Born ‎14 Jun 1708 Palatinate, Germany, died ‎1768 Lancaster,,Pennsylvania,USA‎, 59 or 60 years, buried ‎Nov 1768 Old Hope Moravian Ch. Cem., Copeland Road, Clemmons, n.C.
Wilhelm Elrod and his sister, Ann Elizabeth Elrod, were both married14 Jun 1736, by the same Preacher in the same place. Wilhelm to AnnaBischel, Ann Elizabeth to Heinrick Bischoff. Descendants of HeinrickBischoff were later called BISHOP. The marriage of these four by thesame man on the same date in the same place suggests that there was adouble wedding. It also suggests that brother and sister weremarrying sister and brother. Their names are spelled so nearly thesame that they actually were the same, but misrecorded. This Anna wasstill alive when her (presumably) son Col William Elrod was killed inMarch 1782. This man was PDE's unproven candidate for the Elrod child accompanyinghis parents to the New World. On July 23 1742 a William Elrod leased200 acres from the Estate of his Lordship's Manor: "MarylandRecords-Frederick Co-Monocacy" p. 53. William Elrod and William Elrod Jr had 180 acres in Deep River inOrange Co NC. They sold out and went to Surry Co NC. William Elrod,Jr. was the right age to have been the chainman for a reportedsurveying, and would have been about 17 years old in 1754. Thus hewould also have been of the right age to be the Tory Colonel Elrod. Also, note that Wilhelm Elrod died before 1768, thus making plausiblethe fact that Col. William Elrod was living in the forks of the Yadkinwith his mother. Wilhelm Elrod and his sister, Ann Elizabeth Elrod, were both married14Jun 1736, by the same Preacher in the same place. Wilhelm to Anna Bischel, Ann ElizabethtoHeinrick Bischoff. Descendants of Heinrick Bischoff were later called BISHOP. The marriage of these four by the same man on the same date in thesameplace suggests that there was a double wedding. It also suggests that brother andsisterwere marrying sister and brother. Their names are spelled so nearly the same that they actually werethesame, but misrecorded. This Anna was still alive when her (presumably) son Col WilliamElrodwas killed in March 1782. This man was PDE's unproven candidate for the Elrod childaccompanyinghis parents to the New World. On July 23 1742 a William Elrod leased 200 acres from the Estate ofhisLordship's Manor: "Maryland Records-Frederick Co-Monocacy" p. 53. William Elrod and William Elrod Jr had 180 acres in Deep RiverinOrange Co NC. They sold out and went to Surry Co NC. William Elrod, Jr. was the right agetohave been the chainman for a reported surveying, and would have been about 17 years oldin1754. Thus he would also have been of the right age to be the Tory Colonel Elrod. Also, note that Wilhelm Elrod died before 1768, thus makingplausiblethe fact that Col. William Elrod was living in the forks of the Yadkin with his mother. Note from "Pioneers of Old Monocacy, The Early Settlement ofFrederickCo., Md., 1721-1743" states that on July 25,,, 1742 WilliamElrod(could this be Wilhelm?) leased "Monocacy Manor" Lot No. 30 onthelives of James Read aged 50 (in 1767), Mary 49 and Henry 27. Elrodisalso mentioned in the Moravian Journal kept by BrotherMatthiasGottschalk on his journey to Md. and Va. in March and April of1748.In attempting to provide a descriptive guide for subsequentitinerantMoravian preachers, Gottschalk wrote: " A man named Ellrodwho Ivisited there will be able to give more information." this showsthatEllrod was present on "Monocacy Manor" at least from 1742 until1748.Ellrod was not listed, however in James Dickson's 1757 ssummaryofthose "who have payed rents." On June 14, 1736 Wilhelm Ellrodt wasatWarwick (near today's Brickerville in northern Lancaster Co.,Pa.)when he married Anna Beschell. On the same day, also atWarwick,Eliesabetha Ellrodt married Heinrich Bischoff. As evidencethatWilliam Ellrod may have been in the Md. area somewhat earlier thantheinitial lease date in the record in Pastor Stover's journal, ofhisbaptizing at Manaquesen (Monocacy) on June 24, 1741 ofEliesabetha,daughter of Jeremias Ellrodt, with Deterich Ellrodt andhis wife assponsors. On October 11, 1742, also at Manaquesen, StovermarriedAnne Catherine Ellrodt to James Conner.

