Fast - Teichroeb Ancestry

640. Matthies Schapansky,⁵³¹ son of Matthies Schapansky, was born in 1670 in Elbing, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and died in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Grandma #: 815192

Matthies was a Lutheran who married a Mennonite woman named Catharina Jantzen in a Lutheran ceremony. Their children were baptized as Lutherans. The family moved to Lithuania around 1714. Glenn Penner says that by 1722 their six children had been baptized as Mennonites. In 1724 the family was expelled from Lithuanian and headed back to the Elbing area. While the Grandma Database indicates Matthias may have died around 1724 the records published by Erwin Wittenberg and Manuel Janz show that he returned to the Elbing region around 1724-1726. There they joined the Frisian congregation at Thiensdorf. Grandson David was born there sometime around 1731. Horst Penner believes that David is the ancestor of all the Mennonite Schapanskys that migrated to the Ukraine under Catherine the Great.

In his article "Joining and Leaving the Mennonite Community: A Genealogical Perspective; Part 5: Mennonites from Prussian Lithuania in Russia", published in Roots and Branches June 2022, Glenn Penner refers to a report written in 1722 to record the investigation of Matthies Schapansky's request to join the Mennonite Church. Glenn gave me a copy of the transcription:

"Matthys Schepanski ein Eigenthumer von Bogdahnen, aus Elbing aus der Vorstadt geburtig, von Lutherischen Eltern gebohren auch seines Wissens nicht anders als Lutherisch getaufft, 52 Jahr <*1670>, sagt pravia admonitione de veritate dicenda, dass er fur 8 Jahre <1714> anhero gekommen; so lang er im Lande, sey er uber 2 mahl nicht in der Kirche auch niemahlen zum Abendmahl gewesen. Vorhin aber sey er in Elbing in der Bergischen Kirche vor der Stadt offt gegangen, und zwar das Jahr zweymahl, biss jetzo sey er noch kein Mennoniste, habe aber so lang er im Lande, schon die Gedanken gehabt, zur Mennonistischen Lehre zu treten, doch wolle er sich zuvor woll pruffen. Gefragt: wo seine Kinder. Rt. Er habe 6 Kinder, die alle Mennonistisch, weil ihre Mutter desselben Glaubens. Zwey hatten schon geheyratet, ein Sohn wohne in Jedwolaiten, die Tochter aber auff Bogdahnen habe den Mennonisten Hans Schmidt. Dimissus."

Roughly translated this says "Matthys Schepanski, a land owner from Bogdahnen, a native of Elbing in the suburbs, born of Lutheran parents and, as far as he knows, baptized as Lutheran 52 years ago (therefore born in 1670), says he arrived here 8 years ago (in 1714). As long as he was in the country, he had not been to church more than twice and never had communion. But previously he had gone to the Bergische Kirche in front of the city in Elbing, twice a year. He was not yet a Mennonist, but he had already had the idea of becoming a Mennonist for as long as he had been in the country. He has 6 children, all of whom are Mennonite because their mother is of the same faith. Two have already married: one son lives in Jedwolaiten, his daughter lives in Bogdahnen, married to the Mennonist Hans Schmidt. Dimissed."

The investigation must have taken place in Lithuania and he must have moved there in 1714.

The connection between Gottfried and Matthies is established by genealogical records. He was also born in Thiensdorf. It is not certain that Godfried is the father of David (1731) but the circumstances point to this. The Thiensdorf Nachfahrenliste recounts the story of a "son of Sczepanski" who had lived in Lithuania and then moved to Elbing where he lived around 1730 and had a son in 1731 in Thiensdorf named David. This fits the known information about Gottfried.

Matthies married Katharina Janzen,⁵³² daughter of Claas Janzen, in 1696 in Thiensdorf, Elbing Region, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Katharina was born about 1670 in Elbing, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and died in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.Grandma #: 815193

320 i. Gottfried Schapansky ³⁹⁷ (born on 29 Apr 1696 in Thiensdorf, Elbing Region, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth - died after 1741 in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth). Gottfried married an unknown person.

ii. Catharina Schapansky was born in 1697 in Thiensdorf, Elbing Region, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. {Grandma #: 815286}

iii. Heinrich Schapansky was born in 1700 in Thiensdorf, Elbing Region, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. {Grandma #: 815195}

iv. Maria Schapansky was born in 1702 in Thiensdorf, Elbing Region, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. {Grandma #: 815287}

v. Anna Schapansky was born in 1704 in Thiensdorf, Elbing Region, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. {Grandma #: 815288}

641. Katharina Janzen,⁵³² daughter of Claas Janzen, was born about 1670 in Elbing, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and died in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Grandma #: 815193

Katharina married Matthies Schapansky,⁵³¹ son of Matthies Schapansky, in 1696 in Thiensdorf, Elbing Region, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Matthies was born in 1670 in Elbing, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and died in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.Grandma #: 815192

There must be at least one generation between Gijsbert (1640) and Benjamin (1733). While the hypothesis has often been that this individual is Benjamin (abt 1690) there is no evidence that he is a son of Gijsbert (1640) or the father of Benjamin (1733).

