An American Family History

Bishop Martin Bachtell was born on January 26, 1709/10 in Europe. His parents were Hans Jacob and Eliza Bachtell.

He came to Pennsylvania with his parents in 1720.

His wife was named Elizabeth. They were Mennonites.

Jacob Bachtell was born about 1729.

Daniel Bachtell was born about 1731.

Joseph Bachtell was born about 1733.

Anna Bachtell was born about 1735.

Martin Bachtell was born about 1737.

In 1738 Martin inherited 214 acres and 32 perches.

Christian Bachtell was born about 1739.

He was ordained as a minister in East Vincent, Chester County, Pennsylvania in 1739. He settled in that area in 1739. Martin owned nearly all the land in South Pottstown and he operated a ferry over the Schuylkill River. The ferry went to Chester County and to the church and graveyard in East Coventry. The boundary between Philadelphia (later Montgomery) and Chester Counties was drawn at the middle of the Schuylkill River.

Samuel Bachtell was born about 1741.

David Bachtell was born about 1745.

Elizabeth Bachtell Krause was born about 1747.

January 3, 1749 he acquired by deed from Martin Orner.

Martin was ordained as a bishop in 1758.

He bought 100 acres adjoining the graveyard from John Wagner on May 31, 1762     

On June 25, 1771 his nephew gave him a cartway and a small piece of land connected with it that his father had wanted him to have.

The 1781, the Philadelphia County tax list included Martin Bechtel, farmer.

Martin wrote his will on July 18, 1786.

Martin died in Pottstown on August 24, 1786. When he died, he owned 140 acres adjoining the land of George Bechtel, Nicolas Miller, Jacob Malsberger and Isaac Bechtel. He also owned 60 acres adjoining George Bechtel, Berlinger's and Nicolas Miller.

Martin's will was probated on August 28, 1786 in Norristown, Pennsylvania. The executors were Christian Bliem, Isaac Bechtel, and John Barkley, Sr.

Jacob inherited 100 acres, and all the upgrades to this land. He was to pay 330£.

Daniel inherited the home farm of 200 acres with upgrades and crops included. He was to pay 470£.

Joseph inherited 73 acres adjoining the land of Jacob Gross, George Bechtel, Isaac Bechtel, and John Missimer, upgrades, and crops. He was to pay 140£. He also inherited part of the remainder of the estate.

Daughter Anna inherited 70£ due to her poor health.

The remainder of the estate went to Jacob and Martin's children: Christian, David, Joseph, Mary, Samuel, Elisabeth and Anna.

First printed in Boston 1745

from The Colonial Clergy of the Middle Colonies by Frederick Lewis Weis

Bishop Martin Bechtel, b. Jan. 1710, son of Bishop Hans Jacob and Elizabeth Bechtel;
came to Pa. with his parents 1720;
Ord. (minister) East Vincent (Chester) Pa., 1739; sett. there 1739-1786;
Phoenixville (Chester) Pa., 1750-1786;
Ord. (Bishop), 1758;
Menn.,
d. Pottstown, Pa., 24 Aug 1786, a. 76.

Will Abstract:
Bachtel, Martin. New Hanover. July 18, 1786. August 28, 1786. 1.92
To son Jacob, farm, 100 acres and he to pay 330 pds.
To son Daniel, home farm 200 acres and to pay 470 pds.
To son Joseph, farm 73 acres and he to pay 140 pds.
To daughter Anna, 70 pds.
Rem. to 10 children, Jacob, deceased son Martin's children, Christian, David, Joseph, Mary, Samuel, Elisabeth and Anna.
Execs: Christian Bliem, Isaac Bechtel, John Barkley Sr.

The Will of Martin Bechtel
July 18, 1786.
probated August 28, 1786 at Norristown, Pennsylvania.

Jacob his son got 100 acres, and all the upgrades to this land.

His land he dwelled on at the time of his death was 140 acres, to his adjoining land of George Bechtel, Nicolas Miller, Jacob Malsberger and Isaac Bechtel's land with other tract of about 60 acres adjoining George Bechtel, Berlinger's and Nicolas Miller , together in the whole 200 acres.

I do give to my son Daniel, upgrades and crops included.

Joseph gets 73 acres adjoining land of Jacob Grob, George Bechtel, Isaac Bechtel, and John Missimer, upgrades, and crops.

Daughter Anna got money due to her poor health.