Berks County, Pennsylvania Genealogy
Guide to Berks County, Pennsylvania ancestry, genealogy and family history, birth records, marriage records, death records, census records, family history, and military records.
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Contents
- 1 County Information
- 2 Resources
- 2.1 Bible Records
- 2.2 Biographies
- 2.3 Business, Commerce, and Occupations
- 2.4 Cemeteries
- 2.5 Census Records
- 2.6 Church Records
- 2.7 Court Records
- 2.8 Directories
- 2.9 Emigration and Immigration
- 2.10 Ethnic, Political, and Religious Groups
- 2.11 Funeral Homes
- 2.12 Genealogies
- 2.13 Guardianship
- 2.14 Land and Property Records
- 2.15 Local Histories
- 2.16 Maps and Gazetteers
- 2.17 Migration
- 2.18 Military Records
- 2.19 Naturalization and Citizenship
- 2.20 Newspapers
- 2.21 Obituaries
- 2.22 Other Records
- 2.23 Periodicals
- 2.24 Probate Records
- 2.25 School Records
- 2.26 Social Security Records
- 2.27 Tax Records
- 2.28 Vital Records
- 3 Research Facilities
- 4 Societies
- 5 Websites
- 6 Research Guides
- 7 References
County Information[edit | edit source]
Description[edit | edit source]
The county is located in the South-East section of the state.[2]
County Courthouse[edit | edit source]
Berks County Courthouse
633 Court Street
Reading, PA 19601
Phone: 610-478-6208
Fax: 610-478-6366
Clerk Of Courts: 610-478-6550
Orphan's Court
Prothonotary: 610-478-6970
Recorder of Deeds: 610-478-3380
Register of Wills: 610-478-6600
Berks County Website
County clerk has birth and death records 1894-1905, marriage records from 1885, and probate records from 1752
Prothonotary Office has divorce and court records
Recorder Deeds has land records[3]
Berks County, Pennsylvania Record Dates[edit | edit source]
Information for this chart was taken from various sources, often containing conflicting dates. This information should be taken as a guide and should be verified by contacting the county and/or the state government agency.
Birth* | Marriage | Death* | Court | Land | Probate | Census |
1893 | 1885 | 1893 | 1752 | 1752 | 1752 | 1790 |
Record Loss[edit | edit source]
There is no known history of courthouse disasters in this county. |
Boundary Changes[edit | edit source]
For animated maps illustrating Pennsylvania county boundary changes, "Rotating Formation Pennsylvania County Boundary Maps" (1673-1878) may be viewed at the MapofUS.org website. |
Populated Places[edit | edit source]
For a complete list of populated places, including small neighborhoods and suburbs, visit HomeTown Locator. The following are the most historically and genealogically relevant populated places in this county:[8]
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Boroughs | ||
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Unincorporated communities | ||
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Census-designated places | ||
Townships | ||
History Timeline[edit | edit source]
Resources[edit | edit source]
Bible Records[edit | edit source]
Biographies[edit | edit source]
Business, Commerce, and Occupations[edit | edit source]
Indentured Servants
- Immigrant Servants Database hosted by Price Genealogy - Includes indentured/imported servants and transported convicts who served labor terms in Colonial York County, Pennsylvania.
Iron Industry
The histories and owners of Colebrookdale Furnace, Mount Pleasant Furnace, Hopewell Furnace, Oley Furnace, Berkshire Furnace, Pool Forges, Pine Forge, Hay-Creek Forge, Oley Forge, Spring Forges, Mount Pleasant Forge, Gibraltar Forge, Charming Forge, Union Furnace, District Furnace, Sally-Ann Furnace, Joanna Furnace, Dale Furnace, Mary-Ann Furnace, Reading Furnace, Greenwood Furnace, Brobst's Furnace, Rockland Forges, Burkhart's Forge, Dale Forge, District Forge, and Speed-well Forge and described in:
- Montgomery, Morton L. "Early Furnaces and Forges of Berks County, Pennsylvania," The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. 8 (1884):56-81. For online access, see WeRelate.
Cemeteries[edit | edit source]
Additional Cemetery Resources
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- 1700-1950 Pennsylvania Cemetery Records, ca. 1700-ca. 1950 at FamilySearch - How to Use this Collection; index and images
- 1887-1979 Pennsylvania, Berks County, Reading, Charles Evans Cemetery and Crematory Burial Records, 1887-1979 at FamilySearch - How to Use this Collection; images
- Cemetery Abstracts at FamilySearch] - How to Use this Collection; index and images (incomplete)
- LDS Genealogy Berks County
- Names in Stone
Census Records[edit | edit source]
For links and tips on using Federal (or United States) census records online for Berks County, see: Pennsylvania Census.
- 1850-1880 Pennsylvania Mortality Schedules, 1850-1880 at FamilySearch - How to Use this Collection; index and images
- 1964, State Census Transcription - only Rehrersburg FHL film 416776 Item 2
- 1965, State Census Transcription - only Rehrersburg FHL film 482040
Note that the 1810 U.S. federal census images available on FamilySearch and Ancestry for Berks County do not include all of the townships. It appears that Tulpehocken Township is missing, but some people seem to be included in the Bern Township section.
Church Records[edit | edit source]
Church records and the information they provide vary significantly depending on the denomination and the record keeper. For members, they may contain: age, date of baptism, christening, or birth; marriage date and maiden name; death/burial date. For general information about Pennsylvania denominations, see Pennsylvania Church Records.
- 1620-1991 Pennsylvania, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Congregational Records, 1620-1991 at FamilySearch - How to Use this Collection; index and images
Many denominations dot the landscape of Berks County. Visiting the church your ancestor attended is recommended; however, many times, due to distance, that is not possible. The Historical Society of Berks County has an on-line index of more then 1.2 millions names, gleaned from the records of more than 300 local churches. It is not a complete index but still worth your time if you are looking for baptism, marriage, and burial records. The index is searchable in numerous ways, but searching by last name or church name is probably most popular. The index lists the name of the record, volume and page number where the individual record can be found. The volume and page number refer to books located at the historical society. To view the actual record, use the printable on-line form that can be mailed to obtain a copy of the record or visit the society. There is a fee for acquiring the record by mail. Check the website for current fees.
