THE CHORTIZAN MENNONITE DISTRICT (as described in 1848)
(Note from Walter Unger: I discovered this text in the German Russian Heritage Society archives and offer it here with attribution. I had been looking for this document and was delighted to find it. Like most writings of the time it has errors of fact. We now also have different interpretations of historical events. Unbelievably, Johann Cornies, who died in 1848 - the very same year this account was written - after a brilliant albeit controversial career, is not mentioned once. Nonetheless the account is delightfully, if selectively, informative and evokes a lively mid-19th century feel to the Russian Mennonite story. I include it on this website to illustrate the challenges facing serious historians and their use of earlier and primary sources.)
(Visit the Germans from Russia Heritage Collection)
1. Condensed historical overview of the founding and existence of the colony of the Chortizan Mennonite district. A reproduction documented by Heinrich Heese from the entertainment newsletter for German settlers in South Russia and requested published by the Chortizan districts office. Year 1851 no. 8-10.
Foreword
This community has such poor documentation of their settlement in Russia, that it is difficult to have a memorandum about their ancestors and history to pass down to their descendants. Even with the exchange of documentation in writing, between local directors Major von Essen, Baron von Brakkel and Mr. Brigonzi until the founding of the Guardianship Comptoir Office for the foreign settlers in Jekaterinoslaw in 1800, our archive is almost empty. One can only depend on verbal memories of trustworthy men, already passed on, and their written notes they left behind, as a guide to the following historical description.
Because our community has only one church and citizen based documentation of our once common fatherland, one can only present its origination and condition at best with connecting documents. For a more clear understanding from our descendants, and the approval and usefulness of our history by our children, it is necessary to include a broader history of our earlier descent and of the most notable facts from the history of those ancestors to proceed the contents of this documentary. Not to make it boring, but rather it is intended to make it more entertaining.
Our ancestors fatherland was the Netherlands, mainly the provinces of Vlammland and Friesland, from which the 'vlaemish' and 'friesian' Mennonite groups derive. These groups are still here, as well as in Prussia, in separate memoirs, but could be combined according to old church records. During the reform in Germany, a Catholic priest by the name of Menno Simons sided with the ones in favor of baptism and formed them into a tighter organization, from which our name "the Mennonites" stems. Since then, our ancestors were hunted everywhere, which prompted them to seek shelter in the states cities where citizens rights permitted shelter. That also brought them to Danzig, to where our first ancestors emigrated sixty years ago. Near Danzig, our ancestors earned their keep in drying up the swamps by building channels and locks. That skill was brought with them from the Netherlands. Within a few years, they were engaged with that type of work along the Weichsel river reaching Warschau, and even along the Pregel and Memel in the then dukedom (duchy) of Prussia. Because of that, lots of them went to Poland, who's regime not only tolerated their religious customs, but also lent districts of such swamps along the upper river as inheritable estates, which they slowly worked into fertile plots. (real estate)
By importing dutch clover, they turned the land into luscious grassland for cattle. These well nourished cows brought them profits; more than double the amount of local cattle. Their clean dutch cheeses and butter always found a buyer. In other words, they became rich farmers and served as blessed exemplars to the local neighbors, for they could never match up. The Mennonites houses always stood out, not only with paint, but also by cleanliness and comfort. Their fields and cattle added in beauty by good growth and color. During the Seven Year War, the Russians found this excellent condition of the land of our fore fathers in the three low lands of: Danzig, Marienburg and Elbing. This was noticed by field officers, prominent figures like Duke Romanzow, who inquired into such matters providing the first base for Mennonites to emigrate to Russia. The High Regiment decided to call on foreign settlers to settle on the South Russian steppes, and, His Excellency, Duke Romanzow, mentioned the Mennonites. It was such a worthy report, that the quite pleased Empress Katharina II did not hesitate to send her authorized officer of foreign affairs, Major von Trapp, to offer a special, most promising commission to the Mennonites in Danzig. It was August 1786, when the above mentioned officer arrived in Danzig, and shortly thereafter presented his offer to the Mennonite church elder, Peter Epp, who assisted him in quick cooperation. In October of the same year, two authorized representatives of the Mennonites , Jakob Hoeppner and Johann Bartsch, traveled to Russia to seek a comfortable piece of land in the South Russian Steppe and to have freedom of religion assured, in addition to other provisions wanted from her Royal Highness. All costs were absorbed by the Russian regime and in November of 1787, they returned to Danzig with successful results. They had chosen Bereslaw, not far from Cherson, the roadway leading to Crimea close by and two rivers meeting, Dnepr and Konskaja, and in between were two islands, Tawan and Karro, rich with woods and grassland. It was to belong to their chosen area, but to inhabit that area, they also had to take on the district of Chortitza by special request of his Excellency Duke Potemkin, whom they had met during the war movements. Thus the preparations for emigration were agreed upon.
