Germany Finding Town of Origin: Difference between revisions

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''[[Germany]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png]]'' '''Gathering Information'''
|Country=Germany
==Finding the Town of Birth==
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|Topic Type=Getting Started
|Getting Started=Finding Town of Origin
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==Finding the Town of Origin==


In order to research your family in Germany, it is essential that you have identified the place where they came from. It is not enough to know only ‘Germany’ or ‘Prussia,’ as these were quite large entities. You must know the city, town, or parish that they came from. In many cases, it will be difficult to identify the place of origin by going directly to German sources. Therefore, you will need to search in American sources first.
In order to research your family in Germany, it is essential that you have identified the place where they came from. It is not enough to know only ‘Germany’ or ‘Prussia,’ as these were quite large entities. You must know the city, town, or parish that they came from. In many cases, it will be difficult to identify the place of origin by going directly to German sources. Therefore, you will need to search in American sources first.
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=== What You Need to Know to Begin Research in Germany  ===
=== What You Need to Know to Begin Research in Germany  ===


It is essential that you know:
It is essential that you know:<br>
# The given and surname of your ancestor: for example, Henry M Borgmann.
1. The given and surname of your ancestor: for example,Henry M Borgmann.<br>
# The exact place name, for example: Stadt Osnabrück, Kreis Osnabrück, Hannover, Prussia (now Niedersachsen).  
2. The exact place name, for example: Stadt Osnabrück, Kreis Osnabrück, Hannover, Prussia ( now Niedersachsen). <br>
# The time frame.
3. The time frame.<br>
# The religion of your ancestor: usually Catholic or Evangelical Lutheran.  
4. The religion of your ancestor: usually Catholic or Evangelical Lutheran. <br>


====Name====
====Name====
Before you can embark in meaningful research, you need to be clear about the name of your ancestor. Many names have been Americanized or have been recorded according to sound.
Before you can embark in meaningful research, you need to be clear about the name of your ancestor. Many names have been Americanized or have been recorded according to sound. Following the paper trail of your ancestor may give you clues. Search ship lists, naturalization records, church records, civil records or any record where your ancestor had to sign his name.  
For example, a name with a written "V" in German, would sound like an "F" to an American clerk writing it down. Following the paper trail of your ancestor may give you clues. Search ship lists, naturalization records, church records, civil records or any record where your ancestor had to sign his name.
 
====Place Name====
====Place Name====
Another very important piece of evidence to find is the correct town of origin of an ancestor. Again, a given place name may be spelled according the recorder’s understanding. It is not enough information to just know that your ancestor came from Germany or Prussia. Even to know the German state, such as Hessen, sometimes proves futile, because there are old states called Hessen, Hessen-Nassau, Hessen-Darmstadt, Hessen-Kassel etc.
Another very important piece of evidence to find the correct origin of an ancestor is the place name. Again, you may run into problems here because many ancestors gave a place name as a point of reference. Also, a given place name may be spelled according the recorder’s understanding. Sometimes it helps to know what language your ancestor spoke and something about topographical features of the homeland. It is not enough information to just know that your ancestor came from Germany or Prussia. Even to know the German state, such as Hessen, sometimes proves futile, because there are states called Hessen, Hessen-Nassau, Hessen-Darmstadt, Kurfürstentum Hessen etc.  
 
====Cultural Regions====
Germany has many "cultural regions" and "geographical landscapes", smaller, informal areas that were not political entities. You might be familiar with the Black Forest, the Ruhr, the Saar, or Frisia (Friesland). Your ancestors might have left records or family traditions that they were from one of these areas.  This list of (German) [http://wiki-de.genealogy.net/Kategorie:Landschaft '''"landscapes" by GenWiki'''] can help you identify these regions. Once you know that the information is a cultural region not a town, you will know that you need to search further to narrow down your ancestors' town.
 
It is sometimes hard to pinpoint a place of origin for an ancestor because what seems to be a village name is in reality, not. Ancestors may have given a cultural area as a point of reference, i.e. they came from Odenwald, Probstei or Allgäu. In such a case one might want to try using the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency database at [http://geonames.nga.mil/namesgaz/ GeoNames Search] and conduct a GNS search. Typing in “Probstei” for instance, will give five options to search by latitude and longitude as well as feature types. Choosing “Probstei region” gives the co-ordinates of 54˚25’00” N and 010˚20’00”E. With these measurements one can consult a good map in order to locate the Probstei by figuring the degrees. Another option would be to consult Map quest online, choosing International, Germany and the button for latitude and longitude (Karte suchen nach Breiten- und Längengraden). Entering in the appropriate spaces degrees, minutes and seconds will find the applicable map. Enlarging the image will show details.
 
This procedure does not define the cultural area as such, it just shows its approximate location. To define a cultural area, Google (Image search) will usually provide a map with such features.
 
The above described procedure works also for topographical features such as lakes, rivers, mountains and places.
 
