Deissinger Family Early Narrative

Excerpt from 250 Years in America - 1998 Reunion Paper by Frank Disinger - "Our first immigrant ancestors to arrive in America landed in Philadelphia on Sept 17, 1748. Their landing and qualifying is verified in Pennsylvania German Pioneers by Strassburger and Hinke as follows: Volume 1 Page 383 [list 122A] Bartel Tiesingen 66, Hendk Tiesingen 18 " (on the ship Patience, see below)

Before Immigrating

As Frank Disinger outlines below, there were several possible reasons why Barthel Deissinger emigrated from Steinwenden, Germany, to America, from the encouragement and support of William Penn to the religious, warring, and economic strife in the Palatinate to personal reasons.

Excerpt from the 1998 Two hundred fifty (250) Years in America reunion paper by Frank A. Disinger, Deissinger Family Historian -

"What could be the reason(s) for this family to leave the Rhineland - Palatinate area of Germany? By looking at the fact that the mortality rate of the Family was very high, other reasons abounded. The great migrations from the area were caused for many reasons - poor crops, bad winters [Medieval Little Ice Age], heavy taxes, military service, and religious persecution. The wars fought for this area between France and Germany were many and disrupted their lives with uncertainty and often made it impossible to provide adequately for one's family. Also promises of the 'land of plenty' in America, along with England's encouragement by offering low-cost land to settlers, must have weighed heavily in Barthel's decision."

Eric Dysinger visited Germany in 2012, 2013, and 2015 and found Barthel and his parents in the Steinwenden church records, as documented on his website (see Eric's Papers below). Barthel's father was Johan (Hans) Georg Deissinger, who was a baker. He married Catharina Seyler in May of 1672 in the town of Wolfstein, Germany, about 9 miles north of Steinwenden. Johan (Hans) Georg's parents were Hans Theobald (also a baker) and Ottilia Deissinger, who lived in Wolfstein. Johan (Hans) Georg and Catharina had four daughters and five sons. By 1748, the year Barthel left for America, his first wife, 11 of his children, his siblings, and his parents had all died. While the causes of their deaths are unknown, Barthel likely had little reason to remain in Germany.

Passage

Eric Dysinger also suggested that Barthel arrived in America in 1748 with more of his family than just his son Heinrich Erasmus, namely Anna Barbara Bernhard (Barthel's second wife), daughters Maria Magdalena and pregnant Catharina Barbara, and sons Johann Jacob and Johann Wilhelm. This matches up with Barthel's presumed family. This means Barthel and his family paid the passage for 7 or 8 people for the trip to America, each costing about one year's income for a farmer from the Palatinate region in Germany. Additionally, Eric discovered that Barthel was a baker and an innkeeper, which may explain how he could have afforded to help pay for their emigration.

note- While there are German birth and baptism records for Anna Barbara, Maria Magdalena, Catharina Barbara, Johann Jacob, and Johann Wilhelm, and they arguably immigrated with Barthel and Heinrich, there are currently no American records for them that indicate what may have happened to them after arriving in Pennsylvania. They all likely lived and were buried in Tulpehocken with Barthel and Heinrich, but the records of their lives and deaths have presumably been lost to handling and deterioration over 250 years.

On Arrival

Frank Disinger states in his 1998 Two Hundred Fifty (250) Years in America reunion paper that 2 years after arriving in Philadelphia, Barthel was recorded as mortgaging 200 acres of land from Conrad Weiser in Andulhea near Rehrersburg, Tulpehocken, Berks County, PA (see photo/map below), for 190 pounds (about $30,000 today), which he finished paying off in 1752 at age 70. At his death in 1770, Barthel was likely buried in his church cemetery in Tulpehocken.

Tulpehocken Culture

Conrad Weiser's homestead was in Heidelberg Township, Berks County, PA, about 6 miles southeast of Rehrersburg, 5 miles west of Reading, PA. Excerpt from the Heidelberg Township website - 

"The first settlements in Heidelberg were made in 1735. The number of the first immigrants was small, consisting of isolated families who had come from Switzerland and Westphalia [Germany]. Until 1840, there was little mingling with other people. Those who had possession of the land conveyed it from one heir to another, and thus kept it among their descendants. Schools of the English language were scarce. Churches, both of the German Reformed and Lutheran denominations, were found all over the county and were well attended. There was strict adherence to the doctrine of the churches; the parents greatly desired having their children trained in the precepts of Christianity. It was rare for a stranger to settle among them."

Tulpehocken, where Barthel and his family lived, being close to Heidelberg in distance and inhabitants, was likely similar in culture. Berks County is in the heart of the Pennsylvania Dutch region (Palatinate Germans) in southeast Pennsylvania. 

Pennsylvania Dutch

Google AI - "The Pennsylvania Dutch (or Pennsylvania Germans) are an ethnic group descended from 17th-18th century German-speaking immigrants, primarily from the Palatinate region. Known for preserving a unique, mostly oral, German dialect (Deitsch), they are divided into "Plain" (Amish/Mennonite) and "Fancy" (Lutheran/Reformed) groups. They are renowned for their agricultural tradition, unique arts, and, particularly, the Amish, a simple, non-modern lifestyle."

• Barthel's grandsons, Johan Nicholas, Johan George (John), & Johan Wilhelm (William) Deissinger fought in the American Revolution. 

• His great-grandsons, Nicholas' sons, George Disinger and David Deissinger served in the War of 1812. 

• His great-great-grandson, David Deissinger's son, David D. Disinger served in the Civil War. 

• His great-great-grandson, Thomas Deissinger's son, Thomas W. Dysinger died in the Civil War. 

• His great-great-great-grandsons, Thomas Deissinger's grandsons, Henry Dysinger and Isaac Dysinger died in the Civil War. 

• His great-great-great-grandsons, David Deissinger's grandsons, Henry A. Ernest, George Disinger, and grandson-in-law Thomas C. McEwen also served in the Civil War. 

• There were a couple of Spanish American War veterans, about 10 WWI veterans, and many WWII and Korean/Vietnam veterans. See Reunion Papers 2009 Addendum for more details.

For the first Deissinger reunion in 1901, Lyman Dysinger wrote about Nicholas, "With his two brothers, John & William, he served on the side of the colonists in the American Revolution." For the 115th Deissinger reunion, in honor of Cpl. Nicholas Deissinger, the Henry Clay Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution in Virginia, obtained a bronze plaque placed permanently in the Town of Pendleton, NY, park.

