Philip Klingensmith

A Patriot of the American Revolution for PENNSYLVANIA. DAR Ancestor # A066065

The Klingensmith family came to America in 1670, fleeing religious persecution in Europe.

Philip Klingensmith built a fort in 1769 in effort to defend his family from Indian attacks. In 1781 Seneca Indians attacked the fort, killing up to 25 settlers, including Philip. His sons Casper (age 16) and John Peter (age 8) were taken prisoner.

Article by Jim Lockhart published in the News Dispatch (Jeanette Newspaper, Inc), PA July 9, 1977 - shared at a Blatt/Klingensmith Family Reunion in 1981. Original documentation was by historian Robert Franklin Klingensmith, secretary of the Descendants of American Pioneers. Robert is a descendant of Philip Klingensmith, founder of the Fort bearing his name. That site later became the city of Jeanette, PA.

The christening record for Johann (John) Philip Klingenschmidt can be found in "Evangeshce Kirche Erkartsweiler, (Kr. Zabern), 1711-1830, LDS Film #1143958": 31 March, 1725, son of Daniel Klingenschmidt "erbbestander" (hereditary tenant) of Moberfeld, and Christina Reitenauer. Exact birthdate unknown to me at this time, but often infamts were christened at around 6 months-1 year of age.

Further below, see information from a source that lends credence toward the death date of John Phillip & Christina Klingenschmidt. Also, enlarge the profile document for information about this incident recorded in the History of Westmoreland Co., PA, by John Newton Boucher, 1906.

From: Commonwealth of PA, Department of Community Affairs, Bureau of Land Records, P. O. Box 155, Harrisburg, PA 17120: Warrant #118, dated May 21, 1751, to "Philip Clingersmith for 100 acres situated on Indian Creek near the Blue Mountains in Lehigh Township, Bucks, now Northampton County. Surveyed on November 21, 1761 for 65 acres and 40 perches. Patented on September 10, 1784 to Simon Triesbach." Signed by Edward D. Price, Director, Bureau of Land Records for the State of Pennsylvania.

(Need: search for land records to see if John Phillip purchased land in Westmoreland Co. near where Fort Allen was built in 1774? Or was this area encompassed by Westmoreland Co.-when was it formed?)

John Phillip & Christina (Walthour/Waldhouser) Klingenschmidt/Klingensmith were married in 1752. He was naturalized on September 22, 1765 in Sadsbury, Northampton Co., PA. The surname gradually became Americanized and is most often seen as "Klingelsmith or Klingensmith" in many American records. Note that the children by his first wife spelled the name "Klingensmith", while those of his 2nd wife used "Klingenschmitdt", although those records (census, etc.) often showed the Klingensmith spelling...

Philip descended from a family that came to America in 1670, fleeing religious persecution from what is now Germany. He was one of the founders of the Lutheran denomination in Pennsylvania, and it was said that the itinerant Lutheran preachers always found his home to be open and welcoming to them as they travelled from place to place preaching the Gospel. He would leave his farm chores and go out to visit his neighbors, inviting them to his home for religious meetings. (Source: History of Westmoreland County, PA, by John Newton Boucher, 1906)

This area of PA was a frontier area in the late 1700's, prone to conflicts between the residing Indians and the white settlers of the area. In 1774 a group of settlers signed and presented the Ft. Allen Petition to then Governor William Penn. This petition was signed by "Phillip Klingenschmidt" and "Peter Klingenschmidt", along with 70+ others. The petition stated, in part: “…there is great reason to fear that this part of the Country will soon be involved in an Indian war.” It went on to note how defenseless the area was, emphasizing vulnerability of many people. The populace were filled with … “apprehensions of seeing their...infants fall a sacrifice to savage Cruelty…” The petition appealed to Gov. Penn to provide protection. Dunmore’s War ended following colonists’ victory over the Indians at the Battle of Point Pleasant, Oct. 10, 1774.

