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4. NICHOLAS (CLAES)3 RITTENHOUSE (WILHELM2 RÜDDINGHUYSEN, CLAES1 RETTINGHAUSEN) (#539) was born in Mulheim, Westphalia, Germany 15 June 1666. NICHOLAS died 04 June 1734 in Germantown, Phil. Co. PA, USA, at age 67. His body was interred after 04 June 1734 in Probably Mennonite Cem. Germantown.
He married WILHELMINA PIETRE DEWEES 29 May 1689 in Reformed Dutch Ch. N.Y. USA. (WILHELMINA PIETRE DEWEES is #540.) WILHELMINA was born 13 March 1673 in Leewarden, Friesland, Neth/. WILHELMINA was the daughter of GARRETT HENDRICKS DEWEES and ZYTIAN (SYTJE) LIUWES. WILHELMINA died after March 1737 in Germantown, Phil. Co. PA, USA, at age unknown.
1737 WIILL OF WIILHELMINA DEWEES
The following is a translation from Pennsylvia German by D. K. Cassel (page 74) of the will Wilhelmina DeWees, the wife of Klaus Rittinghausen, dated 6 March, 1737.
"A record concerning the disposition Mother's order as she is at present sickly in body and her soul Commanding in the hands of the almighty creator in Jesus Amen.
Firstly:-I give to Peggy Ruthynhuysen my Spinning wheel.
Secondly:-I give to Marya Ruthynhuysen the looking glass and to Susanna I give the Fire Irons, and to Margryta and Anna I give each a chair
And to Susanna Gorgas I give a Tea pot and china.
And Marya Gorgas I give a Sugar bowl and Small Iron Pann.
And Willemyna Ruttynhuysen I give the Pot hook and Gallon can.
And Marya Engel I give an apron and two handkerchiefs.
And to Scyntia Gorgas I give the under feather bed and a pillow and a brass kettle for which she pays six florins.
And Marya Jansen the upper bed with the cover.
And to Gertrude Engel I give the large and small cushions.
And to Susanna Heilig 1 give the large and small cushions.
And Henderych Ruttynhuysen I give the. woolen Blanket.
And Mattys Ruttynhuysen 1 give a cloak. That all these on the above date was undersigned in the presence of us."
Willemyna + Ruttynhuysen (her mark) Willem W. Ruttynhuysen Seyten + Gorgas (her mark) Jan Gorgas
SOURCE of INFORMATION
Page 74 of RITTENHOUSE FAMILY HISTORY by Daniel K.Cassell published in 1893. A copy of this book is held by the Conrad Grebel Library at the University of Waterloo in Waterloo, Ontario. There is a copy in my library as well.
NICHOLAS RITTENHOUSE arrived in Germantown, Roxborough Township, Philadelphia County, Pa, in 1689 with his new wife Wilhelmina Dewees. It was in New Amsterdam (New York) that NICHOLAS married WILHELMINA on 29 May 1689 after their bans were published on 10 May 1689 at the Dutch Reformed Church. It is not known whether this was a ship-board romance or whether they knew each other in Holland. She was only 16 at the time of their marriage.
The family's arrival date in New Amsterdam is uncertain. NICHOLAS's father Willem, purchased a lot in Germantown on 8 August 1687. We also know that his sister Elizabeth and brother Gerhard came to America with the family. It is possible they all arrived in New Amsterdam as early as 1686/7 and all went to Germantown together. If this is the case NICHOLAS must have gone back to New Amsterdam to be married.
NICHOLAS RITTENHOUSE was awarded 2 half lots on Main Street (later Germantown Avenue) These were lots #20 and #21 which were on the East side of Main Street toward Bristol.
