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The Hutterites lived in constant fear of
being taken captive by the Turks in Wallachia (Romania), so three and a half years after
arriving, they prepared to migrate again, this time to Russia.
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The journey from Wallachia,
Romania to Vishenka in Ukraine, Russia. |
On April 10, 1771, 60 people left their home
and traveled to Russia. All their possessions were stored on five wagons,
and they walked all the way.
The Brethren settled on land that owned by Count Rumiantsev. Plows, sheep and other supplies were loaned to
them on the condition that they'd be repaid. A new Bruderhof was
established which they named "Vishenka".
Between 1771 and 1791, seven trips were made
by the Brethren in attempts to bring back family members and those in prison in
Transylvania and Hungary. Walters, Mändels,
Tschetters and Wollmans were persuaded to join the Hutterites at Vishenka.
As well, several Mennonite families joined, including Deckers, Entzs, Knels, and
Gross'. In total, the leaders were able to persuade 56 to come
back and join the Vishenka bruderhof.
During this time, Hans Kleinsasser was the
elder (until his death in 1779). Joseph Kuhr became the elder after him
until his death in 1794.
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