The Burlington and Missouri River Railroad brings the Mennonites to Nebraska, 1873-1878

Abstract

During the decade of 1873 to 1883 a substantial number of Mennonites then living in Russia and Prussia emigrated to North America. Their migration provides the historian with the unique opportunity of Investigating in depth the influence of the western land grant railroads upon American Immigration.

This study is focused upon the attempts of the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad Company of Nebraska, primarily through its land commissioner Albert E, Touzalin, to settle the Mennonite immigrants on its lands. In order that the Burlington’s colonization efforts may be viewed in their proper perspective, considerable attention has also been given to the development of the western land grant railroads, their general colonization policies, and the previous history of the Mennonite Immigrants.

In addition to his advisor, Dr. George L. Anderson, whose counsel and guidance were invaluable, the author is indebted to Dr. Cornelius J. Krahn and Mr. John F. Schmidt of the Bethel College Historical Library, North Newton, Kansas. They not only gave freely of their time to aid in the suggestion and location of relevant materials, but also graciously allowed the author the full use of the library’s facilities.