By some of the connection, it is thought that John Valentine Kratz was a native of Switzerland, but of this we have no positive proof. According to Rupp's 30,000 names, he was one of 46 emigrants, who migrated with their families, in all about 200 persons, from the Palatinate to Pennsylvania in 1727. However, during the persecution of the Mennonites in Switzerland by the Calvinists, many of them found refuge for a time in the Palatinate, and afterwards emigrated to other countries.

He aged about 73 years.

He emigrated to Pennsylvania when he was 20 years old, the voyage took nearly four months. It is said that one of his sisters came with him to this country. Of her we have been unable to learn anything further. He was the earliest Kratz to settle in America. However there are records of many other Kratz immigrants to America who came over at later dates.

Like many others, persecuted in his homeland, on account of his religious faith, he turned toward the new world, the land of religious freedom, leaving the parental roof, the scenes of his youth, and all the kindred associations of the old home, to make his abode among strangers in a strange land.

Here he braved the trials and hardships incident to a new and sparsely settled country, in which wild beasts and savage red men abounded. Here, he with others who like himself had been driven from their homes across the sea by the cruel hand of persecution, aided in erecting shrines and altars around which they worshiped the God of their fathers. Here he prospered and enjoyed the fruit of his labors. Here he lived the quiet unassuming life of an American citizen.

He lived in a most trying time in the history of this country, and was torn to determine the correct attitude to take regarding the arduous struggle of the colonies for freedom from crowned tyranny during the American Revolution. His Mennonite background influenced him toward non-resistance, however, he remained true and loyal to the American cause.

John Valentine Kratz settled in what was then Salford Township, Philadelphia County, now Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, where he purchased three tracts of land:

One tract contained 163 acres, 71 perches with allowance of six percent, for roads and highways, and for which he paid 25 pounds, 6s., 8d., and received a patent therefor on Feb. 14, 1736. It is located in Upper Salford. It extended on both sides of the Skippack road to the crossroad below Salfordsville. It was obtained from John Penn, Thomas Penn, and Richard Penn by their patent dated August 3, 1734.

A second tract containing 53 acres was purchased from Gerhard Clemens (also known as Gerret Clemens) for 53 pounds, by deed dated January 30, 1735. This tract is located in Lower Salford, and was adjoining his first purchase. He built the first house on this property which was later owned by Milton H. Alderfer and eventually owned by the New Life Boys Ranch and used as their headquarters.

The third tract of land purchased contained 68 acres and located in the same township.

In the tax list of 1776 John Valentine Kratz was assessed for 150 acres in Upper Salford (Salford Township was divided into Upper and Lower Salford in 1741) and 150 acres in Lower Salford. After the death of John Valentine Kratz, the Old Homestead and 150 acres of land were willed (will dated April 5, 1777) to his youngset son, Isaac. On the other farm of 150 acres in Upper Salford, John Valentine Kratz built a residence and transferred it and a portion of the land to his son Valentine. (Henry Weber owned it at a later time)

John Valentine Kratz married Ann Clemens who was presumed to be the daughter of Gerhart Clemens.

They were among the original members of the Mennonite church of Salford. The first meeting house in Salford, in which they worshiped was probably built in 1738. This becoming too small was taken down and built larger about 1770. Another meeting house was built in 1850.


Pennsylvania Wills, 1682-1834

KRATZ, VALENTINE, SENR. Lower Salford, Co. of Phila. Yeoman.
April 5, 1777. October 15, 1782. S.182.
Wife: Anna. Children: Isaac, Valentine, Philip [and three others not named].
Exec: Philip and Valentine Kratz.
Wit: John Alterfer, Jacob Alterfer, John Barkey.

From Rosenberger book of 1906 (page 244)...
was of a noble and titled family, of Switzerland, that through persecution and exile lost their birthright. The family driven to Alsace and later John Valentine Kratz emigrated to America...

• Married: ABT 1732

1. John Kratz b: 1732 in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania
2. Michael Kratz b: 1734 in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania
3. Gerhart Kratz b: 1736 in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania
4. Philip Kratz b: 1739 in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania
5. Abraham Kratz b: 1741 in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania
6. Isaac Kratz b: 1742 in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania
7. Anna Kratz b: 1 OCT 1743 in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania
8. daughter Kratz b: 1746
9. Valentine Kratz , * b: 16 MAY 1747 in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania
10. Isaac Kratz b: 15 JUL 1749 in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania

1. Title: KRATZ Family History, The: A Genealogical Record of the Descendants of John Valentine Kratz with Brief Historical and Biographical Sketches
   Author: Kratz, Herbert E.
   Publication: Lansdale, Pennsylvania: Nash Printing, Inc., 1982
   Note: full title: The Kratz Family History: A Genealogical Record of the Descendants of John Valentine Kratz with Brief Historical and Biographical Sketches, Portraits and Other Illustrations
   Repository:
   Media: Book
2. Title: A Genealogical Record of the Descendants of Henry ROSENBERGER of Franconia, Montgomery Co., Pa.
   Author: Fretz, A. J.
   Publication: Milton, New Jersey: 1906.
   Note: Full Title: A Genealogical Record of the Descendants of Henry ROSENBERGER of Franconia, Montgomery Co., Pa. Together with Historical and Biographical Sketches and Illustrated with Portraits and other Illustrations.
   Repository:
   Media: Book
   Page: page 244
3. Title: A Genealogical Record of the Descendants of Christian and Hans MEYER and Other Pioneers
   Author: Fretz, A. J.
   Publication: Harleysville, Pennsylvania: News Printing House. 1896.
   Note: full title: A Genealogical Record of the Descendants of Christian and Hans MEYER and Other Pioneers Together with Historical and Biographical Sketches, Illustrated with Eighty-seven Portraits and Other Illustrations
   Repository:
   Media: Book
   Page: page 264