Person Page - 1

     David Hardenstine Jr. was born on 22 December 1925 at East Stroudsburg, Monroe Co., PA; His baptism record states his birth date as 22 Oct 1925.^1,2,3,4 He was baptized on 22 April 1926 at St. John's Lutheran Church, Stroudsburg, Monroe Co., PA.¹ He married Mary Phyllis Bittner, daughter of Lee Oliver Bittner and Marjorie Elizabeth Shafer, on 12 November 1945 at Stroudsburg, Monroe Co., PA.^5,6,7,8 David Hardenstine Jr. was a printer. He died on 5 May 1988 at Farmington, Hartford Co., CT, at age 62.^2,3,4 He was buried on 9 May 1988 at Stroudsburg, Monroe Co., PA.^2,3,9
     Dave grew up in the family house at 1230 West Main Street in Stroudsburg. He had to help out in the family greenhouse business next to their home while he was still in school. When he turned 18 years old in 1943, he left high school to enter the Navy for service in World War II. He was married while on leave. After returning from the service in 1946 he attended a floral design school in New York City. He returned to reopen his parents' florist shop for a while and lived in the family house. The next year he began a job as a pressman with Hughes Printing in East Stroudsburg. Soon after their daughter Margie's birth Dave and Phyllis rented a house at 1054 West Main Street. In July, 1951 Dave and Phyllis moved to Bristol, Connecticut to work in another Hughes plant, which later became Hildreth Press. After living in an apartment on Upson Street for a while, they bought a house at 40 Topview Terrace where they lived from that time on. Dave continued to work as a pressman at various small printing shops until he retired on disability due to health problems. After retirement he continued to enjoy his hobbies of golf, fishing, and ham radio.
     Phyllis grew up on Rolling Green Road in Hummels Wharf, Pennsylvania living next door to her mother's parents. In 1941 she moved with her parents to Stroudsburg. She completed high school there and married Dave the next year. During high school Phyllis worked at Woolworth's and Wycoff's department stores as well as Martin Buck's soda fountain. Phyllis worked for a number of companies during her career as a bookkeeper, retiring in 1992. They included Pocono Textile in East Stroudsburg, General Electric, Hildreth Press, Superior Electric, and Edmund's Manufacturing, all in or near Bristol, Connecticut.

     Mary Phyllis Bittner last resided at Bristol, Hartford Co., PA. She was a bookkeeper. She was born on 9 November 1926 at Hummels Wharf, Snyder Co., PA; Her marriage application states her birth place as Rolling Green, PA.^1,2 She married David Hardenstine Jr., son of David Henry Hardenstine and Sophie Anna Meichner, on 12 November 1945 at Stroudsburg, Monroe Co., PA.^3,4,2,5 Mary Phyllis Bittner died on 16 December 2023 at Bristol, Hartford Co., CT, at age 97.

     David Henry Hardenstine was born on 27 January 1895 at East Stroudsburg, Monroe Co., PA; His baptism record states that he was born at Stokes Mill.^{1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10} He was baptized on 9 May 1899 at Grace Lutheran Church, East Stroudsburg, Monroe Co., PA.² He was confirmed on 16 April 1911 at Grace Lutheran Church, East Stroudsburg, Monroe Co., PA.³ He married Sophie Anna Meichner, daughter of August Heinrich Meichner and Sophie Meta Johanna Schneider, on 29 December 1917 at Stroudsburg, Monroe Co., PA.^11,6,9 David Henry Hardenstine entered military service on 25 May 1918 at Camp Meade, MD.¹² He ended military service on 9 June 1919 at Camp Dix, NJ. He was a railroad engineer and a florist. He lived in 1942 at 1230 W. Main St., Stroudsburg, Monroe Co., PA.⁵ He lived on 10 November 1945 at Jersey City, Hudson Co., NJ.⁶ He died on 30 March 1952 at Jersey City Medical Center, Jersey City, Hudson Co., NJ, at age 57.^13,14,7,10,9 He lived on 30 March 1952 at 129 Grace St., Jersey City, Hudson Co., NJ.⁴ He was buried on 4 April 1952 at Stroudsburg Cemetery, Stroudsburg, Monroe Co., PA.^15,7,4,14

