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Johnn Friedrick Völkel was born 17 Nov 1757 at Siegen-Wittgenstein, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany & Johann Federick is the son of Anna KATHARINA, Amos & Johann Eckart Völkel.
English name variation were first Folker, Falker & finally as Felker.
John Felker is thus the step-son of Joseph Jost Volckel & also his uncle. John's mother, Maria Catharina Amos, remarried after the death of her 1st husband: John Eckhart Volckel - Joseph is John's brother.
* VIllage of Erndtebrück, Germany
The village of Erndtebrück was undoubtedly first settled in the upper part hill where the houses nestle themselves up against the 'castle' hill. This village needed protection, when on the cold winter nights, packs of wolves howled from the surrounding hills. Not a stout city wall, but rather a picket fence or thorny-hedge placed on a low wall served as the boundary fence.
Now the Customs & Toll Collector, alone in his little office house, could not get at the purses of the travelers who sometimes tried to charged though in groups without paying. The Toll Collector would sound his horn to summon the local cart drivers to deal with a travelers with spears & pitchforks approaching from the city. Running the toll booth seems to have been an universal challenge.
Many of the buildings in Erndtebrück were destroyed in the bombing on 10 March, 1945 at the end of World War II, including the Toll Collectors house & the oldest Luther church where the Volkels prayed & married. The church with its steeple, has been rebuilt in the same style & sits on high point overlooking the village. Similarly there are some beautiful rebuilt houses with gardens completely surrounding the path & stairway leading to the Evangelische-Reformiert Kirche. - Translated from German. PJA 2009.
* FELKER BIBLE:
On May 1773, Johann Fredrick Völkel left Erndtebrück with a German Bible with an inscription under the front cover:
"This Bible is presented to you as a teaching of Christ, & instruction for your soul.
God Grant that you may use it frequently on your journey to America. Erndtebrück, May 18, 1773"
Last known location of this Felker Bible was by Belle Felker, great granddaughter, born in Auburn, Michigan.
* 1773 AMERICA AT LAST!
Oath of Allegiance to America as a British subject, etc,
List 310C: At Wicaco (Philadelphia, Penn.) on 1 October 1773: Present: Thos. Willing, Esquire.
The Foreigners whose names are written,
imported in the Ship Hope, George Johnston, Master, from Rotterdam but last from Cowes, (Isle of Wright,) did this day take & subscribe the foregoing Oaths, & Declarations in the usual Form. 'Consigned to Messrs. Willing & Morris, 94 person on the List, Paid £7.1.0. (i.e. paid to lawyer taking the Oaths.) -
. Fried. Völckel
. Johann Frederich Völckel [handwriting may appear to read Johann Friederick Welckel - PJA]
. John Ludwig Pfeiler [?]
. Jost Voleckel. [Jost Welckel]
Note1: All males over 16 years had to take the oath. This transcription from the original depositions, gives only the 53 males all German names, leaving out 41 females & boys aboard the Hope. Other voyages of the Ship Hope: Aug 28 1733, Rotterdam to Penn.; 9.23, 1734; 3.12.1772; 3 Dec 1772 Rotterdam-Cowes-Penn; & John's 1773 voyage appears to be the last record for the Ship Hope.- PJA 2010.
Ref: Pennsylvania Immigrants, 1727-1776
. Port of Philadelphia: Philadelphia would seem an unlikely candidate as a major immigration port of entry, but 1.3 million immigrants passed through the port. The route took immigrants around Cape May at the foot of New Jersey, into the Delaware Bay & up the Delaware River to Philadelphia, adding more than 200 miles to the journey from Europe. & the trip wasn't without its hazards. The Delaware River often froze over during winter, limiting early immigration to warmer months. During the 1700s, there was an influx of German many of whom arrived as indentured servants or "redemptioners" who often stayed in the city to work off the cost of the passage.
* NEW JERSEY VOLUNTEERS LOYALIST REGIMENT: Quarter Master
John FOLKER, 3rd Battalion Quarter Master of NJV, Master Feb 3 1777 -1783
NJV Loyalists, John Falker was quartermaster the Third Battalion from its organization until 1781, then transferred to the Second Battalion & resigned at the end of the War on Feb. 22, 1783.
Daniel James, on the Resignation of Quartermaster Falker, took this office & so continued until the 2nd Battalion was disbanded. William Felker (transcription?) Resigned Quartermaster, 2nd Bat. NJV.
XRef: The NJV Loyalist in the Revolutionary War.
. Note2 of Family Interest2: Also serving in the same NJV were Lieut. John Lawrence & Col. Elisha Lawrence of who commanded the NJV. - Later Lawrence descendant would married John Felker's descendant.
* 1778 December 16, LAND AT ESSEX CONFISCATED:
. At an Inferior court of Common-Pleas held for the county of Essex, on the 15th day of September last, were returned inquisitions for joining the army of the King of Great-Britain, & other treasonable practices found against (various names) & John Folker.
