The First Leg of the Journey

Most of the Palatine emigrants began their journey by boat down the Rhine River, some leaving as early as late February when it was sufficiently clear of ice to permit travel.  By mid-March the earliest emigrants had arrived in Rotterdam, with no idea of how to continue their journey.  They camped pathetically on top of dikes, perched precariously above flood waters caused by melting snow and spring rains.  By this time, they were starving.

Rotterdam officials, as well as some private groups, couldn’t bear to witness this level of suffering so they raised funds to help support the Palatines.  To ease the burden on their city, they even paid for the passage of the first 800 emigrants to move on to London.  But as those 800 left, thousands more took their place.

Meanwhile, back in Germany, the principalities were becoming worried about this mass exodus.  In June many of them issued decrees that prohibited any more of their citizens from leaving.  Yet, still they went.

My mind continually goes back to Gerhardt and Maria Schaeffer.   Records indicate that they had two young adult children with them.  They left Germany in early May, but how were they travelling and what did they take with them?   As with all of the Palatines, they would have had to choose among their few possessions.  This probably meant the clothes on their backs and perhaps a few extras; sturdy walking shoes, if they had them; and a few loaves of bread.  In the case of Gerhardt and Maria, however, they also chose to bring their Bible.  That doesn’t seem like an odd choice, until you realize that the Bible was 9” wide x 14” long x 4” high, and weighed several pounds. 

“What to pack?” takes on new meaning when you also have to ask “How are we going to carry it?”  Carrying that enormous Bible was undoubtedly a hardship, but one they endured.  Sitting on the table next to me as I write this, is that very same Bible.  And I have come to revere it.

 

Reference:  “Becoming German” by Phillip Otterness

The Journey Begins

We know that a book penned by Lutheran Pastor, Joshua Kocherthal, was being spread across the German Southwest; but since many of the German peasants were illiterate, how could this one book have such a strong impact on so many people?  They certainly weren’t able to buy the book and spend a relaxing evening at home reading.  Instead the book had been read to them, possibly at the local tavern, or as they gathered in churchyards.  In this way much of what they were hearing was influenced by the orator.  Presumably there was some conjecture added to what was already a book full of misguided declarations about a rich life in America.  It sounded too good to be true.  And it was.

Migration was carefully regulated by the government.  Taxes had to be paid, both on the property that they took with them, as well as a departure tax.  And still that wasn’t enough.  They had to get permission from their principality to leave.  Some even had to renounce their right to ever return to their homeland.  They also lost the respect of the friends and neighbors who considered them to be opportunists, defying common sense and the will of God.

But still they went.   Among them were Gerhardt and Anna Maria Schaeffer; my great, great, great, great, great, great, great grandparents.  On May 26, 1709 a “Recommend” was issued by the Mayor and all the Court of Hilgert Dorf, Hesse-Nassau, Germany giving them permission to set out on this journey.  I get chills just thinking about it.

Reference:  “Becoming German” by Phillip Otterness

Who were the Palatines?

 

As with so many things in history, the term “Palatine” is a misnomer.  The Palatines were German farmer emigrants, some of whom originated from the Palatinate region of Germany.  Many of whom did not. 

The winter of 1708 – 1709 was an extremely harsh one in Germany.  All mills were brought to a standstill because of frozen waterways.  Many cattle, wild animals, and even humans froze to death.   Some said that birds froze in mid-air.  The region had also been under siege by France, with farms and villages being destroyed countless times.

These people lived under a feudalistic type of government and were, therefore, living in extreme poverty.  That was a typical reason for emigration, however, there was another reason for the Palatines to leave – propaganda.  In 1709 a book penned by Joshua Kocherthal, a Lutheran pastor, was being spread across the German Southwest.  The book hinted that Britain’s Queen Anne might give free land in America, and might provide them with transportation to get there.  That was all they needed to hear.  Over 15,000 farmers packed up what little they had and set out for the great unknown.

I find myself wondering if any of us today could be that brave.  Have that doggedness.  The perseverance.   I’m glad I don’t have to, and I’m grateful that they did. 

Stay tuned to for the journey to the “Promised Land” -  Schoharie, NY!

Reference:  “Becoming German” by Phillip Otterness