Objective
- Determine the correct place in Germany and conduct research with the intent to extend the Steinhauer pedigree.
Results
- The Steinhauer pedigree was extended eight generations
- The maiden name of Christina Ditcha is spelled Döttger.
Recommendations
- Engage the onsite researcher in gathering the children of each ancestral couple through the 6th generation. The later generations can be researched through the microfilm available at the Family History Library.
- If the village records are not on microfilm and available at the Family History Library, engage the onsite researcher in searching for the birth of Christina Döttger in Weideroda bei Bebra, Hesse and then extend her pedigree.
The objective of this project was to extend the pedigree of Henry Steinhauer. The first step was to determine the correct village. The church records of Volkertshausen, Stockach, Baden (FHL film 936813) were examined and the surname Steinhauer and/or Ditcha was not listed in these records from 1830 and onwards. A search was made for another place in Germany with a similar spelling and another village by the name of Völkershausen was found in Thüringen (sometimes referred to as Saxony). A description and map have been included with this project.[1]
The next objective was to learn if the records for this village are on microfilm at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City. The records are available, but only extend from 1600-1743 and the years needed are later than 1743. It was learned that the original church records were microfilmed and are available in the Archive in Eisenach. An onsite researcher was contacted who could access the records at the Eisenach archives. He had wonderful success in extending the Steinhauer pedigree eight generations and learned that the spelling for Christina’s maiden name of Ditcha was actually Döttger. She was born in Weideroda in Hesse. He has access to those records, as well, but time was exhausted, so the search for Christina was not pursued at this time. The Family History Library catalog should be consulted to learn if the records for Weideroda are located there.
The report from the onsite researcher is included as Document 3 a – h. The names were added to Family Tree at FamilySearch.org and into the client’s database in Ancestral Quest. The documents which accompanied the research are also included after Document 3.
Conclusion
This project was very successful in that the correct village of origin was found for Henry Steinhauer and his pedigree extended eight generations.
Recommendations
- Engage the onsite researcher in gathering the children of each ancestral couple through the 6th generation. The later generations can be researched through the microfilm available at the Family History Library.
- If the village records are not on microfilm and available at the Family History Library, engage the onsite researcher in searching for the birth of Christina Döttger in Weideroda bei Bebra, Hesse and then extend her pedigree.
It has been a pleasure to assist you in researching your ancestry. We look forward to continuing, according to your instructions.
[1] Völkershausen description and map Documents 1, 2