Andreas Graff

Andreas Graff¹

• Birth*: 4 September 1740; Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania^1,2,3
• Baptism: 17 September 1740; Lancaster Trinity Lutheran, Lancaster, Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania⁴
• Marriage*: 19 January 1762; Lancaster First Reformed, Lancaster, Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania; "Andreas Graff und Catharina Graffortin"
  First Reformed, Lancaster
  by Rev. Henry William Stoy; Spouse=Catharine Crawford^5,6,7,8
• Death*: 15 January 1816; Lancaster, Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania⁹

Parents:

Family:

Catharine Crawford b. 19 Mar 1748, d. 6 Feb 1811

• Marriage*: 19 January 1762; Lancaster First Reformed, Lancaster, Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania; "Andreas Graff und Catharina Graffortin"
  First Reformed, Lancaster
  by Rev. Henry William Stoy; Spouse=Catharine Crawford^5,6,7,8

Children:

Andreas Graff¹² b. 16 Aug 1764, d. 31 Oct 1764
Mary Magdalene Graff¹³ b. 1 Oct 1765, d. 19 Jan 1773
Sebastian Graff¹⁴ b. 22 Nov 1767, d. 16 Jun 1768
Johannes Graff+⁷ b. 31 Oct 1769, d. 10 Feb 1850
Margaret Graff⁷ b. 16 Mar 1772, d. 4 Apr 1822
Catharine Graff+⁷ b. 14 Aug 1774, d. 3 Sep 1861
Mary Magdalena Graff+ ⁷ b. 6 Aug 1776, d. c 27 Jun 1813
Elizabeth Graff⁷ b. 25 Dec 1778, d. 21 Apr 1845
George Michael Graff⁷ b. 1 Feb 1781, d. 29 May 1835
Andreas Graff¹⁵ b. 1 Jul 1783, d. 1783
Henry Graff⁷ d. c 1822

Notes

• Name Variation: Andrew Graff⁷
• Note*: The following biography of Andrew Graff is excerpted from Dr. William Moore Guilford’s manuscript "The Genealogy of the Groff Family":
  
  Andrew Graff, owned and lived on property about a mile from Lancaster City, northeast, on the Conestoga. The House is still standing and stones in the wall bearing the inscription "Andreas- Catharine Groff, 1767" testify to the date of erection. On the property was a grist mill.
  
  In the year 1812 Abraham Witmer and John Groff (a descendent of Hans Groff) purchased one of the first purchasers in the ondon (sic) Tract in 1722) purchased one hundred and forty-two acres and laid out the village of Groffstown, adjoining the eastern boundary of Lancaster city; and also ninety-two acres of land on the east side of Conestoga Creek, and opposite the first mentioned tract, from Andrew Graff, Esq., son of Sebastian Graff, for fifty thousand pounds. The latter plot of ground was a portion of Andrew Graff's homestead. (See Hist. of Lanc. Co., Ellis and Evans, p. 907).
  
  On July 15, 1776 the Committee of Safety directed Robert Towers Commissary, to deliver a certain number of rifles to Co. Geo. Toss "for the use of his Battalion of Associators". Mention is made of the company of Captain Andrew Graff. (Hist. Lanc. Co. p 52; and also "Capt. Andrew Graff, "Penna. Archives, 2nd series, Vol. # XLLI, p. 346)
  
  Capt. Andrew Graff was on the Committee of Correspondence. (See Penna. Archives, 2nd. Series, Vol. XIII, 294, 295, 296).
  
  Capt. Andrew Groff was a delegate to the Provincial Conference held in Carpenters Hall, Phila., on June 18, 1775, and on June 18, 1776. (See Archives 2nd Series, Vol. III, pp 636 and 678.)
  
  The Provincial Conference of June 1775, threw off the authority of the Proprietory Government, and was vested with fine power to provide generally for the defense of the Province, Benj. Franklin was chairman.
  
  The convention of June 1776, assumed supreme political control of the Province and erected it into an independent state.
  
  Thus Andrew Groff was a founder of the State of Penna.
  
  [some lines not photo-copied] Hessian prisoners taken at Trenton, N.J. The prisoners at one time numbered over twelve hundred.
  
