There has been much confusion over the years regarding Baltzer Bentzel, the son of Johannes & Maria Sophia Bentzel. There is no doubt there were at least four sons of Johannes & Maria Sophia Bentzel: Johan Philip, Henry, John, & Baltzer as each of these sons is mentioned in the sale Johannes' original property when Maria Sophia dies. There is evidence suggesting there could be two additional sons, Andrew and Casper, but this has yet to be proven. But for now, let's focus this mystery on Baltzer.

The confusion lies within when and where Baltzer was born and died. There is also evidence suggesting there could have been two distinct Baltzer Bentzels living in the same area at the same time (two B. Bentzel's living in Maryland during the 1810 Census). Let's take a look at the documentation we have:

Evidence Suggesting Baltzer was Born at/before 1730

• History of York County lists "Baltzer and Philip Bentzel emigrated from Germany to America and arrived at Baltimore in the year 1745. Soon after their arrival, Baltzer came to what is now York County, Penn., and settled near York: he was a shoemaker by trade, reared a family of two sons and four daughters: Henry, David, Catharine Ellman, Anna Maria, Lizzie and Barbara Kump. The father [Baltzer] was a captain in the Revolutionary war: he died when David, who was born in August 1777, was a young man. When David was twenty-four years of age, he married Miss Elizabeth Meisenhelter, and settled upon a farm, on the Little Conewago Creek, near what is now Weigelstown. He was a successful farmer, and in 1811 erected a large distillery, manufacturing whisky which he conveyed by his teams to Baltimore, there being no railroads at the time where it was marketed. He reared a family of five sons and five daughters: Henry, Felix, David, Samuel and Daniel M., Barbara, Mary, Elizabeth, Nancy and Sarah [who died young], all of whom were married except for Felix, who died young."
   
• Post from Trent Bentzel at the Bentzel Forum: "There is a ship passenger listing for 'Batzer Pinnele' along with Johanes Buntzel, Henery Binzel and Johannes Bindsel. They all signed with an 'X'... Ship is the Edinburgh, arrived 9/14/1753."
   
• Florence Gallagher's Bentzel History: "Baltzer Bentzel, son of Johannes and Sophia Bentzel, [both] born in Germany. They emigrated to America and arrived at the Port of Baltimore in 1745. Name of ship and exact date of arrival unknown.... He was a shoemaker by trade and came to Dover Township near the city of York. He enlisted in the York Militia during the Revolution. He later evidently returned to Baltimore County, Md., for he was living there in 1769 when his father died. He evidently died there in 1795. Where he is buried is not known...."

Evidence Suggesting Baltzer was Born post-1750

• Church record from Baltimore, Maryland: "Baltzel Bentzel aux Deutchland, Anno 1753, 5 Mar., 6 Mar." Although in German, this clearly demonstrates Baltzer was from Germany, born in 1753, died 5 Mar 1816, buried 6 Mar 1816.
   
• 1800 U.S. Census, Baltimore, Baltimore Co, Maryland: Lists "Balzer Pencill," age 26 to 44 yrs (birth 1756 to 1774), and another male 10 to 15 yrs

Other Evidence

• In the settlement of Maria Sophia Bentzel's estate, heirs (all sons) are listed as Johan Philip, Henry (deceased), John, & Baltzer, in this order. Typically names are listed in order from eldest to youngest.
   
• 1790 U.S. Census, Baltimore, Baltimore Co, Maryland: Lists "Balzer Pencill" at age 16+ yrs (birth pre-1774) with 2 males under 16 yrs and 2 females
   
• 1810 U.S. Census, Marsh Hundred, Washington Co, Maryland: "Baltzer Bentzel," age 26 to 44 yrs (birth 1766 to 1784), 2 females under 10 yrs, and 1 female 16 to 25 yrs
   
• 1810 U.S. Census, Baltimore, Baltimore Co, Maryland: Lists "B. Bintzele," 45+ yrs (birth pre-1765) and 1 male 16 to 25 yrs

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