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From: Shirley Hornbeck <>
Subject: This and That Genealogy Tips
Date: Thu, 09 Apr 1998 05:09:04 -0700


RESEARCH IN GERMANY is a complex matter requiring study of methods and
history. Germany was made up of various principalities prior to about 1870
when Prussia began to consolidate larger areas. The Family History Library
has many microfilms of German records which you can access once you know
where your ancestor was born, married or left from to come to America.

You must know which town in Germany your ancestors came from. If you
don't, then start at the passanger lists. If there passage occurred
between 1850 and 1887, there is a collection of indexed passenger lists
called Glazier and Filby "Germans to America" probably available at most
genealogy libraries. If your ancestors came through Hamburg, they may have
stayed there a few days and if so, were required to register with the
German police. Those records still exist and the town of origin is often
mentioned. Once you know when your ancestors arrived in America, add five
years and start looking for their Naturalization Certificate and/or the
Declaration of Intent. Sometimes the declaration has more details than the
Naturalization Certificate and may list the town of origin.

If your ancestor obtained a Social Security number, get the original
application Form SS-5 from the Freedom of Information Office and possibly
you will find something there to help you.

More genealogy tips at my This and That Genealogy Web Page in my signature
below.
Shirley Hornbeck -
Web Authoring and Design Service
My web pages: <http://users.tminet.com/shornbeck>;
THIS & THAT GENEALOGY TIPS:
<http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/5643/tandt.html>;

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