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