George Washington Mumma

A Patriot of the American Revolution for PENNSYLVANIA with the rank of Private. DAR Ancestor # A082801

Doug Mumma suggests convincingly in his extensive website that George's birth year was 1752 instead of the 1762 that would be calculated from his headstone inscription. See website for additional info--- http://www.mumma.org/cgi-bin/igmget.cgi/n=mumma?I05216

GEDCOM Note

Birth date of George Muma, son of George Anthony Mumma

The following tombstone information has been transcribed - "GEORG MUMA IST GESTORBEN DEN 9 MAY INT JAHR 1835 SEID ALTER DAR 72 YAHR 4 MONATE UND 18 TAGE". A translation of this is "Georg Muma died on May 9, 1835 at the age of 72 years, 4 months and 18 days ". Using this data and a "tombstone calculator" yields a calculated birth of 22 Dec 1762 which has been used by most researchers as George's birth date.

I have reviewed the tax records of Hempfield township of Lancaster County, PA during the 1700's. This study reveals some interesting dates for George Muma Jr. He first appears on the Hempfield tax records as owning land in 1775. If he was born in 1762, this would mean he owned land at the age of 13. Typically, a man in Pennsylvania only owned land when he reached his age of majority so this would suggest that the 1762 birth year for George is in error. In addition, George and several of his brothers appear on the "non-associators" tax list of 1777. Men on this list were typically Mennonites or of other faiths who refused to take up arms in the Revolutionary War and were assessed £3.10. This is further proof that a birth year of 1762 for George would be incorrect, especially since his younger brother, Henry also appears on this list. A summary of these tax lists can be viewed in the MUMMA archives at http://www.mumma.org/archives/HempfieldTaxes.html

In addition, George's eldest son is listed as being born in 1777. If George was born in 1762, then he would have only been 15 years old when George Jr., was born. Highly unlikely.

One other piece of evidence is is the 1800 census for Westmoreland County, South Huntington Township for August 1, 1800. Both George and his son, Jacob are listed under the surname spelling of MOMMEY. In this census listing, George is listed as being older than 45 years which would mean he was born before 1755. Census listings are not always accurate, but it is another piece of data suggesting a birth date for George much earlier than 1762.

So, what does one believe? I personally believe that the tax records are more correct because they were created closer to the time of his birth and by people not emotionally involved with a death. Information on a tombstone is typically not provided by the person themselves and is recorded many years after the birth. We know most of the children had moved from the area at this time and whoever provided the birth/death information may have simply made an error in in stating his age. I have reviewed a photograph of his tombstone and the year of death is clearly 1835 and his age is clearly 72 years. So, I suggest that his age was 82 years and a birth year exactly 10 years earlier is probably correct. If he was really born in 1752, then he would have entered the tax rolls in 1775 at about the age of 22-23, which is much more believable. In addition, such a birth year allows his younger brothers and sisters to be more typically spaced about 2 years apart instead of 1 year or less that is necessary if his birth year was 1762.

Therefore, against the clear evidence transcribed from his tombstone, I believe the information on the Hempfield tax rolls is more reliable and accurate. In addition, It is highly unlikely that George would have served in the Revolutionary War. I have, therefore, adjusted George Mumma/Muma's birth date from 22 Dec 1762 to 22 Dec 1752.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Data source for the following is the 1971 self published book by Richard Glenn Huffman, "George Muma Genealogy".

HISTORY OF GEORGE MUMA B 12/22/1762 D 5/9/1835, SON OF GEORGE ANTHONY MUMMA pages 12-14

GEORGE MUMA SR. B 12/22/1762 D 5/9/1835, is one of the sons of GEORGE ANTHONY MUMMA, and grandson of LEONARD MUMMA. There is some evidence to suggest that George Muma Sr. might be the eldest son. In his mother's will George Muma is named first, however since George Anthony and Barbara were already married in 1750, as a deed indicates, it seems unlikely that no son would have been born till twelve years later.

