This is the NINETY-SEVENTH page of John BLANKENBAKER's series of Short Notes on GERMANNA History, which were originally posted to the GERMANNA_COLONIES Discussion List. Each page contains 25 Notes.
GERMANNA History Notes Page 97 |
Nr. 2401:
We are starting another century of Notes and let�s look at what we might expect to see. First, I really do not know what the notes will contain though I have one mini-series in mind. This will involve looking at a lot of church records from Germany. To some extent, we will fill in details of the ancestors of some of our Germanna ancestors. To those who have no Germanna ancestors, perhaps the exercise will illustrate what can be expected in German research.
The Germanna citizens are rather well defined, and the majority of them have known origins in Germany. What defines a Germanna immigrant is where he lived in America for at least some of the time. The Germanna citizens lived in the area of Virginia that is to the east of the Blue Ridge Mountains. These mountains separate the Shenandoah Valley on the west from the Piedmont immediately on the east of the mountains and the Tidewater areas which adjoin the ocean. The tidewater area receives its name from the fact that the ocean tides influence the levels in the rivers. This effect extends into Virginia for many miles. At the point where the Piedmont begins, the land starts rising in elevation and the fall of the rivers becomes very noticeable. These falls prevent the ocean tides from affecting the levels above the falls. Germanna, a geographical location, is in the Piedmont. This is where a group of forty-odd Germans was settled by Lt. Gov. Spotswood in 1714.
Spotswood liked these Germans. They did their duties without giving him any trouble. To populate a large tract of land to the west of Germanna, Spotswood abetted a ship captain in highjacking about eighty more Germans who arrived in late 1717 or early 1718. Later, friends and relatives of all these early Germans (both the 1714 and 1717 groups) augmented the initial groups. And finally, some Germans found that the physical area was a nice place to live. The first two groups of Germans arrived by ship directly to Virginia. Nearly all of the later ones arrived by Philadelphia. Some of these went to Virginia immediately but others lived in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, or Maryland for a short period of time. There were interactions and migrations of people from the Germanna area to the Shenandoah Valley.
Even though the fundamental area for Germanna people was in the areas which became Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison, and Rappahannock Counties, we see that there were connections to other colonies both north and south of Virginia. And because many of the subjects discussed here would pertain to people who are not Germanna people, we show a certain liberality in our definition of what a Germanna colonist is; however, this list is not a site for locating random Germans. Because the origins of many of Germanna citizens are unknown and may have involved their living in other colonies, we do not want to offend anyone who might be able to help us. After all, cooperation is the name of the game.
During my recent �vacation� break, I took along about 30 print copies of the Neuenbuerg baptismal records plus Ernest Thode�s �German - English Genealogical Dictionary�. There are three villages that are not far apart, Neuenbuerg, Oberoewisheim, and Unteroeweisheim. The first of these, Neuenbuerg, was the home of several 1717 emigrants. This village is Catholic in nature, being a part of the lands of the Bishops of Speyer. The other two villages have Lutheran churches. The Protestants who lived in Neuenbuerg went to church in Oberoewisheim, where the pastors kept records for them in a separate section of the Church Book. There is one fundamental difficulty in reading the Neuenbuerg and Oberoewisheim records. The writing extends deep into the gutter of the book and often cannot be read. On the other edge of the page, the paper is worn by a variety of causes, including serving as food for mice.
Let�s jump in and take a look at the first baptismal record of 14 March 1664.
[Baptisms for Neuenbuerg - 1664.]
The parents were Nicolaus Schaiblin, a citizen, and Catherine his wife. The child was named Anna Margaretha who is noted as having died. The sponsors were Georg Martin Boger, an apprentice, and Anna Catherina, the wife of Herr Philipp _____. From other records we learn that Herr Philipp _____ was the mayor. The use of the word Herr is restricted to persons of some importance. [Nicolaus Schaiblin was of the broader family which became the Scheibles in Virginia. I am convinced that the Schaiblins came from Gresten, Austria, and were perhaps related to the Planckenbuehlers there.]
One month later on 16 April, Nicolaus Engsch (Calvinist) and his wife Anna Catharina (Catholic) brought Agness Elisabetha for baptism. The sponsors were Matthaus Fuerst, citizen of Neuenbuerg, and Agnes Elisabeth, the wife of Michael Ruekher of Neuenbuerg. This is an unusual case because neither of the parents is a Lutheran; instead one is a Calvinist, or Reformed, while the other is Catholic. The baptism is being performed in a Lutheran church. [Notice the Rucker name.]
On April 25, 1664, Gregorius Vroesser and Gertrauta his wife, who was Catholic, brought Maria Barbara for baptism. The sponsors were Quirinus Schoene and Anna, the wife of Jerg Steinmeyer of Neuenbuerg. This is close to home for many of us as the Schoenes are ancestors. [My great x7 grandparents.]
On July 4, 1664, Joachimy Christoph Berger (Cath.) and his wife Anna (Evang.) brought the child Hanss Jerg. The sponsors were Mattheus Fuerst, citizen of Neuenbuerg and Jerg _____, and Catharina [perhaps Amtmees] of Oberoewisheim. Again, we have mixed religions and some evidence that the residents of the different villages interacted.
I will repeat it in the next Note but the baptism on 4 September 1664 records the baptism of Anna Barbara Schoene, my great x6 grandmother. Seeing ones like this get the juices flowing.
My preferred technique for reading the German church records is to make print copies so that I can read the information at home and study it more leisurely. Because the scanner and printing process at the LDS Family History Center here in Wilmington is not the best, I scan the microfilm and download it onto a �memory stick�. I bring the memory stick home and plug it into my computer. Then I use an editing program to improve the image and then I print it.
We were up to 4 September 1664 when Quirinus Schoene and his wife Maria Barbara of Neuenbuerg brought Anna Barbara for baptism. The pastor forgot to make a timely recording in the church book and had to resort to an insert which was smaller than the usual space allotted. So I am uncertain about some of the details. There may have been four sponsors. One was Anna Catherina, the wife of Herr Philipp _____ the mayor of Neuenbuerg. Another was Barbara, the unmarried daughter of Jacob _____ a citizen of Oberoewisheim. The following two names have some uncertainties but they were probably also sponsors though not listed in the space normally used (i.e., the right-most block). If so, the third sponsor was von Herr Holster of Unteroewisheim and the fourth sponsor was Petra Friekerica but she may have been acting on behalf of Herr Holster. [Note that three different villages are mentioned, which suggests that one needs to look at the records for all three villages to get the full picture.]
[Baptisms for Neuenbuerg - 1665.]
On 6 August 1665 [note the gap of almost a year here from the previous] Joachimy Christoph Berger (Catholic) and his wife Anna (Evangelic) brought Maria Catharina. One sponsor was Jerg Steinmeyer, citizen of Neuenbuerg. The maiden Maria Catharina, the daughter of Herr Molitius Amtmees of Oberoewisheim, was the second sponsor. The third was Anna, the wife of Matthaus Fuerst. [The name Joachimy looks funny but this may be because the writer adds a flourish at the end of the name which I am reading as a �y�.]
Johannes Amueller (Evangelic) and his wife Elisabetha (Calvinist) brought Martin Mattheus on 10 November 1665. The sponsors were the familiar Mattheus Fuerst of Neuenbuerg, Martin _____ a citizen of Gochsheim, Frau Maria of Reich�, and Catharina the wife of Herr Philipp _____ the mayor. [Some points could be improved in the reading here.]
[Baptisms for Neuenbuerg - 1667.]
As I attempt to read the church records, I find it is helpful to make a list of the names including the man�s and the woman�s, their religions, the occupation if given, and the village. Comparison of the entries in this list often reveal errors. You have seen already how many names occur repeatedly.
[Baptisms for Neuenbuerg - 1667, continued.]
Going now to 7 August 1667, Joachim Christoph Berger and his wife Anna (Evangelic) brought Jerg Mattheus for baptism. The first sponsor was Mattheus Burg� , an apprentice, and Barbara, the wife of Jerg Steinmeyer of Neuenbuerg.
