| Name |
(Johann) Micheal Zundel [immigrant]37 |
| Birth |
28 Jul 1757, Wiernsheim, Germany37,93 |
| Death |
14 Aug 1844, Mt. Pleasant Twp, Westmoreland Co., Pa37 |
| Burial |
cemetery on hill top above Morewood (nr. Mt. Pleasant), Pa37 |
| Occupation |
Farmer in Germany; teacher and farm hand in Pennsylvania93,94 |
| Father |
Johannes Zundel (1719-1798) |
| Mother |
Maria Catharina Gloss (1734-1783) |
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| Misc. Notes |
Michael Zundel, the great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, and emigrated from the Fatherland to America with a colony brought over by George Rapp. He settled with the new colony near Fort Pitt, now Pittsburg. He shortly afterwards left this colony, and settled near Harrold's Church. The "Zionville Settlement" was established, and was composed of members of the Lutheran and German Reformed churches. A farm was purchased and devoted to church purposes. On this property there are now erected two fine Lutheran church edifices and one by the Reformed congregation. Two large cemeteries are here, where sleep the honored dead of ten or more decades. Michael Zundel removed to East Huntingdon township, where he resided until death. He was a devoted member of the Lutheran church, serving it as teacher, deacon, elder and choir leader. He was a Democrat in politics. The records of the church and traditions of his party show him a leader. His liberal education fitted him for leadership, and his sterling worth kept him in command. He was the founder of the Zunde1 family, and its progeny, now scattered over the country, with pride point to him as their ancestor.16
"967. ZUNDEL: Michael Zundel, citizen and farmer in Wiernsheim, was born 28 July 1757, son of Johannes Zundel, citizen, baker and justice and his wife Maria Catharina née Glos. He married 15 June 1779 Heinerike, born 20 Sept 1754, daughter of Jacob Zundel, justice and innkeeper and his wife Maria Dorothea née Schmierer. Michael Zundel moved secretly to Americe on 4 May 1805. His wife died 17 Feb 1818, presumably in Wiernsheim. Of their five children, only one survived, and remained in Wiernshiem. [Wiernshiem Family Book: 312]"93
Moved to America in 1805 with his brother Johann Eberhard and the latter's family. By 1810 he was schoolmaster at Herolds Old Zion in Hempfield Twp.37 Although documentation is lacking, it is believed that representatives of Herolds went to Harmony in 1806 seeking a schoolmaster and that Michael Zundel was selected and returned to Hempfield Twp with them in that year.
One of his pupils described him as "a little old man with side wiskers." When not busy teaching at Herold's he would organize schools at various places wherever scholars could be assembeld and a room secured for their comfort. The term of school was three months. Tuition was fifty cents a month per pupil; making a monthly salary of six dollars, and eighteen dollars per term. He supplemented this income by working for area farmers at harvest time.94
Inscription on tombstone reads "Hierr ruhet Johan Michael Zundel. Er ward geboren den 25ten Julius 1757 und starb den den 14ten August 1844. Sein ganzes Alter war 87 Yahren und 19 tagen. Selig sind die reines herzens sind, denn sie werdn Gott schauen."94 |
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| Marriage |
15 Jun 1779, Germany37,93 |
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