Muench or Münch translates to mean monk or friar. Various spellings over the years has varied from the original Münch to Muench to: Minch, Minnich, Minnick, Minick, Minnig, Mennig, Mennegh and many more. The ü, when spoken in German, sounds much like 'ue', thus explains one spelling type.
Simon Münch, b. 1700 near Mechtersheim, Speyer, Bavaria arrived in America on the emigrant ship Samuel. The Samuel sailed from Rotterdam to Philadelphia and arrived August, 30, 1737.
Simon began his life in America in Tulpehocken, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The area of Tulpehocken later became part of Berks County.
Simon married Anna Maria Katharina Schenk. Simon's surname, Münch, soon became MUENCH, easier spelling maybe for the local merchants, census takers and tax collectors. Simon and Katharina Muench had eight children including, mine and my cousin Linda's 5th great grandfather, John (Johann) Christopher Minnich or Stophel Minnich as he became known. I included Linda in that sentence because she and I have become soul mates in our trek to find family grandparents.
As you can see by the spelling of our grandfather's last name, this new generation took the surname spelling of Minnich; this was the beginning of the first generation born in America.
Like many families during this time period, our Münch family probably fled Germany due to religious persecution. It is said our family is descended from Baron Münch of France and during the reign of Louis XIV was killed; his chauteau and possessions were burned. Baron Münch was most likely killed because of his religious beliefs and that "he was a powerful factor in the Huguenot political party" ¹.
Though this is yet unproven, it is probably true this family line is French Huguenot. and descended from Baron Münch. Thus the search for our French Huguenot connection begins. Funny, I always thought this family was of German descent.
"Allied" surnames associated with our MINNICH/MUENCH family
HOLDER, LESHER, SCHENK
Others Who Are Researching MINNICH
FURTHER READING ABOUT MUENCH/MINNICH
Blue Book of Schuylkill County by Mrs.
Ella Zerby Elliott
Mrs. Elliott's book has many
references to several Münch families including the
family of Conrad Minnich who was an upstanding citizen and hotel owner in
his township of Manheim.
¹Information regarding Baron Münch is further
explained in Mrs. Elliott's book.
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