Quirinus Schoene and his wife Maria Barbara brought Peter Mattheus on 31 August of 1667. The first sponsor was Peter Schranzk(?), citizen of Oberoewisheim, and Mattheus Plankenbuehler, weaver of Neuenbuerg. [We will see the name �Blankenbaker� spelled in many ways, several times with an initial �P�. Notice that the child was named for his two sponsors. It is interesting that in the future a daughter of Quirinus Schoene and a son of Mattheus Plankenbuehler would marry.]
[Baptisms for Neuenbuerg - 1668.]
Nicolau Schaiblin and his wife Catharina were regulars at the baptismal font. They came on 28 August of 1668, nearly a year after the previous baptism. The child was named Johann Mattheus. The sponsors included Mattheus Fuerst, lawyer of Neuenbuerg, Johannes Kraemer, Kurster(?) of Oberoewisheim, and Reichsf---- well born young nobleman maiden Sophia Charlote von Rein�chnige of Roth. [I will have to study this report much more before I get it right.]
[Baptisms for Neuenbuerg - 1669.]
Joachim Christoph Berger (Catholic) and his wife Anna (Evangelic) brought Maria Eleonora on 15 June 1669. Again, Mattheus Fuerst, lawyer of Neuenbuerg was a sponsor. Another one was Maria Eleonora, the wife of Herr Hector Jacob B____, who was apparently a district judge from Oberoewisheim.
[Baptisms for Neuenbuerg - 1670.]
In 1670, Nicolaus Schaiblin and Catharina brought Hans Jerg on 11 February. There were two sponsors, Jerg Martin Boyer, a junior journeyman, and Barbara, the wife of Hanss Hotz, citizen of Neuenbuerg.
Later in the year, on 25 October, Hanss Hotz, citizen of Neuenbuerg, and his wife Barbara (Calvinist) brought Anna Margaretha. Hanss Jerg Nehiesh(?) of Neuenbuerg was one sponsor. Margaretha, the wife of Ma-hier _____ citizen in Neuenbuerg was another. Another Margaretha, last name uncertain, also from Neuenbuerg, was a third sponsor.
In the last note I should have emphasized the next to last baptism there, namely, �In 1670, Nicolaus Schaiblin and Catharina brought Hans Jerg on 11 February� is the birth of the George Scheible of Germanna who was an ancestor of the Germanna Holts.
[Baptisms for Neuenbuerg - 1671.]
Ulrich Mueller and his wife Elisabetha brought Dietrich Wendel for baptism on 23 June 1671. Sponsors included Hanss Wendel Mey� of Unteroewisheim, Ulrich Wolfgang Ma� a young journeyman, and Catharina a daughter of Philipp Ruecker the mayor of Neuenbuerg.
Quirinus Schoene and his wife Maria Barbara brought Maria Barbara on 17 July 1671 for baptism, with Mattheus Fuerst lawyer of Neuenbuerg, Hanss Ulrich Hotz, and Barbara, the wife of Jerg Steinmeyer, as sponsors.
[Baptisms for Neuenbuerg - 1672.]
Nicolaus Schaiblin and Catharina his wife brought Anna Elisabeth on 20 February 1672 for baptism. The sponsors were Hanss Ulrich Hotz, Anna Catharina Ruecker, and Maria Elisabetha, the daughter of Ulrich Kramer.
[Baptisms for Neuenbuerg - 1673.]
Nicolaus Engisch and Maria, his wife, brought Hanss Michel Mattheus on 12 January 1673 with Mattheus Fuerst lawyer, _____ Ruecker citizen, Elisabeth _____ single, and Elisabeth �macher single. All the sponsors were from Neuenbuerg. Several of the names in this report were in the gutter of the book and cannot be read.
Hans Hotz, citizen in Neuenbuerg, with his Calvinistic wife Barbara, brought Johannes on 29 January (1673?) with Hanss Abel, apprentice smith from Muenzesheim, Hans Caspar Burkhardt, citizen in Muenzesheim, and Anna Catharine, a daughter of Phillip Ruecker, mayor of Neuenbuerg as sponsors.
Jacob Moyer and Anna, his wife, brought Hanss Martin on 12 Oct 1673, with Hanss Martin Holtzmueller, butcher and judge in Oberoewisheim, Hanss Thomas Blankhenbuehler, Anna Maria, the wife of Martin ____ citizen in Oberoewisheim, and Maria Elisabetha the daughter of Hanss Kraeuer sexton of Neuenbuerg.
Nicolaus Schaiblin and his new wife Anna Catharina brought Anna Catharina on 6 Nov 1673. The sponsors were Jerg Martin Boger an apprentice in Neuenbuerg, Anna Catharina, the daughter of Philipp Ruecker, mayor, and Anna Maria T____, of Oberoewisheim.
[It was a surprise to me to see such a mixture of religions at the Lutheran church in Oberoewisheim where the Neuenbuerg people worshiped. Remember that the time was not long after the Thirty Years� War and the upheavals may be due to that and the French may have had some impact.] Continuing the baptisms:
[Baptisms for Neuenbuerg - 1674.]
Joachim Christoph Berger and Anna brought Hanss Jacob on 22 May 1674 for baptism. The sponsors were Hans Jacob Kraener, citizen in Oberoewisheim, Hanss Mannhertz, citizen and shoemaker in Muenzesheim, and Maria, the wife of Hans Jerg Reichardt, citizen and carpenter in Oberoewisheim.
[Baptisms for Neuenbuerg - 1675.]
Nicolaus Schaiblin and his wife Anna Catharina came with their daughter Anna Maria on 25 March 1675. Abraham Ruecker was one sponsor. Others were Philipp, the son of Leo. Ruecker, mayor, and Maria Elisabetha the daughter of Hanss Ulrich Kramer.
[Baptisms for Neuenbuerg - 1676.]
[The number of baptisms is low; after one in 1674 and one in 1675, we have one on 10 December in 1676.]
Joachim Christoph Berg(er) and his wife Anna brought Catharina Dorothea on 10 Dec 1676. The sponsors were Erasmus Kuebffer a citizen of Oberoewisheim and Anna the wife of Martin _____ a stone mason of Oberoewisheim.
[Baptisms for Neuenbuerg - 1677.]
The next baptism has several points of interest for me. First, it was a year later than the previous one, being on 23 December 1677. The father was Johannes Buehler of Fuerrsche Sultzauer Amt and his wife Maria. [Is there any chance that the source of the Germanna Barlow name could be Buehler?] [Where is Fuerrsche Sultzauer Amt?] The sponsors were Mattheus Blanckhenbuehler, a weaver and citizen of Neuenbuerg. The second sponsor was _____ Schoene, citizen, and the third sponsor was Margaretha, the wife of Mattheus Blanckenbuehler. [So far as I know, this is the only time that a man and his wife have both served as sponsors for the same infant.] [Descendants of the Schoenes, including the Fleshmans, the Blankenbakers, and the Thomases, certainly mixed their genes up in Virginia with the Barlows .] [Or could Johannes Buehler have simplified his name from Blankenbuehler?]
[Baptisms for Neuenbuerg - 1678.]
Nicolaus Schaiblin continues to sire children with his wife Anna Catharina. Hanss Jacob came for baptism on 15 February 1678. The sponsors were Hanss Jacob Mochel, citizen of Oberoewisheim, Ulrich Hotz, citizen of Neuenbuerg, and Maria Elisabetha, the daughter of Hanss Ulrich Kramer of Neuenbuerg.
[Baptisms for Neuenbuerg - 1678, continued.]
On 11 December 1678, Jerg Thaman/Thoman and Koenigunda brought Thomas for baptism with Thomas Planckhenbuehler, single person, and Maria Elisabeth, the single daughter of Hanss Ulrich Kramer as sponsors.
