Read the dramatic account of an event unfolding in the life of Johann Floersch, settler and his family from Germany, arriving into the US in mid-1800’s, antebellum (pre-Civil War) Missouri. Following is an account by author Sandra Lewis Miller in a collaborative effort with interviews and extensive research done by descendants of Johann Floersch. Estimates of Floersch’s in US descendant from Johann range upwards of 5,000.
To consider specific aspects and documentation of Johann’s life, see following menu:
Story from Memories of Weston, Missouri, Vol. II Millenium Edition – 1837 to 2000
Written and compiled by Sandra Lewis Miller; Page layout and design by Ted S. Wilson, Sponsored by the Weston Historical Museum, Copyright 2001 by Weston Historical Museum. (shared with permission)
Just a couple of comments – on page 14 – regarding first settling in New Orleans… “…purchased a large plantation… a group of New Orleans citizens burned his plantation to the ground…” This can’t be true! The Declaration to become a US Citizen is signed in St. Louis in July 1843, and land purchase in Weston in October 1843.
Also – note on p. 18 – the true story of what happened in the barnyard emerges from the handwritten request for pardon…
(ed. note – these will be transcribed and placed on site under each event in Johann’s life…)
This is heartbreaking family history but also makes me very proud. What this research shows is that my Great, Great, Great Grandfather Johann Floersch stood up for his fellow man – stood up against the powerful people in his community because he felt slavery was wrong. He took up his cross and remained steadfast in what he believed to be right; that all men are created equal in the eyes of God. He lost his life because of his strong beliefs and his entire family suffered for decades because of this unnecessary incident. There is one additional point that I always make when discussing this topic, and that is this: Mrs. Wilkerson was pregnant at the time that her husband passed away from his injuries. If she believed that Johann (John) Floersch was the cause of the tragedy that took place, and was a horrible, unforgiveable person, it is beyond comprehension that she would then give birth and name her son John…..but that is exactly what she did.