Nedrow, Peter B (b. 28 APR 1790, d. 10 MAY 1869)

Note: Became a member of German Reformed Church October 16, 1864, Tanner's, Rev. G. A. Johnston.

Census: Date: 1850
Place: Milford Twp., Somerset Co., Pennsylvania

Census: Date: 1850
Place: Milford Twp., Somerset Co., Pennsylvania

Note: John M. Witt came to Somerset County, Pennsylvania in 1812. He was a county surveyor. He surveyed Summit Mills and New Centerville in 1834. He was also the Commissioner for Somerset and Conemaugh Turnpike, which was to begin in Somerset Bourough and extended to Canal Basin in Johnstown. He was later elected Recorder of Deeds, Register of Wills, and Clerk of Orphan's Court in 1821. He was Justice of the Peace for District #1, which includes Somerset Bourough and Somerset and Milford Township and part of Jenner in 1823. He was Sheriff of Somerset County in 1831.

This information was gathered from Merikay Mestad's Witt line research.

A deed was transferred to John Witt, February 21, 1842 of the Somerset property of their deceased father, Jacob Witt. This property was transferred from John's siblings, Jacob Witt, Jr. and wife, Catherine, Samuel Witt, and wife, Catherine of Southampton Township.

This information was gathered from Carol Hepburn's research. She quotes;

"History of Bedford and Somerset County, by William H. Welfley, 1906 3 Volumes, 1802 pp. "Jacob Witt, a revolutionary soldier, was of scotch origin. He was one of the pioneers of this county, and settled near Wellersburg, in Southampton Township, where the house that he built is still standing. He carried on farming and distilling until 1830, when he died at the age of 83. His sons were John, Samuel, and Jacob.

John was born in Lehigh County in 1785 and came to this county in 1812. He followed surveying and was county register, sheriff and recorder. At the time of his death he owned 9,000 acres in this county. He married Catherine Davis and was father of four children: Samuel, John L., Cornelius, and Catherine. John L. was a surveyor and resides in Somerset. Cornelius H. is a farmer, living in the northern part of the township. He was a solder in the rebellion for over 3 years."

The following information shared by Merikay Mestad;

An unverified source that states that John's source of birth is LDS film #D60947-5065 pt 1 Kirchenburg Lutheran and Reformed Church, Weissenburg Township, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, USA 1756.

The will of John Witt #4-1859, written September 22, 1854, had a codicil dated Feb 5, 1859 and was filed April 11, 1859. The will mentions his wife, Catherine. It was filed in the Orphan's Court Records on April 24, 1865 by the petition of Cornelius H. Witt.

A booklet in History and Genealogical Society in Somerset that John Witt, Esq. born April 1, 1784 and died March 19, 1859. Catherine died February 11, 1869, age 85.

The History of Bedford, Somerset, and Fulton County, 1884 page 591 for date to Somerset County and Offices; " Wittenburg...built on a tract of land purchased by Jonathan Leasure from John Witt."

1824 Tax List for Somerset Borough, John Witt, Esq. 1 cow, 1 lot (Somerset Past Jul, 1981)

Somerset County, Pennsylvania, Deeds: Book 10: Jacob Witt, Sr.; and purchased by John Witt, one acre, "my land where him and myself agree to build upon" line shall pass through the center of the spring so each will have access.

Somerset County, Pennsylvania, Deeds: Book 13: 267 on March 17, 1834 Jacob Witt Junior, of Southampton and John Witt, Somerset open road on Jacob's property to haul coal out from John Witt's mine.

Somerset County, Pennsylvania, Deeds: Book 18: 482 (Feb 21, 1842), Jacob Witt, Jr and wife Catherine, Samuel Witt and his wife Catherine of Southampton Township, Somerset County, Pennsylvania, USA. Transferred to John Witt of Somerset the property of their late father.


