The Nicolaus Heinrich Crist Account Book
          The Nicolaus Heinrich Crist Account Book

          Nicolaus Heinrich Crist (1716-1783) & Ana Catherin Nowlin (1720-1783)

          [Part 1]


          
          In April 1988 I received the following message and abstract, and have 
          decided to reprint it, sans names, in hopes of finding the original publisher.
          
          Tom Steele
          
          =====The Message Received==========================
          
          Hi Tom,
          
          I have the abstract of the account book alledgely kept by Nicolaus
          Heinrich Crist (1716-1783) and handed down to his sons.  This abstract
          was alledgely copied from the original by Henry R. Selman and his friend
          John Crist in 1958.  RETYPED BY: DELLA SELMAN WEISINGER, 702 RUNNELS
          STREET, CROCKETT, TEXAS 75835, APRIL 1988.
          
          I caution you, the notes may or may not be the truth.  The notes may or
          may not be copyrighted, I know that they have been published in the
          "Crist Update" and would not doubt that they have been published in
          several other genealogical magazines and newletters.  I received this
          information from ____________, who received it from some of the
          primaries.  We neither one can give you permission to post this
          material.  This you would have to find for yourself.  I believe I speak
          for ______ when I say, the more exposure this account book receives the
          better the chance that we can locate the original if it still exists (or
          ever did exist), but the material simply isn't ours.
          
          
          =====The Abstract==================================
          
          NICOLAUS HEINRICH CRIST
          (1716 GERMANY-1783 USA)
          &
          ANA CATHERIN NOWLIN
          (1720-1783 USA)
          
          BY: HENRY R. SELMAN
          LATEXO, TEXAS
          
          RETYPED BY: DELLA SELMAN WEISINGER
          702 RUNNELS STREET
          CROCKETT, TEXAS 75835
          APRIL 1988
          
          September 12, 1958
          
          I went to Indianapolis, Indiana the 20th of March 1958 and did not
          return until the 29th of April.
          
          John Crist with whom I had know for many years, we served in WW I
          together, had finally found the Account Book that he had told me so much
          about.  We spent a month writing and reading from this book.  We did not
          record too much on Indian attacks, etc.  As were more interested in the
          genealogical information which it contained and the contents were almost
          beyond belief.
          
          John and I had traveled together in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and
          Kentucky through the years doing research on the Crist line along with
          our other lines.  However, we had almost lost hope of ever finding this
          bonanza.  When it actually happened.  We spent hour after hour
          inspecting its contents.  It was like going back in time, as neither of
          us had ever heard of the earth quake; however, after checking the Public
          Library, it was true and the accuracy of the dates and details were
          fascinating.
          
          The owner of the Account Book is George Nicholas Crist, now 82 years
          old, born in Indiana and now living in Indianapolis.  He is a descendant
          of George H. Crist, Jr.  We tried to talk him into giving the book to
          the Library since he has no children to inherit it.  He refused to give
          us a definite answer.  Neither of us have any children either.  I
          sincerely hope that George will see fit to donate it to the Library for
          safe keeping.
          
          I am going to describe it to the best of my ability.  I only wish that
          every Crist descendant could have the opportunity to see it for
          themselves.  It was 7 1/2" wide and 9 1/2" long, it contained 225 pages
          all of which seemed to be intact.  The cover was hard back and the pages
          ruled lines similar to the ones that we used around 1920.
          
          It was kept inside a pouch or draw string purse like - which was made
          out of some type of hide.  One side was worn more than the other.  It
          had two long strings of hide at the top that we decided could be tied
          around the neck and two more longer strings on each side at the bottom
          which we decided that was tied around the waist or body.  Inside the
          larger pouch or draw string purse was another smaller one made exactly
          like the bigger one.   It was attached about one half of its length to
          the larger one and the sides and bottom and the top of it could be drawn
          to by a string to fasten the top.  We figured that this was made in
          order to keep the valuables and money.  It was still intact and in good
          condition there was no broken or torn pieces of the hide nor the laces
          that laced through the outside to hold it together.  We both tried it on
          and tied it in the manner in which we felt it had been worn.  It was not
          the most comfortable thing; however, it was a brilliant idea that
          someone had to protect the few treasures which our ancestors owned.  We
          felt it could have possible been made by the immigrant Crist's mother or
          quite possibly his father since a lot of Germans that came to America
          were tailors.
          
          The Account Book was a treasure.  It was still in very good condition,
          considering the times it had been opened and closed to make the entries
          inside, without taking into consideration the age of it. The penmanship
          was excellent, it had very few crossed out words.  It was written in
          ink.
          
          It was amazing to read the wording which it contained.  I guess that I
          had assumed that in that time period that people could not read and
          write.  However, it was definitely not true in this case.
          
          In my opinion they were better educated than a lot of the people born in
          the United States in the 1900's.  Their spelling and grammar were
          unbelievable to me.  It is the most interesting thing that I have ever
          seen to date.
          
