I am descended from
Johannes Hippel (b. 1698), originally von Hippel, of the Palantine region of Germany. Three of his sons ventured to
America. My lineage follows his son
Laurenz Hippel (1728-1795), whose name first appeared on the
Chester County tax list in 1749. He owned 183 acres on the west side of the Schuykill River and an island in the middle of the river near Spring City, PA (Vincent Township,
Chester County). The land was originally called Hippelsford until it was sold to a man named
Royer, who in turn called it Royersford. The island has been cleared since 1942. From his first marriage to Mary, there were seven children: Henry, John,
Yost, Frederick,
Conrad, Peter and Elizabeth. My line follows from their son John. John had a son named Lawrence, who is named in
Laurenz' will.
Laurenz did have a son named Lawrence from his second marriage to
Rosina (1761 - 1848), along with four other children: Jacob, George,
Abraham and Mary.
Laurenz left a will which is on file in Westchester PA. He was buried at the Rhondes meeting house (later, the Mennonite Church) near Spring City. Rosina married
Sebastian Root after
Laurenz died. I have copies of his will and the deed to Schuykill Island, granted by Thomas
Penn and Richard
Penn(recorded 1768).
I hope this will be helpful. Susanna
