Johannes Georg Buck, V

Johannes Buch was from the Palatinate region of Germany. He emigrated on the ship "Two Brothers" sailing from Rotterdam, Holland via Leith, Scotland. The ship arrived in Philadelphia on October 13, 1747.

Revolutionary War - Furnished wheat and forage - Lancaster County - 1778

JOHN BOCK, born in Germany; died c.1792 in Dauphin County, PA. His wife's maiden name was Balsbaugh (tradition-not proven).

Copies of the original surveys, 172.193; 172.194; and 172.195 in the Bureau of Land Records, Harrisburg, PA. give details of John's land, he purchased the land from Thomas Rutherford of which one area being "a wheat-field...containing one hundred acres and the usual allowance of six per cent" and "The Deer Park...containing sixty eight acres and the usual allowance of six per cent". These areas bordered lands owned by Leonard Waller, Robert McCord, Stophel Soup (Shoop), Felty Dellenbaugh, Joseph White and William Ramsay.

Derry Twp. was divided in 1768, the Bock land was in the eastern part which became Londonderry and the western part remained named as Derry.

The original tax records in Dauphin Co., PA. reveal that John Buck was taxed for 100 acres in Londonderry Twp. in 1769, his name continues in the records until 1780 when Christian Buck replaces him.

Dauphin County was formed from part of Lancaster County in 1785, the Bock land was now in Londonderry Twp., Dauphin Co. When Conewago Twp. was formed in 1850, the former Bock land is now in Conewago Twp., Dauphin Co., Pennsylvania, USA.

"In The Revolution: Non-associators in Londonderry Twp.- 1777. The following is the assessment of 3 pound 10s made in 1777 on non-associators...who for some reason were unable to march in the spring of 1777, hence the assignment." Named on the list were: John Buck, Christy Buck, Frederick Buck, and John Buck, Jr.

(Egle: Notes & Queries, Series III, Vol. II., pp. 373-374). "Grain & Forage for the Army. The following is an assessment made & collected of grain and forage for the army in 1777: John Buck, 3 bu. wheat, 3 bu. forage." (Kelker: HISTORY OF DAUPHIN COUNTY, PA., Vol. III. p.1015).

In the Revolutionary War John's sons Christian, Frederick and John Jnr served in the Home Guard - The Lancaster County Militia, they did not fight because of their religious beliefs, the Bock/Buck, Zerger, Balsbaugh and Reichard families were members of the German Baptist Brethren, Dunkard, faith. However, it is believed were of the Lutheran or Reformed churches in Germany and converted to the Dunkard faith in America.

John Bock made the land over to his son Christian Buck, his other sons John Jnr and Frederick signed a Quit Claim to this effect on 23 March 1795. The land was Patented by Christian on 6 Dec 1809 and another 49 1/2 acres warranted to John Bock on 19 Sep 1791 and surveyed on 1 Oct 1791 was also made over and Patented to Christian, later being Patented to Robert Coleman on 21 March 1823. (Patent Book H, Vol. 21,12aee 32, Bureau of Land Records, Dept of Internal Affairs, Harrisburg, PA.).

Children from Marriage 1:

1 Frederick D Bock 30 Nov 1756 14 Sep 1832 2 John Bock 3 Jan 1753 1 Aug 1822 3 Christian Bock 1754 1829

It is thought that John's three sons were born in Germany but this is tradition not proven.

Our immigrant ancestor, Johannes Buch, came to this country on the ship, Two Brothers, which sailed from Rotterdam and last from Leitch. Master was Thomas Arnott.* They landed in Philadelphia, October 13, 1747 and were qualified on the same day. (This means swearing allegiance to the King). These passengers were from the Palatinate and places adjacent in Germany. There were three lists passengers had to sign as follows: A. Captain's list. B. Signers of the Oath. C. Signers of the Abjuration, which was allegiance to the King of England foreswearing all allegiance to their own country.

In searching. early tax records I found that Johannes was taxed in Londonderry Township, Lancaster County, now known as Conewago Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. In 1771 he was taxed for 50 acres of land, 2 horses and 3 cattle. This 50 acres was called Deer Park. In 1772 and 1773 he was taxed for an additional 100 acres of land, this was called Wheatfield. At that time land sold for ten pounds for 100 acres. A pound in Pennsylvania was worth $3. 24. Therefore he paid $32. 40 for his land or 32~ an acre, plus a Quit Rent.

I have not been able to prove definitely where in Germany our immigrant ancestor Johannes lived. But, in correspondence with Mr. Martin Schafer Rektor I. R. of Gondsroth, Germany, he has found out for me that the name Bock can be found quite frequently in some places. For instance, in the town of Gel ha us en, Germany. When the population was last counted in 1925, there were 14 houses, quite often inhabited by two families, using the name Bock, whereas the name Buck can only be traced to single cases here and there. Since Johannes' sons spelled their name Bock I cannot but wonder if Johannes, might have come from this part of Germany.