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Johann David Zorbach

Johann David Zorbach

Roger D. Surbaugh (View posts)
Posted: 18 Jan 2006 6:36PM GMT
Classification: Query
Edited: 18 Jan 2006 6:40PM GMT
Surnames: Zorbach, Surbaugh, Wiseman
I am looking for DAR information for my eighth great-grandfather, Johann David Zorbach. I have information that shows he was born in 1755 in Preungesheim, Hessen-Hanau. and served as a cannoneer with British troops until captured at the battle of Saratoga in 1777.
It appears that Johann David Zorbach deserted his POW confinement, and was subsequently indentured to a cabinet maked in or near York, PA. Zorbach Anglicized his name to David Surbaugh, married an Ann Wiseman (or Weissman), and ultimately settled near Lewisburg (West) Virginia. He died there in 1823, and is buried in the cemetery at the Old Stone Prebyterian Church in Lewisburg.

If this information is correct, am I eligible for membership in the DAR?

Thank you for your help.

Regards,

Roger Surbaugh

Re: Johann David Zorbach

Mary Duffe (View posts)
Posted: 18 Jan 2006 10:46PM GMT
Classification: Query
Hi Roger,

I checked to see if either spelling of your name was in our index, and it is not. From what you have supplied, I would say no, you are not eligible for SAR. If you base that on being captured and indentured, no. If, however, your ancestor served the American forces after his desertment or somehow supplied anything to the forces, then maybe. You will need to reseach what David did after 1777 and prove it with documentation in order to enter SAR.

If you need a contact with a local SAR chapter, let me know you city and state of residence and we'll pass that info on. There should be men in the chapters who help prospective members like yourself.

good luck.

Mary

This free look up service provided as a community service by volunteer members of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Re: Johann David Zorbach

Posted: 25 Jun 2015 12:40PM GMT
Classification: Query
My information on Johann David Zorbach is that he was a Hessian mercenary hired by the British. After losing the war the British would not pay his return passage to the "old world" so he was indentured into servitude with a cabinet maker. Although he fought on the wrong side to qualify for DAR membership, he did become a skilled craftsman. I believe some of his pieces are currently owned by the Greenbrier County museum.
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