Born ‎1710 Lancasster, Pa, British American Colonies, died ‎11 May 1769 Rowan, North Carolina, USA‎, 58 or 59 years, buried ‎May 1767
Jeremiah's Descendants still live in Tennessee In records his name was Jeremias. Jeremiah Elrod - The first Jeremiah Elrod that PDE could find was bornin the early 1700's before 1720. He is probably the child of JohnTeter Elrod and his 1st wife Marie Mageline Lerchenzeiler. He, orWilliam, is possibly the son who accompanied the parents on the shipas it came across the Atlantic. He married Sarah _____________. Theyhad a child Elizabeth b. 16 Apr 1741. Elizabeth was baptized on 2 Jun 1741 with Diederick Ellradt (John Teter Elrod) and wife assponsers. Elizabeth was baptized by Pastor John Casper Stoever.Jeremiah's wife died, and was buried 27 May 1743 in Maryland. This information is recorded in the "Maryland Records of ColonialRevolutional County Churches." by G.M. Brumbaugh, Vol 1. p. 258. Itis assumed that this is the Jeremiah Elrod who later married Catherine (Douthett?) Jeremiah Elrod died 11 May 1769. At this time he had twoboys under 14 years old, Adam, b Jul 1753, and Jeremiah b 16 Aug orSep 1755. After Jeremiah died, George McKnight on the 1st of Aug 1769 wasappointed guardian of his children. The widow got 1/3 of the estate.Adam Elrod was bound over to George McKnight. Jeremiah was bound out to his uncle Robert Elrod RIN 18 to learn the ArtofWeaving until he was age 21. Uncle Robert Elrod later went toKY.Jeremiah at he time of his assignment to Robert was 11 years and5months old. Adam was at this time 16 years and seven months old.Thiswas when the Estate was finally settled. They each got 1/3 oftheestate, a horse and a bridle, PDE believed this man to be thefatherof Elizabeth. If so, she was either dead, or was 26 years old,sinceshe was left out of his will. What happened to her is unknown.Shortlyafter he assumed the responsibility for Jeremiahs child, Adam,GeorgeMcKnight lost his wife. George then married Jeremiah'swidow,Catherine. After Jeremiah Elrod died, 11 May 1769, we havedifficultytracing his son, Jeremiah. The reason is that there were twoJeremiahElrods born in 1755. Jeremiah had a boy born 12 Aug/Sep 1755.Theparents of the other Jeremiah born in 1755 are unknown.SinceJeremiah's boy was assigned to his uncle Robert, who went toKentucky,and since the Jeremiah who married and left Barbara Volgeralso wentto Kentucky, they appear to be the same person. In Surry Co.Wills1771-1821" vol II, p.91, we find the will of Barbara Harris dated9Sep 1789. The will refers to Jeremiah Elrod as Witness and itsaysthey gave one cow each to Jeremiah Elrod and Michael Fogler.Barbarais also mentioned. I am assigning him as the child of Jeremiahandcalling him Jeremiah Elrod Jr. This is the one who was marriedtwiceand had at least 17 children. The other Jeremiah born in 1755marriedMary Null in 1785. (ED. Jeremiah Jr had 3 children before thistime)and the bondsman was Peter Elrod in Surry Co NC. This Peter Elrodwaspossibly being a bondsman for his brother. There were a JeremiahElrodand Peter Elrod who moved to the Pendleton District of S.C.PDEassumed this Jeremiah to be the one who married Mary Null,andassigned him label 1-B. He recognized that these two Jeremiahsmightbe incorrectly identified, but considered that the availableevidence,though slim, supported his assumptions. To further complicatetheassignments one must accept the facts that both Jeremiah Elrodsarelisted in the 1790 census of NC., both have the same number andgenderof children and the wives of each are of nearly the same age.Their1790 census entries read: one white male over 16, one white maleunder16, and three white females, no slaves. One of these Elrods wasinSalisbury District, Rowan County, NC, and the other one wasfromSalisbury District, Stokes County, NC. The following referencesaremade to the Jeremiah Elrods. PDE was unable to determine if theyreferto Jeremiah Jr or to Jeremiah 1-B. There are a good many entriesinthe "Moravian Records of NC" Page 1873, 11 May 1783, JeremiasElroth,house father, signed rules and regulations of society. Page1924Jeremiah Elrod of Friedland was born 1755, Page 2219-2220, 1 May1788,Bro. and Sister Aust set out for Pennsylvania, stopped atFriedland,from which they wil journey further with Jeremiah Elrod'swagon. Page2222, 4 Jul 1788, Jeremiah Elrod has returned from Penn.and broughtus some letters. Page 2378, 16 & 17 July 1789, JeremiahElrod helpedsome preachers find some mineral springs. Page 2900, 15Sep 1807,Barbara Elrod and Philip Carl Schott have left our communionin orderto marry. (Ed. This is Anna Catherine Barbara Volger whomarriedJeremiah Jr. They separated about 1800-1803.) There areotherreferences to Jeremiah Elrod. In Rowan Co NC, Inferior Court 8Aug1778 there is a list of persons in Capt. Cox' District who hadnottaken the oath of Allegiance. Among them were Samuel Elrod,WilliamElrod and Jeremiah Ellrod. Now, in Capt. Eakles District isalso foundanother Jeremiah Ellrod, so apparently both of the JeremiahElrods hadLoyalist leanings. The people who came to America in thePalatineimmigration had been treated in America much better than intheirformer home in Germany, so it is easy to see how they might havehadLoyalist leanings. We therefore find Elrods on both sides intheRevolutionary War. In connection with the attitude ofGermanimmigrants at the time of the Revolution, the following excerptfromThomas Fleming's "Liberty Tavern", chapter 7, page 107,makesinteresting reading. "For the next seven days, New Jerseyoscillatedlike a pendulum between two mighty magnets - Staten Islandwith itsBritish Army and Fleet, and Philadelphia, where the Congressdebated adeclaration of independence. The countryside was rife withrumors ofmen making fortunes selling fresh vegetables and meat to theBritishon Staten Island. In Burlington, New Jersey's ProvincialCongress wasstill wrestling with the text of our new constitution. OnJuly 1, 1776two of the delegates from Bergen County stayed overnightat thetavern. They told Jonathan Gifford that some thirty otherlegislatorshad decided to go home rather than participate in suchrevolutionarybusiness. The Bergen gentlemen, both stolid Dutchmen whosworepicturesquely in their mother tongue, said they did notfeelauthorized to declare New Jersey independent. Three out of everyfourmen detested the idea, they vowed. The Dutch had been treatedfairlyand had prospered greatly under the King of England's rule forahundred years now. It seemed to many of them gross ingratitude iftheytook the side of the New Enland men in this present quarrel. Thewholetrouble began and ended with those damned Puritans fromMassachusettsand Connecticut, the Dutchmen swore. There were justenough of theirbrethren in New Jersey to poison the atmosphere. Theywouldn't behappy until they made Sam Adams or John Hancock the lordprotector ofAmerica. All this was declaimed in stentorian tones whiletheex-legislators consumed several chickens, a side of beef, a slabofham, a fleet of vegetable dishes, and several quarts of hard cider." After Jeremiah died, George McKnight on Aug 1, 1769 wasappointedGuardian of Jeremiah's children who had lost their father.The widowgot 1/3 of the estate. Adam Elrod was bound over to GeorgeMcKnight.Jeremiah was bound out to his uncle Robert Elrod to learn theart ofweaving until he was age 21. Uncle Robert later went to Ky.Jeremiahat the time of his assignment to Robert was 11 years and 5months old.Adam was 16 years and 7 months old. This was when theestate wasfinally settled. They each got 1/3 of the estate, a horseand abridle. Elizabeth was either dead of left out of the will as shewas26 years of age. What happened to Elizabeth is unknown. ShortlyafterGeorge McKnight assumed the responsibility of Adam, he lost hiswife.George then married Jeremiah's widow, Catherine (CatherineDouthitElrod McKnight).

