Johann Christian LAU

                   Name:	Joh. Peter Lau
Year:	1732
Place:	Pennsylvania
Family Members:	Wife Lau, Anna Cleophe Frey; Child Lau, Catharina Juliana; ChildLau, Joh. Peter; Child Lau, Hans Jacob; Child Lau, Joh. Philipp
Source Publication Code:	1031.10
Primary Immigrant:	Lau, Christman
Annotation:	Date and port of arrival. Name of ship, village of origin, and reference to original record may also be provided. Spouse and children, mentioned prior to emigration, were assumed by indexers to have accompanied emigrant. Much genealogical data is also provided.
Source Bibliography:	BURGERT, ANNETTE K. Eighteenth Century Emigrants from the Northern Alsace to America. Camden, ME: Picton Press, 1992. 690p.
Page:	347

St. Paul Wolf's Church is now a Universal Church of Christ. The Lutheran branch broke off and built a new church. The church is actually in West Manchester Township, York. Came to Philadelphia 17 Oct 1732 on "William & Sarah". I saw his headstone on 9/21/97, it read "Christian Lau, immigrant. He was born Aug 21st, 1696, qualified as Palatine on Oct. 17th, 1732 in Philadelphia. He died on April 21,1772. Erected by his descendents in 1932."  The inscription is also in German.

Immigrated 17 Oct 1732, arrived in Philadelphia.

Headstone reportedly reads "I never got to know you but I wish I had been there for your travels and your heartships aboard the "Pink, John and William" to see and hear all that went on during your travel to the Land of the Free.

The second headstone has Here rests Christian Lay, immigrant. He was born Aug 21st 1696, qualified as Palatine on Oct 17, 1732 at Philadelphia. Died on Apr 21st1772.

This is the tombstone for Christian LAU. He and his brother, Conrad, came to "the Colonies" on the Pink (a type of ship) "John and William" in 1732. They were from Wingen, near Lembach, Bas-Rhin, Germany. (This area, in Alsace-Lorraine, is now in France.) He is buried at Wolf's Creek Church (*** Church), on Wolf's Creek Rd., near Rt. 30, west of York, PA.

Christian Lau The Journey to Pennsylvania
Notes for CHRISTIAN LAU:Ac cording to LAU1 "The Descendants of Christian Lau', he came to America on the ship "Pink, John and William", arriving in Philadelphiaon October 17, 1732. It was a 17 week trip, on which 44 of the original 264 passengers died. (The trip normally would have been about 11 weeks). Also from LAU1: A Philadelphia newspaper report of October 19, 1732 stated: "Sunday last arrived here Captain Tymberton, in 17 weeks from Rotterdam, with 220 Palatines - 44 died in their passage. About three weeks ago, the passengers dissatisfied with the length of the voyage, were so imprudent as to make a mutiny, and, being the stronger party, have ever since had the government of the vessel, giving orders from among themselves to the captain and sailors, who were threatened with death in case of disobedience. Thus, having sight of land, they carried the vessel twice backwards and forwards between our capes and Virginia, looking for a place to go ashore, they knew not where. At length they compelled the sailors to cast theanchor near Cape May, and eight of them took the boat by force and went ashore;from whence they have been five days coming up by land to this place, where they found the ship arrived. Those concerned in taking the boat are committed to prison." According to Alt genealogy (Dwayne McQuilliams): "CHRISTMAN LOW: Listed in American sources as Christian Lau. Probably the son of Hans Theobald Low. Born21 August 1696 in Germany. He is variously listed as a farmer and a miller. He immigrated to America on the ship "Pink, John and WIlliam" of Sunderland leavingfrom Rotterdam via Dover, landing at Philadelphia on October 17, 1732. Captain of the ship was Constable Tymperton. There were 61 men and 109 women and children all classed as "Palatines". With him on the ship was his brother Conrad, and the following: Anna Gluff Lowein, Philip Lowein, Christian Lowein, Barbara Loweinand Margaret Lowein. The use of an "an" or "en" on the end of a german name means "daughter of" but not sure of the relationship of these people to Christman. Christman died 21 April 1772. Will in York County PA was dated 11 January 1770 and executed May 13, 1772. Executors as John Emick and Peter Lau. Wife as Anna Cleva Lau. ... Christman is buried in Wolf's Cemetery in York County PA. His tombstone lists his birth as 21 August 1696 and death as April 21 1772 at the age of 75 years 8 months. The original tombstone is gone from the Wolfe's cemetery i York PA off Rt. 30 W but a group of his descendants erected a hugh new stone in 1937 which purports to capture all that was on the original. Christian Lau was appointed Constable of Manchester Township in 1749. On April 10, 1750 he secured a warrant from the Proprietaries of the Province of Pennsylvania for 150 acres of land in Manchester Township. The greater part of this tract was located in what was then known as Springetsbury Manor. He was residing along the Codorus creek near Bairs station as early as 1745. He was also a member of Christ's Lutheran inYork, 1733-43." From 2/15/1999 letter from Michael W. Lau: "The original tombstone of Christian Lau, inscribed in German, is now in a garden on the property ofWayne E. Lau ( # 22782122 in my book) located at 880 Anthony Road, East Berlin.His telephone number is (717) 259-8194."