It is worth noting, that in George Anthony Mumma's will, his son George was not bequeathed any real property, only an equal share of the residue and remainder of his estate which amounted to 211 pounds. Again in Barbara Mumma's will, her son George Muma is bequeathed only one sterling shilling, as his full share of her estate, " he having had great advantage in bequests made to him by his father".

This researcher was unable to find any evidence of financial help given to George Muma Sr. by his father, from the available records in the courthouse. However as many as eight of George Muma's children were born before he purchased his own farm in Manor Twp. Lancaster County in 1790. It is therefore possible that George's father contributed a great deal to the support of his family prior to the time he secured his own farm. Thus we might assume that George Mumma Sr. lived on his father's farm in Hempfield Twp, and raised his children there, up to March 6, 1790.

The deed books of Lancaster County give us some record of George Muma's life while he remained in that county. D.B. # HH 331 dated Mar. 6, 1790, George Mumma of Manor Twp. and Catherine his wife are financially bound to Jacob Garver, (his father in law in the amount of 1,159 pounds (579 pounds due May 1, 1792 for a 65 acre tract in Manor Twp. along the Little Conestogo Creek. This was a mortgage, which could not be paid off in the specified time. In D.B. # 00 242 on Nov. 1, 1792 the mortgage was renewed and consisted of 19 bonds and 19 penalties which ran until 1810 for last payment. Or, May 28, 1794 the mortgage amounting to a total of 730 pounds, was paid off. Apparently from the money he received when he sold this same property on April 26, 1794.

D.B. HH 476 dated Sept 20, 1790 is a mortgage on George Mumma of Manor Twp. for 25 pounds owed to Rudolph Whisler. George mortgages two copper stills, however the mortgage was void if payment was made before July 26, 1791. The record shows full satisfaction was made when the sum was paid on March 26, 1793, 20 months overdue.

D.B. 00 242 dated Nov. 1, 1792, mentioned above states that the 65 acre tract was sold to George Mumma on October 31, 1792 by Jacob Garber and his wife Mary. The author is confused as to why D.B. HH 331 dated Mar. 6, 1790 was replaced by the later mortgage, unless the 1,159 pounds due on first mortgage was scaled down to the total of 730 pounds.

D.B. # SS 107 dated April 26, 1794 shows George Muma of Manor Twp. and Catherine his wife, Yoeman, sold to Abraham Peter, distiller, for 1500 pounds: a tract of 65 acres. This tract was part of the Conostoga Manor and was marked # 4 in the plan of the Manor. ( It is the same tract conveyed by John Penn Jr., one of the late proprietaries, by his attorney Anthony Butler of Philadelphia on April 29, 1788; recorded in Letter of Attorney Book ,# 2, page 368. And conveyed by John Penn Sr., Proprietary of Pa., by his attorney on Nov. 19, 1787; recorded in Philadelphia in the same Attorney Book #2 page 364.) This tract patented on June 1, 1791 unto Jacob Garber, was then resold by Jacob and Mary Garber to George Muma Sr.; recorded in PP 609. The land included houses and buildings thereon when resold to Abraham Peter on April 26, 1794.

D.B.# PP 609 dated November 20, 1792 shows Jacob Garber of Donegal Twp. and Mary his wife sold 65 acres in Manor Twp. for 687 pounds to George Mumma of Manor Twp. This deed represents the third mortgage on this same property and mentions a different price.

The above deeds show George Muma Sr. moved onto the property in Manor Twp. about March 6, 1790 before his father in law received the patent by the Commonwealth on June 1, 1791. He lived here in Manor Twp. until he sold the property on April 26, 1794. It is unlikely buildings existed on the property before being patented by the Commonwealth, therefore George Muma Sr. must have built the farm buildings mentioned when he sold the property.

Possibly something happened in Lancaster Co. that angered George Muma Sr. A terse note was found in the courthouse dated April 6, 1794 stating that George was moving to Canada. However he apparently changed his mind, for on September 1, 1794 he purchased 291 acres in East Huntingdon Twp. Westmoreland County, Pa. near the present town of Scottdale.

