Preface
They came to the Ukraine and other parts of Russia during the 1800's, lured on by promises of religious and political freedom. in their homeland of Germany the German Lutherans, Baptists, Menononites and Catholics felt that their freedom was being jeopardized under the rule of the Prussian King, Frederick The Great.
When the Russian Government extended an invitation to farmers and tradesmen of the various German states to come to their vast country and develop it, they held out many promises of freedom. The Germans were promised freedom of religion, freedom of cultural development, freedom from military service, and political freedom.
Furthermore, they were to be given land grants, in addition to which they could purchase land, all to be tax free.
In return, the German settlers must agree that no money would be advanced to them, other than the funds necessary for their transportation; that they possesed assets of at least 300 guilders in value; and that they were in good health. The Germans were promised that if and when they wished to leave the Russian Empire, they would be free to do so anytime, provided they paid off to the Russian government the entire debt and taxes for a three year period.
And so it was, under these amicable terms, that the Rothes, the Drudes and so many other farmers and tradesmen from different parts of Germany moved to the various regions of Russia and the Ukraine. Little did these German settlers dream that on day their descendants would be stripped of all freedom and that their homes and farms would be confiscated.
History of Rothe & Drude Family as recorded in Searching for Freedom by Richard Rothe & Mother's Faith - Our Heritage Mrs. Agathe Rothe & sons Fred & Richard Rothe
By 1912 the Rothe farm in Annette had grown to 141 acres and the family lived in harmony with the Ukrainian and Jewish people. In 1914 unrest began spreading. When war broke out with Germany the German speaking settlers in the Ukraine had to endure much hardship. .On July 10th 1915 all German families were ordered to make ready to leave and move Siberia. An order came from the government, stating anyone who had serviced in the Russian Japanese war of 1905 could remain on the arm. Rothe's were allowed to stay a little longer as Fred Rothe had served. On Nov. 19, 1915 Fred Rothe was called for service in the Russian army. Melita Rothe was left alone with 5 boys, youngest 6 months old. Fred Rothe left for Katerinaslav, where as a Lieutenant he trained Russian recruits.
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