Rachael Wilhelm Kearchner

Rachael Shroyer is identified as the daughter of Philip Shroyer in an Orphans Court summons for Philip's estate, published in the Bedford Gazette on December 22, 1863. He was said to have died in Londonderry Township, Bedford County, Pa. In the summons, Rachel is said to be living in Bedford County, the wife of one John "Castner."

In the 1850 census for Londonderry Township, Bedford County, Pa., the family of John and Rachel "Karchner" are found to be living in the same community as Rachel's mother, Mary Shroyer who is apparently widowed at this time. Rachel is shown to have been born in 1826. Among the children in the Karchner household, Bety and Susan are shown to be twins and listed as one year of age.

In the Pennsylvania and New Jersey Church Records seen here, we find that twin girls Elizabeth and Susannah Wilhelm are born to John and Rachel Shroyer Wilhelm on July 20, 1848. As the Wilhelm family is also shown to be living in Londonderry Township in 1850, it is likely then that Rachel was married twice; first to John Wilhelm, then to John Kearchner. One will also note on son Daniel's death certificate, the name "Wilhelm" entered as the mother's maiden name.

Across the US census for decades 1850 through 1870, we find the following children in the Kearchner household: Catherine (Burley), Mary, Susan, Elizabeth (Owens), Sarah J., Daniel, John Henry, and George.

Rachel's last appearance is in the 1870 census where she is listed as living in Londonderry, Township, Bedford County, Pennsylvania.* Reference: Find A Grave Memorial - SmartCopy: Apr 8 2020, 2:25:04 UTC