There is evidence (Bereitstellendes Archiv:Geheimes Staatsarchiv Preußischer Kulturbesitz; Findbuch: II. HA GD, Abt. 9 Bestand: Westpreußen und Netzedistrikt Überschrift: 02.093 Ansiedlung und Abwanderung von Mennoniten Bestellsignatur: II. HA GD, Abt. 9, Polizeiverwaltung Tit. 109 Nr. 2 Titel: Gesuch des Mennoniten Cornelius Wedel und weitere aus Groß Deutsch Konopath hinsichtlich Auswanderung nach Polen und Überlassung ihrer Anwesen an Glaubensgenossen Laufzeit:1785) that Cornelius Wedel (GRanDMA #81618/PRZ #241), the elder of the Deutsch Michalin group, moved from Deutsch Konopat to the Swiniary Estate in Masovia with 13 others (Jacob Schmidt, 103276/821; Jacob Tesmer, 103461/928; Peter Tesmer, 103455/926; Hans Funck, 36391/494; Andreas Pankratz, 43081/703; Peter Becker, 31988/313; Heinrich Unruh, 10038/979; Abraham Boettcher (from Schoenich), Wilhelm Knels (from Schoenich), Heinrich Tjart (from Nieder Ausmaas), Johann Ediger, Jacob Bartel (from Schoenich), and Peter Tjart (from Jamerau) in 1785.
This Cornelius Wedel, then moved from Swiniary (see below) to Deutsch Michalin in 1791. For 6 years in Swiniary, Wedel lived in one of the villages such as Sady, Wiączemin, or Wymyśle.
Interestingly, we know that Prot Potocki, landowner at Deutsch Michalin, encountered Mennonites at the market in Warsaw, after which point he invited them to settle on his estate (between Makhnowka and Samgorodek). We know, for instance, that Hollanders at Wiączemin floated their goods (namely barrels of dried fruit) in boats to markets in Warsaw so this could be an explanation of how they encountered Potocki. These Mennonites at Deutsch Michalin, without Cornelius Wedel's help, then established Karolswalde in 1801.
Hollander boat at Wiączemin
Hollander fruit barrels at Wiączemin
The Vistula River near Wyszogród, not far from Wiączemin
The market in Warsaw
Deutsch Michalin Charter; 1791
St. Petersburg Reel No. 4; Fond No. 383; Opis No. 29; Dielo No. 1208; Request No. 147; Page 19; Document; No. 45, page 1 -- Translation from Polish.
"By God's mercy, We, Stanislaw August, king of Poland, Great Duke of Lithuania, of Rus(Ruthenia), Masovia, Chmut, Kiev, Volhynia, Podolia, Polesye, Liefland(Latvia), Smolensk, Seversk, and Chernigov:
Proclaim by Our Decree to all and everyone whom it concerns that We favored the desire of landowners Protopotockis, who live in Kiev wojewodstwo(region) to invite a group of skillful Dutch Mennonites to live on their land. Kiev wojewoda(regional governor) recommended them(with Our directions) this land in Makhnovka district.
Document No. 45, page 2 -- These people are known to be very skillful, and devoted to serve Our Crown and interests, and they served Our ancestors for already many years.
Wojewoda of Kiev -- Protopotocki(or simply Potocki--Pototzky), who is also a great landlord of lands in Makhnovka and Samgorod districts was asked to provide land in the village of Mikhaylin. Limits of that share are the following: from one side it borders the lands of Kumanieckis, which are connected with the village of Cherepachnetz, from other side it borders the road to Samgorod, Velikaya Kuda, and its big angle goes into the valley of Samgorod.
Document No. 45, page 3 -- From another side it borders a number of khutors around Samgorod.
On this land they will be allowed to develop any industries they want, or to do any agricultural enterprise. They can build churches, schools, pay salary to their teachers and preachers.
Document No. 45, page 4 -- For the construction and development We will provide 3,000 zlotys' loan for each family for three years without interest. After three years interest will be applied, and they will have to start re-paying it. Also, We will provide new settlers with wheat for house use, and for cattle food. Building materials will be given as well. This all needs to be returned in the period of four years.
Document No. 45, page 5 -- At the start 1,000 zlotys per household will be given to every family, as well as some provision and wood. Wood will be given according to each family's need.
Document No. 45, page 6 -- In case if, God forbid, disaster happens, for instance fire, or something else; and if someone's property and estate will be destroyed, We will ensure that victim gets 2 years' exemption from debt-repayment as well as free financial support from the Treasury. But we are sure that in that case they will recover from it very quick, because in general Polish lands give good harvests, and especially good they are in Ukraine.
Document No. 45, page 7 -- Therefore We are sure that debts will be paid off very quickly. Wheat prices in the last few years were not very stable, but more steady harvest and trade balance will be a good factor for the economy. Mennonites will make their contribution to the wheat market.
Document No. 45, page 8 -- Colonists are granted an exemption from the state, and local taxation. After 12 years living there some small local taxes might be imposed, but not state ones. If taxation becomes a burden, colonists are free to appeal to Us about it.
Document No. 45, pages 9,10 -- The mayors(burgomeisters) of the cities where Mennonites will decide to sell wheat, have the right to determine the price of it.
Mayors have a right to decide which industries can be built in the cities by the Mennonites. Such businesses also include inns, taverns, and eateries(restaurants).
Document No. 45, pages 11, 12 -- Dutch Mennonite colonists are also allowed to conduct their worship services as they want, they can build prayer house, and be free to practice their faith and traditions.
All these privileges, and rights show Our good will and attitude towards Dutch Mennonites who live near the town of Samgorod. This was all signed by Us, with affixed Royal Stamp". Translated from Polish by translator and gubernial secretary of Kiev governor Ivan Kaniy.
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