Andreas Ludwig Casselman

Andreas was 12 years old when he arrived in America and lived to be 90 years old when he passed in PA. 

In 1716 at age 17 he took an Oath of Naturalization aka The Abjuration Oath which swore allegiance to King George I of England for naturalizing all Protestants of foreign birth living in 1715 and 1716 within the colony of New York. Since Andreas was born in Germany he could not hold title to real property until this formal act and the family was very much engaged in a struggle to do exactly that. The naval stores project had been a failure and the family was struggling to survive and secure the promise of lands they could own. 

One year later, in 1717 Andreas mother, Anna Elizabeth passed at age 53 or 54. Her husband Dietrich never remarries and only 3 of her 8 children are alive, 27 year old Anna Elisabeth, 18 year old Andreas and 6 year old Johann Wilhelm.

In 1719, 20 year old Andreas is married to 19 year old Margaretha Elisabetha Schaefer in Schoharie Valley, the place that the Palatines fled to when the naval stores project went bust. The same year their first child, William Henry is born in Stone Arabia, 30 miles north of the Schoharie Valley.  Margaretha went on to birth at least 6 more children, 7 of which are boys. There are 3 girls and 1 boy that are not well documented so not counting those. 

1722 there is undocumented record of twins Lewis and Wilhelm born this year, and we do see their names in later records, however Andres was often called "Lewis" and Wilhelm could be interpreted as "William" and the common practice of modifying and duplicating names compound the difficulty including these in this record.

In 1723 Andreas and his father Dietrich are among 127 that finally receive titles to 12,700 acres of land divided into 28 parts in Stone Arabia. Dietrich got Lots 23 and 29 of 50 acres each and Andreas partnered with his wife's father Gerhard to secure their 28th's so probably about 900 acres. This puts this branch of the  Casselman family in control of about 1,000 acres by 1733 upon which they built farms, mills, wells, barns and homes. 

In 1734 Johann David is born in Stone Arabia. For about twenty years the family thrives and builds wealth on their land, from 1723 to about 1743.

July of 1741 a new governor is appointed to replace George Clarke who had been serving as governor since 1736 when William Cosby died.

April 5, 1742 Andreas sells half of the 900 acres to Hans Jost Snell.

In 1743 the new governor arrives in New York, Admiral George Clinton who made it his mission to protect the northern border from the attacking French but met resistance from the New York Assembly that didn't want to disrupt trade. James De Lancey, who had initially been his main adviser, turned against him and sought to block the governor's salary. Clinton therefore invited Sir William Johnson to take over responsibility for Native American affairs in 1746 and appointed Cadwallader Colden to be his advisor. Clinton was promoted to full admiral on 15 July 1747.] Working with the Mohawk chief Hendrick Theyanoguin, Johnson was able to recruit Mohawk warriors to fight on the side of the British in 1747 during King George's War. After continuing disputes with the assembly over military expenditure and payment of the governor's salary, Clinton resigned as governor in October 1753.

 I will speculate that 1744 is a tragic year that compels Andreas to leave the land the family had been fighting for since 1710 and they had only realized title in 1723 and 1733. Only twenty years elapsed before they sold out to the powerful Johnson family and staked their claim in Hampshire county.

1744 Turning Point

1744 is a momentous year for the family. This began a period of conflict known as "King Georges War" between the British colonies and the French over control of North American territory, primarily in the regions of New York, New England, and Nova Scotia; this war is also notable for the Treaty of Lancaster where the Iroquois Confederacy granted land to the English colonies in the Ohio Valley, further fueling tensions with the French. Given that the German settlers had very good relations with the Iroquois nation (See the Conrad Weiser story) it seems likely that "King Georges War" on the French and Indians would have been a challenging problem for Andreas as he had taken the Oath in 1716 so that he could obtain title to the Stone Arabia land. It seems equally certain that Andreas was well acquainted with a large part of the reason Dietrich and Anna had left their homeland was the carnage inflicted on their farms and villages by the French 40 years earlier in Germany. Certainly Dietrich would have shared the memories with his family so this was undoubtedly a frightening time for them. 

