Michael App (c.1725-1809) Biography

Michael App Arrives in America

Michael App (c.1725-1809) is the first of our App family to come to America from Germany in 1752. He arrived at the Port of Philadelphia aboard the ship, St. Andrew.

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What is Known About Michael App

Michael App born between 1725 and 1730. He and his wife, Elisabeth had four children. Son Friedrich, daughter Anna Maria, son Matthias (this is the traditional spelling of his name), and daughter Maria Catharina.

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Exploring Michael App’s German Origins

To learn about Michael App’s origins we can apply what is known about cultural habits in the early 1700’s in Germany, patterns of immigration, and everyday life in a new land. We might also learn more by researching the stories of the people with whom he traveled.

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The Two Michael Apps

When researching Michael’s life, it is soon found that there were two Michael Apps living in Pennsylvania at about the same time. This has caused some confusion among genealogists. Here are a few simple facts about each one to help make the proper distinction.

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Life in Pennsylvania

Michael App and his wife Elisabeth raised their four children in a snug log house on the land that Michael claimed upon his arrival. It was built in 1752, and contained just two rooms (the first floor and the second floor) with the entire west end being the fireplace.

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Michael’s Death

Michael App made his last will and testament on March 25, 1808, and died the following year in 1809. His resting place is listed as a non-cemetery burial. His will was written in old German script, and in 2017 was transcribed from the old German and translated into English.

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Appendix [103]: The Voyage of the St. Andrew

The ship St. Andrew’s passenger manifest for September 23, 1752 listing only males 16 years and older. Women and children were not listed. It sailed from Rotterdam, to Plymouth (England), then to the Port of Philadelphia.

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