CLAES RITTINGHUYSEN (NICHOLAS RITTENHOUSE) is shown on the list of those"naturalized" when they took their Oaths of Allegiance in Germantown on 7 May 1691. A copy of this list is in my files as well as a copy of the actual "Oath". There were so many immigrants from Europe arriving by 1708 that Pennsylvania decided they should make anyone who had come from Europe take a second Oath Of Allegiance. So in 1708 NICHOLAS RITTENHOUSE took his second Oath Of Allegiance which was confirmed by The Queen In Council 20 Febrauary 1713. This is shown in the HISTORY OF SOUDERTON by Henry S.Landis 1930 pages 142/3.
NICHOLAS was a paper maker by trade and a Mennonite by religion. He was chosen as a Mennonite minister in 1712 and was a delegate to the first Mennonite Conference in 1725 when 16 Mennonite ministers adopted the "Dordech Confession of Faith".
NICHOLAS went into partnership with his father in the paper mill the latter had founded. This was at a time when his father purchased the shares from the 3 original partners. This paper mill was the first to operate in America. When Willem Rittenhouse died he bequeathed the mill to NICHOLAS. It was located on Paper Mill Creek which emptied into Wissachickon Creek on the west edge of Germantown in Roxborough Township, Philadelphia County, Pa. In 1994 all this land is contained in Fairmount Park.
They are now restoring any original buildings left standing such as the house built by Willem Rittenhouse in 1707 which NICHOLAS occupied after his father's death. There are a few other buildings but unfortunately the mill is not one of them. In my files are photographs taken in 1995 of the 1707 House and the mill site on the creek. There is also a copy of a painting that was made of the mill before it was destroyed. There is a copy of a historic map and modern map showing the location.
In my file is a copy of the cover of the Germantown Crier which was a publication issued by the Germantown Historical Society. They had researched all the original owners of property on Main Street (Germantown Avenue) and it shows the lots assigned to NICHOLAS RITTENHOUSE.
CLAWS RUTTINGHEYSEN (Nicholas Rittenhouse) is shown on the FIRST PENNSYLVANIA TAX LIST in 1693. He paid 6 shillings tax in Germantown. He also was one of the signers of the petition by landholders asking for relief from taxation. This was filed with the Pennsylvania Assembly on 10 3rd month (May) 1692.
Bond by Claes Rittinghuysen to Matthias Van Bebber 1714
(spelling as on original document)
Know all Men by These ____ that I Claes Rittinghuysen of ye County of Philadelphia in Pensil am holden and firmly bound unto Matthias Van Bebber of ____ County in the Province of Maryland, Merchant, in the full summe of twenty pounds Currant Silver Money of Pensil to be well Trewly paid unto the above Named Matthias van Bebber his heirs ___ _ ____ or Certaine (?) Attorney to which payment fully to be made & on ____ My Selve My heirs Exe. & Adm. ____ firmly by These ____ Sealed with my Seale dated the 15 of Oktober 1714
The Condition of the above obligation is such That if the above named Claes Rittinghauysen his heirs _____ administrator or Either one of Them shall well and Trewly pay or Cause to be paid unto the above named Matthias Van Bebber or to his Certaine (?) Attorney Ex admin or Assignes the full Just Summe of fourteen pounds Like money at or before the 15th of Ocktober Next following the date hereof with Lawfull silver for the same & That without fraud or further delay Then this to be voyd or else to ____ & Remaine in full voice & _____ in Law.
Sealed and Delivered in the presence of
Hendrick Sellen
Her
Elizabeth B Sellen
Mark
On the reverse side there is the record of the payment (written in German) on March 26, 1719 and recorded by Hendrick Sellen.
This document is held by the Library Company of Philadelphia and was kindly forwarded to me by Richard Sell of Scottsdale, Arizona, USA.
CLAES RIGHTINGHOUS (Nicholas Rittenhouse) is shown as owning 50 acres in Roxborough Township in the list of Landholders in Philadelphia County in 1734.
In 1759 Mennonites in Germantown joined with neighbors to create a school "free to all denominations whatsoever without any regard to name or sect of people". The school as all other 18th century schools charged tuition. To keep that from becoming a hardship Mennonite NICHOLAS RITTENHOUSE joined with Christopher Sauer, the printer with German Baptist connections and John George Alsentz, pastor of the Reformed Church, to be a committee to reduce fees for the poor. This showed a strong ecumenical feeling when it came to schools.