The Berks County Genealogical Society has various records for churches throughout the Berks County area. However, the society has not put the records on-line and to view the records one must go to the society.Church records of Berks County are located under the Research tab.
Additional church records can be located at Linkpendium and by searching the FamilySearch Catalog. The FamilySearch Catalog has a plethora of church records for Berks County, many are limited in the time frame they cover. When searching the FamilySearch Catalog, be sure to also search at the town and township level.
County-wide Database - Multi-denominational
- 1708-1985 Pennsylvania, Church and Town Records, 1708-1985 at Historical Society of Pennsylvania – $, free to members of the society; Also available at Ancestry $
- Contains church records of:
- Albany: Jerusalem Allemaengel; Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church
- Alleghenyville: Allegheny United Church of Christ
- Alsace: Evangelical Lutheran Church; Zion Spies Evangelical Lutheran Church
- Amity: St. Paul's United Church of Christ
- Bally: Beford Mennonite Cemetery Gravestone Inscriptions
- Bernville: St. Thomas United Church of Christ
- Birdsboro: St. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church; St. Michael's Protestant Episcopal Parish
- Boyertown: Boyertown Methodist Episcopal Church; Reford and Boyertown Mennonite Records
- Douglassville: St. Gabriel's Episcopal Church
- Geigertown: St. James Lutheran Church
- Gibraltar: St. John's United Church of Christ
- Gouglersville: Wyomissing United Church of Christ
- Hamburg: Trinity Lutheran Church
- Jacksonwald: Schwarzwald United Church of Christ
- Kempton: Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church
- Maidencreek: United Church of Christ - St. Peter's Parish
- Maxatawny: Trinity Lutheran Church; Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church
- Mohnton: Robeson Evangelical Lutheran Church; Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church
- Oley: Friedens United Church of Christ
- Pike: St. Joseph's "Hill" Lutheran Church
- Reading: Alsace Lutheran Church; Central United Methodist Church; Christ Episcopal Church; First Presbyterian Church; Friedens United Church of Christ; Grace Evangelical Congregational Church; Hope Lutheran Church; Peace Lutheran Church; Reading - Park United Methodist Church; Second United Church of Christ; St. Barnabas Episcopal Church; St. John's Lutheran Church; St. John's United Church of Christ; St. Luke's Episcopal Church; St. Luke's Lutheran Church; St. Mark's Lutheran Church; St. Mark's United Church of Christ; St. Paul's Evangelical Congregational Church; St. Paul's Lutheran Church; St. Paul's Memorial United Church of Christ; St. Stephen's United Church of Christ; St. Thomas United Church of Christ; Trinity Lutheran Church; Trinity United Church of Christ; Zion United Church of Christ
- Rehrersburg: Trinity United Church of Christ
- Richmond: United Church of Christ - St. Peter's Parish
- Robesonia: St. Paul's United Church of Christ
- Shoemakersville: St. Luke's United Church of Christ
- 1710-1800 Humphrey, John T. Pennsylvania Births, Berks County 1710-1800 2 vols. Washington, D.C.: Humphrey Publications, 1997-1998. FHL Book 974.816 K2h.
- Contains baptisms from the records of the Exeter Monthly Meeting in Exeter Township, St. Gabriel's Episcopal Church in Amity Township, Reed's/Rieth's Church in Marion Township, Host Reformed Church in Tulpehocken Township, Hain's Reformed Church in Lower Heidelberg Township, Oley Reformed Church in Oley Township, Moravian Church in Oley Township, Bern Reformed Church in Bern Township, Allemangel Lutheran Church in Albany Township, Moselem Lutheran Church in Ontelaunee Township, Catholic Mission at Goshenhoppen, Heidelberg Moravian Church in Heidelberg Township, Tulpehocken Lutheran Church in Jefferson Township, Christ Lutheran Church at Stouchsburg, Dunkel's Reformed in Greenwich Township, Blue Mountain Church in Upper Tulpehocken Township, Longswamp Reformed Church in Longswamp Township, Altalaha Lutheran Church in Tulpehocken Towhship, Rockland Lutheran Church in Rockland Township, St. Daniel's Lutheran Church in Heidelberg Township, Trinity Lutheran Church in Reading, First Reformed Church in Reading, St. Paul's Reformed and Lutheran Church in Amity Township, St. Joseph's Lutheran and Reformed Church, in Pike Township, records of Daniel Schumacher, Zion Lutheran and Reformed Church in Perry Township, Delong's Reformed Church in Maxatawny Township, Robeson Lutheran Church in Robeson Township, Zion Lutheran Church in Greenwich Township, Rosenthal or New Bethel Church in Albany Township, Christ Episcopal Church in Reading, St. Peter's Church in Richmond Township, St. Michael's Church in Tilden Township, St. Paul's Church in Windsor Township, Allegheny Church in Brecknock Township, New Allemangel Lutheran Church in Albany Township, Friedens Lutheran Church in Bernville, Spies Lutheran Church in Alsace Township, Robeson Monthy Meeting in Robeson Township, Schwartzwald Reformed Church in Exeter Township, records of Rev. William Boos for Spies Reformed Church, records of birth found in the Wittman pension file, Zion Lutheran and Reformed Church at Womelsdorf.
- 1729-1881 Pennsylvania Church Records - Adams, Berks, and Lancaster Counties, 1729-1881 at Ancestry $
- Berks County church records at USGenWeb. This site contains a list of churches in Berks and Schuykill counties and baptisms, marriages, and burials from Lutheran, Reformed, and other denominations.
Amish
A branch of the Mennonites, early settlement in the Berks area consisted of congregations in Cumru, Maidencreek and Bern Townships. Bern Township was home to the Northkill Amish. The Northkill settlement was the largest Amish settlement up to the 1780s.[9]
Records for the Amish are not readily available. However, if one does have an Amish background, a good place to start is the Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society. Records are not available on-line and can only be viewed at the historical society.
