London.

Once the first group of Palatines reached London in early May, the hardships only increased.  They were housed in warehouses and barns.  Their numbers were far greater than the space allotted to them.  Many had arrived in London very ill.  Many more became ill soon thereafter.  They were at the mercy, and extreme generosity, of the British government for their food, shelter and general wellbeing. 

By mid-June 6,000 more Palatines were shipped from Rotterdam to London.  More space was needed to house them, so the government established camps and provided them with thousands of army tents.  Their care was more of a burden than the British government could handle so the queen authorized a nationwide charity drive, with everyone, including servants, expected to donate.  This did not set well with the Londoners, many of whom were living in poverty themselves.

To ensure the proper distribution of food and supplies, the authorities selected certain Palatine men to act as camp supervisors.  Among their duties was to keep a record of what each family received.  These men were chosen because of their ability to read and write, and were thereafter referred to as the Listmasters.  They would play an important role in the future of the Palatines.

“Let us recollect it was liberty, the hope of liberty, for themselves and us and ours, which conquered all discouragements, dangers and trials.”  John Adams, in reference to America’s forefathers.  As we, today, wonder what could drive a person to embark on a journey of unbearable tribulations, “liberty” is the term best used.  The Palatines were not to be deterred, by circumstance nor adversity.

Reference:  “Becoming German” by Phillip Otterness

 

More Palatines

In April 1709 Johann and Rebecca Iffland left Tann Germany in search of a better life.  We know that they were among the first group of Palatines to actually make it to America.

Did they know Gerhardt and Maria Schaeffer?  Presumably not. 

Did their paths cross at some point during this journey?  Possibly so. 

Does it matter?  For Toby Semprevivo and me it does.

Travelling from Michigan, Toby and her husband, Phillip, visited the Palatine House last weekend and we spent an hour or more swapping stories about our Palatine heritage.  This is not uncommon.  We are often visited by people studying their family history.  They’ve spent years doing research and the Palatine House becomes another piece of the puzzle for them.  Not because they have a direct connection to it, but because it helps them to pull all those pieces together into a picture that’s been developing in their minds.   In many cases the Palatine House gives them the feeling of ancestral home.  We love to watch that happen. 

During our discussion, I learned that Toby is a member of several historical societies including the DAR and the Colonial Dames of America. (I love that name!)  It’s wonderful that our past is preserved by organizations like those and small town historical societies, such as the Schoharie Colonial Heritage Association.  We owe an enormous thank you to the altruistic volunteers of these organizations for keeping history in the forefront of our minds.  

Johann and Rebecca, Gerhardt and Maria; their actions set a course that 306 years later brought Toby and I to meet on a sunny day in Schoharie.   This story continues to be amazing!

Next post…..back to the journey.