• YAlLE-^MVEIBSinnr- - oiBiB^mr • Gift of The Yale Club of Boston 1915" AMERICANA GERMANIGA New Series monographs devoted to the comparative study of the Literary, Linguistic and Other Cultural Relations OF Germany and America EDITOR MARION DEXTER LEARNED University of Pennsylvania AMERICANA GERMANIGA New Series i. Translations of German Poetry in American Magazines 1741-1810. By Edward Ziegler Davis, Ph. D. 5 p. 1. , 229 pp. Price . $1.65 2. The Harmony Society. A Chapter in German American Culture History. By John Archibald Bole, Ph. D. 3 p. 1., 176 pp. 30 Illustrations. Price . . . . $1.50 3. Friedrich Schiller in America. A Contribu tion to the Literature of the Poet's Centenary, 1905. By Ellwood Comly Parry, Ph. D. 1 p. 1., 116 pp. Price . $1.25 4. The Influence of Salomon Gessner Upon English Literature. By Bertha Reed. 1 a, 1., 118 pp. Price $1-25 5. The German Settlement Society of Philadel phia and its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. By William G. Bek. P.p. xi, 182. Price. $1.50 AMERICANA GERMANICA The German Settlement Society of philadelphia and Its Colony HERMANN, MISSOURI William G. Bek Harrison Fellow in Germanics, University of Pennsylvania i9°5-7 AMERICANA GERMANICA PRESS PHILADELPHIA I907 COPYRIGHTED BY WILLIAM G. BEK 1907 TO MY SISTERS WHOSE TENDER LOVE AND KINDLY INTEREST IN THIS WORK HAVE BEEN A CONSTANT INSPIRATION THIS BOOK IS DEDICATED PREFACE. Interest in this subject was first excited in the writer while he was preparing a paper on the Germans in Missouri for the Germanic Association of the University of Pennsylvania in 1903- 1904. Investigations at Hermann uncovered a great amount of manuscript matter there pertaining to the Settlement Society. Certain missing papers were later found in the Library of the German Society in Philadelphia. It is the purpose of this work to give as complete a picture of this rather unique undertaking of certain German Americans as the sources now extant permit. In the preparation of this account the author has made use of the following sources : 1. The manuscript records of the society, preserved in part at Hermann, Mo., and in part at Philadelphia. 2. Correspondences between the officers of the society and its agents. 3. Communications concerning the society, written in Ger many and America, preserved in Alte wnd Neue Welt, the official organ of the society. 4. The minutes of the Board of Trustees of Hermann, which body performed the functions of a city council until 1905. 5. The records of various social and educational organiza tions at Hermann and certain data published in the Hermann newspapers. 6. Old deeds and government certificates. 7. Personal observation of existing conditions in and around Hermann during years of residence at the place itself. vi Preface. The writer wishes to express his gratitude to Professor M. D. Learned for the encouragement and most valuable assist ance rendered by him in this work ; to Mr. H. A. Rattermann, of Cincinnati, Ohio, for indispensable aids from his private library; to Mr. J. C. Danuser, County Surveyor of Gasconade County, Mo., and Mr. E. B. Smith, of Drexel Institute, for kind assist ance in making the charts ; to the town officers of Hermann, and to Miss Herzog, of the German Library of Philadelphia, for cour teous treatment extended in giving free use of the Hermann manuscripts in their respective archives ; to my many kind friends who in a great or small measure have promoted the progress of this work. William G. Bek. Columbia, Mo., June 21, 1906. TABLE OF CONTENTS. The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia and its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. Introduction ix Chapter I. — A German American Settlement Society: i. Its Organization i 2. Various Opinions Regarding the Society 2J 3. Growth of the Society 25 4. The Founding of the Colony and its Early Growth . . 53 5. The Separation of the Colony from the Parent Society 79 Chapter II. — The Colony Hermann : 1. General View 120 2. Education 128 3. Government . . ., • • • x45 4. Industries at Hermann I51 5. Religion, Social and Literary Life 157 ILLUSTRATIONS. The Town of Hermann Frontispiece Shareholders' Certificate 20 Geo. F. Bayer — The "General Agent" 38 Certificate of Purchase 40 Chart Showing the Colony's Land 44 Chart Showing Limits of Old Hermann 46 Hermann During the Fifties 76 Gasconade County Court House 122 Eitzen Bust in Eitzen Park 124 School House at Hermann 128 An Odd Funeral Announcement 140 The Old Market House 150 A Vineyard near Hermann 152 A Wine Vault at Hermann 154 The Churches at Hermann 158 Eduard Miihl 160 Der Licht-Freund 162 Concert Hall at Hermann 164 Hermanner Volksblatt 166 Concert Program 168 INTRODUCTION. Since the beginning of the nineteenth century, there have been mighty stirrings among the Germans of the New World. The thoughtful observer will ask at once, Why did this activity not come at an earlier period ? Before we enter into the treat ment of our theme proper, which deals primarily and distinc tively with a chapter of German progress on this continent, it will be pardonable to give, in a word, a few facts and reasons in answer to this question and thus furnish a setting, a back ground for our story. It is true that as early as October 16, 1683, the "Concord," which Dr. Learned, in the work cited below, calls "the Pennsyl vania German 'Mayflower'," landed the first colonists from Ger many on our shore.1 It is true that this colony found sure foot ing, and under the wise leadership of the renowned pioneer Franz Daniel Pastorius, soon flourished on Pennsylvania soil. It is true that thousands of Germans followed in the wake of the "Concord" during the century following this beginning.8 It is estimated that in the year 1800 Pennsylvania alone contained 150,000 Germans.3 It is true that from these colonies there came a people of brain and brawn, who willingly spoke and fought, lived and died for their new fatherland. But still the query remains, Why did they not come even earlier, and why not in still greater numbers? Why were these people, who always yearn for the blue hills of the far-away, not in the van of the bold discoverers? Why did they not vie with 1 cf. The Pennsylvania German Dialect, p. 6, M. D. Learned. 'Ibid, pp. 6-17. 1 Ibid, p. 17. (ix) x Introduction. other Europeans in laying claim to unknown stretches of land? If we but recall the conditions prevailing in Germany at that time, if we remember the conflict between Jesuit and Protestant fanaticism in the sixteenth century, which gradually led to the gruesome Thirty Years' War, we shall know the answer in part. Moreover, when Germany had, in a measure, recovered from these stunning blows, and was ready to play her role on this continent, our own country was involved in its War of Inde pendence. Scarcely had our war come to a successful close, when Germany was forced to face the dread Corsican. Wars and un settled political, social and religious conditions barred a large number of Germans, therefore, so long from our shores. The Germans who had come early to this country and had participated in our Revolution were far less numerous than the representatives of some of the other European nations. When, for reasons above enumerated, immigration from Germany was checked, quite naturally amalgamation, more or less complete, took place with the nationalities more numerously represented. The ground which Germany had lost in the eager race for American possession she could not regain. Nevertheless numer ous attempts were made by certain of her princes and by various societies to establish German colonies here, even as late as the middle of the nineteenth century. Some fostered the absurd hope of founding a German state within the limits of the Union. Notable among these was the Giessner Gesellschaft, organized in 1833 at Giessen, Hessen-Darmstadt, by Friedrich Munch and Paul Follenius. In a pamphlet which these two men published, entitled: "Aufforderung und Erkldrung in Betreff einer Aus- wanderung im Grossen aus Deutschland in die nordamerikani- schen Freistaaten,'"1 they set forth the purpose of the society: "Die Bildung eines deutschen Staates, der naturlich ein Glied der ' Gesammelte Schriften von Pr. Munch;" Verlag von C. Witter, St Louis, Mo., 1902, page 99. Introduction. xi Vereinigten Staaten werden miisste, doch mit Aufrechterhaltung einer Staatsform, welche das Fortbestehen deutsoher Gesittung, deutscher Sprache sichert und ein achtes, freies und volksthiim- liches Leben schafft."5 Unfortunately this society did not have an opportunity to carry out its well-wrought-out plans. Its his tory would form a curious chapter in the annals of the Germans in America. But even before they reached the land of their choice beyond the Mississippi, cholera snatched away many of them, while other disasters and discontent scattered the survivors, and defeated the purpose of their coming. We can but conjecture as to the result of such an undertaking. Its plans were well laid, and that its leaders were high-minded, trustworthy and capable men is indisputable. The names of Friedrich Munch and Paul Follenius will always sound well to a German American. Many other societies grew up. Some had less lofty, less visionary, but more rational motives. Some came here and, for a while, existed, more or less successfully, under the rigid rules of communism. But most of them were ill-fated. The time had passed when isolated nationalities could prosper here. The Amer ican people had become too cosmopolitan in character. Such organizations were soon swallowed up and made to blend, as well as might be, with their surroundings. ¦ Das deutsche Element in den Ver. Staaten von N ord-Amerika. Gustav Korner. Cincinnati, 1880. Page 300. CHAPTER I. A German-American Settlement Society. i. Its Organization. Only three years after the organization of the Giessner Ge- sellschaft, above mentioned, a settlement society was organized in this country, which for loftiness of aspirations and soundness of business principles stands second to none. It had its home in Philadelphia — the cradle of the German colonization in America. If such a society could be made successful, it was but fitting that it should emanate from the Pennsylvanians. Its founders were not of the old stock of Germans who had come during the seven teenth and eighteenth centuries. They were, for the most part, newcomers who still believed in "Deutschland, Deutschland iiber alles." The "Deutsche Gesellschaft" had existed in Philadelphia since December 26, 1764.6 But its purpose was to aid and pro tect German immigrants. The organization, which we purpose to deal with, had nothing whatsoever to do with the "Deutsche Gesellschaft." It was formally organized at Philadelphia, August 2j, 1836, as the "Deutsche Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft zu Philadelphia." Its avowed purpose was to carry out those plans which the foreign societies had failed to promote, namely, the establishment of a colony in some portion of the United States, preferably in the "Far West," a colony which should be charac teristically German in every particular. The promoters were prompted by several reasons. They were enthusiastic enough about their new surroundings and appreciative of its possibilities, but they missed so keenly those things so dear to the native Ger- lDas deutsche Element in den Ver. Staaten, Korner, p. 23. 2 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia man. They believed that in partial isolation they could enjoy both the advantages of America and the pleasures of the Father land. Their kinsmen, whom they found here, they saw strangely changed, very much Americanized, and the language which some of the latter spoke was almost as unintelligible to the newcomer as the English itself. They realized that in their Americanized kinsmen they saw the future of their own children, should they remain in the same environments. To avoid this, and to find homes for themselves, at moderate cost, as well as to encourage the promotion of a laudable attempt to keep alive things German, they resolved upon the organization. They be lieved that, being somewhat familiar with American laws, cus toms and conditions, they could accomplish what others had failed to bring about. The first written account obtainable concerning this society is recorded in an old German newspaper, Alte und Neue Welt — published in Philadelphia — under the date of May 7, 1836. This paper, upon resolution of the board of managers of the society, passed September 28, 1836, became the official organ of the soci ety, and its statements may be taken as authentic. It was edited, during the period that concerns us, by J. G. Wesselhoeft, who was entrusted with offices of honor and trust by the society — secretary, and later treasurer — and of whom Gustav Korner says : "Sein ganzes Bestreben war, die Deutschen zu einigen, sie an die Erhaltung ihrer Muttersprache zu mahnen, sie politisch geachtet und stark zu maohen."7 The paper existed from 1834 to 1843. Its editors, after J. G. Wesselhoeft, were E. L. Walz, Samuel Ludvigh, and Scheele de Vere .8 No history of the subject under discussion can be complete without the aid of this paper ; its information is positively indispensable. Furthermore it is a most valuable aid 7 Gustav Korner, Das deutsche Element, p. 36. "Ibid, p. 35. And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 3 in a study of German progress in general in America during the decade in which it was published. Korner comments on it as follows :9 "Das Erscheinen der Alten und Neuen Welt am 4. Januar 1834, kann als der Anfang einer neuen Zeit f iir die Deutschen in den Ver einigten Staaten bezeichnet werden. Das Blatt, in Royal Format, schon im zweiten Jahre in gross Royal Format, war auf gutem weissen Papier, mit vielfach geschmackvollen Lettern gedruckt, und enthielt mehr Lesestoff in seiner Wochennummer, als die zur selben Zeit in Deutschland erscheinenden Tageblatter, die Augs- burger Allgemeine Zeitung etwa ausgenommen, in einer Woche ent- hielten." Wilhelm Weber, a contemporary of Wesselhoeft, editor of the Anseiger des Westens, of St. Louis, has this to say of the Alte und Neue Welt: "Sie unterstiitzt in Amerika, ohne grossen Unterschied Alles, was deutsch heisst, und darf sich als Patronin vieler deutscher Un- ternehmungen betrachten."10 The complete file of this valuable old paper, Die Alte und Neue Welt, exists now, so far as we have been able to ascertain, only in one collection, and this is owned by the well-known Ger man writer, H. A. Rattermann, of Cincinnati, Ohio, to whose kindness I am indebted for the valuable information recorded there concerning my theme. Under the date above quoted, May 7, 1836, appears this notice, which is the first reference to the society or rather a call for its organization : . "Schon seit einiger Zeit haben sich in mehreren Orten der Ver einigten Staaten Gesellschaften gebildet, urn sich iiber die Griindung einer deutschen Stadt, welche der Mittelpunkt einer deutschen An- siedlung in einer der westlichen Gegenden dieses Landes seyn soil, zu berathen. Eine solche Niederlassung, im Falle dieselbe von edel- ' Das deutsche Element, p. 38. 5 Ibid, p. 39- 4 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia. gesinnten, verstandigen und fleissigen Menschen geschahe, wiirde gewiss fur deutsche Sprache und Sitten, deutsche Kunst und Wis- senschaft ein grosser Gewinn seyn, und wiirde Tausenden, welche gern das alte Vaterland verlassen wollten, wenn sie nur im fremden Lande dem schonen, gemiithlichen, deutschen Volksleben nicht ent- sagen mussten, einen wil'lkommenen Zufluchtsort, eine neue Heimath darbieten. Es ist daher der Wunsch mehrerer Einwohner dieser Stadt, auch eine solche Gesellschaft zu errichten und dieselbe, wo moglich, mit den Andern zu einem grossen Ganzen zu verbinden. Es wird zu diesem Endzweck Samstag, den 21. Mai, Abends um 8 Uhr, in der "Northern Exchange in der dritten Strasse der nord- lichen Freiheiten der Commissioners Hall gegeniiber", eine Ver- , sammlung gehalten werden, wozu nicht allein Solche, welche geneigt sind, sich nach dem fernen Westen zu begeben, sondern Alle, welche die Aufrechthaltung und Verbreitung deutschen Volksthums wiin- schen freundlich eingeladen sind. Es ware zu wiinschen, dass sich Einige zu einer dem Gegenstand angemessenen Rede vorbereiten mochten." (Signed) „Bin Deutscher." This meeting could not be held for the reason that, as a notice of May 28th announces, the hall was, by some misunder standing, pre-empted by another club. The second notice calls for a meeting on June 3d, to be held in the Commissioners' Hall, on North Third Street. Just what was accomplished at this first meeting is not chronicled. From what followed soon after we may safely infer that from the very beginning the project was favorably received. The next record which we have is dated June 10th, and consists of the minutes of a committee which evidently was ap pointed at the meeting on June the 3d. This committee met at the Penn Hotel, which was located in Laetetia Court, south side of Market Street, between Second and Front Streets. The hotel was owned by G. Zimmermann. All the meetings of the society were held here, and many of the committees met here. The minutes in question are prefaced thus : "Erste Sitzung des Aus- schusses, welcher sich zu Folge allgemeiner Abstimmung, zum Besuche der umfassenderen Beleuchtung des Projectes eine neue deutsche Stadt zu griinden, heute versammelte." The committee And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 5 consisted of six members: Anton Dunkelberg, Pfarrer Heinr. Ginal, Ferdinand Starck, G. Conradt, Dr. Wm. Schmoele, Xaver Jenderich. There were also two "berathende Glieder" ; Ludwig Friedaus and Wilhelm Mohl. Pfarrer Ginal was chosen as chairman, and Wilhelm Mohl as temporary secretary. The first item of business of this com mittee appears to have been the consideration of a proposition by one Thomas Padaraque, "der Texas zur Erreichung des vor- habenden Zweckes im Vergleioh der anderen vorgeschlagenen Landern in giinstiges Licht zu stellen sucht." From this we are led to infer that as early as the meeting of June the third, or even previously, certain portions of America had been proposed as desirable for this settlement. Padaraque's proposition was set aside on the ground that Texas was politically too unsettled. (Texas had gained her independence in 1835 and was not yet a part of the United States.) Padaraque seems to have partici pated in these early meetings for selfish ends only. In the city directory of that time we find no such name. It is very probable that he was the representative of some land agents, who foresaw some rich profits from transactions with a society none too famil iar with American ways. He appears only a few times in the records. After proposing and recommending the purchase of 104,000 acres of land in Jefferson County (the State is not given, it is to be inferred that Texas is meant), on June 20th, he is not again mentioned. The Texas proposition by Padaraque provoked a good deal of comment. In one of these replies made by Jenderich, on June 15th, additional light is thrown on the condition as well as the aspirations of the Germans. We therefore quote a part of it here : "Lange schon lag es in den Wiinschen und in den Planen von uns Deutschen, uns in den grossen Vereingten Staaten ein neues Deutschland, ein neues Vaterland, ein sicheres Asyl fiir uns, unsere Kinder und Nachkommen zu griinden und in dem Kreise unserer 6 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia Familien ruhig und unabhangig, noch mehr wie wir es gewohnt waren, gesellschaftlich leben zu konnen. Diese Wiinsche blieben seither aus eigener Schuld unerfiillt, indem die zu diesem Behufe schon in unserem Vaterlande und hier sich schon oft und viel gebildeten Vereine sich stets wieder trenn- ten, auseinanderliefen und sich bald da bald dort im Lande herum- streuten. Es fehlte stets an zwei wichtigen Erfordernissen : an Ein- tracht und — dem wichtigsten — den Mitteln. Nun scheint aber ein neuer Stern aufzugehen." Among the papers of the society is found: "Ein Entwurf zur Bildung einer Actien-Gesellschaft." It bears no signature. From the tone that prevails in it, which sometimes savors strongly of communism, it may be safe to> surmise that Pfarrer Ginal, who was mentioned above, was its author. That Ginal was, at a later period, engaged in a communistic venture is well known. It might also be mentioned that after the society had decided to pursue a non-communistic policy, Ginal entirely disappears from view. Some things which the writer says in his "Entwurf" give us clues to certain views regarding the society. The principal part of the paper begins with this sane state ment: "Soil der Wohlstand des Ganzen dauernd begriindet wer den so miissen Ackerbau und Manufacturen Hand in Hand ge- hen." Later the writer seeks to stimulate interest and arouse the pride of his countrymen : "Wenn unser Zweck, ein neues teutsches Vaterland zu griinden, durch Einigkeit und bruderliche gegenseitige Unterstiitzung erreicht worden ist, so diirfen wir uns der trostlichen Hoffnung iiberlassen, dass der Teutsche noch mit alien jenen Tugenden begabt sein mogte, wodurch unser Volk unter den andern Volkern der Welt dasteht, wie die kraftige, ehrwiirdige Eiche unter den Baumen des Waldes; dass in ihrer Reinheit erhalten werden mogten jene un- eigenniitzige Wohlthatigkeit, jene warme, treue Anhanglichkeit an seine Landsleute, jene gerade Ehrlichkeit, jene Gastfreundlichkeit, jener ausdauernde Fleiss, jene feurige Vaterlandsliebe unserer Vater und jener begeisterte Freiheits-Sinn endlich, der in der Stunde der Priifung noch eben so lauter, wie vor Jahrhunderten sich bewahrend einen ehrenvollen Antheil an dem Kampfe dieser Kolonien gegen ihre Unterdriicker nahm." And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 7 In the following we have an outcropping of the communistic ideas above mentioned: "Wenn einst Vernunft und Humanitat und allgemeines Wohl- wollen herschen werden, dass das Wohl jedes Einzelnen von der Wohlfahrt Aller abhangt, und Jeder iiberzeugt sein wird, dass er an seinem eigenen Gliick arbeitet, indem er die Wiinsche des An deren befordert, dann wird kein politischer Fanatismus, kein After- priester der Gerechtigkeit ihren seligen Frieden storen und Zwie- tracht nie ihren stillen Wohnungen sich nahen." From a number of such and stronger hints we are justified in concluding that some of the early promoters of the settlement movement entertained views of a communistic organization. It will be remembered that no definite organization existed as yet. Everyone was invited to submit his views. From these plans the most feasible was to be selected. It is not in the least surprising to hear such a communistic note sounded at this time. The air seems to have been full of it. Rapp and other leaders of communities had already brought their societies to the highest point of prosperity. It is safe to assert that almost every German of Philadelphia knew about these societies. From several letters addressed to the temporary offi cers of the society to be, we glean that the writers feared that a society "a la Rapp" was intended. Soon, however, these allu sions and suggestions disappear entirely. The society settled down to work out a sound business proposition. That this task was not an easy one is quite apparent. None of the participants had any experience in such undertakings. First of all it was necessary that a large number of Germans should become inter ested in the plan. Then the public must be convinced, beyond a shadow of a doubt, of the sincerity of the promoters. The basis of the business must be perfectly sound. All this was understood and appreciated by the committee which was charged to find ways and means to the solution of these problems. The method of obtaining the necessary money presented much difficulty. It was clear that a large sum of money would 8 Ihe German Settlement Society of Philadelphia be needed. Just how to obtain these funds without giving some capitalists a controlling interest demanded careful reflection. The society was to be for the people and by the people. This much all desired. The plan of forming a stock company appeared to be the most practical and met the most hearty approval. Quite naturally, however, the details of the plan could mature but slowly. A great number of resolutions were proposed and again recalled. In this manner the affair dragged along until Dr. Wil liam Schmoele suggested a sound and practical plan of raising the necessary money to place the whole project on a working basis. This proposition appears in the report the Committee on Ways and Means submitted to the main body. The report is prefaced thus: "Briider nenne ich Euch alle die Ihr hier versammelt seyd, alle, welche sich der deutschen Zunge bedienen, mochte ich zu einem Familienbunde vereinigt sehn." After a few paragraphs, rehearsing the purpose of the soci ety, they drew up the resolutions, the essential parts of which follow : "i.) Dass in einigen der gelesensten Zeitungen Aufforderungen an die Besitzer solcher Landereien erlassen werden, welche im Staate Pennsylvanien, New York, Illinois, etc. von 150,000 bis 200,000 Acker besitzen, dieselben mochten zum Behufe der Unter- handlung moglichst genaue Beschreibungen und Verkaufsbedingun- gen einschicken, welche einlaufende Berichte uns in Stand setzen, nicht nur in den Besitz gehdriger Auswahl zu gelangen sondern auch; 2.) Drei Commisaire abzusenden, welche durch moglichst ge- nauen Augenschein alle ortliche Verhaltnisse priifen, und dariiber Rechenschaft ertheilen sollen. 3.) Zu Bestreitung dieser, als auch etwaiger weitrer unvermeid- licher Kosten, diirfte von jedem Interessirten eine Beitrags Quota von $3.00 sogleich erhoben werden. Nur auf diese Weise glauben wir den grossen wichtigen Colonisationsplan ausarbeiten zu konnen, welcher unter briiderlicher Eintracht ausgefiihrt, das Mittel wird denen sittlichen, wackeren Deutschen, welche die redliche mann- liche Absicht mitbringen, durch vereinigte Anstrengungen, im And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 9 Schweiss ihres Angesichtes, sich Unabhangigkeit zu erringen; dann diirfte man sich belebenden Hoffnungen iiberlassen, dass solche Niederlassungen sich bald, von alien gleichzeitigen anderen, durch ein rasches, frohliches Gedeihen auszeichnen werden. Allmahlich werden dann alle grossen Landstriche im nord- westlichen Theile von Pennsylvanien, wohl gar unter noch giinsti- geren Bedingungen, vorziiglich fiir deutsche Emigranten sich offnen und in wenigen Jahren vielleicht jener nordwestliche Theil von Pennsylvanien, kiirzer und charakteristisch zugleich, mit dem Na- men „Deutschheim" bezeichnet werden konnen und zwar nicht als eine Heimath derer die aus Noth und Bedrangniss eine Heimath suchen, auch fiir deutsche Volksthiimlichkeit und deutsche National- tugenden — und eine Zuflucht einst fiir deutsche Kunst und Lit- teratur. Das Guthaben des Individuums wird ihm nach seinem Ver- langen, entweder in Produkten der Gesellschaft oder wo es thunlich ist, in Geldern oder auch als Capital der Gemeinde gegen Verzin- sung, oder zu gemeinschaftlichen Unternehmungen, als Actie ge- lassen." Resolutions 5, 6 and 7 do not interest us here, except for the suggestion relating to communism contained in them. It is therefore unnecessary to quote them here. "8.) Wenn die Gesellschaft gross genug ist, so werden nach einiger Zeit ein oder mehrere tiichtige, mit soliden Kentnissen aus- geriisteten Schullehrer angestellt, welche zugleich fiir die Erwach- senen, die Theil am Unterricht nehmen wollen, bestimmt, und auch zweckmassigen Unterricht in der englischen Sprache ertheilen. Mu- sik zur Ausbildung musikalischer Talente, und Gesangiibungen fiir alle jungen Personen mochten mit solchem Unterricht hauptsach- lich verbunden werden. 9.) Eine gesellschaftliohe Bibliothek ausgewahlter, niitzlicher Schriften in teutscher und englischer Sprache moge ein wesent- licher Gegenstand der Berathung werden." Thus the committee outlined the plan of procedure and offered suggestions that should induce others to become inter ested in the scheme. In the Alte und Neue Welt of August 6th we find the first notice pointing towards the formal organization of the society. It reads thus : "Es wird der Versammlung eine Constitution zur formlichen Organisirung der Gesellschaft zur Berathung und Abstknmung vorgelegt werden." Signed, "Der Ausschuss." 10 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia At this meeting, which was held on August 9th, fifty per sons were found willing to support the scheme as outlined. At that time the following constitution was drafted for the society. The date of its adoption remains undetermined. Statuten der deutschen Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft. Da wir es fiir sehr vortheilhaft fiir uns, unsere Freunde, und die Deutschen im Allgemeinen halten, dass in irgend einem passenden Theile der Vereinigten Staaten, wo moglich Pennsylvanien, eine deutsohe Ansiedlung angelegt werde, in welcher einer grossen An- zahl Deutscher Gelegenheit gegeben wird ihren Fleiss und ihre Kentnisse auf einer ihnen vortheilhaften und angenehmen Weise in Thatigkeit und Anwendung zu bringen : so haben wir uns zu einer Gesellschaft vereinigt, deren Zweck ist alle Erkundigungen einzuzie- hen, Untersuchungen anzustellen und Vorbereitungen zu treffen, welche zur Ansiedlung nothwendig und niitzlich sind. I. Name. Der Name der Gesellschaft soil sein „Deutsche Ansiedlungs- Gesellschaft." II. Mitglieder. Jedermann kann Mitglied dieser Gesellschaft werden, welcher Interesse fiir die beabsichtigte deutsche Ansiedlung hegt, er mag dahin auswandern wollen oder nicht. III. Beitr'dge. Jedes Mitglied zahlt einen Beitrag von $3.00 in die Kasse der Gesellschaft, urn die zur Ausfiihrung ihres Planes nothwendigen Ausgaben zu bestreiten. Diese 3 Thaler und alle etwaigen anderen autorisierten Ausgaben der Glieder dieser Gesellschaft sollen den- selben bei der spateren wirklichen Anlegung der Ansiedlung als Abschlagszahlung fiir ihre Landantheile zu gute geschrieben werden. IV. Beamte. Die Gesellschaft wahlt jedesmal in ihrer ersten halbjahrigen Versammlung einen Vorsitzer, zwei Stadthalter, zwei Schreiber und einen Schatzmeister. Diese Beamten sollen ihre Aemter unentgelt- lich verwalten. And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. ii V. Pflichten und Rechte der Beamten. (They are the same as those of any other American organiza tion.) VI. Stehender Ausschuss. In gleicher Zeit mit den genannten Beamten soil ein stehender Ausschuss von 7 bis 8 Mitgliedern gewahlt werden, welcher zwischen den Versammlungen der Gesellschaft die Geschafte derselben fiihren und in wichtigen Angelegenheiten eine ausserordentliche Versamm- lung der Gesellschaft berufen soil. Der Vorsitzer, die Schreiber, die Statthalter und der Kassen- verwalter sollen dem stehenden Ausschuss als Mitglieder beigefugt werden. VII. Versammlungen. Die Gesellschaft soil sich alle Monate, je am ersten Samstag- Abend desselben versammeln um den Gang der Gesellschaft fortzu- setzen. Pursuant to the call of August the ninth, a meeting was held to discuss the permanent organization. From August 9th to the 27th, seven meetings were held to discuss, alter and amend the proposed constitution. The advice of Samuel Keemle, an attor ney at law, was sought, and the most prominent business men of Philadelphia were consulted regarding the practicability of the organization. The chief care was the disposition of the money of the society. The growth as to membership had been steady. No attempt was made to hasten it. The soundness of the basic principles was the chief consideration. Finally on August the 27th, the constitution of the society was formally accepted. Ap pended to this there appear the names of 225 signers, which we reproduce in their original order. The following is the constitution of the permanent organi zation : Verfassungsurkunde und Nebengesetze der Deutschen Ansiedlungs- Gesellschaft, gegrundet zu Philadelphia am 2"jten Aug. 1836. No. 1. Gesellschaft. Wir die Unterzeichneten vereinigen uns zu einer Gesellschaft 1 2 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia fur die Anlegung einer deutschen Ansiedlung, und wollen den Namen : „Deutsche Ansiedlungs-G esellschaft" fiihren. Zur Organisierung der Gesellschaft, zur regelmassigen Ge- schaftsfiihrung und zur Sicherung der Rechte jedes einzelnen Mit- gliedes sowohl als der ganzen Gesellschaft setzen wir folgende Sta- tuten f est : No. 2. Actien. Die Gesellschaft wird auf Actien gegrundet von welchen jede im ersten Tausend fiinfundzwanzig und jede im zweiten Tausend dreissig Thaler kosten soil. Die Preise aller iibrigen Actien sollen von dem Verwaltungsrath vorgeschlagen und von der Gesellschaft bestimmt werden. No. 3. Rechte der Mitglieder. Jeder Eigenthiimer von einer oder mehreren Actien hat eine Stimme. Jedes Mitglied erhalt fiir jede Actie, die es eignet, eine Stadt-lotte in einer von der Gesellschaft anzulegenden Stadt al« Eigenthum. Jedoch soil jedes Mitglied, welches eine Bauerei der Gesellschaft unter den nur den Mitgliedern zu bewilligenden Vor- theilen ankauft, das Recht haben, eine oder jede seiner Actien zu dem zur Zeit stattfindenden erhohten Actien Preise, anstatt baaren Geldes, zuruckzugeben. Sollte z. B. ein Mitglied vier Actien be- sitzen und nach zwei Jahren, wenn vielleicht der Preis der Actien auf hundert Thaler gestiegen ist, eine zum Bewohnen fertig gemachte Bauerei fiir die Summe von vierhundert Thalern von der Gesell schaft ankaufen, so hat er das Recht, seine vier Actien, jede zu hun dert Thaler gerechnet, an Zahlungs-Statt zuriick zu geben ; wodurch seine Bauerei ganz abbezahlt wird. No. 4. Beamten. Die Beamten der Gesellschaft sollen bestehen in: einem Prasidenten, einem Vice-Prasidenten, einem Secretair, einem Vice-Secretair, einem Schatzmeister, und ferner in: einem Verwaltungsrathe von neun Gliedern und einem Deputirten-Ausschusse von drei Mitgliedern. And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 13 No. 5- Wahl der Beamten und Amtsdauer. Alle Beamten sollen durch Stimmen-Mehrheit in einer consti- tutionellen, regelmassigen Versammlung der Gesellschaft und zwar derjenigen, welche dem Auslaufe der respectiven Amtsdauer der Beamten zunachst vorher geht, gewahlt werden. Alle Beamten sollen auf ein Jahr gewahlt werden. Das Amt des Deputirten-Ausschusses soil mit der Beendigung seiner Auftrage ablaufen. Alle diese Bestimmungen iiber die Amtsdauer der Beamten, mit Ausnahme des Deputirten-Ausschusses, sollen erst in Kraft treten nachdem tausend Actien von der Gesellschaft verkauft sind. Bis dahin sollen alle Beamten, mit Ausnahme der Deputirten, bios provisorisch gewahlt werden. No. 6. Pftichten der Beamten. I. Der President soil 1.) in den Versammlungen der Gesellschaft den Vorsitz fiihren und bei Stimmen-Gleichheit die entscheidende Stimme haben. 2.) Er soil dafiir sorgen, dass Ordnung und Ruhe erhalten und Beschliisse der Gesellschaft genau und piinktlich vollzogen werden. 3.) Er soil, gemass Par. 9, alle Rechnungen und Anweisungen auf die Kasse der Gesellschaft zugleich mit dem Verwaltungsrathe unterzeichnen. 4.) Er soil alle 6 Monate Bericht erstatten iiber die in dieser Zeit gemachten Fortschritte der Gesellschaft. II. Der Viceprasident soil in Abwesenheit des Prasidenten das Amt desselben verwalten. III. Der Sekretair soil 1.) Das Protokoll der Verhandlungen der Gesellschaft fiihren. 2.) Er soil die Correspondenz der Gesellschaft besorgen. 3.) Er soil die Constitution und sonstigen Documente der Ge sellschaft aufbewahren. 4.) Er soil eine Woche vor dem Ende jedes halben Jahres einen schriftlichen Bericht iiber die Verwaltung seines Amtes in dem letzt- verflossenen halben Jahre an den Prasidenten abliefern. 5.) Er soil, nach Par. 9, alle Rechnungen und Anweisungen auf die Kasse der Gesellschaft mit unterschreiben. IV. Der Vicesecretair soil in Abwesenheit des Secretairs die Stelle desselben vertreten, ihm auch sonst bei iiberhauften Geschaf- ten Hiilfe leisten. 14 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia V. Der Schatzmeister soil I.) alle Gelder der Gesellschaft in Empfang nehmen und dariiber quittiren. 2.) Er soil sobald er eine Summe von ioo Thalern eingenom- men hat, dieselbe in einer noch naher zu bestimmenden Bank binnen 24 Stunden niederlegen. 3.) Er soil alle Rechnungen, welche vom Prasidenten, Secre- tair und Verwaltungsrathe unterschrieben sind, durch Anweisungen auf die Kasse, welche nach Par. 9, von ihm selbst, dem Prasidenten, Secretair und dem Verwaltungsrathe unterschrieben sind, bezahlen. 4.) Er soil iiber Einnahme und Ausgabe genau Buch fiihren und jedes Mai auf Verlangen des Verwaltungsrathes, nach zwei- tagiger Anzeige, diesem die Biicher zur Einsicht vorlegen. 5.) Er soil eine Woche vor dem Ende jedes halben Jahres einen schriftlichen Bericht iiber den Zustand der Kasse an den Pra sidenten ablegen. Er soil eine verhaltnissmassige Biirgschaft leisten. VI. Der Verwaltungsrath soil : I.) Die Geschafte der Gesellschaft zwischen den Versamm lungen derselben versehen und alle diejenigen Anordnungen treffen, welche das wohl der Gesellschaft und die Erreichung ihrer Zwecke erfordern. Zu alien seinen Beschliissen und Anordnungen soil jedoch die Beistimmung des Prasidenten der Gesellschaft notwendig sein. 2.) Er soil nach Par. 9 das Vermdgen der Gesellschaft vertre- ten und alle Rechnungen und Anweisungen auf die Kasse der Ge sellschaft unterschreiben. 3.) Er soil in jeder regelmassigen Versammlung der Gesell schaft Bericht erstatten iiber Alles, was er seit der letzt vorherge- gangenen Versammlung angeordnet und geleistet hat. VII. Der Deputirten-Ausschuss soil die ihm vom Verwaltungs rathe angewiesenen Staaten und Gebiete von Nord-Amerika bereisen und untersuchen ob und wie weit derselbe oder welche Theile der selben zu einer deutschen Ansiedlung geeignet sind. Der Ausschuss soil zu diesem Zwecke ein Tagebuch fiihren iiber Resultate seiner Untersuchungen und wahrend seiner Reise von Zeit zu Zeit einen Auszug daraus an den Verwaltungsrath schi- cken, bei seiner Zuriickkunft aber das Ganze der Versammlung vorlegen. Der Ausschuss soil ferner, so weit es ihm moglich ist, iiber die jenigen Landstriche, die ihm zu einer deutschen Ansiedlung am tauglichsten scheinen, provisorische Kauf-Contracte unter den mog lichst vortheilhaften Bedingungen abzuschliessen suchen, so dass die And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 15 Gesellschaft nachher bei der Auswahl eines Landstriches die Kauf- Contracte nach Gutbefinden genehmigen oder verwerfen kann. No. 7. Versammlungen. Jeden Monat soil eine regelmassige Versammlung der Gesell schaft gehalten werden. So oft bei einer Versammlung der Gesell schaft fiinfzig Mitglieder personlich anwesend sind, soil die Ver sammlung fahig sein, Geschafte zu thun. Nur Mitglieder der Gesellschaft konnen Stellvertreter fur ab- wesende Mitglieder sein. Kein Mitglied darf mehr als fiinf Stimmen reprasentiren, seine eigene eingeschlossen. Sollte daher Jemand von mehr als vier anderen Gliedern zum Stellvertreter ernannt sein, so muss er alle iibrigen Stimmen auf anwesende Mitglieder ver- theilen. Extra- Versammlungen sollen gehalten und durch den Pra sidenten berufen werden, so oft es dieser fiir nothig'halt oder der Verwaltungsrath oder fiinfundzwanzig Mitglieder der Gesellschaft ihn dazu auffordern. No. 8. Verwertung der Gelder. Die Gelder der Gesellschaft sollen zum Ankaufe des Landes, zur Urbarmachung und Einrichtung von Bauereien und Dorfschaf- ten, zur Abklarung, und Auslegung von einer oder mehreren Stad- ten, je nachdem die Mittel der Gesellschaft reichen; ferner zu alien solchen Anlagen und Unternehmungen welche das Aufbliihen der Gesellschaft befdrdern : zu Fabriken, "Manufacturer Schulen etc., verwendet werden. Alle Bestimmungen zur Verwendung der Gelder sollen von der Gesellschaft oder vom Verwaltungsrathe gemacht werden. Sobald jedoch im letztern Falle eine Unternehmung iiber tausend Thaler kostet, soil die Einwilligung einer constitutions- massigen Versammlung der Gesellschaft unerlasslich sein. No. 9. Sicherstellung der Kasse. Zur Sicherstellung der Kasse und des Vermogens sollen die neun Verwaltungsrathe als Trusties die Kasse und das Vermdgen der Gesellschaft reprasentieren, zu welchem Zwecke ein Trusties- Contract (deed or declaration of trust) durch einen von der Gesell schaft zu erwahlenden Ausschuss mit den Verwaltungsrathen abge- schlossen werden soil. In diesem Contracte soil bestimmt werden, dass alle Einnahmen, sobald sie eine Summe von hundert Thalern betragen, binnen 24 Stunden in einer naher zu bestimmenden Bank sollen niedergelegt werden und dass keine Gelder aus dieser Bank sollen herausge- 1 6 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia nommen werden konnen, wenn nicht eine Anweisung zu diesem Zwecke von dem Prasidenten, oder in dessen Abwesenheit vom Viceprasidenten, von dem Secretaire, von dem Schatzmeister und der Mehrheit des Verwaltungsrathes unterzeichnet worden ist. Fer- ner sollen in dem genannten Trusties-Contracte, oder (deed or dec laration of trust) , alle sonstigen Provisionen gemacht werden, welche der zur Abschliessung desselben erwahlte Ausschuss zur Sicherung der Gesellschaft fiir notig erachtet. No. 10. V erdnderung dieser Constitution. Eine Veranderung dieser Constitution kann nur durch Ueber- einstimmung von zwei Dritttheilen sammtlicher Mitglieder oder ihrer Stellvertreter gemacht werden. Ein Vorschlag zu einer Aenderung kann in jeder constitutionsmassigen Versammlung gemacht werden, ob ein solcher Vorschlag zur Abstimmung kommen soil oder nicht. Im Bejahungsfalle soil darauf der Vorschlag wenigstens einen Monat vor der Abstimmung offentlich bekannt gemacht werden. Die Gesellschaft kann durch ein Quorum der bezeichneten Mit glieder Nebengesetze oder Regeln machen, welche jedoch dieser Con stitution nicht entgegen sein diirfen, und diese sind stets in das Pro- tokoll der Gesellschaft einzutragen. No. n. Die Gesellschaft soil, sobald als es thunlich incorporirt werden. Julius Leupold, President. Jacob Rommel Wilhelm Schmoele, Vice-Prasi- Peter Lion dent. Wilhelm Lemberger J. G. Wesselhoeft, Secretair. Johann Wittmann Fr. Liideking, Vice-Secretair. Thadaus Bruder C. G. Ritter Ernst Haas F. L. C. Gebhard Johann Heinrich Manerke W. H. Leupold Georg Schotten D. W. Wohlein Friederich Hoffmeister Adam Schmidt Christ. August Langguth Ferdinand Heirtz Christoph Metzger Johann Conrad Viereck Joseph Roller B. Schmitz Wilhelm Muller John Bock John Heinr. Schwacke F. W. L. Kiderlen Adam Siedler Georg Riefenstahl Johannes Hirschmann Reinhold Koepf Johann Gronhardt Charles L. Eickhoff Friedrich Gemf Friedrich Kerschenbach Johann Oestreicher And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 17 Jacob Summ Friedrich Leonhard Matthaus Krautter Conrad Ferdinand Kiihne Johann Klumpp Georg Bader Adolph Hoehling Ferdinand Laackmann Heinrich Christian Schrader Mathias Birck Ludwig Sigrist Gustav Stiibgen Charles Pommer Jacob Mersinger Erhard Staffhorst M. J. Hiitz Jacob Knoll Michael A. Kerchner Heinrich Arnsfeld F. W. C. Seelhorst Adam Sengenberger Caspar Knodel William Henning Gottfried Krauss Johann Mayer Georg Benninghoff Jacob Ratheusen Wilhelm Betz Adam Maag C. W. Gronau C. F. Stottmeyer Ludwig Friedrich Niekerke Conrad Roos Wilhelm Kielmann Bernard Martin Meyer Johann F. Albrecht Carl M. Grahn Joseph Bodenhcefer Louis Ebstadt Josef Schmidt J. Heinrich Biihler Martin Stephan Alphonse Libermann Andreas Dold Albert Combernass Heinrich Kopken Peter Rau Friedrich Hoffmeister Bernhard Schmitz Joseph Schindler Wilhelm Tilg Joseph Nock Johann Harig F. W. Wilcke Sigmund Rutschmann Friedrich Georg Schaeffer C. Valetin Presser Konrad Liebach Christoph Valet Lewis Austermell Hermann Knop Heinrich Bachmann Georg Fischer C. L. Mayer Philipp Pfister H. Schmoele Michael Rohe Christian Tiemann Heinrich Gerker H. Wm. Echternacht Fr. Leupold Christ. Hasenpatt Johann Heinrich Lahring Georg Ruff John G. Finn George Duhring, Dr. M. Joseph Hiller Philipp Leidorff Joseph Engelbert Hermann Schniedewindt Franz Arnold Gottlob Laib Eduard Koch Herm. Curtius Friedrich Viereck F. G. Schreiber Franke Franksen Carl Pommer Wilhelm F. Pommer Heinrich Pommer i8 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia Herman Schweizer Louis Golitz Gabriel Kowitzky Circovich Martin Rosienkiewicz L. A. Wollenweber Anna Maria Heiner Wm. Gellert P. W. Schmidt Jno. Friedr. Schmidt Johs. Theiss Ferd. Riemann Wilhelm Schubert Johann Georg Zoller Johann Georg Zipperer Karl Becker F. v. Schrader Johannes Mayer Georg Herwig J. P. Abker Daniel Heinemann Friedrich Rebhun C. F. Heitzmann Fritz Leibrock P. Jacob Burkhard Henry Koch G. A. Fuss Friedrich Triebler Wilhelm Mohl Friedrich Kiihnholz Georg Schock Gottfried Ackermann Christoph Schafer Adam Valet Johannes Knoll Joseph Baumann Jacob Hagel Michael Hagel Michael Rothrang Wilhelm Leichmann Ulrich Stirnemann Abraham Jenny Johann Georg Zeller August Schrader Daniel Haberstock Kaspar Miiller Martin Petri Bernhard Schweickert Christian Klein Johann Horn Conrad Wagner Catherine Viereck Johann Lemberger Jacob Schiefer L. Sommerhalder F. H. Kiihne David Wittmann Eduard Seltzer Joseph B runner August Ziegler Heinrich Gentner Friedrich Gentner Georg Supper Georg Bader Heinrich Roemer Friedrich Kaiser Christian Kraug Johann Grabner Carl Dithmer F. Gebhard Leonhard Jung August Horn Gottfried Krauss Carl Metzger John Hoffmann Leopold Eckhard Heinrich Rietze Joh. Georg Beiszwanger Marie Elizabeth Viereck Friedrich Gottlieb Louis Reiger Jacob Heinlein Franz Langendorfer G. F. Bayer Friedrich Bok Adam Martin John J. Schock Franz Schellenberg Fr. Leupold Heinrich Werklce Julius Harnisch And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 19 H. Diedrichs G. H. Mittnacht Fred. Gentner F. G. Kaltner G. H. Mecke Eleazar Demetrio Artemiews Georg Jacob Schneider Charles Libeau On the same evening that the constitution was adopted and signed, the newly created offices were filled. The following were the first officers : President, Julius Leupold; Viceprasident, Dr. Wm. Schmoele; Secretair, J. G. Wesselhoeft; Vicesecretair, F. Liideking; Schatzmeister, Dr. Moehring; Deputirte : C. v. Ferentheil, C. G. Ritter, F. L, C. Gebhard. Verwaltungsrath: J. C. Viereck, W. Feuring, Adam Schmidt, D. W. Wohlein, B. Schmitz, W. H. Leupold, J. Bock, F. Stark, F. W. L. Kiderlen. In passing, it should be noted that for some unexplained rea son Dr. Moehring did not accept the office of treasurer. On September 26, Adam Schmidt, then a member of the Board of Managers, was chosen treasurer. The vacancy in the Board of Managers was filled by the election of C. Pommer. The meeting of August 27th was certainly a memorable one in the history of the society. Enthusiasm for the new cause was running high. One feels something of the feverish nature even in the records of the meeting. Letters of inquiry and commenda tion seem to have arrived from various parts of the country. Everyone felt certain of the most glorious success. Before re tiring from the position of temporary chairman, Dr. Wm. Schmoele delivered a fiery address. He gives a brief resume of the struggles of the organization. Then he speaks of the future : "Ja, wahrlich, deutsche Briider, wenn je etwas Grosses und Glanzendes fiir die deutsche Nation in diesen Freiheitslanden er- stehen soil, so muss diese Gesellschaft es werden. Sie tragt den 20 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia Charakter des Grossartigen an sich. Sie ist eine reife Geburt des jetzigen ereignissreichen Zeitgeistes, — durch sie ist an's Licht ge- treten, was in alien deutschen Gemiithern verborgen lebte und dun- kel gefuhlt ward. Einigung der Deutschen in Nordamerika, und dadurch die Be- griindung eines neuen deutschen Vaterlandes — das ist die hohe Aufgabe unserer Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft! Danach muss, danach soil sie streben aus alien ihren Kraften und mit alien ihren Mitteln. In der Ausfiihrung des ganzen grossen Planes muss Jeder die Be- griindung seines eigenen Gliickes finden. Dann kann, dann muss, dann wird die Sache gedeihen zum Ruhme und zum Wohle der grossen deutschen Nation in Amerika's freiem Schosse."" At an extra session of the newly elected officers, two days after the new constitution took effect, it was decided to> take steps to make the movement general in the United States. The minutes record this resolution: "Der Verwaltungsrath der deutschen Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft ersucht diejenigen, welche Antheil an dieser Gesellschaft nehmen wollen, und namentlich die deutschen Einwohner Baltimore's, New York's, Pittsburg's etc. Zweig-Vereine zu griinden, die im Geiste unserer Constitution handeln, die Geschafte dort thun, und die Theil- nahme an dieser Gesellschaft dem Publikum erleichtern, die Gelder empfangen, der Central-Gesellschaft iiberliefern und dafiir Actien vom Verwaltungsrathe erhalten." The growth was indeed most encouraging. Less than two weeks after formal organization 350 shares had been sold. Under the date of September 10th the secretary (who was also the edi tor of the official organ of the society) comments thus: "Wir freuen uns unsern Lesern mittheilen zu konnen, dass diese Gesellschaft einen solchen Fortgang nimmt, der unsere Erwar- tungen weit ubertrifft. . . . Wir hoffen und wiinschen, dass sie in diesem Geiste fortfahren und ein Bruder den andern auffordern moge, zu diesem grossen Zwecke nach Kraften beizutragen. . . . Mit Recht diirfen wir erwarten, dass unsere auswartigen Briider Zweig-Vereine griinden und alles aufbieten werden zu diesem scho- nen Zwecke nach Kraften mitzuwirken." 