Both Phillip & Christina died on the same day: July 2, 1781. The following may explain this: (Source: History of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, New York, NY: Lewis Publishing Co., 1906, pg. 630): "Jonathan Sarver....married Susanna Klingensmith, daughter of John Philip and Barbara (Broadsword) Klingensmith. She was born and raised on a farm on the present site of the Fort Pitt Glassworks, near Jeannette, her father being the owner of the land. The Klingensmiths settled in that section at a very early date, before the War of the Revolution. Their names were among those who signed a petition to Governor Penn in 1774. On the farm of her grandfather stood a blockhouse known as "Fort Philip Klingensmith," which served as a place of refuge for the surrounding settlers during the numerous hostile attacks of the Indians. During one of these attacks, her grandfather, Philip Klingensmith and his wife were killed, and her paternal uncle, Peter, who was then a child of five years, was taken captive by the Indians. He was treated with kindness, grew up, married an Indian woman, and reared a family. " Some researchers list an infant born 1781, who supposedly died on this same day, being killed in its mother's arms. I have nothing to prove/disprove this oral family story.

There is a story about the Indian attack (http://noel.mcn.org/Westmoreland/WhitePeter.htm) in which John Phillip, his wife, and infant daughter were killed, and two of his sons, Gasper/Casper and John Peter, were taken hostage by the Indians. As with any story passed down through the generations, there are discrepancies and some confusion...but review as a source for further investigation!

The following information was supplied by researcher Meredith Kirchner: John Philip Klingensmith, Alias: "Blockhouse/", b. 31 MAR 1725 in Moderfeld, Lutzelstein, Elsaß-Lothringen, Germany (now Bas-Rhin, France), d: 2 JUL 1781 in Klingensmith Blockhouse, Hempfield, Westmoreland Co., PA, naturalized on 22 SEP 1765 in Sadsbury, Northampton Co., PA. Military Service: 25 MAR 1756 Ensign commisioned by the Governor under Militia Law

Event: Fort Allen Pettition 1774 Among the signers of a petition from the inhabitants of Hempfield Twp., Westmoreland, Co., PA to Governer Penn asking for greater protection from Indian depredations.

Event: Land Warrant 21 MAY 1751 Warrant # 118, 100 Acres situated on Indian Creek near the Blue Mountains in Lehigh Twp., Bucks (now Northampton) Co., PA

Event: Land Survey 21 NOV 1761 Surveyed for 65 acres 40 perches, situated on Indian Creek near the Blue Mountains in Lehigh Twp., Northampton Co., PA

Event: Sponsor of Baptism 4 JUN 1775 John Philip Reut s/o Johannes and Christina, Balthaser Meyer, Sewickley Settlement, Westmoreland Co., PA, "Philip and Christina Klingelschmidt"

Event: Sponsor of Baptism 25 JUN 1775 John Philip Bricker s/o John Adam and Margaretha, Balthaser Meyer, Sewickley Settlement, Westmoreland Co., PA, "Philip and Christina Klinelschmidt"

Event: Sponsor of Baptism 18 MAY 1777 John Philip Klingenschmidt s/o Andreas and Agnes, Balthaser Meyer, Sewickley Settlement, Westmoreland Co., PA, "Philip Klingenschmidt and Elisabeth Baum (S)" 11

Event: Location BET 16 APR AND 6 MAY 1766 Witnessed the will of Peter Troxel of Frederick Co, MD along with Adam Rydenower and Peter Schaeffer 12

Event: Tax Roll Entry 1761 Lehigh Twp., Northampton Co., PA 13

Event: Tax Roll Entry 1762 Lehigh Twp., Northampton Co., PA 14

Event: Tax Roll Entry 1764 Salisbury Twp., Northampton Co., PA 15 -------------------- Tree info from http://trees.ancestry.com/tree/26959759/person/2068758848 (requires pd. subscription which Meredith had, but I don't).

From http://search.ancestry.com/browse/view.aspx?dbid=26787&pid=1386&iid... (requires pd. subscription)

See "Sources" tab above for scanned image of page from Vol. II History of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania which contains info regarding John Klingensmith. Can be read online or downloaded as a PDF file at http://openlibrary.org/books/OL7128590M/History_of_Westmoreland_cou... - Page 630 talks about the Klingensmiths.

