4. Christopher "Stophel" Burket was born in 1757 in , Berks, Pennsylvania.^4,19,42,43 Is he born later? Youngest of sons? Does that work?

two things make me think he is born stateside: first, his daughter Elisabeth's Obit says he was 'of german descent' not born germany and second, when she is enumerated on the 1880 she says father born Pennsylvania mother born IRELAND.

OK here is a THIRD: George is the oldest. This is new research as of 2006-2007. His name was crossed off his father's probate record in favor of the 'second son' the first not appearing (George had moved by 1800 and was not available in 1805).

FOURTH: 1830 census says he is born between 1750 and 1760. Jacob is also listed as born between 1750 and 1760.

By the way, this means they were all born in Berks County (the boys) cause the family didn't move from there until 1760@!!!

somewhere before 29 June 1753 according to the pension request dated June 1818 in which he states he is 65. OR there is the date from the 1840 census which is much later, where the census taker enumerates Christopher as age 93. Is this how they caclulated his age for the headstone? PRobably as it was a military headstone. BUT that headstone wasn't put into place until 1970s.

SO If I were to go by the first date, that changes things. It would mean he was born 2 years before George. It would also mean he was born stateside as Israel came on the ship in 1751. Quite frankly as a family historian I know I should always go by the date that was recorded closest to the event. It gives me something to think about. This is a 6 year difference. Means he would be only 87 on the 1840, and it also means he was younger when he married which makes sense. Instead of being 41 he would be 35 having returned from the war.

Means he would have turned 21 in 1774. NOW THAT MAKES SENSE. He first shows up on the tax lists in 1775 in Brothersvalley which would later be Quemahoning that same year in 1775.

I wrote this email to Michelle Hamel on 9 March 2006:

Here is the thing I have a hard time with.....in 1772 when they came to the county Christopher would have been 25 years old if he was born 1747 and would have been taxed on the single freeman lists. But he was not there, only his father. BUT WAIT! IF his birth year was instead 1753 (date on Military Pension Request) then he would have been only 19 years old and not on the single freeman lists, having not turned legal age yet. Wow. that is 3 reasons now to suspect that he was born 1753. I always thought he was a little old when he got married---35 to 38 years old!!! But if he was born 1753 that means he was married more like 29 to 32 years old. ONE MORE piece of evidence: His daughter Elisabeth on the 1880 census lists her father as born PENNSYLVANIA!!! And he would have been if he were born 1753 because Israel came 1751!! OK, those are 4 reasons!!! WAIT yet another, in 1775 he magically appears on his first tax list--in Brothers Valley. Quemahoning was created later from Brothers Valley the same year but maybe later. I remember his name was a bit iffy (surname) on the lists but if that is him and it probably was, then we have 5 reasons! He would have been 21 or close to it in 1775--therefore of legal age, therefore on the lists. Israel was still across the mountain in Bedford Township. I need to order the early tax records and check it out.
He served in the military between 1776 and 1781 in Bedford County, Pennsylvania.^42,44 From 20 July 1776 to 17 Januarly 1781 Private for 53 months and 27 days. Captian Kilgore's Bedford County Militia.

Headstone says 8th Pennsylvania Regiment.!!! Which means the military document that I ordered from the National Archives must be for him. It reads;

Chrstopher Burket Private, 8 Regiment Pennsylvania Revolutionary War. appears in a Book* Compiled from Rolls of the organization named above under the head of 'State of Pennsylvnaia Agianst United States for Depreciation on Pay of the Army.' Sum Charged 39 ponds 7 shillings and 1 1/2 D. Remarks: Inlisted April 79.

HERE is another document I wasnt sure was Chris's and now am sure: Stophel Burket Private Captain Carnahan's Company of the 8th Pennsylvania Regiment of Foot, Commanded by Colonel Daniel Brodhead. Revolutinary War. Appears on Company Muster Roll of the organization named above for the month of June, July and August 1778.

Another document lists him with the above title and regiment and gives a card number; 37187118.

NEW as of 28 November 2003: I now have in my possession the Revolutionary War Pension Request for Christopher naming the 8th Pennsylvania Regiment.

