I searched a year ago for information on my grandfather August Ferdinand Hildebrandt, born December 22, 1857 in Falkenwalde, Pommern. In using the LDS search mechanism, I was able to turn up an August Ferdinand Hildebrandt christened in January, 1858 in Berlinchen, about 25 km from Falkenwalde. I was initially surprised to find such an easy search because only selected items from the various kirkenbuchs get posted on the familysearch index and my information was already posted there for me. I followed this information for a year and tried to find siblings of my grandfather whose names at least were passed on to me by oral tradition. These names were not to be found, and the 25 km separating the real and mistaken men seemed too great to ignore.
By cross referencing the LDS index of place names, I was able to order the correct microfilm for Falkenwalde and then uncovered grandfather's entire family - siblings' and parents' names to my great satisfaction. You can appreciate how this case of mistaken identity has occurred and remained a mystery for a year. Have you ever had an experience like this? I would like to hear from you.
Since grandfather's family was listed exactly in the correct geographical location, but did not list the births of the youngest children in Falkenwalde, I am assuming that the family may have moved to Falkenwalde after the birth of the first three children and that I must look in the neighbouring villages or counties for the remainder of the birth records.I intend to widen my search from Falkenwalde in Kreis Saatzig to the next closest villages. Has anyone else found that this method of research is productive? Again, I would like to hear from you.
Patience and persistence have paid off - I intend to keep following this trail to go back yet one more generation beyond what I found just one week ago. I wish others the same satisfaction at finally finding some documentation on your family.
Ray Hildebrand