Grave info from http://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?db=graves&h=30376&ti=0&i... (pd. subscription required)

Abstract of Graves of Revolutionary Patriots: John P Klingensmith, Brush Creek Cemetery, North Huntington, Westmoreland Co., PA 76 Reference: Hatcher, Patricia Law. Abstract of Graves of Revolutionary Patriots. Vol. 2 of 4. Dallas, TX, USA: Pioneer Heritage Press, 1987.

From http://search.ancestry.com/browse/view.aspx?dbid=26721&pid=428&iid=... (pd. subscription required)

Fort Ligonier and its times : a history of the first English fort west of the Allegheny Mountains, and an account of many thrilling, tragic, romantic, important but little known colonial and revolutionary events in the region where the winning of the West began : based primarily on the Pennsylvania archives and colonial records. By C. Hale Sipe - Harrisburg, Pa.: Telegraph Press, 1932, c1933. Chapter XVI (page 406) - see attached image of page under "Sources" tab. Much appreciation to Meredith for this valuable information!

Researcher Tom Hekia of Oklahoma (hekia@ionet.net) reports that John Philip fought in the French and Indian War. ****look for documentation****

A big Thank You goes to Christine Adams & Barbara Klingelsmith Geisert for sharing thier genealogy with me, as these folks are ancestors I had never heard of before! This group of ancestors interest me because a member of my Eads ancestry married a Klingelsmith, as well as a member of my Cochran ancestry married a Klingelsmith; both Klingelsmiths have proven ties back to the Westmoreland County area of Pennsylvania! Another online researcher who seems to be very knowledgable and thorough in his research of this family in Michael J. Stewart (mikestewart57@comcast.net).

Use as a starting point if you would like to explore further, as I have not researched this myself!

The petition stated, in part: “…there is great reason to fear that this part of the Country will soon be involved in an Indian war.” It went on to note how defenseless the area was, emphasizing vulnerability of many people. The populace were filled with … “apprehensions of seeing their...infants fall a sacrifice to savage Cruelty…” In response to that plea for protection, Fort Allen was built. For further information see: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/1pa/1picts/frontierforts/ff31.html

Fort Allen was the name given to a structure erected in "Hempfield township, Westmoreland county, between Wendel Oury's and Christopher Truby's." This structure was probably a stronghouse, or a blockhouse erected for the emergency and never required, so far as is known, for public use. It was named probably in honor of Andrew Allen, Esq., of the Supreme Executive Council. The fort was commanded by Col. Christopher Truby (in one source, spelled "Trubee"). Fort Allen was a frontier fort for Dunmore's War in 1774 and the American Revolutionary War. It was also known as Truby's Blockhouse.From the names of the signers, the locality was manifestly in the German settlement of Hempfield township to the northwest of Greensburg. There is a stone monument commemorating Fort Allen. which was erected on May 1, 1929. See the Media section for pictures.

• Residence: Gilpin Twp., Armstrong Co. and Jeannette.
  • Reference: MyHeritage Family Trees - SmartCopy: Sep 9 2020, 19:34:01 UTC

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OLEY HILL CHURCH RECORDS. KLINGENSMITH FAMILY ARE WITH EVA CHRISTINA SCHALL G G G G GRANDMOTHER, STIVESON FAMILY MOVED TO HUNTINGTON TOWNSHIP, YORK COUNTY PA (TODAY ADAMS) AND SHE DIED THEIR, 4TH GREAT GRANDMOTHER OF MARGARET STIVENSON KRECOTA, MARRIED JOHANN GEORGE STUYVESANT/STIVERSON HE CAME 1798 TO SALEM, TOWNSHIP WESTMORELAND COUNTY PA . KLINGENSMITH FAMILY MOVED TO MARYLAND AND IN 1770 TO WESTMORELAND COUNTY PA.

           Frontier Forts Western Pa. by George Dallas Albert page 379 - 380 The Klingensmiths belonged to what is called the Brush Creek settlement; and although the exact location of Philip Klingensmith's Blockhouse is unknown.  On July 2nd 1781. Brush Creek settlement suffered much from Indian depredation from an early days . Col Lochry writes July 4th 1781 Pa Archives IX 247. We have very distressing times here this summer.  The enemy are almost constantly in our county killing and captivating the inhabitants. Philip Klingensmith and his wife Christina Walthour were killed  2 July 1781 and 2 sons  were taken by the Indians. Casper at age 16 escape and Peter stayed and married Indian women.