In 1744 Andreas' 82 year old father Johann Dietrich dies and Johann Lewis is born to 46 year old Andreas and 45 year old Margaretha in Stone Arabia. Their 18 year old son Conrad dies, 12 year old twins Sophia and Elisabeth die. On December 12, 54 year old sister Anna Elisabetha dies.  Brother Johann Wilhelm has taken sides with the British so by this point Andreas was probably feeling like an unwelcome outcast and rebel in the Stone Arabia valley that he and his father had helped settle.

1744  Mar 9 Winchester in Frederick Virginia is founded by James Wood when he lays off 26 lots of a 1/2 acre each.

1745 there is record that Andreas sells 280 acres to William Johnson, one of the powerful Johnson family who were loyal to and proxies for King George. There is a split in the family as Andreas brother Johann Wilhelm stays in New York and his sons join the British military. Many of these descendants end up in Canada where the line thrives to this day. 

Here we have a gap that appears to be a 400 mile journey through Pennsylvania to current day West Virginia. Wappocomo is an unincorporated community in Hampshire County in the U.S. state of West Virginia. The community is located south of Springfield on West Virginia Route 28 at Hanging Rocks along the South Branch Potomac River. Wappocomo has also historically been referred to as The Rocks, Wapocoma, and Wapocomo. Wikipedia

In 1746 Andreas' oldest son William Henry and wife Anna Margaretha have a son named William Henry 2nd who is born in Frederick, Virginia. In 1748 they have another named Jacob also in Frederick and 1753 Henry is born in Clarke, Virginia. 

In March 1748 we find a diary entry of Matthias Gottschalk, a Moravian itinerant missionary, "...to the South Branch...a German named Kasselman, in whose house I felt a peculiar grace ...Mr. Kasselman accompanied me three miles, he took me across the South Branch ...". (The Virginia Magazine of History and Biography. 1903. Vol. X , p. 66.) For meetings ... "Mr. Kasselmann, I believe, would be willing to permit the use of his house." ( ibid., 1904. Vol. X I , p. 226.). That bridge was most likely at the current "John Blue Bridge" which is exactly 3 miles north of Hanging Rocks. These two points indicate the father Andreas and wife Margaretha, sons William and his wife Anna Margaretha, Jacob and David, had settled on these lands, even before they actually had title from Lord Fairfax.

17 Aug 1749 two land grants, #28 of 300 acres & #29 of 404 acres, on Wappacomo or Great South Branch of Potomac in Frederick Co. VA from Lord Fairfax. (Frederick County VA: Northern Neck Grant Book G, p. 281-282.) Ten years later these were sold to David & Jacob. Note: William Castleman also received a grant on 23 Aug 1749. These lands are 60 to 65 miles west of Berryville, Virginia.

The early 50's must have been good years for the family as they soon acquired "Town Lots" in nearby Winchester, which was a bustling center of civilization about 50 miles east of their farms. A well conditioned horse can travel that distance in a day or two, maybe a three day horse and wagon trip.

15 May 1753 granted Town Lot #49 of 1/2A. & Commons Lot #48 of 5A. in Town of Winchester, VA. (Frederick County VA: Northern Neck Grant Book H, p.366.) Note: William Castleman & Jacob Castleman also granted lots. 

17 Jun 1754 "Castlemans wagon" to be kept & used near Wills Creek & Redstone by Col. Washington's Regiment. (Abbot, W.W. (Editor). The Papers of George Washington. Series 1, 1748-Aug 1755: Letter from John Carlyle to GW, pp. 140-141.) "The Castleman family was among the earliest families to settle in Frederick County." (ibid. Footnote 7. p. 144.) 

Mar 1756 suit by Henry Heath vs. Lodowick Castleman ; debt; to next Court on motion of defendant. (Frederick County VA Court Order Book 7, p. 25.) In the Court Order Book of Apr 1762 it is noted that the parties agreed to dismiss this case. Henry Heath was a doctor. ------

1757 on Virginia Tax list to pay with 25 pounds of tobacco. (Greene, Katherine G. 1926. Winchester, Virginia. and It's Beginnings 1743-1814. p. 388.) 

12 Apr 1757 paid for his horse hired by Col. Geo. Washington's Regiment [Regiment also hired horses from William Castleman & Jacob Castleman]. (DLC:GW, Reel 30, Series 4.) 

26 Sep 1757 a search was ordered of Quartermaster John Hamilton's house and "those of his intimates" that lasted through the night in the town and neighborhood of Winchester.

