meisser genealogy

Meisser GenealogyMeisser Genealogy(Meiser, Miser, Mizar, Mizer, Myser)(Meiser, Miser, Mizar, Mizer, Myser)

Wait… Where Am I?Wait… Where Am I? ““I thought I was at the Taylor I thought I was at the Taylor

Reunion?!?”Reunion?!?” If you are so young that this thought is If you are so young that this thought is

going through your mind right now, then going through your mind right now, then relax.relax.

You are at the right reunion!You are at the right reunion! We need to bring you up to speed.We need to bring you up to speed. Our more experienced guests can just Our more experienced guests can just

follow along on the next slide. follow along on the next slide.

Once Upon A TimeOnce Upon A Time Young ‘uns: Your grandma Taylor’s (or Young ‘uns: Your grandma Taylor’s (or

great grandma’s) maiden name was great grandma’s) maiden name was Jean Ellen MIZER.Jean Ellen MIZER.

At our reunion in 2010, we reviewed At our reunion in 2010, we reviewed our paternal family history (Taylor our paternal family history (Taylor side). The slide show is available online side). The slide show is available online at at www.tomahtaylors.com . .

This year, we will be reviewing our This year, we will be reviewing our maternal family history.maternal family history.

http://www.tomahtaylors.com/

OriginsOrigins Over the years, the spelling of Mizer Over the years, the spelling of Mizer

was changed many times, and known was changed many times, and known related spellings are: Meisser, related spellings are: Meisser, Meiser, Miser, Mizer, Mizar & Myser.Meiser, Miser, Mizer, Mizar & Myser.

Experts believe the surname Meisser Experts believe the surname Meisser comes from the city of Ottweiler, comes from the city of Ottweiler, Germany.Germany.

Useful InformationUseful Information Germany used to be called Palitinate Germany used to be called Palitinate

& the people were called Palatines.& the people were called Palatines. In the old days, many boys were In the old days, many boys were

named after their father, but called named after their father, but called them by their middle names to avoid them by their middle names to avoid confusion.confusion.– For example: John George would have For example: John George would have

been called “George” while his son John been called “George” while his son John Adam would have been called “Adam”.Adam would have been called “Adam”.

Map of PalatinateMap of Palatinate

Palatinate was separated into two sections: Rhineland-Palatinate & Palatinate.

Map of GermanyMap of Germany

The star marks the approximate location of Ottweiler, where the Meissers originated.

Setting the SceneSetting the Scene Life in Germany during the sixteen & Life in Germany during the sixteen &

seventeen hundreds was harsh.seventeen hundreds was harsh. The people & lands had been The people & lands had been

devastated by the Thirty Years War, devastated by the Thirty Years War, the War of the Palatine Succession & the War of the Palatine Succession & the War of the Spanish Succession. the War of the Spanish Succession.

The Thirty Years War alone cost the The Thirty Years War alone cost the region 30-50% of its population. Plague region 30-50% of its population. Plague & famine followed. & famine followed.

Setting the SceneSetting the Scene The remaining Palatines were very The remaining Palatines were very

heavily taxed to pay for the lavish heavily taxed to pay for the lavish lifestyle enjoyed by their rulers. lifestyle enjoyed by their rulers.

The winter of 1708 further devastated The winter of 1708 further devastated the region. It is written that the “cold the region. It is written that the “cold was so intense that wine & spirits froze was so intense that wine & spirits froze in solid blocks; birds on the wing fell in solid blocks; birds on the wing fell dead, and it is said, saliva congealed in dead, and it is said, saliva congealed in its fall from the mouth to the ground.”its fall from the mouth to the ground.”

Reproduction of Winter of Reproduction of Winter of 17081708

Setting the SceneSetting the Scene Queen Anne encouraged emigration Queen Anne encouraged emigration

to England. More subjects meant to England. More subjects meant more income for the monarchy. more income for the monarchy.

William Penn (founder of PA) William Penn (founder of PA) personally made several trips to the personally made several trips to the Palatinate region, distributing Palatinate region, distributing pamphlets that promoted the pamphlets that promoted the lifestyle & climate in America.lifestyle & climate in America.