11 Alte und Neue Welt, Sept. 3, 1836. This paper will hereafter be refer red to as A. & N. W. Share Book fNo. Running No. Issued to Received the above Certificate victim Imch ?Ip- 3la«fl(fteUt an irmpfinii 6ic pbigc ©efchrhuflDnn. The German Settlement Society. Share Book No.W I $T Hermann. IS Running JVo. $T(H15 l'fl tO (HfriifJ?. Ih<.) $te fceutfebe 3liificMuiej$e > @fcfcllfd>utfd>(n ?f nflcbetutigS = ©cfettfefjaft" mit ihren Ifnfpriidjfii ouf biefelbe, unb namentli* jii Eotte 9lo N. N. im 5>lflne bei ©tabt Hermann in ber ^nfiebelung, beredttigi t|t. £)iefe tfttie fnnn in btn 23iid?crn ton ©efellfdjaft itbertragen werten, entroeber bfi pnT&n!id)er Ueberlieferung biffeS ©cbeinS ober buret) getidjilidje SOoUmoctjt, nadj bei Gonftitution, ben ©rff^m unb JRegeln ber ©efeUfcboft, roeldje ongenommm finb obei fpattrb,in noch angfnommeri roerben mogen. 3ur JBeglaubigung boS ©iegel ber ©ffellfdiaft unb bie Unterfdirift ibreS 9>rdfibpntrn it. k. A shareholder's certificate. And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 2 1 2. Various Opinions Regarding the Society. That the movement caused a great stir among the Germans in all sections of this country, as well as in Europe, is attested by the great number of press notices it received. Not all of these comments were favorable — far from it. Nevertheless they prove that the public was interested. Immediately after the organization of the society the Allge- meine Zeitung of New York comments on the wisdom and far sightedness of the organization. It approves most heartily the scheme of forming a stock company for this laudable enterprise. It recommends it warmly to all Germans. The editor enumer ates its advantages in these enthusiastic terms : "Betrachten wir die Vereinigten Staaten in ihrem jetzigen Auf- bliihenj in dem beispiellosen Fortschreiten aller ihrer volksthiim- lichen Unternehmungen, und erwagen wir dabei, wie viel Antheil daran die Deutschen haben und wie wenig sie im Grunde davon geniessen, wenn wir uns den Deutschen als Deutschen denkert; ziehen wir ferner in Betracht, wie das Bestreben der Deutschen nach und nach erwacht, um sich ihre Rechte als Burger zu sichern, um ihre herrliche Sprache zu erhalten und da, wo die Mehrzahl Deutsche sind, vor den Gerichtshofen geltend zu machen, so miissen wir bei der Masse der hier zu Lande lebenden Deutschen und bei dem steten Drange der Einwanderungen, eine Gesellschaft, wie die obige ist, als eine sehr erfreuliche, als eine hochst zeitgemasse Erscheinung betrachten. Sie giebt den hier Wohnenden eine Gelegenheit, sich naher zu verbinden, die Elemente des deutschen Lebens zu unter- stiitzen und zu verbreiten, wissenschaftliches Bestreben zu fordern, jedes Grosse und Schone, so weit es hier anwendbar ist, vom Vater- lande hierher zu verpnanzen, dem deutschen Einwanderer gleich bei seinem Eintritt in die Vereinigten Staaten eine Heimath anzuweisen, wo er sich heimischer, als alleinstehend, fiihlt, und wo ihm bei Fleiss und Sparsamkeit ein Wirkungskreis angewiesen wird, in welchem er sich bald eine Unabhangigkeit zu erwerben vermag, welches, muss er erst lange darnach suchen, ihm oft schwer fallt. Wir kennen den Stand der deutschen Einwanderer, wir wissen, welche Kampfe ihrer oft warten und wie Viele im Kampfe erliegen. An ders wird es sein, wenn er weiss, dass er einer Colonie zueilt, wo er befreundete Seelen findet, welche ihn mit Rath und That unter- stiitzen konnen."12 " A. und N. W., of Sept. 17, 1836. 22 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia The Freiheitsfreund of Chambersburg, Pa., supports the movement in these words : "Die Deutsche Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft hat gewiss die Auf- merksamkeit aller Deutschen und Abkommlinge von Deutschen auf sich gezogen und durch das Grossartige des Unternehmens und durch die Vortheile die fiir den Reichen sowohl als fiir den Armen daraus zu fliessen versprechen, ist wohl jedes biedere deutsche Herz mit Wonne und stolzem Nationalgefiihl beseelt worden. Durch ein thatiges und strengvereintes Zusammenwirken der Deutschen muss das wohl durchdachte und weislich geordnete Unternehmen gedei- hen und fiir uns und unsere Kinder die herrlichsten Friichte brin gen. Selbst dem Aermsten ist Gelegenheit gegeben, daran Antheil zu nehmen. Kann er sich keine Actie kaufen, so kann er sich eine durch Fleiss und Sparsamkeit verdienen."13 From Lancaster, Ohio, we find a letter,14 not so unreserv edly enthusiastic. This letter is signed, "Freunde der Ansied lungs-Gesellschaft." The writers are somewhat informed as to the purpose of the society. They express themselves as ready to support it. But they entertain some doubts, which they desire to have dispersed, and some wishes they would have considered. Their inquiries were not kindly received by the Philadelphians. Nevertheless there was more saneness in their doubts than the society would admit. They spoke as men who had endured the hardships and privations of pioneer life themselves. Experience had taught them many a valuable lesson. They wanted to know how the society proposed to carry out its lofty plans, when brought face to face with facts and reality. They abandoned the visionary views and brought in figures to substantiate their claims. It appears that the plan of the society was not accurately understood, for these same Ohioans fear "eine Gesellschaft a la Rapp." They also raised the very important question how the members living outside of Philadelphia should be enabled to vote on vital questions. If the society attained to the importance its ' A. und N. W., of Sept. 17, 1836. fA. und N. W., of Oct. I, 1836. And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 23 supporters prophesied for it,, it must be self-evident that the greater number of members must live away from the mother society. These and other suggestions and queries, which we be lieve were made in all sincerity, aroused the displeasure of the Philadelphians, and called forth a cutting, and, as it appears to us, unmerited rebuke. Perhaps the best suggestion they offered was that the greatest care should be given to choose an advan tageous location for the settlement. In another part of this work it will be shown how vital this question was. The com munication concludes thus : "Man wahle eine gute Lage, gesundes Klima, gutes Land ; man biete den deutschen Ansiedlern reelle Vortheile an, und die Popu larity des Planes thut alles Uebrige."15 Many letters appear containing the tone of the communica tion of Carl Backhaus in Cincinnati, Ohio: "Welches deutsche Gemiith sollte nicht mit ganzem Eifer der Seele zur Griindung einer Anstalt behiilflich sein wollen, in deren wirklichem und baldigem Entstehen allein die sicherste Biirgschaft liegt, deutschen Fleiss, deutsche Geschicklichkeit und vor Allem deutsche Biederkeit, Redlichkeit und Treue, so wie das kostlichste, unsere theure Muttersprache, unverfalscht und rein unsern Nach kommen hinterlassen zu konnen?"18 We could heap up evidence of the interest aroused for the undertaking. We shall, however, content ourselves with citing only a few more instances. The Anzeiger des Westens, of St. Louis, was not a strong supporter of the society. This is shown by an article of October 1, 1836, in which its tone is far from being complimentary. This may have been due to the fact that Illinois was then favorably discussed as the site of the colony. At a later time the Anzeiger "A. und N. W., of Oct. 1, 1836. "A. und N. W., of,Oct. 22, 1836. 24 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia stepped into line with the enthusiastic defenders and supporters of the society. In the New Yorker Staatszeitung the organization found, from the first, a bitter opponent. In number 52 of the year 1836 this paper issued an article whose basic thought might well be expressed in these terse words: "Alles was besteht Ist werth dass es zu Grunde geht." This paper seems to have remained the avowed enemy of the society. Its scathing articles elicited the bitterest sort of replies on the part of the supporters of the plan. It does not stand to reason that such a position, by a strong press, should not irreparably injure the undertaking, particularly in New York, a stronghold of German Americans, and that at a time when perfect harmony and united, quick action was most essen tial to its success. It will be interesting to note how this movement was looked upon by the European Germans. We fortunately have pre served in the Alte und Neue Welt the expressions of at least two prominent individuals. One is a letter by Dr. J. Fr. Hennicke, editor of Der Allgemeine Anzeiger der Deutschen m Gothaf The letter was addressed to J. G. Wesselhoeft. It reads as fol lows: "Ihre freundliche Zuschrift vom 28. Januar, die am 9. Marz in meinen Handen war, hat mich sehr erfreut und ich sage Ihnen dafiir meinen verbindlichen Dank. Wie sehr ich die edlen Bemii- hungen der Deutschen Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft zu wiirdigen und ihren menschenfreundlichen Zweck zu beurtheilen weiss, ist einiger- massen aus meiner Nachschrift ersichtlich. Mochten doch deutsche Regierungen oder wenigstens einzelrie edle Deutsche die Wichtig- keit des Unternehmens einsehen und es kraftig zu unterstiitzen suchen. Ich fiir meinen Wirkungskreis werde Manner von Einsicht und Einfluss darauf aufmerksam machen und ich habe damit bereits begonnen." "A. und N. W., of June 9, 1838. And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 25 In the columns of his paper Hennicke comments most favor ably. After publishing a circular sent out by the Board of Man agers at Philadelphia, he continues thus: "Die von menschenfreundlichen Deutschen in Philadelphia ge- stiftete Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft beabsichtigt einen hohen, edlen Zweck, welcher der kraftigen Unterstiitzung, nicht nur von Seiten gemeinniitzig denkender Deutschen, sondern auch einzelner Staats- regierungen, aus deren Gebieten jahrlich zahlreiche Schaaren, ohne durchdachten Plan und nur auf gut Gliick, nach Nordamerika aus- wandern, in mehreren, hier nicht naher zu bezeichnenden Riick- sichten, wiirdig ist. Die Bemiihungen jener Gesellschaft verdienen aber um so mehr die dankbarste Anerkennung und thatige Unter stiitzung, da ahnliche, in Deutschland, namentlich in Sachsen und in Hessen-Darmstadt, vorziiglich in Dresden wiederholt versuchte Unternehmungen ohne erwiinschten Erfolg geblieben sind. Gleich- wohl verdienen die vielen Tausende, die jahrlich nach Amerika aus- wandern, die leitende und unterstiitzende Hand der Regierungen. Vielleicht entschliesst sich noch eine oder die andere, in die von Dresden aus mitgetheilten und im Allgemeinen Anzeiger der Deut schen vollstandig bekannt gemachten gemeinniitzigen Ansiedlungs- plane einzugehen und sie entweder in ihrem ganzen Umfange oder nach ihren wesentlichen Theilen in Ausfiihrung zu bringen. Was der edle William Penn im Jahre 1681 so grossartig, thatig und mit glucklichem Erfolg begann, das sucht nun in unseren Zeiten eine Gesellschaft biederer Manner nach einem durchdachten, menschen freundlichen Plane fortzusetzen."18 A communication by Advokat F. G. Sprewitz, of Lauen- burg on the Elbe, will be inserted later in its proper place. 3. Growth of the Society. From the consideration of what the public thought of the organization we pass on to a study of its inner and outer devel opment. The Administrative Board (Verwaltungs-Rath), which was provided by the constitution, was elected, as was pointed out, on August 27, 1836. Their first meeting was held on September "A. und N. W., of June 9, 1838. 26 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 7th. At this meeting they effected their inner organization by electing the following officers: J. C. Viereck, Vorsitzer; F. W. L. Kiderlen, Sprecher; W. H. Leupold, Sekretair. Just what the duties of the "Sprecher" were cannot be stated. Perhaps he had some of the powers of an attorney. The city register of that time gives Mr. Kiderlen's name as member of the firm of Kiderlen & Stollmeyer, book sellers. The first duty which this body considered was the safe de posit of the funds of the society. It was unanimously agreed to recommend to the main body that the money be placed in the Girard Trust Company, "wegen ihrer anerkannten Solidete," and because it was said "dass einer der Gehiilfen in besagter Anstalt 'Deutsch' sprache." This recommendation, however, was not acted upon favorably until November 3d, when the soci ety voted to remove the funds from the Bank of Pennsylvania to the Girard Trust Company. Inflated by the many favorable reports that came in, and foreseeing unprecedented prosperity, the members believed that Congress would be only too willing to lend a helping hand. Ac cordingly, on September 26th, Mr. Kiderlen offered the follow ing motion : "Dass die Gesellschaft bei dem Congress darum nachsuchen solle, dass dieser ihr soviel Congressland, als die Gesellschaft wiin- sche und wo sie es wunsche, auf Credit verkaufen moge." Only the intercession of a Congressman from Pennsylvania, who was a friend of the society, prevented the blunder of such an appeal. This resolution confirmed again what was said con cerning the opinion of the possibilities of this undertaking. It will be remembered that the question of branch societies was early and frequently discussed. As early as November 3, And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 27 1836, we meet with the confirmation that an auxiliary was estab lished at Albany, New York. And later in the same month Bal timore reports a like organization. Concerning the inner work ings of the Albany branch we are, unfortunately, left almost totally uninformed. Some of the minutes of the Baltimore soci ety have come down to us. We know the Baltimore officers to have been Christoph A. Medinger, President; G. H. Mittnacht, Secretary; Johannes Berger, Treasurer. Most of these men be came quite prominent in the society later on. At a later period Pittsburg also had a branch society. The auxiliaries were, of course, under the restrictions of the general constitution. Regarding the disposition of the money collected by the auxiliaries for shares, etc., the Board of Man agers passed the following order on November 1 7th : "Sobald eine Summe von wenigstens Einhundert Dollars einge- gangen ist, soil ein Bank Check of New York, payable to the Presi dent of the German Settlement Society Julius Leupold or order — eingesandt werden : woruber nach specifirter Angabe der respectiven Namen, in der deutschen Zeitung Neue und Alte Welt quittirt wer den soil." Great activity was also manifested in New Orleans, Mon treal, Cleveland, Cincinnati and other cities of the Union, but we have no proof that other auxiliaries than the three above-named existed. Early in December of 1836 the Board of Managers recom mended most heartily the advertising of the plan of colonization through the medium of newspapers in Germany. The thirteen publications which they regarded as best adapted to these adver tisements were the following: Die Bremer Zeitung, Der Hamburger Correspondent, Die Dorfzeitung, Anzeiger der Deutschen in Gotha, Das Frankfurter Journal, 28 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia Der Schwdbische Merkur, Die Augsburger Allg. Zeitung, Der Schweizerbote, Die Speyrer Zeitung, Die Preussische Staatszeitung, Elberf elder Zeitung, Breslauer Zeitung, Karlsruher Zeitung. The main body sanctioned this plan, but decided to delay its execution until the purchase of property had been effected. Previous to this, Nos. 43-45 of the Alte umd-Neue Welt of 1836 contain a most interesting article enumerating the pos sible and probable advantages accruing from sharing in this undertaking. It was signed by the president and secretary and the nine members of the Board of Managers. At its close this request was subjoined: "Alle deutschen Zeitungen werden ersucht obige Anzeige fur 2 Thaler 3 Mai in ihre resp. Blatter einzuriicken." After pointing out that the society had been making slow but sure and successful advancement, the article said : "Daher laden wir alle deutschen Briider aller Orten freund- lichst ein Mitglieder dieser grossartigen National-Unternehmung zu werden."19 The chief advantages of this society over others, this ar ticle proceeds to delineate under four principal heads : 1. Absolute equality of the rights and privileges of all members. Detailed under this head stands this: "Jedes Mitglied der Gesellschaft bekommt ausser einer eigen- M A. und N. W., of Oct. 22, 1836. And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 29 thiimlichen Stadtlotte fiir jede Actie noch das Miteigenthum am ganzen Vermogen der Gesellschaft, durch welches nicht nur eine Menge Vortheile durch gemeinschaftliche Anlagen von Dorfschaf- ten, Fabriken, Manufacturen, Schulen u. s. w., sondern hochst wahr- scheinlich auch eine immerwahrende Freiheit von Taxen und Schul- geld fiir alle Mitglieder bewirkt werden kann." 2. The number of participants which this movement is sure to have: "Je schneller und starker die Bevolkerung einer Gegend wachst, und besonders eine fleissige und ausdauernde Bevolkerung wie die deutsche, desto raschere Fortschritte macht sie an Reichthum und Bliithe." 3. The capital of the society is always secure, being in vested in real estate: "Die Mitglieder der Gesellschaft haben daher nie Grund zu be- fiirchten, dass je ihre Einlage konnte verloren gehen — dagegen haben sie vollen Grund zu hoffen, dass ihr Kapital mehr als tausend Procent Zinsen tragen wird!" 4. The poor man can pay for his shares by working for the society. Early in 1837 steps were taken to become incorporated un der the laws of the State of Pennsylvania. The question of prime importance appeared now to be the acquisition of land. This is but natural, for upon this choice depended, in a great measure, the success or failure of the enter prise. It was evident that many persons declined to join because the site for the colony had not been determined upon. It became difficult to solicit new shareholders, and also difficult to hold those members who were growing lukewarm. Illinois, Indiana, Pennsylvania and Missouri had long been considered as having suitable locations. On January 5, 1837, the Province Tamulipas in Old Merico was recommended to the society. A committee of nine investigated the claims of this locality, and reported favorably on the strength of the information at their command, 30 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia but recommended more minute inquiry. This action did not find favor with President Leupold, however. Quite autocratically he ruled that further inquiry be dispensed with, holding it as the opinion, "es sei nie der Plan der Gesellschaft gewesen eine An siedlung ausserhalb der Vereinigten Staaten zu griinden." For this dictatorial, flat-footed decision he was compelled to offer apologies later. Nevertheless he succeeded in checking, most effectually, all attempts to extend the landed interests of the society beyond the borders of the United States. After this ab rupt and rather disagreeable decision, which almost had the result of bringing about a serious rupture between the rulers and the ruled of the society, the Verwaltungs-Rath issued the following recommendation : "Nach naherer Priifung und Ueberlegung, nach Erwagung der Vor- und Nachtheile des Bodens, Climas, Communication etc. kam der Verwaltungs-Rath zu dem Resultate, dass alle anderen Kosten zu sparen und folgende Staaten nur zu bereisen ihm als zweck- massig erscheine : Pennsylvania, Ohio, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, der ostliche Theil Michigan's und der westliche Theil New York's." Early in March, C. G. Ritter was commissioned to go to Washington to confer with certain land agents, but more partic ularly to make inquiry at the government land office and even to apply to Congress for information and to actually appeal for its assistance. It will be recalled that Mr. Ritter was one of the deputies elected on August 27, 1836. Hence the action of this body was stayed until his return. He returned on the nth of March and reported to the Board of Managers. He had gained much valuable information, but, as a matter of course, had not interviewed the Congress of the United States. Now the society decided, encouraged by recent information, to authorize the deputies to visit these States and Territories, viz. : Illinois, In diana, Missouri, Michigan, Wisconsin. It was also urged that the representatives set out on their long and difficult journey in And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 31 the early part of April, "da Aufschub nur Erkaltung zu Folge haben wiirde." Dr. Wm. Schmoele, G. F. Bayer and Fr. Klett were appointed to draft a set of instructions for the government of the deputies. On April 14, 1837, they set out on their wearisome journey. They departed with this last word of instruction from the Board of Managers: "Beschlossen : Dass die Deputirten zuerst in die Gegend des Wabash gehen, um die Landereien daselbst in Augenschein zu neh men, und von dort aus direkt nach dem Staate Missouri, wo sie ent weder von Jefferson City, oder von St. Louis aus an den Verwal tungs-Rath Bericht erstatten sollen, wie das Resultat ihrer Unter- suchungen in den Staaten Indiana, Illinois und Missouri ausgefal- len ist." The following are the instructions of the deputies, sub scribed to by the parties concerned : Instruction fur die reisenden Deputirten der Deutschen Ansied- lungs- G esellschaft. Da Sie seit der Griindung der Gesellschaft Mitglieder derselben waren und daher Gelegenheit hatten, mit dem Geiste, dem Streben, so wie den gegenwartigen und kunftigen Mitteln der Gesellschaft sich genau bekannt zu machen; so wird von Ihnen vorausgesetzt, dass Sie den Endzweck Ihrer Sendung vollkommen richtig ver- stehen. Ihr Auftrag ist kurz follgender: Sie sollen in den durch einen Beschluss der Gesellschaft vom 16. Marz bestimmten und namhaft gemachten Staaten und Terri- torien namlioh : Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Wisconsin und Michigan, einen fiir die Ansiedlung der Gesellschaft passenden Landstrich auf- suchen und den moglichst vortheilhaften Ankauf desselben nach ein- geholter Instruction vom Verwaltungs-Rathe, einleiten. Den Plan fiir Ihre Reise, die Wahl und Lage des Landes und alle andern dahin sich beziehenden Punkte miissen Ihnen, als den auserwahlten Sachverstandigen zur Bestimmung iiberlassen bleiben. In formeller Hinsicht hat der Verwaltungs-Rath die Bestim mung gemacht, Ihnen die genaue Fiihrung eines Tagebuches iiber alle Ihre Arbeiten, Reisen, Ansichten und Urtheile in Beziehung auf ihre Sendung zur Pflicht zu machen. 32 The Get man Settlement Society of Philadelphia Ferner sind Sie beauftragt, so oft Sie es fiir nothwendig er- achten, mindestens aber alle 8 Tage ein Mai, Bericht zu erstatten. Hinsichtlich Ihrer Ausgaben und Reisekosten haben Sie sich an die von der Gesellschaft gemachten Bestimmungen zu halten, namlich f olgende : i.) Laut Beschluss der Gesellschaft vom 25. Marz erhalten Sie alle drei bei Ihrer Abreise baar $450.00 (vierhundert und fiinfzig dollars), also jeder $150.00 und konnen Sie ausserdem durch eine Bank in St. Louis oder Cincinnati $450.00 beziehen. 2.) Laut Beschluss der Gesellschaft vom 6. April erhalt ein jeder von Ihnen $5.00 per Tag wahrend Ihrer Reise von der Ge sellschaft. 3.) Alle Extra-Auslagen oder Opfer, welche Sie bei provisori- scher Abschliessung von Contracten fiir die Gesellschaft zu bringen fiir nothig erachten werden, sollen Ihnen von der Gesellschaft wieder vergutet werden, jedoch diirfen diese Auslagen nicht die Summe von $500.00 (fiinf hundert dollars) iibersteigen. 4.) Sie werden angewiesen, bei Auswahl des Landes nur Grund- eigenthum im Bereich eines schifbaren Flusses zu beriicksichtigen, und von diesem Lande muss wenigstens so viel am Flusse selbst ge- legen sein, um darauf eine Handelsstadt griinden zu konnen. 5.) Sie haben nur auf eine Strecke Landes zu reflectiren, welche nicht weniger als 25,000 (fiinf und zwanzig tausend) Acker in sich fasst. 6.) Zur Bestreitung der Ihnen wahrend Ihrer Reise vorste- henden Auslagen wird Ihnen vom Verwaltungs-Rathe ein Credit von $950.00 (dollars neun hundred und fiinfzig) in St. Louis oder Cincinnati eroffnet. 7.) Sie werden angewiesen in jedem Ihrer Briefe dem Ver waltungs-Rathe zu bemerken an welchem Orte Sie dessen Antwor- ten entgegensehen wollen. 8.) Sie werden angewiesen bei der Auswahl des Landes beson- ders zu beriicksichtigen, dass Getreide- Wein- und Obstbau, wie Vieh- und Schafzucht mit Vortheil betrieben werden konnen. Zu Ihrer Organisation soil nach Ihrer eigenen Wahl ein Mit glied als Vorsitzer Ihre Berathungen und Untersuchungen leiten, ein anderes als buchfuhrender und das dritte als correspondirender Secretair agiren. And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 33 Diese Instructionen sind in duplo ausgefertigt und von beiden Theilen wohl verstanden und genehmigt worden. So geschehen. Philadelphia am ioten April 1837. /. Leupold, President. /. G. Wesselhoeft, Secretair. Adam Schmidt, Schatzmeister. G. F. Bayer, I. C. Viereck, E. W. Wohlein, ) Verwaltungs-Rath. Wm. Feuring, C. Staffhorst, C. Ferentheil, C. G. Ritter, \ Deputirte. F. L. C. GebhardS With the departure of the deputies enthusiasm was more aglow than ever. An actual step had been taken towards the ac complishment of the great undertaking. The optimists were now certain of success. The pessimists were at least silenced. It was also deemed prudent to supplement the constitution with two amendments. Paragraph II was now made to read thus: "Die Gesellschaft wird auf Actien gegriindet von welchen jede im ersten Tausend fiinfundzwanzig und jede im zweiten dreissig Thaler kosten soil ; jedoch soil nach Ankauf des Landes der Preis von den noch nicht verkauften Actien von dem Verwaltungs-Rathe vorgeschlagen und von der Gesellschaft bestimmt werden." This was done on May the 4th, 1837. On July 6, 1837, a much more radical amendment was passed upon: "Wo es erwiesen werden kann dass ein Mitglied zum Nachtheil der Gesellschaft spricht, schreibt oder druckt, mit einem Wort, der Gesellschaft oder ihrem guten Fortgang zu schaden sucht, soil es der Gesellschaft frei stehen, ein solches Mitglied — wenn es die Mehrheit wiinscht — aus der Gesellschaft auszuschliessen. Doch behalt sich die Gesellschaft vor, iiber die Art und Weise wie dies geschehen und namentlich wie viel einem solchen Mitglied von den eingezahlten Geldern abgezogen werden soil, naher zu bestimmen." 34 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia This amendment was destined to cause a great deal of un pleasantness and demanded many explanations. For instance, the editor of the Alte und Neue Welt was compelled to write many articles in its defence. One, the most memorable, he prefaces : "Wer reines Herzens ist, hat das Gesetz nicht zu fiirch- ten, und wer seine Stimme in die Wagschale der Mehrheit bei der Gesetzgebung legte, hat nicht Ursache iiber Tyrannei zu kla- gen."20 The point of contention was, of course, that the mem bers interpreted it as an encroachment on their freedom of speech. Though much was said for and against it, the law re mained unchanged. But the records show no account of its enforcement or any expulsions. The instructions required the deputies to report at least once every week to the society. Naturally these reports were looked forward to with great interest. Their first letter arrived from Cincinnati on May the 4th, and their second one from St. Louis May the 31st. From this last date to July the 3d not a word was heard from the men. It was manifestly impos sible to live up to the letter of their instruction. Their investi gation carried them far from all established mail routes. Per haps, too, they did not have much to report. Their friends were, of course, much concerned as to their welfare and whereabouts. The Board of Managers had already prepared to issue a call of inquiry, giving minute descriptions of the men and stating the* mission, appealing to their western friends for co-operation in clearing up this mysterious disappearance. The letter of July 3d explained the silence completely. It was evident that letters Nos. 3 and 4 had been lost or delayed. The content of these let ters, which arrived later, was kept a profound secret. Only the Board of Managers was initiated into its secrets. Even yet we do not know the full amount of information or description they contained. This is very much to be regretted. Doubtless they " A. und N. W., of August 12, 1837. And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 35 contained many interesting items. But unfortunately they are lost, and what the deputies held as their opinion regarding Illi nois, Indiana, or any other region they may have visited, must remain a secret. In their final report not a syllable occurs to satisfy our curiosity concerning their experiences. On July 1 2th, Ritter and Gebhard returned. Ferentheil, who remained on business in Pittsburg, was delayed four days by a break of the canal, arriving on July 16th. The members were, of course, extremely anxious to hear the detailed account of their representatives. Much dissatisfac tion prevailed because the content of the previous reports had been withheld from them. The reason for withholding the specific information from the general public was well founded. It was simply to prevent conniving land agents and unprincipled speculators from foiling their plans. This was, however, not well understood by the members. Many of them were only too ready to suspect foul play. On July 17th the deputies submitted their complete report, which reads as follows : Allgemeiner Bericht iiber das von den Deputirten der Deutschen Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft zur Ansiedlung als geeignet vorge- schlagene Land. Das Land liegt im Missouri Staate, an zwey schiffbaren Fliis- sen. Das zur Anlage einer Stadt am besten geeignete Land fangt auf dem rechten Ufer des einen Flusses, etwa 5 Meilen von dessen Miindung in den anderen Fluss, an. Der erstere Fluss wird bis jetzt nur bis auf etwa 5 Meilen von dessen Miindung mit Dampfschiffen befahren. Im Friihjahr diirften Dampfbote auch hoher hinauf gehen konnen, doch nur eine kurze Zeit. Versuche sind bis daher noch nicht gemacht worden.' Das rechte Ufer dieses Flusses ist bis auf 5 Meilen von dessen Miindung fast durchgangig so hoch, dass es gegen Ueberschwemmungen gesichert sein soil, wie von- einem 20 Jahre an diesem Flusse bereits wohnenden Manne versichert wurde, wenn nicht Wasserschwellungen, wie bei Cincinnati vor einigen Jahren der Fall war, eintreten. Oberhalb stosst an das eben beschrie- bene Land ein etwa 5 Meilen langer von y2 bis 1 Meile breiter Bot tom. An der Miindung des Flusses fangen steile, steinigte Ufer an, die sich auch an dem andern Flusse hinziehen. Das linke Ufer ist 36 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia fast durchgangig niedriger als das rechte und darum auch wenig .geeignet zur Anlage einer Stadt. Um indess fremden Anlagen nier- gends Raum zu geben, ist nothwendig, dass sich die Gesellschaft nicht nur den Besitz beider Ufer des Flusses, von dessen Miindung bis auf etwa 9 Meilen hinauf, sichert, sondern sich auch den Besitz des Ufers an dem andern Flusse, an beiden Seiten der Miindung so weit sichert, dass an der Miindung nie eine fremde Anlage Platz nehmen kann. Zunachst dem Flusse ist das Land bis auf eine halbe Meile etwa durchschnittlich, auf dem rechten Ufer meist eben und sehr gut. Auf dem linken Ufer sind einige kleine, steile Stellen. Die ganze Gegend ist ausserdem gebrochen und zum Theil stark hiigelich. An den Bachen findet sich iiberall einiges Bottom Land. Das Hiigelland ist theilweise sehr gut und so auch einige grosse Bergflachen, wie der Baumwuchs, die Baumarten und das hin und wieder gefundene Getreide beweisen. Ist das Land nicht iiberall durchaus giinstig fiir den Ackerbau, so ist es um so besser fur Grasswuchs und also fiir die Viehzucht. Meist in der ganzen Gegend findet sich Kalk- stein. Eisenerz soil viel da seyn. Die Bleimienen sind nicht ent- fernt und also moglich, dass sich auch in der besagten Gegend dieses Metall findet. Die wenigen in der Gegend vorgefundenen Obst- baume haben einen sehr guten Wuchs. Weinbau wird wahrschein- lich gedeihen, wenn das Land mehr angebaut ist. Quellen sind in dieser Gegend mehr als in anderen Gegenden. An dem rechten Ufer, da, wo die Stadt anzulegen ist, sind nur 2 Platze, die zusammen 220 Acker messen und die die Eigner fiir den Preis von 15 Doll. per Acker zum Verkauf anbieten, aber gewiss mit einem geringeren Preis zufrieden seyn werden. Ab vom Ufer auf 4 und mehreren Meilen liegen nur einige kleine Farmereien, welche die Gesellschaft nicht nothwendig kaufen miisste ; alles andere Land ist bis auf kleine Strecken Congress-Land. Im siidlichen Theile des Counties sind mehr Ansiedlungen, aber auch da ist noch viel Congressland vorhanden. Auf dem linken Ufer, das Bottom-Land am Flusse ausgenommen, ist das Land weniger gut als auf dem rechten Ufer, doch ist auch da noch einiges gute Con gress-Land zu finden. Am linken Ufer des Flusses ist eine kleine Farm, deren Besitz fiir die Gesellschaft wichtig ist." Whether the deputies did or did not follow their instruction to visit Michigan and Wisconsin cannot be stated. Neither do we know what was the result of their investigation along the Wabash. It is indeed an interesting problem why Missouri should And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 37 have been selected. It must be remembered that Missouri was a slave state and that the German mind had a natural antipathy for the institution of slavery. Other States, in free territory, had land at just as liberal terms as Missouri. It must not be overlooked, however, that one prime factor in the instructions issued to the agents of the society was that they should consider only such sections as were adjacent to a navigable river. For this reason, no doubt, the Wabash and the Missouri were speci fically mentioned. We would further venture the assertion that Missouri was more in the public mind than the other sections suggested for the colony. It was yet on the very frontier. The struggle which ended in the Missouri Compromise was not forgotten. The Mormon settlement of 1832 in western Missouri gave notoriety. Undoubtedly Gottfried Duden's idealized ac count of his paradisiacal trans-Mississippi home, published under the ponderous title: "Bericht iiber eine Reise nach den westli- chen Staaten Nordamerikas und einem mehrjdhrigen Aufenthalt am Missouri (in den Jahren 1824, 25, 26 und 27) in Bezug auf Auswanderung und Urbevolkerung, oder : Das Leben im Inner en der Vereinigten Staaten und dessen Bedeutung fiir die h'dusliche und politische Lage der Europder, dargestellt, a.) in einer Sammlung von Brief en, b. ) in einer besonderen Abhandlung iiber den politischen Zustanden der nordamerikanischen Frei- staaten, und c.) in einem rathgebenden Nachtrag fiir auswan- dernde deutsche Ackerwirthe und Diejenigen, welche auf Hand- unternehmungen denken, von Gottfried Duden, pointed like a giant index to Missouri, for the first edition was scattered far and wide among the eager readers of Germany. Furthermore, just one year previous to the organization of the Deutsche An siedlungs-Gesellschaft, Tr. Bromme published, at Baltimore, with E. Scheld & Co., his book: Missouri eine geographische — sta- tistische — topographische Skizze fiir Einwanderer und Freunde der Lander- und Vblkerkunde, 1835. This author, too, is quite liberal with his praises. He discusses various portions of the 38 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia State as especially fitted for German settlements. He depicts in bright colors Missouri's natural resources. We can easily con ceive how his description of a wild grape vine 36 inches in cir cumference would provoke comment among his German readers. Nor does it require a very vivid fantasy to imagine that a de scription of a veritable Eden would be perused with interest. On page 37 Bromme says, speaking of Missouri's population : "Auch hier findet man die Bewohner aller Lander Europas und der Union vereinigt, keiner sehnt sich zuriick in die friiheren Ver haltnisse und das Gross der Bevolkerung lebt gliicklich und zufrie- den. Was sollte auch ein Missourier vermissen ! Er bewohnt ein reiches, fruchtbares Land, welches er um den geringen Preis von ij4 Dollar von der Regierung, oder, je nachdem Verbesserungen darauf angebracht waren, um 4 — 25 Dollars den Acre, von Privaten kaufte; — er fiihrt bei massiger Arbeit ein angenehmes, sorgen- freies, patriarchalisches Leben, und wenn er gleich seinen Dienst- leuten einen hohen Lohn von 100 — 150 Dollars, ja oft noch dariiber geben muss, vermehrt sich doch sein Kapital mit jedem Jahr ! — Kam er arm in's Land, so setzte ihn zweijahrige Arbeit in den Stand eines unabhangigen Farmers, und hat er Intelligenz, in Kur- zem ein Beamter seines neuen Vaterlandes zu werden. Ein weites Feld der Thatigkeit steht hier Jedem offen, und wer nicht darnach trachtet, Reichthiimer aufhaufen zu wollen, kann hier in wahrhaft philosophischer Ruhe ein herrliches beneidenswerthes Leben fiihren. Mit 4 — 500 Dollars kann man 80 — 100 Acres erwerben, von denen ein Theil schon in Kultur gesetzt ist, und einem Familienvater, welchem nach Abzug der Reisekosten ein solches Kapital bei seiner Ankunft iibrig bleibt, braucht, und wenn er noch so viel Familie hatte, nicht vor der Zukunft zu bangen." One spot which Bromme finds worthy of particular descrip tion lies in Montgomery County, directly opposite the present site of Hermann. Duden's settlement,21 too, it must be remem bered, was only a few miles east of the section the deputies found favorable for the colony. Furthermore, Miinch22 and Folle- nius,23 the leaders of the unfortunate Giessner-Gesellschaft, lived 21Gert. Goebel, hanger als ein Menschetieben in Missouri, p. 6. 22 Gert. Goebel, ibid, Chapter 2. " Friedrich Miinch's Gesammelte Schriften, p. 101. GEO. F. BAYER, THE AGENT OF THE SOCIETY. And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 39 near there. And the Berliner-Gesellschaft was only 30 miles to the east.24 It stands to reason that the Philadelphia society was famil iar with all these facts. In the light of these facts we believe that Missouri would suggest itself naturally to them. Indeed, we find Cullmann recommending Missouri to the Executive Committee as early as the 14th of June, 1836. We have, however, no further insight into the discussions regarding the proposed sites, nor do we know who championed the cause of Missouri. The report of the deputies was received amid the most enthu siastic plaudits. The very evening when the report became known the Board of Managers resolved as follows : "Auf diese Griinde gestutzt, halt der Verwaltungs-Rath es fiir ausserst nothwendig, dass sobald als moglich ein Deputirter nach be- sagtem Lande abgeschickt werde, um der Gesellschaft den Besitz des Landes zu sichern und scheint es ihm daher erwiinscht, dass die Absendung schleunigst geschehe." After a committee of nine had examined the report in detail, the Board of Managers was authorized to deputize some respon sible and capable person as agent plenipotentiary to lay claim to the aforesaid land. The choice of this Board fell upon G. F. Bayer, a schoolmaster by profession- — at that time engaged by the Zions-Gemeinde of Philadelphia. This recommendation on the part of the Board was heartily confirmed by the society. A committee, composed of Adam Schmidt and Dr. Schmoele, drew up the instructions for this representative. The document was signed by Bayer and the members of the Board of Managers. On the 27th of July, Bayer started out on this difficult and ex tremely responsible mission. He generously enough asked for no compensation, contenting himself with the defraying of his actual expenses. 24 Gert. Goebel, Longer als ein Menschenleben in Missouri, p. 7. 40 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia The instructions by which he was governed are the fol lowing : Instruction fur Herrn G. F. Bayer, Agent des Verwaltungs-Rathes der Deutschen Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft um Land zu kaufen. Zu Folge eines Beschlusses der Deutschen Ansiedlungs-Gesell schaft vom 18. July d. J. (1837) hat der Verwaltungs-Rath Sie zum Agenten gewahlt, um den von den kiirzlich zuriickgekommenen De putirten der Gesellschaft aufgefundenen und naher beschriebenen Landstrich, soweit als moglich, durch Ankauf fiir die Gesellschaft zu sichern. Sie wollen daher direkt nach St. Louis reisen und von dort iiber folgende Punkte so schnell als thunlich an den Verwaltungs-Rath berichten : 1.) Ist der von den Deputirten bezeichnete Landstrich ganz oder zum Theil und wie weit Congress-Land? 2.) Auf welche Weise kann die Bezahlung dieses oder eines Theiles desselben am zweckmassigsten gemacht werden? 3.) Sollten Sie ausserdem noch passende Nachrichten mitzu- theilen haben, so werden Sie solche zu thun gebeten. Im Falle, dass Ihre Erkundigungen in St. Louis so ausfallen, dass Sie glauben, dass der ganze von den Deputirten bezeichnete Landstrich oder ein hinreichend grosser Theil desselben vom Con- gresse zu haben ist, so wollen Sie direkt hinreisen und sich mit der Localitat des Landes so genau als moglich bekannt machen. Als- dann wahlen Sie die fiir die Gesellschaft tauglichsten Striche zum Ankauf aus, und zwar in der Art dass Sie sowohl innerhalb der Ihnen bekannten Krafte der Gesellschaft bleiben, als auch das nicht gleich gekaufte Land fiir den kiinftigen Ankauf so viel als moglich sichern. Sollten Grundstiicke, die Privatpersonen gehoren, innerhalb des von Ihnen fiir die Gesellschaft ausersehenen Landstriches liegen, so wollen Sie mit den Eigenthiimern moglichst vortheilhaft proviso- rische Kauf-Contracte abschliessen und die Resultate so schnell als moglich an den Verwaltungs-Rath berichten. Zugleich wollen Sie angeben wie viel Geld unbedingt nothig ist, um den von Ihnen auf dem Platze selbst gemachten Kaufplan am vortheilhaftesten auszufiihren, und wohin, zu welcher Zeit, und auf welche Weise dieses Geld an Sie geschickt werden moge. Sollten Sie schon in St. Louis oder spaterhin erfahren, dass _ THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. To all to whom these Presents shall come, Greeting: WHEREAS tjy H^vuyi^r w ^^u'&lsW <_vc i^C Vi^/ ZO& LrCCXA C Cyt^TC^iA^a1 *W 6***>e-t*w S^ -< /IM/L*7 -y ha^/ deposited in Ihe GENERAL LAND OFFICE of the United States, a Certificate of the REGISTER OF THE LAND OFFICE at (^fjf- .^/^^ whereby it appears lhat full payment has been made by the said C/ tl'trvo