EMIGRATION
The total number of our Chortizan Mennonite ancestors that came from the lowlands of Danzig, Elbing and Marienwerder - amongst them 30 families from the lowland of the Pregel river near Gumbinnen - who were born in the kingdom of Prussia, came to 228 families. All were poor people who were seeking a better life and had already left in March 1788. Several traveled by land, carrying 2 to 3 families per wagon. They had authorized Hoeppner and Bartsch to be their leaders. Most of them went on waterways passing Riga until Dubrowna in White Russia, where they happily arrived the same summer. Because of the Russian Turkish war, they had to stay there, being well provided for by lieutenant Stael. It wasn't until August 1789 that they arrived in Chortitza. Most already had their own wagons, which they had acquired by doing odd jobs and with support money, while in Dubrowna. The others traveled via barges on the Dnepr river from Mohilew to Jekatherinoslaw and from there on Russian supplied wagons. Now that the difficult travel was behind them and they saw the mountains surrounding them, they became discouraged. Thinking they could not farm the land. and beginning a misery, they implied accusations at their leaders.
LOCATION, CONDITION AND ADVANTAGE OF THE LAND
The Chortizan district to the East stretched lengthwise along the right side of the Dnepr river bank, opposite of the estate of Mr. Mark, the crown village Wosnesensk, the district capital Alexandrowsk and the Colony Schoenwiese. Schoenwiese belongs to our community. The acreage along the south, forming a half circle to the north by river banks, is also bordered by the estates of Miklaschewski, Strukow, Lukaschewitz and Latschinow. It is under the governing district city of Jekaterinoslaw at a distance of 70 werst. Only the colony Schoenwiese lies in the district of Alexandrowsk, surrounded by land and estates owned by Alexandrowsk citizens and borders the Dnepr river in the West.
This area, the original chosen land for settlement and the additionally acquired 12,000 dessjatine by Miklaschewski, was hilly, steep gorges and low lying valleys were found throughout, making farming immensely difficult. Even though fields were in higher elevations and did bring fair results during rainy seasons, they preferred cultivation of the level steppe land which consisted of 4-6 werschok deep fertile soil and where the water from thaw and rain did not run off. The steep embankments along the ravines also did not prove profitable for farming. There are five main valleys in our district, to which all the other valleys stretch into, full of streams that empty into the Dnepr river, swollen in the springtime by downpours and thaws; and dry in the summer. They are named north to south 1) lower Chortitza, 2) middle Chortitza, 3) upper Chortitza, 4) Tomakowka and 5) Heidutschma (snake valley). Of the 14 colonies that lie in these valleys or border them, only three colonies, Einlage, Island Chortitza and Schoenwiese are across the Dnepr river. All gorges along the Dnepr river and a large part of the Chortitza island were covered heavily with woods. There were magnificent oak trees, poplars, elm trees, willows, wild pear and apple trees; mixed with linden and maple trees. Extreme abundance of sloe and rose hip bushes, elderberries and others existed as well. Everywhere one found vines mixed with lots of hop, making the woods almost inaccessible. Wild vineyards are still growing in the upper Island. These old forests are gone now, and here and there one can find an old tree. Todays wonderful woods stretch over an area of 819 Desjatines and are about 25 years old, growing into this beauty when order and supervision began. The old woods finally turned into a place to at least serve at a minimum the needs of the settlers. Even though the Dnepr river provides plenty fishing grounds, profits are so meager that the four communities of Einlage, Rosenthal, Island Chortitza and Schoenwiese only arrive at a profit of 45 silver ruble during a one years lease. Near the colony Rosenthal they just recently discovered a limestone quarry. (One already started to break rock to build two limestone ovens.) This is the natural make up of our steppe which measures, inclusive of Schoental, 32,707 1/2 Desjatines usable and 5,134 Desjatines unusable land. The unusable land consists of sandy areas along the Dnepr river banks and areas in the gorges where the ground is mostly clay. Along the ravines are seven inhabitable huts to be found, which were left behind by the farmers before our settlement, in the vicinity where our colony Chortitza now is.
FATE AND DISPOSITION OF OUR EMIGRANTS UNTIL SETTLEMENT
Major von Essen, an old, good, but also weak man, was the director of our emigrants, since the journey but did not do much good for them. Deputies Hoeppner and Bartsch were the soul of all his dealings, which through more favorable conditions would have fared better. While Hoeppner was a man of action, Bartsch was a thinker. Fall had arrived quickly and our ancestors were still living in tents. Building materials had not arrived nor support money and the reserves were gone. Illnesses, especially dysentery, and with lack of medical attention, claimed lots of victims. Despair was great. The insoluble delusion of overcoming the mountains for farming, became embedded so deeply, that it hampered the efforts to move forward consistently for several years. Getting so late in the season, the authorities moved to supply the community with the most necessary means to save them from distinction. Except for a few families, who found accommodations in the Chaten of Chortitza, most found shelter in Alexandrowsk with commander von Schwarz and in the Crown city of Wolochski near Jekaterinoslaw. In the spring of 1790 they were ordered back to the proposed land and steps toward settlement were under way, however with modest success.