     Sophie Anna Meichner was born on 14 November 1895 at Stroudsburg, Monroe Co., PA; Her birth date is recorded as 1896 on her tombstone.^{1,2,3,4,5,6,7} She was baptized as Sophia Anna Carrie Meichner on 15 December 1895 at St. John's Lutheran Church, Stroudsburg, Monroe Co., PA.¹ She was confirmed on 20 March 1910 at St. John's Lutheran Church, Stroudsburg, Monroe Co., PA.⁸ She married David Henry Hardenstine, son of William Henry Hardenstine and Martha Elizabeth Bush, on 29 December 1917 at Stroudsburg, Monroe Co., PA.^9,5,10 Sophie Anna Meichner lived on 26 June 1976 at 90 Bridge St., Stroudsburg, Monroe Co., PA.^4,3 She died on 26 June 1976 at East Stroudsburg, Monroe Co., PA, at age 80.^3,2,4,11,6,7 She was buried on 30 June 1976 at Stroudsburg Cemetery, Stroudsburg, Monroe Co., PA.^2,6,7
     David was only 14 years old when his father William died. He was 22 when he entered World War I at Camp Meade, Maryland in September of 1917. He fought with the 311th machine gun battalion of the 79th division, American Expeditionary Forces. This battalion fought at many places in France. (From the book "History of 311th Machine Gun Battalion, 79th Division A.E.F.", by Russel C. Hughes, Press Publishing Company, East Stroudsburg, PA, 1919.) He apparently married Sophie just before leaving for Europe.
     After he returned from the war in 1919, David and Sophie moved to Phillipsburg, New Jersey, where he worked on the railroad as an engineer. Their first two children were born there. By 1924, when son Edward was born, they had returned to Stroudsburg. Since they lived in the house Sophie's father built at 1230 West Main Street, they probably returned after his death in 1922. David continued working on the railroad, but also opened a greenhouse next to their house to supplement their income. In 1943 they moved to Grace Street in Jersey City, New Jersey to work on the railroad. They remained there until his death.
     Sophie remained in Jersey City after her husband's death until her retirement in 1960. During the time she lived in Jersey City she worked as a saleslady in a Loft's candy store there. She then returned to her house on West Main Street in Stroudsburg. After selling the house for development (about 1967) she moved to an apartment at 80 Bridge Street, where she remained until her death.

     Helen Elizabeth Hardenstine was born on 25 March 1920 at Stroudsburg, Monroe Co., PA.^1,2,3 She was baptized on 29 March 1920 at Stroudsburg, Monroe Co., PA. Sophie Meta Johanna Meichner sponsored the baptism.² Helen Elizabeth Hardenstine died soon after her birth.^1,3 She was buried on 1 April 1920 at Prospect Cemetery, East Stroudsburg, Monroe Co., PA.¹

     William August Hardenstine last resided at Oakland, Alameda Co., CA. He was an airline executive. He was born on 21 May 1922 at 150 Lewis Street, Phillipsburg, Warren Co., NJ.^1,2,3 He was baptized on 21 June 1922 at St. John's Lutheran Church, Stroudsburg, Monroe Co., PA. August Heinrich Meichner sponsored the baptism.^1,2 William August Hardenstine married Helen Eleanor Gestwicki, daughter of Felix Joseph Gestwicki and Regina Czyz, on 1 March 1947 at Dunkirk, Chautauqua Co., NY.⁴ William August Hardenstine and Helen Eleanor Gestwicki were divorced on 16 May 1974.⁴ William August Hardenstine married Anna Maria Vogl, daughter of Johann Vogl and Maria Limbrunner, on 13 July 1974 at Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Co., CA.⁴ William August Hardenstine died on 18 December 2023 at Oakland, Alameda Co., CA, at age 101.

     Helen Eleanor Gestwicki resides at Albuquerque, Bernalillo Co., NM.¹ She was a registered nurse. She was born on 1 December 1922 at Dunkirk, Chautauqua Co., NY.¹ She was baptized at Dunkirk, Chautauqua Co., NY.¹ She married William August Hardenstine, son of David Henry Hardenstine and Sophie Anna Meichner, on 1 March 1947 at Dunkirk, Chautauqua Co., NY.¹ Helen Eleanor Gestwicki and William August Hardenstine were divorced on 16 May 1974.¹

     Anna Maria Vogl was a real estate agent. She was born on 23 March 1933 at Pilsting, Bavaria, Germany.¹ She married William August Hardenstine, son of David Henry Hardenstine and Sophie Anna Meichner, on 13 July 1974 at Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Co., CA.¹ Anna Maria Vogl died on 16 October 2014 at Oakland, Alameda Co., CA, at age 81.

     Edward Robert Hardenstine was a machinist. He was born on 27 February 1924 at Stroudsburg, Monroe Co., PA.^1,2 He was baptized on 2 October 1924 at St. John's Lutheran Church, Stroudsburg, Monroe Co., PA.¹ He married Ella Mae Dildine, daughter of Albert A. Dildine and Lula Elizabeth Possinger, on 1 November 1946 at Jersey City, Hudson Co., NJ.² Edward Robert Hardenstine died on 5 January 2015 at Stroudsburg, Monroe Co., PA, at age 90.³

     Ella Mae Dildine resides at Stroudsburg, Monroe Co., PA. She was born on 16 July 1927 at Stroudsburg, Monroe Co., PA.¹ She married Edward Robert Hardenstine, son of David Henry Hardenstine and Sophie Anna Meichner, on 1 November 1946 at Jersey City, Hudson Co., NJ.¹