We are fortunate to have been provided positive proof that George Muma Sr. of Manor Twp. Lancaster Co., is the same George Muma who settled in East Huntington Twp. Westmoreland Co. The translated will of Jacob Gerber appears in Lancaster Co. Will Book # x 244. Written in 1800, his will was probated January 20, 1801 and lists his children: Catherine, Andrew, Mary, Ada, John, Ann, and. Christian. Regarding the settlement of his estate we have the following revealing document filed in the records of Westmoreland County.

Westmoreland County Deed Book #N3 page 453, recorded on July 19, 1803, states: We George Mumma of the township of East Huntingdon, in the County of Westmoreland, Yoeman, and Catharine his wife, (late Catharine Gerber one of the daughters of Jacob Gerber, late of the township of Donegal, Lancaster Co. Yoeman, deceased. Received from Jacob Gerber in his lifetime, a total amount of 306 pounds, 8 shillings, and one penny. Also since the death of Jacob Gerber, and from Andrew Gerber and John Gerber, executors of the last will and testament of Jacob Gerber deceased, the further sum of 154 pounds, 11 shillings, 5 pence, and 2 penny in specia. Amounting together to the aggregate sum of 460 pounds, 19 shillings, 6 pence, and a half penny. In full of and for our part or share, ( in right of the said Catharine) of and in the personal estate of the said Jacob Gerber deceased, by or under his last will and testament dated March 6, 1800. Released executors from further claims.

Written August 6, 1802. Recorded in Westmoreland Co. July 19, 1803

On Sept. 1, 1794 (Ref. Westmd. Co. D.B. # 4 336 George Mumma of Huntingdon Twp. purchased from Robert Newell and wife Christina 291 acres, for 750 pounds. The tract was patented to Robert Newell on May 23, 1794 and contained a house thereon when sold to George Muma Sr. [When George paid off his mortgage to his father in law, Jacob Gerber, after selling his property in Manor Twp., he had left 770 pounds, and he had given up 65 acres in Lancaster for 291 acres on the frontier in Westmoreland County.]

On May 18, 1798 George Muma Sr. made another purchase. (Ref. D.B. # 4 340)a James Duncan and wife Mary of Allegheny Co. sold to George Mooma of South Huntingdon Twp. 66 acres for 338 pounds. The land. bordered property already owned by George, and also the property of Martin Overhold. This tract granted to James Duncan by patent Dec. 27, 1797.

On March 25, 1808 (Ref D.B. # 8 530) George Muma of Huntingdon Twp. and Cathy his wife sold 4 acres to George Mumaw Jr. for $80.00, a part of the Robert Newell tract.

On November 23, 1809 (Ref. D.B. 8 529) George Muma Sr. and Catherine his wife sold to George Mumaw Jr. 96 acres for 482 pounds. This tract included the entire 66 acres purchased on May 18, 1798 plus 30 acres of the Robert Newell tract.

On February 15, 1812, (Ref. D.B. 9 page 452 George Muma Jr. and Catherine his wife of East Huntingdon Twp. sold to David Mumaw 852L acres for 502 pounds 10 shillings. This is part of the tract Robert Newell and Christina granted unto George Muma partie of these presents. Note: A mistake is apparently being made in drafting this deed, George Mumaw Jr. has only purchased 30 acres of this Newell tract on Nov. 23, 1809, therefore could not sell 85 1/2 acres of this tract. Also the partie of these presents which purchased the tract from Robert Newell was George Muma Sr.. Therefore it seems only logical that David Mumaw Sr. purchased this 85 1/2 acres from his father George Muma Sr., not his brother as the deed seems to indicate.] David's brother Andrew Mumaw was a witness to this deed, the only record of him found in Westmoreland Co. documents, indicating he had not yet went to Ohio in February of 1812.

On May 17, 1815 (Ref. D.B. # 11 243) David Mumaw and Mary his wife of East Huntington Twp. sold to George Muma Sr., 8 acres for $200.00. This tract included buildings, and was purchased by David from Abraham Walts and wife Elizabeth on April 1, 1812. George Muma Sr. had a son JACOB MUMAW, who had owned property in Bullskin Twp. Fayette Co., Pa., and sold this property on April 1, 1812. It is rumored that Jacob , son of George Muma Sr. was alchoholic, certainly his father's will written in 1834 indicates Jacob was unable to care for himself. On this occasion in 1815 George Muma Sr. purchases this 8 acres with buildings for the sole use and benefit of Barbara Noftsinger Mumaw, Jacob's second wife, for her benefit during her natural life, at her decease, the tract to go to her children born of her body.

