USA > Pennsylvania > Historic background and annals of the Swiss and German pioneer settlers of southeastern Pennsylvania, and of their remote ancestors, from the middle of the Dark Ages, down to the time of the Revolutionary War > Part 24
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168
BENEDICT BRACKBILL'S VALUABLE SERVICES.
that we might register this, their public declaration in order to serve as a testimony for all times, when- ever it would be necessary.
"To this document we have affixed our city seal and have had it signed by our secretary." (Müller 285.)
1711-Brackbuhl's Further Services For His Swiss Brethren.
After numerous conferences and visits to Holland as we have seen before, the three Bernese Mennonites, Breckbuhl, Zellers and Burki, took their leave on June 6, 1710, with a Christian and brotherly farewell, and supplied with a present of fifty florins as traveling money, returned to Man- heim. Brechbuhl was there again active as elder in his congregation, as we now show. He was the mediator and confidential agent between the Mennonites of Berne and Holland and in many cases, rendered his brethren in the faith many services in those years. He writes under date of Jan- uary 4, 1711, from Manheim to Hol- land:
"Report to the friends that some time since I received a letter from servants and elder in Switzerland with reference to their exodus to Prussia; they write me that they do not wish to go there; but want to await the mercy of God, and wish to remain in their land as long as they can. They who were in the ship thank you most friendly and cordial- ly for all the great love and fidelity shown to them. I understand also from their letter that, the brother- hood in Switzerland do not deem it well that I, because of fear of men, do not help foster the small flock of Christ; and express the opinion that I should not forsake their people. But until now, I have not deemed it feasible, however, to help more than I am. In the Springtime I mean to undertake the trip up, to fetch my
4th. The deponents humbly pray | children. For this reason I had written some time ago to the Canton Berne to have them show me the grace and privilege of receiving me with favor, or at least to grant me a passport so that I might return for some time to the country, since I have made the promise in the past Spring to the friends of the com- mittee, while we were at the Hague, that I would not travel up to Switzer- land without their knowledge and consent. Therefore I will try to get the government to release me of my promise; for I cannot very well have my children and other things brought out (or called for) by some one else. It is my friendly request to the friends to write me whatever may be your pleasure in the matter. Fur- thermore, I report that, I am able to earn my board and keep, by my hands; consequently, I am well con- tent. But, as yet I know of no place where I can dwell with my people. I trust to the Lord, however, that he will not forsake his people (for whoever does His will the Lord will not forsake), but will furnish me with a place of abode.
I have also received word a short time since that, the authorities of Berne have promised those who were made prisoners that, if they would promise to appear whenever they were wanted, they would be re- leased; but when this would be, only time will tell.
As to the two morasses (swampy tracts in Luthania where the German King wanted to induce them to settle in Germany, vacant because of pesti- lence), I would report that I have heard from good authority that it would entail an almost impossible expense to make them fertile, or pro- ductive, therefore, I know not what further to write on this subject. Al- though I would like to write much on account of the unbroken love for the friends with which I am imbued. But
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169
EFFORTS TO COLONIZE SWISS MENNONISTS.
as I have nothing further in particu- lar to relate, I will let this short intelligence suffice, and commend the friends, together with their whole families to the gracious protection of the Almighty, remaining herewith your affectionate friend and brother in Christ.
"BENEDICHT BRACHTBUHL."
On May 17, 1711, Benedicht Bracht- bühl writes to John Willink, that his three children have arrived hale and hearty from Switzerland, that they, however, have brought the word that the congregations there are so great- ly eager to have him come that he in- tends to yield to them, and requests a speedy release from his promise or vow. (Müller 286 et. seq.)
This letter, so full of love and trust in the Lord under the difficulties he details, ought to put to shame the dissatisfaction we so often feel and the mistrust of God we show when- ever the affairs of our lives do not wear the rosy tint we unreasonably expect. It may be found in the Men- nonite Archives at Amsterdam, No. 1299. The project to send the small company of Mennonites at this time left about Berne, to the bogs of northern Germany to a place where war and pestilence had destroyed all the inhaibtants, and the powerful in- fluences behind the project ought to make us appreciate how narrowly the ancestors of many of us here in Lan- caster County, escaped being sent to another section of the world, from which they never would have reached Pennsylvania. By a similarly nar- row margin, we remember they also escaped being taken to the East Indies by the East India Company. Benedict Brackbühl was a strong factor in preventing both of these fates of our people. Isaac Kauffman also rendered service to prevent the East India project.