Born ‎1712 New Castle, Delaware, USA, died ‎10 Dec 1809 Bourbon, Kentucky, USA‎, 96 or 97 years, buried ‎after. 10 Dec 1809
_P_CCINFO 1-21496 "The Moravians in NC" by A.L. Fries pp. 189, 788. "The American Compendium of Genealogy" Vol. 5 p. 190 "CFI Mormon Records NC" p. 161. 1980 Edition "The Douthit Family in America" by W. Cary Anderson Robert went from North Carolina to Fayette Co. KY. He wasordered1-24-1756 in North Carolina, to serve as Constable in room (place) of Mark Sappenfield. Robert's wife Sarah Scott Wilson, was sister to Mary ScottDouthit,wife of John Douthit. WILL OF ROBERT ELROD - FAYETTE CO KY - Will Book B, p. 102 Written 12-11-1809 In the name of God Amen - Whereas I Robert Elrod, of the CountyofFayette and the State of Kentucky, being weak of body but of sound mind and memory, calling to mindthemortality of the body knowing that it is appointed for all Men once to die and after death the judgement, Idomake and ordain this my last will and testament in manner and form following - First, I recommend my soul to God who gave it and my body tobedecently buried in a christian like manner and as for my worldly estate that it has pleased to bless me withIgive and bequeath in the following manner: Item 2, I give and bequeath to my five daughters, vis -ElizabethJones, Mary Jones, Hester Taubuch, Susanna Rainey, and Rachel Eddleman, one dollar each and to my stepdaughterMilley Baker one sorrell filly and one heifer yearling and lastly I give and bequeath unto my belovedwifeSarah all the rest of my property, plantation, tools and household furniture to will and do with thesameaccording as she sees cause and I do will and do with the same according as she sees cause and Idoconstitute and ordain my trusty friends Samuel Boone and Peter Eddleman Executors to my last will and testament -Dec11 1809 William Robason acknowledged - proven January, 1810 Witnesses, John House and William Robison. Volume 5 page 290AmericanCompendium of Genealogy says John Jones b 1742, d 1824, son ofJohnJones I, married Elizabeth Elrod, b 1751, died 1843, daughterofRobert Elrod and Sarah (Scott) Wilson Elrod. PDE remarked: "From the above it seems that either Roger Turner Jrandwife were dead or his wife had remarried a Baker, since Robert Turner's wife was a child of Robert Elrod. WILL OF ROBERT ELROD, FAYETTE CO., KY., Will Book B, pg. 102: "In the name of God, Amen-Whereas I, Robert Elrod, of the CountyofFayette and the State of Kentucky, being weak of body but soundofmind and memory, calling to mind the mortality of the bodyknowingthat is appointed for all men once to die and after deaththejudgement, I do make and ordain this my last will and testamentinmanner and form following - First, I recommend my soul to God who gave it and my body tobedecently buried in a Christian-like manner and as for myworldlyestate that it has pleased to bless me with, I give andbequeath inthe following manner: Item 2, I give and bequeath to my five daughters, vis -ElizabethJones, Mary Jones, Hester Taubuch, Susanna Rainey and RachelEddlemanone dollar each and to my step daughter Milley Baker onesorrell fillyand one heifer yearling and lastly I give and bequeathunto my belovedwife Sarah all the rest of my property, plantation,tools andhousehold furniture to will and do with the same according asshe seescause and I do constitute and ordain my trusty friends SamuelBooneand Peter Edderman Executors to my last will and testament - Dec.11,1809 - in William Robason acknowledged - proven 1810 (From the above, it seems that either Robert Turner, Jr. and wifeweredead, or his wife had remarried a Baker, since Robert Turner,Jr.'swife was the child of Robert Elrod's wife's first marriage toaWilson.)

