JOHN MOCK and RACHEL CHESTNUTWOOD
Berks County, Pennsylvania and Beyond

This document is an attempt to shed light on descended families of John Mock and Rachel Chestnutwood (aka Chesnutwood), who married on October 18, 1804 as recorded in the docket of Mathias Kaler, Justice for the Fifth District of Berks County, Pennsylvania. John is a likely candidate to be the John, son of Jacob Mock of Union Township, Berks Co., PA, mentioned in Jacob's 1805 last will and testament which was witnessed by the same Mathias Kaler in John and Rachel's marriage record. The same John Mock is mentioned in court records related to the 1828 death of his mother Elizabeth (widow of Jacob), of Union twp, Berks Co., PA.

A brief document at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania cites the following about John and Rachel, "John Mock born February 23, 1784. Rachel, wife of John Mock and daughter of Abram and Elizabeth Chestnutwood born August 11, 1783. Married October 18, 1804. Jacob, son of Johan and Rachel Mock born Aug. 3, 1806. John, son of John and Rachel Mock born Oct. 19, 1807."

Searching census records for John and Rachel Mock turn up the following suspects:
In 1810 Caernarvon twp, Berks Co., PA is a John Mock (2-0-0-1-0 0-0-0-1-0)
In 1820 Robeson twp, Berks Co., PA is a John Mock (2-2-0-0-1-0 2-0-0-1-0)
In 1830 Rockland, Berks Co., Pennsylvania (0-1-2-1-1-0-0-1... 0-0-2-0-0-1...)
In 1840 Bushkill, Northampton Co, PA, is a John Mack & female (50-59), enumerated next to Jesse Mack & female (20-29) & 2 young females.
In 1850 Lower Towamensing, Carbon Co., PA is a John Mock (60), listed in HH of William Mock (28). An Abraham Mock (32) is enumerated after.
In 1860 Kidder, Carbon Co, PA is a John Mock (76), listed in household of Jesse Mock (45).

The above census records imply that John and Rachel had at least 5 sons and 2 daughters. The family appears to have moved from Berks County to the area of Northampton and Carbon County. Comparing various facts suggest it was the family of John Mock and Rachel Chestwood living there.

Facts:
In 1805 John Mock and Rachel Chestnutwood married in the 5th District of Berks County, a district comprising the townships of Caernarvon, Robeson and Union. They were married by Matthias Kaler who resided in Robeson township.
In 1833 John Mock, son of Jacob & Elizabeth is mentioned in Berks County court documents related to their estate. He was the only living heir not present at the proceedings.
In 1840 Bushkill, Northampton Co, PA, is a John Mack & female (50-59), enumerated next to Jesse Mack & female (20-29) & 2 young females.
In 1843 Carbon County was formed, including the townships of Lower & Upper Towamensing from Northampton Co., PA
Rachel Chestnutwood, wife of John Mock, of Berks Co., PA, was born August 1783.
Rachel, wife of John Mock, buried at St. Paul's Union Church, Franklin Twp, Carbon Co., PA, was born August 1783. She died in 1848. In 1851, Franklin township, Carbon Co., PA was created out of Lower Towamensing township.
In 1850 Lower Towamensing, Carbon Co., PA is a John Mock (age 60) in housheolf of William Mock (age 28), followed by the household of Abraham Mock (age 32). The only other Mocks in 1850 Lower Towamensing was the household of Jesse Mock (age 35).
In 1850 Upper Towamensing, Carbon Co., PA are John and Maria Mock and family.
In 1850 the Mocks of the 2 Towamensings have 2 named Abraham & 2 children named Jacob, the names of John & Rachel Mocks fathers.
In 1850 the Mocks of the 2 Towamensings have 2 children named Rachel (the elder Rachel deceased).
In 1860 Kidder, Carbon Co, PA, John Mock (age 76) is listed in the household of Jesse Mock (age 45). This was Jesse of the 1850 census above.
In 1870 Mauch Chunk, Carbon Co., PA are John (age 62) and Maria (age 61) Mock and son John. They are the same John and Maria Mock of 1850 Upper Towamensing.
John Mock, son of John and Rachel was born October 1807. John Mock, buried at Upper Mauch Chunk Cemetery, Carbon Co., PA, was born October 1807. He died in 1882. John Mock's wife [Maria] buried at Upper Mauch Chunk Cemetery, Carbon Co., PA, was born July 1809. She died in 1882.
In 1860 William Mock, of the 1850 Lower Towamensing census, was living in Luzerne Co., PA.
In 1880 John Mock, of the 1850 Upper Towamensing census, was living in Luzerne Co., PA.
In 1880 the widow of Jesse Mock, of the 1850 Lower Towamensing census, was living in Luzerne Co., PA.
A key missing fact includes the gravestone of elder John Mock. The 1860 census seems to suggest a birth about 1784.

