*I have prepared this sketch to hopefully aid me in learning more about Peter’s wife Margaretta and her family, hence the information I need on her sister “Sarah” Walton.
PETER WALLOVER
1771-1824
Variant spellings: Wallauer, Wooliver, Wolliver
“Having been several times kindly invited, I dined with P.W., a respectable paper-maker in the neighborhood of Merion, where I spent the afternoon pleasantly. The situation is beautifully romantic, being in a deep narrow valley, the steep hills on each side of which are covered with wood. The mill, which would be considered as an extensive one even in England, is almost wholly employed in making writing and printing paper, with large quantities of which he supplies the printers and stationers in Philadelphia.
During the visit he gave me a little history of his life. About twenty years (before), being then twelve years of age, he left Mentz, his native place in Germany, accompanied by his father who died on the passage to this country. Being that class of emigrants called redemptionists[1] . . . P.W. on the arrival of the ship in the Delaware, was hired by Henry Drinker, and was employed about the house as a waiting boy and assistant to the girls in the kitchen. After spending nearly four months in this family, and having acquired the English language, he had the good sense to discern, that it would be more to his interest to be taught some manufacture and requested liberty of his master to be put apprentice to a paper-maker, which was readily granted, although his first indenture was not yet expired.
After having obtained a knowledge of the manufacture of paper, he by industry and care, acquired sufficient property and credit to enable him to begin business which he has, now, for several years, carried on to advantage. I never was in a paper mill where the business was managed with more neatness and order. As I sat in the house it was pleasant to reflect on such an instance of successful industry.”[2]
TIMELINE
1771 – Approximate time Peter would have been born in Mentz, Germany.[3]
1784 – Peter comes to America. An article by Robert Sutcliffe[4] indicates Peter was accompanied by his father who “died on the passage to this country." I need to find the ship and possible ship list. His mother was apparently on board, too (see Drinker journal entry in footnotes about “Peter’s mother”)[5].
1784 – Peter is hired by Henry Drinker as a “waiting boy and assistant to the girls in the kitchen.” From Elizabeth Drinker’s journal: “Decr. 7: Peter Wallover came to us—a dutch[6] Boy about 12 years of Age, purchased from on board a Ship."[7][8]
1785 – Peter in household of Henry and Elizabeth Drinker for a total of four months.
1785 - Apprenticed to Frederick Shietas.[9] From the diary of Elizabeth Drinker: “May 3. Parted with Peter Wallover to Frederick Shietas, who keeps a paper mill over Schuylkill.”[10]
1787 – Peter age 16… approximate time Peter was apprenticed to papermaker Paul Jones, or he was possibly still with Shietas/Schuetz/Sheetz.
1790 - From the Philadelphische Correspondenz (German newspaper).
November 26, 1790 Freiederich Schuetz, papermaker, Lower Merion township Montgomery County, advertises that his German servant, Peter Wallauer, ran away. He is 19 years old, has learned paper making, and speaks good English.[11][12]
1790-1797 - Peter either was on his own at this time or possibly was working with Paul Jones.
According to the Proceedings and Addresses, Volume 28 p. 68 By Pennsylvania-German Society (p. 68) there was a terrible yellow fever epidemic in 1793, 1797, 1798 and 1799 in Philadelphia. [13]
1797 – Peter Wallover marries Margaretta Walton on 23 Nov 1797 at the German Reformed Church at Philadelphia. [14] This is the only source I have found that lists the maiden name of Peter’s wife. Presumably he would have been about 26 years of age. This would make Margaretta at least born in 1777 if they were approx. the same age.
1798 – Peter rented the Rittenhouse Mill who (in the firm of Wallover and Lawn) kept it about 5 years.[15] “Jacob [Rittenhouse, son of William Rittenhouse and grandson of Clause Rittenhouse, the first settler and proprietor of the mill] now the sole proprietor, kept the factory in operation till the year 1798, since which time the mill has been rented to strangers, but still continues a paper mill.”[16]
1800 – “Walover, Peter, was established in 1800 at Lower Merion Township, PA. See: Walbridge Mill, Jones Mill, McCleaghan Mill”[17]
1804 – Peter W. Wallover is born 1 Nov 1804.[18] His tombstone is located in the St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery in Ardmore, PA. He died 25 Dec 1871 “age 64 years”. His death certificate says that he was buried in “St. John Vault” on 28 Dec 1871. Born in “Ohieau”.
