The Wampler Immigrants by John E. Wampler

Section 1.4 Last update: 12/1998

Table 1 lists the immigrant males (16 years or older) listed in ships records for the 18th and 19th centuries in chronological order. In addition, other are listed (marked with *) including under 16 age boys and females that were likely to be accompanying the men as compiled by Fred Wampler (1986). As he shows with carefully documented research, Hans Peter Senior and Johann Christian were brothers. The sketch of the Wampler family in The Brethren Encyclopedia (1984, p. 1318) indicates that Hans Peter was accompanied by 4 sons, 3 daughters and his wife. The entries of ship's records only give males 16 years and older, suggesting that two sons were under 16. Fred Wampler (1980) offers evidence that one of the accompanying sons was named Hans Georg and relocated to Virginia. He gives the other's name as Hans Adam.

There are several other indications of Wampler/Wampfler immigrants in the late 1700's and 1800's. In addition to the ship's records in Table 1, Cushing (1975) has biographies for William P. Wampler and John Wampler of McKeesport, PA., who are sons of Joseph Wampler of Versailles township (PA) and two of his three wives. Joseph is reported to be the son of Jacob Wampler who was a "native of Germany, and pioneer of Westmoreland county, Pa." This Jacob Wampler was not identified as in immigrant in the Ships Records examined. His immigration date must have been in the 18th century since his grandson's birthdates were 1827 and 1844 (Cushing, 1975). Alternatively, Jacob may have been the son or even grandson of Hans Peter or Johann Christian, since early descendants that were raised in the German speaking communities were often mistaken for immigrants.

Jim Wampler writes that his family lore says that their immigrant ancestors were two Hessian soldiers from the Revolutionary War (personal communication). Ivan Wampfler (personal communication) relates that his immigrant ancestors were three brothers (John, Fred and Jacob) who emigrated from Switzerland around 1900 and settled near Monroe, Wisconsin.

 
Sources:
      Barbara S. Wampler (1977), "Letter to Don, February 24, 1977" from the
 		files of Terry L. Wampler
      Barbara S. Wampler (1979), "Wampler Ancestors and Descendents in America,"
 		Newsletter #6, Barbara S. Wampler, 310 Thayer Ave.,
 		Joliet, IL 60432     
      T. Cushing (1975) "A Genealogical and Biographical History of
 		Allegheny County, Pennsylvania," Genealogical Publishing Co.,
 		Inc., Baltimore, Md.      
      The Brethren Encyclopedia (1984), The Brethren Encyclopedia, Inc.,
 		Philadelphia, PA. 3 Volumes.
      Fred B. Wampler (1980), "Wampler Family History, 1701-1980," privately
 		published, 708 Avenida Catellano, Santa Fe, NM 87501.
      Fred B. Wampler (1986), "Wampfler (Wampler) Family History, The 1500's-
 		1700's", privately published, 708 Avenida Catellano,
  		Santa Fe, NM 87501.
      Ralph B. Strassburger (1966), "Pennsylvania German Pioneers,"
  		Genealogical Publishing Co., Baltimore (3 volumes).
      Ted Thrasher (1997), Rome, NY, Personal Communication.
      Michael Tepper (1982), "Passenger Arrivals at the Port of
  		Baltimore, 1820-1834," Genealogical Publishing Co.,
  		Baltimore.      
      Michael Tepper (1986), "Passenger Arrivals at the Port of
  		Philadelphia, 1800-1819," Genealogical Publishing Co.,
  		Baltimore.
      Ivan Wampfler (1996), personal communication.