. of which proclamation was made at said Court, that if they, or any on their behalf, or any persons interested, would appear & traverse, a trial should be awarded; but no traverses were offered:
Therefore NOTICE is hereby given, That if neither they, nor any in their behalf, nor any interested, shall appear & traverse at the next Court to be held for the said county, the inquisitions will then be taken to be true, & final judgment entered thereon in favour of the state.
John Clawson, Commissioner. Elizabeth-town, November 14, 1778.
Ref: The New Jersey Gazette (Trenton), New Jersey, Essex Country .
Muster Roll Captain Robt. Drummer's Co., 3rd New Jersey Volunteers:
. 1779 Nov 29, Savannah, Quarter Master, John Falker
Ref: Ward Chipman Muster Master's Office.
. UCLPetition 33, F Bundle 2, C1893, p762. Niagara
To Lieut. Gov of UC, John Graves Simcoe, In Council
Petition of John Filker, Respectfully shows that your petitioner just moved from the Jeries with a wife & one child & that he is related to Geo. Bowman [Bauman?]* of the Township of Stanford. Requests 200 acres. Niagara, 2 July, 1796.
Note3: No actual signature; As was common, the petition was possibly prepared, & in the hand of, Thos. Ridout, The Survey General].
Envelope: 2 July, 96. Recommend for 200 Acres. Pay for survey. Read July 14, 1796.
. I do hereby certify that the bearer John Felker has taken the oath prescribed by law to be a faith & allegiance to Our Majesty King., Signed, July 2, 1796, David Secord, J.P.
Note4: Geo. Adam Bowman, b 1731 Albany Co., NY-1803 Niagara-on-Lake, Grantham, On. Wife Ann Marie Conrad 1649 /Schoharie, NY: is the relationship based on their being German?
Note5: John Felker's petition was sent together with brothers Ludwig, Jacob, Joseph Felker & John's oath was thus filed with Ludwick Felker's Petition & oath. Peter Bowman, Con 2, L17 Stoney Creek, 1850.
Note6: Alas, John Felker does not mention that he was the Quarter Master of NJ 2nd & later the 3rd Volunteers, otherwise he too should have received 1,000 Acres 'for one of his description"!
. UCLPetition 56, F Batch 2, C1893, p836.
Petition of John Felker,
Most humbly shewth, That your Petitioner from the beginning of the late American war was an open & declared loyalist & carried Arms for His Majesty, was several times severely wounded, taken prisoner, & suffered 9 months' imprisonment.
That your Petitioner is resident in this Home District of this province & is married to the Daughter of John Mingle (also a faithful loyalist) & has 2 children.
That your Petitioner has as yet only drawn 200 Acres of land; wherefore he prays your Honor for such additional allowances as your Honor in your Wisdom may deem meet. & as in duty bound he will ever pray.
Signed, John Felker, Newark 1st Feb'y 1797. [Newark is now Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. -PJA]
Envelope: Received 4 Feb 1797. Read 25 Feb. Certificate of Petition having married the daughter of a loyalist waning, Entered Petition 226, Land Book B.
Ref: Archives of Ontario.
. 1797 February 25th. John Felker, Praying for land in right of his wife, the daughter of a Loyalist. Certificate of Petitioner having married the daughter of a Loyalist wanting.
Ref: F56., Upper Canada Land Book, Film C101, p 225.
Note7: Petition appears to be entirely in the hand of John Felker.
. Petitioner Newark [Niagara-on-the-Lake], states is is a Loyalist.
Ref: Upper Canada Land Book B 1796-7, p225, C101.
Further Research required:
1796 Jul 14, No. 39 F12, Ludwick Filker, Recommended for 200 Acres;
No. 40 F42, Jacob Filker, 200 Acres"
No. 41, F33, John Filker, "
No.. 42 F35, Joseph Filker, "
Nol 43 F34 John Filker, Junior, ". page 117
Ref: UC Land & State Minute Book B, P6
. 1803, John Filker, 20 Mile Creek. Delivered to himself, going off with a load of Wheat & Rye.
Ref: Notes from Niagara, V14, p25.
* WAR of 1812
Muster Roll of Capt. Abram Nelles' Flank Company,
From 24th July to the 24th of August 1812, both days inclusive. - John Felker (Jr. or Sr. not determined).
Co-incidentally, also in-laws, Wim. Osburn, Charles Petit, Jacob Swackhammer & Jonathan Teetzel).
. Gainsborough Twp. Land Registry is now found in West Lincoln, in Niagara North, Ontario.
Ontario Land Registry Abstract, Wentworth Co., Saltfeet Book 361, p 272
Lot 27, Con 7
. 1967 Nov 21, Arthur H, Cora B, & Elsie M Felker, to Ontario Housing Corp, Remarks Pt 5, Reference Plan #15,
. 1967 Dec 26. Deposit, Elsie B Quinn, to Arthur H Felker, Mge. {last Felker entry.
