Magdeburg, Germany, Funeral Notices, 1849-1874

About this collection

This collection contains funeral notices from Magdeburg covering the years 1849 up to and including 1874. Magdeburg is located about 80 miles west of Berlin on the Elbe River. It is the capital of the German state of Saxony-Anhalt. The first documented mention of Magdeburg was in 805. The city quickly developed into a significant industrial center at the junction of important trade routes. By the end of the 13th century, Magdeburg was a member of the Hanseatic League and in the late Middle Ages was one of the largest German cities. The Protestant Cathedral of Magdeburg and numerous other religious sites attest to Magdeburg's important role during the Reformation. During the time period of this collection, Magdeburg was the capital of the Prussian province of Saxony. Many record sets in Prussian collections end in 1874 because the goverment mandated in that year that personal and vital statistics be recorded by local government registry offices.

What you can find in the records

Funeral notices were published weekly in the Magdeburg newspaper in a community section named "Blätter für Handel, Gewerbe und soziales Leben." Published from 1664 to 1944, the Magdeburg newspaper was one of the oldest German-language papers. The first notices appeared in 1849 and documented funerals from Christian communities in the cities of Magdeburg and Friedrichsstadt. The following details may be found:

• Burial Date
• Details about the Deceased: Given Names, Last Name, Maiden Name, Occupation, Spouse/Parents, Age

More about using this collection

These documents are currently not indexed and only available as images. The funeral notices are usually found on the second to last or last page of the weekly edition. Under "Browse this collection,” select the Year Range desired. Then step through indiviual images. Originals are located in the Stadtarchiv Magdeburg.