Walk in the Steps of History

By Kathi Overley

Sitting on musty damp blankets below deck, Maria wondered as to where all of her courage had gone. She felt that it had floated away on the stormy seas. Her children were counting on her, as well as her husband, she thought. The shadows of uncertain doubt clouded her mind as the stormy waves of the Atlantic Ocean tossed the German brig about as if it were a leaf in a pond. What did America hold for her family? The temptations of owning their own land had won over the risks they would have to take. Was it really worth the risk? Would her family truly find a place to call home? Closing her eyes, Maria allowed the grace of God sweep over her as she silently prayed.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Apr 16, 2014
• ISBN: 9781490833811

Kathi Overley

Born and raised in New Bremen, I am a direct descendant of Johann and Maria Wübbenhorst. Over the last several years, I have pieced together my family tree, making my ancestral names come alive in my heart and soul. Since then, I have wondered what it would have been like to walk in the steps of my grandmother as she left all that she had known to embark on the an adventure of a lifetime. I have five children and, at the moment, six grandchildren. I forever pray that Grandma Maria and Grandpa Johann’s legacy flows on in me and my family for generations to come.

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Prologue

A s the French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte invaded all of Europe many small countries were overcome with emigration to their lands. Germany was one of these. With Napoleon’s defeat at Waterloo in 1815, Germans in rural areas of their own country began to seek relief from poverty, famine and over-population.

Many of the German citizens who wished to immigrate to America were troubled by the collapse of the Industrial Revolution, agricultural reform, crop failure and the lack of land for developing in Germany. Another reason why Germans came to American was to seek religious freedoms. Many Lutherans protested against Prussia’s forced unification of the Lutheran and Reformed Churches. These immigrants were called Old Lutherans. The Old Lutherans desired a new homeland where they could embrace the freedom to practice their own religion. Although freedom of religion was a factor for immigrating to the United States, it only included a minority of the German immigrants, which included my ancestors.

Sailing to America would also bring them relief from the political party and the German army. Many German families whom had sons, feared for their son’s forced recruitment into the army. Germany was in an enormous political state of unrest. Taxes were raised higher and higher as the state debt increased. Land that was owned by farmers for generations was stripped away from them and given to military officers for their patriotism, leaving the previous owner to become servants on their own farmlands or even worse; left them with no means of supporting their families. Poverty was so widespread that it existed in every corner of the country. Political refugee groups were speaking out against the government and then had to flee the country to avoid persecution. Crime was so rampant throughout German that no property was safe from thieves.

Because of modern transportation improvements in Germany, transportation made it quick and easy to obtain passage for transatlantic sailing. With the lowering of sailing fares and the spread of newly developed steamboats throughout Germany’s river system, journeying to the United States, the land of the free, became even more obtainable for the socially lower class families.

From the 1830’s to the 1860’s, over one and one-half million German Auswanderers (the wondering out) immigrated to the United States. These German immigrants settled throughout the Unites States, in both rural and urban communities. Auswanderers would travel thousands of miles to give their families the security of a future. Over the years in America, these Germans became well acknowledged for their hardworking, farming, economical, educational, devotion and efficiency skills.

The flooding of Auswanderers into America would result in positive long-term social, religious, and economics in the United States. The German-speaking populations would make abundant contributions to the American culture; including family traditions, sports, foods, inventions, music, gymnastics, bowling, family values, and Christian morals. The Kentucky musket and Conestoga wagon were only two of the history changing inventions of German-Americans. The United States would soon follow suite in the German’s superior educational programs by raising school standards and introducing kindergarten. The German farmers would introduce crop rotating to preserve their farm lands for future high production of crops. Also, many new wilderness settlements were established by the Germans. And because of this, along with the immigration of farmers came shopkeepers, craftsmen, and artisans who were also struggling and escaping Germany.

This German history leads us to the adventure of Grandma Maria and her family. She and her husband, Johann Christoph, were married in a small town in Hölingen, Germany, on November 15, 1821. Both had been born into families of Heuerlinges. Heuerlinges were farm laborers who took a lease on a house and a small piece of land belonging to somebody else, sometimes with one or two milk cows. In payment for the use of the land, the Heuerlinges worked half a week for the owner and the rest of the week for their own provisions. It was a hard, brutal life without the benefits of improving their own social stature for themselves or their children. It was a meager existence, one in which Johann and Maria Wübbenhorst vowed to overcome.

Thus, their journey begins!

PART I

Early Spring, 1832

Atlantic Ocean Crossing

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Chapter 1

A n attractive young woman huddled frightened in the corner of her cold, damp steerage bunk. In her arms she clutched her weeping toddler and snuggling close by her side was her other two equally scared young children. Her husband had only moments ago disappeared up on deck to survey the bucketing storm; but to her, it felt like he has been gone for hours.

