorf

Children:

9—1 Benigna Maria (1695-1751)

9—2 Frederike Wilhelmine (1696-1 698)

9—3 Charlotte Louise (1698-1698)

9—4 Heinrich XXIX (1699-1747)
m. 1721 Sophie Theodora (1703-1777), a daughter of Wolfgang Dietrich, Count of Castell-Remlingen and Dorothea Renata of Zinzendorf

9—5 Erdmuthe Dorothea (1700-1765) see Tenth Generation

9—6 Henriette Bibiane (1702-1745)
m. 1741 Georg Adolf Baron Marschall of Biberstein

9—7 Sophie Albertine Dorothea (1703-1708)

9—8 Ernestine Eteonora (1706-1 766)


Tenth Generation

9—5 Erdinuthe Dorothea (1700-1756) Countess Reuss of Plavno from Ebersdorf
m.. 1722 Nikolaus Ludwig, Countof Zinzendorf (35) and Pottendorf (1700-1760)

Children:

10—1 Christian Ernst (1724-1724)

10—2 Henriette Benigna Justine (1725-1789)
m. 1746 Johannes Michael of Watteville (1718-1788)

10—3 Christian Renatus (1727-1752)

10—4 Christian Friedrich (1729-1729)

10—5 Theodora Caritas (1730-1732)

10—6 Johann Ernst (1732-1732)

10—7 Christian Ludwig Theodor (1733-1 736)

10—S Anna Theresia (1734-1738)

10—9 Maria Agnes (1735-1784)
m. 1767 Moritz Wilhelm, Burgrave and Count of Dohna (1737-1777)

10—10 Johanna Salome (1737-1742)

10—11 David (1738-1742)

10—12 Elisabeth (1740-1807)
m. 1768 Friedrich Rudolf of Watteville (1738-1811)


NOTES

1. The first wife of Nicolaus Ludwig Count of Zinzendorf. Born as Countess Reuss of Plavno (Plauen), she was a daughter of Heinrich X Count Reuss of Plavno (Plauen) from Ebersdorf and Erdniuthe Benigna Countess of Solms-Laubach.

2 One of the founders and spiritual leaders of the renewed Unitas fratrum, universally known as the Moravian (Brethren) Church. An excellent account of Zinzendotf's life and work can be found in Spangenberg, Gottlieb: The Life of Nicholas Lewis Count Zinzendorf. London 1838, and Meyer, Gerhard: Nikolaus Ludwig Reichsgraf von Zinzendorf and Pottendorf. Eine genealogische Studie mit Ahnen- und Nachfahrenliste. Hildesheim 1966 (Nikolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf. Ergànzungsbande zu den Hauptschriften I). For the discussion of the origins and the formative years of the Moravian Church, see my recent study, "The Renewal and Formation of the Moravian Church in America". Czechoslovak and Central European Journal 9(1990)12-26.

3. The site where the Brethren originally settled grew into a respectable-size community, known as Herrnhut (in Czech Ochranov). It was located about eigtheen kilometers from the Czech border.

4. Lusatia (in Czech Luzice) had been an integral part of the Kingdom of Bohemia until 1635, when it was ceded to Saxony under the conditions that it would revert back to the Bohemian Crown once the ruling House of Saxony becomes extinct.

5. A widow of Nicol of Gersdorff (1629-1702), Landvogt of Upper Silesia and Lord of Great Hennersdorf (Grosshennersdorf) - and estate where young Zinzendorf spent most of his youth. Great Hennersdorf belonged to one of the oldest Protestant Church communities in Upper Lusatia which offered haven to Bohemian exiles, after the defeat of the Bohemian armies at the Battle of White Mountain in 1620. Zinzendorf's aunt Henrietta Sophie Baroness of Gersdorff, who inherited Great Hennersdorf from her widowed mother Henriette Katharina, later founded on her estate a Bohemian Brethren community which rivaled the fame of Herrnhut. The local populace kiddingly referred to the Czech community as Frauenmuetz" to differentiate it from Herrnhut which was only a few kilometers away. For more details on the life of Czech exiles in Great Hennersdorf, see Skalsky, Adolf, Z dejin ceske emigrace osmnacteho stoleti [History of Czech Emigration in the 18th Century), Chotebor 1911, 90-146 and Hrjsa, Ferdinand: Ceska : konfese. Jeji vznik, podstata a dejiny (The Czech Confession. Its Emergence, Foundations and History]. Praha 1912.

