ZERN - According to my family history, the first ZERN was a Hessian soldier who deserted to the Americans. I am a direct descendent of Abraham ZERN who was born 1822 in Richland Co., Ohio. Would be interested in tracing that name back to that first Zern.

Marcia L. Donner
whitewolf@rmci.net

ZULAUF - The SULOUFFs and SULOFFs are descended from Johannes ZULAUF, a Hessian soldier from Oberbreidenbach, Hessen-Oberhessen. On 15 Aug 1776, at age 21, he landed on Staten Island in 3rd Co., Knyphausen Regiment, Mirbach Brigade. On 26 Dec 1776 he was one of 753 Hessians who evaded capture by Washington at Trenton. On 26 Sep 1779 he was captured at sea and was sent as a POW to Reading, Berks Co. PA.

When he married 28 Mar 1783 he was resident of Brecknock Twp., Berks Co. From 1792-1802 he farmed 100-acres in northern York Co. PA, then moved to 206 acres near what is now Port Royal, Juniata Co. PA and farmed there the rest of his life. After the move he began using the surname SULOUFF, and still later some sons and grandsons began using SULOFF. He died on 23 May 1838 and is buried near Port Royal.

The details of this Hessian's story have been published by Nelson Sulouff in a 39-page article entitled "Johannes Zulauf, Soldier-Immigrant, Father Of Sulouffs and Suloffs In America," JOURNAL OF THE JOHANNES SCHWALM HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION, Vol 5,4 (1996) and Vol 6,1 (1997). (Published by JJSHA, Box 99, Pennsauken NJ 08110.)

The author's E-mail is zuli@sprintmail.com

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