DNA Match: 4th GREAT GRANDPARENTS, PETER HENRY HEISKELL and SUSANNA WEITZEL
Your 4th GGfather Peter Henry Heiskell was born in Winchester, VA when his mom was 30 and dad Johann Christof was 33. He married your 4th GGmother on May 13, 1783.
Your 4th GGmother Susanna "Susan" Weitzel was born in 1765 in Winchester VA to Christopher and Mary Bonnet Weitzel. Susanna was 2nd generation American. Her grandparents, Johan Jacob Weitzel and Mary Barbara Geist Weitzel were both born in Germany. Johan Jacob died at age 100.
To me, the most fascinating thing about your 4th GGdad occurred when Thomas Jefferson's family found themselves in deep debt following his death. After struggling for several years, they had to sell Monticello due the high debts of Jefferson. The Executor's Sale was held in the winter of 1831. James Barkley purchased the mansion then and owned it for three years before selling to U. S. Navy Officer Uriah Levy who ultimately saved Monticello from further ruin.
When the Barkleys made their purchase, they sold off or gave away many of Jefferson's possessions that came with their purchase, including the carriage, or gig, that Jefferson had ridden to Philadelphia to sign the Declaration of Independence. This gig was presented to Peter Heiskell of Staunton. This is an important and famous gift from the Jefferson estate to your 4th Great Granddad!
