Minerd.com Biography of John Youngken and Wives Anna Maria Essig and Barbara Wimmer of Bucks County, PA

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John Youngken
(1743- ? )

John Youngken was born in about 1743 in Philadelphia, PA, the son of German immigrants Johann "Herman" and Magdalena Youngken.

On March 12, 1771, he entered into marriage with Anna Maria Essig ( ? - ? ), a name Americanized to "Essey." Their wedding ceremony was held in St. Michael's Zion Church in Philadelphia.

Seven known offspring of this union were John "Nicholas" Younkin, John "Michael" Junghen, Abraham Yunkin, Anna Catharine Junghen, John Junghen, Mary Magdalena Seip, Elizabeth Junghen and Margaret Hoffman/Huffman. It's possible that Anna Catharine wed Conrad Lotroe.

He was said to have been a blacksmith but to have made farming his primary occupation. According to an 1899 book of Bucks County biographies, reprinted in a 1938 edition of the Younkin Family News Bulletin, "he erected a log house and sawmill, both of which were still in good condition, and are landmarks of the district; he cleared the land and carried on agricultural pursuits the remainder of his active days."

In the years 1788 to 1798, he held a seat as a trustee of the Nickamixon Lutheran Church.

John's second wife was Barbara Wimmer ( ? - ? ).

The second marriage's only son was David Youngken. At David's baptism, performed in April 1804 by Rev. Mensch, they received a baptismal certificate written in German and later republished in the Younkin Family News Bulletin: "Diesen beyden ehegatten als Eohanes Eunchen und seiner ehalichen hausfrau eina geborne Wimmer is ein schalein zur welt geboren als David ist zur welt geboren em eahr unsers herrn easu 1804 den 5ten tag Aprill um 5 uhr morgens em zeichen de ist getauft worden von pfarren mensch sina tauf zengen warren Jacob Funk und seine ehe frau Susanna."

The English translation of the baptismal certificate was: "The two untied persons John Youngkin and his united wife a born Wimmer; a son is born called David, is born in the year of our Lord 1804, the 5th day of April at 5 o'clock in the morning, was baptized by Rev. Mensch and his godfather and godmother were Jacob Funk and his wife, Susanna."

John is said to have served in the Revolutionary War as a member of the Nockamixon Township company of militia. On one occasion, while in a camp near home, he and his fellow militiamen were drinking and gambling when discovered by John's father-in-law, Mr. Wimmer. According to a story told by a grandson, Josiah Youngkin:

...an argument ensued, which ended by John striking Mr. Wimmer and knocking him down. After this incident he left for parts unknown, never to return. He was supposed to have gone to Luzerne County, and engaged in mining of coal and, to have acquired considerable wealth, when he died he owned valuable coal lands. It was said of him, that he married bigamously a woman named McLaughlin by whom he had two children.

In 1899, grandson Josiah G. Youngken attempted to lay claim to the coal lands in Luzerne, generating an article in the Philadelphia Times. The story said that the grandson:

...lives in a frame mansion, near Applebachville, on the road leading from Richlandtown to the Bethlehem road, in Bucks county... Mr. Youngken's fight for the property will be based on the following allegations, which he says he is ready to prove: His grandfather, Youn Youngken, married Barbara Wimmer and, many years ago lived in Richlandtown, but mysteeriously disappeared. He is reported to have gone to New Jersey, thence to Easton, and finally to have settled in Luzerne county, where he purchased more than 300 acres of coal land, from which fields more than 1,000,000 tons of coal have since been mined, and which are estimated to be worth at present $5,000 an acre. John is reported to have there married and shortly afterward died. The heirs to his estate tried to settle, but the Easton branch of his family would not lay any claim to the estate. John Youngken had two children by his first wife, a son David, the father of Josiah, being one of them. No divorce has evern been recorded between John Youngken and his wife Barbara. Many of the old residents of Richlandtown remember the sudden disappearance of John Youngken, but as railroad, telegraph and mails were little used or not property constructed, the missing man could not be traced. Josiah Youngken has in his possession an old Bible which belonged to his father, DAvid, and gives the date and place of birth, and also the marriage certificate of his great-grandfather, John Youngken.

He was deceased by 1829.

More than a century later, John and Anna Maria were named in articles in the Christmas 1937 and April 30, 1938 editions of the Younkin Family News Bulletin.

~ Son John "Nicholas" Younkin Sr. ~

Son John "Nicholas" Younkin Sr. (1772-1848) was born on Feb. 21, 1772. He was baptized in infancy in the Old Williams Lutheran Church by Rev. Nicholas Mensch.

He is believed to be the same "John Nicholas Youngken" who, according to William J. Buck's 1893 book Account of the Buck Family of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, purchased his grandfather Youngken's farm in 1790 and sold it two years later.

Having learned that he could harness the power of the moving water of Haycock Creek, he built the framework for a new sawmill. Then in 1792, when he bought a tract of land along the creek about a mile away, from sellers Rev. Peter and Catharine Ohl, he took the framework along and erected the first water-powered sawmill in that vicinity.

Nicholas Sr.'s farms near Bucksville in Nockamixon Township, 1850, with the abbreviation "S.M." indicating his sawmill. Library of Congress

Wrote Buck: "This property has been since continuously in the family. The Youngken homestead above Bucksville has of recent years been known as the Lacey farm, which previously had been long in the possession of the Fenner family and later of Alfred Buck now of South Bethlehem."

