Barbly Ruff, in the Year 1643

The persecutors did not rest, but continued, so that, having hurried into the Knonow Bailiwick, they fell upon another sister, namely Barbly Ruff, who was also pregnant. This good woman was so exceedingly frightened by it, since it happened so unexpectedly, that the pains of labor came upon her, and she was therefore not able to go with her captors.

Therefore she was fastened to a chain in the house of her brother-in-law, and the family of servants there were ordered to guard her well.

But when she had given birth to her child and had gained a little strength, though not yet quite recovered from all the hardships she had suffered, she escaped, when it was not expected, into another district. But since her life had been greatly weakened through the persecution she had suffered, she died soon after. She bore this willingly and patiently, with a valiant and steadfast mind, to the praise of the Lord, entering into the saints' rest, and waiting for the day that will hereafter comfort her and all the pious. M. Meyli Tract, dated 1658, folio 8, B., compared with Jer. Mang., Tract of the year 1645, on the name Barbly, and so on.

NOTE. About this time, 1643, two sisters were also arrested for their faith, namely, Martha Lindne and Annill Blau, very well known and noted women. Martha was imprisoned in Othenbach, and threatened with the executioner, who stood beside her, if she would not reveal the poor fund, which was entrusted to her husband. When she had pointed it out, they took the whole of it and kept it, it amounting to about 1,000 dollars. Annill, being pregnant, was fastened to a chain in the hospital until she gave birth. But since many interceded for her, and especially through the intercession of the chief curate, Printlger, she was released, and went to the Lower Palatinate. There she and her husband, named Moneth Meylich, who on account of the steadfastness of his faith had also endured much persecution, tribulation and imprisonment, settled down, and (nothing to the contrary being known) they still live, enjoying prosperity through the blessing of God. Compare the tracts of M. Meyli and Jer. Mang., on the names referred to above.