His interest in the political situation in his old as well as his new country were very lively. During the American Civil War (1861-65) he was not sure if he would be drafted, which would have been a difficult situation for his family. He was very upset in 1866 after the defeat of the democrats and the win of the "radicals". He did not like the social democrats at all. His opinion was that the "Kaiser" in Germany should not listen to their "yelling".

He often praises his wife in his letters. Although she had working as a maid servant in Germany she easily only been learned everything a good farmer's wife needs to know. From her he also learned patience, especially in the treat of the children. He often said that she had made him a different person. His four sons and three daughters all grew up to be respected members of society.

This opinion about the children was fully confirmed by Regine Haeberlen, who stayed as a guest on the farm together with her husband Julius and the oldest child. Julius and his wife had decided to emigrate to the United States also, because in Germany the social situation grew worse and worse.