~ Cf €¦ o*^&^ ^Oi*. according lo the official phUof Ihe survey of the said Lands, returned lo the General Land Office by the SOU VE TOR eEIYERAX, which said tract has been purchased by the said 1/t Vt£y^ NOW KNOW YE, That the th the several acts of Congress, in such case made and provided, HAVE GIVEN AND GRANTED, ty AIUIHBIKDiLi have earned these later, to be made PATENT, and the SEAL of the GENERAL LAND OFFlfV, i b' hereunto affixed. 6»VEW under my hand, at the CUT OF WASHINGTON, the Lord one thousand eight hundred and ^^fL^gP^^. the t/M/^t '¦f^^yu y BY THE PRESIDENT: Rtfflrded, Vol. /rt page jf <4 j~ day of (_f£ £¦ ¦£.&•— f>*-i£^Z** in the year of our and of the INDEPENDENCE OF THE UNITED STATES RECORDER OF TOE OEXs£lL LAM) OFFICE.'- CERTIFICATE OF PURCHASE OF GOVERNMENT LAND. And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 41 der obige Plan zum Ankaufe des von den Deputirten bezeichneten Landes unausfiihrbar ist, so sind Sie beauftragt dieses dem Verwal- tungs-Rathe unverziiglich zu berichten und direkt zu dem zweiten von den Deputirten bezeichneten Landstriche am Cuivre Flusse zu reisen. Hier werden Sie dasselbe oben beschriebene Verfahren in Beziehung auf provisorische Kauf-Contracte einschlagen und die Mittel bestimmen, den von Ihnen vorzuschlagenden Kaufplan durch- zufiihren. In dem Falle dass beide erwahnten Landstriche entweder fiir unbraucbbar oder unerlangbar fiir die Gesellschaft befunden werden sollten, so sind Sie beauftragt, nach den besten von Ihnen eingezo- genen Erkundigungen einen andern passenden und erlangbaren Landstrich fiir die Gesellschaft aufzusuchen und nach den oben nie- dergelegten Grundsatzen entweder provisorisch anzukaufen, oder auf andere Weise den Ankauf derselben zweckgemass vorzubereiten. Hierbei haben Sie nach den Grundsatzen zu verfahren, welche in der, den friiheren Deputirten gegebenen Instruction niedergelegt sind. Jedoch sollen Sie tiberhaupt die Vollmacht haben, in einzelnen Fallen nach Ihrer eigenen besten Einsicht und in dem Ihnen bekannten Geiste unserer Gesellschaft zu verfahren, ohne jedoch unautorisirte Verbindlichkeiten einzugehen. Sollten Sie in der Ausfiihrung Ihrer Auftrage die Hiilfe anderer Personen, z. B. eines Begleiters, Feldmessers etc. bediirfen, so haben Sie alle Gewalt, sich dieselben auf Kosten der Gesellschaft zu ver- schaffen. Es steht ferner die Summe von zweihundert und fiinfzig Tha lern zu Ihrer Disposition welche Sie zu ausserordentlichen Ausgaben, die Sie zur Erreichung Ihrer Zwecke fiir nothig erachten, ganz oder theilweise zu verwenden Erlaubniss haben. Alle in dieser Instruction Ihnen zur Abschliessung aufgetrage- nen Contracte haben Sie auf Ihren Namen abzuschliessen zum Besten der „Deutschen Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft." In einem besonders dazu bestimmten Tagebuch wollen Sie die Fortschritte Ihrer Bestrebungen taglich niederschreiben und, so oft Sie es fiir rathsam halten, wenigstens aber jede Woche einmal, von Ihrer Ankunft in St. Louis an, einen Auszug aus demselben an den Verwaltungs-Rath schicken, wobei Sie zugleich anzugeben haben, wohin allenfalsige fernere Instructionen fiir Sie gesandt werden mogen. The first weeks after Bayer's departure were weeks of anx iety and suspense. It was generaly felt that the society was ap proaching a crisis. Upon Bayer's success or failure as agent hinged the future of the whole undertaking. The weekly reports, 42 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia requested of the agent, did not flow in any more freely than those of the three deputies had on their prospecting tour. This, of course, heightened the desire for information. On August 21st Bayer's first letter arrived. It was dated at St. Louis, the 12th of August. In this letter he states that in his opinion the purchase of the land should be made without delay. The society, of course, complied promptly with the agent's wishes. The necessary steps were taken to forward the money. The treasurer's report sub mitted in connection with this action shows the society to have been prosperous. Up to September 7th, 1837, 823 shares had been sold. There had been deposited with the treasurer $12,- 396.11. It goes without saying that this was not the full amount due. It will be remembered that the lowest share was worth $25. Therefore, the entire amount due was almost double the amount collected. This difference is explained by the fact that partial payments were permitted. Each installment was at the rate of $5. After Bayer became acquainted in St. Louis, his letters seem to have been punctually written, but were often seriously delayed on the way. We have record of letters dated August 19th and 26th, and September 4th, 8th, 17th, 18th. But, like the letters of the deputies, they seem to have been misplaced when the papers were carried to Hermann, or they were destroyed. Of all the many letters that the agent then wrote, and those which he later sent to the superior in office, only three are known now to exist. They are a few of the many he wrote from Hermann. They will be inserted in their proper place in this article. We cannot refrain from expressing our regret that these old historic relics are not to be found. The most diligent search has failed to reveal the slightest clue to their whereabouts. Vandalism has even dared to encroach upon the archives at Hermann at a late date, and has de layed honest investigation most unpardonably. As it stands, we can but infer, and often only conjecture, as to what these letters contained, by the action of the Board of Managers and the society. Thus, for instance, we cannot do And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 43 better than merely surmise the reasons why Bayer did not follow the recommendations of the deputies more closely. The land designated by the deputies lies along the Gasconade River, and along the point of confluence of this river and the Missouri. (This region is indicated on the accompanying chart by a dotted line.) From this same chart it will be seen also that only a comparatively small part of the Bayer purchase actually lies in this scope of territory. Why this was done is an un answered and perhaps unanswerable question. It will be remem bered that in their report the deputies mention the fact that 220 acres of this region were already in the hands of private owners. These owners offered this land at $15.00 an acre. However, it is not at all improbable that they declined to dispose of their pos session under any consideration, whatever, seeing a prospect of profiting by the society later; or that they refused to sell at the price previously quoted by them, asking, indeed, a much higher price. Even $15.00 an acre must have appeared exorbitantly high then, when millions of acres could be entered at just one-twelfth of that price. At any rate, Bayer met with some serious hinder- ance. This he must have reported to the society, for the Board of Managers hastened to forward additional instructions to him. „Dass Herr Bayer benachrichtigt werde, die auf dem von ihm erlesenen Landstriche aufgenommenen Platze anzukaufen, im Falle sie durch keine andern ersetzt werden konnen." This was done on September 18th. It is plain from the con nection of these minutes and what followed, that this has refer ence to some of the land he actually purchased from private owners, and not to the 220 acres above mentioned. This view is confirmed by another resolution, passed later that same evening : „Dass Herr Bayer angewiesen werde, dass am Missouri und Gasconade gelegene Land, wenn es unter gleich vortheilhafter Be- dingung zu haben, zu kaufen ; doch seiner Einsicht die Entscheidung zu tiberlassen." This reference is clearly to the land visited by the three 44 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia deputies, and also shows that pecuniary matters formed the bar rier against a speedy purchase. The accompanying chart shows and locates every acre of ground Bayer bought for the society. It is based on data found in the original patents, yet preserved at Hermann, and in an old deed of the society. A glance at the chart will show how the land was scattered. The reason for this is not well known. Bayer certainly did try to buy the land indicated by the deputies, and he had succeeded in acquiring several sections in this region. But most of the purchase lies near the present site of Hermann. Her mann is located on parts of Sections 25 and 26, 35 and 36, of Township 46, Range 5, West. In choosing the land thus scat tered, the agent doubtless had in mind the fundamental principle of the body that sent him, namely, that agriculture and manufac ture should go hand in hand. The regions along the Gasconade and the interior of the county were much better adapted to agri culture than the extremely broken land along the Missouri. On the banks of the Missouri he hoped the manufacturing establish ments would spring up. The great river was to be the public highway on which the finished products should reach the market. From a record at Hermann we learn the exact dates when the land was entered. On September 21st, 1837, the following cer tificates were issued at the St. Louis Land Office : Nos. 9636 to 9642, conveying seven separate tracts of land, containing 1594.81 acres; on September 22d, Nos. 9643 and 9644, conveying 480 acres; on October 4th, Nos. 9689 to 9694 and 9699 to 9710, con veying 5537.47 acres; on October 9th, Nos. 9728 to 9738, con veying 2640.26 acres; on October 10th, Nos. 9752 and 9753, con veying 560 acres. There is a further record, stating that on May 10th, 1838, he entered three more tracts, embracing 200 acres, on certificates Nos. 10,385 to 10,387. Though this entry was made many months after the first, the land must have been bought for the society, as Bayer was still its agent. This gives us a total of 11,012.54 acres, which were obtained from the government for CHART SHOWING LAND PROPOSED AS SITE OF THE COLONY AND LAND ACTUALLY PURCHASED BY THE SOCIETY. And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 45 the sum of $14,077.73. But this was not all the land acquired by the agent. From a deed whereby the trustees of the society took formal possession of the land, we learn that five further tracts, containing in all 288.09 acres, were bought from private owners. Therefore, the grand total of acres of which the society became possessor was 11,300.63. The persons who conveyed their land to the society were Stephen Atkins, William Guyler, Charles Roark, Willis Hensley and Polly Phillips. Bayer's ledger account informs us that he expended $1535.00 in purchasing land from private individuals. A man named Jar- vis refused to sell his farm. He foresaw a rapid increase in the value of land, and hoped to profit by the prosperity of the colony. He retained his claim, and later became the cause of much vexa tion and annoyance to the settlers. Whether Bayer ever visited the Cuiver River country, indi cated in his instruction, or not, is unknown. We have, in several places, referred to the favorable report of the deputies, regarding the Gasconade River country. We de sire to say that, from personal examination, we can confirm the opinion that it would be admirable for a settlement of the kind proposed. The land along the Gasconade is, in part, very fertile. This, then, would have satisfied the requirements which stipulated the purchase of farming land. The other demand— that of a site for manufacturing possibilites — could easily be met along either of the rivers. The statements of the deputies were entirely true and accurate. Only one fact did they fail to report, which, owing to the season in which they made their visit, they were unable to observe, namely that the lowlands of this region are quite mias matic. As in other river bottoms, fevers play havoc among the inhabitants during the autumn. For this reason, it was doubtless a blessing that Bayer could not make agreeable terms of purchase. As it was, hundreds suffered intensely from ague during the first years of residence. Bayer selected the site for the new town in the comparatively 46 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia narrow valley of a small stream called Frain Creek. It is lo cated seven miles to the east of the point of confluence of the Gas conade and the Missouri, on the south or right bank of the latter. The topography of the surrounding country is very irregular. Fr. Miinch's rather poetical description of the physical environ ments of Missouri's "Deutschheim" when he says : "Hermann* ist auf der Siidseite amphitheatralisch von Hiigelreihen umgeben," is scarcely strong enough. Some of the land is extremely broken. But very little of the land around the site of the proposed town is adapted to extensive agriculture. Other sections of the purchase have very good farm land. But they are far away, making com munication and transportation difficult and laborious. To the unprejudiced observer it seems quite doubtful that Bayer was a good judge of land. He was by profession a schoolmaster. Most probably he knew more of "the three R's" than of the business of buying land for a corporation. Various conjectural explanations have been offered to account for his decision and the choice of this land. Some surmise that he selected it because it reminded him of his old Bavarian home. Others say he selected it because it promised well for horticultural pursuits. Still others that he intentionally avoided the vast tracts of level land of West and North Missouri in order that there might be no temptation or possibilty for the settlers to own slaves. Still others believe and quite justly, that the nearness of St. Louis, "the Gateway of the West," led him to the choice. In addition to these views, we should like to refer again to some of the reasons we have pre viously enumerated, when we spoke of the choice of Missouri. We believe that the settlement of the Berliner Gesselschaft at Washington, Missouri, and that of Munich, Follenius and Bock, in Warren County, had more to do in fixing his choice than any other reason that has been suggested. The cheapness of the land of that locality cannot have been an inducement to him, for all the government land of Missouri sold then at the price of $1.25 * Fr. Munich, "Der Staat Missouri," p. 204. ORIGINAL LIMITS OF HERMANN. And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 47 to $2.50 per acre. The restriction that the settlement should be on a river, of course, hampered the agent more than one might think at the first glance. We must now return again to the society itself, in Phila delphia. The meeting of October 5th, 1837, was another memorable one in the annals of the Deutsche Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft. After the president's order, that the society enter into secret ses sion, had been obeyed, he announced : „Dass er die f rohe Nachricht mitzutheilen habe, dass ein grosses Stuck Land fiir die Gesellschaft gekauft sei." The enthusiasm of the members knew no bounds. "Land ! land!" they cried, like anxious mariners after a dreary journey. New hope, new expectations, filled them all. A giant stride had been made towards the coveted goal. Here was, at last, a tangi ble proof of the sincerity of the undertaking. The dormant ones became aroused, the faithful stimulated and encouraged. The organization had gained a new lease on life. The world beheld that the Germans were, indeed, in earnest, and that their perse verance was about to be crowned with glorious success. So fav orable was the prospect and so bright the outlook that the Board of Managers felt justified soon after in resolving : „Dass, da das Land fiir die Gesellschaft an einem sehr giin- stigen Platze am Missouri Flusse angekauft ist, jede Actie vom 1. October d. J. an, bis auf weitere Anzeige, 35 Dollar kostet." The society accepted this recommendation, and even went a step farther, and on November 2d decreed : „Der Preis der Actien soil vom 1. December d. J. an, auf $50, bis auf weitere Anzeige, festgestellt werden." On the same day that the announcement of the purchase was made, the name of the town was to be discussed. Only a name typ- 48 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia ically German would do. After a brief deliberation, this deci sion was reached : „Dass die auf dem von der Deutschen Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft gekauften Lande zu erbauende Stadt den Namen Hermann er- halten soil." Under these prosperous conditions, it became apparent that to promote the undertaking still further, a responsible supervisor was a positive necessity. This officer was to be styled "General Agent." He should conduct their business at the prospective col ony. In casting about for a suitable person for this very impor tant business, it became clear to the members, "dass man keinen schicklicheren General Agenten als Herrn Bayer finden wiirde." The election was, however, postponed until Bayer's return. On the evening of October 30th, Bayer reported to the Board of Managers, having made the trip from St. Louis in seventeen days. He presented a sketch of the proposed town, described the land he had bought, and also the environments in which it was found. On November 2d he made a written report to the "Gen eral Versammlung" concerning the trip. (Unfortunately, this report is not to be found.) A committee took his report into closer scrutiny. Every one was well pleased with the services of the agent, and it was at once moved to make G. F. Bayer the "General-Agent" of the society. At first it was suggested that he should hold his office for an indefinite period, during good be havior. Later the time was limited to one year. As a matter of fact, he held it less than a year. On October 2d, 1838, he laid down his extremely difficult task. He was instructed to depart for the colony at the earliest possible date. The remuneration he was to receive for his serv ices is itemized under four heads : 1. Herr Bayer erhalt einen jahrlichen Gehalt von $600 so lange er seine Pflicht erfiillt. 2. Es werden ihm 80 Acker Land von der Gesellschaft zu dem Ankaufspreise gelassen. And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 49 3. Er erhalt $300 fiir sich und seine Familie als Reisegeld. , £' ?r e,rhaIt ein im Bezirk der Stadt unvollendetes Blockhaus als ueschenk. All the land which Bayer had procured for the society still appeared in his name. November -3, 1837, the Board of Managers created a Board of Trustees, to whom the property of the society should be deeded. As security of the trust of these men their own personal property should be held. The society gladly and quickly ratified this appointment. The new board consisted of four en thusiastic supporters of the movement, Adam Maag, Adam Schmidt, Jakob Hummel, and Frederich Klett. It was deemed advisable that these four men should be added to the Board of Managers of the society. As it happened, most of them already belonged, so that the Board of Managers did not become too un wieldy a body. The deed, remarkable for its length, containing the itemized record of the transfer of forty-five separate tracts of land, is written, with exemplary neatness, on two pieces of parchment, each measuring 27x34 inches. For the reason that it contains some historical facts, and be cause of its quaintness, we subjoin a short part of the deed here : This Indenture made the fourteenth (14) day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty-seven, Between George F. Bayer of the city of Philadelphia and the State of Pennsylvania, Merchant, and Catharine, his Wife, of the One Part, and Adam Maag, of the District of Spring Garden in the County of Philadelphia, Bottler; Adam Smith, of the Northern Liberties of the City of Philadelphia, Morocco Dresser ; Jacob Hum- mell, of the Northern Liberties aforesaid, Morocco Dresser, and Frederick Klett, of the Northern Liberties aforesaid, Druggist, of the other part, witnesseth, That the said George F. Bayer and Cath arine, his Wife, as well for and in consideration of the sum of One Dollar lawful money of the United States of America unto them at or before the Sealing and Delivery hereof by the said Adam Maag, Adam Smith, Jacob Hummel, and Frederick Klett, well and truly paid, the Receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, as for divers other causes and considerations them thereunto moving have granted, bargained, and sold, aliened, enfeoffed, released and con firmed, and by these Presents do grant, bargain and sell, alien, en- 50 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia feoff, release and confirm unto the said Adam Maag, Adam Smith, Jacob Hummel, and Frederick Klett and the Survivor and Sur vivors of them, and the Heirs and Assigns of the Survivor of them, All those Forty-Five Certain Tracts or Pieces of Land situated, lying and being in the County sf Gasconade in the State of Mis souri, to wit :" » It will be noticed that Bayer is spoken of as a merchant. This was doubtless an error. The City Directory of Philadelphia of 1837 gives his occupation as "teacher," his residence, 432 N. Second. In all other connections, when his name is mentioned with a profession, it is that of teacher. While he was away on his tour of inspection, and purchased the land, he wrote to the Board; of Managers to send word to the "Zions-Gemeinde" that he would not be able to return in time to open the school. In a letter of August 10, 1838, to the Board of Managers, he says : „Handel werde ich nie treiben auch wenn ich nicht mehr Agent bin, indem es mit meinen Principien nicht ubereinstimmt." It certainly sounded more businesslike to say "merchant" in- otead of "teacher" in connection with a big land deal. It will also be noted that some of the proper names are Anglicized. The parties concerned were, however, all German. The closing months of the year 1837 were marked by the in- tensest interest in the society. It was, indeed, a feverish interest. There was an eagerness that seems almost unnatural, a rush almost ridiculous. And all this, too, in a year when a fierce storm swept the financial world. But the panic of 1837 did not pass without marring even this institution. Of this we shall speak later. The transactions of the society impress us now as rather too eager. It seemed as if they wished to reach the ultimate goal by one single bound. They fired the imagination and exaggerated the possibilities and built up hopes which they were not certain they could fulfill. They realized, of course, that the time to strike is when the iron is hot. But we know how fatal the collapse is when hopes are shattered, promises unfulfilled, and expectation meets disappointment. And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 51 Many resolutions were passed regarding the government of the proposed town, and regarding the land, which all attest the keen interest taken in the affair, but which are uncalled for and premature. Thus without knowing anything of the land which they found themselves possessors of, save what the necessarily meager and perfunctory report of Bayer had told them, they ar bitrarily ruled that the land should be divided into classes one and two, class one to cost $3.00 per acre and class two $2.00. It goes without saying that only the most loyal supporters would agree to take such land at such prices, when, in almost any quarter of the vast Louisiana Purchase any one could gain the ownership of two acres of land instead of one from the society, and that, too, of land that was of superior quality. Another drawback was the ruling which decreed that every owner should build a house val ued at $300 on his lot or lots during the first year of ownership. The lots bordering on the wharf and costing $150.00 each were required to have a house valued at $500 by the expiration of the first year. Failure to comply with this decree forfeited the prop- , erty to the society. It would be expected that the board of managers would be very deliberative and conservative in their proposals, but it ap pears that they were most speculative. And the society sanc tioned and accepted blindly most of their propositions. In their minds' eye Hermann was the rival of St. Louis — in reality its proposed site was a howling wilderness. Before they had any definite knowledge of the topography of the land around Her mann, they planned public squares, laid out streets (all on paper) and dignified these squares and streets by naming them after great German and American celebrities. Upon motion of Mr. Maag it was decided : „Dass ¦ die grosse Strasse, welche von Norden nach Siiden laufe, den Namen „Marktstrasse" bekomme, dass aus dieser Strasse das Viereck (Square) wegfalle, in der Mitte die Markthauser gebaut und diese Strasse 10 Fuss breiter als die Markt- strasse von Philadelphia gemacht werde." 52 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia Mr. Klett moved to set aside four squares, one in each quar ter of the plot chosen for the town, to be used as public places of recreation. It was further resolved that promenades 150 ft. wide should be arranged east and west along the town. As a matter of fact such promenades are absolutely impossible owing to the extremely broken condition of the ground in question. The streets running parallel to Market Street should bear these names : Washington, Franklin, Tell, Bliicher, Philadelphia, Friedrich, Gutenberg, and Mozart. (The streets we do actually find in Her mann now are Market, Schiller, Gutenberg, Franklin, Gilbert, Mozart, Washington, Goethe, Jefferson and Wein, other streets being numbered.) The proposed squares (which, however, were never laid out) were to bear these names : Schiller, Goethe, Wie- land and Herder. This was all very commendable to demon strate their enthusiasm and zeal but it certainly was impractical and extremely visionary. Before a year had elapsed the board of managers had received intelligence that their plans were inappli cable to the new town. The actual conditions had foiled their ideals. On April 12th, 1838, they ask for an accurate insight into the physical conditions at Hermann, in these words : „Dass Herr Bayer die Veranstaltung treffe : eine topographische Karte (nebst Plan der Stadt Hermann) von den sammtlichen Lan- dereyen fiir die Gesellschaft anzufertigen oder anfertigen zu lassen und diese Zeichnungen dem Verwaltungs-Rathe hier einzuschicken." At this time, too, the board of managers resolved to make another effort at popularizing the organization in the Fatherland. They decided to have 500 notices printed setting forth the pros perous condition of the society and encouraging participation in the same. These notices were to be distributed among the Phila delphia members who should enclose them in their letters to Euro pean friends and kinsmen. This idea found favor. At a subse quent meeting it was agreed to have another lot of 500 such no tices struck. They were designed to be sent to European ports, And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 53 like Bremen, Hamburg, and Havre, where "Schiffsmackler" should distribute 10 to 15 of them on each ship sailing for North America. There was no doubt whatsoever in the minds of the officers, that Hermann would soon become a booming city. For the com fort and safety of the prospective residents they ordained the fol lowing : "Dass keine Schlachterei, keine Leim-, Licht-, Seifen-, Oel-, Terpentin-, Pulver- oder Starkefabrik, oder irgend eine Anstalt, welche das Leben der Nachbarn fahrdet oder unangenehm macht, innerhalb der Stadt angelegt werden diirfen." The promoters of the undertaking were "Grossstadter" and took account of a host of things which would not occur to resi dents of a small town until the specific case presented itself, when they would know how to meet the emergency. The river was their great highway by which their wilderness was connected with civilization. This the colonists realized and thus early provided to reserve its use wholly to the society, and not allow the monopoly of any man or a collection of men to mar their progress or inconvenience them. 4. The Founding of the Colony and its Early Growth. The year 1837 was nearing its close. It was necessary that Bayer should return to the site of the colony with the earliest dis patch. New instructions were now needed for the new "General Agent" to be governed by. On November 30th the following committee was appointed to draw up these instructions : Fegen- busch, Gentner, Kiderlen, Wollsiefer, Maag, Klett, Schmidt and Hummel. The adoption of these instructions marks the begin ning of a new chapter in the history of the society. The instructions were these : 54 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia INSTRUCTION des General-Agenten der Deutschen Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft zu Hermann, Missouri. Par. i. Der General-Agent verpflichtet sich, so bald es die Gesellschaft wiinscht, an den Ort zu reisen, wo dieselbe Land gekauft, um die Geschafte der Gesellschaft zu besorgen, so, wie nachstehend be- stimmt ist. a) Der General-Agent verpflichtet sich alle Einkaufe und Ver- kaufe fiir die Bevollmachtigten der Gesellschaft zu machen, nach ausfiihrlicher Instruction derselben. b) Alle Viertel jahre soil er ausfiihrliche Rechnung iiber den Stand seiner Kasse ablegen und der Gesellschaft iibersenden. c) Der General-Agent verpflichtet sich iiber alles Eigenthum der Gesellschaft ein ausfiihrliches Lagerbuch zu fiihren. Par. 2. Sobald 10 Mitglieder der Gesellschaft auf dem Ansiedlungs- Platze ankommen soil der General-Agent eine Versammlung der selben berufen und aus ihnen ein Committee von 3 Personen wahlen lassen, die das Recht und die Verpflichtung haben, die Geschafts- Fiihrung des General-Agenten zu revidiren und, falls dieselben nicht nach dem Sinn dieser Instruction sein sollten, dariiber an die Gesellschaft zu berichten. a) Genannte Committee soil jede vierteljahrige Rechnung des General-Agenten durchsehen und deren Richtigkeit bescheinigen. Im Falle die Committee die Rechnung des General-Agenten nicht richtig findet, soil sie einen speciellen Bericht gelangen lassen. b) Im Falle der General-Agent durch Krankheit oder auf andere Weise geschaftsuntiichtig gemacht werden solle, oder seinen Verpflichtungen gegen die Gesellschaft nicht nachkame, so kann die Committee bei vollkommener Uebereinstimmung aller ihrer Glieder und mit Zustimmung der Mehrheit der dortigen Mitglieder der Ge sellschaft, den General-Agenten suspendiren und uberhaupt solche Schritte gehen wie dieses der Vortheil der Gesellschaft erheischt. c) Diese Committee in Vereinigung mit dem General-Agenten hat zu bestimmen, zu welcher Klasse ein Stuck Land gehoren soil. And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 55 Par. 3. Der General-Agent soil kein Geschaft betreiben, ausser das fiir die Gesellschaft, weder in seinem noch in eines Andern Namen, mit Ausnahme des Ackerbaues. Par. 4. Sollte ein Fall vorkommen, wo der General-Agent nothwendig handeln miisste, ohne fiir den besonderen Fall Instruction von der Gesellschaft zu haben, so soil er mit Zuziehung und Berathung der dortigen Committee so handeln, wie es fiir die Gesellschaft am vor- theilhaftesten ist. Par. 5. Der General-Agent soil alle Land-Vermessungen auf dem Ge- biete der Gesellschaft besorgen. Par. 6. Der General-Agent soil sowohl der englischen als der deut schen Sprache machtig sein. With these instructions Bayer, accompanied by his family, started out for his new field of labor, early in December, 1837. At Pittsburg personal illness delayed him many weeks. This delay worked great inconvenience and hardship to a number of pio neers who had already journeyed to the site of the new settlement. Bayer alone had authority to lay out lots and assign them to col onists. But now he was a thousand miles away. Winter was setting in, and build they must, to protect their wives and chil dren. But where should they build? Everywhere was wilder ness. They were not certain that the houses, they erected, with great toil, stood on parts of two lots, instead of one. No wonder they wrote pleadingly to the mother society for an Agent. With the approach of the new year Bayer was able to de part for the colony. In midwinter he undertook the gigantic task that was assigned him. Poor man! Alone he found himself placed in almost unexplored wilds. The responsibility that rested on his shoulders was enormous. The success of the whole under- 56 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia taking rested largely on his decisions and his judgment. What made the task still greater is (as we are led to conclude from re port) that he was hardly qualified for such an important position. The demands were too appallingly great for one man. It is quite improbable that any other man in the society would have been many sided enough to engineer an undertaking so great as this one was. What was it the society asked of him? He was re quired to oversee everything that pertained to the property of the society, to superintend the surveying, not only of the town site, but of all the 1 1 ,000 acres of ground, to assign the property to colonists and record their claims, to hear and adjust a thousand complaints of the settlers, to answer innumerable communications of prospective colonists and shareholders, to furnish food-supplies for all, to arrange for the building of saw and grist mills, and a thousand other things. No wonder that his reports to the home society came in meagerly and irregularly. When it is remembered that the colonists were subject to human erring, and that some of them had none of those noble, lofty sentiments, which actuated the founders, but that selfishness often impelled them to unrea sonable and unjust demands, we wonder that any man had the persistence to stay at his post as long as Bayer did. The pioneers who had the hardihood to venture into the Mis souri wilds in 1837, even before the General- Agent had gone out, were: Conrad Baer, Georg Conrad Riefenstahl, with wife and five children, John George Prager, with wife and two children, Gott- leib Heinrich Gentner, with wife, Daniel Oelscnlaeger with wife and one child. These seventeen persons left immediately after the purchase became assured, confident that Bayer would speedily follow and regulate and supervise their settlement. This program was broken into by Bayer's sickness which confined him at Pittsburg, Pa., for many months. Communication was slow in those days, and in the cold season it almost ceased entirely. Just how these first colonists eked out an existence during this first winter is un- And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 57 chronicled. Their discomfort must certainly have been great, great enough to embolden them to ask retribution from the society later. In an early record mention is made of a half-finished log house on the site of the proposed town. This some of them are said to have occupied. It is perfectly safe to assume that the Eng lish speaking settlers gave them all the aid and comfort in their power to give. The Missourian is remarkably hospitable today, and he was even more so in the pioneer days. The latch string always hung on the outside for the needy and distressed. At any rate Bayer found them later, sound in body, though not quite contented in mind. A number of other enthusiastic colonists left the east later. But they had the good judgment not to enter the wilderness at such an inhospitable season. They remained comfortably in St. Louis awaiting Bayer's arrival there and finding what temporary employment they could in the city. They had come this far west to be on the grounds in the earliest spring in order to secure the best choice of farm land or town lots. Selfishness is a human characteristic. This corporation was no more exempt from it than any other land-seeking body. All desired a place on the "ground-floor." Quite naturally, the failure on the part of the General-Agent to arrive at the colony on scheduled time did even more than work hardship to the pioneer settlers, it shook the confidence, not only of the enrolled members but also of those about per suaded to join the organization. As was stated above, the col onists did not know the reason for Bayer's delay because of lack of communication. On the 22nd of February, 1838, Bayer had not arrived at St. Louis. This we learn from a letter of D. Widersprecher writ ten there and then to Secretary Wesselhoeft. „Wir warten schon seit einigen Monaten vergeblich auf die Ankunft des Herrn Bayer und befinden uns so ziemlich in einer un- gewissen Lage. Auf jeden Fall hat diese Angelegenheit bereits sehr dadurch gelitten, dass niemand vorhanden ist, die Geschafte zu superintendiren. 58 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia Sie werden sehr wohl wissen, dass die Meinung fur die An siedlung im Allgemeinen nicht giinstig ist und wenn das Werk nicht mit Eifer und Patriotismus angegriffen wird kann man sich keine grossen Aussichten versprechen." Just when Bayer arrived in Missouri, is not known. The first record of a letter from him, which the minutes contain, speaks of a communication dated at Hermann, March 28. Allowing him a few days to arrange the most necessary things and to look over the situation, we should say he arrived about the middle of March. From the action taken by the society and the reply the officers sent to Bayer, we infer that the agent experienced a very unpleas ant reception at Hermann, and that some extraordinarily pre sumptuous and unjust demands were made upon him. It is to be sincerely regretted that the lofty aims of the founders of the so ciety did not actuate every one of its members; that the appeal of the unselfish ones: "Seid einig, einig, einig!" fell upon stony hearts ; that the principle of give little and gain much permeated so many of the early colonists ; that the spirit of sacrifice was not in the land ; that it was not felt and appreciated that such an or ganization could prosper only by the strictest adherence to the principles of equal rights to all and special privileges to none. It appears that those who had spent that comfortless winter of 1837-8 on the banks of the Missouri, not only desired, but de manded special favors of the agent. They even appealed for com miseration to the society, claiming that through the unfortunate and unforeseen delay of Bayer they had endured more hardships and were thus entitled to special recognition, and favors. Such advantages could not be granted, if for no other reason than that of the precedent it established. President Schmoele, in a letter written at Philadelphia, April 12th, 1838, clearly instructs the agent as to his action: „Geehrter Herr! Ihr Schreiben, datirt: Hermann, den 28ten Marz 1838, an die Deutsche Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft, nebst den Beschliissen einer auf der Ansiedlung gehaltenen Versammlung ist richtig empfangen And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 59 worden, und ich werde beide Dokumente dem Verwaltungs-Rath, und der nachsten monatlichen Versammlung der Ansiedlungs-Ge sellschaft vorlegen. Als vorlaufige Antwort auf Ihren Brief dient folgendes : Obgleich es mir, wie der Gesellschaft Wunsch ist, dass Sie durch Freundlichkeit, Gefalligkeit und verniinftige Nachsicht die Lage derjenigen Mitglieder, welche schon lange auf der Ansiedlung sich befanden, Ihrer, durch Ungliick verhinderte Ankunft entgegen- harrend, zu erleichtern streben mochten, so muss doch auf strenge Beobachtung Ihrer Instruction gedrungen werden. Namentlich kann und wird sich die Gesellschaft in keiner Hinsicht auf Bevorrechti- gung einzelner Mitglieder einlassen, diese mogen mit den Gesetzen der Gesellschaft bekannt sein oder nicht. Alle auf die Rechte der Mitglieder bezuglichen Beschlusse der Gesellschaft sind in unserem gewohnlichen Organ, der Alten und Neuen Welt, regelmassig be kannt gemacht worden. Es ist daher Pflicht der Mitglieder, die- selben zu kennen ; wenigstens kann Unkenntniss derselben kein Ver- gehen gegen sie entschuldigen ; und am wenigsten Vorrechte oder Anmassungen begriinden. Suchen Sie vorkommende Falle dieser Art auf die giinstigste und gelindeste Art zu beseitigen." In the spring of 1838 a large number of colonists journeyed to Hermann. Statistics of the town show that during this year 230 persons — men, women and children — arrived. Of this num ber 29 were unmarried men. Two were widows with 3 and 5 children, respectively. This was the banner year of the colony . so far as numerical growth was concerned. The record for the years 1839 and '40 is not so complete in detailed accounts. The books show that 21 shareholders arrived. We can not say how many persons came with them. Nor do we know just how many more shareholders purchased colony land. A letter from Her mann, May 15, 1839, asserts that the population then was 450. This is encouraging enough, considering that travel was slow and laborious. It will be remembered that Par. 2 of the instructions to Bayer provided for the organization of an executive committee of three to be chosen as soon as 10 persons of the society had arrived. Bayer was slow in carrying out this injunction. Dr. Schmoele's letter, which we continue to quote here, reminds him of this duty as well as others expressed in the instructions. 60 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia „Da nunmehr schon so viele Ansiedler eingetroffen sind so werden Sie Ihrer Instruction gemass so bald als moglich die Or ganisation einer kontrolirenden Committee veranlassen. Es scheint am zweckmassigsten, dass Sie zu diesem Ende eine Versammlung sammtlicher dort anwesenden Mitglieder berufen, dieser dann Ihre Instructionen sowohl wie alle die Organisirung der Ansiedlungs- Gesellschaft betreffenden Verordnungen und Beschliisse der Gesell schaft vorlegen und sie zu einer nachsten Versammlung nach einer gebiihrlichen Frist einladen, um die Wahl der Committee zu voll- ziehen. Die Resultate wollen Sie, sowohl als die Committee selbst, un- verziiglich, an mich berichten. Ueberhaupt wird es sehr gewiinscht, und wiirde das Vertrauen der Gesellschaft dadurch verstarkt werden, dass Sie uns durch hau- fige und ausfuhrliche Berichte erfreuen. Vor Allem wurde ein un- verziiglicher Bericht Ihrer geschehenen Abreise von Pittsburg, sowie Ihre Ankunft in Hermann dringend erwartet. Ebensosehr wiinscht die Gesellschaft zu wissen, welche Massregeln Sie getroffen haben, um das untere, an unserem Lande liegende, zum Stadtplatze nothwendige Landstiick fiir die Gesellschaft zu sichern. Bei dem jetzigen bliihenden Zustande unserer Gesellschaft, mochte der Gedanke gewagt werden diirfen, das grosse Jarvische Claim fiir die Gesellschaft anzukaufen. Alle Extra-Bemuhungen, welche Sie zu diesem Zwecke machen wtirden, mochten Ihnen im glucklichen Falle von der Gesellschaft mit der grossten Liberalitat belohnt werden. Ich brauche wohl den moglichst schnellen Betrieb der Vermes- sungen nicht zu erwahnen, da dieses unter Ihrer ersten und wahr- scheinlich schon zum grossen Theile erledigten Pflicht gehort. In der Hoffnung, dass Sie in der Erfiillung Ihres wichtigen und beschwerlichen Amtes nicht miide werden, und mit dem Wunsche, dass etwa vorkommende Zwistigkeiten auf die gelindeste und menschenfreundlichste Weise beseitigt werden mdgen, bin und bleibe ich Ihr ergebener und treuer Freund Wilh. Schmoele, (Beglaubigt Fr. Schreiber.) Pras. Sekretair. Parts of this letter show again how much was expected of Bayer and how very varied were the capacities in which he was supposed to be proficient. What a presumption is expressed in this letter. The Agent — a schoolman by profession — doubt less little acquainted with the duties of a surveyor, is expected And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 61 to have surveyed the enormous tract of more than 11,000 acres of ground in the short period of less than one month, and besides performing a multitude of other complex duties. And this is the attitude of the society for the greater part of Bayer's activity as agent. It only goes to prove how inexperienced the founders of the society were in problems of this nature. We do not champion the cause of Bayer. It is our opinion that he was not competent to cope with the many-sided problems. But we also wish to point out that no one man could meet efficiently the requirements of this organization. The colonists were not in harmony with the agent and did not co-operate in the difficult tasks that presented themselves. They lacked the ability to adjust themselves to primitive condi tions, were often and in many things extremely impractical, and worst of all were selfish, fault finding, without the good of the cause at heart. Under such conditions and among people of such dispositions, protests naturally followed protests. The disappoint ed, the discontented and the "wise" ones soon registered their ob jections with the home society. Some of these objections were triv ial, foolish, puerile and malicious. This will be made clearer by giving, in toto, the complaints of one Binz. Binz had been at Hermann. Returning to Philadelphia he regarded it his solemn duty to report his grievances. As he was too ignorant to make an intelligent statement, the society appointed a committee of three to confer with him, to bring his accusations to writing, and "mit dessen eigenhandiger Unterschrift versehen zu lassen und der nachsten Versammlung vorzutragen." We have decided, after considerable hesitation, to insert it here. We do it because it shows how malicious and asinine some of the colonists were. Also because it is typical of the nature of many complaints presented. Some of the complainants had not yet been purged of the "Kleinelei" of another Fatherland. The accusations read as follows in the report : Herr August Binz sagt aus wie folgt : i. Dass Herr Bayer (General-Agent in Hermann) durchaus 62 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia in der Erfiillung seiner Pflichten keine Genugthuung gebe, und meist nur seinen eigenen Geschaften nachgehe. 2. Dass Herr Bayer in "company" mit Herrn Widersprecher einen "Stohr" halte, die Tageszeit auf seinem Lande zubringe und die Abendzeit auf seinen "Stohr" verwende. 3. Dass die vier Gesellschafts-Ochsen, Herrn Bayer's Pferd, Kuh, und zwei Schweine mit ihren Jungen taglich zu Gaste haben. 4. Dass drei Herren in Hermann waren um Actien zu kaufen, dass aber die Bekanntschaft mit Herrn Bayer ihr Vorhaben ver- leidet. 5. Dass Herr Bayer dem Herrn Schindahler aus Gefalligkeit 16b Ackers, nah an der Stadt fiir den Ankaufspreis in der Office habe zuschreiben lassen, 6. Dass Herr Bayer seinen Pflichten gegen ihn selbst nicht nachgekommen sey. 7. Dass Herr Bayer in einer Zeitung in St. Louis alle Sonntag eine regelmassige Versammlung angekiindigt habe, in den letzten fiinf Wochen aber nie erschien. 8. Dass alle Ansiedler es wunschen, da sie wussten dass Herr A. Binz nach Philadelphia gehen wollte; besonders eine Gesellschaft zu halten, um Nachrichten an die Muttergesellschaft mit zu nehmen ; Herr Bayer aber nicht erschien; Herr Binz verweilte bis den Frei- tag, es konnte aber keine Versammlung zusammengebracht werden, weil Herr Bayer mit seinen eigenen Geschaften zu viel zu thun hatte. 9. Dass nicht fiinf Mann auf der Ansiedlung seyen die mit der Handlung und dem Betragen des Herrn Bayer zufrieden waren. 10. Dass Herr Bayer das Ausmessen gar nicht verstehe, eine solche Verwirrung hervorbrachte, dass durch einen Sachkundigen die schon gethanen Vermessungen noch einmal vorgenommen wer den mussten; und so sich zeigte, dass ein neugebautes Blockhaus auf zwei Lotten stand. 