About us
The Brookman Family
Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, West Virginia, Tennessee, Illinois, Iowa, and points West
Their Westward Migration
As far as it can be determined, the first member of our family came into North America on the 7th. of November 1754, when he disembarked from the sailing vessel John and Elizabeth into the port of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His name was Johann Valintin Brukmann.** He was among a list of foreigners imported into the Colonies from Hanau, Palatinate, and Wirtemberg, Germany by way of Amsterdam & Portsmouth.
The exact age of Johann Valintin Brukmann has not been determined. Mention of him 5 years after his arrival describe him as a “young man”. He was at least 16 years of age and probably was 21 years old when he first set foot on American soil. Based on this, his date of birth is estimated to be 1733. As required by law, he was required to pledge allegiance to King George II. As was the custom upon arrival, he was on the following list.
“Present: The Worshipful Charles Willing, Esquire, Mayor of Philadelphia.
The Foreigners whose Names are underwritten, Imported in the ship John and Elizabeth, from Amsterdam & Portsmouth, from Hanau, the Palatinate & Wirtemberg, Capt. Ham, Commanding, did this day take the usual Oaths and Qualifications. 330 Whole Freights. 11 Roman Catholicks. 120 Protestants.
……Johann Valintin Brukman…….”
There is no evidence that Valintin was among the listed Protestants. Certainly, based on later records, he was not among the Catholic arrivals. Also, there is little evidence to detail his life or travels between the dates of his arrival in 1754 to 1760. However, it is known that on 29 March, 1761 he joined a group of pious monks, led by Ezechiel Sangmeister in the Sandy Hook (North Fork of the Shenandoah River) area of Frederick County, (now Shenandoah County) Virginia. Ezechiel Sangmeister was the founding monk and mystic in the Order of the Brethren (Sabbatarians) who had left Ephrata, Pennsylvania to start a new life in Virginia. He later wrote a book entitled Leben und Wandel in which he mentions Valintin numerous times. Sangmeister wrote that Valintin was a weaver by trade and was a “young man” when he joined his sect. It is not clear whether he was trained as a weaver in his homeland or whether he served an apprenticeship after he arrived in America.
**Note: Various records, found over the last 250 years, have spelled the Brookman surname many different ways. Among them are: BROUGHMANN, BRUCKMANN, BRUCHMANN, BRUNCKMAN, BROFFMAN, BROOFMAN, BRICKMAN, BROCKMAN, BROKMAN, BRUECKMAN, (and others). For the sake of clarity, this work will generally use only the surname BROOKMAN.
Life in the wilds of northern Virginia in the mid 1700s was difficult at best. Sickness, disease, injuries, Indian attacks, all contributed to the uncertainties of their existence. Theirs was a life with few pleasures. There were few places that one could obtain the necessary provisions and their very existence was dependant upon clearing their small tracts of wilderness land for planting and harvesting their only source of food. This was in itself a momentous task consuming most of the daylight hours. There were few tools available and since they did not have horses, the backbreaking tasks had to be accomplished by manual labor. In addition to this, they were obligated to administer to the sick and injured, formulating medicines from forest plants and roots and providing this primitive medicine to their Brothers as well as to their neighbors. Their dwellings were unhealthy, and primitive, made of logs, with dirt floors. The logs were chinked with clay and hair to keep the elements out. Their only source of heat was a stone fireplace that was used for both heat and cooking. Life in Sangmeister’s group was even more difficult because the Brethren were looked upon with suspicion and mistrust because of their habits. They attended mandatory religious services each and every evening, at times lasting far into the night. They kept their Sabbath on Saturday instead of Sunday, were vegetarians, dressed in long brown robes, and wore a full beard. The inhabitants frequently called them “long beards”. They kept mainly to themselves, and spoke a language (German) that was not always understood by the general population. The Brothers did not marry and had little regard for material things. They had strange religious beliefs and mystical devotional services. There was an oft-repeated rumor that they were Catholics who served only the Pope. This was certainly not the case because their beliefs were so strong that they broke away from their original religious community in Ephrata, Pennsylvania to find a new life and enjoy freedom of religion in Virginia. In addition to the troubles within the community, Indian raids became more frequent and savage. These