Culbertson ~ Hildebrandt Introduction

My Culbertson lineage began with my great grandfather’s birth in September 1873 to his parents, Samuel B. R. Culbertson and his wife Mary Sophia Hildebrandt.

-- Samuel is the 7th generation Culbertson, and direct descendant of the first Colonial Pennsylvania settler, William Culbertson.


William Culbertson, and two of his brothers, John and Andrew, were born in Scotland. These brothers were Scotch Covenanters and were driven from Scotland during the reign of James II of England.

-- Scottish Covenanters were members of a 17th century Scottish religious and political movement, who supported a Presbyterian Church of Scotland and the primacy of its leaders in religious affairs. The name is derived from covenant, a biblical term for a bond or agreement with God.


About 1665-1687 the three brothers immigrated to Ireland. William or John immigrated to the County of Derry near Londonderry. One of the brothers settled in Omagh, County Tyrone; another settled in Ballygan, near Ballymoney, County Antrim.

The settlement of the last-named brother was called "Culbertson Row", and it was from this the "Row" in Pennsylvania derived its name.

The brothers, William, John, and Andrew, may have been engaged in the Seige of Londonderry, and the triumph of William of Orange at the Battle of Boyne.

These brothers, and their sons, emigrated from Ireland to Colonial Pennsylvania about 1712.

-- To read more on the brothers, and their families, can be read from the 1893 and 1923 Culbertson family geneology book.


This web page is about my Culbertson line, which begins with the one brother, William, who with his children immigrated to Colonial Pennsylvania.

i. John Culbertson, born 1680-90 in Scotland. He died November 1756.


-- See Sec. First; Part Second, 1923 Culbertson Family Geneology.


ii. Robert Culbertson, born 1692 in Ireland. He died 1762.


-- See Sec. First; Part Third, 1923 Culbertson Family Geneology.


iii. Andrew Culbertson, born about 1695, and died 1746.


-- See Sec. First; Part Fourth, 1923 Culbertson Family Geneology.


iv. Samuel Culbertson (1697-1749). He married Francis.


-- See Sec. First; Part Fifith, 1923 Culbertson Family Geneology.

Samuel Culbertson (1697-1749 Families

-- My paternal 6th great grandparents: Samuel Culbertson and Francis.

-- Everything comes from the 1893 and 1923 Culbertson family geneology book, Part Fift, Section First, Page 103 to 108, and the and the Culbertson family directory.


Samuel Culbertson was born about 1695-1697 to William Culbertson in County Derry, near Londonderry, Ireland.

Samuel married Francis, and they immigrated to Colonial Pennsylvania in 1729, and settled in London Grove Township, Chester County. In 1730 Samuel first appeared on the tax record for London Grove Township.

The family would live in and around the Honey Brook and Coatesville areas of Chester County.

-- The 1730 tax records also show a release made by Wm. Finley, of the same county to a mortgage on property of the heirs of said Samuel Culbertson. The lease recites "that said Wm. Finley and Michael Finley, yeomen, of York County, Pennsylvania, were issue of William Finley and Catherine (Culbertson) Finley, his late wife.

-- Also, Samuel Daniel, of West Marlboro Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania, yeomen, and Catherine, his wife, the said Samuel being the only surviving issue of John Daniel, late of London Grove Township, Chester County, aforesaid, deceased, who married Jane Culbertson. Said Jane and Catherine being the only daughters of Samuel Culbertson, deceased.


Samuel gave a mortgage on his London Grove Township property to son-in-law John Daniel. Then in October 1771, John Daniel gave release to this for 20 shillings to John Culbertson.

On April 6th 1736 George Hodgson conveyed land to Samuel Culbertson. The deed record shows the land was in London Grove Township. Samuel made out his will on May 15th 1741. His oldest son, William, was named his executor.

-- In his will he bequeaths to his grandson "Samuel." This is Samuel Daniel. Jane (Daniel) was dead at time of making of Samuel's will on May 15th 1741.


Samuel’s wife Francis, died shortly after his will was made in 1741.

Samuel died in April 1749. He most likely was laid to rest in London Grove Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania.

Samuel and Francis Culbertson children. The names were obtained from wills and deeds.

i. William Culbertson (1718-1785). He married Margaret.

ii. John Culbertson was born about 1716-18 in Ireland, and died May 1785. (Chapter XIX).


