He was born in Northampton (now Lehigh) County, Pennsylvania about 1746. He was probably born in Whitehall Township (once part of Bucks, then Northampton County) north of the present City of Allentown at a time prior to his father moving to his newly acquired land in Macungie Township (about 1747).

About 1771, as an adult, he accompanied his parents and siblings to the newly formed Westmoreland County Pennsylvia. He built his own cabin and a grist mill on wilderness within present-day Franklin Township near Murraysville. His early land warrant of 302 acres was eventually recorded on 23 Aug 1784.

About 1768 in Pennsylvania he married Phoebe . They were probably married somewhere either in old Northampton County or within Westmoreland (A marriage record has yet to be found). Phoebe was born about 1748. There is some indication that her maiden name may have been "Hawkins".

On 13 July 1782 Michael, his wife Phoebe, his 3 children, and his mother Francina, were attending a celebration for a wedding that had taken place the day before at a location known as "Miller's Place" or "Miller's Blockhouse". This was the home of the Samuel Miller family.

The entire wedding party was attacked by Indians. Several were killed, possibly including Michael's mother, Francina. Mrs. Miller was scalped and managed to survive only to wear a skull cap for the rest of her life to hide her lack of hair. On that same day another element of the same group of raiders attacked and totally burned and destroyed the county town of Hannastown.

Fifteen persons at "Millers" were taken prisoner the day of the attack. Michael and his family were among the fifteen captives. They were taken to the Indian's camp near what is now "Oil City" Pennsylvania. They spent the winter as prisoners there. Michael's young son died that winter.

Michael and Phoebe were taken the following spring to Canada where they were held as POWs by the British. Their daughter, Mary, remained behind with the indians.

At war's end Michael & Phoebe were released, sent to New York City, and thus were then able to make their way home.

According to a story related by Mrs Hannah Rough Rowe (aged 88 in 1881), the daughter, Mary, was eventually discovered with some Indians who had come in to trade. Her face and arms were stained to hide her real color. The sum of ten dollars was paid for her release.

Soon after his return from captivity Michael built and moved into a new house on his property in Franklin Township.

When the new government was formed after the Revolution, Michael was elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in Philadelphia to represent Westmoreland County. When his term expired he returned to his farm in Franklin Township, where he built a fine new home and where he continued to reside until his death. This house became known as "Philadelphia Mansion" and eventually "The Haymaker House" (having been inherited by Michael's son-in-law, Jacob Haymaker). It still exists today on Bull Town Road midway between Newlinsburg and Poke Run. The nearby Bull Town Golf course is located on what was once Michael's land.

Michael appeared in the nations first census of 1790, being recorded as the head of his household and a resident of Franklin Township.

In 1802 and 1803 he became legal guardian of minor children whose father(s) had died. These children were Polly, Louis, and Jesse (Lewis) and Catherine, George, and Mary (Hawk).

Wife, Phoebe, died in 1809.

About 1809 or 1810 in Pennsylvania he married Catharine SCHMIDT (SMITH). There are indications that Catharine was probably born sometime after about 1775.

Michael died on March 28, 1820 in Franklin Township, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania.

Records of probate hearings held after his death clearly establish that Michael's widow, the mother of his daughter Catharine Michaele, had by 1839 remarried to Philip Brinker and was referenced during the later estate hearings as "Catherine Brinker".