The oppressed
Mennonites of Switzerland and the Palatinate turned to the Quakers of England, through the advice of their Holland brethren, to have them intercede with the Eng- lish government; but, the queen's authorities refused to interfere with Swiss affairs.
They then turned to the king of Prussia in a petition ; and he gave it as his opinion that there would be no help for them unless they all leave Switzerland. In a letter dated July 5. 1710, the king wrote that these Swiss sufferers should settle themselves in the district of Brandenburg, at such places where extensive dairies could be operated, or in Prussia, where there were good chances of success. In Prussia, the raging epidemic com- pletely depopulated many villages in the most fruitful region; but houses and cattle and agricultural imple- ments were still there ready for peo- ple to use them, said the king. Ii the new settlers come at once they would profit from the rich' harvest, as the former settlers had died after planting the crops. The king pro- mised further, that everything that would help these good people would be done (Huizinga, page 25).
This act on the part of the king of Prussia was hailed by the "Amster- dam Courant" of August 9, 1710, with delight and it spread the news that the king had already written to the canton of Berne, that he would re- ceive these people, Baptists or Men- nonites, without any exception and would help them to make a living. (Müller 28S.)
Müller further says that, even a narrative of the Amsterdam commit- tee's acts in behalf of their Swiss brethren in faith would be too long to recite complete. A recital of all the Journeys from Amsterdam and Rot- terdam to the Hague: and the numer- ous conferences, with influential dele- gates and the letters sent make up a
170
SWISS MENNONISTS INVITED TO HOLLAND.
large catalogue in the Mennonite the more he is concerned that these library at Amsterdam.
The Holland Ambassador at Berne, Runckel, used all means with the Berne government to have the hard measures against the Mennonites stopped; and to secure freedom of worship for them at home. His next plan was, if this was not allowed, to secure a few years chance for these Mennonites to sell their goods and land. But Runckel had a hard struggle in this effort; and July 12, 1710, from Berne, he wrote to the committee in Amsterdam, that though he had no further orders from Hol- land to assist the Mennonites, yet that of his own accord, he had in- quired carefully into the condition of them; and in this inquiry he states that he found in Switzerland some people who felt that the Swiss gov- ernment was entirely too severe; and who were full of pity for the poor Mennonites. (Müller 289.) But he says for every one of these, there are two or three who wish them all the pains the government has given them and no remonstrance can influence them. He states that the government especially makes it a point of honor that all they have done was right and for the welfare of the government and the glory of God. He says it is most certain the Berne officials have no idea what kind of people these Mennonites are and what difference there is between them and the Munster Anabaptists, who stirred up trouble for the government in earlier times. These people believe every- thing true that is charged against the Mennonites, he says; and that he knows no way to overcome it, unless the pamphlets that have been printed in their faith in Holland, and their creed, be translated into High-Ger- man and be printed, and especially that a great lot of such pamphlets be scattered throughout Berne. He says that the more he things of the subject,
poor people must be helped to escape the heavy storm which is hovering over their heads and seek a home somewhere else until the wrath has subsided. He concludes his letter in part as follows-"I believe, therefore, the greatest act of love which could be done for these people will be to seek out some place of abode for them and that they should completely leave Berne. The princess of Nassau and the count of Newweid are willing to receive some of them-such as are artisans and mechanics; but as these people are mostly farmers and stock- raisers, the above offer was of no value, as Holland has enough far- mers. By the last mail, I have re- ported to Amsterdam that more than twenty of these poor people are again in prison and the rest were scattered and chased into the neighboring countries. I will endeavor to talk with these poor prisoners myself and to comfort them as much as possible in their bondage. (Müller 290.)
Joahn Ludwig Runckel."
1711-Further Plans to Deport Men- nonites-Holland the Final Asylum.
In Müller (page 290), may be found a list of the prisoners (men- tioned in a letter from Alsace), who were in the jail of Berne, July 27. 1710, consisting of twenty-three brethren and seven sisters, of the Anabaptist or Mennonite faith. They are as follows: Peter Gerber, a ser- vant in the Word of God,-lies in chains.
From the dominion of Trachsel- wald: Peter Blaser, Hans Wisler, Hans Schneider, Clauss Baumgartner. Ulli Bear, Peter Hertig, Peter Leuti. UIli Brachbul, Hans Grasser, Joseph Probst, Daniel Rotenbuler, Hans Zahn.
From the dominion Sumiswald: Ulli Trüssel, Ulli Schurch.
171
PROJECTS TO COLONIZE MENNONISTS.
From the dominion Brandiss: Hans Flückinger.
