52 Ancestors In 52 Weeks: Step

15 April 1862 DuPage County, Illinois

She stepped out of the cabin so she could clear her head. Many thoughts had pitched a claim in her mind. A gentle breeze touched her face and cheeks, a gentleness that was much needed. Now just to calm her thinking.

Maria Magdalena took a step back in time to focus on the beginning. The breeze reminded her of another place…the breeze and winds that enabled her ship from France to deposit her in Manhattan, New York City, 42 years ago. The 12 year old knew little of this strange land. What was to happen to her?

Opening her eyes, she surveyed the prairie surrounding their homestead. She stepped into the present and the reality of this day. She was the sole keeper of her nine children with the oldest being 15 years old and the youngest 3 months. Her husband Amos was away at war. She was their protector, their strength, their love. It was her God-given role to step up and be her family’s all. What was to happen to her? To them?

If she could step forward in time, where would she land? What would happen to her?

Note: Maria Magdalena Kraemer was my second great grandmother. And this was what would happen to her…she would give birth to two more children with her Amos being safely home from war. She would be among the many pioneer families who migrated to Kansas in 1871. She would live until 1901. Stepping back in time, I wish to meet her and the breezes on the prairie.