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The push/pull factors in this speech show why America is so great to the immigrants. He specifically states that he believes personally it provides greater opportunities. He wants people to know that people in Americans still have difficulty in there own lives, but can succeed like them if they move to the US.

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Citation Information

Ernst, C. J., excerpt from "The Story of an Emigrant Boy," Digital Public Library of America, http://dp.la/item/93f90708efb94716d1daed2e72e2bf89.

Note: These citations are programmatically generated and may be incomplete.

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An excerpt from a patriotic speech delivered by a German immigrant in 1917.

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Citation Information Ernst, C. J., excerpt from "The Story of an Emigrant Boy," Digital Public Library of America, http://dp.la/item/93f90708efb94716d1daed2e72e2bf89. Note: These citations are programmatically generated and may be incomplete.

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This was a letter written to Carl Schurz and it shows us his job from being a German Immigrant. For the push factor Carl didn't want to be part of the German revolution and he left Germany. For the pull factory he wanted to do the things he liked. Carl became very successful and got involved in politics and had a big influence on other German-Americans

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Citations are generated automatically from bibliographic data as a convenience, and may not be complete or accurate.

Chicago citation style:

Cochrane, John. Letter from John Cochrane to Carl Schurz, March 6. March 6, 1877. Manuscript/Mixed Material. https://www.loc.gov/item/pin2602/.

APA citation style:

Cochrane, J. (1877) Letter from John Cochrane to Carl Schurz, March 6. March 6. [Manuscript/Mixed Material] Retrieved from the Library of Congress, https://www.loc.gov/item/pin2602/.

MLA citation style:

Cochrane, John. Letter from John Cochrane to Carl Schurz, March 6. March 6, 1877. Manuscript/Mixed Material. Retrieved from the Library of Congress, <www.loc.gov/item/pin2602/>.

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Letter from John Cochrane to Carl Schurz, March 6, 1877.

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Citations are generated automatically from bibliographic data as a convenience, and may not be complete or accurate. Cochrane, John. Letter from John Cochrane to Carl Schurz, March 6. March 6, 1877. Manuscript/Mixed Material. https://www.loc.gov/item/pin2602/. Cochrane, J. (1877) Letter from John Cochrane to Carl Schurz, March 6. March 6.

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The push factors of this source is Bertha didn't feel safe in Germany. Bertha also wanted to leave and forget about Germany. For the pull factor Bertha wanted the opportunity to get a job and make money unlike in Germany.

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Letters from an Immigrant --
America to
INTRODUCTION & ORIGIN

The following letters were in the papers of Alice Geerdts Ehlers, the oldest daughter of Bertha Starke Geerdts, and the Granddaughter of Johanna Starke. They were written in old German script (Schrift), and were read by a German woman into a cassette recorder in November, 1993/August, 1994. They were then transcribed and translated into English by David Kuhns, great-grandson of Bertha Starke Geerdts. The original German letters are in his possession, as are the German transcriptions.

TRANSLATION

In the case where the English reads somewhat stilted, it is the nearest translation to the original verbiage. The original German, better translations of the meanings, as well as editorial comments and explanations, are included in (parentheses and italics) Where there are gaps, or illegible handwriting, these are indicated by (???) question marks.

RELATIONSHIPS

Please refer to the family pedigree of her youngest daughter Bertha Geerdts Kuhns, which gives, as near as can be told from the letters and other documents, the relationship of most of the people in the letters to Bertha Starke Geerdts. Most of the letters, especially in the last half of this book, were written to her by her Mother, Johanne (or Johanna) Caroline Dausel Starke, from Kiel, Germany, or from her husband, Gustav Geerdts, from Milwaukee. The origin and destination of the letters are indicated before the date, in (italics and parentheses).
For a picture of much of the Geerdts family in 1927, click here. For a picture of the extended Geerdts and Dehmel families (Dehmel's were Bertha's step-brother's children from Cedarburg) in 1927, click here.

GEOGRAPHY

Kiel is a major port on the North Sea, in the extreme northern part of modern-day Germany. Bunzlau, Schoenfeld (Schönfeld) (Ober- and Nieder Schoenfeld) and Alt Oels, the original homeland/hometown area of the Starke family, was in Silesia, part of Germany, but is now in Poland, just north & east of the Germany, Czech and Polish borders. According to www.schlesien.de, a web site about the region, "Altöls" is now "Stara Oleszna" in Poland. In 1939 it had 638 residents. Bunzlau (Stadt) is now "Boleslawiec", Poland; in 1939 it had 21,946 residents. For a map to Stara Oleszna and Boleslawiec, click here; click on the "back" button to return. For an 1882 map of Silesia (Schlesien), go to this web site. For a description of Ober- and Nieder-Schoenfeld (Schönfeld), click here (Bertha went to school in Nieder Schönfeld from 1877 to 1885).
Milwaukee, Wisconsin is on the western shore of Lake Michigan; Sheboygan, Wisconsin is about 40 miles north of Milwaukee; Medford is in Taylor County, near Eau Claire, in the West part of Wisconsin; Rockton is south and slightly east of La Crosse, also in western Wisconsin.

Embossed Letter

Geliebe Schwester!

Aus weiter Ferne komm auch ich mit Schwesterlichen aufrichtigem Herzen, um dir am heutigen Tag einen Gluckwunsch zu bringen! Teure Schwester! Es ist dein vierzehntes lebens jahr, da du aus der Schule scheidest, und in die Zahl der Erwachsene aufgenommen wirst! Und die Kinderschule ausziehst. Ich schenke dir Gesundheit, Gluck, und ein zufriedenes Herz! Viellicht hast du mehr Gluck als ich. Ja, wenn mann zuruckdenkt, so muB mann sagen. Wo ist die Zeit? Nur hin. Die Sturme des Lebens sausen an uns voruber. Der Mensch ist wie ein Schiff, daB von Wellen getrieben wird. Geliebte Schwester! Wenn du magst, daB ich mal komm von Heiligen Abend, was fur ein Gefuhl des Glucks! Mann ohne reicht...was fur ein Bose Welt. Und versicherung ausgesetzt. Den es noch vergohnt ist, teil zunehmen. Denke deine Geschwister in weiter Ferne! Nur noch kurze Zeit, dann sehen wir uns. Versage nicht wie dir in deisem Leben das Geschicke den Kelch des Kummers reicht. Zittere nicht, wenn Sturme dich umgehen, ja wenn der Schlaf von deine Lager weicht. (She's quoting a Hymn). Holt und Mutig zu dem Freud verbrannt Gelte, was nun deinen Gluck LaB dich in deines Vater's Handen, dein Gram, und das verlorene Gluck, dein dichliebende Schwester, Pauline.

(Embossed letter, no date, probably about January, 1885, when Bertha Starke was 14. From her half-sister (???) Pauline, in Wisconsin, to Germany?)

Dearly loved sister! From a great distance I also come with sisterly sincere heart, to bring you on this day a wish of good luck! Precious sister! It is your 14th year of life, so you'll leave the school and be taken up in the count of the grownups! And take off the child's shoes. I give you good health, happiness and a peaceful heart. Maybe you'll have more good fortune than I have had. Yes, when one thinks back so must one say: Where is the time? Only always behind us. The storms of life flood over us. The man is like a ship, that is driven from the waves. Loved sister! When you want to, that I would come for Christmas Eve, what a feeling of luck! One without riches ... what an evil world. And nothing certain. Some it is given, to take part. Think of your siblings far away! Only a short time, then we'll see each other. (she now quotes a hymn): "Don't avoid how the fate hands you the cup of sorrow. Don't tremble, when storms crash around you, yes, when sleep vanishes from your bed chamber. Grab hold, and be courageous to the burning goal of joy, what your good fortune will be left in your Father's hands, your grandparents, and that lost good fortune!" Your loving sister, Pauline.

Bunzlau, den 9.1.1890

Liebe Schwester! Die Herzlichen Gluckwunsche bringe ich dir zu dienem neuzehnten Wiegenfeste aus den elften Januar. Ich wunsche dir Gesundheit und viel Gluck, Wohlergehen und langes Leben. Verlebe dem Tag recht glucklich, und ich werde ihm im Herzen feiern! Ich bin Gott sei Dank auch munter und Kreuzfidel. Ich wunsche, daB dich mein Schreiben beim besten Gesundheit antreffen moge. Unter herzlichen GruBe verbleibe ich dein treuer Bruder, Otto Starke! Viele GruBe an Fritz, Matthilde und Gustav! Ich wunsche dir doch 999,999 mal dauerndes "lebe Hoch!" Das ganz Hamburg wachelt, wenn du fur Freude den Beinen zuppelst. Gute Nacht, lebe Schwester, es ist elf Uhr! Bitte eine baldige Antwort. (next to the letter, a small card: "Herzlichen Gluckwunsche" and a scene on the front: on the back:)

Frohe wache jeden Morgen,

Froh erfuhle deine Flicht

Wo du gehst flieh Gramm und Sorgen,

Und dir bluh' VergiBtmannicht

(From Otto Starke to his sister Bertha Starke (in Wisconsin?)

