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The Cribbs
- Krebs Family
by Joseph M. Kellogg The various Cribbs-Krebs families of Westmoreland, Indiana and Clarion Counties in western Pennsylvania seem to stem from two sources: one, an old family of the New Hanover region of what is now Montgomery County in eastern Pennsylvania, descendants of which came out to West- moreland County during Revolutionary war times; the other, an immi- grant George Krebs or Cribbs who came much later from Germany and who appeared in Westmoreland with his children in the 1780's shortly after the Revolutionary war. These two different families may have had a common origin in Germany, but in this country they were considered originally to be unrelated and often spelled their name in different ways. But a number of marriages between members of the separate families has tended to combine them, as represented today, ( and has also tended to confusion and difficulty in working out the authentic history of the family ). It would seem simpler to take up the two branches of the family separately, and first turn our attention to the older branch in the New Hanover region, with its later representative in Westmoreland County, and then turn to the second group descended from the later George Cribbs.
The Cribbs-Krebs Family in Eastern Pennsylvania
(1) Michael Krebs In the township of New Hanover in Philadelphia County ( now in Mongomery County), early in the 18th century, there was living one Michael Krebs. He had evidently come to this country during the first years of the great German immigration into Pennsylvania, before definite records of such immigrants, as shown in the passen- ger lists of the incoming ships, were kept. Michael Krebs was a comparatively wealthy and influential mem- ber of the New Hanover Lutheran Church. His name appears as a taxable in Hanover township in 1734. He had a large plantation of 350 acres. He was naturalized as a citizen of the Province at the April term of the Supreme Court in 1743, having partaken of the sac- rament ( a necessary preliminary to taking the oath of allegiance), on April 10, 1743. This was not long before his death, which occured in February, 1745. The records of the New Hanover church show the burial of Michael Krebs on Feb. 21, 1745. He is there said to have been "aged 67 years", and so was probably born in 1677. His will was dated Feb. 10, 1744, and was proved on March 7, 1744. An abstract of it is as follows: Will of Michael Krebs, of New Hanover township, Philadelphia County, yeoman: (Philadelphia Co. Will Book G, p. 108). "At present very weak in body, but of sound and perfect mind and memory", etc. To my beloved wife Margaret Barbara, ( if she remains a widow to live in present dwlling house during life, etc. One hundred pounds to be laid out at interest, and the interest ( 6 pounds) to be paid to her yearly during her life; after her death the 100 pounds to be equally divided between the two sons: Simon and John Henry . Other provision for her: 12 bushels of wheat, 3 bushels of rye "ready ground and Baulted", as much Indian corn and "Bookwheat" as she wants, etc; also "100 pounds of good Porck" and 50 pounds of good fresh beef, etc---all this yearly. Also 2 cows set aside for her use, and a riding horse to use " on all necessary occasions, to church, town, etc"--"so that she shall be contented", etc. He appoints friends and neighbors Philip Hahn and Velt Yerger as Executors. "As concerning my daughter Anna Barbara, "she is not to make any pretention" upon the estate---"she having already received her full share and portion in my lifetime", etc. To "my, though disobedient, son Simon", the sum of 10 pounds. To son John Henry, all my land and plantation, 350 acres; he to provide for my wife as specified, and also he is to pay to the children of my said son Simon the sum of 200 pounds, in twenty equal yearly payments of 10 pounds each, the first payment to be made on May 16th after my decease, and so on. To be equally di- vided among the children as they gradually come of age, the said 200 pounds for the use of all the children and to remain in the care of said son John Henry and trusty friend George Yerger, whom he appoints as guardians of all these children of son Simon, as far as this bequest is concerned. Dated Feb. 10, 1744. Also: Each child of Simon is to obligate himself, as they come of age, when they receive their share of the 200 pounds, to "maintain their said father Simon during his life if he should want it in his age". Also: 5 pounds out of the estate to the "High Dutch Protestant Lutheran congregation in New Hanover". Signed: Michael Krebs Witnessed by:
Bernhard Dotterer. ( "I certify this to be a free translation of the original in high Dutch, according to the tenor and meaning of the original attached. Christian Lehman, Translator") Proved on March 7, 1744, by the oaths of Michael and Bernhard Dotterer. Administration
granted to Philip Hahn and Veit Yerger.
