Johann Philip Klinger, son of Johannes and Agatha (Heist) Klinger, was born in Pfaffen-Beerfurth, Hesse-Darmstadt in the Odenwald on July 11, 1723.

On October 22, 1744, Philip Klinger married Anna Elizabeth Heist, in the nearby village of Reichelsheim, Hesse, in the Odenwald.

Philip and Anna emigrated to America on the ship Neptune with the intention of joining Philip's brother Alexander who had settled in a German community at Reading, PA. Alexander had come to America aboard the ship Albany, landing in Philadelphia on September 2, 1749. Anna died aboard the Neptune either just before or just after the ship arrived in the harbor at Philadelphia, on September 23/24, 1751. She was buried in the old church yard of the Trinity Church, Philadelphia, PA.

Philip proceeded to Reading, where he established a home on Penn Avenue. In 1753, he returned to Germany where, on May 21, 1754, he married Eva Elizabeth Beilstein (born May 27, 1730), daughter of Johann Jacob and Anna Elisabeth (Martin) Beilstein of Brandau, Hesse. Philip and his new bride set sail for America on board the Neptune, landing in Philadelphia on September 30, 1754. They then joined Alexander and other members of the Klinger and Heist families in Reading. Philip and Eva Elisabeth had seven children, all of whom were born in the Reading area:

1) Elisabeth (born March 10, 1756), who married Johann Conrad Weiser, grandson of the noted Indian interpreter of the same name;

2) Christina (born May 10, 1760), who died young;

3) Johann George (born May 13, 1761);

4) Christina (born June 30, 1764, died December 11, 1768);

5) Johann Philip Jr. (born December 11, 1765);

6) Johann Alexander (born February 16, 1767);

7) Peter (born November 3, 1773).

At the time of the Revolutionary War, the brothers, Philip and Alexander Klinger acquired land in the Tri-County area around the site of present-day Klingerstown, where, Schuylkill, Northumberland, and Dauphin Counties abut one another. Philip's land consisted of four parcels (known as Springfield, Union, Mount. Holly, and Salem) comprising about 1200 acres and located southeast of Klinger's Gap and bounded on the north by Pine Creek and on the south by Mahantango Mountain. Alexander's land was located northeast of the Gap, and east of village of Klingerstown, in what is known today as the Mahantango Valley. Shortly after acquiring this land, the brothers migrated with their families along the Tulpehocken Trail to their newly acquired lands.

Philip was accompanied by his wife, four sons, and his surviving daughter and her husband. Alexander was accompanied by two of his sons, George and John.

Alexander soon returned to the Reading area, where he spent the remainder of his life.

Joh. Philip Klinger died in Lykens Township, Dauphin County, PA, on September 30, 1811. His wife Eva Elisabeth died about 1815. Both were buried in the Zion (Klinger's) Church Cemetery.