====Time Frame====
====Time Frame====
It is also most helpful to know the time frame when you search for a German ancestor. Germany was never a united state until 1871. Before that it consisted of dozens of little states. All successful research is based on knowing the availability of records for a given time period.
It is also most helpful to know the time frame when you search for a German ancestor. Germany was never a united state until 1871. Before that it consisted of hundreds of little states which had their autonomy, their own sets of laws, their own ways of administration. A general search by looking at census records is not possible in Germany, nor do there exist any centralized data banks from which to extract information. All successful research is based on knowing general and local historical backgrounds of the area in question, and the availability of records for a given time period.  
 
====Religious Affiliation====
====Religious Affiliation====
If you know the religious affiliation of your ancestor you may also get faster results in locating your ancestor. Most Germans were Catholics or Protestants, however, in some areas, the records of people of other faiths were kept by the predominant church. For example, Jewish or Mennonite births were occasionally recorded at Catholic parishes, especially in areas where the Church was used as the civil registration office.
If you know the religious affiliation of your ancestor you may also get faster results in locating your ancestor. Most Germans were Catholics or Protestants, however, in some areas, the records of people of other faiths were kept by the predominant church. For example, Jewish or Mennonite births were occasionally recorded at Catholic parishes, especially in areas where the Church was used as the civil registration office.


== Search Home Sources  ==
=== Search Home Sources  ===
Thoroughly go over all home sources available to you, including family history papers, copies of records, pictures, old letters (i.e. with an old address), family bibles, journals/diaries, copies of vital record certificates and church records, memorabilia etc. Interview extended family and close relatives as well as former neighbors--all of which may prove very helpful in gathering as much knowledge about an ancestor as possible.<br>
Thoroughly go over all home sources available to you, including family history papers, copies of records, pictures, old letters (i.e. with an old address), family bibles, journals/diaries, copies of vital record certificates and church records, memorabilia etc. Interview extended family and close relatives as well as former neighbors--all of which may prove very helpful in gathering as much knowledge about an ancestor as possible.<br>
*[[Collecting Previous Research by Others Part One: Home and Relative Sources]]
*[[Gather Family Information]]
===Emigration Questions to Ask Relatives===
Find the oldest living relatives that you can and ask them:
<br>
# What do you know about our first ancestor to come from Germany? (open-ended)
#  Have you ever heard mention of towns in Germany where the family lived?
#  Do you have contact with any relatives in Germany?
#.  Do you have contact with other branches of the family in the U.S.?
#.  When _____________ came from Germany, did he travel with other family members?
#.  Do you know when _________________ arrived and which port city?
#  Did _______________ever become a citizen?
#  Did_________________fight in World War I or II?
#  When they first came, were there already family members here who they joined?
#  Did_______________ever mention their parents in Germany?
#  Were they Catholic or Lutheran?
#  Do you have any old letters or postcards from Germany family?
#  Do you have any pictures of family members in Germany?
==Search Genealogies Compiled by Others==
*[[Collecting Previous Research by Others Part Two: Online Family Tree Collections]]
*[[Collecting Previous Research by Others Part Three: Digitized Books]]
*[[Collecting Previous Research by Others Part Four: FamilySearch Wiki Tools]]
==Indexed Records Created in Germany==
===Make Sure You Found the Correct Entry for Your Ancestor===
{|
|-
|[[File:Icon-warning.png|100px|alt=Icon warning]]
|
There may be many types of indexed records that cover parts, even large parts of Germany. Searching those indexes by name only can turn up several entries of the same name. '''Never jump to an immediate conclusion that you have found an entry that matches your ancestor'''. Study the information for other clues that verify the match.
|}
*Make sure the person you found in German records '''left Germany'''. Look for them in marriage and death records of the same vicinity. See whether they have children a generation later in the vicinity. These things prove they remained in Germany and would rule them out as your ancestor.
*Match '''any other relationships'''.  If you already know the parents' names, spouse's name, and/or siblings' names, make sure they match the parents' names, spouse's name, and/or siblings' names of the person you are considering in the German records. The parents and grandparents will usually be listed in birth records found in [[Germany Church Records|'''church records''']] or [[Germany Civil Registration|'''civil records''']]. Search for siblings' birth records and any marriage before leaving Germany in the same index.
*Study '''all available entries for that name born at the same approximate time''', not just the first possible match you see.
*Consider the '''coverage of the database''' you are using. Does it cover all of Germany? Or could there be many other records not covered that could hold your ancestor's record. For example, if the database is for just one province, there are 110 other provinces which could have your ancestor's record.
*Make sure the details you have learned about the person after they immigrate have '''no discrepancies''' with the person you found in German records.
===Germany Records Databases to Try===
*[https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/en/GuidedResearch:Germany '''Germany Guided Research''']
*[[Germany Civil Registration|'''Germany Civil Registration''']], government birth, marriage, and death records could be available from the early 1800s to the early or mid-1900s. These records can name grandparents in addition to parents, and towns for residence and/or birth for both.
*There are several [[Germany Church Records|'''Germany Church Records''']] online.
*See [[Germany Emigration and Immigration|'''Germany Emigration and Immigration''']] for records of Germans immigrating, including some online digitized records and indexes.
*See [[Germany Online Genealogy Records|'''Germany Online Genealogy Records''']] for other databases that might hold clues.
==Records of the Country of Destination==
* '''Church Records:''' If your ancestor immigrated to a European or a South American/Hispanic country, church records can be detailed enough to identify a former residence or birthplace in the home country. These countries, unlike the United States, had state churches. In many countries, these state churches were used by the country to keep birth, marriage, and death records. Even though your ancestor was born in his former country, he may have married, and certainly died in his new country. Marriage and death records can state birthplace.
*'''Civil Registration:''' Eventually, most governments began keeping birth, marriage, and death records. These tend to be quite detailed. Again, if your ancestor was possibly married and certainly died in their new country, those records can state birthplace.
*'''Citizenship Records:''' If your ancestor became a full citizen, those records probably name birthplace and former residence.
*'''Online Genealogy Records:''' See [[Online Genealogy Records by Location|'''Online Genealogy Records by Location''']] and find the online genealogy record page for your country to see other indexed collections that can be consulted.
==Records to Search Created in the United States==
[[Category:Finding Town of Origin]]


