Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1874-11-13
The Women OF Schorndorf.

IN the southwest portion of Germany
is the village of Schorndorf. Although
now little moro than mere postal sta
tion, it was formerly one Of the strongest
fortified towns of Northern Swabia, and
the pride of the beautiful valley of the
Rems.
After the treaty of Westphalia when
the Bishoprics of Metz, Tul and Verdan
were ceded to France, the idea entered
into the French mind to search carefully
through the public records for the names
of all towns and cities which during any
former period had been the property Of
either of the three Bishoprics, and to de-
mand them from Germany as n portion
of the rightful spoils. Although this
prcposterous demand failed to be pre-
sented in its original shape, it led to a
series of aggressions which finally cul-
minated in that devastation of the Pals
in 1858 and 1850 by the French armies
under the direction of Montclas and
Melao,
Mannheim, Rastaat, Baden, Hsidel-
berg and many other places were already
in ruins, and the French forces were
rapidly advancing toward the boundaries
of Swabia, their thirst for robbery and
destruction increasing with every step.
The Government of Wurtemburg, in
all the towns of Northern Swabia into
the enemy's hands, and the only fortiii-
cation which had not been destroyed by
the French troops was that of Schorn-
dorf, to which the people looked as a
last hope.
The Freuch commander sat confident
ly in his camp at Esslingen, laying plans
for his winter quarters in Wurtemburg
The Royal Commissioners had already
left Stuttgart to give orders to Schorn-
dorf to fling open its gates to the invad-
ing host, and the French gave little heed
to this last stronghold of the Wurtem-
burg Government, so sure were they of
its speedy surrender. But exactly at
this point was the invading army to meet
its check; for within the walls of Schorn
dorf was a determined man, and, what
was still more important a determined
womanl
The man was the commander of the
Notifications, Peter Krummhaar. AL
though he had received the royal COM
mand to make a slight show of resist
ance, and then surrender The city, he re-
fused to obey.
At length special messenger APP
peared from Stuttgart stating that the
French commander had given orders to
burn the royal residence and take i'm
mediate possession of the city, unless
Schorndorf complied with the demands
made upon it. But, in spite of all de-
mands and orders, Krummhaar remained
firm. He had strengthened his forces
by drawing in large numbers of patriotic
villagers from the surrounding country
and was determined to hold out until the
imperial army arrived. But treachery
and cowardice were so rampant in the
highest places that Krummhaar found
his strength growing less and less. AT
length he summoned a meeting in the
Town Hall of all the officials and lead
ing men, to consult upon the possibility
of a continued defense.
Frau Kunkelin, the wife of the Mayor
of the city, was tall woman of about
fifty wears, whose word was law with al
the women in Schorndorf. OF firm
upright character, she had made herself
universally beloved and respected. Hel
patriotism was of that kind which al
lows nothing to stand in its path, bu
sacrifices everything to the beloved coun
try. She suspected that the voice of tho
City Fathers would be for surrender, and
secretly following them to the council
hall, she hid herself to listen. AS shC
had feared, the patriotic determination
of Peter Krummhaar was overruled, anC
the city doomed to fall like its sisters,
Frau Kunkeln rushed wildly from the
hall. Sending messengers through the
town, she summoned all the women t
assemble before her, armed with what
ever they could lay hands on. "W
have not laid up riches for these rascal.
Frenchmen to live and grow fat on,
said she, "and Stuttgart will see tina
Schorndorf will not be humbled in tn
dust, like Tubingen and Asberg."
An army of women was soon assem-
bled. Armed with every conceivabl
weapon, from a brOomstick to sword
they presented avery strange appearance
Then, with Frau Kunkelin at their head
they marched to the Town Hall, an
broke in upon the solemn conclave G
their husbands Frau Kunkelin, advanC
ing toward the astOnished City Fathers
made them a speech, in which she calle
upon them to protect their homes, clos
ing with these words, addressed to he
husband himself: " | will kill you wit
my own hand if you act the part of
traitor"
After announcing their intentions
the women proceeded to take possessiO
of the Town Hall, and, organizing them
selves into companies, held strict guar
over the gates of the city. For two day
and three nights the town remained in tn
hands of the women, the City Fathers
{" on pain of death,n being compelled {
obey their commands. Meanwhile, Pete
Krummhaar was assisting the women il
every way. Every moment was ste
toward salvation, for the imperial arm
was rapidly approaching. The mora
effect, too, of this patriotic uprising o
the women was immense, and the Who'll
country which had been cowed down wit
abject terror rose with one accord to saw
the Fatherland.
The heroine of Schorndorf Fra
Kunkelin lived many years after the W
rising of the women took place, and, it
said, related the history to a goodly nun
Der of grandchildren and great-granC
Children.-Ihe ALdiRe.