The earliest document I have relating to Philipp Zachmann is his marriage to Mary Magdalena Link in 1806. Contrary to all documents I have seen documenting marriages, this one does not specify where Philipp comes from. It says only "the good Philipp Zachmann schoolteacher," followed by words that look like "hujatem et pludicam" (but are not in my German dictionary). In the right column of this document are these words -- "Zachmann, Philipp; geb. __ nicht hier; +19.5.1821" and "m. Magdalena Link; geb. nicht hier --> 9.6.1786 im Stettfeld; + 30.12.1855." So Philipp was not born in Rauenberg, and I have other evidence that he was the first Zachmann to settle there. In my experience, if someone is not from the town where an event is being recorded, their name is followed by "aus ____" or their birthplace is otherwise specified. My questions: (1) Why wouldn't a birthplace be specified? Was it more typical than I've experienced for the town a person was from not to be recorded? (2) Would someone be hired as a town's schoolteacher if this information was not forthcoming? (3) How were schoolteachers hired in Germany in 1806, what qualifications did they need, and would there be a contract between the town and the person that might be in the town records? I'd appreciate any help you can give me. I'm at a deadend with Philipp, not knowing where he came from. I have one potential family, but can't make a link. Susan

"hujatem et pludicam" is Latin

The word "hujatem" means "from here", or "here", and the other one should be "pudicam", which means "wise". A common phrase used for a maiden is "pudicam virginam" or "pudica virgine" which literally means "wise virgin". The groom is often referred to a "adolescents" - young man. Have a great weekend! Baerbel NOTICE: This email message is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply email and destroy all copies of the original message.