Delmenhorst, Germany, Residence Registration, 1858-1901

About this collection

This collection contains residence registers from Delmenhorst covering the years 1858 up to and including 1901. Delmenhorst, "Demost" in Low German, is an independent city in the region of Oldenburg in the German state of Lower Saxony. The city, located near the River Delme (which gives origin to the placename), is situated west of Bremen and about 22 miles east of Oldenburg. Delmenhorst received the status of independent city in 1371 but was first mentioned in a charter in 1254. It was the long-time residence of the counts of Oldenburg. The castle from that era lost its importance and was eventually demolished between 1711 and 1714. During the 19th century, the city was transformed from an agricultural to an industrial center. It became the site of numerous factories related to cigar production and cork-cutting. In 1867, Delmenhorst became part of the Bremen-Oldenburg railway network which facilitated new industries in burlap and jute products, wool, and linoleum flooring. This period saw a corresponding jump in population. During the time period of this collection, Delmenhorst was part of the Grand Duchy of Oldenburg.

Compiled by municipal authorities, these registration documents capture details about citizens' temporary and permanent residences and provide important historical insights into local economies and social structures. Until 1901 they were compiled in book form. After that they were recorded in a card index. This database is composed of residence registration documents from six different sources which, accordingly, may record varying details. The documents may be sub-divided according to historical place names.

What you can find in the records

October 1858 – December 1867
Chronological listing of residence cards presented for inspection to municipal authorities.
They include the following details:

• Sequential number
• Date of Issue; Date Card Presented; Period of Validity of Card
• Cardholder Details: Last Name, Given Names, Occupation, Place of Origin, Type of Employment, Lodging

January 1868 – May 1873
Chronological listing of registrations of foreigners. They include the following details:

• Sequential number and Date of Registration
• Personal Details: Last Name, Given Names, Place of Origin, Age, Occupation, Accompanying Persons, Type of Employment, Lodging in Delmenhorst

May 1873 – April 1882
Chronological listing of new move-ins registered by municipal authorities.
They include the following details:

• Sequential number; Date of Move-in or Registration
• Personal Details: Last Name, Given Names, Age, Occupation, Accompanying Persons, Previous Residence, Lodging in Delmenhorst

1873 – 1882
Alphabetical directories of Delmenhorst residents.
These are sub-divided according to metropolitan area.
They include the following details:

• Last Name, Given Names, Age, Occupation or Trade, Notes (mostly Move-out or Death)

Move-in Registers
1882 - 1901
Chronological from 1882 to 1884; thereafter alphabetical. They contain the following details:

• Sequential Number; Move-in Day
• Personal Details: Last Name; Given Names; Occupation or Trade; Date/Place of Birth; Denomination; Previous Residence or Abode; if and where Boarding, Working, Studying or Serving; Civil Status; Military Status; if Self-sufficient or on Public Assistance; Tax Roll Number; for children, details about Immunizations or Permission to leave school.

Move-out Registers
1882 - 1901
Chronological from 1882 to 1884; thereafter alphabetical. They contain the following details:

• Sequential Number; Move-out Day
• Last Name; Given Names; Occupation or Trade; Date/Place of Birth; Denomination; New Residence or Abode; if and where currently Boarding, Working, Studying or Serving; Civil Status; Military Status; if Self-sufficient or on Public Assistance; Tax Roll Number; for children, details about Immunizations or Permission to leave school

More about using this collection

The records are usually written in table format and divided into columns. Until 1882, each entry was handwritten within a single page. After 1882, the entries for both Move-in and Move-out registers were recorded across two pages with a pre-printed heading, but were filled in by hand. Under "Browse this collection,” select the Type of record (Move-In or Move-Out). Then, select the Year Range for the relevant register.