Born ‎29 Oct 1714 New Castle, Delaware, USA, baptised ‎08 Nov 1714 Holy Trinity Lutheran Ch., Wilmington, Del., died ‎between. 1715–1808‎, 93 or 94 years
_P_CCINFO 1-21496

Born ‎1716, died ‎between. 1717–1806 Probably in childhood‎, 89 or 90 years
_P_CCINFO 1-21496

Born ‎12 Mar 1718 Wilmington, New Castle, Delaware, USA, baptised ‎18 Mar 1718 Wilmington, New Castle, Delaware, USA, died ‎±. 1785 Littlestown, now Adams Co., or York Co., Pa.‎, approximately 67 years, buried ‎ Littlestown, Adams, Pennsylvania, USA
_P_CCINFO 1-21496

Born ‎1720 New Castle, Delaware, USA, died ‎between. 1721–1797‎, 76 or 77 years
_P_CCINFO 1-21496

Born ‎29 Jan 1720/21 Pennsylvania, Us, died ‎29 Jan 1785 Hope, Forsyth Co., n.C.‎, approximately 65 years, buried ‎31 Jan 1785 Clemmons, Forsyth, North Carolina, USA
_P_CCINFO 1-21496 SOURCE: Moravian Records, census records, Holy Trinity ChurchRecordsDelaware LOCALITY: This area of Rowan County is now Forsythe County. DOCUMENTATION: Elrod Records from Jack and Doris Rose and Mrs. BillT.Crawford, by correspondence. Pauline Walters-Elrod book-1971 MEMOIRS: Christopher Sr's and Aaltje's Memoirs are both on file intheMoravian Archives Museum at Old Salem NC. Notes for Aaltje: SOURCES: See "Memoirs of Aaltje Aletha Soelle Elrod",MoravianArchives, Winston-Salem, NC. "Moravians" by Fries; also "Records of the Moravians in NorthCarolina"from the Wachovia Church Book, Vol I, 1752-1771. From Pauline Walters Elrod book: p.3 As found in ChristopherElrodsmemoirs he was a Lutheran until 1773, he was received into Brethern membership at Friedburg, then he changedtoHope Congregation in 1780, which he and John Douthit helped to found; started it 1775, finished it 1780. From Pauline Walters Elrod book: p.4 she states: From the JournalofNorth Caroline Genealogy, summer 1966, page 1682, was taken excerpts of a petition, Folio 14, August 15,1778,"Petitions of the Moravians or United Brethern, presented to General Assembly at Hill "editorjustgave part of document". The petition and representation of the United Brethern settled in this state,NorthCarolina, in town of Salem, Bethabara, Bethany, and others of their members in union with them humblyshoweththat the the Episcopal Church called United Frater or United Brethern, that upon hearing of thereligiousfreedom in America, or upon invitation received, sent in years of 1734, 1735, 1736, a number of theirmemberswho had been persecuted in their native country, and therefore dispersed here where they mightfindasylum. When the war broke out with the Spaniards, their fellow inhibitants disturbed them for notcarryingarms, notwithstanding they had full liberty of conscience promised before and after settling. They, being willing to give no uneasiness to others, withdrew,andreturned to Pennsylvania where they settled in oaks of Delaware, then a mere wilderness, lived inpeacewith God and peace with their neighbors for many years..... 30 years, the Brethern received severalinvitationsto settle in some other parts of the English Dominion, particularly in North Carolina........ usesameprinciples as first used in Georgia. "Editor said here there was said more about troubles and injustices,bythe breaking out of the Revolutionary War". We have no arms and will bear none against the state, (N.C.) ortheother states. We desire no profits or honors. We never refuse to pay taxes, nor ever had any distress made fortaxes.Our Brethern in states of Pa... Jersey, Maryland, have in behalf of themselves and us, laid asimilarrequest before humbly, before the Congress of The United States of America. Signed in German byJohnMichael Graff, Fra Episc. Bishop of United Brethern..... There were 104 signers, one was Christopher Elrod 1721-1784 planter. FROM BETHANIA DIARY OF 1785, Vol. 5, page 107, Fries, Jan 31,"Earlythis morning several persons rode here to Hope for funeral of Christopher Elrod (Sr). LETTER FROM JUNE LAURENCE, ASSISTANT, MORAVIAN ARCHIVES 1 Sep 1982 From Pennsylvania, the family moved first to Manakasy, Maryland, thetoNC in 1751. They joined the Moravian congregation at Friedberg in 1773 and helped establishtheEnglish-speaking congregation of Hope in 1780. The couple had 12 children. Christopher Elrod first arrived in Rowan Co in the mid 1750's.Althoughraised a Luthern, he became associated with the Moravian settlement there. As a member ofthatsect, he was a pacifist, and paid to keep his sons from the service. However, Christopher Elrod Jr., eventually joined theRevolutionaryArmy. MEMOIR FROM THE FIRST HOPE CONGREGATION BOOK "Christopher Elrod, Sr., his death occurring Jan 28 1785. He was born 29 Jan 1721, in Pennsylvania and was brought up to beaLutheran. In 1743, 26th of March, he married Althea (Aaltje) Soelle, the present widow, which marriagewasblessed by God with twelve children of whom ten are alive yet, belonging all to our congregationandSociety. Of these he lived to see thirty- one grandchildren and one Great-grandchild. From Pennsylvania he moved to Manakasy (Monocacy) Maryland andthenceto North Carolina in 1751, settling himself on the Yadkin River, Hitherto as he often mentioned, he wasanindustrious and hard-working man who feared God and was true, as he thought, to the principles ofhisreligion; but he lived in proud conceit, and knew nothing of heart sorrow. The first time, asheremembered, that his heart was truly touched by the Savior, was in a sermon delivered by the Rev.BishopSpangenberg (or Spartanburg) to the people that were fled for fear of the Indians to the BethabaraMillFort, in the year 1759. From that time he became uneasy and became concerned for his soul's salvationandsought acquaintance with the Brethren. The Brethren Soelle and Utley, who went about in the country topreachthe Gospel visited him frequently and stayed in his house, so as all those who went about in questofsouls for our savior were always kindly received by him and could refresh themselves, after their toilandtrouble, with his family. The fourth of April, 1773, he was received in the congregration at Friedburg, andJan22, 1774, he partook for the first time