Stundwiller & Oberroedern to 1831

Stundwiller, Oberroedern, and Aschbach

Bas-Rhin, Alsace

To 1831




In the summer of 1831 Joseph Caspar, his wife Elisabeth Roehrig, and their several children, left Stundwiller, their native village, to come to America. Their ancestors came not only from Stundwiller, but also from the neighboring villages of Oberroedern, Aschbach, and Trimbach. These villages lie in northern Alsace northeast of Strasbourg, just about 7 and a half miles west of the Rhine (and the German border), and about the same distance south of the German border. For many centuries the area was under German rule, but by 1639 France had gained control over most of Alsace in the Thirty Years War, and in 1648, under the Peace of Westphalia, most of Alsace was given to France. Nevertheless the people of Alsace kept their German dialect. Although today many of the younger people speak French, the older people still speak German.

Our ancestors lived through interesting times in these villages. When Joseph and Elizabeth were little children, their families endured the difficulties brought about by the French Revolution. As I have the time, I will be posting items which show what happened then and in other times. Since my French is très rusty, however, it will take me a while, so please check back from time to time to see what's new.

Once more I am indebted to Charles Sheridan, both for letting me use the pictures he took in the area, and for telling me where I could obtain a history of these villages.


Photographs

       


History

     
  A very brief overview of the history of Alsace
     
  Stundwiller and surrounding villages during the French Revolution and the Republic



Map of Northern Alsace



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