From Germany to Antietam: The Early History of the Pfaffenberger Family, Second Edition
by Thomas Poffenberger
Category: Biography & Autobiography

The 3rd Edition is a total re-writing of the 2nd Edition. I am satisifed that I have completed the story of the first family. The last trips to Germany, Maryland and Pennsylvania have tied up lose ends. We have found the birth place of Anna Martha in Germany as well as the name of the wife of George Jr.and the mother of George(A11), born 29 May 1745. Her first name, Margaretha, is the same as a 19 year old girl listed on the ship when the family arrived in Philadelphia. She is therefore the likely mother of John(B), the founder of the Poffenberger clan of Washington Co., MD who was born shortly after their arrival. My vist to Host Church at Tulpehockebn resulted in being showin what was said to be the large Pfaffenberger farm and seemingly the original plantation since records show it was near Host Church. The last three members of the family to live there, Ralph b. 1884, Samuel born 1884, Carrie born 1882, all died the same year in 1963. The old farm house, long deserted, is covered with vines. They would be descendants of Michael (A7), the last child of Anna Martha and Johann George Pfaffenberger. I have added several pages of documentation, births and marriages from various church records which may be helpful to some in their search. Comment regarding the 2nd Edition "I have been tracing this family for about 5 years now. Thomas Poffenbarger filled in some of the gaps and answered the many questions that come up after you find that next clue. I read it cover to cover in two days. I went to Germany 15 years ago and had a wonderful visit with the friendly locals, this makes me want to go back soon." D. Sinclair (Indianapolis, Indiana United States) "Dr.Poffenberger has answered all the questions about my father´s ancestors that I never would have been able to discover myself. I recommend that anyone who has read this exceptional book goes to Mistelgau,Germany which is in a beautiful rural part of Bavaria.In this little village is the 14th century church preserved with it´s original carvings and painted icons where the Poffenberger family worshipped.It just gave me goosebumps to think that my ancestors stood where I was standing." Bunny (Encinitas, CA USA) "I enjoyed this book very much. Mr. Poffenberger did alot of reseach and I really enjoyed learning about where they came from in Germany. There was even some pictures! We had been searching,hoping to find a clue linking our family to the Pennsylvannia group and with his help we have done that. The book also gives you history in Germany and in Pennsylvannia. The Poffenbergers were certainly in the middle of all the early wars and managed to survive." Wanda Gaul (Geneva, New York) "Thanks to Thomas Poffenberger´s book, From Germany to Antietam, I can now confirm where my mother´s gggrandfather Daniel Poffenberger was born. After 20 some years of researching, I now know Daniel was born in Berks County, Pennsylvania, who his parents were and when and where he was baptized. The history all through the book is an asset to any reader with an interest in the history of Berks county as well as Germany. I am indebted to Thomas Poffenberger for the book and the hours of research he and his wife did." Julia L. Hach (Medina, Ohio, USA)