On 14 December 1678 Joachim Christoph Berg and Anna his wife brought Hanss Jerg, with the sponsors being Hanss Jerg Reichardt, citizen of Oberoewisheim, Hanss _____ Kuntz single person, and Anna Barbara, the single daughter of Quirini Schoene. [Anna Barbara was now 14 years old.]
[Baptisms for Neuenbuerg - 1680.]
Nicolaus Schaiblin, community judge, and Anna Catharina brought Maria Catharina on 3 February 1680, with Jerg Martin Schoen, single person, and Anna Catharina, the wife of Jerg Kalteisen, a hunter of Oberoewisheim, as the two sponsors.
-nolus(?) Buehlin and Magdalena brought Catharina Elisabeth on 2 May 1680. Peter Botsch, citizen and stone mason of Underoewisheim [note the �d�], was the first sponsor. Maria Elisabeth, the wife of Hanss Jerg Cuntz of Neuenbuerg, was the second. Catharina, the wife of Pauli Michel Schumacher of Oberoewisheim was the third. [There are uncertainties in the last sponsor.]
Jerg Thaman/Thoman, citizen, and Kunigunda brought Jerg on 8 July 1680. The sponsors were Hanss Jerg Kuntz, citizen of Neuenbuerg, Jerg Martin Schoen, single person, and Barbara, the wife of Nicolaus Engisch of Neuenbuerg.
Johannes Vroesser and Eva (Catholic) brought Anna Barbara on 20 August 1680. There were two sponsors: Hanss Thomas Blanckhenbuehler (a single person) and Anna Barbara, the single daughter of Quirinus Schoene. [These two sponsors were married not long after this. Did they know at this time they were �engaged�?]
Hanss Jerg Cuntz, citizen, and Maria Elisabetha brought Hanss Matthaus on 24 Nov 1680. The sponsors were Mattheus Bhanckhenbuehler, citizen and weaver, Hanss Friderich Ruecker, single person, and Anna Catharina, the wife of Niclas Schaiblin of Neuenbuerg.
[Baptisms for Neuenbuerg - 1681.]
Nicolaus Schaiblin, community judge, and Anna Catharina brought Anna Elisabetha on 28 May 1681. There were two sponsors, Jerg Kuentz, citizen of Neuenbuerg, and Anna Barbara, the wife of Hanss Thomas Blanckhenbuehler, citizen and weaver. [This is the same Anna Barbara as in second baptism above.]
Joachim Christoph Berger and his wife Anna had Maria Dorothea baptized on 5 June 1681. The first sponsor was Hanss Thomas Blanckhenbuehler, of Neuenbuerg [see 3rd above and the next above]. The other sponsors were Marta [Martha?] Elisabetha, the wife of Jerg Kuntz of Neuenbuerg, and Anna Dorothea, the wife of Martin Ottman(?) of Oberoewisheim.
[Baptisms for Neuenbuerg - 1681, continued.]
[Now note the following!]
[Baptisms for Neuenbuerg - 1682.]
Hanss Thomas Blanckhenbuehler and his wife Anna Barbara brought their first born, Hanss Nicolas on 2 Jan 1682. His sponsors were Hanss Niclas Schaiblin, citizen and community judge of Neuenbuerg, and Hanss _____, a single person of Oberoewisheim, and Christina Elisabetha, widow of Amtmann Bettinger.
Hanss Mercklin, cowherder, and his wife Catharina brought Anna Magdalena on 13 April in 1682. The sponsors were Anna Barbara, wife of Thoma Blanckhenbuehler weaver of Neuenbuerg, and Magdalena, the wife of Carl Boehlin citizen of Neuenbuerg. [A son of Thoma and Anna Barbara was to marry a Mercklin, no research yet on a possible connection.]
Carl Boehlin and Magdalena, citizens of Neuenbuerg, brought Maria Magdalena on 27 August in 1682. The sponsors were Hanss _____ Reinhardt, schoolmaster of _____, and Maria, the wife of Christian _____ , citizen of Oberoewisheim..
Niclas Schaiblin and his wife Anna Catharina came again as parents with Jerg Matthaus on 14 December in 1682. The sponsors were Matthaus Firzk(?), citizen, and Maria Elisabetha, the wife of Hanss Jerg Cuntz, citizen.
Johannes Vroesser, citizen, and his wife Eva brought Jerg Nicolaus on 23 Dec 1682. One sponsor was Nicolaus Engisch. The second was Jerg Cuntz, citizen. Third was Salome Schackhler(in), a single person.
[Baptisms for Neuenbuerg - 1683.]
We start the year 1683 with citizen Jerg Martin Schoen and his wife Maria bringing Jerg Nicolaus on 2 February. Sponsors were citizen Nicolaus Schaiblin and Frau Christina Elisabetha, widow of Herr Amtmann Bettinger, and Maria Catharina Berger(in), a single person. [Anna Christina Elisabetha Bettinger was held in high esteem, perhaps in part because of her husband.]
We close with the citizens Hanss Thomas Blanckebuehleer and his wife Anna Barbara bringing Hanss Balthasar on 29 April 1683. He was sponsored by Hanss Balthasar Wolff [with a phrase which I have not succeeded in translating], who was a citizen Neuenbuerg, and by Anna Margaretha Schaiber, a single person here.
Some people find these baptisms of Neuenbuerg citizens interesting [at least I do] so I will continue them for some time.
[Baptisms for Neuenbuerg - 1683, continued.]
Hanss Jerg Kuntz, citizen, and Maria Elisabetha, his wife, brought Hanss Friderich on 12 August 1683. Nicolaus Schaiblin, citizen, and Hanss Friderich Rueckher, single person, and Anna, the wife of Matthaus Blanckhenbuehler were three sponsors. [This is the new wife of Matthaus, presumably his second one.]
Joachim Christoph Berger and Anna, citizens, brought Maria Margaretha on 7 November 1683. One sponsor was Jacob Frey, of Oberoewisheim. Another was Maria, the wife of Hanss Jerg Reinhardt, an Oberoewisheim citizen, and Anna Margaretha Dentz(in), a single person in Neuenbuerg.
[Baptisms for Neuenbuerg - 1684.]
Johannes Vroesser, citizen, with his wife Eva brought Anna Margaretha on 7 February 1684. Hanss Jerg Bancher, an Oberoewisheim citizen, Anna Margaretha, the daughter of Niclaus Engisch, and _____ Barbara Engisch were the sponsors.
In the next baptism we have a new name, Christian Sonderfekher [& a phrase that eludes me] and his wife Elisabetha, who was the daughter of Martin Teuscher, a citizen of Heydelheim [plus more that eludes me] came on 30 March 1684 with Peter. One sponsor was Peter Derfinger, of Oberoewisheim, and another was Anna Catharina, the daughter of Hanss Heilman. [In some additional writing there is a �Zeitner�.] [This almost sounds as the parents were from somewhere else and the elaborate introduction was to introduce them.]
Jerg Martin Schoen, citizen, and his wife Maria brought Georg Nicolaus on 6 April 1684. One of the sponsors seems to be N. Georg Ludwig Schoene, who was the pastor at Oberoewisheim. Another sponsor was Nicolaus _____, single ____. A third one was Maria Metzger from _____, a single person. [I wonder if the first sponsor was related to the father. Relatives as sponsors are rare here but perhaps the sponsor was remote enough to be allowed.] [The Schoenes seem to have been a better educated family, note the Latinized version of Quirinus and the pastor here.]
Nicolaus Schaiblin and Anna Catharina came with Hanss Martin on 14 May 1684. The two sponsors were Hanss Jerg Cuntz, of Neuenbuerg, and Maria, the wife of Jerg Martin Schoene, of Neuenbuerg also.
Hanss Thomas Plankhenbuehler, citizen weaver, and Anna Barbara brought Hanss Matthias on 29 December 1684. Nicolaus Schaiblin, Mathias Berger, single, and Anna Christina Elisabetha, the surviving widow of Amtman Bettinger, were the sponsors. [This is my direct line; should I start spelling my name with a �P�?]
