German-speaking Mennonite forefathers from Russia and Polish Russia came to this area in a time of deep distress seeking religious freedom, and from groups worshipping in homes, schoolhouses, and granaries, congregations developed between 1875 and 1893, including Union Church or Die Grosze Kirche, Carl S Waldner Deutsche Alt Mennoniten Gemeinde, Brothersfield Mennonite Brethren, Bethsda Mennonite, Silver Lake Mennonite Brethren, Bethel Mennonite, and Evangelical Mennonite Brethren. East of this site rest the remains of Elder Tobia A. Unruh, one of twelve deputies who came to America in 1873 to find a home for his people. The low German people originated in Holland and traced their religion to the Anabaptist wing of the Reformation. Menno Simons, a converted Catholic priest, taught voluntary church brotherhood, adult baptism, discipleship of Christ, non-resistance, and a simple positive Christian life, and his followers became known as Mennonites. Because these beliefs conflicted with established state churches and states, they were severely persecuted under King Charles V of Spain. Many left Holland as early as 1530, with the main trek going through the Netherlands to more tolerant Prussia, where they were welcomed for their skill in building dykes and canals, draining and reclaiming swamplands, and farming. By 1780 Prussian authorities had become more intolerant, and many moved again after the appealing 1786 invitation of Empress Catherine II through her representative George Von Troppe, settling by the thousands in Russia and Polish Russia. Growing nationalism and militarism in the 1870s led many to immigrate to America and Dakota Territory.