Famous RecruitersFamous Recruiters

William Penn Queen Anne Boleyn

Greener Grass!Greener Grass! Palatines did not need much convincing Palatines did not need much convincing

that the grass was greener elsewhere!that the grass was greener elsewhere! Before they could leave their homeland, Before they could leave their homeland,

they had to get a recommendation from they had to get a recommendation from the local authorities.the local authorities.

Recommendations usually came from the Recommendations usually came from the mayor, clerk, or other official & were mayor, clerk, or other official & were testaments of a person’s good character.testaments of a person’s good character.

Money TalksMoney Talks Once they received recommendation, Once they received recommendation,

there was the matter of payment. There there was the matter of payment. There were many fees & tolls along the way. were many fees & tolls along the way. Some people had to sell everything they Some people had to sell everything they owned before making their journey.owned before making their journey.

Others who could not afford to pay would Others who could not afford to pay would borrow money from an agent. In borrow money from an agent. In exchange, they would become servants exchange, they would become servants for a number of years.for a number of years.

Safe TravelsSafe Travels Between 1708 & 1710 about 13,000 Between 1708 & 1710 about 13,000

Palatines left their homeland. Palatines left their homeland. The trip Northward on the Rhine The trip Northward on the Rhine

River to Holland (the Netherlands) River to Holland (the Netherlands) took 4-6 weeks.took 4-6 weeks.

Once they arrived in London, they Once they arrived in London, they were probably housed in makeshift were probably housed in makeshift camps.camps.

London in the Early 1700’sLondon in the Early 1700’s

First GenerationFirst GenerationJohan JurgJohan Jurg

Our first maternal ancestor to emigrate to Our first maternal ancestor to emigrate to America was Johan Jurg Meisser America was Johan Jurg Meisser (1/1)(1/1) . .

Johan was born in Palatinate around 1668.Johan was born in Palatinate around 1668. On July 28, 1709 Johan sailed from Holland On July 28, 1709 Johan sailed from Holland

to London, England with his wife and 4 to London, England with his wife and 4 children.children.

In the passenger list entitled “The In the passenger list entitled “The Embarkation Lists from Holland” Johan is Embarkation Lists from Holland” Johan is listed as “Mauser, Johann Georg”.listed as “Mauser, Johann Georg”.

First GenerationFirst GenerationJohan JurgJohan Jurg

This record indicates they arrived in This record indicates they arrived in NY by June 30, 1710 – 302 years ago NY by June 30, 1710 – 302 years ago today!today!

Little is known about Johann Jurg’s Little is known about Johann Jurg’s life, but we do know that he settled life, but we do know that he settled in the Scoharie Valley, NY.in the Scoharie Valley, NY.

He would have been an original He would have been an original settler in the area.settler in the area.

Map of Scoharie Valley, NYMap of Scoharie Valley, NY

The red highlighted area represents the Scoharie Valley.

Second GenerationSecond GenerationJohann MichaelJohann Michael

Johann Jurg Meisser & his wife had four Johann Jurg Meisser & his wife had four children, one of whom was our direct children, one of whom was our direct ancestor, Johann Michael Meiser ancestor, Johann Michael Meiser (2/2)(2/2)..– Note the spelling changeNote the spelling change

Johann Michael Johann Michael (2/2)(2/2) was born in 1703 in was born in 1703 in Palatinate.Palatinate.

He married Anna Elizabeth Zecht. They He married Anna Elizabeth Zecht. They had 10 children, one of whom is our had 10 children, one of whom is our direct ancestor, John Johannes Meiser direct ancestor, John Johannes Meiser 3/63/6..

Second GenerationSecond GenerationJohann MichaelJohann Michael

Johann Michael Johann Michael 2/22/2 relocated from NY to relocated from NY to Millbach, PA. This was no easy task!Millbach, PA. This was no easy task!

He had to brave the wilderness, He had to brave the wilderness, elements & hostile Native Americans.elements & hostile Native Americans.

Luckily for the Mizers, they built their Luckily for the Mizers, they built their home next door to Fort Zeller, the home next door to Fort Zeller, the strongest building in Millbach, PA.strongest building in Millbach, PA.

Residents would take refuge there Residents would take refuge there during attacks by Native Americans.during attacks by Native Americans.