are a few notes about Benjamin (approx.. 1790) and his wives and in-laws.
Benjamin (1790):
He was a haberdasher who lived in Schidlitz and Stolzenberg, near Danzig. The marriage dates are taken from the Danzig Church Book. James Fehr says he was a goldsmith. His year of birth is often given as 1696, corresponding to an age of 20 when he was married the first time. He must have been born a bit later than this, under the hypothesis he is the son of Gijsbert De Veer (1640-1693).
His first wife, Barbara Momber, was considerably older than he was. There are various genealogies giving her birth date as 24 June 1663, but this is before her parents were married. This seems to be of doubtful accuracy given that her parents were Mennonites. I have assumed that she was born after they were married and estimated her age accordingly. She was part of the wealthy De Momber family and there is speculation that the marriage was arranged for commercial purposes and to affect a transfer of wealth. Whatever the case, Barbara died within ten years and Benjamin remarried. He had no children with his first wife.
Elizabeth Wiens, his second wife, was the mother of his children. His daughter Elizabeth is mentioned in the Danzig Church Book Baptisms record. His son Benjamin is not mentioned in any Danzig church records. The connection between them is documented by Hermann Thiessen and there are no source references available. Odette Fransen also shows this relationship but in a conversation I had with her she indicated this is speculative. The Grandma Database says the date of birth is 2 July 1709. Considering her baptism was in 1724 this is possible but rather young. The Danzig Church Book Baptism records link her to her father Gert Wiens. She may have been living in the village of Stolzenberg in the Danzig area at the time of her death, based on unsubstantiated information I saw online.
Parents of Elizabeth Wiens:
Gerhard Wiens (1690-1738). His death date is taken from the Danzig Church Book, in which he is listed as Gert Wiens. Neither his marriage nor his baptism is listed in the Danzig Church Book. The baptism of his daughter Elisabeth is in the Danzig Church Book, and he is named there. The surname originates in the Friesland area of the Netherlands.

Susanna Loewen (1690-1741). In the Danzig Church Book her name is spelled Sanke Leuens. The death date is taken from this source. She is listed as the wife of 'oude Gerdt Wiensche'. Her baptism is not listed in the Danzig Church Book.

376 i. Benjamin DeVeer ³⁸³ (born in 1733 in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth - died in 1822 in Neu-Osterwick, Chortitza, Ukraine). Benjamin married Anna Habenstein ³⁸⁴ in Oct 1761 in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Anna was born in 1736 in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and died after 1816 in Neu-Osterwick, Chortitza, Ukraine.Grandma #: 196510

764. Jacob Bartsch ⁵⁴³ was born about 1725 in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and died in 1761 in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Grandma #: 16639

The baptism record of his son Jacob in 1761 proves the marriage to Christina. This was an infant baptism. Glenn Penner says that Jacob and Christina belonged to the Frisian Mennonite Church. The other children of Jacob and Christina do not appear in the Lutheran baptism records, although their daughter Katharina was admitted into the Danzig Mennonite Church (Flemish) on 26 November 1787, prior to her wedding in December, without baptism. This leads to all sorts of speculation about the family circumstances. There is a possibility that Christina might have been a Lutheran from Finland. There are various uncited Internet references to Jacob dying in 1761. One hypothesis is that Christina was baptized a Mennonite in order to marry Jacob but on his death she reverted to Lutheranism and had son Jacob baptized in the Lutheran Church.

Various references in myheritage.com specify Jacob's birth date as 17 July 1724.

Jacob's son Jacob later was baptized in the Flemish Church, became a minister in Neuenhuben and was based in Wotzlaff. The Grandma Database has an entry saying he died in 1808 but this is incorrect. It was his wife who died in 1808. It is unclear if he was born in Heubuden or baptized in the Mennonite Church there. The Heubuden baptism records do not have him listed.

Jacob married Christina Philipsen.⁵⁴³ Christina was born about 1735 in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.Grandma #: 16640

382 i. Johann Bartsch ⁴²⁴ (born on 6 Sep 1757 in Danzig - died on 16 Dec 1821 in Rosenthal, Chortitza, Ukraine). Johann married Susanna Lammert,⁴²⁵ daughter of Jacob Lammert ⁵⁴⁴ and Susanna Von Niessen,⁵⁴⁵ on 15 Aug 1779 in Danzig. Susanna was born about 1757 in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, was baptized in 1773 in Tiegenhagen, Marienburg Region, Prussia, and died on 15 Nov 1790 in Rosenthal, Chortitza, Ukraine.Grandma #: 12625. Johann next married Magdalena Lammert,⁵⁵⁰ daughter of Jacob Lammert ⁵⁴⁴ and Susanna Von Niessen,⁵⁴⁵ in 1791 in Rosenthal, Chortitza, Ukraine. Magdalena was born on 5 Oct 1770 and died on 16 Feb 1823 in Rosenthal, Chortitza, Ukraine.Grandma #: 187275

ii. Katharina Bartsch ⁶³⁶ was born on 25 Nov 1759 in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, was baptized on 21 Nov 1787 in Danzig, and died before 1801. {Grandma #: 181950}. Katharina married Jacob Wiens on 26 Dec 1787 in Danzig.

iii. Jacob Bartsch ⁶³⁷ was born on 27 Jan 1761 in Danzig and was baptized on 21 Feb 1761 in Danzig. {Grandma #: 16641}

765. Christina Philipsen ⁵⁴³ was born about 1735 in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Grandma #: 16640

Michael Fehr has his family tree information on FamilyTreeDNA and he is an ancestor of Jacob Bartsch. In his tree he has identified the parents of Christina Philipsen. I have not been able to find hard evidence of this association. It requires further research. If Michael is correct then her father is an Erich Philipsen and her mother is an Brijtha Jacobsdr Alfvare. However, this data is from Finnish and Swedish records that may not related to the Christina Philipsen in the Danzig Church records.

