Alfred Wellnitz

Finding the Way: from Prussia to a Prairie Homestead Alfred Wellnitz

Prussian immigrant Karl Mueller undertook a long journey in order to reach his goal to homestead land in America, a journey which ends in the Dakota territory during the time of the 1876 Black Hills gold rush. Karl meets companion Heinrich Schlicter on the ship taking him on the first step of what becomes a seven year odyssey. The two remain friends and partners as they travel across the young country while Karl pursues his goal. Karl?s first priority is to accumulate enough money to finance his homestead plans. The quest to accumulate the needed stake takes the two young men to Chicago?s notorious meat-packing plants, to a Wisconsin lumber camp, and to the Black Hills gold rush. While in the Black Hills, Karl falls in love with a mixed blood Lakota woman who helps him redefine his goal and to understand who he really is. A blending of history and social issues with a compelling story makes Finding the Way entertaining and informative reading.