Person Page - 934

     George Emmert was born on 10 February 1809 at Washington Co., MD.¹ He was the son of Pastor John Emmert and Nancy Avey. George Emmert married Catherine Stouffer, daughter of John Stouffer and Hannah Price, in 1831.
Note: History of Carroll Co., IL, H.F. Kett, 1878 [reprint] has the following under Carroll Township, p. 406:

Emmert George, Retired; Sec. 12; P.O. Mt. Carroll; born in Washington Co. Md., Feb. 10, 1809; lived there 35 years; came from there to Carroll Co. by team, being six weeks on the way; arrived here in Oct. 1844; there was very little improvement here then of any kind, 35 years ago; bought a claim and paid government price for land, and engaged in farming; married Catherine Stouffer, from Franklin Co., Pa., in 1831; they have nine children, four sons and five daughters. George Emmert died on 12 February 1879 at Mt. Carroll Twp., Carroll Co., IL, at age 70.¹ He was buried in February 1879 at Oak Hill Cemetery, Mt. Carroll, Carroll Co., IL, Findagrave #129219426.

     George Melvin Emmert was born on 13 December 1856 at Carroll Co., IL.¹ He was the son of Christian Emmert and Mary E. Long.¹ George Melvin Emmert married Sarah Wagner, daughter of Michael Wagner Sr. and Susana Bowman, on 29 March 1877 at Dallas Co., IA. George Melvin Emmert died on 1 July 1941 at Kalispell, Flathead Co., MT, at age 84. He was buried in July 1941 at Conrad Memorial Cemetery, Kalispell, Flathead Co., MT, Findagrave #17952312.

     George Michael Emmert was born on 22 February 1918 at Kalispell, Flathead Co., MT. He was the son of Michael E. Emmert and Elva Mabel Weaver. George Michael Emmert married Kathryn Zilla Keefe, daughter of William J. Keefe Sr. and Zilla Marie Brown, on 16 January 1943 at Missoula, Missoula Co., MT. George Michael Emmert died on 24 January 1993 at Kalispell, Flathead Co., MT, at age 74. He was buried in January 1993 at Highland Cemetery, Great Falls, Cascade Co., MT, Findagrave #54630866.

     George W. Emmert was born on 28 April 1872. He was the son of John Stouffer Emmert and Mary Lytle. George W. Emmert married Alva Manes on 17 November 1901 at Pleasant Valley, ID. George W. Emmert died on 28 October 1943 at age 71.

     Grace Emmert was born on 22 November 1878.¹ She was the daughter of Daniel Emmert and Sarah E. Pyle. Grace Emmert married Fred Lathrop on 7 November 1900.¹

     Hannah Stouffer Emmert was born on 17 August 1834 at Franklin Co., PA.¹ She was the daughter of George Emmert and Catherine Stouffer. Hannah Stouffer Emmert married Adam Bohn, son of Valentine Bohn and Barbara Strickler, on 11 March 1852 at Carroll Co., IL, Illinois Statewide Marriage Index 1763 - 1900:

GROOM BRIDE CNTY DATE VOL/PAGE LIC
BOHN, ADAM EMMERT, HANNAH CARROLL 03/11/1852 OMR/0053 O388. Hannah Stouffer Emmert died on 14 January 1898 at Mallard, Palo Alto Co., IA, at age 63. She was buried in January 1898 at Brethren Cemetery, Dallas Center, Dallas Co., IA.

     Harold LeRoy Emmert was born on 26 January 1902.¹ He was the son of Frank George Emmert and Anne Hull.

     Harry D. Emmert married Mazie E. Price, daughter of John Emmert Price and Mary Catherine Ordeman.

     Harry David Emmert was born on 25 October 1890 at Topeka, Shawnee Co., KS.^1,2 He was the son of Elmer Stover Emmert and Ida Julia Quinche. Harry David Emmert married Margaret Hull.³ Occupation: Insurance agent in 1920 at Muskogee, Muskogee Co., OK.³ Harry David Emmert lived on 7 January 1920 at 109 S. Eleventh Street, Muskogee, Muskogee Co., OK.³ Occupation: Insurance sales in 1930 at Tulsa, Tulsa Co., OK.⁴ He lived on 22 April 1930 at 26 E. 21st Street, Tulsa, Tulsa Co., OK.⁴ He died on 13 June 1956 at Bellevue, King Co., Washington, at age 65. He was buried in June 1956 at Acacia Memorial Park and Funeral Home, Lake Forest Park, King Co., WA, Findagrave #217811245.

