First, many thanks to those of you who helped me translate my family papers. One responder suggested that it would be a good idea to post the translation so that others who might have the same type of papers would benefit from the kindness of those who responded. So here are the results and I hope this will be of use to others: The document at http://minder.8m.com/minder/minder1.jpg is a "Heimatschein" for an unmarried person and it establishes the citizenship of my g-grandfather, Albert Minder. It reads as follows: Swiss Confederation Canton of Bern Administrative District of Trachselwald Town of Huttwil Certificate of origin for an unmarried person (According to a treaty [between cantons] of 28 January 1854 and a decree of the federal council [Swiss government] of 16 March 1885) We, the town council of Huttwil certify herewith That the bearer of this certificate, Albert Minder, legitimate son of Ulrich Minder and Anna Barbara, born Kohler, single and born 25 october 1869 in Schwanden-Schuepfen is noted in volume 4, page 128 as citizen of the town of Huttwil and that we will recognize him as such at all times. Therefore we give the assurance that above mentioned fellow citizen at all times and under all circumstances will find reception in this town. Small print not translated [it is some administrative exception noted which is of no importance here] This certificate of origin was written, signed and sealed according to the usual custom and form. Given at Huttwil, 29 May 1886. The president of the town council Gottfried Scheidegger The secretary ? Minder (?) The authenicity of the above two signatures is certified by adding the official seal [ stamp ] in Trachselwald on 3 June 1886 by the Regierungsstatthalter [the cantonal government's representative in the district J. Affolter -------------------- http://minder.8m.com/minder/minder2.jpg is the front cover of the Heimatschein when it is folded. http://minder.8m.com/minder/minder3.jpg is a certificate of residence. It reads: Certificate of Residence Above named Albert Minder is noted in the register residents of this town Volume II, page 25 and has the right ro reside here. Town of Oberwyl, district of Bueren, 2 June 1886 The keeper of the register [signature not decipherable] The handwritten additions say that Albert Minder was registered in the register of residents of Steffisburg, 30 October 1889 and of Lyss 16 January (or June?) 1891 ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com