I have always been drawn to the Founding Fathers. In my opinion, the Revolutionary War is one of the most significant events in world history. Because of it, a Constitutional Republic was formed that allowed for religious freedom and the advancement of technological thought to thrive and make society what it is today. Yes, there have been some rough spots, and it is not 100% perfect, but I can’t imagine what the world would be like if the US Revolutionary War did not occur.
My 5th Great Grand Father, Johann Michael Kieffer was born in Germany on May 8th, 1724. He eventually boarded a ship and started his 90-day voyage to the United States on April 15, 1773. He brought his children, and his wife with him on the voyage. His wife passed away while at sea and she was given a water burial. I have always wanted to know if he fought in the Revolutionary War. He landed in Baltimore Pennsylvania during the time of the framing of the Declaration of Independence, the writing of the Constitution, as well as the Revolutionary War.
For years I have tried to connect him in some way to the Revolutionary War. But I have to this day had no success in doing so. However, when he voyaged to America, he brought with him my 4th Great Grand Father John Jacob Kieffer who was born on October 16, 1759. John Jacob was the fifth child of Johann and his first son. I have been able to find a direct link to John Jacob and the Revolutionary War.
Documents show that on July 1, 1777, he received money for being a member of the 2nd Pennsylvania Regiment. He belonged to Company A which was under the command of Captian John Patterson.
I have not been able to find any information on what battles he participated in, what rank he held, or when he joined the regiment. The regiment was authorized to be part of the Continental Army in October 1775 and was disbanded on November 15, 1783. The 2nd regiment participated in several significant Campaigns and Battles. [Source: revolutionarywar.us]
- Invasion of Quebec 1775-1776
“The Invasion of Quebec was the first major military initiative by the newly formed Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. The objective of the campaign was to gain military control of the British Province of Quebec, and convince French-speaking Canadians to join the revolution on the side of the Thirteen Colonies.” - New York and New Jersey Campaign 1776-77
“The New York and New Jersey campaign was a series of battles for control of New York City and the state of New Jersey in the American Revolutionary War between British forces under General Sir William Howe and the Continental Army under General George Washington in 1776 and the winter months of 1777.”
- Philadelphia Campaign 1777-78
“The Philadelphia campaign was a British initiative to gain control of Philadelphia, which was then the seat of the Second Continental Congress. British General William Howe, after unsuccessfully attempting to draw the Continental Army under General George Washington into a battle in northern New Jersey, embarked his army on transports, and landed them at the northern end of Chesapeake Bay. From there, he advanced northward toward Philadelphia.” - New Jersey 1780
I do know that John Jacob was not killed during the Revolutionary War. He married Eva Margaret Fritz on September 2, 1787, in Somerset, Pennsylvania. They then had 9 children. He died on January 28th, 1828 in Milton Township, Ohio.
In the book “History of Wayne County, Ohio: From the Days of the Pioneers and First Settlers to the Present Time” by Benjamin Douglass there is a paragraph about John Jacob Kieffer on page 684.
“John Jacob Kieffer, among the first emigrants to Milton township, was born October 16, 1759, in the Provisdiction of Zweibricken, Europe. His great-great-grandfather, De Wald Kieffer, was a native of Paris, and of wealthy and noble ancestry. He was the fifth child and oldest son of Michael Kieffer and left Europe with his parents on April 15, 1773. They first settled in Bedford County, PA., and lived there for about eight years, then crossed the Allegheny mountains and settled in Somerset County. Here, on September 2, 1787, he married Anna Eva Fritaz, by whom he had nine children, viz: Michael, Margaret, Elizabeth, Adam, Mary, Jacob, Susanna, Joseph, and Eva, who were all born in Somerset County, PA. In the spring of 1815 he, with his family, immigrated to Wayne County, Ohio, and settled upon the northeast quarter of section 35 of Milton township, there being but few settlers in advance of him. he died there [on] February 23, 1828. His wife died September 29, 1843, aged 75 years.”
John Jacob has been one of many veterans who have supported the United States in wars and conflicts around the world. Including my father Alvin H Kieffer, and my grandfather Alvin Kieffer (WWII). When my father died, we found in his belongings a discharge card from the Utah Air National Guard. He had mentioned that he was in the military, but did not say much about it. I have since tried to find more information, but unfortunately, his service records were destroyed in a fire. I have also had uncles, great-uncles, and other relatives who have served and who are serving for the United States in different branches of the military.
I want to thank all of those who have, who are, and who will fight to keep the ideals of the Revolutionary War alive in the world. The US Constitution is one of the most important documents to ever be authored. It has been the catalyst for over a hundred different country revolutions and constitutions around the world.
Mike Kieffer is an IT geek by hobby and trade, with a BS in Information Systems & Technology. He is a proud father of 10, a grandpa, an author, a journalist, and internet publisher. His motto is to “Elevate, Inspire and Inform”, and he is politically conservative and a Christian. Mike has a passion for technology, writing, and helping others. With a wealth of experience, he is committed to sharing his knowledge with others to help them reach their full potential. He is known for his jackassery or his form of self-expression that encourages boldness, creativity, and risk-taking. It can be a way to push the boundaries and challenge traditional norms, leading to creative solutions and positive change.