     Harry David Emmert Jr. was born on 9 March 1915 at Muskogee Co. (probably), OK, date from SSDI.¹ He was the son of Harry David Emmert and Margaret Hull.¹ Harry David Emmert Jr. died in March 1996 at Woodland Hills, Los Angeles Co., CA, date and location from SSDI.

     Occupation: Minister, Church of the Brethren, ordained Nov. 7, 1905.¹ Rev. Harvey Denton Emmert was born on 21 September 1877 at Altoona, Blair Co., PA. He was the son of Joseph F. Emmert and Annie E. Benedict.¹ Rev. Harvey Denton Emmert married Leila M. Boerner, daughter of George Boerner and Sarah Ellen Stouffer, on 7 August 1912, Ceremony by Rev. Wilbur B. Stover.¹ Rev. Harvey Denton Emmert lived in 1926 at Shippensburg, Cumberland Co., PA.¹ He died on 23 June 1949 at Cleveland, Cuyahoga Co., OH, at age 71.

     Helen O'Neal Emmert was born on 31 January 1911.¹ She was the daughter of Percival Redfield Emmert and Amy O'Neal. Helen O'Neal Emmert died on 26 July 1914 at age 3.¹ She was buried in July 1914 at Oak Hill Cemetery, Mt. Carroll, Carroll Co., IL, Findagrave #75375446.

     Henry Emmert was born on 28 February 1850 at Carroll Co., IL.¹ He was the son of George Emmert and Catherine Stouffer. Henry Emmert lived on 28 June 1880 at County Poor House, Mt. Carroll Twp., Carroll Co., IL, pauper. Henry was admitted in December, 1873 at age 22 for "insanity" and spent most of his adult life thereafter institutionalized.² He lived on 12 June 1900 at Carroll County Alms House, Mt. Carroll Twp., Carroll Co., IL, inmate, no occupation.³ He died on 31 March 1919 at Mt. Carroll, Carroll Co., IL, at age 69. He was buried in April 1919 at Carroll County Farm Cemetery, Mt. Carroll, Carroll Co., IL, Findagrave #125087602.

     Jack Price Emmert was born on 19 March 1914 at Beverly, Burlington Co., NJ.¹ He was the son of Harry D. Emmert and Mazie E. Price.¹ Jack Price Emmert married Wilma Bill, daughter of William E. Bill and Mary Frances Foland, in 1945. Jack Price Emmert died on 24 June 2007 at age 93 Dates per SSDI, last residence Freehold, New Jersey. He was buried in June 2007 at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Frederick, Frederick Co., MD, Findagrave #91410304.

     Jacob P. Emmert was born on 27 February 1827 at Hagerstown, Washington Co., MD.¹ He was the son of David Emmert and Susan Price. Jacob P. Emmert married Catherine Dubbel.² Occupation: Merchant in 1860 at Mt. Carroll, Carroll Co., IL.³ Occupation: Grain dealer, per census, Chicago Ward 14, p.550 in 1870 at Chicago, Cook Co., IL. Jacob P. Emmert died on 7 June 1890 at Chicago, Cook Co., IL, at age 63. He was buried in June 1890 at Mount Greenwood Cemetery, Chicago, Cook Co., IL, Findagrave #8110691.

     Jean O'Neal Emmert was born on 3 February 1913 at Wisconsin.¹ She was the daughter of Percival Redfield Emmert and Amy O'Neal. Jean O'Neal Emmert died on 8 April 1965 at Los Angeles Co., CA, at age 52. She was buried in April 1965 at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Rowland Heights, Los Angeles Co., CA, Findagrave #64138659.