Excerpt of full bio for Daniel Disinger, grandson of Nicholas

Portrait and biographical record of Seneca and Schuyler Counties, New York 1895, p. 380 -

"He [Nicholas] served as a soldier in the Revolutionary War, as did also two of his brothers, William and John. They never returned, however, and the natural supposition is that they were killed in battle, but there is no certainty on this point." 

note- Neither William nor John died in the war. An explanation for this misunderstanding is that William died about 20 years before Nicholas, and John died nearly 40 years before. By 1895, Nicholas' descendants had either forgotten or were unaware of their (great) granduncles, who had died 70 and 90 years earlier.

WikiTree - Nicholas and his brother William served together in Captain Conrad Shirman's Company of the Sixth Battalion of Berks County Militia, commanded by Colonel Joseph Heister, during the American Revolutionary War. William served as a Sergeant; his brother Nicholas was a Corporal.

FamilySearch.org- Captain Conrad Shirman's Company of the Sixth Battalion of Berks County, PA. Brothers William and Nicholas were listed, but did not include Johan George (John), who served in a different company earlier.

FindAGrave- In 1780, the company was called into active duty against the Indians for 1 month (Aug 10 to Sep 9).

DAR/SAR Members

For the 115th Deissinger reunion, in honor of Cpl. Nicholas Deissinger, the Henry Clay Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) in Virginia, obtained a bronze plaque permanently placed in the Town of Pendelton, NY, park (see photo below).  The earliest known DAR member may have been Eliza A. (Dysinger) Sprague, born in 1850, the granddaughter of George Disinger, Nicholas's son, who lived in Holley, NY, and died in 1927. Reportedly, one male, Foster Disinger, from the Jacob Disinger branch, had an SAR membership. However, his SAR records seem to be missing.

To date, 24 Disinger daughters have obtained DAR memberships- 

Eliza A. (Dysinger) Sprague

Maude Dysinger Sprague

Pearl M. (Sprague) Goff

Letah M (Dysinger) Johnston

Margaret L Johnston

Florence (Deisinger) White

Effie (Dysinger) Coburn

Mary (Riddell) Morgan

Doris (Fry) Bower

Patricia (Dysinger) Jones

Georgia (Peck) Soule

Laura (Peck) Mahnke

Name Restricted George Dysinger II branch

Name Restricted Henry Disinger branch

Name Restricted Henry Disinger branch

Name Restricted George Dysinger II branch

Name Restricted Lydia (Disinger) Behe branch

Name Restricted George Dysinger II branch

Name Restricted Isaac Dysinger branch

Name Restricted Lydia (Disinger) Behe branch

Name Restricted George Dysinger II branch

Name Restricted George Dysinger II branch

Name Restricted Samuel Disinger branch

Name Restricted Jacob Disinger branch

Sullivan Expedition

During the Revolution, Major General John Sullivan used Native American trails when he led his troops from Easton, Pennsylvania (30 miles east of Berks County, PA) to New York along the Great Warriors Path. In 1779, as ordered by Commander-in-Chief George Washington, General Sullivan and about 4,000 troops marched from Easton following Indian trails (see map below) to exact revenge on the Iroquois (Haudenosaunee) for their attacks on colonialists the previous year. Some of his troops came from Berks County, as highlighted on the map. General Sullivan destroyed Iroquois Indian villages along the Susquehanna River in Pennsylvania and continued into New York, through Seneca County between Seneca Lake and Cayuga Lake, as well as Geneva and Canandaigua, New York. The Iroquois fought back, but were no match for their attackers, and many of the survivors fled to Niagara Falls and Canada. There are monuments and plaques along General Sullivan's path to commemorate the expedition.

Berks County Militia

Nicholas Deisinger and his brother William served in Captain Conrad Shirman's Co, 6th Battalion, Berks County Militia. In 1780, the company was called into active duty against the Indians for 1 month. While Nicholas and William did not seem to have taken part in General Sullivan's Expedition, they would almost certainly have heard stories about it from fellow militia veterans afterwards. Nicholas and his sons were likely well aware that the Iroquois had been completely defeated and that their former lands had been left abandoned. Also, they would have known that the Indian trails along the Susquehanna River led directly to the Iroquois' former lands in Seneca County and elsewhere in New York.

After the Sullivan Expedition

Below are two articles written by Seneca County Historian Walt Gable, describing the Seneca County land designated a Cayuga Indian reservation in 1789 by treaty after the Sullivan Expedition. The reservation's western border was marked by Route 414, an old Indian path. In a 1795 treaty, the Cayugas released the reservation land to NY State, which then proceeded to sell lots to settlers. John Disinger's original farm in 1804 was apparently west of the Reservation Road, Route 414. Afterwards, all the other Disinger-owned farms were east of Route 414 (except for part of John Disinger's third estate), meaning they were once part of the former Cayuga reservation. 

In 1804, Nicholas' oldest son, John, moved to Seneca County, NY, alone, presumably following the Indian trails used by the Sullivan Expedition. In 1805, Nicholas' son Thomas followed his brother John to Seneca County. In 1812, Nicholas' sons, George and David, served in the War of 1812 near Fort Erie and Buffalo. In 1813, Nicholas and George left Pennsylvania and moved to Seneca County, where John and Thomas were. Afterwards, in 1828, David moved his family from Pennsylvania to Keck Road in the Town of Lockport, Niagara County. He likely passed through Seneca County, where his father and brothers were living, before following other Indian trails to Niagara County. George followed his brother David, moving his family in 1830 to Royalton in Niagara County near David's homestead. Also, by 1830, Thomas had left Seneca County and was living in the Town of Lockport. Ten years later, by 1840, Thomas had left Lockport and moved to Wood County, Ohio, likely following the Indian trails along the coast of Lake Erie. 

Except for John, who perhaps traveled on foot, all the Disingers traveled by horse and wagon with their possessions and children, taking, in several cases, more than a month. Even as early as 1800, the former Indian trails from Seneca Falls, NY, to Batavia, NY, and from Batavia to Lewiston, NY (the Chestnut Ridge/Lewiston Road in Royalton) had been widened for wagon use with some local roadhouses along the way for travelers. Certainly, though, there were long stretches that were wild and untamed. And, being farmers with children, they likely had no extra money to spend on luxuries such as prepared meals and accommodations.

Epilogue

This website has tried to avoid long, involved history lessons. However, some history helps explain how (and why) it impacted the lives and decisions the Disingers made in the past, as this brief overview of the Sullivan Expedition does. You can find more information on Wikipedia and elsewhere online. The Sullivan Expedition and the War of 1812 likely influenced and aided Nicholas and his sons' decision to move to Seneca County, NY, and eventually Niagara County, NY.