WILL of NICHOLAS RITTENHOUSE
Philadelphia County Will Book E page 280 Will # 358
Dated 4 May 1734 Proved 4 June 1734
IN THE NAME of GOD AMEN. I Claus Rittinghausen of Roxborough Township in the County of Philadelphia in the Province of Pensilvania, papermaker being sick & weak in body, but of a sound & disposing mind & memory, thanks be given unto God, therefore Considering the uncertainty of this Transitory life & the certainty of Death Do make & ordain this my last will & Testament in manner & form following. That is to say: First of all I recommend my Soul into the hands of God my merciful Creator & Saviour, and my body I commit to the Earth to be decently buried at the direction of my Executors hereafter named, whom I also desire to pay & satisfy all my just Debts which I owe to any manner of persons, as also funeral expenses & Legacies herein mentioned within a convenient time after my Decease. And for the settling of my worldly & Temporal Estate wherewith it hath pleased the Lord to Bless mine endeavours I Devise and Dispose of the Same as followeth, Imprimis, I give and Bequeath all & singular my movable Goods &Chattels to my loving wife Willimijn during her Natural life & what remains thereof after her decease to be equally divided amongst all my children. Item. I give, Devise & Bequeath to my Eldest son William Rittinghausen All & Singular that piece or parcel of Land Situate in the Said Roxborough Township and Joining North Easterly to German Town line containing Twenty Acres of Land (which I purchased of Samuel Carpenter) Together with the papermill, Buildings & Appurtenances, thereunto belonging, and also that piece or parcel of Land Situate in the Sd. Roxborough Township Joining North Easterly to the said Germantown line & North Westerly to Jacob Rinkers land & containing Fifty Acres of Land which I purchased of .Matthew Holtgate, Together with the Improvements & appurtenances thereunto belonging. To Hold the said Two pieces or parcels of Land & premises to him the said William Rittinghausen his heirs & Assigns for Ever. He the said my son William Rittinghausen paying to my said wife Willemijn the Sum of Eighty pounds Lawful money of Pensilvania in eight years time after my Decease, viz. Ten pounds part thereof yearly with Interest thereof, till the whole is paid, and to let my said wife have a room at her choice in one of the Houses on the said Twenty Acres of Land during her life time. Item. I give and Bequeath to my Daughter Seikie one Shilling money, She having received her portion in my lifetime. Item I give & Bequeath to my Daughter Catherine one Shilling money afd, She having received her portion in my life time. Item I give & Bequeath to my Daughter Mary one Shilling money afd, she having Received her portion in my life time Item, I Give & Bequeath to my Son Henry one Shilling money afd, he having received his portion in my life- time, Item I give & Bequeath to my son Matthias one shilling, money afd he having received his portion in my lifetime. Item. I give and Bequeath to my Daughter Susanna one Shilling money Afd she having received her portion in My lifetime, and my will is. That if my said wifedo not make use of all the said Eighty pounds to be paid to her by my Said son William in her lifetime, Then after her Decease, the Remainder to be Equally divided Amongst my said children Share & Share alike And I do hereby constitute & appoint my Said loving wife Willemijn and my Brother Gerard Rittinghausen to be my Executors of this my last will & Testament Lastly I do hereby Utterly disallow Revoke and Annull all & other former wills Legacies & Executors by me in anywise before this time made Bequeathed & ordained. Ratifying, Confirming this & no other to be my last will & Testament. IN WITNESS whereof 1 have hereunto set my hand & seal the twenty fourth day of May In the year of Our Lord, one thousand Seven hundred & Thirty four.
CLAUS RITTINGHAUSEN. [SEAL.]
Signed, Sealed, published and delivered by the said Testator as his last Will and Testament in the presence of us Witnesses
JACOB RINKER GEORGE HAAS WILLIAM DeWEES HENRY PASTOR1US
SOURCE of INFORMATION
SHIPS PASSENGER LISTS by Carl Boyer 3rd published in 1980. Copy of this book is in my library.