From the dominion Signau: Martin Stramm, Christian Gouman, the younger, Hans Holtzer, Leupersweil (bailwick of Schnottweil); district of Solothurn. Hans Kuoubuler from the dominion of Diessbach. Hans Fru- tiger from the dominion of Thun. Niclauss Haberli of Buchsi.
The sisters imprisoned are: Verena Aeschlimann, Catrina Bieri, Christina Trussel, Margret Scher, Margret Oberli, Anna Brentzighoffer, Anna Moseri.
There is a letter in existence stat- ing that these thirty prisoners were also to be sent down the Rhine to Holland, in a ship, the same as a former party were. The letter is as follows: Cunonheim in Alsace, July 26, 1710. "Have received a letter from Switzerland. and understand from it that twenty-three brethren and seven sisters are imprisoned at Berne, and that they are willing to take them down the Rhine on a ship, therefore, we, the undersigned dea- cons and elders in Alsace beg of your deacons and elders in the Palatinate, namely, Tillman Kolb and Hans Jacob Schnebeli, very friendly to pay attention and see to it, when the ship arrives at Breisach. But we may not know when they will arrive. We are willing, however, to send people to Breisach who will let us know as soon as they arrive . there. We ask of you kindly if it be your pleasure that you will write to the friends in Holland. We are afraid if they have a further passport from the king, we can hardly accomplish any- thing.
In haste
MARTIN EGLI. HANSS BLUMM, CHRISTIAN RUPP."
A. A. 1269.
On all sides, it was agreed that
emigration was necessary. But where should these people be sent to? They would be received with open arms in Prussia. The Mennonite committee, therefore, requested Benedict Brech- bühl in Manheim on July 18, 1710, to use his efforts to persuade his coun- trymen to accept this offer; and that they, as obedient subjects, submit to the demand of the authorities to quit the country. Brechbühl replied on August 27th that he communicated this suggestion to the brethren in Switzerland and that those residing in Manheim were too well pleased with their condition there to think of such a thing.
As the Baptists or Mennonites in Switzerland could not be enthused over the emigration to Prussia, it seems, Runckel on August 30, 1710, broached another subject to the Com- mittee at Amsterdam. The Baptists or Mennonites might be colonized on Bernese territory on the two great marshes, which could be drained and by cultivation, would make excellent land for tilling and grazing pur- poses. As a recompense for making these morasses arable, the Bernese government should grant freedom of religion. But much money would be needed for this enterprise, which the Holland and Hamburg Mennonites would have to furnish. Brechbühl, being interrogated by the commission on this subject. on September 26th, held the project of the great morass to be absolutely unacceptable. Runckell wanted to consult with an engineer on the matter.
He did so and October 4 he secured the opinion of engineer Bodurer in Amsoldingen that was unfavorable. Then this project was dropped. The engineer, however, informed Runcke! that between Romainmotier and Romont, on the boundary of Bur- gundy, a great tract of untilled land was in possession of Berne, which would be used as a place of abode for
.
172
SWISS MENNONIST EXODUS INTO HOLLAND.
the Mennonites. He hoped to be able to Deventer, and were now brought to submit a chart and an estimate of ; by S. A. Cremer to the assembly. They the cost by October 25th. Such well- meant but impracticable plans were soon discarded; and reported to the meeting, in detail, everything which they and their it became clearer and clearer that the Nether- lands must be the haven of refuge for the Swiss brethren. To this end preparations in Holland were now made to receive them. (Do. 292.) brethren in Switzerland had to suf- fer innocently; and that of them all (as badly as they were treated), only one, Niklaus Rügen, had apostatized his Mennonite faith. They related that their split into two parties: viz .- 1711-Joyous Swiss Mennonite Exo- dus Into Holland. that of Hans Reist and that of Jacob Ammon, largely concerned the "Ban"; that they could not calculate the number of their church members, but one faction estimated them at 600, the other at more than a thousand.
Holland now became the goal. To transport the suffering Mennonites there, a new collection of money was needed, the same as in the years 1642, 1660, 1071 and 1694; and now greater sacrifices were demanded. Of the 20,000 florins which were collected in the last named year for the fugi- tives in the Palatinate, nothing was left. For the balance, namely; 1200 florins, Brechbuhl, on May 2. 1710, gave his receipt at Manheim. There- fore, the Committees at Amsterdam on August 12, 1710, dispatched a cir- eular to all Mennonite or Baptist Congregations in the Netherlands. This appeal was signed by the Am- sterdam brethren Willem von Maurik, Harmanus Schijn, Jan Willink Jansz, Adr, Jacob Fries, Jacob Vorsterman, Frans von Aken and Cornelis Beets. A general assembly was held on No- vember 5, 1710, at which detailed re- ports were made by the thirty-seven brethren present. The Committee received power of attorney to dispose of the money to be received at their discretion. In important questions the commission should be augmented by two delegates, each of the cities of Zaaudam, Haarleh, Leiden and Rot- terdam. Then the various projects for the rescue of the Swiss were thoroughly discussed, and further in- formation requested of Mr. Runckel.