SUPPORT OF THE CROWN
According to deputies Hoeppner and Bartsch, most merciful allowed conditions were approved by the regiment as follows: 1) CASH - to establish farms, 500 ruble per family 2) ALLOWANCE - from the arrival at the border until finalized journey, 25 Kopek daily for persons over the age of 15, 12 Kopek per person under the age of 12. 3) FROM ARRIVAL AT SETTLEMENT until next harvest, each person 10 kopek 4) 120 4-Faden long beams per family and the necessary lumber to built two mills at least, and six grindstones. 5) different sorts of grain - reimbursable 6) fare from the border to settlement 7) 65 Desjatines of usable land per family
During an inspection by an expedition of the German domain and the guardianship of foreign affairs, and by council von Contenius' established revision in 1799, it was found that the first emigrants received cash support in the amount of 237,001 ruble and 60 kopek for a total of 288 families. The second batch of emigrants, 118 families, had received 121,235 ruble and 33 kopek. Actually a total of 358,236 ruble 90 kopek had been disbursed. Because of that, negotiations between the guardianship comptoir, founded in Jekaterinoslaw in 1800, overseeing the affairs of new russian foreign settlers, and its officer von Contenius, took place. In regard to the poor condition of the settlers and the irregular support to build their houses at different times to the then elders, (Hoeppner and Bartsch were already dismissed), significant sums of money to support the community were distributed, but there was negligence and misuse. The money was to be used to acquire grain for seed and food, to build a cognac distillery, purchase farming equipment, flax, looms and spinning wheels and cattle to re-settle 66 families. These families were to settle on the land, purchased in 1803 by Miklaschewsky; the two colonies Burwalde and lower Chortitza. 42,686 ruble 88 1/2 kopek, for which there was no bill in the community archive, and for consideration of the poor condition of the settlers, did not have to be paid back until 1805. The rest was not paid back until 1847. The reimbursement for travel money was waived at the plea of the community. Our ancestors did not possess many goods. The items they brought were partially ruined if not totally destroyed, while traveling by boat.
SETTLEMENT IN 1790 In the originally proposed district of Chortitza, which measures 42,235 Desjatines, 228 families settled within 8 colonies. They could not start building houses because they lacked the materials. Their homes were mud huts. The small amounts of money, 34 ruble per family, sometimes less, and only disbursed now and then, was used for food. The few wooden beams were cut up as firewood and sold for food. The inflicted delusion that the land was useless and one had to find something better, slowed almost all effort. Four years later they started to build houses on an irregular basis and without instigation. The sociability of the families in the community easily awarded agreement in choice of settling spots. The developed colonies are named in the following order:
1) CHORTIZ, at the tip of the valley in the 'Upper Chortitza' from which it's name derives. It is diagrammed fairly regular and in its position, being surrounded by the mountains, gives a comfortable view. The removal of the dark oak forest by the first settlers was greatly rewarded by them and their children by planting orchards. There is only a small part of the original wood standing at the tip of the valley. At first they did not consider dividing the land into plots; each plowed and cut hay where they pleased, but almost always close to the colony. Only a few years later did they measure out the district within the village and neighboring borders. The original amount of settlers was 34.
2) ROSENTHAL, in the same valley, 'lower Chortitza' and also the residence of deputy Bartsch. The Dnepr divides there into two arms seemingly holding a small group of young oak trees. The soil is sandy and grass grows only sparingly and thus earning this island the name "pigs head". The name Rosenthal was given later by the request of von Contenius when a community orchard was planted where a lot of wild roses grew. The view of Rosenthal is not very pleasing because of its layout. Even though they have beautiful farms, all in one corner of the land, are making it difficult for them to farm the land. Cultivation is only meekly progressing because of the soils high alkali content. Gardens in the higher elevations are rather pleasing though. A special originality is the young growth of woods where once was the old forest alongside the riverbed. There is also a small fishery on the Dnepr which earns a lease of 6 ruble a year. The first families there numbered 20.
3) ISLAND CHORTIZ, here resides deputy Hoeppner. He immediately moved himself and 11 additional families onto this island, which measures 7 werst in length and 3 werst in width. Two Chaten were left from earlier times, standing in the garden of the Russian Duke Potemkin, when care tenders of the forests lived there. The colony lies between the left arm of the Dnepr river banks and the ravines of the mountains. It is not guarded against the extreme floods of the Dnepr river, but comfortable to look at with its orchards and vegetable gardens. The soil on the whole island is sandy, which bring plentiful crops in rainy seasons, and barely yield during hot dry summer seasons, despite all the work, efforts and costs. The grassland is rather scarce but enough to raise good cattle in combination with the good drinking water from the Dnepr river. The young forest and the fishery, which is an asset to the colony however, only brings 12 silver ruble a year of lease profit. The large forest at the tip of the colony is not owned by the colony but belongs to the whole Chortizan community, which even employs a caretaker. Only the grasslands around these forests are used by the whole community for cutting hay. The number of the first settlers is 12.