1807 – Peter Walover ran what later became the “Evans Jones Mill”.[19] One source says he purchased it from George McClenahan.[20]
1812 – Served in the War of 1812[21]. (Peter’s grave is marked as such.)[22]
1812 – On 12 October 1812, Peter Wallover took the oath to become a citizen of the U.S. See footnote for transcription of the naturalization record.[23] For hopeful access to the actual petition, see footnote for link.[24]
1818 – Ann Maria Wallover died 31 Jan 1818. Her grave is located to the immediate left of Peter Wallover’s in the St. Paul cemetery in Ardmore, PA. How does she fit in? There is no birthdate to know if she is a child or possibly Peter’s mother….
1818 - Paper mill sold at sheriff’s sale – 33 acres of land with 3 messuages and a paper mill.[25]
1820 – Peter Wallover listed in the 1820 census at Roxborough, Philadelphia County. Also a Henry Walover in York, PA.[26] They had 10 people in their household including 4 ages 10-15 and 4 under 16. 2 slaves.
1824 – Peter Martin [P.M.] Wallover is born 5 March 1824.[27]
1824 - Peter Wallover died 17 Apr 1824. He is buried in St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery, located in Lower Merion.[28] He would be approx 47 years old when he died.
1846 - Peter’s wife Margaretta dies 15 Sep 1846. She is buried next to her husband at St. Paul’s. She may have been about 69. The name appears more Germanic than Welsh…
1850 – P.M. Wallover marries “Miss Margaret Arthur of Philadelphia, a second cousin of the former President Chester A. Arthur.”[29] He would have been 26 years old.[30]
1854 – P.M. Wallover operates a paper mill on the Little Beaver Creek in Beaver County, PA.[31]
1854 – “Peter M. Wallover, a native of Pennsylvania, settled at Smiths Ferry in 1854 and was the organizer of the Wallover Oil Company. His son, R. A., attended Scio College and with his brother, Bert, engaged in the oil business.”[32]
1855 – Peter W. Wallover listed as a paper dealer in Philadelphia on “Poplar and St. John, h Poplar ab 2d”[33]
1860 – P.M. Wallover purchases property at Smith’s Ferry and began to drill for oil.[34]
1860 – 1860 Census : Martin Wallover listed age 45, birthplace SWIT PA, Philadelphia, 16-WD Philadelphia. Listed as a carpenter.
1861 – R.A. Wallover born at Smith’s Ferry 18 Oct 1861 (son of Peter M. and Margaret Arthur Wallover).
1863 – P.M. Wallover starts an oil refinery at Smith’s Ferry.[35]
1870 – Peter Wallover in Census - Philadelphia County 16-WD 48-DIST
Wallover Peter, 65, Rag Dealer, Penn, “father of foreign birth”
Wallover Sarah, 57, keeps house, New Jersey
Schaffer Henry, 16, at school, Penn
Kortwiek, Anna, 46, simpstress ,New Jersey
Collins Sophia, 21, ____ , Penn
1870 – Peter Wallover in Beaver, Ohio Twp, PA
Peter Wallover, 46, oil refiner
Margaret Wallover, 39, keeping house
William Wallover, 14, at home
Bertless Wallover, 11, at home
Robert Wallover, 9, at home
Joseph Wallover, 6, at home
Edward Wallover, 1 ½ at home
Lora? Wallover, 16, at home
1870 Census:
Eliza Walover age 16 in Dauphin, Middletown Boro, PA
1870 Census:
Philadelphia, Ward 16
Peter Wallover M 65y Pennsylvania
Sarah Wallover F 57y New Jersey
Henry Schaffer M 16y Pennsylvania
Anna H*Wick F 46y New Jersey
Sophia Collins F 51y Pennsylvania[36]
1871 – Peter W. Wallover dies 25 Dec 1871 in Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA at age 67. He is listed as a “rag merchant” at 2nd & Poplar St. Buried in St. Johns M.E. on 28 Dec 1871.[37]
1873 – Marvin C. Wallover born 15 Jan 1873 to Charles A. Wallover and Nancy E. Dungan at Smiths Ferry Pa.[38]
1880 – P.M. Wallover in Census:
Peter Wallover 56
Margaret Wallover[39] 49
Burtless Wallover 21
Robert Wallover 18
Joseph Wallover 15
Edward Wallover 10
Annie Keenan 19
They had the following children:
Peter W. Wallover – b. _______________, d. 26 Jan 1905.[40]
William H., married Harriet Mervine (remarried a Mr. Stott[41])
P.M. – Peter Marvin Wallover b. 5 Mar 1824 and d. 28 Jan 1910[42] buried in Georgetwon Cemetery, Beaver County, PA - married Margaret Arthur (1829-1903).
