Dear Listers, I have recently learned through the receipt of a family letter, written forty-four years ago, that my ancestor was a "shepherd" in the area of Schneidemuhl, West Prussia (now known by the Polish name Pila). According to the family letter written in 1963 my ancestor, born 1818 @ Krumfliess, West Prussia, came to America in 1863 so that his three sons would not have to serve in the Prussian Army. Can someone explain to me what life would have been like for this family. Would a "shepherd" in West Prussia ca. 1850s lived a life of a nomad; moving his family a great deal? Or could he have been a "shepherd" and remained in a fixed locale? What animals would have been in his care given the time frame & the environment. What would have been the shepherd's circumstances in such a time & place? Any insights would be greatly appreciated. Bette

Bette, I have a 1773 town census from the Pila area and it lists a shepherd. (Schaefer) It enumerates him, his wife and one child. It also states that all of the families enumerated had a garden, plow, wagon, scythe, and a sickle. One might conclude that he stayed in one locale. Check for church records to see if the family stays in one area. Hope this helps. JD