Christina Walthour was near the same location as George and Christopher Walthour  1771 tax Brecknock Lancaster Co Pa. , before they came to Westmoreland County Pa and built Fort Walthour.   Marker done 1938. George Waldhauer/ Walthour was in Revolution War Westmoreland County Pa . 

Philip Klingensmith Ensign fought in French and Indian War Colebrookdale Berks County Pa (Phila. Gazetle Paper) Fort Allen list has Peter and Philip Klingensmith names listed 1774.

Philip baptism is 31 March 1725 son of Daniel Klingensmith married 21 March 1718 to Anna Christina Reitenauer, born 8 May 1692 Tieffenbach, Bas-Rhin France, daughter of Nicholas Claus Reitenauer and Susanna Lufidach-Windstein.

John Philip and Christina Walthour 2nd wife were at Oley Hill Church Pike township, Berks County Pa sponsors for his brother Peter and Maria Elizabeth (Kauffer) Klingensmith child Johann Philip Klingenshmidt born Oct 27 1757, baptized Nov 13 1757, buried at Kidd Farm Cemetery Armstrong County Pa, along with his wife Anna Elizabeth (Wannamaker) Klingensmith. See The Daughters Revolutionary War list. By Ruby Fennel Ralston

Patent List and Waranntee for Pa 31 Oct 1796 116 Klingensmith, Philip 388.65areas Philip Clingensmith Sharon track 9 March 1787 Westm'ld Estate 1789 Book 2 is in Greensburg Courthouse Pa.

Klingensmith men were also in American Rev. War from Westmoreland County Pa. Fort Allen list Philip and Peter Clingensmith. Listed under Daughters of Revolutionary War. Klingensmith left Berks county and went south to Maryland (information by Sons of Revolutionary War Records left and came in 1770 to West over mountains (this then was Cumberland County Pa)

The Klingensmith Family came over the mountains in 1770 to Westmoreland County Pa Note was in the Family Bible all these years given by Don Rupert in 1990 to Rev Paul Ruff paper wrote in German. Rev. Paul Ruff gave Margaret (Stivenson) Krecota a copy he wrote in English. Paul Ruff said this proves Baby Klingensmith was not killed in July 2, 1781. Note Maria Catharine born 17 Sep 1780 to Philip Klingeschmidt and Christine baptized 16 Jul 1781 sponsor were Jacob Machling & Catharina. This is in Rev Paul Ruff book The German Church Records Westmoreland County Pa 1772-1791 Vol. I Copyright 1979. Rev. Paul Ruff spoke at First Evangelical Lutheran Church 175 years of Lutheranism in the Leechburg Pa.Community 1814- 1989 also call the Klingensmith Church.

See Children list with mother The Wars changed lines between Alsace France and Germany Philip Born location Eckartsweiler, Lutzeistein, Bas-Rhin, Alsace, Germany* Reference: [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/193237475/johann-philip-klingen... Find A Grave Memorial] - [https://www.geni.com/projects/SmartCopy/18783 SmartCopy]: ''Sep 9 2020, 21:12:31 UTC''

* Residence: Gilpin Twp., Armstrong Co. and Jeannette.

• * Reference: FamilySearch Genealogy - SmartCopy: Sep 9 2020, 21:53:06 UTC
• Residence: Gilpin Twp., Armstrong Co. and Jeannette.
  • Reference: FamilySearch Genealogy - SmartCopy: Sep 9 2020, 22:05:09 UTC

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John Philip Klingensmith was born on 1731 in Germany. John Philip married (1,) Anna Elizabeth Kepple and had 3 children: Anna Christina Klingensmith, Andrew Klingensmith, and Jacob Klingensmith. John Philip married (2.) Anna Stelzmeier. John Philip married (3.) Christina Walthour and had 9 children: John Daniel Klilngensmith, John Hans Klingensmith, Margaret Klingensmith, Regina Barbara Klingensmith, Casper Klingensmith, John Peter Klingensmith, Michael Klinglesmith, Mary Catherine Klingensmith. John Philip married (4.) Maria Elizabeth Koppel. He passed away on 1771 in the United States, killed by Indians.