This essay was originally published in the 1966-67 OCHS Yearbook. Please note that this essay was published over 60 years ago. While still useful for general education, language may be outdated and at times offensive. The Oswego County Historical Society does not stand by the language used in this essay. All photos were added in 2026 when this article was uploaded to the web. To view the original document, please visit NYHeritage.org
Author: Carol Fenske
In order to see how German immigration in the city of Oswego ties in with the general German immigration pattern in America, I find it necessary to include as an introduction to this paper the story of German immigration in America.
Although Germans have immigrated throughout American history, the main stream of German immigration can be divided into three periods. The first is the colonial period from about 1710 to 1776. Even though many immigrants made their way to America at this time, their impact was not nearly as great on the American society as that made by those who followed.
The second period was from 1815-1852. Political refugees and intellectuals added greatly to this movement after the failure of the 1848 Revolution. Many were high spirited young people who desired to be free from the ideals and traditions of the Old World.
The period from about 1852 to 1895 witnessed the greatest flow in the history of German immigration to America. Before 1850, the Irish outnumbered the Germans, but after midcentury, German immigration exceeded all other nationalities. The Germans continued to be the most numerous until the close of the century.
Why did so many Germans decide to leave their homeland and start life again in a strange new land? American railroads and land companies carried on brisk advertising campaigns to lure Germans to leave their homeland.
The German immigrants were in greater demand than those of any other nationality. Their sturdy character, law abiding instincts, habits of industry, painstaking zeal, honesty and intelligence made them desirable additions to any agricultural and industrial community.1
Advertisements which often painted a glowing picture of America met with a warm response by the people in the German states who were war weary, tax ridden and persecuted for religious and political beliefs. Because both the revolts of 1830 and 1848 which aimed at setting up a better government had failed, many Germans fled to America. The Homestead Act of 1862 was also a tremendous inducement to the land hungry German who earned his living from the soil.
Where did the Germans settle? Many of them landed at New York, went to Buffalo by boat, and there crossed the Great Lakes and settled in Wisconsin, Michigan or Minnesota. Some travelled to Iowa, Kansas or the Dakotas by train or oxcart. Still others went up the Mississippi to Missouri, Illinois, Arkansas or Ohio. Before long, all these states had large German populations. According to the 1880 census, Wisconsin had a larger percentage of Germanborn residents than any other state.2
America has been a greatly enriched country because of the immigrants who left Germany and adopted this country as their own. The Germans helped to improve American education by providing special training for teachers, and improving text books. They also established classes for small children known as kindergarden. Many German foods such as hot dogs, hamburgers, pretzels, pumpernickel, sauerkraut, liverwurst, and coffee cake were quickly adopted by the Americans. The Germans also had a great love for music. Americans’ love of brass bands and song fests is an evident German influence. As strong advocates of physical education, some Germans organized gymnastic societies, hiking clubs and bowling alleys.
There is hardly a field in which the Germans have not made an important contribution. One of the most outstanding Germans who contributed much to America is Carl Schurz. He served as a Union general during the Civil War, was elected as United States Senator from Missouri and later appointed as Secretary of the Interior. His contributions range from the preservation of forests to the adopting of the Civil Service Bill.
Contributions made by other Germans include the opening of the first modern department store by John Wanamaker, the building of famous pianos known as Steinways by Steinweg and his sons, the invention of the linotype machine by Ottman Mergerthah, and the success of Johann Schwerdkopf in developing big, juicy strawberries. German Americans have also enriched the arts. Edgar Allan Poe and John Steinbeck were great writers while Winold Reiss, Ernest Fiene, and Adolph Weinman made contributions in the fields of painting and sculpturing.3 The Germans taste for fine food has resulted in products bearing the name of Heinz, Gerber, Kraft and Fleischman.
Thus, it is easy to see that German immigration to America has had a great impact on the nation as a whole . However, the study of German immigration can probably better be examined by its influence on small communities. It is for this reason that the study of the impact and problems of German immigration in the city of Oswego can be of significance.
Although the first Germans came to Oswego as early as 1833, official records do not start until 1850. From Chart A, it can be seen that in 1850, only 143 Germans had made their way to Oswego. In the forty years following 1850, a definite increase was noticed and in 1892 the peak of the German born in Oswego’s history was reached . According to the United States Census Reports, the Germans were one of the earliest groups of immigrants to come to Oswego. They were later followed by the Italians and the Poles. Chart A also shows the gradual decline of German immigration since 1892. It is also noticed that according to the census taken in I960, only 58 German immigrants remain in the city of Oswego.
Although the exact numbers of German immigrants coming to Oswego are known for practically every ten year period beginning with 1850, the exact areas or cities of Germany where they once lived were not recorded. Upon being registered with the city, one was merely asked if he “was foreign born or not. If he was an immigrant, only the name of his country of birth was recorded.
