What it did that affected the family
- Catherine II’s invitation (1763) and the Mennonite charter (1800): land, self-government, military exemption.
- Allowed the Am Trakt colony in Samara/Saratov (1853) on a 20-year exemption (Am Trakt; Smith p. 260).
- Alexander II’s universal service (1874) set off the emigration to America; forestry service from 1880 (1874 Military service ends the exemptions).
- The 1891–92 famine, when American Mennonite relief went through Joh. Bergmann of Lysanderhöh (Church papers - Christlicher Bundesbote and Mennonitische Rundschau (1880s-1920s)).
Family members affected
Aron J. Wiebe (1845–1922), Maria Fieguth (1847–1890), Johanna Fieguth (1851–1931), Gerhard A. Wiebe (1873–1942), Gerhard Fieguth (1823–1896).
Record compiled 31 October 2026.
About this research
Supporting documentation is linked throughout. This project is an exercise in AI-assisted research and development, and I haven’t manually verified every link or conclusion. All transcriptions and translations of Swiss parish records were made with AI, and their accuracy should be treated accordingly.