The information above indicates that Rachel, wife of John Mock, buried at Lower Towamensing township (now Franklin township), Carbon Co., PA, was born in the same month and year as Rachel Chestnuwood. Rachel was buried in 1848 in the same township that John Mock and other possible family members are found in 1850. The elder John Mock was born about 1784 according to the 1860 census, the same as John Mock, husband of Rachel Chestnutwood. The younger John Mock buried at Upper Mauch Chunk Cemetery was born in the same month and year as John, son of John and Rachel (Chestnutwood) Mock.

Based on these clues the following explores some of the genealogy of the Mock familes apparent in 1850 of Lower and Upper Towamensing townships. This includes 'possible sons' John, Jesse, Abraham and William Mock, whose ages match well to the household of John Mock/Mack found in the earlier Berks County census records. John Mock's Berks County household included two males (born between 1800 and 1810) as well as two males and two females (born between 1810 and 1820). Another male (born between 1820 and 1825) appears in the 1830 record. One of the older males was John's eldest son Jacob who appears to have remained in Berks County.

1.1 - Jacob Mock, born abt. August 03, 1805 in Pennsylvania, married Mary Ann (Polly) Grant on July 21, 1831 in Berks County. At time of marriage they were both of Amity township (per records of St Gabriel´s Episcopal, Douglassville) and are found in the following census records:
In 1840 Amity, Berks Co., PA is a Jacob Mock, age 30-39 (2-1-1-0-0-1 1-0-1-0-0-1).
In 1850 Amity twp, Berks Co., PA are Jacob Mock (45), Mary (40), Jacob (13), William (11), and Mary (9). An Aaron Mock (19) was living nearby.
In 1860 Amity twp, Berks Co., PA are Jacob Mock Sr (55), Mary (49), Mary (19), William (21), and Frederick Swaivly (27).
In 1870 Amity twp, Berks Co., PA are widowed Mary Mock (59) with Morris Mock (13) listed in the HH of Frederick (35) and Mary (29) Swavely.
In 1880 Amity twp, Berks Co., PA are widowed Polly Mock (69, PA, of PA parents) listed the HH of Frederick (46) and Mary (40) Swavely.

Jacob Mock, son of Jacob and Rachel (Chestnutwood) Mock, was born Aug. 3, 1806 according to a short family tree at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. Jacob Mock of Amity township, Berks Co., PA was born August 03, 1805 according to records there. It seems very likely they are the same person. Jacob Mock of Amity township died October 14, 1865, and his wife Mary died December 17, 1889, both buried at the Amityville Church Cemetery.

Jacob and Mary's children included:

1.1.1- Aaron Mock b. January 16, 1832 in Berks Co., PA (husband of Amelia Ludwig)
1.1.2- Jacob G Mock b. July 19, 1837 in Berks Co., PA (husband of Mary Yorgy/Yergy)
1.1.3- William Mock b. abt. 1839 in Berks Co., PA (possibly died in the Civil War)
1.1.4- Mary Ann Mock b. September 03, 1840 in Berks Co., PA (wife of Frederick Swavely)

1.2 - John Mock, born abt. October 19, 1807 in Pennsylvania and married Maria Richerson (Richardson or Richards) on October 23, 1828 in Berks County. At time of marriage they were both of Amity township (per records of St Gabriel´s Episcopal, Douglassville) and they are found in the following census records:
In 1830 Rockland, Berks Co., PA are John Mack Jr. and female age 20-29 and a male aged under 5 (1-0-0-0-1 0-0-0-0-1). Enumerated before is John Mack Sr. and family.
In 1850 Upper Towamensing, Carbon, PA (dwelling 150) are John Mock (44), Maria (42), Jacob (19), Rachel (17), Samuel (13?), Abraham (12), John (10), dau. Elya/Eliza? (7), Susan (5), Mary (2), and female Hanas (3).
In 1860 Beaver Meadow P.O., Banks twp, Carbon Co., PA are John Mock (52), Mrs (50), John (18), dau. Eliza (15), Susan (14). John was a teamster. In Lausanne, Carbon, PA is a Samuel Mock (24), a farm laborer in another HH.
In 1870 Mauch Chunk, Carbon Co., PA are John Mock (62,PA), Maria (61,PA), and John (28,PA).
In 1880 Hazelton, Luzerne, PA are John (72,PA )and Maria (71,PA) Mock, listed as grandparents in HH of Amandas (39,PA) and Elizabeth (35,PA) Yaple. The Yaple children were Harry (16?), Annie (14), John F (5).

