ALEXANDERDORF, SOUTH CAUCASUS

AHSGR MAP13, Quadrant J-6, 41 49 N. 44 47 E.

It is imperative that we carefully locate the correct village of interest as there are numerous villages with the same or similar name.  Locate longitude and latitude along with maps.

The Caucasus is located between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, also  including the Greater Caucasus mountain range, which has historically been considered a natural barrier between Eastern Europe and Western Asia.  The area contains Mount Elbrus, at 5,642 meters.

The Russian military established the Caucasus Line in 1735 then built numerous forts to protect their newly acquired land from Turkey.  In 1739 a treaty was established between Russia and Turkey.  The Russian government encouraged German peasants to relocate and establish villages in the Caucasus.

Black Sea immigrants also relocated to the Caucasus in the second half of the 19^th century.   Need movement records.

The fertile soils of the Caucasus drew numerous families from various locations to the Caucasus.  Volga families relocated as family land was lessened by numerous sons; new farms were essential. Need movement records.

I have a few names of villagers, but am needing additional information to ensure we know as much as possible about these individuals and families. Parish locations would be helpful. Caucasus data is scarce; need census, Presbyterian and Catholic Church records, military and English publications. 

The Family History Library has publications in Russian, need translators.

Please contact me if you have additional information on this village.  

Thanks for the support.

Dee Hert

deeehert@gmail.com

VC: Alexanderdorf and numerous other villages

Greetings!

This is a reminder that the next chapter gathering is this Saturday, October 19, at  the Presbyterian Church:

245 South 200 East
Springville, Utah

Meeting starts at 9:00, then we clean the yard.  Church members are rewarding us with lunch, and member Annette Adams will give a presentation. Family welcome!

Please bring yard equipment; rakes, shovel, gloves, clippers; we also need branch cutting tools.  Mark your tools so you can readily identify them. 

Please bring: Empty printer cartridges and canned food for the food drive.  

Toys for Tots: New children's toys and books--unwrapped.  They also accept wrapping paper.

Chapter Library: Come see the library, you will be pleased and they do accept donations.

The next meeting will also be at the church, the annual Christmas Party, December 14.

Caucasus Records, Book Report

It is common knowledge that access to Caucasus data is challenging, but every now and then we have a glimmer of hope. One of my life goals is to access records at the Family History Library, at least once a week. 

The book, The German Colonists in Georgia (Elisabethtal-Asureti: 1818-1941), by Ekaterine Udsulaschwili is a treasure; it lists surnames and extensive data on numerous villages.  The book is copyrighted, but I would be willing to do limited look-ups.  Page 53 pictured a sample of a Russian document, a Lutheran church record.  The list of the Germans born in the years 1871-1921 in the Colony Elisabethtal, Province Tbilisi, who belonged to the Holy Lutheran Church Parish, is preserved in the Central Historical Archive of the Republic of Georgia. Archival Holding 458; Inventory -/; Book Number 462; total pages 347.

I am the AHSGR Village Coordinator for the village of Elisabethtal, among 24 other villages. How do I acquire these records?  I consulted with FHL Research Specialist Ellie Vance, and she advised I contact Greg Nelson who is in charge of library acquisitions. I sent a message to Greg Nelson and am awaiting his reply. Watch for updates to this story.

Dee Hert

Caucasus Research Group

This group will collaborate with each other to gather and share data of the North and South Caucasus,  which comprises an area of thousands of miles.  Russian records are a challenge, but I now have a new contact looking into record access. I started a database years ago once I discovered Caucasus materials are scattered in numerous publications, on-line sources, and organizations. I have devoted extensive hours at the FHL reading and studying the fascinating history of this area.  Numerous Germans from Russia traveled to and from the Caucasus, some on hunting forays, military, and new settlements.  These families were members of numerous religions and nationalities.

I have researched all publications by Dr. Mai and others, looking for village movement to the Caucasus. It's amazing how many people made the trek with families, babies, elderly, household goods, and farm equipment.  Hardy stock. 

Eventually data will be placed on wikipedia.  I intend to create a page for this data. The FHL staff are aware of my goals and often direct me to new sources. They listen to requests for new research purchases. If you are interested in learning about this subject and wish to join me in this search, please let me know.  My goal is to spend Wednesdays (at least) at the library. Come and join the search.  Many projects await attention, some small and some large.

Thanks for your support!
Dee Hert

FHL Class Update

19 Nov , 11:30, Germans from Russia Finding Records for Black Sea

21 January, 11:30, Germans from Russia Published Record and Indexes for Volga Germans

18 February, 11:30 Germans from Russia Finding Records for Volga Germans

17 March, 11:30 Germans from Russia Tracing our Family to Germany.

Schedules can and will change, all classes presented at 11:30 MST.

Our seminar, week of Oct 21-25

§  8:45-9:45 = Dutch

§  10-12 = German

§  Break

§  1-2 = Latin

§  2:15-3:15 = Polish

§  3:30-4:30 = Russian

https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/en/Family_History_Library_Classes_and_Webinars 

Check It Out

I found this to be an interesting site. It is a project completed by BYU; the subject material is similar to classes conducted at the Family History Library.

immigrants.byu.edu/resources/records#

This link will take you to an incredible Utah resource for research of all types.  The Utah Genealogical Society is a professional organization offering classes and webinars on a variety of subjects. They also provide a monthly newsletter to member.

  

Look into this site for education and enjoyment.  Often the staff at the FHL are speakers.

https://ugagenealogy.org/index.php