Elizabeth’S Journey

By Carol Frazee

Fifteen-year-old Elizabeth and her brother, Jacob, set out for the city to find work to help financially support their family after the crop failures of 1846 and 1847. As the shy, dutiful daughter, Elizabeth sees this as an ideal opportunity to become self-sufficient and to escape, with a bit of luck, the arranged marriage her father has planned for her. Elizabeths journey challenges her beliefs and philosophical upbringing, introduces her to new intriguing friends, takes her to destinations beyond her tiny villages single mindset, and offers a hope for true love.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Inspiring Voices
• Release date: Jul 3, 2013
• ISBN: 9781462406678

Carol Frazee

As a summa cum laude graduate of FSU, Mrs. Frazee began her teaching career in 1994. Presently, she is an education instructor at Garrett College. Mrs. Frazee has one daughter, Caressa, and resides in Grantsville, Maryland, with her husband, Brian, and their bichon frise, Zoe Grace.

Book preview

In Search of an Income to Help Support the Family

JACOB AND ELIZABETH PREPARE TO depart for their journey. Everyone comes outside of the house to share goodbyes and well wishes.

Elizabeth’s mother hands her a handkerchief and says, Some seeds fall on good ground while some do not take root because the ground is bad … [tears]… use your seeds wisely to produce a plentiful harvest of good.

Elizabeth nods before they both hold hands with tears tenderly gliding down their cheeks.

Daniel says, Women, daylight is burning; best be going.

He pats the shoulders of his two children and walks toward the pasture field, not looking back. Jacob and Elizabeth gather the items they have decided to take with them to the nearby city, a few changes of clothes, bedding, cooking necessities, and some food. It does not seem like much, but Jacob and Elizabeth know that these supplies will soon become heavy as they walk the distance. Not to mention, food has been scarce since the past crop failures.

Father had given them some of the last remaining money to use for rent and food once they reach the city. Elizabeth had earlier placed this inside a small money pouch pinned close to her body beneath her skirt and slips. They definitely do not want a gypsy, which they have heard of from passing peddlers, stealing their small amount of funds.

Their mother and siblings stand beside the front door trying to comfort each other as they watch Jacob and Elizabeth leave the farm for the last time for a long while. Jacob and Elizabeth promise to write often and send as much money as possible back to the family and, fighting back the tears, they begin their journey.

Trying to conceal their emotions after leaving the farm, they walk in silence for awhile. As time passes, feeling in control, Jacob begins to discuss his job possibilities. He wants to open his own repair shop. He declares that he will be the best repairman in the city. He boasts that everyone will bring business to him because of his excellent reputation for fixing anything. Nevertheless, he timidly adds that he will probably have to be an understudy until people recognize his skills and abilities.

But quickly covering his nervousness, he says, This of course will only be for a short period of time.

Elizabeth listens for a long time as Jacob adds more details to his dream before she shares the ideas she has thought about for several months but has not told anyone else because she is afraid he or she will laugh at her. Maybe now is the right time to tell someone.

Jacob, do you know what I want to become? asks Elizabeth.

Jacob guesses, A wife and mother of six children.

Elizabeth shakes her head, No, I enjoy reading, learning, and gardening. I want to find new ways to help people. You know, that we can use some specific plants to make people well. In the book that Doctor Diefenbach let me borrow, I read about these different herbs and various leaves, which can be used as medicine. I want to learn more and become a doctor. Doctor Diefenbach has allowed me to help him nurse the orphans back to health. In the city, I can meet another doctor and learn …

She soon finds that it is not the right time to tell Jacob about her dream.

Jacob laughs, Come now, Elizabeth, you are too pretty for people to take you seriously. And besides, you know what we believe; a woman must submit to her husband. A woman’s place is in the home taking care of her husband and children. Your husband will think for you. Stop being such an independent spirit.

I believe that I should have a say in the matter, pouts Elizabeth.

You are smarter than I. It is apparent that our parents think so because they gave you the money to carry and the responsibility to write the letters, Jacob condescendingly lectures.