of the Holy sacrement with congregration there. In the process of time he promoted the building of an EnglishSchooland meeting house, here in Hope, with all his might, and rejoiced greatly when in the year 1780 anEnglishBrethren's Congregation was established here. From that time he was a member thereof. He served this littlesmallcongregation with the gifts which the Saviour had bestowed on him and was an active member of ourcommitteethese four years and his desire was that young and old might prosper for our Saviour. He had a hotandfiery temper and could often fall hard to others by his positiveness and absoluteness, yet he wasconsciousthereof and soon made up again, because he loved to live in peace with all men. He was of strong and healthy constitution, complaining seldom ofanyailment, yet of late he had an intimation, as it were, of his approaching departure. Aboutsevenweeks ago he began to complain about pains in his breast which increased so that he was obliged to take hisbed,and because he grew worse from day to day, soon believed his Saviour would call him home by reason ofhissickness. On 21st, he called for his children, gave them his farewall blessing, exhorting them toremainfaithful to our Saviour, and recommended them to their dear mother. On the 29th of January in the morning at seven oclock, beinghisbirthday, our Savior took this faithful brother home to Himself, exactly sixty-four years old. WILL OF CHRISTOPHER ELROD SR. - ROWAN CO, NC In the Name of God, Amen. I, Christopher Elrod Sr in the stateofNorth Carolina, being in perfect mind and memory, thanks be to God for it, and calling to mind themortalityof my body and that it is appointed for all men to die, do make and ordain this my last will andtestament,and as touching such worldly goods as it hath pleased God to help me with, I give, divise, and disposeofit in manner and form as follows: Item: I will and bequeath unto my beloved son, Adam, five shillingstobe paid to him from out of my estate. Item: I give and bequeath unto my beloved daughter, Sarah the sumoffive shillings to be paid by my executors out of my estate. Item: I will and bequeath unto my daughter, Catherine, the sum offiveshillings to be paid as aforesaid. Item: I will and bequeath to my beloved daughter, Margaret,onecreature to be valued at five pounds in gold or silver money. Item: I give and bequeath unto my beloved daughter, Mary, onehorsecreature to be valued at five pounds in gold or silver and also two cows and one feather bed and bedding toitwhich she has in her custody, and then also one ewe and one grown sow with pigs, the above willed articlesandmoney to each above person to be paid their legacies within twelve months of my demise. Item: I will and bequeath unto my beloved son, Christopher, 50acresof land as it is measured off to him in the upper end of my tract which is to be in his possession atmydemise. Item: I will and bequeath unto my beloved sons, Robert and JohnElrod,the whole of what is left of my tract of land whereon I now live, with all its improvements and buildingstotheir possession after my decease and my wife's. Item: I will and bequeath unto my beloved daughters Aaltje andLydiatwo cows to each of them and one ewe and one sow with pigs to each and also five pounds in gold or silver,orthe value thereof in other money that shall be lawful at the time of the payment and each of them onegoodfeather bed and furniture which is to be paid to them by my executors out of my estate if there is as muchleftat that time and if not to be paid out of the land willed to my three youngest sons. Item: I will and bequeath unto my beloved wife, Aaltje, one-thirdpartof my land during her life time and also all my stock and all sorts and all my household goodsandplantation tools and money during her lifetime and at my demise to be at her own disposal except the land which istobe as before mentioned. I institute and appoint my beloved wife and my son Adam whole andsoleexecuters and executrix of this my last will and testament and I do hereby disavow and make void allotherwills and bequeaths made or done by me heretofore. In witness whereof I have set my hand and seal this 17 day ofMarch,1799. Signed, sealed. published and pronounced in the presence ofWitnesses:Adam Spone, Fred Fudler, Even Ellis Signed: Christopher Elrod Adam Spone proved the will 3 May 1785, as Christopher had died 29Jan1785. "Christopher Elrod, Sr. first came to Rowan County in the mid1750'sand was associated with the Moravian settlement there. As amember,he was a pacifist and paid to keep his sons from service." WILL OF CHRISTOPHER ELROD, SR.: In the name of God, Amen, I, Christopher Elrod, Sr., in the stateofNorth Carolina, being of perfect mind and memory, thanks be to Godforit, and calling to mind the mortality of my body and that isappointedfor all men to die, do make and ordain this my last willandtestament, and as touching such worldly goods as it hat pleased Godtohelp me with, I give, divise and dispose of it in manner and formasfollows: Item: I will and bequeath unto my beloved son, Adam, 5 shillings tobepaid to him from out of my estate. Item: I give and bequeath unto my beloved daughter, Sarah, the sum of5shillings to be paid by my executors out of my estate. Item: I will and bequeath unto my daughter, Catherine, the sum of5shillings to be paid aforesaid. Item: I will and bequeath to my beloved daughter, Margaret,oneCreature to be valued at 5 pounds in gold or silver money. Item: I give and bequeath unto my beloved daughter, Mary, onehorsecreature to be valued at 5 pounds in gold or silver and also 2cowsand one feather bed and bedding belonging to it which she has inhercustody, and then also one ewe and one grown sow with pigs. The above willed articles and money to each above person to bepaidtheir legacies within 12 months of my demise. Item: I will and bequeath unto my beloved son, Christopher,, 50acresof land as it is measured off to him in the upper end of mytractwhich is to be in his possession at my demise. Item: I Will and bequeath unto my beloved sons, Robert