Germany, Saxony, Freiberg, Funeral Sermons, 1614-1661

What is in This Collection?

This collection will include records from 1614 to 1661.

This collection includes funeral sermons (Leichenpredigten) housed in the Andreas-Möller Bibliothek in Freiberg, Saxony, Germany. These sermons were generally prepared and given by ministers at the grave site for the wealthier and some middle class people. They usually contain information such as names, dates, places, relatives, life histories, and sometimes pedigrees for many generations. The information is subject to error as it was reported by relatives who did not always remember facts accurately. Sermons (talks) were written to honor a dead person and were adapted to the family and social context; it contains a vita, also called curriculum vitae (Personalschriften), meaning a brief biographical sketch. Sermons were printed privately and distributed to commemorate the deceased person. These sermons are oftentimes handwritten.

Additional records and/or images may be added to this collection in the future.

Reading These Records

These records are written in German. For help reading them see:

• German Language and Languages
• German Genealogical Word List
• Germany Handwriting
• FamilySearch Learning Center videos:
  • German Paleography Seminar

To Browse This Collection

What Can These Records Tell Me?

The following information may be found in these records:

• Names
• Dates
• Places
• Relatives
• Sometimes a pedigree

Collection Content

Sample Image

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  Funeral Sermon