4) EINLAGE, named after a village at the Nogat river in Prussia because of its similar location, stretching within a curve of the river. At time of settlement they found one single farm hut, not far from the crossing of a road to Kitschkas and an old Tschumakkenstreet leading from Poland to the Don. Also found was a forest heavily occupied with oaks and wild apple and pear trees, which also were destroyed and replaced with young trees as an orchard. With a yearly income of 18 ruble from lease, the fishery here is only a secondary matter. The colony lies at the end of the grounds where one finds the most fertile soil behind the village and sandy soil around the village. The sandy soil here is of an advantage especially in spring, when the grass here grows earlier and stays lush when the season stays moist. The grass, however, disappears with the heat. The length of the village is 2 werst, irregular in its layout because of the curving of the valley and the rocky ridges. But its houses do not lack in beauty nor does the village lack in prosperity. A friend of nature shall find these beautiful houses, surrounded by orchards, and rocks covered by young oak trees, very surprisingly inviting. Amount of first settlers 41.
5) KRONSWEIDE, a name agreed upon by the community. Originally built near the river bank of the Dnepr up on a ledge. No trees, nor kitchen herbs grew there. The view is coincidentally reminding of the desert of Arabia. For that reason and because of lack of land to spread comfortably, it was finally decided in 1833 to move into a narrow deep gorge into the Heidutschina Valley. Only six families stayed behind on the ravine cultivated by them. It seems this small village vanished from the earth. Even from close up it is hardly noticeable, always hiding its treasure of beautiful houses and plentiful orchards. A poet would find heaven here but the locals often find the roads in need of repair and very difficult to pass when delivering their fruits. They do not lack in trade though, and are noted as an obedient people, belonging to the friesian party. Number of original inhabitants is 35.
6) NEUENBURG, its name deriving from Prussia, lies at the tip of the Heidutschina valley and is also only noticeable by a second look. It is a most unpleasant view right where the Kitschkasser crossing lies, but also does not lack in prosperity and cultivation. The ground is one of the flattest, most desirable ones. Original settlers 16.
7) NEUENDORF, its name also derives from Prussia and lies at the tip of the Tomakowka valley along side the curving river banks making the neat originality less pleasing to look at. Original amount of setters 38.
8) SCHOENHORST, whose name also derives from Prussian lowland. It is situated just below Neuendorf. Also with irregularity in its borders but similar comfort in the Tomakowka. Original settlers of 32.
That is how our ancestors were settled with in the above mentioned 8 colonies, 228 families, lead by the two, more than once mentioned, deputies by Major von Essen. To further enhance their well being, they had chosen teachers, which also held religious services. A church elder was blessed in 1795 for which an overseer from Prussia came. Soon after the settlement, Mr. von Essen was replaced by Baron von Brakkel, who won the admiration of the settlers by his efforts and also by enforcing the building of houses more strictly.
ADDITIONAL SETTLEMENT IN 1797
In the years of 1793 - 1796 still more Mennonites arrived from Prussia.Altogether 118 families, of which most of them settled in the Chortizan colonies. Because of lack of room, the rest were quartered in the town Alexandrowsk. These new arrivals were called the second emigration. Because of their own money and some German cattle stock they brought with them in addition to receiving support money, the original community was livened. The community also happily received an advance of 1600 ruble per family, to enhance their growth. That contributed to the erection of the first wooden prayer house. In 1797, under supervision of Mr. Brigonzi , the last of the 118 families were settled. 86 families built their homes in the Chortizan colony and 32 families founded two new colonies:
1) SCHOENWIESE, name of Prussian origin, only separated from the district city Alexandrowsk by the creek Mokraja. 17 families make the colony complete, and church Elder Heinrich Janzen moved there right away from his parish Kronsweide. Each family had goods on the average of 350 ruble. Each lot measured 1401 Dessjatines and a small strip of land, about a third of their land per family lies across the Mokraja creek, which empties into the Dnepr, making cultivation difficult. The kitchen gardens along the creek banks, however, are very fertile and the harvest is easily sold at a profit to the occupants of the city. The rest of the land, another third, yields hay. The land is in bottom land of the Dnepr and has groups of oak trees, poplars and grassland. The community has quickly advanced thus beginning to erect a more roomy prayer house.
