Lillian Isenberg Bahney
The First Isenberg Family ReunionIsenberg Coat of Arms The Name Isenberg Germany Philadelphia and Berks CountyMarylandPennsylvania after 1803
From the 1900 book compiled by J.M.S. Isenberg:
The Isenberg family held its first Reunion at Lakemont Park, Altoona, Pa., September 21, 1899, according to the following invitation sent out by the undersigned committee, appointed at the meeting held by those descendants of the family living in or near Altoona, Pa.
A coat of arms originally was a garment of light weight material worn over the armor to identify the knight, as the man covered with armor was unidentifiable. The heraldic bearings of the wearer were composed of the shield, the crest, and silken mantling. The crest was a small ornament, usually fashioned of metal, wood, or leather, which hung down the back to keep the heat of the sun off the back of the armor. This was kept in place by a wreath of twisted silk. The oldest son inherited his father's coat of arms with his father's sword and armor bearing.
The charge or symbol on the coat of arms has various meanings and origins. The lion, for example, is the most used of all armorial beasts. lion rampart on a coat of arms may mean descent from royalty, service to a king, or just plain bravery. A tower or castle might mean someone took one, defended one, or maybe just lived in one. The saltire or cross is a symbol of allegiance that may appear in different ways.
An Isenberg family in Archfeld, which is close to Markershausen where we believe our ancestors came from had a coat of arms. Their coat of arms goes back to Peter Eisenbart (in the church the names are also Eysenhart and Eisenbartt). Peter came from Markershausen, He married Gedruta in Archfeld and lived there until his death on August 18, 1616. He had a brother Jacob who stayed in Markershausen. Their father was Hans Eysenbardt. Jacob was the grandfather of Johannes Nicholas (Hans Claus), father of Enoch and Gabriel of Markershausen.
(first paragraph taken from the 1900 book)
More than a generation ago the German language gave place to the English among the Isenbergs. Although such was the case, there is scarcely one who does not know that the family is of German origin. However, many of the present generation are doubtless unaware of the significance of the name they bear. Isenberg means mountain (berg) of iron (isen-eisen). As is the case of all names of German origin, it was given to or assumed by the family at or near the division of Germany at the time of the great migrations, A.D. 500. The name referred either to their character or to their place of abode. The Isenberg family either dwelt in the vicinity of a "mountain of iron" or were in character like a "mountain of iron". "Isen", iron, in German is now spelled "eisen".
The first recorded records at that we have of the family in our country spell the name Eisenberg, and sometimes with an "er" added, Eisenberger. In tax records and census records the name, written mostly by Englishmen, has been found to be spelled in many different ways. The first name such as Gabriel or Enoch has been our way of knowing just who the individual was! The following ways of spelling the name have been found- Eisenberg, Eisenman, Isenman, Eisenberck, and Egbird.
By 1810 the family in Tennessee and Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania was using the spelling Isenberg. However, some branches of the family have continued to use the old spelling and some in our century have changed the name to Isenbarg and Ironman.
When I was 16 or so, Lillian Isenberg Bahney was very much involved in doing the research for her book. It was that summer that my father, F.R. Isenberg and I spent many sunny afternoons combing the countryside for abandoned cemeteries and lost headstones. I remember it being quite an exciting adventure. I have, ever since, been fascinated with our family history.
My Great-Grandfather, A.R. Isenberg, and Lillian's father, J.M.S. Isenberg worked together researching the family for the 1900 Reunion. It was this book that was the foundation of the 1991 book. These excerpts from Lillian's book are here with the permission of her family.
If you are interested in obtaining a copy, e-mail me and I will send you the information. I believe copies are still available.
Ginette at ginette@voicenet.com
copyright ©1995-2006 Ginette Isenberg