Jacob and Christina had their son Jacob baptized in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of St. Peter and Paul in Danzig on 21 February 1761. This gives us certainty about Christina's name. I do not understand the practise of Mennonites christening infants. I thought they did not do this. However, the Finnish record for Christina indicates she was baptized as an infant. Finland was primarily Lutheran in the 1700s. If this is the same Christina then possibly she was a Lutheran who converted to the Mennonite Church (perhaps when she married Bartsch) and had one of her sons christened in the Lutheran Church in Danzig. Glenn Penner notes that none of the other children appear in the baptism record. I think that what happened was that her husband Jacob died in 1761, in accordance with family trees on the web, before their son Jacob was born and Christina reverted to Lutheranism and had her new son christened in the absence of her husband. This is speculative because I have found no sources for either the birth or death dates of husband Jacob. The uncited Internet dates for Jacob say he was born 17 July 1724 and died 1761.

Christina married Jacob Bartsch.⁵⁴³ Jacob was born about 1725 in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and died in 1761 in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.Grandma #: 16639

766. Jacob Lammert,⁵⁴⁴ son of Johann Lammert, was born about 1719 in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, was baptized on 25 Jul 1739 in Orlofferfelde, Marienburg Region, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, and died in Feb 1777 in Tiegenhagen, Marienburg Region, Prussia. Grandma #: 198691

There is a Jacob Lammert listed in the 1772 Census with a wife, three sons and two daughters, living in Tiegenhagen. He also appears in the 1776 Census in Tiegenhagen, as a member of the Frisian Congregation of Orlofferfelde. In 1776 he has two sons and three daughters. Although these ought to be references to the same family the discrepancy in the counts raises questions.

The Orlofferfelde Frisian Church records indicate he might be the person who was baptised on 25 July 1739 along with this brother Johann. They were sons of Johann Lammert. These church records also list a Lammerts who died at the age of 58 in 1777. The dates are consistent with Jacob's likely year of birth being 1719. There is a Sara Lammert listed in the Orlofferfelde Baptism records. She is the surviving daughter of Jacob Lammert, and she was baptised in 1779. This record indicates the family lived in Tiegenhagen at the time, consistent with the census records.

ii. Sara Lammert ⁶³⁹ was born about 1763 and was baptized in 1779 in Tiegenhagen, Marienburg Region, Prussia. {Grandma #: 530553}

iii. Magdalena Lammert ⁵⁵⁰ was born on 5 Oct 1770 and died on 16 Feb 1823 in Rosenthal, Chortitza, Ukraine. {Grandma #: 187275}. Magdalena married Johann Bartsch,⁴²⁴ son of Jacob Bartsch ⁵⁴³ and Christina Philipsen,⁵⁴³ in 1791 in Rosenthal, Chortitza, Ukraine. Johann was born on 6 Sep 1757 in Danzig and died on 16 Dec 1821 in Rosenthal, Chortitza, Ukraine.Grandma #: 12624

iv. Arend Lammert ⁶⁴⁰ was born about 1771 in Tiegenhagen, Marienburg Region, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and was baptized in 1787 in Tiegenhagen, Marienburg Region, Prussia. {Grandma #: 1478927}

v. Franz Lammert ⁶⁴¹ was born about 1774 in Tiegenhagen, Marienburg Region, Prussia and was baptized in 1790 in Tiegenhagen, Marienburg Region, Prussia. {Grandma #: 61319}

767. Susanna Von Niessen ⁵⁴⁵ was born about 1740 in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Grandma #: 198692

Susanna married Jacob Lammert.,⁵⁴⁴ son of Johann Lammert. Jacob was born about 1719 in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, was baptized on 25 Jul 1739 in Orlofferfelde, Marienburg Region, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, and died in Feb 1777 in Tiegenhagen, Marienburg Region, Prussia.Grandma #: 198691

772. Martin Toews ⁴³¹ was born about 1720 in Walldorf, Elbing Region, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and died in 1775 in Warnau, Marienburg Region, Prussia. Grandma #: 132706

According to Ulrich Dueck, Martin was a farmer in Warnau. Dueck says his wife was Sara Warkentin. This contrasts with Grandma Database information saying she was his second wife and the children belonged to Martin's first wife, Judith Sukkau. I will use the Grandma Database information in this case. Their son Franz was born in 1758 and therefore Judith died after that birth. I note that Franz married a Sara Warkentin, and I wonder if this is where Sara stems from and her association to Martin might be correct.

Martin married Judith Suckau ⁵⁵⁷ about 1740 in Warnau, Marienburg Region, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Judith was born about 1720 in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and died after 1758 in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.Grandma #: 16478

386 i. Johann Toews ⁴³⁰ (born on 28 Oct 1743 in Warnau, Marienburg Region, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth - died on 9 Dec 1811 in Warnau, Marienburg Region, Prussia). Johann married Anna Stoesz,⁴³¹ daughter of Stoesz ⁴³¹ and Anna Penner,⁴³¹ about 1762 in Warnau, Marienburg Region, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Anna was born on 22 Jun 1730 in Krebsfeld, Elbing Region, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and died on 12 Feb 1783 in Warnau, Marienburg Region, Prussia.Grandma #: 225677. Johann next married Anna Wiebe ⁵⁵⁸ after 1783 in Warnau, Marienburg Region, Prussia.

x. Franz Toews ⁵⁵⁸ was born in 1758 in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.

Martin next married Sara Warkentin ⁵⁵⁷ about 1759 in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.