Modern-Day Photo of the Modern-Day Photo of the Original Meiser Homestead Original Meiser Homestead

in Millbach, PAin Millbach, PA

The DeedThe Deed In 1731, Johann Michael In 1731, Johann Michael 2/22/2 was given a was given a

deed to his land by a Native American deed to his land by a Native American Chief named Allummapie.Chief named Allummapie.

The land and home remained in the The land and home remained in the Meiser family for five generations, Meiser family for five generations, which was always passed down to the which was always passed down to the first born son.first born son.

Upon his death in 1745, Johann Michael Upon his death in 1745, Johann Michael was buried on the family farm.was buried on the family farm.

The DeedThe Deed

Know all men that I Allummapie alias Safroonan Chief of the Schuylkill Indians and Indian Owner of the land lying on the branches & upper part of the said River Schuylkill In consideration of the love & goodwill that I bear to my friend James Logan do by this writing give & grant full & free liberty to Christopher Stump, George Graef, Hans Zeller & Michael Mizer their heirs asigns to live upon ? & ? Five hundred acres of land where they are now settled Southward of ? From this day for all time to come & forever without any further claim or demand to be made for the same or any part thereof by me or by any other Indian whatsoever. In witness whereof I have hereinto left my hand & seal the eleventh day of August in the year 1731.

Fort Zeller in Millbach, PAFort Zeller in Millbach, PA

Historical Marker for Fort Historical Marker for Fort ZellerZeller

Third Generation:Third Generation:John JohannesJohn Johannes

Johann Michael Johann Michael 2/22/2 & Anna had 10 & Anna had 10 children, one of whom was our direct children, one of whom was our direct ancestor, John Johannes Meiser ancestor, John Johannes Meiser 3/73/7..

John Johannes was born in 1732 in John Johannes was born in 1732 in Millbach, PA.Millbach, PA.

He married a woman named Catharine.He married a woman named Catharine. He was the road supervisor in Penns He was the road supervisor in Penns

Township in 1778.Township in 1778.

Third GenerationThird GenerationJohn JohannesJohn Johannes

In 1781 he was assessed with 100 In 1781 he was assessed with 100 acres of land & personal property. acres of land & personal property.

John Johannes John Johannes 3/7 3/7 served in the served in the Northumberland County Militia Northumberland County Militia during the Revolutionary War.during the Revolutionary War.

He & his wife had 8 children He & his wife had 8 children including our direct ancestor including our direct ancestor Johannes Adam Meiser Johannes Adam Meiser 4/24/2..

Third GenerationThird GenerationJohn JohannesJohn Johannes

John Johannes died in 1795. John Johannes died in 1795. At the writing of his will which was At the writing of his will which was

probated at Sunbury, PA, he was probated at Sunbury, PA, he was building a new house.building a new house.

He left 90 pounds to his first born son He left 90 pounds to his first born son to finish construction of the home.to finish construction of the home.

Fourth GenerationFourth GenerationJohannes AdamJohannes Adam

Johannes Adam Meiser Johannes Adam Meiser 4/2 4/2 was born in was born in Millbach, PA. He was baptized at the Millbach, PA. He was baptized at the Millbach Church on April 2, 1760.Millbach Church on April 2, 1760.

He married Rosina Eckhart and they He married Rosina Eckhart and they had 8 children.had 8 children.

In 1806 they relocated to Jefferson In 1806 they relocated to Jefferson County, OH where Johannes Adam County, OH where Johannes Adam purchased 160 acres of land.purchased 160 acres of land.

Church in Millbach, PAChurch in Millbach, PA

He died in 1812 and is buried on the He died in 1812 and is buried on the farm he owned in Harrison County, OH.farm he owned in Harrison County, OH.

The red highlighted area represents Harrison County, OH

Fifth GenerationFifth GenerationGeorge MizerGeorge Mizer

George Mizer George Mizer 5/5 5/5 was born in 1792 in was born in 1792 in Northumberland, PA.Northumberland, PA.– Note name change.Note name change.

He moved with his father to OH He moved with his father to OH around 1800.around 1800.

