Felix Ernst (1704 - 1742)

Born 25 Jan 1704 in Dättlikon, Kanton Zürich, Schweizerische Eidgenossenschaft

Ancestors

Husband of Elsbetha Schmid (Weydmann) Ernst — married 2 Mar 1727 (to 1742) in Zurich, Switzerland

Descendants

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Biography

Felix Ernst was born in Dättlikon, Zürich, Switzerland, a son of Ulrich Ernst and Judith (Fischer) Ernst. Felix married Elsbeth Weidmann on March 2, 1728. Their children were Heinrich Ernst, born June 8, 1730 and Anna Ernst, born 1732. ^[1]

Felix Ernst and his wife, Elsbeth(a) attempted to emigrate from Switzerland to America with their children Heinrich and Anna. Felix and Elsbeth died during the voyage and were buried at sea. Heinrich and Anna landed at Norfolk, Virginia, where they were "bound out" as was often the fate of orphans of that day. They never met again. ^[2]

The departure of Felix, his wife and his children for America seems to have been in 1742 instead of 1738, as generally believed by some of their descendants. It is recorded by their minister, Pastor Pestalozzi, that they went "contrary to my admonition preached from the pulpit in a sermon especially devoted there to and is spite of remonstrances in private." But he adds sympathetically, "The paternal care of our gracious rulers is Christian, good necessary, and praiseworthy. But along with this, it is no less good and necessary if one gives to the poor and industrious but unemployed people enough work for their necessary sustenance, or otherwise, gives them needy assistance; then they would be glad to stay in their native land." It seems that the small Towns of Switzerland, by this time, were no longer able to support their population and that the ministers were being charged with the task of discouraging the stampede to the New World. But the Ernsts left with the Heinrich Mullers and the Heinrich Bretschers, obviously headed for Philadelphia.

Pastor Pestalozzi's letter may be seen in the images section of this profile. The transcription is as follows:

• "About nine years ago, there journeyed from here to Pennsylvania, and established himself near Philadelphia, as a report to me from there shows: Jacob Weydmann, a mason, aged 40, with wife and four small children. In spring, a year ago, there followed after him, contrary to my admonition, preached from the pulpit in a sermon specially devoted thereto, and in spite of remonstrances in private: (a list) 3. Felix Ernst, aged 37 and his wife Elsbetha Weydmann, aged 41. 4. The above Jacob Weydmann's sister, also with four small children; she had little money. The Heinrich Weydmann, unmarried, Aged 23, was also provided with a sum of money. I do not know of anyone who has a desire to follow the above, but one or another may be concealing his wish, cherished within, and be waiting only for a report as to how those fared who left. The paternal care of our gracious rulers is Christian, good, necessary sustenance, or otherwise gives them some needy assistance, then they would be gland to remain in their native land. This written with my feeble hand. (Haec manu infirma.)

Sources

1. ↑ https://archive.org/stream/earnesternstfami00warr/earnesternstfami00warr#page/3/mode/1up
2. ↑ Albert Bernhardt Faust, A.B., Ph.d. and Gaius Marcus Brumbaugh, M.S., M.D., Compiler and Editor, LISTS OF SWISS EMIGRANTS IN THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY TO THE AMERICAN COLONIES, Vol II; p 43; From The State Archives of Bern and Basel Switzerland. No. 20 Dattlikon, March 27, 1744

• Lists of Swiss emigrants in the eighteenth century to the American colonies. by Faust, Albert Bernhardt, 1870-1951., and Brumbaugh, Gaius Marcus , Compiled and Edited Baltimore, Genealogical Pub. Co., 1968 [c1920-25] 2 v. in 1. facsims. 24 cm. From the State Archives of Bern and Basel, Switzerland
• THE EARNEST (ERNST) FAMILY IN SWITZERLAND AND AMERICA; 1233-1961 Warren, James Atlanta, GA, Ivan Allen Co.
• U.S. and International Marriage Records, 1560-1900 Yates Publishing Publication: Ancestry.com Operations Inc
• U.S. and Canada, Passenger and Immigration Lists Index, 1500s-1900s Ancestry.com Publication: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc