Breighner Family Notes

From William A. Brobst, Curator, Breighner Family Historical Registry (Brobst-Hager@mindspring.com)

Gottlieb Briegner

The Breighner family apparently originated in Bavaria, and followed some Jesuit missionaries who came to America, settling in Conewago Township, York (later Adams) Co, PA. Why they migrated to the WV/PA/MD area, we really don't know, but suspect that it was just because they knew others who had done the same thing.

Gottlieb Briegner is reported to have been born in Menzingenstadt, Bavaria, and came to America on Sept 23 1740 on the ship "Friendship" from Rotterdam and Cowes (England), in Phila, along with other Switzers and Palatiners. He was shown on the immigrant list (prepared by English clerks) as Godlip Brickner, listed as being over 16 years of age; no wife was shown for him or any of the others on board. On that same date, he took the oath of allegiance, and that record shows his name as Gottlieb Briegner, as he signed his name.

Considering that he was a young single man over 16 in 1740, his birthdate is estimated to be between 1720 and 1724.

The town of Menzingen (Menzingezaht in some records) was in Baden, Germany

He was part of a pioneer settlement of Roman Catholics from south Germany. The settlement was the first Catholic religious community located south of the Susquehanna River at Conewago, PA. Source: Catholic Trails West, The Founding Catholic Families of Pennsylvania Vol 2, Author: Edmund Adams and Barbara Brady O'Keefe Publication: 1989, Abbrev: Catholic Trails West, The Founding Catholic Families of Pennsylvania Vol 2, Page: pp 367-368.

From "30,000 Names of Immigrants in Pennsylvania", 1876, by I. Daniel Rupp, p 139, Gottlieb Briegner was one of 120 Pfalzers and Switzers to arrive in Penna.

Gottlieb moved west from Philadelphia, through Goshenhoppen, and then along the Susquehanna River to the Conewago area. He and others were led by Jesuit missionaries, and were among the first members of the Conewaga Chapel, one of the oldest churches in Pennsylvania. Their Roman Catholic settlement was one of the first located south of the Susquehanna River at Conewago, York (now Adams) Co, PA. They have since spread throughout the area bounded by Morgantown, WV; Hagerstown, MD, and Chambersburg, MD.

The land of Gottlieb Briegner lay in Paradise Township, York Co (which was formed in 1749 from Lancaster Co), PA, contiguous with the land of Nicholas Strausbaugh and Peter Noel on one side and Jacob Heidler, John Abbott (founderof Abbottstown), and Valentine Hess on the other, just 2 miles northwest of Pigeon Hills, five miles northeast of the Conewago Chapel, and one mile east of Abbottstown, Adams Co, PA.

"Conewago Recollections", J. Riley, 1902: "This Gottlieb Brieghner was the ancestor of the large Brieghner family of the Pigeon Hills and Conewago, and one of the first Catholic settlers of Paradise."

From: "Catholic Trails West, The Founding Catholic Families of Pennsylvania" Vol 2, by Edmund Adams and Barbara Brady O'Keefe, 1989, p367-368: "Gotleib BREIGHNER, Birth: 1730. Marriage: Spouse Unknown. Children: John BREIGHNER b: 1749, Peter BREIGHNER b: 1750, Barbara BREIGHNER b: 1750, Caleb BREIGHNER b: 1751, Catherine BREIGHNER, Peter BREIGHNER b: 1769". It is noted that two Peters are shown, one b 1750, the other 1769. That is in error; the second Peter was his grandson, the son of Peter b 1750. Other children found later include Christophel, Jacob, Gottlieb Jr and Margaretha.

Often referred to as the "Father" of the American families of Breighners, some Brickners, Brichners, and some Britners. Why so many different spellings of the name? As so often happened, the German names were too much for the English clerks in early America, and the original German spelling became phoneticized to an English-friendly spelling (How come the word "phonetics" isn't spelled phonetically?) Further, there were other Brickner and Britner immigrants over the years. Many generations of his descendants were known as Breighners. The English clerks came closer when they recorded Gottlieb's oath of allegiance name as Briegner, just as he had signed it.

