William Boekrs Levering, I

12. IV. WILLIAM'*: b. May 4, 1679, at Mulheim ; was brought to America by his parents in the year 1685, and shared the family experiences until of age.

Mr. Jones stated of William: "He no doubt resided with his father at the old mansion in the valley, northwest of the present (1858) Baptist Church, and a short distance from the Ridge Road. In Nov., 17 17, his father conveyed to him a large tract of land, being the residue of his Plantation that remained unsold. He carried on the farm thus bestowed upon him, and no doubt had some other occupation. His will shows that his aged father resided with him at the time of his decease. (43)

He was a man of substance in those early days, and was the friend of JOHN Sehlee, alias, Seelig, a Hermit, who, tradition says, lived on a part of his farm, in the valley back of the present Leverington Cemetery, and a short distance beyond the dwelling of William Levering

This Hermit had been a pupil and follower of John Kelpius, a learned and pious scholar, who came from Germany in 1694, and settled on the banks of the beautiful and romantic Wissahickon. What was the precise relation existing between the Hermit Sehlee and Mr. Levering is not known, but it was a very intimate friendship. The death of the Hermit is thus noted in the Levering

Family Bible : JOHN Sealy, hermit, died April 26, 1745, aged 77 years."

His will bears date 17th Sept., 1735, and in it he is described as " John Sehlee of Roxborough, in the county of Phila., gentleman." His name is written in English. He bequeathed the whole of his estate to " my ffriend William Levering, Senr., of Roxborough," and appointed him his Executor.

The Inventory of his estate embraced wearing apparel, tools, 1 scale, with gold and silver weights, 5 bibles, 14 books, 10 of Jacob Boehm's books, and 120 Latin, Dutch and Greek books."

His manifest education and the scales with so delicate weights, suggest that Mr. Sehlee was a remnant of the assumed science of alchemy, which obtained for several centuries, but which faded out in the 17th century.

Mr.- Watson, the Annalist, says, there was a tradition concerning Sehlee to the effect that he had a divining rod, which he directed should be cast into water at his death. This was done, and the rod exploded with a loud noise.

William Levering m. Catharine . He died in Aug. or Sept., 1746. He left a will dated 20th Dec, 1744. As this instrument was executed before the death of his father, Wigard, whom he names and makes provision for, also names children and other relations, 1 can not omit it.

WILL OF WILLIAM LEVERING.

"Be it remembered that 1, William Leverino;, of Roxborough, in the County of Philadelphia, Yeoman, being in good Health of Body and of sound and well disposing Mind and Memory, Blessed be the Lord for the same and all other his Mercies and Favours bestowed on me, and being mindful of m\' mortality and willing to settle my Worldly Affairs in the best manner I can, DO make and declare my Last Will and Testament, hereby revoking all others in manner following.

That is to say, First it is my mind and will that my just Debts and Funeral expenses be duly paid and satisfied.

And 1 do give and bequeath unto my eldest son William, All that piece of land (Part of my Plantation in Roxborough aforesaid) containing Thirty acres or thereabouts be it more or less, extending from the corner of his Orchard North West to the Upper corner of the same Orchard and thence continuing that Breadth East to Wessahickon, Together with the Appurtenances thereunto belonging. To hold to him my said son William Levering his Heirs and Assigns forever. Paying unto my grand daughter Catharine Engle the sum of Ten pounds within one year next after my Decease.

And as for and concerning all the Rest and Residue of my Lands, Tenements, and Hereditaments whatsoever or wheresoever 1 give and devise the same unto my younger son Benjamin, Together with the Appurtenances, To hold to Him the said Benjamin Levering his Heirs and assigns forever. Under the conditions and Charges hereinafter expressed. That is to say on condition that he or his Heirs pay unto my eldest daughter Amelia the sum of fifteen pounds within one year next after my Decease and unto my Daughter Elizabeth the like sum of Fifteen Pounds within two years next after my Decease and unto my Daughter Magdalen the sum of Twenty Pounds within three years next after my Decease, And 1 do charge my said son Benjamin and the Lands and premises hereinbefore devised unto him with the maintenance and support of my Dear Father Wichert Levering, providing him my said Father with all necessaries of Life, Comfort and Attendance befitting his age and Condition in a tender Christian like manner. And with the maintenance and support of my Dear and Loving wife Catharine, Providing her my said wife with all necessaries of Life, Comfort and attendance befitting her Condition in a tender Christian like manner. And I do release unto each of my children sons and daughters all moneys and things heretofore given or lent them respectively.