-- In 1755 John placed a mortgage on this to Samuel Fisher for £729. This was released in Dec, 1764. In October 1771 the mortgage was sold to George Passmore.


iii. Kittrena Culbertson was born in Ireland. She married Mr. Dongrey before 1741. Kittrena was named in her father’s 1741 will as Mrs. Dongrey, and evidently had no children with Mr. Dongrey. Kittrena would later marry William Finley. Their children were: Michael and William Finley.

iv. Jane Culbertson may have been born about 1720-1722. She married Mr. Daniel. She was named in her father’s 1741 will as Mrs. Daniel. Her son Samuel was also referred to in her father’s will. (Mrs. John Daniel).


-- In Samuel Culbertson’s will he bequeaths to his grandson "Samuel." This is Samuel Daniel. Jane (Daniel) was dead at time of making of Samuel's will on May 15th 1741.

William Culbertson (1718-1785) Family

-- My paternal 6th great grandparents: William Culbertson and Margaret.

-- Everything comes from the 1893 and 1923 Culbertson family geneology book, Part Fift, Section First, Page 103 to 108, and the and the Culbertson family directory.


William Culbertson was born about 1714-16 to Samuel and Francis Culbertson in County Derry, near Londonderry, Ireland.

William married Margaret, and they lived seven miles east of Carlisle, in Silver Spring Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.

-- In 1735 as Lancaster County expanded west into the Cumberland Valley, the North Valley was divided into two townships, Pennsboro and Hopewell.

-- Settlements were made in Letterkenny Township as early as 1730, and is home to the Rocky Springs Church, which organized about 1738. Present day Green Township was originally within Letterkenny Township. In Letterkenny lived the Culbertson, McClay, Henderson, Criswell, and Johnson families. As well as Culbertson Row.

-- By 1741 Hopewell was subdivided into Hopewell and Antrim Townships and Peters Township which were settled as early as 1730. The "Upper West Conococheague Church" (Presbyterian) was organized in 1738. Lurgan Township adjoined Peters.


On May 15th 1741 William was the executor of his father’s will, and later conveyed his interest to his brother John on June 18th 1753.

When Cumberland County was formed from Lancaster County in 1750, Thomas Blounston was the agent of the proprietaries, William Penn’s sons, and granted William Culbertson a license and warrant to settle and improve land in the newly formed East Pennsboro Township.

The land is in Silver Spring Township, Cumberland County, seven miles east of Carlisle in present day New Kingston.

On June 18th 1753 William conveyed his interest in his father’s will to his brother John. In 1755 John placed a mortgage on this to Samuel Fisher for £729. This was released in Dec, 1764. In October 1771 the mortgage was sold to George Passmore.

William and Margaret Culbertson children. Taken from will, and corroborated by other records.

i. Samuel Culbertson (1742-1807). He married Elizabeth Loudon.

ii. William Culbertson (1760-1798). He married Nancy Bell.

iii. Frances Culbertson. She married Mr. Johnston of Virginia. Their children included: Wm. Johnston, James, John, and Jean.

William Culbertson (1760-1798) Family

-- My paternal 5th great grandparents: William Culbertson and Nancy Bell.

-- Everything comes from the 1893 and 1923 Culbertson family geneology book, Part Fift, Section First, Page 103 to 108, and the Culbertson family directory.


William Culbertson was born in 1760 to William and Margaret Culbertson in East Pennsboro, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.

William married Miss Nancy Bell of Cumberland County. In William’s will she was identified as Agnes. Nancy Bell was born in 1767 to Colonel James Bell.

William and Agnes lived on his grandfather’s, and father’s, farm near New Kingston, in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.

William also served, with his father Samuel, in the Revolution in July 1778, and 1781-82, as a private in the 3rd Battalion of Cumberland County Associators, commanded by Colonel James Bell. William may also have served with the Frontier Rangers for a time.

William died May 18th 1798. Agnes died August 1805.

William Culbertson and Nancy Bell children.

i. Sarah Culbertson was born 1778-90. She married James Dunlap.

ii. Margaret Culbertson was born 1792-3. She married Mr. Johnston.

iii. John Culbertson was born 1795. He died April 15th 1850.

iv. Samuel Culbertson (1796-1826). He married Polly Urie.

v. William Culbertson. He was a bachelor.

Samuel Culbertson (1796-1826) Family

-- My paternal 4th great grandparents were Samuel Culbertson and Mary Urie.

-- Everything comes from the 1893 and 1923 Culbertson family geneology book, Part Fift, Section First, Page 103 to 108, and the Culbertson family directory.


Samuel Culbertson was born 1796 to William Culbertson and Nancy Bell in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. Most likely the family farm near New Kingston.