Shown on the tax list for Paradise Twp in 1762 as Godlib Brichner.

Some records show he served in RevWar as Gotliep Brizner: 4th Co, York Co Militia, Capt Gideon Bausley. He was still in the militia in 1780. However, this is more likely to have been his son, Gottlieb, Jr, since Gottlieb Sr would have been over 56 years old in 1780, and Gottlieb Jr would have been only 18. In 1780, the age limits for service were 16 to 60; Gottlieb Sr would have been at the upper limit. Was he in the militia earlier? In 1775, the limits were 18 to 54; Gottlieb Sr would have been abt 55, or too old.

Since the predominant spelling of the family name during the Revolutionary War period appears to be Briegner rather than Breighner, it is assumed for this record that the original name was Briegner rather than Breighner, the later spelling. This is in face of the fact that Breighner has been listed in German surname books and Briegner is not.

Gottlieb signed his name "Gottlieb Briegner" or "Gottlieb Breignor", depending on how one reads the German cursive scrawl on the photocopy of his signature, as shown in "Pennsylvania German Pioneers", Vol II, Strrassburger and Hinke, p 280. "Gottlieb Briegner" is the most credible reading, but the scribble makes it difficult to ascertain. One could even read it as "Priegner". In Vol III, it is shown as "Gottlieb Briegner". In his handwritten signature, the letter just prior to the "g" is the same letter as between the "n" and the "r". A dotted "i" appears just after the "r". Hence, "Briegner".

In general, the family name "Briegner" seems to be the most common up until about 1765-1775, when "Breighner" became the preferred spelling. It is from "Briegner", with the German pronunciation "Breekner", that the oft-seen spelling "Brickner" derives.

For an explanation of the spelling and pronunciation of the Breighner name, the researcher is referred to the book "The Breighner Chronicles" by William A. Brobst.

Gottlieb's given name is sometimes spelled with one "t", sometimes with two. Gott is the German name for God, and Gottlieb means (literally) "God's love". "Got" is not German, but an Anglicization. Gottlieb is a not-uncommon German name, and invariably spelled with two "t"s. One Conewago baptismal record spells it Godlieb. Gottlieb is used herein, the original spelling. He signed his name "Gottlieb" in his immigration papers; reference above.

In 1756, he transferred land in Paradise Township, York Co, to Nicholas Strasbach, father of Judith Strausbaugh who married John Heidler, grandfather of Elizabeth Sourbier, wife of Henry Breighner.

In early 1783 at tax time, Gottlieb Breighner Jr is shown with four inhabitants on the property earlier owned by Gottlieb Sr in Paradise Township, York Co, but Gottlieb Sr was already dead. Although it is possible that the tax list referred to Gottlieb Sr's wife Elisabeth and the three youngest children, it seems that Gottlieb Jr had taken over the operation of that land and he was the one referred to. Gottlieb's older brothers probably already had their own farms or places of residence. It is noted that in 1783, Gottlieb's son Johannes was still the administrator of Gottlieb's estate, but Gottlieb Jr may have been operating the farm.

Gottlieb (Godlieb Brighner) and his son Peter (Peter Brighner) are shown as inhabitants of Paradise Twp, York Co in 1779. No other Breighner-related names are shown on that list.

On Feb 5, 1781, Gottlieb witnessed a will written by Michael Leboob of Berwick Twp, Adams Co. Gottlieb died himself on May 14 1781, just a few months later. His will was probated on Jun 4 1783; administrator was his son Johannes who later relinquished that responsibility to his brother Peter. Gottlieb died intestate, and probably suddenly as he was apparently healthy enough to serve in the militia in 1780, although that could have been his son, Gottlieb Jr.