Nicholas Deisinger's full Will

In the name of God Amen, I Nicholas Deisinger of the town of Fayette in the county of Seneca N.Y. Yeoman being mindful of my mortality do this eighth day of June in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and thirty make and publish this my last will and testament in manner following. First I daine [desire] to be decently and privately buried in the churchyard at Christ Church without any funeral pomp and with as little expense as may be. First I give and devise unto my daughter Catherine Overhouse of Seneca County N.Y. three Bonds against my son David Disinger of fifty six pound five shilling Each two of the said Bonds said David my son has received for her maintainance and the said David shall receive the third bond, if he will maintain the [said] Catherine Decently for life, and if the said David will not keep said Catherine Overhouse then said David shall pay the three Bonds above mentioned of 56 & 58 Each without interest, to the Executors for the keeping of the Said Catherine (Said Cath" [Catherine] not being senable [may have meant sensible, or the German "sensibel" meaning sensitive]) Also to my daughter Barbara Bergstrasser, To my son John Deisinger, To my Son Thomas Deisinger, to my son George Deisinger, to my daughter Susan Crow. Each of the above Last mentioned names to have equal shares, first deducting off each that has been Charged on book Seperately against Each heir. Also I Give to my wife Eve Catherine Deisinger during her life the use of my house and Lot of Land in Said Town, county & state aforesaid for her use and maintainance, One Cow, and as much furniture as my wife wishes to keep, and after her death my executors shall and may sell the said lot + goods for the best price and Divid Equal to each heir - All the rest and residue of of my personal estate what soever and where soever, of what nature kind and quallity soever the same may be and not herein before given and disposed of shall be sold by my Executors and the funeral Expenses and Debts first to be paid, and Divid as above mentioned. And I do constitute and appoint John Deising and George Singer of Fayette Seneca County N.Y., Executors of this my last will and testament. In witness whereof I have here unto set my hand and seal the day first above writen. [signed] Nicholas Deisinger

Signed Sealed published and declared by the said testator as and for his last will and testament in our presence, who, at his request in his presence and in the presence of Each other have subscribed our names as witnesses thereto. 

[signed by the witnesses]  Daniel HOLMAN, Samuel RUTHRAUFF, and Samuel ROUSH

I certify that the foregoing is correct record of the will of Nicholas Deisinger, deceased, at the same was proved before me on the twenty fifth day of October 1841, and of the proofs of the said will, as the same were reduced to writing, signed by the witnesses on that day.

[signed] I. H. Halsey, Surrogate

note- In a statement preceding the probate of Nicholas' will, the witness Daniel Holman stated that Nicholas did not read (or write) English and that Daniel wrote the will in English at the request of Nicholas, according to his directions. After making several corrections, Daniel carefully read the will back to Nicholas, who approved it. The witnesses then affirmed and signed that Nicholas was of sound mind, memory, and understanding, and not under any restraint. At the time of Nicholas' death, two of the witnesses, Samuel Ruthrauff and Samuel Roush, had moved away from New York State.

German Evangelical Reformed (Christ) Church, Fayette, NY

Rev. Diedrich Willers, the minister of the German Evangelical Reformed Church in Fayette from 1821 to 1882, likely ministered at Nicholas' burial and christened some Deissinger children as well. Rev. Willers was born and orphaned in Germany, fought in the famous Battle of Waterloo near Brussels, Belgium, and was awarded a silver medal.  He emigrated to the US in 1819, became an ordained minister in Hanover, PA, moved to Seneca County, NY, and was appointed minister of the Christ (Stone) Church. Rev. Willers went on to found and serve at more than 11 churches by horseback from nearby Cayuga to Lockport, Niagara County, NY, which likely wasn't a coincidence. Several families in the Disinger family tree moved to Niagara County, and other former Seneca County families did as well. They may have encouraged Rev. Willers to start a new church in Lockport.

Nicholas' wife, Eve Catherine's maiden name

Frank Disinger questioned Nicholas' wife's maiden name in his 1998 Two Hundred Fifty (250) Years in America reunion paper. It's been given as Weisner/Wiesner, Cera/Cere/Cerah, and Ceroupe. There's no definitive, consistent proof of any one of them being correct. There are some possible reasons for this. Before 1850, the US Census did not list the names of everyone in a family, only the head of the family. So unless there was a birth/christening/marriage record, a will, or a rare obituary, tracing a woman who lived before 1850 from birth to death can be difficult or nearly impossible. When a woman (re)married and moved, she essentially disappeared and was no longer connected by name to her former family. Frank settled on Wiesner because another genealogist had heard of it and thought she was likely connected to Wessnerville, PA, now Stony Run, PA.

Fred Dhon Dysinger wrote in his History of Nicholas Deissinger paper that he believed Eve Wiesner was born in Stony Run, PA, because it was originally named Wessnerville for Conrad Wiesner/Weiser. In 1740, Conrad Weiser purchased 50 acres of land in Albany Township, Berks County, for Pastor Henry Melchior Mühlenberg, who was married to Conrad's daughter, Anna Maria Weiser. The land was intended to build a church for the Lutherans. In 1746, Conrad invited the Lutherans to use this land for a church and school. It lies on the Lynn Township (Lehigh County) line, near Wessnerville Road.

Apparently, none of those maiden names are correct. A marriage record was found for Nicholas and Eve in the published 1769-1844 marriage records of the Trinity Tulpehocken Reformed Church in Richland, Lebanon County, PA. Eve Catherine's maiden name was given as Sicher. They were married on 26 Apr 1779. Nicholas' last name was spelled Theissinger. The church is still standing less than a mile from the current border of Berks County and about 4 miles south of Barthel's former farm, which was Nicholas' home at the time. Sicher is a surname of German origin, so her family was likely German Platinate immigrants as well.

According to the History of Berks County in Pennsylvania in the Revolution (see above), in 1776 Nicholas and John Deissinger's militia unit, Captain John Lesher’s Company, marched from Womelsdorf, PA, 6 miles south of their father's farm, to NJ, near Staten Island, NY, 135 miles in 11 days. The book details each stop along the way. They stopped near Kutztown, PA, and a day later, near Bethlehem, PA. The town of Old Zionsville, Lehigh County, PA, is between them. Jacob Sicher lived in Old Zionsville with 7 daughters. Several of his daughters were about the right age to be Nicholas' wife. However, little is known about the daughters beyond some of their baptisms. So Nicholas could have met his future wife near Old Zionsville while traveling with his company. After the battle, he may have returned to marry her before serving again 4 years later. The entire Nicolaus Deissinger branch, with more than 7,000 descendants, may have hinged on Nicholas and Eve's chance meeting before he fought in and survived a Revolutionary War battle.

Excerpt from the 2008 Cradle to Grave reunion paper by Frank A. Disinger, Deissinger Family Historian

"What can be said about Nicholas' 86-year 3-month-long pilgrimage? He spent 31 years in Berks Co, PA; 27 years in Cumberland Co, PA; and 28 years in Seneca Co, NY. In miles, it covered about 340. [see Maps and Locations] He raised 7 children. He has 42 grandchildren that we know of. Several more are possible since little is known about the descendants of his daughters. We have charted approximately 5,100 descendants.

