Paulus Kuster

Paulus Kuster, the emigrant ancestor, came from Krefeld, Germany in 1684, and settled in Germantown, PA. He was a Mennonite and pacifist, as were others who came with him. The state churches in Europe were still closely associated with the government which made life miserable for those who did not share their persecutor's religious beliefs. During this period of history, the Mennonites frequently were assessed special taxes simply to live on the land; they were forbidden to live in the cities or to learn a trade; they were not permitted to make converts amony persons in the state churches; they were often forced to sell their lands to state church members upon request, without renumeration for improvements made on the property; and finally, they were denied the right of burial in the public cemeteries.

Paulus Kuster, reared as a Roman Catholic, married Gertrude Doors on October 16, 1668, in the Reformed church at Kaldenkirchen. Jakob Flodrop was pastor of the church at that time and probably married them. Paulus apparently left the Catholic church prior to or at the time of his marriage. Gertrude and her parents had been in the Reformed Church since 1655.

Paulus Kuster was a farmer and mason by trade. The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution refers to him as an "early settler and land proprietor of Germantown, 1684-1685." He is said to have been naturalized with his son, Johannes, in 1691. his name appears on a tax list of heads of families residing in Germantown in 1693. He was a chosen committeeman of the corporation of Germantown, December 2, 1700. He purchased fifty acres of land, Dec. 4, 1704, from Henry Buchholtz, and on Jan. 5, 1706, he was appointed overseer of fences in Germantown.

Paulus Kuster died in January or February, 1707/8. His will was made on Jan. 28, 1707/8, and proved Feb. 23, 1707/8. The system of dating during this period was confusing. The change from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian system was still taking place. The will of Paulus Kuster is recorded in Will Book C, No. 28, Philadelphia, PA, pg. 72.

Paulus and Gertrude Kuster and their family were among the early founders of the first Mennonite Church in America, in Philadelphia. The first log church was built in 1708; the present stone church was built in 1770. Paulus and Gertrude may be buried in the church grave yard, although there are no early stones which can now be read that bear their names. Gertrude is said to have died "soon after" Paulus; on source indicates she died prior to February 23, 1708.

Sources: PA Mennonite Heritage, V IX #3 pg 28; Letter Dorothea Schweiger (file); Newscaster V 6 #1 pgs 7-8; Desc of Paulis and Gertrude Kuster, pgs 15-19; Krefeld Immigrants & Their Desc V13 #1; FTM Vs 3, 18, 21, 25 

(An article from Roots Web, World Connect-------Eric Bosley <ebosley@linknet.kitsap.lib.wa.us>)

Written October 25, 2003 or earlier. David Nolette