Hello All - I've recently got an 1823 marriage translated. It is from the village Niedergemünden, Kreis Alsfed. I have a few questions... 1. It said there was a legally drafted marriage contract. Is that normal? What does that mean? 2. The groom is listed as 28 years old, recent resident, councilman and blacksmith. What does recent resident and coucilman mean / imply? His father is listed as resident, coucilman and blacksmith as well. The father of the bride is listed as councilman and resident. 3. Is there a difference in Hesse between the surnames Schmitt and Schmidt? Thank you, Anita