JohannesJohnCunnius

Johannes (John) Cunnius

1733 – 1808

Johannes (John) Cunnius was born in Dorfe, Winterheim , Germany 1733, and the son of John Jacob Cunnius. John was 16 years old when he came into the United States , having traveled from Germany with his family, arriving in Philadelphia aboard the ship Leslie in 1749. The Cunnius family settled in Hereford Township , Berks Co. , Pennsylvania .

John Cunnius is listed as early as 1767 as a joiner [carpenter] in Hereford Township and as late as 1790 in the same location. He was first noted in Reading Pennsylvania in 1792 while completing work on the Trinity Lutheran Church there.

While he was living in Hereford Township , Berks Co. , PA he married Maria Elizabeth Catherine Griessmer on January 24, 1755 . Maria was born in 1736 and her father was Valentine Griessmer, also of Hereford Township . Her mother’s name is unknown. She died in Berks County in 1816.

John was a member of the Revolutionary Army, as evidenced by two settlement records listing him as a member of the 20th Pennsylvania Regiment. On one report, dated Aug 2, 1784 , it indicates he received $20 as a gratuity allowed by Congress to non-commissioned officers and privates who served during the Revolutionary War. This is certificate number 73480.

A second document also dated Aug 2, 1784 , indicates he received $102 as his pay from Jan 1, 1783 to Nov 3, 1783 . This is certificate number 73122.

John was well known as a master wood carver and craftsman. His building accomplishments are well documented, and include; Faulkner Swamp Reformed Church, Gilbertsville, PA (1790); Trinity Lutheran Church, Reading, PA (1791-1793), and St. Stephan's Reformed Church, New Holland, PA (1799-1801), to name a few.

He was also a clock-case carver, and it was his practice to carve his intertwined initials "JC" on his work. His initials can also be found on the buildings he constructed, usually on the front façade.

Headstone of Johannes (John) Cunnius

Aulenbach Cemetery, Perkiomen St., Reading, Berks Co., PA

Headstone of Catherine Cunnius, wife of John

Aulenbach Cemetery, Perkiomen St., Reading, Berks Co., PA

Headstone inscription on Johannes Cunnius’ stone (written in German)

"Hier ruhet der Leichnam/des verstorbernen mit bruders namen/Johannes Cunnius/Er worde geboren im Beutschland/in Dorfe Winterheim an der Gil/denbach Graftschaftvon Salmo/den 7 February 1733/Trat indie ehe 1755 den 24 ten/January mit Catharina Elizabeth/geborne Griessmer mit welcher er/53 jahr in der ehe lebt zeugten 9/kinder 5 sohns und 4 tochter/Starb den 20 ten February 1808/hatseyn

Leben gebracht suf 75 jahr und 3 tag.

Vereheirlebt Buch Samuelen 19 34/ Aber Borsillin sprach zum Konige/ was ists nech des ich zu leben babe dass/ ziebren. Ich bin heute----- meinelebers/zeit verstreicht stundlich eil ich zei dem/Grabe und was ists dae ich veleicht/auch wohl noch zu anen babe.

Seube/meus d-- an demer.Tod. Saurne nicht demn/einst ist noth./ Hier ruhet/Esther/tochter von Johannes Y./u.Catharina Cunnius/wurde geboren den 30 October 1817 gestorben/den 5 August 1819/alt 1 jahr 9 m.5 t./"

English translation …

"Here rests the body of the deceased with brother name Johannes Cunnius. He was born in Germany in the village Winterheim on the Guldenbach, County of Salmo , on the 7th of February, 1733 . He married on January 24th, 1755 with Catharina Elisabeth, born Griessmer and with whom he has lived in marriage for 53 years, fathered 9 children, 5 sons and 4 daughters, died on February 20th, 1808 .

Has lived 75 years and 3 days.

Book of Samuel 19:34: “And Barzillai said unto the king. How long have I to live, that I should go up with the king to Jerusalem .”

Here rests Esther, daughter of Johannes and Catharina Cunnius, born 30th October 1817 , died 5th August 1819 , 1 year 9m 5 d old"