     Godfrey Hardenstine last resided at Monroe Co., PA. He was born on 3 June 1816 at Herschberg, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany.^1,2,3,4 He was baptized as Gottfried Hartenstein on 8 June 1816 at Herschberg, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany. Gottfried Hartenstein and Anna Maria Hartenstein sponsored the baptism.² Godfrey Hardenstine was confirmed on 27 March 1831 at Herschberg, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany.² He immigrated on 20 August 1832 into New York, New York Co., NY, on the ship Groton.⁵ He received Holy Communion on 30 March 1834 at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, New York, New York Co., NY.⁶ He sponsored the baptism of Gottfried Dreher , son of Michael Dreher and Louisa Hartenstein, on 21 September 1834 at New York, New York Co., NY.⁷ Godfrey Hardenstine sponsored the baptism of Dorothea Catharine Koeler , daughter of Philip Köhler and Margaretha Hartenstein, on 8 January 1837 at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, New York, New York Co., NY.⁷ Godfrey Hardenstine married Odella Schaefer, daughter of Valentine Schäfer and Elisabetha Schneider, on 20 May 1839 at New York, New York Co., NY.^3,6 Godfrey Hardenstine purchased 20 acres and 148 perches of land at Paradise Twp., Monroe Co., PA, from Jacob Hardenstine and Anna Maria Hardenstine on 15 August 1853.⁸ Godfrey Hardenstine and Odella Hardenstine sold 20 acres and 148 perches of land at Paradise Twp., Monroe Co., PA, on 24 August 1853.⁹ Godfrey Hardenstine purchased 94 acres of land at Smithfield Twp., Monroe Co., PA, on 20 November 1854.¹⁰ He was a farmer and laborer between 1860 and 1880. He was admitted into the membership on 17 April 1875 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Smithfield Twp., Monroe Co., PA.¹¹ He purchased a city lot 80 x 150 feet of land at East Stroudsburg, Monroe Co., PA, from John L. Kays and Odella Hardenstine on 26 April 1876.¹² Godfrey Hardenstine purchased 58 acres and 33 perches of land at Paradise Twp., Monroe Co., PA, on 26 August 1887.¹³ He sold 58 acres and 33 perches of land at Paradise Twp., Monroe Co., PA, to Sarah Ann Koerner and Godfrey Hardenstine on 30 August 1887.¹⁴ Godfrey Hardenstine died on 3 October 1890 at Paradise Twp., Monroe Co., PA, at age 74.^3,15,4 He was buried in October 1890 at St. Paul's United Church of Christ Cemetery, Swiftwater, Monroe Co., PA.¹⁶ The estate of Godfrey Hardenstine sold 94 acres of land at Smithfield Twp., Monroe Co., PA, on 25 January 1893.¹⁷

     Odella Schaefer last resided at Monroe Co., PA. She was born on 13 September 1818 at Herschberg, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany; Her birth date is recorded as 10 Sep 1820 in the Strunk Bible. It was recorded as 10 Sep 1819 in the Hardenstine Bible. I believe that Ottilia was born in Herschberg and immigrated to New York City about the same time as the Hartenstein family. I will use her birth date as recorded in the Herschberg Church records.^1,2,3,4 She was baptized as Ottilia Schäfer on 18 September 1818 at Herschberg, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany.¹ She was confirmed on 15 April 1832 at Herschberg, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany.¹ She received Holy Communion on 18 May 1834 at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, New York, New York Co., NY.⁵ She married Godfrey Hardenstine, son of Michael Hardenstine and Elisabetha Kiefer, on 20 May 1839 at New York, New York Co., NY.^3,5 Odella Hardenstine and Godfrey Hardenstine sold 20 acres and 148 perches of land at Paradise Twp., Monroe Co., PA, on 24 August 1853.⁶ Odella Hardenstine purchased a city lot 80 x 150 feet of land at East Stroudsburg, Monroe Co., PA, from John L. Kays and Odella Hardenstine on 26 April 1876.⁷ Odella Schaefer was admitted into the membership on 18 October 1876 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Smithfield Twp., Monroe Co., PA, on transfer from St Paul's Lutheran Church, New York City.⁸ She died on 12 February 1893 at Paradise Twp., Monroe Co., PA, at age 74.^2,3,4 She was buried in February 1893 at St. Paul's United Church of Christ Cemetery, Swiftwater, Monroe Co., PA.⁴
     Godfrey immigrated with his family in 1832 into New York City. At the time he would have been sixteen years old. Godfrey appeared periodically in the records of St. Matthew's (and St. Paul's) Lutheran Church in New York City between 1832 and 1848. Godfrey and Odella were married and their first five children were born there.
     Godfrey and Odella moved to Paradise Township in Monroe County, Pennsylvania probably about 1849 or 1850. Their son Godfrey was born in New York in 1848 and Jacob in Paradise Township in early 1850. Godfrey apparently bought a parcel of land from his brother Jacob about that time. Two of their children were baptized at the nearby St. Paul's United Church of Christ in 1853.
     Godfrey sold his land in Paradise Township in 1853 and the next year bought 94 acres in Smithfield Township. This tract was along Reservoir Road, off Brushy Mountain Road, in the upper northwest corner of the township. The family was enumerated in that township between 1860 and 1880 in the federal census. Godfrey and Odella apparently raised a child named Charles Horn, since he was enumerated with the famiy in 1860 and 1870. His birthplace was listed as New York City, and I was able to find a child of the correct age in the 1850 census of the city. I have not determined if there was any relationship. In 1880 both William Jeremiah Hardenstine and George Case (Kays) were living in their household. Both were Godfrey's grandsons. It was noted that William Jeremiah was adopted.
     Several years before their deaths, Godfrey and Odella concluded a number of land transactions. They bought two town lots along North Courtland Street in East Stroudsburg. Then in 1887 they exchanged a 58 acre tract in Paradise Township (adjacent to his brother Jacob) for one of the town lots with James and Margaret Smith. Godfrey and Odella immediately sold the tract in Paradise Township to their son Godfrey, Jr., with the provision that he take care of his parents for the remainder of their lives. I suspect that Godfrey and Odella lived with their son from that time until their deaths. When the Smithfield Township tract was sold in 1893 after his death, Godfrey Sr. was described as a late resident of Paradise Township.
     In a 1933 letter from Fred Hardenstine, Godfrey's grandson, to Frank Hardenstine of Bradford County, he stated:
"My grandfather lived about 3 miles from here [East Stroudsburg]. My father [William Henry] and I were born on the same place that the old folks lived on."
William was born in 1862, during the time that Godfrey and Odella were living in Smithfield Township. William married in 1885 and Fred was born in 1890. This was after Godfrey made arrangements to live with Godfrey Jr. in Paradise Township. I suspect that William and Martha Hardenstine lived on the Smithfield Township property after his parents moved out. But that property was sold as part of Godfrey's estate in 1893, and by 1900 William and Martha were living in East Stroudsburg.
     In addition to church records that document their marriage and the births of their children, there are two family Bibles that document the family of Godfrey and Odella. One is the Bible of their son, Jacob. The author was given this Bible by Jacob's grandson, Francis Hardenstine, before he died. The second Bible is that of Godfrey's daughter, Sarah, who married William Strunk. The author has a copy of the family record. It is in the posession of William Strunk, a descendant of William and Sarah.

