Introduction to Volume XII

The year 1748 was an uneventful one for Ebenezer, where life and work continued as in the past several years. Progress continued in the silk and lumber business, and the crops were fair despite early pessimism caused by worms, rust, and mildew. There was abundance of fruit, enough for man and beast and for distilling into brandy. Donations continued coming from Germany to stimulate the local economy.

The lack of hired hands still made life difficult for those farmers who had lost all or most of their children. Deaths greatly surpassed births in the entries given, but these were somewhat offset by new additions to the community from Purysburg and Savannah. “Clay-eating,” or pica, continued to be the greatest scourge and carried away many people, mostly children; but malaria still played its part in weakening people for more mortal diseases. Although there were many rumors of Indian wars, Ebenezer was left in peace.

While “external matters” such as providing for food, clothing, and shelter for his congregation took much of Boltzius’ time, he still provided all the spiritual guidance and discipline it required, and he never had to appeal to the civil authorities for aid in keeping order. His stand against slavery was not yet causing repercussions in Savannah.

At this time I wish to express my thanks to the Rev. Raymond Davis for valuable advice, both theological and musicological, concerning this and previous volumes.