Bunzlau, 9 January, 1890

Dear sister! The heartiest wishes of joy I bring you to your nineteenth birth festival on January 11th. I wish you good health and much joy, a good life and a long one. Pass the day in happiness and joy, and I will celebrate it in my heart. I am, God be thanked, also well and in good shape. I wish, that my writings meet you in the best of health. Under heartiest greetings I remain, your true-blue brother, Otto Starke! Many greetings to Fritz, Matthilde and Gustav! I wish to you 999,999 times lasting "lebe Hoch" (Prost!)(Live well!) The entire city of Hamburg rocks, when you swing your legs for joy! Good night, dear sister, it is eleven o'clock! Please, a quick answer! (following the letter, a small birthday's card, with "Heartiest wishes for joy" and a scene on the front; on the back, a printed poem:) Wake up joyful every morning

Joyfully do your duty that looms

Where you go, flee sorry and worry,

And for you, Forget-me-nots bloom!

Otto Starke

9.1. 1891, Bunzlau

Liebe Schwester Bertha! Da Heut dein Geburtstag ist, so will ich auch nicht verzeumen, dir meine innigsten Gluckwunsche dazubringen. Der liebe Gott schenke dir stetts Gesundheit und was dich erfreuen kann! Liebe Schwester! Besuche uns doch ein Mal! Wir wurden uns herzlich alle freuen! Unsere lieben Eltern sind ja noch Gott sei dank munter! Besten Dank fur die Neujahrskarte und fur den Schlips! Ich habe Ostern dann noch ein Jahr zu lernen. Wie schnell vergeht doch die Zeit. Sonnst bin ich auch noch ganz fiedel. Nun, liebe Schwester, wunsche ich dir von Herzen ein recht vernugten Tag. Ich feiere ihn im Herzen! Ich schlieBe in der Hoffnung, daB dich die Parzeillen bei besten Gesundheit antreffen moge, sogleich mit der Bitte, mir doch einmal zu schreiben. Die herzlichen GruBe von deinem dichliebende Bruder, Otto. Viele GruBe an Familie Starke!

(from Otto Starke to his sister Bertha Starke in Milwaukee)

9 January, 1891, Bunzlau

Dear Sister Bertha! Since today is your birthday, I want to also not neglect to bring you my innermost wishes of joy. May the loving God give you always good health and that which makes you happy! Dear sister! Visit us one time! We would all be heartily joyful! Our dear parents are yes, still - God be thanked - doing well. Many thanks for the new year's card and for the tie! At Easter I will have still a year to study. How quickly the time passes. Otherwise I am still completely fine. Now, dear sister, I wish you from my heart a real comfortable day. I will celebrate it in my heart! I close in the hope, that the package will find you in the best of health, and also with the request, that you'll write me once. The heartiest greetings from the brother who loves you, Otto. Many greetings on the Starke family!

GruB aus Bunzlau, den 10.1. 1892

Liebe Schwester! Aus Bruderliche Liebe kann ich nicht umhin, dir eine kleine Gratulation dazubringen, und wunsche dir von Herzen, Gesundheit, Gluck, und was sonnst noch dein Herz erfreuen kann. Liebe Schwester Bertha! Verlebe den Tag noch recht Glucklich. Ich werde ihm in den weiten Ferne im Herzen feiern!

Ach, liebe Schwester, wie ganz anders war es doch voriges Jahr, wie unser guter Vater noch unter uns war. Mit schwerem Herzen muBen wir zuruckblicken auf dem VerluBt unseres guten Vaters. Aber es hat so sollen sein. Mein besten Dank fur die Neujahrskarte, und verseie, daB ich so nachlessig war, und dir zum neuen Jahr nicht Gratuliert habe. Ich wunschte, daB du dieses Jahr recht Glucklich und Zufrieden verleben magst. Ich will nun schleiBen, in der Hoffnung dich das Schreiben beim beste Gesundheit antreffen moge. Noch die herzlichen Gluckwunsche an Matthilde! Unter den herzlichsten GruBen, verbleibe ich dein dich stehts lebende Bruder, Otto. Viele GruBe an Familie Starke!

(From Otto Starke to his sister Bertha Starke in Milwaukee)

(printed on the stationary): "Greetings from Bunzlau"

The 10th of January, 1892

Dear Sister! Out of brotherly love I can't avoid bringing you a little congratulations, and wish you from my heart, good health, joy, and what else still can make your heart happy. Dear sister Bertha! Live the day joyfully. I will celebrate it, though in the distance, in my heart!

Ach, dear sister, how totally different it was this last year, how we had our dear father still among us. With heavy hearts we have to look back on the loss of our good father. But, it had to be so. My best thanks for the New Year's card, and forgive me, that I was so careless, and didn't congratulate you on the New Year. I wish, that you may experience much joy and happiness this year. I will close now, in the hope that this writing finds you in the best of health. Heartfelt best wishes of joy to Matthilde! Under the heartiest of greetings, I remain, your constantly loving brother, Otto. Many greetings on the Starke family!.

Milwaukee, January 15, 1893

Liebe Mutter und Geschwister!

Ihre Lieben Brief von 28 Dezember, '92 haben wir erhalten, und es freut uns, daB ihr alle gesund seid, und lust habt, zu uns zu kommen. Da macht Euch nur alle fertig, und in kurzer Frist werdet ihr alle Karten bekommen. Doch eins muB ich euch sagen: Wenn Ernst und Otto nicht mitkommen durfen, daB werde sehr unangenehm, den auf die rechne ich gerade, das Sie Euch, liebe mutter, und Schwestern, das Leben leicht machen werden. (written in polite form, 3rd person, royalty). Berthold wird ja eine gute hilfe sein, aber er ist doch noch ziemlich Jung. Jedoch, wenn Bertha luBt zum Arbeiten hat, so kann sie auch genug verdienen, und 2 personnen ganz anstandig, um 2 personnen ganz ansich zu ernahren. Nun, hort ich habe heute Abend mit den Agent gespochen. Er sagte mir die Militarpflichten konnten auch mitkommen, bloB sie musten alle ganz verschwiegen und still sein, und durfen nicht in Hamburg auf ein Schiff gehen, sondern von Antwerpen, Rotterdam oder Amsterdam bis nach England fahren.

Liebe Mutter, ich muB hier bemerken, daB es mir unmoglich war, Karten von Hamburg aus zu bekommen, weil es gesatzlich verboten ist, bis nach Hall in England muBt Ihr alle selbst bezahlen, und bitte ich Fritz sogleich davon zu benachrichtigen, weil ich im Gestern schrieb, die Karten waren von Hamburg aus gultig. Wenn ich die Karten von Hamburg aus bezahlt hatte, so hatte es @ Person $60 gekostet, von England aus kostet es nur $34 @ Person, und das habe ich von hier aus schon alles bezahlt, fur 15 Personnen. Fritz, seine Kinder, kommen alle fur die halbe Preis, und schreiben Sie Fritz, daB er alle unter 12 Jahren angibt. Wenn er die Altesten als 14 Jahre angibt, muB er voll fur ihn nachbezahlen, wenn er es auch bis nach England muB abreisen. Aber von England nach Amerika muB er sehen, daB er es durchgeht. Er muB nur behaupten, daB er bloB 12 Jahre alt ist. Die Englander sind nicht so schlimm, wie die Deutschen.

Liebe Mutter, es wahre ja schrecklich, wenn Ernst oder Otto Soldat werden muBen. Zwei oder drei Jahre herum geschunden werden, und dann viellicht noch Tot geschossen werden, und in der Zeit konnen sie hier in Amerika viel Geld verdienen. Aber sagen Sie nemandem etwas davon, was ich geschrieben habe. Mann kann kein Fremden Leute trauen. Und dann habe ich schon alles bezahlt, von Hall in England nichts mehr bezahlen, bis nach Milwaukee. Der Eisenbahn in England und Amerika, alles ist bezahlt. Auch habe ich noch ein Fehler Gestern an Fritz gemacht, wegen der Bank. Die Bank hier in Milwaukee, es soll South Side Savings Bank; Gestern schrieb ich bloB South Side Bank. Die Karten sind fur ein ganzes Jahr gultig, und Fritz wird euch alles sagen. Er bekommt alle Karten nach Hamburg geschickt. Ihr muBt doch sowieso dahin! Bringt alle eure Betten, Wasche und Kleider mit, aber mach alles erst grundlich rein, schtecht etwas Kampfer in die Kissen, und tragen ein Jeder etwas Kampfer bei sich. Jeder Erwachsenen Person gibt 100 Pfund Gepack frei, Kinder 50 Pfund. Fur 15 Personnen.