He served in the War of 1812 with He served in the War of 1812 with the Ohio Militia. His duty was to the Ohio Militia. His duty was to guard prisoners of war.guard prisoners of war.


George married Catharine Markley on George married Catharine Markley on August 28, 1816.August 28, 1816.

He acquired a farm in Auburn He acquired a farm in Auburn Township, OH from his uncle Adam Township, OH from his uncle Adam Miser.Miser.

His uncle received the original land His uncle received the original land patent from the US General Land Office patent from the US General Land Office during President James Madison’s during President James Madison’s administration.administration.

Reenactment of War of Reenactment of War of 18121812


George & his wife Catharine had 9 George & his wife Catharine had 9 children including our direct ancestor children including our direct ancestor Mathias Benjamin Mizer Mathias Benjamin Mizer 6/56/5..

George died in Auburn Township, OH George died in Auburn Township, OH and is buried in the family cemetery and is buried in the family cemetery on his farm.on his farm.

Sixth GenerationSixth GenerationMathias BenjaminMathias Benjamin

Mathias Benjamin Mizer Mathias Benjamin Mizer 6/5 6/5 was born was born December 12, 1821 in OH.December 12, 1821 in OH.

He married Mary Ann Miller on April He married Mary Ann Miller on April 19, 1846.19, 1846.

They had 14 children including our They had 14 children including our direct ancestor, John Wesley Mizer direct ancestor, John Wesley Mizer 7/107/10..


In 1873, lumber barons advertised cut-In 1873, lumber barons advertised cut-over land at very low prices.over land at very low prices.

Matthias & Mary Ann moved to Yuba, Matthias & Mary Ann moved to Yuba, WI when he was 55 years old by riding WI when he was 55 years old by riding in wagons & driving their cattle with in wagons & driving their cattle with them.them.

The distance between Ragersville, OH The distance between Ragersville, OH & Yuba, WI is approximately 630 miles, & Yuba, WI is approximately 630 miles, or 12 hours by car! or 12 hours by car!

Yuba, WIYuba, WI

The red dot pinpoints Yuba, WI which is located in Richland County.

The orange star pinpoints Oakdale, WI, where the Taylor family eventually settled.


Mathias Benjamin first raised potatoes, Mathias Benjamin first raised potatoes, and later tobacco.and later tobacco.

He purchased another farm at LaFarge, He purchased another farm at LaFarge, WI in January 1893.WI in January 1893.

Mathias died in 1904. He is buried in the Mathias died in 1904. He is buried in the Jug Creek Cemetery in Rockton, WI.Jug Creek Cemetery in Rockton, WI.

The burial of his wife Mary Ann has been The burial of his wife Mary Ann has been verified by a grandchild who recalled her verified by a grandchild who recalled her burial there around 1896.burial there around 1896.

Seventh GenerationSeventh GenerationJohn WesleyJohn Wesley

John Wesley Mizer John Wesley Mizer 7/107/10 was born August was born August 5, 1866 in Auburn Township, OH.5, 1866 in Auburn Township, OH.

At the age of 13 he relocated to WI At the age of 13 he relocated to WI with his parents, and as a boy he with his parents, and as a boy he worked on the family farm.worked on the family farm.

John became a professional prize John became a professional prize fighter (boxer) and later, a detective fighter (boxer) and later, a detective for the Pinkerton Detective Agency.for the Pinkerton Detective Agency.

Seventh GenerationSeventh GenerationJohn Wesley MizerJohn Wesley Mizer

John married Ada Payne on August John married Ada Payne on August 24, 1900 in Vernon County, WI.24, 1900 in Vernon County, WI.

They had 3 children, one of whom They had 3 children, one of whom was our direct ancestor, Jean Ellen was our direct ancestor, Jean Ellen Mizer Mizer 8/38/3..

John Mizer died in 1909 at the age of John Mizer died in 1909 at the age of 43, when Jean was just 1 year of age.43, when Jean was just 1 year of age.

Maternal LinesMaternal LinesAda PayneAda Payne

Ada Payne was born in New York in 1874 Ada Payne was born in New York in 1874 to Joseph Payne & Wealthy Canady.to Joseph Payne & Wealthy Canady.