The document is dated 29 June 1818 Mentions the 8th regiment of the Pennsylvania Line

The 8th Pennsylvania Regiment The original 8th Pennsylvania Regiment was formed in July 1776 of men from Westmoreland and Bedford counties in western Pennsylvania. They marched from Hannastown, Pa., to New Jersey in the winter of 1776-77, and the following campaign season took part in a number of battles, including Paoli, Brandywine, White Marsh, Boundbrook, and Germantown as part of Gen. Anthony Wayne's division. During this period 135 men and officers were detached to Daniel Morgan and participated in the Saratoga campaign as part of his rifle corps.
After wintering at Valley Forge the regiment was assigned to the Western Department, headquartered at Fort Pitt. In the Western Department, the unit helped construct and garrison Fort McIntosh on the Beaver River, and Fort Laurens on the Tuscarawas. They took part in campaigns against the Indian towns in northwest Pennsylvania in concert with the Sullivan/Clinton campaign, and again against the hostile Indians in southeast Ohio. They also helped garrison Fort Pitt, Fort Henry, and a number of smaller posts.
Following the reduction of the Pennsylvania Line in the winter of 1780-81 the unit was redesignated "the detachment of the Pennsylvania Line", and consisted of two companies. It remained in the Western Department till the end of the war.
The recreated 8th Pennsylvania was formed in 1974 and is a member unit of The Brigade of the American Revolution <http://www.brigade.org/>. The unit has performed throughout the Midwest, Eastern and Southern United States, Canada, and England. The members portray the unit as it appeared in the Spring of 1779. Tile unit owns its own tentage and camp equipment, and supplies cartridges to its members for all unit sanctioned events. Authenticity is stressed, as is constant research. The 8th Pennsylvania welcomes new recruits that are anxious to accurately portray soldiers, musicians and distaff of the American Revolution.
For recruiting information contact: Bob Cairns, Commander
1919 Yale Ave., NW
Canton, OH 44709
(330) 455-9722

He served in the military Enlisted in the 8th Pennsylvania Regiment under Captain Carnahan in 1779 in Pennsylvania. No land

Same year he is on a list of 8 'a list of the names of persons returned as residents to one in the duplicate but cannot be found in Quemahoning Township'

They were still at war!!! Stophel's unit was 'mustered up' with the Pennsylvania line 8th regiment. and he was at fort Pitt and other areas with the regiment. See the new history I am writing.
Stophel was taxed in 1783 in Quemahoning Township, Bedford, Pennsylvania Somerset County Outline page 15. No acres. He was taxed in 1784 in Bedford Township, Bedford, Pennsylvania On person in household, no dwelling. He was taxed between 1785 and 1788 in Quemahoning Township, Bedford, Pennsylvania Went over the lists VERY carefully.....Stophel is not there during these years. That is very strange. Where was he? Interesting that he MARRIES Mary Ann about this same time frame. Was he living somewhere else when he met her? I did an occasional spot-check in other townships in Bedford and there were no unusual Burkets. Was he out of the county? Maryland? Where were the other Rosses? Was Mary Ann's father in the county on the tax lists? Check it out.

WHERE was he????

Wait. Maybe he seriously didn't have anything. Having returned from the war and all. Maybe he had to sell his horse, cow, or whatever he had as a single freeman. See if he is in the other lists, the poll tax lists if they exist.

This is it. He even shows up one of these years (1784?) in Bedford Township probably working at George's mill. I'll bet that is why he is not taxed during these years. He is working, saving money. Doesn't even own a horse or a cow. Then Israel moves, gives him the Roaring Run land in 1788. WOW. Stophel owned 150 Acres sold to James Ross on 13 June 1789 in Quemahoning Township, Bedford, Pennsylvania.⁴⁵ Quemahoning adjoining former lands of benjamin huff or kuff (koff? Probably!) 150 acres--Deed. Why doesn't it list the origin of the land? Patent, etc? To James Ross of Bedford county. Interesting that Christopher's wife Mary Ann is not mentioned in the deed. Why? Is it because it was her father the land was going to?

So maybe the former owner was not mentioned because the former owner was his FATHER Israel.

