I am related to this line, also. The story I heard is that the 1st John came over to escape the harsh treatment of soldiers in the Prussian Army. He dressed as a woman to escape, leaving his mother behind, who had her property confiscated.He sent back to Germany to have Elizabeth join him here. Elizabeth Engelmann birthdate 7-4-1839.Birthplace Wiebelskirchen Germany.John's father was apparently John also.His wife was Emma Shnure. I have some info on the Engelmann line, if you are interested.
My line is John Blank (Ger)-John Blank (buried St.P&J), William Edward Blank-William Arnold Blank-John Moulton Blank.