---------- Among the numerous early Road Petitions presented to the Court of Quarter Sessions of Philadelphia Co., was one dated March, 1724: "The petition of the Westernmost inhabitants of the said County", etc; asking for an extention of the "road recently laid out through Bebber's township, to the northern end of Sprogel's tract where George Werner's sill stands on Swamp creek issuing from Oley and falling into Parkyomony", etc. Among the signatures, in the original handwriting of the signers, was that of Michael Krebs. The wife of Michael Krebs was named Margaret Barbara. She died some six years after her husband. The New Hanover church records show the burial, on Sept. 24, 1751, of Margareta Barbara Krebs, "aged 75 years and several months". (She was born, there- fore, probably in 1676). Her will was dated March 18, 1750/51, and proved on Oct. 21, 1751. An abstract of it is as follows: Philadelphia Co. Will Book I, p. 460: Will of Margareta Barbara Crebs, widow of Michael Crebs, of Hanover township: "under some indisposition of Body, but of sound mind and memory", etc. After debts and funeral expences are paid, then To son Simon Crebs, the yearly interest of the sum of 75 pounds, due to me by obligations from sundry persons. After the death of said Simon, the said 75 pounds to be equally divided among all the children of said Simon as they arrive at years of maturity. All the rest of the estate whatever to said son Simon and son Henry Crebs, to be equally divided between them. She appoints John Campbell and John Teter Bougher as Execut- tors. Dated March 18, 1750/51. Signed by her mark. Will witnessed by Peter Conrad and Thomas Yerger. Proved and recorded Oct. 21, 1751. ----------- The children of Michael and Margaret Barbara Krebs were: (2) 1. Simon. Born probably about 1709. (3) 2. Henry. Born in August, 1711. Died Jan. 17, 1771. (4) 3. Anna Barbara. Married before 1744. ----------- (2) Simon Krebs Simon Krebs, the eldest son of Michael Krebs, was born probably about 1709. He also lived in the New Hanover region, where he was taxed on 100 acres of land in 1734. He was naturalized at the same sacrament at the same time, April 10, 1743. In 1741 he was over- seer of the poor in New Hanover township. Simon Krebs seems to have married about 1729, as on the original records of the Rev. John Caspar Stoever ( not on the records as printed) are given the following baptisms of the children of: "Simon Krebs in Falckner Schwamp" son Johann Jacob, born Feb. 1, 1730, bapt. April 19, 1730. Sponsor: Johann Jacob Jost son Johann Michael, born Sept. 31 (1) 1733, bapt. April 12, 1739. Sponsors: Joh. Deit Serger and wife Anna Elizabeth. (probably this last name should be "Veit Yerger", or perhaps the name of the Executor of his fathers will should be "Serger", not Yerger). The wife of Simon Krebs was named Elizabeth, as is shown by the following later baptismal record from St. Michael's and Zion church in Philadelphia: Oct. 27, 1745, Baptism of Joseph, ( born March 19, 1745), son of Simon Krebs and wife Elizabeth. Spon- sors: Heinrich Miller and wife (both Reformed). (Perhaps Elizabeth Krebs' maiden name was Jost or Yost, as is suggested by Jacob Jost being the sponsor for the oldest child, Jacob). Simon Krebs seems to have been out of favor with his father Michael Krebs, as indicated by the latter's will, but the mother Barbara Krebs evidently kept her son in mind, as is shown by her will. Just when Simon Krebs or his wife died is not known at present. Their children seem to have been the following: (5) 1. John Jacob. Born Feb. 1, 1730; bapt. by the Rev. Stoever on April 19, 1730. He was confirmed at New Hanover church in 1744, aged 14. (6) 2. Anna Maria. Born evidently in 1732. She was con- firmed at the (Augustus) Trappe church on April 12, 1752, aged 19. She married, March 12, 1754, John Michael Horner, (or in April 1754, as given on the Trappe church records). (7) 3. John Michael. Born Sept. 30, 1733. Bapt. by the Rev. Stoever on April 12, 1739. (8) 4. Magdalena. Born probably in 1741. She was con- firmed at New Hanover church on April 20, 1755, as aged 14, and "serves with John Reif- schneider". (9) 5. Maria Marbara. Born also in 1741, as twin with Magdalena. She was also confirmed at the same time on April 20, 1755, aged 14 years and she "serves with Valentin Vogt". She "can read a little". (10) 6. Joseph. Born March 19, 1745; bapt. at St. Michael's and Zion church, Philadelphia, Oct. 27, 1745. (Probably there were also other children). ------------------- (3) Henry Krebs Henry Krebs, apparently the younger son of Michael Krebs, was born about August 7, 1711 (from date and age at death). He also lived in New Hanover township, where he was taxed on 100 acres of land in 1734. He also was overseer of the poor in New Hanover township, in 1742, and overseer of highways there in 1757. He was a Trustee of the New Hanover Lutheran church and signed the new con- stitution of that church in 1765. He was naturalized at the April term of Court in 1743, at the same time as his father and elder brother Simon, having also first taken the sacrament April 10, 1743. An early road petition to the Philadelphia County Court, from the inhabitants or settlers on a tract of 8000 acres lying between the townships of North Wales, Towamencin, Bibber, Providence, Nor- riton, and Whitepain, asking that this tract be formed into a new township, was dated "2nd of 1st month, 1735/34". Among the signers of this petition were Henry Krebs and Adam Krebs. Tracings of their signatures are as follows. [Will be added later]. Henry Krebs was married on Oct. 21, 1730, to Maria Barbara Krim (or Grim). The marriage was performed by the Rev. John Cas- par Stoever and appears on his original and published records. (The groom's name is given as John Heinrich Krebs). She was pro- bably the daughter or sister of Egidius Grimm, who lived in the Waxatawny section of (later) Berks County. On the Rev. Stoever's original records is also the baptism as follows: "Heinrich Krebs. Hanover Daughter Christina Margaretha, born Aug. 20, 1734, baptized April 21, 1735. Sponsor was Eva Maria Sebastian." This baptism evidently was at the Augustus (Trappe) church, as it is also given on the records of that church. The births or