11. Dass Herr Binz die Muttergesellschaft in Philadelphia versichere, dass im Allgemeinen eine grosse Unzufriedenheit wegen Herrn Bayer's Nichtsthun dort in Hermann herrsche, und er als Mitglied der „Deutschen Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft" sich verpflichtet fiihle, dies offen und frei zum Wohle der ganzen Gesellschaft aus- And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 63 zusprechen, und mit seiner Namens-Unterschrift zu unterzeichnen. August Bins. Committee : G. Zimmermann, Pras. J. C. Viereck, Sekretair. J. Andreas Kehr. Some of the accusations are perhaps justifiable, but others are too trivial, gossipy and evidently concocted to make up a respect able list of complaints, to merit recognition. Upon hearing the report, which was presented early in June, the society passed this resolution of June 8th : „Dass der General-Agent aufs dringendste ersucht werde so gleich einen speziellen Bericht fiber die ganze Ansiedlung zu geben, indem die Gesellschaft sehr unzufrieden iiber das Benehmen des Herrn General-Agenten sei und diese Berichte von 14 zu 14 Tagen fortzusetzen habe." The society had no longer any confidence in Bayer. At this same meeting we learn that the agent's instructions are to be cop ied, and the copy sent to the "Controlierende Committee," (which Bayer had evidently organized now, in comformity to his instruc tions) "mit der Bemerkung" (to execute them) "da Herr Bayer es doch vernachlassigen wiirde." The Board of Managers, too, took a thrust at the agent, when they, as early as the middle of May, resolved : „Dass der General-Agent Herr Bayer ersucht werde, seinen Verpflichtungen in dem Masse nachzukommen, in Zukunft ptinkt- licher Bericht fiber den Fortgang der Colonie Hermann abzustatten. .... dass wenigstens alle 4 Wochen ein, auf Wahrheit gegriin- deter Bericht von der kontrolierenden Committee unterzeichnet, dem Verwaltungs-Rathe eingeschickt werden mfisse." From the very beginning, some of those who could reason ably be regarded as the best the society numbered among its own and who on the whole were enthusiastic enough, give expression to views, that are wholly unwholesome in a body of this nature. So for instance D. Widersprecher, in the letter from which was 64 The German Settlement Society ,of Philadelphia quoted above, having heard a false rumor that some one had received favors, at once wrote to Secretary Wesselhoeft : „Wenn ich fiir mich keinen guten Bauplatz bekommen kann, gehe ich nicht nach Hermann, und (he adds a thread) es werden dann meine Freunde auch nicht hingehen. Ueberdies wollen wir nichts mit der Sache zu thun haben, wenn wir finden, dass Begiinstigungen stattfinden und wenn wir dort unsere Grundsatze von Recht und Billigkeit verfolgt sehen." The author of the letter demands favors which he would not grant. Such language was ill becoming a man who on the site of the colony became a rich man. This shows again the disposition of many of the participants who were to be the pillars of strength of the social structure. From day to day the discontent with Bayer's regime grew stronger. The derogatory reports came faster. The censure be came more and more vehement. Even President Schmoele, who in his semi-annual report, delivered on April 14, expressed the utmost confidence in Bayer, and called attention to his "allegemein anerkannte Ehrlichkeit, Umsicht und Menschenfreundlichkeit," began to suspect the agent as neglectful of his duties. It appears that Bayer did not know who his accusers were — at least not for a long time. He endeavored to carry the fearful burden that was placed upon his shoulders without a murmur. The changed attitude of the home society soon became known to him through the tone of their communications. His friend Adam Schmidt visited the colony in June and to him he poured out his heart's sorrow, with him he discussed the best steps to be taken for the good of the whole. When Schmidt returned to Philadelphia many of the unex plained acts, and the apparently unpardonable neglect of the agent were explained. After Schmidt's report the Board of Managers resolved : „Dass, da die Obliegenheiten des General-Agenten in Her mann von einer solchen Ausdehnung und zeitraubend sind und da der General-Agent unmoglich alles dieses iibersehen kann, Nach- And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 65 theile fiir die Gesellschaft entstehen konnten, so halt der Verwal tungs-Rath es fiir nothwendig die GeSetzgebung und Verwaltung den Mitgliedern in Hermann soweit zu iibertragen, als es die Loca- litat und die Bediirfnisse der Mitglieder erheischen. Dass folgende Mitglieder in Hermann, die Herren : E. C. Staf- horst, Julius Leupold, M. Krauter, W. L. Henrich, W. Senn und Gentner, mit Hinzuziehung des General-Agenten, bevollmach- tigt sind, die sammtlichen Mitglieder zu einer Versammlung zu berufen und formlich zu organisiren, um regelmassige Beamten zu wahlen." This was done June 2nd, 1838. It marks a big concession on the part of the home society — a concession which the colony eagerly took hold of, and which encouraged them to ask for still more powers, before the year had gone by. We are fortunate in having handed down to us three letters from the former agent — Bayer. We insert them here because they will speak for a most sorely abused man, and will in a meas ure vindicate him, if he needs vindication, but best of all they pre sent a glimpse into the actual workings of this body. Hermann, June 25th, 1838. Herrn Doctor Schmoele, President der deutschen Ansiedlungs-Ge sellschaft zu Philadelphia. Geehrter Herr ! Die Beschliisse der Colonie dahier, im Verlauf dieses Monats gehalten, werden Ihnen zugekommen seyn. Dringende Geschafte veranlassten eine Verzogerung der ersten Beschliisse dieses Mo nats, und da die Erledigung mehrerer Punkte derselben Eile for- derte, so schien es mir passender die nachste Sitzung abzuwarten. Herr Schmidt, welcher seinem Versprechen gemass personliche Berichte bei seiner Zuriickkunft an die Gesellschaft erstatten wird, indem wir Manches mit einander besprochen, dass, meines Erach- tens, nicht an die grosse Glocke gehort, wenn nicht unserem nun- mehr schonen Gelingen unserer Sache entgegen gearbeitet werden soil. Ich muss mir dabey freylich einen Vorwurf machen, nemlich : dass ich Ihnen und der Muttergesellschaft Wiinsche (of ter zu schreiben) nidht nachkommen konnte. Indessen wird Herr Schmidt und Herr Arnold der Wahrheit gemass gewiss bezeugen, dass der Arbeiten viele auf mir liegen, und dass ich in der Hauptsache ge wiss meine Schuldigkeit thue. Wenn man dann noch annimmt, 66 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia wie viele ungesetzliche Anforderungen von zwei unverstandigen Gliicksrittern und Abentheurern, die hie und da auch bey uns ihr Heil versuchen wollen, gemacht werden, und die gewohnlich mit Grobheiten enden, so mochte man am Durchsetzen der Sache ver- zweifeln. Doch Muth und Besonnenheit hat mich schon durch manches Labirinth gefuhrt, und wenn die Muttergesellschaft so wie friiher fortfahrt meine scheinbaren Schwachen zu tragen und keinem ungegriindeten Misstrauen Platz giebt, so ist gar kein Zweifel, dass die Vorhersagungen aller Vorurtheils freyen Manner, sowohl Deutschen als Amerikanern, in dieser Gegend in Erfiillung gehen, und die Stadt Hermann schon in den ersten Jahren mit irgend einer im Westen, St. Louis ausgenommen, weteifern kann. — Obgleich schon viele edle Manner hier sind, so ware es nach meiner Ansicht doch noch nicht zu wiinsdhen, dass die Mutterge sellschaft aufhoren wiirde, das Oberhaupt der Colonie zu seyn. Die statistischen Verhaltnisse der Colonie sind freylich glanzend genug um auf den ersten Ueberblick einen solchen Wunsch zu hegen, aber sowohl in moralischer als finanzieller Hinsicht scheint es mir noch zu friih daran zu denken. Nach und nach werden sich die verschiedenen Ideen, die fast Jeder mit nach Hermann bringt, ver- schmelzen und ein nach den Grundgesetzen der Muttergesellschaft geformtes Ganze herauskommen, das die Basis zu alien erspriess- lichen Folgerungen abgeben wird. Mogen auch der Sache Miss- giinstige, oder Zweifler oder boshafte Verlaumder iiber mich her- fallen, es stort mich nicht, wenigstens nicht auf die Dauer, denn ich kann mit Recht stolz darauf seyn, dass ich, durch kraftige Mit- wirkung edler deutscher Manner, eine Colonie gegrundet habe, die der Nachwelt zeigen wird, dass der Deutsche, auch ohne fanatisch angefeuert zu seyn, ein Muster der Einigkeit und des Fleisses ist, sobald nur die Art und Weise denselben moralisch zu leiten nicht verfehlt wird. Nur schade, dass die meisten unserer jetzt hier angesiedelten Glieder so viel mit sich selbst zu thun haben, und gerade oft Die jenigen, welche ihrer Talente und Moralitat nach am meisten leisten konnten, durch Geschafte ausserhalb verhindert werden, Theil an dem politischen Thun und Treiben der Gesellschaft zu nehmen, in Folge dessen es denselben dann unmoglich ware, auch Aufsatze zur Veroffentlichung zu geben. Alles dieses wird spater besser, und es ware nach meiner An sicht auch nicht gut, wenn die Einwanderung in unsere Colonie vor dem Herbste starker gienge, als sie jetzt geht. Die Lebens- mittel werden rar, und wir haben jetzt vor der Erndte oft viele Miihe solche zu bekommen, besonders das Mehl macht uns viel zu schaffen. Mehrere Bestellungen, die ich in St. Charles machte, And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 67 wurden nicht befordert. Soeben komme ich von einer Reise, auf welcher ich alle Miihlen im westlichen Theile von Warren County aufsuchte, ohne gliicklichen Erfolg, am Ende doch, nahe an der grossen Prairie in Montgomery County hatte ich das Gluck mit einem virginier Miihlenbesitzer einen Contrakt fiir Mehllieferung zu machen. Alles dieses muss auf der linken Seite des Missouri geschehen, was besonders mir, der fiir all dieses zu sorgen hat, sehr viele Miihe macht. Vorige Woche reiste ich nach Washing ton (Mo.), und hatte das Gluck ein neues ferryboat zu kaufen, das nachster Tage herauf kommen wird und uns gewiss Manches er- leichtert. So wie ich bey dem nun beynahe vollendeten Brucken- bau abkommen kann, reise ich in die Countystadt um eine Lizens fiir eine Ferry einzuholen, vorher aber will ich mit den gegeniiber liegenden Besitzern, so viel wie moglich vortheilhafte Contrakte abschliessen, was ich schon eingeleitet habe. Statistisphe Ueber- sicht der Stadt und des Landes soil nachstens verfertigt werden und vielleicht schon im nachsten Briefe kommen. Uebrigens empfehle ich mich Ihnen so wie der ganzen Ge sellschaft. Hochachtungsvoll, G. F. Bayer, G. A. Hermann, July 3rd, 1838. Herrn Doctor Schmoele, Prasident der deutschen Ansiedlungs- Gesellschaft zu Philadelphia. Geehrter Herr! Ich benutze den Vorabend des fiir uns Deutsche so gehalt- vollen Festes, das auch morgen hier nun von der ganzen Colonie mit Einschluss der uns umgebenden Amerikanern gefeiert werden soil, um Ihnen die Fortsetzung des unterm 25ten v. M. datirten Briefes zu liefern. Der Gedanke an den grossen, edlen Befreyer unserer jetzigen Heimath, hat viel fiir mich, sollte es fiir jeden Deutschen haben. Er handelte frey und recht mit seinen Lands- Ieuten und wurde doch verkannt, sogar vom damaligen Congress. Warum soil ich mich beklagen, dem so Vieles abgeht, was ihm eigen war, wenn ich verkannt werde. Warum soil ich mich be- leidigt fiihlen, wenn Einer dem ich nicht nach seiner Pfeife tanzen konnte, ohne meine Instruction zu verletzen, in der St. Louiser Zeitung von Gewalt herunter schwatzt, die ich nicht kenne noch kennen mag? Oder ist das Gewalt, wenn ich ihm 200 Acker Land die er verlangt nicht auf Credit gebe, weil er nur zu 80 berechtigt ist? Ist das Gewalt, wenn ich dem Begehren eines Herrn von 68 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia Philadelphia, der fiir zwei Actien drei gewohnliche und eine Wharf- lotte und noch 120 Acker Land wollte, kein Gehor gab? Oder wird das Gewalt genannt, wenn ich nicht Jedem der es verlangt Mehl und Fleisch u. s. w. fort und fort auf Credit gebe und noch Geld dazu leihe wenn es ihm beliebt? Sehen Sie mit solchen Leuten habe ich hie und da zu kampfen und gerade solche spielen manchmal auf kurze Zeit die Hauptrolle bis sie die Mehrzahl kennt. Als Mann von Erfahrung wissen Sie das eben so gut wie ich und Sie werden mir gewiss auch diese miss- muthige Abschweifung zu Gute halten. Wie ich Ihnen im letzten Briefe andeutete, ist nun alle Vor- kehrung zu einer Ferry getroffen. Auf welche Weise solche betrie- ben werden soil muss die Erfahrung lehren und die Verwaltungs- kommittee wird mir dabey an die Hand gehen. Das Landausmessen, welches mit vielen Schwierigkeiten verkniipft ist, da die meisten Eckbaume durch das Waldfeuer zerstort sind, wird nachste Woche wieder seinen Anfang nehmen und ich werde keine Miihe scheuen Alle die rechtlich Land anzusprechen haben, zufrieden zu stellen, nach den Vorschriften die mir dieserwegen in meiner Instruction gegeben sind. Mancher der bisher die Deutsche Ansiedlungsgesell- schaft als eine melkende Kuh betrachtet hat, wird sich freylich ge- tauscht fiihlen und, wie gewohnlich, rasonieren. Doch das scheert mich nicht. In der Stadt sind nun 142 gewohnliche Lotten und 19 Wharf- lotten in Beschlag genommen, die doch nach der Vorschrift inner halb eines Jahres bebaut werden miissen. Das Land an der Frain Creek ist alles, an der Little Berger Branch sehr bedeutend, und an der Coal Creek beynahe alles aufgenommen. Die grossten Bediirfnisse konnten durch eine Sagemiihle und Mahlmiihle beseitigt werden. Zu diesem fehlt uns aber die Was- serkraft an der Frain Creek. Solche an die Big Berger oder First Creek zu setzen, wo wir auch Miihlsitze haben, ist von keinem wesentlichen Nutzen, da solche bey den noch unfahrbaren Wegen von der Colonie nicht benutzt werden konnten. Herr Setzer von Washington (Mb.), der friiher eine Dampfsage- und Mahlmiihle beabsichtigte, ist zu angstlich in der Sache, da er gar keine Kennt- niss von solchem Betrieb hat. "Herr Schiefer zeigte bey seinem Hierseyn grosse Lust etwas derartiges ins Werk zu setzen und ich versprach ihm, dass die Muttergesellschaft gewiss alles mogliche thun wird, ihn zu unterstiitzen. Den Fuss Bretter miissen wir zu 2^2 bis 3 Cents bezahlen, wo wir es hier zu 1 bis ij4 Cents gesagt bekommen konnten, und das Holz kostet uns nichts. Der Buschel Weizen wiirde uns zu $1.00, das Buschel Korn oder Rocken zu 50 Cents, und Mais oder Welschkorn zu 40 Cents geliefert bey grossen And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 69 Quantitaten, und so miissen wir fur Weizenmehl $4.00 per 100 lbs., Rockenmehl $3.00 per 100 lbs., und Maismehl y$ — 1 Thlr. per Buschel bezahlen und noch dazu 10 bis 20 Meilen weit dafiir gehen, da die Miihlen in der Nahe herum meistens in einem unbrauch- baren Zustande sind. Wenn nur irgend Jemand von den vielen Capitalisten im Osten etwas in der Lage thun wiirde oder die Gesellschaft im Stande ware einige tausend Thaler darauf zu ver- wenden, dass wir eine gute Dampfsage- und Mahlmiihle bekamen. Herr Hoch oder High in Reading, welcher auch in der Gesellschaft betheiligt ist, soil eine ganz neue Dampfmaschine besitzen, welche man sehr billig und unter vortheilhaften Bedingungen auf Credit bekommen konnte. In einem Jahr hatte sich die Sache bezahlt und der Colonie bliebe vieles Geld in der Tasche. Eine Bittschrift fiir eine Postoffice ist bereits eingeschickt und da zu gleicher Zeit eine solche in der Gegend von Lyle westlich des Gasconade abgesandt wurde, so ist es ohne Zweifel, dass wir bald unsern Wunsch in dieser Hinsicht erfiillt sehen. Ja der Posthalter in Washington (Mo.) versicherte mich, dass die Poststation fiir unsern Platz schon besprochen und bestimmt worden sey ehe nur unsere Suplick an Ort und Stelle gelangt sey. Wir haben manches durchzukampfen, doch wird Alles gut gehen. So haben im Anfang die Capitaine der Dampfboote unsere Landung verschrieen und es wurden mir manche Vorwiirfe dess- halb gemacht. Jetzt landen sie alle nach Herzenslust wenn sie Fracht oder Pasagire fiir uns haben und werden spater wenn wir ihnen Lebensmittel zum Verkauf anbieten konnen, auch bey uns iibernachten. Mit vieler Achtung griisst Sie mit dem Wunsche mich der Muttergesellschaft zu empfehlen Ihr G. F. Bayer, G. Ag. Hermann, August I9ten, 1838. An den Verwaltungsrath der deutschen Ansiedlungsgesellschaft. Geehrte Herrn! Durch die neuen Ankommlinge sind mir Briefe zugekommen, die mir endlich doch einmal die Quellen zeigen, woraus die Heim- lichkeiten entsprangen, die der Verwaltungs-Rath besonders in der letzten Zeit gegen mich beobachtete. Warum, meine Herrn, verdammt man mich ohne mich fiber die mir aufgebiirdeten Verlaumdungen zu horen. Ich muss frey- lich hier oft energisch handeln, wenn nicht das gesellschaftliche Vermogen alien nach Belieben preissgegeben werden soil. Z. B. im Aufang verlangte man, dass ich fiir Arbeit per Tag $1.25 zahlen 70 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia solle. Ich that es nicht, weil Amerikaner sich fiir bedeutend weniger anboten. Es giebt wirklich noch solche die unverschamt genug sind, den Tagelohn zu verlangen, wenn ihnen Land angewiesen wird. Herr Krauters Monopol $1.75 per Tag ist nun gebrochen, da die Leute welche bauen nicht gerne mehr bezahlen als hier iiblich ist. Was die Association mit Widersprecher betrifft, so erklare ich jeden als einen infamen Liigner der solches sagt. Der Bretterhandel mit demselben ist ebenfalls eine erdichtete Luge; ja ich kann sogar beweisen, dass derselbe mir die Bretter hoher ansetzte als er sie Andern verkaufte, was mich veranlasste, keine von ihm zu kaufen, wodurch ich nun ausserordentlich gehindert bin im Baue meines Hauses. Wenn Widersprecher sein merkantilisches Interesse so hoch stellt als Andere ihr personliches und wahrend meiner Ab wesenheit Bretter kauft, die Krauter mit sammt seinem Anhang nicht kaufen konnte und sich dann fiir seine Mfihe bezahlen lasst, so kann ich das nicht hindern, besonders wenn derselbe solche um einen Preiss erlasst, den wir alle jetzt gern bezahlen wurden wenn sie nur zu bekommen waren. Handel werde ich nie treiben, auch wenn ich nicht mehr Agent bin, indem es mit meinen Prinzipien nicht ubereinstimmt. Ueber- haupt Jeder der sagt dass ich meine Instruction iiberschritten habe ist ein Liigner, und zwar so lange bis er mir es beweisst. Glauben Sie ja nicht, dass es mir einerlei ist was man von mir spricht und in einem Korper spricht mit dem ich Hand in Hand zu gehen mir vor- genommen habe, und denen niitzlich zu seyn, die jetzt, zum Theile, so undankbar an mir handeln. Was das Land betrifft, so bin (ich) eben so wenig im Stande, andern Leuten zu verwehren Land zu enteriren wenn sie Lust und Geld dazu haben, so hat z. B. Schonthaler, Setzer und noch meh- rere andere Amerikaner und Deutsche seit der Zeit, ja vor kurzer Zeit drey Herrn von Charleston iiber 600 Acker in der Nahe unserer Besitzung aufgekauft. Leimer der nun durch Umgehung unserer Gesetze 300 Acker hat und auf den Namen seines Vaters und Bru- ders noch zweymal 80 Acker nehmen will, sobald die von mir ver- langte Vollmacht da ist, soil letzte Woche bedeutend Congressland gekauft haben und namentlich ein 40 Ackerstuck das ich, nachstens wenn ich nach St. Louis kommen wiirde mir vorgenommen hatte zu enteriren, und vorlaufig an Herrn Staffhorst abgegeben hatte. Bekommen wir noch einige auf den Hals wie Herr Leimer, so hat die Ansiedlung einige Landspekulanten in ihrer nachsten Nahe, und die Armen konnen ihre 40 Acker Stuckchen 8 — 10 Meilen weit suchen. Wenn nicht die Certificate und die Duplicate hierher geschickt werden so weiss ich nicht wie Ordnung in die Geschafte kommen And its Colony, Hermann. Missouri. 71 soil. Alles was ich bisher gethan, habe ich memorirt, so gut es sich thun liess, in das Rekordbuch kann aber doch nur solches Land ein- getragen werden fiir welches mit Actien-Certificaten bezahlt worden ist. Nun haben viele Glieder nicht einmal eine bestimmte Quittung oder sind bios in der Alt en und Neuen Welt quittirt, was soil man da machen, besonders wenn man sich auf die Liste nicht verlassen kann. Alle die Leute hier bestehen darauf, dass man ihnen, da sie nun auf dem Platze der Ansiedlung eingetroffen sind, ihre Actien- Certificate ohnentgeldlich zuschicken miisse. Ferner fehlen Uns die Notifikationen der Muttergesellschaft fiber die im Laufe der Monate Mai, Juni und Juli eingeschickten Beschliisse unserer Colonie. Hinsichtlich der Stadt selbst muss ich bemerken, dass ich solche nach den Lokalitatsveranderungen ausgelegt habe, und mit Herrn Wesselhoeft den neuen Plan an die Muttergesellschaft gelangen zu lassen gedenke, der nun ausgefuhrt werden kann. Auf das Reserveland haben wir den Begrabnissplatz gelegt, und was uns nun siidlich der Stadt an solchem fehlt, indem wir nur iiber unser Eigenthum und nicht iiber fremdes zu disponiren haben, so wurden dafiir westlich fiber 400 Acker reservirt, und Land dem Flusse entlang ist der Stadt von grosserem Nutzen als Land ein- warts. Herr Wagenschwanz ist angelangt und es scheint, dass er mir viele Mfihe machen wird. Derselbe hat eine Vollmacht oder viel- mehr Ueberschreibung von Rosenberg fur 4 nicht ganz bezahlte Actien und 4 spricht er selbst an. Den Rest meint er solle man ihm schenken fiir seine grosse Miihe die er mit der Gesellschaft gehabt habe. Ich sagte ihm dass wenn er noch $20 bezahle so seye er be- rechtigt zu 6 Actien was ihm aber nicht zusagt. Wir miissen uns nun sehr beeilen wenn wir uns dieses Jahr in- corporiren lassen wollen, ob als Stadt oder als Gesellschaft ist eine Frage fiber die man sich verstandigen sollte, ebenfalls, wenn ersteres der Fall, was denen auf dem Lande fiir Gerechtsame zugestanden werden konnten. Herr Leupold ist derowegen nach St. Louis ge- reist um Rath bey einem Advokaten einzuholen, der unser Interesse so wenig kennt, als ich die Walder von Polen. Ich empfehle mich bestens als Ihr ergebener G. F. Bayer, G. A. We are indeed fortunate in having these few letters. They are like brands rescued from the fire. They corroborate our state ment regarding the disposition and characteristics of the colonists. "J2, The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia They defend the agent, if he need a defense, against the viru lent attacks of his adversaries. It is our private opinion that some of the settlers were narrow enough to heap their vituperation upon this man, because, of the six hundred dollars, the 80 acres of land at cost price, and the unfinished log-house which were of fered him for his hundred- fold services to the corporation. Despite all the objections made to the controlling officer, the colony seems to have grown and flourished. The proof for this we will take largely out of the mouths of the colonists themselves. The "Alte und Neue Welt" contains the substance of a letter of those very pioneers of 1837-38 : „Wir haben einen Brief, unterzeichnet von mehreren Mitglie dern der „Deutschen Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft" aus Hermann, Staat Missouri, erhalten. Diese Herren schreiben, dass ihnen der Platz der Ansiedlung sehr gefallt, dass das Wasser gut, die Gegend ge- sund und eine der schonsten zum Bau einer Stadt am Missouri ist, soweit sie die Ufer dieses Flusses besucht hatten. Sie bemerken in ihrem Briefe, nachtheiligen Geruchten fiber die Gegend keinen Glauben beizumessen und ziehen den Ort der Ansiedlung den Ufern des Gasconade vor, wo es lange nicht so gesund sei."* In all these reports we are made to feel, that the chief desire is to push the undertaking to its wished-for culmination. This tone likewise prevails in the report of the president as well as in the appeals of the secretary. Just one instance may be given here. On April 25, '38, a committee, composed of Julius Leupold, F. Schreiber and C. Staffhorst, appointed to examine the books of the treasurer, re ported : „Dass diese Biicher auf eine Weise gefiihrt worden sind, welche keine verstandliche Uebersicht derselben zulasst." (This condition was later adjusted according to sound busi ness principles. ) But in the semi-annual report of the president, * A. und N. W. of January 27, 1838. And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 73 submitted April 14, '38, when he could not have had reliable in formation concerning the treasury, he nevertheless indulges in a glowing account, which as he proceeds becomes quite speculative and even visionary. We quote from it here : „Unsere Kasse hat schon jetzt nach Tilgung aller Schulden einen reinen Ueberschuss von mehr als Tausend Thaler. Dazu kommen noch die Ruckstande einzelner Mitglieder, deren Betrag ich im Bericht nicht angegeben finde, die aber ebenfalls eine nicht unbedeutende Summe ausmachen. Ausser diesem hat die Gesell schaft noch fiber tausend Aktien" (blank slips of paper merely) „die nach dem jetzigen Preise mindestens 50,000 Thaler Werth sind, so wie iiber 80 Wasserstrassen-Lotten in Hermann" (building lots along the Missouri River) „wie fiber 12,000 Acker Landes, dass zum mindesten Preise 24,000 Thaler einbringt, zu verkaufen. Im Ganzen stellt sich also nach Befriedigung aller personlichen Anspruche sammtlicher Aktionare, ein reines Vermogen von circa 90,000 Thalern Werth heraus, welches Gemeingut der Aktionare ist." To the cool-headed business man such a summary could not appeal. Some of the shareholders understood and appreciated the conditions, but, with but few exceptions, all desired the ac complishment of the undertaken task, either for the sake of pre serving and fostering things German in America, or (and in this rubric falls the greater number) to gain a more comfortable and independent livelihood than had been theirs in Europe. A letter from Hermann, printed anonymously in the "Anzeiger des Wes terns" and copied in the "Alte und Neue Welti' bears evidence to both phases of the question discussed. Hermann, d. 1. Juni 1838.* Werther Herr Weber! Ich will Ihnen eine getreue Ansicht von dem Zustand und den Hoffnungen Hermann's geben. Es ist nicht alles so wie der Prasidial-Bericht vom 14. April d. J. meldet. Es war ein Fehler, Einem Manne, ohne gehorige * A. und N. A. of July 7, 1838. 74 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia Kontrole, so viel Macht einzuraumen. Diesem ist jetzt abgeholfen, weil wir dem General-Agenten eine Verwaltungs-Kommittee zur Seite gesetzt. Gewiss ist's, dass ein besserer Platz fiir die Zwecke der Gesellschaft nicht leicht hatte gefunden werden konnen. Die Lage der Stadt Hermann verspricht viel als eine Stadt im Innern, der Platz ist gesund, geschutzt vor Ueberschwemmungen, reich an Wasserquellen, und von einem fruchtbaren und romantischen Land striche umgeben. Die finanziellen Verhaltnisse der Gesellschaft sind bei weitem nicht so gut als man erwartet, aber dessen ungeachtet wird fiir mehrere Jahre ein hinreichender Fond vorhanden sein, um die Stadt verschonern und vielen Arbeitern Verdienst geben zu konnen; zumal wenn alle Ruckstande einkommen. . . . Es wohnen hier bereits neben Ober- und Niederlandern, Schweizer, Franzosen, Schotten und Amerikaner, welche aber sicher- lich nicht mit den „Natives" zu verwechseln sind. Es ist ein treuer unverdorbener Menschenschlag, wie man ostlich nicht mehr findet. Die innwohnenden Amerikaner interessiren sich sehr fiir Hermann, welches indess schon in ihrem eigenen Interesse liegt. Aus Obigem werden Sie schon ersehen, dass die Aussichten fiir Hermann nicht anders als sehr gut sein konnen. Von den Fremden, welche hierher kamen, ist fast keiner wieder fortgegangen, ohne vorher einen Bauplatz oder Land genommen zu haben, in der Absicht, sobald als moglich zuriickzukommen und sich anzusiedeln. Viele sind schon hauslich eingerichtet und betreiben burgerliche Geschafte. Man kann hier alle moglichen Sachen billig bekommen, es giebt bereits gute Boardinghauser, und unser Cigar- renfabrikant liefert sehr gute Ware zu 4 Doll. pr. 1000 Stuck. Die innwohnenden Amerikaner liefern uns Lebensmittel, die nicht theuer sind. Butter 12^ cent, Eier 12^2 c, Schweinefleisch 8 c, Hirschfleisch 2 c, MehJ 4 c, Welschkorn 50 c. pr. Bushel. Es ware zu wiinschen, dass wir die ganze Verwaltung jetzt bald hierher bekamen und dass recht bald fiber den Zustand der Kasse der Deutschen Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft hinreichende Auskunft ge- geben und formliche Rechnung abgelegt wiirde. Wir wurden dann im Stande sein unsere Mittel besser zu ubersehen um unsere Unter- nehmungen darnach einrichten zu konnen. Wir wollen jetzt um Einrichtung einer Postoffice nachsuchen. Bis jetzt werden unsere Brief e nach Bridgeport, Warren County, Mo., adressirt." In the next to the last paragraph of the above letter, we have an early outcropping of a sentiment which soon grew into a demand. Of this demand we shall have yet to speak at length. « And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 75 However, before we deal with this graver side of our theme we desire to give place to some more information regarding the growth of the colony. This information coming as it does from presumably authentic and veracious individuals must prove valu able as well as interesting. We must regret that for reasons known to himself the editor has not published the names of the authors of some of these letters. Hermann, Mo., den 13. Marz 1839.* Unsere Ansiedlung geht prachtig von Statten; taglich treffen neue Ankommlinge hier ein ; fiber 50 neue Hauser sind dem Aufrich- ten nahe und unsere unheilverkfindenden Landsleute, denen ahn- liche Unternehmungen scheiterten, oder die durch uns sich beein- trachtigt glaubten, streichen ihre feindlichen Flaggen und suchen bei uns Brod und Unterkommen. . . . Lassen Sie sich durch Ge- riichte fiber hier stattgefundene Storungen nicht irre leiten; durch Consequenz, Streben nach Wahrheit und verniinftiges Ausharren wird auch das Schwierigste beseitigt und Alles arbeitet nun einig, freudig vorwarts ; die Lots gehen jetzt reissend ab und solche welche gut gelegen sind, werden aus zweiter Hand fiir 150 Doll, gekauft und steigen taglich an Werth. Wharf -Lots werden, nach Lage, auf 4 bis 500 Doll, gehalten. — Hauschen von circa 200 Doll, an Werth, vermiethen sich zu 5 Doll, per Monat und tragen also 30 Procent ein. Der Preis des Landes ist nun auf 2j4 Doll, im Durch- schnitt festgesetzt, da eine Eintheilung in Classen unzweckmassig erschien, eine Taxation nicht gut moglich und zu kostspielig war, und so alle billig denkenden Interessenten zufrieden sein konnen. Der Missouri war gestiegen, sieht aber seit einigen Tagen wieder trfib aus. Drei Dampfbote landeten hier und brachten uns eine Menge Fremde." In an earlier part of this work, we called attention to the in terest the Philadelphia Society aroused in Germany. Then we recorded an appeal which an editor made to his countrymen to support such a laudable undertaking. Now we are about to chronicle a tangible proof that the seed sown by the American society was about to bear fruit. In May, 1839, the officers of the Philadelphia Society re ceived a communication from one F. G. .Sprewitz, a lawyer by *A. und N. W. of April 6th, 1839. 76 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia profession, in Lauenburg, on the Elbe. It appears that the good reports of the Hermann colony had been heard beyond the At lantic, and given an incentive for the organization of a "Neue deutsche Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft." Mr. Sprewitz inclosed a copy of the constitution of this organization, in the name of the European body, he expressed the wish that this constitution be published in the official organ of the Philadelphia Society together with the overtures to consolidate the two societies into one grand and mighty body. Though the American Germans did not feel inclined to enter upon this proposition, it will be of interest, nev ertheless, to read the article of the Lauenburger : „Am 27. August 1836 ward in Philadelphia die sogenannte deutsche Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft gestiftet, deren Zweck gleich An- fangs darin bestand, durch Aktien zu 25 Doll, ein Kapital zu gewin- nen, um davon in einem der nordamerikanischen Freistaaten Land zur Ansiedlung und wo moglich zur Griindung einer Stadt ankau- fen zu konnen. Der Erfolg war so fiberaus lohnend, dass die Actie schon vor Ablauf eines Jahres 50 Doll, gait, und dass im Fruhjahr vorigen Jahres von den Capitalien der Gesellschaft die neue Stadt Hermann im Missouristaate mit 2200 Bauplatzen gegriindet ward. Dies bei den gunstigen Verhaltnissen jenes schonen Landes ganz naturliche Gelingen brachte mehrere Actieninhaber auf die Idee, dass ein noch glanzenderes Resultat zu erwarten sein mochte, wenn in Deutschland selbst, einem der Hauptzuflusse der Bevolkerung Nord-Amerika's, eine solche Niederlassungs-Gesellschaft gegriindet wiirde. In der That scheint auch Auswanderungslustigen nichts willkommener sein zu konnen, als ein Vereinigungspunkt, den ihnen die zu stiftende Stadt, wo sie ein wohlfeiles und unverlierbares Eigenthum besitzen, darbieten wiirde, — ein Vereinigungspunkt, wo man deutsche Sprache und Sitte wieder vorfindet. Besonders wird den Aelteren, welche fiir die Zukunft ihrer Kinder im iiber- volkerten Geburtslande besorgt sind, und denjenigen, welche Be- forderer des Gemeinnutzens sind, oder welche ihr Geld auf eine sichere und zugleich gewinnreiche Weise unterzubringen wunschen, eine neue deutsche Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft am Herzen liegen. Dieses Alles beriicksichtigend, hat Unterzeichneter nachstehende Statuten fiir eine „neue deutsche Niederlassungs-Gesellschaft" in Gemassheit einer an ihn ergangenen Aufforderung entworfen. Dieser Aufforderung lag vornehmlich zum Grunde, dass der gegen- wartige auf das Dreifache erhohte Werth der Actien der alten Ge sellschaft eine Vergrosserung des Gesellschaftsvermogens durch HERMANN DURING THE FIFTIES. FROM AN OLD PAINTING MADE IN HERMANN BY AN UNKNOWN ARTIST. And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. jj Hinzutreten neuer Mitglieder nicht mehr erwarten lasst, und zu gleich die von der alten Gesellschaft, behufs Ermittelung passender Ansiedlungsorter, durch die kostspieligen Reisen eines bestimmten Deputirtenausschusses erworbenen Localnotizen, zum besten der neuen Gesellschaft benutzt werden konnen."* F. G. Sprewitz, Advokat. Lauenburg, im Marz 1839. This shows how popular the movement had become even be yond the sea. The Philadelphians did not favor the proposition and it soon fell into f orgetfulness without bearing any fruit what soever. Among the many valuable accounts and suggestions found in the "Alte und Neue Welt," we find a letter from Hermann signed by three members. It is the last communication of this nature from the colony during the regime, under which it was or ganized. We report it, because it gives an excellent picture of a prosperous, promising socialistic group. Hermann, Mo., d. 15. Mai 1839. „Wer jetzt das Gebiet der „deutschen Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft" betritt, wer es bedenkt, dass erst ein Jahr verflossen, seit die ersten Mitglieder der Gesellschaft hier Hand an's Werk legten, und wer es weiss, mit wie vielen Schwierigkeiten eine neue Ansiedlung zu kampfen hat, der kann es kaum glauben, dass in so kurzer Zeit und im Beginne durch so wenige Personen das bewirkt worden, was sich jetzt dem Blicke des aufmerksamen Beobachters darbietet. — Taglich kommen neue Ansiedler an, und man kann mit Bestimmt- heit annehmen, dass in den letzten drei Monaten im Durchschnitt jede Woche ein Haus aufgerichtet wurde. Man baut hier nur Frame- oder steinerne Hauser, indem die Blockhauser nicht mehr zu gef alien scheinen. Es sind jetzt gegen 90 Hauser erbaut und die Zahl der Bewohner belauft sich auf 450. Die Farmer, welche Land gekauft haben, eilen herbei und be- arbeiten es. Wir haben hier fast alle Geschaftsleute ; sie haben Arbeit und leben billig. Ein Mann, der sein Handwerk gut ver- steht, kann 12 Doll, die Woche verdienen. Es sind hier 5 Kauf- laden, zwei grosse Gasthauser und ein Postamt. Fur eine katholi-4 sche und eine evangelische Kirche sind die Lots ausgesucht und das * A. und N. A. of May 2S, 1839. 78 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia Schulhaus ist im Bau begriffen. Zwei Jager-Cbmpagnien haben sich hier gebildet, jede 50 Mann stark, nebst einem Musik-Chor mit Blech-Instrumenten. Man hat Eisenerz gefunden und nach mehreren Zeichen zu schliessen miissen auch Kohlenlager vorhanden sein. Der Missouri ist jetzt so hoch, dass die Dampfschiffe nahe an den Kaufladen am Wharf landen. Alles ist hier guten Muthes und strebt freudig vorwarts. J. N. Stiihlinger, Aug. Leonhard, F. W. Pommer.* The tone of this letter is hopeful, it is encouraging. Despite the petty protests offered by some of the participants, to existing conditions at Hermann, the colony grew apace. Fundamentally the society was sound. Though individual differences and per sonal opinions sometimes threw the settlers into hostile camps, after all the original plans were rather closely adhered to, for the accomplishment of the proposed end. On July 23, 1838, an enterprise was begun at the colony, which, though it did not succeed in yielding the full measure of good expected of it, was nevertheless, an encouraging sign of the American help-yourself spirit. The growth of the colony was encumbered by the want of a grist and saw mill. It seemed im possible for the home society to render aid. Therefore a num ber of settlers bent on bringing about this commodity and at the same time introducing a lucrative business, organized a milling company. The nucleus of the new enterprise was formed by a group of men, who, with two exceptions, had hitherto been to tally inactive in the management of affairs. The names appear ing subjoined to the writ of incorporation are the following: Joseph Snyder, Henry Wiemann, D. Widersprecher, Geo. F. Bayer, Fried. Leupold, Fried. Mfihlenbach. It was a stock com pany. Each share cost $25, payable in five equal payments, due during the period from Aug. 1, 1838, to Jan. 1, 1839. The max- * A. und N. W. of June 15, 1839. And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 79 imum cost of the mill was set at $2,500.00. Although the changes that were soon to be made at Hermann prevented this company from actually going into operation, it is nevertheless a sign of progress not to be overlooked. To facilitate and encourage the work of colonization, and to assist incoming colonists, a bureau of information was organized in St. Louis. One Neumann, residing on "lower Market Street," issued certificates of purchase, and instructed the travelers as to the most convenient ways of travel to Hermann. Branch offices were also established with Schachleiter, of Pittsburg; Charles Liebau, of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Hunn, of Louisville, Kentucky. 5. The Separation of the Colony from the Parent Society. It now becomes our duty to chronicle the closing scenes of the Philadelphia Society and the beginnings of independent ac tivity at Hermann. To the minds of the unselfish fathers of the German Settle ment Society of Philadelphia it had never occurred that the spirit of ungratefulness, the desire for self aggrandizement, an appar ent disregard of the rights of others would so soon dominate the settlers of that colony which their ardor, their devotion and self- sacrifice had succeeded in establishing — a colony that still stands, in a slightly altered form, as a monument to those noble sons of old Germany. Yet such were their bitter experiences. Such was to be their sore disappointment. The ideal heights could not be reached. The way was full of hindrances. They had overesti mated the power, the determination and willingness of their fol lowers to overcome them. Scarcely had the task of winning the wild tract for the abode of man begun, when here and there a voice was raised arguing the advantages of a severance from the home society. The occasional murmurs soon became frequent and bold. To the unbiased observer they now seem rather premature. If for no other reason than the prestige, which the undertaking derived from the connection with highly-esteemed Germans, re- 80 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia siding at the very cradle of Germanism in America, the separa tion of the Colony from the home society should have been de layed. In proportion as the old fighters for the good cause were pushed into the background, in that proportion general interest waned. The great mass of argument produced to hasten the transfer of the governing body to the colony may very well be expressed in the language of the Jewish mob : "Wir wollen nicht dass diese (r) fiber uns herrsche (n)." Some of their reasons were, of course, cogent and well-founded. This we shall see in the course of our discussion. The home society had never entertained the intention of ex ercising continued supervision over the colony. Its primary pur pose had always been the founding of a home for things German on the western continent, and it was deemed best to have this ex periment centralized in a town where the beneficent influences of culture could work to the best advantage and to surround this town with colony farms from which should be derived the major portion of the means of subsistence. It had always been under stood, as in the nature of things it was but rational to understand, that the colonists should govern themselves as soon as they were found strong enough to do so, and offered sufficient guarantee of the absolute safety of the interests of all stockholders. It so hap pened that many capable men went to the colony early — some of the best the society had on its roster. They were eager to have absolute self-government. And we can not blame them for that. The distance to Philadelphia was so great and communication so slow that many inconvenient delays occurred. Then too the home society could not appreciate in the fullest measure the conditions and pressing needs of the colony. But still we believe that a firm connection with the Philadelphia men, tried and not found want ing, would have, in itself, argued better and more convincingly than a thousand letters of promise, assurance and commendation on the part of the colonists. For the sake of the ultimate good, for a means of advertisement as well as advertising, for a positive guarantee of the good intention of the whole undertaking the old And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 81 society should have been kept at the helm longer than it was per mitted to stay. The first concession of power, acquiescing to urgent requests from Hermann, was mlade on July 2nd, '38, when the Board of Managers, after learning positively that Bayer could not supervise the affairs alone, voted : „So halt der Verwaltungs-Rath es fiir nothwendig die Gesetz- gebung und Verwaltung den Mitgliedern in Hermann soweit zu ubertragen, als es die Localitat und die Bedurfnisse der Mitglieder erheischen." This suggestion was favorably received, and the Board of Managers at once instructed to work out a definite plan pointing towards the transfer. The board was charged to submit their re port within 5 days. This body promptly complied with the order, and on July 7th, the society accepted the report unmodified. The resolutions were prefaced by these reasons why a partial transfer was deemed advisable. 1. Because a large number of shareholders already resided at and around Hermann, they might be safely intrusted with a proportionate share of the management and responsibility. It was deemed especially desirable to do so, since they were most intimately acquainted with the local needs and possibilities. 2. Because the agent, G. F. Bayer, for unknown reasons, had failed to abide by his instructions and it was not known if he had even performed his first duty of appointing a controlling committee. 