It is very difficult to determine exactly why some Germans settled in Oswego. As a small industrial city, Oswego probably attracted some Germans. By 1890 however, we also notice a few German immigrants coming to Oswego to join the members of their family, who had earlier made their way to this city. It is believed that the Oswego Canal was an important factor in transporting many of the early immigrants to the city. However, as soon as railroad connections to Oswego were made, trains became the most popular means of transportation for the immigrants.
By studying the formation and growth of the German churches, German n activity in politics, and German businesses, we can best see the impact which German immigration had on the city of Oswego.
Although the first German immigrants came to Oswego as early as 1833, they came in such small numbers that they were not able to secure a church . However, in about 1853 the large group of families coming from Germany enabled the Germans to start planning for the organization of a German Lutheran Church.
In 1854, Pastor D. H. Stahlschmidt of Liverpool, New York, held services for the German Lutherans in the homes of the Kirschner, Kleinschmidt and Schneider families. Then Hart’s Palace, located on East First Street just South of Bridge Street was rented. Later they met in the City Hall on Water Street.4
On August 25, 1855, the congregation of St, Paul’s German Lutheran Church was formally organized. Membership at this time included eighteen families. In about 1858 the corner lot of East Sixth and Lawrence Streets was purchased and “enthusiastically the men and boys dug the cellar, carted away stones, and hewed the beams.”5
In 1859 the church was completed, and on August 1, 1860, it was dedicated. Pastor Post served as the first minister.
In approximately 1871, J. D. Severinghaus became pastor. During his pastorate the brotherhood, which paid sick benefits to its members, was organized. At the same time the “Frauenverein” or women’s organization, later named the Ladies’ Aid, was formed .
The Brotherhood was a very active organization, numbering about one hundred and twenty strong by 1895. The lively and enthusiastic spirit which this group reflected on the city, as well as the church can be seen by the account given on the occasion of the Twenty Fifth Anniversary of the Brotherhood. According to the Oswego Daily Times, services were held at the church to mark the occasion and a fine music program was rendered by the Forty Eighth Separate Company Band. A parade then followed. “The merchants and citizens along the line of march showed their appreciation, and the city presented a handsome appearance being gaily decorated with bunting and flags.”6 The parade formed in front of the church, and included three divisions. The streets were crowded with city folk and as the procession passed by, it was greeted with applause . “Louis Weigand’s wagon attracted no end of attention, for many a thirsty person standing on the sidewalk envied the person representing the German King who was supposed to quaff off a flowing glass of large beer.”7 Mayor J. D. Higgins commented that the parade was one of the finest parades seen in the city for years. The paper of July 2, 1895, commended those who had the management of the German parade well in hand. It was also said that “the celebration was a grand affair and reflects credit on the Germans of this city.”8
In 1859 the Franciscan fathers from Syracuse began holding services for the German Catholics in St. Mary’s Church in Oswego. On September 16, 1860, the St. Boniface society was organized for raising money to erect a new church for the German Catholics. In 1862, the corner lot of East Albany and Seventh Streets was purchased and on December 6, 1863, the church was dedicated. The Francisca fathers of Syracuse still kept charge of the mission and Father Oderic Vogt was its first pastor.
Unlike the German Lutherans, the German Catholics built their own school house next to the church. This school house was completed inApril of 1866, and was dedicated in September of that same year. The school was closed at approximately 1900 and an orphan’s home (later St. Francis Home) was then started at the school. On September 23, 1866, the St. Joseph’s Aid society, the men’s organization was formed.
The Germans also had an impact upon the politics of the city of Oswego. As the Daily Times of February 12, 1891, puts it “the Germans form a large and respectable portion of the voting population of the city. They have been divided politically, some voting republican and some the democratic ticket.”9 It is noticed in this same article that practically all German democratic votes were expected to go Republican in the next election.
The German Republicans held “rousing meetings ” according to the Daily Times of November 1, 1890, and October 4, 1892. Local members of the party often addressed the group at the meetings and usually the distinguished guests in attendance offered a few words to the topic of discussion . These guests included such men as the Honorable D. E. Ainsworth, Republican candidate for Assembly and Mr. Evans of the Republican State Committee. Usually about two hundred German voters were present at the Republican meetings and great interest seemed to be showed by those who attended. Several times during every meeting the Oswego German Sangerbund under the direction of Mr. C. Daus offered vocal selections which were well received by the Germans present.
The Germans also owned a significant number of Oswego businesses. If you were to have walked down East First Street between Utica and Bridge Streets in the 1890’s, you probably would have noticed at least five German owned businesses. These included a brewery owned by Louis Weigand, George Schilling’s Jewelry Store, George Benz and Sons’ Furniture Store, and another jewelry store owned by Albert King and Benzing’s Novelty Shop.
Other German businesses located throughout the city included Carl Daus’s saloon, Herman, George and Fred Medlong’s Grocery and Meat Market, Herman Brosemer’s Brewery and Carl Beckstedt’s Florist.
