John Blankenbaker's Germanna History Notes

Note 1246

Continuing with the saga of Els Blankenbaker, in 1795 two of the people very close to her were Susanna Berry and Susan Holtzclaw.  Two of the others close to her were Christina Blankenbaker (nee Finks) and Elizabeth Blankenbaker.

In 1798 (after skipping two services), there were Magdalena Wayman and Mary Wayman, who were Els Blankenbaker's daughter and granddaughter, respectively.  There was also Susanna Berry and Margaret Huffman.

At the next service, there were two Holtzclaws, Susanna and Elizabeth.  Also, there was a Christina Ernst and Elizabeth Huffman.

At a service in 1801, Margaret Zimmerman, Elizabeth Smith, Ludwig Utz, and Mary Yager were with Els.

At the next service, the names were Ephraim and Jemina Koch, Joseph Holtzclaw, Catharina Barlow, and Margaret Delph.

In 1804, the names were Susanna Deer (Hirsch), Susanna Smith, Anna Yager, and Magdalena Hofmann.

At the next service Els attended, three names that were close were Magdalena Hofmann (one of two that day), Rachel Wayland, and Elisabeth Blankenbaker.

Four services later, the names near Els were Peggy Carpenter, Susanna Holtzclaw, and John Küster.

Five communion services later in 1810 (the last one that Els attended), the names were Matthew House, Elizabeth Blankenbaker, Elizabeth Blankenbaker, and Susanna Holtzclaw.

There is one family name that is common to many of these people (not the name they bear, but a near relative).  The name itself does not show up in the list.  Also, seeing that very little space is left in this note, I will just have to wait to divulge it; however, if you want to make your guess public, go ahead.  The prize will be public recognition.

This is a very interesting case, and there is no solution to the question to the maiden name of Els, but we do have some ideas.
(29 Aug 01)