the other side

I know that when I talk about my genealogy, I usually speak about my Creole heritage (dad's side). Well, what is more fun that mixed people who practiced voo-doo in gorgeous old New Orleans? Hm, not much.

Yesterday at my Aunt's home I talked with her a little about the German side. Turns out, that on that side I am part Dunkard and Prussian Aristocracy aka "Junker."

Here's a little about those people. Dunkards are a religious sect, similar to Mennonites. They dress like the Amish, but use all modern conveniences. They came from Germany and settled mostly in Pennsylvania (no shocker there).

A traditional, Dunkard church. The actual term "Dunkard" comes from the baptism practice where you were immersed three times (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).
So, it was my maternal grandmother's father who was Dunkard. And he was obviously very strickly Protestant, and my grandmother still does not know how he ended up with a Catholic wife (her mother).

They are actually still around, but have only about 900 members. Turns out they have retreat and religious conference each summer, too.

Dunkards dress conservatively, and are sometimes known just as German Baptists.

All of grandma's dad's sisters stayed active and most likely married within the Duknard faith.

My grandmother's mother came from Prussian Aristocracy (I knew it was in my blood somewhere, now I have proof!) Ha, but they are not high royals, just lower-status ones who were quite militaristic. They are known as "Junkers" and were a very organized, hardworking, staunch people.

This group of people came about during the 11th century (according to Wiki). I think sometimes some of them may have purchased titles (think people on the French court during Marie Antoinette's time), but I am not positive.

Junkers were also faithful Roman Catholics, which is why it is interesting that my great-grandmother ended up with a Dunkard. But I suppose stranger things have happened.

This is all I know so far, as you remember, I am hoping to do more family history. I think I might start a binder for each of my sides and just compile information and hole punch it. As a history minor this fascinating to me.

Comments

[Keya]

Wow that's fascinating. I think you definately should start recording all this information so you can share with your children one day.

[Lisa Brown]

Isn't it amazing to learn about the people that came before you. What fascinating family history you have! I need to be better about researching things myself - my dad is so into it, I have been sort of leaving it all to him. Thanks for some great inspiration!

[tania]

Oh man, I read that as "drunkard", lol. I had to go back and re-read. I loved reading about your family, very interesting indeed. Thanks for sharing that!