Baptists
Baptists settled in Berks County about 1738 along the Tulpehocken creek by individuals from the counties of Chester and Philadelphia. Two congregations were formed but by 1774 both had disappeared from the Tulpehocken region.[9]
Brethren
Also known as "Dunkards" or "German Baptists," the Brethren were in the Berks County area as early as 1724. However, the first Brethren congregation was settled in 1723 in Germantown, Pennsylvania. Early Berks County congregations were located near Pricetown, Millersburg and Oley with additional groups in the townships of Tulpehocken, Upper Tulpehocken and Bern.[9]
Episcopalian
Bangor Church, Caernarvon
Registers are lost, but some parishioners appear in the registers of St. James's Church, Lancaster. An old trunk was discovered at Bangor Church with "sundry account-books and ancient title-deeds."[10]
Christ Church, Reading
- 1763-1850 Christ Church, Reading, Baptism Index 1763-1850 in International Genealogical Index at FamilySearch. Batch C504871[11]
- 1767-1777, 1825-1850 Christ Church, Reading, Marriage Index 1767-1777 and 1825-1850 in International Genealogical Index at FamilySearch. Batch M504871[11]
St. Gabriel's Church, Douglassville Registers begin in 1735.[10]
- 1735 -1815 St. Gabriel's Protestant Episcopal Church, Morlotton, Baptism Index 1735-1815 in International Genealogical Index at FamilySearch. Batch C507221[11]
St. Thomas's Church, Caernarvon Registers are lost, but some parishioners appear in the registers of St. James's Church, Lancaster.[10]
Lutheran
The Lutheran denomination existed in the Berks County area as early as 1727 when Lutherans from Schoharie, New York settled in the Tulpehocken area of the county. The German religions were the most abundant denominations in the Berks County area. The Lutheran and Reformed were united in the building of their church edifices. These structures were called "Union" churches as the Lutheran and Reformed congregations took responsibilty for the maintenance of the building. The two denominations alternated their church services every two Sundays.[9]
Because it is not unusual to find family religious ordinances in both Lutheran and Reformed records, it is wise to search both denominational records when researching.
Altalaha Evangelical Lutheran Church, Rehrersburg
- 1757-1842 Altalaha Evangelical Lutheran Church, Rehrersburg, Baptism Index 1757-1842 in International Genealogical Index at FamilySearch. Batch C511431[11]
Belleman's Lutheran Church, Centre Township
- 1798-1806, 1831-1871 Belleman's Lutheran Church, Centre Township, Baptism Index 1798-1806 and 1831-1871 in International Genealogical Index at FamilySearch. Batch C725721[11]
Evangelical Lutheran Church, Sinking Spring
- 1853 Evangelical Lutheran Church, Sinking Spring, Baptism Index 1853 in International Genealogical Index at FamilySearch. Batch C725851[11]
Friedens Lutheran and Reformed Church, Albany Township
- 1771-1855 Friedens Lutheran and Reformed Church, Albany Township, 1771-1855 in International Genealogical Index at FamilySearch[11]
Huff's Church, Hereford Township
- 1813-1875 Huff's Church, Hereford Township, Baptism Index 1813-1875 in International Genealogical Index at FamilySearch[11]
Little Tulpehocken or Christ's Church Evangelical Lutheran, Jefferson Township
- 1726-1846 Little Tulpehocken or Christ's Church Evangelical Lutheran, Jefferson Township, Baptism Index 1726-1846 in International Genealogical Index at FamilySearch. Batch C507541[11]
- 1735-1750 Little Tulpehocken or Christ's Church Evangelical Lutheran, Jefferson Township, Marriage Index 1735-1750 in International Genealogical Index at FamilySearch. Batch M507541[11]
Maidencreek Lutheran Church, Brandon
- 1861-1885 Maidencreek Lutheran Church, Brandon, Marriage Index 1861-1885 in International Genealogical Index at FamilySearch. Batch M516341[11]
Mertz Lutheran Church, Rockland Township
- 1738-1903 Mertz Lutheran Church, Rockland Township, Baptism Index 1738-1903 in International Genealogical Index at FamilySearch[11]
- 1749-1767 Mertz Lutheran Church, Rockland Township, Marriage Index 1749-1767 in International Genealogical Index at FamilySearch. Batch M507261[11]
New Bethel or Stone Lutheran Church, Grimville
- 1761-1802 New Bethel or Stone Lutheran Church, Grimville, Baptism Index 1761-1802 in International Genealogical Index at FamilySearch[11]
Oley Hill or St. Joseph's Church, Pike Township
- 1731-1734, 1754-1881 Oley Hill or St. Joseph's Church, Pike Township, Marriage Index 1731-1734 and 1754-1881 in International Genealogical Index at FamilySearch. Batch M516541[11]
St. Paul Lutheran and Reformed Church, Amityville
- 1759-1802 St. Paul Lutheran and Reformed Church, Amityville, Baptism Index 1759-1802 in International Genealogical Index at FamilySearch[11]
- 1790-1795 St. Paul Lutheran and Reformed Church, Amityville, Marriage Index 1790-1795 in International Genealogical Index at FamilySearch[11]
Salem Lutheran Church, Bethel
- 1861-1885 Salem Lutheran Church, Bethel, Marriage Index 1861-1885 in International Genealogical Index at FamilySearch. Batch M516321[11]
Trinity Lutheran Church, Reading
- 1751-1767, 1825-1885 Trinity Lutheran Church, Reading, Baptism Index 1751-1767 and 1825-1885 in International Genealogical Index at FamilySearch[11]
- 1838-1885 Trinity Lutheran Church, Reading, Marriage Index 1838-1885 in International Genealogical Index at FamilySearch. Batch M507232[11]
Zion's Moselem Lutheran Church, Richmond Township
- 1737-1771 Zion's Moselem Lutheran Church, Richmond Township, Baptism Index 1737-1771 in International Genealogical Index at FamilySearch. Batch C506731[11]
Quakers
Also known as the "Friends," the Quakers earliest settlement in the Berks County area was in 1725 in what was Amity Township. Later meetinghouses were erected in the townships of Maiden Creek and Robeson and eventually in the town of Reading. The Quakers had considerably political control of the county as long as the Penn proprietors controlled the colony of Pennsylvania.[9]
Early Quaker monthly meetings (with years established):
- Exeter Monthly Meeting, near Stonersville, Pa. (1737). First known as Oley Monthly Meeting. Hinshaw published the early records: FHL Book 974.8 K2w v. 2.[12]
Reformed
Also known as "German Calvinists" or "Dutch Reformed", Reformed congregations had their beginnings in Berks County in the townships of Oley, Greenwich and Heidelberg. The Reformed congregations were heavily associated with the Lutheran congregations. For a list of ministers see the attached reference.[9]
- History and directory of St. Paul's Memorial Reformed Church, North Sixth Street, Reading, Pa. at Ancestry $
- Berks County, Pennsylvania, 1745-1805: Cacusi or Hain's Reformed Church at Ancestry ($).
