Journey
The compelling tale of a journey to America 1720
by
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The soldiers looked at Grandfather. They suspected the old man was hiding something. They walked around the room, their big riding boots making clomping noises on the stone floor. They were looking for signs that might lead them to believe the family was getting ready to run away in Spring without permission, without paying their fees, cheating the overlord who was in charge of the land. The soldiers knew if these peasants were going to run in Spring, they often had their belongings piled all over the house. The family stayed near the table, speechless, riveted to their spots, afraid to say or do anything. These men had such power over them; they dared not irritate them. The soldiers looked under the sleeping mats where they knew people usually hid their money. They carefully investigated every the corner of the two rooms. Katja held her breath that they may decide to look in the trunk; but Peter had put it under the long table and made it look like it belonged there as part of the furniture. The cheeses and dried fruit were carefully hidden in the root cellar, the entrance of which was under the rug where little Inge sat wide-eyed.
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About the Book
An adventure that will intrigue a historian, genealogist, or a fan of well researched historical fiction. The difficult times of the 18th century German Palatinate, force three families to leave their homeland. Their journey takes them from their homes, down the Rhine to Rotterdam, then on to England. They continue across the Atlantic and up the Delaware River to Philadelphia, a city of about twenty thousand in 1720. There they must part; each must travel toward his own dream, into the Lancaster Plain, up the Schuylkill River, and finally into the Pennsylvania frontier. It is a story of families held together by love for each other. A story of human struggle and resilience, written to put you in awe of your immigrant ancestors.
About the Author
Shirley A Kitner Mainello is a retired educator who was a classroom teacher, reading specialist, school administrator, and private tutor. Since retiring she has become involved in writing, traveling, photography, and genealogy. Like Grandpa Jorg at the end of this story, her childhood was filled with stories of people who came before; stories which inspired her to learn to know her ancestors as real people living through real life struggles. Her travels have taken her to Germany several times, visiting many of the small towns along the Rhine and in the Palatinate area, Switzerland, and Alsace.