Johan Adam Reichelderfer (PA to OH), son of Frederick (1714)
This message is for anyone who is not tired of hearing me expound on who Johan Adam Reichelderfer really is, who his father is and where he ended up. Author Fayne Harter substantiates this info.
John Adam was born about 1752. He is very frequently being quoted as being born in 1741, as he (probably from "The Book") is being confused with his cousin, Johannes, born to Heinrich Reichelsdorfer.
There is a Memorandum from 1 Nov 1760, Berks County Court, where Henry Nierhut is "to take registration" of Christina's children she had with Frederick. The children are all named. The ORIGINAL record lists Frederick as being 9 years old (very clearly). On the INTERNET and ?, people are adding a "1" to the nine, changing his age to 19. Making him 19 conveniently makes him the age of Johannes, born to Heinrich. (There is a church record recording the birth of Johannes, son of Heinrich, born 26 December 1741).
I can see why people want to add the "1" - when you look at the ages of the children they seem to go in age order, eldest to youngest. John Adam 9, Maria Catherine, 14, Susanna 11, Mary Margaret 7, Christina 4. (add "abouts" to all those ages).
Most likely the reason John Adam was listed first was because he was the only son.
On 12 February 1773, Berks Co. PA Orphans Court Record, Book 2, page 145, we see that "Johan Adam, eldest son and heir of Frederick Reichelderfer" is petitioning the court to get his share of his deceased father's land, which was to be divided amongst the children. This date is significant, because since he was born in 1752, he is now 21 and old enough to take this step. His claim is denied, as the orphan court determined that dividing the land would devalue it, so John Adam bought out the land from his siblings instead.
Johan married Julianna in PA, had their first child there, and then they ventured on to Starke Co. Ohio, NOT to Pickaway, as he is credited for landing in Pickaway, where his cousin Johannes landed. I will say again, Johannes in Pickaway never added the name "Adam" to his name.
In Fayne Harter's (2nd?) book you can see the tombstones of Johan and Julianna. It reads John Adam died 6 Sep 1828, age 75 years. Julianna, born Dec 1760, died 6 Sep 1849. (Jackson Twp., Starke OH. Mudbrook Lut. Cem) This dates makes his birthyear about 1752. 'Nuff said.