The Johannes Bonekemper collection consists of carbon-copy typed trans-criptions in German of his diaries (1828 to 1838 and 1847 to 1856), several letters, and an autobiography.  They document his life as a pastor in the German colonies of Rohrbach, South Russia and Atmadscha, Dobrudscha. They 
include his daily schedule as a pastor, missionary work in the colony and rural areas, as well as his religious lessons and notes of sermons to colony parishes.  Letters to his children and his brothers cover his plans to move to Turkey in 1848 and then the difficulties in leaving Turkey in 1856.

Volume one includes an autobiography beginning with his youth, education, family, years as a soldier from 1817 to 1820, his years at school in Switzerland, and his introduction to missionary work as an Evangelical pastor at Rohrbach.  The 1828 - 1829 diary covers his work with his parish and with outlying areas of Rohrbach. 

Volume two contains his diary from 1829 to 1830.  It covers his three years as a soldier and his work in Elberfeld to work for a blacksmith later returning to Basel, Switzerland.  Coverage includes his studies from 1821 to 1824; birth of Wilhelmine Bonekemper on December 7, 1828; and frequent mention of Friedrich Judt. 

Volume three contains his diary from 1831 to 1832, including a letter to his father-in-law, Hofrath von Heinleth, and an excerpt from Ratgeber für Auswanderungslustige von Traugott Bromme.  Mr. Straub, a teacher, tells the story about Johann Fehr, how he became ill, recovered and turned to God afterwards; also documents outbreak of rabies and cholera.

Volume four contains his diary from 1832 to 1838 with his thoughts regarding religion and philosophy.  Mentions the birth of his daughters, Julie Johanne (born on December 6, 1832), and Karoline Wilhelmine (born on April 12, 1834). There is frequent mention of Schauffler and Fletnitzer (no first names given).

Volume five covers his diary from 1847 to 1851, including letters to the following: Gottlob Schauffler and to Johann Bonekemper's brother, Johann Heinrich, the board of directors of the German local missionary society, Ali Pascha and Bonekemper's children, Emilie, Mine, Sophie and Julie. 

Volume six includes his diary from 1851 to 1852, with letters to the following: Joh. in Rohrbach and Eva in Odessa, missionary W. Schauffler, Pastor Dr. Fr. W. Krummacher, Adam Sprenger, and John Eberhardt Link.  There are more frequent exchanges with W. Schauffler concerning problems with Friedrich, Bonekemper's son; Pastor Bonekemper's resignation is mentioned.

Volume seven contains his diary from 1852 to 1856.  It includes letters sent to: pharmacist Linz at Schotsch in Silistria, daughter Emilie, Joseph Lang, G. D. Schneider, daughter Sophie, son Friedrich Wilhelm, Johann Rohrbach in Odessa, and Pastor W. Krummacher.  Also covers Bonekemper's departure from Admadscha, daughter Emilie's marriage to Joseph Lang; more letters to all his children.

Accompanying this finding aid is a 63-page typed synopsis of the diaries of Rev. Bonekemper excerpted by Brigitte von Budde and completed in 1990. 
 

Johannes Bonekemper Papers  |  Religion