Stories Retold

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Large numbers of prospective migrants to America met at Rotterdam, a site very suitable for travelers who had come down the Rhine from their towns and farms upstream.

2021 Map of App surname distribution in Germany.

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.

The settlement of Michael App’s will in 1809 by a lower court was appealed and heard by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court on March 22, 1823.

How did Michael App acquire his land upon his arrival in 1752? The area was still under British rule, and this is how land ownership evolved.