Casper  Shirk

• General Notes
  • Immigrated from Switzerland. Mennonite. Sailed from Rotterdam in May 1731 aboard "Love and Unity". Landed first in Falmouth, England and stayed there three weeks. Landed in "Holes Bay", Martha's Vineyard, Mass, in Dec. (this seems like an unlikely duration, but apparently the passengers overthrew the captain and sailed themselves) 1731 after a horrific journey. Only 48 of the original 156 passengers completed the trip. Casper's wife and child died on the trip. Came to Philadelphia aboard the ship "Norris" signing the B and C oaths on May 15, 1732. See details in Sherk Book. Settled in Hempfield Twp. Lancaster Co. Pa. Lived next to his brother for 6-7 years. Married Magdalena Barbara Foulck, 1710~ 1796 in Dec. 1732 Bought land next to Swatara Creek, Bethel Twp. Bought 275 acres in Bethel Twp. in about 1739. This land became the homestead and Sherksville was established thereon. Neighbors in 1825 were Jacob Groff, John Meyer, John Groh, Michael Hunsicker, Abraham Joseph Light, Henry Meily, Martin Meily. Sold land on Swatara Creek to Johannes
    (Hans) Wenger, 1705 1772.6.1-, G1, (i1748.9.16) on March 1, 1749. This land became the
    Wenger homestead in what is now Lebanon Co. Caster was naturalized on June 1, 1749. In the Bethel Twp. tax list for 1771/2 he is shown to have 250 acres of land. Mennonite. Died intestate leaving a 143 acre farm and £1102. Buried Wolfs-Union Cem. about 1 mile east of the Shirksville farm
    
    Arrived Philadelphia, 15th of May, 1732 on the ship "Norris" with Captain
    Thomas. Orginally the ship left Rotterdam and Falmouth in May 1731, short
    of food on the long voyage, they ended up eating rats and mice - hence
    the nickname for the Sherk family as "Rat Sherks". The ships Captain
    robbed the passengers of their possessions and only 48 of the 156 people
    aboard survived the journey. They finally landed at Martha's Vineyard,
    MA., and after the voyage, the Captain was sent to trial for his theft of
    the passengers, he was found not guilty. Five passengers were jailed.[855476.FTW]
    
    Arrived Philadelphia, 15th of May, 1732 on the ship "Norris" with Captain
    Thomas. Orginally the ship left Rotterdam and Falmouth in May 1731, short
    of food on the long voyage, they ended up eating rats and mice - hence
    the nickname for the Sherk family as "Rat Sherks". The ships Captain
    robbed the passengers of their possessions and only 48 of the 156 people
    aboard survived the journey. They finally landed at Martha's Vineyard,
    MA., and after the voyage, the Captain was sent to trial for his theft of
    the passengers, he was found not guilty. Five passengers were jailed.

Click here for details of Casper 's family with Magdalena  Foulk

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