Mary Magdalen Elder

Born about 1770, her marriage to John Elder is documented from three recorded baptisms of her children. In 1801, Ignatius John Elder is given as the child of John Elder and "Mary Adam." In 1794, Anna Elisabeth is listed as the goddaughter of members of the Thomas I. Adams family. In 1799, Maria Elisabetha is the child of Maria Magdalena and John Elder. When John Elder died in 1802, the Conewago Chapel records relate that he left a wife.

Her mother's will of 1826 says that Mary Magdalen had three living children named Rebecca, Elizabeth, and John. Conewago Chapel baptism records say that she had an illegitimate son, John Ignatius Elder, born August 6, 1814, and baptized March 25, 1821.

All of this tells us that Mary Magdalen (Adams) Elder had at least these children:
1. Anna Elizabeth Elder (1794-1796)
2. Rebecca Elder (?-After 1826)
3. Mary Elizabeth Elder (1799-After 1826)
4. Ignatius John Elder (1801-Before 1826)
5. John Ignatius Elder (1814-After 1826)

There is an entry in 1813 for Anna, the freed negro slave of the widow Elder: "1813 9 Xbris 10 Anna ex afficeana Stirpe emaencepata....viduae [blank] Elder" (Conewago Chapel Burial Register page 278)* Reference: Find A Grave Memorial - SmartCopy: Sep 22 2023, 14:49:33 UTC