===19th Century Census Records===
===19th Century Census Records===
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*The 1850-1880 U.S. federal censuses sometimes list a German state or province as birth place.  
*The 1850-1880 U.S. federal censuses sometimes list a German state or province as birth place.  
*The censuses for 1900 to 1930 ask for the year of immigration and whether or not the person was naturalized. This information can help you find naturalization records or a passenger list.  
*The censuses for 1900 to 1930 ask for the year of immigration and whether or not the person was naturalized. This information can help you find naturalization records or a passenger list.  
*[[United States Census Online Genealogy Records|'''United States Census Online Genealogy Records''']] will give you links to every census. The FamilySearch links lead to a free search, but the search engine is not as reliable.  The other links are for subscription websites, but they can be searched free-of-charge at any [[FamilySearch Centers|'''FamilySearch Center.''']]
*Many images of census records are available without charge at [https://familysearch.org/ familysearch.org]. Others can be accessed at [[United States Census Online Genealogy Records|'''various subscription Web sites. ''']]
*State census records vary in availability and the type of information they contain, but they are always useful as another source to document an ancestor in a specific locality. See [[Online Genealogy Records by Location#United_States_Online_Genealogy_Records_by_State|'''United States Online Genealogy Records by State''']] for links to online state censuses.
*State census records vary in availability and the type of information they contain, but they are always useful as another source to document an ancestor in a specific locality. See [[Online Genealogy Records by Location#U.S. Online Genealogy Records by State|'''U.S. Online Genealogy Records by State''']] for links to online state censuses.
 
===Local Municipal Records===
Pre-19th Century immigrants may be listed in local or county tax lists and other municipal records. Many such records have been microfilmed by FamilySearch and can be ordered to a Family History Center near you.<br>
===Vital Records ===
===Vital Records ===
Understand that any birth, marriage, or death certificate gives information about other people besides the primary person it is about
Vital records, or civil birth, marriage, and death records document important events in an ancestor’s life. Many states have posted statewide indexes on the Internet. The respective state and county pages on the [http://usgenweb.org/ USGenWeb] may provide the needed links. See [[Online Genealogy Records by Location#U.S. Online Genealogy Records by State|'''U.S. Online Genealogy Records by State''']], for online vital record databases.<br>  
# It is important to remember that a birth certificate for a child might tell its parents' birthplaces.
===Church Records===
# Marriage certificates might name birth dates and places of the bride and groom. They might also give the names and birth places of the parents of the bride and groom.
Church records of baptisms, marriages, and burials may provide additional information. If, for example, the civil marriage record showed that a couple was married by a minister, this marriage was probably also entered in the respective parish register. City directories and county histories may help you find the name of the congregation where the minister served. You can also “google” the minister’s name and city.<br>
# Death certificates are very important.  Birth and marriage certificates might not have kept by a state during the earlier years of your ancestor's life.  There is a greater chance that your ancestor died after detailed record-keeping began. Death certificates frequently state birth date and place. They also state the names of parents and their birth places.
===Passenger Lists===
 
Passenger lists, especially in the 20th century, may list birth place, last residence in mother country, and name and residence of a close relative in the mother country. Study the records of fellow passengers, as frequently relatives and neighbors traveled together. See [[United States Immigration Online Genealogy Records]]
*There are wiki articles giving details on how to find vital records in each state. You can select the state of interest and the record (birth, marriage, or death) from this list: [https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/en/Category:How-To_Articles '''How-To Articles'''].
===Naturalization Records===
*Many records may be online. See [[Online Genealogy Records by Location#United_States_Online_Genealogy_Records_by_State|'''United States Online Genealogy Records by State''']] for online vital record databases.<br>
*Naturalization records may also list an ancestor’s birth place.
 