1860 Census – Listed age 45, birthplace SWIT PA, Philadelphia, 16-WD Philadelphia
Charles A, William H, Robert A., Joseph D, Bert S, Edwin S, Katie, and Laura.
Anna m. General Daniel Dare
Henry – died at the age of 6 years
Harry who went to Mexico, and there formed a partnership with a Mr. Bellfield (both of whom showed their patriotism by offering their place to the government for a
Harriet, who became the wife of a Mr. Duckett, a wealthy paper
manufacturer;
Margaret (Shee);
Mary Ann
p. 132 talks about a majority of Germans being weavers
1880 Census:
WALLOVER CHARLES 32 W PA PA BEAVER GLASGOW
WALLOVER DORA 18 W PA PA BEAVER GLASGOW
WALLOVER ELLA 29 W OH PA BEAVER GLASGOW WALLOVER GEORGE 10 W PA PA BEAVER GLASGOW
WALLOVER MARVIN 7 W PA PA BEAVER GLASGOW
WALLOVER MAUD 1 W PA PA BEAVER GLASGOW
WALLOVER WILLIAM 24 W PA PA BEAVER GLASGOW
1880 Census:
Peter Wallover is listed as being born in 1824, spouse’s name Margaret Wallover, occupation oil refiner in Glasgow, Beaver, PA
self Peter Wallover M 56 Pennsylvania, United States
wife Margaret Wallover F 49 Pennsylvania, United States
son Burtless Wallover M 21 Pennsylvania, United States
son Robert Wallover M 18 Pennsylvania, United States
son Joseph Wallover M 15 Pennsylvania, United States
son Edward Wallover M 10 Pennsylvania, United States
Annie Keenan F 19 Pennsylvania, United States
(servant)
1902 - Freedom Beaver County, Pa City Directory 1902-1903 Wallover William, ry fireman, bds Wm Settlemire
Walton Luella, dressmaker, bds Mrs C J Dean
1903 – Margaret Arthur (wife of P.M.) dies.[43]
1910 – P.M. Wallover,
1920 – John Walover Age 60, birthplace, PA, Philadelphia, 23-WD Philadelphia
[1]Proceedings and addresses, Volume 28, By Pennsylvania-German Society. p. 60:
“When the Germans arrived in America … if they were poor or had no well-to-do friends, they were compelled to sell themselves for a number of years to people who in return paid their passage money. This system of redemptioning, as it was called, was in itself not particularly unjust, but so many abuses arose that it became a public scandal. In the first place, many Germans, as mentioned before, came to America in the belief that they would be met by the representatives of the newlanders, who would furnish them opportunities for work, so that they could earn the expenses of the voyage in a short time. When they arrived they were obliged to sell themselves to people who were utter strangers to them. This sudden transition from independence to servitude undoubtedly created unspeakable hardship. The time of servitude was often considerably lengthened because the survivors had to pay the passage money of those who died at sea. They were at times required to pay even for the food which the dead would have bought.” Outlines other problems, such as children being sold by “unscrupulous captains” without the knowledge of their parents, who is some cases were sick on board the ship.” Retrieved from http://books.google.com/books?id=7tSwAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA19&dq#v=onepage&q=webb&f=false
p. 65: “The system of redemptioning was still in vogue after the War for Independence.”
p. 67 talks about the plight of PA Germans during the French and Indian war
[2]Selections from Robert Sutcliff’s Travels 1804-05-06, The Friend, Volume 85. Seventh Month 27, 1911. PDF retrieved from http://ojs.libraries.psu.edu/index.php/pmhb/article/view/28054/27810
[3] Calculated from age at which he arrived at the Drinker’s home in PA. See note below.
[4]Selections from Robert Sutcliff’s Travels 1804-05-06, The Friend, Volume 85. Seventh Month 27, 1911. PDF retrieved from http://ojs.libraries.psu.edu/index.php/pmhb/article/view/28054/27810
[5] From The Diary of Elizabeth Drinker: “April 29. A Rumpus with Peter’s mother.”[5]
[6] Dutch means GERMAN.
