Results 1 to 5 of 5
  1. #1

    Default Introduction & a possible family mystery

    Hi, I am from Sydney but a lot of my ancestors were from England, Scotland, Ireland & Wales, However, one was apparently born in Germany (Hamburg) circa 1845. I am at a loss as to how to track down where and when his parents were born. His father was a stonemason and I am wondering if he was in Germany to assist in the building of St Nicholas? So just wondering, how long was a stonemason apprenticeship in UK circa 1800s and would there be any records of names of stonemason in 1800s?
    I usually like a mystery but this is driving me (slightly) mad!
    With best wishes to all,
    Leonie

  2. #2

    Default

    Welcome to the British Genealogy Forum.
    I'm not one of the Germany specialists, but hopefully someone will be along.
    As well as BG, another site that can be very useful if Cyndis List - it's a site specializing in collecting the names and locations of genealogy sites covering worldwide topics. It's one of the oldest genealogy sites online.
    Good luck.

  3. #3
    Super Moderator christanel's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2004
    Location
    Wairarapa New Zealand
    Posts
    10,676

    Default

    Welcome to Brit-Gen Leonie

    Here is another site for researching German ancestors. https://germanroots.com/germandata.html

    At the very bottom of the page it gives links to the homepage and other sites.

    Christina
    Sometimes paranoia is just having all the facts.
    William Burroughs

  4. #4
    Famous for offering help & advice
    Join Date
    Feb 2018
    Location
    England
    Posts
    1,440

    Default

    I share your frustration. One of my ancestors was born in Hesse-Cassel around 1818, and her father was also a stonemason. It doesn't help that his name was Henry Smith, so I've no idea whether that's the Anglicised version or his actual name. I've been searching for years but I'm no further forward.

  5. #5
    Reputation beyond repute
    Join Date
    Oct 2004
    Location
    Kent
    Posts
    16,792

    Default

    I'm unclear whether this is a German born in Hamburg or a British Subject born in Hamburg.

    If the latter, British sources are likely to be more use and are certainly more easily accessible.

    Many Brits working in Germany and elsewhere in mainland Europe returned home in 1848 when a wave of revolutions swept the continent. What success have you had finding the family in censuses?

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  
Select a file: