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Birth
I was born in Germany. I don't know where. What I know is that I was very small and sick. My family and doctors brought me back to health. Growing up I didn't have much. My parents didn't show affection to me and they were very strict. Life was like this for all amish. -
Leaving Germany
I packed up everything. Sold my land, animals, and took the journey to the port. I got on the boat and crowded with many other people. I found a spot to "live" and I ate as little as possible so I could ration what I had. I was preparing for a long journey, -
Statue of Liberty
Morning:
Everybody was looking over the side of the boat. Once we got close to the statue everyone looked up at it. The statue was so big. But as I saw its backdrop, the New York skyline, I saw how "normal" the height of everything was in America. Little parts of the statue where turning green. The orange, brown was so crisp. It symbolized a new freedom for me. -
Ellis Island
Evening:
It was very crowded and dirty. The line was very long, but it moved very fast. It was awkward when the doctors checked me. I saw they denied people they were devastated. They had to turn around, aboard a boat and go home. I walked outside and swam throught the ocean of people. I found an apartment to live in and got settled. -
Moving to Lancaster
I lived in the apartment untill I saved up enough money to move down here. When I got to Lancaster I knew I was home. There is a lot of open land, good land, and the people are very friendly. I bought a 15 acre area of land. The little town of Summit Valley was just beginning. There is a main street, a little school by the name of summit valley school, and a general store. -
Barn raising
On August 10, 1900 an extreme heat wave swept through. A freak thunderstorm rolled up. It struck my barn and split the roof. The fire spread quickly, and burned down the barn and crops. I lost everything. The only thing I have left is my friends and church. So the bishop said they would help as much as I need. We had a barn rising and it only took us two days. People donated animals, and the supplies for the barn. So I got everything back for free.
