Leonard Corle (abt 1755-1847)Leonard's surname has been spelled numerous ways, including Carl, Karl, Corl, Corle, Corell, Curl, Curle, Curell, Currel, and Currell, which makes it difficult to track his lineage. There is consensus, however, that Leonard's surname is Germanic in origin. The spelling C-O-R-L-E has been used by the numerous descendants who remained on the family homestead and founded the village of Pavia, Pennsylvania, where Leonard and his wife Mary are buried.
Nothing definitive is known about Leonard's early life. According to his gravestone, he was born in 1755. Leonard may have been born in Germany (perhaps in Lindberg, Bavaria ) or Switzerland, but there is reason to suspect that he was born in Pennsylvania.
In 1776 the American Revolution began and young Leonard enlisted at Abbotstown, York County, PA. Leonard served as a private for the Pennsylvania regiment of the Continental Army under Capt. Thomas Church's Company under the auspices of Col. Anthony Wayne. Leonard participated in the Battle of Three Rivers near Montreal, Canada on June 6, 1776. The battle took place as part of a failed American invasion of Canada, where about 6,000 British troops overwhelmed 2,000 American soldiers. Leonard served one year and was discharged in Chester County, PA,
Family tradition maintains that Leonard was of greater than average height.
Leonard married probably around 1778, presumably to a woman named Martha, and had a large family.
Leonard had six sons who lived to adulthood--John Corle Sr., Jacob Corle Sr., George Corle Sr., Joseph Corle Sr., Samuel Curl, and Adam Corle Sr. All six sons married and had children.
Leonard also had at least three daughters, Elizabeth, Frances "Frannie", and Theresa "Tiesh”, each of whose fates are unknown.
In 1809, daughter Frannie applied to the Orphan's Court of Bedford County to have her father named guardian of her estate, and in 1814 Samuel and Adam did the same. This must mean mean that their mother had died. Frannie, Samuel, and Adam were Leonard's youngest children.
Leonard married again to Mary Magdalene Carbaugh (or Harbaugh). It is presumed that Mary was not his first wife nor the mother of any of his children. Mary died about March 1, 1835 at about the age of 80 and is buried beside Leonard.
In 1781 Leonard resided in Cumberland County, PA when his son Jacob was born. In 1784, they found themselves living in the newly formed Franklin County. Leonard and his family resided in Franklin County when the first US Census was taken in 1790. It is not known in what township they resided.
Leonard seems to be missing from the 1800 US Census.
By 1810 Leonard had settled on a farm in St. Clair Township, Bedford County, PA. His sons John, Jacob, and Joseph had all married and were residing on nearby farms.
Leonard applied for a pension from the US Government (pension claim S-40842) on May 30, 1818 while living in St. Clair Twp. His original military service record was, unfortunately, destroyed in a fire, but he did receive a pension.
Son George died about 1829 in St. Clair Township of causes unknown, leaving behind about nine children. His wife may have died earlier.
The 1832 Tax list for St. Clair Twp shows Leonard with 200 acres (improvement), 2 horses, 1 cow, and about $70 in assets.
Leonard and Mary resided on land that became part of the newly formed Union Township.
Leonard lived a very long life. He died on August 4, 1847 at around the age of 92.
Leonard and Mary are buried at Mt. Zion Cemetery (also known as Pavia Cemetery) in Union Township, in what is today the village of Pavia. A number of his descendants still resided in the area.
An article that appeared in the Bedford Gazette (Bedford, PA) in June 5, 1903, which reads as follows:
An interesting feature of the Memorial Day exercises at Pavia was the dedication of a monument erected to the memory of Leonard Corl, under the auspices of the G.A.R. Leonard Corl was the ancestor of the numerous Corl connections of Bedford county. It is said that he came to Pennsylvania from Virginia when a boy and settled in York county. He entered the Revolutionary army as a member of a Keystone state regiment and served under Gen. Anthony Wayne, being one of the musicians of his regiment. After the war he came to Bedford county and made his home near Pavia, where he lived until the final summons came. He was the grandfather of John A. Corle, of Bedford. The exercises were held on Saturday in the Reformed church at Pavia. Hon. J. H. Longenecker, of Bedford, made an appropriate and interesting address. Rev. S. U. Waugaman, of Claysburg, conducted the religious services, and the Grand Army post took part in the programme. The monument was purchased by the patriotic citizens of Pavia and vicinity and was erected in the cemetery at the Reformed church.
The inscription on one side of the square shaft is as follows:
LEONARD CORL,
a soldier of
the Revolutionary
War
Died
Aug 4, 1847
aged
92 Yrs & 6 Ms
On the opposite side is the following inscription:
MARY M.,
wife of
Leonard Corl,
died
Mar 1835,
aged
about 80 Yrs"
Will of Leonard Corl, deceased, of Union Twp.
Will dated: 30 April, 1830; proved 14 August, 1847.
Wife: Magdalena.
Children: Has other children, but only names son Adam.
Executors: Son Joseph Corl and Adam Ickes.
Witnesses: John Mower and George W. Anderson.
Codicil: 08 October, 1835. Decedent's wife now deceased. The balance of the will is still in effect. Witnesses: George W. Anderson and John Mower.
Estate of the deceased Leonard Corl of Union Twp.
Letters of Administration granted to Joseph Corl, 14 August, 1847.
Sureties and Witnesses: None given.
Adam Ickes renounces his executorship of the estate of Leonard Corl.
(Source: Bedford Co., Pa., Will Book, Vol. III, Bedford Co., Pa., p. 391)
|
Corle 