(Bertha Starke in Milwaukee to her mother Johanna Starke & siblings in Germany)

Milwaukee, January 15, 1893

Dear Mother and brothers & sisters!

We have received your loving letter from 28 December, 1892, and we rejoice, that you are all healthy, and want to come to us. So make yourselves all finished, and in a short time you will receive all the tickets. But, one thing I must say: when Ernst and Otto aren't allowed to come, then that will be very uncomfortable, because I am counting on them especially, that they, dear mother, and sisters, will make your lives easier. Berthold will certainly be a good help, but he is still somewhat young. Nevertheless, when Bertha desires to work, she can certainly also earn enough, and two persons really well, to take care of two persons by herself. Now, listen! I spoke just this evening with the Agent. He told me that the militarily- required (drafted) ones can come with you, BUT they must all be very quiet about it and still, and aren't permitted to get on the ship in Hamburg, but rather leave from Antwerp, Rotterdam or Amsterdam to travel to England.

Dear Mother, I must note here, that it was impossible, to get tickets to leave from Hamburg, because it is legally forbidden. You have to pay to as far as Hall, in England, yourselves, and I ask you please to tell Fritz about it right away, because I wrote him yesterday, that the tickets would be valid from Hamburg. If I would have bought the tickets from Hamburg, then it would have cost $60 a person, and from England to here it only cost $34 a person, and that I have paid for, from here, already, for 15 persons. Fritz, his children, all come for the half price, and you must write Fritz, that he has to say they are under 12 years old. When he says the oldest is 14 years old, then he has to pay extra for him, even though he only has to travel as far as England. But from England to here, he must make certain, that he does that. He only has to maintain, that he is only 12 years old. The English aren't as bad as the Germans.

Loving mother: it would be terrible, when Ernst or Otto would have to be soldiers. Being shuttled around for two or three years, and then probably to be shot dead, and in that time they could be here in America earning a lot of money! But don't tell anyone anything about it, what I have written. One can't trust any foreign people. And then I have paid for everything already, from Hall in England you don't have to pay anything more, to Milwaukee. The train in England and America, everything is paid for. Also, I have made yet another mistake yesterday (in my letter to) Fritz, regarding the bank. The bank here in Milwaukee, it should be South Side Savings Bank; yesterday I wrote only South Side Bank. The tickets are valid for an entire year, and Fritz will tell you everything. He will receive the tickets sent to Hamburg. You have to go there anyway! Bring all your bedclothes, underclothes, and clothing with you, but make everything first completely clean, stick some Camphor in the suitcases, and everyone should wear some Camphor on themselves. Every grownup can take 100 pounds of luggage free, and kids can take 50 pounds. For 15 people.

No date, no place, written in Hannover

Liebe Schwester Bertha!

Du wirdst dich viellicht wundern, daB ich einige Zeile an dich Richten. Hoffentlich wirdst du es mir doch nicht Ubel nehmen! Ich will dir kurz mitteilen, daB ich, wie du ja wissen wirdst, am 2 September, das Mutterliche Haus, die traute Heimate, verlassen habe. Bin uber Gorlitz, Dresden, Leipzig, Halle, Magdeburg, --- (Karten?), Braunschweig, nach Hannover gereiBt. Habe am funften Oktober in einen feinen, sauberin rentablin Geschaft Arbeit genommen, als zwitten unter vier Gesellen. Mir gefallt es, und es geht sehr gut. Bin auch, Gott sei Dank, noch gesund, hoffe auch, ein gleiches von dir. Auch will ich dir mitteilen, daB Bruder Gustav vor einigen Tagen von Hannover weggemagt ist, um sich noch die Welt andiezusehen. Sein Wille war, nach dem Rhein. Liebe Schwester, nach Weihnachten, bedenke ich, Hamburg zu sehen. So will ich nun schlieBen, in der Erwartung, daB dich mein Schreiben, so wie es mich verlaBt, bei beste Gesundheit antrifft, und verbliebe ich, dein wohlmeinende Bruder, Ernst

Ernst Starke, Schlachtergesell, Hannover, EichstraBe 22

Bitte Schreibe mir bald wieder recht viel! Im Eile geschrieben!

(No date, no place, written in Hannover, Germany, probably before 1886 from Ernst Starke to his sister Bertha Starke in Milwaukee)

Dear sister Bertha!

You will probably ask yourself, why I'm sending you a few lines. Hopefully you won't take it for evil! I want to quickly tell you, that I, as you probably know, left the mother house, the trusted home on September 2. I traveled through Gorlitz, Dresden, Leipzig, Halle, Magdeburg, (???) Karten (???), Braunschweig, to Hannover. On the fifth of October I took work in a fine, clean, rentable shop, as the second of four apprentices. I enjoy it, and it is going very well. I'm also, God be thanked, still healthy, and hope, the same is true for you. Also I want to tell you that brother Gustav left Hannover a few days ago, to see the world and everything for himself. His desire was to go to the Rhine. Dear sister, after Christmas, I think I will visit Hamburg. So, I want to close now, in the expectation, that this letter will reach you and find you, as it left me, in good health, and I remain, your well-meaning brother, Ernst. Ernst Starke, Butcher's apprentice, Hannover, EichstraBe 22; please write me soon a great deal! Written in haste!

Kiel, Germany, 26 July, 1896

Innige geliebte Treue Schwester!

Dein uberalles liebe Schreiben erhielt ich am 13 Juli, wofur ich dir rechtherzlich danke! Es war mir wirklich, eine groBe Freude, nach so lange Zeit, wieder etwas von Familie zu horen. Liebe Bertha, unrecht, ja sehr unrecht, war es wohl von mir, daB ich Euch ihr Lieben so lange warten lieB, und bitte deshalb herzlich um Verseiung, und Vergebung meine schweren Sunden! Liebe Schwester! Sehr gefreut habe ich mich, daB Euch allen wohl geht, und das du schon in August in den Stand der geflichten Hosen treten wirdst (opportunity to mend her husband's pants). Wunsche dir von Grunde meines Bruderliches Herzens, tausandfaches Gluck! Oh, wie gerne mochte ich am diesen Tage in Euer Mitte verweilen, wie gern mochte ich wieder einmal Euch alle wiedersehen. Sicherlich wird es doch, noch das wir doch alle einmal zusammen kommen konnen, was wir uns schon fruher oft wunschten.

Nun liebe Schwester, kann auch ich dir etwas neues mitteilen. Es war am 28 Marz, gerade am Tage, daB mein suBe Braut Geburtstag hatte, daB meine suBe Braut Abschied von mir erhielt, und unsere Verlobung gehoben wurde. Nun wirdst du auch wissen wollen, weshalb es so kam. Es wurde mirdurch Annanome Briefe mitgeteil, daB meine Braut eine Sauberen Lebenswandeln fuhre, und enschentlicher Weise schon in fruheste Jungend ihre Frauenehre sich rauben lieB, was mir allerdings nicht ganz recht gefiel. Auch meinen Lehrmeister, R. Schmidt, schrieb, und warnte mich, wo ich sofort das Band der Liebe loste. Es wurde mir ja schwer, aber was half es. Ich mochte doch nicht gern, wenn ich auch nur ein einfacher armer Schlachter bin, mein spateres Leben mit solch sitzsammen, tugenhaften Verbinden. Es war doch nicht schon, denn wenn Mann meint, in seine einsmaligen Heimat, eine treu liebende Seele zu wissen, und wenn es dann so mit einer mal durch solch eine Nachricht, in alle seinen Hoffnungsvollen Plannen enteuscht ...doch es hat so sollen sein.

Ernst Starke

(From Ernst Starke to his sister Bertha Starke in Milwaukee)

Kiel, Germany, 26 July, 1896

Inwardly loved, true sister!

Your above all loving writing I have received on the 13th of July, for which I thank you from my heart! It was really a great joy, after such a long time, to hear something again from family. Dear Bertha, it was not right, yes, very wrong was it of me, that I let you, you dears, wait so long, and I plead for that reason for your understanding, and forgiveness of my heavy sins! Dear sister! I rejoiced a lot, that it goes well for all of you, and that you already in August will step into the opportunity to mend your husband's pants (get married). I wish you from the bottom of my brotherly heart, a thousand times/ways of good luck! Oh, how gladly I would spend among you on this day, how gladly I would again once see you all again. Certainly it will happen again, that we can all come together once again, what we already often wished for ourselves earlier.

