Biographical Sketch (1985):1513, p. 47. "Little is known about Baltzer’s short life. The inventory of his goods indicates he was a wheelwright and farmer. One wonders if the family Bible and inventory could have survived to the present time. His will mentions four children (one not yet born), but no names. His wife in her later years lived in Reading and seems to have been tied to the Aurand family, possibly through a marriage of one of the children. A petition to the Orphan’s Court (10 Oct 1786) is the only mention of another child (Maria Barbara)."

1766 Inheritance:1513, p. 23. Father Caspar Lerch bequeathed to "my son, Balser Lark, the sum of 25 pounds money as aforesaid to be paid within 9 years as aforesaid."

1774 Will:2187 Filed 16 May, 1774, Baltzer Lerch, Bern Township. Written 1 January 1774. Provides for wife Barbara and refers to children who are under 14 years of age, but does not name them. ". . . my wife shall have her bed and the linen cloths per advance and the copper kettle, the pewter, an iron pot, the children’s bed, and her kitchen utensils shall be appraised by three men, all which she shall have in use as long as she remains a widow. . . My wife, Anna Barbara, shall give my children clothing and schooling until each of them is 14 years old and shall receive the interest of each until he is 14 years of age." Executors: friends Wm. Lerch and Johannes Staut. Witnesses: Conrad Schneider and John George Standt. Tranalation; original will written in German.

Descendant Information

Johannes:2045, p. 212. As his authority, Humphrey cites the records of Spies Lutheran Church, Alsace Township, Berks County. Johannes Lerch baptised 27 July 1774 to the widow of Baltzer Lerch at Spied Luthran Church, Alsace Township, Berks County.