The following information was assembled from numerous sources and cannot be used directly as proof of Qualifying Service or Lineage.
It is considered a research aid and is intended to assist in locating sources that can be used as proof.
State of Service: PA
Qualifying Service: Patriotic Service
Birth: 31 May 1711 Massenbach / Wuertenberg / Germany Death: bef 07 May 1787 Bern / Berks / PA
Qualifying Service Description:
Oath of Fidelity to the State of PA 1777-1785 - Signed 13 Jun 1778
Additional References:
Signed Oath of Fidelity to the State of PA 1777-1785, 13 Jun 1778
Albrecht Strauss was born on 31 May 1711 in Massenbach, Wuerttemberg, Germany, the son of Johann Caspar & Maria Barbara (Losch) Strauss. He and his younger brother Philip arrived at the port of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on 26 September 1732 (ages 21 & 19) aboard the ship Mary. The Strauss brothers traveled up the Schuylkill River from Philadelphia to the Tulpehocken region of Lancaster County (now Berks County), Pennsylvania, and settled in the area that surrounds what is now Bernville, Pennsylvania.
Albrecht Strauss was married in 1734 to Anna Margaret Zerbe the daughter of Martin & Anna Elizabeth (Jungel) Zerbe. Anna Margaret was born on 3 February 1715, in Livingston Manor, Columbia County, New York. Her parents were among the early group of 3,000 Palatines that arrived in New York in 1710. In 1723 and 1729 many of these German families traveled to Pennsylvania to settle the virgin Tulpehocken region of what is now the northwestern area of Berks County, Pennsylvania.
Albrecht Strauss was the father of eleven children:
Maria Barbara.
Johann Jacob.
Maria Elizabeth.
Anna Elizabeth.
John Caspar.
Maria Eva Rosina.
Maria Catharine.
John Philip.
Maria Christina.
Maria Susanna.
John Samuel.
All of the children’s baptisms are recorded in the records of Reverand John Casper Stoever an early Lutheran pastor in the Tulpehocken area. Albrecht Strauss was a farmer his entire life in Bern Township (now Penn Township), Berks County, Pennsylvania. He died on his plantation in the spring of 1787 and was buried at the Old Northkill Church Cemetery, which is now in the borough of Bernville, Pennsylvania. His wife Anna Margaret is buried there also.
Albrecht Strauss was too old to serve in the militia during the Revolutionary War, however, his sons served, helping give us the liberties that we have today. On 13 June 1778, Albrecht Strauss took the Oath of Allegiance to the state of Pennsylvania in Bern Township, Berks County Pennsylvania. This was done to show his support to the state of Pennsylvania as it and the other twelve colonies fought the British Empire for our independence. He also paid the supply tax in Bern Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania. in the years 1779, 1780, and 1781.
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