In reading old churchbook records for burials, might anyone know what "Nachten der Verstorben" or something like that means? This term is listed after certain informants or witnesses. Does this indicate some relationship to the deceased? Hope I spelled it right as it's hard to read.
Thank you!
Bonnie H.
Bonnie,
if it just looks like
'Nichte' it would be 'niece' of the deceased person.
Or it could be something like
'Naechster', then it would mean 'nearest relative' of the deceased.
So yes, you are right. It indicates (or could indicate) a relationship
to the deceased.
Maybe this helps,
Regards,
Ralf Stamporek
Bonnie Hartmann schrieb:
Thank you, Ralf. It is usually written next to a man's name, so it can't be a niece. And I don't think it's Naechster. Hmmm, I'll have to go back and study it further!
Bonnie
Okay Bonnie,
I do have another guess then. You are writing that it is from an
old churchbook. But, could it also be from a civil registration
book?
If so, it is also possible that you have read about a
'Nachbar', which means 'next neighbor' to the deceased.
This was most common in civil registration forms. The neighbors
appeared at the registry office to announce someones death.
Another hint?
Regards,
Ralf Stamporek
Bonnie Hartmann schrieb:
Ah, Ralf, I think you've got it!!! It is from a churchbook, St. Martini's Ev. Lutheran Church in Veckenstedt, Sachsen-Anhalt. I'm positive "Nachbar" is correct. It is always used after an informant's name.
Thank you so very, very much! Bless you!
Bonnie