and JohnElrod,the whole of what is left of my tract of land whereon I nowlive, withall its improvements and buildings to their possession aftermydecease and my wife's. Item: I will and bequeath unto my beloved daughters, Aaltje andLydia,two cows to each of them and one ewe and one sow with pigs toeach and5 pounds in gold or silver, or the value thereof in othermoney thatshall be lawful at the time of the payment and each of themone goodfeather bed and furniture which is to be paid to them by myexecutorsout of my estate if there is much left at that time and ifnot to bepaid out of the land willed to my three youngest sons. Item: I will and bequeath unto my beloved wife, Aaltje, one-third ofmyland during her life time and also all my stock and all sorts andallmy household goods and plantation tools and money during herlifetimeand at my demise to be at her own disposal except the landwhich is tobe as before mentioned. I institute and appoint my beloved wife and my son Adam who andsoleexecutors and executrix of this my last will and testament and Idohereby disallow and make void all other wills and bequeaths madeordone by me heretofore. In witness whereof I have set my hand and seal this 17th day ofMarch,1779. Signed, sealed, published and pronounced in the presence of WITNESSES: Adam Spone, Fred Fudler, Evan Ellis SIGNED: Christopher Elrod CHRISTOPHER ELROD, SR. from the First Hope Congregation Book, hisdeathoccurring January 28, 1785. From Pauline Walters Elrod book: p.3 As found in ChristopherElrod'smemoirs he was a Lutheran until 1773. He was received inBrethrenmembership at Friedburg, then he changed to Hope Congregationin 1780,which he and John Douthit helped to found; started it in1775,finished it in 1780. From Pauline Walters Elrod book: p.4 she states: From the JournalofNorth Carolina Genealogy, page 1682, was taken excerpts of apetition,Folio 14, August 15, 1778, "Petitions of the Moravians orUnitedBrethren, presented to General Assembly at Hill "editor justgave partof document". The petition and representation of the UnitedBrethrensettled in this state, North Carolina, in town of Salem,Bethabara,Bethany and others of their members in union with themhumbly showeththat the Episcopal Church called United Frater or UnitedBrethren,that upon hearing of the religious freedom in America, oruponinvitation received, sent in years 1734, 1735, 1736, a number oftheirmembers who had been persecuted in their native country, andthereforedispersed here where they might find asylum. When the warbroke outwith the Spaniards, their fellow inhabitants disturbed themfor notcarrying arms, notwithstanding they had full liberty ofconsciencepromised before and after settling. They, being willing to give no uneasiness to others, withdrew,andreturned to Pennsylvania where they settled in oaks of Delaware,thena mere wilderness, lived in peace with God and peace withtheirneighbors for many years...... 30 years, the Brethren receivedseveralinvitations to settle in some other parts of EnglishDominion,particularly in North Carolina.......use same principles asfirst usedin Georgia. "Editor said here there was said more abouttroubles andinjustices, by the breaking out of the Revolutionary War". We have no arms and will bear none against the state (N.C.) ortheother states. We desire no profits or honors. We never refuse to pay taxes, nor ever had any distress made fortaxes.Our Brethren in states of Pa., New Jersey, Maryland, have inbehalf ofthemselves and us, laid a similar request before humbly,before theCongress of the United States of America. Signed in Germanby JohnMichael Graff, Fra Episc. Bishop of United Brethren.... There were 104 signers, one was Christopher Elrod 1721-1784 planter. Christopher Elrod was born Jan. 29, 1721 in Pa. and was brought uptobe a Lutheran. In 1743, 26th day of May, he married Althea(Aaltje)Soelle, the present widow, which marriage was blessed by Godwithtwelve children, of whom ten are alive yet, belonging all toourcongregation and Society. Of these, he lived to see 31grandchildrenand 1 great grandchild. From Pa., he moved to Mansky (Monocacy) in Maryland and thence toN.C.in 1751, settling himself on the river Yadkin, whereto as heoftenmentioned, he was an industrious and hard-working man whofeared Godand was true, as he thought, to the principles of hisreligion; but helived in proud conceit and knew nothing of heartsorrow. The firsttime, as he remembered, that his heart was trulytouched by theSavior, was in a sermon delivered by the Rev. BishopSpangenburg tothe people that were fled for fear of the Indians tothe BethabaraMill Fort, in the year 1759. From that time he becameuneasy andbecame concerned for his soul's salvation and soughtacquaintance withthe Brethren. The Brethren Soelle and Utley, who wentabout in thecountry to preach the Gospel visited him frequently andstayed in hishouse, so as all those who went about in Quest of soulsfor ourSavior were always kindly received by him and couldrefreshthemselves, after their toil and trouble, with his family. The4th ofApril, 1773, he was received in the congregation at Friedburg,andJan. 22, 1774, he partook for the first time of the Holysacramentwith the congregation there. In the presence of time hepromoted thebuilding of an English school and meeting house, there inHope, withall his might, and rejoiced greatly when in the year 1780and EnglishBrethren's Congregation was established here. From thattime he was amember thereof. He served this small congregation withthe gifts whichthe Savior bestowed on him and was an active member ofour Committeethese four years and his desire was that young and oldmight prosperfor our Savior. He had a hot and fiery temper and couldfall hard toothers by his positiveness and absoluteness. Yet he wasconsciousthereof and soon made up again, because he loved to live inpeace withall men. He was of strong and healthy constitution, complaining seldom ofanyailment, yet of late he had an animation, as it were, ofhisapproaching departure. About 7 weeks ago he began to complainaboutpain in his breast which increased