Peter Breighner, Nicholas Delon (spelled Dellon in one place the papers and Delon in another, signed Delon), and Henry Walter provided a 500 pound bond for carrying out the inventory and accounting of Gottlieb's estate. Copy of papers provided by Wayne R. Strasbaugh; signed Jun 4 1789. (Why did it take 8 years? That may have been when his wife died.) Gottlieb's name is spelled "Gotlieb Brichner" in one place in the papers, "Gotlieb Brieghner" in another, and "Godlieb Brichner" in a third! Peter's name was spelled "Brieghner" in one place in the papers and "Brichner" in another, but he signed his name "Briegner". A copy of the very detailed inventory is in the Breighner file at the Breighner Registry. His personal property estate was valued at 80 pounds.

A Nicklaus Breighner/Brickner arrived in Philadelphia in 1749. Until recently, no firm connection between Nicklaus and Gottlieb had been found. They immigrated nine years apart, and Nicklaus didn't go to the Conewago area. Where he settled is not known, but there is some indication that he settled in Heidelberg Twp, York Co, in the Conewago area. There was a John Breichner in the 1783 tax list for Heidelberg Twp. Further, the will of Johannes Breighner (1749), son of Gottlieb, refers to a "cousin John". In order for Johannes to have had a cousin, obviously living in America, Gottlieb would have to have had a brother in America. By inductive reasoning and the process of elimination, it is assumed here that Nicklaus and Gottlieb were brothers; not confirmed.

The War of the Austrian Secession lasted from 1740 to 1748. This interfered with immigration during that period. The immigrants arriving in 1749 were the first Germans arriving after those in 1740! The nine year hiatus between the arrivals of Gottlieb and Nicklaus may not be as disconnected as it seems on the surface.

There do not appear to be any other Breighner/Breichner/Breighner families in America but Nicklaus and Gottlieb; they were the only two immigrants in the 1700s whose names were recorded as "Brickner", lending more credence to a relationship between the two. This possible relationship remains to be explored.

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Maria Elisabetha (Gottlieb's wife)

From William A. Brobst, Curator, Breighner Family Historical Registry (Brobst-Hager@mindspring.com)
Her name as Elisabeth was revealed in correspondence with the Somerset, PA, Historical Society. However, Dana Jernigan and John Craig Brickner show her name as Catharina; Archie Lee Breighner shows it as Catharina Elisabeth. Cheryl Lutz shows Maria Magdalena! Records to support either name are scarce. It is also noted that Gottlieb Jr's wife was named Catharina, and perhaps that was the source of the conflict in names.
It is noted that Elisabeth and Gottlieb Breighner Jr were executors for the estate of Peter Breighner who died on Sep 20 1808. The only Peter who could have died on that date was Peter b 1769, the son of Gottlieb Sr. So Gottlieb Jr's wife must have been named Elisabeth, not Catharina, unless he first married Catharina and then Elisabeth.
She may have died around 1789 when Gottlieb's estate inventory was completed.

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Peter Breighner, Sr.

Served in RevWar as Peter Brichner (also Prigner); Captain Peter Zollinger's 4th Co, 7th Battalion, York Co Militia, as documented in the Conewago Chapel Death & Burial Records. "Hx of York Co", Prowell, p 272. Also served in the Third Co, Fifth Bn, York Co MIlitia, under Capt William Heaffer (Hoffler?); name shown was Peter Briegner; per Hx of York Co, p 174 and PA Archives, 6th Series, Vol 2, p 637; Gotleeb Breegner was shown in the same company!

Peter married when he was only 18; he had to have his father's permission to do so. Based on that, it is possible that he was born prior to 1750, and might have been Gottlieb's first son. Speculation.

The ten-year gap between the births of his first child (Peter, 1769) and his second (Catharina Margaretha, 1779) is noted, but has not been explained.

Gottlieb (Godlieb Brighner) and his son Peter (Peter Brighner) are shown as inhabitants of Paradise Twp, York Co in 1779. No other Breighner-related names are shown on that list.

In 1780, York Co records show that Peter was involved in some way with the processing of candidates for military service.

Peter's father died in 1781. Peter's brother Johannes took over as administrator of Gottlieb's 250 acre farm and estate, but in 1788 turned over to Peter that administratorship. In the inventory papers for his estate, Peter's name was spelled "Brieghner" in the papers, but he signed his name "Briegner".

