Ginette Kathleen Isenberg (b. 1950): “The Book: The Isenberg family history and genealogy; Published in 1991 was compiled by Lillian Isenberg Bahney of Meyerstown, Pennsylvania, and I. It is a 1,000 page book that includes information gathered by my great-grandfather (Augusta Rupley Isenberg (b. 1857) and her father (J. M. S. Isenberg (b. 1871), plus more than 30 years of her own research. Don H. Berkebile also contributed research. I currently maintain and update an Isenberg database that includes nearly 3500 names. Excerpts of the book are published here with the permission of our family.”
“An Updated History and Genealogical Record of the Isenberg Family”
by Lillian Isenberg Bahney
Isenberg Coat of Arms
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 Nicklaus (Hans Klaus), father of Enoch and Gabriel of Markershausen. (Names for The Originals on the Vampire Diaries)
The Name Isenberg
(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 (Isburg) 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 (Isburg) family either dwelt in the vicinity of a “mountain of iron” or were in character like a “mountain of iron” or ironworkers (armorers and swordsmiths). “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, Eisenbark, and Egbird.
By 1810 the family in Tennessee and Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania were 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.
Hello – thank you for setting up this site!! – i am researching my family history and trace through Daniel Isenberg (1789-1871) who married Isabella Leffard. Daniel is my 4th Great Grandfather.
His daughter, Anna (1821-1906) Married Nathan Lafferty.
Their daughter, Amanda (1842-1910) married Adam VanAllman.
Their daughter, Clara, married Hezekiah Keith.
Their Son, John Marion (1892-1971) married Ethel Dixon.
Their daughter, Dorothy Arlene, was my mother. She married Robert Hamilton.
Any stories, photos, or other information about Daniels line would be appreciated. Thanks again for this site – I am just starting to get acquainted with all of the great information.
Thanks so much for this site.
Eric Cotter, 6th Great Grandson of Gabriel Isenberg
Does anyone have photos or paintings of the Isenberg ancestors? We have more information on our family than most other lines, but precious few old photos. I want to know what these people looked like!
I guess I should add that I am of the Henry Isenberg line, 1787–1869. I am looking for photos of his immediate family and descendants.
I would like to receive a copy of the Eisenberg book because let me know what I had to do to obtain it that would be great thank you very much