2) KRONSGARTEN, with a name hinting to the beauty of nature. Founded by the remaining 15 families in the Nowomokowskan district at the creek banks of Kilschin which also empties into the Dnepr. Kronsgarten is 12 werst form its district city Nowomoskowsk and 15 werst from the governing city of Jekatherinoslaw. It belongs to the Friesan community and is always beautiful to look at, matching the beauty of its name. It was however built at low ground level, exposing the land to floods. For that reason they are presently building houses, made of bricks, at a higher location. They are also building a prayer and a schoolhouse. They have a fertile plot with a small wood and a small fishery at the Kilschin which earns 8 ruble a year for lease. This community was included in 1843 under the jurisdiction of the Chortizan office.
FOUNDING OF NEW COLONIES BY RESETTLEMENT OF OLD SETTLERS UNDER THE SENIOR MAYOR PETER SIEMENS DURING 1803 -1812.
It is during this time that that the two deputies Hoeppner & Bartsch had to resign, but it took a long time before they were replaced by a comparable man as far as their mind and efforts go. Ignorance and jealousy was the only thing that lead to their misfortune. Since they were not rectified during their life time, history owes to do so after their death to educate their descendants. There was nothing noteworthy of their governing other than the continued carelessness. It brought about the resettlement of the 66 families from the old colonies, who were placed onto the land purchased from Miklaschewski by the crown in 1802. It was first divided into two colonies and later into three.
1) BURWALDE (russian name: Barburka) possibly stemming from the Prussian village Baerwalde. It was founded at the mouth of the Chortizan valley with 27 families coming from the old colonies, having received a support money of 1040 from the crown and the ten free years. There are small ravines with new growths of forests and a rather hilly landscape. The view is not too pleasing because of the narrowness and curliness of the layout, but their land is comfortable and the farmers are diligent and prosperous.
2) NIEDERCHORTIZ, the name deriving from the lower Chortitza on which estuary it lies, was also founded in 1803 with 39 families of original settlers. Each family had 1000 ruble of assistance and ten free years. The wide, flat view of the layout gives this colony a nice view, not to speak of their lack of competing with other nice farms. Their status, however, has risen in the last few years, in looks and efforts. One finds nice orchards already. Most of the soil is sandy, more so the closer it gets to the Dnepr river banks, and does not yield good crops, especially during dry seasons. Its slanted layout of the entire region does not provide fertile soil, especially because of runoff water.
3) SCHOENEBERG (russian name Smoljanaja) established at the upper valley of the lower Chortitza. It's name deriving from it's location (beautiful hill). In the year 1816, 14 landlords from the colony Niederchortiz, were enticed to build this colony with aids of wagons and manual labor. It has developed greatly and the houses and gardens are not lacking in value compared with other colonies. Their land is fertile and busy with agriculture.
4) KRONSTHAL (russian name - Dolinsk) who's name is a combination of Kronsweide and Rosenthal. The 12 landlords came from the two colonies. In 1809 Kronsthal was established in the valley of the Middle Chortitza with only private support of 51 ruble per family. It now has the best view with its layout of the well built houses and gardens and the straight road through the main part of the village. The land is one of most fertile and agriculture is thriving.
5) NEUOSTERWIK (russian name - Pawlowka) named after the village Osterwik in the lowlands of Prussia. Founded in 1812 by 20 landlords that came from the original established colonies, with only a private cash support of 50 ruble. It lays at the tip of the middle Chortitza. It's view reminds of the village of Kronsthal but it has good houses and gardens and the fields are cultivated effortlessly.
FOUNDING OF 3 NEW COLONIES ON THE STILL UNUSED LAND AVAILABLE IN 1824
During 1812 to 1824, there were now 13 colonies established in the Chortizan district of Jekatherinoslaw. (Schoenwiese being in the Alexandrowisch district was not counted, nor was Kronsgarten since it was not under Chortizan jurisdiction until 1843) There were 314 landlords with 100 Dessjatines each, of useful land. In 1823, new Mayor Isaak Toews, a man of action, undertook to give the community an upswing. The land was re-measured and found to have 1824 dessjatines of leftover land. He gave the original community 2,943 dessjatines and started to settle with 114 families - the most promising men of the mini farmers - on that land. Sixty five families were assigned to leftover land from the old established colonies and 49 families went to this new extra land and formed three colonies:
1) ROSENGART (russian name - Nowoslobodka or Popowa) named by the mayor with the intent of a beautiful layout of the colony. It was established above Burwalde, in the valley Middle Chortitza. There was no support since these settlers did not owe to the crown and with 22 estates they were not overworked and only had the welfare of the settlers in mind. Originally small houses became nice large estates and orchards were abundant. The characteristic of the land is medium. Deep gorges cut through the valley and one can find new woods along the Dnepr river banks. This colony began the limestone quarry, which hopefully will continue to be profitable.
2) BLUMENGART, named because of flowers that covered the site . It lies in the lower Chortitza valley between Schoeneberg and Nieder Chortiz. 14 estates are thriving, even with the characteristic of the land only at medium usefulness on the steppes among the hills.