At some point, Samuel moved further north into Cumberland County, later referred to as Sandy Hill, Perry County, Pennsylvania. Their he met and married Polly Urie of Sandy Hill.

Samuel died December 1826.

Samuel Culbertson and Polly Urie children.

i. William Holmes Culbertson (1824-1900). His 1st wife was Susanna Hench, and 2nd to Mary Jane Ewing.

ii. Benjamin Culbertson.

iii. Eleanor Culbertson.

iv. Rose Anna Culbertson.

William Homes Culbertson (1824-1900) Family

-- My paternal 3rd great grandparents were William Homes Culbertson and Susanna Hench.

-- This is William's family research paper, and his family directory.


William Holmes Culbertson was born in August 19th 1824 to Samuel Culbertson (1796-1826) and Mary Urie in Newville, North Newton Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.

William married Susanna Hench, who was born August 2nd 1823 to Jacob Hench (1791–1864) and Elizabeth Briner (1786–1853).

William and Susanna had a child, Samuel B. R. Culbertson, who was two years old when his mother, 26-year-old Susanna died January 10th 1850. She was laid to rest in Lebanon Lutheran and Reformed Churchyard, Loysville, Perry County, Pennsylvania.

-- Inscribed on Susanna’s headstone: Wife of William, 26-5-8; 26 Years, 5 Months, 8 Days. It is assumed Susanna died resulting from child birth.


After Susanna died, September 26th 1850, 26-year-old (born 1824) William, and his mother, 58-year-old Mary lived in the post office area of Blain, Madison Township, Perry County.

Living with William and his mother were William’s 2-year-old son (born 1848) Samuel B. R. Culbertson, William’s sister, 21-year-old (born 1829) Nancy R. Culbertson, and another sister, 19-year-old (born 1831) Margaretta Dobbs.

Then on January 3rd 1854 29-year-old William Homes Culbertson married 18-year-old Mary Jane Ewing in Millerstown, Perry County, Pennsylvania. The Reverend Nesley Howe from the Methodist Episcopal denomination performed the wedding ceremony.

-- Mary Jane Ewing was born December 11th 1832 to Ralph Ewing (1788-1866) and Ann Reid (1800-1864). The Ewing family died while living in Illinois.


In 1860 36-year-old William and his 26-year-old Mary J. continued to live with their family in the post office area of Blain, Madison Township. By 1870 the family had moved about three miles from the Blain area of Perry County to Andersonburg, Madison Township.

By 1870 and 1880 the family still lived in the Madison Township area, which was now called Sandy Hill Township, Perry County. Living with the family in 1870 and 1880 was William’s sister, Nancy Culbertson, born 1828.

In 1897 William still lived in Madison Township, Perry County, Pennsylvania. He made out his will March 13th 1897, which was probated August 4th 1900.

-- William Saylor Culbertson – Grandson

-- Wife and son, James R., are named executors.


Mary died January 21st 1900 in Perry County, Pennsylvania. She was laid to rest at the Centre Presbyterian Churchyard, Bixler, Perry County, Pennsylvania.

Later in June 1900 William lived next door to his son, Frank W. in Madison Township.

William was 75 years old when died August 1st 1900. He was laid to rest at the Centre Presbyterian Churchyard, Bixler, Perry County, Pennsylvania.

-- The inscription on William’s headstone reads: Wm H. Culbertson, Aug. 19, 1824 – Aug. 1, 1900; Mary J. Ewing His Wife Dec. 11, 1832 – Jan. 21, 1900


William Culbertson and Susanna Hench had one child.

i. Samuel B. R. Culbertson (1848-1880). He 1st married Mary S. Nearon, who are my family line. Samuel then married 2nd to Julia Nunemaker.


William Culbertson and Mary Ewing had these children.

ii Margaret K. Culbertson (1855-1897). She married John Mohler.

iii. Victoria S. (L.) Culbertson (1856-1931). She married Robert Jones.

iv. Jane Mary Culbertson (1859-1903). She married Newton McMillen.

v. Emma M. Culbertson was born December 11th 1862. She was born a twin with her sister, Sarah Ann.


-- Emma was 17 years and 6 months old when she died June 23rd 1880.

-- She was laid to rest at the Centre Presbyterian Churchyard, Bixler, Perry County, Pennsylvania.


vi. Sarah Ann Culbertson (1862-1941). She married Abram Benner.

vii. John Urie Culbertson (1863-1905). He never married.

viii. Nancy Belle Culbertson (1868-1908). She married with Charles J. Kinch.

ix. Frank William Culbertson (1868-1910). He married Pearl Fleisher.

x. James R. Culbertson (1868–1907).

xi. Elenore Viola Culbertson (1876-1959). She married Edward Crone Willis.