     Godfrey Hardenstine was born on 2 May 1848 at New York, New York Co., NY.^1,2,3,4,5,6 He was baptized on 18 May 1848 at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, New York, New York Co., NY.¹ He married Sarah Ann Koerner, daughter of Jacob Koerner and Catharine Coffman, on 13 June 1868 at the Methodist Episcopal parsonage at Monroe Co., PA.⁷ Godfrey Hardenstine was a farmer in 1870.⁶ He witnessed the marriage of Jacob Hardenstine and Mary A. Francis Brophy on 14 January 1880 at New York, New York Co., NY.^8,9 Godfrey Hardenstine purchased 58 acres and 33 perches of land at Paradise Twp., Monroe Co., PA, from Godfrey Hardenstine on 30 August 1887.¹⁰ Godfrey Hardenstine was a railroad engineer between 1888 and 1890.¹¹ He lived between 1888 and 1890 at 872 Gates Ave., Brooklyn, Kings Co., NY.¹¹ He and Sarah Ann Hardenstine sold 58 acres and 33 perches of land at Paradise Twp., Monroe Co., PA, on 23 August 1916.¹² Godfrey Hardenstine died on 19 April 1931 at East Stroudsburg, Monroe Co., PA, at age 82; He died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.^2,13,14,5 He lived on 19 April 1931 at 430 King St., East Stroudsburg, Monroe Co., PA.^14,5 He was buried on 22 April 1931 at St. Paul's United Church of Christ Cemetery, Swiftwater, Monroe Co., PA; His tombstone does not indicate the date of death.^13,2,14,15,5

     Sarah Ann Koerner was born on 21 September 1847 at PA.^1,2,3 She married Godfrey Hardenstine, son of Godfrey Hardenstine and Odella Schaefer, on 13 June 1868 at the Methodist Episcopal parsonage at Monroe Co., PA.⁴ Sarah Ann Koerner purchased 58 acres and 33 perches of land at Paradise Twp., Monroe Co., PA, from Godfrey Hardenstine on 30 August 1887.⁵ Sarah Ann Hardenstine and Godfrey Hardenstine sold 58 acres and 33 perches of land at Paradise Twp., Monroe Co., PA, on 23 August 1916.⁶ Sarah Ann Koerner died on 12 August 1920 at East Stroudsburg, Monroe Co., PA, at age 72.^1,2 She was buried on 16 August 1920 at St. Paul's United Church of Christ Cemetery, Swiftwater, Monroe Co., PA.^2,1

     Jacob Hardenstine was born on 15 January 1850 at Paradise Twp., Monroe Co., PA.^1,2,3,4 He was baptized on 14 May 1853 at Swiftwater, Monroe Co., PA.³ He married Susan Whipple, daughter of Joseph Whipple and Sarah Santee, circa 1873.^1,5 Jacob Hardenstine lived between 1873 and 1876 at Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne Co., PA.⁶ He was a railroad employee on 14 January 1880.⁴ He married Mary A. Francis Brophy, daughter of Lawrence Brophy and Margaret Canton, on 14 January 1880 at New York, New York Co., NY. Godfrey Hardenstine witnessed the marriage.^1,4 Jacob Hardenstine died on 7 November 1913 at St Joseph, Buchanan Co., MO, at age 63.¹ He was buried on 9 November 1913 at Ashland Cemetery, St Joseph, Buchanan Co., MO.¹