[The writing and the cast of characters seem to be changing which makes it harder for me. Up to now, the cast had been very limited.]
[Baptisms for Neuenbuerg - 1685.]
Carolus Boehlin, citizen, and Magdalena brought Maria Barbara Catharina on 21 January 1685 for baptism. Three sponsors: Herr Hanss Jerg Roedr----, of Neuenbuerg, Barbara, the wife of Georg Schoene, pastor of Oberoewisheim, and Anna Catharina, the wife of Nilas Schaiblin of Neuenbuerg.
Bendicter(?) Hapf, citizen, and his wife Margaretha brought Jerg Matthaus on 5 July 1685. One sponsor was Matthaus Blanckhenbuehler, citizen and weaver. Another was Jerg Kuntz, citizen. And the third was Maria, the wife of Jerg Martin Schoene.
Hanss Jacob Herb a tailor and a Calvinist with his wife Eva Margaretha brought Hanss Nicolaus on 29 August, with Nicolaus Schaiblin, citizen and weaver of Neuenbuerg, as one sponsor. Second, Hanss Magg the same. Third, Maria Catharina Berger, a single person.
Nicolaus Schaiblin, citizen weaver, and Anna Catharina had a still-born son on 9 November 1685. Since this was recorded in the Baptismal Register, it may indicate more than the bare facts would seem to say.
Johannes Zeller and Veronica, of Neuenbuerg, brought Maria Barbara on 15 December 1685. One sponsor was Maria Barbara, the widow of Quirini Schoene. Another was Maria, the daughter of Hanss Maeg citizen. The third was Jerg Kiehacer(?), widower and citizen of Boll im Ba�.
[Baptisms for Neuenbuerg - 1686.]
---- Thoman and Barbara brought Johannes on 20 December. Hanss Unger from Danschach(?) knecht was a sponsor. Peter (?) of Unteroewisheim, a single person, also sponsored. Anna Margaretha Hotz of Neuenbuerg, a single person of Neuenbuerg, was the third.
Martin Boger and Anna Barbara came with Hanss Jerg on 16 February 1686. The sponsors were Hanss Michel Baumgartner, single, Anna Catharina, the wife of Niclas Schaiblin, citizen and weaver, and Maria Catharina Berger, single.
Hanss Jerg Cuntz, citizen, and Maria Elisabetha on 6 June 1686 came with Anna Catharina. The sponsors were Nicolaus Schaiblin, citizen weaver of Neuenbuerg, Anna, the wife of Matthias Blankenbuehler [they are getting closer!], citizen and weaver.
Hanss Ulrich Hotz and Anna brought Hanss Jacob on 22 June 1686 with Hanss Jacob Schmid, citizen and community judge at Oberoewisheim, and Anna Catharina, the wife of Nicolas Schaiblin.
Hanss Friderick Zeller with Anna Maria brought Gottfrid on 4 July. One sponsor was Gottfrid Fischer, a weaver journeyman. Another sponsor was Maria, the wife of Hanss Magg citizen.
[Baptisms for Neuenbuerg - 1686, continued.]
Peter Matthaus Schoene and his wife Anna brought Anna Margaretha on 4 July 1686. One sponsor was Hanss Wilhelm Werner, a single person. Another was the widow Anna Christina Elisabetha Bettinger. A third was Anna Margaretha Hotz, a single person.
Jerg Martin Schoen and Maria brought Ludwig Michael to the baptismal font on 28 September in 1686. One sponsor was N. Georg Ludwig Schoppe [given in another place as Schoene], who was the Evangelic pastor in Oberoewisheim. Another sponsor was Nicolaus H�berlin. Also, Anna Christina Elisabetha Bettinger.
[Baptisms for Neuenbuerg - 1687.]
Hanss Thomas Blankenbuehler with his wife Anna Barbara brought Anna Maria on 5 May 1687. One sponsor was Gottfrid Fischer. Second was Anna Catharina, the wife of Nicolag Schaiblin. Third was Maria Elisabetha, the wife of H. Jerg Kuntz. [This baby became the mother of the Thomas family at Germanna.]
Peter Matthaus Schoen and Anna brought Anna Barbara on 1 December 1687 (the baby was born the previous day). [This was sixteen months after their previous child; during this time there were only two other baptisms. Peter and Anna choose Hanss Wilhelm Werner and Anna Christina Elisabetha Bettinger as the two sponsors. Both of these were chosen before.
[Baptisms for Neuenbuerg - 1691.]
[A big gap in time follows.]
Johannes Kruster (Catholic) and Anna Catharina (Lutheran) brought Maria Elisabetha who was born on 6 April 1691, a little more than three years after the previous baptism. [The reading becomes very hard and I will confine myself to names only if I can read them.] Sponsors were Michael _____, Kurtner�s wife, and Matthaus Berger.
[Baptisms for Neuenbuerg - 1692.]
[Another long gap occurs.] Jerg Martin Boger and Anna Barbara brought Georg Niclaus, born 13 August 1692. Sponsors were Niclaus Hubert and Elisabetha, the wife of Michael Baumgartner, a citizen.
Johann Martin Boss(?) and his wife Barbara brought Joh. Georg [but the entire record was crossed out].
[Baptisms for Neuenbuerg - 1693.]
_____ and Anna Margaretha brought Anna Kunigunda who was born 14 December 1692(?). Nicolaus Hubert (Calvinist), Georg Thoman, and Anna, the widow of Matthaus Blankenbuehler, were the sponsors.
Georg Schoen and Maria Elisabetha brought Maria Elisabetha who was born 30 August 1693(?). One sponsor could be read, Maria, the wife of Johann Magg (Catholic), and citizen.
[To answer some questions. Neuenbuerg is less than a mile from Oberoewisheim. Unteroewisheim is another mile or two. The church in Oberoewisheim is Lutheran (Evangelic). The church in Neuenbuerg is Catholic. Anyone living in Neuenbuerg would be in contact with many Catholics. Additonally, there were several Reformed or Calvinist people in the area.]
[When the writing turned very hard to decipher, a new man must have been making the entries. His format differs. He gives the principal date as the birth of the child often down to the hour. Then in so many words he reports the baptism. I am giving, until further notice, the day of birth not the day of baptism. Usually, the difference is one day, occasionally two days.]
[Baptisms for Neuenbuerg - 1694.]
Mattheus Berg and his wife Maria Elisabetha brought Eva Barbara, born 21 July 1694, with the sponsors Johannes Jacob N _____, smith, at Unteroewisheim, and Anna Barbara, the wife of Thomas, butcher at Muenzesheim.
Georg Kuntz and Elisabeth brought Johann Nicolaus, born 15 September 1694, with Michel Berg(?), citizen, and Anna Catharina, the wife of Niclaus Schaiblin, as the sponsors.
[Baptisms for Neuenbuerg - 1695.]
Unreadable parents brought Johann Philippus, born 17 April 1689. [NOTE the delay]. The sponsors were Matthaus Blackenbuehler, citizen and community judge, and Nicholas Schaiblin.
Unreadable parents brought Anna Catharina born in 1695 with Zacharias _____, carpenter, and Anna Margaretha, the wife of Michel _____.
[Baptisms for Neuenbuerg - 1696.]
Johan Feser and Anna Catharina had daughter Anna born 2 Jan 1696. [I will skip the sponsors for a while.]
Georg Schoene and Marta Elisabetha had son Joh. Henerich born 14 Jan 1696.
Matthis Berg and Maria Elisabetha had daughter Eva Barbara born 1 Feb 1696. [They again had the widow Anna Barbara Thoma as a sponsor, see above.]
Allbrecht Thoman and Barbara had son Joh. Conrad born 2 August 1696.
[Baptisms for Neuenbuerg - 1697.]
Hanss Bernhart Baum-----(?) and Maria Anna had daughter Maria.
Wilhelm Werner and Anna Margaretha had a son born 26 February 1697.
Jacob Schluchter and Anna Barbara had a son Henerich born in 1697. [This is Anna Barbara Schoene who had been married to Hanss Thomas Blankenbuehler]
[Baptisms for Neuenbuerg - 1698.]