LOUTH MILLS, Account of Flour & Wiskey sent from this to St. David's by Capt. Askin & Ensign Applgarth; &
. 1813 Dec 18th - Francis Harkisom, 4 (barrels), John Falker, 4, Joseph Falker, 4, Stephen Roy, 4, David Moyer, 4, Henry Hooh, 4, Isaac Osburn, 4, John Linderberry, 4, John Snyder, 4, David Battram, 4, John Ensly, 4, Isaiah Griffen, 3, Jacob Fisher, 4, Lewis Falker, 4, Alexander Lane, 4, Gilbert Lane, 4, Jacob Houser, 4, A. Sheldon, 4, Joseph Ducher, 4, William Hutt, 4, Morris Canada, 4, Silas Hopkins, 5.
. 1816 May 20, Election, Candidates Robert Nelles Esq. & Doctor Cyrus Sumner.
John Felker, Gainsborough Twp., Lot 30, Con 5, Voted for Nelles.
Ref: Annals of the Forty, Vol. 10, 1956.
. 1820 Feb 23 - JOHN FELKER MOVES TO STONEY CREEK from Gainsborough Twp., Niagara region of Ontario:
Indenture of Bargain & Sale, Lot 30, Con 6, & Lot 27, Con 7, Stoney Creek, Ontario.
Purchased from James Henry of Clinton Twp.
Dated Registered Mar 22, 1820. John Felker, his mark X. *
Ref: Book B #534.
Note8: Stoney Creek is next county northward, but still in the Niagara peninsula growing area. - PJA.
Note9: * Very curious indeed! as we know John Felker could read & write, why did he sign with an X? - PJA 2010.
. 1823 Mar 26 Registered - John Felker sold 200 acres to Frederick Felker, Bargain & Sale. Ref: Book B, #933.
* The farm land at Stoney Creek is near the City of Hamilton, Ontario. This farm now bears a housing sub-division, but on a portion remains at the Felker's Falls Conservation Park. The land sits on the Niagara Escarpment Corridor. Davis Creek runs through the old farm, with a two terraced veiled waterfalls over 70 feet high, creating a small plunge pool at the bottom. This would be a good place to keep your churned butter from turning rancid & No doubt, the Felkers too cooled off in the pool on a hot day. The Bruce Hiking Trail pass by the top of the falls. Through the grove of maple trees you can see lower Stoney Creek & further on to the blue of Lake Ontario.
Out along the now paved east side of Mud Road you can see the former Felker's stone blacksmith shop. - PJA.
. 1824 May 7, Loyalist Claims for Losses £25. Discount 25% = £3. 15s.
. 1824 June 28, Account of Losses: Felker or Falker, John, Payout £3 15s. CLAIM 645 - As of 486 [claim]
. Claim 182 for damages by the enemy, John Felker, Grimsby, Niagara district.
A horse taken by the Enemy. Claimed £25.
Remarks, Claimant & David Gee departs to this Claim having been sustained from the Enemy. Recommend £15.
. Claim for Losses War of 1812, John Felker, Gainsboro, Niagara District, Claimed: £25 Allowed £15.
Also, Jacob Felker, Ancaster, Gore District, Claimed £28 2s 6p, Allowed £16 15s.Ref: t1124 end & 1125, p943, Archives of Canada.
. c1824 Loyalist Claims for Losses: Commissioners Award £15. - no signature for receipt.
Note10: To Researchers: After payment, Claim #182 is then reused for someone else. - PJA
. 1826 Assessment Rolls, Saltfleet & Binbrook Twp.:
Fred Fulker, Levi & William Green, & a little farther are: J. London, Joseph London & John Cowell.
Ontario Land Registry, Niagara North Book 102, p374
South Half Lot 30, Con 5 Township of Gainsborough
. 1799 Jul 8, Patent, Crown, To John Felker 200 Acres, See Patent Book
. 1820 mar 22, Bargain & Sale, John Felker, to James Henry, 200 A, £0.0.0.
. 1820 Mar 22, B&S, Wm. Cooke, to John Felker, 200A, £0.0.0.
Ontario Land Registry, Niagara North Book 102, p375
South Half Lot 31, Con 5 Township of Gainsborough
. 1836 Feb 17, Patent, Crown, to John Felker, SHalf 100 Acres, See Patent Book
. 1846 Sep 29, Bargain&Sale, Frederick Felker, to James Page,SHalf 100A, £100.
Ontario Land Registry, Niagara North Book 102, p376
South Half Lot 34 & 35, Con 5 Township of Gainsborough,
Lot 34: 1799 Jul 8, Patents, Crown, to John Filker, SHalf 100 Acres, See Patent Book;
. 1827 Jun 13, Bargain&Sale, Joseph Filker and of John F, to John Filker, South Half, 100A, £0.0.0, 100 A.
. 1836 Feb 12, B&S, Jacob Kennedy, to John Kennedy, SHalf 100A.
. Lot 25: 1799 Jul 8, Patents, Crown, to Joseph Felker and of J.F., to John Filker, SHalf 100 Acres, See Patent Book;
SHalf, 100 Acres, £0.0.0,
. 1827 May 2, Bargain&Sale, Joseph Felker and J.F. to John Kennedy, SHafl 100 A., and SHalf 34, 200 Acres.
Research & transcriptions by PJ Felker Ahlberg, U.E. Thank you. - . - [1, 2]
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1751 - 1838 (87 years)