*Prior to 1906 any U.S. court could naturalize foreigners. Many pre-1900 records only list “Germany” as the country of citizenship; however, there are notable exceptions, so these records should be checked routinely.
===Cemetery Records===
*The process involved two sets of papers: a '''declaration of intention''' to become a U.S. citizen, and a '''petition''' filed some time later. 
Websites such as [https://www.findagrave.com/ '''FindAGrave'''] and [https://billiongraves.com/ '''BillionGraves'''] are making it easier to get information from headstones, which frequently give birth dates, and occasionally give birth places. Each state has additional collections of cemetery records. See [[Online Genealogy Records by Location#United_States_Online_Genealogy_Records_by_State|'''United States Online Genealogy Records by State''']] for links to other online cemetery records.
*Beginning in 1906, naturalization records became more detailed, as the responsibility shifted to the Federal government.  
 
*More information about naturalization records, along with helpful links, is found at  [[Beginning Research in United States Naturalization Records]] and [[United States Naturalization Online Genealogy Records]].
===Obituaries===
Modern obituaries usually list birth date and place and parents' names. See [[Online Genealogy Records by Location#United_States_Online_Genealogy_Records_by_State|'''United States Online Genealogy Records by State''']] and select your state for links to online obituary collections.
 
===Military Records===
===Military Records===
Draft records for World War I and II ask for birth place, which can be listed as just Germany or in greater detail.
Draft records for World War I and II ask for birth place, which can be listed as just Germany or in greater detail.
*{{RecordSearch|1968530|U.S. WW I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918}} Index and images.  
**{{RecordSearch|1968530|U.S. WW I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918}} Index and images.  
*[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=6482 U.S. WW I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918] Indexes and images. ($)
**[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=6482 U.S. WW I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918] Indexes and images. ($)
*[https://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=1002 U.S., World War II Draft Registration Cards, 1942] - index & images ($)
**{{RecordSearch|1339071|United States, World War II Draft Registration Cards, 1942}} image browse, alphabetical by state.
*{{RecordSearch|1861144|United States, World War II Draft Registration Cards, 1942}} Images with partial index.
**{{RecordSearch|1861144|United States, World War II Draft Registration Cards, 1942}} Images with partial index.  
*[https://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2498 U.S., Alien Draft Registrations, Selected States, 1940-1946] - index & images ($).
 
===Social Security===
===Social Security===
*The application for the Social Security card may also contain a town of birth. These records are available for deceased individuals who died after 1935 when Social Security began.
*The application for the Social Security card may also contain a town of birth. These records are available for deceased individuals who died after 1935 when Social Security began.
**{{RecordSearch|1202535|United States Social Security Death Index}}  
**{{RecordSearch|1202535|United States Social Security Death Index}}  
**[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=3693 U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014] ($)  
**[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=3693 U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014] ($)  
**[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=60901 U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007], Incomplete ($).
**[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=60901 U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007], Incomplete, ($).  
*The Social Security Applications and Claims Index does not cover every application--it has sort of an eclectic mix of what got included.  If you find your ancestor in the ''Social Security Death Index'' but '''not''' in the ''Social Security Applications and Claims Index'', you can [https://secure.ssa.gov/apps9/eFOIA-FEWeb/internet/main.jsp '''send away for a copy of the application'''.]
===Passenger Arrival Lists===
Passenger lists, especially in the 20th century,  may list birth place, last residence in mother country, and name and residence of a close relative in the mother country.  [[United States Immigration Online Genealogy Records|'''United States Immigration Online Genealogy Records''']]
is a comprehensive list of passenger arrival databases that you can search right now from your computer. There are many, many databases. The following search strategy will make your search more efficient.
====Suggested Search Strategy====
# Check the [[United States Immigration Online Genealogy Records#Partner Sites Indexing Multiple Databases|'''partner website indexes,''']] as these cover many, many databases at once. The FamilySearch Historical Records databases is free to search with a free registered account. The other websites are subscription-based but can be searched for free at a [[FamilySearch Center|''' FamilySearch Center''']] near you.  Try to search each partner site because their search engines can often bring up slightly different results.
# If it is difficult for you to get access to the subscription databases, next try [[United States Immigration Online Genealogy Records#Additional Collections Not Included in Above Partner Site Indexes|'''Additional Nationwide Collections Not Included in Partner Sites'''.]] These websites have a lot of overlap with the subscription websites.
# Search a [[United States Immigration Online Genealogy Records#Immigration Records by Ethnic, Nationality, Political, Religious, or Socioeconomic Groups|'''nationality, religious, or political group collection''']] that applies to your ancestor.
#Search the [[United States Immigration Online Genealogy Records#'''Immigration by State'''|'''state collection for the first state where your ancestor lived.''']]
====Research Tip====
German emigrants usually left in groups from the same area of Germany. After finding your ancestor on a port record or passenger register, write down all the people on the same list.<br>Check local census and other records to determine which people settled in the same area as your ancestor.<br>Check for place of origin information on those who were on the same list.<br>If your ancestor's surname is not unusual, but some of the others on the same list are, look those names up in the German surname books to determine where they originated.
 