Census, 1810; Somerset Co., PA, Southampton Twp., John Witt (16-26), females 2 (under 10), 1 (10-16), 1 (16-26); 1820 John Witt males 2 (under 10), 1 (26-45), 1 female (26-45).

Census , 1830; Somerset Borough, males 1(5-10), 2 (10-15), 1 (40-50), female 1 (under5), 1 (10-15), 1 (40-50); 1840 male (50-60), female (50-60); (#48-52) John, 66, surveyor, Catharine, 66, and John L. and family, all born PA.

History of Bedford & Somerset Counties, PA, vol. 2, 1906, p.210, Somerset and Conemaugh Turnpike Company incorporated by the Act of April 8, 1833. John Witt named as commissioner, p. 646-647, surveyor of New Centreville.

History of Bedford, Somerset and Fulton Co., 1884, p. 405(Registrar, Recorders and Clerk of Orpan's Ct.), p. 406(sheriff), p. 408 (JP) .

History of Bedford & Somerset Counties, PA, vol. 2, 1906, p. 441 Registers & Recorders & Clerks of Orphan's Courts, John Witt, commissioned Feb, 1821, p. 442 Sheriff Oct, 1831, John Witt. p.446, John Witt appointed Justice of Peace.

In the will of John Witt #4-1859 written September 22, 1854.states that 1/4 part of his estate willed to his son, Cornelius H. Witt's child, John Marion Witt and any other child born hereafter... Orphan's Court Records state that on April 24, 1865 the petition of Cornelius H Witt mentions description of the land the three minor children of Cornelius.

A cemetery transcription of the Union Cemetery in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, USA, plot 493, verifies birth and death.


The transcription verifies death and birth dates.John Landis was baptized in 1826 Trinity Lutheran

Name: John Witt ,
Enlistment Date: 01 November 1862
Distinguished Service: DISTINGUISHED SERVICE
Side Served: Union
State Served: Pennsylvania
Unit Numbers: 2166 2166
Service Record: Enlisted as a Private on 01 November 1862
Enlisted in Company H, 171st Infantry Regiment Pennsylvania on 01 November 1862.
Died Company H, 171st Infantry Regiment Pennsylvania on 17 February 1863 in New Berne, NC

Occupation: Date: 1850
Place: Surveyor

Census: Date: 1850
Place: Somerset, Somerset County, PA

Note: Zion Lutheran Church, Burial photograph for Witt.

Census: Date: 1850
Place: Somerset, Somerset, Pennsylvania

Census: Date: 1860
Place: Somerset, Somerset, Pennsylvania

Census: Date: 1870
Place: Somerset, Somerset County, PA

Note: Cornelius Witt's family were listed in the 1850 US Census in Southampton Township, Somerset County, Pennsylvania, USA.(#124-126) Cornelius was 26 years old and listed as a farmer. His wife, Elizabeth was 21. C. Witt's name appeared on a list of landowners whose name appears on 1867 landowner map of Larimer Township, Somerset County, Pennsylvania, USA. (Somerset Past, July 1981.)

Cornelius Witt & his family were located in Yarimer, (Larimer)Somerset County, Pennsylvania, USA in the 1870 US Census.(#6-43) Cornelius, age 46, making shingles by hand, Elizabeth, age 40, 4 children, and Mary Johnston age 69, Elizabeth's mom.

Cornelius Witt and his family were listed in the 1880 US Census in Larimar Township, Somerset County, Pennsylvania, USA. He was living with is wife, Lizzie, his daughter, Clara and Alice and granddaughter, Nora Leizur

Cornelius served in the Civil War. He was in Company G, the 54th division. He was a Pennsylvania Volunteer. He entered and exited as a private on the Union side.

The 1860 US census (#729-729) lists Cornelius, age 38, farmer, and Elizabeth, age 30, as married, with 2 children, living in Yarimer, (Larimar) Somerset County, PA. It states that Cornelius was a farmer. On our vacation to Somerset on July 17, 2002 Pat & I found Cornelius and Elizabeth Witt's burial sites in St. John's Cemetery in Larimer Township, Somerset County, Pennsylvania.

