Meixner Family History #5 - The Decision

We know Frank and Theresa Meixner immigrated to the U.S. in 1881.  What we don't know is why.  I'll explore some possibilities.

I mentioned in post #3 that tensions between the Czech and German populations in Bohemia may have been a contributing factor in the decision. There were several other reasons for leaving.  Of course it is likely that all of these reasons were contribuitng factors.

All numbered paragraphs below are from the article: Landskroner Emigration to the American Midwest , by Edward G. Langer, Copyright 1001, Edward G. Langer.  All quotes will be from the article.  Google it and read the article.  It is very interesting.

Landskron is a district right next to the District of Leitomischel.  Leitomischel is the district where Frank and Theresa lived.  The town of Landskron was only a few miles to the northeast of Abtsdorf.  I think the same conditions would have existed in Leitomischel.

1)  "Until 1848, the people of the district of Landskron were still subject to feudal restrictions limiting their ability to move and requiring them to provide certain services to the local ruling class.  In 1848, revolutions rocked much of Europe.  When the Revolution of 1848 began in the Austrian Empire, the landless peasants hoped there would be a land reform that would give them land."  Unfortunately nothing came out of this revolution that helped the peasants regarding securing land.  There was one very big result, however, that effected them greatly.  The landless received the right to emigrate from the Empire.  The peasants started to take advantage of this right.

2)  "Another reason why people emigrated was to escape the effects of imperial wars.  The Austrian Empire was involved in frequent wars, resulting in increasing taxes and the drafting of young men sent to fight in distant locations."

3)  Improved food and sanitary conditions in the mid-1800" resulted in a population explosion and overpopulation.  The direct effect was limited opportunities for young people.  Housing conditions were difficult with people crammed into small one-room houses.  "There was little virgin land in the area, and subdividing the existing farms would have made them unprofitable.  There was little local industry to provide work for the excess farm population."

4)  "By the 1850's, numerous sources encouraged European peoples to emigrate to America.  'How-to-emigrate' books extolled America's virtues, especially the freedom and cheap land available in America.  Rail and shipping interests made emigration sound very attractive in an attempt to increase their business."  Once relatives and friends settle in America they wrote letters back telling everyone how great things were in their new land.

A very difficult decision to leave your homeland and family and friends even with all the compelling reasons I have mentioned.  That decision had to be made even more difficult when you consider the distance they would be traveling and the dangers they would face.  What ever the reasons that prompted Frank and Theresa to decide as they did I am very grateful that they did.  That is the reason I and all their Meixner descendants reading this are here today.

Next up will be "The Journey".