Now, dear sister, I can also share something new with you. It was on the 28th of March, exactly on the day, that my sweet fiance (written: "Bride") had her birthday, that I took my leave of my sweet fiance, and broke off our engagement. Now you will probably also want to know, why it came to that. It was shared with me, through an anonymous letter, that my fiance hadn't led a clean walk through life, and in a shameful way -- already in her early youth -- had let her womanly honor be stolen from her, which didn't completely really please me too much. Also my schoolmaster, R. Schmidt, wrote, and warned me, so that I immediately broke the bond of love. It was very hard for me, but what help is that? I would not gladly want to spend the rest of my life, even also if I'm only a simple butcher, with such a devious, dishonest bond. It was not at all pretty, because when one thinks, in his own, one-time homeland, to know a true, loving soul, and then when, through such a report, he loses and is disappointed in all his hopeful plans ... but, it had to be that way. Ernst Starke

Rockton, d. 20 Sept. 1896,

Liebe Bertha:

Dein Brief nebst Photographien haben wir erhalten. Besten Dank fur den schoenen Bildchen. Du siehst wirklich darauf aus, wie ein junges, gluckliches Frauchen, und Gustav sieht so gut aus, als ob er fur die nachste Wahl als Praisident Kandidat soll aufgestrickt werden. Das ist die schoenste Zeit, welche den Menschen auf dieser Erdenwanderung geboten werde. Wir freuen uns stehts, wenn wir dich glucklich sehen wissen. Moge der Lenker alle Schicksale auch fernerhin alles Unangenehmen von dir fern halten! Dies wunschen wir von Herzen, dein Bruder Fritz, und Schwiegerin Matthilde. Das es dir in Amerika sehr gut gehen wurde, davon war ich ja schon Uberzeugt, ehe wir von Deutschland fortreisten, der liebling deiner Bruders warst du ja immer! Und wirdst es auch bleiben.

Liebe Bertha, zur Hochzeit kann leider keiner kommen von uns. So leid es uns zu. Es ist uns ganz unmoglich, an die Post zufahren, da die Post zufahren ein sehr GroBartiges Ding ist! Da ein jeder erst eingeschworen wird, die fahren, wo es Karl ist, Karl hat gefahren als Fritz zwei Wochen das Betthutten muBte. Da sind ihm die Pferde durchgebraunt. Da der verluBt das Post von ???? mit 13 Jahren Gefangnes bestraft wird. Karl wurde von Wagen geschleudert. Es ist ihm nichts passiert. Die Pferde sind ungefahr vier Meilen fortgejagt, ehe sie eine Gemutlich gefangen hatte! Da habt er weitens das Posthoff an Ort an Stelle. Leider waren die durchgebrannt, durch brannerei, mit circa zehn dollar schaden verbunden. Da sehr vieles am Buggie und Geschir im Stucke war, und es ist hier auch alles andere vorhanden, als Agent der sagte, hier ist ein bose Moment fur uns alle. Die furchten fur uns, da futter fur den Winter eingenommen war. Den muB im Oktober erst unsere Zahlung vertig sind, und nachhier ist alles teuer. Erlaube mir, das ich den Hochzeitstag zu eine andere gelegenheit recht mache. Sei uns deshalb nicht bose; es wird uns wirklich schwer.

Anna und Henne hatten sich schon in Milwaukee auf deine Hochzeit gefreut, da wir immer davon gesprochen haben, denn den Tage die Gebirende Ehe anzutun! Nochmals unsere Herzlichen Gluckwunsch zu deine Hochzeitsfest. Im Gedanken werden wir bei euch sein. Herzlichen GruB an dich und an dein Gustav, so wie Mutter und Geschwister. Von euer Fritz, Matthilde und Kinder.

(From Fritz and Matthilde (Starke?) to their sister Bertha Starke in Milwaukee)

Rockton, the 20th of September, 1896

Dear Bertha:

Your letter we have received, with the photographs. Best thanks for the beautiful pictures. You really look on them, so like a young, happy little wife, and Gustav looks so good, as though he should be written in during the next election as presidential candidate! That is the most beautiful time, that man is offered during this wandering on the earth. We rejoice continually, when we see and know that you are happy. May the evil one hold all bad fortune, and also, further, all uncomfortable things far from you! This wish we from our hearts, your brother Fritz, and your sister-in-law Matthilde. That it would go very well for you in America, I was already convinced, because before we traveled from Germany, you were always the best beloved from all your brothers! And you will also remain so.

Dear Bertha, unfortunately none of us can come to your wedding. And it hurts us very badly. It is completely impossible for us, to travel on the Postage coach, because traveling on the Postage Coach is an important thing! Everyone first must take an oath, who drives, like Karl did. Karl drove while Fritz was sick in bed for two weeks. Then the horses broke away from him. The loss of the mail is punishable with thirteen years of jail. Karl was thrown from the wagon. Nothing happened to him. The horses ran wild for about four miles, before someone quietly caught them! So he had gone past the place where the postage yard was. Unfortunately the postage was burned through, through a burning, with about ten dollars of damage. Because the buggy and the halter were in a lot of pieces, although everything was available here, then the Agent told him, "here is a bad moment for us all". They feared for us, because the feed was taken in for the winter. Then first in October must our payment be completed, and afterwards everything is very expensive. Permit me, that I can make it right for your wedding day at another time. Please don't be mad with us because of that; it is really hard on us. Anna and Henne in Milwaukee have already rejoiced over your wedding, because we always spoke about it, that we would join in on the day of binding honor! Once again our heartfelt good lucks wishes for your wedding festival. We will be with you in our thoughts. Heartfelt greetings on you and on your Gustav, and also on Mother and siblings. From your Fritz, Matthilde and children.

1.1. 1897

Liebe Freudin!

Ich graduliere dir zum Neuen Jahr, und wunsche, daB es dich zur Segen, Gluck und....Auch Graduliere ich dir zu deine Geburtstage, das es Dir, wie ich gehort habe, im Ehestande auch rechtfreundlich verlaufen moge. Liebe Freundin, Du wirst schon lange auf eine Brief gewartet habe, aber immer vergebens. Du wirst voll recht bose sein, daB du so lange warten muBt! Der erste Brief ist mir veraltet, und hatte auch immer nicht gut Zeit,so Danke ich dir, denn nun zu erst fur deinen mir soliebenes Bild, daB du mir geschickt hast. Ich habe mich sehr gefreut daruber. Liebe Freundin! Den verlaufende Jahr hat uns alle in tiefe Trauer versetzt. Am 13 Januar uns der Tod unsere Gute Schwester Marie, so war den nun bereits ein Jahr verschwunden, daB wir die trauer Kleider bald ablegen wollen, doch der liebe Gott wollte es anders, den am funften Dezember erloste ein ... Tod unsere liebe Gute Mutter, nach kurzem Krankenlager. Wir hatten es gar nicht geahnt, daB sie so schnell von uns gerissen werden sollte.

Liebe Freunde, ich befinde mich sonnst wohl und munter mit meine liebe Ehegattin. Auch der kleine Willie ist gesund. Er ist zu einem Hubschen Bub herangewachsen, und macht uns vielen viele spaB und Freunde. Wenn nur der lieben Vatter immmer noch Gesund bleibe, daB er unsere Freude am Kleinen immer noch mit uns teilen kannte. Ich werde nun schlieBen, mit der Hoffnung, daB Dich Meine Briefe bei beste Gesundheit antreffen mogen! Unter vielen GruBen verbliebe ich deine treue Freundin, Pauline Winde. Starke, Anna laBt dich auch bestens GruBen, und in (Mendel???) die Frau Hubner ist auch gestorben. Liebe Bertha, da ich deine Addresse nicht weiB, sende ich ihm an deine Bruder Berthold.

(From Pauline Winde (a friend) in Bunzlau (???), Germany to Bertha Starke Geerdts in Milwaukee

1.1. 1897

Dear friend:

I congratulate you for the New Year and wish, that it may find you in good health and happiness and ... Also, I congratulate you for your birthday, that it will find you, as I have heard, going well in marriage. Dear friend, you will have already waited a long time for a letter, but always in vain. You will be righteously angry, that you must wait so long! The first letter got too old (I didn't send it), and it was never a good time, so I thank you first of all for your so wonderful picture, that you sent me. I rejoiced very much over it. Dear friend! The past year has put us all in a deep mourning. On the 13th of January our good sister Marie met with death, so a year had almost passed, and we were ready to put aside our mourning clothes, but the loving God wanted it otherwise, because on the fifth of December freed a (sudden, surprizing?) death our loved, good mother, after a short illness. We didn't even suspect, that she would be torn from us so quickly.

Dear Friend, I find myself otherwise well and good with my loving marriage partner. Also, the little Willie is healthy. He has grown up to a beautiful little boy, and gives us much fun and joy. If only the dear father will still stay healthy, so that he can still join with us in the joy of the little one. I will close, with the hope, that my letter will meet you in the best of good health! With many greetings I remain your true friend, Pauline Winde. Starke, Anna lets you also be greeted, and in Mendel (?) the Frau Hubner has also died. Dear Bertha, because I don't know your address, I'll send this letter through your brother Berthold.

