The Eshleman Family
Variations: Aeschlimann, Ashleman, Eshelman, Eshleman
FAMILY HISTORY
The Aeschlimann family was first mentioned in 1393.
--According to the TELLBUCH (Tell Book) of 1393, Ulli (Ulrich) von Eschli (Aeschli), resident of the parish of Rüederswil, paid a tax of one pound to the city of Bern in Switzerland.
--In 1530, during the migration of the Zurich refugees into Emmenthal, the name Aeschlimann is mentioned and it seems as though they embraced the Mennonite or Baptist faith.
--The next known mention of the family was in 1534 of Peter Eshlimann, a resident of or near Langnau. --In 1543 a Hans Eschlimann was living at or near Signau.
--In 1552 Hans Easchlimann was living at Aeschli and his relative, Christian, was living at Bushlmatten, Luetzelfluen or Trachaelwald.
--In 1556, a Peter Aeschlimann, son of Benedict, was baptised in Langnau.
--In 1653 a Michel Aeschlemann was one of the leaders of the peasant war against the industrial tyranny and landed tyranny of Switzerland, around Berne.
The Director of the Archives at Bern has given several examples of the many Aeschlimanns who were Mennonites. However, he has said that the records of Mennonites are not given in the official records, therefore there is little hope of finding information about them in their native areas. In 1597 the Mennonite wives of Hans Aeschlimann in the parish of Rüejsau and Christian Aeschlimann in the parish of Sumiswald, were forced to leave the country and their property was sequestrated. In 1599 Peter Aeschlimann, of Ober-Aeschli, was fined for lodging and hiding a fugitive Mennonite. There are other mentions of Mennonite Aeschlimanns. Included in the list of Mennonites driven out of Langnau in 1692, are Elizabeth Aeschleman, "the old fish woman" and her daughters, Magdalena and Elsa, and Ely Aeshleman's wife, Magdalena.
It is possible that as many as 15 or 20 Aeschlimann individuals came to Pennsylvania between 1710 and 1775. Most of these people were probably Mennonites and were fleeing from persecution. The immigrants settled in or near Lancaster County in Pennsylvania.
According to the Pennsylvania Archives, Series II, Vol. XVII, the Eshleman immigrants arriving from Europe to Pennsylvania are:
--Daniel Ashleman immigrated in 1719. He settled in Hempfield Township and he married Elizabeth Brubaker.
--Heindrick Eshleman immigrated in 1728. He settled in Rapho Township and he married Anna Boryman (sp?)
--Jacob Eshleman immigrated in 1729 and settled in Strasburg Township. He married Barbara Barr and Catherine Herr.
--Johannes Eshleman immigrated in 1731.
--Magdalena Eshleman immigrated in 1731. She was the daughter of Peter of Comru Township.
--Benedict Eshleman immigrated in 1732. He settled in Conestoga Township and married Anna Steman.
There are still many Aeschlimanns in Switzerland today. They are mainly located in the Emmental section of Canton Bern, but they are also scattered in other German-speaking cantons. Some members of the family have been prominent, especially one particular line in Burgdorf.
A Henry ESHLEMAN*married Emeline (also Emmeline) GRAVER* (see GRAVER A31). She was born 4 Apr. 1847.
Henry & Emeline had several children: Aaron E.* (A1), Edward (A2), William (A3), Jacob (A4), Amelia (A5), Emma (A6).
Second Generation
A1Aaron E. ESHLEMAN* was born in 1866. In 1938 he died in Lititz, Pa. & is buried in the Lititz Moravian Cemetery. Aaron was a chocolate factory worker. He married Minerva (Minnie) MYERS* (see NIEDERMEYERS A13).
Aaron & Minnie (Myers) Eshleman
Aaron Eshleman
They had several children: Mabel (A11), Nora (A12), Frank H. (A13), Ida (A14), Ella Mae (A15), Carie Myers* (A16) and Mary (A17).
A3 William ESHLEMAN was also known as Bill. He was a wallpaper hanger.
A4 Jacob ESHLEMAN was a plumber.
A5 Amelia ESHLEMAN was born 11 Mar. 1890. She married Robert PFAUTZ (see PFAUTZ A11438231). Amelia died 7 Jul. 1979.
Third Generation
A11 Mabel ESHLEMAN married Jacob Harry REINHOLD. They had two daughters. Mabel and Jacob died before 1980.
A12 Nora ESHLEMAN was born in 1896. She married Aaron ZOOK. She died in March 1987. Nora and Aaron had a son and a daughter.
A14 Ida ESHLEMAN was born 25 Dec. 1898. She married Harry MILLER. Ida died 5 Aug. 1962.
A15 Ella Mae ESHLEMAN was born in 1894. She married Chris BRANDT. Ella Mae died Sept. 1968 in Lancaster, Pa.
A16 Carrie Myers ESHLEMAN* was born 5 May 1888 in Rothsville, Pa. On 12 Jul. 1912 she married Elmer HAMMOND* (see HAMMOND A1b). Carrie died 10 Feb. 1963 and she is buried in the Lititz Moravian Cemetery.
Elmer & Carrie (Eshleman) Hammond
Fourth Generation
A121 Richard ZOOK. He died before 1980.
A6 Emma ESHLEMAN was married to ??? SCHNALT.
Sources: John M. Eshelman of Wisconsin provided copies of articles that cited all information regarding the Eshleman surname and origin listed above (unless otherwise stated). These documents were based upon the research of Miss Lottie M. Bausman of Pennsylvania, Mrs. C.M. Coldren, Dr. Fayette C. Eshelman of Pennsylvania, Dr. Karl F. Eschelman of Buffalo, NY, Cyrus H. Eshleman of Ohio and H. Frank Eshleman.
Information on the Eshleman individuals in the A-line was obtained from my grandmother and "The Niedermeyer Family History" which was compiled in 1980 by Ralph and Paulette Neidermyer.
Recognize any names? Direct questions, comments, corrections & additions to: kmcguinness@angelfire.com
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Last updated 23 June 2002