Over four years, a total of 220 individuals have relocated to a new place

Ancestor of an early Onstbach emigrant to America in the 1830s searches for family history; discovers it in local genealogy book.

, and Administrator

2025 September 13 . 2:53 AM

2 min read

Migrants numbering around 220 over a four-year period

Over four years, a total of 220 individuals have relocated to a new place

In the mid-1800s, a significant number of people from the small German village of Önsbach embarked on a journey across the Atlantic Ocean, seeking a new life in America. Among these emigrants were the ancestors of Jason Van Doren, who would later make a connection with his homeland almost 200 years later.

The chronicle "Önsbach - A Village with History" details the hardships faced by these emigrants during their 30 to 35-day journey on sailing ships. Weather conditions were unpredictable, and the cramped quarters led to illnesses and death, especially among children. However, shipping company agents often promised a land of plenty in America to entice emigrants. Those who paid enough for their ticket were promised "excellent, nutritious, and healthy food with fresh meat and fresh bread daily, along with a ration of wine or brandy."

The municipality took loans for this "social assistance" and sent their citizens away due to the dire situation in the village. This exodus peaked between 1850 and 1854, with 220 Önsbach citizens and 55 "dependent eaters" being sponsored by the community for their journey.

One of Jason Van Doren's ancestors who emigrated from Önsbach was Bernhard Doll. Born in 1809, Bernhard left his hometown as a young man and became part of the first wave of Önsbach emigrants, with many heading to Hungary, Poland, Slavonia, and America. Bernhard's family emigrated from America after the failed 1848 revolution, and fought there as one of the German "Forty-Eighters" for freedom.

Interestingly, Bernhard Doll is distantly related to the former mayor and renowned writer Grimmelshausen through Bernhard's father. Jason Van Doren is also related to Hans Jakob Christoffel von Grimmelshausen (1622-1676), a famous author known for his novel "The Adventures of Simplicissimus."

Bernhard Doll moved from Chicago to Ontario, Canada, became a farmer, and married Mary Dietrich in 1833. The advent of steamships made the journey shorter, but it still took three weeks. Despite the hardships, many of Bernhard's descendants, including Jason Van Doren, have thrived in their new homeland.

In April 2025, the contact between Jason Van Doren and Önsbach was made through the local administration. The "800 years of Önsbach" celebration took place soon after, providing an opportunity for descendants like Jason to visit their homeland and celebrate their roots.

However, no familial connection to Franz-Xaver "Andreas" Hofer, who fought for unity, right, and freedom in the 1848 revolution, could be established in Eugen Weber's local genealogy book. This revolution and its aftermath likely influenced the decision of many Önsbach citizens, including Bernhard Doll and his family, to seek a new life in America.

The Baden government addressed the issue in 1847, requiring agents to have a state license and shipping companies to provide bonds. This was a step towards ensuring the safety and well-being of emigrants, a concern that remains relevant even today as people continue to seek better opportunities in foreign lands.