- Berks County, Pennsylvania, 1762-1810: Longswamp Reformed Church Records at Ancestry ($).
Christ Manatawny or Delong Reformed Church, Bowers
- 1765-1859 Christ Manatawny or Delong Reformed Church, Bowers, Baptism Index 1765-1859 in International Genealogical Index at FamilySearch. Batch C536661[11]
Friedens New Alemangel White Church Lutheran Church, Wesnersville
- 1772-1855 Friedens New Alemangel White Church Lutheran Church, Wesnersville, Baptism Index 1772-1777, 1788-1840, and 1855 in International Genealogical Index at FamilySearch. Batch C506741[11]
Host Reformed Church, Tulpehocken Township
- 1740 1875 Host Reformed Church, Tulpehocken Township, Baptism Index 1740-1875 in International Genealogical Index at FamilySearch. Batch C504581[11]
- 1752-1760 Host Reformed Church, Tulpehocken Township, Marriage Index 1740-1875 in International Genealogical Index at FamilySearch. Batch M504581[11]
Reformed Church, Oley
- 1763-1783 Reformed Church, Oley, Baptism Index 1763-1783 in International Genealogical Index at FamilySearch. Batch C507251[11]
- 1784 1860 Reformed Church, Oley, Baptism Index 1784-1860 in International Genealogical Index at FamilySearch. Batch C391927[11]
St. John's Reformed Church, Kutztown
- 1840-1951 St. John's Reformed Church, Kutztown, Baptism Index 1840-1951 in International Genealogical Index at FamilySearch. Batch C516451[11]
St. John's or St. John's (Hains) Reformed Church, Lower Heidelberg Township
- 1745-1875 St. John's or St. John's (Hains) Reformed Church, Lower Heidelberg Township, Baptism Index 1745-1875 in International Genealogical Index at FamilySearch. Batch M511491[11]
- 1872-1883 St. John's or St. John's (Hains) Reformed Church, Lower Heidelberg Township, Marriage Index 1872-1883 in International Genealogical Index at FamilySearch. Batch C511491[11]
Roman Catholic
The Catholic Church, while currently prominent, had very humble beginnings in the county. Part the of Diocese of Allentown, the Catholic population in Berks County began to appear about 1740 and by 1757 had two congregations which amounted to approximately 250 people.[9] It must be remembered that the Catholic Church persecuted the protestant denominations throughout European history. Hence, the protestants of Berks County were leary of the arrival of the Catholic Church arriving in the area.
Currently, the Family History Library has few Catholic records. It is best to contact the church or the diocese where the ancestor lived.
Most Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic Church, Bally
- 1819-1872 Most Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic Church, Bally, Marriage Index 1819-1872 in International Genealogical Index at FamilySearch[11]
St. Paul's Roman Catholic Church, Goshenhoppen
- 1741-1865 St. Paul's Roman Catholic Church, Goshenhoppen, Baptism Index 1741-1865 in International Genealogical Index at FamilySearch[11]
- 1741-1872 St. Paul's Roman Catholic Church, Goshenhoppen, Marriage Index 1741-1865 in International Genealogical Index at FamilySearch[11]
List of Churches and Church Parishes
Court Records[edit | edit source]
For information about records kept in the Orphan's court, Prothonotary Court, Court of Common Pleas, and other courts in counties of Pennsylvania, visit the Pennsylvania Court Records Wiki page.
Directories[edit | edit source]
Emigration and Immigration[edit | edit source]
For online resources, passenger lists, and specific groups coming to Pennsylvania, see Pennsylvania Emigration and Immigration.
- 1798-1828 Pennsylvania Landing Reports of Aliens, 1798-1828 at FamilySearch] - How to Use this Collection; Alphabet index then by numbered entry
- 1900-1923 Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Case Files of Chinese Immigrants, 1900-1923 at FamilySearch - How to Use this Collection; images only (by county)
- 1952-1957 Pennsylvania, Crew Lists arriving at Erie, 1952-1957 at FamilySearch - How to Use this Collection; index and images
Berks County is a potpourri of humanity. Early immigrants to the county were from the Netherlands, Germany and the British Isles. Later immigrants were of eastern European and Hispanic extraction. The major ports of arrival for these groups were Philadelphia and New York.
Prior to 1906 many individuals naturalized at the county level and these records are kept by the prothonotary at the county courthouse. Many of the records will not list town or city of origin or birth but it is still wise to check.
Indentured Servants
- Immigrant Servants Database hosted by Price Genealogy - Includes indentured/imported servants and transported convicts who served labor terms in Colonial York County, Pennsylvania.
Ethnic, Political, and Religious Groups[edit | edit source]
For groups that came, see People section of the Pennsylvania Emigration page.
Native Americans
- The Indians of Berks County, Pennsylvania. FHL Book 970.1 B836t
Funeral Homes[edit | edit source]
Genealogies[edit | edit source]
Guardianship[edit | edit source]
The Orphan's Court ensures the best interests of those not capable of handling their own affairs: minors, incapacitated persons, decedents' estates, and more.[13]
Land and Property Records[edit | edit source]
Land and property records can place an ancestor in a specific location and reveal family relationships. Records include: deeds, abstracts, indexes, mortgages, leases, grants, sheriff sales, land patents, maps and more. For more information, see Pennsylvania Land and Property.
Land records in Berks County began in 1752. These records are filed with the Recorder of Deeds office in Reading, Pennsylvania.
Online Land Indexes and Records
- 1734 -1926 Deeds, 1734-1866; Indexes, 1752-1926 FHL film 20739 (first of 76 films) - images only; click on the camera icon to view images; The earlier land records for what would become Berks County are for the most part in Philadelphia County.
- Ancestor Tracks publishes county atlases of the Pennsylvania Township Warrantee Maps on file at the Pennsylvania Archives in Harrisburg and offers links to other early landowner map sources.