27 Sep 1757 Lewis Castleman is one of a number of people (including "young Mr. Castleman") in Winchester, VA, possessing sundry goods (listed with each person) suspected to have been purchased or stolen from the Soldiers. Reported that Lewis Castleman said, "items were left at his house by an Indian, at the time some were imprisoned in the town." (Abbot, W.W.: The Papers of George Washington. Colonial Series 4, p. 425.) “At Lewis Casslemans—3 canteens, 1 Bayonet, one wrest for a saw, one chissel, a cartridge-box, a gun-lock, a pair of Breeches, 2 Hangers, 1 axe, 1 Hand-cuff, and a bundle; which Castleman says was left at his House by an Indian, at the time some were imprisoned in this town. At young Mr Castlemans—2 canteens, and a pair of breeches. 

19 Nov 1757 At a called Court - Lodowich was charged with murder of James Haines, a VA soldier; he & witnesses (named) were examined and the Court decided he should be jailed & tried by the Court in Williamsburg, VA. (Frederick County VA Court Order Book 7, p. 321.) Note: Haines died 10 Nov 1757 at Ft. Loudoun in Winchester. He was in Col. George Washington's Regiment - as were the witnesses. Found no further record of the trial or the verdict. 

16 Jan 1758 Lodo paid 25 pounds tobacco tax and Wm. paid 73 lbs of tobacco tax to Frederick County collector James Woods.

1 0 Mar 1758 suit by Michael Ernest vs. Lodowick Castleman; debt; dismissed on motion of plaintiff. 

Sep 1758 suit by Jacob High vs. Lodowick Castleman & Robert Worth; ______ ; find for plaintiff. (Frederick County VA Court Order Book 8, p. 41 & p. 116.) 

12 Mar 1759 Ludwick of Hampshire Co. leased to David Castleman of Frederick Co. for 5 shillings; Lot # 29 of 404 acres on Great South Branch of Potomac River, grant from Lord Fairfax 17 Aug 1749. Sold & Recorded 12 March 1760 to David Castleman for £70. (Hampshire County VA Deed Book 1, pp. 27-29.) 

Apr 1759 suit by John Blagg vs. Lodowick Castleman; complaint; parties failed to appear. (Frederick County VA Court Order Book 8, p. 225.) 

18 Jul 1759 Ludwick of Hampshire Co. leased to Jacob Castleman of Frederick Co. for 5 shillings; Lot # 28 of 300 acres; also 119 acres a part of Lot # 29, on Great South Branch of Potomac River, grants from Lord Fairfax 17 Aug 1749. Sold & Recorded 12 Mar 1760 to Jacob Castleman for £70. (Hampshire County VA Deed Book 1, pp. 25-26.) 

5 Sep 1759 one of 12 people as defendants in suit by "Our Sov. Lord the King"; both sides heard; suit "dismis'd". (Frederick County VA Court Order Book 8, p. 313.) 

1760 on Virginia Tax list to pay with 22 pounds of tobacco. (Greene, Katherine G. (1926). Winchester, Virginia, and It's Beginnings 1743-1814. p. 393.) 

17 Jan 1761 Ladowick Castleman paid 220 lbs tobacco tax in Frederick County.

MARRIAGE: Between 1759 & 1761 Ludwig married Mary (Bush) Wallace Hancock, twice a widow, with five young children. 

9 Jun 1761 leased to Robert Craigen of Frederick Co. for 5 shillings; Lot #49 of 1/2 acre & #48 of 5 acres in the Town of Winchester ... grant from Lord Fairfax 15 May 1753. 

On 10 Jun 1761 Ludowick & wife Mary (her mark W) of Hampshire Co. sold to Robert Craigen for £70. Proved in Frederick Co. Court 4 Aug 1761 and the Court ordered Nathan & Benj. Kuykendall to visit Ludowick's home in Hampshire Co. to examine his wife Mary to confirm her release: Recorded 12 May 1762. (Frederick County VA De ed Book 6, pp. 543-547.) 

Sep 1762 suit by Lodowick Castleman vs. John Gale; continued to next Court. (Frederick County VA Court Order Book 10, p. 271.) 

Next we find Andreas (aka Lewis, Ludwig, Lodowick) and his new family in Pennsylvania

1761 cleared & improved a 300 acre plantation on Dunnings Creek about 4 miles from the Town of Bedford in Cumberland Co. PA. (reference from Bedford County PA Deed Book A , p. 497.) 