Christian Lau Wolfe's Church Records
HISTORY OF THE LAU FAMILY, 1732 TO 1799, AS READ AT WOLFES CHURCHJULY 24TH, 1932In the tide of immigration that came to the shores of the New Land in the early part of the Eighteenth Century were many thousands of Palatines from the Valley of the Rhine, who came seeking freedom from civil and religious oppression. These services today are being held in memory of this large multitude who sought to establish a home in the New Land.Christian Lau came over in the ship Pink,John and William of Sunderland, Constable Tymperton, master from Rotterdam, last from Dover, and landed at Philadelphia, on October 17, 1732. There were 61 men above 16 years and , 109 women and children, all classed as Palatines on the same ship. Among the names of the men may be found that of Christian Lau and Conrad Low, and among the names of the women and children may be foundthe following: Anna Gluf Lowan, Christian Lowan, Margaret Lowan, Philip Lowan, and Barbara Lowan. There is no doubt but what Christian Laus wife and that ofseveral of his children are in the last group mentioned.Christian Lau and Conrad Lau are shown as members of Christ Lutheran Church in York during the pastorate of Rev. John Casper Stover, who was pastor of this church from 1733 to 1743. Re. Stover baptized four of the children of Christian Lau, the first of these four being baptized on February 23, 1735. This is evidence that Christian Lau was living in York County then part of Lancaster County at least as early as the beginning of the year 1735.Christian Lowe was appointed Constable of Manchester Township in 1749 at the first session of Court to be held in York County.On April 10, 1750, Christian Lau secured a WARRANT from the Proprietaries of the Province of Pennsylvania for 150 Acres of land in Manchester Township. The greater part ofthis Tract was located in what was then known as SPRINGETSBURY MANOR. It is quite evident, however, that Christian Lau was residing along Codorus creek near Bairs Station as early as 1745, since reference is made to him in a warrant dated July 26, 1745, granted to his son Philip Lau. This tract known as the MILL PLACE was sold to his son-in-law, Casper Kerver, by the heirs of Christian Lau.On November 3, 1763, Christian Lau bought a tract of land in CodorusTownship, granted to Felix Miller in pursuance of a warrant for 100 acres, dated October 28, 1746. This tract when surveyed in later years was found to containabout 220 acres and was divided into five parts and apportioned to his five surviving children.On the same date that Christian Lau bought the Felix Miller tract, he also bought a tract of land in the Manchester Township from Mark Hains for15 pounds. This tract containing 287 ½ acres adjoined his other land. He sold the same to his son Michael Lau on January 11, 1770, and he in turn devised it to his son Michael 2nd. This tract was patented by three sons of Michael Lau, 2nd; namely: George Lau; Michael Lau, 3rd, and Jonas Lau. This tract was in the Launame for more that 100 years.Christian Lau had also acquired a tract of about 148 acres in what is now Jackson Township, from Nicholas Shuster. On August 23, 1769, he sold this tract to his son-in-law, Casper Kerber. Mr. Lau at one time owner about 750 acres of land in what is now West Manchester Township, Jackson Township, and North Codorus Township.Christian Laus will was dated January 11, 1770, and probated on May 13, 1772. The first clause of his will reads as follows: In the name of God, amen. I, Christian Lau, of Manchester Township, in the County of York, in the Province of Pennsylvania, miller, being far advanced in years and very infirm; but yet of perfect mind and memory (thanks be to God for the same) and also calling to mind the uncertainty of this transitory life and that all flesh must die, do make, ordain, publish and declare this my last will and testament in manner following (that is to say) first and principally being penitent and heartily sorry for my sins, I commit my soul in the hands of Almighty God, in whom an
