Germany, Saxony, Freiberg, Funeral Sermons - FamilySearch Historical Records

Title in the Language of the Records
Deutschland, Sachsen, Freiberg Leichenpredigten, 1614-1661

Record Description
This collection includes funeral sermons (leichenpredigten) housed in the Andreas-Möller Bibliothek in Freiberg, Saxony, Germany. These sermons were generally prepared and given by ministers at the grave site for the wealthier and some middle class people. They usually contain information such as names, dates, places, relatives, life histories, and sometimes pedigrees for many generations. The information is subject to error as it was reported by relatives who did not always remember facts accurately. Sermons (talks) were written to honor a dead person and were adapted to the family and social context; it contains a vita, also called curriculum vitae (personalschriften), meaning a brief biographical sketch. Sermons were printed privately and distributed to commemorate the deceased person. These sermons cover the period years from 1614 to 1661 and are handwritten in German.

For a list of volume numbers currently published in this collection, select the Browse link from the collection landing page.

Citation for This Collection
The following citation refers to the original source of the information published in FamilySearch.org Historical Records collections. Sources include the author, custodian, publisher, and archive for the original records.

Suggested citation format for a record in this collection.

Record Content
Key genealogical facts found in funeral sermons may include:




 * Names
 * Dates
 * Places
 * Relatives
 * Sometimes a pedigree

How to Use the Record
To search the collection, select "Browse through images" on the initial collection page ⇒ Select the "Bandnummer” ⇒ Select the “Leichenpredigt” which takes you to the images.

Look at the images one by one comparing the information with what you already know about your ancestors to determine which one is your ancestor. You may need to compare the information about more than one person to make this determination.

Use this index to help you learn more about your ancestors. The information could help you identify family relationships and lineages as well as direct you to original records of your ancestors, which may contain additional information.

Related Websites
Biographies in Early Modern Germany

Related Wiki Articles

 * Germany
 * Germany Obituaries
 * German Word List
 * Sachsen (Saxony) - Konigrreich (Kingdom)

Citing FamilySearch Historical Collections
When you copy information from a record, you should list where you found the information. This will help you or others to find the record again. It is also good to keep track of records where you did not find information, including the names of the people you looked for in the records.

Citation Example for a Record Found in This Collection
"Germany, Saxony, Frigerg, Funeral Sermons," index and images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org: accessed 14 March 2012), entry for Justinen Elisabeth Hornicaei, died 11 July 1640, Band 18 LP 31 (1640 ), image no 1 of 20, citing Family Search; Germany, Saxony, Freiberg, Funeral Sermons, 1614-1661.

A suggested format for keeping track of records that you have searched is found in the wiki article Help:How to Cite FamilySearch Collections.