     Jessie M. Emmert was born in February 1881 at Licking Co., OH.¹ She was the daughter of Nicholas Emmert and Caroline Ashton.¹

     John Emmert was born on 25 July 1830 at Washington Co. (probably), MD, Or Pennsylvania, per 1850 census.^1,2 He was the son of David Emmert and Susan Price. John Emmert married Lydia Puterbaugh on 30 December 1858 at Mt. Carroll, Carroll Co., IL. John Emmert lived in 1880 at Rockford, Winnebago Co., IL.² He died on 7 July 1900 at age 69. He was buried in July 1900 at Silver Creek Cemetery, Leaf River, Ogle Co., IL, Findagrave #7050982.

     Pastor John Emmert was born in 1778 at Bethel Twp., Berks Co., PA. He was the son of Leonard Emmert and Catharine Marie Gunkle.² Pastor John Emmert married Nancy Avey circa 1801. Pastor John Emmert died in May 1820 at Tilghmanton, Washington Co., MD,

Biography -- (Findagrave.com):

John Emmert was born on about July 15, 1778 in Berks County, Pennsylvania in the very young (and not certain to endure) United States of America. John’s parents were John Leonard Emmert and Catherine Marie (Gunkel) Emmert.

NOTE: There were several lines of Emmerts in American colonial history, with several spellings of the family name. The Emmerick, Emerts, and Emmerts came from a distinguished ancestry dating back to the Crusades in medieval history when one Emerick, a German knight, became a distinguished Crusader to the Holy Land. We are, however, only concerned here with the Emmerts who descended from Johan Michael “John” Emmert and Maria Barbara (Heyder) Emmert, through John Leonard Emmert (the “old Dunker pathfinder” of Maryland history), to Pastor John Emmert.

John Leonard Emmert was born in Lancaster (later Berks) County, Pennsylvania, British Colonial America in 1745. His parents were immigrants from Bavaria (part of modern-day Germany) who became naturalized British subject on September 15, 1751. Both John Leonard and his father, George (John Jorig Frederich) Emmert, fought against the British in the American Revolution.

Catherine Marie Gunkel was born in Lancaster (later Berks) County, Pennsylvania, British Colonial America in 1749. Her parents were immigrants from Saxony, part of modern-day Germany.

There was apparently an Emmert family schism in the late 1780s when John Leonard turned his back on the family’s Lutheran faith, and embraced the newer Brethren faith. This may explain John Leonard’s being disfavored in his father’s will – he was bequeathed £50 and other minor gifts, possibly just enough to guard against a challenge to the will – while younger brother Martin received the family plantation. It may also explain the move in about 1798 to Washington County, Maryland where John Leonard and his family settled among a very devout and enthusiastic group of Brethren pioneers who had been holding services in their houses and barns since about 1790.

In Maryland, John Leonard purchased a 410-acre farm in 1798 situated on the banks of Antietam Creek where Beaver Creek flows into it at a point called the “Devil's Backbone.”

A log-bodied church was built in that place in about 1799 with John Leonard having charge under the direction of Pastor David Long, Sr. As a result, many more Brethren began purchasing land and settling in the vicinity.

John Emmert grew to adulthood and married Nancy Avey in about 1800. John was 22 years old; Nancy was just 16 years old in 1800.

Nancy Avey was probably born about April 27, 1784 in the vicinity of the Jerusalem and Upper Antietam Hundreds near Mount Zion, Maryland. Her parents were Henry Avey (1753–1828) and Mary Elizabeth Metzger Avey (1760–1839). Henry and Mary Elizabeth were both first-generation native-born Americans, the children of Swiss immigrants. Nancy’s grandfather, Dr. Johann “John” Valentin Metzger, probably served as a physician and surgeon on General George Washington's medical staff, and was reportedly with the Continental Army during the winter encampment at Valley Forge.

John Leonard Emmert died before September 9, 1804, that being the date his will was presented to the county register. All his children were well-provided for. John received the 100-acres where his family then lived, a £600 cash bequest (reduced by the £110.9.3 he had already received), the fruit from a row of apple trees for seven years, and one of his father's bibles.

