Two Sacks

One Family’s Journey from Swiss/Germany to America in 1803 - 1805

In 1803, the Ische family made a difficult decision. Members of three generations left their homeland in Canton Bern in Swiss/Germany and emigrated to America. It was a life-altering decision. They carried everything they owned in two sacks.

Follow this family of nine, ranging in age from 2 to 69, as they travel down the Rhine River aboard a Dutch cutter; depart Amsterdam as ‘Redemptioners’ aboard the brig Commerce; trek on foot down the Great Wagon road from Philadelphia through Lancaster, Pennsylvania and Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley to the Carolinas and Georgia; to finally cross the remote Indian trails of the Alabama Territory and reach their destination in the wilderness of the Mississippi Territory. Along this epic journey, they would welcome new friendships, have their endurance tested, and suffer enormous tragedy.

The reader will be transported in time to a period of history when dauntless men and women from the Old Country sought a new life in America, willing to pay the price of whatever it took to establish their families in a new world.

Advance readers had this to say:

“ A beautiful story filled with adventure, drama, romance, and intrigue with historical facts that educate us on this fascinating period of time. It helped me understand the reality of the great challenges our ancestors and others endured and made me more grateful for their determination and perseverance.” B.H.

“Jeff took us into the past where our ancestors lived a simpler life. He intertwined one family's story with amazing facts I never learned in history class. By reading this book, you will have a better understanding of the faith-filled journey that families made at that time.” L.B.

“I read the advance copy thinking I was doing my friend Jeff a favor. He wanted an honest opinion of the book. Turns out he was doing me a favor. I fell in love with the Ische family early in the first chapter and my admiration for their courage and determination to start a new life in America grew stronger the more I read. They faced every challenge with faith that God would see them through. I couldn’t recommend this book more.” D.R.

Excellent listen!

This is a fascinating look at his family’s journey from Europe to America in the early 1800s. It’s well-researched and tells a heartfelt story of courage and determination. A great listen for anyone who loves family history or early American stories.