LANDOWNERS OF PHILADELPHIA COUNTY 1734 republished in 1990 by Adams Apple Press in Bedminster, Pa. A copy of this book is in my library.
FIRST TAX LIST OF PENNSYLVANIA 1693 republished by Adams Apple Press in 1994. A copy of the pertinent pages are in my files including a copy of the petition mentioned above.
RITTENHOUSE FAMILY HISTORY by Daniel K. Cassel published in 1893. A copy of this book is held by the Conrad Grebel Library at the University of Waterloo in Waterloo, Ontario. There is a copy in my library as well.
GERMANTOWN CRIER Volume 35 Number 1 winter 1982/3. A copy of this issue is in my library.
PENNSYLVANIA MENNONITE HERITAGE. Article by Jeffrey L. Godshall titled The Traditional Farmhouse of the Franconia Mennonite Community. A copy of this article is in my file.
RITTENHOUSE FAMILY NEWSLETTER Number 2 December 1989. copy in my file shows the Mennonite Meeting House in Germantown and the original 1707 house.
RITTENHOUSE FAMILY NEWSLETTER Number 3 June 1990. Copy in my file shows a painting of the original paper mill.
THE CUSTER FAMILY by Agnes Williamson Storer published in 1937. Copies of pertinent pages are in my files.
THE KOLB FAMILY by Elinore C.Custer. Copies of pertinent pages are in my files. the book is held by the Conrad Grebel Library at the University of Waterloo in Waterloo, Ontario.
GERMANTOWN 1683-1933 by Edward L. Hocker published in 1933. Copies of many pages are in my files and the book is held by the Largo Public Library in Largo, Florida.
THIRTY THOUSAND NAMES of IMMIGRANTS TO PENNSYLVANIA by I.Daniel Rupp published in 1876. Copies of the pertinent pages are in my files. The book is held by the Orlando Public Library in Orlando, Florida.
WILLIAM PENN and the DUTCH QUAKER MIGRATION to PENNSYLVANIA. by William I. Hull published in 1912 and republished in 1970 by Genealogical Publishing Co. in Baltimore, Maryland.
NEW WORLD IMMIGRANTS Volume 1 by Michael Tepper published in 1980 by Genealogical Publishing Co, in Baltimore, Maryland.
LAND, PIETY AND PEOPLEHOOD by Richard K. MacMaster published in 1985 by Herald Press in Kitchener, Ontario. A copy of this book is in my library.
HISTORY OF SOUDERTON by Henry S. Landis 1930. Republished by Adams Apple Press, Bedminster, Pa. in 1993. A copy of this book is in my library.
THE SPRUCE. A handwritten 35 page manuscript (14 inches by 24 inches) held by the Wayne County Library in Wooster, Ohio. It is undated but was probably produced circa 1900-1910. It was part of the Curtis Rittenhouse Memorial Library which was willed to the Wayne County Library on the death of Curtis Rittenhouse, 1852-1936. It appears to be the working papers of a genealogy committee of the Rittenhouse Memorial Association which was founded in 1890. The pages are the research of several people working on different family lines, probably headed by Daniel Kolb Cassel. It is not known whether Curtis Rittenhouse was a member of this committee or whether he acquired the manuscript as an addition to his extensive genealogy library. Photocopies of the complete manuscript are in my library.
NICHOLAS (CLAES) RITTENHOUSE and WILHELMINA PIETRE DEWEES had the following children:
7 i. ZYTIAN (SYTJE)4 was born 1690
8 ii. WILLIAM DEWEES was born 28 November 1691
9 iii. MARY (MARIA) was born 1695
10 iv. CATHERINE was born February 1697
11 v. SUSANNA was born 1698
12 vi. HENRY was born 1 April 1700
13 vii. MATTHIAS was born 14 July 1702
5. ELIZABETH3 RITTENHOUSE (WILHELM2 RÜDDINGHUYSEN, CLAES1 RETTINGHAUSEN) (#551) was born in Geld, Arnhem, Netherlands 1670. ELIZABETH died 1720 in Germantown, Phil. Co. PA, USA, at age 50.