  The council of Safety appointed a sub-committee to make arrangements for sheltering these prisoners and among the twelve men appointed for this service were Capt. Andrew Groff, and his brother Sebastian Groff. (See Hist. of Lanc. Co., Ellis and Evans p. 61)
  
  The companies of soldiers detailed to guard the prisoners were known as the "Standing Guard of Lancaster". Capt. Andrew Groff was "officer of the day" Jan, 16, 1776 and Feby. 13, 1776. (See Hist. of Lancaster Co. p. 61)
  
  Andrew Groff was appointed Justice of the Peace for the district of Lancaster, Hempfield and Manheim, March 5, 1787.
  He was elected Associate Law Judge of Lancaster Co., September 13, 1792, and continued in that office nineteen years, resigning January 5, 1811. (Hist Lanc. Co., Ellis and Evans, pp 218 and 225.)
  
  The Moravian records say "His end was sudden."
  
  Catharine Crawford, wife of Andrew Groff, was the daughter of Christopher Crawford, Christopher Crawford was Captain Lieutenant of Standing Guard of Lancaster, in 1776 (See Hist. Penna., Archives 2nd. Series, Vol. XIII p. 349) also see will of Christopher Crawford.¹⁰
• Note: LANCASTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA DEEDS - ANDREW GRAFF
  
  On 11 Sept 1762 Sebastian Graff of the Borough of Lancaster gentleman and Eva his wife granted to Andreas Graff of the same place yeoman one of their sons, in consideration of love and affection and £500, a tract of 130 acres on the west bank of Conestoga Creek. Witnessed by Christopher Crawford. Recorded 1 May 1765 Lancaster Deeds Book H, page 290. Viewed on FamilySearch.org, microfilm 21384, image 406.
  
  On 7 Apr 1769 Yost Mosser of Lampeter Twp. yeoman and Magdalena granted to Andrew Graff of Lancaster Twp., in consideration of 600 pounds money of Pennsylvania, a 55 acre tract of land on the northwest side of Conestoga Creek. Recorded 1 Dec 1774 Lancaster Deed Book Q, page 70. Viewed on FamilySearch.org, microfilm 21387, image 39.
  
  On 31 Dec 1779 Sebastian Graff of Manheim Twp. gentleman and Catharine his wife granted, in consideration of 731 pounds five shillings money of Pennsylvania, a undivided moiety or one half part of three tracts of land in Martic Twp., Lancaster county of 125 acres, 255 acres and 270 acres, containing 650 acres combined, purchased 13 Feb 1778 by Sebastian Graff from the executors of the will of John McCallmont by deed recorded in Book S, p. 691. Recorded 9 June 1780, Lancaster Deeds Book Q, page 457. Viewed on FamilySearch.org, microfilm 21387, image 232.
  
  On 8 Apr 1783 John Witmer the younger of Radnor Twp., Chester Co. and Mary his wife granted to Andrew Graff of Lancaster Twp., in consideration of 562 pounds in gold and silver coin, a 29 1/2 acre tract of land in Lampeter Twp. Lancaster county on Conestoga Creek adjoining land of Andrew Graff. Recorded 18 Feb 1784, Lancaster Deeds Book X, page 539. Viewed on FamilySearch.org, microfilm 21390, image 274.
  
  On 5 Mar 1784 the Supreme Executive Council of the Common Wealth of Pennsylvania assigned Andrew Graff Esquire to be Justice the Peace for the District of Hemfield, Manheim and Lancaster Townships in the County of Lancaster. Recorded 18 Feb 1784, Lancaster Deeds Book X, page 562. Repeated on 9 Mar 1784, recorded page 563. Viewed on FamilySearch.org, microfilm 21393, image 618.
  
  On 29 Mar 1787 Samuel Hughes of Harford county and Sarah his wife granted to Andrew Graff of Lancaster county, in consideration of 15 pounds money of Pennsylvania, a lot of ground situated in Elizabeth Township Lancaster county Donegal town lot number forty. Recorded 17 May 1787 Lancaster Deeds Book FF, page 529. Viewed on FamilySearch.org, microfilm 21394, image 276.
  