6. For her biography see Jannasch, Wilhelm: Erdmuthe Dorothea Graefin von Zinzeadorf geborene Graefin Reuss an Plauen. Herrnhut 1915 (Zeitschrift für Bruedergeschichte 8/1914).

7. As the Czech historian Otakar Odlozilik calls him in his authoritative book: ‘The Hussite
King. Bohemia in European Affairs 1440-1471. New Brunswick 1965. In this connection it is interesting to note that King George's grandfather Bocek of Kunstat was one of the first Czech nobleman to follow the teachings of Jan Hus and to join the Hussite movement. Two of his sons Viktorin (King Georg's father) and Hynek ware among the most protagonists of the Hussite Revolution. Both of them were close allies of the Great Warrior Jan Zizka and were at his side in some of the most important battles fought during the Revolution. Further on the Hussite movement and the times of George of Podebrady, see Heymann, Frederick G.: Georg of Bohemia. King of Heretics, Princeton 1965. and Heymann, Frederick G.:John Zizka and the Hussite Revolution. Princeton 1955.


8. In contrast to radical Taborites, the Utraquists belonged to a more moderate wing of the Bohemian Brethren. See Heymann: George of Bohemia, passim.
.
9. Cited by Jannasch: Erdmuthe Dorothea Graefin von Zinzendorf 313.

10. A year following her death, Zinzendorf married as his second wife Anna Caritas Nitschmann (1717-1760) of Kunvald, Moravia who had been for many years his most intimate assistant in church affairs. She was exceptional personality who exerted remarkable spiritual influence in the early days of the renewed Unitas fratrum

11. Probably attributed to Bishop Spangenberg, as cited by Jannasch: Erdmuthe Dorothea Graefin von Zinzendorf 313.

12. Professor of Theology at the University of Basel, Switzerland.

13. Through the courtesy of Bishop Dr. theol. h. c. Hellmut Reichel of Koenigsfeld, Germany.

14. There is no question about the authenticity of the document. The chart comes from an original manuscript, authored by David Nitschinann "Syndicus", bearing the title "Denkwurdigkeiten, die ich mir vor nich, bey meinem Durchgange durch diese Zeiten von Jahre zü Jahr'n angemerckt habe" [Occurrences which I noted for myself as I passed though my life]. A photocopy of the manuscript is available at the Herrnhut Archives, while the original copy is kept in private archives maintained by Bishop Hellmut Reichel. — David Nitschmann ,"Syndicus" (1705-1779), just like his famed namesake, distant cousin, Bishop David Nitschmann (1696-1772), was a native of Suchdol, Moravia, who left his homeland in 1724 and came to Herrnhut on May 12, 1724. Both Nitschmanns were a part of a group of five young Moravian men who sought refuge on Count Zinzendorf's estate. Because of their old family tradition, anchored in the ancient Unitas fratrum, the young Moravians fled to Herrnhut with a definite goal of reestablishing the Unitas fratrum there. This earned them later the designation "The Five Pillars of the Moravian Church" in recognition of their vision and their role in the formative years of the history of the Moravian Church. See also Biographisches Lexikon zur Geschichte der boehmischen Laender. Band 3, I.ieferung 1. München 1985.

David Nitschimann "Syndicus" was a weaver who early on became Zinzendorf's valet and later on his personal assistant. He frequently traveled on his behalf und consequently had to deal with different governments. It is in this connection that he was given the title "Syndicus" to give more credibility and weight to his missions. Based on Spangenberg's testimony (see his biography of Zinzendorf, except for his official trips, Nitschmann "Syndicus" was constantly with Count Zinzendorf) from 1727 until the death of the Count (1760). According to Bishop Reichel, referenced above, he maintained the appointments for Count Zinzendorf, kept in 22 volumes, in which there were numerous notes. Using these diaries he made also excerpts for Spangenberg's Zinzendorf biography. Unfortunately the diaries and excerpts were later destroyed. It is fortuitous that in addition to these diaries Nitschmann also wrote his "Denckwuerdigkeiten..." which have been preserved in the original form to date.

15. See Buropaeische Stammtafeln, Neue Folge. Marburg 1988, Band 5S, Tafel 3.

16. Of George's known eleven children, six, i.e., Viktorin (1443-1500), Barbora (1444/7-1469). Jindrich "the Elder" (1448-1498), Jindrich "the Younger" (1452-1491), Ludmila (1456- 1509), and Zdena (1449-1510), all left numerous offspring.