773. Judith Suckau ⁵⁵⁷ was born about 1720 in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and died after 1758 in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Grandma #: 16478

Judith married Martin Toews ⁴³¹ about 1740 in Warnau, Marienburg Region, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Martin was born about 1720 in Walldorf, Elbing Region, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and died in 1775 in Warnau, Marienburg Region, Prussia.Grandma #: 132706

774. Stoesz ⁴³¹ was born about 1700 in Krebsfeld, Elbing Region, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and died in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Grandma #: 912900

Stoesz married Anna Penner ⁴³¹ before 1730 in Krebsfeld, Elbing Region, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Anna was born about 1700 in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and died in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.Grandma #: 912899

387 i. Anna Stoesz ⁴³¹ (born on 22 Jun 1730 in Krebsfeld, Elbing Region, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth - died on 12 Feb 1783 in Warnau, Marienburg Region, Prussia). Anna married Cornelius Andres ⁴³¹ about 1755 in Walldorf, Elbing Region, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Cornelius was born in Walldorf, Elbing Region, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and died about 1762 in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.Grandma #: 225680. Anna next married Johann Toews,⁴³⁰ son of Martin Toews ⁴³¹ and Judith Suckau,⁵⁵⁷ about 1762 in Warnau, Marienburg Region, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Johann was born on 28 Oct 1743 in Warnau, Marienburg Region, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and died on 9 Dec 1811 in Warnau, Marienburg Region, Prussia.Grandma #: 225388

775. Anna Penner ⁴³¹ was born about 1700 in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and died in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Grandma #: 912899

Anna married Stoesz ⁴³¹ before 1730 in Krebsfeld, Elbing Region, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Stoesz was born about 1700 in Krebsfeld, Elbing Region, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and died in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.Grandma #: 912900

780. David Epp ⁵⁵⁹ was born about 1720 in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.

His name is derived from the patyrnomic associated with his son Heinrich as listed in the 1835 Molotschna Census.

390 i. Heinrich Epp ⁴³⁶ (born in 1745 in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth - died in 1817 in Halbstadt, Molotschna, Ukraine). Heinrich married Margaretha Dyck.⁴³⁷ Margaretha was born in 1746 in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and died in 1811 in Halbstadt, Molotschna, Ukraine.Grandma #: 44892

There exists a relationship between Isbrand Rempel and a sister who lived with him in Chortitza, Agatha Rempel.

392 i. Isbrand Rempel ⁴⁴¹ (born in 1737 in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth - died in 1803 in Einlage, Chortitza, Ukraine). Isbrand married Anna ⁴⁴² before 1760 in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Anna was born in 1737 in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and died before 1801 in Einlage, Chortitza, Ukraine.Grandma #: 1180078. Isbrand next married Katherina ⁵⁶⁵ about 1801 in Einlage, Chortitza, Ukraine. Katherina was born in 1734 in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.Grandma #: 153053

ii. Agatha Rempel ⁶⁴² was born in 1752 in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. {Grandma #: 940109}

790. Heinrich Goossen ⁵⁶⁶ was born before 1724 in Altendorf, Marienburg Region, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.

H. Schapansky says he may be the Heinrich Goossen who is listed in Altendorf in the 1776 Prussian Census.

395 i. Helena Goossen ⁴⁴⁵ (born in 1744 in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth - died in 1815 in Rosenthal, Chortitza, Ukraine). Helena married Heinrich Wiebe ⁴⁴⁴ before 1772 in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Heinrich was born in 1744 in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.Grandma #: 153057

806. Johann Klassen ⁵⁶⁸ was born about 1720 in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.

i. Johann Klassen ⁵⁶⁸ was born about 1740 in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.

403 ii. Anna Klassen ²³⁷ (born before 1744 in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth - died before 1801). Anna married Jakob Andres ²³⁶ before 1764 in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Jakob was born in 1739 in Powunden, Elbing Region, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and died on 17 Sep 1809 in Rosenthal, Chortitza, Ukraine.Grandma #: 266172

i. Bernhard Wieler ⁶⁴³ was born about 1740 in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. {Grandma #: 198783}. Bernhard married an unknown person.

412 ii. Heinrich Wieler ⁴⁵⁹ (born before 1741 in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth). Heinrich married Elisabeth Berends ⁴⁶⁰ about 1760. Elisabeth was born about 1741 in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.Grandma #: 17327

832. Peter Epp,⁵⁴⁷ son of Peter Epp ⁶⁴⁴ and Anna Klassen,⁶⁴⁴ was born on 23 Jan 1725 in Petershagen, Marienburg Region, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, was baptized in 1744 in Tiegenhagen, Marienburg Region, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, and died on 12 Nov 1789 in Danzig. Grandma #: 15887

The Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online (GAMEO) has an entry for Peter Epp that lists his parents Peter Epp (1681-1733) and Anna Claassen (1683-1730) and confirms the birth of Peter in Petershagen on 23 January 1725. Peter married Catharina Wiens in 1751 in Nassenhuben, Prussia, the place of her birth. She was the daughter of Thomas Wiens and Anna Hildebrandt. Peter and Catharina had eleven children.

According to GAMEO Peter was a farmer in Neuenhuben near Danzig. He was chosen as a deacon on 3 April 1757, as a minister on 5 February 1758, and as an elder on 26 September 1779. GAMEO tells us "He went through the difficult period of the transfer of West Prussia from Polish to Prussian sovereignty, when the Danzig congregation was for a while divided between the two realms. In this period the immigration to Russia also began, in which Epp took an active part. He died in the midst of preparations for a trip to South Russia in 1789."

Peter is listed with three sons and three daughters in the 1776 census in Neuenhuben. His wife predeceased him earlier in 1776. The census count matches the number of people that should be in the household at the time of the census.

His son, Peter Epp, was one of the original group of 228 settlers in Chortitza in the 1789-1790 wave of immigrants. He appears in Rosenthal on the list of first settlers published by Glenn Penner as well as the 1789 settler list published by Peter Rempel. Unruh provides certainty that Peter and the family were in Chortitza as early as 1795, telling us Peter became a minister there in 1796. The Danzig Family Book Volume 2 says that Peter and his family went to Ukraine in 1795 but this must be incorrect. The 1808 Chortitza census says his son Peter arrived in Chortitza Colony in 1789. This corresponds with the family moving in 1789. The citizenship certificate issued to David Epp and included in the Epp-Ens genealogy publication specifies that his great grandfather, who in this context is the son Peter, arrived in Ukraine in 1789.