===Naturalization Records===
*Naturalization records may also list an ancestor’s birth place.
*Prior to 1906 any U.S. court could naturalize foreigners. Many pre-1900 records only list “Germany” as the country of citizenship; however, there are notable exceptions, so these records should be checked routinely.
*The process involved two sets of papers: a '''declaration of intention''' to become a U.S. citizen, and a '''petition''' filed some time later. 
*Beginning in 1906, naturalization records became more detailed, as the responsibility shifted to the Federal government.
*More information about naturalization records, along with helpful links, is found at  [[Beginning Research in United States Naturalization Records]] and [[United States Naturalization Online Genealogy Records]].
===Passport Applications===
*[https://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=1174 U.S. Passport Applications, 1795-1925] - index & images ($)
 
==Records Originating in Germany That Can Help==
So far this article has covered records that can be found in the country of arrival.  There are also records originating in Germany that should be consulted.
<div id="fsButtons"><span class="online_records_button">[[Germany Online Genealogy Records]]</span></div>  <div id="fsButtons"><span class="online_records_button">[[Online Germany Genealogy Records by State]]</span></div>
===Online Databases===
See [[Germany Emigration and Immigration|'''Germany Emigration and Immigration''']] for a listing of additional records.
====Hamburg Passenger Lists====
*[https://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=1068 Hamburg Passenger Lists, 1850-1934], index & images ($)
Hamburg, one of three  major ports of departure for Germans, has lists which give, name, age, birth place or residence. and the last foreign residence of people leaving from Hamburg.
*There are two lists:
**The Direct Passenger List (1850 to 1934) lists those who left Hamburg and went directly to their destination.
**The Indirect Passenger List (1850 to 1910) shows those who left Hamburg, went to another port, and then on to their destination.  After 1910 the indirect list is included with the Direct Passenger List:
 
====Bremen Passenger Lists====
*{{RecordSearch|1787826|'''Germany, Bremen Passenger Departure Lists, 1907-1908 and 1913-1914, Card Index'''}}
*[http://www.passagierlisten.de/ '''Bremen passenger lists, 1920-1939''']
Unfortunately, the passenger departure lists for the port of Bremen were destroyed.  This online list is very small. The lists for 1847 to 1871 have been partially reconstructed.
*An early commercial partner with Bremen was the port at Baltimore, Maryland. Many Germans going to America through Bremen landed in Baltimore. The Baltimore passenger arrival lists can be used to compensate  partially for the loss of the Bremen departure lists:
**[http://www.stevemorse.org/ One Step Webpages by Stephen Morse]
**[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=8679 Baltimore, Passenger Lists, 1820-1964] ($)
**{{RecordSearch|2018318|Maryland, Baltimore Passenger Lists, 1820-1948}}
**[http://search.findmypast.com/search-world-Records/maryland-baltimore-passenger-lists-1820-1957 Maryland, Baltimore Passenger Lists, 1820-1957] ($), index
 