confirmations of other children of Henry and Barbara Krebs appear on the records of the New Hanover church. Henry Krebs kept the tavern "of Frankford and New Hanover", and was so taxed in 1769. Probably this was at the same place as the famous tavern kept later by his son Michael Krebs. Henry Krebs died January 17, 1771, aged 59 years, 5 months and 10 days (from the family bible record). He was probably buried at New Hanover church, although there is no surviving tomb- stone for him there. His will, dated Dec. 15, 1770, was proved on Feb. 15, 1771. It is a very long document, but an abstract of it is about as follows: Philadelphia Co. Will Book P, p. 64: Will of Henry Krebs of New Hanover: "weak in body but of sound mind and memory", etc. To two sons, John Adam and John Michael, all his messuage or farm in Hanover township, 350 acres, "whereon I now live", to be divided as follows (description---it was "next to the Great Road called the Skippach rode"; and on Swamp creek, etc)--on condition that they pay to two other sons, Henry and Philip, and 6 daughters, Regina, Christina, Eva, Mary Barbara, Mary and Margreta, the sum of 1300 pounds, Pennsylvania money. They were also to provide for "my dear wife" as hereinafter specified. The amounts and the times for the payments to the other heirs were carefully specified, even to the 25th year after his death, etc. John Adam is called the eldest son. The wife Barbara was to have certain household things, and for her use certain cows, wheat, corn, etc. Also to daughter Mary Barbara, over and above the above legacy, three cows, the chaise, (or the money for them), etc. (Probably she was unmarried). Debts were to be paid, money put out at interest for use of the wife during here lifetime, then the four sons were to have 10 pounds each, and the rest equally divided among "all my children". He appointed sons John Adams and John Michael Krebs as the Executors. Dated Dec. 15, 1770. Signed by his mark Witnessed by George Nyce, Philip Hahn and Frederick Antes. Proved by Antes and Hahn, Feb. 15, 1771. ---------------- The records of the New Hanover church show the burial of Hein- rich Krebs on Jan. 19, 1771, "aged 59 years, 5 months, 4 weeks and 1 day" (slightly different from the bible record quoted above). The burial of his widow is also given on these same records, as Burial--Maria Barbara, wife of the late Heinrich Krebs, "found dead in front of her house", on Dec. 13, 1778, "aged 63 years, 8 months and 13 days" (born therefore about February, 1713). The children of Henry and Barbara Krebs seem to have been as follows: (11) 1. Regina. Born probably 1731-32. She was con- firmed at New Hanover church on 1st Sunday after Easter, 1746. She married, March 12, 1754, Christian Diel (Trappe church records). (12) 2. Christina Margaret. Born Aug. 20, 1734. Con- firmed at New Hanover Nov. 6, 1748, aged 14 years. (13) 3. Eva Catherine. Born probably in 1736-37. She was confirmed at New Hanover April 8, 1750. She married, Aug. 8, 1769, Andrew Wolf. (They went to Westmoreland County). (14) 4. John Adam. Born probably 1738-39. He was con- firmed April 21, 1754, aged 15 years. (15) 5. John Henry. Born probably 1742-43. He was con- firmed April 20, 1755, aged 15 years. "He can read, also knows the catechism". (16) 6. John Michael. Born Jan. 24, 1744. Died April 29, 1791. Married Catherine Kuntz. (17) 7. Mary Barbara. Born April 5, 1746. She was con- firmed Dec. 25, 1760, aged 14 years. (18) 8. Anna Elizabeth. Born April 5, 1746 (twin with the above). She died March 6, 1749, and was buried March 8, 1749, aged 2 years, 11 months. Her gravestone is in the New Hanover churchyard, and reads:
"Liegt
(19) 9. John George. Born July 12, 1748; bapt. at New Hanover church July 13, 1748. Sponsers were Veith Jurger and wife Elizabeth. (20) 10. Anna Maria. Born Sept. 1750; bapt. at New Hanover church Oct. 7, 1750. Sponsers were Thomas Jurger and wife Anna Maria. (21) 11. Margaret. Born probably in 1754. She was con- firmed May 22, 1768. (22) 12. Philip. Born probably in 1756. He was con- firmed on May 9, 1771, aged 15 years, as "the late Heinrich Krebs' son".
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Jacob Krebs, oldest son of Simon Krebs (Michael), was born on Feb. 1, 1730, and was baptized by the Rev. Stoever on April 19, 1730. The sponsor at his baptism was John Jacob Yost. He grew up in the New Hanover neighborhood and was confirmed at New Hanover church in 1744, aged 14 years. Jacob Krebs married on April 4, 1754, Sarah Fedele (from the records of the New Hanover Lutheran church as given in Pa. Archives, 2nd series, vol. 2, p. 638). She was the daughter of Michael Fedele (or Feadly) Sr. of New Hanover township, and was born about 1735. She was confirmed at New Hanover church on March 29, 1752. Jacob Krebs continued to live in New Hanover for a few years, or at least he had three children baptized there at the New Hanover church. Then he removed a few miles to the northwest and lived in Rockland township of Berks Co., where he appears on the tax lists for the years 1758-1766, and then disappears (is not on the tax lists for 1767, 1768, or 1770. He seems to have been assessed a medium sized tax there. What became of him--whether he died or moved away, is not known at present. The children of Jacob and Sarah Krebs were as follows: (23) 1. John. Born Jan. 11, 1755. Baptized at New Hanover church on March 31, 1755. The sponsors were Michael Fedeli and his wife. He went to Westmoreland Co., married Catherine Harrold and died (at St. Clair's defeat) on Nov. 4, 1791. (24) 2. Elizabeth. Born Jan. 1, 1758. Baptized at New Hanover church on June 25, 1758. Sponsor was Elizabeth Fedeli. (25) 3. Catherine. Born March 10, 1761. Baptized at New Hanover church May 10, 1761. Sponsors were Michael Fedeli and his wife. (26) 4. Heinrich Jacob. Born Oct. 12, 1762. Baptized on Nov. 21, 1762, at "Bieber's Creek" church ( Christ Lutheran) in Rockland twp. Berks Co. (near Dryville). Sponsors were Jacob Sarawei and wife Christina. He also went to Westmore- land Co., married Anna Maria Altman (Robbs) and died in Indiana Co., in 1835. (27) 5. Maria Magdalena. Born April 5, 1764. Baptized at Bieber's Creek church on Nov. 21, 1764. The sponsor
was Anna Maria Klemens.
