Life in Newark, New Jersey (1865-1882)

The end of the Civil War brought many changes for Fidel Schlund’s family. Sadly his son Alois passed away during the war. The Illinois State archives list Alois’ death as a suicide. However, his brother, Max, wrote in his diary that Alois was killed in battle. Other documents at the Newberry Library corroborate Max's version of the incident. In 1865 Fidel, his wife Josephina, and his eldest son Anton moved to Newark, New Jersey. Joseph, Christian, and Peter stayed in the Chicago, Illinois area for the remainder of their lives. Fidel's other children, now with families of their own, moved to other states; Wisconsin, Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, and California.

Fidel Schlund in Newark, NJ city directory 1865

Fidel was an active member in the German Republican party in Newark. Fidel’s involvement is chronicled in the book, “A History of the City of Newark, New Jersey: Embracing Practically Volume 2.”

“A History of the City of Newark, New Jersey: Embracing Practically Volume 2.”

Fidel and Anton (Anthony) Schlund in Newark, NJ city directory 1869

Fidel Schlund in the 1870 Census- Newark Ward 13, Essex, New Jersey

Fidel and Anton Schlund in Newark, NJ city directory 1871

On April 8, 1871 a peace celebration took place in Newark. The Germans were celebrating the end of the Franco-Prussian War and the Unification of Germany. Being aware of their French neighbors the Germans decided to forgo a triumphal celebration an instead have a peace celebration. Fidel Schlund was one of the original “forty-eighters” who gave a speech at the celebration. The “forty-eighters” felt that the moment had come that gave their fight and struggle purpose. They embraced the cause of the Fatherland as their own; the injustice they had suffered was forgotten. 

“A History of the City of Newark, New Jersey: Embracing Practically Volume 2.”

Fidel and his wife Josephine celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 1876. The following article from “The Sunday Call”, tells more about the occasion.

The Sunday Call, March 26, 1876

Fidel Schlund and sons, Anton and Fidel Jr in Newark, NJ city directory 1876

Fidel Schlund and sons, Anton and Fidel Jr in Newark, NJ city directory 1878

Fidel Schlund and sons, Anton and Fidel Jr in Newark, NJ city directory 1879

Fidel and Anthony listed in 1880 Census- Newark, Essex, New Jersey

Fidel Schlund and sons, Anton and Fidel Jr in Newark, NJ city directory 1881

Immigration to America- Part 1

In 1853 Fidel decided to immigrate to America with his family due to continuous spying and harassment by the police.

The German book, “Kurier für Niederbayern: Landshuter Tag- u. Anzeigeblatt: unabhängige”, Records their passage through Nuernberg on Feb., 21st, 1853. (Translated to English)

“Between the many emigrants, who rush to the ports, you’ll find the former congressman Fidel Schlund from Immenstadt, who passed here with his family the day before yesterday. With Mr. Schlund the home country drops not only a very affluent man but also a man with a very strong character.”

German Flag 1848

Several sources tell the story of the Fidel’s departure from Germany. According to them, Fidel Schlund mounted his ship to America with the black, red, and golden flag tied around his body. The original flag was returned to Immenstadt, however, is disappeared in the 1950s. http://www.historisches-franken.de/index04/wanderausstellung.htm My grandmother recalls being told this story as a young girl.

Life in Germany

Coat of arms of the
Town of Immenstadt in Allgäu
Image from Wikipedia.

Fidel Schlund and his family lived in Immenstadt. Immenstadt is a little town in the county of Allgaeu in the far south area of Bavaria, Germany in the German Alps. This area in Germany is known for its beautiful landscapes and farm produce, especially dairy.

Click here to learn more about Immenstadt.

Contemporary depiction of the
parliamentarians entering the St. Paul Church
Image from Wikipedia

Fidel was a member of the Bavarian Parliament in 1845 and 1848. He was the leader of the left-wing liberal in the Allgäu. He was also a member of the Frankfurt Assembly, the first freely elected Parliament for all of Germany. The Frankfurt Parliament held session from May 18, 1848 to May 31, 1849. They met in St. Paul’s Church in Frankfurt Germany.

Frankfurt Parliament in Session in St. Paul’s Church 1848

Image from Wikipedia

As member of the German National Assembly, Fidel Schlund was involved in the unsuccessful Revolution of 1848 in Germany.  The Revolution was spurred by those who sought to oppose the religious and political tyranny of the ruling classes.

Click here to learn more about the Frankfurt Parliament.