redly believe to be saved, and my body I commit to the earth to be decently buried. And for the disposing of such temporal estate which it hath pleased God to bless me with, I do give, devise and dispose of the same manner following.The inscription of Christian Laus Tombstone in the Cemetery adjoining this Churchedifice shows that he was born on August 21, 1696, and died April 21, 1772, at the age of 75 years and 8 months. He left to survive him, his widow, Anna Cleva;and three sons and two daughters; namely, Philip, Peter, Michael, Anna Mariam wife of Elias Eister, and Maria Magdalena, wife of Casper Kerber. His widow Anna Cleva died soon after his decease.Philip Lau, oldest son of Christian Lau, was also a holder of large tracts of land. He had secured seven warrants from the proprietaries of the Province of Pennsylvania for tracts located in Manchester, Codorus and Shrewsbury Townships. The total acreage of these tracts amounted to more than 500 acres, and after his death these tracts were divided among his three sons: Henry and Andrew being awarded the tracts in Manchester and Codorus Townships, and Michael Lau the tract in Shrewsbury Township.Philip Lau and his wife Magdalena Genzler, were the parents of the following children: Gertrude, wife of Frederick Miller, Henry, Elizabeth, wife of Philip Rudisill; Andrew, Michael and Magdalena, wife of John Menges. Philip Laus will was probated on August 30, 1781.Andrew Lau and Michael Lau, sons of Philip Lau, were tanners by trade, and in later years resided in Berwick Township, now a part of Adams County. John Menges, and his wife Magdalena Lau Menges, were the grandparents of Rev. Peter Livingston and great grandparents of former Congressman Franklin Menges, of York.Peter Lau, second son of Christian Lau, was born in 1728, and died in 1806, at the age of 78 years. There was surveyed for him a tract of 281 acres in Codorus Township on account of a warrant dated May 11, 1752, for 150 acres, secured from the proprietaries of Pennsylvania. This tract adjoined his father, Christian Laus, land and parts of this tract have been held by Laus and their descendants since 1752.[editors note: this is where the front page of the actual document ends; the text below is found on the back page]Peter Lau devised this tract of 281 acres to his two sons, Andrew Lau and George Lau, and a tract of 44 ¼ acres in the same township to his son-in-law, Valentine Bergheimer. Peter Lau and his wife, Susanna Lau, left to survive them, two sons, namely, Andrew and George; and five daughters, namely, Magdalena, wife of George Philip Gentzler; Anna Maria, wife of Daniel Rynold,; Catharina, wife of Valentine Alt; Eve, wife of Rynold, andSusanna, wife of Valentine Bergheimer. The remains of Peter Lau and his wife Susanna Lau are buried in the graveyard at this place.Michael Lau, youngest son ofChristian Lau, was born May 2nd, 1736, and died June 2nd, 1795. Michael Lau, elder, and his wife Anna Mary Lau, residents of Manchester Township, were the parents of the following children: Peter, Catherine, wife of Christian Null; Magdalen, wife if Henry Wehler; Elizabeth, wife of Henry Winder; Michael, Anna Mary, wife of Philip Gentzler; Margaret, Christian and Susanna. After