And Mary Ann is not mentioned because the land is going to her father?
He served in the military in 1789 in Quemahoning, Bedford, Pennsylvania Militia Service.⁴⁶ Inhabitants of Quemahoning Township (then Bedford County) subject to Militia duty, taken by Daniel Stoy on February 6, 1789. His name is Backwards. Reads Bucket Stofeol. Interesting!! He was married at the time. He was taxed in 1789 in Quemahoning Township, Bedford, Pennsylvania¹⁰ Stophel was taxed in 1789 in Quemahoning Township, Bedford, Pennsylvania He appeared in the census in 1790 in Bedford County, Pennsylvania.³⁶ He was taxed in 1792 in Quemahoning Township, Bedford, Pennsylvania Stophel was taxed in 1793 in Stoneycreek Township, Somerset, Pennsylvania He was taxed in 1795 in Stoneycreek Township, Somerset, Pennsylvania taxed .90 and Israel was taxed 6.0 He was taxed in 1796 in Stoneycreek Township, Somerset, Pennsylvania; 150 acres Stophel recieved a warrant for land in 1796 Source is Map of Shade Township showing original warrants. The land is in present day Shade township at the crossroads of Shade, Stony Creek and Quemahoning Township. He was taxed in 1797 in Stoneycreek Township, Somerset, Pennsylvania; 150 acres 4 cleared One horse, one cow, one house and is a shoemaker.! He was taxed between 1799 and 1800 in Stoneycreek Township, Somerset, Pennsylvania; 50 acres 5 cleared Three cows. Stophel appeared in the census in 1800 in Stoneycreek Township, Somerset, Pennsylvania.⁴⁷ Only 3 Burkets on the 1800 in Somerset County. Israel, Christopher and a JOHN. Who is he? Could be John Jacob who settled in londonderry which later was given to Somerset, or John George 1753? Or how about John George Burket born 1755? In other words, MINE. Who knows. He did disappear from Bedford County!!!

21001-20010 This means: 3 boys and 2 girls.

Chris is over 45 and Mary Ann is under. He was taxed in 1801 in Stoneycreek Township, Somerset, Pennsylvania; 100 acres 7 cleared one cow where did I get this? Must be in error. He was taxed in 1801 in Stoneycreek Township, Somerset , Pennsylvania 5 cleared three cows Stophel appeared in the census in 1810 in Stoneycreek Township, Somerset, Pennsylvania. 40101-30001 so Christopher is over 45 with four boys and 3 girls under 10, and one boy 16-24 I wonder if some of these are Michaels. Perhaps the boy 16-24 is Michael. Who knows. Maybe Michael's wife died early and that is why he is always next to Christopher. Chris is also on the 1810 in Quemahoning but has been crossed out. I think this is because half of his land was in Quemahoning and the other half was in Stoneycreek. Realizing this, the enumerator didn't add any details for Quemahoning.

4 boys
3 girls

so seven kids in 1810. check it out. OK, this would be Barbara, Christopher, Susan, Abraham, Elisabeth, John henry and Isaac O. These are the kids at home on the 1810 and then Samuel who is about 14 must be an apprentice to someone and Israel is married and John jacob has his own land in 1810 and is taxed on it, and MICHAEL is still at home with the family---why I don't know. Perhaps he is working his father's business. YES, that is it....he inherits his father's shoe business so John jacob gets his grandfather's land. that works for me. He requested a military pension application on 29 June 1818 in , Somerset, Pennsylvania Pension Request-Christopher Burket

Christophel Burgert of Shade Township Somerset County of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania yeoman upon oath make the following declaration;

That the said Christophel Burgert enlisted at what time this declarant cannot recollect and served three years in the 8th Regiment commanded by Colonel ____ Brodhead in Captain____Carnigans company Pennsylvania line and the declarant faithfully served the whole of said ------ said company that at the time said Regiment was discharged this declarant was on a furlough in Bedford County in this State which furlough was lost by accident in the said county. That this declarant is 65 years of age and from his reduced circumstances in life is now in need of the assistance of his country for support and that he doth hereby relinquish his claim to every pension heretofore allowed him by the laws of the United States.

