Wiltberger, John Christian, 1798-1855

Person

Staff Only

Dates

Existence: 1798-1855

Biographical Statement

John Christian Wiltberger Jr. was a minister and served as an agent for the American Colonization Society. Born to John Christian and Ann (nee Warner) Wiltberger on January 14, 1798, he apprenticed to his silversmith father from 1811-1817. However, he did not complete his training, but later studied religion and became a minister. He served as Rector of Grace Church (Hulmeville), St. Andrew's Church (Yardleyville), and Trinity Church (Centreville), all in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. In 1821, Wiltberger joined J.B. Winn, Ephraim Bacon, and Joseph R. Andrus aboard the vessel Nautilus on a voyage to carry a group of African Americans to Sierra Leone as part of the American Colonization Society's activities. He married Maria Louise Powers (1795-1858) on February 5, 1823 in Philadelphia.

Citation:

Author: Christopher Harter

Citation:

Earnest Edward Eells papers;

"Bird's Eye View of Liberian History and Goverment" http://www.africawithin.com/tour/liberia/hist_gov1.htm (Accessed 1/21/2010);

"John Christian Wiltberger" http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~silversmiths/makers/silversmiths/13229.htm (Accessed 1/21/2010).

Found in 1 Collection or Record:

Earnest Edward Eells papers

Collection

Identifier: 145

Scope and Contents Three bound volumes of carbon copy typescripts by Reverend Earnest E. Eells, containing photographs, maps, and other illustrations, entitled "The Colonization of Liberia with the Story of the United States Navy and the Slavers. A Narrative from Original Sources Not Before Published, Especially the Journal of Rev. John Christian Wiltberger, Jr." (2 vols.) and "The Journal of Rev. Christian Wiltberger, Jr., 1819-1822". The typescripts concern Eell's great-grandfather, the Reverend Christian...

Dates: Created: circa 1969-1970; Other: Date acquired: 09/01/1982

Found in: Amistad Research Center / Earnest Edward Eells papers