Rev. Stoever (Sr.) was paid only 3,000 pounds of tobacco per year, or, as he says, about 12 pounds Sterling per year. This was a ridiculously low amount, even though they did furnish him with a house and a farm. The members of the congregation also had to pay for the support of the English Church in the form of a Parish Tax supported by the force of law. This double load was more than the congregation felt they could afford, and this was the reason that they sent Stoever, Holt, and Smith to Europe.
Stoever noted that being relieved of support for the English Church would be a mixed blessing, as the nonmembers of the German Lutheran Church would be jealous, leading to bad feelings.
Before leaving, the trio of men obtained letters of recommendation from at least two English men, Rev. Patrick Henry and Gov. William Gooch. The former was the uncle of the orator. In addition to these known two letters (which are a matter of record and reproduced in Beyond Germanna 13, 1 (2001): 728-9) there may have been letters from some members of the congregation. The trio set out in the summer or fall of 1734. They spent quite a bit of time in Great Britain before moving over to the continent. There is a hint that they may have gone to Scotland, for there is a note that money was obtained from Scotland. The Clergy in London did not write their letter of recommendation until 10 June 1735, or about six months after the trio had written their letter of introduction to the London Clergy. It is hard to explain this long period, except that the trio may have felt that it would not be a good policy to continue in the winter. They may have waited for better weather.
On the continent, they went first to Holland, before starting a long trip across the north part of Germany, almost along the Baltic Sea. Perhaps ships were the principal mode of travel. In the extreme northeast, Rev. Stoever was feeling optimistic enough that he hired an Assistant Pastor. This Rev. Klug started immediately for America, but stopped in London for about two years, apparently to learn the English language.
Toward the end of the collection trip, Rev. Stoever felt the need for more divinity studies and so enrolled in a course of study. Michael Holt had already gone back to America. Michael Smith probably went to Gemmingen from where he had emigrated. When they returned they were accompanied by a man named Ebert, who possibly was a friend of Smith.
Through the trip, a collection book was maintained which still exists, except for a few pages at the beginning. Each contributor signed along a possible greeting and the amount of his gift. This book is in the possession of the Hebron Church today. It would be a delight if it were translated.
On the return trip, Stoever died at sea. Though his time in the Robinson River Valley was short, his legacy was tremendous.
(05 Apr 05)
We gratefully acknowledge the work of John Blankenbaker who published over 2,500 Germanna History Notes via the Germanna-L@rootsweb.com email list from 1997 to 2008. We are equally thankful to George Durman (Sgt. George) for hosting the list and republishing the notes via rootsweb.com.