Christophel Burget (x) his mark

If Christopher's age is correct on this document then the age is wrong on the 1840 census of pensioners which lists him as 93. True this is an earlier document; 22 years earlier. SO, it is possible that this is correct information and I must consider it. The fact that his headstone reads 1747 is neither here nor there. If he was 65 in 1818 he would have been born in 1753. Another reason, however, that I doubt the validity of this new info is the fact that the court papers for the administration of Israel's estate mention Jacob as the second son. George was born in 1755. If Jacob was the second son, that would mean Christopher born 1753, Jacob born 1754 and George born 1755. It is possible but highly unlikely as the births in this time-frame and ethnic community were more like two years apart.
He was taxed in 1818 Spelled Stophel Burkhart

No land, no horse, no cows. Stophel appeared in the census in 1820 in Stoneycreek Township, Somerset, Pennsylvania.

one boy under 10, one boy 10-16 and Christopher and Mary Ann are both over 45. He was taxed in 1829 in Shade Township, Somerset, Pennsylvania 100 acres 4 cleared He appeared in the census in 1830 in Shade Township, Somerset, Pennsylvania.⁴⁸ Spelled Burget on Census. He is on page 112 age 70-80 and there is an Israel on page 113 (his son). There is a John also on page 113. There is a Michare (probably michael) on page 112. There is a Christian junior on page 113 (probably his son). All spelled Burget!!!!

Chris is 70-80 and wife Mary Ann 80-90

this means born between 1750 and 1760 which helps substantiate the change in the birth order from Chris being the oldest and born 1747 as per his 1970 headstone and George born 1755 being the oldest. The reason we think George is the oldest is because his name was crossed off the probate record and Jacob's name was inserted instead and he was identified as the second son. This research is fairly new as per a document sent me by Michelle Hamel who researched in the Somerset County Courthouse and made copies.

Say he was born 1758. It still puts the boys fairly close in age. 1755, 1756 and 1758. I will check the age on the 1830 for Jacob. George is unavailable due to a move. Stophel was taxed in 1830 in Shade Township, Somerset, Pennsylvania Source is USGENWEB Shade Township Site--transcriptions of Tax Lists. He is there with son Israel. Of course, if you look on the 1830 census, there are multiple Burkets in Shade. There is Christopher, and a younger Christopher, a Michael and an Israel.

Chris is 70 to 80 and Mary Ann is 80-90. wierd. He was taxed between 1832 and 1835 in Shade Township, Somerset, Pennsylvania He appeared in the census in 1840 in Shade Township, Somerset, Pennsylvania. Page 108. Listed in index as Christopher Burkes. Also at end of Shade township listed as 93 year old pensioner. He is age 90-100 and Mary Ann age 80-90.

Somewhere I have him as living with Daniel Sorber. Can't remember where I got this...I think it was on the pension census.... WELL, just found out that Daniel Sorber ran a Hotel on the Turnpike in Shade township. That is VERY close to the family property which was on both sides of the state highway. Could it be that Christopher and Mary Ann were living in this hotel? Find my source for Daniel Sorber connection. Above is from page 501 of history of B/S/ and F counties.

OK new as of February 2007. DANIEL SORBER bought the FAMILY FARM from Jacob Glassner in about 1832 after he bought it from Jacob Burket in 1815. (see deed Jacob to Jacob Glassner) INTERESTING!!!!!! AND the Sorber Cemetery, acording to 200 years in Shade book, is on the Williamson farm about one quarter mile west of the Buckstown Cemtery and Daniel Sorber and Elisabeth Sivits (his wife) are buried there as well as Daniel Sorber and Elisabeth Spangler (his wife). Stophel was taxed in 1845/6 in Quemahoning Township, Somerset, Pennsylvania; 100 acres There is a Christopher in SHADE and one in Quemahoning with no land living, probably close to John Jacob.

The one in Quemahoning is living with a Samuel Burket. Grandson! Son of John Jacob Burket.

Quemahoning Twp---Samuel Burket, no land, assessed value $20.
Christopher Burket, no land, Assessed value $20.
(Samuel and Christopher Burket were listed as living in the same
household.)
He died in 1847 in Shade Township, Somerset, Pennsylvania.^42,49 Elisabeth Burket Smitely's obit says that Christian lived to be the age of 104. Her obituary article states that he lived that long. This would mean he died in 1851 which is not true as Mary Ann is alone on the 1850. Even if he died in the census year, he would only be 103. He does not show up on Mortality Schedules. Mary Ann is widow by 1850. She is receiving a widow's pension of 40 per month by Jan 1 1849 which means he died in 1848 or before. His headstone clearly states 1841 but was put up by the DAR as late as 1972. What to believe. Maybe the headstone should have read 1847 instead of 1841; a transcription error from a family bible or family records? Apparently there are tax lists as late as 1846. Perhaps that is his death year. Perhaps his headstone reads 1847 and not 1841.

