Germany, Hesse, Darmstadt City Records - FamilySearch Historical Records

Germany Hessen

What is in this Collection?
This collection will include records from 1627-1940. Records in this collection include population registers, certificates of citizenship, recordings of citizens and residents, and emigration records. The information is handwritten horizontally in two pages of columns in a ledger-type format. For help reading these records, see Germany Handwriting. This collection of city records includes: Town records for 1716-1884; Emigration and immigration records for 1805-1940; Naturalization/Citizenship for 1821-1938; and Population registers for 1627-1939. These records were created mainly to have a record of people leaving town and to count the number of residents.

To keep a record of the population, the city called heads of households to assemble at the local civil office, almost yearly, to provide their personal information, which was counted as a basic unit. This listing is called “Volkszahlung” (local population census). The city also kept a similar register listing all the citizens who moved to other localities. This register was called “Abmeldungen” (relocation list). If the record was from a citizenship roll, it was called a cancellation list. Although the heads of households were admonished to comply, these procedures were not enforced. Therefore, these records may not cover the entire population.

The original records are preserved at the German State Archives in Darmstadt. The Family History Library has copies on microfilm.

This census collection is a reliable source of information for genealogical purposes; however, the accuracy of the information is dependent upon the knowledge of the informant and the way it was recorded by the civil officer.

Aufnahmen von Buergern und Beisassen (Acceptance of citizens and residents)
This collection consists of loose sheets arranged alphabetically by last name and then to some extent by given name. Given names are not in strict alphabetical order. Each numbered batch consists of approximately 40-50 entries and is labeled with a range of names. Each way pointed record set includes several batches. For example, the label "B-E (ST12-11-Nr-64-70)" means that this group includes entries for surnames beginning with "B" through "E" of the archive signature "ST12-11" and batches number 64 to 70.

Sample Images
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How Do I Search This Collection?
It is helpful to know:
 * Your ancestor's name
 * Residence
 * Age or birth date
 * Names of family members

Fill in the requested information in the initial search page. This search will return a list of possible matches. Compare the information in the list to what you already know about your ancestor to determine if it is the correct family or person. You may need to compare several persons in the list before you find your ancestor. To browse by image: ⇒Select "Browse through images" on the initial collection page ⇒Select “Event Type” category ⇒Select “Year Range” category ⇒Select “Name range or Description” category which takes you to the images.

What do I do next?
Whenever possible, view the original records to verify the information and to find additional information that might not be reported. These pieces of information can lead you to additional records and family members.

I Found Who I was Looking for, Now What?

 * Use the age in the citizen to find an approximate birth year to begin your search in church or civil records.
 * Continue to search the records to identify children, siblings, parents, and other relatives who may have moved, been recruited or lived nearby. This can help you identify other generations of your family. Repeat this process for each new generation you identify. Compile the entries for every person who has the same surname; this is especially helpful in rural areas or if the surname is unusual. This compiled list can help you identify possible relations that can be further verified by researching vital records in the country.
 * When you have located your ancestor’s record, carefully evaluate each piece of information given. Save a copy of the image or transcribe the information. These pieces of information may give you new biographical details such as a title, an occupation, or land ownership. Add this new information to your records of each family. You should also look for leads to other records about your ancestors.
 * Church Records often were kept years before government records were required and are a good source for finding ancestors before 1900.

I Can't Find Who I'm Looking for, Now What?

 * Switch to a different record collection. Depending on the time period, either German Civil Registration records or German Church records may be more useful.
 * While searching, it is helpful to know such information as the ancestor’s given name and surname, some identifying information such as residence and age, and family relationships. Remember that there may be more than one person in the records with the same name as an ancestor and that the ancestor may have used nicknames or different names at different times.
 * Keep in mind that there may be more than one person in the records with the same name.
 * Standard spelling of names typically did not exist during the periods our ancestors lived in. Try variations of your ancestor’s name while searching the index or browsing through images. Pay special attention to how the name should have been pronounced and try variations on the pronunciation.
 * Remember that sometimes individuals went by nicknames or alternated between using first and middle names. Try searching for these names as well.
 * Search the indexes and records of local genealogical societies.

Citing This Collection
Citations help you keep track of places you have searched and sources you have found. Identifying your sources helps others find the records you used. Collection Citation Image citation