Re: Birth records-Martin Sthalheber, Michelstadt, Hessen, Germany
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In reply to:
Birth records-Martin Sthalheber, Michelstadt, Hessen, Germany
John Smith 8/15/02
Hello John,
You're complicating your search more than is necessary. First of all, it bears repeating, that writing to the German civil records office regarding persons who lived in the early 1800s will get you nowhere. Writing to the Parish office will get you nowhere since most of the pastor's are of a generation that cannot read these old records or have the time to answer requests from American researchers. Having gotten this off my chest, here is what your next step is. You know that your Stahlheber family came from Michelbach. I checked the LDS Library and they have the church records for Michelstadt from 1600-1875 or close to it. I have copied the Film Numbers and will send them to you directly to your email address.
I also copied the first census record (1840) that lists Martin in PA under the surname of "Stallhever". I checked the immigration records and while there are a number of persons by that name, Martin is not one of them. But that may be because of a glitch in the spelling by the person who transcribed the early passenger lists. You may find additional info about their immigration in the church records -- sometimes the pastor wrote in the margin "emigrated to the US" or something similar.
Much luck in your research.