[7] The Diary of Elizabeth Drinker: The Life Cycle of an Eighteenth-Century Woman, edited by Elaine Crane, p. 99. Retrieved from. http://books.google.com/books?id=4z9v1ZhRnE0C&pg=PA99&dq=%22peter+wallover%22&hl=en&ei=y_JmTre5NoGIsgK7lPStDg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=7&ved=0CEMQ6AEwBg#v=onepage&q=%22peter%20wallover%22&f=false
[8] This link talks more about the Drinkers – will have to get the book because it is missing the page 189 before http://books.google.com/books?id=ht8UKlutUaMC&pg=PA267&lpg=PA267&dq=peter+wallover+war+of+1812&source=bl&ots=wEUfxqHT7G&sig=GlBhyg616xGiukJugdnZvHhD0yY&hl=en&sa=X&ei=XNplUKriMMeRiAKVoYHQDA&ved=0CDgQ6AEwBA#v=onepage&q=peter%20wallover%20war%20of%201812&f=false
[9] Page 161 of Extracts from the journal of Elizabeth Drinker, from 1759 to 1807, A. D.
By Elizabeth Sandwith Drinker Retrieved from : http://books.google.com/books?id=LyDu9fuH2JgC&pg=PA161&dq=elizabeth+drinker+peter+wallover&hl=en&sa=X&ei=LJSUUOOqGsPiiwKFi4DACw&ved=0CC4Q6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=elizabeth%20drinker%20peter%20wallover&f=false
[10] Page 161 of Extracts from the journal of Elizabeth Drinker, from 1759 to 1807, A. D.
By Elizabeth Sandwith Drinker Retrieved from : http://books.google.com/books?id=LyDu9fuH2JgC&pg=PA161&dq=elizabeth+drinker+peter+wallover&hl=en&sa=X&ei=LJSUUOOqGsPiiwKFi4DACw&ved=0CC4Q6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=elizabeth%20drinker%20peter%20wallover&f=false
[11] http://archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th/read/WOHLEBEN/2000-06/0961461003
[12] “The papers also contained numerous advertisements offering rewards for the apprehension of runaway German redemptioners. Although the indentured servants may at times have been justified in breaking their contracts, the frequency of these occureences is almost conclusive proof that not all of the servants were honest.” Proceedings and addresses, Volume 28, By Pennsylvania-German Society, p. 124
[13]
http://books.google.com/books?id=7tSwAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA19&dq#v=onepage&q=webb&f=false
[14] “Record of Pennsylvania Marriages Prior to 1810 – Marriage record of the German Reformed Church at Philadelphia, Part II, 1747-1802. Retrieved from http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/1pa/paarchivesseries/series2/vol8/pass819.html “1791, Nov. 23, Walton, Margaretha, and Peter Wallauer.”
[15] Proceedings of the American Antiquarian Society, Volume 31 By American Antiquarian Society p. 117 retrieved from http://books.google.com/books?id=6F5IAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA117&dq=peter+wallover+philadelphia+paper+co&hl=en&ei=opBvTqeFJKnSiALpjYHwBg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CC4Q6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=peter%20wallover%20philadelphia%20paper%20co&f=false
[16] Proceedings of the American Antiquarian Society, Volume 31
By American Antiquarian Society p. 117 retrieved from http://books.google.com/books?id=6F5IAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA117&dq=peter+wallover+philadelphia+paper+co&hl=en&ei=opBvTqeFJKnSiALpjYHwBg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CC4Q6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=peter%20wallover%20philadelphia%20paper%20co&f=false
[17] Rag Paper Manufacture in the United States, 1801-1900: A History, with ...
By A. J. Valente p. 290 http://books.google.com/books?id=QiMTbC0MkfYC&pg=PA275&lpg=PA275&dq=manchester+mills,+ridley+creek&source=bl&ots=EtRJZWg7hd&sig=wZ0E1UUcu6N9JSb-FpE43RcKUFE&hl=en&sa=X&ei=Ue2zT7noI4eO2wXBzJXpCA&ved=0CGMQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=walover&f=false
[18] Headstone in St. Paul cemetery in Armore, PA.
[19] http://www.lmconservancy.org/?d=18687045.6281
[20] http://www.livingplaces.com/PA/Montgomery_County/Lower_Merion_Township/Mill_Creek_Historic_District.html
[21] http://archive.org/stream/musterrollsofpen02harr/musterrollsofpen02harr_djvu.txt
He is listed as “Peter Wallower” one of the “Pennsylvania Volunteers.”