[Elizabeth thinks to herself as Jacob talks, A robber will not suspect that a woman will be carrying money, and I write more legibly. This is the only reason Father instructed me to carry the money.]

Intelligent or not, you will marry and live a quiet life. Father and Mr. Meyer have already spoken. After you experience a little self-sufficiency, you will gladly marry his son, says Jacob as Elizabeth shrugs her shoulders.

I highly doubt that I will ever desire a self-centered, blabber mouth husband, Elizabeth whispers.

I know what type of wife I am looking for… Jacob wistfully says at the same time as Elizabeth retorts, A dumb one!

Jacob teases, It will be okay. I have a plan. I will visit my wise sister, Elizabeth, and ask for her advice in all affairs.

They, both, laugh, playfully slap at each other, and, then, begin discussing the remaining distance to the next farm lane. The other equally spaced farmhouses form a tight-knit community with the fields surrounding the orderly designed village, all except one.

Charlie’s farm is so far from the other farms, Jacob states, It is as if his family is trying to hide something. Charlie never talks about relatives.

Charlie talks about everything, so he must not have other family members, Elizabeth frowns at the thought of such a small family of three.

At the next farm entrance, Jacob and Elizabeth plan to meet Charlie. He is joining them on the journey to find work and send money back to his father and mother, too. As they turn the bend in the road, they see Charlie leaning against the old oak that stands at the farm lane’s entrance.

He notices them coming and jokingly shouts, Well, it is about time. I thought that you may have changed your minds.

We have not change our minds; we are ready for adventure! shouts Jacob.

While he stoops down to pick up his pack, Charlie responses, You cannot have all the fun without me!

Charlie enthusiastically, and somewhat impatiently, joins Jacob and Elizabeth. Aloofly, Elizabeth asks Charlie what he has packed to bring along on the journey. Contrary to the Mennonite belief of modesty, Charlie owns many possessions, so seeing Charlie carry only one bag and his bedroll surprises Elizabeth.

Oh, now Elizabeth, Charlie breathed in a deep breath, Mother unpacked most of my prized possessions. She has agreed to mail my favorite books to me when I am settled and have the money for the postage. My drawings, sketches, and written proposals will be stored in my room until I can return for them. Someday I will return in a fine carriage and add these items to my manor’s library. Until then, I am regrettably reduced to clothes and food in my bags.

That is a big bag for a change of clothes and some food, jokes Jacob.

A change of clothes! Jacob, surely you are uncouth and misinformed. To make a good impression, one must wear the proper attire. Yes, sir, I am prepared with my finest clothing to face each occasion dressed appropriately, snubs Charlie.

Elizabeth asks, What about other supplies such as cooking utensils and plates?

My dear Elizabeth, I knew that you would pack those mundane items—you always have plenty to share; therefore, I will be the well-dressed, well-spoken ambassador for our little assembly.

And with that said, Charlie begins his political rhetoric… Jacob looks at Elizabeth as she rolls her eyes and pretends not to listen to Charlie’s voice boast of his future accomplishments as the greatest politician to save and to serve humanity in his new civilized world.

The three young adults continue down the dirt road. The sound of endless chatter fills the air as Charlie monopolizes all topics of conversation. He thinks that he is the authority of all subjects, but Charlie enjoys speaking about politics the most. Even though the Mennonite elders discourage political involvement, Charlie believes that he can make a difference if given an opportunity. He expects the King of Prussia, Frederick William IV, to unite the German states into a large country. He talks about a constitution and a parliamentary government as they walk along the road until Elizabeth thinks that she will scream. Finally, a large grey squirrel darts across the path in front of them, and the boys begin to chase after it.

Look, Jacob, supper! yells Charlie as he bends down and scoops up a rock and throws it at the squirrel.

His attempt to hit the squirrel is unsuccessful. Jacob quickly aims and throws a stone. The stone hits its target in the head area and kills the squirrel.

Charlie, you need more practice aiming outside and less reading inside, teases Jacob as he and Charlie run to the squirrel and pick it up.

Charlie declares, I guess it is time for a snack.