3. Because the affairs of the society were speedily approach ing that period when a transfer of the entire management would become imperative, and a balancing of all accounts necessary. Therefore, it was resolved that the following men, Julius Leupold, E. C. Staffhorst, W. Senn, M. Krauter and W. L. Henrich, should call a meeting of all the colonists for the purpose of effect ing the permanent organization of an executive committee. The report continues thus : „Die Versammlung hat alsdann einen Prasidenten, einen Vice- 82 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia Prasidenten, einen Sekretair, einen Schatzmeister und ffinf Trusties zu wahlen. Der President, Vice-Prasident und Sekretair der exe- cutiven Committee, nebst vier von der letzteren zu wahlenden Mit glieder sollen eine spezielle Committee bilden, deren Pflicht es sein soil, unverziiglich den General-Agenten Herrn Bayer zur Abrech- nung aufzufordern, welche letzterer vor der genannten speziellen Committe abzulegen hierdurch verpflichtet ist und zwar innerhalb vierzehn Tagen von dem Tage an gerechnet, an welchem diese Auf forderung an ihn gemacht wird. Die besagte spezielle Committee soli ferner bewirken, dass alle in den Handen des General-Agenten befindlichen Gelder und son- stiges Eigenthum der Gesellschaft, welches von dem General-Agen ten noch nicht an die Trusties der Gesellschaft uberschrieben wor den ist, von jenem an die von der executiven Committee gewahlten ffinf Trusties ubergeben werde. Der General-Agent ist hierdurch verpflichtet, solche Uebergabe der vorhergehenden Bestimmung ge mass zu machen. Die mehrgenannte spezielle Committee soil ferner das Amt und die Pflichten der in der Instruktion des General-Agenten angeord- neten controlierenden Committee fibernehmen. Dabei soil jedoch die Abanderung stattfinden, dass zur Suspension des General- Agenten die Uebereinstimmung von vier Mitgliedern der genannten speziellen Committee und die Mehrheit der executiven Committee erforderlich sein soil. Die spezielle Committee soil ferner die Pflicht haben wenigstens alle zwei Wochen an die executive Com mittee, sowohl als die Gesellschaft umstandlich Bericht fiber den Fortgang ihrer Geschafte zu erstatten. Die executive Committee soil sich regelmassig wenigstens alle zwei Wochen versammeln und der Gesellschaft wenigstens alle vier Wochen Bericht fiber den Fortgang ihrer Geschafte abstatten. Die executive Committee soil ferner die von ihr zu erwahlenden ffinf Trusties sowie den Schatzmeister unter passende Verbindlichkeiten legen, um die Gesellschaft vor Schaden zu hfiten. Ueberhaupt wird der executiven Committee empfohlen, ihre Geschafte innerhalb der genannten Grenzen dahin zu leiten, dass sobald als moglich, die Gesellschaft zu der Ueberzeugung kommen moge, dass es mit ihrer Sicherheit und ihrem besten Gedeihen fiber- einstimme die ganze Regierung der Gesellschaft nach der Stadt Hermann zu verlegen. Wilhelm Schmoele, Pras. Philadelphia, am 7ten Juli 1838. It is at once seen that by these resolutions the agent's duties were curtailed to such an extent that scarcely more than the name of the office remained. Obviously one of the purposes of And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 83 the action was to have this officer supervised by a strong and vig orous and obedient body. From now on the agent appears only as a figure head, and early in October the unfortunate man was released from his position entirely. He had worked hard and self-sacrificingly for the company. He had left a good and peace ful employment and subjected himself and family to great hard ship. There is no doubt whatsoever in our mind, that he did all within the power of one man and he did even more. Because of the extremely strenuous service to the colony, he contracted se rious illness. The nervous strain, brought upon him, at this time, through evidences of distrust from selfish, ignorant, and even caluminious contemporaries, finally broke his strength and in March, 1839, he died. His remains now rest in a remote corner of the town cemetery, which he had laid out with his own hand. A modest marble slab marks his final resting-place. The simple inscription bears little more than his name and the dates Sept. 27, 1800, and March 18, 1839. As to the colony — the resolutions gave the members prospect of early self government. It now virtually depended upon the pioneers themselves, whether they would soon be independent or not. As soon as they could satisfy the home society beyond the least doubt that they were capable of managing the affairs judi ciously and profitably and fairly for all stockholders, theirs was to be absolute freedom of action. The home society remained firm in the opinion that the trans fer would be productive of mutual good. At least this was their position for a long while. The letters of Bayer of June 25th and July 3rd, were read on Aug. 2. They seem to have made but a slight impression on the members. Certainly they did not place the agent in a more favorable light with them. They only re peated their demand for a settlement with that officer. The agent, by virtue of the power and authority vested in his office, had sold shares at Hermann. It was these sales that now worried the Philadelphians most of all. The agent had not reported the details of these transactions. This anxiety was quite natural, and 84 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia even commendable, for the money represented the very life sub stance of the organization. They did not understand then why their representative had not reported the details of his business at stated intervals. But even when on Sept. 6th, Bayer's letter of Aug. ioth was read, in which he presented a plea for himself, even then they did not change their opinion of the affair. They only repeated for a third time their request for a speedy summing up of affairs, adding: „Dass die General-Versammlung (wenn es die Muttergesell schaft fiir gut findet) von hier aus nach Hermann mit alien den Protokollen und Buchern der Gesellschaft u. s. w. verlegt werde." On November ist, the report of the special committee at Hermann was read. When on the 8th of October, Bayer's term of office came to a close, the special committee assumed control, binding the colony trustees — Senn, Henrich, Lehder, Wider sprecher and Leupold by this contract : „Wir endesunterschriebenen Trustees der Deutschen Ansied lungs-Gesellschaft in Hermann verpflichten uns hiedurch alle Ein- kaufe der Gesellschaft in unserem Namen, zum Besten der Gesell schaft zu machen. II. Wir wollen das von dem General-Agenten, Herrn G. F. Bayer fiir die Gesellschaft gekaufte noch nicht iiberschriebene Land sofort auf uns als Trustees, uberschreiben und recordiren lassen. III. Alle welche Actien zu kaufen wunschen sollen eine Order von der Mehrzahl von uns, als Trustees bekommen, nach welcher die Kaufgelder an den zeitigen Schatzmeister zu bezahlen sind, wel- cher ermachtigt ist einen Empfangschein dariiber auszustellen. IV. Wir verpflichten uns der speciellen Committee oder den zeiti gen Beamten der Gesellschaft, oder im Fall die Stadt Hermann bis And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 85 dahin incorporirt seyn sollte, den Trustees der Stadt Hermann so bald als ffir nothig erachtet werden sollte, alles uns fiberschriebene und sonst anvertraute Eigenthum der Gesellschaft zuruckschreiben zu lassen und abzuliefern. V. Wir wollen ein genaues Verzeichniss fiihren fiber die bereits verkauften und noch zu verkaufenden Actien und die zurfickgege- benen Actienscheine wollen wir sorgfaltig aufbewahren. VI. Alle in den Handen des General-Agenten befindlichen Gelder und sonstiges Eigenthum der Gesellschaft welches von dem General- Agenten noch nicht an die Trustees der Gesellschaft in Philadelphia fiberschrieben worden ist, soil von dem Agenten an die Trustees in Hermann fibergeben und von denselben in Empfang genommen werden. So geschehen — Hermann, 8. Oct. 1838." (Signatures.) Under date of Nov. 3rd, the "Alte und Neue Welt" con tains the following resolutions signed by the executive committee at Hermann : „Dass die Mitglieder hiermit aufgefordert seien, sich mit den Trustees hieselbst fiber die in Beschlag genommenen Lots und Landereien sofort zu berechnen, und zwar bei Verlust ihrer An- sprfiche darauf." From this, one can but conclude that some records had been loosely kept and that a readjustment was deemed necessary, and that vigorous measures were resorted to, to compel all concerned to come to a speedy settlement. •Up to this date the society had confidently looked forward to an early transfer. It was compelled to be conservative, how ever, and to proceed slowly, because too many interests were in volved in the venture. They proceeded entirely too slowly for the colonists, however. This is evidenced by a letter of the spe cial committee at Hermann, dated December 27th, which assumes 86 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia more the tone of a demand than that of a petition. It appears that the parent society was negligent about forwarding the nec essary authority. This they forced upon the Philadelphians' at tention in terms none too delicate. We quote from this letter, for the reason that it, in itself, reflects better the milieu in which it arose, than any abstract or translation we could make of it. „Die bisherigen Fortschritte dieser Ansiedlung sind wahrlich die Frfichte Ihrer Ffirsorge nicht, wohl aber gereicht der Gesell schaft in Philadelphia zum gerechten Vorwurf, dass die Ansiedlung den viel hoheren Standpunkt noch nicht erreicht hat, den sie nun einnehmen mochte, hatten unverzeihliche Missgriffe und Vernach- lassigungen von Philadelphia aus, ihren Fortschritt nicht entgegen- gewirkt. Diese sind insonderheit : die Absendung eines ffir seine Verpflichtungen unfahigen Agenten, ohne alle specielle schriftliche Instruktion von seiten der Trustees; und nach dessen Absetzung, das Vorenthalten jeglicher, rechtskraf tiger Vollmacht, welche die, an des Agenten Stelle erwahlte Committee nur ermachtigen konnte, an seiner Statt die Geschafte der Gesellschaft wahrzunehmen. Die von dort gesandten Instruktionen ffir die hier erwahlten Trustees waren nicht einmal nach der Verfassung unseres Privat-Vereins gfiltig, da sie nur von zweien der dasigen Trustees unterzeichnet waren, nicht einmal soweit schenkte man einer so wichtigen Sache Au f merksamkeit . Der hiesigen Verwaltung liegen unter anderen, die Pflichten ob: Deeds fur Land und Stadt-Lots zu ertheilen — denn die in Philadelphia gedruckten Scheine konnen unmoglich als Deeds gel- ten, und viele der hiesigen Ansiedler haben auch diese nicht einmal — wo hat sie die Vollmacht dazu ? Ferner, Ausstande ffir Land und Lots einzuziehen, wo ist Kraft dazu im Weigerungsf alle ? Beson ders druckend macht den Mangel an gerichtlicher Vollmacht, die Unrichtigkeit des von Herrn Bayer empfangenen Deeds, von Mrs. Phillips, fiber das Land worauf der ostliche Theil der Stadt Her mann gelegen ist, und nach welchem uns dieses Land entschieden streitig gemacht werden kann, wird eine Berichtigung des Kauf- briefes nicht so fort und mit Umsicht betrieben! Wer hat gegen- wartig ein Recht hier die dazu nothigen Schritte zu thun, zu ver- langen? Die Stadt Hermann soil incorporirt werden, und ware es schon, aber auf wessen Grund und Boden? Wer ist Eigenthfimer oder Reprasentant ? Wer soil unter diesen und vielen anderen unverhehlbaren Man- geln sich entschliessen, Grundeigenthum von dieser Gesellschaft zu kaufen? und mancher Gutgewillte hat sich auf diesen Grund hin And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 87 schon von uns zuruckgezogen ! Manche die da kauften, halten sich ffir hintergangen ! ! Den General-Deed fiber das von Bayer gekaufte Land, fast das wichtigste Document welches die Gesellschaft besitzt, erachtete man ffir gut, anstatt der , Verwaltung hier, einem benachbarten Indivi- duum Behufs Recordirung einzusenden, fiir dessen Descretion und Sorgfalt sich keiner der Unterschriebenen zu verbfirgen wiinscht. Was ist aus dem Documente geworden? nach Philadelphia zuriick- gesandt ist es bis dato nicht ! Doch dies ist Ihre Sorge, uns nachst liegt im Namen aller deren, fiir welche wir zu handeln verbunden sind die Aufforderung an Sie : Die Deutsche Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft in Hermann ohne fer- neren unnothigen Aufschub in juridischen Besitz aller der Rechte und Vortheile zu setzen, welche sie von Ihnen zu fordern hat, und worauf sie, vertrauensvoU auf die Weisheit und Fursorge anderer nun schon zu lange verzichtet hat! Die unterzeichnete Committee rechnet somit zuversichtlich auf die prompteste Erfiillung ihres Ansuchens, und zeichnet Achtungsvoll, Julius Leupold, D. Widersprecher, Lud. Henrich, M. Krauter, Georg Rieffenstahl, Conrad Baer." There can be no doubt that some of the above statements are slightly magnified, in order to bring about a speedier decision and acquiescence on part of the officers at Philadelphia. It is plainly to be seen that the colonists would accept but one term and that was absolute separation from the old society. Under these conditions the originators of the movement must have looked forward to a separation with a certain anticipation of re lief. Up to this point it had the appearance as if all the colonists desired the transfer. To the great surprise, as well as discomfort, it now came to light that the settlers entertained very different views concerning this question. In one of these hostile camps were grouped most of the towns folk, in the other all the agricul turists and a few of their town sympathizers. The former cham- 88 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia pioned the cause of the transfer, the latter sought to check it. The views of the opposition took tangible form in a long article of protest, written at Hermann, Feb. 22, 1839, and signed by Dan iel Trautwein. It had been drawn up by these men, Fr. Hbsmann, Fr. Leu pold and Daniel Trautwein, though only the latter affixed his sig nature to it. This committee had been appointed on Feb. 19th at a special meeting of the opponents to the idea of the transfer. The incorporation of the town of Hermann had been sought for at the same time that negotiations were entered into for the trans fer. The case was unmistakably plain, that if this incorporation took effect, if the town of Hermann became the custodian of the society property, then in the nature of things the town was the society. To this very amalgamation the country-folk most vig orously objected. And why should they not? If the town-peo ple carried their point, the farmers had been duped ; they had pro moted an undertaking for the good of others ; they had failed to gain any returns for a great outlay. No wonder then that the loyal Trautwein indignantly bursts out : „Es handelt sich um Ausschliessung eines achtbaren, wichtigen und zahlreichen Theiles der Gesellschaftsmitglieder von alien Rech ten und Vortheilen der Gesellschaft, um die Beraubung der Land- bewohner zum Besten der Stadt. Soil der Grundsatz der Rechts- gleichheit aller unserer Mitglieder schon am ersten Morgen unseres jungen Lebens niedergetreten und von einem deutschen Whigismus verschlungen werden?" Continuing, he points out, that it had not been the intention of the founders of the society to establish a town only, but "eine lebenvolle Deutsche Ansiedlung Landwirthe eben sowohl als Gewerbe teibende Stadter." Quite sensibly he remarks : „Wie hatte auch eine deutsche Stadt inmitten einer amerikani- schen Landbevolkerung eine Heimath ffir uns werden konnen ? Eine Oase in der Wfiste — bald fiberweht von deren austrocknenden Sande! Wir sollten ein Ganzes seyn, ein Ganzes bleiben, gleiche Rechte geniessen, ob wir es vorziehen sollten auf dem Lande oder in der Stadt zu leben." And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 89 He condemns the presumptuousness of the townsfolk to at tempt to become sole beneficiaries. He strengthens his point by showing that the farmers have the same constitutional right as all others, and could as well claim exclusive recognition as their vil lage friends. The chief agitators urging an unconditional transfer, seem to have been D. Widersprecher and Julius Leupold. Both of them were rather eccentric and — selfish. They were forced to appear before the assembly of Feb. 19 at Hermann to explain their position and their action. They claimed to have acted upon the authority of a resolution of October 28th, 1838, according to which all the property of the society had been transferred to the town of Hermann. No one recalled such a resolution. An in vestigation was instigated. The books contained not a syllable of such an act. Under the minutes of the special committee, how ever, an unapproved resolution was found : „Dass es die hochste Zeit sei, um Inkorporirung der Stadt Her mann bei der am 6ten des nachsten Monats sitzenden County Court nachzusuchen, zur Wahl von 5 Trustees der Stadt Hermann, wie das Gesetz sie vorschreibt, am nachsten Montag, als den 29ten Oc tober, Mittags 1 Uhr, in der Wohnung des Herrn Lehder geschritten werden soil. Diese Trustees werden sodann, sobald die Stadt Her mann incorporirt worden ist, das ganze Vermogen der Deutschen Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft zum alleinigen Nutzen und Frommen der Stadt Hermann verwalten." This was a rather well planned ruse, designed to dupe the unsophisticated farmers, who, however, were too keenly awake to their rights. This incident marks an ugly blot on the record of the usually square dealing townspeople. Finding his party thus defeated at this point, J. Leupold undertook to misinterpret paragraph 3 of the constitution, presenting it in such a light as if the land owning members were not entitled to the same privileges as other shareholders. Of course he was instantly corrected by the opposition, for they knew only too well what part of the basic laws contained their support. 90 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia In conclusion Trautwein pleads for the rights of the rural constituency. He does this in a number of interrogations, more forceful than a series of declarations : „Worin bestanden denn unter Herrn Leupolds und Wider- sprechers System die Vorziige der landbewohnenden Mitglieder des Vereins vor anderen umherwohnenden Nichtmitgliedern ? Etwa darin, dass wir unser Land theurer bezahlen dfirfen als die vom Staate kaufenden Nichtmitglieder ? Darin dass wir die Nachtheile zu tragen hatten, ohne die Vortheile geniessen zu dfirfen? Wel ches Reizmittel ware diess ffir Fremde unser Land um einen theu- reren Preis zu kaufen als sie es vom Staate haben konnen?" As was to be expected, this communication caused the Mut tergesellschaft to reflect, and to postpone the transfer indefinitely. Previous to the arrival of this letter, Wesselhoeft, Schmidt and Feuring had been appointed a committee to council as to the means and ways of transferring the management to Hermann without imperilling the rights of the shareholders. They were instructed to confer with the special committee in Missouri and to request them to submit suggestions. On February 14th, the committee was even directed to begin the legal steps towards this change. But Trautwein's appeal and a philippic from one Gentner caused the society to annul all these actions. It was now decided to abide a time when these disturbances might be amicably adjusted. In the meantime earnest investigation was conducted by the officers. Treasurer Schmidt was sent to the colony to enquire : „Ob die Gesetze in Missouri es erlauben, dass die Landbewoh- ner dasselbe Stimmrecht als die Stadtbewohner haben." Though the matter was delayed, there was no question but that the change was bound to come. A new committee consisting of Klett, Gentner and Stockfleht, was appointed and instructed to see „wie und auf welche Weise die Verlegung der Verwaltung auf die sicherste Art bewerkstelligt werden kann." And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 91 In June, Schmidt returned and urged the transfer without delay. There was no longer any doubt that the end must soon come. Several meetings had been called at Philadelphia, but no quorum appeared. Interest had died out. To secure yet what funds they could, the treasurer was instructed : „Eine Aufforderung ergehen zu lassen, um diejenigen Acti- onare, welche ihre Actienscheine noch nicht abgeholt haben, zu ver anlassen, dieses schleunigst zu thun." A great number of letters arrived from Hermann, some signed by individuals, some by a great number of persons ; some favoring the change, others urging continuation of the old regime. The solution of the problem became extremely difficult. In this extremity the committee on transfer, of which body the president of the society was ex-officio member, prepared a long report, addressed to the special committee at Hermann. This special committee consisted of the following five gentlemen : J. Leupold, M. Krauter, Ludw. Geis, Heinr. Heckmann, Peter Mfiller. The report is headed by this request to the committee : „Sie sind freundlichst ersucht so schnell als moglich, eine Ver sammlung aller, in der Ansiedlung wohnenden Mitglieder der Ge sellschaft zu berufen und denselben den folgenden Bericht zur Verhandlung vorzulegen." This report, written July ist, 1839, contains many interest ing points hitherto unmentioned. It reiterates the intentions of the society in regard to the future control thus : „Es ist der einstimmige Wunsch der Muttergesellschaft, dass die Verlegung der Verwaltung so bald als moglich geschehe, und nur das Streben, die Verlegung auf eine die Rechte aller Mitglieder 92 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia sichernde und allgemein befriedigende Weise vorzunehmen, hat die AusfuhrUng bisher verzogert." The obstacles to an absolute transfer when the request first became known are these : „(i) Der damalige Mangel an Personen in der Ansiedlung welche zu gesetzlich gultigen Pfandhaltern (Trustees) gewahlt werden konnten. (2) Der Mangel an Sicherstellung der Privat- interessen aller ihre Stadtlotten noch nicht gewahlt habenden Mit glieder der Gesellschaft, indem die Wahl der Lotten ffir diese hatte konnen unge'biihrlich beschrankt oder erschwert werden." It is conceded that this first hindrance had been removed, but it is emphatically impressed that the latter problem must yet be solved. It is further pointed out that the most varied and con tradictory reports have arrived from Hermann. 1. It had been stated that a most threatening agitation existed at the colony. 2. Certain men at Hermann advised that all action be deferred until this difference was adjusted. 3. The landowners urged continuation of control by the home society. 4. Others proposed that the form of management remain un changed, only the residence of the society be changed. 5. The people of the town Hermann demanded complete and uncondi tional yielding to their proposition to consolidate the town and the society. 6. It was not known whether the town Hermann was or was not incorporated, and, if so, how. On this last point Schmidt, who had just been in Hermann, could not give accurate information. It was positively neces sary to know whether Jarvis' land, which lay adjoining to the colony, had also been incorporated in the town. Certain conces sions and restrictions hinged on this fact. As a matter of fact the land of several private individuals was included in the in corporation. This multiplied the difficulties in a great measure and protracted the negotiations greatly. The committee on transference was given a most delicate task when they were asked to find an equitable settlement of the affair so variously judged. In their dilemma they finally hit upon a course which, though not altogether just, was neverthe- And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 93 less human. The beginning of their action was the giving of a definition of the original purpose of the society. In this opinion they took care to side with the stronger faction of the colonists. Though this may not accord with our interpretation of equity, yet it was a starting point towards a very difficult solution, though Sec. 3 of the constitution was recklessly overruled. This opinion they couched in these well-chosen words: „Der ursprungliche Zweck der Gesellschaft war die Griindung einer deutschen Stadt, welche durch vereinigtes Capital und sonsti- ges offentliches Vermogen, Gleichheit des Strebens und harmoni- sches Zusammenleben schnell zu dem Grade der Bliithe in physi- scher, sowohl als geistiger Rficksicht emporwachsen sollte, dass sie dem deutschen Namen .zur Ehre und den heimathlosen Stammge- nossen zum glficklichen Asyl gereichen mochte. In diesem Sinne miissen die Constitution und alle Nebengesetze der Gesellschaft gedeutet werden. Dann ergiebt es sich von selbst, dass die For- derungen der Rechte der Mitgliedschaft ffir die, welche alle ihre Actien ffir gekauftes Land an die Gesellschaft zurfickgegeben — mithin ihren Privatvortheil, durch die erhohten Actienpreise, welche ihnen bei der Rfickgabe berechnet wurden, bereits genossen haben — oder gar niemals Mitglieder gewesen sind, obgleich sie nun der Gesellschaft oder Privatpersonen Grundeigenthum gekauft haben mogen — ganzlich haltlos ist, und weder in der Constitution noch in irgend einem Gesetze der Gesellschaft auch nur einen Schein- grund ffir sich finden konnen. Dieser genannte ursprungliche Zweck der Gesellschaft macht es aber sehr wfinschenswerth, dass die von den unternehmenden, und durch Muth und Fleiss sich auszeichnenden Mitgliedern der Gesellschaft in unglaublich kurzer Zeit gegrfindete und bereits vom Staate incorporirte Stadt Hermann als letztes Ziel des gesellschaft- lichen Unternehmens, nunmehr so bald als moglich mit der Gesell schaft verschmelzen moge, so dass Stadt Hermann und Ansied lungs-Gesellschaft in jeder Beziehung tautologisch seien." By this decision the difficulty was vastly minimized while the possible solution was proportionately facilitated. The farm ers are entirely excluded from consideration. The problem is now wholly concentrated upon the town Hermann. The report continues by enumerating certain advantages which such a change would promote: 94 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia i . Such a consolidation of town and society would unify and centralize the various interests, would preserve order and pro mote public undertakings. 2. The property of the society would be more secure under State supervision. 3. The constitution and by-laws would be more effective if clad in the garb of State laws. 4. Such consolidation of town and society interests would bring about equality of rights and duties of all residents — a con dition impossible under a separate existence of these bodies. Although the consolidation appeared, on the whole, bene ficent to a great number concerned, there were still very serious objections to be raised against it. 1. All inhabitants of Hermann would, by virtue of the laws of the State, become joint owners and beneficiaries of the society property whether they had contributed an equivalent or not. 2. The members living in various parts of the country would lose their vote in society matters, while such men as Jarvis would eo-ipso have a voice in the transactions of the society. 3. In making public improvements the society would be unduly burdened, while the non-members would, reap the benefit without proportionate co-operation. 4. The estates of non-members would be exempt from taxa tion the same as the society property. The public improvements would increase the value of the property of non-members and practically make impossible the purchase of such property. It was made plain that no consolidation was possible until these matters were satisfactorily settled. In making this last de cision it was, however, clearly stated that a transfer of the offices And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 95 of the society was much desired and recommended. But before this change could be positively granted answers to these ques tions were called for : „i. Wie werden die Glieder der Gesellschaft, welche ihre Stadt lotten noch nicht aufgenommen haben, sicher gestellt, dass Ihnen nicht kunftig die Wahl ihrer Lotten erschwert oder gar unmdglich gemacht werde? 2. Wie soil es mit der Besteuerung der von vielen Actienbe- sitzern noch nicht aufgenommenen Stadtlotten gehen, im Falle die Einkfinfte des gesellschaftlichen Vermogens zu irgend einer Zeit nicht hinreichen sollten, um sammtliche Taxen, die auf den gesell schaftlichen Theil der Stadt fallen, zu decken? 3. Wie steht es um die bisherige Geschaftsfiihrung der execu tiven, sowohl als der speziellen Committee? Besonders wird eine definitive Rechnungs-Ablegung der Letzteren gewunscht." The Philadelphia committee went so far as to suggest an swers to these questions, which suggestions, however, fell upon deaf ears. The men at Hermann had their own solution for problems in hand, as will appear later. Since the incorporation of the town Hermann, a very inter esting and indeed unique state of affairs existed. The report, under discussion, expands somewhat on this point. An odd state of confusion had come about. And all this, too, at a time when it was thought impossible for any such thing to occur. The colony had existed a little over one year and already the town was no longer purely German. „Die Gesellschaft hat seit der Incorporation der Stadt Her mann einen hochst beschrenkten Wirkungskreis," the report con tinues, „wahrend das Stadt-Council beinahe unbedingte Gewalt be- sitzt. Das Council hat zu befehlen (naturlich innerhalb der Gren- zen der Incorporations-Acte) , die Gesellschaft zu gehorchen, soweit sich die Befehle auf den gesellschaftlichen Stadtgrund erstrecken." What then, really, was the relation of the town Hermann and the society ? The committee defined thus : „Die Stadt Hermann besteht aus Bfirgern, welche theils Mit glieder der Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft sind, theils nicht, die aber alle gleiches Stimmrecht in der Stadt-Verwaltung haben. Sie erstreckt sich fiber Land, das theils gesellschaftlich ist, theils nicht, aber alles 96 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia im Stadtgebiete liegende Land, gleichviel ob gesellschaftliches oder fremdes der Stadtverwaltung (Council) unterworfen, besteuerbar ffir offentliche Ausgaben, Verbesserungen, Stadtbauten, etc. Nur fiir den ganzen gesellschaftlichen Antheil (die von Mitgliedern auf genommenen und bebauten Stadtlotten) zahlt die Gesellschafts- Kasse alle Grundsteuern, so lange die Einkfinfte der Gesellschaft dazu hinreichen (welches aller Wahrscheinlichkeit nach immer der Fall sein wird) fiir das fremde Land aber, innerhalb des Stadt- gebietes, miissen die respectiven Eigenthfimer einen proportionellen Tax bezahlen. Die Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft hat mithin mit der Stadt Hermann weiter nichts zu thun, als dass sie die dem gesell schaftlichen Stadttheile zufallenden Grundtaxen bezahlt, und die auf diesen Theil sich beziehenden Council- Verordnungen erfullt; auf dieselbe Weise und in derselben Ordnung, als z. B. Herr Jarvis dasselbe in Proportion fiir den von ihm geeigneten Stadttheil thut. Der Grund ffir die Schule so wie anderen offentlichen Gebauden muss von der Gesellschaft gekauft werden. . . . Die Gesellschaft eignet oder representirt einen grossen Theil der Stadt. Sollen auf diesem gesellschaftlichen Stadttheil Anlagen (z. B. Squares, Garten, Promenaden etc. etc.) angelegt, offentliche Ge- baude gebaut, oder andere offentliche Verbesserungen gemacht wer den, so muss die Stadt den dazu nothigen Grund von der Gesell schaft kaufen. Dieser Baupreis muss dann wieder durch Grund taxen, theils von der Gesellschaft theils von den Eigenthfimern des nicht gesellschaftlichen Stadtlandes aufgemacht werden. Jeden- falls wiirde es ungerecht sein, dass die Gesellschaft sollte gratis Land und Geld zu offentlichen Verbesserungen abtreten, die zur Wertherhohung aller Stadttheile dienen. . . . Die Stadt als solche besitzt Nichts als was sie kauft. Um zu kaufen schreibt sie Taxen aus, welche von der Gesellschaft, Jarvis, Schiefer und Schmidt pro- portionsmassig zu zahlen sind." From the foregoing it is difficult to state just what was meant by a consolidation of the company and the town Hermann. If, as was stated in the outset, company and town are identical, then, according to the later statements, the town would be buying from itself. The report continues : „Sollten die letzteren drei Eigenthfimer (Jarvis, Schiefer und Schmidt) des fremden Stadtgrundes von der Gesellschaft ausge- kauft werden, so wiirde die Bedeutung von Stadt und Gesellschaft leicht zu verschmelzen sein, und dann konnte man in Wahrheit sagen, die Stadt Hermann eignet das ganze gesellschaftliche Ver mogen." > . . :m\m And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 97 The report is signed : „Wilhelm Schmoele — im Namen der von der Muttergesell schaft niedergesetzten Committee, welche die Verlegung der Ver waltung der Gesellschaft zu beraten hatte. Philadelphia, Juli 1, 1839." The society seal is affixed to the document to prove its authenticity. In response to this report an answer was punctiliously pre pared and signed by 65 members at Hermann. The tenor of this reply seems to have been entirely satisfactory. Attorneys-at-law were at once employed to assist the committee on transference in drawing up a general deed conveying the property into the hands of the trustees at Hermann. While this was doing in Philadelphia, a final, grand report was being prepared and signed by 106 colonists. It was the ulti matum, so far as the colony was concerned. This report con tains a reiteration of many of the points referred to in the letter of the preceding paragraph. In it are found the answers to the questions propounded by the Philadelphians. A part of this com munication is appended here : „Erstens Ist es fortwahrend unser Wunsch, dass die Verwaltung des gesell schaftlichen Vermogens sobald als moglich nach der Stadt Her mann verlegt werden moge, welches in Uebereinstimmung mit den Statuten der Gesellschaft und namentlich mit den Bestimmungen ist, nach welchen die Trustees der Stadt Hermann installirt worden. Zweitens Glauben die Unterzeichneten, dass kein Mangel an Personen vor- handen, welche zu gesetzgiiltigen Trustees der Stadt Hermann ge wahlt werden konnen. Drittens Erklaren wir hiedurch, dass wir es niemals zugeben, vielmehr immer dagegen protestiren wollen, dass in dem jetzigen Werthe, so wie auch in der bestehenden Auswahl von Stadtlotten, zum Nachtheil derjenigen Mitglieder, welche ihre Stadtlotten noch nicht gewahlt haben, irgend eine Beschrankung oder Veranderung stattfinden soil. 98 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia Viertens Ist es unsere Meinung, dass von einer in dem Berichte erwahnten Aufregung der Gemfither in der Ansiedlung veranlasst durch ent- gegengesetzte Wunsche, Zwecke und Ansichten jetzt nicht mehr die Rede seyn kann, indem wir hiedurch nochmals erklaren, dass es unser Wunsch ist, dass die ganze Verwaltung des gesellschaftlichen Vermogens sofort der Stadt Hermann ubertragen werden moge. Funftens Sehen wir nichts dabey zu erinnern, dass alle Bewohner der Stadt von ihrem gesetzlichen Stimmrecht nach Belieben Gebrauch machen, da solche doch nur durch Ankauf oder Benutzung von Grundeigen- thum Burger respective Bewohner der Stadt Hermann werden konnen. Sechstens Ist es unsere nicht beengte Ansicht, dass das Wohl der Stadt Her mann durchaus nicht dadurch gefahrdet werden konnte wenn sich auch noch fremdes Grundeigenthum im Weichbild der Stadt be- findet. Nur mussten die jedesmaligen Besitzer solchen Grundeigen- thums von den Trustees der Stadt Hermann aufgefordert werden, einen Revers auszustellen, dass sie ausser ihrer eigenen Tax auch noch sobald solches nothig seyn sollte, und verlangt wird, unwei- gerlich nach der gesetzlichen Norm die Taxen der Stadt pro rata mittragen wollen. Siebentes Ist es evident, dass nur die in der Folge von den Trustees der Stadt Hermann ausgeschriebene Taxe von den Bfirgern zu bezahlen ist, indem die alten Grundtaxe von den angekauften Landereyen, so bald das gesellschaftliche Vermogen der Stadt Hermann ubertra gen von besagter Stadt als Besitzerin dieses Grundeigenthums zu entrichten seyn wird, und solte jemals die Zeit herannahen, dass das jetzige Vermogen der Gesellschaft nicht mehr zu diesen Zwe- cken ausreicht, so werden allerdings sammtliche Besitzer von Grund eigenthum im Weichbilde der Stadt Hermann nach dem fiblichen Norm die Taxen der Corporation pro rata zu entrichten haben. Wolien sie das nicht so steht es ihnen schon jetzt oder dann und zu jedei Zeit frey aus der Incorporation herauszutreten. Achtens. Durch diese unsere bfindige Erklarung miissen diejenigen Glieder der Gesellschaft, welche ihre Stadtlotten noch nicht aufgenommen And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 99 haben, sich sicher gestellt ffihlen, dass ihnen nicht kfinftig die Wahl ihrer Lots erschwert, oder gar unmoglich gemacht werde. Neuntens. Sobald das gesellschaftliche Vermogen der Stadt Hermann fibertragen, kann, in so weit dies in Folge stattfinden wird, nur von einer Besteuerung derjenigen Stadtlotten die Rede seyn, welche bereits aufgenommen und mit Gebauden versehen oder sonst culti- virt sind. Zehntens. Was eine Rechnungsablage fiber die Geschaftsfuhrung in der Ansiedlung anbelangt so sind die fruheren Rechnungsverhaltnisse mit dem General-Agenten bereits eingesandt, die executive Com mittee hat weiter mit der Geschaftsfuhrung nichts zu thun und ward durch die specielle Committee in dieser . Hinsicht vertreten. Da aber eine specielle Committee, wie oben erwahnt, bey Empfang des Berichts nicht bestand, so werden die fruheren Mitglieder ge wiss eben so bereit seyn als willig, die verlangte Rechnungs-Able- gung sofort einzusenden und wird der Secretair sofort das Nothige bewerkstelligen wollen. Elftens Ist es uns freylich trostlich zu vernehmen, dass alle diejenigen welche Grundeigenthum von der Gesellschaft erworben und das- selbe zum vollen bezahlt haben, auf ein Certificat der speciellen Committee — soil. wohl heissen ein Certificat der Trustees in Her mann — oder von beiden unverziiglich bekommen konnen. Zwolftens Haben wir uns endlich dahin noch ausdrficklich aussprechen wollen, dass wir des festen Glaubens sind, dass durch Uebertragung des gesellschaftlichen Vermogens an die Stadt Hermann dieses mit dem fibrigen Vermogen der Stadt Hermann ganzlich verschmolzen wird und ist der raisonierende Theil des hier beantworteten Berichts durchaus auf falschen Pramissen basirt, denn was die Pflichten und Rechte der Stadt Hermann anbelangt, so wird solche durch die Corporationsacte bestimmt und vorgeschrieben und will die Stadt Hermann Schulhauser etc. etc. bauen, so haben die Burger und Trustees sich nach dem zu richten, was besagte Corporationsacte vermeldet. Es findet sich auch nicht ein einziges mit den Verhaltnissen bekanntes Mitglied in der Ansiedlung welches mit dem letzten rai- sonierenden Theil des Berichts einverstanden ware. Dies ware ja ioo The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia weiter nichts als das Geld von einer Tasche in die andere stecken, wenn die Stadt Hermann von der Stadt Hermann Hausplatze etc. zu Stadtzwecken kaufen sollte." Here then follow the 106 signatures. We shall attach them here for a two-fold reason. First, it shows who were the sep aratists at Hermann, and, secondly, it gives a partial list, at least, of householders at that time. The names are written in the order found in the document : Jacob Morloch David Lang Ernst Meyer Silvest Weber George Clauss Jacob Dormeyer Adam Nider Hermann Kemper August Klaring Hermann Rothert John Woern J. L. Idemann Georg Mfiller Nikolas Welter H. G. Finn Chas. C. Albers Amedi Brunet Daniel Oelschlseger August F. Klaring Christoph Fr. Oelschlaeger Fredrick Semken Anton Franz Hemme Wilhelm Stohr Wm. E. Young C. L. Schlomer L. Sommerhalter Pierre Brunet, Sr. Johann Graber Johann Meyer Anthony Miller Benedickt Bleile Ignatz Bleile Heinrich Heckmann J. G. Prager Leonhard Schramm Friedrich Reinhardt Joseph Vogt Joh. Quandt Adam Wagner Christian Rohrbacher Martin Mausehund John C. Rice Colestin Diebold Phillipp Schneider Otto von Schrader Theodor Baer Conrad Baer Georg Rieffenstahl John H. Miller Karl Kneisel F. Lehder W. Ameling Fr. Leupold Phillipp Roller Fred Husmann E. C. Staffhorst Nicolaus Bensing Gottlieb Kreuchy Johannes Abglanalp Johannes BohnT Adam Bohm Silfester Doss D. Widersprecher Charles Naegelin A. W. Friedrichs Jacob Rommel Adam Bezold Edward Pommer Theodor Vogt Charles D. Eitzen And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 101 Charles Asmus Michael Kroeber John H. Witmann Carl Kohl August Roeske August Leonhard Jacob Schiefer Peter Scheidt D. W. Wohlein Adam Scheidt John Battermann Johannes Sidler Kasper Greis Catharina Bayer George Pfautsch Aug. Leimer F. Langendorfer Caroline Pommer J. Leupold H. Heinrichs M. Krauter H. Jahns Jacob Klink H. von Schlegel Ludwig Hisigas Hermann Bock Georg Schafer A. Brickwede John Blust Fk. Wm. Pommer Thomas Gawley J. H. Vahrenhorst Florenz Ritter Joseph Schweyer Elizabeth Trautwein C, C. Osterloh This was done early in September. At an extra session of the home society on September 17th these promises evidently were joyfully received. A final and decisive resolution was then passed : „Dass die hiesigen Trustees sowohl2 als die Trustees in der An siedlung hierdurch angewiesen sind, von alien ihnen respectiv anver- trauten gesellschaftlichen Vermogen einen vollstandigen Deed of Trust an den Stadt-Council der Stadt Hermann, Gasconade County, Missouri, zu fibermachen, welcher kfinftig als Trustee der deutschen Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft das Vermogen der Letzteren reprasen tiren soil." With the passage of this act the great decision had been reached. Everyone breathed more freely — even those who felt that the step was injudiciously made. The die was cast, and Hermann was thrown upon its own resources and its members upon their own ingenuity to make or mar the future of a Ger man town. With this decision there went certain requirements to which the colony readily acceded and which they sought to carry out to the best of their ability. These conditions were : „i. Dass die jetzt bestehende Bestimmung der Gesellschaft ffir die Wahl der Stadtlotten von Mitgliedern niemals soil geandert werden konnen, bis alle Anspruche der einzelnen Mitglieder auf 102 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia Privatvermogen, welches ihnen durch ihre Actienscheine zugesichert ist, befriedigt sein werden. 2. Dass die Trustees immer verbunden sein sollen, jedem Mit- gliede welches den genannten Bedingungen nachgekommen ist, ffir jede Lotte zu welcher er durch solches Nachkommen berechtigt ist, oder sein wird, einen vollen Eigenthums-Deed zu geben, und dass der Preis der Actien nie unter Fiinfzig Thaler herabgesetzt werden soil. 3. Dass endlich keine Stadtlotte von der Auswahl der Mitglie der soil ausgeschlossen sein, welche nicht schon gewahlt, oder Pri- vat- Vermogen oder zu specifischen offentlichen Zwecken bestimmt ist oder sind." It was further decided to inform the authorities at Hermann at once and to forward the power of attorney poste haste to the proper officers. By virtue of this authority the Hermann officials were charged to collect the sum of $1,300.00 which was due in October. To facilitate the transfer the colonists had implied previously that they would meet all obligations incumbent on the society provided they were given full control of things. The people at Hermann had no money to pay this debt. On the 25th of September, 1839, they resolved to make a loan. "That, as the Trustees of the Society are incapable of pro curing the 1,300 dollars necessary for the payment of the last instalments due October 1, 1839, Mr. Julius, Leupold be author ized and empowered to borrow the above sum, at the lowest pos sible interest ; but in case he should not be able to raise the money, all responsibility shall fall on those who have approved the trans ferring of the property of the society from Philadelphia to Her mann." There must have been some difficulty in obtaining the money, for on January 22, 1840, another order was issued "re questing and authorizing Julius Leupold to contract a loan of $1,300 for the town of Hermann." At any rate, the home soci ety was satisfied that this obligation would be met. So on De cember 12, 1839, the last meeting was held at the Penn Hotel, the same place where, three and a half years before, the organi zation sprang into being, full of promise, amid the keenest in- And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 103 terest and wildest enthusiasm. At this meeting the president made his final address. Nothing of great interest or importance was transacted. The work had all been done. The minutes closed thus: „Mit dieser Versammlung horten die Funktionen der hiesigen Gesellschaft auf, und die Beamten wurden entlassen, wodurch die Gesellschaft sich aufloste. A. J. Stockfleth, Sekretair." Nearly three score and seven years have passed since that last meeting of the Philadelphia society, but still the records of that final session make the reader sad. A deep pathos lies in the President's simple words of parting. A great thing had been accomplished it is true, but yet how far was it below the lofty ideals of the fathers ; in how small a measure had their devoted services been rewarded.* „Heute zum letzten Male sind wir hier versammelt (so spoke President Schmoele in opening his farewell address) um fiber das Wohl unserer Gesellschaft uns zu berathen. Unser letztes Geschaft besteht darin, die bisher von der Muttergesellschaft gefibte Ver waltung unseres gesellschaftlichen Unternehmens auf die bereits selbststandig und mehr als grossjahrig gewordene Tochter im fer- nen Westen zu fibertragen." Then he reiterates the proceedings, we have already discussed regarding the transfer. In closing he says : „Werfen wir nun am Schlusse unserer Geschaftsleitung noch einen Blick auf die Vergangenheit unserer Gesellschaft zurfick, so begegnen uns zwar manche Unannehmlichkeiten und Schwierig- keiten, mit denen wir zu kampfen hatten, und denen besonders der- jenige wackere Theil unserer Mitglieder ausgesetzt war, welcher nunmehr unsere bluhende Colonie im fernen Westen bildet — dagegen finden wir aber auch Erfolge, welche nicht nur in der Ge- schichte ahnlicher Gesellschaften ungewohnlich sind, sondern un sere schonsten Hoffnungen ubertreffen und zu den angenehmsten Aussichten ffir die Zukunft berechtigen. Wo vor anderthalb Jahren noch eine Wildniss war, da prangt nunmehr eine bluhende Stadt, lebendig mit Handel und Gewerben, und umgeben von gedeihenden Landgutern — der Name der Stadt * A. und N. W. of January 18, 1840. 104 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia ist Hermann, und ihr Gebiet das der deutschen Ansiedlungs-Gesell schaft. Mogen unsere Nachkommen Ursache haben, das Unternehmen ihrer Vater zu segnen ! Wilhelm Schmoele. Philadelphia, den 12. Dec. 1839." With this meeting the history of this undertaking, so far as Philadelphia was concerned, had come to a close. Its manage ment was now intrusted into the hands of the men in Missouri. How well they succeeded in fulfiling this trust, we are yet to see. The attempt to unify the Germans on American soil had aroused the interest of all Germans in America, as well as of many in Germany. With all this enthusiasm it strikes the impartial ob server as rather singular, that greater things were not accom plished. But a great number of causes united to mar the harmony of the participants and to hinder the execution of the plans, on the whole laudable as well as sound. First among these causes we would place the financial crisis of 1837. All forms of business were wrecked. Public confidence stood at its lowest ebb. Most of the shareholders were limited in means, hoping for an amelioration through the proposed col ony. Many prospective members found even the modest outlay too great a tax, since the possibilities for an income were cur tailed by the lull in business. In Germany these conditions were known, and but few men would invest their small savings in a country whose monetary basis was so unstable. This stage of depression continued long enough to allow certain changes to occur in the management of the German Society which could not be altered when the years of plenty and public confidence returned. A second cause was the lack of harmony among the Germans themselves. They came from a country where the word "Einheit" was found written in books but not in hearts. Most of them had come here with no higher motives than to improve their economic conditions. But few of them had dreamed of a united Germany, how could they reaonably be expected to hope for a German union in this new land ? The high ideals that were voiced in this And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 105 attempt were those of the few leaders — unselfish, devoted, self- sacrificing men — of few faults and of many virtues — but they awakened no echo in the masses. To them the prime purpose was the betterment of their material condition. A depressing spirit of the Kleinelei peculiar to the sons of the Kleinstaatliche Deutschland of that day, dominates many of their actions. They were distrustful and often unjust and so increased the labors of their officers and retarded the progress of their undertaking. A blighting jealousy also made itself felt. Certain of the German newspapers criticised the whole attempt most scathingly. If they had been small local publications, their influence would not have been so baneful. But some of the strongest representatives of the German American press opened a most virulent attack upon the infant enterprise. Some of these editors indulged in this vituper ation for no other reason than a personal enmity with the edi tor of the official organ of the society. Much of the strength of the society was thus spent in internal strife. A third cause was the appointment of a man to the respon sible position of General Agent who had but a very limited busi ness education. We have already stated that as a gentleman Bayer was be yond reproach. Also that he did do all he was capable of doing. A board of officers under a leader with clear judgment, undoubted integrity, and an indomitable will to stand up to his just decisions would have altered things materially. Under these conditions the cry for self-government would have been duly hushed. If this had been done the seat of power would have remained longer at Philadelphia. The very retention of control at Philadelphia would have instilled confidence in the wavering ones. Then it might have been possible to bridge over the calamitous years fol lowing 1837 and to start in upon a newer and brighter era. As it was, a body of a few German pioneers settled in a howling wil derness could not be expected to live up to the high ideals of the founders of the society. As a final cause must be mentioned the choice of location. 