Of the Swiss liberated at Nime- wegen, two, Hans Rupp and Peter Tenne (Thönen) had gone from there
The report of Vorsterman contains, under date of December 2, 1710, a touching letter of consolation by the Committee at Amsterdam to the bre- thren and sisters imprisoned at Berne, and as an answer thereto dated January 8, 1711, from Peter Blaser in the name of his fifty-two fellow prisoners.
Of the condition of these prisoners, Runckel writes from Berne to the Committee at Amsterdam under date of October 1, 1710, as follows:
"The day before yesterday, Sep- tember 29th, I, at last, found an op- portunity to visit the prisoners and to console them in their sorrow as much as lay in my power, and to encourage them to submit to God's will and obey the authorities in calmness of Spirit. In this, two local citizens, Messrs. Knoll and Wagner, have given me much assistance. (Müller 293.) In the so-called 'Island' prison, I found eleven men and six women, but with- out chains or fetters. Among the first named, three sick. The men are idle, the women spin hemp and flax to while away the time. In the upper hospital are sixteen men and fourteen women, among whom are also some sick and weak. The men are all penned up together in one room, but without any fetters or chains. These must earn their bread by carding or
173
EXODUS INTO HOLLAND (Continued).
combing wool or by other trade with which they are familiar. The women, too, are in a separate compartment, but not alone; and by reason thereof not confined as strictly as the men. They must in conjunction with other women who are imprisoned for other causes, pass their time by spinning wool. As much as I could observe, they are permitted to read the Bible and some other books, and, as I am informed, there is no lack of food and drink, though of course, everything, as well as the sleeping places, are very poor.
Among all these prisoners, there are very few who have any means, and even if they once had anything, it is to be feared that the costs of the prison and other things connected therewith, have already consumed that. Those who associate with these poor people declare, too, that there are (generally speaking) not as many wealthy among them as among those sent away a year ago. I spent more than three hours with them, and con- versed with them. I heard from them that they are willing to leave their fatherland and go away, but that they are not able to forget it at once, and to take leave forever. Besides it is very much to be feared that they will raise difficulties when they learn that His Royal Majesty of Prussia wants to settle them in a county bereft of its inhabitans, caused by a terrible pestilence. When I hinted this, they protested most energetically against such a proposition, and earnestly re- quested to be spared from it. They would rather be sent to some other place, which scruples, I and the above-named affectionate God-fearing citizens endeavored to remove to the best of our ability; and will use every endeavor in the future to re- move. A list of the prisoners incar- cerated on September 29, 1710, con- tains the following names:
In the upper hospital, men: Peter Hertig, Hans Gasser, Peter Lüthei, Ulrich Trüssel. Daniel Rothenbühler, Peter Gerber, Hans Zahn, Hans Schonauer, Hans Frutiger, Heinrich Schilt, Uli Brechbühl, Daniel Neu- komet, Hans Wissler, Michael Rüs- ser, Hans Kreybühl, Bauman the Younger. (Do. 294.)
The women are: Gertrud Rugseg- ger, Barbara Rüugsegger. Margrit Gerber, Elsi Brast? (Graf?), Barbara Steiner, Luzia Wymann, Barbara Rohrer, Margret Schurch, Elisabeth- Aebersold, Gertrud Parli, Vreni Aeschlimann, Stini Trussel, Anna Salzmann. Anna Moser.
On the "Island," men: Hans Scheni- der, Uli Bear, Joseph Brobst, Claus Baumgatrner, Christian Gaümann, Christian Gaümann the Younger, Martin Strahm, Peter Blaser, Bene- dict Lehmann, Ulrich Schürch, and Hans Flückiger.
Women: Anna Brenzikoffer. Anna Habegger, Vreni Rubin, E. Heimann. Anna Bear, and Margret Oberli. (AA)
1711 - Joyous Swiss Mennonite Exo- dus into Holland-Continued.
