I Plank

I Plank

​​1st tier candidate:

Jacob Plank, as put forward by GAWP5, is now identified as a carpenter and cabinetmaker based on a family story published in the Middlebury Independent on Aug 31, 1900 and from Mifflin Co. PA tax records from 1821.

 

2nd tier candidates:

His son Jacob, b 1795 was already recorded as a carpenter in GAWP5.

 

​A second son, John, b ca 1795 has been identified as a carpenter and cabinetmaker. The sons are considered 2nd tier candidates based on their later working dates.

 

The family were Mennonites.

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The cited 1900 newspaper article recorded David H Plank's family history that was given at the Plank family's gathering in 1900. These excerpts are taken from that article ... "Jacob Plank during his life in PA., I think, ran a cabinet shop, don’t know that he farmed any. The old records in my possession show that he transacted considerable business in settling up estates, etc. In about 1820 he moved to Wayne Co., OH. with the younger members of his family. Some were already married and soon followed their parents and all settled in Wayne Co., OH.

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John and Christian (son of Jacob) began their career of life in PA. We find in the old records that John and Christian had carried on business in PA. John was a carpenter and Chris tian a farmer, who leased a farm for several years and lived on same farm until he moved west.

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John, if I am not mistaken, went in partnership with his father in the grist-milling business and later built a sawmill and also a cabinet shop. People came many miles to get their furniture made and repaired. They also made coffins. He employed mostly four men in his cabinet shop. They would work from 5 o’clock A. M. to 9 o’clock at night. He was very firm and yet just with his men.

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The pioneer Planks were men of more than ordinary talent. They were natural mechanics; they could turn their hand to anything; they were men of good judgement and they made good use of it. Among the early pioneers were farmers, millers, cabinet makers, blacksmiths, mill rites and also dentists."

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