====German Emigration Indexes====
*[https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-10019/germans-immigrating-to-the-united-states '''Germans Immigrating to the United States'''], Findmypast ($)
*{{FSC|223975|item|disp='''Hessen Emigration Card Indexes'''}}: The indexes are divided into five sections for various time periods or areas of Hessen, each in alphabetical order.
*{{FSC|122517|item|disp='''Einwandererkartei, 16.-17. Jahrhundert'''}}, from the Pfalz,  1500s-1900s:
*[https://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=4610 '''Baden, Germany Emigration Index, 1866-1911'''], index & images ($)
*[https://www.auswanderer-bw.de/auswanderer/index.php?sprache=de&suche=1 '''Auswanderung aus Südwestdeutschland, (Emigrants of Southwestern Germany, Landesarchiv Baden-Württemberg'''], 1751-1920. Index.
*[http://www.germangenealogygroup.com/records-search/bavarian_emigrants.php '''Bavaria and Pfalz Emigration Database''']
*[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=4121&cj=1&netid=cj&o_xid=0000584978&o_lid=0000584978&o_sch=Affiliate+External '''Brandenburg, Prussia Emigration Records (Auswanderungsakten, Brandenburg, Preußen)'''] ($). 1800's-early 1900's. Index. In German. Incomplete.
*[https://arcinsys.hessen.de/arcinsys/einfachsuchen.action?pageName=einfachesuche&methodName=einfach&rechercheBean.defaultfield=&rechercheBean.defaultfield_widget=https%3A%2F%2Farcinsys.hessen.de%2Farcinsys%2Feinfachsuchen.action%3FpageName%3Deinfachesuche%26metho&rechercheBean.von=&rechercheBean.bis=&rechercheBean.einfacheSucheRadioName=alle '''Auswanderer-Nachweise Hessen State Archives''']
*[http://www.lippe-auswanderer.de/index-eng.htm '''Emigration from Lippe to the USA''']
*[http://www.emecklenburg.de/Mecklenburg/en/emig.htm '''Names of Mecklenburg-Schwerin Emigrants 1844-1915''']
*[http://mvdok.lbmv.de/mjbrenderer?id=mvdok_document_00003666 '''The emigration from Mecklenburg-Schwerin to overseas countries, especially after the United States of North America''']
*[https://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2452 '''Pomerania, Germany, Passenger Lists, 1869-1901''']
*[https://hf-gen.de/amerikanetz/ '''Network Westphalian America emigration since the 19th century'''], Index. Incomplete.
*[https://www.berghapedia.nl/index.php/Wandergesellen_uit_het_Rijnland_en_Westfalen '''Male immigrants from Rheinland and Westfalen, Prussia''']
*[http://www.berghapedia.nl/index.php/Wandergesellen_uit_het_Rijnland_en_Westfalen#Vrouwen_uit_Rijnland_en_Westfalen '''Female immigrants from Rheinland and Westfalen, Prussia''']
*[http://www.histag-schaumburg.de/page/page_ID/105?PHPSESSID=978489b6ec0b5240ae85bbad2e60005e '''Schaumburg-Lippe Emigrants, 1820-1914''']
*[http://www.thomas-erbe.de/ahnen/buch/001.htm '''Emigration lists of the former Duchy of Braunschweig''']
*[http://www.auswanderer-oldenburg.de/ '''Emigrants from the Grand Duchy of Oldenburg''']
*[https://www.arcinsys.niedersachsen.de/arcinsys/einfachesuche.action '''Niedersachsen Archives Search Page'''], enter "Auswanderer" and surname.
*[http://www.genealogy-sh.com/timm/1636-1667.htm '''Schleswig-Holstein Immigrants in New Amsterdam/New York'''],1636 - 1667.
*[https://www.nordfriiskfutuur.eu/auswandererdenkmal-auswandererarchiv/ '''Das Nordfriesische Auswanderer-Archiv (North Friesland Emigrants)'''], Images and no index.
*[http://www.rootdigger.de/Emi.htm '''Emigration out of Schleswig-Holstein, 19th century'''], index.
*[http://www.thueringen.de/mam/th1/staatsarchive/repertorien/auswanderer.pdf '''Index of all emigrants from Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt and Schwarzburg-Sonderhausen'''], 1834-1914, index.
*[http://www.thueringen.de/mam/th1/staatsarchive/auswanderungen_aus_dem_herzogtum_sachsen-meiningen.pdf '''Index of all emigrants from Sachsen-Meiningen'''],  for the 1800's, index.
*[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=3141&cj=1&netid=cj&o_xid=0000584978&o_lid=0000584978&o_sch=Affiliate+External '''Wuerttemberg, Germany Emigration Index'''] ($). late 1800's-1900's. Index. Incomplete.
 
====Germans to America====
*{{RecordSearch|2110801|'''Germans to America'''''}} is a multivolume set that lists many Germans who arrived in the United States between 1850 and 1897. It is organized chronologically and then by ship. It often gives the town or state of origin of the immigrant.
 
===Online Databases Restricted to FamilySearch Center Use===
*Any of the subscription databases ($) listed about can be searched free of charge at a [[FamilySearch Centers|'''FamilySearch Center''']].
*In addition, these online will only work if used on a computer at a  [[FamilySearch Centers|'''FamilySearch Center''']].
====German Emigration Card Indexes====
*{{FSC|398168|item|disp='''Kartei der Ansiedlungsorte, 1750-1943'''}}
*{{FSC|258733|item|disp='''Auswanderer, 17. bis 20. Jahrhundert, from Baden, 1660s-1900'''}}
 
===Microfilmed Records at the FamilySearch Library, Salt Lake City===
These records are available only by searching microfilms at the FamilySearch Library, Salt Lake City.  There is a project to digitize them, so check back occasionally to see if they have become available.
====Passport and Emigration Applications====
Each state or city had its own laws regarding passports. In many cases, the applications for passports and the supporting documentation have been preserved. These records often give Germans had to apply for permission to emigrate from most areas. The FamilySearch Library has these application records for several states and cities, including ‘’’Baden, Rheinland, the Pfalz, and Zwickau.’’’
*The {{FSC|193218|item|disp=Passport Applications'''}} have been microfilmed for the years 1851 to 1929 and include indexes. Residents of Hamburg had to apply for a passport to emigrate. A few emigrants from other parts of Germany stopped in Hamburg long enough to become residents. If they were residents, they might be in the passport records.
*{{FSC|2623988|item|disp='''Index to Wuerttemberg passport applications : Stuttgart passport office 1845-1920'''}} They list the emigrant's birthplace, residence, assets, and indebtedness.
*For Bayern there is a periodical entitled Blätter des Bayrischen Landesvereines für Familienkunde. The call number is 943.3 B2b. The volumes which deal with emigration are V. 1, page 19 and 48, V. 2, page 103, V. 3, pages 9, 39, 73, 87, 102 V. 6-7, V. 9 pages 157, 417.
 
