The Fehmarn Cousins Newsletter
Issue #19 Jan. 2002
The following article was in the German newspaper Lübecker Nachrichten on Nov 26, 2001
Fehmarn’s Cemetaries - 3400 Graves on the Internet
From a report by: Michael Kirchner, LN
in the Lübecker Nachrichten
English translation by: E. Bügge-Wood
Fehmarn/Miami - cemetery visit over the internet - a vision or a reality? At least for the family members of those buried in the 6 grave yards the future has begun: They can now with a mouse click view the photos of the 3400 graves at home on their monitors - world wide.
Responsible for this is the perfectionist John Kostick, who’s roots reach all the way to Ost-Holstein. When he starts something he meticulously and with endurance finishes it to the end; not just in his company in Miami/Florida, but also researching genealogy is for him really more than just a hobby, this American does this thoroughly and with enthusiasm. In his achievements Kostick gladly shares; but also allows others to take part in, if they are interested in genealogy like he is. At first he established on the internet a large data bank with the names from Fehmarn for 82 000 people, this work is constantly reviewed and improved. For this reason he and his sister Judy visited the island Fehmarn three times, lasting several weeks. The last visit was this year in June.
Assisting him in this endeavor was Melitta Ehler from the church archives in Neustadt, also Karl-Wilhelm Klahn and his cousin Dieter Klahn from Bremen, who are interested in the history of the island. Fehmarn’s genealogist Max-Otto Rauert gave his giant collection of 55 000 personal names of families, that have been researched all the way back to the 15th century. Many people from Fehmarn are in close correspondence with John Kostick by E-mail.
Once, three years ago, when he visited the cemetery in Burg, he came up with the idea to photograph the graves, as Mr. Kostick reported when we called him in his home in Miami. This should assist all the people from Fehmarn in their search of their forefathers and allow them an optical view of the graves. Loaded with modern digital camera he spent weeks of hard labor together with his sister, going from grave to grave on the 2 cemeteries in Burg, Bannesdorf, Petersdorf, as well as the two in Landkirchen, but he also went to the two cemeteries in Großenbrode. This came to about 3400 grave sites, which can be viewed from anyplace on earth over the internet.
In the meantime, the activities of this crazy American on the cemeteries of the island Fehmarn have spread some mixed rumors. Skeptics, who seem to think that the privacy and the protection of data may be endangered; which was put at ease by Pastor Christiane Kline in Burg: “Legally there is no danger.” Cemeteries are open to the public, birth- and death-dates are not protected by the privacy act.
It is even advantages, so says the pastor, in this manner the memory of the dead may be respected as well as the names. It might be a question though, whether true devotion is spent at the sight of the grave on a monitor.
Proud of my German Heritage
This is an e-mail from a young ensign aboard USS Winston Churchill (DDG-81) to his parents. (Churchill is an Arleigh Burke class AEGIS guided missile destroyer, commissioned March 10, 2001, and is the only active US Navy warship named after a foreign national.).
Dear Dad,
We are still at sea. The remainder of our port visits have all been
cancelled. We have spent every day since the attacks going back and
forth within imaginary boxes drawn in the
ocean, standing high-security watches,
and trying to make the best of it. We have seen the articles and the
photographs, and they are sickening. Being isolated, I don't think we
appreciate the full scope of what is happening back home, but we are
definitely feeling the effects.
About two hours ago, we were hailed by a German Navy destroyer, Lutjens,
requesting permission to pass close by our port side. Strange, since
we're in the middle of an empty ocean, but the
captain acquiesced and we prepared
to render them honors from our bridge wing. As they were making their
approach, our conning officer used binoculars and announced that Lutjens
was flying not the German, but the American flag. As she came alongside
us, we saw the American flag flying half-mast
and her entire crew topside standing
at silent, rigid attention in their dress uniforms. They had made a
sign that was displayed on her side that read "We
Stand By You." There was not
a dry eye on the bridge as they stayed
alongside us for a few minutes and saluted. It was
the most powerful thing I have seen in my life. The
German Navy did an incredible thing for this crew, and
it has truly been the highest point in the days since
the attacks. It's amazing to think that only
half-century ago things were quite different. After Lutjens pulled
away, the Officer of the Deck, who had been
planning to get out later this year,
turned to me and said, "I'm staying Navy." I'll write you when I know
more about when I'll be home, but this is it
for now. Love you guys.
