MySource:BobC/Hans Schonauer and Elisabeth Aebersold Imprisoned in Berne, Switzerland

This is an extract of the above reference (pages 172-185) relating to my ancestors, Hans Schönauer and Elisabeth Aebersold, two Swiss citizens who converted to the Mennonite faith, and who were imprisoned in Berne because of their faith.

Transcription

PAGE 172 - SWISS MENNONIST EXODUS INTO HOLLAND

1711 — Joyous Swiss Mennonite Exodus Into Holland.

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, 1671 and 1694; and now greater sacrifices were demanded. Of the 20,000 florins which were collected in the last named year for the fugitives in the Palatinate, nothing was left. For the balance, namely; 1200 florins, Brechbuhl, on May 2. 1710, gave his receipt at Manheim. Therefore, the Committees at Amsterdam on August 12, 1710, dispatched a circular to all Mennonite or Baptist Congregations in the Netherlands. This appeal was signed by the Amsterdam brethren Willem von Maurik, Harmanus Schijn, Jan Willink Jansz, Adr, Jacob Fries, Jacob Vorsterman, Frans von Aken and Cornelia Beets. A general assembly was held on November 5, 1710, at which detailed reports 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 Rotterdam. Then the various projects for the rescue of the Swiss were thoroughly discussed, and further information requested of Mr. Runckel.

Of the Swiss liberated at Nimewegen, two, Hans Rupp and Peter Tenne (Thönen) had gone from there to Deventer, and were now brought by S. A. Cremer to the assembly. They reported to the meeting, in detail, everything which they and their brethren in Switzerland had to suffer 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. — 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.

The report of Vorsterman contains, under date of December 2, 1710, a touching letter of consolation by the Committee at Amsterdam to the brethren 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, September 29th, I, at last, found an opportunity 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 without 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

PAGE 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 w'ho 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 conversed 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 inhabitants, caused by a terrible pestilence. When I hinted this, they protested most energetically against such a proposition, and earnestly requested 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 remove. A list of the prisoners incarcerated on September 29, 1710, contains the following names:

In the upper hospital, men: Peter Hertig, Hans Gasser, Peter Lüthei, Ulrich Trüssel. Daniel Rothenbühler, Peter Gerber, Hans Zahn, Hans Schönauer, Hans Frutlger, Heinrich Schilt, Uli Brechbühl, Daniel Neukomet, Hans Wissler, Michael Riisser, Hans Kreybühl, Bauman the Younger. (Do. 294.)

The women are: Gertrud Rügsegger, Barbara Rüugsegger. Margrif Gerber, Elsi Brast? (Graf?), Barbara Steiner, Luzia Wymann, Barbara Rohrer, Margret Schürch, Elisabeth Aebersold, Gertrud Pärli, Vrenl Aeschlimann, Stini Trüssel, Anna Salzmann. Anna Moser.

On the "Island," men: Hans Schenider, Uli Bear, Joseph Brobst, Glaus Baumgatrner, Christian Gaümann, Christian Gaümann the Younger, Martin Strahm, Peter Blaser, Benedict Lehmann, Ulrich Schürch, and Hans Flückiger.

Women: Anna Brenzikoffer. Anna Habegger, Vreni Rubin, E. Heimann, Anna Bear, and Margret Oberli. (AA)

1711 — Joyous Swiss Mennonitc Exodus into Holland — Continued.

Runckel took upon himself the further 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 hiding as much as possible. The only sources from which anything could be learned, were the prisoners at Berne. But these, too, showed themselves 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 convinced them of his intentions, and

PAGE 174 - EXODUS INTO HOLLAND (Continued)

upon his promise to observe their urgent request for secrecy, he received on November 17, 1710, the desired 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 Committee at Amsterdam. By the aid of confidential messengers he procured, as nearly as possible, the lists of all participants.

Runckel learned and communicated to the Committee, under date of December 3, 1711 (A. A. No. 1290) that the Burgess Willading of Berne, formerly a bitter enemy of the Mennonites, was now engaged in an effort to effect their speedy departure. He directed (December 10th) a memorial to the Bernese authorities. Based on the proposal of the King of Prussia and the Netherland Mennonites, he now submitted, in the name of the latter the following request: (1) The Swiss are to have the privilege of making a choice between the two offers. (2) A general amnesty is to be published so that all Mennonltes, 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 Reformed who are wedded to Mennonites, 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 emigration, when they leave the country.

Of this proposition, Mr. Runckel informed the Chancellor of the States General, Mr. Fogel, whereupon the States General by resolution of December 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 penalties, so that the Bernese government seems to act as if they wanted to retard 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 submitted 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 statement (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 liberated too. Further, that the proclamation of amnesty will soon be promulgated, in such manner that all will receive permission to sell their

PAGE 175 - HOLLAND'S HELP FOR SWISS MENNONISTS

estates by the end of June and to leave the country with the proceeds thereof, together with the concession that, whatever they, themselves cannot 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 one year. We now deem it necessary to consult with the committees outside 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 proposals, 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 implements, 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).