John and Maria Mock are buried at Upper Mauch Chunk Cemetery, Carbon Co., Pennsylvania. Maria died February 15, 1882 at age 72y, 7m, 11d. John died March 4, 1887 at age 79y, 4m, 18d. Many of their children have connections to the Jeddo and Hazleton area of Luzerne Co., Pennsylvania.

John and Maria's children included:

1.2.1- Jacob Mock b. abt. March 31, 1830 in PA (husband Elizabeth Dodson)
1.2.2- Rachel Mock b. abt. 1833 in PA (possible 1st wife of Thomas Pettit)
1.2.3- Samuel Mock b. abt. 1836 in PA (possible husband of Rachel Decker)
1.2.4- Abraham Mock b. abt. 1850 in PA
1.2.5- John Mock b. abt. 1842 in PA (possible husband of Julia ___)
1.2.6- Elizabeth (Eliza) Mock b. abt. 1844 (wife of Amandus Yaple)
1.2.7- Susan Mock b. abt. 1845 in PA
1.2.8- Mary Mock b. abt. 1847 in PA

1.3 - Jesse Mock, born abt. 1815 in PA and married Elizabeth Rosen about 1836. They are found in the following census records:
In 1840 Bushkill, Northampton Co, PA are Jesse Mack & female aged 20-29 and two 2 young females, enumerated next to household of John Mack and female aged 50-59.
In 1850 Lower Towamensing, Carbon, PA [p. 285] are Jesse Mock (35), Elizabeth (33), Ellen (12), Amanda (10), Matilda (8), William F (7), Racheal I? (6), John (4), David L (4/12).
In 1860 Kidder, Carbon Co., PA are Jesse/Josia? Mock (45), Mrs. (43), William (18), Rachel (16), John (14), David (11), Charles (9), Millard (5), Ann (2), and also John Mock (76,PA).
In 1870 Union, Union, PA are Elisabeth Mock (52), Charles (18), Millard (14) and Annie (11). Enumerated before are Franklin Mock (27), Susan (31), John (5) and Ida (3). Enumerated two 2 doors before this are Lewis Mock (20) and Eliza (16)
In 1880 Hazelton, Luzerne, PA are Elizabeth Mock (63,PA, MD & PA parents), and widowed son Frank (38) and single daughter Annie (21). Also in the HH are widowed Frank Mock (36), and his children Ida (13), and John (14).

Jesse Mock appears to have died between 1860 and 1870. His wife Eizabeth is said to have died November 06, 1893 at 77y, 8m, 12d, and is buried at Old Winfield Cemetery, Union County, Pennsylvania.

Jesse and Elizabeth's children included:

1.3.1- Ellen E Mock b. August 30, 1837 in PA based on death cert. (wife of Stephen Edwards Harrison)
1.3.2- Amanda Mock b. January 01, 1839 in PA (wife of Andrew Jackson Fackenthall)
1.3.3- Matilda Mock b. abt. 1836 in PA
1.3.4- William Franklin (Frank) Mock b. abt. 1842 in PA (possible husband of Susan Conley)
1.3.5- Rachel Mock b. abt. September 1844 in PA (2nd wife of Nicholas B Tiger)
1.3.6- John Mock b. abt. 1846 in PA
1.3.7- Lewis David Mock b. abt. 1850 in PA (husband of Eliza J Fenner)
1.3.8- Charles E Mock b. abt. October 1853 in PA (husband of Sophia Wiegand)
1.3.9- Millard F Mock b. abt. 1855 in PA (husband of Sarah Lillian McGillis)
1.3.10- Ann Catherine Mock b. Oct 10, 1858 in PA; d. June 12, 1932 Union twp, Union Co,. PA; m. Levi Hummel

1.4 - Abraham Mock/Mack, born abt. 1815-1818 in PA and married Mary DePue? before 1848. They are found in the following census records:
In 1850 Lower Towamensing, Carbon, PA [p. 283] are Abraham Mock (32,PA), Mary (23) and twins Sophia & Mariah (1). Enumerated before is the family of William Mock (28) with elder John Mock (60) in HH.
In 1860 Lower Towamensing, Carbon, PA are A Mack (37), Mary (35), twins Sophia & Mariah (12), William (10), Sally (7), and Etna (3).
In 1870 Washington, Lehigh, PA are Abraham Mack (55), Mary (45), Maria (21), William (17), Sarah (16), dau. Edney (13), Abraham (10), James (5).
In 1880 Washington, Lehigh, PA are widowed Mary Mack (49), Sarah (23), Abraham (18), and James (15). A William Mack (29) in Slatedale.