  On 1 May 1791 John Mishy of Ralpho Township mortgaged to Andrew Graff Esquire of Lancaster Township a plantation in Ralpho Township Lancaster county containing 169 acres of land being late the property of Benjamin Mishey deceased conditioned for payment of 887 pounds and five shillings to be paid in installments. Recorded Lancaster Deeds Book HH, page 536. Viewed on FamilySearch.org, microfilm 21395, image 279.
  
  On 8 Aug 1795 Andrew Graff repossessed from Jacob Fissel five lots in the township of Lancaster known as plan lot numbers 14, 15, 22, 23 and 25 containing each 64 feet by 245 feet as ground rents were unpaid for fourteen years. The lots had been granted 1 May 1762 by Sebastian Graff of Borough of Lancaster and Eve his wife to Jacob Fissel with a provision for yearly ground rents. On 11 Sept 1762 Sebastian Graff and Eva had granted to Andrew Graff the yearly ground rents (recorded Book H page 290). Recorded Lancaster Deeds Book XX, p. 125. Viewed on FamilySearch.org, microfilm 21403, image 66.
  
  On 18 Feb 1800 Mary Magdalena Dealing late Graff of town of Nazareth in county of Northampton and Catharina Graff of township of Bethlehem in County of Northampton appointed their brother Andrew Graff of the Borough of Lancaster Esquire their attorney for the purpose of selling their interest in a lot in the Borough of Lancaster situated on Orange Street bequeathed by Sebastian Graff of the Borough of Lancaster deceased by his will to his daughters Mary Magdalena, Margaret and Catharina. Recorded 18 Feb 1801 Lancaster Deeds Vol. 3, Book I, page 348. Viewed on FamilySearch.org, microfilm 21409, image 180.
  
  On 26 Jan 1801 Mary Magdalena Dealing late Mary Magdalena Graff of town of Nazareth Northampton county and Catharina Graff of Town of Bethlehem Northampton county spinster, daughters of Sebastian Graff late of the Borough of Lancaster deceased by Andrew Graff their attorney granted to Jacob Dealing of the Borough of Lancaster yeoman, in consideration of 24 pounds money of Pennsylvania, their two undivided third parts of a lot in the Borough of Lancaster the residue of two lots which they inherited by the will of their father Sebastian Graff. Recorded Lancaster Deeds Vol. 3, Book I, page 350-357. Viewed on FamilySearch.org, microfilm 21409, image 181.
  
  On 2 March 1802 Andrew Graff Esquire of the township of Lancaster and Catharine his wife granted to Robert Coleman of Elizabeth Furnace Iron master and Edward Buien Iron master of Martic Forge, in consideration of $2,708 money of the United States, one full undivided moiety or half part of three plantations or tracts of land in the township of Martec Lancaster county containing 650 acres. These tracts were sold by Sebastian Graff and Catharine his wife to Andrew Graff by deed recorded in Lancaster Deed Book Q page 457. Recorded 20 march 1802 Lancaster Deed Series 3 Book L page 131. Viewed on FamilySearch.org, microfilm 21410, image 130.
  
  On 27 Feb 1809 the children of Andrew Graff Esquire by Catharine his wife, namely John Graff, Margaret Graff, Gustavious Stoey & Catharine his wife, Conrad Doll & Mary Magdalena his wife, William Moore and Elizabeth his wife, George Graff and Elizabeth his wife & Henry Graff, quit claimed or released to Andrew Graff and Catharine his wife, in consideration of one dollar each, any right they might have to a lot of land in the Borough of Lancaster bounded by Prince, Chester and Water Streets on which had been the residence Christoph Graffert and which Christoph Grafford by his will bequeathed to his daughter Catharine wife of Andrew Graff. Henry Graff appeared 16 Feb 1811. Recorded 4 Sept 1811 Lancaster Deeds Book 5 page 95. Viewed on FamilySearch.org, microfilm 21420, image 52.
  
