I was born the 12th of April, 1718 in Langenselbold in the principality of Birstein. My parents who were God-fearing people, raised me strictly; they also encouraged me to be diligent in prayer and in reading of the Holy Scriptures. When I was ten years old, I moved with my parents to Offenbach; and because they were poor, they put me in the free school there, which I attended for five years. There I also learned the French language, which stood me in good stead again during my journeyman period. In my 12th year, I was prepared for the celebration of Holy Communion. Several years later I moved with my parents to Langendiebach, where I learned the shoemaker's trade.

After completing my apprenticeship, I became a journeyman and traveled first to Strassburg, where I worked for a while. From there I went to Switzerland and worked at my trade in Neuchatel, Basel, Zurich, Bern, Geneva and other places. Since I was a merry fellow by nature, I was all the more easily drawn to worldly pleasures, for which I had no lack of opportunity; and because of this, I forgot the well-being and salvation of my soul-although I felt an inner unrest from time to time, which I tried my best to ignore. I then traveled to Hesse-Kassel,where I spent another year and a half. From there I returned home to my parents and stayed with them for about a year. Because I was now beginning to be concerned about my salvation. I inquired where I might meet pious people. I was referred to the Separatists and other sects, but they did not appeal to me. I was also told of the Brethren Church, but it was described to me in very negative terms.

To get to know the latter better, I paid a visit to Herrngaag. Here I heard Count von Zinzendorf hold a meeting in which the spirit of God overcame me and made clear to me that without true faith in Jesus, I could not become a child of God and would therefore be eternally lost. Immediately my entire register of sins passed before my eyes and I sighed: Lord, help me out of this misery! I was then seized again by the teachings of the Brethren and resolved to visit with these people more often. When I returned home, I went to a place where I could be alone, fell to my knees, and asked the Savior to accept me by his grace as a wretched sinner and not to turn me away. He then let me feel his peace as well. Prior to my aforementioned visit to Herrnhaag, I had promised to marry a burgher's daughter. She had also visited Herrnhaag at the same time. But now I told her that nothing could come of our marriage if she was not of one mind with me on this matter. I would seek to get to know the Brethren better. Whereupon she declared to me that she also loved these people and would gladly attend the meetings with me often. I therefore kept my promise and entered into marriage with this woman, whose name was Anna Elizabeth Ruth. I was now attending all public meetings at the aforementioned town, and they were a great blessing to my heart.

About four years later, when brother Johannes von Wattewille returned from America, I had a conversation with him. He told me a great deal about America, and among other things, he said that one could enjoy complete freedom of conscience there. My wife and I resolved to go to America at once.