I have a note in my files that John Mertz was baptized by Heinrich and Anna Elisabeth at Zion Stone Church (Reformed). My note gives a birth date of 24 Mar 1785 and a baptism date of 17 Apr 1785. I have no idea where I think I found this “fact”. I have since looked in every possible place where it could have been and cannot find it. There were several baptisms at that church on that day, though I think they were on the Lutheran side, John was not among them.

Nonetheless, in the 1810 Census and continuing through 1870, a John Mertz was listed in Allen Township and his age, as given consistently in Census, suggests a 1785 or so birth. From his age and his co-location with Henry in Allen Township, I believe he was Henry’s son. He is designated H4b.

1810. It makes sense that the John Mertz living in Allen Township age 16-25, a neighbor of Henry, was Henry’s son John.

He was continuously there through 1850 and then from his exact age, I believe in Lower Saucon Township in 1860 and 1870.

I believe after his son John died in 1846, some of the younger John’s children came to live with John, the father.

John and his wife are buried at Friedensville in Lehigh County but it is just across the county line from Lower Saucon Township, Northampton County where they lived.

From their geographic proximity to the elders of this family, from their association with Tilghman Mertz born 1844 or with his parents or from their presence in John Sr.’s household in the 1850 Census, there may be up to six sons of John Sr.’s to track:

H4b1 John born 1812
H4b2 Aaron 1813
H4b3 Charles 1818
H4b4 Henry 1821
H4b5 Benjamin F born 1825
H4b6 Owen 1830

In 1820, John Mertz and Catherine sponsored the baptism of Sarah Anna daughter of Nicholas Music and Catherine at Kreidersville Stone Church.