And I do give and bequeath unto my said dear wife Catharine all the residue of my moneys, goods, chattels and credits whatsoever or wheresoever. And I do nominate and appoint my said dear wife Catharine, together with my cousin Jacob Levering, who is my uncle Garret Levering's son, to be the executrix and executor of this my last will and testament.

In witness whereof, I, the said William Levering, have hereunto set my Hand and Seal the twentieth Day of December, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and forty-four, and I do give unto my daughters Amelia and Elizabeth the further sums of Five pounds apiece to be added to what is before given them. And unto my son Benjamin my clock, with my cart and team of five horses thereto belonging, with their harness. WlLLEM LEVERING. [SEAL]

Witnesses : C. Brockden, Arthur Forster, Jr., Paul Isaac Voto, Jr.

This will was probated Sept. lo, 1746. The inventory filed amounted to [symbol pound] 70.13.6, and included one servant lad named Johti Fox," who was appraised at [symbol pound] 10.

It will be noticed his " Dear Father Wickert Levering," for whom he made provision in this will, died within sixty days after its execution, and the testator lived for a year and a half after. Further, that his "Executor," Jacob Levering, was a resident of Whitpain Township—since 1731—a dozen or more miles away, but still within the county,

pg. 98-101  - LEVERING FAMILY HISTORY AND GENEALOGY. BY COL. JOHN LEVERING, 1897, Indianapolis

Children of (J 2) William' and Catharine Levering.

43. I. William*: b. Aug., 1705, at Roxb.; m. May 4, 1732, Mrs. Hannah Clemens, whose maiden name was Harden. She was an English lady. (105)

William was a considerable land owner and a citizen of active enterprise. He built the first Inn or Tavern, as called in those days, in Roxborouuh, The date stone is inscribed, " Built by William and Hannah Leverino;, 1731 ; Rebuilt by Nathan and Sarah Levering, 1784." It is a large stone building, on Ridge Avenue, a short distance above the intersection of Green Lane. It once bore the sign of "The Tun," and was changed to "The Wagon and Horses," but at present and for more than half a century has been known as "The Leverington Hotel."

On the opposite side of Ridge Avenue, some distance below Green Lane, stands what used to be known as the Roxborough School House, which was founded by William Levering in 1748, and rebuilt, 1795. It is a substantial stone structure, now modernized, and known as " The Levering Primary School," in distinction from "The Levering Grammar School," a recently built, imposing structure, which stands a few squares apart. As they are within the city of Philadelphia, they are under municipal control.

Mrs. Elvira Levering Cartwright (nee Holgate) recently deceased, carefully preserved the surveyor's plat of the survey of the school house site as donated by William. It is designated, in flourishing penmanship, viz.: "Draught of the school house lott of 20 perches of land, scituate in Roxborro, given by Wm. Levering for ye use of a school, surveyd March Anno Dom' 1748." The deed by William and Hannah, his wife, dated April i, 1748, conveyed " for and in consideration of the love and regard they have and bear for the public good in having a school kept in their neighborhood" the land to Jacob Levering, Michael Righter, Benjamin Levering, Abraham Levering, Wickard Levering, John Houlgate and five other trustees named. By a deed of same donor, dated March 30, 1771, a considerable area was gratuitously added.

The landed estate of William had increased at the time of his death to about 250 acres. He d. Mch. 30, 1774. His wife d. May 23, 1768, aged 59 years. They were buried in the Leverington Cemetery, near to their lifetime home.

The Leverington Hotel remained in the family name until March, 1858—a period of 126 years—when it was sold into stranger hands.

44 II AMELIA : b. about 1708, at Roxb.; m. Mch. 22, 1722, at Abington Friends Meeting, to Abraham Shoemaker, of Bristol Township, in Philad. Co., who was b. June 15, 1697, and d. in Oct., 1753. His will, dated Sept. 21, 1753, was proved at Philad. on Oct. 11, 1753. He left a considerable estate. He owned about 260 acres of land, which he devised to his children. She died Feb. 7, 1762, was buried in the "Shoemaker graveyard." (114)

I have had some correspondence with Mr. Benjamin H. Shoemaker, of Philad., in relation to this family. He informed me that this Abraham Shoemaker married a LIVEZEY (not a Levering), as shown by the records of the old Abington Mo. Meeting. While pursuing an investigation, 1 discovered among some papers given me by Hon. H. G. Jones, a document, brown with age, which reads