Daughter Maria Epp's birth and baptism dates are from the Danzig Church Book. The Grandma Database gives a date of death. It falls a few days after the 1806 Molotschna Census was taken. Her husband had remarried before the 1811 Molotschna Census, thereby confirming she had died between the two census events.

Peter Epp's brother Heinrich married a Maria Wiens who was born in 1742. Maria's father was Thomas Wiens. Her mother was Maria. The coincidence, if it is a coincidence, is that Peter's wife Catharina Wiens, born in 1730, also had a father named Thomas Wiens. I suspect this is the same man. His wife when Catharina was born was Anna Hildebrandt. Likely she died and Thomas remarried. The Danzig Church Book does not provide any clues to substantiate this.

Peter married Katharina Wiens,⁵⁴⁸ daughter of Thomas Wiens ⁶⁴⁵ and Anna Hildebrandt,⁶⁴⁶ on 24 Apr 1751 in Nassehuben, Danzig Region, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Katharina was born on 12 Nov 1730 in Nassehuben, Danzig Region, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, was baptized on 16 Jul 1752 in Tiegenhagen, Marienburg Region, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, and died on 6 Jan 1776 in Danzig.Grandma #: 15890

i. Anke Epp ⁶⁴⁶ was born on 16 Jan 1752 in Neunhuben, Danzig Region, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and died on 23 Jan 1754 in Neunhuben, Danzig Region, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. {Grandma #: 15891}

ii. Sara Epp ⁶⁴⁷ was born on 15 Nov 1753 in Petershagen, Marienburg Region, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, was baptized on 5 Jul 1772 in Danzig, and died on 11 Oct 1779 in Hochzeit, Danzig Region, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. {Grandma #: 15892}. Sara married Peter Klassen.⁶⁴⁸

iii. Peter Epp ⁶¹⁴ was born on 19 Mar 1755 in Neunhuben, Danzig Region, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, was baptized on 18 Jun 1774 in Danzig, and died on 15 Feb 1802 in Rosenthal, Chortitza, Ukraine. {Grandma #: 15893}. Peter married Maria Penner,⁶¹³ daughter of Gerhard Penner ⁵⁷⁵ and Elscke Woelke,⁵⁰³ on 7 Oct 1778 in Danzig. Maria was born on 10 May 1759 in Tiegerfelde, Marienburg Region, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, was baptized on 12 Jul 1778 in Danzig, and died before 1801 in Rosenthal, Chortitza, Ukraine.Grandma #: 21288. Peter next married Aganetha ⁶⁴⁹ before 1801. Aganetha was born about 1780.Grandma #: 529843

416 iv. Heinrich Epp ⁴⁶⁴ (born on 9 Jan 1757 in Neunhuben, Danzig Region, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth - died on 25 Nov 1805 in Rosenthal, Chortitza, Ukraine). Heinrich married Anna Penner,⁴⁶⁵ daughter of Gerhard Penner ⁵⁷⁵ and Elscke Woelke,⁵⁰³ on 30 Oct 1775 in Hochzeit, Danzig Region, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Anna was born on 19 Mar 1757 in Tiegerfelde, Marienburg Region, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, was baptized on 25 Jun 1775 in Danzig, and died on 23 Jul 1798 in Chortitza Colony, Ukraine.Grandma #: 12611. Heinrich next married Margaretha Epp, daughter of David Epp and Magdalena Kroeker, in 1798 in Neuenburg, Chortitza, Ukraine. Margaretha was born on 13 Mar 1777 in Danzig and died in 1800 in Neuenburg, Chortitza, Ukraine.Grandma #: 12617. Heinrich next married Susanna Bartsch,⁵⁴⁶ daughter of Johann Bartsch ⁴²⁴ and Susanna Lammert,⁴²⁵ in May 1801 in Neuenburg, Chortitza, Ukraine. Susanna was born on 10 Feb 1782 in Danzig and died on 22 Dec 1809 in Rosenthal, Chortitza, Ukraine.Grandma #: 12620

v. Anke Epp ⁶⁵⁰ was born on 13 Feb 1758 in Neunhuben, Danzig Region, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, was baptized on 12 Jul 1778 in Danzig, and died on 22 Jan 1792 in Neunhuben, Danzig Region, Prussia. {Grandma #: 11945}

vi. Maria Epp ⁶⁵¹ was born on 13 Apr 1760 in Danzig, was baptized on 4 Jun 1780 in Danzig, and died on 6 Nov 1806 in Petershagen, Molotschna, Ukraine. {Grandma #: 3953}. Maria married Nicolaus Reimer ⁶⁵² on 15 Feb 1798 in Danzig.

vii. Catrina Epp ⁶⁵³ was born on 9 Feb 1764 in Neunhuben, Danzig Region, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and was baptized on 15 Jun 1783 in Danzig. {Grandma #: 317785}. Catrina married Johann Regehr.⁶⁵⁴

viii. Cornelius Epp ⁶⁵⁵ was born on 26 Jun 1767 in Neunhuben, Danzig Region, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and died in 1768 in Neunhuben, Danzig Region, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. {Grandma #: 15985}

ix. Jacob Epp ⁶⁴⁶ was born on 15 Feb 1769 in Danzig and died on 1 Mar 1769 in Danzig. {Grandma #: 15896}

x. Cornelius Epp ⁶⁵⁶ was born on 15 Feb 1769 in Danzig, was baptized on 3 Jun 1787 in Danzig, and died on 13 Jul 1788 in Neunhuben, Danzig Region, Prussia. {Grandma #: 315525}

xi. Jacob Epp ⁶⁵⁷ was born on 25 Apr 1774 in Danzig and was baptized on 24 Jun 1792 in Danzig. {Grandma #: 15898}

