Calumet Editions

Standing at the Grave

A Family's Journey from the Grand Duchy of Posen to the Prairies of North Dakota

Author:

Weeks before Queen Victoria’s birth, Anna Christina Schmidt is born to a German settler on a Polish noble’s estate. Unlike the Queen, her life is marked only by a moss-covered tombstone and a hollow in the grass. Standing at the Grave tells the true story of a forgotten mother who watched her children leave for America, never expecting their return—and follows their journey from Poland’s Wielkopolska plains to North Dakota’s prairies.

Striking settings, apt descriptions and lively dialogue reveal this family

—Barbara Pieh, Past President, Germanic Genealogical Society

Description

Weeks before the birth of Queen Victoria, Anna Christina Schmidt was born to a German settler on the estate of a Polish noble. Unlike the Queen, the only remaining visible proof of her life is a depression in the grass behind a moss-covered tombstone. Standing at the Grave is the true story of one of the thousands of forgotten mothers who stood at their doors, watching their children leave for America, never expecting to see them again. This is also the journey of her children from the plains of Wielkopolska, Poland, to the prairies of North Dakota.

Product Details

PublishedMay 18, 2023
ImprintWisdom Editions
LanguageEnglish
Print length280
ISBN-13978-1960250858
Dimensions6 x 0.71 x 9 inches

I enjoyed this book a lot. The author caught my attention right away in his Introduction – comparing the life of Queen Alexandrina with the life of his immigrant ancestor. Both were born in the same year, but they had such different lives! He also points out that the Queen’s life is very well documented, but Anna Christina’s life, like most immigrants, isn’t. So this book is also meant to commemorate the lives of all immigrants who have uprooted themselves to find a better life for themselves and their families.

—SandyMJ, verified review on Amazon

It was very obvious that this families’ history was well researched and related from one generation to the next. I enjoyed learning the history of not only the family but also the two countries during that time. It’s important to know what motivated those early immigrants to come and face the unknown and hopefully it will help us to have more understanding and acceptance for today’s immigrants.

—Linda J, verified review on Amazon

This book was totally enjoyable and educational. Full of history and family traditions passed down through generations. Very well written.

—Kindle reader, verified review on Amazon

As a Genealogist whose family came to America in early to mid-1700, through this book I feel the agony of leaving your homeland for another country. Wars and poverty caused them to leave.

—RanRan, verified review on Amazon

One of the book’s strengths lies in its well-developed characters. Each member of the immigrant family is portrayed with depth and authenticity, enabling readers to form a strong connection and empathize with their experiences. Their hopes, dreams, and fears are palpable, making their journey all the more relatable. The familial bonds and dynamics add further emotional depth, allowing readers to witness the power of resilience and unity in the face of adversity.

—Zhenyl Huang on Amazon