Our Origins
Jacob Prillaman [Hans Jacob Brüllmann] was born around 1721 in Switzerland, most likely near Amriswil in the Canton of Thurgau. This area has the highest concentration of the Brüllmann surname and includes the nearby hamlets of Räuchlisberg and Zihlschlacht (today's Sitterdorf).
He embarked on a journey to the colonies in the fall of 1747 on the ship Lydia. Before departure from Rotterdam, Jacob stated he was traveling from Lohn in the Canton of Schauffhausen, Switzerland with his wife and children and was headed for Philadelphia. The several months journey was difficult and it's likely these children did not survive the trip. The ship had 201 Swiss emigrants onboard; 134 men and 61 women. After a stop in London, Captain William Tiffin brought the ship into the port of Philadelphia on Sept. 24th, 1747. While docked at the port, Jacob was not allowed to depart the ship unless he first signed the list of abjuration. All foreign males age sixteen and over were required by the Governor of the Colony of Pennsylvania to take an oath of allegiance to King George III of Great Britain, a requirement that remained in force until the end of the colonial period in 1776. Jacob is one of only 14 men from the Lydia who signed.
To pay for passage costs, around 45% of Palatine immigrants worked as indentured servants in their first years after arrival in the colonies. Further research may determine whether Jacob was required to do so. Early Maryland historical records indicate he farmed land in Lord Baltimore's Conococheague Manor around Williamsport and Hagerstown in the 1760's. Five children were born to Jacob and his wife Walburga while residing in the colony of Maryland; Jacob Jr., John, Daniel, Barbara and Anne. By 1772, Jacob is a landowner and farmer at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains along Daniel's Run in Pittsylvania County, Virginia. This farm later becomes part of first Henry County and finally Franklin County as boundaries change and new counties are formed in 18th century Virginia.
He embarked on a journey to the colonies in the fall of 1747 on the ship Lydia. Before departure from Rotterdam, Jacob stated he was traveling from Lohn in the Canton of Schauffhausen, Switzerland with his wife and children and was headed for Philadelphia. The several months journey was difficult and it's likely these children did not survive the trip. The ship had 201 Swiss emigrants onboard; 134 men and 61 women. After a stop in London, Captain William Tiffin brought the ship into the port of Philadelphia on Sept. 24th, 1747. While docked at the port, Jacob was not allowed to depart the ship unless he first signed the list of abjuration. All foreign males age sixteen and over were required by the Governor of the Colony of Pennsylvania to take an oath of allegiance to King George III of Great Britain, a requirement that remained in force until the end of the colonial period in 1776. Jacob is one of only 14 men from the Lydia who signed.
To pay for passage costs, around 45% of Palatine immigrants worked as indentured servants in their first years after arrival in the colonies. Further research may determine whether Jacob was required to do so. Early Maryland historical records indicate he farmed land in Lord Baltimore's Conococheague Manor around Williamsport and Hagerstown in the 1760's. Five children were born to Jacob and his wife Walburga while residing in the colony of Maryland; Jacob Jr., John, Daniel, Barbara and Anne. By 1772, Jacob is a landowner and farmer at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains along Daniel's Run in Pittsylvania County, Virginia. This farm later becomes part of first Henry County and finally Franklin County as boundaries change and new counties are formed in 18th century Virginia.
Prillaman Family Tree
Much of the Prillaman Family Tree can be found at www.prillamanfamily.com or by clicking on the picture to the left.
Contact: prillamanfamily at gmail.com
Contact: prillamanfamily at gmail.com