Was he patriotic? He saw service during our country's 'War for Freedom.' He must have been community-minded since he served as a constable in Toboyne Township, Cumberland Co, PA in 1804.

Nicholas was our family's first generation born in America. There's no indication that he lived anything other than an honorable life. He was frugal as most foreign families were and eager to improve their 'LOT' in this new world. We should, as one of his now-known descendants, give thanks and praise for his foresight and his contributions to our heritage." 

note- Updated to 57 grandchildren and hundreds more descendants of Barbara (Deissinger) Bergstresser, who once lived in Yates County, NY. We're not sure how Frank arrived at 5,100, given that two major branches weren't uncovered until after his death. 

FindAGrave bio by Eldon Dysinger

"Nicholas was spoken of as a "smith" and was a small taxpayer in Tulpehocken in 1780 and 1781. He did not own any land at that time, but in 1781 he had 1 cow. His name disappears from the tax rolls in 1785. Based on birth records of his children, he left Tulpehocken after 1783 and moved to Cumberland County and then to Franklin County (now part of Cumberland). About 1792 or 1793, they moved to Perry area of Cumberland County where he owned 2 adjacent farms in the Sherman Valley. After the War of 1812, Nicholas and his son George sold their farms and moved to Seneca County, NY. [see Maps and Locations] They farmed in NY. Earlier, sons John and Thomas had already moved to Seneca County. Nicholas was a corporal in Captain Conrad Shirman's Co, 6th Battalion, Berks County Militia (Joseph Hiester, Colonel). In 1780, the company was called into active duty against the Indians for 2 months (Aug 10 to Sep 9). Nicholas's grave marker was damaged and replaced with a marker with his name misspelled as Nicholas Disinger 1776. This is believed to commemorate his service in the American Revolution."

note- The local Seneca Falls DAR chapter replaced Nicholas'  original damaged gravestone with an incorrect one, see Paul M. Disinger Jr.'s bio.

Excerpt of Daniel Disinger bio

Portrait and biographical record of Seneca and Schuyler Counties, New York 1895, p. 380 -

"Grandfather Nicholas Disinger came to Seneca County about six years after his son John came, purchasing twenty acres of land, and here passed the remainder of his days. He lived to be eighty four years of age, while his good wife reached the age of eighty-eight. He served as a soldier in the Revolutionary War, as did also two of his brothers, William and John. They never returned, however, and the natural supposition is that they were killed in battle, but there is no certainty on this point. John Disinger [Nicholas' son] was drafted into the War of 1812, but considered it his duty to remain at home and hired a substitute." [a common practice for those who could afford it]

note- This book was published in 1895, 100+ years after the American Revolution and Nicholas, William, and Johan George's (John) lives. Nicholas' life was well documented here and elsewhere, but his brothers' lives were not. William died after the war, leaving only a will. Johan George (John) seemed to have disappeared, but Eric Dysinger and others found him. He's listed in FamilySearch and here, with an extensive family located in south-central Pennsylvania.

Mid-1800s US Census Fayette, NY

1840 US Census for Fayette, Seneca County, NY - Two J. Deisingers were listed within 6 homesteads of each other. Unfortunately, no individual names were recorded as were in later censuses. On the first page, one had 5 males and 2 females. The other one had 4 males and 3 females. There was also N. Deisinger with 1 male 80-90 y.o. and 1 female 70-80 y.o. who must have been Nicholas & Eve (Wiesner). And there were 2 more J. Deisingers, one with 3 males and 1 female, 50-60 y.o. The other had 3 males and 2 females.

note- There may have been only three J. Desingers, not four. The handwriting is difficult to read, and the surveyees may not have spoken or understood English well.

1850 US Census for Fayette - Daniel Dysinger, 4-year-old William Dysinger (his mother died earlier in the year), Jacob Williamson, Elizabeth Williamson, and Mary M. Gambee lived together. Just a few households down were John (Sr), Caroline, Margaret, Ellen, and Lyman Dysinger. They were immediately followed by Jacob, Mary C., James, and Elizabeth Dysinger. Several pages later, there was John, Elizabeth, Samuel, Caroline, and infant Velaria Disinger. They were Johannes/John and Elizabeth (Ernsberger) Deissinger with his son Samuel, daughter-in-law Caroline (Bookman) and granddaughter Velaria.

Three of the J. Deisingers in the 1840 census are accounted for. One was John (Sr) and Caroline (Yost) Disinger, the second was Jacob and Mary C. (Gambee) Disinger, and the third was Johannes/John and Elizabeth (Ernsberger) Deissinger. 

In short, Nicholas Deissinger moved to Fayette from Cumberland County, PA, with most of his immediate family. According to Lyman Dysinger's 1901 reunion paper (Nicholas' great-grandson), his grandfather Johannes/John came to Fayette in 1804 before Nicholas. Johannes/John worked a week to earn the money to buy an axe to build a log house in the forest for his wife, southwest of the Burgh Church. This concurs with Frank Disinger's 2008 reunion paper, where he states that Nicholas and George, with their families, arrived in Seneca County in 1813 from Pennsylvania. Sons Johannes/John and Thomas had previously arrived, Johannes/John in 1804, and Thomas in 1805.

Nicholas Deissinger 's children:

• Cattharina, Nicholas's oldest daughter, presumably lived in Seneca County. 

• Barbara, Nicholas's second daughter, married Christian Bergstresser and moved to Yates County, NY, on the west side of Seneca Lake, about 20 miles from her parents. Although she and her husband eventually moved to Ohio by 1838, some of her descendants stayed in Yates County, some moved to Royalton, NY, and many stayed in Ohio.

• Johannes/John, Nicholas's oldest son, his wife, Elizabeth (Ernsberger), and his family lived on Tom Allen Rd. in Fayette. 

  • • Johannes/John's second daughter, C. Elizabeth, married John Frantz (many Frantz were in Seneca County) and moved to Royalton, Niagara County, NY.

    • Johannes/John's first son, John (Sr), lived on State Route 89, Fayette. 

      • • John (Sr)'s oldest son, Lyman Dysinger, was mentioned many times in the Disinger reunion minutes.

• John (Sr)'s second son, Jacob, lived on Seybolt Rd just north of his grandfather Nicholas' farm.

• John (Sr)'s second daughter, Nancy, married Michael Hoster and lived in the village of Seneca Falls.

• Johannes/John's third son, Daniel, lived on Bull Farm Rd and Rte 89 in Fayette near Cayuga Lake.

• Johannes/John's fourth son, Samuel, inherited his farm.

• Thomas, Nicholas's second son, lived a few years in Fayette until his first wife died and then moved to Ohio.

