KERN-L Archives

From: <>
Subject: [KERN-L] Re: KERN-D Digest V98 #55
Date: Mon, 15 Jun 1998 18:04:25 EDT

In a message dated 6/15/98 4:48:54 AM Pacific Daylight Time, KERN-D-
writes:

<< I would like to know why the Kerns came to the US and exactly when. A few
of
them are listed in the DAR indices as Revolutionary War soldiers. I remember
my father-in-law, born 1890, saying that he was not taught German in the
family, although his parents spoke the language, as it was not considered
acceptable in the late 1800 and early 1900 to speak German. Anybody have any
idea why? >>

My father, Paul A. FREYE, was born August 30, 1911 in Two Rivers Wisconsin.
Both his parents, Louise (ZOERB) and Walter FREYE were also born in Wisconsin
but because they lived in a German community in Two Rivers they spoke German
at home. Until my father was around five or six years old it was the only
language he knew. By the time he started school his grandfather Henry FREYE
(married to Mathilda KERN) decided, "We live in America and Paul must speak
English from now on!". From that point on my father sat next to his
grandfather at meals and if he wanted something he had to ask for it in
English. If he spoke in German not only did he not get what he wanted he
received a wrap on his knuckles from his grandfather. It was a hard lesson
for a little boy to learn but the real reason was the relationship between
Germany and America at that time. People of German descent wanted to be as
American as possible and blend in.

Elizabeth FREYE Ruygt (researching Phillip KERN born 1829 Darmstadt Germany)
Gold River, CA

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