25 Jul 1763 acquired ticket from George Groghan for Lots # 11,12,13 on north side of broad street between Fort Bedford & Bedford Bridge in Town of Bedford. (reference from Bedford County PA Deed Book A, p. 481.) 

17 Jun 1767 Survey # 3881 on his 300 acres on Dunnings Creek, down the Creek & includes his improvements. [Survey # 3879 for Paul Waug, Sr..."adj. Ludwig Casselman"...on Dunnings Creek. p.112.] (Whisker, James B. (1985). The Bedford County Archives. Vol. 1, p. 93.) 

1768 Tax: Cumberland Co., Bedford: 2 horses, 4 cattle, 300 acres Unwarranted, 30 cleared. 

1769 Tax: Cumberland Co., Bedford: 4 horses, 3 cattle, 200 acres Warrented, 30 cleared. 

1770 Tax: Cumberland Co., Bedford: 2 horses, 2 cattle, 150 acres Land, 20 cleared. (Schaumann, Merri L. (1972). Tax Lists-Cumberland County Pennsylvania 1768, 1769, 1770. pp. 13, 24, 162.) 

10 May 1769 Lewis of Cumberland Co. to George Woods for £20 ... a certain improvement & tract of land made in 1761-2 on south side of Dunnings Creek ...a house 20X18 one story and half, a small field fenced & tilled, a meadow sowed with timothy [no acreage given]. Proved 18 Feb 1790 by Andrew Steel a witness. Recorded 13 Aug 1790 by David Espy. (Bedford County PA Deed Book C, pp. 325-326.) Note: this may have been a mortgage and was recorded after Ludwig's death. 

Apr 1771 suit by Lewis Castleman vs. Isaac Brown; debt of £30. (Bedford County PA Civil Court Docket.) ___

1772 on Quit Rents for Bedford Twp., Bedford Co., PA; 2 horses, 1 cattle, 488 acres, 50 acres improved. (Waterman, Watkins and Co. (1884). History of Bedford, Somerset, and Fulton Counties in Pennsylvania. p. 67.) 

1773 & 1774 Taxables for Bedford Twp, Bedford Co. PA. (PA Archives. Series 3, Vol 22, p. 18, p. 60.) 

29 Nov 1777 Lewis & wife Mary of Bedford Twp & Co. to George Woods & Thomas Smith for £300, 300 acres settled & improved in 1761 on Dunnings Cr., adjoining Paul Waugh, about 4 miles from Town of Bedford - as of Survey # 3881 entered 17 June 1767 in Land Office of PA. Proved: 22 May 1783 by Thomas Vickory who swore he recognized one witness' signature. Recorded 22 May 1783 by David Espy. (Bedford County PA Deed Book A, pp. 497-498.) 

27 Jul 1781 Lewis Casselman of Bedford Twp & County to Thomas Anderson for £15, lots # 11, 12, 13 [each 60 ft. x 230 ft.] in Town of Bedford on North side of broad street between Fort Bedford & Bedford Bridge...acquired ticket or Instrument on 25 July 1763 from George Groghan. Proved 27 July 1781 by Lewis who personally came before David Espy, Justice of Court. Recorded 9 May 1783. (Bedford County PA Deed Book A, pp. 481-482.) 

1783 on Supply Tax list in Bedford Twp & County: 300 acres, 2 horses, 1 cattle. Taxed 1.5.0. (PA Archives. Series 3, Vol 22, p. 205.) 

1784 on Returns for Bedford Twp & County: __ Acres, 1 Dwelling house, 9 Whites, __ Blacks. (PA Archives. Series 3, Vol 22, p. 273.) 

30 Jan 1789 Lewis/Ludwig Castleman’s Will was written & signed with his mark: he gave every thing he owned ..."to my Lawful wife Mary Castleman ... to dispose of as she thinks proper or necessity compels her to ~~ NB: said plantation of Lewis Castleman lies joining Brushs Creek & Dunnings Creek." Proved: 5 Sep 1789 by witnesses, Michael Smyth & John Chrisman before David Espy, Registor. (Original Will at the Courthouse in Bedford, PA.) 

DEATH: between 30 Jan & 5 Sep 1789 Ludwig Casselman died in Bedford County, PA. at 90+ years of age.