John emigrated from Germany with his mother and father sometime before 1731. He grew up on the family farm near Strasburg, along the Pequea Creek, Lancaster Co., Pa.

When he was an adult he moved to a 115 acre farm on the west side of Middle Creek in Warwick (now Clay) Twp., Lancaster Co., Pa. A Warrant was obtained for the property 16 Mar 1747 (#427). It wasn't until 22 Sep 1762 that a survey was made(C76-210) and a patent was received (AA5-473) on 16 Feb 1764.

He died at a very young age leaving a widow and six minor children. CATHERINE managed to raise the six children and also keep the farm.