The King had a suspicion that the Hollanders wanted to keep the rich with them and to saddle the poor upon Prussia. Mr. Runckel endeavored to set the King's too great expectations about the wealth of the Swiss Mennonites aright, by mentioning the fact that according to his investigation they mostly belonged to the lower order.

1711— Holland Doing Everything Possible for the Mennonites.

There is a long list of documents in the Archives of Amsterdam showing what trouble and expense Holland expended to help our ancestors to flee from the wrath of Berne. Ambassador Runckel led off in the task.

In Runckel's letter of Jan. 3, 1711, be speaks of the repeated return of the Baptists or Mennonites who had 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 Burkl.

Through Holland's continued intercession however an amnesty proclamation was made Feb. 11, 1711, by Berne.

It set forth that, as all past efforts to rid the land of the Baptists had failed, and the sect increased— and as they will not take the oath of allegiance — nor bear arms — and as they did not take advantage of the right to depart because as they say no fixed place has been provided for them to go to, where they could enjoy what they call "liberty of conscience," that, the government of Berne has finally made arrangements with the government of Prussia by its consul Bundeli, and with the Government of Holland, by their Secretary, M. Runckel, to take over these persons. They are therefore allowed now to go to Holland or Prussia if they do not return; except they must not go into Neuenburg or Valeudis. But those already condemned are not at liberty to thus depart. Those in prison will be at liberty to go too if they furnish bail. They are allowed to the end of June, 1711, to go, but not after — and no fee for departure will be exacted. The journey is to be at their own expense. Wives, children and husbands of these Mennonites or Baptists, who belong to the Reformed Church may go too if they desire. But all will lose their citizenship. Whatever is not reported to the Baptist or Mennonite Chamber in time will be confiscated. In the meantime all Mennonite meetings are prohibited under penalty. All who leave will be severely punished if they return. Runckel reported that by Feb.

PAGE 176 - SWISS MENNONISTS INVITED TO HOLLAND

14th at least 18 Meunonites secured release from prison by giving bail, I and departed out of the Canton Berne under this amnesty. They went to Holland. Thirty others were promised freedom.

March 18, at Amsterdam, the conditions of this amnesty were discussed in a meeting held under government authority. Runckel was given a vote of thanks for his good work; and he was given general charge by Holland of the departure, etc.

At the meeting Dr. Herman Schijn read the draft of a letter, he favored sending out. It was approved and ordered translated into German, and to be sent to Runckel to be distributed throughout Switzerland. This letter urged Mennonites everywhere to take advantage of the permission to depart, and end their misery. They were to come to Holland.

The King of Prussia, too, soon after, Feb. 1711, granted special privileges to these people and welcomed them. Agents of the King, Steven Creamer and Alia Dirks, invited them to come; but the meeting decided it best to wait until the Swiss arrived — and then let them select whether they would take Holland or Germany to live in.

Runckel complains in his letters that it is very hard to find among these Swiss men who can be of much help to him in arranging for their advantage, and their departure. Dan. Reichen he says seems to be the only man who can help much. He complains that there is a good deal of distrust among the Mennonites. He says arrangements are made that lists of those who will take advantage and depart, and the names shall be sent in at once or by Feb. 20, 1711. Announcement is to be made in all pulpits. Berne promulgatea a mandate April 17, 1711, that everything is to be done to assist these people to depart. There was a mandate of April 29, 1711, that all people of Berne in whom the Mennonites have confidence, whether Reformed or otherwise, who will assist the departure shall receive instructions and the thanks of the government. (Miiller 296-7.)

1711— Exodus Into Holland (Continued).

Xow that the movement into Hol- land was to become a fact, a list was to be made of the property and possessions of these Mennonites. But toward the beginning of Summer ia 1711, these people had not yet made a statement to the authorities ; and the Berne government now began to feel that they would be accused of embezzling the estates of the op- pressed.

The authorities, therefore, decided that heavy penalties must be inflicted, and did so, by mandate of the 11th of May. requiring the statements. On the second of June the mandate was repeated.

June 22, 1711, there was a mandate issued by Berne that the wives, hus- bands and children of Mennonites or Baptists, who belonged to the Re- formed Church and who are going to Holland with the Mennonites, should lose their Swiss citizenship. And inose wHj are not members of the Baptist or Mennonite families, should pay, in addition, ten per cent, of the "departure money." Mandate of June 24.

Ten thousand florins of the moneys collected by the Dutch for the Swiss were now put at the disposal of their needs.

