Rose -- I don't blame you for being confused -- this is a VERY confusing subject! Germany did not exist as a separate country until 1871 -- prior to that time, it was simply a group of independent kingdoms, principalities, duchies, and city-states. Their boundaries and names shifted constantly as the political fortunes of their rulers waxed and waned. A good summary article on German history prior to 1871 can be found at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Germany After you read this summary, I would suggest that you read separate articles on Prussia, Saxony, Württemberg, and other political entities that existed prior to the imperial period. In this way, you can get a general understanding of their geographical extent and the time frames in which they flourished. A good grasp of the complicated history of this region is essential to effective German research in the years prior to 1871. Guy I. Colby IV Irving, TX -------------- Original message from "Rose Hyde" <srhyde@fidmail.com>: -------------- > I'm having a difficult time trying to figure out the correct way to record > foreign place names. > > I have ancestors from Germany, Prussia, Wurttenberg, Saxony, Lippe and so on - > but it's my understanding that Prussia IS Germany; that Saxony can refer to > Switzerland or Germany; Wurttenberg has so many different spellings, I'm not > sure if they are ALL the same place or not; that Lippe was it's own country but > is now considered a German state. > > Does anyone know of a website that might prove helpful? > > > Thanks, > Rose

Use the old name and place, then () where it is now. -----Original Message----- From: ilsangam-bounces@rootsweb.com [mailto:ilsangam-bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of guycolbyiv@att.net Sent: Friday, September 08, 2006 1:41 AM To: ilsangam@rootsweb.com Subject: Re: [ILSANGAM] Foreign Place Names -------------- Original message from "Rose Hyde" -------------- > I'm having a difficult time trying to figure out the correct way to > record foreign place names. > > I have ancestors from Germany, Prussia, Wurttenberg, Saxony, Lippe and > so on - but it's my understanding that Prussia IS Germany; that Saxony > can refer to Switzerland or Germany; Wurttenberg has so many different > spellings, I'm not sure if they are ALL the same place or not; that > Lippe was it's own country but is now considered a German state. > > Does anyone know of a website that might prove helpful? > > > Thanks, > Rose ---------------------------------------- I am using the free version of SPAMfighter for private users. It has removed 1057 spam emails to date. Paying users do not have this message in their emails. Get the free SPAMfighter here: http://www.spamfighter.com/len