She married HEIVERT PAPEN 1690 in Germantown, Phil. Co. PA, USA. (HEIVERT PAPEN is #2618.) HEIVERT was born 1665 in Mulheim-on-Ruhr, Germany. HEIVERT died 30 January 1707 in Germantown, Phil. Co. PA, USA, at age 41.
HEIVERT PAPEN arrived in Germantown on 3 August 1689. He was Naturalized (received citizenship) with a number of other Germantown residents in 1691.
He was Chief Executor of Germantown in 1695 but resigned the office a year later because he opposed the taking of oaths and the infliction of hard punishment provided by law against offenders.
WILL OF HEIVERT PAPEN.
Written 30 January 1707-8 Proved 19 February 1707-8
Being weak in Body but through the Grace of God of a good understanding, and considering the uncertainties of our lives, I have thought it necessary to make known how 1 would have what Estate I leave behind disposed of and therefore make this my last Will and Testament. Firstly, I give and bequeath unto my loving wife Elizabeth Papen the whole and full possession of all my Estate both movable and unmovable during the time of her life, if she does not Marry again. 2ndly If my wife, after my decease, Should change her State by Marriage 1 give unto her One-third part of all my movable Estate, and the other two-thirds with all my unmovable Estate to be divided amongst my children as I shall hereafter order, viz. - First, give unto my eldest daughter Styntia Papen Twenty five pounds, Current lawful Money of this Province over and above her equal share with her Sisters, and the remainder to be equally divided between my five daughters, Styntia, Mary, Gaertrude, Margaret, and Elizabeth Papen after my youngest Daughter Elizabeth shall become of age, according to Law. 3rdly If my dear wife Should not change her state by marriage but keep the full possession of all I have above given her, then After her decease, all to be divided amongst my five daughters as is above written. 4thly I choose my loving friend Claus Ruttinghuysen, Abraham Teunis and William Streeper, to be my Executors and to see this my last Will and Testament duly executed and performed. In confirmation, of the within written, my last Will and Testament I have hereunto set my hand and Seal this 30th day of January A. D. 1707-8.
HEIVERT PAPEN. [SEAL.]
Signed, Sealed, and delivered in the presence of Daniel Geislering Johannes Kosters Richard Vanderwarf
SOURCE of INFORMATION
RITTENHOUSE FAMILY HISTORY by Daniel K. Cassel published in 1893. A copy of this book is held by the Conrad Grebel Library at the University of Waterloo in Waterloo, Ontario. There is a copy in my library as well.
THE SPRUCE. A handwritten 35 page manuscript (14 inches by 24 inches) held by the Wayne County Library in Wooster, Ohio. It is undated but was probably produced circa 1900-1910. It was part of the Curtis Rittenhouse Memorial Library which was willed to the Wayne County Library on the death of Curtis Rittenhouse, 1852-1936. It appears to be the working papers of a genealogy committee of the Rittenhouse Memorial Association which was founded in 1890. The pages are the research of several people working on different family lines, probably headed by Daniel Kolb Cassel. It is not known whether Curtis Rittenhouse was a member of this committee or whether he acquired the manuscript as an addition to his extensive genealogy library. Photocopies of the complete manuscript are in my library.
ELIZABETH RITTENHOUSE and HEIVERT PAPEN had the following children:
i. STYNTIE4 (#22768) was born in Germantown, Phil. Co. PA, USA CA 1693. STYNTIE died 1728 in Vincent Twp., Chester Co., Pa., at age 35.
