John Steinmetz arrived in Philadelphia in 1751 and soon established himself as a merchant. He bought and sold bulk produce on behalf of farmers outside Philadelphia; he also delt in goods imported from overseas. By the 1770’s he and his brother-in-law Henry Keppele jointly owned several ships that followed trade routes between Philadelphia and ports in Canada, Europe and the Caribbean.

Steinmetz was a strong supporter of the Revolutionary cause although the tensions with Great Britain impeded his import business. He served with the military during the war, taking his oath of allegience to Pennsylvania on October 18, 1779. According to some accounts, he served in the Pennsylvania Assembly begining in 1781.

There’s more on John, his family, associates and businesses at this source. 3329