Georg Kuntz and Elisabetha, brought a child [whose name I can�t read immediately]. Among the sponsors I recognize Hanss Niclaus Scheiblin, Joachim Berger, and Anna, the wife of Michel Engisch.
Peter Schon(?) and _____ brought Peter born 11 June (perhaps in 1698) [with two sponsors I can read], Joh. Peter Zeininger, and Anna Barbara, the daughter of Hanss Zimmermann.
Hanss Peter Zeininger and Anna Catharina brought Johann Heinerich, born 15 July 1698? [The sponsors are uncertain, but I do see Peter Schon there.]
Matthaus Berger and Maria Elisabetha brought Joh. Jacob born 24 August 1698? Joh. Jacob Abel, smith of Muenzesheim, and Anna Barbara, the wife of Thomas _____, citizen and butcher at Muenzesheim, seem to be the two sponsors.
Georg Schon and Maria Elisabetha brought Johann Georg born 25 September 1698? Johann Henerich Feser, of Oberoewisheim, and Anna Maria, the daughter of Peter _____, also of Oberoewisheim, were the sponsors.
Johann Peter Zeininger and Anna Catharina brought Johann Adam born 13 October 1698? The two sponsors were Johann Adam (blank space), of Menzingen, and Anna Catharina _____.
[Baptisms for Neuenbuerg - 1699.]
Georg Seitz and Anna Catharina brought Georg Wendel on the 19th of ____ in 1699. There are some new names among the sponsors, Hanss Georg Weber, of Muenzesheim, Hanss Wendel Ney, of Oberoewisheim, Michel Neydecker, and Elisabeth _____.
Albrecht Thoma and Barbara brought Johann Martin born 24 August 1699. Sponsors I can read include Johann Conrad _____ shoemaker at Muenzesheim, Martin B�dorf, citizen at Obermaker(?), Anna Catharina, the wife of Hanss Peter Zeininger, who may be a carpenter.
Joh. Georg Scheiblin and Maria Eleonora brought Anna Elisabetha born 17 November 1699. The only sponsor I can read is Elisabetha, the widow of Georg Kuntz.
[Baptisms for Neuenbuerg - 1700.]
Mattheus Berger and Maria Elisabetha brought Johannes Thomas born 2 October 1700(?). Two sponsors, Thomas _____, citizen and butcher at Muenzesheim, and Joh. Jacob Abel, of Muenzesheim.
[There are lots of references to other villages, perhaps because of a lack of pastors there. Notice also the change in spelling preferences.]
[Baptisms for Neuenbuerg - 1701.]
Peter Schon and Anna brought Anna Maria born 21 Nov 1700. A partial reading of the sponsors includes Georg Hanss (blank space), who was a citizen and smith at Muntezelheim (sic,) and Anna Maria, the wife(?) of Johannes Banhard Hartel(?).
Johann Peter Zeuninger and Anna Catharina brought Johann Michel born 8 February 1701. Sponsors: Michel Engisch, citizen, Anna Elisabetha, the daughter of Nicolas Scheibel, and Joh. Ma_hiss, the son of Georg _____.
Fridericus Augusta Moyer and Elisabetha brought Agnes Catharina born 25 Jun 1701. Sponsors include Ciriacus Fleischmann, citizen and stonemason, Barbara, the wife of Jacob Schaller, and Catharina, the widow of D___ S___.
Frantz _____ and Agnes brought Georg Ludwig born 10 September 1701. The sponsors are uncertain.
Johan Jacob _____ and Anna Barbara brought Maria Catharina born 20th of _____ in 1701. Only one sponsor is recognizable: Maria Catharina, the wife of Peter Zeuninger.
[Baptisms for Neuenbuerg - 1702.]
Hector(?) Balthasar Berger and Anna Catharina brought Johann Caspar born 2 Jan 1702. Sponsors are uncertain.
Cyriacus Fleischmann and Anna Barbara brought Maria Catharina born 8 March. One sponsor is recognizable: Johann Peter Kammerer, citizen at Oberoewisheim.
Georg Schon and Anna Elisabetha brought Maria Elisabetha born 20 August 1702. Sponsors are uncertain.
Unreadable parents brought Georg born 11 Jan 1703. Two sponsors: Georg Schon and Anna Catharina, the wife of Nicolas Scheiblin.
Peter Schon and Anna brought Maria Barbara born 24 1702. One sponsor which might prove interesting is Anna Barbara, the wife of Joh. Gerhard of Unteroewisheim.
Joh. Peter Zeuninger and Anna Catharina brought Anna Elisabeth born 24 March 1702. Sponsor include Anna the wife of Michael Engisch, Joseph Fischmann, and Anna Catharina _____.
Joh. Jacob Blumhart (butcher) and Anna Barbara brought Maria Catharina born 25 April 1702. From the sponsor�s list, Michael Baumgartner, Maria Eleonora _____, and Anna Catharina are all that I can read.
[Baptisms for Neuenbuerg - 1703.]
Georg Ludwig Roth___ and Elisabetha brought Johann Peter born on _____ June 1703. Discernable sponsors include Johann Peter _____ and Maria Susana, the daughter of Johann Adam Schmidt, citizen.
[Baptisms for Neuenbuerg - 1704.]
Then in 1704 Cyriacus Fleischmann and Anna Barbara brought Maria Catharina born on 26 January. The only sponsor I could read was Johann ____ Kammerer, citizen of Oberoewisheim.
Mattheus Berger and Maria Elisabetha brought Anna Barbara born on 30 May. One sponsor was Johann Jacob Abel, of Muenzesheim. Another was Anna Barbara, the wife of Thoma W___.
Hecha Baltasar Berger and Anna Catharina brought Anna Veronica born 20 July. One sponsor was Martin Ott, who was probably a spindle maker from Oberoewisheim. Also, Anna Margaretha, the wife of Johann _____ and Veronica Loster(?), of Oberoewisheim.
Georg Schon and Maria Elisabetha brought Eva Barbara born on 7 November. Sponsors include Georg Wendel ___finger [probably Wefinger or Wesinger), Henerich Veser (or Feser), and Barbara the wife of Simon _____.
Johann Georg _____ and Anna Maria brought Petrus Mattheus born on 7 December. The sponsors were _____ Mey, citizen here, Anna Catharina, the wife of Johann Peter Zeuninger, and Anna Maria, the wife of Martin _____.
[Baptisms for Neuenbuerg - 1705.]
Johann Peter Zeuninger and Anna Catharina brought Georg Friderich born on 16 Jan 1705. Sponsors were Georg Seitz, Johann Georg _____, and Otilius Friderich T___.
Johann Georg Bemuer and Catharina brought Johann Dieterich born on 9 October [year uncertain]. Sponsors were Johann Dieterich Bauer, citizen and butcher at Oberoewisheim, and Anna, the widow of Michel Engisch. [Apparently this starts the records of a new recorder.]
[Baptisms for Neuenbuerg - 1707.]
Frantz Stephan Desurtz and Agnes Maria brought Elisabeth Barbara born on 27 September of 1707 [note the gap in the dates from 1705]. The sponsors were Jerg Schoen, citizen, Anna Barbara (Lutheran), the wife of Joseph Scholle (Catholic).
Jerg Martin Schoen and Maria Elisabetha brought Jerg Wendel born and died in 1707. Sponsors include Heinrich Feser, Jerg Wendel Wesinger, of Oberoewisheim, and Eva Barbara, the wife of Simon Rich---- (Catholic).
[Baptisms for Neuenbuerg - 1708.]
Peter Zaeuninger and Anna Catharina brought Maria Othilia born on 21 Dec 1707. The sponsors were Hanss Jerg Botsch, citizen and shoemaker at Oberoewisheim, Othilia, the wife of Frieder Zeller of Oberoewisheim, and Anna Catharina, the wife of Jerg Seitz of Neuenbuerg.