14 ii. MARIA (MARY) was born 1695
15 iii. GERTRUDE CATHERINE was born 1697
16 iv. MARGARET RITTENHOUSE was born 1699
17 v. ELIZABETH was born 1700
6. GERHARD (GARRETT)3 RITTENHOUSE (WILHELM2 RÜDDINGHUYSEN, CLAES1 RETTINGHAUSEN) (#552) was born in Geld, Arnhem, Netherlands 1674. GERHARD died 19 February 1742 in Cresheim, Philadelphia Co., Pa., at age 67.
He married MARGARET (OR ANN) REVACOMB 1694 in Germantown, Phil. Co. PA, USA. (MARGARET (OR ANN) REVACOMB is #36189.)
GERHARD RITTENHOUSE owned a grist mill in Gresheim which was on the north edge of Germantown, Pa.. In 1687 he owned 447 acres on lots 1,2 and 3. Map showing these lots in Cresheim is in my Germantown files. 175 of these acres were purchased on 16 May 1715 from Hans Grof and his wife Susanna, who lived in Stassburg, Chester County (later Lancaster County), Pa. The deed is found in Philadelphia County Deed Book D4 page 54 dated 16 May 1715 and recorded 12 February 1782.
Although there has been much discussion about who was the wife of Gerhard, I believe the most evidence available points to MARGE REVACOMB (RUBICAM). In a family tree found in the Wayne County LIbrary, Wooster, Ohio, it shows MARGE REVACOMB as Gerhard's wife. There is no identification on this loose page so it certainly can't be used as proof. However at the same library there is a more authentic document, It is a copy of a 5 page printed pamphlet issued by some member of the Brewer Family dated 27 September 1895. It shows the connection between the Rittenhouse and Brewer families which is in the 5th generation down from Gerhard through William-Peter-Elisha-Alanson and Hannah who married L. D. Brewer in 1845. The second page of this pamphlet is a drop chart that is stamped at the top with DANIEL. K. CASSEL, 4333 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia. In this chart it shows the wife of Gerhard as Miss Revacomb. So this comes closest to any proof of Gerhard's wife. But maybe Gerhard's Will contains the strongest information. He states "I appoint my trusty kinsmen, Charles and Justice Revacomb to be the Executors of my estate". Did he call them kinsmen because of their relationship to his wife ? Justus Wilhelm Rubenkam was married to Susanna Rittenhouse, Gerhardt's grandaughter and Charles Rubicam was married to Mary Rittenhouse, another of Gerhard'ts granddaughters. The name is spelled many ways. Rubenkam, Revecomb, Rubicam etc.
WILL of GERHARD (GARRET) RITTENHAUSEN
Philadelphia Will Book G Page 33
Written 7 February 1742 Proved 19 February 1742
IN THE NAME of GOD AMEN. I Gerard Rittenhausen of Creesham in Germantown in the County of Philadelphia and Province of Pennsylvania, Yeoman, being now Aged and also under some indispositions of body, but through the Great Mercy of' God, of Sound and well disposing mind and memory, thanks be given to God, therefore Considering the uncertainty of this Transitory Life and Certainty of Death, Do make and ordain this my last will and Testament in manner and form, following, that is to say First of all I recommend my Soul into the hand of God that gave it and my Body I commit to the Earth to be decently buried at the Discretion of my Executors hereafter named, whom I also desired to pay and Satisfy all my just Debts as also funeral Expenses, and Legacies herein mentioned within a Convenient Time after my decease. And for the settling of my Worldly and Temporal Estate, wherewith it hath pleased the Lord to Bless mine Endeavors. I desire and Dispose of the same as followeth Imprimis.-
I give, devise and bequeath unto my Eldest Son William Rittinghausen all that my land situate in the said Creesham which lies on the North East side of the Highway leading from Germantown to North Wales, to hold to him, his Heirs and Assigns for ever.
