Michael Matschilder, Elizabeth his Wife, and Hans Gurtzham, in the Year 1546

In the year 1546, Brother Michael Matschilder, also called Little Michael, a minister of Jesus Christ and His church, and two others; namely, his wife, Elizabeth, and Hans Gurtzham, a shoemaker, were arrested and examined at Altenburg, in Upper Kaernthen. A doctor and a learned man of Villach disputed with them; but this brother gave them such answers that they had to withdraw in confusion, unable to accomplish anything.

They were then led in iron chains through Styria, and delivered into the bailey at Vienna, to the jailer, who said: "Come, I will bring you into a vault, where others of your brothers are." In there were Hans Stautdach and three fellow prisoners.

When they met, they embraced and kissed each other, and praised God, who had brought them together for the glory of His name. Hans Stautdach and his three fellow prisoners were then executed; but these others were kept in prison longer; that is, about three years, namely, until the year 1549, when a fire broke out in the city. Then, as is customary in that city when a fire occurs, the gates of the city were closed, and the prisoners released. After the fire was put out, Brother Michael and his wife, through the providence of God and the help of a citizen, escaped from the city, and came to the church.

Thus God delivered them unharmed and in peace. But Hans Gurtzham went back to prison, and was confined there one year longer; namely, until the year 1550, when he was executed, about June, being drowned in the Danube, early on a certain Friday morning.