- PAGenWeb has several land abstracts for Berks County.
- Deeds are indexed and available online viewing at the Recorder of Deeds. Copies of deeds can be made from the website or in person for a small fee.
Land Records on Microfilm
- 1752 -1926 Mortgage Records 1752-1822; Mortgager Index 1752-1926 FHL films 929921-929935
- 1752 -1936 Miscellaneous Records, 1752-1869; Grantor and Grantee indexes, 1752-1936 FHL films 929936-929962
Maps
- MacInnes, Sharon Cook. Early Landowners of Pennsylvania: Atlas of Township Warrantee Maps of Berks County. Apollo, Pennsylvania Closson Press, 2006. FHL book 974.816 E7ms
- Henry, Mathew Schropp and M.K. Boyer. Township Map of Berks County, Pennsylvania 1985 edition published by Berks County Genealogical Society. Original edition published 1854. FHL book 974.816 E7hb Berks County Genealogical Society added an index of land owners.
Click the image to view an enlarged version
Local Histories[edit | edit source]
- Historical and Biographical Annals of Berks County, Pennsylvania. 2 volumes. 1909. Compiled by Morton L. Montgomery. Chicago, Illinois : J.H. Beers & Co. Online at: Vol. 1 - FamilySearch Digital Library, Vol. 2 - FamilySearch Digital Library, Hathitrust, Ancestry ($); At various libraries (WorldCat). Includes indexes. Historical index at front of volume 1 and biographical index at the front of both volumes.
- History of Berks County in Pennsylvania. 1886. By Morton Luther Montgomery. Philadelphia : Everts, Peck & Richards. Online at: FamilySearch Digital Library, Hathitrust, Internet Archive; At various libraries (WorldCat).
- History of the Counties of Berks and Lebanon. 1844. By I. Daniel Rupp. Lancaster, Pennsylvania : G. Hills. Online at: FamilySearch Digital Library, Hathitrust, Internet Archive, Google Books, Ancestry ($); At various libraries (WorldCat).
- The Story of Berks County, Pennsylvania. 1913. By Alvin E Wagner, Francis Wilhauser Balthaser, and D K Hoch. Reading, Pa., Eagle Book and Job Press. Online at: FamilySearch Digital Library, Hathitrust, Internet Archive; At various libraries (WorldCat).
Iron Industry
- Montgomery, Morton L. "Early Furnaces and Forges of Berks County, Pennsylvania," The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. 8 (1884):56-81. For online access, see WeRelate. Describes the histories and owners of Colebrookdale Furnace, Mount Pleasant Furnace, Hopewell Furnace, Oley Furnace, Berkshire Furnace, Pool Forges, Pine Forge, Hay-Creek Forge, Oley Forge, Spring Forges, Mount Pleasant Forge, Gibraltar Forge, Charming Forge, Union Furnace, District Furnace, Sally-Ann Furnace, Joanna Furnace, Dale Furnace, Mary-Ann Furnace, Reading Furnace, Greenwood Furnace, Brobst's Furnace, Rockland Forges, Burkhart's Forge, Dale Forge, District Forge, and Speed-well Forge.
Maps and Gazetteers[edit | edit source]
for more resources
- at Berks County, Pennsylvania: Maps and Gazetteers
- FamilySearch Places:Cities and Towns- How to Use FS Places
- Maps of Pennsylvania (1673-1878)
- Ancestor Tracks has posted downloadable images from Map of Berks County from Actual Surveys published by H.S. Bridgens in 1860 which can be used in conjunction with the 1860 census and published county histories to help pinpoint your ancestors.
- Atlas of Township Warrantee Maps of Berks County and a companion Scans of Township Warrantee Maps plus Current Road Overlays CD ($) are also available from Ancestor Tracks. They show precise outlines in metes and bounds of each original tract and all surrounding tracts in the township, giving the names of the warrantee and patentee; dates of the warrant, survey, and patent; and the patent and survey books and page of the recorded patent. Please be aware that only approx. 75% of the county is covered. On-line township maps of Berks County for 1862 are available at Andy's Antique Atlases. Township maps of Berks County Pennsylvania from the Historical Atlas of Berks County, Pennsylvania 1876 is available in the FHL Collection. To locate a copy nearest you use WorldCat.
Migration[edit | edit source]
Military Records[edit | edit source]
Revolutionary War
Local men served in the Berks County Militia. A guide at the Pennsylvania State Archives website identifies townships where specific companies recruited soldiers, see Revolutionary War Militia Battalions and Companies, Arranged by County. Many Germans from Berks County served in the 1st Pennsylvania Regiment.Wikipedia contributors, "1st Pennsylvania Regiment," in Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia,[14] Berks County men also served in the 2nd Pennsylvania Regiment,[14] apparently in the 3rd Pennsylvania Regiment,[14] and the 6th Pennsylvania Regiment.[15]
War of 1812
Berks County Genealogical Society, Berks County & the War of 1812 (Reading, Pennsylvania 1989) pages 66-84
Civil War
- 1861-1865 - Pennsylvania, Register of Military Volunteers, 1861-1865 at FamilySearch - How to Use this Collection; index
World War I
The Reading Militia in the Great War is a wonderful history of those men who served in the First World War. Rosters are included.
World War II
- 1933-1947 Pennsylvania, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, World War II Casualty Cards, 1933-1947 at FamilySearch - How to Use this Collection; index and images
Naturalization and Citizenship[edit | edit source]
Naturalization records can contain information about immigration and nativity. Prior to 1906, it is rare to find the town of origin in naturalization records. For more information, see Pennsylvania Naturalization
Online Naturalization Indexes and Records
- 1729-1773 Naturalization records at PAGenWeb
- 1795-1930 Naturalization Petitions for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, 1795-1930 on Fold3.com - ($), indexed, National Archives publication M1522, incomplete for all counties
- 1795-1930 Naturalization Petitions for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania located in Selected US Naturalization Records - Original Documents, 1790-1974 database on Ancestry $
- 1795-1931 Pennsylvania, Eastern District Petitions for Naturalization, 1795-1931 at FamilySearch - How to Use this Collection; index and images
- 1795-1952 Pennsylvania, Eastern District Naturalization Indexes, 1795-1952 at FamilySearch - How to Use this Collection; index and images
- 1798-1852 Naturalization Papers FHL film 1036789 item 9 (first of 5 films) - Index included: 1798-1915
- 1798-1915 Naturalization Papers FHL film 1403247 item 1 (first of 15 films) - Index included: 1798-1915
Newspapers[edit | edit source]
Newspapers may contain obituaries, births, marriages, deaths, anniversaries, family gatherings, family travel, achievements, business notices, engagement information, and probate court proceedings. Newspapers are often found in local or university libraries, historical or genealogical societies, or state archives in the area where the newspaper was published. See Pennsylvania Newspapers for more information.
