Re: Balsor Hammer b.1760 Germany to Va.
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In reply to:
Re: Balsor Hammer b.1760 Germany to Va.
Marilyn F/ Bechtol 1/15/02
Balsor lived in Philadelphia prior to moving to the Augusta/Pendleton County Virginia/West Virginia area. He served two tours of duty with the Pensylvania Militia, in the 1st battalion of the Philadelphia troops, and another two tours (drafted)with the Virginia Militia. This occurred June or July of 1776(PA) and summer of 1781(VA/WVA). I found in the Pensylvania land records, a James Hammer with a warrant for 77.75 quantity(acres?) on Jan. 5, 1760, with the note Port of Gilbert Manor in the survey area of the document. Of note, the Manor of Gilberts is where he married Elizabeth Walker in 1719. There was also listed in the "Old Rights" James Hammer with/for a warrant for 300 acres on Nov. 20, 1713 or 1714. I have been able to trace James history back to 1642, and his children to 1734. I found a Census record for Rockingham County Virginia in 1784 that lists a George Hammer as Head of Household- 5 white souls- 1 dwelling- 4 other buildings. He was the only Hammer listed as a Head of Household in the entire state of Virginia at that time. I don't think the area had been further divided into Augusta County at that particular time, and could be the coorelation with the Rockingham County Hammers. I am unable to find anything on the generation that would be about James' grandchildren or Balsor's (listed as Palser Hammer in the Virginia Pensioner Rolls) parents. I think this could be the missing link (1734-1755). I am wondering if Balsor and his family could have been living with his brother at the time of census; and researching Balsor through the Philadelphia connection. Any help, or other ideas/information in this would be greatly apreciated.