Hans Martin Traester was born about 1716 in Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany. He arrived in the U.S. aboard the ship St. Andrew, Captain John Stedman, Master, on 22 Sept. 1734. The ship was British and sailed from Rotterdam, Holland 14 May 1734 and anchored at Plymouth, England, then sailed for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The trip took 5 months and Hans was listed as ill. Also aboard the ship is Hans’ son Frederick Traester; he is listed under the women and children. He was naturalized in Bethel, Berks, Pennsylvania on 4 Aug 1765.

In July 1750, he purchased 148 acres of land on the Nebraska branch of Swartaro Creek in the Bethel and Tulpenk townships.

He settled in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and is listed in baptismal records with his wife Catherine and several children in the Evangelical Lutheran Church on Beaver Creek. He eventually moving to Pennsylvania Town in 1771 or 1772. In 1772 he was granted a tavern license.

About 1778, he moved to Buffaloe, Northumberland County, Pennsylvania and found in tax lists between 1778-1782. In 1781, the tax list shows 300 acres, 2 horses, and 3 cattle.

Hans died in 1782 in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania. His will was proved 22 Oct 1782.