Letters On Toleration: Dutch Aid To Persecuted Swiss And Palatine Mennonites, 1615-1699

Dutch Aid to Persecuted Swiss and Palatine Mennonites, 1615-1699

Plot

The 17th century was a difficult time for the Anabaptists of Europe. Hounded out of Switzerland and driven hither and yon through other parts of Europe, it was not until arrival in America that many Mennonites found their paradise. Jeremy Bangs has transcribed and translated over 250 original letters, accounts, and other documents found in Dutch, Swiss, and German archives. Among the host of letters showing officials arguing, ministers remonstrating, Dutch fellow-Mennonites and ordinary Dutch citizens raising relief funds are golden nuggets of genealogical data. Hundreds of Mennonite refugee families are detailed, most often with ages, occupations, origins, spouse's and children's names given.