The Great Trek of the Russian Mennonites to Central Asia, 1880-1884, Fred Richard Belk, 1976

, these ardent farmers longed for country life; the city was no place to raise children. Also their more practical outlook on life tended to diminish their preoccupation with mystical chiliasm, and this led to a desire to start all over again. Peters Dies in Tashkent But by far the most discouraging development among the Tash- kent Mennonites was the death of their beloved pastor, Abraham 138 The Great Trek of the Russian Mennonites Peters.' The trials of the journey, the rigors of settlement, and the increasing problems all had taken their toll of this great leader.’ Growing weaker as the months wore on, Peters maintained an active schedule of preaching, teaching, and negotiation® until he died in January 1882.‘ Those who had been critical of the millennialist move- ment from the very beginning saw in his death a portent of the de- mise of the entire movement in Turkestan. While one group was languishing in Bukhara, the death of the greatest man in the colo- nization effort would soon bring an abrupt end to a venture that had been completely demoralizing and discouraging from the very out- set.” Yet amid these counsels of despair, a new leader and the prospects of new land offered new hope. Jacob Janzen, a staunch opponent of Claas Epp, succeeded to Peters’ role of leadership. This former Trakt resident, who had earlier rejected Epp’s teaching, gave able guidance to the entire Molotschna contingent when they needed it most. Not only had he been Peters’ first choice for the position, but he had already demonstrated his capacities in handling the deli- cate negotiations concerning a new settlement. In fact, he held out for a provision in their contract which would give 15 years of exemp- tion from any government service for their young men. Janzen’s dreams came true when an agreement was signed with the Russian government in February 1882.° Move to Aulie Ata, April 8, 1882 After the sealing of this contract, plans were quickly made to leave for Aulie Ata, a region 150 miles northeast of Tashkent but still within the borders of Turkestan. A scouting party composed of 13 families were the first to leave. Nine of these were probably those included in the Jacob Funk wagon train, and the others consisted of Cornelius Wall and relatives.’ Following this small group of pioneering brethren, a larger group of more than fifty families left on April 8, 1882. They arrived at a spot about 40 miles southeast of the city of Aulie Ata on April 23 and sent back favorable reports.” Meanwhile, a third band, which had been corresponding with the Janzen group and wanted to join them, formed part of Claas Epp’s contingent in the city of Turkestan.® This group of 12 families had become completely disenchanted with Epp’s brand of millennialism. After being halted with Epp’s train at the village of Ikan on April New Hope at Aulie Ata 139 11, they traveled directly eastward and reached Aulie Ata on May 4, 18