Rockton, January 9, (1897)

Liebe Bertha und Gustav!

Zuerst, unserem besten Dank fur Eure Bild. Wir konnen das Look noch wiederholen, uber eure gutes aussehen, woruber wir uns schon das erste mal gefreut haben. Sollte ihr ein bild Ubrig haben, wir hatten gern eins nach Bruder Franz nach Hamburg zugeschickt. Ich weiB nicht, ob wir jedes mal ein gruB an euch bestellt haben. Er hat im jeden Brief nach Euch gefragt. Wie es Mutter und den Geschwistern geht: Liebe Bertha, ach, unsere innigesten Gluckwunsch zu deine ersten Geburtstag als Frau! Moge der gebe alle alles Freud und liez dir recht viele solche Tage in Kreise deine hoffentliche nicht alzuklein Nachkommenschaft schenken. Alles in Holle und Fulle zu besitzen, ist nicht die wahre Freude, sondern die Liebe und zufriedenheit sind die allein Glucklichmachenden Faktoren, auf dieser Welt. Ein eigenes Heim, zwei Menschen die sich gut sind, Gesundheit und ein zufriedenes Gemut, daB ist die Bedeutung das unsere des wahren Glucks, und alles ubrige was wir gluck nennen, gleich der Rose mit den Doren, oder der Schlange mit schoenen Kleider und dem Giftzang im Rachen.

Liebe Bertha! Wie werde es mit einen Besuch zum Fruhjahr? Falls du so lange abkommen konntest. Wie ware es mit Anna oder Mutter, den alle drei auf ein mal konntet ihr wohl nicht abkommen! Ihr seid alle herzlich Wilkommen. Ich werde nachtstens an Anna daruber schreiben. Zum schluB noch, es kommt hier voll eine Eisenbahn! Dann werden wir wohl keine drei Jahre hier wohnen. Ich habe zwei-drei Jahre Kontrakt, aber die Eisenbahn kaufe die Kontrakte auf. Wir senden alle nochmals GruB, und Gluckwunsch, Fritz, Matthilde und Kinder. Bitte um baldige Antwort! Bring bitte GruB an Matthilde, Anna, Richard, Berthold

(From Fritz and Matthilde (Starke?) to their sister Bertha Starke Geerdts in Milwaukee)

Rockton, Wisconsin January 9 (1897)

Dear Bertha and Gustav!

First of all, our best thanks for your picture (probably the wedding photo). We could repeat "the look" about how good you both look, that we already had rejoiced over the first time. Should you have an extra picture left, we would gladly send one to brother Franz in Hamburg. I don't know, if we have greeted you every time. He has asked about you in every letter. How goes it with mother and the siblings? Dear Bertha, ach, our innermost best wishes to your first birthday as wife! We hope you get all, all joy, and let you have many such days in the circle of your hopefully not too few descendents. Everything in completeness and totality to possess, is not the true joy, but rather the love and peacefulness are the only factors that make us happy, in this world. An own home, two people who are good to each other, good health and a peaceful feeling, that is the meaning of our true happiness, and everything else, what we call happiness, is like the rose with the thorns, or the snake with its beautiful clothes and the poison teeth in anger.

Dear Bertha! How would it be with a visit for early year? In case you can come for so long. How would it be with Anna or mother, because all three at one time, you couldn't possibly resist! You are all heartily welcome! I will write to Anna next about that. To close, though, a train is going to be built here!* Then we will not live here another three years more. I have a two-three year contract, but the train companies are buying up the contracts. We send everyone again greetings, and good lucks wishes, Fritz, Matthilde and children. We request please an answer soon! Please bring greetings on Matthilde, Anna, Richard, Berthold.
*Editor's note: On a message board regarding Vernon County, where Rockton is, came a note that, although the Starke family was not in the 1870 Rockton census, he will check the 1900 census and believes I have the correct Rockton (WI, not ILL.) because: "Just found this marker in the Rockton WI Cemetery. Mathilde Starke 12 Jan 1857-4 Jul 1900 I will check the 1900 Census when I get a chance. The railroad never did get to Rockton."

(From Pauline (Starke?) (Mrs. Theodore) Kastner, Medford, Taylor County, Wisconsin, to her sister or half-sister Bertha Starke Geerdts in Milwaukee)

Medford, 6 August, 1898

Liebe Schwester und Schwager:

Eure leider so trauige nachricht haben wir erhalten. Wir senden unsere innigstes beileid. (we send our condolences). Es tat uns so von herzen Leid, daB die Kleine nicht lebt. DaB du, liebe, liebe Schwester, fur all die ausgestanden Schmerzen, nichts hast! Ja, es muB euch sehr schmerzlich sein! Liebe Schwester, wir konnen nun einmal gegen das Schichtzahl nichts tun. Ihr muB daran denken, der kleinen Engel hat das Beste, den was hat der Mensch aufs dieser Welt, alles fur Kummer und Sorgen. Liebe Schwester, wir muBen Gott danken, daB es nicht umgekehrt ist! Das es nicht umgekehrt ist! Ach, ich kann mir diesen Gedanken nicht ausdenken! Es hat uns gefreut, das du wieder ziemlich munter bist. Ich glaube es dir gern, das es dir wohgetan hat, daB die Mutter um dich hast, denn die liebenden mutter vermag alle schmertzen zulinden (the loving mother may reduce all pain). Wenn es einen einmal schlecht geht, so ist es immer meine erste gedanke die Mutter.

Liebe Schwester! Wenn ihr uns einmal besuchen konnt, und wie gerne hatten wir die Mutter einmal hier gehabt, aber man kann es gar nicht verlangen, denn es kostet zu viel. Aber die Reise ist annenversich ist sehr schon, es Bietet viel abwechslung. Die letzte Station vor Medford muB man umsteigen. Wenn du Muttern jetzt hier warest, wir haben so viel Hinbeeren in unseren Bush. Aber ich bekomme keine Zeit zu denn, denn ich habe noch Notigere Arbeit. Wir haben viel zu tun. Es hat hier zu viel Kartoffelnkafer, die mussen uber andere Tage abgekopft werden, in einen GefaB, und verbrut, sonnst fressen sie das Kraut total. Oh, Raupen (caterpillers) in Kraut hat's auch genug! Die Zeit vergeht uns sonnst sehr schnell.

Sonnst sind wir ziemlich gesund, auch das Fieh ist Fiedel. Nichts neues weiB ich, sonnst nichts zu schreiben. Wir wunschen und hoffen, daB ihr nebst selbst gesund seid, liebe Schwester. Warte nicht so lange auf, daB du schreibst! AuBerdem, seid noch herzlich gegruBt, von eure Pauline, nebst Theodore.

Liebe Schwester, gruBe auch Hans und die Schweigereltern.

Geliebte Mutter: Auch will ich hier ein Paar Worte mitteilen. Wir sprechen sehr viel von dir; wir mochten gerne wieder etwas von dir horen. Viellicht bist du doch Gesund... hast sonnst wieder was von dir horen lassen. Wie geht es den anderen Geschwistern? Von Berthold scheinen wir ganz vergessen zu sein. Wie geht es ihm? Liebe Mutter, schreibe uns recht bald einmal. Wir konnen es immer nicht erwarten, denn du wartest immer zu Lange! Fur Heut' lebe wohl, und seit gegruBt in innigste Liebe, von deine Kindern, Pauline und Theodore.

(From Pauline (Starke?) (Mrs. Theodore) Kastner, Medford, Taylor County, Wisconsin, to her sister or half-sister Bertha Starke Geerdts in Milwaukee)

Medford, 6 August, 1898

Dear Sister and Brother-in-law!

We have received your unfortunately so tragic news. We send our innermost condolences. It makes us so sad, from our hearts, that the little one didn't live. That you, dear, dear sister, after all the outstanding pain, have nothing! Dear sister, we can't even once do anything contrary to fate. You must think on this, that the little angel has the best, because what have men in this world, everything is worry and grief. Dear sister, we must thank God, that it is not reversed! Ach, I can't even begin to comprehend that thought! It made us glad, that you are somewhat better in spirit. I believe you gladly, that it did you good, to have Mother around, because the loving mother lays all pain aside. When it goes poorly for me, always my first thought is on the Mother.

Dear Sister! If only you could visit us, and how gladly we would have liked to have Mother here, but one can't require that, because it costs too much. But the trip, in and of itself, is very pretty, and offers a lot of changes. One must transfer at the last station before Medford. If mother were here, we have so many raspberries on our bush! But I don't get enough time to tend to that, because I have more pressing work. We have a lot to do. There are a lot of potato beetles, they must be picked off the plants during the day, put in a jar, and (??? somehow kill them), otherwise they will destroy the cabbage. Oh, there are also plenty of caterpillars in the cabbage! Otherwise, time passes quickly for us!