John Emmert continued in the “Old Pathfinder’s” footsteps, being elected to the ministry in his youth. At the time, Daniel Reichard and David Long were active in the ministry and reportedly needed help to care for the scattered settlers around Washington County.

In addition to young John, John Leonard’s sons Leonard and Joseph were also called to the ministry, and would devote their lives to the service of the Brethren church.

In addition to his pastoral duties, John Emmert had at least nine children with Nancy: daughters Lida in 1801, Sarah in 1802, Elizabeth in 1805, Nancy in 1815, and Barbara in 1820; and sons Joseph in 1803, David in 1804, and George in 1809. Barbara, who was born just month's before her father's death, is the author’s maternal 2nd great-grandmother.

John continued to farm and improve his inherited land, and in about 1811 built a fine stone house and barn near his father's house and within a short walk of his beloved church. These buildings all stood against the elements for 208 years ... until 2019 when a man named Robert Householder of Smithsburg bought the land, then demolished the structures because he said they would interfere with the view from the house he plans to build on higher ground. Perhaps to ensure that he is never forced to reconstruct the historic dwelling, Mr. Household paid to have the home's stones mechanically ground to dust, presumably including the archstone above the hearth inscribed "1811." Sadly, Mr. Householder's wife claims to be an Emmert descendant.

On April 24, 1820, John made his will. Using many of the same words his father had used in making his own will, John stated that he was “weak in body but of sound understanding thanks be to God and knowing that it is appointed for all flesh to yield to death ….” John recommended his soul to “almighty God who gave it hoping through the merits of Jesus Christ to inherit the kingdom of Heaven prepared for his elect and chosen as it hath pleased God to bless me with,” then went on to settle his worldly affairs while giving Nancy significant authority in matters of property.

John’s will was, for its day, a model of equity and empowerment of his wife, Nancy. Maddeningly, however — at least for genealogical purposes — John neither recited the names of his children then living, nor did he even state how many children he and Nancy had had together.

Although he was still a young man, John Emmert went to his eternal reward within a month of making his will. Church historians teach that John died while he was “resting from his labors on the hilltop above his ancestral home, known in history as ‘Delemere’.” This was probably just a few days before May 22, 1820 when his will was submitted to the Washington County Register.

John was reportedly buried beside his father and mother in the family burying ground on the hill overlooking the Emmert homestead. John was probably the only son of John Leonard who was buried there, and a small white marble slab is said to have marked his grave.

EPILOGUE

John’s legacy included his remarkable son, David (1804-1857), who married Susan Price, the daughter of one of the Brethren church’s founders in America. David served in the Pennsylvania legislature in the 1830s, then emigrated with his family to northwest Illinois in 1840.

The David Emmert clan arrived on the prairie with no grubstake, and with only their initiative, intelligence, and willingness to work hard. But the family’s central role in the erection and operation of the first gristmill in the region, their successful efforts to relocate the county seat to Mount Carroll and build a courthouse, and donating the land for the city’s first cemetery, make David and Susan Emmert the true founders of the modern-day City of Mount Carroll.

With his political experience as a Whig in the Pennsylvania legislature, David Emmert was instrumental in helping to secure from the federal government the fair sale of Public Lands to settlers already living in northwestern Illinois in the 1840s. David and Susan were also early supporters of the Mount Carroll Seminary, and David served as one its incorporators 1852. David served as one of the county’s first judges, and sat on the first board of directors of the Savanna Branch Railroad in 1849. And in 1852 David helped his son, Jacob P. Emmert, start the Carroll County Republican, the area’s first newspaper.

As remarkable as David’s business achievements were, after he retired from commerce in about 1853, David Emmert helped found the first Brethren church at Arnold’s Grove, and was chosen to the church’s ministry. In those days the church called only men who had demonstrated their business ability and leadership, and who had proven the stability of their character. However, his early and unexpected death on September 30, 1857 near his Mount Carroll home cut short his religious mission.

Inspired by David Emmert’s great success, many other Emmerts emigrated to Illinois, including David’s brothers Joseph, David, George and Jonathan; and David’s sisters Nancy, who emigrated as a widow and remarried, and the author’s 2nd great-grandmother, Barbara, who married David E. Kingery from Sharpsburg, Maryland.