so that he was obliged to taketohis bed, and because he grew worse from day to day soon believedthatour Savior would call him home by reason of this sickness. On the21sthe called for his children, gave them his farewellblessing,exhorting them to remain faithful to our Savior, andrecommended tothem their dear mother. On the 29th of January in themorning at 7o'clock, being his birthday, our Savior took this faithfulbrotherhome to himself, exactly 64 years old. (The Moravians usually tried to get their people to write theirownmemoirs. However,, if they did not, they recorded what someoneelsewrote about them. This was what was recorded about ChristopherElrod,Sr.) From the Moravian records in the Rowan Co., N.C. public library,pg.2107: "Early this morning several persons rode out from here(Salem)to attend the funeral of Christopher Elrod." It was headedJanuary31, 1785. Hope Moravian Church stands on highway 158 a fewmiles eastof Clemons, Forsyth Co., N.C. The railroad is between thechurch andthe highway. The old cemetery where our ancestors lie buriedis towardClemons from the church at the end of a wooded lane thatleaves thehighway at Shet's eating establishment winding around thatbuildingdown through the woods until it ends at a lovely well-keptoldcemetery whose markers can still be read, all lying flat on thegrass.The pastor says it is really a lovely place when it is decoratedforEaster. it is my understanding that the original Hope Church wasatthat old cemetery. The present old frame building on the highwayisbeing replaced by modern brich buildings. MEMOIR OF CHRISTOPHER ELROD Entries in the Congregation Diaries of Hope January 1785 On the 29th in Hope, the Savior took into eternal rest our oldbrotherChristopher Elrod, a beloved and active member of thelittlecongregation there, and in fact on his birthday. The 31st....in Hope was the burial of Br. Christopher Elrod, sen.Bro.Fritz conducted the funeral watch about the words of Psalm73:23-26during which one could notice a deep stillness and attention,eventhough a large number of people of all types and persuasionswerepresent. Our departed brother was born on Jan. 29, 1721 in Pa. on the Md.borderand was reared in the Lutheran religion. In the year 1745 hemarriedthe now surviving widow Aaltje Soel, a union which God blessedwith 12children of whom 10 are still living, namely 4 sons and 6daughters,some of whom belong to the Congregation and some to theSociety inHope. He moved from Pa. to Manakosy in Md. and from therein the year1751 to North Caroline and settled at the Yadkin. He oftenstated thatat that time he thought little about the state of his souleven thoughhe was not entirely without conviction. In general, he hadconsideredhimself better than others since he saw himself as ahard-working manand tried to support his family honorably andrighteously. In 1759 hewas present for a sermon which our dear Bro.Joseph (Bishop GottliebSpangenburg) preached to the refugees near theBethabara mill. Duringthat, the Savior came emphatically to his heartand he became restlessand confused and he worried for a long timeabout his own righteousnessand his supposed goodness. But throughthe constant encouragement ofthe now deceased Brethren Utley andSoelle, who as well as otherbrothers were received hospitably by himon their journeys forpreaching the Gospel, the Holy Spirit finallymade it clear to him thatmercy and the freedom from all sins could befound only in Jesus'sacrifice; he learned to recognize his owndepravity more and more andsought and found grace and forgiveness inJesus' blood. Now, since hewanted to enjoy the blessings which henoticed in the Brudergemeine(Moravian Church), he joined the littleCongregation in Friedburgtogether with his family and was receivedinto the Congregation onApril 29, 1773 and on January 22, 1774 he wasadmitted also toparticipation in the Holy Communion. Later, as someEnglish familieswho were acquainted with the Brethren wanted to builda meeting- andschool-house, he was not only willing to take part inthis but alsoadvanced the work with all his heart. After theorganization of thesmall congregation in Hope in the year 1780, hebecame a member of thesame and served faithfully wherever he could.As he also became amember of the Committee, the Congregation lay thatmuch closer to hisheart and he pleaded much with the Savior toprepare young and oldentirely according to his heart. He neverneglected to advise hischildren often in a fatherly way and thisserved as a blessing to them.He also had the joy of seeing that theywere all one with him, forwhich he often thanked the Savior in tears.Sometimes he was somewhatloud because of his fiery temper, butwhenever he went too far, herecognized it himself quickly and soughtforgiveness from the Saviorand from his brethren. As healthy andstrong a man as he was ingeneral, it did seem for some time that hehad a presentment of hisearly death; he became extraordinarilyactive, cheerful and loving,helped wherever he knew there wassomething to do and could, andadvised whenever he saw something whichwas contrary to the Spirit ofJesus and of the Congregation. He spokefrequently with his worker(pastor) in depth not only about his ownheart but also about certaindeficiencies which were evident ingeneral in the little congregationand wished longingly that materialthings as well as the inner life ofhis fellow brethren might beconducted more according to the heart ofJesus. About 6 weeks ago hebegan to complain about pain in his chestwhich could not be overcomeby the remedies that were used. He himselfbelieved, too, that theSavior would take him to Himself on thisoccasion, and he prayed infaith and sighed to Him through his pain.Even when he was completelydelirious because of the high fever, onecould hear him speakingmostly about the Savior and His blood andwounds, so that for thosewho visited him and watched beside him it wasa source of edificationand satisfaction. Sometimes he sang, as long ashe could endure thepain English and German hymns and the English hymn:"How happy that myheart can view the Lamb in all