Becoming Americans

Instead of doing research on individuals attached to the East Perry County area, today I have decided to talk in general about German Lutheran immigrants who came to America and settled here over the years and tell the story of them becoming Americans. When the first group of local Germans arrived in 1839 and America … More Becoming Americans

Stephan’s Hill

If you are a member of a church like the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod that uses a traditional church year, then you probably know that today was Transfiguration Sunday.  The story for the day was the one where Jesus, along with Peter, James, and John, went to the top of a mountain where Moses and Elijah … More Stephan’s Hill

The Voyage Begins

For passengers aboard the Copernicus and the Johann Georg, November 3rd in 1838 must have been a day of apprehension and excitement.  For many of these folks, the preparation for the voyage across the Atlantic Ocean to the United States had been going on for quite some time.  It was finally the day for them … More The Voyage Begins

With a Grateful Heart

As director, I try to consistently express my thankfulness for all of the people and efforts required to keep this incredible site moving forward.  However, sometimes I’m so busy being “present” in the moment that I forget to reflect on the gifts that are showered upon us on a typical day at the Lutheran Heritage … More With a Grateful Heart

An Austrian Carpenter Marries a Local Girl

On June 12 in 1881, Rev. J.F. Koestering had the privilege of uniting Gottlieb Samuel Meyr and Anna Sarah Haecker in marriage at Trinity Lutheran Church in Altenburg.  Sarah’s father was one of the original immigrants, coming to America aboard the Olbers.  Gottlieb’s family immigrated to America from Austria in 1853.  Both Gottlieb and Sarah … More An Austrian Carpenter Marries a Local Girl