The boys suggest stopping, building a small, quick fire, and resting for about an hour while the sun is at its peak since they had started the journey after an early breakfast and had been walking for more than four hours. In an upcoming grassy area, they can see a small stream. Elizabeth gathers dried grass and twigs to build a small fire while the boys skin and wash the squirrel. Soon the three are eating the bread from Elizabeth’s basket and the small portions of fire-roasted meat.

While they eat, Charlie explains in detail his plan for the next few days. Jacob has always been enamored by Charlie’s ideas and easily submits to Charlie’s lead, maybe because Charlie is two years older than he. Elizabeth, on the other hand, believes that Charlie is immature and egotistical.

When he begins to focus only on his personal strengths and goals, she interrupts Charlie and tells him, No person is an island to him or herself. Everyone needs a good support system to become successful.

To which Charlie laughs, Elizabeth, where do you come up with these ideas? One self-sufficient man is capable of overcoming any obstacle by himself!

At that moment, Elizabeth throws a bucket of water onto the fire remembering her mother’s advice ‘to control her anger rather than allowing her anger to control her.’ Yet, she finds a bit of gratitude from the rising steam.

A wagon approaches as the fire is smothered, diverting everyone’s attention. The driver pauses for his horses to rest.

He calls out to the three young adventurers, You from around here?

We are from farms back that way, Charlie replies as he points, We are looking for work in the city.

Well, I am going that way. Do you want a ride?

We sure do appreciate that offer, says Charlie while he gathers up his knapsack and bedroll and heads toward the wagon.

Jacob and Elizabeth follow behind him with everything else. Charlie introduces himself and his companions. They soon learn that the driver’s name is Thomas.

Thomas says, I haul supplies between the factories. It gets mighty lonely on the long hauls. Climb aboard and keep me company.

Thomas extends his hand down to an amazed Elizabeth. She had never been given the privilege of preference seating.

When Charlie begins to object, Thomas clearly states, The best seat is reserved for a lady.

Elizabeth climbs onto the bench beside the driver as the boys try to find a place in the wagon to squeeze into behind them. Charlie and Thomas strike up a steady conversation for the next hour.

After awhile, Thomas asks several questions, Where you sleepin’ tonight? and What are your plans?

We do not know, sir. We plan to find work and send money back to help our parents on their farms, Charlie informs Thomas.

Well, you can bunk at my house for a few nights until you find work and a place to hang your hat.

All three travelers gratefully thank Thomas for his generosity. Some of the anxiety of the unknown is beginning to melt away as they enter the outer city limits with their new friend. Soon, Thomas pulls up to the unloading dock as dusk is beginning to set. Charlie and Jacob help him unload the crates from the wagon into the factory. Martin, the foreman, meets Thomas with his clipboard in hand.

He inspects the supplies and comments on Thomas’ assistants, Where did you find your help?

Thomas says, They are two good ole country boys looking for some work.

Thomas motions for Charlie and Jacob to join Martin and himself.

Come over here. Mr. Konrad, this is Charlie and his friend, Jacob. Boys, I want you to meet Mr. Martin Konrad.

Mr. Konrad says, Well, I can use two young fellows who know how to work. Do you want to start tomorrow?

While Jacob is too shocked to do anything more than nod, Charlie eagerly shakes Mr. Konrad’s hand and spouts words of appreciation until Mr. Konrad says, You better wait until you hear what you will be doing.

For the next fifteen minutes, Mr. Konrad discusses the job requirements and his expectations. When he finishes, he sends them on their way reminding them to be prompt or don’t come at all!

Charlie speaks a mile a minute between the factory and Thomas’s house. His excitement is hard to contain.

Between Charlie’s breathes, Thomas inserts a few words of warning about his wife, Take heed, my wife can be a bit choleric at times. Be nice to her; she is my whole world.

At his house, Mary runs outside to meet him. Thomas greets his wife with a kiss and a hug that sweeps her off her feet.

When Mary notices the three young people, she says, Now, Thomas what do we have here? Have those factory supplies you haul sprouted into children?