THE EMMERT GRAVEYARD

The Emmert Graveyard is located on private land about 350 meters southwest of the Manor Church of the Brethren in Tilghmanton. The earliest recorded burial here was of family patriarch, the “Old Pathfinder” John Leonard Emmert, in September of 1804.

Most grave markers here are of simple fieldstone in keeping with the great modesty of Brethren faithful in those days. Only a few stones have any kind of identifying marks, and those few are mostly illegible.

For more than a century, the Emmert Graveyard lay in an open pasture and was lovingly maintained by the Emmert family. However, sale of the surrounding properties to outsiders inspired Miss Helen Emmert in 1932 to arrange for the purchase of the 32’x34’ graveyard plot in fee, and to fund the erection of a sturdy limestone wall and inscribed stone plaque commemorating John Leonard Emmert and his kin. The deeded conveyance (May 26, 1934, Liber No. 196, Folio No. 122, Washington County Land Records) also included a permanent right of ingress and egress benefiting only the heirs and descendants of John Leonard Emmert.

As of 2019, access to the Emmert Graveyard can be arranged through Mr. Russell Wolfinger, the current owner/occupant of the surrounding land and stone house that John Leonard Emmert started building in 1798. Please be courteous and respectful when contacting Mr. Wolfinger, and be prepared to explain your genealogical connection to the Emmert family.

***

Researched and written by P. A. White, JD
2019 for @NewWorldAncestry at Shorewood, Wisconsin – All Rights Reserved
Subject’s relation to author: 3rd great-grandfather
Sources: Jerry Maurice Henry, HISTORY OF THE BRETHREN IN MARYLAND (Brethren Publishing House, 1936). Others upon request, based on need.

He was buried in 1820 at Emmert Graveyard, Tilghmanton, Washington Co., MD, Findagrave #81826953.

     John Arthur Emmert was born on 20 February 1880 at Mt. Carroll, Carroll Co., IL.¹ He was the son of Rev. John J. Emmert and Catharine Zollers.¹ John Arthur Emmert died on 1 August 1880 at Mt. Carroll, Carroll Co., IL.¹

     Rev. John J. Emmert was born on 17 February 1833 at near Boonsboro, Washington Co., MD.^3,2 He was the son of Joseph B. Emmert and Elizabeth Hershey.² Rev. John J. Emmert married Asenath Beasor on 12 September 1861.³ Rev. John J. Emmert married Catharine Zollers, daughter of Maria (?), in January 1870, Ceremony by Rev. John Umstead.³ Rev. John J. Emmert married Ida Buck in October 1884, Ceremony by Rev. Edmund Forney.³ Rev. John J. Emmert died on 20 November 1893 at Mt. Morris, Ogle Co., IL, at age 60 Mr. Emmert emigrated with his parents to Carroll County, Illinois, and settled near Mt. Carroll, where he lived until a short time before his death. He united with the Brethren church when about 16 years of age and was elected to the ministry at the age of thirty-one. A few years later he was advanced to the second degree and in 1869 was ordained to the eldership, having oversight of the congregation in the vicinity of Mt. Carroll, known as the Arnold's Grove Church. Shortly before his busy useful life terminated, he removed to Mt. Morris, in order to spend his last days where church privilieges would be convenient.³

     John Stouffer Emmert was born on 1 April 1841 at Maryland.¹ He was the son of George Emmert and Catherine Stouffer. John Stouffer Emmert married Mary Lytle on 26 November 1868 at Carroll Co., IL, Illinois Statewide Marriage Index 1763 - 1900:

GROOM BRIDE CNTY DATE VOL/PAGE LIC
EMMERT, JOHN S LYTLE, MARY E CARROLL 11/26/1868 B/ 13 495. John Stouffer Emmert died on 18 April 1884 at Pleasant Valley, Carroll Co., IL, at age 43.

