If any list member has access to the family book for Geestendorf, Germany [see subject line above] I would very much appreciate a "look up" for data re family member below. It has been suggested this book might be a source.
Chuck Van Den Eeden
Lombard, Illinois USA
Henry William BISSEN
b. 18 Sept 1865 [?]
place - Unknown
father - Henry Bissen
mother - Maria
sister- Bertha
worked as a carpenter/joiner in Hawaii
I have been trying to find the birth town, parents and ancestors of Henry Bissen for a number of years with no success and hoping someone can help me. He and 800 + contract/indentured workers sailed from Bremen on 28 Feb. 1883 on the ship Ehrenfels and arrived Hawaii on May 1 or 2 1883. The workers were divided between 2 plantatations in Lihue and Koloa, Kaua'i. The ship manifest simply lists the workers by name ie: H Bissen. We have good records on his descendants but no data on his ancestors and will share info with interested parties.
The workers were recruited by a German national acting as agent for the the plantation owners and the Hawaii government - he solicited immigrants primarily from Hannover area - but I have not been able to find any info or records of this individual or his business records. The Bremen immigration records have been distroyed so no help there. Available records in Hawaii give no birth place.
I recently learned there may be Bissens living in the Landkris Harburg and Landkreis Uelzen distrcts of Hannover and this might be a possible area for research.
I would very much appreciate any help I could receive. Are there searchable records form this time period? Any other suggestions?
If I can help anyone with research in the Chicago, Illinois USA area, let me know.
Chuck Van Den Eeden
Lombard, Illinois USA