Republic of Czech

Nine Weeks on the Bark "Erna"

At the docks of Bremerhaven, a port about 30 miles from the town of Bremen by train, on October 25, 1870, the noise was loud and overwhelming. Ships came in and out, and passengers jostled among merchants, dock hands, and ship crews. Many passengers lined up with their few belongings to board ships. One man, his wife, and their children were part of this crowd: Martin Zapalač (42), his wife, Marianna [Mary] (39), and their children, Johann [John] (7), Rosara [Rosalie] (3), and Johann (age not st