(14) Adam Krebs John Adam Krebs, son of Henry Krebs (Michael), was born probably in 1738. He was confirmed at the New Hanover church on April 21, 1754, "aged 15 years". He served as sponsor, with Eva Mayer, at the baptism on Aug. 25, 1754, of John Adam Biebel (born July 16, 1754), son of Adam Biebel and wife Maria Eva (New Hanover church records). John Adam Krebs served in the New Hanover militia company in 1777-78. He was a Deacon of the New Hanover church in 1785. He married Catherine Mikener, on Aug. 28, 1764 (Pa. Marriage Licenses). Their children were: 1. Catherine. Born July 7, 1765. 2. Anna Maria. Born same date (twins) 3. Elizabeth. Born July 4, 1770. Died in infancy. 4. Elizabeth. Born Feb. 26, 1772. 5. Adam. Born Feb. 4, 1774. 6. John. Born Jan. 14, 1776. 7. Magdalena. Born March 11, 1779. Buried April 18, 1788, nine years old. 8. Henry. Born March 4, 1781. 9. David. Born Nov. 1, 1782. 10. Catherine.
Born Dec. 4, 1785.
(16) Michael Krebs John Michael Krebs, son of Henry Krebs (Michael), was born on Jan. 24, 1744. He was a prominent member and a Deacon of the New Hanover church. He kept a famous tavern at Hanover Square, which was the township election polling place, and a center of com- munity life. Michael Krebs married, June 25, 1771, Catherine Kuntz. She was born Feb. 9, 1750, and was the daughter of George Michael Kuntz and his wife Eva. (George Michael Kuntz arrived in this country in September, 1727. He says in his family bible: "Den 24sten Sept- ember im Jahr 1727 bin ich George Michael Kuntz gesund in America in der Stadt Philadelphia ankommen". He married, April 1, 1732, Eva Englehart --sister of Ludwig Englehart who lived in Germantown and died in 1782--. Eva Englehart Kuntz died June 27, 1772. George Michael Kuntz himself died Aug. 10, 1759). Michael Krebs died April 29, 1791 and is buried in the New Hanover graveyard. The inscription on his tombstone reads:
"Johan Michael Kreps
After the death of Michael Krebs, his widow Catherine married, Feb. 16, 1801, John Reichart (or Richards). She died Jan. 6, 1814. The children of Michael and Catherine Krebs were: 1. Catherine. Born April 25, 1772. Buried at New Hanover on April 7, 1773, aged 11 mo. 1 week, 3 days. 2. Henry. Born August 22, 1773. He lived at New Hanover Square and died there Jan. 23, 1854. He married, April 10, 1796,
Hannah Betz, daughter of John
They are both buried in the New Hanover graveyard. They had 6 children, 2 sons and 4 daughters. 3. Elizabeth. Born Mayu 22, 1776. She married, May 24, 1795, David Joerger. 4. John. Born Jan. 20, 1779. Married _____ Hinkle. 5. Jacob. Born May 7, 1781. Went to Schuylkill Co. He married, May 22, 1799, Elizabeth Boyer. 6. Salome. (Sarah). Born Feb. 28, 1784. She married, March 1, 1800, Henry Boyer, and they went to West- moreland Co. 7. Hannah. Born Oct. 13, 1786. She married, April 19, 1807, William Knous. 8. Philip.
Born Dec. 7, 1789.
Other New Hanover Krebs ------------- There seems to have been another Krebs family in the New Hanover neighborhood, closely associated and perhaps related to the Michael Krebs family. Adam Krebs Adam Krebs, (possibly another son of Michael Krebs Sr.), signed the road petition of 1733, together with Henry Krebs (as given above). The records of St. Michael's and Zion church of Philadelphia give the following: Dec. 15, 1745. Baptism of Maria Barbara (born Dec. 12, 1745), daughter of Adam Krebs and wife Anna Maria. Sponsors were William Kent (or Karlt) and Anna Maria Barbara Krebs. Sept. 13, 1747. Baptism of Maria Catherine (born Aug. 23, 1747), daughter of Adam Krebs and wife Anna Maria. Sponsors were Wilhelm Carl and Anna Maria Barbara Krebs. ---------------- Barbara Krebs Barbara Krebs married Christian Horner on March 8, 1750, as given on the Trappe church records. These same Trappe records also give the following: June 8, 1755. Baptism of Elizabeth (born May 9, 1755), daughter of Christian Horner and wife Barbara. Sponsor was Maria Magdalena Krebs. The Trappe church records also show that Christina Krebs was a sponsor (with Christoph Herpel) on April 9, 1756, at the baptism of Christina (born March 4, 1756) daughter of George Michael Bas- tian and wife Maria Magdalena.
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There was also an early Krebs family in Lancaster County, Pa. The records of the Reformed and Trinity Lutheran churches of Lan- caster show the following: June 3, 1739. Baptism of Christian, son of Christian Krebs and wife Christina (First Reformed church) March 15, 1746 Baptism of Christina, daughter of George Krebs and wife Catherine. (First Reformed) Sept. 13, 1747 Baptism of Michael (born Sept. 6, 1747), son of George Krebs and wife Catherine (Lutheran) Feb. 24, 1753 Baptism of Anna Maria (born Feb. 10, 1753). daughter of George Krebs and wife Catherine. May 5, 1760. Baptism of George Krebs (born Oct. 2, 1759), son
of George Krebs and wife Catherine.