Marriage and burial records show Brichner, not Breighner or Briegner.

Lived in Paradise, York Co, PA, in 1783; taxed there.

Peter's will identified his children as, in the order he shows them, Elisabeth, Peter, Mary, Catharine, John, Emanuel, and Joseph. In the file of York County Wills is the following: "Peter Brichner will dated May 11 1803, filed Jan 17 1805. Executor Elizabeth and Kaleb Brichner, Paradise Township. Wife Elizabeth Brickner, Children Elizabeth, Peter, Mary, Catharine, John, Emanual, and Joseph."

Dover Twp (York Co) Will Probated Feb 4 1805 naming his children: "Will of Peter Brickner (as spelled on the will): "In the name of God, Amen. I, Peter Brickner, of the Township of Paradise in the County of York and State of Pennsylvania, yeoman, being of sound mind and disposition do constitute this my last Will and Testament, and desire it may be received by all as such.

First, I must humbly bequest my Soul to God my Maker, beseeching his most gracious acceptance of it, through the all-sufficient merit and meditations of my most compassionate Redeemer Jesus Christ, who gave himself to be an atonement for my Sins and is ablt to save to the uttermost all that come unto God, by him seeing he was liveth to make intercession for them and who I trust will not reject a re....ing penitent sinner ... when I come to him for mercy, in this hope I render up my Soul with comfort humbly beseeching the most blessed and glorious Serenity one God most holy most mercyful and gracious to prepare me for the time of my Dosorttation (sic) .. and then to take me to himself into that peace and rest and incomparable felicity which he has prepared for all that love him and fear his holy name. Amen. Blessed be God.

I give my body to the earth from where it was taken in full assurance of its resurrection from thence at the Last Day. As for my burial I desire it may be ..... without .... or State at the discretion of my dear Wife. And for Executor hereafter named who I doubt not will manage it with all requised (sic) prudence and as to my .... Estate, I will and p...ative order that all my Debts be paid.

First I give unto my Dear and Loving Wife Bed and Bedstead & all that is needful for a bed, and one cow of her own choosing and two sheep, one copper kettle & one Iron Potter Dutch oven, and sufficient wheat & rye for six months after my Departure. And it is my will that my Dear and Loving Wife shall receive the (entire?) Of all my real property and moveables, and as soon as convenient after my Departure that my ..... of all the Farm I now live on together with all the moveable property. And it further my will that the residue of my Estate shall be equally divided amongst my lawful children. First to be paid to be given unto my eldest Daughter Elizabeth, Secondly unto my Sons ... and thirdly my Daughter Catharina and Mary John Emanuel and Joseph to be paid agreeable to their age.

Lastly I do make and constitute my Wife Elizabeth Executrix and my faithful friend and brother Caleb (Gotlieb?) Brickner Executor of this my Last Will and Testament.

Dated this eleventh day of May, in the year of our Lord one thousand eighteen hundred three, and in the presents of these witnesses I do declare this my Last will and Testament. Witnesses Mary Abbott, Thomas Abbott, George Hager, Sworn and subscribed, January 17, 1805. (Note: the Registrar spelled Peter's name Breigner, not Briegner, Brickner, or Breighner.)"

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Caleb Breighner

Brothers Gottlieb and Caleb might have been the same person. Caleb and Catharine sponsored the baptism of Daniel Breighner b 1816 to Anthony and Hannah Breighner. Could Caleb and Catharine be the parents of Anthony? No, the dates don't fit. Caleb was the executor of the will of Diedrich Felty in Berwick Twp, written May 20 1816, and also co-executor (with Peter's wife Elizabeth) of the estate of his brother Peter Briegner (Brichner). Caleb might have had a daughter Maria Regina b 1885, now shown as a daughter of Johannes 1749.