• George and David, Nicholas' third and fourth sons, moved to Niagara County. David was the first to move in 1828, followed by George in 1830.

• Susan, Nicholas's third daughter, appears to have married Henry Crow. Henry's family was listed in the 1820 US Census for Fayette, NY, near John, George, and Nicholas Disinger, with 5 people: 2 daughters, 1 son, and he and his wife. By the 1830 US Census, Henry Crow's family was no longer listed in Fayette (see below).

The census information above closely matches the information from Lyman Dysinger's and Stephen A. Dysinger's papers for the first Disinger Reunion in 1901.

At first, Barbara (Deissinger) Bergstresser's branch was severely underestimated at about 40 descendants. Barbara has, in fact, over three thousand descendants, exceeding her brothers (George, Johannes John, David, and Thomas) and her uncle Johan George's (John) branches.

One of Nicholas' three daughters, Barbara Deissinger, was born on 9 May 1781 in Tulpehocken, Berks Co., Pennsylvania. She was baptized on 27 May 1781 in the Host Reformed Church, Tulpehocken. She died in 1870 at the age of 89 in Scipio, Ohio. Barbara was buried in 1870 in St. Jacob's Cemetery in Adams Twp., Ohio. Christian Bergstresser, son of John Jacob Bergstresser and Anna Rosina, was born on 21 Nov 1777 in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Christian died on 10 Jun 1845 at the age of 67 in Clinton Twp., Seneca Co., Ohio.

PA and NY

Barbara Deissinger and Christian Bergstresser were married in 1800 in Cumberland County, PA, where they were likely living with her father, Nicholas Deissinger. Their first child, Catherine, was born in 1804. She was listed as born in New York, but an 1850 census shows Pennsylvania. Their second child, Anna, was also born in PA. Their third child, David, was born in 1810 in Seneca County, New York. This means Barbara followed her brother John to Seneca County before her father moved to NY in 1813. The rest of their children were born in NY; the middle three were likely born in Seneca County, and the last three, William, Rebecca, and Nancy, were born in Yates County, NY, on the west side of Seneca Lake, north of Penn Yan, NY. This means Barbara and Christian moved there sometime before 1819, when William was born, and stayed until 1824, when Nancy was born.

Ohio

By 1832, two of their grandchildren, John W. Leisenring and Jacob Singer, were born in Niagara County, NY. Catherine (Bergstresser) and her husband Daniel Leisenring eventually moved to Ohio and died in Seneca County, OH, but the rest of their family eventually moved to Michigan. However, the Singer family stayed in Royalton, Niagara County, NY, living near Disingers Corner. Later, some of the (great)grandchildren moved to Michigan, while a few moved to Lockport, NY. Anna (Bergstresser) and Daniel Miller moved to Seneca County, Ohio by about 1841, and their entire branch has stayed mainly in and around that area. The youngest Bergstressers, William, Rebecca, and Nancy, moved with their family to Seneca County, OH. They grew up there, they married there, and their descendants have remained mostly in the same area of Ohio.

Yates County, NY

Many of the other Bergstresser (great)grandchildren remained in Yates County, NY, including the Salome (Bergstresser) Tomion branch, who still own a farm north of Penn Yan, NY. 

Attraction

So what was the attraction of north west/central Ohio? The Bergstressers weren't the only Deissinger cousins or other German immigrant families who moved there. The answer is apparently about cheap land and community/culture. Seneca County, OH, and the cities of Tiffin and Republic attracted many German immigrants for the desirable and affordable farmland in the area. Due to this, in the early 1800s, the German Reformed Church had 74 churches in Ohio, presumably around Seneca County and nearby counties. Many German immigrants belonged to the German Reformed Church, the same church Nicholas Deissinger attended in NY. Members of the German Reformed Church in Ohio decided to found Heidelberg College in 1850 in the city of Tiffin. Heidelberg College/Universtity has remained affiliated with the Reformed Church, later the Evangelical and Reformed Church, and now known today as the United Church of Christ. Many of the Bergstresser descendants' obituaries mention they graduated from Heidelberg College.

Daniel's son, John

Portrait and biographical record of Seneca and Schuyler Counties, New York 1895, p. 355 - 

JOHN E. DISINGER. Among the enterprising agriculturists who are making a success of their calling, we feel in duty bound to make mention of our subject, who is one of the most intelligent of his class in Seneca County. He comes of a prominent family in this section, one which has aided greatly in the settlement and development of the town of Fayette. 

Mr. Disinger was born in the above town on the 2d of March, 1856. He is now living two miles south of Canoga, on a finely cultivated estate, to which he gives his entire time and attention. His parents were Daniel and Christiana (Schroyer) Disinger, and for a full history of this worthy couple we refer the reader to another page in this volume.

Our subject grew to manhood on the old homestead in this town, and received a good education, as did also his brothers and sisters. He did what he could to assist in the cultivation of the home place, and by so doing not only served his father, but gained a thorough knowledge of the vocation which he determined to follow. He was married, March 3, 1880, to Miss Celia E. Huff, whose birth occurred in the town of Fayette October 20, 1859. Her parents, Janies I,, and Clarissa M. (Nease) Huff, were well known residents of this neighborhood, and Miss Celia and John E. were schoolmates. Their union has been blessed by the birth of a son, Berney J., who was born July 17, 1889, on the place where they now live. Mrs. Disinger has one brother, George N , who is a farmer by occupation, and bv his marriage with Hannah Peters has one child, Pearl.

When our subject was twenty years of age, his father paid him wages at the rate of $100 per year, he receiving this amount until his marriage. After that event young Disinger worked the homestead on shares, his father agreeing to this arrangement for fourteen years. His parents then decided to let him have one hundred acres of land, for which he was to pay a certain sum of money. Industry and enterprise are numbered among his chief characteristics, and by his upright dealing and good business ability he has won prosperity. He exercises his right of franchise in favor of the Democratic party, casting his first Presidential vote for Hancock in 1880.

Mr. Disinger has two brothers, Peter E. and Sidney F. The former is engaged in farming on a good estate in this town, two miles south of Canoga. He was born January 26, 1854, and February 13, 1878, was married to Miss Mary J. Yelueff. They have two children: Frank P., born December 1, 1878; and Anabell, December 14, 1882. Like the other members of his family, he, too, is a Democrat. The other brother, Sidney, lives with his father on the old homestead.

Johannes (John's) daughter, Nicholas' granddaughter, C. Elizabeth "Betsey" Disinger, was born on 17 Apr 1813 in Fayette Township, Seneca County, New York. She was baptized on 25 Dec 1824. She died on 27 Jan 1892 at the age of 78 in Niagara Co., New York. C. Elizabeth and John C. Frantz were married on 23 Mar 1832. John, son of Jacob F. Frantz and Anna Maria Crist, was born on 19 Apr 1809. He lived in Niagara Co., New York, in 1855. He was buried in 1876 in Union-Dysinger Cemetery, Twn. Royalton, Niagara Co, New York. John died on 10 Nov 1876 at the age of 67 in Niagara Co., New York. 