(23) John Cribbs John Cribbs, son of Jacob Krebs and his wife Sarah Fedele, was born January 11, 1755, and baptized at the New Hanover church on March 31, 1755. The sponsors were the grandparents, Michael Fedele Sr. and his wife. John Cribbs served in the Revolutionary War. He enlisted first as a private in the 8th Pennsylvania regiment of the Conti- nental Line, and is said to have served throughout the war. He attained the rank of Captain. After the war he held this rank in the Westmoreland County militia, and at one time held the rank of Major. The Pa. Archives, 6th series, vol. 3, p. 1379, give a list of the militia officers in the First Battalion, "agreeable to election" of the Westmoreland "malitia", dated July 7, 1789. The Colonel was Christopher Truby, and the Major was John Cribs. Later, John Cribbs, accompanied General Arthur St. Clair in his cam- paign against the Indians, and was killed in the battle when St. Clair was defeated on Nov. 4, 1791. (See Gresham's History of Westmoreland Co., and other histories of that time). John Cribbs appears on a tax list of 1783 in Armstrong town- ship of Westmoreland Co., with one tract of land (Pa. Archives, 3rd series, vol. 22). His home, however, seems to have been in Hempfield township, where he appears in the federal census of 1790, as having one male over 16 yrs. (himself), 6 under 16 yrs. and 3 females. Captain John Cribbs married, about 1778-79, Catherine Harrold, the only daughter of Christopher Harrold, Sr., one of the founders of the Harrold settlement southwest of Greensburg in Westmoreland County. (See the Harrold genealogy). On Feb. 27, 1780, John Krebs and wife Catherine had a child baptized: Christopher (born Feb. 10, 1780) at old Harrold's church. The grandparents, Chris- topher Harrold Sr. and wife Catherine were the sponsors. Then again, on Oct. 21, 1781, John Krebs and wife Catherine had another child baptized, named John Peter (born Aug. 18, 1781). On this occasion, Peter Harrold and wife Elizabeth were the sponsors. (These baptismal records are from old Zion Lutheran church). The baptism of other children of John and Catherine Cribbs appear on the records of the Reformed church at Harrolds. John Cribbs, with his brother-in-law John Harrold, was an Administrator of his father-in-law's estate, that of Christopher Harrold Sr., and signed the bond as such on April 7, 1787. He had acted as the trusted agent of Christopher Harrold for a number of years, as shown by an account of claims made by his against the es- tate. (See the Harrold genealogy). John Cribbs also signed the agreement among the heirs of Christopher Harrold which made over the home farm property to the youngest son Daniel Harrold. Signature to Administration
Bond:
The items about John and Catherine Cribbs, from the Reformed church records, are as follows: From the original records of Harrold's Reformed church: June 16, 1787. Birth of twins ("zwillings"), George and Susanna, children of John Krebs and wife Catherine. The sponsor at the baptism was Marianne Altman (wife of Anthony Altman). From the records of the Rev. John William Weber (at Greensburg and Harrold's): June 6, 1784. Baptism of John (born Jan. 21, 1784), son of John Krebs and wife Catherine. Sponsors were Christophel Herold and wife Catherine (called "the grandparents"). July 5, 1785 John Krebs and wife Catherine were them- selves sponsors at the baptism of John, (born June 22, 1784), son of John Hoffman and wife Polly. After the death of John Cribbs in 1791, administration on his estate was granted to the widow Catherine Cribbs and William Jack, on July 8, 1792. Daniel Harrold and Michael Huffnagle were the sureties on the bond. (Westmoreland Adm. Docket A, p. 157). The inventory of the estate was taken August 13, 1792, by Anthony Altman and Valentine Steiner. Among the items enumerated were Cattle, horses, sheep, wheat and rye, harness, saddles, cooking utensils, bed cloths, "one watering pot" (at 3 sh. 9d.), "one mortar and pis- tol" (at 3 sh. 9d.), 5 pewter basins and 11 pewter plates, "one Dolf plate" (at 6d.), "one bible and 2 small books" (at 10 sh.), "1 small looking glass and chest lock (at 2 sh.), "one Hessing sword" (at 3 sh.), and "one musket and lifter" (at 3 sh. 9d.), chairs, tables, a chest, 16 spoons, clothes valued at 8 pounds (evidently the Captain was a fine dresser!), a store at 3 pounds, 10 sh., 2 keggs and bar lead valued at 7 pounds, 18 sh. 8d., "one red Morocco Leather pocket book and tobacco box (at 2 sh. 6d.), one glazing mill at 15 sh., one potters turning wheel, one clay mill, 1 keg of red lead (103 pounds of it) valued at 5 pounds, 3 sh., 22 3/4 pounds of Bar lead at 15 sh. 2d., seven pounds of black glazing at 1 sh. 9d., two kegs of Bar lead (238 pounds) at 7 pounds, 18 sh. 8d., etc. The inventory totalled 117 pounds, 13 sh. 7d. (a large amount for a comparatively young man in that region). Obviously John Cribbs was a potter by trade. Most probably he had learned this trade while a youth from his uncle Michael Fedele Jr., who was a potter. Several of John Cribbs' sons also became potters. It was, evidently, the family business. A final accounting of the estate was presented to the Court and approved on March 12, 1798. The administrators were then given as Catherine Lock (late Catherine Cribbs) and William Jack. Their accounts show that the receipts of the estate were 228 pounds, 1 sh. 10d.; while expenditures were 115 pounds, 18 sh. 10 1/2 d., leaving a balance of 112 pounds, 2 sh. 11 1/2 d. Their signatures to the peti- tion asking for confirmation of these accounts were as follows: [signatures to come later] As can be seen she first signed as Catherine "Krebsin" and then changed it to "Scholsin" (the German form of the name Lock, and with the feminine ending in each case). Left a widow, with six comparatively young children, with a fine farm and in charge of a flourishing pottery business, it was not strange that Catherine (Harrold) Cribbs soon married again. She married, secondly, Jacob Schloss (or Schlosser), or Lock, as the name was translated into English. The date of this marriage was most probably in 1797 (when guardians were