Hanss Jerg Schaiblin and Maria Eleonora brought Anna Maria born 18 March 1708. Sponsors were Hanss Martin Schoen, citizen, Anna Elisabetha, the widow of Jerg Kuntz, and Anna Maria Blanckebigner(in), a single person. [Notice that the new recorder of the information has different ideas about the spelling of names than the previous person had.]
Peter Schoen and Anna Catharina brought Hanss Bernhard born on 24 March 1708. The sponsors were Hanss Bernhard Hortel, citizen at Unteroewisheim, and Anna Maria, the wife of Hanss Jerg Hauser, citizen of Muenzesheim.
Criacus Fleischmann and Anna Barbara brought Hans Peter born 10 April 1708. The sponsors were Fraulein Maria Magdalena von Helmstadt and Hanss Peter Caemmerer, 24, of Oberoewisheim.
Hanss Friederich Kuntz and Anna Barbara brought Hanss Jerg born on 11 May. Sponsors were Hanss Jerg Schaiblin, Johannes Blumhard, a single person, and Barbara Schoen, a single person.
[Please note the following consecutive ones are misplaced in time due to my mistake.]
Georg Seitz and Anna Catharina brought Maria Ursula born on 22 _____ of _____. Sponsors: Ursula Barbara, the wife of Joh. Neydecker, and Maria Elisabetha, the wife of Matthaus Berger.
Hanss Georg Krauer and Catharina brought Frantz born on 21 Nov _____. The sponsors were Frantz Keller, citizen at Neuenbuerg, and Maria Barbara, the wife of Hanss Dieterich Baum, citizen and butcher.
Hanss Jerg Berger and Rosina brought Anna Margaretha born on 26 Dec _____. The sponsors were Hanss Nicolaus Blanckenbigner, single, Ursula Barbara, the wife of Hanss Wendel Neideck of Oberoewisheim, and Margaretha (Lutheran), [the wife of?] Wilhelm Werner (Catholic).
Jacob Keller (lawyer�s son and a Catholic) with Catharina Mohein (Lutheran) brought Hanss Jacob born on 17 Sept 1707. The sponsors were Hanss Jacob Blumhardt, schoolmaster and butcher, and Margaretha, the daughter of Peter Schoene. [Following this is the statement that the child is illegitimate with about eight lines of text to explain the baptism.]
[Baptisms for Neuenbuerg - 1709.]
Mattheus Berger and his wife Maria Elisabetha were the parents of Regina born 2 Sept 1708. At her baptism, Joh. Jacob Abel, of Muenzesheim, and Regina Margaretha, the wife of Thomas _____ of Muenzesheim, were the sponsors.
Jerg Martin Schoen and Maria Barbara brought Anna Barbara born 21 December 1708 for baptism. The sponsors were Jerg Wendel Wesinger, of Oberoewisheim, and Elisabetha, the wife of Heinrich Feser of Oberoewisheim.
Hanss Jerg Krauer and Catharina had Maria Barbara born 29 December 1708 baptized, with Michael Sorn (Zorn), single, and Hanss Joh. Baurig, citizen and council member, as sponsors.
Friedrich Kamerdinger and Maria Catharina�s son Hanss Peter was born 27 April 1709. There were three sponsors: Hanss Peter Raissbuehler, of Oberoewisheim, Hanss Balthas Blanchebigner, a single person, and Anna Margaretha, the wife of Peter Vogler of Unteroewisheim.
Hanss Jerg Schaiblin and Maria Eleonora brought Anna Maria born 15 June 1709 for baptism with sponsors Hanss Martin Schoen, Anna Elisabetha, the widow of Jerg Kuntz, and Anna Maria Blanckbigner(in), a single person.
Hanss Jerg Berger and Rosina were the parents of Ursula Barbara born 10 August 1709. The sponsors were Hanss Niclas Blackebigner, single, Ursula Barbara the wife of Hanss Wendel Neideck of Oberoewisheim.
[Baptisms for Neuenbuerg - 1710.]
Hanss Matthaus Kuntz and Margaretha brought Anna Margaretha born 11 December 1709, with Hanss Balthas Blanckebigner, single, and Anna Margaretha, the wife of Wilhelm Werner.
Hanss Jerg Krauer, weaver and Reformed, with his wife Catherina, a Lutheran, brought Maria Barbara born 21 February 1710. Michel Zorn, single, Hanss Dieter Baur, butcher and councilman at Oberoewisheim, and Maria Barbara, the wife of the above, were the sponsors.
Jerg Martin Schoen and Maria Barbara brought Maria Eleonora born 29 March 1710. The sponsors were Heinrich Feser, judge at Oberoewisheim, Anna Maria, the wife of Jerg Wendel Wesinger of Oberoewisheim, and Maria Eleanora, the wife of Jerg Scheiblin.
Hans Peter Zeuninger and Anna Catharina were the parents of Joh. Fridrich born 28 March 1710. The sponsors were Hanss Fridrich Zeller, of Oberoewisheim, Joh. Matthaus Kuntz, and Anna Barbara, the wife of Hanss Jerg Bertsch, shoemaker of Oberoewisheim.
[Baptisms for Neuenbuerg - 1711.]
Hanss Friderich Kuntz and Anna Barbara brought Johannes born 9 September 1710 with Hanss Jerg Schaiblin, Hanss Jacob Blumhardt, of Oberacker, the son of Johannes the butcher, and Barbara Schon(in), single.
Hector Balthas Berger and Anna Catharina were the parents of Hanss Martin born 14 December 1710, with these sponsors at the baptism: Hanss Abraham Kessler, smith and judge at Oberoewisheim, and Veronica, the wife of Caspar Flech of Oberoewisheim.
Hanss Michel Zorn and Anna Margaretha brought Hanss Jerg born 2 March 1711. The sponsors were Hanss Jerg Krauer and Anna Margaretha, the wife of Wilhelm Werner.
Hanss Matthaus Kuntz and Margaretha (Catholic) brought Anna Eva born 15 May 1711 with these sponsors: Hanss Balthas Blanckebigner, Anna Margaretha, the wife of Wilhelm Werner, and Anna Eva Kessler, single of Odenheim.
Jerg Martin Schoen and Maria Barbara, the parents of Anna Barbara born 3 July 1711, chose these sponsors: Jerg Wendel Wesinger, of Oberoewisheim, Elisabetha, the wife of Heinrich Feser, judge at Oberoewisheim, and Anna Martha Schaiblin(in), single.
Hanss Jerg Schaiblin and Maria Eleonora were the parents of Anna Maria born 24 July 1711. The sponsors were Joh. Thum, Anna Elisabetha, the widow of Jerg Kuntz, and Anna Margaretha, the daughter of Jerg Martin.
Matthaus Berger and Maria Elisabetha brought Johann born 4 October 1711 with these sponsors: Thomas Wilser(?), of Muenzesheim, and Eva, the wife of Joh. Jacob Abel of Muenzesheim.
[Baptisms for Neuenbuerg - 1712.]
Hanss Jerg Krauer and Catharina were the parents of Hanss Michel born 27 November 1711. The sponsors were Hanss Michel Zorn, Maria Barbara, the wife of Hanss Dieter Baum, councilman at Oberoewisheim.
Hanss Michel Zorn and Anna Margaretha brought Hanss Philipp born 1 March 1712, with Hanss Philipp Mannhertz, of Muenzesheim, and Anna Margaretha, the wife of Wilhelm Werner, as sponsors.
Hanss Jerg Berger and Rosina were the parents of Anna Barbara born 23 March 1712. The sponsors were Hanss Nicl. Blanckebigner, single, and Ursula Barbara, the wife of Hanss Wendel Niedeck.
[Baptisms for Neuenbuerg - 1712, continued.]
On 17 April 1712 there was born and baptized on the same day the baby Hanss Wendel Thoma. The parents were Johann Thoma and Anna Maria, whom we know was born Blankenbuehler. The sponsors at this baptism were Hanss Wendel Neideck, of Oberoewisheim, and Maria Eleonora, the wife of Hanss Jerg Schaiblin. [The Schaiblins were Germanna immigrants in 1717.]