Item. I give and bequeath and devise to my youngest son Peter Rittinghausen and Ann his wife All that my Plantation whereon I now dwell, Situate in the said Creesham and Lying between the Lands of Matthias Walsam and John Hammer, and is in length from the Highway that leads from Germantown to North Wales, till to the line of Roxborow Township, To hold the said Plantation with the Buildings and Appurtenances to them the said Peter Rittinghausen and Ann his wife during their or either of their Natural Lives they the said Peter and Ann to make no waste of or in the same. And my will is that after the decease of the said Peter and Ann his wife, The said Plantation and Appurtenances thereof shall be for, and descent to my grand children, Sons and Daughters of Peter Rittinghausen, viz.-Mary, Barbara, Susanna, Margaret, Gared and Jacob, to be equally divided, to hold to them my Said Grand children, and to their respective and Several Heirs, and Assigns for ever, the said Peter Rittinghausen paying therefore to his brother William the sum of fifty Pounds, in manner following, Twelve Pounds ten Shillings Yearly for four years, After my decease, Pennsylvania currency,
Item, I give and bequeath to my Youngest son Peter Rittinghausen and Anna his wife all that my Grist mill and the Land thereto appertaining with their Appurtenances, to hold to them, or either of them during their Natural Lives. They, the said Peter and Ann to make no waste of, or in the same. And my Will is that after the decease of Peter & Ann his wife the said Mill and Land thereunto Appertaining with their Appurtenances shall be for and descent to my Grand children, the Sons & Daughters of Peter Rittinghausen, viz.- Mary, Barbara, Susanna, Margaret, Gared and Jacob, to be equally divided between them. To hold to them my Said Grand children, and to their several respective heirs and Assigns for ever. Item.-I give and bequeath all & Singular my personal Estate Goods and chattles to my said two sons William and Peter to be equally divided amongst them, and I do hereby constitute & appoint my Trusty Kinsmen Charles Revacomb and Justice Revacomb to be my Executors of this my last will and Testament. Lastly. I do hereby utterly disallow, revoke and disannul all other former Wills, Legacies and Executors by me in any ways, before this time made bequeathed and ordained Ratifying & confirming this & no other to be my last Will & Testament. In Witness whereof 1 have hereunto set my hand and seal the Seventh day of February Anno Domini, One thousand Seven hundred & forty two-three..
GERARD RITTINGHAUSEN (SEAL.)
Signed, Sealed, delivered & declared by the Testator as his last Will
and Testament, in the presence of us, Christopher Bastian William Reise John Hammer, Jr.
You will see from the above Will that GERRHARD granted all of his plantation on Cresheim Creek (lying between the lands of Matthias Walsam and John Hammer and up to the Roxborough Township line, with the grist mill and associated land) to his younger son, Peter, and all of his land on the northeast side of the highway leading from Germantown to North Wales to his oldest son, William. His name was given as Gerard Rittinghausen on his will; Garret and Gerhard were other spellings of his name and spelling of the family name included Rittinghuysen and Rittinghousen.
The names of Gerhard's wives have changed as more information has been gathered. At first (Daniel Kolb Cassel 1893: p. 75) it was believed he married an Ann Revacomb because her brothers, Justice and Charles Revacomb, were executors of his will. Larew (1975, page 91) suggests she might have been the wife of Gerard's son Peter.
SOURCE of INFORMATION
DR. CARL. M. SCHUSTER JR., PhD, Arlington, Virginia.
THE SPRUCE. A handwritten 35 page manuscript (14 inches by 24 inches) held by the Wayne County Library in Wooster, Ohio. It is undated but was probably produced circa 1900-1910. It was part of the Curtis Rittenhouse Memorial Library which was willed to the Wayne County Library on the death of Curtis Rittenhouse, 1852-1936. It appears to be the working papers of a genealogy committee of the Rittenhouse Memorial Association which was founded in 1890. The pages are the research of several people working on different family lines, probably headed by Daniel Kolb Cassel. It is not known whether Curtis Rittenhouse was a member of this committee or whether he acquired the manuscript as an addition to his extensive genealogy library. Photocopies of the complete manuscript are in my library.
GERHARD (GARRETT) RITTENHOUSE and MARGARET (OR ANN) REVACOMB had the following children:
18 i. PETER4 was born February 1695
19 ii. WILLIAM was born 1696
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