July 15, a meeting was held by the government at Amsterdam and the Dutch Mennonites, as the Swiss were soon expected to arrive there, at which meeting full report was made of everything that had transpired dur- ing the last few weeks. Mr. Runckel

PAGE 177 - SWISS MENNONIST DEPARTURE FOR HOLLAND

reported that with the cousent of the committee he had persuaded Mr. G. Ritter from Berne, who managed the expedition of 1710, to take charge of the tran.'^portation of this expedition of 1711 that his first duty as arranged, was to provide five vessels for con- veyance of about five hundred per- sons (the number estimated who would migrate) that t!ie vessels were built in Berne — that the cost of them with all necessary furnishings amounted to one thousand six hun- dred and fifty-six reichsthalers (or dollars of the realm).

Upon the advice of Ruuckel, the committee secured the intercession of the States General — that is the gov- erning officers of Holland — whereby the migrants are to be accorded at Vasal, Treves, Cologne, Hesse-Cassel and Prussia, unhindered passage on the Rhine and exemption from toll or duty. They also had instructions issued to Runckel to continue his stay at Berne. Runckel reported that the crews of the ships demanded higher wages than they did in 1710; and that the cost of the crews and the board and expenses would reach about three thousand two hundred and fifteen reichsthalers.

It was reported that there would be hardly five hundred members, be- cause the faction of the Mennonites led by Hans Reist decided that they would not go, because Switzerland was their home and no one had a right to drive them out. But the fac- tion led by Jacob Ammon (that is the Amish Mennonites) were likely all to go. Runckel reasoned with the Reist Mennonites a great deal but they had not yet made up their minds. (Miiller 299). Runckel further re- ported that he felt quite indignant at this resolve, as he haa done every- thing he could for these people. He was disgusted further because, he said old Hans Burki, disregarding all danger, had come back to the coun-

try, after having jjromised not to do so. and had brought a company of brethren back with him and they were all again thrown In jail and a dark future in sight for everybody.

The Mennonite committee in Hol- land extended their thanks to the Swiss Ambassador at the Hague (M. St. Saphorim) and also to the King of Prussia for the interest they took in these oppressed Swiss Brethren. The King was so interested that he visited the Holland authorities and leading Mennonites at Amsterdam on the 16th of June, 1711, to learn more fully what he could do ror them.

1711 — Mennonites Depart for Holland.

The departure of the emigrants was fixed to take place on the 13th of July. Runckel had given informa- tion that according to the latest esti- mates, the number who would go was 307, together with fifty-two. who had been imprisoned. But it was not known whether any members of their family would accompany them or not. It was recommended that, it be earn- estly insisted on departing, that they must obligate themselves as the Berne government wishes, never again to return to their country. It was arranged that they should not disembark until they reached Am- sterdam. The necessary instructions were to be handed by Abraham Fortgens, the pastor or teacher of the Mennonite congregation at Emmerich to Mr. Ritter, who had charge of these Christians. The place they were to settle when they landed was to be referred to a meeting to beheld a few days prior to their expected arrival in Amsterdam. By that time minute information about colonizing in Prussia was expected to be avail- able. The committee had sent, early in July, three Swiss Mennonite ex- perts, Benedict Brackbühl, Hans Ramseier and Uly Bauer to the dif-

PAGE 178 - FINANCING SWISS MENNONISTS IN HOLLAND

ferent places from which so many reports and good prospects had been held forth, to investigate and see the condition with their own eyes, and make report. It was also reported at the meeting by the delegate from Preisland, the northern province of Holland on the North Sea, that Mr. G. von Aylva, a notary or Court Officer at Bakkoveen (a town in Hol- land twenty miles southwest of the town of Groningen in the swamp country, about fifteen miles from the north coast of Holland), was willing to place part of his lands, on which peat or soft coal could be dug for two hundred years, at the disposal of these Swiss Mennonite members and to all others of them who should come, for the sum of two thousand florins. Others reported in favor of colonizing in the Groningen country, the north eastern province of Hol- land, on the North Sea. The inves- tigation of these proposed sites pro- gressed some time but the final de- cision was not to be rendered until the Swiss did actually arrive. (Müller 299.)

1711 — Exodus Into Holland (Continued).