Abraham Mock appears to have died between 1870 and 1880. Census records suggest that his family moved across the Carbon County border into Washington township, Lehigh County, PA, and the family name was changed to MACK. A number of their children remained in the Washington township area of Lehigh County.

Abraham and Mary's children included:

1.4.1- Mariah Mock/Mack b. abt. Oct 1848 in PA (twin of Sophia)
1.4.2- Sophia Mock/Mack b. abt. Oct 1848 in PA (twin of Mariah, husband of John Costenbader)
1.4.3- William Mock/Mack b. April 15, 1851 in PA (husband of Rosa Anne Walter)
1.4.4- Sarah (Sally) Mock/Mack b. abt. 1853 in PA
1.4.5- Edna? Mock/Mack b. abt. 1856 in PA
1.4.6- Abraham Mock/Mack b. April 16, 1861 in PA (husband of Lydia A Loch)
1.4.7- James Franklin Mock/Mack b. September 17, 1864 in PA (husband of Ellen Flora Walter)

1.5 - William Mock, born abt. 1822 in PA. He married Susan Rosen on October 28, 1843, and secondly married Margaret Jane Marr on October 08, 1859. They are found in the following census records:
In 1850 Lower Towamensing, Carbon, PA [p. 283] are William Mock (28,PA), Susan (27), Racheal E (5), Morris (2), Joseph (1), and also John Mock (60,PA). Enumerated after is Abraham Mock & family (above).
In 1860 Jackson, Luzerne Co., PA are William Mock (36), Margaret J? (20), Morris (14), Joseph (12), William F? (10), Sarah A (7?,PA).
In 1870 Lock Haven ward 5, Clinton Co., PA are William Mock (48,PA), Margaret (31), Ella (10), Emma (7), Irvin (4), Cora (1), Joseph (21), William H (19). His apparent son Morris was also in Lock Haven.
In 1880 Allison, Clinton, Pennsylvania are William Moch (58), Margaret (42), Irvin (15), Cora (11), Charles (8) and Martin F (3). His apparent son William (31) was listed nearby.

William Mock died March 28, 1881 in Clinton Co., PA according to pension records. His first wife Susan appears to have died between 1852 and 1859. Willam's second wife Margaret died September 18, 1882 in Clinton Co., PA. Many of William's children have later connections in Clinton and Clearfield counties.

William and Susan's children included:

1.5.1- Rachel Elizabeth Mock b. November 11, 1844 in PA (wife of William Hoffman Vanatta)
1.5.2- Morris Mock b. abt. 1846 in PA (possible husband of Nancy Grier and Margaret Young Bradney)
1.5.3- Joseph Mock b. abt. 1848 in PA (possible husband of ??)
1.5.4- William H Mock b. abt. 1850 in PA (possible husband of Ida Mincer; and also Anna Elizabeth Riggle
1.5.5- Sarah Ann Mock b. April 03, 1853 in PA (wife of Reuben Alexander Venatta); she died March 04, 1909 in Westover, Clearfield Co., PA

1.5.6- Ella Mock b. abt. 1860 in PA (possible wife of Thomas Irvin)
1.5.7- Emma Jane Mock b. abt. 1862 in PA (wife of Robert S Venatta)
1.5.8- Irvin Mock b. abt. 1865 in PA (husband of Margaret Alice Aikey)
1.5.9- Cora May Mock b. abt. December 31, 1868 in PA (married a ___ Stover)
1.5.10- Charles Elias Mock b. November 23, 1871 in PA (husband of Clara Seable Grubb)
1.5.11- Martin Franklin b. abt. March 01, 1877 in PA (died September 27, 1903)

Article researched by: Dennis Walsh. (contact me at: walsh004@gmail.com)

Copyright © 2008, by Dennis Walsh. All rights reserved
This page was created on 28 June, 2008.