Obituary is as follows: Cornelius H. Witt April11, 1893, Larimer. Cornelius H. Witt, aged 70 years and 24days. Mr. Witt was born in this county (Somerset), March 18, 1823. He was married to Elizabeth M. Johnson June 7, 1849. The union was blessed with five children, one son and four daughters, one of whom died about four years ago Emma. When the war for the Union broke out, although thirty eight years of age, he was among the first to respond to the call of Father Abraham, enlisting in Company G. 5th Penna Volunteers, General Jacob M. Campbell commanding. He met death almost thirty years later, as courageously as he had faced him on the field. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. C. Mankamuer and Eld. S.Hoover, who spoke words of encouragement and sympathy to the bereaved widow and children. His remains rest in the Evangelical grave yard. Peace to his ashes.

This information is from Rich Boyer, January 2005, gathered from Carol Hepburn's research. She quotes "History of Bedford and Somerset County, by William H. Welfley, 1906 3 Volumes, 1802pp. "Jacob Witt, arevolutionary soldier, was of scotch origin. He was one of the pioneers of this county, and settled near Wellersburg, in Southampton Township, where the house that he built is still standing. He carried on farming and distilling until 1830, when he died at the age of 83. His sons were John, Samuel, and Jacob. John was born in Lehigh County in 1785 and came to this county in 1812. He followed surveying and was county register, sheriff and recorder. At the time of his death he owned 9,000 acres in this county. He married Catherine Davis and was father of four children: Samuel, John L., Cornelius, and Catherine. John L. was a surveyor and resides in Somerset.

Cornelius H. is a farmer, living in the northern part of the township. He was a solder in the rebellion for over 3 years." Cornelius was baptized in 1824 in the Trinity Lutheran Church in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, USA. Cornelius Heyer son of John and Catherine Witt, F. Heyer and Mary Wells, witnesses.

Shared by Merikay Mestad. Can we assume the middle name of Heyer came from this friend and witness? Merikay Mestad shared that Cornelius was a farmer and a shingle maker. Cornelius and his family lived above Wellersburg on the road to Cook Cemetery, Gerz Cemetery, Kennel's Mills, Palo Alto. Cornelius served in the Civil War in Company G. of the 54th Pennsylvania Volunteers as a private. They raised a foster daughter, Martha Witt, who married John Cohick. Martha is mentioned as a child of Alice (Cornelius's daughter), in the obituaries of Alice and Valentine Yahnert.

In the will of John Witt #4-1859 written September 22, 1854.states that 1/4 part of his estate willed to his son, Cornelius H. Witt's child, John Marion Witt and any other child born here after... Orphan's Court Records state that on April 24, 1865 the petition of Cornelius H Witt mentions description of the land the three minor children of Cornelius.

Shared by Merikay Mestad;

census: Somerset Co., PA, Southampton Twp. 1850, (#124-126) Cornelius H., 26, farmer, Elizabeth, 21; Larimer Twp. 1860 (#729-729) Cornelius, 38, farmer, Elizabeth,30, 2 children;

1870 (#6-43) Cornelius, 46, making shingles by hand, Elizabeth,40, 4 children, and Mary Johnston, 69;

1880 Cornelius, 58, Lizzie E., 50, 2 children; Meyersdale 1900 (#185-208) Elizabeth Witt, head of household,69, b. Sep 1830, married 45 years, 5 children 4 living, Nora, daughter [grandaughter], 20, b. Jan 1880, servant;

1910 Elizabeth M., 80, grandmother, 5 children, 4 living, in Sam and Nora Bingman home. C. Witt's named appeared on list of landowners whose name appears on 1867 landowner map of Larimer Twp., Somerset Co., PA. (Somerset Past, Jul 1981).

