Re: Bio: Michael Dierstein Switzerland -> Germany -> PA 1732

On pages 3-4
"The Dierstein Family had its beginning in America when Michael DIERSTEIN immigrated from Switzerland. Records show that he was born in 1712.The name was spelled DIERSTEIN or THIERSTEIN in Europe; a Swiss family name.He had moved from Switzerland to the Palatinate [a region in Germany] because the Mennonites were being persecuted for leaving the Church of Roma.
His father is said to have been Samuel DIERSTEIN of Grumbach in the Palatinate.Michael decied to immigrate to America and saved the money he earned for his passage, so he was not a 'redeptioner'.Many of the youngs men who decided to immigrate to America signed agreements to secure passage with a ship's owner, to work as indentured servants for the earlier settlers.Michael came to America on the ship "Samuel" which arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on August 11, 1732.
Even though Michael was only twenty years old he had two skills; that of a weaver and miller.He married Agnes, the daughter of Jacob KOLB.They lived together until her death on July 31, 1764.They had nine children.He acquired a land grant in Buck County, Pennsylvania.The Mennonite immigrants had to move at least 30 miles north of Philadelphia.Pioneer Michael DIERSTEIN is buried in Rockhill Mennonite Cemetery in Buck County, Pennsylvannia."

Source is "OUR ANCESTRY" The Rosenberger Family as compiled by Cora R. Worth, ©2002.
Transcribed by Jan Jordan