===Databases of FamilySearch Historical Records===
These collections are somewhat random in what they include. Be cautious in assuming that a individual with the same name is your ancestor.  Back up the connection with additional evidence, such as a matching birth date, matching parents or other relatives, and evidence that the person located in the index did not remain in Germany.
*{{RecordSearch|1473000|'''Germany Births and Baptisms, 1558-1898'''}}, index; ''Also at:'' [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-30037/germany-births-baptisms-1558-1898 MyHeritage] ($)
*{{RecordSearch|1494474|'''Germany Deaths and Burials, 1582-1958'''}}, index; ''Also at:'' [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-30038/germany-marriages-1558-1929 MyHeritage]($)
*{{RecordSearch|1473009|'''Germany Marriages, 1558-1929'''}}, index; ''Also at:'' [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-30055/germany-deaths-burials-1582-1958 MyHeritage] ($)
 
===Other Sources===
===Other Sources===
*[http://www.google.com  '''Google'''] the ancestor. An unknown relative may have begun researching the family and posted their findings in one of the many surname forums or chat rooms.
*''Germans to America ''is a multivolume set that lists many Germans who arrived in the United States between 1850 and 1897. It is organized chronologically and then by ship. It often gives the town or state of origin of the immigrant.&nbsp;FHL Call number 973 W2ger v.1-67. Also available on CD- ROM.  
*Check the '''local libraries''' in the areas where your German immigrant ancestor lived. The reference librarian can direct you to local sources or local record keepers. Ask where local newspapers and periodicals are archived and search them for such events as wedding announcements, obituaries, or other important life events.  
*Check the local libraries in the areas where your German immigrant ancestor lived. The reference librarian can direct you to local sources or local record keepers. &nbsp;Ask where local newspapers and periodicals are archived and search them for such events as wedding announcements, obituaries, or other important life events.  
*'''County and town histories''' where your German immigrant settled often contain biographical information. Local histories sometimes provide a place of origin. City histories give the origin of prominent citizens, and county histories show where German settlers came from. Biographical information of descendants may contain specific places of origin beyond the non-descript "Germany" or "Prussian" words found in other records.  
*County and town histories where your German immigrant settled often contain biographical information.&nbsp;Local histories sometimes provide a place of origin. City histories give the origin of prominent citizens, and county histories show where German settlers came from.&nbsp;Biographical information of descendants may contain specific places of origin beyond the non-descript "Germany" or "Prussian" words found in other records.  
*The [http://www.loc.gov/rr/european/imde/gernews2.html '''German-American Newspapers and Periodicals 1732-1955'''] is a listing of German language newspapers throughout America.<br>  
*The [http://www.loc.gov/rr/european/imde/gernews2.html German-American Newspapers and Periodicals 1732-1955]&nbsp;is a listing of German language newspapers throughout America.<br>  
*There are many [http://files.lib.byu.edu/family-history-library/research-outlines/Europe/GermansToAmerica.pdf '''books written about Germans settling in various states'''].
*There are many books written about [http://files.lib.byu.edu/family-history-library/research-outlines/Europe/GermansToAmerica.pdf Germans settling in various states].  
*[http://geogen.stoepel.net/ '''Surname distribution tools'''] for Germany, are based on recent data presented on a 3-D map. This can be helpful only if you had an extremely unusual surname.


[[Category:Germany Research Strategies]]
[[Category:Germany Search Strategies]]

Revision as of 13:54, 19 November 2016

Germany Gotoarrow.png Gathering Information

Finding the Town of Birth[edit | edit source]

In order to research your family in Germany, it is essential that you have identified the place where they came from. It is not enough to know only ‘Germany’ or ‘Prussia,’ as these were quite large entities. You must know the city, town, or parish that they came from. In many cases, it will be difficult to identify the place of origin by going directly to German sources. Therefore, you will need to search in American sources first.

What You Need to Know to Begin Research in Germany[edit | edit source]

It is essential that you know:
1. The given and surname of your ancestor: for example,Henry M Borgmann.
2. The exact place name, for example: Stadt Osnabrück, Kreis Osnabrück, Hannover, Prussia ( now Niedersachsen).
3. The time frame.
4. The religion of your ancestor: usually Catholic or Evangelical Lutheran.

Name[edit | edit source]

Before you can embark in meaningful research, you need to be clear about the name of your ancestor. Many names have been Americanized or have been recorded according to sound. Following the paper trail of your ancestor may give you clues. Search ship lists, naturalization records, church records, civil records or any record where your ancestor had to sign his name.

Place Name[edit | edit source]

Another very important piece of evidence to find the correct origin of an ancestor is the place name. Again, you may run into problems here because many ancestors gave a place name as a point of reference. Also, a given place name may be spelled according the recorder’s understanding. Sometimes it helps to know what language your ancestor spoke and something about topographical features of the homeland. It is not enough information to just know that your ancestor came from Germany or Prussia. Even to know the German state, such as Hessen, sometimes proves futile, because there are states called Hessen, Hessen-Nassau, Hessen-Darmstadt, Kurfürstentum Hessen etc.

