How can I find out the occupation of my ancestors and why the immigrated to the US?

by Ashley DeJosie
(Rome, NY, USA)

My ancestrial maternal family name is Knecht. Chretien Knecht and his wife Salome Mathis immigrated to the US in 1852 with their children on the Ship named Liberty from Havre, France into NY. Chretien was born in Schweigenhausen-sur-Moder, Haguenau, BasRhin, France on January 11, 1807. I can’t find much information other than hearsay from other people about his parents, Johann Georg Knecht and Magretta Marguiette (Wolff), who had died prior to their departure of France, therefore No facts and no proof. I cannot read French or German and many documents from the US list one or the other for Chretien and his family. Supposedly, Johann died in 1843 and Magretta died in 1850 both at Schweigenhausen-sur-Moder, Haguenau, BasRhin, France. But other than the basic information of birth and then when they left I can’t find much on them prior to them leaving or the family they may have left behind. I don’t know if they had a trade or left because of conflict. They came to the US and became Farmers. If you could provide any information or how I could further research without the traveling that would be great. If not then I’m not worse off than I was before I messaged you. I appreciate your time and look forward to your response, whatever and whenever it may be.

Sincerely,
Ashley