Name: Hans Christophel Klinsmann
Birth: 20 AUG 1752 in Hunerdorf, Helmstedt, Braunschweig, Germany
Christened 22 AUG 1752 Evangelical Parish, Calvoerde, Germany
Death: ABT 1810 in prob. Champion, Jefferson Co., New York
Christoph was a mercenary, a professional soldier who was hired out to serve in a foreign army for the money paid. This would indicate he was one of the younger sons who had to find other work other than whatever the family did. The family apparently lived in the area of Germany called Hesse, therefore, Christoph was a Hessian Mercenary who served the British, for pay in our Revolutionary War. He was captured by Gen. Benedict Arnold's troops in one of the two Battles of Saratoga at Freeman's Farm in Sept or Oct, 1777 where he fought under Gen. Burgoyne, but escaped and traveled south toward New York City, following the Hudson River, then later settling in Kinderhook for a time, beginning a new life as an American. (Notes by: Gary Bushaw).
Married in Reformed Church, Claverack, Columbia, NY. The names are listed as "Christophel Clinsman" & "Elizabeth Farington".
Christopher appears on the 1790 census as Christopher Clinsman.
He was living in Kinderhook, Columbia Co., New York (p. 69).
1 - Male 16 & over (Christopher)
0 - Male under 16
3 - Females (Elizabeth, Anna, & ?)
0 - Others
0 - Slaves
Christopher appears on the 1800 census as Christopher Clinchman.
He was living in Champion, Oneida Co. (now Jefferson Co.), New York.
Christopher (Clinchman) appears on the rolls of enlisted men of the Albany County Militia - Eighth Regiment.
SOURCE: New York In The Revolution as Colony and State, by James A. Roberts, Comptroller, Compiled by Frederic G. Mather, Second Edition 1898, Two Volumes.
A twin brother died at young age. According to Larry Brooks Hans "was born in 1752 in the Duchy of Brunswick, Germany and as a Hessian Grenadier was captured at the Battle of Bennington, Vermont in 1777. He later settled in Kinderhook, NY."
Raised in 1748, divided into two battalions in 1770 (MUSKETEERS). The first named von Rhetz, the second, von Specht. Arrived at Quebec in September 1776, fought at Ticonderoga, Hubardton, Freeman's farm (two companies), Bemis Heights and Saratoga.
American General Benedict Arnold's leadership won the second battle. On October 17, 1777 Burgoyne finally surrendered to Gen Gates.. The American's took 6000 prisoners as well as a large amount of supplies. roughly, the British lost about 1200 casualties and the Americans only suffered about 400. It is here where Hans Christop Klinsmann was captured and finally escapes.
Father: Matthias Klinsmann
Mother: Ann Tripler b: in Elsebeck, Braumschweig, Germany
Elizabeth Farenton b: ABT 1767 in Massachusetts
30 JAN 1787
in Reformed Church, Claverack, Columbia Co., New York
- Anna Barbara Clintsman b: 24 MAR 1788 in Reformed Dutch Church Called Christ's Church, Ghent, Columbia Co., New York
- John Martinus Clintsman b: 18 JUL 1791 in Herkimer Co., New York
- Polly Clintsman b: ABT 1795 in New York
- Henry Clintsman b: ABT 1796 in New York
- Peter Clintsman b: ABT 1801
- Elias Clintsman b: ABT 1809 in New York