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Patriots buried in local cemeteries

Published August 06. 2026 01:10PM
by Ann Wertman Special to The Press

As the nation celebrates the 250th anniversary of American independence, members of the Allemaengel 250 Committee have compiled a list of Revolutionary War patriots believed to be buried in cemeteries at churches and family burial grounds across northwestern Lehigh County and Albany Township.

The lists were prepared by David Hunsicker Jr. and Peter Glogovsky after reviewing church, military and historical society records. The project identifies veterans and patriots associated with Heidelberg, Lowhill, Weisenberg and Albany townships, including some whose burial locations are documented in older records even though their grave markers no longer survive.

According to the committee, some recorded names are marked to indicate a family marker that may not reflect an actual burial in that cemetery. Others are marked to indicate there is no stone currently bearing the patriot’s name, but earlier records suggest the individual was buried there. The committee noted it is likely the graves of some other patriots listed may also no longer be identifiable or located.

Among the cemeteries included in the research is Heidelberg Union Church, where 27 patriots are listed, including John George Bloss, Johannes Hunsicker, Johann Philip Kraus, Bernard Jacob Rex and Lorenz Wehr. Ebenezer Church includes 14 patriots, among them Col. Michael Bobst, Michael Fenstermacher, Jacob Mans and George Trine.

Jacob’s Church accounts for eight patriots, including Philip Hermany, Jacob Koenig and Philip Wanamaker, while Leaser Family Cemetery lists Frederick Leaser and John Smith. Miller Family Cemetery includes George Custard.

At Christ Church at Lowhill UCC, the committee identified 12 patriots, including Jacob Bachman Sr., Jacob Bachman Jr., Nicholas Bachman, Paul Bachman and Johannes Knerr. Weisenberg Lutheran Church includes 16 names, among them Andreas Michael Bittner, Abraham Greenawalt, Christian Seiberling and Michael Werley.

Ziegels Union Church has one of the largest lists, with 29 patriots identified. Those include Philip Jacob Acker Jr., Adam Boger, Gottlieb Ettinger, Rev. Johann Henrich Helffrich, Andreas Miller Sr. and Georg Wendel Zimmerman.

In Albany Township, the committee identified patriots buried at Friedens Church, Jerusalem Red Church and New Bethel Union Church. Friedens Church lists Christian Braucher, Heinrich Gluck and William Kistler. Jerusalem Red Church includes 17 patriots, among them John Behr, Jacob Fetherolf, several members of the Kistler and Probst families, and Daniel Stambach. New Bethel Union Church lists 14 patriots, including David Bailey, Christopher Braucher, Sebastian Faust, Michael Reichelderfer and George Stein.

The committee’s research offers a local look at the men who served or supported the cause of independence and whose final resting places remain in the region more than two centuries later. The list is expected to serve as a resource for Allemaengel 250 observances and for residents interested in the area’s Revolutionary War history.

Press photo by Ann WertmanWhat a memory for the youth of Scout Pack 588 of Ebenezer Church to place their ribbons on the sacred resting places of more than a dozen patriots, including this special row of four Revolutionary War Veterans. These four patriots, forever side by side, include Johann Fenstermacher, Phillip Fenstermacher, George Trine and Johann Peter. Three of the four served in the same unit. Sadly, there is no date of birth for any of the four and only three stones show date of death as being in 1790, 1802 and 1840. It would be an interesting story to learn how they came to rest together. Perhaps they came to the colonies together from their old country or were long time friends or relatives. So special. It’s certainly worth a visit to pay tribute.
Press photo by Brandy LocherLindsey D. proudly attaches her red-white-blue ribbon in salute to Jacob Bar, a patriot of the Revolutionary War resting at Lowhill Church. Joining Lindsey in performing this historic event at Lowhill Church were Gavin L, Lucas L, Mason K, Cash K, Layla D, Livi D, Lyra D, Olivia K, Miles K and Dax D. (not pictured).
Press photo by Ann WertmanYouth and members of Red Church, Trail Life USA Leaders and Youth members and visitors place ribbons for their patriots. Our visit to the cemetery of this historic church also included a grave marker recording a patriot’s participation in the French and Indian War.