If people went by the traditional birth info from the 1840 census that would put him at a ripe old 100 even.

This means that the tax information for the Christopher Burket was all probably for the son Christian as a Christian was taxed in 1849 with 75 acres on horse and one cow but the pension info says Mary Ann started receiving a widows pension on 1 Jan 1849. INTERESTING.

Christopher is CLEARLY on the tax lists in Quemahoning Township in 1846 and in 1847 he is taxed WITH his grandson by John Jacob---Samuel Burket. His son Christian is taxed in Shade on the 1846 as Christopher Burkhart and on the 1847 as Chrisopher Burket with acreage. He was buried in 1847 in Daly Cemetery, Daly, Somerset, Pennsylvania.^44,50 Buried in Daly Cemetery 4 and 1/2 miles East of Central City. Location of grave in cemetery: West Center. character of Headstone: Field Stone. 61-65 marker. Stophel appeared on the census He appeared on the census [NEED TO DEFINE SENTENCE:Administrator] needs sealing to parents

Listed as Cordwainer which is the same thing as a shoemaker! I read that with trades like these, a child goes to work with the tradesman and then after his apprentiship he would work for 2 more years with the tradesman to assure his skills and then start off on his own! So, perhaps, Christopher was not in Somerset til 1775 because he was off with his apprentichip somewhere...who knows.

Or is it this: Is it possible the date on the 1818 document for his pension request is correct and that he was truly 65? That would put him born 1753 and put him at turning 21 in 1774. That is the year I find him in BrothersValley Township on a possible tax list...having turned 21????????

Is that possible? I need to take a look at what that would do to my whole timeline, and Jacob being the second son. Maybe George was the first son, Jacob was the second son, and Christopher was the third? But then George is born 1755, Chris possible 1753, so Jacob 1754?

Means george would show up on tax lists in 1776. Did He? No. And Jacob in 1775? No. wierd.

work done by nephew, George Burkett Jr. in 1841. See Nauvoo Temple
records book A page 191.

Interesting that there are no land transactions for Christopher. This is probably because he is the oldest son and by right receives his father's land.

Is Shoemaker in 1797 on tax lists in Stoneycreek.

Burial: Daly Cemetery; 4 and 1/2 miles east of Central City (central city is called germantown on one old map that I have on my C drive!); location of
grave, west center; type of stone, Field Stone; 61-65 marker; info given
by Pennsylvania Archives.

Death: Burial Information from Pennsylvania Archives dated 12/27/1834.

Christopher served 53 Months and 27 Days under Captain Kilgore's Company
in the Bedford County Militia. He enlisted 7/20/76 and was discharged
1/17/81. A Revolutionary War Veteran.

The children's Christening information comes from 2 seperate congregatations. At first I was not sure if they were all Christophers kids because of this and the spread, but now I know it was because there was no church in stoyestown at first.

From Berlin Reformed Cemetery deaths (This is the OTHER Christian)
Christian Boger 29 Jul 1779 (31 years, 7 mos)

Interesting; found on the internet an Israel Burket Sr. born 1791 with father Christopher C. Burket and Mother Mary Ann Ross. This is the first time I have seen Christopher listed with a middle initial. I must contact this person.

From my past research: page 2 of a periodical for Somerset County. Somerset County Outline? lists a Deed for Someone showing land bordering Christopher Burket around 1795. first page is missing but reads.... leading from Bedford to Pittsburg, bounded by Christopher Burket and vacant land; which said tract was surveyed 10 June 1789 KEY sells this tract.... I cannot remember but I think this is Ludwick Copp buying land from somebody KEY.

Israel leaves Bedford Township around 1775 and crosses the Allegheny mountain to acquire 200 acres of land in Quemahoning Township off the waters of Roaring Run--all uncultivated. He must give this land to Christopher when he gets back from his service in the Revolutionary war and after he marries Mary Ann Ross which is probably about 1788 and John Jacob is born in 1789. Then in 1788 Israel purchases 'Sugar Bottom' from John or James Wells which was on both sides of the state road in Quemahoning, later Stoney Creek, later Shade and Stoneycreek Townships.

This makes SO much sense to me now.

Chris was about 37-39 when he married Mary Ann Ross. The Germans did marry late, and Chris married way late due to his active service in the War where he was actually mustered out and became a part of the 8th Pennsylvania Regiment.

