Some Early History on Nicholas and Frederick Ludwig Marsteller by Maude E. Marsteller

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Nicholas Marsteller was born about 1662 in Darmstadt, Germany and was married January 17, 1685 to Elizabeth Crossman who was born about 1668 in Pfungstadt, Hesse, Germany (daugther of John Friederick Crossman). They evidently settled in Pfungstadt as all of their 10 children were born in Pfungstadt. He was a blacksmith by trade. Elizabeth died at the age of 70 on April 1, 1749 and Nicholas died at age 83, December 19, 1745. Both were buried at Pfungstadt, Hesse, Germany.

Pfungstadt is a small village five miles south of Darmstadt. Rev. James L. Haney gives some very interesting fact about Pfungstadt in his book, "Stumbling Toward Zion - A Mosteller Chronicle". He has traveled throughout Europe and visited the town of Pfungstadt. He took many pictures of the town, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in which the Marstellers attended, and many more.

Frederick Ludwig Marsteller, the 6th child of Nicholas and Elizabeth was born January 11, 1702 in Pfungstadt. He was under the care of Christian parents and received instructions in school and church.

Frederick was married February 12, 1728 to Anna Barbara Starck (born May 8, 1701) and they came to America in 1729 on the ship Mortonhouse. At the beginning of the trip they were stopped at many customs houses along the way and sometimes delayed for 5 or 6 weeks. The officials at each stop took their time making the examinations and collecting duties. These delays took much of their money and food that they had savesd for the long journey. They left the last stop on June 21, 1729. The trip across was one of hunger, thirst, suffering and misery. John Casper Stoever describes these terrible conditions in the article, "The Penna Germans - The Voyage of America" 974.8 B 4pg, V. 53 Pt. 3pp. 14-20.

On August 19, 1729, they arrived at Philadelphia. Frederick signed the Declaration of Allegiance to the King of Great Brittain, fidelity to Propietary of Pennsylvania, and obedience to the laws.

He and Barbara settled along the Skippack Creek, an affluent of Perkiomen Creek in New Providence Township, 21 miles from Philadelphia. He bought 62 acres from David Williams on May 19, 1730 and soon after 49 acres 8 perches from Richard Jones and 72 acres 70 perches on December 7, 1737. These properties adjoined and formed the plantation which was his home during the remainder of this life.

He engaged in farming and blacksmithing. They had 8 children, 7 boys, 1 girl. It is believed the 1st child, Johann Nicholas, born September16, 1728 died in Pfungstadt before they left for America.

He was Lutheran and one thing near to his heart was the advancement of the Church of Christ. However, there were divisions and disorders, lack of piety, and the Church was in need of a faithful leader. The little group of Lutherans in his vicinity of Trappe, Pennsylvania were without a trusty shepherd for many years. Finally, in 1742 Rev. Henry Melchior Muhlenberg arrived. Frederick, being an officer in the Church, welcomed him and as time went on there was a bond of Christian love between them.

The congregation decided to build a church and on May 2, 1743 the corner stone was laid. The building of the church was completed by September 1744. Frederick took an active and heartfelt interest in this undertaking. The church still stands today and since there is no heat, only a few services are held in it a year, mostly during the summer. They do hold a special service during the Christmas season.

There is an inscription on the stone plaque over the main entrance with the names of the founders--one of which is F. Marsteller.

In 1743, the first church school house was built, in which Frederick also had a part.

Frederick died in 1753 and Muhlenberg felt a profound sorrow at the loss of this friend. He had a lengthy conversation with Frederick on his deathbed and at the funeral he gives quite an eulogy--telling of his character and the good he had done for the congregation and of his faith. Many attended the funeral. He was buried just behind the church in the cemetery.

Frederick left a will giving the plantation to his eldest son, John Heinrich, with the provision that Barbara, his wife, were to carry on the trade and the other children were all provided for until of age and then to receive their share.

Barbara lived with her son for 26 years and died February 23, 1780. Muhlenberg in his eulogy told of what a good mother and grandmother she was and testified of her character. It was a bitter cold day and they had to carry her body four miles across the Skippack and Perkiomen Creeks. It was a large funeral, coming by horse and by foot. Had it not been for such bad weather, there would have been many more in attendance, as both parents were in good repute. They did not affect Christianity, but rather practiced it in accord with God's word and proved it by their deeds.

*Complete life of F L Marsteller by Henry S Dottered-Historical Reg,

Vol. 1, 929H628 Pa. State Library pg 27-33

FLM's will is listed in The Marsteller Fmily by Maude E Marsteller- 1st edition.