Was this dreadful storm ever going to end? It had been five miserable days and nights of bitter rain, crashing thunder, treacherous flashing lightening and of violent waves that rocked the ship endlessly. The sounds of the battered canvas sails overhead could be heard cracking in the fierce wind. Freezing rain water leaked through the edges of the ill-fitting hatchway drenching everything below deck. The offensive odors of mold, mildew, human waste and vomit assaulted her nose. A single nautical lantern which hung from a rafter began to flicker as the oil ran low in its dulled, copper reservoir. With the storm raging outside, the sailors must have forgotten to refill the oil, she speculated. Now their only source of light was the flash of lightning that preceded the deafening thunder in the distance. Even though it was midday, all the passengers below deck were enclosed in darkness because of the gloomy clouds that ruled the sky.

Quietly and now in ghostly shadows, she began to sing a German lullaby. Her sweet voice soothed all the passengers around her. Her own children found comfort in her song and slowly drifted off to sleep.

Lullaby and goodnight!

With roses delight,

With lilies be spread is Baby’s wee bed.

Lay thee down, now, and rest!

May thy slumber be blessed!

Lay thee down, now, and rest!

May thy slumber be blessed!

Lullaby, and good-night, thy mother’s delight!

Bright angels around my darling shall abound.

They shall guard thee from harms;

Thou shalt wake in my arms.

They shall guard thee from harms;

Thou shalt wake in my arms.

As Maria gazes upon her now sleeping children, she fights back the tears that threatened to overcome her. She needs to be strong for her children and husband because there is no turning back to Germany from which they sailed. Her future home lays hundreds of miles ahead of her in an unknown vast land.

In her hand she clutched a tiny cross. She bowed her head, closed her eyes and prayed for God’s strength to push away this unnerving storm and bring sunshine once again into their lives.

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Chapter 2

M aria’s thoughts drifted to what feels like a million miles away to the moment she said goodbye forever to her mother. Mama, I’m scared! she whimpers. What is to become of us? How can I leave here without you?

Together mother, daughter and the youngest grandchild strolled leisurely on the Port of Bremenhaven’s dock while awaiting the last of the cargo to be loaded onto their two-mast ship. Maria’s two older children, Margaretha Elisabeth and Johann Heinrich, raced up and down the dock to observe all the excitement while Maria cuddled little Anna Sophia in her own adoring arms. A multitude of wooden water barrels, crates of food and other unknown cargo made a thrilling playground for the two older siblings.

Margaretha was ten years of age and Heinrich was only five. For them, this was an exciting adventure which they could have never imagined. But little did the children know, it was going to be a long difficult journey with them being cooped below decks for most of the ocean’s journey. And no one knew what the new world would bring once they landed on the shore of America. Maria thought it was best to let them stretch their legs now, for once they boarded the Bremen brig Bürgermeister Strauss they would not step foot on dry land for nearly two months or longer.

Margareta, Maria’s mother, held Anna Sophia in her grasp for the final time. Anna was only three, and she would most likely not even remember the loving arms of her grandmother. Margareta savored her granddaughter’s soft skin and sweet smell while planting kisses on her tiny forehead. She felt the burning tears cascade down her own face as her heart began to ache for the probability of never again seeing her precious daughter or grandchildren.

Maria, Margareta said with a quivering voice, today begins a new adventure for you and your family. Have faith! God and your husband will provide all that is needed for you and the children. America is offering land and a future for your family. There is nothing here for you in Hölingen anymore. Trust your husband, Maria, and even more, trust God. God will guide you and be by your side on your journey through life. I am sure that many times in years to come you will feel that God has forsaken you, but He won’t. He will be with you always.

Margareta reached for Maria’s hand and in it she placed a tiny bronze cross. Take this Maria, her mother said. Your father, God rest his soul, gave this to me the day we were wed. It has given me the strength that I needed when troubled times appeared.

Margareta curled Maria’s slender fingers around the cross, bowed her head, and while holding her daughter’s hand, silently said a prayer to their heavenly Father for all of their safety and well-being in the future.

Mama, please come with us. It is not too late to change your mind. Johann can make the necessary arrangements. We can postpone our departure if needed. Please come, Maria begged, as burning tears poured down her cheeks.

I am an old woman, my Maria, and this journey is for the younger people, Margareta whispered. She tried desperately to keep her voice composed for she did not want Maria to realize just how heartbroken she truly was about her family’s departure.

Maybe if your father was still alive, Margareta continued, We would come, but now I would just be a burden to you and your husband. My life is here, Maria. I have already made plans to live with my sister Ella. You know how much she needs me since she has taken ill this past winter.

Both mother and daughter knew that this would be the last time they would see each other. Neither knew what the future held for the other. Neither would know each other’s struggles or laughter. Neither woman wanted to be the first to say goodbye.

Glancing up, Maria noticed that her husband Johann had appeared at her side. The petite five foot, five inch Maria cast her eyes upon her tall muscular husband and saw the man that she loved, a man that she would follow to the ends of the earth.

Johann was built strong and tough, ruggedly handsome, and was a well educated farmer. We would make it, Maria thought. With God’s help we will thrive in the new world. They will purchase farm land in America and together they would build a future for their children. Had not the letters from other German folks already in America state that land was abundant for those seeking new lives? In America they would find a real home to acquire. Home. What a wonderful endearing word, Maria thought.