  On 12 Sept 1812 Andrew Graff Esquire of the Borough of Lancaster granted to Abraham Witmer and John Graff both of Lancaster Township in Lancaster county, in equal moieties as tenants in common, in consideration of $50,000 money of the United States, a tract of land in the township of Lancaster on the west side of Conestoga Creek along the road to Lancaster containing (Graff's Town included) 142 acres and eighty perches containing a grist mill being the same land which Sebastian Graff and Eve his wife on 11 Sept 1762 had sold to their son Andrew Graff, and also two adjoining parcels of land in Lampeter township Lancaster county containing a carding mill on the east bank of Conestoga Creek of 60 acres and 80 perches being the same parcels that Jost Musser and Magdalen his wife on 7 April 1769 sold to Andrew Graff and that John Witmer Junior and Mary his wife on 8 Apr 1783 sold to Andrew Graff. These properties included the mill dam. Recorded 3 Dec 1813 Lancaster Deeds Book 8, page 146. Viewed on FamilySearch.org, microfilm 21421, image 409.
  
  On 10 Dec 1813 Andrew Graff of the Borough of Lancaster gentleman granted to John Graff of the Township of Lancaster miller, in consideration of one dollar and the love and affection has toward his daughter Catharine wife of Gustavous Stoey of the Borough of Lancaster clock and watch maker, a half lot of ground situated on the south side if King Street in the Borough of Lancaster being the same lot that Conrad Doll on this same date granted to Andrew Graff. The lot was in trust to permit Catharine and Gustavous Stoey to continue to reside there during her natural life or she to receive rents thereof and for her to designate the owner upon her death and not to be encumbered by Gustavous. Recorded 6 Dec 1815 Lancaster Deeds Book 13, page 168. Viewed on FamilySearch.org, microfilm 21424, image 90.¹¹
• Note: LANCASTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA DEEDS - ANDREW GRAFF HEIRS
  
  On 15 Dec 1818: Whereas Abraham Witmer and John Graff for the purpose of securing unto Andrew Graff and his heirs the payment of $30,000 money of the United States with interest did on 12 Dec 1812 execute a mortgage unto Andrew Graff of two certain messuages grist mill carding mill and three parcels of land one in Lancaster township and two in Lampeter township and in whole 230 acres and 26 perches,
  AND whereas David Witmer acting executor of the will of Abraham Witmer deceased together with John Graff and Mary his wife have lately sold unto John Landis one of the messuages and parcels of land on which the carding mill stands situated in the township of Lampeter,
  AND whereas David Witmer as acting executor has this day granted unto John Graff one full undivided moiety or half part of one of the messuages the grist mill and two parcels containing together 172 acres and 106 perches in consideration of which grant John Graff has agreed and by these presents doth agree and pay the estate of Andrew Graff $13,678 being the balance principle and interest due on the December 1st instant from the estate of Abraham Witmer to the estate of Andrew Graff on the said mortgage and to release the estate of Abraham Witmer from the said mortgage,
  NOW know that John Graff acting executor of Andrew Graff, in consideration of the premises and one dollar, has released David Witmer and the estate of Abraham Witmer from the mortgage and related payments.
  Recorded 15 Dec 1818 Lancaster Deeds Book 15, page 480. Viewed on FamilySearch.org, microfilm 21425, image 238.
  
  On 7 March 1822: Whereas John Graff son of Andrew Graff and Abraham Witmer did for the purpose of securing payment of $30,000 with interest unto Andrew Graff did execute a mortgage to him dated 12 Dec 1812 recorded Lancaster Mortgage Book No 1 page 42 on various real estate,
  AND whereas William Moore has been appointed by the orphans court in Lancaster county guardian over the estate of Catharine Elizabeth Doll and Marian Doll minor children of Conrad Doll by his late wife Mary Magdalen deceased who was a daughter of Andrew Graff,
  AND whereas John Graff has entered into a contract with Jacob Demuth for the sale to him of a messuage grist mill and tract of land in Lancaster township containing 142 acres and 80 perches,
  NOW know that George M Graff of Lebanon county miller, William Moore of the Borough of Lebanon merchant and Elizabeth his wife, John Trissler of the City of Lancaster and Margaret his wife, and Catharine Stoy of the city of Lancaster widow (George M Graff, Elizabeth wife of William Moore, Margaret wife of John Trissler, and Catharine Stoy being four of the children of Andrew Graff late of the City of Lancaster Esquire deceased and also brother and sisters of Henry D Graff late of the said city who died intestate unmarried and without issue), in consideration of the premises and in order to enable John Graff to complete the contract entered into by him and Jacob Demuth, did release and quit claim unto John Graff all of their shares in right of Andrew Graff deceased as in of Henry D Graff deceased to the messuage grist mill and parcel of land under the mortgage.
  AND further William Moore for himself and on behalf of his wards Catharine Elizabeth Doll and Mary Ann Doll did release and quit claim the shares of Catharine Elizabeth Doll and Mary Ann Doll in right of their deceased mother Mary Magdalena Doll in their share of the messuage grist mill and parcel of land under the mortgage and in right of Henry D Graff.
  Recorded 1 Apr 1822 Lancaster Deeds Book 23, page 486. Viewed on FamilySearch.org, microfilm 21428, image 531.
  
