This is the information that I have found on my ancestor, Johannes Gelbach. The name has also been found in records as "Kelbach" and "Geltback". I have not researched this family any farther since Johannes's daughter, Catharina Elizabeth married Daniel H. Guldin and the lines continues from there. Feel free to let me know of any corrections or additions to this family. I have
placed some of my sources at the end
of this page. E-mail to Ginny Deagan (NEW E-MAIL:[email protected])
Johannes Gelbach was born in Germany. In searching for the name in the International Genealogical Index, many Geltbacks were from Prussia, Westfalen, Elsoff but his birth was not found. Johannes "Geltbach" arrived 26 September 1737 on the ship "St. Andrew Galley.
His wife was named Christina. She was born 11 January 1710/11 and died 19 January 1804 in Amity Township, Berks County. Her will was dated 18 August 1794 and proved 4 February 1804. She left 1/3 of her estate to her daughter, Elizabeth, wife of George Kerst, 1/3 to daughter, Magdalina, wife of Christian Hunter and 1/3 to the children of her daughter, Catherine, late wife of Daniel Guldin.
Berks County was formed in 1752 and John Gelbach received Land Warrant #19 in Oley of 25 acres on 4 Jun 1753. He also received Warrant #21 (30 acres) and Warrant #22 (50 acres) on 25 Sep 1753. No records have been found for him before this time when this portion of Berks County was part of Philadelphia County. On 21 January 1756, John "Gilbach of Oley Township, yeoman purchased 272 acres in the township of Amity, part of 561 acres on the Schuylkill River.
John Gelbach died between 17 June 1758 when his will was made and 30 August 1758 when the will was proved. He had a large estate. He left his lands in Oley Township to his son, Jacob, and his lands in Amity Township to his daughter, Magdalena. Jacob was to pay 1/3 of the profits and rents from his land to his mother, Christina. John stated that his daughters, Elizabeth and Catharina should each receive 500 Pounds. They were to have 100 Pounds when they married and the remainder at the birth of their third child. He named his wife, Christina and his friend, Frederick Bartolet, executors of his estate. Children of John and Christina Gelbach:
For children of Catherina Gelbach and Daniel H. Guldin, see Guldin Ancestors .