It had been more than a year ago since Johann had petitioned the German government for his family’s release of citizenship. The government had strict regulations about leaving the country. The Constitution of German Confederate prohibited any man to leave the country if his service in the army had not been fulfilled.

The Bremen City Council of Germany passed an ordinance that year requiring sailing companies transporting emigrants from the Bremen Port to file a list of all passengers with the city’s emigration department which included the name, age, occupation and place of origin of each family member.

Luckily, Maria’s family petition was granted and recorded in the Department of Harpstedt and they were now included on the passenger list of the Bürgermeister Strauss. They were now free to immigrate to America.

The cost of their passage had been exorbitant, nearly £6 for each family member. It had taken Johann and Maria several months to raise the money, much of which came from family members to support their travels.

I have secured our bunks for the journey and our trunks are already in place, Johann told Maria frankly. "The brig looks to be well built and sea worthy. The captain informed me that the Bürgermeister Strauss is only three years old and has already made numerous trips to the Americans and West Indies for trading."

Maria’s mother shielded her eyes against the sun as she gazed at the colossal triple masts of the ship. It indeed looks worthy enough to carry my family to a new life, she commented lowering her gaze.

"I will gather up Margaretha and Heinrich, and then it will be time to board the Bürgermeister Strauss." With a quick squeeze of Maria’s hand, Johann turned and went searching for his two wayward children.

Within a few minutes it was time to say their final goodbyes. Both women threw their arms around each other, almost suffocating Anna between them. Margareta hugged each of her grandchildren, and then her daughter again. No words of goodbye were spoken. Taking Anna from her mother’s arms, Maria quickly turned then followed Johann and the older children across the gang plank and aboard the now fully-loaded passenger ship. Her heart ached with emptiness. Her chest tightened as she struggled for air to fill her lungs. The tears were now endlessly cascading down Maria’s cheek. Leaning against at the ship’s railing; Maria wiped her tears on the sleeve of her blouse and shouted, I love you, Mama. God be with you!

Muscular German sailors in dirty, billowing, white shirts could be seen scurrying across the deck untying the ship’s ropes from the pier, but Maria paid no attention to them as she, Johann, and her children waved good-bye to their friends and family as the dock slowly disappeared from their sight. The ache in her heart threatened to consume her, but she wouldn’t allow it. The warmth of her husband’s arm around her shoulders helped to steady and calm her. Margaretha and Heinrich clung to Maria’s wool skirt, each frantically waving goodbye to their grandmother before she was out of sight. Anna squirmed in her mother’s arms as she wanted to be released to play, oblivious to what was happening around her.

Slowly, the current of the Weser River slowly took Maria’s family towards the North Sea and away from all they had known.

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Chapter 3

A n unexpected beam of sunshine coming through the trapdoor opening aroused Maria out of her sleepy daze as tears streaked her saddened face. Thank heavens , she thought as she saw Johann returning from above deck, his clothes already starting to dry from the now warming ocean breeze.

The storm was subsiding and the sun is revealing its’ bright, shining face. Slowly, the ship began to cease its violent rocking and pitching. Slowly, her heart began to warm and a smile spread upon her face. Maria quickly noticed that her husband had brought oil with him to refill the lantern. Light! Precious light!

Maria knew she had a lot to be thankful for. Her family remained relatively healthy while one woman and two infants in their compartment had already perished due to sickness caused by the fierce tossing of the ship during this recent storm. Their bodies were wrapped in separate sheets, blessed by the Lutheran captain, and deposited overboard into the depth of the ocean almost immediately to prevent any spread of diseases. Maria could only imagine the grief that the families felt as their loved ones were released into the churning seas of the Atlantic Ocean.

Johann and Maria’s tiny steerage compartment measured no more the eighteen feet square with a ceiling height of six feet. This miniature compartment was housing forty passengers, minus the three whom had perished, with its quadrupled stacked wooden bunks. The compartment is housed between decks and was still reeling from the stench of feces, vomit, and death for it only has one entryway which offers a ladder that leads to the main deck; and it had been secured during the vicious storm. Maria had learned upon boarding weeks ago, that there were four such compartments on the ship, excluding the first class accommodations and captain’s quarters which is located on the first deck. The third and bottom deck sported a cargo of salt, sugar, rye, barley and other goods which were purchased before hand and would be sold in American. Also, below deck is housing for the crew and along with the voyage’s designated amount of food and water for this ocean journey.

Now that the storm has blown over, Maria knew that the captain will allow the first class patrons to roam the deck before steerage passengers are so inclined. It may be hours before they can venture into the life sustaining sun. For now, Maria and her family will just have to appreciate the little stream of sun that beams down on them through the open hatch.

How are you and the children faring, Maria? Johann asked out of concern for his family.

I pray that the worst part of this ocean trip is over, Maria replies with a hint of a smile on her slightly greenish-colored face. The children fared well. No sickness has become us, but we are anxious to venture outside and into the sunshine, and of course, to get food in our empty stomachs.

Soon, perhaps, we can go up on deck, replied Johann. With a sheepish grin, he then continued, "The captain is sending a sailor with