Individual Details

Biography

He died en route from Rotterdam to Philadelphia on the ship Britannia, which arrived September 21, 1731. Barbara and her 3 sons arrived under an indentureship to Hans Groff. The family says Barbara's husband died from injuries received as the result of persecution for being a Mennonite. The family lived in Lancaster County initially. Barbara may have married a man named Bare and died in Lebanon County. Joseph lived out his life in Lancaster County married to Mary Groff. Michael settled in Lebanon County with his wife Barbara (Mary according to some sources). Peter went to York County with his wife Anna Bowman. Peter is believed to be buried at Hershey Church in Kinzers near where he lived most of his life- although he died in Fairview, York County across the river. His descendants spell the name Hursh. Michael & his mother are said to be buried at the old Horst Mill homestead near Rexmont in Lebanon County. Joseph Horst is buried at the Groffdale Old Mennonite Church Cemetery. There is also a memorial monument to Joseph and his family at the Groffdale Mennonite Church.

Father Horst's given name was traditionally believed to be Joseph, but recent researchers have claimed that his name is both Hans Theodorus and Jacob. Barbara's maiden name was never asserted until about 20 years ago when a misread source claimed she was a Schenk. Schenk is a possibility, but there is no written documentation of her maiden name anywhere in Pennsylvania. The name Joseph may have come down primarily from the Lebanon County Horsts- many of whom have always believed it to be his name because of naming patterns in the family. The name Theodorus was never used in this family.