| abstract | - Jurgen Braun was a farmer living in 17th century Thuringia, Germany. During the Thirty Years' War, in May 1631, Jurgen and his family were set upon by Spanish mercenaries in the employ of Count Tilly. The mercenaries assaulted Braun, demanding his valuables. Being nothing near rich, Braun insisted he didn't have anything. The skeptical mercenaries retaliated by crucifying him to the door frame of his home and forcing him to watch the rape of his wife Tilda. Jurgen was brutally interrogated by his captors before being saved by the American posse led by Michael Stearns who appeared shortly after the Ring of Fire and killed the mercenaries. Jurgen was quickly taken to Grantville for immediate medical attention. For several weeks, Jurgen was hovering near death before finally recovering from his wounds, although he was still so weak that he could barely stand. He was introduced to George Blanton, the man who was responsible for looking after and housing Jurgen's family. Jurgen was grateful for Blanton's generosity and was reluctant to stay in George's house, fearing that his family was accumulating debt with the obviously rich man, but found that he had little choice in the matter. He was moved to the guest room of Blanton's home. Later, he and his wife oversaw a planned marriage proposal between their daughter and Little Jim Reardon. The couple were initially hesitant, as they believed Little Jim was too young to be wed. However, when they understood the modern concept of marriage and learned of Little Jim's successful career as a machinist they agreed to let Anna marry once she turned eighteen years old and could make her own dowry.
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