Matthew and Dora Schumann from Fehmarn
This story was told
by Jacob's daughter Katherine (Tena) Elizabeth Schumann
submitted by Sheri
Hazelwood
Born on
August 17th year of 1874- on an Island called Fehmarn in Germany. His father and
mother were Matthew and Dora Schumann respectively. His mother's maiden name
was Moller.
To this union 6 children were born 2 boys and 4 girls, Reka Hertle, Jacob,
Maggie Steffin, Augusta Newman, Theodore Schumann and Tena Thompson.
Jacob started to school in Germany at the age of 6, and stayed on this same
island until 14 years of age.
He worked hard during his boyhood, helping his dad, by milking every night
and morning. In the fall of the year, he would herd the cattle in. He also
worked out, by helping some of the neighbors with their tasks.
In the winter Jacob's father fished all day long, with a spear, through the
ice, and immediately after school, Jacob would skate as far as 4 miles to the
town of Burg and sell the fish at the market. It was always dark when he
returned home.
He also helped cut the grain in harvest time, wheat, barley and mostly rye,
with a scythe. This was put in the barn and threshed out with a flayl. Then
they cut the straw in 3 inch lengths for the cattle and horses to eat.
They averaged 1 hog a year to butcher, a dozen chickens and had a few
ducks.
The women went to the fields and picked up the head of grain from the
ground, that were shed when the menfolk cut the grain. This they fed to their
hog and chickens.
One of the customs of Jacob's parents, was that they served a different
meal each day of the week, but was the same each week.
Every night while fishing season was on, they would sort out the smallest
fish to eat and sold the larger ones. They served fish every night for supper.
Their main bread was rye, while they baked all kinds of sweet breads for the
holidays.
The house was made of clay and had a thatched roof. This was done by
mixing hay in with the clay, then when thoroughly mixed it was spread on the
framework of the house, and when dry it was real tough. They done all this
mixing by riding one horse and leading another on the clay until well mixed.
More than one family lived in the house but were of no relation. Their barn
was built on to the house and had bunks built onto the walls of the house for
their beds.
They used big Dutch ovens in which they baked their bread. The day before
baking, a fire was built in the oven out of turf, this was left until the oven
was real hot, then they removed the fire, and the oven was still hot enough the
next day to bake the bread.
When Jacob was 14 years of age, (1888) his parent sent him to the United
States, because if he had stayed in Germany, he would of had to become a
soldier. The trip took 15 days on the ship, and the people had to be herded
like so many cattle, for none of them spoke a word of English. So far Jacob had
had nothing but German schooling.
They landed in New York and went from there to Chicago. He then went to
Plattsmouth, Nebraska, to his Uncles Farm (his mothers brother). He stayed here
for a while, but it wasn't long until he started working on a neighboring farm
for a Mr. Pol. He learned the English Language in a very short while after
landing in this country. He worked for Mr. Pol one year and then hired out to a
Mr. Buck.
They treated him as one of the family and Jacob became very fond of them.
Although he worked hard and long hours, his wages were small, $10.00 a
month in the winter and $20.00 a month in the summer. It wasn't all work
though, for they and the neighbors took turns and had a big dance once a week.
They believed in having plenty of beer and wine at the dances.
He worked for Mr. Buck 7 years and was now 22 years of age. By this time
his parents had also arrived from Germany and made their home in Plattsmouth.
Jacob then rented some acres from Mr. Buck and started farming for
himself. During this time he lived at home with his parents.
After 2 years of farming for himself, he was then 24 years of age (1900).
Jacob and his family moved to Bloomfield, Nebraska, in Knox county. He and
his brother Theodore, each took a team and wagonload of household goods, while
his parent came on the train.
In the following March they moved from town to the farm.
It was in June of this same year that Jacob met Annie Steffin who lived
about 3 miles from him, and just one year later on June 5th 1901, the were
united in marriage, also in Bloomfield. After marriage they lived in Jacob's
parents home and his parents moved to another farm a mile from there. Jacob and
Annie made their home here for 6 years. During this time 3 daughters were born
to them.
In 1907 they moved again, this time to a farm in Harold, South Dakota.