          I know that the ones that read what I copied can't possibly enjoy it as
          much as I did from the original book, but I sincerely hope that you
          appreciate the contents taken from it.
          
          Our ANCESTORS were to say the least thoughtful, intelligent, determined
          and very decent hard working people that we can all say that we were
          glad they were here.
          
          My final words are: I copied the wording exactly as written.
          
          MY LINE
          
            Johanne Jorge Nichlas Crist    1690-1750
            Nicholaus Heinrich Crist    1716-1783
            George Heinrich Crist, Sr    1744-1823
            George H. Crist, Jr.     1768-1845
            Daniel H. Crist     1817-1892
            William H. Crist     1842-1928
            Della Lee Crist     1879-1921
            Henry R. Selman     1898-April 5, 1966
          
          THE ACCOUNT BOOK
          
          NICOLAUS HEINRICH CRIST
          
          AS COPIED BY HENRY R. SELMAN 1958
          
          Page 9 We sailed from Rotterdam today 1 March 1738 - everyone seems to
          be happy.  Just hope our spirits stays this good.
          
           It was cold and dark last night - so many became ill - it was stormy -
          high winds and heavy rains.  The vessel was rocky. 2 March 1738
          
          Page 12 The vessel smells of stench.  We are stopping for supplies
          tomorrow.  I hope they will stop long enough to clean and air the
          vessel.  10 May 1738
          
          Page 20
          and 21 I am going to write in my account book about me so if we die they
          will know who we are.  There's fifteen of us that knows each other we
          have labored - fought and laughed together all our lives.  Now it looks
          like we will cry and likely die together.  We was all borne in (Emmens?
          or Emmerns Germany).  Namely
          
            Johanne John Jacob Crist
            Johanne Nicolaus Heinrich Crist
            Johanne Peter Ludwick Crist
            Johanne Philip Henrie Crist
            Johanne Michael Jorge Crist
          
           We was born to Johanne Jorge Nichlas Crist, born 1690 and Anna
          Elizabeth Mueller Crist, borne 1695, they was borne in Germany.  I wish
          they was here, they would know what to do and it would be better.
          
           These men left with us
          
            Johanne William Henry Towlin
            Johanne James Henry Dickerson
            Johanne William Edward Collings
            Johanne Enoch Daniel Low
            Johanne John Edward Houghland
            Johanne William Thomas Biggers
            Johanne Henrie Philip Cartemell
            Johanne John Edward Lyttle.
          
           We cleaned the vessel best we could.  I hope we do not have any more
          storms and high winds.  We will leave tomorrow. I will be glad when we
          get to America.  14 May 1738.
          Page 24 I wish I was home.  Peter and Philip and Michael does too but
          John Jacob thinks because he is oldest that he can not show his real
          feelings.  We are all sick, Michael is real sick, we can not do anything
          to help him.  12 August 1738.
          
          Page 30 It is so hot during the day and the smell is terrible.  Every
          body has dysentery.  We have lost many lives.  I wonder if we will make
          it to America.  28 August 1738.
          
          Page 34 Captain Russell said we would walk on land in America today. I
          am so tired and sick can only hope he is right. We all are.  14
          September 1738.
          
          Page 35 We landed in America yesterday.  It felt so good to set, walk
          and lay on the dirt in the land that we had all dreamed of being able to
          live to see.  Our prayers was answered.  I cried myself to sleep as did
          many others.  The air smelled and tasted so good.  I only know one thing
          that I do not ever want to get on another ship for the rest of my life.
          15 September 1738.
          
          Page 40 I saw and talked to my wife to be today.  She is more beautiful
          than my mother if that is possible.  Did not tell her that she was going
          to be my wife. 24 November 1738.
          
          Page 44 Sir John Henry Nowlin, Esquire and his wife Ana Elizabeth
          Tillman Nowlin extended an invite to me and my brothers to share a feast
          with them.   We took him up on it.  I asked Sir John for his daughter
          Catherin's hand in marriage.  He approved with a hearty handshake.
          Everybody was happy during this festive time. 25th December 1738.
          
          Page 46 Anna Catherine became my wife today.  Rev. Henrie Dreher
          performed the ceremony.  We are so happy.  So many friends neighbors and
          relatives came to our wedding.  We got married in the little Lutheran
          Church here in the Colony on the Monongahela River.  Catherine teaches
          school in the little church during the week. 25th January 1739.
          
          Page 52 This account Book gave to me by my parents when I left the old
          Country is a fine gift.  They gave one to all five of us.  I will pass
          it on to my son.  Catherin is with child. 2 August 1739.
          
           John Jacob Crist was borne in the year of our Lord 29 October 1739.
          Catherin was nineteen today and I was twenty three.  This will never
          happen again everybody says.  We named our first son for my brother who
          was so strong on our trip to America.  In the Spring when Catherin is
          strong enough, we will have a feast and invite our friends, relations
          and neighbors to celebrate this joyous occasion. 29 October 1739.
          
