Johann Bartsch (b. 6 September 1757, d. 16 December 1821) was one of the two delegates who on 31 October 1786, left their homes in West Prussia to find a suitable location in Russia for a planned colonization. Empress Catherine II had issued a manifesto on 22 July 1763, calling new settlers into her lands and promising them extensive freedoms. Through her ambassador in Danzig she invited the Mennonites of West Prussia to immigrate to Russia. The document, which promised them complete freedom of religion and freedom from military service, and offered each family 160 acres (65 dessiatines) of land, was signed by George von Trappe as the director and curator of the Mennonite colonies (Isaak, Die Molotschnaer Mennoniten, 5). It was read to the Flemish congregation in Danzig at an open meeting on 7 August 1786, and was favorably received, though the magistrate of Danzig was much displeased by it.

Nevertheless Johann Bartsch and Jakob Höppner left for Russia as deputies of the Russian government and at its expense. They were provided with authorization signed by 60 Mennonites and with a letter of recommendation from von Trappe. At Dubrovna on the Dnieper they were introduced to Prince Potemkin. In the spring of the following year on their journey to Taurida they were also received by the Empress in the presence of her highest dignitaries at Kremenchug. They had to accompany the Empress in her train "out of special favor and grace" to the Crimea. When on their return they were presented to the heir-apparent (later Emperor Paul I), he kissed their cheeks. At the end of the year they returned with von Trappe, the Russian commissar. Their active efforts led to the emigration of 1789.

The two delegates received small thanks for their service. The emigrants were bitterly disappointed at their arrival in Chortitza in 1789; and now all their anger and discontent were heaped upon the two delegates. These placed their authorization and important papers into the hands of the preachers. Soon afterward they were excommunicated from the church. Bartsch was received again upon his request; but a sad fate awaited Höppner. Later a monument was placed on each grave. The monument of Johann Bartsch, a beautiful obelisk of marble, surrounded by a white iron fence, is located in the Rosental colony near Chortitza.

Bibliography

Adapted by permission of Herald Press, Scottdale, Pennsylvania, and Waterloo, Ontario, from Mennonite Encyclopedia, Vol. 1, p. 240. All rights reserved. For information on ordering the encyclopedia visit the Herald Press website.

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