A History of Herzog, Russia
and the Volga Germans

A Brief History of Our People

FROM GERMANY TO RUSSIA

On July 22, 1763, Catherine the Great of Russia extended an invitation to the people of Germany and other parts of Europe to come and settle her vast expanses. They were promised freedom of religion, a right to build churches and schools, freedom from taxes and an exemption from military service. This "manefesto" attracted some 8000 families from parts of Germany and surrounding countries. Many left because of the troubles after the Seven Years War. These people traveled to Russia and settled 104 colonies (45 on the mountain side and 59 on the meadow side.) Herzog or Susly was founded in 1764 on the meadow side near the Great Karamann River.

SETTLEMENT OF HERZOG

On July 14, 1767, a census was taken in the village of Herzog. At that time, there were 60 males and 54 females making up a total population of 114 souls representing 35 different families. Many of the settlers were German, but a number of them were Austrian and two even were French. The majority of the settlers were Catholic, and all were Catholic by 1798 when the population had grown to 109 males and 87 females for a total population of 196 people together. Although the original settlers were skilled craftsman, most if not all of them became farmers--not necessarily by choice.

Kaspar Scheck's memoirs from Herzog.

LEAVING RUSSIA

In 1871, the people were thriving and prospering in Russia, but the exemption on military service was coming to an end. 3000 people met in Herzog to discuss the option of emigrating in 1874. At this meeting, delegates were chosen to visit the US and bring back a scouting report. Balthasar Brungardt was chosen to represent Herzog, but he declined. The remaining scouts traveled to the US and returned with favorable reports. On October 25, 1875, the first group of people from Herzog left Russia for the United States via Germany. These people ended up settling in Ellis County, Kansas and founded a town in honor of their home village--Herzog, Kansas. The name Herzog remained until 1911 when it was officially changed to Victoria, Kansas. Numerous groups left Herzog in the following 30 plus years settling in Kansas and other states as well as Canada and South America.

Elizabeth Denning's account of emigration.

These courageous world travelers are our forefathers. Check out our Genealogy page to find them.

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