"To all People to whom these presents shall come: Abraham Shoemaker of ye County of Philadelphia, mason and Amelia, his wife, one of the Daughters of William Levering late of Roxborrow in ye County afd' Yeoman, deceased, send greeting. Whereas the sd William Levering by his Last Will and Testament bearing date the 20th of December A" D' 1744, Devised certain lands Tenements and Hereditaments unto his son Benjamin Levering, subject (among other things) to the payment of ye^ sum of twenty Pounds to the afd Amelia, a Legacy thereby bequeathed her. Now know yee that ye' said Abraham Shoemaker and Amelia his wife do hereby acknowledge to have this day received of the sd' Benj™ Levering the said sum of twenty Pounds. And Therefore do thereof hereby acquit and forever discharge the s Benjamin Levering, his heirs Execr and admts, and ye premises charged therewith.

In Witness Whereof they the said Abraham Shoemaker and Amelia bis wife have hereunto put their hands and Seals the twenty sixth day of October in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and forty seven. Abraham Shoemaker, n (wax seals) Ameley Shoemaker. Q (wax seals)

Sealed and Delivered, ye words (certain lands) being first interlined in the presence of us. Hans BucHER (in German). Patrick Hase.

I sent this instrument to Mr. Shoemaker, who acknowledged it (Feb. 2, 1896) as "fixing absolutely the parentage of Abraham Shoemaker's wife," and his descent from a Levering; but, asking with apparent concern, "What of the record of Abington Meeting".? 1 must answer: it is not the first erroneous church record which 1 have met with. P. S. 1 have since (Aug., 1896,) been informed that the earliest of this "Meeting" record was written from memory.

45. Hi. Elizabeth b. about 1712 at Roxb.; m. John Cleaver, of Philad. County, who was a weaver, as shown by a paper dated Sept. 6, 1748. Nothing is known of her posterity.

46. IV. Magdalena*: b. about 171 5 at Roxb.; m. Matthias Maris, of Germantown, who was a paper-maker. He had a mill on the Wissahickon Creek, and died there on May 19, 1747, leaving a will dated Dec. 28, 1746. Mr. Jones states : " The name is often spelled Meuris. Mrs. M., after her husband's death, went to Philad. with her children, and subsequently removed to Roxborough, to the old (Wigard's) homstead, west of the Baptist Church. She was known among her relatives as ' Aunt Madeline,' or ' Aunt Maudlin.' (120)

47. V. Benjamin*: b. about 1723 at Roxb.; m. Aug. 22, 1745, in Christ's Church, Philad., to Elizabeth Jones, of the Great Valley, Chester Co., Pa. He lived in Roxb. on the southerly side of the Ridge Road—now Ridge Avenue —in a stone dwelling that stood in a field, nearly opposite the Leverington Hotel. He was a saddler. (123)

A preserved instrument of lease, dated Feb. 7, 1745, Mr. Jones states, was (1858) in possession of Mr. Shields, of Manayunk. By it the father, William Levering, leased to Benjamin 150 acres of land in Roxborough, but reserved" the dwelling house of the said William, and the cellar therein, and all rooms in the said house, at the garret therein, and the garden before and near the said house, and a part of the yard southwestward of the said house, and sufficient stabling for one horse, two cows and six sheep, and all the yard between the said dwelling house and the garden, to and for the use of the said William Levering, during his life. This property was subse quently bequeathed to Benjamin, and charged with the support of the aged Wigart Levering*, the grandfather of Benjamin. The inference, therefore, is that William was living there, and that there he, his father, Wigard, died. Hence some have supposed that that was the first residence of Wigard, but the 'older tradition is that he first lived near to the present (1858) Baptist Church. The query has often been asked. Why was Benjamin Levering's house built so far back in the field . The reply has been that the Ridge Road formerly passed close by that house, and entered the present road (1858) below the house of Abraham Shalkop.

