Two Jacobs

Confusion exists with the early Seiler/Sayler/Saylor families in Somerset and Bedford Counties, Pennsylvania.

Two men named Jacob and two named George equals THREE different Saylor/Sayler families in early Somerset and Bedford Counties, PA. DNA testing and quality research is reducing the confusion.

There were two "Jacob Saylor" families living in Bedford County prior to 1790 - see Jacob [1] and Jacob [2] below.

The first Federal Census was compiled in 1790. Somerset County was formed 17 April 1795.

In addition, there was a George [3] Michael Sayler, brother of Jacob [2], that did NOT live in Somerset County
AND a George [4] Michael Saylor, unrelated to both Jacob [1] and Jacob [2], that did live in Somerset County.

The George [4] Michael Saylor raised a large family in Somerset County, PA.
George [4] Michael Saylor is found in the History of Bedford and Somerset Counties, Volume III, pages 82 - 84.
Per recent DNA test results and good research the paper trail and DNA of this family belongs in DNA Group 3.

[1] Jacob Seiler (SL4) <<click to view pfd file DNA GROUP 1	[2] Jacob Sayler <<click to view pfd file DNA GROUP 4	[4] George Michael Saylor <<click to view pfd file DNA GROUP 3
My ancestor Jacob settled on "Saylor Hill" overlooking Meyersdale and is listed as Jacob Saylor in the 1790 Census, Bedford Co., PA., roll M637_9, page 260.	This Jacob settled in or near Bedford, Bedford Co., PA and is listed as John [Jacob Johannas] Saylor in the 1790 Census, Bedford Co., PA., M637_9, p. 236.	George Michael Saylor settled in Somerset Co., PA, and is listed as Micael Saylor in the 1790 Census, Bedford Co., PA., roll M637_9, page 254.
Jacob died 15 APR 1793 and is buried on Saylor Hill.	Jacob died 21 SEP 1800 in Ohio
This Jacob is credited as the first Mennonite minister in Somerset County.	This Jacob was a gunsmith during the Revolutionary War.
Jacob's only son, John, remained in Somerset County as a farmer and second Mennonite minister.	Jacob's brother George [3] Michael Sayler also served in the Revolutionary War and moved to Stark County, Ohio.	This George [4] Michael Saylor also served in the Revolutionary War and has been incorrectly listed as a brother of Jacob [2] Sayler.
This family is outlined in the History of Bedford and Somerset Counties Pennsylvania, Volume II, page 63-66, 141 and pages 501 - 502.	This family is outlined in the History of Bedford and Somerset Counties Pennsylvania, Volume III, pages 453 - 460.	This family is outlined in the History of Bedford and Somerset Counties Pennsylvania, Volume II, page 248, Volume III, pages 82 - 84.
The work of Dr. E.C. Saylor is the primary source of research for this family. In addition to the efforts of many, the best documentation found in one place is the rare book A Saylor Lineage by John Galen Saylor.	Much of the early research for this family was added to my database from the work of Viola Sayler Miller. I am currently working with extensive data of this family compiled by Henry Barney (H.B.) Sayler of Rudolph, Wood Co., Ohio.	In addition to the History, and the early work of George Madison Sayler, Jerimiah Monroe Sayler and Joseph Henry Sayler the discovery of the two George M. Saylor lines was documented through the efforts of Rhonda Springer and Wesley A. Sayler.
	[Updated 18 NOV 2008]