C. Elizabeth was the only child of Johannes (John) Deissinger to move to Niagara County. However, she was near many of her Disinger cousins, with her home on Keck Road less than a mile from her first cousin John Deacon Disinger's farm on Bulmore Road. Their farms were close enough that they likely bordered each other.

Excerpt from Frank Disinger's reunion paper 1999 Dysinger's Corner:

"Dysinger (Corners) was undoubtedly named after one of its early settlers: George Deissinger, his wife Elizabeth Hollenbach and the first seven of their thirteen children arrived in the town of Royalton in 1830.

George (1786-1847) was born in Cumberland Co, PA on August 12 1786 the son of Nicholas and Eve Catherine Deissinger (Dysinger in some records) He served during the war of 1812 from Tyrone Township, Cumberland Co, PA as a private in Capt. David Moreland’s Company with service near Fort Erie and Buffalo, New York, His troop was commanded by Col. James Fenton, He served from 1812 to 1814 being discharged March 1, 1814 and mustered out in Tyrone Township.

George and Elizabeth were married in Loysville Cumberland Co. (later Perry Co.) in 1809 where their son John was born in 1809. They moved to Fayette, Seneca Co, NY in about 1815 and children Benjamin, Lydia, George (II), Elizabeth, Isaac, and Daniel were born there. Prior to Albert Nicholas’ birth on April 7, 1830 they moved to the town of Royalton, Niagara Co, NY. His name appears in the 1830 Niagara Co. census on page 370.

Most of George’s children married local people and during that generation the spelling of the last name changed from Deissinger to Disinger or Dysinger. On his tombstone in Union Cemetery George’s last name is spelled Disinger."

There wasn't much published about John Deacon Disinger, George's son, Nicholas' grandson. His obit was a scant 3 sentences. However, an excerpt from a 1902 article about two of his four sons is below. At the time, Watson was 56 and died just 3 years later in 1905. His brother Samuel was 66 and died in 1910. The 100-acre farm on Bulmore Rd. where John Deacon lived would have been around a half-mile wide and likely bound on the north side by Johnny Cake Rd./Lincoln Ave. Ext. There are still many trees on the property, and it has since been subdivided into smaller parcels. Because it was their father's farm, Watson and Samuel may have inherited separate parts of the original farm. Samuel also had a house on Akron Road, less than a mile to the west in the Town of Lockport (see Maps) and reportedly owned 650 acres of farmland.

*** The Lockport Journal Saturday, September 27, 1902 - Our Travelers - Coming to the old Dysinger farm of 100 acres in the town of Royalton, one of the old Niagara County landmarks, Wednesday, smoke was found pouring from the chimney, which indicated warmth and comfort in the old homestead. Watson L. Dysinger was found toasting his shins, and being in a reminiscent mood gave these facts: The farm was deeded by the Holland Land company to John Dysinger in 1835. He had five children born on this farm, three of whom are now living, namely Samuel Dysinger, Mrs. George Barth of Angola, N. Y., and Watson L. Dysinger, the latter now living at the homestead. It was a timber tract which the elder Dysinger cleared. He lived to be 68 years old and died in 1878.

S.A. Dysinger (Samuel) lives on the farm adjoining. He has a blacksmith shop; the anvil of which was ringing as the Journal man entered. "What are you up to today?" asked the scribe. Mr. Dysinger replied, "Oh, the boys thought I couldn't fix this piece of iron as it should be and they wanted to take it to a professional blacksmith, but I thought I would show them I had not forgotten how to forge and weld hot iron. While my muscles are not so supple as they once were I have not lost the knack." And he performed the task with a master hand.

Nicholas' great-grandson, Samuel Disinger, and his wife, Nancy (Dollinger), had twelve (12) children between 1854 and 1878, nine (9) boys and three (3) girls; a boy and a girl died as children. Nearly all of their children are interred in the same area of Union-Dysinger Cemetery and were recently added to Find A Grave.

Landmarks of Niagara County, New York Edited by William Pool D. Mason & Company, Publishers, 1897:

"Dysinger, Samuel A., was born in the town of Royalton, December 5, 1835. His father, John Dysinger, came to Niagara county in 1832, with his parents, George and Elizabeth Dysinger, where he [George] kept the hotel at Dysinger's Corners. [see Maps and Locations] John Dysinger married Elizabeth, daughter of Abraham Carl, and through life was identified as a farmer, taking an active interest in school, church and public affairs, and was recognized as a man of sterling integrity, who ever advanced the best interests of his town and townspeople. He died in 1878. Samuel A. Dysinger was educated in the common schools and through life has been a farmer. In 1856 he married Nancy, daughter of John Dolinger, and they have seven sons and two daughters. Mr. Dysinger is one of the representative farmers in Niagara county, coming to the town of Lockport in 1860 [from neighboring Royalton], with his brother, David M., and has by the force of his own character accumulated about 650 acres of land and is to day one of the most successful farmers in the State of New York. He has served as supervisor two years, highway commissioner three years and assessor for fifteen years."

***  The Lockport Journal Saturday - September 27, 1902 - Our Travelers - Coming to the old Dysinger farm of 100 acres in the town of Royalton, one of the old Niagara county landmarks, Wednesday, smoke was found pouring from the chimney, which indicated warmth and comfort in the old homestead. Watson L. Dysinger was found toasting his shins, and being in a reminiscent mood gave these facts: The farm was deeded by the Holland Land company to John Dysinger in 1835. He had five children born on this farm, three of whom are now living, namely Samuel Dysinger, Mrs. George Barth of Angola, N. Y., and Watson L. Dysinger, the latter now living at the homestead. It was a timber tract which the elder Dysinger cleared. He lived to be 68 years old and died in 1878.

S.A. Dysinger [Samuel] lives on the farm adjoining. He has a blacksmith shop; the anvil of which was ringing as the Journal man entered. "What are you up to today?" asked the scribe. Mr. Dysinger replied, "Oh, the boys thought I couldn't fix this piece of iron as it should be and they wanted to take it to a professional blacksmith, but I thought I would show them I had not forgotten how to forge and weld hot iron. While my muscles are not so supple as they once were I have not lost the knack." And he performed the task with a master hand.