raids resulted in great loss of life and property. These were especially difficult times for the Brethren sect because their homes were outside of the general community and thus were prone to additional onslaughts by the Indians. In fact, in 1763 the Indians attacked their little community and captured two of the Brothers. This prompted Ezechiel Sangmeister and his follower’s (about 26 people) to pack up their meager belongings and move back to the relative safety of the Ephrata community in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. After their move back to Lancaster County in July 1764, Valintin Brukman soon left the Order of the Brethren, and for the time being, abandoned the hope of ever returning to Virginia. For a while he lived with the old brothers of the sect. Eventually, he lived within the community at large and is thought to have married Phillipina Good on 10 February 1770 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
We are indeed fortunate to have a detailed account of Valintin’s few years with Ezechiel Sangmeister. We find, based on Sangmeister’s narrative, that Valintin was not the religious zealot that Sangmeister and the other Brothers were. In fact he was far from the religious convert that the Brothers thought they were welcoming into their flock. One can only surmise that Valintin was not as interested in the religious brotherhood as much as he desired companionship. Valintin did not have a harmonious relationship with either Sangmeister or his fellow sect members. Remember, he was a stranger in this land, spoke a different language, and probably wanted to “belong” to a group in which he had something in common. This need to “belong” was powerful and probably over shadowed the hardships required of a religious zealot. The Brothers led a strenuous life, which aside from the long hard hours, was relatively simple, but required a great amount of self sacrifice. They strived to be free from all female temptation, and not to acquire worldly habits or possessions. Above all, they were expected to be celibate. Valintin did not abide by any of these restrictions, especially the one about being and remaining celibate. Although his task was to carry the word of God to the community, he was far more interested in the daughters and wives of those he served. He was reprimanded many times by Sangmeister for this behavior, but this did nothing to improve his conduct. He seldom carried out tasks that did not benefit him personally. Contrary to the tenets of his religion, he was interested in acquiring wealth, income, and personal belongings. He seldom did as he was instructed and did not contribute to the welfare of the Brethren sect. He went among the citizens to preach the word of God, but on numerous occasions he was caught in compromising situations with females in the community. This placed a hardship on the Brothers who were already distrusted by most of the community. The Brothers then had the additional burden of using their scarce monies and supplies to placate the aggrieved parties for misconduct of one of their own.
Based on Sangmeister’s writings, one can only come to the conclusion that Valintin was a rascal, an opportunist, was self-centered, a philanderer, and a general ne’r-do-well. It is obvious that Valintin was unsuited, both in temperament and habit, to remain in the Order. It can be justifiably assumed that both Sangmeister, and most of the members of his flock, probably looked upon Valintin’s departure from the Order in 1765 as a blessing. One wonders however, based on Sangmeister's chronic complaining and mistrust of everyone, if the feeling was not mutual? In his book, Sangmeister’s disgruntled outpourings were very apparent and spared no one, not even his closest followers. It is a known fact that Sangmeister and Valintin had a tempestuous existence throughout the few years that they were together. The obvious impression was that there was no “love lost” between the two.
The above description of Valintin Brukmann is a “cold hard fact” and cannot be disputed. Regardless of his misdeeds, one must accept him for who he was and be thankful that his habits led Sangmeister to include so much about him in his narrative (even if it was always biting criticism of his actions). However, let us not be too quick to find fault in his behavior. We must remember that Valintin was only human, and as such, was a victim of human frailties, alone in a new land, and in need of companionship and “belonging”. This is not much different than what we would have done in similar circumstances. It has often been said that one can choose their friends but not their ancestors. Keeping this truism in mind, our choice is inevitable, we are compelled to accept him “warts and all” and be grateful that he was one of our forebears, whose existence in earlier times guaranteed our existence today.