We now glance again at the events transpiring in Switzerland. Berne agreed, though unwillingly, upon pressure being brought against her by Prussia and Holland, to grant amnesty to the persecuted Anabap- tists or Mennonites; but did so only upon payment of twenty-five reich- thalers, expense money for every one released from prison. Berne also in- sisted that these payments should not be taken out of the charity funds collected in Holland. (Miiller 300.) The ships of which we spoke before, were ready to sail, but now it ap- peared that the emigrants delayed making preparations for the journey, though they had given in their names and the names of their children and

wives to be placed on the list thai were being made out under Runckel's orders, after great difficulty. They had no confidence in the promise of the government; they felt suspicious about whether their teachers and leaders would be included in the am- nesty — about whether their children could be taken along or whether the government would keep tliem back and train them up in the State re- ligion. The Hans Reist people, since they split from the Amish people were quite stubborn about going. A great deal of trouble arose about separating the goods and property of families, between the members who would go and those who would stay. A great deal of time was necessary to make the sales and transfers of property. The notice was really too short. And the fact that such an emigration could be accomplished at all is evidence of the sacrifices that the people were ready to make for their religion and how hard the intol- erance which they suffered, bore upon them. We may add that, without the great ingenuity and services of Runckel, the exodus to Holland in 1711 could not have been possible. Nor must we forget the great services which George Ritter and Daniel Richen rendered Runckel in this matter. Richen was in banishment in Neuenberg at the time, and only on the 23rd of May, 1711, by the earn- est efforts of Runckel, was he given permission to return to Switzerland, on the first of July.

Runckel received from the Ana- baptist or Mennonite Chamber all the moneys of the emigrants who were to go to Holland and transmit- ted the same by a draft to the Men- nonite Committee in Holland. The sum he remitted was twenty-eight thousand five hundred florins, which on the 17th of August was receipted for by Jacob Vorsterman and John Honnore at Amsterdam, to be repaid

PAGE 179 - SWISS EXODUS INTO HOLLAND (Continued)

by them later to the proper owners on presentation of obligation which these owners held and which had been issued to them as an evidence of what sums they were entitled to. The sum paid to each owner was the same that he had been required to pay in. upon entering the ship, so that it would be impossible for him to turn back with his money. These receipted obligations are still on file in their original completeness in the Archives of Amsterdam.

In addition to this, the sums of money wbich the Swiss themselves carried with them 'in drafts and in cash, accordin<? to Runckel, amounted to six Or seven thousand reichthalers.

Zehn-der estimates the amount of capital taken out of Switzerland up to this time by departing Mennonites was ab^ut six hundred thousand pounds. The whole sum which Runckel received for the aid of the Swiss and for which he rendered an account on March 29, 1713, in Am- st-erdam amounted to thirty-eight thousand one hundred and thirty- three (38,133) florins or fifteen thou- sand two hundred and thirty-three (1.5.233) reichthalers.

By the beginning of June, the dif- ficulties and hindrances had become so great that it seemed to Runckel, as well as to the Committee, that the enterprise would be impossible. Tn the second week of .July, the five ships (four of which had been con- structed at Berne) were all ready. As the five hundred emigrants could not be gathered together, other pas- sengers were accepted (Do. 301).

Penally embarkation took place .July 13th in Neunberg. as well as in Berne.

The ships joined one another at Wangen. Here one of the former prisoners, Henrich Schilt, of Schang- nau, absented himself, contrary to his vow. On the 14th the journey was continued to Lafenburg: and on the

16th, all arrived safely at Basel. Runckel had reached this i)laco a day before by a land route. The open vessels were here furnished with awnings and the necessary supplies were put on board — additional pas- sengers were taken on board here. Shortly before the departure from Basel, on the 17th of .July, two Men- nonites, Hans Burki (or Burkholder) and Samuel Reber, were released from imprisonment and brought by the government of Berne to Basel and put upon the ships. Those men had been condemned to severe pun- ishment because they sneaked or stole back into Switzerland. Through the efforts of Runckel they were al- lowed to board the shii)s at the last moment.

1711 — Exodus Into Holland (Continued).

The Baptist or Mennonite teacher. Daniel Grimm, had been arrested at Langnau with Hans Burki (or Burk- holder), and was to have been trans- ported to America the previous year. But, upon his liberation in Holland, he became one of the three trustees or men of confidence of the Mennonites in the Netherlands, though he had, as we have just stateil, violated his pledge and returned to Switzerland. Burkholder's action caused great dif- ficulties; and the more so because all of his children, in company with Uli Gerber, his hired man. as well as the ten sons of three other Menno- nites, Peter and Daniel GTimm and Christian Neuenschwender, armed themselves with pitch forks, sticks and clubs and made a stubborn re- sistance to either being thrown out of Switzerland or being arrested. (R. M. July 9, 1711.) Upon this opposi- tion to the authorities, proceedings to punish them were instituted. Burki and Grimm particularly angered the government of Switzerland because they endeavored to dissuade the

PAGE 180 - RUNCKEL'S GREAT SERVICE FOR SWISS SUFFERERS

Mennonites in the mother country from going to Holland. (R. M. June 10, 1711.)

At Basel it was plain that the travelers could be transported In four ships. Therefore, the fifth ves- sel was left behind here to be usel, perhaps, later for similar purposes. After it had lain there for a year, the people of Basel had it dismembered and removed, though it was the prop- erty of the friends of the Mennonites and was worth at least one hundred florins.