Census: Date: 1850
Place: Southampton, Somerset, Pennsylvania

Note: History of Cambria County, Pennsylvania
Chapter: Vol. one. Part II. Biographical history
Page: 430


Howard M Picking, well known funeral director of Johnstown, located at 429 Somerset Street, is a native of Pennsylvania. He was born in Somerset County, Sept. 1, 1873 and is the son of Jacob and Mariah (Imhoff) Picking.

Jacob Picking, who lives retired in Somerset County, has been identified with the business interests of that county for many years. He engaged in the mercantile business and conducted a hotel. To Mr. and Mrs. Picking the following children were born: B. J., lives in Johnstown, Howard M., the subject of this sketch; Joseph, a farmer, lives in Somerset County, Pa.; Marian, marred Curtis Grove, lives at Somerset, Pa.; and Robert, lives in Philadelphia.

Howard M Picking spent his boyhood in Somerset County and received his education in the public schools. He entered the employ of the Cambria Steel Company at an early age and remained there until 1909, when he engaged in the undertaking business in Johnstown. He also conducted a livery until 1920. Mr. Picking’s funeral home is modern in its appointments and he ranks among the reliable business men of the community.

On Dec. 8, 1897, Mr. Picking was united in marriage with Miss Mary m. Davis, a native of Somerset, Pa., born Dec 12, 1873, the daughter of Wesley W. and Lydia (Witt) Davis. Mr. Davis, a veteran of the Civil War, died May 28, 1897, and his wife died Oct. 8, 1894. They had three children: Harry B.; Mrs. Picking; and George, who died at the age of 14 years. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Picking, as follows: Mary Louise, born Feb 8, 1899; Madeline, born April 30, 1902; Lydia Adelaide, born Sept. 8, 1904, a trained nurse; Howard M., Jr., born March 17, 1908; and Ronald D., born Aug 24, 1910.

Politically, Mr. Picking is a Republican. He is a member fo the First Christian Church and is active in church affairs, being deacon and Sunday school superintendent. He is also affiliated with the Masonic Lodge.

Census: Date: 1900
Place: Johnstown Ward 5, Cambria, Pennsylvania

Census: Date: 1880
Place: Somerset, Somerset, Pennsylvania

Census: Date: 1910
Place: Johnstown Ward 5, Cambria, Pennsylvania

Census: Date: 1920
Place: Johnstown Ward 5, Cambria, Pennsylvania

Census: Date: 1930
Place: Johnstown, Cambria, Pennsylvania

Note: The Daily Courier (Connellsville, Pennsylvania) > 1937 > April > 23

Jacob S Picking Dies

Somerset, April 23 – Jacob S Picking, 89, engaged in farming and the livery business until his retirement, died Wednesday night at his home. His death came on the 11th anniversary of the burial of his wife. He leaves seven children.

Occupation: Date: BET 1880 AND 1907
Place: Livery man

Census: Date: 1910
Place: Somerset, Somerset, Pennsylvania

Census: Date: 1880
Place: Somerset, Somerset, Pennsylvania

Census: Date: 1920
Place: Somerset, Somerset, Pennsylvania

Census: Date: 1930
Place: Somerset, Somerset, Pennsylvania

Note: The Daily Courier (Connellsville, Pennsylvania) > 1926 > April > 20

Mrs. Maria L Picking

Somerset, April 20 – Mrs. Maria Louise Inhoff Picking, 78 years old died Sunday night at her home in West Union street of complication of deseases.

Census: Date: 1850
Place: Somerset, Somerset County, PA

Census: Date: 1860
Place: Somerset, Somerset County, PA

Census: Date: 1870
Place: Somerset, Somerset County, PA

Census: Date: 1880
Place: Somerset, Somerset, Pennsylvania

Census: Date: 1910
Place: Somerset, Somerset, Pennsylvania

Census: Date: 1920
Place: Somerset, Somerset, Pennsylvania

Census: Date: 1880
Place: Somerset, Somerset, Pennsylvania