Is there anyone who could help me prove or disprove an "old wives tale" in our family?
Johann Friedrich Christian Kai *7.5.1819, Amt Waren, Mecklenberg; + after1864 (USA?), m. Johanne Marie Caroline Ruehrdans, (*1828, Kleine Giewitz, Mecklenburg; +1909 USA).
Their granddaughter claimed that Johann Kai was "a General in the German Army" during the Crimean War (I realize Germany had not yet come into existence). She said he was injured and nursed back to health by Johanne Ruehrdans, fell in love and married her. This granddaughter claimed Johanne was a nurse working with Florence Nightingale.
All this seems too romantic to believe. Can anyone tell me if Mecklenburg was a participant in the Crimean War? Were there German nurses working with Florence Nightingale? Any clues as to how I can prove or disprove this story would be much appreciated.
Mit Grusse,
Hugo Schroeder