William and Mary’s lifetimes spanned over 8 decades, a real feat given the shorter life expectancy in those days. They endured a 2-3 month transatlantic journey, resettled in a foreign land, and overcame language and cultural barriers to establish themselves as immigrant Americans. 

 

They lived during the presidency of Abraham Lincoln . . . and witnessed his assassination - one of three presidential assassinations in their lifetimes (Lincoln, Garfield, McKinley). They lived through the American Civil War, the Spanish-American War, and World War I. They suffered through the Tuberculosis (TB) and the Spanish Flu pandemics. They saw the invention of the telephone, the automobile, and the airplane. They watched the dedication of the Statue of Liberty and the erection of the Soldier’s and Sailors Monument in Indianapolis. They were there for the first running of the Indianapolis 500. Perhaps they even attended it. They grieved with their neighbors about the sinking of the Titanic. They saw the rise of prohibition and the rise of women’s right to vote. 

 

William started successful businesses and patented at least 3 inventions associated with stoves, likely with the help of Mary. Mary gave birth and raised 10 children. She buried three of them plus a son-in-law and two daughter-in-laws. She reported having 3 stillbirths. They adopted 2 of their grandchildren, orphaned by TB. William and Mary moved at least 15 times in addition to leaving their homeland and emigrating to the U.S. They bought and lived on a fruit farm. Together they celebrated a 50th and a 60th wedding anniversary. And they hosted events with the top political leaders of Indiana and Indianapolis at the time. 

 

What fascinating lives!

 

William and Mary were part of the largest immigrant wave in American history. The Germans have left an indelible mark on our culture. We can thank our German ancestors for apple pie (apfel strudel), the inspiration for Disney’s castle, the Christmas tree, Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny; kindergarten and gymnasiums in school buildings, chicken fried steak (wiener schnitzel), the hot dog and hamburgers; “Here Comes the Bride” (composed in 1850 by Richard Wagner), the Brooklyn Bridge in New York and the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument in Indianapolis, Levi Straus jeans and Steinway pianos, the automobile (invented by Karl Benz before Henry Ford mass produced it), Oktoberfest and of course, a variety of beers.

 

How's that for German inspiration?