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Christophel Breighner

There is a 1778 Pennsylvania militia listing for a "Stophel Brigner" in Codorus Twp. This must be the "Stophel Brigner" shown as serving in 1778, 8th Co. 7th Bn, Capt. Shyrrer's Co, York County Militia, from Codorus Twp, York Co. Per "York County in the American Revolution, Vol III", and "History of York County", Vol I, by Prowell. Because of the birth date, he had to have been a son of Gottlieb Briegner.

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Gottlieb Breighner, Jr.

He and Catharina might have had a daughter Maria Regina b 1885, d 1887; she is now shown as a daughter of Johannes 1740, Gottlieb's brother.

Age at death reported at 84. Mike Eder's info from Mount St. Mary's Church in Emmitsburg, Frederick Co, MD, shows that an "Old Mr. Breigner" ((Mr. Breichner in another record) was buried on April 3, 1846 at the age of 84. Since he died Apr 1 (probably) 1846, his birth year must have been abt 1762. That means he must have been a son of Gottlieb Sr, or possible Gottlieb's brother Nicholas. Geographically, he was more connected with Gottlieb Briegner Sr., and he is shown in that family. It is noted that Emmitsburg is where Anthony Breighner (b1781) raised his family.

The only son of Gottlieb Briegner whose birth date is not specified as something other than 1762, and who could have been born about 1762, is Gottlieb Breigner, Jr. Early information showed that he was born sometime before 1765, died after 1811, no specifics. 1762 is too early for any grandchildren of Gottlieb, so it had to be a child. Process of elimination then says "Old Mr. Breighner" was a son of Gottlieb Sr. Same process leads to "Old Mr. Brechner" being Gottlieb, Jr., who evidently later (after 1811) went to Emmitsburg. And went there with Anthony?
Gottlieb Jr served in RevWar as Gotliep Brizner: 4th Co, York Co Militia, Capt Gideon Bausley. He was still in the militia in 1780. Some record show that the soldier was Gottlieb Sr, not Gottlieb Jr. However, this is much more likely to have been Gottlieb, Jr, since Gottlieb Sr would have been 56-60 years old in 1780, and Gottlieb Jr would have been only 18. It was not common for 15-year-olds to serve in the RevWar, since the age limit was 18 early in the war and then 16 later; however, it did occur. In 1780, the age limits for service were 16 to 60; Gottlieb Sr would have been at the upper limit. Was he in the militia earlier? In 1775, the limits were 18 to 54; Gottlieb Sr would have been abt 55, or still too old.

Gottlieb was shown on the 1783 (as Godlib Brighner) and 1795 (as Godlieb Prigner) tax lists for Paradise Twp, York Co, PA, with four inhabitants, and owning 2 cows and 1 horse. Which property was that? Interesting; in 1783, Gottlieb Jr was 21; his father had been dead two years, so he may have inherited that land and livestock, since men usually didn't "own" such things until they were 21. Although it is more likely that the 1783 tax list referred to Elisabeth (wife of Gottlieb Sr) and their three youngest children, of which Gottlieb Jr was the oldest. It is possible that Gottlieb Jr, being 21 in 1783, had taken over that land of his late father's and he (Gottlieb Jr) was the Gottlieb referred to. Gottlieb's older brothers probably already had their own farms or places of residence.

1800 census: Gottlieb Brighner 1(M10-15) 1 (M26-44) 1(F<10) 1(F26-44)

In 1811, Gottlieb and Catharine were shown as sponsors for the birth of his greatnephew Bonaventure Gottlieb Breighner (Brichner). But Elisabeth and Gottlieb Breighner were executors for the estate of Peter Breighner who died on Sep 20, 1808. The only Peter who could have died on that date was Peter Sr, b 1750, Gottlieb's son. In that case, the Gottlieb referred to could not have been Gottlieb the immigrant who was already dead, so it must have been Gottlieb Jr, his son. Elisabeth was most likely Peter's wife.

Gottlieb (Godleip Briechner) was the executor of the estate of Joseph Kuhn in 1821; Joseph was the husband of Gottlieb's niece Catharina Margaretha Breighner. Over his life, he witnessed many will-signings, baptisms, and marriages; he must have been well-respected in the community.

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