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Ties that Bind

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(“Grandpa” Etgen, 1920, Dallas, Texas)

As the story goes Wilhelm Itchen jumped ship while serving as a Merchant Marine for Germany, in the 1860s. He swam to shore near Galveston, Texas, where he later met his bride to be Anna Metner. The two married and had eight children, one of whom was my paternal grandfather. During WWI, he anglicized his name and became William Etgen. The couple and their children moved to Dallas, Texas, where other generations of Etgens were born. My father as well as my brothers and I are among his many descendants.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ German descendant I am ties bind me to 'Deutschland' ethereal threads

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Lisa Ricci

Date: 4/12/2024 3:57:00 AM

Dear Sara. Good Morning. I turned to this entry not knowing what I would read. Hold close your family tree and ancestors. Family and our history is so important. My history comes from Italy. Thank you for sharing yourself. The photo by the way is magnificent. Have a wonderful morning and weekend. Love Peace and Blessings always. (smile)

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 4/12/2024 4:31:00 AM

thanks for your visit, Lisa, and for your delightful words. I agree, family history is important and, therefore, should be cherished. Interesting that you have an Italian background. Take care of yourself, Lisa, and have a wonderful day, hugs and blessings, Sara

Anne-Lise Andresen

Date: 3/4/2024 5:21:00 AM

- Roots from the 1860s have really grown over time... historic family memories, Sara - Thanks for sharing this :) - hugs

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 4/12/2024 4:30:00 AM

somehow I missed your comment back in March. I apologize but am grateful for your comments. Enjoy your day, hugs, Sara

Gershon Wolf

Date: 3/3/2024 8:18:00 PM

Pretty interesting... My great-grandmother on my mother's side, came ashore at Galveston by boat around 1840 or so, also from Germany. She was already what is called a 'Reform Jew,' more Christian than Jewish, actually. They pretty much found their 'Jewish identity' in America, where they faced discrimination and seething hatred at every turn. 'No Jews or dogs allowed' was a sign prominently displayed everywhere in Texas through the 1950's.

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 3/4/2024 4:27:00 AM

thanks for visiting, Gershon, and for sharing your family's journey to America. Such a travesty is the prejudice and fear toward the Jewish population. Truly breaks my heart. I remember reading the prejudicial and hate-filled signs here in Texas in the 50s and 60s. The separate restrooms and drinking fountains for whites and blacks. I remember the sign outside the train station in Greenville, Texas. It read, "welcome to Greenville, home of the blackest land and the whitest people." Hatred and fear are still rampant, sometimes subdued and sometimes not. Appreciate your comments. Have a pleasant day, Sara

Bill Baker

Date: 3/3/2024 10:27:00 AM

He literally swam for his life. I'm glad he made it. Nice Monoku, my love. Hugs, Bill

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 3/3/2024 5:48:00 PM

yes, he did, my soulmate. Glad he did, otherwise I might not be here and might not be with you. EEGADS. love and hugs, Sara

Silent One

Date: 3/3/2024 8:53:00 AM

Interesting to read about your routes... So nice you know this information and transformed it into a monoku..

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 3/3/2024 5:47:00 PM

thanks, Silent One, for your visit and comments.

Ink Empress

Date: 3/3/2024 8:06:00 AM

Awwn thats so nice to reflect and appreciate your roots, and where you come from. I love how you have written the introduction, you are an excellent writer dear sara. You amaze me always! I absolutely love the flow of your well crafted lines and the history behind your family tree. Always a pleasure reading your work. Missed reading your work. Will come back again to read more of yours. Sending you light always

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 3/3/2024 5:47:00 PM

thank you, dearest Ink...glad you loved how I wrote this poem; I'm blushing that you find me amazing. I think I get my tenacity from my great grandfather. :-) Takes that to write poetry. I've missed reading your work as well. Hope all is well with you, sending you hugs, Sara

Sara Kendrick

Date: 3/3/2024 6:27:00 AM

I enjoyed reading the history of your family. Very interesting man. I am glad all worked out for him and that he had progeny to carry on his strong zeal to be free. Thanks for sharing and for dropping by my page. Sara K

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 3/3/2024 5:45:00 PM

glad you enjoyed the read, Sara K. He was a distinctive and brave man (so I'm told) Appreciate your visit...enjoy your evening, hugs, Sara B

Karen Jones

Date: 3/2/2024 6:39:00 PM

Cool beans!

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 3/3/2024 5:44:00 PM

thank you...appreciate your enthusiasm!

Beryl Edmonds

Date: 3/2/2024 6:19:00 PM

What a brave man your great grandfather was Sara, to jump ship as he did. Isn’t it amazing how life unfolds, that we evolve from actions of old. Enjoyed reading your family story… Beryl

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 3/3/2024 5:45:00 PM

thank you, Beryl, for your visit and for your insightful and wise comments...yes, how life unfolds is amazing, a miracle! enjoyyour evening, Sara