833. Katharina Wiens,⁵⁴⁸ daughter of Thomas Wiens ⁶⁴⁵ and Anna Hildebrandt,⁶⁴⁶ was born on 12 Nov 1730 in Nassehuben, Danzig Region, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, was baptized on 16 Jul 1752 in Tiegenhagen, Marienburg Region, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, and died on 6 Jan 1776 in Danzig. Grandma #: 15890

The Danzig Church Book gives her age at death as 45 years. She is listed as the wife of Elder Peter Epp and says her name was Liescke. It appears that by the time of her death she was going by a middle name. All other Danzig Church records give her name as Catharina. Glenn Penner has pointed out that Mennonites didn't use middle names until they adopted the Russian convention of using the father's first name as a middle name.

I'm unsure of the source of her precise birth date. It seems odd that the day and month match those for her husband's date of death.

I am speculating that she had a brother, Hendrich, based on circumstantial material in the Danzig Church Book.

Katharina married Peter Epp,⁵⁴⁷ son of Peter Epp ⁶⁴⁴ and Anna Klassen,⁶⁴⁴ on 24 Apr 1751 in Nassehuben, Danzig Region, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Peter was born on 23 Jan 1725 in Petershagen, Marienburg Region, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, was baptized in 1744 in Tiegenhagen, Marienburg Region, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, and died on 12 Nov 1789 in Danzig.Grandma #: 15887

834. Gerhard Penner ⁵⁷⁵ was born about 1734 in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and died about 1761 in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Grandma #: 12622

Elscke Woelke married a Peter Penner after her first husband, Gerhard Penner, died.

Gerhard must have died around 1761 because Elscke remarried in 1762.

I wonder what his relationship is to Elscke's second husband, Peter Penner.

We learn from Unruh that His daughter Maria was from Tiegerfelde, Prussia. According to the Grandma database she died between 1796 and 1801. This would likely be based on census material. The baptism date used for her is from the Danzig Family Book but Maria is shown as the daughter of Jacob Penner in that register. The Grandma Database notes this discrepancy as well.

Gerhard married Elscke Woelke,⁵⁰³ daughter of Cornelius Woelke ⁶¹⁰ and Ancke Reimer,⁶¹¹ on 24 Jun 1753 in Neuendorf, Marienburg Region, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Elscke was born about 1729 in Danzig, was baptized on 13 Jul 1749 in Danzig, and died on 10 Jun 1764 in Danzig.Grandma #: 12623

835. Elscke Woelke,⁵⁰³ daughter of Cornelius Woelke ⁶¹⁰ and Ancke Reimer,⁶¹¹ was born about 1729 in Danzig, was baptized on 13 Jul 1749 in Danzig, and died on 10 Jun 1764 in Danzig. Grandma #: 12623
(Duplicate. See Person 463 on Page 375)

836. Peter Ens ⁵⁷⁹ was born about 1700 in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and died before 1772 in Schoensee, Marienburg Region, Prussia. Grandma #: 790926

I estimated his year of birth based on the age of his son Martin. The Grandma Database says he is the father of Martin Ens and that we was a farmer in Schoensee. There is a Peter Ens in Schoensee, recorded in the 1727 Census. This is likely the same person.

Peter married Christina ⁵⁸⁰ before 1729 in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Christina was born about 1700 in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and died before 1772 in Schoensee, Marienburg Region, Prussia.Grandma #: 790925

418 iii. Martin Ens ⁴⁶⁶ (born in 1739 in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth - died about 1802 in Rosenthal, Chortitza, Ukraine). Martin married Gertruda Penner ⁴⁶⁷ before 1760 in Schoensee, Marienburg Region, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Gertruda was born in 1741 in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and died on 21 Aug 1807 in Neuendorf, Chortitza, Ukraine.Grandma #: 197462

837. Christina ⁵⁸⁰ was born about 1700 in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and died before 1772 in Schoensee, Marienburg Region, Prussia. Grandma #: 790925

I estimated her year of birth based on the age of her son Martin. I am not entirely sure she is the correct mother of Martin, but this is the name suggested in the Grandma Database.

Christina married Peter Ens ⁵⁷⁹ before 1729 in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Peter was born about 1700 in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and died before 1772 in Schoensee, Marienburg Region, Prussia.Grandma #: 790926

856. Peter Regehr ⁵⁹⁰ was born on 4 Oct 1669 in Herrenhagen, Marienburg Region, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and died on 28 Feb 1722 in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Grandma #: 243415

Peter Regehr is the father of Johann Regehr based on Y-DNA evidence. His birth and death dates are based on data found at Chortitza.org. The location of his birth is taken from the Grandma Database.

Discussion of Y-DNA match:

Peter Regehr and his son, Johann Regehr, have closely matching Y-DNA based on a 37 marker sample found in the MennoniteDNA Y-DNA database.

The value for marker cdy-b in the Peter sample is 39 and the value for the Johann sample (and the sample for Johann's known son Jacob) is 40. If this was the only difference then there would be a 98% probability the common ancestor of the sample providers is a distance of 18 total transitional generations, or about 9 generations removed from Peter's descendant and Johann's descendant. For context, I am 9 generations removed from Peter. This indicates with a very high degree of confidence that Peter is the father of Johann.