Otherwise we are all pretty healthy, and the animals are also doing well. I don't know anything new, and nothing new to write. We wish and hope, that you and yours are healthy, dear Sister. Don't wait so long, until you write! Otherwise, our heartfelt greetings, from your Pauline and Theodore. Dear sister, also greet Hans and the in-laws!

Dearest Mother (to Johanne Starke): I also want to add a few words. We speak often of you; we would gladly hear from you again. Maybe you are still healthy, otherwise we probably would have heard something from you. How goes it with the other brothers and sisters? Berthold seems to have totally forgotten us. How is he? Dear Mother, write us right away, once. We are always anxious, because you always wait too long! For today, live well, and be greeted with the most heartfelt love, from your children, Pauline and Theodore.

Von Otto: Probably around 1898, when the mother was in Milwaukee.

Liebe Mutter und Geschwister!

Liebe Mutter! Ich komme mit eine Bitte an dich. Wolltest du viellicht so gut sein, und mir paar oder drei glaubendrei auf der Hemden schicken? Die brauchen Waschen, weil sie zu schmutzig werden, und wenn ich hier kaufe, sind sie zu teuer. Viellicht ist Anna so gut, und macht die Hemden, aber sobald als moglich, das ich sie Sonntag hier haben. Lieben Mutter, sei so gut und lege noch ein Halstuch mitbei. Ich hatte das vergessen, und ich habe keines. Sei so gut und lege das Geld vorlaufig aus. Wenn ich wieder hin komme, mache ich alles gleich. Ich bin von Milwaukee wieder ganz gut zuruckgekommen. Herr Weber war ganz gut zu mir. Er hat nichts gesagt, das ich so lange war. Was meine Gesundheit anbetrift, ist es noch beim Alten. Ich muB nun SchlieBen, meine lieben, mit dem Wunsch, daB ihr alle Gesund und munter seid, und mit der Hoffnung, daB ihr mir bald einmal schreibt. Und Bruder Richard Arbeit hat beim Meinecke. Mit dem herzlichste GruBe an euch alle, verbleibe ich euch stehtsliebende Otto.

Kann nicht mehr Siteseeing, verreise mir die Schlacterschrift, es ist schon ziemlich dunkel.

(From Otto Starke somewhere in Wisconsin, to his mother Johanne Starke, and his sister Bertha Starke Geerdts, probably around 1898, when Johanne (mother) was in Milwaukee.)

Dearest Mother and siblings!

Dear mother! I come, with a plea to you. Would you maybe please be so good, and send me a pair or three nice shirts? Mine need washing, because they are so dirty, and when I buy them here, they are too expensive. Maybe Anna would be so nice, and make the shirts, but as soon as possible, so that I have them here by Sunday. Dear mother, be so good and lay a scarf with it. I have forgotten that, and I don't have one. Be so good and lay the money out freely. When I come again there, I'll make everything even. I have come back from Milwaukee really well. Mr. Weber was very nice to me. He didn't say anything, about that I was so long. Concerning my health, it is the same as before. I must now close, my loved ones, with the wish, that you are all healthy and well, and with the hope, that you will write me once, soon. And brother Richard has work at Meinecke. With the most heartfelt greetings on you all, I remain, your always loving, Otto. I can't do any more sight seeing, and forgive my terrible writing, it is already somewhat dark.

(From Theodore Kastner, Medford, Taylor County, Wisconsin, to his sister in law or half-sister-in-law Bertha Starke Geerdts in Milwaukee)

undated letter, probably August, 1889 or so):

Von Medford, Taylor County, Wisconsin

Geliebe Schwester und Schwager:

Wohl ist es auch an der Zeit, daB ich euch Schreibe. Wie ich gehort habe, geht es euch beiden recht gut, was wir auch euch von Herzen gonnen. Uns geht es trauig. Wir haben dieses Jahr kein Futter fur's Vieh anbauen (couldn't plant anything for the Cattle) konnen, und konnen jetzt keins mehr kaufen. Wenn wir uns kein Pferd und Ackergerate kaufen konnen, so mussen wir davon laufen. Da konnen wir nicht leben. Land haben wir sehr viel, aber mit den Handen ist das unmoglich. Arbeit bekommt Theodore mit den Webern (loom) nicht. Jetzt steht die Kuh trocken, (dry, expecting a baby), keine Eier habe ich jetzt, auch nicht zu bekommen. Das Salz nicht kaufen. Bruder August und Rose hatten uns in dem eine Brief geschrieben, sie wollten uns auf die Beine helfen, und uns Geld borgen, zum Pferd, und das notigste, wo der Acker gereinigt werden kann. Da haben sie noch gefragt, wie viel wir brauchen. Da haben wir um vierzig dollar gebeten, den Pferde sind hier teuer, und gute Arbeitsgescheir (yokes/halters) kosten sechzehn ($16) dollars. Aber wir wissen nichts; wir haben nach diesen keine Antwort mehr bekommen. Ich traue jetzt nicht mehr anzufragen, aber da sie es angeboten hatten.... . November wird es wieder besser. Dann hat die Kuh, das Kalb; wenn es glucklich voruber geht, wollen wir uns das Kalb aufziehen, und somit konnten wir noch vorwarts kommen. Ohne Pferd aber nicht.

Liebe Schwester und Schwager! Ich bitte Euch herzlich, borgt uns funf dollar, sonnst muBen wir sie diese Woche totschlagen (the pigs). Bis jetzt habe ich sie lauter Kartoffeln gefuttert, aber sie werden bald alle (they'll soon be gone). Fritz habe ich gebetten, er soll uns wenigsten die Zinnsen schicken, die wir zu zahlen haben. (interest money) Viellicht konnen wir es Euch nachstes Jahr wieder zuruckgeben. Wir wollen ja keinen was schuldig bleiben. Heute ist Bruder Richard's Geburtstag; wir lassen auch herzlich gratulieren. Wie geht es Muttern? Nun, sie ist wohl Kranklich, sie kann uns recht leid tun. Wie geht es bei Bruder August? Sie haben jetzt auch viel kummer. Bitte liebe Schwester, geh doch einmal hin, und erkundige dich, ob sie unsere Briefe erhalten haben. Hoffenlich seid ihr sonnst gesund, liebe Schwester und Schwager. Ich bitte nochmals rechtherzlich um funf dollar, wenn es geht, recht bald!

Seid herzlich geGruBt, anbei, Bruder August Kestner(?) und Eva(?) Mutter soll recht bald wieder mal schreiben. Ich bitte nochmals, um baldige Antwort.

Theodore Kestner, Medford, Taylor County, Wisconsin

(From Theodore Kastner, in Medford, Taylor County, Wisconsin, to his sister in law or half-sister-in-law Bertha Starke Geerdts in Milwaukee)

undated letter, probably August, 1889 or so):

Theodore Kastner, from Medford, Taylor County, Wisconsin

Dear sister and brother in law:

Finally is the time, that I write you. As I have heard, it is going well for both of you, what we hope from the heart for you. It's going sadly for us. This year we couldn't plant and harvest any feed for the cattle, and can't buy any more now. If we couldn't have bought a horse and granary tools, we would have had to walk away from it (the farm). There we couldn't live. We have a lot of land, but (to work) by hand it is impossible. Theodore isn't getting any work with the loom. Now the cow stands dry (no milk, expecting a calf), I don't have any eggs, and there aren't any to be had. Can't buy salt. Brother August and Rose wrote us in a letter, they wanted to help us get on our feet, and lend us money, for the horse, and the necessary things to clean the granary. So they asked, how much we needed. So we have asked for forty dollars, the horses here are expensive, and good work tools (yokes and collars) cost sixteen dollars. But we don't know anything; after that we haven't gotten any more answers (from them). Now, I don't trust anymore to ask about it, except, they did offer it....

In November it will be better again. Then the cow will have had her calf. When all goes well with that, we want to raise the calf ourselves, and with that we can still go forwards. But not without a horse.

Dear Sister and brother-in-law! I ask you from my heart, lend us five dollars, otherwise we must kill them (the pigs) this week. Until now I have only fed them potatoes, but soon they will be gone. Fritz I have asked, he should send us at least the interest/tax money, that we have to pay. Maybe we can give it back to you next year. We certainly don't want to remain in debt to anyone. Today is brother Richard's birthday; we let him be greeted from our hearts. How is mother? Now, if she is really sick, she can make us sad. How goes it by brother August? They also now have much worry. Please dear sister, go there once, and ask, if they have received our letter. Hopefully you are otherwise healthy, dear sister and brother-in-law. I ask please once again, from my heart, for five dollars, if possible, really soon! Be greeted from our hearts, and also brother August Kestner, and Eva. Mother should write us real soon again. I plea again, for a quick answer. Theodore Kestner, Medford, Taylor County, Wisconsin.

