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Standing at the Grave: A Family's Journey from the Grand Duchy of Posen to the Prairies of North Dakota Paperback – May 18, 2023

by Gary Heyn (Author)
4.3 out of 5 stars 23 ratings
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Weeks before the birth of Queen Victoria, Anna Christina Schmidt was born to a German settler on the estate of a Polish noble. Unlike the Queen, the only remaining visible proof of her life is a depression in the grass behind a moss covered tombstone. Standing at the Grave is the true story of one of the thousands of forgotten mothers who stood at their doors, watching their children leave for America, never expecting to see them again. This is also the journey of her children from the plains of Wielkopolska, Poland, to the prairies of North Dakota.

"For anyone wondering how to tell the story of your immigrant family, this family memoir shows you not only how, but also convinces you of the importance of telling that story,"
—Barbara Pieh, President, German Genealogical Society.

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  1. Print length
    280 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    May 18, 2023
  4. Dimensions
    6 x 0.71 x 9 inches
  5. ISBN-10
    196025085X
  6. ISBN-13
    978-1960250858
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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Gary Heyn is a former Corporate Executive who has refocused his research and analytic skills to genealogy, history, and writing with an emphasis on the former residents of the Grand Duchy of Posen. After two trips to the region, he was excited to find a wealth of documentation available and frustrated that the history of this province, the former home to many German immigrants in the Upper Midwest, was so poorly documented. It has become his mission to bring these people's stories back to life.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Wisdom Editions
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 18, 2023
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 280 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 196025085X
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1960250858
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 14.6 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.71 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 23 ratings

About the author

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Gary Heyn

Gary Heyn

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Gary Heyn, a graduate of the University of Minnesota, worked as an executive at Tolomatic, a manufacturing company in Minneapolis until his retirement. Growing up on a farm near Rochester, Minnesota, he was fascinated by the stories of “the good old days” told to him by his great-grandmother Lydia Heyn. Afternoons spent on the front porch of his parents' house sparked a lifelong interest in history and genealogy, to which he can now devote himself full-time in his retirement, with a particular focus on the former Prussian province of Posen.

Apart from Standing at the Grave, his research is mainly focused on German immigrant farmers in the Upper Midwest and their old home in Posen, which has resulted in a number of articles in genealogical publications.

Gary Heyn lives with his wife in Golden Valley, Minnesota. He currently serves as treasurer for both the Germanic Genealogical Society (GGS) and the International German Genealogical Partnership (IGGP).

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4.3 out of 5 stars
23 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book enjoyable and appreciate its historical content, with one review noting how it brings families alive through personal stories.

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6 customers mention "History"6 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the historical content of the book, with one noting how well-researched it is and how it brings families to life through personal stories, while another highlights its mix of history and adventure.

"...is about Anna and her children, it is also meant to commemorate the lives of all immigrants who have uprooted themselves to find a better life for..." Read more

"...You brought my family alive through your family stories. I really enjoyed the book, and recommended to my genealogy students...." Read more

"This book wax totally enjoyable and educational. Full of history and family traditions passed down through generations. Very well written." Read more

"It was very obvious that this families' history was well researched and related from one generation to the next...." Read more

5 customers mention "Enjoyment"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book enjoyable.

"The wife enjoyed the book. It has a permanent spot on our shelves." Read more

"I enjoyed this book a lot...." Read more

"...You brought my family alive through your family stories. I really enjoyed the book, and recommended to my genealogy students...." Read more

"This book wax totally enjoyable and educational. Full of history and family traditions passed down through generations. Very well written." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • steve o'connor
    5.0 out of 5 stars A book about the Scandinavian immigration experience.
    Reviewed in the United States on April 29, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    The wife enjoyed the book. It has a permanent spot on our shelves.
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  • SandyMJ
    5.0 out of 5 stars A very good story about a German Immigrant Family, well researched and very engrossing.
    Reviewed in the United States on February 8, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I enjoyed this book a lot. The author caught my attention right away in his Introduction - comparing the life of Queen Alexandrina with the life of his immigrant ancestor. Both were born in the same year, but they had such different lives! He also points out that the Queen's life is very well documented, but Anna Christina's life, like most immigrants, isn't. Mr. Heyn has done a tremendous amount of research bringing Anna Christina's family to life. In the beginning of the first chapted he writes about the men sitting around picnic tables complaining about life and politics in their small community of Gembitz Hauland and then, during a picnic in their new home in America, doing the same thing! He writes about the 1883 Rochester tornado and how it affected these new immigrants, a murder in Minneapolis, and a very tragic case of food poisoning. As stated in his Introduction, although this book is about Anna and her children, it is also meant to commemorate the lives of all immigrants who have uprooted themselves to find a better life for themselves and their families.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Thank you
    Reviewed in the United States on January 20, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    My family of Kukuks were from Posen and came to Guttenberg, Iowa and eventually went to South Dakota. You brought my family alive through your family stories. I really enjoyed the book, and recommended to my genealogy students. Kacy Novak (married a Czech)
    One person found this helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read for Family Historians
    Reviewed in the United States on August 30, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    This book wax totally enjoyable and educational. Full of history and family traditions passed down through generations. Very well written.
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  • Linda J.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Standing at the Grave
    Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    It was very obvious that this families' history was well researched and related from one generation to the next. I enjoyed learning the history of not only the family but also the two countries during that time. It's important to know what motivated those early immigrants to come and face the unknown and hopefully it will help us to have more understanding and acceptance for today's immigrants
    3 people found this helpful
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  • nick anderson
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great read
    Reviewed in the United States on July 19, 2023
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    Great read, with a mix of history and adventure.
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  • RanRan
    5.0 out of 5 stars memories
    Reviewed in the United States on October 29, 2023
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    As a Genealogist whose family came to America in early to mid 1700, through this book I feel the agony of leaving your homeland for another country. Wars and poverty caused them to leave. Only one name of an area my family lived in is Didenshawzin. (Spelling unknown).
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  • Zhenyi Huang
    5.0 out of 5 stars A great story about immigrant family
    Reviewed in the United States on June 11, 2023
    "Standing at the Grave" takes readers on an engaging and heartfelt journey, delving into the story of an immigrant family's arduous voyage from the Grand Duchy of Posen to the expansive prairies of North Dakota. With its compelling narrative and rich historical backdrop, this book effectively captures the trials, triumphs, and sacrifices of those seeking a better life in a new land.

