Heinrich was born in 1689 in Langnau, Canton Baselland, Swizerland. He emigrated to America in 1737. Heinrich was the original immigrant of the Wissler line in America.

m. Anna,  in Langnau, Switzerland

Children: Anna b. Dec 9, 1727 m.Valentine Metzler, Christian b. 1730 m. Barbara Neukommend, Jacob b. July 25, 1738 m Catherine Gruber(Krubenstein), Benjamin b. 1740 in Lancaster, PA. m. Cathrine Steiner, Henry W. b. 1749 m. aft 1773 to Ann Seecrist b 1753 d aft 1838 d/o Michael Seechrist and Magdalena Heistand .1765

 Moved to Upper Hospital, Canton, Bern, Switzerland on 29 Sep 1710, due to religious persecution. Sailed on the ship "St. Andrew" from Rotterdam, Netherlands on 24 Sep 1737 to Philadelphia.

Heinrich got passage on the ship "St. Andrew" Galley, John Steadman , master from Rotterdam, Holland. There were a total of 450 passengers on this ship which sailed September 26, 1737, Heinrich was listed as a Palatine. Palatines were from the Palatinate area of Germany. The early martyrs of the Anabaptist Movement often fled to Palatine, as they allowed the free practise of Swiss Brethren religion. Current locations of the Palatinate provinces are the areas of Munich, Augsberg and Berchesgarten. Heinrich arrived in Pennsylvania in 1737 and settled in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania where he farmed. He obtained warrants for land in 1738, 1742, 1745, and 1748. Heinrich died 1755, leaving a widow Anna and five children.

Some details regarding Heinrich from the personal papers of Oby Bonawit in the possession of my Aunt Juanita Whisler. Also credits to Francis Robinson for research of this early history.

 The Wissler Family in Switzerland

Heinrich's Father

Peter Wissler

Peter was born Jan. 10, 1664 in Langnau, Im, Emmental, Switzerland.  He was christened on Aug. 6, 1665 in Langnau. His wifes name is unknown.

Peter Wissler's Father

Jacob Wissler

Jacob was christened Mar. 15, 1622 in Langnau, Emmental, Switzerland. He was married to Madlena Frederich.

Jacob Wissler's Father

Hans Wissler

Hans was christened Feb. 1, 1596 in Sumiswald, Emmental, Switzerland.  Hans was an Anabaptist who was arrested with his sister, Catharina in Bern. He spent 30 days in jail and was then led to prison on the island of Bern.  There are records of him being arrested again at Bern, and he was taken by ship to Holland, but he escaped at Briesbach.  He was once again bound for Holland by one Mathys Gerber, but later was found back in Bern. He was married to Christine Luethi.

Hans Wissler's Father

Ulrich Wissler

Approx. Birth year 1566.

Ulrich married Catharina Zuber in Switzerland.

Some details regarding Heinrich from the personal papers of Oby Bonawit that were in the possession of my Aunt Juanita Whisler, due to her communications with him. She has since passed away, and those papers are now in my possesion. Also credits to Francis Robinson for research of this early history.