American Pioneer Chronicles:

Colonial Women, The Heartbeat and Backbone of our Nation

Please support our research and view our books for purchase at

Elizabeth Seitz Walborn

Lutheran Elizabeth Seitz, having struggled through religious persecution in poverty-stricken Weisbaden, made a stand on Christmas Day in 1709, emigrating with her husband Adam Walborn and their five children, the youngest a newborn. After six months of filthy, wet conditions and travelers perishing at sea, the ship landed in the New York colony. Living in a canvas tent while enduring one of the harshest winters imaginable, Elizabeth and her family relocated a hundred miles up the Hudson River to work towards paying their expenses they’d incurred as indentured workers. Within two years the work became futile then strong-willed Elizabeth trekked her family through three feet of snow with no horses or roads sixty miles to New Annsberg. Ten years of hardships continued, and Elizabeth migrated one final time, down the Susquehanna River, settling in the Tulpehocken Settlement. Daring and bold Elizabeth helped build their third new home and farm, even in the dead of winter, and through sporadic Native raids. Her strength and determination to provide a safe home for her children, drove her to work harder, using the primitive tools of that time. Land was cleared for a farm and hemp rope tied to trees to dry clothes. With no churches yet built, and sporadic traveling preachers, the innovative Elizabeth taught her children the bible and good work ethics, involving her children in community and church work while preparing them for work and marriage. She died at age 43, leaving behind many grandchildren to carry on her legacy and reap the benefits of her struggles.