Recent research indicates that Henry died in 1805. He died intestate and this proceedings for this went before a judge on August 17, 1805 and October 24, 1805. It would be highly unusual for two years to pass before the probate.
His stone in Old Allentown Cemetery is entirely worn away, though his second wife’s is not. As a result, paper sources for the stone’s information must be used. According to the Old Allentown Cemetery records, he died on April 20, 1805 at the age of 67 years and 4 months. If taken literally, his birthdate calculates as December 20, 1737.
The DAR plaque at the corner of Old Allentown Cemetery, erected 1928, states Henry was born on January 20, 1736 and he died on April 20, 1803. This is believed to be incorrect and was calculated wrong using the wrong death date of April 20, 1803 (the stone was likely worn by the early 20th century and misread).
The papers presented to the Lehigh County Historical Society, published in 1908, state that Henry died April 20, 1805 and was born in 1738. It also states his stone is visible in the cemetery at that time. This was written by Charles R. Roberts and later placed in Volume 1 of the History of Lehigh County Pennsylvania. Oddly Volume 2 of the same book includes the death date of April 20, 1803, which it appears the SAR and DAR applications used beginning in 1919 with Edwin Krause.
In conclusion, Henry’s stone likely originally said “Died April 20, 1805, aged 67 years, 4 months.” The date of death is supported by court proceedings of the estate. No one seems to debate the age at which he died. However, the use of this to calculate his birthdate seems to be in question. The biggest dependency is the reading of the 1805 as 1803, which is understandable if the stone was highly worn. Again, the court records support the reading as 1805.
If Henry was born in 1737, it means he was born to Andreas’ wife, Maria Magdalena (Schmutz) Hagenbuch. They were married April 26, 1737. It is likely that Henry was conceived before they were married.
Census Findings
- 1800: Henry Hagenbuch, Hannover Township, Northampton County, PA: 1 male 10-15; 1 male 45+; 1 female 10-15; 2 female 16-25; 1 female 45+
Burial from Findagrave.1