In September and October 1814, he and his brother Abraham are believed to have served in Captain Wilson's Bucks County Company at Marcus Hook for the defence of Philadelphia during the War of 1812.

John Nicholas first was joined in marital union with Catherine Verity ( ? - ? ).

Three children were borne of this union -- Nicholas Younken Jr., Maria Fischler and Jane Sterner.

Sadly, Catherine died before 1814.

He was united in matrimony with his second wife, Mary Elizabeth Young ( ? - ? ), by the hand of Rev. Mensch.

Their children were John Younkin, Mary Younkin, Julia Ann Kohl, Catherine Ann Zoellner/Selner, Henry Herman Younkin, Abraham Youngken, Herman Younkin and Jesse Younkin.

Nicholas served at some point as a trustee of the Haycock Run schoolhouse in Springfield, located 100 yards north of the Haycock and Nockamixon Township border, along the road from Stony Point to Applebachsville. Built in 1822, wrote Buck,

It was a substantial stone structure, twenty-two feet square, containing five windows, with three of the sides containing desks, for the accommodation of the larger pupils, while the smaller ones were obliged to sit on rude benches constructed of slabs. The teacher had for his use a large oak chair and a medium sized table for a desk. The stove was of huge dimensions, admirably calculated for burning hickory wood. Owing to its location through the enforcement of the school laws it remained vacant and finally went to ruins about 1860 and by 1884 its materials were all removed so that the spot is no longer visible to a stranger passing that way. Among the teachers that taught here were "Billy" Smith, "Old Davie" from York State, Henry S. Afflerbach of Springfield; Isaac McCarty and Isaac McIntyre, of Nockamixon; Mr. Fabian, Dr. John Hoot, of Haycock; Petit Burson, of Bursonville, and Thomas Miller, of Stony Point. Among the trustees were Nicholas Youngken, Frederick Selner, Samuel Fluck, William Campbell, Jacob E. Buck and John E. Mondau.

Mary is said to have passed away in Reigelsville, Bucks County at the age of 86 on Jan. 3, 1883. Not all of the dates are in alignment in this family and need to be verified. John Nicholas' sawmill is said to have been rebuilt several times, and a plank bridge over Haycock Run was constructed at the site of the mill during the Civil War in 1863.

The family's 85-acre farm in Nockamixon Twp., 1891. Library of Congress

Nicholas Jr.'s farm, 1891
Courtesy Library of Congress

Son Nicholas Younken Jr. (1818-1912) was born on Oct. 27, 1818. He was a lifelong bachelor, and earned his keep as a farmer and lumberman, maintaining possession of his father's real estate. In 1880 and 1900, he lived in the household of his married brother Henry. In 1889, Nicholas and his brother Henry among others signed a petion to establish Bridgeton Township from its parent Nockamixon Township in Bucks County, as cited in the 1905 book History of Bucks County, Volume 2, by William W.H. Davis. His name also is marked in the 1891 atlas of Bucks County, spelled "Youngkin." The map shows the precise location of his 85-acre farm in Seip's School District southwest of the community of Bucksville. Sadly, after Nicholas congracted "la grippe" (influenza) and congestion of the lungs and died in Nockamixon Township on March 11, 1912, at the age of 93. The aged remains were interred in Durham, PA.

Daughter Maria Younken (1817-1872) was born in about 1817. She wed Gottfried Fischler (1801-1854), also spelled "Godfrey Fishler," of Trenton, NJ. The couple is believed to have produced four offspring, Joseph Fishler, Mary Fishler, Sarah Daubert and Almeira/Elmira Fishler. The federal census of 1850 shows the couple in Easton, Northampton County, with Gottfried laboring for a living. In the household that year were daughters Sarah and Elmira as well as Reuben and Susan Gardner, Joseph Gardner, Mary and Justine McCartney. Research by others gives Gottfried's date of death as July 24, 1854, in Easton, with interment in Easton Cemetery. If so, Maria lived for the next 18 years as a widow. She dwelled under the Easton roof of son-in-law and daughter Amandus and Sarah Daubert in 1860. The spirit of death carried her away in Easton in Aug. 1872.

Grandson Joseph Fishler (1824-1903) was born on Jan. 28, 1822 in Easton and must have been a stepson of Maria's. He died at the age of 81, in Trenton, NJ, in Dec. 1903. His remains were laid to rest in Easton Cemetery.

Granddaughter Mary Fishler (1832- ? ) was born on Oct. 15, 1832.

Granddaughter Sarah Fishler (1834-1920) was born on April 4, 1834 in West Easton, Northampton County. She entered into marriage with Amandus A. Daubert (1830-1906). Four known offspring of this union were Edwin Forrest Daubert, Thomas Daubert, Clara Thompson, Elmira Stamets, Augustus Daubert, Joseph Daubert and Roscoe Daubert. The family dwelled in Easton in 1860-1906. Sadly, Amadus died on July 6, 1906, with an obituary printed in the Allentown Morning Call. Death enveloped her in Philipsburg, Warren County, NJ in May 1920. Her remains were brought to Easton to sleep eternally in Easton Cemetery.

Granddaughter Almeira/Elmira Fishler (1842- ? ) was born on Dec 16, 1842. She appears to have been baptized on Sept. 15, 1849.

