Bechtel/Bechtold -- Bechtel Family Association

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Date Posted: Monday, November 06, 07:18:32 pm
Author: Joann Kidder
Author Host/IP: c-68-41-239-67.hsd1.mi.comcast.net / 68.41.239.67
Subject: Bechtel/Bechtold

I am stuck in a puzzle trying to figure out where to find my Bechtel/Bechtold family, hopping you my be able to help. I am back to my GGGgrandfather John Bechtel. I guess this is where I will begin with the facts that I do know. My John Bechtel was born November 26, 1819, Berkshire Co. Pennsylvania, he died December 13, 1907 in Norwich Twp. Huron Co. Ohio.
He was married December 22, 1844 at the New Hanover Lutheran Church in New Hanover Twp. Pennsylvania, to Hanna Lesher born July 15,1817 in Heidelberg Twp. Berks Co. Pennsylvania, died March 13, 1905 in Norwich Twp. Huron Co. Ohio.
I know that in 1850 and 1860 he and his family lived in Amity Twp. Berks Co. Pennsylvania, I believe it may have been Pottstown.
This is where things get all mixed up. I have inserted a letter dated January 26, 1890 from one of John's brothers named Samuel Bechtold ( you can read the original on the Berks County PA. GenWeb under items of interest). I have looked up all the people ( berks co. census ) that Samuel has talked about in his letter, I believe that John had brothers named Mathias, Daniel, Samuel, and David.
While going through the census I discovered that in 1870, 9th ward Reading Pennsylvania, Mathias, one of men I believed to be John's brothers was living with his 77 year old mother named Susan.
In 1880 she was living in Reading with another son David.
I may have found the same Susan in 1860 in NJ under the name Anna Betchtel living with a Isaac and Rebecca Schoner.
Going back, I believe that in 1850 Susannah lived in Spruce Ward Reading, Pennsylvania with her husband named Soloman Bechteler from Maidencreek. Susannah Bechteler was from Oley Twp.
In 1840 Reading S. Ward Soloman Beachtell
In 1820 Oley Twp. Jno, Soln Bechtel
In 1790 I found a Mathias Bechtold living in Maidencreek
I think I am one the right track,everyone needs a little help every now and then. I hope someone may be able help me solve this puzzle, looking forward to hearing from you.

Joann Kidder
willis, Mi.
jokidd1@comcast.net

Letter from Samuel Bechtold to his brother John
Reading PA Jan. 26, 1890
Dear Brother John:
We received a letter from Amos last week and he said that he received a letter from Ada,
stating that you were failing in health. We are all well and hearty and hope you are all
improved to the same state. We are living in Reading now and I am working as night
watchman, at the rope walk. I have worked continually every night for nearly four years,
and as I have to sleep in day time, you can see that I haven't got much time to write.
So you will excuse me for not writing so long. I suppose you have heard that Charley and
Sue, Dave's children have both died in about one year, and Ellie is right poorly with
consumption. But Will and Grant are about as usual. But Grant had the grip very bad, and
he is not over it yet. He is married and has one daughter and he lives with us. The grip
has been very bad here, lots of people died with it. Mat. had it. But Dan & I have escaped
so far. Mat. is still working at the rope walk, and is about the same as he always was
only a little older. And Dan. is failing in health since Kit died. But he is still keeping
house. His wife's sister Mrs. Reiff is keeping house for him. And Amos is living with him.
I suppose you know that Amos's wife and children have all died. And he is all alone now.
Albert is married too now and has one child, but he don't live with his wife. Things have
changed very much since you have been here last. I think you might take a trip and come to
see us once, it would do you good to let your work lay for awhile, and take a short vacation.
You could enjoy yourself and take it easy for awhile, while you would be here. Now I would
like to here from you very much, as we are anxious to know how you all are getting along.
don't forget to answer soon, and let us know all the news and we will be more prompt in
answering your letter next time. I will close for this tie hoping to hear from you very soon.
No more at present but remain, your Brother
Samuel Bechtold
#639 Moss St.
Reading, Berks Co. Pa.
P.S. Our love and regards and best respects to the children and to all inquiring friends.
S.B.
Submitted by: Joann.

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