          Page 60 John Jacob Crist borne in the year of our Lord 7 May 1714
          married Catherin Engelson
          
           Nicholaus Heinrich Crist borne in the year of our Lord 29 October 1716
          married Catherin  Nowlin 25 January 1739.
          
           Peter Ludwick Crist borne in the year of our Lord 20 September 1718
          married Anna Rowland.
          
           Philip Henrie Crist borne in the year of our Lord 1 September 1720
          married Magdalena Fritch.
          
           Michael Jorge Crist borne in the year of our Lord 6 August 1721 married
          Serrah Sims.
          
          Page 70 Sir John Henry Nowlin, Esquire and his wife Ana Elizabeth, along
          with two sons John Henry and William George and a daughter Mary
          Elizabeth drowned.  They left seven days ago to call on a brother of Sir
          Johns that was very ill.  The river was high and it was rough but Sir
          John thought
          that they would be safe on the raft that we had built.  The bodies was
          found yesterday down the river about halfway between Sir Johns place and
          his brothers.  We will bury them on the land that Sir John loved so
          much.  14 April 1749.
          
          Page 71 Ana Catherine was with child when her parents, brothers and
          sister drowned.  We named her Mary Elizabeth Crist after Catherin's
          Mother and Sister.  She was borne in the year of our Lord 14 June 1749
          and died the next day.  We buried her next to Sir John and his family on
          his land. 15 June 1749.
          
          Page 74 I am so worried about Ana Catherin.  It has been a while since
          we lost our loved ones and she is still not well.  I do not know how me
          and our sons can face life without her.  I have got to do something to
          bring her back to her old self, but what?  The people in the Colony are
          so good to us.  The other women are so helpful. 20 August 1749.
          
          Page 76 We moved into Sir Johns place today it is bigger.  Ana Catherin
          seems a lot better.  My prayers has been answered.  She is talking about
          teaching school again. She has been teaching our sons since they was
          borne but now she wants to teach others that want to learn to read and
          write like she did before we married.  22 December 1749.
          
          Page 88 I came home today.  I was wounded in the leg at the Battle of
          Great Meadows.  I am lucky to have my sons.  It looks like I might lose
          my leg, it is real bad.  5th August 1754.
          
          Page 99 Catherine and me finally got the daughters we never had.  Three
          of our sons was married yesterday.  John Jacob married Regenah Cartmell,
          Nicholas Heinrich, Jr. married Sarah Cartmell and Philip Henry married
          Rachel Cartmell.  The Rev. Henrie Dreher performed the wedding ceremony
          in the same Lutheran Church where Ana Catherin and me married. 7th May
          1763.
          
          Page 104 Our fourth son George Heinrich married Elizabeth Collings today
          in the Lutheran Church where we got married.  She was fifteen years of
          age today.  Rev. Henrie Dreher performed the wedding Ceremony.  Me and
          Elizabeth's Pa, William Edward Collings growed up together and come to
          America on the same ship.  He married Anne Elizabeth Nowlin a cousin to
          my Catherin. We had a feast, danced to good German music and played
          games all day. 5 March 1767.
          
          Page 110 William Jorge and John Michael was married today.  William
          Jorge married Elizabeth Hawkins and John Michael married Ursula
          Hawkins.  Rev. Henrie Dreher married them in the little Lutheran
          Church.  Rev. Dreher told me that he had married me and my sons and now
          he was looking forward to doing the same thing for my grandchildren. 1
          June 1769.
          
          Page 118 John Jacob Crist borne in the year of our Lord 29th October
          1739.
          
           Nicholas Heinrich Crist, Jr. Borne in the Year of our Lord 10 September
          1740.
          
           Philip Henry Crist borne in the year of our Lord 6 June 1742.
          
           George Heinrich Crist borne in the year of our Lord 23rd November 1744.
          
           William Jorge Crist borne in the year of our Lord 10th October 1745.
          
           John Michael Crist borne in the year of our Lord 25th September 1746.
          
           Our Almighty God up above has truly blessed me and Ana Catherin with
          our sons and their wives and grandchildren.  We gave thinks each and
          every day for what we have and pray for our safe keeping and that we can
          keep our homes from being burned out and enough food to keep us from
          being hungry.
          
          Page 120 I guess that I am more scared now than I was coming across the
          ocean to America.  We have six sons in Washington's Continental Army.
          Catherin and me are doing the best we can to take care of our daughters
          and grandchildren.  Everyone is working hard from day break until dark
          trying to keep things going.  We have seen bad times but it is worse
          now.  Our food that we have stored is low.  It seems that every one
          around us is in bad shape.  The only thing that we can do is pray that
          it will get better and soon be over.  Me and Catherin are so tired and
          scared, not for ourselves but for our loved ones.  24th December 1776.
          
          Continued in Part 2...

          [Part 1] [Part 2]

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