     Jonathan Emmert was born on 13 September 1819 at Washington Co., MD, date per Findagrave.com. He lived in 1850 at Washington Co., MD. He married Lydia Hershey, daughter of John Henry Hershey and Mary DeWald, on 25 September 1851 at Carroll Co., IL. Jonathan Emmert lived on 8 June 1880 at Rose Hill Twp., Johnson Co., MO, farming.¹ He died on 8 April 1892 at Johnson Co., MO, at age 72. He was buried in April 1892 at Centerview Cemetery, Centerview, Johnson Co., MO, Findagrave #41918786.

     Occupation: Optometrist at Ft. Scott, Bourbon Co., KS.¹ Joseph Emmert was Church of the Brethren.¹ He was born on 14 April 1841 at Cherry Grove Twp., Carroll Co., IL.¹ He was the son of David Emmert and Susan Price. Joseph Emmert married Miriam Dunn, daughter of George Dunn and Angeline Foster, on 17 January 1864.¹ Joseph Emmert died on 12 April 1915 at Ft. Scott, Bourbon Co., KS, at age 73.¹

     Joseph B. Emmert was born on 11 February 1803 at Tilghmanton, Washington Co., MD.^1,2 He was the son of Pastor John Emmert and Nancy Avey.¹ Joseph B. Emmert married Elizabeth Hershey, daughter of Christian Hershey and Mary Miller.³ Joseph B. Emmert was Church of the Brethren.³ He died on 31 January 1877 at Carroll Co., IL, at age 73.¹ He was buried in February 1877 at Cherry Grove Brethren Cemetery, Lanark, Carroll Co., IL, Findagrave #87475318.

     Joseph F. Emmert married Annie E. Benedict.¹

     Joseph Hershey Emmert was born on 20 October 1856 at Woodland Twp., Carroll Co., IL.¹ He was the son of Jonathan Emmert and Lydia Hershey.¹ Joseph Hershey Emmert married Nancy Frances Gloyd, daughter of George Washington Gloyd and Susan Hodges Gloyd, on 24 February 1881 at Johnson Co., MO. Cause of death: on 5 August 1898 From The Gospel Messenger, Sept 3, 1898:

Emmert. -- At Altamont, Labette Co, Kansas, Aug. 5, 1898, Joseph H., son of Jonathan and Lydia Emmert, deceased, aged 41 years. The subject of our notice was threshing, and while on the engine, tightening the large belt was thrown between the wheels, causing his death in a few seconds. He leaves a wife, son and daughter and one sister. -- J. A. Byerly.

Joseph Hershey Emmert died on 5 August 1898 at Altamont, Labette Co., KS, at age 41. He was buried in August 1898 at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Altamont, Labette Co., KS, Findagrave #83896072.

     Joseph Howard Emmert was born on 21 June 1912 at Anthony, Harper Co., KS, WW II draft registration. He was the son of Merritt Gloyd Emmert and Lelah M. Johnson. Joseph Howard Emmert lived in April 1930 at Charleston, Kanawha Co., WV.¹ He married Ruth I. Ruess on 16 August 1935 at Buffalo, Erie Co., NY. Joseph Howard Emmert began military service on 26 August 1943 WW II service, enlisted, 26 AUG 1943, discharged 6 FEB 1946.

Korean War service, enlisted, 1 FEB 1951, discharged 3 JUL 1952. He lived in 1954 at San Diego, San Diego Co., CA, listed in San Diego telephone book, and in city directories thereafter until Ruth's death. He died on 13 November 1982 at San Diego Co., CA, at age 70 last residence Oceanside.

     Josephine Emmert was born on 6 March 1880 at Ft. Scott, Bourbon Co., KS.¹ She was the daughter of Joseph Emmert and Miriam Dunn.¹ Josephine Emmert married Frederick W. Rizer, son of Mason Rizer and Margaret Brown, on 5 December 1907, No children.¹

     Josiah Emmert was born on 11 February 1835 at Hagerstown, Washington Co., MD.^2,1 He was the son of Joseph B. Emmert and Elizabeth Hershey.¹ Josiah Emmert married Margaret Miller, daughter of Jacob Miller and Mary (?), on 20 March 1873, Ceremony by Rev. F. F. Kiner.² Josiah Emmert died on 29 March 1908 at Dallas Center, Dallas Co., IA, at age 73.²