GERMANY WHY DID THEY LEAVE ?

Germany is a central European nation originally composed of numerous states, with a common language and traditions, that were united in one country in 1871. Germanic tribes were defeated by Julius Caesar, 55 and 53 bc, but Roman expansion N of the Rhine was stopped in ad 9. Charlemagne, ruler of the Franks, consolidated Saxon, Bavarian, Rhenish, Frankish, and other lands; after him the eastern part became the German Empire. The Thirty Years' War, 1618-1648, split Germany into small principalities and kingdoms. After Napoleon, Austria contended with Prussia for dominance, but lost the Seven Weeks' War to Prussia, 1866. Otto von Bismarck, Prussian chancellor, formed the North German Confederation, 1867.

About 100 people from Oberschopfheim left Germany for America between 1850 and 1860.  One crop failure after another brought the area of Ortenau to poverty and starvation.  Oberschopfheim was also not spared this.  In many areas there were Soup kitchens opened to help save the people.  Many people saw no future for their families and children that they decided to join the “poor wanderers” to America to search for a better life.  Many also went out of political reasons, some for adventure.  Why the Samson family went to America is not exactly not sure.  Main point is:  many left to follow their “luck” in America, including the Stone quarry family Karl Samson and his family.  Karl Samson owned a quarry with his uncle (also named) Karl Samson.  The uncle Karl Samson was the Mayer in Oberschopfheim from 1838 to 1846.  The quarry was between Diersburg and Oberschopfheim.  Stones from the Ortenberger Castle and the evangelical City Church in Offenburg came from this quarry.  Maybe the Samsons sold their quarry to begin a new life in America?  Maybe they sold the quarry because it was almost “used up” and they saw their future in Oberschopfheim as slim?

written by Gabi Waidele of Offenburg Germany