  On John Reigart of the City of Lancaster guardian of William Graff Stoy one of sons of Gustavous Stoy late of the Borough of Lancaster deceased and one of the grandsons and legatees named in the will of Andrew Graff Esquire acknowledged receipt from John Graff executor of the will of Andrew Graff the sum of $272 in full satisfaction of said legacies. Recorded Lancaster Deeds Book 24, page 341. Viewed on FamilySearch.org, microfilm 21429, image 178.
  
  On 16 July 1823 William Thompson of the City of Lancaster guardian of Frederick Graff Stoy, Joseph Graff Stoy and Margaret Graff Stoy children of Gustavous Stoy grandchildren named in the will of Andrew Graff Esquire of Borough of Lancaster acknowledged the receipt from John Graff executor of the will of Andrew Graff $833 in full satisfaction of the children’s' legacies. Recorded 9 Aug 1823 Lancaster Deeds Book 25, page 287. Viewed on FamilySearch.org, microfilm 21429, image 427.
  
  On 26 Aug 1823 John G. Stoy acknowledged receipt from John Graff executor of the will of Andrew Graff Esquire for three shares of stock in the Columbia Bridge Company and quit claimed and released John Graff from all claims relating to the will. Recorded 26 Aug 1823 Lancaster Deeds Book 25, page 289. Viewed on FamilySearch.org, microfilm 21429, image 428.¹¹
• Note: Will
  
  Will of Andrew Graff of the Borough of Lancaster, Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania, Esquire, dated 12 Jan 1816, proved 20 Jan 1816.
  
  Appoints executors son John Graff and friend Adam Reigart.
  
  To daughter Margaret $5000 including $1500 in the stock of the Lancaster Company Trading Bank. In addition various stocks.
  
  To daughter Catharine Stoy $5000 including $2000 advanced to her in a purchase of a house and lot in the Borough of Lancaster conveyed to my son John in trust for Catharine.
  
  To grandchildren, Catharine Elizabeth Doll and Mary Ann Doll, the two surviving children of deceased daughter Mary Magdalen, the wife of Conrad Doll, $5000 to be divided equally.
  
  To daughter Elizabeth Moore the wife of William Moore $5000.
  
  To son George Michael Graff $5000 including the $4000 advanced in the purchase of mill & tract of land, now in Lebanon county.
  
  To son Henry Graff $5000.
  
  Six tracts of land in Indian County in the state of Pennsylvania given one each to sons John Graff, George Michael Graff, daughters Margaret Graff, Catharine the wife of Gustovos Stoy, Elizabeth the wife of William Moore, and one tract to granddaughters Catharine Elizabeth Doll and Mary Ann Doll. An additional $750 to son on Henry Graff in place of a tract. The tract to the two Doll grandchildren to be enjoyed by their father Conrad Doll until his death.
  
  To grandson John Andrew Graff Stoy the son of daughter Catharine wife of Gustavus Stoy three shares in the stock of Columbia Bridge.
  
  To Frederick Graff Stoy, William Graff Stoy, Joseph Graff Stoy, and Margaret Graff Stoy, children of daughter Catharine Stoy, $200 each.
  
  Particular household items bequeathed.
  
  Remaining lands to be sold and proceeds to children or their heirs.
  
  To be sold, the house and lot on Queen Street in the Borough of Lancaster, in which he resides, which was devised to his late wife Catharine in the will of Christopher Graffert. Adjustments to some of the bequests above, as sums had been advanced on the sale of this house.
  
  Signed by Andrew Graff.
  
  Recorded Lancaster Co. Penn., Will Book L, page 577. Viewed on FHL Microfilm 21359. Abstracted by Jeff Moore.⁷