    The story follows the family's struggles, depicting their initial hopes, the challenges faced during the arduous journey, and their eventual settlement in North Dakota. The author skillfully paints vivid pictures of the landscapes, cultures, and emotional landscapes encountered along the way. From the bustling streets of Posen to the untamed wilderness of the prairies, readers are transported to a time of immense change and personal transformation.

    One of the book's strengths lies in its well-developed characters. Each member of the immigrant family is portrayed with depth and authenticity, enabling readers to form a strong connection and empathize with their experiences. Their hopes, dreams, and fears are palpable, making their journey all the more relatable. The familial bonds and dynamics add further emotional depth, allowing readers to witness the power of resilience and unity in the face of adversity.

    Furthermore, the historical context surrounding the family's migration is meticulously researched and woven seamlessly into the narrative. The author provides valuable insights into the challenges immigrants faced during this time period, shedding light on the harsh realities of starting anew in a foreign land. The attention to detail and accuracy contribute to the book's authenticity and educational value.

    While the book succeeds in many aspects, there are instances where the pacing feels a bit uneven. Certain sections could benefit from tighter editing to maintain a consistent momentum throughout the story. However, this minor drawback does not detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the book.

    "Standing at the Grave" is an absorbing tale that captures the essence of the immigrant experience, offering a poignant portrayal of the strength, resilience, and determination required to build a new life in unfamiliar surroundings. It serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of those who left their homes behind in search of a brighter future.
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Wolfgang Brunke
    5.0 out of 5 stars das Leben im 19. Jahrhundert in der Posener Gegend in Preußen und in den USA
    Reviewed in Germany on June 27, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Auf der Buchrückseite des Buches heißt es: Gary Heyn lässt das Leben seiner Familie und der Bewohner des Dorfes in der ehemaligen Provinz Posen wieder auferstehen.
    Ich bin ein Nachfahre von Bauern aus dieser Gegend und habe mit Spannung und Anteilnahme die Familiengeschichte gelesen. Die vielen Fakten zum Leben damals, zur polnisch-deutschen Geschichte der „Hauländer“, alles war spannend und ergänzte mein Wissen über die damalige Zeit des 19. Jahrhunderts.
    Aber was mir bisher keiner sagen konnte war, was unsere Vorfahren im Amerika erwartete. Die Erdhütten, die unendliche Weiten der Prärie, das Leben in den Städten und die Bedeutung der Kirche für die Menschen. Wie heißt es im Buch, der Beamte hatte keine Lust mit einem „Sauerkraut-Einwanderer“ zu sprechen. Ich bin mit Stolz ein Verwandter dieser Deutsch-Amerikaner und wie sagte der Präsident: „Ich bin ein Berliner“.
    Vielen Dank an Garry Heyn für die jahrelange Arbeit an dem Buch.

    The back cover of the book says: Gary Heyn resurrects the life of his family and the inhabitants of the village in the former province of Posen. I am a descendant of farmers from this area and read the family history with excitement and sympathy. The many facts about life at that time, about the Polish-German history of the "Hauländer", everything was exciting and added to my knowledge about that time of the 19th century.
    But what no one could tell me before was what awaited our ancestors in America. The prairie grass huts, the endless expanses of the prairie, life in the cities, and the importance of the church to the people. As the book says, the official had no desire to talk to a "sauerkraut immigrant." I am proudly a relative of these German-Americans and as the President said, "Ich bin ein Berliner."
    Many thanks to Garry Heyn for the years of work on the book.
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  • Karsten
    5.0 out of 5 stars Sehr spannendes und interessantes Buch
    Reviewed in Germany on June 30, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Von den Menschen in Gembitz Hauland im 19. Jahrhundert sind nur noch ihre Spuren in Kirchenbüchern und zum Teil auf Grabsteinen geblieben. Von denen, die ihre Heimat für immer verlassen haben in Richtung Amerika, mit großen Hoffnungen auf ein besseres Leben, gibt es noch Spuren in Passagierlisten, amerikanischen Volkszählungen und zum Teil auch als Nachruf in Zeitungen. Gerry Heyn hat nach umfangreichen Recherchen aus diesen Fakten ein spannendes und sehr interessantes Buch geschrieben.
    Den Anfang nimmt die Geschichte in Gembitz Hauland im damaligen Westpreußen. Was hat die meist jungen Menschen veranlasst, ihre Familie und Freunde zu verlassen und in eine doch eher ungewisse Zukunft zu gehen? Welche Herausforderungen haben sie in ihrer neuen Heimat erwartet? Gary Heyn beschreibt den Lebensweg seiner Vorfahren und Nachbarn sehr anschaulich und lässt diese Menschen und ihre Abenteuer für uns lebendig werden.
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