Johann Dirks

Johann was born to Benjamin and Katherina Dirks in Karolwalde, Russia. They were hard working farmers for the most part. They were among thousands of German Mennonites who decided to immigrate to America for Religion freedom.

Johann and his wife Anna Dirks were the last of the immigrants to leave the Karolswalde, Russia villages. By horse wagons they went to the train station in Russia, and from there by train to Hamburg, German, and then into Liverpool, England. Here the immigration list was made before the voyage to America which took up to 17 days on the stormy seas. Johann was very sick with consumption and had to remain behind in England for several weeks before being allowed to continue to America.

During the long trip from England Anna gave birth to a daughter Susanna.

They arrived in Philidaphila, Pennsylvania on board the SS Illinois on January 28, 1875.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SS_Illinois_(1873)

Johann never really recovered from his illness and passed away on June 9, 1876 in the small town of Souderton, Pennsylvania.
R. G. (Bob) Dirks

• Reference: FamilySearch Genealogy - SmartCopy: Jan 13 2021, 20:21:08 UTC
• Reference: Find A Grave Memorial - SmartCopy: Jan 13 2021, 20:34:21 UTC