Author Archives: Descent by Sea

Johannes Runkle

Johannes (Johan – Hance) Runkle (c. 1735-1803) was born about 1735, probably in the Runkle region of Germany. He was the progenitor of Runkles in New York State, a   farmer who fought in the Revolutionary War, as well as the … Continue reading

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John Runkle

John Runkle (1756-1813) was born March 28, 1756 in the Boght (Watervliet), NY.  He was my third great grandfather. His parents were Johan Runkle (1730-1803) and Anna Barbara Neher (1728-1793).  John’s father purchased a 246 acre farm in October 1769 … Continue reading

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Clement Ducas

Clement Ducas (c. 1780-?) of French heritage and born in France before the time of the French Revolution. His parents are unknown.  According to multiple family sources, the Clement family resided on a plantation in French-ruled Haiti.  The story goes … Continue reading

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Frederick Roff

Frederick ROFF (about 1728-1825) was born in 1728, probably in Germany although some believe he was of Dutch origin.  How and when he immigrated by sea remains unknown.  He served in the Revolutionary War, owned a farm, had a son … Continue reading

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William Roff

William Roff (1769-1862) was born July 24, 1769 in Watervliet, NY.   William’s life was marked by loss: his brother was murdered over real estate, his wife died early leaving two young children to be raised by William.  His simple gravestone … Continue reading

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Frederick Roff

Frederick Roff (1795-1890), a veteran of the War of 1812, was widowed early and raised five children on his own.  He owned a number of farms and lived until age 95. Frederick, my great-great grandfather, was born January 3, 1795 … Continue reading

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Isaac Roff

Isaac Roff (1846-1927) was born on December 10, 1846 in Colonie, NY, the youngest of five children.  He was motherless by age 2.  Isaac was raised with his father and  grandfather, both farmers since the late 1700s.  Isaac eventually owned … Continue reading

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Jacob Fratt

Jacob Fratts (c. 1725-1777) was most likely born in Germany — possibly in Wurtemberg.  He probably was a Palatine. It appears that Jacob Fratts arrived by sea before 1758 because a record in the Colonial Laws of New York of … Continue reading

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John Thomas Norton

John Thomas Norton (1865-1942) was born in Troy, New York, on February 4, 1865 during the civil war.   His parents Thomas Norton (about 1822-1888) and Rose Shattuck (about 1825-1898) came by sea from Ireland.   John Thomas became a well respected … Continue reading

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Thomas Norton

Thomas NORTON (1822-1888) was born in Tipperary County, Ireland (probably Thurles Town) in 1822.  As an immigrant, he worked hard, became active in politics and provided his son John Thomas  with an Ivy League education. Thomas arrived to New York … Continue reading

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