     Mary A. Francis Brophy was born on 13 August 1850 at Brooklyn, Kings Co., NY.^1,2 She married (?) Davenport before 1879.² Mary A. Francis Brophy married Jacob Hardenstine, son of Godfrey Hardenstine and Odella Schaefer, on 14 January 1880 at New York, New York Co., NY. Godfrey Hardenstine witnessed the marriage.^1,2 Mary A. Francis Brophy died on 28 April 1915 at St Joseph, Buchanan Co., MO, at age 64.¹ She was buried on 30 April 1915 at Ashland Cemetery, St Joseph, Buchanan Co., MO.¹

     Margaret Ann Hardenstine also went by the name of Anna. She was born on 18 March 1853 at Paradise Twp., Monroe Co., PA.^1,2 She was baptized on 14 May 1853 at Swiftwater, Monroe Co., PA.² She died before 1933; letter, 14 Jan 1933, Fred Hardenstine to Frank D. Hardenstine. This is the only information that was found about this daughter.

     Michael L. Hardenstine was born on 23 November 1856 at Monroe Co., PA; His birth date was recorded as 23 Sep in the Strunk Bible.^1,2,3,4 He died on 9 October 1864 at Monroe Co., PA, at age 7.^1,2,3 He was buried in October 1864 at Beakleyville Baptist Church Cemetery, Stroud Twp., Monroe Co., PA.^2,3

     Sarah Maria Hardenstine was born on 27 March 1859 at Monroe Co., PA.^2,3,4 She was confirmed on 13 April 1878 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Smithfield Twp., Monroe Co., PA.⁵ She married William Strunk, son of Benjamin Strunk and Jeanette Wise, on 23 October 1881 at the residence of the pastor at Monroe Co., PA.^6,7 Sarah Maria Hardenstine died on 13 October 1943 at Portland, Northampton Co., PA, at age 84; letter, 14 Jan 1933, Fred Hardenstine to Frank D. Hardenstine.^2,3,8 She was buried on 16 October 1943 at Riverview Cemetery, Portland, Northampton Co., PA.^8,3

     William Strunk was born on 4 April 1853 at Laurel Hill, Upper Mt. Bethel Twp., Northampton Co., PA.^2,3,4,5 He was a laborer in 1880. He married Sarah Maria Hardenstine, daughter of Godfrey Hardenstine and Odella Schaefer, on 23 October 1881 at the residence of the pastor at Monroe Co., PA.^6,7 William Strunk was a farmer in 1900. He was a lumberman in a saw mill in 1910. He was a laborer in 1920. He died on 25 August 1924 at Portland, Northampton Co., PA, at age 71.^2,3,4 He was buried on 28 August 1924 at Riverview Cemetery, Portland, Northampton Co., PA.^4,3

     William Henry Hardenstine was born on 8 April 1861 at Smithfield Twp., Monroe Co., PA; His birth date was recorded as 1862 in the Strunk Bible.^1,2,3,4 He was confirmed on 2 April 1876 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Smithfield Twp., Monroe Co., PA.⁵ He was a farmer on 6 November 1885.⁶ He and Martha Elizabeth Bush obtained a marriage license on 6 November 1885 at Stroudsburg, Monroe Co., PA.⁶ William Henry Hardenstine married Martha Elizabeth Bush, daughter of Davis Walton Bush and Helen J. Brown, on 14 November 1885 at East Stroudsburg, Monroe Co., PA.⁶ William Henry Hardenstine was admitted to membership on 18 April 1897 at Grace Lutheran Church, East Stroudsburg, Monroe Co., PA.⁷ He was a tannery laborer in 1900. He lived on 29 March 1909 at N. Courtland St., East Stroudsburg, Monroe Co., PA.⁸ He died on 29 March 1909 at East Stroudsburg, Monroe Co., PA, at age 47; His death date was recorded as 26 Mar in the church records. The cause of death was gall stones.^{1,3,9,2,4,8,10} He was a machinist on 29 March 1909.^2,8 He was buried on 31 March 1909 at Prospect Cemetery, East Stroudsburg, Monroe Co., PA.^9,4,2,8,1

