Martin Tschudy
Son of Rudolf Tschudy
Birth: Dec. 22, 1744
Death: Jun. 2, 1836
Married 9 Sep 1777
Anna Barbara Adams
daughter of
Born 1753
Died 1816
Children:
Margaret (Margaretha) Tschudy Spies (1788 - 1869)*
John Jacob (1778 - 1834)
Martin (1780 - _)
Barbara (1783 - 1791) Died at Age 7
Anna (1792 - Aft 1822)
Barbara (1798 - _)
Aged 93 yrs & 6 mo / American Revolutionary War Vet
Martin was born in Schwanden, in the Canton Glarus in Switzerland. He lived in Pennsylvania and held the rank of Corporal after enlisting in June of 1776 in the Revolutionary War. He was at the battles of Trenton, Princeton and New Brunswick. He was discharged in Philadelphia in January of 1777. He moved to Baltimore, Md. His grandson, Baltis Kennard wrote of him, "The latter years of his life he spent as a Horticulturist and Florist. His garden was on W. Market St. extended, ... He came of Sturdy Stock, possessed genius, was a musician and made many curious instruments of his own design, which produced music of a sweet and novel tone of character." This is NOT the Martin Tschudy of Dickeyville, Md.
Inscription:
Grandfather Martin Tschudy Died June 2, 1836 Aged 93 yrs 6 mos
Note: He shares a stone with his son-in-law and grandson
Burial:
Loudon Park Cemetery
Baltimore
Baltimore City
Maryland, USA
Plot: KK-14
A Mapmaker in Schwanden, Switzerland
According to info. in an email to B.J. Peters, Thomas Schatti, founder of the Schwanden Historical Society in Schwanden, Canton Glarus, Switzerland - Martin Tschudi was the first to leave Schwanden for America. He left his widowed father, Rudolf and family behind. A new chapter was beginning in the life of Martin as he left his homeland in 1772 where he had been employed as a Map Maker.
Sailed To America in 1772
"19th of October, 1772..... The Foreigners whose Names are hereunder written, imported in the ship Catherine, [James] Sutton, Master, from Rotterdam but last from London, did this day take the foregoing Oaths & Qualifications in the usual Form .... Mardin (X) Schude ."
Source:Ralph Beaver Strassburger, ed. William John Hinkle, Pennsylvania German Pioneers, A Publication of the Original Lists of Arrivals in the Port of Philadelphia from 1727 to 1808. Volune I, 1727-1775., (Pennsylvania German Society, Norristown, PA 1934), 742, " [List 297C]
Fought in the Revolutionary War
He held the rank of Corporal and fought for Pennsylvania in the Revolutionary War.
In June of 1776 Martin enlisted to serve in the Revolutionary War. He was discharged in January of 1777 in Philadelphia. On 9 Sep 1777 he married Anna Barbara Adams in Philadelphia at the German Reformed Church. On that same morning, Washington's troops were being positioned along the Brandywine River to prevent an advance toward Philadelphia by the British. On September 11 the American forces were defeated at the Battle of Brandywine [seehttp://www.ushistory.org/brandywine/thestory.htm ], and the Continental Congress abandoned the city, moving the Capitol west. Before doing so, they called for the Liberty Bell, the bell that hung at the State House [now called Independence Hall], and bells from the surrounding churches to be moved out of the city to prevent the British from melting them down for ammunition.
According to the Zion's United Church of Christ's website, a train of 700 wagons, accompanied by 200 cavalrymen, left Philadelphia carrying the bells and military supplies. They were taking the bells to Allentown for safety. The Rev. Abraham Blumer, mentioned above, kept the Liberty Bell safe. He hid it under the floorboards of his church.