Daughter Jane Youngken (1804-1847) was born on Jan. 30, 1804 in Bucks County. She was united in the bonds of matrimony with John Sterner ( ? - ? ). The identified children of this brood were Ephraim Sterner, Elisabeth Sterner, Josiah Sterner, Barbara Ann Sterner, Janet Sterner, John Sterner and William Sterner. Sadness cascaded over the family when Jane died of fever at the age of 43 on Sept. 26, 1847. Burial was in Easton's St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery. No stone is known to mark the grave. According to a page about St. John's on Find-a-Grave, "In 1873 a large portion of the cemetery became the grounds of Taylor School; headstones were moved to the German Reformed Church Cemetery ... (which, in turn, was removed to make way for the Easton Public Library). In 1889 a Sunday School addition was added to the church over a portion of the cemetery, some of the headstones remain in a 'grave cellar' which may be open to the public once a year but they are few in number." Their children have been identified but their individual stories have eluded researchers.

Grandson Ephraim Sterner ( ? - ? )

Granddaughter Elisabeth Sterner ( ? - ? )

Grandson Josiah Sterner ( ? - ? )

Granddaughter Barbara Ann Sterner ( ? - ? )

Granddaughter Janet Sterner ( ? - ? )

Grandson John Sterner ( ? - ? )

Grandson William Sterner ( ? - ? )

Son John Youngken (1815-1891) was born on April 3, 1815. He tied the marital knot with Maria Kressler (Feb. 10, 1811-1860). Four offspring of this family were Emmy Leonard, Mary Jane Youngken, John Jerome Youngken and Emaline Youngken. Sadly, Maria died at the age of 49 on April 14, 1860. John outlived her by more than three decades. As of 1880, he made a home with his son John Jerome in Hellertown, Northampton County, PA. He passed away at the age of 76 on April 9, 1891. Burial was in Durham Union Cemetery.

St. Paul's, Applebachsville.
Courtesy Donna (Younkin) Logan

Granddaughter Emma "Emmy" Youngken (1839-1873) was born in about 1839. She married L. Leonard ( ? - ? ). Death swept her away at the age of 34 years, six months and 21 days on April 17, 1873. Her remains were laid to rest in Saint Pauls Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery, Applebachsville, Bucks County. Her marker was photographed in the 1990s by cousin and researcher Donna (Younkin) Logan.

Granddaughter Mary Jane Youngken ( ? - ? ) -- did she marry Frederick H. Koch ( ? - ? ) of Philadelphia on June 11, 1867, by the hand of Rev. W.S. Emery, as reported in the Bucks County Intelligencer?

Grandson John Jerome Youngken (1845- ? ) was born in 1845 in Springfield Township, Bucks County. Evidence suggests that he was united in wedlock with Catharine (1950- ? ). Three children of this marriage were Ida Agnes Youngken (1869- ? ), John H. Youngken (1875- ? ) and Philip C. Youngken (1878- ? ). They established their dwelling-place in Hellertown, Northampton County, PA. There, in 1880, John worked at a nearby furnace, and his aged father was under their roof. An Oct. 2, 1896 article in the Philadelphia Times suggests that John "Herbert" at age 21 was arrested for a domestic burglary and his 12-year-old brother Philip held as a witness to the crime.

Granddaughter Emaline Youngken (1850- ? ) was born in 1850 in Springfield Township, Bucks County.

Daughter Mary Younkin (1821- ? ) was born in Nov. 1821. She was joined in wedlock with John Musselman ( ? - ? ). The pair has not yet been located in the U.S. Census of 1850.

Daughter Julia Anna "Juliann" Younkin (1823-1907) was born in July 1823. She entered into marriage with John Kohl (1817?-1889?). Their two known children were Henry Franklin Kohl and (?) Arthur. Evidence hints that John died in Durham, Bucks County on May 18, 1889. Julia's final address was with her granddaughter Mrs. Stewart Long in Easton at 1113 Ferry Street. Stricken with cancer of the left arm, and problems with her salivary glands, at the age of 84, she surrendered to the angel of death on Sept. 1, 1907. Mrs. Arthur, of Easton, provided key details for the official Pennsylvania certificate of death. The remains were laid to rest in Durham Cemetery. An obituary was published in the Allentown Morning Call.

Great-grandson Henry Franklin Kohl (1846-1934) was born on Nov. 24, 1846. He wed Amelia Reichert Fulmer (Oct. 4, 1849-1935), daughter of Leidy Fulmer. They dwelled in Durham, Bucks County. At the age of 87, Henry died from the effects of chronic heart valve disease on July 31, 1934. Amelia survived for fewer than six months. Also having developed chronic heart valve disease, death overtook her on Jan. 10, 1935. Interment was in Durham Cemetery. Edward A. Unangst of Durham signed the death certificate.

Granddaughter (?) Kohl married John Arthur. Their residence in 1907 was in Easton.

Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Courtesy Tom Myers

Daughter Catherine Ann Younkin (1826-1913) was born on July 19, 1826 or 1829 in Nockamixon Township, Bucks County. When she was 38 years of age, on Nov. 8, 1867, she wed Charles Zoellner (1833 ? ), also spelled "Zelner," "Sellner" and "Selner," a native of Springfield Township, Bucks County, and the son of Sarah Zoellner. Rev. D. Rothrock presided, with the news reported in the Bucks County Intelligencer. One known son of this later-life union was John Nicholas Selner. The federal census enumerations of 1870 and 1880 show the family in Springfield, with Charles toiling as a farmer. By 1900, the Selners had moved to Freemansburg, Northampton County, with the census-taker recording his occupation as "capitalist." They remained in Freemansburg to the end. Sadly, Charles died at the age of 73 on Dec. 18, 1904. Catharine outlived him by nine years. Suffering from what a doctor called "cerebral softening," she was felled by a heart attack and, after 55 days, passed into the arms of the angelic host on Dec. 18, 1913. The informant for her death certificate was P.A. Bergstresser of Hellertown, PA. Burial was in Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Bucks County.

