MELCHIOR WISSINGER (WEISSINGER)
From Württemburg, Germany to Philadelphia, Pa.
As documented by many, Mechior Wissinger was always thought to be the eldest son of the immigrant Johann Ludwig Wissinger who arrived in Philadelphia, Pa. in 1740. But, the finding of a naturalization record for Mechior Wissinger, dated 1765 in Philadelphia sparked my interest and continued research into this family. With the wonderful research done by Brenda Antal, we exchanged and combined our notes over time and discovered that Melchior did not belong to this immigrant family. Melchior immigrated to the USA around 1750 with his parents, Johann Michael Weissinger and Barbara Shurer, and sister, Catharina and is not a direct descendent of Johann Ludwig Wissinger.
Melchior Wissinger (Weissinger) was born 27 Mar 1742 in Tailfingen, Herrenberg District, Duchy of Württemberg, Germany. He was confirmed in 1763 at the St. Michael's & Zion Lutheran Church in Philadelphia, Pa. and first married Anna Maria Staus on May 24, 1765 in the Swedes Church in Philadelphia, Pa. They had 9 children (see below) and lived at 79 North Front Street in Philadelphia where Melchior was a brush and wire cage maker.
| NAME | BIRTH DATE | DATE OF DEATH | SPOUSE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Franciscus Joseph | Mar 4, 1766 | Bef. 1790 | None |
| Maria "Mary" Barbara | Nov 6, 1767 | Bet 1811-1819 | Philip Feiring (Firing, Fireng): 6 children |
| Anna Catherina | Aug 8, 1769 | Sept 1775 | None |
| Sara Susanna "Susan" | Jan 15, 1772 | Aft 1811 | 1. Johann Christopher Kinsinger: 3 children 2. Oliver Davis: 3 children |
| Anna "Nancy" Catherina | Sept 23, 1775 | Jun 20, 1860 | Samuel Burkhart: 6 children |
| Rebecca | Dec 18, 1777 | Bef. 1811 | George Conrad Lentner: 1 child |
| Michael | Jan 31, 1780 | July 29, 1808 at age 28 | Margaret Robinson: 3 children |
| Samuel | Nov 17, 1782 | Jun 6, 1808 at age 25 | Mary Haggarty: None known |
| Johann (John) | Abt. 1784 | Jun 5, 1811 at age 27 | Margaretha Myers: 1 child |
References: (1) The Wissinger Genealogy, 1976 by Dr. Donald O. Wissinger; (2) Contributed research by Brenda Antal; (3) Personal research by Bob Wissinger.