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JOHNSTOWN, PA, October 25, 1998 - In anticipation of the 250th anniversary of the arrival in America of the family's immigrant ancestor, the
Gindlesperger Family History Association, Inc. was incorporated in Pennsylvania on August 25, 1998.
The Gindlesperger Family History Association, Inc. (GFHA) was established to encourage, coordinate, compile, and publish the results of research
into the history, traditions, and lore of the family. A family reunion at one or more locations is being planned for late summer 1999, in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the family in America.
The immigrant ancestor, Ulrich Gindlesperger, arrived in Philadelphia aboard the Phoenix on September 15, 1749, from Rotterdam. He settled first in
Bern Township, Berks County, PA. An Amish-Mennonite probably originally from Switzerland, Ulrich had four children: Catherine, Jacob, Albrecht, and a daughter whose first name is not yet known. Before he died in
1783, Ulrich, his children, and grandchildren migrated to Stoneycreek and Quemahoning Townships, Somerset County, PA. Some members of the next generations migrated to Ohio, Indiana, and Ontario, Canada. Ulrich's
descendants migrated and lived in close association with other families bearing such early Amish-Mennonite surnames as Good, Hooley, Kauffman, Miller, Zuck, Yoder, and others.
The Gindlesperger surname has been spelled in literally dozens of ways over the past 250 years, including Gindlesberger, Kindlesperger,
Jinglespiker, and Inglesbrighter. "If you have a surname even remotely close to Gindlesperger, you're likely to be a cousin," said Rev. Norman L. Gindlesperger, GFHA President.
One of the most interesting things about the establishment of the Gindlesperger Family History Association is that the founding members met over the
Internet. "Although we are cousins, we have not yet met in person. This is one of the reasons we look forward to celebrating the family's 250th anniversary in America—the reunion will give us a chance to meet each
other and many other Gindlesperger cousins as well," said Rev. Gindlesperger.
Drawing on the members' Internet expertise, the GFHA will soon launch a comprehensive website that provides a large database of Gindlesperger
genealogy. "To date, we've found over 3,000 direct descendants of Ulrich Gindlesperger. One of our goals is to provide free access to this great research; we want other people to have as much fun exploring their
ancestry as we do," Rev. Gindlesperger said.
The incorporators and initial board members are: the Rev. Norman L. Gindlesperger, Baldwin, L.I., NY, President; James L. Gindlesperger, Johnstown,
PA, Vice President; Julie Matthews Burnette, Germantown, MD, Secretary; G. James Gindlesberger, Alva, OK, Treasurer; and Virginia Gage Firks, Fort Wayne, IN.
Additional information is available at the address below or from the above officers, respectively, at the following e-mail addresses: ngindles@optonline.net; jg57@andrew.cmu.edu; jimgind@alvant.alva.ok.us; and julie-mike@erols.com.
The GFHA is inviting Charter Memberships at $15.00 per year for individuals and families until the time of celebration in 1999. Membership dues may
be sent to G. James Gindlesperger, 815 12th Street, Alva, OK 73717.
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