Grandson John Nicholas Zelner/Sellner/Selner (1869-1956) was born on the Fourth of July 1869 in Springfield Township, Bucks County. At the age of 30 in 1900, still a bachelor, he lived with his parents in Freemansburg and worked in a merchandise and feed store. He is believed to have been united in matrimony on Jan. 20, 1908, with Ellamina Nicholas ( ? - ? ), a resident of Northampton Heights. Rev. E.R. Jaxheim presided at the ceremony in Christ Lutheran Church in Freemansburg, with the marriage announced on the pages of the Philadelphia Inquirer. They were longtime farmers and belonged to the Trinity Evangelical and Reformed Church in Springfield Township. His name generally appears to have been spelled "Selner" in adulthood. In the 1950s, he resided in Allentown at 1903 Turner Street. With his health in decline, John was admitted to live in the Phoebe Home, a senior living facility in Allentown. There, burdened with an enlarged heart, heart disease and hardening of the arteries at the age of 86, he died on Feb. 9, 1956. Rev. Sydney Smith, superintendent of the Phoebe Home, signed the death certificate, spelling the deceased's last name as "Selner" and the names of John's parents as "Charles Zoellner" and "Catharine Ann Youngken." There was no viewing. Burial was in Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Bucks County, with an obituary appearing in the Allentown Morning Call.

Son Henry Herman Youngken (1831-1924) was born on July 30, 1831 in Nockamixon Township. After receiving a grade-school education, he learned the trade of cabinet-making and worked in this field as a young man in Bethlehem and Easton, PA. On April 12, 1857, he married Anna Christianna Lenning (Sept. 1834- ? ), daughter of Adam and Christiana Lenning of Easton, OA. The nuptials were held in St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Easton, PA, by Rev. Stadtler, and announced in the Bucks County Intelligencer. Five children of this union were Sarah Youngken, Mary Alice Carlow, John N. Youngken, Abraham Lenning Youngken and Emma Jane Faben. Henry also was a longtime farmer and flour miller. When the federal census enumeration was made in 1880, his aged mother and brother Nicholas were in the household, as was a 37-year-old grandson, David Mensch. He and his brother rebuilt the old family flour mill. In 1889, Henry and his brother Nicholas among others signed a petition to establish Bridgeton Township from its parent Nockamixon Township in Bucks County, as cited in the 1905 book History of Bucks County, Volume 2, by William W.H. Davis. As of 1894, he is believed to have operated Chapmans Quarries Hotel in Northampton County.

Younkin Family News Bulletin, 1938

Henry also is credited with having served on the Committee on Arrangements for and event of the Buckwampun Literary Association to help celebrated the Bucksville Centennial. Others on this committee were John T. Buck, Harvey Kiser, Sylvester Buck, Owen George, and Abel Kohl, all residents in or near Bucksville, and the descendants of old and respected families," wrote William J. Buck in his 1893 book Account of the Buck Family of Bucks County, Pennsylvania. "Much credit is to be given to the various ways they faithfully labored in making the occasion a grand success." In 1907, at the death of his sister Julia, Henry was named in the Allentown Morning Call obituary. His final residence was in Nockamixon. Just a few months prior to Henry's death, in October 1924, Rev. O.N. Melchor paid a call to the home and "saw their marriage license dated April 12, 1851," reported the Morning Call. "Mr. Youngkin is 93 and Mrs. Youngkin is 91 and both are able to be about but very hard of hearing. Mr. Youngkin is blind in one eye and Mrs. Youngkin almost entirely blind." Henry Herman endured a stroke and surrendered to the angel of death on Dec. 28, 1924. Burial was in Durham. Grandson David N. Mensch, of Bucksville, PA, was the informant for the death certificate. A granddaughter, Gladys D. Youngkin, published a letter in the April 30, 1938 edition of the Younkin Family News Bulletin article saying the old farm was the original homestead and in the family until sold in 1925.

Granddaughter Sarah Youngken ( ? - ? )

Granddaughter Mary "Alice" Youngken ( ? - ? ) wed Robert Carlow ( ? - ? ) of Philadelphia. One known son was David M. Carlow.

Grandson John Nicholas Youngken IV ( ? - ? ) may be the same "John N. Youngken, son of Henry Youngken, Nockamixon," who in September 1894 was injured in a hunting accident. Said the Perkasie News Herald, he and Harry Kane of Bucksville "went into the woods to gun for squirrels. After chasing one into a hole in a tree, both men stood their guns against the tree and discussed ways and means of capturing the game. Youngken was leaning against the tree with his left hand, and they came to the conclusion the squirrel could not be caught. Kane picked up his gun, and in doing so struck the hammer against the tree, discharging the piece and sending the whole load through Youngken's arm above the wrist. The unfortunate man was taken to his father's house, where Dr. G.M. Grim, of Ottsville, bandaged the wound and ordered him to be sent to St. Luke's Hospital, Bethlehem. He was taken to that institution and Saturday afternoon his arm was amputated at the elbow." John married Lillie T. McCarty ( ? - ? ).

