Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president
Arnold Abbuehl family and friends departed for America June 9, 1851, but were delayed another three days. They finally set sail June 13. Following is his story of their sea voyage.
"Now I want to tell you something about the sea voyage. First we had very bad wind and sometimes none at all, so that in 14 days we had moved forward only 200 hours. At that time seasickness was no problem. Then we got a little wind but still too little and always side wind. We were driven far north, we saw ice blocks, we felt very cold and on some days it was unbearable on deck. All the time we had to wear woolen clothes and a coat, all fear of heat hat totally vanished. We had few storm, 3 times a little. Once waves hit the deck so that water poured onto the lower deck so that Tannler had to flee with his bed. One gave a light and the Catholics started loudly to pray. Twice there was a thunderstorm, so that the hatches were shut and the Catholics again fell on their knees to pray, but thanks God everything went well.
"On 24th we met a ship, loaded with timber that had been burned by a lightning. The sailors said this was the fifth ship that had misfortune this year they knew of. On 26th a child had died and sometimes we were low hearted. Seasickness at times was heavy. Our little boy Arnold was ill a long time but not by the sea. Now he is again fairly well but very lean. Margaretha had to vomit a few times, little Anna was always in good health. The old Anna (Arnold Abbuehl's wife) was also very healthy, she had never to vomit. No passenger on the whole ship was better off than she. I, however, was in poor condition. Fully 6 weeks I had to stay in bed, not the first fortnight and not the last, during the rest of the time I have always been sick. Tannler and his wife were also sick at times, but Balthasar Streun and his children had stayed in fairly good health. Never believe that this sickness is over in just three days! Many people have been sick all the time. Now, however, thanks God in 10 full weeks we have reached New York in good health. We are much relieved, for 10 weeks on the sea there are many grievances.
"We have no news from our travel mates. We heard they had arrived here one month ago but we know nothing for sure. We are wondering why they have left no message for us. In Antwerp we agreed that whatever party first arrives they should let know the other one of their whereabouts. On the other hand, Neiger and his wife Katharina von Bergen who departed from Meiringen on 7th June reached New York 14 days ahead of us and have already found a job as innkeepers. They are well and send greetings to their relatives in Boden. They will give them more information as soon as they get any news from their cousin Neiger in Colickeu. (Colicky?)
"Thousand greetings from us to father, mother, brothers and sisters and all friends and wish you everything we need from God. Especially our parents be blessed. Also to priest Jaggi we send greetings thousand times. Again, we are well, are not homesick and you, too, should have none. God has protected us so far and we are confident he will do it further on. 18th August we will start our second lap to the state of Ohio to see our new fatherland. It will cost us very much money. Now we want to close, we will let you know of our well-being later on. You will not be able to answer this letter until we write to you our new address.
"We are fine and hope these few lines will reach you in the best of health. We greet all of you a thousand times. New York, 17th August 1851
Arnold Abbuehl
Johannes Tannler
Balthasar Streun"
Mr. Schlappi, author of the letter of inquiry Part I, also advised, among the letters (ref. Part I) are quite a few from Anna Abbuehl (1866-1938) wrote from home in Valley Falls. She had traveled with her brother Kaspar to America on the MS Cascogne, sailing from Le Havre to New York in June 1891.
The overland trip was by train via Buffalo, Kansas City, Tonaganoxie, to Valley Falls. Their brother Melchoir refers to his boss as a sensible man. Melchoir had arrived there one year before working as a farm hand with Mel Hefti. Anna's first job as a maid was with Anton Reichart's family. They apparently lived on Coal Creek Road, (Anna one time spelled it 'Kolkirick.')
Mr. Schlappi also advised plans are to publish the letters in some form or other and would be interested in hearing from anyone with background information. The Valley Falls Historical Society will furnish information pertinent to the inquiry.
The Valley Falls Historical Society Museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 10.
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