106 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia Bayer, for unknown causes, succeeded in purchasing only a small part of the land specified by the three prospecting deputies. The land around Hermann is very broken and of little value except for horticultural purposes. The farming land was, as may be seen from the accompanying map, far away from the town, and then very much scattered. Communication was slow and soon the townspeople and the farmers became estranged from each other. The site of Hermann can boast of no great amount of po tential wealth. There is no mineral or metal found in the vicinity. Hence, it was impossible for great manufacturing establishments to spring up. To execute the lofty plans of the society it was pos itively necessary, as Pfarrer Ginal pointed out in one of the very first meetings, that agriculture and manufacture should go hand in hand at the colony. Neither of these industries could prosper in or near Hermann. The only industry in which Hermann now excels all other towns of 'Missouri is the production of wine. If the colony had been laid in west Missouri, as a Low German set tlement was laid, we might have a different history to chronicle. Great must have been the disappointment of the sturdy pro moters of the settlement scheme when the conviction forced itself upon them, that the cause for which they had sacrificed so much was to be abandoned. Again and again we meet with the senti ment "Es war zu schon gewesen ... es hat nicht sollen sein." In after years J. G. Wesselhoeft, the boldest fighter of them all, wrote in his autobiographical account : „Was man bei der Griindung der „Deutschen Ansiedlungs-Ge sellschaft" mit der Zeit zu realisiren hoffte, ist nur zum Theil aus- gefuhrt worden. Wenngleich Vieles, was die Grunder beabsich- tigten, und woffir sie uneigennutzig gestrebt und gearbeitet haben, nicht ins Leben getreten ist, so haben doch viele Deutsche in einer gesunden hubschen Gegend eine trauliche Heimath gefunden und fiir Schulen und deutsche Geselligkeit manches gethan."* Before we go over to a consideration of the colony after its separation from. the Philadelphia society, we shall mention the names of the principal officers who represented the organization * G. Korner, "Das deutsche Element," p. 71. And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 107 in various capacities, then we shall append the complete list of the members. Julius Leupold was the first president of the society. He was a promient business man of the firm of Hagedorn, Leupold & Co. When he had fully decided to go to the colony he retired from the office and Dr. Wm. Schmoele took the chair. This was in January, 1838. Dr. Schmoele remained on the post until the dissolution of the body. J. G. Wesselhoelt served faithfully as secretary until the mid dle of February, 1838, when ill health, brought about by over work, compelled him to resign. The vice-secretary, Franz G. Schreiber assumed the responsibilities of this office and continued in its service until early in January, 1839. Then A. J. Stockfleth was elected and remained to chronicle the memorable final min utes of the Philadelphia society. Dr. Mohring, the first treasurer elected, seems to have served only for a short time. Adam Schmidt then assumed the trust and continued custodian of the wealth of the society until late in the autumn of 1839, when a trip abroad compelled him to lay. down his office. J. G. Wesselhoeft then served as treasurer until the end of the organization. The first board of managers consisted, to reiterate, of these gentlemen : Stark, Viereck, Ritter, Bayer, Kiderlen, Stollmeyer, Gentner, Pommer, Gebhard. As was to be expected this body underwent many changes. The following men served a longer or shorter period : W. H. Leupold, E. C. Staffhorst, Wm. Feu ring, Bock, D. W. Wohlein, C. W. Gronau, Schrader, Jacob Hummel, H. Didrich, Georg Riefenstahl, F. Schreiber, Adam Maag, Georg Herwig, F. W. C. Seelhorst, Daniel Stfihlin- ger, Koch, Johann Christmann. To give a fairly complete statement of the finances of the society while under the agent's management, we insert here the full ledger of Bayer accounts. The treasurer's record should be more desirable, but unfortunately that is not extant in full. But since the agent received and expended much of their money this will prove valuable. G. F. BAYER, CONTO. Dr. 1837 JulyAug.Oct. Sept. Nov. Dec. 2524 6 15 18 An Cassa . ... An Postnote Durch Vollmacht auf Adam Schmidt be zogene Wechsel . . . Treasure Draft Empfangen fiir verkaufte Actien Ausgezahlt an den Schatz meister An Cassa An Cassa (zugesand nach Pittsburg) $675 497 97 tiooo 5000 7000 5000 177 350 125 $18652 03 03 Cr. 1838 Nov. 15 Ausgelegt fiir Congressland in Silber Discount 5% $5500.00 U. S. N. $275.00. $5000 per Treasure Draft. Disconnt 7% $3343.57 111. N. $234.05 Ausgelegt fiir Private Land .... Deponirt auf die Bank in St. Louis Reisekosten nebst Begleitung und dergleichen Kosten und alte Schreibereien eingeschlossen . . Fiir ein Pferd ausgelegt Extra Ausgaben gemacht An Schulhalter bezahlt Saldo $13568 509 68 °5 $14077 15351947 459 60 5° 47 475 $18652 03 73 00 3° 50 0000 50 00 a 2 CDI s O) ^3 a, 5- And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 109 It goes without saying that this does not represent the full amount received. The ledger, which by the way remained unclosed when the society disbanded, shows that up to February 12th, 1839, the sum of $30,464.51 had been received. After this date no entries are made in the ledger though we know that certain transactions took place. The names of the participants in the settlement movement are here given. The addresses accompanying them are those which the shareholder claimed when they joined the society. As the source of our information we cite the ledger of the organiza tion, yet found in Hermann. Abglanalp, Joh., Hermann, Mo. Abker, Joh. Phil., Philadelphia Ackermann, Gottfried, Philadel phia Albeck, J. Georg, Montreal, Canada Albrecht, Joh. F., Philadelphia Albers, Carl, Philadelphia Ameling, W., Hermann, Mo. Arnold, Ferdinand, Philadelphia Arnsfeld, Heinrich, Philadel phia Artemiews, E. D., Philadelphia Arx, Samuel J. von, New York Asmus, Charles, Hermann, Mo. Austermell, Louis, Philadelphia Bachmann, Heinrich, Lancaster, Ohio Backhaus, Carl, Cincinnati, O. Bader, Georg, Philadelphia Baer, Carl F., Newark, O. Baer, Conrad, Philadelphia Baer, Theodor, Philadelphia Bandel, Georg, New Orleans, La. Bar, Karl, Philadelphia Barthels, Friedrich, Philadelphia Barthels, Heinrich, Philadelphia Bartz, Johann G., Buffalo, N. Y. Batheusen, Jacob, Philadelphia Bauer, Adolf, Allentown, Pa. Baumann, Joseph, Philadelphia Bayer, Catharina, Philadelphia Bayer, Geo. F., Philadelphia Beck, Christian, Montreal, Can. Beck, Georg, Montreal, Can. Becker, Carl, Baltimore Becker, Jacob, Baltimore Beisswanger, Joh. G., Philadel phia Benninghoff, Georg, Philalel- phia Bensing, Nicolaus, Hermann, Mo. Berger, John, Baltimore Berger, J. A., Baltimore Bergmann, August, Philadel phia Betz, Wilhelm, Philadelphia Bezold, Adam, Hermann, Mo. Binz, August, Hermann, Mo. Birk, Matthias, Philadelphia Bischoff, F. G., Baltimore Blaschek, Franz, Philadelphia Bleile, Benedickt, Hermann, Mo. Bleile, Ignatz, Hermann, Mo. Blust, John, Hermann, Mo. Bock, Friedrich, Philadelphia Bock, Hermann, Hermann, Mo. Bock, Johann, Philadelphia no The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia Bodenhoefer, Joseph, Philadel phia Boehringer, Georg, Hermann, Mo. Bohlen, Carl D., Philadelphia Bohm, Adam, Hermann, Mo. Bohm, Johann, Hermann, Mo. Bonzano, N. A., New Orleans, La. Bonzheimer,, Heinrich, New Or leans, La. Borchers, Georg, Baltimore Bottermann, John, Hermann, Mo. Braue, Georg, New Orleans, La. Braun, Valenti^ Philadelphia Breyer, Ludwig, Philadelphia Brickwede, A., Hermann, Mo. Brode, H., New Orleans, La. Brohmer, Friedrich, Albany, N. Y. Bruder, Thadeus, Philadelphia Brues, Dr. Thomas, Wheeling, Va. Brfigger, Ignatius, Skippacks- ville, Pa. Brunet, Amedi, Hermann, Mo. Brunet, Pierre Sr., Hermann, Mo. Brunner, Joseph, New York Bruno, C. C. F., New York Bfihler, J. Heinrich, Philadelphia Bullmann, Caroline, Cleveland, Ohio Bunker, Heinrich, New Orleans, La. Bfirger, Samuel, Zoar, O. Burkhard, Phil. Jac, Reading, Pa. Buss, Jacob, Cleveland, O. Bute, Georg Heinr., Philadel phia Campe, J. F. J., Pittsburg, Pa. Carsten, H. A, Hermann, Mo. Christern, Jac. Fried., Philadel phia Christmann, Johann, Philadel phia Circovich, Gabriel Kowitzky, Philadelphia Clauss, George, Hermann, Mo. Clemmer, Johann, Pittsburg, Pa. Combernas, Albert, Philadelphia Cullmann, Jacob, Philadelphia Curtius, Hermann, New York Decker, Christian, Albany, N. Y. Decker, Philipp, Albany, N. Y. Degenhardt, Philipp, Pittsburg, Pa. Deutsch, Georg, Phoenixville, Pa. Dikemann, Anna Maria, Phila delphia Diebold, Colestin, Springfield, Ohio Diebold, Michael, Springfield, O. Diedrich, Heinrich, Philadelphia Dill, Johann, New Orleans, La. Disteldorf, Christian, New York Disteldorf, Wilhelm, New York Dithmer, Carl, Philadelphia Doeltner, Hannah, New York Doeltner, Joh. Michael, New York Dohrmann, Friedrich, New York Dold, Andreas, Philadelphia Doll, Joh. Michael, New York Dormeyer, Caroline, Cleveland. O. Dormeyer, Jacob, Cleveland, O. Dormeyer, Philipp, Cleveland, O. Doss, Silvester, Hermann, Mo. Ducommon, Henry, Philadelphia Duetz, Philipp, Saloma, Center Co., Pa. Duhring, Dr. Georg, Philadel phia Ebstadt, Louis, Philadelphia And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. in Echternacht, Heinr. Wilh., Phil adelphia Eckhard, Leonard, Philadelphia Egers, Eduard, Hermann, Mo. Ehrmann, Benjamin, New Ber lin Eichinger, Jacob, New Orleans Eickhoff, Carl Ludwig, Philadel phia Eitzen, Chas. D., Hermann, Mo. Engelbert, Benjamin, Philadel phia Engelbert, Johann, Hermann, Mo. Engelbert, Joseph, Philadelphia Engelhardt, Wilhelm, Philadel phia Eppelsheimer, Daniel, Philadel phia Erler, Friedrich G., Zoar, O. Ernst, J. G., New Orleans, La. Eyer, J. Ph., Baltimore Fegenbusch, Jacob, Philadelphia Ferentheil, C. v., Philadelphia Feuring, Eva M., Philadelphia Feuring, Wilhelm, Philadelphia Fickeisen, Daniel, Pittsburg, Pa. Fiedler, Adam, Philadelphia Finn, H. G., Hermann, Mo. Finn, John G., Philadelphia Fischer, George, Philadelphia Fischer, Jacob, St. Francisville, La. Franksen, Franke, Manayunk, Pa. Frechmann, Sabirius, Philadel phia Freyvogel, Christian, Hermann, Mo. Friedrichs, Aug. Wilh., Phila delphia Frommherr, J., New Orleans, La. Fuchs, Nicholaus, Philadelphia Fugger, Phil. Jacob, Columbia Furch, Friedrich, Hermann, Mo. Fuss, G. A., Philadelphia Gabriel, Daniel, Reading, Pa. Gabriel, Dominicus, Reading, Pa. Gaebler, J. Friedr., Montreal, Canada Gartmann, Heinrich, Philadel phia Gawley, Thomas, Hermann, Mo. Gebhard, F. L. C, Philadelphia Gellert, Wilhelm, Philadelphia Gemf, Friedrich, Hermann, Mo. Gentner, Friedrich, Philadelphia Gentner, Heinrich, Philadelphia Gerber, Christian, Baltimore Gerber, Dr. J., Lancaster, O. Gerber, J., Newark, O. Gerker, Heinrich, Philadelphia Gerlach, Georg, New York Gerssle, Heinrich, Philadelphia Gessler, Christian, Philadelphia Goelitz, Louis, Philadelphia Goetz, Rudolph, Philadelphia Gott, Bernard, Philadelphia Gottlieb, Friedrich, Philadelphia Graber, Johann, Philadelphia Graf, Anton, Philadelphia Grahn, Carl M., Philadelphia Grasseley, Eugen, Philadelphia Greiner, Christoph, Philadelphia Greis, Kaspar, Hermann, Mo. Groh, Johann, New York Gronau, C. W., Philadelphia Gronhardt, Johann, Philadelphia Gulden, Ferdinand, Philadelphia Haas, Ernst, Philadelphia Haas, Fried. Joh., Philadelphia Haberstock, Daniel, Philadelphia Hagel, Jacob, Philadelphia Hagel, Michael, Philadelphia ii2 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia Haggenmacher, Heinr., Phila delphia Harig, Joh. Bernhardt, Balti more Harig, Johann, Philadelphia Harnisch, Julius, Philadelphia Hartmann, Jacob Christ., New York Hartung, Jacob, Beaver Co., Pa. Hasenpatt, Christian, Philadel phia Heckmann, Heinrich, Pittsburg, Pa. Heckmann, Mathias, Philadel phia Heinlein, Jacob, Philadelphia Heiner, Anna Maria, Philadel phia Heinemann, Daniel, Philadelphia Heirtz, Ferdinand, Philadelphia Heitzmann, C. F., Reading, Pa. Heitzmann, Gabriel, Reading, Pa. Heitzmann, Maria, Reading, Pa. Helffrich, Johann, Lehigh Co., Pa. Hemme, Anton Franz, Philadel phia Henning, Wilhelm, Philadelphia Henrich, W. L., Columbus, O. Herwig, Georg, Philadelphia Herzog, Eduard, Philadelphia Hesse, Caspar, Hermann, Mo. Hetz, Joseph Friedr., Montreal, Canada Heyl, Elizabeth, Jersey Heywald, Charles, Philadelphia Hildebrand, Jacob, Albany, N. Y. Hiller, Joseph, Philadelphia Hirschmann, Johann, Philadel phia Hisigas, Ludwig, Hermann, Mo. Hitz, Joseph, Philadelphia Hoch, Heinrich, Reading, Pa. Hoehling, Adolph, Philadelphia Hoesel, Ferdinand, Philadelphia Hoffmann, Christoph, Pittsburg, Pa. Hoffmann, H., Pittsburg, Pa. Hoffman, Johann, Mantau Vil lage Hoffmeister, Fried., Philadel phia Hoffstatter, Michael, Pittsburg, Pa. Hofle, Johann, New York Hoge, Jacob, Hermann, Mo. Horn, August, Philadelphia Horn, Johann, Philadelphia Hornmeyer, Francisca, New Or leans, La. Horstmann, W. H., Philadelphia Hostatter, Christian, Philadel phia Hubeli, Jacob, Philadelphia Huber, H., Lancaster, O. Hummel, Jacob, Philadelphia Hussmann, Joh. Heinr. M., Philadelphia Hussmann, Friedr., Philadelphia Hussmann, J. F. M., Philadel phia Hiitz, M. J., Philadelphia Idemann, J. L., Hermann, Mo. Idler, Ernst, Montreal, Canada Inderrieden, Joseph, Baltimore Israng, David, New Orleans, La. Iversen, Anton, Augusta, Ga. Jacobus, Margaretha, Philadel phia Jaeger, Friedrich, New Orleans, La. Jaeger, Leupold Georg, Phila delphia Jahn, F. G., New Orleans, La. Jahns, Heinrich, Philadelphia And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. "3 Jarton, Maria Louisa, Philadel phia Jenny2 Abraham, Philadelphia Jenny, Johann, Philadelphia John, F. G., New Orleans, La. Jordan, Johann, New Orleans, La. Jung, Hermann, Hermann, Mo. Jung, Leonhard, Philadelphia Jungandreas, Carl, Hermann, Mo. Kaercher, Conrad M., Philadel phia Kaiser, Friedrich, Philadelphia Kaltner, F. G., Baltimore Kayser, Alexander, Hermann, Mo. Kehr, Joh. Andreas, Philadel phia Kehrer, Martin, Philadelphia Keller, Adam, Philadelphia Kemper, Hermann, Hermann, Mo. Kerchner, Mich. Anton. New York Kersch, Ferdinand, New York Kerschenbach, Fried., Philadel phia Kessler, Joseph, Cincinnati, O. Kiderlen & Stollmeyer, Phila delphia Kiefer, Jacob, Albany, N. Y. Kielmann, Wilhelm, Philadel phia Kinkelin, A., Philadelphia Klaering, August, Hermann, Mo. Klaering, A. F., Hermann, Mo. Klapp, Jacob, Albany, N. Y. Kleber, Heinrich, Pittsburg, Pa. Klein, Christian, Philadelphia Klett, Friedrich, Philadelphia Klinglingj Richard, Dayton, O. Klink, Jacob, Hermann, Mo. Kloth, J. H., Phcenixville, Pa. Klotter, Georg, Philadelphia Klumpp, Johann, Philadelphia Kneisel, Carl Aug., Clevelandj Ohio Knodel, Casper, Philadelphia Knoll, Jacob, Philadelphia Knoll, Johann, Philadelphia Knop, Hermann, Philadelphia Koch, Eduard, Philadelphia Koch, Georg, Albany, N. Y. Koch, Joh. Heinr., Philadelphia Koch, Georg Mich., Albany, N. Y. Koenig, Lorenz, New Orleans, La. Koepf, Reinhold, Philadelphia Koepken, Heinr., Philadelphia Kohl Carl, Hermann, Mo. Kohlenberg, Eduard, Albany, N. Y. Roller, Philipp, Hermann, Mo. Koos, Eugen, Newark, O. Korkhauss, Heinr., Philadelphia Korner, Christian, Dayton, O. Kormeyer, Franzisco, New Or leans, La. Kranz, Johann, Albany, N. Y. Kraug, Christian, Philadelphia Krauss2 Gottfried, Philadelphia Krauter, Mathaus, Philadelphia Kreikemeyer, Christ., Philadel phia Kreuchy, Gottlieb, Hermann, Mo. Kripplebert, Michael, Albany, N. Y. Kroeber, Michael, Cleveland, O. Kroecker, Margaretha, Phila delphia Krueger, Ludwig, Germantown Kruse, Heinrich, Philadelphia Kfihn, John, York, Pa. Kfihne, Carl Ludwig, Philadel phia H4 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia Kfihne, Conrad Fried., Philadel phia Kuhne, Franz Heinr., Philadel phia Kfihnholtz, Friedrich, Philadel phia Kurz, Joh. Jacob, Baltimore Laackmann, Ferdinand, Phila delphia Lahring, Heinrich, Philadelphia Lahring, Jno. H., Philadelphia Laib, Friedrich, Philadelphia Laib, Gottlieb, Philadelphia Lambers, Rebecca, Baltimore Lampartee, Heinrich, Hermann, Mo. Lang, David, Hermann, Mo. Langendorfer, Franz, Philadel phia Langguth, Christ. Aug., Phila delphia Lauer, Friedrich, Hermann, Mo. Ledermann, J., New Orleans, La. Lehder, F., New Orleans, La. Leibrock, Fritz, Reading, Pa. Leichmann, Wilh., Hermann, Mo. Leidorfi^ Philipp, Philadelphia Leimer, Alexander, Philadelphia Leimer, August, Philadelphia Lemberger, Johann, Philadelphia Lemberger, Wilh., Philadelphia Lenke, Friedrich, Philadelphia Lensing, Gerhart, Hermann, Mo. Leonhard, August, Philadelphia Leonhard, Friedrich, Philadel phia Leser, Andreas, New Orleans, La. Leupold, Friedrich, Philadelphia Leupold, Julius, Philadelphia Leupold, W. H., Philadelphia Liebach, Konrad^ Hermann, Mo. Liebau, Charles, Cincinnati, O. Liebermann, Alphonse, Phila delphia Liebrich, Conrad, Philadelphia Lindauer, Christian, New Or leans, La. Lion, Peter, Philadelphia Lipsz, Johann, Hermann, Mo. Loewen, John, Cleveland, O. Loos, Ferdinand, Pittsburg, Pa. Lotterle, Gottlieb, Philadelphia Ludeking, Friedrich, Philadel phia Ludolph, Justus, Pittsburg, Pa. Lutz, Friedrich, Phoenixville, Pa. Lutz, Joseph, Phoenixville, Pa. Lutz, Johann, Georg, Albany, N. Y. Maag, Adam, Philadelphia Maag, Friedrich, Philadelphia Maag, Mathias, Philadelphia Magens, Christoph, Montreal, Canada Manercke, Joh. Heinr., Philadel phia Mann, Theodor, Philadelphia Manss, Georg, Philadelphia Martin, Adam, Philadelphia Matthia, A., New York Mausehund, Martin, Hermann, Mo. May, Johann, Philadelphia Mayer, C. L., Philadelphia Mayer, Johann, Hermann, Mo. Mayer, W. F., Philadelphia Mecke, Georg Heinr., Philadel phia Medinger, Christoph A., Balti more Melcheor, Carl, Philadelphia Mendenhall, Philipp, Philadel phia Mersinger, Jacob, Philadelphia And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. "5 Metzger, Karl, Philadelphia Metzger, Christopher, Philadel phia Meyer, Bernhard Martin, Phila delphia Meyer, Ernst, Hermann, Mo. Meyer, Johann, Philadelphia Meyer, Wilh. F., Lancaster, O. Miller, Anthony, Hermann, Mo. Miller, Joh. H, Hermann, Mo. Mitthoff, Hecktor A., Schuylkill Co., Pa. Mittnacht, G. H, Baltimore Moedinger, Gottl. F., Baltimore Moehring, Dr. G., Philadelphia Moersinger, Georg, New Or leans, La. Mohl, Wilhelm, Philadelphia Molidor, Franz, Philadelphia Molidor, Joseph, Philadelphia Molidor, Wilhelm, New York Moroth, M., Newark, O. Morloch, Jacob, Pittsburg, Pa. Morsfelder, S., Baltimore Muermann, Heinr., New York Mtihlenbach, F., Hermann, Mo. Mfiller, Caspar, Philadelphia Muller, Georg, Hermann, Mo. Mfiller, Peter, Cleveland, O. Muller, Wilhelm, New Orleans, La. Mfiller, Wilhelm, Philadelphia Mfintzke, Anton, Newark, O. Mfissig, Anton, Philadelphia Mfissig, David, Philadelphia Naegelin, Chas., Philadelphia Neitzmann, C. L., Hermann, Mo. Nestler, Martin, Philadelphia Netz, J. F., Hermann, Mo. Neufeldt, Capt., Hermann, Mo. Neumeyer, Herm. F., Hermann, Mo. Nider, Adam, Hermann, Mo. Niekerke, Ludw. Friedr., Phila delphia Nock, Joseph; Philadelphia Noe, Carl Friedrich, Philadelphia Noessel, Georg, New Orleans, La. Nuys, W. van, Pittsburg, Pa. Oelschlaeger, Catherine, Her mann, Mo. Oelschlaeger, Christoph Fr., Hermann, Mo. Oelschlaeger, Daniel, Philadel phia Oesterle, Johann, Baltimore Oesternacht, Heinr. Wilh., Phil adelphia Oestreicher, Johann, Philadel phia Orth, Alexander, Philadelphia Osterloh, C. C, Hermann, Mo. Ott, Georg, Hermann, Mo. Ottoh, Franz Herm., New York Petri, Martin, Philadelphia Pfautsch, Georg Herm., Her mann, Mo. Pfeiffer, Wilhelm, Pittsburg, Pa. Pfeil, P., Baltimore Pfister, Philipp, Philadelphia Pfoi, Sylverius, New Orleans, La. Pinker, H. J. C, New Orleans, La. Plank, Friedrich, New Orleans, La. Pollart, Joh. Friedr., Philadel phia Pommer, Carl, Philadelphia Pommer, Caroline Dorothea, Philadelphia Pommer, Edward, Hermann, Mo. n6 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia Pommer, Heinrich, Philadelphia Pommer, Wilhelm F., Philadel phia Pommer, Wilhelm, Cincinnati, O. Pond, Daniel, Philadelphia Prager, J. G., Hermann, Mo. Presser, C. Valentine, Philadel phia Pulte, Carl Anton, Skippacks- ville, Pa. Quandt, Johann, Hermann, Mo. Rammelsberg, Friedrich, Cincin nati, O. Rasche, F., Philadelphia Rasche, Heinrich, Philadelphia Rau, Peter, Philadelphia Rauschlager, Johann, Cleveland, Ohio Rebhun, Friedrich, Philadelphia Reichenbach, Friedrich, Phila delphia Reiger, Louis, Hermann, Mo. Reinhardt, Friedrich, Hermann, Mo. Reinhardt, Gottlieb, Montreal, Canada Rice, J. C, Hermann, Mo. Richter, Joh. Gottfr. Carl, Phil adelphia Rickle, Jacob, Newark, O. Rickle, John, Newark, O. Rickenbock, H., Lancaster, O. Ried, Jacob J., Philadelphia Rieffenstahl, Georg, Philadelphia Riemann, Ferdinand, Philadel phia Rietze, Heinrich, Hermann, Mo. Ripperger, Conrad, Philadelphia Ripperger, Heinr. J., Philadel phia Ritter, C. G., Philadelphia Ritter, Florenz, Hermann, Mo. Roemer, Heinrich, Philadelphia Roesle, Gottfried, Hermann, Mo. Roessler, J., New Orleans, La. Rohe, Michael, Philadelphia Rohrbacher, Christian, Her mann, Mo. Roller, Joseph, Philadelphia Rollhaus, Daniel, Albany, N. Y. Rollhaus, Philipp, Albany, N. Y. Rommel, Jacob, Philadelphia Roos, Conrad, Philadelphia Rosche, Heinrich, Philadelphia Rosenberger, Michael, Cleveland, Ohio Rosenberger, Nicholaus, Cleve land, Ohio Rosienkiwiez, Martin, Philadel phia Roeske, August, Philadelphia Roeske, Caroline, Philadelphia Rosle, Gottfried, New Orleans, La. Rothert, Hermann, Hermann, Mo. Rothrang, Michael, Philadelphia Ruff, Johann Georg, Philadel phia Runkele, Daniel Fr., Philadel phia Rutschmann, Siegmund, Phila delphia Sandermann, Johann, New Or leans, La. Sattler, Magdalena, Philadelphia Schachtberger, Johann, New Or leans, La. Schachtleiter, F. Anton, Pitts burg, Pa. Schafer, Christian, Philadelphia Schafer, Georg, Hermann, Mo. Schaefer, Christopher, Philadel phia And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 117 Schaefer, Jacob Friedr., Phila delphia Schaeffer, Friedr. Georg, Phila delphia Schaeffer, Joh. G., Philadelphia Scheide, Wilhelm, Philadelphia Scheidemantel, Charles, Colum bia, Texas Scheidt, Adam, Hermann, Mo. Scheidt, Peter, Hermann, Mo. Schellenberg, Franz, Philadel phia Scherff, J., Baltimore Schernicke, Marie Louise, Cleve land, O. Scherr, Christian, Philadelphia Scherr, Ludwig, Philadelphia Schiedel, Jacob, Philadelphia Schiefer, Jacob, Philadelphia Schierholz, Emil, Cincinnati, O. Schild, Conrad, Philadelphia Schindler, Joseph, Philadelphia Schlachtberger, Joseph, New Or leans, La. Schlegel, H. von, Hermann, Mo. Schlomer, C. L., Hermann, Mo. Schmid, Emanuel , Fried., Cin cinnati, O. Schmid, Wilhelm, New Orleans, La. Schmidt, Adam, Philadelphia Schmidt, Adam, Newark, Ohio Schmidt, Joh. Fried., Philadel phia Schmidt, Johann, Albany, N. Y. Schmidt, Josef, Philadelphia Schmidt, P. Wilhelm, Philadel phia Schmitz, Bernhard, Newtown, Pa. Schmoele, Heinrich, Philadelphia Schmoele, Dr. Wilh., Philadel phia Schneider, Adam, Philadelphia Schneider, Friedrich, Philadel phia 4 Schneider, Georg Jacob, Phila delphia Schneider, Philipp, Hermann, Mo. Schniedewind, Hermann, Phila delphia Schock, Georg, Philadelphia Schock, John J., Philadelphia Schonthaler, Gottfr., Hermann, Mo. Schonthaler, Joh. Christ., Phila delphia Schotten, Georg, Hermann, Mo. Schrader, August, Philadelphia Schrader, Franz von, Philadel phia Schrader, Heinr. Christ.. Phila delphia Schrader, Otto von, Philadelphia Schramm, Leonhard, Hermann, Mo. Schreiber, Franz G., Philadel phia Schreiber, Johann, Hermann, Mo. Schuatz, Friedrich, Philadelphia Schubert, Wilhelm, Philadelphia Schuele, Joh. Georg, Philadel phia Schultz, Joseph, New York Schurmacher, Conrad, Baltimore Schutze, Gottfried, Hermann, Mo. Schwacke, Joh. Heinr., Philadel phia Schwartze, Friedrich, Baltimore Schweikert, Bernhard, Philadel phia Schweitzer, Conrad, Albany, N. Y. Schweitzer, Hermann, Philadel phia n8 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia Schweyer, Joseph, Hermann, Mo. Seelhorst, F. W. C, Philadelphia Seffert, John, Philadelphia Seiler, Johannes, Hermann, Mo. Seilheimer, Heinrich, Philadel phia Seitz, Adam, Philadelphia Seitz, Johann, Philadelphia Selter, Andreas, New York Seltzer, Eduard, Philadelphia Semken, Fr., Hermann, Mo. Sengenberger, Adam, Philadel phia Senn, Wilhelm, Philadelphia Seybold, Joh. Philipp, Montreal, Canada Sidler, Johann, Hermann, Mo. Siedler, Adam, Philadelphia Sigrist, Ludwig, Philadelphia Soller, Georg M., Philadelphia Sommerhalter, Ludwig, Phila delphia Spererer, Fried. Carl, Pittsburg, Pa. Spindler, Matthias, Baltimore Staffhorst, Erhard C, Philadel phia Stark, Ferdinand, Philadelphia Stephan, Martin, Philadelphia Stieweg, H. C, Fairfield, Pa. Stietenroth, Heinr., Evansville, Ind. Stirnemann, Ulrich, Philadelphia Stockfleth, Adolf Fr., Philadel phia Stoecklein, Martin, Philadelphia Stoehr, Wilhelm, Hermann, Mo. Storb, . Theodor, Montgomery Co., Pa. Stottmeyer, C. F., Hermann, Mo. Stiibgen, Gustav, Philadelphia Stuhlinger, Daniel, Philadelphia Stumm, Carl Wilh., Pittsburg, Pa. Summ, Jacob, Philadelphia Supper, Georg, Philadelphia Supper, Johann, Philadelphia Talmann, Johann, New Orleans, La. Thaldorf, , Baltimore Theiss, Johann, Philadelphia Tiemann, Christian, Philadelphia Tilg, Wilhelm, Philadelphia Trautwein, Carl, Hermann, Mo. Trautwein, Daniel, Hermann, Mo. Trautwein, Elizabeth, Hermann, Mo. Triebler, Friedrich, Philadelphia Vahrenhorst, J. H., Hermann, Mo. Valet, Adam, Philadelphia Valet, Christoph, Philadelphia Valet, Jacob, Philadelphia Veit, Heinr. Ludw., Columbus, Ohio Viereck, Catharine, Philadelphia Viereck, Friedrich, Philadelphia Viereck, Johann C, Philadelphia Viereck, Marie Elizabeth, Phila delphia Vieth, Joseph, New Orleans, La. Voegtly, Nicholaus, Pittsburg, Pa. Vogt, Joseph, Hermann, Mo. Vogt, Theodor, Hermann, Mo. Wagenschwanz, V., Cleveland, O. Wagner, Adam, Hermann, Mo. Wagner, Conrad, Philadelphia Wagner, Jacob, Pittsburg, Pa. Wall rapp, Wilhelm, Philadelphia Walther, Georg, Manayunk, Pa. Wandel, Adam, Philadelphia Wandel, Peter, Russetville, Ky. And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 119 Wangelin, Adolf von, Cleveland, Ohio Wangelin, Friderika von, Cleve land, Ohio Weber, Albert, New Orleans, La. Weber, Sylvester, Philadelphia Weigel, Heinrich, New Orleans, La. Weller, Jonas, Philadelphia Welter, Nikolas, Hermann, Mo. Wendel, J. Peter, Russetville, Ky. Werkloe, Heinrich, Philadelphia Werkner, Carl, New Orleans, La. Wesselhoeft, J. G., Philadelphia Wesselhoeft, C. F., Philadelphia Wesselhoeft, Dr. W., Bath, Pa. Westerfeldt, Heinrich, New Or leans, La. Wetzel, August, New Orleans, La. Wetzel, Jacob, New Orleans, La. Wetzstein, John O., New York Widersprecher, D., St. Louis, Mo. Widmann, Fr. Wilh., Philadel phia Wilcke, F. W., Philadelphia Will, Georg, Albany, N. Y. Willing, Nick., New Orleans, La. Wirth, Franz, New Orleans,La. Wittmann2 David, Philadelphia. Witmann, John H., Philadelphia Woellner, Carl, Ciincinnati, O. Woern, John, Hermann, Mo. Wohlein, D. W., Philadelphia Wolf, Moritz Leo, Piladelphia Wollenscheider, Jacob, Newark, O. Wollensack, Andreas, Albany, N. Y. Wollensack, Johann, Albany, N. Y. Wollenweber, L. A. Philadelphia Wolsieffer, Johann, New York Wornweg, Wilhelm, Hermann, Mo. Yeager, Jacob, Cleveland, O. Young, Wm. E., Hermann, Mo. Zaiser, August, Philadelphia Zeller, Jno. A., Newark, O. Ziegler, Georg, Philadelphia Ziegler, August, Hermann, Mo. Zimmermann, Christ, Philadel phia Zimmermann, Gottlieb, Philadel phia Zipperer, Johann Georg, Phil adelphia Zoller, Johann Georg, Philadel phia Zorn, Joseph, New Orleans, La. Zorn, Peter, New Orleans, La. Thus we have a grand total of 678 participants in the affair. The last share which the officials at Philadelphia disposed of was sold on Dec. 1, 1839, or a few days before the dissolution of the organization. 120 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia CHAPTER II. THE COLONY HERMANN. i. General View. In 1858 the venerable Friedrich Munch gave this picture of Hermann, which was then twenty years old. „Hermann, sfidlich am Missouri in Gasconade County mit 1400 teutschen Einwohnern, einem Hauptdepot der Pacific-Eisenbahn, zwei Kirchen, einem teutschen Gesellschaftshaus ; Hauptgewerbe ist der Weinbau; hat eine teutsche Zeitung. Hermann ist auf der Sudseite amphitheatralisch von Hugelreihen umgeben, auf welchen erst in den letzten Jahren der Urwald ausgetilgt wurde, um fur die jahrlich sich mehrenden Rebenanlagen Platz zu machen. Ist auch der Boden landeinwarts nicht besonders fruchtbar, so ist er doch mit grossem Fleisse angebaut und der nicht bebaute Theil gut beholzt. Gegenfiber auf der Nordseite des Stromes erstreckt sich weithin ein Strich der fruchtbarsten Missouri-Niederung. Der Strom ist hier sehr breit, und gerade vor der Stadt liegt eine grosse aber unbewohnte Insel. In Hermann vergisst man dass man sich in einem nicht teutschen Lande befindet. Zwei offentliche Schulen (von welchen die eine fiir immer eine teutsche bleiben muss) sor- gen fur die Unterweisung der Jugend."* This rather general picture is supplemented by Gert Goebel who touches upon a few more details. His account dates almost twenty years after Mfinch's : „Der eigentliche Geschaftstheil der Stadt liegt in der Nahe des Flusses und der Eisenbahn; dort ist das Terrain ganz eben, die Hauser stehen dicht beisammen und die Strassen sind gut ge- pflastert und mit breiten Trottoirs versehen, aber sobald man sich von diesem Stadttheil etwas entfernt, nimmt der Ort einen land- licheren Anstrich an ; die Wohnungen stehen einzelner und sind von einer einfacheren Bauart, und das ganze Grundstfick um die Hauser herum ist mit Gemfise, Obstbaumen und Reben bepflanzt. Ein Spa- ziergang durch die Stadt, womoglich zur Zeit der Obstbluthe, hei- melt einen alten Deutschen sehr an, denn er kann sich einbilden, plotzlich in eines der grossen, wohlhabenden Dorfer in der alten Heimath versetzt worden zu sein, und ich habe sogar schon man- chen Amerikaner, den ich wahrend eines solchen Ganges auf die einfachen und naturlichen Schonheiten aufmerksam machte, ganz * Munch, "Der Staat Missouri," p. 204. And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 121 gemfithlich werden sehen, besonders wenn wir erst in den Wein- kellern der Herrn Georg Hussmann oder Michael Poschel Wein- probe gehalten hatten."* These quotations give indeed a very fair picture of Hermann as it appears even to-day. Only we do not really see how well the streets are kept, nor the touch of modern life in electric il lumination, modern, tasteful, quite up-to-date business houses, nor the typical tall church steeples, nor the quaint old buildings, showing a strange architecture, their roofs dripping on the side walk, against which they are closely pressed, as if building space were indeed scarce. If one adds these facts to the above descrip tion the picture of peaceful Hermann is practically complete. , In previous chapters we have from time to time obtained an insight into the growth of the colony Hermann, while it was yet subject to the Philadelphia society. We shall now see how the settlement prospered, after the separation, how far it has re mained true to its traditions and what it has contributed to the commonwealth in which it exists. In order to understand and appreciate the accomplishments of the colony, we are compelled to pursue the method of reverting constantly to the beginning, when rifle and axe prepare the way for civilization, and then lead up, gradually, to present day conditions. In this way, it is be lieved, a rather complete perspective will be obtained. Throughout the State of Missouri, Hermann is familiarly known as Little Germany. According to the census of 1900 its population is only 1,575, most of whom are German, and the county in which it is found, Gasconade, has, according to the same census, 1,453 foreign born Germans. These last figures by no means represent the numerical strength of the Germans of the county, since all those born here are classed as natives. The set tlement being old, most of those included in the report are Ameri can born. When Fr. Munch wrote the passage quoted at the beginning of this chapter, Hermann had 1,400 inhabitants. It was then no longer held, as was formerly the case, that Hermann * Goebel, "Longer als ein Menschenleben in Missouri," p. 140. 122 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia would outstrip every town in the state save St. Louis. Still it was confidently expected that it would continue to grow con- sistantly. The reasons for this failure to grow have been pre viously enumerated and scarcely need reiteration here. In a word the geographical and topographical conditions of the location de termined its growth. Though small, the town and its environs bear the unmistakable stamp of things German. It is now seen clearly that the members of the Ansiedlungs- Gesellschaft, when they pleaded for, urged and then demanded the transfer of power, entertained but little intention of continuing in the spirit of the fathers of the movement. They wisely enough foresaw a continual struggle against insurmountable odds ahead of them, should they strive to carry out the plans to the letter. Consequently they early contented themselves with a modified in terpretation of the plans, as in the nature of things they were compelled to do. But the way in which they have, after all, suc ceeded in fostering and upholding things German, after the cur tailment of so many apparent possibilities, must elicit from all sides the heartiest plaudits. Their accomplishments still stand, and will long stand, as a worthy monument to their and their predecessors' zeal. They have in innumerable ways contributed their measure to the success of the Missouri Germans. When it had become unmistakably clear that the times, con ditions and surroundings absolutely compelled an abandonment of original intentions and hopes the town found itself in posses sion of thousands of acres of land, for which it had no practical use, and which on the other hand was a severe burden and a handicap to its progress. It was accordingly decided to dispose of the land at public sale. "That the lands of the German Settle ment Society be sold to the highest bidder, in 40 acre tracts, on a credit of two, four, and six years, by giving notes with approved security and mortgage on the purchased land or other real estate, 6 per cent, interest, until maturity, 10 per cent, interest, after maturity." So read the trustee's minutes of April 28, '43. The minimum price per acre was set at $2.25. The announcement of THE NEW COURT HOUSE AT HERMANN. C. D. EITZEN's GIFT TO GASCONADE COUNTY. And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 123 the sale was made public through the St. Louis papers. Evi dently not all land was disposed of at that time, for one year later the minimum price per acre was reduced to $1.25, which was the exact cost price. Apparently a speedy disposal of the land was desired. In February of '43 a grievous misstep was made by the cus todians of the old society lands when it was voted "that holders of certificates (Actien Scheine) of the German Settlement So ciety shall in future not be entitled to return the same as payment for land, but that said certificates shall entitle the owner only to a Town lot for each, expressed thereon." This showed a serious breach of trust and rudely overrode the old constitution, faith in which had really induced the purchaser to enter the body at all. It was also an open disregard of the promises made at the time of the transfer. What magnifies the wrong is that it remained unrectified until December of '45, when a more equitable board decreed: "That shares of the German Settlement Society, or sufficient vouchers for the payment of such, shall again be re ceived at the rate of $50.00 a piece, at all payments for lots and lands belonging to this town, the land to be rated at $2.25 per acre and the resolution No. 1, passed on the 8th of February, 1843, De and the same is hereby repealed." Ten years had passed and yet Hermann had not cleared up all the affairs of the old society. To bring the whole matter to an end it was resolved on May 6th, 1848 : "That all shareholders of the German Settlement Society in Hermann, State of Mis- souri,are hereby requested to exhibit their claims, thereby granted to them, before the first day of May, A. D. 1849, otherwise they may be precluded from any benefit thereof. That the foregoing paragraph be published three times in seven of the most popular German newspapers printed in the different States of the Union." As a matter of fact the land question gave the town serious concern for many years, even after this, announcement. Hermann indeed still has some land whose owners never saw their posses sions. Other portions have been sold for taxes. 124 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia When the Hermann settlement was made, the County of Gas conade was but sparsely settled. The county seat had for short periods existed at three different hamlets — Bartonville, Gascon ade City, and Mount Sterling. When the settlement society chose Hermann as its site, population became massed in the northern part of the county. It is usually the custom to have the county seat located near the centre of the county. If, however, the cen tre of population is somewhere else the site for the public build ings goes to that centre. So it happens that Hermann though on the extreme northern border of the county now has the court house. As early as 1841 the settlement realized the advantages of having the county seat in their midst. They proposed to erect a brick courthouse instead of an old log hut 20 feet by 24 feet cost ing $303, as Mount Sterling then had. They also offered Mount Sterling, then an insignificant hamlet, certain material returns to permit the change. In 1842 the change was effected and Hermann began the erection of a new public building. This old building answered all the purposes of the county until a few years ago, when it was supplanted by a magnificent structure, modernly equipped. It is the magnanimous gift to the county by one per son, the late C. D. Eitzen. We believe it would be difficult to find another instance of such altruism in the state. This public bene factor came as a young man to Hermann when it was still in its pioneer days. From the humble position of a penniless clerk in a store, he arose through individual effort, strictly adhering to the principles of equity and justice, until he became the wealthi est man of the county. Despite his wealth he ever remained hum ble. His voice was heard in every deliberation for the good of his town and county, and his counsel was ever just. He had the honor of serving in two constitutional conventions in his state. He was ever a blessing to his contemporaries and his munificent gifts to the town school, the churches, the town, the lodge of Free Masons, the county and various other organizations make all men of Hermann and Gasconade County his lasting debtors. In these gifts he has erected for himself a memorial that will out- E H Nwz •v>73r, > And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 125 live bronze and marble. He was the largest hearted German the little town has ever had. In the splendid little park, the trees of which he planted himself, which his generosity prompted him to bequeath to the comfort of his town, in this park his grateful beneficiaries have erected as a memorial, his bust in heroic size. On the supporting base there are inscribed the brief but fitting words : "A tribute to the memory of Charles D. Eitzen whose life was a record of Generous Deeds and Public Usefulness." Politically most of the voters at Hermann are of Republican persuasion. During the Civil War they were avowed Unionists and furnished their share of soldiers. Some were detailed to do guard duty in the state while many others joined the troops that fought on southern battlefields. A very amusing incident occurred at Hermann towards the close of the war. That loose conglomerate of men, 25,000 in number, known popularly as Price's army, who sided with the south, traversed Missouri from the Arkansas border to the Mis souri river and on their way hit upon Hermann. This was in October of 1864. Most of the able-bodied men of the town were enlisted in the service of the nation. Only a few old men and the women and children remained. When the reckless cohort ap proached, a half dozen of the old resolute men who had seen serv ice in the German army, could not resist the temptation to play a trick on the invaders despite the probable consequences. They took a small cannon which the town owned, mounted it on one of the many hills that overlook the town and when the vanguard of Price's army appeared in sight, they discharged a well directed shot at them and then beat a hasty retreat, tugging their cannon with them. The troops halted and opened fire on the unseen foe. After a short time the attack came from a second hill and soon from a third one. The troops were unmistakably bewildered. They believed that unexpectedly a strong enemy had been en countered. Detachments of troops were detailed to reconnoiter, They ascended the three hills successively and on the last hill found the old cannon, alone, and spiked. Angered at this. prank 126 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia the old cannon was rolled down the bluff and into the muddy Missouri. In later years the citizens extracted it from the river bed and it is now mounted in front of the court house at Her mann. The troops seeing that they had only been played with, passed on without molesting the town. The Germans had given the impression that several cannon were concealed among the trees, by transporting their gun rapidly from one hill to another.* But where did the town get the cannon ? Goebel explains it thus : „V°r langen Jahren hatte sich in Hermann eine freiwillige Schutzen-Compagnie organisirt und ihre Dienste fur den Fall der Noth dem Staat zur Verfiigung gestellt, als Anerkennung dafiir oder zur Uebung hatten sie einen Sechspfiinder mit einiger Munition zum Geschenk erhalten."** This old cannon has added much to many a celebration at Hermann. Many a festive occasion has it announced, many a political and other victory. When in 1886 the town so beauti fully celebrated its fiftieth anniversary, it was intended that the old cannon should boom once for every year of the town's exist ence. For forty some rounds all went well when an extra heavy charge tore a great section out of its side and so put the old weapon out of commission. The celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of Hermann, above alluded to, was a great event for the little town. The exer cises extending over three days and judging from accounts that have come down to us, it must have been a memorable occasion. In July, 1886, this invitation was sent to various German com munities far and near. „Den fruheren Einwohnern Hermann's, unsern Nachbarn, und alien Freunden deutschen Geistes und deutscher Gesittung senden wir unsern Gruss und laden sie zur Theilnahme an der Feier des 5ojahrigen Jubilaums unseres Stadtchens freundlichst ein. Die Burger Hermann's." * Goebel, "Longer als ein Menschenleben in Missouri," p. 213. ** Ibid, p. 214. And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 127 The program for the occasion was as follows : „Freitag, den 27sten August, Salut von 50 Kanonenschussen. Samstag, den 28sten August, Abends halb acht Uhr, Illumina tion der Stadt; Fackelzug. Die Aufstellung erfolgt am Spritzen- haus. Marschall, Hugo Kropp. Nach dem Fackelzuge, Commers in der Conzert-Halle. Ansprache von Gustav Ettmuller. Sonntag, den 2C;sten August, Morgens 8 Uhr, Festzug. Die Aufstellung erfolgt vor der Conzert-Halle. Marschall, Wm. Herzog. Nach der Ankunft auf dem Fair- platze, Begrussung der Theilnehmer durch Hon. Rudolph Hirzel, von Washington, Mo. Nachmittags 3 Uhr, Festrede, gehalten von Dr. Hugo Starkloff, von St. Louis, Mo. Hierauf Vortrage des Ge- sangvereins ,,Harmonie", Conzert der Hermann ,,Apostel Band" und des Musikcorps von Rheinland, Mo." For this occasion the railroad company offered reduced rates and the steam boats made extra trips. To the credit of the people of Hermann let it redound that most of them are proud of their German descent. They cling to their language tenaciously and lovingly, as will be verified by the Chapter on Education. On the streets and in the business houses German is quite generally spoken. This is not to imply that these people are ignorant of the language of their country. By no means. Only a limited number of very old people fail to respond in English when so addressed. This, however, should be said that with but few exceptions all of them have a striking peculiar ity of accent and intonation. This peculiarity of speech can hardly be disposed of by stating that it is the common German- English. It is not the consonants that trouble these people. It is not so much the length of the vowels either but their quality, and then a most striking intonation. We believe some interest ing problems for a dialectician and phonetician could be found here. The few English speaking persons of Hermann have almost without exception acquired some knowledge of the German. While some of them cannot speak it well, all of them are prac tically, for business purposes, compelled to understand it when 128 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia spoken. Their children take the German course in the schools without modification. Interestingly enough, the few negroes in the town are masters of a beautiful Hermann German. A Ger man-speaking negro is indeed an exception in Missouri. Most of the Germans of Hermann are descended from south or midland German stock, and naturally employ the dialect preva lent in those sections. Near Hermann is found quite a large col ony of Swiss people. 