An Arduous Journey

This story is based on true events. It is 1832 on a generational farm near Frankfurt Germany. The Jacob Schmitt family had lived under the rule of a ruthless autocratic governor when they heard of people going to America where they could start a new life. Philip the oldest child was 12 years old when his family left Germany. They traveled bravely across the Atlantic to New York City and then on to Matagorda Texas. When they settled in 1833 the territory was owned by Mexico. At 14 years old Philip enlisted in Sam Houstons army during the Texas Revolutionary War. Several years later Philip his wife his daughter and his brother decided to leave the family ranch and settle in the wilderness of central Texas. It took them 4 months to make the 300 mile journey. They had oxen wagons horses cattle and possessions. They endured many obstacles including crossing the Colorado River with everything and everyone. You can get an image of the brave people and the difficulties they faced in their arduous journey. These settlers were part of the birth growth and history of Texas. I am the great-great-great grandson of Jacob Schmitt.