The following Info is thanks to Ethel B. Unger Robesonia, Pa 1981, 1982 - 1997
Antonius Bentzinger was born about 1720 in Prussia, Germany. He arrived in America
Sept. 30, 1743. Many Germans settled in Maxatany Twp. Berks County, Pa. after
William Penn purchased it from the Indians. A few years after the erection of Berks County,
among those settling in 1757 Was Anthony Bensinger. (You will note how the spelling of the name has
been changed.)
He wed Maria Magdalena Frey who was born in Germany about 1730. She arrived
in America Aug. 17, 1733 at 3 years of age with her parents Andreas and Catherine
Barbara (Ritter) Frey.
Anthony arrived on the ship PHOENIX and Maria on the ship SAMUEL. Both died (and are buried)
in Richmond Twp., Berks County, Pa.
You will notice that he was at least 32 years older than his wife.
Their children are as listed:
Christian Bensinger b. about 1747 Berks County Was in Rev. War
Anna Maria Bensinger b. about 1749. Wed Joseph Strock in Mar. 1769, he was b. 1748 d. Jan 1815
Barbara Bensinger b. Sept. 06, 1751 d. May 15, 1831. Buried Brunswick Twp., Schuylkill County, Pa.
She wed Peter Dreher. One son Johannes b. 1780
Johann Jacob Bensinger b. May 04, 1752 wed Eva ? One dau. Maria.
Friedrich Bensinger b. 1753 d. 1841. Wed Maria Margaret Weimman. Both are buried in Friedens Cemetery,
New Ringgold, Pa. He was in Capt. Lawks Co. 7th Pa Regt. Continental Line
Revolutionary War.
Johann Georg b. April 08, 1755 d. Sept. 06, 1802. Wed Christina Barbara Dreher
b. May 22, 1757. Their children were: Johannes b. Sept. 14, 1780; Johan Georg b. 1782;
Michael b. 1783; and Wilhelm b. 1791
Daniel Bensinger b. May 29, 1757 d. Jan. 27, 1834. Wed Dec. 07, 1779
Maria Barbara Weimman. Both are buried at Red Church, Brunswick Twp.,
Schuylkill County Pa.
Daniel was in the Revolutionary War. In my research in the Archives in Washington,
he sought for many years to get a pension. He enlisted in the Army in 1776 and fought
in the Battle of Long Island and was wounded. He received a discharge and was sent home.
He had served five months under Capt. Old.
He later enlisted in July of 1777 and fought at Brandywine. Finally in 1833 he was
given a pension of $90 a year for three years and $90 in back pension.
Eva Rosina Bensinger b. June 23, 1763 Wed Weber or Reber?
Anna Susannah Bensinger b. June 14, 1768. Wed about 1787 to Valentine Ritter
As you have read the names of the children, several had the same first name. This was
very common and the second child was called by the middle name.
Before I go any farther I must tell you that some of the written information
I copied from Historical Books and from the Archives in Washington do not always have
the same dates. There is also a difference in names and other persons in the family
are listed in their place. At times it has been very confusing to say the least.
Anthony and Maria had 9 children. According to records Fredrick, Jacob and Daniel were the first
to settle in Schuylkill County. Fredrick first built a log home in Summer Valley and Jacob
and Daniel lived at Kunkels Mill. (Kunkels Dam). Jacob and Daniel then built log homes
in Schmaltzdale. They then helped Fredrick build his cabin. Note: History book tells that
Fredrick settled in 1740 in Brunswick Twp. He Wasn't born until 1753.
Our many thanks to Ethel for sharing this with us. She has recently informed me that she has uncovered
errors and is sending me updated info. She has also shared many descendants which I plan to link as time
allows so check back now and then. (Dave Smith)