Grandson Abraham Lenning Youngken ( ? - ? ) entered into marriage with Eva Emaline Overholtzer (Nov. 26, 1873- ? ). The couple lived in Easton and at one point moved to Philadelphia. Three known offspring were Harold Henry Nicholas Youngken and Gladys Dorothy Youngken. They are named in the book Some account of Jacob Oberholtzer, who settled, about 1719, in Franconia township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania.

Granddaughter Emma Jane Youngken ( ? - ? ) married West Faben ( ? - ? ). They planted themselves in Bucksville, Bucks County and bore one daughter, Edith May Faben.

Son Abraham Youngken (1833-1857) was born on March 28, 1833 in Bucks County. In 1855, he entered into marriage with Mary Catherine Frankenfield (1832-1917), daughter of Henry and Anna (Datesman) Frankenfield. Sadly, their marriage was brief and produced one son, Abraham Frankenfield Youngken. When he was 24 years of age, he died in Bucks County on Nov. 13, 1856 or 1857. Burial took place in St. Luke's Evangelical Lutheran Church Cemetery in Ferndale, Bucks County. Mary Catherine married a second time, on Sept. 23, 1860, to Aaron Ziegenfuss (1830-1902). The Ziegenfusses bore five more offspring of their own -- Ellamanda Ziegenfuss, Anna Ziegenfuss, Mahlon Ziegenfuss, Henry Ziegenfuss and Harvey Ziegenfuss. She endured as a two-time widow and passed away at the age of 85 on Nov. 15, 1917. Burial was in Durham Cemetery in Bucks County. Mary and Abraham are mentioned in a section about the Frankenfield family in the 1905 book A Genealogical and Personal History of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Vol. III, authored by William W.H. Davis.

Abraham F. Youngken's 1858 baptismal certificate in German. In English: "The married man Abraham Youngken and his wife Maria Catharina a born Frankenfield has a son been born on the 31st day of March in the year of our Lord 1858. This son was born in Haycock Township in Bucks County in the State of Pennsylvania in North America, he was christianed and received the name Abraham on the 20th day of June in the year of our Lord 1858 from Mr. W.B. Kemmerer. Christianing witnesses: the mother of the child." Courtesy Edna (Youngkin) Swartz and Donna (Younkin) Logan

Grandson Abraham Frankenfield Youngken (1858-1934) -- also spelled "Younghen" -- was born on March 31, 1858 in Haycock Township, Bucks County. In June of that year, he was baptized by Rev. W.B. Kemmerer, with the parents receiving the traditional "taufschein," a certificate of baptism, written in German. Abraham was twice-wed. His first bride, on Nov. 2, 1878, was Mary Ellen Steeley (1857-1885). The wedding was announced in the Bucks County Intelligencer. Their trio of children were Mary Estella Youngkin, Oscar William Youngken and Christian Steely Youngkin. The eldest two children both died in September 1881, five days apart, with their tender remains lowered into repose in St. Luke's Evangelical Lutheran and Reformed Church Cemetery in Nockamixon. Sadly, Mary Ellen died in 1885 at the age of only 20. Abraham's second spouse, whom he married on June 12, 1886, was Ellemanda Bougher (1865-1928). They bore two children of their own -- Horace Youngken and Alvin F. Youngkin. The Youngkens were longtime farmers. Their residence was located along Hellertown Road in Lower Saucon Township, Northampton County, PA. Burdened with senility, Abraham died at the age of 75, on Feb. 18, 1934. Son Christian, of Bethehem, PA, provided details for the official Pennsylvania certificate of death. His remains sleep for the ages in Nockamixon Union Cemetery in Ferndale.

Alvin and Alice Youngkin

Great-grandson Christian Steely Youngkin (1883-1969) was born on May 25, 1883. On Christmas Eve 1904, at the home of the bride, he wed Minnie Georgia Serfass (1881-1972). Presiding was Rev. Sandt of the Lutheran Church of Freemansburg. They later told a newspaper reported that "For their wedding trip ... they traveled by horse drawn sleigh to the home of Mr. Youngken's father, Abraham Youngken, in Bucks Co. The couple recalled that it was so cold that the clocks stopped running and they were snowbound for several days." Christian earned a living over the years as a farmer and milkman, employed by Norbeth Dairy, with a residence along Hawthorne Road in Bethlehem, PA, and a membership in the Betheny United Church of Christ. He retired in 1950. Their address circa 1960 was 732 Hawthorne Road. At their 56th wedding anniversary, they were pictured in the local newspaper.He died at the age of 85, in Northampton County, on April 11, 1969. Burial was in Belfast Union Cemetery in the county. five known children were Georgia Herrity, Mary Marguerite Younken, Alvin W.S. Youngkin, Philip F. Youngken and Henry C. Youngken.

Great-grandson Horace Youngkin (1887-1972) was born on April 12, 1887. He entered into marriage with Anna E. Bean (1887-1942). The pair's three known children were Evelyn Pearl Youngken, Anna Kathryn Youngkin and Walter Bean Youngkin. Sadness cascaded over the family when Anna passed away in 1942. Death carried him away at the age of 84 on March 13, 1972. The remains sleep for all time in Nickamixon Union Cemetery.

