Johann Tegtmeier was in his 40's when his oldest son was to turn 18 and join the Military. Fearing more war in Europe, he gathered his family together and sailed on the Sir Robert Peel for 68 days to "visit" family in Ohio. They never returned to Germany. They arived in New York in June 1862 during the Civil War when Marshall Law was imposed on most of the larger cities.

This is their journey pieced together from historical records and family contributions.

The Papenhagen family immigrated aboard a fabulous ship, the Augusta Victoria-a steam ship that also supported sails July 1889.

This book contains detailed reference materials for future genealogists research Tegtmeiers and Papenhagen families in the United States.