appointed for the children). The Zion church records show that she took communion on April 10, 1796, still as Catherine Kreps. Catherine and Jacob Lock signed a deed among the heirs of Christopher Harrold Sr. to Charles Clark on Dec. 24, 1801. The new husband evidently took charge of the pottery business and the farm, as the tax lists of Hempfield township show "Jacob Schloss" as a "potter". About 1806, however, he seems to have relinguished the pottery to Christopher Cribbs, his step-son, and removed to the town of Greensburg, where he appears on the tax lists as a "saddler". After 1810 his name disappears from these lists entirely, and it is evidently true that about that time Catherine and Jacob Lock moved away somewhere. A deed is on record, dated Dec. 30, 1805, from Peter Cribs and Christina his wife to Jacob Lock, for 220 dollars, of Peter Cribs' one-sixth right in the land (102 acres) in Hempfield township, which had been originally patented to Daniel Harrold on Dec. 1, 1787 but which Daniel Harrold and wife Mary had deeded to John Cribs on July 13, 1789, and "the said John Cribs being since de- ceased, the said 102 acres became the property of the heirs of said John Cribs". Peter Cribs was "a son of the said John Cribs and one of the heirs", etc. Recorded Dec. 30, 1805. (Westmoreland Deed book 7, p. 514). The original deed from Daniel Harrold to John Cribs shows that the land was called "the White Oak Bottom", on a north branch of Sewickley creek. The consideration then was 204 pounds (same, Book D., p. 178). On Feb. 27, 1808, Jacob Lock and wife Catherine, of Hempfield township, made a deed to Christopher Cribs, for 400 dollars, con- veying to him Catherine's dower right in this 102 acre tract as well as the one-sixth share in the property which Peter Cribs had sold them, as shown in the preceding deeds. Recorded Aug. 28, 1808. (same, Book 8, p. 281). Catherine Harrold had a number of children by this second husband Jacob Schloss or Lock, whose baptisms appear on the Lutheran and Reformed church records of Harrolds and Greensburg. The children of Captain John and Catherine Cribbs were as follows: 1. Christopher. Born Feb. 10, 1780. Died Sept. 25, 1850. Married Mary Magdalena Silvius. 2. Peter. Born Aug. 18, 1781. Married Christina Williams. 3. John. Born Jan. 21, 1784 (or Jan. 14, 1783 according to family record). Died Oct. 20, 1759. He married Elizabeth Keifer. 4. Elizabeth. Born about 1785. Married Joseph Berlin. 5. George. Born June 16, 1787. Said to have gone to Canton, Ohio. 6. Susanna. Born June 16, 1787. (twin with the above). Died in infancy. 7. Mary. Born about 1789. Married George Repine. 8. Two other sons, who died young. (At the census of 1790 there were six male children; but at the death of the father in 1791 there were only the six children in all as the heirs). On Sept. 11, 1797, guardians were appointed by the Court for John, Christopher, Peter, Elizabeth, George and Mary, children of Captain John Cribs, deceased. As these children grew older, they chose their own guardians. On Sept. 10, 1798, the petition of John Cribs, son of Capt. John Cribs, "of the age of 14 years and up- ward", asking for the appointment of Jacob Painter Esq. as his guardian, was approved. On Sept. 20, 1802, at the request of George Cribs, also now over 14 years old, Jacob Painter was also appointed as his guardian. ----------------- Jacob Cribbs Jacob Cribbs, younger son of Jacob Krebs and his wife Sarah Fedele, was born, probably in Rockland township of Berks County, Oct. 12, 1762. He was baptized on Nov. 21, 1762, at the "Biebers Creek" church--Christ Lutheran--in Rockland township. The sponsors were Jacob Sarawei (Servey) and his wife Christina. Jacob Cribbs came out to Westmoreland County shortly after the Revolutionary War, and lived in Hempfield township, where he probably carried on his trade of wagon maker or wheelwright. Of course he also became an officer in the County militia. He finally held the rank of Major. (In a tax list of Hempfield township for 1798, he is called Captain, and in a similar list for 1802 he is called Major Jacob Cribs). About 1792, Jacob Cribbs married the widow Mary (Altman)Rabe (or Robb). She was born in Berks, or what is now Lehigh County, in April, 1766 and was baptized at the famous Ziegell church there on June 12, 1766. She had accompanied her parents to Westmoreland Co. and married there, first, Peter Rabe, who died in January, 1789. Administration on his estate was granted to Mary Rabe on Feb. 2, 1789. Sureties for her on the bond were Anthony Altman and Christo- pher Truby. The inventory of the estate was taken Feb. 1, 1789, by Captain John Cribbs and Dr. David Marchant. Possibly Major Jacob Cribbs himself had been married before. Indeed he is said by tradition to have married, first ________ Stofenel. The marriage to Mary Rabe must have been before June 16, 1792, for on that date Jacob Krebs and wife Anna Maria were sponsors at the baptism of Anna Maria (born March 11, 1792), daughter of Jacob Detar and wife Anna Maria (from the records of the Rev. John William Weber). Jacob Detar was the half-brother of Anna Maria (Altman) Rabe. Jacob and Mary Cribbs lived in the Harrold community southwest of Greensburg for a number of years. On Oct. 12, 1797, Anthony Altman had deeded to Jacob Cribs, for 150 pounds, a portion of his home plantation called "The Hermitage", about 169 acres (Westmore- land Deed book 2, p. 569). On Oct. 3, 1797, Jacob Cribs and wife Mary sold to Daniel Williams, for 27 pounds, a small portion of this tract, 3 acres, 17 perches, to Jacob Hugus of Greensburg, for 74 dollars. Recorded Nov. 29, 1798. (same, Book 4, p. 158). On Jan. 26, 1799, Jacob Cribs and wife Mary sold 30 acres of the Hermitage tract to Daniel Harrold for 150 pounds. Recorded Sept. 24, 1799. But this land again reverted to Anthony Altman by deed from Harrold. Jacob and Mary Cribbs continued to live there through the year 1805 anyway, since Jacob Cribbs appears on the Hempfield township tax lists through that year, but not afterward. On June 2, 1806, Jacob Cribs and wife Mary sold, for 70 pounds, to Thomas Altman, two tracts of land---one