Great-grandson Alvin F. Youngkin (1893-1963) was born on April 11, 1893. He was joined in wedlock with Alice Grace Weirbach (1894-1947). Alvin labored as a farmer and was employed by Bethlehem Fabricators. Together, they bore a family of four known individuals -- Clarence Edward Youngkin, Harold Abraham Youngkin, Ralph Louis Youngkin and Edna Swartz. Alice passed away in 1947 at the age of about 51. The angel of death cleaved him away on Sept. 20, 1963. The remains were lowered into the soil of Durham Cemetery in Bucks County.

Son Herman Younkin (1834- ? ) was born in 1834. Nothing more is known.

Son Jesse Younkin ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). He is said to have gone west. He was still living as of 1899.

Son Michael Youngkin ( ? - ? ) lived in Nockamixon in 1907 and was named in the Allentown newspaper obituary of his sister Julia Kohl.

~ John Michael Youngken ~

Son John Michael Youngken (1773- ? ) was born in bout 1773.

Sadly, he was deceased by 1850.

~ Son Abraham Yunkin ~

Delaware Water Gap - Courtesy Louise Floria

Son Abraham Yunkin (1775-1850) was born on Oct. 6, 1775 in Springfield Township, Bucks County, PA.

He entered into marriage with Elizabeth Hauser (March 25, 1773-1877), daughter of Ulrich Hauser.

Their only known daughter was Jemima Yunkin.

In September and October 1814, Abraham and his brother Nicholas are believed to have served in Captain Wilson's Bucks County Company at Marcus Hook for the defence of Philadelphia during the War of 1812. Other records show that he may have been assigned during the war to Capt. Patterson's Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Class.

The ensuing decades of their lives together are obscured by the silence of history, other than that they established a homeplace in Lower Smithfield Township, Monroe County, PA, and were there in 1840, with census records showing three people under their roof, one male and two adult females. It also is known that he was a miller of some type.

Sadly, on April 28, 1850, Abraham died at the age of 74 years, six months and 22 days, in Smithfield Township. His name was duly recorded in the United States Mortality Schedule for that year, which stated that the cause of his passing was consumption (tuberculosis) of three weeks' duration. As named in Abraham's last will and testament, Abraham Newhart served as executor of the estate. The final account of the estate's administration was announced in the Aug. 21, 1851 edition of The Jeffersonian of Stroudsburg.

Elizabeth outlived her spouse by 27 years. Her whereabouts in 1860 are not yet known.

When the federal census enumeration was taken in 1870, Elizabeth made a home in Smithfield Township with farmers Abraham and Susannah Newhart and their eight children.

The angel of death cleaved her away at the age of 84 on June 18, 1877. They sleep for the ages in Delaware Water Gap Cemetery. Their grave marker is legible and upright with the surname spelled "Yunkin."

Daughter Jemima Yunkin ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). She married (?) Newhard. One known child was Abraham Newhard. It is possible though not confirmed that her birthdate was Feb. 17, 1789, her husband was John ( ? -1870), their other children were Sarah Casebeer and Lewis Newhart, and she passed away on Jan. 15, 1857, with burial in Delaware Water Gap Cemetery.

~ Daughter Anna Catharine (Youngken) Leonard Dutro ~

Daughter Anna Catharina Youngken (1778- ? ) was born in 1778.

She was twice-wed. One of her spouses is said to have been John Leonard ( ? - ? ).

Another reputedly was Conrad Dutro ( ? - ? ).

More will be added here when learned.

~ Son John Youngken ~

Son John Youngken (1789- ? ) was born in about 1789.

He earned a living as a blacksmith.

Nothing more is known.

~ Daughter Mary Magdalena (Youngken) Seip ~

John David's grave, 1849
Courtesy Tom Myers

Daughter Mary Magdalena Youngken (1781-1873) was born on Oct. 25, 1781 or 1788 in Bucks County.

She was joined in the rite of wedlock with John "David" Seip (March 11, 1773-1849), son of Johan Jacob and Rosina (Mertz) Seipt.

Seven children resulted from this marriage -- William Seip, Anna Margaret Seip, Rosanna Wright, David Seip, Catharine Steely, Maria Maxwwell and Elizabeth Oldham.

Little more about their lives is known. John David died at the age of 76 on Oct. 12, 1849.

Mary Magdalena outlived him by 24 years. Death spirited her away at the age of 91 on July 28, 1873. Interment was in St. Luke's Evangelical Lutheran Church Cemetery in Ferndale, Bucks County. Her death was noted on the pages of the cross-state Pittsburgh Commercial, which said that her death "occurred at her residence in Nickamixon... at the advanced age of ninety-three, [and she] was the eldest person living in that neighborhood. She left thirty-eight grandchildren, forty great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild."

While David's grave is marked, Mary Magdalena's apparently is not. Information on this clan was provided to the late Donna (Younkin) Logan by Shirley Hadley of Englewood, CO.

Son William Seip ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). He wed Anna Maria Raub ( ? - ? ). His occupation over the years was as a tinsmith. Evidence suggests that he may have died in Reigelsville, Bucks County on May 7, 1882, at the age of 81, with burial in Durham Cemetery, and an obituary appearing in the Philadelphia Inquirer. This needs to be confirmed.

Daughter Anna Margaret Seip (1805- ? ) was born on March 1, 1805. At her infant baptism, her sponsors were her uncle and aunt, Anthony and Margaret (Youngken) Hoffman.

Daughter Rosanna Seip ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). She was united in matrimony with George P. Wright ( ? - ? ).