Deposition of Martin Cronmiller Re: Martin Tschudi's Service in Continental Army 1776-77
31Dec1834 , Union County, Pennsylvania
State of Pennsylvania Union County
Personally appeared before me Henry Yearick one of the Justices of the Peace in and for said County Martin Cronmiller, of the Township of West ________ in the County and State aforesaid who being sworn according to Law doth depose and say, that he was well acquainted with Martin Tschudy now of the City of Baltimore in the state of Maryland, but has not seen him for about forty years. That Deponent and the said Tschudy served together in the Revolutionary War but at this distant period is unable to state the precise month of the year that the said Tschudy or himself entered the service. That he knows that it was in the year 1776 and that both of them served for six Months. That the Body of Troops to which they were attached was called the Flying Camp. That the deponent belonged to the Regiment commanded by Colonel Swope. That the Company to which he belonged was commanded by Captain Starkes. That Major Bailey was attached to the said Regiment. That he is unable to say positively to what Regiment said Tschudy belonged as the Brigade consisted of several Body of Troops but he is certain that said Martin Tschudy served in what was called the "Flying Camp" and that he did serve for six months and that he conducted himself in a soldierlike manner during the whole of his service. That they are both now very old men. That he deponent is in the Seventy fourth year of his age. That he cannot recollect the particular of their service but recollects that the service was principally performed in the state of New Jersey in a subsequent year which Deponent cannot remember said Tschudy served in a company with him in guarding prisoners taken by the American Army at Trenton.
That said Tschudy and Deponent at that time talked over the occurrances of their former service. That said service of guarding prisoners was performed about four miles below York Pennsylvania where Deponent knows said Tschudy served for and during two months_ Their Captain was Peter (Ford?) their Majors name was Bailey said Tschudy conducted himself well. Further this Deponent saith not except that he believes that the said Martin Tschudy acted as a corporal during the whole time of his first service. Martin Cronmiller
I do hereby certify that the aforegoing Deposition was sworn and subscribed to before me and that the said Martin Cronmiller the deponent is well known to me and that he is a man of worth and veracity. Given under my hand and seal this thirty first day of December Eighteen hundred and thirty four. (This was signed by H Yearick, Justice of the Peace)
bjriversadded this on 22 Sep 2007
This testimony was gathered to support Martin Tschudi's claim to a pension as a veteran of the American Revolutionary War.
Married Anna Barbara Adams
On 9 Sep 1777 he married Anna Barbara Adams in Philadelphia at the German Reformed Church.
Children:
According to the church register of the Frederick (Md) Reformed Church, record was made of the death of Martin and Barbara's 7 yr. old daugh. Barbara, who died on 31 Mar 1791. They were evidently members of that church, and living in Frederick, Md. at the time. [BJ's Note: They did have a second dau. they named Barbara who was b. in 1798 d?] Source: Maryland Genealogical Society Bulletin, Vol. 22, No. 4, Fall 1981, Reformed Church, Frederick, Page 271 .
Census
1820 census
Name: Martin Tschudy
Home in 1820 (City, County, State): District 1, Baltimore, Maryland
Enumeration Date: August 7, 1820
Free White Persons - Males - 26 thru 44: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 16 thru 25: 2
Free White Persons - Females - 26 thru 44: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 45 and over : 1
Slaves - Males - 14 thru 25: 2
Slaves - Females - 14 thru 25: 1
Number of Persons - Engaged in Agriculture: 3
Number of Persons - Engaged in Manufactures: 1
Free White Persons - Over 25: 3
Total Free White Persons: 5
Total Slaves: 3
Total All Persons - White, Slaves, Colored, Other:
1834 Sells Land to his daughter:
Martin Tschudi Sells Land to His Daugh Margaret Spies
11 Jul 1834 , Baltimore, Md.
Helen Beall (who has since passed on) provided this document to BJ Peters and proof read BJ's transcription. Received 8 Jan 2003 by BJ This Indenture made this 18th day of March 1834 between Martin Tschudy of the City of Baltimore and State of Maryland of the one part and Margarett Spies of the same city aforesaid of the other part Witnesseth the said Martin Tschudy for and in consideration the sum of five dollars in hand paid by the said Margaret Spies at and before the sealing and delivery of these presents the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged hath given granted bargained sold assigned transferred and set over and by these presents doth give grant bargain sell assign transfer and set over unto the said Margarett Spies her heirs executors administrators and assigns all the following lot of ground situate and lying near Baltimore Town (now in the City of Baltimore) contained within the metes bounds courses and distances to wit Beginning for the same from the south west corner of Mansel Alcocks lot running thence west binding on Market Street thirty feet thence north to John Martins ground about eight hundred feet more or less thence east parallel with Market Street thirty feet thence south with a Straight line to the beginning together with the premises thereon being and all and every the appurtenances and advantages thereunto belonging and all the estate right title and interest term of years property claim and demand whatsoever of him the said Martin TschudyTo Have and To Hold the said lot of ground with the appurtenances and advantages thereunto belonging unto the said Margarett Spies her heirs executors administrators and assigns for and during the term of ninety nine years in as full large ample and beneficial manner to all intents and purposes whatsoever as he the said Martin Tschudy might should could or ought to have held and enjoyed the same by any ways or means whatsoever and the said Martin Tschudy for himself his heirs executors administrators and assigns doth covent promise grant and agree to and with the said Margarett Spies her heirs executors administrators and assigns that upon the said Margaret Spies her heirs executors administrators and assigns paying the rent or sum of Eleven pounds five shillings current money yearly and every year on the first day of May in each year clear of all taxes and assessments whatsoever shall and may at all times hereafter peaceably and quietly have hold use occupy possess and enjoy the aforesaid lott of ground and premises without the let suit trouble molestation or hindrance of him the said Martin Tschudy or his heirs or any other person or persons whatsoever lawfully claiming or to claim anything therein or thereto by from or under him them or any of them and further that she the said Margaret Spies her heirs executors administrators and assigns on paying the sum of eleven pounds five shillings current money as a fine therefor at any time or times hereafter shall have renewment of the above assigned lot of ground and premises in manner and form and under the same rents as are herein mentioned so that this assignment shall be renewed and renewable forever and further that she the said Margaret Spies her heirs administrators and assigns shall at any time hereafter have the power of buying out the said lot of ground free from all rents incumbrances or any demands that shall hereafter be made thereon at the rate of six per cent In witness whereof the said Martin Tschudy hereunto set his hand and affixed his seal this day and year first above written.Signed Sealed and delivered in the presence of Wm. Ashman Joseph Shaw Beneath Martin's first signature reads Received on the 18th day of April 1834 of Margaret Spies the sum of five dollars being the consideration within mentioned to be by her paid to me $5.00 Witness Wm. Ashman Joseph Shaw Martin's signature follows. Baltimore City to wit on this 18th day of April 1834 before us two Justices of the peace in and for the City aforesaid appeared Martin Tschudy and acknowledged the foregoing and within instrument of writing to be his act and deed according to the true intent and meaning thereof and we further certify and declare that the said Martin Tschudy now executing this paper by satisfactory testimony connected with our own knowledge is the same person named in the foregoing instrument of writing. Wm. Ashman Joseph Shaw. Received to be recorded the 11th day of July 1834 at 10 minutes after 11 oclock A.M. same day recorded and examined W. Thos Kell Clk
Letters written by Martin:
CORRESPONDENCE: A gentleman named Edward Quinter has been kind enough to share what he discovers in his research. On 20 Nov 1798 Martin wrote a letter to his cousin, Rev. Abraham Blumer (mentioned above) One of the things he mentions is Napolean's forces attacking Switzerland.
Valued friend and cousin -
I take this opportunity to inform you that I and my loved ones continue in good health, thanks be to God. I also hope the same for you. This past summer I received the two letters from Mister Muller. He gave them to me in person. But the one that you sent to Mister Riegel in Frederick [?MD], I didn't see. My son, Jacob was at Riegel's , who said he didn't recall to whom he gave the letter. Please tell me if you hear any news. Or if you happen to be writing to Glarus soon, so please let everyone know we're getting on well, and are living in Baltimore in the province of Maryland. Two months ago I sent a letter with Bremer.
