I am researching an ancestor who immigrated to America in 1868. In America he was named Ricklef Lunschen. According to another researcher he was born Lunschen Ricklefs in 1840, in Hartwarden. His parents were Gerhard Lieken and Catharine Ricklefs. Now my questions.
Was it common for the children to take the mothers name back then?
Are there any records on microfilm for the Hartwarden area around this time?
Thank you,
Melanie