(From Fritz and Matthilde (Starke?) to their sister Bertha Starke in Milwaukee)

Rockton, 10 January, 1899

Liebe Bertha! Unsere herzlichen Gluckwunsch zu deine Wiegenfeste. Moge der liebe Gott ihr statig Gesundheit und Zufriedenheit verliehen, denn das sind doch die hochsten ererdischen Guter, die zu Menschlichen Gluck gehoren! Auch unserem Besten Dank fur die Aufmerksamkeit zum Neuen Jahr! Der Knecht Ruprecht war nach gewohnter Weise wieder eingekehrt. Fur Pappa hatte er ein selbstgearbeites Oberhemp, und Tabakkasten, sechs Tassentucher, Spielkarten, und einen Striechholzdoze. Fur Mama ist der viel Kuchengeschire, Kuchenhandtuche und Bluenbord. Fur die Kinder, alle notigen Kliedungsstucke und FuBzeug. Und fur die beiden Kleinen, extra, einen groBe Puppe.

Am Weihnachtsabend waren wir alle zum Weihnachsbescheirung. Die Erwachsenen so wie die Kinder haben ihre Stucke und Gesang sehr schon vorgetragen. Wir haben uns sehr schon ammusiert. Viele GruBe an deinen lieben Mann, GroBmutter, Henne, und auch der Grovester(?). Zum SchluB, noch ein Hoch auf das Gerburtstag Kind! Von eurem Fritz, Mattilde und Kinder. P.S. Liebe Bertha! Die Rockton Ladies sagen, die Henne wird zur Fett. Die muB dir unbedingt den Brodkorb hoher hangen!

(From Fritz and Matthilde (Starke?) to their sister Bertha Starke in Milwaukee)

Rockton, 10 January, 1899

Dear Bertha! Our heartfelt best wishes for your Birthday. We hope God will lend you continual good health and peacefulness, because those are the highest over-earthly possessions, that belong to human joy! Also, our sincere thanks that you wished us well for the New Year. Santa Klaus arrived as usual. For papa, he brought a handmade overshirt, a tobacco case, six handkerchiefs, playing cards, and a match container. For mama there were a lot of kitchen plates, cups, etc., kitchen towels, and a cuttingboard. For the children, all the necessary pieces of clothing and footwear. And for the two little ones, extra, a big doll.

On Christmas Eve we were all at the Christmas presentation of gifts. (possibly the Catholic religious tradition & Mass: "The Procession of the Gifts", where people bring food & gifts to church and lay them in from of the altar where the statue of the Christ Child & His mother Mary are) The grownups as well as the children said their pieces and sang very beautifully. We amused ourselves a lot. Many greetings to your dear husband, grandmother, hens, and also the Grovester (probably another pet???) To finish, yet another best wishes to the birthday child! From Fritz, Matthilde and children. P.S. Dear Bertha! The Rockton ladies say, the hen is getting too fat. You must absolutely hang the breadbasket higher!

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BERTHA STARKE GEERDTS LETTERS BRIEFEN from Milwaukee to Germany, genealogy

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Letters from an Immigrant -- America to INTRODUCTION & ORIGIN The following letters were in the papers of Alice Geerdts Ehlers, the oldest daughter of Bertha Starke Geerdts, and the Granddaughter of Johanna Starke. They were written in old German script (Schrift), and were read by a German woman into a cassette recorder in November, 1993/August, 1994.

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Push Factors- Johanna was struggling financially and became very poor.

Pull Factor-  Johanna left to go to America because she wanted a fresh start in economics and to marry a neighbors son

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I recently had the opportunity to translate a young woman's diary. Year, 1921, name, Johanna, age, 27. As many other Germans, Johanna and her family had become very poor in the years after World War I. Facing financial hardship at home, Johanna decided to try her luck in America, moving continents to marry a neighbor's son living in the States. The below diary excerpts*, which her grandson kindly said I could share, reflect Johanna's thoughts, experiences and feelings as she travels by steamship from Germany to New York. Take away Ellis Island, the old German handwriting, and her appreciation of butter instead of margarine, and it easily could have been written by a 20-something woman today...

My First Sea Voyage On the Hansa! 12-7-21
The passengers were supposed to board at 12:30 in the afternoon on December 7, 1921. However, it was 2:00 before all the people had taken their spots on the small boats that were meant to bring us to the steamship. The band stood on the Hansa and played; - what, I can't say, because I didn't know the tune. The sailors were very kind and many women, like myself, were taken by the arm by two sailors and helped over the steps. But I think it was just the women who were traveling alone that they helped. Once on board, each person looked for their cabin and was assisted by the sailors, who stood by ready to help.

At 4:00, the trumpet blew for coffee. Everyone went to the large, elegantly furnished dining room, where there was very good coffee and cake. At 5:00, the table cards were distributed and we, both of my cabinmates (who are very nice young northern German girls) and I got a very nice table, where many young people had also been sat. At 7:00, the trumpet blew for dinner. There was pork, potatoes and rice; afterwards butter bread - not margarine, but very good butter - sausage and dip. After dinner, people went to the women's room or the smoking room, or to the deck. I chose to go to the deck to get some fresh air before bed. After I strolled a while by myself, a man, an editor of a paper in Philadelphia who I had already met on the small boat, joined me. After we talked about various neutral topics, our conversation turned to the present time. I informed him about the misery of the German people, both collectively and individually, and asked him what was the cause of this misery? I received as an answer: "The Frenchman is the most at fault, he wants to completely destroy the Germans; but the time of reckoning will come for him too; because the leaves of time turn like night and day, then woe to him!" With these words, he spoke to my very soul, and the souls of many a German. We left each other at 9:00, wished each other "Good night" and went to our cabins.

December 8, 1921 At 7:30 there was breakfast, soft rolls, butter, marmalade, coffee. We, the residents of cabin 122, came to the table quite late and were therefore good-naturedly teased by the men, who were already finished. At 9:00 in the morning the steamship took to the sea. The ship band played again as the ship departed, which created a very nostalgic atmosphere. Those who remained behind were waving their white cloths, which, fluttering up and down, sent us final farewells from our homeland. Many tears were flowing; even from those who had wanted to stay strong. At 12:00 there was lunch. It was: broth, roast pork, dip, fat peas, sauerkraut, apple compote, ice cream, fruit, coffee, cake, bread, butter. A lunch that couldn't have been better at a wedding. For dinner there was once again roast, potatoes, dip, bread, butter, cheese, tea. (Coffee wasn't served separately; it came right after lunch). After dinner, there was a wonderful concert from 8:30-10. (The ship hasn't moved since noon today; as it is very difficult to get out of the harbor with the heavy fog and ice.) At the concert, "Deutschland, Deuschland über alles" was played. Everyone sang along, quietly at first, tentatively, then louder and louder until several hundred voices rose up: "Deutschland, Deutschland über alles!"[3]

I am constantly being followed by a small man in a gray travel suit. Wherever I go, it doesn't take long until he is there as well; always somewhere nearby. I didn't pay attention to it yesterday, today I didn't attach much importance to it either. But this evening he is being so obvious that I am scared to do anything. I will act like I don't notice anything and stay out of his way as best as I can. Help me, good Lord!

12-10-21 Yesterday I couldn't write. I stayed on the deck until noon. We sailed along the Elbe towards the North Sea. You could still see land on both sides, and several cities whose towers offered us the last compliments of home. Then came Cuxhaven; we left it behind and sailed farther and farther until you could only see the sky and the water. On the deck I met up again with a nice young person who I had met in the women's room on 12-8. He introduced himself as "Weber" and told me that he had already been in San Francisco for 8 years, had come back firmly set on settling down for the rest of his life in Germany, but now was going back to San Francisco because life in Germany was too difficult. He also told me that he had had 5 new suits made in Germany, one of which cost 14 dollars. Very elegant suits, of course. In America he would have to pay up to 80 dollars per suit. Poor Fatherland, how everyone is leaving you. Your children must work 5-6 weeks in order to earn enough money to buy themselves a suit. Then, if they haven't saved anything, they naturally cannot eat or drink or spend money on anything else. I stayed on the deck until 12:00, until the trumpet was blown for lunch, went to the dining hall and was excited to see that it was swaying. I ate the fish; then I suddenly felt so sick, I put the fish down, took some potatoes and started to eat them. But after the second bite I put the knife and fork down and ate a piece of dry rye bread. Then I got up and staggered up the stairs to my cabin, quickly grabbed a hat and coat and went to the deck, still eating rye bread. I staggered and if Mr. Weber wouldn't have held on to me so tightly, I would have fallen down. He carried me to the cabin, where I immediately lay down in bed and fell asleep for a short while.