Newspapers of Berks County
- PA-Roots List of Newspapers Published in Berks County Click on News Clippings and then click on "List of Newspapers Published in Berks County."
- Pennsylvania Newspapers
- Chronicling America US Newspaper Directory
- The Reading Eagle, which began in 1868, is currently the major newspaper for the county. Their web site does have a searchable archive that covers the period 1989 to the present. There is a fee to search the archives and you can print the images.
- Hamburger Schnellpost of Hamburg, Pennsylvania was a German-language newspaper.
- Nolan, James Bennett, Newspapers of Berks County, Pennsylvania (SLC, Utah, 1985) FHL film 1425613 item 10
- Miller, Daniel, The German Newspapers of Berks County FHL book 974.816 C4t Volume 3 (1910)
Online Newspapers
To learn if there are newspapers online for a specific town or city in Pennsylvania, see news.google/newspapers and search for the town or the name of a newspaper.
- Reading Eagle January 28, 1868 - December 31, 2008
- Reading Eagle Reading Times A.M. Berks June 5, 1991 - June 15, 1991
- Reading Times$, 1859-1939 Search the site but there is a fee to view the article.
Online Newspaper Abstracts
- 1947-2010 Pennsylvania Obituary and Marriage Collection, 1947-2010 at FamilySearch - How to Use this Collection; index and images
- USGenWeb Newspaper Items Related to Berks County
- PA-Roots Newspaper Articles
- Adams, David M., Berks County, Pennsylvania, Wedding Anniversaries (SLC, Utah, 1997) FHL film 1598510 item 2
Obituaries[edit | edit source]
Obituaries are generally found in local newspapers where the person died or where family members lived. Local libraries or societies may have indexes or other sources.
Online Obituary Abstracts
- 1977-2010 Pennsylvania Obituaries, 1977-2010 at FamilySearch - How to Use this Collection; index and images
- Index to Berks County Obituaries
- PA-Roots Obituaries for Berks County.
Obituary Excerpts and Abstracts
Other Records[edit | edit source]
Periodicals[edit | edit source]
Probate Records[edit | edit source]
Probate matters in Berks County are handled by the Orphans' Court and start when the county was created.
In addition to wills and administrations, the Orphans' Court also handles: audits of accounts of executors, administrators, trustees, and guardians; distribution of estates; appointments of guardians; adoptions; appeals from the Register of Wills; inheritance tax appeals, and various petitions and motions.
Online Probate Indexes and Records
- 1683-1993 Pennsylvania Wills and Probate Records 1683-1993 at Ancestry $
- 1683 -1994 Pennsylvania Probate Records 1683-1994 at FamilySearch - How to Use this Collection; images only (by county)
- 1733-1825 Index to Berks County Estates and Wills, 1733-1825. To access the index, click on the link to "Wills" found on the home page. Includes will abstracts, 1733-1825, estate administrations, 1733-1825, and various transcriptions of wills and estate records.
- 1752-1850 Index of Berks County, Pennsylvania, wills and administration records on Ancestry$
- 1752-1914 Berks County, Pennsylvania Estate Records on Ancestry$
- 1752-Present Berks County This index was created by volunteers at the the Berks County courthouse and is located on their website.
- 1752-1936 Berks County Probate Records
- 1752-1851 Administration Letters and Bonds FHL 196590 - images only; click on the camera icon to view images; Index included, 1752-1915
- 1752 1860 Wills FHL film 20722 (first of 8 films) - images only; click on the camera icon to view images; Index included, 1752-1915
- 1752-1915 Estate Files FHL film 1644017 (first of 337 films) - images only; click on the camera icon to view images
Will Abstracts
- 1752-1850 Williams, Richard T. and Mildred C. Williams. Index of Berks County, Pennsylvania Wills and Administration Records 1752-1850 Danboro, Pa.: the authors, 1973. Digital version at FamilySearch Digital Library
- Berks County, Pennsylvania Will Abstracts, 1733-1825 are available on the Berks County, Pennsylvania USGenWeb. To access the abstracts, click on the link to "Wills" found on the home page.
- Will Abstracts at Berks County, Pennsylvania USGenWeb Archives. Includes Abtracts of Berks Co., Wills, 1752-1825 with index.
School Records[edit | edit source]
Wyomissing, PA High School 1940 Girls Glee Club
Social Security Records[edit | edit source]
- 1935-2014 United States Social Security Death Index at FamilySearch - How to use this collection; index. Also at Ancestry, findmypast, Fold3, GenealogyBank, MyHeritage, and Steve Morse. Click here for more information.
- 1936-2007 U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007 at Ancestry ($) — index, click here for more information.
Tax Records[edit | edit source]
- 1767-1768, 1779-1781, 1784-1785 Proprietary and State Tax Lists of the County of Berks: For the Years 1767, 1768, 1779, 1780, 1781, 1784, 1785 (Pennsylvania Archives, Series 3, Vol. 18). Digital versions at Ancestry ($); Google Books
- 1798 Pennsylvania, U.S. Direct Tax Lists, 1798 at Ancestry ($).
Vital Records[edit | edit source]
Vital records are handled by the County Orphans' Court. Between the years 1852-1855 Pennsylvania made a failed attempt to record birth, marriage and death events at the county level. County marriage records were kept in earnest in 1885. Births and deaths, at the county level, were begun in 1893 and kept through 1905. For the most complete set of records, contact the County Orphans' Court.
Birth[edit | edit source]
Early births 1893–1905 are located at the County Orphans' Court. For more information, see Pennsylvania Vital Records.
