Honoring Soldiers From Generations Past

Vonnie (Seilheimer) Davis

Ten generations ago, Nicholas Johann Seilheimer walked eight miles to board a boat to travel from his home in Framersheim, Germany bound for Rotterdam, Holland. His destination, the New World. On that boat ride on the Rhine, he met Marslia Elizabeth Pohl of Hausland, Germany. Whether it was a whirlwind courtship or two scared strangers, who thought they'd fare better in a new land as a couple, I don't know, but my immigrant ancestors were married when they reached Rotterdam on September 8, 1773. They stepped aboard "The Charming Molly" and sailed for Philadelphia, landing on October 22, 1773.

A point of humor here. What does the name Seilheimer mean? Someone of wisdom? Someone of grace? A person who does good for the community? Sadly, no. It means someone who makes rope at home.

With the coming of the Revolutionary War, Nicholas enlisted in the Pennsylvania Regiment of Artillery in 1777. The first battle in which he participated was the Battle of Brandywine on September 11, 1777. It was a rough day for the Colonial Army, and those who survived at day's end left their cannons behind. Nicholas struggled to save his--oh, we Germans are stubborn. For his efforts, George Washington gave him a medal and he was promoted into Washington's private guard.

Nicholas survived the war and, later, took part in the Whiskey Rebellion. Family records do not indicate which side he fought on in that skirmish.

My immigrating ancestors bore eight children and lived their time in the new world in various parts of Pennsylvania--Philadelphia, Lancaster and Chambersburg.

Vonnie Davis writes for Random House Loveswept. Visit her website at www.vonniedavis.com.