THere is a D. Sorber on a later map of the area with property RIGHT EXACTLY where i thought Chrisopher's property was......off of Barts road or whatever. I have it in my pennsylvania 2003 trip file. AMAZING. I think his family was somehow either related (perhaps one of christopher's daughters married a sorber) or closely associated with Daniel Sorber. he must have purchased Christopher's land. Check out the deeds for D. Sorber.

Daniel Sorber
Daniel Sorber settled in Brother's Valley in 1805. He was born in Northampton county in 1782. [Ed. Note: His tombstone says he was born in 1777, and it was his wife Elizabeth who was born in 1782] He moved to Stoystown, and followed the millwright's trade, helping to build the first mill at Sprucetown. He afterward kept tavern on the turnpike; two and one-half miles east of Stoystown. He died in Shade township, aged seventy-six. His children were : Joseph, Jonathan (deceased), Adam, Daniel, Anna (deceased), Elizabeth (Blough) and Sophia (deceased). Joseph was born in Brother's Valley, in 1805. For twelve years he was a wagoner on the Pittsburgh pike. He has been living in Stony Creek for several years. He married Mary Brant, and is the father of Martin, John, William, Daniel W., Orange, Elizabeth, Emeline and Margaret (deceased). Martin was a captain in late war. John was also in the service. William and Daniel W. are farming their father's place.
[Source: History of Bedford, Somerset, and Fulton Counties, 1884. Waterman, Watkins & Co. p. 518.]

Also from History of Bedford, Somerset and Fulton Counties Pennsylvania online at ancestry.com--page 499:

Daniel Sorber, a millwright by trade, came from Northampton County to Somerset County in 1817. He kept a hotel for a number of years on the turnpike in Shade township,and was one of the few settlers in that thownship at that date. He died at the age of 76.

SORBER, DANIEL SHADE PA-56-5-25 Must order his willl. Testator. volume 5. Might mention that he married a Burket...or that his son did.

Christopher "Stophel" Burket and Mary Ann Ross were married about 1786. Was single freeman 1784. Was off the lists by 1788.

This is the year Israel MOVES off of the Roaring Run land in Quemahoning and gives it to Christopher who is newly married. This makes so much sense. Mary Ann Ross was born in 1754 in Pennsylvania.⁵¹ On the 1850 census Mary Ann is enumerated as born Pennsylvania

On the 1880 census her daughter Elisabeth is enumerated in Dunbar Township, Fayette, Pennsylvania at age 88 as Elisabeth Smitley and lists her father as born in Pennsylvania and her mother as born in Ireland. Her age is probably wrong. She has a history of mistaken age on each census she was enumerated in. She appeared in the census in 1830 in Shade Township, Somerset, Pennsylvania. She is listed as between age of 80 and 90. This means she is older than Christopher which also fits with the new birth date of 1757 for Chris.

80 and 90 means born between 1740 and 1750. She appeared in the census in 1850 in Shade Township, Somerset, Pennsylvania. with 46 year old Jane Lessinger

There is a Jacob Lesinger in Southampton Township on the 1850 listed as a Mllwright who seems to be living with his sister, or someone with a grandchild. Perhaps his wife, if she was Christopher's daughter (Jane) went to live with Mary Ann in her old age for a time until she passed away. She may have been very ill, so was living with her. SHe passed away the following year 1851 Mary died in 1851 in Shade Township, Somerset, Pennsylvania.^42,52 She was buried in 1851 in Daly Cemetery, Daly, Somerset, Pennsylvania.⁵⁰ work done by nephew, George Burkett Jr. in 1841. See Nauvoo Temple
records book A page 191

Birth: Age 96 on 1850 Census; Shade Township,
Somerset County, Pennsylvania. Her daughter Elisabeth on the 1880 census lists Mary Ann Ross as being born Ireland. Her brother Adam was born Ireland 1754 and seems to have lived in Chambersburg (wife was Jane Chambers) and kids settled Chambersburg and Baltimore Maryland. INTERESTING.

Father: Mary is listed as heir on father's
will; Estate #5--1801--James Ross, Quemahoning Township, Somerset County,
Pennsylvania

Johannes Stumpf and Dorothea are witnesses to the christening of Adam Ross's kids. He is brorther to Mary Ann. They are also witnesses to Mary Ann and Christophers son John Burket in 1811. This ties in all of these Stoyestown christenings as definitely family.