“It Is Indeed a Desirable Thing to be Well Descended, But the Glory Belongs to Our Ancestors” …………Plutarch (A.D.46-120)
In 1777, Valintin was living in the Cocalico (“Cocalico” is an anglicized pronunciation of the Indian phrase “koch-hale-kung” meaning, “den of serpents”) Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania and working as a weaver. He was listed under the names of Brickman and Bruckman. The records never seem to settle on one way of spelling his name. It must be remembered, however, that he was from Germany and must have spoken with a heavy accent and the record taker would have had a difficult time understanding his speech. Looking at examples of his handwriting, I conclude that it would have been even more of a task deciphering his penmanship (which was atrocious). There is little wonder that his name was recorded so many ways. His signature:
On the 3rd. of November 1778, he signed the Oath of Allegiance to the United States in Ephrata, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. This time the record has him listed as Valentine BROOKMAN.
Apparently Valentine was very patriotic to his new homeland. When the citizens of the newly formed United States were taking their first faltering steps towards independence from King George III and cruel English domination, Valentine joined the Militia of Lancaster County in 1779. He appears on the Muster Roll of the 9th. Battalion of Lancaster Co. Militia, Class #6 (Company #6) Commanded by Capt. John Huber, Capt John Smuller’s Co. This unit was formed in the Cocalico Township. Taking up arms against England, was in itself, a courageous act with dire consequences. If the tide of battle had turned, and the Revolutionaries lost the war, Militia members would have been tried for treason (in English courts) and could have been punished by death. Historically, these English Courts made frequent use of the death penalty against the citizens, especially those who resisted English rule by taking up arms. It can be said that Valentine was made of a “stronger metal” and readily volunteered for the defense of his adopted homeland. This “Love of Country” has been clearly evident among his descendants who, over the years, frequently gave their Country an extra full measure above and beyond the call of duty. This love of country and devotion to duty is a Brookman legacy, proudly held, and honored by all who now carry the Brookman name.
Valentine appears on each of the Personal Property Lists of Cocalico Township for the years: 1777, 1778, 1779, 1780, 1781, 1782, 1783, 1784, and 1785.
By 1785, Valentine had at least 3 children. Their ages and sex are unknown. After 1785 he does not appear on any subsequent tax lists for Lancaster County. Sometime after 1785 he and his family moved to Cumberland Co., which was adjacent to Lancaster Co. Pennsylvania.
In 1789, Valentine appears on the Personal Tax list of Westenboro Township of Cumberland Co. Pennsylvania, again listed as a weaver.
In 1790 he is listed on the first census of the United States, Westenboro Township, Cumberland Co. PA. as Valentine BROOKMAN, with 2 white males 16 years or older including heads of family, 3 white males under 16 years, 2 free white females including heads of family. He had at least 5 children by this time (1 male child over 16 years, 3 male children under 16 years, and 1 female child). He was not listed for any subsequent years in either Lancaster or Cumberland Counties.
Sometime after the 1790 census, Valentine moved from Cumberland County, Pennsylvania to Shenandoah County, Virginia. In 1794 Valentine Brookman was listed on the Personal Property Tax list for Shenandoah County with two of his sons (Valentine Jr. and Peter). This is the same area that Valentine, Senior had left in 1764. He is known to have owned land in the area in 1763. It is assumed that Valentine, Jr. and Peter had become of age (over 16) and is living in the household of Valentine, Senior.
In 1799, Valentine Brookman, Senior was listed on the Shenandoah County Virginia Personal Property Tax List
In 1800 and 1801, a Valentine Brookman, was listed on the Shenandoah County, Virginia Personal Property Tax List. It is not clear if this Valentine Brookman was the elder Valentine or Valentine Brookman, Junior. It is surmised that Valentine, Senior had died after the 1799 tax year and his son was the one listed.
At the present time, there is little information as to the names of his children. Based on various records it appears that his family contained, at a minimum, five children. They were probably:
Valentine Jr.
John
Peter (possibly David Peter or Peter David)
Stephen
(unknown female child)
Since there are no extant records of Valentine Brookman, Senior after the 1799 tax year, it is assumed that he died in Shenandoah County in the 1799/1800 timeframe. There are no records of his death or place of burial.
Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, West Virginia, Tennessee, Illinois, Iowa, and points West
Their Westward Migration
As far as it can be determined, the first member of our family came into North America on the 7th. of November 1754, when he disembarked from the sailing vessel John and Elizabeth into the port of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His name was Johann Valintin Brukmann.** He was among a list of foreigners imported into the Colonies from Hanau, Palatinate, and Wirtemberg, Germany by way of Amsterdam & Portsmouth.
The exact age of Johann Valintin Brukmann has not been determined. Mention of him 5 years after his arrival describe him as a “young man”. He was at least 16 years of age and probably was 21 years old when he first set foot on American soil. Based on this, his date of birth is estimated to be 1733. As required by law, he was required to pledge allegiance to King George II. As was the custom upon arrival, he was on the following list.
“Present: The Worshipful Charles Willing, Esquire, Mayor of Philadelphia.
The Foreigners whose Names are underwritten, Imported in the ship John and Elizabeth, from Amsterdam & Portsmouth, from Hanau, the Palatinate & Wirtemberg, Capt. Ham, Commanding, did this day take the usual Oaths and Qualifications. 330 Whole Freights. 11 Roman Catholicks. 120 Protestants.
……Johann Valintin Brukman…….”
There is no evidence that Valintin was among the listed Protestants. Certainly, based on later records, he was not among the Catholic arrivals. Also, there is little evidence to detail his life or travels between the dates of his arrival in 1754 to 1760. However, it is known that on 29 March, 1761 he joined a group of pious monks, led by Ezechiel Sangmeister in the Sandy Hook (North Fork of the Shenandoah River) area of Frederick County, (now Shenandoah County) Virginia. Ezechiel Sangmeister was the founding monk and mystic in the Order of the Brethren (Sabbatarians) who had left Ephrata, Pennsylvania to start a new life in Virginia. He later wrote a book entitled Leben und Wandel in which he mentions Valintin numerous times. Sangmeister wrote that Valintin was a weaver by trade and was a “young man” when he joined his sect. It is not clear whether he was trained as a weaver in his homeland or whether he served an apprenticeship after he arrived in America.
**Note: Various records, found over the last 250 years, have spelled the Brookman surname many different ways. Among them are: BROUGHMANN, BRUCKMANN, BRUCHMANN, BRUNCKMAN, BROFFMAN, BROOFMAN, BRICKMAN, BROCKMAN, BROKMAN, BRUECKMAN, (and others). For the sake of clarity, this work will generally use only the surname BROOKMAN.
Life in the wilds of northern Virginia in the mid 1700s was difficult at best. Sickness, disease, injuries, Indian attacks, all contributed to the uncertainties of their existence. Theirs was a life with few pleasures. There were few places that one could obtain the necessary provisions and their very existence was dependant upon clearing their small tracts of wilderness land for planting and harvesting their only source of food. This was in itself a momentous task consuming most of the daylight hours. There were few tools available and since they did not have horses, the backbreaking tasks had to be accomplished by manual labor. In addition to this, they were obligated to administer to the sick and injured, formulating medicines from forest plants and roots and providing this primitive medicine to their Brothers as well as to their neighbors. Their dwellings were unhealthy, and primitive, made of logs, with dirt floors. The logs were chinked with clay and hair to keep the elements out. Their only source of heat was a stone fireplace that was used for both heat and cooking. Life in Sangmeister’s group was even more difficult because the Brethren were looked upon with suspicion and mistrust because of their habits. They attended mandatory religious services each and every evening, at times lasting far into the night. They kept their Sabbath on Saturday instead of Sunday, were vegetarians, dressed in long brown robes, and wore a full beard. The inhabitants frequently called them “long beards”. They kept mainly to themselves, and spoke a language (German) that was not always understood by the general population. The Brothers did not marry and had little regard for material things. They had strange religious beliefs and mystical devotional services. There was an oft-repeated rumor that they were Catholics who served only the Pope. This was certainly not the case because their beliefs were so strong that they broke away from their original religious community in Ephrata, Pennsylvania to find a new life and enjoy freedom of religion in Virginia. In addition to the troubles within the community, Indian raids became more frequent and savage. These raids