17. A few abbreviated genealogies of King George's defendantsthat exist cover only the first generations and, as a rule, are limited solely to male descendants. For listing see Footnote 24. Information concerning the King George's ancestors is also quite incomplete and furthermore most of the standard genealogical sources are full of errors. For recent findings concerning the Kunstat (Kunstadt) family see Hosak, Ladislav, Skutil, Jan, Starha. Ivan: Prispevky k dejinam Kustatu na Morave [Contributions to History of Kunstat in Moravia) Kunstat 1970. - Hosak, Ladislav: Déjiny Hustopcska dopoloviny 14, stolet (History of Hustopec until the first half of the 14th century). Praha 1948.

18. Silesia,at that time, was a part of the Bohemian Crown proper and remained so until the forties of the eighteenth century. The region of Kladsko and the principalities of Minstrberk and Frankenstein, which were in the possession of George of Podebrady and his family, were located in central Silesia, not far from Breslau. King Georg's future son-in-law, Bedrich of Lehnice, was his long time ally and the marriage with Ludmila was intended to further strengthen the ties between the Duchy of Lehnice and the Kingdom of Bohemia. Bedrich was a direct descendant of Margareta of Bohemia (1294-1322), a daughter of King of Bohemia Vaclav II who married Bedrich's ancestor Boleslaw III (1291-1352). He was also a direct descendant of Anna Premnyslovna (1201/4-1265). a daughter of the Bohemian King Premysl Otakar I (1155—1230). In this connection it is of interest that the entire House of the Dukes of Lehnice descended from Doubravka Premyslovna (d. ~77), a daughter of Duke Boleslav of Bohemia and wife of Miecislaw I of Piasts (d. 992.). Doubravka has been credited for converting MiecisIaw to Christianity and thus bringing Christianity to Poland.

19. The Kurcpachs belonged to an ancient Silesian knight stock. with land holdings in Bohemia, who shared their ancestry and coats of arms with the Bechynes of Lazany and the Zejdlice of Senfeld. Sigmund's grandfather, Sigmund I who was married to Dorothea Countess of Helfstein of Moravia, was elevated to Bohemian nobility and held the position of the Counselor to the King Vladislav of Bohemia.

20. The Promnitz family belonged to one of the oldest Silesian and Bohemian nobility. Heinrich Anselm's father, Seyfried (1534-1597), held the title of a Counselor to the Emperor and "Pfandherr" of the principality of Zahan (Sagan).

21. Sigmund Seyfried's second wife, and the mother of Benigna Countess of Promnitz, Katherine Elisabeth of Sumburk (Schoenburg) (1625-1650), descended on her maternal side from an ancient Bohemian noble family of Svamberk (Schwanberg). Her paternal ancestors bearing the name Sumburk (Schoenburg) had extensive holdings in Bohemia and Silesia, including Hartenstein, Novy Sumburk, Valdenburk, Gluchov, Zeberk (Seeberg), Borek, Krupka, Ostrov, Pirsenstein, etc.

22. Johann Friedrich's father Johann Georg Count of Solms-Baruth (1591-1632) was a general in the emperor's cavalry and the commandant in Prague. The Baruth branch of the House of Solms belonged to Upper Lusatian aristocracy. Count Johann Georg's mother, Margareta of Sumburk (Schoenburg) (1554-1606), was a daughter of Jiri (Georg) II of Sumburk, Lord of Gluchov (Glauchau), Novy Sumburk, and Kraslice (Graslitz) in Bohemia, and Dorothea Reuss of Plavno (Plauen). Jiri II of Sumburk's great-grandmother Eliska of Gutstein (d. 1507) belonged to an ancient house of Bohemian nobility.

23. A member of an ancient noble house from Voigtland in Saxony which had extensive land holdings in Northern Bohemia. In 1345 the Lords of Plavno (Plauen) became the vassals of the Bohemian Crown. The progenitor of the Bohemian branch, named Heinrich "die Bohemian" (1274-1302), a governor ("Vogt") of Voigtland, took as his consort Katharina (d. 1333), a daughter of Bretislav IV (Borso) of Ryzmberk. Their descendants intermarried with the leading families of the Czech aristocracy, such as Lobkowicz, Svihovsky of Ryzmnberk, Trcka of Lipa, Berka of Duba, Sternberk, Valdstein, Pernstein, etc. One of Heinrich X's ancestors, i.e. Heinrich of Ranneburg (d. 1349). was married to Salome of Hlohov (Glogau) (d. 1350), a descendant of Doubravka Pfemyslovna (d. 977) of Bohemia and Miecislaw I of the Piasts. Because of some ancient law, which is apparently still in effect, all the male members of the Reuss House are obligated to bear the name Heinrich, in honor of the Emperors Heinrich IV and Heinrich VI.

