The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1891-09-05
Pilgrimage to the Tomb of
Augustine Hermen.

On Sunday last the BJhemlanS OF BAIL
more made their annual excursion to Bo-
hernia Manor, to celebrate the two hundred
and thirteth anniversary of its founding,
and to view the tomb of Augustine Her
men.
Early IN the afternoon they arrived on
the steamer Chester, and forming in line,
they marched to the spot where the remains
of Augustine Hermen repose.
The opening address was made in the Bo-
hemian language by John Hoiia, who gave
an historical account of the Bohemiaps as n
people and their progress in industries since
their settlement in this country. Mr.
Thomas W. Morse, president of the First
Branch City Council, was next introduced
by MIR. V. j. Shlmek, secretary of the
Bohemi ian Association Of Baltimore, under
the auspices of which the excursion was
arranged. Mr.. Morse referred to the manor
as the Bohemian Mecca of America.
Mr.. V. j. Shimek delivered an address in
the Bohemian language, stating the en-
thusiasm which has been manifested since
the last pilgrimage to the tomb of Hermen,
and the effect which this growing feeling of
interest has produced among Bohemians.
He referred to the neglected condition of
the vault where the remains lie, and sal d
that movement is being m ide to place in
a prominent position on the manor Scotch
granite monument IN commem Grafton Of
the noble deeds of Augustine Hermen.
Continuing, he said: ''Hermen never de
i H. L, ID L.,
When be came into this country and set
tied, prosperity crowned his lahors, and
when ne became noted among the colonists
be still chung teuderly III love TO his native
land and never attempted to dis0wn his
nationality. This brings his memory close
to the heart of every Bohemian American
citizen, and being prominent among the
first settlers of Maryland, his memory
should DO commemorated by = fitting mem
orial of our esteem, that the generations
which follow us may also be benefited by
the memory of his industrial enterprise
and noble deeds" During the intervals
between the speeches, Bohemian and Amer
lean select ons were rendered by band of
music which accompanied the excursion.
Bohemia Manor is well known section
| of this county, on the Bohemia rive-, a
| short distance from its confluence with the
| Elk. The manor slopes gently to the
| waters edge, and in a position where d
| beautiful view is obtained stands a farm
| house, on the site, il is said, where stood
| the original house built by Augustine Her
| men. The Hernen vault is in neglected
condition. The roof has caved in and
nothing now marks the spot hut the exca
| walton, in which the weeds grow. The ex
act spot where the remains lie is told, it i.
said, by the shadow cast by large walnu
tree about o'clock in the afternoon. Thi
shadow is said to fall imme diately over tn,
spot in the excavation where the remains
were placed.
The marble slab which has for a long
time been used to commemorate Hermel
has been plac' near I'll, southeastern angl
Of the d yelling house, close to the weather
boarding. The lower part of the slab i
cracked clear across and the upper left han'
corner is also broken. In these open seam
tie moss clings ard the lettering is YER
much wCTu and Jishgul Cd, bUt 7tliI legI blt
aud hers the record Augustine Hermen
1861 a." The name is often spelled Herman
A menbe Of the committee which ha
charge of the arrangements for Obtaining
suitable site and the erection OF mOnu
nent said that the monument won Id b
ready for un veIling July 6, 1892.
8 A large number OF Cecil Countians wer
present at the ceremonies.