The value for marker 456 in the Peter sample is 17. The value for two of Johann's known sons (Abraham and Jacob) is also 17. However, the value for two other donors descended from Johann or his son Jacob, is 16. It is likely that the value 16 reflects a mutation from 17 occurring among descendants of the common ancestor. However, even if a mutation was not the case, this match indicates a 90% probability the common ancestor of the sample providers is a distance of 18 total transitional generations, or about 9 generations removed from the current day donors.

Peter was born in Herrenhagen, near Marienburg. This is not far from Ladekop, the location of the church where records for Johann's children appear.

Peter married Katharina Schellenberg ⁵⁹¹ about 1690 in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Katharina was born about 1670 in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and died after 1716 in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.Grandma #: 68681

428 i. Johann Regehr ⁴⁸⁷ (born in 1716 in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth - died before 1793 in Prussia). Johann married Katharina ⁴⁸⁸ before 1745 in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Katharina was born in 1716 in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and died about 1772 in Schoensee, Marienburg Region, Prussia.Grandma #: 1283719. Johann next married Catharina ⁵⁹² about 1773 in Schoensee, Marienburg Region, Prussia. Catharina was born about 1760 in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and died in 1810 in Molotschna Colony, Ukraine.Grandma #: 45161

857. Katharina Schellenberg ⁵⁹¹ was born about 1670 in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and died after 1716 in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Grandma #: 68681

Intuitively Katharina must have died after 1716 because her son Johann was born in 1716. However, this is also the date supplied by the Grandma Database. There is no source reference for this.

Katharina married Peter Regehr ⁵⁹⁰ about 1690 in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Peter was born on 4 Oct 1669 in Herrenhagen, Marienburg Region, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and died on 28 Feb 1722 in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.Grandma #: 243415

868. Michael Teichroeb ²⁰⁶ was born before 1720 in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.
(Duplicate. See Person 128 on Page 375)

924. Peter Penner ⁶⁰⁸ was born before 1719 and died on 30 Jan 1781 in Neuendorf, Marienburg Region, Prussia. Grandma #: 16597

The relationship beween Peter and his son is established by the baptism record in the Danzig Church Book. The relationship between Peter and his wife Agnetha is established by the marriage record in the Danzig Church Book.

There are records of a few children in the Grandma Database.

Peter married Aganetha Epp,⁶⁰⁹ daughter of Jacob Epp ⁶⁵⁸ and Elscke Reimer,⁶⁵⁹ on 23 Jul 1741 in Neuendorf, Marienburg Region, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Aganetha was born about 1714 in Danzig, was baptized on 5 Jul 1739 in Danzig, and died on 11 Dec 1801 in Neuendorf, Marienburg Region, Prussia.Grandma #: 16598

ii. Jacob Penner ⁶⁶⁰ was born about 1748 in Danzig and was baptized on 12 Jun 1768 in Danzig. {Grandma #: 1142082}

iii. Agnetha Penner ⁶⁶¹ was born on 24 May 1754 in Danzig. {Grandma #: 16599}

925. Aganetha Epp,⁶⁰⁹ daughter of Jacob Epp ⁶⁵⁸ and Elscke Reimer,⁶⁵⁹ was born about 1714 in Danzig, was baptized on 5 Jul 1739 in Danzig, and died on 11 Dec 1801 in Neuendorf, Marienburg Region, Prussia. Grandma #: 16598

The Grandma Database has two entries for Jacob Epp, one listing Agnetha as his daughter, the other listing Cornelius as his son. It is likely they refer to the same Jacob Epp but this is not certain. The circumstances do support this hypothesis. She is shown in the Danzig Church Book baptism list as the daughter of Jacob Epp.

Aganetha married Peter Penner ⁶⁰⁸ on 23 Jul 1741 in Neuendorf, Marienburg Region, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Peter was born before 1719 and died on 30 Jan 1781 in Neuendorf, Marienburg Region, Prussia.Grandma #: 16597

926. Cornelius Woelke,⁶¹⁰ son of Wiebe Woelke, was born about 1698 in Danzig, was baptized on 9 Jul 1718 in Danzig, and died on 6 May 1756 in Danzig. Grandma #: 1169237

According to Henry Schapansky, Cornelius was from Gross Plenendorf, Danzig Gemeinde. However, in the Danzig Church book listing his daughter's marriage to Gerhard Penner he is shown as coming from Nieundorp. In the Danzig Church book listing deaths there is a Cornelius Woelke from Nieundorp who died in 1756. I believe this is the same person who is listed in the marriage records. I don't think this is the same person who Henry Schapansky refers to; that person is referred to distinctly as originating in Plenendorf, as shown in the death record of his wife. The Danzig Church Book shows a Cornelius Woelke married to Ancke Reimers. I believe this is the mother of Elscke Woelke. Once again, in her death record she is shown as the widow of Cornelius Woelke of Nieundorp. The Cornelius who Schapansky refers to and who is listed in the Grandma Database married a Liescke Thielmann. This Cornelius is an entirely different person and I believe the two individuals are being confused.

I hypothesize that his father is Wiebe Woelke, whose daughter Elscke is baptised on the same day as Cornelius. Evidence is required to prove this hypothesis.

The burials of Cornelius and his wife Anna Reimer are recorded in the Burial Records of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Reichenberg. We see when he died Cornelius had reached the age of 58 years, 5 months, and 20 days. Anna reached the age of 64 years, 6 months, and 24 days when she died. The burial record indicates they lived in Neuendorf, consistent with the data in the preceding paragraph.

I note that the Grandma Database appears to have him listed as #41774 and #1169237.