that bloody flue,etc." among others,was always on his mind and on his lips, similarlythe verse ,"Immeasurable governing of our King in stillness, etc." andit wassurely true of him that "out of the abundance of the heart themouthspeaketh." On the 21st he came back into his senses for alittlewhile, called his children and imparted to them his farewellblessing,advised them to remain steadfastly with the Savior and hispeople andcommended their dear mother to them for their faithful care.When oneof them said, "We will ask the Savior to make you well again,"hesaid: "No, my child, rather ask him that he make an end soon tomypain and take my life to Himself." His longing to be at home withtheLord became stronger day by day and as long as he was able to movehislips, he talked about the Savior and how wonderful it was to bewellacquainted with Him. His last words were: "Dear Savior, have mercyonme!" and on the morning of the 29th at 7 o'clock his soul passedintoJesus' arms and bosom, after he had completed 64 yearsexactly.(English translation by Eliz. Marx, Feb. 1978) (Christopher's memoir is all writen in the third person, aninterestingcontrast to his wife's first-parson account of herreligious life andis an indication that she is the source of herhusband's biography,though some of it seems to come from him.) THE BURIAL ENTRY OF CHRISTOPHER ELROD, 1721-1785 Transcribed from his burial entry in Hope Register A, which ishousedin the Moravian Archives, Winston-Salem, N.C. Departed 1785, January 29th Christopher Elrod was born January 29, 1721 in Pa., and wasbaptizedand brought up a Lutheran. In the year 1743, 26th of May hemarriedAaltje Soell the present widow, which marriage was blessed byGod with12 children, of whom 10 are alive yet, belonging all toourCongregation and Society. Of these, he lived to see 31grandchildrenand one great grandchild. From Pa. he moved to Manakesyin Md. andfrom there to N.C. in 1751, settling himself on the RiverYadkin.Hitherto, as he often mentioned he was an industrious andhard-workingman, who feared God and was true, so he thought, to thePrinciples ofhis Religion; but lived in proud conceit, and knewnothing of heartSorrow. The first time, as he remembered that hisheart was trulytouched by our Savior, was in a Sermon, delivered bythe ReverendBishop Spangenberg to the People that were fled for fearof theIndians to the Bethabara Mill Fort, in the year 1759. From thattimehe grew uneasy, and became concerned for his Soul's Salvation,andsought acquaintance with the Brethren. The Brethren Soelle andUtley,who went about in the Country to preach the Gospel, visitedhimfrequently and stayed at his house, so as all those, who wentaboutin quest of Souls for our Savior, were always kindly received byhim,and could refresh themselves after their toil and trouble withhisFamily. These Brethren who conversed with him showed to himtheinsufficiency of all Self help, and self-Righteousness, and itbecameclear to him, what the Apostle sayeth" To him that worketh notbutbelieveth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is countedforRighteousness. The Holy Ghost worked powerfully upon his heart,sothat he learned to know himself as a poor wretched Sinner. Butheturned in faith to our Redeemer and Savior Jesus Christ, in whomwehave Redemption through his blood, namely the forgiveness of Sins,andreceived grace from our Savior. From that time he kept infellowshipwith the Brethren. The 4th of April 1773 he was received intheCongregation at Friedberg, and January 22, 1774 he partook forthefirst time of the Holy Sacrament with the Congregation there.Inprocess of time he promoted the building of an English SchoolandMeeting House here in Hope with all his might, and rejoicedgreatlywhen in the year 1780 an English Brethren Congregation wasestablishedhere. From that time he was a member thereof. He served this little small Congregation with the gifts ourSaviorbestowed on him, was an active Member of our Committee these 4years,and his desire was that young and old might prosper for ourSavior. Hehad the joy to see that most all his children were of oneMind withhim, for which he thanked our Savior oftentimes. He had a hotandfiery temper, and could often fall hard to others, by hispositivenessand absoluteness, yet he was conscious thereof, and soonmade upagain, because he loved to live in peace with all men. He wasof astrong and healthy constitution, complaining seldom of anyailment,yet of late he had an intimation as is were of hisapproachingdeparture. He was very lively and active in our littleCongregationand kept several times solid and hearty conversations withhislaborers, wishing it might come into a better course, andeverythingmight go according to our Savior's Mind. About 7 weeks ago,he beganto complain about pain in his breast, which increased so, thathe wasobliged to take to his bed, and because he grew worse from dayto day,soon believed that our Savior would call him home by occasionof thissickness. He prayed heartily to him, that he would ease hispain andmake him ready to depart in peace. It was a pleasure to allthatvisited him, that even in his fancies, in hot fiever (fever), hespokeof nothing save of Jesus' Blood and Wounds, and of the graceourSavior had done to him. Sometimes he sung English and Germanversesintermixt, and in particular his favorite hymn: How happy thatmyheart can view, the Lamb in all his bloody hue, etc. and thatverse:Unfathomed wisdom of our King, etc. so that it was evident, thathelived in the faith of the Son of God, who loved us and gavehimselffor us. On the 21st, coming to himself again he called forhischildren, gave them his farewell blessing, exhorting them toremainfaithful to our Savior and his poor despised flock, andrecommended tothem their dear mother. His desire to be at home withthe Lord,increased now from day to day, as long as he could move hislips hespoke of our Savior and how good it is to be acquainted withhim. Onthe 29th of January in the morning at 7 o'clock, being hisbirthdayour Savior took this faithful brother home to himself exactly64 yearsold.