Konrad and Albertina

About the Book

Konrad and Albertina is the true story of the Schneider family, settlers on Puget Sound, in early Washington Territory. Konrad and Albertina Schneider, a German stonemason and his Swedish bride, make their way from Burlington, Iowa to Puget Sound on the Oregon Trail. They are accompanied by Konrad’s best friend and brother-in-law, George Lotz. When Konrad is hired as chief mason for the New Dungeness Lighthouse, he sends for his teenaged nephew John back in Burlington. The triumphant completion of the lighthouse is soon overshadowed by tragedy when Konrad and John are arrested for theft. The arrest and its aftermath cast a long shadow over the relationship between Konrad and George, and over Konrad’s involvement in the developing community of Olympia, Washington. Told from the points of view of four young protagonists, Konrad and Albertina is an entertaining, yet historically accurate, account of the early development of Washington Territory. Although not written specifically for the young adult audience, it is suitable for both adults and teens. Author Deborah Ross worked closely with descendants of Konrad and Albertina Schneider, as well as local historians and archivists to recreate the family’s story and times. A sequel is planned to follow the lives of the Schneider children as they make their homes on Schneider Prairie and West Olympia. Visit http://konradandalbertina.com to order books from the author and get updates on book readings and events in the Puget Sound area.

About the Author

Deborah Jane Ross lives in Olympia, Washington, with her husband and son. She has been pursuing her interest in the history of Puget Sound after a career in law and energy policy. She is a board member of the Olympia Historical Society and a member of the Pacific Northwest Writers’ Association. In researching and writing Konrad and Albertina, Deborah worked closely with descendants of Konrad and Albertina, and with local historians and archivists. This is her first narrative work.