of 292 acres and 39.3 perches which Hannah Margaret Kimmel, widow of Jacob Kimmel, had deeded to John Altman on Aug. 1, 1804 and which the latter had deeded to Jacob Cribbs on Dec. 10, 1805; and the other tract of 19 acres and 69 perches on Brush Creek which Jacob Cribs had obtained also from John Altman and wife Margaret. Witnessed and sworn to by Joseph Cook on June 17, 1809 and recorded June 19, 1809 (same, Book 8, p. 419). On July 4, 1807, "Jacob Cribs, yeoman, and wife Mary, of Hempfield township" deeded to John McCune, for $2450.75, two tracts of land---one of 130 acres, and the other of 9 1/2 acres adjoining the first---both being parts of the 169 1/2 acre Hermitage tract which Anthony Altman had deeded to Jacob Cribbs on Oct. 12, 1796. (This with the deed to Daniel Harrold above disposed of Jacob Cribbs' part of "The Hermitage"). This last deed was acknowledged on July 9, 1807 but not recorded until Sept. 16, 1818 (same, Book 13, p. 170). Having so disposed of his property there in Hempfield town- ship, Jacob Cribbs bought a new home place over in Center township of what is now Indiana Co, and removed there to live. This new property was a farm next to that of Christopher Harrold (brother of the Catherine Harrold who had been the wife of Captain John Cribbs). On July 20, 1807, John Cummings of Center township, of Indiana Co., and wife Mary sold to Jacob Cribs, also "of Center town- ship", for $2260.00 a large tract of land there in Center township, 282 3/4 acres, which tract had been granted originally to one Huston and by him conveyed to Cummings, etc. At the same time Jacob Cribs gave Cummings a mortgage on the land to assure the payment of the purchase price. (Indiana Deed book 1, pp. 23, 28 and 336). This property evidently lay upon the line separating Center and Blacklick township. On June 10, 1812, Jacob and Mary Cribbs sold 150 acres of this tract--the part that was in Center township---to Daniel Stannard and John Grimes (administrators of the estate of Wiliam Crimes) for 1200 dollars (Recorded July 22, 1812. Deed book 2, p. 182). They still retained the portion of the tract that was in Blacklick township, some 140 acres, as their homestead property. On March 15, 1825, Jacob Cribs and Mary his wife, "of Black- lick township" made an agreement with their son David Cribs, also of Blacklick, by which they agreed to give to David all their title in this land, "I now live on" in Blacklick township and also three lots, No. 10, 11 and 12, in the new town of Blairsville. On his part the son David agreed to pay the full amount of a mortgage which John Gibson held on this land (calling for $144) as well as some- thing else amounting to $281.00. Also David agreed, on one year from date, to give Jacob and Mary "in a part of the necessary of life" namely 14 bushels of wheat, 12 bushels of buckwheat and 12 bushels of corn and rye. This was to be given "as long and yearly as Jacob Cribs works and keeps the wagon shop, and when he ceases from working in the shop, he Jacob Cribs is to have 14 bushels of wheat, 12 bushels of buckwheat, 12 bushels of corn and rye, and 200 pounds of pork, 1 1/2 pounds of tea, 6 pounds of coffee, 1 pound of pepper, 9 pounds of sugar, 2 bushels of salt, 1/2 acre of flax, etc. This to be given yearly. Also one cow and 4 sheep to be kept in fodder and pasture the same as David Cribs' won and when any of them ceases to live the one-half the above provision is to be given by David Cribs. Also Jacob Cribs was to have a comfortable home on the place he now lives on and "as soon as he can't work nor keep nor have anybody but themselves" David was to haul and cut firewood for them and he was also to give a "note of hand" to his father calling for 93 dollars and 28 cents. He also agreed not to sell the land with- out the consent of his parents, and "in case of sickness the hire of a girl I agree to pay for attending them while they remain sick. They are to have the privilege of the garden to raise what suits themselves". Both parties to this agreement bind themselves in the sum of 500 dollars and sign it. Recorded Sept. 28, 1829. (same, Book 6, p. 812). In other words, in return for the real owner- ship of this property, David agreed to support his parents comfort- ably in their old age, either together or separately. A few days later, on March 28, 1825, Jacob and Mary Cribs gave the son David Cribs a deed for this land, 143 acres, 90 perches, in Blacklick township, adjoining the land of Joseph Smith, Chris- topher Rugh and James Huston, it being part of a tract conveyed to Jacob Cribs by John Cummings on July 20, 1807. (same, Book 5, p. 577). This tract of land in the northern part of Blacklick township later belonged to George H. Cribbs, the son of David Cribbs. It was called "Fairview" and was a fine and beautifully kept up place. Jacob Cribbs died apparently in 1835, as on Oct. 22, 1835, administration on his estate was granted to James Gordon Esq. ("a citation having been issued to Mary Catherine Cribbs and George Cribbs who renounce their right", etc). Sureties on Gordon's bond were John Gibson and James Sharp (Indiana Will Book 1, p. 286). Evidently Mary (Altman) Cribbs had died about or previous to this time. Mary Catherine Cribbs was the widow of the son David Cribbs who had also died, in 1833; and George Cribbs was the other son of Jacob and Mary Cribbs. On the records of the Rev. John William Weber of the Reformed Church in Westmoreland Co. there are the following references to Jacob and Mary Cribbs, before their removal from Westmoreland Co.: Jacob and Mary Cribbs were sponsors at the baptism of the fol- lowing children: June 16, 1792. Anna Maria (born May 11, 1792), daughter of Jacob Detar and wife Anna Maria. July 8, 1792. Salome, (born Jan. 12, 1791), daughter of Andrew Wolf and wife Catherine. April 15, 1798. Catherine (born March 19, 1798), daughter of John Scheurer and wife Margaret. June 30, 1799. Jacob (born Sept. 27, 1798), son of Peter Baum and wife Barbara. Jacob Krebs and wife Anna Maria also had a child of their own, Sarah (born May 11, 1803), baptized on Feb. 12, 1804. Sponsor was Elizabeth
Klingelschmidt.