2. Education. The people of Hermann have ever been adherers to the mot to "juventus spes mundi." Many of the early settlers were well educated men and quite naturally emphasized the absolute need of educating the young. In the nature of things they were seri ously hampered by existing primitive conditions. Nevertheless from a humble beginning a laudable institution has arisen. In the face of almost insurmountable difficulties a school has devel oped which, from its incipiency to the present day, has stood and stands unique among the schools of Missouri. So far as it car ries out the wish of the founders of the colony, in keeping alive their native tongue, it may indeed be called exemplary. An ex amination of the course of study of the Hermann Public School reveals the fact that German is being taught in every grade from that of the wee dimpled little ones, to the most advanced grade of the high school. This fact is known only locally even in Mis souri. The reason perhaps lies in the fact that, barring one in dustry, the town is unimportant commercially. It is indeed re markable how firmly the Hermannites have clung to their desire to perpetuate their language. And that too despite the external non-German influence and the sporadic deserters from the ways of the fathers within their own midst. That the system does not work hardship or become a hindrance to the young men so edu cated, is attested by the great number of highly successful busi ness men that have gone to St. Louis, as well as those who do a flourishing business at home. On the contrary it works towards HERE GERMAN AND ENGLISH ARE TAUGHT IN EQUAL PROPORTIONS. And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 129 the betterment of its subjects equipping them with two most pow erful tools for business purposes. As far as stimulating its stud ents to advanced work it is a success also. Hermann has always had its quota of students at the Missouri University and other institutions of advanced learning. To understand this system thoroughly we must study it from its beginning. In those early years the foundation was laid upon which the superstructure of to-day rests. We follow it, there fore, from its first beginnings. During the summer of 1838 the colonists were too much oc cupied with the clearing of forests, building of houses and laying out of roads to even consider the intellectual welfare of their chil dren. With the following summer came a little more ease and the education of the youth was earnestly considered. In the spring of 1839 a room was rented of one Oelschlaeger and rudely equipped for school purposes, Mr. Bayer administering instruc tion when his other numerous duties permitted him to do so. On the second day of July it was decided that a school house should be erected. 'Mr. Krauter agreed to build it for the consideration of $680. The Philadelphia society assisted the colony in this important work. In the autumn of this same year the building seems to have been ready for occupancy. We conclude this from the minutes of the Board of Trustees of the town — which body, among a multitude of other executive duties, also had charge of school matters. The item under consideration appears under the date of August 7th, 1839. (In quoting from the town record, we are compelled to resort to the English version, the German copy being misplaced, stolen, or destroyed. The language of these records is not always faultless. We make no apologies, however, for using it, since an un-Americanized people wrote them. Their idio syncrasies and errors will prove interesting in themselves, and may even be valuable.) At the meeting under the date above quoted, the serious problem of engaging a teacher confronted the trustees. The primitive mode of procedure is a pertinent relic of 130 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia the pioneer days of a frontier State. And yet it was, under the circumstances, the best and most expeditious method at hand. That trans-Mississippi country had at that time not yet developed the closely knit educational system it now boasts of. The min utes read thus : "That a committee to consist of Wm. Pommer, J. Leupold, D. Widersprecher, is hereby requested to examine Mr. F. A. Hemme in regard to his knowledge of the German as well as the English languages." A lively examination these busi ness men may have subjected this pedagogue to. They must have been satisfied with the proficiency shown, for upon their recom mendation the colonists voted in favor of the candidate. Five days later this record was inserted : "That Mr. Hemme is hereby appointed as teacher of the town school under the following conditions : That he obey the instructions of the Trustees of the Town. That his salary for the present shall not be less than $300 per annum. That he shall attend school for the first year from 9 to 12 o'clock A. 'M. and from 2 to 4 o'clock P. M. in winter; and from 6 to 10 o'clock A. M. and from 2 to 4 o'clock P. M. in summer. Wednesday and Saturday afternoon no school to be held. That we give instruction in Reading and Writing the Ger man and English languages, Grammatic, Arithmetic, History, Ge ography and Drawing. That school commence on the 26th of August, 1839." Under what trying conditions this poor pedagogue entered upon his labors can be more easily imagined than described. School opened without any provision having been made for school-supplies. Two days after the date set for the opening, the Board resolved : "That the necessary school books be furnished by the Town and sold to the parents of the children at cost price. There shall be bought 100 copies of Wilmsen's "Kinderfreund," 50 copies of Webster's "Spelling Books," $10.00 worth of common writing paper, quills, ink and inkstands. Mr. J. Leupold is to undertake And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 131 the purchase of the "Kinderfrenud," and the other articles to be provided by Mr. F. A. Hemme." No mention is made of aids for the study of History, Geography, Drawing and Arithmetic until years after this date. Presumably the instructor was to fur nish this information from the stock of his knowledge. Despite all these difficulties and hindrances, the interest in the school was very much alive. The Trustees voted upon themselves the task: "That every week two of the Trustees together shall visit the School of the Town to ascertain the progress of the chil dren and to further the same." Of course it was not an easy mat ter to find competent teachers at the price that was offered and with the requirements that the instruction should be in two lan guages. So we are not surprised to- learn that Mr. Hemme did not remain in the graces of his patrons indefinitely. Every one having a voice in the man's election and retention, it was difficult to please all, for we all know the truth of "Viele Kopfe, viele Sinne." It was then decided : "That a teacher be sought for the school of the town who has been educated in Germany for the business of teaching, and who understands the English language thoroughly." The nature of things caused a centralization of power. The Board of Trustees assumed more absolute control. To oppose hindering forces to mar the progress of the school they decided : "That (the teacher) continue in the mode of teaching adopted by him, pay no regard to individuals, and that in case of disobedience of his scholars he have to give notice to the Trustees thereof." The manner of paying for services rendered the town was novel. Money was scarce in those days. Land was plentiful since the transfer of power to Hermann, so many payments were made in land grants. In the "Tagelohner Buch" at Hermann we find these entries : „Carl Baer, fur die Lotte No. 6 Ost zweite Strasse — $50.00 bezahlt durch Verfertigung eines flatboats — $50.00. Somit die Lotte frey und sein Eigenthum." And another: „F. Mfihlenbach ffir die Lotte No. 7 Ost dritte Strasse $50.00. Derselbe hat zu gut ffir Arbeit $60.50, daran baar empfangen $10.50. Somit die Lotte frey und sein Eigenthum." 132 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia Even the village schoolmaster did not escape this method. The record of August 23, 1847, states that the teachers salary is $300.00, $150.00, to be paid in cash, $100.00 in notes "due on the Treasurer" and $50.00 in an order on lot and land. On the 31st of March, 1841, a custom was inaugurated which has prevailed, in a modified form, until this day. On this day it was decided: "That the Secretary be directed to invite Messrs. Jno. C. Haufler, W. Franke, Francis Kuhne and Daniel Trautwein to be examined in the school of this town in the third week of April, Mr. W. Franke on the 19th, Mr. Fr. Kuhne on the 20th, Mr. D. Trautwein on the 21st." This examination was for the purpose of ascertaining these gentlemen's knowledge of the common branches of learning and their method of instructing. We stated that this custom still pre vails. The knowledge of the English and German languages being required, such a test is next to imperative. Every candi date is subjected to the test. Be his credentials and recommenda tions ever so good, he must undergo an examination as to his knowledge of the branches taught. This examination is admin istered by the superintendent of the school in the presence of the board of directors. A class of school children is present, and with them the candidate demonstrates his methods of developing and presenting certain phases of work called for by his examiner. This is a unique but highly successful method of procedure. It might be stated here that the Hermann school board is unlike any other similar body in the state, known to us. It consists of eleven members. Six of them are chosen in conformity with the School Law of Missouri, and five of them have for their specific task the supervision of the German instruction. For three years all affairs of the Hermann school had been instigated and supported by the Germans of the colony. Quite naturally the German side of the instruction was especially em phasized. In the spring of 1842 the school district of Hermann was defined. This gave the colonists certain rights, as it also im posed certain obligations. Under this new regime all the residents And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 133 within the limits of the village were entitled to benefits from the school. Taxes must defray the expenses. School houses must be built by all the people's money. Since the majority of the pat rons were Germans, no difficulty was experienced in maintaining control. A new school house was erected and was known as the district school. For many years the two schools existed side by side. It became quite apparent to the men at Hermann that for the German school to exist, it would be compelled to look to its own resources, as no support could be expected from the hands of the state. Through the generosity of J. H. Koch a beginning had been made towards the establishment of a German school fund. In December, 1839, he issued this grant : „Geschenk fur die deutsche Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft. Ich, Johann Heinrich Koch, aus Hamfeldt, Amt Alten Bruch- hausen, Konigreich Hannover, erklare hierdurch ffir mich und meine Erben, dass ich eine Actie obiger Gesellschaft, Share Book, No. 932, Running No. 576, ausgestellt in Philadelphia, den 18. Sep tember 1839 der Stadt Hermann im Staate Missouri sum Besten einer deutschen Schule geschenkt habe und ermachtige durch diese meine offentliche Anzeige die Trustees der Stadt Hermann, denen ich nachstens den Actienschein schicken werde, nach diesem meinen Will en zum wahren Wohle der deutschen Jugend zu verfahren und die Einkfinfte des zu wahlenderi Bauplatzes oder Landes zum Besten einer deutschen Schule in Hermann anzuwenden, wie sie es ffir eine gute und gediegene Bildung der dortigen Jugend am zweckmassig sten halten. ? Philadelphia, den 19. December 1839.* Johann Heinrich Koch." J. G. Wesselhoeft, A. J. Stockfleth, Zeugen. This donation became the nucleus around which accumu lated a permanent fund. The leaders at Hermann were far- sighted men. They realized the possibilities of the wealth that was intrusted into their keeping after the relinquishment of con- * A. und N. W. of December 21, 1839. 134 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia trol by the Philadelphians. They appreciated the opportunity that through the sale of certain tracts of land a handsome fund would accrue, the income of which would insure a school revenue for all future time. In doing this, they would conform to the idealistic plans of the founders of the society. When the Her mann School District was organized the citizens appreciating the vast good that would arise from it, and also realizing that only a few non-German residents would profit by it, they voted, on the 8th of August, 1842, to grant a portion of land to this purpose : "That the following lands, belonging to the German Settlement Society, now the inhabitants of Hermann, shall be deeded over as "A Donation" to the Hermann School District, in fee simple." Then follows the stipulation of the land so donated, amounting to 1,170.63 acres. On the 6th of June, 1847, another grant was made for the support of education: "That the reserve lands of the Town be layed off in Town-blocks in conformity with the plot of the Town and thereupon so many of said blocks shall be sold at public auction until a sufficient sum is realized to establish an independent Town-school fund." It appears that on March 10, 1849, there existed a German school fund of $5,000.00. On the 5th of June, 1855, another step was taken to increase the funds for educational purposes, and that in the adoption of this resolu tion: "That a public sale of 300 or 400 Town lots and of the Island in (the) Missouri River, belonging to the Town of Her mann, be held on the first Monday of September, 1855, for the amelioration of the town school of Hermann, and this be pub lished in the German newspapers." This fund has been con tributed to by benevolent, big hearted citizens, until to-day it amounts to more than $10,000.00. It is securely invested in real estate and high interest bearing bonds. Its income goes towards defraying the expenses of the German School. The District School also has an endowment of several thousand dollars. Since the two schools are curiously welded into one, as the population is almost wholly German, the distinction exists practically only in the name. Previous to 1871 two buildings were used for educa- And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 135 tional purposes, as has been pointed out. At that time, however, a more commodious building became a necessity. Since then this unique school is conducted under one roof, each teacher instruct ing in both the German and the English languages. To conduct a school thus uniqely, it reqires more than the will of the people concerned. The school laws provide for and sanction instruction in the English language only, in the lower grades. It required a legislative act to overstep these bounds. This privilege was granted by the General Assembly of Missouri in 1849. ^ reads as follows : "Charter of the German School at Hermann." Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Mis souri as follows : — Section i. A school for males and females is hereby estab lished in the town of Hermann, which shall be known by the name of "The German School of Hermann." Sec. 2. Friedrich Hundhausen, Julius Leupold, Joseph Les- sel, August Wasser and H. Burkhardt are hereby appointed trustees of said school, and they and their successors in office are hereby created and constituted a body politic and corporate, to be known by the name and style of "The Trustees of the German School of Hermann," and by that name shall have perpetual suc cession in office, shall have a common seal, may change, alter and break the same at pleasure, may sue and be sued, plead and be im pleaded, answer and be answered unto in all Courts of this State or of the United States. Sec. 3. On the first Monday of April next there shall be held an election in the town of Hermann for the election of five trustees to manage the affairs of said school. They shall hold their office for one year and until their successors are elected and qualified; on the same day every year an election for trustees shall be held. 136 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia Sec. 4. At the first meeting of the Board, which shall be held one week after the election, the members shall elect a chair man, who shall preside at all their meetings during the term for which he is elected trustee ; but in case of his absence, a chairman pro tempore shall be appointed. The Board shall hold their stated meetings, but may be convened by the chairman or any quorum whenever occasion may require it. They shall keep a journal of their proceedings, and all their meetings shall be public. Sec. 5. The trustees shall have power to receive by gift or otherwise and hold to them and their successors forever any land, tenements, moneys, goods or chattels of what kind soever, which may be purchased, devised or given to them for said school, and to lease, rent, put out on interest or otherwise dispose of the same in such manner as shall seem most conducive to the advan tage of the school ; but shall never have power to sell, mortgage or in any way encumber with debt any real estate belonging to said school. Sec. 6. The Board of Trustees shall have power, and it shall be their duty, to superintend said school, to appoint one or more teachers, treasurer, and such other officers and servants as may be necessary, to remove the same for good cause, to stipulate their salary, to direct and determine what branches of education shall be taught in said school, and to make such by-laws, rules and reg ulations as they shall deem necessary for the management of said school, but not contrary to the laws of this State ; and they shall never permit any professional religious doctrines to be taught in said school. Sec. 7. The trustees and the treasurer shall, before enter ing upon .their respective duties, take an oath to discharge the duties assigned to them as trustees or treasurer. Sec. 8. The treasurer shall receive all moneys, etc., accruing to said school and pay or deliver the same to the order of the Board of Trustees. Before he shall enter upon the discharge of And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 137 his duty he shall give bond and security in such sum as. the Board of Trustees shall direct, payable to them and their succes sors, conditioned for the faithful performance of his duties, under such rules and regulations as the Board may adopt, and it shall be lawful for said Board to obtain judgment for the amount thereof, or for any special delinquencies incurred by him under the same, "on motion" in any Court of record in this State against the treasurer and his securities, his or their executors or administrators, upon giving ten days' notice of such motion. Sec. 9. The interest of a capital stock of five thousand dol lars ($5000) donated by the inhabitants of Hermann to said school shall annually be appropriated to the payment of a teacher or teachers and other necessary expenditures in the management of said school; but the principal shall forever be and remain in violate. Should said interest prove insufficient to defray the necessary expenses of said school, then the trustees shall be empowered to make up the deficiency by issuing rate bills, as allowed to the common schools in this State. Sec. 10. Every free white householder of the town of Her mann, who has been a resident of said town for at least twelve months preceding an election, shall be eligible and entitled to vote for trustees of this school, and all elections for trustees of this school shall be held and conducted in the same manner as elections for trustees at the town of Hermann, at least as near as practical. Should any election fail, the chairman of its Board of Trustees, or any quorum thereof (three) shall appoint judges and issue orders to hold an election without delay. Vacancies in said Board shall be filled by special election ordered as above. Sec. ii. The Board of Trustees shall call at least one meet ing a year of all the inhabitants of the town of Hermann, lay before them the situation of the school, and there shall be at least one public examination every year. Sec. 12. The chairman of the trustees shall, on the first 138 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia Monday of March of every year, publish handbills, or in a Her mann paper, an exhibit of its affairs and conditions of said school, stating the number of teachers employed, the number of scholars that have been attending the school during the preceding year, males and females ; what branches of education have been taught. what languages, etc.; what money received and expended. Sec. 13. The trustees shall receive no pay for any ordinary services rendered. Sec. 14. This school shall be and forever remain a German school, in which all branches of science and education shall be taught in the German language. This Act to' take effect from and after its passage. Approved March 10, 1849." Under this charter the school prospered until 1870 without any revocation or amendment being made to the writ. At that time, however, it was felt that a more spacious and better equip ped building was needed. The General Assembly had introduced into it a bill providing for an amendment to the Act of Incorpor ation of the German School at Hermann, which bill became a law on Feb. 25th, 1870.* The amendment, which is known as Section 1 5 of the charter, reads thus : "The trustees of the German School at Hermann are here by authorized to lay a tax on all taxable property in the town of Hermann, not to exceed one-half of one per cent, annually, for the purpose of erecting a school house in Hermann and for other school purposes, which tax shall be collected by the officer who collects the municipal taxes of said town, and be governed by the laws regulating the collection of the municipal taxes of Hermann, and when collected, the same shall be paid over to such persons as may be authorized toireceive the same by trustees of said school." It soon became evident that this process of securing the necessary money would require too long a time. For this rea- ' Laws of Missouri, 1870, p. 315. And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 139 son an act, approved March 17, 1871, amended this amendment by adding : "If the tax of one per cent, be inadequate for the purposes herein specified, the trustees are authorized to issue bonds, not to exceed the amount of $8000, said bonds to be of one hundred dollars each, bearing 8 per cent, annual interest, and payable at the option of said trustees, within ten years from their respective dates, out of the proceeds of said tax one-half of one per cent."* In this manner the German School has been placed on a solid foundation, and its future is securely provided for until the people shall desire a change. The instruction given in the Hermann School is first-class, and quite up to date, as we can testify from personal observation. We have already emphasized the fact that German is taught in all the grades. It will doubtless be interesting to know what is being done in the High School. Three years of German are of fered there, as Principal F. O. Spohrer writes me. We quote his course of study : "First Year. — Grammar, supplemented by the reading of Storm's Tmmensee,' Volkmann's 'Kleine Geschichten,' Baum- bach's 'Waldnovellen,' Schiller's 'Der Neffe als Onkel,' or the equivalent. "Second Year. — First half of Harris' Prose Composition; the reading of Arnold's 'Fritz auf Ferien,' 'Auf der Sonnen- seite,' Wildenbruch's 'Das edle Blut,' Chamissos' 'Peter Schle- mihl,' or an equivalent amount, and sight translation. "Third Year. — Second half of Harris' Prose Composition, sight translation and the reading of Freytag's 'Die Journalisten,' Schiller's 'Das Lied von der Glocke,' 'Wilhelm Tell,' 'Die Jung- frau von Orleans,' 'Maria Stuart,' Lessing's 'Minna von Barn- helm,' or an equivalent amount." The term of school always extends over ten months. * Laws of Missouri, 1871, p. 93. 140 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia The school has a library of some 1300 volumes. Of this number 705 are German publications. The greater part of this number are "Jugendschriften," to the number of 463. Other books appear classified under the rubrics: Geography, Stories of Travel, Agriculture and Natural Science, Biography, History, Philosophy, and Mythology. Under the caption, "Literatur, Poesie, etc.," we find 145 volumes. Among this list we find the following : Auerbach, Berthold : ,,Das Landhaus am Rhein." „Auf der Hohe." „Schwarzwalder Dorfgeschichten." Brown, Chas. Brockden: „Edgar Huntley, oder der Nachtwandler" (translator not given) . Chamisso, A. von, complete in two volumes. Carlyle, Thomas : „Ausgewahlte Schriften" (translated by A. Kretzschmar 1855). Daumer, G. Fr. : „Hafis, eine Sammlung persischer Gedichte." „Deutscher Novellenschatz", compiled by P. Heyse and H. Kurz. Freytag, Gustav: „Die Ahnen." An old volume bearing the title „Erste und Merkwfirdige Reisen eines EuropiLers — Ludwig Fontaine etc.", dated 1792. Gerstacker, Fr. : ./Tahiti." Goethe's works complete in 15 volumes with introduction by Karl Goedeke. Goethe & Schiller Xenien — Aus dem Schillerschen Musenalmanach fur das Jahr 1797, with introduction by A. Stern. ©tarb, nad) laugem Seibeu, ant $reitafl| | SCbenb um 10 ltf)r ©Jji-tftoptjet* §tcm« | im Sllter non 77 3ie SBeerbtflung flnbet am ©omttaa, 9tadj= j mtttaa, um 3 Uf)r auf ber garm ftatt, unb finb I greunbe unb 23ef annte freuublidjft etngelaben | I berfelben betjuttioljiten. 2)ie trauernbeit tinber |letec &iem« nebft ©erdjmiltec. germanu, 3Jlo., ben 9. ©ept. 1905. ODD METHOD OF ANNOUNCING FUNERALS STILL PREVALENT IN HERMANN. And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 141 Hacklander, F. W. : „Das Soldatenleben im Frieden." „Wachtstuben-Abenteuer."„Humoristische Erzahlungen." „Bilder aus dem Leben." Hartmann, Moritz — „Novellen." Hauff, Wilhelm: „Gedichte."„Novellen." „Mittheilungen aus den Memoiren des Satan." „Othello."„Der Mann im Monde." „Marchen fiir Sonne und Tochter gebildeter Stande." „Lichtenstein." Heine, Heinrich: „Reisebilder", pub. by Schaefer & Koradi, Philadelphia. Herder, Joh. Gottfr. : Werke in IV volumes compiled by H. Kurz. Herbert, Lucian: „Das Testament Peter des Grossen." Heyse, Paul: Vols. Ill and IV of his „Novellen." Korner, Theodor: Complete Works. Lessing : „Minna von Barnhelm." „Emilia Galotti." „Nathan der Weise." The writings of the next twenty-one authors were published in Philadelphia by Morwitz & Co., in a series named "Heimath und Fremde." The dates are not to be found — apparently, how ever, they date from the middle of the last century. Armand : „Die alte spanische Urkunde." Betzold, M. : „Um Ehre und Leben." 142 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia Brachvogel, A. E. : „Der Fels von Erz." Dedenroth, E. H. von: „Die Baronin." „Das Gespenst." Fischer, Wilhelm: „Vier Bluthen und eine Frucht." Frenzel, Karl : „Herodias." Friedrich, Friedrich: „Nemesis."„Zwei Sohne." Gaboriari, EmiL „Herr Lecog." Gerstacker, Friedrich: „Die Franctireurs." „Im Eckfenster." Guseck, Bernd von: „Deutschlands Ehre." Hahn, B. Edmund: „Die Sklaverei der Liebe." Hiltl, George: „Die Schlossdiebe." Miintzelberg, Adolph : „Zwei heitere Geschwister." Pierce, Etta: „Die Tochter des Millionars", translated by Alfred Mfi- renberg. Pitawall, Ernst: „Gabriel, das Weib des Spielers." Prosper, Merrime: „Colomba." And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 143 Samarow, Gregor: „Kreuz und Schwert." „Um Scepter und Krone." „Zwei Kaiserkronen." „Europaische Mienen und Gegenmienen." „Held und Kaiser." Schmidt- Weisenfels : „Die Sohne Barnevelts." Streckfuss, Adolf: „Der tolle Hans." „Der verlorene Sohn." Wachenhusen, Hans : „Salon und Werkstatt." Winterfeld, A. von: „Der Elephant." As will be observed, it is a class of the lesser literary lights. The library also contains the following books : Mfigge, Theodor: „Die Vendeerin." „Der Vogt von Sylt." „Toussaint."„Erich Randal." „Der Prophet." „Der Cavalier." „Spang." „Tanzerin und Grafin." „Verloren und Gefunden." Paul, Jean: „Siebenkas."„Dr. Katzenberg's Bad-Reise." „Flegel jahre." Reuter, Fritz: „Woans ik tau 'ne Frau kamm." „Ut de Franzosentid." „Ut mine Stromtid." Ruppius, Otto. Found in „Gesammelte Erzahlungen aus dem Deutsch-Amerikanischen Volksleben " : „Der Pedlar." „Ein Stfick deutschen Bauernlebens." „Drei Tage aus dem Leben eines Schullehrers." 144 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia „Traumkonig und Schneider." „Das Vermachtniss des Pedlars." „Das Heimchen." „Eine Karriere in Amerika." „Prairieteufel."„Ein Deutschen'' „Bill Hammer." „Eine Speculation." „Waldspinne.' „Zwei Welten." „Drei Vagabunden." „Aus dem Schullehrerleben im Westen." „Mary Kreuzer." „Auf Regierungsland." „Buschlerche." ,Vermisst." „Unter Freunden." „Die Nachbarn." „Geld und Geist." „Schlamm und fester Boden." „Priester und Bauer." „Eine Weberfamilie." Steiger, E. Compiler of : „Erstlingsbluthen deutscher Lyrik in Amerika." Schiller's complete works edited by H. Kurz. Scheffel's „Ekkehardt." „Der Trompeter von Sakkingen." Tiek, Ludwig: „Vittoria Accorombona." Witter, C. Compiler of : „Neuestes Taschenliederbuch ffir Deutsche in Amerika." Wieland's „Ausgewahlte Werke" by H. Kurz. Zschokke, Heinrich : „Die Rose von Disentis", pub. by N. R. Cormany, Main and Walnut Sts., St. Louis, Mo., 1846. The following publications are also found in the Hermann library : And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 145 „Die Gegenwart" for 1875. „Globus-Zeitschrift ffir Lander und Volkskunde" for 1874. „Gaea — Natur und Leben" for 1875. „Unsere Zeit" for 1874 — 5. „Deutsche Rundschau", 7 volumes. Among the Jungendschriften are found a number of books which originally belonged to the library at Turnverein. In closing this chapter on Education at Hermann, it should be stated that the Catholic Church supports a strong paroch ial school. 3. Government. In dealing with the question of the government of Hermann, we must begin with transactions that took place during the colony days. It will be recalled that the problem of transfer of power hinged largely upon the assurance of the incorporation of the town, for the society wisely declined to submit its rights and re sponsibilities to anything but a corporate body, accepted and rec ognized by, and responsible to the laws of the State. The colonists, eager to share certain privileges which incorporated towns en joyed, had taken cognizance of this matter as early as the spring of 1838, or from the very incipiency of the settlement. On the 29th of October, 1838, a petition was addressed to the County Court- of Gasconade County, which, under an act passed March 11, 1825, possessed the power to incorporate towns in its juris diction. This petition was passed upon favorably on February 4th, 1839. The limits of the new body politic were the follow ing : "Beginning at a point in the middle of the main channel of the Missouri River ; the west boundary line beginning north at the half-mile open line in Section 26, and running south 5060 feet through Sections 26 and 35 ; the east boundary line beginning at the quarter-section line in Section 25 and running south 5620 feet through Sections 25 and 36; the south boundary line begin ning at the point where the above-mentioned 5620 feet cease and 146 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia running west until it strikes the west boundary line at the end of the aforementioned 5060 feet, Township 46 South of Missouri River, north of the base line range No, 5 west of Fifth Principal Meridian." The executive functions of this corporation were vested in five trustees elected by the people for the period of one year. In order to expedite matters, as is customary, the County Court ap pointed a temporary Board of Trustees to serve until the regular election could be held. This appointed Board consisted of five men — Wilhelm Senn, Veit Ludwig Henrich, Friederich Lehder, Dedlev Widersprecher and Julius Leupold. The choice of the people, expressed about the middle of May, 1839, was the follow ing, for the first trustees : Friedrich Lehder, Heinrich Heckmann, Hermann Bock, Julius Leupold, Silvester Doess. For five years Hermann existed under this Act of Incor poration. In the winter of 1844-5 the legislature was petitioned for a special charter, and on February 4th, 1845, it was granted. Before the present Constitution of Missouri was adopted, that is to say, prior to 1875, the inhabitants of a particular settlement desiring to organize into a town, applied to the legislature for a special charter of incorporation, which defined its powers and described its territorial boundaries.* Since that date no special charters are granted. Cities are classified according to their pop ulation into first, second, third and fourth-class cities. The old charters could not be revoked except by a surrender of the same by the people incorporated under them. Most of the towns early voted themselves into the new order of things. Hermann, in its own peculiar way, clung to the old regime until April 4, 1905, when by a vote of 196 to 98 the people decided to abandon the old and come under the new rule. On the 16th of May, 1905, an election was held to choose the officers which the new regime calls for namely : Mayor, collector, aldermen, marshal, etc. August * Cf. Perry S. Rader, "Civil Government and Hist, of Missouri, p. 115. And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 147 Wohlt has the distinction of being the first Mayor of Hermann, while its first aldermen are Gaus, Moebus, Schuch and Bohlken. At the first meeting of the trustees, May 18th, 1839, there was inaugurated a practice which, while the old charter was in vogue, was faithfully adhered to, namely, "That the Journal of the Proceedings of the Board of Trustees shall be kept both in the German and English languages." Whether this method still prevails since the change of 1905, we are not prepared to say. The charter of 1845 defines the territorial limits more ac curately, and also shows some changes in the boundary as re corded in the first Act of Incorporation. "That the district of country known by the name of the town of Hermann, shall be and continue a body politic and corporate lying within the follow ing limits, to wit. : Beginning at a point in the middle of the chan nel of the Missouri River, due north from the quarter-section corner between Sections twenty-six (26) and thirty-five (35), Township forty-six (46), north, range five (5), west of the Fifth Principal Meridian; then running due south to the north west corner of the southwest quarter of the northeast quarter of Section thirty-five (35), Township forty-six north, range 5, west of the 5th Principal Meridian ; thence due east forty chains ; thence due south twenty chains; thence due west forty chains; thence due south twenty chains; thence due east eighty chains; thence due north twenty chains; thence due east twenty chains; thence due north to the middle of the channel of the Missouri River, and along the channel back to the beginning." The sketch for the accompanying drawing was sent to us by J. C. Danuser, County Surveyor of Gasconade County. Mr. E. B. Smith, Instructor of Mechanical Drawing at Drexel Institute, Philadelphia, had the kindness to make the drawing. In comparing the charter of 1845 with the Act of Incorpor ation of 1839, we find that the two, barring only a few points, are identically the same in language and substance. Under the first act only the five trustees were elected by the people. The other 148 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia officers : assessor, collector, constables, were appointed by this Board. The new writ prescribed that they be also elected by the people. The power of the trustees under the new charter was ex tensive and their duties legion. It must be stated here, however, that as time passed and new demands came, these powers were vested in special bodies, as, for instance, the matter of education, although the town continued to exist under the letter of the old document. To give a clear idea of the powers and duties of the Board, we quote from the old charter. Certain provisions were made which have no place in the charter of a city of the fourth class. This can only be accounted for by the fact that the idea of Hermann as a "Grossstadt" had not yet vanished. We quote from paragraphs 4 and 8 of the charter : "Said Board of Trustees shall have power to pass by-laws and ordinances to prevent and remove nuisances, to prohibit gambling and gaming houses, to license, regulate and prohibit theatrical" and other amusements, to license merchants, grocers, pedlars, auctioneers, inn, tavern and coffee-house keepers and all taxes raised from such licenses shall be paid to said Board and ap plied to the improvement of said town ; to prevent or restrain the meeting of slaves, the firing of firearms, to regulate and establish markets, to erect and repair bridges, to open, establish, widen, ex tend and repair streets, avenues, lanes, alleys, public squares, to drain sewers and to keep the same clear, to graduate, pave and im prove the streets of said town, to erect, repair wharves by the in habitants thereof; and if any of them shall fail or refuse to per form the part assigned to them, the trustees may hire the same to be done, and levy and collect the price thereof on the persons so failing or refusing, and they shall also have power to cause the proportionate part of such erecting or clearing to be done for the account of non-resident lot owners, and the price thereof to be levied and collected as afore said, and, if it cannot be otherwise recovered, the trustees may have such lot or lots, or any part thereof, sold to de- And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 149 fray the expenses of such improvements in such manner as said Board may by ordinance provide : to prevent the furious and un necessary running, galloping, riding or driving any horse or mule within said town, or such part thereof as they may think proper ; to prohibit the running of hogs at large, and other stock within the incorporated limits of the town, or such parts thereof as the Board of Trustees may think proper; to establish night watches and patrols ; to suppress bawdy and other disorderly houses with in the limits of said town ; to erect and maintain hospitals ; to pre vent the introduction of contagious diseases, and to secure the general health of the town; to provide for the extinguishing of fire ; to erect school houses, to keep the same in good repair and to provide for the education of children in said town ; to levy and collect taxes upon real and personal property in said town, but shall not impose a tax at a higher rate than one-half of one per centum on the assessed value of the property ; to fix the rate of wharfage; to regulate the landing and stationing of steam boats, rafts and water-crafts; to provide for the inspection of lumber, building materials and provisions to be used or offered for sale in said town, to be exported therefrom ; to borrow money, if it be necessary, for paving or grading the streets, erecting warehouses, supplying water or making other public improve ments in said town; to pass such ordinances for the regulation and police of said town as said trustees may think necessary, not contrary to the laws of this land, and said Board of Trustees shall have power to pass all ordinances to carry into effect the object of this act and the powers herein granted, as the good of the in habitants may require and to impose fines and penalties for the breach of their ordinances; to regulate the clearing and cleaning of chimneys and fix the fees thereof ; to regulate and order parti tion and parapet walls and partition fences ; to have the footways and sidewalks of the streets paved at the expense of the owners and occupiers of the lots fronting on such paved sidewalks, and if said owner or occupier fail to pave the same as directed by 150 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia ordinance, said trustees shall pave the same and recover the full expense thereof from such owner or occupier, by action of debt, before any Court of competent jurisdiction, and if any tenant be required to pave in front of the property occupied by him, the ex pense thereof shall be a good offset against so much rent due the owner; but no tenant shall be required to expend more than the rent for the term for which he occupied the property. If any per son who is a non-resident fail to pave in front of his property in the manner and time prescribed by the ordinance, or if any person who is a resident fail to pave as aforesaid, and the ex pense of paving cannot be otherwise recovered from him. the trustees may have such lot, or any part thereof, sold to pay ex penses of said improvement in such manner as said Board may by ordinance prescribe ; provided, that such person, whether resi dent or non-resident, whose property has been sold under the pro visions of this act, shall have the right to redeem the same within two years from the date of such sale, by paying the full amount of the taxes and cost due thereon, together with the interest, at the rate of fifteen per cent, per annum." To a provision in these rigid regulations the good sidewalks of Hermann are in a great measure attributable. They are excep tionally wide and substantial. A board sidewalk is positively un known in the town. On February 3, 1870, the old charter was supplemented by an act providing for the macadamizing of the streets. This work has been done, and Hermann can boast of streets and sidewalks far above those of any other town of its size in the State. Hermann is a very peaceful town. Until 1906 there was no holdover within its limits. But rarely disorderly conduct is seen on her streets, and then the transgressors are usually non-residents of Hermann, who do not know how to curb their appetites in this wine-town as those to the manor born have learned to do. The occasional cases were formerly cared for in the county jail, which is located here. Hamz >KHK oa Hswtog2 And its Colony, Hermann', Missouri. 151 4. Industries at Hermann. Small as Hermann is, it nevertheless stands in a class by it self among the towns of Missouri in at least one industry, namely, the production of wine. The Missouri State Labor Bureau is sued this statement: "Missouri for 1904 shipped a twelfth of the wine placed on the market by all States."* According to this same report, the surplus number of gallons of wine Missouri produced is 3,068,780 gallons. Of this quantity Gasconade County alone furnished 2,971,576 gallons. Almost all of this amount was produced at Hermann, or its immediate surrounding country districts. This industry is by no means a recent venture. On the con trary, it is the legitimate outcome of many years of intelligent ap plication, its beginning dating back to the strenuous days of Hermann's beginning. Gert Goebel comments upon this fact in his valuable book on the Missouri Germans: "Hermann kann mit Recht die Wiege des Weinbaues in Missouri genannt werden."** And as the statistics above quoted indicate, it maintains its birth right with dignity. Many causes for this centralization of the wine industry have been cited, many conjectures have been made to account for it. First of all, it is always stated that northern Gasconade County is almost wholly German. Most persons find this to be sufficient explanation. But when it is remembered that Putnam County, with only 53 foreign-born Germans, ranks sec ond in this business, and that other German settlements produce no wine at all, the value of such an explanation is diminished. Of course, the aptitude the German has acquired for the wine cul ture played a great r61e in this matter. But it must be shown what class of Germans they were to make the statement really of value. This is done by Goebel, whom we quote here : „Es ist sehr begreiflich, dass die ersten deutschen Ansiedler im * Annual Report of the Bureau of Labor of Missouri for year ending November 5, 1905, p. 21. ** Gert Goebel, "Longer als ein Menschenleben in Missouri," p. 141. 152 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia Frain Thale sehr bald nach ihrer Niederlassung auf die Idee kamen, Versuche mit der Veredlung des Rebstocks zu machen ; denn iiberall im Walde und selbst an den steinigsten Bergwanden wuchsen wilde, sehr rauhe Trauben in Menge, und da die allermeisten dieser frfi- hen Ankommlinge Sfid-Deutsche und Schweizer waren, so mochten sie leicht an die Weinberge in ihrer alten Heimath am Rhein, Neckar und Main erinnert worden sein, und somit ward der erste Anstoss gegeben.* Experiments with the wild grape were early made ; but, prov ing unsatisfactory, the cultivated vine was introduced. Though no great yields are mentioned for the first years, yet the trial must have promised generous returns. As early as November 25th, 1844, the trustees of Hermann took an action which expresses the manifest intent to encourage the cultivation of the vine : "That those persons who reside here be allowed to take up vacant lots, belonging to the town, for the purpose of cultivating the vine, upon the following conditions, to wit. : (a) The lots are to be paid for, without interest, after a lapse of five years ; that is to say, one-fifth of the purchase money to be due each year, without in terest, (b) That no applicant can be allowed to have more than five lots, in the manner aforesaid, and that the persons so taking up lots, be required to pay all taxes resting upon the same from the time of the taking up of such lots, (c) That each person so taking up lots pledge himself within the space of two years to plant two-fifths of the lots taken up with the vine, so that in five years the whole of said lots be planted ; otherwise to forfeit his claim or title thereto and be liable to the payment of ten per cent. annual interest on the purchase money." This was, indeed, a liberal offer. But, generous as this was, the town fairly outdid itself when it extended the time limit to ten years, making the first payment due five years after the tak ing up of the land. How eagerly this opportunity was accepted is manifested by the fact that by exact count just 600 "wine lots" were bought from the society. Selling at the uniform rate of * Gert Goebel, "Longer als ein Menschenleben in Missouri," pp. 141-2. A TYPICAL VINEYARD AT HERMANN WITH THE PLANT OF THE STONE HILL WINE CO. IN THE DISTANCE. And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 153 $50.00 per lot, the coffers of the town must have been liberally replenished. In the "Verzeichniss der unter der zehnjahrigen Kaufbedingung aufgenommen Weinlotten nebst Noten — Reg ister A," it appears that John Sidler has the distinction of acquir ing the first "wine lot." The simple record kept is this : JOHN SIDLER. Jan. 2, 1845 Lots Nos. 106 W. 4 & 105 W. 5 St. 102, 104 W. 4, 101, 103 W. 5th St. wherefore his notes OD m 00 M 00 CO 00 Jan. 2 50 5° 50 50 50 o H 250 These incentives did not fail to arouse interest and bring results. Less than four years after the passage of the above- quoted resolutions, the brilliant success of the first yield was be comingly celebrated. At this point Goebel again furnishes us a most interesting account of Hermann's first "Weinfest." „Ich kann mich des ersten Weinfestes in Hermann im Herbst 1848 noch sehr gut erinnern. Dr. Gerling und ich ritten mit einan- der zu diesem Feste nach Hermann und als wir gegen Abend dort ankamen, donnerte ein Sechspfunder seine Grusse und Glfick- wfinsche fiber Berg und Thai. Die Kunde von diesem Erfolg war in Missouri so weit gedrungen, wie damals deutsch gesprochen wurde; und es waren sogar Besucher von St. Louis, Damen und Herren, auf Dampfbooten angekommen. Am nachsten Morgen machte sich eine ganze Cavalcade auf den Weg zu dem Weinberg des Herrn Michael Poschel, und ich habe es in der That nicht be- reut, den weiten Weg von zwanzig Meilen gemacht zu haben, als ich dort die Traubenpracht mit eigenen Augen sah. Sein tragender Weinberg hatte kaum den Flachenraum von einem einzigen Acker, aber die Spaliere schienen dort eine Wand von Nichts als Trauben zu sein und darunter war keine einzige faule Beere zu bemerken. Der Ertrag aus der Lese von diesem kleinen Weinberg war ein sehr hoher, denn guter Catawba, der, wenn er richtig behandelt wird, dem Rheinwein sehr nahe kommt, war damals sehr gesucht und wurde gut bezahlt."