3) NEUHORST, (russian name - Kapustjanka) named by combined parts of Neuendorf and Schoenhorst, from which the 13 landlords moved from. It lies north of Neuendorf at the tip of the Tomakowka valley and owns a comfortable piece of land. With much effort, they acquired nice farms, gardens and some fortune.
MAIN INDEX OF THE COLONIES AND ESTATES
All now under the jurisdiction of the Chortizan government, each family has 65 Dessjatines of land, except for the two colonies of Burwalde and Schoenwiese. Because of difficult cultivation due to its location , Burwalde received 325 Dessjatines and 4 families were re-settled from Schoenwiese to Molotschna.
The below table gives the current count of farms in the following colonies:
In the district of JEKATHERINOSLAW: 1) Chortiz - 39 2) Rosenthal - 35 3) Rosengart - 22 4) Burwalde - 27 5) Blumengart - 15 6) Nieder-Chortiz - 29 7) Island-Chortiz - 18 (Insel-Chortiz) 8) Einlage - 36 9) Kronsweide - 26 10) Neuenburg - 18 11) Neuendorf - 45 12) Neuhorst - 13 13) Schoenhorst - 36 14) Kronsthal - 18 15) Neuosterwik - 30 16) Schoeneberg - 18
In the district of ALEXANDROWSKA: 17) Schoenwiese - 14
In the district of NOWOMOSKOWSKI: 18) Kronsgarten - 15
Total of farms - 460
In addition to the 460 landlords, there are 673 landless families, small farmers (homesteaders), bringing it to a total count of 7,217 people.
ORIGINAL CAUSES WITH HARMFUL CONSEQUENCES
All beginnings are difficult. - The meaning of this saying reached our parent settlers, and the original reasons of persistent hindering was uncertainty.
Their poverty is therefore a secondary matter. Proof is, that several of our ancestors, who right a way worked peacefully and eagerly, already enjoyed homes and had plenty of food from their own cultivation, whereas the dissatisfied mass of settlers still sat in their mud huts, sneering at the bowls of soup made from half rotten flour.
The uncertainty made them disgruntled, brought distrust, misuse and tiredness. The two deputies, Hoeppner and Bartsch, as so many able men, not powerful enough of fight it, succumbed to this misery. The people, coming from the work and service force, and focused on the idea to get rich and live a comfortable life, had to be very disappointed when seeing the uncultivated mountains. On top of this dissatisfaction came the unusual high death rate, because of lack of food and clothing. That heightened the misery so severely that it took several (30) years to overcome.
DEVASTATING OCCURRENCES
The only total bad harvest occurred in 1833, even though scarce harvests of grain and hay crops occurred in the years of 1823, 1824, 1842 and 1845. To purchase necessary items cost the community large sums. The bad harvests in the earlier years, mainly caused by late planting and summer heat burning the underdeveloped plants on the fields or crops eaten by field mice, cannot fall under this category.
The loss of cattle during the earlier 15 years was also mainly due to negligence to feed or feeding with spoiled grain. Later though, when the community took greater care, they lost most of their cattle to epidemics, especially in the years of 1804, 1809, 1810, 1812, 1813, 1828, 1833, and in 1845 the colony Kronsweide alone lost 2/3 of its herd. Most of these sicknesses usually were found along the Tschumakkenstreet, pointing to infections by strange cattle, spreading later throughout the district.
Flooding of the Dnepr river in 1820, caused damage only to the three colonies Insel-Chortiz, Rosenthal and the lower part of Einlage. In 1829 and 1841 only Rosenthal was flooded and mostly had the gardens devastated. In 1845, when the Dnepr rose to its highest stage ever, the four colonies, Einlage, Rosenthal, Insel-Chortiz and Nieder-Chortiz were heavily devastated. Einlage, which lies in a valley, was totally flooded when a dam burst. 20 houses were destroyed and the loss came to 8,922 ruble 14 kopek. These houses are already rebuilt at a better location and of better quality with money through cash support and donations. Also the dam was placed at a different location. The cognac distillery, which used to be in Einlage, was so heavily damaged that the total loss came to 2,409 ruble 43 kopek. Rosenthal suffered a loss of 2,491 ruble 38 kopek but for lack of land space only 4 landlords could relocate their estates.
Most of their hay fields are covered by river sand but becoming grown over by washed up poplar and willow tree seeds and the higher locations have been planted with shrubbery. The earlier mentioned Island, the 'pigs head' is surrounded now by a ditch measuring 1,120 faden long and the community built a dam at the lower end of the valley to protect against further flooding. The loss on Insel-Chortiz was estimated at 430 ruble 59 kopek even though most houses were covered by water up to the roofs. The most devastating loss for this community was, however, the sand layer covering their hay fields. All the houses had to remain on the same places but they were able to raise the road. Nieder-Chortiz also was flooded and its damage came to 1, 221 ruble 67 kopek. The community chose to build an earthen dam for protection in the future, rather than tolerate to avoid major costs. The total loss of the flood in 1845 came to 15, 476 ruble 21 silver kopek.