Son David Seip (1816-1885) was born on Aug. 7, 1816. He married Catharine (1819-1858), a New Jersey native. Their known offspring were Mary Ellen Seip, Theodore F. Seip, John Henry Seip, Sarah Seip and Emma Nicholas. The federal census enumeration of 1850 shows this family as farmers in Nockamixon Township, Bucks County, and living next-door to 62-year-old widow Mary Seip. Sadly, Catharine died in 1858. David survived his bride by 27 years and wed a second time to Louisiana "Lucy Ann" (1818- ? ). The family dwelled in Nockamixon in 1860, with Mary Seip (age 80), John (54) and Margaret (60) under his roof At the age of 69, he passed away on Aug. 16, 1885. His remains are in eternal repose in St. Luke's Evangelical Lutheran Church Cemetery in Ferndale, Bucks County.

Granddaughter Mary Ellen Seip (1845- ? ) was born in about 1845.

Grandson Theodore F. Seip (1847- ? ) was born on Aug. 11, 1847 and was baptized on Oct. 24 that year in St. Luke's Evangelical Church of Ferndale, Bucks County, A notation of the sacred event was made in the church records. It is possible that he may have married Elizabeth Hoot (Nov. 8, 1846-1920) and to have died on Nov. 25, 1934, with burial in St. John's Lutheran Cemetery in Quakertown.

Granddaughter Sarah Seip (1849- ? ) was born in about 1849, likely in Nockamixon Township, Bucks County.

Grandson John Henry Seip (1851- ? ) was born in 1851. He was united in matrimony with Catharine Matilda (McElroy) Slifer (1851-1915). A stone stands in his name in Upper Tinicum Cemetery in Bucks County, but without a year of death. Catharine died at the age of 64 on Sept. 5, 1915.

Granddaughter Emma Seip (1859-1906) was born in 1859 or 1861. Circa 1880, she tied the knot with Elias Nicholas (June 1851-1915). They made their residence in Durham, Bucks County and produced two offspring -- Jenny Nicholas and Raymond Nicholas. Elias earned a living as a miner of iron ore. Stricken with what a physician called "congestion of the brain," at the age of 45, she died in the state hospital in Norristown, PA on May 2, 1906. Dr. Mary M. Wolfe signed the death certificate. Burial was in Durham Cemetery.

Daughter Catharine Seip (1819- ? ) was born on March 7, 1819. She was joined in wedlock with Frederick Steely ( ? - ? ).

Daughter Maria Seip ( ? - ? ) tied the knot with William Maxwell ( ? - ? ).

Daughter Elizabeth Seip ( ? - ? ) married William Oldham ( ? - ? ).

~ Daughter Elisabeth Junghen ~

Daughter Elisabeth Junghen (1807-1840) was born in 1807.

The angel of death carried her away at the age of about 33 in 1840.

Her estate is recorded in Bucks County Estate Book 3, page 220.

~ Daughter Margaret (Youngkin) Huffman ~

Daughter Margaret Youngkin ( ? - ? ) was born on (?).

She wed Anthony Hoffman/Huffman ( ? - ? ).

Their duo of daughters were Mary Hoffman and Elisabeth Hoffman.

At the infant baptism of their niece Anna Margaret Seipt circa 1805, Margaret and Anthony served as sponsors.

Sadly, Margaret was deceased prior to December 1829.

Daughter Mary Hoffman ( ? - ? )

Daughter Elisabeth Hoffman ( ? - ? )

~ Son David Youngken ~

David Youngken's grave, 1884
Courtesy Tom Myers

Son David Youngken (1804-1884) was born on April 4, 1804. He was baptized in infancy by Rev. Mensch, with Jacob and Susanna Funk serving as his godparents. The pastor gave the parents baptismal certificate written in German.

David entered into the rite of marriage with Matilda Green (Sept. 8, 1809-1871).

Together, they produced one known son, Josiah G. Youngkin.

Matilda passed away at the age of 62 on Nov. 30, 1871.

David lived on for another nearly 13 years. The federal census enumeration of 1880 shows him in the household of his married son.

He was gathered in by the grim reaper of death at the age of 80 on Aug. 8, 1884. The remains were laid to rest in Richlandtown Union Cemetery in Bucks County. In its "Richlandtown" column, the Perkasie (PA) News Herald reported that he had been the "owner of the well known nursery and fruit farm lying on the limits of the town..."

A report about this branch was written by Gustavus N. Hart of Haddonfield, NJ and published in the Younkin Family News Bulletin edition of Christmas 1937.

Their grave markers stood erect and legible when photographed by Tom Myers, who posted them on the Find a Grave website and graciously has allowed his images to be used in this biography.

Son Josiah G. Youngkin (1827-1907) was born on Feb. 6, 1827 in Richland Township, Bucks County. He completed two years of study at the Quakertown School and then became a teacher himself, spending a dozen years as an educator. In 1853, at the age of 26, he married Maria Helen Minnich (1831-1897), daughter of Joseph and Sarah Minnich of Allentown. Their nine known offspring were Oswin A. Youngkin, Charles Eugene Youngken, Milton A. Youngken, Alice H. Youngken, Ida Stull, Elizabeth Jane "Lizzie" Younken, Titus C. Youngken, David J. Youngken and John Ferdinand Youngken. Five years into the marriage, Josiah is known to have acquired his father's farm at Richlandtown, where he "engaged in fruit growing, and his botanical garden is filled with the choicest of flowers," said a profile in the 1887 History of Bucks County, edited by J.H. Battle. In May 1885, the Perkasie News Herald reported that he was "building an addition to his house. He has torn down part of the old one." They are known to have held a dance at their residence in July 1893. In July 1897, the couple hosted a visit from Titus C. Youngken of Philadelphia. By 1899, the Youngkins lived in Springfield, Bucks County. He later showed his father's German-language baptismal certificate to a friend, Gustavus N. Hart of Haddonfield, NJ, and told him stories about the early days of the Revolutionary War era. Sadness blanketed the family when Maria Helen passed away on Dec. 16 or 22, 1897.