resulted in great loss of life and property. These were especially difficult times for the Brethren sect because their homes were outside of the general community and thus were prone to additional onslaughts by the Indians. In fact, in 1763 the Indians attacked their little community and captured two of the Brothers. This prompted Ezechiel Sangmeister and his follower’s (about 26 people) to pack up their meager belongings and move back to the relative safety of the Ephrata community in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. After their move back to Lancaster County in July 1764, Valintin Brukman soon left the Order of the Brethren, and for the time being, abandoned the hope of ever returning to Virginia. For a while he lived with the old brothers of the sect. Eventually, he lived within the community at large and is thought to have married Phillipina Good on 10 February 1770 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
We are indeed fortunate to have a detailed account of Valintin’s few years with Ezechiel Sangmeister. We find, based on Sangmeister’s narrative, that Valintin was not the religious zealot that Sangmeister and the other Brothers were. In fact he was far from the religious convert that the Brothers thought they were welcoming into their flock. One can only surmise that Valintin was not as interested in the religious brotherhood as much as he desired companionship. Valintin did not have a harmonious relationship with either Sangmeister or his fellow sect members. Remember, he was a stranger in this land, spoke a different language, and probably wanted to “belong” to a group in which he had something in common. This need to “belong” was powerful and probably over shadowed the hardships required of a religious zealot. The Brothers led a strenuous life, which aside from the long hard hours, was relatively simple, but required a great amount of self sacrifice. They strived to be free from all female temptation, and not to acquire worldly habits or possessions. Above all, they were expected to be celibate. Valintin did not abide by any of these restrictions, especially the one about being and remaining celibate. Although his task was to carry the word of God to the community, he was far more interested in the daughters and wives of those he served. He was reprimanded many times by Sangmeister for this behavior, but this did nothing to improve his conduct. He seldom carried out tasks that did not benefit him personally. Contrary to the tenets of his religion, he was interested in acquiring wealth, income, and personal belongings. He seldom did as he was instructed and did not contribute to the welfare of the Brethren sect. He went among the citizens to preach the word of God, but on numerous occasions he was caught in compromising situations with females in the community. This placed a hardship on the Brothers who were already distrusted by most of the community. The Brothers then had the additional burden of using their scarce monies and supplies to placate the aggrieved parties for misconduct of one of their own.
Based on Sangmeister’s writings, one can only come to the conclusion that Valintin was a rascal, an opportunist, was self-centered, a philanderer, and a general ne’r-do-well. It is obvious that Valintin was unsuited, both in temperament and habit, to remain in the Order. It can be justifiably assumed that both Sangmeister, and most of the members of his flock, probably looked upon Valintin’s departure from the Order in 1765 as a blessing. One wonders however, based on Sangmeister's chronic complaining and mistrust of everyone, if the feeling was not mutual? In his book, Sangmeister’s disgruntled outpourings were very apparent and spared no one, not even his closest followers. It is a known fact that Sangmeister and Valintin had a tempestuous existence throughout the few years that they were together. The obvious impression was that there was no “love lost” between the two.
The above description of Valintin Brukmann is a “cold hard fact” and cannot be disputed. Regardless of his misdeeds, one must accept him for who he was and be thankful that his habits led Sangmeister to include so much about him in his narrative (even if it was always biting criticism of his actions). However, let us not be too quick to find fault in his behavior. We must remember that Valintin was only human, and as such, was a victim of human frailties, alone in a new land, and in need of companionship and “belonging”. This is not much different than what we would have done in similar circumstances. It has often been said that one can choose their friends but not their ancestors. Keeping this truism in mind, our choice is inevitable, we are compelled to accept him “warts and all” and be grateful that he was one of our forebears, whose existence in earlier times guaranteed our existence today.