At times there were great hail storms and also devastating fires causing tremendous suffering to the community. In 1811, three farms burned at once in Einlage. In Schoeneberg, not counting the school, six farms burned in 1823. 2/3 of the loss was paid from the fire fund, aiding the community, being diligent and obedient citizens, to always recover during peace time. Nature also provided fertile soil on the burned land, producing good harvests.
There were only two earthquakes this community had to endure. One in 1799 and one on Jan. 11, 1838, at nine in the evening. Neither caused much damage, only lasting a few minutes and rolling from west to east, scaring people and animals, and noticeably increasing the flows from the springs.
FAVORABLE CONDITIONS
Our community found itself in a disastrous situation, especially in 1793, when downfall was a threat; new groups of Mennonites arrived , a total of 118 families from Prussia. Having a small fortune on them, spread some money within the community as they could purchase goods and were able to pay for them. Where there is money, there is courage. The building of houses started and the fields were worked more and each could eat from their own provision. Even more national emigrants from Prussia came, who first stayed at our colonies and later settled in the Molotschna. In 1803, 179 families, and in the following year 146 families emigrated from Prussia. These emigrants needed room and board, barns, bread and feed and they paid cash. This happy occasion brought an energy to the community life, which did not falter again. Not only did money come into circulation, but our colonists had high income with the building of houses and so the morale grew as well. It improved the living standards tremendously and they could even afford corn mills. In addition, they were raising sheep and became well off. This luck started in 1803, when Mr. von Contenius, head official of the Guardianship Comptoir arranged for the community to receive as a gift from the crown, 30 sheep of which 15 were bucks. These were to be paired with Russian sheep and with later acquired additional bucks from Mr. Stieglitz in Zarskoje-Selo and from Saxony. They soon had a herd together. This herd could be considered a gold mine for the community in those years, when the cultivation of the fields was not profitable because of low grain prices. There were some lows with the raising of sheep but they usually jumped right back. For a long time it was not advantageous for the community since the surrounding landlords did not care to buy sheep yet. In 1822 though, our community gained wealth by the sale of russian sheep, when the same landlords started to buy whole herds, even at higher prices. But now it seems that this branch of farming slowly comes to an end. The grain farming seems to be on the upswing with higher prices. Since the estate owners have put a yearly order in for wagons and plows, even young people started to learn the trade. The liked originality of the German wagons surely is of an advantage for a long time to come.
COMMUNITY PROPERTY
His Excellence, Mr. von Contenius, donated out of our community income a special community sum. Viewing a more quicker and secure income by exemplars of silk production, vineyards, orchards etc. Even though he did not succeed because of hesitation and misuse, he did lay a foundation and the community sheep production was a certain success. The crowns crossing of Kitchkas (old russians hint the name stems from the narrow bed between the rocks just above the crossing of Kazzensprung) already existed before our first settlers arrived but in poor condition. Realizing the advantage of such, as well as gearing to their own comfort, the first Germans built a ferry from the profits of the cognac sale. With decent ferries like this everyone was using them. In 1845, our community received the right to private ferry use, by his Excellence and proxy, Mr. von Hahn, according to the Ukas of the current senate by a special bill dated May 26, 1823. In 1847, our community amassed a great sum of 1,235 ruble of which the community received a third as compensation for a cattle run.
Due to the flood of 1845, the cognac distillery was rebuilt, using brick, at a more secure location. It has an annual income of 6,282 & 1/2 ruble from leasing. The beer brewery used to be under lease too, bringing in 770 ruble annually. To induce competition for a better product, the regional office offered free enterprise which produced four breweries, paying a yearly sum of 700 ruble to keep their freedom.
The deep valley near the colony Rosenthal, where Mr. von Contenius had the community nursery placed, had previously been chosen by Duke Potemkin for an orchard. He mainly wanted to plant cherry trees, dig a ditch around it and close to the garden on a ledge, where there is a picturesque view, he wanted to build his castle overlooking the Valley Chortiz and the Dnepr river. Mr. Contenius hired a gardener, ordered young fruit tress and grape plants from the Crimea, ordered seeds and freely handed out trees and mulberry bushes from the nursery to the settlers. He did not spare with warnings nor praise but laziness and prejudice hampered his desire for years. Finally, at an old age he did have the pleasure to see it come alive and be productive.
Presently, settlers that run a nursery primarily raise fruit trees and mulberry trees, but by order of the government, main planting is woods and Mulberry trees and with quite a success.