The command over the flotilla was confided to George Ritter and his two superintendents, Gruner and Haller. He was also to be advised in import- ant matters by two prominent Men- nonite Brethren, Daniel Richen and Christian Gauman, the elder, who had been appointed for this purpose. Be- sides this there were on the ships a few brethren entrusted with the su- pervision and care of the emigrants — Hans Burki, Jacob Richen, Emanuel Lartscher, Michael Lusser, Hans Meier and Peter Zehnder. (Miiller 302.) Each vessel had its experienced helmsman or pilot, and the necessary crew from the brethren, of whom twenty reported as experienced oars- men. Experienced pilots were taken along from one place to another ac- cording as they were familiar with the river at different points.

The embarkation took place in good order. Runckel tells us in A letter, however, of July 18, 1711, which he wrote from Basel to the Committee, of the trouble he had with Hans Burki and Samuel Reber, who said they positively would not go along to Hol- land. He said they had the rudeness, in company with a number of others whom he names, all of whom had been imprisoned and whom he had gotten out of prison with great dif- ficulty — that they had the rudeness to inquire of him in a public place in the

presence of Mr. Ritter and other prominent men, whether he(Runck6l) intended to take them away as pris- oners or free men. He answered them that they were certainly to go as free men but the order was, thev m- st go on to Holland, where full liberty would be granted them. BurkhoPer reported that the Burge-s of Berne, when he delivered him up to the ship merely told him that he .must keep away from the Berne territory in the future and did not say that he must go to Holland. He now insisted that here at Basel, he was outside of Berne territory and was at liberty to go wherever he 'plea=-ed; and further that he did not intend to go into the ship again; but savs Kunckel, Burk- ho'der finally submitted, after being informed that he (Runckel) would get the a"d of the Basel government to order him locked in irons and to be taken to Holland in that manner, if he would not go willingly, accord- ing to his vow and pledge. Runckel says further, that he lectured Burk- holder very severely for his opposi- tion to all that was being done for his and others* best interest. Py energetic action, Runckel says he nipped great difficulties in the bud which later could not have been pre vented or overcome. Some of the emigrants subsequently m"de theii escape from the ships in order to g( back to Switzerland and were a^ain arrested and locked rp. And after having now broken their promise sev- eral times nothing could liberate them.

Runckel inspected every ship and made a careful and correct list of those who undertook the journey; issued the necessary orders; entrusted the care of the who'e expedition to Mr. Ritter; and after the departure of the ships, returned to Schaffhausen. (Müller 303.)

PAGE 181 - EXPENSES OF DEPORTATION OF 1711

1711 — Exodus Into Holland (Continued).

The following items of expense, taken from Runckel's account which he rendered on November 30, 1711, from Schaffhausen to the Committee at Amsterdam, throws considerable light on the expedition:

1710

Oct. 6 — To Maid Jenner, prisonkeeper at Berne, for necessaries and habiliments for the Baptists who had been imprisoned on the Island, on account; twenty ducats or 25 Reichsthaler. Oct. 6 — To Mister Berabard Wagner for the same purpose for the prisoners contained in the upper hospital, thirty-five ducats or 26 Reichsthaler and 18 batzen or cents, of which he had used only twenty-six. Oct. 20 — Journey to Amsoldingen to Mister Boduer, to consult with him in reference to placing the poor Baptists on the bogs of Aauburg, Yoerdon and Orbe, spent in three days with an hired man and two horses, 7 Reichsthaler and 25 batzen (cents). Feb. 4, 1711 — To the poor Baptists on the Island for their necessities, 10 Reichsthaler. Do. — Gave separately to Samuel Reber who had recently been re-arrested 3 Reichsthaler.

Do. — To the so-called "Schneckemuttzer" (snail mother) who had attended to the wants of these Baptists, and who had usually opened the prison doors to us, as a tip, two dollars. Do. — To the poor Baptists in the upper hospital for their necessities, 62 dollars. Do. — To the so-called "Spinnmutter" (spinning mother) who had attended to the wants of these Baptists and who had usually opened the prison doors to us, as a tip, 2 dollars. Feb. 5— To the messenger of the Chancery who had delivered to me the decision for the liberation of the above mentioned Baptists, tip, 15 batzen or cents.

March 5 — Paid to the Baptist Chamber at Berne for prison expenses one hundred Reichsthaler. Of these were refunded by:

Niklaus Haberli 16 Reichsthaler

Elsbeth Aebersold 15 "

Barbara Rohrer 15 "

Katharine Balli 15 "

(Total) 61 "

Leaving a balance on account of thirty-nine Reichdollars.

