Was John Earl really Hans Graaf
I have an old narrative titled "Jacob Alter Family History" that has the following passage about Hans Graaf/John Earl:
" In the year 1696, a well-to-do farmer and shepherd from the mountains of Switzerland arrived in Philadelphia and settled in Paguea Valley. His name in English was John Earl. In 1718 he moved to Graaf's Thal, afterwards known as Earl Township. To Hans Graaf and his wife Susanna, were born nine children. The eighth child, a daughter named Veronica, married Henry Landis.
"He built a mill on Conestoga Creek, about the year 1725, which was a boon to inhabitants of that section. In 1729 Earl Township was organized and named for him."
This confuses me. Are his decendants Earls or Graafs? Can anyone shed more light on this information? I'm willing to share what I have with anyone interested.
Bob Wesslund
P.S. Also posted this to the GRAF forum.