Wanderbuch
(Journeyman's Book)
Source: Family interviews with James P. Ludwig, Isabelle Ludwig, and Clinton Ludwig
Conrad Fuhrmann, Sr. lived in Eltville, Nassau, and was a blacksmith by trade. When Conrad died in 1835, it became the blacksmith trade's responsibility to teach any of Conrad's sons the blacksmithing trade, should they desire to learn it. One of Conrad's sons, Valentin Fuhrmann, decided that he should learn the blacksmithing trade. As an apprentice, he would go from one town to another. Upon arrival in the new town, he would go to the local blacksmith's shop and strike the blacksmith's anvil, making a ringing sound that was to announce his arrival and apprenticeship. He would work for that blacksmith for a period of time before moving on to the next town. In each town he worked, the local officials would stamp his Wanderbuch, indicating that he had been there and worked under the local blacksmith's guidance. Sometimes the officials or blacksmiths would even write comments in the Wanderbuch. You will be glad to know that my great-great-great grandfather was a "well-behaved" young man. (translated) At the end of his apprenticeship journey, Valentin returned home to Eltville. There was still one more requirement that had to be met before he could become a blacksmith by trade. In front of a gathering of blacksmiths, Valentin had to create a "masterpiece" and have it approved by all of the blacksmiths present. While it is uncertain what sort of masterpiece Valentin made, it is known that he passed this test with flying colors, as he was readily welcomed into the trade.
When Valentin immigrated to Texas, he brought his Wanderbuch with him. Click here to see it.