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