- 1520-1999 Pennsylvania, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Births and Baptisms, 1520-1999 at FamilySearch - How to Use this Collection; index and images
- 1709-1950 Pennsylvania, Births and Christenings, 1709-1950 at FamilySearch - How to Use this Collection; index
- 1817-1873 Greenwich Birth Index 1817-1873 in International Genealogical Index at FamilySearch. Batch C543428[11]
- 1833-1903 Berks County Birth Index 1833-1903 in International Genealogical Index at FamilySearch[11]
- 1852-1854 Pennsylvania Births Ancestry $
- 1876-1906 Berks County, Pennsylvania Births, 1876-1906 at Ancestry $
- 1893 1905 Pennsylvania, Berks County Register of Wills Birth Index
- Berks County, Pennsylvania Delayed Births at Ancestry $
- Records are available at the courthouse service center and also on microfilm at FHL films 1644015-1644016 item 1, FHL films 20794-20795
- 1941-1976 Pennsylvania Delayed Birth Records, 1941-1976 at FamilySearch - How to Use this Collection; index and images
Marriage[edit | edit source]
Pennsylvania marriages were created by county officials. Contact Berks County Courthouse
- 1512-1989 Pennsylvania, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Marriage Records, 1512-1989 at FamilySearch - How to Use this Collection; index and images
- 1626-2016 Pennsylvania, United States Marriages at FindMyPast ($)
- 1677-1950 Pennsylvania Civil Marriages, 1677-1950 at FamilySearch - How to Use this Collection; index and images
- 1682-1976 Pennsylvania, Church Marriages, 1682-1976 at FamilySearch - How to Use this Collection; index and images
- 1700-1821 Pennsylvania Marriage Records Ancestry $
- 1709-1940 Pennsylvania Marriages, 1709-1940 at FamilySearch - How to Use this Collection; index
- Pre-1810 Pennsylvania Marriages Ancestry $
- 1801 1825 Berks County Marriages at Berks County, Pennsylvania USGenWeb Archives
- 1852-1854 Pennsylvania Marriages Ancestry $
- 1885-1909 Marriage Dockets FHL films 20796-20811
- 1885-1929 Berks County, Pennsylvania Marriages, 1885-1929 at Ancestry $
- 1885-1950 Pennsylvania County Marriage, 1885-1950 at FamilySearch - How to Use this Collection; index and images
- 1885-2008 Pennsylvania, Berks County Register of Wills Marriage Index
- 1947-2021 Pennsylvania Obituary and Marriage Collection, 1947-2010 at FamilySearch - How to Use this Collection; index and images
- 2009-Present - Clerk of Orphan's Court Online Services; index only
Death[edit | edit source]
Early deaths 1893–1905 are located at the County Orphans' Court. For indexes and records, 1906 and later, see Pennsylvania Vital Records.
- 1720-1999 Pennsylvania Deaths and Burials, 1720-1999 at FamilySearch - How to Use this Collection; index, some images
- 1852-1854 Pennsylvania Deaths Ancestry $
- 1852-1855 Deaths FHL film 20793 item 1
- 1852-1855, 1894-1906 Berks County, Pennsylvania Deaths, 1852-1854, 1894-1906 at Ancestry $
- 1856-1971 Pennsylvania, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Deaths and Burials, 1856-1971 at FamilySearch - How to Use this Collection; index and images
- 1860-1900 Berks County Death Index 1860-1900 in International Genealogical Index at FamilySearch[11]
- 1873-1905 Reading Death Index 1873-1905 in International Genealogical Index at FamilySearch[11]
- 1893-1905 Pennsylvania, Berks County Register of Wills Death Index
- 1894-1906 Deaths, v.1 FHL film 20793 items 2-3
- 1905-1906 Death ReturnsFHL film 1644016 item 2
Divorce[edit | edit source]
Divorce records are available through the office of the Prothonotary, Berks County Courthouse.
Research Facilities[edit | edit source]
Archives[edit | edit source]
Listed below are archives in Greene County. For state-wide archival repositories, see Pennsylvania Archives and Libraries.
- National Archives at Philadelphia
14700 Townsend Road
Philadelphia, PA 19154-1096
Phone: 215-305-2044
Fax: 215-305-2052
- Prothonotary's Office Archive Center
Berks County Courthouse, 2nd Floor
633 Court Street
Reading, PA 19601
Hours: Tuesday and Thursday - 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Phone: 610-478-6970 ext. 3486
Records in this office consist of the following: Sheriff Deeds Grantor/Grantee Index; Appearance Docket: 1754 - 1950; Judgment Docket: 1770 - 1956; Execution Docket: 1768 - 1960; Mechanics Liens: 1836 - 1937; City Liens: 1861 - 1927; Locality Index; Naturalization Records: 1795 to present; Miscellaneous records which include: divorces, registration of doctors and attorneys, "lunatics and drunkards," and other miscellaneous materials.
Family History Centers[edit | edit source]
Family History Centers provide one-on-one assistance, free access to center-only databases, and to premium genealogical websites.
FamilySearch Affiliate Libraries have access to most center-only databases, but may not always have full services normally provided by a family history center.
Local Centers and Affiliate Libraries
Libraries[edit | edit source]
Listed below are libraries in Berks County. For state-wide library facilities, see Pennsylvania Archives and Libraries.
- Brethren Historical Library and Archives
1451 Dundee Avenue
Elgin, IL 60120
Phone: 847-742-5100, 800-323-8039
Fellowship of Brethren Genealogists
- Reading Public Library
100 South Fifth Street
Reading, PA 19602
Phone: 610-655-6350
Email: webmaster@reading.lib.pa.us
Website
Museums[edit | edit source]
- Berks History Center Museum
940 Centre Avenue
Reading, PA 19601
Phone: 610-375-4375
Website
- The museum has an interesting and informative monthly television program which can be viewed at BCTV.ORG. When you access this channel, type "historical society" in the search box to access the latest historical program
- Central Pennsylvania African American Museum
119 N. 10th Street
Reading, PA 19601
Phone: 610-371-8713
Email: mgilyard@cpaam.net
Website
Societies[edit | edit source]
Listed below are societies in Berks County. For state-wide genealogical societies, see Pennsylvania Societies.
