R E S E A R C H   G U I D A N C E
Determining a Place of Origin in Germany
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Guide
Background

Introduction
What You Are Looking For
Step 1. Select a record to search for the name of your ancestor.
Step 2. Check surname books and name indexes.
Step 3. Check passenger lists or port records.

Introduction

The first permanent German settlement in America was Germantown, Pennsylvania, which was settled in 1683. Since that time Germany has been one of the leading countries in providing emigrants to the United States. To trace your ancestor in the German records, you must know his or her town of birth. If you do not know the location, several sources can help you discover It.

For more information on German immigrants to America, see Background.


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What You Are Looking For

Records and sources that list a town of birth for your ancestor.


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Steps

These 3 steps will guide you in finding your ancestor's place of birth in Germany.


Step 1. Select a record to search for the name of your ancestor.

Family Sources

Check with local libraries and historical societies. Many family records were donated to their collections. Family sources include:
• Family Bibles and Letters.
• Emigration Papers and Occupational Papers.
• Church Certificates (christening, marriage, death, etc.).
Family Histories

Your family records may provide an ancestor's place of birth. It may be in:
• Personal Journals.
• Diaries.
• Family .Histories
L.D.S. Church IndexesThe L.D.S. Church has indexes that may be helpful. These are:
• International Genealogical Index.
• Ancestral File.
• Pedigree Ordinance Index.
Social Security Death IndexThe Social Security Death Index may provide the birth place of your ancestor.
Vital RecordsVital Records may include a birth place. You should search:
• State Vital Records (marriage & death)
• County Vital Records (marriage & death)
• Church Records (christening, confirmation, marriage, burial, membership).
Newspapers and PeriodicalsThe German-American Newspapers and Periodicals 1732-1955 lists many helpful sources for locating newspapers and periodicals that might list your ancestor's name.
Naturalization RecordsNaturalization records were kept by counties before 1906. These include:
• Application.
• Declaration of Intention.
• Petition.
Biographical SketchesBiographical Sketches may provide date or place of birth and family information.
U.S. Census RecordsThe census may provide a place of origin but usually it gives only the name of the country, kingdom, province or duchy. After 1900, it also provides the year of arrival in the U.S.
U.S. Military RecordsThe place of origin may be listed in the following military records:
•Enlistment.
•Discharge.
•Pension Records.
Locality HistoriesLocal histories sometimes provide a place of origin. City histories give the origin of prominent citizens, and county histories show where German settlers came from.
Hamburg Passenger ListsThe Hamburg Passenger Lists include 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.


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Step 2. Check surname books and name indexes.

If the ancestor's surname is uncommon, it may be possible to find it listed in a German surname book. These books identify the earliest date, place, and person by that surname. The following are German surname books:


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Step 3. Check passenger lists or port records.

German emigrants usually left in groups from the same area of Germany. Be aware of the following information when searching your ancestor's passenger list or port record:


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