This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/CmG.2ACIB/41.1.1.1 Message Board Post: Patti: The parents of Joseph Burky were Johann Jacob Birki, b. February 10, 1722/23 in Gundershoffen, Alsace, Germany, d. c1782 in Bern Township; and Catherine, b. Europe, d. after 1782, probably in Bern Township. Johann’s parents were Hans Jacob Bircki, b. c1700 in Germany or Switzerland and Anna Catherine Hauser daughter of Peter Hauser and Anna Vogel. (both born and died in Europe, dates unknown). Commentary on Johann Jacob: "John Jacob Birki" arrived in Philadelphia on September 19, 1765, on the English ship, "Betsey", John Osman Commander. The ship left from (prob.) Rotterdam with a stop in Cowes, England. The ship's manifest did not record any women or children and it is probable that his two sons, Johann Jacob and Joseph, accompanied their father. There is some documentation on first wife, Anna Barbara Uhlmann (married 11/22/1746 in Meitesheim died before. 1749); however, there is no confirmation of Catharine as a wife except for his estate filing. Jacob died in testate in March or April 1782. Catharine "Burky" was the administrator of his estate. The estate inventory listing was as of 4/2/1782 and 4/5/1782. It was filed 10/2/1782. Charles Shoemaker was the attesting authority and John Sherdel(?) and Richard Seaman prepared the inventory which totaled 80 pounds, 4 shillings, and 7 pence. I have Valentine Weibel (1720-1770) and Anna Maria Eck (c1726-1807). The web has the excerpts of Valentine’s will. If you don’t have it or can’t find it, please let me know. I have only the children of Philip and Catharine (Reninger) Burky/Burgy plus Edwin Borcky (from Joseph and Lydia Kuhns). And yes, I have gone half crazy sifting through the various spellings. My line is from Joseph’s brother, Johann Jacob (Jr.)