Konrad Schumacher (Anabaptist – Imprisoned in Vienna and released by King Maximilian)

Konrad Schumacher (Anabaptist – Imprisoned in Vienna and released by King Maximilian)

Konrad Schumacher was born c. 1542 and spent his early youth in South Germany. He first appears in history as a young man traveling east with a group of Anabaptists, in Moravia or Hungary, trying to find more freedom to follow their Christian faith. The best way was through Upper Austria using the Danube River as an avenue of travel. This route was taken by many Anabaptists through the years from 1527 to 1560.

The Swabian group with which Konrad traveled was well aware of the danger involved in their journey. The group arrived at the Danube, near Passau, in lower Bavaria, without incident, and hired a boat. They had arranged with the boatman to let them disembark at Stein, across the Danube from Krems. Suddenly, from all directions they heard the sound of horses, men running and shouting – they were surrounded. With no chance to escape, the group was herded together roughly and taken summarily to the prison.

Through the months of his imprisonment, Konrad was taken on a regular basis to the council room for interrogation. Here monks and priests tried to turn him from his belief. His undaunted faith and ready answers gave evidence of his unbroken spirit.

The next step was torture. He was stretched on the rack until he fainted from pain. On occasion he was flogged until nearly unconscious, and then thrown back into his cell. A full year of this treatment seriously diminished Konrad’s physical condition, but his spirit appeared refined and stronger.

Konrad would die in his belief, for it was the truth and the way to eternal life. This he would confess with his mouth as long as there should be strength enough in him.

And so it was that King Maximilian heard the case of Konrad Schumacher. He was so impressed by the youth’s stand that he ordered his release from prison. Konrad, who had told his tormentors that the Lord was well able to deliver him from their hands, now walked free! He immediately found some of his Anabaptist brethren and enjoyed their fellowship and hospitality. With their care he was soon able to travel again.