As a young girl she relocated with her As a young girl she relocated with her family to a farm in LaFarge, Wisconsin.family to a farm in LaFarge, Wisconsin.

She had two children with her first She had two children with her first husband. Their names were Inez & Vivian.husband. Their names were Inez & Vivian.

Ada remarried John Mizer, and together Ada remarried John Mizer, and together they had three children: Delores Ann they had three children: Delores Ann (who passed away as a teen), Edward, (who passed away as a teen), Edward, and Jean Ellen (who was called “Lena”).and Jean Ellen (who was called “Lena”).

Maternal LinesMaternal LinesAda Marie PayneAda Marie Payne

After John’s death in 1909, Ada After John’s death in 1909, Ada remarried James Bird Jerry.remarried James Bird Jerry.

She was a member of the Adventist She was a member of the Adventist church at LaFarge.church at LaFarge.

Ada passed away of pneumonia in Ada passed away of pneumonia in Lakeland, WI in 1932 & is buried at Lakeland, WI in 1932 & is buried at Lakeside Cemetery in Cumberland, Lakeside Cemetery in Cumberland, WI.WI.

Eighth GenerationEighth GenerationJean EllenJean Ellen

Jean Ellen Mizer was born on February 7, Jean Ellen Mizer was born on February 7, 1908 in LaFarge, WI.1908 in LaFarge, WI.

Jean first married Francis McKittrick, and they Jean first married Francis McKittrick, and they had 2 children together: Betty Vivian & had 2 children together: Betty Vivian & Geraldine Marie.Geraldine Marie.

In 1931 Jean Ellen remarried Walter Harold In 1931 Jean Ellen remarried Walter Harold Taylor, and together they added 13 more Taylor, and together they added 13 more children to their family: Jacqueline Jean, Mary children to their family: Jacqueline Jean, Mary Lou, Meredith Ann, Walter Harold Jr., Robert Lou, Meredith Ann, Walter Harold Jr., Robert Harlow, Laureen Delia, Donald Allen, Patricia Harlow, Laureen Delia, Donald Allen, Patricia Lea, Richard Raymond, Sheryl Mae, Larry Lea, Richard Raymond, Sheryl Mae, Larry Lynn (died at birth), Ralph Eugene & Terry Lynn (died at birth), Ralph Eugene & Terry Dean.Dean.

The Walter Taylor FamilyThe Walter Taylor Family

Row 1 (seated): Pat, Rick, DonRow 2: Laureen, Skip, Jean, Sherry, Walter Sr., Terry, MeredithRow 3: Mary Lou, Geri, Bob, Junior, Betty, Jackie

Did You Know…?Did You Know…? There is a national Meisser There is a national Meisser

Genealogy Association.Genealogy Association. They publish genealogy books & They publish genealogy books &

newsletters about the family.newsletters about the family. They host an annual reunion each They host an annual reunion each

June that changes locations.June that changes locations. The 2013 reunion is slated for New The 2013 reunion is slated for New

Orleans. Anyone up for attending? Orleans. Anyone up for attending?

National Meisser AssociationNational Meisser Association http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.

ancestry.com/~keller/meisser/work/index.html

Facebook: “Descendants of Johan Facebook: “Descendants of Johan Jurg Meisser”Jurg Meisser”

http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~keller/meisser/work/index.html



Tomah TaylorsTomah Taylors Have you visited our family website yet?Have you visited our family website yet? www.tomahtaylors.com View news & birthdaysView news & birthdays Stay current on reunion informationStay current on reunion information Download a copy of the family tree, Download a copy of the family tree,

genealogy presentations, or other genealogy presentations, or other family documentsfamily documents

Visit us on Facebook at “Tomah Taylors”Visit us on Facebook at “Tomah Taylors”

http://www.tomahtaylors.com/

Thank you for watching the Thank you for watching the Meisser Genealogy Meisser Genealogy

presentationpresentation(Meiser, Miser, Mizar, Mizer, Myser)(Meiser, Miser, Mizar, Mizer, Myser)

Created & presented at the 2012 Taylor Family Reunion by Coreen (Smith) Traverzo,

proud grand-daughter of Jean Ellen (Mizer) Taylor

meisser genealogy

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