1836 provision was made that if any soldier who would be entitled to a pension under the service act of 1832 died leaving a widow whose marriage took place before the expiration of his service, she might receive his pension as long as she might remain unmarried. Varied later acts were passed supplementing and extending the above.
Mary Ann was receiving a pension...somewhere I have details on this, but need t order more info. SO this IMPLIES that she and Christopher were married while he was still in the service (remember they supposedly both helped in the war according to Michelle Hamel). THis makes sense! But it would have to be after 1784 because he was still a single freeman on the tax lists.

Christopher "Stophel" Burket and Mary Ann Ross had the following children:

+21	i.	Michael Burket (Shoemaker) (Laborer).
+22	ii.	John Jacob Burket (Burgert).
+23	iii.	Israel Burket (Bordert).
24	iv.	Samuel Burket (Borgert) was born on 10 May 1796 in of Berlin, Somerset, Pennsylvania. He was christened on 10 May 1796 in German Reformed Church, Berlin, Somerset, Pennsylvania.53 Witness is Luchurd Koff and wife Elisabeth. Samuel may have died young as he is the only one not on the census in Shade or Quemahoning on the 1830. 0000001 would be 40 - 50 on 1830 in Elk Lick. Too old for this samuel? Cindy at John & Cindy McCachern [mccachern@att.net] says Christopher was living with this son, Samuel, when he died...is taxed there, etc. But I cannot find any record of a Samuel on the census. Perhaps he was listed as John Samuel? Check all Quemahoning. supposedly on the 1846 tax records in same household. OK, at least I see the transcribe tax list they are talking about...Ron Cornwall sent them to me, and I need to look at the original sometime. 1845 there are two Christophers and 1846 also, and that is the year Chris is living with Samuel.
25	v.	Barbara Burket (Burkhart) was born on 1 July 1798 in Mt. Tabor Reformed Church, Stoystown, Quemahoning, Somerset, Pennsylvania.54 She was christened on 14 April 1799 in Mt. Tabor Reformed, Stoyestown, Somerset, Pennsylvania.54 Barbara. Named after her grandmother no doubt, Anna Maria Barbara. Did she marry a Sorber? There is a sorber living right smack dab in the middle of the rest of the family on the 1830! I think Jonathan Sorber must have married Barbara Burket. He has one female 15-20 in his household and he is all of 20-30. No, maybe that is too young for Barbara. Did she marry a Lessigner and have a daughter Jane... living with grandma on 1850? New as of 12 July 2004. Did Maria Barbara marry John McMullen of Shade, Somerset? I ask because William Hughes, first son of Elisabeth Burket (and John Hughes) before she married Michael Smitely, when 6 years old, went to live with John McMullen in Shade Township. Well, he was already living in Shade, and his mom and step dad and his step brothers and sisters were as well, But they moved to Dunbar, Fayette, Pennsylvania about the same time he did. I am thinking that William was sent to live with relatives. So, could John McMullen have married the only sister Elisabeth had? And the only other daughter Christopher had? Maybe. Interesting that if the dates are right, William would be the illegitimate son of Elisabeth. Because records show that she married Michael Smitely in 1821 and yet William was born in 1824.
+26	vi.	Christopher Burket (Shoemaker) (Farmer).
+27	vii.	Susan Burket.
28	viii.	Abraham Burket was born about 1809 in of Stoystown, Somerset, Pennsylvania. See christening record. He was christened on 16 February 1811 in Stoyestown, Somerset, Pennsylvania. George and Catherina Friedlein are witnesses. Christened on same day as Isaac He was taxed in 1833 in Shade Township, Somerset, Pennsylvania; single This info fits with this Abraham. He was only 22 years old. Abraham was taxed between 1833 and 1835 in Shade Township, Somerset, Pennsylvania: single After these years he seems to disappear for a while...... is this proof that the North Woodberry Abraham is mine? Perhaps he married there? He appeared in the census in 1840 in Plumcreek, Armstrong, Pennsylvania. Find it. He is not far from Isaac. There is a 50-60 year old female living with Abraham. Who is it?
+29	ix.	Elizabeth Burket (Borgert).
+30	x.	John Henry Burket (Bolgert).
+31	xi.	Isaac O. Burket (Bolgert).