*** THE DAILY CATARACT JOURNAL - FRIDAY, JANUARY 18; 1901 - Supervisor Dysinger of Royalton, who is one of the largest wheat raisers in the county is prepared to furnish the Natural Wood Company with all sorts of wheat and in quantity. ... He has 600 acres of land and his last crop of wheat is said to amount to 5,000 bushels. —Cataract-Journal. Right you are. Uncle Sam Dysinger hails from the prosperous plains of the Town of Lockport. But Lockport, with the great Thompson Mills, the Franklin Mills Wheatlet concern and a prospective wheat food plant to be located in the rehabilitated Chester Mill, expects to take care of Uncle Sam Dysinger’s wheat and all that can be raised around here within 20 miles.

*** THE LOCKPORT DAILY JOURNAL, SATURDAY, APRIL 5, 1890 - TOWN LOCKPORT CAUCUS. The town of Lockport republican caucus was held at No. 7, Hodge Opera House, in this city, this afternoon, at two o'clock. The meeting was called to order by Samuel Dysinger. Albert L. Mitchell was elected chairman and Harvey Dysinger clerk, S. E. Dershem and W. M. Clark were elected inspectors. Supervisor—John G. Freeman. Clerk—Harvey Dysinger. Justice of Peace—W. F. Clark. Assessor—John Frazer.

George's son, Nicholas' grandson, Benjamin Disinger, moved with his family to Niagara County from his birthplace in Fayette, NY, around 1830 at 14. After marrying Mary Behe in 1839 and having a daughter, Caroline, he procured a farm (B. Deisinger on the map below) near his parents, George and Elizabeth (Mrs. Deisinger on the map), in Royalton off Akron Rd. It's possible that George either gave 8 of his children land for their farms or helped them buy their property and build their houses.

note- Benjamin and his sister, Lydia Disinger, married a sister and brother from the Behe family, Mary Behe and Edward Behe, respectively. Benjamin's brothers, George II and Isaac Disinger, married sisters from the Miller family, Anna Mary Miller and Christina Miller, respectively. The Miller sisters' brother, Jacob Miller, married Augusta Kleinhans.

George's daughter, Nicholas' granddaughter, Lydia (Disinger) Behe, and her family moved to Niagara County from Fayette, NY, around 1830. After marrying Edward Behe at age 18 in 1837, by 1860, they had a farm on Bulmore Rd. near her brother John Deacon Disinger's farm, also on Bulmore Rd. Lydia's obituary mentions a house in the woods in South Royalton. While Bulmore Rd isn't exactly South Royalton, it is in the lower half, and there are areas of the forest today (more like woods and brush). The 1860 Royalton Map shows the E. Behe property roughly in the middle of Bulmore Rd. on the north side. There are only 2 newer houses there now, not an old farmhouse. Their property must have extended north to Johnny Cake Rd/Lincoln Ave Ext because, at some point, Edward seemed to have constructed a frame house on Johnny Cake Rd before he died. Lydia, her daughter Elizabeth, and Charles Henrys, a boarder, lived together in 1900. Elizabeth married Charles after Lydia died, but they remained childless. It's possible that Lydia's father, George, either gave 8 of his children land for their farms or helped them buy their property and build their houses.

note- Lydia and her brother Benjamin Disinger married a brother and sister from the Behe family, Edward Behe and Mary Behe, respectively. Benjamin's brothers, George II and Isaac Disinger, married sisters from the Miller family, Anna Mary Miller and Christina Miller, respectively. The Miller sisters' brother, Jacob Miller, married Augusta Kleinhans.

Elizabeth (Disinger) Ernest moved to Royalton with her parents, George and Elizabeth (Hollenbach) Disinger, from Fayette, NY, in 1830, when she was 6 or 7 years old. She was born in Fayette, Seneca Co., in 1823. After moving and growing up in Niagara Co., at 22, she met and married John Ernest (23) in 1845 in Royalton.

George's daughter, Elizabeth, married John Ernest, while George's brother David Dysinger's daughter, also named Elizabeth, married Henry Ernest. While John and Henry were both born in Pennsylvania (many Ernst/Ernests were in PA, most of them immigrated from Germany in the early 1700s), they do not seem to be directly related other than that they married Disinger cousins. While Henry Ernest's family is well documented on FamilySearch, going back to 1450 in Germany, John Ernest's parents are unknown. David's second wife, Catharine Ernest, was Henry Ernest's first cousin.

According to John Ernest's obituary, he lived in Royalton "the past 72 years" from 1903, the year of his death, meaning he moved to Royalton in 1830/31 when he was 8 or 9. There's no indication of how he arrived in Royalton as a child or who his parents were, other than that he was born in Pennsylvania. He was mentioned in the history of Royalton as an early settler along with Henry Dysinger, Elizabeth (Disinger) Ernest's first cousin, which is a little odd since Henry Dysinger's father, David, arrived in Niagara County first in 1828 with his family from Pennsylvania, and Elizabeth's father, George, moved his family to Royalton in 1830, but neither of them was mentioned. The Disinger cousins mentioned in the history article were Andrew J. and Edward J. Behe, Aaron W. Dysinger, Henry Dysinger, Chauncey A. and William Dysinger, Henry Ernest, and George W. Lewis, John Ernest's son-in-law.

In the 1855 NY State Census, John and Elizabeth lived in Royalton in a log cabin with their 5 children. Unfortunately, no road names were given, but their farm was on Lincoln Avenue Ext/Johnny Cake Rd, according to the 1852 Town of Royalton map. In the 1865 NY State Census, they likely lived on the same farm but had a new frame house worth about $1,200 (about $23,000 today). While that might seem too low-cost for a new house, remember that in 1865, there was no indoor plumbing, electricity, or heating. Only a wood stove or fireplace for cooking. And they probably helped build the house themselves, so low labor costs. The new house may be the house their daughter Mary was living in 1900 (see below). It's possible that her father, George, either gave Elizabeth the land for her farm or helped buy her property and build her house.

*** The Lockport Journal, Wednesday, March 5, 1902, Royalton, March 5.—One of the most pleasant gatherings the writer was ever permitted to attend was held at the home of John Ernest in Royalton on Monday, Feb. 24, the occasion being the 80th birthday anniversary of Mr. Ernest. About 30 relatives, including children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, were there assembled to do honor to the occasion. A bountiful dinner was served and a pleasant social time enjoyed by all. Mr. Ernest is one of the pioneers of this county and is highly respected in this community, where he has resided for many years. Those present were Mr. and Mrs. A. Kratz, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Ernest and daughter Eva, Mr. and Mrs. George Lewis, Miss Nettie Lewis, Ernest Lewis, Mrs. Peter J. Fry, Frank Fry, Mrs. Lula Rossman, Mr. and Mrs. Dunkelberger, Mr. and Mrs. M. O. Dysinger and son Floyd, Mr. and Mrs. George Behe and Master Archer L. Ferris of Royalton. Mrs. George Mills, Miss Orpha Mills, Earl Mills, Mrs. Jesse Peck and daughter Georgia of Albion and Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Mills and daughter Ethel of Gasport. 