The mother Anna Maria had three older brothers, all of whom had been sponsors for other individuals. The fact that none of them were sponsors here leads one to believe that near relatives were not acceptable as sponsors in general. We have seldom seen in the baptisms reported here a sponsor whose surname was the same as the father. The closest that we came was for a Schoene where pastor Schoene from another village was a sponsor.
I still have the feeling that relatives were sometimes used, perhaps not close relatives but still someone who was in the extended family. In the baptism above, the mother-in-law of Maria Eleanora (nee Ockert) was Catherina Neudeck (or Neideck) who was Nicolaus Schaiblin�s second wife. So the two sponsors were probably related, and I suspect they were related to the mother also.
There is an Ortssippenbuch for Oberoewisheim-Neuenbuerg. I have discussed this before, both in the Notes here and in �Beyond Germanna�. This book attempts to give the genealogies that can be discerned for a village, in this case for the two villages. It is from this book that I learn that Nicolaus Schaiblin�s second wife was Catharina Neudeck. (There is a copy of this book at the Library of Congress.) Incidentally, when I compare the reports in this Ortssippenbuch with the baptisms here, I find that the author of the book there was very inclined to change the names slightly. Whereas the baptisms record zillions of the name Hanss, the author generally gives them as Hans, or as Johann (some of the different pastors had their personal preferences also). Some of the spellings of the surnames are different also. In part this may be due to the desire or need to standardize the spellings. For example, we have seen the names Fischer and Vischer and the latter would be pronounced as Fischer is. I believe that the author of the Ortssippenbuch reports one name as Blanckenbuehler, but we have seen many variations on this name. Some of these differences are important because otherwise we might not recognize they are the same name. For example, we are told that Thoman is an alternative spelling for Thoma.
[Baptisms for Neuenbuerg - 1713.]
Jerg Martin Schoen and Maria Barbara brought Jerg Wendel born 5 October for baptism. The sponsors were Jerg Wendel Wesinger, of Oberoewisheim, Hanss Jerg Schaiblin, and Elisabetha, the wife of Heinrich Feser, judge at Oberoewisheim.
[The preparer of the Ortssippenbuch mentioned in the last note would give the names as Georg, not Jerg, and as Hans, not Hanss, even though the names were written as Jerg and as Hanss.]
In January 1713, Hanss Martin Zimmermann, cow herder, and Anna Maria brought Anna Maria born on the 26th for baptism. [The recorder of the baptisms could not remember the surname of one of the sponsors and left it blank. We know only that he was Joh.] The other sponsor was Maria Catharina Schoen(in), a single person.
Hanss Fried. Kuntz and Anna Barbara brought Hanss Peter born 13 February with Hanss Peter Schoen, Johannes Blumhardt, a butcher�s apprentice, and Maria Eleonora, the wife of Hanss Jerg Schaiblin, as sponsors.
Hanss Jerg Berger and Rosina were the parents on 21 April 1713 of Hanss Niclas. Three sponsors: Hanss Wendel Neideck, of Oberoewisheim, Hanss Niclas Blanckebigner, single, and Apollonia Kaefer(in), single. [I feel there is a story here, for Hanss Niclas Blanckebigner and Apollonia Kaefer were to be married about a year later. I had always thought Apollonia lived in Zaberfeld. What was she doing in Neuenbuerg at this time? I have suspected that the Blankenbuehlers and the Kaefers might be related or at least friends from Austria.]
Hanss Jerg Krauer and Catharina brought Hanss Dieterich born 28 May, with Hanss Dieterich Baur, councilman at Oberoewisheim, and Margaretha Bertsch(in), single, as his baptismal sponsors.
Hanss Matthaus Kuntz and Margaretha were the parents of Mattheus born 22 October. The sponsors were Mattheus Blanckebigner, shoemaker apprentice, and Anna Eva Kessler(in), single person, of Odenheim. [The information about Mattheus Blanckebigner is slightly disturbing to me as within a couple of years he is described as a tailor.]
[Baptisms for Neuenbuerg - 1714.]
In 1714, nine months after the last baptism just above, Mattheus Berger and Maria Elisabeth were the parents of Hanss Carl born on 10 Jul. The sponsors were Thomas Wilser of Muenzesheim, and Eva, the wife of Joh. Jac. Abel of Muenzesheim.
Hanss Jerg Krauer and Catharina brought Anna Margaretha on 25 September 1714 with Hanss Peter Baum of Oberoewisheim and Anna Margaretha Bertsch(in) as sponsors.
[Baptisms for Neuenbuerg - 1714, continued.]
This baptism occurs on a sad note. Joh. Thoma and Anna Maria were the parents of Ursula who was born on 8 November 1714, baptized on 8 November 1714, and died on 8 November 1714. [This death record is made in the baptismal record, a typical thing to do. The death rate in the early years is staggering.]
Jerg Martin Schoen and Maria Barbara brought Anna Martha born on 24 November for baptism. The sponsors were Heinrich Feser, judge at Oberoewisheim, Anna Maria, the wife of Jerg Wendel Wesinger of Oberoewisheim, and Anna Martha Schaiblin(in), a single person.
Hanss Niclos Blanckerbigner and Apollonia brought Maria Barbara born 22 December for baptism on 22 December. Maria Barbara died on 23 December. She was sponsored by Zacharias Kessler and Maria Barbara Motzlen(in), a single person.
[Baptisms for Neuenbuerg - 1715.]
Hanss Friederich Kuntz and Anna Barbara brought Maria Barbara born 14 February 1715. Her sponsors were Philipp Kurtzenhauser from Eicht___ and Barbara Schoen(in).
Hanss Matthaus Kurtz and Margaretha Catharina brought Hans Jerg born on 28 April 1715. Her sponsors were Cyriacg(!) Fleischmann and Anna Eva Kessler, single from Odenheim.
Hanss Michel Sorn (Zorn) and Anna Margaretha were the parents of Hanss Michel, born on 6 May, baptized on 7 May, and died 10 July all 1715. His sponsors were Hanss Philipp Mannhertz, a cow herder from Muenzesheim, Catharina, the wife of Hanss Jerg Krauer, and Hanss Philipp Kuntz, single.
Hanss Jerg Berger and Rosina brought Hanss Wendel born 29 Sept 1715. His sponsors were Hanss Wendel Neideck, of Oberoewisheim, and Anna Maria, the wife of Hanss Jacob Mayer, shepherd.
Hanss Niclos Blanckerbigner and Apollonia brought Zacharias born and baptized on 21 October of 1715. The sponsors were Zacharius Kessler and Maria Barbara Motzler(in), single.
Johannes Thoma and Anna Maria brought Anna Magdalena born 24 November 1715 with Hanss Wendel Neideck, of Oberoewisheim, and Martha Schaiblin(in), single as sponsors.
Hanss Jerg Krauer and Catharina were the parents of Hanss Diter born on 13 January 1716. His sponsors were Hanss Diter Baur, butcher and the councilman at Oberoewisheim, and Anna Margaretha, the wife of Hanss Jacob Kuster. The child lived to the age of 82.
[Baptisms for Neuenbuerg - 1716.]
Hanss Michel Sorn and Anna Margaretha were the parents of Anna Catharina born on 7 September 1716. The sponsors were Hanss Philipp Kuntz, single, and Catharina, the wife of Hanss Jerg Krauer.
Hanss Friederich Kuntz and Maria Barbara were the parents of Maria Eleonora born on 30 Jan 1717. The sponsors were Philipp Kurtzenhauser, from Eichtorser(?).
That will be all the baptisms that I will report for a while. I had intended to do a few more but my memory stick overflowed at the LDS Family History Center and I could not bring the last few pages home.
I have had several motivations for doing this. One, and perhaps the most important, was to persuade you that you could do the same thing for your village. There were periods here in the Neuenbuerg records where the sledding was very rough, especially for the sponsors. For the parents and the children, it was not as bad. On the good stuff, one can read it as fast as one can type.
