David Straub was my fourth great grandfather.

Birth

He was born November 1, 1802, in Dry Land, Northampton, Northampton, Pennsylvania, to parents Theodore Straub and Margaret Bloss.

Biography

David’s father was Theodore Straub, who was “born in what is known as Dry Land, a little hamlet located between Easton and Bethlehem. He was an extensive distiller, and a man of considerable force of character and local influence in his day, being widely known as an industrious, upright and worthy citizen. His family numbered five sons: Emanuel, Daniel, John, David and Thomas, and three daughters.”

The following is from Historic Homes and Institutions and Genealogical and Personal Memoirs of the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania. John W. Jordan and Edgar Moore Green, editors. The Lewis Publishing Company, 1905. Volumes I and II, page 387-388.

David Straub, the father of D. H. Straub, was born at Dry Land, and in his youth became familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. After attaining man’s estate he continued to follow the pursuit to which he had been reared, and owned and cultivated one hundred and thirty-six acres of valuable land. During his active life he amassed considerable property both in real estate and personality. In all of his business relations with his fellow men he was honorable and trustworthy, and commanded the respect and good will of all with whom he became associated, either in business or social relations. He married Polly Oldwine, and they became the parents of eleven children: Charles, Thomas, Daniel, Levi, John, David H., Mary, Harriet, Josiah, Emeline and Amelia, but David H. and the daughters are the only members of that once numerous household now living.

Marriage

David married Magdalena Ohlewein (1806-1866).

Children

David and Magdalena had eleven children.

1. Charles Straub. Born 07 Feb 1823
2. Thomas Straub. born 10 Nov 1824
3. Daniel Straub. Born 29 Dec 1826
4. Levi Stroup. Born 18 May 1829; died 05 Aug 1898
5. John Straub. Born 20 May 1831.
6. David Harrison Straub. Born 20 Jul 1833
7. Maria Anna Straub. Born 20 Oct 1835; died 21 May 1921; married a Boyer.
8. Harriet Straub.
9. Emeline Straub. Born 14 Dec 1841
10. Amelia Straub. Born June 4, 1848; died December 5, 1918, buried at Lutheran Church in Weissport PA; married Charles Schafer (1842–1911).
11. Josiah Straub. Born 1846.

Residence

1830

The 1830 census for Towamensing, Northampton, Pennsylvania, included David Straub with a household composition as follows: two males under the age of 5 (Daniel and Levi, ages 4 and 1), two males between the ages of 5 to 9 (Charles and Thomas, ages 7 and 6), one male aged 20 through 29 (presumably David himself), one female of the same age group (undoubtedly his wife), for a total of six household members.

1850

David appeared in the 1850 census for Lower Towamensing, Carbon County, PA, under the name “David Stroup,” a 46-year-old farmer with $2,000 worth of real estate owned. Living with him are his wife, Mary, children David, 19, Mary, 15, Harriet, 12, Emeline, 8, Josiah, 6, Amelia, 2, and his mother-in-law, Susan Olewine, age 71. Neighboring farmers are Jacob Boyer and David Boyer.

1860

In the 1860 census, the now 58-year-old David Straub was living in the same township. There is now an associated post office of Parryville. His wife is recorded as “Mariah” and is 54. Children living at home are Josiah Straub, 16, Emeline Straub, 19, and Amelia Straub, 12. Two other youngsters are living in the household: Mary Reinhart, 6, and J. Straup, 12. David’s real estate was valued at $3500 and his personal estate at $400. Another family appears to be living on the property: the Shoenbergers, with seven children.

1870