One of George Disinger's 8 sons, Isaac Dysinger, moved to Royalton, NY, with his parents and siblings in 1830 at 4. He married Christina Miller in Royalton in 1849 and built his home on Johnny Cake Road/Lincoln Avenue Ext. in 1850, just 1.5 miles from his father's home. It's possible that George either gave 8 of his children land for their farms or helped them buy their property and build their houses.

Brothers Isaac and George II Dysinger married sisters from the Miller family, Christina Miller and Anna Mary Miller, respectively. The Miller sisters' brother, Jacob Miller, married Augusta Kleinhans after his first wife died.

George's son, Daniel Dysinger, was born on 25 January 1828 in Fayette, Seneca, NY. He married Cordelia Jane Stebbins on 11 June 1851, in Niagara, New York. They were the parents of 3 sons. He lived in Richmond, Macomb, Michigan, in 1870 and Riley Township, St. Clair, Michigan, in 1880. He died on 20 October 1896, in Macomb, Michigan, at the age of 68, and was buried in Memphis Cemetery, Memphis, Macomb, Michigan. Cordelia was the sister of William's wife, Louisa Elmira Stebbins.

Little is known of Daniel Dysinger, George's fifth son. After he married Cordelia in 1851, they had their first son, Daniel Franklin, in 1853 in Royalton, NY. They had their second son, Henry Ellis, in 1858 in Riley Township, St. Clair, MI, north of Detroit. His third son, Benjamin Dudley, was born in 1859 in Michigan. In the 1870 US Census of Richmond, MI, Daniel was employed as a lumber dealer. In the 1880 US Census for Riley Township, St. Clair, MI, he was listed as a 52-year-old farmer. In 1896, before the first Disinger Reunion in 1901, he died as a farmer. His son, Henry Ellis, attended the first reunion and was elected a Vice-President. His son, Daniel Franklin, attended the second reunion and was also elected a Vice-President. At the fourth reunion, Daniel Dysinger's death was remembered.

See George M. Dysinger's 2007 Peripatetic Paterfamilias reunion paper.

note- George's son, Albert N. Dysinger, was in the 1860 US Census of Riley Township, St. Clair, MI, likely near his brother Daniel. Also, Albert was George's first child to have been born in Royalton in 1830, and he often worked as a carpenter.

George's seventh son, William Dysinger, was born on 3 January 1832 in Royalton, Niagara, NY. He married Louisa Elmira Stebbins on 2 February 1857. They were the parents of 3 sons. He lived in Royalton Center, Niagara, New York, United States in 1855. He died on 27 March 1916, in Niagara, New York, at the age of 84.

George's youngest son, Andrew Dysinger, was born on 24 April 1835 in Royalton, Niagara, NY. He married Louisa S (Delisle) Denton on 11 September 1865, in St. Clair, Michigan. They were the parents of 1 son and 2 daughters. He lived in St. Clair, Michigan, United States, in 1880, and in the Township of Richmond, Macomb, Michigan, in 1900. He died on 24 June 1905, in Memphis, Macomb, Michigan, at the age of 70, and was buried in Memphis, Macomb, Michigan.

By 1865, Andrew appears to have joined his brothers, Daniel and Albert, in Michigan in 1865 when he married his second wife, Louisa, in St. Clair, MI. His marriage certificate lists (Albert) Nicholas Disinger as a witness. In the 1870 US Census of St. Clair, MI, he was employed as a butcher. By 1880, he was employed as a huckster, selling goods in Memphis Village, MI. Before Andrew died in 1905, William received a letter and traveled to Memphis to be with his brother. Albert had moved away by then, and Daniel had previously died.

Andrew's daughter, Florence A. Dysinger's second husband, Scott White, was Sheriff of Cochise County, AZ, from 1896 to 1899. He was appointed warden of the Arizona State Prison in 1926 and elected Arizona Secretary of State in 1930.

George's youngest child, Sarah Dysinger was born on 27 July 1837, in Royalton, Niagara, NY. She had 4 sons with William A Zachariah. She died on 16 May 1900, at the age of 62, and was buried in Royalton Center, Niagara, New York. William A Zachariah was born in 1832 in New York. He died on 10 May 1896, in Royalton, Niagara, New York, at the age of 64. They were farmers their whole lives.

Sarah and William's oldest son, George Zachariah, died in 1905 while walking home in the morning from a night in Lockport. There was apparently no foul play. Their youngest sons, Ellis and Elmer, were twins. About the same time as George's death, Ellis decided to move west. By 1918, he was living in Merrill, Oregon, and was apparently married. Later, Ellis moved to Portland, Oregon, without his wife. Ellis died alone in 1942.

War of 1812

"In the Spring of 1813, our grandfather [Nicholas' son, David Dysinger], then a young man of 22, enlisted in the Army in Pennsylvania and was detailed to duty on the Niagara Frontier [War of 1812, page 336], then a scene of great activity in the warfare between the mother country and our own." - 1901 Reunion paper by Stephen A. Dysinger grandson.

note- David served in the same company as his brother George. 

WikipediA - During the War of 1812, the "Niagara Frontier" refers to the area along the Niagara River, where the most intense fighting between American and British forces occurred, with numerous battles fought around Fort Niagara, including the notable battles of Chippewa and Lundy's Lane, making it one of the most heavily contested battlefronts of the war; this region saw significant destruction to settlements and heavy casualties on both sides. 

Excerpt from 1901 Reunion paper by Stephen A. Dysinger, David's grandson -

"In the Spring of 1828, with their five children, their personal property packed in a covered wagon, with a four-horse team, they emigrated to Niagara County. The journey of about 500 miles was made in about 14 days. There were but few bridges, and often I have heard my father [Henry Dysinger], who was then seven years old, relate the exciting events of the trip. In fording the streams his legs would be in water to the knees as he sat astride the leader horse, where one false step would have engulfed horse, rider and all. Arriving here they settled on the farm ¾ mile north of here, then nearly covered with a dense growth of beech, maple, ash and oak in the midst was a small clearing with a log house and stable."

note- While following Indian trails from Pennsylvania to Niagara County, NY, the trip may have seemed like 500 miles, but it was closer to 300 miles. A journey of 300 miles in 14 days averages about 21 miles per day, whereas 300 miles in 21 days averages about 14 miles per day, which is much more plausible for a horse-pulled wagon. David and his family may have passed through Seneca County, NY, where his father, Nicholas, and brothers were living on their way to Niagara County. Also, the first Disinger Reunion in 1901 was at Samuel Disinger's farm on Akron Road, and ¾ mile north of it was David Dysinger's former farm at the corner of Keck Rd. and Lincoln Ave. Ext. His farm is labeled on the 1852 Town of Royalton map.