DAR #A057508

Hans Jacob Honaker was born 24 July 1718 in Hinwil, Zurich, Switzerland. He was the son of Hans Jacob Honegger and Elesbeth Bosshart. A carpenter by trade he hoped to further his opportunities by immigrating to America. His journey would begin Basel, Switzerland, where on 20 June 1747, he met and married Anna Bleyer, Pratteln. Their first son, Hans Jacob Honegger Jr, was born ten months later. Leaving on 8 May 1749, the small family left for America. A difficult journey in the best of times, Anna and their one year old son did not survive the crossing and were buried at sea.

Hans arrived in the colonies aboard the HMS Crown, in Philadelphia, 30 August 1749, with no money. All immigrants over the age of sixteen were required to stay on board until they were either purchased as servants or signed the “oath of allegiance”, which Hans did on arrival. When his indenture was over he was given a horse and a suit of clothes. He married Maria Goetz on 8 July 1753, at the First Reformed Church in Philadelphia. Maria was the mother of all of his children born in the US; John, Henry S, Frederick, Martin, Peter, Abraham, Isaac, and Anna.

Hans Jacob Honaker was a gunsmith and farmer. He first purchased land in Frederick County, Maryland on 10 April 1758 and again on 3 December 1761. On 2 August 1765 he purchased land that is now a part of George Washing National Park. In 1778, Frederick County was renamed as part of Dunmore and then Shenandoah County. On 25 March 1784 Hans sold his 97 acres for £76 and purchased 146 acres for £300 in what would become Wythe County.

In 1783, Hans contributed to the War for Independence through contributions of money and acting as a wagon master. His sons, Henry, Peter and Frederick also severed in the army, enlisting in George Rogers Clark’s expedition to the Northwest Territory. Henry was captured by the British and held in Detroit for two years.

The will of Jacob Honaker was written 12 August 1795 and was probabed on 10 May 1796, Wythe County, State of Virginia. Contains name of wife Mary, sons, Henry, Jacob, Nicholas, Joseph, Martin, Frederick, Peter, Benjamin, Isaac, Abraham, Elizabeth, Mary, Christiana, and Anna.