[22] rom: Colonial and Revolutionary Families of Pennsylvania" by Jordan,Volume
[23] Not sure where I got a copy of this, but I have a digital copy on file in the “Peter Wallover” folder on my computer. “I, Peter Wallover, the within Petitioner do upon my solemn oath before this Honorable Court declare that I will support the Constitution of the United States; that I do hereby renounce and relinquish any title or order of nobility to which I am or hereafter may be entitled, and that I do absolutely and intirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign Prince, Potentate, State or Sovereignty whatever and particularly to the Emperor of Germany to whom he was before subject. “
Sworn in open Court this 12 day of October 1812
Peter Wallover
[24] http://www.fold3.com/document/3945274/
[25] “For nearly ten years Walover apparently ran an efficient and immaculate mill, but the economic recession that occurred after the War of 1812 forced him into debt. His 33 acres of land with three "messuages" and a paper mill were sold at a sheriff’s sale in 1818. “http://www.lowermerionhistory.org/texts/first300/part07a.html
[26] 1820 United States Federal Census 1820 United States Federal Census
Name: Peter Wallower
[Peter Wallover]
Home in 1820 (City, County, State): Roxborough, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Enumeration Date: August 7, 1820
Free White Persons - Males - 10 thru 15: 3
Free White Persons - Males - 16 thru 25: 4
Free White Persons - Males - 45 and over: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 10 thru 15: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 26 thru 44: 1
Slaves - Males - 14 thru 25: 1
Slaves - Females - 14 thru 25: 1
Number of Persons - Engaged in Manufactures: 1
Free White Persons - Under 16: 4
Free White Persons - Over 25: 2
Total Free White Persons: 10
Total Slaves: 2
Total All Persons - White, Slaves, Colored, Other: 12
Source Citation: 1820 U S Census; Census Place: Roxborough, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Page: 61; NARA Roll: M33_110; Image: 326.
[27] From headstone in Georgetown Cemetery, Georgetown, Beaver County, PA Photo retrieved from http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=21371808
[28] http://www.lowermerionhistory.org/burial/lutheran/w.html
[29] http://books.google.com/books?id=HQkdAQAAMAAJ&pg=PR11&dq=wallover,+pa&hl=en&ei=q_adTq3wI6nWiAKd2IjzCQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CDMQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=wallover&f=false
[30] Calculated from birthdate on headstone.
[31] http://books.google.com/books?id=HQkdAQAAMAAJ&pg=PR11&dq=wallover,+pa&hl=en&ei=q_adTq3wI6nWiAKd2IjzCQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CDMQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=wallover&f=false
[32] Biographical Sketch – L. A. Wallover Source: History of Columbiana County, Ohio – Harold B. Barth Historical Publishing Company 1926
[33] http://books.google.com/books?id=hZ46AAAAcAAJ&pg=PA577&dq=philadelphia+paper+store+wallover&hl=en&ei=GJJvTrTvKaXQiAKtocTmBg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=3&ved=0CEsQ6AEwAg#v=snippet&q=wallover&f=false
[34] http://books.google.com/books?id=HQkdAQAAMAAJ&pg=PR11&dq=wallover,+pa&hl=en&ei=q_adTq3wI6nWiAKd2IjzCQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CDMQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=wallover&f=false
[35] http://books.google.com/books?id=HQkdAQAAMAAJ&pg=PR11&dq=wallover,+pa&hl=en&ei=q_adTq3wI6nWiAKd2IjzCQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CDMQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=wallover&f=false
[36] The Collins name is of interest to me because of Prudence Wilcox Kartchner who married Frances Collins. Could he have been a family friend?
[37] "Pennsylvania, Philadelphia City Death Certificates, 1803-1915," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/JD2W-1L6 : accessed 22 June 2012), Peter W. Wallover, 1871.
[38] "Ohio, Deaths, 1908-1953," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/X621-NL7 : accessed 22 June 2012), Marvin C Wallover, 1952.
[39] 1880 United States Federal Census 1880 United States Federal Census
Name: Margaret Wallover
Age: 49
Birth Year: abt 1831
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Home in 1880: Glasgow, Beaver, Pennsylvania
Race: White
Gender: Female
Relation to Head of House: Wife
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name: Peter Wallover
Father's Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Mother's Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Neighbors: View others on page
Occupation: Keeping House
[40][40] St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery, Plot C1033 grave 3 North portion. http://www.lowermerionhistory.org/burial/lutheran/w.html
[41] a mechanic of no mean ability. He it was who put the machinery in the United States steamship Prince-ton. He was superintendent of the Phoenixville Iron
Works for many years, and retained this position up to the time of his death, which occurred very suddenly.
[42] http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=wallover&GSfn=peter&GSbyrel=all&GSdyrel=all&GSob=n&GRid=21371808&df=all&
[43] http://books.google.com/books?id=HQkdAQAAMAAJ&pg=PR11&dq=wallover,+pa&hl=en&ei=q_adTq3wI6nWiAKd2IjzCQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CDMQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=wallover&f=false
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