Like all immigrants the Germans who came to the city of Oswego were faced with many problems. Their greatest problem of course was the language barrier . Many Germans could not speak, read or write any English. The formation of German speaking churches enabled the immigrants to continue fellowship with the people they understood. The German churches not only administered to the spiritual needs of the Germans, but served as a social bond among the people. German was spoken at all services, meetings and activities. “With the maturing of the members who were born in this land (America), there came a strong demand for English Services and for a greater use of the English language. In 1885 the English speaking people decided to establish a church of their own.”10
St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church was therefore organized for the English speaking Lutherans. This enabled the German Lutherans to continue holding services in their mother tongue, by which all its members could benefit.
In an effort to deal with the problems of speaking only a foreign language, Germans also tended to settle together in certain areas of the city. From Chart B, it can be seen that the largest number of Germans settled in the seventh ward, located on the west side of the river, and the eighth ward located on the east side . It is said that because nearly every house on Murray Street, which was in the seventh ward, was inhabited by the Germans that it became known as the “Dutch Settlement.” A large number of Germans in the eighth ward settled on East Seventh, East Eighth, Bonner and Duer Streets.
Another barrier to assimilation involved the German adherence to old world traditions. For many years the Germans were not willing to give up their old way of life. The problems that arose by those who wished to keep the German tradition can be seen by an event which took place on the evening of October 6, 1890. Wedding festivities were being held at the home of Herman Breitbeck in honor of his daughter’s marriage . Guests were engaged in German round dancing when three neighbors came without an invitation and objected to the style of dance . They wanted it carried on in an American fashion. The Germans refused to change, and the three uninvited guests were asked to leave. Disturbed by the Germans obstinancy in this matter, the three proceeded out into the yard where they lit a bunch of firecrackers. Carrying a lantern, the brother of the bride’s father came out of the house to stop the commotion. One of the uninvited guests struck the lantern with a well pole and knocked it out of the hand of the old man. Before long, a full scale fight was being waged in the streets. Many were injured including innocent by passers who became involved in the fight. At the conclusion of this article the newspaper said, “It is a singular affair as there is not a person engaged in it (the fight) who is not of the best repute, generally peaceable and law abiding citizens.”11 In some instances the Germans never completely abandoned their traditions and therefore these intertwined and often enriched American tradition . An example of this would be our manner of celebrating Christmas as a colorful, present filled, joyous children’s holiday with Christmas trees and Saint Nicks.
This paper has attempted to study a little known aspect of local history as a part of the American pageant. These immigrants were a part of the nameless thousands who came to America . They came and settled in Oswego. None of them ever gained national fame , but together they took part in that great drama of America becoming herself.
CHART A
Number of German Immigrants in the City.of Oswego
1850 – 143
1860 – 334
1870 – 495
1892 – 706
1905 – 488
1910 – 535
1915 – 449
1925 – 285
1950 – 91
1960 – 58
CHART B
Distribution of Germans in Oswego City
1870 1892 1905 1915 1925
Ward 1 61 40 15 25 16
Ward 2 28 11 17 8 10
Ward 3 40 46 38 47 31
Ward 4 71 41 34 30 21
Ward 5 15 29 22 40 17
Ward 6 60 88 65 63 42
Ward 7 132 247 184 122 70
Ward 8 88 204 113 115 78
Footnotes:
1. Stephenson, George M. , A History of American Immigration 1820-1924 (New York, 1964), p. 51
2. Stephenson, p. 49
3. Maisel, Albert Q., They All Choose America (New York, 1957), p. 63
4. The One Hundredth Anniversary Booklet printed by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church for the occasion of their One Hundredth Anniversary .
5. The One Hundredth Anniversary Booklet.
6. The Oswego Daily Times, July 1, 1895.
7. The Oswego Daily Times, July 1, 1895.
8. The Oswego Daily Times, July 2, 1895.
9. Oswego Daily Times, February 12, 1891.
10. Anniversary Booklet published for the One Hundredth Anniversary of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.
11. The Oswego Daily Times, October 6, 1890.
Bibliography Books:
Hansen, Marcus Lee. The Atlantic Migration 1607-1860. Mass. , 1940
Maisel, Albert Q. They All Choose America . New York, 1957.
Stephenson, George M. A History of American Immigration 1820-1924. New York, 1964.
Stewart, Marguerite Ann. We, the American People. New York, 1951.
Other References:
The Oswego Daily Times of October 6, 1890; November 1, 1890; February 12, 1891; October 4, 1892; July 1, 1895; July 2, 1895.
The Anniversary Booklet published for the One Hundredth Anniversary of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church .
The bulletins from St. Peter’s German Catholic Church of January 14, 1962; January 21, 1962; February 25, 1962; March 18, 1962; March 25, 1962; April 22, 1962.
Johnson, Crisfield.
History of Oswego County, New York. Philadelphia, 1877.
The United States Census of Population Reports for every ten year period from 1850 to 1860.