Fascinating

Family

Facts

The graph above shows the growth of our family according to each generation (the cream-colored bars). Each generation is further differentiated according to gender. Information compiled 10 July, 2007.

The second graph depicts the size of the two sides of the family. Yes, George's side is considerably larger the Franz's. (Data compiled June, 2007.)

The above is a letter contained in the collections of the Moravian Archives in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

Since this letter is written in handschrift, a special form of German handwriting, few people are able to read the text. It is presumably a letter, signed by a committee of 6, requesting that a Moravian pastor be sent to the small village of Schoeneck (about 1 mile north of Nazareth, Pennsylvania.)

Of special note to Clewell family members are the signatures of George and Franz Clewell. Notice that there are 2 dots above the first vowel in Clewell (or Clavell). Those two dots are not misplaced dribbles from a bad quill; they are German umlauts, 2 dots that punctuate certain German vowels. Typically, an "a" with an umlaut is pronounced like our long "a," as in aim, able, or Amy. It is very probable that our earliest known Clewells pronounced our surname as CLAY-well, or CLAY-vell. Because of the strong German influence in this region, the "W" in Clewell was probably pronounced like a "V," thus CLAY-vell.

Notice also the spelling of Franz's name. It is spelled with a "T." Throughout the Clewell history text, his name is always spelled without the "T." Yet here is Franz's signature; apparently he spelled his name with the "T."

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