March 11th, paid further to the Baptist Chamber for prison expenses Heinrich Schilt of Schangnau, 25 dollars; Hans Kuenbuhler of Diessbach, 25 dollars. March 12 — To Mrs. Langhaus, attendant at the Baptist Chamber, for various services on account of the imprisoned Baptists; particularly at the time of their release, by request of the Baptists, 1 Louisdor, 3 dollars and 24 cents. (Müller 304) — March 30, To Peter Blaser of Lauperswyl, who was sent into the judicial districts of Trachselwald and Sumiswald. in order to induce the Baptists residing there to emigrate, as travelling expenses, 1 dollar and 15 cents. — May 13, To Peter Sheuk of Trub, a member of the Reformed Church but who was kindly disposed towards the Baptists, and who distributed the printed circulars in the Emmenthal, a gratuity for his trouble, 1 dollar. — May 18, Mr. Bernhard Wagner, who was sent into the Emmenthal to persuade the Baptists residing there for Heaven's sake to get themselves in readiness for departure and for this purpose to have their names written down, since he refused absolutely to charge anything for his trouble and expense, a gratuity of four Louisdor paid him, 15 dollars and 6 cents. — June 15, To Samuel Reber, preparation for the Journey, 25 dollars. — June 13, To the four provosts, who had brought Samuel Reber and Hans Burki from the

PAGE 182 - SWISS EXODUS INTO HOLLAND (Continued)

jail to the ship, 2 Reichdollars — July 14, On the journey to Basel, nights lodging in Wangen for Mr. Bernhard Wagner's postillion and horse, 1 dol- lar and 16 cents. — July 16, To printer Thurneisen in Basel, for the printing of seven hundred copies of that cir- cular, 9 good florins, 4 dollars and 12 cents. — July 19, Paid in Basel for board and lodging for Mr. Wagner's postillion and horse for 3 days, 8 dollars and 16 cents. — For his return home, 12 dollars and 15 ecnts.

1711— Exodus Into Holland (Continued).

Various writers have described how the exiled protestants of Salz- burg, bearing their scant effects, journeyed over the mountains of their country, and with tearful eyes, cast a last glance upon the valleys of their native- land. It has been related too, how the columns of French emigrants wandered toward the boundary line of their fatherland, singing psalms. Of our exiles from the Emmenthal and from the highlands of Switzer- land, no countrymen of theirs has made mention in sympathy and sor- row, none have described the feelings of these pople when they set their eyes for the last time on the spires of the cathedral of Basel, and the wooded crests of the Jura and saw their native country recede from view. On the boxes and bundles piled up on the deck of the ship, old men, the weak and infirm are seated. In other parts of the ships, the young and strong are standing together and looking with wondrous eyes on the shores, as the ships glide along. Sometimes hopeful, sometimes full of anxiety, they glance to the North, and then again and again to the South to their home country, which they were compelled to give up, the country, which had driven them so cruelly in- to exile — but whose verdant hills and silver-crested mountains, they never-

theless could not forget. And (their hearts, heavy with sorrow) they in- tonated a hymn which gave them so- lace:

"O Lord, we Thee implore, G'uide well our hearts and minds According to Thy Holy Word, Through Thy great mercy kind."

Kindle in our hearts A fervent love to Thee. Watch o'er us and defend us; Or sundered we shall be.

Who loves his life shall lose it; But who for Him leaves wife' and child. And home and friends and country. Gains Christ and Heaven mild!

The winds are blowing tempests; The flowing streams swell high ; Yet these we freely brave. And to God, our Savior cry.

Whoe'er avows the truth; And keeps his soul from sin; Though haunted down and seized, Has joy and peace within.

The Lord two groups will form. On the stern judgment day, Come blessed of my Father, To the righteous he will say.

Ye suffered taunts and outrage; Left home and Fatherland of old. He gains who struggles wage, A hundred thousand fold.

No man can speak it out. No bond can it portray. What God will give his own, On the great Judgment Day."

Hans Burkl took the first opportunity to leave the ship at Breisach, taking with him twelve companions; and when Mennheim hove into view, the haven of refuge of so many friends and acquaintances, Samuel Reber,

PAGE 183 - SWISS EXODUS INTO HOLLAND (Continued)

and thirty others too, decamped. Mayence, Coblenz, Cologne, Diissel- dorf and Wessel were passed. At Elmmerich, Abram Fortgens brought all greetings of welcome, and in formed them on behalf of the Com- mittee that, Amsterdam was to be the end of the journey. Now the boun- dary line of Holland had been reach- ed. Utrecht was passed, and at Niii- den. the ships were docked. From Utrecht on, two envoys from Amster- dam accompanied the transports. In Amsterdam Jan Frederlksen on Au- gust 2nd, gave notice of the arrival at Utrecht. In Nuiden they were bid a cordial welcome by a number of gentlemen of Amsterdam.

