My Grandfather, Mike Brunner, and his parents left the Old World to find freedom in America. They were peasants living in a small village in Germany. The land was scarce and it had been tilled to its fullest. There were no prospects of acquiring more useable land. So they sought to better themselves in America. The struggle and determination of this frugal family, where there was no assistance or financial aid, is told in this biography. They were unable to speak or communicate in English, therefore, it made their trials and tribulations more complicated. The treacherous trip in a medium size sailboat took months. They finally landed at New Orleans Harbor. Their harrowing experiences were magnified when they lost a brother in the strange land. However, determined to start a new life, the remaining family continued on to their appointed destination. They were committed to hard work and determination to succeed. The Civil war had just begun so Mike enlisted with the Infantry at Ripley, Ohio. His experiences were horrifying. He was captured at Stone River and sent to Libby Prison. The torture and daring escape, his loss of freedom and the terrifying recapture and being sent to Andersonville Prison, are all told in this biography. Mike, all but lost his life from Cholera. After which he endured the tragic trip on the sinking Sultana. More tragedy struck when his daughter was burned to death in a house fire. Trying to assist her he was badly burned himself and nearly lost his life once again. Mike lived in a world that could not subdue him. However, he was left with the feeling of being lost in a country he fought so hard to succeed in.
About the Author: I grew up on an understaffed Dairy farm. With only a Mother two little girls and a father. We awoke every morning before dawn to begin the chores that lasted until dusk. At age seven I had my share of cows to hand milk before I got ready for school. As a teenager I came to Dayton, O and got hired by an elderly couple, when my parents divorced. The couple was kind enough to let me stay with them while I full filled my dreams of graduating from Dayton Cooperative High School. My first job was at Master Electric in Dayton. I married and stayed home to raise three children. I became involved in Cub Scouts, and my children grew up and left for homes of their own. I became involved with volunteering to other people. I enjoy people. Each individual seems to have an experience of their very own. I would like readers to get to know the experiences of my Grandfather and the Civil War as he lived it.