A second motivation was to see what villages were involved. Besides the immediate ones of Neuenbuerg and Oberoewisheim, there were several others, some of which were at a little distance. These are villages to be investigated.
A third motivation was to look for other Germanna names. This will take a while to investigate some of these.
A fourth reason was to look for interactions among the villages. Was the colony of 1717 more closely knit than we had imagined?
I apologize for the haste with which I have done this. I wish that I could have presented a more finished result.
Finally, there will be a break so Eleanor and I can spend the week with relatives. I will not have time to write for a while so I have given you an extra load of notes to mull over. So enjoy your family and have a good time with them as your give thanks.
In the Baptismal Records that I have reported recently, the village of Oberoewisheim occurs quite often because the residents of Neuenbuerg went to church there. Just a mile or so farther away, there is the village of Unteroewisheim and it also appears fairly often. Since they had their own church, they did not interact as much with the Neuenbuerg residents.
Muenzesheim was the village of residence for about twenty-five of the sponsors. It lies about three miles from Neuenbuerg. It has a Evangelische Church (Lutheran) with records from 1656 to 1977. There is an Ortssippenbuch for it.
Across the hills by minor roads is the village of Menzingen at a distance of about three miles. It too has Evangelische Records from 1605 to 1962. It was mentioned once in the Records.
Another village mentioned once was Gochsheim, which lies about five miles away. It has Evangelische Records from 1660 to 1963.
Another village at a distance of about five miles is Oberacker, which has Evangelische Records from 1567 to 1961.
A village at a distance of about three miles is Odenheim, which has both Evangelische and Catholic Churches. This village is of some interest because the Kessler family lived there and the they usually appear in the Neuenbuerg records with the Germanna people.
There were a few other places, usually mentioned only once, which are of interest. Unfortunately, they often appear in a hard to recognize form. One of these is Heydelheim, which one has to suspect might not be the correct spelling. Still, considering some obvious variants, I have not found this. One would suspect that it was not far away, since the sponsors had little time to respond to a baptism.
(The appearance of the Notes may be erratic since I need to do some research.)
I have recently mentioned the village of Gochsheim, which is located not far from Neuenbuerg, where we have been looking at the Baptismal Records just prior to 1717. There is an Ortssippenbuch for Gochsheim and I will mention a few names that occur in the index to this book:
Becker, Bender, Berler, Buehler, Crueger or Krueger, Fink, Fischer, Gebhard, Hirsch, Jaeger, Kappel or Kepler or Keppel, Kircher or Kirchner, Koch, Lang, Lepp or Lipp, Merkle (from Bahnbruecken), Neudeck, Nonnemacher, Ruecker, Siber, Sieber, Schneider, Schoen, Uhl, Weber, Ziegler, and Zimmerman.
Gochsheim is not a large village. That so many Germanna names should occur in it seems to me to be remarkable. Several of the names that are Germanna citizens have a proven origin in another village. So, it should not be taken that the origin of the Germanna families is in Gochsheim. Still, there may be some connection.
I will elaborate on one name a bit. There was a Merkle who was said to be from Bahnbruecken. Perhaps this is a mistake for Lahnbruecken, especially since the letters B and L as capital letters may be confused. Now Lahnbruecken is the village where the first Matthaus Blankenbuehler settled after his emigration from Austria. In Neuenbuerg, we found that a Blankenbuehler descendant and a Merckle were associated in a baptism. Then the grandson of the original Matthaus, another Matthaus, married a Merckle in Oberderdingen. Have we got another case of a long family association between the Merckles and the Blankenbuehlers?
These little coincidences keep one interested but the process of examination is slow. I can�t keep up the research at a pace, which will fill these notes.
There are not many Marriage Records in the Church Records for Neuenbuerg. Unfortunately, reading all of the words in any one record is difficult considering the poorer quality of the writing in many of the records. Generally, the records follow a standard format, especially for one recorder. What he writes in one record is often very similar to what he writes in another record. Some of the words are not to be found in very complete dictionaries, but knowing what the record would normally say is a help. Let�s look at two records.
On 18 November 1711, after the proclamation of the wedding, were married Johannes Thoma, the legitimate son of Albrecht Thoma citizen here, with the maiden Anna Maria, the legitimate daughter of Hanss Thoma Blancknbigner former citizen and stonemason here.
The next entry is two and a half years later and it reads,
On 6 May 1714 after the proclamation of the wedding, were married Hanss Niclos Blanckenbugner, the late Hanss Thomas Blancknbugner�s surviving legitimate son, and the maiden Apollonia, the legitimate daughter of Wolfgang Kaefer, citizen of Zaberfeld ____ _____ _____. The text was _____.
This pastor often listed the Biblical text that he used during the ceremony.
I had difficulty with the words that follow Wolfgang Kaefer�s mention. These probably mention what his occupation was or other personal details. Since these words are the most random, they are hard to decipher.
One word that eluded me was �gehaltoner�. I know that it has something to do with weddings but the exact meaning is not known. From the position in the record and from the desire to have it known that the wedding had been announced in advance (usually three times), I am judging it means the proper announcements of the wedding have been made. Elke? [Note: Elke Hall replied to John that �gehaltoner� means �held�, as in �The wedding was held on _____� or �The announcement was held on _____�. Thanks once again Elke! GWD]
Incidentally, Elke identified the village of a previous note as Heidelsheim which is not far from Neuenbuerg.
(09 Nov 06)
Nr. 2402:
(10 Nov 06)
Nr. 2403:
The time now jumps to 1667, when on 17 March Nicolaus Schaiblin and Catharina brought Hanss Jacob. The first sponsor was Hans Jacob Mochel, who was the barber and bathhouse operator in Unteroewisheim. He was joined by Catharina, the wife of Mattheus Fuerstin, lawyer of Neuenbuerg. [The �in� ending on the name is added because Catharina is a female. I don�t believe the modern practice would be to do this.]
(10 Nov 06)
Nr. 2404:
(11Nov 06)
Nr. 2405:
(12 Nov 06)
Nr. 2406:
(12 Nov 06)
Nr. 2407:
(12 Nov 06)
Nr. 2408:
On 23 June 1681, Johannes Zeller and his wife Veronica brought Anna Catharina for baptism. The two sponsors were Nicolaus Schaiblin, citizen and community judge of Neuenbuerg, and Anna Catharina, the wife of Philipp Leo. Ruecker of Neuenbuerg.
(13 Nov 06)
Nr. 2409:
(14 Nov 06)
Nr. 2410:
(14 Nov 06)
Nr. 2411:
(15 Nov 06)
Nr. 2412:
(15 Nov 06)
Nr. 2413:
(16 Nov 06)
Nr. 2414:
(16 Nov 06)
Nr. 2415:
(17 Nov 06)
Nr. 2416:
(17 Nov 06)
Nr. 2417:
(18 Nov 06)
Nr. 2418:
(18 Nov 06)
Nr. 2419:
(19 Nov 06)
Nr. 2420:
(19 Nov 06)
Nr. 2421:
(19 Nov 06)
Nr. 2422:
(19 Nov 06)
Nr. 2423:
(27 Nov 06)
Nr. 2424:
(28 Nov 06)
Nr. 2525:
(29 Nov 06)
This material has been compiled and placed on this web site by George W. Durman, with the permission of John BLANKENBAKER. It is intended for personal use by genealogists and researchers, and is not to be disseminated further.
Index Links to All Pages of John's GERMANNA NOTES and Genealogy Comments INDEX Links to All Pages of John's GERMANNA NOTES
INDEX Links to All Pages of John's GENEALOGY COMMENTS (As of 12 April 2007, John published the last of his "Germanna Notes"; however, he is going to periodically post to the GERMANNA_COLONIES Mailing List in the form of "Genealogy Comments" on various subjects, not necessarily dealing with Germanna. I'm starting the numbering system anew, starting with Comment Nr. 0001.)
Pg.101-Comments 0001-0025