It’s assumed that Johann was not bound as a serf (like his father) as he worked as a day labourer in many parts of Mecklenburg. In 1815 he was working at Wotenitz, a village to the south of Grevesmuhlen. His godparents were Johann Boddeker of Santow, Hinrich Schroder carpenter of Brochow, and Hinrich Serenmarken’s wife of Borzow. As usual, the woman doesn’t rate a mention, only her husband, even when she did the work.

She was 17 when she married. Her husband was 45. Ouch. One can only feel sorry for her.