My name is Brian Geverd, a decendant of a Hessian soldier from the Fusilier Regiment von Ditfurth (2nd company) named Christian Giebert.

Bear with me here, because I am getting to a point about Jacob Schultz (Hessian deserter).

My ancestor's surname at birth was Kiefer but Hessian records have him listed Giebert. Our surname has evolved over the years. During the years after his desertion his name was spelled (misspelled) 20+ different ways including Keavort, Keaver, Keefer, Gefert, Geaverd, Giebert etc etc). He also had a brother, from the same regiment (5th company) named Heinrich Kiefer (Giebert in Hessian records). Both brother deserted from garrison duty in Charelston SC in 1781. Heinrich (Henry) made his way to Lincoln County NC where he settled. His descendants go by the name Keever. Christian took a different route and settled in the Philadelphia area.

Both brothers deserted on different dates, Heinrich at the end of June 1781 and Christian mid October 1781. However, each brother deserted with others members of their regiment.

Here comes the Jacob Schultz part. I have the original military records of the brothers' desertions and on Heinrich's records it indicates that he deserted with a Johannes Feusel and a Jacob Schultz.

Jacob Schultz of Frankenberg, Hesse, Germany. Age given at time of desertion 26 (born 1754 / 1755?)

Thought I would give you a heads up on this. Perhaps it is a starting point. Also, in the end it will help me better understand / validate the story lines of my ancestor(s). I am more than willing to share info.

All the best,

Brian Geverd