The community sheep raising started in 1803 with the 30 free sheep given by the crown. At last measuring of the land they received 2,943 dessjatines of the left over land on which they build shelters for the sheep and houses for the sheepherders. With purchase of bucks for stud and the sale of barren sheep, the herd developed. The wool, even in the last miserable years still always found a buyer. The head count of the sheep presently is at 5,033 and last year the profit came to 10,704 ruble 39 kopek. According to that, the sheep herds produced an income of 18,510 in 1847, of which the community buildings, gardeners and workers, sheepherders and guards, even the district council are maintained. (supported)
FIRE AND ORPHAN BUREAU
The untouchable funds of these two insurance facilities guaranties the whole brotherhood and the statutes were brought from Prussia. Each in its own is overseen by two elders for life, as a foresight, if nothing drastic happens. The elders pay is to not having to participate in community duties and collect 1 % cash from incoming funds.
FIRE INSURANCE: It's investment trust is not cash, rather consisting of a register of stock. (Hubenzahl-Aktien) One prussian Hube compares with about 15 dessjatines of land. A so-called fire Hube compares in value at 200 ruble cash. A participant will receive for a burned house as follows: Insured for one Hube gets 200, for two, 400 ruble. etc., reimbursing about 2/3, and the owner has to carry 1/3 of the loss. Each house is taxed in advance and 1% cash payable at time of registration to avoid over registration of Huben in case of a loss. Burned farming equipment and cattle is reimbursed in cash: a horse for 311/2 ruble, a cow for 24 ruble, 1 wagon for 60 ruble, 1 plow for 35 ruble etc. This gives the misfortunate a chance to continue to farm right away, even though it may be less than he had. Farmers and homesteaders are treated the same. The capital of this insurance company, Chortizan and Molotschan Mennonites combined, consists of 27, 409 fire Huben valued at 5,481,800 ruble. If a fire loss amounts to 1000 ruble, each Hube earns a dividend of 3 2/3 kopek, meaning that each participant pays to the insurance company 3 2/3 kopek toward reimbursement per Hube claimed. That does not pose hardship and thus covers burned wheat and feed.
ORPHAN FUND: This facility presently holds a capital of 213,060 ruble 50 kopek. These funds are available for loan to the settlers. Each year it increases on income with the number of new settlers and their fortunes. The main source of income derives from the sale of estates of perished parents and relatives, leaving the under age heirs behind. The buyer has to pay 1 % fee right away, and if does not have enough cash, he has to provide two grantors that assure payment, or he will not get the purchased property assigned. Each debtor has to pay 6 % interest and a 10th of their debt annually. From this income, the adult age heirs would get their capital plus interest. The elders also confirm watching over the orphan fund in regard to guardians having the duty of raising the orphans and taking care of the widows through this fund.
END
Our condensed description of our community presents a picture of a grown man. Having lived through all stages of life, like a child nourished by its mother, the community from the state. Like a boy, who in his young age already had to give input to earn his keep, like a young man who already had to show duty to himself and to the state. Now the community, in full strength, to do what is right before God, having recognized the favor received from the state, stands as an example to everyone and a welfare to its descendants. It climbed, with visible guidance by God, from total poverty, in slow steps, to prosperity. The hardships it had to endure gave it experience and awareness and grew to live under leadership of church and law abiding customs. These fortunate happenings are surely a praiseful step in the future.
Mennonites do not have the character of quickness, but they are calculating, able and enduring and with their religious obedient nature, and under a good leadership, should happily reach the goal the set. Their tendency to acquire and lack of land, drives them to lease land from estates for cultivation, to market their harvests and earn income as wood workers and blacksmiths. If, however, the landowners ever decide to keep their land to themselves, our community, because of its growth, will find pressed conditions.
Inhabitants of the Chortizan area: Year People 1802 1681 1810 1972 1813 2446 1819 2888 1825 3760 1834 4680 1841 6029 1846 7100
The homesteaders, who farm around our area to earn their keep, will have to become day laborers, and totally become unbalanced toward the farmer. Permitted by the regime, the local government re-settled 115 young families, divided into 4 colonies on a barren piece of crown land near Mariupol (Bergtal, Schoenfeld, Schoental, Heubuden). This reduction already has been tripled by new growth and more re-settling would be in order if land was available. But the human thinks and God leads; we should not worry about the future, but go forward with trust in God, with intercession for the crown, with obedience to the Authorities, with love for the neighbor, and follow our duty and we surely shall continuously be blessed.
Mayor Bartsch* Assistant: Dyk Assistant: Siemens
* Jakob Bartsch - son of deputy Bartsch
Colony Chortiz, 21. July 1848 Heinrich Heese NOTICE: The Chortizan districts office felt compelled to use Heinrich Heese to compose this report. Engaging the ability of an already old, yet deserving man who used to be an area writer of the Mennonite colony Einlage. Even in his younger years, he already gave the best in communicating with the first emigrants and their deputies. His notes and personal experience during his time of service will ensure the exactness of situations, by using his service, in compiling the history of the Mennonite colonies in the Chortizan district.
Mayor Bartsch District writer Nerau
No. 1691, July 21, 1848 as translated by Elli Wise 9/96
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