On March 23, 1830 (Ref. D.B. # 18 353) David Mumaw of East Huntingdon Twp. and Mary his wife for $1100.00 sold to George Mumaw Jr., 37 acres. This tract was part of the 852 acres sold to David by his father George Muma Sr. on Feb. 15, 1812.

On June 15, 1833 ( Ref. D.B. 21 170) George Muma Sr. of East Huntingdon Twp. sold 197 acres to George Mumaw Jr. for $4,000.00. This is the remainder of the tract sold to George Muma Sr. by Robert Newell on September 1, 1794.

This above disposal of George Muma Sr's property represents the transfer of the last of his property in Westmoreland Co. to his sons. And it is apparently this deed above mentioned, which he refers to in his will written November 10, 1834

However, George Muma Sr. owned other property beside that in Westmoreland Co. This property was purchased on June 12, 1805. (Ref. Fayette Co. Pa. Deed Book # F 96). It consisted of 239 acres, and was located on Brown's Run in German Twp. Fayette Co. Purchased from Andrew Coffman and wife Mary for 797 pounds. The tract was known as "FAIRFIELD" and was granted on May 23, 1800 by patent to Abraham Stewart, who sold it on July 19, 1800 to Andrew Coffman, who in turn sold it to George Muma Sr. on June 12, 1805.

On May 13, 1814 (Ref. Fayette Co. D.B. # M 189) George Mumma of East Huntingdon Twp. sold 147 acres of land on Browns Run to Mathias Lecrone for 51,963.00. This tract being the one part of the 244 acres purchased June 12, 1805. [Mathias Lecrone's son John, later married Nancy, daughter of George Muma Sr. I,

On June 7, 1815, (Ref. Fayette Co. D.B. # K 333) George Mumah of East Huntington Twp. Westmd. Co. and Catherine his wife, sold to Jacob Fraattz (Jacob Fritz) of Fayette Co. for 530 pounds, 106 acres of the total tract of 244 acres purchased on June 12, 1805. [Jacob Fretz was married to Mary Muma, George Muma Sr's eldest daughter.]

The property sold in Fayette Co. on May 14, 1814 to Mathias Lecrone, and consisting of 147 acres was divided among Mathias Lecrone's sons, at the time of the partitioning of his property after his death in January 1831. Daniel Leckrone received 94 acres and his brother John Leckron received 36 acres. It was John who later married Nancy Muma.

On November 10, 1834, George Muma Sr. wrote his will. On May 9, 1835 he died. His tombstone still stands in Alverton Cemetery in 1971 bearing the inscription; GEORG MUMA IST GESTORBEN DEN 9 MAY INT JAHR 1835 SEID ALTER DAR 72 YAHR 4 MONATE UND 18 TAGE.

The migrations of his children were: MARY MUMA to German Twp. Fayette Co. Pa.; JACOB MUMMA to Bullskin Twp. in Fayette Co.; JOHN MOMMA to Adams County, Indiana; ANDREW MUMAW to Paint Twp., Holmes County, Ohio; NANCY MUMMA is buried beside her father, but he husband and children moved to Perry County, Ohio; BARBARA MUMMA was married in Tuscarawas Co. Ohio to John Jacob Shoup, and later moved to another county in Ohio. JACOB MUMMA's tombstone is not found at Alverton cemetery where his father is buried, his wife Barbara is there, all his children moved to Holmes County, Ohio. GEORGE MUMAW JR., DAVID MUMAW SR., CATHERINE MUMA, all lived out their lives near their father and are buried beside him.

At the sale held for George Muma's personal property, his Bible was sold to Michael Myers for $.63. None of his sons or daughters who attended the sale were apparently interested in this book which probably contained the birth dates missing and unobtainable today.