View of Perkasie, 1894 - Courtesy Library of Congress

The widowed Josiah spent his final years in Richland Township, Bucks County. He made news in the Philadelphia Times in July 1899 when laying claim to several millions of dollars worth of property in Luzerne County, which he said had belonged to his grandfather John. The article said that Josiah "lives in a frame mansion, near Applebachville, on the road leading from Richlandtown to the Bethlehem road, in Bucks county." It added that he "has in his possession an old Bible which belonged to his father, David, and gives the date and place of birth, and also the marriage certificate of his great-grandfather, John Youngken." Around that time, he leased his farm to Dr. A.G. Langler of Easton for purposes of mining ore. Having been afflicted with hardening of the arteries and a ruptured aorta, he died at the old homestead on Jan. 25, 1907, just 19 days shy of his 80th birthday. Interment was in Springfield Cemetery. Milton Youngken of Richland Township signed the death certificate. Burial was in Pleasant Hill Cemetery. An obituary in the North Penn Reporter spelled his name "Chessiah" but a similar one in the Perkasie News Herald spelled it correctly. Both versions said that "In his younger days he taught school and was also a school director at one time in Richland township." The News Herald added that he "was a respected and life-long resident near Richlandtown."

Profile in the 1887 History of Bucks County, edited by J.H. Battle
Courtesy Google Books

Grandson Oswin A. Youngkin (1855-1901)

Grandson Milton A. Youngkin (1859-1925) was born in about 1859. He was married to Senora S. Sloyer ( ? -1927). They were the parents of 10 -- Mrs. Charles Taylor, Bessie Youngkin, George Youngkin, Paul Youngkin, Norman Youngkin, Jessiah Youngkin and Walter Youngkin in addition to three who died young. Milton is known to have dwelled in Richlandtown in 1907. He suffered a stroke of apoplexy and died suddenly at the age of 66 on July 31, 1925. His obituary appeared in the Allentown Morning Call. Rev. E.H. Trafford officiated the funeral service. Senora lived for another two years. Having been in poor health and confined to bed, she died of paralysis on May 31, 1927. The funeral took place in the Springfield Church, jointly led by Rev. O.H. Melchor and Rev. Elbert Landis.

Granddaughter Alice H. Youngkin (1861- ? ) was born in about 1861 and grew to womanhood in Richland Township, Bucks County.

Granddaughter Ida Youngken (1862-1934) married Benjamin Stull ( ? - ? ). The Stulls made their dwelling-place in Perkasie, PA in 1925.

Granddaughter Elizabeth Jane "Lizzie" Youngken (1864- ? ) was born in about 1864.

Grandson Titus C. Youngken (1866- ? ) was born in about 1866. He was in Philadelphia in 1897-1925.

Grandson David J. Youngken (1867-1928) was born in 1867. His homeplace in 1907 was near Richlandtown and in 1925 in Philadelphia The 1992 obituary of his great-grandson David E. Youngken, killed in an automobile accident in North Carolina, was published in the Younkin Family News Bulletin (January-March 1993).

Grandson John Ferdinand Youngken (1872-1956) was born in about 1872. He resided near Richlandtown, PA in 1907-1925.

Heber Youngken Jr., with a portrait of his father.
Courtesy Younkin Family News Bulletin, January-March 1993

Grandson Charles Eugene Youngken ( ? - ? ) lived in Quakertown, PA in 1900-1907. On Sept. 11, 1884, he was joined in wedlock with Marian W. Wilkinson ( ? - ? ) of Philadelphia. The wedding was held in the Grace Baptist Church, Philadelphia, by the hand of Rev. Russell H. Conwell, and announced in the Bucks County Intelligencer. They became the parents of Dr. Heber Wilkinson Youngken, Eugene Wingrove Youngken and Dell Wallace Youngken. As of 1925, the Youngkens were in North Walls, PA. Son Heber was a professor at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and the author of A Textbook of Pharmacognosywhich went into more than 60 printings.

Graves of siblings Samuel (1831) and Christena (1836). Courtesy Tom Myers

~ Son Samuel F. Youngken ~

Son Samuel F. Youngken (1811-1831) was born on April 15, 1811.

At his Christian baptism in infancy, Johannas Fackenthal and Elisabeth were his sponsors,

He only lived for 20 years of life. Death swept him away in Tinicum on Aug. 31, 1831. Interment was in Lower Tinicum Union Cemetery in Tinicum.

News of his death was published in the Bucks County Intelligencer.

~ Daughter Christene Youngken ~

Daughter Christena Youngken (1815-1836) was born on Oct. 11, 1815.

She never married.

Sadly, at the age of 20, Christena died on Sept. 25, 1836. Burial was in Lower Tinicum Union Cemetery in Tinicum.

Research for this page conducted by Della Shafer and the late Donna (Younkin) Logan