Re: Peter Grossnickle's Will - 1750-1822
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In reply to:
Peter Grossnickle's Will - 1750-1822
5/19/01
Thank you Judy, for the posting of the will. I have been searching for a John Custer, presumably my 3rd great grandfather but have not been able to connect the line.
Signed: Henry Steiner, Regr.
Frederick County to wit: on the 30th day of December 1822, then came Ludwick Routzong, one of the subscribing witnesses to the foregoing last will and testament of Peter Grossnickle late of Frederick County deceased, and made Oath on the Holy Evangely of Almighty God, at the same time Christian Harshman, also one of the subscribing witnesses to said will, solemnly, sincerely and truly affirmed and declared – that they did see the Testator therein named sign and seal this will, that they heard him publish, pronounce and declare the same to be his last will and testament, that at the time of his so doing he was to the best of their apprehensions of a sound and disposing mind, memory and understanding, and that they together with Henry Dalaughter, the other subscribing witness, respectively subscribed their names as witnesses to this will in the presence and at the request of the Testator and all in the presence of each other~
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> >Signed: Henry Steiner, Regr.
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> >Frederick Co., MD
> >GROSSNICKLE, Peter – ntl 9-86
I was aware that one of the Custer's married into the Bradford family and were related to Gov. Bradford. The signature on this will...
One of the Braford's sheltered a wounded Hessian, unknown to her family. He was converted, and gave himeself up to her father. He was connected with George Washington's army. He helped the German general train the American army at Valley Forge. His name was Steiner. He was given an unprecendented high rank to command the attention of the soldiers and act as a trainer of the American forces. He was a German by birth, but knew the English language. The General could not speak English and Steiner was his interpreter, giving the commands in English. They polished the American Army at that time, making them very affective on the battlefield later.
He was a highly skilled violinist when he was captured to serve in the army. Steiner entertained the American soldiers with his beautfiful music at Valley Forge.
A part of that family were in MI and claimed relationship to General Custer. The article I read said "cousin of Gen. Custer." This is a pointer in that direction. They had beads from the Indians and they gave a bead to each named for their ancestor, "John".
There is a series of Bradford books printed and the "Hessian Steiner" has a book written about his life in Hessian army and his subsequent life with the American Army.
Interested in this "John Custer".