“It Is Indeed a Desirable Thing to be Well Descended, But the Glory Belongs to Our Ancestors” …………Plutarch (A.D.46-120)
In 1777, Valintin was living in the Cocalico (“Cocalico” is an anglicized pronunciation of the Indian phrase “koch-hale-kung” meaning, “den of serpents”) Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania and working as a weaver. He was listed under the names of Brickman and Bruckman. The records never seem to settle on one way of spelling his name. It must be remembered, however, that he was from Germany and must have spoken with a heavy accent and the record taker would have had a difficult time understanding his speech. Looking at examples of his handwriting, I conclude that it would have been even more of a task deciphering his penmanship (which was atrocious). There is little wonder that his name was recorded so many ways. His signature:
On the 3rd. of November 1778, he signed the Oath of Allegiance to the United States in Ephrata, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. This time the record has him listed as Valentine BROOKMAN.
Apparently Valentine was very patriotic to his new homeland. When the citizens of the newly formed United States were taking their first faltering steps towards independence from King George III and cruel English domination, Valentine joined the Militia of Lancaster County in 1779. He appears on the Muster Roll of the 9th. Battalion of Lancaster Co. Militia, Class #6 (Company #6) Commanded by Capt. John Huber, Capt John Smuller’s Co. This unit was formed in the Cocalico Township. Taking up arms against England, was in itself, a courageous act with dire consequences. If the tide of battle had turned, and the Revolutionaries lost the war, Militia members would have been tried for treason (in English courts) and could have been punished by death. Historically, these English Courts made frequent use of the death penalty against the citizens, especially those who resisted English rule by taking up arms. It can be said that Valentine was made of a “stronger metal” and readily volunteered for the defense of his adopted homeland. This “Love of Country” has been clearly evident among his descendants who, over the years, frequently gave their Country an extra full measure above and beyond the call of duty. This love of country and devotion to duty is a Brookman legacy, proudly held, and honored by all who now carry the Brookman name.
Valentine appears on each of the Personal Property Lists of Cocalico Township for the years: 1777, 1778, 1779, 1780, 1781, 1782, 1783, 1784, and 1785.
By 1785, Valentine had at least 3 children. Their ages and sex are unknown. After 1785 he does not appear on any subsequent tax lists for Lancaster County. Sometime after 1785 he and his family moved to Cumberland Co., which was adjacent to Lancaster Co. Pennsylvania.
In 1789, Valentine appears on the Personal Tax list of Westenboro Township of Cumberland Co. Pennsylvania, again listed as a weaver.
In 1790 he is listed on the first census of the United States, Westenboro Township, Cumberland Co. PA. as Valentine BROOKMAN, with 2 white males 16 years or older including heads of family, 3 white males under 16 years, 2 free white females including heads of family. He had at least 5 children by this time (1 male child over 16 years, 3 male children under 16 years, and 1 female child). He was not listed for any subsequent years in either Lancaster or Cumberland Counties.
Sometime after the 1790 census, Valentine moved from Cumberland County, Pennsylvania to Shenandoah County, Virginia. In 1794 Valentine Brookman was listed on the Personal Property Tax list for Shenandoah County with two of his sons (Valentine Jr. and Peter). This is the same area that Valentine, Senior had left in 1764. He is known to have owned land in the area in 1763. It is assumed that Valentine, Jr. and Peter had become of age (over 16) and is living in the household of Valentine, Senior.
In 1799, Valentine Brookman, Senior was listed on the Shenandoah County Virginia Personal Property Tax List
In 1800 and 1801, a Valentine Brookman, was listed on the Shenandoah County, Virginia Personal Property Tax List. It is not clear if this Valentine Brookman was the elder Valentine or Valentine Brookman, Junior. It is surmised that Valentine, Senior had died after the 1799 tax year and his son was the one listed.
At the present time, there is little information as to the names of his children. Based on various records it appears that his family contained, at a minimum, five children. They were probably:
Valentine Jr.
John
Peter (possibly David Peter or Peter David)
Stephen
(unknown female child)
Since there are no extant records of Valentine Brookman, Senior after the 1799 tax year, it is assumed that he died in Shenandoah County in the 1799/1800 timeframe. There are no records of his death or place of burial.