     Martha Elizabeth Bush was born on 25 October 1866 at NY; Her birth place was recorded as Wyoming County, PA on her death certificate.^1,2,3,4 She and William Henry Hardenstine obtained a marriage license on 6 November 1885 at Stroudsburg, Monroe Co., PA.³ Martha Elizabeth Bush married William Henry Hardenstine, son of Godfrey Hardenstine and Odella Schaefer, on 14 November 1885 at East Stroudsburg, Monroe Co., PA.³ Martha Elizabeth Bush was baptized on 26 March 1899 at Grace Lutheran Church, East Stroudsburg, Monroe Co., PA.⁵ She was confirmed on 26 March 1899 at Grace Lutheran Church, East Stroudsburg, Monroe Co., PA.⁶ She married Edward Kays, son of John L. Kays and Odella Hardenstine, on 28 December 1916 at East Stroudsburg, Monroe Co., PA; The marriage license says the marriage occurred on 29 December.^7,8,9 Martha Elizabeth Bush died on 26 June 1951 at Stroudsburg, Monroe Co., PA, at age 84.^10,2,11 She was buried on 29 June 1951 at East Stroudsburg, Monroe Co., PA.^2,1
     William was listed with his parents in the 1870 and 1880 census of Smithfield Township. I believe that he lived on his father's farm in Smithfield Township after his marriage, and after his father and mother moved to Paradise Township about 1887. When his father's estate was settled in 1893, William and Martha probably had to leave the farm. William bought two lots in East Stroudsburg in 1895, which is where they lived until his death. (Deed #47-622, 8 Oct 1895, Monroe County courthouse.) The 1900 census of East Stroudsburg lists his occupation as a tannery laborer. His widow Martha bought another lot in East Stroudsburg in 1911, after his death. (Deed #69-461, 1 Apr 1911.)
     After William's death Martha married Edward Kays, who was a nephew of William. William's oldest sister Odella was Edward's mother. Edward and Martha became caretakers at the Broadhead Fish and Game Preserve along Route 191 at Stitesbridge, north of Analomink. Her second husband, Edward Kays, died on 18 Sep 1941 and is buried with her in Prospect Cemetery. After Edward died, she lived for a while with her invalid daughter Grace in Sophie Hardenstine's house at 1230 West Main Street in Stroudsburg. Later Martha lived with her daughter Mayme Fisher until her death.
     Most sources list Martha's birthplace (as well as her mother's) as Michigan. Although her mother lived there when she was young, by the time of her marriage to Davis Bush she had returned to Monroe County. Martha's death certificate states her place of birth as Wyoming County, PA, but that information was supplied by her daughter-in-law, Mayme Fisher. Census sources suggest that she might have been born in New York. By 1870, when Martha was four, the family was living in Smithfield Township.

     Grace Hardenstine was born on 23 October 1886 at PA.^1,2,3,4 She was baptized on 9 May 1899 at East Stroudsburg, Monroe Co., PA; baptized at home.¹ She died on 24 May 1971 at PA at age 84.^4,2,5 She was buried at Prospect Cemetery, East Stroudsburg, Monroe Co., PA.⁴

     Mayme Hardenstine was born on 8 April 1888 at Smithfield Twp., Monroe Co., PA.^{1,2,3,4,5,6,7} She was baptized on 9 May 1899 at Grace Lutheran Church, East Stroudsburg, Monroe Co., PA.¹ She was confirmed on 26 February 1905 at Grace Lutheran Church, East Stroudsburg, Monroe Co., PA.³ She married John Sigman Fisher, son of Wilson Fisher and Emma Sigman, circa 1915.^7,6 Mayme Hardenstine lived on 20 March 1956 at 923 Main St., Stroudsburg, Monroe Co., PA.⁴ She died on 20 March 1956 at General Hospital, East Stroudsburg, Monroe Co., PA, at age 67; Martha Kays estate papers.^4,5,7 She was buried on 23 March 1956 at Stroudsburg Cemetery, Stroudsburg, Monroe Co., PA.^4,5

     John Sigman Fisher was born on 26 June 1884 at Stroudsburg, Monroe Co., PA.^1,2,3,4 He married Mayme Hardenstine, daughter of William Henry Hardenstine and Martha Elizabeth Bush, circa 1915.^5,6 John Sigman Fisher lived in 1918 at 802 Sarah St., Stroudsburg, Monroe Co., PA.³ He lived in 1942 at 92 Main St., Stroudsburg, Monroe Co., PA.⁴ He died on 22 April 1953 at Stroudsburg, Monroe Co., PA, at age 68.^1,2 He was buried on 25 April 1953 at Stroudsburg Cemetery, Stroudsburg, Monroe Co., PA.^2,1

     Frederick Hardenstine was a railroad fireman. He was born on 2 May 1890 at East Stroudsburg, Monroe Co., PA.^1,2,3,4,5 He was baptized on 9 May 1899 at Grace Lutheran Church, East Stroudsburg, Monroe Co., PA.¹ He was confirmed on 8 April 1906 at Grace Lutheran Church, East Stroudsburg, Monroe Co., PA.⁶ He married Lydia Pearl Cramer, daughter of John G. Cramer and Lavinia Imbt, on 21 November 1912 at East Stroudsburg, Monroe Co., PA.^7,8 Frederick Hardenstine was a grocery clerk in 1917.² He married Ethel May Bisbing, daughter of Wilson Bisbing and Nettie Singer, on 13 October 1923 at Stroudsburg, Monroe Co., PA.⁹ Frederick Hardenstine lived in 1942 at Tannersville, Monroe Co., PA.⁴ He died on 7 February 1976 at Annendal, Fairfax Co., VA, at age 85.^5,9 He was buried in February 1976; Body donated to medical science - Georgetown University, Anatomical Division.

