Germans to Loudoun County

Virginia

A German settlement was between the Catoctin and Short Hill Mountains in northwestern Loudoun County. Between 1730 and 1735, some sixty Germans left Pennsylvania and came to Loudoun County, bringing their sheep.

These German settlers were patient, God-fearing, naturally rugged, and tenacious in preserving their language, religion, customs, and habits. Every stage in their development was marked by a peaceable and orderly demeanor—a perfect submission to the restraints of civil authority.

Many of the males were artisans who tilled their newly acquired acres, and a friendly, stable, and self-sustaining colony founded on considerations of economic expediency was established amongst the hills of frontier Virginia.

Other emigrants from Pennsylvania came about the same time and settled in colonies southwest of Waterford and west of Leesburg.

Among them were members of the Society of Friends or Quakers who had come directly from England and Ireland.

The pioneer lived roughly, the German from the Palatinate kept house like the true peasant that he was, and the planter lived somewhat more sumptuously and luxuriously. Still, in nearly every case, the table was liberally set with hominy, milk, cornbread, and smoked or jerked meats.

Source: History and Comprehensive Description of Loudoun County by James W. Head.

Virginia County Records Helpful to Genealogists:

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