Lived here 8 years and 3 more children, this making 6 altogether. Two sons
William and Albert and 4 daughters.
Then in the year of 1915 Jacob bought and moved to a farm of 297 acres
about 6 miles south of Russell, Iowa. Here he built a large 8 room house, a
screened in back porch, also a basement.
In 1916 another daughter Doris, was born to them and 1 year later U.S.
enter World War 1. Up until this time Jacob and Annie spoke mostly German in
their home, but after war broke out they began speaking English.
Daughter Ruth was born in 1918, and this year, also was the ending of World
War 1.
The last child , Etta, also a girl, was born in 1922.
Jacob worked very hard at his farming, always got his work done
ahead of most other people. Sometime during these years, he also built a horse
barn, cow barn, hog shed and hen house. He had a windmill that furnished
running water to the house and kept water pumped for the stock. Raised lots of
milk cows and hogs. Another nice feature Jacob had in his house was carbide
lights, unheard of by most farmers, who were still using kerosene. He was a very
good provider and made many friends, through all the years of his life. He read
a lot and was a good conversationalist as anyone. Liked to discuss politics'.
His main hobby was card playing. He got a lot of enjoyment out of sitting down
to a game of cards.
During depression year, like so many other farmers, Jacob lost his farm and
in the spring of 1934, he rented 160 acres about 3 miles west of his last farm.
He loved on this farm for 9 years. Rented for 6 of them, then bought it and
stayed another 3 years.
Then in the year of 1943 Jacob sold this farm and bought 40 acres by
Derby, Iowa. Here he remodeled the house, garage, barn and brooder house.
Built a new brooder house, he house and hog house. Also built a coal shed.
Made a picket fence around their front yard and planted lots of trees. Mostly
fir, walnut and elm trees. He dug a cistern by the house, and a well by his hen
house.
He worked very hard all this time and had things fixed around the way he
wanted them.
The one fact that I am most thankful for is that we visited Dad almost ever
other weekend after they moved to Derby, up until the time of his death which
occurred about 5 o'clock in the evening, on Thursday March, 14 1946. He
suffered a heart ailment, having been in pretty poor health for several years.
It seemed that no matter how bad he felt he always managed to do his chores.
He died at the age of 71 years, 6 months and 25 days. He was a wonderful
father and I write this in loving tribute to his memory.
Celebration In Honor of the Event
submitted by Sheri Hazelwood from
the Bloomfield Moniter
Mr. and Mrs. Mathaeus Schumann celebrated the rare festival of
their golden wedding on Oct. 25 1921, in the midst of their children and
a large crowd of friends. Their pastor, Rev. A. Spieckermann delivered
an appropriate address at 5:30 p.m. after a number of friends, who had
previously gathered at the John Prosch home had surprised the
celebrants.
At the end of the address Mrs. Prosch handed to the couple a
monetary present in gold and others gave other presents. Hearty
congratulations were offered to the noble Christian couple who, through
kindness, love and straight-forwardness have endeared themselves to a
large circle of friends.
Mr. and Mrs. Schumann on the day of their golden wedding had
reached the ages of 74 and 71 years. They were both born many years ago
and were married in 1871 on the Island of Fehmarn,
Germany. They came to America in 1897, living at
first for three years near Omaha. In 1910 they came
to Knox County, where they lived on their farm, 8 miles
southwest of Bloomfield, until 8 years ago when they moved to town.
Of their children there were present at the wedding: Mrs.
Wm., Hertle of Ostlun, Minn.,Mrs. Henry Steffen
of Frazer, Minn., Mrs. Chas. Newmann and Theo.
Schumann of Omaha. all of the guests were
treated most kindly and enjoyed hugely the splendid wedding dinner. All
of those present-agree in saying that this golden wedding was one of the
most agreeable and pleasing occasions they ever attended.
The out of town guests who were present to help celebrate the
auspicious event were: Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Hertle and son, William of
Ostlun. Minn., Mrs. Henry Steffen of Frazer, Minn., and two children of
Omaha, Theo. Schumann of Omaha, Mrs. Peter Thomson and son of Plainview
and Mr. and Mrs. George Rickers of Sioux City.
Newsletter submissions
by E-mail: kc7bal@juno.com
or mail to:
Tressie Hughes
PO Box 770
Puyallup WA 98371