Samuel B. R. Culbertson (1848-1880) Family

-- My paternal 2nd great grandparents were Samuel B. R. Culbertson and Mary Sophia Hildebrandt-Nearon.

-- This is Samuel's family research paper, and his family directory.

-- This is where all the research papers are, in their own directory.


Samuel B. R. Culbertson was born in 1848 to William Homes Culbertson and his first wife, Susanna Hench, in the Sandy Hill area of Madison Township, Perry County, Pennsylvania.

In 1850, Samuel was living in the post office area of Blain, Madison Township, Perry County, with his grandmother Mary, and his father, William, Samuel's aunt, Nancy R. Culbertson, and 19-year-old Margaretta Dobbs.

In 1860 11-year-old Samuel B. R. continued to live with his family in the post office area of Blain, Madison Township, Perry County. By 1870 Samuel was not living with his family, who had moved about three miles from the Blain to Andersonburg area of Perry County.

Sometime soon after 1870 Samuel went to the Middlesex Township area of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. Samuel’s uncle William Culbertson, and his wife Nancy were living on the family farm with Mary Bell.

On December 19th 1871 Samuel B. R Culbertson of Middlesex married Mary S. Nearon of Middlesex, in New Kingston, Middlesex Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania by W. W. Wanbaugh. Witnessed by David H. Wanbbaugh and John A. Linsdorf.

-- The news paper article annouching Samuel's marraige to Mary S. Nearon indicated they were to be married on January 16th 1872, by W. W. Wanbaugh in New Kingston, Middlesex Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. The paper indicated they were both from Middlesex Township.

-- Mary Sophia Hildebrandt was born February 17th 1842 to John and Mary Hildebrand in Stony Point, Franklin County, Pennsylvania.

-- Mary was previously married on October 20th 1861 to John A. Nearon in Centerville, Cumberland County, by Reverend A. L. Guss.

-- On March 31st 1865 Carrie Odessa Nearon was born to John and Mary Nearon in Centerville, Cumberland County.

-- Next spring, March 2nd 1866, John died


Then on September 12th 1873, my G-Grandfather, William Culbertson, was born.

At some point Samuel disserted Mary, and he married Julia Ann Nonemaker from Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania. Julia was born 1856 in Baltimore County, Maryland.

Shortly after they married, Samuel and Julia moved to Alliance, Stark County, Ohio, where their two children were born.

-- By July 18th 1875, Mary Sophia Culbertson married William Irwin Graham by Mr. Brickley, Minister of the Gospel, and witnessed by Samuel Larkon and Richard Devor and wife.


In 1878 Samuel Culbertson sold 3/4 of an acre in Mifflin Township for $800.00 on November 18th 1878 to his father, William H. Culbertson. Mifflin Township is about 170 miles south west of Alliance, Ohio, where his children were born.

Samuel may have died between April and the June 1880 census record. Or he walked away from Julia and the family. It is unclear if he died.

His children were born in Alliance, Stark County, Ohio, but by June 1880 his widow was living in Trumbull County, Ohio.

Their son, Joseph Samuel Culbertson, was born December 7th 1879 in Alliance.

By June 12th 1880 census 25-year-old Julia was living with 66-year-old David Bricky and 71-year-old Elizabeth Bricky in Newton Township, Trumbull County, Ohio.

Her children were 5-year-old Mary, and 6-month-old Joseph. The Culbertson family were identified as visitors, and Julia was working as a house keeper.

Julia died April 17th 1907 in Three Springs, Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania. She was laid to rest at the Cherry Grove Cemetery, Three Springs, Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania.

-- The inscription on her head stone: Aged 51-yrs 9-ms 20-ds Wife of Samuel.


Samuel Culbertson and Mary S. Hildebrandt-Nearon had these children:

i. William Culbertson was born September 12th 1873 to Samuel B. R. Culbertson and Mary Sophia Hildebrandt-Nearon in Walnut Bottom, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.

William adopted the name Graham, from his mother’s 3rd husband, William Graham (1833-1908).


Samuel and Julia Nonemaker had these children:

ii.  Mary Jeneta Culbertson (1875-1953). She married Denver S. Runk.


This is Mary's family research paper, and her family directory.


iii. Joseph Samuel Culbertson (1880-1947). He married Vera M.


This is Joseph's family research paper, and his family directory