As part of a newsletter article for the library where I work, I was asked the following question:
If you could have a conversation with anyone (living or dead), who would it be and why?
There are all sorts of interesting people (from history, pop culture, politics, etc.) that I would love to talk to. After thinking about it for a while, I decided I would choose my great grandfather, Frederick Bloy, who emigrated from Germany in 1874.
I’d like to know why he decided to move across the far-reaches of the Atlantic Ocean, away from his family and all of his friends, to live in Wisconsin. Why did he choose Wisconsin? Why did he choose Forest Junction?
I recently packed up my belongings and moved about 90 miles to the west. It certainly wasn’t difficult — moving closer to family members helped a lot. How difficult was the move for him? How long did it take him to “get used to” living in Wisconsin? If he had the chance to do it again, would he do anything differently?
I’d also like to ask him more about our ancestors. How far back does he know about our family? My last name is French (some time ago it was probably spelled Blois, or perhaps DeBlois). Did he know anything about why our name got changed?
Maybe in the life after this one, I’ll get the chance to find out.
My best understanding as to why Frederick came to the us and Forest is this. He had fought and was decorated for bravery in a major battle. His side had lost the battle. then he was drafted and fought for his original foe in the battle of Koniggsburg (spelling?). He was decorated for bravery once again. Then he and his brother were drafted to fight yet again, and they decided”no way”. They saw an advertisement for land grants or “second owner” land grants posted by the university of Wisconsin, and located one available near Forest Junction. They came here for that reason, one year before sending for their families. My mom, Frieda Bloy, said that Frederick was very outspoken about what a waste war is because of his experience. He encouraged those around him not to participate in war or to decide to be soldiers because of this. So , the modern world would have called him a draft dodger. I thought his decision was heroic. This information came to me from my mom Frieda and her cousin Elda Steinbach. Have a good one. Dave…
Very interesting Dave. I hadn’t heard that before. I agree with your assessment of his decision as heroic. And what an appropriate topic for Armistice Day. It makes me wonder how Frederick felt about my grandfather (Theodore) being drafted to serve in World War I.
Thanks so much for posting. I’m not sure if my father (who is the genealogist in my family) has heard this story or not, but I’ll be sure and pass it on to him. I know he’ll get a kick out of it.