And so, in von Steuben, we see the influence of the German immigrant as having an integral role in the formation of our great country. In May 1919, the founders of the Steuben Society of America had an easy decision in the selection of a name for this patriotic organization whose members are American citizens of Germanic heritage. As Units developed throughout the nation each was named in commemoration of a German immigrant whose distinguished contributions sculpted the American way of life.

The Conrad Weiser Unit No. 695 was established shortly after the founding of the national society and today encompasses the region of New York State that includes Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island. Our namesake was born in the village of Affstat in Wurttemberg, Germany on November 2, 1696. He and other family members came to New York in 1710. As a teenager, he lived in the Mohawk Valley among the Iroquois Confederacy as an adopted son of Chief Quaynant. This served as an internship for his career as an Indian interpreter and ambassador. Weiser learned several Indian languages, their customs and statesmanship. Although he could be described as a 'man for all seasons' because of his broad interests, Weiser was held in particularly high esteem for his role as peacemaker between the white man and the Indians in Pennsylvania and was awarded the title of Tarachiawagon, the "Holder of the Heavens."

Courtesy of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission

The Weiser homestead in Womelsdorf, Pennsylvania is open to the public.