Runckel took upon himself the fur- ther task of ascertaining the number of Mennonites set at liberty out of the jails, and their residences, in order to induce them to emigrate. Of course, this was no easy undertaking, since they all kept themselves in hid- ing as much as possible. The only sources from which anything could be learned, were the prisoners at Berne. But these, too, showed them- selves distrustful. He (Runckel) secured the services of Messrs. Kuoll (or Kuoff) and Wagner to mediate; but they, too, failed to induce the prisoners to make any disclosures. So Mr. Runckel had to try the thing personally, being accompanied by the aforesaid two men. He con- vinced them of his intentions, and
174
EXODUS INTO HOLLAND (Continued).
upon his promise to observe their ! urgent request for secrecy, he re- ceived on November 17, 1710, the de- sired information that there were at present in the Bernese lands about 295 men and women, not including the husbands and wives and children who must still be counted with the Reformed. This is reported under date of November 19, to the Commit- tee at Amsterdam. By the aid of con- fidential messengers he procured, as nearly as possible, the lists of all participants.
Runckel learned and communicated to the Committee, under date of De- cember 3, 1711 (A. A. No. 1290) that the Burgess Willading of Berne, for- merly a bitter enemy of the Menno- nites, was now engaged in an effort to effect their speedy departure. He directed (December 10th) a memor- ial to the Bernese authorities. Based on the proposal of the King of Prussia and the Netherland Menno- nites, he now submitted, in the name of the latter the following request: (1) The Swiss are to have the privi- lege of making a choice between the two offers. (2) A general amnesty is to be published so that all Menno- nites, who have heretofore secreted themselves, may without danger to themselves, appear openly and sell their possessions. (3) That they be permitted to name some one who shall have the right to dispose of their possessions for their benefit, even after their departure. (4) That those who are still imprisoned be liberated at once. (5) That the Re- formed who are wedded to Menno- nites, be permitted to emigrate with their spouses and also to take their children with them, and (6) That they may be exempt from the fee exacted until now, as a tax on emi- gration, when they leave the coun- try.
Of this proposition, Mr. Runckel informed the Chancellor of the States
General, Mr. Fogel, whereupon the States General by resolution of De- cember 30, 1710, empowered Mr. Runckel to urge also in their name, the granting of the demands of the Mennonites.
The matter was considered. But Runckel writes on December 17th, with indignation, the exhortations were met with many fines and penal- ties, so that the Bernese government seems to act as if they wanted to re- tard the departure of the Mennonites. because of these requests. In the meantime, the desire to emigrate grew stronger. To Prussia, they did not want to go, as they feared the pestilence and had an aversion against the system of serfdom still in vogue there.
On January 7, 1711, the delegates met at Amsterdam. They deliberated about the places where the Swiss might be taken; passed resolutions to the effect to bring further pressure upon the Bernese government in favor of the wishes already submit- ted to it; and remitted to Mr. Runckel, in addition to the 300 Reichstdalern, which he had at his disposal for the
brethren, 1000 florins more. At last, information was given out that the amount of the collection now had reached a total of 50,000 florins, as per detailed state- ment (in Huizinga, page 99).
What transpired in the meantime in Switzerland on the subject, Mr. W. J. Willink in Amsterdam, wrote on March 6, 1711, to Mr. H. Toren in Rotterdam, as follows:
"After much vexation, at last thirty- six of our brethren in the faith in Berne have already been set free from the prison under bail, and we hope to hear before long that the fifteen still in prison will be liber- ated too. Further, that the procla- mation of amnesty will soon be pro- mulgated, in such manner that all will receive permission to sell their
$
175
HOLLAND'S HELP FOR SWISS MENNONISTS.
estates by the end of June and to | the Baptists or Mennonites who had leave the country with the proceeds been deported the previous year. This made their condition worse. Among those returning was Samuel Rebar, 75 years old. He was imprisoned for life, or so condemned. Also Hans Burki. thereof, together with the concession that, whatever they, themselves can- not accomplish in that time, they can have attended to by their authorized agents, to which end, it is hoped, there will be granted them a term of Through Holland's continued inter- cession however an amnesty procla- mation was made Feb. 11, 1711, by Berne. one year. We now deem it necessary to consult with the committees out- side of our city, and to find ways and means to transport and settle down these poor down-trodden people. For a place of settlement, the King of Prussia is making very generous pro- posals, such as we cannot offer. He places all his various provinces at the disposal of the oppressed, they to choose whichever they want. He agrees to furnish them there at once with comfortable houses, cattle and supplies, hired help, utensils and im- plements, and whatever else may be necessary for their calling, without great expense, so that they may be installed in their new places without delay. He even agrees to grant them great privileges in preference to the natives. But he wants also the rich as well as the poor." (Müller 296).
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