Time Frame[edit | edit source]

It is also most helpful to know the time frame when you search for a German ancestor. Germany was never a united state until 1871. Before that it consisted of hundreds of little states which had their autonomy, their own sets of laws, their own ways of administration. A general search by looking at census records is not possible in Germany, nor do there exist any centralized data banks from which to extract information. All successful research is based on knowing general and local historical backgrounds of the area in question, and the availability of records for a given time period.

Religious Affiliation[edit | edit source]

If you know the religious affiliation of your ancestor you may also get faster results in locating your ancestor. Most Germans were Catholics or Protestants, however, in some areas, the records of people of other faiths were kept by the predominant church. For example, Jewish or Mennonite births were occasionally recorded at Catholic parishes, especially in areas where the Church was used as the civil registration office.

Search Home Sources[edit | edit source]

Thoroughly go over all home sources available to you, including family history papers, copies of records, pictures, old letters (i.e. with an old address), family bibles, journals/diaries, copies of vital record certificates and church records, memorabilia etc. Interview extended family and close relatives as well as former neighbors--all of which may prove very helpful in gathering as much knowledge about an ancestor as possible.

19th Century Census Records[edit | edit source]

  • Search19th Century Census Records, available for the United States, Canada, England, and other countries. Censuses are often taken every ten years.
  • Try to locate your ancestor in every census during which he or she was alive. This information provides a good framework for further research.
  • The 1850-1880 U.S. federal censuses sometimes list a German state or province as birth place.
  • The censuses for 1900 to 1930 ask for the year of immigration and whether or not the person was naturalized. This information can help you find naturalization records or a passenger list.
  • Many images of census records are available without charge at familysearch.org. Others can be accessed at various subscription Web sites.
  • State census records vary in availability and the type of information they contain, but they are always useful as another source to document an ancestor in a specific locality. See U.S. Online Genealogy Records by State for links to online state censuses.

Local Municipal Records[edit | edit source]

Pre-19th Century immigrants may be listed in local or county tax lists and other municipal records. Many such records have been microfilmed by FamilySearch and can be ordered to a Family History Center near you.

Vital Records[edit | edit source]

Vital records, or civil birth, marriage, and death records document important events in an ancestor’s life. Many states have posted statewide indexes on the Internet. The respective state and county pages on the USGenWeb may provide the needed links. See U.S. Online Genealogy Records by State, for online vital record databases.

Church Records[edit | edit source]

Church records of baptisms, marriages, and burials may provide additional information. If, for example, the civil marriage record showed that a couple was married by a minister, this marriage was probably also entered in the respective parish register. City directories and county histories may help you find the name of the congregation where the minister served. You can also “google” the minister’s name and city.

Passenger Lists[edit | edit source]

Passenger lists, especially in the 20th century, may list birth place, last residence in mother country, and name and residence of a close relative in the mother country. Study the records of fellow passengers, as frequently relatives and neighbors traveled together. See United States Immigration Online Genealogy Records

Naturalization Records[edit | edit source]

  • Naturalization records may also list an ancestor’s birth place.
  • Prior to 1906 any U.S. court could naturalize foreigners. Many pre-1900 records only list “Germany” as the country of citizenship; however, there are notable exceptions, so these records should be checked routinely.
  • The process involved two sets of papers: a declaration of intention to become a U.S. citizen, and a petition filed some time later.
  • Beginning in 1906, naturalization records became more detailed, as the responsibility shifted to the Federal government.
  • More information about naturalization records, along with helpful links, is found at Beginning Research in United States Naturalization Records and United States Naturalization Online Genealogy Records.

Military Records[edit | edit source]

Draft records for World War I and II ask for birth place, which can be listed as just Germany or in greater detail.

Social Security[edit | edit source]

Other Sources[edit | edit source]

  • Germans to America is a multivolume set that lists many Germans who arrived in the United States between 1850 and 1897. It is organized chronologically and then by ship. It often gives the town or state of origin of the immigrant. FHL Call number 973 W2ger v.1-67. Also available on CD- ROM.
  • Check the local libraries in the areas where your German immigrant ancestor lived. The reference librarian can direct you to local sources or local record keepers.  Ask where local newspapers and periodicals are archived and search them for such events as wedding announcements, obituaries, or other important life events.
  • County and town histories where your German immigrant settled often contain biographical information. Local histories sometimes provide a place of origin. City histories give the origin of prominent citizens, and county histories show where German settlers came from. Biographical information of descendants may contain specific places of origin beyond the non-descript "Germany" or "Prussian" words found in other records.
  • The German-American Newspapers and Periodicals 1732-1955 is a listing of German language newspapers throughout America.
  • There are many books written about Germans settling in various states.

This website requires a paid subscription for full access. Some subscription websites are available for free at your local FamilySearch Center or Affiliate Library.

Family History Library (FHL); now called, FamilySearch Library (FSL)

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