     Lydia Pearl Cramer was born on 12 November 1893 at PA.^1,2,3,4,5 She married Frederick Hardenstine, son of William Henry Hardenstine and Martha Elizabeth Bush, on 21 November 1912 at East Stroudsburg, Monroe Co., PA.^6,7 Lydia Pearl Cramer was confirmed on 19 May 1918 at Grace Lutheran Church, East Stroudsburg, Monroe Co., PA.⁴ She died on 5 February 1921 at Stroud Twp., Monroe Co., PA, at age 27.^1,3,8 She was buried on 9 February 1921 at Prospect Cemetery, East Stroudsburg, Monroe Co., PA.^2,3,1

     Ethel May Bisbing was born on 29 November 1894 at Tannersville, Monroe Co., PA.² She married Frederick Hardenstine, son of William Henry Hardenstine and Martha Elizabeth Bush, on 13 October 1923 at Stroudsburg, Monroe Co., PA.³ Ethel May Bisbing lived on 13 October 1923 at Tannersville, Monroe Co., PA.⁴ She was admitted to membership on 6 January 1924 at Grace Lutheran Church, East Stroudsburg, Monroe Co., PA.⁵ She died on 21 December 1950 at Tannersville, Monroe Co., PA, at age 56.^2,6 She was buried on 24 December 1950 at Laurelwood Cemetery, Stroudsburg, Monroe Co., PA.²

     Michael Hardenstine last resided at Monroe Co., PA. He was born on 8 December 1792 at Herschberg, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany.^1,2 He was baptized as Johann Michael Hartenstein on 9 December 1792 at Herschberg, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany.¹ He married Elisabetha Kiefer, daughter of Valentine Kiefer and Anna Maria Kettenring, on 4 May 1815 at Herschberg, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany.^3,1 Michael Hardenstine witnessed the birth of Margaretha Kiefer on 15 December 1823 at Herschberg, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany.⁴ Michael Hardenstine witnessed the marriage of Godfrey Kammerdiener and Ottilia Hartenstein on 27 September 1825 at Herschberg, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany.^5,1 Michael Hardenstine witnessed the birth of Godfrey Hartenstein on 14 March 1826 at Herschberg, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany.^6,1,7 Michael Hardenstine witnessed the birth of Elisabetha Hartenstein on 8 April 1826 at Herschberg, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany.^8,9 Michael Hardenstine witnessed the marriage of Heinrich Hartenstein and Elisabetha Kiefer on 21 January 1828 at Herschberg, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany.^10,1 Michael Hardenstine witnessed the marriage of Michael Dreher and Louisa Hartenstein on 24 February 1831 at Herschberg, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany.^11,1 Michael Hardenstine immigrated on 20 August 1832 into New York, New York Co., NY, on the ship Groton.¹² He was admitted as a member on 25 December 1832 at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, New York, New York Co., NY.¹³ He received Holy Communion between December 1832 and April 1837 at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, New York, New York Co., NY.¹³ He sponsored the baptism of Frederick Kammerdiener , son of Godfrey Kammerdiener and Ottilia Hartenstein, on 29 December 1833 at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, New York, New York Co., NY.¹⁴ Michael Hardenstine witnessed the marriage of Margaretha Hartenstein and Philip Köhler on 31 December 1833 at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, New York, New York Co., NY.¹³ Michael Hardenstine sponsored the baptism of Margaret Louise Köhler , daughter of Philip Köhler and Margaretha Hartenstein, on 1 February 1835 at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, New York, New York Co., NY.¹⁴ Michael Hardenstine applied for naturalization on 22 October 1835 at the Marine Court of the City of New York, New York Co., NY.¹⁵ He was naturalized on 7 November 1837 at New York Common Pleas Court, New York, New York Co., NY.¹⁵ He married Susannah Transue, daughter of Elias Transue and Catharina Miller, between 1840 and 1848 at Monroe Co., PA.¹⁶ Michael Hardenstine received Holy Communion on 19 April 1840 at Smithfield Lutheran and German Reformed Church, Shawnee, Monroe Co., PA.¹⁷ He purchased 61 acres of land at Stroud Twp., Monroe Co., PA, on 21 August 1848.¹⁸ He and Susannah Hardenstine sold 30 acres of land at Stroud Twp., Monroe Co., PA, to Peter Hardenstine on 21 August 1848.¹⁹ Michael Hardenstine was a farmer and laborer between 1850 and 1870. He purchased 121 acres of land at Middle Smithfield Twp., Monroe Co., PA, from Catharine (?) and Abraham E. Transue on 7 November 1858.²⁰ Michael Hardenstine and Susannah Hardenstine sold 30 acres of land at Stroud Twp., Monroe Co., PA, on 25 April 1859.²¹ Michael Hardenstine and Susannah Hardenstine sold 121 acres and 72 perches of land at Middle Smithfield Twp., Monroe Co., PA, on 18 March 1873.²² Michael Hardenstine died on 31 March 1878 at Smithfield Twp., Monroe Co., PA, at age 85.^23,24,25 He was buried in April 1878 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church Cemetery, Smithfield Twp., Monroe Co., PA.²³

