If you read Anna’s Crossing, you know the story of the first Amish who came to America in 1737, on a leaky, creaky merchant ship named the Charming Nancy.
This week, I received an e-mail from a gentleman whose ancestor, George Arnsparger, was ON the Charming Nancy in 1737! He was Penn Dutch, though not Amish, and came from the Palatinate region of Germany. The wooden chest that George brought with him has survived for nearly three hundred years. It probably held everything he owned in it.
I asked David, George’s great-great-great-great (how many?! I’m not sure!) grandson if he would send some pictures of the chest. The very next day, he did! And gave me permission to share them with you.
Looking at the pictures gave me chills. Oh, the stories this chest could tell!
From David: “The chest is not what I would call huge. Two people could easily carry it.”
From David: “It has a lock. It is in excellent condition. There is a crack on the back. Interestingly the handles can spin in place. They are not fixed.”
From David: “My grandmother told me years ago that there is a date on it. I’ve not found it.”
Thank you, David, for bringing the story of the Charming Nancy to life by sharing your story. Imagine how pleased George would be!
Thanks Suzanne for sharing David’s pics. How interesting! How blessed this David is, to have received that chest! Indeed, what a treasure it is!
Now, that I know that my G. G. G. G. G. ? (Who knows how many G.’s ?) Grandfather Jacob H. was also one of the passengers on that same trip, on the Charming Nancy, so many years ago,….. maybe they knew each other, maybe my Grandfather had the same type of chest?!
So interesting ~ and I am so anxious to read the next book in your series!
Blessings to you, Suzanne!
Seriously? I have the passenger list, C.J. If you give me the name of your ancestor, I’ll look it up! The Charming Nancy also made a 1738 voyage, too. You can e-mail me with your info. Exciting!
Thank you for sharing David’s history and pictures. What a treasure and legacy for his family.
I’m looking forward to reading the next book in this historical series.
Thanks, Marilyn! I agree with you–what a treasure! Glad you’re looking forward to “The Newcomer!” Lots of historical info woven in…my thoughts are spinning in the 18th century! 🙂
Hi Suzanne! I have read Anna’s Crossing which I thoroughly enjoyed! I am so grateful that David shared his heirloom chest which accompanied his ancestor on the ship in your story and that you were able to share the photos with us. So amazing! I await the next book that follows up on Anna’s Crossing and your future books! God continue to shed His blessings on you as you continue to share your writing talents with us.
Thanks, Dar! For your kind and encouraging words. Lovely to read on this gray rainy morning! ~Suzanne
Suzanne, how exciting! What a treasure David has from his g.g.g.g.?grandfather and wonderful he shared it with you…and us!
Looking forward to reading the next book.
Blessings, Tina
Thank you, Tina! I’ll have to email David and see if he knows what # grandchild he is! Next book coming out the first book of Feb! XO Suzanne
What a family treasure! And in such great condition. Thank you for sharing!
Isn’t there supposed to be a book 2 to “Anna’s Crossing”? When is it coming out? (I’ve been looking for it since read “Anna’s Crossing”.!
Hi Beverly! Thanks for commenting and asking! Next book coming out is “The Newcomer”–it releases early Feb. The cover is on Amazon! And the series concludes with “The Return”–out in early summer. That cover is just getting finalized now. I think you’ll enjoy the stories…how the families settled into the New World. I found it fascinating to study! Absolutely loved it. XO Suzanne
Wonderful story!
Thanks for popping by, Loretta M.!
How remarkable that David has this! It’s really interesting and exciting at the same time!! I am curious to find out if CJ’s great, great etc. was also on the Charming Nancy at the same time! Please keep us updated!! This is just so cool!!
Linda Baio…I will see what I can find out from CJ! Thanks for taking time to chime in. 🙂 Warmly, Suzanne