In reading an old issue of Beyond Germanna , in an article about the Mount Pony Settlement, there was a mention of several names who have been mentioned in recent times here. Christopher Zimmerman had several patents - the first was 24 Jun 1726, and this was followed by other patents and purchases. One of his tracts was very close to the land where later the Rev. Thompson built Salubria for his bride, the former Mrs. Spotswood. Other known Germans in the area included Conrad Amberger, Frederick Kabler, and Joseph Cooper.
Barbara Cooper died in Orange County in 1735 and the administrator was Jacob Prosie. On his bond there were Jacob Miller and John Vaught. Her estate was appraised by Christopher Zimmerman, Frederick Cobler (Kabler), and Charles Morgan. The appearance of several German names makes it probable that the Coopers were German.
The Prosie name may be a mistake. I don't believe that he has ever been identified. Two of the names, Jacob Miller and John Vaught, have an association with the Shenandoah Valley, at least in the near future. The choice of Vaught is strange because he never lived in the Mt. Pony area. At least, he did not have land in this area. For him to come about fifteen miles surely indicates that he had some connection to Barbara Cooper. Possibly though his connection was to Jacob Prosie.
An Adam Yeager also had land in this area. Conrad Amberger originally had land in the Mt. Pony area but he moved farther west. His new land was near John Paul Vaught's patent. Another name to think about is Joseph Bloodworth (Bludwert?).
(19 Jan 04)
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