If you are anything like me, you probably didn't talk to your parents very much about your ancestors when you were young. They may now be gone, and information you would like to have is now not readily available.
So this page is dedicated to you. The plan is to provide you with helpful information as to where you can turn to obtain genealogical information about your ancestors. Maybe you will only be able to use some of the information, or perhaps none of it. But we will try.
And if you would like to contribute some information that has helped you, send me an e-mail. It will be welcomed.
1. First, the obvious. If your parents, grandparents, and other elderly relatives are alive, talk to them about their parents, grandparents, siblings aunts and uncles who still may be in Germany. Talk to your older brothers and sisters, aunts, uncles, and cousins about their memories. It's great to reminisce. Copy it down or tape record as you talk.
2. To find out who your grandparents were if your parents were married in Germany, write or e-mail for a copy of the marriage certificate to:
The Stamdesant
City and zip code were the marriage took place
Germany
Be sure to provide what information you can such as date of marriage
if known, or approximate date. You will probably be charged a
small fee. The marriage license will contain much information.,
such as occupation of your ancestor, city and street where they
last lived, their religion, etc. The downside is that the old
documents were recorded in the old Gothic German Script. You may
need to find a translator.
3. If you have an unusual last name, like mine. I wrote to all the Worguls' in Germany ( about 100) soliciting their help in finding out who my great grand parents were. I received many nice letters, some of which are in this web site. I learned a lot about the genesis of the Worguls, the history of the tumultuous area where the name originated, and finally, information about the way the Stamdesants could help. In other words, make friends with those who share your surname. They will be glad to hear from you.
Bob Worgul
3125 E. Broadmoor
Lansing, Mi. 48906
bobworgul@earthlink.net
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