Cornelius married Ancke Reimer ⁶¹¹ on 1 Jan 1719 in Danzig. Ancke was born about 1693 in Danzig, was baptized on 2 Jul 1713 in Danzig, and died on 13 Mar 1757 in Danzig.Grandma #: 1169235

i. Ancke Woelke ⁶⁶³ was born about 1723, was baptized on 18 Jun 1748 in Danzig, and died on 25 Jun 1775 in Danzig. {Grandma #: 1168640}

463 ii. Elscke Woelke ⁵⁰³ (born about 1729 in Danzig - died on 10 Jun 1764 in Danzig). Elscke married Gerhard Penner ⁵⁷⁵ on 24 Jun 1753 in Neuendorf, Marienburg Region, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Gerhard was born about 1734 in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and died about 1761 in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.Grandma #: 12622. Elscke next married Peter Penner,⁵⁰² son of Peter Penner ⁶⁰⁸ and Aganetha Epp,⁶⁰⁹ on 7 Nov 1762 in Danzig. Peter was born about 1742, was baptized on 27 Jun 1762 in Danzig, and died on 13 Jun 1786 in Danzig.Grandma #: 1142083

927. Ancke Reimer ⁶¹¹ was born about 1693 in Danzig, was baptized on 2 Jul 1713 in Danzig, and died on 13 Mar 1757 in Danzig. Grandma #: 1169235

Note that her surname is often spelled Reimers in the Danzig Church Books. There is a baptism record for an Anna Reymers in 1713 that could be the same person. I have seen information online (https://www.familysearch.org/tree/person/details/KCV8-JB2) saying her father is Heinrich Reimer (1653) and her mother is Dorothea Busche (married 1678). This information is not in the Danzig Church Book records and therefore can not be verified.

I believe Ancke's sister is Elscke Reimer (1688-1773). Ancke had a daughter named after herself, Ancke, in the normal tradition, and then a daughter named Elscke, which in usual tradition would be the name of an aunt. Her sister Elscke had a daughter named Agnetha (Anganeetke), the name of a daughter of Jacob Reimer (about 1659-1735). Jacob had two other daughters, Saarcke and Greetke. There is no other information about children of these sisters to complete the hypothesis.

Ancke married Cornelius Woelke,⁶¹⁰ son of Wiebe Woelke, on 1 Jan 1719 in Danzig. Cornelius was born about 1698 in Danzig, was baptized on 9 Jul 1718 in Danzig, and died on 6 May 1756 in Danzig.Grandma #: 1169237

He is listed in the First Danzig Family Book. The people listed there are members of the Flemish Mennonite church of Danzig. This is where I found the correct birth date.

His second wife was Magdalena Penner. She may have had a son who died as a young child based on the Grandma Database (#8413), born 4 April 1779 and died 9 May 1782.

i. Magdalena Sawatzky ⁶⁶⁸ was born in Nov 1739 in Danzig, was baptized in 1763 in Danzig, and died on 16 Jun 1800. {Grandma #: 8409}. Magdalena married Jacob Kroecker.⁶⁶⁹ Grandma #: 8584

476 ii. Johann Sawatzky ⁵¹⁹ (born on 4 Apr 1742 in Danzig - died on 24 Apr 1815 in Chortitza Colony, Ukraine). Johann married Susanna Ens,⁵²⁰ daughter of Johann Ens, on 2 Nov 1766 in Danzig. Susanna was born on 6 Apr 1742 in Scharpau, Marienburg Region, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, was baptized on 19 Jun 1764 in Danzig, and died on 2 Mar 1803 in Rosenthal, Chortitza, Ukraine.Grandma #: 8411

Johann next married Magdalena Penner,⁶⁷⁰ daughter of Dirk Penner ⁶⁷¹ and Katharina Wieler,⁶⁷¹ on 8 Feb 1778 in Danzig. Magdalena was born on 25 Mar 1757 in Danzig, was baptized on 23 Jun 1776 in Danzig, and died on 2 Jul 1813.Grandma #: 8412

She was the daughter of Jacob Jantzen according to the Grandma Database. In the Grandma Database she is referred to as Christina with a note that another document refers to her as Catharina; in fact the Danzig Family Book lists her as Catharina. The Danzig Church Book death records refer to her as the wife of Sowatzsche (although this could refer to her mother in law). I haven't found a reference to her marriage date. It seems that her mother would have been quite old when she was born.

954. Johann Ens ⁶²³ was born before 1722 in Danzig and died on 25 Sep 1780 in Danzig. Grandma #: 476533

He is mentioned in the Danzig Church Book in connection with his daughter's baptism in 1764. The Danzig Church book lists the death of a Hans Entz In 1780. Presumably this is the same man.

I have seen an internet reference indicating his wife's first name was Susanna. However there is no source reference data available. There is a Geneanet family tree showing a wife named Susanna Jacobsen, and she has a well defined ancestry in the Danzig Church Books. However, the death record states clearly that she died in 1794 at the age of 73 and had never been married. Therefore this is an erroneous lead.

There is a Cornelius Entz mentioned in the Danzig Church Book in 1758 associated with his daughter's baptism (she was Anna). It is interesting to speculate on the relationship of Hans and Cornelius.

477 i. Susanna Ens ⁵²⁰ (born on 6 Apr 1742 in Scharpau, Marienburg Region, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth - died on 2 Mar 1803 in Rosenthal, Chortitza, Ukraine). Susanna married Johann Sawatzky,⁵¹⁹ son of Johann Sawatzky ⁶²¹ and Katharina Janzen,⁶²² on 2 Nov 1766 in Danzig. Johann was born on 4 Apr 1742 in Danzig, was baptized on 23 Jun 1765 in Danzig, and died on 24 Apr 1815 in Chortitza Colony, Ukraine.Grandma #: 8410

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