The first Cribbs ancestor was Michael Krebs, who
owned a plantation of 350
acres in New Hanover Township in 1734. He was a naturalized citizen,
having
taken the Oath of Allegiance along with his two sons, Simon and Henry,
in 1743.
This was shortly before his death, which occurred in 1745. Records
show his
burial on Feb. 21, 1745 at the New Hanover Church. Since Michael
was said to
be 67 years of age at the time of his death he probably was born in
1677.
Michael Krebs evidently came during the first years
of German immigration
before definite records of passengers on the incoming ships were kept.
He
settled in Philadelphia County, which is now Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.
The Will of Michael Krebs may be found in the Philadelphia
Will Book G,
page 108. From this Will we learn that his wife's name was Barbara.
His one
daughter Anna Barbara was not to make any claim upon the estate since
she had
received her full share during his lifetime.
The younger son, John Henry, received the plantation
and was to provide
for the wife according to the specifications of the Will. John
Henry was also
to make certain payments to Simon's children as they came of age.
To his
disobedient son, Simon, he left 10 pounds. Also, each of Simon's
children
were to obligate themselves as they received their share to maintain
their
father, Simon, during his life, if he should want it.
Although Simon and his father must have had difficulties,
his mother
remembered him well in her Will which was dated March 18, 1751.
She died six
years after her husband. The New Hanover burial records show
her burial on
24 September 1751. Since she was aged 75 years and several months,
she must
have been born around 1676." -- Mary Eva Cribbs Winkler
in FAMILY
HISTORY OF CRIBBS-KREBS / MUHLEYSEN-MILLIRON-MILLISON.