24. Europaische Stammtafeln, Neue Folge. Marburg 1980, Band 3,Teilband 1, Tafel 22, and 23. -- Freiherr v. Prochzka, Romnan: Genealogisches Handbuch erloschener boehmischer Herrenstandsfatnilien, Neustadtad. Aisch 1973, 199-204. - Ottuv slovnik naucny. Praha 1901,. vol.17, 396-398. -- Gebhardi, Ludwig Albrecht: Stamm der Koenige von Boehmen aus dem Hause Podiebrad. In: Genealogische Geschichte der erblichen Reichsstaende. Halle 1785, vol.3, 96-118.

25. The famed cradle of the Bohemian Brethren in Bohemia.

26. There is some uncertainty as to whom Barbora actually married and what issue she left. Although the older literature states that she was married to Jindrich of Lipy and Brod and then to Jan Albert Krizenecky of Ronov, the might have been confused with George of Podebrady's sister Eliska of Kunstat (d. 1506) whose husbands had similar, if not identical, names.

27. Europaaische Stammtafeln, Neue Volge, Hand 3, Teilband I, Tafel 10 and 11. -- Dworzacek W.: Genealogia, Tablice. Warszawa 1959, Table 6 and 7.

28 Ibid.

29 Ibid.

30. Meraviglia-Crivelli, Rudolf Johann: Der bôhmische Adel. Nuernberg 1886, reprinted
in: DieWappen des boehmischen Adels. Neustadt a.d. Aisch 1979, 234 (J.Siebmacher's grosses Wappenbuch 30). – Blazek, K.: Der abgestorbene Adel der preussischen Provinz Schlesien und der Oberlausitz. Tell 1. Nuernberg 1887, reprinted in: Die Wappen des schlesischen Adelds. Neustadt a.d. Aisch 1977, 58 (J.Siebmacber's grosses Wappenbuch 17). -- Kneschke, Ernst: Neues allgemeines deutsches Adels-Lexikon. Hildesheim 1973, Band 5, 339-340. – Stammtafeln zur Geschichte der europaeischen Staten. Marburg 1957, Band 4, Tafel 891.— Ottuv slovnik naucny. Praha 1900, vol.15, 389.

31. Stammtafeln zur Geschichte der europaeischen Staaten, Band 4, Tafel 90.— Boetticher, Walter V.: Geschichte des Oberlausitzischen Adels und seiner Gueter 1635-18 15. Oberloetznitz bei Dresden 1913, Band 2, 502-507. – Blazek, K.: Der Adel von oesterreichisch Schlesien. Nuernberg 1885. reprinted in: Die Wappen des schlesischen Adels 60-61, — Blazek, K. :Der abgestorbene Adel der preussischen Provinz Schlesien und der Oberlausitz. Teil 2. Nuernberg 1890, reprinted in: Die Wappen des Schlesischen Adels 94-96.

32. Ibid.

33. Neues allgemeines deutsches Adels-Lexicon 523-526. — Genealogisches Handbuch der fuerstlichen Haeuser — Furstliche Haeuser B. Gluecksburg/Ostsee 1956. Band 4, 283-320. — Geschichte des oberlausitzischen Adels und seiner Güeter, Band 2, 890-895.

34. Stammtafeln an Geschichte der europaeischea Staaten, Band 1, Tafel 172.— Behr, Kamil:
Genealogie der in Europa regierenden Fuerstenhaeuser nebst der Reihenfolge saemtlicher
Paepste. Leipzig 1854, Tafeln 143 and 144.

35. Kimbauer vu Erzstaett, Johann Evang: Niederoesterreichischer Staandischer Adel.
In: Die Wappen des Adels in Niederoesterreich. TeiI 2. Neustadt a.d. Aisch 1983, 640,
( J. Siebmacher's grosses Wappenbuch 26). — Meyer Nikolaus Ludwig Reichsgraf von Zinzendorf 228-261. — Geschichte des oberlausitzischen Adels und seiner Gueter, Band 3, 210-214.


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Mila Rechcigl
1703 Mark Lane, Rockville, MD 20852
Phone: (301) 881-7222; FAX: (301) 881-9667;
e-mail: rechcigl@aol.com
Personal URL: http://hometown.aol.com/rechcigl/myhomepage/business.html
SVU Web Site: www.wvu2000.org

Related Links

Czech Americans
Czech Historic American Sites and Monuments
Czech Moravians in America