Ferdin., Henr. Ritter 1700s Berks Co PA
I am looking for the identity of Barbara Ritter, of Albany township, will dated, probated, 1781, mentioned land over the Blue Mountain, left considerable property to her children who included among others Ferdinand, John, Jacob, Catherine, Juliana, Eva Rosina, Elizabeth, Anna Maria. She also mentioned in her will, a granddaughter named Elizabeth Wagner.The parent of Elizabeth Wagner who was Barbara's offspring could conceivably have been dead, particularly since Barbara willed much property to this Elizabeth.Christening records and wills indicate some close relationship between a Ritter family and my HEnry and Elizabeth WAgner of someplace near Alsace township (could have been REading, Exeter, even Bern).
I find that the family of Ferdinand Ritter lived in and around Albany township.
Someone told me that Barbara was the daughter of a grandson of Ferdinand named Henry.Ferdinand Jr son of Ferdinand was married to Anna Susanna from atleast 1760's through 1790's. I have seen no wife listed in the records for Ferdinand Sr but someone told me he was married to someone named Stetter whose name was not Barbara, possibly after being married to an Indian woman.Don;t know if he had a third wife.
I also found a mentionof Henry, wife Barbara, children nearly identical to those listed in Barbara's will above - only Henry was born around 1716.This would seem to make him more likely Ferdinand Sr's brother or son. Ferdinand is one of those people believed to have been in the area before Penn got there, not possibly before 1780, don't know when he is supposed to have come here.
I find no evidence Ferdinand was linked to the family of Caspar, Henry, Paul and whoever who came together with two sisters.
Yours,
Dora Smith