From the records of the Lutheran church of Greensburg: Oct. 6, 1804. Jacob Krebs and wife Anna Maria were sponsors at the baptism of Jacob (born Sept. 26, 1804), son of Samuel Dothk (?) and wife Magdalena. -------------- The children of Major Jacob and Mary Cribbs were as follows: 1. George. Born 1798. Died 1866. Married Jane Barr. 2. David. Born Feb. 4, 1801. Died May 17, 1833. He married Mary Catherine Cribbs (daughter of George Cribbs Sr.) 3. Sarah. Born May 11, 1803. Died about 1839. She married John Cribbs (son of George Cribbs Sr. and brother of the Mary Catherine above) 4. Jacob Jr. Born probably in 1805. Married Sarah ____ 5. Mary. Born probably about 1807. Married William Fair. 6. Elizabeth ("Betsy"). Married John Repine. "Went west" 7. Another child (?). (In the will of Anthony Altman in 1809, he speaks of the children, "seven in number" of Mary and Jacob Cribbs.
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The Cribbs - Wolf Family -------------- Eva Krebs Eva Catherine Krebs (or Cribbs), the daughter of Henry Krebs, (Michael), was born, probably in the New Hanover neighborhood of what is now Montgomery County, about 1736. She was confirmed at the New Hanover church on April 8, 1750. She was the sponsor, with Jacob Meyer, at the baptism there of Eva Catherine Biebel, (born Oct. 31, 1756), daughter of Adam Biebel and his wife Maria Eve. This was on Nov. 28, 1756. (Adam Biebel was called a "neu- kommer" at New Hanover in 1750). Eva Krebs or Cribbs married, at St. Michaels and Zion church in Philadelphia, on August 8, 1769, Andrew Wolf. He is supposed to have been the Andrew Wolf who arrived in this country in the ship "Hero", which qualified at Philadelphia on Oct. 27, 1764. He signed the qualifying oath list by his mark (Strassburger and Hinke, "Pa. German Pioneers", vol. 1, p. 697). Andrew and Eva Wolf came west to Westmoreland County as early as 1774, for in that year Andrew Wolf was among the signers of a petition by early settlers there, endorsing "Fort Shipin at John Proctor's Esq.'s", asking for protection from Indian depredations. (See Pa. Archives, 1st series; also Caldwell's History of Indiana Co., 1880, p. 138). Andrew Wolf seems to have lived in Derry township of Westmore- land County, where he appears on various tax lists, but a number of his children were baptized at Harrold's church. Later he lived in Blacklick township of what later was Indiana County (or perhaps it was the same place, but township boundaries had been changed). He died there in 1803. A tax list of Westmoreland Co. for 1783 shows Andrew Wolf in Armstrong township (this is what would later be Blacklick township), having one tract of land (Pa. Archives, 3rd series, vol. 22). The federal census for 1790 shows him in Derry township, with 1 male over 16 years (himself), 1 under 16 years, and 3 females. From Westmoreland Co. Deed book 4, p. 319: Assignment by Andrew Wolf, of Westmoreland Co, to George Cribs of Lancaster Co., for 35 pounds, of a warrant of survey (on application dated March 21, 1786), for land in Derry township, in- cluding an improvement, on the south side of Blacklick, adjoining the land of Alexander Fails, Thomas Jennison, etc. He signs by his mark. Dated March 5, 1788. Acknowledged April 5, 1788, and record- ed May 24, 1799. From Westmoreland Co. Deed book D, p. 80: Andrew Wolf of Derry township, to John Cribbs of Hempfield township, for 5 pounds, a warrant for 100 acres in Derry township (dated March 1786 to Wolf) and land surveyed thereon, adjoining land of Alexander Fails, John McCready, said Wolf and others. He signed as usual by mark. Dated March 11, 1789. Recorded March 12, 1789. Witnessed by William Maghee and Anthony Altman. This land grant to Andrew Wolf in 1786 is shown in the Pennsyl- vania Land records, Survey Book D, volume 90, p. 2. It is warrant No. 158, to Andrew Wolf, dated March 21, 1786, for 183 3/4 acres (ac- cording to the survey) on the south side of Black Lick Creek, in Armstrong township, Westmoreland
Co.
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