     Elisabetha Kiefer last resided at New York Co., NY. She was born on 17 July 1788 at Herschberg, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany; Her birth date was recorded as 1791 in the Strunk Bible.^1,2 She was baptized as Maria Elisabetha Kiefer on 20 July 1788 at Herschberg, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany.¹ She married Michael Hardenstine, son of Gottfried Hartenstein and Elisabetha Schmidt, on 4 May 1815 at Herschberg, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany.^3,1 Elisabetha Kiefer immigrated on 20 August 1832 into New York, New York Co., NY, on the ship Groton.⁴ She received Holy Communion between March 1834 and April 1837 at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, New York, New York Co., NY.⁵ She died circa 1837 at NY; The date of her death is uncertain, based primarily on the Bible entry.²
     Michael Hardenstine and Elisabetha Kiefer were both born and married in Herschberg. A copy of their civil marriage record was originally obtained from the local registrar's office by Bill and Anna Maria Hardenstine. They also obtained the birth record of Michael's oldest child, Gottfried (Godfrey). The baptisms of all their children born in Herschberg are recorded in the Lutheran Church book.
     Michael and Elisabetha's first child was born before their marriage, and named Jacob Kiefer. This was not an uncommon occurrence at the time in Germany, as a young man needed to demonstrate the ability to support his wife before a marriage was approved. When the child died at age 4, both parents were identified. Michael and Elisabetha had five additional sons born in Herschberg. The youngest died at age 1.
     Michael and his family immigrated to New York City in August 1832. Their names were found on the passenger list of a ship that sailed from the French port of Havre, which was a popular port of embarkation for residents of southwest Germany at that time. Although the passenger list does not include all the correct names and ages for the family, they most likely came together.
     Michael appeared on the list of communicants as a new member on Christmas 1832 at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church in New York City. His son Peter was confirmed there on Good Friday in 1834, and Michael, Elisabetha, Godfrey, and Peter communed that Easter. Michael, Elisabetha, and Peter last appeared in the records on Easter 1837.
     On 22 October 1835 Michael Hartenstien (sic) filed a declaration to become a citizen of the United States in the Marine Court of the City of New York. His naturalization was filed on 7 November 1837 in the Common Pleas Court of the city. This was just a few months past the five year waiting period. His sponsor was Valentine Koeller (Köhler), a fellow immigrant from Herschberg.
     The disappearance of Michael Hardenstine from the New York church records coincides with his purchase of land in Monroe County, Pennsylvania in March 1837. His address was recorded as New York City in the deed. He purchased land together with Peter Brish (Prish), also an immigrant from Herschberg. Peter and his family were also found in the church records in New York. In 1840 Michael was enumerated in the federal census of Stroud Township, Monroe County, as was Peter Brish.
     Elisabetha Hardenstine died sometime between 1837 and 1840. The Bible record of Sarah Hardenstine Strunk states that her death occurred in 1836 in New York City. But this date might be inaccurate, since she was present at church on Easter 1837. I could not find a record of her death in New York City records. So it is possible that she moved with Michael to Monroe County, although there is no proof of that. Since she was not enumerated in the 1840 census, one can assume that she died before then.
     Michael Hardenstine married Susan Transue in Monroe County sometime after 1840. I have not found any surviving record of the date. The first indication of Susan's name is in a deed of 1848, when Michael and Susan sold a part of his land to his son Peter. She also appeared with Michael in the 1850 and later censuses. While their marriage date is uncertain, I suspect that Michael would have married soon after 1840, since he still had several young children to care for at the time.
     A Michael Hardenstine received Holy Communion on Easter of 1840 at the German Lutheran and Reformed Church at Shawnee, Pennsylvania. Although this could be the Michael Hardenstine we have been discussing, it could also be his son. The son Michael would have been 14 years old, so this could have been his first communion after confirmation. This son Michael was included with his father's family in the 1850 census, but it noted that he was "idiotic". Since he did not appear in any future censuses, he most likely died before then, or perhaps was placed into an institution. I have not found any record of his death.
     When Michael Hardenstine moved to Monroe County, his eldest son Godfrey most likely remained in New York City. In 1839 he married a woman who had also been born in Herschberg and who immigrated about the same time as he did. Several of their children were born in the city, and their baptisms were recorded in St. Matthew's Church books. About 1850 Godfrey moved his family to Monroe County and remained there for the rest of his life.
     Peter and Jacob most likely moved with their father. Two male household members of the correct age were enumerated there in 1840. However, Jacob must have returned to New York City shortly thereafter, because he was confirmed at St. Matthew's Church in 1841. He continued to appear in the lists of communicants until 1843. By 1850 he was back in Monroe County, where he married, bought land, and raised a family.
     Peter married in Monroe County before 1850. He and his wife lived there on land purchased from his father. In 1857 they sold that land and moved to Bradford County, Pennsylvania. They remained there for the rest of their lives, and descendants are in the area to this day.
     It appears that Michael and Elisabetha had a daughter Margaret who was born between 1834 and 1836, probably in New York. But there is no direct proof of her birth, and some uncertainty about her parents. I could find no record of her baptism in the church records in New York. While it is possible that she was baptized elsewhere, the lack of a record means that we cannot assume that she was a daughter. A female child between 5 and 10 years old was enumerated in Michael's family in the 1840 census. While it is likely that she was a daughter, that would not have to be the case. In the 1850 census, a female Margaret, probably a daughter, was included in his family. Margaret married and had children in Monroe County. After most of their children were born, the family moved to Kansas, where Margaret and her husband died.