Charlie rushes forward to take control of the situation. In a matter of seconds, Mary is bombarded with more information than she can satisfactorily comprehend.

Thomas comes to her rescue, Now dear, we will have company for awhile. These young folks need a place to stay until they find a job and can make it on their own.

And with that, he shoos the ladies inside so that the he can unhitch the team of horses and wipe them down in the barn. Charlie and Jacob follow Thomas into the barn. The barn is much smaller than what Charlie and Jacob are used to seeing, but they notice how efficient the space has been designed for maximum usage. Thomas’s organizational skills make use of even the most minuscule areas. After the horses are fed and watered, Thomas takes the boys inside to wash up for supper. The house is small but adequately furnished. It appears that the couple collects clocks because clocks can be found on the walls and surrounding display tables.

Charlie asks Thomas, Why do you have so many clocks in your house? I do not know if I have ever seen so many clocks.

Thomas replies, During the winter months, I do not haul supplies because I cannot stand the cold weather. So, I build and repair clocks. The cuckoo clocks are my favorite.

They examine the carvings of several clocks until Thomas pats his stomach, I think my stomach is running low; it’s time to fix that predicament. Follow me into the kitchen.

Mary and Elizabeth have the table set with hot piping food. Elizabeth has explained their situation to Mary earlier. The five people sit down, give thanks, and share the food with lively conversation. Today has been a day full of excitement. Later, Mary and Elizabeth clean up the dishes as Thomas talks about the factory.

Since they will need to rise early for their first day of work, Thomas shows them where they will be sleeping. Mary brings extra quilts from her chest. Elizabeth looks around the candle-lit room and quickly arranges the quilts and finalizes the sleeping preparations. She shushes Charlie and Jacob several times before they doze. Even though Elizabeth has chosen her sleeping area as far away from Charlie as possible, she awakens numerous times throughout the night because of Charlie’s talking.

She laughs to herself, I should have known that he would talk as much in his sleep as he does when he is awake.

An Apartment,

New Jobs, Adjusting

MORNING IS A FLURRY OF activity as everyone prepares for another day of the unexpected. Not wanting to be late, the young men get an early start for the factory while Mary plans to help Elizabeth adjust to city life. However, there are still the housekeeping needs, but the outside chores are limited because of the size of the land available for each house’s use. Mary has a small garden and two chickens. Elizabeth is definitely going to miss not having a large vegetable garden to tend, along with the animals.

Elizabeth asks, How do you have milk without a cow?

Mary said, I will take you to the market. I buy the milk we need.

Mary and Elizabeth walk to the market square. She shows Elizabeth how to barter before buying a few items. Elizabeth thinks that Mary enjoys this game far more than is obligatory before she purchases her groceries. Mary introduces Elizabeth to the other women shopping in the market square. Elizabeth asks them where she can find a job. The women tell her it will be hard because most women do not work outside the home. Even though the women cannot help with employment, they do know of a few places where Elizabeth can rent a room close to the factory. Elizabeth eagerly welcomes the information. That very afternoon, she and Mary begin to inquire of these possibilities.

The first room is poorly lit due to the one small window that faces toward the west. The next room is located close to the town stable. The smell from the waste area is pungent, to say the least. As the two women walk back toward Mary’s house, a discouraged Elizabeth is about to cry in desperation. The candle maker, Mr. Folk, steps out onto his front step as the women approach. He greets Mary and asks about her day. After the socially acceptable pleasantries, Mary explains about Elizabeth’s search for a room.

Mr. Folk, being a soft-hearted man and wanting to help the teary-eyed Elizabeth, claps his hands and says, That is wonderful news. Just a few weeks ago, Mrs. Folk told me that I needed to clear out the storage room we have not been using. You little ladies come around back and take a look at it. Maybe you two can turn it into a livable area, and, as a bonus, I will not have to clean it myself.

Mary looks at Elizabeth, who nods as she smiles. Mr. Folk motions that they should follow him around to the rear. Elizabeth barely touches Mary’s hand and eagerly skips behind Mr.