- Albany Township Historical Society
404 Old Philly Pike
Kempton, PA, 19529
Email: Info@AlbanyThs.Org
Website
- Berks County Genealogical Society
201 Washington Street
Reading, PA 19601
Phone: 484-509-4806
E-mail: berksgenes@dejazzd.com
Website
- Berks History Center Research Library
160 Spring Street
Reading, PA 19601
Phone: (610) 375-4375
Website
- Boyertown Area Historical Society
43 South Chestnut Street
Boyertown, Pa 19512
Phone: 610-367-5255
E-mail: Boyertownhistory@windstream.net
Website
- Directory of Pennsylvania Genealogical & Historical Societies
Website
- Fleetwood Area Historical Society
110 W. Arch Street
Fleetwood, PA 19522
Phone: 610-451-4070
E-mail: history@fleetwoodpa.org
Website
- Friends Historical Association (Quakers)
Haverford College Library
370 Lancaster Avenue
Haverford, PA, 19041-1392
Phone: 610-896-1161
Email: fha@haverford.edu
Website
- Dedicated to the study, preservation, and publication of material relating to the history of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers)
- Kutztown Area Historical Society
P.O. Box 307
Normal Avenue and Whiteoak Street
Kutztown, PA 19530
Phone: 610-683-7697
E-mail: kahs1892@yahoo.com
Website
- Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society
2215 Millstream Road
Lancaster, PA 17602-1499
Phone: 717-393-9745
E-mail: lmhs@lmhs.org
Website
- Lutheran Historical Society of the Mid-Atlantic
c/o United Lutheran Seminary
61 Seminary Ridge
Gettysburg, PA 17325
Email: info@lutheranhistoricalsociety.com
Website,
- Presbyterian Historical Society
425 Lombard Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
Phone: 215-627-1852
Email: [refdesk@history.pcusa.org refdesk@history.pcusa.org]
Website
- While never a denomination of prominence in Berks County, their beginnings were early in the county. Organized in 1812 the First Presbyterian Church is currently located at 37 South Fifth Street in Reading, PA. There are currently five Presbyterian churches in the city of Reading and the surrounding area. Currently the Historical of Berks County has only records for First Presbyterian. Additional records may be located at the individual churches.
- Reading Public Museum
500 Museum Road
Reading, PA 19611-1425
Phone: 610-371-5850
Website
- The Mennonite Heritage Center
565 Yoder Road
Harleysville PA 19438-1020
Phone: 215-256-3020
library@mhep.org
Website
- The Mennonite Historians of Eastern Pennsylvania support the John L. Ruth Historical Library and Museum at the Mennonite Heritage Center. Located in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania the records and resources of this center cover the counties of Bucks, Chester, Berks, Lehigh, Northampton, Philadelphia and provide a comprehensive overview of library resources, online cemetery database, manuscript collections, photo collections, archival collections, and more.
Websites[edit | edit source]
- USGenWeb project
- Berks County PA Genealogy
- FamilySearch Catalog – The FamilySearch catalog contains descriptions and access information for all genealogical materials (including books, online materials, microfilm, microfiche, and publications) in their collection. Use Historical Records to search for specific individuals in genealogical records.
Research Guides[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America, 10th ed. (Draper, Utah: Everton Pub., 2002), Pennsylvania.At various libraries (WorldCat); FHL Book 973 D27e 2002.
- ↑ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berks_County,_Pennsylvania accessed 2/1/2017
- ↑ The Handybook for Genealogists : United States of America, 10th ed., (Draper, UT: Everton Publishers, 2002)Berks County, Pennsylvania, p.588
- ↑ Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America, 10th ed. (Draper, Utah: Everton Pub., 2002), Pennsylvania.At various libraries (WorldCat); FHL Book 973 D27e 2002.
- ↑ The Statutes at Large of Pennsylvania from 1682-1809, 18 vols. (Harrisburg, Pennsylvania: Wm. Stanley Ray, 1898), vol. 5 1744-1759, pages 133-140, 502-503, Chapter CCCXCII, "An Act for Erecting Part of the Counties Of Philadelphia, Chester and Lancaster into a Separate County," 11 March 1752, confirmed by the King in Council, 10 May 1753, creation of Berks County, digital images, Internet Archive (https://archive.org : 26 July 2018).
- ↑ Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America, 10th ed. (Draper, Utah: Everton Pub., 2002), Pennsylvania.At various libraries (WorldCat); FHL Book 973 D27e 2002.
- ↑ Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America, 10th ed. (Draper, Utah: Everton Pub., 2002), Pennsylvania.At various libraries (WorldCat); FHL Book 973 D27e 2002.
- ↑ Wikipedia contributors, "Berks County, Pennsylvania," in Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berks_County%2C_Pennsylvania, accessed 13 January 2020.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 9.5 9.6 Morton L. Montgomery, Historical and Biographical Annals of Berks County Pennsylvania (Chicago: J.H. Beers and Co., 1909), 46-47. WorldCat 4281157; FHL book 974.816 D2m
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 Philip Syng Physick Conner,"Registers of the Anglican Church in Pennsylvania prior to 1800," The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. 12 (1888):341-349. For online access, see WeRelate.
- ↑ 11.00 11.01 11.02 11.03 11.04 11.05 11.06 11.07 11.08 11.09 11.10 11.11 11.12 11.13 11.14 11.15 11.16 11.17 11.18 11.19 11.20 11.21 11.22 11.23 11.24 11.25 11.26 11.27 11.28 11.29 11.30 11.31 11.32 11.33 11.34 11.35 11.36 Genealogical Society of Utah, Parish and Vital Records List (July 1998). Microfiche. Digital version at https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/en/images/8/86/Igipennsylvaniabb.pdf.
- ↑ William Wade Hinshaw and Phyllis J. Selby, The William Wade Hinshaw Index to Pennsylvania Quaker Meeting Records (Kokomo, Ind.: Selby Publishing and Printing, 1990). Vol. 2. FHL Book 974.8 K2w v. 2
- ↑ The Philadelphia Courts at Common Pleas accessed 10 July 2012
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 John B.B. Trussell and Charles C. Dallas, The Pennsylvania Line; Regimental Organization and Operations, 1776-1783 (Harrisburg, Pa.: Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, 1977). Digital version at Family History Archive.
- ↑ Wikipedia contributors, "6th Pennsylvania Regiment," http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/6th_Pennsylvania_Regiment, accessed 31 May 2012.