The small man in the gray suit said something to me yesterday in passing; but I don't know what he said because I passed by him quickly. As soon as I was on the deck, he was there as well and watched as Mr. Weber brought me below. This morning, when I was with Mr. Weber, he found me on the deck and no longer had the smile on his lips that he always looks at me with, the smile that I am so afraid of.

The evening of the 13th. Now is the first time I can write again; as I was sick the last few days and was always in bed. I wanted to write so diligently; but when you are seasick, you just can't. You feel so miserable and don't feel like doing anything at all. Today the sea is moving quite a lot; but I've gotten used to the rocking and can tolerate it. There is always a concert on the deck in the afternoon. Today was the first time I could attend it. I have the impression that the people on the ship are not as ungodly as usual. On Sunday morning we were awoken with the trumpet playing a Lutheran church song. On one of the first days, when I asked an old man who had travelled frequently if we would have good weather, he answered me, "It completely depends on if we have many people who pray on the ship; because when I came over in August, we had two Catholic priests on board and therefore good, calm weather." "You think it depends on that?" "Of course."

12-14-21 Today I don't have anything important to write. I met a lot of people, including a rich Hungarian who is traveling to his brothers. He says they are millionaires in New York. He was a postmaster in Hungary and told me his life story. He is very serious, loves nature, believes and trusts in God alone, and loves his mother (who was taken from him 2 years ago) more than anything. With so many men here, one who is not like the majority of the others. We sat together for the entire afternoon and had a great conversation until the trumpet, signaling dinner, separated us.

I don't think I need to be scared of the small man in the gray suit any longer. He has found other women. But when he does see me somewhere, he conspicuously skulks in our direction like a cat sniffing around its porridge.[5] To smile at me! In the evening I attended the concert again, which was again very nice.

12-15-21 The sea was once again very rocky and I had to hurry at breakfast (during which I only ate rye bread) to get up to the deck. When I am on deck, I read or watch the waves play. When friendly people come up to me to talk, then I talk to them willingly. Boredom is, after all, something that stimulates the mind. So this afternoon I looked for the Hungarian and spent time in his company until the evening. Several high-spirited people danced at the afternoon concert, including the small man in gray: It was amusing how he always danced with his partner exactly where I was sitting. Even though the promenade is long and I wasn't sitting where the dancing was taking place, he was always exactly in front of me. If that's fun for him, he can do what he wants.

12-18 Today is once again beautiful weather and we will soon see land. On the ship, everyone pays attention to the littlest thing. If one of the passengers sees some little possibility on the horizon, then everyone takes his binoculars to look at the specific spot and gives his opinion of what it could be. This is how it was, for example, at the concert today during which a violin solo was interrupted with, "Light!" Everyone sprinted on deck and left the concert. But unfortunately it was only a ship.

12-19-21 This morning we were woken up at 5:30 and everyone hurried as quickly as possible to the deck. We were at our destination, New York. Surrounded by ships from all the nations. The lights were still burning on the ships and the sun was rising in the sky, land on both sides. All of this made a big impression on me. I am in America, far away from my homeland and think that it can't be possible! The weather is unusually magnificent. The sun is shining and it is therefore warm for once, also because of the fact that there is no wind. Unfortunately we won't reach land today because Ellis Island, where we will disembark, is not yet free of passengers from the ships that arrived before us. But we just have to deal with it, it can't be avoided.
*Some diary entries and sentences within entries have been removed for the purpose of this blog. [3] German national anthem. [5] This is technically an idiom here: "wie die Katze um den heißen Brei schleichen", which means "to beat around the bush". In this context, however, I would guess she means it literally.
Image Credit:
http://www.ddghansa-shipsphotos.de/ockenfels300.htm

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Johanna's 1921 Diary: Journey to America - Katherine Schober, SK Translations

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Share0I recently had the opportunity to translate a young woman's diary. Year, 1921, name, Johanna, age, 27. As many other Germans, Johanna and her family had become very poor in the years after World War I. Facing financial hardship at home, Johanna decided to try her luck in America, moving continents to marry a neighbor's son living in the States.

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The push factor is Germany was corrupt and not stable after the start and defeat of WW1. Many citizens of Germany had bad living conditions and almost all the citizens in Germany were poor. For the pull factor immigrants were mainly in the Central zone of America to have a better life and become successful.

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The push/pull factors in this letter show that people from Germany moved for more money. This specific letter is between a girl in Germany and her brother who migrated to the United States. He came not only to marry the girl his parents disapproved of, but for the money he tells his sister about.  He tells her about his great job he has and all the money he is making and is going to make before he leaves.

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The push/pull factors in this picture are how many, many people are trying to get on this boat to get to the United States to escape their nonpolitical freedom. The people are holding all of their belongings and have all their money with them to move to the United States. Most of the German immigrants were rich, because they were professionals, journalists, and politicians giving them more money and more of a success rate in the US. They moved for a simpler life and democracy.

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German Push factor is: The Germans were dealing with a revolution and harsh rule

German Pull Factor is:  The Germans came to US for economic reasons and more freedom

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There is virtually no other population group that has shaped the past of the USA quite as strongly as German emigrants, with almost seven million of them making their way to the New World over the course of four centuries. Currently 40 to 60 million Americans cite "German" as their primary origin and thus represent the largest immigrant group - even greater than those descended from Irish and Italians.

German emigration to the USA began at the end of the 17th century when Germany was suffering from the after-effects of the bloody religious conflicts of the Thirty Years' War, and Christian minorities were being persecuted. Many farmers lived in poverty, their very existence threatened by failed harvests and land shortages, so many decided to leave for a country that appeared to offer both freedom and prosperity. That country was America.

In 1683 a group of 13 orthodox Quaker families from Krefeld left for New England, where they founded Germantown, the first closed German settlement, which is now a suburb of Philadelphia. They were followed in 1709 by 13,000 peasant farmers from the Palatinate, hence they were known as the Palatines. Rumour had it that the Queen of England would gift them land, but this proved to be just that - a rumour. In the end, 3,000 made it across the Atlantic and settled in what is now Albany, New York.

A new life in "the land of the free"

The situation in Germany worsened when the start of industrialisation caused the population to grow dramatically. In the mid-19th century, around three quarters of farmers did not have enough land to make a living, hence they began migrating in huge numbers from 1816 - the start of official German mass emigration to the USA. The opportunities seemed too good to be true: A peasant farmer who had to survive on half a hectare of land in Germany could acquire 64 hectares after just ten years in the United States.

A lack of political prospects was also a motivational factor behind emigration. For many people, the failure of the Revolution of 1848 represented proof that common people were unlikely to gain any rights to freedom in Germany anytime in the near future, and as a result, many members of the left-wing liberal middle classes and their supporters emigrated to the USA - the so-called "48ers".

Mobile and well-integrated

Once in the USA, the Germans initially established themselves as a respected immigrant group, classic "hyphen-Americans" with dual identity. Countless communities developed with schools, churches and clubs, in which the German language and culture was preserved and cultivated. As advanced industrialisation took hold in the USA, German-Americans were among the most established groups of the population, both in farming and among the new blue-collar professions.

Their early presence among the new industries also led to Germans becoming more mobile than virtually any other group. They were less tightly concentrated in individual regions than other immigrants and spread across the country working as foremen in railway construction, for example.

The image of those with German roots changed abruptly upon the outbreak of the First World War. All of a sudden, they came under pressure to cast off their ethnic identity. Full-blown anti-German hysteria meant that the German language and culture were ostracised.

Thus, a process was set in motion which made German immigrants unique among all the major immigrant groups, and which was further fuelled by the Second World War - the almost complete erosion of their original identity. No other group lost its public visibility to quite the extent of the German-Americans during the course of the 20th century.

After the Second World War, the USA remained an important destination country for new groups of German emigrants. These included the fiancées and wives of American soldiers who had been stationed in Germany, as well as an increasing number of academics and highly qualified professionals. They still form the most important group of German immigrants in the USA today. In 2017, around 12,500 Germans emigrated to America.

© www.deutschland.de

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There is virtually no other population group that has shaped the past of the USA quite as strongly as German emigrants, with almost seven million of them making their way to the New World over the course of four centuries.

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German Push Factor-  The push factor is there is not a good chance to be financially stable in Germany

German Pull Factor- The German pull factor is he came because of greater land opportunities and to have a better financial position in life

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Citation Information

Ernst, C. J., excerpt from "The Story of an Emigrant Boy," Digital Public Library of America, http://dp.la/item/93f90708efb94716d1daed2e72e2bf89.

Note: These citations are programmatically generated and may be incomplete.

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An excerpt from a patriotic speech delivered by a German immigrant in 1917.

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Citation Information Ernst, C. J., excerpt from "The Story of an Emigrant Boy," Digital Public Library of America, http://dp.la/item/93f90708efb94716d1daed2e72e2bf89. Note: These citations are programmatically generated and may be incomplete.