Switzerland, Church Book Extracts - FamilySearch Historical Records

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Collection Time Period
This collection of data, which was extracted from church books in Pratteln, Germany, covers the years 1550-1875

Record History
Swiss church records are typically written in German or Latin. Regional dialect may affect the spelling of some German words and the use of vocabulary words.

The extracts of these church books cover a majority of the population of Pratteln for the years 1550-1875.

Why This Collection Was Created?
The church records were created to record church sacraments associated with the life events of the parishioners, such as baptisms, marriages and deaths. However, this collection of extracted data was created to make the research of Pratteln ancestors easier.

Record Reliability
Church books are one of the most reliable and accurate family history sources. However, accuracy in the records is dependent upon the accuracy of the informant’s knowledge and the accuracy of the priest’s recording of the information. The extraction of data from these records may also introduce some mistakes; therefore, it is recommended that you verify the information in the originals and other vital records, if available.

Record Description
This is a collection of images of information that was extracted from church book records for Pratteln, Germany. The title page of each heft lists the surnames with town(s) and canton(s) from where the records were extracted.

Record Content
The genealogical facts found in most of the baptism records are the following:


 * Names of the child, parents, and witnesses or godparents
 * Date and place of birth
 * Date of baptism (sometimes even the time of birth and baptism)
 * Residence and religion of the parents
 * Occupations of the father and the other males listed
 * Whether the child was legitimate or illegitimate

The genealogical facts found in most of the marriage records are the following:


 * Names of the bride, groom, their parents (usually the fathers), and witnesses
 * Date and place of marriage and marriage proclamations or banns
 * Residences of the bride, groom, and their parents
 * Occupations of the groom and other males listed

The genealogical facts found in most of the burial records are the following: 


 * Name of the deceased
 * Sometimes the name of deceased’s spouse
 * Sometimes the names of the deceased’s parents
 * Date and place of death and burial
 * Age and residence
 * Cause of death

How to Use the Record
In order to find data in this collection, it is necessary to know the name of the ancestor, the religion, town of the event, and approximate date of the event.

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Related Websites
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Sources of This Collection
“Switzerland, Pratteln Church Book Extract, 1550-1875”, database, FamilySearch Historical Records, 2010; from Family History Center Pratteln, Germany. Switzerland, Pratteln church book extract. FHL digital images. Family History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah.

How to Cite Your Sources
Instructions on citing specific records or images within this collection. A full bibliographic record is available in the Family History Library Catalog.

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