On the same day, (the third of Au- gust, 1711) Mr. Hounore gave a glow- ing report of the arrival of the Swiss at Nuiden, to his friend Bennings at Rotterdam, saying they would be in Amsterdam by evening, and adding the information that, their number was tliree hundred and forty, among whom were one hundred and fifty children, eighty to ninety men and ninety to one hundred women.

1711 — Exodus Into Holland (Continued).

The Swiss, who actually did arrive on the evening of the third of August at Amsterdam, were given quarters for the night in the large rooms of the warehouses on the "Zaudlock," which was part of the malting plant, and which had been placed at their disposal by one of the gentlemen. This building had been transformed within the last few days into huge barracks and had been supplied with the necessary bedding, blankets, uten- sils, victuals and beverages. Every- thing that was needed was brought in large quantities, and the sick and in- firm received special attention. It was a hospitable reception in evei-y sense. Great was the love and cordi- aJlity mutually exhiblte-d. And the

citizens of Amsterdam came in such great throngs that it became neces- sary to put the entrances to the quar- ters under police protection. The boxes placed at the doors contained charitable offerings to the amount of one thousand and forty-five florins. For two weeks, the Swiss were here the guests of their brethren in the faith. It was indeed an arduous time for the Committees at Amsterdam. The best we can do in the way of be- lated thanks, is to present the name of the Holland loaders for future per- petuation. The membere of the relief committee were William van Maurik, Hermanns Schyn, Jan Willink, Abra- ham Jacob Fries, Jol) Sieuwerts, Jacob Vorsterman, Jan Honnore and Cornells Beets.

The most accurate kno.wledge of the doings of the relief committee is ob- tained by examining the account of Messrs. Vorsterman and Honnore. We find therin the entire total daily con- sumption of the emigrants, the fur- ni.^hing of the barracks, the service, the gifts and money. We leam, too. the names of all who furnished sup- plies. (Miiller 307 ^ The entire ac- count is contained in Huizinga, pages 100 to 102. The orphans were placed in homes and their board paid. A young Christian was admitted into the Orphanage of the Baptist congrega- tion for seventy-five florins annually.

The fugitives who had anived at Amsterdam were most part members of the Amman faction, that is the Amish. The adherents of Reist had nearly all decamped en route.

In the "Emmenthaler" ship most of the prisoners had been placed. The Overseers were Hans Burki, Christen (jaumann the Elder and Jacob Rich- ener.

Martin Strahm, of Hohsteten, left the ship at Breisaeh; so did Hans Burki of Langnau, Peter Hartig of Lauperswyl; Peter Gerber and wife

PAGE 184 - DEPORTATION OF SWISS IN 1711

and Verena Aeschlimann of Langnau: Joseph Propst of Lauperswyl; Daniel Rothenbublier of Lauperswyl escaped at Mannheim; so did Hans Schwarz- entrub of Triib; Ulrich Beer of Trub escaped at Breisach; so did Hans Gas'ser, teacher and his wife, Katrina Stauffer, and a young son of Laupers- wyl. Hans Zann escaped at Mann- heim; so did Hans Fliickiniger of Liitzelfliich and Niklaus Baumgartner of Trub, and Niklaus Haberli of Liicbsee, and Ulrich Triissel and his daughter Katherina of Sumiswald. Chr. G-aumann the elder and his wife, Anna Brenzikoffer of Hoctstetten. Chr. Gaumann the younger and his wife, Katharina Streit, with two sons, five and eleven years of age, respec- tively, and two daughters of six and three years of age respectively, of Hochstetten, arrived at Amsterdam. Daniel Neukomm, of Eggwyl, escaped at Mannheim. Hans Wisler of Lang- nau escaped at Breisach. Verena Kohler and daughter of Rothenbach, escaped at Mannheim, Hans Schon- auer and his wife Elsbeth Aebersold of Hochstetten, Hans Snyder of Trub, and Samuel Reber of Trub, escaped at Mannheim. Ulrich Schurch and his wife, Barbara Grunbacher, with three sons and one daughter, of Sumiswald, Katharina Haldimann, of Hochstet- ten and Katrina Galbi of Hochstetten, and Lucia Weinmann, forty years old, weaver of Hochstetten, arrived. (Miil- ler 308.) Barbara Rohrer, forty years of age, her husband, and Veit Sagi- mann, of the Reformed Church, and a son twenty years of age, not a mem- ber of the congregation of BoUlgon, arrived. She died shortly after the arrival at Amsterdam. Marg. Schurch, widow, and a daughter twenty years of age (not a member) of Lutzelfluh, arrived.

1711 — Exodus Into Holland (Continued).

Marg. Oberli, of Ruderwyl, escaped; so did Kath Bieri of Trub; and Marty Kling of Tru'b ; and Anna Habegger of Trub; and Hans Shellenberger and his wife, Elsbebh Neuensohwander of Trub. Among the expedition were Daniel Becker, Ulrich Hugo, student and Andreas Jeggli a tanner. Besides these the following voluntary travel- ers had been placed on the ship: Ru- dolf Stettler and his wife, Elsbeth Widmer, with two young sons, thir- teen and fifteen years of age respect- ively, a weaver of Stettlen, who went through to Amsterdam. But Jacdb Richeuer and his wife belonging to the Refoi-med Churoh, with five chil- dren eleven years down to five weeks old, respectively, of Ruppertswyl, escaped at Mannheim. Hans Kohler. thirty-nine years old, and his wife, a member of the Reformed Church, re- spectively, stonecutter of Wimmingen, arrived at Amsterdam. So did Madg. Gisler. widow, with two ehildren, aged ten and six years respectively, seam- stress forty-six years old of Sumis- wald; and Ester Bohlen. single wo- man, weaver of Rueggisberg; and Barbara Shar. widow, with two chil- dren, eleven and eight years old re- spectively, of Sumiswald; and Bar- bara Joost, with a daughter, of the Reformed faith, twenty years of age. of Sumiswald; and Katharine Mliiller, single woman, forty-four years of age, of Melc'huan; and Anna Heiniger. single woman, thirty-five years old, of Duenroth; and Kathrine Heiniger. thirty-two years of age; Magd. Hein- iger, twenty-eight years of age; and Elsbeth Heiniger, thirty-four years of age, of Dunenroth; and Elsbeth Som- ner, single woman, thirty years of age, of Sumiswald; and Elsbeth Kaner, single woman, twenty-two years of age, straw hat maker orf Dunenroth ; and Elsbeth Althouse,

PAGE 185 - DEPORTATION OF SWISS IN 1711

widow, fifty -six years of age. and daughter, twenty-three years old, not a memljer of Sumiswald; and Christ Brand, an oriihan. eleven years old. of Sumiswald; and Elsbeth Kupfers- ahusied, of Sumiswald. In the "Em- enthaler" ship, there were altogether aihout eighty-nine i>ersons. (Miiller 309.)

On another list there are the fol- lowing names and facts: Hans Ogi and wife, thirty-four years old and daughter five years old farmer, ar- rived at Amsterdam; so did Hans Qchallenberg, of Neunberg, and his wife, Marg. Richen, and four daugh- ters. Christian Kroff, 'his wife and three sons, aged ten, two and one years respectively, shoemaker, ar- rived; and Hans Hauri, weaver, wife and two sons, from the judicial dis- trist of Leuzburg; arrived. Hans Lang, -weaver, thirty-five years old, his wife. Barb Gerber, twenty-seven years old and one child, arrived. Hans Grerman, farmer, his wife, Magd. Schallenberger, and two children died. Ulrich Roth, miller, fifty-five years of age, his wife Elsbeth Steiner, a son of fifteen years, and three daughters and Anna MWller (or Moser) widow, sixty-six years of age, lame, arrived, and so did Daniel Gerljer, husbandman, and wife, Magd. Richen, forty-six years old. In the siip, "Oberlander" (people from up tihe country), there were: Overseers — Daniel Richen, inspector general, and Bmanuel Lortscher; and Emanuel Liortsoher, husbandman, of Erlenbach, his wife, Anna Andres, and four chil- dren, from six years to six months of age, respectively, who reached Am- sterdam; and Anna and Duchtly Teuscher, forty years old, single women, weavers; and Marg. Kallen, of Frutigen, seventy years of age, lame, and daughter, twenty years old, R-eformed (her husband stayed be- hind) ; and Magd. Schmied, fifty-four years old. Baptist, of Latterbaoh, and

eight children, Jobam, Abrahajn, Jakob, Isaac, David, Hans Rudolf. Susanna, Salome, all by the name of Lortscher, and all children of the Reformed faith; and Hans Thonen, fifty years of age, husbandman, of Frutigen, Reformed, and wife, Kath. Reichen, with three sons and six daughters, from twenty to three years of age, respectively, and Hans Schmied, Reformed, and wife, Baptist, with one son and one daughter, nine and seven years of age respectively, of Frutigen; and Chr. Schlapbaoh, Reformed, of Frutigen, his wife, Kath. Bohner, and four children, eight and two years of age, respec- tively; and Anna Schmied, single woman, thirty years old, of Frutigen. They all arrived at Amsterdam. Magd. Schmeid, single w'oman of Frutigen, was the only one to join the party en route. Melchoir Kratzen, husband- man, of Aeschi, forty years of age. Reformed, (his wife) Elsb. Graf. (Baptist) who had been imprisoned with four sons and three daughters, fourteen years to six months of age, arrived at Amsterdam. So did Verena Barben, single woman, thirty years of age, of Spiez, seamstress; and Kung- gold Kropfli, of Spiez, with one son and one daughter, 12 and 10 years of age, respectively. (Mliiller 310.)