Great grandfather genealogy

by Cindy Blattner
(Avon minnesota)

My great grandfather was born in the Alsace region in 1819. I don't know the town. His name was Johann Christopher Von Blattner. He married Kathryn Snyder from Baden Baden.

We will be going to Europe in September and I would love to locate more information. I have no idea where to begin looking.

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Some Guidance for Alsace Genealogy
by: Suzele

Hi Cindy,

Alsace isn't a really big region, but there are plenty of small villages and without more information, it's hard to know where to start.

Of course you could hire someone (or do it yourself) and look through every village's records in Alsace.

But that will take a really long time and from my personal experience will hurt your eyes ; )

The records could be in French, German or Latin depending on the records. The handwriting is usually atrocious too.

So the best place to start is with your family's records. How do you know he is from Alsace? Do you have all the records from the US?

I would get every record I could from the US hopefully with something mentioning more information about his birthplace or where he lived, etc.

Then you can get someone (like me) who is fluent in old French and German handwriting to find and translate those records.

And even if you don't find the records in time for your visit to Alsace, I do tours specializing in Alsace genealogy, traditions and culture.

Hope it helps,
Suzele

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