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From: "demske" <>
Subject: [CZ] Re: CZECH-D Digest V00 #279
Date: Fri, 29 Dec 2000 10:58:11 -0600
References: <200012290835.eBT8Zmt17234@lists5.rootsweb.com>


In a book entitled Early German Immigrants in Wisconsin by Kate Everest Livi
and Albert Bernhardt Faust three reasons were given with regard to Wisconsin
attracting a large and Eastern European, and in particular, a German
population. These reasons are quite general so I am sure that they applied
to the Czechs as well.

First, Wisconsin became a state in 1848 so it was unencumbered by debts due
to internal improvements (roads, etc.). Thus, immigrants did not have to
fear excessive taxation. Second, Wisconsin's constitution only required a
two year residency to vote. Third, the land was very cheap and sold without
hesitation to immigrants (most at $1.25 an acre). Some of the land was even
sold on credit.

Fourth, Wisconsin actively recruited immigrants. In 1852 a law was passed
which required the commissioner of immigration to reside in New York City
and give the immigrants information that made Wisconsin very attractive.
The commissioner distributed pamplets, advertised in German newspapers in
the East as well as Europe. The American consul at Bremen was from
Wisconsin and also assisted in the dissemination of information with regard
to Wisconsin's soil and climate. A branch office was even established in
Quebec but was not as successful. The Wisconsin Bureau of Immigration was
discontinued in 1855 but in 1867 the state established a board of
immigration. This board appointed three citizens from each county to assist
the board in making out lists of the names and addresses of European friends
of Wisconsin settlers so information could be sent to them. In 1871 the
board was abolished and the office of a State Commissioner was created which
also prepared and distributed pamplets about Wisconsin to be distributed to
would be immigrants. Also in the 1880's the Wisconsin Central Railroad sent
its agents to Germany to garner immigrants. In short, Wisconsin actively
recruited Eastern European immigrants in Europe and in New York.

I hope this helps.

Davideen Demske
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Sent: Friday, December 29, 2000 2:35 AM
Subject: CZECH-D Digest V00 #279



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