Benjamin died Mch. 17, 1763, and was interred in Leverington Cemetery. Relating to the settlement of his estate, which appears to have been delayed for a long time, Mrs. Kate Levering Bradshaw has an original, official relic, which reads as follows

"Philadelphia, October 22, 1770. Sir—You are hereby summoned to meet me at the house of William Levering, in Roxborough Township, on Thursday, the twenty-fifth day of October, instant, at eight o'clock in the morning (if the weather permits, otherwise on Monday, the twenty-ninth day of October, instant, at the aforesaid hour), as a juryman for the partition or valuation of the estate, late of Benjamin Levering, dec'd. JUDAH FOULKE, Sheriff. To Mr. Nicholas Rittenhouse.

pg. 109-113  - LEVERING FAMILY HISTORY AND GENEALOGY. BY COL. JOHN LEVERING, 1897, Indianapolis

GEDCOM Source

Ancestory Book Written by Allen Grinell Cleaver and Martha Irene Jessup Written by Allen Grinell Cleaver and Martha Irene Jessup Written by Allen Grinell Cleaver and Martha Irene Jessup. 0 Footnote Written by Allen Grinell Cleaver and Martha Irene Jessup ShortFootnote Written by Allen Grinell Cleaver and Martha Irene Jessup Bibliography Written by Allen Grinell Cleaver and Martha Irene Jessup.

GEDCOM Source

Page Written by Allen Grinell Cleaver and Martha Irene Jessup William Levering I b. 04 MAY 1679 Mülheim an der Ruhr, Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany; Emigrated from Germany with his parents aft. 20 MAR 1685 to PA; d. AUG/SEP 1746 Roxborough, Philadelphia Co., PA; m. 1703 Philadelphia Co., PA; Anna Catharine Schumacher/Shoemaker b. Abt. 1683 (place unknown); d. Abt. 1746 Roxborough, Philadelphia Co., PA; Both believed to be buried at: Leverington Cemetery, Roxborough, Philadelphia Co., PA.

NOTE: Roxborough Township was incorporated into the City of Philadelphia in 1854 following the passage of the "Act of Consolidation". The township had also been variously known as Manatawna and Leverington in it's earlier history.

CHILDREN (All born Roxborough, Philadelphia Co., PA):

1) William Levering 1705-1774 2) Amelia Levering 1708-1762 3) Elizabeth Levering 1712-1788 4) Magdalena Levering 1715-1747 5) Benjamin Levering 1723-1763

PARENTS: John Wigard Levering b. 1649 Gemen, Borken, Münster, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany; d. 02 FEB 1745 Roxborough, Philadelphia Co., PA; m. APR 1674 North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany; Magdalena Boeker b. Abt. 1650 Leiden, South Holland, Netherlands; d. "in the summer of 1717, aged about 67 years" Roxborough, Philadelphia Co., PA. Both buried: Leverington Cemetery, Roxborough, Philadelphia Co., PA.

NOTE: John Wigard Levering went my his middle name, Wigard.

NOTE: Magdalena (nee Boeker) and John Wigard Levering emigrated with their four surviving children from Germany aft. 20 MAR 1685 to Pennsylvania.

SIBLINGS:

1) Anna Sophia Levering b. JAN 1675 2) Anna Catharine Levering b. MAR 1676 3) Maria Elizabeth Levering b. JUL 1677 d. 1677 4) William Levering b. 04 MAY 1679 5) Amelia Anna Sophia Levering b. JUL 1682 6) Anna Sibella Levering b. SEP 1684 7) Herman Levering b. 18 NOV 1686 8) Elizabeth Levering b. 07 JAN 1689 9) Sidonia Levering b. 23 APR 1691 10) Jacob Boeker Levering b. 21 JAN 1693 11) Magdalena Levering b. 13 JAN 1695 d. FEB 1695 12) Magdalena Levering b. 04 JUN 1696

MATERNAL GRANDPARENTS: Sidonia Wilhelmina Braviers b. Abt. 1630 Leiden, South Holland, Netherlands; d. (date/place unknown); buried: (place unknown); m. Abt. 1650 Willem "William" Böker b. Abt. 1624 (place unknown); d. (date/place unknown); buried: (place unknown). BOEKER SURNAME SPELLING VARIATIONS (with/without an "s" at the end; Böker spelled in English: "Boeker"): Bäcker, Baecker, Baker, Bakker, Becke, Becker, Bocker, Boecker, Boeker, Boekr, Böker, Boker, etc.

PATERNAL GRANDPARENTS: Rosier Levering b. "in the early years of the seventeenth century" Netherlands (?); d. (date unknown) Gemen, Borken, Münster, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany; m. (date unknown) North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany; Elizabeth Van de Walle b. (date unknown) Wesel, Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany; d. (date unknown) Gemen, Borken, Münster, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Both buried: Gemen, Borken, Münster, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.* Reference: Find A Grave Memorial - SmartCopy: Apr 24 2021, 2:09:25 UTC