* In striking upon this industry, Hermann had found the true sphere in which it could excel. The land, while not adapted to * Goebel, "Longer als ein Menschenleben in Missouri" p. 142. 154 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia general agriculture, is admirably suited to fruit raising. To re move all hindrances to this industry, as well as to encourage the work, the trustees granted the "Western Fruit, Grape and Horti cultural Society" the use of four lots, "for the purpose of a nursery, for the term of twenty years which, after ten years, may be sold to this society for $50.00 per lot." From these small, determined beginnings the wine industry rapidly grew, outstripping all similar undertakings, not only in Missouri, but in the entire stretches of the great Missouri Valley, reaching the proportions we depicted in the beginning of this chapter. The golden age of Hermann's great industry began in the year 1865. By this time many of the best kinds of grapes had become acclimated. The Virginia Seedling, the Concord and the Delaware and other kinds had proven their hardiness to with stand Missouri's changeful climate. Among the pioneers in this lucrative business at Hermann belong the brothers, Michael Wilhelm and Melchior Poeschel, Franz Langendoerfer, Jacob Rommel, Sr., Geo. Hussmann, Strecker, Vallet, Grein and others. Among the later and pres ent promoters of the work may be named Fleisch, Eberlin, Vogt, Hundhausen, Henze, Franz and Jacob Kuhn, Mueller, Petrus, Weydemeyer, Puchta, Loehring, Rhodius, Sobbe, Jacob Rom mel Jr., Sperry, and others.* Besides this long list of producers, there exists in Hermann an old wine company under a compara tively new name. The firm is now known as the Stone Hill Wine Company. It does the lion's share of Missouri's wine business. Its famous wine cellars are said to be the largest east of Cali fornia.** Other products of Hermann are beer, whiskey and shoes. In the palmy days of steamboating on the Missouri, Hermann was a widely-known shipping point. Many of the boats plying Missouri's dark waters were owned by men in Hermann. Even *"Hermanner Volksblatt" for Oct. 27, 1905. ** Walter Williams "The State of Missouri," p. ONE OF THE WINE VAULTS AT HERMANN— 300 FEET LONG. And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 155 now the little town claims the distinction of ownig more boats than any other town along the river. When the many lines of railroad were constructed in the valley, steamboating became im practicable and ceased almost completely. Aside from the pro ducts already enumerated, Hermann furnishes nothing beyond the usual contributions peculiar to the average country town. We cannot conclude the chapter pertaining to Hermann's business enterprises without considering briefly the quaint old market house, once the scene of hustle and bustle, but now almost deserted. It will be remembered that in an early part of our story reference was made to the broad street and the market houses that should be built in this street. As a matter of fact, only one such building was erected. It still stands — a two-story brick building, just in the middle of the broad street, below Fourth Street. We believe it would be a difficult task to find another Mis souri town of Hermann's population provided with such a build ing. We are at once reminded that we are dealing with a pe culiar settlement — different from all its neighbors. It further more stands as an undeniable proof that the people once enter tained the loftiest hopes of their creation. The fact also sug gests itself that the founders of the settlement were of foreign extraction, to whom such institutions were familiar and appar ently a necessity, even in smaller towns. The first suggestion of such a centralization of the market business came on May ist, 1854. We read in the minutes of the trustees of that day : "That the petition about a market house will be considered, and that the trustees will view the locality." It is remarkable that such a request should come as late as this in the history of the colony. By this time it was clearly understood that Hermann would not be a great city. It must have been due to the fact that many of the residents were formerly Grossstadter and of foreign birth. On the 14th of August of the same year quoted, the contract for the work was let. The building was com- 156 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia pleted early in March, 1856. The lower floor was provided with eight stalls for butchers and provisioners. The upper story con sisted of one large hall and served as city hall and for public meet ings of various kinds. The stalls were sold to the highest bidders. The regulations restricting the sale of meat and provisions to the market house made it imperative for provisioners to secure rooms here. The stalls sold at various prices. The first occupants paid from $3.80 to $5.00 per stall per annum. A market master had supervision of the house, and was held responsible for the exe cution of the market regulations. Some of these rules bear in sertion here. In drawing them up, the trustees admitted they were modeled after the regulations of the St. Louis market houses, but how close the resemblance is, we are unable to say : "Each stall purchaser is bound to offer meat for sale 3 times a week, at least. No stall shall be used for any other purpose than for selling provisions. Each stallholder shall, within half an hour after the market time, sweep and clean his stall, if not, the Market master shall do it at the expense of the renter. The market hours shall be from daybreak until 12 o'clock. During market hours no meat shall be sold by pound without the market house, but it shall be permitted to sell meat at quarter. Any person who will bring meat from sick or starved animals to the market, sell or offer for sale, shall be fined no less than $25.00 and no more than $100.00. Butter, eggs, poultry, vegetables, etc., are not permitted to be offered for sale during the market hours at any place in town, with out the market place. All persons acting against said ordinance, shall pay a fine of no less than one and no more than five dollars. It is not permitted to sell sausages, hashed meat, ham, bacon, salt and dried meat during the market hours at any place in the town without the stalls in the market house, by pounds, but it shall not be forbidden to sell by wholesale without the stalls at the market place. All persons disregarding this ordinance shall be fined for $3.00. No person is allowed to buy more provisions than necessary for his family use at the market, with the purpose of selling again. All persons buying provisions with the purpose of selling again shall be considered as hucksters, and shall be obliged to rent a place from the Market master, for which the sum of $2.00 for 6 months And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 157 shall be paid, payable in advance, for having the privilege to sell at tbe market place. All self-produced articles, suitable for a provision market, can be sold during the market time at the market place without paying any particular tax. Unwholesome or rotten articles, carried to the market, shall be confiscated and destroyed by the Market master, and the guilty shall be fined for not less than one and not more than $25.00. The Market master shall be authorized to drive away from the market every drunken person or disturber, and if in such a case obedience is refused to him, the guilty shall be fined for not less than one and not more than five dollars. It is forbidden to sell liquor at the market place during the market hours." Such were the regulations governing the Hermann Market. Long ago they have become void. But the old building still stands — a monument of a period of Hermann's history. The lower floor is now practically unused. In the upper room the Town Fathers, until 1906, deliberated for the good of the town, and various town organizations and clubs convened here. Now their meetings are held at the elegant new city hall. 5. Religion, Social Life and Literary Activity. It can hardly be asserted that Hermann is predominently re ligious in its inclinations. Many of the early settlers were "Freisinnige," and their views have been transmitted to the present generation. While there is no open opposition to things religious, yet a manifest indifference to the tenets of any church prevails. It must not be inferred from this, however, that the moral tone of the town is below the average. On the contrary, it compares quite favorably with the average Missouri town. There are many things that would shock the newcomer, unacquainted with the customs that have prevailed, and some that still prevail among the people at Hermann. Among these was the custom by which all the places of business were open until noon on Sundays. The country folk came to town to purchase, as well as to pray. Such had been the custom since Hermann's pioneer days. And all this notwithstanding the Sunday Closing 158 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia Law on the statute books of the State. They saw no wrong in this practice. They held that Sunday was made for them, and not they for the day. No wonder they regarded it as an infringe ment on their rights when Governor Folk proceeded to enforce tlie laws of the State relating to Sunday closing. But, to the credit of the good people be it said, they respected the law when it was brought to their attention. Governor Folk himself paid the Germans a fine compliment in his address before the Alumni of the University of Missouri, on June 7, 1905, when he said: "They are the most law-abiding and law-respecting people in the world. When they find the enforcement of Sunday closing means simply upholding the majesty of the law, and not the whim of the execu tive, I believe they will support it. They may not agree with me as to the wisdom of the law; but so long as it is the law, the expression of the sovereign will of the people of Missouri, they will uphold its enforcement until it is repealed." The people of Hermann believe in a joyful Sabbath. It is their fete day. Public opinion outside of their community deters them not a whit. The "Maifest" of the public school, when young and old wander to the pretty park, always falls on Sunday. The gala-day of the Gasconade County Fair is Sunday. Lodges and societies hold their festivities and dances on Sunday. The "Schfitzenfest" and baseball games fall on this day. Every sum mer from six to eight Sunday railroad and boat excursions bring throngs of pleasure seekers from St. Louis and other places to "Little Germany." Most of the visitors are Germans who wish to spend a typically German Sunday. Music and song and wine lend their share towards a pleasant day, whose evening comes only too soon. The three religious denominations represented are the Cath olic, the Evangelical and the Methodist, which range numerically in the order here given. All of them draw their following from the town, as well as the surrounding country. Each of them owns its own house of worship, a parsonage, and, in the case of the THE EVANGELICAL CHURCH. THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 159 Catholic, a spacious school building, in which Sisters instruct the youth of the parish. The architecture is that so commonly found in German churches of this country — a long rectangular structure, with a tall, slender spire with bell or bells directly in front of it. The ritualistic and all the other ministerial, work of the Evan gelical and Catholic Churches is conducted exclusively in the German language. The Methodist Church, in order to accom modate certain non-German residents, employs both the English and the German languages in its services. While educational matters had received earnest considera tion from the very first, religious affairs remained long in the background. Indeed, no mention whatsoever appears on the records regarding religion until the spring of 1841, when the trustees resolved : "That the request of the trustees of the Gen eral German Church to be allowed to hold their meetings in the school house be granted." Just what the nature of the teachings of this church was, is not known. Most probably, it was quite lib eral, in conformity with the views of many of the settlers. The Town Fathers were far less liberal towards the churches than they had been to other institutions. They, who had more land than they could well manage, felt unable to promote the growth of churches. So they voted : "That the town is willing to sell to the General German Church lots Nos. 5 and 6 at a price of $112.50 each, on ten years' credit, with 6 per cent, yearly in terest; but that no donation of lots in favor the Church can be granted." These terms were, indeed, less advantageous than those which were offered to the vintagers. Later their former resolution was emphasized by the decree : "That all further peti tion for donations of lots by religious denominations be dismissed without deliberation by the trustees." On October 20th, 1841, all religious denominations were precluded from the use of the school house for religious services. A year later, however, it became plain to the trustees that such an antagonistic attitude towards the church must react on themselves, and prove detri- 160 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia mental to the growth of the town. They therefore hastened to make amends for their narrowness and rectify the impression that Hermann was altogether worldly. They revoked the action taken, and saw to it that this revocation should become public. "That the school house of this town shall be open to all religious persuasions for the purpose of holding their congregations there in, and that this ordinance be published in the Anzeiger des West ens at St. Louis and in the Alte und Neue Welt in Philadel phia." The General German Church, with its liberal interpretation of the rules of conduct, did not prosper long. After a few years of unsuccessful existence it disappeared. The text which its min ister (whose name we are unable to learn) used at the last meet ing was : "Ist das Werk aus Gott, so wirds bestehen, ist es nicht aus Gott, so wirds untergehen." Simultaneously with this General Church, the Evangelical and Roman Catholic Churches took their rise. The trustees acted more liberally towards these bodies than was generally expected. The terms of purchase of land were generous, and permission was willingly granted to cut the necessary timber from the re serve lands of the town. The Evangelical Church was not established under the auspices of the Evangelical Synod, but simply by Evangelical Protestants. During the first years it was ministered to by pastors unattached to any of the great church bodies. In 185 1 it was for the first time provided with an adherent to the Evangel ical Synod. But the body was still known as "Freie Gemeinde," and remained so, even until 1902, when it chose to come into the corporate religious body known as the "Deutsche Evangel- ische Synode von Nord Amerika," even though disciples of this body had administered to its spiritual needs for half a century. This unwavering adherence to existing conditions, this hesitancy to accept new things, though they be well tried, is a characteristic of Hermann. We have seen it in its municipal government, in EDUARD MUHL. — 1800-1854. And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 161 its educational system, and, in the case of this one organization, in its religion. The Hermannites have ever been a pleasure-loving people. We pointed out in the beginning of this work that the Germans desired to unite the advantages of America and the pleasures of Germany in the colony. To this principle they have ever adhered. The opposition to the interpretation of Americans of what is meant by keeping the Sabbath holy has ever now and again found expression. Never, perhaps, more sarcastically than in the sec ond edition of the Licht-Freund, published by Mfihl (of whom more later), on August 30, 1843. The editor had just discussed certain phases of social life at Cincinnati, his former home, and then continued to depict scenes of a Sunday at Hermann in the early days : „Wenn der Sabbathsmissionar an uns in Hermann, eine ahn- liche Anfrage wie an die Doctoren in Cincinnati hatte ergehen las sen, so wurden wir ihm die ganz einfache Antwort, ohne alle Doc- torweisheit freilich, gegeben haben: Herr Sabbathsmissionar, wir meinen allerdings auch, dass Mensch und Thier nicht zur Qualerei da sind, desshalb eine der Natur angemessene Ruhe und Erholung haben miissen; auch halten wir unsern Sonntag allhier, aber nun freilich nicht nach englischer, sondern deutscher Weise, d. h. wir bringen ihn nicht grade ausschliesslich in der Kirche und dem Wiegestuhl zu, sondern so, wie wir es unserm Geiste und Korper angemessen halten; deshalb horen wir wohl auch einen religiosen Vortrag an, oder lesen in einem Buche, das uns zusagt; dann aber gehen wir wohl auf die Jagd oder fischen, plaudern so recht gemuth- lich in Gesellschaft. und alle vier Wochen gehen wir einmal Sonntags Abends, in unser kleines Theater, wie z. B. letzten Sonntag, wo „Hedwig" von Korner aufgefuhrt und am Schlusse ein Tanzchen, in Anstand und Ehre, gehalten wurde. Uebrigens lassen wir einen Jeden seinen Tag feiern, wie er will, und wie seine religiose Ansicht immer sein mag, ist er Jude, Muhamedaner, Heide u. s. w., denn sehen Sie, Herr Missionair, das nennen wir religiose Duldsamkeit, gegen die ganze Welt, der wir keineswegs in irgend einer Art in religioser Beziehung Vorschriften geben wollen. Das ist nun so unsere einfaltige Meinung, drum kommen Sie lieber nicht nach Her mann, um den Sonntag hier zu verleben, denn Sie wfirden sich am Ende argern, weil Sie nichts als heitere Sonntagsgesichter sehen, 162 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia und keine langen, trauerklothigen, englischen Kirchenphysiogno- mien, die Sie, gestehen Sie es einmal recht ehrlich, gewiss zu Ihrer Sabbathfeier nothwendig halten." Such statements furnish us with the clearest pictures of things at old Hermann, and give us the only rational basis for ac counting for the peculiar views now held. In the autumn of 1847, there was organized at Hermann a society which was appropriately called "Erholung." It was the direct outgrowth of a "Theaterverein" which dates its beginning to the very early days of the colony, and to which Mfihl referred in the quotation above given. Under the auspices of the "Erho lung" every diversion was permitted that tended towards the amelioration, the enlivenment and cheer of its members, after the burdens of the week had been borne. On Washington's Birthday of 1848, this society presented its first drama. Curiously enough, it was Kotzebue's Armuth und Edelstein. Indeed, quite a fond ness was shown for this author's plays. This, on the sur face, does not argue well for the standards of this "Leibhaberthe- ater." Still, it must be remembered that Kotzebue was once a very popular playwright, even in Germany. More pretentious ef forts were made as the society grew older. On August 9, 1852, the Hermanner Wochenblatt announced the presentation of Schiller's Die R'duber. The society owned its own meeting place, and had it well furnished. Most of the citizens of Her mann were active members of the organization. For fourteen years it was the centre of social activity. During the disturbances of the Civil War the meetings were interrupted. When order was again restored, it appears that the interest and enthusiasm for the cause had waned. Despite the strenuous efforts to arouse the members again, this society ceased to exist in the year 1866. The interest for dramatic performances is still alive, although a regular "Theaterverein" no longer exists. Every now and then a play is presented, and that quite creditably. From the very beginning Hermann has had musical organi- Xu\t. fnuub. frrtt't* abtr Iflrfl, tmb bftf ©utt belrtlftt. (1 vlct. 6, 21. 2DtW)[ "Olc(tfitttit irf) tctcmit 1 fftinc sen flflcn, bit 2>u ult utn»(t— Unb warum tcint 7 iua JUdgtcn. [@ d) i U ( r. j?erau$gegeben Don €. .SRabt unb Strcfjli). ffi# giclt untmvfa.thto $tittu, rot „*< ¦ wrw (rt finbcliinmcrfrim3(U. Satitflaus 4. iUKrmatiu, JHo., Jttftttoorfi, Statist, 23. 1843. Hj-B? ft hi 911119 c 11.— 3>i*» «,i- t.-.» iiirW.idhlnnA w,fli.i«,«(liA. Till, (Rrl.f. „nkmiliiU(„.^» <-. _i. m-.i./-^ " •¦•¦¦¦¦ i~ a — ¦ - ....... «^._-. ,,..,.....,. ,*..,... ~.„..._v. ¦(->/ p iviiviiim Li'iu n MUBgcgcttn , 4fli turn (vtld I fpB mrfjcn ivlr ffir BicSBtjaljIung wrantrcortlid). 3Ue Sritft untJSMtl}ti(iiii0tn, f» alt ffltlffintungtii muffcn * oft f r 1 1 tiaatiaa nxrbfB. 'Mt jTitcausffctcr bcutfrfjtr 3citungcti irddji untune wcarfclit, |u^ trfudjt, (idj tec 3(gtntf4aft ju uiitrtjicijcn. ' ' D b e i m 5&cginne beS'&ievtcn ¦3 a I; r g a n g e 3. 3'tifccm irf) bic Ufer bc» Dfu'o ucrliefs um mirf; an bcucn be? tO?iffbm'r (irijnfu'bcin, meine Umge= bung aber fo cine ganj neue geworbeu i|r, mag ce migcmcflen erfd;ciuen, bafj irf; in bie fern SMatte, mit bcr.i irfj ben bievten Siatjrgang beginne,- cuii= ge SBovrean meine beutfdjen ©enofjfen virljte; r.iit beneu id;, fie fveunbtid) kgviijjcnb, hier in ibre ^Oiitte hcte, juglcid) bittenb, mid) mir eben beiri SOevtraueu aufjunetjmcn, welched mid; unter fie ffibrte. SSir ftnb, meine ®cno|!en, bie-ftinber ciuergro; fjen tmb gewaltigcn^nt/ bic wirerlebren; im alten Jpeimatljtanbc jenfeit3 be3 ?0?cere6. Sehc $mn= Vfc aber, wclrlje wir bort faljett 11. an bencn wir alte ntebr obev weniger £fjeil imljiuen, batten if?= ren Ojrunb nub i(jre Urf.Td;c in b&berer 2M[bimg, 311 iwIcIjim* bic ©efd)Iert;ter forfgefd;rittcn waren, bie fo 311 boberem Sclbfibewuprfcjn gctangt, ibjc 9icd;re nub 'Vflirfjrcn efivogen, unb it>ve SWuns bigfeit au^fvi'ac^eii, nun aber v-eU d)e lwljl fuv eiu ©efrf^lecOt bet' ^inbheit geraugr, einem juv ^umnbarfeit aber Ijemugeveiften entel)= Ivenb erjfbeiiiew muj)tr. ©ie3 abereben t>eranla|V te bie Dielfacben 5?eiuegn:vgen, u>eld;euMr erlebren, tjfl-5 21 (re tvat mit bem 9icnen in .fiannjf, unb ein nem-r 3eitranm in bev ^elfevgefdjidjre Ijarte be= gounen. Da-3 (Snbe biefeS JiampfeS, weMjer nod; foTtivaljrr, poilren ivir nidjt emwtrn, iveii c& nidjt in unfrer Ve bengal rev fallen wolire, unb ivir jogeit in bie? I'aiib, i\H'[e[;e5 man ba? ber ^reilieit nrnut, nn> 3ebem 9uuun gvgount u«rb, fid) . nad; feincr Ueber^cugung 311 tewegen unb iuu°3ii(eben. £.>ejiffjt fid) ba3 jel;;t Grivatjiitr mm uurjiVglid; flnf ba»Se[b be? yWirifdxn Hiebenf, fo inn);en ivir bie 5Bnnevruiig Itinjufugeu : baf; iiurf; auf beni Ojebiere bev 9Migiim gvoiw ^eivegungeu fid;tNir nmvbi'ii, uijb .fiampfe enrftaubeu, iteld)e eine neue ?eit i>crh'mbigren. Senn nynn bie an S5il= bung fi'ihn'|'d;ritrc:ien unb |"id) fveier fiVjIenbeu OxifuT bic |M)lirifd)'' TX^gin.itif j'ti belcurfjfen irag- [eii, unb \id) Don feincm 0)?ad;nve-rtc bev Olvif[p= ¦fratrc in ilivev Uiuevfud)tmg unb ;l>rufung ftbven ite[Jeu,fD crfrf)icn tv nnr ^t:v} cpnft'^iicut unb tuu tiirfirf), tap man and) auf ba5@efeiet bcr^Retigion unb .fiird;c Ijinfibcrtvat, unb et-cn aurf; . bajfelbe SKecfjt bet ^vftfung imb. Jsorfd)iing gcltenb macijte, wcmi man benSblfem eineSogmatif befi veligiiy fen OilaubenS al^ umimfr&jjlirf) unb umuanbclbav Ijingefteltt Ijatte. 3U biefet QJrufung ttuf rcligi&s fern ©ebictc gab uur^iigtid) bie Steformation befi I6ten '3a()rijimbcvt^ in ®eutfd)(anb QJerantiifsutig. Senn nacE)bcm bieJ)ievarct)ie bervomifdjen^irdje bid ^u bev ungIaubltrr;en51uijfcr)n)eifunggeEommen roar, bap fie bie '©eiwigen nidjt mir fid; ganj 311 £iiuben bev iffielt gctriebeu f/atte, bic fie fAr ©elb fid; abfaiu fen lic^, um efi uon ber spi'icfto': unb qjfaffemwlt 111 5ifiullufren alter Slr't Dergeuben ju tapen,. fo iwu* bod) biefeiSunbe^ii thierifdj nnbtenpifrf)vaffinivt, a(u bap fie nid;t tjattc foden bei ben benEenben 3citgenopen UmviUen unb GntrBftimg cvregen, Sie SKefovmatiDii ging t»on beni (iirunbfaije ber ^vufung unb gorfd)ung auf beni ©ebiete ber 9ie^ ligion nufi, worauf bie 9tcformaroren ganj nature (id>gel.'itet tvevben ntujUeu, um einen fid)cnu?alt 311 geiuinnen, unb iKom univbe and) jei^r in Eirrf;= Iid;er ^ieftung in feincu QJrmibfeften erfd;iittcrt nub gcbebmutlugr, ivie bieo frufjer itjm fd)ou in yolirifdjfr.evgangcn war. 2?er ® ruubfal> be^ SRifformation&jci tatter?, h&m d) bev ^)vi'ifting unb ^ovfctyting ax\f rc-ligibfem &e; bie're, nmrbe wx ia cine neue ^eitibce, bie firf; in ba3 Ceben ciubrAngte unb fid; nut ^acbr furf): gedftib 311 niac!)cn. Diefe 3brc, bainnlo binge; tvorfen g(cid)fam nur, unb befd)vanft aufgefajit yon beu Su'fonuatoren, ift im ^Jevfauf uon brei rialjib'iubcircn weiter 11. freicv aiifgefrtfir worben, fie ijat ficl; bober au^^-biibet, wolicn wir fagen. Tlie Sicfoniiaroren uanilieO nabiiu-n biecljtiftLiri;eu (;riften bec> nlren nub neuen Xeftaiucnte^ aid ben einjigen ©taubenagniiib an, unb o^yonirrni fo ber rbmi|'il;en $iwd)c, ivcldje fid; auf Xiabitio- ue.11 berief, burd; UH'Id;e fie allerbuigiS in fo uiclcn Unigen, bem 5tu5)>vurl)e be& crifrevi> ber d;iif[[u rf;en 9^eIigion tmb feincu ^iingern ftvaif -5 cucge= gentvat. iflber baG robte 5»5ovt in bev 2Mbel blicb bed; nod; i(jr tcircnbevitcvu nn£;ad)fn be? (SUwu teu5, nnb bics bewciit bie XVgmatif obcr bie W[aubenC'(cl)re, wdd;e tw# nod; in bcv^ioretianri-- \dKn J?irrf;e aan'effen, nvld;e aber ber gefunbcii •^cv'-iimft oft ebvu fo ^ibcrfvj'id)!, ali> bie ber rc= mifd;cn ^ird;c, unb be5 Unftnntt unbaSiberfvni* d)tb fo oiri cntijalr, ba|j" man fid) nidjt enwljrett fann, cintiefed 23cbaucrn anPiufpred)crt. Sebod; aurf; bicfe SogmatiE mupte fief; uberlc* ben, narf;bem man buret; jiftlfc ber «Di(fenfd;flfr ten, wetcfoe nidjt mebv bie ^agb ber .ft'ircbe, wie fruber, waren,. fonberu ftd,i frei enr'f.drcn unb be* wegen Tonnren, auf ganj nnfere 9(njirf>ttn geteitct wurbc, aid bie waren, weUbe man biubcr mit berr aSortrn unb5luyf|.>rfirf;cnin benri)ri|ttirr;enSd;ri^ ten uerbunben barte. Stud) gelang man 311 ber- Uebrriengitn^ ¦¦ ^ jene *eligi&fen ^cbrifrfteKfr, gleiri; anbern OTcnfd;en, ben tiinftiiifen ibver 3eit unb ibreS 93olFe? unrevworfen waren, unb fomir and; fo mand;en 33orurtbci(cn, we(d;e bie9iilbung jener3cit bejetcOnrtciu So-Bieteu aber, wm m6 atS 23unber au? jener 3eit rrjA^t wirb, t>erm&-- gen wir al3 ganj naturlirbe Gr|c(;eimmg jcijt bars jutegen. ?rjo aber bic? un3 nid)t mbgtid) i|r, glauben wir borf; atted uberuaturlirfj 5UunbcrPotle teugnen 511 nn'itTen, weit un? ein 9Micf in bie gre= pc.J>au?orbnung ber,5S3e(t Iebrt, ba|) cine ewnige £5ei?lieir, welrf;e waiter uubregiert, nad) fid) I'tetu gleidjbletbeuben ©efeljen, b'ie fie in bie Sroiuiug ber Singe legte, ucrfabrt, unb cm timber jiu gleirt; ein Sfufbcben bicfer Drbnung fein witbc, waS ber Seif-fjcit bed Seljo^fer? wiberfjMei'ben. mu|ite, weil fie baburd) ;u crfeuneu gebeu w&rbe, fie babe e.rwa3 UiwoltfommncS grrljan, bannu mufite fie bie Sficfe burd; ciu 'iBunber auSfuEtcn. 2otI id) aber beu leirenbcn ©runbfalj bctauvi|"[cls (en, iud) bent man fid) bei bem Stuneljirtcn "ber. 'lu'rwerfeu be? retigiefen ©(aubenB nd;tete, fe ift c? ber : „l3.1ian fann nur t>ciiriattjii( ttu| unfrer Sant n : leben Ion .flu gletd-er Stunbe. um be* OJIud* JU 1001 I tu lit fpatt Sonne leurqtet roie )unor Unb fpltgeli (id) an ami"" SBicfei Tom leit $u rorl ifi lie fur ind) fat buflern Jtammt ohne rtW'H fl orbtn Unb ir unb in i- Sierroittlid)un(| i" UildKn Wane ¦t floofCDell n* nrofat* i. SeBtjrer H'lt lafocrt bDtt beim erfien *Lul)i IbiB |i ubiigeni) in Scen'ttungSteeifen ¦ aid ber anettannte Slertteler bet ' anbarb Oil ¦ Hit Sie frcefii nodi mdjH fflenngerem, alo btt Sttjrtr fcqunn aactBabittraneporlatlonflntil ' tel un fianbe £« btanat [id] {omit biefftnae auf, ob Itljtcrc unlet bie Solmaijiateit btt Jjarrimnn llombination fommen fal len Mil.' e* bet iRegierung n i dit gi h rmi tnefei idij.1i ju bieten obee fie ganjlidi aufiuloien Olfllcblc TD. Terra HoUa nat)t .'lime, lliauptflabl SJafqmgton nn Su bide ,-lcilcn litii. j futjr om Sonntag niabrenb be* 3irbc!B To mirtj in un zcr vti 'ein ^radjtAug bee Bollimore A Dbio inih roab,nen inn i' !i' Bern milbe*. btaunc* Her Stttnetflufm in finglanb unb I cine Jol*„ Ter nodi immer on ben fiuflen fo- roobl roic ubce bai aanje Sanb roii ihcnttr Sdineeftutm tjat 3ui'°nbe ae- idiofftn. roie man lie If.i 3.'. 3at)ren in 'i,..ii||l.n'i„n.iHn mill trltbl hat 3n Crnolanb fpcjirQ un ndtblitDrn 3ht'I mufcten mct|«re Sabnlimen inrfn 'PctTiebemflellen unb in Sdjotl Innft Ijai Oer Babnocrtcbi nofjtju aa>n aulqebbtl > be> hugel' mc«enb*roifdicn Tunbee nnb 5 •3jna heflt bti 3d)nee fiellenroeili .lun hod) fflebrert 3ua( blicben vifirerft u i. -:¦ r Dabei heerldji e n Tt-et luffltlunbeii yludl em irbroeri . Ungluddiad i|t nut Ben [urdjlboren Bdineeflurn. ju- mttdilubrtn ?n bei 9Ial]f Dun Br- bn-oil) tDttibirten heulc jron qjaHo. flifuune ronbti i i Utcionen peloblti unb •}¦! oerlrb' rourben T,t Btuim mulljcl an Bti flufie -nil --iv. rni ii, ri ¦: r Startr fort unb tjai brctitA brrradiilidjen Sdiabtn uniiT ben Sdiiffen anntuditei Wr nifillcn* em SuBtnb fdfdjctbDOte ruiirben mil OTanm unb Stnud con n HSogcn ucrft^lt Id,,- mofei „flroa hef ou| r delicti non SeB Hai unb bie gi'annldiafr routbe in Buoltn oott ber flellunqiflalum obflebnli ba bei TamBter in Siude (icfdiliiflen tvuvbc, ?n ber "Jlalje non &oli) feeob flranbc len o»i*i Send Id) i He unb ein llamt' idii i. ii. . ii-.';1 niecben lennten. cell m>6 feci (Eil-'ntublfTner- , Ocn Cuenbabn SJlerger Iti t •aalin m (men UolallJalToflittiua idddci 11 -Btrlonen fltlobtel unb libet 100 neclet} rourbn Uinirteuer roeldieiiam^adiiiiiitaq oct 2Jcin.nad)tStoa,e4 in Oer *unbe8 Sdiiftirocrtie bei 'Jleropon Mtmt So au^brad). tid)tete einen Scbabcn duu 200.0U') an. Cm JVeutwneljrmanrt et litl iDblidic 9Jtc((6ungcn unb bet alle Bamottt .Jeffetfon1 uon ber Comm loit'Sinie. bet fid] im Xrotfenborf tit tanb routbe nabe^u Aetflorl Berrcidjfte SJIann in ben Set Slaa. un faQ alfo bod; mint bet etanbarc Del SodefeQti fein (onbetn bee \oa .^alstonia" ^ncbndj SBererijanlec, nulrtui m ?A i-nul Winn Kbl. im 3al)tt 1834 tn 9?ieber|ault)ein Sbemlieilen. fleboren ifl unbirn 3ofii 1852 nad| llmetico Tarn. Son be Seen aBidionlmfl bi* 1U ben ftufle beiSliQen Ojeanfl erfrrerfi/id) fei Seid) - m lantsigiabriger^tafilofei, .flaat«lugcr" , tudridjlfllofet r(n.DfQt)ftt ?Itbtir bat et bit i fen ^orfle bea 9iorbiuefien uniei ocrridialt Qtbradjt Tliefet fitbfu* loQ Icrjr juructne^Daen leben Ca, S*id| al ber mdnnlidjen t- K.n nad) liana jut (Jrlernunfl ber itnnjDFildjtn Siiradtr beutlaubiet Ci ter aujtBteilau i ¦ run bar! eine bi iilrunen, inbeni tt uorfliebl, bag cc me SJaavc Derlnuft -aui bie bat* au* h,ctuotael]ctibcn Solnen miidjten If ir qan^ befotibetJ au|inect[am mad). en Jur mine fflaore roltb nunineht nn bebeulenb t]bt)ttet l!u-i,- nejotb- et( roetben mfiffen. ali (iit oeefalldite aber mit anberen Subflan^en on nufdile gBaate aelatbett reiti lb,dt- idjt roarc bet|inigc. bet menen beB hubcteu t'-i-fiim bie tcmc ISaare net< irlimabt. benn unteine SKaaet i|i mil bem 'Gieife m (h,euei in-iulm Hob L'lun.i toitb bnt iv., hd .n 'idiemdi ('. ilnn ruitlen. baft baS $ubliFum bat. ' iu mubni toitb' iu'Iji tiiiu' auf ben ;ei«, umotrn judi Oin bit '-H.idiatt beit bet fflaace ju aduen 1«t Se ttug ifl bidlang babutdg uetubt nnnrB bag man ld)led)te fflaate ju emem etbaltniSmafeig tbeutea *Bteif( oettauft ba> 28enti eiii'rucbuna f^mcr su Lei- i am Itiotn in fflcfl.^Kiifjcti 0 n'« minimum bet lenqjetaiur Qoiab i>.-n.,i* unter -MO, flemeCbet rorn unb in leiieiffleaenSrinb autb l)tete Vie nidge n leben bttrl gtimml. gen Stofl juin Oplec gefa&n. Ute Obeclaufe tin gtofjen &rtflene, mie JHeicriUr Ober Slbe unb VBefr c. finb ifioten unb bie Unterlaufe mil fol- en ffiaflen IteibciU aclulll, bafj bie diiffaljtt uofflianbig labmgelcgt Ifl «d) auf bem iHhcin tteibt Ui J in fo gtofjenajlafien. bafj bit • tn-iln-nd. llti llnln in tn.ibtm Qltdbc ..uMllfbd etfd)ien unb obge fasten met ben u&t* Hie p'ofpenlal DcutlijUnSs. Xic (aufmanmfdlt Sell fa lit* i airj tint glan^enbe <9efd|a|itjeit jutinf Bie lebten fflDiDen haben einen Um fab fltbracql, roie er feu 3af)ten nidii iu eeaiftritengeiEe|cn IDic in Set- fin, l)ui man audg anbetroorlA im Sicicbe bie gleidien gunfligen Gtfab tungen gemadji Umfraaen. bit dot faditictFtdnbiget Seitt anaeftelli mar beu (inb, (jaben ganj unttroattel gtotiomge 3telultate etbtadgt Ue betatl roith em gefuube* roittbfd)aft N.lu.i ^cbeiben X>f iit|d)lanbS Conlta titi Unbefongene flimmen barn Qberem. bafj ba3 beutfd)C Soft in feinem .^eitraum icinci geldtidjilidjci ISntlen* roirtbfdiaitlidi io prolpern |bm mie gcgennidctia Dieie -Unldiau. lunacn imeaeib benn audg bit L>e)1bt rrnJiiUTiflen ber i.11,iiipi h'ulii. '. bn iau«nabm4meifc ihteni fierDobnbeil* ifjlflim 9J*|tim.«mu4 unb ihtei iKnifpcungen; s3ui)lbau5lee tmae- fan^n ^le beet 91eget, Sam Ibonwfjjn ib 6enn) iBtimm Dou Si Gomel unb $amfofl tnggmbotbam Don Jeffetfon ditn, tnelttie am DonnetMag aul bem 3acbtb.Qufe aan 3eHerfon SitQ ent. Iptunflan roaten, routbtn am Sttttag *Racf)miUag ju Sunbee, fftanllin So . ¦Dto . roiebet eingefangen unb nad] Brm Qfefdngniffe juturlgebcadit tliomi'ion batte nur nod) 14 Xage ab&ufibcn gebabl, ba lt)rti in ffalge Quite fiuffuining ein Siettel bet 6ttcrf)eil etlafitn raorben mate, itn bat erbiele Weglinfhaung ftetlid) uet- mit(t unb toitb feinen uollen 3;etmin ¦ii",u'iti -i Imbcn ^aitlunbeSgetldii bai nimbelteffS bei an (mem Stegtt in (EE)attanooga Dotl^ogenen CrjndimoibeS eiat ffinl> fdicibung nbgeacben Btt Jteaet foQie blngenditel roetben. bet bbcbfte «end)tat)o[ abei ham ihm Mint* Wadipruiung be* SrojcffeS einen Buf. 1 ti.iii ,i ¦' iln ¦ unb i!)n iijiin no bef' felbtn ber Obbut bei Sbenff« anoet- ii.iui Set Slob erimong \>d> fa' | gang turn 0>efangmd unb ^anyle ben Ifleget SBie ba« Oendji i, haben fid) : Iben Xam IftamenS •Wurliidii ctgi unb i... '! .¦ i l-i'l ¦ ! ' !¦¦ n ¦ •Crolibcnl n'l e Vertebra flarti fdilnlicn aiflrbc* in gemilier tmnidjt gtfl&cn aJfad|lbtf*iB»iilr au-'uben miltbe. oh ftlbji biP SunbeSregierunfi Omhal in flfbicirn 3J1H umfomehr 3n,f Telle tu-Iit iiinn bet Umerfudiungent oyqen mcldif bit ^toifdjendootlidii fionbili' 'rjtnmiiiion om t 3anuQI "' Slero ?)otr beginnen niitb. um bet £>attiman'ldjen Wlefeii-fiombinotion oui ben iSninb *u gehen ¦SI 4 bie 3lotti)em SerurilieS Co, auifleloii murbr, roar^omci! 3 6iD. Der Giienbabnionig bed SlotbroeftcnS, noiurlidi rrbitirtt auf SooftDelt turdi'Setmililuitg tint* jfabincf- mitglicbe* routben Semi tinanbrr hni*ntdili* nabet gebtarfil " 3'6t irjirb iiiQ Of Sornman belftmpfl Stun toeici alio ®e'd|eib fiifl, un- lerftu>Tpon Sootebtlt fltht ^toifdien nehm auittetci Dina Sllma bt -Uatabeba tennen on aebhdj bic Tocblet cine* (Urafen nub fionfuldau* 3iio be 3aneito Sole lanb bie ^ l'dje ioiort ent|pcod)tn unb 3tau gtb ¦i.'ii in mdglidjflet (file nach btm &ojpital befbtbett, mpfelbfl bie !•:<¦-, itbie pofinung cuilpradien. fie am !!cben ctbalten ju titinen Tie Unghdddie ijatce in fefbftmbt. ti,-. ,'ibictn Satbolioutc gerrun. len unb ,iroct "Jleritc batten fie ali lobl erlfatl !t'Li '-'¦ ¦ U"b I"i -i t'i n n -.t m - rix-J _; ie?« Tic Untet|ud]ung be^JldetbaU'Te* patiemeni* be* SBt)i«rcrj - ©eidjofl* unter bem neuen 9tatvcung*i iepe mqg emegonjIidieUmroanblung bicfeA Cnefdmliejiotigil nadi fid) ji fjen rit"Sebbtot gebt Pon bet Hi fidit aui, bafj btt oiltegtofjie lljeil bti in ben SJanbef gelangenben fflb'*' [eq .DCtfchnitten- tit Setbfeibt bei Sefttlat bei jjintt abftdjt, ba& fammtlidjcr nidji gnni reintt Sfflhi*' ten .3mita»pn S8bi*tin" geniatli roetben mu&, fo mag bet JaH balb Bit ffletid)le be|d)ditigen 6* t)an- btltfirbtlietbtl um "n.li.'n.ii Io-...!ri ftapitol. CutfAlanli vnTSann be& irmitt- 3utd)tbatt Raltt bcrtfdji in alien Sauen be* 'Heutfd]cn SHeidjce- 91a an bn ^iinr^etci emet IRifiaobmnfl be* (Metidju fdiulbig fjemaajt !W.i- tbe 3d)ntte gegen fie gcthan roetben Ipflen. lit nodi nid)i betannt , ¦ .¦¦ uin — ill 0"i 1 J u i'. .3d) gioube an teinei) Saffet rniiii, Cnfl unb an l',.iiii..if, H In ulla Iingcn 3* gebtaudje febt roenig Wtbijin 3d] rathe niemanb SPttbi- JULIUS MOEBUS, Agent. Hermann, - - Mo. ntuigfciten au* UTiffouci. — 3n b«r "JiDflorfite iu SBobttli) : am Sonntag bit bi .lib" alit in be! Totlort I flsoins Don ci- -n fynWa bettoffen tobt ju 9o> -But (Scam toell trine tfcju lelt einlgen Slonalen gtttenni aon tiim . Detgiliele fid) In St. Houi* bet 50 >btt alle idjibdjict feeo Scant Cacbalfaute. -,ln 'linuii. *un, ¦Bullet ilountn. routbe am Samftaa todbrenb einet Sitatirnromofcl 3ohn WcSaD Don 3ohn ttbenautt eeldjoffen Utr SRot betetb,ieli cbenfaCU eine Sdjufjioun othro itlLT 0 gebta ibig Unlet enb hiei itiften fnb t fei e ffiifabrutifl Pi tben Sabtner,- bem fllpcnltduter unb lebet^iuguna > uuubetttefj' fdjablict) T nun mei 30 3ab,Tcn it nen, Ipecica tieil-Del bin id] ju Det flctnmmen, bafj bieielbi lid) finb Sie thun all angcpticfen roetben 3d) 'ann Re 3ebem empfchlen, ba id) lie in i ec ^amilie .lo lange 3*'l mil ui barem ifrin'a" gebtoudgt habe S SiquIc, Bmcheflct 3nb " r'u'iii- j ttlpentiautec ^lulbelebet ui feme Slpottjcletmebtjin Sic rout Dem ¦fiublitum bite[t Don Sotol 2gen ten uvtrtte Hi burd) bie Sigentqumti 1% UH'i ,>Jbroet) & Son* So Ti-i — 1 18 Sd fimpne Soe Sbitago Begnab a,ung pern>etaert, ©ouncmcut 5p" roelgert fid) it bem .i-iik nan SiQum & libm-d) roelchet rotgeu SRotbet ferner I'.ficnc tftecn am 10 3anuac in Satter Srmntq geljangi roetben faQ. eine IBe- anabtgung eintcetcn ju laffen Hi routbe bem @ouoetneut bafi @cjud) gefledt ben Setuttljeilttn nadgSuIton ju fdjicten, bamtt et bott auf [einer geifrigen 3uftanb bin unleefud|t roerb- Ebnnc.aQein ®ouD 5olT roallte i'ldi iikIji finmiirtKn. SS toicb alfo leBt garti Pom ffiounti) Sheriff Tner ib bet tjuimii) junt abbangen ob r ©efangene am 10. 3anuar hana- loitb Dber nidjt. btnc&it a bet « 3i mem «nfalf Don cifeclutbl n Connetttog In &i £ouil iqte pile Bibett DaDibfoa leinecflolttoirtbin, Set 27 3ab,« al ren fjtieba XBeiQel cioc Smueiiounbe bei unb 1 1 idiot) »t) boon [elbll flm IBeihnadiiltag bai @ouDct- neut rtoit boa> em menfdglidi Rubten gefubll unb groei Sudjlhouilet begna- oigi. naoilid) Sba* iJioier nnb 31o- beit Pallet), bie beibtn langflen Im ^udnboui. gecoelencn 3odjiimat mil einem guten IRetoib. — 3n iiinftal tjuq. 3effecfon tioun- iqmatbe bet StLflldjeriff acmio roatbs Don Dane HJlocgan, ben ct megen Qettuntcnbtlt unb DfuSelibt- una Detbaficu rooHle, ttldjoffcn. JRorqari mutbe buicb einen Sdjujj nfaOl oetioanbet unb befiabel fid) t>a|t -Wm 2 ilnbecion, bctungelteue mallge i utiit £jqmg ZeQcc bee 3eo National SanT Don ftanlaS Cltt), hoi bd) im Hdminalgeiicbt Itqubtg betannt, 19000 doo ben (sel- been bei Qjnf unlecldjiagcn ju ha Set flxtjiti- oetitctbtilte itm iu| .in mei 3abttn ^judjihauB 3n Zape ®natbeau If] "H-oi Otto Scthatlil om Samttag tm flUcc in 3abi:en gefloibcn. St lam a«« StuUgott In ibJttitembetg Devi- le 3aqie long Sfinfit- Dbettegcei bei boctlgea Sloemal £eb tetfa>ule, fabafj et roeit nnb bee n In Ofbtfeetfcn tD)l|ioun'* Qetaante unb gceaabe jatjlte Slruiahilernplang beim Souoetneur Son roitb bie*m«i tcfi 3anuat flattfinben, roetl bie Cegi* lotut am 2. Sanuat jufaramtn. Smtabanuen finb nut far bie Off jieteber 9au« In ber Olioe Sttafje In ftinfa* itilq ganj aOela btraubntt. ifl fimorbet motOcn. Bn, ftannfnp, Bet jungc neffr bet alten ¦L'Jaiim). melbett am Sanntaa bei ¦Bolijel. baf) et lelnen Oatct all Ueidge im fiaufe aul bem Safibabea Clegenb aufgefunben babe. — Vcoien Bonnet) tag Kbeab rone- be bee elnet betanntco ^amllie ange- bbctnbt flbcabam a $ptt» auf mc aefebulbigung bm. ftmt Stou mii einem Rnittlel etfdilagen (a baben in Bai Qefangnifj Doa Sqtifti- na liaunlq gebtachi ,)rau $ottet ¦luOit rid) ftbuben laflcn anb megen ict ^ctlbcilung Bel .'(iitm-Cfmeo- (bums (am el'ium SUcit mit oblgcnt llaBgaun(Brofje acfeibau-ltusfletfung 4, Ber Sblcagoer fanbellDeibanti plant bie Jfbbaltung einer fldnbaa auaftenung in in-icago, bit otttt bi«. bet aul bieicm Iflebtcl bagerocfene in ben :.njiiit( r ir, IN n lull Slit btr ¦.'iii.'firlluiiu mclcbt d ota u«ftd)t lid) Cnbt CFtober beginnen roirb, foD gleicbjeitig em gtofje* natioaalt* Smte Seft Dtibnnbtn roetben Sin 6reiutio-fiomile Don Qbieagoei &an beteicutcn hat fid) bereil* mil ben Id Ebitago munbenben Dahnen in "Bftt binbunn gefeBt, urn roenn miglid] lit bie auafiellcr eBptjiol - Hatcn au er, fangeq unb bie ISobnen baben fid] aud)fd|on bettit ettlart, alien flue- [teQem ddh Setceibe, V'lcb eU , febt mebtige Slalen jugeroabten. ootaua- lie i cm tufj )>ie 'eltjefkOuna einen no tionalen ilhataEtet tragen nuib SleUte ft d, lobl 9)ero Sort. 31 Xej Sm be- rtuntcner JSutqetld) jlmmiu ,>bn O'Stoutft «sq am 33 eibnadit Stage in [emet SBobnung einen Wtoolbet unb feuerte btei Stbufle au| feme 'Martin ab Sit ctbielt btei Stretfrounben, fi.l iu Soben unb iu-IJir fid) tobt. Sine tiuibt Stunbe long beobaditcie Tie bet mfltbenlrqt ©arte, barm irqoti er nti: felb[l eine Rligel in ben Sropl. bie ftmen augenblitflidgen lob bet- beiluittte. 3roei €tunben lana laB bie rlmu beroegungSloa neben ber. Geidge bed SKanne*, ebe lie roagte. anfjuflel)en unb ou* bem ©aufe aw flieben, um §ulfc ju fucqin Sie roitb roiebet bergtftelll roetben Sot ctroa fed]* jRimateii gab'* In 3Riffourl totebei ffanfs* Citq Star mittbeilt nur Htnf eimatfj Don Cromer. ( harmonic (Scmiiaiter Sljoc.) 5. .§0:11 bet SBein, £rio f»t 3 2Rannerftimmen Don SSunfce. Tic ,&errc!i 6. Kiinmclll. Slaegelin 2neo. ®ra[. 6. 3!ie $oft im SBaibe tion ©cqafer. [.daemonic Wopuctiliot, (Socnel Solo feerr % ficuue. ) 7. , ©election au3" 2JcaScot non Slnbrau. (2lreid)-Crd)fftec ) pen f e. 8. Suctejia Sorgia oon Sonijetti. tGtrcidi^cctjt'ftcr.) 6. &zi>a, SSein §er! Bon 3odn;r. (Jb.innonic * ¦Ui'duncrriioc } 10. Sin mufitalifdjer Saffeetiatjcf) non ©djafiei. |3)ic Jraul. Jnanita ©caf u fflartfta .(tlcnf.) 11. „55aHobe", ®'ie 3 Siebrfjen; S8a§3 ©oto. (.£>err 3uliu9 ^JloebuS. ) 12. SLTcmlieb don SRenbetfofm. (©cinifdjler £i)or.) 13. O ©djbner SSalb Don ©ngeiSttrdjen. I-Darnionie ¦JJlduncrdior ) 14. Violin ©oto 6. SIria mtb SBcuiatton 3)anf'(a. [lirof. (Srnil :SiiSbemeier ] 15 ©me gemifrfjte ©efetlfcfjaft, {otntfdje Scene fiir "5 ^Serfonen.. oon ©imon. ftoubrt>rrfoburi.l)c fierr IS, %. Uippftein eadife £ierr SB. ITlunbioiller. l£-na,ldiiber ... Ttyeo. ©ruf Jlbcle reifei.tic lame . . (Sen. ftienf . Ma ttenfaUen ocmolcr 3u''u8 '-ffloebuS. 16. „On to Manama SKarfd)." .. . . . Bon Sltmfrcong. (Srrcidi-OrcbcftcT ) llaO) dent Itonjert findet ein (TanjCranjc^en ftatt. "ii i mii i n And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 169 Miihl was the man who set up the first German printing press on the Missouri. In Cincinnati, Ohio, he had established a paper, which he most fittingly termed Licht-Freund. It was fitting because of the principles which the paper defended. It was the organ of a "Freisinniges Deutschtum," which sought to stand on the lofty heights of truth, leaving all superstition far below. In the summer of 1843, Miihl wandered towards the West, taking his printing press with him. He longed for a home close to the bosom of unpolluted nature for a quiet spot where he might better hear the promptings of his real self within. At Hermann he con tinued publishing his paper. His brother-in-law, Strehly, co operated with him in this work. On the 23d of August, 1843, the first number appeared in Hermann. It was the fourth volume of the publication, three volumes having been issued at Cincin nati. The mottoes which prefaced the first page were these : „Priifet aber Alles, und das Gute behaltet." 1 Thess. 5 : 21.* „ Welche Religion ich bekenne? Keine von alien, die Du mir nennst. — Und warum keine? — Aus Religion." — Schiller. „Es giebt unempfangliche Zeiten, was aber ewig ist findet im mer seine Zeit." Through this paper Miihl hoped to disseminate the light of truth among his countrymen. But, alas, only a few could, or did, appreciate his efforts. The strenuous struggle for an exist ence absorbed them more than philosophical discourse. In con sequence, the publication became unprofitable. The country was yet too young to find time or pleasure in such heavy discussions. In 1845, tne same editors abandoned the Licht-Freund and in its stead issued the Hermanner Wochenblatt, which preserved but few of the characteristics of the old paper, being a carrier of news in the general sense. This paper has survived, under vary ing fortunes and is now published under the new name of Her manner Volksblatt. Sporadic attempts have been made to launch * In the first number of the "Licht-Freund," issued at Hermann, an error exists in the citation of the Bible reference, 1 Corinthians being printed instead of 1 Thessalonians as it later correctly appeared. 170 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia other publications at Hermann. Such undertakings were al ways short-lived. An English paper has existed at Hermann for some, time, under the title of Advertiser-Courier. It is un der the same management as the Volksblatt, namely, the Graf Brothers. Other demonstrations of literary activity since the death of Miihl are not worth consideration here. Americana Germanica NEW SERIES MONOGRAPHS DEVOTED TO THE COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE Literary, Linguistic and Other Cultural Relations of Germany and America EDITOR MARION DEXTER LEARNED University of Pennsylvania CONTRIBUTING EDITORS H. C. G. Brandt Julius Goebel W. H. Carpenter J. T. Hatfield W. H. Carruth W. T. Hewett Hermann Collitz A. R. Hohlfeld Starr W. Cutting Hugo K. Schilling Daniel K. Dodge H. Schmidt- Wartenberg A. B. Faust Hermann Schoenfeld Kuno Francke Calvin Thomas Adolph Gerber H. S. White Henry Wood PHILADELPHIA AMERICANA GERMANICA PRESS Berlin New York Leipzig MAYER & MULLER CARL A. STERN F. A. BROCKHAUS London Paris KEGAN, PAUL, TRENCH, TRUBNER & CO., Ltd. H. Le SOUDIER YALE UNIVERSITY a3900: liil 11311 It ¦llliiliilllllfllji IllillllliiJ ill