the decease of Michael Lau, elder, his two surviving sons acquired his real estate; Michael, 2nd, being awarded his fathers dwelling plantation of 287 ½ acres in Manchester Township, and Peter, the eldest son, being awarded a tract of about 300 acres in Codorus Township.Michael Lau, the second, born February 23, 1771, died July 16, 1839; was a resident of West Manchester Township. He and his wife, Margaret Eyster, were the parents of the following children: John, Rebecca, wife of Samuel Bowman; Michael, 3rd; George, Jonas, Jacob, Susanna, wife of Solomon Weigel; Elizabeth, wife of John Sleder; Joshua and Anna Maria, wife of William Lau.Peter Lau,son of Michael Lau, elder, was a resident of Codorus Township. His wifes name was Barbara nee Renoll Lau. They were parents of the following children: Michael, Samuel, Dan
r, Anna Mary, wife of Jacob Kerchner; Susanna, wife of Christian Rohrbach; Elizabeth, wife of Michael Emig, and Polly Lau.Andrew, son of Peter and Susan Lau, was born October 7, 1751, and died 1822. He was a resident of Codorus Township. Inhis will dated March 21, 1816, and probated February 22, 1822, he names his tenchildren from his first wife (Elizabeth) as follows: Michael, George (deceased); Susanna, wife of Velta Ald; Elizabeth, wife of Philip Ald; Frederick, Joseph, Christian, Perie, wife of Jacob Raver; Bolly, wife of John Helsel, and Catharina, wife of David Brillhart. His second wifes name was Magdalena, and their children were: William Lau; Eliza, wife of Daniel Klinedinst; George Lau and Juliana, wife of Abraham Hossler.Christian Lau, son of Andrew and Elizabeth Lau, was born August 19, 1782, and died September 30, 1862. He and his wife Rosanna nee Zeigler Lau were the parents of the following children: Elias, father of Rev. J. B. Lau; Peter Lafayette, Julian, wife of George Reber; Catherine, wife of John Gunnet; Elizabeth, wife of Andrew Gunnet; Anna, wife of Jesse Behler; Kassie, wifeof John Ruth; Lydia, wife of Daniel Hamm, and Christinna, wife of John Kessler.Dr. Henry Eyster Jacobs, who died about two weeks ago, former president of the Mt. Airy Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, was a descendant of Elias Eyster and his wife Anna Maria nee Lau Eyster.Family traditions inform us that when the Laus first came to the vicinity of Bairs Station, they lived in a wigwam-like shelter, and that the Laus compensated the Indians for their land, even though they had paid a yearly rent to the Proprietaries. Like William Penn, they felt thatthe land rightfully belonged to the Indians.The names of several of Christian Laus grandsons are found in the records of those who served in the Revolutionary War. Among the descendants of Christian Lau, may be found the names of Governors of States, members of State Legislatures, members of Congress, doctors, lawyers, ministers and members of other professions.The Christina names: Andrew, George, Michael, Peter, Anna Mary, Elizabeth, Magdalena and Rebecca, are found quite frequently among the Laus.There are about forty baptisms of Laus recorded in the early records of this church, and there are many burials of Laus and their descendants at this place.According to the records in the Recorder of Deeds office, in York, Penna., Christian Lau and Peter Lau were the trustees and representatives for the Lutheran Church of Manchester Township, and Peter Wolf and Frederick Remer were the trustees and representatives for the Reformed Protestants, in Manchester Township, on October 15th, 1763, when the first tract of two and one-half acres were bought from Jacob Zeigier for this church property and burial ground.END.The foll