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The Zahniser Family
ORIGINS

The extended Zahniser Family includes an estimated ### members scattered throughout the world. However, they are all descendants of one German boy who, with his parents, departed his homeland and arrived in the United States of America in 1753 to start a new life. This is our story. 

  1. In Germany

  2. The Surname

  3. Immigration to America

IN AMERICA - THE EARLY YEARS (1753-1796)

Content describing the history of the family from arriving in America to their first settlement in Mercer County, PA.

  1. IN AMERICA - MERCER COUNTY, PA

Content detailing the family’s relocation to Mercer County, their status as the first permanent settlers of the county, the original homestead, the two primary settlement locations, and their noteworthy contributions to the history of Mercer County.

IN AMERICA - THE FIRST 3 GENERATIONS (Is this the right #?)

Content describing the first “X” generations in a general historical context. Similar to the way the “Red Book” covered these generations.

THE MODERN ERA

Content describing the family in the modern era. How to do this? Well, maybe this is where a link to memorabilia goes.

CEMETERIES
  • The Zahniser Cemetery, supported by the Zahniser Foundation, is described here

  • There are lots of Zahnisers in many other cemeteries in and around Pennsylvania and elsewhere.  Locals may colloquially call any cemetery a "Zahniser cemetery." Admittedly, this can be confusing.

  • In an effort to minimize confusion, the Zahniser Foundation recommends material regarding specific individuals (headstone photographs, personal stories, tributes, etc.)  be uploaded to and posted on findagrave.com. Their website has global coverage, comprehensive storage, retrieval, display capabilities and supports cenotaphs (which might give the impression an individual's remains exist in multiple locations simultaneously).  For an example see: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/192238839/james-stuart-zahniser 

DISTINGUISHED FAMILY MEMBERS

Michael Zahniser

First permanent resident of Mercer County, PA

 Matthias Zahniser

Veteran, Revolutionary War

 Afton J. Zahniser

Baseball (pitcher), Washington American B.B.C.

Paul V. Zahniser

Hockey, Princeton University

Howard Zahniser

The Wilderness Foundation

Kate Zahniser

Co-Author, THE ZAHNISERS: A History of The Family in America (commonly known as the "Zahniser Red Book")

Charles Reed Zahniser 

Co-Author, THE ZAHNISERS: A History of The Family in America (commonly known as the "Zahniser Red Book")

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