Young Mr. Bund[?] was here among us. He preached in all 3 churches. I asked him about the activities of his father and also of Mr. Pflaumer[?]. He told me that ____ both are still well. That was really good to hear. In the newspapers comes the troubling news from Switzerland, that evidently the French have invaded our homeland. I heard that the Glarner defended themselves well, so too the folk from Wallis and Bern. Other cantons, however, did nothing.
Baltimore in Maryland
20th Nov. 1798
your loyal friend,
Martin Tschudi
Esteemed Friend and Cousin:-
On the 28th of August I received your letter, in which I learned of the terrible circumstances in Switzerland, because they haven't ascertained the whereabouts of the merchant, whose name is Johannes Beles or Beher, because the name isn't correct, and also because of the sickness. The resident was from the city. But since receiving the last letter, I was able to find the correct name as Johann Bahn and retrieve the gold. Since I didn't know the exact sum of money or how much, he gave Master Frey $404.00. I would now request letting me know if you received that money or not, and how much that was in Gulden. Thank God the illness has receded.
At this time I don't wish to speak of an inheritance. I hope soon there will be peace. [Illegible text] I would have gone this fall, but was sick, and hope to go should there be peace still in my lifetime. I saw my cousin David Schriff a short time ago. He lives in Adams [illegible text] on the [not clear - Cider?] Creek about 8 miles from Master Frey.
I close for now with a hearty greeting and the wish for you and yours, that the Lord watch over you.
I remain your loyal friend,
Martin Tschudi
Baltimore, Maryland December 10th
An 1802 letter written by a Schindler cousin of Rev. Blumer. The letter to Blumer mentions Anna Goldi, a maid for the Tschudi family in Switzerland, who was tried as a witch, and the last accused of that crime, and executed for it in Europe. Her execution took place in 1782. Schindler mentions that Martin returned to visit the family in Switzerland around Christmas of 1801 and would be heading back to America after Easter of 1802. This confirms the information in the Schwanden family tree in the Landesarchiv about Martin's visit.
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Martin's grandson, Baltis H. Kennard, 2nd great grandfather of B.J. Rivers Peters, wrote the following about Martin: "Margaret Spies the Mother of Louisa Kennard was a Tschudy of Swiss origin. One brother, John Jacob, was a bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church and for awhile had charge of a church in South Carolina. Her father Martin Tschudy was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. He lived to the age of 93 years. The writer remembers him well. He died about 1835 or 36. The writer was then a child. He came of Sturdy Stock, possessed genius, was a musician and made many curious instruments of his own design, which produced music of a sweet and novel tone of character.
The latter years of his life he spent as a Horticulturist and Florist. His garden was on W. Market St. extended, nearly opposite where the Winans' estate now stands - now Baltimore Street. He occupied a large tract, but narrow in dimensions, and which it is said, extended N. easterly to considerable extent. Latterly the larger share of this land went into other hands, and a lengthy strip, it is said went to other possession, without proper title, but these theories are so common to future generations that they become. Little less than a phantom and even, had they an embodiment, lapse of time renders a recovery essentially impossible. Mr. Tschudy, however, died possessed of that portion which fronted on the north side of Baltimore Street and extended to an openway then called Park Lane, now Raborg Street. [Note of Lorelle Parott Weidlein states that this street is now Fairmount] This property he gave to his daughter Margaret - Mrs. Spies then a widow, who nursed him and admin!
istered to his comfort in his decreasing years. It will not be uninteresting to note, that Margaret Spies created annuities out of this land, and in subsequent years, sold them and invested the proceeds, in a lot at the S. West corner of Pennsylvania avenue and Biddle Street, created thereout, an annuity of $100.00. "
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