The Oricin Of German Day

THE ORICIN OF GERMAN DAY

Celebrated First German Settlers in Washtenaw.

WHO THE MEN WERE

And Why So Many Wuertembergers Settled in Washtenaw

Many unacquainted with the origin of the German American Day may not understand its object. Ten years ago the annual celebration was organized in Ann Arbor. It was meant to celebrate the first settlement of the Germans in Washtenaw county. It was to be a reunion of the descendants. In this connection it will be of interest to know that the first German family that settled in Ann Arbor was the late Henry Mann and wife, and their son Hon. Emanuel Mann and daughters and daughters Mrs. Frederick Schmid and Mrs. August Hutzel, the latter being the only surviving member of the family. This was in May 1830. The special cause of the large immigration of Wurtermberger's to the county, was a letter that Henry Mann wrote to his uncle in Stuttgart, describing the country. This was published in that county's household paper called the Schwaebischen Mercur. From that time thousands of good sturdy, honest people left their homes for "Ann Arbor" the new El Dorado. That they made no mistake is best evidenced by their prosperous descendants. They settled not only in Washtenaw county but spread over the state. Two years before Mr. Mann came to Ann Arbor a young German by the name of Schilling settled in Scio. He is still living at Sebewaing, in Huron county. He came from Weinsberg, from which the name of the present post office is taken. Ann Arbor can well be called "Schwaebe Stedtle" on account of the numerous descendants of the Schwaebians who are settled there.